930north May 2015

A PUBLICATION OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Sharing God’s Love May 2015

TRANSFORMING LIVES BY ENGAGING OUR MEMBERS TO CELEBRATE AND SHARE GOD’S LOVE IN JESUS CHRIST

Our life together

We celebrated the 26th Annual Easter Walk with an Easter symbol walk, petting zoo and sunny weather!

May 2015

Table of Contents 6

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Living Your Legacy 16

The Meeting Place Katherine Robillard

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Sharing God’s Love In Cambodia

by Judy Foust and Molly Ann Walke

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Sharing The Table With The Homebound

by Ron Garay

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Sharing The Word Outside The Walls

by Rev. Jerry and Margaret Johnson

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Sharing Your Faith And Views With Others

by Sue Heflin

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Sharing God’s House After School

by Larry Wade, Clay Johnson and Bill & Mary Lou Potter

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Sharing Our Talents As Christ’s Hands

by Jim Smith

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Living Your Legacy

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Congregational News

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Calendar Of Events

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A Publication of First United Methodist Church 930 North Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225-383-4777

From Rev. Brady Whitton Senior Pastor

Senior Pastor

Rev. Brady Whitton

Associate Pastors

Rev. Pattye Hewitt Rev. Katie McKay Simpson Rev. Ann Trousdale

Editor

Caroline Tyler

Photographers

Lamar Drummonds Judy Foust Adrienne Frith Molly Ann Walke To be added to our 930north magazine mailing list, join our reporting team, or to have information included in a future edition, please call 383-4777.

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ, Sharing good news is only natural. Think about it. When you see a great movie what’s your natural response? To tell someone, right? The same is true when you read a good book, eat a great meal, or find a good mechanic! It’s just the way we’re wired. When we experience something good we’re compelled to share it.

I have long been drawn to the fact that soon after calling the first disciples Jesus sent them out to share the news of God’s kingdom with others. There was no long “training period.” The disciples didn’t get to sit around a soak up some Jesus for years. In fact, Jesus calls Simon, Andrew, James and John in the first chapter of Mark, and just two chapters later, in chapter three, he sends them out to “proclaim the message.”

About the Cover Scarves are displayed at the Cambodian Peace Handicrafts and Skills shop, an organization that employs polio victims and sells many types of art (purses, dresses and jewelry). Proceeds benefit the deaf and those affected by polio & landmines. Our church sells a selection of these items each 2nd Sunday of the month in the gym

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I have to wonder. Did they go out nervously, not sure what to say or do? Maybe. But I like to think what they’d encountered in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ – the new life, the hope, the grace -- were so “good” that their sharing was natural and enthusiastic.

In 2014, First United Methodist Church adopted a vision that we’ve summarized with four words – transform, engage, celebrate, and share. As our Vision packet states, “The love of Jesus Christ is simply too big for us to keep to ourselves. We are a church that shares Christ’s love by caring for one another through times of trial and struggle, that helps those in our community through service and mission, and that is excited about sharing God’s love with others.” (You can see the complete vision packet at firstmethodist.org/the-vision.)

In this issue of 930 North you’ll read about some of the ways we’re living out the call to share God’s love with our neighbors. I hope you’ll be inspired to join in something we’re already doing. Or, maybe you’ll be inspired to start something of your own! Whatever it is, I hope you find it in your heart to share the good news of Jesus Christ with someone today.

Yours in Christ,

The Meeting Place What’s your position at FUMC?

I am the nursery supervisor. I work closely with the Director of Children’s Ministries to make the nursery a safe and fun-loving Christian environment for our children.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Morganza, Louisiana. I have traveled many places but will always consider Louisiana my home.

What is your dream vacation spot?

This is a tough question. If I had to choose, it would be Europe.

Kat her ine Robi

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?

l lard

I love spending time with my family and riding horses. It is the time when I ref lect and feel closest to God.

Favorite class in school?

I am a huge fan of science. My favorite class of all time was an animal science, growth and development course at LSU. If you could have dinner with one person in the whole world, who would it be?

Queen Elizabeth. She has seen a lot in her time and it would be interesting to talk with her about her perspective of world events. I would also like to talk to her about her passion for horses!

Person you admire the most?

My mother. We don’t get to spend a lot of quality time together but when the opportunity arises I cherish it. She raised me as a single mother for most of my life. No one I know is stronger or worked harder than she does. Her kind words and actions are always giving me new insights into the meaning of life.

Earliest memory of knowing you wanted to work with children?

I have many memories of running through the halls of F UMC at ELC pretending with other kids and playing “house.” I have loved children my entire life. I have even joked that if it were financially possible I could be the next TLC story , “20 Kids and C ounting”.

Anything else you would like to share?

I love horses and work full time at the LSU Vet School as a veterinary technician.

May 2015 | 930north Magazine

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SHARING

God’s love in Cambodia

On February 10, a team of 10 members from FUMC Baton Rouge, Trinity UMC in Knoxville, TN and St. Luke Simpson in Lake Charles embarked on a mission to Cambodia.

Members of each church were busy before the team left.

Sandra Loy led a pillowcase dress mission. The dresses were made by FUMC members, their friends and the ladies of Trinity UMC in Knoxville.

written by: Judy Foust and Molly Ann Walke

The children were so joyful and enthusiastic about Bible school.

On the last day of VBS at Sam Rath and Reaksmey, we dressed the little girls, and they were thrilled with their new clothes.

Someone commented they looked like bright butterflies.

Extra dresses were donated to the children in a Cambodian orphanage and surrounding churches. Each little boy received new athletic team clothes.

There are two dormitories for young people on the campus of Sam Rath: a male dorm and a female dorm.

Upon our arrival at Sam Rath, we assembled bunk beds inside the dorms. The girls knew they were receiving beds, but the boys did not. The surprised looks on the boys’ faces when they saw their beds were priceless! We also bought the young people of Sam Rath new clothes A workday, organized by Margaret Tyler, was and presented them at a gathering in the dorm. The held at FUMC a few weeks before the team departed. The students sang for us and thanked us for all we did.

FUMC ladies made 160 dresses that day by creating an In Phonm Penh, we spent one afternoon at a gathering amazing assembly line process. of 200 young people who attend high school and college The team held Vacation Bible School at three different on scholarships provided by the General churches in Cambodia: Horeb Methodist Church in Board of Global Ministries and the sales Kampong Spue, Sam Rath in Kampong Thom, and our of the crafts at FUMC on second newest church, Reaksmey (also in Kampong Thom). On Sundays. Tom Abbott delivered the our first day of VBS at Horeb Methodist Church, we had message that day. It was an amazing 170 children, which was overwhelming at first but so energy-filled afternoon in which much fun. Peewee Hathorn organized Bible school, and we worshipped, played games, each team member shared a lesson and activity throughout the day.

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Members made 160 pillowcase dresses to share with the children in Cambodia watched them perform skits and had dinner with the students. We did not always know what we were doing, but it was great fun!

On Sunday, February 22, we participated in the dedication of the second church for which FUMC had provided funds in Kampong Thom called Reaksmey. The first church was dedicated in 2011 in the village of Sam Rath. This year, Rev. Brady Whitton delivered the sermon for the dedication and participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony alongside Judy Foust.

Team members participated by singing, reading a letters from Bishop Harvey and Rev. Jack O’Dell, from St. Luke Simpson (the church that also contributed funds to build Reaksmey), sharing a children’s sermon, and donating guitars from Trinity UMC. We felt blessed to participate in such a celebratory and humbling event.

Becca Wharton shared the first Skype sermon ever done on an international mission trip from Siem Reap, Cambodia in FUMC’s America Street Service on February 15. She and Molly Ann Walke were our first young adults from FUMC

to participate in a Cambodian mission, and we all loved seeing the mission through their young eyes. The children loved them, and the youth connected with them.

They spent many hours sharing with the youth about the differences and similarities of life as a young person in Cambodia versus the U.S. The Cambodian mission experience is such a unique one. It is incredible to see the faces of the students our church supports financially to put them through school.

No matter how hard we worked or how much we gave can compare to the love and joy we received in return from the Cambodian people.

Interested in participating on a mission trip?

Contact Alex Byo

alex@firstmethodist.org

May 2015 | 930north Magazine

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SHARING

the Table with the homebound

Holy Communion is one of Christianity’s most important sacraments. Reciting the Communion liturgy and receiving the elements - bread and wine (or grape juice) - is a ritual that Rev. Katie McKay Simpson says helps center our faith. And while we at FUMC generally receive Communion in the sanctuary, several of our church members receive the elements at home or in an assisted living facility.

FUMC, in fact, it has a very active ommunion K A prepared C visitation ministry that provides a number of services, including Holy Communion, to homebound church members. Sandra King and Paula Mercer either solicit names of homebound persons or received requests from those persons or their friends or relatives seeking church visitation. These requests are turned over to Art and Pat Landry who coordinate layperson volunteers to contact the homebound. Several couples and some singles, about 15 in all, currently comprise the visitation ministry. Art estimates that about 30 homebound church members have requested visits, so the visitation volunteers may visit more than one homebound member.

Volunteers are always prepared to serve Communion if requested. Some assisted living facilities provide a church service where Communion is served. However, if Communion is otherwise unavailable the visitation volunteers always carry a “Communion Kit” complete with all the items necessary to perform a simple homebound Communion ritual. The kit is prepared by Nancy Cadwallader and Willa Roof prior to the 8:30 am Communion Sunday service where the Interested in elements are consecrated. serving The kit consists of containers Communion? of wafers, grape juice and plastic cups. Multiple wafers Contact and cups allow visitation Sandra King sking@firstmethodist.org volunteers to use the same kit to provide Communion to

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written by: Ron Garay

more than one person. A card in each kit contains an abbreviated Communion liturgy that the visitation volunteer reads.

Bill and Cooky Coffey, members of FUMC for nearly 42 years, have been part of the visitation ministry for about eight years. For much of that time Bill and Cooky have been visiting Otis and Jackie Blackard at their home. While the Blackards expect the Coffey’s visit, Cooky always calls ahead to confirm their arrival time. And while the actual Communion service takes only a few minutes, Bill and Cooky spend about an hour with the Blackards sipping coffee and catching up on church news.

Cooky said the visit “shows the importance of FUMC staying in touch and staying connected with its homebound members.”

What’s more, said Cooky, Otis and Jackie’s “love for our church has inspired us.”

Otis Blackard reiterated his and Jackie’s attachment to FUMC, their church home for more than 70 years. The church “has really been good to us,” Otis said. He and Jackie have enjoyed getting to know the Coffeys and look forward to their time together. Being able to receive Holy Communion at home, of course, adds an extra blessing to Bill and Cooky’s visit.

FUMC’s visitation ministry not only provides our homebound members a means to receive Holy Communion, but also symbolizes our efforts to reach out to members who no longer can worship with us physically. It’s a great way of saying, “We love you, we miss you, and we care for you.”

Otis and Jac

kie Blackard are recipients Communion of in their hom e

to over 50 was extended This invitation area. en in the Port All

families

SHARING

the Word outside the walls

written by: Rev. Jerry and Margaret Johnson

Just as Jesus and His disciples gathered in the Upper Room (Acts 1:13) one of FUMC’s Vision Initiatives is to cultivate gatherings in homes, off-site of FUMC’s North Boulevard Campus. These meetings began in February of 2015, across the river in Port Allen.

As I walked up and down my street in Port Allen knocking on doors with an invitation for Lenten worship and study experience, the reception was exciting. Not only did I have the opportunity to meet my neighbors, but I was also able to share my faith, expressing the belief that Jesus is alive, living with us, and all we have to do is to keep ourselves open to experience His presence.

Prior to our first meeting on February 24, 2015, I was anxious about offering hospitality to people I did not know. I made coffee, had water with fresh lemons, and served cookies. By the third week, I became more relaxed, realizing that people were not coming for cookies and coffee, but to be fed with the Word, and the fellowship of other Christians.

Our story is the story of the early church; meeting in homes, reading scripture, breaking bread, praying for each other and for healing (physical, emotional and spiritual) and creating a community where we are focused on deepening our relationship with God and with each other.

We are also practicing the means of grace of Christian

Conferencing, based on John Wesley’s teachings, by meeting weekly and “watching over one another in love,” learning how to be self-revealing in a safe place, being nurtured through trusting, intimate, and hopefully long-lasting relationships, and believing that when we give God permission to transform our lives we will grow and mature in our faith.

We continue to work through how to answer John Wesley’s question, “How is it with your soul?” We have taken online surveys, looked at questions posed by Walk to Emmaus and Cursillo groups, and wrestled with questions that reflect our daily walk with God. Our format now is to read one of the scriptures from the lectionary and talk about how this scripture touches our lives. Then we go around the group answering the question, “Where have you seen God working in your life this week?” We share joys and concerns and close with prayer. We spend about an hour together.

Although this initially began with dreams of building a home church, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we discerned that what we have been given is a neighborhood small group, a group with a desire to deepen our relationship with the living Christ. Jesus is in our neighborhood, and I bet He is in yours too.

Where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.

Matthew 18:20

Interested in Emerging Worship?

Contact Katie McKay Simpson katie@firstmethodist.org

May 2015 | 930north Magazine

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SHARING

your faith and views with others

An individual’s faith journey is about as unique as one’s DNA. In Christianity, we each start someplace (a Baptism perhaps?), learn the basics early from our parents and Sunday School teachers, encounter challenging questions and obstacles along the way, and ultimately develop our own theologies. Some of us accept traditional Christian doctrine without questioning; others question everything.

• Jesus is both human and divine. What does that mean?

• He was born of a virgin. Literally?

• Able to perform miracles that no human could. If so, was he then really one of us?

• Raised from the dead. Literally? And if not, what does that mean?

These are the questions asked by theologian Marcus Borg in his book Speaking Christian and being discussed in what one Wednesday night Gathering “community” finds exhilarating conversation.

Speaking Christian is only one of many books tackled by the “Carnahan” study group, dubbed so by some members of the group for lack of an

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written by: Sue Heflin

official title. Participants find discussing the insights of these current biblical scholars invigorating and an important part of their faith journey. Janet Hoffpauir, life-long Methodist, says, “For several years, I’ve felt an urgent need to study the work of current day religious scholars. I found good books to read but then yearned for a group with whom to discuss them. Last year, I discovered there was just such a group at my very own church.

Best of all, this group is open and accepting of me -- and of everyone -- no matter how our theology may be morphing! I give enthusiastic thanks for this group and for Borg’s book Speaking Christian that we are discussing now.” Hoffpauir’s favorite Borg quote from the group’s current book reads, “Theological developments since the Bible can be illuminating and important.

Revelation did not stop at the end of the biblical period. The Spirit of God continues to speak.” Bill Crummett, a newcomer to the group, says he is surprised that the openness, honesty, respect and caring for each other he knew in his smaller group before moving to Baton Rouge last year is also present in this much larger group, even with its greater diversity of views.

The group began five or six years ago in the Center for Spiritual Formation, when John Carnahan, by then a veteran Disciple leader, mentioned to the center’s director, Cherri Johnson, that he wanted to delve deeper into questions of faith. That’s when he and his wife Carolyn solicited the help of Reverend Liz Wyatt, and the three of them embarked on a journey to read the best, current biblical scholars they could find and to share these remarkable books with others. The “community” has grown since then to twenty-three and may divide into smaller groups if the growth continues. There is something to be said of “small” groups. And that something involves trust, respect and wonderful discoveries through the intimate sharing that takes place. There’s a special kind of sharing that happens when trusting friends meet to discuss burning questions of their faith.

The most Orthodox members of our faith may find some of the questions tackled by the group bold.... even daring.

Methodists, however, are encouraged to question and even have Wesley’s quadrilateral (scripture, tradition, reason & experience) to guide them in their search. Thankfully, FUMC is a church that nurtures faith development in many ways: worship services that honor the old hymns and traditions, ones that resonate with younger, more hip congregants, as well as midweek services for those otherwise engaged on weekends. There are Sunday School classes, disciple studies, retreats, classes in spiritual direction and other small group gatherings. Whatever we need to help our faith along its path of development, it’s here for the taking.

That said, there is something very special that happens in the small, intimate group that’s not possible in a worship service or large Sunday School class, where the sermon or a

lesson dictates the agenda. Faith evolves in all sorts of ways: some are born into their faith (a “cradle” Methodist?), some come from positions of doubt and despair, but sharing our faith questions with trusted friends is a crucial part of the journey for some. Some are comfortable with the mystery of faith; others need to struggle with it, make it their own. Sharing with others nurtures that process. A church that offers a variety of programs and services -- one that encourages questions and invites exploration -- nurtures the faith of all its members.

“Members read books carefully, discuss thoughtfully, listen to each other respectfully, and frequently leave a discussion exhiliarated from the many insights the group has shared.”

-Mary Sue Garay

Interested in joining a small group?

Contact Melissa Feigley

melissa@firstmethodist.org

May 2015 | 930north Magazine

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SHARING

God’s house after school

written by: Larry Wade, Clay Johnson and Bill & Mary Lou Potter

As a part of FUMC’s Vision, an After School Program was established in August of 2014. With the program successfully running for one academic year, we’ve asked a few of our volunteers, what the HYPE program means to them.

In keeping with the Methodist tradition of service, I firmly believe that we are called upon to act as the hands and feet of the Lord here on earth. Having worked at Bernard Terrace in another program for the last 9 years, I know that the students want to feel special and need an education, so I was excited that First Methodist’s after school program would be offered to children from that school. HYPE has given me the opportunity to interact with more kids, get to know them and their schoolwork, to be able to demonstrate God’s love by caring for them, helping them with homework and crafts and practicing responsibility. Many of the children tell me hello and call me by name when they see me away from HYPE. --Mary Lou Potter

Thanks to FUMC, the able guidance of John F. Smith, and the creative direction of Adrienne Frith, we are afforded the opportunity to relate on a person-to-person basis with other children - children who are in real need of the knowledge and the Christian values that are so important in all our lives. By serving as mirrors to consistently reflect God’s Love into the lives of these children. We can hope to make a meaningful difference in their lives and our own and, thus, contribute to our community.

Growth is key to the HYPE experience - for the children, for professional and volunteer staff, and for the program itself. We hope and trust that, guided by Christian principles of Brotherly Love, the processes incorporated into the HYPE program are already making a difference. And with your prayers, and when possible your active participation, HYPE will have an even greater impact in future years. --Larry Wade

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My participation as a mentor in the HYPE reflects what I should be doing as a Christian. Isaiah 48:17 says “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Jesus Christ said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). This doesn’t mean we have to die to show our love for our friends. We lay down our lives every time we put someone else’s needs before our own, when we serve others. The “friends” mentioned in the scripture above can be understood to be everyone we meet including strangers and those possessing some need, since Jesus also commanded us to “love one another.”

These actions, whether great or small, let us feel the happiness of connecting with our brothers and sisters and remind us that God often allows us to be the answer to someone else’s prayers and needs. Christ intends us to be active participants in service to all people. My small contribution to HYPE, by being there to help these young people with their school work, to laugh with them and to share with them makes me feel that I am working to fulfill my Christian commitment. --Bill Potter

What we are about as Christians is sharing the love of God, and the HYPE program provides an opportunity that one can tailor to his/her own schedule. A person can assist elementary school children with their homework in a disciplined atmosphere, while being their friend and mentor, for one or two hours on one to four days a week. And what a rewarding time this is!

The first day I walked into the HYPE gathering room at the church, a second grader ran up to me and asked, “Will you help me with my homework?”

Since then, I have assisted many of the children, but my main focus has been this child. He struggles a little with his homework (mostly with his attention span), but has improved greatly since first coming to the program. In fact, all of the children in the program were either on the honor roll last grading period or made the “most-improved” list. Folks, this is rewarding work! A wonderful bonus for the volunteers is when the students come running up to show you their report cards – beaming from ear to ear. And what a warm feeling I got a few days ago when, stopped at a traffic light, I heard, “Mr. Clay, Mr. Clay,” from the car next to me – several of the students calling to get my attention.

This is sharing which is bound to make a difference in these kids’ lives and in the world. --Clay Johnson

Interested in volunteering with HYPE? Contact Adrienne Frith

adrienne@firstmethodist.org

May 2015 | 930north Magazine

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SHARING

our talents as Christ’s Hands

written by: Jim Smith

As a part of FUMC’s Vision an Urban Repair Ministry was established in April of 2014. Since then, we have hosted four volunteer groups from Florida, Alabama, Arkansas and Georgia.

Each week a project leader is needed to instruct the volunteers on the task and work alongside them. Jim Smith has volunteered as a project leader, and has shared his thoughts on the experience.

The last few years of my employment was always filled with the plan that when I retired, the first thing I was going to do would be to clean out my closet. I thought I would finally have the time to actually do it, and believe me, there is a need. Well, if you ever want to give God a good laugh, just tell Him your

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plans. Three years later I still have that closet on my list, but now I am way too busy to even think about it.

When Alex Byo contacted me about being a site leader for the first week of our Revive225 ministry, I had dozens of excuses going through my head. Of course none of these work when you hear God calling, so the next thing I knew was that I was on the site of Mrs. Christine Wesley’s house with 12 young volunteers from the Wesley Foundation of the Florida State University.

These 12 were just one group of the 46 total volunteers that would give up their spring break that week to come to Baton Rouge to work on a house for someone they had never met. Mrs. Wesley is a great, great grandmother who was not able to live in her home of many years as it just was not inhabitable in its present state.

This is what Revive225, one of our Church’s newest ministries, is all about; helping others in our community by providing our time, presence, talents, means and yes, love to those in need.

When we look at the need for such a ministry

in Baton Rouge, it can be a bit overwhelming. We really can’t scratch the surface with the selection of so few houses we can help with; however, it really does not stop there. My experience demonstrated this in so many ways that I had never really thought of before.

First, and most obvious, we are able to help a very dear lady in her senior years to live more comfortably for her remaining years.

This is something that just would not have been possible without someone’s help. While some would say this is just a drop in the bucket to address a larger problem, try to tell Mrs. Wesley that. To her, it is a new life and a most precious gift.

Revive225 also is addressing the needs of the larger community. We are using the many ways we have been blessed as individuals within the body of Christ to share our abundance

in a community with many needs.

Wasn’t this what Christ was asking us to do - serving the needs of the least among us?

Third, it became obvious to me that our work was recognized and appreciated by the neighbors of this home we were improving.

“We are using the many ways we have been blessed as individuals within the body of Christ to share our abundance in a community with many needs.”

-Jim Smith

It was a clear demonstration that First United Methodist Church is not a passive organization that only talks about sharing God’s love.

Just our being there did wonders to break down perceived barriers of our community. As a Church, we are truly living out our Christian doctrines and making a huge statement by doing so.

The last thing I will mention, even though there are many more reasons for our efforts, is the personal gratification one receives from participating in such a ministry. It truly is better to give than to receive. While my closet is still waiting for me along with many hobbies and goals, none of these would have given me the satisfaction that participating in Revive225 has done, and I assure you that you can multiply this many times over by measuring the feelings of all those wonderful kids that so lovingly volunteered.

John Donne, the famous poet, wrote, “No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of a continent, a part of the main.” How true this is when we allow ourselves to become the conduit for the love of Christ through ministries like Revive225.

Interested in volunteering with Revive225?

Contact Alex Byo alex@firstmethodist.org

May 2015 | 930north Magazine

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Living Your Legacy

written by: Rev. Katie McKay Simpson

We are profiling individuals and families at FUMC that are living out faithful stewardship in their lives through prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. This issue, we are featuring two families that are teaching good stewardship to the youngest generation in our church.

One of the greatest challenges in the church is resourcing individuals to become faithful disciples for the sake of Jesus Christ in the world. Included as a major part of that teaching and formation is equipping the families with children—even from the earliest days of their life of faith—to learn not just in the church, but at home to be faithful stewards of the financial gifts they have been given. There has been a growing awareness at First United Methodist Church that the home is the very best place for that to happen.

am h a r G d n a w e Andr Sel lers Andrew and Denise Sellers have been members for many years, and have two sons, Andrew and Graham. They have expressed that our congregation was instrumental in helping them begin the process of teaching the

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boys about stewardship. Specifically, they were encouraged to bring an offering by Adele Williamson and Nancy Cadwallader to Sunday School when they were in Kindergarten. After that, when they started attending “’big church.’ We had them put money in an envelope every week to encourage them to continue the habit of giving back what God has provided. Also, when Andrew was 5 and Graham was 3, the church gave out envelopes with 2 dollars in them. The lesson was on ‘Multiplying Talents,’ and we were encouraged to take one and use it. They had a hot chocolate stand (too cold for lemonade!) They returned 18 dollars. We have continued to talk about this over the years- it was a great exercise.”

Because of their experiences in First Methodist’s Children’s program, they have been inspired to think “outside of the offering plate” in how they steward their gifts. Sellers shares about her older son, “Andrew was 8, he asked the friends invited to his birthday party to bring items from a list to give to Youth Oasis instead of bringing gifts-his idea.”

Amanda Wells has three children—two daughters, Addy and Ella, and her youngest, a son named Owen. Wells said, “I believe that while children are young, parents should totally saturate them with the values they hope they will develop as adults. So I have tried to talk about being good managers of what God has blessed us with and about what the church does with the money people give.”

Wells found success in teaching her two girls about stewardship as she started using Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace Junior when Addy, her oldest, was 3 years old. This program focuses on teaching children to work to earn money and to take a portion of everything earned and give it back to God. It also teaches about saving a part and spending a part so kids get a well-rounded view of money. “I’ve been working on building the character of giving since before they could count money. They love taking the money from their give envelopes and taking it to Sunday school,” Wells said.

Wells believes that with a little effort on every parent or guardian’s part, that it’s not hard to make a big impact in the area of stewardship.

“My kids love doing chores and helping around the house and deciding how much they want to give from their earnings. At five and four years old, they understand that giving is fun and helps show God that they love Him and recognize that everything we have comes from him.” She admitted, however, that it doesn’t always come naturally or easy with young children. “You have to be intentional with what they see and how you behave with what you’ve been given...they will learn more from what you do than what you say.”

So what advice would these seasoned parent’s give? Sellers says, “My advice is start ASAP- and it is never to late to help them develop a good habit! It’s really easy- and does not have to be a large amount of money. They see us bringing our offering once a month, but we feel it is better for them to do it weekly so it becomes a part of “what they do at church”- which will hopefully continue into adulthood.” Wells said, “To teach them, I constantly try to point out needs in our community and how the church helps solve some of those problems.”

Above all, they both encouraged parents to do their best, with grace given throughout the process of learning and growing. “We try to talk about how important it is to give back and be grateful for our blessings, especially in this world where many children now seem to feel ‘entitled’ to what they have-and ours act like that a lot too. We are trying!” Sellers said.

Addy, Owen, Am

anda and El la Wel ls

We asked the Wells and Sellers children “Why is giving to God important?” these are their answers:

“I give some of my money to the church so that people can buy enough food and toys.”

-Addy Wells, age 5

“We need to donate to God and God’s house. It helps give money for missions like Kairos.”

-Graham Sellers, age 9

“Giving helps the church and keeps it running. It is an important way to praise God.” -Andrew Sellers, age 11

“.. so that they can get what they need from the store so they can take care of their kids.”

-Ella Wells, age 4

May 2015 | 930north Magazine

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April Congregational News Welcome New Members!

Celebrating the Birth of...

Parker Paul, Son of Holly and Tony Paladino Harper Louella, Daughter of Maryanna and Mitchell Haynes Elliot Paul, Son of Christina and Colin Lacey Sawyer Glenn, Son of Erin Calvert and Patrick Revan

Celebrating the Baptism of...

Mary Borher & Adalee

Ian Bradley Son of Shannon and Andy Venuto Jackson Collier Son of Whitney and Sean Marshall Patrick William Son of Sarah and Brad Davis Clara Marie Daughter of Curry and Barry Lann Emelie Eloise Daughter of Caroline and Eric Graham Mary Collins Daughter of Regan and Michael Baker Madison Joy Daugher of Megan and Joe Gendron Jim Wilbert & Eloise Crenan Children of Caroline and Nathan Borck Evelyn Kate Daughter of Ashley Peairs and Devin Owens Adler Grace Daughter of Ashley and Todd Grand

Brooke Bramlett & Patrick Coogan

Adrien Busekist

Erica & Blake Callahan

Celebrating the Wedding of...

Ms. Paige Fore to Mr. Brady Wax Ms. Brooke Bramlett to Mr. Patrick Coogan

Erin Calvert, Callie & Reese Tate

Sympathy to the Families of...

Barbara Summerlin

Mrs. Ruth McCarty Ms. Dorothy Colvin

March Financial Report As of 3/31/2015: Actual YTD Budget YTD Variance Income $ 923,376 $ 929,331 $ (5,955) Expense $ 1,064,528 $ 1,067,230 $ (2,702) Net Income $ (141,152) $ (137,899) $ 3,523

March Weekly Attendance

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Week of Sunday, March 1

Week of Sunday, March 8

Week of Sunday, March 15

Week of Sunday, March 22

Week of Sunday, March 29

Worship 1,048 Sunday School 549 Total 1,597

Worship 897 Sunday School 479 Total 1,376

Worship 949 Sunday School 499 Total 1,448

Worship 1,019 Sunday School 494 Total 1,513

Worship 1,352 Sunday School 558 Total 1,910

930north Magazine | May 2015

MAY Calendar of Events Weekly

Special

SUNDAYS 8:30 am 9:00 am 9:40 am 9:45 am 10:20 am 11:00 am 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:30 pm 6:45 pm

FRIDAY - 5/1 4:00 pm Crawfish King Cookoff

(Offsite)

Worship Café 930 Sunday School Discover First Hospitality Coffee Worship Youth Coffee, Tea & Theology Worship Prayer Ministry

MONDAYS 9:30 am Prayer Ministry 3:30 pm After School Program TUESDAYS 9:00 am

9:30 am 10:30 am 12:00 pm 3:30 pm

Knitting Men’s Bible Study Fit @ First Women’s AA AA After School Program

WEDNESDAYS 9:30 am Bible for Every Day 3:30 pm After School Program 4:00 pm Illness Support Group 4:00 pm Member Engagement

Phone Team Meeting 4:30 pm Care Team 6:00 pm Woodland Ringers 7:00 pm Chancel Choir THURSDAYS 9:00 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm 3:30 pm 7:00 pm

Thursday Group Widow’s Walk AA After School Program Church Basketball

For more dates and events, visit our website at www.firstmethodist.org Early Learning Center 7 Pre-K Promotion for Y4’s & O4’s 14th Kindergarten Promotion 22nd Last Day of Term 25th Memorial Day (Center Closed) 26th Summer Session & Camp Starts th

SATURDAY - 5/2 8:30 am Academy for Spiritual

Formation Graduation 9:00 am Youth Group Car Wash SUNDAY - 5/3 11:00 am Recognition of Graduating

Senior Class 12:00 pm Graduating Senior

Luncheon 3:00 pm Family Picnic at

Camp Istrouma FRIDAY - 5/8 8:00 am Mission Team Departs

for Peru MONDAY - 5/11 6:00 pm Church Council Meeting WEDNESDAY - 5/13 10:30 am Senior Adult Program

and Luncheon THURSDAY - 5/14 10:00 am Bernard Terrace 5th

Grade Graduation SUNDAY - 5/17 8:00 am Mission Team Departs

for Costa Rica TUESDAY - 5/19 5:00 pm Mission Team Returns

from Peru MONDAY - 5/25 - MEMORIAL DAY FUMC Office Closed

Monthly Lectionary Texts The lectionary is a series of Scripture readings for specific days of the year.

The United Methodist Church uses a lectionary based on The Revised Common Lectionary, a three-year lectionary. They include four Bible readings for every Sunday.

April 27 Acts 8:26-40 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8 Psalm 22

May 11 Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 1 John 5:9-13 John 17:6-19 Psalm 1

May 4 Acts 10:44-48 1 John 5:1-6 John 15:9-17 Psalm 98

May 18 Acts 2:1-21 Romans 8:22-27 John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 Psalm 104 May 31 Isaiah 6:1-8 Romans 8:12-17 John 3:1-17 Psalm 104

WEDNESDAY - 5/27 11:00 am Senior Adult Luncheon

at Juban’s

May 2015 | 930north Magazine

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First United Methodist Church

NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PA I D Baton Rouge, LA PERMIT 63

930 North Blvd.

Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Change Service Requested

J oin

us for

W orship Sundays

8:30 a.m. Sanctuary Worship 9:40 a.m. Sunday School for all Ages 11 a.m. Sanctuary and America Street Worship 6:30 p.m. Ory Parish Hall Worship Nursery Care is available from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Sunday mornings and from 5:00-7:30 p.m.

l

visit

www.FirstMethodist.org

for more information

facebook.com/FUMCBR

@FUMCBatonRouge