A PUBLICATION OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Celebrating God’s Love in Jesus Christ
November 2015
TRANSFORMING LIVES BY ENGAGING OUR MEMBERS TO CELEBRATE AND SHARE GOD’S LOVE IN JESUS CHRIST
Junior High girls enjoy the Great Pumpkin Hunt
Author Matt Rawle visits a small group Great Pumpkin Hunt participants do their best “Heisman” pose
United Methodist Women Service Award Recipients
Our life together Rev. Ben Witherington III greets those in attendance to a two day seminar hosted in October
The Health Fair celebrated healthy Louisiana living The Children’s Ministry collected socks and underwear for the One Stop Homeless Center
The Second Place winning team at the Great Pumpkin Hunt
November 2015
Table of Contents The
Meeting Place The Spirit of FUMC Beyond Baton Rouge
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Learning to be Reverent 12 Pillars of First Church
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The Meeting Place Sirena Brock, Joshua Cheney, Paige Wax
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What Makes United Methodists Different by Rev. Pattye Hewitt, Carol Mitchell LaCour and Lynn Mitchell Fulco
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Cotton Patch Rebel a book by Rev. Ann Trousdale
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The Spirit of FUMC beyond Baton Rouge by The Boyd Family, The Desmond Family and The Skipper Family
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Learning to be Reverent by Nancy Williamson Cadwallader
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Pillars of First Church by Barbara Jones
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Living Your Legacy by Ellen Bottcher
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Does your Stewardship include Planned Giving? by Bill Potter
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Congregational News
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Calendar Of Events
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A Publication of First United Methodist Church
From Rev. Brady Whitton Senior Pastor
930 North Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225-383-4777 Senior Pastor Rev. Brady Whitton Associate Pastors Rev. Pattye Hewitt Rev. Becky Poor Rev. Fernie Rivera Rev. Ann Trousdale
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
Editor Caroline Tyler Photographers Nancy Cadwallader Barbara Jones Shelby Lewis Todd Rossnagel Caroline Tyler 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.
About the Cover Nancy Williamson Cadwallader sits with her Kindergarten students in their classroom on Sunday Morning. In the Kindergarten classroom, these students participate in a unique curriculum that has been in place at our church for many years. Read more about this classroom on Page 12.
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Transform. Engage. Celebrate. Share. unwelcoming, judgmental, joyless and self-righteous.” [BobMannBlog. I hope you’ve seen these words com, May 12, 2015] Erwin scattered across worship bulletins, McManus once said that because of emails, letters, and, of course, here in 930north. These four words have Christians many have come to see God as a “divine killjoy.” But that’s become an everyday part of our vocabulary at First United Methodist not who we are at First UMC! In our 2014 Vision packet, I since they were adopted by our described the celebratory side of our Church Council in February 2014 church this way: as part of our mission statement, Life is hard. The last thing we (“Transforming lives by engaging our members to celebrate and share need is something else to knock us down. We are a church that God’s love in Jesus Christ.”) worships God in celebratory, These words are more than just uplifting and inspiring ways and a marketing gimmick. In many that offers preaching, teaching, and ways they define the purpose community life that is grounded in and personality of First United the good news of the love of Jesus Methodist Church. We are a Christ. group of Christ-followers being In this 930 North you’ll read transformed by the love and grace several stories about how our church of God. We share this transforming is living up to our commitment love with others by engaging in to celebrate the good news of the the work of Christ through the love of Jesus Christ! Enjoy reading ministries of FUMC and beyond. these heartwarming stories, and Most of all, we believe the Good News of Jesus Christ is something to most importantly, don’t miss out on joining in the celebration yourself! celebrate! It’s important to know this is not true of all churches. Bob Mann recently wrote in a blog entry, many people see Christianity as “grim,
930north Magazine | November 2015
Yours in Christ,
The Meeting Place What’s your position at FUMC? Director of Children’s Ministry. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?
Spend time with my amazing family! We like to cook and play outdoors and have a good time watching Auburn football. If you could have dinner with one person in the whole world, who would it be? An amazing chef, like John Besh, as long as they would do all the cooking.
I love good food!
Sirena Brock
Earliest memory of knowing you wanted to work with children? I knew I wanted
to be a teacher since I was a little girl setting up pretend classes with my dolls, and I had the privilege of teaching Kindergarten and 1st grade in EBR for 7 years. The moment I knew I wanted to be Director of Children’s Ministry was a bit more divine. Sitting in church one day, Fran Skipper (the former director) stood up and said her goodbyes to the congregation and I turned to Chris and said, “I want her job”. I know God put that desire in my heart and this position blesses me with the ability to serve a church that has so lovingly served my family. What is something quirky about you? I am terrified of roaches. They make me cry and scream. I had one crawl on my face recently and I just about died. What’s your position at FUMC? I am the Assistant Director of Music and Worship. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?
I love to spend time with my wife, watch sports, and play guitar.
If you could have dinner with one person in the whole world, who would it be? Chris Rosborough: he makes the world’s best queso dip!
Joshua Cheney
Earliest memory of knowing you wanted to a musician?
When I was in high school, I took part in wind ensemble at school and played in the worship band at church. I knew then that I wanted to be a musician. I realized I wanted to focus on choral music when I was singing in choir for the first time at Campbell University. What is something quirky about you? I like to count steps while I go up or down stairs. What’s your position at FUMC? Administrative Assistant
to the Director of Spiritual Formation and Education.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working? Travel. I would love to go to Italy! If you could have dinner with one person in the whole world, who would it be? The Queen of England, I bet she serves great tea!
Paige Wax
Earliest memory of knowing you wanted to work at a non-profit? Volunteering on a Methodist Habitat build got me hooked on non-profit work. Anything else you would like to share? I’m 25% funny and 85% bad at math. November 2015 | 930north Magazine
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What Makes United Methodists Different
The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church states: “The church as the community of the new covenant has participated in Christ’s ministry of grace across the years and around the world. It stretches out to human needs wherever love and service may convey God’s love and ours. The outreach of such ministries knows no limits.” (Section 128; page 95) It has been said that the people of The United Methodist Church are ‘fence-sitters’ – which is to say that we don’t stake our doctrine in any one place and we shy away from making hard and fast decisions about what it means to serve and follow and trust Jesus Christ. While I use to take this as an insult (as I believe this is how it was meant), I am much more inclined to celebrate and claim that we are indeed disciples who journey this life of faith in the middle position of holding truth in one hand and grace in the other. This is why I love our denomination! For if God knows no limits of his loving grace at work in the world, then who am I – who are we to place limits on reaching seeking and searching people with the invitation to experience new life in Jesus’ name?
Did you know that in some faith traditions, persons are denied the sacrament of baptism for themselves and their children based on family dynamics? The United Methodist tradition holds to the belief that every human life is of sacred worth and the God’s love extends to all. “There are no conditions of human life (including age or intellectual ability, race or nationality, gender or sexual identity, class or disability) that exclude persons from the sacrament of baptism” (from By Water and the Spirit). Recently a family contacted our church asking if we would extend the sacrament of baptism to their twin sons. They weren’t members of First United Methodist Church, so I asked if they had an affiliation with another church. “Well yes…at least we did.” Then they went on to tell their story…. Robert actively serves our country in the Army. His wife Jessica, and twin sons Anthony and Alexander, live 7 hours away in Fort Rucker, Alabama where Robert is stationed. Although Robert is now strong and healthy, he is a cancer survivor. Having gone through rounds of chemo treatments,
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by Rev. Patty Hewitt, with Carol Mitchell LaCour and Lynn Mitchell Fulco
he was left unable to conceive children. He and Jessica made the decision to go the route of in vitro fertilization. After the successful pregnancy and birth of Anthony and Alexander, they approached their own faith tradition, seeking baptism – to be initiated in the family of God. The answer was one they did not expect – a resounding “no”. The denomination’s teaching prohibits in vitro fertilization, maintaining that ‘a child has the right to be conceived in the marital embrace of his parents’. The church views the child as a gift from God, not a right. As the sacrament of baptism was denied their infant boys, the couple was faced with the challenge of finding another way. I cannot begin to express how broken my heart was to hear that loving and caring parents asked for God’s unconditional grace and love to be bestowed upon their babies, only to be told “no”. Thankfully, our United Methodist tradition holds to the belief that every human life is of sacred worth and that God’s love extends to all. On July 18th of this year, those two beautiful boys were initiated into God’s family at the font of First United Methodist of Baton Rouge. It was a beautiful service of love, of faith and of celebrating God’s grace that has come and continues coming in Jesus Christ. The United Methodist understanding of baptism says: “Baptism is a sacrament. In a sacrament, God uses common elements - in this case, water - as means or vehicles of divine grace. Baptism is administered by the church as the Body of Christ. It is the act of God through the grace of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is the act of God. Baptism is a gift to the human family. United Methodists liberally share the baptismal waters with any person who seeks it for their own lives or those entrusted to their care.
Robert and Jessica, with twin sons Anthony & Alexander, and Rev. Pattye Hewitt
Did you know that in addition to visiting the hospitalized, FUMC makes an average of 75 home visits per month? These visits are conducted by both lay volunteers and staff and often include Holy Communion. Did you know that our pastors conduct regular worship services and Bible studies at retirement and nursing facilities throughout Baton Rouge? At FUMC, we celebrate God’s love by caring for and visiting those who are no longer able to come to church. We love because He first loved us.
Our dad, Virgil Oliver Mitchell (Mitch), was a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge and a long-time member of First United Methodist Church. When we were little girls going to Catholic schools and churches, our dad would always go to the Methodist Church. We never knew that in his older years, the Methodist church would become such a support for him. As he aged, he reached out to the church and the church responded. When he moved from his home to Williamsburg Senior Living Community, he maintained his connection to the church by attending the First United Methodist services at Williamsburg. There he met Rebecca Mitchell [no relation] from the Congregational Care Ministry. Rebecca visited our father on numerous occasions over several years. They built a rapport and he looked forward to seeing her. She often left prayer cards and notes for our family to enjoy, and she sent him flowers on his birthdays. When his health declined, Rebecca Mitchell always found our dad as he moved between the retirement home, the hospital, several rehabilitation hospitals, and finally a nursing home. Even when
we forgot to let the church know that he was moving, she made sure that she maintained contact. She prayed with and for him, and her visits brightened many of his days. When our father passed away in August, Rebecca and other members of First United Methodist Church offered us support Virgil Mitchell and prayers. She had comforted him for years and, when he was gone, she comforted us. Our dad’s faith was important to him, and the Congregational Care Ministry allowed him to stay connected to the church even when he could no longer attend services, and to have peace in his last days. We are very grateful for the prayers, the services they provided and the time Rebecca spent with him.
, rs te h g u a d is h h it w ll e Virgil Mitch o lc u F ll e h c it M n n y L d n Carol Mitchell LaCour a
“Our dad’s faith was important to him, and the Congregational Care Ministry allowed him to stay connected to the church even when he could no longer attend services, and to have peace in his last days.” November 2015 | 930north Magazine
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Did you know that in some faith traditions Holy Communion – the Lord’s Supper – is reserved and shared exclusively for those who belong to their particular faith tradition or church? The United Methodist tradition believes “The invitation to the Table comes from the risen and present Christ . . . [and] all who respond in faith to the invitation are to be welcomed” (from This Holy Mystery). Last month I had the blessing of uniting a couple in holy matrimony here at the church. This couple requested that we celebrate Holy Communion during the ceremony. However, they shared that many people from both sides of their extended families would not partake in the sacrament due to their being of another faith tradition. My heart was saddened by these ‘hard and fast’ doctrinal stances, but realized that these people are being faithful to what they know and believe. The wedding day came, the vows had been spoken and the rings exchanged. It was time to celebrate Holy Communion. As we went through the invitation and liturgy, I spoke those sacred words over the table of abundant grace: “This is not my table – it is not First UMC’s table, but it is the Lord’s. He is the host, he invites and he welcomes all to receive. You who are gathered here may not belong to this church or any church – but that doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you hear God calling you and welcoming you to be sharers of this meal - of God’s unending and unmerited love in Jesus Christ.” It was amazing to see that most all in attendance came forward to receive the gifts of bread and the cup…even the parents of the bride. After the wedding, the mother came to me (one I knew was of a tradition that forbid her to receive the elements of Holy Communion for another denomination) and said “I just couldn’t stay away…I had to get up out of my seat and receive the blessed gift of Christ.” I was blown away! “Thank you Lord!” “Thank you for being present here in this place and for prompting your people to hear and respond to your invitation of grace.” I continue to be overwhelmed with thanksgiving for my ministry and that which we share as disciples of Jesus in the United Methodist Church. While to some being ‘fence-sitters’; being those who live in ‘the middle’ might look like only being ‘half-way in’ and ‘indecisive in the matters of faith’, I know better. I’ve seen lives transformed because barriers to God were not erected, but dismantled. I’ve witnessed the redemptive power of Christ take an empty shell of a person and make them into a beautiful butterfly. I’ve listened to stories about how the Holy Spirit spoke to someone through
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an open table; through baptismal waters; through becoming members of a church that doesn’t insist on pre-requisites in order to be a part of community – of the Body of Christ. Yes, I celebrate the gift United Methodism offers to the world…of not knowing any limits on grace; of not attempting to draw a line of ‘who is in and who is out’; of throwing the doors of the church wide open for any and all who seek life, and healing, and restoration. And we hear the Lord Jesus speak into our lives: “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” John 3:17.
Cotton Patch Rebel
Rev. Ann Trousdale will be signing books and reading selections from her book Cotton Patch Rebel on November 8th in Ory Parish Hall
About The Author In many ways, Rev. Ann’s life has been a preparation for telling Clarence Jordan’s story. Born into a family of Southern storytellers, she came to know the power of story in shaping children’s and adults’ values and goals in life. At the same time, there were a few aspects of her upbringing that she came to question. One of them was the practice of racial segregation, especially as she began to see the impact of injustice on the lives of black people she knew and cared for. A major in English at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and Master’s Degree work in English at Tulane prepared her to teach high school and middle school English for four years, and, subsequently, elementary school for three. After a two-year stint as a journalist, an off-chance night course in pottery at Tulane enkindled a desire to study pottery more seriously. She was on her way to Lake Placid, New York, to be a part of the Lake Placid School for Music, Drama and Art when she had a conversion experience. While she continued to make and sell pottery for the next several years, she found herself also on the wheel, being re-formed and reshaped by God. In Lake Placid, she joined the Adirondack Community Church and six months later became its Director of Christian Education. It was her pastor in Lake Placid who introduced her to Clarence Jordan’s Cotton Patch Gospels, a refreshing taste of home for a displaced Southerner! She subsequently joined a Christian community outside Albany, NY, a community which was based, like Clarence Jordan’s Koinonia, on principles that guided the formation of the first century Christian church. After several years of living in community, Ann entered the doctoral program at the University of Georgia in Athens to prepare herself for university teaching and research. In 1990 she accepted a faculty position at LSU, but in 1999 her career path was bumped slightly off its purely academic course when she heard a call to ordination. Her research and writing increasingly turned to using literature to nurture children’s spiritual and religious lives.
Ann was ordained a Deacon in the United Methodist Church in 2008. She is also a retired professor at Louisiana State University, where she taught courses in children’s literature and storytelling. She has published widely in the areas of children’s literature, the oral interpretation of literature, and children’s spirituality, focusing particularly on using literature to support children’s spiritual lives and religious understanding. About The Book Clarence Jordan seemed to be born with an ability to see things just a little bit differently than other people did-and sometimes that got him into trouble. Like his views on racial equality: they just weren’t popular with many other White people in the Deep South of his day. Like his views on war and how to deal with violence and hatred. For Clarence, the Gospel was very clear about these issues. Moreover, he believed that Jesus’s teachings were not just abstract principles but were meant to be applied directly to everyday life. That got him into trouble too, especially among certain church-going people. Along the way, Clarence became a progressive farmer, a sought-after preacher, a Greek scholar, an author, a precursor of the Civil Rights movement, and a family man. An irrepressible sense of humor enlivened all these aspects of his life. Today, Clarence Jordan is best known as the author of the Cotton Patch Gospels and as the inspiration for Habitat for Humanity. The story of the making of this extraordinary man is not so widely known. Cotton Patch Rebel tells that story.
Join us November 8th for a reading and book signing of Cotton Patch Rebel, with Author Rev. Ann Trousdale November 2015 | 930north Magazine
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The Spirit of FUMC beyond Baton Rouge
by The Boyd Family, The Desmond Family and The Skipper Family
The community that we share at First United Methodist Church is something we are quite proud of. We asked several families who have recently moved away from Baton Rouge to share with us what led them to FUMC, and what they love about this community.
If someone asked you what the spirit of FUMC is, how would you respond?
The Boyds: We think the spirit of FUMC is an open invitation to worship God most notably through Sundays and through mission work in the community.
Share about an experience in which you felt God’s love through this community.
The Boyds: After the birth of our first child, we were spending many sleepless nights and hectic days just learning how to be parents and how much our lives were going to change with Archer. Our Sunday School Class (Foundations) is a young class with many babies and they never tire at being there to support new parents with meals, visits, and words of support and encouragement. We still enjoy seeing them share their love for our family on Facebook, as we continue to get a glimpse into their lives and their growing families.
What is one thing that if you came back in 25 years, you would hope has never changed?
The Boyds: When we got married at FUMC, our families loved how beautiful the Sanctuary was. We think just knowing that the room we got married in and that we enjoyed so many wonderful rich worship services in is still standing as a testament to the long standing traditions at FUMC and the dedication the FUMC family has to God would be something we would want to see in 25 years.
What drew you to FUMC?
The Boyds: When we left college, we came to Baton Rouge knowing very few people outside of coworkers. The first Sunday we attended, was around Memorial day in 2009, and we couldn’t get over how great the music was. As a former college band member, it’s hard to not get excited for the Stars and Stripes Forever, and while we enjoyed the patriotism, we also enjoyed the attention to detail in the music. As we got further entrenched in the music
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program, we understood more and more how focused the music program was on using that music to worship God and to help the people at FUMC worship God. When Leah began to attend church with me, I know she enjoyed the sense of community at FUMC, and recognized what an important place it was for me as I had been attending for almost two years.
Robert, Leah and A moved to Broken Arr rcher Boyd ow, Oklahoma If someone asked you what the spirit of FUMC is, how would you respond?
The Desmonds: The spirit at FUMC is EXTRAORDINARY. The spirit at the church is infectious in that it causes people to desire to take part in the activities and opportunities being offered. There is no other church like it and one must experience FUMC in order to understand.
Share about an experience in which you felt God’s love through this community. The Desmonds: Our family has encountered so many experiences in which we have felt God’s love and one experience in particular was impactful for us because it involved an entire group of people.
If someone asked you what the spirit of FUMC is, how would you respond?
The Skippers: Alive! The spirit is so alive at FUMC. You feel it when you walk in the doors for worship, you see it in the community outreach that is happening, you hear it when the choir sings on Sunday mornings. The spirit of FUMC is something very powerful.
Share about an experience in which you felt God’s love through this community.
Brody Desmond & or n on C , en id A a, is L Mike, rgia moved to St. Mary, Geo
The Skippers: It is hard to pinpoint just one. One of our favorites was the children’s Revive225 day where families worked together to help those in need. We’ve also experienced the extended community since we’ve moved. Those who have reached out and checked on us. Even inviting Fran to be a part of the new mom’s group, from a distance.
Sunday School classes at FUMC are not just classes, they are family. We had members of the class face difficult circumstances with a new health diagnosis a few months before welcoming a new child. The outpouring of the class’ desire to help physically and monetarily was so overwhelming, just as God’s love is. Members of the class put aside their own needs to help others in need and we came together as a strong source of love and comfort, just as God is to us.
What is one thing that if you came back in 25 years, you would hope has never changed?
The Desmonds: If we returned in 25 years (preferably much sooner), we would hope for FUMC to still have the energy that the staff and congregation invest in serving each other, serving the community and spiritually deepening their love for God.
What drew you to FUMC?
The Desmonds: We were drawn to FUMC for so many reasons. We believe there are several aspects of a church that make it feel like the right church for us. God knew what we needed before we did when we found FUMC and made it our church home. The church continued to feed us spiritually and provided us with opportunities to serve in ways that allowed our faith to continue to grow and that was important to us.
Phillip, Fran, Lucy and Rey moved to Franklin, Tennnolds Skipper essee What is one thing that if you came back in 25 years, you would hope has never changed?
The Skippers: We truly hope the community that is so open and truly loving, never changes. There are not many families like the FUMC family and the unbelievable service to God and the community is unmatched.
What drew you to FUMC?
The Skippers: The immediate feeling of being home drew us to FUMC. This is such at testament to the welcoming and loving members.
November 2015 | 930north Magazine
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Learning to be Reverent a look at the Kindergarten Sunday School Class by Nancy Williamson Cadwallader
How many times do we walk into the house of our Lord without Russell was excited about coming The 1996 Kinde rgarten Class w thinking about why, where, and how we worship? How do we to Sunday School and learning, ith teacher Adele Williamso n, Ann McMai ns learn to worship? Do we just know how to worship, or must we (and, yes, receiving prizes for correct and Tena McC onnell be taught? Well, for many years, the Kindergarten Sunday School answers!) Class has been doing just that – teaching how to worship and One highlight of the Readiness what to do in our worship services! Program is when one of the ministers teaches the lesson on Many years ago the teachers of the Kindergarten Class: Ann Communion. Recently Rev. Whitton met with the children McMains, Tena McConnell and Adele Williamson began to and their parents in the Sanctuary and talked to everyone about develop what we know today as our Church Readiness Program. Communion, the meanings behind Communion, and how to These three ladies recognized the need to develop a program to “receive” (not take) Communion. At the end of his presentation, systematically teach our children about our worship services, the the children had the opportunity to receive Communion with their hymns and prayers. This program has evolved into today’s highly family. Lisa Spillers wrote, “I really appreciate all that the teachers structured and multi-faceted program. of the Kindergarten Class did to help Hicks and his classmates Every year, right after Easter, the children of the Kindergarten get ready to transition to the Sanctuary. The Communion service Class are given their own Church readiness study booklet. These meant so much to Chad and me - to be able to experience Hicks’ study booklets include a calendar for the remainder of the year first Communion with him in a more personal setting. This is one along with the material that will be studied. In the booklet are a memory that we will cherish as parents and look back on with vocabulary list, the church seasons and colors, the Lord’s Prayer, great appreciation to the class and the Church.” the Apostle’s Creed, a Kindergartener’s Creed, the Gloria, the Throughout the program, members of the church staff and Doxology, Sanctuary Manners (written by the Children), as well ministers come to the room to speak with the children; for example as the Commandments according to Kindergarteners. Now all Rev. Becky comes to talk about prayer and Lamar Drummonds prepared, we take off learning and studying. comes to explain how the worship service is organized. The Russell Bender, remembers the flash cards of vocabulary words children love showing Mr. Lamar how well they could sing the – playing quiz bowl games “We were often impressed with how Gloria! with the flash cards and that As the children continue his favorite vocabulary word much they learned and were able to share to learn vocabulary – was “synagogue.” Russell’s Communion, Last Supper, with us after church each Sunday.” father, Bill, remembers that Eucharist, Lord’s Supper,
-Eric and Lee Ann Lockridge
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rs:
Church, Synagogue, Temple, Sanctuary, Big Church, they also My husband and I started coming to First Methodist because of continue to learn the church calendar, the seasons, and the colors the wonderful things we heard about the Sunday School program. of the Church seasons. Red is for Pentecost, the birthday of the Our daughters, Rebecca and Charlotte, not only learned so much Church, so there is a birthday party for the church! Eva and Sofia in the class, but they LOVED going. In the middle of the week. Lockridge remember learning about the colors of the Church Charlotte would ask ‘how many days until I get to go to Sunday Seasons and learning that the stoles that the ministers wear match School?’ Both of our girls shared what they learned with the the paraments on the altar. Eva mentioned that Purple is for family at dinner time, demonstrating that what they learned in Advent and Sofia added that Green is for the “growing season the class took root and was helping them mature spiritually. We or Kingdomtide.” Lee Ann and Eric Lockridge said, “the class have been so blessed to have our children learn under the teachers provided the girls with a solid introduction to the many elements who give their time so unselfishly to plant the seed of God’s love of the worship service, including prayers and creeds, as well as in our children’s hearts.” the seasons of the church and associated colors. We were often Upon completion of the Church Readiness Program, the impressed with how much they learned and were able to share children are honored at “Big Church” where they say the with us after church each Sunday.” Kindergarten Creed and receive a Certificate of Accomplishment. As the program progresses, the children’s knowledge increases. After the service, the children and their families are honored at a They learn the Gloria and the Doxology, “In the middle of the week. luncheon given by the Church and their and we discuss the meaning of the words teachers. [My daughter] would ask in these songs. Although Children of While the teachers of the this age cannot really comprehend the ‘how many days until I get to Kindergarten Class at First Methodist meaning and learn the Apostles Creed, have developed the Church Readiness go to Sunday School?’” an effort is made to go over the words Program for our children, they have also and their meanings. Again, through -Amy Groves Lowe been to both District and Conference the use of vocabulary words and their workshops to share the concept and meanings - they begin to understand The Trinity, the Doxology, materials with others. It is hoped that this program has assisted and the hymns we sing. This past summer one vocabulary word other Congregations in developing their own Church Readiness took on a special meaning…the word being Parable. When Miss Program. Nancy mentioned that Rev. Brady was using one of our vocabulary The current teachers of the Kindergarten Class, Leslie LaBorde, words as a sermon series topic, Will Stout said, “Really, you’ve got Lucy Mayfield and Nancy Cadwallader strive to continue the to be kidding, he is using one of our vocabulary words?” legacy that their predecessors began and to instill in the children The Kindergarten Sunday School class has fun while the love of worship. Todd Rossnagel’s statement embodies what learning, we play games, we sing songs, we have birthday the teachers hope the children will take away from the program, parties for the church (and class members), we have prizes, yet “what I remember most about church readiness is the tremendous we take our task of teaching our children about our worship attention that was placed on what it means to be reverent. My services seriously. Amy Groves Lowe wrote: “Our family’s children better understood how and why to respect the holy time experience with the Church Readiness Class was exceptional. of worship and it had a tremendous and lasting effect.”
The 2015 Kindergarten Class with teacher Nancy Williamson Cadwallader
November 2015 | 930north Magazine
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Pillars of First Church
by Barbara Jones
Otis and Jackie Blackard grew up in the small community of Valliant, Oklahoma which is in the southeastern corner of Oklahoma near the Texas border. When Pearl Harbor was attacked December 7, 1941, Jackie was in her first semester of college at Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State) at Stillwater and Otis was enrolled at LSU. He had moved to Baton Rouge after graduating from high school because he had an older brother and sister living here. Like many couples at that time, they decided to go ahead and get married.
service. When they began having their children (Don, Susan and Terry), they felt it was time to make First Church their “official church home” and Otis joined. Through the years Otis served on the Administrative Board and chaperoned a number of youth mission trips with Jackie who was involved in both church and civic activities. She was instrumental in getting a Day Camp program started at Camp Istrouma. Church member Dan Reed was one of the counselors for 6th and 7th graders and their daughter Susan Albin, also a current member, was a senior high counselor. Additionally Jackie was influential in getting the Early Learning Center established and on course. Ten years ago Jackie had a stroke and they have been homebound members since then. Otis had the highest praise and gratitude for the way our church has ministered to them during those years with home and hospital visits, cards, flowers, and phone calls. The television ministry has been a blessing to them both. Otis just wishes they could see the entire service and hear and participate in the singing. The two have been married for 73 years and members of First Church for more than 60. Otis noted the growth of our membership, the tremendous expansion in our programs and areas of service, as well as increase in church staff, as the main changes he has seen in the church during these years. He shared that for a brief time he and Jackie thought about going to a church closer to their home…but the programs offered for their children kept them downtown. Otis mused that he and Jackie were married there and their children were christened and nurtured spiritually at First Church. “First Church has met all of my spiritual needs,” he said. Otis would like to be remembered as “a Christian man who appreciated every one of the blessings he received.” Jackie and Otis still have the gleam in their eyes and smiles for one another that they had when she stepped off the bus at the Trailways Station at 3:00 in the morning on February 21, 1942.
“First Church has met all of my spiritual needs.” -Otis Blackard
member of FUMC for 62 years In February 1942 Otis was waiting at the Trailways Bus Station on 3rd Street at 3 o’clock in the morning for his bride-to-be. Both were giddy with excitement and anticipation. The two went to Port Allen when the Clerk of Courts office opened to get their marriage license. Each had to add a couple years to their ages to meet the age requirements in Louisiana. They headed to FUMC to get married (his sister was a member) and then went to the Greyhound Bus Station to board a bus headed to New Orleans for their one night honeymoon. Otis did his best to show Jackie New Orleans in 24 hours. On Monday morning Otis was back at LSU attending classes. Otis served as a Medic in the Army and was deployed to North Africa and Italy. When the war was over, he and Jackie made their home in Baton Rouge. Their fourth anniversary was the first one they celebrated together. Otis worked at Exxon for more than 30 years and Jackie was an administrative assistant at Lanier Elementary. Jackie had joined First Church while Otis was in the
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930north Magazine | November 2015
Virginia and Gene Worley did not have to travel far to meet each other. By chance they sat next to one another at choir rehearsal one night at First Church. They both knew they had met a winner in the other in personality, looks, charm, intelligence, and love of music. Virginia said she went home that night and told her roommate, “I’m going to marry that man.” And indeed they did marry two months later at First Church in 1947. This is the backstory: She was a music major at LSU and her voice teacher Loren Davidson, also minister of music at First Church, liked for his students to sing in the choir. Gene and Mr. Davidson met while fishing at the LSU lakes one afternoon. Gene offered to unhook a fish for the choirmaster who had only one arm. They became instant friends and Gene had an invitation to come to a choir practice.
would allow persons with a professional degree to become certified teachers in one semester. Virginia said, “I jumped on that” and her first teaching position was at newly opened Highland Elementary as a second grade teacher. She said she knew nothing about being a second grade teacher, but her wonderful principal and mentor at Highland taught her how to be a teacher. She utilized these skills and principles throughout her years as a classroom teacher and elementary school principal. Gene had a variety of jobs after college. He worked at the State Department of Education and Exxon as well. Walter Brock insisted that Gene be a Boy Scout leader and he continued to sing in the choir. He often served on Membership Campaigns which involved visiting assigned church members to get them to make pledges. Gene was an ardent supporter of the columbarium from the time it was first discussed as a possibility. He and Virginia were among the first to purchase spaces in our columbarium. In earlier years of her 71-year-membership at First Church, Virginia served on the Administrative Board, taught Sunday School, directed children’s choirs, and sang in the adult choir. She says of First Church today: “Despite its size, it remains a friendly church that cares about the membership. We offer something Virginia had aspired here for every age group. We are to be a singer and had come to growing and have a vision. I look LSU from her home in Arkansas forward to coming to church.” because of the reputation of LSU’s Since Gene’s death 4 years ago, Music School. Her mother, a she continues to remain active. teacher, wisely insisted that she She is a member of the Wedding go to Business College for a year Ring Class and is part of a Bible prior to starting college to learn study. Her participation in the clerical skills such as typing to give Tuesday Morning Knitting Group her a means of support until her is a wonderful blessing to her in singing career took off. After WW what she gives and receives. “This II was over and Gene was still in is a ministry for those who need the Army, he had the opportunity hands, and love, and prayers,” said to come to LSU and teach ROTC. Virginia. member of FUMC for 69 years After his discharge, he remained There are four generations of at LSU and completed his degree Worleys at First Church today. in three years using the G.I. Bill. Both were proficient in Their children, son David and wife Charlene, and daughter typing and other clerical skills and used these to help support Tricia and husband Willis Delony, grandchildren, and greatthemselves in the early years of their marriage. Virginia was grandchildren are members. the secretary of Dr. Stuckey, senior pastor at First Church Asked if she agreed with the maxim “The best age is the for a time. age you are,” this young-at-heart nonagenarian answered When the war was over there was a desperate need for enthusiastically, “I believe in that…make the best of the teachers and the Louisiana Legislature passed a bill that time you have!” And that she certainly does.
“Despite its size, [FUMC] remains a friendly church that cares about the membership. We offer something here for every age group. We are growing and have a vision. I look forward to coming to church.” -Virginia Worley
November 2015 | 930north Magazine
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Living Your Legacy
We are profiling individuals and families at FUMC that are living out faithful stewardship in their lives through prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. Below is a reflection from a member of the youth group. Ellen is a senior at University Laboratory School, who has learned that pledging is about more than just money.
Ellen Bottcher
When I think of pledging, the first thing that comes to mind is money. When I was little, my parents would always pledge money on my behalf, but as I have grown, they have included me increasingly in the process. As a year-round soccer player, I have never had a job, so I don’t earn a lot of money, which can make monetary pledging difficult. I’ve always pledged around 20 dollars a year because it’s an amount I know I can pay with my own money rather than that of my parents. When I earn extra money from odd jobs, I always make sure to take 10 percent of my earnings and give it to the church. Over the years I have learned that pledging is about more than just money—it’s also about time. Every year, I pledge to attend worship, Sunday school and youth on Sundays and Bible study on Wednesdays when soccer is not a conflict. It is easy to commit my time to these weekly events (even though Sunday morning can come quite November 22nd will be Commitment early) because I love the people of First United Methodist and I genuinely want Sunday. You will receive a Commitment to be there. I also love discussing people’s ideas of faith, God and Christianity at Card on Sunday Morning or in the mail. Sunday school and Bible study. Lastly and most importantly, I love my God, who has done so many amazing and wonderful things in my life, so it’s easy to give back Please prayerfully consider how you will support the church in the coming year. to Him with my time and money.
“I have learned that pledging is about more than just money - it’s also about time.”
-Ellen Bottcher Ellen scraping a floor on the 2015 Youth Mission Trip to the Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Texas
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930north Magazine | November 2015
Does your Stewardship include Planned Giving? by Bill Potter How often do we walk into the sanctuary of FUMC and marvel at the exquisite stained glass master pieces that adorn its windows? But, do we ever think about those who came before us who endowed such an enduring legacy for us to behold. We have benefited from those devout members before us who wanted to establish a permanency to the ministry of our church. We all know the value of our annual stewardship to the wellbeing of our church on a current, continuing basis. But, to sustain FUMC on a long-term basis we each need to think what we can do to provide and sustain a legacy. Each of us needs to plant the seed of what the value of an endowment can do to extend our ministry and missions. Current stewardship pledges and donations are the life blood of our church. However, if endowments were established that covered operational costs, think what current pledges could do to fund missions and needs! FUMC’s Planned Giving initiative is to help establish a stewardship ministry that will make our members aware of avenues to perpetuate their commitment to the long-term survivability of FUMC and to be a part of that legacy. Endowments can provide the opportunity for you to establish tangible expressions of faith toward the future of FUMC. One thoughtful church member reasoned, “Those persons who preceded me in this church left a rich heritage. What will I leave as a heritage for future generations?” Is it possible that a part of that answer might be found in a carefully thought-out and designed funding plan that will address the future as well as present needs and opportunities of the church? An endowment fund is a good way for you to say:
I want to go the extra m ile in providing services a n e d p th ro in gr a ve m ie s el th b at formerly were only dre I ams h c ur h c future of this the y b ip h s rd a w te I want to be a good s y m in ed id gu e b to t n a w I t from God us tr steward of the church a is ve a h e w ll a t a belief th I want to create a herita of e s en s a ld ui ge that future generation b to I want c el eb ra te s can a s jo o y d fully as we celebrate ou permanence in what I r rich heritage today
An elderly member was discussing her stewardship philosophy with a planned giving counselor. “My church has always been an important part of my life, and I want to always be a part of my church.” One of the ways she accomplished this during her lifetime was through her generous and faithful contributions from her current income, but she gave her stewardship conviction permanence as she established an endowment with the remainder of a life income gift. “Now,” she said with a great deal of satisfaction, “I will be a part of this church Interested in every year even after I am no longer here to make my contributions.” Planned Giving? As part of the Planned Giving initiative FUMC will be providing specific Contact Rev. Brady Whitton guidance on the many ways that this type of stewardship can be accomplished. If bwhitton@firstmethodist.org you have questions or want more information, contact Rev. Brady Whitton. November 2015 | 930north Magazine
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October Congregational News Welcome New Members!
Celebrating the Baptism of... Parker Paul (9/20) Son of Holly and Tony Paladino Tony Paladino (9/20) Hannah Frances (11/15) Daughter of Emily and Logan McIlwain Benjamin Michael (11/15) Son of Sydney and Michael Chua Georgette Viola (11/22) Daughter of Leigh and Richie Adams John David (11/22) Son of Amy and James Robert Grace Frances (11/29) Daughter of Lauren and Andrew Hood
Michael , Jordan, Hudson, Allison & Ashley Hanley
Lionel III, Ashley & Lionel IV Rainey
Sympathy to the Families of... Ms. Ruth Carville (9/10) Mr. Bob Graham (10/1) Mr. Wes Spencer (10/16) Mr. David Cole (10/18)
CHRISTMAS SAVE THE DATES DEC 2ND
Celebrating the Wedding of... Ellen Hall and Phillip Broome (10/16) Carmel Lawrence and Kurt Wasemiller (11/7) Paige Pedersen and Blake Muller (11/14)
Hanging of the Greens Homebound Bag Filling Party
DEC 13TH Sanctuary Music Sunday Downtown Christmas Pilgrimage DEC 17TH The Longest Night Service
ADVENT ALDRICH CHAPEL SERVICES IN DECEMBER Wednesdays at 12:10 pm December 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd
DEC 19TH Christmas Food Box Filling DEC 20TH America Street Music Sunday America Street Downtown Concert
September Financial Report
DEC 23RD The Gathering will not be held
As of 9/30/2015: Actual YTD Budget YTD Variance Income $ 2,831,350 $ 2,868,672 $ (37,322) Expense $ 3,091,729 $ 3,129,082 $ (37,353) Net Income $ (260,379) $ (260,410) $ 31
DEC 24TH Sanctuary Services: 11 am, 5 pm, 7 pm & 11 pm
September Weekly Attendance
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Week of Sunday, September 6
Week of Sunday, September 13
Week of Sunday, September 20
Week of Sunday, September 27
Worship 829 Sunday School 507 Total 1,336
Worship 1,064 Sunday School 615 Total 1,679
Worship 980 Sunday School 566 Total 1,546
Worship 1,037 Sunday School 509 Total 1,546
930north Magazine | November 2015
NOVEMBER Calendar of Events Weekly SUNDAYS 8:30 am 9:00 am 9:40 am 9:45 am 10:20 am 11:00 am 5:00 pm
MONDAYS 9:30 am 3:30 pm
MONDAY - 11/1 Worship Café 930 Sunday School Discover First Hospitality Coffee Worship Coffee, Tea & Theology FUSE Youth Prayer Ministry HYPE After School Program
Knitting Men’s Bible Study 9:30 am Fit @ First 10:30 am Women’s AA 12:00 pm AA 3:30 pm HYPE After School Program
WEDNESDAYS
4:30 pm 5:00 pm 5:45 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm
THURSDAYS
Service of Prayer for Healing
Bible for Every Day HYPE After School Program Illness Support Group Member Engagement Phone Team Meeting Care Team Dinner at The Gathering Worship at The Gatheirng Woodland Ringers Chancel Choir
For more dates and events, visit our website at www.firstmethodist.org Early Learning Center 20th Harvest Feast
TUESDAY - 11/2 through SUNDAY - 11/8 8:00 am
Cambodian Craft Sale begins (open until 3 pm, ends Sunday)
WEDNESDAY - 11/4 6:30 pm
Books of Life
10:00 am
Blessing of the Animals FUMC Gym
SUNDAY - 11/8
9:00 am
12:10 pm
SATURDAY - 11/7
TUESDAYS
9:30 am 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm
Special
8:00 am
Flu Shots
WEDNESDAY - 11/11 10:30 am
Senior Adult Program and Luncheon
WEDNESDAY - 11/25
The Gathering will not be held No evening classes will be held
THURSDAY - 11/26 through FRIDAY - 11/27 OFFICE CLOSED Thanksgiving Holiday
26th & 27th Thanksgiving Holiday (Center 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.
October 26th
November 16th
November 2nd
November 30th
Isaiah 25:6-9 2 Samuel 23:1-7 Revelation 21:1-6a Revelation 1:4b-8 John 11:32-44 John 18:33-37 Psalm 24 Psalm 132:1-12 Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 Hebrews 9:24-28 Mark 12:38-44 Psalm 42
Malachi 3:1-4 Luke 3:1-6 Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 1:68-79
9:00 am Thursday Group 10:00 am Widow’s Walk 12:00 pm AA 3:30 pm HYPE After School Program 7:00 pm Church Basketball
November 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 am Sanctuary Worship 9:40 am Sunday School for all ages 11 am Sanctuary and America Street Worship
Wednesdays
5:45 pm The Gathering Worship
Nursery Care is available from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Sunday mornings and from 5:00-7:30 pm
l
visit
www.FirstMethodist.org
for more information
facebook.com/FUMCBR
@FUMCBatonRouge