930north Spring 2018 Issue

930north

A PUBLICATION OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FINDING YOUR VOICE GRACE & RECOVERY SAYING YES TO LIFE'S ADVENTURES

SPRING 2018 TRANSFORMING LIVES BY ENGAGING OUR MEMBERS TO CELEBRATE & SHARE GOD’S LOVE IN JESUS CHRIST

FEATURES A LETTER FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR........5 SAYING YES: FROM RELUCTANT TO REJOICING...........................................................6 Lauren Serpas talks about her adventures as a parent volunteer in the youth ministry

HE IS RISEN...................................................................8

Join us during Holy Week and on Easter Sunday as we celebrate our risen Savior

HOLD ME TIGHT...................................................9

Make your marriage a priority this year and invest in your future at this workshop designed to improve communication, intimacy and connection

ON THE COVER: The sun peeks over the trees to greet the crowd gathered at the North Boulevard Town Square during last year's Easter Sunrise Service, led by our youth group. Join us this Easter at 6:30 AM for this beautiful outdoor worship service. Breakfast will be served in the gym at FUMC following the service.

JOIN US IN OUR MISSION:

Transforming lives by engaging our members to celebrate and share God’s love in Jesus Christ.

GRACE & RECOVERY.........................................12 Dr. Terry Ellis writes about grace and the role it plays in recovery from substance abuse

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS.............................14 Sharing our joys and sorrows together

Executive Pastor Rev. Pattye Hewitt Associate Pastors Rev. Becky Poor Rev. Fernie Rivera

THIS PAGE: Celebrating our risen Lord Easter Sunday of last year.

HYPE

Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Don Cottrill

IMPACT 2017-2018

Editor & Designer Amy Book

FIND YOUR VOICE.............................................10

Janet Schilling honestly and bravely writes about her experience as a parent of a child struggling with addiction.

Senior Pastor Rev. Brady Whitton

Bernard Terrace ranks below

HYPE volunteers have worked alongside teachers to help

74%

of elementary schools in Louisiana for statewide performance

of HYPE participants are now

AWARD WINNING STUDENTS

FamilyFocused Events

GOOD CONDUCT & WORK HABITS

10

60

students earned

A/B HONOR ROLL

by one letter grade or more

average family income (just above poverty level for a family)

10

received an award for

RAISED THEIR CORE SUBJECTS

$30,647

Students

91% 80%

14

62%

of Bernard Terrace students qualify for free lunch

50

STUDENTS ACHIEVE:

6

Volunteers

4

2

AWARDED MOST IMPROVED

Partner Teachers

elected to serve as

STUDENT GOVERNMENT LEADERS

for their grade level

2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR Data reflects report cards from Fall 2017

Proofreaders Extraordinare Susan Melsheimer Katie Davis Toni Gilboy Virginia Guffey Contributing Writers Lauren Serpas Janet Schilling Dr. Terry Ellis 930north Magazine is published quarterly for the Baton Rouge community and friends of First United Methodist Church by the FUMC Office of Communications.

HAVE A STORY TO TELL? Email: abook@firstmethodist.org WANT TO KNOW MORE? Contact us at (225) 383-4777 www.firstmethodist.org SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: toni@firstmethodist.org

HELPING YOUTH PREPARE FOR EXCELLENCE For more information about HYPE or to find out how you can make a difference in the life of a young person visit Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence

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hypebr.com

First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge

www.firstmethodist.org | Spring 2018 | 930north

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E M B R AC I N G T H E

PA S T &

R E N E W ING T H E

FUTURE

B

rothers & Sisters in Christ,

On February 5, the First United Methodist Church Council voted unanimously to undertake renovation of our historic sanctuary.

It has been twenty years since the last renovation and the lighting, sound system, acoustics, organ, and aesthetics need to be updated. Handicap accessibility will also be considered. Over the next 90 days, the membership and friends of First United Methodist Church will be offered opportunities to learn more about this exciting project.

In 2018, the congregation of First United Methodist Church celebrates 184 years of ministry. This accomplishment, in and of itself, is an impressive one. There aren’t many churches that have remained as vibrant and alive as we have through that many years. What’s equally impressive is that through these 184 years, our congregation has worshipped in only two sanctuaries.

Our first sanctuary stood at Fourth and Laurel and was built in 1836. This space served our congregation for 90 years−through the Civil War, WWI, etc.−before the costs and upkeep of the building became prohibitive. Can you imagine the number of worship services, baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other special occasions that took place in those 90 years? Can you imagine the meaning and depth of feeling our congregational ancestors had for that space?

In 1926, with a vision of a bright future, our congregation took the bold step of moving to a new location at 930 North Boulevard.

The beautiful and majestic space we now occupy, with its masterful stained-glass windows and intricate woodwork, has been at the center our congregation’s worship since. This space, too, has become “charged” with meaning and depth for us.

Sanctuary Renovation Capital Campaign Committee Alan Brock Greg Cotter Matt Deville

It’s been nine decades since we began worshipping in our current sanctuary. I believe it’s the perfect time for us to ask what we will do, as our congregational ancestors did, to claim our vision for a bright future for our congregation.

Lamar Drummonds

Relax, no one is proposing that we move locations and build a new building! I do believe it’s appropriate, however, to mark this significant anniversary with a substantial investment in our sanctuary.

Bob Kirchoff

This effort will be a gift that not only honors God, but will also help create a sacred space of meaning and depth for those who will call First United Methodist home for the next 90 years. I hope you’ll join me in claiming a bright future for our congregation.

I hope you’ll join me as we celebrate our past while also embracing the future of our great church. I hope you’ll join me in supporting this exciting effort. Here’s to 90 more years!

Nancy Dumas Jerry Fischer Norma Killgore Phil Preis, Chair Gwen Redding Amanda Rothrock Stephen Shirley Cliff Vannoy

Reverend Brady S. Whitton Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church

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[LOVE OTHERS] VOLUNTEER WITH THE YOUTH DEPARTMENT

[LOVE OTHERS] SAYING "YES": MY ADVENTURES IN YOUTH MINISTRY What a blessing it has been to watch these young people, who are so full of enthusiasm, energy, and questions, gain a deeper understanding of their faith and claim it as their own.

BY LAUREN SERPAS

I

joined FUMC when I was in college, which was twenty years ago. I spent my first few years as a member by attending church most Sundays and occasionally dipping my toe into one-time events or ministries. During these first years of my church membership, I remember hearing a lot about the youth group: car washes, Super Bowl food drives, pecan sales, Mardi Gras balls, ski trips, Bible studies, volunteering, and much more.

Fast forward several years when the church was raising money to build the youth building. I remember the passion with which these leaders spoke about the need for larger facilities, and while I was amazed at the vision and the scope of these plans, I thought, “Is this really needed? A youth building that is several stories tall? A half-court basketball court? A pizza kitchen? Is this what it takes these days to get kids to come to church?”

Yet something kept pulling at me, and I realized that my young children would someday take part in this; and I found myself saying "yes" to make a financial commitment to help realize this dream. When ground was first broken for this building and my children stood with me at the edge of the construction site wearing their now-outgrown yellow shirts bearing the slogan “The Future is Now,” little did I realize how much that space and the people in it would come to mean to our family.

Fast forward another few years- and my firstborn started attending youth functions. He liked it, but I was intimidated by

I began to see the introverts, the social butterflies, those who made connections, who worked tirelessly, who needed some extra grace, and often it was me. the sheer size and force of “the youth group.” I watched from a distance, and occasionally signed up to help drive to an event or bring donuts. I was still feeling my way around.

As I grew more comfortable as a youth parent volunteer, I said "yes" to a few more things. Sure, I’ll work the check-in table at Mardi Gras Ball. Yes, I’ll host a pool party. Those things were meaningful, but didn’t require too much thought or time commitment. One and done. Shortly after some of these events Kale Wetekkam, our youth director, called and left a message asking if I would chaperone the Mystery Mission Trip. My initial reaction was “Me? I’m a teacher, we live for summer, and I don’t like the “mystery” aspect of this. You mean chaperones don’t know where we’re going either? Hmm.” This one took a little more time, but I said yes. Truth be told, I thought, "I’ll really build up some good brownie points with this one, and I won’t need to help out again for a while." Just before we loaded the bus, the youth, chaperones, and parents circled up for prayer. As

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The leaders of the youth department make it look easy when it fact it is a well-run machine that involves a lot of behind the scenes work and countless volunteer hours. Yes, there is often great food, cool t-shirts, confetti, and mystery destination trips. This may be the initial draw, but for most of the youth they continue to come back to Bible studies, Sunday School, and outreach opportunities because they feel welcomed and that they are a part of this amazing group.

Saying "YES" F R OM R ELU CTA N T TO R EJO I CI N G: M y A dv entures in Yo uth Mi ni s try

our prayer circle disbanded several parents said, “Thank you,” or “You’re so brave.” I began to wonder what I had gotten myself into.

The bus broke down a few hours into our trip−in a parking lot in the middle of nowhere. A few of the kids asked some questions about the plan but none seemed overly concerned when we ended up stranded there for several hours. George Ragsdale, the Executive Director of Youth, Children and Missions, told me that this would end up being a memorable experience and is part of the fun of a youth trip. That is when I began to see God’s grace at work. We ordered pizza which was delivered to the parking lot, and bought drinks from a nearby dollar store. These kids were having fun in spite of the circumstances!

The youth group recently held their 62nd Mardi Gras Ball which welcomed over 300 middle and high schoolers.

Less than 48 hours after the ball, twenty-five of these youth were confirmed as members of our church (pictured below.)

As these young confirmands kneeled at the chancel rail in the sanctuary, we adult leaders laid our hands on them in blessing. I noticed that several of them still had the faded outline of their check-in number from the ball written on their hand. Mardi Gras Balls and confirmation? Yes, they must go together. As I laid my hand on my own daughter’s shoulder, I recalled the promises made at her baptism at the same rail 11 years ago, saying, “Yes, we will bring her up in the church and send her to confirmation classes.”

I admit that sometimes I’m a slow learner, but I’ve recently realized that I’ve been saying “yes” for years. Each seemingly small or reluctant "yes" prepared me for the next opportunity. Each experience gave me the courage to answer the call to bigger things (requiring more commitment) that were previously out of my comfort zone. I have also realized how much grace and love God has brought me along the way, and I couldn't be more grateful.

Is God nudging you to say “yes” to an adventure? The youth ministry needs adults like YOU to guide the youth of our church into adulthood. Here are the details: THE SKILLS: Sense of humor: Critical. Currently accepting all flavors including corny, dry, subtle, sarcasm and wit.

Plays games: Yes−or at least willing to referee.

Love for vegetables: Nah, we eat more pizza than vegetables−but IS pizza a vegetable?

Expert Biblical knowledge: Not even! Our lessons prepare teachers with what they need.

Takes the heat: If not, then the (pizza) kitchen isn’t for you.

Prior military experience: Probably helpful.

Care for our kids: Absolutely.

Grace & flexibility: Lots of it.

On fire for Jesus: If yes, you are qualified.

THE NEED: We need volunteers of all commitment levels−from Sunday night pizza bakers, to hosting homes for Bible studies. The greatest need currently is for weekly to bi-weekly teachers for Sunday school and mentors for Sunday night youth.

CONTACT KALE WETEKAMM, Director of Youth Ministry, at kwet@ firstmethodist.org or 383-4777, ext. 224. I would love to meet up to discuss your questions and to find a place for you to make a lasting influence in someone’s life!

I have many other wonderful memories of this trip: evening worship, singing songs, hearing testimony from youth leaders, kids working without complaint to paint decking in the hot July sun, and giving yet another piggyback ride to one of the children who came to the youth-led Vacation Bible School. Some of the "do-gooder" feelings began to fall away−this was real. I began to see the introverts, the social butterflies, those who made connections, who worked tirelessly, who needed some extra grace, and often it was me.

The next opportunity to say "yes" came when I was approached to help teach the 6th grade confirmation classes.

ABOVE: Following a week of mission work on the Jr High Mystery Mission Trip, Lauren Serpas & her team make some cold-blooded friends on a swamp tour, in Dulac, Louisiana.

PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEWEST MEMBERS, THE CONFIRMATION CLASS OF 2018: Aubrey Deyo, Beau Gaspard, Mallory Golightly, George Guice, Jack Guice, Glynes Hill, Britton Kirkpatrick, Anna Claire Kouns, Nicholas Loy, Brooks Madison, Charlie Mahaffey, John Wesley Marien, Estelle Mason, Maya Monceaux, Nathan Monceaux, Will Robison, Chloe Sandefer, Colton Sarradet, Graham Sellers, Julia Serpas, William Spencer, Amilee Spillers, William Szucs, Avery Underwood, Anna Scott Wallace. Teachers: Katie and Mark Goodson, Lauren Serpas, George Ragsdale and Kale Wetekamm.

www.firstmethodist.org | Spring 2018 | 930north

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[LOVE SELF] CATCHY TITLE GOES HERE

Marriage

He is Risen

WORKSHOP

Holy Week | Join us in Preparation Easter Sunday | Join us in Celebration

Palm Sunday • March 25, 2018

Hold Me Tight© for Couples

8:30 & 11 AM Sanctuary Services 9:45 AM America Street Service

April 27-28, 2018

Proclaim Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem with the palm processional at each morning service.

Maundy Thursday • March 29, 2018

A TWO DAY WORKSHOP FOR COUPLES

7:00 PM in the Sanctuary

April 27, 2018 from 6:00-9:30 PM and April 28, 2018 from 8:30 AM-5:30 PM First United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge, LA

On this night Christians commemorate the foot washing and last supper Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. The service concludes with the stripping of the altar.

Nursery is available for kindergarten and younger Reservations & payment required by April 13

Good Friday | March 30, 2018

12:00 PM in the Sanctuary 6:30 PM in the FUMC Conference Center

PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP FACILITATORS- Patt Aptaker, Ph.D.; Steven Bordelon, LCSW; Dee Adams, Ph.D., LPC, LMFT; Michael Cascio, LCSW; and Debbie Wray, LCSW (all trained and/or certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy.)

These services commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary.

INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE TOGETHER-

Easter Sunday | April 1, 2018 6:30 AM Sunrise Service

Sunrise Service at the North Boulevard Town Square (pictured on this page) led by the Youth Department.

Breakfast will be served in the gym at FUMC following the service.

8:30 & 11:00 AM Sanctuary Services

We proclaim, “Christ Is Risen” through word and music. The Chancel Choir and Festival Brass will participate in each Sanctuary service.

9:45 AM America Street Service in the Conference

Center. This contemporary worship experience will include a celebration of Christ’s resurrection through word and music led by the America Street Band.

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Members of our youth group leading worship at the North Boulevard Town Square during last year's Easter Sunrise Service. Join us this Easter at 6:30 AM for this beautiful outdoor worship service. Breakfast will be served in the gym at FUMC following the service.

The best time to work on your relationship is when it is going well! This educational workshop will create a change in your relationship that can improve communication, intimacy and connection.

• STOP repeating the same argument over and over • UNDERSTAND your partner and yourself better • ENHANCE safety, deeper connections and intimacy • Based on Dr. Sue Johnson’s book, Hold Me Tight and Emotionally Focused Therapy, the most effective, researched couples counseling We respect your privacy. The workshop is designed so that you will have personal time to have private conversations with your partner. You are NOT expected to share personal details with others.

SPACE IS LIMITED

so please register by April 13. Cost is $300/couple.For more information, call Dr. Aptaker at (225) 929-9030 or visit https://firstmethodist.org/events.

REGISTRATION Register at https://firstmethodist.org/events and you will receive a confirmation

with the option to pay online (include “marriage workshop” in the Comments Section.) can be www.firstmethodist.org | Spring Checks 2018 | 930north dropped off in the church office, made payable to FUMC (include “marriage workshop” in the memo line.)

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[LOVE SELF] WITHOUT CONDITIONS

Find your

After fifteen years of his substance abuse, addiction, and our family upheaval, this is what I decided:

Voice A Mother's Journey of Recovery

I no longer want to give your choices power over my mental, physical, and emotional well being. I will work on not fearing your choices, and pray that you will be watched over by the Lord and His angels. I will pray for you to have discernment in making choices that strengthen you. I constantly pray for your spirit, your body, and your mind to be transformed.

BY JANET SCHILLING

In the article below Janet Schilling honestly and bravely writes about her experience as a parent of a child struggling with addiction. Included in her story are entries from a journal she began keeping, addressed to her son.

Hers is a story of heartache, of hope, and the discovery that to truly love others, you must first love yourself.

I

n early 2014, my son overdosed and was revived by EMT's. Another user called EMS, and that person had just shot up with my son. I am grateful that user overcame the flight instinct and made the call.

talking or being here. We are scared that if we approach you about your mental and physical health then you will make even more irrational choices and either injure yourself gravely (and possibly someone else) or you will run away and disappear, again.

At approximately 10:15 PM you called from the ER. Heroin overdose. Paramedics called. Police at scene. They There was not a day that went by that I did not feel got you breathing again. “I’m awful about not trusting my own fine. I just stopped breathing So often in life we look at the adult child, being fearful for his for a little bit"…there is no or thinking I was sinking difficulties we face or the life, discussion or argument that can right along with him because challenges we run into, and we I could not find the thing that change your mind. worry and fret over the potential would work, the diagnosis that This overdose was one day/ outcomes. But how often do we would help, or what to say to night out of a 15 year battle thank God for the good He has him that would wake him up. with substance use/abuse and brought into our life, and the addiction, and all the behaviors "Nothing is ever good that typically accompany this enough, you don’t trust me, fruit He has provided us? disease of dis-ease−mentally, you never believe me, why emotionally, physically. During don’t you just leave me alone, this time, we as a family unit, and my son individually, just leave me alone"…this is all I heard from you, over took part in numerous sessions of counseling, 12 step and over. It’s like your permission slip to hurt yourself and meetings, 30 and 90-day treatment programs, intensive us. But your lies are like bullets. outpatient counseling, family support group meetings, psychiatrist and psychologist appointments, clinical I gave up and wrote him off lots of times in my head. social work sessions, probations, mandated drug screens, I was mad, so mad; sad, so sad. I wrote words that he court appointments with fines and fees. I felt like we threw would never see, because that was the only way to dispel everything we could at this disease of the brain, memory the overwhelming emotions I felt. I got it out, so I could and perception. I prayed constantly. All my energy and go on to the next situation, which I knew would happen prayers, all our efforts, all our activities were focused on soon. I kept praying, kept hoping. one individual and one outcome. The most answered prayer, again and again, was for his life.

I have not given up on you. You make me mad, scared, worried, and sad. You make me happy and hopeful with You are scaring all of us, we are in fear you will come even small gestures of caring. I cannot give up on you. I to grave harm. And yet, we are unable to approach you... love you, I will always love you. partly because you make yourself very scarce, partly because you use our distrust of you as a reason for not (Continued on the opposite page)

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[LOVE SELF] FIND YOUR VOICE

[LOVE OTHERS] WHY I SERVE

I made sure my son heard this from me. Then, I decided the focus I wanted was to strengthen my faith, and I needed a church community. I found my way to First United Methodist Church by attending the America Street worship service. I made contact with the Spiritual Direction team, and I used those times to talk about my decision and to unload. That was strength to me. Those ties led to more interactions, focus, and 'want' to participate. None of this was anticipated, or even planned when I first walked in the door. In 2015, my son went into a long term recovery center with a focus on discipleship. Special people worked to make this possible and to be offered. My family and my chosen community gave support and guidance through this effort.

If addiction or substance abuse is part of your world, do not give up hope and do not give up loving−but you may have to let go, and letting go is not neglect. Letting go does not mean you stop caring. It means you can't do it for someone else.

"Find your voice. Do not hide. Don't hide it from yourself, your family, and don't hide from your addict loved one. When you hide, you not only refuse to acknowledge the condition, but you refuse to be open for changes that are necessary."

Find your voice. Do not hide. Don't hide it from yourself, your family, and don't hide from your addict loved one.

When you hide, you not only refuse to acknowledge the condition, but you refuse to be open for changes that are necessary.

Seek help. You need support and information, you need to hear from others, you need a safe place to unload. Don't stop until you have what is best for you. When the pain is less, the anger quieted, when you have more OK days than horrible days, please listen carefully to others. Reach out, pass on what you know, or just say "Us, too. Tell me how you are doing." Recovery help, even simple help, for addicts and families needs to be more open and within reach.

Consider this: Before you go all the way around the world looking for help, make an effort to let your church community be your primary support group. If you don't have a church community, we welcome you to join ours. But no matter where you are in your journey dealing with addiction, secure a faith community in your life. You will find compassion, acceptance, respect and encouragement. And a place to unload:

Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

-MATTHEW 11:28-30 www.firstmethodist.org | Spring 2018 | 930north

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[LOVE SELF] GRACE & RECOVERY

[LOVE SELF] GRACE & RECOVERY

&

GRACE

RECOVERY

BY DR. TERRY ELLIS

B

reak Every Chain was a remarkable Sunday in my life. I saw a wonderful church embrace a controversial topic and say “If you or someone in your family struggles with addiction, we welcome you here, we understand here, and we can help you here!”

Yet grace is fundamentally needed where it seems most irrational. It’s the nature of grace to be puzzling, foolish, and even slightly scandalous.

We’re working now to discern God’s direction for the Recovery Ministry of First United Methodist. What we do know is that we’ll bring grace to the problem of addiction and grace is the key to recovery from any brokenness. It especially applies to addiction.

The chaos of addiction is most visible at the surface level. It comes in the form of

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arrests, lost jobs, families, health, vicious arguments, etc. Addiction reels obscenely down the street and curses loudly. We’ve all seen it. Many of us have lived it, and some of us have been the source of the chaos.

really wants to live in a world without grace because we all need it. The fact that we can always find someone who has “crossed the line” means that we’re living spiritually in a performance-based-acceptance mode. That person has not lived up to our standards, therefore they’re “out.”

It leaves behind angry family members, disillusioned friends, disgusted employers, and recovering (hopefully) addicts who may still bear a burden of self-loathing. The emotions are so toxic that grace seems to be irrelevant and even absurd. When I speak to families considering intervention on their addicted loved ones, grace is not high on their list of priorities. Maybe prosecution, but certainly not grace.

The problem is that in grading everyone else, we tend to overlook our own need for grace. Life breaks everyone of us, and we often have a hand in that breaking. Sometimes the brokenness is very obvious, like addiction. Most of the breaks are subtler, but they’re just as real and painful to ourselves and people around us.

Yet, grace is fundamentally needed where it seems most irrational. It’s the nature of grace to be puzzling, foolish, and even slightly scandalous. It may be hard to accept, but when it comes to recovery, grace is essential due to the very nature of addiction.

Our shared brokenness is really what brings us together, but admitting that brokenness is enormously difficult. Frankly, people in recovery are the lucky ones because we’ve taken Step 1. To admit powerlessness and unmanageably brings, not a sense of despair, but hope!

We don’t have to live like we did. The change begins when we realize our need for grace. To sit in a room full of people who freely admit their brokenness is the nearest to heaven I’ve ever felt. Everyone can have that same experience if they simply see that because we’re all broken in some way, we all need grace to get well. Every one of us.

Addiction is multi-factorial. It’s the toxic result of a blend of genetic, environmental, intellectual, psychological, and volitional components. At an even deeper and more fundamental level, however, addiction is the result of a spiritual disconnection.

After realizing or universal shared need for grace, let’s next rid ourselves of the notion that grace is an excuse to live riotously. For some people, grace sounds like an invitation to behave very badly. If God accepts me unconditionally, Grace pools in then I’ll live any way I want.

Whenever I write or speak about grace, I can “feel” the common objection bubbling to the surface. It goes something like, “If we accept and love someone unconditionally then what motive do they have to try to stop doing destructive things? And what about justice?”

The fact is grace changes our wants because it changes us from the inside out. Grace has a certain gravity. It draws us to something higher and better. It creates hope, for at some point we have at least an inclination that we don’t want to live like this any more.

In my experience, grace doesn’t invite relapse. It enables genuine recovery.

These are good questions and have been asked by every audience that hears about grace. We all have some degree of those objections, because we can always find someone we think has crossed the line. The addict is a good candidate. They likely have burned through relationships, money, and opportunities too numerous to count. For the family member who has understandably run out of patience, talk of grace is likely to be somewhat irritating.

What place does grace have in recovery?

Let’s begin by admitting that no one

boundaries, and no one should mindlessly condemn a boundary as a lack of grace.

Families of addicts need to recall that the father in the parable of the prodigal son never went into the far country to drag him back home. He waited until “he came to himself.” Keep the light on but the door locked if that’s what you need to do.

Finally, I’m constantly amazed by how often harm and healing come from the same person. Grace enables the addict, who has destroyed so many relationships, to comfort, to encourage, and to help the very people he or she hurt so badly. The family member that for long years had nursed open wounds inflicted by the addict, today speaks with tender compassion about the blessing that son or daughter, husband or wife, mother or father has become. I’ve witnessed it so often.

Want to be part of this amazing grace? First, if you struggle with addiction or have someone in your family

the wounds of every one of us, addict or not. At some point we all need to limp into that wondrous circle of light for healing. We unclench our fists and open our hands, receive the gift, and become new. And that truly is amazing.

I mentioned earlier that every addict brings into recovery a burden of self-loathing. Grace removes that burden because it assures us that our addictions don’t define us. Acceptance by the most powerful force in the universe means we no longer need to use a drug to numb the bitter disappointment in ourselves. Instead we’re able to relax and become the sons and daughters God intended us to be.

Now a few closing words to family and friends. Grace must never be equated with enabling. Family members have the right and personal responsibility to draw

who does, call me directly, or go through our church office. We can help you. Already we have people starting their recovery as a result of Break Every Chain Sunday.

Second, if you want to be part of this ministry, call and let us know. We’ll then be able to reach out to you as we pray and plan. Third, let your wider community know about the recovery ministry at FUMC. Grace pools in the wounds of every one of us, addict or not. At some point we all need to limp into that wondrous circle of light for healing. We unclench our fists and open our hands, receive the gift, and become new.

And that truly is amazing.

ABOVE: Dr. Terry Ellis spending some quality time with his grandchildren.

www.firstmethodist.org | Spring 2018 | 930north

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CONGREGATIONAL NEWS│SHAR-

[LOVE SELF] WITHOUT CONDITIONS

[LOVE SELF] WITHOUT CONDITIONS

Celebrating Our New Members...

Brandon & Janie Smith Mary Treppendahl Andrew, Kate & Russell Whitehead FUMC hosts an event several times a year called Membership Matters for those interested in learning more about church membership, profession of faith or adult baptism. On January 31, 2018 at Membership Matters, we welcomed 25 people into membership at FUMC! Join us in welcoming: Cary & Laura Aaron, Alex Aycock, Teri Beattie, Ann & Kimberly Deshotels, Mary Dilling, Ed Herringshaw, Ben Honeychurch, Dylan Jenks, Cathy Kemp, Jay Knighton, Jason & Whitney Laubscher, Debby Maule, Tim & Toni McGinty, Emily Murray, Joshua Pope, Ginger & Matt Rogers, Andrea Savoie, Marilyn Terry, Pam Wall, and Samear Zaitoon.

Please Welcome The 2018 Confirmation Class: Aubrey Deyo, Beau Gaspard, Mallory Golightly, George Guice, Jack Guice, Glynes Hill, Britton Kirkpatrick, Anna Claire Kouns, Nicholas Loy, Brooks Madison, Charlie Mahaffey, John Wesley Marien, Estelle Mason, Maya Monceaux, Nathan Monceaux, Will Robison, Chloe Sandefer, Colton Sarradet, Graham Sellers, Julia Serpas, William Spencer, Amilee Spillers, William Szucs, Avery Underwood, Anna Scott Wallace.

Teachers: Katie and Mark Goodson, Lauren Serpas, George Ragsdale and Kale Wetekamm.

Celebrating the Baptism of...

Sympathy to the Families of...

Beth Meredith 11–1–17 Eliza Treppendahl 11–6–17 daughter of Mary Treppendahl Emma Rachal 11–26–17 daughter of Tracy Rachal Max Rodriguez 11–26–17 son of Brian & Brennan Rodriguez Miller Green 12–17–17 son of Will & Kristin Green Bella Barry 12–31–17 daughter of Denis & Tiffany Barry Charlotte Lacey 1–28–18 daughter of Colin & Christina Lacey Whitney Laubscher 1–31–18 Oliver Schroeder 2–18–18 son of Diana Hamer & Jonathan Schroeder

Veronica Waldrop 11/4/2017 James Terrell 11/10/2017 Mildred Gladney 11/15/2017 William Shaffer 11/17/2017 Tammy Montgomery 11/24/2017 Pauline Harper 11/28/2017 Ken Barnette 12/6/2017 Bob Rogers 12/18/2017 George Ballard 12/27/2017 Jerry Dumas 12/29/2017 Frank Hathorn 1/7/2018 Jan Dannenberg 1/17/2018 Tom Fike 1/24/2018 Sally Paris 2/12/2018 Eleanor Henry 2/28/2018

Celebrating the Birth of...

Bella Barry 10–23–17 daughter of Denis & Tiffany Barry Lillian Graves 10–25–17 daughter of Tyler & Meghan Graves Lucy Hood 11–1–17 daughter of Andrew & Lauren Hood Allie McIlwain 11–30–17 daughter of Logan & Emily McIlwain Town Shirley 1–9–18 son of Robert & Caroline Shirley Samuel Kidder 2–15–18 son of Dustin & Liz Kidder

14 930north | www.firstmethodist.org | Spring 2018

OPPOSITE PAGE: We had a wonderful night of praise and worship at our annual America Street Christmas Concert which featured guest recording artist, Colton Dixon and the America Street Band.

SPRING 2018 Calendar of Events

For more information about small groups, classes, retreats or special events visit www.firstmethodist.org or call 383–4777

WEEKLY CALENDAR SUNDAYS 8:30 AM WORSHIP–SANCTUARY 9:00 AM CAFÉ 930 9:40 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWCOMER COFFEE/ DISCOVER FIRST ESSENTIALS I CHILDREN’S WORSHIP 9:45 AM WORSHIP–AMERICA STREET 11:00 AM WORSHIP–SANCTUARY 4:30 PM PRAYER MINISTRY 5:00 PM ADULT CLASSES

YOUTH@FIRST

FUSE CHILDREN’S PROG. MONDAYS 10:30 AM PRAYER MINISTRY TUESDAYS 9:00 AM KNITTING & MEN’S COFFEE 10:30 AM WOMEN’S AA GROUP 12:00 PM ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

ADULT EVENTS SENIOR ADULT PROGRAM/LUNCH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 10:30 AM • T’MONDE CAJUN BAND • FUMC

HOLD ME TIGHT: MARRIAGE WORKSHOP APRIL 27-28 • 6:00 PM • AT FUMC

PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP SUNDAY, MARCH 25 8:30 & 11:00 AM • SANCTUARY 9:45 AM • AMERICA STREET AT FUMC

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

MAUNDY THURSDAY WORSHIP THURSDAY, MARCH 29 7:00 PM • SANCTUARY GOOD FRIDAY FRIDAY, MARCH 30 12:00 PM • SANCTUARY 6:30 PM • AMERICA STREET AT FUMC EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE SUNDAY, APRIL 1 6:30 AM • AT NORTH BOULEVARD TOWN SQUARE

WEDNESDAYS 4:30 PM CARE TEAM 5:30 PM THE TABLE [dinner+worship] 6:30 PM ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 7:00 PM CHANCEL CHOIR

EASTER WORSHIP SERVICES SUNDAY, APRIL 1 8:30 & 11:00 AM • SANCTUARY 9:45 AM • FUMC CONF. CENTER

THURSDAYS 9:00 AM THURSDAY LADIES GROUP

A BEAD & PRAYER RETREAT APRIL 13-14 • 5:00 PM • AT FUMC

MONTHLY LECTIONARY TEXTS A series of Scripture readings for specific days of the year. The Revised Common Lectionary is a 3–year cycle of readings. Four passages are recommended, usually 2 from both the Old & New Testaments. Thus, over a 3–year period the Bible is covered in a systematic & balanced way.

EASTER WALK SUNDAY, MARCH 25 • 4:00-6:00 PM HOSTED AT THE REED'S HOME: 719 CHARTER OAK

YOUTH EVENTS EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE SUNDAY, APRIL 1 • LED BY YOUTH 6:30 AM • AT NORTH BOULEVARD TOWN SQUARE YOUTH SPRING RETREAT APRIL 20-22 • OFF CAMPUS YOUTH CAR WASH FUND RAISER MAY 5 • 9:00 AM • AT SUPERIOR GRILL ON GOVERNMENT ST YOUTH GRADUATION BANQUET MAY 6 • 9:00 AM • AT FUMC

MARCH 18 Jeremiah 31:31-34 Psalm 51:1-12 Hebrews 5:5-10 John 12:20-33

APRIL 1 (EASTER) Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 John 20:1-18

APRIL 15 Acts 3:12-19 Psalm 4 1 John 3:1-7 Luke 24:36-48

MARCH 25 Isaiah 50:4-9 Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Mark 14:1-15:47

APRIL 8 Acts 4:32-35 Psalm 133 1 John 1:1-2:2 John 20:19-31

APRIL 22 Acts 4:5-12 Psalm 23 1 John 3:16-24 John 10:11-18

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930north

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First United Methodist Church 930 North Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Change Service Requested

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Join us on Sundays: 8:30 AM - Sanctuary Worship Service 9:40 AM - Sunday School for all ages Children’s Worship 9:45 AM - America Street Contemporary Service 11 AM - Sanctuary Worship Service 5:00 PM - Adult Small Groups & Studies

Youth@first (Youth Group)

F.U.S.E. Children’s Programming Nursery Care is available from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Sunday mornings, and from 5:00-7:30 PM on Sunday Evenings.

Join us on Wednesdays: 5:30 PM - The Table [dinner+worship]

To discover more about us visit firstmethodist.org

facebook.com/FUMCBR