2014: August 21



Below is the current edition of the Gathering & Scattering newsletter.   If you have any questions about anything found in this newsletter, please visit our website or contact the church office by calling (225) 344-0343. We hope to see you in worship this Sunday!

Not all events happening at the church are able to be highlighted in our newsletter.
To view a full list of church events, please visit our online calendar at: http://www.universitymethodist.org/calendar/
THIS SUNDAY @ UUMC:
Please read the entire newsletter for more details on the items listed below, as well as for other details of events and news from the church. Not all events happening at the church are listed below.

SUNDAY, August 24:
 
  8:30 a.m.      Worship Service
  9:30 a.m.      Fellowship time in the Fellowship Hall
  9:45 a.m.      Sunday School for all ages
11:00 a.m.      Worship Service
12:00 p.m.      Fellowship time in the Fellowship Hall
12:00 p.m.      Kids Hope Mentor Training
  4:30 p.m.      Chapel Choir Rehearsal
  5:30 p.m.      Youth Dinner
  6:00 p.m.      Youth Group
 
     
This week's scriptures:
This Sunday's Sermon:
 

Rev. Larry Miller - "Judas Iscariot: Man of Mystery"

 

This Sunday's Choral & Special Music:
8:30 AM: Special Music by Chelsey Geeting
11:00 AM: Special Music by Chelsey Geeting, Chancel Choir


THIS SUNDAY WE FINISH OUR 12 WEEK SERMON SERIES FOR THE SUMMER ON THE 12 APOSTLES.  Please join us as we learn about Judas.

SIGN UP TO TAKE PART IN OUR WALK TO BETHLEHEM For the next two Sundays there will be a table set up in the fellowship hall where you will be able to get more information about this exciting endeavor that our church is undertaking to get in better shape and collectively "Walk to Bethlehem" by Advent. So be sure to stop by the table this Sunday and sign up and let us know if you want to order a t-shirt to show you are a part of this great group effort while exercising this fall! For more details please see the full article below.
  
OCTOBER DAYTIMERS TRIP
Shreveport & Natchitoches, LA
Tuesday & Wednesday, Sept. 16 & 17

It has been quite some time since we last traveled, but now is the time.  Shreveport may not be the world's best-known tourist attraction, but there is plenty to see in Louisiana's third largest city.  Natchitoches has a relatively new state museum which should be an excellent experience.  So, our next trip will be an overnight trip to Shreveport and Natchitoches, Tuesday and Wednesday, September 16 & 17, 2014.  Plan to go; you'll enjoy it.

 We'll start at our usual place, St. John's United Methodist, at 9375 Highland Road - loading the bus at 7:45-8:00 a.m. on Tuesday.  Then, off to Shreveport for lunch, a talk and a chance to walk around our good Methodist institution, Centenary College.  (www.centenary.edu) Afterwards, around mid-afternoon, we will go to the R. W. Norton Art Gallery.  Shreveport people talk about how great this museum is, both the art and the gardens.  (www.rwnaf.org)

After being absorbed by great art, we will move to the Clarion Motel for check-in and a brief rest.  Then, the evening, doing something we do best, eating out.  We'll go to a fine Italian restaurants, where our hunger will hopefully be satiated.

Wednesday morning will start with breakfast in the motel, check out, and travel to the Barksdale Global Power Museum.  We will be able to see airplanes used and made famous at Barksdale Air Force Base.  There is also a field of planes where one can walk around planes that have been retired.  And, it looks like there is a gift shop.  ONE IMPORTANT ITEM:  entry requires that you have an up-to-date ID, like a current driver's license or passport.  Double-check your documents.  (http://barksdaleglobalpowermuseum.com)

After Barksdale, we'll make a quick trip to Natchitoches for lunch.  Natchitoches is known for their famous meat pies and we will have a chance to indulge.  Of course, there will be other options as well.  We will eat in the well-known Natchitoches eatery, The Landing Restaurant.  (www.thelandingrestaurantnatchitoches.com/)
 
Then, to the final stop of the trip, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum.  As the name implies, we will be able to catch up on our knowledge of Louisiana sports as well as some of Louisiana's history.  (www.lasportshall.com) After this stop, back to Baton Rouge.  We should arrive around 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
 
Details:  cost is $170.00 per person for double occupancy.  ($220 for a single, $155  each for 3 in a room, and $145 each for 4 in a room.)   Because of keeping up with the number of rooms, roommates, etc., all reservations will be made by contacting Frank Carney, 766-4916.  Checks need to be made to UUMC, and sent to Frank Carney, 1151 Pastureview Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70810.  The deadline  to register is Friday, August 29, 2014.  Payment is due upon registration. Because of the large cost of reserving the bus and other expenses, once you commit to go, there can be no refunds. 
 
UPCOMING FALL OPPORTUNITIES
  
To sign up for any of the below studies or events, please visit www.universitymethodist.org/fall2014 


LONG TERM BIBLE STUDIES:

 

Disciple 4, Under the Tree of Life
 The phrase "under the tree of life" conveys the promise of finding shelter, security, and rest in God's love. In this 32-week study of the Old Testament Writings, the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, James, Jude, and finally, Revelation, participants will see the entire process of living toward final completion of rest and reward. Disciple 4 includes daily readings and a commitment to weekly group participation.  This is a wonderful chance to participate in a small group and an opportunity to examine the concept of "radical discipleship".

* Disciple 1 is a suggested prerequisite but is not necessary
* Runs from the weeks of  Sept. 11, 2014 to May 14, 2015 - each class is limited to 12 participants
* Two class times available:
         - Thursdays 9-11 AM led by Rev. Larry Miller (10 spaces left)
         - Sundays 4:30-6:30 PM led by Barbara Albright and Lisa Frost (6 spaces left)
* Cost of workbook is $35.00

Covenant Bible Study
This is a 24 week study and is BRAND NEW to our church! The goal of this study is to deepen our understanding of scripture while helping us respond to God's call, and will include study on the story of our origins in Genesis, the Exodus narrative, the teachings of Moses, and the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. This study has daily readings and needs a commitment to weekly group participation. Through the sharing and conversation of this small group, we will learn how to apply the Bible to our personal story. This study is limited to 12 participants.
  
* Begins Monday, Sept. 8, 2014
* Monday evenings, 6-7:30PM
       - Led by Rev. Colleen Bookter and Rev. Carol Civils (5 spaces left)
* Cost of participant guide is $50.00

 

SPIRIT AND WELLNESS:   


Walk to Bethlehem
Join us as we take this "imaginary" trip of 6,841 miles from Baton Rouge to Bethlehem, which will be accomplished by individuals within the church logging their own walking/running miles each week. For those who don't like to walk, any 20 minutes of physical activity equals 1 mile.  We need as many people, of any age, to participate in our walk to Bethlehem - paving the way for Advent.  You will be provided a "passport" to keep track of your miles and scriptural meditations for your journey.  Add your miles to the chart in fellowship hall as we track the miles it would take to walk to Bethlehem in anticipation of the season of Advent.

* Kick-off Meeting on Sept. 14th from 5-6:30 PM.
       Wear your walking shoes if you like!
* Meet in the Front Church Parking Lot
      - "Tour Guides" are Emily Jackson and Janet Grace
* This activity is FREE and we encourage all to participate!
* Participants will have the option of purchasing a t-shirt to show their support for this event; what an impact our group will have as we exercise throughout the city; around the lakes, etc all wearing the same shirts! Also, those who take part in the Skeeter Run/Walk for "bonus" miles will be encouraged to wear their shirts to get the word out about what UUMC is doing to get in better shape and "Walk To Bethlehem" together! Price of the shirts is pending but should be $15 or less - if you are interested in ordering one please contact the church office and let us know!
[ click image to view larger ]

FALL SUPPER & STUDY:

 

Wednesday evenings this fall will have a little bit of something for everyone! Beginning on October 8 and running through November 12 we will meet at 5:30 PM in the fellowship hall for a light supper provided by Community Cafe. (A love offering will be collected to defray the cost of our meals.) After supper you will have your choice of one of the following studies to take part in from 6-7:00 PM.

 

Walk To Bethlehem
Participants can share the experience by walking/biking, etc. around the LSU lakes.  Strollers are welcome.  Walk, run, or bike at your own pace!  Add your miles to the chart in fellowship hall as we track the miles it would take to walk to Bethlehem in anticipation of the season of Advent. (6,841 miles in total!)  Your tour guides will be Emily Jackson and Janet Grace.

Paths of Prayer
This group will use Patricia Brown's book to learn about and experience a variety of Spiritual Practices and ways of prayer! Brown offers a "whole-person approach to prayer that takes into account each persons' individuality."  The forty ways of prayer include practices like praying with the Lord's Prayer, Pilgrimage, Prayers of Examen, Prayer Walks, Praying with Beads and more.  Book (not required) is approximately $20. Lisa Frost, facilitator.

Boundaries: When to say Yes, How to say No.
 In this book, by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, we will explore biblically-based answers on how to set healthy boundaries with our parents, spouses, children, friends, co-workers, and even ourselves. This study will be particularly relevant for parents of children ages zero through youth.  Book is approximately $12. Jeff and Barbara Albright, facilitators.

Faith on Tap 
Join Rev. Colleen Bookter and others as we meet and walk to The Chimes after our supper for  a round table discussion of a how faith intersects with our daily lives and current events.  Leadership will be shared.  Beverages on you!

Colossians 
We've enjoyed Rev. Larry Miller's studies of Galatians and Philippians.  Now, Come hear and discuss the letter of Paul that we call Colossians.  Bring your Bibles.

NEW!!!! Children's Study: Tales of the Not Forgotten
We are excited to add a children's study to our Fall gatherings.  The children will discover the basic needs of children living in poverty and lead them to find biblical answers to these challenging questions:  How do I pray? What can I give? Where can I go? Who will I serve? They will be challenged to consider God as their Storyweaver and to wonder about a world bigger than the one they know.  During the six week study the children will be lead through the eye-opening and spiritually rich experiences in a wonderful mission kit called "Tales of the Not Forgotten" by Beth Guckenberger.  Led by Kellie Schumacher.

NEW GROUPS FORMING:

New Sunday Morning Group
To reach out and support parents of young children, we are forming a new class. Rev. Larry Miller is so excited about this that he will facilitate the first few months!  Single and married parents will meet in the room 208 in the Trice Building from 9:45 to 10:45 AM beginning on September 7, 2104.  This will be a great way to get together with other church friends while your children meet in Sunday School or enjoy supervised play in the nursery.

New Wesley Group
Are you interested in connecting with other church members for the discussion of Scripture with a covenant group? This group is open to men and women of all ages and will gather in the parlor on Wednesdays from 9 -10:00 AM.  Wesley Groups are based on sermon topics for the upcoming Sunday, with questions provided by our ministers.
LSU Gameday Parking Volunteers Needed & LSU SUNDAY!


All parking spaces for game day parking have been pre-sold!! There will be no individual game day spots to sell this year. This makes the volunteer's job very easy! Volunteers will just check the pass and direct the person to their reserved space.

Please check your calendar to see which game you will be able to volunteer. Or, get a group together and enjoy the day with friends while helping the church with one of our largest fund raisers!

2014 LSU HOME FOOTBALL GAME SCHEDULE
Saturday, Sept. 6        LSU vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats         6:30 p.m. CT
Saturday, Sept. 13      LSU vs. ULM Warhawks                               6:00 p.m. CT
Saturday, Sept. 20      LSU vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs              TBA     
Saturday, Sept. 27      LSU vs. New Mexico State Aggies                TBA     
Saturday, Oct. 18       LSU vs. Kentucky Wildcats                           TBA
Saturday, Oct. 25       LSU vs. Ole Miss Rebels                               TBA    
Saturday, Nov. 8         LSU vs. Alabama Crimson Tide                     TBA


For more information or to sign up for a specific game, please call the church office at 225-344-0343 and talk to Kyle Wooldridge about volunteering.

Also, please mark your calendars to join us on  Sunday, September 14th at 11:00 AM as our church hosts its annual LSU Sunday, a time when we celebrate the relationship we have with LSU and so many of its students, faculty and staff. Immediately following the 11:00 AM service of worship, we also host a free luncheon for students, family and others connected to the University. We look forward to seeing you!
Kids Hope News

After only a week back at school, the children are already asking about their sweet Kids Hope friends.  They've missed you!

 **ALL VOLUNTEERING RESUMES THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 15TH!!**  What a great week that will be!



New Mentor Training Sessions:

Sunday, August 24th 12:00-2:00 PM in the church library (light lunch will be provided)
- OR -
Sunday, September 7th 12:00-2:00 PM in the church library (light lunch will be provided)

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please contact our Director of Kids Hope, Shirley Flake by emailing her at [email protected].


NEW THIS YEAR: KIDS HOPE MUSIC
Our very own fabulous scholarship singer and mentor, Chelsey Geeting, is starting a new Kids Hope Music program at University Terrace!  This is a much needed program since the school no longer has a music teacher.  Her goal is to recruit 15 volunteers to teach private music lessons to 15 lucky 4th graders.  One hour lessons once a week.   After the children progress through the lesson book, they will then start playing their instruments together in an ensemble!  Your support of this new phase of Kids Hope is much needed.  We can use music instructors, donations of instruments or help with instrument rentals, music stands, lesson books.. To find out how you can help, contact Shirley Flake:
[email protected] or 284-4096. 


In This Issue
THIS SUNDAY @ UUMC
Daytimers Trip
Fall Opportunities
GameDay Parking Volunteers & LSU Sunday
Kids Hope News
Recent Sermons
2014 Church Meeting Schedule
Habitat Methodist Build
Announcements, Needs & Opportunities

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UNIVERSITY UNITED  
METHODIST CHURCH

3350 Dalrymple Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

PHONE: 225.344.0343
FAX: 225.344.0530


Senior Pastor: 
Associate Minister: 
Minister of Congregational Care: 
Rev. Carol Civils

The Wesley LSU Campus Minister:
Rev. Drew Sutton 
 

If you received this email from a friend, please consider signing up to receive it directly through constant contact: 




Click the links below to read one
of our recent sermons, including all the sermons from our ongoing sermon series about the 12 Apostles:

8/17/14
"Simon: Zealot for God"
Rev. Larry Miller

8/10/14
Rev. Larry Miller

Rev. Larry Miller

7/20/14
Rev. Colleen Bookter

7/13/14
Rev. Larry Miller

7/6/14
Rev. Larry Miller

6/29/14
Rev. Colleen Bookter

6/22/14
Rev. Larry Miller

6/15/14
Rev. Larry Miller

6/8/14
Rev. Larry Miller

2014 Church Meeting Schedule
   
Sept 2:      
                         6:00 PM Trustees
Sept. 8:       
                         6:00 PM Exec. Comm.
Sept 15:      
                         5:30 PM Finance
                         6:30 PM Church Council     
Oct. 13:      
                         6:00 PM Exec. Comm.  
Nov. 10:    
                         6:00 PM Exec. Comm.
Dec. 1:      
                         6:00 PM Trustees
Dec. 8:        
                         6:00 PM Exec. Comm
Dec. 15:     
                         5:30 PM Finance
                         6:30 PM Church Council
Please join us for the 2014 Methodist Build
for Habitat for Humanity
 

Saturday, Sept. 13th
8:00AM-2:30PM

For more than twenty years our Baton Rouge Methodist churches have combined efforts to build at least one Habitat  for Humanity home. UUMC has been part of this very worthy effort for years, and we look forward to another great build!

This year's build will begin on Saturday, September 13 at 8:00 AM with the Blessing of the Build and Workers. Help raise the walls on this new home, join in the blessing, meet the future home owner, and work hard to help those in need in our community!

We need volunteers to swing hammers, tote materials, raise the walls, provide meals and refreshments, and pass out water. All people 16 years old or older are welcome and needed -- no skill or experience is required. The Habitat workers are patient and wonderful teachers.

The Saturday work day will run from 8:00 AM until 2:30 PM with a break for lunch at 11:30 AM. The sign up sheet will be posted in the Fellowship Hall for volunteers to help with the build and to help provide lunch.

Please join us for a fun filled day of service! Contact Kerry Hawkins with questions about the Work Crew - [email protected] or 766-3574/266-0083. Contact Chris Enright at 266-2134 with questions about providing lunch.  Click here to view a map to the UMC Habitat Build Site.

ANNOUNCEMENTS, NEEDS & OPPORTUNITIES:


SAVE THE DATE!


THE UUMC 2014 Harvest Fest will be on October 26th! This is an awesome event for everyone, young and old, so make sure to plan to attend and even invite some friends!


A follow-up meeting on the Grocery Gap initiative which includes a number of non-profit and public entities will be held on Monday, August 25th, 6:30pm, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1134 Julia Street.  The first meeting was well run and very informative. We were done before 8pm. I would encourage other members to attend this meeting.
-Susan Pourciau
Mission & Outreach Committee


Volunteer Opportunity: Support Our Youth!


Weekly on Sundays at 5:30, our wonderful Youth group, led by Samantha Klipsch, Philip Hahn, and Reverend Colleen Bookter, come together for a meal, fellowship, fun, and spiritual growth. Volunteers to provide a simple meal are needed and greatly appreciated!!

If you can help,
please go to our online signup sheet
by clicking on the link below:

http://www.universitymethodist.org/youthdinnerfall2014

Or put your name on the signup sheet in the fellowship hall on Sunday!

For more information or to ask questions
please contact Susan Jensen.
Cell: 225-485-2260
Email: [email protected].


THE KIDS OF OUR CHURCH NEED YOUR HELP!

Do you have a large flat screen TV with HDMI and USB ports that you need to find a new home for? Or, would you be willing to donate money towards our Children's Ministry to provide this much needed media resource to the kids in our church? We are looking to put a large screen in our Sunday School Bible Stories area in order to show videos and multimedia that will engage our children and make them excited to learn all about the Bible!


QUIET SPACES
The sanctuary are once again open on Wednesdays
from 9 am - 4pm for "Quest Space" - quiet time to pray and just be. We hope you will take advantage of this peaceful time of reflection in our sanctuary.

   

BLOOD DRIVE FOR OLOL:

On September 7th we will have a blood drive in our front parking lot from 8 AM - 1 PM. Donors should eat first and bring a picture ID. For more information contact Our Lady of the Lake Blood Bank at 225-765-8843.  

 


ADULT SUNDAY EDUCATION CLASSES FOR SUNDAY, August 24:

 [ If your Sunday School Class would like their weekly study listed below, please email Kelly Surace at 
[email protected]
 or call 344-0343 each Monday to be included in that weeks G&S listing ]

To find out more information about the Sunday School classes below, please visit our website.       

         

  • Contemporary Christian Concerns (CCC) -   Poverty, Housing Policy and Homelessness.  Randy Nichols, Presenter.
  • Foundations Class - This class is largely made up of married couples, many with children. Visitors are always welcome! This Sunday we discuss possible studies for the fall - if you want to be involved in this conversation please join us and bring an idea to the table!
  • Genesis Class - This group of young adults gather in the Senior Minister's office to study anything from the roots of Methodism to how current topics relate to and interconnect with our faith.  
  • JOY Class -Douglas Hall from the Methodist Children's Home will join us to give us an update on their mission and needs. The class will also take donations of school supplies to send with Douglas back to the Children's Home.    
  • Inter-Generational Class -  We continue our study on the book "Genesis", written by J. Ellsworth Kalas along with our Bibles. This week:  "The Beginnings of  Sin and Grace" Genesis 3:1- 4:17, 25
  • Open Door Class  -  We discuss "Love Does:  Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World" by Bob Goff.

 


WITHIN THE CHURCH FAMILY...

JOYS:
  • Congratulations to John Grinton & Kellye Rosenzweig on their marriage which took place on August 16 in Shreveport, LA. 
  • Congratulations to Dr. Arlo Landolt who was recently celebrated for his 55 years of observing at Kitt Peak National Observatory . To read the article about him and his accomplishments, click here.
  • Happy Birthday to Oleta Hathaway.
  • We would like to wish a warm welcome to our newest members of UUMC! Next time you see them in church please take a moment to say hello!

     

    Casey Neale

    Laurie and Phillip Allen

    John Capps


     
     

     
CONCERNS:
  • Condolences to the family of Mary Evelyn Kinamore, who passed away late last week. 
  • Condolences to the family of Janis Kile Roux on the passing of her aunt, Robbie Dowden Raiford.

 

PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER:  

Kathleen Arceneaux, Irma Cassel, Dot Chisholm, Doris Dobson, Sue Ducote, Bridger Eglin, Peyton Feigley, Mike Flake, Sandy Godail, Martha Jane Grammer, Jojo, Betsy and Kitty (family/friends of Nancy Hall), Rosemarie Hall, Jack & Henrietta Jones, Carol Kelly, the family of Mary Evelyn Kinamore, Ann McDowell, Lynda Perry, Velma Ponthier, the family of Robbie Dowden Raiford, Melissa Nason Reim, Pat Rives, Barbara Robinson, Debbie Roux, Bob and Alta Sanders, Tom Stogner, Art Swanson, Inez Townsend, Nick Trichel.

 

 

  *If you have a Joy, Concern, or a name for the prayer list that you would like mentioned here, please email [email protected] or call her in the church office at 225-344-0343. Deadline for submitting information to the newsletter is every Monday at noon for information to be included in that weeks newsletter.  We also celebrate birthdays of our members who have reached the age of 80+, if you fit this category but we missed your birthday, please call us so we can add your birthday to our database.*