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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/
DON'T FORGET THAT THIS SUNDAY WE CONTINUE
OUR SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE!
Sunday School at 9:30 AM
One Worship Service at 10:30 AM!
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THE UPCOMING 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, July 31 -
9:30 a.m. Church-Wide Presentation: Dr. Paul Frick
10:30 a.m. One Combined Worship Service for Summer
11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time in the Fellowship Hall
6:00 p.m. Youth Group
This Sunday's scripture:
LUKE 15:1-3, 11B-32
This Sunday's Sermon:
Rev. Ken Irby
This Sunday's Choral & Special Music:
Below are highlights of what is happening at UUMC this coming Sunday,
for more details please see full articles below in this newsletter,
visit our website, or call the church office!
DON'T FORGET - OUR SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE CONTINUES THIS WEEK:
Our summer schedule continues and we will meet together for Sunday School at 9:30 am and one combined worship at 10:30 am. Please join us! In August we will go back go our regular schedule!
JOIN US FOR OUR CHURCH-WIDE SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL SERIES:
"EXPLORING AND UNDERSTANDING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LSU COMMUNITY" - Please join us as Dr. Paul Frick continues our this series. See the article below for more details about the rest of the upcoming speakers.
JOIN US THIS SUNDAY AS REV. KEN IRBY PREACHES! Ken and Kay Irby were with us for 10 years. There influence is felt in many areas of the church to this day. Many of our current members remember them fondly. For this reason, we are excited to have Rev Irby fill our pulpit this Sunday, July 31 at our one summer service at 10:30 am. Ken left UUMC in 2005 after ten years of ministry with us. While gone he served as Senior Pastor of Broadmoor UMC in Shreveport and then as the Shreveport District Superintendent. He has recently returned to Baton Rouge area as our new District Superintendent. Please join us on Sunday to welcome him back!
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Pastor's Pen
This Saturday, twelve of us will be traveling to Nairobi, Kenya to volunteer with an orphanage and a school. While in Nairobi we will teach a modified Vacation Bible School curriculum that we wrote specifically for the children and youth we'll serve. Beginning with the idea of being created and loved by God, we will talk about our uniqueness as God's child, our similarities to one another, our calling to be disciples and being God's hands and feet in the world to serve one another and help one another.
The first site, Hope Orphan Rescue and Education Center was begun in 2005 and is a home for 41 HIV/AIDS orphans and vulnerable children. The Center has a boy's and a girl's dorm, a library and an office. They children attend school nearby. They have a well for clean water and a chicken coop along with a vegetable garden that provides sustenance for them. We have been asked to bring medical supplies, bandages, latex gloves, and other donated items. While we are there we will also purchase some knit hats and new socks to give them.
The school we will serve is Spring Valley Children's Center and School. This ministry was begun in 1999 and is located in an area where the crime rate is very high and about 100 children die each year of starvation, water born disease and HIV complications. Without the school, these children and youth are susceptible to the manipulation and abuse of criminal gangs who rule the neighborhood. These criminal warlords do not like the school interfering with their criminal activities yet the school valiantly continues its work and the ministry is growing each year. Fifty percent of the children are orphaned and completely dependent on Spring Valley for care, shelter, education and food. Their motto is God, hard work and discipline.
Going on a mission trip to Nairobi is just one way UUMC can share the blessing we have received as kingdom people and Christ followers. Our team is proud to represent University UMC in this effort to serve the poor and destitute of Nairobi. But our work as kingdom people and Christ followers does not end there. There is much to do in Baton Rouge. In what ways can we express God's love and grace here in this neighborhood? KIDS HOPE? Hope Ministries Food Bank? Habitat for Humanity? Take Back the Night? Project Transformation Louisiana? What does God have in mind? Where will God lead us next?
I ask for your prayers for our team, our safety, our mission with the children and youth of Nairobi. I also ask for your prayers for our city and our ministry right here in 70802. Pray for the peace of Baton Rouge.
In grace and peace,
Jane
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Staff Transitions
We have a few transitions in staffing that will take place in coming weeks. First,we officially welcome Vicki Frick to our staff as the Children's Director as of August 1. Second, Kelly Surace will be taking maternity leave for the adoption of her little girl later in August. And finally, Kyle Wooldridge will be leaving as Administrative Assistant August 15th to work for Dr. Van Stinson in the Assistant to the Bishop's office. We are sad to see Kyle leave us but this is an exciting time for Kyle as she sets up a new office and creates a new position for herself. Please send Kyle a card or drop by these next two weeks and wish her well.
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Combined Adult Sunday School in July:
"Exploring and Understanding Our Relationship
with the LSU Community."
We would like to invite all our adult Sunday School classes this July to join us in listening to members who have much to share about their faith and their work.
This Sunday Dr. Paul Frick
continues our series. His is the Roy Crumpler Memorial Chair of Psychology at LSU. In accepting this position, Paul is returning to his roots - he is a graduate of LSU! Dr. Frick's research lab investigates the many interacting causal factors that can lead children and adolescents to have serious emotional and behavioral problems. His work uses the research to enhance diagnosis and more effective interventions to prevent and treat a variety of problems. Please join us for our last combined Adult Sunday School and hear about Paul's fascinating work with children and adolescents.
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J
oin us for a church-wide potluck on
Tuesday, August 9th at 6PM
to celebrate the end of summer with great food,
fellowship and musical numbers from past youth musicals!
Don't forget to bring your favorite summertime dishes to share -
from a main course and sides to salads and desserts!
This event is being presented by our Fellowship and 75th Anniversary Committees.
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Another Day of Picture Taking Added in August!
Due to the overwhelming response of church members who would still like to have their photo taken for our 75th Anniversary Directory we have added an additional day of photography sessions on Saturday, August 13th from 10 am to 5pm . If you still need to have your photo taken, please follow the instructions below on how to make your appointment.
THIS WILL BE THE ABSOLUTELY LAST CHANCE YOU HAVE
TO GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN! DON' MISS OUT!
Every family receives a FREE 8 x 10 portrait print and
one copy of the new church directory!
Photography Dates & Times left:
SATURDAY, August 13th from 10 AM to 5PM
THREE WAYS TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT:
1. Schedule your appointment online at our website
2. Look for sign-up tables in our fellowship hall on Sundays during the summer.
3. Call 1-866-756-0281 to talk to a LifeTouch Representative
Also, there are a few discounts available to those wishing to purchase portrait prints:
Every family will receive a $10 coupon to put towards your portrait purchase!
Bring some shelf stable food donations for our HOPE Ministries Food collection and you will receive a $5 off coupon to put towards your portrait purchase!
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Seniors over 60 will receive 20% Off of their portrait purchase!
Active or Retired Military and Active Policemen and Firemen receive 20% off of their purchase!
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You're Invited!
You're Invited to join us in
Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of
University United Methodist Church
at a Ladies Luncheon!
Featuring the history of Women in our church
with Story, Spectacular Music and Fashions
from the 1940's through today...
and surprises in store!
Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 11:30 a.m.
City Club of Baton Rouge
355 North Boulevard
$35 per person
Guests welcome
Payment by check must be received by
August 1st to confirm your reservation.
Please send or drop off payment to:
University United Methodist Church
3350 Dalrymple Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
When you make a reservation please indicate if you would like
to use a shuttle from the church parking lot, starting at 10:45 a.m.
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K
ids Hope News
One simple thing will make a big difference in the life of an at-risk child:
One-on-one, positive attention from a responsible, caring adult.
KIDS HOPE develops these one-on-one relationships through the creation of church-school partnerships that pair church members with at-risk kids in supportive, mentoring relationships.
We need YOU to be the ONE to a precious child in need of HOPE.
KIDS HOPE NEW MENTOR TRAINING DATES:
Sunday, August 14th noon - 2:00PM UUMC Library
- or -
Sunday, August 28th 1:00 - 3:00PM UUMC Library
Email Shirley Flake to sign up or to find out more information.
 Shirley Flake, Kids Hope Director
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Service Saturday at
The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank
10600 S. Choctaw Dr.
Saturday, August 27th
8AM-12PM
Want to give back to our community? Want to make a difference through an organization who is working to combat hunger here in Baton Rouge?
Join together with people of all ages from University UMC to help out this amazing organization that serves 11 parishes. The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank solicits, inventories, and distributes donated products to over 145 member agencies that directly serve people facing hard times. Last year, they distributed more than 8.7 million meals. Come take part in this amazing organization!
We will be sorting food, stacking shelves, filling boxes, and taking care of any needs the food bank requests of us.
Requirements: Wear closed-toe shoes (required!) as well as cool and comfortable clothing since there is no air-conditioning (although there are large fans). Children under10 years old cannot come. Children ages 10-13 must be accompanied by a parent. All over 14 years old are welcome. We will enter through the warehouse at the back of the building (not through the front office door).
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Fall Opportunities on the Horizon
There will be several opportunities available this fall to stretch yourself and grow in your faith.
On Sunday, August 21 we will begin signing adults up for three different studies: Disciple I Bible Study, the Christian Believer Study, and Financial Peace University. Each is unique in what it offers. In addition to these three studies, there will be four new Wesley Covenant Groups starting.
Start now considering what kind of study or small group you might want to join. Details of each study and group will be coming soon!
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75th ANNIVERSARY FUN FACT:
Did you know that for the first 10 years of our Church's existence its congregation met in the LSU University Theater? The church first moved into our present sanctuary
in May of 1951!
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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:
If you received this email from a friend, please consider
signing up to receive it directly through constant contact:
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Click the links below to read or watch one
of our recent sermons.
7/21/16
"Serving the Salt and Light Company"
Rev. Dr. Jane Riecke
7/17/16
"Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World"
Rev. Dr. Jane Riecke
7/10/16
"Relying on the Mercy of Strangers"
Rev. Dr. Jane Riecke
7/3/16
"Therefore, Go"
Rev. Colleen Bookter
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Lay Eucharistic Ministry Opportunity
The clergy of UUMC would like to invite persons who are interested to participate in Lay Eucharistic Ministry Training for the purpose to taking Holy Communion to the homebound. This training will help individuals feel prepared to visit members in their homes and assisted living centers, serve the bread and cup to individuals unable to attend worship on a regular basis and bring a comforting presence to individuals in hospitals and rehabilitation centers . During the training we will discuss a theology of Holy Communion, a brief understanding of the practice of lay visitation and what you can expect; how to handle and care for the communion elements; and practice in serving Holy Communion to each other. If you are interested in this ministry training we ask that you be a member of the congregation, have a desire to serve the body of Christ, and have a passion for the power and mystery of Holy Communion. Training will be held on Sunday, August 21 from noon - 2 pm and continue on Sunday, September 11 from noon to 2 pm. We hope that individuals will be available to attend both sessions but it is not required. We encourage anyone interested to speak to one of the clergy and let us know of your intent to participate. Lay Eucharistic Ministers will be commissioned in worship on September 25.
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Our new Director of Children's Ministries starts on August 1st!
We are pleased to introduce Vicki Frick, our new Director of Children's Ministries at UUMC. Vicki is certified in child development. She is currently enrolled in the United Methodist program for professional certification in Christian Education through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Vicki has worked in some area of church ministry since 1992. Most recently she was the Director of Children's Ministries at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Slidell, LA - a position Vicki held for 16 years. At Aldersgate, Vicki was responsible for the total educational ministry for children from birth through 6th grade. Responsibilities included the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Sunday School, Confirmation, Vacation Bible School, Wednesday night and Sunday evening programming, Nursery Services, and all special events for children and families. Vicki worked hard to integrate children into the larger community of faith. We know Vicki will bring the same passion and innovation to our program here at UUMC.
Vicki and her husband Paul have three adult sons. They live here in Baton Rouge where Paul is employed as the Roy Crumpler Memorial Chair of Psychology at LSU. They look forward to getting to know more of the church. Vicki will begin her ministry with us on August 1st!
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AWESOME AUGUST ACTIVITIES!
- Blessing of the Backpacks - August 14 - Both Services
Children, Youth, College Students, Teachers and Professors are all invited to bring their backpacks, book bags and briefcases to worship for a special blessing as we start a new school year.
- Promotion Sunday Pep Rally - August 21 - 9:45am
Children 3-years old through 5th grade are invited to a special Pep Rally to kick off our new Sunday School year in our "new" building. The celebration will continue that night (from 4:30-6:00 PM) with games, Bouncers, hot dogs and ice cream Sundaes!
- Third-Grade Bible Presentations - August 21 - Both Services
All 3rd Graders will be invited to come forward during Worship to receive their new Bibles. Then, during Sunday School, Mrs. Shirley Flake will use special curriculum to teach them how to use their Bibles. This is a very important and exciting step on their faith journey.
If you have a third grader that you would like to receive a bible, please contact the church office by calling 225-344-0343 by August 8th.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS
AND ASSISTANTS NEEDED FOR
OUR CHILDREN'S CLASSES
A brand new Sunday School year is starting. The building is getting a much needed facelift. The children are excited and filled with possibilities. The curriculum is ordered. Everything is ready. Well, almost! All we need now are teachers!
Our Safe Sanctuary Policy requires us to have at least 2 adults in each class. I am hoping to have at least 3 per class, which would allow folks to be out now and again yet still maintain some consistency for the children. Initially, we will have four classes: Preschool, K-2nd, 3rd, and 4th-5th.
If you are interested in helping this school year or have questions, please contact Vicki Frick at [email protected].
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HELP UUMC KEEP ITS GROUNDS BEAUTIFUL!
Our church gardens
need helpers!
From picking up trash along our walkways, through weeding and monitoring our planted areas, planning and planting flowers and plants, and eliminating a few "jungle-like" areas. From a few minutes to several hours a week, we welcome help. Please consider this opportunity to help beautify our church campus. If you would like to help please contact the church office so that we can put you in touch with Marianna and Oran Ritter, our gracious leaders in this endeavor! Thank you Marianna and Oran for all the work you put into our church grounds in keeping it beautiful!
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Beginning Sunday, September 18 -
For 3rd thru 6th Graders
An all new Sunday evening program for our older children will kick off next month. We'll meet from 4:30-6:00 PM (with Snack Supper at 5:30 PM) during the School year. Our time will be spent getting to know each other better, even as we get to know our God better. Together, we'll work to discover what God has planned for each of us. We can never have too many Faith Friends!
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Keep up with our Kenya Mission Team while they are gone!
This summer, 12 members of University UMC are taking a pilgrimage of hope to Nairobi, Kenya. We will be working with Hope for Orphans Rescue and Educational Centre (HOREC) and the Spring Valley School in the Spring Valley slum. Thanks to the internet, you can join us on our journey via our blog: UUMC in Kenya. There, you can meet our team, share in our adventures, and experience God in new ways in a new culture and with these beautiful children.
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Adopt A College Student is a program that provides the opportunity for church families to be paired with college students during the upcoming school year. Matches will be notified by email or phone by mid-September; then families and students are asked to contact each other to make arrangements for meeting. This doesn't have to be a huge time or financial commitment. Sit together in church, send encouraging notes or text messages, meet somewhere for coffee, lunch, or just to hang out - whatever works for you and your student. The goal is to build a relationship - whatever activity /schedule works for you and your student is fine. Know that you don't have to live close to campus or have any special skills to participate. Some of these "adoptions" will simply be a year-long commitment, while others might result in invitations to future weddings.Thank you for helping us reach out to our college students!
If this sounds like something you might be interested in, please sign up in the fellowship hall by August 21st. There will be two sign-up sheets - one for college students and one for individuals or families who are interested in "adopting" a college student. Questions? Contact Rev. Colleen at [email protected].
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UNIVERSITY TERRACE & KIDS HOPE SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE IS UNDERWAY! GIVE YOUR DONATION TODAY!
This year we are doing things a little differently! In order to get the most bang for our buck and supply the students and teachers with the most needed supplies possible, we are collecting monetary donations in order to purchase school supplies in bulk. Every donation helps, even just a few bucks! Please make our your checks to UUMC and put "school supplies" in the memo section of your check. You can also put cash in an envelope marked "school supplies". Please drop either in the offering plate on Sunday during workshop or get it to the church office! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
~ Shirley Flake, Kids Hope Director
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CHURCH MEETINGS FOR 2016:
AUGUST
August 11 - Executive Council, Noon, Library
August 22 - Trustee's, 6PM, Library
SEPTEMBER
September 8 - Executive Council, Noon, Library
OCTOBER
October 3 - Executive Council, Noon, Library
October 3 - Trustee's, 6PM, Library
October 10 - Finance Committee, 6PM, Library
October 10 - Church Council, 7PM, Fellowship Hall
NOVEMBER
November 10 - Executive Council, Noon, Library
DECEMBER
December 5 (If Needed) - Trustee's, 6PM, Library
December 8 - Executive Council, Noon, Library
December 12 - Finance Committee, 6PM, Library
December 12 - Church Council, 7PM, Fellowship Hall
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WITHIN THE CHURCH FAMILY...
JOYS:
- Happy Birthday to Jim Trayham.
PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER:
Janet Albright, Kathleen Arceneaux, John Baker, Debbie Bucco,Gerry Burtner, Mildred Caldwell, Charlotte Carrier, Jim Cole, Doris Dobson, Sandy Godail, Mary Elizabeth Goings, Rosemarie Hall, Barbara Hughes, Oleta Hathaway, Van Heard, Louise Hill, Nancy Johnson, Barbara Kavanaugh, Dana Kinard, Helen Law, Ann McDowell, Catherine McManus, Lewis and S E Mixon, Bob Muller, Sharon Nason, Terry Patrick-Harris, Oran Ritter, Bob and Alta Sanders, Magdi Selim, Anne Smith, Mark Smith, Sheldon Strasner, Marvin Stuckey, Paul and Keryn Ungar, Lowell Vice, Dean Wilton.
*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.*
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