Did you have your own Eclipse "safe for solar viewing" Shades or did you borrow a pair from a friend or stranger? 
  
This week, there was a lot of sharing and a sense of unity in the sky.  For a few hours, things like titles, political divisions, or racial and religious distinctions didn't matter as they usually do. 
  
This week, we were united in wonder at the event happening above our heads.
  
   

FIRST METHODIST *  Community News


Small Groups & more
are taking off at First Methodist!  

Small groups are barbecues, birthday parties, deep conversations, community service, open-minded discussions, prayer requests, laughter and mourning. 
 
Groups meet regularly - usually weekly - to provide an opportunity to make friends, make disciples, and make a difference. Connect with others and grow spiritually through  study, prayer, and doing life together. It might be a Bible study, book-study, or topical discussions. 
 
New small groups & other affinity groups are forming, and information on sign-ups will be available, during the services and online at http://www.fumcb.org/small-groups. Check a group out or let us know what you're looking for, and find a place to belong. 
Contact connect@fumcb.org for more information. 
  

Show Your Support for Our College Students!

Wear your Jubilee
s
hirt this Sunday!
We encourage you to wear your "We Love Students" shirt  to worship services this Sunday, August 27th, and also during the combined service and all-church picnic on September 10th. Thank you for supporting our students! 

Sign-up to Adopt a Jubilee Student this Fall!
Jubilee will be pairing adults with college students in our "adopt-a-student" program. 
As an adult volunteer, once a month you'll provide a nice meal for your student, and be available for conversation and prayer.  As an "adopted" student, you'll have a caring adult available to help you feel "at home" and settled in Bloomington. Sign up as an adult or student this Sunday in the Gathering Place or in the lobby at the Open Door! 


Also, remember to invite any college students you know to enjoy a free meal, plus fun and devotions, at Jubilee. Every Wednesday, 7:30pm at Bloomington Sandwich Co.
See more details at www.fumcb.org/jubilee

2017 All-Church Picnic!
Sunday, Sept 10th * Service at 
10am  at Buskirk-Chumley Theater

Let the fun begin! Our annual picnic is a necessary time of fun for all families and friends of First United Methodist Church, The Open Door, Jubilee and any other part of our First Methodist community. On Sunday, September 10th, we'll meet for one combined service at 10am at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, followed by a picnic on 4th Street with lots of food and lots of fun!  Mark your calendars today!

* We need a few more volunteers to help serve at the picnic, it's easy & fun! 
* Sign-up by sending an email to Cath at cforeman@fumcb.org 


Food Truck Fridays 
at First Methodist

The Chocolate Moose in community with First Methodist is excited to welcome Food Truck Fridays to our south parking lot, every Friday from 11am to 9pm. This popular family-friendly event is open to the public. This month, the event is supporting Shalom Community Center. Join the fun! Learn more on Facebook .  
  
A Prayer for Today
O Lord, my heart is not lifted up,
   my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
   too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
   like a weaned child with its mother;
   my soul is like the weaned child that is with me.

O Israel, hope in the Lord
   from this time on and forevermore.
~ Psalm 131: Song of Quiet Trust. A Song of Ascents. Of David.

This Sunday at  FIRST METHODIST

Join Us For Worship!
August 27th, 2017
9:30 AM * Classic Worship in the Sanctuary
11:15 AM * Contemporary Worship at The Open Door

  
  
Sermon:
The STORY - Chapter 18:
Living Bold Far from Home:
Daniel in Exile
  
Scriptures: 
  
Preaching: 
Pastor Mark Fenstermacher
  

 
If you're interested in purchasing your own copy of THE STORY, click here to order online.

Did you know... 
Over 80% of new Bloomington residents 
use Google or Facebook to find everything 
from a pizza to a gym to a church

A sincere online review can be a huge 
help to someone seeking a great church 
home  that is United and Open to All.

So go on! Share Your STORY and let others know what First Methodist means to you. 
Submit a brief message or rating by clicking on any of the icons below:
Find us on Google+     Find us on Yelp    
If you have questions or trouble leaving your reviews, email:  brandonp@fumcb.org.

Announcements
Parents of Teens Connect Meeting * This Sunday - 7:30pm
Sunday evening, after Youth Group, parents of teens are encouraged to attend a meeting in room 318.  Talk with Kevin, the new youth pastor and with other parents raising teenagers. Pastor Kevin will talk about his hopes for the year, upcoming events and answer any youth ministry questions. For more info, contact:  kevins@fumcb.org
- - - 
Church Council Meeting * Monday, August 28 at 6:30pm in the Great Hall
  
- - - 
Join the Handbell Choir! * Wednesdays at 7pm
Enjoy playing handbells or interested in learning? We welcome experienced and novice members of all ages to join the First Methodist handbell choir. Rehearsals will be Wednesdays from 7 to 8pm. If you're interested, please email our Handbell Director, Noah Freeman at nfreeman@fumcb.org, for more information.
  
- - - 
Nursery Donations Needed
Children's ministries is looking for donations for our nursery: pack 'n plays, walkers, and age-appropriate toys for 8 months through 3 years of age. Please contact Shana for more info or to schedule a drop-off or pick-up: 812-332-6396 or  shanad@fumcb.org
  
- - - 
Fall Sunday School Teachers Needed
Children's Sunday school classes are in need of teachers. Training will take place in September, so no previous teaching experience is required! If you would like to help, please contact Shana Dublan: shanad@fumcb.org
  
- - - 
Bring a can of coffee for Shalom Community Center
Next Sunday, bring a can of coffee with you and drop it off in the Atrium for Shalom Community Center.  They currently have an urgent need for coffee and ongoing needs for coffee, razors, laundry soap, & shampoo. Please purchase some extras to donate!
  
- - - 
Notice of Safety at First Methodist
It is our desire that everyone attending services at First Methodist, whether in the Sanctuary at First United Methodist Church or at The Buskirk-Chumley Theater for The Open Door.  We are dedicated to ensuring a safe environment, and have established The Safety and Security Task Force for this reason. Read more at:  fumcb.org/safety 
  
- - - 
Update from Church Parking Lot Committee 
The Church Parking Lot committee, as directed by the Church Council, has been meeting with the consultant hired to guide the Church through the possible sale or lease of part of the Church parking lot (formerly the Post Office property). A timeline of early October has been set to have development guidelines to solicit developer interest and proposals. It is hoped to present these plans to the Church Council early in October. Subject to Church Council approval, the goal is to have firm developer proposals to share by December 2017.
  
- - - 
Now Hiring * Part-time Assistant for Youth Ministries
First Methodist is hiring an assistant to help with our Jr. High Youth Group. Applicants must have Sunday morning & evening availability. Please send resumes to 
Shelby Rodney: srodney@fumcb.org
  
- - - 

Thurston Parlor Library
Book of the Week
  
- - -

The August Monthly Mission Offering Funds 
Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM)

Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM) creates lasting solutions to economic, educational, and social injustice in our community through quality services, collaboration, and innovation. One of their programs is a preschool which operates in two locations. One location will open this month on the main floor of First Methodist. They operate on a sliding scale so that low-income families can afford the high quality care that MCUM provides.  For more info, visit http://www.mcum.org

Gifts to our monthly mission make a huge impact around the world! Checks may be made payable to First Methodist listing "MCUM" on the memo line.
Ongoing Sunday Classes
The Upper Room   9:00 am * Great Hall
A contemplative, lay-led service of music, prayer, scripture readings, and reflections.
Contact Emily Andrews-Carrico (eandrewscarrico@gmail.com)   
Bread for the Journey   No Meeting This Sunday
For info, contact Sherry Barnhart (shbarnha@iu.edu / 812-361-9754)   
The Wesley Conventicle   11:00 am * Room 310
Mary Jane Packard and Margaret Pruden discuss the pros and cons of assimilating Native American tribes into local Methodist Annual Conferences. All are welcome.
We also offer weekly Small Groups, plus many more ways to connect.  
For more information, visit www.fumcb.org/connect
Helpful Information
    
Interested in Submitting an Announcement? 
When submitting an announcement to the bulletin or weekly email, please make sure you:
  • Include all pertinent details such as time, date, place, cost, contact info, etc.
  • Submit brief description. (Space is limited; announcements may be edited.)
  • Complete our online submission form at: www.fumcb.org/promo 
Missed this Week's Bulletin or Sermon?
You may view the bulletin online at our Weekly Bulletin page or listen to sermons online at our Sermons page.

Do You Need To Schedule An Event Or Meeting?
Contact Ann Arbuckle: scheduling@fumcb.org or (812) 332-6396

Pastoral Emergency Contact Number
The church has a dedicated number for after-hours pastoral emergency needs. Calls to (812) 245-0704 will immediately transfer to one of the church's pastors. You can also obtain this number by calling the church office. After hours, the number will be given in the recorded greeting.

Prayer Concern E-mail Address
Should you or a loved one be in need of prayer, you are invited to send requests to our prayer  
e-mail which is confidential to our Prayer Support Team:  prayer@fumcb.org .
 
Hospitalizations
Because hospitals may no longer release patient information, if your loved one has been hospitalized and wishes to be visited, please contact the church office at (812) 332-6396.

Caring Ministry Contacts
If you have specific caring needs please contact the following people within the Caring
Ministry group:
First United Methodist Church
219 E 4th Street
Bloomington, IN 47408
(812) 332-6396

Changing the world by sharing God's love through Grace-filled Worship, 
Hospitality, an Open Search for God, and Serving All.