Are you driven to help those in crisis? Are you able to work as a team and inspire volunteers? Are you able to cast a vision, then plan tangible steps to reach it? Then you could be our new Director of Congregational Care.

The Director of Congregational Care works half-time to help fulfill the purpose of Topeka First UMC. This person is responsible for the implementation and oversight of systems that allow the laity to provide care for members and friends in times of need. This person will work alongside the Lead Pastor and the directors of various age level ministries to ensure that people at all stages of life receive the care of Christ's love through connection with the church. In performing all duties, this position should be mindful of our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

 

Please click the links below to R.S.V.P. for each week's dinner:

Visit our website to learn how you can help with our Wednesday Night Dinners.

Phase 2 Cookout and Hay Rack Ride at Rick and Betty Barkers'

Long Term Care Insurance Presentation Sponsored by Phase 2
There are many questions surrounding Long Term Care Insurance. What policy is the best for the cost? At what age should a person take out a policy? What retirement communities accept this type of insurance? These and other questions will be answered by Susan Harris, Director of Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, at this informational gathering on  November 9th, 5:30-7 p.m. There will also be resources to take home. A baked potato bar will be offered at 5:30 for $5. Come to enjoy fellowship over dinner and then stay for the presentation. Please sign up on our Church Connection Portal.

Scripture:

Message:

(re)Forming: Zwingli's Reformation

Rev. Jeff Clinger, Lead Pastor

Rev. Phil Maynard, a director of excellence in ministry coaching, will lead a workshop to help churches think through and design a discipleship system. The event will be livestreamed here at Topeka First UMC from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 3 and from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. November 4. You are invited to join Pastor Jeff and leaders from our congregation in this conversation about how we intentionally help people grow in their relationship with God. Participants are asked to register through the Great Plains Conference website. If you're planning to participate, please also email Beth Evans so Pastor Jeff knows how many from our church to expect.

 

This support study will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. on the following Wednesdays: November 8, 15, 29 and December 6 in Room 101. (We will skip Thanksgiving Week.) A light meal will be served at 5:15 in Fellowship Hall. It will be taught by your Stephen Ministry Leaders--Sandy Vogel, Beth Evans, Mary Lou Auer and Marge Whelpley. To register, please click on the Church Connection Portal.

For the month of October, please help us collect men's deodorant and foot powder for Topeka Rescue Mission. You may bring your donations to the Celebration Room.

Come support Venture Crew 513 at their soup fundraising event on  Sunday, October 29th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  You may dine in or take it to go. We are asking for a donation of $3 per bowl, and all proceeds for this event will help send our youth to the national Venturing event next July in West Virginia.

Join us at State Street Elementary for the 5th Annual Oakland Area Trunk-or-Treat! We need volunteers to decorate their trunks and hand out candy. P lease arrive with your decorated trunk at 4 p.m. with enough candy for about 1500 trick-or-treaters . The event is free, and opens to the public at 4:30 p.m. Want to participate but can't go? Bring a bag of candy to church and put Pastor Shawn's name on it. Hope to see you there!

 

State Street Elementary is in need of volunteers that would be willing to work one-on-one with students to improve reading skills. As a part of their school improvement plan, State Street has set a goal to increase the percentage of students reading at a "proficient" level. One of their strategies to address this goal is to increase the amount of one-on-one practice for students. This requires a significant increase in the number of volunteers working with students.

The staff will have materials and plans ready for each volunteer. Individual schedules will be considered, trying to find the day and time that works best for you. They are hoping to have volunteers in place beginning in November.

If interested in learning more, please contact Jaena Greenwood at 785-220-8796. She will pass your information on to the State Street staff and the staff will then contact you to get things started.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration, and your commitment to support the students and staff at State Street Elementary.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from the caring relationship offered by a Stephen Minister, please contact one of the Stephen Leaders above.