| |
News From
October 25, 2017
For the good of the city
... Jeremiah 29:7
|
|
| |
Church Office:
785-233-8100
|
|
Give to Topeka First UMC
by text!
|
|
|
Church Activity Communications Request
|
|
Do you have information about a church activity you'd like to share? The deadline to submit an article for church publications is
12 p.m. each Tuesday.
|
|
|
|
| Resubscribe to our mailing list. |
|
|
|
|
Coming Up Soon:
- Wednesday, October 25
- 11:30 a.m. Community Lunch, Celebration Room
- 5:00 p.m. Praise Team Practice, Chapel
- 5:15 p.m.
- Phase 2 Yoga, Rm 212
- Wednesday Night Dinner, Fellowship Hall
- Board of Trustees Meeting, Hearth Room
- 6:00 p.m.
- New Vibrations Bell Choir, Rm L17
- "This Little Light" Pageant Practice, Sanctuary
- Boundaries Study, Rm 105
- Characters of Advent Study, Rm L36
- Financial Peace University, Rm 101
- Basic Quilting Workshop, Rm L35
- 7:00 p.m. Venture Crew Meeting, Rm L37
- Thursday, October 26
- 1:30 p.m. Shepherd's Center Line Dancing, Fellowship Hall
- 5:15 p.m. Lay Leadership/Nominations Team, Rm 105
- 6:00 p.m. Rhapsody Ringers Bell Choir, Rm L17
- 7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Practice, Rm L18
- Friday, October 27
- 8:00 a.m. WAFFLE, State Street Elementary
- Sunday, October 29
- 8:15 a.m. Arise Worship Service, Chapel
- 9:00 a.m.
- Coffee Connection, Celebration Room
- Venture Crew Soup Fundraiser (until 1 p.m.), Fellowship Hall
- 9:30 a.m.
- 9-3-0 Worship Service, Chapel
- Sunday School for All Ages
- 10:30 a.m. Coffee Connection, Celebration Room
- 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Worship Service
- 6:00 p.m. Youth Bon Fire at the Barkers', 10524 SW Burlingame Rd.
- Tuesday, October 31
- 9:00 a.m. Quilting Group, Rm L35
- Wednesday, November 1
- 10:30 a.m. UMW Board Meeting, Rm L35
- 12:00 p.m. UMW Luncheon, Fellowship Hall
- 5:00 p.m. Praise Team Practice, Chapel
- 5:15 p.m.
- Wednesday Night Dinner, Fellowship Hall
- Phase 2 Yoga, Rm 212
- 6:00 p.m.
- New Vibrations Bell Rehearsal, Rm L17
- "This Little Light" Pageant Practice, Sanctuary
- Boundaries Study, Rm 105
- Characters of Advent Study, Rm L36
- Love and Logic Parenting Class, Rm 106
- Financial Peace University, Rm 101
- Thursday, November 2
- 8:30 a.m. Senior Donuts and Coffee, Baker's Dozen
- 5:15 p.m. Connections Team, Celebration Room
- 6:00 p.m. Rhapsody Ringers Bell Choir, Rm L17
- 7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Practice, Rm L18
- Friday, November 3
- 8:00 a.m. WAFFLE, State Street Elementary
- 8:30 a.m. Discipleship Livestream Event, Fellowship Hall
- Saturday, November 4
- 8:30 a.m. Discipleship Lifestream Event, Fellowship Hall
|
Church Office Hours
The church office is open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
|
 Prayer Covenant Churches
The Topeka District of the Great Plains Conference has arranged a covenant calendar to ensure all churches in our connection are held in prayer by the others. We will pray for a different church each week. Check this newsletter for our next prayer covenant church, and join us in prayer for them as another church joins in prayer for us.
Prayer Covenant Church for the week:
|
|
Fall Quarterly Committee Report
As the leaves fall and the weather turns colder, I find it a time of reflection. My time as the Chair of the Leadership Council will soon be over, and Richard Ross will be the Chair in 2018. I have been honored and blessed by you all for allowing me to serve in this position. It has helped me grow stronger in my connection to God, and for that, I am forever grateful. The conversations we have shared continue to aspire me to be a better servant of God. I look forward to continuing our work to serve the Lord for the good of the City.
Any specific questions/suggestions concerning a Committee should be directed to the person listed after the Committee. If you have any questions or suggestions about the Quarterly report, please let me know.
|
November Women's Meeting
We are starting the month off right with a reminder of all of the things for which we are thankful. The United Methodist Women's General Meeting is Wednesday, November 1st at 12 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. All women from the church are invited. The UMW Board women is providing a hot bowl of soup or chili for lunch. Every November we celebrate the many missions of UMW with the World Thank Offering. Nancy Monasmith will lead the program. We take time for prayer, devotions, and fellowship. Join us!
|
Veterans' Coffee and Donuts
All Veterans are invited to Baker's Dozen (4310 SW 21st St.) on
Thursday, November 9th, 9-10 a.m.
to enjoy a cup of coffee and a donut as a Thank You for your service to our country. Feel free to bring photos of your time in the Service to share.
|
Could You Be Our Next Director of Congregational Care?
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.
To apply for this position, send your cover letter and resume to Beth Evans.
Read more about the Director of Congregational Care on our website.
|
Wednesday Night Dinners
Join us for dinner TONIGHT at 5:15 p.m.
Before you begin your Wednesday night activity, you can sit down for a relaxing meal. Everyone is welcome!
Please contact Allison if you have any dietary restrictions you need us to consider.
Meals cost $8 per adult and $4 per child (12 years and under), with a maximum cost of $25 per family. Children age two and under are free.
If you would like to join us for dinner on a Wednesday night please make a reservation on our Church Connection Portal, by checking the box in your bulletin, or by calling the church at 785-233-8100. Please
contact Allison Brewer if you are able to help with cooking, serving, or clean up on Wednesday evenings.
Click the links below to R.S.V.P. for each week's dinner Online:
|
 |
|
|
Phase 2:
A Community of Boomers |
Upcoming Phase 2 Activities
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.
Phase 2 at Paint Therapy Uncorked
On Sunday, November 12th at 5 p.m. let your creative juices flow as we enjoy fellowship together at Paint Therapy Uncorked (5130 SW 29th St.). You will create your own masterpiece to take home. The cost is $35 per person, and to register and pay go to painttherapyuncorked.com or sign up on the bulletin tear-off. Sandwiches/chips/dessert provided for $5 donation at the event. Water will be provided. Otherwise, bring your own beverage.
|
 |
In Worship This Week:
Scripture:
Message:
(re)Forming: Our Re-formation
Rev. Jeff Clinger, Lead Pastor
|
Discipleship Pathway Livestream Event
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.
|
|
Surviving the Holidays: A 4-Week Grief Support Study
If you have lost a loved one this year, you will face some tough emotions in the coming days. Due to the nature of Thanksgiving and Christmas, with their focus on family, yearly traditions, expectations, social events and "cheer," the emotions can blindside you.
You can lessen the emotional impact by knowing what to expect and being prepared. "Surviving the Holidays" is here to help.
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.
|
 |
October Missions Collection 
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.
|
| Venture Crew Soup Fundraiser
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.
|
 Trunk or Treat at State Street
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!
-Pastor Shawn & Teri O'Trimble
|
Additional Opportunities to Serve
at State Street Elementary
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.
|
 Meet Our New Stephen Minister: Marianne Byl
|
|
|
| Marianne and Dan Byl |
|
Meet Stephen Minister Marianne Byl, who says, "As a teacher, I have worked in a helping profession for many years. However, Stephen Ministry training has helped me focus on the spiritual aspects of care giving. Having faith that God will provide guidance to both care givers and care receivers has helped prepare me to be a Stephen Minister.
This ministry is one way I can serve others in the church. During the difficult times of my life, I have received support and guidance from members of Topeka First UMC, and as a Stephen Minister I can give back the love that has been given to me.
Since becoming a Stephen Minister, I have grown in my ability to listen and have compassion for those who are trying to cope with life's challenges. Most importantly, I have strengthened my ability to trust that the power of God's love is the force that helps us heal.
|
Stephen Ministry Training Course
Stephen Ministers offer care and support to persons who are experiencing challenges in their lives. A Stephen Minister is a good listener, has compassion and empathy for others, and has a desire to serve. Stephen Ministers complete 50 hours of training and carry out their work as part of a group that shares a commitment and wants to learn and grow in their ministry skills.
A new training course will take place here at Topeka First UMC on Monday nights (and two Saturday mornings) beginning February 5 and ending April 23. If you have thought about serving in this way, if you suspect God may be calling you to this ministry (or if you know someone who fits this description), please contact one of our Stephen Leaders: Sandy Vogel
, Beth Evans
, Mary Lou Auer
, or Marge Whelpley
.
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.
|
 Join Our Team for the Rescue Run
Hey Runners/Walkers! For the third year, we are planning to have a church team in the Miracle on Kansas Avenue Rescue Run 5K, held this year on Saturday, November 25, 2017.
If you would like to join the church team, click here to visit their website
, click on the "Register Here" button, then click on "Register Teammate," then look for "Topeka First United Methodist" on the drop down menu, and use our Team Password "Wesley1". The early-bird entry fee is $20. If you have any questions, e-mail Randall Hodgkinson.
|
 Cocoa, Cookies, and Carols
Warm up with "Cocoa, Cookies and Carols," at Topeka First UMC's second annual event on Saturday, November 25, immediately following the "Miracle on Kansas Avenue" parade, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Plan to invite family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the Christmas Season. We'll again have our beautiful float with music in the parade, which starts at 6 p.m. Pastor Jeff will welcome our guests with a "reason for the season reminder," and we'll have a sing-a-long of three carols, music by a quartet of bell ringers, and drawings for door prizes at 6:45, 7:15, 7:45, and 8:15 p.m. in the Celebration Room.
Yes, you can help the team and feel the joy and excitement this year! The Downtown Engagement Team needs volunteers to help make this outreach to revitalizing downtown another success. You may sign up for more than one of the following duties:
- Bake cookies: Prefer home-baked or bakery-quality purchased chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, or sugar cookies (plain, frosted or with sprinkles). Please no nuts. 3 dozen. Please bring to the church on Sunday, November 19 to volunteers in the Celebration Room. Cookies will be frozen until the day of the event. Need at least 18 bakers.
- Decorations/Room Set-Up: 2-5 p.m. on event day. Putting up decorations, setting up drink stations, materials on tables, signs, and volunteer materials. Need 4.
-
Cookie Runners: Two teams of two: 6-7:30 p.m. and 7:30-9 p.m. Monitor cookie trays, replace with new trays, and make additional trays as needed. Last shift will help with cookie clean-up.
- Refreshment Servers: Need 6 for 6-7:30pm and 6 for 7:30-9:00pm. Serving cocoa, cookies and water at two refreshment stations.
- Greeters: Need 4 for 6-7:30 p.m. and 4 for 7:30-9 p.m. Giving a warm and friendly greeting as guests arrive and thanking them for coming as you hand them an Advent Card when they leave.
- Cocoa/Water/Coffee Monitors: Need 2 for 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monitor containers and refill containers as needed.
- Table Cleaners and Door Prize Aides: Need 2 for 6-7:30 p.m. and 2 for 7:30-8 p.m. Cleaning tables when guests leave and replenish door prize sign-up sheets as needed. Collect sign-up forms for each of the four drawings.
- Parade Walkers: "Choose Your Partner." Need four teams of two people each to walk assigned sections of the parade route before the parade begins to a sack for candy collecting and inviting them to "Cocoa, Cookies and Carols." IMPORTANT OUTREACH. Check in at church 5-5:15 p.m. Volunteer at 5:30-7 p.m.
- Clean up Crew: Volunteers working the last shifts will be asked to help clean up their areas. Need an additional 4-6 to help prepare the Celebration Room for Sunday fellowship. 8:30-9:30 p.m.
Please sign-up by clicking this link to our Church Connection Portal. Questions: Email Nancy Lewis
|
Dillons Community Rewards Update
Thanks to our members who signed up for Dillons Community Rewards through their Dillons Plus Shopper's Card, Topeka First UMC earned $294.90 last quarter for our Urban Ministry Fund. Enrolling in Community Rewards costs you nothing, but allows Dillons to give a percentage of your grocery bill to our church.
To sign up, simply visit their website and enter our NPO #86251.
|
Join the Children's Discipleship Team
Ever wanted to know more about Children's Discipleship at Topeka First United Methodist? Want to be an integral part of planning and implementing Children's Discipleship opportunities? Please contact Allison Brewer about joining this important team. We hope to have a 12-15 person team in order to share the fun and important tasks this group takes on.
|
 |
YOUTH EVENTS for Sunday, October 29th
- 9:30 a.m. Youth attend worship together in the chapel
- 5-8 p.m. Youth Bon Fire & Hayride at the Barkers, you will receive a postcard in the mail this week with all the details. Please dress weather appropriate.
Youth Devo and Game Night has been a hit! Thank you to Sandra Rak and Dori Murphy for their help with this new event.
Below:
Youth enjoyed a lesson on All Saints Day to end their October classes, then had a surprise pop up event of baking and cupcake decorating. We had a lot of fun and fellowship. Thank you to our teachers, Bruce Woner, Pat Reeder, and Mark Smith and to Dori Murphy for helping with preparation.
|
|
Want to get our weekly updates?
Email Tina Boles to sign up!
If you wish to stop receiving this newsletter, please
email Tina Boles
to unsubscribe. Please do not click the Unsubscribe button below, as it will not update our records.
If you used to receive our newsletter, but have stopped receiving them, please click the "Join Our Mailing List" button at the top of the page or below to resubscribe.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
