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Movie on the Lawn
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Mark your calendars! Lowman's next Movie on the Lawn will be at 8:30 pm
on July 21. We'll show the original animated Disney
Alice in Wonderland
. Popcorn & drinks will be furnished. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and join us under the stars.
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August VBS Hero Central
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Have you signed up to help at our Back to School Bible Bash yet? We are still in need of group leaders, helpers, decorators and many other positions, large and small.
What
: Back to School Bible Bash (a weekend VBS!)
When
: Friday, August 18 from 6-8 pm, Saturday, August 19 9 am-3 pm, and Sunday morning August 20.
Let April Hazen or Amanda Garner know if you can help with any of the following:
BIG WAYS:
(1) Pray for our volunteers, leaders, and the families who attend. (2) Help decorate and set up Friday August 18 starting at 1 pm
LITTLE WAYS:
(1) Come at 5:30-6:30 pm Friday, August 19th to escort children from the registration table to their group in the sanctuary. (2) Attend worship on Sunday morning August 20th to see the Back to School Bible Bash in person and greet visiting families. (3) Get certified: go to www.safegatherings.com and become certified to work with children. Lowman pays your fee.
INVITE your grandchildren, nieces, nephews and neighbors--it will be a great time!
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VBS Mission Project
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Our VBS kids will be stuffing socks with school supplies for the children at Quincy School. You can help by donating:
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children-sized socks that are at least ankle-length
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boxes of 24 crayons
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pink erasers
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children's scissors
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fun pencils
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glue sticks
The VBS kids will put one sock into the foot of the other, stuff the rest of the sock with supplies, tie the top with a ribbon, and attach a note saying "Starting the school year off on the right foot! --from your Lowman United Methodist Church friends."
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Every Sunday in July at Lowman Methodist Church, we do a great job of raising money for programs and projects; but this month general operations really needs our attention. Simply put, June expenses exceeded June revenue. So it's time for the Lowman "Faux" Cake Walk! (that means fake)
Here is how you play:
1. Put extra money in the collection plate
2. Listen to Jeannie's music with extra gusto
3. When the music stops, thank the Lord because Lowman wins the cake every time!
Traditionally, giving goes down in the summer months, but payroll remains the same and the electric bill increases with air conditioning. So please give your standard amount and, if possible, give a bit more. Help us make the Lowman Faux Cake Walk a success! Remember, the Lowman Square allows you to give using a credit or debit card.
Thank you,
The Finance Committee
Rosie Cooper, Chair
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Lowman's Got Talent VI
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The talent show is presented to raise money for our Choir Scholarship Fund. This fund allows us to pay college students to sing in our Chancel Choir or ring in our Bell Choir. Proceeds from the free-will donations keep this scholarship program going. We've had five successful shows and expect this summer's to be no different. Make plans to participate or attend now!
IMPORTANT DATES FOR PARTICIPANTS:
July 30 Sign up with Jeannie
Aug. 13 Final act information & song titles due to Jeannie
Aug. 26 Rehearsal from 10:00 until noon
Aug. 27 7:00 Lowman's Got Talent VI happens
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May Everyday Hero of the Month
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Our hero of the month of May is Adam Schafer. Adam does so much for and around Lowman UMC that it is hard to say it all in a paragraph or two. Adam works with the tech team every Sunday to make sure the worship service runs smoothly. If there is a problem, Adam is one of the people who works to fix it.
When there are other events that require audio/visual support like the Cinco de Mayo party or summer movies on the lawn, Adam is happy to be here to provide that support. He can often be found at the church other times checking to keep the audio/visual equipment in good working order.
Adam provides other kinds of support, too: he is always willing to offer a helping hand. To name just a few of the ways Adam helps out: cleanup days, the Hanging of the Greens, VBS, carving turkeys for the Lowman Thanksgiving dinner, running the dishwasher for the baked potato bar and other church dinners. Adam also sings in the choir and blesses us with his singing at Lowman's Got Talent.
Adam serves on many church committees, often helps usher at worship services, and goes out of his way to be kind to everyone. For his joyous and unselfish giving of himself, we are proud to name Adam Schafer May Hero of the Month.
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Attention Lowman Givers & Fundraisers
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We now have a way to accept credit and debit cards at Lowman with a mobile card reader device called the "Square." Young adults would rather pay with a credit or debit card. Older adults sometimes forget to stop and get cash or bring the checkbook. A little square device plugs into an ipad and we are in business. The charge to Lowman is 2.75% of each transaction (ex: $50.00 donated only costs $1.37 ) and the Square sends an email receipt for taxes. At the recent Cinco de Mayo celebration, almost 50% of the funds were raised by using the Square.
The Finance Committee will train up our "Square Experts" who will run the Square for you during your fund raising events. We also plan to have it available on Sundays to make giving easier.
Rosie Cooper
Chair of the Finance Committee
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Pastor Tony has challenged us to give bottles of water to people we see who might need a cool drink. The Scriptural basis for this is Matthew 10:42:
and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple-truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.
(NRSV)
As of July 9th, 100 bottles had been given out by members of our congregation. There's a large poster to the right of the chapel showing our progress toward Pastor Tony's goal of 1000 bottles! There is a box on the table near the sign and slips of paper so you can write how many bottles you've given and put the slip of paper in the box. No need to write your name. As many have said, "Our pastor believes that everyone can use a cool drink of water!"
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Would you be interested in volunteering to sit at my desk for a morning or afternoon when I'm on vacation or at an appointment? The main duties are answering the phone and letting people in the front doors. Subs usually have plenty of time to read or work on projects. If you're interested, please contact me and I'll show you what you need to know. Give me a call at 272-8921 or send me an email at [email protected]. Thanks!
Debbie
Office Administrator
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I have to admit that there have been times when Psalm 13 has been an expression of my mood. I can easily get down and frustrated and begin to think that God is nowhere to be found and that maybe God really doesn't care. I have wondered to myself, "Has God forgotten about me?"
I have little doubt that most of us-or really, all of us-can relate. None of us is immune to disappointments, heartaches, or loss. Some of you may be there right now: sickness, your own aches and pains, financial worries, grief over the loss of a loved one, or one of many other problems that can come up. The world is broken, and the place of our desires and our visions that we call heaven, well, it's not here yet, and some might be wondering where God is.
I know how difficult it can be and how we can be afraid to be honest about our feelings, but I believe that God understands when we get down, and God is willing to listen to our bold and frank words. And I would like to share with you that I believe that God wants us to be honest and in our prayers to be willing and unafraid to express our feelings. When we do, it is a sign that we trust God and believe that God has the power and the will to make things right.
Our prayers to God show that we remember that God has always come to the aid of his people and cares about each one, that God is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our good.
When life gets us down and we are able to show our faith and our trust in God, we are showcasing God's never-ending love. It's not unusual to give up or give in to temptation, but through our prayers and demonstrations of our belief and trust in God's love and concern for us, we are showing our love of God to others.
Pastor Tony
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Choir Rehearsals to Begin
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Current members of the Bell and Chancel Choirs should mark their calendars for Wednesday, August 23rd, as that's the date of our first rehearsal for the 2017-18 season. Bells will continue to rehearse at 6:30 and Chancel Choir at 7:30. If you are not a current member and are interested in joining either choir, please give Jeannie Gish a call at 249-0988 and she'll answer any questions you might have. We are particularly in need of bass voices in Chancel Choir. If you're uncertain whether this is for you, talk with Jeannie. She's willing to meet with you one-on-one to help you make this decision.
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Each Sunday we need at least two people to be at the entrance to the church (greeters) and at least one person to be at the Visitors' Desk. These people typically should be at the door no later than 9:50 on Sunday mornings. They can go on into the sanctuary just before the service begins. Latecomers will have to fend for themselves.
The two greeters do not need to be a married couple, and the person who is at the Visitors' Desk can sit if he or she needs to do so.
In the past, I have called people or spoken to them at church as to their availability to serve as greeters during the coming month. Everyone has been very willing to assist with this, and your willingness to step up is greatly appreciated. However, we have decided to simplify the system a bit.
Beginning in September, we will handle the scheduling of greeters and Visitors' Desk persons a bit differently. There will be a sign-up sheet on the Visitors' Desk where you can sign up for a particular month to serve. Anyone who is interested may choose a month and sign up for it. That will be
your
month to serve. If you find that for some reason you cannot be at church for one or more Sundays during that month, it will be your responsibility to find a replacement. Of course, if an emergency comes up mid-week, you may call the church office and a substitute will be found.
We typically leave the summer months open for Chancel Choir and Bell Choir members, but everything from September through May is available for all other church members. You may sign up for one or more months, depending on your willingness and availability.
This is an excellent way for you to get to know your fellow church members, so new members are encouraged to participate. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask!
Thank you for your continued assistance as we share Christ's love with those who walk through our doors each Sunday.
Mary Haller
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Last December Doorstep assisted 259 households involving 811 individuals with Christmas gifts and food. Each year we celebrate "Christmas in July" to get a jump start on collecting new items for our annual Christmas adoption! Our goal is to help alleviate some of the strain during the holidays by collecting some items mid-year. Doorstep will again adopt 250 households with 700+ individuals this December through the Christmas Bureau. By having items donated in July, our Christmas Store Chair, Judy Neher, has a better idea what items we are lacking in November and December. Judy is here every week sorting through donations, and organizing the basement where our Christmas donations are kept until the big week arrives!
Last year we changed the focus of Christmas in July to only include items that are not seasonal. Therefore, we have requested no clothing at this time. Instead, we need sheets and blankets, health kit items, household items, gifts for adults, school supplies and toys. ALL ITEMS DONATED MUST BE NEW!
Each school aged child we adopt receives school supplies and a backpack, if needed. Typically, they have used up their back to school supplies, and they need replenished. Also, each of the 250 households receives a health kit filled with hygiene products, and wrapped with a new bath towel, hand towel and washcloth!
Each child receives one bigger toy as their gift and then other smaller items are available along with games, books, stuffed animals, stocking stuffers etc. Typically, we are lacking in the main gift area. If you can help with toys for children ages 2-12 and gifts for the teenagers (make up and nail kits) we would be grateful.
Please look over the Christmas in July flyer and see how you can help. Doorstep continues to be successful in helping people in need because of our member congregations who are working together to provide for their neighbors in need. If everyone pitches in just a little, big things will continue to happen!
Please bring your Christmas donations to worship in July or to Doorstep, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. Thank you!
Susan Venis, Doorstep Coordinator
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On Saturday, July 29th, we will meet at the home of Cheryl and Mike at 2143 SW Burnett at 6:00 pm. Mike and Cheryl will provide the hamburgers and hot dogs. Bring a side dish to share and your drink. Let Cheryl know what you plan to bring to share with the group.
All singles ages 18 and over are welcome. Call the church office at 272-8921 for more information.
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June Everyday Hero of the Month
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Our June Every Day Hero is our beloved Susan Vargas! She is an everyday hero to so many parents because of her loving, faithful service to our preschool, prekindergarten and kindergarten children. Susan is able to win over the most reluctant and parent-clinging children with her own brand of magic and love wrapped up in a big smile. Her enthusiasm for serving some of our youngest children is contagious.
Susan serves at Lowman in many other ways: lector, presenting the children's sermon, involvement in UMW and as a dedicated VBS volunteer. She finds lots of quiet ways of serving as well. Everyone who has worked with Susan knows that if she agrees to do something, it will be done well and ahead of schedule.
Susan is active in the Topeka community, often with a focus on--you guessed it--children. For years she was a dedicated volunteer at what is now called ChildCare Aware; many of us remember it as the Every Person's Resource Center. Susan was president of the board, chaired the Designer Showcase House and served in many capacities with that important organization. Recently she organized a successful fundraiser for the family of a sick child.
Ms. Susan has the best trait of any superhero: a great big heart. Her love shines so bright that all children fortunate enough to come to Sunday School in her room know a little more about God's great big love because of her.
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Can You Help Our Girl Scouts?
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The Girl Scout troop that meets here at Lowman is in need of camping gear. In August we will be collecting items for their camp boxes. A list will be posted with the boxes in the hall. If you have items to donate it would be appreciated.
Two items that are a basic for outdoor cooking are Dutch ovens and large cast iron skillets (both with lids) for cooking over campfires. These do not need to be new. Also needed are hot mitts that extend up the arm that are heat proof. Firemen's gloves are ideal if you know someone who has them.
Long handled spoons, forks and spatulas, mixing bowls, measuring items, clothesline with clothespins, serving or mixing spoons are just a few of the items needed. Please check the list for more. If you have questions, call Liz Gragg at 286-0356.
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The Tech Team is in the process of installing brand new high definition, digital cameras which will eventually enable us to stream our worship service and other events. This has been accomplished with the most generous support of the Shepherd's Center. A new amplifier has also been installed for the choir loft speakers.
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TALK TO ADAM IF YOU'D LIKE
TO HELP RUN THE POWER POINT
ON SUNDAY MORNINGS DURING WORSHIP. NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY.
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Parents, good news! Your kids aged 1 to 18 can eat a free lunch from June 5-July 14 at St. David's Episcopal Church (17th & Gage.) Meals will be served Monday-Friday from 11:00 am to noon.
The meals are provided by Topeka 501 and the Kansas Department of Education. The site will be staffed by volunteers from St David's. No registration or identification will be required. Adult caregivers may eat as well. The church is on the Topeka Metro Bus Route. Email questions to the site coordinator at [email protected].
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Please remember to sign the attendance register
outside the sanctuary and chapel when you arrive for worship. A few of us seem to forget to sign from time to time. We can only have accurate records if everyone signs in each week. Also,
please remember to wear your name tag
each week. If you have lost yours or never received one, please notify the church office. Thank you!
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United Methodist Women's News
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UMW Calendar
We will have no unit meetings
or circles during July & August.
Aug. 18 & 19 Mission U in Topeka
August Mission Project
Our August Mission Project is to donate larger sizes of sweatshirts and sweatpants for Doorstep. Please leave your donations on the table in the hallway.
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Like us on Facebook.
We're at
"Lowman United
Methodist Church."
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Thank You Notes
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Lowman Church,
Thanks for helping me get to camp!
Alora Johnson
Dear Lowman UMC Friends,
Thank you for helping me with the scholarship to Camp Chippewa this summer. I am looking forward to learning more about God and having fun with my church brother Carson. I know my time there will be amazing.
Sincerely,
Hunter Morris
Lowman Congregation,
I want to take this time to thank you very much for the opportunity to go to camp again this summer! I had so much fun last summer and I can't wait to do it all over again this year!
Thanks again,
Emma Brown
Thank you for sending me to camp. I will have lots of fun.
Cam
To Lowman Congregation,
I want to thank you all so much for giving me the chance again to go to camp this summer! I had so much fun last year there that I can't wait to go again!
Thanks again,
Andrew Brown
A big thank you to Ralph Brewer for the beautiful frontpiece he created for the video table in the sanctuary. If you haven't seen it yet, make sure you look this Saturday or Sunday.
Lowman Board of Trustees
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Money Matters
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Received Budget Actual Expenses
May
$ 19,212 $ 25,329 $ 22,459
YTD
$ 93,044 $304,000
$ 91,387
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Prayer Concerns
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Sue Sander had back surgery.
Chris Glasscock, the father of Nancy Harms' grandsons--health concerns
Kevin Culley had leg surgery. He's recovering at home now.
Lauri Wright's mother is in hospice care.
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Prayer List Policy
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Our policy is to list names on the prayer list for 3 weeks. If you let the office know, your name can be listed for an additional 3 weeks.
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Lowman's July & August calendars are posted on our website under
events at www.lowmanumc.org
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New Features on Online Calendar
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Have you ever used Lowman's online calendar? It features several months of scheduled events for Lowman. Recently added are two features to make it very helpful: If you click on an event, you may have an email reminder sent to you. You may also send an invitation to others to join the event. Access the calendar at the link above or on the media page of our website at lowmanumc.org
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Opening the church: Argell & Margaret
Jantzen
Greeters
: Dick & Nancy
Shermoen
At the visitors' desk:
Mary Haller
Liturgists
July 2 Robert Maxwell
July 9 Margaret Jantzen
July 16 Patty Bottorff
July 23 Dick Shermoen
July 30 Jan Maxwell
Children's Message by
July 2 Carla Hazen
July 9 Jackie Howard
July 15 Tony Hazen
July 23 Susan Vargas
July 30 Carla Hazen
Stephen Ministry Visitation
July 3-July 9 Diane Schafer
July 10-July 16 Carol Babcock
July 17-July 23 Susan Conrade
July 24-July30 Argell Jantzen
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Opening the church: Craig Sylvester
Greeters
: Ralph & Bess Brewer
At the visitors' desk:
Barb McLain
Liturgists
Aug. 6 Carla Hazen
Aug. 13 Susan Vargas
Aug. 20 VBS
Aug. 27 Susan Vargas
Children's Message by
Aug. 6 Jackie Howard
Aug. 13 Tony Hazen
Aug. 20 VBS
Aug. 27 Susan Vargas
Stephen Ministry Visitation
July 31 - Aug. 6 Mary Haller
Aug. 7 - Aug. 13 Carol Babcock
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Mount Hope Cemetery
17th & Fairlawn in Topeka
1 cemetery plot $1,000.00
Please Contact Debbie
at Lowman United Methodist Church
785-272-8921
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Lowman Ministry Teams Meeting Schedule
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Second Sunday of each month
11:45 am Trustees-odd #'d months
Worship Team-even #'d months
12:45 pm SPRC
Children & Family Ministry Team
1:45 pm Finance Team
Evangelism
-Mission Team
odd #'d
2:45 pm Stewardship Team
3:45 pm Church Council
Third Sunday of odd #'d months
11:45 a
m Technology
/Communication
Team
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| Become Part of Our Family |
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Would you like to become a member of Lowman United Methodist Church? We'd love to have you join our family! Call the church office at 272-8921 to visit with Pastor Tony.
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| Stop Mailbox Overload |
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Your Lowman newsletter is now available by email as you can see. Save our church time and money and keep the earth greener with fewer trees cut down as you go paperless. Email us at
[email protected]
if you'd like us to stop sending you duplicate issues by snail mail.
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| Please let us know if your email address changes so you will continue to receive the New Horizon. |
| Visit us in person at 4101 SW 15th (15th & Gage) Topeka, KS 66604
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Senior Pastor
Debbie Culley
Office Administrator
Financial Secretary
Kimberly Jantzen
Jeanne Wright
Nursery Staff
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