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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.
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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, September 3
8:30 a.m. Worship & Communion
9:25 a.m. Children Leave worship for G.P.S. and go to Choir
9:30 a.m. Fellowship Time (Fellowship Hall)
9:45 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages
11:00 a.m. Worship & Communion
12:00 p.m. Fellowship Time (Fellowship Hall)
12:00 p.m. FREE College Lunch for students (Fellowship Hall)
12:00 p.m. Young Adult Lunch Out (See Announcements)
SCRIPTURE FOR SUNDAY:
Exodus 3:1-15
SERMON FOR SUNDAY:
"Ask Yahweh"
Rev. Dr. Jane Riecke
MUSIC FOR SUNDAY:
8:30 AM: Scholarship Singers
11:00 AM: Chancel Choir
HURRICANE HARVEY RESPONSE - The people of Texas need your help in recovering from this monumental disaster. If you would like to help financially, please put a donation in the plate this Sunday marked "Hurricane Harvey". 100% of your donation will go toward the greatest needs of storm survivors as our church makes one donation to UMCOR for hurricane recovery.
THANK YOU TO TOM MICHALIK who is stepping in this Sunday to play the organ while our regular organist, Evelyn Hopes, is out on vacation.
COMMUNION OFFERING THIS SUNDAY - During communion we will collect our Communion Offering, which goes directly towards our Matthew 25 fund, which is used to help those who visit our church in emergency need.
YOUNG ADULT LUNCH TODAY AFTER WORSHIP - Calling all young Adults (Post College to early 30's), on the first Sunday of the month we gather as a group to enjoy lunch together! Meet us as we gather in the Fellowship Hall after worship and go to lunch together!
DON'T FORGET OUR FIRST SUNDAY FOOD DRIVE FOR HOPE MINISTRIES! Donations for shelf stable food is greatly needed! Please bring these on Sunday and drop them off in the Fellowship Hall.
FREE COLLEGE LUNCH: Every week during the fall and spring semester, all college and grad students are invited to join together in the Fellowship Hall after our 11:00 AM worship for FREE lunch and fellowship!
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Pastor's Pen
Once again a storm's fury has caused much pain and suffering. Hurricane Harvey has left its mark on the people of Texas and Louisiana. But humanity will not be bowed. Again and again, pictures of first responders and volunteers were shown carrying or ferrying people to safety. Even our own local Cajun Navy came to the rescue. Rescue efforts are still ongoing, but soon will be the long, arduous clean up that we know so well here in Louisiana and were faced with just one year ago.
We all know how long it will be until order is restored. Recovery is still ongoing 12 years after Katrina. Not everyone has the means or the support of family and friends to piece their lives back together again. The truth about the help that is available is that most of it comes with restrictions. Financial help depends on whether you had flood insurance and if it was the right kind; whether it was storm surge or wind damage or just the breaking of a levee; and whether you have the means to rebuild on your own. Every organization comes with a different expectation of paperwork and proof of ownership. The daily frustration soon becomes overwhelming until some people just give up and move on.
In the midst of these circumstances we may wonder, "Where is God?" God is active among all the responders, the churches, the public officials, the aid workers, the friends and families who are responding now or present and waiting to respond. UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, is a good way to help in the response. Money is always needed to sustain relief in the short term and long term as people begin the long road to recovery. UMCOR is one organization that doesn't pull out after a few weeks, but remains until everyone that can be helped is helped. Another way to respond is to put together UMCOR health kits for all those folks in the shelters. They need the soap, the toothbrush and toothpaste, washcloth and towel to finally feel clean after coming out of the flood. Look on the UMCOR site (
click here for more details) and put together a health kit and we'll make sure they get to those who need them.
God is active and working every day, but we often forget we are God's answer to the prayers we say for others. If you can't help with the crisis in Texas or Louisiana, consider other ways you might contribute. Your prayers are important now to empower and encourage those working to make a different and those who are suffering. Thanks for all you do.
In Christ,
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As Christians we are called to sharpen our understanding of scripture and learn how to apply our faith to our daily lives. It is through studies that we grow in our faith. Check out our fall studies below. You can sign-up in the fellowship hall or call the church office at 225-344-0343 to register. Questions? Contact Rev. Colleen at [email protected].
ESSENTIALS 1
This 7-week study covers the basic tenants of Christian belief and practice from a uniquely United Methodist perspective. It helps participants understand and claim the movements of God's grace and how to nurture that grace in their lives.
Facilitators: Ed Dodd and Kelly Moore
Time: Sundays @ 4:30-5:30PM (the last session will run until 6PM)
Date: September 17th - October 29th
UNITY OF THE CHURCH AND HUMAN SEXUALITY
This 4-week study sparks conversations and addresses how the church can be a witness and provide for a diverse community of faith. If you have thought about Bishop Kenneth Carter's words, "We must not allow disagreement over understandings of LGBTQ identity to divide [the United Methodist Church], and yet we must not settle for a unity at the expense of someone's dignity or sacred worth" then this study is for you.
Facilitators: Rev. Colleen Bookter and Elizabeth Hilliard
Time: Sundays @ 4:30-6PM
Date: September 17th - October 8th
Cost: Book $10 (or print it online for free)
O DEATH, WHERE IS THY STING?
Death and dying: few subjects are more taboo in our culture. Yet our faith gives us cause for hope. Christ has conquered death. This world is not our ultimate home. How do we walk with these assurances in an era of live-forever schemes, apocalyptic anxieties, and health care complications? Join us for a series of spiritual, legal, and practical conversations about the end of life and the meaning of hope.
Facilitator: John Fletcher
Time: Tuesdays @ 6:30-7:30PM
Date: October 10th - November 7th
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Join Us For Disciple Bible Study!
Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study
Facilitator: Rev. Dr. Jane Reicke
Mondays @ 6:30-8:30PM
Start Date: September 11, 2016
Cost: Books $40 (scholarships available)
This 34-week study moves through the biblical story from Genesis to Revelation (covering 80% of scripture). The goal of Disciple is to transform people's lives and to develop biblically-nourished servant leaders who will serve Christ in the church and in the world. Disciple draws upon the work of scholars, the personal Bible reading and study of the participant, and dynamic group discussion to aid understanding of the Bible. Participants complete daily reading assignments (about 30 minutes a day) and meet weekly for two hours in small groups to discuss daily readings and how they apply to our lives.
Carefully consider this commitment. You will covenant with your group and will be expected to attend all sessions except for unusual situations. You can sign-up in the fellowship hall. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Jane at [email protected].
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Holy Grill Service Opportunity
As a 30 year member of The Interfaith Federation of GBR, University UMC has helped serve meals for The Holy Grill for many years. This year we have decided to add a second week that we will serve, September 11th through the 15th.
HOW THIS WORKS:
The InterFaith Federation of GBR delivers the food to the Cadillac St. BREC park gym (6117 Cadillac St. 70811) a little before noon. Our volunteers will arrive to set up tables and serve the food, drinks and dessert. We also interact with the guests. Five to six volunteers a day is an optimal crew. Many times people will meet at the church at 11:15 AM and carpool. We will provide maps for those who would like to drive themselves.
Please consider signing up and joining us to give back to our community! A sign-up sheet will be in the fellowship hall this Sunday, or you may call the office to sign up at 225-344-0343.
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 Children's G.P.S. Time & Class Locations
Grow. Praise. Serve.
Sunday morning is a perfect time to set your G.P.S. toward God! Join us as we Grow in Sunday School, Praise in Worship and Serve in Choir.
Here is our schedule and our class locations:
- 9:25-10:10 AM - Children's Choir (8:30 kids will meet the choir leaders in the Narthex during the singing of the last hymn; others may head directly to the Choir Room located upstairs in the Children's Bldg. in Rm 205)
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10:10-10:55 AM - Children's Sunday School (Children in Choir or the Nursery will be escorted to Sunday School by their leaders)
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Preschool (3's and 4's) - Blue Team - Room 102
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Kindergarten & 1st Grade - Green Team - Room 206
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2nd & 3rd Grade Bible Class - Orange Team - Room 204
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4th - 6th Grade - Red Team - Room 202
Nursery Staff will be available to escort younger children (5 and under) to the Nursery after the Children's Moment, if the parent chooses. The Nursery, located downstairs in the Children's Building) is open every Sunday morning from 8:15-12:15.!
 As an incentive, each month, all Perfect G.P.S. Attenders will be considered "Right on Track" and will get to "detour" to the Treasure Chest. We'll begin with the month of September!
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What's Up This Sunday:
8:30am - Worship Service
9:45am - Sunday School
There will be NO youth this Sunday! Join us back next week on Sept 10th!
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 New Curriculum starting on September 10th @ 9:45 AM!
In September, We'll be starting a four week series studying from the Fathom curriculum. Fathom is a relatively new curriculum which focuses on teaching students about the Bible and how to read from it. Recommended to me from a dear friend from Perkins School of Theology, I believe this curriculum will be very beneficial to the growth of our youth and their understanding of the Bible.
I hope to see you all Sunday mornings!
Junior High Retreat
Junior High Retreat, a spiritual retreat for 7th and 8th graders will be held this year from November 3rd - 5th at the Wesley Center in Woodworth, LA.
Both Junior and Senior High (which is held in the spring) Retreat are amazing retreats hosted by the Louisiana CYM. I had the opportunity to play for both Senior High Retreats just this last year and I could see the amount of joy and spiritual formation that happens within those few days.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me!
Youth Band starts next week on Sunday, Sept. 10th at 11am
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 Kids Hope News & Updates
New Mentor Training has gone very well! The new recruits are anxious to get matched with a child and are are going to be wonderful mentors. Welcome these new Kids Hope mentors to our program: Monica Bryan, Obie Watts, Sarah Allred, Bradley Overton, Tyler Overton, Macey Comeax, Marianna Russo, Michael Alleva, Sydney Mulroy, Callie Snow, Olivia Williams, Hannah Masood, Emma Espenan, Courtney Warner, Mindy Piontek, Hannah Cuneo, Megan Ernst, Emma Grace Goldman, Haley Garrett, and Megan Lee.
UPCOMING DATES:
September 11th - All Volunteering Resumes: Mentoring, Book Clubs, Garden Team
September 20th - Early Dismissal at UT - NO VOLUNTEERING
October 6th-9th - Fall Break at UT - NO VOLUNTEERING
November 20th-24th - Thanksgiving Break at UT - NO VOLUNTEERING
December 1st 1:30-3:00 - Kids Hope Hosts 8th Annual School-wide Holiday Party at UT - Extra volunteers needed!
Shirley Flake
Director, Kids Hope of UUMC
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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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Quiet Spaces this Fall
"Silence is God's first language; everything else is a poor translation." -Thomas Keating
Our Sanctuary will be open for prayer and quiet on Wednesdays in the fall from 9am until 4pm. You may use this time to read, journal, color, draw, pray, or just rest in the beautiful peace of our worship space. Come for a few minutes or stay all day. There will be a prayer journal on the altar for your written prayers as well as candles to light as visible signs of these prayers. We will gather for centering prayer at 11:45am each week.
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Mommy & Me Playgroup:
Kicks back off Tuesday, Sept 12th!
Toddlers and babies are invited to bring their Mommies to play and visit on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. We meet in the Parlor (off the Fellowship Hall) at Noon. We sure hope you can join us!
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Tuesday, September 19th
1:30 - 3:00 PM
Ten Gospel Promises for Later Life
Presented by
Rev. Carol Civils
Church Parlor
All Ladies are invited!
Don't miss this wonderful Study!
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Habitat For Humanity Methodist Build: SAVE THE DATE! (Please Note the Date Change!) 
Starting in September we will again have the opportunity as a church to share Gods love, by building a Habitat for Humanity home in Baton Rouge. This will be our 38th Methodist sponsored home in Baton Rouge. We are grateful for this opportunity to share talents and time with another family in need of a stable environment to raise their children.
Please be sure to save the date! UUMC has volunteered to do the opening day once again....Saturday, September 23rd from 8am til 2pm. We don't have all the details yet but do know we will construct a 3 bedroom home on Acadian Thruway east of North Boulevard. More details to come. If you have any questions please contact Kerry Hawkins @ [email protected] or 766-3574.
Besides our UUMC day, There are many other opportunities to participate:
- Bring your Sunday School, Bible Study group to work together on a Saturday or Wednesday;
- Bring lunch for a work group on a Saturday or Wednesday.
- Be a greeter to sign in volunteers and make sure they are working safely with plenty of water,
- Be a team leader for specific activities (please let us know if you have a skill where you can lead a crew),
- Help us to raise funds or contribute and
- Pray for a safe and productive house build.
Thank you to all who have made our Methodist Builds over all these years. You do not need to have a skill or special tools, just be willing to follow instructions. If you are skilled, please make sure we know this as we need crew leaders for construction tasks and we want this to be rewarding experience for all. If you have questions about working other days besides the UUMC opening day, please call or email Lynn Bradley (293-2216h or 769-7040w or [email protected]). Contributions can be made to Habitat for Humanity, 6554 Florida Blvd, BR 70806.
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~ FAITH FRIENDS ~
Will NOT meet this Sunday, but we'll be back!
All 3rd-6th Graders are invited to join us on Sunday afternoons during the school year for a time of fellowship and discovery. We'll enjoy games, skits, crafts, mission projects, and devotions. I sure hope you can join me. Together, we'll work to figure out what God wants FROM us and FOR us. Feel free to bring friends from school. We can NEVER have too many Faith Friends.
NEXT SUNDAY (9/10): Crafts & Craziness!
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Wesley Heritage Tour Opportunity 
Have you always wondered about our Wesley Heritage? Have you ever thought about traveling to England to learn more about the beginnings of Methodism? April 3-11, 2018, University UMC and FUMC, Baton Rouge will be sponsoring a tour of England: York, Oxford, Epworth, Stratford, the Cotswolds, Bath and London. We will have the opportunity to see where John and Charles Wesley lived, taught, and ministered to thousands of people. Dr. Jane will be holding an introductory meeting in the Church Parlor for those interested on Sunday, September, 24th immediately following the 11 am service. Brochures about the trip are available now in the church office. If you would like more information, please contact Dr. Jane at 225-316-9641 or email her at [email protected].
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PLEASE JOIN US!
This month the UUMC Book Club is reading I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai. We will meet to discuss the book on Tuesday, September 12th at 6:00pm in the UUMC Library. All are welcome (even if you don't get a chance to finish the book)! Email Elizabeth ([email protected]) if you would like to be added to the reminder list.
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ADULT SUNDAY EDUCATION CLASSES FOR SUNDAY, September 3rd:
[ If your Sunday School Class would like their weekly study listed below, please email Kelly Surace at
[email protected]
or call 344-0343 each Monday to be included in that weeks G&S listing ]
- Carpenter's Class - We will be reading and reflecting on the scripture for Sunday's sermon. Join us in room 204 on the second floor of the Trice building for a great discussion
- College Class - Please join us for our TED Talk Study upstairs in the Trice Building in room 214 as we reflect on these videos by experts in their field, examine scripture, and apply it to our lives.
- Contemporary Christian Concerns (CCC) Class - President Nixon; and Thirteen Reasons. Carruth McGehee, Presenter.
- Foundations Class - This class is largely made up of married couples in their 30's and 40's with children and meets upstairs in the Trice Building Room 215. Join us as study the book of James one chapter at a time.
- Genesis Young Adult Class - We will be discussing the "Dream" part of the DreamThinkBeDo video series featuring various theological questions through the lens of Progressive Christianity. Please join us on the second floor of the Trice Building in room 213.
- Inter-Generational Bible Study Class - We will not be meeting this Sunday due to the Labor Day Holiday.
- Open Door Class - We view and discuss video, Counterfeit Christianity: Messing with Divine Revelation. This class meets on the bottom floor of the Trice building in room 11
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WITHIN THE CHURCH FAMILY...
JOYS:
- Congratulations to Robert Roux, who was presented the 2017 LRS/LWC Staff of the Year Award by the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of Louisiana, a federal statute that provides business opportunities for sight-impaired people.
- Congratulations to Amanda Staiano on being inducted into the University High Hall of Distinction.
CONCERNS:
- Condolences to the family of T.O. Perry who passed away this last weekend.
PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER:
- Tommy Beard, Mildred Caldwell, Fred Churchman, Sandra Roux Crosby, Cynthia Fisher, John Henderson, Carol Moore, Bob and Sonni Muller, the family of T.O. Perry, Rick Thomas, Paul Unger, Tom 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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