What do Brown County State Park, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and two raccoons have to do with you? They're a reminder to you and me that a life well lived is a life whose time frame includes not only the present but also the future. 

Are your decisions about the present moment only or do you live your life with an eye towards your impact on the future?
  
FIRST METHODIST * Community News
       

Photo Session Dates: October 9-14 (Monday-Saturday)
and November 1-4 (Wednesday-Saturday)

Bring a donation for the MCUM Food Bank to receive $5 off any
purchase! Also look for your 20% off coupon in the photo brochure!

Questions? Contact Ann Arbuckle:
812-332-6396 or aarbuckle@fumcb.org


First@FIRST for New Visitors
This Sunday, Oct 1st at 1:30pm

If you're new to the First Methodist family, this is your chance to visit with a pastor, discuss programs, ministries, service opportunities, and Methodist faith.  It's fun, informal and informative! No RSVP is needed.  Join us on Sunday at 1:30pm in Thurston Parlor Library at First United Methodist Church ( 219 E 4th St )
  

New Member Class
October 15th & 22nd

What are the core beliefs driving First United Methodist Church, The Open Door, and everything we do? What is this church's mission, its position on key social issues, its plans for the future, and how did it get started? Are there places for me to put my talents to work for God in a world-changing way? How do I connect and build relationships here? How do pastors come and go, what is Jubilee, and is it true that all people are welcome here?

Join us for the next 2-session adult New Member Class on October 15th and 22nd (Sundays) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Led by our pastors, Mark Fenstermacher & Teri Crouse, these sessions are informal and cover a lot of ground. Participants are encouraged to ask questions.

If you wish to be a part of the New Member Class please RSVP to fumcb@fumcb.org. There's a $7 suggested donation per person for the new member resource book.

Join us for this time of conversation, spiritual exploration, and faith-building as we get to know one another. (Note: Taking this class does NOT indicate that you have decided to join the church. We encourage people to make that decision after they have gone through the class and gathered the information they need to make a faithful decision.)
  
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A Prayer for Today
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.
~ Saint Teresa of Avila
This Sunday @ FIRST METHODIST
Join Us For Worship!
October 1st, 2017
8:45 AM * Morning Connection in the Sanctuary
10 AM * Classic Worship in the Sanctuary
11:15 AM * The Open Door in the Buskirk-Chumley

  
  
Sermon:
The STORY - Chapter 23: 
Jesus' Ministry Begins
  
Scriptures: 
  
Preaching: 
Pastor Mark Fenstermacher
  

 
If you're interested in purchasing your own copy of THE STORY, click here to order online.
Announcements
Extending the Table... Communion for Our Homebound Members
This week 6 volunteers will be taking communion to some of our members who can no longer attend worship. These volunteers are Ed and Linda Stephenson, Mary Bass, Katie Jones, Grace Minnick, and Anne Kapper. Our homebound members often miss not being able to receive this sacrament, and this is one way of extending the communion table of our Lord to them. If you know someone who would like to receive communion at home or if you are interested in volunteering for this ministry, please contact the office or email  fumcb@fumcb.org.
  
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Be a Rock Star Volunteer for Pumpkin Night! * Oct 27
We are looking for 30 volunteers to help with Pumpkin Night from 5-8pm on October 27th. Many of the volunteer opportunities include sitting down, helping traffic flow, and eating chocolate! Other jobs are a little more involved: doing crafts with kids, early set-up, decorating, and clean-up. No matter your qualifications, energy level, or physical ability, we have a place for you! These are one-time volunteer opportunities that allow you to give back to the church and to our community. Our staff can match you with a job that best suits your skills, talents, and interests. If you have questions or want to sign up, contact Shana: 812-245-0720 or shanad@fumcb.org.
  
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Sylvia and Friends Sing for Shalom * Oct 15
On October 15, Sylvia McNair and Friends will dazzle and delight us with another wonderful program, "More Love Songs," including many of Bernstein's most beloved songs. Featuring two-time Grammy winner McNair, along with soloists from Jacobs School of Music & First Methodist Chancel Choir, the concert begins at 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 15th in the Sanctuary at First United Methodist Church of Bloomington, IN. Seating is limited, so get your tickets now! ($30.00 for adults; $20.00 for students/children) Tickets may be purchased at the BCT box office, online at bctboxoffice.com, in the Gathering Place beginning Sept. 17, or at the door. **ALL proceeds benefit the Shalom Community Center.** Please make checks payable to Shalom Community Center with "Sylvia and Friends" on the memo line.
  
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UMCOR Continues Disaster Relief Efforts
Our world has been devastated by natural disasters in the past months--hurricanes, wild fires, flooding, and more. This past week Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico and earthquakes hit Mexico. Both areas are experiencing urgent needs. Once again, UMCOR is involved and helping. Many of you have responded with great generosity to the past needs and we are so grateful. Many of you have also asked how can we help Puerto Rico and Mexico? Again the two best responses at this time are to PRAY and GIVE. Please continue your prayers for these two areas and all involved. Please continue to give financially--your contributions to UMCOR provide the most effective support at this time. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus through UMCOR. Click here to follow UMCOR's efforts to help with recent disasters.
  
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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.
  
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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!
  
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MCUM Needs Paper Shopping Bags with Handles!
Please don't stop donating paper grocery bags. MCUM uses brown paper bags with handles weekly for the Wednesday Food Pantry. Drop some off in the church Atrium.
  
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Thurston Parlor Library
Book of the Week
  
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Monthly Mission

Shalom Community Center envisions a community that honors every person's fundamental right to sustenance, a safe home, quality health care, and meaningful work. We see ourselves as a key leader in providing the full range of support and services for people dealing with poverty and homelessness in South Central Indiana.

For more info, visit http://shalomcommunitycenter.org

Gifts to our monthly mission make a huge impact around the world! Checks may be made payable to First Methodist listing "Shalom" on the memo line.

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.