Sept. 16, 2022
Spiritual Practices Classes
As our faith community embarks upon a path toward spiritual recovery and healing, from surviving to thriving, we might find ourselves asking some questions, “What does that look like?” “What does it mean?” or “How?”

A favorite quote of mine is “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. If this is true, then it seems that an initial response to those questions is an acknowledgment of the importance to care for our inner spiritual beings as well as we would care for our human bodies. These recent years have taken a toll on the spiritual part of us. The goal of spiritual recovery is transformation. This occurs when we let something fall away to allow for the ever-increasing capacity to live life from the heart. What does this look like, and how do we do it? Perhaps it is time to offer some spiritual care to ourselves by going back to the basics.

One of the ways we approach this is by engaging in Spiritual Practices. A spiritual practice is anything that asks us to slow down, order our time, desires, and thoughts in such a way that we open space to awaken, welcome, deepen and sustain an experience of the inherent holiness of the present moment. These practices are pathways to transformation, spiritual recovery and deeper connection and relationship with God.

We are offering a three-part series of classes on Spiritual Practices to reconnect and begin a journey toward healing. These classes will be offered on the first three Sundays in October during the Sunday School hour. The first two will be held in the Chapel and the third in the gym. They are as follows:
  • October 2 – The Practice of Centering Prayer. A method of contemplative prayer in which we rest silently in the presence of God.
  • October 9 – The Practice of Lectio Divina. A contemplative reading and listening of scripture to open ourselves to what God might be saying to us.
  • October 16 – The Practice of Walking a Labyrinth. A practice of journeying to and returning from the center.
 
Each of these Spiritual Practices are exercises in mindfulness calling us to be present in the moment, present with God and living more open-heartedly. Writer and artist Julia Cameron said: “You do not need to work to be spiritual. You are spiritual; you only need to remember that fact. Spirit is within you. God is within you.”  I hope you will join me for any or all these session as we remember this together. Please reach out for questions or more information at mcole@fumclr.org or 501-960-7731

Grace and Peace,
MJ
Rev. Mary Jane Cole
Spiritual Director in Residence
COMMUNITY LEVEL - MEDIUM, MASKS RECOMMENDED on Sun, Sept. 18th
CHURCH DIRECTORY TIME! Pictures every Sunday into October!
Friends - it's been too long since our last church directory! After so many requests, we are finally gearing up for a new one! Starting Sunday, September 11th, Lesley will be in the courtyard taking directory photos from 10-11 am and 12-12:15 pm! Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.
Try Taiko Drumming! Monday nights 6:30-8:30 starting September 19th! Japanese drumming is an exciting and invigorating musical experience. Come see what it’s about - no experience necessary! Try this fun and expressive group art form and get a good workout while you’re at it! All are welcome, regardless of physical condition, age, or musical background. Taiko is more than music, more than a workout; it’s an open and welcoming community that would love to have you in it! We will be meeting on Monday nights from 6:30-8:30 at First United Methodist Church, 723 Center Street, downtown Little Rock. Wear comfortable, flexible clothing. Be prepared to work hard and have fun. Visit www.taikoark.com.
Bishop Gary Mueller Announces Retirement
Bishop Mueller announced his retirement to take effect January 1, 2023 under ¶408.2.a of The 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. The Bishop has served in full-time ministry since 1979, and as our bishop since 2012. Prayers for Bishop Mueller and his family during this time of transition.
Do you have free time on Tuesday mornings?
Our office staff meets together on Tuesday which leaves our door and phone unattended. Would you be willing to serve one Tuesday morning each month in our front office? The office needs a team of 4-6 volunteers on a rotating basis to greet visitors and answer phones from 9am-12pm on Tuesdays. Lanie, our office manager, will show you everything you need to know to feel confident greeting our guests and callers. She would love for you to join a team of Office Angels to help with this task. Call the church office or send an email to officemanager@fumclr.org to volunteer.
FUMCLR Helping Jackson
An Issue of Racial Equity
Rev. Haley is from Jackson, MS and has this to say, "There is a water crisis in Jackson that is a matter of public health and an issue of racial injustice. 82% of the Jackson population are people of color. Racism left the city flailing without adequate funding to fix the infrastructure causing the crisis we see today. We all remember Flint. We can assist the people of Jackson. Send a donation to the Church, and we will donate to the Mississippi Rapid Response Coalition. This Coalition is made up of 20 grassroots, community based organizations that are making sure the people have clean water."
Support Pride Fest 2022!
FUMCLR is a gold sponsor for this year's Pride Fest on October 15th in Argenta! Our community of faith will have both a booth and parade entry this year. We are looking for a small group or individuals to help with the float and booth! Ideally a small group would volunteer to design and coordinate the float, while many First Church friends volunteer to represent in both the parade and the Pride Fest booth. Central Arkansas Pride is committed to uplifting our local LGBTQ+ organizations, and we are proud to be a community partner. If you would like to participate, please email Lesley (landrews@fumclr.org).
Thank you to Cherry Light and Nancy Wood
After over 20 years of service, Cherry Light and Nancy Wood are retiring from our Memorials and Honorariums Committee. Over these decades, they have led this committee by receiving memorial and honorarium gifts, ensuring they are properly distributed, and acknowledging all of the gifts. They have written and addressed thousands of cards on our church's behalf. They have gracefully worked with grieving families to choose meaningful ways to remember their loved ones. The Board of Trustees asks you to join them in thanking Cherry and Nancy for their faithful servanthood and generosity of time and work. 
Happy Hour - October 6th at 6 pm
Gather with friends and meet new ones for a time of fellowship. We’re getting together for happy hour at Stones Throw Brewing MacPark on Thursday, October 6th at 6:00. Bring a friend or co-worker and make new holy connections. 
Fall WORSHIP SERIES
This fall at FUMCLR, we’re going back to the basics. Each week in worship, we’ll focus on the basics of our Christian faith. These practices enrich our lives, draw us closer to Christ, and fuel our life’s journey; worship, prayer, study, serving, community, and generosity. With Romans 12 as our scriptural guide, we will rediscover the purpose of these basics and maybe find new ways to practice them. When these practices are our normal, we have a stronger foundation to create all the other parts of our lives, no matter what life brings our way.
September 18 Back to Study
September 25 Back to Prayer
October 2 Back to Serving
October 9 Back to Community
October 16 Back to Generosity
Grief Expressions- A Creative Way to Engage with Grief and Loss
Sundays, November 6th and 13th, Noon – 3 pm, Lunch provided
Join us for a creative arts activity to honor who or what you have lost. While the source of our loss varies, all can benefit from the opportunity to engage with our grief in a creative and transformative way. The afternoon will include lunch, prayer, experience based workshops in journaling and art therapy. Artistic experience or ability is not required to participate and enjoy the workshop, just the willingness to create. All are welcome. Please rsvp to the church office by Nov 3rd, 372-2256. If you have questions, see either Donna Hankins, dhankins@fumclr.org or Mary Jane Cole, mcole@fumclr.org. We look forward to this special space and time to acknowledge, create and honor together!
Surviving to Thriving Survey
Our church’s vision for the next few years is to help people move from surviving to thriving. Living in chronic survival mode for the past couple of years has left many people burned out and spiritually empty. Yet, we believe that the grace of God can heal us and allow us to thrive again. We need your help measuring how effectively we’re moving from surviving to thriving. Please follow the link below to a survey that will assess our church’s current state between survival and “thrival.” Your input is extremely important for how we can create experiences for spiritual healing and renewal in God’s grace. The survey should take less than 10 minutes, and we are grateful for your time and feedback.
 
We will collect UMCOR School Supply Kits during the month of October to take to Ingathering in November. Stay tuned for the list of items to be collected and the packing party!
Join our Washington Reading Tutor Team
It’s time to organize our tutoring program at Washington Elementary! Below you will find all the details about commitment and how to sign up. Join the legacy of reading tutors at Washington from FUMCLR. Our goal is to have 15 reading tutors this school year. If you have any questions, please contact our lay leader Pamela Owen at pamelarowen@yahoo.com.

The Commitment: Spend one hour per week from the week of October 3rd through the week of March 13th (with two weeks off for winter break) serving as a reading tutor, mentor, and friend to an elementary student.
1. Sign up online by visiting www.arkidsread.org/volunteer and select Washington Elementary as your site. In late August, AR Kids Read will reach back out to you to schedule your exact tutoring times, but daytime school tutoring will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. After-school tutoring times will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 3:30 and 5:30 pm.
2. Complete a background check form.
3. Attend a tutor training session.
4. Start tutoring!
KIDS@FIRST
Sunday School is Back! 
We are so excited to have Sunday School back this Sunday! Here is what you need to know: 
 
  • Check in will start at 9:50. After check in, all kids will gather in the movie room before heading to their class. 
  • Kids will be divided into two classes: 1) Sparks (ages 2-4) will gather in the Play Room. Kids must be potty trained. This class will focus on play and Sacred Circle Time. 2) Flames (K-5th) will gather in different spaces through out the Children's area. Each week they will learn through a different activity or experience. 
  • Parents are invited to gather in the First Cup Cafe for a pop-up Sunday school class. You will find a simple, easy to share lesson that will help inspire conversation and fun. 
  • Sunday school ends at 10:45 and kids can be checked out between 10:45 and 10:55. 
  • This fall we will be learning about the Old Testament by studying some of the most important stories and people. We will begin by discovering the Creation story in Genesis this week. 
  • Thanks to all of you who have volunteered to be a teacher! If I haven't contacted you yet, I will be chatting with you soon! 
        
Dates to Remember:
September
Sunday, September 18 at 9 a.m. and 11 am.: 3 and 4th Grade Bibles 
@ Worship
Our 3rd and 4th graders will receive their Bibles during worship! After our 11 a.m. service, families are invited to the fellowship hall for lunch. 

October
Saturday, October 1 at 10 a.m.: Pumpkin Patch Outing
@BoBrook Farms
Join your church friends at the pumpkin patch as we welcome fall together! 

Sunday, October 2 at 10 a.m. : First Family Sunday School
@First Cup Cafe
Come meet Abraham and learn more about his story. 

Sunday, October 23 at 3 p.m.: Family Halloween Concert
@ FUMCLR Sanctuary
Our music ministry will be leading this fun and engaging Halloween concert. 

Sunday, October 30 at 10 a.m.: Sunday School Trick or Treating
Come to church dressed in your costume and get ready to trick or treat during Sunday School! 
YOUTH
The youth are meeting every Sunday morning for Sunday School at 9:45 am in the youth room! Olivia is looking forward to seeing everyone. 

Senior High youth are invited this Sunday night come to the church at 5 pm and join the Kirbys for dinner in downtown LR. The Junior High students will be participating in confirmation this week.
FRIENDS & FAMILY
Welcome New Members
We welcomed Eva and Chris Englert-Jessen to First Church on August 28th during First Tradition. Eva is a deacon in the United Methodist Church, so her membership will reside with the conference. Chris joins by transfer from another United Methodist Church. We are so excited to have you!
We welcomed Elizabeth Watson to First Church on September 11th during First Tradition. Elizabeth is Rev. Brittany's sister-in-law (Clark's sister) - we are excited to welcome more of the Clark family to FUMCLR!
We also welcomed Kelly May to First Church on September 11th during First Tradition. Next time you see Kelly give her a warm First Church welcome!
Congratulations
To Holly and Sean Foster following the birth of their son Liam Avery on September 15th.

Congratulations to Craig and Nancy Wood following the birth of their great-granddaughter, Dorothy Jo Anderson, on September 11th.

To Dylan and Amelia Botteicher on the birth of their son James Merrick on September 6th. 
To parents Liz Oswald and José Azar and grandparents Sarah Spencer and Fred Oswald, following the birth of Carolina Vera Azar Oswald on September 6th. 


Welcome Peashe Wal Baby!
Our adopted Afghan family welcomed their baby girl into the world on Wednesday, September 6. We rejoice with them in her safe arrival. Mom and baby are doing well. We tend to welcome babies with a meal train for the family. Due to dietary restrictions we decided to do a meal train fund. If you would like to participate in the meal train fund, simply mark your donation with “Afghan meal fund”. We will get the money to the family, and they plan to shop at their favorite market, ZamZam. Reach out to Rev. Haley with any questions.

Sympathy
To Kae Kae Wilson following the death of her mom, Teresa Yates, Kristen Yates’ sister, on September 14th. 


 
5 WAYS TO GIVE
Following are ways you can give your tithes and offerings:

■ Mail: You may still mail to the church office.
723 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72201.

■ Bank Draft: Contact our Finance Director, Sonja Taylor Larkowski by phone at 501-372-2256 Ex. 209 or email stlarkowski@fumclr.org.

■ Online: Visit fumclr.org/give to give by credit card or ACH.

■ Church App: Click Give in the church app. To download text FUMCLR App to 77977. Or search for FUMCLR in your App Store.

■ Text: Text FUMCLR to 77977. Follow instructions in reply.
Being good neighbors to make Little Rock a place where children THRIVE.