Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training
One of the initiatives set out in our church's Vision Plan is for our church to more fully live out our value on diversity and inclusion. That initiative is being led by a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. As they began their work, they agreed that we needed to prioritize training that would help our congregation identify their internal biases, better understand language, and more easily understand perspectives different than their own. Even when people see themselves as open and inclusive, there is always a greater need to understand more. Doing so makes us the better "neighbors" God calls us to be and will expand our church's impact on our community. Therefore, the task force's first goal is to offer Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity training for our church's leadership and staff.
Thanks to a grant from the General Commission on Religion and Race of the United Methodist Church, we are able partner with Just Communities of Arkansas to do this training for all of the members of our church committees and our staff. It will start with 2 day long sessions for our staff in February. Then the members of our various committees will take part in a series of 1 hour online sessions this spring. This project will be an exciting and important endeavor led by some of the leading trainers in our area. I am grateful to be a part of a church that is always seeking to move closer to the Beloved Community that God calls us to be. And I give thanks for organizations like the GCORR and Just Communities who are willing to offer their resources to fulfill our mission of being good neighbors to make Little Rock a place where all God's children THRIVE.
Gratefully,
David
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Congratulations to the Confirmation Class of 2023
We welcomed 8 confirmands into membership on Sunday, January 22nd. Back Row left to right: Sam Diamant, Leo Freer-Tate, Trey Cochran, Catherine Block, and Sophia Lu. Front Row left to right: Andrew House, Matthew Diamant, and Ava Shaddock.
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The Installation Service for Bishop Laura Merrill will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock and will be followed by a reception. |
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Need Help Planning Your Memorial Service?
Planning your memorial service is both a great gift to your family and something we mean to do, but never make the time to do it. I can help you with both these things. At noon on Sunday, January 29 th, there will be gathering to share information on what is involved in putting together your final service. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and clarify your desires for how you would like to be remembered. Honestly, putting together your own funeral service is never going to be anyone’s favorite task, why not accomplish it surrounded by some of your favorite people. If you would like more information or to reserve your spot, I can be reached at dhankins@fumclr.org. Thanks, Donna |
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Honorary Lifetime Stewards Named
From time to time our church names Honorary Lifetime members of our Board of Stewards. This is a way to honor those faithful members who have served and led First United Methodist Church in various capacities for many years. This year we have named four new Lifetime Stewards; Lynda Langford, Bill Lewis, Lynda Lewis, and Sue Lewis. The impact of these four leaders can be seen in everything from Sunday school, to choir, to UMW, to administration. Other Honorary Life Time Stewards include Martha Faulkner, Irma Jewell, and Martha Sowell. Please join the Board of Stewards in recognizing Lynda, Bill, Lynda, and Sue for their consistent service to God’s work through our church. We will take a moment in worship to recognize them and our current leaders in worship on January 29th.
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Afghan Family Volunteers Needed
The Afghan sponsorship ministry team is looking for volunteers to assist with the Peashe Wal family’s adjustment to life in the United States! If you are eager to learn about another culture and join a service-oriented ministry team, prepared to be charmed as you get to know the family!
Volunteers need not commit to a weekly time slot! We need volunteers for occasional needs, such as monthly pickups at the PHUMC diaper bank, transportation for Mom as she has opportunities to meet up with other Afghan women in central Arkansas, and babysitting the utterly precious three older children (10, 8, and 6).
We are also on the lookout for a used minivan or SUV that will transport a family of six. Their current vehicle is great for getting Dad to work but cannot accommodate the entire family at one time. If you know of anyone who is thinking of switching out their fleet, their vehicle donation could qualify for a tax deduction.
Thanks to everyone who has assisted in so many ways, especially in helping them set up their household when they arrived fourteen months ago. The family is adjusting remarkably well, and we are honored to be with them on their journey.
If you can would like to volunteer or would like additional information about the ministry, contact Liz Russell (501-307-7833 or lizrussell99@gmail.com) or Rev. Haley Jones Wells (501-372-2256 or hjones@fumclr.org). |
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UWF Lunch & Meeting - February 12th
United Women in Faith will have their lunch and meeting on Sunday, February 12, after the 11:00 am worship service. The speaker will be Elizabeth McCormick, Global Missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. She currently serves as a Mission Advocate for the South Central Jurisdiction and helps to connect congregations and conferences to God's work done through Global Ministries. She and her husband previously served as missionaries in Mozambique. She will share information about Global Ministries, what is being done in Arkansas and opportunities for connection. Please call the church office to make a reservation for lunch at 501-372-2256 or sign up on the Journey Card in the bulletin. Everyone is invited to attend.
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Washington Elementary Volunteer Opportunities
Playground Monitor (2 shifts/day)
10:15am-11:30am and 11:30am-1:00pm
The playground monitor is simply an extra presence on the playground when the children are outside. No physical activity required. The school needs help so the transition from lunch to outside is smooth.
Wildcat Way Store
Volunteers are needed to run the behavior store on Fridays. The store is an exciting shopping experience for students have had zero behavioral corrections during the week. More information to come about times.
These are simple opportunities to get involved in life of our partner school Washington Elementary. Please contact Rev. Haley at hjones@fumclr.org if you would like to volunteer.
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Grief Expressions- A Creative Way to Engage with Grief and Loss
Sunday, February 12th.
Noon – 3 pm, Lunch provided
Join us for a creative arts activity to honor whom 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 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! CLICK TO REGISTER!
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Congratulations James Stanley!
Our Director of Music and Worship Arts, James Stanley has much to celebrate. Recently a collection of his original compositions called A Firm Foundation, Organ Music on American Hymn Tunes, was published by Lorenz Publishing. Publishing his original work has been a long time goal of James'. He has also been accepted into the Doctorate of Pastoral Music program at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. This is a distance learning program so he will be able to work on it as he continues his work here at FUMCLR. These accomplishments reflect his giftedness and our blessing to have him as part of our church.
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Updated COVID Policy
As we move from the surviving to thriving after the past three years of the COVID pandemic, the Board of Stewards is pleased to announce that there is no longer a need for a general mask policy tied to the numbers of COVID cases in our county. The only mask policy that remains at First Church is for nursery workers who care for children less than six months old because these infants are not eligible for vaccinations.
It is important to remember that some members of the congregation will continue to wear masks to protect themselves or family members who are at high risk. And in this season of Flu and RSV, some members may choose not to shake hands.
Thanks for your support of our COVID policies that have helped keep us all as safe as possible over the past three years.
Jessica Szenher
Chair, Board of Stewards
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Come check out what's new in the church library!
The latest additions are:
Barbara Kingsolver - Demon Copperhead
John Grisham - The Boys from Biloxi
Michelle Obama - The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times
Walter Brueggemann - An Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination
Jamie Raskin - Unthinkable
Tara Westover - Educated
Louise Penny - A World of Curiosities
Jodi Picoult - Wish You Were Here
Happy reading!
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Sanctuary Flowers – Reserve yours today!
What better way to honor friends and family members than to donate the Sanctuary Flowers in their name on a Sunday? The 2023 calendar is open. Our flowers are re-arranged each Monday by the Flower Girls who take them to members in hospitals and homes -a true example of adaptive re-use and sustainability! Your gift of $75 will cover the cost of the two large arrangements in Sunday services. You may reserve your date by phoning 372-2256 or emailing Lanie Konecny (officemanager@fumclr.org).
Open Dates: March 12, 19, 26, July 9, 30, Dec. 31
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Children's Dates to know:
February
Saturday, February 4 at 3:30 pm: UALR Trojans Basketball Game
Join other families as we cheer on the Trojans!
Sunday, February 5 at 10 a.m.: First Family Sunday School
Sunday, February 12 at Noon: Acolyte Training
Kids and youth in second grade up are invited to be trained as acolytes for our 11 a.m. worship service.
Wednesday, February 22: Ash Wednesday
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Parent Meeting - January 29th
Please join Adam and David on January 29th at 5:00 in the youth area as we discuss the state of FUMC youth. As the calendar has turned over, we have some opportunities on the horizon that we’d love to share with parents. These opportunities would be great experiences for our youth but require parental involvement, and we’d like to share them with you all. Join us on the 29th to hear about these opportunities and to hear about the direction our church is headed as it pertains to youth and families.
Regular Sunday Youth activities: Sunday morning small group 10:00 am and Sunday night 5:00-7:00 pm
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Congratulations on Baptism
Congratulations to Kat and Brian Caserta on the baptism of Scarlett on Sunday, January 22nd during First Tradition.
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Congratulations on Baptism
Congratulations to Allison Fuller on her baptism and profession of faith during First Tradition on Sunday, January 22nd.
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Congratulations on Baptism
Congratulations to Cameryn, Justin and big sister Catherine Burch on the baptism of Archer on Sunday, January 15th during First Tradition.
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Congratulations
Congratulations to Kaye and Paul Hoover following the birth of their granddaughter, Waylynn Paige Hoover, on January 17th.
Sympathy
Sympathy to Brenda Rodgers following the death of her brother, Jimmy Battles, on January 24th.
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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.
■ 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.
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Being good neighbors to make Little Rock a place where children THRIVE. |
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