Things Better Left Unsaid Series begins this Sunday
The late writer Brennen Manning famously said, "The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle." While I agree with this assertion, I think there is another major factor and that is what Christians are acknowledging with their lips. I think often Christians say all kinds of things about God that turn people off to the faith. Many describe God as judgmental and vindictive. Some say God creates tornados and hurricanes to punish people. Then some of the most famous Christians in the world are telling people God rewards people by making them rich. All of these things are un-theological, non-scriptural, and untrue. Why would anyone want to serve a God like that, much less, believe in that kind of God? These things are better left unsaid.
I also think there are other, more subtle, statements we make about God that turn people off from Christianity just as much. Sometimes they are those cliches we offer up to comfort people or help make sense of the senseless. For example, when someone is going through a difficult time, we might say, "God won't give you more than you can handle." On the surface, it may seem encouraging to that person because it reminds them they are strong and can handle their struggles. But if we think about it more deeply, do we believe that God tests us like that? What does it benefit God to give us hardships? Is God toying with us to make us be more faithful and if so, what does that say about God's nature? Is that the God of grace we come to know in Jesus? If I were in the midst of one of life's great struggles and someone told me God was intentionally making it happen to me, I'm not sure I would want to have anything to do with that God.
Our New Year's Worship Series will explore these things we say about God that ultimately have a negative impact on people's understanding of God and their faith. This series is called Things Better Left Unsaid. We will search for more helpful and authentic sayings that reflect the grace-filled God of love and life that holds this world. I hope you'll make plans to be here this Sunday as we kick this series off exploring "Everything Happens for a Reason and God Won't Give You More Than You Can Handle." If you can't make it this Sunday, join us the other weeks through February 12th. See you soon and Happy New Year!
Gracefully,
David
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SPECIAL NOTICE: A celebration potluck for the life of Betsy Hoffman will be held on Sunday, January 8th at noon in the fellowship hall. Inurnment in our columbarium will take place after lunch. Community and connection were significant expressions of church for Betsy. Join us as we fellowship in memory of Betsy.
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"Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is very pleased to partner again with FUMCLR on Monday, January 16, 2023 for our annual MLK Challenge. We provide opportunities for students ages 12-18 to volunteer in their community to honor the legacy of Dr. King. FUMCLR has agreed to serve as the transportation for these students to and from their serve locations. This is huge blessing to MTCC and the students we host. Thank you for your love and support!"
If you have an interest in driving one of the church vans on the morning of Jan. 16 please contact the church office. If you have any questions about the MLK Challenge or how your student can participate, please contact Christen Stanley at christen.stanley@arkansas.gov or 501-683-3615. |
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Special Called Charge Conference
There will be a special called Charge Conference meeting on Tuesday, January 17th at 5:30 in the Fellowship Hall. This will be a one item agenda to adjust the clergy compensation. A Charge Conference is a designation for meetings to conduct certain church business. All members are welcome to attend and members of the Board of Stewards can vote. This meeting will happen at the beginning of the Administrative Committee Orientation.
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Administrative Committee Orientation
All incoming and current members of our Administrative Committees (Board of Stewards, Board of Trustees, Committee on Finance and Administration, Staff Parish Relations Committee) are invited to an orientation meeting on Tuesday, January 17th at 5:30 pm. We will meet all together in Fellowship Hall to review our church’s Vision Plan and 2023 initiatives. Then we’ll split into the individual committees for a time of orientation and organizing. We will conclude around 7:30.
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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).
Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 12, 26, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 16, 23, May None, Jun. 11, Jul. 2, 9, 30, Aug. 13, 20, Sep. None, Oct. 22, Nov. 5, 19, 26, Dec. 10, 31
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Welcome to 2023!
I cannot wait to see what 2023 had in store for the kids at First Church! My prayer for the next few months is that our kids continue to find home in our church and grow in their relationship with Jesus. I have put together a basic winter and spring calendar to keep everyone up to date on what the next few months hold!
Children's Dates to know:
January
Saturday, January 21 at 10 a.m.: Mosaic Templar Outing
Gather at the church at 10 a.m. and then we will head over to the Mosaic Templar Museum. We will gather for a pizza lunch back at the church.
Sunday, January 22 at 10 a.m.: Kindergarten Milestone Event
Our Kindergarteners will learn all about the Lord's Prayer!
Friday-Sunday, January 27-29: Mom's Retreat
Gather with other moms for some time away.
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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Welcome New Member
We welcomed Clayton, Jessica and Lucy Keith into membership on Sunday, December 18th during First Tradition. When you see the Keiths around FUMCLR, give them a warm First Church welcome.
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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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