The Sabbath Challenge
Several weeks ago, I shared that I'm working on resting more. After several trying years, I think our whole society is in need of rest and recovery. One of the ways I'm approaching this is to be intentional about practicing Sabbath. Sabbath is the Hebrew word for "cease" and it's one of the most common commandments in the Bible. However, it's one of the faith practices our Americanized Christianity ignores the most. Our culture sees rest as weakness and laziness, but there is a reason God valued the need to stop working just one day a week. God didn't establish the Sabbath to give us one more hoop to jump through or prove our devotion. The Sabbath is a gift from God so we don't live in perpetual exhaustion and thus we can better live the life God intends.
This Lent, I'm extending the Sabbath Challenge. If you are looking for something to give up or take on during Lent, consider taking the challenge to practice Sabbath each week. You'll be giving up work and taking on rest. As part of our Wednesday night dinners, I'm offering a class called the Sabbath Challenge. We'll be looking at the Biblical and theological roots of the Sabbath and reading part of Ruth Haley Barton's book, Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest. We'll share our experiences of trying out this Sabbath things.
Even if you aren't part of this class, you can try the Sabbath Challenge. Start small. Maybe you can't give a full 24 hours at first, so do what you can. Don't make it too legalistic. Nothing kills the joy of something faster than making it about rigid rules. If Sundays don't work, find another day of the week to intentional rest. Since Sunday is a workday for me, I make Fridays my Sabbath. Leave behind the idea that the whole day has to be spent in prayer. But I think you'll find that when your hands aren't busy and your mind settles down, the presence of God will easier to notice. However you do it, let me know how it goes for you. I'd love to hear your experiences.
Gracefully,
David
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It's Marathon Sunday, give yourself a little extra time to get to church this week!
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Communion Fund on Sunday, March 5
Every Communion Sunday there is an opportunity to leave a special offering at the altar when you receive the gift of the elements. This Sunday, March 2 the special offering will be given to our work on the Habitat for Humanity Apostle’s Build with other United Methodist churches in Central Arkansas.
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"i who have died am alive again today..."*
Searching for all that gives us life.
Lent is a season of the Christian year when we contemplate our own mortality, face our sin, and turn back toward God. We walk with Jesus to face his death on the cross. But the annual Lenten journey isn't a time to sit is darkness and sadness. The purpose is to wrestle with all that is destroying our life and then turn toward all that gives us life. After all, Lent doesn't end at the cross, but at an empty tomb.
This Lent we're moving from death to life. Each Sunday, we'll look deeply at stories where people encountered Jesus and how he called them to leave behind the the things that destroy life and embrace all that creates life. Each worship experience will move us with stirring music, challenge us through the exploration of scripture, and connect our hearts with community and liturgy. Join us each Sunday, February 26th-April 2nd at 9:00 and 11:00 for our Lenten series "i who have died am alive again today..."
*taken from e.e. cummings' poem, "I Thank You God for Most this Amazing Day.
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WEDNESDAY NIGHTS IN LENT
DINNER & PROGRAMMING FOR ALL AGES
Wednesday, March 1st-April 5th
Dinner in the Gym - 5-5:45 pm
Reservations for the Wednesday meal will need to made each week by the Sunday prior.
You may make reservations online or on your Journey Card on Sunday.
Dinner reservation links will be included in the newsletter and on our website.
March 8 dinner: Chicken Spaghetti, Salad with homemade parmesan dressing
Gluten-Free option will be available.
Programming for all ages - 6-7 pm
Kids Activities
On Wednesday nights during Lent our Kids age 3 through 5th grade are invited to experience Lent through music, learning and fun. As we prepare for the joy of Easter Sunday, kids will have the chance to experience the joy of worship, the stories of Jesus, and time for open play. The nursery will be open for kids 2 and under.
Will Our Children Have Faith -Spiritual Formation for Families.
Spirituality very broadly refers to an inner belief that the universe and all people are connected in ways we cannot always see, and that life is about more than oneself. A sense of personal meaning and purpose is enhanced when children of all ages have a deeper understanding of something greater than themselves. Please join us for this class where we will explore what it means to be a person of faith, how we acquire our views, values and belief and how to share them with others. We will also discuss spiritual practice ideas for children and families.
Mustard Seeds and Table Feasts
How Food and Tables Connect Us to the Kingdom of God
Come join this conversational study of food, justice, creation and faith on Wednesday evenings during Lent. We will discuss how scripture and sacred traditions related to food and agriculture show us about the Kingdom of God, and how that vision calls us to deeper relationships and loving, justice-fueled actions for our neighbors, both human and non-human. Each week will include a group spiritual practice and practical ideas for deepening our discipleship.
The Sabbath Challenge
We live in a culture that doesn't value rest. Every day we receive messages to work harder or make it look like you've got everything under control. But this lifestyle sucks the life out of us. And yet, God tells us to take a day for rest every week because God knows we need that to discover the full life God intends. We're extending a challenge to practice the Sabbath during Lent. Take a day, or a part of a day, or at least a few hours every week for intentional life-giving rest. Each Wednesday night, David Freeman will lead a discussion about the understanding of Sabbath, offer strategies to face this challenge, and process our experiences. We'll use the book Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest by Ruth Haley Barton as a study guide and discussion starter.
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United Women in Faith will meet on Sunday, March 19
The lunch and meeting of United Women in Faith will be in the Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 am worship service on Sunday, March 19. We will have lunch and our speaker will be Ben Goodwin, Executive Director of "Our House." He will give an overview of what "Our House" does and share some of the new things that they have been doing such as their expansion. Please make a reservation for lunch by calling the church office at 501- 372-2256 or fill out the Journey Card in your bulletin. Everyone is invited to attend!
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Homelessness Has No Face
We began our Ash Wednesday remembrance with a pancake feast together in the gym. You may or may not know this, but there were several units among us experiencing homelessness or near homelessness. No, don’t try and guess who they were. My bet is that if I were to tell you, you’d be surprised at the answer. That’s the thing. What I have learned over the last several years is that homelessness has no face. Poor has no image. We never know the struggle or story of those sitting beside us. That’s why grace is so important. I believe we must center ourselves in the abundant nature of God that says there is enough grace, there is enough food, there is enough time. When we believe this, truly believe this deep in our core, it changes how we interact with God’s beloved children. May we continue to open our doors to every. single. person in need of love, connection, and belonging. May we be a community of healing that holds the wounds of the world in tender care and says, “How can we help? There is enough to do so. God is with us.”
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SOMA Progressive Dinner
Progressive dinner is back! After a 3-year hiatus, we will gather on Saturday, March 18 at 5:00pm to support three of our treasured local Little Rock neighborhood restaurants (more info TBA!) and explore how dining and eating together at tables is a fundamental part of who we are and how we can be the church extended into the world. We will reflect in particular on the question, “What has shifted for you in the last 3 years?” We will share what has changed and emerged in our own lives, and hear from restaurant owners about the challenges & creativity that the pandemic and all of its layers brought to our neighborhood businesses, food systems, and ways of gathering.
Please sign up using this form by Wednesday, March 15.
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A Number of Stats from the Board of Stewards
Sometimes numbers sneak up on you. Sure, you loved seeing our pastors baptize those cute babies as their proud families beamed. And the Confirmands joining the church were a joy to behold. But did you realize that since the beginning of January there have been NINE baptisms and TEN professions of faith at First Church?
Wow! That’s what I call doing our job as United Methodists -- making disciples for Jesus Christ. In addition, we heard from the Finance Committee that our January contributions were higher than expected. The members of the Board of Steward’s Executive Committee spent a lot of time talking numbers at their February meeting, and those were some of the best.
We also heard that our rolls were reviewed last year. Using the process required by the Book of Discipline, the names of former members we haven’t had contact with for several years have been expunged. As a result, we have a clearer idea of the number of members who participate in our congregation. Our tally is now almost 1,000 brothers and sisters in Christ. That number is significantly less than in previous years, but much more indicative of the true size of our church.
Since COVID, all churches have seen smaller worship attendance numbers, and First Church is no exception. Before the pandemic, we were seeing average Sunday service attendance numbers in the 300s, and last year the number was in the 200s.
Yet, if you’ve attended the 9 a.m. service on Sunday lately, you may have had to look hard to find a seat. Plus, the number of youngsters at that service seems to be increasing every week. Though the 11 a.m. service isn’t packed yet, there are a few more little ones moving toward the front for children’s church and many of us empty nesters are back in our favorite pews.
Numbers are not all that matter. But they can be an indication of the health and sustainability of First Church. From the numbers discussion in our February meeting, I took home both the promise of exciting growth and the challenge of continuing viability.
Please join me and the members of the Board of Stewards in our efforts to make First Church a welcoming experience for all who enter our doors. And, if you have a chance, invite a friend who may be seeking a spiritual home to worship with you. It won’t just get our numbers up, it will change lives.
In Christ’s Name,
Jessica Szenher
Chair, Board of Stewards
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FUMCLR commits to Habitat for Humanity "Apostle's Build"
Habitat for Humanity has a historic and proven record of transforming lives through providing housing. They empower families by making them a part of the building and funding process, and they bring whole communities together. Our church has been a part of several Habitat projects over the years and it is a great way to live out our bold initiative to be in relationship with those experiencing homelessness.
We've been invited to be a part of a very special Habitat project called an "Apostle's Build" this year. Apostle's Builds are when several churches come together to build a house in the community. Our Apostle's Build is bringing together several United Methodist churches in Little Rock; Asbury UMC, First UMC, Highland Valley UMC, Pulaski Heights UMC, St. James UMC, Trinity UMC, and Wesley Chapel UMC. The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas is also helping with this build. Each church is contributing financially and people power to build this new home. It's exciting to join with our United Methodist siblings to extend our mission of making Little Rock a place where all God's children THRIVE.
We'll be breaking ground after Easter and we will have a few workdays where you can put your hands to work. Until then, we're seeking to raise $5,000 to contribute to the project. You'll have an opportunity to contribute on upcoming communion Sundays. However, if you would like to make a special gift to this project, you can send your gift to the church or contact Sonja Taylor-Larkowski ( stlarkowski@fumclr.org, 501-372-2256). I hope you'll be a part of this project either with a gift or by participating in the workdays or both.
Gracefully,
David
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Our Washington Wildcats need our help!
We are on a mission to stock the Incentive Store for Parents/Families. Students take a gift home to their family member for helping them meet their weekly goals of R.O.A.R.ing (Showing Respect, Ownership, Achievement and Responsibility). Help us stock the store by shopping our Amazon Wish list! Be sure to include your name with your purchase. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/39XM2JG4ATKNL?ref_=wl_share
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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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Next 200 Birthday Club - New Members
In honor of your birthday or the birthday of a loved one, give a dollar for each year of life. Your entire gift will go to the Perpetual Endowment Fund helping us reach our Next 200 goals. You can place your gift in the envelopes available in the sanctuary pew racks or contact Sonja Taylor-Larkowski ( stlarkowski@fumclr.org, 501-372-2256 ext. 209). Congratulations to new Birthday Club Members:
October: Bill Owens, Cindy Shenep, Roger Chinn, Rockenbachs, Kaye Burton
November: Hamp Rasco, Terry Rasco, Susan Cazort, Holly Trantham
December: Bill Burton, Don Weir, Martha Faulkner, Susan Faulkner Tynes, Susan Weir
January: Rockenbachs
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Family Faith Building Opportunities this Weekend:
Sunday, March 5 at 10:00 a.m.: First Family Sunday School
The entire family is invited to be a part of our family focused Sunday school. We will spend time remembering the ways we support our friends as we walk through a Lenten prayer journey!
One more note:
Don't forget to register your children for our Parents Night Out on Friday, March 10! The deadline to register is Tuesday, March 7th. You can register by clicking this link!
Wednesdays in Lent, March 1- March 29, 5-7 pm
Join us on Wednesdays during Lent for a fun, full-church event! We will be gathering for dinner from 5-6 pm and then classes will be offered for all ages. Kids will have music, lessons, and fun! Parents will have multiple classes to choose from. We hope you will join us for one or all of these weeknight gatherings!
Rev. Mary Jane Cole will be offering a class geared toward intentional faith development in the home that may be especially good for parents!
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The OMP Pop up is upon us. I am looking forward to working with the youth and serving our neighbor. This will be a great opportunity for the youth to bond, build relationships, and do some rewarding work.
We will meet on Saturday 3/4/23 at 8:00 a.m. at FUMC. We will load up in a church van and drive out to Benton, where the lumber will be waiting on us. We will spend all day Saturday building the ramp and a small deck. We should return to the church no later than 4:30 (but potentially early depending on how things go). The church will get Subway or something similar for lunch. The only thing your youth needs to bring is plenty of water. If the youth have tools and want to bring them that is great, MAKE SURE THEY ARE CLEARLY IDENTIFIED. We will be using drills, speed squares, circular saws, tape measures, AGAIN IF YOUR YOUTH WANTS TO BRING ANY OF THOSE TOOLS PLEASE HAVE THEM MARKED AND IDENTIFIED AS THEIRS. Bringing tools is not a necessity, OMP will provide drills, and circular saws, tape measures,etc.
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Congratulations
To Shannon Rookey and Christopher Webb on their marriage on February 25.
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Congratulations on Baptism
Congratulations to Sean and Holly Foster on the baptism of Liam on Sunday, February 19th during First Word.
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Congratulations on Baptism
Congratulations to Haley and Alex Wells on the baptism of Wren on Sunday, February 19th during First Tradition.
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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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