THE WEEKLY COURIER


February 2, 2023

Sunday at First Olympia

Worship on Sunday, February 5th, will be in-person at 10:00 am, as well as live-streamed at this YouTube link.


This week, we will continue our Epiphany worship series: God is Holding Your Life, by reading more psalms and reminding ourselves that even while life is not always good, God is still holding our lives. Pastor Heather will preach on Psalm 111, and Mark will lead our music. So, be sure to complete

a digital Connect Card each Sunday you attend online worship. You may also give online, using our online giving platform.

Prepare Your Heart...


Before you hear our joyful Praise Team play "Psalm" by Isaac Wardell, listen to this contemplative performance by Bethy Hardeman and the CityChurch song team down in San Fransisco.


Click on the picture --> 

Happenings At & Around First Olympia

Anti Racist Film Club


Each month, the pastors of the South Sound Cooperative lead discussion on a film to encourage us all on our journey to becoming anti racist followers of Jesus.


Today, Thursday February 2 the screening and discussion will be of Lee Daniel's The Butler. 


The Butler (2013) tells the story of Cecil Gaines, who serves as the butler for eight presidents during major moments in US history including the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. The film invites us to consider how we present to and engage with defining historical moments in our own lifetimes.


To join us for the screening on Zoom at 5pm (you can also watch the film on your own) and/or to join the discussion from 7 - 8pm please rsvp here: 

https://fumcoly.breezechms.com/form/ade9865226

And Check Out the Podcast...


Can't join for the discussion but still want to reflect on the film? Check out the ARFC podcast. Our episode on Lee Daniels' The Butler is live now!

Green Bag Sundays are Back!


Green bag food collection returns to Sundays this month. Bags were distributed on January 29 and should be brought back with your donation on Sunday, February 5. If you have a green bag at home please use it for your donation.


A volunteer is needed on February 5 immediately after worship to help move the donations into a storage space in the church. A volunteer is also needed on Saturday, February 11 to help transport the donations to the food bank warehouse. Please contact Toni Miklich if you are willing to help.  


If you wish to donate using the drive-through method, you can do that on February 11 at 9 AM until 10 AM.

Lent At Home Worship Boxes


Are you one of the more than 50 people who worship online every Sunday? Are you going to be out of town and will be worshipping online during Lent? If so, the church would love to provide you with an "at home worship box" with supplies to support your worship participation and spiritual growth during the season of Lent (February 22 - April 9).


The box will include a daily devotional, a candle and other items to engage your faith. Boxes will be available for pickup from the church office beginning February 12 and available through February 22. Please complete the form to request a box by Friday February 17: 

https://fumcoly.breezechms.com/form/lentbox2023

Affinity Nights Are Here!


Affinity Nights continue next Wednesday! Come at 6pm for a tasty potluck dinner (please bring a side or dessert) and good conversation with your church family! Then you can check out one of five groups: play board games, Bible study, needle arts, gentle yoga, or baking for the Community Kitchen. 


Hope to see you there! Sign ups welcome but not required: https://fumcoly.breezechms.com/form/887a1d


Two opportunities to serve our neighbors! We’ll be making “blessing bags” for our houseless neighbors on on 2/8.


You can drop off your donations to Angelina on Sundays or bring them with you to Affinity Nights. We’d welcome donations of: gloves. Thank you to everyone who has donated all the other requested items! 

Valentine and Greeting Card Sales


For the final Sunday this season, handmade Valentines and greeting cards will be on sale in the Narthex Feb 5 and online. All funds raised from the sale of Valentines will go to Church World Service for the purchase of emergency blankets that are sent throughout the U.S. and the world. 


Funds raised from the sale of greeting cards will benefit Madison School’s laundry voucher program for families in need. Valentines and cards can be viewed and ordered online at https://fumcolycards.blogspot.com/?m=1

January-February Upper Rooms


Issues of the Upper Room are ready for pick-up for $1.00! You may get yours on a Sunday morning, before or after worship. Or, swing by the church Monday-Thursday, 10am-2pm.

Morning Prayer Team


For prayer opportunities with your church friends, join the Morning Prayer team, Monday-Saturday at 9:00am. Access our Zoom Link right here or directly email the church office.

Send Us Your Questions


"At some point in every Christian’s life, they discover a question. You know the kind.


What really happens when we die?


Or Why does this terrible stuff happen to people who do their best to follow God?


Or How could God forgive me after what I’ve done?


Or How do I know what God wants me to do next?


You know. That kind of question.


In my experience, people often feel isolated when they discover that type of question, as if they are the only ones asking it. For whatever reason, questions like this often feel like obstacles to our faith. They may feel forbidden, out-of-bounds.


But what if faith requires us to ask questions? What if questions are an essential part of our personal faith? What if we need questions to survive and grow as a community of faith?"


What are your questions? Send in your faith questions to Pastor Alexa and look for them on the narthex bulletin board through Lent! May our asking help us grow.


Adapted from ask series introduction

Life of the Church


Last Sunday, we celebrated Wally Water's 101 birthday with our whole church family! We hope you enjoyed some delicious cake and wished Wally a great birthday.


Affinity Nights continue to be a blast on Wednesdays. So come join us for the next few weeks at 6pm for fun, games, fellowship, community service, and so much more. We'd love to see you there!


You can find more photos from this event (and many more) on our Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/FUMCOLY

We Remember...


On February 4th, the memorial service for Ted Samland will be held at 10:00 am in the morning and the service for Virginia Berney will be at 2:00 pm in the afternoon. Both services will also be livestreamed from our church's YouTube page.

Our Welcoming Statement

First United Methodist Church of Olympia welcomes people of all ages, all abilities,

all sexual orientations and gender identities, all nationalities and ethnicities,

the poor and the rich, single people and the many forms of family.

See our Church Calendar.

Visit our webpage!

Watch our latest worship service.

Read the latest Joys & Concerns

Like us on Facebook!

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Contact us ...

by phone: 360-943-2661 by email: fumco@fumcoly.org

OFFICE HOURS: Sunday 9am-noon | Monday-Thursday 10am-2pm

The Weekly Courier editor: Lauren Fontanilla