February 17, 2023
"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.
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS IN LENT
DINNER & PROGRAMMING FOR ALL AGES

Wednesday, February 22nd Ash Wednesday
Pancake Supper 5-5:45 pm in the Gym - Click to make reservations.
Ash Wednesday Worship Service - 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary

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.

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. Click to Register.

Will Our Children Have Faith?
Join us for this class that will focus on questions of faith development and sharing of one's faith. We will explore our understanding of what it means to be a person of Christian faith, how persons acquire their world views, their values, beliefs and the ability to be a community that nurtures and nourishes such understandings. Click to Register.

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. Click to Register.

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. Click to Register.

Church Directory News
We have been taking church directory photos for several months. However, it's not too late if you did not have your picture taken. You may submit your own picture over the next two weeks if you want to be included. The deadline for submission is Friday, February 24th. You may email photos to Lesley at landrews@fumclr.org. Photos must be of high quality (if there are issues with the submitted photo, she will contact you)—no professional photography, as there are usually copyright issues.
 
Completed directories will be available on Sunday, March 12th. If you would like to purchase a directory for $15, please fill out the form by clicking here and following the payment instructions you receive by email once the form has been submitted. The deadline to purchase directories is March 1st at 4:30 pm. If you are purchasing a directory, consider donating extra to help offset the cost of directories for families of different means. Thank you in advance for your consideration and generosity! 
 
If you have any questions, please email Lesley Andrews (landrews@fumclr.org).

Tech Thursday - February 23, 2023
Because you asked… we will meet once a month to answer your tech related questions. Technology has become a central part of our lives, but that does not mean we always understand it or know how best to use what is available to us. At noon on the 4th Thursday of each month we’ll meet in First Cup to share news about technology we are using at First Church, helpful tips on using your phones or answer questions you have. All are welcome, bring your lunch, your questions and willingness to learn something new. Thursday, February 23rd is our first meeting. If you have questions, ask either Donna, dhankins@fumclr.org or Lesley, landrews@fumclr.org.  
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
Guardianship for Children
Do you think you’re too young for a will? Do you think you don’t have enough assets to warrant having a will? Did you know those are two of the reasons people delay creating their will? The truth is it’s never too soon or too late to make a will!

Do you have children under the age of 18? Who will care for them if something happens to you? Not only will a will determine the distribution of your assets, it is also the document in which you name a guardian for your children along with any wishes you have about their upbringing.
With a will, YOU decide who will care for your children. With a will you can avoid the possibility that your children could end up in a foster home or that the state would be left to decide.

Rev. Lynn Kilbourne, Director of Development with The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas, will join us on Monday, February 27th at 5:00 p.m. to talk more about Planning a Legacy at FUMCLR. The event includes a meal and childcare, both are paid for by the Foundation. Please put this event on your calendar, and RSVP to OfficeManager@fumclr.org to reserve your spot at the presentation. 
Kids' Sunday School Teachers Needed
We are looking for people to teach our kiddos during Sunday School! Like to play but nervous about teaching? Check out our no prep Sparks class! Ready to share some faith and fun with kids? Our Flames class would love to have your leadership! If you would be up for taking a week (or three) sign up here!
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
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. 
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).
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
KIDS@FIRST
Wednesdays in Lent, February 22- 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! 
YOUTH
Two important dates to add to your calendar:
April 23: Youth Led Worship- this is an opportunity for the youth to plan and lead the 9:00 and 11:00 worship services. 
June 11-16: Ozark Mission Project-We are taking a group to the OMP camp at St. James UMC in Little Rock. OMP is an excellent opportunity for your kids to do hands on service, meet people from around the state, deepen their faith, and have a great time. If you haven't already, please let Adam know if your child wants to go or if you need more information. 

Youth Parent Survey
FRIENDS & FAMILY
Congratulations on Baptism
Congratulations to Nora Fish on her baptism. She was baptized during First Tradition on Sunday, February 5th.
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.