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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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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World’s Finest Chocolate Benefiting Washington Elementary
We will have chocolate bars for sale on Sunday that benefit the students at Washington Elementary. We have milk chocolate, dark chocolate, caramel, and almond bars for $1.00/bar.
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You’re invited to join us for a time of service with our partner Canvas Community on MLK Day. Canvas supports our neighbors experiencing homelessness in downtown Little Rock. We will help with a deep clean, organize supplies, and arrange furniture. Sign up to join us! https://fumclr.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/51/responses/new
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Afghan Family Holiday Surprise: Thank you!
Our Afghan family has received a special holiday/new year surprise of $440. Thank you for the special offering. Dad has been working hard at Kroger; baby is figuring out this world; and the kiddos English is improving every day. It’s fun to watch! Thank you for continuing to support our family in your prayers and extra financial support. We will continue to support half the rent and the car insurance for several more months, so if you’d like to contribute to those finances please mark your donation as “Afghan Family.” The next big step is to save for a newer car that fits all 6 family members!
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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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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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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 5, 12, 19, 26; July 2, 9, 30; Nov. 5; Dec. 10, 31
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Mom's Retreat Deadline
If you are a mom looking for a little time away, consider joining us January 27-29 for our mom's retreat in Jasper, Arkansas. During our time away we will be unraveling the past year so we can dream about what the year to come holds.
The deadline to sign up is this Sunday, January 15. The cost for the retreat is $200 which covers all lodging, food, and materials. If you have any questions, please contact Brittany. To sign up, click here!
Children's Dates to know:
January
Monday, January 16 from 1- 4p.m.: Canvas Community
Join members from First Church as we love and serve our neighbors at Canvas Community.
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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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 horizons 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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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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