Moving from Surviving to Thriving Survey
Recently we sent out a survey to people connected to FUMCLR, and we received 163 responses. The purpose of the survey was to gain an understanding of the general experience of our congregation between surviving and thriving. Knowing these experiences will help us work towards one of our major initiatives which is to help people move from survival mode toward a deeper sense of thriving spiritually. I want to share with you some of the results and my initial reflections on what you shared.
You may remember that we have defined 6 experiences of survival mode. For each of those, we have defined 6 practices that help us thrive. In the survey, we asked you to identify your general feeling between the two on a scale between 1 and 10. We then averaged the responses to determine an overall experience of the church.
Here are the averages for each question:
Between Isolation and Loneliness or Connection and Belonging= 7.26
Between Anxiety or Gratitude= 7.56
Between Over-extended Lives and Exhaustion or Holy Rest= 6.09
Between Self-Centeredness and Tribalism or Empathy= 7.35
Between Scarcity or Generosity= 7.43
Between Hopelessness and Despair or Hope= 7.59
*Please note, we realize there are flaws in our methodology. This is not a scientific survey . The goal is not precision but to get a general understanding of our church's experience.
I was surprised, and pleased, to see all the averages on the higher end of the spectrum. Our work will be to move those averages even higher toward thriving. These averages will help us plan ministry to specifically address people's needs.
The survey also asked you to identify specific practices you already have that increase spiritual thriving. From the written comments, I have two reflections. The first is that many of you already have these practices in your lives but don't see them as spiritual work. Some of our work over the next few years will be to help people see God's movement through their lives. The second reflection is we need to do a better job explaining what some of these terms mean. For example, several people struggled to understand what "holy rest" means. Some people didn't see the connection between anxiety and gratitude. Therefore, in the coming months, we'll be doing more work to better clarify these concepts and train ourselves to see them as God's work in us.
One trend showed up consistently throughout the survey results. Over and over many people stated that one thing hindering them from thriving is how they have fallen out of the habit of participating in church. Not being able to worship in person or attend Sunday school for 15 months broke the habit and ritual for so many people, and they have not been able to get back into a consistent pattern. Many people stated that they knew getting back to worship, Sunday school, small groups, choir, etc, would boost their sense of thriving, but they are struggling to make it happen. This is a nut I don't know how to crack. But as I've visited with other pastors and church leaders around the state and country, I'm finding this is not unique to FUMCLR.
These are just some of my initial personal reflections of this survey. I'm grateful for each person who took the time to respond and take it seriously. In the next month, there will be several opportunities for you to learn more about these findings and explore our church's vision plan. Plan to be in worship on Sunday, October 23rd for Vision Sunday and then that afternoon we'll be holding a Church-Town Hall Meeting at 4:30 in the Cokesbury Center. All are invited.
God has given us life but wants more than our mere survival. God intends for our lives to thrive, and we find that through God's grace. It reminds me of that phrase in the 20th chapter of the Gospel of John, "...and that through believing you may have life in his name." May we find a greater sense of life in God's grace allowing us to thrive.
Gracefully,
David
Save the Date:
Vision Sunday
Sunday, October 23rd 9:00 and 11:00 worship
Church-Town Hall Meeting
Sunday, October 23rd, 4:30 Cokesbury Center
Generosity Sunday
Sunday, October 30th, 9:00 and 11:00 worship
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Communion Fund - This Sunday!
The Communion Fund supports our community ministries during the week, and we want to keep you up to date on how the funds are spent:
-200 single ride bus passes for low income neighbors
-rent and utility assistance for our Afghan family
-snack bag food for Monday-Friday visitors
-family utility and rental support for 15 children
Totaling: $4,100
Spiritual Practices Classes
We are offering a three-part series of classes on Spiritual Practices to reconnect and begin a journey toward healing. These classes will be offered on the first three Sundays in October during the Sunday School hour. The first two will be held in the Chapel and the third in the gym. They are as follows:
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October 2 – The Practice of Centering Prayer. A method of contemplative prayer in which we rest silently in the presence of God.
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October 9 – The Practice of Lectio Divina. A contemplative reading and listening of scripture to open ourselves to what God might be saying to us.
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October 16 – The Practice of Walking a Labyrinth. A practice of journeying to and returning from the center.
Each of these Spiritual Practices are exercises in mindfulness calling us to be present in the moment, present with God and living more open-heartedly. Writer and artist Julia Cameron said: “You do not need to work to be spiritual. You are spiritual; you only need to remember that fact. Spirit is within you. God is within you.” I hope you will join me for any or all these session as we remember this together. Please reach out for questions or more information at mcole@fumclr.org or 501-960-7731.
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COMMUNITY LEVEL - LOW, MASKS RECOMMENDED on Sun, Oct. 2nd |
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CHURCH DIRECTORY TIME! Pictures every Sunday into October!
Friends - it's been too long since our last church directory! After so many requests, we are finally gearing up for a new one! Starting Sunday, September 11th, Lesley will be in the courtyard taking directory photos from 10-11 am and 12-12:15 pm! Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.
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A Service for the Blessing of the Animals - Oct. 2nd
A Pet Blessing or Blessing of the Animals Service is a wonderful way to celebrate God’s love, care and concern for creation. We experience God’s love as we care for and receive care from animals. First Church is delighted to offer this service to honor the special pets in our lives. KIDS: Bring your special stuffed animals for a blessing. We know these special beings also have a significant role in our lives. Please join us on October 2 at 3:00 p.m. at Pettaway Park. Bring your beloved pets for this service that’s enjoyable for the whole family.
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Support Pride Fest 2022!
FUMCLR is a gold sponsor for this year's Pride Fest on October 15th in Argenta! Our community of faith will have both a booth and parade entry this year. We are looking for a small group or individuals to help with the float and booth! Ideally a small group would volunteer to design and coordinate the float, while many First Church friends volunteer to represent in both the parade and the Pride Fest booth. Central Arkansas Pride is committed to uplifting our local LGBTQ+ organizations, and we are proud to be a community partner. If you would like to participate, please email Lesley (landrews@fumclr.org).
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Try Taiko Drumming! Monday nights 6:30-8:30 Japanese drumming is an exciting and invigorating musical experience. Come see what it’s about - no experience necessary! Try this fun and expressive group art form and get a good workout while you’re at it! All are welcome, regardless of physical condition, age, or musical background. Taiko is more than music, more than a workout; it’s an open and welcoming community that would love to have you in it! We will be meeting on Monday nights from 6:30-8:30 at First United Methodist Church, 723 Center Street, downtown Little Rock. Wear comfortable, flexible clothing. Be prepared to work hard and have fun. Visit www.taikoark.com.
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Happy Hour - October 6th at 6 pm
Gather with friends and meet new ones for a time of fellowship. We’re getting together for happy hour at Stones Throw Brewing MacPark on Thursday, October 6th at 6:00. Bring a friend or co-worker and make new holy connections.
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Thank you to Cherry Light and Nancy Wood
After over 20 years of service, Cherry Light and Nancy Wood are retiring from our Memorials and Honorariums Committee. Over these decades, they have led this committee by receiving memorial and honorarium gifts, ensuring they are properly distributed, and acknowledging all of the gifts. They have written and addressed thousands of cards on our church's behalf. They have gracefully worked with grieving families to choose meaningful ways to remember their loved ones. The Board of Trustees asks you to join them in thanking Cherry and Nancy for their faithful servanthood and generosity of time and work.
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Helping Jackson’s Water Crisis
Thank you for donating to the water crisis in Jackson, MS. We are sending a check for $1,105 to the Mississippi Rapid Response Coalition. This organization is made up of 30 smaller organizations in the city working to provide access to clean drinking water.
The Pantry on Wildcat Way Funding Needed!
The Pantry, formerly known as Backpacks for Kids, is our weekend food ministry with our partner school Washington Elementary. The Pantry provides weekend food bags for all families at the school. That’s 340 students! Our team packs the bags at the school on Monday’s at 1:00pm. FUMCLR also financially supports The Pantry, and we need help. It costs $5.00/bag for 340 students. That’s $1,700 a week! Can you sponsor a student for a month? Can you sponsor 5 students for a month? You can donate to The Pantry by submitting your donation to the Church.
$5.00—one student/week
$20.00—one student/month
$100—5 students/month
Buy Washington PTA Membership- $5.00
One way we support out partner school is by selling PTA memberships. It’s that time of year again! We will be selling PTA memberships on Sundays in October. $5.00 supports the school’s endeavors to love our students and teachers well. The funds help put on programs, buy teachers goodies, and show the community how active the school is. Be on the lookout for ways to register and buy a membership!
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First Family Halloween Concert- October 23rd at 3:00 pm
Are you a Halloween person? Do you feel sweet relief when Target replaces their pool floaties and tank-tops with chunky sweaters and plastic skeletons? Do you look forward to that first cup of harvest cider in any given year? Do you treat the annual re-emergence of the pumpkin-spice latte as a high holy day?
Us too!
... and do we have a great opportunity for YOU!
The Music Ministry of First United Methodist Church in partnership with the Children’s Ministry is proud to present the next event on the Kyle Linson Concert Series: our First Family Halloween Concert on Sunday, October 23rd at 3:00 PM in our sanctuary. It will be an afternoon of spooky, musical fun.
Will we perform The Monster Mash?? You bet!!
What about Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor?? Oh, for sure, you know that has to be on the program!
Are you a fan of jazz? Come listen to our musicians play Autumn Leaves and ‘Round Midnight.
It will be an eclectic blend of music to celebrate the Fall. The first half will be geared toward our kiddos (though grown-ups will certainly enjoy it, too) with songs from familiar movies and cartoons. During the second half, while the kids are taking a spooky flashlight-tour of the church (looking for candy, no doubt), the adults will hear more grown-up fare.
I hope I see you there!! - James Stanley
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Grief Expressions- A Creative Way to Engage with Grief and Loss
Sundays, November 6th and 13th, Noon – 3 pm, Lunch provided
Join us for a creative arts activity to honor whom or what you have lost. While the source of our loss varies, all can benefit from the opportunity to engage with our grief in a creative and transformative way. The afternoon will include lunch, prayer, experience based workshops in journaling and art therapy. Artistic experience or ability is not required to participate and enjoy the workshop, just the willingness to create. All are welcome. Please rsvp to the church office by Nov 3 rd, 372-2256. If you have questions, see either Donna Hankins, dhankins@fumclr.org or Mary Jane Cole, mcole@fumclr.org. We look forward to this special space and time to acknowledge, create and honor together! |
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Sunday, November 6, Winston Faulkner Gymnasium, 8 am- 1 pm
Get your Christmas shopping done early while supporting important causes! Support local nonprofits and mission ministries by giving in honor or memory of a loved one. Buy fair trade coffee and chocolate from Equal Exchange, beautiful jewelry supporting FLAME, or sewing crafts by Sew and Serve. You don’t want to miss the goodies at our Shop for Good Christmas Market!
On the same day, join us in the Fellowship Hall for a pancake breakfast supporting The Pantry on Wildcat Way. This ministry of FUMCLR makes sure families at our partner school Booker T. Washington are food secure on the weekends. We will also be packing UMCOR school supplies in First Cup Café. It will be a wonderful day of yummy food, philanthropy, and service!
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We will collect UMCOR School Supply Kits during the month of October to take to Ingathering in November. Stay tuned for the list of items to be collected and the packing party! |
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A few notes:
1) NEXT Saturday (October 1) at 10 a.m. we will have a family outing to the pumpkin patch at Bo Brooks Farms. If your crew is planning to be there, please text me to let me know! My number is 501-529-2044.
2) If you missed our parent's meeting last week, CLICK HERE to download the fall newsletter. You will find information about what is coming up with Kids@First and a calendar through December.
3) The moms have spoken. We will be rescheduling our mom's retreat so that more people can participate. Mark your calendars for January 28-30!
October
Saturday, October 1 at 10 a.m.: Pumpkin Patch Outing
@BoBrook Farms
Join your church friends at the pumpkin patch as we welcome fall together!
Sunday, October 2 at 10 a.m. : First Family Sunday School
@First Cup Cafe
Come meet Abraham and learn more about his story.
Sunday, October 23 at 3 p.m.: Family Halloween Concert
@ FUMCLR Sanctuary
Our music ministry will be leading this fun and engaging Halloween concert.
Sunday, October 30 at 10 a.m.: Sunday School Trick or Treating
Come to church dressed in your costume and get ready to trick or treat during Sunday School!
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Congratulations on Baptism
Congratulations to Paige and Payton Maddox on the baptism of their son Redford Payton. Redford is the grandson of new members Cindy and Randy Maddox.
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Welcome New Members
We welcomed Cindy, Randy, Payton, Harrison (not pictured) and Claire Maddox to First Church on September 25th during First Tradition. The family joins by transfer of membership from Searcy. ADDING PICTURE AFTER TEST
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A Note of Thanks from the Peashe Wal Family
Father and Mother have expressed their deep gratitude for ALL the gifts they received at the Baby Shower held at First Cup Cafe in August. From blankets to onesies, to diapers and multiple gift cards to car seat, swing and so much more… ALL items gratefully received.
They say Thank you to the Church people !!! Baby girl arrived on September 7, and she is beautiful ! Pictured to the left is big sister and brothers.
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Congratulations
To Barbara and George Wise following the birth of their first grandchild, Graham Gilbert Wise on September 17th.
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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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