Retreat!
I'm working on learning to relax (that's a funny sentence to me). I have been trying to take a Sabbath intentionally for the past year. I can't say that I do it every week, and I can't say that I rest for a full 24 hours, but I'm working at it. I'm also creating opportunities for more extended rest, like retreats. After several intense years of stressful work, my weary soul has been telling me to rest. I have to fight through all the cultural baggage that says the need to rest means you're weak or lazy. At the same time, I have to be intentional that my rest is really restful and not just mindless numbing. I wonder if you can relate to any of this? Almost everyone I talk to these days mentions how worn out they feel, and it's not just people who have high-stress jobs with long hours. We're all in need of Sabbath rest.
This next week, a group from our church is taking a retreat for spiritual renewal to Sedona, AZ. We'll start each day with meditation, followed by sessions about seeking a deeper sense of joy and resilience. The afternoons will be spent hiking the trails among the red rocks of Sedona. There will be time for yoga, conversation by the fire pit, good food, and maybe even naps. We'll be working hard at resting. Just as Sabbath is one of the ten commandments, I see this as holy work. This means I will not be in worship with you on Sundays, February 5 and 12, but I'm really looking forward to this opportunity to be a part of this group and find the rest my soul needs as well.
If a retreat and sabbath experience like the one I've described is what your soul needs, there will be more retreat opportunities in the future and even a Sabbath Challenge coming during Lent. Until then, I pray you intentionally seek times to allow your body, mind, and soul to rest in God's grace.
Gracefully,
David
|
|
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). |
|
UWF Lunch & Meeting - February 12th
United Women in Faith will have their lunch and meeting on Sunday, February 12, after the 11:00 am worship service. The speaker will be Elizabeth McCormick, Global Missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. She currently serves as a Mission Advocate for the South Central Jurisdiction and helps to connect congregations and conferences to God's work done through Global Ministries. She and her husband previously served as missionaries in Mozambique. She will share information about Global Ministries, what is being done in Arkansas and opportunities for connection. Please call the church office to make a reservation for lunch at 501-372-2256 or sign up on the Journey Card in the bulletin. Everyone is invited to attend.
|
|
Grief Expressions- A Creative Way to Engage with Grief and Loss
Sunday, February 12th.
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 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! CLICK TO REGISTER!
|
|
Church Leaders Gather to Kick Off 2023
Do you know who in our congregation worked out in the same gym with Oprah? Who has his wife's kidney? Who met her husband in a board game shop?
If you were among the 40-plus leaders at Administrative Committees Orientation January 17, you do. We had fun getting to know each other a bit better before we began the serious work of First United Methodist Church-Little Rock for 2023.
We reviewed our Vision Plan general goals and how to reach them through the work of our committees and communication with all members of our church. We discussed our journey to becoming thriving individuals, a thriving community of faith and partners who will make our neighborhood and city of Little Rock thrive.
We learned about the resources available to make the ministries of our church possible --including the operating budget, designated gifts, endowments and planned giving. This year we were not able to increase our staff and clergy salaries and had to reduce program spending. We will have to dip into reserves from COVID grants to meet our operating budget needs. One goal for next year is to create a shared spirit of generosity that will reverse this trend and provide fully for staff and clergy raises and expansion of ministries in 2024.
We began a new initiative of discernment that will be a deep dive into questions that we have about the way we grow the Kingdom though the ministries of First Church. Have we grieved all that has been lost in the past? Have we fully imagined what we can become in the future? Are we meeting needs as the hands and feet of Christ in our community? These are just a few of the questions we'll be asking.
We talked about the Wesleyan doctrine that all lay members of our congregation are in fact ministers. We've all made a commitment to support the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. The members of the Administrative Committees want your input on the work of the church. If you have questions or comments, email me at jszenher@swbell.net or talk with any of the other committee members.
Look for regular updates on the work of your Board of Stewards as the year progresses.
In Christ's Name,
Jessica Szenher
Chair, Board of Stewards
|
|
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.
|
|
Wills and Bequests – Leave a Legacy to FUMCLR!
Did you know that 60% of people die without a will? What happens to everything these people worked and saved for? How do they know that the family and charities they care for are taken care of? Sadly, people who die with no will have no say over the distribution of their assets – they are dispersed according to their state’s estate laws.
With a will, YOU decide how your estate will be distributed and avoid a lengthy probate process. You can avoid legal challenges to your estate, and you can leave legacy gifts to the charities that are important to you. We hope that First United Methodist Church is one of those, and that you will help to perpetuate your church for the future.
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!
|
|
First Family Sunday School
Your whole family is invited to join us on Sunday for a "love" themed First Family Sunday school. We will gather in the First Cup Cafe and then families will be invited to move throughout the Children's space as you learn more about the abundant love of God. Families will end in the gym for some free play!
|
|
Children's Dates to know:
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
|
|
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
|
|
Congratulations on Baptism
Congratulations to Kat and Brian Caserta on the baptism of Scarlett on Sunday, January 22nd during First Tradition.
|
|
Congratulations on Baptism
Congratulations to Allison Fuller on her baptism and profession of faith during First Tradition on Sunday, January 22nd.
|
|
Congratulations on Baptism
Congratulations to Cameryn, Justin and big sister Catherine Burch on the baptism of Archer on Sunday, January 15th during First Tradition.
|
|
Congratulations
Congratulations to Kaye and Paul Hoover following the birth of their granddaughter, Waylynn Paige Hoover, on January 17th.
Sympathy
To Keith Martin and husband Tim Hensen following the death of Keith’s mother-in-law, Kristine Hensen, on January 27th.
To Brenda Rodgers following the death of her brother, Jimmy Battles, on January 24th.
|
|
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.
|
|
Being good neighbors to make Little Rock a place where children THRIVE. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
