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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sunday, February 12^th.

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!

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.

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 23^rd is our first meeting. If you have questions, ask either Donna, dhankins@fumclr.org or Lesley, landrews@fumclr.org.  

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 27^th 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. 

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).

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!

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. 

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. 

Wednesdays in Lent, February 22- March 29, 5-7 pm

Sunday, February 12 at Noon: Acolyte Training

Wednesday, February 22: Ash Wednesday

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. 

Congratulations to Nora Fish on her baptism. She was baptized during First Tradition on Sunday, February 5th.

■ 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.