A "New" Mission
People often ask what the difference is between a mission and a vision. In organizations, they can be confusing, but when it comes to organizational health, having clarity of both and knowing the difference is essential. Basically, a mission is a declaration of identity. It states why an organization exists. A vision is where that organization is going in the next chapter of its life. A mission says "who we are," and a vision says "where we're going." As a community of faith, we may define them as a mission being "whom God has called us to be," and a vision is "What God is calling us to do in the next few years." Missions rarely change. Visions are refreshed every few years.
Those who've been around a while may remember that in 2016, our church discerned God's vision for us: "being good neighbors to make Little Rock a place where children THRIVE." Once we articulated this vision, it spread through our community of faith like wildfire. People got it. Just from that sentence, they understood what God was calling us to do. It was exciting, and people had lots of new ideas and strategies for how to live into this vision. We also wanted everyone to know it by heart, so we proclaimed it together every Sunday before we left to worship. All of this spiritual energy around this vision confirmed for me that what we had discerned was truly God's vision, not just a neat phrase we could put on a t-shirt.
This vision seated itself in our church so firmly that we began to wonder if this was more of an identity statement than a temporary vision. That made sense because it was born out of who we had been and what we'd done in the past. During the first 2/3 of this year, our church leadership has been discerning God's new vision for us for the next few years. As we began that process, we weren't completely ready to let go of our previous vision. We realized that was because it was more of our mission than vision. It was who we are. Because of that, the vision team thought, "what if we tweaked it a little and made this our mission statement?" Then they took that suggestion to the Board of Stewards, who in July approved our church's new Mission Statement as:
First United Methodist Church, Little Rock, seeks to be good neighbors to make Little Rock a place where all God's children THRIVE.
Doesn't that just fit better? This is who we are as a community of faith. To be a good neighbor stems from what Jesus said was the second greatest commandment, "to love our neighbors as ourselves." Then our faithfulness of neighboring will transform our city where all children of God can THRIVE. It's a calling beyond serving the children, youth, and young adults of our city, but ALL children of God, no matter their age, demographic, personality type, location, membership, or whatever. All people are God's children, and because of that, they deserve to thrive.
In worship on Sunday, October 23, we'll share more about God's new vision and what we're being called to do over the next two years. I hope you'll make plans to be there or worship online that day. Then that afternoon at 4:30, we'll have a church "town hall" in the Cokesbury Center to hear more about what God has done through us and what we see God calling us to do and be. I hope you'll attend that as well.
Gracefully,
David
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Camp Aldersgate Fish Fry - October 16, 2022
Tickets on sale this week in the hallway outside the library during the Sunday School hour, and after First Tradition outside under the breezeway.
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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 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. 9th |
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CHURCH DIRECTORY TIME! Pictures on Sunday until further notice!
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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Support Pride Fest 2022!
FUMCLR is a gold sponsor for this year's Pride Fest on October 15th in Argenta! We need your support to participate in the parade and staff our booth! The parade starts at noon, and we need to people to both ride in and walk along with our float. Our booth has volunteer time slots: 12-2 pm, 2-4 pm, and 4-6 pm. If you would like to participate, please email Lesley (landrews@fumclr.org).Central Arkansas Pride is committed to uplifting our local LGBTQ+ organizations, and we are proud to be a community partner.
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The Next 200 Campaign Update
New Leaves on the Promise Tree!
We recently added 4 new leaves to the Promise Tree. This represents 4 individuals or families who have pledged a legacy gift to the church in their will or estate. Those who's names are being added to the leaves of the tree are:
Greg and Jeanie Burton
Ginny and Shawn McMurray
Liz and David Russell
Sonja Taylor-Larkowski
Eventually, these gifts will be placed in our Perpetual Endowment Fund which is used to ensure our church's strength and ministry in the future.
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Please consider making your own legacy gift pledge. Gifts of all sizes are needed and appreciated. Every gift given moves us closer to our Next 200 goal of raising our perpetual endowment fund to $7 million before our church's 200th anniversary in 2031. The gifts you give will empower God's work through First United Methodist Church in the next 200 years.
If you would like more information or make a pledge of your own, contact Sonja Taylor-Larkowski ( stlarkowski@fumclr.org or 501-372-2256 ext 209). |
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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 with gifts totaling $791:
Nancy Foster
Joe Roddy
Mary Lou Rasco
Mary Davis
Bill Sherman (in memory)
Carole Sherman
Marcia Caplinger
David Smith
Joy & Lynn Rockenbach
Pat Lile
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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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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
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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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The music ministry has two very exciting events coming in the month of October. First, on Saturday, October 8th, at 7:00 PM Lyon College will be presenting a chamber concert of the music of Beethoven and Schubert. It promises to be a wonderful evening. Second, on October 23rd, we will be offering a Halloween concert. There will be music for all age levels, so bring the kiddos and meet us in the sanctuary at 3:00 PM for some spooky fun!
First Methodist Church is truly a places where the “the arts” happens. Over the next several months, we will continue to bring you opportunities like the two mentioned above. But art can’t happen in a vacuum. We need you. You, the audience, are probably the most important part of any performance.
James Stanley
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October
Sunday, October 23 at 10 a.m.: Welcome to Church Milestone
Our 3 and 4 years olds (and any older kids who may be interested) are invited to this milestone class where we learn more about what it means to be church!
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!
November
Friday, November 4 from 5:30-8:30 pm: Parent's Night Out
Drop off your kiddos at church and enjoy a date night.
Sunday, November 6 at 10 am: Family Sunday School
Come learn more about King David as a family.
Saturday, November 12: Ingathering
This is a family friendly mission opportunity at the Arkansas Food Bank.
Sunday, November 13 at 10 a.m.: Parent Bible Bootcamp
While this is for our parents of 3rd and 4th graders, all parents are welcome to learn more about the Bible and find ways to incorporate it at home.
Saturday, November 19: 3rd and 4th Grade Bible Bootcamp
This is a fun, full-day retreat at Ferncliff!
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This Sunday, Oct 9th, we will be serving breakfast at Quapaw Quarter. If you are interested in serving, be at Quapaw Quarter at 6:50 and I will bring everyone back in the van .
Sunday morning small group will meet as regularly planned.
Sunday evening we will be playing FUMC's version of Frisbee Soccer and then talk about religious platitudes.
Little Rock PrideFest - If you're interested in walking in the the PrideFest parade, on October 15with the church, let Adam know. He will get you a t-shirt and tell you when and where to meet.
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Sympathy
To Stark Ligon and family following the death of Marianne on October 6th.
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Congratulations on Baptism
Congratulations to Paige and Peyton Maddox on the baptism of their son Redford Peyton. Redford is the grandson of new members Cindy and Randy Maddox.
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Welcome New Members
We welcomed Cindi, Randy, Peyton, Harrison (not pictured) and Claire Maddox to First Church on September 25th during First Tradition. The family joins by transfer of membership from Searcy.
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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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