Thursday, April 25th, 2024

LAITY SUNDAY:

4/28/24

Centering Music:

Hear, Oh Lord, My Bitter Cry by Dvořák

Geoffrey Stemen and George Revill, piano

Hymns:

UMH #384 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

TFWS #2218 You Are Mine

Scripture:

1 John 4:7-21

(8:30 a.m.) Tommy LaPorte

(11 a.m.) Cathy Gaston

Sermon:

"Love in an Election Year"

Dr. John Fletcher

Offertory:

Be Still by Karen Marrolli

Voice Ensemble; Chancel Choir

Postlude:

Oh, Had I Jubal’s Lyre by Handel

Geoffrey Stemen, organ

Join Us Online on Our YouTube and Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/universitymethodist

https://www.youtube.com/uumcbr

UUMC Member Highlight: (Beth Courtney)

We are proud to announce that Beth Courtney, a long-time member of our University UMC congregation and Chancel Choir, has been awarded entry into the LSU Hall of Distinction for alumni of the University. Here is the write-up found and endorsed by the LSU Alumni Association:

Beth Hardy Courtney was an award-winning and visionary leader in public broadcasting for 47 years, here in Louisiana and on the national stage. She began her career as a capitol correspondent and ended with her retirement as the President and CEO of Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB), a position she held for 38 years. When appointed in 1984, Courtney became one of the first women in the country to lead a statewide public broadcasting network.

Courtney created Louisiana: A History, one of the projects that meant the most to her. This beautifully told story of our state included noted historians, culture bearers, and a variety of leaders and characters. Released during the year of the Louisiana Bicentennial Celebration, the project included lesson plans for educators, a beautiful companion book, and online elements designed for schoolchildren and lifelong learners alike.

Courtney led LPB through remarkable changes in technology: from transmitter towers, satellites, digitization, and now streaming. Courtney's ability to anticipate and navigate the rapidly shifting broadcast landscape kept quality programming on the air in Louisiana. It allowed LPB to serve the entire state during disasters and challenges.

Courtney was tapped and elected to the highest levels of leadership. She served as the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Vice-Chair of the Board of PBS, Chair of the Organization of State Broadcasting Executives, and Chair of the National Educational Telecommunications Association.

In addition to the many awards and accolades presented to LPB for programs produced under Courtney's leadership, Courtney was personally honored to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Broadcaster for the Year from the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters, Communicator of the Year from the Public Relations Association of Louisiana, the Robert B. Hamm Award from the Council for a Better Louisiana, the Distinguished Service Award from the Organization of State Broadcast Executives, and the Dan Miller PBS Station Leadership Award from PBS. Courtney was named a Woman of Achievement by the YWCA, inducted into the Louisiana Center for Women in Government Hall of Fame, and received honorary doctorate degrees from Southeastern Louisiana University and Centenary College.

Beth said of this honor, "When 1 arrived at LSU as a 17-year-old freshman, I quickly found my permanent home. The students, faculty, a loving church family, the swirl of new experiences and leadership opportunities, and the rich and unique culture all combined to create the environment in which I knew I could and would thrive."

We celebrate you, Beth, and are thankful LSU saw it fit to give you this well-deserved honor.

General Conference 2024:

University UMC is a part of a global denomination currently going through revival and renewal. Click the link below to view the General Conference Preview Presentation, presented by Rev. Katie and our lay leader, Dr. John Fletcher. This presentation is about what to expect and what to watch for as the General Conference begins on April 23rd and ends on May 3rd.

General Conference Preview Presentation

PowerPoint Presentation Slides Only

If you have any questions about the General Conference, please email office@universitymethodist.org.

Week One of the General Conference:

The General Conference began Monday. This is a pivotal event that has drawn delegates from across the globe to engage in critical discussion and decision-making processes, let us take a look at what has taken place so far.

Bishop Delores J. Williamston offered words of prayer over the reunion and anticipation that surrounds the days to come: "I say to our Louisiana delegation to remember to have courage. As my great Aunt Evelyn said, you got to have some gumption in this world. Be brave, speak up. If something needs to be said, don't worry; just go do what you gotta do to get in the queue and speak up! Speak up, and let your voice be known so that we can be the church. Amen."

Our Senior Minister, Rev. Katie McKay Simpson, is attending her third General Conference. Her note regarding the anticipation and preparation stated: "In all of that time and all of the challenges which have been before us over these twelve years, the atmosphere among the legislative body here at this moment as we begin our work is wholly different than what I’ve experienced in the past. The process is still the same as it has ever been, and there are many familiar faces, but there is a spirit of genuine hope for the future, the possibility for progress being made, and deepened trust among those gathered to usher in revival and redirection for The United Methodist Church. We have been set free to become more fully who we are as a global body, and that clarity of mission and call starts right here—today—in Charlotte.”

Two Louisiana Delegates were elected to leadership positions at the General Conference. Rev. Karli Pidgeon was elected chair of a subcommittee of the Ordained Ministry Legislative Committee. Rev. Katie McKay Simpson was elected Secretary of the Conference Committee, a crucial body tasked with handling regionalization, disaffiliation, central conference matters, and jurisdictional issues not addressed by the standing committee for central conferences. Let us celebrate her hard work and commitment and pray for her and the work ahead of her. Click here to hear her reflection on the position.

Over 4,000 United Methodists from around the world participated in an eight-year process to review and update the United Methodist Social Principals. Find the draft that is pending adoption here.

More Reflections from our Louisiana Conference Can be Read Here

For more information, check out Resource UMC.

Watch the General Conference Live Here.

LSU Student Fun Day:

Our college students deserve some fun! Join us this Saturday, April 27th from 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. at Roux 61 for the LSU Student Fun Day. We will enjoy lunch together and then the fun begins! If you have questions about attending, email Lauren Broussard LeBoeuf at lauren@universitymethodist.org.

Wisdom Worshipers Social:

Our next social is slated for Friday, May 3rd in the UUMC Chapel. During this time we will enjoy fellowship and conversation. If you have questions about attending, email Lauren Broussard LeBoeuf at lauren@universitymethodist.org.

It is time once again for VBS! For VBS 2024, we will learn to "Shine Jesus' Light!" VBS will run the week of June 3rd - 7th from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Aftercare is available from Noon to 5:00 p.m. 

If you are available for the week of June 3rd to 7th, we are in desperate need of help. Some of our tried and true VBS helpers are unavailable this year. If you can only help for part of the week or even a day, we will make that work. 

For those of you who can help during the week, please mark the following work days on your calendar: May 4th, May 11th, and May 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Cindy Hall has graciously stepped back in to help with the stage and other decorations. Thank you, Cindy! This means we will need all the help we can get on the work days! 

Thank you all so much!

Please use the link below to register your child(ren) or to sign up as a volunteer for this fun-filled event. We Can't wait!

https://onrealm.org/uumcbr/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=MDY3NjZkZWUtMjE1ZS00NDcxLTg3NDQtYjEzMjAxMjViODNl

Practicing Resurrection:

Join us through April for a series on why the gift of Christ’s resurrection matters in our daily lives. This reality invites us to have hope, allows us to see beyond the boundaries life gives us, and reminds us of the way we are called by God to lead in the world. Our accompanying weekly devotional guide will be available on our website and in the bulletin.

Check out the leaders of our services this month:

April 28th - Dr. John Fletcher (Laity Sunday)

Week Four Devotional Guide:

David and the 5 Smooth Stones: Children's Musical

We all know the story of David and Goliath but what happened after the giant was slain? Take a front-row seat for the "Trial of the Century" as the Philistines take David to court for defeating their greatest champion. 

Join us as the Asbury & Wesley Choirs present, David and the 5 Smooth Stones this Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 9:45 in Fellowship Hall. You won't want to miss the jokes, the music, and the fun! 

UUMC Brand Updates:

Thank you for your continued support of our brand team as we work diligently to change to our new brand identity. As we hung the new pole banners up, we reflected upon the moment of change. This new design offers a sense of brightness, simplicity, and invitation. Take a moment as you drive past or to our church to witness this reflection and take note of any reflections of your own. We also have new summer banners so all know when we officially reduce to one service at 10 a.m. during June and July. The banners will be updated on Monday, May 27th to the summer worship schedule banners.

Another great resource to find information about our new brand is our Questions and Answers Document. This document will serve as a general reference for staff members, congregants, and new visitors and members. This will live here in our newsletter for you to reference at any time.

Kids Hope News:

The last few weeks of this school year will be busy and filled with several fun events:

Thursday, May 2nd - Last Day of Garden Team - The 5th-grade gardeners and the Jr. Gardeners will harvest potatoes (and take home what they harvest!) and close out the garden for the summer.

Thursday, May 9th - We host a McKinley Teacher Appreciation Luncheon at the school to celebrate the teachers and staff for a successful year. 

Monday, May 13th - At 9 a.m. EBR Chef James Porter will give a potato cooking demonstration to the Garden Team.

Wednesday, May 15th - We host the McKinley Elementary 5th Grade Graduation Ceremony at 9:30 a.m. in the UUMC Church Sanctuary with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to attend and cheer on our grads! If you can help set up or serve at the reception, please email Shirley Flake at shirley@universitymethodist.org.

Shirley Flake

Director of Kids Hope

shirley@universitymethodist.org

Meet Our New Members and Witness Our Recent Baptisms!

We are doing a new thing! As many of you have seen, our branding and social media have been updated. We are also taking a new approach to recognizing new members and recent baptisms. Each quarter we will be posting the additions to our church family. We are so thankful that our congregation is continuing to grow. If you would like to make that next step, email Lauren Broussard LeBoeuf, our Director of Welcome and Engagement, and she will be happy to help you with that process!

Lauren Broussard LeBoeuf

lauren@universitymethodist.org

Sunday Morning Offerings:

On Sunday Mornings, we now have large print worship service programs. We also offer hearing devices for those who need additional listening support during service. Lastly, we have a few large print copies of the red hymnals and The Faith We Sing in the Narthex.

Please ask the ushers on Sunday Morning to help you with any of these offerings and we look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday.

Employment Opportunities at UUMC:

UUMC will be hiring a new Director of Children's Ministry this spring. If you are interested in the position, please use the link below to see the full job posting on the UUMC Website. Directions to apply are included in the job posting.

Director of Children's Ministry -Job Posting

Prayer List:

Kari Behan, Robert Blackledge, Marc Blackwell, Myrtle Branning, Doug and Gail Braymer, Bob Buchanan, The Family of Jan Colluna Carnese, Beth Courtney, Blaire Dickey,

Janet Grace, Kristine Hawkins, Elliot Irby, The Family of Arnold Jackson, Linda Joseph, The Family of Ulysses Joseph, Dana and Curt Kinard, Charlotte Love, Charlotte Love, Rev. Mary Rachel Moore and Family, Sonni Muller, The Family of Beau Passman, Sally Perry, Brooklyn Rives, Jessica Roux’s Ukrainian Host Family, The Family of Marjorie Rynott, Jessie and Herbert Sibley, Leah Stewart and Family, Mary Tinsley, Garrett Ward, Wesley Foundation Leadership all of those in our congregation who are in nursing homes or homebound.