Weekly News
First United Methodist Church of Madison
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9:30am Worship
Rev. Cathy Weigand
"The Wisdom of Jesus, Even When..."
John 8:1-11
| | Rev. Cathy Weigand and Mark Heiskanen | |
Music Minute
by Mark Heiskanen
(This Week's Director of Music & Arts Candidate)
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As I reflected upon worship for this Sunday, I was guided by the principles of faith and groundedness in the central Gospel message of John 8:1-11 — love. Through all of our inherent differences and shortcomings, Jesus welcomes us all in Blessed Community. Whether it is embracing the holy other or standing back up after a fall from grace, this welcoming spirit and radical invitation for all of God's people embodies the love that surpasses all understanding. It is a merciful love we receive and are called to share with all of our earthly siblings.
In the choral anthem "I Believe" by Mark Miller, a profound faith in the presence of God and Divine Love is beautifully expressed. The anonymous text was found scrawled on a basement wall in a Jewish ghetto in Nazi Germany during the waning days of World War Two. Even in times of extreme persecution, the author's faith remained unshaken, impervious to the distortions that assailed him or her. May it be so for us on this Lenten journey and as we care for those who are persecuted in our present day.
I believe in the sun even when it's not shining.
I believe in love even when I don't feel it.
I believe in God even when God is silent.
-Anonymous Jewish poem
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April 13, 9:30am, Sanctuary
Festus the donkey will join us Palm Sunday to lead us in parading around the square immediately after worship! This is a fun and meaningful way to proclaim Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. We can be a reminder to others that Jesus' message of love is here to seek justice and equity in our world.
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Easter Sunday
April 20, 9:30am, Sanctuary
Children are invited to join in the Easter egg hunt on the lawn immediately after worship! Meet Pastor Mallory by the main doors after worship for instructions. In the event of inclement weather we will have the hunt indoors. Please bring a basket or bag.
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By Kathy Carpenter
Yes, the soccer goals are in and the kids are loving them!!
April 10 Parent-Teacher conferences are fast approaching. We are still in need of donations to cover the meal that FUMC is bringing in to the teachers on their long day. Please contact Kathy Carpenter.
Items needed at Hawthorne Elementary:
- Snacks: Goldfish, Cheezits, protein bars, etc.
- Motts gelatin free gummies
- Food pantry donations of all kinds (rice, beans, shelf stable milk, laundry detergent, canned fruit, soups, peanut butter, cereals, canned meats, jerky, bottled juices, etc)
- Thank you for your consistent caring and assistance!!
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Let’s welcome spring by celebrating Earth Day!
As you may or may not remember, ‘Earth Day’ was founded in 1970 by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, who spearheaded efforts for a national day to be focused on environmentalism. In 1990, Earth Day was adopted globally! Earth Day has also expanded to the entire month of April with many activities as ‘park play clean-up activities’ sponsored by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, ‘Earth Fest’ sponsored by University of Wisconsin which includes exhibits, eco challenges, musical events and more. Read More
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Saundra Brown: President of MOSES
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On April 6, our guest for Sharing Our Journeys is Saundra Brown. She is the President of MOSES—Madison Organizing in Strength, Equality, and Solidarity. MOSES is a community partner for FUMC, and works diligently to engage criminal justice reform. Read More
Please join us at 11am in the chapel and via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82753963886)
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Registration Now Open
Saturday, April 26
A scholar of American religions, Mihee explores gender and race in the United States, with an emphasis on Asian-American cultural productions and transpacific Christianities. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, TIME, BBC World Service, USA Today, Huffington Post, and many more. Register Here
| | Network Upgrade & Closet Cleanup | | Last month, we finished replacing our outdated and expensive local networking hardware. We also cleaned up the server closet (technicians referred to it as "the room with no room"). Our new IT services provider, Ampro Data Services, helped us with the project. If you would like to know more about it, contact Ben. | |
Registration Now Open
July 24-27, First UMC Madison
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Uncharted is going to be a rich time of Reconciling fellowship, worship, and education. Together, we're going to learn to better embody Christ’s love and justice for LGBTQ+ people in the Church and beyond. These times require it of us.
Convocation will be filled with inspiring speakers, transformative conversations, and moments of deep connection. And if this is your first Convocation, this will be a great first one.
Learn more & register here. Early bird pricing is happening now.
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Emergent Theology
Sundays, 11:15am on Zoom
The group will be discussing “Outside The Lines” by Mihee Kim-Kort and "Jesus for Everyone" by Amy-Jill Levine.
Zoom
Meeting ID: 850 0324 3391
Passcode: 489851
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Saturday, April 12, 9am-Noon
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You are invited to the United Women in Faith, 5th Annual Social Action Day on Saturday, April 12 from 9am – Noon. Topics for this event will be, “Becoming an Inclusive Community,” and “God’s Beloved and Diverse Children: LGBTQ+ identity and Terminology.” Participants are welcome to gather in the Chapel at First United Methodist Church, or by Zoom. The cost is $10. Register ahead of time or at the door. For questions, please contact Carol Oliver.
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Contact Brian Chapman if you are interested in participating in the Grounds Cleanup Day. |
Saturday, April 5, 8:20am-11:30am
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On April 5 we will meet at Second Harvest to assist with packaging and organizing. Open to anyone 12 years old and older. Bring three-five dry good items to contribute to Food Bank. Wear closed toe shoes and shirts with sleeves (no tank tops). Meet at 2802 Dairy Dr, Madison at 8:20am and work until 11:30am. If interested, contact Rev. Nancy Childress here.
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Saturday, May 10, 8:15am-3pm
First UMC will participate in another Habitat for Humanity build day on Saturday, May 10 from 8:15am-3pm. This is a multi-generational event. There is work to be done building and work to be done supporting those that build. Either way, we need to know if you are interested in this event. If you are interested, please contact Nancy as soon as possible. Those who want to support and not build will meet at the church to make lunch and snacks for the team.
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We are looking for volunteers who can take a two hour shift during our annual conference to staff a table with Reconciling Ministries resources along with answer questions those in attendance might have about being a reconciling church and/or community. The table will be set up with resources so no need to worry about bringing anything. Sign up here.
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This Sunday’s flowers are sponsored by Erin Kernkamp,
in honor of the Kernkamp family.
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In Case You Missed It
Watch Sunday's Service Recording
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Hope's Home Ministries Community Breakfast
Wednesdays, 9am - 9:45am
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Hot breakfasts are served every Wednesday morning at 9am.
Sign up here to help with Wednesday breakfasts. We are always accepting more help.
We had 94 guests and served 179 meals for breakfast and 125 sandwiches for sack lunch. We had 28 volunteers and 8 community partners.
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Our ministry could not flourish without our many dedicated volunteers. We are so thankful for their work!
We are always accepting volunteers! Sign up for a recurring position, or get started as a new Volunteer with First Church by filling out the Volunteer Interest Form. Visit Our Volunteer Page here to get involved.
| | Please send your newsletter submissions to communications@fumc.org by noon on Tuesday. Please strive for brevity (150 words max) and relevancy (space is especially limited for external events). All submissions are subject to editing. | | |
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
203 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, WI 53703
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