volume xxiv, number 4 - fumccolumbus.orgfollowing a meal with his closest friends, jesus went to a...

618 Eighth St. Columbus, IN 47201 (812) 372-2851

April, 2017

Volume XXIV, Number 4

We have come to know the stories of holy week with such familiarity that they seldom hold any surprises. We know what is coming before it even happens. There is Maundy Thursday…the washing of the feet, a holy meal with friends that will become the model for Christian worship services and then prayer in a garden. There is an arrest and the denial from one of those friends. There is a trial and then a death on the cross. We know this story. We have heard it so many times that it can often seem routine. But, occasionally, if we read closely, even that very familiar story will offer unexpected insights.

This was the case for Pater Storey, a former Methodist Bishop from South Africa. He wrote a brief book based upon the seven last words of Jesus from the cross. Each chapter includes a reflection upon one of Jesus’ statements. In the final chapter, related to Jesus’ statement, “It is finished” Storey points out something that might be easily overlooked.

Many depictions of the death of Jesus suggest that darkness fell upon the earth. But a closer reading of the text points to a different interpretation. According to Matthew 27:45, darkness came upon the earth from noon until three o’clock. With that insight Bishop Storey writes, “The darkness descends over Jesus’ suffering on Calvary from noon until three o’clock---until the moment Jesus bows his head and dies. Then it lifts! The moment Jesus dies, the darkness is gone! Easter is yet to be, but its promise has begun to dawn.”

It is a thoughtful reading of that familiar story. The darkness lifts at the time of death as a sign of hope. This hope is yet unrealized, but it is coming. This is often true in our own lives. In times of struggle, we do not always know when that turning point occurs. It may feel like darkness surrounds us, but there are signs of a new beginning, a fresh start, a renewed hope.

As we journey through those dark places in life, may our spirits be open to the unexpected and surprising hope that is on the horizon.

Pace bene (peace and all good things),

Howard

Holy Week at First UMC

The final week before Easter is often called Holy Week. It is filled with lots of pivotal moments…a holy meal, a prayer in the garden, a betrayal and denial, crucifixion and burial. To commemorate the events of that week, First UMC will offer several services. On April 13th, we will offer a Maundy Thursday service which will include the sacrament of holy communion. The Chancel Choir will sing at this service with special music provided by Scott Beck. On Friday, April 14th, we encourage participation in the community Good Friday service at noon at the Commons. We will also offer a service here at First UMC that evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Come to one or both of these Good Friday services. Following a meal with his closest friends, Jesus went to a quiet place to pray. In remembrance of that holy moment, First UMC will hold a prayer vigil in the Chapel immediately following the Maundy Thursday service (April 13th) and continuing until the 7:00 p.m. Good Friday service (April 14th). You can sign up to participate and find more details online at http://signup.com/go/1SS5iG. Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Mary made her way to the tomb. She would find the tomb empty and become the first witness to the resurrection. In commemoration of her early morning journey, we invite you to come join us for a sunrise service on Easter morning, April 16th at 7:00 a.m. Weather permitting, we will hold this brief service in the green space north of the church.

F irst United Methodist Church

Holy Week

Thursday, April 13 Maundy Thursday

7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Friday, April 14 Good Friday

Noon at the Commons 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel

Sunday, April 16 Easter

7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service 7:30 a.m. Easter Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship

http://signup.com/go/1SS5iG


Wednesday Service

Midweek Lenten services continue in our Chapel every Wednesday at noon. Come and join us through Easter for these inspiring services.

Travelers Class -- Sundays at 10:10 a.m. in the Blue Room

April 2 -- Diane Lill will share her experiences and impressions of the FUMC

mission trip to Guatemala. April 9 -- Jesus as Lamb -- Episcopal bishop John Spong says we have to go

back to the Old Testament to understand what's happening in the New Testament. We'll use his writings to learn about the Passover lamb, the lamb of Yom Kippur, and the lamb of 2nd Isaiah (Ch. 40-55), so we can better realize how John's gospel was shaped.

April 16 -- Happy Easter -- No class April 23 & 30 -- "Living the Quaker Way" by minister Philip Gulley Beth Stroh has a special relationship to this book and has agreed to

begin our week one discussion, which will deal with Simplicity. Week two will look at Peace. Ecumenical teacher Richard Rohr writes "This is nothing less than the gospel itself…a much-needed book". Books for this five-week class are available for $11.99. Contact John or Arleen Keele 812-342-3173, or [email protected] for more information.

Book Club

The selection for the April book club is Wendell Berry’s novel, "Jayber Crow." This inspiring novel follows the life of the title character as he

abandons his plan to become a minister only to find a new calling and acceptance in the small town of Port William. Come join us for the discussion of this thoughtful novel on Sunday, April 23rd at 6:00 p.m. in the Conference Room. All are welcome to attend!

He is not here,


UMW General Meeting On April 5, 2017, the UMW will have their spring General meeting. Our speaker will be Kathy Hershey from Utopia Wildlife Rehab. They are in need of some supplies such as paper towels, Dawn dish soap, and Clorox wipes or baby wipes. If you would like to help bring some of these items on April 5. We will meet in Fellowship Hall at 1:30 pm. See you there! Priscilla and Naomi Circles Priscilla and Naomi Circles met on March 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Blue Room. After a short meeting, Priscilla Circle gave the program on the Lucille Raines Residence in Indianapolis that is supported by the UMW. Members were encouraged to think about visiting there for a talk, tour, and lunch. Refreshments were served by Naomi Circle. Priscilla Circle will meet next month on April 10, 2017,

at 7:00 p.m. in the Blue Room.

Miriam Circle

Miriam Circle met in the Blue Room for our March Meeting with

15 members present. Meeting opened with prayer by our

leader Cynthia Stephenson. Old and New business was

discussed. Tracy Hawes from Breeden Realty gave the

program on getting a house ready to sell. We welcomed 2 new

members, Paula Jarrett and Linda Lane, and we are so happy

to have them. We got to spend Jean Patrick's 90th birthday with

her. Next meeting will be April 19th with Shirley Carr as hostess.

Join Us for Easter!

The Chancel Choir would like to invite you to join us for our special Easter celebration on Sunday, April 16th. Rehearsals are Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Music Center. No special training is necessary just the desire to praise our Lord on this special day!

Fridays@First

April 7 – Vocal Recital Tristan Grider

April 21 – Vocal Recital Erin Erickson

May 5 – The Burchfield Brothers (Dove award

nominated Christian duo)

May 19 – Vocal Recital Claire Baker

Summer Camp

Summer Camp through the Indiana United Methodist Conference Outdoor Ministries is available for students going into Kindergarten through those that just graduated from High School. If you are too old to attend as a camper, you can be a counselor. Scholarships are available. For more info, go to beacamper.com or talk to Rachel Nay.

Camp makes summer great!


What: Parents Day Out

When: Friday, April 14th 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where: First United Methodist Church

Who: Children ages 1st - 6th grade

Register: Contact Sarah Campbell for more information

Reminders: Please bring a sack lunch.

Registration is required by April 5th and a minimum $5 per child suggested donation helps fund the Youth trip!

Confirmation Info Meeting

Confirmation classes (youth 7th-12th grade) will meet on Sunday mornings during the 10:10 a.m. Sunday school hour for the school year. Please come to the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, April 30th at 5:00 p.m. to learn more about and sign up to be in the next Confirmation Class! We will start our class on August 6th! Registrations to be in the class are due by May 21st.

Now Hiring!!!

The Children’s Ministry Team at First UMC has paid childcare worker positions available. Opportunities to work on Sunday mornings & evenings, as well as Parents’ Night Outs, begin in April. This is a great way to impact little ones for Christ and serve the families at FUMC! Feel free to apply whether you can work any or all positions! If you know of a special person who would be perfect for this position please pass this opportunity on to them, as they do not need to be a member of FUMC to apply. For more information, or to get an application, contact Sarah Campbell.

Calling all 2017 Graduates!

Please contact Sarah Campbell by April 15th, with your name, school, degree & date of graduation to be

included in our special Graduation Recognition.

Congratulations Grant!

Grant Adkins started as a Tiger Scout in 2003 in Augusta, Georgia. He moved to Columbus, Indiana in 2009 as a Webelos Scout with the Southside School Cub Scout Pack. In 2010, he joined Boy Scout Troop 550 here at First United Methodist Church. To get his Eagle award he had to earn 21 merit badges. Grant earned 36. His Eagle project was to lead the assembly of our church's new playground equipment. He had to achieve all the other Scout ranks, get recommendations from several adults and pass an Eagle Board of Review. On top of earning his Eagle Scout Rank, Grant has also been involved with the National Youth Leadership Training course since 2013 and was the Senior Patrol Leader in 2016 where he led the program. He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's National Honors Society as an Ordeal and later a Brotherhood member. He has also hiked the backpacking trails twice at Philmont Scout Ranch, through the mountains of New Mexico, first on a seven-day trek and then two years later on a twelve-day trek. Grant is a Senior at Columbus Signature Academy and is our drummer with the Praise Band for the second service on Sundays. He plans on attending Purdue University in the fall.

Eagle Rank Requirements

1. Be active in your troop, team, crew, or ship for a period of at least six months after you have achieved the rank of Life Scout.

2. Demonstrate that you live by the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your daily life. List on your Eagle Scout Rank Application the names of individuals who know you personally and would be willing to provide a recommendation on your behalf, including parents/guardians, religious, educational, and employer references.

3. Earn a total of 21 merit badges (10 more than you already have), including the following: First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communication, Cooking, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, Environmental Science OR Sustainability, Personal Management, Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, Camping, and Family Life.

Our Church Family

Congratulations to Anthony and Misty Westbrook on the birth of their son, Kingston Westbrook on February 25!

Our sympathy is extended to Leah Hooker on the death of her brother, John Keele on the death of his step-mother, and Dave and Sandy Watts on the death of their daughter in law.



FUMC’s 52nd Smorgasbord: April 27 & 28, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

"Let the little children come to me." -Jesus Your help makes Smorgasbord a success! We need your help to prepare food, answer the phone on Thursday or Friday in the church office and take delivery orders, deliver food, financially support this mission, donate food or handmade items for Country Store, and pray for the missions of First UMC. We want you to invite all your friends and family to join us for dinner Thursday & Friday. Complete a donation sheet and return it to the church office to let us know how you can help make Smorgasbord a success. You may purchase tickets in the office,

from committee chairs, at the Viewpoint bookstore, or The Ark at Eastbrook Plaza. Purchasing your tickets early will SAVE you money. Early tickets are Adults $12.00, Children $6.00 ages 5-10 yrs. CHILDREN 4 YRS. & YOUNGER----FREE.

Smorgasbord proceeds support missions, both locally and globally. Local missions include: Hot Meals, Housing Partnerships, Just Friends, Volunteers in Medicine, Love Chapel, and the NoEL program. Missions abroad include those in: Guatemala, DR Congo, and Lithuania.

Smorgasbord 2017 Committees (phone numbers are in the church directory or call the church office)

Committee Chairperson Co-Chair

General Chairmen Marsha & Jim Sons Jewell & Lee Arthur

Carry Out Jeri Ahlbrand Marty Arnett

Coffee/Tea Jon Moore Frank Emerson

Country Store Judy Labold Kathy Leitholt

Decorations Cindy Witwer Roxie Kindelsperger

Desserts Shelia & Leighton Turner

Deviled Eggs Joan Houston John Lemley

Dining Room Sue Ellen Brown

Dishwashing Sean Cutrell

Donations Georgianna Waldrop Tammy Fields

Entertainment Lynne Fleming Julianna Drerup

Food Preparation Jim Rumsey Melissa Morelli

Food & Paper Products Jeannine Roberts

Hosts Susan & Lloyd Douglas Pastor Howard & Pastor Lisa

Publicity Rachel Nay Jewell Arthur

Rolls Nancy Welsch Karen Hinderliter

Salads Joan Houston Barb & Bill Dixon

Set Up/Tear Down Marsha & Jim Sons

Tickets Nancy Moore Garlene Weisner


FUMC’s 52nd Smorgasbord: April 27 & 28, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Return donation sheet to main church office, via mail, in person, or in Sunday offering plate no later than Sunday, April 9th. All proceeds support local and global missions.

Your time, talents and treasures are important for success. Please complete info on each section as needed. Fill out as many as you need. Please print your full name.

VOLUNTEER OR CASH

If donating money:

$ ___________ Mark checks "Smorgasbord" _ Enclosed ____ give to Tammy later

If volunteering: I would like to work in ______________ area

_____ Thursday _____ Friday

Name Phone

DESSERTS

Indicate amount & type & day:


Pies Cakes Cookies Other

Name Phone

SALADS

Indicate amount & type & day:


Spinach (prewashed bags) Jell-O Vegetable Fresh Fruit Sugar Free (clearly marked) Pasta

Name Phone

COUNTRY STORE

Baked goods (type & amount)

Hand crafted items (type & amount)

Plants (type & amount) Other

Name Phone

April Church Calendar Room Key: MC= Music Center, MPR = Multi-purpose Room, BR = Blue Room, CR =Conference Room,

FH = Fellowship Hall, Kit=Kitchen, Cha=Chapel, Lib=Library, San=Sanctuary

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

6:45 a.m. BSF

9 a.m. Kit, San, Narthex Cleaning

2

9 a.m. Trad. Worship

10:10 a.m. Coffee and Sunday School

11 a.m. Cel. Worship

5 p.m. SNC-FH

3

10 a.m. Women’s Bible

Study-116

5 p.m. Hot Meals-FH

6:30 p.m. Boy Scouts-

FH, Cha

6:45 p.m. BSF

4

10:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl-Lib

1 p.m. Staffing-CR

5:30 p.m. Trustees-CR

6:30 p.m. Girl Scouts

7 p.m. Bells

5

8:30 a.m. Prayer-Lib

12 p.m. Lenten Service-Cha

1:30 p.m. UMW General Mtg-FH

1:30 p.m. Grider Practice-San

5:30 p.m. Cub Scouts

6:30 p.m. Praise-San

6

12 p.m. LTP Board

Mtg-MPR

5:30 p.m. Zumba-

SFH

6:30 p.m. Euchre-

FH

7 p.m. Choir

7

7 p.m. F@F-San

8

6:45 a.m. BSF

9 Palm Sunday

9 a.m. Trad. Worship


11 a.m. Cel. Worship

5 p.m. SNC-FH

10


Study-116

5 p.m. Hot Meals-FH

6:30 p.m. Boy Scouts-FH

6:45 p.m. BSF

7 p.m. Priscilla-BR

6:30 p.m. SPRC-CR

11

1 p.m. Staffing-CR

6 p.m. Roundtable-FH


7 p.m. Bells-MC

12


12 p.m. Finance-CR

12 p.m. Lenten Service-Cha

5:30 p.m. Missions-CR

6 p.m. Cub Scouts


13 Maundy Thur.

5:30 p.m. Zumba-SFH

6 p.m. Choir-MC

7 p.m. Maundy Thursday

Service-San

8 p.m. Choir

14 Good Fri.

12 p.m. Service at the Commons

7 p.m. Service-Cha

Church office

closes at Noon

15

7 p.m. Reception for Sarah Kittle-FH, Kit

16 Easter Sunday

7 a.m. Sunrise Service

7:30 a.m. Breakfast-FH

9 a.m. Worship

10:10 a.m. Coffee

11 a.m. Worship

17


Study-116

5 p.m. Hot Meals-FH

5:15 p.m. BSF


18

1 p.m. Staffing-CR

6:30 p.m. Girl Scouts-FH

7 p.m. Bells-MC

7 p.m. Ch. Council-BR

19


1 p.m. Miriam-BR

6 p.m. Cub Scouts


20

5:30 p.m. Zumba-SFH

7 p.m. Choir-MC

3:30 p.m. Spire

Deadline

21

11:45 a.m. LTP Staff Mtg-MPR

7 p.m. F@F-San

22

6:45 a.m. BSF

7 a.m. Chicken Pickin-Kit

5 p.m. PFLAG-MPR

23

9 a.m. Worship


11 a.m. Worship

3 p.m. Smorg. Set Up

5 p.m. SNC-FH

6 p.m. Book Club-CR

24


Study-116

5 p.m. Hot Meals-FH


6:45 p.m. BSF

25

1 p.m. Staffing-CR


7 p.m. Bells-MC

26


10 a.m. Smorg. Deviled Eggs-Kit

6 p.m. Cub Scouts

27

4:30 p.m. Smorgasbord

28

4:30 p.m. Smorgasbord

29

30

9 a.m. Worship


11 a.m. Worship

5 p.m. SNC-FH


Christ is Risen! ~ Happy Easter! Christ is Risen! ~ Happy Easter!

The Spire is a monthly publication of First United Methodist Church.

www.fumccolumbus.org

Worship Services: Traditional 9:00 a.m. and Celebration 11:00 a.m.

Education Opportunities & Coffee Connections: 10:10 a.m.

Church Office hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to Noon Friday

Articles for the Spire should be submitted to

Editor Rachel Nay, r [email protected], by 3:30 p.m. on the 20th of each month.

Church Staff Pastor, Howard E. Boles Associate Pastor, Lisa Cottingham Administrative Assistant, Tammy Fields Receptionist, Pam Maschino Volunteer and Communications Coordinator, Rachel Nay Director of Music, J. Kevin Butler Organist, Nikolay Verevkin Director of the Praise Team, Julianna Jerome-Drerup Facilities Manager, Paul McHone Custodian, Marcia Hornback Custodian, Roland Campfield Director of Youth and Children’s Ministries, Sarah Campbell Director of Learning Tree Preschool, Sue Ellen Brown Associate Director of LTP Classroom Ministry, Gayle Kelley Associate Director of LTP Extended Care, Teresa Nickerson Ministers, All the Members of First UMC

Do we have your email address?

If not, please send to r [email protected].

First United Methodist Church 618 Eighth Street, Columbus, IN 47201 Phone: 812.372.2851 Fax: 812.378.2828

Holy Week Schedule

Thursday, April 13 Maundy Thursday

7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Friday, April 14 Good Friday

Noon at the Commons 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel

Sunday, April 16 Easter

7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service 7:30 a.m. Easter Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship

volume xxiv, number 4 - fumccolumbus.orgfollowing a meal with his closest friends, jesus went to a...

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