Bulletin Announcements
For this week's calendar, please see the Calendar page.
Announcements from Sunday, March 7, 2010
The altar flowers today are given to the glory of God by Ruth Brockman in memory of her parents, George F. and Marie J. Day.
One Great Hour of Sharing
Next Sunday, we will join United Methodists around the world to take a special offering--"One Great Hour of Sharing"--to help underwrite the administrative costs of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
Daylight Saving Time!
Next Sunday, Daylight Saving Time begins. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour when you go to bed on Saturday night.
A Different Translation of the Lord's Prayer for Lent
As a Lenten practice, we will be using a more modern translation of the Lord's Prayer to help us focus anew on the words. It will be printed in the bulletin for each worship service during Lent for your convenience.
Planning for the Future
Having your funeral service planned is one of the best gifts you can give to your family. To help facilitate your planning, we will be offering a two-hour workshop next Saturday, March 13, from 10 a.m. to noon. During the first hour, Pastor Kevin will talk about the United Methodist funeral service. He will walk you through the service and discuss what decisions you might wish to make about your funeral. This hour will give you the information you need to prepare detailed instructions for your family, which are a help and comfort at a difficult time.
The second hour, "Putting Your Legal Affairs in Order," will be presented by Scott Harstook, managing attorney for Iowa Legal Aid's Legal Hotline for Older Iowans. Scott's presentation will suggest simple planning methods to help you reduce the burdens on you and your family in the event of your poor health or death. Learn how to avoid guardianships, conservatorships, and probate by using powers of attorney, health care directives, payable on death accounts and other documents and techniques.
These two hours will be time well spent. Please call the church office by Wednesday, March 10 to sign up. Coffeecake and coffee will be served.
May Baskets
Use your creative talents to decorate May baskets! Church Women United will distribute these baskets to folks in care centers. We will gather in the first floor conference room on Wednesday, March 17 at 9:30 a.m. We have the two inch baskets, but we'll need to trim and decorate them. Please bring scissors, a glue stick, and items to decorate the basket with, such as baby ribbon, stickers and rick rack.
Coins for Change
...that's what you're carrying in your pockets and handbags...but only if those coins find their way to the special collection jar in Kenyon Hall. Don't miss the display and information on JFON - JUSTICE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS. This compassionate ministry initiated by the United Methodist Church in 1999 provides free professional legal services for low-income immigrants in their immigration process. This is one way you can help to create a more just world!
Join the Circle!
The Circle will meet for its monthly potluck on March 8 at 5:30 p.m. in Kenyon Hall. Bring a dish to share and join us for conversation and fellowship! As a special treat this month, Isabelle Abarr will share stories of her recent mission trip to Kenya.
Help Needed!
On Wednesday, March 31, we will be having a Seder meal. There is a good deal of set up with this type of dinner. If you could help the Hospitality Committee at 2 p.m. on March 31, please let Christine know. Help will be needed with setting tables, filling glasses and other activities. Thank you!
Mission Trip to Nigeria
In June, Judi Buxo and Christine Anders will be traveling to Nigeria for a three-week mission trip. They will be joining approximately 15 others from Iowa including Bishop Trimble. They are very excited about the opportunity to work with our Nigerian brothers and sisters. The trip will cost approximately $3,500 per person. This includes airfare, travel in country, food, lodging and work supplies. If you would like to donate to help defray some of the costs, you can place your donation in the offering plate. Please be sure it is clearly marked for the Nigerian mission trip. Donations will be collected through the end of May. Thank you for any assistance you can provide. They are both very excited to represent First United Methodist Church.
Mark Your Calendar: Wonderful Wednesdays
Wonderful Wednesday events will be coming soon, so mark you calendar!
Wednesday, March 17
5:15 p.m. - Lenten Music Series
Jennifer Wohlenhaus, Oboe
6 p.m. - Lenten Meal
6:45 p.m. - Guest Speaker, Jim Autry, Poet and speaker
Wednesday, March 24
5:15 p.m. - Lenten Music Series
Jin Young Park, Piano
6 p.m. - Lenten Meal
6:45 p.m. - Mission to Meru, Isabelle Abarr & Adele McDowell
Wednesday, March 31
Lenten Music Series
Drake University Students
6 p.m. - Passover Seder Meal
Please see the March LIGHT for more information!
Alternative Gift Cards - All Year Long
To commemorate a birthday, anniversary or to say a special thank you, you can now get Alternative Gift Cards all year. The inside of the note card tells the recipient that a gift was given in their name to the Connection Cafe. Stop by the Fair Trade Booth in Kenyon Hall to purchase some for $5, $10, or more.
Join in Helping to Discern God's Plans for Us
We continue discerning God's plans for us. The Rev. Eric Guy, who is assisting us with the discerning process, will be with us the following Sundays in 2010:
April 11 at 4 p.m. - Discussion of Intuitive Leadership: Section 3
June 23 at 4 p.m. - "What do we do with all this?" (followed by an all-church dinner)
You may pick up your free copy of Intuitive Leadership: Embracing a Paradigm of Narrative, Metaphor, and Chaos by Tim Keel in the church office.
We want as many people as possible both 1) to read, reflect, and discuss Intuitive Leadership and 2) to join in the discussion on June 23: "What do we do with all this?" The June discussion will cover Tribal Church (the first book we read together), Intuitive Leadership, and the thoughts, ideas and suggestions that our conversation, reflection and prayer have generated.
If you haven't read Tribal Church, let the office know and we will get you a free copy.
First Church Has a Facebook Page!
For all Facebook users, you can now become a fan of DSM First Church, our new Facebook page. Get updates on church activities and events, look at church event photos and get involved in a discussion, all from Facebook. Plus, upload your own church photos to the page!
Sunday School Classes Next Week– March 14, 2010
Pastor Kevin will be leading our 2nd Sunday class. His topic will be Communion 101. We hope you will join us in Fellowship Hall at 9 a.m. for coffee. The discussion will begin at 9:15 a.m. Come and find out more about "This Holy Mystery."