April 2014Number 3

A Newsletter of the first UNited Methodist ChUrCh of MAdisoN

Sunday WorShip9 & 10:30 a.m.

apriL 6

Holy Communion

Text: John 11:1-45

Message: Rev. Tina Lang

Communion Musical Setting

Led By: Rev. Carly Kuntz

Blessed Brass @ 9 a.m.,

Ken Lonnquist & Kids

apriL 13

Palm Sunday

Text: Matthew 21:1-11

Message: Rev. Carly Kuntz

Handbell Choir

apriL 20

Easter Celebrations!

Text: John 20:1-18

Message: Rev. Carly Kuntz

Chancel Choir, Piano/Organ Duet

apriL 27

Earth Day Awareness

Text: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Message: Rev. Carly Kuntz

All-Star Jazz Band @ 9 a.m.,

Soloist @ 10:30 a.m.

May 4

9 a.m. WorShip onLy

Message: Dr. Jennifer Knust

Chancel Choir

Lecture @ 10:30 a.m.,

Speaker: Dr. Jennifer Knust

Sunday FELLoWShip

Coffee Fellowship 9:30 -10:30 a.m.Easter Community Meal

All Welcome – Noon to 2 p.m. – Sunday, April 20For homebound delivery call 608.256.9061. Deadline for delivery requests is Monday, April 7.

The Chimes

“We can learn so much about how to live real life during the season of Lent.”

Of all the seasons in the Christian year, I love the season of Lent the most. I love Lent because Lent is real. The issues of Lent are the issues we face every day in our real lives. The Bible stories of Lent are filled with joy, sorrow, hope, betrayal, hope, despair, peace and violence. The stories of Lent could be taken from the headlines in our news today.

The Christmas season is a wonderful time of year full of anticipation, joy, optimism, parties and celebrations. The birth of the baby is a time to thank God for the miracle of life. But, birth, celebration and joy are only part of the human experience. Real life is filled with disappointment, heartache and pain. That is why I love Lent. It is filled with the joy as well as disappointment, heartache and pain. We can learn so much about how to live real life during the season of Lent. We can learn how to be people of hope and joy in the midst of the realities of life.

The highlight of the Lenten season is Holy Week: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Palm Sunday worship will take place at the usual Sunday worship times. Please come join the children as we wave palms and praise God for sending Jesus to us. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship times are both at 7 p.m. We experience the Last Supper, words of betrayal and the crucifixion on those days. We feel the depth of despair that comes with seeing the dreams die along with the dreamer.

If we put ourselves in the position to experience these events as the first participants experienced them we will truly experience the joy, the relief and the significance of Easter. We will understand how important Easter is to our lives and to our faith.

Please make every effort to observe the season of Lent. Please make Holy Week worship a priority. Please join me in Holy Week so together we can experience the complete joy on Easter.

Blessings,Rev. Carly KuntzLead Pastor

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Carly’s Column First Church has a beautifully written vision and mission statement. A great deal of time, energy, prayer and thought was given to making these statements accurate and visionary. The mission and visions statements describe what God is calling First Church to do and to be. It is time for us to take another step in identifying who First Church is and to what God is calling us. It is time for us to name our congregation’s Core Values: six words that say what God is calling us to be and to do. Naming core values is the first step toward ensuring the congregation and the staff are using our time and resources doing the work of ministry God is calling us to do in the second decade of the 21st century. The process of ensuring we are on the same page in how we use our time and resources begins with a survey to name our Core Values. Each member of the congregation is invited to take a survey via email or on paper identifying a) what we want to say about each other, b) what we want the community to say about us and c) what we want our staff and volunteers to say about us. The survey will be available online and on paper beginning April 1. The survey will end on April 12. Once we name our core values the Board will ask a representative group to name core ministries and programs that will bring the core values to life. After we name our core ministries, we will develop job descriptions that will guide your staff in its work. The goal of the survey and this process is to make sure we are using our time and resources most effectively now and in the future. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Carly at ckuntz@fumc.org. Thank you for your willingness to help First Church be successful in doing the work to which God is calling us.

Blessings, Rev. Carly KuntzLead Pastor

Easter OfferingsDuring the Easter season, it is encouraging to see both new and familiar faces at our worship services. Throughout the year, many of you already support the congregation with your time, talent and financial contributions but greater participation is always welcome. We encourage you to look into our electronic giving program. It takes just a few minutes to set up a recurring giving plan. Visit the church website at www.fumc.org and locate the donation link on the right hand side.

Dr. Jennifer Knust Eleventh Annual David P. Lyons LectureSaturday, May 3, 2014 Registration Now Open OnlineDr. Jennifer Knust, a noted modern theologian, will present two lectures on the topic, “The Bible, Sex, & Christian Ethics.” Dr. Knust is an Assistant Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Boston University and the author of a wide range of articles and essays in her field, and a recent book, Unprotected Texts: The Bible’s Surprising Contradictions About Sex and Desire. To learn more about this year’s speaker and to register online, visit www.fumc.org and click on the “Lyons Lecture” link on the right side of the page.

Lyons Lecture VolunteersIf you are planning to attend this year’s Lyons Lecture and could volunteer your time before the event (hospitality, parking, registration), during lunch, or help with clean up after, please contact Joan Maynard at jlmaynard825@gmail.com or call 608.217.4917.

Easter Flower OrdersFirst Church has a tradition of filling the Sanctuary with a breathtaking tableau of spring flowers to greet us on Easter Sunday. Each plant (daffodils, tulips and/or daisy mums) costs $15. Order forms will be available in Sunday worship bulletins. Drop the form in the offering plate or send it to the church office. Orders must be received by Sunday, April 6.

4 The Chimes

Earth Day Concert Ken Lonnquist & FriendsFriday, April 25 @ 7:30 p.m. in Fellowship HallKen Lonnquist and Friends will celebrate Earth Day at FUMC with a concert of original songs and you can be a part of it. Ken is recruiting singers to join him in the show to learn and rehearse the songs in a series of five rehearsals on Mondays beginning March 31. Please join us! Sing moving “Earth Spirituals” with Ken on guitar, pianist Dave Adler, and percussionist Rand Moore in support. Everyone is welcome to participate. Contact Ken at ken@kenland.com or 608.249.7714 for more information or to sign up.

Vacation Bible SchoolJuly 21-24, 2014Supper Served 5:30-6 p.m.Program 6-7:30 p.m.James Madison ParkAges 3 years - 5th grade Co-Directors: Liz DeVos and Avery Westrich. Contact Avery Westrich at awestrich@fumc.org for details.

Los Jalapeños CSA Signup Happening NowSign up to receive healthy food grown locally. It’s easy: Go to www.fumc.org and click on the red CSA button or stop by the CSA signup table in the Octagon on Sundays between worship services through April 13. Remember, if you belong to GHC, Unity, or Physicians Plus HMOs, they may pay for part or all of your CSA share. A whole share costs $400 and a half share costs $200.

3 ways to support First Church’s CSA pickup site: 1) Buy a whole share for your family (feeds 3-4 people).

2) Buy a half share. a) Buddy up with another friend or family who can’t use a whole share, and split it. You can divide it in half weekly, or turn it into an every other-week arrangement - it’s up to you. b) Can’t find a partner? Stop at the CSA Signup table on Sunday mornings through April 13 and give them your name and let the CSA volunteers do the match making.

3) Support the FUMC Food Pantry’s CSA Share by donating whatever amount you wish.* Use a Food Pantry pew envelope, enclose your contribution, and write “for CSA” on the envelope. Drop it off at the CSA table, where we’ll also have envelopes available.

*One share costs $400, but we’re pooling all contributions less than that to purchase as many shares for our Food Pantry as possible. A church has offered a “Matching Grant” to make up the difference if we fall short.

The Crossings Annual Spring GalaJoin us on Friday, April 25 at the Monona Terrace from 6 - 9 p.m. (Social hour begins at 5 p.m.)Experience an inspirational and fellowship-filled evening buzzing with stories and testimonies from college students who have participated in one or more of the Quest Trips to Nepal, Kenya, Israel/Palestine, Northern Ireland, Costa Rica, and more. All proceeds from the Gala go to support The Crossing’s vital ministry. Tickets are $60 per person (or “sponsor a student”). For reservations/information contact Jody at 608.257.1039, Ext. 2 or jody@crossingministries.org. Visit The Crossings website at www.crossingministries.org.

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“Awaken!” Summer Classes & Musical ProductionJune 5-July 13, 2014“The Lizard and the Sun” is an ancient Aztecan folk-tale celebrating the importance of the Sun to all living things. The story highlights the value of persistence and shows how great things may be accomplished by a single, determined individual… even a very small one! Spiced with lively songs, this musical production will reinforce a number of First United Methodist themes: community outreach, Spanish language and culture, Earth Day, sustainability, and even ancient connections between religion and nature. This Summer Drama School opportunity is for children ages 7-15. Older youth and adults will also be welcome to audition for roles in the production. Cost for the 4 week camp is $600 for children and youth. Some scholarship funds are available. Rehearsals begin the week of June 16 and continue through July 13, mornings 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Monday - Thursday (not including July 4th holiday). Full cast rehearsals begin June 23, Monday through Thursday 6 – 8 p.m. Performances on July 11, 12, 13. Contact Avery Westrich at awestrich@fumc.org for more information.

Mardi Gras Soirée With jugglers, face painting, Cliff Frederickson and Norm Beachley jammin’ out, Doug Knudson and Judy Lyons as the King and Queen, delicious food, great conversation with the Middle School and High School youth, and the gracious Pastor Carly Kuntz getting pied in the face by retired Pastor Keith Schroerlucke - what’s not to love? Thank you to the host of people who came and the many, many hands who helped put the fun in fundraiser, with special thanks to John Zurovitch, Diane Bock and Abby Delong.

Youth Power 2014Do you have things that you’ve been meaning to get to around the house but just haven’t found the hours to spare? Is there something that you used to be able to do but now find more difficult? Well, we have the answer: First Church Youth Power is here! What used to be our youth “Spring Cleaning” fundraiser has become a year-round opportunity that puts the strength and enthusiasm of our First Church youth to work for you. You provide the project (of around 3 hours or less) and youth provide the energy to get your job done. All that is asked of you is a donation to the youth mission trip funds. You get a job accomplished, the youth get a little help financing their mission trips and everyone enjoys fellowship and maybe even new friendships. Just contact Clay Mehnert at cmehnert@tds.net or 608.836.1550 with your job to be done, approximately when you’d like to have it completed and how many youth you think you will need. An adult supervisor for your assigned crew will contact you to work out the details about when the job is to be completed.

Alton-Van Dyke Scholarship ApplicationsDeadline: April 28What amazing support our church gives to help our young people further their education! Graduating seniors who are members of our church, wanting to continue their formal education after high school are encouraged to apply by April 28. Applications and information for current undergraduate students will be distributed later in the summer. Contact Seth at youthya@fumc.org or visit www.fumc.org/get-involved/youth for more information.

6 The Chimes

First United Methodist Church Phone: 608.256.9061 Fax: 608.256.6633 Website: www.fumc.org

Staff MembersCarly Kuntz, Lead Pastor ..............................................................................ckuntz@fumc.orgTina Lang, Associate Pastor .........................................................................tlang@fumc.orgKaren Andro, Director of Outreach Ministries ........................................kandro@fumc.orgMary Hasheider, Director of Connecting Ministries ...............................mhasheider@fumc.orgScott Foss, Director of Music ...................................................................... .sfoss@fumc.orgBobbi Foutch-Reynolds, Food Ministry Coordinator. .............................breynolds@fumc.orgJim Ostrander, Coordinator of Homebound Ministries.............................jostrander@fumc.orgAvery Westrich, Coordinator of Children’s and Young Family Ministries ...........awestrich@fumc.orgSeth Schroerlucke, Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministries ...... youthya@fumc.orgDennis Anderson, Facilities Supervisor ......................................................danderson@fumc.orgDana Craft-Parker, Digital Media & Graphic Designer ...........................design@fumc.orgTricia Hillner, Publications Specialist ..........................................................chimes@fumc.orgSharon McNeely, Finance and Accounting Associate ..............................smcneely@fumc.orgMusic Staff: Ross Cowing, Organist Dan Woolpert, Director Blessed BrassDigital Arts Specialists: Max & Laura Wendt Audio/Visual: Derrick Sonnenberg CHIMES is published monthly by: First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, WI 53703-2105.

Joys & ConcernsPlease remember these FUMC members and friends in your prayers:Cecil Gillingham, Pat Wahlton, Gert Thiel, Bill Hauser and Bonnie Landgraf.

We offer our prayers and support to members and friends of our congregation who have recently lost a loved one: • Rick Olin, whose father passed away recently. • Diane Glodoski and other family and friends of Jeff Peronto, who died on February 25. • The family of Martha “Marty” Reinke, who died on March 2. We hold Martha’s husband, Richard, daughter, Jennifer, son-in law, Tim, and mother, Dorcas Volk, in our prayers. • Ramona Clift and the family of Richard Clift, who died on March 22.

Celebrations at First Church: • Charlotte Jean Wolford, daughter of Ryan Wolford and Laura Phillipson, was baptized on Sunday, March 23.

A memorial service for Marilyn Nelson will be held on Saturday, April 5 at 11 a.m. at Cress Funeral Home at 3610 Speedway Road, Madison.

Middle School Film Fest Lock-InOn the theme, “Growth: An Epic Journey,” students submitted films for our first ever Film Fest. Highlights included an epic discussion, epic games (including couch jousting and noodle hockey ball), and a fancy red carpet entrance that Sundance would be jealous of!

Recurring Calendar ItemsYoga for GoodMondays @ 11:45 a.m., Chapel Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m., ChapelMeditation Group Mondays @ 7 p.m., ChapelFaith and ReasonSecond Tuesday of the month, @ 9 a.m., Capitol LakesUMW Ruth Circle Second Tuesday of the month, @ 1:30 p.m., Capitol LakesSpouses Newly Alone Last Tuesday of the month @ Noon, The Concourse Game DaysFirst & third Wednesday of the month @ 1 p.m., Room 208UMW Tabitha Circle Third Thursday of the month @ 1:30 p.m., Room 214Handbell ChoirThursdays @ 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall Chancel Choir Thursdays @ 7:30 p.m., Music RoomToddler Playgroup First & third Friday of the month @ 9:30 a.m., Room LL12

Next Chimes Deadline Articles Due: 8 a.m. Thursday, April 10, 2014 for the April issue of Chimes, to be published on Thursday, April 30. FUMC Building HoursSunday: 8 a.m. - NoonMonday –Thursday: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Friday – Saturday: Closed

Please note: The church building, offices and outreach services will closed on Monday, April 21.

Church Women UnitedFriday, April 4 at 9 a.m.Gateway Community Church (3510 High Road, Middleton)Program @ 10 a.m.: Middleton Outreach Ministry: Al Ripp, Speaker. Call Shirley at 608.233.3581 for more information.

New Pictorial Directory Coming!Visit our church website at www.fumc.org after April 1 and signup to have your free photo taken for our new free pictorial directory. Photo sessions will be available every Sunday in May and the first two Thursdays in May. Be sure to signup online or call the church office for help signing up. More information will come soon!

High School Mission Trip July 19-27 (Jonesville, Virginia)It has become a tradition each summer for the High School youth to go to the Appalachian region of the U.S. to take part with the Appalachia Service Project (ASP). We help repair homes, experience a different culture, and make meaningful relationships with the families who live there. Truly, one of the highlights of our year!

High School Madison Mission TripApril 11-13 (First Church, Madison, WI)Why wait til summer to do a mission trip? We don’t need to go far to witness suffering in the world. Invite friends for a weekend full of service-learning opportunities and a Lock- In worth of fun.

Fruit SaleThank you to all who supported Youth Missions through our Fruit Sale. You helped us raise over $2,000 and got some delicious fruit to boot! Huge thank you to the man, Al Marty, for keeping all of the numbers straight and making this fundraiser so successful each year.

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Sunday School Children attend worship with their parents at the 9 a.m. service and come to Sunday School when they are dismissed following Children’s Time. • Ages2and3–RoomLL19 • Ages4&5–RoomLL17 • K-2ndGrade–RoomLL10 • 3rd–5thGrade–RoomLL15Children’s LibraryOpen all morning, Staffed from 10-10:30 a.m., Room LL14Kids’ Korner 10:30-11:30 a.m., Room LL07Supervised enrichment time with faith-based movie/discussion or projects.

Contact Avery Westrich at awestrich@fumc.org for more info.

Childcare on SundaysAvailable 8:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.Infants: First Floor Nursery - Room 104Toddlers: Lower Level - Room LL12

YouthMiddle School: Room LL02 @ 9 a.m.High School O.W.L.: Room LL06 @ 9 a.m.High School Bible Study: 9 a.m., Room LL04Confirmation– First Sunday of Month @ 10:15 a.m., Room LL02Senior Salon – Sunday, March 30

Middle School Mission Trip June 22-28 (Detroit, MI)A complete economic collapse has left much of Detroit a ghost town. But organizations like Motown Mission, which provides economic disaster recovery are offering light to an otherwise bleak future. Work ranges from home repair, feeding the homeless, and helping “green up” the city. Learn about Detroit’s history and experience great cultural events like live Motown concerts, museums, worship, great speakers from around Detroit, and even catch a Tigers baseball game.

Summer Church Camps for All AgesSummer camps for all ages are provided at Lake Lucerne and Pine Lake: children learn of God’s love, youth develop their leadership skills and spiritually, adults enjoy learning and community, and families share time to bond and grow together. So scope out the wide range of camps offered here: www.wiumcamps.org. First Church will cover up to half of the cost for you to attend!

Contact Seth Schroerlucke at youthya@fumc.org or 256.4646 ext. 12 for more information on upcoming Youth events or to sign up.

First United Methodist Church • 203 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, WI 53703 • www.fumc.org • 608.256.9061 • Electronic Chimes Request: chimes@fumc.org

Check out our Young Adult Facebook Page for the latest updates on all events, discussion groups, classes, and Young Adult happenings:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/FUMCmadisonyoungadults/

Picnic in the Park Sunday, May 4 @ NoonPicnic and outdoor games! Join the FUMC Young Adults at Noon for a potluck picnic at a local Madison park shelter. We’ll play some casual Frisbee, Bocce ball, cornhole, horseshoes, or whatever the group feels like. (Rain plan: play board games inside.) Park location TBD.

Church Softball TeamWith baseball season starting soon, it’s not too early to think about playing for our own church softball team this year! It’s so much fun. Contact Seth at youthya@fumc.org for more info if you’re interested.

Wednesday Night Discussions7 p.m., Location VariesConsider yourself invited to the weekly Wednesday night YA discussion group! Each week, we pick a worthy topic and have at it. Email Seth at seths@fumc.org for details about the location each week or check our Young Adult Group page on Facebook.

TheStarfishGatheringFirst Church College Faith Group Sundays @ 11 a.m., Location Varies Sometimes it’s hard to remember who we want to be in college when we are surrounded by so many influences tugging at us all the time. Inspired by our college summer mission trips, this group seeks to keep that mode of intentionality in our lives. Through discussion, reflection, and action-based service we’ll uncover our values and strive to live them out together to make a difference in the world.

College/Young Adult Mission TripEl Salvador! (July 4-13)We will be building homes for people in need through Global Village: Habitat for Humanity International, working alongside those we are serving. As we build relationships with each other and those we meet, we will also learn about the history and social/political issues that surround El Salvador and how they relate to us and our faith. In addition, we’ll spend 2-3 days sight-seeing, possibly including hiking a volcano, visiting Mayan ruins, or chillin’ at an ocean beach. Spread the word! We are capping registration at 15 people so contact Seth Schroerlucke info@fumc.org ASAP if you’re interested in coming. For more information go to www.fumc.org/get-involved/young-adults.

Easter Community Meal Volunteer Sunday, April 20If you are in town, consider volunteering to help at the Easter Community meal at First Church. We’ve served a community meal for over 30 years. First Church is one of the few places serving food on Easter day. The meal starts at noon; volunteers needed before, during and after the meal. Contact Karen Andro at kandro@fumc.org for more information. The Young Adult group is grateful for the opportunity to support the outreach efforts of our church.

 

April 2014

MIDWEEK OPPORTUNITIES

BIBLE STUDY: CORE STORIES FOR CHRISTIANS Wednesdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 10:30 a.m. in Room 214 led by Tina Lang Thursdays, April 3, 10, 24 @ 6 p.m. in Room 214 led by Carly Kuntz Be part of this journey through powerful biblical stories that illustrate God’s presence in the lives of God’s people. This study will focus on the eight core stories theologian Walter Brueggemann calls “the primal narrative…that lies at the heart of biblical faith.” The core stories are: The Exodus, Sinai Covenant, Promised Land, Davidic Rule, Jesus’ Life, The Cross, and Resurrection Life.

SUNDAY OPPORTUNITIES

GREEN TEAM FORUM Sunday, April 6 @ 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel Are you ready to start acting on your promise of living a greener life? Bret Shaw, Associate Professor in Life Sciences Communications at UW-Madison, will be our guest speaker this month. His expertise is translating words into action and he is particularly interested in working with faith-based groups like FUMC to be better environmentalists, both at home and in our church building. Using what we learn from Dr. Shaw, the Green Team will pick a topic that we think everyone will be able to act on to live a greener, more sustainable existence. PAUL’S GOSPEL: FOLLOWING THE LIVING VOICE A BIBLE STUDY FOR SPIRITUAL FORMATION Sundays, April 6 and 13 @ 10:30 a.m. in Room 208 This is a study in Paul’s writings to the Thessalonian and Corinthian churches. His gospel will be related to Old Testament stories which influenced Paul. Class discussion will include short contemporary readings which interact with Paul’s writings and guided discussions of the implications of the Gospel for personal and corporate life. THEOLOGY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY Sundays, April 6, 13, 20, 27 @ 10:30 a.m. in Room LL05 The class will start reading a new book, The Once and Future Scriptures: Exploring the Role of the Bible in the Contemporary Church edited by Gregory C. Jenks. Hopefully this book will give insight into the authority of the Bible, a question which was raised by recent study of The Unprotected Texts. In this book, academic theologians engage in a public conversation about the kind of Bible we have. This is not a book of answers, but a dialogue about topics such as the relationship between science and religion, the authority of scripture, and the impact of critical biblical scholarship on liturgy.

COME AS YOU ARE WORSHIP Mondays & Wednesdays @ 9:30 - 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall This half hour of worship is for anyone who wants to grow closer to God through prayer, music and Scripture. Fellowship time, with coffee and a light breakfast, begins at 9 a.m. MEDITATION GROUP Mondays @ 7 p.m. in the Chapel Join others to explore the practice of meditation. The group begins and ends each session with short meditative readings. A time of silent meditation is also an important component of each class. If you need some peaceful, quiet time and some sharing of thoughts, this is a good place to be. GAME DAY GROUP Wednesdays, April 2 and 16 @ 1 p.m., Room 208 Come and enjoy laughter and fellowship. Drop in to ply your skills at card games and board games at this informal gathering. FAITH AND REASON Tuesday, April 8 @ 9 a.m. Capitol Lakes, 333 W. Main Join this gathering on the second Tuesday of each month to explore a topic at the intersection of science and theology. Group members facilitate the discussions on a variety of current topics.

 

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

WEEK-LONG FOOD STAMP CHALLENGE Any week during Lent “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen…Is it not to share your food with the hungry?” (Isaiah 58:6-7) Participate in our second annual Food Stamp Challenge. First Church, along with the inter-faith group Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice, encourages individuals to spend a week during Lent purchasing and eating only what is available to the millions of low-income Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (more commonly known as Food Stamps). The Challenge gives participants a view of what life is like living on a little under $4 per day worth of food – the average food stamp benefit in Wisconsin. While living on a food stamp budget for just a week cannot come close to the struggles encountered by low-income families week after week and month after month, it does provide those who take the Challenge with a new perspective and greater understanding. For details, suggested shopping lists, etc. visit www.fumc.org WILLMA’S FUND CONFERENCE ON LGBT HOMELESSNESS Tuesday, April 8 @ 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, lunch included This full-day conference will explore the special challenges that LGBT homeless people face and work toward solutions to those challenges. Our congregation is sponsoring this event which will be informative for all advocates of the LGBT community, but will be especially helpful for agencies and other care providers. Volunteers will be needed to assist as parking lot attendees, building greeters and in the kitchen. If you are willing to contribute an hour of your time to help make this a successful conference please contact Tina Lang at 608.256.9061 or tlang@fumc.org or plan to attend the event and register at www.lgbtoutreach.org. FUMC will cover the cost of members’ registration fee. FILM AND DISCUSSION Thursday, May 1@ 7 p.m. @ Temple Beth El, 2702 Arbor Drive, Madison Our nation is in the biggest economic slump since the Great Depression. As in the 1920s, so much of the nation’s income and wealth are going to so few that the vast middle class doesn’t have the purchasing power to keep the economy going. The documentary titled, “Inequality for All” approaches the problem of widening income inequality from 6 different directions and voices of faith need to be included in the discussion. Robert Reich, is a focus of the film. Reich is a best-selling author of thirteen books, Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy at UC Berkeley, former Secretary of Labor in the Clinton administration, and a foremost expert on economics. A live webcast with Robert Reich will accompany the showing. This film event is sponsored by Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice. 11TH ANNUAL DAVID P. LYONS LECTURESHIP IN THEOLOGY Saturday, May 3 @ 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary, lunch included Dr. Jennifer Knust presents topics related to her book, Unprotected Texts: The Bible’s Surprising Contradictions About Sex and Desire. A 10 a.m. session focuses on “Biblical Marriage” and 1 p.m. session on “Sexual Ethics and Biblical Interpretation.” Visit www.fumc.org to register. 2

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

All women in the church are warmly invited to attend any (or all!) of these informal groups. Check the events calendar at www.fumc.org for meeting topics. Ruth Circle: Tuesday, April 8 @ 1:30 p.m. at Capitol Lakes Tabitha Circle: Thursday, April 17 @ 1:30 p.m., Room 214 SPOUSES NEWLY ALONE Tuesday, April 29 @ Noon at the Concourse, 1 W. Dayton Street Persons who have recently experienced the death of their spouse meet at the Concourse on the last Tuesday of each month for lunch, conversation and fellowship.

AGRACE GRIEF SUPPORT Agrace offers weekly support groups and other programs free of charge to those in need of healing. Visit the FUMC online Community page or www.agrace.org for details.  

   

 

Easter Community Meal – Sunday, April 20 All are invited to enjoy a special holiday meal on one of the most sacred days of the year, Easter Sunday. Our traditional ham dinner will be served from Noon until 2 p.m. in Fellowship Hall and will include vegetarian and vegan options. We are in need of volunteers and contributions. If you are interested in helping, please contact Karen Andro at kandro@fumc.org or 608.256.4646 ext. 16, or visit the Octagon between services on Sundays prior to Easter.

Outreach Reception Volunteers Needed Volunteers are needed to help in the Narthex reception office weekdays. Our morning shift is 9 a.m. to Noon and afternoon shift is Noon to 3:30 p.m. Duties include answering the phone and greeting guests as well as helping provide information. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Karen at 608.256.4646 ext. 16 or kandro@fumc.org. Wish List of Outreach Needs Donations help many in need from households who access our Food Pantry to meal programs serving the homeless. Items may be brought to the church Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to Noon or Sunday mornings.

1. Lunch bags 2. Zip lock sandwich bags 3. Oranges 4. Bananas 5. Meals in a can (i.e. ravioli, chili, etc.) 6. Meals in a box (hamburger helper, etc.) 7. Rice 8. Milk 9. Diapers (size 5 most needed) 10. Toilet Paper

April 2014

People Outreach Ministry

Programming

Come As You Are Worship Monday & Wednesday 9:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall Community Outreach Breakfast Monday & Wednesday 9 a.m., Fellowship Hall Food Pantry Monday & Wednesday 10 a.m. – Noon

Tuesday & Thursday 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Meals To-Go Serving the Homeless Monday thru Thursday 9 a.m. – Noon Our Night at the Shelter Second weekend every month. Porchlight Homeless Men’s Drop-in Shelter Community Holiday Meals Easter ....................... April 20, 2014 Thanksgiving .......... Nov. 27, 2014 Christmas ................ Dec. 25, 2014 For more information contact Karen Andro, Director of Outreach Ministries kandro@fumc.org

Serving God’s