December 2015 & January 2016 Number 11
A Newsletter of The First United Methodist Church of Madison Special Christmas Worship Sunday Worship 9 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary • 10:30 a.m. Worship, Chapel
Annual Christmas Pageant
December 13 @ 10:30 a.m., Sanctuary Join children, youth and adults who take the roles of angels, shepherds and prophets of old to re-tell the traditional story of the Holy Child’s birth. After the service, enjoy Christmas treats in Fellowship Hall.
Longest Night Service
Monday, December 21 @ 7 p.m., Chapel A quiet time of music, candlelight and reflection to gently welcome the Light of the World.
Christmas Eve
Thursday, December 24 @ 7 p.m. & 9 p.m., Sanctuary Carols, Candles and Communion celebrating the Holy Birth. Traditional services of word and music will be enhanced by the music of the Chancel Choir, violist Vicki Powell, a vocal trio of Kitt Foss, Erika Foss and Alli Cassino, and tenor soloist Adam Shelton. Childcare will be provided during the 7 p.m. service.
NOVEMBER 29 1st Sunday of Advent Special Offering: UM Student Day Message: Rev. Phil Blackwell Children’s Choir & Handbell Choir, 9 a.m. DECEMBER 6 2nd Sunday of Advent New Member Sunday Holy Communion Message: Rev. Phil Blackwell Madison Festival Choir, 9 a.m. DECEMBER 13 3rd Sunday of Advent 9 a.m. Worship: Message: Rev. Phil Blackwell Chancel Choir 10:30 a.m. Worship: Annual Christmas Pageant Reception to Follow, Fellowship Hall
DECEMBER 20 4th Sunday of Advent Message: Rev. Phil Blackwell Chamber Choir & Blessed Brass, 9 a.m. (Brass Prelude, 8:50 a.m.) Foss Farewell Celebration, 10 a.m. Annual Church Conference: 11:15 a.m., Fellowship Hall DECEMBER 27 1st Sunday after Christmas Message: Rev. Tina Lang JANUARY 3 Epiphany Holy Communion, 9 a.m. 9 a.m. Worship: Message: Rev. Phil Blackwell 10:30 a.m. Worship: “Old Befana” Presentation JANUARY 10 Baptism of the Lord Message: Rev. Phil Blackwell Chancel Choir, 9 a.m.
Sunday Fellowship 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall
Scott Foss Farewell Celebration
Sunday, December 20, Following 9 a.m. Worship Words of thanks will be offered in the Sanctuary after which everyone will be invited to Fellowship Hall for a reception and opportunity to visit more informally with Scott and Kitt.
“Old Befana”
Sunday, January 3 @ 10:30 a.m., Sanctuary Enjoy the annual musical tradition with Ken Lonnquist & Friends and children.
FUMC Annual Church Conference
Sunday, December 20 @ 11:15 a.m., Fellowship Hall
When we flip the page of the calendar on the refrigerator door to “December” we see that the year is coming to a close and it is time to wrap things up. But the Christian calendar of the Church (which hangs on very few refrigerator doors, even in parsonages) tells us something different – that this is already a time of new beginnings. Advent begins on November 29 and continues until Christmas Eve when we celebrate a new life for us represented by the birth of Jesus; the festivities go through the Day of Epiphany on January 6. Our congregation at First Church has been preparing for this time of new beginnings for several months. The Governing Board is evaluating its role and identifying steps forward that we can take together. The Nominating Committee is inviting members to provide leadership in key areas of our ministry. The Staff-Parish Relations Committee is working with the District Superintendent to welcome a new lead pastor. And those entrusted with our finances are developing a comprehensive approach to deploying our many resources. All of these efforts will be reflected in the agenda for our annual Church Conference on Sunday, December 20th, at 11:15 a. m. It may take some faithful imagination to see a church meeting as part of our Christmas preparation, but done well, it can become our congregation’s gift to God. Brian Wren, a compelling poet and Christian witness, writes this hymn (#383) about the power of rebirth at the hands of God.
This is a day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on,
time to believe what love is bringing, laying to rest the pain that’s gone.
For by the life and death of Jesus, God’s mighty Spirit, now as then,
can make for us a world of difference, as faith and hope are born again.
Christ is alive, and goes before us to show and share what love can do.
This is a day of new beginnings; our God is making all things new.
In anticipation of new life in our midst, Rev. Phil Blackwell, Lead Pastor
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“This is a time of new beginnings.”
Finance Corner
Information About 2015 Year End Giving and 2016 Pledges/Giving For tax purposes, contributions must be received by the Finance Office by December 31, 2015 to be reported on your 2015 statement. Some of you are finishing up your 2015 pledges and others are looking to make your 2016 pledges in full. Please identify on your check or envelope if you would like it applied to your 2015 or 2016 pledge. If you would like to set up electronic giving for either a one-time contribution or on-going contributions, click the Donate Now button on the www.fumc.org homepage. You can also call the Finance Office and we can set this up for you. If you currently have giving envelopes, we will have a box of 2016 envelopes available for you on Sundays during December in the Narthex. If you would like to have either weekly or monthly envelopes, stop by the table in the Narthex or call our office. If you are interested in donating stock to the church, we can provide the transfer information and work with you or your financial advisor to accomplish this. Since this type of transaction can take 3-5 days to take effect, please plan to do this in early December if possible. Thank you to all who have turned in your 2016 pledge cards – these help in our planning. There is still time to turn yours in. Bring it or mail it to the church or fill out the online “virtual” pledge card by clicking the Pledge Now button on the www.fumc.org homepage. Sarah Flanagan, FUMC Accountant 608.338.1288,
[email protected]
FUMC History Workshop
Saturday, December 12 10 a.m.-Noon, Room 208 Help capture the history of this congregation from the time the church was founded in 1837 as the first church in Madison to the present day. The resulting timeline will be valuable to us as we begin to envision our next phase of ministry. All are invited to participate in this activity. Please join us whether you have been at FUMC for decades or for a month or two. Each person has something to add to our story. The timeline we create will provide us a context for doing our work at the Church Conference on Sunday, December 20. We need to know our story in order to look to the future. Join us at this workshop to share your insights and deepen your understanding of the church’s story as we spend the morning talking about meaningful events that have shaped the core values of FUMC over the decades. Please RSVP to
[email protected] or 608.256.9061, ext. 10 if you plan to join in the conversation.
Rev. Phil Blackwell & Kent Peterson
Christmas Mission Giving
A Christmas Mission envelope is included in this Chimes issue. Special mission giving at Christmas is added to mission gifts of Easter and a midsummer mission special offering to help make mission ministries possible in Madison, throughout Wisconsin, our nation and the world. In 2015 we have been able to share almost $24,000 with worthy ministries. Some of those 2015 Mission Grant recipients are listed below. Please give generously. Thank you! United Methodist Committee On Relief Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice Madison-area Urban Ministries Triangle Community Ministry OutReach – LGBT Counseling and Support Churches’ Center for Land and People YWCA Empower Home Pathway Home Porchlight – Safe Haven/DIGS Eviction Prevention Program Journey Mental Health Domestic Abuse Intervention Services
Special Concerts in December
Isthmus Brass Concert & Fundraiser for Porchlight Thursday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary The Isthmus Brass is Wisconsin’s premiere large brass ensemble. Under the direction of John Stevens, the ensemble will play arrangements from their repertoire of familiar Christmas music. Please join us in the Sanctuary for this seventh annual benefit Concert for Porchlight. The music will stir your soul; and in turn, you can pass on that hope and light to people in need. New Face Sunday Mornings A free will offering will be received to support the We have employed a security officer services offered by Porchlight, Inc. to assist us in making the church as Perfect Harmony Men’s Chorus hospitable as possible on Sunday Friday, December 18 @ 7 p.m. mornings. We are a multi-use, public facility when we open our doors; he or & Sunday, December 20 @ 3 p.m., Sanctuary she assists us in making the best use of This year’s theme is “Transcending Tradition.” Tickets ($20) can be purchased at www.perfectharmonychorus.org. all we have to offer.
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Transitions: Scott Foss
At the beginning of November Scott Foss shared with us his wonderful news that the music publishing firm with which he has been working for years, Hal Leonard, has added to his portfolio the management of all Oxford music publishing in North America and some other parts of the world. For 25 years Scott has balanced his time as First Church’s music director with his work as a representative of Hal Leonard. Now with his added responsibilities there, he needs to step aside from his role at the church. Kitt and he will move to the Milwaukee area this spring. Scott has observed, “Twenty-five years ago I was asked to get the church through Advent and Christmas, and I never left!” We have the benefit of Scott getting us through one more Advent and Christmas; beginning January 1st he begins his new assignment. We will find ways to celebrate his ministry during the remaining few weeks, but there is nothing we can do or say that can express our gratitude to Scott and our thanks to God for his inspired leadership.
Rev. Phil Blackwell, Lead Pastor
Scott Foss Honored at Porchlight Recognition Dinner
Scott (and Kitt) have been incredibly supportive of Porchlight and our efforts to assist the homeless community throughout the years. Several years ago, Scott worked with the Isthmus Brass and First United Methodist Church to develop an annual Christmas concert to benefit Porchlight. This has grown throughout the years and raised thousands of dollars through free will offerings as well as awareness of the challenges of the homeless during the cold season and the holidays. Two summers ago, Scott and Kitt planned and arranged for all of the professional musicians for an all-male musical revue specifically supporting homeless men…that was as special as it is rare for someone to want to help homeless men. All of this culminated with the People’s Chorus Concert this past August. Scott came to us with the idea and did all of the work, arranging the music, musicians and venue. The heart of this event was encouraging homeless and formerly homeless persons to be part of the concert. Scott even went out to the streets to help recruit the choral participants and street musicians. The result was a fabulous experience that filled the entire main floor of the Orpheum, raised more than $12,000 and truly empowered the homeless that participated. We will be forever grateful for Scott and Kitt and the generous gifts of their time and considerable talents to support the homeless community. Steven Schooler, Executive Director of Porchlight
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Message From Scott
After more than 25 years of serving First United Methodist Church as the Director of Music and Worship Technology, I have been offered a full time job with Hal Leonard Publishing Company. The offer is such that I cannot decline it. My work at first church has truly been a ministry for me, and those making music and those enjoying it have been a part of my family. There are no words from Kitt, our daughters or myself that can adequately express our gratitude for the love and support that we have felt during our time here. In fact, there have been other offers and opportunities during our time here but none of them could replace the sense of ministry and value that we have felt as we have served the members and community of FUMC. My new position will begin January 1, which makes December 27 our last Sunday here. We will eventually be moving to Milwaukee, although there are lots of details to wrap up here in Madison before that happens. Our hearts will always be with First Church and, when we are in town, we will be stopping by for the best worship available anywhere. Thanks, Scott Foss, Director of Music
Outreach Ministry Programming Community Outreach Breakfast Wednesdays 9 a.m., Fellowship Hall Come As You Are Worship Wednesdays 9:30 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 Tuesday & Thursday 9 a.m. – Noon
Christmas Community Meal
We will serve a meal with all the trimmings on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25 from noon to 2 p.m. This special outreach meal brings together people who may otherwise not enjoy a holiday meal. It has become a special ministry to all who serve, and many who return to rekindle relationships. Newcomers make meaningful connections, and all share in our bounty of hospitality and fellowship. If you are interested in volunteering or donating, visit the Octagon between services on Sundays in December. If you are unable to sign up in person, contact Karen Andro at 608.338.0320 or
[email protected].
Our Night at the Shelter Second Saturday every month. Porchlight Homeless Men’s Drop-in Shelter Community Holiday Meals Christmas........................ Dec. 25, 2015 Easter.............................. March 27, 2016 For more information contact Karen Andro, Director of Outreach Ministries
[email protected] 608.338.0320
We welcome Teri Coates, Caterer & Founder of Madison Helping Hands as leader of our Christmas Community Meal. Teri is an advocate for the homeless who has a passion for cooking. She was honored last month by the Homeless Services Consortium for her tireless work in the community to help our homeless. Teri partners with Porchlight Street Outreach, Bethel Homeless Services and community leaders to help our homeless.
Comfort and Joy Advent Market A Sampling of the Beautiful Products Available! New to our Advent market this year (see article on page 6) are United Methodist Committee on Relief fair trade SERRV products. When you purchase any of the products pictured here (and many more beautiful items will be available too) you will be assisting artisans all around the world who created the items, but you’ll also be assisting our congregation’s Mission Team. Our congregation will receive a 10% commission for all SERRV sales and that commission will be added to mission funds we share with others. A visit to the Comfort and Joy Market doubles your gift-giving!
Advent in Fellowship Hall:
Sundays, November 29, December 6, 13 and 20, 10-11:30 a.m.
Comfort and Joy Advent Market Poinsettia Orders
Help decorate the Sanctuary for our Christmas celebrations by donating a poinsettia in honor or memory of someone. Plants cost $15 each and can be taken home after worship on Christmas Eve or left to be delivered to homebound members and friends of our congregation. Look for order forms in bulletins and at the Information Desk this Sunday or call the church office at 608.256.9061, ext. 10. Orders must be received by Monday, November 30.
Open Christmas Jam for String Players
Wednesdays, December 8, 15, 22 7-9 p.m., Room LL07 (Holy Word Studio) A fun and informal time playing Christmas songs, hymns and other old favorites. Bring your harp, violin, viola, bass, guitar, mandolin, banjo, etc. If you can, please be prepared to lead and share 1 or 2 songs in the key of C, G, or A. The first 15 minutes of the first session will be organizational discussion, but the main purpose of the group is to have fun. Please contact Phyllis Anderson via the church office at
[email protected] or 608.256.9061, ext. 10 if you have any questions.
UMW Donations
First United Methodist Women is part of a ministry of 600,000 women that support projects in the U.S. and internationally to support women, children, and youth with our prayers, volunteer efforts and financial gifts. If you would like to help with First Church UMW financial support of this great cause please send checks to Nancy Spencer, UMW Treasurer 1110 Saalsaa Rd. Madison, WI 53711.
Let your gift giving this Christmas season bring “tidings of comfort and joy” by purchasing fair trade items at First Church’s Advent Market. Your purchases will bring comfort to artisans and farmers all across the world. In addition, they will bring joy to those who receive your purchases as thoughtful Christmas gifts. The market will include some familiar options: Fair Trade coffees, teas and chocolates sold by our International Ministries Team; gift cards for animals and seedlings through Heifer Project; handmade soaps, wood carvings, scarves and jewelry from Palestine. New to the market this year will be handmade SERRV products offered through the United Methodist Committee on Relief including baskets, jewelry, coin purses and scarves. Let your Christmas shopping this year offer “tidings of comfort and joy!”
Help Decorate Warming Tree
The United Methodist Women will be collecting donations of winter wear for the clients of Northcott Neighborhood House in Milwaukee. Our United Methodist mission in Milwaukee will distribute your donated mittens, gloves, hats, caps and scarves to less fortunate families. Look for The Warming Tree in Fellowship Hall and help get it decorated before Christmas by bringing hand-knit, crocheted or store-bought items. Thanks!
Remember a Member
During this Christmas season, look for the First Church Christmas Card Tree in Fellowship Hall. Select one or more address cards from the tree and send Christmas greetings to our homebound members to let them know that we care about and remember them.
Shaping, Strengthening and Engaging Our Faith Theology for the 21st Century
Sundays @ 10:30 a.m., Room LL05 The class will continue a discussion of the book, Reimagining God: The Faith Journey of a Modern Heretic by Lloyd Geering. Drop in any week for thoughtful, enlightening discussion.
Matthew, Mark and Luke: Variations on a Theme Sundays, November 29, December 6 & 13 @ 10:30 a.m., Room 208
Led by Rev. Jim Scorgie
Engage in an examination of those sections of the three synoptic gospels that are unique and learn how this uniqueness shaped church development.
Feminist Spirituality for Women and Men
Sundays, January 24, 31 and February 7 @ 10:30 a.m., Room 208
Led by Rev. Linda Vance
Feminist spirituality is not about women but about the possibility of human survival and is essential for the life and liberation of all God’s people. Content for this class will come from best-selling author Joan Chittister’s book, Heart of Flesh, which unmasks the effects of sexism and describes a spirituality that makes healthier, happier human beings of us all.
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How Do You Answer This Question?
“So what does any of the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris have to do with the church?”
This question was raised by Rev. Pat Watkins, the first (and only) United Methodist missionary assigned for the care of God’s creation, in the fall 2015 newsletter from Caretakers of God’s Creation, a grassroots community of United Methodists. (You can read the entire newsletter on their Facebook page on 11/6/15 at http://us8.campaign-archive2.com/?u=b96df0d0b7ee416d55aeeb3ac&i
d=cf194fab51&e=d3c0ccccf6.)
Youth Auction Success
Thanks to all who contributed to the huge success of the Bridging the Divide Youth Missions Auction and Social on November 7. The youth circulated with trays of delicious appetizers as those in attendance were thoroughly entertained by the Nathan France Jazz Quartet and Me eN You while perusing a variety of auction items. The donations were generous: the auction raised more than $9,000 and after expenses is sure to top last year’s total, according to Sonja Penner, chairwoman of the auction committee. Many people contributed through donations of items, volunteering their time and talent or by attending the event and providing moral and financial support. The proceeds will be put to good use by the youth and young adults who take service trips. These life-enriching opportunities have a significant impact on their lives and spiritual journeys. So thanks again on behalf of the auction committee.
Rev. Watkins answers his question in part by asserting that the UN conference is about the ways we have used and abused God’s creation; about God’s people who are suffering due to a creation that is clearly groaning; and injustice due to the wealthy taking advantage of the poor. “It’s about greed, arrogance, and apathy.” He observes these are “the same issues about which Old Testament prophets were screaming…[and] the same issues Jesus chose to address in the Beatitudes, parables, sermons, and confrontations.” He goes on to ask, “How can this not be perceived to be the mission of the church, to address climate change, which is such a clear affront to God’s creation and God’s people at the same time?” How do you address these questions? The Green Team asks you to reflect and pray on what you, individually, and we, as a church, should do to address climate change and other creation care concerns. We welcome your responses as we plan for 2016. John Stolzenberg, Green Team Member
College-Level Van Dyke/Alton Scholarships
Awarded Sunday, November 29 Once again this year the church will award Van Dyke/Alton scholarships to a number of college students who have continued their participation in our youth program despite the demands of their college studies. Their presence greatly enriches our youth program and provides a valuable link between Youth Director Seth Schroerlucke and the youth themselves. To a great degree, our youth program is as strong as it is because of the participation of these college-level students. These college scholarships are awarded in addition to the traditional scholarships for high school seniors, which we continue to award each June. And these college-level scholarships vary in amounts depending on the level of involvement each student has been able to give to the youth program. This year’s scholarships range up to $1,250 per student. The ten college-level students who received scholarships this year are:
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Anna DeLong – UW-Superior Harrison Grittinger – Swansea University Grace Newton – Macalester College Robert Penner – UW-Milwaukee Jacob Rodgers – UW-Madison Hannah Fry – UW-Madison Benjamin Andreas – UW-Madison Allison Barnsley – UW-Whitewater Karen Kakou – UW-Platteville Lara Major – Madison College
Recurring Calendar Items Prayer Shawl Ministry Mondays, December 7 & January 4 @ 2 p.m., Chapel Governing Board Monday, December 14 @ 7 p.m., Room 214 Young Adult Discussion Group Tuesdays, December 8 & 22, January 12 & 26 @ 7 p.m., Barrique’s on W. Washington Ave. UMW Deborah Circle Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 8 Spouses Now Alone
No Meeting in December; Tuesday, January 26 @ Noon, Imperial Garden, Middleton Chimes Team Wednesday, January 27 @ 10:30 a.m., Room 208 UMW Lunch & Program Wednesday, January 27 @ Noon, Fellowship Hall Yoga For Good Wednesdays @ 6 p.m., Chapel
(Note: No session on 12/23 or 12/30.) Meditation Group Wednesdays @ 7 p.m., Chapel
(Note: No session on 12/23 or 12/30.) UMW Tabitha Circle Thursday, December 17, @ Noon, Local Restaurant (TBD); Thursday, January 21 @ 1 p.m., Room 208 Handbell Choir Thursdays @ 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall Chancel Choir Thursdays @ 7:30 p.m., Music Room AA Group Thursdays @ 6:30 p.m., Room 208 Our Night at the Shelter Saturdays, December 12 & January 9
Chimes Deadline
Articles Due: 8 a.m. Monday, January 11, for the February issue of Chimes, to be published on Wednesday, January 27.
Joys and Concerns
FUMC Building Hours
We offer our prayers and support to members and friends of our congregation who have recently lost a loved one: • Nancy Wochos, who father died on October 31. • Rev. David Kalas, whose father, Dr. J. Ellsworth Kalas, died on November 12. • Anne Vanderbloemen, whose mother, Ruth Berger, died on November 13.
Note: The church offices will be closed on Friday, December 25 in observance of Christmas. The church building and offices will be closed on Friday, January 1 for the New Year holiday.
Please remember these FUMC members and friends in your prayers: Dave Steffenson, Marcia Grothaus
Celebrations at First Church: • Abby Rebhorn and John Ehringer were married in October. • Jami and Jessie Simpson welcomed a son, Corbin Wesley Simpson, who was born on November 16. • Quirin Bolton Klink, son of Lauren and Chuck Klink, was baptized in our Sanctuary on Sunday, November 29. • Nora Jane DeVos, daughter of Elizabeth and Matthew DeVos, was baptized in our Sanctuary on Sunday, November 29.
Sunday: 8 a.m. - Noon Monday –Thursday: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Friday – Saturday: Closed
Outreach Services will be on break Monday, December 21 – Thursday, December 31.
Yoga for Good Sessions
Wednesdays, December 2, 9, 16 @ 6 p.m., Chapel Gentle yoga with aromatherapy to de-stress during a busy season. Perfect for beginners! Free will donations will be accepted for the sessions, with a portion going to support the FUMC Food Pantry. No class on 12/23 or 12/30. Classes will start again in January.
UMW Tabitha Circle
Thursday, December 17 @ Noon Tabitha Circle will meet an hour earlier than usual for a luncheon meeting, the location to be determined. Visitors are always welcome. Please contact Kay Bradley or Emily Ford via the church office at
[email protected] or 608.256.9061, ext. 10 for more information.
First United Methodist Church
Phone: 608.256.9061 Fax: 608.256.6633 Website: www.fumc.org
Staff Members
Phil Blackwell, Lead Pastor..............................................................................
[email protected] Tina Lang, Associate Pastor............................................................................
[email protected] Karen Andro, Director of Outreach Ministries . ............................................
[email protected] Mary Hasheider, Director of Connecting Ministries.......................................
[email protected] Scott Foss, Director of Music.........................................................................
[email protected] Sarah Flanagan, Accountant............................................................................
[email protected] Jim Ostrander, Coordinator of Homebound Ministries...................................
[email protected] Seth Schroerlucke, Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministries........
[email protected] Dennis Anderson, Facilities Supervisor .......................................................
[email protected] Tricia Hillner, Publications Specialist.............................................................
[email protected] Sharon McNeely, Finance and Accounting Associate.................................
[email protected] Jennifer Hedstrom, Director of Children’s Music.......................................
[email protected] Chelsie Propst, Coordinator of Children’s & Young Family
[email protected] Music Staff: Ross Cowing, Organist Digital Media & Graphic Design: Dana Craft-Parker Digital Arts Specialists: Max & Laura Wendt Audio/Visual: Corey Whitmore
CHIMES is published monthly by: First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, WI 53703
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Children’s Sunday School
Late October and November has been a busy time for the children at First United Methodist Church. In case you missed it, here is a quick look at the wonderful things the youngest members of FUMC have been up to. In October, we all had a blast at the UNICEF Halloween Carnival on October 25, which welcomed clowns, devils, fairies, and even pirates! Our UNICEF collection was a huge success--we greatly exceeded our $100 goal! A huge “thank you” to all the children, families, and congregation members who participated! In November, the elementary classes made mason jar flower vases for the Green Team as we learned about what it means to be thankful for this beautiful planet. On November 22, we had our Fall Family Worship, focusing on “thanksgiving,” complete with singing, dancing, crafts, and learning about our faith. The children have also started collecting “Labels for Education” to benefit the Northcott Neighborhood House mission. Lastly, the children’s choir kicked off this year’s Advent season singing “A Home for Jesus” during worship on November 29. We are truly blessed by the children here at FUMC!
High School Life Groups
These regional small groups are beginning in January, with the intention to develop stronger friendships and support in the lives of teens.
Sunday School
Interfaith Teen Summit on Healthy Relationships Our church was proud to host this gathering of five different churches and youth groups from all over Madison in October. With information provided by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS), it was an empowering event that brought attention to the issues of abusive relationships and gave students tools and resources to prevent and navigate them in constructive ways.
Interfaith Teen Summit on Race
Sunday, February 21 After the success of the recent ITS on healthy relationships, we will be collaborating again with other Madison area churches centering on the issue of race. Continuing and expanding the conversation that our youth group pursued during last summer’s mission trips, this event is geared to educate, engage, and bridge understandings of our personal experiences of race and identity. For more information or to sign up contact Seth at
[email protected].
Grow!
A Retreat for Parents and Tweens Held at Pine Lake in November, families came together to strengthen and support intentional faith practices in the home.
Children attend worship with their parents at the 9 a.m. service and go to Sunday School in Lower Level classrooms when they are dismissed following Children’s Time. Children’s Library, Room LL14 Kids’ Korner 10:30-11:30 a.m., Room LL07 Supervised enrichment time with faithbased movie/discussion or projects. For more info contact Chelsie Propst at
[email protected]. Childcare on Sundays Available 8:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. Infants: First Floor Nursery – Room 104 Toddlers: Lower Level – Room LL12 December 27 No Children’s Sunday School, Middle School or High School classes. January 3 No Children’s Sunday School; Middle School and High School classes resume. January 10 Children’s Sunday School classes resume. Youth Sunday Morning – 9 a.m. • 6th & 7th Grade Class – LL02 • 8th & 9th Grade Class – LL06 • 10th-12th Grade Class – LL04 For more info contact Seth Schroerlucke at
[email protected].
First United Methodist Church • 203 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, WI 53703 • www.fumc.org • 608.256.9061 • Electronic Chimes Request:
[email protected]
