930north February 2016

T R A N S F O R M I N G L I V E S B Y E N G A G I N G O U R M E M B E R S T O C E L E B R AT E A N D S H A R E G O D ’ S L O V E I N J E S U S C H R I S T

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F F I R S T U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H

Transforming LivesFebruary 2016

CONTENTSfeatures

THE WAY OF THE CROSSDiscover the Stations of the Cross, and read about the artist who created the works that are featured in FUMC’s own Aldrich Chapel.........6

THE GATHERINGRead how this mid-week worship service allows one man to re-order his priorities and strengthen his faith.........................................8

LYDIA PATTERSON INSTITUTELearn how this Methodist School has improved life for children in El Paso, TX and Juarez, Mexico...............................................9

ABSTINENCE AND PRAYERDo you really know what this element of the Means of Grace means?..............................12

NOURISHING CURIOSITYChildren and volunteers come to FUMC where a Christian atmosphere teaches them the right things about living.........................................14

LIVING YOUR LEGACYOne woman’s commitment to FUMC will last for generations to come...............................16

CONGREGATIONAL NEWSKeep up to date on our new members, our calendar of events and lectionary texts.........18

The Neon Cross sits atop the bell tower of the Sanctuary Building. During World War II, pilots in fighter training at

Harding Field (the city airport) used the neon cross on top of the building to orient themselves on night training missions.

Although Baton Rouge air space was off limits for flight training, the cross could be seen from quite some distance

and helped pilots make a safe landing.

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Senior PastorRev. Brady Whitton

Associate PastorsRev. Becky Poor

Rev. Fernando RiveaRev. Pattye Hewitt

DeaconRev. Ann Trousdale

EditorCaroline Tyler

PhotographersTodd Rossnagel

Caroline TylerPaige Wax

Tasha Whitton

Contributing WritersLouis Champagne

Dr. Sally ClausenLuisa Delgadillo

Ron GarayStuart Gilly

Richard HearnBob Leitner

Deborah LukePam Voelker

930north Magazine is published four times a year for the First United

Methodist Church community and friends by the Office of Communications.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?Contact us at (225) 383-4777

www.firstmethodist.org

SEND COMMENTS TO:Caroline Tyler, 930 North Boulevard,

Baton Rouge, LA [email protected]

SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO:[email protected]

MISSION STATEMENT

Transforming lives by engaging our members to celebrate and

share God’s love in Jesus Christ.

ON THE COVEROn December 20,

FUMC collected 8,187 poundsof food for the Greater Baton

Rouge Food Bank (that’s enough food to feed 6,823 people!).

This broke our congregation’s previous record of 6,529 pounds

of food collected in 2014.

4 930north Magazine | February 2016

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The beginning of a New Year is a time many people seek to make positive change in their lives, whether it’s adopting a new exercise regime, a healthier diet, or managing their time better. There’s something in us that longs for things to be better, different, or more complete. There are also, of course, a plethora of experts telling us how best to succeed at our desired change: It takes 30 days to establish a habit. Snap a rubber band on your wrist every time you eat an M&M. Write your plan and tell it to your friends.

What if the change we seek could be found in a story? Writer Maria Popov says, “A great story . . . makes it impossible to do anything but grow a new understanding – of the world, of our place in it, of ourselves, of some subtle or monumental aspect of existence.” If that’s true of a great human story, how much more is it true of what has been called “The Greatest Story Ever Told” – the divine story of the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?

The story begins with the words of ancient

Jewish prophets who promised God

would send a servant to shine God’s light into the darkness of this world. It continues with Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem,

his baptism in the river

Jordan, his 40-day wilderness

experience, and time of public ministry.

The story reaches a

climax in Jesus final hours, his prayer time in the Garden of Gethsemane, his trial, crucifixion, burial, and best of all his resurrection!

For over 2000 years people have experience change and transformation in the person of Jesus Christ. In Jesus people have found love, joy, peace,

patience, kindness, and more. In Jesus they have been delivered from destructive patterns and found new life.

I don’t claim to understand it all, but when people encounter Jesus, when they begin to allow him to inhabit their hearts, minds, and actions, their lives are transformed.

One of the ways we allow Jesus to inhabit our hearts, minds, and actions is by living Jesus story through the season of the Church. In 2016, we’re focusing on Jesus’ story through an emphasis called, “Celebrating the Seasons.” We’ve already celebrated Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, and on Ash Wednesday (February 10) we will enter the season of Lent.

The transforming power of Jesus is available to you today. I pray you’ll journey with us as we seek transformation by allowing Jesus to inhabit our lives in 2016.

Yours in Christ,

February 2016 | 930north Magazine 5

A LETTER FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR

BY BOB LEITNER

The Stations of the Cross have been transformational for me over the past few years—one story evolves into another story and then into a third, weaving people and places together. Let’s start with the first story, the summer of 2010.

I was on a FUMC pilgrimage with my wife Cece and twenty other members. The pilgrimage was organized by Cherri Johnson through the Ministry of Spiritual Formation. We journeyed to Taos, New Mexico. We used Taos as our base to experience and explore Christian spirituality of this area. From Taos we traveled to San Luis, Colorado, a small arid town in the southeastern corner of the state. In the center of San Luis there is a hill known as La Mesa de la Piedad y de la Misericordia or the Hill of Piety and Mercy. The hill contains a winding path with bronze sculptures depicting the Stations of the Cross. The path winds up the mesa to a small chapel located on the top.

The Stations, magnificent and inspiring bronze sculptures in 2/3 size, were designed and created by renowned local sculpture, Huberto Maetas. Incredible detail reveals compassion in the face of the Christ; you can clearly see the

tear drops on Christ’s face and mercy and compassion in his eyes. During my prayer walk, I received a clear invitation to follow Christ on a deeper and more committed level. That fall I enrolled in the Louisiana Conference Academy training program for Spiritual Leadership and Spiritual Direction.

Meditating on individual Stations of the Cross and walking the Stations became an important part of my prayer discipline. In the fall of 2013, while walking my dog, Jackson, along the Mississippi River Levee, I began having a vision of leading others through the Stations, portable Stations handmade of Louisiana cypress. The Holy Spirit spoke to a deep desire in my soul and I began to make the portable stations that next week. I completed them shortly before the following Easter and have since been able to lead small groups through the Stations on Men’s retreats, Spiritual Directors retreats, at University Methodist Church and during Lent on our own campus.

The Saturday after having my vision on the levee, I encountered Pam Voelker at Goodwood Hardware. To my surprise, Pam asked if I would be interested in assisting her efforts to place Stations of the Cross in the Aldrich Chapel. Wow! An immediate connection was made and through Pam’s leadership and persistence, FUMC’s Aldrich Chapel now houses a magnificent replication of The Stations of the Cross.


SPIRITUAL FORMATION AND ADULT EDUCATION

The Way of the CrossBY BOB LEITNER, PAM VOELKER

AND DEBORAH LUKE, ARTIST


BY PAM VOELKER

Did you ever hear a knock at the door and hesitated to answer it? Usually, whoever it is on the other side will knock a second time. What I have found out over this past 2 years is that when it is the Holy Spirit knocking it never stops until you answer it.

My journey began with the “Academy for Spiritual Formation, FUMC” a 9 month commitment of learning and exploring including weekend retreats, small groups, study and prayer. At the conclusion of the program Cherri Johnson, Director of Spiritual Formation and Adult Education, challenged us to act on our Faith. Not to sit back and let things happen but to be the one to make things happen.

In the summer of 2014, I was not answering knocks at the door from ‘the stranger’ but as fall approached they could no longer be ignored.

Opening the door to the Holy Spirit, I was called to explore the significance and everyday relevance of the biblically based “Stations of the Cross” or as we like to call them “The Way of the Cross.” I began a journey of Faith that continues to this today. I saw that Faith in action through the support and guidance from staff and members of FUMC was life-giving and very productive. Faith in action from working with a local Baton Rouge artist, Deborah Luke, who has the gift from God to express her faith in extraordinary pieces of art to Faith in action by not giving up even when the project seemed just too daunting and complicated.

I am still on this journey turning the corner to now guide small groups toward the wonder and majesty of “The Way of the Cross”. Maybe my journey will encourage someone else on their own journey. I look forward to Lent and I can’t wait to see what the Holy Spirit has planned next.

BY DEBORAH LUKE, ARTIST

As I reflect on my life as an artist, I find myself continually drawn to the mystery and beauty of the human person. The human face was my first muse. In my youth, I drew and sculpted faces I knew and loved best – mother, father, sister, brother. A purely physical likeness was never enough. I sought

always to capture the intangible, the essence, the spirit of my subject, that which distinguishes him or her from any other person.

Shortly after a trip to Rome in 1996, nearly twenty years ago, a new impulse appeared. Moved by the beauty of sacred images so abundant in the cities in Italy I visited – Rome, Florence, Assisi – I began to sculpt images of Jesus and Mary. Initially inspired by Italian masters, I turned to the pages of sacred scripture for my own, more personal expression of the truths revealed therein. I have discovered in the Old and New Testaments a nearly inexhaustible source of inspiration.

My favorite medium for over forty years has been clay. From a clay model, molds are made and then cast in a variety of more permanent materials, such as the hydrostone reliefs recently installed in the FUMC Aldrich Chapel, or more recently, in bronze. I love the sensitive nature of clay, the way it responds to the slightest touch, the play of light on its surface as the clay is molded and worked. I have often felt that the form of prayer which is truest to my own nature is the prayer of clay in my hands.

In summary, there are certain things without which my own art would not exist. The first of these is time and space to work. The second is silence and prayer. And the third, perhaps the most elusive ingredient – call it inspiration, or grace – is

indispensable. I can create conditions conducive to the making of art, but I cannot without grace accomplish works that speak the language of the human heart or call another to prayer.

For more information about the following Lenten offerings, please contact Cherri Johnson, [email protected]

12:10 pm Wednesdays Aldrich Chapel Services

Holy Communion will be servedstarting February 10

6:30 pm Wednesdays Means of Grace

led by the Pastoral Staffstarting February 17

6:30 WednesdaysStations of the Cross

led by Bob Leitner and Pam Voelker

starting February 17

9:30 - 11:30 am ThursdaysWomen of Faith

led by Cherri Mills

February 19 -21Silent Retreat at St. Joseph

Abbey in Covington, LACost $185 per person

Men and women welcome

“Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?

I have heard You calling in

the night.”

For a 50+ year member of First Methodist, I have only attended Wednesday night worship for about 10 years. I am not sure if I had a “calling,” but something told me that I needed to have a mid-week break from my work schedule.

The Gathering has provided me time to re-order priorities while strengthened my faith. It has been an opportunity to gather with others to bear witness of our faith and trust in God. Sermons by Rev. Brady, Rev. Becky, Rev. Pattye, and Rev. Fernie have help set direction in my life. The mid-week service has been an oasis from stress, and absolutely essential for my spiritual growth. As I encounter various kinds of challenges: work issues, health questions, etc., I have found The Gathering offering an opportunity of encouragement in a close fellowship with one another in a prayerful environment.

The Gathering has evolved from the Wednesday Night service to a family fellowship offering supper, service, communion, and special bible studies. To me, the music has always been and continues to be a special part of Wednesday night. Some special highlights from the past begin with Dr. Dick Webb’s traditional music (always excellent), Ben Herrington’s rendition of “Seasons of Love” from Rent, and most recently Dr. Chris Rosborough’s version of “Let Your Little Light Shine” accompanied by Chris King on banjo.

After returning from Vietnam, forty-five years ago, I had given up on volunteering, and I had to be asked to participate in any type of activities. One Sunday in the 70’s, Rev. Ron Ramke asked me to teach 7th Grade Sunday School, and I have been teaching ever since then. So this is my opportunity to extend a personal invitation to everyone to try out The Gathering with your family on Wednesday night.

“I will go Lord, if You lead me.” Take a break from your heavy work and home schedule, with a mid-week service. I look forward to seeing you at The Gathering on Wednesday night.


The GatheringBY LOUIS CHAMPAGNE

The Gathering meets Wednesdays5:00 pm - Dinner

5:45 pm - Worship in the Conference Center6:30 pm - Small Group Learning Opportunities

WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP

Since it’s founding, Methodists have supported the improvement of the world through education. In America, for example, Methodists have been creating schools since the early 1800’s. These schools can be traced back to schools like Boston College, Northwestern University, and still hold a presence at others schools such Duke, Centenary College, Southern Methodist University, Hendrix College and many others. For Methodists, education was a way of creating leaders for the world whose faith was an important aspect of their life. Because of this, United Methodist have opened not only colleges and universities, but also middle schools, high schools and seminaries.

A good example of this is Lydia Patterson Institute, in El Paso, Texas. In the late 1800’s a Methodist Missionary Society woman, Mrs. Lydia Patterson along with other Methodist women witnessed the influx of Mexican citizens fleeing the brutality of the Mexican Revolution. These immigrants settled in the Segundo Barrio (Second Ward) of El Paso, which was at the- time, one of the poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods along the Rio Grande River. Because of the influx of immigrants into the Segundo Barrio, El Paso school officials decided not to provide education opportunities for these students. Mrs. Patterson and the other ladies of Trinity Methodist Church, now known as Trinity-First UMC, became aware of this injustice and drove their buggies down into the Barrio and picked up students and brought them to Methodist homes for schooling.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Patterson died and her husband, a prominent physician, donated $75,000 in 1913 to buy the land and build the original school. LPI still sits on the same square block and is a beacon of hope providing education for over 400 students. Every day, students travel from their homes in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico to the International Bridge, clear immigration and walk the nine blocks


Lydia Patterson Institute

BY RICHARD HEARN, Director of Development at

Lydia Patterson Institute

and

LUISA DELGADILLO, 2015 Graduate of LPI, Freshman at Centenary College

MISSIONS AND OUTREACH

In June 2015, the FUMC Youth Group sent a group of 60 volunteers to work on LPI’s campus, doing various repairs to the parking lot, roof, and library. Here are a few missioners’ thoughts on their trip.

“Lydia Patterson was one of the most eye opening and humbling experiences I have ever had, to see kids that have so little love life and God so much is something you can never forget.”-Emilie Barnes,Freshman at Louisiana Tech University

“My eyes were opened to how privileges of a life I have. I wish all the kids I met could have the life I live.”-Robert Mann,Sophomore at University Labratory School

“The faculty is nurturing, supportive, and dedicated to the students desire to get an education and improve their lives. In spite of the inability of many of their parents’ to pay tuition to attend LPI, the students work their way through school by doing jobs at the school before and after school each day and during the summer. The graduation rate of over 95% demonstrate the commitment of the students and faculty. I was and remain very impressed with the success of Lydia Patterson Institute.”-Larry Melsheimer,Adult Volunteer/Chaperone, father to Matthew, 10th grade

to the LPI campus. Since free education in Mexico ends at the completion of the eighth grade, many of these students would have no opportunity to continue their education without our United Methodist School.

Lydia Patterson Institute, known by many as La Lydia, is one of the most redemptive and life-changing ministries of the United Methodist Church. The school prides itself in knowing that 98% of students who enter LPI go on to graduate, over 95% go on to enroll in a college or university, many of which are United Methodist institutions, and over 90% of them go on to graduate from their college or university. These young, bi-lingual and bi-cultural students have gone on to make an impact all over the world. Some of our alumni have gone on to work for Disneyland, U.S. Embassy’s, they have become business owners and prominent entrepreneurs and some have even gone on to serve as Elders in the United Methodist Church.

While education at LPI is outstanding, the current facilities (built in the 1960’s) and technological availability is somewhat lacking. Lydia Patterson is currently engaged in a $15 million dollar capital funds campaign to update the current building in order to provide a better learning environment for its students. In order to help La Lydia grow God’s kingdom, The Louisiana Annual Conference has taken a lead role in the campaign by pledging $500,000 of which $75,000 has been pledged from First UMC, Baton Rouge.

The new building will help student’s learning experience immensely. Plans for the new building will include a new cafeteria and new kitchen for preparing the meals, it will house Student Activities department, the Fine Arts Program which will include both music and dance and will be home to the Spiritual Development Program.

By pledging money towards Lydia Patterson, we are committing in helping the school make disciples for Christ. The new Chapel will help with practical issues such as more classrooms for the religion courses, space for the lay ministry team to explore their callings to ministry and room to create more effective worship services. Perhaps the most exciting thing about the new chapel is that the school will now be able to house all of its students in one worship service because there will be more seating. While the current chapel only houses 300 people, this new chapel will have room for 650. Not only will the school be able to worship as one community, but the space will also be available to the community in order to create better relationships.

Will you join us in supporting this blessed ministry which, for some, provides the only opportunity many of these students have to escape their current poverty?


MISSIONS AND OUTREACH

FAR LEFT: The current chapel is too small to allow the entire student body of 450 students to meet at one time, either for weekly chapel services or school assemblies. This detracts from school unity which is a major contributing factor to the success of “La Lydia’s” students.

BELOW: LPI is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Texas Assocation of Non-Public Schools, and the University Senate of the United Methodist Church; offering ELS (English as a second Language) courses, and dual credit courses with the El Paso Community College. LPI is owend by the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.


BY LUISA DELGADILLO

Lydia Patterson Institute is a small school that is in the center of El Paso, Tx. just across the border. Through the years you get to know all the students, teachers and staff members. One of the ways in which I met more people, among them my best friends was through the organizations to which I belonged. Students have a lot to choose from, there is student council, lay ministry, National Honor Society, Robotics, or even some sports team. It does not matter in which one you are, the more time you spend on the school, you meet new friends or even strengthens friendships you already have.

One of the groups to which I belonged and I am super grateful for is Lay Ministry. Lay ministry is a Christian group in which

you not only do community service and help in a local United Methodist church, but you have the chance to explore your calling to ministry.

In that group I met one of my best friends who helped me throughout my junior and senior year. We had small services and events that helped us to get organized and to focus on what really matters which was our relationship with God and sharing that relationship and love with the rest of the school. This group became a family for me, being a group so special where nobody judged you, but accepted you as you were, and made us give the best of us to others. I am confident that thanks to God and to that group I am where I am right now, physically and spiritually.

Now I am in Shreveport attending school at Centenary College and missing all the great moments that I had at La Lydia but taking into account that I have to move forward with the plans that God has for me. Here at Centenary College I have known many people and learned so much in my first semester. I am currently in Christian Leadership Center (CLC) which is much like Lay Ministry, I have met people super nice that helped me a lot in my first semester and I am waiting to return the favor. Finally, I know that God has been with me throughout my life in many ways and through many people and I have the certainty that God will keep surprising and amazing me.


Abstinence: ab·sti·nence nounthe fact or practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something.

It is no secret that we live in a world that is moving at the speed of light. If people aren’t constantly engaged in their inboxes, text strings, twitter feeds and Facebook posts, there seems to be an underlying fear of being left behind! It’s so easy to let the buzzing and beeping of our phones and tablets consume our time, thoughts, energy and ultimately our souls. We are in a world where we are so accessible that we are never really disconnected from anything…except from maybe what matters most.

Being in the technology/security industry, my business operates 24/7/365. This leads to phone calls during dinner or text messages coming through in the dead of night. All of which are time sensitive and require my immediate attention… attention that is being taken away from the

few short hours we have to spend together as a family each day. I have really tried to put an effort into practicing abstinence with my cell phone in the evenings, especially while the kids are awake. Truth be told, I have celebrated some minor successes in this department, but admittedly this is more of a point of failure than not.

Abstinence, by definition, is a self-restraint or forbearance from an indulgence. It is built in to one of the basic principles which guide our spiritual practices as Methodists as it is considered a means of grace. John Wesley practiced and encouraged abstinence on a weekly basis. He believed that we should practice abstinence as a constant reminder of God’s sacrifices for us and to help us focus on God’s grace in our lives.

Abstinence and Prayer

BY STUART GILLY

LEFT: A vital life of discipleship is sustained by ongoing Christian practice. We call the practices that help us grow stronger in love of God and neighbor “The Means of Grace.” These practices are not ways we earn God’s love but are ways we nurture the gift of grace in our lives.

RIGHT: Stuart, with his three daughters: Katelynn, Aubrey and Landry

FAR RIGHT: The Upper Room magazine’s mission is to provide a model of practical Christianity, accessible in varied formats, to help people feel invited and welcomed into God’s presence. Sign up to receive this devotional in your email at devotional.upperroom.orgor purchase a hard-copy in the Front Office at FUMC.

THE VISION: ADULT DISCIPLESHIP PATH


Abstinence is probably one of the more unpopular disciplines of our faith, but it can also be one of the most rewarding when achieved. If that is the case, then why is it so hard to faithfully practice abstinence? If it is so rewarding, why is it such a challenge for me to get it right? I think the truth lies in where our hearts and minds are genuinely focused on a daily basis. I have also come to realize that my “failures” per say don’t have to be so definitive. There can be small moments of success that gives us the momentum to keep moving forward.

One area where I have found success with abstinence from technology is in the mornings. We have 3 kids to get out the door by 7:20am, so mornings at the Gilly house are nothing short of chaotic. Up until about a year ago, my morning ritual began with the alarm (on my cell phone) going off. I’d pick up the phone to turn it off, but immediately open my inbox to check emails. Then I’d switch over to Twitter to get a quick news and sports update, do a quick glance through Facebook and maybe even swipe through a few Instagram pics before my feet ever hit the floor. Very valuable time, in my opinion, that could have been put to better use in helping our mornings run more smoothly.

About this time last year, I made a conscious decision not to give my time to these things that were not life giving to my day or to my life for that matter. I was going to abstain from Facebook and Twitter and instead start each day with a devotional. I subscribed to the Upper Room Daily Devotional and never looked back. I start each and every day searching for that devotional and nothing else in my email. I read it all the way through and when I’m done, I put the phone down. I cannot tell you how much of a blessing this small but meaningful act has been. It has given my mornings more sanity and more importantly, it has been the driving force in my spiritual growth this past year. My family

has benefitted from both of those things, so in that, I consider this to be a success.

As we approach the season of Lent, it is an ideal time for us Methodists to try to incorporate the practice of abstinence into our lives. If you give up caffeine for 40 days, pray for willpower as you crave a cup of coffee while driving past a Starbucks. If you give up Facebook, read a devotional any time you’d pick up your phone to check in with your “friends” or if you attempt a true fast, ask for God’s fulfillment when hunger creeps up. I’m realizing more and more that abstaining isn’t just about the absence, it is also about what you do to replace it.

What is the difference between success and failure when practicing abstinence? Does it have to be considered a failure if we abstain without 100% success? Or can filling the void with prayer in those times that we do succeed be enough? Prayer, in my experience and very humble opinion, is the deciding factor between success and failure in abstinence. How can you challenge yourself this season of Lent to not only practice abstinence but also commit to filling the void with prayer?

The Means of Grace are one element of the Adult Discipleship Path, which is

your path to a vital Christian life through learning, practicing and sharing.

To learn more about this path, contact Cherri Johnson,

[email protected]

As a part of FUMC’s Vision, an After School Program was established in August of 2014. HYPE (Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence) meets Monday - Thursday on FUMC’s campus, with 32 students enrolled for the Spring 2016 Semester.

Okay, sports fans. Here’s the story. Game tied, the Saints are driving to score in the last minute of the fourth quarter. Folks all over Baton Rouge are glued to their television screens in anticipation of a big play. Well, not everyone. Some persons have a different take altogether on the big game. In fact, they’re not even watching. Believe it or not, they’re talking

about HYPE. That’s right. True story. A family spending time on a Sunday afternoon talking about FUMC’s HYPE program and what it means to them. And it should come as no surprise that HYPE means a lot to all of them.

Sisters Kataria and Kaniya had a decision to make on the Sunday afternoon in question. Which of two after school programs would they be attending—the one at their school or FUMC’s HYPE? Actually, since both already were HYPE “veterans” of the program’s first semester, the decision was pretty simple. Kataria and Kaniya both were determined to head back to HYPE. A final decision, though, would have to come from their grandmother, Mrs. Stewart, who was filling-in as parent while the girl’s mother was dealing with some health issues. Attending HYPE would not be easy, since transportation home from HYPE was a problem. But Mrs. Stewart, with her son’s help, solved the

problem. Kataria and Kaniya would be on their way back to HYPE!

Mrs. Stewart is as much a fan of HYPE as her granddaughters. The sisters’ enthusiasm for what they experience as a result of HYPE would be hard to miss. According to Mrs. Stewart, Kataria and Kaniya start talking about all they’ve learned and the good times they’ve shared as soon as they leave FUMC each afternoon. And both are more than eager for next week’s HYPE. There will be fun, but there also will be work. Taking care of homework, in fact, is at the top of the priority list for HYPE students. Mentors help out, and in Kataria’s case her math scores have improved as a result. But their grandmother has noticed some of the intangibles Kataria and Kaniya have gained from HYPE. It’s the “best of the best,” she says. “HYPE gives them a Christian atmosphere, teaches them the right things about


Nourishing Curiosity

BY RON GARAY

THE VISION: HYPE - AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM


TOP LEFT: Carlen, Miss Cooper and Jacob enjoy a game after completeing their homework. TOP RIGHT: Jaylah, Mr. Buddy, and Zoa’lynn practice following instructions by building with Legos. BELOW: Trey and Miss Katie, Jekori and Miss Emily work on their daily reading comprehension exercises, which each student engages in daily.

living.” There also is the care and attention the girls have received that has made the HYPE experience so meaningful.

Mrs. Stewart and Kataria and Kaniya’s mother are really no different than the many parents and grandparents who attend FUMC. They want the best for their children and grandchildren. They want them to have good learning opportunities and to live productive lives. This is why HYPE is so important. HYPE provides the kind of environment, the kind of mentoring, and the kind of attention

that children need. HYPE helps children find the right path, the Christian path, to achieving their potential. HYPE children and mentors often meet as strangers, but the bond they form will last forever. Football games on a Sunday afternoon come and go, but a HYPE volunteer who nourishes a child’s curiosity, who teaches that child something new and important and who shares with that child the love of God and Christ all at the same time—Well, that’s special. So, come be a part of HYPE—and maybe help change a life.

Did you know:in August - December 2015

32 Students enrolled at HYPE

10 HYPE students were on the

A/B Honor Roll

11 HYPE Students were on the

Principals List

2HYPE Students were listed as

Most Improved

1 HYPE Student earned the award

of Best Listener in her class

11HYPE Students earnedperfect attendance

at their school

Volunteer with HYPE

Contact Cindy Downs [email protected]

Monday - Thursday 3:45 - 5:30 pm

Volunteer by: homework help, science experiments, art projects, reading with a student, baking demonstrations, gardening, etc.

Most volunteers participate one day a weekStay for an hour, or more


I met Helen Louise Storm White as a result of an assignment given me by the Senior Care Team of FUMC. On the appointed day I arrived at the home of Mrs. White exactly on time, 11:00. She was standing in the driveway of her home sharply dressed and waiting for me. After a brief chat during which she established that I was indeed the Sally Clausen from FUMC who was supposed to visit with her, she invited me into her home. It was neat and dated with pictures of her family and travels. We chatted for about forty-five minutes after which I offered to pick up some lunch. She said we could just go to Sammy’s on the corner on Highland Road, near her home. It was clear that her plan for the meeting was being followed. When we arrived at Sammy’s I learned that she was a regular, as everyone there knew her, and that she had a standard order, a Sammy’s shrimp po-boy. She also had a special table.

Several visits after the first, I learned that she was a regular attendee at church, but was not a participant in other activities even though she was gregarious, always dressed to the nines, sharp witted and firm in her opinions. She was 96 years old at the time of my visitations. During those visits she was proud of her family, though she had no close relatives. She enthusiastically showed family pictures, and on one occasion she climbed up and stood on a bed to straighten and show a picture hanging on the wall. She was full of energy and got her exercise picking up sticks in her yard. She liked to be with people.

I learned that in her working life she had been the hostess at the LSU Faculty Club, a place where she had been able to meet people with very varied backgrounds and disciplines, and it was obvious that she had had many opportunities to engage in eclectic conversations. It was also obvious that she missed that opportunity to connect with people. Oddly, she remembered my going there, explaining that as a graduate student I was brought there as a guest of some faculty members. She remembered me “because I was skinny!”.

Mrs. White was a vivacious but controlled and dignified demeanor. She had a fierce independence which she was determined to maintain for the rest of her life. She loved to drive and was proud of her little red car. In spite of her love of people she had little social engagement, but enjoyed even remote contact. She treasured that cards she received at Christmas, for birthdays, or other occasions. She enjoyed her contacts with people she knew even casually, such as her hairdresser, bank tellers, grocery helpers and others with

Living Your LegacyBY DR. SALLY CLAUSEN

We are profiling individuals and

families at FUMC that are living out faithful stewardship in their

lives through prayers, presence, gifts,

service and witness.After her death,

Mrs. White left her modest home and her car, her entire estate, to FUMC. She wasn’t a wealthy woman, but

she gave from her heart to her church.

FINANCE


whom she met in her normal daily chores. She knew these people by name and spoke of them fondly. It was clear that she craved social engagement but somehow, because of the restraining attendant to her dignity, and the era in which she matured, she was unable to satisfy her need for a more active social life.

I also learned that within her quiet, reserved personality she was deeply religious, and was proud of her membership in FUMC, and her regular attendance at church services on Sunday, dressed very appropriately and seated always in the same pew in the right front quadrant of the church.

As I continued to visit with Mrs. White I began to learn more about her indomitable spirit. She had the learned experience of life that can only be achieved with the passage of time, and therefore, with age. I began to understand that it wasn’t necessary for me to be worried about graduation rates, or adequate access to higher education, or social equality in higher education, or having enough money in a budget to meet the demands of providing adequate higher education in order to be happy in life. I learned that providing the needs of those in our community who are in need of the simple things, such as a willing ear, or just small talk or being a person whose presence was of enormous importance was quite enough to fulfill a need for happiness. And in order to obtain that happiness required so little of me. So in the end, I was reminded of the teaching in Luke 6:38, “Give and it shall be given to you.” So true with Mrs. White, that I gave so little, only to be given so much in return.

Interested in creating your legacy at FUMC?Contact Rev. Brady [email protected]

One of John Wesley’s famous statements of advice is,“Gain all you can, save all you can, and give all you can.”

• Wesley put restrictions on the way we gain all we can. Earning money was discouraged if it came at the expense of our own health, whether physical or spiritual. The business we conduct should be fitting to a life dedicated to God.

• Similarly, the way we save all we can also matters. For Wesley, saving meant avoiding any expense that was simply for our own pleasure, rather than for taking care of a legitimate need. He understood that indulging our desires could lead us away from God. He also understood that spending money on unnecessary items left less for us to give to others. The point of saving is not hoarding; it is giving.

• To give all we can is to reflect God’s own generosity and thus to participate in God’s work. If we think about the use of money as a spiritual discipline, then we can see that the point is not to give away what we think is extra. The point is to play our role in distributing God’s resources equitably, not denying our own needs, but seeing the needs of others to be as legitimate as our own.

December Weekly AttendanceWeek of

Sunday, December 6

Worship 1,256Sunday School 595

Total 1,851

Week of Sunday, December 13

Worship 1,594 Sunday School 621

Total 2,215


Worship 1,655 Sunday School 545

Total 2,200


Worship 2,764Sunday School 290

Total 3,054

Celebrating the Baptism of...Lisa Lefeaux (12/10) James Robert Upp III (1/10)

Ellen Margaret Hataway (1/10)

Asher Lynn Lockard (2/14)

December Financial ReportAs of 12/31/2015:IncomeExpenseNet Income

Budget YTD$ 4,038,659$ 4,096,457 $ (57,798)

Actual YTD$ 4,071,668$ 4,017,052 $ 54,616

Variance$ 33,009)$ (79,405)$ 112,414


JANUARY CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

Celebrating the Birth of...Davis Edward (12/18) son of Carol and Brandon Abadie

Sympathy to the Families of...Ms. Emily Callaway (12/12) Mr. Roy Regan (12/15)

Ms. Sue Ferguson (1/9)

Celebrating the Wedding of...Melanie Reed and Logan Schroeder (1/23)

Welcome New Members!

Carson Greene

Melissa Greene

Chris, Brittany and Asher Lockard

JameyPalmintier

Ethan Greene

Paul Kraft

Joshua Melder

Javier, Melissa and Jeyson

Sanchez

Parker Clayton BauderClayton Cole Braud

Jessica Michel BraudCharlotte Kay Cain

Joshua Hugh CopelandThomas Byron D’Armond

Aiden Richard DupreeDavis Connor Eglin

Kennard Parker Garrett IIIAustin Ryan Gautreau

Merrill Ann Hall

Ellen Margaret HatawayAnalise Kay HydeAnna Kirk Lawson

John Parker MadisonEmma Caroline Monroe

Carter Claire ParkerLucy Jane Pettit

Katherine Dolores PorterMason Carlton

Joseph RabalaisOwen Michael Rodrigue

Jack David SavarioClaire Elizabeth SchillingJoseph Adam Serpas

Catherine Auxford ShawSamuel Boykin Short IV

Stuart Mark StarnesJames Robert Upp IIIHayden James WalshZoë Catherine WhittonHayden Timothy Wolfe

Confirmation Class of 2016On January 10, 2016 FUMC welcomed 31 Confirmation Students into membership.

These sixth grade students have completed 11 weeks of classes and have learned what it means to be a member of The United Methodist Church.

Early Learning Center5th Mardi Gras Celebration8th & 9th Mardi Gras Holiday (Center Closed)5th Grandparents Day

For more dates and events, visit our website at www.firstmethodist.org

SUNDAYS 8:30 am Worship9:00 am Café 9309:40 am Sunday School9:45 am Discover First10:20 am Hospitality Coffee11:00 am Worship5:00 pm Coffee, Tea & Theology FUSE Youth

MONDAYS9:30 am Prayer Ministry3:30 pm HYPE After School Program

TUESDAYS9:00 am Knitting Men’s Bible Study 9:30 am Fit @ First12:00 pm AA3:30 pm HYPE After School Program

WEDNESDAYS9:30 am Bible for Every Day 3:30 pm HYPE After School Program4:00 pm Illness Support Group4:30 pm Care Team5:00 pm Dinner at The Gathering5:45 pm Worship at The Gathering6:00 pm Woodland Ringers7:00 pm Chancel Choir

THURSDAYS9:00 am Thursday Group10:00 am Widow’s Walk12:00 pm AA3:30 pm HYPE After School Program

WeeklyWEDNESDAY - 2/36:30 pm Books of Life

SUNDAY - 2/75:00 pm Youth Superbowl Party

MONDAY - 2/8 through TUESDAY - 2/9

FUMC Office Closed in observance of Mardi Gras

WEDNESDAY - 2/10ASH WEDNESDAY7:00 am Aldrich Chapel Worship12:10 pm Sanctuary Worship6:00 pm Sanctuary Worship

THURSDAY - 2/116:00 pm Father Daughter Dance

SATURDAY - 2/13Adult ASP Mission Trip Departs

WEDNESDAY - 2/177:00 am Senior Adult Outing12:10 pm Aldrich Chapel Worship

FRIDAY - 2/195:00 pm Silent Retreat at St. Joseph Abbey in Covington

WEDNESDAY - 2/248:00 am Senior Adult Program

Special

FEBRUARYCalendar of Events


Monthly Lectionary TextsThe lectionary is a series of Scripture readings for specific days of the year. The United Methodist Church uses a lectionary based on The Revised

Common Lectionary, a three-year lectionary.

February 1st

Exodus 34:29-352 Corinthians 3:12-4:2Luke 9:28-36, 37-43

Psalm 99

February 8th

Deuteronomy 26:1-11Romans 10:8b-13

Luke 4:1-13Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16

February 15th

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18Philippians 3:17-4:1

Luke 13:31-35Psalm 27

February 22nd

Isaiah 55:1-91 Corinthians 10:1-13

Luke 13:1-9Psalm 63:1-8

February 29th

Joshua 5:9-122 Corinthians 5:16-21Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Psalm 32

First United Methodist Church930 North BoulevardBaton Rouge, Louisiana 70802Change Service Requested

Join us for WorshipSundays

8:30 am Sanctuary Worship9:40 am Sunday School for all ages

11 am Sanctuary and America Street Worship

Wednesdays5:45 pm The Gathering Worship

Nursery Care is available from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Sunday mornings

and from 5:00-7:30 pm

for more information, visit www.FirstMethodist.org

facebook.com/FUMCBR @FUMCBatonRouge

PAIDBaton Rouge, LA

Permit No. 63

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

930north February 2016

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