930north May 2014

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 A T 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

Our AccomplishmentsMay 2014

A P U B L I C A T 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

Our life togetherVBS preparation

Dottie Anklam and Betty Bergeron

6 month aniversary of America Street

Staff packing Vision Packets

FUMC Academy Graduates

Race for the Cure

The Meeting Place 5

The Gatheringby Fran Skipper and Melissa Savario 6

Listen, Listen, Love, Loveby Toni Gilboy, Todd Rossnagel, Cindy Mann and Natalie Marionneaux 8-9

Graduating Seniorsby Will Greer and Madison Faust 10-11

A Golden Anniversaryby Charles G. Smith 12-13

Treasures from Trash by Betty Bergeron and Dottie R. Anklam 14

Got Ashes?by Becky Poor 15

The Vision: What We’ve Accomplished by Rev. Katie McKay Simpson 16-17

Congregational News 18

Calendar of Events 19

May 2014

Table of Contents

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A P u b l i c a t 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

9 3 0 N o r t h B o u l e v a r dB a t o n R o u g e , L A 7 0 8 0 2 2 2 5 - 3 8 3 - 4 7 7 7

Senior PastorRev. Brady Whitton

Associate PastorsRev. Katie McKay Simpson Rev. Brad FranklinRev. Susie Thomas Rev. Ann Trousdale

Editors/DesignersNatalie Smith with the loving support of the FUMC staff

PhotographersTodd RossnagelNatalie Smith Natalie MarionneauxFran SkipperBilly Weldon (cover art)

Everywhere I go people comment on the beautiful and heartfelt music offered weekly in worship at our church, and our Holy Week and Easter services this year was no exception. Lamar, Dick, our choir, soloists, and instrumentalists outdid themselves once again! If you get a chance, please offer your thanks for the extra effort they put into this special week. I know I will.It’s hard to believe, but the school

year will be coming to an end soon. This year we have eighteen children completing Kindergarten at the ELC and sixty-two Seniors graduating from the youth program. In the coming weeks there will be dances, and graduations, and celebrations of all kinds.At the same time, there may also be

some heavy hearts as certain seasons of life come to an end. I’m not big on diagnoses, but did you know there’s something psychologists call empty nest syndrome? It’s the feeling of sadness some people get when their children move out to go to college or get married. I can tell you right

now that when it comes time for my kids to move out I’m likely going to be a wreck - I get a case of the blues when we go our separate ways after a week-long family vacation! The writer of Ecclesiastes says,

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,4).If you’re feeling sad because you’re

facing a season of change, remember that what you’re feeling is normal and natural. Don’t try to bury it. Talk to someone about it.At the same time, be sure to celebrate

these milestone moments of life well. They don’t come everyday. Throw a party, invite friends over, enjoy good food, sing songs, tell stories. Above all, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever!” (Psalm 107:1)

Brady

From Rev. Brady Whitton Senior Pastor

About the CoverRings ‘n’ Ivy Celebrates 50 years of classes, missions, growth, development, and spiritual learning.

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

What is your first memory of the church? My first memory of FUMC is actually

when I was in graduate school. I was in Baton Rouge staying with friends for a one-month rotation at Our Lady of the Lake and came to First United Methodist Church with a friend each Sunday & even Wednesday nights. It made such an impact that this is the first church we visited more than five years later after my husband and I moved back to Baton Rouge.

How has the church had an impact on your life and your family’s life? I was raised at Temple Baptist Church

in Ruston and was very involved in youth & through college. My husband went to Catholic school, but his family was not

active in a church. FUMC is where we began worshipping together as a couple, where our children were baptized and where they are learning to love Jesus through the Children’s Ministry. Brian and I are active in Milestone Sunday School and have made lifelong friends through this church. We are so grateful to have found our church home at First United Methodist Church.

How long have you been volunteering for the church? I first served on Children’s Council

in 2008 for three years. It was through Children’s Council that I became aware of and began volunteering in other aspects of the church as well.

Jenny Cohnmeet

The Meeting Place

America Street Service has accomplished more than 9 months of worship and engagement

May 2014 | 930north Magazine 5

Another year of The Gathering is wrapping up and we would say it has been a success! The Gathering begins each Wednesday night with dinner, followed by worship, and then a class of you’re choosing. The children’s department prepares a different class each session that focuses on Bible lessons accompanied with fun activities. This year we participated in mission opportunities in our area; talked about what the Bible teaches

us about being angry, with our Angry Birds series; learned different ways to make ourselves and others “Happy, Happy, Happy”; participated in Godly Play; and had “Cooking Classes with a Purpose”. Not only is this special fellowship time a great opportunity for growth for our children, some FUMC members have made it a family affair. There are several families who have chosen to participate in The Gathering children’s classes; a chance for mothers,

fathers, sons, daughters, and siblings to experience God’s love together!

The Savarios have been coming to The Gathering services since it began. Melissa and her son, Jack, also participate in the classes offered to children and families after the service. We asked them what they believe they have accomplished by attending The Gathering and enjoying the classes together.

A Year to Remember at

Caroline and Lucy dress up and retell

a Bible story during Godly Play

Will sorts toiletries for the One Stop Homeless shelter

“Happy, Happy, Happy”

gathering class

Some of the children

during The Gathering

class helped pick up trash

around our church

FUMC’S Wednesday Night Event

Attending The Gathering is something our family looks forward to each week. My son, Jack, and I have been attending The Gathering and the children’s classes together since last fall. The worship service and children’s activities are relaxing and fun. It helps us focus on our walk with Jesus by worshiping more than just Sunday. We always leave with a scripture in mind to think about, pray and discuss how we can apply it to our lives that week.

The Bible stories come to life through the children’s activities. One of our favorites is Godly Play. This is where a story from the Bible is

told using figures and creative thinking. You then create a picture, story, or sculpture to express your thoughts

or what you may have learned about the story.

The crafts that we make decorate our home and are constant reminders and

symbols of our faith. We recently completed an Easter garden, which

consisted of three crosses on a hill and a tomb with a stone cover. This is the centerpiece of our dining room table as we journey to the cross and anticipate rolling the stone away on Easter morning. It is

something we made together and opens up conversation within

our family about our faith.

We are so grateful for this midweek worship opportunity and for all who make it possible. We believe The Gathering helps us grow in

our relationship with God and each other. It is shaping who

we are; together, and that is the accomplishment.

A Note from Melissa and Jack Savario

Jack and Melissa Savario work together to help create Vacation Bible School decorations

Some of the children

during The Gathering

class helped pick up trash

around our church

Gathering and Godly Play Activities


Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. is an interdenominational Christian ministry that serves to transform the lives of the incarcerated and their families.

Through trained volunteers, Kairos mentors men and women in prisons through Kairos Inside, as well as their female family members and loved ones through Kairos Outside, and youth offenders through Kairos Torch.

Working with Kairos, volunteers have been called by God to bring the life of Christ to the darkness of hearts that have been hardened and hurt, “changing hearts, transforming lives, impacting the world.” The Kairos weekend consists of

the presentation of a 3-day short course in Christianity, designed specifically to be presented to the unchurched, the isolated, the unloving and the unloved. Kairos has been called the best example of the early church in existence today.

As the Kairos community inside a prison grows and begins to gain influence, the incidence of violence decreases. Incarcerated participants who are released re-enter the outside world with a God-centered perspective

and focus on becoming productive citizens. Families are reunited with a hope for the future. Today, Kairos has over 36,000 volunteers donating more than three (3) million hours of service each year. These volunteers serve in over 400 institutions and 55 KO ministries, in 32 states and 9 countries, which are: Costa Rica, Australia, South Africa, England, Canada, Northern Ireland, Dominican Republic, Peru and the United States of America.

I have been involved with Kairos at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women in St. Gabriel for the past 18 years. It is the purest form of agape love that I have ever seen. God is very present all through the Weekend.

I can actually see Him moving around the room: opening minds, touching hearts and changing lives, as he pours out His unconditional love on each of the participants there! I am so blessed every time I serve on a Kairos team, and I cannot imagine a better way to answer God’s call. - Toni Gilboy

We asked several congregation members about their experiences serving with the Kairos Prison Ministry.

Here’s what they had to say:

Listen, Listen, Love, Love

“Often times, I am asked why I do prison ministry. The answer is - I get to see Jesus. Seriously. I see Jesus at Angola during a Kairos weekend. For the longest time, when I would read Matthew 25:36, I thought Jesus was telling me to do those things for Him. What I’ve learned over the years is that Jesus was answering the disciples very real question of “when will we see you again, Jesus?” His answer was “if you go to prison, or feed someone, you will see me.”

Oh dear friends, how true that is. I see Jesus in the prison. I see His love, grace, compassion and forgiveness every time I am there. And I am here to tell you, when you can nudge up close to the Holy Spirit, it’s like

nothing you’ve ever experienced. Ever. Quite literally, it changed my life - making me a better husband, father and man. Over the years, I have come to bond with my fellow Kairos brothers in a way that’s akin to family. The sharing, laughing, crying is exponential and downright addictive.

Another reason I love to do Kairos retreats is my chance to rely on my extended church family for support. Whether that support is financial, in the form of children’s art or even home-baked cookies, it’s powerful to see a group of believers come together with the common goal of spreading Jesus’ powerful message of love, forgiveness and grace.” -Todd Rossnagel

As I was participating in my Cursillo weekend and feeling the impact it was having to my spirit, I could only imagine how much more magnified the experience would be for people in prison. That’s what made me want to volunteer.

This will be my first Kairos volunteering on the team at the women’s prison in St. Gabriel. I’m looking forward to bringing Jesus’ love to these women. I know it will be a moving experience for the inmates, as well as myself. - Natalie Marionneaux

My life was transformed by my Kairos experience. I experienced God in a personal way when I experienced the ladies at Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women. Entering the prison and sharing our lives together opened up a vision of a larger God, all while putting me in touch with God within me. Through listening with the ears of Christ and practicing loving as Jesus loves- one that accepts someone just as they are and where they are- placed

me on a path of discipleship. This path led to my job at the Louisiana Prison Chapel Foundation where I have the opportunity to nurture all prison ministries throughout the state. I was led to Spiritual Direction Training and now Professional Certification in Spiritual Formation, all because of the seed planted during my Kairos experiences. The prisons are the holy ground that inspires my passion and cultivates wisdom on my path of discipleship. - Cindy Mann

Next Kairos Dates:

Men’s November 13-16, find out more information at www.kairosangola.orgWomen’s just completed, April 24-27, find out more information at www.kairoslciw.org


When I moved to Baton Rouge roughly seven years ago, I had no idea I would find such a phenomenal church home. My family and I visited First United Methodist Church when I was in sixth grade just before confirmation began and I knew instantly I found what I was looking for. Almost instantly, I became an active member in the youth group; I never wanted to miss an event. I jumped at every opportunity to go on mission trips or spend time with my church friends. These opportunities have provided me with invaluable experiences that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

The bonds I have made and experiences I’ve received through FUMC have certainly molded me into the person I am today. As a soon-to-be-graduating senior at Dutchtown High School, I constantly apply the lessons I have learned at church and I plan to keep using my faith as the main guideline in my life as I head off to college in the coming months.

God has certainly blessed me with a fantastic opportunity to attend the United States Military Academy (commonly referred to as West Point), which I plan to attend. In doing so, I will proudly represent my church, my family and my faith. Such an amazing opportunity was made possible by the values I learned at FUMC. The various trips on which I have ventured have definitely prepared me for future success. When I was a rising freshman in high school, I was able to attend the youth trip to Tennessee, where we participated in the Appalachia Service Project. ASP taught me to appreciate all the gifts God has given me and to help others every chance I get. I also attended the adventure trip to Colorado last summer on which we summited Mt. Antero. This trip taught me a lot about my faith; I had to trust God that he would give us the strength to reach the top.

As an active member of the youth group, I have come to believe that the fellowship I have with my peers in my Sunday school class and the youth group is very important in my walk with Christ. The friends I have made at FUMC are irreplaceable. Although I have chosen a college far from home, I know I will always have a deep bond with them. My church friends and experiences helped me conquer the obstacle course that is high school. A group of great people doing great things can accomplish anything, including getting through high school with morals and values still intact.

These lessons I’ve learned and the friendships I have made will follow me and help me through every step of my life, no matter how far or close I am to Baton Rouge. FUMC will always hold a dear place in my heart and I will carry it with me as I move into a new stage of my life - a stage that entails even more obstacles and decisions - but I am blessed to have a great group of friends and experiences in my back pocket to guide me along the way.

The Next Steps

Will Greer, Senior

I have “grown up” at FUMC. I’ve attended Sunday School, VBS, and other church related events my entire life, or at least as long as I can remember. Growing up in the church has been more than a blessing. It has affected my outlook on life and the way I see others. It has provided me a community of friends that I hope will grow to be life long friendships. Because of my experiences and relationships at church, I have a confidence in knowing that I can accomplish anything that I set my mind to.

I think my participation in FUMC youth group has sparked this confidence and drive. Mission trips and other experiences have allowed me to use my talents to help others by leaving a physical mark but it has also given me the opportunity to grow in confidence and in faith. I have accomplished and overcome many challenges because of my church.

On my first high school mission trip, I had the opportunity to travel and work for the Appalachia Service Project. I was in George’s group. We were building a porch and the concrete bags that we needed to set the posts weighed about 80lbs. I remember George saying, “Madison, I bet you can’t pick up one of those bags. There is no way.” I thought about the family, whose home we were working on and I was determined to pick up that bag. And we if you don’t know me, I am not much bigger than that 80lbs bag. This may seem like a small accomplishment, but lifting that bag is a moment that has shaped my life for the better. I know that I can handle whatever challenge is set before me, knowing that I have God behind me and my church supporting me.

This past summer before my senior year of high school, I went on the Youth Wilderness Trek. During this trek, my friends and I hiked a mountain 14,700 ft high. This was by far the most

physically and mentally demanding thing I have ever endured. I learned so much about, not only myself, but also God. I came back from this trip, I think, a changed person. Knowing that I will need support and family, I will carry this new relationship with God and the church with me through college. The church has become my family and God my strength. My experiences with FUMC youth have made me who I am today, and I would not change one minute of it.

Whether it be gaining a leadership role on a soccer team or giving it my all in a supporting role as the athletic trainer of the football team, I know that I meet the challenge. Next year, when I go to college I will face many challenges and be competing in an athletic training program with about 100 other kids just like me but my hope is that my determination and dedication learned through the church will set me apart from the rest.

“Growing up”Madison Faust, Senior


Think back 50 years (those of you who are old enough). The average annual income in the U.S. was $6,000 (today it’s $50,000), a gallon of gas was 25 cents and it cost a nickel to mail a letter. No one could have imagined buying a bottle of water rather than a Coke!

There were only three TV networks, although the channel knob had 11 positions! Color telecasts were a novelty. Remote control? Forget it. Walk across the room and turn the knob.

President Lyndon Johnson set out goals for the “Great Society” and declared “War on Poverty“, the Beatles arrived in the USA, Bill Gates was in the fourth grade, and closer to home, in a decision that didn’t quite make the Huntley Brinkley report, (which had just expanded to 30 minutes - ask your parents or even grandparents) Gwen Redding launched a new Sunday school class at FUMC, to be called Rings ’n’ Ivy. As the name suggests, newly weds and college students. Wonder if she thought it would endure five decades?

Sure, tastes have changed, costs have risen and national events changed our lives, whether we realized it or not. Much of that 60’s era lives only in memories now, like Peyton Place, Mood Rings and Khrushchev. Paul and Ringo, are wizened and are still

cranking out music, but they don’t rock the world like they did with “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” or “She Loves You”.

On the other hand, Rings ’n’ Ivy quietly and modestly lives on, with its original vision and mission intact and Gwen is still the guiding light for the class.

Although the roster has predictably changed over the decades, the class has significantly increased in membership. There are normally about 40 or 50 attendees each Sunday. And early

members are still here. They include Rob and Nancy Ginn, Barbara and Jim Walsh, Don and Judy Brown, Berlin and Judy Perkins. You’ll see these senior citizens of the Church almost every Sunday in Rings ‘n’

Ivy and in the pew locations they have staked out for decades.

They are a productive group. You may not know that Rings ‘n’ Ivy is the funding source for our Easter Sunday music. They were instrumental in development of the Early Learning Center. In 2009 member Ron Garay published his definitive history of the church A Cross by River’s Edge. They’ve taken the lead in planning and manning mission trips to Africa, Russia, Cambodia and Alaska. Several members are loyal participants in the Volunteers

in Public Schools program of Reading and Math Friends at local elementary schools. They contributed over $10,000 to missions in 2013.

Rings ‘n’ Ivy members are people who experience the joy of the Christian faith every Sunday

morning. These are ‘social animals’ with a full slate of group activities that provide vital opportunities for members to make deeper relationships with people they meet on Sunday morning. And there is always

A Golden Anniversary

by Charles G. Smith


“Rings ‘n’ Ivy members are people who experience the joy of the Christian faith every Sunday morning.”

The Ministry of Spiritual Formation and Education at First United Methodist Church offers a variety of ways to connect and to equip members as they grow in faith and as we raise-up spiritual leaders. One such offering is the Academy for Spiritual Leadership, FUMC. Academy participants have learned from some of the best spiritual writers and theologians of our day completing a one-year commitment which includes covenant group meetings. Listed below are members receiving certificates of accomplishment on May 10th.

Along with the names listed below, we would like to also recognize Todd Barlow as a graduate of Louisiana Conference Spiritual Direction Training Program and Barbara Ann Eaton and Suzanne Rollins as graduates of Upper Room Academy for Spiritual Formation.

Congratulations to all these dedicated and faithful disciples!

Celeste BarlowMae BeltonTamara BrabhamJennifer CarwileShelly CaroJenny CohnDebra DavisLisa DesmondMike DesmondKaren DevilleBetty EvansViolet FrostStacy GarrettAudrey Gaudet Jackie HoneycuttVicki KellumJeremy LockettEric LockridgeKay Long

Beth MahaffeyDorothy MilnerLynn MitchellSusan NicholsMike OwenbyTerrie PowellAshley RodrigueAmanda RothrockKathy ShirleyFran SkipperPhillip SkipperDebbie Stiltner Katie TaylorAndy VenutoShannon VenutoLulu WempleTasha WhittonCarrie-Anne Carpenter

laughter in the Rings ‘n’ Ivy class.

Rings ‘n’ Ivy Class members come together because they are interested in knowing more about the Bible and about their own Christian faith. Yet the class is proud of its diversity of thought and recognizes that such diversity is one of its strengths.

The class is blessed with creative and gifted members from a variety of personal, professional, and even religious backgrounds. Weekly Sunday school lessons are far ranging. You might find them studying the Gospel of Luke, then the great hymns of our faith, then change gears to look at the beauty and variety of religious icons and architecture of the Russian Orthodox Church. Rings ‘n’ Ivy people delight in learning.

Members are typically in their youthful 70s. They are both single and married. They feel like family and help each other through life‘s challenges. They laugh and sometimes cry together.

They believe in the importance of exercising their Christian faith so that it is kept alive. They put faith to work and serve others. Rings ‘n’ Ivy members want to be good representatives of Jesus our Lord.

Like other Sunday school classes, Rings ‘n’ Ivy won’t be around forever. They will eventually wind down. But, their legacy will live on. Their accomplishments will be surpassed by younger classes at FUMC who are already making their marks, building the church, building lifelong friendships and sharing their spiritual journeys.

Rings ‘n’ Ivy are planning their Golden Anniversary Reunion May 2nd-4th with lots of fellowship activities and they will share special music with the congregation to celebrate their 50 years together at the 11:00am service on May 4th.

If you’d like to join in the life of Rings ‘n’ Ivy, share their spirit and community, they are located in the lower level of the Sanctuary Building in Room L04 each Sunday.




Not many people know of this wonderful little space located down the halls of the Adult Center – Room 111. The first time I wandered in I was astounded by all of the various items on the shelves and knew that I wanted to donate some of my time to the Boutique and Sandra King, Director of Congregational Care put me to work! Treasures and other such interesting items can be found in this little room, all with a history of their own. These items come from closets, garages, bookshelves, attics and backyards. You know what they say, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”!

The Boutique is a volunteer based endeavor and church members give freely of their time every week. Volunteers become sales people, cashiers, decorators; we take inventory and stock items for various seasons throughout the year.

Stop in and visit with the current volunteers - Mary Lew Sfondouris, Barbara Swain, Diane Lynch, Susan Albin and myself. I’m certain you’ll walk out with your own treasure.

All monies received from sales go to the Senior Adult Ministries here at FUMC , which include the monthly outings every 4th Wednesday, and the 2nd Wednesday programs.

The Boutique is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings 9:00am to 12:30pm and Sunday mornings 9:00 – 11:30am. Donations can be dropped off during these hours as well. With the exception of clothing and

furniture (these items are donated to the Prison Ministry or Connections for Life), just about anything is welcomed – well, not frogs!

At the beginning of the Senior Adult program when Dr. Dana Dawson was Senior Minister, FUMC was the only place in town to have a daily craft program. Ceramics was our first craft and where the youth center is now located where we made and stored the ceramics. The house was so full of our crafts that we decided to have our first Bazaar. It was a big hit and one of the first such Bazaars in Baton Rouge. In 1963, the Adult Building was built and we held many classes in the new building to teach crafts.

One of the most successful areas at our yearly Bazaar was called “The Country Store” managed by Pansy Wright and Velma Hickey. A few years later other churches in town began their own Bazaars. We did not have as many items to sell so our Bazaar was discontinued but members of the church continued to make things. I had been in charge of a few Bazaars so people kept bringing the items to me.

At that time Dr. Woody Hearn decided to have his Associate Minister’s office in the Sanctuary Building so I asked if I could use the old office for storage (which is now occupied by Sandra King). Dr. Hearn agreed. People passing by the old office asked to buy items and thus the Boutique was born! A few ladies and one gentleman of the church stored their looms in Room 111 of the Adult Building where they did their weaving and after that the quilters used the room to meet. Both groups disbanded when Mary Shuford could no longer be in charge, the equipment was sold and Room 111 became the Boutique, as we know it today.

Pansy Wright and Catherine Linton continued to work and keep things going until they were both in their 90’s. I continued to work well into my 80’s when in August 2011 I suffered a stroke. Sandra King took over and recruited new sales people to man the store, including Lilly Willis who continues to set up the displays.

Members of FUMC donate all items for sale in the Boutique. The most unusual thing that I ever received was a live frog in a bucket that was from someone who was moving and had it in his last load. The frog was set free!

Treasures from TrashA Note from

Betty Bergeron

A Note from

Dottie R. Anklam

To some it was just another ordinary day. Get up, go to work, work out, cook dinner - all of the ordinary things that we do every day. However, many in Baton Rouge knew this day was special.

This was the beginning of an annual journey for persons to grow closer to Jesus. This was a journey of sacrifice, love, and remembrance. This day was Ash Wednesday.

On this day a group of volunteers from our church decided it was not enough to have people come to us - we needed to take the love of Jesus into the streets. Plans were made, locations were secured, and teams were formed. Then Got Ashes began. On Ash Wednesday at

noon and 5:00 pm, 75 people received the remembrance of Jesus with the sign of the cross and a blessing of ashes on their foreheads on the streets of Baton Rouge.

I would love to say that everybody who was offered ashes accepted them, but that was not the case. However, for those who did receive ashes that day and for those who gave ashes, lives were transformed. Perhaps seeds of Jesus were planted in the hearts of those who never met Jesus Christ. We do know this – our members who offered ashes were changed. Thank you to the volunteers who gave of their time and their witness for the Got Ashes campaign. Did we accomplish anything? You bet we did. Read on:

Got Ashes Volunteers: Pam Aucoin, Myles Cameron, Mike Dupree, Reid LeJeune, Natalie Marionneaux (coordinator), Becky Poor, Rev. Katie McKay Simpson, Rev. Susie Thomas, Jessica Towns

“… I discovered that Christians all across the world do this not

only as an outward proclamation of their faith, but as a humble

way of say ing, “God, I am your s and not of this world. Bring me

closer to you through the death of my self.”” -My les Cameron

“This might sound weird, but

this experience truly opened

my eyes. It made me realize

that something as simple as

a smile goes a long way. Reid

and I might have only given

4 people ashes but I can’t

help but feel being out there

made several people question

their relationship with God

that day.” - Jessica Towns

“Giving away ashes was a unique event. We brought God’s presence in the world out with our own actions. Seeing both strangers and friends happy we were there filled my heart with joy. What an awesome experience.” - Mike Dupree

“Allowing Jesus to be the engine that drives my life, I answered the call to administer ashes to those brothers and sisters who weren’t able to attend church on Ash Wednesday.The excitement I felt in being able to serve Him and see the wonder, belief, and thankfulness in those we blessed with the ashes was overwhelming.” - Pam Aucoin


In a little over two months since the beginning of our response to the Vision campaign of First United Methodist Church, we’ve accomplished a great deal.

We’ve had an extremely successful response from our membership in both financial and involvement commitment. Financially, over 50% of respondents have increased their giving and have pledged to give at this level or higher for three years. As financial commitments are still coming in weekly, we already know that around 450 of our members have offered their time and prayer to be involved in the process of bringing the six strategic initiatives we are pioneering as a church to reality.

The main focus of this campaign has been engagement of our laity - a foundational principle contained in our congregation’s mission statement, “Transforming lives by engaging our members to celebrate and share God’s love in Jesus Christ.” But looking at the history of our congregation and our Methodist heritage, this approach is nothing new.

Did you know that organized Methodism in America began as a lay movement? This practice of lay leadership was crucial in the beginnings of the Methodist Church in America and lies at the origin of all the groups that would eventually merge to become United Methodism. There were always clergy exercising some overall guidance to the ministry partnership but the movement depended on laity who

would take the lead to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those in need. Women as well as men were empowered to witness, nurture, mentor, serve, and eventually preach. Because pastors would itinerate around on different circuits, the work of the church on a week-to-week basis primarily belonged to the lay people. The reality of that need has not changed in today’s world.

By the time of the merger that created The United Methodist Church in 1968, the dominant image of the pastor was of a highly educated professional, analogous to a doctor, lawyer, or social worker. Having received specialized training, the pastor was perceived as the one with the knowledge and skills to lead. Many congregations understood the pastor as a specialist hired primarily to minister to them, and saw themselves as primarily the recipients of that ministry. This was hardly a

recipe for vibrant outreach into their communities. Henry Knight, professor at St. Paul’s School of Theology says, “The last two or three decades have seen a shift away from the professional model to the pastor as a leader who, along with other lay and clergy leaders, orchestrates the various gifts of people in the congregation for a range of ministries, from worship to mission. This is a reclamation of something deeply characteristic of Wesley’s Methodism.”

As we begin our work to reclaim even more deeply this rich part of our heritage, teams are presently being formed to give lay leaders every opportunity to pray, plan, and help to implement these vital efforts that will guide the work of ministry at First United Methodist Church for the next three to five years.

On April 27th, an all-congregation meeting was held to call together every person who would be involved in the implementation of each strategic priority. It was a fruitful time to ask clarifying questions, solidify the leadership of each team, and begin discussing the possibilities of how we as a church might make the deepest impact on our community with each project.

We ask that you continue to pray for these teams as they begin their work.

The Vision

What We’ve Accomplished

This is a reclamation of something deeply characteristic of Wesley’s Methodism.

If you have not yet had an opportunity to turn in your Vision Commitment Card, would like to be more involved in the Vision Process, or have more questions, please call our Church Office at 225.388.4777, or visit our website at www.firstmethodist.org and open the “Vision” tab.

Team Status Report

Who: This was the team of 35 lay leaders and staff most directly involved in the visioning process.

Purpose: To meet through a series of weekend retreats during the Fall of 2013-Winter 2014 to assess the Core Values, Mission and Vision of First United Methodist Church.

Timeline: Their work was completed in January 2014 as the Vision campaign was presented to the congregation and our surrounding community. Each of these members is now involved in one of the six strategic initiatives.

Who: Staff Team Leaders –Rev. Brady Whitton, Rev. Katie McKay Simpson, Lamar Drummonds, Becky Poor, Caroline Tyler, Cherri Johnson, George Ragsdale, Rebecca Mitchell, Katie Taylor

Purpose: To give shape, direction, parameters to the formation and process to be followed by Vision Lead Teams.

Timeline: This team has been meeting weekly since March 2014, and will continue to meet weekly for the foreseeable future.

Vision Leadership Team Vision Launch Team

Who: 1 lay co-leader + 1 staff + 4-6 (or so) team members for Sanctuary Worship, Emerging Worship, ‘Discipleship Path’, Engagement, Afterschool, and Urban Mission

· Sanctuary Worship - Pat Faxon and Lamar Drummonds · Emerging Worship - Bob Johannessen and Rev. Katie McKay Simpson · Discipleship Path - Rev. Brady Whitton will oversee

· Adults - Todd Barlow and Cherri Johnson · Youth - Gretchen Barnes and George Ragsdale · Children - Jenny Cohn and Rebecca Mitchell

· Membership Engagement - Nancy Cadwallader and Becky Poor · Afterschool Program - John F. Smith and Caroline Tyler · Urban Mission- Dan Reed and George Ragsdale

Purpose: To research, plan and oversee implementation of each of the vision initiatives.

Timeline: These teams have been formed, and will begin meeting May 2014

Who: A group of engaged members who have indicated interest on a Vision commitment card.

Purpose: To implement the plan through the direction and guidance of the Vision Launch Team.

Timeline: These groups had their first meeting at an event on Sunday, April 27th to begin looking at long-range dates and ways that the largest grouping of our membership can have the opportunity to be engaged in the process. See ‘Our Timeline’ in Vision Packet.

Six Vision Lead Teams Vision Ministry Teams

Join

the

Pro

cess

The Vision

What We’ve Accomplished


Jessica Mostaccero & Ethan A. Mott

Melody T. Pace Allyssa Miller

Lachelle (Shelly) Riley

Angel Latrice Robinson

Weekly Attendance

Welcome New Members!

Congregational News

Sympathy to the Families of...

Dr. Paul E. HumesMrs. Billie W. PerlmanMrs. Jo (Pickle) SmithMrs. Bernice Walsh

Natalie SmithRobert & Terri Myer

Celebrating the Birth of...

Miss Annemarie Chabert, Daughter of Scotty E. & Katie D. Chabert, Jr.

Week of Sunday, March 2

Worship 1,388 Sunday School 337

Total 1,725


Worship 900 Sunday School 320

Total 1,220


Worship 1,127Sunday School 308

Total 1,435



Total 1,327



Total 1,396

Financial Report

Renée Lefaux

Celebrating the Wedding of...

Miss Natalie Howell to Mr. J. Michael (Mike) Stiltner

Celebrating the Baptism of...

Mr. Knox Avery Hatcher, son of Caleb & Brittany Hatcher

Mr. Eric Westh Hyde, son of Jeffrey J. & Glynes P. Hyde

Ms. Allyssa Miller

Ms. Lachelle Riley

As of 3/31/2014: Actual YTD Budget YTD VarianceIncome $903,881 $812,951 $90,930Expense $1,076,968 $1,075,181 $1,787Net Income ($173,087) ($262,230) $89,143

Early Learning CenterMay 8th Pre-K PromotionMay 15th Kindergarten GraduationMay 23rd Last day of the Fall SessionMay 26th ELC closed for Memorial DayMay 27th First day of summer session and summer camp

MAY Calendar of EventsSUNDAYS 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:00 a.m. Café 930 9:40 a.m. Sunday School 10:20 a.m. Hospitality Coffee 11:00 a.m. Worship 5:00 p.m. Youth 6:30 p.m. Worship 6:45 p.m. Prayer Ministry

MONDAYS 9:30 a.m. Prayer Ministry

TUESDAYS 9:00 a.m. Knitting Men’s Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Fit @ First 10:30 a.m. Women’s AA 12:00 p.m. AA

WEDNESDAYS 9:30 a.m. The Bible; Every Day 12:10 p.m. Worship – Chapel 4:00 p.m. Illness Support Group 4:30 p.m. Care Team 5:00 p.m. The Gathering Supper 5:45 p.m. The Gathering Worship 6:00 p.m. Woodland Ringers 6:30 p.m. The Gathering Classes 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir

THURSDAYS 9:00 a.m. Thursday Group 10:00 a.m. Widow’s Walk 12:00 p.m. AA 7:00 p.m. Church Basketball

FRIDAYS 10:15 a.m. Baby Bouncers

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

May 4, 2014Acts 2:14a, 36–41

Psalm 116:1–4, 12–19 (UMH 837)1 Peter 1:17–23Luke 24:13–35

May 11, 2014 (Mother’s Day, USA)

Acts 2:42-47Psalm 23

(UMH 754 or 137)1 Peter 2:19–25

John 10:1–10

May 18, 2014 Acts 7:55-60

Psalm 31:1–5, 15–16 (UMH 764)1 Peter 2:2–10John 14:1–14

May 25, 2014 Acts 17:22-31Psalm 66:8–20

(UMH 790)1 Peter 3:13–22John 14:15–21

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.

They include four Bible readings for every Sunday, plus readings for special Holy Days.

SATURDAY-5/3 8:00 a.m. Men’s Introductory Retreat 9:00 a.m. Youth Car Wash Fundraiser 10:00 a.m. UMW Conference Planning Mtg.

SUNDAY-5/4 9:40 a.m. Newcomers’ Coffee 12:00 p.m. High School Senior Luncheon 12:10 p.m. Service of Prayer for Healing 3:00 p.m. Boy Scout Court of Honor 5:45 p.m. Folk Choir

WEDNESDAY-5/7 6:30 p.m. Books of Life

SUNDAY-5/11 9:40 a.m. Mission Sunday & Lunch

MONDAY-5/12 5:00 p.m. Finance Committee 6:00 p.m. Church Council

TUESDAY-5/13 3:00 p.m. Spiritual Direction Supervision Group

WEDNESDAY-5/14 10:00 a.m. TBR Food Access Commission Mtg. 10:30 a.m. Sr. Adult Program

THURSDAY-5/15 10:00 a.m. ELC Graduation

MONDAY-5/19 6:30 p.m. Brown Circle

TUESDAY-5/20 10:00 a.m. Lowry Circle 11:30 a.m. Woodfin Circle

MONDAY-5/26 MEMORIAL DAY - OFFICE CLOSED

Weekly Special


NON-PROFITUS POSTAGE

PA I DBaton Rouge, La

PERMIT 63

First United Methodist Church930 North Blvd.Baton Rouge, LA 70802Change Service Requested

Join us foR WoRship!sundays

8:30 a.m. Sanctuary Worship9:40 a.m. Sunday School for all Ages

11 a.m. Sanctuary and America Street Worship

6:30 p.m. Ory Parish Hall Worship

Wednesdays12:10 p.m. Aldrich Chapel Worship

& Holy Communion5:45 p.m. Worship @ Gathering

Nursery Care is available from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Sunday mornings and from 5:00-7:30 p.m. Wednesday evenings for children

ages 8 weeks to kindergarten

lvisit

www.FirstMethodist.org

for more informationfacebook.com/FUMCBR

@FUMCBatonRouge

930north May 2014

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