930north September 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

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

Finding Your Way

September 2014Summer Edition

Our life togetherMany thanks to the wonderful Vacation Bible School Volunteers!

The Meeting Place: 5UMW Service Award Recipients

Who Brought You? 8by the congregation of FUMC

Meet the Vision Lay Leaders 12by Jenny Cohn, Todd Barlow, Pat Faxon, Bob Johannessen

Congregational News 14

Calendar of Events 15

September 2014Table of Contents

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8

12

Our life togetherMany thanks to the wonderful Vacation Bible School Volunteers!

When I was growing up, Church was a part of our family’s life. We attended worship on Sundays, youth choir on Tuesdays, Bible studies whenever they were offered, and youth fellowship every chance we got. I’m sure there were times my sister, brother and I resisted, “Do we have to go?” I’m sure there were times my mother wanted to sleep in on a Sunday morning. But Church was a part of our rhythm and routine, you might say we participated “religiously.”

I didn’t know it at the time, but by taking us to church my mother was passing on what has become one of the greatest blessings of my life.

It was at church where I experienced a community that tried its best (sometimes more successfully than others) to love God and love others. It was at church where I was reminded that despite the very real struggles of life there is a bigger story at work - a story of redemption and reconciliation. It was at church that I learned of a God who is for me, a God who loves us warts and all and who sent Jesus to express the unfathomable depths of that love.

While it took me some time to fully embrace the Good News I learned as a child, and while I

did my fair share of wandering, if my mother hadn’t introduced me to Jesus and his community I don’t know where I’d be today.

1 Timothy 3:14 says, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.”

In this edition of 930 North you’ll read stories of how people became a part of this great community of faith we know as First United Methodist Church. As you read others’ stories I hope you’ll think about your own. Who first brought you into the community of faith we call Church? Was it a parent, grandparent? A friend? Who introduced you to Jesus? Where would you be today if if wasn’t for that person? Perhaps you can write a note thanking the person(s) who introduced you to Christ and the Church.

As you reflect on these stories I also hope you’ll ask yourself some important questions: Who might be waiting for an invitation from me? Who is it that will one day say about me, “If it wasn’t for you, I don’t know where I’d be today?”

In Christ’s Love (and with thanks to my mom!)

From Rev. Brady Whitton Senior Pastor

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

To request to be added to our 930north Magazine mailing list, join our photography or reporting team, or to have information included in a future edition, please call 383-4777.

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 l v d .B 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. Pattye HewittRev. Ann Trousdale

Editor/DesignerCaroline Tyler

About the CoverThe Bible on the pulpit in the Sanctuary, has served as a witness to weddings, funerals, worship services and baptisms. What are ways you are a witness to others?

September 2014 | 930 North Magazine 5

September 2014 | 930 North Magazine 5

Denise Nelson Akers and her husband, Jim, joined FUMC in 1982, and have been actively involved ever since. Denise has been a member of UMW for over 25 years, serving as Robinson Circle leader, Unit Treasurer and Unit President. As President of United Methodist Women, Denise focused her energies on getting recognition for all of the mission work that UMW does. Denise has become passionate about mentoring, and proudly serves as a Big Buddy to her Little Buddy for the last three years.

Denise’s leadership extends to the Wesley Fellowship Sunday School class, where has she served as class President and Secretary. Since 1999, she facilitates a Wesley Group in her home. Denise is an attorney in Baton Rouge, and routinely takes pro bono cases, extending her passion for mission beyond the walls of FUMC. Denise and Jim have two children, Heather and Chris, and a one-year old granddaughter, Reagan Shugart. Among her many honors, Denise is very excited to begin the Academy for Spiritual Leadership in fall of 2014.

The Meeting Place

The United Methodist Women honor four recipients each year, who have positively contributed to the community. Here you can learn a little bit about each recipient, and we invite you to join us for our UMW Service Awards, Tuesday, October 7th, at 6:00 pm in the Ory Parish Hall. Tickets will be available by contacting any UMW Circle or the FUMC front office.

September 2014 | 930 North Magazine 76 930 North Magazine | September 2014

John is married to Graham Wetherbee Miller and has three children: Mary Madalyn, Clyde, and Maggie. John and Graham have been members of First United Methodist since 2000. John has been active in Sunday School, and currently teaches the 9th Grade Sunday School Class. He has participated and led studies such as Disciple Bible Study and Financial Peace University. John serves as board member at the Better

Business Bureau, The Baton Rouge Sports’ Foundation, Louisiana Resource Center for Educators and the Louisiana Arts and Science Center. John is the Division Vice-President of Baton Rouge Coca-Cola. He graduated from LSU in 1988 with a Finance degree, and began his career in Retail Management.

Kathleen Ory was born and raised in Prentiss, Mississippi. After graduating high school at 15, she earned B.S. and MED degrees from LSU. Kathleen married Bill Roberts, and in 1946 they joined First United Methodist Church. After Bill’s death in 1995, Kathleen later married Joel Ory. Kathleen has always been active in leadership at FUMC. She has led Sunday School, Volunteered with Vacation Bible School, and sung in the church choir. Kathleen has devoted numerous hours to Volunteer organizations, such as Women’s Community Rehab Center, Girl and Boy Scouts of America, and the YWCA.

The Meeting Place


The Meeting Place

She has been an active member of UMW for 65 years, and blessed her church by serving as Circle Leader, Member of the Finance Committee, and is a graduate of the Disciple Bible Study program. Kathleen has four children, a 15 year old granddaughter, 2 stepsons, and a host of loving family. Her family has left beautiful legacies to FUMC, including the icons in the Ory Parish Hall, and the gym mural designed by her daughter, Robin Roberts.

Pam Voelker is married to Chuck, and is the proud mom of two beautiful daughters, Jillian and Kendall. Pam has been a member of FUMC since 2005, and has served as Coordinator for Project Noah and the Angel Food Pantry. Pam is active in missions, lending her time to United Methodist Women’s leadership efforts, Appalachia Service Project, and recently has been a lead delegate to LA Annual Conference. She has led in both Adult and Young Adult areas of Sunday School and Small Group Study. Pam currently is the owner of Entire Environmental and Services and Oilfield Services and Supply. Pam acknowledges that “all of these areas of service have enhanced my faith journey in countless ways. Some of these were through the building of relationships, the acts themselves, but mostly my faith journey has been enhanced by spirit-led nudges opening doors for me to go through. God gave me the courage to jump in with both feet and I landed on solid ground.”


Prudence KempWho brought you? Marjorie KempYour story: My mother-in-law, Marjorie, brought me to FUMC in January 2013. I have always loved her since I was fourteen years-old - she was the librarian at the downtown library who introduced me to fabulous books and authors that I dearly loved. For the past 42 years she has been a role model for me, a guide, a mentor, a mother and a friend who was always a true example of Christian love and sacrifice. And now she is my spiritual mother and sister in Christ, helping me to follow Christ’s teachings and to understand that God’s love is infinite, unending and boundless.

Virginia Durrett WorleyWho brought you? Loren DavidsonYour story: Loren was the choir director at FUMC, and was also my voice teacher at LSU. He invited me to come sing in the choir. I later joined FUMC, and I believe that was 70 years ago!

Dot McCoyWho brought you? My husband, Roy, and Cherry McCulloughYour story: KAIROS. Our son was the life time “guest” of the state of Georgia. He was a very bitter young man. He was forced to go to a Kairos weeked, and the Spirit turned him into the son we had known - He is blessed. Out of prison for 5 years now.

Lulu WempleWho brought you? my husband, JohnYour story: In October 2008, my husband was diagnosed with brain cancer. He’d been watching FUMC’s TV ministry on Sundays because we’d stopped going to where we’d been going. He could not drive and asked me to take him to a service, so we went one Sunday. We got in the car after and he cried and said he felt like he’d come home. He asked me to keep bringing him. The church (people) wrapped their arms around us and we attended, became members and didn’t stop coming. After John dided, they continued to love and support me. What a blessing! It’s like he led us there so I’d be cared for after his death. So very grateful!

Who brought you?The question asked to the congregation: Who brought you

to FUMC? Was it a friend? Was it your grandfather? Did your daughter pull you in? Here are several ways our members were

brought to FUMC, and why they stayed.


Darryl WillisWho brought you? My wife, Laurie Shivor-WillisYour story: My wife has talked about FUMC since she became a member 3 years ago. This weekend I decided to join her.

Kathryn GrigsbyWho brought you? My parentsYour story: My parents were married here, my dad taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. The last of four, I was born and Christened here, as were my sons. I was born this way....

Elva EvansWho brought you? My grandmamaYour story: My grandparents were among the first members here, and then my parents joined. I grew up here, and after we married, my husband joined. Our daughter, her husband (now deceased), and their children joined. Five generations - a family thing.

Barbara SummerlinYour story: I watched on TV but did not have a way. About 3 years ago, the transit system (CATS) put a bus out where I could ride. The problem, I could only come to second church [11:00 am]. With the new system, I had no way to come to Sunday School and First Church. I am enjoying being here so much. I have met so many dear frieds. This church is so like my church in Memphis, TN.

Marianne HebertWho brought you? The Spiritual Formation Program and Women’s RetreatYour story: I was at a point in my journey where I was hungering for a deeper walk. This group met me right where I was and wanting to go. The theologians we’ve studied have added a depth to my spirituality I hadn’t imagined.

Beth FoustWho brought you? College roommate, and still my best friendYour story: I grew up going to church on a regular basis. I had a church home in a small community. When I left for college, I fell away from those familiar practices and the comfort of a church home. I was introduced to FUMC by my roommate who had visited with her boyfriend’s grandparents. Mr. Patterson was a greeter and usher for many years and welcomed both of us with a huge smile as we entered in the front entry.

Margaret ReadWho brought you? Diane HunterYour story: In 2006, when I mentioned to Diane that I was a member of Highland Park United Methodist, she told me about FUMC Baton Rouge - I visited that Sunday, and found my new home!

Liz Conley WalkerWho brought you? Cheryl and Beau OlindeYour story: I was baptized in the Catholic Church, and when I moved back to Baton Rouge in 1988, I started going to Our Lady of Mercy. Unfortunately, the head priests were from Ireland and Vietnam and were very hard to understand. Since the message the pastor delivered each Sunday is important to me, and I couldn’t understand them, I got frustrated, and stopped going to Mass. My new friend, Cheryl, invited me to go to “her” church. Since then, I’ve become a member along with my husband, Charlie. I continue to enjoy the powerful message delieved by the leaders of FUMC!

John and June MearsWho brought you? Betty McNeill, who always sat in the 2nd row at 11:00 am service, and wore a hat!Your story: Miss Betty was the apartment manager when John first got a job in Baton Rouge, and I was living in Shreveport, selling our house and packing up to move. I would come down to Baton Rouge on the weekends and we would visit churches in the area. Miss Betty, who we got to know well, always listened to our views on the church we visited, and would say “I sure wish you would visit my church.” We eventually agreed to visit with her (more to appease her, as we were not Methodists) but we came once, twice, and then decided to stay!! (We moved to Baton Rouge in 1998).

Mittie and Michael BoltonWho brought you? Rachel and Marcus BrocatoYour story: We were moving to Baton Rouge and asked them if they liked their church, and they couldn’t stop raving about it and how they were involved (Rachel grew up Baptist, Marcus, Catholic; similar to us) so it was good to hear. After our first visit, we knew this was our new church home. We could not be happier with the relationships we have made with the FUMC community, ELC, and Christ. With two young daughters, we look forward to growing with FUMC in our spiritual and personal lives. Adrienne FrithWho brought you? The Barnes FamilyYour story: They always invited me for FUMC Christmas and Easter Services with their family. I decided I wanted to switch churches because I wanted to be more involved in my church and felt more at home at the place I worshipped. FUMC seemed like the perfect place to start my new journey. I started joining church weekly with the Barnes’ and eventually became a member. George and the youth staff took me under their wing and allowed me to volunteer with the youth and find my place at FUMC. I now am in love with my church and the life long friends I have made here. I am very thankful for the Barnes family for bringing me here.


Amanda CatheyWho brought you? Tommy WrightYour story: Tommy is a member of the church choir here and introduced me to the church last year. I am a vet student at LSU and he owns the house I live in. I am especially excited now that there is a contemporary service for worship! I went on a mission trip to Haiti this summer and it gave me courage to try again to find a new church home. So far so good!

Denise Demoruelle CurwickWho brought you? Denise and Jim AkersYour story: Our family was church-shopping 23 years ago. We visited the Wesley Sunday School Class. The subject (topic) was dead-on to what we needed in our lives. My children grew-up in this church. It’s part of my life.

Mary Sue GarayWho brought you? Barbara WalshYour story: The always hospitable Dr. Barbara Walsh invited my husband, Ron, and me to RIngs ‘n’ Ivy Sunday School Class at FUMC in 1973. This wonderful class captured us with their generosity and open-mindedness. The class leader, Gwen Redding, introduced us to her husband’s Chancel Choir, and we sang in that choir under Dr. Earl Redding - a terrific musician who modeled God’s love into very high musical standards. We joined FUMC in 1975. That year’s motto was “Be Alive in ‘75.” FUMC has been central to our lives - to our personal spiritual growth, and to taking God’s love into Baton Rouge, as well as the world.

Chester CalcoteWho brought you? Dal HansenYour story: My wife Cheryl and I joined FUMC almost 50 years ago. We had been visiting FUMC off and on for a couple of years prior to a visit from members of what was then called the Fisherman’s Club. Funny, I don’t exactly remember the minister’s name, but I do remember the man with him was Dal Hansen. Dal was about our age and had a young family.

They visited with us and invited us to church just as I’m sure they did with everyone with whom they visited; but Dal took a personal approach and invited us to meet him and his family at church on Sunday. He kept in touch and we eventually did meet them on Sunday morning. They made us feel welcome and very special by personally showing us around and introducing us to other church members and friends. We didn’t join that day, but when we did decide to move our church letters, we knew exactly where we wanted to go.

We raised our daughters at FUMC and they both say that they want for their children the same kind of experiences at their own church, that they had at FUMC. I think that is quite an endorsement!


If you would like to be involved in The Vision of FUMC, please contact the FUMC front office (225) 383-4777.

What is the team currently working on?I’m privileged to serve with a great core team

and we will begin to create the framework for this discipleship path. We have team members assigned to leadership training, curriculum development, and specific focus areas such as Biblical Literacy and Wesleyan Theology. What is your personal hope for the ministry?

The aspect of the initiative that I’m most excited about is the renewal of small group development along the lines of Wesley’s original vision.

Todd BarlowAdult Discipleship Path

What is the team currently working on?We are working to determine a curriculum that

incorporates the Methodist Way into our lessons. We are hoping to provide a path for discipleship that begins in the children’s ministry and follows them through adulthood.

What is your personal hope for the ministry?One hope that I have is for our children to memorize scripture so

they will have it tucked away and ready for recall as they mature. Where do you see this ministry in 5 years?

I hope the children’s ministry will have increased participation on Sundays and Wednesdays, be even more prepared for confirmation and entering the youth department, and have an understanding of the importance of small groups for spiritual growth and accountability.

Jenny CohnChildren’s Discipleship Path

Meet The Vision Lay LeadersThe Vision of FUMC is being led by nine church members who are the Lay Leaders (being assisted by a staff counterpart). We invite you to learn a

little more about these people who are making our Vision a reality.

This is the second in a series, featuring your nine Vision Lay Leaders. The first series was featured in the August edition of 930north.


If you would like to be involved in The Vision of FUMC, please contact the FUMC front office (225) 383-4777.

What is the team currently working on?Our charge is to identify, define and plan

several new worship opportunities where we can bring Christ’s love to others in our community. We have discussed ideas such as a ministry at a baseball complex, at a youth soccer complex or at LSU’s RV parking lot on the Sunday’s following home football games. After several meetings, we have decided to do more study of several ideas that seem to have promise. These include ministering at local dog parks and at the Cypress Mound baseball complex, promoting the America Street Band in other venues, bringing our ministry to LSU students on campus, using social media to make the America Street Service available online in real time or creating a “pop up” church ministry that could appear somewhere/anywhere with little or no advance planning.What is your personal hope for the ministry?

My hope is that we can narrow this list of options to one or two that we can implement this year. Ultimately, we are seeking new ministry venues that are sustainable and that allow First Methodist to reach more people where they are instead of requiring them to come downtown at a set time on a set day.

Bob JohannessenNew Worship Opportunities

What is the team currently working on?Currently, our steering committee is working on ways to make the traditional worship service a more vibrant and dynamic experience for the congregation. Enhancing the musical experience and increasing participation of church members in

the worship service are just a couple of the ideas being considered.Where do you see this ministry in 5 years?I see this ministry continuing to seek ways to refine and improve our congregational experience. I believe we should never stop seeking to improve.

Pat FaxonImproving Sanctuary Worship

Meet The Vision Lay Leaders



Weekly Attendance

Welcome New Members!

Congregational News

Sympathy to the Families of...Mrs. Joan Calvert

Week of Sunday, July 6

Worship 843 Sunday School 331

Total 1,174


Worship 997 Sunday School 360

Total 1,357


Worship 854Sunday School 286

Total 1,140


Worship 886Sunday School 301

Total 1,187

Financial Report

Celebrating the Wedding of...Miss Elizabeth Walters to Mr. Ryan Vivian

Celebrating the Baptism of...Gleason William Son of Jeanne & Brent DurhamCharlie Rhea Daughter of Brie & Matthew Duvall Whitton Scott Son of Holly & Matthew KayEmmeline Ann Daughter of Jessica & Clayton SmithMr. Michael HouEmery Louise Daughter of Darby StewartCamille Katherine Daughter of Kori & Kevin MurraySawyer James Son of Jamie & Brian Jones

As of 7/31/2014: Actual YTD Budget YTD VarianceIncome $ 1,981,640 $ 1,917,281 $ 64,359Expense $ 2,258,431 $ 2,328,710 ($ 70,279)Net Income ($ 276,791) ($ 411,429) $134,638

Celebrating the Birth of...Everett James Son of Emily & Brad BoudreauxCeclia Katherine Daughter of Caroline & Nathan HerschbachTheodore Paul Son of David & Erika Rabalais

Brian, Jamie, Avery, Brady & Sawyer Jones

Michael & Sarah Mahaffey

Camille Russell

Weekly


Early Learning Center1st Labor Day (Center Closed)23rd & 24th Individual School Pictures

SEPTEMBERCalendar of Events

SUNDAYS 8:30 am Worship 9:00 am Café 930 9:40 am Sunday School 10:20 am Hospitality Coffee 11:00 am Worship 5:00 pm Youth & HIGH 5 6:30 pm Worship 6:45 pm Prayer Ministry

MONDAYS 9:30 am Prayer Ministry

TUESDAYS 9:00 am Knitting Men’s Bible Study 9:30 am Fit @ First 10:30 am Women’s AA 12:00 pm AA

WEDNESDAYS 9:30 am The Bible; Every Day 12:10 pm Worship – Chapel 4:00 pm Illness Support Group 4:30 pm Care Team 5:00 pm The Gathering Meal 5:45 pm Worship 6:30 pm The Gathering 6:00 pm Woodland Ringers 7:00 pm Chancel Choir

THURSDAYS 9:00 am Thursday Group 10:00 am Widow’s Walk 12:00 pm AA

FRIDAYS 10:15 am Baby Bouncers

For more dates & events, visit our website:www.firstmethodist.org

September 1Exodus 12:1-14

Romans 13:8-14Matthew 18:15-20

Psalm 149

September 8 Exodus 14:19-31Romans 14:1-12

Matthew 18:21-35Psalm 114

September 15 Exodus 16:2-15

Philippians 1:21-30Matthew 20:1-16

Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45

September 22 Exodus 17:1-7

Philippians 2:1-13Matthew 21:23-32Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16

Monthly Lectionary

Texts

MONDAY - LABOR DAY 9/1 FUMC Office Closed

FRIDAY - 9/5 8:30 am Academy for Spiritual Leadership Retreat (Conference Center)

SUNDAY - 9/7 9:40 am Newcomers’ Coffee 12:10 pm Service of Prayer for Healing

WEDNESDAY - 9/10 10:00 am Senior Adult Program and Luncheon

SUNDAY - 9/14 8:30 am Mission Sunday

MONDAY - 9/15 6:30 pm Brown Circle Meeting (offsite)

SAVE THE DATE! FUMC Health FairOctober 8th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm• Free health screenings

• (skin cancer, asthma, blood pressure, EKGs, glucose, BMI and more!)

• Door prizes, refreshments• Flu shots

• (free for Medicare Part B and approved Medicare Advantage Insurance Programs; bring your insurance card)

• Lunch will be $7Questions? Contact Paula Mercer, 383-4777, ext. 245

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 am Sanctuary Worship9:40 am Sunday School for all Ages

11 am Sanctuary and America Street Worship

6:30 pm Ory Parish Hall Worship

Wednesdays12:10 pm Aldrich Chapel Worship

& Holy Communion5:45 pm Worship @ The Gathering

Nursery Care is available on Sundays from

8:15 am to 12:00 pm and from 5:00-7:30 pm

lvisit

www.FirstMethodist.org

for more informationfacebook.com/FUMCBR

@FUMCBatonRouge

930north September 2014

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