May 2011

Pastor’s Perspective

PARKING LOT LOAN PAID OFF!

Thanks to the generosity of the congregation and a final push from an anonymous donor, the parking lot loan has been paid off in full! We celebrate that God has been so good to First Church. All monies that are donated to the Capital Fund will now go to-wards projects the Trustees have chosen to keep repairing & im-proving our building.

Online Edition

May 2011

The Bell Newsletter

First Church

Following Christ

Inside this issue:

Worship Schedule 2

Fine Arts, OWLS,

UMW

3

Thank You 4

Men’s Dinner,

VBS,Heaven Bound

6

Glow Meals 7

Calendar 8

Birthdays 9

The Monthly

Newsletter of

Auburn

First United

Methodist

Church

It has seemed to be a very long winter. Spring has taken a long time to get to our lives. Lent was later in the year and our Resurrection Celebration is one of the latest it can be. New life in creation comes when the conditions are right. New life spiritually also comes when the condi-tions are right. As we move into the “growing season” of our nat-ural world what do you think God is up to in our “spiritual growth season?” It is a great joy to celebrate Easter each year but the growth that comes about in our lives is the daily and weekly habits of worship and prayer. Enjoy the new month and allow the growth you see all around you re-mind you that God is growing your life and increasing your love for others. See you in worship. In Christ’s Love, Ted

Worship Highlights

Sunday, May 29th

Page 2

The Bell Newsletter

Get ready to “REACH” in May. We are going to explore the four different ways our congregation REACHes. On Sunday May 1st we will focus on UPREACH and the importance of worship. We will look at 1 Corinthians 12:1 – 11. We will also celebrate Communion that day. On Sunday, May 8, we will explore DOWNREACH and the topic of discipleship based on 1 Corinthians 12:12 – 20. This will be Mother’s Day so make sure you remem-ber your mother and tell her you love her. Share your love with other mothers as well. OUTREACH will be the theme on May 15 as we look at how we care for the needs of others in our community. We will explore 1 Corinthians 12:21 – 30. INREACH is the topic on May 22 as we explore 1 Corinthians 13 and the im-portance of love in our friendship as Christians. On Sunday May 29 Rev Wilbur Yates, pastor emeritus, will preach a message of inspiration for us. It will be a great month of worship and inspiration.

Mark your calendars! Invite your friends! We will have one service at 9:30am on Sunday May 29 of Memorial Day weekend. Following the service, there will be a community fellow-ship cookout at 11am. This is a great outreach for our community. Invite your friends and neighbors. Bring your families. There is no cost for this meal. It is a gift from First Church to the community. Be sure to mark your calen-dars now so you don’t miss it!

Africa Mission Trip Info Meeting Are you interested in learning more about a Mission trip to Africa in 2012? Join Pastor Ted on Sunday, May 8 at 9:45a.m. in the Chapel. This trip would be for adults 18 or older going to Zambia to visit with Rev Ken Vance and their work.

4th Annual Fine Arts Camp Registration Has Begun

Practice Radical Hospitality

Page 3

The Bell Newsletter

It is time once again for children and youth to register for Fine Arts Camp 2011. In fact, our camp staff would like church members to take registration forms to family, friends, and neigh-bors and encourage them to participate. For the past three years this wonderful outreach ministry has grown with campers that include un-churched families and other denominations as well as our own children and grandchildren. The camp is designed to give children and youth the opportunity to explore the fine arts and to

discover the hidden talents God has given them and to offer a safe place to discover new ways of expressing themselves. The camp will be June 20 – 24 from 9 a.m. to noon for children entering grades 1-8. A pro-

gram for family, friends and the community will be Friday, June 24, at 6:30 p.m. Campers in grades 1-6 will take choir classes and participate in a discovery time. In addition they can choose two other classes from art, litur-gical dance and puppets. Campers in grades 7 and 8 will participate in praise team class and can choose from three other classes including media (counts as two classes), art, puppets and dance. Registration forms and more information are

available at the church and on the web site: au-burnfirstunited.com Look for the Ministries tab and choose Children.

The Newcomer Committee is seeking volunteers

to serve as greeters this spring and summer.

Greeters are needed for both services.

Please sign up at the greeter calendar

located in the gathering area outside of the sanc-

tuary.

Thank you for your willingness to practice Radi-

cal Hospitality.

OWLS NEWS Lunch at Miller’s Country Kitchen Thursday May 12, 2011 Join us for a meal at Miller’s Country Kitchen near Shipshe-wana. The menu includes chicken and baked steak, noodles, and pie. Meet at the church at 10:15am and leave by 10:30am to carpool to lunch. Cost is $15 per person. Sign up and pay by Sun-day May 1. Questions? Contact Jack or Eileen Bortner at 927-1612

Ladies, it’s time to mark your calenders and save the date!

GARDEN PARTY V is coming Saturday, June 18th 10:00-2:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Featured Speaker is Dr. Robin Chaddock. How To Get A Smart Mouth: This session will be based on Robin’s best-selling book, How to Get a Smart Mouth: The Power of Using Your Words Wisely. Robin will help us to explore how we talk and show us ways to communicate wisely and clearly. She will give us tools to discern when to speak and when to stay silent. BREATHE: Eight Ways To Get More Energy In Your Life: During this session, Robin will give us ideas for de-stressing and renewing in ways that are simple and available to anyone at any time. Dr. Chaddock holds degrees in psychology, theology and organizational management. She is an author, life coach and college educator. Cost is $10.00-lunch included. Lots of door prizes, music and more. Watch for registration forms coming this month. BE SURE TO INVITE A FRIEND!

Page 4

May 2011

THANK YOU –THANK YOU - THANK YOU KIM BURCH

Note of Thanks to John McLaughlin

We appreciate Kim Burch who has served as the church photographer for many years. Please express your thanks to her for her time and dedication to this ministry! With Kim stepping down we are now in need of one or two people interested in taking pictures at Baptisms, confirmation, new member receptions, and other occasional events. Any inquires are to go to Cathy Vadney in the office at [email protected]

For the past 5 years John McLaughlin has shared his talents as Director of Music and Chancel Choir at First Church. He gladly took on this duty at a time when we were in need of someone to lead. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit he has brought a spiritual as well as musical appreciation to our congrega-tion. He will be stepping down from his musi-cal duties on June 12, 2011. Thank you John for what you have achieved over the past several years. Your exuberant spirit on Sunday first service worship will cer-tainly be missed!

To replace John’s leadership, the Administrative Council at First Church has authorized the creation of a position for a full time Worship Arts Director, which will encompass the entire music and media program for all of the present and possible new upcoming services. Under God’s leading we will be open to move in new directions with our worship and outreach to bring people to Christ. The steering committee has completed the work on job descrip-tions, made the appropriate contacts, and is in the process of receiving and processing applications. We look forward to what the Holy Spirit may have in store for all of us here at First Church.

Dear Allison &

First Church;

Thank you very

much for donating

the pool table,

foosball table, and

ping pong table

with the extra

equipment!! The

many retreat

groups and camps that stay at Epworth Forest

will be able to enjoy these activities in the Beach

House and Game Room. Thank you for helping

to create more positive experience here at camp!

We are looking forward to seeing you all in July.

Danni, Gern & Chris from Impact 2818.

Thank you so much for the beautiful Birthday

card created by Susan and to all my friends at

First Church who signed the card. Seems it is be-

ginning to be a habit receiving these beautiful

cards. Between Jank and me we have quite a col-

lection! Love, Ferne Moats

Page 5

May 2011

VBS July 17– 21

MEN’S DINNER & SPEAKER

VBS starts on July 17th through the 21st from 6 – 8 p.m. with dinner offered at 5:15 p.m. (Note new times) this year and is open to chil-dren ages 3 to fifth grade. We will need a lot volunteers to help with VBS. If you are interested in helping out, please see any of the Chil-dren’s Council members, Dawn Shoemaker, or fill out the volunteer form. Sign-up sheets are in the Gathering area. Please fill one out and return it to the church office.

Calling All Men - You are invited! There will be a Young Men and Men’s Dinner on Thursday, May 5th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. here at First United Methodist Church. John Clayton, an award winning science teacher and author, will be the featured speak-er at this Men’s Banquet. Clayton’s discussion will include the evidence he found in science and scripture that helped convert him from an atheist to a Christian. Tickets for the event will be $10 each or a table of 8 for $80. You can get your ticket by contacting the Church office, Ted Jansen or Matt Fetter at 260-908-1442.

HEAVENBOUND CONCERT May 1st at 6:30 p.m. Join us for a most unusual evening of music and worship. A free will offering will be taken to support missions. You are also encouraged to bring paper products for our ar-ea food banks. Invite your friends. Light refreshments and fellowship time following the concert.

YOU ARE INVITED

Please join in a celebra-

tion of Stan Greenlee’s

80th birthday on Sat-

urday May 7th 2011,

open house from 1-3 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

We will have cake and other treats. Please no

gifts, just your presence requested. Hosted by

Stan & Lucille’s children, Cindy Wilson and Kev-

in Greenlee.

“Conversations” A six week group that will meet with Pastor Ted in the chapel at 9:45a.m. Come one or come all six weeks to discuss your questions of interest. We may also talk about the sermon, a current event, or a random theme. This is for Young Adults. Bring a friend and join in the “conversation.” This will be held on June 5 - July 10. Contact Ted Jansen for more information.

Page 6

May 2011

THANK YOU To my church family….

GLOW MEALS

We are still in need of volunteers for Glow Meals on

Wednesdays in May.

Please sign up on schedule list posted on the bulletin board in Fellowship

Hall or contact Kathy Hardy at 925-6140 or [email protected]

As I prepare to move on to the next step in this amazing adventure called life, I would be remiss if I did not stop and say thank you to the congregation. There are those among you who have known and supported me in one way or another throughout my entire life (yes there are those among you who have been here for 50 years........and I know who you are and appreciate you!). I have learned from you, looked up to you, leaned on you and been honored to be the recipient of your care, nurturing and prayers through many stages of my life. And there are those who I have only more recently come to know and I am equally blessed by your presence in my life and the life of the church. I have been blessed to have had the support of many of you who supported me professionally as a business wom-an. You trusted me to do work for you and many of you referred others to me. I truly feel God has blessed my busi-ness efforts and I only hope that through my business dealings I have been a blessing to the kingdom. Through the last 20 months as I have struggled through the life changes that bring me to this move, when I had a raw heart and a tear stained face many of you were there undergirding me with prayer and wrapping me in hugs. For that I cannot say thank you enough. When His people are thick headed and stubborn to learn, God is steadfast and keeps providing the lessons, and makes us stronger and hopefully wiser as we move forward. I especially thank my choir family who have been gracious in understanding my need to withdraw from your midst this year. I have missed the fellowship with you and the joy of singing praises to God. Now that I find the song re-turning to my heart, be assured that wherever I end up, I will be singing in that church. Lastly I want to thank my Genesis Sunday school class. You are among those who have been closest to me in my time here. We have shared all emotions that go along with life, child rearing and losses we have endured. You have been the hands and feet many times as we have shared in many projects. I thank those of you who will be there to help me physically load a truck on moving day; I couldn't do it without you. Thank you for the prayers that go with me and the friendships that I carry in my heart. Kim Burch

Page 7

May 2011

MAY CALENDAR

Sunday May 1 8:30am & 10:45 am Worship 9am – 12pm Relay for Life Bake Sale 9:40am Sunday School 12pm Confirmation Class 2pm Piano Recital 6:30pm Heaven Bound Concert Monday May 2 8am Monday Prayer Group 10am Preschool Spring Program 6pm Heaven Bound Practice 6pm Girl Scouts Tuesday May 3 7am Youth Breakfast at Richards 9am UMW Executive Board 10am Preschool Spring Program 6:30pm Financial Peace University 6:30pm Girl Scout Leader Meeting 7pm Praise Team practice Wednesday May 4 8am Men’s Breakfast at Richards 1:30pm Preschool Spring Program 2pm Senior Adult Council 5:30pm GLOW meal 6pm Middle School Youth Group 6:15pm Good Grief 7:15pm Chancel Choir Practice 7:30pm Sr Hi Youth Group Thursday May 5 1:30pm Preschool Spring Program 4pm Men’s Banquet Friday May 6 Church Office Closed 11am AA meeting Saturday May 7 12pm Birthday Party Sunday May 8 8:30am & 10:45 am Worship 9:40am Sunday School 9:40am Africa Mission Trip Informa-tional Meeting Monday May 9 8am Monday Prayer Group 6pm Heaven Bound Practice 6 & 6:30pm Girl Scouts

Tuesday May 10 7am Youth Breakfast at Richards 2pm Shut In Committee 9am Nellie Weaver Circle 6pm Gifts & Memorials 6:30pm Endowment 6:30pm Trustees 7pm Praise Team practice Wednesday May 11 8am Men’s Breakfast at Richards 8am Quilt Guild 5:30pm GLOW meal 6pm Middle School Youth Group 6:15pm Good Grief 6:30pm Children’s Council 7:15pm Chancel Choir Practice 7:30pm Sr Hi Youth Group Thursday May 12 10:30am OWLS to Miller’s in Ship-shewana 6:30pm Financial Peace University Friday May 13 8am Friday Friends Celebration 11am AA meeting Saturday May 14 No activities scheduled Sunday May 15 8:30am & 10:45 am Worship 9:40am Sunday School 2 & 4pm Preschool Graduation 6:30pm Women’s Bible Study Monday May 16 8am Monday Prayer Group 6pm Heaven Bound Practice 6pm Girl Scouts Tuesday May 17 7am Youth Breakfast at Richards 5:30pm Lay Leadership 6:30pm Worship/Music 7pm Praise Team practice 7:30pm Staff Parish Relations Wednesday May 18 8am Men’s Breakfast at Richards 5:30pm GLOW meal 5:30pm Stewardship Task Force 6pm Middle School Youth Group 6:15pm Good Grief 6:30pm Finance 7:15pm Chancel Choir Practice 7:30pm Sr Hi Youth Group

Thursday May 19 6:30pm Financial Peace University Friday May 20 11am AA meeting Saturday May 21 No activities scheduled Sunday May 22 8:30am & 10:45 am Worship 9:40am Sunday School 9:40am Newcomers Committee 6:30pm Women’s Bible Study Monday May 23 8am Monday Prayer Group 6pm Heaven Bound Practice 6 & 6:30pm Girl Scouts Tuesday May 24 10am – 4pm RC Bloodmobile 6:30pm Strategy Council 7pm Praise Team practice Wednesday May 25 8am Men’s Breakfast at Richards 5:30pm GLOW meal 6pm Middle School Youth Group 6:15pm Good Grief 7:15pm Chancel Choir Practice 7:30pm Sr Hi Youth Group Thursday May 26 6:30pm Financial Peace University Friday May 27 11am AA meeting Saturday May 28 2pm Graduation Party Sunday May 29 9:30am Worship 11am Fellowship Cookout Monday May 30 Church Building Closed Memorial Day Holiday Tuesday May 31 7pm Praise Team Practice

Online Edition

Auburn First United Methodist Church

1203 E. Seventh Street

Auburn, Indiana

Phone: 260-925-0885

Email: [email protected]

Stay connected with First Church news!Stay connected with First Church news!

Bookmark our website:

auburnfirstunited.com

May Birthdays

05/01 Aric Hissong

05/02 Bob Love

05/03 Scot Haley, Brian Gallagher, JP Bryant

05/04 Joyce Vetter, Cathy Smith, Quinton

Althouse, Anna Schwartz

05/05 Cindy Parrott, Nancy Westrick

05/06 Mandy Dean, Mary Kuyvenhoven

05/07 Mary Ann Kretz, Karen Muzzillo, Jill

Middaugh, Travis Aeschliman

05/09 Dave Lochner, Matthew Fetter, Allison

Yankey, Carter Coffman

05/10 Eileen Brandt, Sally Cox, Tim Blevins,

Jordan McDaniel, Sarah Williams

05/11 Richard Kingsley, Don Riggs, Jr.

05/12 Sharon Kibe, Nick David, Kyle Holden

05/13 Richard Anderson, Neah Eltzroth

05/14 Stan Greenlee, Shirley Dunn

05/15 Kristie Conrad, Graeme Long

05/16 Kathleen Cooper

05/17 Kim Hall

05/19 Joe Donaldson, Don Kennedy

05/20 Barb Crow, Kyle Beckman

05/21 Rachel Bair, Argyl Bassett, David

Kesse, Steven Bebout

05/22 Susie Parker, Rick James, Mary Lit

tlejohn, Erica McClain, Colton Miller

05/23 Mallory Dean

05/24 Judy Hedderig, Mary Simcox, Greta

Lude

05/25 Robert Beaty, Andy VerHage, Josh

Littlejohn

05/26 Shari Hook

05/28 Phyllis Blough, Bob Shuff, Johanna

Houser

05/29 Cheryl Kummer, Eric Tracey, Elise

Hippensteel, Christy Hartman,

Jack Mahoney

05/30 Brittney Birk, Tiara Teders,

Madison Wehr

05/31 Karen Grogg, Mike Littlejohn

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