NEWS FROM FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, KIRKSVILLE
March 17, 2007
DEVOTION FROM REV. JIM
I submit the following for your reflection - "DOES EVIL EXIST?"
The university professor challenged his students with this question. Did God create everything that exists? A student bravely replied, "Yes, he did!" "God created everything?" The professor asked. "Yes, sir", the student replied. The professor answered, "If God created everything, then God created evil since evil exists, and according to the principal that our works define who we are then God is evil". The student became quiet before such an answer. The professor was quite pleased with himself and boasted to the students that he had proven once more that the Christian faith was a myth.
Another student raised his hand and said, "Can I ask you a question, professor?" "Of course", replied the professor. The student stood up and asked, "Does cold exist?" "What kind of question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?" The students snickered at the young man's question. The young man replied, "In fact, sir, cold does not exist. According to the laws of physics, what we consider cold is really the absence of heat. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes the body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-460 degrees F) is the total absence of heat; all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat."
The student continued, "Professor, does darkness exist?" The professor responded, "Of course it does." The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light. Light we can study, but not darkness. In fact, we can use Newton's prism to break white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color. You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't that correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present."
Finally the young man asked the professor, "Sir, does evil exist?" Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course as I have already said. We see it every day. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil." To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist sir, or at least does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is not like faith, or love that exists just as does light and heat. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light."
The professor sat down.
What do you think?
See ya' Sunday!
Love in Christ,
Rev. Jim
SPECIAL CALLED SESSION
Bishop Schnase has called a special session of the Missouri Annual Conference to inform members of the conference about the recommendations of Pathways and to approve a general plan for the alignment of the conference’s work to its mission of leading congregations to lead people to follow Jesus Christ. This will be on March 31st at 10 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Select Expo Center.
A meeting before the called session will be on Monday, March 19th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Community United Methodist Church in Columbia. Those who attend will have the opportunity to dialogue with Bishop Schnase and members of Pathways about these proposals.
WE ARE PLANNING TO TAKE A VAN TO THE MEETING ON THE 19TH. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RIDE, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE.
PICTORIAL DIRECTORIES ARE HERE! Those who had their pictures taken in the Fall of 2005 or submitted a picture may pick one up from the church office.
UPCOMING EVENTS THE WEEK OF March 18-22
Sunday, March 18th- GIRL SCOUT SUNDAY, One Great Hour of Sharing, Youth Praise Band play at services
Monday, March 19th-District Committee On Ordained Ministry - DCOOM - 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
United Methodist Men meeting at Ponderosa - 12 noon. Rev. Jim will give Lenten Devotion.
5:00 p.m. Leave for Meeting with Bishop Schnase
5:30 p.m. Youth Bible Study
Tuesday, March 20th - District Workshop - Social Principles of the United Methodist Church -
THIS HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Wednesday, March 21st- 12:05-12:55 p.m. Mid-Week Lenten/Communion Service in Chapel
2:00 p.m. UMW Executive Board Meeting
6:30 p.m. "Hands of Friendship" Quilt Guild
7:00 p.m. Heifer Project Presentation by David Boothby at Truman State University, Room 1010 Violette Hall
Saturday, March 24th
8:00 am. - ? - Hands of Friendship Quilt Guild Meeting
Sunday, March 25th
Special Music by Adult Handbells
Thanking God . . . For Your Servant Heart!
First UMC loves its church family!
We are looking at expanding how you can serve at First UMC. More people could be involved on Sunday mornings. There are several different ways to serve God in worship. In scripture it says, “Doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.” Hebrews 6:6b-7
This Sunday morning commitment is only once every 2 months. We are collecting names. If you have already received a schedule from your coordinator, please follow that.
Usher________________ Greeter after church______________
Take Offering _________ Read Scripture _________________
Children’s Corner ______ Door Greeter __________________
Van Transportation _____ Sound System _________________
PowerPoint ___________ Hospitality _____________________
Please return this to the church office or put in the offering plate.
Name _______________________________________________________
Phone # _____________________________________________________
Cell # ________________________________________________________
E-mail address _________________________________________________
Lord Jesus, how would you have me serve today – in worship, in acts of love, by simply waiting for you, by resting in you? Show me, Lord.
1 Samuel 3:10 “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.”
HOLY Conversation
Talking about God in Everyday Life
Good, hot, fresh, flavored coffee and donuts/muffins provided!
Come to get your cup filled...A Cup of Faith Class
What's in your cup?
New Adult Sunday School Class for Ages 19-90
9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
W.A.R.P. Sunday School class for college students led by Mary Lee Fleschner is joining this group.
CHESTER AND LOLA BELL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE CHURCH OFFICE
The scholarship is available to those pursuing a post-high school education. In addition, the scholarship may be renewed ONCE by reapplying. The completed application will be due April 1st. If you have questions, please contact Bridget Morton or the church office.
MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE
March 11th-17th is Girl Scout Week!!! This year marks the 95th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA. There are three Girl Scout Troops (#157, #158 and #169) that meet at FUMC. These troops are participating in a service project challenge. The challenge is to collect as many personal care items as possible. For example: tooth paste, tooth brushes, bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, Kleenex, lotion, disposable razors, and fun foam soaps for kids. These items are in high demand due to a lack of donations. There is a white laundry basket with a BIG RED HEART located outside of the church office. The basket will be there until March 18th. Please “Make the World a Better Place” by giving items to this worthy cause. If you have questions, please see Diane Richmond or Sandy Adams, Girl Scout Troop Leaders.
JOYS
Katherine Avery Murphy was baptized on Sunday, March 4th. Her parents are William and Stephanie (James) Murphy. Jack and Anita James are her grandparents.
Waverly Gramling was chosen to be spotlighted as Resident of the Month of February at Twin Pines Adult Care Center. The article about her is on the bulletin board outside of Rev. Jim's office.
Melody Jennings, Alanna Preussner, and Bev Perrachione have been nominated at Truman State University for Educator of the Year. Congratulations! This honor will be announced at a Spring Banquet.
Thanks to Gary Cunningham for presenting the program at the Twin Pines Care Center Birthday Party and to members of Sarah Circle for hosting it.
Thanks to all those who donated food for the funeral dinner for the family of Billy Gibbons: Sue Mason, Jaunita Detwiler, Donna Bailey, Pat Lymer, Joyce Sells, Jo Cribb, Mary Mabry, Connie and Roger Johnson, Joan Mayberry, Frances Jones, Anna Eagen, and Marla Gramling. Thanks to those who served the dinner: Joyce Sells, Linda Robinson, and Sue Mason. If we have missed anyone, let us know.
CONCERNS
Sandy Osen (knees replacement surgery rec.), Helen Jo Larson (heart surgery rec.), Evelyn Barnes (knee replacement surgery rec.) Leland & Crystal O'Brien, Bob Stroeber, Lando and LaVera Scott, Lurene Adams, David Kinney (surgery rec.), Betty Moore ( knee surgery rec.),
Those who are family members and/or friends of the church
David Shoush (Pat); Bennie Hays (Carol Hays' father-in-law), Rich McKinney's mother, Ike Dotson, Susan Limestall's dad and mother, Wayne Willis, Bill R
World and National Issues (Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan)
All men and women serving our country- Ryan Decker, Rex and Janice Meneely's grandson-Iraq, Andrea O'Brien's brother, Ryan, in Japan; Trent Kull, Iraq
Trent Kull's address
Mailing
Sgt. Kull Trent L.
Camp ArRamadi
1-41 BFA, Geo
APO AE 09396
We also have his e-mail address in the office.
SUNDAY AT FIRST
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
GIRL SCOUT SUNDAY
"One Great Hour of Sharing
"Three-In-One" Offering
for UMCOR
8:15 a.m. Acolytes - Bryan Morton & Larry Jennings
8:15 a.m. Liturgist - Rene McGovern
8:15 a.m. Greeters - Carl & Shirley Baldwin and Albert & Nancy Diekmann
8:15 a.m. Ushers - Jim & Pat Lymer and Pete & Sally Detweiler
10:45 a.m. Brownie Acolytes - Molly Richmond & Kristen Pagliai
10:45 a.m. Girl Scout Liturgist - Christina Scudder
10:45 a.m. Greeters - Rev. Leota Moore & Charlotte Mathews, Betty Baker, and LInda Robinson
10:45 a.m. Ushers - Bob Mason, Bob Kelsey, Ken McGuire, Rick Fleschner, and Vern Playle
Sound System Technicians 8:15 a.m.-Thomas Redmon; 10:45 a.m. - Jeremy Morton
Communion Steward - Shirley Baldwin
Transportation - Scott Johns
Childcare Staff - Lisa McLain, Coordinator, Angie Danielson, Michelle Jones, Chrissie Treasure, Hillarey Stone, Justine Marty, Elizabeth Anderson, Kara Beck, Sara Hines, and Trish Kriekemeier
CALENDAR FOR FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, KIRKSVILLE
Wednesday, March 14th
12:05 p.m. -12:55 p.m. Mid-Week Lenten Service
2:00 p.m. UMW holds birthday party at 2:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. Club 3:16
5:30 p.m. Celebration Choir
6:30 p.m. Adult Handbell Choir
7:00 p.m. Bereavement Support Group
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir
Thursday, March 15th
9:00 a.m. Line Dancing
12 noon 50+ Luncheon
5:00 p.m. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
7:00 p.m. Missions Committee
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
Friday, March 16th
5:30-8:00 p.m. KIDS' Night Out
6:00 p.m. Wedding Rehearsal
8:00 p.m. A.A.
Saturday, March 17th
St. Patrick's Day
4:00 p.m. Helton/Showers Wedding
Sunday, March 18th
GIRL SCOUT SUNDAY
8:15 a.m. Morning Worship, Nursery Provided
9:30 a.m. Sunday School, Nursery Provided
New Adult Sunday School Class, Confirmation Class, Human Development Class
10:45 a.m. Morning Worship, Nursery Provided
2-4 p.m. Brownie Troop meeting
6:00 p.m. Youth Praise Band
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. HORIZON NIGHT
Monday, March 19th
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. District Committee On Ordained Ministry (DCOOM)
12 noon - United Methodist Men
5:00 p.m. Van leaves for meeting with Bishop Schnase which will be at Community UMC at 7:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m. Youth Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Kirksville Community Chorus
8:00 p.m. A.A.
Tuesday, March 20th
9:00 a.m. Line Dancing
Wednesday, March 21st
12:05 p.m. -12:55 p.m. Mid-Week Lenten Service
2:00 p.m. UMW Executive Board Meeting
3:00 p.m. Club 3:16
5:30 p.m. Celebration Choir
6:30 p.m. Adult Handbell Choir
7:00 p.m. Bereavement Support Group
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir
Thursday, March 22nd
9:00 a.m. - Line Dancing
5:00 p.m. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
Friday, March 23rd
8:00 p.m. A.A.
Saturday, March 24th
8:00 a.m. - ? "Quilt till you Wilt" Meeting-Hands of Friendship Quilt Guild
Sunday, March 25th
Special Music by Handbell Choir
8:15 a.m. Morning Worship, Nursery Provided
9:30 a.m. Sunday School, Nursery Provided
New Adult Sunday School Class, Confirmation Class, Human Development Class
10:45 a.m. Morning Worship, Nursery Provided
6:00 p.m. Youth Praise Band
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. HORIZON NIGHT
MID-WEEK LENTEN/COMMUNION SERVICES will be held each Wednesday of Lent from 12:05-12:55 p.m. in the Chapel.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
LIVE B.i.G. Hear, See, and Live Your Belief in God - We have a curriculum with video for the Kingdom Builders - Children will learn how much God loves them and learn to love Jesus. DON'T LET YOUR CHILD/REN MISS THIS! Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.
KIDS' Night Out on Friday, March 16th , from 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Human Development Class continues at 9:30 a.m. Andrea O'Brien, Lynae McFarland, and Bridget Morton, Parish Nurse are Leaders
CLUB 316 Last Day is March 28.
HORIZON YOUTH
9:30-10:30 a.m. Sunday School for Sr. High and Mid High every Sunday.
Sunday, March 18th- 6:00 p.m. Youth Praise Band Practice
7-8:30 p.m. Horizon Night
Bible Study continues on Monday, March 19th, at 5:30 p.m. and continue for 4 weeks.
PRAISE BAND WILL PLAY AT THE SERVICES ON MARCH 18TH.
2007 CONFIRMATION CLASS FOR SEVENTH GRADERS
This year's Confirmation Class will be held on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. from Sunday, March 18th through Sunday, May 6th. The theme is "Claim the Name." Under Rev. Jim's leadership, Confirmands will be thinking about how to "Claim the Name" Christian and how to "Claim the Name" United Methodist!
PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE CLASS
The Class would like to announce the study of their new book, "God's Answers to Life's Difficult Questions." by Rick Warren. This is a 12-week study, a chapter a week. You may purchase this book at Wal-Mart, Truman State University bookstore, House of Jesus or Vintage Book Store. For more information contact Joyce Lara or Judy Vogt. The class meets in Room 306. This week they will be studying "How Can I Handle Discouragement?"
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
United Methodist Women Executive Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 21st, at 2 p.m.
INVITATION TO 9TH ANNUAL LADIES SPRING CELEBRATION
Saturday, March 24th
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Park United Methodist Church, Lewistown
Guest Speaker – Pamela Sonnenmoser
International speaker, writer, and certified personality trainer
Theme is “Are You Wearing the Shoes of Faith?”
Cost is $5.00
Come Enjoy the Music, Fellowship, Salad Luncheon and Our Speaker
Registration Form available in church office.
UMW RUMMAGE SALE
Miriam Circle will be sponsoring the Spring Rummage Sale on Friday, April 13th, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.
WE NEED ITEMS FOR THIS SALE SO WE CAN SELL THEM TO MAKE MONEY FOR MISSION PROJECTS! PLEASE BRING YOUR ITEMS BY NOON ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 11TH. Spring and Summer clothes, all household items, books, toys, and small furniture sell well. Please do not bring shoes.
SPRING DISTRICT MEETING
This year the UMW Spring District Meeting will be at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Canton on Saturday, April 14th, The speaker will be from Della Lamb, an outreach center that serves low-income families and elderly in inner-city Kansas City. They help families with Emergency Assistance all the time with groceries, rent assistance, utility bill assistance, and other needs.
BRING FOR THE IN-GATHERING
Their most urgent needs in April are:
New underwear for kids – all sizes, boys and girls
New socks for kids – all sizes, boys and girls
New storybooks for kids
New school supplies for Kids – notebooks, notebook paper, notebook dividers, crayons, fat pencils, #2 pencils, blunt scissors, sharp scissors, protractors, geometric compasses, combination locks, etc.
Grooming items for Kids and Moms and Dads:
Bar bath soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, big-tooth combs, laundry soap, dishwashing liquid
UNITED METHODIST MEN
Their next meeting will be on Monday, March 19th, at noon at the Ponderosa Restaurant. Rev. Jim Robinson will give a Lenten Devotion. All men are encouraged to come for the dutch-treat meal.
David Boothby, Director of the Midwest Region for
Heifer International
Will speak at Truman State University in Kirksville
Violette Hall, Room 1010
Wednesday, March 21st, 7:00 p.m.
Also speaking will be folks from Kirksville and the surrounding community who will share about their experiences with Heifer, and Carol Oliver, Missouri Representative for Heifer International
Free and open to the public
Heifer international is a humanitarian assistance program that helps families move from a life of poverty to one of self-sufficiency through gifts of livestock. Each receiving family “passes on the gift” by giving one of the offspring from their animal to another needy family.
SHOES FOR ORPHAN SOULS
Kirksville Noon Rotary is asking for help from area churches to raise funds or collect pairs of new children's shoes. Our local goal is 1000 pairs of new children's shoes! For the past three years, our shoes have gone to orphanages in Guatemala.
We will have a basket in the Foyer for collection of new shoes. Please do not bring sandals or open-toed shoes. Our goal for each church is $200 or about 40 pairs of new shoes. Or you can donate money by contacting Annette Sweet at 660-216-7891. We need all donations turned in by April 1st.
NEW DIRECTOR FOR SENIOR SONGSTERS
Senior Songsters is an ecumenical singing group for older adults who sing for FUN that meets at 5:00 p.m. on Mondays in Room 205 of the First Baptist Church. Dennis Goodman is the new Director after Claudine Terry retired. Come and join the fun!
FIFTH ANNUAL SAFEHOUSE SHOWER
WHEN: Saturday, March 31, 2007
WHERE: Health and Fitness Center
2814 South Baltimore Street
Junction of Hwy. 63 South and 6 East
TIME: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
HOSTED BY: Quota International of Kirksville
This is when you have the opportunity to help families get a new start in life by providing new items that they need to help start their lives in new homes. A list of items needed is on the church office window.
PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR
March 25 th - Special Music by Adult Handbell Choir
PALM SUNDAY - April 1st - Combined Choir Cantata - "Forsaken" at both services
Holy Week Prayer Breakfasts at First Christian Church at 7:00 a.m.
Maundy Thursday - April 5th - 5:30 p.m. Combined Choir and K-5th Children's Choir will present special music
Community Good Friday Services - April 6th - noon at First Presbyterian Church
Two Services on Easter Sunday with special music
April 15th - Children's Musical - "Peter Cotton's Tale" - K-5th grade at both services
April 22nd - Youth Sunday
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