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open hearts . open minds . open doors . First United
Methodist Church
May 18, 2008
"Three Simple Rules: #1 - Do No Harm"
Debbie Pitney preaching
Scripture: Galatians 5: 13-15
Worship at 8:45 a.m. and 11:05 a.m.
Summer Worship begins on May 25, 2008
Single Service at 9:30 a.m.
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FROM
THE PASTOR'S PEN |
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Dear Friends,
Many of you know that I just returned from attending the General Conference
of The United Methodist Church. Meeting in Fort Worth, thousands of United
Methodists gathered from around the world to make decisions for our
denomination. I come home to Eugene with a renewed commitment to ministry in
the name of Jesus Christ.
While there were ups and downs during the ten-day conference, one highlight
for me was hearing Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the President of Liberia and
active United Methodist, address the gathered church. Reminding us of the
challenge of poverty in her own country and all around the world, she said,
"We need the church now as never before. the moment has never before been
more opportune to collaborate with the government to improve health and
education and give our people hope." Her words were a call to the Church to
move out beyond our doors and continue to be a witness in our community in
meaningful ways.
One way that we are working to give people hope in our community is through
our efforts to answer Bishop Hoshibata's call to eliminate hunger. Through
food drives and coupon scanning, in classes and in hunger dinners, we are
making a difference in the lives of hungry people in Lane County.
It is not too late for you to be a part of the HUNGER WALK that we are
planning for June 5th - 8th. Sign up to be a part of a team that will walk
for three hours. Sponsor a walker. Be a driver. Help plan the Friday night
celebration. Come to the closing worship celebration in Florence on Sunday
evening.
To get involved, stop by the JAMM Table in the Fellowship Hall or talk with
Chris Gann, Sue Wineland, Charles Spencer, or Debbie Pitney.
Our community does "need the church now as never before." See you in
worship. |
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OUR STEWARDSHIP |
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. . . THROUGH OUR
PRAYERS:
Thanksgivings: Mothers' love; return of a daughter; the fantastic children
and youth at FUMC and their leadership in worship.
Healing: a chipped hip bone; son in Guatemala; Jerry; David with pneumonia;
granddaughter, Jesse, with whiplash; all those dealing with depression; love
and guidance for a daughter in rehab; for a nephew in rehab.
Comfort and guidance: one whose cat died; all who feel alone; a mother whose
4 year-old daughter was killed by a truck this year; mothers who fear for
their children's future;
Blessings: Tony and Josephine on their 65th wedding anniversary; Doug and
Dave's plans for a trip to China; all our Nancys; Beth as she graduates and
goes to Swaziland with the Peace Corps; David and Emily, newly married;
Paul, leaving for Chad.
God's presence in the world: justice where there is oppression; the people
of Myanmar; communities hit by tornadoes in the US; Zimbabwe; Iraq and
Afghanistan. .
(Please note: Last names omitted for privacy.)
. . . THROUGH OUR PRESENCE:
Attendance at worship May 11, 2008: 319
. . . THROUGH OUR GIFTS:
Offering May 11, 2008 : $ 10,865.75
Noisy Offering: $ 169.57
(running total $411.65)
. . . THROUGH OUR SERVICE:
Thank you to Gloria Bailey and Scott Barkhurst who served as lay readers on
Sunday. Thank you to all who have been teachers in children, youth, and
adult Sunday school classes and other Christian education classes this year.
You have touched lives with God's love. You have been God's voice, hands,
and ears. The whole church is grateful. Thank you.
From Cleopatra Mapfumo:
I would like to thank all the members of FUMC for all the help that you have
given me through your donations to my scholarship fund. I still owe $12,000
to U of O for 2007-08. I received 3 scholarships totalling $19,000 for
2008-09! I have come this far because of all your love and support. May the
GOOD LORD keep adding more blessings to all of you and may you always share
those blessings.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS |
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Adult VIM meeting
Saturday, May 17, 10:00 a.m. to noon followed by a potluck lunch.
Sheldon High School presents, "Singing in the Rain" on Friday, May 16
and Saturday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. Watch for FUMC connections: Hannah
Douglas-stage crew, Justin Roberts-trombone in the orchestra and Rachel
Edson-in a leading role, as "Lina". Watch for the rain scene!
 NOISY
OFFERING!! Bring your COINS on May 18 as we raise money to pay the Black
College and African University funds this year.
The study based on the book Ending Hunger Now will meet May 18 at
10:00 a.m and May 25 at 10:30 a.m. (after worship). Bring a can of food to
class! All are welcome. Books are available at the JAMM table.
May 18, Blood Pressure Clinic. This is a change from the normal
schedule.
Organ Concert with Julia Brown, May 18, 4:00 p.m. All funds collected
will be donated to cancer research.
Walk Across Lane County organizational meeting, Sunday, May 18 at
12:30 p.m. We need drivers, helpers to check in teams as they get started
and check in teams as they finish and people to help with the Celebration
Sunday evening at Florence UMC.
AWAKE! Young Adult Retreat, May 23-24. Reply to the Wesley Center by
May 14th at 541-346-4694,
peaceuofo@yahoo.com
 Sunday,
June 1, we will be recognizing our graduating seniors and getting a
glimpse of their future!
Worship in the Park, Sunday, August 10, FUMC will hold worship at
Alton Baker Park followed by a picnic brunch. Be sure to put this special
date on your calendar and plan to be there for a joyful celebration.
United Methodist Men's 2008 Fall Retreat will be at Suttle Lake on
October 17, 18, & 19. There is No Oregon football game that weekend! Cost is
$80 this year. Early payments are greatly encouraged because advance
payments must be made to reserve the facilities. There will be a sign up
table in Fellowship Hall. Call Brad Thompson at 342-7979 if you have any
questions.
UMCOR Help for Myanmar
We've heard the news of the devastated lives in Myanmar in the wake of
cyclone Nargis. The United Methodist Committee on Relief is working through
partners already in the country (the Methodist Church and ecumenical groups)
to provide aid. Any gifts can be given through our church, just mark them
"Myanmar Emergency" or on the UMCOR web site: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/,
where you can also get updated information.
Tony and Josephine Fleck
Tony and Josephine were married May 15, 1943. The family will be
commemorating their 65th wedding anniversary in a celebration in Redmond.
Nia and Paul ask for your prayers of thanksgiving and joy on this remarkable
achievement!
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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS |
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Top 10 steps for good mental health: 1) Build a healthy
self-esteem 2) Express your emotions 3) Have a good friend
4) Develop positive family relationships 5) Live within your
means 6) Exercise and enjoy nutritious foods 7) Create
strategies to help you cope with change 8) Get involved in your
community 9) Learn to manage stress effectively and 10) Have a
spirituality to call your own!
ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION
An educational conference that offers insight into the experience of having
Alzheimer's and provides practical strategies for enhancing and enriching
the lives of people who have the disease is scheduled for Saturday, June 7,
2008 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration is $55 which includes your meals
for the day. The conference will be held at Willamalane Adult Activity
Center. For more information call 541-345-8392.
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SPECIAL EVENTS |
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FAREWELL FELLOWSHIP
Mark your calendar now for June 15th following worship when we will
celebrate Lyda's ministry here at First United Methodist Church and bid her
a fond farewell. The Staff Parish Relations Committee is planning the party.
If you would like to contribute to a gift for Lyda, please contact Adith
Moursund or Betsy Guinn or stop by the church office. Let's let Lyda know
how much we have appreciated her presence and her work!
PARENT WORKSHOPS
Eugene's Parent-Child Preschool is offering the following workshops that are
open to parents of FUMC.
May 27 - Being an Askable Parent for children's natural questions
around sexuality with Mary Gossart, author of There's No Place Like
Home...For Sex Education. Parents, if you missed this same workshop at FUMC
last year, this is a great opportunity to learn more about your role as the
primary sexuality educators for your children.
June 3 - What Little Kids Already Know through body-brain development
with Rachael Carnes, founder of Sparkplug Dance.
All workshops are scheduled from 7-8:30 p.m. at FUMC.
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YOUTH |
 YOUTH
MISSION TEAM
Support the Youth Mission Team as they travel to Blackfoot, Idaho, to lead
VBS! Donation of school supplies are needed: white board markers, tissue
paper, wooden pencils, red erasers, art gum erasers, college ruled paper,
graph paper (1/2 in. and 1/4 in. size), construction paper and teacher
scissors.
Sheldon High School presents, "Singing in the Rain" on Friday, May 16
and Saturday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. Watch for FUMC connections: Hannah
Douglas-stage crew, Justin Roberts-trombone in the orchestra and Rachel
Edson-in a leading role, as "Lina". Watch for the rain scene!
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If you have email, we'd
love to have your address! If you would like to receive the Messenger via
email, let us know! You'll get it faster - and it saves the church money!
FUMC STAFF
Debbie Pitney, Senior Pastor
Lyda Pierce, Associate Pastor
John Pitney, Associate Pastor
Rebecca Macemon, Youth Director
Julia Brown, Music Director
Pat Knaus, Choral Director
Dody Hansen, Cherub Choir and Joyful Ringers
Greg Klabouch, Head Custodian
Colin Paddock, Custodian
Benedicto Penaloza, Asst. Custodian
Luba Yusim, Child Care
Maria Betancourt & Tiffany Sanderson, Child Care
Andrea Allen Sis, Web Page Editor
Sue Karlslyst, Office Manager
Jan Sears, Financial Secretary
First United Methodist Church
1376 Olive Street
Eugene, OR 97401
email: eugenefumc@eugenefumc.org
web page: www.eugenefumc.org
541-345-8764
fax 541-485-5025 |
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