A P U B L I C AT 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
Transforming Lives
February 2016
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 AT 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
CONTENTS features THE WAY OF THE CROSS Discover the Stations of the Cross, and read about the artist who created the works that are featured in FUMC’s own Aldrich Chapel.........6 THE GATHERING Read how this mid-week worship service allows one man to re-order his priorities and strengthen his faith.........................................8 LYDIA PATTERSON INSTITUTE Learn how this Methodist School has improved life for children in El Paso, TX and Juarez, Mexico...............................................9 ABSTINENCE AND PRAYER Do you really know what this element of the Means of Grace means?..............................12 NOURISHING CURIOSITY Children and volunteers come to FUMC where a Christian atmosphere teaches them the right things about living.........................................14 LIVING YOUR LEGACY One woman’s commitment to FUMC will last for generations to come...............................16 CONGREGATIONAL NEWS Keep up to date on our new members, our calendar of events and lectionary texts.........18
> The Neon Cross sits atop the bell tower of the Sanctuary Building. During World War II, pilots in fighter training at Harding Field (the city airport) used the neon cross on top of the building to orient themselves on night training missions. Although Baton Rouge air space was off limits for flight training, the cross could be seen from quite some distance and helped pilots make a safe landing.
Senior Pastor Rev. Brady Whitton Associate Pastors Rev. Becky Poor Rev. Fernando Rivea Rev. Pattye Hewitt Deacon Rev. Ann Trousdale Editor Caroline Tyler Photographers Todd Rossnagel Caroline Tyler Paige Wax Tasha Whitton Contributing Writers Louis Champagne Dr. Sally Clausen Luisa Delgadillo Ron Garay Stuart Gilly Richard Hearn Bob Leitner Deborah Luke Pam Voelker
930north Magazine is published four times a year for the First United Methodist Church community and friends by the Office of Communications. WANT TO KNOW MORE? Contact us at (225) 383-4777 www.firstmethodist.org SEND COMMENTS TO: Caroline Tyler, 930 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 caroline@firstmethodist.org SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: Drosborough@firstmethodist.org
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MISSION STATEMENT Transforming lives by engaging our members to celebrate and share God’s love in Jesus Christ.
ON THE COVER On December 20, FUMC collected 8,187 pounds of food for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank (that’s enough food to feed 6,823 people!). This broke our congregation’s previous record of 6,529 pounds of food collected in 2014.
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A LETTER FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The beginning of a New Year is a time many people seek to make positive change in their lives, whether it’s adopting a new exercise regime, a healthier diet, or managing their time better. There’s something in us that longs for things to be better, different, or more complete. There are also, of course, a plethora of experts telling us how best to succeed at our desired change: It takes 30 days to establish a habit. Snap a rubber band on your wrist every time you eat an M&M. Write your plan and tell it to your friends.
climax in Jesus final hours, his prayer time in the Garden of Gethsemane, his trial, crucifixion, burial, and best of all his resurrection!
What if the change we seek could be found in a story? Writer Maria Popov says, “A great story . . . makes it impossible to do anything but grow a new understanding – of the world, of our place in it, of ourselves, of some subtle or monumental aspect of existence.” If that’s true of a great human story, how much more is it true of what has been called “The Greatest Story Ever Told” – the divine story of the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ? The story begins with the words of ancient Jewish prophets who promised God would send a servant to shine God’s light into the darkness of this world. It continues with Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, his baptism in the river Jordan, his 40-day wilderness experience, and time of public ministry. The story reaches a
For over 2000 years people have experience change and transformation in the person of Jesus Christ. In Jesus people have found love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and more. In Jesus they have been delivered from destructive patterns and found new life. I don’t claim to understand it all, but when people encounter Jesus, when they begin to allow him to inhabit their hearts, minds, and actions, their lives are transformed. One of the ways we allow Jesus to inhabit our hearts, minds, and actions is by living Jesus story through the season of the Church. In 2016, we’re focusing on Jesus’ story through an emphasis called, “Celebrating the Seasons.” We’ve already celebrated Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, and on Ash Wednesday (February 10) we will enter the season of Lent. The transforming power of Jesus is available to you today. I pray you’ll journey with us as we seek transformation by allowing Jesus to inhabit our lives in 2016. Yours in Christ,
February 2016 | 930north Magazine
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SPIRITUAL FORMATION AND ADULT EDUCATION
The Way of the Cross BY BOB LEITNER, PAM VOELKER AND DEBORAH LUKE, ARTIST
tear drops on Christ’s face and mercy and compassion in his eyes. During my prayer walk, I received a clear invitation to follow Christ on a deeper and more committed level. That fall I enrolled in the Louisiana Conference Academy training program for Spiritual Leadership and Spiritual Direction.
Meditating on individual Stations of the Cross and walking the Stations became an important part of my prayer discipline. BY BOB LEITNER In the fall of 2013, while walking my dog, Jackson, along the The Stations of the Cross have been transformational for me Mississippi River Levee, I began having a vision of leading others through the Stations, portable Stations handmade of over the past few years—one story evolves into another story and then into a third, weaving people and places together. Let’s Louisiana cypress. The Holy Spirit spoke to a deep desire in my soul and I began to make the portable stations that next start with the first story, the summer of 2010. week. I completed them shortly before the following Easter and I was on a FUMC pilgrimage with my wife Cece and twenty have since been able to lead small groups through the Stations on Men’s retreats, Spiritual Directors retreats, at University other members. The pilgrimage was organized by Cherri Methodist Church and during Lent on our own campus. Johnson through the Ministry of Spiritual Formation. We journeyed to Taos, New Mexico. We used Taos as our base to The Saturday after having my vision on the levee, I experience and explore Christian spirituality of this area. From Taos we traveled to San Luis, Colorado, a small arid town in the encountered Pam Voelker at Goodwood Hardware. To my southeastern corner of the state. In the center of San Luis there surprise, Pam asked if I would be interested in assisting her efforts to place Stations of the Cross in the Aldrich Chapel. is a hill known as La Mesa de la Piedad y de la Misericordia or Wow! An immediate connection was made and through Pam’s the Hill of Piety and Mercy. The hill contains a winding path with bronze sculptures depicting the Stations of the Cross. The leadership and persistence, FUMC’s Aldrich Chapel now houses a magnificent replication of The Stations of the Cross. path winds up the mesa to a small chapel located on the top. The Stations, magnificent and inspiring bronze sculptures in 2/3 size, were designed and created by renowned local sculpture, Huberto Maetas. Incredible detail reveals compassion in the face of the Christ; you can clearly see the
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BY PAM VOELKER
BY DEBORAH LUKE, ARTIST
Did you ever hear a knock at the door and hesitated to answer it? Usually, whoever it is on the other side will knock a second time. What I have found out over this past 2 years is that when it is the Holy Spirit knocking it never stops until you answer it.
As I reflect on my life as an artist, I find myself continually drawn to the mystery and beauty of the human person. The human face was my first muse. In my youth, I drew and sculpted faces I knew and loved best – mother, father, sister, brother. A purely physical likeness was never enough. I sought always to capture the intangible, the essence, the spirit of my subject, that which distinguishes him or her from any other person.
My journey began with the “Academy for Spiritual Formation, FUMC” a 9 month commitment of learning and exploring including weekend retreats, small groups, study and prayer. At the conclusion of the program Cherri Johnson, Director of Spiritual Formation and Adult Education, challenged us to act on our Faith. Not to sit back and let things happen but to be the one to make things happen.
Shortly after a trip to Rome in 1996, nearly twenty years ago, a new impulse appeared. Moved by the beauty of sacred images so abundant in the cities in Italy I visited – Rome, Florence, Assisi – I began to sculpt images of Jesus and Mary. Initially inspired by Italian masters, I turned to the pages of sacred scripture for my own, more personal expression of the truths revealed therein. I have discovered in the Old and New Testaments a nearly inexhaustible source of inspiration.
In the summer of 2014, I was not answering knocks at the door from ‘the stranger’ but as fall approached they could no longer be ignored. Opening the door to the Holy Spirit, I was called to explore the significance and everyday relevance of the biblically based “Stations of the Cross” or as we like to call them “The Way of the Cross.” I began a journey of Faith that continues to this today. I saw that Faith in action through the support and guidance from staff and members of FUMC was life-giving and very productive. Faith in action from working with a local Baton Rouge artist, Deborah Luke, who has the gift from God to express her faith in extraordinary pieces of art to Faith in action by not giving up even when the project seemed just too daunting and complicated.
My favorite medium for over forty years has been clay. From a clay model, molds are made and then cast in a variety of more permanent materials, such as the hydrostone reliefs recently installed in the FUMC Aldrich Chapel, or more recently, in bronze. I love the sensitive nature of clay, the way it responds to the slightest touch, the play of light on its surface as the clay is molded and worked. I have often felt that the form of prayer which is truest to my own nature is the prayer of clay in my hands.
I am still on this journey turning the corner to now guide small groups toward the wonder and majesty of “The Way of the Cross”. Maybe my journey will encourage someone else on their own journey. I look forward to Lent and I can’t wait to see what the Holy Spirit has planned next.
In summary, there are certain things without which my own art would not exist. The first of these is time and space to work. The second is silence and prayer. And the third, perhaps the most elusive ingredient – call it inspiration, or grace – is indispensable. I can create conditions conducive to the making of art, but I cannot without grace accomplish works that speak the language of the human heart or call another to prayer.
For more information about the following Lenten offerings, please contact Cherri Johnson, cherri@firstmethodist.org 12:10 pm Wednesdays Aldrich Chapel Services Holy Communion will be served starting February 10
6:30 pm Wednesdays Means of Grace led by the Pastoral Staff starting February 17
6:30 Wednesdays Stations of the Cross led by Bob Leitner and Pam Voelker starting February 17
9:30 - 11:30 am Thursdays Women of Faith led by Cherri Mills
February 19 -21 Silent Retreat at St. Joseph Abbey in Covington, LA Cost $185 per person Men and women welcome
February 2016 | 930north Magazine
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WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP
The Gathering BY LOUIS CHAMPAGNE
“Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord? I have heard You calling in the night.”
For a 50+ year member of First Methodist, I have only attended Wednesday night worship for about 10 years. I am not sure if I had a “calling,” but something told me that I needed to have a mid-week break from my work schedule. The Gathering has provided me time to re-order priorities while strengthened my faith. It has been an opportunity to gather with others to bear witness of our faith and trust in God. Sermons by Rev. Brady, Rev. Becky, Rev. Pattye, and Rev. Fernie have help set direction in my life. The mid-week service has been an oasis from stress, and absolutely essential for my spiritual growth. As I encounter various kinds of challenges: work issues, health questions, etc., I have found The Gathering offering an opportunity of encouragement in a close fellowship with one another in a prayerful environment.
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The Gathering has evolved from the Wednesday Night service to a family fellowship offering supper, service, communion, and special bible studies. To me, the music has always been and continues to be a special part of Wednesday night. Some special highlights from the past begin with Dr. Dick Webb’s traditional music (always excellent), Ben Herrington’s rendition of “Seasons of Love” from Rent, and most recently Dr. Chris Rosborough’s version of “Let Your Little Light Shine” accompanied by Chris King on banjo. After returning from Vietnam, forty-five years ago, I had given up on volunteering, and I had to be asked to participate in any type of activities. One Sunday in the 70’s, Rev. Ron Ramke asked me to teach 7th Grade Sunday School, and I have been teaching ever since then. So this is my opportunity to extend a personal invitation to everyone to try out The Gathering with your family on Wednesday night. “I will go Lord, if You lead me.” Take a break from your heavy work and home schedule, with a mid-week service. I look forward to seeing you at The Gathering on Wednesday night.
The Gathering meets Wednesdays 5:00 pm - Dinner 5:45 pm - Worship in the Conference Center 6:30 pm - Small Group Learning Opportunities
MISSIONS AND OUTREACH
Lydia Patterson Institute BY RICHARD HEARN, Director of Development at Lydia Patterson Institute and LUISA DELGADILLO, 2015 Graduate of LPI, Freshman at Centenary College
Since it’s founding, Methodists have supported the improvement of the world through education. In America, for example, Methodists have been creating schools since the early 1800’s. These schools can be traced back to schools like Boston College, Northwestern University, and still hold a presence at others schools such Duke, Centenary College, Southern Methodist University, Hendrix College and many others. For Methodists, education was a way of creating leaders for the world whose faith was an important aspect of their life. Because of this, United Methodist have opened not only colleges and universities, but also middle schools, high schools and seminaries.
A good example of this is Lydia Patterson Institute, in El Paso, Texas. In the late 1800’s a Methodist Missionary Society woman, Mrs. Lydia Patterson along with other Methodist women witnessed the influx of Mexican citizens fleeing the brutality of the Mexican Revolution. These immigrants settled in the Segundo Barrio (Second Ward) of El Paso, which was at the- time, one of the poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods along the Rio Grande River. Because of the influx of immigrants into the Segundo Barrio, El Paso school officials decided not to provide education opportunities for these students. Mrs. Patterson and the other ladies of Trinity Methodist Church, now known as Trinity-First UMC, became aware of this injustice and drove their buggies down into the Barrio and picked up students and brought them to Methodist homes for schooling. Unfortunately, Mrs. Patterson died and her husband, a prominent physician, donated $75,000 in 1913 to buy the land and build the original school. LPI still sits on the same square block and is a beacon of hope providing education for over 400 students. Every day, students travel from their homes in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico to the International Bridge, clear immigration and walk the nine blocks
In June 2015, the FUMC Youth Group sent a group of 60 volunteers to work on LPI’s campus, doing various repairs to the parking lot, roof, and library. Here are a few missioners’ thoughts on their trip.
“Lydia Patterson was one of the most eye opening and humbling experiences I have ever had, to see kids that have so little love life and God so much is something you can never forget.” -Emilie Barnes, Freshman at Louisiana Tech University “My eyes were opened to how privileges of a life I have. I wish all the kids I met could have the life I live.” -Robert Mann, Sophomore at University Labratory School “The faculty is nurturing, supportive, and dedicated to the students desire to get an education and improve their lives. In spite of the inability of many of their parents’ to pay tuition to attend LPI, the students work their way through school by doing jobs at the school before and after school each day and during the summer. The graduation rate of over 95% demonstrate the commitment of the students and faculty. I was and remain very impressed with the success of Lydia Patterson Institute.” -Larry Melsheimer, Adult Volunteer/Chaperone, father to Matthew, 10th grade
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MISSIONS AND OUTREACH
to the LPI campus. Since free education in Mexico ends at the completion of the eighth grade, many of these students would have no opportunity to continue their education without our United Methodist School. Lydia Patterson Institute, known by many as La Lydia, is one of the most redemptive and life-changing ministries of the United Methodist Church. The school prides itself in knowing that 98% of students who enter LPI go on to graduate, over 95% go on to enroll in a college or university, many of which are United Methodist institutions, and over 90% of them go on to graduate from their college or university. These young, bi-lingual and bi-cultural students have gone on to make an impact all over the world. Some of our alumni have gone on to work for Disneyland, U.S. Embassy’s, they have become business owners and prominent entrepreneurs and some have even gone on to serve as Elders in the United Methodist Church.
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While education at LPI is outstanding, the current facilities (built in the 1960’s) and technological availability is somewhat lacking. Lydia Patterson is currently engaged in a $15 million dollar capital funds campaign to update the current building in order to provide a better learning environment for its students. In order to help La Lydia grow God’s kingdom, The Louisiana Annual Conference has taken a lead role in the campaign by pledging $500,000 of which $75,000 has been pledged from First UMC, Baton Rouge. The new building will help student’s learning experience immensely. Plans for the new building will include a new cafeteria and new kitchen for preparing the meals, it will house Student Activities department, the Fine Arts Program which will include both music and dance and will be home to the Spiritual Development Program.
By pledging money towards Lydia Patterson, we are committing in helping the school make disciples for Christ. The new Chapel will help with practical issues such as more classrooms for the religion courses, space for the lay ministry team to explore their callings to ministry and room to create more effective worship services. Perhaps the most exciting thing about the new chapel is that the school will now be able to house all of its students in one worship service because there will be more seating. While the current chapel only houses 300 people, this new chapel will have room for 650. Not only will the school be able to worship as one community, but the space will also be available to the community in order to create better relationships. Will you join us in supporting this blessed ministry which, for some, provides the only opportunity many of these students have to escape their current poverty?
BY LUISA DELGADILLO
Lydia Patterson Institute is a small school that is in the center of El Paso, Tx. just across the border. Through the years you get to know all the students, teachers and staff members. One of the ways in which I met more people, among them my best friends was through the organizations to which I belonged. Students have a lot to choose from, there is student council, lay ministry, National Honor Society, Robotics, or even some sports team. It does not matter in which one you are, the more time you spend on the school, you meet new friends or even strengthens friendships you already have. One of the groups to which I belonged and I am super grateful for is Lay Ministry. Lay ministry is a Christian group in which
you not only do community service and help in a local United Methodist church, but you have the chance to explore your calling to ministry. In that group I met one of my best friends who helped me throughout my junior and senior year. We had small services and events that helped us to get organized and to focus on what really matters which was our relationship with God and sharing that relationship and love with the rest of the school. This group became a family for me, being a group so special where nobody judged you, but accepted you as you were, and made us give the best of us to others. I am confident that thanks to God and to that group I am where I am right now, physically and spiritually.
Now I am in Shreveport attending school at Centenary College and missing all the great moments that I had at La Lydia but taking into account that I have to move forward with the plans that God has for me. Here at Centenary College I have known many people and learned so much in my first semester. I am currently in Christian Leadership Center (CLC) which is much like Lay Ministry, I have met people super nice that helped me a lot in my first semester and I am waiting to return the favor. Finally, I know that God has been with me throughout my life in many ways and through many people and I have the certainty that God will keep surprising and amazing me.
FAR LEFT: The current chapel is too small to allow the entire student body of 450 students to meet at one time, either for weekly chapel services or school assemblies. This detracts from school unity which is a major contributing factor to the success of “La Lydia’s” students. BELOW: LPI is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Texas Assocation of Non-Public Schools, and the University Senate of the United Methodist Church; offering ELS (English as a second Language) courses, and dual credit courses with the El Paso Community College. LPI is owend by the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.
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THE VISION: ADULT DISCIPLESHIP PATH
Abstinence and Prayer BY STUART GILLY
LEFT: A vital life of discipleship is sustained by ongoing Christian practice. We call the practices that help us grow stronger in love of God and neighbor “The Means of Grace.” These practices are not ways we earn God’s love but are ways we nurture the gift of grace in our lives. RIGHT: Stuart, with his three daughters: Katelynn, Aubrey and Landry FAR RIGHT: The Upper Room magazine’s mission is to provide a model of practical Christianity, accessible in varied formats, to help people feel invited and welcomed into God’s presence. Sign up to receive this devotional in your email at devotional.upperroom.org or purchase a hard-copy in the Front Office at FUMC.
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Abstinence: ab·sti·nence noun the fact or practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something. It is no secret that we live in a world that is moving at the speed of light. If people aren’t constantly engaged in their inboxes, text strings, twitter feeds and Facebook posts, there seems to be an underlying fear of being left behind! It’s so easy to let the buzzing and beeping of our phones and tablets consume our time, thoughts, energy and ultimately our souls. We are in a world where we are so accessible that we are never really disconnected from anything…except from maybe what matters most. Being in the technology/security industry, my business operates 24/7/365. This leads to phone calls during dinner or text messages coming through in the dead of night. All of which are time sensitive and require my immediate attention… attention that is being taken away from the
few short hours we have to spend together as a family each day. I have really tried to put an effort into practicing abstinence with my cell phone in the evenings, especially while the kids are awake. Truth be told, I have celebrated some minor successes in this department, but admittedly this is more of a point of failure than not. Abstinence, by definition, is a selfrestraint or forbearance from an indulgence. It is built in to one of the basic principles which guide our spiritual practices as Methodists as it is considered a means of grace. John Wesley practiced and encouraged abstinence on a weekly basis. He believed that we should practice abstinence as a constant reminder of God’s sacrifices for us and to help us focus on God’s grace in our lives.
Abstinence is probably one of the more unpopular disciplines of our faith, but it can also be one of the most rewarding when achieved. If that is the case, then why is it so hard to faithfully practice abstinence? If it is so rewarding, why is it such a challenge for me to get it right? I think the truth lies in where our hearts and minds are genuinely focused on a daily basis. I have also come to realize that my “failures” per say don’t have to be so definitive. There can be small moments of success that gives us the momentum to keep moving forward. One area where I have found success with abstinence from technology is in the mornings. We have 3 kids to get out the door by 7:20am, so mornings at the Gilly house are nothing short of chaotic. Up until about a year ago, my morning ritual began with the alarm (on my cell phone) going off. I’d pick up the phone to turn it off, but immediately open my inbox to check emails. Then I’d switch over to Twitter to get a quick news and sports update, do a quick glance through Facebook and maybe even swipe through a few Instagram pics before my feet ever hit the floor. Very valuable time, in my opinion, that could have been put to better use in helping our mornings run more smoothly. About this time last year, I made a conscious decision not to give my time to these things that were not life giving to my day or to my life for that matter. I was going to abstain from Facebook and Twitter and instead start each day with a devotional. I subscribed to the Upper Room Daily Devotional and never looked back. I start each and every day searching for that devotional and nothing else in my email. I read it all the way through and when I’m done, I put the phone down. I cannot tell you how much of a blessing this small but meaningful act has been. It has given my mornings more sanity and more importantly, it has been the driving force in my spiritual growth this past year. My family
has benefitted from both of those things, so in that, I consider this to be a success. As we approach the season of Lent, it is an ideal time for us Methodists to try to incorporate the practice of abstinence into our lives. If you give up caffeine for 40 days, pray for willpower as you crave a cup of coffee while driving past a Starbucks. If you give up Facebook, read a devotional any time you’d pick up your phone to check in with your “friends” or if you attempt a true fast, ask for God’s fulfillment when hunger creeps up. I’m realizing more and more that abstaining isn’t just about the absence, it is also about what you do to replace it. What is the difference between success and failure when practicing abstinence? Does it have to be considered a failure if we abstain without 100% success? Or can filling the void with prayer in those times that we do succeed be enough? Prayer, in my experience and very humble opinion, is the deciding factor between success and failure in abstinence. How can you challenge yourself this season of Lent to not only practice abstinence but also commit to filling the void with prayer?
The Means of Grace are one element of the Adult Discipleship Path, which is your path to a vital Christian life through learning, practicing and sharing. To learn more about this path, contact Cherri Johnson, cherri@firstmethodist.org
February 2016 | 930north Magazine
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THE VISION: HYPE - AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Nourishing Curiosity BY RON GARAY
As a part of FUMC’s Vision, an After School Program was established in August of 2014. HYPE (Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence) meets Monday - Thursday on FUMC’s campus, with 32 students enrolled for the Spring 2016 Semester. Okay, sports fans. Here’s the story. Game tied, the Saints are driving to score in the last minute of the fourth quarter. Folks all over Baton Rouge are glued to their television screens in anticipation of a big play. Well, not everyone. Some persons have a different take altogether on the big game. In fact, they’re not even watching. Believe it or not, they’re talking
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about HYPE. That’s right. True story. A family spending time on a Sunday afternoon talking about FUMC’s HYPE program and what it means to them. And it should come as no surprise that HYPE means a lot to all of them. Sisters Kataria and Kaniya had a decision to make on the Sunday afternoon in question. Which of two after school programs would they be attending—the one at their school or FUMC’s HYPE? Actually, since both already were HYPE “veterans” of the program’s first semester, the decision was pretty simple. Kataria and Kaniya both were determined to head back to HYPE. A final decision, though, would have to come from their grandmother, Mrs. Stewart, who was filling-in as parent while the girl’s mother was dealing with some health issues. Attending HYPE would not be easy, since transportation home from HYPE was a problem. But Mrs. Stewart, with her son’s help, solved the
problem. Kataria and Kaniya would be on their way back to HYPE! Mrs. Stewart is as much a fan of HYPE as her granddaughters. The sisters’ enthusiasm for what they experience as a result of HYPE would be hard to miss. According to Mrs. Stewart, Kataria and Kaniya start talking about all they’ve learned and the good times they’ve shared as soon as they leave FUMC each afternoon. And both are more than eager for next week’s HYPE. There will be fun, but there also will be work. Taking care of homework, in fact, is at the top of the priority list for HYPE students. Mentors help out, and in Kataria’s case her math scores have improved as a result. But their grandmother has noticed some of the intangibles Kataria and Kaniya have gained from HYPE. It’s the “best of the best,” she says. “HYPE gives them a Christian atmosphere, teaches them the right things about
living.” There also is the care and attention the girls have received that has made the HYPE experience so meaningful. Mrs. Stewart and Kataria and Kaniya’s mother are really no different than the many parents and grandparents who attend FUMC. They want the best for their children and grandchildren. They want them to have good learning opportunities and to live productive lives. This is why HYPE is so important. HYPE provides the kind of environment, the kind of mentoring, and the kind of attention
that children need. HYPE helps children find the right path, the Christian path, to achieving their potential. HYPE children and mentors often meet as strangers, but the bond they form will last forever. Football games on a Sunday afternoon come and go, but a HYPE volunteer who nourishes a child’s curiosity, who teaches that child something new and important and who shares with that child the love of God and Christ all at the same time— Well, that’s special. So, come be a part of HYPE—and maybe help change a life.
Volunteer with HYPE Contact Cindy Downs
cdowns@firstmethodist.org
Monday - Thursday
3:45 - 5:30 pm
Volunteer by: homework help, science experiments, art projects, reading with a student, baking demonstrations, gardening, etc.
Did you know: in August - December 2015 32 Students enrolled at HYPE 10 HYPE students were on the A/B Honor Roll 11 HYPE Students were on the Principals List 2 HYPE Students were listed as Most Improved 1 HYPE Student earned the award of Best Listener in her class 11 HYPE Students earned perfect attendance at their school
Most volunteers participate one day a week Stay for an hour, or more
TOP LEFT: Carlen, Miss Cooper and Jacob enjoy a game after completeing their homework. TOP RIGHT: Jaylah, Mr. Buddy, and Zoa’lynn practice following instructions by building with Legos. BELOW: Trey and Miss Katie, Jekori and Miss Emily work on their daily reading comprehension exercises, which each student engages in daily.
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FINANCE
Living Your Legacy BY DR. SALLY CLAUSEN
We are profiling individuals and families at FUMC that are living out faithful stewardship in their lives through prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. After her death, Mrs. White left her modest home and her car, her entire estate, to FUMC. She wasn’t a wealthy woman, but she gave from her heart to her church.
I met Helen Louise Storm White as a result of an assignment given me by the Senior Care Team of FUMC. On the appointed day I arrived at the home of Mrs. White exactly on time, 11:00. She was standing in the driveway of her home sharply dressed and waiting for me. After a brief chat during which she established that I was indeed the Sally Clausen from FUMC who was supposed to visit with her, she invited me into her home. It was neat and dated with pictures of her family and travels. We chatted for about forty-five minutes after which I offered to pick up some lunch. She said we could just go to Sammy’s on the corner on Highland Road, near her home. It was clear that her plan for the meeting was being followed. When we arrived at Sammy’s I learned that she was a regular, as everyone there knew her, and that she had a standard order, a Sammy’s shrimp po-boy. She also had a special table.
Several visits after the first, I learned that she was a regular attendee at church, but was not a participant in other activities even though she was gregarious, always dressed to the nines, sharp witted and firm in her opinions. She was 96 years old at the time of my visitations. During those visits she was proud of her family, though she had no close relatives. She enthusiastically showed family pictures, and on one occasion she climbed up and stood on a bed to straighten and show a picture hanging on the wall. She was full of energy and got her exercise picking up sticks in her yard. She liked to be with people. I learned that in her working life she had been the hostess at the LSU Faculty Club, a place where she had been able to meet people with very varied backgrounds and disciplines, and it was obvious that she had had many opportunities to engage in eclectic conversations. It was also obvious that she missed that opportunity to connect with people. Oddly, she remembered my going there, explaining that as a graduate student I was brought there as a guest of some faculty members. She remembered me “because I was skinny!”. Mrs. White was a vivacious but controlled and dignified demeanor. She had a fierce independence which she was determined to maintain for the rest of her life. She loved to drive and was proud of her little red car. In spite of her love of people she had little social engagement, but enjoyed even remote contact. She treasured that cards she received at Christmas, for birthdays, or other occasions. She enjoyed her contacts with people she knew even casually, such as her hairdresser, bank tellers, grocery helpers and others with
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whom she met in her normal daily chores. She knew these people by name and spoke of them fondly. It was clear that she craved social engagement but somehow, because of the restraining attendant to her dignity, and the era in which she matured, she was unable to satisfy her need for a more active social life. I also learned that within her quiet, reserved personality she was deeply religious, and was proud of her membership in FUMC, and her regular attendance at church services on Sunday, dressed very appropriately and seated always in the same pew in the right front quadrant of the church. As I continued to visit with Mrs. White I began to learn more about her indomitable spirit. She had the learned experience of life that can only be achieved with the passage of time, and therefore, with age. I began to understand that it wasn’t necessary for me to be worried about graduation rates, or adequate access to higher education, or social equality in higher education, or having enough money in a budget to meet the demands of providing adequate higher education in order to be happy in life. I learned that providing the needs of those in our community who are in need of the simple things, such as a willing ear, or just small talk or being a person whose presence was of enormous importance was quite enough to fulfill a need for happiness. And in order to obtain that happiness required so little of me. So in the end, I was reminded of the teaching in Luke 6:38, “Give and it shall be given to you.” So true with Mrs. White, that I gave so little, only to be given so much in return.
One of John Wesley’s famous statements of advice is, “Gain all you can, save all you can, and give all you can.”
• Wesley put restrictions on the way we gain all we can. Earning money was discouraged if it came at the expense of our own health, whether physical or spiritual. The business we conduct should be fitting to a life dedicated to God. • Similarly, the way we save all we can also matters. For Wesley, saving meant avoiding any expense that was simply for our own pleasure, rather than for taking care of a legitimate need. He understood that indulging our desires could lead us away from God. He also understood that spending money on unnecessary items left less for us to give to others. The point of saving is not hoarding; it is giving. • To give all we can is to reflect God’s own generosity and thus to participate in God’s work. If we think about the use of money as a spiritual discipline, then we can see that the point is not to give away what we think is extra. The point is to play our role in distributing God’s resources equitably, not denying our own needs, but seeing the needs of others to be as legitimate as our own. Interested in creating your legacy at FUMC? Contact Rev. Brady Whitton bwhitton@firstmethodist.org
February 2016 | 930north Magazine
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JANUARY CONGREGATIONAL NEWS
Welcome New Members!
Celebrating the Baptism of... Lisa Lefeaux (12/10) James Robert Upp III (1/10) Ellen Margaret Hataway (1/10) Asher Lynn Lockard (2/14)
Celebrating the Birth of...
Davis Edward (12/18) son of Carol and Brandon Abadie
Sympathy to the Families of...
Carson Greene
Ethan Greene
Melissa Greene
Paul Kraft
Chris, Brittany and Asher Lockard
Joshua Melder
Ms. Emily Callaway (12/12) Mr. Roy Regan (12/15) Ms. Sue Ferguson (1/9)
Celebrating the Wedding of...
Melanie Reed and Logan Schroeder (1/23)
Confirmation Class of 2016
On January 10, 2016 FUMC welcomed 31 Confirmation Students into membership. These sixth grade students have completed 11 weeks of classes and have learned what it means to be a member of The United Methodist Church.
Parker Clayton Bauder Clayton Cole Braud Jessica Michel Braud Charlotte Kay Cain Joshua Hugh Copeland Thomas Byron D’Armond Aiden Richard Dupree Davis Connor Eglin Kennard Parker Garrett III Austin Ryan Gautreau Merrill Ann Hall
Ellen Margaret Hataway Analise Kay Hyde Anna Kirk Lawson John Parker Madison Emma Caroline Monroe Carter Claire Parker Lucy Jane Pettit Katherine Dolores Porter Mason Carlton Joseph Rabalais Owen Michael Rodrigue
Jack David Savario Claire Elizabeth Schilling Joseph Adam Serpas Catherine Auxford Shaw Samuel Boykin Short IV Stuart Mark Starnes James Robert Upp III Hayden James Walsh ZoĂŤ Catherine Whitton Hayden Timothy Wolfe
December Financial Report
Jamey Palmintier
Javier, Melissa and Jeyson Sanchez
As of 12/31/2015: Budget YTD Actual YTD Variance Income $ 4,038,659 $ 4,071,668 $ 33,009) Expense $ 4,096,457 $ 4,017,052 $ (79,405) Net Income $ (57,798) $ 54,616 $ 112,414
December Weekly Attendance
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Week of Sunday, December 6
Week of Sunday, December 13
Week of Sunday, December 20
Week of Sunday, December 27
Worship 1,256 Sunday School 595 Total 1,851
Worship 1,594 Sunday School 621 Total 2,215
Worship 1,655 Sunday School 545 Total 2,200
Worship 2,764 Sunday School 290 Total 3,054
930north Magazine | February 2016
FEBRUARY
Calendar of Events Special
Weekly SUNDAYS
WEDNESDAY - 2/3
8:30 am 9:00 am 9:40 am 9:45 am 10:20 am 11:00 am 5:00 pm
6:30 pm
Worship Café 930 Sunday School Discover First Hospitality Coffee Worship Coffee, Tea & Theology FUSE Youth
MONDAYS 9:30 am 3:30 pm
Prayer Ministry HYPE After School Program
TUESDAYS 9:00 am 9:30 am 12:00 pm 3:30 pm
Knitting Men’s Bible Study Fit @ First AA HYPE After School Program
WEDNESDAYS 9:30 am 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm 5:45 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm
Bible for Every Day HYPE After School Program Illness Support Group Care Team Dinner at The Gathering Worship at The Gathering Woodland Ringers Chancel Choir
THURSDAYS 9:00 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm 3:30 pm
Thursday Group Widow’s Walk AA HYPE After School Program
Books of Life
SUNDAY - 2/7 5:00 pm
Youth Superbowl Party
MONDAY - 2/8 through TUESDAY - 2/9 FUMC Office Closed in observance of Mardi Gras
WEDNESDAY - 2/10 ASH WEDNESDAY 7:00 am Aldrich Chapel Worship 12:10 pm Sanctuary Worship 6:00 pm Sanctuary Worship
THURSDAY - 2/11 6:00 pm
Father Daughter Dance
SATURDAY - 2/13 Adult ASP Mission Trip Departs
WEDNESDAY - 2/17 7:00 am Senior Adult Outing 12:10 pm Aldrich Chapel Worship
FRIDAY - 2/19 5:00 pm
Silent Retreat at St. Joseph Abbey in Covington
WEDNESDAY - 2/24 8:00 am
Senior Adult Program
For more dates and events, visit our website at www.firstmethodist.org
Early Learning Center 5th Mardi Gras Celebration 8th & 9th Mardi Gras Holiday (Center Closed) 5th Grandparents Day
Monthly Lectionary Texts The 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. February 1st February 15th Exodus 34:29-35 Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 9:28-36, 37-43 Luke 13:31-35 Psalm 99 Psalm 27 February 8th Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Romans 10:8b-13 Luke 4:1-13 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
February 22nd Isaiah 55:1-9 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Luke 13:1-9 Psalm 63:1-8
February 29th Joshua 5:9-12 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Psalm 32
February 2016 | 930north Magazine
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First United Methodist Church 930 North Boulevard Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 Change Service Requested
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Join us for Worship Sundays
8:30 am Sanctuary Worship 9:40 am Sunday School for all ages 11 am Sanctuary and America Street Worship
Wednesdays
5:45 pm The Gathering Worship
Nursery Care is available from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Sunday mornings and from 5:00-7:30 pm
for more information, visit www.FirstMethodist.org facebook.com/FUMCBR
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