First United Methodist Church

First United Methodist Church
SPIRE
We are a Stephen Ministry Congregation
Vol. 25, No.9
4500 Linden Drive, Kearney, Nebraska
Phone (308) 237-3158
June 21, 2016
Dear Kearney First UMC families and friends,
Let me begin by saying “thank you” to God for the privilege of being your associate
pastor. Last July I began serving my thirteenth year in pastoral ministry and third year
as your pastor. I am thankful that I had the chance to serve alongside you. It is
bittersweet to conclude this relationship and to say goodbye as I move to serve Faith
United Methodist Church in Hutchison, Kansas.
Anne Morrow Lindberg once wrote about “the going away lump” she felt whenever she
had to leave a place that she had made “with difficulty AND affection” her home. I
know how she felt. While moving to Hutchison provides new opportunities, I still find
myself saddened that Kearney First UMC will no longer be my home. I have loved
being a part of the First church family. You have been gracious, but especially so during
these past few months sharing memories, providing gifts and offering congratulatory
remarks. I am deeply grateful to each of you.
While serving here I have been privileged in many ways, including living in the nice
parsonage near the area where my paternal grandparents’ farm was located. I’ll cherish the memories of when I hosted my
extended family reunion back “home” in Kearney two years ago. I’ll cherish the supportive words and celebrations
provided as I became Ordained. I’ll cherish the memories of how many of you provided comfort during the unexpected
passing of my mother. Indeed, I will be leaving a broad array of memories and relationships, while at the same time
anticipating the new joys and challenges awaiting me in Kansas.
I am glad I helped many of you (and some church committees) really think about what it looks like to reach out to others,
such as at the county fair and UNK homecoming parade. As you continue to strive to serve others do not lose sight of why
we do what we do--not for our glory, but for God’s glory.
I have cherished the time, stress and effort put into to making the HelpCare Clinic a reality as the Vice Chair of the Board
of Directors. As a pastor my presence sometimes speaks louder than words, which has been evident when I attended
Kearney Area Community Connections meetings, Golden-K Kiwanis, Rotary and Masonic and Eastern Star functions.
I’m thankful that Kearney First UMC blessed me by allocating time for me to serve as the Conference Secretary of Global
Ministries for the General Board of Global Ministers (serve on the Conference Peace and Justice Ministries team), The
ADVANCE Committee, UMCOR Early Response Team, and Camp Comeca Site Board.
The Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila reminds us that:
“Christ has no body now but yours; no hands, no feet on earth but yours;
yours are the eyes through which He looks compassion on this world;
yours are the feet with which He walks to do good;
yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world;
yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are His body.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”
Your commitment to God and Kearney First United Methodist Church by your prayers, your presence, your gifts and your
service does make a difference here in the Kearney area, nation and world. As we continue onward, I pray that God
continues to provide each of us abundant new gifts and graces for ministry. I will continue to lift you in prayer for you and
ask that you pray for me as well.
God Bless, Pastor Alan Gager
The next issue will be mailed on Tuesday, July 12th .
Editor reserves the right to edit for content and space.
Information for that issue should be in the church office by Wednesday, July 6th .
Lori O’Brien, Editor
The
Baptisms and New Members
Clara JoAnn Ramsey, daughter of Kane &
Danielle Ramsey, was baptized May 22, 2016.
DeeDee Bennett joined by Profession of Faith on
May 22, 2016. She is self-employed as a barber at
the Downtown Barbershop.
Elsie Mae Podany, daughter of Matt and Janine
Podany, was baptized June 4, 2016.
Big sisters
Lillian and Charlotte, helped celebrate.
Grayson Grant Webb, son of Thane and Abby
Webb, was baptized June 12, 2016. Big brother,
Hayden, helped celebrate.
New Members
Olie Frederick Keizer, son of Nick and Jessica
(Loescher) Keizer, was baptized May 28, 2016.
Jeffrey Sisson transferred from the Holdrege First
UMC on June 12, 2016.
He is engaged to
Darianne Ochsner and they will be married here in
July. Jeff works for Steve Garringer repairing hard
wood floors, and also works at the new Coppermill
Steak House as a server.
and Baptisms
Cohen Jay Robinson, son of Cole and Alison
Robinson, was baptized June 12, 2016.
Big
brothers, Corbyn and Carter, helped celebrate, along
with Cohen’s great-grandma, Velma Gulden.
WELCOME RECEPTION ON JULY 17th
A Welcome Reception is planned for Rev. Alan &
Joy Davis and Pastor Melody Adams on Sunday,
July 17th, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.
Please come and meet our new pastors, and please
wear your name tags! If you do not have one, but
would like one, please complete the order form in
this issue and return it to Lori O’Brien in the church
office.
Congratulations to:
Katie Champagne & Travis
Gewecke who were married at
First UMC on June 11, 2016.
Rev. Main officiated.
Justina Rains & Kody
Bailey, who were married at First UMC on June 11,
2016. Rev. Main officiated.
Neleigh Schake & Paul Bolin, who were married
at First UMC on June 18, 2016.
Rev. Main
officiated.
We extend our sympathy
to:
Jerry & Edith Marlatt on
the death of
Jerry’s
brother, Bill Marlatt of
Loveland, CO and sister-in-law, Beverly Marlatt
of Chadron, who both died June 2, 2016.
David & Kathy Pfeiffer on the death of Kathy’s
sister, Julie Riddle of Sargent, who died June 5,
2016.
Friends & family of Arelene Kahle, who died June
10, 2016. Rev. Gager officiated at funeral services
on June 15, 2016.
Mary and Ron Scott, Kathy & Jon Bokenkamp,
Jackson & Eleanor and David & Renee Scott,
Callen, Vivien and Rowan on the death of
Josephine “Jo” Beam, who died June 16, 2016.
Rev. Alan Davis will officiate at memorial services
on June 25th at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel.
JENNIFER HUNTER RESIGNS
Jennifer Hunter, who has been the church’s
comptroller for 11 years, has submitted her
resignation effective June 30th. We are grateful for
her many years of faithful service to First United
Methodist Church in the area of our finances; but
also for her valuable contribution as a member.
Should you wish to drop Jennifer a note of
appreciation you may send it to the church.
From Jennifer—
I have enjoyed my time working at First United
Methodist Church and getting to know this
congregation. My plans are to move closer to
family in the Eastern part of Nebraska. I wish
everyone well during this time of transition.
Thank you for the well-wishes
and the gifts as we left Kearney
and headed to my new place of
ministry in Gretna. The past
eight years have been a
wonderful time for us, and we will always hold
many wonderful memories of First United
Methodist Church and the Kearney community.
You celebrated with us through Barrett’s High
School graduation, and through the weddings of
Mike & Tessa and Barrett & Danielle. You
supported us through the grief times, the deaths of
Chris’ mother, brother, and sister-in-law. Words
are inadequate to express all of the feelings that we
are experiencing as we say goodbye. Be assured
that we will be in prayer for you as a church family
and trust that your prayers will continue with us.
Pastor Gary & Chris Main and family
The family of Mel Shoemaker would like to send out
a huge thank you to everyone at First United
Methodist Church for your prayers and
support. He loved this church so much and was
eager to share so many stories from chancel choir,
Sunday school, Maundy Thursday rehearsal,
putting together the Spire and so many other
projects, committees and events through the years.
Thank you so much to the United Methodist Women
for the delicious meal. The voices of the chancel
choir blended so beautifully to musically pay
tribute. Thank you to all who shared their
talents. Lori, thank you for helping us to make sure
everyone was informed and that we had taken care
of the important details (or taking care of them for
us). Eric, thank you for working with us on the
last minute requests for sound. And a special thank
you to Pastor Gary for being with our family before
and offering wonderful words of comfort, humor
and inspiration during the funeral. Mel Shoemaker
was known for putting on a production, usually a
wonderful show. We cannot thank you enough for
allowing us to honor him with his final show and a
thundering standing ovation.
Arlene Shoemaker
Jaci, Dave, Sydney & Dylan Pohl
Toni, Matt & Kameron Heimes
Chad, Megan, Ella (Hamilton) &
Brooklyn Shoemaker
Pastor Alan,
Thanks for all the visits and prayers. I wish you
well in your move.
Neal Sidders
June 25 & 26, 2016
Saturday night worship service
Sunday 8:15 service
Sunday 9:30 service
Sunday 11:00 service
Nursery (3 services)
TOTAL
June 11 & 12, 2016
Saturday night worship service
Sunday 8:15 service
Sunday 9:30 service
Sunday 11:00 service
Nursery (3 services)
TOTAL
June 18 & 19, 2016
Saturday night worship service
Sunday 8:15 service
Sunday 9:30 service
Sunday 11:00 service
Nursery (3 services)
TOTAL
21
117
219
149
15
521
23
137
214
201
12
587
14
126
192
134
06
472
Cliff and Dorothy Peterson will celebrate their
60th wedding anniversary on July 22nd. Cards of
congratulations may be sent to them at 310 West
29th Street, Kearney, NE 68845.
Summer Musicians Needed!
If you have a musical talent, and would like to
provide music for the Saturday night service, or the
8:15 or 11:00 Sunday morning services, please call
the church office at 237-3158.
Thank you to everyone who
helped with the morning
session of Vacation Bible
School. We had 130 children
participate!
Note: This corner has been designated the AMEN corner for
“an audible alert that something special was (is) being done.”
*In Memory of Rev. Maurice Holt
1907-1997
WHAT’S NEW @ THE
CHURCH LIBRARY
Stop in the library this month
to see all of the new books
being added. Need something
longer than a month? Let us
know
and
we
will
accommodate you.
Several new chapter books for children are being
added as well - keep them reading during the
summer months.
SPONSORS NEEDED FOR
2016 RADIO BROADCASTS
The 11:00 worship service is
broadcast
every
Sunday
morning at 11:00 a.m. on
KGFW Radio 1340 AM.
Generous members of this church sponsor this
broadcast each week. Cost is $199.00 per Sunday.
Dates available in 2016 are: August 28, October
16, November 20, and December 18. Please call
Ann at the church office, 237-3158, or Sharron
Altmaier at 234-2163 to schedule your date.
Your Name
Here
EAST LAWN #342 INFORMATION CORNER
We are encouraging everyone to wear their name
tags so that our new ministers may learn your
names.
If you don’t have a name tag and would like one,
please complete the order form below. You have a
choice of magnetic or pin back.
Please complete the form and include cash or check
(made payable to First UMC) with this order form.
Check your preference:
Magnet back $5.00
Pin Back $5.00
Print your name: (As you wish it to be on your
name tag)
First UMC Gift Card
Committee is pleased to
announce we have cards
on hand again starting
June 26. We will not
have as many cards or
businesses on hand to
start as we are starting
over again with less money than we had invested in
cards at the time of the theft. The police
investigation is still ongoing. However, if we do not
have the card you want on hand we will still be able
to order the card for you.
The project we are currently supporting is the
purchase of bass chimes for the Acclamation Bell
Choir. We have currently raised just over half the
requested $1,200.
Much appreciation goes out to those volunteers that
help Wayne visit the grocery stores, pick food up
and delivery to the church. Without those who
volunteer, we would not be able to do as much as
we are currently doing for the East Lawn Food
Pantry. Individuals who help Wayne are: Nate
Talbert and his friend Hunter, Christine Olson,
Tiffani Olson, Harry Staab, Marv Dawes, Zander
Mais, Colleen Hopkins, Donna Roeder, and Doug
McCarty. If we missed someone, let us know and
we will include you in the next issue.
The Farmer’s Market has now opened for the
summer and they will cooperate with us again this
year by donating some of their produce to the food
pantry. When you visit them, be sure to say
“Thanks” so they know that what they are doing is a
great service to the community of Kearney.
If you would like to volunteer for the East Lawn
Mission, please call Colleen Jacobson at 627-4472
Remember that you can come and watch to see
what is happening so you can feel more comfortable
in working. Those of you
who can work the summer
but not the winter hours,
please feel free to join in
this wonderful service to
the community.
Del Hemsath, reporter
Everyone is invited to
“Cruise into First UMC”
Display your classic car at
Church on Sunday, July 17th
anytime between 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Join us for Worship
while your car is on display
Fellowship and refreshments
throughout the morning!
Feel Free to Display Your Patriotism !!
On Sunday, July 24th, from 7:30-9:00 p.m.,
please join your church family for a
FREE Pool Party at Centennial Pool!
Happy Anniversary to these
First Church Members
and Friends
July 1
Carroll & Lorene David
Lukasiewicz
July 2
Travis & Dori Moomey
Matt & Brandy Tacha
Jordan & Katie McCaslin 
July 12
Marv & Carol Dawes
Jack & Renee Besse
Robert & Trena Miller
Jared & Marissa Kruse
July 22
Cliff & Dorothy Peterson
-60 yrs. 
Shane & Sharon Jensen
Nate & Carissa Crocker
July 3
Jim & Kathy Spiegel
Bruce & Renee Pickering
July 13
Brycen & Kristen Gillming
July 23
Doug & Kathleen Ockinga
July 14
Jack & Shirley Jones
Glenn & Judy Falk
Dave & Patty Lenz
Tyler & Micki Fries
July 24
Kirk & Charline Robinson
Jason & Amber DeLancey
July 4
Kevin & Mindy Glasser
Chris & Jade Walkemeyer
July 5
Ron & Carleen Jurgensen
Lori Gartner & Kevin
Barber
Casey & Courtney Wegner
July 6
Bill & Barbara Jo Burns
Fili & Cathy Sanchez
Joe & Amy Solomon
Rob & Angela Sohl
July 7
Ricci & Rachel Fast
David & Michaela O’Neill
July 8
Ken & Deanna Nickerson
Kraig & Amanda Young
Kevin & Andrea Johnson
July 9
Aric & Megan Buerer
July 10
Keith & Barb Huryta
Eric & Brenda Allan
Jeff & Becky Noetzelman
July 11
Randy & Tanya Schleiger
Brandon & Jenna
July 15
Doug & Fawn Rader
David & Julie Gappa
Brenton & Laura Thomas
July 16
Vince & Patty Wright
Charles & Maria Austen
July 17
Richard & JoAnn Wilke
Jeff & Hallie Ganz
July 18
Kevin & Sherri Schroeder
Doug & Amanda Amend
Matt & Ann Long
July 19
Gary & Elizabeth Gillaspy
Bob & Eva Green
Jed & Jenny True
July 20
Rod & Sandra Sindt
July 21
Stan & Becky Zimbelman
Tanner & Chassity Cavenee
Logan & Kylee Rall
July 25
Tom & Sue Reiber
Brett & Shawna Bowman
Keith & Rita Lindvall
Todd & Carla Paben
Doug & Kiley Labs
July 26
Paul & Jill Heusinkvelt
Aaron & Krista Pfeiffer
July 27
Marcus & Megan Kuhl
Nathan & Tonya Osterloh
July 28
Jerry & Diane Applegate
Mitch & Michele Arnold
Michael & Shawna Strong
Phillip & Mackenzie Boon
July 30
Dean & Elaine Pape
Bruce & Marsha Stewart
Charles & Ashley Baron
Jay & Kenzie Mollring
Kole & Heather Kugler
July 31
Joe & Maria Janke
Patrick & Laura Haddix
Steve & Delaney Cerny
Judson & Kalee Burns
July 7 Irene Newman
Jo Hornaday
Lauren Lazaroff
Joel Jorgenson
Matthew Carter
July 1 Arlene Peterson
Lynn DeLaet
Beverly Muller
Barb Harshbarger
Nancy Gullion
Brittany Gillming
Quinn Paul
Carson McClellan
Macie Whitney
July 2 Linda Hird
Kathy Spiegel
Deanna Nickerson
Jerri Valentine
Blake Stewart
Amy Bowman
Chelsea Dobberstein
Cameron Schlender
Joseph Paysen
Tyler Fox
Emma Snyder
Korbin Solomon
Stella AuchMoedy
July 3 Lucy Schultz
Ben Bertrand
Colton Lenz
July 4 Nancy George
Deb Cavenee
Shawn Reiber
Mike Hansen
Michael Stafford
Dalton Okamoto
McKenna Brecht
Blakely Hutsell
July 5 Gay Warner
Emory Walford
Scott Johnson
Summer Wichael
Angela Peck
Shawna Bowman
Nichole Stabenow
Dalton High
July 6 Ruth Anderson
Marci Ochsner
Chad Andersen
Stephanie Ourada
Nathan Bahensky
Lauren Mimick
Hannah Woodward
Megan Rodehorst
Brinn Koperski
Daniel McCarty
Jaxson Cruise
Renée Sayles
Hannah Walkemeyer
July 8 Russ Jackson
Bill Blatchford
Dale Fritson
Christopher Murrish
Jessica Keizer
Blake Hinrichs
Madelyn George
Brooklyn Amend
Mason Sughroue
Caroline Ourada
July 9 Ken Daily
Bruce Lear
Scott Kralik
Rick Hansen
Megan Gewecke
Jordon Potthoff
Jacob Russell
Elijah Heusinkvelt
Tanner Johnson
Trevor & Jacob Vasquez
Colton Brinegar
Breckin Cruise
July 10 LaVonne Wise
Gaye McShea
Daniel Meyers
Doris Brown
Laurie Hendrickson
Suzanne Exstrom
Jessica Rich
Cora McCarty
Trenton Zubrod
Zachary Herrmann
Stephanie Hunter
July 11
Neil Hickman
Lean Brandt
Phyllis Kendle
LuAnn Brown
Jane Kwiatkowski
Kim Grimes
Amy Morris
Jessica Kollars
Kari Rogers
July 11continued
Tanner Cudaback
Erin Darnall
Calvin Kralik
Jake Kracl
Rose Crocker
July 12
Phil Hammar
Carol Becker
Randy Cruise
Jim Fiala
Christopher Bowman
Kate Solomon
Reed Burr
Corbyn Robinson
Emersyn Pratt
July 13
Polly Amstutz
Blair Rodgers
Colleen Nenstiel
Kody Root
Petra Krepel
July 14 Kevin Kershner
RoJeanna Thomas
Brant Hollister
Skylar Gott
Calli Staab
Erik Wegner
July 15 Kelly Dobberstein
Heather Swanson-Murray
Mitch Greenwall
Jill Heusinkvelt
James Kumke
Joshua Johnson
Sawyer Gillming
Adley Miller
July 16 Marcia Pierson
Margaret Klimek
Mary Kampfe
Keith Hubbert
Wendy Barnett
Andria Hollingshead
Stuart Lenz
Trey Clevenger
Chrissy Gibbs
Braydon Wall
July 22
July 17
Bob Peterson, Jr.
Barb Beechner
Bob Kearney
Lonnie Staab
Charles Austen
Terri Berry
Doug McCarty
Pastor Michael Evans
RJ Rhoads
Danielle Main
Brooke McIlnay
Raiden Biltoft
July 18
Richard Williams
Karen Gunther
Kelli Vohland
Kelsey Beckman
Adam Whitacre
Olivia Flood
Chase Gewecke
Scotlyn Reed
Donna Wilson
Dean Kring
Kevin Johnson
Jody Hutsell
Henry Kliewer
Belinda Rude
Jami Nelson
Craig Dailey
Kathy Grams
William Paschall
Kellie Paschall
Cheyenne Gunther
Mccyla Mickelson
Kinleigh Rood
Juhl Johannsen
Kasey Johnson
Don Hanneman
Keith Stafford
Jeré Sue Schroer
Lora Chandler
Jay Horn
Carson Springer
Cole Gappa
Madison Lush
July 29
Chris Moran
ReDonna Russell
Scott Bruha
Andrea Johnson
Roz Sheldon
Crystal Staley
Adrienne Applegate
Ashton Evers
Gabriella Martinez
Ava Marshall
July 30
Joyce Brennan
Gene Coakley
Gary Horner
Keri Morgan
Del Miller
Sarah Larsen
Chamonix White
Kaylee Bowman
Zachary Atchison
July 25
Jack Potts
Chris Grams
Kevin Abell
Lisa Wilkinson
Scott Bennett
Linda Blakely
Britany Hernandez
Madison Mazankowski
July 21
Jerri Mears
Bill Clifford
Nancy Rogers
Susan Nickerson
Theresa Yaw
Darren VanWinkle
Paula Reiter
Sydney Peak
Joshua Craig
Brenna Dostal
Grace Tacha
Kendyl Gilbreath
July 28
July 24
July 20
Deanna Gordon
Pam Hinrichs
Scott Hickman
Mike Haines
Broc Root
Lynn McCollough
Easton Bergstrom
Bailey Hyatt
Aaliyah Bouc
Dorothy Bond
Betty Lehmkuhl
Marilyn Jussel
Lynn Naber
Tracy Broeker
Cathy Fortin
Barb Wayman
Kerry Elsen
Mandy Hinrichs
Eric Elder
Logan Arnold
July 23
July 19
Wilma Webb
Rolland Lindgren
Jim Losey
Craig Link
Kelly Melson
Kim Swails
Amanda Bowman
Liam Nuxoll
July 27
Doyle Howitt
Gary Robb
Ron Kegley
Lew Shoff
Patty Wright
Nathan Talbert
Kylee Brandt
Cathy Sanchez
Jeff Gordon
Jessica White
Sam Weber
Neleigh Schake
Karson Peters
Jesse Buck
Kit Callahan
Crayson Emken
July 26
Gordon Muller
Dennis Van Dusen
Jodi Schliefert
Carrie Callan
Amy Olson
Josh Peisiger
Brian Claver
Adysen Rachow
Quinn Elsen
July 31
Irene Moore—101 
Vince Wright
Terry Peterson
JR Spencer
Matthew Losey
Justin Cruise
Lynn Stewart
Beth Whitney
Brayden Peisiger
Jack Murphy
Maya Cruise