March - First Church

March 2016
CONNECTIONS
The First Church Newsletter
518 North 19th Street
Birmingham AL 35203
www.firstchurchbhm.com
an OPEN place for ALL to WORSHIP, GROW, and SERVE
THE JOURNEY TO EASTER
Martin Luther once said, “If I were God, I’d kick the world to pieces.” Most of us have felt that way before, wanting
to knock down everything and start all over. I love Fredrick Buechner’s response to Luther’s words, “But Martin
Luther wasn’t God, God is God, and God has never kicked the world to pieces. He keeps reentering the world,
keeps offering himself to the world — by grace, keeps somehow blessing the world, making possible a kind of life
which we all, in our deepest being, hunger for.” The journey through Lent, Holy Week, and Easter offers many
reminders of this truth.
During Lent we journey to Easter, excited to experience resurrection, often forgetting that the pathway to Easter
is hard. We don’t like hard. The pathway to Easter is filled with the loss of friends juxtaposed with the celebration
of a parade. Easter requires experiencing loss, celebration, despair, hope, uncertainty, satisfaction and doubt. We
run the gauntlet of all these emotions in order for the joy of resurrection to be fully experienced. These, of course,
are not just Biblical stories; they are also things we experience with regularity in our own lives as we navigate a
complex stream of mixed events.
For example, we grieve over the retirement of Jim Cook while feeling incredibly grateful for all he means to the
church. We celebrate his time here with laughter and song, and are deeply sad to see him retire. We are also saddened by the loss of our organist Mark Hayes, but excited for his new adventure in ministry at St. Paul’s Cathedral. While we experience all these emotions in relation to Jim’s retirement and Mark’s new journey, in worship
this month we will celebrate services of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and then Easter. That is a
cacophony of emotions and experiences.
The highest of Holy Days, Easter, seems an apropos time for the grand finale of such an exalted and blessed
career. Words are overburdened when we try to express the inexpressible. So, this year when the Easter Service
closes it will be Handel’s music that speaks for us, celebrating not only resurrection, but also a life of beautiful
service to God. Halleluiah! Halleluiah!
Grace & Peace
At First Church we are blessed with many new people within our worshipping community who don’t
come from a Methodist background. Our new people have helped us long-timers recognize that words
like Advent and Lent are “church words” we throw around as if everyone knows what we are talking
about. So, for the sake of the new people and as a refresher for the long-timers, Lent is a season of forty
days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on the Saturday before Easter.
The forty days represent the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring temptation and preparing
to begin his ministry.
Lent is historically a time of self-examination and reflection where many people choose to practice fasting, self-denial, and repentance as a part of growing in faith and preparing for the road ahead. Followers
of Christ focus on their relationship with God, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and
give of themselves for others. Lent is a time to examine our life and to choose to live in a way consistent
with Christ’s example.
This Lent we will highlight “Ways to Live” in our Lenten Sermon Series through examining a primary
theme offered by the epistle lessons from the lectionary. (Lectionary is another one of those “church
words” which means traditionally ascribed scripture for the season.) Below you will see a wide variety
of ways you can live the Lenten experience at First Church:
March 6: Ways to Live: New
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
March 13: Ways to Live: Passion
Philippians 3:4b-14
March 20: Ways to Live: Humility
Philippians 2:5-11
March 27: Ways to Live: Focus
1 Corinthians 15:19-26
DAILY DEVOTION
AVAILABLE ONLINE:
Each day during Lent we will post a short reflection on our First Church Facebook page. If you do
not use Facebook or prefer to receive your daily reflection via email, please contact Katie Gilbert
at [email protected] or opt in under the Coming Up tab on our website.
Week 4 February 29
March 5
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
New
Week 5
March 7-12
Philippians 3:4b-14
Passion
Week 6
March 14-19
Philippians 2:5-11
Humility
Week 7
March 21Hebrews 9:11-15Paid
March 221 Corinthians 1:18-31Fool
March 22Hebrews 12:1-3Surrounded
March 23
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Remembrance
(Maundy Thursday)
March 24Hebrews 10:16-25Death
(Good Friday) March 251 Peter 4:1-8God’s
HOLY WEEK AT FIRST CHURCH
We hope you will mark your calendars now and make plans to join us during Holy Week 2016.
Palm Sunday
Maundy Thursday
March 20 - 8:30am Beginnings, 11:00am Sanctuary & Loft
March 24 - 6:00pm in the Large Dining Room
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
March 25 – 12:00pm in the Sanctuary
March 27 - 8:30am Beginnings, 11:00am Sanctuary & Loft
LENTEN
BROWN BAG BIBLE STUDY
You are invited to come on Thursdays in Lent to the Brown Bag Bible study at 12:00pm. The study will
meet in the Office Building on the second floor in the Conference Room. You are welcome to bring your
lunch with you. This study will follow the weekly scriptures from the Lenten “Ways to Live” sermon series,
as well as consider the daily thoughts and questions posed throughout the Lenten season on Facebook
and via select email. (If you are interested in receiving that email please contact Katie Gilbert at Katie@
firstchurchbhm.com) For more information about the Brown Bag Bible Study, please contact Stephanie
Arnold at [email protected].
LENTEN
PRACTICE OF GIVING
During Lent you are invited to incorporate a practice of “fasting” or “giving up” something that you may
have in order for someone else to have what they need. We will be collecting items that will help sustain
our neighbors through our partnerships with other ministries in our city.
Urban Ministry - Collecting supplies for Urban Kids Ministry
(Items to be considered for donation are: hand soap, Pine Sol or other floor cleaner, paper towels, 8 oz
plastic cups, bag of terry cleaning cloths, 5 oz paper cups, 3 oz paper cups, food service gloves, latex free
gloves, vinyl table cloths, Clorox wipes)
Church of the Reconciler - Collecting hygiene kits
(Items to be considered for donation are: tooth brushes, tooth paste, bars of soap, small bottles of
shampoo and conditioner, razors, shaving cream, men & women’s deodorant, mouth wash, wash rag, etc.)
Firehouse Shelter - Collecting non-perishable food items
(Items to be considered for donation are: large canned goods, boxed meals, napkins, paper plates, utensils,
8 oz. plastic cups, etc.)
During Lent you may drop these supplies off near the Welcome Center
in baskets labeled for the appropriate ministry and collection.
And we are taking orders for Easter Lilies and White Hydrangeas to don our altars on Easter Sunday!
The lilies are $12 each and hydrangeas are $20 each.
You can order from the church’s website, www.firstchurchbhm.com, or find an order form
at the Welcome Center Desk or in each of the worship spaces.
The deadline for ordering Easter flowers is Sunday, March 13, 2016.
Join us for the annual First Church Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 19, from
10:00am-12:00pm at a new location - Birmingham-Southern College! The Academic
Quad at BSC will allow us more outside space to play and more hiding places to have a
great egg hunt this year! Bring your Easter baskets, lawn chairs, and a blanket, and First
Church will provide the eggs, inflatables, treats, and more! You won’t want to miss this
fun filled event for children of all ages! For more information, contact Linda Underwood
Thorne at [email protected] or 205-254-3186.
On Sunday, March 13, at 5:00pm in St. John’s Chapel you are invited to join us for a prayer service for the
General Conference of the United Methodist Church that will meet in May of this year. Once a month
leading up to May, First Church will commit to praying for our delegates attending the meeting as well as
the larger decisions that will come before the Conference. We hope you will join us and invite others as
we seek to faithfully prepare for the work of the General Conference in 2016.
Upcoming prayer services for General Conference will be held on Sundays, March 13 and April 17 at
5:00pm. On Monday, May 9, the night before General Conference begins, there will be a prayer service
with dinner at 6:00pm followed by the service at 6:45pm.
DISCOVERY WEEKEND
PRAYER SERVICE
Saturday, March 5 at 6:00pm
All are invited to the Discovery Weekend churchwide prayer service in the Santuary on Saturday,
March 5 at 5:00pm. One of the best parts of every Discovery Weekend is when our church joins
in prayer to support the faith journey of our junior
high students. Everyone in attendance will join in
as we surround these students with love and support as every youth will be lifted up individually
and prayed for by the church. We hope you will
make a point to be present with us.
Dr. James H. Cook has faithfully and artistically served
First United Methodist Church for more than 40 years. His
leadership of the Chancel Choir and his contributions to
music and worship have been significant blessings to this
great church, and his influence will continue to be felt at
First Church for many years to come. There are not enough
words to fully express our appreciation for Jim Cook and
all he means this congregation.
Recognizing that there would be some challenges with
hosting a reception on Jim’s final day, Easter Sunday, there
will be a reception in Jim’s honor in the Large Dining Room
following the 11:00 Palm Sunday services. We hope you
will make plans to attend and let Jim know how much he
has meant to you and the church. If you would like to contribute to a “love offering” for Jim, you may do so online or
with a check to the church. Please be sure and designate
the gift for Jim Cook.
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It’s that time of year again! Sign-up your kindergarteners through 4th graders to
participate in a week filled with singing, dancing, and crafting—all to help learn
about God’s Kingdom. We will need lots of volunteers to help cook and serve
lunch, teach, and help the week run smoothly. Whether you have a camper or wish
to help, contact Linda Underwood Thorne at [email protected].
JUSTICE & MERCY
COMMUNITY CORNER
In 2016 the Justice and Mercy Team wants to help you better support our community by highlighting different ministries and events happening in and around First Church each month. We
will share the work of our ministry partners as well as more information about some of the
important projects within the church. We invite you each month to read and learn more about
all of the exciting opportunities to be in service alongside our community in the coming year!
Who are the Cliff-Hangers? The Cliff-Hangers can be anyone who wants to be! This is a
group primarily made up of retired folks from the First Church community who long to
have fun and build friendships together. They plan to offer opportunities once a month.
ALL persons regardless of age and church affiliation are invited to participate in Cliff –
Hanger outings and gatherings.
Lunch at Cypress Inn in Tuscaloosa
You are invited to join the Cliff-Hangers on Tuesday, March 15 as we meet at 10:15am at the
church to ride together to Cypress Inn in Tuscaloosa for lunch. Our lunch reservation will be
at 11:30am. Please contact Wynnett Lee to make reservations for lunch or transportation
at [email protected] or (205) 520-9799.
On Easter Sunday, March 27, let the 2016 Panama Mission Team prepare a pancake breakfast
for you with a ticket price of at least $5 per person. Breakfast will begin at 8:30am in the Large
Dining Room. Come to church early for a good breakfast and fellowship, all for a great cause!
GIFTS RECEIVED BY THE CHURCH
To the Memorial Fund
To the Living Church Fund
In Memory of Yvonne Wright
In Honor of Harper Lacey
from Sara Baker
from Peggy West
from Nancy and John Holt
from Geneva Blackburn
from Circle 25
In Memory of Fred Duran
from Nancy and John Holt
from Gwen and Mark Deierhoi
from Shirley and Larry LeCroy
from Birmingham DX Club
from Kathy and Ken Clements
To the Music Fund
In Memory of Dorothy Perry
from Virginia McLean
In Memory of Dorothy Perry
from Sara Baker
from Peggy West
from Linda and Bob Glover
from Nancy and John Holt
from Geneva Blackburn
from Julius Linn
In Memory of Jack A. Adkins
from Carol K. Lightfoot
from Kerry L. Kirkland
To the Radio Fund
In Memory of Dorothy Perry
from Bethany Bible Study Class
In Memory of Fred Duran
from Ecclesia Wingard Class
MARCH CALENDAR
March 2
March 6
March 19
March 3
March 13
March 20
March 14
March 22
7:30am - Reconciler Breakfast
6:00pm - Supper Club
March 4
8:30am - Discovery Weekend
12:00pm - Children’s Council
5:00pm - General Conference Prayer
6:00pm - Executive Council
Finance Commitee
5:30pm - Discovery Weekend
11:30am - Garden Club
8:30am - Discovery Weekend
10:00am - City Kids Mini Discovery
5:00pm - Discovery Prayer Service
March 17
12:00pm - Jim Cook Reception
5:30pm - Trustees Meeting
March 24
March 16
March 5
10:00am - Easter Egg Hunt
6:00pm - Maundy Thursday Service
March 25
7:00pm - Vincent Bernhardt Circle
12:00pm - Good Friday Service
WEEKLY CALENDAR
TUESDAYS:
6:00pm - Converge Midweek
WEDNESDAYS:
4:00pm - Prayer Shawl Knitters
6:30pm - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
THURSDAYS:
6:45am - Muffin Men
12:00pm - Brown Bag Bible Study
FRIDAYS:
~ Church Office Closed ~
6:45am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast
SUNDAYS:
8:30am - Traditional Worship
9:45am - Sunday School
11:00am - The Loft & Traditional Services
12:00pm - Tutoring Ministry
FIRST CHURCH BIRMINGHAM STAFF
Senior Pastor: Keith Thompson .......................................................................................... [email protected]
Pastor: Stephanie Arnold ..................................................................................................... [email protected]
Director of Invitation & Outreach: Katie Gilbert ............................................................ [email protected]
Director of Youth & Young Adults: Jonathan Goss ....................................................... [email protected]
Director of Children & Church
Events: Linda Underwood Thorne .............................. [email protected]
Choir Director: Jim Cook ...................................................................................................... [email protected]
Loft Worship & Design: Blake Hobbs ................................................................................ [email protected]
Church Receptionist: Peg Thompson ................................................................................ [email protected]
Administrative Assistant: Kathy Clements ....................................................................... [email protected]
Financial Assistant: Peggy West ......................................................................................... [email protected]
Maintenance Supervisor: Ron Dates .................................................................................. [email protected]
Nursery Director: Ginger Gambill ....................................................................................... [email protected]
Wedding Director: Nonna Tindal ........................................................................................ [email protected]
Executive Director of Early Learning Center: Robin Pate .............................................. [email protected]
518 North 19th Street • Birmingham AL 35203
205-254-3186 • www.firstchurchbhm.com