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Weekly Newsletter

First United Methodist Church of Madison

This Sunday, August 25, 2024

Backpack Blessing

9:30am Worship

"Strength for the Journey Ahead"

Ephesians 6:10-20


This Sunday, as we reflect on Ephesians 6:10-20 and the sermon "Strength for the Journey Ahead," our special music provided by Sachie and Ryan, The Journey Is Our Home and On Eagle’s Wings, will guide us in worship. These songs remind us that God walks with us, providing strength and protection. Together, we embrace the journey, trusting in God’s love and care as we move forward in faith.


Hymns

“Come Away with Me” #2202

“Sent Out in Jesus’ Name” #2184

Watch Online

10:30am Coffee Fellowship in Fellowship Hall


11:15am Emergent Theology on Zoom


Upcoming Sundays

September 1: Rev. Cathy Weigand

September 8: Rev. Ran Yoo

Kickoff Sunday, September 15: Rev. Cathy Weigand

September 22: Rev. Cathy Weigand

Help Make Rice Meals at Sugar River UMC

Saturday, September 7

Join other churches who will be making Rice Meals for Midwest Mission Distribution Center. These meals are sent all over the world to provide a nutritious solution in times of great need. You can help with assembling these meals in an assembly line (There are some roles available for users of wheelchairs or who need to be seated, most jobs are standing).

The goal is to make 3,000 bags in one day, for a total of 18,000 meals.

If you have other questions, you can contact us at sradmin@sugarriverumc.org or 608-845-5855.

Sign Up to Help Make Rice Meals
Donate Money for Rice Meals

Stewardship Update

by Scott Divine

Greetings congregation! 


As we enter the back half of 2024, your Stewardship committee wanted to take a moment to both provide an update on where we stand and a thank you for your continued commitment to God’s work in our faith community. 


Here is a general outline of where our stewardship efforts through June 30, 2024:


Actual giving is running somewhat behind our 2024 pledges $356,479 vs. $381,915. However, giving us is up substantially (25%!) vs last year’s YTD total of $285,603! 


Non-pledged general giving is down slightly vs. last year $71,420 in 2024 vs, $89,597 in 2023. Loose plate giving is roughly flat vs last year $2,353 in 2024 vs 2600 in 2023.


Overall expenses for the church are coming in right on budget so far this year. This means that overall, our church is in a substantially healthier financial position this year vs last year, and that is because of the loving generosity of each of you in our congregation. 


Contribution statements will be sent to our members in the upcoming weeks. Please prayerfully consider continuing to fulfill pledge, and your giving in the traditionally slower summer months. Your ongoing generosity in the summer months ensures that expenses don’t exceed revenue during these busy summer months when giving is not on many people’s minds.


Thank you all very much for supporting your congregation, God’s mission, and the work of Jesus Christ - Downtown for Good!

Upcoming Senior Events

SEPTEMBER EVENT

Pontoon Boat ride-off site Tenney Park Boat Launch

September 19, 10-11:30am, lunch will follow  Cost $16.00 for both boat ride and lunch

Meet at Tenney Boat Launch 1501 Sherman Ave. remember there is very little parking at the boat launch site. Leave time for drop off and parking in lot across Yahara River. You will also need to sign the Liability Waiver prior to boarding the boat. 


OCTOBER EVENT  

Halloween Costume Party and Lunch 

October 31-11:30am-1:00pm 

Menu: Lasagna, salad, bread and Pumpkin Pie

Cost $15.00


DECEMBER EVENT

Cookie Decorating with Sugar Llamas

Sunday, December 15,11:00am-1:00pm

Cost $38.00 for 12 beautifully decorated Christmas cookies (these are gift worthy)

Zimbabwe Church Fundraising

Rev. Dr. Sam Dzobo shared extraordinary stories about his experiences in the United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe and a current effort to build a new United Methodist church in his home village. In order to complete this project, about $10,000-$15,000 is still needed.  


If you would like to contribute by check, please include “Zimbabwe church” on the memo line of your check. Alternatively, you can donate online.

Donate to Zimbabwe Church

We're Hiring: Part-time Finance Administrator

If you have a degree in finance/accounting or experience in the field you might be a good fit.


The Finance Administrator will be responsible for accounts payable, contributions, finance reports, payroll, billing, and communication with staff, committees, and church members.


Up to 20 hours/week.

$25-$30 hourly based on education and experience.

View the Full Job Description

Please Consider Leading Our Young Christians

School is about to start again! Do you have a little time to spare on Sunday mornings to work with our wonderful children? Lessons and supplies are provided, and a rotation schedule will work! Please contact Laurie at lpeterson@fumc.org.

Sunday Flower and Coffee Sponsorships

This Sunday's flowers are sponsored by Esther Andreas,

"In memory of my parents."

Be a Sponsor

Prayers of Healing, Sympathy & Well Wishes

  • For Carola Winkle and her family. Bill passed away on August 16 at his home surrounded by his wife and two daughters. His service of Resurrection will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2024. Visitation at 10 and service at 11 in our sanctuary.  
  • For John Stolzenburg whose sister Lynn Dorn, passed away from pancreatic cancer. Lynn lived in Cincinnati, Ohio . 
  • For Tim Tyron and his wife, Kim, and children. Tim is hospitalized with a burst colon. He is Bobbie Foutch Reynold’s nieces husband.  
  • For all students and educators as they prepare to enter a new school year.  
  • For Millie Spencer, grandmother of Russell Kenahan seeking a knee replacement however, has heart condition 
  • Thanksgiving for answered prayers of healing and less pain from Jim Reynolds 
  • For Angela Boynton on a mission trip to Nigeria 
  • For Kristin Davis and Beth Harms, teachers who are both fighting cancer. 
  • For Will Rogeberg who is struggling with the needs of his aging parents.  
  • For Carol N., Lonnie G., Yvone, Carol P., Bob , Shirley Davie and Patti all struggling with cancer. 
  • For Lynette Rosen, Jane Wendricks daughter who is undergoing chemotherapy after surgery.   
  • For Pastor Cathy’s mom, Carol ,who suffered a stroke early in June. She continues to recover. Also lift up her 90 year old father, Don. Don was recently in ER and is now awaiting test but is home.     

Prayers for those battling cancer and long-term aging and illness issues

  • For Enid Riggle who continues to struggle with aging issues.  
  • For Jan Canty who is now in her own apartment at Oak Park Place.  
  • For Phyllis Anderson dealing with aging issues  
  • For John Stolzenberg who was diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma. John has begun treatment .  We pray for a cure for his cancer.  


Prayers for Dane County, our county and the World

  • For the more than 650,000 people who were homeless in the US in 2023, a record high. 
  • For the USA as we navigate the ins and outs of an election year.   
  • We pray for the rising tension in the Middle East as it appears that the fighting between Israel and Gaza is expanding into a broader regional war that would include the US, UK, Lebanon, Jordan, Iran, Syria and Yemen.  
  • For the political unrest and chaos around the world. 
  • For peace between Russia and Ukraine as the Russian invasion has now going on three years. We give thanks for the resilience of the Ukrainian people.   
  • For those suffering from extreme heat across the US and in other parts of our world. 
  • For those victimized by the lack of sensible gun laws in our country.  

Hope's Home Ministries Community Breakfast: Wednesday, 9 to 9:45am

Hot Breakfasts are served every Wednesday morning.

Sign up here to help with Wednesday breakfasts. We are always accepting more help. We are in need of volunteers who can donate baked goods to our guests!


We had 103 guests and served 172 meals for breakfast and 149 sandwiches for sack lunch. We had 17 volunteers and 14 community partners.



If you would like to drop off some treats, please contact the Welcome Center.


Items Needed!

  • Dental floss or picks
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes
  • Uncrustables
  • Travel size toiletries
  • Small packs of tissues
  • Tampons
Sign Up to Help with Breakfast

Volunteer Opportunities

Our ministry could not flourish without our many dedicated volunteers. We are so thankful for their work!


We are always accepting volunteers! Sign up for a recurring position, or get started as a new Volunteer with First Church by filling out the Volunteer Interest Form. You may contact Welcome Center, or Visit Our Volunteer Page here to get involved.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

203 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, WI 53703

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