The Weekly Courier

August 8, 2024

"We seek to connect people to God, each other, and the wider community and to welcome and affirm all people"

Prepare Your Heart...

Before you hear Angi lead our Song Team in singing "One Tin Soldier," by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter, learn the lyrics to this bouncy protest song!

Click on the picture --> 

This Week's Calls to Action!

• Order your FUMCO shirt online or in the church office on Sunday morning
• Sign up to volunteer in our brand new Vacation Bible Camp!
• RSVP for Anti-Racist Film Club this weekend
• Consider donating to InterFaith Works after a small fire at their Lacey shelter

For more information about all of these events and opportunities, read on below...

We Need VBC Volunteers!

First Olympia UMC is bringing back the tradition of Vacation Bible Camp for our kids this year!

During the third week of August (8/19 - 8/23), we'll be hosting a a 5 day camp for children ages 0 - entering 6th grade. Children will hear stories about what it means to create space for everyone, how to love all people, enjoy space themed snacks, and fun create art projects!

But, we need YOUR HELP to make this exciting event happen! If you're interested in being a VBC volunteer please let us know by filling out this quick form: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0A4DAFA92AABF5C61-50493162-create.

If you have any questions about this brand new VBC—or want to sign up any kiddos of your own, please reach out to Brittney (brittney@fumcoly.org). We hope to see you at camp!

Anti-Racist Film Club

Hello folks, happy August! Our film selection for the Anti-Racist Film Club this month is 42 (2013).

42 is the inspirational true story of Jackie Robinson—the first African American to ever play on a Major League baseball team. Facing harsh discrimination from fellow players, press, and the public for breaking the baseball "color barrier" Robinson proves himself as an American icon and one of the best athletes to ever play the game. 

This is a pg-13 film with heavy use of racial slurs and other minor profanity. Click this link to watch a full trailer.

We'll be showing the movie at First Olympia UMC in Room #222 this Sunday, 8/11 @12:30pm. There will be a light lunch provided before/during the screening. Our discussion will be held the next day on Monday, 8/12 @7pm over Zoom.

If you're interested in either of these events, please RSVP here: https://fumcoly.breezechms.com/form/ARFC42.

Can't wait until that long? Check out the newest ARFC podcast!

This month, Lauren sat down with Pastor Kelly to discuss 42, segregation, the color of greed, racial slurs, hate mail, and the exceptional life of Jackie Robinson.

Listen and subscribe right here: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/mO4RTsHlILb.

Order Your Own FUMCO T-shirt Today!

First United Methodist Church of Olympia is proud to be a reconciling ministry working to make the global church fully inclusive of our LGBTQ+ family, friends, and neighbors.

Because of this, we're selling t-shirts in rainbow colors.* Gathered together, we hope to show that we are a safe and inclusive community for everyone. T-shirts are $15 and available in sizes from Youth XS to Adult 5XL. They have our church logo on the front and the phrase "In God's Love, we welcome & affirm ALL people" printed on the back.

To order your own shirt, just fill out the form with the link below or stop by the front office on a Sunday morning: https://fumcoly.breezechms.com/form/FUMCOShirts2024.

*Note: To keep costs down, we are only selling a limited amount of colors in this round of orders.

July-August Upper Rooms

July-August issues of the Upper Room are ready for pick-up for $1.00!

You may get yours on a Sunday morning, before or after worship. Or swing by the church Monday-Thursday, 10am-2pm.

Want a Health Check?

The Health Team will do blood pressure checks every first Sunday after worship.

Stop by each month for this important wellness check!

Madison Fundraiser Update

Thank you Church! We met our fundraising goal for Madison School supplies!

We are able to provide school supplies for two classrooms this academic year which means that families will be able to use their personal funds for other important back-to-school items like shoes, clothing, and lunch items! 

Thank you for sharing the love with Madison families again this school year!

Camp FUMCO Songbook

Camp songs are eternal. We may not sing the same ones every year, but the tradition of gathering around the fire and singing together is a unique flavor of worship that will outlast any individual melody.

Over the last few weeks, we've compiled a collection of songs suggested from our own congregation members to represent the music of our community.

To listen to the full Camp FUMCO “Songbook” click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzxnpflnDiOi5mQkgQZQW3C2PAqEx2XbJ.

Interfaith Works Needs Our Help

Immediate donations are needed after the Unity Commons fire.

Early Monday morning there was a small, accidental fire in a long term supportive housing apartment at the Unity Commons on Martin Way. The resident was not present when the fire started and everyone else got out of the building safely. However, the sprinkler system flooded the Interfaith Works first floor shelter and there has been water damage to people’s belongings. Here is what’s needed now:



• Twin Sized Sheets
• Light to Medium Washable Blankets
• Adult Clothing of all Types and Sizes
• Snacks and Sodas for Morale Support

Please drop off donations at Sergio’s (350 Mary Elder Road). If you have any more questions, please call (360)357-7224.

Summer Breakfast Club: Call For Volunteers

FUMCO has been hosting a Summer Breakfast Club for families in our community! During the summer months families might not have access to resources that are provided during the school year, so we’ve been offering breakfast to these families in the Great Hall on Sunday mornings from 8:30-9:30am, June 23-August 25.

Kim Fuchs and Peggy Rule are the co-facilitators of this ministry, and they hope you might help with set-up, serving, meal prep, and clean-up. Please visit the Sign-Up page for more details about how you can be part of an Anchor Team or a Crew Team this summer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F4FABA628A4F49-49824167-summer#/

Crest to Coast Newsletter

Want more news from around our district? Check out the Crest2Coast newsletter for more exciting events and opportunities in the coming months. Click here to check it out!

Life of the Church

This week, our youth have been working hard on their SLAM (Students Learning About Mission) trip to the Yakima Nation. They've been learning about the history of harmful relationship between Christianity and our native neighbors—doing their best to grow their relationship-building skills by listening and helping compassionately where they can.

And, check out these donations from our awesome United Women in Faith. We are thankful for the hard-working and generous individuals in our congregation who ensure that our UWIF makes a real difference in our wider community.

You can find more photos from these events (and many more) on our Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/FUMCOLY.

We Remember...

Ron Pierce who passed away on 7/28/24.

The memorial service for Sharon Morrow will be held on Sunday, August 18 at 2:00pm. A reception will follow in the Gathering Place.

Our Welcoming Statement

First United Methodist Church of Olympia welcomes people of all ages, all abilities,

all sexual orientations and gender identities, all nationalities and ethnicities,

the poor and the rich, single people and the many forms of family.

See our Church Calendar.

Visit our webpage!

Watch our latest worship service

Read the latest Joys & Concerns

Like us on Facebook!

Follow us on Instagram!

Contact us ...

by phone: 360-943-2661 by email: fumco@fumcoly.org

OFFICE HOURS: Sunday 9am-noon | Monday-Thursday 10am-2pm

The Weekly Courier editor: Lauren Fontanilla