Last Sunday, we rejoiced in the baptisms of Lincoln, Leighton and Leah Tatman. Now we’re looking forward to the baptism of Josie Murdock on June 10, 2012. This baptism will take place at the 10:50 service. Hope to see you there.
Question and Answer Sunday
It’s been a while since we had a question and answer Sunday, where the time for the sermon is dedicated to receiving and answering questions from the congregation. My concern with one of these is always that there won’t be enough questions. We’ll prioritize questions asked by those present in worship on Question and Answer Sunday, but I like to have backup questions just in case (any questions we don’t get to that Sunday can be answered here). You can use the form below to ask your question. Please limit your questions to matters concerning God, the Bible, Christian tradition, the church universal, the United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church, the human condition or other relevant topics. (I’m not qualified to answer questions about the laws of thermodynamics.)
Voice of the Day: Brueggemann
I’ve been reading The Collected Sermons of Walter Brueggemann as part of my devotional life. I wanted to share the following with you, it’s probably the first of many.
The Bible regularly confesses more than it understands. It claims more than can ever be explained. Its exuberant, unrestrained overstatement is an embarrassment to us. The Bible dares to assert that a miracle from God stands central to our faith and at the bottom of life.
— Walter Brueggemann, The Collected Sermons of Walter Brueggemann
Family Fun Event — Corrected
A Family Fun event has been scheduled for this Sunday, July June 3, 2012 at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall at the church. Children on their own are welcome, but their parents are also invited as we’re combining a meal (pizza) and a movie. We’ll be screening two classics: Dave and the Giant Pickle and Josh and the Big Wall.
We’ll have coloring sheets for those who arrive early or want to stay late. This is a free event (although donations for the pizza will be accepted), everyone is invited, and you’re encouraged to bring friends. Feel free to bring sleeping bags, camp chairs, and whatever else you need to get comfortable.
Funeral Service for Mary Ingram
A Service of Death and Resurrection for Mary Ingram will be held Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 11:00 am in the sanctuary. The visitation, also in the sanctuary, will be the evening before from 6 to 8 pm.
Voice of the Day: Neither Gospel is Complete
So which Jesus are we to believe in and follow: the social reformer of liberal Christianity or the personal savior of conservative Christianity? Or, more to the point, is either of these portrayals of Jesus adequate apart from the other? Jesus preached one gospel that has, unfortunately, been split by the church into two: the social gospel and the personal evangelical gospel. Neither gospel is complete apart from the other.
— Adam Hamilton, Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White
“Neither gospel is complete apart from the other,” this has been my thinking for a long time. I alway appreciate the way Adam Hamilton takes what I’ve been thinking and puts it in well-phrased print form.
2012 Graduates — Updated
First United Methodist Church recognizes and congratulates the following graduates:
Amanda Kristine Allen, Independence High School, plans to continue her education in English and Education at Pittsburg State University.
Randi Bernhart, Master of Science in Special Education, Pittsburg State University.
Austin Carnes, Kansas University, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Briana DeNello, Abilene Christian University, Interior Design.
Nicole Ferguson, MidAmerica Nazarene University, Bachelor of Arts in Music.
Shelbie Foister, Labette County High School.
James Helkenberg, Field Kindley High School, plans to continue his education in Information Technology at Coffeyville Community College. in Information Technology.
Kelsey Horton, Kansas University School of Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Rachel Elizabeth McMurray, Master of Arts in English Literature, Kansas University.
Anna Pool, Roosevelt Junior High, plans to continue her education at Field Kindley High School
Kenedi Redden, Holy Name Preschool, plans to continue her education at Community Elementary.
Kristi Ruge, Newman University, Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies.
Kristina Thompson, Coffeyville Community College, plans to continue her education at Kansas University.
Brian Jeffrey Walker, Field Kindley High School, plans to continue his education in Pre-Pharmacy at Pittsburg State University.
Travis Kinsworthy Walker, Master of Divinity, Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado.
Taylor A. Wright, Coffeyville Community College, plans to continue his education at Wichita State University.
Office Closed Until Tuesday
The church office will be closed until Tuesday, May 2012. Our apologies for any inconvenience.
Sermon — May 13, 2012
I’m two weeks behind in posting this, but my sermon, “Into Faith’s Daring” from May 13, 2012 is now online at coffeyvillefirstumc.org/podcasts.
VBS Registration Open
Registration for Vacation Bible School 2012 is now open on the church’s main website. VBS will be from Monday, July 9 to Friday July 13, 2012 from 9 am to Noon. All children who will be in Kindergarten through sixth grade this fall are welcome.
Ten Reasons for Going to Church
Great Post! Reason number six: “Any church worth its salt has really good food on a regular basis.”
Choir Goes Out on a High Note
Today was the choir’s last day to sing before beginning their summer break. They went out on a high note with a great arrangement of “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing.” Enjoy your break choir, you’ve earned it.