S TAY C O N N E C T E D AT F I R S T C H U R C H . C H U R C H PA G E 1

IN THIS ISSUE:

Easter Photo Contest PAGE

First Friday Coffee Truck PAGE

Lenten Study Begins PAGE 4 4 2

The Weekday School and First Church will partner to host our annual SPRING FLING on Friday, March 8, 5 - 7 p.m.

There will be FOOD TRUCKS!

Shanny’s Frozen Bananas, Two Fat Guys grilled cheese truck, and JP’s Dog House

just to name a few!

We’ll also have a TRACKLESS TRAIN, a PETTING ZOO, and many other activities!

Don’t miss our AWESOME GIFT BASKET raffle!Local restaurant gift cards, family fun, game night, and unicorns

are some of the prizes up for grabs!

This is a FREE and FAMILY FRIENDLY event!

Bake Sale for Women’s Retreat PAGE 3

V O L U M E 3 3 , N U M B E R 3 • M A R C H 2 0 1 9

F I R S T U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H O F P H O E N I X

A Note from Pastor DennyDear Friends,

The congregation and I have been having some fun around the fact that I seldom have a sermon title in the bulletin. I’ve explained that I begin with the assigned scripture early in the week but I don’t know where the sermon is going to end up until later in the week, usually after the Wednesday bul-letin deadline. I believe that the Holy Spirit is working with me as I read, re-search, and pray over my sermonizing effort but it doesn’t usually come to fruition until later. Sometimes I’m not sure I can give my sermon a title until I’ve actually preached it. So, for Lent I’m giving up this sermon title expec-tation that has gently aggravated me for years. I’m giving up this self-im-posed criticism that I’m just not quite right as a pastor because I don’t meet this expectation. Maybe some of you can identify with unreasonable expec-tations that you place on yourself. Some of them are just bothersome while others are really detrimental to a healthier understanding of self and even

interfere with important relationships. Lent would be a good time to identify them and let them go.

Back to the sermon title. I have decided that for fun (dare I say that during Lent?) I’m asking you to title my sermons toward the end of worship each Sunday. Everyone hears a sermon differently be-cause different things are happening in our lives at different times and in different ways. Our spiritual needs on a particular Sunday are different than the person in the pew next to us and we are trusting that God’s Holy Spirit will give each of us what we might uniquely need that Sunday morning.

In the Moment of Reflection after the sermon I’m asking you to consider what title you might give that sermon - unless, of course, the Spirit takes you elsewhere during the reflection time. Your title could be catchy/creative/serious/subtle. There isn’t a right sermon title. I can hardly wait to see what you come up with and I will choose one of your suggestions as the title under which I will file away that particular sermon. If I choose your title, assuming you’ve identified yourself, we’ll have a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy getting better acquainted.

In Christ, Denny

PA G E 2

Called Together by Grace; One Body Bishop Hoshibata invites all clergy and laity to attend a gathering on Saturday, March 2 (post General Conference) to worship, renew our covenant, and discuss the implications of the actions taken by the Special Session of the General Con-ference. The event will take place simultaneously at four locations connected via video technology. The two sites in the Phoenix area are Shepherd of the Hills UMC, 13658 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West and St. Matthew UMC, 2540 Base-line Rd., Mesa. The time is 10 a.m. - noon with a time for fellowship at 9:30 a.m. Some of us attended Holy Huddles in preparation for the Special Session, attend-

ed our prayer service for the Special Session, and now we need to learn what the Special Session has done and what it means for our commitment to go forward united in Christ’s ministry. No reservations are necessary unless you need childcare.

Lenten Study Begins Monday, March 11 Pastor Silk will lead our Lenten Study using a book entitled “The God We Know: Exploring the ‘I Am’ Sayings of Jesus.” The class will meet on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m., March 11 through April 8 (5 sessions) in the Epworth Room. Please call the church office to register.

A Safe Place to Dispose of Your Unwanted Medications On Sunday, April 7, First Church will once again offer a safe place to get rid of those unwanted prescrip-tions. We all know to never flush pills down the drain, or throw them away in the trash. Instead, bring them with you on that one and only Sunday. But first, there are some instructions you must follow. Please do not bring your medications to church prior to April 7. Zip bags will be available in the narthex a few weeks prior to the event. We do not need any labels. Please count out the pills and place only 100 pills in each baggie. No more than one hundred. Please remove your pills from the foil packs. Liquid meds will also be accepted and you may bring that in its original bottle. But sadly, we cannot receive inhalers and patches. Look for the tables in room 114 near the patio all morning from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Just so you know, we will use the chemical treatment from Deterra which is an approved system to destroy medications. Please bring your empty pill bottles to us for recycling. You will want to remove the labels first.

Ash Wednesday Soup Supper and Worship If you have not already purchased your ticket(s) to the annual Soup Supper, we hope you do so by Sunday, March 3. Tickets are for sale in the office or Sundays on the patio. Then on Wednesday, March 6, join others in Asbury Hall for a buffet that will be served 5 - 6 p.m. Enjoy homemade soups, freshly baked cornbread, jello with fruit, salads and yummy desserts. All money benefits the 2019 UMCOR Mission Team. Costs are $8 for adults, $4 for children 4-10 years and free for the little ones. At 6:15 p.m., the special Ash Wednesday worship service will begin in the sanctuary.

S TAY C O N N E C T E D AT F I R S T C H U R C H . C H U R C H PA G E 3

March Communion Rail Offering, Sunday, March 3 - UMCOR The United Methodist Committee on Relief has had too many opportunities to address disasters during this past year. However, we are always there because our people know that we are committed to helping those in desperate circumstances and we have a reputation for knowing how. Please be generous when you come forward for communion and if you aren’t able to attend on March 3rd, we hope you will send a gift to the church.

Make sure it’s marked “UMCOR.” This offering is formerly known as “One Great Hour of Sharing.”

We’ll All Be Screaming! For ice cream, that is. All adults are invited to join the Second Wednesday Adult Group on Wednesday, March 13 when we travel to the Sugar Bowl for lunch, dessert and a bit of browsing through some nearby shops. You must arrive no later than 11 a.m. at the First Church parking lot to carpool or you may meet us at 11:30 a.m. at the restaurant located at 4005 North Scottsdale Road, on the southwest corner of 1st Avenue. Please bring adequate money for your lunch and purchases. We will have separate checks. We anticipate returning to the church shortly after 1 p.m. To make an

accurate restaurant reservation, we must receive your RSVP no later than noon on Monday, March 11. Let us know if you want a ride in the van or if you will meet us there. Call the church office at 602.263.5013.

You Bet There Will Be a Bake Sale Every year, the wonderful bakers at First Church help support the annual Women’s Retreat scholarship fund. This year’s Bake Sale will take place outside along the sanctuary corridor on Sunday morning, March 31. Look for the loaded tables of sweet and savory treats which only happen when you all contribute. Everyone is invited to turn on their oven!

PA G E 6

UMW Just One Monthly Collection

Each month the United Methodist Women collect basic items to help families in need. It’s called “Just One.” If each of us would bring just one item, think how much that would be! This month they will be collecting shaving cream and disposable razors. Items may be dropped off at the UMW table on the patio or in the church office on Sunday mornings.

IN MEMORY OFZelma ElkinsJanuary 23

Lois BettisJanuary 29 Shonette ShearerFebruary 16

SENIOR BIRTHDAYSCelebrating 90 years or more

Howard GriffinMarch 6

MaeBelle Famuliner March 31

We Pray for Everyone on Our Prayer List Barbara Larson, Charlotte Henninger, Muriel Hume-Pieper, Vickie Johnson, Becky Johnson, Betty Mitchem, Cora Morse, Mila Murlless, Jack Nygren, Jean Oliver, Gilbert Peterson, Sherry Klein and fami-ly, Sherrie, Allison B., Deanna, Jeff, Laurie, Jim Hyde, Cherie, sister of Lynn’s wife (Sandy), Eddie Andrade, Rodale Cooley, Emile Bruneau, former Monday Cooking Team Members, Dolly Shuler, Jason Smidt, Russ Clark, our Earth, our Nation and Government, World Wide United Methodist Church, our First Responders, our United States Military, James and Nathaniel Shroyer, Osias and Desiree Segura-April

PA G E 4

Friendship Club Dinner Theater Outing Barleens Dinner Theatre is in Apache Junction. We will be leaving in the church vans at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 6. The theatre doors open at 11:30 a.m., dinner will be served at 12:30 p.m. followed by the show at 1:30 p.m. We have 30 tickets available for the Super Show - “Season’s Best 2018 - 2019.” When the vans are full, we will need to drive a few private cars. Please let us know if you are available to drive. This show features the highlights of the season as selected by their audiences. The Friendship Club has enjoyed the shows several times in the past several years. Brenda and Barbara Barleen have been per-forming together since 1979. They are both excellent musicians as seen and heard in their performance and management of the show. They are accompanied by 11 top notch talented performers who will be playing many different instruments. As a special treat you can begin your meal with the “decadent Bar-leens Chocolate Cake” - YES, have your dessert first! We will enjoy a dinner “like Grandma used to make.” The Traditional Plate is an entree of succulent slow-roasted beef, creamy Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, classic pan gravy, steamed Parisian carrots, a green salad, and a dinner roll. This year your meal can be upgraded to a double or triple entree of savory chicken breast tenders and/or signature pork ribs for FREE. Please let your server know your meal preferences when you arrive. Please contact Carolyn Cooper at 602.943.3082 for tickets. Tickets are $37 which will cover the show and the dinner. We have reserved 30 tickets. Make your plans soon before all tickets are gone. The deadline for tickets is Wednesday, March 20.

First Friday Coffee Truck March 1 Stop by First Church Friday, March 1 between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. for your morning coffee, tea, smoothie and pastries. We will have Drip Coffee & Espresso Truck in our west parking lot.

Easter Photo Contest We will supply the back-ground and props, you provide the awesome family pictures. Tag First Church on Facebook and Instagram (or hand the phone to the kids to do it) for a chance to win a Starbucks gift card.

COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAMS

UMW shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God, and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand the concepts of mission through participation in global ministries of the church.

OUR PURPOSE United Methodist Women News

This is a prayer from the Prayer Calendar that UMW uses. “Ever loving God, we thank you for the numer-ous women who serve you through United Methodist Women. Bless us with energy and commitment to encourage and enable women in the churches and the community to be the best they can be. May we be the instrument of God’s love to them.” Submitted by Sema E. Samuel, UMW Regional Missionary, The Caribbean and the Americas.

www.FrysCommunityRewards.com Con-nect your VIP card to Phoenix First United Methodist Women, use NPO #MN317. The UMW receives 4% of total spent using your VIP card.

United Methodist Women are planning for the winter and spring seasons. Our meetings are focused on topics of interest about women, children, and youth.

Our March Meetings: The Eve circle will meet on Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m. in Wesley Lounge on the church campus. Pastor Denny Silk will be our speaker. The newly-formed Rachel Circle will also meet on Thursday, March 14 at 1:30 p.m. in the Centennial Room. The speaker will talk about the Duet organization.

Choral Music FansWe have three opportunities to hear some amazing choirs in March!Sunday, March 17, 3 p.m. The Arizona State University Choral Union, Chamber Singers and orchestra will present a program featuring Haydn’s “Lord Nelson” Mass. Advance tickets are available for $10 through the Her-berger Box Office at www.herbergertheater.org or by calling 602.252.8497. Tickets will also be available at the door for $15. Free student tickets with a valid student ID.Sunday, March 31, 9 and 11 a.m. Grand Canyon University’s select ensemble, “Critical Mass” will bring songs of beauty and praise to both worship services. Sunday, March 31, 3 p.m. Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix will give a free concert to benefit SOUNDS Music Academy, a non-profit organization that provides musical experiences and opportunities for underserved youth. Donations will be collected.

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YOU Are Invited to Join the First Church Concert Choir! On Sunday, May 19, the First Church Concert Choir will present Charles Gounod’s sacred masterpiece, St. Cecilia Mass. This epic choral masterpiece is from the French Romantic period, scored for choir, soloists, orchestra and organ. Charles Gounod is mainly known as an opera composer, but this Mass, along with sev-eral others, secured his legacy as a fine sacred composer as well. Our sanctuary is the perfect setting for the beauty and grandeur of this music. It will be an amazing piece to hear, but even more thrilling to sing! Rehearsals begin Wednesday, March 27, and will be held each week* from 8-9 PM in the choir room. At-tendance at 5 of the 7 Wednesday night rehearsals is required for participation. Dress rehearsal with orchestra and soloists will be held on Saturday, May 18 from 9 to noon. *No Concert Choir rehearsal on Wednesday, April 17.For more information, contact Joshua Elder, joshua@firstchurch.church.

STAFF TELEPHONE EXTENSIONSPastor Denny Silk 1102Lisa Brown 1100Jen Heffington 1108Russ Morrow 1106Robin Spencer 1107Joshua Elder 1115

GOOD NEWS AT FIRST CHURCH

First United Methodist Church5510 North Central AvenuePhoenix, Arizona 85012

SUNDAY SERVICES9 a.m. Contemporary Worship10 a.m. Activities for all ages11 a.m. Traditional Worship

church office: 602.263.5013weekday school: 602.230.0646

web: firstchurch.churchemail: Info@firstchurch.church

facebook.com/firstumcofphoenixfacebook.com/weekdayschool#FirstChurchPhoenixTwitter: @FirstUMCPhoenixInstagram: FirstChurch.ChurchLivestream: Livestream.com/firstchurch

Scouting Sunday Was a Success, Feb. 10 It was a great day for Scouting! Thank you to Pastor Denny Silk for welcoming our Scouts to celebrate Scout Sunday. Boy Scouts from Troop 41, Troop 513, Pack 513, and Girl Scouts Brownie Troop 3463, Girl Scout Troop 2242, and Cadet Troop 2251 participated together at First Church during both worship services as greeters, ushers, readers and shared the Boy Scout Oath and Girl Scout Promise with the congregation. They also shared in the collection of foods to support Scouting for Food. We collected 800 pounds from church members and neighborhoods to benefit the First Church pantry, the greatest amount the church has ever received! Troop 41 collected over 825 pounds of food to benefit Oasis Food Pantry and First Church Pantry. “The Girl Scouts really enjoyed being part of this day and were able to donate more than 125 boxes of cookies to the church pantry. The homeless people receiving food bags for the next couple of months will be happy,” said Stevi Shearer, Brownie Girl Scout Troop 3462 leader. “I also want to thank all our Scouts, Cadets, Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Unit Commissioner Judy Walden, and our wonderful par-ents for showing such a massive participation in today’s celebration. It was beyond expectation! Let’s keep providing opportunities for our Scouts to grow in their relationships with God and with their fellow Scouts and also contribute to their spiritual welfare and growth. I hope we can do it again. Thank you everyone!” con-cluded Scoutmaster Boadu, Troop 513, also a member of First United Methodist Church.

5510 North Central AvenuePhoenix, Arizona 85012Return Service Requested