The First Word

June 2019 First United Methodist Church, Racine

745 Main Street, Racine, WI 53403

262-633-7632

racine1umc@tds.net

www.1umcracine.org

Jakes Voker

Pastor

Liza Taliaferro

Administrative Assistant

Jeff Fernholz

Treasurer

Sue Mills

Financial Secretary

Fred Ganaway Church Council

Chairperson

Chuck Bragg

Trustee Chairperson

Judith Schulz

Church Historian

Sue Mills

Parish Visitor

Nancy Cook

Organist

Jeanne Whiteside

Media Coordinator

Family Ed & Nurture Coordinator

Joy McClelland

Custodian

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF OUR CHURCH’S CROSS AND FLAME

SYMBOLISM:

Above is the “cross and flame” that serves as the official symbol of identity

of the United Methodist Church. The U M Church’s History has it that

following the merger of The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United

Brethren Church in 1968, the Cross and flame was adopted as the symbol

for the newly founded denomination, “The United Methodist church!” The

Symbol relates the New Denomination to God through Christ and the Holy

Spirit. In order words, the Cross symbolizes God’s Salvific work

accomplished through His Son Jesus Christ on the Cross, and the “Flame” a

symbol of God’s abiding Holy Spirit that came with Power in the form of

fire and flame on the day of Pentecost. A scripture reference quoting Jesus

prior to his ascension: “I am going to send you what my Father has

promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from

on high.” Luke 24:49). In obedience to Jesus’ pre-ascension mandate to his

first disciples, they remained in Jerusalem following his ascension.

According to Luke’s Historical Epistle, “Acts,” the promised was fulfilled

with the coming of the Holy Spirit as recorded thus:

1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven

and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what

seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of

them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in

other tongues[a]

as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2; 1-4 - NIV)

My friends, let’s not forget that God’s invitation and acceptance of us to be

disciples of his Son, Jesus Christ was never by accident, but intentional and

clearly rooted in the very nature of The one whom we claim and proclaim

our Lord and savior, even Jesus Christ. Needless to say you know the

historical accounts and stories surrounding the birth, life and ministry of this Jesus Christ better than I do! As such we

need to constantly remind ourselves that the life and journey of being a “Christian” to which you and I have availed

ourselves began with God’s gracious acts of sending us His only “Begotten Son” to both redeem, save and restore our

broken relationship and fellowship with himself. The joy of this very generous act was short-lived and even

descended into melting untold sufferings, crucifixion, death and burial of the Divine Savior. God being God, death

and the grave could not hold the Savior captive! He rose from the dead three days later, and that’s what the Easter

Season enacts. We celebrate our Savior’s resurrected, new life and appearances over a period of fifty days before his

ascension back to heaven each year.

Consequently, lest we forget that the Church and each believing Christian are the physical and spiritual embodiments

of God’s Anointed Redeemer and Savior, Jesus “The Christ” in the world. The tasks and challenges we face today in

the efforts at being true to our callings are not new and unique to us! They are the very essence of what it means and

takes to be genuine and authentic Christian Disciples! This reminds me of one of the popular United Methodist

hymns: “We Are the Church” # 558- by Avery and Marsh, 1973. This song reminds us that the Church is the people-

all kinds, all colors, all places….sometimes the church marches on with victory, but other times it stops marching and

drags; at times the church rides in comfort and complacency, while at other times it hides in a cowardly manner;

sometimes the Church is on fire with crusades, but other times it is actually burning. Yet, we Are the Church together,

as all of these experiences help the Church to grow!

Finally, my friends, the revival and revitalization of Racine 1st United Methodist Congregation, our Conferences and

our Denomination depends solely on how we each respond to the current realities with which we are faced. The

symbolism of the Cross and Flame speaks a volume. For me, it speaks of challenges, but would never quench God’s

light that I’m called to bear wherever and whenever the need arises. Yes, the tasks may bend me over, but would

never break me! Let the Pentecost Power and Holy Spirit lead us onto victory in Jesus’ name!

Blessings,

Rev. Jakes

SCRIPTURES AND THEMES: 06/2019

Easter 7th / Ascension Sunday – Holy Communion 06/02/2019 Psalm 97:1ff. Revelations 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 John 17: 2026 Theme: Watching and Waiting- “Embodied….”

Pentecost Sunday 06/09/2019

Psalm 104: 24-34, 35b Acts 2: 1-21 John 14: 8-17 Theme: Waiting for a sign- “Empowered”

Trinity Sunday 06/16/2019 (FATHER’S DAY)

Psalm 8:1-4 Proverbs 8: 22-31 Romans 5: 1-5 John 16: 12-16 Theme: The Spirit’s Ministry….

Pentecost – 2nd Sunday 06/23/2019 Psalm 42:1ff. 1Kings 19: 1-15 Galatians 3: 23-29 Luke 8: 26-39 Theme: Fear Not……

Pentecost- 3rd Sunday 06/30/2019 Psalm 77: 1-2, 11-20 2Kings 2: 1-2, 6-14 Galatians 5: 1, 18-25 Luke 9: 51-62 Theme: Keep Focus on.….

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Each Sunday

Faith To Life Bible Study 9:00 am

Morning Worship 10:00 am

Fellowship Time 11:15 am

Casa de Dios Worship Service 5:00 pm

Each Monday

OFFICE CLOSED

Casa de Dios Bible Study 6:30 pm

Each Saturday

Sack Lunch Program Noon

Saturday, June 1

Controlling Community Violence 9:00 am

Sunday, June 2

FFRANC Breakfast 9:00 am

Saturday, June 29

Controlling Community Violence 9:00 am

Sunday, June 30

All Church Pot luck 11:00 am

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN JUNE

2 - Scott McClelland

5 - Paul Burlingame

Amanda Mireles

6 - Harv Randecker

15 - Deb Johnson

16 - Shardae Feest

18 - Tessa Meredith

Dylan Olson

20 - Mary Meekma

21 - Hilda Ayers

22 - Charlotte Schnaare

26 - Abigael Bergman

29 - Charlotte Hirth

Rick Reinhard

Dan Jarrett

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY IN

JUNE!

8 - Dan & Amy Magnuson

13 - Chuck & Jean Harmon

18 - Roger & Betty Oakley

Paul & Karen Burlingame

Ryan & Corie Lovejoy

24 - Ed & Karen Robotka

25 - Mark & Carol Buhler

26 - Andy & Judy Madsen

Chuck & Jane Bragg

28 - Otto & Marilyn Nelson

USHER SCHEDULE

June 2

Roger & Betty Oakley

August Grulich

June 9

Jeff Fernholz

Ricky Castro

Jan Rosellini

June 16

Chuck & Jane Bragg

August Grulich

June 23

Roger & Betty Oakley

Jeff Fernholz

June 30

Ricky Castro

Chuck & Jane Bragg

If you are unable to be a

greeter/usher on your assigned

day, please contact someone

from the usher list to substitute

for you. Thanks.

Others, who might like to serve

the church in this way, please

contact the church office.

ALTAR FLOWERS IN JUNE

2 –

9 –

16 -

23 –

30 –

LOOSE CHANGE

OFFERING FOR JUNE

Will help cover expenses for

the July 4th food booth. Place

your donations in the small

brown envelopes in the pew

racks and place it in the

offering plate. Thanks for your

continued support of our

mission projects and have a

blessed summer.

FOOD BANK ITEM FOR

JUNE The item for June is toilet

paper. Thank you for helping

this great mission!

Every small act of kindness goes

a long way.

The 4th of July Parade in

Racine is a marvelous tradition.

We’re looking for someone to

head up our food booth. If

you’re able to head up the food

booth please give the office a

call at (262) 633-7632.

The First Word is published

monthly by First United

Methodist Church

745 Main Street, Racine, WI

53403

Phone: 262-633-7632

Email – racine1umc@tds.net or

pastorfumcr@tds.net

Office Hours: Tuesday thru

Friday, 8:30 - noon

Pastor – Jakes S. Voker

Editor – Liza Taliaferro

****REMINDER****

DON’T SIT THERE! DO SOMETHING!

We need to begin the process of implementing the "Simple Church Process" as soon as possible.

We would appreciate contributions of thoughts and ideas the Ad Council as well as all concern

members of our congregation. We encourage everyone's input as Ministry and Mission are a

joint Team's work responsibility! Do sit there! Do something for Jesus through your

congregation!!

Blessings,

Rev. Jakes

Members and Friends of Racine 1st UMC,

Greetings in the name of our “Risen Lord and Savior,” Jesus Christ.

The following are drafts of the Discernment Process undertaken by a six members Team on

behalf of our congregation from December 18, 2018 to March 26, 2019. Members of the Team

include: Carol Feest, Scott McClelland, Jayne Dresen, Debby Ganaway, Becky Meredith

(Christ UMC) and Rev. Jakes Voker. The Team was put together by Rev. Jakes to prayerfully

seek God’s guidance in discerning a process for effective and growth oriented ministry and

mission pathways for our congregation. The Team diligently did just that using Scriptures and a

Church –Growth research book known as: “Simple Church-Returning To God’s Process For

Making Disciples,” Authored by: Thom S. Rainer & Eric Geiger.

Guided by the two written resources and prayerful thoughts, the Team concluded that while our

congregation’s ministries and mission reaching and touching lives in our community, a

“SIMPLE PROCESS” is needed. The Simple Process would lead to Clarity, Movement,

Alignment and Focus of every Ministry and Mission endeavor based on research findings.

Based on all of the above, the Team presents the following proposed simplified versions of our

congregation existing “Vision and Mission Statements, and select number of programs/events

for your viewing and suggestions. You may please review and send your comments and

recommendations by Tuesday 11th

June 2019 to the Church’s Office-attention: Rev. Jakes -

Pastorfumcr@tds.net or the secretary – racine1umc@tds.net .

Finally, I would like to extend our thanks to members of the “Discernment Team” for their love

for their Jesus Christ and commitment to see his Ministry and Mission become more effective

and vital through the Racine 1st U.M Church.

Until then, you all have a very blessed and joyful Easter Season in Jesus’ name.

Happy Easter,

Rev. Jakes

Discernment Team – Final Recommendation

3-26-19

To inspire all to live

faithfully through Jesus Christ

Gather Equip Serve

with others to seek God

ourselves with knowledge of our

faith

God, our neighbors,

and the world

Congregation: Worship Services x

Fellowship Hour on Sunday x

FFRANC Breakfast(Hospitality) ONLY CONGREGATIONAL

ONLY OUTSIDE OF WORSHIP EVENT TO

CELEBRATE…!

5th Sundays x

Bible Study x

Opportunities from Conference x

4th of July Celebration ?????? HOW DOES IT FROM OTHER EVENTS

OF THAT DAY???

Fundraisers-(As needed Event!) ????? x

Hot Meal Program X x

Sack Lunch Program X x

Pastor's Emergency Fund x

Monthly Mission Funds - x

Women:

United Methodist Women’s Group – meeting

x

Rummage Sale

x

Bethany Birthday Parties x

Men:

United Methodist Men’s Group – meeting?? WHEN ANDWHERE DO THEY MEET?

Family:

Grandparents and Grand children Camp: x

Youth & Young Adults :

Youth Group - meeting

x

Children/Youth/adults:

Sunday / Church School-

Vacation Bible School????? Great, but requires Skills and lots of time?

Pageant x

Santa’s Breakfast x

ONE BIG FAMILY FELLOWSHIP EVENT!

Easter Egg Hunt JUST FLOWS INTO.! KIDS LOVE IT! FUN! Halloween Party x

F.U.N. Fest -(Largest Audience Event)

A GREAT/ UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO INTERACT

WITH OUR COMMUNTY & NEIGHBORS! x

Nursery x

Yellow highlight indicates possible deletion of activity or change to current activity.

Start thinking about the next 5th Sunday pot luck

June 30, 2019

Let’s get to know where our friends are from!

When your ancestors came to America they brought with them an abundance of recipes. Hopefully, these recipes are now with you.

Bring an appetizer, entre' or dessert that reflects your heritage.

There could be Irish stew or German potato salad,

Polish pierogis or Italian ice.

Liberian rice bread

We do ask that you bring a list of ingredients due to any allergies.

You will be able to vote for your favorite dish and the proceeds will benefit the Church emergency fund.

Excerpt from the Wisconsin Foundation Stewart ship newsletter

Giving: Are You Giving In All the Ways You Should? June 2019 Are you giving to the church in all the ways you could or should be giving? You may be supporting this year’s

budget, but what about the future of the church, missional support, and special projects? Are you providing for these

as well? I think of the church’s assets and giving as an ice-cream cone. The church’s assets such as the building,

parsonage, and endowments as the come. Essential, but not very appetizing all by themselves. Annual budget giving

is the first scoop. It is needed and provides basic support and flavor to the church. However, too often, this is where

we stop thinking about supporting the church. What about other scoops? What about missions? Mission-related

giving can include apportionments (sometimes paid with the annual budget, sometimes not), conference projects,

Special Sundays, UMCOR, national and international advance projects and support of individual missionaries. Are

you thinking about your offering for missions this year? These are usually donations over and above what is collected

for the annual budget. What about planned giving? Planned giving provides for the future of the church when you are

no longer around. Have you included the church in your will or as a beneficiary to your investment accounts or life

insurance? Ten percent is a good number, leaving plenty for your family. Finally, what about special projects. Capital

fundraising can support new ministry, ministry growth, new building or renovation and maintenance of existing

structures.

Remember the Imagine No Malaria campaign a couple of years back that raised over one million dollars?

Jim Wells, Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation

Visit the Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation at www.wumf.org or Facebook/wumf.org Or call 1-888-903-9863

Helps for the Stewardship Chair

Who is Competing with Your Church?

Helps for the Stewardship Chair At the recent Bishop’s Clergy Days Apart, we heard from Clif Christopher, President

of Horizons Stewardship. Clif emphasized the importance of understanding that our churches are competing with

other organizations for the financial support of those in our pews. These other organizations are colleges and

universities, health care organizations, humanitarian aid groups and many others. For the most part, unfortunately,

they are very good at fundraising. They do all the right things; things that churches mostly fail to do: They put

mission first: They focus on their mission, not on their budgetary needs. If it is a college, they ask for support for

educating students and perhaps some special new educational program. If it is a humanitarian aid organization, they

tell us about the lives they can save. They make it easy to give: They are prepared to accept gifts of cash, check, credit

card, or bank transfer via mail, phone, or Internet. They send an immediate (48 hours or less) personal thank you: We

talked about this last month. The thank you is the thing that cements continued loyalty and support. They are in

continuous communication: They usually connect in some way on a monthly basis. These organizations, who spend a

great deal of effort looking for supporters, are very envious of churches that they see as having a captive audience.

They also see that churches mostly fail to take advantage of this. In this competition, the other organizations are

winning and our churches are losing. In share of total charitable giving, churches are losing ground to other nonprofits

and have been for several years. Religion used to receive close to 60% of charitable gifts, we now get 32%. Clif’s

message was that if we want to be around to compete with other nonprofits in the future, we need to imitate their

practices. If you have questions or want to learn more, contact: Jim Wells, Director of Stewardship & Capital

Campaigns, Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation at 608-837-9582 or jwells@wumf.org.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

745 Main Street

Racine, WI 53403-1211

First United Methodist Church

The Vision statement:

• To provide a community for people to experience God

and find inspiration for daily living.

The Mission statement:

• To welcome and encourage all to live faithfully through

Jesus Christ in ways that impact them and others.

“A perfect church for imperfect people”