FEBRUARY 2015

Special points of

interest:

Our Vision

Publication

Spire Deadline

Altar flowers

Church hours

Electronic giving

Church calendar

Sermon Schedule 2

Church Council 3-4

Youth Ministries 4

Children’s Ministries 4

Announcements/

Misc. 5-6

Birthday &

Anniversary Corner 7

Inside this issue:

Volume 46, Issue 1

firstchurchofmesa.com Share the Journey iPraise iConnect iServe

THE

SPIRE

RENNICK’S REFLECTIONS

During the formative years of my life, Mom thought it important for me to

take piano lessons. Little did I know it was one of those tricks from her bag of parenting to keep her son occupied with some sort of activity. Practicing my scales after school was also a cost effective way to keep me busy until she arrived home from work.

My piano teacher was Mrs. Stewart. She taught music classes at my elemen-tary school, Longfellow. Having daily contact with Mrs. Stewart also reinforced a mother’s nagging directive to “Practice your piano when you get home!” Therefore, each day after school I would return home to race through my scales, Clementi Sonatinas, and Dozen a Day finger exercises. As if predicted, on lesson day, Mrs. Stewart had her way of sweating out the secret truth why a student did not put in at least thirty-minutes-a-day of practice.

As we approach the season of Lent we are reminded how living a Christian life is so daily. As we walk in step with Jesus we discover how the virtues of gener-osity, humility, concern, and empathy among others are more than some agreed upon values. Rather Christianity is about a lifestyle that depends upon constant practice. Something that is daily. Followers of Jesus are called to practice faith and then have faith because we practice faith.

I want to encourage you to look for ways to practice your faith as we journey toward Easter. This is a season to prepare for the resurrection of Jesus, of the community of faith, and of you.

During Lent, we’ll explore the theme “Losing My Religion.” Religious practices during Lent often focus upon giving up vices that hinder our relationship with God. Other disciplines encourage taking on acts of holy practice that bring us closer to a living God. This journey includes rediscovering living out the faith we believe in through a community that calls us to be united in transforming the world. It is about growing in our faith and our identity as believers.

I invite you to join me this Lent as we discover the joy of Easter and the ex-pressions of the faith we live.

See you in church!

David

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OUR VISION

We strive to reach

out to the

community

through:

A ministry of

continuous

spiritual growth;

A ministry with

children, youth,

and families in all

their diversity,

and;

A ministry of

music and the

arts.

LIKED THE

SERMON?

You can now download the

sermons onto your Ipod or

listen via your computer.

Visit firstchurchofmesa.com

and start reaching out

electronically to friends,

family, and those who are

looking for God!

February 8th

9:00 & 11:11 am

YOUTH SUNDAY

February 15th

9:00 & 11:11 am

Sermon Title: “Deep Dark Secrets”

February 18th

Ash Wednesday

7:00 p.m.

February 22nd

9:00 & 11:11 am

Sermon Series: “Losing My Religion”

Sermon Title: “Rediscovering The Church”

March 1st

FATIH IN ACTION SUNDAY

9:00 a.m.

Sermon Series: “Losing My Religion”

Sermon Title: “Rediscovering Religion”

March 8th

9:00 & 11:11 a.m.

Sermon Series: “Losing My Religion”

Sermon Title: “Rediscovering What I Believe”

March 15th

9:00 & 11:11 a.m.

Sermon Series: “Losing My Religion”

Sermon Title: “Rediscovering How I Behave”

March 22nd

9:00 & 11:11 a.m.

Sermon Series: “Losing My Religion”

Sermon Title: “Rediscovering Where I Belong”

March 29th

9:00 & 11:11 a.m.

Sermon Series: “Losing My Religion”

Sermon Title: “Rediscovering Faith”

UPCOMING SERVICES

Publication

Deadlines

Sunday Bulletins /

Announcements

Wednesday Noon

Spire Deadline

All articles to be submitted

to the church office no

later than

February 10th

(Holidays and vacations may

advance or delay these deadlines

by a day or two.)

Page 3

Flowers

To place flowers on the

Lord’s Table in honor or

memory of someone

special contact the Church

Office at 480-969-5577

Annex Update It is very important to keep the congregation up to date on the status and ministry vision of the annex building. The City of Mesa building requirements have been the number one hurdle on much of moving forward with the remodel-ing needs for the building. We are beginning to receive approval to begin with some initial work. We are fortunate that we will be able to address the building renova-tions with volunteer members from within First Church. This is a great way to create enthusiasm and connection for the ministry work we do in the community. At the same time, we must appreci-ate the notion that people have regular work expectations that can limit the amount of time spent on getting the annex up for use. The vision for a coffee house in part of the building is still strong. We want to encourage you to keep this vision in your prayers and know that the investments of your time and resources are being guarded for this purpose. If you have any questions please call Pastor David or Jon Hayden of the Trustees. Further progress will be shared as they emerge. Thank you. –David

On behalf of the Staff Parish Relations Committee, I would like to thank the volunteers who made up the committee for Jeff Harris's retirement celebration:

Nancy Likens, chairman and expert planner, Matt Likens, Kevin and Meg Gardner, Sue Kilgore, Jeanie Morrison, Mark Tripoli, Julie Harris, Bob Rice, Paul Mozurkewich, and Katie Mozurkewich. What a dedicated group of workers and brains!

Margie Rice

CHURCH COUNCIL The following reports reflect the goal of FUMC’s Church Council - connecting our vi-sion with our ministry:

STAFF PARISH TRUSTEES

MISSIONS

As most of you will recall, First Church co-hosted (along with Desert Foothills UMC) a full Thanksgiving Dinner in 2014 to over 300 Foster Youth. The dinner took place in our Fellowship Hall. As a result, we are in the process of developing a special relation-ship with the boys that reside in one of the homes located very close to our church. Several church members provided the boys with items at Christmastime. In addition, the boys are visited regularly. This is what putting our faith into action is all about!

Page 4

WORSHIP COMMITTEE

CHURCH

OFFICE HOURS

M-TH:

9—4:30 pm

PH: 480-969-5577

Electronic

Giving

Electronic giving is a

direct debit program

where your

contribution is debited

automatically from

your checking or

savings account,

either weekly or

monthly. This is an

easy way to fulfill

your stewardship

commitment, even

when you are unable

to attend church. You

can pick up an

authorization form in

the church office, and

talk to Lynn Adams

for further details.

CHECK OUT our new

option to give with a

debit/credit card on

our website at firstchurchofmesa.com

Registering your Fry’s reward card is an easy way for our church to earn money. It DOES NOT affect your reward points! We received a notice saying a check for the last quarter was being mailed but VERY FEW households were registered. Please see or contact Peggy Tenney for more information 602-510-2088 Church Acct Number for FRY’s 65963.

Albertson’s key tags are available from Peggy also. By showing it, our church re-ceives a reward check from their Community Partners program.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

SAM Kids

The last event for SAM Kids in 2014, was the Annual Christmas Party. In addition to all the food, fellowship, fun, and games the boys and girls brought do-nations of new chil-dren’s socks for kids in need. A total of 109 pair were collected and taken to Save the Family in Mesa. Way to go kids!!

We kicked off 2015 with lunch at

Queen’s Pizza, followed by a visit to the IDEA Museum. SAM (Sunday A Month) Kids is a children’s ministry for all kids in grades 3-6. It is a wonderful oppor-tunity for children to establish and/or deepen their friendships with one another. We do a variety of things and we typically meet the first Sun-day of each month. I you have or know of a child not yet involved in SAM Kids, we would love to have them join us. Please watch for news of upcoming SAM Kids events in both the bulletin insert and the screens in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings.

YOUTH MINISTRIES

Please note Sunday night youth group time has changed to 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with dinner included (bring $3 donation if possi-ble).

Please mark your calendars for Sunday, February 15th at 4pm before Youth Group. There will be an in-formation meeting that is VERY IMPORTANT for any youth AND parents wanting to go on one of our Mission trips this summer: Junior High to Tsaile Arizona 19Jul; Senior High to San Diego 28June. Fundraising is al-ready in full swing and a de-posit of $100 per person is required to save a spot (2 payments are acceptable).

Page 5

ANNOUNCEMENTS

JOIN US FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT CLASSES!

Memoir Writing Class “Save Your Life, One Story at a

Time”

Wednesday, February 4th through Wednesday, March 4th

5:45 – 6:45 p.m.

We all have a story to tell. The lessons and experiences that we have encountered can enrich the lives of those we love. In this class you will receive techniques in your quest to organize and rec-ord not only your own life story, but also those of your parents and grandparents.

Dana Tramba is a Certified Lifestory Instructor. She has a passion for helping people unlock their memories and encouraging participants to write their life sto-ries, leaving a legacy for their children and grandchildren. $5 donation for the workbook, “Save Your Life One Story at a Time.”

DONATIONS NEEDED:

I-Help needs paper plates, cups and plastic utensils. Please contact Lois Haines at the church office if you have any questions.

Wesley Jr. Closet is accepting donations of children’s gently used clothing, books, puzzles, shoes and backpacks. Also in need of NEW children’s underwear. Dona-tion bins will be in the narthex for the next few Sundays.

Faith in Action is in need of Home Depot , Jo-Ann & Walmart gift cards to allow us to purchase supplies for our FIA Sunday. We are also accepting cash donations. Just as importantly, please volunteer your time on Sunday, March 1st. This is a day when we truly make a difference in our community!

Our Youth Group is looking for volunteers to cook and serve a meal on a Sunday night. Dinner will be at 5 p.m. and there will be a choice of meals to make. If you are interested in helping, please contact Rhonda Walkosz at the church office. (Reimbursement is offered if needed.)

Brown “Snack Bag” Ministry provides snack bags and bottled water for the office to hand out on a daily basis. Please contact the office if you would like to donate.

Bus Passes are handed out by the office twice a month. Dona-tions are welcome to help make this outreach service available. You may contact the office for more information.

Our church library is

located in the Assembly

Room. There are no check out cards—

just borrow a book and

return once you’ve read it.

Donations of Christian books are needed!

To the Families of FUMC,

I would like to thank the congrega-tion for a very memorable “last call” Sunday for me as Director of Music Ministries. It was a honor to serve the FUMC family for 21 years. I have been so blessed to be a part of a faith journey with so many dedicat-ed, passionate and faithful singers and congregants. Thanks you so much for the wonderful “love gift”. Your thoughtfulness is overwhelm-ing.

Jeff Harris

Page 6

JOIN US FOR

WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE!

Dinner served from

5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Free for kids under 18

$3.50 per adult

PLUS

Open Gym

Spiritual Growth Class

Personal Growth Class

Choir Rehearsals

Youth & Children’s Activities

A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at TV commercials and see if they could use them to communicate ideas about God. Here are some of the results:

God is like: BAYER ASPIRIN - He works miracles.

A FORD - He's got a better idea.

COKE - He's the real thing.

HALLMARK CARDS - He cares enough to send His very best.

TIDE - He gets the stains out others leave behind.

GENERAL ELECTRIC - He brings good things to life.

WAL-MART - He has everything.

ALKA-SELTZER - Try Him, you'll like Him

SCOTCH TAPE - You can't see Him, but you know He's there.

DELTA - He's ready when you are.

ALLSTATE - You're in good hands with Him.

VO-5 Hair Spray - He holds through all kinds of weather

DIAL SOAP - Aren't you glad you have Him? Don't you wish everybody did?

The US POST OFFICE - Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from His appointed destination.

Chevrolet - the heart beat of America

Maxwell House - Good to the very last drop

Bounty - He is the quicker picker upper. Can handle the tough jobs and He won't fall apart on you

The Energizer Bunny - He Keeps Going, and Going, and Going.....

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;..." Isaiah 40:11

Page 7

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES

02/01 Byers, Norda

02/03 Clute, Frances

02/03 Hill, Wayne

02/03 Moore, Kathryn

02/03 Tapaatoutai, Siokatame

02/04 Haines, Ruth Ann

02/04 Rittenhouse, Emma

02/06 Birge, Evelyn

02/06 Tatom, Will

02/07 Cummings-John, Duni

02/07 Gaetjens, Allison

02/07 McCarthy, Jan

02/07 Snodgrass, John

02/11 Likens, Nancy

02/13 Kuck, Ryan

02/15 Adams, Julia

02/14 Heath, Mary

02/15 White, Charles

02/17 Perry, Patricia

02/19 Byers, Arline

02/19 Dawson, John

02/19 Harwood, Karen

02/21 Fransen, Dillon

02/22 Courtright, Don

02/23 Tatom, Keller

02/24 Herrin, Clara

02/25 Winestock, Mark

02/26 Young, Matt

02/28 Corney, Walter

02/28 Walkosz, Rhonda

02/06 Ramsey, Jeff & Michelle

02/14 Hightower, Paul & Shelly

02/14 Verhoff, Charles & Kay

02/25 Miller, Buford & Linda

Congrats to all our

birthdays & anniver-saries! If

your name is not on our

list (or if you know of someone

who should be), please

call the church office so we may update our information. We truly do not mean to leave anyone

out.

WINTER CAMP SNAPSHOTS

THE SPIRE First United Methodist Church

15 E. First Ave. Mesa, AZ 85210 480-969-5577

fax 480-844-2846 Spire Submissions:

secretary@firstchurchofmesa.com www.firstchurchofmesa.com

Office Hours: 9 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Thursday Editorial Policies: The mission of The Spire is to be one communication source for the First United Methodist Church of Mesa. Other communication sources include e-mails, the Sunday church bulletins and verbal announcements made at services or other official meetings. Chairpersons of Boards and Committees , coordinators, members and friends of First UMC may submit announcements, information or items of interest that relate to the mission of the church. The Editor shall reserve the right to either accept or reject articles, to edit for space, grammar and accuracy. Currently, the Spire is being published monthly. Deadline for submission of articles are published both in this newsletter and weekly bulletins.

The deadline for submission of articles for the next issue is February 10, 2015 The Spire Newsletter Team Editors: Katie Mozurkewich and Linda Phillips Publisher: Linda Phillips Printers: Jo Ann Ramirez Davis, Kermit Davis Assemblers: Pam Rutkowski, Irene Risser, Carla Zwald, Linda Miller, & Margaret Desenberg

THE SPIRE (USMC 944660) is published monthly, by the First United Methodist Church, 15 East First Avenue, Mesa AZ 85210, a nonprofit organization. Periodical postage paid at Mesa AZ 85201-9996.

www.firstchurchofmesa.com

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE SPIRE, 15 E. 1st Ave., Mesa AZ 85210

DATED MATERIAL– DO NOT DELAY

Pastors:

Rev. David C. Rennick

Rev. Dr. Bob Mitchell

Rev. Cecil Lackore - Pastor Emeritus