Issue 6 June 2018

The Methodist Reporter

First United Methodist Church Lexington
Worship With Us on Sunday at 9:30 am
201 East 8th Street PO Box 276 Lexington NE 68850
(308) 324-2397 email: office@firstchurchlex.org

Website: www.firstchurchlex.org
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Greetings Church!
Summer is a busy time in the life of a congregation! We have wrapped up a great year of Faith Friends, ended on a great
note after relaunching children’s choir and bells, many thanks to Cassie and Michael Green and Audrey Downey and our amazing
parents for sharing the joys of music with our children! Our youth and adult choirs blessed us all with a year of praise and worship
music and we bless them in this season of resting their voices and preparing their ideas for the coming year! Our confirmands and their
mentors celebrated big in May after a great year of connecting, growing, and serving! Methodist Men and UMW will continue to meet
throughout the summer for fellowship and study – I am sure they would welcome your presence if you wish to join them! And we
already completed a week of VBS in partnership with Grace Lutheran and First Presbyterian Church!
Church Council, staff, and ministry team leaders will be meeting through the summer to pray, plan and prepare for a new year
of discipleship and outreach offerings! We are helping new people join the First Church staff – as we improve our systems of
communication inside and outside the church, we are learning new software programs, updating the website, and preparing for our
ministries to grow! Our SERVE Team will host our second Party at the Park on July 25th in the early evening – mark your calendars
and plan to join us in Plum Creek Park for live music, grilling, and games! Just a fun way to get to know folks in the community and
share a great evening of fellowship together!
Worship in June will be filled with THE POWER OF STORIES to shape and transform us. Worship in July will soak up
Summertime in the Psalms as we explore what it means to REST, REJOICE, RENEW, RESTORE, and RECREATE! And
August will bring us a worship series focused on CREATIVITY and the gifts God has given us to worship and serve! I have partnered
with Pastor Eddie Muriel from First Presbyterian to swap pulpits three times this summer – June to share his story as part of our
sermon series, July and August to share his musical gifts in partnership with Holly Rickertson and his preaching voice as we grow in
our collaborative work as faith communities in Lexington!
I know many of us will be travelling or have friends and family travel to see us this summer, (including myself with a move to
Cozad the end of June and vacation the middle of July) and so I offer you all a brief reminder to stay connected to God this summer.
Read scriptures along with us, hold one another in prayer, even if you won’t be in worship – keep up with us online when you are away,
or worship somewhere new, trusting that God speaks in many ways in many places! I can’t wait to hear of your adventures! Most of all,
I pray that you will be listening for God’s call in your life – what gift might you use, who is God calling you to connect with, grow with, or
serve? And how will you answer that call! May God’s joy be in your heart and God’s love surround your journey!
SHINING STAR

Shining Star Preschool registration is open!

Our classes are geared for kids ages 3-5.
Each day we interact with art, music, story books,
puzzles, building blocks, drama, free play and more.
We train kids to be independent thinkers and life-long learners.
Registration forms are available on the website, facebook page
and in the church office! Register soon before the spots are all filled!

As always, I’m so grateful for your support.

Christy Treffer, Director Shining Star Preschool

We ended a great school year of Faith Friends

with a Family and Friends Picnic with food,
games, and great fun!

VBS was a great success with 81 kiddos

celebrating a week of God’s love and learning
together!

A huge thank you to UMW and the support of To each and every
this congregation to make this week happen VBS leader,
for the children of Lexington! From our adult volunteer, donor,
decorator, snack
and youth volunteers, to the snack assistants, maker, crafter,
to the many donations – it takes us all! parent, and child.
Thank you for
Thank you to all our families for sharing your sharing your time
children with us. They are awesome kids and and gifts to make
for a wonderful
such an important part of the life of our
week of shining
church! the light of Jesus
FAITH FRIENDS into the world!
 June 10
Connect… July 8
Community Worship
Worship is one way we express our love for August 5
and give thanks to God. Through regular
worship attendance, God teaches us through Sept. 2
scripture, liturgy and sacraments, and draws
us closer to one another, and opens our
hearts to the transforming love of God and
power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Join us For June 10

Lectionary Readings
each Sunday in the sanctuary or online if you John 4: 1-42
are out of town! Or visit a new church when Genesis 3:8-15
you are traveling – new worship experiences Psalm 130
open the door to experiencing God in new 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1
ways. Mark 3:20-35
Prayer For June 17
Prayer is essential. In a world where we are Ezekiel 17:22-24
all addicted to being busy, regular practices of
Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15
prayer can help us break our habit of
selfishness – and instead, open our hearts 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17
and minds to listen for what God is calling us Mark 4:26-34
to do and be in the world. Begin and end each
day in conversation and prayer with God, pray For June 24
before reading your Bible, and say grace John 3: 1-21
before your meal. Job 38:1-11
Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32
Journaling 2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Whether in words, art, or pictures – find some Mark 4:35-41
quiet time to listen to your heart and for God
in your writings, your creativity, or your
For July 1
camera lens! Do something to mark your
summer that connects you to God! Matthew 11:28-30
Psalms 84:1-4,10-12
Nature Lamentations 3:22-33
Summer is a great opportunity to connect with 2 Corinthians 8:7-15
God through nature, music, friends, family, Mark 5:21-43
and so much more. Be mindful of where you
see and experience God this summer!

Like and follow us on Facebook

View worship live or later!

Check out the updates on the website!

What is still needed? Hard to find?
Or Missing? Let us know!
https://www.firstchurchlex.org/
This is the time of year when we are praying,
planning, and preparing for our fall and winter
discipleship opportunities. For those of you
interested in growing in your faith, there is no better
Grow…
____________________________________________________
For Our Kids and their Families!
Coming this fall
for families!

Go now to http://theparentcue.org/ to download this great new app

to guide you in your role as the spiritual leaders for your children
& grandchildren! And then plan to join us this fall on Wednesday
evenings at 5:30 or Sunday mornings at 10:45 for a Faith 5 Small
Group opportunity to build faith formation into your home and
family life!
Have you ever considered serving as an
Serve… usher, greeter, acolyte, liturgist,
fellowship time server, or church office
 Donations from the list can be
brought to the church!
Burgundy Bag Mission Offering for
June will supplement the snack
donations to Club 180

Summer Food Box Project

More Info – See page 7
Join us to celebrate
Thanks to all who shared cards and
thoughts of appreciation and
the 60th wedding anniversary
congratulations on my 40th year in of Cliff and Mary Barnes
ministry. It was great to hear from you. 3:00-5:00 PM
 Thanks to this guy,
Garrett Hill (and Joe!) To Ronda Harris, Edie Zetterman
and the support of
and their amazing team for a
the Wylie Ward &
John Wightman wonderful confirmation breakfast
memorial gifts, the and UMC Celebration on May 20th
sanctuary technology and for the Ice Cream Sundae
has been upgraded
and is set to help us
reception for the Linch service!
continue to reach into
the world with the
Gospel message! Welcome to the world!
Thank You to
Gary White, Cutler Ford Kurtzhals
Pauline White,
Sarah Neben, Born May 8, 2018
and Erin 8lbs. 6oz.
Green for 21 3/4 in long
leading
our Hymn Fest Baby brother to
in May! Skyler and Swayzee

Proud parents are

Trevor & Abby Kurtzhals

Congratulations to Albert Longe!

To the Linch family at the
passing of Stan Linch on
Monday, May 21, 2018
And the death of Lisa’s
mother, Cherridah Gill on
Friday, May 26, 2018
on his new adventure as a District Superintendent
Appointee to Oxford United Methodist Church
beginning July 1. This collaborative appointment
with Lexington First UMC will open the opportunity
for Albert to continue working with us through the
end of June 2019.
He will continue his coaching role with us and
have office hours in Lexington. He will be available
by appointment and to work with staff and
leadership teams Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Friday with time in the Oxford community on
Sunday and Thursday.
 Courtesy Committee Chairs
Summer 2018
If and when these ladies call asking for your
help, please give them a helping hand!

June Meeting June

June 28 | Fellowship Hall | 2:00 pm Diana Underwood & Mary Williams
Hostess: Jan Wightman
Co-Hostess: Marilyn Long
Lesson & Devotion: Donna Olson

July Meeting July

July 26 | Fellowship Hall | 2:00 pm Mary Jo Page &
Hostess: Linda Sutton Donna Stewart
Co-Hostess: Betty Duryea
Lesson & Devotion: Nola Reed

August Meeting
August 23 | Fellowship Hall | 2:00 pm August
Hostess: Donna Olson Sue Keller &
Co-Hostess: Marilyn Kring Lynn Matson
Lesson & Devotion: Patsy Meyer

The First Church Lex SERVE Team is Food Donation Items

partnering with First Presbyterian Church and ⬚ Peanut Butter
inviting YOU to be a part of feeding children & ⬚ Jelly
families this summer! We have previously ⬚ Dried Beans
supported Thanksgiving baskets in November, ⬚ Rice
but with the addition of the Turkey Trot, the ⬚ Macaroni & Cheese
team reimagined the timing and mission of this ⬚ Boxes or Bags of Cereal
project! They decided to help fill the gap for ⬚ Canned Fruits with Pull Tops
families during the summer when kids are in ⬚ Large Marshmallows
between having access to food at school. ⬚ Graham Crackers
⬚ Hershey Chocolate Bars
How you can help… ⬚ Bagged Popcorn
*Financial Donations to the Food Boxes by 7/1
our goal is to raise $400 to purchase fresh Items to be purchased with
food items for 40 families! financial donations: Ham, bread,
*Food donations delivered to church by 7/1 milk vouchers, and fresh fruits and
*Help put together the baskets after worship – veggies.
watch for the date on Facebook & in bulletins!
 Thursday June 21, 2018
Sunday June 10, 2018 Communion Sunday Pastor Anne out for Move Week/Vacation
9:30 am Worship 6:30 am UMM Breakfast – FH
10:30 am Coffee & Donuts 1:00 pm Open Arms Community Clinic Mtg.
At First Presbyterian Church
Tuesday June 12, 2018 5:00 pm Immigration Clinic – FH
7:00 pm Sweet Adelines
Sunday June 24, 2018
Wednesday June 13-16, 2018 Pastor Anne out for Move Week/Vacation
Annual Conference @ Wichita, KS 9:30 am Worship
10:30 am Coffee & Donuts
Thursday June 14, 2018
Annual Conference @ Wichita, KS Monday June 25, 2018
6:30 am UMM Breakfast – FH Pastor Anne out for Move Week/Vacation
12:00 pm Ministerial Association
Tuesday June 26, 2018
Wednesday June 15, 2018 Pastor Anne out for Move Week/Vacation
Annual Conference @ Wichita, KS 7:00 pm Sweet Adelines

Friday June 16, 2018 Thursday June 28, 2018

Church Office Closed for Cleaning 6:30 am UMM Breakfast – FH
Annual Conference @ Wichita, KS 2:00 pm UMW Joanna Circle
7:00 pm Ordination & Commissioning Service
Saturday June 30, 2018
Sunday June 17, 2018 ~ Happy Father’s Day Congolese Independence Day
Albert’s Last Regular Sunday at First Church Lex
9:30 am Worship Sunday July 1
10:30 am Coffee & Donuts Albert’s First Sunday at Oxford UMC
9:30 am Worship
Tuesday June 19, 2018 10:30 am Coffee & Donuts
6:00 pm Sweet Adelines
Wednesday July 4, 2018
Wednesday June 20, 2018 Office Closed Fourth of July Holiday
Pastor Anne out for Move Week/Vacation

June Mission Offering: GET CONNECTED! June Food Pantry

https://www.firstchurchlex.org Collection:
Club 180
******************************************* Rice & Beans
Downtown Twitter: FUMCLexingtonNE
Snack Drive Facebook: First UMC Lexington, NE Collection basket
Private Facebook Group: First UMC Lex
outside the office.
YouTube: FUMC Lexington NE
See page 5 Thank you!

June/July Birthdays & Anniversaries

1 - Jo Burmood 20 - Arlene Edeal 1 - Cory & Kellie Cetak

2 - Peggy Carpenter 21 - Jennifer Grummert John & Kathy Kerner
Kayleigh Cetak 22 - Trinity Berry 3 - Kurt & Luann McBride
Archer Fellers Erin Green 5 - Jim & Pat Longly
4 - Brad Barnes 24 - Ethan Mins 8 - Cliff & Mary Barnes
5 - Carlie Fellers 10 - Bobby & Krista Keim
7 - Heidi Church 1 - Hanna Reinertson 12 - Rick & Stephanie Buell
8 - Karsen Grummert 4 - Robert Green 28 - Cody & Ashley McFadden
11 - Jeff Walker Maria Neben 30 - Ron & Roz Laux
14 - Carrie Kerner 5 - Rick Price Jay & Elizabeth Mins
Amaya Stewart 6 - Harrison Racek Dale & Margaret Nielsen
16 - Jessica Gruntorad 7 - Halle Gydesen 7/6 - Scott & Amy Hill