Our Mission, Ministry
and Music
in Action
Ministry and Christian Education
January Birthdays
The following members of the congregation have January birthdays:​
​
01 Kara Schumaker
02 Ava Rash
07 Jason Belveal, Remi Ann McClintock
13 Phyllis Scott
14 Carsen Rinkes, Rowan Patterson, Canton Will Patterson,
Randy Magnison
19 Phyllis Cole
21 Austin Rash
24 Jake Barnes, Parker Gilliland
25 Shirley Pool
​
Food Pantry Needs
YES, you HAVE helped our local food pantry with your donations! THANK YOU!!!
​
Our pantry, sponsored by the Jackson County Ministerial Alliance, can no longer order food from Harvesters, which gave us a big discount. Thus, monetary donations to purchase food are also important. The need keeps growing.
​
According to Sarah Bahner, food pantry director, the items always needed include the following: canned meats, peanut butter, powdered milk, evaporated milk, spaghetti sauce, Spaghetti O's, ravioli, potato flakes, brownie and cake mixes, canned fruit, fruit juice, macaroni and cheese, can openers, toliet paper, toothpaste and tooth brushes.
​
Don't forget that you CAN add a "gift" amount to your shopping total at Cecil K's. These funds are then available to our JCMA food pantry to purchase items throughout the year as needed.
Friends on Our Prayer List
Terry Craig-Horning, Ida Nadeau, Rosanna Wilson, Stacy Wright, Samantha Justice, Carrie Zibell Hildenbrand, Sylvia Slimmer Murphy, Judith Swisher, Tinley Raaf, Karen and Joe Bohlender
​
Members in Care Facilities
Phyllis Amon, James McDonald, Betty Moser, Barbara Slimmer, CL Riley, Marilyn Brown, Darlene Bruns
Serving Our Country
Tim Buss, Sophia Mellenbruch, Jake Barnes
Worship Through Music
Praise through music is an important expression of faith at First United Methodist Church. Luckily, we have been blessed with many talented musicians in our congregation.
O Come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Psalm 95:1
The Chancel Choir is filled with the soulful voices of some of our musically talented members and friends--singing throughout the school year. The Chancel Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 and is under the direction of Dolores Wright.
​​Children's Church
Children's Church will have an all new curriculum starting in January.
​ All children PreK - 5th grade are invited to participate in Children's Church, which gathers during worship. Older youth can help when requested.
​ Volunteer leaders and helpers are welcome! Please tell Lisa Thurman, Barb Shea or Pastor Stephanie if you would like to help.
​
Prayer Groups​
Prayer Groups meet at 10:30 during the second Thursday of each month and 7 PM during the fourth Thursday of each month. All are welcome to join us in praying for ourselves and others.
​
​​Spiritual Gifts Class​
Discover your spiritual gifts. Attend a Class at 5:30 pm on January 21 OR January 29 at the church.
To be ready for discussion, please take the spiritual gifts inventory found online at: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/spiritual-gifts-inventory/en
If you would prefer to do an assessment on paper, please let Pastor Stephanie know.
Pastor Stephanie looks forward to learning more about your gifts and connecting these gifts to vital ministries,.
​
​​​​​​​​Youth News​
Middle and high school youth will meet on Sunday, January 19, after the 3rd Sunday lunch. We will split into two age groups.
​
​​​Adult Sunday School
Adult Sunday School meets in Fellowship Hall on Sunday at 9 p.m. Come join us for a study of the Gospels, while enjoying a cup of coffee and fellowship.
​
Fourth Thursday Lunch Bunch
On every fourth Thursday, any member who would like is invited to gather at Trail's at noon to enjoy fellowship and lunch. This month the fourth Thursday is January 23. Hope to see you there!
​
​
Christmas Thank-yous
Thank you to Rhonda Magnison for decorating the altar. Thanks to Nick Pool for hanging the Advent banners. Thank you to everyone who helped with Hanging of the Greens. Thanks goes to Barb Shea and Lisa Thurman for organizing and leading the Children's Christmas Program. Many thanks to St. Nicolaus for his visit and sharing Christmas sacks with the children!
​
Thanks goes to Tiffany Ditzler for coordinating the Cocoa and Carols event in which the Holton High School Notables performed numerous Christmas songs under the direction of Mrs. Alyssa Wendel. A free-will donation was collected in support of upcoming choir trips.
​​
The Lady Belles handbell choir has delighted and inspired our congregation with their beautiful music for many years. Under the direction of Dolores Wright, the Lady Belles rehearse from 5:45 - 6:25 on Wednesdays during the school year.