WORSHIP & PROGRAMS
Rise & Shine
Sunday Mornings - 10:15 a.m.
Join us in the Parlor for fellowship, coffee, and light snacks.
Adult Sunday School
Consider joining the adult Sunday School class as they study the Letter to the Romans. Bible study is a great way to deepen your faith and to connect with others as you share your thoughts and questions.
They meet at 9:30 am on Sunday mornings in the fellowship hall. New
faces are always welcome!
Team Reports
Spiritual Formation and Christian Education Leader Lisa Thurman
On average there are six children in attendance each Sunday. We discussed starting a Rhythm Band. Lisa will ask Karen Stous to help lead it. Barb is available for anyone with children who wants to attend the morning Adult Sunday School at 9:30 led by Larry Buss. Discussed the bags for children to pick up when they come to church.We also have $200 to use for this. Discussed asking for volunteers to cover for Lisa and or Barb.We are required to have two people with children at all times.
Congregational Care/Prayer Team Leader Sue McClintock
The prayer team meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month to assess the prayer needs of the congregation and to pray together. On March 6 &7, three of the team members attended the Caring Congregations training at Countryside UMC in Topeka and received a lot of new ideas. They are currently working on how to implement what they learned.
Missions Leader Brenda Fletcher
The missions team is off to a roaring start on the collection of food for the New Hope food pantry in Holton. April is our month to provide food for distribution. It’s just the first day of April and we already have quite a selection! So, when you do your shopping don’t forget to pick up a few extra things to donate. Things they really need at the food pantry are canned meats, dried or shelf stable milk, spaghetti and pasta sauce, rice, canned ravioli or Spaghetti O’s, brownie and cake mixes, cereal, can openers, toilet paper, toothpaste, tooth brushes, and hygiene products.
Family Ministry Leaders Alex Belveal and Casey Kathrens
On Easter this team facilitated a potluck breakfast starting at 9:15 am and an egg hunt starting at 9:45 am before worship. It was a good time for all ages!
Communications Leader Karen Ford
Currently Celia Bowser updates the sign in front of the church with witty sayings that she has collected over her whole life and Karen Ford posts the pictures of the sign to Facebook. Karen also maintains and updates our website using the information from the newsletter. Pastor Dawn posts her sermon to Substack and Facebook and Karen has created a page on the website for the sermon and book recommendations. Anyone is welcome to join and/or give us ideas for Facebook and the website.
Buildings and Grounds Leader Steve Bowser
Members of this team desire to honor God’s gift of buildings and grounds by keeping them in strong working order and appealing condition. This hands-on team has knowledge and experience in handling ongoing repairs, maintenance, and seasonal care of all church physical property. This is a new team looking for members who are handy and willing to help with caring for the church’s property.
Fellowship Leader Rhonda Magnison
We had a wonderful fellowship time on Palm Sunday before worship. It was a Fifth Sunday so members from Buck’s Grove and Circleville UMCs were also present. Organizers counted 60 people who showed up to eat cinnamon rolls and fruit salad made by Rhonda, Bonnie and Sylvia. This team is currently looking for more members to help brainstorm fun and creative ways to enhance our fellowship time.
Hospitality Leader TBD
Members of this team present a warm welcoming face to our visitors, letting them know that they are noticed and appreciated. They also follow up with the visitors and so this team serves a vital outreach function. This is a new team currently looking for a leader and members who have a heart for welcoming others to our church.
Safety and Security Leader Pat Fontaine
Pat gave a security briefing March 22 during announcements. The team consists of Pat (Lead); Nancy and Pat (Cameras); Pat and Jason (Armed Response); Carolyn Bartlett (Medical). They could use more members in all sections.
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Teams
Spiritual Formation and Christian Education Leader Lisa Thurman
This team is currently looking for more members who would be willing to serve in Children’s Church and help with other activities for the children. There is currently a book study during Lent for adults on Sundays at 5 pm.
Congregational Care/Prayer Team Leader Sue McClintock
The prayer team meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month to assess the prayer needs of the congregation and to pray together. On March 6 &7 some of the team members will attend the Caring Congregations training at Coun tryside UMC in Topeka which has been sponsored by the East Central Kansas District.
Missions Leader Brenda Fletcher
The missions team held a planning meeting in February. On March 15 they will provide potatoes and fixings for the Third Sunday lunch. This team would welcome more members to help in this important work.
Family Ministry Leaders Alex Belveal and Casey Kathrens
Members of this team create a welcoming atmosphere and opportunities for families and the wider community to con nect with the church through enjoyable, casual events focused on building relationships. Initial conversations with guests are followed up, creating connection and invitation into the church family. On Easter this team will facilitate a potluck breakfast and Egg hunt for all ages before worship.
Communications Leader Karen Ford
Members of this team stay informed and connected with congregational life so they can clearly communicate meaningful ministries with the broader community. Through the church website, Facebook, newspaper and other media options, the communications team presents a welcoming message, current information, and place of connection for members and guests.
Buildings and Grounds Leader Steve Bowser
Members of this team desire to honor God’s gift of buildings and grounds by keeping them in strong working order and appealing condition. This hands-on team has knowledge and experience in handling ongoing repairs, maintenance, and seasonal care of all church physical property. This is a new team looking for a leader and members who are handy and willing to help with caring for the church’s property.
Fellowship Leader Rhonda Magnison
Members of this team share their love through organizing the Third Sunday lunches thereby creating an opportunity for the church family to fellowship after worship. This is a new team led by Rhonda and currently looking for more members to help brainstorm fun and creative ways to enhance our fellowship time.
Hospitality Leader TBD
Members of this team present a warm welcoming face to our visitors, letting them know that they are noticed and appre ciated. They also follow up with the visitors and so this team serves a vital outreach function. This is a new team current ly looking for a leader and members who have a heart for welcoming others to our church.
Security Leader Pat Fontaine
Members of this team are dedicated to the security and safety of the church building and the people within. They moni tor security cameras on the outside of the building, assist members as needed and regularly conduct safety trainings for the congregation.
Nursery for Sunday Mornings
During worship, we have a special time for our young disciples.
We love the sound of infants and small children worshiping among us. We have a hall tree full of activity bags to help keep your little worshiper engaged. If you prefer, we also offer a fully-staffed nursery from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings (for infants through kindergarten-age children).
Third Sunday Lunch
Third Sunday Lunch for April will be on Sunday April 19 It will be a potluck. Please bring a dish to share.
A Note From
Pastor Dawn
I have really enjoyed getting involved with all the different groups at church. It has set a rhythm to my life that brings with it peace and goodness. I have entrusted some of my precious time to be in community with these people who bring their wisdom and experience to share as we walk through life together.
The people you hang out with keenly influence your formation as a human being. When you surround yourself with good people your spirit begins to take on the shape of goodness.
I have always sought out good and wise people to influence my growth as a person.
Church is more than a place of worship—it is a place of Christian fellowship. It is a place to make lasting supportive relationships. As I listen to people talk about how they care for each other I am surprised at how deep and thick the ties of Christian love grow after years spent in community.
People in our world seem so lonely and isolated these days. I often think if the church could come up with a really good marketing campaign we could attract people looking for human connection because there’s no better place than a church to build a strong social network.
So next time you come across a lonely person, extend a hand of mercy and invite them to church.
Your Generosity Changes Lives
When you shop at Cecil K's, ask them to scan a donation for the Jackson County Ministerial Alliance New Hope Food Pantry. You can choose between $5, $10, and $20 amounts and have it added to your total bill. These funds help the pantry fill empty slots, as needed.
THE NEED IS GREAT.
Consider donating to your local food pantry or Harvesters.
Also check out the following websites:
(https://www.harvesters.org/topeka-relocation)
or
Society of St. Andrew (https://endhunger.org/) a gleaning organization.
These are very concrete ways to fulfill the command of Jesus to feed his sheep (John 21:17).
We are still seeking someone to step up and serve as Treasurer for the church. Our current Treasurer will be relocating later this year and is willing to train an interested individual. Experience in fund accounting or bookkeeping is preferred; computer literacy using Microsoft Excel, Word & email; attention to detail, num bers aptitude, and effective communication are qualities we are looking for.
Help Wanted
2026
NEW United Methodist Vision Statement: