1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

VOLUME 25 NO. 5
TRANSFORMING LIVES TO LOVE LIKE JESUS
MAY 2015
Tell Me Your Stories
Over the past 9 months, we took a journey through the stories of the whole bible. I can not believe that this
is the last month of our journey. We had daily readings and sermons on the stories we read. My
discipleship was challenged and expanded through these exercises. What about you?
I got really excited when we talked about this last year in administrative council. I wondered what this
would look like and if anyone would use it. I had such high hopes and really didn’t know where to start or
what would be beneficial to each of you. Each week I tried to change the format but also keep it the same so
that you would experience different aspects of discipleship.
So I am asking for your help. Even if you didn’t participate, I want to hear stories of what this journey has
meant to you. I need to hear honest feedback about what this practice meant to you. The reason for this is
so that I can improve it or decide to do something different. What were your experiences? What did you like? What did you not like? Is this something that you want to
continue? Did you connect with the sermons easier because you read the stories? What practices were your
favorites? What was your least favorite? What would you like to see in a daily devotion? How many of the
readings did you do in a week? How many months did you continue the devotions? How can they be
improved?
If you did not participate, please let me know why! Did you enjoy the sermons going through the whole
bible or like the sermons I have done in the past better? What would make you participate in a daily
devotion? What would you like to see in a daily devotion? How can help you become a better disciple of
Jesus Christ?
Our only mission in the church is to make you a disciple of Jesus Christ. That is the reason for trying to come
up with these devotions and also to help you and your family grow closer to Jesus Christ. I hope that this
has happened through Tell Me the Stories. Please email me at [email protected] and let me know your
story!
Grace, Peace, and Godspeed,
Mark
Thursday,
May 21st
6 PM
Finance
7 PM
Church
Council
The Care Team meets
Thursday, May 28
at 12:30pm
in the church office.
PAGE 1
June NEWSLETTER DEADLINE:
May 18, 2015
The Peaceful Quilters and
Threads of Comfort meet
on Thursday, May 28
from 10 am to Noon
VOLUME 25 NO. 5
TRANSFORMING LIVES TO LOVE LIKE JESUS
MAY 2015
MAY Tell me the Stories
DATES & THEME
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
May 4-10
Easter 5
Pray (5-10 Minutes)
Pray (5-10 Minutes)
Pray (5-10 Minutes)
Pray (5-10 Minutes)
Romans 1:1-17
Acts 15:1-17
Acts 17:16-31
Acts 18:1-4
Gospel as power of God for
salvation to all, both Jews and
Greeks
Council at Jerusalem. Faith
gives identity to both Jews and
Gentiles
Paul's sermon at Athens: What
you worship as unknown, this I
proclaim to you
Founding the church at
Corinth
Pray for Family
Pray for Church & Pastor
Pray for Schools
Pray for Community
End with the Lord’s Prayer
End with the Lord’s Prayer
End with the Lord’s Prayer
End with the Lord’s Prayer
Pray (5-10 Minutes)
Pray (5-10 Minutes)
Pray (5-10 Minutes)
Pray (5-10 Minutes)
Romans 5:1-11
1 Cor 13:1-13
Galations 1:13-17; 2:11-21
Philippians 1:1-18
God's love has been poured
into our hearts through the
Spirit; Christ died for the
ungodly
Faith, hope, and love abide, but
the greatest of these is love
Paul's former life. Conflict with
Peter at Antioch Justification by
faith, living by faith
Paul in prison, thankful for the
Philippians’ partnership in
the gospel
Pray for Family
Pray for Church & Pastor
Pray for Schools
Pray for Community
End with the Lord’s Prayer
End with the Lord’s Prayer
End with the Lord’s Prayer
End with the Lord’s Prayer
Pray (5-10 Minutes)
Pray (5-10 Minutes)
Pray (5-10 Minutes)
Pray (5-10 Minutes)
Romans 6:1-14
1 Cor 15:1-26
Gal 3:1-9, 3-29
Phil 2:1-13
We were buried with him by
baptism into death, so that we
might walk in newness of life;
hope of resurrection
Jesus' resurrection and the
future resurrection; death as
the last enemy
Neither Jew or Greek, slave or
free, male and female; one in
Christ
Have this mind among
yourselves, which is yours in
Christ Jesus, who became
obedient to death
Pray for Family
Pray for Church & Pastor
Pray for Schools
Pray for Community
End with the Lord’s Prayer
End with the Lord’s Prayer
End with the Lord’s Prayer
End with the Lord’s Prayer
Pray (5-10 Minutes)
Pray (5-10 Minutes)
Pray (5-10 Minutes)
Pray (5-10 Minutes)
Acts 2:1-4; Romans 8:18-38
1 Cor 12:1-13
Galations 4:1-7
Acts 2:1-21
The groaning of creation, Spirit
helps us in our weakness,
nothing can separate us from
the love of God in Christ Jesus
Faith as the principal work of
the Spirit; other gifts of the
Spirit for the common good
God pours the Spirit into hearts
so that we can call on God as
Father
Pentecost and give of the
Spirit as miracle of
communication
Pray for Family
Pray for Church & Pastor
Pray for Schools
Pray for Community
End with the Lord’s Prayer
End with the Lord’s Prayer
End with the Lord’s Prayer
End with the Lord’s Prayer
Prayer Concerns
May 11-17
Easter 6
Prayer Concerns
May 18-24
Easter 7
Prayer
Concerns
Pentecost
Prayer Concerns
Susan Aldridge by
Perry Aldridge
Benjamin J. LeBoeuf, Sr. by
WaterStone
Volunteer Schedule
Date
Media
5/3
Barbara
5/10
Lay Reader
Children’s Church
8:30 AM
Children’s Church
10:45 AM
Chris
Bonnie
Christina, Haleigh
Gwen, Becca
Laura, Sadie
Addie
Curtis, Ben, Kimberly, James
Tricia
Terry
Mona
Becca, Needed
Becca, Needed
Elaine, Addie
Sadie
Gavin, Brandon, Randy, Erik
5/17
Melinda
Chris
Rick
Becca, Needed
Becca, Needed
Katie, Trevor
Elaine
Al, Curtis, Ben, Kimberly
5/24
Donna
Terry
Allison
Tom, Needed
Linda K, Needed
Aubrey, Sadie
Katie
James, Gavin, Brandy, Randy
5/31
Barbara
Chris
Shannon
Christi, Needed
Becca, Needed
Katie, Addie
Laura
Erik, Al, Curtis, Ben
PAGE 2
Sound
Acolytes
Acolyte
Sub
8:30 Ushers
VOLUME 25 NO. 5
TRANSFORMING LIVES TO LOVE LIKE JESUS
MAY 2015
Prayer Requests May 2015
Short Term List
Blake Hunter (by Debbie Eiermann)
Brenda Harris
Danny Robert (by Mike Hayes)
Dara Bertucci (by Kelli Kuntz)
Delphia Fowler
Erik Harris
Gregory Joseph
Harrison Dollar
Jayson & Blaire Braud
Joey St. Germain
Lainee Martrain (by Alice Gregoire)
Mallory Bray (by Cylinda David)
Megan Moon (by Julie Rife)
Megan Sanchez (by Ann Allison)
Patricia Walden (by Julie Rife)
Rusty Harris
Seth & Michelle Dauzat
Shelbi Metrejean (by Brooke Roussel)
Long Term List
Addie Evans
Alan Smith (by Donald & Gayle Smith)
Ann Allison
Ashley Lewis (by Kristy St. Germain)
Barbara Reinholt (by Julie Rife)
Barney Cox
Bert Lott
Betty & Mike Roberts (by Ann & Bill Vizzini)
Betty Arrington
Betty Jo Adams
Betty Singleton
Betty Turner (Tommy Turner's Sister)
Bill Middleton (by Susan Gillis)
Bill Nolan
Bob George (by Todd & Billie Lemmiksoo)
Bonnie Edwards (by Alice Gregoire)
Boone Perkins (by Ray Spruill)
Brittney Babin (by Anne Garrity)
Cheryl Montgomery (by Shawn Hayes)
Cheryl Smith (by Donald & Gayle Smith)
Clarence Parent (by Celeste Harris)
Crystal Pilcher (by Judy LeMaire)
Cynthia Sparkman (by Shawn Hayes)
David Dollar (by Victor Dollar)
Dodie Smith (by Sunny Smith)
Doris & Reggie Williams
Dr. Sam Reeves
Elbert Harris (by Kristi St. Germain)
Eric & Kristi Harris (by Kristi St. Germain)
Frank Petkovsik (by Katie Hughes)
Fred Kramer
Gail Smth
Garrett Evans
George & Marguerite Carpenter
Glen Singleton
Gordon Hebert (by Michael Dickey)
Hailey Jewell
Heidi Morrison (by Teddy Morrison)
Hudson Harris (by Kristi St. Germain)
Irma Borne (by Debbie Eiermann)
Jake Guice (by Don Hysell)
Jake Hendrix
Jake Lennox (by John & Aryn Bolton
James Vaughan
Jana Stafford (by Gary & Steffi Newman)
Jane Crochet (by Kristi St. Germain)
Jane St. Germain (by Krist St. Germain)
Jarrett Mills
Jenny & Kyle Johnson (by Julie Rife)
Jerry Champagne (by Debbie Eiermann)
John Delaney (by Amy Turner)
March Distribution: 98 Food Boxes, $95 Gas Funds
PAGE 3
John Orosz (by Pete & Michele Orosz)
John Rife (by Julie Rife)
Jonathon Keller
Jose Rodriguez (by Latrcia Fierro)
Joyce & Jimmy Foster
Karen Romano (by Julie Rife)
Kathy Green
Kathy Hurley (by Deb Eiermann)
Libby Hankins (by Judy LeMaire)
Lily David (by Cylinda David)
Lisa Mitchell (by Shawn Hayes)
Mary Lyons
Mason Brooks (by Erin Carnline)
Megan Stein (by Shirley Lyons)
Melanie Templet (by Michelle Peterson)
Milton Pyron (by James McAllister)
Nate Williams (by Allison Goins)
Nickolas Etheridge (by Debby Callenius)
Peggy Dorris
Prentice Louque (by Sandra McAllister)
Robert LeCompte (by Deb Eiermann)
Rowena Chauvin (by Shannon Ingram)
Ruby Lewis (by Katie Hughes)
Sadie Madere
Sarah Ellis
Shirley Lyons
Stanley Berrocal
Stanley Odom
Steve Cobb
Sylvia Salel (by Latrcia Fierro)
Tammy Speights
Tim Bailey
W. K. Deloach (by Brock Deloach)
Will Hill
Yvette Provost (by Anne Garrity)
VOLUME 25 NO. 5
TRANSFORMING LIVES TO LOVE LIKE JESUS
UMW Newsle*er Informa2on for May 2015 MAY 2015
UMW
The District President has asked all of the units to pick a book to read and write a review on it to be shared in the District newsle8er. We have picked K.E. Mathew’s book, “Orphans of Mundakapadam”. At our May mee>ng we will have a discussion on the book. So please join us in reading this book. You can buy it through K.E. Mathew or download it to your reading device from Amazon. If you cannot come to the mee>ng email your review or thoughts about the book to Ginger at [email protected]. During the summer we plan to read “An Invisible Thread” by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski. District Events: Mini-­‐Mission U at Blackwater UMC in Baker, LA. – Sat., Aug. 1, 2015 Mission U in Woodworth – July 22 – 25, 2015 in the Fellowship Hall with the Peaceful Quilters and the next night gathering will be on Mon., May 11 at 6:30pm in the Friendship Class Sunday School Room. Our next blessing of the shawls will be at both services on Sunday, May 10 – Mother’s Day. Please turn in your shawls by Friday May 8th to the church office. We will con>nue to have our “ Threads of Comfort” gatherings during the summer. Cancer Services Support Group: The next support group mee>ng will be on Wed., May 27 at noon. Contact Barbara Cox if you would like to help by serving or dona>ng food. Our next Bake Sale will be on Father’s Day – June 21. Our next day circle mee2ng will be on Tues., May 12 at 10am in the Conference Room. We will not have our day circle mee>ng during the summer months of June, July, and August. Threads of Comfort News: Our next Threads of Comfort day mee>ng will be on Thurs., May 22 at 10am We just wanted to let you know—
the things you do for us do not go unnoticed. We
appreciate your dedication and service!!
To my church family:
Ray
Adams
Words cannot express how much I
appreciate the food, the cards, but most
of all I thank you for the prayers that
got me to this point. But, I still need
your prayers as my recovery
continues.
Love,
Betty Arrington
Meals to Bishop Ott Women’s Shelter 2015
A huge “Thank you!” to all of you who have supported our ministry to feed the women and children of the Sweet Dreams Shelter in
downtown Baton Rouge. Our church family has completed twelve years of helping to feed monthly meals to disadvantaged people in our
metro area. This ministry is open to anyone, male or female, member of our church or not – all you need is a spirit for service.
On the fourth Saturday every month, 2-3 people are needed to prepare food at their homes, meet, and drive in together to serve the 6p.m.
meal at the shelter, located at the St.Vincent de Paul campus between Florida and Convention Streets, a few blocks off I-10. Normally they
leave about 5:15, serve, and return to Gonzales before 7:30p.m. The meal consists of main dish, side vegetable, green salad with dressing
(or fruit salad), simple dessert, and ready-to-eat rolls. If someone doesn’t cook, she is still needed to drive the food into the shelter, and
help with non-cooked items.
It is time to sign up for the coming year. If you can help, please contact K. Hertwig at 644-7923 or [email protected] to volunteer.
Dates for first half of 2015: June 27.
PAGE 4
VOLUME 25 NO. 5
TRANSFORMING LIVES TO LOVE LIKE JESUS
Child Registration Form
MAY 2015
Registration Form
Everest VBS
June 15-19 6PM-8:30PM
(continued)
Please list any Allergies or Medical Conditions: __________
*Supper served at 6PM*
________________________________________________
(One Per Child)
In Case of emergency, contact:________________________
Child’s name:_______________________________________
________________________________________________
Child’s gender:____________ Date of Birth:_______________
Phone # : __________________________________________
Child’s Age:_______ Last school grade completed: __________
Relationship to Child: _______________________________
Name of Parent(s):__________________________________
Cost:
Street address: ___________________________________
$10 for first child & $5 for siblings
City: _____________________________________________
1 child: $10
2 children: $15
3 children: $20
4 children: $25
5 children: $30
State: _______ Home Phone: __________________________
Parent/Caregiver’s Cell Phone: ________________________
E-mail address: ____________________________________
If a parent would like a t-shirt, add $10 to the cost.
Home Church: ______________________________________
Make checks out to FUMC-G & put VBS in the memo line.
Child’s t-shirt size: _________________________________
Parent t-shirt size (if wanted):________________(cost
I give permission for authorities of First United Methodist Church
VBS to seek medical assistance on behalf of myself/my child. I
also give permission for my/ my child’s picture to be used on the
First United Methodist Church website and/or any picture/video
display relating to VBS. (PARENT’S SIGNATURE REQUIRED FOR ALL
MINORS)
$10)
Signed:___________________________ Date:____________
(over)
Volunteer Registration Form
Volunteer Registration Form
Everest VBS
June 15-19 6PM-8:30PM
(continued)
Please list any Allergies or Medical Conditions: __________
_____Adult Volunteer (18 years and older)
_________________________________________________
_____Youth Volunteer (MUST have completed 6th grade)
In Case of emergency, contact:________________________
_____I have attended Safe Sanctuary Training
_________________________________________________
_____I am CPR Certified
Phone # : _________________________________________
Name:____________________________________________
Do you have any children participating in the VBS program or
Nursery? Y or N. If yes, please list names:
Gender:____________ Age (if youth volunteer):__________
_________________________________________________
Date of Birth:_________________
T-shirt size:_______________________________________
Street address: ___________________________________
_________Yes, I commit to Volunteer all week.
City: ____________________________________________
_________Yes, I commit to volunteer part time on these
State: ________ Home Phone: ________________________
days: M T W TH F (Please circle)
Cell Phone: _________________________
E-mail address: ____________________________________
Home Church: _____________________________________
I give permission for authorities of First United Methodist Church VBS
to seek medical assistance on behalf of myself/my child. I also give
permission for my/ my child’s picture to be used on the First United
Methodist Church website and/or any picture/video display relating to
VBS. (PARENT’S SIGNATURE REQUIRED FOR ALL MINORS)
Signed:___________________________ Date:____________
(over)
PAGE 5
VOLUME 25 NO. 5
TRANSFORMING LIVES TO LOVE LIKE JESUS
June HOTPO
MAY 2015
July HOTPO
JUNE 2
MIKE’S POBOYS
JULY 7
PHILAY’S
JUNE 9
ROTOLO’S
JULY 14
NO HOTPO
JUNE 16
IZZO’S
JULY 21
BROWN BAG @ CHURCH
JUNE 23
SOUTH OF PHILLY
JUNE 30
CHICK-FIL-A
JULY 28
CANE’S
________________________
PAGE 6
AUGUST 4 PANERA BREAD
VOLUME 25 NO. 5
TRANSFORMING LIVES TO LOVE LIKE JESUS
Zack
Summer is quickly approaching, which means
lots of traveling, more free time, and lots of
fun for families! And we couldn’t be more
excited about what God holds in store for RISE
Student Ministry — it’s going to be an
amazing summer!
Several years ago, I was blessed with the
privilege of serving as an intern for the youth
ministry at Trinity UMC in Ruston, LA. It was
my first real taste (and test) of becoming a
minister to students, and I look back on it
fondly. And through my internship at the
Wesley Foundation after college, both
opportunities helped mold and fuel my call to
student ministry.
Over the last few months I’ve been praying
through and working on bringing on intern for
our student ministry this summer. Austin
Wright — bio to the right — will be serving
our youth ministry this summer as our first
intern. I can’t express to you how pumped I
am about him being involved in the lives of
your students this summer, and how God will
be using him to help them dive into deeper
with relationship with Christ.
Austin will be attending every Sunday night,
small groups, HOTPO, trips/retreats, Weekend
Of the Cross, and bringing along some of his
own ideas for our ministry this summer. I’ll be
introducing him to the youth ministry on
Sunday night, May 3rd, so please feel free to
come and meet him. I am confident in his call
into increasing God’s Kingdom, and I know your
students will greatly benefit from his presence
and influence.
Peace in Christ,
Zack Pittman
Austin
Hi everyone, my name is Austin Wright. I am
twenty-two years old and a senior at Louisiana
State University (GEAUX TIGERS). I am currently
studying interdisciplinary studies, with a focus
on leadership development, religious studies,
and sociology. I was raised in Ruston, LA after
my father took a job at the Wesley Foundation
on the campus of Louisiana Tech.
Over the past three summers I have had
the wonderful opportunity to work with Pine
Cove Christian Camps, located in Tyler and
Columbus, TX. During that time I worked with
both 2nd through 5th graders in a Counselor
role, and lead fellow college students as a
Senior Counselor. During that time the Lord
challenged me and molded me into a man
seeking hard after Christ. There were some
hard times and difficult circumstances where I
had the chance to see God use me to advance
his kingdom here on earth. When I am not
working at camp I volunteer with the youth
program at The Chapel in the Oaks located
here in Baton Rouge, where I get to live out the
love of Jesus with about nine freshman guys.
I truly enjoy working with both kids and
teenagers. I have come to really enjoy the
questions they ask, their interest in scripture,
and their views on what a walk with Christ looks
like. Zack Pittman has been a part of my life
ever since I was in 6th grade and has presented
me with the wonderful opportunity to come
alongside this youth group to share the love of
Christ. I am truly excited to step into this role as
a summer intern. I cannot wait to see how the
Lord is going to move, not only through me,
but this youth group as a whole. I am also so
blessed to be apart of this wonderful
congregation, and look forward to meet as
many of you as I can.
In His strength,
Austin Wright
PAGE 7
MAY 2015
Weekly Events Reminder
Sundays ~
8:30 AM Contemporary Service
9:45 AM Sunday School
10:45 AM Traditional Service
4 PM Adult Handbells
5-7 PM RISE Youth
Mondays ~
6:30-8 PM Volleyball
Tuesdays ~
2 PM Women's Prayer Group
7 PM Men’s Prayer Group
Wednesdays ~
9-12 Noon Fellowship Center
7 PM Choir
Thursdays ~
6:30-8 PM Volleyball
6 PM Senior High Small Group