The Messenger
First United Methodist Church
614 North Hastings Avenue - Hastings, NE 68901
Church (402) 463-6733
Fax (402) 462-9906
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.hastingsfirstmethodist.org
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/First-United-Methodist-HastingsNebraska
Vol. 52, No. 68
, 2013
Greg Lindenberger, Lead Pastor
Dr. Sam Rathod, Pastor of
Congregational Care
Judy Aspen, Christian Education Dir.
Paige Skillett, Youth Ministry Assistant
Tanjie Petr, Admin. Assist.
The Messenger (USPS 592-580) is published semimonthly by
the First United Methodist Church, 7th and Hastings Ave,
Hastings, NE 68901.
Periodicals postage paid at Hastings, NE 68901. Postmaster:
Send address changes to The Messenger, 614 N Hastings Ave,
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Barb Peck
402-462-5256
Janet Hibbs
402-463-2198
Sharon Stonecipher 402-462-6507
Margaret Pierce
402-462-0419
Lay Led Ministry of Pastoral Care
Our Mission is to Look Up, Build Up, Reach Out, and Invite In
May 7, 2015
Thoughts from the Pastor’s Desk:
And let us consider how to provoke one another to love
and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is
the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and
all the more as you see the Day approaching. –
Hebrews 10:24-25
2015 Confirmation Class
Back row-left to right: Thane Waite, Christopher
Carpenter, Shelby Lagueux, Katherine Strickland, Drake
Vorderstrasse, Sarah Spilinek, Brooke Aspen, Haley
Schram. Front row: Josh Bertrand, Sadie Carpenter,
Tyler Rowe, Connor Story, Patrick Ford
Hastings High School Graduates:
Alexus Fleharty, Corey King, Collin Spilinek,*
Madeline Warrick*
College Recipients:
Lacey Johnson* (University of Nebraska at Kearney),
Brogen Shea,* (University of Nebraska at Lincoln)
Brycen Shea* (Hastings College) Mason Spilinek*
(University of Nebraska at Lincoln), Rachelle Steiner*
(Dakota Wesleyan University)
College Graduates:
Jaimie Fast, from Morningside College with a Bachelor
of Science in Nursing
Maggie Johnson, from Morningside College with a
Bachelor of Arts in Developmental Psychology with a
minor in Spanish
(*2015 FUMC Scholarship Recipients)
Come Join Us
12 Hour Prayer Vigil
Friday, May 15th
7:00am until 7:00pm
First United Methodist Church
Jones’ Chapel
“Prayer Continually” 1 Thessalonian 5:17
COME EXPERIENCE
THE “G-FORCE” WITH US!
Monday, June 1st – Friday, June 5th
8:30 – 11:30 am
REGISTER BY MAY 15 to be guaranteed a T-shirt.
Registration forms available in church office or at
hastingsfirstmethodist.org.
G-Force VBS Volunteers Needed
June 1st – 5th
Contact Judy at the church office (402-463-6733) or
[email protected].
I had a Great Aunt Alene that was a sister-in-law to
my Mother’s Mother. Aunt Alene was a bit of a bitter
person. Her husband had passed away at an early age,
(42 years), and he had left her with a daughter to care
for. Aunt Alene was a good person, but she lived most of
her life with an attitude that life was not fair and the
‘gods’ were out to get her.
I loved to spend time with Aunt Alene as a child. My
family all thought she was hilarious. Her words of
‘wisdom’ often brought us to tears with laughter.
However, as the years went by, her daughter did not see
things that way. Aunt Alene would often invite company
for weekend visits with an easy-out. She concluded her
invites with “I don’t expect you to come, but come if
you can.” We enjoyed Aunt Alene and we went. Her
daughter rarely came. Her mother always told her she
didn’t expect her and she lived up to those expectations.
The Worship Committee at First United Methodist
Church, in consultation with the Pastor, has decided to
have two Worship services this summer. They will be at
the same time as all of the rest of the year. I realize this
may disappoint some of you. We have several reasons
for coming to this decision. First of all, when we have
gone to one service, we are essentially telling people that
we don’t expect them to come. Attendance numbers
indicate a good number of people have accepted that
offer.
We are also charged by Jesus in Matthew 28 with
‘going into the world … to make disciples for Jesus
Christ.’ Have you ever wondered how many folks who
are on summer vacation have come to our church based
on our sign out front only to find worship is not at 9:00
or 11:00 am? In our pursuit of bringing quality to our
worship, we will make some adjustments to
accommodate vacations and other summer events, but
we promise to give worship a priority throughout this
summer.
Finally, I know that we want to get to know other
people that we don’t see every Sunday with two
services. We will try to be creative in finding ways to do
that. More importantly, I want everyone to know, I
expect you to be in church this summer. Some of your
schedules will make that a challenge. Some will be
sporadic at best. I know that whatever else is going on,
the Lord God will be with us and I will be here as well. I
look forward to seeing you as we seek to add to the
kingdom of God. Remember, It’s all about Jesus!
Pastor Greg
United Methodists Respond
To Nepal Quake
NEPAL DISASTER FUND: There is still time for
you to contribute. Please write a check to our
church or send directly to the UMCOR as directed
in the following link. Thank you for reaching out!
http://www.umcmission.org/learn-about-us/newsandstories/2015/april/0427unitedmethodists respond
4th Annual Golf Tournament
Plan to attend the FUMC golf tournament on Friday,
May 29th at the Southern Hills Golf Course. Shot gun
start at 10am with registration and a chance on the
putting green at 9am. Lunch will be provided. Our
current hole sponsors: Kershner’s Auto Korner, Eugene
& Barbara Peck, Computer Hardware, Woodward’s
Disposal Service, Conway, Pauley & Johnson, P.C.,
Ellerbrock-Norris Insurance, KDA Farms, Inc., Family
Medical Center of Hastings, Herbert & Dee Galitz, Bank
of Doniphan, Charter Title & Escrow by Dan Wiebe,
Companion’s Choice, Fred & Brenda Catlett, Advanced
Eye Care – Steven Nicholson, Andrea Eigenberg,
Nathan Bolen, Five Points Bank of Hastings, Raymond
James by Rick Nelson, Rich & Connie Halloran, Rader
Insurance, Dr. David & Brandee Schram. Additional
sponsors: Kmart, Richard & Connie Anderson, Allen’s
of Hastings, Inc. We have hole sponsorships available
and are now accepting golfer registrations. If you would
like to be a sponsor or make a cash/merchandise
donation to our 4th Annual Golf Tournament contact the
church office at 402-463-6733 or fill out the information
below and mail or drop off to the office at 614 N
Hastings Avenue, Hastings NE 68901.
YES! I want to participate in the FUMC 4th Annual
Golf Outing:
____Hole Sponsor $200
____Golf Participant ($75 per golfer, $300 per
team of four)
Golfers receive one chance on the putting green, cart,
bucket of practice balls and 18 holes of golf.
____I am unable to golf but would like to make a
cash/merchandise donation (suggested minimum $50
value please)
In The Mail…
Thank you very much for the effort and the Easter
flowers after the Holiday, it’s a wonderful thing. I still
love have blooms on it. Caroline Dyer
Dear Pastor Lindenberger & FUMC Congregation,
Thank you for the beautiful Easter lily. It’s always
brings me such comfort to be thought of. Sincerely,
Susan Campbell
Dear Friends, Gene and Pauline Craft have brought me
flowers several times in the last few months and it’s so
uplifting to be remembered. Thanks so much. Dee Galitz
Dear Church Family, Thank you so much for the
beautiful cyclamen plant and to Judy Aspen and her
daughter, Brooke for bringing it to the Homestead from
the church altar on Easter Sunday. You are so thoughtful
and caring. Love, Jewel Parr
I would like to thank all the ladies from the FUMC that
baked the cakes for the funeral on April 9th. They were
all appreciated very much. Thanks again, Work
Chairman for Group 3, Dee Getz
Dear Church Members, Thank you so much for the
pretty red kalanhoe that Charlene Turner delivered to me
after Easter. I appreciate that you were thinking of me.
Pam Reichstein
Dear SPRC, Thank you for the vibrant bouquet of
flowers, they add a beautiful touch to my office, and the
gift card will come in handy many ways. Thank you for
making my administrative position appreciated. Thanks
again and God bless you all! Tanjie Petr
A great big thanks to my church family for the cards,
telephone calls and the get well wishes after my surgery
in March, also the signature sheets, and Pastor Sam’s
visit at the hospital. What a warm and caring church we
have at First United. God Bless You All, Elaine
Kershner
We want to send a special letter to thank you for your
generous donation of over 100 cans of fruit given to the
Hastings Food Pantry from your 100th Anniversary
Celebration. What a wonderful donation! And
congratulations on 100 wonderful years!! So many
people will be blessed with your giving. Thanks so much
for thinking about us as this helps so much! Hastings
Food Pantry, Board of Directors
May Driver
Don Sergeant
402-463-3600
Laity and Music Ministry
Saturday, May 9, 2015
6:00 p.m. Worship
Pianist: Joanne Choate
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Five Habits for Living Joyfully
Message by Pastor Greg Lindenberger
“The Most Important Commandment”
Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Mark 12:28-31
9:00 a.m. Praise Service
Ushers: Stan & Marcy Knudson
Greeters: Wayne & Kay Kloppenborg,
Val & Elaine Kershner
11:00 a.m. Traditional Service
Ushers: George Spencer, Carol Gill,
Ben Kohler
Greeters: Lloyd Kitrell, Robert Frank,
Don Gronemeyer
Chimes: Karyn Nicholson
Saturday, May 16, 2015
6:00 p.m. Worship
Pianist: Elayne Landwehr
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Message by Pastor Greg Lindenberger
Who We Are: Methodists
“A Longing for Holiness”
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:31; Acts 2:42,
1 Peter 1:14-16,
9:00 a.m. Praise Service
Ushers: Stan & Marcy Knudson
Greeters: Richard & Connie Halloran,
Homer & Margaret Pierce
11:00 a.m. Traditional Service
Ushers: George Spencer, Carol Gill,
Ben Kohler
Greeters: Barbara Zaroban, Elfi Fleharty,
Donna Dill
Chimes: Carol Kleppinger
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United Methodist Church unless specifically stated.