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We discover, explore, embrace, and share God’s belovedness.
Your mission should you choose
to accept it....
One month in ministry to the Vancouver
community and beyond!
COURTYARD VILLAGE APARTMENTS
WASHINGTON SCHOOL
WHO SHELTERS
SCRIP
Our Mission
We are companions on a spiritual journey, engaging minds, transforming hearts,
and empowering hands to serve Jesus Christ in our local and global community.
VOLUME 71, ISSUE 1 • January 2015 • www.vanfumc.org
A SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY SERVING VANCOUVER SINCE 1854!
From Your PASTOR
There is an old saying that goes, “Be careful what you pray for because you may just get it.” For several months
I have been praying for a vision for this church that would be so powerful and transforming that it would grab
hold of our hearts and engage our hands in Kingdom-building work.
That prayer was answered in a huge way! A few weeks ago we got word that many of our neighbors were being
evicted from their apartments in the middle of winter, right after Christmas, and with no place for them to go.
All crises create opportunities for good and evil to prevail. This crisis provided us with the opportunity for our
congregation to step up and be the companions we claim to be to those we call our neighbors. It gave us the
chance to protect the children we have been working with for the last several years.
It gave us a wonderful chance to not only practice mercy and kindness, as we take care of the immediate needs
of those families who are affected, but also to push for something bigger and far-reaching – justice. I have to
confess that before the notice that the Courtyard Village Apartments were being remodeled and the families
vacated, I had no idea Vancouver was facing a housing crisis. I had no idea that our apartment vacancy rate
was hovering way down at 2% or less and that low-income families with any kind of blemish on their record
have great difficulty finding a new apartment.
I had no idea that we had a major justice issue in our own backyard that needs to be resolved and that as a
church we can be one of the agents of mediation.
I would like to thank everyone for your immediate response of compassion and mercy. “What can I do?” has
been the question we have heard over and over again. We had already set some pretty high goals for giving
to our community and then this crisis came and everything was EXTRA. Extra food, extra gift cards, extra time,
extra outreach, EXTRA LOVE!
I have never been so proud of our church as I have been these last three weeks. We have said for years that
we would like to be companions to our neighbors in significant and life-changing ways and when we had this
opportunity, we rose to the challenge. All the past opportunities to serve, all the hours of walking children to
school, all the tutoring, all the times of sitting with a child in the cafeteria being a lunch buddy, all the times
we sent backpacks, or bikes, or all the times we served meals at Math Night or Lit Night, all of these acts built
relationships so that if a crisis would ever come we would be trusted enough to be invited to help.
We were the first ones called. When others will get tired and leave, we will still be serving. I keep saying this is
not a sprint but a marathon. Each month as families are asked to leave, we will still be their offering assistance,
hot meals, and most of all, hope.
As I said earlier in this column we are called to be agents of justice. We first have to understand the issue. I
confess I do not but I will do as much as I can to help us all get a better grasp of our housing crisis. I believe that
our church can take a prophetic stand and be the voice of truth and grace and discover a new way forward. I
will keep you posted on how that will happen. Thank you all, again, for all of your generosity and compassion.
I believe we have been called to just such a moment as this in our community and that if we keep walking with
God in humble obedience, we will change lives and change the future of our church.
Pastor David
Mark your calendar
Senior Luncheon
January brings a new year so help us celebrate at the Senior
Luncheon on Friday, January 9, at 12:30pm in Jason Lee
Hall. The menu will feature salad and a variety of pizzas.
Our guest will be Liz Borromeo (daughter of Jim & Carol
McGinnis) who will share her expertise in the art and
science of healthy mind-body connections through creative
movement. The long, dark, rainy days of winter can make us
feel ‘blah’, so this will be a great way to brighten your days!
Please contact the church office, 360-693-5881 or office@
vanfumc.org, by Wednesday, January 7, if you plan to attend,
so we can better prepare for you.
Calling All 4th & 5th Graders
Club 45 is a fun opportunity for 4th & 5th graders. We meet
once a month for fellowship and some fun. We will meet on
January 25 from 10:00am to noon for a day of giving back.
We hope that you will be able to join us.
scrip
Thank you to everyone who purchased scrip in 2014. We
were able to make over $3300 which was used to finance
some of the church’s outreach opportunities. The best part
of scrip is, those who purchased cards got the full face value
of the card while donating a percentage to the church. If
you would like to try this win-win for the church, order forms
and a full listing of vendors can be found at the information
booth each Sunday. The deadline for ordering in January is
January 25.
STUFFED ANIMAL DRIVE
We are collecting stuffed animals for the children of the
Courtyard Village Apartments. This is a very difficult time
for these families and often frightening and confusing for
the children. We will be giving the stuffed animals to all
children to help comfort them during this difficult time.
This is an ongoing effort and there will be many, many
more families displaced in the months to come. Stuffed
animal donations may be dropped off in the the main
lobby “blue bin”. Thank you for your support!
Mission Possible
We will continue our mission of being good neighbors
through a series of outreach projects in January.
Three areas in our community will be highlighted:
1) Courtyard Village: We will continue to work with
the residents of Courtyard Village to make their
transitions as smooth as possible. We will prepare and
deliver meals to residents, collect cleaning supplies,
and provide help with any paperwork needs. Watch
for details of how you can help or contact Elizabeth
in the church office (693-5881 or program@vanfumc.
org)
2) Washington School: Washington School is one of
our partner schools. As part of our support for them,
we will support the entire staff by providing supplies
and gift bags. We will also be providing a lunch for
their staff to show our appreciation. Join us between
services on January 18 to help put the gifts together
for the staff.
3) WHO Shelters: We will be staffing the WHO Shelter
for the week of January 25-31. In addition to serving
at the shelter, we will be drawing our attention
to homelessness in general. Between services on
Sunday, January 25, we will be creating the Corner
Bags for your cars. These are simple bags that contain
some food and water. The bags can be handed out to
people that you may encounter while driving around
town.
WHO
The Winter Hospitality Overflow (W.H.O.) Shelters
are in place to provide extra housing space during
the coldest months of the year. Our church will man
the shelter at St. Paul Lutheran Church during the
week of January 25-31. There are two ways that you
can help us meet this commitment:
1) Sign up for a volunteer shift during our week.
There will be sign-up sheets in the church lobby
throughout the month.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
2) In lieu of taking a shift, you can donate some
needed goods. We will need paper and cleaning
products, trash bags, snack foods and coffee.
There will be a printed list of needed items at the
information booth throughout the month.
United
Methodist
Women
UMW Leadership Team meeting is January 8, 2015 at
10:00am in Hesseltine Hall.
Circle Meeting Times
A.W.A.K.E. Circle meeting is January 27, 2015 at Lilia
Ortega's home, 1:30pm. For further information or
directions, call Bev Thomas (573-0399). New folks are
always welcome.
Little Acorn Preschool
& Kindergarten
Naomi Circle will not meet the month of January.
Rachel Circle meets the third Wednesday at 10:00am
at a members home. This month’s meeting will be on
January 21 at 11:30am to celebrate January Birthdays.
Please call Mindy Ludolph (695-7185) or Marion Noe
(750-5952) for further information.
Anyone interested in the United Methodist Women
can call Bev Thomas @ 573-0399.
FINANCE Update
Finance is giving thanks for receiving pledges in a
time -sensitive manner. Giving thanks to be able
to meet the challenge and work of the First United
Methodist Church.
Through November 30, 2014, the church has received
$490,529.65 or 87 % of the required income for the
year. We should have received $521,600.44 or 92% in
order to fulfill our budget requirement. This leaves us
$31,707.79 short of the required funds as of November 30, 2014.
In order to fulfill the church’s commitment to the
community and outreach, it is important that we continue to achieve our pledged commitment. Thank you
for your continued support.
Thank you,
Your Finance Team
Little Acorn Preschool & Kindergarten would like to wish
everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy
New Year!
Our students worked very hard learning their holiday
songs, and our Winter Concerts went off without a hitch.
The kids were adorable singing for their families in English
and Spanish.
Breakfast with Santa was a big hit! We had over 180
people attend. While they enjoyed pancakes, Santa took
pictures with the kids and gave them each a gift wrapped
book. It was a very special morning for our families.
We had a very successful winter book fair and are looking
forward to stocking up on new books for our classrooms
and library.
We look forward to continue to grow our program and
make new friends in the New Year.
Happy Holidays from the Little Acorn Staff!
Katie Coop
Director
JANUARY 2015
S
M
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T
F
1
NEW YEARS DAY
Office Closed
4
5
9:30 Knitting
11:30 Staff Meeting
12:00 LAPS All Staff
6:30 Leaven Group
7:00 Troop 525
9:00 Worship
9:00 Choir Rehearsal
9:15 Children/Youth
Church School
9:30 Leaven Group
10:00 Leaven Group
11:00 Worship
3:00 Youth Ice Cream
Party
11
9:00 Worship
9:00 Choir Rehearsal
9:15 Children/Youth
Church School
9:30 Leaven Group
10:00 Youth Parent
Meeting
10:00 Seekers Class
10:00 Leaven Group
11:00 Worship
2:00 Seekers / Guest
Lane McGaughy
4:00 Youth Group
18
9:30 Leaven Group
6:30 LAPS Meeting
9:30 Knitting
11:30 Staff Meeting
6:30 Leaven Group
6:30 Men’s NA
7:00 Troop 525
9:30 Leaven Group
19
Office Closed
8:00 All Youth Lock-In
ends
9:30 Knitting, Latte Da
6:30 Leaven Group
6:30 Men’s NA
25
5:30 Hand Drums
7:00 Praise Team
26
7:30 Leaven Group
10:00 UMW LeaderShip
5:30 Hand Drums
7:00 Praise Team
20
9:30 Leaven Group
9:30 LAPS Board
6:00 SPR
8
15
14
11:30 Staff Meeting
5:30 Hand Drums
7:00 Praise Team
9:30 Leaven Group
6:00 Leadership Team
28
5:30 Hand Drums
7:00 Praise Team
10
16
17
12:30 Senior
Luncheon
23
29
7:30 Leaven Group
24
9:00 Pacific NW Camp
Ambassador
Training
7:30 Leaven Group
SCRIP Deadline
9:30 Knitting
11:30 Staff Meeting
12:00 LAPS Teachers
6:30 Leaven Group
6:30 Men’s NA
7:00 Rtoop 525
9
1:00 Lucas Memorial
22
WHO Shelter Week
9:00 Choir Rehearsal
9:00 Worship
9:15 Children/Youth
Church School
9:30 Leaven Group
10:00 Seekers Class
10:00 Leaven Group
11:00 Worship
9
12:00 Foundation
7:30 Leaven Group
21
27
2
2:00 Jean Butler
Holmes Memorial
Service
6:00 First Friday
7
13
12
MARTIN LUTHER KING
JR DAY
9:00 Worship
9:00 Choir Rehearsal
9:15 Children/Youth
Church School
9:30 Leaven Group
10:00 Seekers Class
10:00 Leaven Group
11:00 Worship
10:00 All Youth Lock-In
begins
6
S
30
31
January
Celebrations
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1
Ryan Budnik
2
Traci Mitchel
Dan Payne
4
Julie Harris
Jim Martin
Wesley Moholt
Karolyn Shoote
5Barbara Duncan
6
Nora Bell
Thelma Collins
Jeralyn Green
7
Kate Kraft
10
Nancy Bacon
12
Rachel Lookingbill
Weyant
Rebecca Winters
16
George Allen
Marianne Dearborn
17
Joseph Bailey
Sue Irish
20
Lorraine Dix
Jack Harris
20
Virginia Lent
21
Christy Bayly
Mindy Ludolph
22
Larry Kniss
23
Rhoda Laws
Bonnie Weeks
Marvin Windred
25
Evelyn Argo
Richard Estep
Teuila Kaumatule
-Muli
26Dave Nutting
28
Katherine Janney
Justin Nutting
Jon Shaw
Lauren Smith
Briannah Trotter
29
Roger Bieber
31
Matt Shoemaker
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
5Dave & Bridget Nutting
18Dave & Ceci Smith
19
Jim & Rita Toepfer
25Hal & Sheila Leonhardt
27Daryll & Carol Pierce
Care Ministry Updates
Care Ministry Pantry is almost full. Thank you for
donations of non-perishable food items for Courtyard
Village residents. The “drop-in” pantry also serves our
drop-in ministry. We are able to provide a cup of coffee,
conversation and a small bag of groceries to those who
are in need.
Youth Sunday school will begin on the third Sunday,
January 18. Times are TBD, as we will be discussing
what is best for the group at the parents meeting on
January 11. Please see schedule below for details. In
the meantime, Katelyn will be attending contemporary
services January 4 and 11, and welcomes any and all
youth to join her in the pews! Please meet in the church
annex (next to the information booth) before service. If
you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email
[email protected] or call/text 509-670-9578. Can’t
wait to see you in the new year! Thank you.
This month we will be collecting cleaning supplies for
Courtyard Village Apartments. Clorox wipes, spray cleaners
and paper towels are needed. We are also collecting
canned Chili for the drop-in ministry.
Please remember Care Ministry is able to provide timely
and sympathetic care and comfort to our members, their
family and friends, and to the community. Where needs
develop, every effort is made to address, with appropriate
care, assistance for those needs. We do not always know
if someone is ill, in the hospital, or in need of comfort. We
hope you will let Care Ministry ([email protected]) know
if we can be helpful and surround you in care and prayer.
youth Events in january
With Sympathy
Sunday, January 11 from 10:00am to 11:00am
Parents of middle school and high school youth are invited
to a parents meeting to discuss future plans of the youth
groups. This time is also a chance for you to meet Katelyn,
the interim youth director, and voice your requests and
ideas for Youth Ministry. We will meet in the youth room
between services. Children will be supervised in the play
area next door.
Our sympathies and prayers are with the families of Jean
Butler Holmes, Luke Lucas, and Bob Hill.
Sunday, January 11 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
We are going to get back into the swing of youth group! This
will be a combined youth group during which we will catch
up with our friends about our holiday adventures and get
to know each other with some new and hilarious games!!
Please come prepared to be active. Can’t wait to share in
this time of silliness with you!
Sunday, January 18, 9:00pm to Monday, January 19, 8:00am
That’s right!! We are kicking off the new year with an allyouth lock-in!!!
Come prepared for a night of crazy-cool fun including fun
competitions, marathons of Rock Band, board games, and
other secret shenanigans!! For entry to the lock-in, please
bring ONE of the following: A 12-pack of soda, a snack to
share (chips, candy, etc.), or a FRIEND! Note that the more
friends we have, the merrier it will be! Please RSVP to
Katelyn at [email protected] OR by calling/texting 509670-9578 by Wednesday, January 14. Don’t miss out on one
of the biggest events of the year!!
A memorial service for Jean was held on Friday, January
2 at 2:00pm. We remember Jean and her dedication to
Washington School. We hold her children, Kate, Betty, and
Bob in our prayers.
A Celebration of Life for Luke will be held on Saturday,
January 17 at 1:00pm. We surround Ev with our prayers as
she, and her sons, and extended family grieve their loss.
Bob Hill passed away on December 17, 2014. Our prayers
are with his wife, Dixie in her time of loss.
FUMC Hospitality!
Thanks to our WOW volunteers for January!
Coffee Servers:
Jan 4: Hal & Sheila Leonhardt
Jan 11: Gentry family
Jan 18: Rosie Porambo
Jan 25: UMW (Carolann Walters)
Ushers:
Jan 4: John Roberts Team -(9:00am)
Dave Smith Team (11:00am)
Jan 11: Gerald Swanson Team
Jan 18: Hal Leonhardt Team
Jan 25: Jean Roberts Team
Sunday Morning Hosts:
Jan 4: Joyce Kleinschmidt & Donna Kirkpatrick (11:00am)
Jan 18: UMW
Information Booth:
Jan. 4: Agnes Ekeya
THE MESSENGER
Your Staff
Pastor....................................................................David Tinney
Associate Pastor...................................................Jim McGinnis
Deacon........................................................Denise McGuiness
Minister of Congregational Care..........................Becki Eichner
Program Director..............................................Elizabeth Owen
Youth & Young Adult Director............................Katelyn Peer
Facilities Manager.................................................... Steve Noll
Treasurer............................................................Michelle Mehl
Secretary...............................................................Becky Baxter
Custodian...........................................................Debbie Barnes
9:00 Worship Leader............................................Steven Schob
Sanctuary Choir Director........................................Don Appert
Organist.............................................................Chris Nordwall
Nursery Coordinator ....................................... Sue Bottemiller
Lay Leaders ...........................................Bill Owen, Scott Sawyer
Thank the Lord for opening another
chapter in our lives. May we live each
page with more meaning by touching
people’s lives each day!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
THE MESSENGER (USPS973-020) - Published by First United
Methodist Church, 401 E. 33rd St., Vancouver, WA 98663. Published monthly. Postmaster: Please send address changes to
FUMC, 401 E. 33rd Street, Vancouver, WA 98663. Phone: 360693-5881. Periodicals postage paid at Vancouver, WA 98663.
Military Service
First Church extends prayers for all who are representing our
country in the armed forces. Please keep the following servicemen and women in your prayers:
U.S. Army
Troy Hein
Scott Hedges
Ian Fouts
Bobby, Terry & Chris
Dickinson
Corey & Kelly McCoy
Josh Wells
David White
Warren Schultz
Randy Schultz
Kurt Christian
Alex Wellman
Alice Wannamaker
National Guard
Ty Clemenhagen
U.S. Air Force
Jake LaFine
Jason Daly
Terry Bushnell
Thomas Snell
Cody Pennington
U.S. Navy
Stephanie Chelone
Bob Nash
Shannon Johnson
David Dearborn
Miles Wesley Giger
Zac Wannamaker
With a
Servant’s Heart
Thank you so much for your generous spirits! Because
of your willingness to help we were able to:
• create and deliver 71 food boxes at Thanksgiving
and 62 food boxes at Christmas.
• distribute 265 gifts to kids for Christmas.
• give hats, gloves, and socks to 73 children (with
more going out to our partner schools this month).
• collect over 80 gift cards for teens and the families
at Courtyard Village.
• cook and deliver 2 hot meals over the holidays for
15 Courtyard Village families.
• raise $3505 for Salvation Army through bell
ringing.
• raise over $10,400 for the relocation fund for
those families displaced at Courtyard Village.
Over 300 man hours of volunteering went into
making this Advent season one of giving back to our
neighbors, reconnecting with one another and living
out the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you all for
being a part of the season!
first united methodist church • 360-693-5881 • [email protected]
401 east thirty-third street • vancouver, washington 98663