The Word - Bright Net

The Word: Monthly Newsletter
February 2015
The Word
Look Inside:
Pastor's Page
Worship Info
February
Celebrations &
Condolences
Mission
Connections
Kids & Youth
Connections
News & Notes
February
Calendar
As we prepare the MCCI report for the conference
consultation team I have become even more in love with this
church. Many of you remember a different day and age in this
church when the pews were full and the children were plentiful.
You remember when worship was a glorious event and your
friends were just a few pews over. Those were good days. It
can be painful to think back to what we used to be and wonder
if this church will ever again see the days of reaching the
people of Wapakoneta for Christ. In my prayer life I have been
deeply convicted that First Church of Wapakoneta can be that
church again!
I see overflowing worship venues, tripping over children,
outstanding worship, unbelievable outreach, effective Christian
education and meaningful outlet of service in our future! What
are your dreams for the future of First Church? Have you
been praying about the breakthroughs God is going to
make through First Church on His behalf? I cannot
emphasize enough how important prayer is to the entire
process! We must be praying that God opens the hearts
and minds of First Church for the purpose of reaching
others for Christ!
Friday, April 24-Sunday, April 26 will be our MCCI
weekend. During this weekend many will be interviewed and
asked what their dreams for First Church are and what we
need to do to become more effective. On Saturday, our
leaders will receive an exciting training led by the Conference
team. On Sunday, April 26, a report will be shared with the
congregation through a combined service at 10:00 a.m.
(There will be no Sunday School but childcare will be provided
during worship. Dinner to follow the combined service.) The
report will tell what they heard during the interviews and in the
self-study. Then they will share with us five prescriptions they
are recommending to us. I pray you will make the time to
prioritize being in church for this very special service!
Pastor Kim
First United Methodist Church ● Wapakoneta, Ohio
The Word: Monthly Newsletter
February 2015
Worship Connection
4th SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY, February 1, 2015
Message: "Royal Dreams" - Rev. Kimberly Pope-Seiberling
Sermon Series: Destiny and Dreams
Scripture: Genesis 41:1-14, 25-32
8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship Service with Holy Communion
Greeters/Ushers: Maurice & Sarah DeVore
9:15 a.m. Sunday School Classes for all ages
10:30 a.m. Traditional Worship Service with Holy Communion
Greeters/Ushers: Scott & Traci Turner and Les & Kim Bowers
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Service with Holy Communion in Beckwith Hall
5th SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015, BOY SCOUT SUNDAY
Message: "Family Destiny" - Rev. Mike Westbay
Sermon Series: Destiny & Dreams
Scripture: Genesis 42 & 43 story tellers
8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship Service with Holy Communion
Greeters/Ushers: Maurice & Sarah DeVore
9:15 a.m. Sunday School Classes for all ages
10:30 a.m. Traditional Worship Service
Greeters/Ushers: Scott & Traci Turner and Les & Kim Bowers
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Service in Beckwith Hall
LAST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY, FEBRUARY 15, 2015
Message: "Dreams Come True" - Rev. Kimberly Pope-Seiberling
Sermon Series: Destiny & Dreams
Scripture: Genesis 44 & 46 story tellers
8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship Service with Holy Communion
Greeters/Ushers: Steve & Jennifer McDevitt
9:15 a.m. Sunday School Classes for all ages
10:30 a.m. Traditional Worship Service
Greeters/Ushers: Les & Kim Bowers and Blaine & Kara Kohler
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Service in Beckwith Hall
1st SUNDAY IN LENT, FEBRUARY 22, 2015
Message: "Prayer" - Rev. Kimberly Pope-Seiberling
Sermon Series: Practices make Perfect
Scripture: Matthew 6
8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship Service with Holy Communion
Greeters/Ushers: Steve & Jennifer McDevitt
9:15 a.m. Sunday School Classes for all ages
10:30 a.m. Traditional Worship Service
Greeters/Ushers: Les & Kim Bowers and Blaine & Kara Kohler
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Service in Beckwith Hall
First United Methodist Church ● Wapakoneta, Ohio
The Word: Monthly Newsletter
February 2015
Worship Connection
NOTICE!
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
for Presidents Day, February 16, 2015.
SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES
8:15 A.M. Traditional Worship Service with Communion
9:15 A.M. Sunday School Classes for all ages
10:30 A.M. Traditional Worship Service (with Communion 1st Sunday of every month)
11:00 A.M. Contemporary Service in Beckwith Hall (with Communion 1st Sunday of
every month)
WEEKLY CHURCH ATTENDANCE
Christmas Eve, December 24, 2014 - 7:00 p.m. – 274 and 11:00 p.m. – 72
December 28, 2014 – 8:15 a.m. – 47 and 10:30 a.m. – 115 and 11:00 a.m. – 55
January 4, 2014 – 8:15 a.m. – 42 and 10:30 a.m. – 109 and 11:00 a.m. – 44
January 11, 2014 – 8:15 a.m. – 39 and 10:30 a.m. – 101 and 11:00 a.m. – 46
January 18, 2014 – 8:15 a.m. – 47 and 10:30 a.m. – 117 and 11:00 a.m. – 35
January 25, 2014 – 8:15 a.m. – 44 and 10:30 a.m. – 122 and 11:00 a.m. – 40
SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
January 4, 2015 - 76
January 11, 2015 - 87
January 18, 2015 - 69
Please Pray For: Nick Welker, Jim Marsden, Rita Williamson, David Stoll,
Edison Keller, Wayne Fowler, Donna Wirth, Juanita Swanbeck, Lois Yinger, Gene
Williams, Edison Keller, Don & Dee Nevergall, Tony Montgomery, Lois Ann Siferd,
Julia Wolfe, John Ruoff, Jim Elshire, Mae Cartmell, Kay Ruoff, Paula Goodes,
Nancy Oen
First United Methodist Church ● Wapakoneta, Ohio
The Word: Monthly Newsletter
February 2015
Celebrations & Condolences
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS!
01 Gary Walls
Madison Davis (9 yrs.)
03 Marilyn James
Van Allen Parfait (3 yrs.)
04 Barb Lee
Jim Dulebohn
05 Philip Myers
Mara Stiles (11 yrs.)
Nathan Niemeyer (8 yrs.)
07 Mabeline Goodwin (15 yrs.)
08 Richard Hengstler
Vicky Cartmell
Jacob Bowersock
Paul Kimmel
Holly Fuller
09 Joyce Dotson
10 Fred Erb
Flo Kennedy
11 Gene Williams
Dan Graf
12 David Stoll
14 Bruce Thuman
Deb Pedersen
Janell Welker
15 Jim Bowersock
Matt Gill
Rebecca Peterson
Lindsay Stachowicz
16 Dennis McCormick
17 Mark Schneider
Arlene Searcy
Dr. Wm. Reed Searcy
Miriam Reese
Zakery Dulebohn
Kris Bowersock
18 Lucy Stedke (6 yrs.)
19 Cara Dauch (17 yrs.)
Ryan Thuman
20 Kirsten Walters
22 Georgia Casto
Christine Schwartz
Jeannette Burkholder
24 Karen Kohler
Miya Hollis (3 yrs.)
25 June Keiber
Rogina Turner
Yvonne Southall
Tom Briley
26 Katherine Schlatter
Susan Gill
28 Deb Clutter
Donovan Winget
Scott Turner
29 Brian Ritchie
CONDOLENCES!

To Sheila (Wayne) Fowler and family on the passing of her sister, Glenita "Cookie"
Dudley, of Cambridge City, Indiana on December 24, 2014.

To Merita (Stan) Arnold and family on the passing of her son, Roger White, on
January 1, 2015.

To Guyneth (Dean) Coolidge and family on the passing of her father, John Staples,
on January 7, 2015.

To Miriam (Bill) Reese and family on the passing of her sister, Marilyn Rehn, on
January 20, 2015.
First United Methodist Church ● Wapakoneta, Ohio
The Word: Monthly Newsletter
February 2015
Mission Connection
The Mission Team has several projects and goals in mind for 2015.
- We hope to arrange a mission trip for the youth of our church. Kim
Bowers is beginning to look into possible opportunities for the trip.
- The Mission Team will also continue to support local ministries such
as God’s Storehouse, St. Vincent DePaul, and Mercy Unlimited.
- We are also looking to help provide food to students in need over
the weekends within Wapakoneta City Schools.
- Reaching out internationally to help those abroad will be another
focus of our team this year.
- Within our church, the team will be leading a book study using the
book “What Every Church Member Should Know About Poverty” by
Ruby Payne.
The goal of the Mission Team this year is simple: to do something! We plan
to provide continued financial support this year, but would like to challenge
the members of our church to go out and serve. So please join us, let’s do
something!
I woke up this morning
Saw a world full of trouble now
Thought, how’d we ever get so far down
How’s it ever gonna turn around
So I turned my eyes to Heaven
I thought, “God, why don’t You do something?”
Well, I just couldn’t bear the thought of
People living in poverty
Children sold into slavery
The thought disgusted me
So, I shook my fist at Heaven
Said, “God, why don’t You do something?”
He said, “I did, I created you”
- lyrics from Matthew West’s song “Do Something”
First United Methodist Church ● Wapakoneta, Ohio
The Word: Monthly Newsletter
February 2015
Kids & Youth Connection
412 KIDS
January found the 412 Kids of First United Methodist Church busy
planning their next mission project. They have also spent Wednesday
nights doing skits, scavenger hunts, crafting, playing games, and building
lasting friendships while learning about Jesus. 412 meets each Wednesday
from 6:00-7:30 pm.
SENIOR HIGH YOUTH
The Senior High Youth (9th grade thru 12th grade) will be meeting Sunday
evenings at 7:00 p.m.
Eric Temple and John Bailey are the Senior High Youth leaders.
ACOLYTES WANTED
Any Youth in Junior High or Senior High who is interested in being an
Acolyte for the Sunday Worship Services is invited to sign up on the sheet
on the Welcome Center counter in the narthex.
First United Methodist Church ● Wapakoneta, Ohio
The W ord: Monthly Newsletter
February 2015
News & Notes
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
The following people were received into First United Methodist Church's membership
by Pastor Kimberly Pope-Seiberling:
Zac Lauck joined on January 18, 2015, by transferred from Cridersville United
Methodist Church.
Nancy (Rev. Mike) Westbay joined on January 18, 2015, by transfer from Mt. Tabor
UMC.
COMMUNITY LENTEN SERVICES
12:00 Noon at St. Joseph Catholic Church
February 18 through April 1, 2015
The Wapakoneta Area Ministerial Association will be sponsoring the weekly
Community Lenten Worship at St. Joseph Catholic Church beginning on Ash
Wednesday, February 18, during the noon hour and continuing each Wednesday during
Lent. There will be a 30 minute worship followed by a luncheon in their Parish Center.
The speakers, topics and luncheon will be provided by the various churches in the
Wapakoneta area. First United Methodist Church will be in charge of the Lenten
Service and luncheon on March 4th. A donation for the lunch helps to not only pay
the expenses of the meal but gives the Ministerial Association financial support for their
various ministries.
FIRST CHURCH'S IMPOSITION OF ASHES
Plan now to attend the Imposition of Ashes service in our sanctuary on Ash
Wednesday, February 18th, at 7:00 p.m. It will be very brief so please be prompt.
OUTREACH COMMITTEE
The Outreach Committee met in January to discuss and plan our 2015 calendar. We
have decided to start with our community Easter egg hunt. It will be held on April 4. The
committee will have more information available as the date approaches. We will be
asking for donations of candy to fill the eggs.
SHROVE TUESDAY ANNUAL PANCAKE DINNER
Be sure to mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 17, 2014, to attend our annual
Pancake Dinner. All you can eat pancakes served with one Walter's fresh sausage (an extra
sausage is $1.00) and beverage. Tickets are $5.00 per person (children under 10 years old can
eat pancakes free) and can be purchased at the door. Serving time begins at 4:30 p.m.
sponsored by the United Methodist Men of First United Methodist Church.
Volunteers are needed to help this day. If you are interested, please see signup sheet on the
Welcome Center counter.
First United Methodist Church ● Wapakoneta, Ohio
The Word: Monthly Newsletter
February 2015
News & Notes continued
WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN
Dear Ladies,
Attendance…..Do you want to be a member of now Women Supporting Women?
Ladies this is very important due to our budget cut and fellowship. We are now supporting
ourselves for regular meetings and the specialty meetings such as Mother’s day, Family day,
Angel Share Productions and our Christmas party will be funded from our budget. With that
said postage went up and it’s easier to text, pc message or call those that don’t have internet or
texting abilities. Since I have gotten married and want to help women be the best they can be
there will be some changes to our program.
1. As of February 2015 Women Supporting Single Women will become Women Supporting
Women. This will not only support singles but open our membership up to all age
appropriate women starting at 21 years of age.
2. The mission statement will remain the same except changing the words single to all age
appropriate women.
3. A committee of seven will form to help support the life of WSW. If anyone is interested for
a one year term please call Yvonne -- [email protected], 419-905-2847 (cell & texting).
LOAVES AND FISHES
First United Methodist Church hosts the Loaves & Fishes community ministry every
Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 pm in Beckwith Hall (served by the various churches in the
Wapakoneta area). First United Methodist Church's turn is on February 5th. The meal is
free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the great food and
good fellowship!
CAMERA FRIENDS
Camera Friends next meeting will be on Monday, February 16, at 2:00 p.m. Any
questions, please contact L.V. Hollis at 419-738-2574.
VALENTINE'S DAY DINNER AND CONCERT
Please join supporters of Family Promise of Lima-Allen County for our second annual
Valentine's Day Dinner and Concert. Dinner catered by the Milano Café. Concert by
The Third Floor Band. Enjoy the Evening with your Valentine, or with your special
friends. A table will be set up for singles at Shawnee Community Church, Corner of
Shawnee and Zurmehly Roads on February 14, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. Donation: $50.00 per
person (eight or more 10% off). All proceeds benefit homeless families. To reserve your
tickets see Mike Powell or email [email protected] or call 419-879-4600.
First United Methodist Church ● Wapakoneta, Ohio
The Word: Monthly Newsletter
February 2015
News & Notes continued
POVERTY SIMULATION
On Monday, February 23, from 6:00-8:30 pm, a poverty simulation will be offered at
St Paul’s UCC. This experience is a joint venture between First United Methodist
Church, St. Paul UCC Church and St. Joe’s Catholic Church. In the poverty simulation,
you will be given an identity then given tasks to complete. The experience is
designed to help increase our understanding of issues facing the poor. This is
excellent training for those planning to volunteer for Family Promise. Pastor Kim
will be there and would love to see a strong Showing. There is a signup sheet on the
Welcome Center. Spaces are limited and we anticipate the registration will fill up
quickly.
ANGEL SHARE PRODUCTIONS 2014
Angel Share was created by Yvonne Hines Southall from a dream given to her by the
Lord. The purpose of this event is “to teach children from ages 3-17 to give back to their parents
and grandparents. The children get to choose a gift for parents, grandparents or guardian. The
gifts are wrapped by volunteers and the children get a Christmas card that they personally sign.
They get their pictures taken by the tree or Santa. We give each child a personal gift or treat.
We engage them in knowing the story of Jesus’ birth and how He gave back to us with love and
sacrifice by a live play done by children in the community.
Saturday, November 22, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., we held the Angel Share for
the children only. We had 51 children signed up. Most were from Auglaize, Mercer and Allen
Counties. They received a candy bag and an apples provided by the Mary Hannah Unit. Thanks
ladies. Donations of wrapping paper and bows from individuals were very much appreciated.
There are other parts to Angel Share Productions, its new name as of November 2013.
One is open rummage with winter clothes such as coats, gloves, jeans or warm pants, socks,
scarves, and sweaters; new blankets; household items can be from small appliances to
Christmas Trees, anything that people don’t want in good condition. We advertise through free
media, Wapakoneta Daily News and community awareness. Families sign their children up with
permission to take their photos.
The gifts come from Yvonne buying during the year using her personal funds, other
individual donations, community and out of state businesses as well as some corporations as I
write letters of our needs. The volunteers come from our church and community.
Thank you so much to our volunteers for their dedication. We need 15 people to facilitate
the complete program. If anyone is interested in helping support this event in anyway please
contact Yvonne Southall at 419.738.2439 or email at [email protected].
PUPPETS
To everyone who tells us "We love the puppets - so glad you performed today!" It's very
encouraging to hear that and we thank you very much for giving us a boost! We are working on
a song entitled "Give it Away" and plan to sing on February 8th. Anyone who wishes to join
us should come to practice each Sunday evening at 6:00 pm in room 100 (age 9 to 99) we
would love to see some new faces as we seek to serve our Lord. If you have any questions call
Leroy (419-604-0749), Lynne (419-738-4278), or Wendy (419-236-1189), Puppet Coordinators.
First United Methodist Church ● Wapakoneta, Ohio
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The Word: Monthly Newsletter
February 2015
News & Notes continued
A SPIRITUAL FORMATION WORKBOOK
Over Lent we will be focusing on spiritual disciplines. We will be using the
book “A Spiritual Formation Workbook: Small Group Resources for Nurturing
Christian Growth” by Richard Foster. Spiritual disciplines are practices that
help draw us closer to God. The focus of the study will be on practicing the
disciplines such as prayer and acts of mercy. Weekly Bible Studies will be
conducted over Lent and coordinate with the sermon series. People will be
assigned a group to be in according to their availability. Many of the groups
will meet in the homes of the facilitator. Each session will last one hour. Bible
studies will begin Feb 22-Feb 28 and continue through the season of Easter.
The cost of the book is $12.00 or it is available on the kindle for $2.00. If
interested please fill out a registration form available at the Welcome Center.
Completed forms can be turned into the church office or placed in the offering
plate.
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HOSPITALITY OPPORTUNITIES
Would you be willing to volunteer some of your time on Sunday to help us at the
Welcome Center? Your duties would be to stand or sit behind the desk and
answer general questions from our members and guests. We have a notebook on
the desk with the answers. And there is always someone near-by that would be
happy to help. You already know where the restrooms are and where Sunday
school classes meet. And when we have a first time guest, you can give them a
travel mug. We would welcome your help.
There is also an opportunity for you to be of service to our members and guests
on Sunday mornings at the Beverage Centers. We have beverages and snacks
available to those who attend church. Beverages and snacks are available in the
Narthex from 8 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. and also in Beckwith Hall from 10:30 a.m. to
noon. You would be asked to provide about 5 dozen cookies, donuts, fruit breads,
cheese & crackers, brownies or anything you want to bring. The church provides
coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino and orange juice. We also have all the
paper products you need. There will be complete instructions at each center. You
can sign up on the pad at the Welcome Center or when you are called to help,
please say yes.
First United Methodist Church ● Wapakoneta, Ohio
CALENDAR FOR FEBRUARY 2015
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
1 Communion 2
8:15 am Worship
9:15 am Sunday
School
10:30 am Worship
11:00 am
Contemporary
Service
5:00 pm Volleyball
at YMCA
6:00 pm Puppets
6:30 pm
Financial Peace
7:00 pm Sr. High
8
3
10:30 am Bible
Study
7:30 am Study –
at Cloud 9
WEDNESDAY
4
7:00 pm
Trustees
7:00 pm Dartball
Practice
6:00 pm 412 Youth
(3rd & 4th graders)
6:30 pm Handbells
7:00 pm Chancel
Choir
5
6
7
13
14
20
21
8:00 pm Dartball
Game here
7:00 pm Missions
11
8:15 am Worship/Holy
Communion
9:15 am Sunday
School
10:30 am Worship
11:00 am
Contemporary
Service
5:00 pm Volleyball
at YMCA
6:00 pm Puppets
6:30 pm
Financial Peace
7:00 pm Sr. High
10:30 am Bible
Study
7:30 am Study –
at Cloud 9
8:30 am Ladies
Quilting
7:00 pm Dartball
Practice
6:00 pm 412 Youth
(3rd & 4th graders)
6:30 pm Handbells
7:00 pm Chancel
Choir
15
16
6:00 pm
Finance
7:00 pm
Staff/Parish
17
Presidents
Day
7:30 am Study –
at Cloud 9
Church
Office
Closed
4:30 pm Shrove
Tuesday
Pancake Dinner
10:30 am Bible
Study
2:00 pm Camera
Friends
7:30 pm Ad
Board
22 8:15 am Worship/ 23
Holy Communion
9:15 am Sunday
School
10:30 am Worship
11:00 am
Contemporary
Service
5:00 pm Volleyball
at YMCA
6:00 pm Puppets
6:30 pm Financial
Peace
7:00 pm Sr. High
SATURDAY
4:30 pm Loaves
& Fishes
10
8:15 am
Worship/Holy
Communion
9:15 am Sunday
School
10:30 am Worship
11:00 am
Contemporary
Service
5:00 pm Volleyball
at YMCA
6:0 pm Puppets
6:30 pm Financial
Peace
7:00 pm Sr. High
FRIDAY
8:30 am Ladies
Quilting
9
Boy Scout
Sunday
THURSDAY
10:30 am Bible
Study
6:00-8:30 pm
Poverty
Simulation at
St. Paul UCC
Church
8:00 pm Dartball
Game here
8:30 am Ladies
Quilting
Noon - Community
Service at St. Joe's
4:30 pm Loaves
& Fishes
24
25
7:00 pm Dartball
Practice
6:00 Outreach
19
Ash
Wednesday
7:00 pm Dartball
Practice
7:30 am Study –
at Cloud 9
4:30 pm Loaves
& Fishes
18
6:00 pm 412 Youth
(3rd &4th graders)
6:30 pm Handbells
7:00 pm Chancel
Choir
7:00 pm Imposition
of Ashes
6:30 pm
Hospitality
12
2:00 pm
Women
Supporting
Women
6:30 pm
Education in
room 100
8:00 pm Dartball
Game at
Jackson Twp.
26
27
8:30 am Ladies
Quilting
Noon - Community
Lenten Service at
St. Joe's
6:00 pm 412 Youth
(3rd &4th graders)
6:30 pm Handbells
7:00 pm Chancel
Choir
4:30 pm Loaves
& Fishes
8:00 pm Dartball
Game here
First United Methodist Church ● Wapakoneta, Ohio
28
First United Methodist Church
504 Glynwood Road
Wapakoneta, OH 45895
First United Methodist Church
504 Glynwood Road, Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895
Contact Information:
First United Methodist Church’s e-mail address: [email protected]
Web Page address: http://bright.net/~fumc/
Telephone: 419-738-8168
Please have any articles you wish to have published in March's
newsletter to the church office by Friday, February 20, 2015 .

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