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FIRST CONNECTION AUGUST 2021 August 2021 First Connection Dear First Family! We are in the month of August and it is hard to believe that school will be starting soon! This month I anticipate being a month of building momentum; which is our next sermon series; Holy Momentum. This will be a time where we will be focused on training those who have signed up for our Ministry Fair in the various ministries that relay to our 5 membership vows; prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. In preparation for this series, I am currently receiving training in a DART Justice Ministry Conference. In this conference, the learning goals will involve: 1. The basic tenets of the justice ministry. 2. How to identify and cultivate lay leaders around personal, life experiences which put on exhibit issues of justice that can bind us together, and; 3. How to exercise collective action to balance power in the public arena. I am excited for this training opportunity within our conference, because it will help inform my leadership on how we might address some of the social justice concerns that are in our community and world. I greatly appreciate the enthusiasm that is building and growing within our community for this work of reconciliation. I am still reflecting on the study of the five giraffes that we have been studying in conjunction with our Holy Movement Series. It is an imagery that I cannot get out of my head. My personal prayer has become developing the energy, eagerness and optimism of the baby giraffe, who when the zookeeper called her name; she came running over without hesitation. I know that there are still a lot of unknowns that lie ahead. My prayers for our

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Page 1: August 2021 First Connection

FIRST CONNECTION AUGUST 2021

August 2021 First Connection

Dear First Family!

We are in the month of August and it is hard to believe that school willbe starting soon! This month I anticipate being a month of buildingmomentum; which is our next sermon series; Holy Momentum. Thiswill be a time where we will be focused on training those who havesigned up for our Ministry Fair in the various ministries that relay toour 5 membership vows; prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.In preparation for this series, I am currently receiving training in aDART Justice Ministry Conference. In this conference, the learninggoals will involve: 1. The basic tenets of the justice ministry. 2. How to identify and cultivate lay leaders around personal, lifeexperiences which put on exhibit issues of justice that can bind ustogether, and; 3. How to exercise collective action to balance power in the publicarena. I am excited for this training opportunity within our conference,because it will help inform my leadership on how we might addresssome of the social justice concerns that are in our community andworld. I greatly appreciate the enthusiasm that is building and growing withinour community for this work of reconciliation. I am still reflecting on thestudy of the five giraffes that we have been studying in conjunctionwith our Holy Movement Series. It is an imagery that I cannot get outof my head. My personal prayer has become developing the energy,eagerness and optimism of the baby giraffe, who when the zookeepercalled her name; she came running over without hesitation. I knowthat there are still a lot of unknowns that lie ahead. My prayers for our

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community is that we look at these unknowns as a beautiful journeythat we GET TO take together; knowing and trusting that not onlydoes God want us here; we as the church of First United MethodistChurch in Lincoln wants us here… together! The best is yet to come. I am glad that we get to experience thisreality together! Peace and Love,Kirstie J. Engel

Hunger and Poverty ResponseMinistry"Do not neglect to do good and toshare what you have, for suchsacrifices are pleasing to God." - Hebrews 13:16

Appreciation to each of you who, inJuly, contributed donations of non-perishable food items, hygieneproducts and backpacks. Thank YOUfor helping the impoverished familiesin our community with yourgenerosity! This month we are highlightingSchool Food Markets, co-sponsoredby the Food Bank and a variety oflocal agencies, including LPS. Thisprogram serves 3,691 studentsmonthly in 16 southeast Nebraskacounties. There are an estimated18,740 children, 18 and younger,who live in this area that areconsidered food insecure. School Food Markets aim to providea variety of nutritious, healthy foodsto children and families for

I am pleased to report we areon target regarding our 2021budget, which includes the$50,000 S.B.A. loan. Ourtrustees have approvedseveral upgrades to ourbuilding includingbeautification improvementsin the sanctuary and westvestry. In the near future, wewill be asking for somefinancial support for theseprojects.

Chuck Leypoldt, ChurchTreasurer

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consumption in their homes. Theirgoal is to work with schools andcommunity partners to distribute foodin a safe, easily accessibleenvironment. Menu-specific items aredelivered to local schools and aresupplemented by a limited number ofdonated goods, bakery items andfresh produce as those items areavailable. Each school allows allstudents, parents of students, andschool staff to walk through themarket and select food based on theallocated amount. This market modelremoves the stigma of needing helpand supports client-choice, offeringdignity and compassion to the peoplewho are served. How Can You Become Involved?1. Your Time. What are you doing onthe 2nd Tuesday afternoons fromSeptember to May?For many years our church hasspearheaded a team to assist inoperating the Huntington ElementarySchool Food Market (formerlyBackpack program). Several long-term volunteers need to be replaced.Ten to twelve persons are neededeach time from 2:00 to approximately4:00. The food truck arrives at 2:00and volunteers help arrange thedonations on tables. The Market isopen from 2:45-3:30 and thenvolunteers help clean up. To join our amazing group ofvolunteers sign up on the sheetswhen you attend church services ORcontact either Pastor Caitlin (callchurch office/leave message) orShirley Baum at: [email protected] or call 402-432-8833 (cannot leave a message). 2. Your Monetary Donation: Itcosts about $100 for one student toget market food each month for an

CompassionateConversationsAs we contemplated fallprogramming andapproaching it as a re-connection, the invitation tolove with our whole body,mind, and spirit surfaced inthe context of our sermonseries and studies over thepast year. We are remindedto slowly consider re-connections as we watch thedelta variant emerge. While details are yet to beworked out, we will beengaging our minds with astudy using EmergentStrategy: Shaping Change,Changing Worlds byadrienne maree brown andengaging our spirits as weembrace the book, On theBrink of Everything: Grace,Gravity, and Getting Olderby Parker Palmer. We’ll engage our heartsthrough CompassionateConversations: Pause andPrayer which will continuethrough the fall on Zoom. Ourtime together has become asafe space for sharing;

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entire school year. The cost to fund asingle School Food Market with 200students is about $2,000. Supportthis much-needed program throughyour giving to First Church byearmarking your donation to theHuntington Food Market. Shirley Baum, First UMC Coordinatorof Volunteers

Holy Movement: Helping toexplore how to put everything wehave learned and talked about intoaction both individually andcollectively; as continue to beinformed by the wisdom of theHoly Scriptures.

Holy Movement: Sunday August 1,2021 8:30Scripture Lesson: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13aPreacher: Pastor Caity

Holy Movement: Sunday August 12021 10:45First Lesson: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13aGospel Lesson: John 6: 24-35Preacher: Pastor Caity

Holy Movement: Sunday August 8,2021 8:30Scripture Lesson: 2 Samuel 18: 5-9,15, 31-33Sermon Dialogue: Dr. Spilker, PastorCaity(and whoever you all invite in)

Holy Movement: Sunday August 82021 10:45First Lesson: 2 Samuel 18: 5-9, 15,

learning and engaging indialogue; and being presentto God, to ourselves, and toothers. We extend grace andcompassion to ourselves andto each other. We are findingcomfort, acceptance,belonging, honesty, andgratitude in ourconversations. We gather onTuesday evenings, 6:30 -7:45. All are welcome to joinanytime. If want to join in theZoom conversation or havequestions, please contactTerri Storer [email protected] Dr. John Spilker and TerriStorer

On July 18th, Pastor Caityand six young women fromFirst UMC traveled to CampNorwesca in Chadron,Nebraska for a week of achurch camp. There issomething miraculous andspiritually life-giving whenimmersing oneself in God’sbeautiful creation – a sightthat is sometimes rare toexperience in the busy city ofLincoln. Throughout theweek, the group focused ontrust, respect, andforgiveness. We discussedwhat it means to give trustand what we look for when

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31-33Gospel Lesson: John 6: 35, 41-51Sermon Dialogue: Dr. Spilker, PastorCaity (and whoever you all invite in)

***************************************************************Sermon Series: Holy MomentumExploring how to keep themovement towards justice, peace,love and inclusion fresh, alive andnot stagnant and developingspiritual practices, disciplines thatwill help us to do so.

Holy Momentum: Sunday August15, 2021 8:30Scripture Lesson: 1 Kings 2: 10-12,3: 3-14Preacher: Kirstie J. Engel

Holy Momentum: Sunday August15 2021 10:45First Lesson: 1 Kings 2: 10-12, 3: 3-14Gospel Lesson: John 6: 51-58Preacher: Kirstie J. Engel

Holy Momentum: Sunday August22, 2021 8:30Scripture Lesson: 1 Kings 8:(1,6,10-11), 22-30, 41-43Preacher: Kirstie J. Engel

Holy Momentum: Sunday August22 2021 10:45First Lesson: 1 Kings 8:(1,6,10-11),22-30, 41-43Gospel Lesson: John 6:56-69Preacher: Kirstie J. Engel

Holy Momentum: Sunday August29, 2021 8:30Scripture Lesson: Song of Solomon2:8-13Preacher: Kirstie J. Engel

Holy Momentum: Sunday August29 2021 10:45First Lesson: Song of Solomon 2:8-13Gospel Lesson: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15,

receiving trust. We focusedon respecting ourselvesthrough establishing healthyboundaries and respectingothers around us. We talkedthrough the various aspects inwhich we are going to makemistakes, but also learnedthat if we want to ask forforgiveness, then we need tobe willing to forgive othersjust as God forgives us. Whencombining these elements,our faith guides us to be thedisciples that God has calledus to be. We learned thatforgiveness and respect helpus to create trust and buildhealthy relationships withthose around us. The samecan be applied to our faith.When we ask God forforgiveness and respect God,we in turn are activelyworking on our relationshipwith Christ and creating astronger bond with God.

In addition to our worshiplessons, the camp groupenjoyed various activitiessuch as: The slip-n-slide,campfires, gaga-ball, varioushikes throughout the 40 acresof camp, Evan’s plungenatural hot springs waterpark, horseback riding, andwhat we call ME Time (a timeset aside each day foreveryone to push all outsidevoices away and focus onlistening to what our bodiesneed, i.e., daily self-care).Within a short time, theseyoung women began todevelop long lastingrelationships and friendshipswith other campers that theyjust met from all over

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21-23Preacher: Kirstie J. Engel

Holy Momentum: SundaySeptember 5, 2021 8:30Scripture Lesson: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23Preacher: Pastor Caity

Holy Momentum: SundaySeptember 5 10:45First Lesson: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9,22-23Gospel Lesson: Mark 7:24-37Preacher: Pastor Caity

Holy Momentum: SundaySeptember 12, 2021 8:30Scripture Lesson: Proverbs 1:20-33Sermon Dialogue: Dr. Spilker&Pastor Caity

Holy Momentum: SundaySeptember 12 10:45First Lesson: Proverbs 1:20-33Gospel Lesson: Mark 8:27-38Preacher: Dr. Spilker & Pastor Caity

Dear First Church Family andFriends, As I reflect back on the morning ofSunday, June 27, 2021, joy continuesto overflow. I could fill the newsletterwith the attentive details of so manyto make this a memorable day. Youmay recall we celebrated MattBorland’s next steps into seminary in

Nebraska. They are a primeexample of what happenswhen we are willing to be ourauthentic selves and put forththe energy into building afriendship based in respect,forgiveness, and trust withGod as the central focus.When we focus on how wemake others feel and payattention to how others makeus feel – it really isn’t difficultto trust and make newfriends. It was a pleasure to have theopportunity to adventure andgrow with these youngwomen over this past week.There are not enough wordsto describe the holymovements that were activeover the five days we werethere. None of this wouldhave been possible withoutyou, the devoted members ofFirst UMC, and yourdonations to allow our youthto witness and experiencelife-giving opportunities. Allsix of these ladies were ableto go to camp at no cost tothem because of your supportand we are extremelygrateful. Next year, we hopeto expand the campexperience and involve asmany youths as we possiblycan, so please consider yourcontinuation of financialsupport to the youth fund. Ifthese six ladies showed usanything thus far, it is that ouryouth have the capabilities tomove mountains and it’s ourjob as their church family tosupport them as they discernhow they will do that withGod’s help. Thank you,

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Kansas City. First UMC will continueto support Matt providing a strongfoundation and fertile ground tonourish his roots of faith. We alsoaffirmed five confirmands andrenewed our own vow to faithfullyparticipate in the life and ministries ofour local congregation through ourprayers, presence, gifts, service andwitness. I don’t think the energy of humanconnection infused with the HolySpirit was missed by anyone. As Ilooked around the sanctuary, I wasfilled with light in the steadfastfaithfulness and the resilience ofhumanity through the generationspast and present. From toddlers tothose special nonagenarians (yes,there is a word for 90-somethings)we greet each Sunday, we gainenergy, strength, and hope. It was agift to see many called into ministry atvarious stages in their calling withMatt starting his education, PastorCaity eager in her first appointment,Pastor Kirstie embracing her role asSenior Pastor and Spiritual Leader,Pastor Larry in his newfoundliberation in retirement, and otherretired clergy sharing their wisdom. Ihave to wonder . . . Which of theconfirmands will be led into ministryand follow in their footsteps? The deeper aspect of my reflection isthe number of engaged, activeparticipants that contributed to thatspecial day and to the special life ofour congregation. Pastor Kirstie hasissued the invitation to becomeengaged in new and varied waysthrough the Ministry Fair. I recall aprevious sermon series where PastorKirstie asked this question and itseems pertinent to revisit it - How areyou contributing and participating inGod’s story? You see, we are all

church family! In Christian love,Pastor Caitlin Bentzinger

Leila ZilaI was born far away, in thefamily of musicians,They raised me in Baku,Azerbaijan. String players –Mom and Dad – what aperfect conditionTo have my music light bulbturned on! I was enrolled in a musicschool at the meager age ofsix. There I studied musicliterature, and theory, andpiano. All the subjects were abeautiful, harmonious mix,All of it I thought of asHeavenly Manna…Then I got older anddiscovered I could train assoprano! My next big step was theAcademy of Music! I earnedMaster’s in VocalPerformance and MusicEducation. I knew with themusic profession I was goingto stick when our familyentered the chapter ofemigration. Travels brought us to theUnited States, we settled in

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called to be active participants in thestory as it plays out in the four wallsof our church building as well as in allaspects of our lives. This is truly a special time in ourcongregation and community as were-connect and sense the strongpresence of God, the unconditionallove of Jesus, and the movement ofthe Holy Spirit in one another. Wewelcome all. Peace be with you, Terri Storer Lay Leader

Turning faith, hope and love intoaction on behalf of women, children,and youth around the world. Greetings UMW, First Church Familyand Friends, Thank you for responding sogenerously to the needs of MattTalbot Kitchen and Outreach. Unitmembers delivered your gifts as theytoured Matt Talbot's beautiful facilityto learn more about theextensive outreach provided guestsin Lincoln. The sunscreen, insect

Lincoln. As an accompanistfor LPS I worked for manyyears. Over time I began tofeel a certain inklingThat change was needed inmy professional career. Fast forward to now, I’vebeen teaching since 2013 -Culler Middle School is whereI call home.If you come to my room, you’llfind very musical scene:Singing, Drumming, Playingeverything, even Styrofoam! Two children of mine makeme a proud Mother:Daughter’s a high schooljunior, Son - collegefreshman.I neglected to mention that Ialso have a Brother,He is an Artist but makes aliving via different vocation. I love playing music, alsoreading and art,I love being in nature and tomake people laugh.I am excited of First UMCteam to be a partAnd with this I will end mybio's last paragraph.

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repellent, cooling cloths, and bikelocks were most gratefully receivedby staff members. Surely guests willfeel your love and caring as theyenjoy these items essential to theirdaily living. Sheryl Pont has graciouslyvolunteered to serve as the newChair of the Compassion Ministry. We look forward to welcoming Sherylbeginning September 1st, however,she is already planning! The luncheons following a funeral ormemorial service may look similar towhat we have known, but what will bedifferent is that the work will beshared by numerous people ratherthan completed by a few. Manywomen, men, children and youth areneeded to complete varying tasksbefore, during, and after theluncheon. Perhaps you have 20-30minutes to share with this importantministry. Join the fellowship ofworking together to provide abeautiful lunch over which peoplemay feel comforted and begin toheal. Prepare to say "Yes, I willhelp!" Registration is being accepted forMission U Zoom classes. Everyone iswelcome! Register for Pushout: TheCriminalization of Black Girls inSchools, Finding Peace in anAnxious World, or Bearing Witness inthe Kin-dom: Living into the Church'sMoral Witness through RadicalDiscipleship at [email protected] UMW wishes to extend an invitationto you all for membership at any timeof the year. Our youngest member isa recent teen and our oldestmembers are part of the greatestgeneration. You don't have to be amember of the United Methodist

This week was so much fun!We ventured with our kids ona trip to discover the KingsArmor. Our banner verse was“Be Strong in the Lord and inthe strength of His power”Eph 6:10.

The nights were each basedaround an important lessonthat focused on Godsunfailing power to guide,deliver, and help us when weneed him. We learned aboutthe Armor of Truth, Justice,Peace, Faith and Salvation. I think all of us were beyondexcited to wear costumes andbe a little silly since we finallyhad younger kid activitiesback. Big thank you to all thepeople who helped out thisyear, Pastor Caity, her fiancéTyler, her mom Pastor Lynn,Jen Fry, Mike Coffey, JohnHelter, Kathy Cummings,Angie Smith. We also hadmany youth who made theevent a success by helpingwith the younger kids andalso just being there to add tothe excitement of the nights.Noah Kloch, Jenna Helter,John C. Helter, PhilomenaHogan, Malia Reynozo, andGracie Vculek. During these nights welearned about:Shadrach, Meshach, andAbednego Stand TrueDavid Defeats GoliathDaniel and the Lions DenJonah and the WhaleJesus Walks on Water As you can tell a lot of thesewere very deep and the youth

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Church, and there are no dues. Howdo you join? Call the church office402-466-1906, come to the meetingin Black Fellowship HallSeptember 2, at 1:30, or contactShirley Baum or Peggy Hall. [email protected] or [email protected]. We will be delighted to welcome youas a member of our Unit! Blessings,Peggy Hall

asked some amazingquestions that really helpedmany of us adults to realizethat our children do listen,they do hear the stories andthe messages that we aresending them. God’s love isdeep and wide and will bethere for you during thedifficult times. Does not meanthey won’t happen, but He willbe there to help comfort andguide you.I am looking forward to ournext time we can all gettogether and sing, praiseGod, and just be goofy as achurch family.Blessings - Charity

August Birthdays 1 Kathy Cummins Kevin Korell2 David Zeff Milt Schmidt Tobias Baxter3 Kelly Allen5 Jahiem Curry Jaquez Curry6 Caroline Caldwell Nolan Caldwell Erik Fegter Judy Berger7 Alan Eighme Jan Blue Jon Francis8 Brandon Eslick Marcus Vculek

Prayer Requests:Susie Cook, HomeThe Barnell family in the passingof Donna Barnell. The service forDean & Donna is July 24 at 9:30a.m.The family of Zita Schneider inthe passing of her husband EdSchneiderThe family of Jo Anne Bair in thepassing of her father, HowardWiegers, service is August 7 at11 a.m.Wallace Gant, Brookside RehabCenterDale Case, Maxine’s son, homeMark Daniels, Josh Daniels’father, homeBonnie Evans, Savanna Pines

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Tobin Louderback9 Jeremy Jurey Shannon Fegter10 Andrew Forst Arien Martin Brad Vculek Carol King Catlyn Sheldon11 Emma Vculek Randy Gettman12 Amy Bartolome Ande Hill Deb McGuire13 Ebb Munden Ethan Memming14 David Beatty Grace Bartolome Lori Hanson Sumalee Karr15 Katherine Lent16 Sean Hall17 Linda Stevenson18 Connie Million Micah Wythers Mindy Vyhnalek19 Lou Gaddis20 Logan Allen Madelyn Eilers21 Bill Venhaus Garrett Hanneman Sharon Eighme22 Becky Williams Missy Leypoldt23 Beyna Taylor Dan Howell Ken Mohr Tyler Francis24 Sara Hanna25 Kailey Seitz26 Jeff Koepke Terry Lange27 John Helter—adult Tom Schwindt28 Richard Flanigan31 Richard Voeltz

Jeremy Hickenbottom, homeSandy Conrad, FirthJim Neumann, homeRon Gaddis, homeDixie Gannon, homeCindy Newsham, homeElaine Brown, Bryan EastLauree Turner, homeRichard Voeltz, Gateway VistaLester Shaw, Kiley Taylor’s dad.Roscoe Shields, Van DornLegacyEmajane Crossley, LancasterManor RehabJim Leypoldt, home

Worship online or in personwith FIRST UMC LINCOLNSundays at 8:30am and 10:45am! Please wear a mask unlessyou are FULLY Vaccinated. Wethank you in advance!

Sending a BIG Thank You foryour Prayers, Presence, Gifts,Service and Witness

If you are interested in beingbaptized or becoming a newmember of First UnitedMethodist Church, then pleasecontact the Church office. Weare excited to be in Communitywith YOU!

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COMMUNITY CENTERED…COMMUNITY FOCUSED…COMMUNITY MINDED!