This newsletter is about events

September 2019.

Submissions Deadline for the next

“Express”:

Sunday October 20

(*Email submissions are encouraged:

express@fumccasper.com)

“The Express” Staff Editor: Linda Gehres

Asst. to the editor: Brenda Doyle Reporters: FUMC Members

First United Methodist Church Casper, Wyoming

Bishop Bishop Karen Oliveto

1-800-536-3736

District Superintendent Reverend Jeff Rainwater

307-274-2105

Senior Pastor Reverend Nancy Boswell

Associate Pastor

Reverend Mary Schmidt

First United Methodist Church

332 East Second Street

Casper, Wyoming 82601-2506

Phone: 307-234-9385

Email: office@fumccasper.com

Website: www.fumccasper.com

September, 2019

WEEKDAY OFFICE HOURS

M—TH 8:30am - 4:00pm

(Closed for lunch 12:00—1:00)

F 8:30am—Noon

Worship Services - 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

The Third Contemporary Worship Service - 5:00 p.m.

Vol. 32, Number 03

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Our Fall Kick-off will be September 8th with ONE SERVICE

ONLY at 10:30 followed by a Pot Luck lunch. Bring your favorite

dish to share! A special start time for Sunday school classes that

day will be 9:30, BEFORE the service. Regular class times will

resume next week.

August 2019

ATTENDANCE

STATISTICS

DATE 8:30 AM 11:00 AM 5:00 PM TOTALS

8/4/2019 115 78 15 208

8/11/2019 103 79 25 207

8/18/2019 114 82 31 227

8/25/2019

Se pte m b er Acolyte Sc he dule

8 : 30 Se r vi ce

September 1 Jimmy Ruble September 8 Hope Wheeler September 15 Leah Malody September 22 Natalia Gomez September 29 Braden Bosco

The 2019 Altar Flower Chart is located on the bulletin

board by the elevator in the Koinonia Room. If a particular

date is special for you or your family, please consider

signing your name on an open date to provide altar flowers

on that day. If you have no special date in mind, you can

still provide flowers simply for the beautification of the

sanctuary. You may also contact Martha Rakestraw at

262-6056 if you would like to participate in this ministry.

Your flower donations

are TRULY appreciated!

With Reverend Nancy Boswell Senior Pastor Courageous Conversations During the month of August, there were eleven opportunities for me to get to know all of you in small groups. Each group was hosted by church members, for which I am

grateful. I am also appreciative of you who came to the groups, telling about yourselves and sharing your hopes and dreams for First UMC. A common theme among some of the groups was the issues surrounding human sexuality our denomination is facing. As most of you are aware, the special General Conference held in February 2019 voted to uphold the current book of Discipline and enforce the admonition that any clergy who are not heterosexual will be relieved of their ordination orders. Additionally, no same sex marriages are to be performed in United Methodist Churches. FUMC is part of the Mountain Sky Conference and the Western Jurisdiction. At Annual Conference in June a petition was passed to study the options available to our Conference, pending the outcome of the regularly scheduled General Conference on May 5-15, 2020 in Minneapolis, MN. For some of our congregation, issues surrounding human sexuality and our denomination are new information. However, these issues have been present since the formation of the United Methodist Church in 1972. Please join me in a five-week study about the issues of our church today. I’ve titled these sessions Courageous Conversations, after a study method developed by the UMC Board of Discipleship. Our studies are to promote conversation and learning. We are not getting together to sway opinion or force anyone to change their mind. Rather these studies are about us becoming more aware of and assessing our assumptions and holding our opinion with humility. The studies will explore the topic of human sexuality broadly and then in relation to the four aspects of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. John Wesley used Scripture, tradition, experience and reason in forming his theology. As the Book of Discipline state (para. 105), our theological task is “grounded in Scripture, informed by Christian tradition, enlivened in personal experience, and tested by reason.” Please join us on the following Saturday’s at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall: September 14, 2019 Courageous Conversation: Human Sexuality September 21, 2019 Courageous Conversation: Scripture September 28, 2019 Courageous Conversation: Tradition October 5, 2019 Courageous Conversation: Experience October 12, 2019 Courageous Conversation: Reason If you are unable to come to the Saturday sessions, please do not hesitate to call me for an appointment so we can talk. The issues surrounding human sexuality and our denomination are very important and close to our hearts, keeping respectful communication is key. Grace & Peace, Rev. Nancy

If there is no name next to the date, those days are still available for the gift of altar flowers this month: September 1 September 8 September 15 September 22 Dave & Brenda Doyle September 29

With Reverend Mary Schmidt Associate Pastor Psalms 98:1 “O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvelous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.”

Years ago, a young sailor went to sea for the first time. Not long after setting sail his ship encountered a heavy storm and the sailor was commanded to go aloft and trim the sails. About three quarters of the way up, the young sailor made the mistake of looking down. The roll of the ship combined with the tossing of the waves made for a frightening experience. The young man started to lose his balance. At that moment, an older sailor underneath him shouted, "Look up, son! Look up!" The young sailor did as he said -- he looked up, and regained his balance.

Similarly, when our focus is on the circumstances that we face, the waves of life, we can easily lose our balance and our direction. But when we change our focus and simply "look up", our internal spiritual compass fixed on the Lord will restore our stability, and enable us to finish the assignments we’ve been given and get to the top!

Are you feeling unstable today? As you know we are going through many changes here in the church and in our denomination. Look up! The Lord will steady each of us. Heaven is our goal and God will provide the power and direction to bring us safely there. Let us also remember these words from Psalm 27: “Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path.” As we continue to Look up and seek God’s will, he will direct our steps.!

Blessings,

Mary

Legacy Campaign

Several months ago our church began discussing raising money for needed repairs to our church called The Legacy Campaign. There has not been much said about the campaign recently as we have been welcoming our new Senior Pastor. In January, 2020 we will began the Legacy Campaign in earnest so that we can give our facility the love it deserves.

Note that donations can be made at any time, just designate that the funds are for the 2019 Legacy Campaign.

SOS Sunday School Class starts 9/8/19.

Our study book will be:

“Be Anxious For Nothing” by Joyce Meyer

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bob & Helen Sheppard on the

passing of Helen’s brother, Chris Willis and prayers for the healing of

their friend, Michael Schmidt.

1 Glen Catchpole Kate Delgarno Alyssa Pedersen Rene Rickabaugh 2 LABOR DAY

Jeannette Brakke Luke Conklin MaKenzie Norden Scott Shively Jamie Warren Vicki Winters 3 SCHOOL STARTS

Elisa Crum Judy Maddy 4 Jim Lyle Judy TeSelle 5 Blake Bulgrin Emmalynn Porter Frank Tomasini

6 Ryan Dalton Ed Opella 7 Marvin Nolte 8 Marcus Couldridge Megan Hedges Kayston Harmon Melva Simpson Margaret Warner 9 Kick Off Sunday Tricia Elston 10 Levi Harshman Bob Maxwell Cortne MacFarland 11 Justin Harshman Brenda Kennedy Martha Rakestraw 12 Kayla Cross Maddux Dundas Anna Johnson Alexis Kvislen Lincoln Larsen Don Walters

13 Dana Becker Tanner Warren Jake Whitaker 14 Taylor Cool Becky Ford Kristin Stoner Braxton Thomas Daxton Thomas Glenda Thomas Serenity Wood 15 Peggy Jones Sherrie Patch Kassi Peterson Clayton Romfo 16 Gay Le Grande Steve Olson Ceri Slocum 17 Jacob Dandridge 18 Bree Bertz Isla Dalgarno Ruthann Hibsman Doug Matthews John Schmidt

19 Faith Cattles Chance Mclean LuAnn Miller Chris Rodgers 20 Jasely Bosco Edmund Pyska Emily Pyska Adriana Yankey 21 Marilyn Warnholtz 22 Donna McIntire Traavis Wondra 23 Everet Bainter Dorrie Juelfs (Dode) Ashlie Schmidt Crystal Sheppard 24 Danni Juelfs Bernard Koch Mark Milliken Ben Sheppard Debra Swedberg Jackson Weiss 25 Nick Beall

26 Charles Bloom Laura Evans Karen Sloan 27 Brittlynn Bulgrin Brenda Doyle Kendall Hutchinson Mark Miller 28 Jackie Onigkeit Kathy Orr Patrick Saunders 29 Logan Harmon Helen Pottorf Jenifer Scherlin 30 Carl Babb Jake Farley Lester Lebsock Jeanie Long Jesse Simmons

REGULAR RECURRING EVENTS

Sundays: 9:40 am Sunday School Classes 5:00 pm The Third Community Dinner (King’s Corner) 5:30 pm The Third Worship Service (King’s Corner) Mondays: 6:00 pm Stephen Ministry (2nd & 4th Mondays) 7:00 pm Koinonia Ringers Practice 7:00 pm NA Meeting Group 2 (Room 10) Tuesdays: 9:30—11:00 am Staff Meeting—Staff is unavailable during this time. 12:00 pm Men’s Bible Study (At the Cheese Barrel—544 S. Center) 5:00 pm Bulletin Deadline (for the following Sunday) Submit your info to: office@fumccasper.com. 5:00 pm Cub & Girl Scout Meeting (Fellowship Hall/3rd Floor) 5:30 pm Community Mission Dinner (King’s Corner) Wednesdays: 6:00 pm Youth Group (King’s Corner) 6:30 pm Sister’s Bible Study (Parlor) 7:00 pm Al-Anon Meeting (Room 12) 8:00 pm NA Meeting Group 3 (Room 10) Thursdays: 1:30 pm Emmaus Reunion Group (SonRise Rm) 2nd & 4th Thursdays (Emmaus is breaking for the summer) 5:00 pm Media Submissions Deadline (for the following Sunday) Submit info to the Media Team at: media@fumccasper.com Fridays: 8:30 pm NA Meeting (Room 10) Saturdays: 8:30 am Mindful Warriors (Parlor) 1st & 3rd Saturdays 10:00 am Drum Circle (King’s Corner) 2nd & 4th Saturdays

*Book Club: 3rd Saturday of the month, 9 am, SonRise Room

September: Hyeonseo Lee and David John

*Mary Martha Group: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 1:00 pm in the SonRise Room

*Naomi & Hannah Circles: 3rd Thursday of the month, 9:30 am

(Hannah meets in the SonRise Room. Naomi meets in members’ homes.)

*Creative Worship Team: Every Tuesday, 1:30 pm, Room 207

*United Methodist Women Executive Board: 1st Thursday of the month, 9:30 am

*Board of Stewards: 3rd Thursday of the month, 7:00 pm

*Board of Trustees: 3rd Thursday of the month, 5:30 pm

*Finance Committee: 3rd Thursday of the month, 5:30 pm

*SPR Committee: 1st Thursday of the month, 5:30 pm

*Staff In-Service Work Day: Last Thursday of the month. Office is closed.

“Express” Newsletter Submissions Deadline: Sunday, September 16th

(Newsletter processing: Tuesday, September 24th

CALENDAR OF EVENTS—SEPTEMBER 2019

SUNDAYS at FUMC 8:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary

11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary 5:00 p.m. in King’s Corner

WORSHIP IN SEPTEMBER

What On Earth Am I Here For? Based on Rick Warren’s best-selling book “The Purpose Driven Life, What On Earth Am I Here For?” worship for six weeks beginning September 1st will explore God’s call for our lives as followers of Jesus Christ. September 1, 2019 The Call Is For You Romans 8:28b September 8, 2019 Called to Be Loved Ephesians 1:4-5 September 15, 2019 You Are Called to Belong Ephesians 2:19-20 September 22, 2019 You Are Called to Become Hebrews 12:1-2 September 29, 2019 You Are Called to Bless Colossians 3:15-17 October 6, 2019 I’m Called to Be Sent Romans 10:13-15

COFFEE HOUR

On the adjacent page you will see the new

schedule for Coffee Hour from the Board of

Stewards. If you need to change your assigned

Sunday, please call the person whose name and

number are listed as contact(s) for your group.

The 5th Sundays are open and available for

individuals to sign up.

Mountain Sky Conference

2019 UMW Board Officers

President: Lori Johnson Secretary: Linda Brubaker Treasurer: Diane Payne Communications & Publicity: Lori Johnson Education & Interpretation: Rita Livingston Membership Nurture & Outreach: Ann Hines Nominations: Executive Board Program Resources: Wanda Bennett Social Action: Genene Quick Spiritual Growth: Brenda Doyle Youth Coordinator: Ruth Hartung

Mary Martha Group meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month 1:00 pm in the Son-Rise Room. Group Leader/contact: Bonny Sutter 265-5745 Hannah Group meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the SonRise Room. Group Leader/contact: Brenda Doyle 277-1096 Naomi Group meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in a member’s home. Group Leader/contact: Jane Sizemore, 237-7707 We encourage you to contact one of our group leaders to learn more about UMW or to attend one of the meetings.

THE THRIFT STORE UPDATE

GOOD NEWS!!!

The Thrift Store has a new home at the Beverly Plaza, on the southwest corner of 12

th and Beverly.

The opening date is yet to be determined and an email will be sent out as soon as we know.

Sunday School News

It’s time to start a new year of

Sunday School! All children ages

preschool through fifth grade are

invited to join us every Sunday to

learn, laugh, serve, and enjoy

fellowship. We are excited to

announce that we will be offering

a class for preschoolers! This class will be for 3-5 year-olds. We will be using the Hands

On Bible Curriculum to learn the basic Bible stories. Our

super fun class will help the children learn the Bible

through a variety of activities including art, crafts, story

time, singing, dancing, pretend play, puppets, and games.

Stop by to visit the classroom during our Open House,

located on the third floor on the north side of the building.

Open House for Sunday School will be on September 8th

from 9:30-10:15am. Meet the Sunday School teachers and

visit the classrooms on the third floor.

Sunday School classes begin on September 15th from

9:45-10:45am. We look forward to teaching and learning

with your children!

Mountain Sky Conference celebrates being One Conference Friday & Saturday,

October 25-26, 2019 in Salt Lake City. Can’t make the trip? Live streaming in Lander, WY and First UMC in Fort Collins. Check the website

www.rmcumw.org for updates.

September Events

Youth group is kicking off and we are so

excited to start a new year with a new

curriculum! Youth group is open to grades

6-12. We meet each Wednesday from

6:00-8:00 in King's Corner. We serve

meals for the youth each week and are

always looking for volunteers to provide

meals. If you would like to serve a meal

please contact Rachelle or Cody.

Our first meeting is September 11th!

If you or someone you know is interested

in going on the mission trip next summer,

come to youth group to have your say in

where we go. Commitment and deposits

for the trip will be due in October.

FALL FESTIVAL OCT.12TH 1:00-4:00PM

Come join us for fun and fellowship on Saturday, Oct. 12th from 1:00-4:00 pm in King’s Corner. We will have our 2nd annual Pie Contest. Our distinguished judges will taste all pies and award ribbons in 5 categories: 1. Best tasting, 2. Prettiest, 3. Best fruit, 4. Best cream, and 5. most unique! Whole pies will be sold at the suggested price of $10.00 or $1.00 per slice. There are activities for all ages: including a hayride, treat walk, cornball throw and many more. A photo booth for families and individuals will be also set up. Proceeds will go toward the Summer Youth Mission Trip and Faith Keepers Ministry. Come join in the fun event. Sign up sheets for the Pie Contest will be in the

Koinonia Room. Please plan to bring your pie to King’s Corner from 12 noon

to 1:00pm Judging is between 1:00-1:30 pm. Awards following. For more

information contact Pastor Mary. This event is sponsored by FaithKeepers,

our Women’s Ministry.

JOIN US FOR A CONVERSATION ON GRIEF: Monday Night Sept. 9

th at 6:00pm

Grief is one of the most difficult experiences of life. We are rarely prepared for the intensity of some of the emotional reactions following the loss of a loved one. It doesn’t matter whether the loss comes as a move, betrayal of a friendship, separation and divorce, illness, death, or other reason. There’s no “road map” for the grief journey, but there are some signposts to help us find our way through the process. Join us for a conversation about grief loss and companioning those who are grieving, including some practical suggestions to help us along this challenging path.

Stephen Ministry is hosting this event and the congregation is invited

to join us for this discussion led by Rosemary Bartle, a licensed

therapist and member of this church. We will meet at 6:00 pm in the

parlor. Call Pastor Mary for more information.

Stephen Ministry Update

Life is full of challenges and at times we could benefit from care and support. Stephen Ministers can provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty such as: ---Job loss ---Aging

—Hospitalization --- Divorce or separation

---Loss of a loved one ---Recovery after an accident or disaster

--Serious illness ---Spiritual crisis

--Loneliness or discouragement

If you could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister or know someone who could, please contact Pastor Mary Schmidt for more Information.

Fall Kickoff Pot Luck

On Sunday September 8th there will be Sunday School at 9:30 am followed by one worship service at 10:30 am. After worship we will have a pot luck to kick off the fall season. Please bring a dish to share. King’s Corner Volunteers

All who volunteer at King’s Corner to fix the great meals on Sunday and Tuesday need to attend a training about safety and sanitation. Periodic training of the dedicated volunteers in the kitchen help us to continue to provide the best quality of meals and outreach to our community. Please mark your calendars for Wednesday September 11, 2019 at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.