A Journey through the Last 24 hours of Jesus Life

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A Journey through

the Last 24 hours

of Jesus’ Life

inside

2 From the Loft

3 Dillons Update

4 Missions

5 Core Kids

7 Events Calendar

8 Building Tour

THIS SUNDAY

Join us in March as we continue the series, “24”, a unique journey through the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life, as well as our Easter celebration. Services are at 8:15 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. or live at 11:00 a.m. on KAKE TV and live on

the web at live.firstwichita.org and at 6:00 p.m. at Mead’s Corner.

March 2016

Vol. 161 No. 37

March: Tuna

Easter Sunday at First Church March 27

Join us for inspiring worship at 8:15 a.m., 10:50 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. every Sunday • Church School and small groups for all ages meet Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Maundy Thursday (Lord’s Supper) Service

March 24 6:30 p.m.

Wilke Family Life Center

We will join together in worship, prayer, and celebration,

remembering Him through the practice of Holy Communion. This is a time for all of us as brothers & sisters to come to the table, inviting all with us and remembering that Jesus came to seek and save the lost.

Good Friday Tenebrae Service

Friday, March 25 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary

Please plan to attend this service of readings and music led by choir, soloists, and

No single event in human history has received more attention than the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. Whether you are a long time Christian or simply curious about the story of Christ’s crucifixion, you will experience the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life in a way you have never before.

n March 6

“The Verdict” Mark 15: 1-15

n March 13

“Humiliation of the King” Mark 15: 15b-23

n March 20

“The Crucifixion” This March we continue in our Lenten series, “24” based on the book, “24 Hours That Changed the World” by Adam Hamilton, retracing the last twenty-four hours of Jesus’ life. If you would like a paperback copy of the book, please contact Libby Eaton at church. Books are $5.50 and complement the current Lenten sermon series. Also available for purchase is an excellent daily devotional by Adam Hamilton, “Journey to the Cross”, which also complements the series. The cost of this book is $7.25.

n 8:15 a.m.

Heritage Service First Church Chapel With Dr. Tal Tittsworth

n 10:50 a.m.

Downtown Alive Service First Church Sanctuary With Pastor Kent Rogers LIVE on KAKE-TV live.firstwichita.org

n 10:50 a.m.

Awakening Service Wilke Family Life Center With Chris Edmiston

n 12:00 p.m.

Easter Egg Hunt First Church front lawn All families with children are invited!

n 6:00 p.m.

The Gathering Mead’s Corner Coffeehouse With Leslie Coates

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First Light

PLEASE PRAY FOR

Our Military Deployed:

Brandi Streit, granddaughter of Ray Dodge

Continuing Concerns:

Leslie Tibblets, Rebecca Scriver, David Stamey, Brenda Triplett, Kimberly Gaynor, our partner churches in Zimbabwe, caregivers, and our homebound members.

Articles for the next edition of First Light are due March. 15, by 9 a.m. Material should be submitted to the appropriate ministry director for approval. Questions can be directed to Erin Davis, 267-6244 ext. 300.

Email prayer@firstwichita.org to ask for prayer from the people of First United Methodist Church.

Email pastoralcare@firstwichita. org to ask for a visit, call, or private prayer from the congregational care team. The Congregational Care Team, Rev. Dr. Tal Tittsworth, Leslie Coates

Prayers

As we move forward in celebration of Easter and all it means to us as believers, we invite you to join us on Thursday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Wilke Family Life Center for our Maundy Thursday (Lord’s Supper) service.

During the Passover meal, with all of his disciples gathered one last time, Jesus pointed them to the new covenant and

all it meant for his followers. He commanded them to disciple others and teach them all that He commanded. In response, we will join together in worship, prayer, and celebration of this new covenant, remembering Him through the practice of Holy Communion. This is a time for all of us as brothers & sisters to come to the table, inviting all with us and remembering that Jesus came to

seek and save the lost.

We will remember in a Lord’s Supper service to observe the solemnity of the occasion. This initial command of our Lord has been obeyed for generations. The disciples were alarmed at what Jesus had told them concerning his arrest and death. Their dreams and aspirations were seemingly being dashed upon the rocks if Christ were to die. They could not see beyond

the now. But Christ’s kingdom was not of this world. He came to die; His body broken and His blood shed for our sake. His birth and life all lead up to this particular point in history where he would be suspended between heaven and earth. Christ took the sins of the whole world upon himself, so that we might live, and we will honor this together during this service.

Maundy Thursday Service March 24

Downtown Alive continues as a major outreach for First Church as we reach

thousands of individuals via television and the web. Our volunteer technical team continues to work hard for this ministry, but we are always in need of more individuals to assist in this area. If you know of anyone interested in working with sound, lighting, camera operating, or screen graphics, please contact Charity Harmon at the church. We would love to have you!

Pastor Kent and Brett make visits to some of our retirement and assisted living centers who have large numbers of Downtown Alive viewers. This has been a great blessing to meet people who are a part of our television congregation who are unable to come downtown to the church. This is a congregation made up of individuals from many faith backgrounds who consider First Church their church. Many thanks go out to

members of our Downtown Alive committee who organize these visits for us.

We are off to a great start of 2016 with the Downtown Alive Choir! Many thanks go out to our librarian, Barbara Simons, who works so hard behind the scenes to keep the choir organized and ready to rehearse and sing on Sunday mornings. We also wish to welcome new choir members M.J. Edelman, Denise Cairns, Lizzie Kennedy, and Debbie Kennedy. It is always exciting to welcome new choir members into the Downtown Alive Choir. In addition, we welcome back Patrick Greene. Patrick was away for some time on medical leave, but returns to us, for which we are thankful. A big ‘thank you’ to Jeremy Kindy for filling in during Patrick’s absence.

A new exciting development for the choir is our scholarship program. Music students at local colleges will be able to audition for a scholarship position each semester.

Scholarship recipients will sing with the Downtown Alive Choir on Sunday mornings through the semester. Other churches have had programs like this and it has proven to be a blessing for the church as well as scholarship singers. If you are interested in supporting the scholarship fund, please contact Diane Fast or Brett Valliant.

Easter is drawing near! If you would like to sing with the choir for the Easter season, please do join us. Come to rehearsals on Wednesdays at 5:30pm in the Sanctuary. We will love to have you there.

As always, we are thankful for the individuals who support Downtown Alive with their prayers and financial support. This outreach ministry is expensive and we work hard to make this ministry continue. Watching the lives who are touched and changed is always cause for celebration.

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OUR FAMILY

We grieve the deaths of: Peggy Metz Willa Mae Borger

Howard Runft, husband of Claire Runft

JANUARY 2016 OFFERING $183,246.67 RECEIVED YEAR-TO-DATE $183,246.67 OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS MISSIONS $125.00 RECEIVED YEAR-TO-DATE $125.00 CAPITAL FUNDS $535.00 RECEIVED YEAR-TO-DATE $535.00

VAN MAINTENANCE FUND $125.00

RECEIVED YEAR-TO-DATE $125.00

ORGAN MAINTENANCE FUND $250.00 RECEIVED YEAR-TO-DATE $250.00 TELEVISION MINISTRY $12,782.00 RECEIVED YEAR-TO-DATE $12,782.00 TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS $197,063.67 RECEIVED YEAR-TO-DATE $197,063.67

OUR GIFTS

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First Light

Have you selected First Church as the recipient for your Dillons Reward Card? This is such an easy way to support our church with your daily purchases! If you have previously selected First Church it is important to remember you must re-designate First Church on your Dillons Rewards Card each year. Please logon to, www.dillons. com/communityrewards and reselect First Church (#10163) so the church will start or continue to receive a percentage of your purchases. Did you know First Church received over $6,000 in 2015 simply from people enrolling in the Dillons card program? For further questions or help enrolling, please contact the receptionist.

Update 2016

Dillons Card

Program

Our Mission

Making Disciples of

Jesus Christ

for the transformation

of the world.

Our Vision

Changing lives—

transforming communities

Our Purpose

To create a Christian

community where anyone

can become a completely

committed follower

of Jesus Christ.

Easter time is almost here! And what a wonderful gift an Easter lily can be for our homebound members! Along with a personal visit with its delivery, a lily shares Christ and his love with those who can’t always personally join us in worship. To help fund this ministry, the Senior Saints committee is providing an opportunity for everyone to participate by making a donation in memory or honor of someone special.

Any donation is appreciated. You may use the form provided to honor a person or group with your gift.

Remember Someone Special this Easter Season

Enclosed is a $________ to support the ministries of Senior Saints and the delivery of Easter Lilies to First Church homebound members. Donor Name__________________________________ Address_____________________________________ Phone Number_________________________________ In Memory of__________________________________ _________________________________________ In Honor of___________________________________ _________________________________________

Clip this coupon, complete it, and return it to the First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway, Wichita, Kansas 67202. Make your check payable to

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By Bonnie Laycock

DirectoroF MissionsanD outreach

The United Methodist Church operates a little differently than many other denominations when it comes to supporting missionaries in the field. United Methodist missionaries do not have to find their own support – they are supported by all of the United Methodist churches. The advantage to this plan is that our missionaries do not have to worry about whether they will receive their salaries and their time can be spent on the important work that they are involved in around the world rather than raising money. First United Methodist has supported missionaries for many years. You may remember the Fukadas who served in Japan for many years. When they retired the church began supporting a couple with young children working in Belfast, Ireland – Alison and Britt Gilmore and a second couple working at Africa University in Zimbabwe – Larry and Jane Kies. What you may not know is that our missionaries are not in the church budget this year due to budget constraints. And yet it is so vital for our congregation to continue supporting our missionaries who have given their lives to

working for Christ and the church. They are an extension of our mission work. They are the ones who have given not just a week toward mission work, but their entire lives. Many put their lives on the line for the message they have to share. Our mission teams have worked with Methodist missionaries across this country and around the world and we have seen the amazing work these people are doing in the name of Christ. From churches and hospitals to orphanages, schools to farms to peace making, and so much more, our missionaries are the ones carrying the love of Christ to the world. In addition, what is truly amazing to me, is the incredible difference these Methodist missionaries have made everywhere they have been – changing lives, bringing hope to those who need it the most. They are us and we need to support them. This is the third year that First Church has had

to raise money to support our missionaries outside the budget. Rather than have many money raising projects, the Global Ministry Mission Team and the Missionary Support Ministry Team feel that there are many in our congregation who would be willing to ‘donate’ to a fund to support our missionaries. We need to raise $5000 to continue the support of the Kies and the Gilmores. If you would like to give so that our missionaries can continue in the incredible work they do, you can write a check to First Church and designate ‘missionaries’. One of the great things about being a United Methodist is that we are a connectional church. We are connected to all other Methodist churches and together we are changing the world for Christ. Together we are making a difference. Let’s continue that great tradition.

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First Light

First Church Missionaries Need Our Support

How many of you remember your son’s Cub Scout experiences, or maybe even your own? Did you know First Church is now sponsoring two new Cub packs? Drawing boys from Park and Washington Elementary Schools, Packs 331 and 332 have the support and guidance of First Church. Pack 332 is a Spanish speaking pack and will begin meeting in a few weeks when the leaders have completed training. Pack 331 has begun meeting Tuesday evenings at First Church. Since the beginning of the Scouting program, there has been a strong connection to church and God. The United Methodist Church has long supported Scouting and treated it as a strong mission field. Scouting directly addresses strong character and morals, trying to mold young men. Cub Scouts provides opportunities for boys to grow, learn and have fun under the supervision of trained and caring adults. If you have a son, grandson, or spouse you feel would benefit from associating with the Scouting program, contact Bonnie Laycock, Director of Missions and Outreach at First Church.

First Church Sponsoring Scouting

for Neighborhood Children

The Kies in Zimbabwe

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EastEr Egg Hunt

All families with children are invited to our Easter Egg Hunt following the Easter Sunday service on Sunday, March 27 at Noon.

Children may bring their baskets, marked with their name, and meet staff and volunteers in the front yard. We hope you will join us as we celebrate Easter together!

For more information please contact Patricia Tristan, Director of Kids’ Discipleship.

Kids’ disciplEsHip nEEd Eggs

Kids’ Discipleship will be collecting filled eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday. Please bring a bag of filled eggs to the front desk starting Sunday, March 6.

If you are unable to bring filled eggs, we are also collecting candy or cash donations!

For more information please contact Patricia Tristan, Director of Kids’ Discipleship.

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First Light

What a great start to 2016 for Core Student Life Ministries!

February brought a slight change in the format of our youth ministry. Our Sunday morning Sunday School time has evolved into a “small group” Bible study gather-ing, while our Wednesday night activities now focus more on worship and fellow-ship.

In Sunday morning small group, the youth have begun a year-long Bible study called “The Jesus Studies.” This series is broken into four-week sessions, diving into the scriptures and exploring the truths that Jesus has given us. In February, we wrapped up the first of these sessions, “Jesus and Your Faith,” where students discussed what it really means to live a life of faith. It has been a great time of discussion, Bible study, and reflection for all of our teens.

Wednesday nights have become a

high-light of the week, as we gather together for a meal, worship, and fellowship. To worship together as a group of students has been so uplifting, and an amazing opportunity for us to grow together as a family of God.

The coming months will be an exciting

time for our youth group, as we continue on with “The Jesus Studies,” and also fellowship together outside of our church building. This includes a trip to Intrust Bank Arena on Friday, March 11 for Win-ter Jam! WinWin-ter Jam is a HUGE concert event, featuring more than 10 of the big-gest artists in Christian music today, and

it’s always a great evening for the youth to experience together.

If you are interested in visiting us at youth group on a Wednesday evening, or becoming a volunteer, please don’t hesi-tate to contact Caleb Fouse at calebf@ firstwichita.org. All are welcome!

A lot has happened,

and we have more great

things on the horizon!

risE up WitH JEsus

WEdnEsday, MarcH 23

Rise Up With Jesus will be an Easter event for families to explore details about Jesus’ resurrection on that glorious Sunday morning 2,000 years ago! Hand-in-hand, we will journey through captivating stations that drive home one irresistible truth: Jesus is alive today!

You will love the engaging activities and games for all ages. This will be a fun time when kids and their parents can celebrate the greatest act of love of all time.

March 23, 2016 6-8 p.m., 100C wing.

A family event sponsored by Kid’s Discipleship, Youth Discipleship and RNC.

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us. Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife Claire and family. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. We are very thankful to Dr. Tal Tittsworth and Libby Eaton for spending time helping us work through this great loss. We so appreciate their love and support.

We are blessed to have Libby in leadership of our study “Journey to the Cross”,by Pastor Adam Hamilton. Our class will share in discussion as the study is presented by the DVD and book study, reflecting on Jesus’ last 24 hours. As we reflect on the study, it will continue to deepen our own faith and sense of love and gratitude for Jesus Christ.

If you are not already in a small group study, please come join us in our Christian fellowship. Our doors are always open to everyone.

Pneuma 302D

We have begun our Lenten study on Adam Hamilton’s, “Journey to the Cross”, a daily devotional follow up to “24 Hours”. We will be planning the curriculum for the rest of the year and are looking forward to an exciting year of study.

Pneuma prepared and served 3 meals at the overflow shelter during January. We also prepared and served lunch at Open Door on the first Friday in February. Our members continue to be active in the life of the church.

The class enjoyed our annual Super Bowl party at the home of Connie and Bob Bishop. Class members celebrated Valentine’s Day with a dinner prepared by the men of the class. Thanks to Doug Hye for being chief chef once again.

Pneuma Women met at the home of Peg Baldwin in January and Marlene Coker in February.

RNC 100D

Sunday School lessons will focus on the Easter Story and interactive discussions on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Activities for March will include a visit from the Bug Lady, musical guests and a St. Patrick’s party. Recent room improvements include 3 new leather swivel chairs for our members to enjoy, and new aquatic life added to our saltwater tank.

Seekers 306B

Our Seekers enjoyed taking part in church activities during the month of February, helping with two church lunches and participating in Ash Wednesday services. We look forward to providing a meal on March 4, coordinated by Kathy and Dale Strattman, for the First Friday at Open Door.

We began our study of the series on John Wesley, a wonderful history of Methodism led by Larry Harris. We took a short break on Valentine’s Day to hear several book reviews by classmates, always a great time! The John Wesley study will carry us through March 13 and we welcome anyone interested to join us, Larry always presents lessons that are insightful and enlightening.

The Seekers class would love visitors to stop in Room 306B and share coffee, refreshments and friendly conversation before and after class. We look forward to making new friends as we grow in the spirit of Christian fellowship!

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First Light

Please join us on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for any of the classes listed below.

Class News & Notes

Double Ring 106B

Congratulations to Jack and Gloria Focht on their February 29 wedding anniversary. We appreciate all they do for our class. Jack continues to challenge us with thought-provoking lessons.

Our February social was a Valentine brunch at the Wichita Country Club. There will be no social in March as we prepare for the celebration of Easter. We join with other church members in small group studies, church dinners, special services and music. Debs met in February with Joyce Madden and will meet in March at the home of Polly McMillan.

We continue to welcome visitors. Diane Desermecux has visited twice recently with her friends Janet and Mike Lively. Diane expressed appreciation for all that our church means to her.

As needs come to our attention we do our best to help out, as with coats for the homeless. We also expressed our concern in a tangible way to Don and Darlene Snyder’s nephew whose home recently burned to the ground. We miss our members who are unable to attend class and remember them in our prayers.

Hand in Hand 101B

The Hand in Hand class is always a good place to find coffee and fellowship. During Lent we are learning from our study based upon the book, “Focusing on Your Faith” by Richard Foster and Jim Smith. This series will put emphasis on God’s love for us. There are many facets to His love and we are able to connect with God through prayer and scripture.

Our class will have a movie and game night on Saturday, March 5, at the Quantics. This is a great way to strengthen our friendship through fellowship. Please come and join us any time.

Koinonia 303D

For our Lenten study this year we are using Adam Hamilton’s book “24 Hours That Changed the World”. This has been an interesting guide, giving us much to discuss. Seven class members are taking turns as discussion leaders; thanks to all who are doing this. We will complete the series on March 20.

Easter Sunday, March 27, we will have our annual brunch with everyone contributing a favorite dish. We will be celebrating March birthdays at Kobe Steak House on the 11th. Then on March 18, we will visit a new (to us) restaurant, Tokyo Japanese Cuisine located at 446 N. West Street. Join us when you can. Everyone is welcome to attend our activities and our Sunday morning class.

Open Doors 204A

Open Doors celebrated the life of Howard Runft on February 1, at his service held at First Church. Howard was an amazing friend and active member of our class.

He will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, dedication as a U.S Marine Veteran during the Korean War, his remarkable ability as a high school teacher and administrator, his knowledge and love for trains and all that he shared with the RNC the community, as well as the love and commitment he had to his family and friends. It is with great sadness we spent precious moments with Howard in his final hours of life. However, we celebrate what he brought to life and gave to each and every one of

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21 Monday

5:00 PM “Harmony” - 200D

5:30 PM Staff Parish Relations - 204A 6:30 PM HALI Committee - 107B

22 Tuesday

6:30 PM Awakening Leadership Team - 302B 7:00 PM Cub Scout Meeting - 101B, 103B, 107B

23 Wednesday

12:00 PM Apple Core - Book/Bible Study - 302B 5:30 PM Downtown Alive Choir Rehearsal -Sanctuary

6:00 PM El Mesias - Wilke Family Life Center 6:15 PM Religious Nurture Center - 100D

6:30 PM COREKids/CORE56 - 108C, 111C, 311C 6:30 PM Core Student Life Ministries - 200D 7:00 PM Men’s Bible Study - 103B

24 Thursday

9:00 AM First Place Quilters - Quilters/Emmaus 6:30 PM El Mesias Praise Band Practice

6:30 PM Maundy Thursday Service- Wilke Family Life Center

6:30 PM God and Dogs

25 Friday

7:00 PM Good Friday Service - Sanctuary

26 Saturday

9:00 AM Prepare Enrich - 302B

27 Sunday

8:15 AM Heritage Worship - Chapel 8:30 AM Religious Nurture Center - 100D 9:30 AM Sunday School K-4th - 106C, 108C 9:30 AM CORE 56 - 311C

9:30 AM Core Youth Small Group: The Jesus Studies - 200D

9:30 AM Adult Sunday School - Church Wide 9:30 AM Sanctuary Group @ Mead’s Corner 10:30 AM El Mesias Worship Service - 200D 10:50 AM Downtown Alive - Sanctuary

10:50 AM Awakening Worship- Wilke Family Life Center

11:00 AM Kids Worship - 110C

6:00 PM The Gathering @ Mead’s Corner

28 Monday

9:00 AM Caring Comforts - 110B 2:00 PM Diabetes Support Group - 101B 5:00 PM “Harmony” - 200D

5:00 PM Executive Committee - 204A 5:30 PM Finance Committee - 204A

29 Tuesday

6:30 PM Awakening Leadership Team -302B 7:00 PM Cub Scout Meeting - 101B, 103B, 107B

30 Wednesday

12:00 PM Apple Core - Book/Bible Study - 302B 5:30 PM Downtown Alive Choir Rehearsal -Sanctuary

31 Thursday

9:00 AM First Place Quilters - Quilters/Emmaus 6:30 PM El Mesias Praise Band Practice - 200D

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First Light

1 Tuesday

2 Wednesday

9:30 AM Stephen Ministry II Supervision - 302B 10:30 AM UMW Executive Meeting - 101B 12:00 PM Apple Core - Book/Bible Study - 302B 5:30 PM Downtown Alive Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary

6:30 PM COREKids/CORE56 - 108C, 111c, 311C 6:30 PM Core Student Life Ministries - 200D 7:00 PM Men’s Bible Study - 103B

3 Thursday

9:00 AM First Place Quilters - Quilters/Emmaus 6:30 PM El Mesias Praise Band Practice - 200D 6:30 PM God and Dogs - Parking Lot

6 Sunday

8:15 AM Heritage Worship - Chapel 8:30 AM Religious Nurture Center - 100D 9:00 AM Archives - 210B

9:30 AM Sunday School K-4th - 106C, 108C 9:30 AM CORE 56 - 311C

9:30 AM Double Ring/Archives - Presentation - 205B

10:50 AM Awakening Worship - Wilke Family Life Center

11:00 AM UMM Chili Feed - Meredith Hall 6:00 PM The Gathering @ Mead’s Corner

7 Monday

5:00 PM “Harmony” - 200D 5:30 PM Church Council - 101B

8 Tuesday

5:30 PM Board of Trustees - 308B

6:30 PM Awakening Leadership Team - 302B 7:00 PM Cub Scout Meeting - 101B, 103B, 107B 7:00 PM Kids Discipleship Council - 310C

9 Wednesday

9:00 AM Esther- Lois Circle - 107B

12:00 PM Apple Core - Book/Bible Study - 302B 5:30 PM Downtown Alive Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary

10 Thursday

12 Saturday

12:00 PM Students Today Leaders Forever - 300D, 301D, 302D, 304D

Calendar

March 2016

13 Sunday

3:00 PM Bassel Supernatural “Jazz” - Wilke Family Life Center

6:00 PM The Gathering @ Mead’s Corner

14 Monday

9:00 AM Caring Comforts -110B 1:00 PM Archives - 208B 5:00 PM “Harmony” - 200D

5:30 PM Hospitality and Integration Commission - 107B

6:45 PM Adult Council - 204A

15 Tuesday

16 Wednesday

9:30 AM Stephen Ministry II Supervision - 302B 12:00 PM Apple Core - Book/Bible Study - 302B 5:30 PM Downtown Alive Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary

7:00 PM Downtown Alive Committee - Media Suite 6:00 PM El Mesias - Wilke Family Life Center 6:15 PM Religious Nurture Center - 100D

17 Thursday

19 Saturday

10:00 AM One Spark Homeless Meal - Meredith Hall

20 Sunday

11:00 AM Kids Worship - 110C 11:00 AM Mission Lunch - Meredith Hall 12:00 PM First Lunch - Meredith Hall 6:00 PM The Gathering @ Mead’s Corner

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Prepare Enrich Workshop for Couples

www.firstwichita.org 330 N. Broadway • 316-267-6244 On Broadway between 2nd & 3rd Streets

in downtown Wichita.

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First Light

COMING IN WORSHIP

FIRST LIGHT

First Light is published monthly by the First United Methodist Church of Wichita, Kansas. It is produced by First Impressions, the Production and Creative Arts Team at First Church,

and is provided at no cost to our members and friends. ARTICLES FOR FIRST LIGHT

We welcome content and story ideas for First Light. They can be submitted to First Impressions at

firstlight@firstwichita.org Please include your name, phone number and e-mail address

when submitting material.

Coming in Worship April: “Making Sense

of the Bible” April 3

“When God Seems Small” Exodus 32: 27-28

April 10 “The Hard Sayings

of Jesus” Matthew 5: 28-29

April 17 “Listening for God”

Psalm 119:105 Romans 15:4 2 Timothy 3: 16-17

Church Women United will

meet on Friday, March 4 at 1 p.m. for World Day of Prayer at the Mennonite Church of the Servant, 2401 N. Woodlawn. Key Woman is Sally Huber.

UMW Expanded Executive Board will meet on Wednesday,

March 2 at

10:30 a.m. in Room 101B.

UMW Circles will meet on Wednesday, March 9 as follows:

Elizabeth Circle- 1 p.m.

Hostess: Judy Sunderland, 10109 Alamo (721-1485) Program: Prayer and Self-Denial $3

Esther/Lois Circle- 10 a.m.

Hostess: Glenna Hendershot (943-5448)

First Church 107B Program: TBD $3

Naomi Circle- 12 p.m.

Hostess: Polly McMillan, 1600 Fairfield (684-6360) Program: Prayer and Self-Denial $5

Rachel Circle- 12:00 p.m.

Hostess: Alice Shelton, 2205 Timbercreek (838-8964) Program: Prayer and Self-Denial $5

UMW

March

NEWS

Awakening @ First Church welcomes Bassel & the Supernaturals on Sunday, March 13 at 6:00 p.m. Bassel is a first generation Syrian-American leading the Chicago-based soul/jazz group Bassel & the Supernaturals. The group frequently collaborates with universities and community groups on concerts and speaker/Q&A sessions. Along with a dynamic performance, the band discusses topics such as Syria, overcoming stereotypes against Arabs, and more. Through their performances they create safe, non-politically driven spaces to address the humanitarian aspect behind the crisis. As a project rooted in soul music, they present the subject matter in a way that resonates with the audience and thus draws them closer to humanizing the Syrian experience.

For more information about the group, visit their webpage, http://basselmusic.com

We are excited to announce that Pastor Kent will be speaking again at half-time of the Wichita Force indoor football game at Intrust Bank Arena. We hope many First Church

family and friends will join is in supporting Pastor Kent at Faith and Family Night, Friday, April 1. Discount tickets will be available for purchase at the church during March for $9.

Pastor Kent to Speak at Faith and Family Night at the Wichita Force Indoor Football Game

The Marriage and Family Student Therapists at First United Methodist Church are conducting a couple’s workshop on Saturday, March 26. This workshop will be based upon the Prepare Enrich program. Prepare Enrich is the leading relationship inventory and skill-building program used at a national level. It is built

on a solid research foundation and significantly improves a couple’s relationship. Prepare Enrich is custom tailored to a couple’s relationship and provides couple exercises to build their relationship skills. This workshop is for premarital couples, married couples, and couples who would like to strengthen their relationship.

Where: First United

Methodist Church Library

When: Saturday, March 26 Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: $35 per couple How to sign up: contact

Valerie or Kimberly at 316-267-6244 or email at ValerieH@firstwichita.org