March 2015 Number 2
A Newsletter of The First United Methodist Church of Madison SUNDAY WORSHIP
Holy Week Worship MAUNDY THURSDAY
Thursday, April 2 @ 7 p.m. Text: John 13:1-17 Message: Rev. Carly Kuntz “Washing Feet in Today’s World” GOOD FRIDAY
Friday, April 3 @ 7 p.m. Message: Rev. Tina Lang “Did Jesus Come to Die?” EASTER
Sunday, April 5 Services @ 9 & 10:45 a.m., Sanctuary Text: Mark 16:1-18 Message: Rev. Carly Kuntz “Don’t Be Alarmed! Jesus is Leading”
Easter Flower Orders
First Church has a tradition of filling the Sanctuary with a breathtaking tableau of spring flowers to greet us on Easter Sunday. Each plant (daffodils, tulips and/or daisy mums) costs $15. Order forms will be available in Sunday worship bulletins. Drop the form in the offering plate or send it to the church office. Orders must be received by Sunday, March 15.
Sunday, March 8 Daylight Saving Time Begins Remember to move your clocks forward for Spring!
9 a.m. Traditional Worship, Sanctuary 10:45 a.m. Alternative Worship, Fellowship Hall
MARCH 1
2nd Sunday of Lent Holy Communion @ 9 a.m. Text: Mark 8:31-38 Message: Rev. Carly Kuntz Music: Adam Shelton, Soloist
MARCH 8
Texts: Exodus 20:1-17, I Cor. 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 Message Rev. Tina Lang “What Kind of Foolishness is This?” Music: Chancel Choir
MARCH 15
Special Offering: One Great Hour of Sharing Texts: Ephesians 2:1-10 Message: Rev. Carly Kuntz Music: Chancel Choir
MARCH 22
New Member Sunday Text: Psalm 51:1-12 Message: Rev. Carly Kuntz Music: Chamber Choir
MARCH 29
Palm Sunday Both Services in Sanctuary Texts: Mark 11:1-11, Philippians 2:5-11 Message: Rev. Tina Lang “Downward Mobility” Music: Chancel Choir & Children’s Choir
Easter Community Meal
Sunday, April 5 | Noon-2 p.m. | Fellowship Hall All are invited to this free holiday dinner for fellowship and celebration. We seek to embody grace and hospitality in the manner of Jesus, nurturing our diverse spiritual journeys and joining together as a servant community to help realize a more loving and just world.
People in the fundraising world today work from two different principles. One is to ask people how they want to make a difference and the other is talk about someone’s legacy. Frankly, making a difference in our lives and our living is our legacy. The way we interact with people is our legacy. The touches we leave on our world and our community is our legacy. I don’t know if anyone ever asked Jesus what he wanted his legacy to be. Someone in the Old Testament Bible Study pointed out what people say about us is our legacy; it is how we make a difference. If asked, those whose lives Jesus touched might say he gave them the gift of restored health. Others might say Jesus gave them the gift of mercy and compassion. Others might say Jesus left a legacy of wisdom and teachings. Some might say Jesus gave them the gift of new life in this world and eternal life in the next world. What is Jesus’ legacy in our lives? Do his life, teachings, death and resurrection make a difference in our lives? Would we miss him if he was gone? Did he make a difference in how we live, think, speak and act? If not, his legacy is pretty sad. Aside from any financial gifts we may or may not make, what is our legacy? Like Jesus and others who have made a difference in our lives we are making our legacy with every action, every decision and every word. Our children and grandchildren won’t remember how much we left them in our wills. They will remember the quality of the time we spent with them. Our bosses won’t remember how much they paid us; they will look at the results of our work. Our congregation won’t remember a name on a plaque or a gift to the Foundation. First Church will remember the difference our presence and our gifts made in our lives and the life of our community. As I think about legacies a saying from Facebook comes to mind: Be the kind of person who, when their feet hit the floor in the morning hears the Devil say, “Damn, she’s awake.” Our legacy is the difference we make every day.
Carly Kuntz Lead Pastor
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“What people say about us is our legacy; it is how we make a difference.”
Carly’s Column
March is a month of change. The season of winter gives way to spring. If we are fortunate winter snow gives way to budding flowers. Basketball season gives way to baseball. Daylight savings changes our clocks. Sunlight changes to more light hours than dark. March is a season of gentle, often unnoticed change. March is filled with the season of Lent. Lent is a time for change to take place. As we think about the year just past we can reflect upon how we would change our connection with God and God’s people. Lent offers opportunity for change to take place as we think about what changes we want to make so we can be closer to God. Lent is a season for adding those things that bring us closer to God and removing those things from our lives that take us away from God. Often we hope the changes Lent brings to our lives is as gentle and unnoticed as March. We don’t mind change one bit if we don’t notice it happening. This March I invite us to ask God to make changes in our lives we notice; changes that cause us to sit up and take notice of God’s Presence and Power in our lives. I invite us to ask God to take away those things that keep us from moving closer to God once and for all. I invite us to ask God to move us closer to God’s Presence in dramatic fashion. I invite us to ask God for changes we cannot help but notice; changes that bring us closer to God and closer to God’s people. Asking for dramatic change sounds and feels risky. For every time we change, we lose something we had been holding onto. Every time we move closer to God we have to let go of something that was holding us away from God. Dramatic change feels like jumping out of an airplane. Those who skydive assure me it is a thrill not to be missed. For once they jumped out of the plane their souls and lives were changed for the better. Moving closer to God is worth the risk of change. Our lives and our souls are changed for the better. Lent, like March, can be a time of gentle, often unnoticed change. And that is okay. But, Lent gives us the opportunity to invite God to take dramatic action in our lives so we move closer to God in major ways. That really, truly is okay, too. I have never jumped out of an airplane. But, I have asked God to make dramatic changes in my life. The result was worth the risk. Gentle, unnoticeable change or dramatic change. That is our choice. God will work with us either way. But, I pray this Lent we all ask God to make some dramatic, highly noticeable changes in our lives. We will move closer to God. Blessings,
Rev. Carly Kuntz Lead Pastor
Concert to Benefit Dane County Humane Society
Sunday, March 8 @ 2 p.m., Sanctuary First Church’s own Kitt Reuter-Foss (mezzo soprano) and Jennifer Hedstrom (piano) are joining forces to raise money for the Dane County Humane Society (DCHS). The free concert will feature a mix of opera and Broadway classics. A free-will offering will be taken, of which 100% of the proceeds will go to DCHS. Donations to DCHS not only provide care for shelter animals during their stay, but also support DCHS’ many educational and outreach programs.
Lyons Lecture
Saturday, April 18 The 2015 Lyons Lecture welcomes Dr. Hal Taussig, Visiting Professor of New Testament studies on the faculty of the Union Theological Seminary, and an active pastor for the last three decades. Dr. Taussig will begin the day by addressing the subject “Rethinking How Christianity Began”. His second lecture will be an in depth consideration of A New New Testament, A Bible for
the 21st Century, Combining Traditional and Newly Discovered Texts. Come
prepared to expand the boundaries of your beliefs. Visit www.fumc.org and click on the Lyons Lecture link to learn more about this exciting speaker and to register for this year’s lecture.
Lyons Lecture Volunteers
If you would like to attend this year’s Lyons Lecture and can volunteer some of your time to help the event run smoothly, the registration fee can be waived. Help is needed before the event (hospitality, parking, registration) and during lunch. Please contact Joan Maynard for more information at
[email protected] or 608.217.4917.
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Green Team Healthy Food & Sustainability Initiative
Sunday, March 1, Octagon Part of the Green Team’s ministry is helping all achieve access to healthy food grown and cared for in a sustainable manner. This can be especially difficult for indviduals and families living in poverty. The Green Team is helping our Food Pantry and meal programs to include more healthy foods and implement sustainable pratices like composting and eliminating waste. For example, we have replaced single-serve salt, pepper and creamers, and continue to implement green practices beginning with simple and basic steps. Stop by the table in the Octagon to learn more about this initiative and find out how you can help, from contributing healthy food to volunteering in fun and new ways. There is something we all can do! We will also have information about various Comunity Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs.
Green Team Recycling Project
Look for a bin at church where the Green Team will collect: Usedup toothpaste tubes and caps, old toothbrushes, dental floss containers, mouthwash bottles and caps, deodorant containers and soap packaging. Thanks to the Artisan Dental oral care recycling program we have a new way to dispose of these items.
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UMW Deborah Circle
THE CROSSING Annual Tuesday, March 10 @ 6:30 p.m., FUMC Spring Gala Dinner After a winter break this circle resumes its monthly meetings. This month they will meet in the upstairs kitchen area, just outside the Chapel on the second floor. Emily Ford, our new UMW President, will tell the group about the UMW Reading Program and share some of the books available this year. The evening will begin with refreshments followed by the program. Questions? Contact Diane Scorgie at
[email protected] or Valerie Brown via the church office at
[email protected].
UMW Tabitha Circle
Thursday, March 19 @ 1 p.m., Room 208 The main focus of our circle is to read and discuss books that are on the current United Methodist Women Reading Program lists. At our March meeting we will discuss recent articles in Response magazine. Donna Turner will lead the discussion.
Church Women United
World Day Of Prayer Friday, March 6, Glenwood Moravian Church 9 a.m.: Gathering/Coffee/Announcements 10:30 a.m.: Celebration and program prepared by women of the Bahamas.
Friday, April 24, Monona Terrace The Spring Gala is the primary fundraiser for THE CROSSING Campus Ministry, an ecumenical and mission-focused ministry for UW Madison students. The evening starts at 5 p.m. with social time, followed by dinner and a program from 6-9 p.m. Join other FUMC members and friends for an evening of fellowship and inspiration as Crossing students share transformational stories from their recent experiences traveling on Quest mission trips to Cuba, Sri Lanka and Costa Rica. For more information about THE CROSSING and its mission, visit the website at www.crossingministries.org. Tickets are $60 per person ($30 tax deductible). Or your contribution can “Sponsor a Student”. To make reservations or ask questions contact: Ann Herrold-Peterson at
[email protected] or 608-658-5956; Mel Vance at
[email protected] or 608-630-9485; or Jessie Steinhauer at The Crossing at
[email protected] or 608-257-1039, ext. 2.
Scenes from Mardi Gras
Fruit Sale
Imagine No Malaria Fundraiser Thank you to the youth, who organized this fundraiser, and to all of you who purchased fruit to help raise money for the Imagine No Malaria campaign. Thanks especially to Al Marty for his dedicated leadership to bringing it all together! We raised over $1,700! If you haven’t picked up your order yet, stop by the church during the week or contact Seth at
[email protected] or 608.338.0158.
New Youth Program Intern We welcome Michaela Layton to our youth program and church. Michaela is a student at Madison College, has a passion to make a difference in the world, and will be giving her talents and enthusiasm to help continue our excellent youth and college program.
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Joys and Concerns
Please remember these FUMC members and friends in your prayers: Jean Shoemaker, Rudy Wieland, Lynn Peterson, John Thomas, Dee Dee Downing, Bud DeVos, Ramona Johannes, Kathleen Montgomery, Jim Christensen, Max Westrich, Julia Frohreich. We offer our prayers and support to members and friends of our congregation who have recently lost a loved one: • Jonathan Whirry, whose father, Jack Whirry, died on February 4. Celebrations at First Church: • Tennyson Daniel Sinclair, son of Daniel and Kelley Sinclair, was baptized in our Sanctuary on February 15.
FUMC Building Hours
Sunday: 8 a.m. - Noon Monday –Thursday: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Friday – Saturday: Closed
Chimes Deadline
Articles Due: 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, for the April issue of Chimes, to be published on Thursday, March 26.
Spouses Now Alone
Tuesday, March 31 @ Noon, Dayton St. Grill, 1 W. Dayton Street Persons who have experienced the death of their spouse meet on the last Tuesday of each month for lunch, conversation and fellowship.
Vacation Bible School 2015 – Save the Date!
June 15-18 @ Vilas Park Join First Church Kids for four evenings of fun learning, playing, music and worship. More details to come.
Recurring Calendar Items
Meditation Group Mondays @ 7 p.m., Chapel Faith and Reason Tuesday, March 10 @ 9 a.m., Capitol Lakes UMW Deborah Circle Tuesday, March 10 @ 6:30 p.m., Kitchenette next to Chapel Young Adult Discussion Group Tuesdays, March 10 & 24 @ 7 p.m., Barrique’s on E. Washington Ave. Spouses Now Alone Tuesday, March 31 @ Noon, The Concourse UMW Tabitha Circle Thursday, March 19 @ 1 p.m., Room 208 AA Group Thursdays @ 6:30 p.m., Room 208 Handbell Choir Thursdays @ 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall Chancel Choir Thursdays @ 7:30 p.m., Choir Room Toddler Playgroup Fridays, March 13 and 27 @ 9:30 a.m., Room LL12 College Age Vision Quest Sundays, March 8 and 22 @ 10:30 a.m., Room LL04
First United Methodist Church
Phone: 608.256.9061 Fax: 608.256.6633 Website: www.fumc.org
Staff Members
Softball Team Forming
Want to play on the FUMC Flying Angels softball team this year? Contact Seth at
[email protected].
Carly Kuntz, Lead Pastor.................................................................................
[email protected] Tina Lang, Associate Pastor............................................................................
[email protected] Karen Andro, Director of Outreach Ministries . ............................................
[email protected] Mary Hasheider, Director of Connecting Ministries.......................................
[email protected] Scott Foss, Director of Music.........................................................................
[email protected] Jim Ostrander, Coordinator of Homebound Ministries...................................
[email protected] Avery Westrich, Coordinator of Children’s and Young Family Ministries...........
[email protected] Seth Schroerlucke, Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministries........
[email protected] Dennis Anderson, Facilities Supervisor .......................................................
[email protected] Tricia Hillner, Publications Specialist.............................................................
[email protected] Sharon McNeely, Finance and Accounting Associate.................................
[email protected] Jennifer Hedstrom, Director of Children’s Music.......................................
[email protected] Music Staff: Ross Cowing, Organist Digital Media & Graphic Design: Dana Craft-Parker Digital Arts Specialists: Max & Laura Wendt Audio/Visual: Corey Whitmore
CHIMES is published monthly by: First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, WI 53703-
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Children’s Music
Music Activities During Sunday School Jennifer Hedstrom has been visiting Sunday School classes for fun music activities and songs. We are excited to make this a regular part of Sunday School at First Church! Sunday, March 29 (Palm Sunday) During 9 a.m. Worship Children will perform a song with the adult choir. Rehearsals will take place during Sunday School in the weeks prior to the performance. ALL children welcome!
Parent/Child Contemplative Prayer Workshops Sunday, March 8 @ 10:30 a.m., Chapel *Prayer Beads - Families will learn about traditional uses of prayer beads, create their own and practice using them. Sunday, March 15 @ 10:30 a.m., Chapel *Taizé Worship & Art - Experience Taizé worship, which incorporates music and chanting, and experience prayer through art. Sunday, March 22 @ 10:30 a.m., Chapel *Labyrinth & Journaling - Join Tina Lang to walk the labyrinth and experience prayer through journaling.
2015 Summer Youth Missions Locations
In a time where racial and economic issues are at the forefront of our national dialogue, we aim to gain wisdom and insight from people who have been walking a path of racial reconciliation and need-based ministry through the experiences and relationships we make with the people we are serving and serving beside. For more info about either of these trips contact Seth Schroerlucke, Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministries at
[email protected] or 608.338.0158 or visit www.fumc.org. High School Mission Trip | Koinonia Farm (Georgia) June 27-July 5 [cap: 42 people] Koinonia is an Intentional Christian Community on a farm in Americus, GA. Koinonia has a storied history as the birthplace of Habitat for Humanity and being radically ahead of its time regarding racial equality and living out values of peace and reconciliation. We will work on the farm, tour the community run school and visit places of interest around Georgia, including sites in Atlanta. Middle School Mission Trip | Milwaukee, WI July 26-August 1 [cap: 30 people] Many years after the battle against segregation, Milwaukee still shows signs of separation and racial oppression. We will engage in various projects ranging from home repairs and construction, to serving at community centers with at-risk children and engaging with inner-city youth. And of course, there will be ample time for fun and relaxation!
Sunday School
Children attend worship with their parents at the 9 a.m. service and come to Sunday School when they are dismissed following Children’s Time.
• Ages 2 & 3 – Room LL19 • Ages 4 & 5 – Room LL17 • K-2nd Grade – Room LL10 • 3rd – 5th Grade – Room LL15
Children’s Library, Room LL14 Kids’ Korner 10:30-11:30 a.m., Room LL07 Supervised enrichment time with faithbased movie/discussion or projects. Contact Avery Westrich at
[email protected] for more info. Childcare on Sundays Available 8:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. Infants: First Floor Nursery - Room 104 Toddlers: Lower Level - Room LL12 Youth Sunday Morning – 9 a.m.
• 6th & 7th Grade Class – LL02 • 8th & 9th Grade Class – LL06 • 10th-12th Grade Class – LL04
For more info contact Seth Schroerlucke at
[email protected].
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Young Adult Discussion and Action
Vision Quest: A Search for Purpose
7 p.m., 2nd & 4th Tuesdays/month Barriques on W. Washington Not satisfied with simply talking about topics important to our world? We follow our discussions with positive actions as a group to help make a difference in our world.
Now 2nd & 4th Sundays/month 10:30 a.m., Room LL04 Geared toward college students and led by Seth Schroerlucke. Uncover direction and purpose. Through selfreflection and discussion, each session will help focus and articulate a path that aligns a course for your life. March will be spent focusing on what Seth calls The Five Paths of Purpose.
Activities in March
Second Harvest Food Bank Saturday, March 14 @ 12:30 p.m. Sort and pack donated food so that it can be shared with local pantries. Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona Sunday, March 29 @ 1 p.m. Come and see maple syrup demonstrations and sample maple ice cream! Contact Abby (
[email protected]) or Seth (
[email protected]) for more information.
Young Adult Snowshoe
Even without much snow we still had a blast together learning to snowshoe and raising money for the zoo. Thanks to Fontana Sports Specialties for putting this on and for FUMC member Judith Hutchinson, our most wonderful guide, who made it so much fun and adventurous!
Stay up to date with current event info and pics on our Young Adult Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FUMCmadisonyoungadults/
First United Methodist Church • 203 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, WI 53703 • www.fumc.org • 608.256.9061 • Electronic Chimes Request:
[email protected]
Sunday Opportunities Special Study and Worship Series During Lent
Unique study and worship experiences will be offered during the 10:45 hour on Sundays during the Lenten season. We welcome scholar, writer, and teacher, J. Denny Weaver, who will lead us in an exploration of themes found in his book, The Nonviolent God. Weaver’s bold new statement on the nonviolence of God challenges longstanding assumptions of divine violence in theology, the violent God pictured in the Old Testament, and the supposed violence of God in Revelation. In his book Weaver argues that since God is revealed in Jesus, the nonviolence of Jesus most truly reflects the character of God. According to Weaver, the way Christians live - Christian ethics - is an ongoing expression of theology. Consequently, he suggests positive images of the reign of God made visible in the narrative of Jesus - nonviolent practice, forgiveness and restorative justice, issues of racism and sexism, and more - in order that Christians might live more peacefully. Outline of the Lenten Study and Worship Series March 1 – The God Who Forgives Without Violence - What we learn from the story of the Prodigal Son and other stories of God’s interactions with humankind. March 8 – Forgiveness - The process of letting go of anger. March 15 – Revelation - Images that point to a nonviolent God and exploring the Seven Seals. March 22 – Putting the Pieces Together - A review of new concepts shared.
Denny Weaver will lead the 10:45 times of study and worship in Fellowship Hall on March 1 through March 15. Pastor Carly Kuntz will lead on March 22, pulling the series to a conclusion, and 10:45 worship will move to the Sanctuary for Palm Sunday (March 29) and Easter Sunday (April 5). If it is your practice to participate in 9 a.m. worship, please consider either changing worship hours during Lent or better yet, extending your Sunday worship experience by participating at both 9 and 10:45. This is a unique opportunity for our community of faith to learn and grow together within the context of worship led by a special guest so please plan to participate.
Theology for the 21st Century
Sundays @ 10:30 a.m., Room LL05 Through March this class continues reading and discussing In Parables: The Challenge of the Historical Jesus by John Dominic Crossan.
Mid-Week Opportunities Come As You Are Worship
Mondays & Wednesdays @ 9:30 - 10 a.m., Fellowship Hall This half hour of worship is for anyone who wants to grow closer to God through prayer, music and Scripture. Fellowship time, with coffee and a light breakfast, begins at 9 a.m.
Meditation Group
Mondays @ 7 p.m., Chapel Anyone interested in starting or continuing to build their meditation practice is welcome to come and explore the possibilities.
Faith and Reason
Tuesday, March 10 @ 9 a.m., Capitol Lakes, 333 W. Main Group members facilitate the discussions on a variety of current topics.
Old Testament Bible Study
Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17 & 24 @ 6:30 p.m., Room 214 Join Pastor Carly Kuntz to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Old Testament as an integral part of the Christian Bible.
Lenten Exploration of Early Christian Writings
Wednesdays, February 25, March 4, 11, 18 and 25 @ 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall Join Tina Lang for an introduction to ancient words of our ancestors in faith which have recently been rediscovered and are now included in A New New Testament.
Outreach Ministry Programming Community Outreach Breakfast Monday & Wednesday 9 a.m., Fellowship Hall Come As You Are Worship Monday & Wednesday 9:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall Food Pantry Monday & Wednesday: 10 a.m. – Noon Tuesday & Thursday: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Meals-To-Go Serving the Homeless Tuesday & Thursday 9 a.m. – Noon Our Night at the Shelter Second Saturday every month. Porchlight Homeless Men’s Drop-in Shelter Community Holiday Meals Easter.............................. April 5, 2015 Thanksgiving.................. Nov. 26, 2015 Christmas........................ Dec. 25, 2015 For more information contact Karen Andro, Director of Outreach Ministries
[email protected] 608-338-0320
Easter Community Meal
We will serve a special holiday meal on Easter Sunday, April 5 from noon to 2 p.m. This special outreach meal brings together people who may otherwise be alone and not enjoy a holiday meal. It has become a special ministry to all who serve, and many who return to rekindle connections. Newcomers make meaningful connections, and all share in hospitality and fellowship. If you are interested in volunteering or donating, visit the Octagon between services on Sundays in March or contact Karen Andro, Director of Outreach Ministries, at 608.338.0320 or
[email protected].
Carrying Out Outreach Ministries: Volunteering
Volunteers make our outreach ministries possible, and we have many opportunities for you to help. If you enjoy connecting with members and guests, our Narthex reception team has openings on morning and afternoon shifts. Another opportunity involves helping in the Food Pantry on one of our evening teams (Tuesday or Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.). There are also opportunities for volunteers who enjoy independent projects to help to stock our pantry and kitchen and to assist with special projects. If you can help, please contact Karen Andro.
