First Connection

The monthly newsletter of

First United Methodist Church

June 2016

First United Methodist Church 729 Central Avenue Connersville IN 47331 Church Phone: (765) 825-8506 Pastor Doug Barton Email: pastor@connersvillefirst.org Secretary: Bonnie Schultz Email: secretary@connersvillefirst.org Webmaster: Kevin Bastian Email: webmaster@connersvillefirst.org Church web site: www.connersvillefirst.org

The Power of Prayer and a Positive Spirit

I want to thank all of you who have been praying for me during my recent back surgery and recovery.

Thank you. Your prayers are working. The surgery went well even though my back was in worse shape than

the MRI showed it to be. I had a good Neurosurgeon and a great prayer team praying for me. Everything went

well and I am now on the road to recovery. Prayer works and it works in various ways. Prayer works to lead

and guide us in the right path. Prayer works to arrange events, conditions and outcomes. But most of all prayer

works out God’s will and purpose in our lives. I believe that to be the most important aspect of prayer. It

changes our attitudes and helps us become more Christ like. God’s ultimate desire and purpose for each of us is

that we become like Christ. We are to be fully devoted followers of Christ. Prayer has a big part in this process

of becoming Christ like, and developing a positive spirit.

Two devotional readings have greatly helped me in my process through the painful journey of a back

problem, surgery and now recovery; let me share them with you.

Prayer Prepares the Heart

“This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He Saved him out of all his troubles.” (Psa. 34:6)

Prayer in times of trouble tends to bring the spirit into perfect submission to the will of God, and delivers us

from things such as a rebellious heart or a critical spirit. Prayer sanctifies trouble to our highest good. Prayer so

prepares the heart that it softens under the disciplining hand of God. Prayer allows God to freely work with us

and in us in the day of trouble. Prayer lifts our burdens and brings to us the sweetest, the highest and greatest

good. Prayer permits God’s servant -trouble- to accomplish its mission in us, with us, and for us.

A Positive Spirit

“Because he loves Me,” says the Lord,” I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name.

He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”

(Psalm 91:14-15)

The end of trouble is always good in the mind of God. If trouble fails in its mission, it is either because of lack

of prayer or unbelief, or both. The good or evil of trouble is always determined by the spirit in which it is

received. Trouble proves a blessing or a curse, depending on how it is received and treated by us. It either

softens or hardens us. It either draws us to prayer and to God or drives us away.

The sun can either soften the wax or harden the clay. The sun can either melt the ice or dry out the moisture

from the earth.

Dear God, help me to see that my prayers allow You to work freely with me and in me in the day of trouble.

Please grant me a positive spirit so that I will see the end of trouble as good. I want my troubles to be a blessing

and not a curse. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

When we begin to see the troubles and the disappointments of this life as opportunities for God to do His work

of transformation in us, then we are able to find joy and peace even in times of trouble and pain.

Pray and put all your trust in Jesus.

Keep looking up and have a positive spirit in your life!

Pastor Doug

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CHURCH NEWS…

Honoring our Graduates

Sunday June 5th & June 12th

Congratulations!

High School

Amanda Cobb

College

Andy Fuller Katie Guttman

Christopher Sosnowski (Bill & Penny’s grandson)

Bobby Urban

***************************************************** Congratulations!

To our own Brianna Baucom and the Connersville High School concert Band who received the Group 1 gold rating, earned at the Indiana State School Music Association contest at Shelbyville High School on April 23. The award is considered the highest level achieved by the band in its 110 year history. ***************************************************** Thanks to those from our congregation who volunteered to help construct a ramp at a local resident, through the SAWs ministry (Servants at Work, Inc.) The non-denominational ministry collaborates to build ramps for residents in need. Visit sawsramps.org for information. ***************************************************** No Adult Sunday School during the Summer. Class will resume again in the Fall, date to be announced later. Greeters for June: Sarah Plough & Carol Hoffman Ushers for June: Doug & Gayle Siebert Community Meals: We are in need of a family or organization to serve the Second Sunday meal at the First Presbyterian Church on June 12. Please contact the office as soon as possible at 825-8506 if you can fill this position. Thanks for all you do!

Grace Food Pantry

Dear Friends of Grace Food pantry, Krogers has been such a great helper to us by providing surplus products which our volunteers pick up three days a week. Well, they have done it again!!! They have a program called the Kroger Community Rewards Program. We have recently registered to become a part of this. You can help the Pantry, if you shop at Krogers and have a Kroger Plus card. All you need to do is go to: Krogercommunityrewards.com and sign in and register to support group number 18487. This is the number assigned to Grace United Methodist Food Pantry. This program is free and costs you nothing. Our group will receive a check to purchase items for our pantry quarterly based upon a percentage of the total amount spent at Kroger by registered Pantry supporters during this time. We are so excited to be a part of this program and hope you will join and sign up. If you need assistance with registering, call Terri Wilhoite at 825-7496 and we will work it out. If you don’t have an e-mail address: Phone 1-800-576-4377. Have your Kroger Plus Card handy to give them the number on the back. Also they will ask your name and verify your address. Our number for Grace UMC food pantry is 18487. Thanks for your help, Terri Wilhoite On behalf of Grace food pantry P.S. Please save egg cartons ***************************************************** Betty Riebsomer has expressed a desire to come to church some Sunday but would need to be picked up and taken back to Richmond. If anyone, or maybe 2 individuals could take this mission on, (1 to pick up, 1 to take back) please call the office to make arrangements.

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THANK YOU… Dear United Methodist Women, I was so honored to receive the UMW award on May 22, and so sorry I was not present to accept it! I had no idea but was very happily surprised when I came to work on Monday. I can’t thank you enough for the kind words and feel so humbled by them, especially since I feel blessed to be in this position at FUMC. This is just an extension of the love I feel from all of you in UMW, and our whole congregation. I pray God allows me to keep working here at FUMC for a long while, to better serve Him in all that I say and do, to His glory! Heartfelt thanks, Bonnie ***************************************************** Dear Friends and Family of FUMC, We want to thank the U.M.W. for the Special Mission Recognition award. We appreciate being recognized for our support in keeping FUMC functioning. We don’t feel that we do as much as some other members, as David says “I just do what needs to be done.” Again, thank you, Our love to you, David and Marla Simpkins ***************************************************** To my lovely church family, I’m thrilled by the outpouring of affection you have shown me through your prayers, cards, and notes. I thank you and appreciate you all so much. You have given my heart the courage to make it through this difficult time. God Bless you one and all! Betty Gail Riebsomer P.S. Hi Donna, and Pastor I hope your back is better! ****************************************************

Dear Friends,

Please know how happy I was to hear from all

of you. It was like Christmas and my birthday

all in one. It really made my day, and I

appreciate your thoughtfulness!

Love and God Bless,

Peg

*****************************************************

Dear Friends,

I want to express my deep appreciation to

Pastor Doug Barton, Rhonda Burchett, Jim

Wicker, The United Methodist Women, and

everyone from the church who provided so

much help and support for the funeral of my

father Gerry Drain. First Church was so much a

part of our family life, and it was fitting that we

said our final goodbyes to Dad there. The

letters, cards, and phone calls from friends in

Connersville meant a lot to Dad after he moved

over here to Ohio. Thank you all so much.

Yours in Christ,

Chris Drain

*****************************************************

Dear First United,

Thank you for your donation to the Food Pantry

of Grace United Methodist Church. In March

we fed a total of 237 families and 840 people.

Your donation is really appreciated. Thank you

again.

Sincerely,

Grace United Methodist Church

Deanna Novack, Secretary

*****************************************************

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MISSIONS…

June’s giving is to Community Sharing. Items to donate are canned goods, & any non-perishable items. Please place your donation on the table at the back of the Sanctuary. Thank you for your generous donations to this, and all our Missions. *********************************************************

JUNE BIRTHDAYS…

June 02 Ruth Archbold June 04 Kathryn Creamer June 05 Sam Harvey June 08 Len Bastian June 10 Beth Ann Orth June 12 Kellee Cobb June 14 Dave Simpkins June 20 Dick Swain June 21 Harley Lewis June 23 Marjorie Bastian June 23 Anetha Locke June 26 Joe bottles June 28 Donna Greene June 29 Jean Swain ******************************************************** JUNE ANNIVERSARIES… June 14 Larry & Carol Clawson

June 20 Steve & Elizabeth Holmes

June 27 Jim & Amy McMillan

June 29 Howard & Sarah Plough

*****************************************************

An Irish Blessing

Christ as a light, illumine and guide me.

Christ as a shield, o’er shadow and cover me.

Christ be before me, behind me, about me.

Christ this day be within and without me.

Christ, the lowly and meek, be in the heart of those

to whom I speak,

In the mouth of each who speaks to me,

In all who draw near me, or see me, or hear me.

Amen

UP BEAT POEMS BY A BEAT DOWN POET

(IN LOVE WITH LIFE)

By Shirley Stanley McCoy

After 3 Weeks Of Rain – The Sun Is Shining

I’m almost afraid to be happy, Lord

Lest evil befall me for feeling so good

The warm Sun is wonderful this time of year

And I feel loving, the way that I should…

The departure of Winter, I’m glad to see go

Spring’s rebirth, a most welcome sight!

I thank You, dear Lord, for your sweet loving care

That renews me with Hope in the night…

**********************************************************

IN THE SPIRIT OF GIVING…

General

Date Fund Missions Attend

May 01 $5422.00 $978.00 100

May 08 $2533.00 $493.00 91

May 15 $3090.00 $253.00 91

May 22 $3533.00 $483.00 75

May 29 $1585.00 $198.00 83

$16163.00 $2405.00

********************************************************

Live in such a way that those who know you

but don’t know God will come to know God

because they know you.

Anonymous

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United

Methodist

Women

Faith-Hope-Love in Action

Susanna Circle: Tuesday June 21,1:30PM,

at the home of Sarah Plough, Hostess

Programs/Devotions, Ann Ekstrom

Eve Circle: Thursday June 16, 6:30PM

at the home of Jeanna Hushour, Hostess

Devotions: Elizabeth Holmes

Lesson: Helen Lawson

****************************************************************

UMW - Upcoming Event Dates:

Mission U - July 19-22nd

DePaul University

More information will be available at a later

date.

Saturday July 23

Sampler, DePaul University

Unit Meeting in July, time and place to be

announced.

****************************************************************

Thank you to Eve Circle for hosting the Spring

Fling on May 14th. A special thank you to

Jeanna Hushour and the cooks, Marla

Simpkins, Shirley Moore, and Phyllis Smith.

The speaker, Jeanne Nordstrom, author of the

book “Permission to teach”, was wonderful. A

good time was had by all. Thank you,

Sylvia Gibson

****************************************************************

UMW MISSION RECOGNITION

Connersville First UMW began giving UMW Mission

Recognition pins in 1992 by awarding a gold cross pin

each year to a past UMW president or to other very

active UMW members. Then in 2002 the recognition was

expanded to include church members who give

extensive service to Connersville First. The money used

to purchase the pins is used to support UMW missions

throughout the world. The following is a list of recipients

from 1992-2016. We are truly indebted to each of these

members for their faithful service to FUMC.

FUMC – UMW

**********************************************************

1992…Doris Smith

1993…Helen Quinn and Wilma Davis

1994…Martha Kenworthy

1995…Jan McGraw and Kathlene Shaver

1996…Harriett Handley

1997…Bernadine Lake and Newell Manwaring

1998…Carol Coon

1999…Elizabeth Handley

2000…Julia Hiday

2001…Helen Dubois

2002…Marian Connell, Tom Francis, Ed

Slaybaugh, Jim Wicker

2003…Della King, Sarah Plough, David Hiday,

David Stanley

2004…Walter Gronning, Florence Holden

2005…Phyllis Smith, Joyce peak, Ava Moore, Dale

Moore, Fran McLaughlin, Mabel Brockley, Jackie

Heck

2006…Bette Thielking, Kate Starr, Shirley McCoy,

Hattie Vaught, Jim Gibson, Leonard Urban

2007…Gayle Siebert, Carol Hoffman, Connie Gayda,

Joanne Guttman

2008…Don Peak, Saranne Peak, Dick Hushour,

Jeanna Hushour

2009…Penny Smith, Ann Francis

2010…None given

2011…Doug Siebert, Richard Smith, Steve Holmes

2012…Bill Smith, Marjorie Bastian, Molly Barbee,

Richard Swain, Jean Swain, Chris Orth, Beth Ann

Orth, David Galbraith, Myrna Galbraith.

2013-2015…None given

2016…Joe Bottles, Larry Clawson, Tim Clawson,

Mike Coon, Bonnie Schultz, David Simpkins, Marla

Simpkins

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Thank you to Grace United Methodist Church

for their generous donation to help supply our

“Giving Closet”. It was greatly appreciated. It is

so good when our churches work together to

help each other’s causes.

Sylvia Gibson ****************************************************************

CHILDREN/YOUTH MINISTRY…

Fayette County School

Corporation Recognition

Program for Academic

Excellence:

Brianna Baucom

Amanda Cobb

Harley Lewis

Lauren McMillan

Amy Rowe

Megan Rowe

Way to go! FUMC is proud of their youth!

Upcoming Events:

June 4th Amanda Cobb’s graduation party

June 5th GRADUATION

June 18th Youth Parking Lot Sale 9 – Noon

VBS COMING IN JULY!

ALL ABOARD THE GLORY TRAIN!!!!

PRAYER:

The monthly newsletter and church website list all persons currently on the First Church prayer list. The Sunday worship bulletin lists names that were verbally submitted the previous Sunday, those turned in to the church office the ensuing week, and updates when there is new information. Please provide to the church office updated information concerning persons on the list whenever a change occurs in their circumstances. You are encouraged to keep your own personal prayer log of everyone named in the bulletin and newsletter and pray for these persons daily. Melvin Alston, Kate McCollough’s nephew, Chrone’s disease

Lee Barnett, Jahn Lawson’s sister, needs prayer Pastor Doug & Donna Barton, prayer for recovery Len & Marge Bastian, requests prayer Dennis Boughner, cancer returned, needs prayer Mabel Brockley, fall and medical issues, doing better MaryBeth Brockley, recuperating from surgery Myrna Carlson, treating cancer, needs prayer Kellee Cobb’s brother-in-law, health issues Charlene Crabtree, needs prayer Ann Ekstrom & family, needs prayer Michael Faulk, doing cancer treatments, needs prayer Elizabeth & Keith Freeman, needs prayer Sarah Foreman, Cancer Donna Gentry, needs prayer Sylvia Gibson, fell, twisted ankle Barbara Good, cancer Dr. Guttman’s sister-in-law Peggy, requests prayer Nancy Harrell, cancer returned Peggy Hollingsworth’s mother, failing health Joni King, Beth Butsch’s friend, doing better back to work Lori Klopfenstein’s patient, requests prayers

Darrell Maines, good results from doctor Charlotte Marquez, Ramona McKinney’s sister, needs prayer Shirley McCoy, therapy, at home (joy!)

Melvin & Jackie Meal, need prayer Karen Miles, infection in knee, at Carolton Manor Opal Moore, cancer Jesse, Gretchen & Jasmine Rae, requests prayer Betty Riebsomer, doing much better, moving soon Linda Starr, cancer treatments Steve Wicker, needs prayer Vicki Wieand, cancer Joe Wheeler, doing therapy, hopes to get home soon Prayers for: Fruitful Congregation Journey, All outreach missions of FUMC, upcoming elections We extend our sympathy to the families of: Betty Galbraith & Ruth McKee

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 ALTRUSA 12:00PM

TRUSTEE MEETING

6:30PM

2 OFFICE CLOSED 3 4

5 CELEBRATE

GRADUATES

6 7 HANDBELL

REHEARSAL 5:30PM

7 –14 - & -21

8 9 OFFICE CLOSED 10 OFFICE CLOSED 11

12 CELEBRATE

GRADUATES

COMMUNITY MEALS

1ST PRESBYTERIAN

5:00PM

13 14

15 16 OFFICE CLOSED

EVE CIRCLE 6:30PM

HOME OF JEANNA

HUSHOUR

17 18

KIDS PARKING LOT

SALE

9:00AM—NOON

19 20 21 OFFICE CLOSED

SUSANNA CIRCLE 1:30PM

HOME OF SARAH

PLOUGH

22 23

HANDBELL CONCERT

IN PARK

6:00PM

24 25

26 27 28

STAFF PARISH MEETING

6:30PM

29 30 OFFICE CLOSED

JUNE, 2016