__

___

_

PROOF OF THE RESURRECTION

After Jesus was crucified, on the first day of the week, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, at first she did not recognize Him. When He spoke her name “Mary,” her eyes were opened and she recognized Jesus. He told her to tell the disciples and Peter. (John 20:14-16). Would they believe her? On the evening of the first day of the week, the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them saying, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this He showed them His hands

and His side. Again He said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you, and He breathed on them and said, “receive the Holy Spirit.” Thomas was not with them that night. (John 20:19-30).

Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands, and put your hand in my side…..” (John 20:26-29).

Jesus appeared to them at the Sea of Tiberias; and revealed Himself this way. The disciples were fishing, Jesus stood on the beach. When they got out on the land they saw a charcoal fire, with fish lying on it, and bread. He ate with them. (For the complete story read John 21:4-14).

When they finished breakfast Jesus said to Peter, “Do you love me?” Jesus asked this 3 times. Why? Peter had denied Jesus 3 times before Jesus was crucified. After the third “Do you love me?” with Peter answering, “Yes, you know I do,” Jesus told him, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17).

For 40 days after the Resurrection Jesus presented Himself alive by many proofs, and speaking of the Kingdom of God. Jesus said, “You heard from me, John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” He told them to not leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father. “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.” When He had said this, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. (The Ascension Acts 1:3-11). In faith they waited.

On the day of Pentecost, they experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and they became courageous witnesses of Jesus Christ. This year we celebrate Pentecost on Sunday May 23.

HOW HAS THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

Written by Rev. Sara Malone

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

U.M.W. Happenings – May 2021 (April 18, 2021) “Dear Diary: What a spring! I don’t think I’ve ever seen grass this green. I have never seen the Flowering Pear Trees so heavy with white blooms or the Crabapple Trees a more beautiful shade of pink. All of this in front of a glorious blue sky. What a spring!” (April 20, 2021) “Dear Diary: what a spring.” Well, the first chance at spring wasn’t what I had been hoping for, but the snow was beautiful and gave another opportunity to be grateful! THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS INDESCRIBABLE GIFT! (Whether it be sunshine or snow!) 2 Corinthians 9:15 You may notice this writing has a slight throwback theme to it. I happened to be perusing some old issues of “The Flame” (searching for inspiration) and I discovered that the ‘September 2016’ issue is when the very first Mission Emphasis Project launched. What a great idea. Thanks, Keitha! Once again, thank you to everyone for your generous donations to the United Methodist Women’s Mission Emphasis Projects. Our opportunities for mission have been some-what limited this year due to the COVID/Pandemic. The “Red Bucket” collections have become our go-to opportunity for participation in mission work throughout the year. Mission Emphasis for April is donation of items for the Hygiene Kits. We will be accepting donations for the Hygiene Kits until May 31. Lists of the hygiene items can be found at the church and also in the “April 2021 U.M.W. Happenings.” We are hoping to be able to assemble the Hygiene Kits during our Mary-Martha Circle Meeting on May 4, for delivery to the Midwest Mission Distribution Center by our mission team, who will be making the trip at that time. Besides all that, it appears that May is Baby Month! Baby diapers and baby wet wipes will be collected as our May Mission Emphasis Project. Additionally, it has been brought to our attention that there is a HUGE need right now for infant onesies, size 0 to size 2 months. That fits perfectly with our Baby Month theme! Please deposit your donations into the big red bucket at the church. These contributions are very important to the wellbeing of the infants who will be receiving them and we sincerely thank you. One additional thank you to everyone who volunteered to help with United Methodist Women’s Sunday on April 25. It is always good to listen to Pastor Sara’s inspirational message and to worship together.

(Page 2) “I often wonder if anyone reads this letter. Here is a riddle for you: How does Moses make his coffee?” This was included as part of the ‘September 2016 U.M.W. Happenings’ authored by Keitha. After you have read this letter, send a quick email to jkhabben@windstream.net with the answer. I’ll be honest, I don’t know the answer right now, but I will be sure to find out -- and also to find out if anyone reads this letter! SCHEDULE: Mary-Martha Circle – Tuesday, May 4, 2021, 7:15 p.m., Gage Hall Hostess: Sara Malone Co-Hostess: Kathy Habben Program: Margee Spiers Esther Circle – Thursday, May 6, 2021, 1:30 p.m., Gage Hall Hostess - Joan Hogeland Program – Sara Malone Unit Meeting – Thursday, May 20, 2021, 1:30 p.m., Gage Hall Program - SENCA Midwest Mission Distribution Center Trip – May 31 – June 5, 2021 Kathy Habben U.M.W. President

~ATTENTION THOSE OF YOU WITH WINDSTREAM EMAIL ADDRESSES~

For the past few weeks, EMAILS sent to

Church members and constituents with WINDSTREAM email addresses are bouncing back to the church email.

There is a problem with Windstream blocking our server, Spiral Communications. Currently the only way to correct this problem is for the

Windstream email owner to contact Windstream customer service. One must simply inform them that you want your emails to be unblocked so that you

may receive emails from Spiralfiber email addresses. Windstream customer service number is: 1-866-445-8084

[Please feel free to call the church office with any questions. Thank you.]

Great Plains Conference Contact Information Missouri River District Superintendent: 402-934-5441 Chad Anglemyer Great Plains Area Bishop: 800-745-2350 Rev. Ruben Saenz, Jr. MRD Administrative Assistant: 402-934-5441 Kris Eschliman Website: https://www.greatplainsumc.org

(Last month I contacted Reverend Ever to obtain an autobiography so that our congregation could learn

something about her. She first responded with the article which follows. Next month, we will run her

personal autobiography but in the meantime I wanted to share this with all of you.)

WRITTEN BY REVEREND EVER MUDAMBANUKI: GREAT PLAINS ARTICLE

THE POWER OF STILLNESS Psalm 46: 1-11

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alalmoth.[b]

A song.

1 God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.[c]

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come and see what the Lord has done,

the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease

to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields

[d] with fire.

10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 11. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. I grew up in a busy family where one had to account for daily activities within the home setting. We were always early birds as we worked in the fields, doing house chores and schoolwork during the semesters. There was little time for quiet time and selfcare because of the business of the work that had to be accomplished everyday within the family setting. I was often tired and as an introvert, yearned for silence within my soul. I was mostly con-sumed by regular schedules, internalized the anxiety about the future, and was never still before my God. There was so much noise within my soul, and I wrestled to hear from God alone. Honestly, I desired God’s presence in my life at a tender age but could not figure out how to capture God fully within the faith journey. Truth told, my parents played a pivot-al role in molding my faith, yet still I was overloaded with worry, aches and pains of my childhood experiences, and lack of knowledge about God.

Daily Devotions Join the Great Plains United Methodists as we read scripture, reflect on its relevance to our modern lives and pray for a rotation of conference clergy, staff and delegates to our general and jurisdictional confer-ences in our daily devotional emails. You will also find links to the Upper Room devotional guide, prayer requests shared through our website and the opportunity to submit your own prayer request. Read, pray, and meditate with us.

https://www.greatplainsumc.org/dailydevotions

(Page 2) One day I decided to walk to the local church to clean. I genuinely did a wonderful job clean-ing and dusted the pews and decorated the sanctuary at my home church. After cleaning, I took a Bible from the pews and read (Psalm 46:10-11) and was deeply immersed in verses which said,

“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the na-

tions, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. That was a turning point in my destiny as I seized the heart of God. I repeatedly recited the verses regularly as I felt them speaking to my soul. I remember saying, my soul, hear the word of the Lord, be still and know that he is God. He is God by himself. I sat before him in intense silence and listened attentively to his voice. I felt his sweet powerful presence and acknowledged him as my God. He touched my inner person smoothly as I was silent be-fore him. I spent some time with God in that stillness and he took away my burdens, pain, heartaches, brokenness, and assured me he was God. This was my first experience to be still before God. To this day, stillness is my go-to “place” when I intentionally seek God’s holy presence. First, I have learned that power stillness is a primary source for increasing my foresight and discernment. The more time I spent in God presence the more I have deepened and widened my horizon in focusing on the vertical side of God. Stillness encourages me to center more on him than anything else within or around my physical realm. He is God and there is none other. Inner stillness is a place that our hearts can speak without our minds running off the road or elsewhere. Discernment is deeply rooted in capturing this awesome God in fullness. Secondly, the voices that rage around us are diminished as the Holy Spirit flows within our souls. In a busy world that is constantly changing, outer silence is always achievable, but one can reduce its detrimental effects by gaining more strength in inner silence. The mind wres-tles with issues of life and can be overwhelmed. But the truth is that when our minds finally surrender life burdens before God, inner stillness reigns. This then gives us the opportunity to reset the buttons of our lives under the guidance of God. I have discovered that because I learned the value of inner stillness, I am conditioned to respond differently to the hassles and bustles of life often. I am better able to consider higher choices of personal peace, happiness and everlasting joy which propel my strength. In order to be “still and know” we must be still enough to listen. Therefore, stillness is a primary source of closeness with God along life’s journey. Prayer of Reflection: O God of divine silence speak to our inner soul in the stillness of your voice. We sit in silence and long to hear your voice and to know you more as we continually call upon you name. Holy Spirit quieten the voices around and within us. Amen.

Easter lilies were donated by these families in memory of loved ones:

Carey Allgood, in memory of Martin Allgood Rich Alonso, in memory of Roberto and Marlene Alonso

Violet Berry in memory of LeRoy Berry, Shirley Thompson, Shelley Cooper, Mike Starner, Sr. and Trevin Stutheit

Sara & John Crook, in memory of Tim & Anna Marie Crook And George & Nadine Brandes

Dave & Sharon Lybarger, in memory of our parents Dana Stovall, in memory of Jim Stovall, Sandy Stovall,

Karen Stovall, David Briley and Trevin Stutheit Duane & Jackie Smith, in memory of Donald & Hazel Smith

and Ewald & Rosa Beilman Gary & Rita Strange, in memory of Mary Ballard (Rita’s mother),

Jewel Dean (Gary’s mother), Ruth Lindsey (Rita’s sister) Dean & Keitha Thomson, in memory of our parents

Easter lilies were donated by these families in honor of loved ones:

Gary & Rita Strange, in honor of Kathy Nelson

(friend of Rita & Gary) Dave & Tammy Partsch, in honor of Dean & Keitha Thomson

Dean and Keitha Thomson, in honor of our children & grandchildren

Phil. 1:3 I thank God every time I remember you.

Thank you to everyone who donated lilies for our Easter Services.

UNITED METHODIST HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS 2021

Sydney Blum, 764 N. 60th Rd. , Neb. City (daughter of Kent & Stacy)

Ellie Higgins, 540 Wildwood Lane, Neb. City

(daughter of Stacie & the late Dion)

Chloe Schaulis, 1721 4th Ave., Neb. City (daughter of Ron and Samantha)

Clay Stovall, 364 N. 62nd Rd., Neb. City

(son of Martin & Dana)

Aspen Thurman, 1116 N. 57th Rd., Neb. City (daughter of Jim & Carol)

UNITED METHODIST COLLEGE GRADUATE 2021

Kelsie Stovall, 364 N. 62nd Rd., Neb. City)

(daughter of Martin & Dana)

The Midwest Mission Distribution Center has an urgent need for onesies size 0-2 months. They will be taken when the mission team goes in May. Donations can be brought to the church anytime! THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP! [Submitted by Keitha Thomson]

A SIMPLE WAY TO CONTRIBUTE Thinking about a church contribution of grain in lieu of cash? All you need to provide to your local grain storage facility is the name and mailing address of the church you wish to contribute to and the dollar amount or number of bushels you wish to contribute. Contact your local grain storage facility for details.

Marie Joesting Library Have you been to the library on the second floor of Gage Hall? There are books available for you to just pick up and read. And it is a great place to just sit and meditate. The United Methodist Women, invite you to stop in and explore. The door is always open.

The Food Bank of Lincoln The next Food Distribution will be Friday, May 21, 2021 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Steinhart Park. For further information please contact Keitha Thomson, or Mary Stevenson.

Whoooooooosh The deadline for the June Flame Newsletter is May 15, 2020. If you are currently getting a paper copy of the newsletter and wish to receive your newsletter via e-mail, or if you are not receiving a paper copy and would like to, please call the church office at 402-873-3821.

The Sonrise Bible Study group meets each Sunday through ZOOM at 8:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join us. Your email address is needed to be able to send you an invitation to join us on ZOOM. It is an easy pro-cess. If you would like to give this a try, send an email to the church office

at secretaryfumc@spiralfiber.com.

HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY LOREE BAKER! May 30, 2021

(If you would like to send birthday wishes to LoRee, you can mail it to the church and we will

make sure she gets it!)

COLLEGE NEWS Luke Partsch is studying

history and music (French horn

performance specifically) at the

University of Nebraska at

Lincoln. He is expected to

graduate in 2024.

One activity Luke enjoys about his

college experience is being in the

Cornhusker Marching Band!

We sure are proud of you, Luke!

If you ever need your church family

for prayers or anything else, please

let us know!

MAY MISSION EMPHASIS - May is Baby Month! Baby diapers and baby wet wipes will be collected as our May Mission Emphasis Project. Additionally, it has been brought to our attention that there is a HUGE need right now for infant onesies, size 0 to size 2 months. That fits perfectly with our Baby Month theme! Please deposit your donations into the big red bucket at the church. These contributions are very important to the wellbeing of the infants who will be receiving them and we sincerely thank you. [Excerpt from UMW Happenings in this May 2021 issue].

Which cities walls fell after Joshua and his army circled it's borders for seven days?

A. Bethlehem B. Nazareth C. Jericho D. Rome

Explanation: Joshua fell the walls of Jericho. Reference: Joshua 6:20

[Photo submitted by Luke Partsch]

Beginning May 1, 2021, the offering envelopes have had a much needed facelift. (1) The BUILDING AND GROUNDS FUND replaces Abiding Faith Fund - (2) The church WEBSITE has been updated.

BACCALAUREATE: is a time to celebrate your graduation and Worship together. This year, baccalaureate will be held Sunday, May 2, 2021 at Bethel Church, 2400 Central Ave. Let’s support our Seniors and parents, and CELEBRATE!!

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: Thursday, May 6, 2021 there will be 4 opportunities to gather and pray!!! May 6th 7:00 a.m. at the Nebraska City High School, Noon at the Courthouse (the corner where the 10 Commandments are) and 3:30 p.m. at the Police Station - 1518 Central Ave.. A Prayer dinner will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Calvary Community Church, 273 63rd RD., Nebraska City, NE. A $ 15.00 donation for the meal is suggested, or you may come and participate for free. There will be music by some of the Barbershop men. The guest speaker is Gordon Thiessen. Gordon is a coach, speaker, and author with over 30 years of influence in the sports community as a coach and spiritual mentor. He played Nebraska football in the ‘7-’s for Tom Osborne, co-founded Kingdom Sports with Ron Brown in 2018 and has written several books dealing with athlete cross training, and character.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17

Speaker: Gordon Thiessen

NEWS AND NOTES James “Jim” William Dutton, age 72 of Nebraska City died April 5, 2021 at The Ambassador in Nebraska City. Jim was born August 26, 1948 in Detroit, MI, the son of James Monroe and Ruth Ludine (Emery) Dutton. He married Julie Fisher December 14, 1968 in Troy, MI. Jim formerly lived in Michigan before moving to Nebraska City in 1986. He served on a submarine crew in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Jim worked at various nuclear power plants including Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville. He later worked as a consultant before his retirement. Jim was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir. He was also a member of the Nebraska City Apple Corps Barbershop Chorus and had served several years on the Nebraska City Public Schools Board. Jim was an avid fly fisherman and enjoyed hunting, wood-working, and music. He especially enjoyed singing and playing guitar. Jim was a very devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Julie Dutton of Nebraska City;

sons, James “Jim” (Michelle Ann) Dutton, Andrew (Angela) Dutton, all of Lincoln, Daniel (Jami Jo) Dutton of Papillion and many other relatives and friends. [To read the full obituary go to marshallfuneral.com.]

The MISSOURI RIVER DISTRICT office has moved!!

The new address is 5410 Corby St., Omaha, NE 68104

The new phone number is 402-207-4502

/

WOULD YOU LIKE A MEAL?

Nebraska City First United Methodist Church is offering a Carry-out meal to anyone who may need or simply enjoy a

night of no cooking!

Please join us from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. each Wednesday

Evening in GAGE HALL.

(You are welcome to stay and eat if you like!)

May 2021

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 Communion

Worship Service 10:00 Baccalaureate - 7:00 p.m.

3 Food Pantry -

3:00 Women’s A.A. - 7:00

4 7:30 - Coffee fellowship A.A. - 7:00 Mary-Martha - 7:15

5 Facebook

Midweek Livestream - 4:15 Carry out - 5:00 Finance - 7:00

6 Esther’s - 1:30 Trustees - 7:00 Nat’l Day of Prayer

7

8

9 Worship Service - 10:00

10 Women’s A.A. - 7:00

11 7:30 - Coffee fellowship A.A. - 7:00

12 Facebook

Midweek Livestream - 4:15 Carry out - 5:00 Council - 7:00

13 14

15

16 Worship Service - 10:00 Senior Sunday/Scholarships presented

17 Food Pantry - 3:00 Women’s A.A. - 7:00

18 7:30 - Coffee fellowship A.A. - 7:00

19 Facebook

Midweek Livestream - 4:15 Carry out –5:00

20 UMW Unit Meeting - 1:30 Program - SENCA

21 Lincoln Food Bank - 12:00

22

23 Worship Service - 10:00

Heritage Sunday

24 Women’s A.A. - 7:00

25 7:30 - Coffee fellowship A.A. - 7:00

26 Newsletter - 9:00 Facebook Midweek Livestream - 4:15 Carry out - 5:00 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

27 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

28 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

29 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

30 Worship Service - 10:00

Light Mission

Candle

31 Women’s A.A. - 7:00 MMDC Trip begins

Website For a list of events, to watch Sunday and Midweek Worship, or to read Pastor Charles’ Sunday sermons, google our website at: “http://nebraskacityfirstunitedmethodistchurch.org”

KNOWING CHRIST AND MAKING CHRIST KNOWN

If you have any questions, or ever have a Pastoral need, please call the church office at 402-873-3821 during regular

business hours Monday through Friday.

“The storms of life will come, and the greatest storm of all will be the final judgment.

Make Christ your refuge now, while there is still time.” ~John Wesley~

Like us on Facebook! Nebraskacityfirstunitedmethodistchurch-

www.nebraskacityfirstunitedmethodistchurch.org

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1023 First Avenue Nebraska City, NE 68410 402-873-3821 Return Service Requested

May 2021 Flame

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID

NEBRASKA CITY, NE PERMIT NO. 88

Pastor—Rev. Dr. Charles Kathurima M. - cmurithi@greatplainsumc.org Lay Leader—Howard Orndorff Administrative Assistant—Cathy Smith Youth Leader—Melissa Turner Finance Secretary—Sharon Lybarger Treasurer—Carol Crook Assistant Finance Secretary—Angi Dixon Media Staff—Howard Orndorff, Lou Varley Sunday School—Deb Orndorff Pianists—Tammy Partsch, Luke Partsch Praise Band—Perry Biaggi

The Channel 10-11 Can Care-a-Van food drive will be

the week of June 14-18, 2021. Nebraska City will be a Featured stop.

Food/Personal care products will be collected at our church, at Fareway and at Walmart on

Thursday, June 17 from 9am to 6pm.

Our goal is 10,000# of products. Volunteers will be needed that day.

Please contact the church office, Keitha Thomson or Mary Stevenson

if you can help or if you have any questions.

[For more information - have a look inside]