FIRST CONNECTION JULY 2020

July 2020 First Connection

Hello First UMC Lincoln! It is hard to believe that we are alreadyapproaching the month of July. It is also difficult (at least for me )tofathom being in the current state of crisis and division that we are inas a country.

July is the month where we celebrate Independence Day; a day wherethe United States commemorated the Declaration of Independence ofthe United States, on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congressdeclared that the 13 American colonies were no longer subject (andsubordinate) to the Monarch of Britain, King George III, and were nowunited, free, and independent states…..and yet, I grieve; for as acountry we seem more divided than ever.

There is a division between those who choose to wear mask andthose who do not. There is a division politically. There is a divisionracially. Division seems to be the worldwide narrative that is taking atremendous toll on communities, families, businesses, leaders,individuals and more.

In the midst of this season of division, I feel called to DOSOMETHING about it. I don’t know what exactly…..but I know thismuch; it starts with myself. I realize that the temptation for myself tobe sucked into the spirit of dissension and divisiveness that surroundsme is great. Therefore, I turn to prayer and reflection to help me toconsider how I might be called to build bridges and tear down walls.

The response that I have received through prayer is to keep an openand listening heart towards my neighbor. I feel called to open updialogue with others; even those who I know may have different viewsand beliefs from myself; so that I can gain a better understanding ofwhere that person is coming from.

In a roundabout way, I realize that perhaps how we might begin torepair the division that envelops us, goes back to the first preachingseries I explored here at First UMC; The Power of Story. I find myself

in this season, asking people about their stories. I believe that if wecan get to the heart of each person’s story, this may lead to a dialoguethat might reveal some sort of common ground.

With that said, I also realize that there is some division that may notbe able to be repaired. It is in those instances where prayer stillapplies for me. Prayer to God that the division does not taint my spiritof optimism. Prayer that the division does not cloud the mission forGod’s people to continue to pursue love and equity for all people.

Therefore this month of July, I invite us all into a time of prayer andreflection. Some examples of how we might pray is by praying theLord’s Prayer daily, journaling, silent meditation or being with nature inall of its beauty. I do believe in the power of prayer to transform,reconcile, heal, restore, repurpose, reimagine and renew. However wechoose to pray, I believe that this is the time for people of God to takethe time to do this. To align ourselves in such a way where our heartsand minds are unified in one singular act; beckoning to the One whocan show us the way.

Flower Ministry - article forJuly newsletter (photo of paraments and twovases) Mystery vases in the Sacristy!A while back, we found two tall,white vases in the cupboardunder the sink in the Sacristy.The vases are shown with theJames Memorial Paraments inthe photo above. *How long have they been inthe cupboard? *Who gave them to thechurch? *Are they part of a memorialgift? If you know anything aboutthese vases, please contactJudy Lane (402-937-4914,judithblane@yahoo.com) orMarty Eischeid (402-466-6680,jjeischeid@hotmail.com). We plan to use them soon forSanctuary arrangements.

Christian churches are now inthe long liturgical seasoncalled Ordinary Time afterPentecost or the Season afterPentecost. The liturgical colorfor this season is green tosymbolize the growth and lifeof the church. The SanctuaryParaments reflect green andother nature colors. Thisliturgical season lasts until thebeginning of Advent in lateNovember. The first Sunday afterPentecost was Trinity Sundayand featured white flowers andgreenery from the Eischeid andLane gardens. The next threeSundays of June had an altararrangement that included silkand dried flowers gathered byMarty Eischeid. Origami cranesand butterflies were made byMargrethe Ahlschwede andJudy Lane and attached totwigs that fell from the tree onthe corner of 50h and St. Paulnear the church building. (photo of June arrangement) July, August, and Septemberarrangements will include cutflowers from the gardens ofchurch members in addition tosome dried flowers and otheritems. Last summer, weenjoyed the beauty of zinnias,black and brown-eyed Susans,coneflowers, sedum, uniqueleaves from caladium andhosta, and more seasonalflowers and greenery. If youhave flowers to share, pleasecall or email Marty or Judy atthe numbers above.

When you are near the church,please pause and notice thepainted rocks near the eastentrance. In addition to thecolor, the rocks havemeaningful words and phrasespainted onto them. Thanks toLynda Schnirl for creatingthese colorful additions for allto enjoy just outside thechurch building!

HUNGER AND POVERTY RESPONSE MINISTRY

For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I wasthirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a strangerand you invited me in. Matthew 25:35

Many people have been receiving more packages than usual dueto ordering and personal lifestyle adjustments during thepandemic. UPS reported that in March, there was a Christmas-like surge in shipping, and that it hasn't begun to slowdown. These dedicated, essential workers must be trulyexhausted!

Mike Sterns, Lydia Patterson liaison to FUMC, has recentlyreceived some wonderful packages in the mail! In the spring, theLP Media Specialist and teaching staff compiled a list of forty-sixbooks needed for optimal student learning. Mike has received thebooks and is preparing them to be placed in Munden Parlorbeginning Monday, June 29th, for all our church family to viewand purchase as gifts for Lydia Patterson. Stickers will beavailable for you to sign and place in the book(s) of yourchoice. Please write checks to FUMC with Lydia Pattersonwritten clearly in the memo. Our deepest appreciation for Laurawho will be handling the sale on Monday and Tuesday mornings

at 9:30-11:30. The Lydia Patterson Book Sale will be one youwon't want to miss!!!

First UMC is still partnering with Matt Talbot, by serving lunchesevery second Saturday of the month. During the last two months,meals were served as take out only, with only three peopleserving to limit social contacts. Starting Monday, July 6 MattTalbot will reopen its dining room to limited seating. Clients willhave the option to take out or stay in the dining room. All mealswill still be served in the take out containers with no secondsserved (as of right now). Again, the number of volunteers will belimited to five or six people wearing masks. During these lastmonths, clients wore masks when they went through the line. Ido not know if they will still be required to wear masks in thefuture. (Matt Talbot supplies the cloth masks for each meal. Allmasks are worn only while at Matt Talbot, then they are washed,ready for future use.) In the past two months, we served a whole piece of fresh fruitwith each lunch thanks to our generous donors. Going forward,we will start serving fresh tossed salad and fruit salad as well asthe entree and dessert. While the pandemic has definitely limited our interactions withone another, know that First UMC is still out there trying to serveothers. To all who have generously donated food to this ministry,THANK YOU!

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Greetings First Church, Another month has passed andthough it feels like nothing haschanged, I have felt a growth

DR. JOHN D. SPILKER ASSOCIATE MINISTER OFMUSIC AND FAMILY Hi First UMC family! It wassuch a blessing to run intoJack and Donna Chapin duringSaturday music rehearsals atthe church. It reminds me howmuch I miss being face-to-facewith everyone in my churchfamily. When COVID-19 firstbegan, I discovered how close Ilived to the bike trail…and wasblessed to see Lynn Ayers onmy first or second walk. God iswith us. God moves through usand brings us together in

within myself. Part of my Sundayroutine is to prepare a smalldevotion for the worshipteam. This has made me searchdeep within as to what are mystruggles? What are the team’sstruggles? What is happening insociety? Bringing all of thosethoughts into perspective throughdevotions has helped me feelmore centered in Christ. I like tohave a focus word, this camefrom doing the Wednesday nightreflection. One of them I recentlydid was overcoming obstacles. Itis amazing that when I started toread the word and researchovercoming, how it applied to myLife and a lot of the socialissues. The following was one offive concepts on overcomingobstacles and struggles. Trust inGod for strength and wisdom todeal with the obstacles. “SurelyGod is my salvation; I will trustand not be afraid. The Lord, theLord himself, is my strengthand my defense; he hasbecome my salvation” (Isaiah12:2).I find these words to be acomfort and a reminder that Godis in control of all. I hope all ofyou can find comfort in the Lord,and find Beauty around us. Blessings and Peace, Mandy West Minister of Music and WorshipDesign

beautiful ways that nourish mysoul. This month Lily and I arefocusing on her recovery fromleg surgery. This opportunityinvites me to embrace: 1)slowing down, 2) bearingwitness to pain and recovery,3) attentively ministering, and4) cultivating adaptation. Wecontinue to practiceacceptance regarding theimportant changes to life andsummer plans to supportpublic health during COVID-19.Cultivating adaptation is toughwork, but together we arestronger. I’m here to ministerand we can be together viatelephone and Zoom. Please letme know what you need. ANTIRACIST EQUITY ANDEDUCATION We are blessed to be part of areconciling ministries churchwhere it’s safe to learn and talkabout social justice education.I feel called to share with youmy commitment to antiracistequity. My collaborative workat First United MethodistChurch has made this workpossible. I have created anonline list of learningresources:https://bit.ly/2YsN3UQ. I promiseto update as I continue tocollaboratively learn with you. Black lives matter! Black,brown, and indigenous livesare a human rights issue, not apartisan political debate. Whatcan we do together to take thenext step to address the legacyof racisms and whitesupremacy, heal ourselves,and transform ourcommunities? History is not a

Dear First Church Family, Early in our pandemic pause,when so much came to an abrupthalt, I’m not sure what I thoughtthe future would hold. Lifedisrupted and then return tonormal? Not so much! As theweeks go by with a new realityevolving, I find myself not wantingto return to my pre-pandemicnormal. The pandemic leveledthe field for all humanity. I wonderif this is God saying it’s time tostart seeing others as equals. Asif to say, if you were created inmy image, you need to remembereveryone else is created in myimage as well. It’s time to honoreach other. Then, as if the pandemic wasn’tenough, racial tension eruptsloudly in word and deed furtherinviting us to see one another asequals. Is God trying to get ourattention? Is God asking us tostop and listen? I believe we arein a transformative time, callingus into a new way of being anddoing. When I felt the nudge for creatingspace for CompassionateConversations: Pause andPrayer, I wanted to have anopportunity to connect and sharewhat was going on in our lives.As happens with nudges from

thing of the past…it built thepresent...it thrives today. Ipledge to take action toachieve equity through policychange. I pledge to learn fromand follow the antiracistleadership of people of color.I’m learning how to see anddisrupt: 1. my racisms, 2. myactive participation in andcomplicity with “whitesupremacy culture” (a culturethat privileges white people), 3.my socialization and choices toremain in segregated whitespaces established by U.S. law,and 4. the debilitating anddeadly impact of the “imperialistcapitalist white-supremacistpatriarchy” (interlockingsystems of oppression).Lifelong learning,uncomfortable inner work, andaccountability can help merecover from my incentivizedhistorical, social, and politicalilliteracy and deeply embeddeddominance. Together, we candecenter whiteness and focuson black voices, experiences,perspectives, andachievements. REIMAGINING SMALLGROUPS

I am working on socialjustice education andantiracism learningopportunities for ourchurch. Starting July 2, Iwill be representing FUMCLincoln at weekly“Courageous ClergyAntiracism Convos,” anational multi-churchcooperative led by Rev.Annettra Jones in WestLafayette, Indiana. If youhave ideas and requests

God, our CompassionateConversations have become asafe space for sharing what is onour hearts; learning and engagingin dialogue - deep listening forunderstanding; and practicingbeing present to God, toourselves, and to others. We arefinding comfort, connection,acceptance, belonging,groundedness, and hope in ourconversations. The pausebecomes a form of self-compassion and compassion forothers. The pause carries overinto our lives. We started with a four-week pilotin June and we plan to continuethrough July. Please join us onTuesday evenings, 6:30 - 7:30through June 30 - July 28, 2020.You are welcome for one or allsessions. If you want to join in theZOOM conversation or havequestions, please contact TerriStorer at tstorer@neb.rr.com Guide us, Oh God, to see as yousee, to hear as you hear, and tolove as you love. Amen. Terri Storer Certified Spiritual Director Certified BoundlessCompassion Facilitator

Youth ministry

regarding antiracism andsocial justice education,please email me. “CompassionateConversations: Pause &Prayer” is a strengtheningspiritual experience viaZoom. Would you like totry it out? We would loveto have you join us. EmailTerri Storer.

Terri Storer, Lea Ann Johnson-Kappes, and I continue tocollaborate to reimaginepossibilities for small groups.What ideas do you have?Zoom? Small patio visits athome? Let us know what youneed, what ideas you have,what’s on your heart and mindright now. Email me:johndspilker@google.com. I’m here to help and support! PHONE TREE MINISTRYcontinues their work duringsocial distancing. Many thanksto those of you who call tocheck-in on our members whodon’t have email access. Weare so blessed to have such astrong church community. Iowe a debt of gratitude toPeggy Hall for co-coordinatingthis important ministry. DOWNLOADING ZOOM If you have questions, or needhelp, call me and I will help youget set up. I can even do housecalls with my mask on.

To make meetings easy:Small group leaders wouldemail you a “Zoomwebsite link” that you canclick. If Zoom isdownloaded & installed onyour device and you aresigned in, the link will take

Dear First Church, First Church Youth Ministry wasplanning on a Learn and ServeTrip to Oakland, California thisJuly 16-28th. We were planningthis trip with working withorganizations in the SanFrancisco and Oaklandcommunities. Our plan was towork for about five to six days of9 a.m. to 4 p.m. days in NorthernCalifornia and we were all lookingforward to this opportunity.However, we have made thedecision to cancel our 2020Summer Learn and Serve Trip toOakland, California. My sincere apologies to our youthand young adults who were goingto accompany on this life-changing experience, but withwhat is going on in our countryand around the world we need toprotect ourselves and be safeduring these times of COVID-19.The youth who were going to beattending on this trip are MichaelAult, Jaheim Curry, Jaquez Curry,Jalen Curry, Julian Estrada,Keyan Simonson, Olivia Gentert,Savannah Woundedarrows,Kaitlyn Watson, and Chloe Lyons.I would like to recognize ouryouth who would have beenattending this mission trip andpray for their growth andleadership as young people inthis community. Our adultsponsors on this trip were MikeSterns, Alisha Simonson, andNyla Witzel. I would like to thankthese adults for volunteering theirtime to help plan for this trip andtheir commitment to our youngpeople in this great communitywe call First Church.

you straight to themeeting.

1. Open your computer'sinternet browser and navigateto the Zoom website athttps://zoom.us/. 2. Scroll down to the bottom ofthe page and click "Download"in the web page's footer. 3. On the Download Centerpage, click the blue"Download" button under thesection labeled "Zoom Clientfor Meetings."

GIVING REPORTYogi Berra once said, “It’s toughto make predictions, especiallyabout the future.” Chris and Iwere married on July 11, 1970.Our plan was to celebrate our50th anniversary with our childrenand grandchildren on a cruiseship in Alaska. We were pleasedthat refunds are coming our waysoon. Our church income remainson target as we close in on ourfirst six months of the year. Youwill love the improvements that

I would like to praise this greatcommunity of First Church whohave shown tremendous supportfor the Youth Ministry. As wehave been advocating for thisLearn and Serve trip to Oakland,we have raised funds for thisgreat opportunity and those fundsfor the Youth trip is now to$8,500. As we have made thedecision to cancel this missiontrip, we will decide to what thesefunds will be used for and we willcommunicate that to thecongregation. A fall Learn andServe Trip is a possibility for ourgroup to experience or updatingour youth rooms. We arebrainstorming about possibilitieson what to do and looking forwardto be doing ministry this fall. I will be sharing some capturedmemories on the 2020 SpringLearn and Serve trip to Dallas,Texas (below). Please enjoy thegreat moments our youth wereable to experience, because ofthis congregation, you were ableto give our youth a life-changingexperience.

FIRST UMC has contracted toreplace the sound system in theSanctuary. The total cost is$22,391. Trustees have paid 1/2of that amount. After installationwe will need the remainder. If youwould like to help us with that

have been made in oursanctuary’s sound system. Notonly will our worship experienceimprove, we will be able to hostmany community events and, ofcourse, continue Facebook Live.Thank you once more for yourgenerosity! Chuck Leypoldt,Church Treasurer

Mark your calendars for theupcoming sermon Netflixsummer series entitled “Lights,Cinema, Scripture!” beginningSunday June 7th! Watch aheadsafely at home on Netflix. Evenif you don’t watch the movie,you will still be able to follow thesermons well enough. Worshiponline Sunday’s @10:45am!-Sunday June 7- “BecomingDocumentary” (First Lesson:Psalm 8; Gospel: Matthew28:16-20)-Sunday June 14- “First TheyKilled My Father”(FirstLesson: Psalm 116:1-2,12-19;Matthew 10:16-23)-Sunday June 21-“Pursuit ofHappyness”(First Lesson:Psalm 86:1-10,16-17; Gospel:Matthew 10:24-39)-Sunday June 28- “TheTheory of Everything” (FirstLesson: Psalm 13; Gospel:

project, please mark this on thememo line of your check. THANKYOU!

TECHNOLOGY TIPS To stream the 10:45 serviceson your computer withouthaving FACEBOOK:• Click on the 1UMC Facebookpagehttps://www.facebook.com/FirstUMCLincoln/ and ignore the“Log In or Create an Account”at the bottom of the screen.• Click on “Not Now” whenlater you are again faced withthe “Log In or Create anAccount.” • Scroll down on the Facebookpage to find the videos thatKirstie has created.• You should be able to activelystream Sunday’s session,starting at 10:45.• Previous videos are availableas well (look at the dates onthe videos) Submitted By:Ed Schneider

Matthew 10:40-42)-Sunday July 5- “The BoyWho Harnessed theWind”(First Lesson: Psalm45:10-17; Gospel: Matthew11:16-19, 25-30)- Sunday July 12- “Beast ofNo Nation”( First Lesson:Psalm 119:105-112; Gospel:Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23)-Sunday July 19- “The 13thDocumentary”( First Lesson-Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24; Gospel:Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)-Sunday July 26- “MyBeautiful Broken Brain” ( FirstLesson: Psalm 105:1-11, 45b;Gospel: Matthew 13:31-33,44-52.)

Dietrich Frye, Bryan WestDixie Gannon, St. Elizabeth,room 546Cindy Newsham, homeMaxine Case, homeFor the Family of Joyce RyanFor the Family of RosemaryThornton in the passing of herhusband Mel.Elaine Brown, Bryan EastFor the Family of Bev Kissinger,in the passing of her husbandDeanRon Gaddis, homeLauree Turner, homeRichard Voeltz, Gateway Vista

July Birthdays 1 Ryan Johnson2 Anna Cadenbach Gracie Vculek3 Barb Bratt Claudia Dougherty Delaney Wendt4 Samuel Hubka5 Lois Goss Mel Luetchens6 William Seng7 Joshua Eilers8 Brian Fern Skylar Hill Kalie Schroeder10 Braylan Zeff11 Brayan West Isaiah Serrano12 Daniel Bowmaster Heather Wheeldon Sean Harris13 Alexander Lawson Lauren Lawson Rayma Delaney16 Chuck Leypoldt Dexter Honebrink Michelle Marquis Tommy Howell17 Mandy Bair

20 Howard Wiegers25 Alexi Williams Liz Halvorsen Lisa Eilers28 Gail Hanneman Jordan Satter Larry Fischer

Jeremy Hickenbottom, homeLester Shaw, Kiley Taylor’s dad.Jim Neumann, homeSondra Atkins, homeRoscoe Shields, Van DornLegacyEmajane Crossley, Lancaster Manor RehabDorothyann Haar, 11405 FarnamCircle, OmahaJim Leypoldt, homeDaugherty, Frank, Bryan Eastroom 616

An Opportunity to Collaborate!I am so grateful that Dr. JohnSpilker will be leading the wayinto helping our community tocollaborate with other churchesthroughout the country to addressracism. If you are interested injoining in this conversation,please contact Dr. Spilker atJohn@firstumclincoln.org.

29 Eric Rasmussen30 Kaden Reiss31 Amanda Hansen Joni Taylor Judy Lane Ralph Ebers

We thank you for your patience as we continue to work outour technology kinks. We now have livestream capabilities.There is a VIMEO link that you can click for our worshipservices that will be made available on our website and viaFacebook. Instructions will come soon on how to access this!