First United Methodist Church of Pottstown, PA

Consultation Schedule – March 23-25, 2012

firstumc — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 03:29:17 +0000

It is vital to the success of this consultation that as many church members as possible participate in this weekend’s events. If you are listed for a one-on-one interview with Bill Tenny-Brittian and cannot attend at that time, please let Pastor Will know as soon as possible.

The luncheon on Saturday should be attended by all Church Council members. The same is true for each evening presentation for all church members and friends. Sunday Dinner will be a covered dish; sign-up sheets are available at the back of the church.

Friday, March 23rd
8:00 am – Breakfast with the Pastor
9:00 am – Tour of Ministry Area
10:00 am – Tour of Church Facilities
11:00 am – Interview with Merry Sands, Director of Music
12 Noon – Lunch with available Church Staff and Leaders
5:30 pm – Dinner with Pastor Will
7:00 pm – Presentation by Bill in the Community Room (A biblical and cultural foundation for this weekend and our consultation)

Saturday, March 24th
9:00 am – Meeting – Board of Trustees
9:30 am – Meeting – Tina Etze, Church Treasurer
10:00 am – Meeting – Merrill Umstead, Financial Secretary
10:30 am – Meeting – Staff-Parish Relations Committee
11:00 am – Meeting – Donna Ecker, Christian Education Coordinator
11:30 am – Meeting – Lisa Harner, Church Council Chairperson
12:00 Noon – Lunch at Church with all Church Council Members
5:30 pm – Dinner with Dan Waters (Lay Leader) and Kendra Waters
7:00 pm – Presentation by Bill in the Choir Rehearsal Room (The strengths and weaknesses of the congregation)

Sunday, March 25th
Morning – Bill worships with us at First Church and visits Sunday School classes
12 Noon – Lunch with Pastor Will and Merry Sands
1:00 pm – One on One time with Pastor Will
6:00 pm – All Church Supper in the Community Room
7:00 pm – Presentation of Recommendations by Bill in the Community Room (Time-dated, measurable recommendations based on the data we’ve given Bill, the interviews, and the strength of the congregation. Questions will be entertained “for as long as it takes” to get them all answered)

2012 Mission Project – Heifer International

firstumc — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 03:17:57 +0000

Our Church Council has chosen HEIFER International as our global mission for 2012. HEIFER is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization dedicated to ending hunger and poverty in the world. It has been in operation since 1944 in all 50 states and 125 countries worldwide. Further, HEIFER provides livestock and training in environ-entally sound agriculture to those with genuine need. Recipients must agree to “Pass on the Gift” of one or more of their animals’ offspring to others in need, creating an ever-widening circle of hope.

Donations can be made using the blue “global mission” envelopes in the pews. You can donate in one of two ways: • by making a general donation, which will be added to other donations to purchase animals to fill our “2012 F.U.M.C. Joy to the World Gift Basket”. • by donating the price of one animal in honor or in memory of a loved one. If you donate an animal in honor or memory, please fill out a slip located in the back of the church so we can record your gift in the bulletin. Pastor Will and Sandy Swann have honor cards which you can give to your honoree, letting him/her know of the gift.

List of Heifer Animals and Prices:

Flock of chickens, ducks or geese…..$20
Honeybees…..$30
Trio of rabbits…..$60
Pig…..$120
Sheep…..$120
Goat…..$120
Llama…..$150
Water buffalo…..$250
Heifer…..$500
Camel…..$850

The One You Feed

firstumc — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:46:51 +0000

“An old Cherokee told his grandson, “My Son, there is a battle between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, inferiority, lies and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy and truth.” The boy thought about it, and asked, “Grandfather, which wolf wins?” The old man quietly replied, “The one you feed.”

Special Guest Preacher – Feb. 19th

firstumc — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:39:15 +0000

The Rev. Katie Mulligan, a Presbyterian minister from New Jersey, and the leader of our Spiritual Life Retreat in March will be our guest preacher on Sunday, February 19th. Because of this, we will only have one service on this Sunday at 10:15 am.

Spiritual Life Retreat – March 16-18, 2012

firstumc — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:57:13 +0000

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that this measureless power comes from God and not from us. We are troubled in every way, but not distressed; see no way out, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; cast down, but not destroyed; always carrying in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be visible in our body. For while we live, we are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be visible in our mortal flesh. Therefore, even though death is at work in us, so too is life.” – 2 Corinthians 4:7-11

Pastor Will is planning a retreat for the members and friends of First UMC at Kirkridge Retreat Center on March 16-18. The cost will be approximately $225.00 for two nights lodging and five meals. If you are interested, please let him know asap and make a deposit to reserve your space. We are close to having the 12 people we need to make this happen, and a maximum of 20 people can attend.

Consultation at First UMC

firstumc — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:44:39 +0000

In order to help us discern our future as a church, the Church Council has decided to hire Bill Tenny-Britain of 21st Century Strategies to work with us in the coming months. Bill has extensive experience working with a variety of churches. After speaking with Pastor Will, Bill submitted a proposal to our church. As he states in it: “Historic downtown churches have had to deal with a changing neighborhood and culture as well as the flight of many former and potential members into the suburb and exurb churches. In addition, the previous focus group experiences have not led to the expected changes and growth, so a spirit of malaise is common. Add to that the general cultural shifts that have made the “church-going norm” a thing of the past and First Methodist may feel like it’s in the midst of a perfect storm.”

The Church Council is looking forward to working with Bill, but we need all active members of the church to participate in this effort for it to be a success. The first part of this will be the collection of information from church attendees and leadership throughout the month of February. Then, from March 23-25, Bill will be with us in Pottstown to meet and consult with church groups, leaders and members before issuing a final report to us. Nightly meetings will also be held at this time for ALL church members to attend. Please plan now to be a part of this important event.

Life Groups

firstumc — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:29:04 +0000

Currently we have two Life Groups. Randy & Leslye Blackwell host a group at their home on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month which runs from 6:30 to 7:45 pm. Pastor Will and Lori and Brad Musson host a group at their homes on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month at 7 pm. Please see Pastor Will for more information on how these Life Groups can help deepen your faith.

Help the Pastor Serve

firstumc — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:43:16 +0000

Pastor Will is starting a monthly visitation program with all of our church shut-ins and home-bound members. If you know of anyone who should be added to our shut-in list, please let the pastor know asap.

Also, please call Pastor Will anytime you know of someone who is in the hospital or ill, so he may provide pastoral care to those in need.

firstumc — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:50:44 +0000

firstumc — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:50:06 +0000