Church guide

Notes from Sunday's sessions- Pastor Mike is in St. Louis General Conference Notes ~ Sunday During the presentation of the COWF, there were speeches on how hard they worked and how these 32 commission members (1/3 Bishops, 1/3 Laity, 1/3 Clergy.) Then the 3 plans were presented. All presenters were women. All presenters said “Come, Holy Spirit.” There was a speech for the One Church plan (sorry, this snuck up on me.) Strong presentation. Then for the Connectional plan: described as a big tent with smaller tents inside. One united church with opportunity for including LGBTQ fully. Three values: 1. New form of unity differently defined. More in common than differences. 2. Space and differentiation. 3. All things new. God makes all things new. We are not all of one mind on sexuality. This creates a safe space for all people. Impact on local churches is minimal, because they relate to the conference they choose. Requires the passing of 9 constructional amendments. Strengths: adaptable to a great variety. Keeping the old rules is divisive. Traditional: Unity in Doctrine. Are we playing on the same field? Same stance voted on at every General Conference. Creeds, etc. Unity in Biblical standing: Does not require shaming or discrimination Consistence in Practice: Unity of practice should be held at the local church level and at the General Church level. Accountability: Hold each other in mutual accountability, which has been broken by clergy and bishops to live within our covenant. Our belief and practices matter. The values of the whole church are found in all three plans???? Afternoon Session Petitions were received (#90015 90041 90078 90079 90018,) were accepted, but not voted on. Prioritization Process: each plan or petition will be listed one at a time. Tech problems (should have been checked beforehand). We have 42 delegates who are not voting. Mike

Pastor Mike is in St. Louis for the Special Called General Conference. Here are some notes from Saturday. This morning Steve Wingo and I traveled to the Convention Center in St Louis. As we approached the Convention Center, we encountered really not protestors, but advocates on one side or the other. They were polite and smiling. When we reached the Convention Center, the security was obvious. This is the fourth General Conference I have attended, and never have I had to go through an “airport security” check. This considerately backed things up standing outside for a time to move through security. We happened to be standing with two young men whom we learned were interpreters. They are United Methodists, one from the Ukraine and the other from Russia. It reminded me that the Conference will be translated in six different languages. Here is another first. On the back of my name tag my credentials have the following statement: “This is a revocable license to attend the event on the front of the badge and is subject to the plan of organization and rules of order of the United Methodist Church. The credential may be revoked for noncompliance with the rules or the instructions of the event staff or facilities staff.” I will try to keep my credentials. They cost me $10.00! This first day of Conference is devoted entirely to worship. Each region around the world presents stories of what the UMC is like in their home regions, and our mission and ministry. We will have samples of worship and music from all over the world. All in all a great way to begin a time of vital decision making. Mike

Ground breaking for the new Pine Bluff/ Jefferson County Library.... it’s going to be out of this world!!

Mark your Calendars! Trunk or Treat will be Sunday, October 28 from 5-7p.m in the parking lot of First United Methodist Church, 200 W. 6th Pine Bluff AR. Free food, games, inflatables and of course, candy! Wear a costume and bring a friend.

We have one week left of our QuadW missional Internship. What a great summer! What a difference 7 weeks can make.

We’re having a great time at Rolling River Rampage VBS. It’s not too late- there are 2 more nights that you can join us at Lakeside UMC in Pine Bluff. 5:30-8:00 Wednesday and Thursday!

We had a slot open suddenly for the QuadW Missional Summer Internship program. If you will have completed your first year of college or have been out of high school for a year, please fill out an application at www.quadwmi.org. This is a great opportunity to work with kids and others in the community, to develop a closer relationship with God and get paid for it! Housing is provided and we start May 26.

No Wednesday Night Activities tomorrow - January 17! We want everyone to be safe and warm. The church will be closed during the day as well. Join us Sunday - we have a special guest preacher at 8:30 and 10:45am!

It may just be December but it's never too early to think about summer and summer jobs. If you are a college student or know of one that is interested in mission work, having fun, developing a closer relationship with God and your fellow man, all while earning some money.....then you need to talk to Jennifer about the QuadW Missional Internship. You can contact me for more information but in the meantime go to www.quadwmi.org and see what all of the fuss is about.

We're packing 20,000 meals this Sunday, November 19! Join us from 9:00 to 11:00a.m and then wear your comfy clothes to church. If you are in need of service hours, this is a great way to get them! We also need muscle at 8:00a.m to unload the Pack Shack truck.

This is great news for a great organization. Recruiting is going on so if you are a college student or know of one that is interested in serving the mission field this summer, please look into this rewarding, life-changing program.

Mark Your Calendars for Sunday, Oct. 29th from 5:00-6:30. First United Methodist's Annual Trunk or Treat. 200 W. 6th, Pine Bluff Free food, candy and games

Tomorrow, we are back at it with Wednesday night activities. 5:15-7pm children's choir, meal and class 5:30-6:15pm light supper is served 6:15-7pm youth music and Bible exploration 6-7pm Adult Bible study- Romans 7-8:30pm Adult Chancel Choir Hope to see you there!

AID FOR HURRICANE HARVEY VICTIMS Please continue to be in prayer for our neighbors in Texas and Louisiana who are in the midst of historic flooding. We pray for all those who have been affected and we commit to being Jesus’ presence in the coming days and months as we join them in the rebuilding of lives and communities. The Arkansas Conference of The United Methodist Church has asked churches to take up donations for the AR Conference Disaster Response. Items needed are health kits and flood buckets (contact 1st Methodist church office for lists- 870-535-0935 If you would like to make a cash donation through the church, mark it “flood.”

Favorite night of OMP- Neighbor night and Dorey's catfish!

Super Heroes eat hot dogs too! Hero Central is off to a great start!

Tonight's the night. Hero Central VBS begins this evening with dinner at 5:30. Fly on down as we learn about being courageous, loving, hopeful, powerful and wise.

Hero Central Vacation Bible school starts June 12th and runs through the 15th. 5:30-8:00p.m for all ages. 200 W. 6th, Pine Bluff AR 870-535-0935 if you have any questions.

Tickets are available for the 4th Annual Prayer Luncheon presented by he Faith Community Coalition of Pine Bluff. Call or stop by the office to claim your ticket.

They're here! It's not too late to come for some catfish and hear some great music. It's casual so come as you are. 5:00 today!! Concert starts at 6:00 if you need more time.

And this is how you remove a dollar bill from the water bottle.

"Unstoppable."

We're "Unstoppable!"