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JANUARY 2023

Join us in January where we'll look at kinship and the power of community
as we prepare for the launch our new Kinship+ small group ministry.

As one family of God, we are kin to one another and are called to be in relationship with one another. Better yet, when we hang out together we build deeper connections, inspire one another, are accountable to and take better care of each other. Simply put, small groups give us the opportunity to grow, laugh, serve, and connect with others for God’s glory. Join us to learn more and get connected! After all, we are kin! (See the Kinship sermon series for both campuses below.)

Kinship+ small group program, highlights our existing small groups
in addition to 5 new short-term small group opportunities.

New groups begin in February. Group details and sign-up information coming soon!

Downtown Sermon Series

West Campus Sermon Series

Keep an eye out for our Chief's Watch Party announcement, as we go full
tail-gate and gather for a TBA play-off watch party in late January!

Click the image to subscribe.

First Church Directions

As we start the new year of 2023, it is a good time to think about planning and implementing a program of nurture, outreach, and witness. This work is extremely important to our church, our community, and our world. Much of the divisiveness we see today really stems from a sense of hopelessness. Hope is what the United Methodist Church at large, and First Church specifically are made for.

In preparing for the upcoming year, as I’ve talked to several church leaders, each have had very different views of our church. Like the parable of the blind men encountering an elephant ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_men_and_an_elephant ) everyone has a part of the truth. I am asking that one of our initiatives for the year will be to work on the fundamentals of communication. Good, accessible communication will tend to the vine of our church; to strengthen and sustain it, so that it can support the generous blessings the Lord has in store for us! Each of us is called to help in our mission and to look for opportunities to get involved.

Ted Kihm
Chair of Church Council

Confirmation Class

Classes will be on Tuesdays at 7 pm starting on Jan 24 at West Campus.
Confirmation is open to students in grades 8-12.

Sign-up is open now: Confirmation Class

Meeting: Youth & Parents TBD

For more information contact Tami: tami@fumclawrence.org

Learning to use my Bible Class

Classes will be on Sundays at 4 pm starting on Feb 5 at West Campus.
Bible Class is open to students in grades 3-5.

Sign-up is open now: Learning to use my Bible

For more information contact Julie: children@fumclawrence.org

SASS Socially Active SeniorS

NOTE: TUESDAY TACOS AND TEAM TRIVIA (second Tuesdays) will NOT be held in January because there is a KU Men's Basketball game that evening.

See the rest of the January Sass Activities here.

Click the image to sign-up. Enter the Group Code: TPJQ

The Congregational Care Team believes in the power of care provided within our own community of faith. We are here to support you through our Hope and Healing Ministry as you grieve the loss of a loved one. For resource information contact John and Janie Koonce at 479-644-5733

The 2022 holiday season at Elizabeth B. Ballard Center was magical because so many community minded people stepped up, adopted families and shared the holiday spirit by providing gifts to the children in each adopted family.

#Shoutout to First United Methodist Church (FUMC) for providing holiday hope and magic by adopted 61 families. That's right... 61 FAMILIES! Without crucial support from volunteers and donors at both FUMC locations (First Church Lawrence - West Campus and First Church Lawrence - Downtown), the children in these families may have gone without. #thankyou! Learn more about Ballard at www.BallardCenter.org.

Help First Church continue to grow in ministry
to the Lawrence community and beyond.

Or mail check to First UMC 946 Vermont St., Lawrence, Ks 66044

OFFICE HOURS: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM MONDAY-FRIDAY

After hours, please leave a message.

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