Auburn First United News

News Briefs May 17, 2012

jyankey@auburnfirstunited.com — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:41:44 GMT

News Briefs

For those who missed services on Sunday, make sure you check out our special Mother's Day video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRa3-N9DYTE&feature=youtu.be

Sunday is an exciting day in the life of our church—it's graduation day for the First United Methodist School of Early Learning! Sunday afternoon, many of the children who have learned so much at our church's wonderful preschool will graduate and go to kindergarten. We are so thankful for the wonderful preschool staff and we are thrilled that we have the opportunity to meet and work with so many wonderful children and families. We pray for every preschool graduate and his or her family as they move to a new, exciting chapter in their lives!

Please invite anyone you may know who would like to join us for lunch at noon on May 20 at The Auburn House to visit with Sondra and family. Dale has reserved the back room which will hold up to 40. They will be attending second service.

Registration is open for First Church's annual summer camps! Fine Arts Camp runs June 25-29, in the mornings. Registration is due June 1. Vacation Bible School runs July 22-26, in the evenings. To sign up for both camps, grab a registration form in the Gathering Area at the back of the sanctuary or register at the church's website, auburnfirstunited.com.

Want to help our Vacation Bible School be the best it can be? Please consider donating items! We need seashells, paper towel tubes and wrapping paper tubes. Bring donations to Dawn Shoemaker's office. For more information, contact Dawn by calling 925-0885 or emailing dshoemaker@auburnfirstunited.com.

The United Methodist Women are hosting their annual Garden Party on Saturday, June 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. This year's mini-retreat for women will feature Crown of Beauty Ministries, presenting "Joy in the Journey." Women will be challenged to live abundantly, always looking for "joy killers" in their lives. Crown of Beauty Ministry is made up of Pat Harris, a speaker who God has called to mentor and disciple woman; and Lindsey Helmer, a talented singer who graduated from Ball State University in 2004. The Garden Party committee will be collecting personal hygiene items at the event. The items will be given to Serenity House transitional home in DeKalb County. Tickets to the Garden Party cost $12, and include morning snacks, lunch and door prizes. Reservations are due on June 16. For more information or to register, contact Susan Steinman at 925-6954.

First Church invites everyone from ages 7 to 70 to come learn Tae Kwon Do at the church! Tae Kwon Do, a Korean martial art, teaches self-defense, self-confidence, self-discipline, physical fitness, respect, balance and coordination. Classes at First Church are rigorous, practical and Christ-based. Third-degree black belt and United Methodist pastor Scott Moss offers the classes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5-6 p.m. for people ages 7-12 and 6:15-7:30 p.m. for people ages 13-70. The classes cost $15 per month, and participants also will need to purchase a uniform and pay testing fees for advancement. For more information, contact Moss at 260-226-0193.

We're looking to start some new small groups here at First Church! Many of the groups will grow out of Tables, our new Sunday evening coffeehouse service, which starts June 3 at 6 p.m. If you are interested in joining a small group, sign up in the Gathering Area at the back of the sanctuary. If you have questions, contact Pastor Allison at ayankey@auburnfirstunited.com.

Since it's a holiday weekend, we will have one service on Sunday, May 27, at 9:30 a.m. After church, join us for a churchwide cookout, with a giveaway! Don't miss it!

The office will be closed on Friday, May 25. However, the doors to the church will remain open from 8 a.m. to noon.

Join Pastor Ted and Sue as they celebrate the graduation of their daughter, Lydia, from high school, on Friday, June 1 from 5-8 p.m. at the parsonage, 825 Golden Hawk Drive.

The Older Wiser Leaders are hosting a summer picnic at Rieke Park on Thursday, June 20. Sign up in the gathering area behind the sanctuary if you plan to attend. For more information, contact Jack and Viv Thompson at 488-3105.

First Church's annual Strawberry Fest is Wednesday, June 13 starting at 4 p.m. All proceeds go to Missions.

Please check the coat rack areas for lost or forgotten items!

The deadline for information to get into the weekly newsletter, Chime, is 9 a.m. each Tuesday. The deadline for the June newsletter is 9 a.m. this Monday (May 21). Send items for publication to Jenny Kobiela-Mondor at jmondor@auburnfirstunited.com.

Meeting next week … Tuesday, May 22: Strategy Council, 7:30 p.m; Thursday, May 24: Hospital/shut-in callers, 6:30 p.m.

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Prayer List May 14, 2012

jyankey@auburnfirstunited.com — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:49:51 GMT

Prayer List

5-14-12

JOYS:

Mother's day joys:

I would not be the mother I am today without the love and support of my mom Jan. I love you, mom!

I have a wonderful mom who always loves me.

My mom is both giving and mentally strong in the face of adversity!

My mom is awesome, cool, and loves church!!!

My mom spoils me.

I am so blessed have 2 wonderful mothers in my life that love the Lord and blazed a trail for me to follow. I love both of them with all her heart!

My mom is awesome. Plain and simple!! Winning!!

Katie Smith wishes her mom Jama a happy mother's day.

Thanks to the Patton's for the wonderful concert Friday night!

Shelby Mumford thanks Ayden Bowers for always being a friend, and I'll always be there for you, too.

Erin Thrush is joyful that teen Courtney who was in a coma from an accident is home for good. She is a walking, talking and texting miracle! Thanks so much for all the prayers.

Bob & Betty Carbaugh say that their new great granddaughter, Sienna is responding favorably to new medication.

CONCERNS:

Cary McDaniel asks prayers for Shawn as he recovers from having a stent put in his artery on 5/11.

Please keep the family of Roger Ish in prayer upon his recent passing.

Please keep the family of Garcile Meyers in prayer as she passed away last week.

Please keep the Louie & Dottie Alday in prayer as his sister JoAnn Stoker passed away.

Please keep the Bebout family in prayer as Scott's uncle was keeled in an auto accident & his aunt is in the hospital.

Copenhaver's ask prayers for Rev Mike Halferty who had a mild heart attack and stent 2 weeks ago.

Arizona asks prayer for Kevin Bryie with medical issues.

Steve & Beth Kelley asks prayer for Steve's sister, Susie Poor who was diagnosed with colon a& liver cancer.

Marilyn Gearhart wishes prayers for her mother Joan Hagerty with severe anemia issues.

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Prayer Updates and News Briefs May 10, 2012

jyankey@auburnfirstunited.com — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:31:42 GMT

Prayer Update:

Please keep family of Garcile Myers in prayer as she passed away. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Feller & Clark Funeral Home, 1860 S. Center St., Auburn, with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service. The Rev. Ted Jansen and the Rev. Wilbur Yates will be officiating.

Please keep the family of Roger Ish in prayer as he passed away recently.

Calling for Louie Alday's sister has hours 2-5 and 7-9 Friday at McCOmb on Maplecrest in Ft. Wayne. The funeral is Saturday at 2 pm at the funeral home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Sunday morning, we will honor all those wonderful women who have touched our lives! They include mothers, grandmothers, aunts or other special women who have had a profound effect on our lives. Don't miss this great worship opportunity.

The United Methodist Women will host a reception after each graduation ceremony for the Auburn First United Methodist School of Early Learning. Ceremonies are at 2 and 4 p.m. on

Sunday, May 20. The UMW are looking for people to donate cookies for the reception, as well people who are willing to serve as hosts. If you would like to help the UMW as they honor our 92 preschool graduates and their families, sign up on the UMW bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, contact Susan Steinman at ssteinman@dekalbhealth.com.

April was a great month for missions! We completed the ham loaf project and made a profit of $5,771! With that profit, along with the generous giving from this church, here is what we supported in April: Northeast Indiana Church Camps: $1,850; Missionaries—Vances and Enrights, $5,000; Indiana tornado relief, $120; Operation Classroom, $1,025; United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), $250; McCurdy School, $30; and First Church Africa Mission Team, $800. Thank you to everyone who supports our mission outreach!

Everyone 55 and older is invited to the June outing of the Older, Wiser Leaders (OWLs) - a summer picnic at Rieke Park! The OWLs will meet at the park at noon on Thursday, June 14. Chicken will be provided—please bring a dish to share. Fellowship and Bingo will follow the meal. Please sign up in the gathering area behind the sanctuary if you plan to attend. For more information, contact Jack and Viv Thompson at 488-3105.

The church's Administrative Council met on Tuesday, April 24. Minutes from the meeting are available in hard-copy or electronic versions. Contact the office for a copy.

Don't forget that First Church will have only one service on Memorial Day weekend, Sunday May 27. The service will be at 9:30 a.m. Afterward, join us in the Fellowship Hall for a churchwide cookout, which will include fun, fellowship and a giveaway! Sunday School classes are welcome to meet that day, before the service, but please let the office know if you are meeting. We look forward to seeing everyone at the service and the cookout!

We are excited about our new casual summer worship service, Tables, which begins Sunday, June 3 at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We are also thrilled about the opportunity to start some small groups on Sunday night. If you are interested in joining a small group, just sign up in the gathering area behind the sanctuary. For more information, contact Pastor Allison at

ayankey@auburnfirstunited.com.

Don't forget that we are still taking registration forms for Fine Arts Camp (June 25-29, registration due June 1) and Vacation Bible School (July 22-26). You can pick up a registration form in the gathering area behind the sanctuary, or sign up online at auburnfirstunited.com.

The Church Doctor's diagnostic report is available for everyone to read and pray on. The report, which was prepared after a thorough study of First Church, is available as a hard copy or online. To receive a hard copy, call the office at 925-0885. To download it, visit

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/22918155/fumc%20report.pdf.

The summer edition of Mature Years (a leisure reading and Bible study magazine for older adults) and the June/July/August edition of Our Daily Bread (a daily devotional booklet) are available in the gathering area behind the sanctuary.

We are still looking for monetary donations for food for our Senior High campers. If you're interested in donating, see the display in the gathering area behind the sanctuary.

Meeting next week: Tuesday, May 15: Missions, 6:30 p.m., Finance, 6:30 p.m.

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Prayer Update May 9, 2012

jyankey@auburnfirstunited.com — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:40:10 GMT

Prayer Update May 9, 2012

Please keep Louie & Dottie Alday in prayer upon the recent death of his sister JoAnn Stoker. Her viewing will be Friday 11^th at Mc Comb Funeral Home on 4017 Maplecrest in Ft. Wayne from 2-5 with funeral on Saturday 12^th at 2 pm at the funeral home.

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Prayer List May 7, 2012

jyankey@auburnfirstunited.com — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:00:30 GMT

Prayer List

5-7-12

JOYS:

The Eckhart Public Library is extremely thankful for the $1200 this church gave to them through the special Easter offering. The library will use the money for a mobile laptop lab, which will allow the library to hold instructional sessions in any of the library's four buildings and beyond the library campus. They will share more information about their program as it gets under way in June.

Ted & Sue Jansen celebrate the accomplishment of Erica, their daughter, as she graduated from Hope College. Thanks to all of you who have helped guide her in her life and faith.

Brian & Susi Webb Praise that Susi's father, August Lundquist has been released from the hospital after 11 days and that Brian's mother, Lorna Webb is home from the hospital as well.

Nick Franks wishes his wife Kim and happy nurses day!

Madison Schultis wishes her mom, Kristen and Kim Frank Happy Nurses Day!

Megan Markarian is joyful that her band concert is Monday and that she does well on her solo.

Rita Collins is joyful that Charlie is home.

Bob & Sharon Zimmerman say that after 4 years of bravely living with cancer their niece Christy passed away this past week. They were blessed to have a special day with her & her family several days before her death. God is great – She is home!

CONCERNS:

Please keep the family of Garcile Myers in prayer upon her passing today, 5-7-12.

Brian & Susi Webb asks continued prayers for healing for her dad, August Lundquist and his mom, Lorna Webb.

Joe & Pat Kobiela, Tim & Mondor ask prayer for Nancy Mertz who is suffering with shingles.

Lorna Mavis reports that grandson Chase Snyder is home from hospital, but continue prayers for his healing.

Please keep Bob & Sharon Zimmerman & family in prayer upon the recent death of their niece Christy.

Karen Sibery wishes prayers as she had 6 Epidural injections this week on 5-9.

Irv & Carolyn Hart ask prayer for Marsha Doell who is recovering from effects of a stroke.

Louie & Dottie Alday ask prayers for Louie's sister Joan & Dottie's sister-in-law Carol.

Von & Nancy Baum ask prayer for Betty Miller who had 2nd surgery on detached retina.

Devin Teders asks prayer for great grandma, Edna Bohde who fell & broke her arm.

Eli Rohm asks prayer for his grandma; Sue Rohm is in the hospital.

Sally & Bob Harper wish prayers for their granddaughter & husband in NY who lost their new born baby girl.

Bob & Betty Carbaugh ask prayers for baby great granddaughter Sienna born 4/11 who has major health concerns.

Please keep Galen Anspaugh's mom Ruth in prayer for health concerns.

Please pray for Ruth Corbaley, mother of Sandy Combo, for health concerns.

John Gilbert asks prayer for Adam who is having testing.

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News Briefs May 3, 2012

jyankey@auburnfirstunited.com — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:04:57 GMT

NEWS BRIEFS

We will celebrate Communion Sunday morning at First Church. Pastor Allison will preach on "Marriage as God Intended."

Children and their parents are invited Sunday after second service to watch the Veggie Tales movie "Robin Good." The movie will be shown in the Activity Room on the lower level of the church. A pizza lunch will be provided. We hope to see you there for this fun event!

Doug Donaldson and his whole crew deserves a big "Thank you!" from the church for their hard work last Sunday on the tasty meal we shared before the Church Doctor presentation! It was a wonderful event in the life of First Church!

If you would like to receive a copy of the Church Doctor's diagnostic report, which Church Doctor Ministries prepared after a thorough study of First Church, please let the office staff know by calling the office during regular business hours or emailing info@auburnfirstunited.com.

The Senior High Youth going to church camp this summer are going to be hungry … and they need their church family to help feed them! Due to the lack of storage space at the camp, the best way to help the campers is by donating money by cash or check. Any size donation is appreciated! In the Gathering Area, grab a tag with a dollar amount on it—or a tag where you can fill in your own amount! Return the tag with your donation in the envelope provided. Donors can also include a note with their donation to let the campers know of their support. For more information, contact Pastor Allison Yankey at ayankey@auburnfirstunited.com or camp food coordinator Pat Kobiela at pkobiela@auburnfirstunited.com.

The First Church Youth Group is collecting donations for cleaning buckets for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). The buckets are distributed at disasters, such as floods and hurricanes. The youth hope that, with the help of their church family, they can fill 100 buckets, and if they do, Pastor Allison will alter her appearance in a fun and colorful way for a Sunday! Pick up a donation sheet at church at bring items by May 13. If you have questions, contact Pastor Allison Yankey at ayankey@auburnfirstunited.com.

"Tables" starts June 3 at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We are excited about this new, casual worship experience! We will also be starting some fellowship, discipleship and small groups at that time—including a college and career group! Come join the conversation!

Reservations for the Older, Wiser Leaders (OWLs) outing to Shipshewana are due Sunday

We are looking for volunteers for the nursery. Contact Dawn Shoemaker at dshoemaker@auburnfirstunited.com.

Richard and Kaye Patton will present their Broadway Duets recital on Friday at 7 p.m.

There will be one service on Memorial Day weekend, May 27, at 9:30 a.m., with a cookout and giveaway to follow!

Don't forget that there are food baskets in both main entrances to the church. All nonperishables put in the baskets go to an area food bank.

We have a lot of exciting events coming up in the life of the church! Mark your calendars for these events, and look for more information coming soon!

The Annual Strawberry Festival is Wednesday, June 13 from 4-6 p.m.

The United Methodist Women's Garden Party is Saturday, June 23. Reservations are due June 17, and can be made by contacting Susan Steinman at 925-6954 or s.steinman@dekalbhealth.com, or Dixie Jones at 925-6024.

The church will have a Servant Auction and Hog Roast Sunday, August 26, at noon.

Women from college age and up are invited to a Women's Retreat October 12-14.

The Fall Youth Retreat is November 9-11.

Meeting next week are:

Tuesday, May 8: Gifts & Memorials, 6 p.m.; Trustees, Worship/Music and Endowment, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 9: Children's Council, 6:30 p.m.

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Prayer List April 30, 2012

jyankey@auburnfirstunited.com — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:59:03 GMT

Prayer List

5-6-12

JOYS:

Madison Schultis says there are only 3 more weeks left of school!!!

Rachel Hart says thank you to Genesis Class for the card and prayer for her mom.

JB Samuelson is proud of Jacob as he pitched for the 1st time this week 2 innings with 3 strike out and 1 run allowed.

It is a Joy that the kitchen is CLEAN thanks to Dottie and A hard working crew!

CONCERNS:

Please pray for the family of Till Armstrong as she passed away recently.

Lorna Mavis asks prayers for grandson, Chase Snyder who is hospitalized with health concerns.

Please keep Lynne Hodges in prayer as she recovers from knee surgery.

Cheryl Markiton asks prayer for a friend whose daughter is seriously ill awaiting diagnosis.

Rachel Hart asks prayer for friend's son who has Bell's Palsy.

Sue Jansen wishes prayer for her brother Steve who has heart testing for concerns.

Rick & Vicki James ask prayers for granddaughter Emma & family she will have surgery 6/25 in Iowa.

Bob & Betty Carbaugh ask prayers for son-in-law Larry Moon who is recovering from surgery.

Pam Anspaugh asks prayers for Roger Ish who broke his hip & had surgery.

Rita Collins asks continued prayers for Charlie as he recovers.

Jeff, Shari Scott Armstrong ask prayers for Jeff's mother Shirley who is having health concerns.

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News Briefs April 26, 2012

jyankey@auburnfirstunited.com — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:03:58 GMT

Please remember Pastor Ted's "invitation" to sit in a different place this Sunday in the sanctuary so we can allow ourselves to be "open" to new things from Dr. Hunter who will be preaching and leading us into a "new" future.

Dr. Kent Hunter, internationally known as the Church Doctor, will be here Sunday! He will preach in both services, and then the congregation is invited to a meal at noon. Following lunch, at 1 p.m., Dr. Hunter will present his report on First Church. Don't miss this vital time in the life of the church!

Even though most of our church family can't be there with us at Senior High church camp, there is a way to impact these great youth—by supplying funds to fill our pantry and fridge! Due to storage space at camp, donations by cash or check are requested. Any size donation will be appreciated! Look for the Senior High Camp Food display in the Gathering Area. Just grab a tag with a dollar amount on it and return the tag with your donation in the envelopes provided. Donors can also include a note with their donation to let the campers know of their support. If you have questions, see Pastor Allison at ayankey@auburnfirstunited.com or food coordinator Pat Kobiela at pkobiela@auburnfirstunited.com.
Everybody 55 years old and older are invited to join the OWLs for an Amish Family-Style dinner on Friday, May 18, at 12:30 p.m. at 2400 South 1100W, Shipshewana. Lunch costs $15 per person, and reservations are due on May 6. For more information, contact Jack or Viv Thompson at 488-3105.
Galen Eberhart, Lydia Jansen and Ted Jansen will travel to Kafakumba Center in Africa to support the Family Camp and other ministries alongside missionaries the Rev. Ken and Deb Vance and the Rev John and Kendra Enright. The team appreciates prayer support as they go on behalf of Christ and First Church. The team leaves July 25. They will be commissioned in worship on Sunday, July 22 at both services.
The First Church Youth Groups need your help! They are heading a project to fill cleaning buckets, which the United Methodist Committee on Relief distribute at disasters such as floods and hurricanes. The youth hope that, with the help of their First Church family, they can fill 100 buckets! Pick up a donation sheet at church and bring items by May 13. If you have questions, contact Pastor Allison at 925-0885 or ayankey@auburnfirstunited.com. For more information about the flood buckets, visit http://bit.ly/IrA7P
Richard and Kaye Patton, with the help of Phyllis Lahr, will perform a Broadway duet recital at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 11—the date of Richard and Kaye's 21st wedding anniversary! They will tell the story of a romance through narration and a series of Broadway duets and solos. Money raised at the event will go to missions.
There will be one service on Memorial Day weekend, May 27, at 9:30 a.m. After service, join us for a church-wide cookout.
Don't forget: You can sign up for Fine Arts Camp or VBS! Visit our website or pick up a form in the Gathering Area!
The School of Early Learning is holding a Spring Carnival and Open House Sunday from 4-6 p.m. Tour the school, meet the teachers and register for preschool at the event, which will also include fun and games!
The Methodist Marchers are holding their Quarters for a Cure fundraiser. Pick up a film canister, fill it with quarters and return it to the church by May 6, either by dropping it in the offering plate or bringing it to the church office during regular business hours. Money goes to the American Cancer Society.
Children and their families are invited to see the Veggie Tales movie "Robin Good" on May 6 after church. A pizza lunch will be provided.

For even more First Church news, check out our newsletter online at auburnfirstunited.com, and like us on Facebook!

Meeting Next Week …

Tuesday, May 1: UMW Executive board, 9 a.m.; Lay Leadership, 2 p.m.; Staff Parish Relations, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 2: Senior Adults, 2 p.m.

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Prayer List 4-23-12

jyankey@auburnfirstunited.com — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:16:08 GMT

Prayer List

4-22-12

JOYS:

Methodist Marchers say a big thank you for all the support of those who baked, bought or donated to the bake sale; it was a huge success as we sold out and over $500 was collected!!!

The Vadney's thank everyone who al the prayers, cards & calls during Carolyn's health concerns. We thank God that she is feeling much better.

Pat & Joe Kobiela, Tim Mondor & Nancy Mertz celebrated that Jenny Mondor turned 27 on last Tuesday.

Madison Schultis says her mother turns 43 on Wednesday and that she is awesome!

Lynne Hodges is joyful that her friend Karen Ebey worshiped here with us yesterday.

Todd & Rachel Hart are happy that Andrew turned 15 and they got to go to Sir Elton John concert and had a blast!

Turner's were happy that their family, who was here for Jane Pfister's baptism, filled over 2 pews!

Iola Winslow was very pleased to have all her family with her in worship.

It is quite a joy for the family to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Don & LeAnna Friend last Friday.

We are thankful for all the wonderful pictures on Facebook they are a great joy.

Hammers are thankful that Janet started and finished her 1st 5k last Saturday and lived to tell about it.

Ian & Paula Mercer are so happy to have their son Tim & His fiance' Sarah home; Tim and Sarah will be married this July in North Carolina.

Jenny Cleveland wishes her dad Steve a happy 50th on 4/27.

CONCERNS:

Please Keep Charlie Collins in prayer as he is having health concerns.

Please keep Amanda & Travis Aeschliman & family in prayer upon the recent passing of her mother, Vickie Woolever who lost her battle with cancer.

Bernie & Jamie Sukala ask prayers for their mothers Betty Sukala & Jennie Howell.

Please keep Rachel Hart's mom in prayer as she recovers from a bad fall.

Bill & Joyce Vetter ask prayers for daughter Patty who is having gall bladder surgery.

Shirley Fore asks prayer Till Armstrong who is in hospice care at Laurel of Dekalb.

Joyce Vetter asks prayer for Bill who is having back pain & is in Physical therapy.

Tim & Jenny Mondor ask prayers for Theresa Bailey is donating bone marrow.

Continued prayers for Carole & Phil Bard's grandson he is responding well to 1st chemo.

Please keep Erin Thrush & family for the loss of her grandfather recently.

Marilyn Carr wishes prayers for granddaughter Alayanna.

Bob Hardy asks prayer for Jane & Steve Mason she is having health concerns.

Bob & Betty Carbough wish prayers for son-in-law Larry Moon who had 5 bypass surgery last week.

Please pray for Niles Walton for health concerns.

Bob & Doneta Oswalt asks prayers for daughter-in-law Kelly who is having disc surgery 4/24.

Dick & Phyllis Kummer ask prayer for granddaughter Montana who has foot surgery 4/24.

Please keep Linda Gaier & family in prayer as her aunt Elma Stickel 97 passed away.

Please keep Bob McNabb & family upon the recent death of his mother, Wanda.

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Prayer Update & News Briefs April 19, 2012

jyankey@auburnfirstunited.com — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:55:17 GMT

Prayer Update

Please Keep Charlie Collins in prayer as he is having health concerns.

Please keep Amanda & Travis Aeschliman & family in prayer upon the recent passing of her mother, Vickie Woolever who lost the battle with cancer.

News Briefs

Dr. Kent Hunter, internationally known as the Church Doctor, will be at First Church next week! Dr. Hunter will be preaching at both services! Our congregational meal starts at noon in the Fellowship Hall. At 1 p.m., Dr. Hunter will present his findings to the congregation. We are very excited to hear what suggestions Dr. Hunter will give us in order to help improve our church. Please be sure to pray throughout the week and into the future that we take the information that Dr. Hunter presents to us and use it in order to glorify God!

We will be re-alphabetizing our church mailboxes on the week of April 23. That means that now is a perfect time for you to get a church mailbox! If you want one, let the office staff know by singing up on your Connections form, attached to your bulletin; emailing the office at info@auburnfirstunited.com; calling the office at 925-0885; leaving a note in the office mailbox on the front door; or stopping in the office during the week.

The United Methodist Women are looking for volunteers to help with the annual kitchen cleaning on Thursday, April 26, at 8 a.m. There will be soup and drinks served for lunch, or you can bring your own sandwich or snack. Sign up in the gathering area, or contact Dottie Alday at 925-1668 or ldalday@mchsi.com.

We have two great opportunities for children at our church and in the community this summer: Fine Arts Camp and Vacation Bible School! You can sign up for both online, or pick up a brochure and registration form in the Gathering Area on Sunday!

Fine Arts Camp is a weeklong camp that introduces children to a variety of musical and visual art experiences with a Christian theme. Classes include choir, praise team, art, liturgical dance, puppets, acting and media. Fine Arts camp is June 25-29 from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration is due June 1, and you can pick up a brochure in the Gathering Area for more information.

Vacation Bible School this year is "Operation Overboard," where children will learn to go deep into God's word and explore Bible stories of people who revealed deep faith . VBS is July 22-26 from 6-8:30 p.m., with dinner served at 5:15 p.m. each day. Sign up by July 6 to receive a T-shirt.

The Children's Ministries is hosting the Veggie Tales movie "Robin Good" after church on May 6 in the Activity Room. A pizza lunch will be provided. If you have questions, contact Dawn Shoemaker at dshoemaker@auburnfirstunited.com.

The Methodist Marchers Relay for Life team will be handing out film canisters for their "Quarters for a Cure" project. Just fill a film canister (one of theirs or one of your own) with quarters. When it's full, put it in the offering plate or bring it to the office during regular office hours. All money goes to the American Cancer Society to help find a cure for cancer and support cancer patients.

The First United Methodist School of Early Learning is holding a Spring Carnival and Open House on April 29. Join the preschool for carnival-themed games and prizes, meet the staff and visit the classrooms!

There are still openings for "A Collection of Cultures," part of the preschool's Summer Fun program. The camp will be August 7-9 from 9 a.m. to noon and costs $30. The program includes lots of fun, thematic activities and a snack. Students must be age 3-6 by July 1, and students going into first grade are also welcome. Register online or contact Beatrice Blohm-Hart at 925-2570 or bblohm7@gmail.com. The camp is filling up fast!

The preschool is still accepting registrations for the 2012-13 school year. Classes are designed for children ages 2 through Pre-K. Contact director Kelly Oswalt at 925-2570 or

koswalt@auburnfirstunited.com.

The preschool also is looking for substitute teachers and aides! If you are interested, contact Beatrice Blohm-Hart at 925-2570 or bblohm7@gmail.com.

We will have one service on Memorial Day, at 9:30 a.m., with a cookout afterward! Be sure to mark your calendar for this special holiday service!

The OWLs will have their May outing on Friday, May 18. They will be going to an Amish family-style dinner in Shipshewana. Cost is $15 per person, with reservations and payment due by May 6. Contact Jack or Viv Thompson at 488-3105. Everyone 55 and older is invited.

The church mailboxes will be reordered this week. If you would like a church mailbox, mark it on your Connections Form today.

National Day of Prayer rally is Thursday, May 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the National Military History Center. For more information call 357-3682.

Mark your calendar for a Broadway Duet recital featuring Richard and Kaye Patton on Friday, May 11.

Meeting next week … Tuesday, April 24: Administrative Council, 6:30 p.m.

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