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MARCH 2023

We are pleased to announce the following changes to our First Church staff:

Cindy Nelson, our current Media Manager, will now be our full-time Office & Media Manager. To make this shift, we are changing some of her responsibilities with communication, so please be patient in the transition. Cindy has served our church in various capacities and has always brought her best – and her heart - to her ministry.

Kayla Thawnghmung will start on Monday, March 6 as our part-time Financial Manager. Kayla works also as a part-time accountant for an environmental non-profit company in Kansas City. She has a heart for non-profit organizations and a background in start-up operations development, general administration, accounting, and vocal performance.

Please help us welcome both Cindy and Kayla to their new positions.

Our Lenten Journey has begun!

Downtown Sermon Series

Join us at Downtown as we travel with Jesus on the way to the cross. Each week we will encounter another individual whose life is changed by their interaction with Jesus – be it at night, by a well, on the road or near a tomb.

West Campus Sermon Series

Join us at West Campus for this six-week Lenten journey as we take an in-depth dive into the life, faith, and character of Simon-Peter. Each week we will reveal another defining story of this flawed but faithful disciple and his call into ministry.

Sign up online. Or sign up in the office or at worship services beginning March 12. Flower Fund donations can be made online through the sign-up link or at the office by cash or check noting the Flower Fund.

March 5 BIBLE PRESENTATIONS Learning to Use My Bible Students (all services)

March 12 NO CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL, both campuses (Spring Break)

March 19 YOUTH 3.12, 5:30-7pm, West Campus

April 2 YOUTH GROUP (Dinner with Jesus) 5:30-7pm, West Campus

April 9 EASTER EGG HUNT, after 10am Worship, West Campus

Read the latest NEWS from Westwood House.

Contact Pastor Susan for more information: smercer@ku.edu

SASS Socially Active SeniorS

See the March SASS Activities here.

Calling All Women

Come join United Women in Faith—a multigenerational group of women within in our church who are seeking to connect with each other, develop through education and spiritual growth, and make an impact on our local and global community.

There are many ways to connect! You are welcome to try what works best for you?

Or join us for big group events or projects only as a Member at Large and receive emails regarding upcoming events.

A good place to start is a Connection Event (1 in spring, 1 in fall) All First Church UWiF join together to connect as a larger group. Speakers and activities to bring awareness to various missions and ways to grow as an individual.

February Highlight: members prepared and served a Monday Winter Shelter dinner.

Upcoming Events: March 6 Serving another Monday Winter Shelter dinner (sign-up)

April 22, 9:30 am, Connection Event, West Campus—guest speaker Robilea Swindell

For more information—check out our UWiF webpage under adult ministries on the church website or contact Jan Harper, president at harperjan54@gmail.com.

Catch up on all of the weekly tips at fumclawrence.org/serve.

UPDATE: Justice Matters mental health research team led the prayer vigil Saturday morning outside the building at 1000 W. Second St., almost eight months after a ribbon cutting celebration gave the public a first glimpse at the facility. The center’s opening has been complicated by operations changing hands, turnover in leadership, delays at the state level as the state transitions to a new mental health care model and more. To see the team in action and learn more read The Lawrence Times article.

Providing casseroles, breakfast items, pizza gift cards and grocery cards.

If you would like to help the Family Promise team next time we serve
contact Dave Ruhlen d.ruhlen@icloud.com or (785) 393-0807

Visit the Family Promise of Lawrence website for more support opportunities.

Westward Ho! is another great way to support Family Promise.
Not your everyday 5K - Get registered TODAY!

Please note: We are still collecting items for the Underwear Depot too.

All donations are greatly appreciated!

A BIG THANK YOU!

A big thank you to all the groups and individuals whose time, funds, and food donations enabled us to serve the Emergency Winter Shelter participants with greatly appreciated Monday evening dinners. THANK YOU - Women Out West, United Women in Faith, the Chancel Choir, the Youth Group, The Huddle, Jubilee volunteers, KU students, and our staff. What an awesome congregation!. Dan P. and John K.

A note to our radio listeners: After much thought and prayer, we have decided to end our weekly radio broadcasts, if this change affects you, please email us and we will be happy to help you find another way to connect to our First Church worship services.

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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