COURIER The Work of the People

THE

1224 Legion Way S.E. , Olympia, WA 98501-1655360-943-2661 * fumco@fumcoly.org * www.fumcoly.org

www.facebook.com/FirstUnitedMethodistChurchofOlympia

2 Church Business 3 Highlights of May 4 News & Events 5 Celebrating Resurrection! 6 Ministries of the church 7 Awareness and Prayer 8 Calendar & Lectionary 9 Beyond our doors 10 Youth calendar & Pastor’s letter 11 Discipleship Training 12 Resurrection stories - what’s yours

CROP WALK – SUNDAY, May 4, 2014There’s still time to sign up for the CROP Walk on Sunday, May 4, at the State Capitol. This year walkers have a 5K option (Capitol to Tumwater Historical Park) in addition to the regular 10K (which returns to the Capitol). Registration starts at 12:30 p.m., a Pre-Walk Program at 1:15 p.m., and the Walk at 1:30 p.m.

Pick up your walker envelope in the church lobby and get donations, or donate to those walking. You may also donate online by going to www.crophungerwalk.org.

Church World Service uses 75% of the CROP funds in over 80 countries for projects that help create sustainable life styles. 25% goes to seven local hunger agencies.

For more information, check at the table in the church lobby or call Wayne or Carol Gruen at 352-9703.

KIDS! The Challenge is BACK!Sunday, May 4, join Pastor Carolyn in the second annual Kids CROP Walk Challenge -- kids of all ages are invited to participate in the Walk. While our donor is ready to donate for each child who walks, others might also want to donate towards the kids as encouragement. We’ll take the shortened route again with snack break and ice cream at the end to spur us ever onward! Everyone’s a winner in this effort!

Volume 63 | Issue 5

“From Wonder Woman to Buffy Summers, Emma Peel to Sydney Bristow, Charlie’s Angels to the Powerpuff Girls, superwomen are more than just love interests or sidekicks who stand by their men.”

In this lively multimedia presentation, pop-culture historian Jennifer K. Stuller will explore how the female hero in modern mythology has broken through the boys’ club barrier of tradition. Using comics, television and film, she will discuss female action and super heroines from the 1930s to the present day. This conversation will examine women’s representations in media, inspiring us to think deeper about popular culture, media, gender images, and storytelling.

All are welcome to join UMW for this exciting Spring Luncheon Wednesday, May 14, at 11:30 a.m. in the Great Hall. Plan on arriving at 11:15 a.m., program to start at 11:30 a.m., luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Luncheon tickets are $6.00 and available in the church office. Reservations needed by Monday, May 12.

CROP WALK and Superwomen - both this month!

IssueIN THIS

May | 2014

Ink-Stained Amazons and Cinematic Warriors: Superwomen in Modern Mythology

2 Administration is Ministry

First UMC, OlympiaOffice Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday—Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., SundayPhone: 360-943-2661; Fax: 360-943-2668E-mail: fumco@fumcoly.org Web: www.fumcoly.org News: fumconews@fumcoly.org

Lead Pastor: Rev. Joanne Coleman CampbellAssociate Pastor: Rev. Ruth MarstonDiscipleship Pastor: Rev. Carolyn PetersonMinister of Music: Angi SwanMusic Ministries: Cathy Bennett, Mark Bunda,

Lisa RobischonChurch Administrator: Davis HylkemaAdministrative Assistant: Dolores ProutyTreasurer: Denise AlbornBuilding Facilitator/Custodian: Tim Monahan, Weekend Custodian: Dave Hoge

PLEASE NOTE:Articles for the next Courier must be deliv-ered to the office or preferably e-mailed to fumconews@fumcoly.org by the 20th of this month.

Finance ReportThrough March 31, 2014:

Income received to date: $151,820

Expenses to date: $178,300

Bottom line: $26,480 short of covering expenses

Many of our congregation fulfill their pledges or giving plan with scheduled automated withdrawals from their bank. It’s similar to any other auto-payment arrangement, except that we do not send your bank a bill: you let your bank know how much you would like to donate and at what intervals, give them the church’s name and address, and they mail us a computer-generated check. If you use online banking, you can usually set this up from home.

Banks offer this service for free to their account holders, and they mail the checks to us at their expense. You can memo the check with a designated fund or funds, if you like, to give part of your regular donation to the budget and part to the food bank or some other concern. You can also change your arrangement at any time by contacting your bank.

Is donation by Auto-Bill-Pay right for you?

Where, oh where, have our pastors gone?Over the next two months, you may want to sing this song! Through a combination of work, study and spiritual leave, and vacation, it may be hard to keep track of the pastors. Most of this was arranged early this year, before we knew of the pastoral transition coming up July 1. Just to help you keep track, here is the schedule:

Pastor Joanne: May 1-4, PNW Conference work in Spokane; May 5-17, Spiritual Leave; May 18-23, Study Leave (“Festival of Homiletics” in Min-neapolis); May 24-29, Vacation in Minneapolis; June 20-22, PNW Annual Conference in Puyallup.

Pastor Ruth: May 23-26, a keynote speaker for CONVO, the PNW United Methodist Youth Conference; May 28-June 4, Vacation on the East Coast; June 20-21, Annual Conference; June 22-29, Youth Mission Trip to Mexico.

Pastor Carolyn: May 27-June 3 (her usual week off since she works ¾ time) to New York City to visit her daughter, June 20-22, Annual Conference.

May 4 - Angi Swan, Music Minister

May 11 - Rev. Ruth Marston

May 18 - Rev. Ruth Marston

May 25 - Guest speaker, TBD

Preaching Schedule

The Nominations Committee is looking for people interested in serving in various places, including two positions on the Church Council, which meets at 6:30 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of each month: a Member-at-Large and the Secretary of the Council. The new slate of officers will begin July 1.

For more information on these and other open positions, please talk with Mary Mahaffy, or leave her a message by calling or e-mailing the church office.

Seeking volunteers to share leadership gifts

3 Highlights of this Month

It is this congregation’s tradition to remember all who served our country throughout the years and who are now deceased on this Sunday. You are invited to bring photos and memorabilia to place on the Table of Honor in recognition of family members or friends who are deceased veterans.

In Remembrance: Memorial Day Sunday, May 25

Childcare workers, mission team members, ushers, and others are encouraged to gather for this biennial training to become first-aid trained. The class will be taught by certified trainer, John Gancel, member of our faith community. Please register in the office (360-943-2661); class size is limited to 12.

First Aid Training, Saturday, May 17 8:00 a.m. to noon

Begins Sunday, May 4, 10:00 a.m.United Methodists may not look much different than other Christian disciples, but we do have a “methodical” way of becoming disciples! Those who want to learn about discipleship or those preparing to become members of this congregation are invited to participate.

Classes will begin Sunday, May 4, and continue into June, with the opportunity to join the church on June 15. Registration for the class is encouraged, as a minimum number is required to hold the class (360-943-2661).

Saturday, May 3 6:00 p.m. Potluck Dinner, 7:00 p.m. BandA band dedicated to good music, good times, and the community, they are keeping the 4-string banjo spirit alive! Founded in 1965, many different musicians have been a part of it over the years. Today’s band is composed of musicians of all ages, and the instruments include: mandolins guitar, sax, tuba, bass, and of course, banjos!

Open to everyone who wants to have a good time, join in great fellowship over dinner, then get your foot tapping to amazing music. Check them out on YouTube, then come hear them in the Great Hall!

Koinonians’ Reunion welcomes back the Grays Harbor Banjo Band

A Disciple’s Path: 6-week study on discipleship in the United Methodist Church

May 4, “Cooking for One or Two”Bring the joy of cooking and dining to your table. Discuss special dietary needs, shopping tips, cooking techniques, and easy preparation of tasty recipes. Speaker: Pat Leslie - WSU Culinary Consultant

May 18, “Are you Sleeping”?Do you snore? Are you unrested? Dr. Russell will educate you about sleep apnea and why it is such a deadly disease. Screenings provided. Speaker: Stephen Russell, DDS

May 25, “Depression: From Darkness to Light”A discussion of the human side of depression. Discuss medical advances that have contributed to the improved treatment of depression. Speaker: Nancy Vlastelica, BSN

Sunday Morning Health ForumsGreat topics and teachers!

4 News & Events

On June 1 we will once again celebrate our graduates. High School graduates are honored during the service, but we also like to show our other graduates on the screen. But we need to know who you are, your degree or certificate and the school, and your photo. Please send us the information by e-mail (fumco@fumcoly.org) or drop it off or mail it to the church office. We need everything by Monday, May 26.

Graduation Sunday coming up!

Sunday, June 8, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Puyallup UMC RSVP by Friday, May 9Rev. Moe has served as the Tacoma District Superintendent for the past seven years. This July, she is to be appointed by the Bishop to Seattle First UMC. This dinner is to honor and thank her for serving in this most difficult position with grace and diligence.

The dinner will be catered by Joseppi’s restaurant. The cost for the event is $25 or $45 for a couple. This covers the dinner and provides a small contribution toward a parting gift for Sharon. Please RSVP by Friday, May 9. Checks may be made out to the PNWUMC Treasurer, and mailed to: District Service Center, Attn: Skylar Bihl, P.O. Box 13650, Des Moines, WA 98198. If you have questions, you may contact Skylar at 888-818-4288 or tacdist@pnwumc.org.

Going Away Party for our District Superintendent, Rev. Sharon Moe

Our Church Council has voted to support a petition to open a new 24/7 homeless shelter in Olympia, called The Peoples House. This is in recognition of the fact that there are huge gaps in efforts to provide well-managed facilities in support of homeless individuals locally, a need to improve access to basic needs services, and a need to provide additional options to hanging out on downtown streets and sleeping in storefronts and alleys.

The Council also directed that the petition be made available to members of the FUMCO Congregation. This will be done between services during May. You may also sign the petition on line at www.thepeopleshouseoly.org and get a detailed description of what The Peoples House hopes to accomplish.

The People’s House

Jesus fed the hungry - and so shall we. Here is how we can do it!Groups and individuals are invited to prepare and serve dinners for Quixote Village residents and Panza on the four Wednesdays in June.

Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. prior to the 6:00 p.m. weekly residents’ meeting of about 40 people. The Village kitchen has two stoves, a microwave, pots and pans, and dinnerware. The fun way is to bring in the food supplies and prepare dinner along side the residents. This is a great way to converse and get to know the folk. The dinners may also be prepared off-site, brought in and served at the Village.

This is fun to do with friends

Those interested please contact Wayne and Carol Gruen at 360-352-9703 or gruenw@comcast.net.

June Dinners for Quixote Village

There will be a Farewell Potluck for Pastor Joanne on Sunday, June 29, after the second service (around 12:30 p.m.). It is being organized by the Staff Parish Relations Committee, and more details will be in the June Courier.

Pastors Joanne and John are looking for assistance to load the moving van on Saturday, June 28. They also need help with the final “sweep out” of the house. If you are able to assist, please let her know (pastorjoanne@fumcoly.org).

Farewell to Pastor Joanne

5 Celebrating Resurrection on Easter Morning!

Lots of smiles and laughter as people greet one another on our front porch!

A glorious Easter morning, in a freshly painted Sanctuary, with lots of flowers, musicians, and congregation!

A fabulous breakfast and fellowship feeds our bodies and souls!

6 Opportunities within the church

Is it an allergy or something else?Allergies

Symptoms: Congestion, itchy and watery eyes, clear nasal discharge, sneezing, scratchy or ticklish throat.

When: Outdoor allergies usually start in February or March and end in October. Indoor ones often last year round, but can come and go.

Triggers: Pollen from trees, grass, weeds; indoor and outdoor mold; pet dander; dust mites; dried skin; cockroach feces, saliva, or body parts.

Nonallergic Rhinitis

Symptoms: Congestion, runny nose, and sneezing, but without the itchy eyes or sore throat.

When: Often lasts year-round, though periodically.

Triggers: Respiratory infections, changes in weather and temperature, cold or dry air, food (especially spicy items), alcohol, strong odors or fumes, cigarette smoke, air pollution, certain medications

Coping with Allergies

Avoid allergens. Outdoor allergies: when pollen and mold spore counts are high, stay indoors, windows shut and air conditioner on. Indoor allergies: use an air conditioner or dehumidifier, remove carpeting from bedrooms, wash rugs, curtains, and bedding often and vacuum regularly. Dust mites: encase your mattress, box spring, and pillows in allergen-proof covers. Keep pets out of bedroom. Clean up mold promptly.

Medications: The best first choice is often a generic over-the-counter antihistamine. Prescription steroid nasal sprays are effective. Stop using them if they cause irritation or nosebleeds.

Health MinistryExperiencing the Bible with Children by Dorothy Jean Furnish. This is a revised edition of the same title which shows how to put the principles into practice. It offers both professional and lay Christian educators a current and reliable source book to help children really understand and appreciate the Bible.

Me, An Evangelist? By William McKay. For many years people have avoided the idea of evangelism using excuses like “I’m not a door-to-door preaching person.” This book combines biblical insights, practical caring skills, and an engaging story about a reluctant evangelist. It shows how all Christians can share the love of Jesus with others, in ways that fit their comfort level and are welcomed by others.

Lost in America by Tom Clegg and Warren Bird. Increasingly the church is sharing Christ with people in a post-modern culture who respond, “No thanks!” The gospel still has incredible power; God is still building his kingdom. It’s just that the evangelism playing field and rules have changed dramatically.

Christian Mission by Dana L. Robert. Jesus commanded his disciples to “go forth and teach all nations.” In order to understand Christianity as a global movement, it is essential to study the role of mission – defined as the transmission of the Gospel across cultures. This book is a brief history of 2000 years of Christian mission history through topics including history, politics, mission, gender and culture.

Many library materials overdue! Please check at home and in children’s rooms and return ASAP.

From the Library

Women & Finance May MeetingRegular maintenance of your car can prevent problems before they start. “l save you thousands down the road in repairs,” says Bogi Lateiner, cohost of All Girls Garage on the Velocity Channel.

Our May breakfast meeting will be 9:00 a.m. Monday, May 5, at River’s Edge Restaurant at the Tumwater Golf Course. Robert Holmstrom, owner of Terry’s Automotive, will present a program on “Basic Car Care.” All are welcome. Questions? Call Bobbie Hubbard at 943-3876.

October Mission DinnerSave Wednesday, October 8, for the UMW Mission Dinner. The program will be a presentation by Rukang and Nandona Chikomb about their ministry with the South Congo Wings of the Morning. This ministry provides medical care and support to those living in remote areas.

7 Right Attitude & Prayer - marks of a disciple

-by Rev. Robert L. “Bob” Walker, D.Min.

One day in a church where I was the pastor, a new member stormed into my office, demanding to know why the church was spending money to make its restroom wheelchair accessible. “I’ve never seen anyone using a wheelchair here,” he said angrily.

“Precisely,” I replied, “that’s why we’re remodeling the restrooms.”

For a minute he glared at me, and then stormed out of my office. Three days later he and his wife transferred their memberships to another United Methodist Church.

Physical barriers affecting people with a disability are everywhere; however, for me the far more heinous barrier is a negating attitude toward people with disabilities. Such instances are many, and a few of them are told in “Speaking Out,” the book that’s in our church’s lending library. Found amongst such hurtful deeds is to tell someone with a disability to confess his or her sins, after which God will withdraw the disability. That’s utter nonsense! My deafness and blindness, for example, are genetic, not punishments delivered by an angry God.

Furthermore, in several Gospel stories about Jesus, we meet a man not challenging people with disabilities, but challenging those who create attitudinal barriers. Unfortunately, such misguided barriers reside in some of our churches. Is that cruel attitude found in FUMCO? I hope not.

Incidentally, I wrote this article on Saturday before Palm Sunday. That long ago event in Jerusalem was a protest march against the Roman Empire and Jewish leaders known as the Sanhedrin in their discriminations against foreigners, impoverished folks, women, children, sick people, and those with disabilities. May Jesus’ protest marchers prance on!

Attitudinal Barriers can be prevented by awareness

Pastor Carolyn and the Prayer Ministries Team of FUMCO wish to thank all who served at the Wednesday evening “Soup Supper, and Psalms” during this Lenten season.

Those who attended were delighted with the wonderful soups that Pat Leslie and Dana Garson provided each week (one of Pat’s amazing recipes is below).

“Thank you” to the many who provided salad and cookies. The studies by Pastors Joanne and Ruth gave deeper meaning and understanding to each of the Psalms we heard on Sunday.

The weekly prayer activities presented by Joni Copeland, Randi Moe, Sharon Hurst Armes, Dinali Dhammapala, and Gini and Doug Thomas gave all those engaged with a variety of ways to become more connected to God during this Lenten season. And we cannot forget the beautiful banners that Jody Mesojednik made for the sanctuary. Thank you to all!

Evidence of the many hands-on activities can be seen in the narthex of our church: the colorful prayer flags above the entrance to the sanctuary, the new incarnation of the prayer wall where you can tuck your prayers into fabric braids, the cross of shards where joys and concerns are written upon pieces of broken pottery and given over to God.

Grateful thanks to the Prayer Ministry Team

Pat Leslie’s Taco Soup – makes 8 servings

• 1 pound ground beef - cook until brown • 1 large onion, diced - saute until golden• 1 large can tomatoes, (don’t drain) - add• 1 large can kidney beans, (don’t drain) - add• 1 can black beans, (don’t drain) -add• 1 large can corn, (don’t drain) - add• 1 large jar salsa (optional) - add• 1 package taco seasoning mix - stir in• 2 cups water or beef broth and water - add

Bring to boil and simmer 45 - 60 minutes. Serve with following garnishes: taco chips, sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, hot sauce, chopped canned jalapeno peppers, and chopped black olives. Enjoy!

8 Church CalendarSaturday, May 1010:00 Youth Group

Sunday, May 118:45 Worship10:00 Christian Education Classes11:15 Worship12:30 Children’s Choir, rehearsal12:30 Children’s Council meeting6:00 Worship

Tuesday, May 1310:00 Quilting Group10:00 Fostering Hope Quilting5:30 Trustees6:00 Abigail Circle6:30 Finance

Wednesday, May 1411:30 UMW Lunch/Program10:30 Panorama UMW 10:30 New Hope

Thursday, May 156:30 Men’s Breakfast @ Denny’s10:00 Library staffed5:30 Bell Choir, Rehearsal6:30 Celebration Singers6:45 Chancel Choir

Saturday, May 179:00 First Aid Training

Sunday, May 188:45 Worship10:00 Christian Education Classes11:15 Worship12:30 Children’s Choir4100 Youth Group6:00 Worship

Monday, May 191:00 Cobb Small Group2:00 Small Group Bible Study

Tuesday, May 2010:00 Quilting Group1:00 Ruth Circle3:00 Prayer Shawl5:30 Caregivers Support Group6:30 Church Council

Wednesday, May 2110:30 New Hope7:00 CROP Walk Meeting

Thursday, May 2210:00 Library staffed11:30 UMW Panorama Lunch2:00 Bible Study Group5:30 Bell Choir, practice6:30 Celebration Singers, rehearsal6:45 Chancel Choir, rehearsal

Sunday, May 258:45 Worship10:00 Christian Education Classes10:00 Recycle Rangers11:15 Worship12:30 Children’s Choir, rehearsal6:00 Worship

Tuesday, May 2710:00 Quilting Group6:30 Missions6:30 Outreach6:30 Adult Council

Wednesday, May 286:30 Stephen Ministry

Thursday, May 2910:00 Library Staffed5:30 Bell Choir Rehearsal6:30 Celebration Singers rehearsal6:45 Chancel Choir rehearsal

Thursday, May 16:30 Men’s Breakfast, IHOP10:00 Library staffed5:30 Bell Choir practice6:00 Prayer Ministries Team mtg6:30 Celebration Singers, rehearsal6:45 Chancel Choir, rehearsal

Saturday, May 36:00 Koinonians’ Reunion &7:00 Grays Harbor Banjo Band

Sunday, May 48:45 Worship10:00 Christian Education Classes11:15 Worship12:30 CROP Walk12:30 Children’s Choir Rehearsal6:00 Worship

Monday, May 59:00 Women & Finance1:00 Cobb Small Group2:00 Study Bible Group

Tuesday, May 610:00 Quilting Group6:30 Staff Parish

Wednesday, May 711:30 UMW Executive6:30 Youth Council

Thursday, May 810:00 Library staffed2:00 Bible Study Group5:30 Bell Choir, practice6:30 Nominating Meeting6:30 Celebration Singers, rehearsal 6:45 Chancel Choir, rehearsal

Friday, May 910:00 Book Club

April 27, 2nd Sunday of Easter: Acts 2:14a, 22–32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3–9; John 20:19–31

May 4, 3rd Sunday of Easter: Acts 2:14a, 36–41; Psalm 116:1–4, 12–19; 1 Peter 1:17–23; Luke 24:13–35

May 11, 4th Sunday of Easter: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19–25; John 10:1–10

May 18, 5th Sunday of Easter: Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1–5, 15–16; 1 Peter 2:2–10; John 14:1–14

May 25, 6th Sunday of Easter: Acts 17:22-31; Psalm 66:8–20; 1 Peter 3:13–22; John 14:15–21

May 29, Thursday, Ascension of the Lord: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53

June 1, 7th Sunday of Easter: Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35; 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11; John 17:1-11

Lectionary Readings for the Month

9 Beyond our DoorsInterfaith Works40th Anniversary BrunchSaturday, May 10, 2014, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon South Sound Manor, 455 North Street SE, Tumwater

Please join other FUMCO members in celebrating the 1974 formation of Associated Ministries of Thurston County/Interfaith Works. FUMCO is one of 12 charter members of a vibrant organization that today is made up of over 30 local faith communities that combine their shared concerns and energies for the good of Thurston County. We

will celebrate our successes in being a catalyst and incubator for new initiatives, a voice of compassion, and a model for partnership.

With over 40 successful local programs, either started or perpetuated, we should be justly proud of our part in such things as CROP Walk, the Dispute Resolution Center, Habitat for Humanity, the Thurston County Food Bank, Special Olympics, Bread & Roses, SideWalk, and the STARS program.

The brunch is a fundraiser. Tickets are $40 each. To reserve a seat, contact Interfaith Works at 357-7224, Wayne Gruen at 352-9703, or Terry Kirkpatrick at 943-3293.

Wednesday, June 25, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.Nova School, 2020 - 22nd Ave SE, Olympia 98501

In celebration of our 40th Anniversary, Interfaith Works is sponsoring a series of Cornerstone Conversations, to reflect and learn on issues important to our community, and the world.

Session 3, May 28 - Food and HungerSession 4, June 25 - Shelter

The programs will feature a short presentation on how local organizations are addressing the topic, small group conversations led by a professional facilitator, and time for sharing thoughts with the whole group.

Light refreshments served.

info.. Interfaith Works, 357-7224; office at interfaith-works.orgWebsite.. http://www.interfaith-works.orgAdmission/cost.. Free

Cornerstone Conversations - Shelter

Compassion & Choices WA speaker discusses securing medical care and treatment choices in nursing homes, information, directives to physicians, durable power of attorney and more. $10 class fee.

Olympia Unitarian Universalist Cong. 2300 East End St NW, 98502. 786-6383; www.ouuc.org/pages/adultEd.html

End of Life Choices

Interfaith Works seeking donations of Birdhouses for our 40th Anniversary Celebration on May 10.

Can be either decorative or functional.

Call Julia at 459-4001 or the Interfaith Works office at 357-7224 by May 8 to arrange for delivery or pick-up.

Rev. Cara Scriven will be appointed to serve as District Superintendent for the Tacoma District. She has previously served at Wenatchee UMC, Magnolia UMC, and Redmond UMC. Bishop Hagiya states he’s excited about “by the vision and energy she will bring to the annual conference and district!”” Stay tuned for more information about opportunities to meet her.

New Tacoma District Superintendent July 1

Annual Conference means two things in our United Methodist denomination. It can refer to a geographic area and the connection of churches within that given area. FUMCO belongs to the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference.

Annual Conference also refers to the yearly gathering of clergy and laity that determines our collective course as the United Methodist Church. It is an opportunity to worship together, learn together, and listen to the wisdom and direction of our Bishop. This year the Annual Conference will meet at the Puyallup Fair Grounds from June 20-22.

Visitors are welcome to attend for any piece of the annual conference. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet other people with their hearts strangely warmed by Christ’s love and to be inspired by their passion for ministry and our communities.

Annual Conference Meeting in Puyallup

10 Youth Calendar Pastor’s LetterMay 4, 12:30-3:30, CROP Walk! Meet at the Capitol steps and find Pastor Ruth!

Saturday, May 10, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.If I had a hammer . . .And a saw, and some nails I could build a whole house in Mexico. Oh wait, we are. And we’re practicing on Saturday so you can spend Mother’s Day with your moms. Aww.

May 18, Micro-Mission Trip, 1:00-3:30 p.m.We’re heading over to Margaret Neff’s to help her catch up on some much needed weeding. Meet up at the church after the second service and we’ll head over.

May 24-26 Convo! Pastor Ruth is registering us all, so check in if you’re going! There won’t be any regular youth group on Sunday, but if you go to Convo you can get extra credit toward your mission trip attendance.

June 1, Graduation SundayWho has graduated this year? Let us know, so we can be sure to celebrate you and your accomplishments! Send us a picture and what degree you’ve achieved.

June 8, Confirmation SundayCome join us at the one 10:30 a.m. service as we celebrate our youth as they confirm their faith and promise to help our church through their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.

June 15, Blessing of the Mission Trip Teams We are blessing the Mission Trip teams (both of them) on June 15. Come to both services (we’ll be at the end of the first and at the beginning of the second), so we can get the blessing and support from our church.

It is Easter evening, and I am exhausted - but that good kind of exhausted that says all is well with the world. This morning there were so many grace-filled people who gave of themselves and their talents - which led to three glorious Easter services and a wonderful Easter breakfast.

y There were the musicians - the Easter Choir, Bell Choir, Children’s Choir, Song Team; musicians that made violins, trumpets, piano, keyboard, guitars, and drums sing praises to God; and a whole congregation of singers.

y There were those who shared their gift of hospitality - ushers, greeters, child care providers, office volunteers, and breakfast cooks and servers.

y Our liturgists who read us the Word.

y There were those who worked behind the scene to make it all happen - a wonderful office staff and volunteers that prepared for weeks, custodians who made the house ready and cleaned up after us, people who set up and put away, artists who prepared banners and flower displays, audio-visual

folk who did the pre-service tech work and those who ran the A.V. equipment during services.

y We were even graced by our local fire department that rapidly responded when we inadvertently tested out the new electronic fire detector panel we installed last week! Everyone responded well to this “drill” and we had a great “ice-breaker” on the front porch as all mingled and talked. The kids were thrilled to see the fire truck drive up! And it was all over in time for the 11:00 a.m. worship service!

And, of course, there was everyone who came to worship and gave thanks to a God who conquers death, who fills our wildernesses with grace, and who never - ever - stops loving us. A God who calls us by name and welcomes us home. What a glorious privilege it is to be able to proclaim with conviction, “Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!”

Blessings, Pastor Joanne

An Easter Thank You from Pastor Joanne

Register for Summer Camp at one of the 4 UM Camps in our Conference. Forms are in the church office, or go online to www.fumcoly.org and follow the link. Scholarships are available - talk to Pastor Ruth.

11 Discipleship Training

While most of our regular classes will go on hiatus for the summer months, beginning June 8, some will continue. The children’s One-Room Sunday School continues through the summer during the 11:15 a.m. worship. (They attend the first part of the service and leave after the Children’s Time.) Their theme for the summer is Fruits of the Spirit!

The Adult Council will offer a 6-7 week, video course and discussion during the 10:00 a.m. hour. Each week stands separately so one does not have to attend each week to be a part of the discussion.

Summer Studies

Sunday Discipleship TrainingSundays, 10:00 a.m.

Last day for all age-level classes is June 1;except for One-Room that continues through summer

AdultsFaithLink, apply your faith to current events from the news; become motivated Christians who consider personal views on important contemporary issues and act on those beliefs; led by Mark Bergeson

New Beginnings, Rm. 222, join this scripture study that progresses verse by verse through the Bible; they begin with Jeremiah.

A Disciple’s Path, Rm. 22, with Pastor Carolyn and other lay leaders of the church, studying what it means to be a disciple in the United Methodist Church; this is open to all, as well as being a pre-requisite for membership

YouthMiddle School (7th-8th grades), Rm. 228, Confirmation, join Pastor Ruth and mentors to look at the beliefs of Christians and especially United Methodists; we are in our last month of classes as we head toward Confirmation on June 8

Senior High (9th-12th grades), Rm. 229, Bible study and discussion about issues important to teens

ChildrenToddlers and Twos, in Rm. 208 with their childcare workers

Lighthouse Preschool, in Rm. 107 (ages 3-5), we are learning about Peter and his ministry

Lighthouse Workshops, (K-4th grades) Time to Awake! and Live God’s Word: Acceptance as we learn about what it means to love and respect one another as Jesus taught

Beacon Rock, (5th-6th grades) in Rm. 224, “I know that Jesus is the son of God!” We study the ministry of Peter, as well as prepare our outreach project

Other Sunday Morning Classes for Children One-Room Sunday School, (4 yrs - 4th grade), Rm. 118, after Children’s Time during 11:15 worship, about 11:30 a.m.; Grow, Proclaim and Serve,we look at stories of Peter

Vacation Bible Camp August 4 -8 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Registrations are coming in, volunteers are signing up, and our first Work Party is Sunday, April 27, 12:30-2:00 p.m., as we begin the decoration process!

Take time this summer to join in the fun of providing a fun and meaningful week for the kids of our congregation and community. (It’s the largest outreach that this faith community does each year!) There are plenty of opportunities for various levels of involvement: help prepare decorations beforehand at a Work Party; set up room decor the days just before; help out during the week of VBC in the kitchen, leading a team, running or helping in a workshop, taking photos, etc.

Register your child or grandchild and their friend or neighbor by signing up at the church office or by going onto our website and clicking on the bright blue VBC button!

With a theme of Workshop of Wonders, what better mascot than a worker ant named Rivet!

Our upcoming Work Parties:

April 27, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. May 18, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. June 29, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

Set up for the week begins August 1 and continues into Sunday, August 3.

We are making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by gratefully worshipping God, joyfully learning discipleship, gracefully cherishing one another,

and faithfully serving the world under the guidance and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

What’s yours? Share on our FaceBook page, and be sure to catch this month’s sermons!www.facebook.com/firstunitedmethodistchurchofolympia

May is Christian Home Month