Feb 11, 2009

Lent is one of the oldest observations on the Christian calendar. Like all Christian holy days and holidays, it has changed over the years, but its purpose has always been the same: self examination and penitence, demonstrated by self-denial, in preparation for Easter. Lent begins this year on Ash Wednesday, February 25th. Please join us for worship at 5:45 P.M., followed by our Stone Soup supper at 6:30 P.M. This year, our Methodist brethren are in charge of the dinner. We are in charge of dessert and clean up. Look for the sign up sheet to go around the next couple of Sundays. Also, if you're not comfortable driving at night, and you would like a ride to this evening event, please call the church office so that one may be arranged. Lenten devotionals will soon be available in the narthex for all ages! Lenten Taiz� Services begin on Thursday, February 26th, from 12:15-12:45 P.M. in the sanctuary and will continue through Lent.

WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY

The Women's Bible Study meets on Thursdays at 6:30 P.M., at June Rovero's house;2118 1^st Avenue South. They have begun the study of The Minor Prophets. For more information, please call June at 899-6851.

WANTED! 3^rd -5^th GRADERS!

Junior Youth Group (for those in grades 3-5) continues to meet at the church on Wednesdays, at 6:00 P.M. Please come if you can. On February 18^th we will celebrate Mardi Gras and learn about Ash Wednesday and Lent. Hope to see you there!

YOUTH CHAOS NIGHT IS BACK!

For youth in grades 6-12, CHAOS NIGHT returns to First United Methodist Church (610 2^nd Ave. N) on Friday, February 20^th, from 7:30 P.M.-10:00 P.M. A couple of adult volunteers are needed. Please email Kristen Cates at nativeomt@hotmail.com if you can help.

Junior Youth Group (grades 3-5) and Senior Youth Group (grades 6-12) will meet Wednesday, February 11. Junior Youth Groups meets at 6:00 P.M. Senior Youth Group meets at 6:30 P.M.

WHAT DO WE REAP FROM OUR CHURCH?

As written by members and friends at our Great Harvest Thanksgiving Supper on November 23, 2008:

* Food, Fellowship, Fun, Friends, Peace of Mind.

* Good friends, Fellowship, Music.

* Joy, Faith, Hope.

* A place to exercise my faith and serve my community.

* An extended family exploring God's grace in our lives.

FISH WEEK IS FEBRUARY 17-20.

Please call Nick Cetto if you wish to volunteer, 761-0407.

PENNIES FOR PEACE CAMPAIGN

We have two more Sundays to gather 70 pounds of pennies. We currently have 49 pounds in the adult container and 20 pounds in the youth container. The youth have a lot of silver currency and some paper in theirs so in the actual amount, they may be leading the adults. Keep emptying your pockets and pocketbooks the next two weeks and we'll see if we outweigh Reverend Jim. He may have upped the amount we need depending on how good the food was on the Holy Lands trip. Whatever his weight, our pennies will help build schools so lighten your load!

Christ United Methodist will begin selling tickets for their annual PASTY DINNER on March 17^th. Tickets will be available on Sunday February 15 and 22. The price is $5.00 for take home and $6.00 for the dinner.

ALBERTSONS COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Relink your Preferred Savings card

As many of you know, we have been earning funds through the Albertsons Community Partners Program. The Christian Service Board uses these funds for service projects throughout the year. Your Preferred Savings Card can be linked to our church so each time you use it; the Christian Service Board receives up to 4% of your total bill. We get a good amount of money quarterly from Albertsons. Even if you have already linked your card, it needs to be re-linked. If you have never linked your card, do it now. This can be done online by going to the site www.albertsonscp.com. You will need your Preferred Savings Card number and our Organization ID which is: 49000107391. If you don't know your Preferred Savings number call (877)932-7948. No computer? Bring your Preferred Savings Card to church and we will have a laptop and someone to take care of it for you in the Fellowship Hall. If you don't have a Preferred Savings Card but would like to get one, get it at Albertsons or online at Albertsons.com

Friendly Reminder- UCC Council meets Monday, February 16^th at 6:30 P.M.COLUMBARIUM REPORT

The construction of our Columbarium is complete! When weather permits, we will tend to the area in front of the Columbarium. We have met a need in our congregations. 34% of the units have sold. We have not increased our prices but may need to do so in the future. A dedication is planned for April. If you would like to purchase a niche, or would like more information, please contact the church office or Willy Heupel at 453-7200.

Rev. Jim Petersen and "pilgrims" are scheduled to return to Great Falls on Friday, February 13, in the evening. We wish them safe travels back home and look forward to hearing Rev. Jim's sermon on Sunday, February 15.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS & ROOM PICK UP

Children will begin in Sunday School for the first rotation of DANIEL!

*Pre-School; room 5 with (to be announced).

*Grades K-1; room 3 with Liz Lee.

*Grades 2-3; room 2 with Sherry Turner.

*Grades 4-5; room 4 with Syneva Heupel.

*Middle School; room 7 with Tammy Townsend.

Bonnie Warren will be our floater.

We are looking for NURSERY VOLUNTEERS for the month of March. Please call the church office to volunteer or grab the sign up sheet when it comes around!

PRE-SCHOOL teachers are needed for 2/15-3/15. Please call Bonnie Warren at 453-4316 if you would like to play and learn with our little ones!

The challenge of PENNIES FOR PEACE continues!!!