Mid-June Update

Author: Mark Fenstermacher
June 18, 2021

Dear Friend,

I don’t know what it is but it’s growing out of the bushes in the backyard of the parsonage. After eying it for a week or so, I finally went out and decided to do battle with the weed that threatened to become a redwood. One came out of the ground easily but the other weed was stubborn: it will take more effort.

The story of the “weeding adventure” was shared with a friend. She said her mother told her to simply walk around the house one time each day, deal with the weeds you see that day, and that’s how things can be kept in shape.

The lesson applies to our soul life with God: it is a daily thing. When we’re not paying attention, destructive attitudes, behaviors and habits can begin to grow. Soon they can take over and crowd out the good, keeping us from living our best life in God. Jesus talks about this in his Parable of the Sower in Mark 4:1-20 (also in Mt 13:1-23 and Luke 8”4-15): “Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain.”

We’ve been encouraging people to grow in God by praying 5 times a day, reading 5 verses of scripture a day, performing 5 acts of kindness a week, practicing 5 acts of generosity a month (along with making our offerings to God in worship), and inviting 5 persons a year to join us in worship/small group. 

Keep your eyes out for the weeds. Don’t let the self-destructive, hateful junk take root but see to it that you are growing—each day—your best life with God.  Please look at the list below for an update on some of the news of  your church.

Curious about what we’re up to?

• Pastor Nikki is back. Welcome back, Nikki!
• Kaitlyn Skinner, an experienced area teacher and outstanding leader, will start July 1 as the Director of our School of Early Learning: we are so glad!
• Join us on June 27 as we celebrate Katie Pfister’s ministry as Preschool Director since 2018.
• The Missions Team is looking for ways to bless the community and as well as our church family on our annual Faith in Action Sunday scheduled for September 19. If you could use some help, contact Tammy Althouse by calling the office (260-925-0885) or email her (tammy@auburnumc.church).
• Since the beginning of 2021, our Wednesday evening meal ministry has served over 5,000 free meals. Many people who receive those meals are filling out prayer cards. A member of our team greets each car, welcomes them and invites them to let us know how we can pray for them.
• What kind of church will we be if we follow God’s lead? A key 3-week sermon series Rebuilding the Foundations begins on June 27. We’ll be giving as clear a picture as we can of what we believe is God’s preferred future for First. In the midst of a difficult season for the world and our denomination, what kind of church will we be? How will there be a place for you here? What will we be all about? Join us for Rebuilding the Foundations. (Want to get ready? Read Isaiah 58:6-12 in The Message.)
• Due to Independence Day falling on a Sunday this year, we will gather for worship in ONE service on July 4 at 10 am.
• Party in the Parking Lot is set for Wednesday, July 28, and we are excited about this outreach to the community. Sign up on Sunday to join our party team!
• Working with Better Together, our Mission Team will be locating a Food Pantry and Paper Pantry on our property to serve our neighbors and friends who are in special need.
• The United Methodist Men meet Wednesday mornings at 7 am for coffee and a light breakfast (donations gladly accepted) in The Commons at the church.
• “Sing lustily and with good courage,” John Wesley said in his book of hymns. “Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep.” Music is key to our worship: if you love to sing, ring hand bells or play in a band, we’d love for you to join our music ministries. Watch for invitations from Tim Miller to join our worship teams in music.
• The big Trustee project to upgrade our lighting, sound and graphic capabilities so we can better serve our in-person and online congregations is almost complete. Also, notice the lovely flower pots at some of the church entrances: thanks to the flower team!
• August 15 is Back to School Sunday—watch for details about that great day. AND Sunday mornings will look a little different starting September 12th. If you have infants, preschoolers or school-age children, we think you’ll love this! 

In Christ,
Pastor Mark

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