Greetings Topeka First UMC,

I hope that you are enjoying the beautiful weather this week! 

Easter was awesome! Thank you to all the staff, musicians and volunteers who made the celebration of resurrection so wonderful!

The great news is that Easter isn't over. Last Sunday was the first Sunday of Easter, and there are still 6 more Sundays in the Easter season. Our new sermon series is called, "Is that in the Bible?" Over the next three weeks we will look at some of the most common sayings of the Christian faith. Each week, we will look at whether or not that saying is actually in the bible, and if so, what it really means. The themes for each week are as follows:

  • April 16: God has a Plan?
  • April 23: Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin?
  • April 30: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves?

As you can see, this Sunday, we will look at the belief that God has a plan for our lives. While this may be true, this statement can be taken to unhealthy extremes. For example, if God plans everything that happens, one could argue that God is responsible for all the terrible suffering in the world, and this is a troubling thought. In addition, if God has a plan all laid out, some may argue that we can just sit back and see what happens without working to make this world more like the kingdom of God. On Sunday, we will look at a few stories from the scriptures that will inform us in terms of what it means for God to have a plan! I hope that you and your family will make plans to join us!

Before Sunday though, there is an opportunity for you to participate in a neat mission opportunity that our church is organizing. On Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in our parking lot, we will be collecting furniture for Impact Avenues, an organization is Topeka that helps students and their families transition out of homelessness. All the furniture that is donated will be used to furnish their new homes. So, bring your dining room tables, chairs, couches, dressers, end tables, and more (no mattresses please) and contribute to this great cause. 

On Wednesday, April 19th from 6:30-7:30 p.m., you won't want to miss this workshop led by Heidi Unruh and Joy Skjegstad, our ministry consultants for the Community Listening Process and the authors of the book, Real Connections: Ministries to Strengthen Church and Community Relationships. In this workshop, we will explore why it is important for us to focus on building relationships as a community of Jesus followers, how to talk to strangers and create new relationships, the qualities necessary for a meaningful relationship, and the unique gifts that each of us bring to relationship-building. The workshop will be offered in-person and on Zoom...sign up now! For those in person, there will be snacks provided!  

See you Sunday,

Pastor Brad

PS, please join me in celebrating the birth of Huxley Reign McMillan born on April 16! His parents are Loren and Susan McMillan.  Our very own Loreen McMillan is the very proud grandmother.