Greetings Topeka First UMC,

I hope that you have had the chance to get outside and enjoy the wonderful fall weather this week! As expected, some are filled with joy, and some are disappointed and sad. Regardless of who we voted for, we can always count on God to be with us. Know that God is with us and is our refuge in times of need, we can better navigate whatever feelings might be coming up for us. When Paul is writing to the Romans he reminds them of this:

     35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 37 No, in all       these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,         neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the         love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is where our hope lies! This Sunday, please join us for worship where the sermon theme literally is "HOPE." It is also Heritage Sunday when we celebrate so many of our members, and we will also be recognizing veterans as Veterans Day is next Monday.

If the election, or any other events happening in your life feel like too much, please reach out to our pastors, Stephen Ministers or Care team.

We had a couple people let us know of their interest in the potential Lunch Buddies program at our mission partner, Scott Dual Language Magnet school. If you have one hour a week during the school year and are interested in having lunch with a school child, please email Shawna at shawna@fumctopeka.org to indicate your interest.

Please sign up to greet this Sunday (really through the rest of the year...) by using this link.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Brad

Have you or someone close to you lost a loved one in the past year? With the holidays approaching, it could be a very tough time. The Stephen Ministry Leaders of this church will be presenting a 3-hour worship on how to survive the Thanksgiving & Christmas holidays without that special one in your life being there.

The Surviving the Holiday Workshop is Saturday, November 16, from 9 am - 12 pm here at church. It is a time to talk about different ways to remember your missing family member. Please call the church, 785-233-8100, sign up at the Connection Desk in the Celebration Room,  to reserve a book and space.

Most Sincerely, The Stephen Ministers of Topeka First UMC

Email Tiwana if you're coming please.

Dec. 5: Phase 2 Festival of Trees

Dec. 7: Carols & Cookies on Kansas

Dec. 8: White Gift Sunday

Dec. 9: Service of Comfort & Hope

Topeka First UMC partners with Topeka North Outreach, Scott Dual Language Magnet Elementary School, Topeka Rescue Mission, Doorstep, and Let's Help.  You can click on each name for to be redirected to their respective websites.

The November issue of the Topeka Jump Justice Insight has been published.