Greetings Topeka First UMC,

I hope you're having a great week and staying warm!

This week has been busy here at church. The Board of Ordained Ministry for the Great Plains Conference has been meeting in our building all week. The board has interviewed a number of candidates for ministry. Over the next few days, all of the candidates for ministry will be notified of their progress toward ordination. Please keep the board and all candidates in prayer.

Coming up this Sunday, we will be reminded about how God calls us to be the presence of Christ to the world through service. The Mission Team is hosting a mission fair, with tables, displays, and opportunities to get involved from ten community mission partners. 

In worship this weekend, our sermon series is called, "When Life Creates Friction." Last week, Pastor Sandra led us through God's timing and this week we turn to overcoming doubt. In the gospels we read about Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples who is always doubting. Thomas doubts a few different times as he wrestles with the very human questions of faith. Throughout the scriptures, we encounter many people who doubt God or themselves. This week, we will look at Moses and his doubts in regard to God's calling. We will also celebrate Holy Communion.

Also on Sunday is our annual "State of the Church" dinner and meeting. Dinner will include chili and cinnamon rolls, beginning at 5:00 pm. Our meeting will begin at 6:00 pm. We are going to sing together, celebrate the many ways God is moving, and provide lots of infomtion about our church. We will discuss the new leadership structure, "Be the Bridge" updates, and staffing updates. 

See you Sunday,
Pastor Brad 

Remember to use the PO box if you are mailing the church something. We do not have an assigned mail delivery person. Using the street address can result in mail taking almost one month to reach us.

Anyone interested in quiliting or learning to quilt should come to the downstairs quilt room on Tuesday mornings at 10 am.  Quilts are made throughout the year and many are donated on "White Sunday" in December.  The group also makes other fun items throughout the year.  info@forthegoodofthecity.org

On Monday, February 9, from 6–7:30 pm, our Faith Talk series continues at Topeka First UMC. We’ll talk about John Wesley—his theology, his life, and what it means for us today. Bring your favorite dip to share. Childcare provided.  Contact the church office for more information: 785-233-8100.

Phase 2 folks will travel to Union Station to the Titanic Immersive Voyage Tour on Monday, Feb. 23. Cost of bus and ticket is $46.00.  Lunch at Bob Evans on the way home is at your own coast. Country Side UMC folks will be traveling with us.