Greetings Topeka First UMC,

I hope that you have had a great week! The days are beginning to get longer, and Spring is around the corner.  Also, remember to spring your clocks forward this weekend.

This week, I would like to celebrate the work of our Sunday morning hospitality team. One of the most important signs of a welcoming church is how you are greeted when you arrive! Shawna Heien leads the connection ministries and is always a warm presence as we arrive. Laura Reiman is frequently helping those in our community who need snacks, clothes, or just someone to talk to. Dave Hutchinson is so good at greeting everyone at the door and helping with anything that needs to be done. Chet Darby works to make sure the coffee is hot and works to make sure our facility is taken care of. Issac and Gabe are the security officers who are always making sure we are safe! Over the next few weeks, please thank those who make our church warm and hospitable.

This Sunday in worship, we continue our sermon series, "Living with Intention." Over the past few weeks, we have looked at the very intentional ministry of Jesus. On Sunday, we will read the story of Jesus being transfigured, discuss the intention of the whole event, and when it happens in the bigger story of the gospels. Our theme this Sunday is, "Intention And Time."

Finally, please find the minutes for the February Leadership Council meeting by clicking this link.

As a reminder, during Lent we will have communion at every service. If you would like to help serve communion, sign up here. Additionally, the same link allows you to sign up to be a greeter.

Blessings, Pastor Brad

The Shades of Theatre Company mission is to ignite a transformative experience that celebrates diverse cultures, empowers the voices of underserved communities, and foster deeper understanding, empathy, and appreciation of the human experience.

Join us for a Sloppy Joes dinner at 6 pm followed by the discussion at 6:30 pm.

The FUMC Men's Group monthly gathering is coming up on Saturday the 14th of March at The Pad Restaurant at 8 AM. This month the spreaker is Barry Feaker of Compassion Strategies which is involved in Affordable Housing, Homelessness, Safe Rest facilities, Tiny homes and One Stop Centers. What he does ties into what Topeka JUMP is advocating. It should be a very informative presentation and encourage you to be there.

Sign up at the Connection Desk or let Roger Underwood know you'll be attending!

What is “Dinners for 8, or 9?”

Dinners for 8 or 9 are monthly gatherings where people, married and single, enjoy connecting with each other while enjoying small group dining. If you are new to Topeka First or if you’ve been around for years, this is a wonderful opportunity to make a new acquaintance or renew an existing friendship.

When and Where?

Dinner group assignments are made in late March. Folks will choose when and where to meet at their convenience until everyone has had the opportunity to host a meal. Home Cooking groups will take turns meeting in one another's homes. The Hallelujah, No Cooking and Bite of Lunch groups meet in local eateries as selected by the group. Most groups of 8 meet four times and groups of 9 meet five times.

How are groups organized?

One person or couple will be designated the group’s first host. Their responsibility is to organize the first gathering of the group. After that, other group members take a turn at planning.  For Home cooking, some groups arrange a potluck supper, with the hosts providing beverage and table service, while other groups choose to have the hosts prepare the whole meal. Your style is whatever your group prefers.

• Home Cooking–This choice is for the person(s) who prefers dinner and fellowship in the home of group members. 
• Hallelujah, No Cooking!–Evening dining out at a restaurant selected by the group and fellowship are preferred by these individuals.
• Bite of Lunch–Lunch time dining at local restaurants allows folks to take advantage of lunch specials and is great for those who do not like to drive at night.