News from Pastor Brad & Current Events

Greetings Topeka First UMC,

I hope that you are having a great week! 

Last Sunday we began our new sermon series, "Chiefs Kingdom, God's Kingdom" by exploring the Kingdom of God as the now and the not yet. Last week we looked at the role of Chad Henne and his role as the backup quarterback. When the Chiefs needed him most, he was ready to play. How did he prepare? By practicing, working out, and training as if he were going to play each week. the same is true for us as part of the Kingdom of God. We are called to practice our faith prayer, being consistent with our spiritual lives, and by being the hands of Christ to the world. This Sunday, we will look at the upside-down nature of the Kingdom of God. In Jesus' time, everyone lived under the oppression of the Roman Empire. Hope was in short supply. Enter Jesus, and the Upside-Down Kingdom of God.

This Sunday at 9:30 am in Fellowship Hall, Tammy Casteen, Program Manager of Junior Achievement of Kansas, will share how JA of Topeka is making a positive impact on local students. Volunteers work with a spectrum of grades. Colorful materials using posters, games, stickers and worksheets share the concepts of handling money well, how to develop positive work habits and the importance of being involved in your community, which are all core foundations of the JA Program.  Anyone can come & listen!  

Incoming 6th graders are encouraged to come to room 213 at 10:45 this Sunday for a Moving Up Celebration!  Then, from 6-8 pm, ALL youth are invited for a Back-to-School Bash in the youth room! Our new Pastor of NextGen Ministry is going to be present to meet all of the youth! Be sure to email Isaac if your youth is coming.  Additionally, please make sure the annual youth permission form has been filled out.

I'm really excited about the Downtown Block Party that's happening on the 19th!  If you have ANY drink coolers, wheeled coolers, carry coolers we could borrow, would you please let Karissa or Shawna know?  Additionally, if you have any "lawn games" like corn-hole would you please let us borrow them?  If you haven't had a chance to sign-up to help with this event, please do so!  It's going to be so great but it'll take all of us to make it happen!  You can find full event details here and can sign up here.  If it's easier, see Shawna on Sunday with any questions or to volunteer to help.

Haved you signed up to come and hear about everything that happened at the Great Plains Annual Conference which was a couple of months ago? If not, please let us know you'll be coming to the Sunday, August 20, noon presentation.  Light snacks will be available.

The fall kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, September 10.  We are still looking for adults to help with the new 2/3 year old class.  Please let Laura or Shawna know if you're able to help!

I'm looking forward to seeing you in person at 8:15, 9:30, or 10:45, but if you can't be here in person, please plan to worship with us through the live stream at 9:30 or 10:45.

Blessings, 

Pastor Brad