The Echo
The Echo
A Publication of the First United Methodist Church of Malvern, Arkansas
MARCH 2014
Just How Long Has Lent Been Around?
Lent is one of the oldest
observations on the Christian
calendar and predates every
denomination.
Like all Christian holy days
and holidays, it has changed
over the years. Its original
purpose was: self-examination and penitence, demonstrated by self-denial, in
preparation for Easter. Some
Christian faiths still adhere
to that purpose. In the very
early church, a period of time
for this purpose existed but
only lasted 2-3 days.
The earliest mention of Lent,
as we know it, in the history
of the Christian Faith, comes from the council of Nicaea in 325 AD. The council of Nicaea is best known for the profession
of faith – the ‘Nicene Creed’ (The Apostles Creed) – which we, as Methodists, recite every Sunday. The Nicean council
discussed a 40-day Lenten season of fasting that soon encompassed the whole Church. The forty days eventually came
to represent the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry.
How exactly the churches counted those 40 days varied depending on location. In the Eastern European church, Christians fasted on weekdays only. However, the Western European church’s Lent was one week shorter, but included
Saturdays keep the observance to 40 days and in both places, the season was both strict and serious. Only one meal was
taken a day, near the evening. There was to be no meat, fish, or animal products eaten. By the 800s, some Lenten practices were already becoming more relaxed. First, Christians were allowed to eat after 3 p.m. By the 1400s, it was noon.
Eventually, various foods (like fish) were allowed but practices in Eastern churches are still quite strict.
Until the 600s, Lent began on a Sunday, but Gregory the Great (c.540-604) moved it to a Wednesday, now called Ash
Wednesday, to secure the exact number of 40 days in Lent — not counting Sundays, which were feast days. Gregory is
also credited with the ceremony that gives the day its name. As Christians came to the church for forgiveness on the first
day of the observance, Gregory marked their foreheads with ashes reminding them of the biblical symbol of repentance
(sackcloth and ashes) and mortality: “You are dust, and to dust you will return” (Gen. 3:19).
The word “lent” comes from the Anglo-Saxon (early English) word meaning to ‘lengthen’. Lent comes at a time when the
hours or daytime are ‘lengthening’, as spring approaches.
Lent is still devoutly observed in the Roman Catholic Church as well as some mainline Protestant denominations such as
Methodist, Anglican and Episcopalian, while some others hardly mention it at all.
Today during these 40 days, Christians should focus on their relationship with God and make Jesus the center of their
lives.
From The Pastor’s Desk
Rev. LaVon Post
“Excuse me. Please do not run yourself down. I happen to think that you are an
excellent person.”
It is amazing how good Christian people can ignore the excellent life that they
are living and instead, pummel and berate themselves for their occasional failures.
I bet you would be thrilled if the actual Mona Lisa painting was displayed in your
hometown. What if you went to your local museum and someone was making a
speech, pointing out areas where Da Vinci could have done a better job? What
if this person pointed out areas where he thought Da Vinci made mistakes in
his painting?
That man would be probably be met with amazement. Because he would be
berating the work of a master.
Have you ever thought that since God made you, it would be best if you didn’t
highlight flaws in yourself? Should you not turn the spotlight from your failures
and give thanks for your God-given areas of beauty and strength?
Would it not be better to smile and embrace God’s love and forgiveness? Would it not be better to love Christ, who died for us? Would it
not be better to accept yourself? To thank God for your strengths, to accept forgiveness for your failures?
Here is what God thinks of you. Don’t disparage yourself today, you’ll be arguing with your Father’s opinion of you. Please read carefully
these verses, it is referring to YOU.:
“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him
up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
Romans 8: 31-32
Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service and Witness
by Financial Management Team
Financial Report as of February 28, 2014
Financial Item February 2014 Year-To-Date
Ministry Budget
$40,277
$80,553
Offering
$32,898
$61,423
Variance from budget
$ 7,379 less than budget $19,130 less than budget
Expense
$40,241
$81,361
Variance from budget
$
36 less than budget
$ 808 more than budget
Net Income (Offering minus expenses)
$ 7,343 negative
$19,938 negative
The offering to date is much less than for the same period in the past four years. Offerings as of the February end-of-month in 2010
through 2013 averaged $72,202 with a low amount of $69,921 and high amount of $77,907. The 2014 amount is $10,779 or
14.5 percent less than that average.
Remember the ministries of the church continue regardless of the varying attendance in weekly worship services. The same is true for
the financial gifts necessary to support the many ministries. If you are not already doing so, please consider a personal or family giving
plan which includes a regular offering arrangement.
As we give thanks to God for His many blessings, let us respond to His call for ministry with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and
witness.
A Letter From Bishop Mueller
The following letter was received from Bishop Mueller in February and Rev. Post would like to share it with you.
(To:)
The Reverend LaVon Post
Mr. Chris Walthall
Malvern First United Methodist Church
Dear LaVon and Chris,
Thank you, Malvern First United Methodist Church, for your visionary and faithful leadership in
being one of the first “official” members of The Extra Mile Club - those churches that gave at least
101% of their apportionments for 2013.
Bishop Mueller
LaVon, you proposed this idea to the Conference Council on Finance and Administration,
and it was heartily embraced. This new opportunity to express a connection to other United Methodist Churches was unveiled at
this past Annual Conference.
I know the financial challenges your congregation faces are great. That’s what makes your above and beyond giving so special.
Know how deeply grateful I am for what you have done.
I am excited more and more every day by how United Methodists in Arkansas are being caught by God’s vision and responding
by creating vital congregations that make disciples of Jesus Christ, who make disciples equipped to transform lives, communities
and the world. Please join me in praying for spiritual revival that will enable this to happen among laity, pastors, congregations, our
Annual Conference and the United Methodist Church.
God bless you and may you share that blessing with all around you!
Grace and peace,
Gary E. Mueller
Weekly Attendance
Stay In The Loop!
Harsh Winter weather has cut deeply into weekly average attendance so far this year.
For the month of February our average Sunday
attendance was well below our average for the
same month last year. This past month we averaged 166 people in attendance while in February of 2013 we averaged 185.
For 2014, which is only January and February
and taking into account the inclement weather also in January, our average Sunday attendance was 165 persons, down from 183 for the
first 2 months of 2013.
If you know of a member(s) you haven’t seen in
church lately, give them a call and tell them you
miss seeing them on Sunday’s.
We are now on Facebook bringing you updates on church events and photos of activities at the church.
Go to:
facebook.com/FirstMethodistMalvern to
check it out and while you’re there please
click the “Like” button so you can keep posted on church happenings as they occur. The
UMKids and LOFT Youth information will also
be posted.
Birthdays in March
Mar. 1
Phil Clem
Phyllis Hunt
Kay Lindsey
Addison Beene
Mar. 3
Sandra Bailey
Marsha Parsley
Mar. 4
Stephanie Cox
Mar. 5
Laura Cupit
Caleb Weed
Mar. 9
Mark Hunt
Mar. 10
Danny Lindsey
Jenna Chadwick McKiddy
Mar. 11
Aaron Roys
Britton Russell
Seth Wright
Birthdays in April
April 2
Riley Matthews
April 3
Hunter Lawrence
Sarah McClure
April 4
Roger Coomer
Mallory Meyers
Aaron Purifoy
April 5
J.R. Hart
April 6
Kenneth Parker
Amber Prince
April 7
Annette Green
Joanna Griffeth
Beverly McLarty
April 9
Kelly Thicksten
Julie Griggs
April 10
Joan Burnett
April 11
Raymona McKinnon
April 12
Luke Hall
Jennifer Rowe
John Allan Tate
Mar. 12
Christie Clem
Chyra Worthington
Mar. 13
Ethan Martin
Martha McClure
April 13
Mar. 14
Hugh Day Welch
Cody Bost
Deborah Treadwell
Mary Katherine Worthington
Mar. 15
Stephanie Johnson
Jane Rice
April 15
Arden Clem
April 17
Brian Efird
Helen Turner
Mar. 16
Katy Bailey
Kathy Richardson
April 19
Tony Warner
April 20
Mar. 20
Allison Weed
Mar. 24
Melissa Murdock
Jerrod Barber
Dyka Branum
Craig Burnett
Shane Ray McKinnon
Mar. 25
Glenda Aldridge
Richard DeJarnatt
Logan Efird
April 23
Susan Tanner
April 25
Jimmy Wright
Arin Shuffield
Mar. 26
Gail B. McClure
Donna Langston
April 26
Mar. 28
Juliet Green
Bryan Launius
Lisa Efird
John Grigsby
Brittany Johnson
April 27
Derrick Denham
Betty Stallnaker
Mar. 29
Travis Dixon
Neil Welch
April 28
Haley Birch
Hannah Birch
Mar. 30
Chrystal Beene
Riley Shuffield
April 29
Mar. 31
Phillip Tate
Chad Clem
Jeffrey Howard
Lane Purifoy
facebook.com/FirstMethodistMalvern
Library News - New Books on The Shelves.
by Ann Exall - Librarian
The following books have been added to our library:
Biblica, The Bible Atlas, Global Book Printing, Publishers
Biblica, The Bible Atlas is a social and historical journey through the lands of the Bible. It goes beyond
traditional Bible atlases to place the biblical narrative
and people into their historical, cultural. social and
geographic contexts. It provides readers with a better
understanding of biblical events and journeys, of the
complex history and cultures of the Bible lands and of
the modern political landscape of the region. The latest archaeological findings and theological research
are presented alongside engaging discussion of the
Bible stories, ensuring that readers take away from
Biblica new insights and a deeper appreciation of the
Bible.
Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis with Beth Clark
Kisses from Katie invites readers on a journey of radical love down the red dirt roads of Uganda. You’ll laugh and cry with
Katie as she follows Jesus into the impossible and finds joy and beauty beneath the dust. Katie and her children delight in
saying yes to the people God places in front of them and challenge readers to do the same, changing the world one person
at a time.
Small Town Girl by Ann H Gabhart
How long can two people stand on the brink of love without plunging in headfirst? In her gentle and textured style, Ann H.
Gabhart tells a timeless story of love, sacrifice and longing that will grip your heart and stir your spirit.
Butterfly Palace by Colleen Coble
Elegance and wealth. Privilege and politics. The extravagance of Butterfly Place overwhelmed Lily’s senses and nearly
smothered her painful memories. She pushed away her misgivings… She was perfectly safe in this huge house.
An Untamed Heart by Lauraine Snelling
Twenty-year-old Ingeborg Strand is certain she is destined to be an old maid. It’s not that she’s lacked suitors, but now she
no longer can have the one she loved. With the future looking bleak, her mother suggests that she leave Norway and start
afresh in America, as so many others have done before her. But how will she accomplish that with little money and no one
to accompany her?
All Things Hidden by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse
Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse team up to deliver a stunning depression-era drama. The setting is a medical
clinic on the beautiful Alaskan frontier.
The following 3 books are from the Land of Shining Waters series written by Tracie Peterson. Her love for history and research fuel the best selling stories she writes:
The Icecutter’s Daughter
The Quarryman’s Bride
The Miner’s Lady
What’s New in The LOFT?
by Jill Barnett - Director of Youth Ministries
Heart to Heart Lunch
On February 9th some of the LOFT Youth served lunch to 80 plus members of the church
family after the 10:35 service, in spite of the awful weather. It was such a pleasure to see
everyone enjoying fellowship with each other. The food was delicious, thanks to Mike Bailey at the Sizzlin and the UMW. The youth did a great job serving and several wonderful
church members stayed to help clean up. It was a great day at be a part of FUMC (see
photos inside back page).
Souper Bowl of Caring
Thanks to our church members, we raised $355 for R.O.S.E. on Super Bowl Sunday. We appreciate your help in our efforts to support
local missions.
Senior Recognition Sunday April 27th
Please join us on Sunday, April 27th in the Fellowship Hall at 6:00 pm for a potluck honoring the 2014 Graduating High School Seniors.
This is always an enjoyable evening to remember many special and sometimes funny (often hilarious!) things that have taken place in
the lives of our students.
Thanks to our Prayer Partners!
We would like to extend a huge “thank you” to all of the caring people from our church who volunteered to serve as youth prayer partners
for the current year. The Prayer Partner breakfast was so enjoyable and we were happy to see so many of our prayer partners in attendance (see photos inside back page). We love you, appreciate you and need your prayers.
Spring Break!!!!!
One of our favorite times of year! Watch the bulletin for details on a series of day trips being planned for the week of spring break! It’s
going to be so much fun!
Save the dates!
3/02 5:00 fellowship at the church, 6:00 Son of God at the Ritz
3/05 LOFT 6:00 / Ash Wednesday Service 5:30
3/09 LOFT 6:00
3/12 LOFT 6:00
3/16 LOFT 6:00
3/19 LOFT 6:00
3/23 No LOFT
3/24-28 Spring Break
3/26 No LOFT
3/30 Loft 6:004/05 Prom Dinner
4/27 Senior Recognition 6:00
UMKids
by Robbie Atkinson, Director of Children’s Ministries
February started with a great turn out at our prayer partner breakfast. It
was so awesome to see our UMKids and youth visiting in fellowship with
their partners in faith. Thank you to everyone who helped and joined in
on the fun.
UMKids have a fun packed afternoon on Wednesdays. Wish I had their
energy!! After a long day at school they come ready to learn Gods word
and enjoy time with friends. What a blessing to see!!!
Confirmation class will begin March 5th, Ash Wednesday at 4:45. Rev.
Post will teach this class. Looking forward to working with a great group
of boys and girls. Other dates are March 12th, 19th, April 2nd and 9th,
each class will be from 5:00 to 6:00 on Wednesday afternoon.
Day with the Bishop in Little Rock on March 8th from 9:00 to 3:00. I will
update everyone as to what time we will need to leave. Please let me
know if you plan for your child to make this trip.
UMKids will be singing Sunday March 16th during church service. Please
come and support our kids, they love to sing and they put their whole
hearts into each word. Thank you Penny Gassman and Mary Ann Harper
for all the hard work and time you spend with UMKids!
No UMKids March 26th Spring Break. (Have GREAT week)
Upcoming dates in April:
Confirmation Sunday is April 13th during church service.
Calling all UMKids April 13th for our traditional children’s Palm Sunday.
We will meet in Toler Chapel at 10:15 to receive palm branches and begin
our joyful entry into the sanctuary.
Easter Egg Hunt April 19th at 11:00
VBS dates are set for June 9th – June 13th Monday-Friday 9:00am –
Noon. The theme will be “Weird Animals” Where Jesus’ love is One-OfA-Kind. If you are interested in volunteering for VBS, please call or email
me at 501-337-2456, [email protected]. Please consider this
opportunity to serve God by leading or helping with VBS! You will be
blessed!
March 2014
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
2
8:30am
Worship Junction
9:30am
Sunday School
10:35am
Traditional Service
5:00pm
LOFT Youth
3
4
10:00am
UMW Executive
Mtg.
5
3:00-4:00pm
UMKids Playtime/Snack
4:00 pm
UMKids Lesson 4:45pm Confirmation Class
5:00pm
LOFT Youth Meal
5:30pm Ash Wed. Service
5:30 pm Handbell
6:00 pm LOFT Youth
6:30 pm Chancel Choir
6
7
8
9
8:30am
Worship Junction
9:30am
Sunday School
10:35am
Traditional Service Handbell Choir performs
5:00pm
LOFT Youth
5:00pm
UMW Arnold-Jones
Circle Meets
10
11
10:00am
UMW Morning
Circles Meet
12
3:00-4:00pm
UMKids Playtime/Snack
4:00 pm
UMKids Lesson 5:00pm Confirmation Class
5:00pm
LOFT Youth Meal
5:30 pm
Handbell Practice
6:00 pm
LOFT Youth Ministry
6:30 pm
Chancel Choir Practice
13
14
15
16
8:30am
Worship Junction
9:30am
Sunday School
10:35am
Traditional Service UMKids W.O.W. Singers
perform
17
2:00pm
LOFT Youth
work and
play day
18
19
3:00-4:00pm
UMKids Playtime/Snack
4:00 pm
UMKids Lesson 5:00pm Confirmation Class
5:00pm
LOFT Youth Meal
5:30pm Ash Wed. Service
5:30 pm Handbell
6:00 pm LOFT Youth
6:30 pm Chancel Choir
20
21
22
23
8:30am
Worship Junction
9:30am
Sunday School
10:35am
Traditional Service
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
8:30am
Worship Junction
9:30am
Sunday School
10:35am
Traditional Service
5:00pm
LOFT Youth
31
2pm
UMW SmithYoung Circle
Meets
Spring Break Week
Please Remember Your Prayer Partner!
Saturday
Memorials & Honorariums
Upcoming Church Happenings:
In Memory of:
Dr Jusing Lee
Given by: Dr. Dewey & Pat Allen; Gail & Janis West; Jayci Gibbs; Ron McNamar
April 6 - UMW Fellowship Luncheon &
Baked Goods Auction
April 13 - Palm Sunday/Confirmation
April 20 - Easter Sunday
April 27 - High School Senior Recognition
June 9-13 - Vacation Bible School
Through February 24
Ed Howard
Given by:
Don & Lemona Elliott and Pat, Jr. and LaDonna Daniel; Gail & Janis
West; Jim & Josephine Bray; Mike &
Fran Bailey; Ron McNamar
Gay Birch
Given by:
Arnold Jones Circle; Elmore Hunting
Club; Jim & Josephine Bray; Johnny,
Julie & Jayci Gibbs; Mike & Fran Bailey
Jean Boyles
Given by:
Chris & Joy Walthall; Sherry & Steve
Efird
In Honor of:
Joy & Chris Walthall
Given by:
Ron McNamar
Barbara & Bill Manning
Given by:
Ron McNamar
Ann Exall
Given by:
Shirley Green, Pat Allen, Marilyn Bloise & Deborah Frink
UMW Fellowship Luncheon
Everyone is invited to a fellowship luncheon
on Sunday, April 6th immediately following the
10:35am service. It is being handled by the UMW.
The menu will consist of baked spaghetti, green
beans, garlic bread and dessert. The price/person is $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12.
There will also be either a bake sale or auction of
Cakes, cookies, etc.
Tickets will be available at the door.
The Echo Online
We are now archiving each month’s issue of The
Echo online. Simply go to our homepage: FirstMethodistMalvern.org and then go to the “media” tab. A menu will slide down and on there
you can choose “Newsletter”.
The newsletter archive dates back to December, 2013
Past electronic issues of The Echo will remain
available online for several months.
Keeping Up with First Methodist!
facebook.com/FirstMethodistMalvern
Your source for up to the minute news and happenings at the church. Share the page with
other members. New “likes” are happening each week!
We have news there from all groups in the church including LOFT Youth and UMKids.
Heart-to-Heart Luncheon - Prayer Partner Breakfast
On February 9th some of the LOFT Youth served
lunch to 80 plus members of the church family after
the 10:35 service, in spite of the awful weather. It
was such a pleasure to see everyone enjoying fellowship with each other.
Heart-to-Heart Luncheon
We would like to extend a huge “thank you” to all of
the caring people from our church who volunteered
to serve as youth prayer partners for the current
year. On February 2nd the Prayer Partners joined
for a delicious breakfast in Fellowship Hall.
Prayer Partner Breakfast