F i r s t U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t C h u r ch

The Observer

February & March 2017

Wildcat Store Letter 1 & 2

Pathfinders’ Study 2

Esther Circle Love

Plates 3

Valentine Grams 3

Valentines for

Nursing Homes 3

Lenten/Easter Events 4

Christine Haraburda 4

Back to Basics

Workshop 5

Sing for Cantata 5

Shew grandbaby 6

Valentine’s Day

Dinner 6

Cluster Lock-In 6

Pre-New Years Eve

Party 7

14 & Chestnut

Birthday Party 7

BackPack Grant 7

Story Keepers

Resumes for Youth 8

Austin Batchelor

Baptism 8

Church Christmas

Party 8

Calendar 9

Prayer Concerns 9

Contact Info Cover

Coming Events Cover

Regular Events Cover

“I Feel Like Santa Claus” This was a statement used by one of

the students during the Wildcat Store event, but it was

a common feeling among many of the young people who

shopped the Store. Cluster #83 Vermillion County

Methodist Churches plus many other community

volunteers set up a store that served 98 students on

December 16 and 19. We gave away eight bicycles, two

yearbooks (one SVMS and one SVHS), an RCA Cambio

tablet with detachable keyboard and seventeen gift

cards! Anyone entering the Store had an opportunity to

sign up for a chance to win. The Store gave away

hygiene products, pillows, full-sized blankets and throws,

as well as hats, gloves, shoes, boots, coats, an array of

clothing, many formals and party dresses and a whole

section of gifts for the entire family. Volunteers were

busy gift-wrapping items intended for family members.

Almost all students used the maximum amount of

time allowed to shop for themselves and their families.

Everyone enjoyed the experience of shopping, looking,

gathering ideas for gifts, finding something that fit just

WILDCAT STORE, 2016 Letter to Volunteers

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right as well as things that were perfect for family. Our volunteers enjoyed

the time with each individual, helping them in the selection process. Some

Wildcat Store volunteers made runs to Wal-Mart for more

hygiene products, tennis shoes, jeans and tops that were part of the Wish

List items.

The first day was devoted to high school students to keep away from

finals on the last week of school before break. All students who attended

the Store stayed, shopped and signed up for the prizes. Two students were

overheard commenting that their families were going to have a good

Christmas!

The second day of the Store brought the middle school students (in a

bus) and lots of anticipation!! Mrs. Harris told the students that they were

going to go to the North Pole. After a short moment of disappointment, they

got into the spirit of shopping in earnest!

After the second day of operation, the high school basketball team

helped haul tables back to the Family Living Center, take trash to the

dumpster, pack remaining boxes of Store items and haul these boxes to

waiting trucks to be distributed to the Helping Hands Ministry in West Terre

Haute. A few ball players even rode the bicycles to the middle school for

the happy winners to take home! Many thanks go to this fine group of young

men. They did a super job and never complained once about the task(s).

Pathfinder Class Studies

“Old Testament Characters”

The Pathfinder’s Sunday school class has finished their study of

Christmas hymns. The class is now returning to the LifeGuide

Bible Studies, with “Old Testament Characters.” This Bible study

introduces you to twelve remarkable lives described in the Old

Testament. The stories of these people from the ancient past can

help you learn to live well, even today. You are welcome to join

this class for a fun, friendly and learning environment each week.

This guide has twelve interesting and important people of the Old

Testament. Brian Hutchinson

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Each year Esther Circle

members prepare cookies and

other goodies, and then

assemble them during its

meeting in February. This year

the meeting is on Tuesday,

February 21 and will be in the

Fellowship Hall at 7:00 pm.

Like to help? Even if you aren’t a

Circle member, you can help! You can

participate by baking cookies, donating

fruit or individually

wrapped snacks, such as

small boxes of raisins and/

or candies.

Members are compiling

a list of recipients. If you

know of someone who

could benefit from a love plate, please let

Karen Hartman or any of the Esther

Circle members know.

Love Plates for Loved Ones!

Esther Circle Requests Names

of Recipients

Next meeting:

Tues. February 21

7:00 pm @ church

Valentine Grams

Place your order by February 5 and they will

be delivered at church on February 12. The

Valentine Grams will be $1.00 apiece and all

the money will go to the Back Pack Program.

Please see Ashley Downs to order or sign up

in the back.

Valentine Cards for Nursing Homes

We will once again be making

valentine cards for the local nursing

homes. If you would like to make

some, please do so. Then give them

to Ashley Downs or put them in the

church mailbox by February 5, so we

can label them and distribute.

Mark your calendars for the following dates!

Lenten Breakfasts You are encouraged to attend as many breakfasts as possible.

The services are always inspiring, the fellowship is great,

and the food is delish. Details will follow.

Breakfasts are at 7:30 am

Saturday, March 4, 11, 18 and 25

Saturday, April 1 and 8

Palm Sunday--April 9

Maundy Thursday--April 13

Good Friday--April 14

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Lenten and Easter Plans Are in the Works!

Christine Haraburda Recovering Christine Haraburda’s life changed in an

instant. One moment, she was on her way to

work and the next, she was covered in dust

and debris from a bridge that had been struck

by the truck beside her. Christine’s life was

spared, but her right arm was severely

injured, and yes, she is right-handed. According to her mother, Kathy Davis,

“she is healing but faces a long recovery.” She

is presently staying with her sister, Beverly,

who is helping her with activities of daily

living and transportation to doctors and

rehab.

Two Ways to Help--Cards would be

appreciated, and may be sent to her,

c/o Beverly Murray, 2038 Talisker Ct., Avon,

IN 46123.

Christine hopes to return to her

apartment in a few weeks, and Kathy says

that Christine “thinks one-handed food prep and cooking will be her biggest challenge.”

Therefore, another way that we, as a church

family, can help is to provide single serving,

low carb meals for her freezer. Also, food

from the Fifth Sunday dinner will be sent to

Christine. Please contact Kathy to help.

March 1, Ash Wednesday,

7:00 pm service at Clinton First

Easter Sunday--April 16

Back to Basics West District

Back to Basics Conferencing is an event unique to the district in which

it is held. The all day Saturday event include a keynote speaker and

breakout sessions that help answer the question: What is the next step

to be a church that connects people to Jesus? This conference will

focus on faith development for all ages. Any size church will benefit.

Cost: $10.00 per person (includes lunch)

>Training for Pastors and All Laity

>Multiple Workshop Offerings

>All- Age-Level Ministry Offered Contact Lisa Timmerman

Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church

317-924-1321 or lisa.timmerman@inumc.org

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Sign Up & Sing Out for Easter Cantata!

Rediscover Discipleship

Fundamentals

Feb. 4, 2017 8:30am-4:30pm

Mt. Pleasant UMC

3050 E. Davis Dr., Terre Haute

Clinton First has an Easter Cantata that our music team would like to do this

year, but there are not enough voices to make it work. The Cluster discussed it

at a recent meeting; and it was decided that, besides mentioning it at church on

Sunday, that it would be a good idea to send it out to everybody and try to

generate some interest for all the churches. If each church could come up with five folks

who would be willing to practice at least once a week, we could have a wonderful cantata

and a great impact on our community. If you know of singers from other churches in the

cluster, please encourage them to lend their voices!

Karen Hartman is willing to co-coordinate but wants someone else to take it to the next

level (i.e. be the conductor). Please consider volunteering for this event, and contact Karen

Hartman at 765-832-6930. Since practice for the cantata needs to begin by Weds. Feb. 22,

please contact Karen before that date.

Singers Needed Before February 22

Children, Grades, K-6, of the Cluster Churches will be

treated to a Lock-In at Newport UMC on Feb. 10-11

from 7pm-8am. No one will go hungry because there will be snacks and pizza served during

the night and a big pancake breakfast in the morning. The youth will play games, watch

movies, and make valentines for the nursing homes.

Please do not bring electronic devices to this event.

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A Blessing for the Shews!

Name: Charles Edward Shew

Born: January 3, 2017

Weight: 6lbs.-8 oz.

Length: 20”

Parents: John and Heather Shew

Cluster News--LOCK-IN!--

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Tuscany’s

Grab friends, relatives or your sweetheart

to celebrate Valentine’s Day!

Where: Tuscany’s Steak & Pasta House,

1218 North Main, Paris, IL

When: Sunday, Feb. 12 at 6:00 pm (Clinton Time)

Carpool from Walmart at 5:15 pm

Please sign up at church on the round table

or email: carlsons1966@gmail.com The deadline is Thursday, Feb. 9.

Eat Pizza, Make Valentines, Movies, Play games. Please! No electronics. Breakfast served on Saturday.

Fri/Sat. February 10-11

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BackPack Program Receives Grant

December 30 was the Cluster pre-New Year’s Eve party for

K-6th grade children. They gathered at Paradise Bowl at 6:00 pm

for bowling and pizza. For those wishing to do so, they

continued the evening at Wayside for more games, a story by

Dorothy Myers, snacks and fun decorating cookies. At the close

of the evening it was a loud time ringing in the New Year.

Those attending were Loren and Angela Crouch, Chris, Gabe,

and Jacob Bridgewater, Aaden Giordano, Tori Crouch and

Audrey Lientz. Also attending were Dianna Devlin and Colin,

Tom and Kathy Davis, Tim Davis and a friend, Mark and Jeff Davis, Mitch and Shelby Marsolf

and Scout. Audrey Lientz

Youth Enjoy Cluster Pre-New Year’s Eve Party

Each month at 14th & Chestnut Community Center in

Terre Haute, a birthday party is given for the children

having birthdays that month. January 18, our church

gave the party for the children celebrating January

birthdays. Pastor Tom Barnett, Audrey Lientz, and

Angela Crouch provided games for the children and

served cupcakes and punch. Lori Barnett, Becky

Poindexter, and Audrey Lientz made the cupcakes and

Margie Lapworth and Sandee Frey furnished the drinks.

This is a wonderful mission and Bill Felts does a great job running it. It was a joy to represent

Clinton First and spend time with great bunch of kids. Audrey Lientz

Happy Birthday!..at 14th & Chestnut Community Center

In December Dean Strohm presented Phyllis

Marsolf with a $500 check from the Vermillion

County Community Foundation. Volunteers who

pack the bags each week look on.

In the two pictures at the right, are some of the dedicated

volunteers who help pack bags each week. They have

packing down to an art! The whole process for filling 200

bags takes only about an hour. This session was on

January 19.

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Austin and his family celebrate with a beautiful cake!

The annual Christmas party was Dec. 10 at MCL

Cafeteria. As you can see, everyone was smiling

at their surprise gifts.

Church Christmas Party!

Story Keepers Returns!--March 8

Hey Kids! Once again, enter the catacombs of Clinton First and into

the underground church of A.D. 64! Follow leaders into those

catacombs to hear the stories of Jesus and stories of courage and

faith. Begins Weds., March 8 for five weeks! Time: 6:00-7:30 pm

A light meal will be served at 6:00pm

Hope to have an adult study during the same time.

More details to follow.

Austin William Batchelor Baptism

Austin ‘s baptism by Pastor Tom Barnett on Jan. 22, 2017

Chet/Freida & Larry/Karen Carlson were

treated to a surprise anniversary cake!

Thank you, Gary/Lou Ann Andis!

(The cake was also for Tom/Sandee Frey,

but they were unable to attend.)

FEBRUARY 2017

Day(s) Date Time Event

Saturday Feb. 4 8:30-4:30 Back to Basics Workshop

Sunday Feb. 5 ----------- Valentine Gram orders due (p3)

Sunday Feb. 5 ----------- Valentine Cards due for nursing homes (p3)

Fri.-Sat. Feb. 10-11 7p Fr-- 8a Sa Lock-in for Cluster Youth (p6)

Sunday Feb. 12 6:00pm ET Valentine’s Dinner at Tuscany’s in Paris, IL (p6)

Thursday Feb. 16 7:00 pm Cluster meeting at Clinton First

Tuesday Feb. 21 7:00 pm Esther Circle at church to assemble Love Plates (p3)

MARCH, 2017

Weds. March 1 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday service at Clinton First

Saturday March 4 7:30am Lenten Breakfast

Wednesday March 8 6:00-7:30pm Story Keepers Light meal at 6:00 pm (p8)

Saturday March 11 7:30am Lenten Breakfast

Wednesday March 15 6:00-7:30pm Story Keepers Light meal at 6:00 pm (p8)

Saturday March 18 7:30am Lenten Breakfast

Tuesday March 21 7:00 pm Esther Circle

Wednesday March 22 6:00-7:30pm Story Keepers Light meal at 6:00 pm (p8)

Saturday March 25 7:30am Lenten Breakfast

Wednesday March 29 6:00-7:30pm Story Keepers--Light meal at 6:00 pm (p9)

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Prayer Concerns

*Telecare Prayer Chain: If you have a prayer request or concern,

email at clintonfirst@gmail.com

Working Concession Stand at SV Basketball Games Tim Terry, athletic director at SVHS, is asking if churches in our cluster would be

willing to help out the school by working the concession stand the last five Wildcat

home games. He said that Wayside had done it and seemed to really enjoy it. All the

JV games start at 6:00 except the Paris game, which starts at 6:30. Games are--Friday

Feb. 10 vs Dugger, Saturday Feb 11 vs Turkey Run,

Friday Feb. 17th vs Riverton Parke, Saturday Feb 18 vs Covington, and Friday Feb 24th vs Paris.

If you can help, contact Tim at tterry@svcs.k12.in.us. Thanks for your help in this matter.

Charlie Jackson

THE OBSERVER February & March, 2017

Clinton First United Methodist Church

Sunday 9:15 am Worship service

Communion 1st Sunday

11:00 am Sunday school for all ages

Tues. 7:00 pm Worship at Chateau

Thurs. 2:00 pm Backpack

Thurs. 3:00 pm Prayer time w/pastor

Thurs. 6:30 pm Bible Study, Wrapped in Love

Regular Events Calendar

A Publication of the

First United Methodist Church

PO Box 186

Clinton, IN 47842-0186

Pastor Tom Barnett

Phone (765) 832-3159

http://clintonfirst.org

clintonfirst@gmail.com

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/clintonfirst

THE OBSERVER

Feb. & March, 2017

Upcoming: Ash Wednesday, March 1 & Lenten Breakfasts each Sat. in March Valentine’s Day Dinner at Tuscany’s in Paris, IL, Feb. 12-6:00 pm ET Cluster Lock-In for Youth--Feb. 10-11 7:00pm-8:00am Story Keepers for Youth Begins March 8--6:00-7:30pm