Greetings Topeka First UMC,

I hope you are having a great week and enjoying the warmer temperatures!

Thank you to our mission team for organizing the mission fair last Sunday. I appreciated getting to talk to leaders from each organization and to learn more about each non-profit and their ministries! 

A few weeks ago, we announced that we are hiring for a number of staff positions. I'm happy to report to you, that we have hired for 2 of those positions. Carolyn Bruner was hired this week as the bookkeeper. Carolyn brings a lot of experience to the position, as she retired from the state last year. For the Media / Tech position, we have hired Kyle Newman. Kyle is a recent graduate of Baker University and has valuable experience in tech and social media. We are excited to welcome Carolyn and Kyle as part of the TFUMC staff! Additionally, recently Lakyn Bradley was hired as a nursery worker. Many of you have met her but if you haven't, stop by the nursery to say "Hi!"

This Sunday, we have another opportunity to support our missional ministries through the youth groups annual Super Bowl Soup Sunday! Even though the Chiefs aren't playing Sunday, you can still support the youth group on Sunday by purchasing your favorite soups, chilil, and cinnamon rolls as the youth group raises money for their summer mission trip to Nashville, TN. The fundraiser runs from 9:00 am to noon! 

In worship this weekend, we are continuing our sermon series entitled, "When Life Creates Friction." This week, we move from doubt to fear. When life just keeps moving along, sometimes the only choice we have is to overcome our fear. On Sunday, I hope that you will join us as we continue the story of Moses, and others from the scriptures, and look at how they overcame fear.

Blessings,
Pastor Brad

With the switch to the Simplified Accountable Structure governance system we voted on last October, Leadership Council meeting notes will now be emailed to you in Friday email! Click the link below to access the notes.

As a reminder, The United Methodist Church Simplified Accountable Structure replaces four traditional administrative committees (Trustees, Finance, Staff-Parish Relations, and Council) with a single 9–11 member Leadership Board. Approved by the Book of Discipline (¶247.2), this model streamlines decision-making, reduces bureaucracy, and boosts efficiency to focus on mission over administration.

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.

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.

The bus for the Titanic exhibition trip at Union Station in KC is 80% full. Be sure to call Tiwana or the office if you'd like to sign up! 785-233-8100.

Phase 2 will travel to Union Station in KC 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.