Greetings Topeka First UMC Family,

I hope you’re having a wonderful week, and that many of you had the chance to step outside and catch a glimpse of the beautiful northern lights dancing across the sky!

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in our Charge Conference last Sunday at Susanna Wesley UMC. It was a joy to gather together in shared ministry. Congratulations to Beck Scott and Randall Hodgkinson, who were affirmed for service in Lay Speaker Ministry. We also approved our annual budget and nominations, setting the stage for another meaningful year of ministry together.

This Sunday’s message, “The God Who Stops for Us,” invites us to see through the story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46–52, a man who sat in darkness yet recognized Jesus more clearly than many with perfect sight. When Bartimaeus cried out, “Son of David, have mercy on me,” his plea was not just for physical healing but for dignity, inclusion, and restoration.

We are reminded that even in a world filled with many forms of blindness, Jesus still stops for us. He listens, restores, and invites us to follow Him with renewed faith. Like Bartimaeus, we are called to rise, throw off our cloak of fear, and trust that Christ’s mercy still opens eyes and hearts today.

With blessings and gratitude,

Pastor Sandra

Many of our neighbors are facing increased food insecurity this month due to reductions in SNAP (food assistance) benefits. To help meet these urgent needs, Topeka First UMC is collecting food and financial donations for our mission partners including Let’s Help, Doorstep, and Topeka Rescue Mission (TRM). For online donations, use this link and select "Feed our Neighbors 2025" from the drop down arrow.

Financial gifts are especially impactful, as our partners can purchase food in bulk and stretch each dollar further. Food donations are also gratefully accepted and may include:

Canned veggies, pasta sauce, pasta, canned chicken, small mayo, tuna, cream of mushroom or chicken soup, cereal, oatmeal, cream of wheat, rice, refried beans, Spanish rice packets, potatoes, mashed potatoes, ready-to-eat sausages, and canned fruit.

The Mission collection for the month of November is to collect gifts for White Gift Sunday (Dec. 7). Items can be placed on the table in the Celebration Room.

• Food:

• Boxed mashed potatoes
• Canned cream of mushroom soup
• Canned green beans
• Canned crispy fried onions

• New Bedroom/Bathroom Items:

• Towel sets
• Queen bedding sets
• Twin XL sheets
• Pillows
• Blankets

• Clothing:

• Men’s boxer briefs & women’s underwear (S-XL)
• Men’s jeans (waist Size 28-40, various lengths
• Men’s winter gloves
• Packages of socks (men & women, S-XL, regular & thermal)
• Short & long sleeve t-shirts (men & women, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)

• Household Items:

• Air fryers
• Coffee pots (large & small)
• Dish sets
• Toasters

• New Gifts:

• Earbud/headphones
• Makeup kits
• Phone power banks
• Wallets
• Watches

Topeka First UMC wants to celebrate and support our college and vo-tech students this fall!

1. Care Packages – If you’d like to receive a care package for the fall semester, please fill out this form by Sunday, November 16. We are keeping you in our prayers as you finish your semester!

2. Fall 2025 College Graduates – If you are graduating this fall, please fill out this separate form so we can celebrate your accomplishment. We plan to honor you the 2nd or 3rd Sunday of December depending on your availability!

For questions about either form, contact Pastor Grace Woods at grace@fumctopeka.org.