First Things First Newsletter

Children's Church Summer Break: Please note that Children's Church has paused for the summer. We look forward to resuming in the fall!  Thank you to Amanda and our Children's Church volunteers!

Pentecost - Next Sunday: Join us for this special service as we remember the outpouring of God's Spirit and the birth of the Church.  We will have a Celebration of Belonging as we receive new members into our church community. If you would like to be included please speak to Pastor Angel. In addition we will honor the history of First Church with a special exhibit in Backman Hall, curated by Phoebe Astill, our church historian. And don't forget - wear red as we celebrate the fire and Spirit of Pentecost! 

Ladies' Tea Time Social: will be held on Wednesday, May 27 at 10:30 am, at the home of Chris Handley, 7752 Live Oak Way, Citrus Heights. The theme is "Hawaii". Wear your favorite Hawaiian outfit or muumuu and join us for food, fun and fellowship. 

Neighborhood Parking Lot Sale:  Saturday, May 30, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the First Church parking lot.  Questions? Contact Dave Sechrist at finance@firstumcroseville.org 

Special-Called Charge Conference - Sunday, May 31:   With Pastor Angel’s new appointment beginning July 1, the church will hold a Special-Called Charge Conference to approve a new pastoral compensation package that will take effect at that time. Our district superintendent, the Rev. Mike Harrell, will join us for worship and then preside over the meeting, answering any questions that come up. The meeting will take place following worship during Fellowship Time in Backman Hall. All are encouraged to attend, and all professing members are eligible to vote. We will be sending out the single-item agenda plus the proposed compensation package later this week.

Upcoming Worship Series - Summer Shorts: Tiny Stories, Big Questions:  This summer we'll keep things casual as we explore the shortest books of the Bible - tiny stories that ask big questions about faith and life. Wear your summer attire - shorts, Hawaiian shirts - and join us beginning Sunday June 7. 

Wear Orange Sunday — Gun Violence Awareness:  As part of our worship service on Sunday, June 7, we will incorporate prayers and ritual to raise awareness about the impact of gun violence in our communities and nation. You are invited to wear orange as a visible sign of remembrance, solidarity, and hope for peace. Additional information and details about the service will be shared next week.

Youth Confirmation Class Scheduled:  All middle school and high school youth are invited to join our upcoming Confirmation Class. Together, we will explore the Christian faith, our Methodist heritage, and our place in the life of the Church. This time together will include an overnight retreat, a service project, along with sessions to explore various topics. There is still time to join! Reach out to Pastor Angel for more info. We will be meeting on the following Sundays at 5:00 p.m. at Loomis FUMC.

• June 7, June 21, July 5, August 2, August 16
• Youth Retreat July 17-19 (details TBD)
• There will be a special celebration on August 29 with Confirmations taking place in worship on Sunday, August 30.

"Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm" Seminar Discussion: Cathie Wierbick will facilitate discussion on a four-week seminar organized by the United Methodist General Commission on Religion & Race based on the book "Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm: The American Methodist Church and the Struggle with White Supremacy" by John Elford. The sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings in June, beginning at either 6:00 p.m. in Herigage Chapel. The course assumes that all participants will have already read the book. If you are interested in joining, please purchase the book and read it as soon as possible. Prices start around $5.00 on Kindle, with higher prices depending on format and retailer. If cost is a barrier, limited scholarship assistance is available. The book will be the only expense for the course. Please confirm your participation with Cathie if you would like to join the seminar.