That it works. That line stuck with me. This time of year naturally turns our attention toward gratitude. Thanksgiving invites us to pause, reflect, and give thanks. But if we are honest, gratitude can feel harder to practice when finances aretight, uncertainty is high, or the future feels unclear. Churches feel that pressure. Families feel thatpressure. Individuals do too. In …
First Church Tables: Making Room for Connection
One thing we heard clearly in our recent congregational survey was a desire for more opportunities to form meaningful relationships—to build friendships, share life, and know one another more deeply. First Church Tables are one way we’re responding. First Church Tables are small groups of 7–9 people from across our congregation who will gather about once a month during the …
Green Team Times – October 2026
By Josie Gobel According to research, just two hours a week in nature have a positive effect on health and psychological wellbeing—and the benefit holds regardless of age, income, or chronic illness. Build nature time into your routine and your family’s. Take a 10-minute nature break, eat lunch outside, talk and walk. Love yourself and your loved ones. Green space …
Adopt-a-School Update: Fall 2026
Hawthorne, Demco and FUMC had their first meeting of the new school year. It was great to have Sydney Williams join us to learn about our partnership. Hawthorne’s population increased by 30 students, so they are having to add 4K and Kindergarten classes. Another office chair is needed! Regarding the gardens project, Antonio is planning a cleanup day for a …
Second Harvest Food Bank Work Day, Sept. 26
Saturday, September 26, 8:15 – 11:45am An easy opportunity to impact food insecurity for families in our area is available on Saturday, September 26 at Second Harvest Food Bank. We will meet at Second Harvest, 2802 Dairy Drive, at 8:15am. This opportunity is for people over 12 years of age. The facility requires closed toe shoes and no tank tops. …
Hope’s Home Ministry Impact Report: January – July 2026
By the grace of our Lord and through your faithful love, prayers, and generous hands, we are blessed to share the journey and fruits of our labor together during the first half of this year. Looking back at 2025, our weekly family of guests averaged 108 precious souls. This year, that number has grown, with weekly check-ins averaging 119 guests. …
Adopt-a-School Update: Summer 2026
The summer has flown by and summer school has come to an end at Hawthorne. The Food Pantry continues to be a busy place, so please consider donating the following items: The Back to School event is Wednesday, August 26th from 5:00-7:00. There will be a community dinner, and all are invited to attend. Donation needs include: Interest in rebuilding the …
How Do We Respond To The Shooting Death Of Corey Ruiz?
from Pastor Cathy Weigand and Kevin Williams, Lay Leader As we grapple with the feelings and frustrations over the shooting death of Corey Ruiz on July 22, we might ask ourselves, as people of faith: How are we called to respond? You may also be wondering, What can I do, practically, to bring both healing and accountability to this tragic situation? First, …
Reflections on the Death of Corey Ruiz
from Pastor Cathy Weigand and Kevin Williams, Lay Leader “It does not matter who you are or what your past is, you should not lose your life as a result of an encounter with law enforcement.”—Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, July 23, 2026 Every person is created in the image of God—beloved, worthy, and held in dignity. As followers of Jesus, …