Once a day, pause for a moment, take a breath, and say, either silently or aloud: “I am called by name. I am beloved.” That’s it. No fixing. No striving. Just making space to remember what is already true. Questions for Contemplation What helps me remember that I am beloved? What causes me to forget? Where did I notice God’s …
More Than a Resolution: Practicing Faithful Stewardship for the Long Haul
A Message from the United Methodist Foundation: Every January, many of us start the year with good intentions. We resolve to spend less, save more, pay down debt, or finally feel less anxious about money. Some of those resolutions stick for a while. Many don’t. And it’s not because we lack discipline or desire. The truth is that healthy financial …
Hope’s Home Ministry 2025 Ministry Impact – Year End Report
Faith made visible through your love and service!! In 2025, Hope’s Home Ministry continued to show up, not occasionally or seasonally, but consistently. What follows is more than a collection of numbers. These figures point to real people: neighbors who came through our doors, volunteers who returned week after week, and partners who chose to walk alongside us in compassion …
Adopt-a-School Update: December 2025
Christmas time is here at Hawthorne Elementary School and it’s time to sign up to be a Holiday Helper. Hooray for everyone who donated to buy office chairs for the teachers at Hawthorne! We were able to donate eight (yes, 8) great chairs!!! Attention! Now is the time to submit your application to become a tutor, classroom helper, food pantry …
Indigenous Peoples Recognition
Three years ago, First Church held a special recognition day to honor the Ho-Chunk Indigenous People who lived on the land where our church building now stands. People from our Church, our Community, and the Ho-Chunk Nation attended the ceremony. It began in the Sanctuary with traditional Ho-Chunk drumming and ended outside where the red Wisconsin granite stone imbedded with …
Stewardship Update
By Scott Divine Over the past few weeks, we’ve been immersed in the parables of Jesus—stories meant to be remembered, shared, and witnessed. Jesus knew that a story can change a heart, and a changed heart can change the world. Our church, First United Methodist of Madison, has its own story—a living parable that began nearly two centuries ago with …
Advent Book Study Begins Soon
Begins Thursday, November 20, 2pm Join the Thursday Bible Study Group for a special Advent Study this season! Sessions will be held on Thursdays — November 20, December 4, 11, and 18 at 2pm in chapel café. Come and reflect together as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. For more information, please contact Rev. Scott Walters.
Adopt-a-School Update – October, 2025
The 2025-26 school year is off to a great start! If you recall, our “goals” at the start of last year were to help Hawthorne finally get soccer goals for their field. This spring the goals were installed and they are a HIT! Antonio Cruz-Rodriguez, the Hawthorne Community School Resource Coordinator, followed Gerry Kennedy’s guidance and got the lines painted …
Hawthorne Back to School Update
August 2025 It’s back to school time at our Adopt-a-School, Hawthorne Elementary. They are in need of backpacks, school supplies and snacks in preparation for the coming school year. Suggested items: #2 pencils, markers, glue sticks, pocket folders, tissues, loose leaf paper, and scissors. Athletic shoes of all children’s sizes are also needed. The food pantry at Hawthorne continues to …
Green Team Times – August & September 2025
Environment and Spirituality Summit(2 Zoom sessions each day) Monday, Sept. 29 (11:15 am to 1:00 pm & 6:15 to 7:30 pm)Tuesday, Sept. 30 (11:15 am to 1:00 pm & 6:15 to 7:30 pm) There is no charge for this zoom summit but they appreciate donations, but please register in advance.There are 4 interesting speakers lined up. OR You can just …