July 2020

Karl’s Kaleidoscope: Others Matter! I am amazed by the outcry (or lack thereof) since the tragic death of George Floyd. Good Christians are caught up on both sides of this dilemma in our country. When faced with a crisis of

conscientiousness, a theological issue, or a need for moral clarification, The Rev. Mr. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, always went to the Bible first for guidance and answers. He called it, “the Primacy of Scripture.” As the debate continues about everything from defunding police to securing our cities… from defining justice and injustice to defining peace and control, there is an answer to all of it: the teachings of Jesus. The

following scriptures speak of what’s happening now... Jesus is speaking to us: “Love one another…” John 15:12. “Love your neighbor…” Mark 12:31. “Love your enemies…” Matthew 5:44. “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40. “If you are angry with a brother, you will be liable to judgement.” Matthew 5:22. “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged.” Matthew 7:1-2. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Luke 6:31. So, with all that is going on, “What Would Jesus Do”?

When we truly follow and believe in Jesus, others always

matter…

-Karl Klaus, Senior Pastor

We welcome our new Associate Pastor and Family

We welcome Rev. John Sione Tu’uta, as our new Associate Pastor for FUMC Bossier. Sione brings a wealth of knowledge to this position as an Elder in full connection with the Louisiana Annual Conference. He is married to Rev. Beth Love Tu’uta and they have 3 children.

Be looking for a special reception to honor Sione in the weeks to come!

It is mid-June as I write these words; unrest is in the air across the globe. I turn to one of my favorite hymn authors, New Zealand’s Shirley Erena Murray, who passed away this past January. She is known for her original poetic imagery that directly confronts contemporary issues, especially those concerned with justice and peace. In our Methodist supplement The Faith We Sing is her 1996 text that prophetically speaks for Christians in 2020. Read it slowly.

“Wounded world that cries for healing—here we hold each other’s pain, / wounded systems, bruised and bleeding bear the load, the scars of strain; / dollars ration our compassion, hard decisions rule the day, / Jesus of the healing Spirit, free us to another way!

“Through our nation’s spent frustration, through the corridors of stress / may there move a kindlier wisdom all may feel, and all may bless; / tax and tithe are for a purpose shared to shield the poor and weak; / past the symptoms of our sickness let the voice of justice speak.

“Honor those whose loving spirit nurses hope, restores and heals, / towel and basin used in service like the Christ who comes and kneels; / in the tending, in the mending may we see the right and fair, / in our common quest for wholeness heal each other by our care.” CCLI Song # 4360009 © 1996 Murray, Shirley Erena (Adm. Hope Pub. Co.) CCLI Lic # 1218132

Keep a song in your heart…and even let it out once in a while!

—Rev. Tom Edmonds, Minister of Music &Worship

Something New at FUMC Bossier New for our church! We have begun a new on-line devotional time, “Midweek Coffee and the Word”. Tony Thornton is sharing an inspiring and motivational devotional from God’s Word each week on Wednesdays at 8:00 am. The devotional is recorded from the back of the Fellowship Hall and shown beginning on Wednesdays. Go to our website www.fumcbossier.org and scroll down to the Features section. We are excited to offer this midweek uplifting message during your busy week. You may watch anytime! Please share on social media!

God’s Special Blessing to You All!

Lois Lassetter, Dir. Christian Education and Office Adminis-trator

FUMC Bossier APP on your phone! It’s finally here! Need a quick way to check a date or time on the church calendar, link to our worship services, Midweek Coffee and the Word, Rooftop Sessions, option to receive push notifications. Stay updated on all things at our church! SCAN THE CODE AND DOWNLOAD THE APP

https://nextmeta.app.link/tZg8M5fieL?id=633

Forrest Stutts Children’s Director

Phone: (318) 415-9024 Email: fstutts@fumcbossier.org

Cowboy Supper July 11 We are still following the train as he travels down the Rocky Mountains on his way here. The next stop is in the "Cowboy State" of Wyoming. Children and their families are invited to dress up as cow-boys and cowgirls as we spend time around the "campfire" out on the open range.

Swimming Hole July 25 We'll see the train again in Idaho at Bear Creek for fun water games and activities.

Friendship Train Mission Project We are continuing to fill the boxcars of our Friendship Train as we reach our goal of filling up 10 boxes! All food items will go to FUMCB's Helping Hands food pantry to help our local friends and neigh-bors! Remember, each time a box is filled with food, a boxcar will be added to the Friendship Train display in the front of the church for everyone to see as they drive by!

Food for the Friendship Train can be dropped off anytime at the main office entrance. Items needed include: crack-ers, spam, cereal, dry potato packets, jelly, macaroni and cheese, corn bread mix, canned or powdered milk, rice, and Jell-O.

Hi everyone! I am so excited that we are back to in person youth! Although things look a little different, it’s nice getting to see everyone again. We will continue throughout July with youth outside. We will be starting a devotion series about the fruits of the Spirit which I am very excited about! Just a reminder that we will not be having dinner so please plan accordingly! July 5: No Youth—Fourth of July weekend July 12: Youth (5-7pm) & last Confirmation class with Karl July 19: Confirmation Sunday (8:30am) & Youth (5-7pm) July 26: Youth (5-7pm) Please make sure you are on the email list to receive weekly updates on everything we’ve got going on for the youth. Also be sure to follow our Instagram @fumcbossieryouth to stay up to date and find great resources!

Sarah McCurley

Youth Director Phone: (318) 742-3823 ext. 28

Email: smccurley@fumcbossier.org

To receive text messages: Youth Parents: Text 2020fumcp to 81010 Youth Teens: Text @2020fumcy to 81010

Ella Claire Freeman July1 Maribelle Koepper July 18

Graham Zick July 2 Monica Stacey July 19

Parker Pierce July 3 Lane Michael Turner July 22

Britney Garcia July 4 Amiya Crosby July 29

Addison Cockrell July 18 Ella Grace Bernth July 30

YOUNG AT HEART SCHEDULE

Young at Heart gathers twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at 10:30 a.m. It is geared for those 55+. Guests are more than welcome to attend, so please call by Monday noon prior to the Thursday’s meeting so that we will have enough food and seating for all who attend. Lunch at the church is $4.

Young at Heart is postponed until at least September. —Kristen Thornton, Young at Heart Coordinator

"United Methodist Women activities and meetings are on "hold" until further notice. Stay safe & HEALTHY!!!! Keeping you in prayers!"

—Loretta Haskins, President Hopefully Sunday School classes will be able to begin in house in August or September. Stay connected by going to our resource page on the website for printed lessons.

Income and Expenses for April 2020

At the end of May we had $ 100,708.64 in our Citizens Bank General fund checking account which includes $43,150.12 in prior year funds. There is $551,125.02 in the Citizens Bank Designated account which includes the legacy gift of $266,610.78 and the balance of the PPP money. We continue to pay on the Renovation Loan $2,000 each month with a balance of $156,012.30.

May Treasurer’s Report

by Preston DeLaune

Greetings Church Family, A quick look at what is happening on our campus: Every day brings us a little closer to all being back together in church. Hang in there, it is going to happen and we will all rejoice.

Thank you, church for your generosity! With your support and our conservation on expenses the church has managed to keep our heads above water during this world crisis. Every day brings us new challenges but we are managing well. Praise God! Again, Thank You.

—Greg Pierce, Business Administrator

www.fumcbossier.org/online-giving

When to Call the Pastor & Church: …When you are in the hospital …When you’ve had a death in your family …When you’ve had a major life change (loss of job, diagnosed illness, etc.) …When you are in crisis …When you need spiritual guidance and pastoral care

Call the Church Office at 318-742-3823 Call the Pastor at 337-274-7192 Thank you…and may God’s Blessings be upon you…

LifeTouch Church Directory We will have a photography makeup day on or about August 18. Due to the social distancing and stay at home order the staff of LifeTouch has closed their business until August. Our new Church Directory should be available in late fall. If you need a phone # or address, please call the church office. Thank you for your patience with this extended process of having a new Church Directory.

If you or your family member is active duty military, please email Kristen Thornton at kthornton@fumcbossier.org.

-Kristen Thornton August Tidings articles are due Friday, July 15. Please email to Kristen at kthornton@fumcbossier.org.

Income: Apr 2020 Budget Difference YTD Budget - YTD Difference

Pledged income 71,532.09 80,331.84 (8,799.75) 414,157.22 401,659.12 12,498.10

Non-pledged income 9,184.47 12,500.00 (3,315.53) 40,399.34 62,500.00 (22,100.66)

Other income 54.93 1,750.01 (1,695.08) 4,829.97 8,749.93 (3,919.96)

Total Income 80,771.49 94,581.85 (13,810.36) 459,386.53 472,909.05 (13,522.52)

Expenses:

Administrative & Staff 41,736.06 58,909.07 (17,173.01) 259,649.21 294,545.86 (34,896.65)

Administrative Exp 3,589.79 3,278.26 311.53 15,222.90 16,391.18 (1,168.28)

Building & Property 15,041.85 15,404.12 (362.27) 74,811.82 77,020.16 (2,208.34)

Connectional Ministry 11,267.90 9,968.59 1,299.31 45,071.60 49,842.87 (4,771.27)

Program Ministries 2,157.06 6,714.65 (4,557.59) 10,942.63 33,572.45 (22,629.82)

Other Expense 96.05 250.00 (153.95) 1,875.39 1,250.00 625.39

Total Expenses 73,888.71 94,524.69 (20,635.98) 407,573.55 472,622.52 (65,048.97)

Net Income/Loss 6,882.78 57.16 6,825.62 51,812.98 286.53 51,526.45

We Pledge to Support Our Church by Our Prayers…

Alan Beard, Billy Bennett, Charlotte Blackburn, Charles Boone, Carolyn Bryant, Freddie Cherry, Rachael Driskell, Sadie Garrett, John Groh, Karolyn Hardaway, Ethelyn Hicks, Lucille Lawrence, Carolyn Lewis, Colleen McCown, Charles Murphy, Ken Norton, Bob O’Brien, Wilbur Owens, Jerry Payne,

Rudy Reeves, Jim Roy, Floy Saucier, Karen Sayes, Norma Scroggins, Jerry Staton, Janice Stogsdill, Johnny Thomas, Merrill Anne Walker, Sonny Williams, Margaret Wise

NURSING HOME/ASSISTED LIVING Presence…

Gifts to Our Church…

May/June honorariums and memorials

Helping Hands Memorial Fund In memory of Ruth Ann Dare by Pat Berry In memory of Mary Florence by Pat Berry In memory of Stuart Blackburn by Harry and Bonnie Solomon In memory of Allen Self by Harry and Bonnie Solomon In memory of Ralph Hughes by Harry and Bonnie Solomon

Souper Saturday Memorial Fund In memory of Gary Love by Pat Reed In memory of Dr. Billy McKellar by Pat Reed; Shirley Rutscher

Music Ministry Fund In memory of Gary Love by Pat Berry; Harry and Bonnie Solomon In memory of Fay Bennett by Harry and Bonnie Solomon In memory of Billie Allen by Harry and Bonnie Solomon

Senior Adult Fund In memory of Cortez Bridges by Harry and Bonnie Solomon In memory of Dr. Billy McKellar by Harry and Bonnie Solomon In memory of George Reed by Harry and Bonnie Solomon In memory of John Rutscher by Harry and Bonnie Solomon

Uncommitted Memorial Fund In memory of Robert Norrid by Harry and Bonnie Solomon In memory of Hazel Beck by Harry and Bonnie Solomon; Jim and Rebecca Collins In memory of Elaine Byrd by Harry and Bonnie Solomon In memory of Doug Smith by Harry and Bonnie Solomon In memory of Ruth Ann Dare by Will and Brookie Marston; Ed and Nell Carpenter; Jim and Rebecca Collins In memory of Jack Little by Will and Brookie Marston In memory of Dr. Billy McKellar by Phyllis Carmack In memory of Mary Florence by Deshae Lott In memory of Gary Love by Jim and Rebecca Collins In memory of Billy Craft by Jim and Rebecca Collins In memory of Dr. Billy McKellar by Jim and Rebecca Collins

Colonial Oaks Miriam Kaylor

Colonial Oaks Reta Pieper

Colonial Oaks Thelma Seal

Garden Court Kay Stark

Grace Lane James Shafer

Riverview Care Colleen McGowan

Riverview Care Butch Harrington

Riverview Care Pam Harrington

Riverview Care Verdell Yorba

Springlake Vivian Wimberly

Stratmore Jerry Payne

The Bloom Peggy Cattell

The Bloom Coy Cooper

Veteran’s Home Gary Cattell

Veteran’s Home Jack Gladden

Veteran’s Home William Hines

Homebound Wanda Atkinson

Wanda Dolashewich

June Ellis

Dot Fadley

Randel Kirkland

Jim McGann

Wilbur Owens

Janet Reifeiss

Sharon Romine

Deshae Lott-Sadow

Jerry Staton

Marilyn Tubbs

Merrill Anne Walker

Carolyn Williams

Sonny WIlliams

Anniversary…

Charles and Shirley Murphy celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on June 8, 2020.

Bob and Sona Dehner will celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary on July 11, 2020.

Sympathy To...

Lynn Florence in the death of her mother Mary Florence on May 23, 2020.

Tom Dare in the death of his wife Ruth Ann Dare on May 26,2020.

Sandy Craft in the death of her husband Billy Craft on May 31, 2020.

Joyce McGann in the loss of her father Curtis Thomas on June 4, 2020.

Bonnie Self in the death of her sister Janice Mayes on June 9, 2020.

Janice White in the loss of her dad Tom Melton on June 13, 2020.

Miriam McDaniel in the loss of her sister Georgina Hearn on June 4, 2020.

Presence... Morning Worship — May 31, 2020 Worship Services 8:30 Sanctuary 41 10:45 SoulFeast 21 Total 62

Morning Worship — June 7, 2020 Worship Services 8:30 Sanctuary 55 10:45 SoulFeast 26 Total 81

Morning Worship — June 14, 2020 Worship Services 8:30 Sanctuary 45 10:45 SoulFeast 25 Total 70

Family and Fireworks Wednesday-July 1st-6:30 pm 6:30-Bring your own picnic

6:30-8:30-Yard Games and Events 7:30-Ice Cream Giveaway

8:45-Fireworks

Who’s excited to start a new year? WE ARE!!! First Friends is taking enrollment for school year 2020-2021. Please call Shannon Kelley at 752-1498 for more information.

—Shannon Kelley

Did you know we have livestreaming available? Go to www.fumcbossier.org and scroll down to the watch live services and click. This will direct you to the boxcast site where we have current and past services. If you have any questions please call the church offices at 318-742-3823.

Go visit our new website at www.fumcbossier.org.

https://www.fumcbossier.org/contact-us

Dear Friends, How very grateful I am to be part of such a wonderful church family. Your attention to my needs through your prayers, calls, offers of help,

cards, food, and visits have seen me through months of pain and my inability to participate in the church activities that are so much a part of my life. The uncertainty of the results of the results of my surgery has been resolved, and I am blessed to be doing so well. You have filled my heart to overflowing with the love of Christ in action! God Bless, Miriam McDaniel

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First United Methodist Church of Bossier City, Louisiana 201 John Wesley Boulevard Bossier City, LA 71112-2321

Tidings

Rev. Karl Klaus, Senior Pastor– Rev. Sione Tu’uta, Associate Pastor Shreveport District Superintendent — Rev. Dr. Wybra Price, II

Bishop of Louisiana Conference — Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey

Phone: (318) 742-3823 │ Web site: www.fumcbossier.org Email: kthornton@fumcbossier.org │ llassetter@fumcbossier.org

July 1, 2020 │ Volume 37 │ Number 7

July 5 “When they asked, tell them” Joshua 4:1-7 Independence Sunday, Sione’s First Sunday

July 12 “Planting Seeds” Matthew 13:1-9

July 19 “Getting Out in the Weeds” Matthew 13:24-30

July 26 “Small Things, Big Results” Matthew 13:31-33

July Sermon Series 8:30 Traditional and 10:45 SoulFeast