Congratulations to the following students, who will graduate from Kearney High School on May 19^th.

Robyn Leigh Anderson

Kristina Marie Artz

Laura Nicole Bradshaw

Hayden Lee Bushnell

Jacqueline Margit Newbold Crosby

Daniel William Emken

Kris John Erickson

Bryan Jerome Fast

Eric Michael Fausch

Lindsey Ruth Finkner

Joseph George Francis, Jr.

Nicole Leigh Freburg-Hoffmeister

Kathryn Carter Fritson

Jared James Gard

Katie Elizabeth Glover

Skylee Renae Gullion

Lindsay Leigh Hauff

Michael Christopher Hauschild

Dane Ryan Johnson

Jessica Barbara Johnson

Ryan Scott Kegley

Kristina Lynne King

Kase Matthew Kossman

Karme Kae Larsen

Jenni Rose Lee

Julia Christine Luscher

Patrick Kent Marlatt

Philip Nolan Marlatt

Bret Joseph Melson

Evan Bradford Moody

Casey Hayden Nelson

Troy Alan Paben

Brian Gilbert Pedersen

Lance Christopher Rall

Ashley Nicole Sheckler

Tom Patrick Solomon

Richard Benjamin Stockman

Brandon Michael Thomas

Brenton Joseph Thomas

Andrew B. Wiederspan

Elizabeth Helen Wiggins

Also graduating from area schools are: Nathan Dietz from Amherst High School, and Brittany June Haupt from Ord High School.

Congratulations to:

Corrina Talbert and Danny Whitney, who were married at First Church on April 27, 2002.

Amber Muirhead and Justin DeBrie, who were married at First Church on May 4, 2002.

Kyle Dean Hansen, son of Mike Hansen & Carol Hansen, was baptized May 5, 2002.

Kaitlan Elise Godfrey, daughter of Shannon & Erika Godfrey, was baptized May 5, 2002.

Congratulations to:

Roger & Lynda Francis on the birth of twin grandsons, Benjamin Robert Brindamour and Brandon Paul Brindamour, born April 27, 2002 to Bob & Keli Brindamour of Omaha.

David & Sydney McLaughlin on the birth of a daughter, Jordan Elizabeth McLaughlin, born April 27^th in Omaha. Grandparents include Dick & Glenda Prascher.

First Church extends its sympathy to:

Chris & Kelly Pocock and family on the death of Kelly’s mother, Henrietta Green, who died April 22^nd in Louisiana.

Paul and Barb Harms on the death of their sister-in-law, Colleen Keenan of Seattle, who died April 23, 2002.

Jim & Doris Ganz and Jim & Kathy Ganz on the death of their son-in-law and brother-in-law, Dan Kurlander, who passed away April 21^st in San Francisco.

Bill & Trish Kenagy and family on the death of Bill’s mother, Mrs. Sylvia Kenagy, who died April 30, 2002. Services were May 4^th in Lincoln.

Wes & Jean Hird on the death of Wes’ sister, Mary Suchland of House Springs, Missouri, who died last week.

Keith & Bernieta McConnell on the death of Keith’s brother, Kenneth McConnell of Phillipsburg, Kansas, who died April 26^th.

Rolland & Donna Lindgren on the deaths of Rolland’s mother, Linnea Jones, who died April 15^th and their brother-in-law, Paul Mead, who died April 22^nd.

Saturday night service 33

Sunday 8:30 service 174

Sunday 9:45 service 280

Sunday 11:00 service 161

Nursery 00

Children (2-yrs-old-5^thgrade) 34

6^th grade-High School 35

(Ten) Adult Classes 125

Teachers 14

TOTAL 208

Saturday night service 33

Sunday 8:30 service 155

Sunday 9:45 service 228

Sunday 11:00 service 412

Nursery 01

Children (2-yrs-old-5^thgrade) 63

6^th grade-High School 24

(Ten) Adult Classes 147

Teachers 29

TOTAL 264

Note:

This corner is being designated the AMEN corner for

"an audible alert that something special was (is) being done."

Do you know how Mother’s Day began? Anna M. Jarvis first suggested the national observance of an annual day honoring all mothers because she had loved her own mother so dearly. At a memorial service for her mother on May 10, 1908, Miss Jarvis gave a carnation (her mother’s favorite flower) to each person who attended. Within the next few years, the idea of a day to honor mothers gained popularity, and Mother’s Day was observed in a number of large cities in the United States.

On May 9, 1914, by an act of Congress, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. He established the day as a time for "public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country." By then it had become customary to wear a white carnation to honor deceased mothers and a red flower to honor the living—a custom that continues to this day.

On Sunday, May 12^th, the nation will observe Mother’s Day. I came across a poem in a book that Dr. Ron gave me the other day when he was boxing up some of his books. It is entitled, "It Takes A Mother" and I thought that it was an excellent way to honor all mothers.

Lori Vogt, Editor

--Author unknown

Kearney First United Methodist Church will be hosting a retirement reception for Rev. Dr. Ron and Berdeen Roemmich on Sunday, June 2, 2002 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center at First Church. We would like to invite all church members and friends who have known or worked with the Roemmich’s to help celebrate this milestone day.

A retirement gift will be presented to the Roemmich’s at this reception and anyone wishing to contribute or send a card of congratulations may direct this to First Church with a notation as to your wishes. The formal presentation and an informal program of toasts and roasts will begin at 2:30 p.m. If anyone wishes to speak at this time, or if you have pictures of Dr. Roemmich you would like displayed, we would welcome your remembrances. Please forward this information to the Staff Parish Relations committee here at the church.

We hope to hear from you soon and look forward to seeing you on June 2^nd.

We welcome to First Church:

Lennis & Gracene Bailey, who transferred to First Church on April 21, 2002 from Haven’s Chapel. They are the parents of Kraig Bailey, who is also a member here.

We welcome the 2002 Confirmation Class, who joined on April 28, 2002. They are:

Also joining on April 28, 2002 was Aaron John. Aaron is an 8^th grader and son of Jill John.

For more information, or to make reservations, please contact Jean at 308-346-4318 (days) or Sue at 308-942-6285 (evenings). Reservations are due by Friday, May 17^th.

MEN!! We have 5:40 and 5:48 p.m. tee times at Meadowlark on Tuesdays. A certain man (a very sensitive man) has been chastised by the numero uno golf professional out there for reserving tee times and having only one other man show up. This very sensitive man will no longer reserve tee times if we can’t fill them. He is normally a very PATIENT man, but the poor dear soul doesn't like to be yelled at.

If you want to play, be there!! ...and thank you, very much!!!

SPONSORS WANTED: The Senior High youth are looking for a few additional sponsors for their summer mission trip to Mobile, Alabama, Saturday, June 22^nd through Sunday, June 30th. We are especially in need of additional female sponsors. If you are interested in spending a week working alongside and getting to know the youth of our church, please contact Anne Hof.

Thursday, May 9, 2002

Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m.

Cost: A donation to the

Parable of the Talents Project.

Call Marv & Marilyn Heckman

at 234-1344 or

Andy & Nevabelle Howe

at 234-1570

Program will be presented by

Gary Mason, Mary Kolstad and Howard Strong. They will talk about their Mission Trip to Lydia Patterson Institute in Texas

Menu: Grilled Salmon,

Baked Potatoes, Salad, Rolls,

Texas Sheet cake

"MY PEACE be with you" is a music project created for the Parable of the Talents of First Church by Bill and Trish Kenagy, Matt Kenagy, Katie & Ryan Horner and Lisa & Shawn Trimble with proceeds from the sale of the compact disk supporting the music ministry of the Church. Ann Bauer provided the music accompaniment for the selection of traditional hymns and contemporary music which, with related scripture passages, offer a message for God’s perfect peace in your personal life. The compact disks will be available for purchase in the church narthex on May 12 and 19, or in the Church office. Cost is $10.00 each. Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you"—John 20:19.

We will have game night at the church at 6:30 p.m. in the Heritage Room. Bring a game and a snack to share.

Movie night at the Church at 6:30 p.m. in the Heritage Room. Bring a movie you would like to watch and a snack to share.

Sunday School Teachers Wanted: We are looking for people who would be willing to teach the 9:45 a.m. Middle School Sunday School. Currently the class is all 6^th – 8^th graders, but we would like to see this class split up into at least 2 classes. Please contact Anne Hof at the church if you are interested, 237-3158 or anneh@kearneyfirstumc.org

Ministry Group #13, chaired by Deb Volz, served 194 persons following the funeral of Keith Murrish on April 20^th. Those who helped, prepared food or donated money were: Audrey & Terry Christensen, Cindy & Scott Kugler, Donna Stevens, Jerry & Genny Brandorff, Dick & Donna Wilson, Jackie Stauffer, Jackie Purdy, Sharron Altmaier, Al & Sherone Fielder, Karen & Mike Geiger, Ron & Carleen Jurgensen, Russ & Sandy Smith, Bryan & Tisha Stuaffer, Shawn & Jaime Engberg, Fran & Jo Hunt, Paul & Shirley Maxwell, Jack & Judy Bridge, Harold & Irene Newman, Irene Young, Jack & Irene Hurt, Mike & Carol Woodman, John & Donna Schmidt, Jerry & Michele Mlinar, Matt & Jen Myers, Deb & George Volz, Gene Coakley, Arleen Goodell and Cliff & Lona Lowell.

During the month of May, church office hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ann Patterson is at home recuperating from surgery during this time, so we are adjusting office hours during her absence. Thank you for your cooperation.

Have you ever considered purchasing altar flowers for worship services? Bouquets cost $7.50 and may be purchased in honor someone, in memory of a loved one, or in honor of a birthday or anniversary.

Dorothy Stafford, who has been the organizer of the flowers since 1978, would appreciate your phone call. Please call her at 893-2615 (not long distance) and let her know that you would like to purchase flowers. You will billed for the flowers from Kearney Floral following your purchase.

After the Sunday services, the flowers are taken to the hospital and given to members of the Church who are hospitalized. These people are always very appreciative of the bouquets and the short visits of the United Methodist Women who deliver them.

The last regular Sunday School class will be held on Sunday, May 26^th.

Summer Sunday School will start the following week for Kindergarten through 5^th Grade. They will meet in the Preschool room with Perry Hanson and Russ Smith. Perry and Russ are excellent teachers, but they would appreciate some help. Are there any parents out there who would be prepared to give just over an hour each Sunday until school starts again the fall, or who would be prepared to help out in any way? Is so, please give us a call.

Vacation Bible School dates are: June 17-21, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon and July 21-25 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. The theme is "Bug Safari". You may register your child as soon as you wish. We are looking forward to another summer of learning the Bible while having FUN!

Another option that you may like to consider would be to join our teaching team in the fall, when we will resume the individual classroom Sunday School sessions.

Please contact me at the Church—we would love to have you on our team! (308-237-3158)

Valerie

The Kearney Area Habitat for Humanity is asking community Churches to support the Saturday workdays with workers, food providers and devotion leaders.

Our church is asked to schedule the May workdays with a core group of workers. The youth and adult Sunday School classes are asked to participate as follows:

Other members are encouraged to participate on any of the above dates. Contact Merv Schliefert for questions and /or coordination (236-5513).

Would you like to be included in our e-mail prayer chain? It’s very simple—when we get a prayer request, we e-mail it to you and when you read it, you take a few minutes to pray for the person. We have about 60 persons currently on the prayer chain. If you would like to be included, please e-mail Lori Vogt at loriv@kearneyfirstumc.org

Thank you to our radio sponsors for their generosity this year. We have no way of knowing how many people we reach each Sunday, but we have heard from many people who listen to the radio each Sunday because they are unable to attend worship services. This is a wonderful ministry, especially to those people who are homebound for one reason or another.

There are five dates left in 2002 for sponsoring a radio broadcast. Please call Sharron Altmaier at 234-2163, or the Church office, 237-3158 if you would like to sponsor any of the following dates: July 28^th, October 20th, November 3^rd and 10^th, and 17^th. Cost for the broadcast will be $161.00, payable to the Church within a short time after your broadcast date.

We do not know what the price for next year’s broadcast will be, but we already have several dates that have been spoken for. Look ahead on your 2003 calendar. Is there a special event, such as an anniversary or birthday that you would like to recognize? If so, please call Sharron to save your spot on 2003 list.

If you listen to the radio regularly and would like a bulletin mailed to you, please call the Church office.

Someone once said, "Experience is a good teacher, but she gives the test first and then the lesson." That's certainly true, and based on many of life's experiences, we frequently fail the test before we can benefit from the lesson.

The formula "e equals mc2" is familiar to many college students but understood by very few people. Most of us know it had something to do with Einstein and was the formula that led to the release of enormous power and to the nuclear age. Similarly, in funding the local church, "e" might stand for every, "m" for member, "c" for commitment, and the "2" for the effort multiplied by itself. The fruit of that kind of effort is much more powerful than what Einstein discovered, even as Jesus described it in Matthew 21:22 — "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."

Right now, as we consider the opportunity to support the ministries here at First United Methodist Church, God is putting us to the test. As Gordon Moyes stated, "Responsible giving or stewardship is not man's way of raising money, but God's way of raising people. . . .The church's budget is not a list of its expenses, but a record of its vision. It is not a list of bills to be met, but a program of ministry to be achieved."

As each of us prayerfully considers what God would have us give, and as we obey what God asks of us, we can trust Him to provide the resources. That's a test — a test of where we are spiritually much more than where we are financially. It's a test of us as individuals and of us as a church. The question is whether or not we really believe that God has the power and ability to bless our obedience "far more abundantly than all that we ask or think" (Eph. 3:20).

How are you doing concerning God's tests regarding money in your life? If God's provision in your life in the days ahead depends on how you obey His leading now concerning your giving, what will the future be like for you?

It just might, you know. . .

Average 2002 monthly contributions to the Building Fund: $3,800

Jan-April 2002 interest payments on building project debt: $2,225

Jan-April 2002 principle payments on building project debt: $20,684

Building project debt principle balance as of April 30, 2002: $36,816