Obituary - Jerusalem Times
Saturday, AD 33

Jesus Christ, 33, of Nazareth, died Friday on Mount Calvary, also known as Golgotha, the place of the skull. Betrayed by the apostle, Judas, Jesus was crucified by the Romans, by order of the Ruler Pontius Pilate.

The causes of death were crucifixion, extreme exhaustion, severe torture and loss of blood.

Jesus Christ, a descendent of Abraham, was a member of the house of David. He was the Son of the late Joseph, a carpenter of Nazareth, and Mary, His devoted Mother. Jesus was born in a stable in the city of Bethlehem, Judea. He is survived by His mother, Mary, His faithful Apostles, numerous disciples and many other followers.

Jesus was self-educated and spent most of his adult life working as a Teacher. Jesus also occasionally worked as a Medical Doctor and it is reported that he healed many patients. Up until the time of His death, Jesus was teaching and sharing the Good News, healing the sick, touching the lonely, feeding the hungry and helping the poor.

Jesus was most noted for telling parables about His Father's Kingdom and performing miracles, such as feeding over 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish, and healing a man who was born blind. On the day before His death, He held a Last Supper celebrating the Passover Feast, at which He foretold His death. The body was quickly buried in a stone grave, which was donated by Joseph of Arimathea, a loyal friend of the family. By order of Pontius Pilate, a boulder was rolled in front of the tomb. Roman soldiers were put on guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that everyone try to live as Jesus did. Donations may be sent to anyone in need.

Alan Finke Memorial Scholarship

This fund was started 7 years ago in the memory of FUMC member Alan Finke.  Alan was a vital part of our youth program.  He taught Sunday school, was a UMYF counselor, and an active force in the Chrysalis walks.  Sadly, Alan passed away at a much too young of age, but his memory lives in this scholarship.  So far about a dozen youth have benefited from this honor.

Any senior of First Church who would like to apply for this scholarship may do so by filling out the application available outside the youth room.  Applications are due by April 30, 2009.  We will be having our annual luncheon to raise money for the fund and announce the winners of the scholarship on Sunday, May 17th immediately following the last service.

Luncheon tickets will be available to purchase, starting at the end of April, for all church members.  Watch for more information here and in the bulletin , and also watch for our table in the Atrium.

United Methodist Women's Cookbooks

The United Methodist Women still have copies of their 2007 cook book available.

If you didn’t get a copy, or if you know someone who would enjoy it, the UMW will be selling the cook books in the Atrium between services on Sunday, April 26, and Sunday, May 3, for the bargain price of only $10.00!

First Church is the home of some fabulous cooks, and many of their favorite recipes are contained in the pages of this book.  So if you want to prepare food your family and friends will rave about, buy a copy.  You won’t be sorry!

Spring Bar-B-Que

The First United Methodist Church Men’s Club will hold our annual Spring Bar-B-Que on April 18 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the parking lot of the Schnucks market on Duchesne Dr. in St. Charles.

Pork steak dinners and half chicken dinners are $8.00 and bratwurst dinners are $5.00. Dinners include pork & beans and cole slaw. Bratwurst sandwiches and chicken breasts will also be served.

Sam Travel: Branson, 2009

Sign ups for the SAM (Senior Adult Ministry) trip to Branson from November 30 to December 4, 2009 have begun for FUMC members, SAM members and former SAM travelers. The cost for the 5 day/4 night trip is $505 per person based on double occupancy. Please add $120 for single occupancy.

This incredible price includes: motor coach transportation, 4 nights lodging, 8 meals (4 breakfasts and 4 dinners), gratuities and admission to 7 fabulous Branson Shows.

Shows include: Miracle of Christmas Show at the Sight and Sound Theatre, The Yakov Smirnoff Show, The Twelve Irish Tenors, The Red Hot and Blue Show, The Showboat Branson Belle, The Best of Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters in “A Christmas Celebration”, and The Hughes Brothers Show.

In addition, time will be spent at the new $420 million entertainment and shopping project, Branson Landing, on Lake Taneycomo, the Grand Country Square and historic downtown Branson.

Fliers and applications are available for the November 2009 trip to Branson in the church office. If you have questions, please contact Karen Bahr or Roemell Wood at the church at (636) 947-0066.