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Faith Formation
Teacher 7 Parent Workshop, Sat. Jan. 21
How do I learn? Let me count the ways. When we are help-ing form the faith of our children, it is good to address more than one learning style. Registration is 8:30am at Newman Middle/High School, 1130 W Bridge St. 9:00am overview of eight intelligences will include an inventory of your strengths. Choose 3 breakouts until noon to pick up tips for classroom and prayer application of learning styles you want to improve.
Spiritual Growth Retreat, Sat., Feb. 25
On this day, Circuit 9 will be offering a one-day retreat at St. Anthony's Retreat Center in Marathon, guiding us through different ways to pray. We often seem to think that prayer is only about speaking words aloud, but in fact we can pray in every way that we can think or feel or exist.
The retreat will begin at 10:00am in the Solanus Room with an introductory session in which everyone will take a test on her or his ideal learning styles. The rest of the time we will divide up into sessions geared for your preferred prayer-styles. Learn about Visual Prayer, Prayer through Music, Intrapersonal Prayer, Praying through Creation, Verbal Prayer, and others.
Lunch will be provided, and we will wrap up by 5:00pm. The sessions are suitable for people at all stages of their spiritual journey (in fact First Wausau and Mosinee are making it a part of their Confirmation curriculum this year).
Cost is $15 per person (most of which goes to pay for the lunch), but our goal is for everyone who wishes to go to be able to go; so if cost is a barrier, let us know. We'll work something out. Please sign-up in the Parlor if you're interested by February 13 (or sooner) so the Retreat Center will know how many meals to prepare. Wesleyan Heritage Retreat, March 16-17
Another circuit confirmation retreat will take place three weeks later, at Pine Lake Camp near Westfield. Begin with supper at 5:30pm Friday, March 16, and conclude by 2:00pm Saturday, March 17. Join us for…fun & games; evening & morning devotions; "Why Wesley Matters" -Methodist history and theology and how it shapes us today; "Responding to Grace" -missions & social justice in the Methodist tradition; "Get Connected" - structure of the Methodist church in Wisconsin and worldwide; closing worship and communion service led by Rev. Steve Polster, Assistant to the Bishop.
Although geared toward youth, these programs are suitable and interesting for people of all ages. The retreat cost, including overnight lodging, supper, breakfast, and lunch, is $38 per youth and $50 per adult. We will be staying in the Pine Center, which offers bunk beds. More information and sign up in the Parlor. Registration forms and fees are due by February 29. Space is limited, so respond soon.
Using Our Library
Faith Questers recently took time to visit the Library with opportunity to borrow a book. November 20 is their next scheduled visit—at the start of each rotation unit. Younger children also made a tour and can check out books when parents pick them up. Older Youth have age appropriate books in their classrooms and can also borrow from the main library.
We encourage everyone to take advantage of the many fine resources our Library Committee provides. Get lost in a book, and then let others know what you have discovered.
Online History Links
The Wesleys and Their Times: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umhistory/wesley/ Selected hymns of Charles Wesley: http://hbs.gbgm-umc.org/umhistory/wesley/hymns/ John Wesley: Holiness of Heart and Life: http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/wesley/ A Brief timeline of the United Methodist Church and its American Heritage: http://www.gcah.org/UMC_timlone.htm 200 Years of United Methodism: An Illustrated History: http://depts.drew.edu/lib/books/200Years/200UM/homepage.htm Interactive Flash presentation: http://moodle.umcom.org/moodle/file.php/239/umhistorytimelime10/swf  Earth Care
 Facebook Fans, Friends
Facebook users can find and refer friends to a church “fan” page where members can network and share news about FUMC or link to our church website and calendar of events.
We lost two members on the web ministry team. Would you like to help develop and improve online presence and communication? Let us know by the electronic means of your choice.
 Smile, We Are FUMCWA frame for digital pictures has been set up in the Parlor. Do you have recent photos of your family or church events to share? You can use a Paint program to add names to identify who is in a photo, or request help to do this. Would you like to help manage this project and our church photo archives?
 A New Year and
Scripture Core
Have you ever made a resolution to read the Bible, but stopped in frustration or confusion, perhaps bogged down in Leviticus? One problem with reading the Bible is that it was not written as a linear story. When people approach it as a single book, they may quickly lose a narrative thread.
Help has arrived! Pastor Jerry is writing a new course to provide a broad outline of salvation history revealed in scripture. When we know the “big picture” of God‟s story presented in narrative books of the Bible, we have a framework to help put any verse in this context. When we can retell the Story in our own words it becomes our story too. The Bible comes alive - no longer a closed book gathering dust, but the incredible story of God‟s glorious plan for leading His people to intimate relationship with Himself.
Scripture Core will help you review, or perhaps for the first time in your life, understand the Bible over-view. The Core will enliven your Bible reading at home and your Sunday worship at church. Jerry will offer eight sessions: Wednesdays (except Ash Wednesday), 6:15-7:25pm with a community meal at 5:30pm; and on Sundays, 8:40-9:50am in the Fellowship Hall - room for everyone who wants to participate at either time each week:
Get hold of your Bible…
Let God get hold of you!
 Help for Reading Scripture
One of the best ways to prepare for the Scripture Core class is to read scripture in advance. Jot your questions and insights in a notebook as you proceed. The Bible Timeline Guided Journal is a handsome 90-day reading plan prepared by Sarah Christmyer. (See a copy in the Parlor - can be ordered for $15.) The hardback has plenty of room for notes, thought-provoking questions to jump-start your journaling, tips on Bible reading and a prayer for each day. To get a good historical overview, Christmyer's plan recommends reading four chapters a day in sequence from this selection: Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, Ezra, Nehemiah, 1 Maccabees (in the Apocrypha), Luke and Acts. Resolve to spend some time each day read-ing (and praying) scripture. Beginning the first week of January, you can finish a 90-day plan by Easter. We will use our church Facebook page for anyone accepting our 90-day invite to read four chapters of scripture each day, starting the first week of January. Go to facebook.com/WausauFUMC to post about your reading progress. Notebook/posting suggestions: 1) Write in your own words a summary of what you read (information); 2) Share questions or new understandings the text stirs up for you (formation and re-formation); 3) Share a prayer or a way God's Word spoken to you calls you to take some action in your life and world (transformation). Youversion.com has hundreds of reading plans and will email a daily text or reminder to your computer or mobile device (via a free App). mystudybible.com has a wealth of free Bible study tools, including a Featured Article, “How to Read and Study the Bible” by George H. Guthrie, who writes for a biblical literacy initiative at ReadTheBibleForLife.com. squidoo.com/readingplans lists resources, such as readingplanner.com and mybibleplans.com
Children may enjoy quizzes at yourstoryhour.org/ For added accountability and support, tell your goals to a friend. A live, human reading partner can help you stay on track and share treasures you will find. 2012—A Year to Delve into the Good Book
 leo@fumcwausau.org 715-842-2201.
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When are you available to help?
During the Sunday School hour, Wednesday night, occasional events? We will find a place for you whether your commitment is weekly, monthly, a short duration., or as needed.
Do you prefer a leading or assisting role?
When children and youth gather, at least two adults care for them. Adults can teach, co-teach, or assist the teacher who prepares a lesson.
What ages are you called to serve?
A parent may prefer serving in a group with their own child or with younger or older children. Grandparents and adults with no children can benefit by serving a range of ages.
What experiences, talents, training, interests, expectations can you offer?
Many hands make light work. Now is the time to offer your time and talent to support the faith formation of younger members of our community. Contact Leo Jacoby without delay: