Andover Informational Meeting: Saturday, June 9 @ 3:00pm

Prior to First Church's picnic at the Andover campus on June 9th, there will be an Andover worship service informational meeting. We are planning to gather from 3:00pm-4:00pm before the picnic begins at 4:00pm. Everyone is invited to this informal time of sharing and fact gathering. Members from the Launch team will be on hand to answer any questions about the start-date, building remodel, community presence building, children's ministry, and/or plans for the worship service.

So mark your calendar and plan on coming out for the picnic an hour early in order to get the most up-to-date information about plans for Andover and how you might become involved.

Building Remodel

In order to begin worship in the fall of 2007, one of the key areas that needs to be addressed is an extensive remodeling of the building. The plans are currently being finalized, but we do know that a complete re-painting and re-carpeting are in store. In addition, the chancel area will be remodeled to install a choir loft, kneeling rail, and lectern area.

As you can imagine, there is much work to be done with a great deal of it being done by volunteers. There will be opportunities throughout the summer for individuals to be involved.

COMMUNITY PRESENCE

The people in the community of Andover are the reason we are starting a new worshipping community. To this end, it is imperative that we get the message out in the streets, neighborhoods, schools, places of shopping and dining, and everywhere else. Several things are being planned for this coming year to do just that.

1.) VBS shuttle service from the Andover campus to Downtown campus the week of June 3rd - 7th (Sunday thru Thursday night). A bus will be leaving Andover at 5:30 returning at 9:00 each night. Registration forms can be obtained by contacting Karen Cox, Children's Minister, at 233-0545 or kcox@1stumc.org.

2.) We are planning an outdoor movie night / car show for Saturday, August 3rd.

3.) An awareness and fund-raiser for Nathaniel Mission of Lexington is being planned for Saturday, December 8th. The night will feature a Christmas concert, miniature tree auction, and plenty of good food.

Mark your calendars now! In addition to marking your calendars, if you would like to be involved in planning and/or executing of any of the above outreach efforts, please contact Todd Nelson, Campus Pastor, at 233-0545 or todd@1stumc.org.

FOUNDATIONAL Group

The Andover launch team has set 100 as a minimum goal of people inside and outside of First Church who would commit to making Andover their worship home. The goal for Sunday October 7th is 250+ people in worship. The initial 100+ will be the key to making this happen. Along with their commitment to being in worship, they are also going to be counted upon to invite people and bring their neighbors, family, friends, and co-workers with them. Advertising can only do so much, it is the people that make the difference! If you sense that God is calling you and/or your family in this direction or if you simply want more information, please contact Todd Nelson at 229-4523 or todd@1stumc.org.

ANDOVER LAUNCH 10/7/07

Much has happened in the past month. The launch team has agreed to move full speed ahead with remodeling the building, developing community awareness, inviting 100+ folks from First Church and the community to make Andover their worship home, and find leadership for children's ministry and music. A constant barrage of prayer for the Andover area has been lifted up and will continue to be the driving force behind all that we do. The second driving force is the people committed to serving, attending, and working in a variety of ways to get the Andover campus up and running. On a weekly basis, we are hearing of new people interested and others committing to making Andover a bright light for the Kingdom of God in the Andover area.

Over the next week, we will begin to highlight areas of the project and the opportunities for your involvement within them. The launch team asks that you pray and seek God's will for you and your family.


We are very excited that the Staff Parish Team approved the following part-time positions that we are actively seeking to fill by August.


DIRECTOR OF MUSIC: Part-time person to coordinate, direct, and help develop the Sunday morning worship experience. This person will work with a Worship Team that will include the Campus Pastor to give direction and guidance to worship.

CHILDREN'S MINISTER: Part-time person who will implement a Sunday morning experience for children Birth - 5th grade. Work with a Children's Ministry team to develop a Sunday School and Children's church ministry.

God is moving in many directions at First Church. We have seen His handprints all over the GENERATIONS Capital Campaign, and we see Him clearly at work in starting the worship service at Andover. Thank you for all your prayers as we continue to move forward in faith.