I would like to welcome you to the Escanaba First United Methodist Church website. We pray that God will bless you richly as you seek Him and His will for your life. We, at The First United Methodist Church, have developed this website to bring glory to God and help you know who we are as a community of believers. I believe that we need to care for the body, soul, and spirit as we minister those people God has brought to the attention of our community. We pray for the physical, mental and emotional as well as spiritual needs of individuals who make known their needs to us. We believe in anointing with oil, when requested by individuals, as directed in the Holy Scriptures (James 5:13-16). If you are looking for a Bible based teaching church, we would love to have you visit us to see if we are the church that can help you in your spiritual development. We have prayer meetings, Bible Studies, Sunday school classes and other growth opportunities available to meet your needs. We have fellowship activities that bring the family of God closer together as we not only worship together but also have fun together. We want to minister to the whole person not just the spiritual portion of an individual. If you would like to have more information about our church, please contact our office. You are important to God and to us. If you are already in a Christian church, we praise God for you! We hope this website inspires you to serve God wherever He has placed you for His glory. Blessing to you all as we journey together! Yours in Christ,

Here it is fall already. It seemed that summer had just arrived when I begin to see color in the trees and other signs that there is another change of seasons. That also means that the fall programs begin at the church. I hope you have enjoyed a relaxing summer and are gearing up for a busier time. I found the following story to remind us that as we get busier it is important to take care of our bodies, souls and spirits. It is called “A Little Time Alone.” John R. O'Neil, in his book The Paradox of Success tells about a psychologist who was once summoned for a delicate interview with a top executive who had been acting oddly. Every Wednesday afternoon, this hard-charging company man would leave his office for a 3:00 appointment and did not return. He never told anyone where he went, but because he was observed entering a nearby apartment building it was assumed he must be visiting a mistress. Not so. The executive explained his habit to the psychologist quite easily. Inside Apartment 2B waited, not a luscious blonde, but a professional woodworking shop that he had set up, where he labored happily to turn out furniture and knick-knacks. He kept his special appointment with himself faithfully because it was his retreat from the demands he fulfilled so carefully day in and day out. He needed this chance to be alone with himself, engaged in an activity that took his mind far from the job and focused his attention in a calming way. The psychologist pronounced him eminently healthy. This was the man's retreat from pressing responsibilities. You have to admire Jesus' commitment to maintaining balance in his life. The Savior took time to go apart. Many of us could learn from him. We, too, need a time apart. As someone has said, we need to go apart before we come apart. (From: King Duncan, When You Need Help, Collected Sermons) I have been able to get away occasionally this summer and get some reading and other work done that never seems to get finished (or started) with my busy schedule at church. It was refreshing and reminded me that I need to take time to “go apart” for a time before I “come apart.” There will be many opportunities to get involved in church activities this fall and winter so watch for those events that are of interest to you and join in with others to serve Christ. There will be Sunday school for all ages starting in September as well as Wednesday evening Kid’s night. Watch for Bible Studies and other growth opportunities. Wayne Barrett will be back in the Marquette District on October 11. He is very worth the time to hear. Enjoy the rest of the good weather because we know what follows that. Fall is my favorite time of year as we have warm days, cool nights AND usually no bugs! We also look forward to our church conference on October 21st. It is a good time to celebrate our past year and begin to imagine what all we can do in the year ahead. God bless you as you seek to serve God. As I write this newsletter article, the Olympics are still going on and I am reminded that we need to keep our eye on the prize as we journey toward God. It will all be worth it in the end! I believe we will be as happy and excited as the Olympian medal winners as we complete the tasks God asks us to do. And then there is the final prize that we receive when we spend eternity with God. I pray we will see you all in church as we get back to the fall and perhaps some of you will not be on vacation. We miss you when you are not in “your” pew. Peace and grace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.