Friday E-News Bulletin
January 16, 2026
We are Collecting Small Jars of Peanut Butter: The children and youth are collecting small jars of peanut butter as part of our Souper Bowl collection during the month of January. You may drop off your donation outside the Program Office or down by Hedrick Hall. Everything collected will be donated to United Methodist Open Door. We invite you to join us in reaching our goal of 2,000 jars of peanut butter. You may also give on-line to help us reach our goal at www.ehumc.org/give
Human Relations Day: Sunday, January 18th is designated for collecting a special offering to support Human Relations Day. We are called to make an impact in communities where our brothers and sisters in Christ lack the resources or tools to reach their God-given potentials. Our gifts are part of building beloved community through faith-based volunteer programs, community developers and programs that work with at-risk teens. For more than half a century, United Methodists have observed this churchwide special Sunday in recognition of the message Jesus demonstrated during his life: Each of God’s children are equally important. You can make your donation online or through a check payable to East Heights and include “Human Relations Day” on the memo line.
Family Promise: Our next host week is coming quickly (February 1-8). The new sign-up is out in the Coffee House or you can sign-up here: East Heights UMC: Family Promise Hospitality Sign-Up You may also sign-up here East Heights UMC: Family Promise Week Food Needs to provide food items for grab and go breakfast and lunch. After this next host week, we will take a little break until June. There is information about Family Promise and the different volunteer opportunities in the Coffee House. On January 25th, we will also have a short video and team members at the table to share a little bit more with you. You may also find more information on their website www.familypromisewichita.org If you have any questions, please contact Paige Nelson at paige@ehumc.org Thank you for your continued support of this important ministry.
Not too Old for Fun Field Trip: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Not too Old for Fun will learn about The Inner Workings of the Wurlitzer Organ at the home of Gary Fraser and Steve Schoenecker. We will meet in the south parking lot of East Heights at 10:20 a.m. and leave at 10:30 a.m. for the Artichoke Sandwich bar East 2959 North Rock Road where we will eat lunch at 11:00 a.m. at 12:30 p.m., we will meet at Gary and Steve’s home to learn about the Wurlitzer Organ. Please contact Judy Oliver 316-712-1735 if you have any questions.
Charge Conference: The Administrative Board has approved a 3% cost of living increase for clergy, program and hourly staff for 2026. Changes to clergy compensation require a called Charge Conference to be held with at least 10 days’ notice to approve the new pastoral compensation will be held on January 22nd at 6:30 p.m. prior to the regularly scheduled Administrative Board meeting. The meeting is open to all church members and is the only item on the agenda to be voted on.
EVERY Wednesday Meals: East Heights UMC community meal has expanded from the first Wednesday to every Wednesday, running from 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., and volunteers are needed for cooking, setup, cleanup, serving, and leading activities. Beyond meals, our hope is to foster community through puzzles, exercises, and potential mission projects and small groups. Whether you are able to serve or not, we hope to see you Wednesday’s at 5:15 p.m. for relationship building, food, and fun! Please contact Sally Goodson at sa11sg76@gmail.com to help.
An Evening with the St. Olaf Choir – February 2, 2026: The St. Olaf Choir is coming to East Heights UMC on February 2, 2026! Conducted by Anton Armstrong, the St. Olaf Choir has set the gold standard for choral singing and is bringing their national tour right here to our beautiful sanctuary! Tickets are now available for purchase ($35 for Adults, $10 for students). For tickets please click here. We are expecting a capacity crowd that evening so recommend you secure your tickets sooner than later. If you have any questions, contact Troy Fischer at troy@ehumc.org
The Trustees are Looking for Volunteers: Winter is upon us, and the Trustees are asking for your help to keep our sidewalks clear and safe for everyone! We are looking for a few dedicated volunteers to join our snow shoveling team on the east side of the building. If you’re able and willing to lend a hand, your support would make a huge difference in ensuring our community can navigate safely during the snowy months. Together, we can create a welcoming environment for all. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Taylor Rohr, our Administrative Assistant, at 316-682-6518 or taylor@ehumc.org Thank you for considering this important service to our congregation.
Upcoming Youth Ministry Events:
o January 19th – Mission Possible – MLK Day of Service/Habitat for Humanity
o January 23rd – 24th – Middle School Lock-In
o February 8th – Souper Bowl Sunday
o February 11th – Valentine Dessert Trolley
o February 13th – 16th – Ski Trip
o February 22nd – Pancake Breakfast
Year-End Generosity
Thank you for your generous financial support of East Heights UMC and its ministries. Through your gifts our church has touched the lives of children, youth, and adults in our congregation and community. As the end of the year is now upon us, we’ll soon close the books on 2025 and we need your help to finish strong. We are asking for your financial support of the life changing work through our global ministries. Please consider being a part of our year-end support drive. First, will you please join me in praying that God will stir within us all a willingness to give generously? Second, will you consider your own ability to give what you can to support our mission and ministry goals?
If you haven’t turned in your pledge card yet, turn it in by December 8th.
If giving stocks or funds managed by a broker, contact Kent Dick at the church office.
Use your bank’s bill pay system by December 23rd.
If using Vanco online, transactions should be completed by December 23rd.
If mailing your contribution, it must be postmarked by December 26th.
Bring your gift to the church office by noon, Tuesday, December 30th.
Thank you for helping East Heights complete our goals in ministry in 2025! The infographic below is a snapshot of our financial giving through November. If you would like to financially support our ministries, please contact Kent Dick at the church office or go to our website at www.ehumc.org and press the giving tab where you can give electronically.