Join us at 5:00pm for our Lenten Program - "The Life You've Always Wanted" (based on the book by John Ortberg) which is a video program that focuses on spiritual disciplines for ordinary folks like us that help us to draw near to God and "The Return of the Prodigal" (book by Henry Nouwen), which is be a book discussion study focusing on the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Program for K-12 is provided. All are welcome!

LENTEN MEDITATION MATERIALS for reading during this Lenten season through Easter are available in the So. Transcept.

LIE UMW SPRING DISTRICT MEETING: will be held on Sat. March 25, 2006, from 9:00am-2:00pm at Farmingdale UMC, Fellowship Hall. Guest speaker: Rev. Annie M. Bovian, Exec. Director Women's Advocate Ministry. Registration at 9:00am; communion service begins at 9:30am followed by program.

HEALTH KITS & SCHOOL KITS will be assembled again this year by UMW as a Lenten project. Everyone is invited to participate by donating completed kits or a cash donation (all checks made payable to "United Methodist Women"). A collection box will be in the South Transcept through Easter Sunday. For a list of what is in the kits, please pick up a flyer next to the collection box. Church World Service sends these kits wherever there is an emergency within the U.S. and our neighbors around the world. Join us!!! If you need a list of supplies for either kit or want to give a cash donation, please call the Church Office.

LOOKING AHEAD: Celebration of Appointment for Pastor Yim on Sunday, 4/30 at 5:00pm. More details to follow.

FOOD DRIVE: Farmingdale UMC will be having a food drive during the month of March to help restock St. Killian's Community Food Pantry. Suggested donations of basic items like canned fruits and vegetables, pastas, peanut butter and other basic items will be collected in the So. Transcept each week.

KATRINA INITIATIVE: All churches in the New York Annual Conference will observe Palm Sunday, April 9th as "Katrina Initiative Sunday." A special offering will be taken to help United Methodist churches, pastors and staff recover from the ravages of Hurricane Katrina. Checks can be made out to the NYAC. Please note on your contribution, Katrina Church Recovery Appeal #818-001.

FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE: It's audit time again - the Finance Committee needs copies of the check registers showing deposits and payments and copies of Jan. 2005 and Dec. 2005 bank statements. The Discipline requires we audit the following - Memorial Fund, BIF Fund, Skip Newman Fund, Powell Fund, Thrift Shop, UMM, UMW, General Fund, Capital Improvement Fund, Endowment Fund and Day Nursery School. Please hand in material to the Church Office or give it to Ralph Ekstrand, Finance Chair.

Dear FUMC Family,
I want to express my gratitude for the wonderful farewell brunch, the gift, and the "Sounds of Joy" plaque, which I shall always treasure. Your expressions of love and appreciation mean more than words can say. My family and I will never forget the FUMC choirs, congregation, and Pastor Yim. "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ... being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:3-4,6 NIV)
Love in Christ,
Christine Bouton

2005 ANNUAL REPORTS: copies are available in the Church Office.

CALLING ALL CROPWALKERS & SUPPORTERS: Our annual Cropwalk, the community-wide hunger response of Church World Service will take place Sunday, April 30th at Marjorie Post Park. Pick up your Cropwalk Sponsor Sheets from Peggy Tomko during Coffee Hour in Fellowship Hall.

HOLY LAND CLASSIC 2007: 10 DAYS OF BIBLICAL DISCOVERY - Join Bishop Jeremiah Park and the NY United Methodist Conference for the "journey of a lifetime". Experience the world in which Jesus was born and lived out His ministry. The tour departs from New York on Feb. 11, 2007. The cost is just $1,848. For further information, brochures are available in the So. Transcept or contact Pastor Yim.

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC POSITION AVAILABLE: Farmingdale UMC seeks part-time Director of Music. Skilled, creative organist and pianist to direct and accompany a chancel choir, a praise and gospel choir, a youth choir and a bell choir and to play at Sunday worship service and other special services. Send resume to Music Search Committee at farmumc@earthlink.net or to 407 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735.