April 2016 First Pulse Newsletter

April 2016 Edition

Dear Friends, It was a year ago when our cong reg ation was blessed by the p r e s e n c e o f D r.

James Forbes and our Lenten study of his book, Whose Gospel?

A Guide to Progressive Protestantism. Dr. Forbes challenged us to think and discuss contemporary “hot-button” issues that are affecting the church as well as society. In our Lenten journey of a year ago, we also discovered that when Christians disagree on issues, it is not so easy to talk about the various issues while remaining in healthy relationship.

Talking with each other and learning how to disagree in an agreeable fashion, is a much needed characteristic of the Christian faith. We need to learn to embrace that model within the culture of the local church.

As United Methodists prayerfully prepare for General Conference

www.grandrapidsfumc.org

(May 10 – 20 in Portland, Oregon) and while our We need a reminder about the Christian country is muddling responsibility to be civil in our fierce through the political conversations with one another. season and preparing for a Presidential race, us. I worked with Melanie when both of we need a reminder about the Christian us served as District Superintendents. responsibility to be civil in our fierce Melanie served the metro area of the conversations with one another. city of Detroit. She has a passion for mission, social justice ministries and has Consequently, on Sunday, April 10, led us in expanding United Methodist Dr. Richard Mouw will be with us ministries with multi-cultural and ethnic for the entire day. Dr. Mouw was a minority populations. She is a gifted professor at Calvin College for many preacher who is returning to serve years and then became the President a local congregation in Farmington of Fuller Seminar y in southern on July 1. You will not want to miss California. A Presbyterian by tradition, Melanie either.

Dr. Mouw wrote a wonderful book titled, Uncommon Decency – Christian Finally, I would ask you to be in prayer Civility in an Uncivil World. It is one throughout the months of April and of the most thought-provoking books May for our United Methodist General on the important subject of Christian Conference. This year’s conference civility that I have ever read. He will may prove to be the most contentious be our pulpit guest, lead a in decades. As United Methodist presentation with discussion Christians, we need to pray for God’s during the Sunday School hour, wisdom and guidance to be with our and then, during an evening GC delegates. They need the courage meal at 5 pm, make another to make good and responsible decisions presentation with discussion – not with a value of maintenance of in Wesley Hall. On Monday the status quo, but with the bold vision the 11th from 10 am to 3 pm, for ministry with all of God’s children. we are hosting an event for Please join me in this season of prayer. inter-denominational pastors and lay leaders as well (register Grace and Peace to you. online at www.grfumc.org/ Pastor Bob Hundley mouw). This is an important day focusing on a very important topic.

Please make sure that you have April 10 (and/or 11) on your calendar. Copies of Dr. Mouw’s book are available for purchase ($11.00) in the church office or electronically through Amazon.com.

On April 24, we will have a second guest preacher during the month. Rev. Melanie Carey, the Assistant to the Bishop of the Michigan Area of the United Methodist Church, will be with

inside

Intentional Faith Development

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Pastor’s Message

Radical Hospitality 1

Risk-taking Mission and Service

Passionate Worship 5

Extravagant Generosity 4

3 Compassionate Care

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Intentional Faith Development Be a Superhero: Fight Hunger!

“Mom, I’m starving!”

How many times have you heard this phrase uttered by a nearby hungry child? I am guilty of exclaiming a similar phrase as an adult.

Are those from whom we hear this phrase actually starving? Probably not.

Do those in our immediate circles likely know what it feels like to go without food? We hope not.

On average, Grand Rapidians who live above the poverty line have a great variety of grocery stores from which to select their fresh vegetables, meat, fruit and dairy. However, for people, children included, who live below the poverty line and often within the city limits, food security is a luxury that they are not afforded. To be “food insecure” means that families do not have consistent access to enough food for a healthy, active life and do not have access to nutritionally adequate foods (US Department of Agriculture, 2015).

According to a 2015 Feeding America study, 13.3% of Kent County residents are food insecure and nationally, 1 in 5 children does not know from where their next meal will come. Children who are food insecure can experience physical and developmental delays and have trouble focusing in school; they are destined to struggle through life because of their family’s limited access to nutritious food.

Camp is for children who will enter 1st - 6th grade in the fall of 2016.

Responsible Jr. and Sr. High students are also welcome to join us as shepherds and helpers throughout the week.

This is where Arts Alive Camp comes Please visit grandrapidsfumc.org/ in… artsalivecamp for more information and to register. Scholarships are readily This Summer, June 20 - 23, Arts Alive available, contact Audrey Kawel at Camp Superheroes will focus in on audreyk@grandrapidsfumc.org for food insecurity in Grand Rapids and more information. the ways in which Kids’ Food Basket, an organization based in Grand Rapids Mark your calendar for Wednesday, June that provides a sack supper to thousands 22 at 2:00 pm: you will be invited to a of children all over Grand Rapids who fundraiser put on by the campers to would otherwise go without, is already benefit Kids’ Food Basket! A reminder working to combat hunger. They’ll will go out in church publications in the see this problem through the eyes of weeks prior to camp.

Jesus and will learn about what he did to feed the hungry during his life.

Audrey Kawel Campers will learn that if we Director of Children’s Ministry Superheroes work together, we can ensure that children in our For more information about Kids’ community do not go to bed Food Basket, visit kidsfoodbasket.org. hungry.

“USDA ERS - Food Security in the U.S.” USDA ERS - Food Security in the U.S. US Department of Agriculture, 8 Sept. 2015. Web. 15 Mar. 2016.

Campers will also experience drums, dance, singing, and art as they traditionally do during “Food Insecurity in the United States | Map the Arts Alive week. A Meal Gap.” Feeding America. 2015. Web. 15 Mar. child near you won’t 2016. want to miss it!

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Passionate Worship The Poetry of Hymns

The opening line of the recent movie “The Big Short” goes something to the effect of Truth is like poetry. And most people hate poetry. But, wait, I wanted to protest, “I love poetry.” However, it got a laugh when I saw it in the theater, so there must be some kernel of truth to the statement. In the context of the movie, I think it makes this point: People don’t want to know the truth, if it takes some serious wrestling with complex information. In the case of “The Big Short,” the topic was the housing “crisis” of 2008 due, in part, to banks issuing mortgages that were virtually worthless and highly likely to go into foreclosure. Figuring out the layers of economic dysfunction was like peeling the onion on a piece of dense poetry. It is a fascinating movie, and I highly recommend seeing it, but let’s move on to poetry.

The church is full of poetry, and for good reason. Poetry is used in prayers, liturgy, and especially hymnody and spiritual songs. Poetry, like music, attempts to go beyond the individual words to evoke meaning and mystery beyond what is on the page. The French composer, Olivier Messiaen contrasts music and words when he said: “The joy of music is that it can go beyond words----which are too precise. Music can express what there is in the soul.” Poetry functions in a similar way to music, in that in the imaginative use of words, poetry attempts to evoke emotion and meaning.

Hymns are poems. At their best, they contain memorable words, metaphors, and phrases: language that delights and inspires. Hymns are poems of faith. They express whatever a congregation needs to express in the presence of God. The hymn-form is used in varied ways, but its genius is its capacity to develop a theme, tell a story, and take us on a journey as it unfolds.

(Brian Wren, Praying Twice: The Music and Words of Congregational Song (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, June 2000)

One of the primary reasons that it is difficult to see hymns as poetry is because of the way they look placed under the notes within the music of the hymn. Consider, for example the Easter hymn, “Christ is Alive.” In our hymnal format, it looks like this: 1. Christ is a - live! Let Chris - tians sing. The cross stands 2. Christ is a - live! No long - er bound to dis - tant 3. In e - very in - sult, rift and war, where col - or 4. Wom - en - and men, in age and youth, can feel the 5. Christ is a - live, and comes to bring good news to In this for mat, known as “interlinear” form, it’s difficult to comprehend the sense of the poetry.

Consider the same hymn in poetic form:

Christ is alive! Let Christians sing.

The cross stands empty to the sky.

Let streets and homes with praises ring.

Love, drowned in death, shall never die.

Christ is alive! Let Christians sing.

The cross stands empty to the sky.

Let streets and homes with praises ring.

Love, drowned in death, shall never die.

Christ is alive! No longer bound to distant years in Palestine, but saving, healing, here and now, and touching every place and time.

In every insult, rift and war, where color, scorn or wealth divide, Christ suffers still, yet loves the more, and lives, where even hope has died.

Women and men, in age and youth, can feel the Spirit, hear the call, and find the way, the life, the truth, revealed in Jesus, freed for all.

This hymn was written by the English hymnwriter, Brian Wren in the week before Easter, 1968, not too long after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is a call to experience the Christ that is with us today and is deeply part of our present day struggles and concerns, as well as our joys and triumphs. It is a wonderful hymn for this Easter season, with a message that can transform the world.

Take a fresh look at the hymns, and experience them in the poetic form as often as you can.

Eric Strand Executive Director of Worship, Music, and the Arts

Christ is alive, and comes to bring good news to this and every age, till earth and sky and ocean ring with joy, with justice, love and praise.

Copyright © 1975 by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net No. 703279

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Risk-Taking Mission and Service

Spotlight on Syrian Refugees: Michigan Prepares Part of the United Methodist Committee on Relief ’s care for immigrants and refugees is facilitated by a network of clinics known as Justice For Our Neighbors (JFON). Michigan stands ready to assist through the services of Justice for Our Neighbors. JFON is a legal ministry supported by the United Methodist Church to provide free legal services to immigrants in need.

JFON of West Michigan is a ministry of Grand Rapids First Church housed in First Place.

Migrants form a crowd at the Keleti pályaudvar train station Sept. 2 in Budapest while waiting passage to Germany, Austria, and other wealthier countries within the European Union where the laws on refugee protection are better. ~umns photo/Daniel Peters

clinics, which are hosted by United Methodist churches.” Tori remarks, “Clients who are nervous or frightened arrive at our clinics and are greeted with friendly faces, snacks, and an attitude of welcome.”

gram Manager of Refugee Services for Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, says, “We have been gearing up statewide for a resettlement program for Syrians, meeting with local SyrianAmericans, Syrian professionals, and the Islamic Center. We have resettled Laura Rampersad, JFON West Michi- a few cases here in Grand Rapids and gan’s Director, adds: “As far as im- almost 60 Syrians in Detroit.” mediate response to the Syrian crisis, there will be a need for church place- Cavanaugh believes there is strong Director of Justice for our Neigh- ments for new arrivals. Congregations precedent for increased mobilization: bors Southeastern Michigan (JFON- should consider answering the call if “After the Vietnam War the U.S. was SEMI), Tori Booker, reports, “Cur- Congress increases refugees allowed able to be very responsive and resetrently, our attorney is representing a into U.S.” She lists “housing, employ- tled over 200,000 ‘boat people.’ There ment and school as is much similarity to what we are seefamily from Syria with immediate needs of ing in Europe,” he notes. He encourtheir political asylum apfamilies navigating ages interested individuals to consider plication and is ready to immigration issues.” sponsorship, describing the refugees’ serve others. We are also JFON West Michigan situation this way: “Syrians have exprepared to help Syrian has strong ties to the perienced high trauma and they need families apply for Temtwo major regional mental health support. They have a porary Protected Status refugee resettlement strong willingness to be contributnow that Congress has agencies in Bethany ing members of the community with authorized this form of Christian Services and eagerness to work and integrate.” relief.” Apart from proLutheran Social Ser- Churches are uniquely positioned to viding free legal services, vices. facilitate integration. “The best way JFON also operates “in to help them integrate is just to get to a climate of intentional UMCOR Photo Chris Cavanaugh, Pro- know them and help them out with hospitality through our everyday things we take for granted,” JFON operates “in a climate of intentional hospital- Cavanaugh concludes.

ity...” “Clients who are nervous or frightened arrive at our clinics and are greeted with friendly faces, snacks, and an attitude of welcome.”

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Kay DeMoss, Michigan Area UMC News Editor contributed to this report

Radical Hospitality What’s in a name?

The following is a story from Debbie Schuitema, one of my mom friends at First Church, when I asked her how she chose her kids’ names: Being a teacher makes naming your children very interesting. Fun fact: both Rick and I are teachers’ kids and were named after students.

We chose the name “Veda” after Rick discovered it on a list of mid-20th century names of actresses. We were looking for an older name but were having trouble finding one we both agreed on. I loved the meaning of the name (in Sanskrit, Veda means ‘understanding’ and ‘knowledge’) and it sounded so beautiful with the middle name we already picked out: Lorraine. Lorraine is from my hero, my paternal grandmother who passed away a few years ago. My grandmother was the living embodiment of “understanding” and what it means to love your neighbor. Plus it’s fun to say “Darth Veda.”

Naming a boy seemed even tougher, but Gideon kept coming up. We liked the biblical ties (both Gideon and Deborah were

judges, as my dad pointed out), and strong distinct sound. His middle name is Lucas which is after Rick’s maternal grandfather who was a man of many talents and very well loved. We love to call him “G-man.”

My husband, German, and I also spent Gideon and Veda much time picking unique names for our kids. My daughter’s name is Rheadawn Amalia. We call her Rhea. My father-in-law’s name was Rey, my dad’s name is Don. We feminized and smooshed and came up with Rheadawn. Rhea’s middle name is after my husband’s grandma. Her younger brother’s name is Eman Liatti. Eman was my husband’s childhood nickname when he lived in the Philippines. I also liked that Eman is a variation of Emmanuel. His middle name is an artistic creation of my mom’s and mother-inlaw’s names, using the last 3 letters of each name. (After using both dads, we had to use both moms!)

Why these stories about choosing names? Because names are so important! Look how much people put into choosing names. That’s why we should introduce ourselves, by name, to people we don’t know on Sunday mornings.

If that person responds by saying her name, get to know her. If you’re brave, introduce her, by name, to another person near you. This is how meaningful community is built!

Sami Marasigan Evangelism and Hospitality PS - I have a confession…I’m terrible at names! It takes me about 7 times to finally remember a person’s name. On Sunday mornings, I find myself saying: “I know I should remember your name, but could you remind me?” If I, or someone else, say this phrase to you, please be gracious with us and share your name. Know that this is our way of saying, I’m glad YOU are here!

Rhea and Eman

Extravagant Generosity What are you doing for spring break?

Our church family does not take a “spring break” when it The wonderful thing about First comes to our generosity.

Church is that we understand these harsh realities, and are in active minIsn’t that a pretty common question istry addressing these and many other this time of year? For some, spring needs in our community and around break means a trip to some warm ex- the world. Our church family does not otic place. For some, it means relaxing take a “spring break” when it comes at home. For some, it means a chance to our generosity. to tackle home projects, and for still others, it is a week of service through Indeed, while many of our church friends will enjoy wonderful experimission or charitable activity. ences this spring, we never take a But for many, it is just another week break from being disciples of Jesus trying to get by. Those who queue up Christ! Our congregation demonfor the work program at First Church strates the call to set aside God’s gifts each week will still be there. The fami- first before planning for our own perlies at MLK Leadership Academy that sonal finances. We know that enjoying are living in poverty or homelessness the fruits of our labors is wonderful will struggle as usual. Those in our and renewing, but only after we have midst dealing with sickness and lone- honored God for the bounty God has liness will not have a “break” from provided. these realities.

If God has provided you with the ability to plan an exciting spring break or summer vacation, have you expressed your gratitude to God with generous gifts that enable First Church to bring hope to those who can’t even imagine the experiences many of us might be planning?

Spring is a wonderful time of year.

As we make plans for our own enjoyment, let us remember those whose lives we touch through our gifts of time and treasure. I hope the spring brings you many warm weather blessings, and I hope God leads us all to be Extravagantly Generous to those not as fortunate as we.

Chris Hawkins Finance Committee

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Compassionate Care The Many Faces of Compassionate Care

Being compassionate is defined as feeling sympathy or concern for others.

As I write this article, I am reflecting back over the last month on how you have cared for one another!

A family in crisis in our congregation needed furniture for a new apartment.

In just a few days, we had four beds, a coffee table, kitchen table and chairs, and a couch – and delivered them! A special thanks to our Moms’ Group who responded so quickly and compassionately with what was requested.

A beloved member of our congregation died after a long battle with cancer.

Along with your prayers, you provided meals, transportation, sent cards, visited, and came together in grief and love when you attended her memorial service. Your compassionate care extended to her family when it was most needed.

Our Adoption Ministry Fund needed to be ready for the next family to bring a child home. Several of our adoptive families worked hard to plan a fundraiser. Many of you donated items for an auction, bid on auction items, and attended the Hoedown on March 12. A band made up of 4 of our own members provided 2 ½ hours of lively music. As a result of your compassionate care, a child yet unknown to us will be closer to finding a forever home!

“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 does the driver take her to the appointment, but also treats her to lunch, something she hasn’t done in a long time.

Compassionate You knit booties and tie prayer blankets care can also be a gift of time – and which are given with a cradle cross to lunch! each of our newborns, (two girls and a boy this month)! You sign up and take Eighteen of you mentor a student meals to our new parents. Each act is in Confirmation. You pray for them one of compassionate care. daily, attend their outings and classes, and will be standing with them on One of our acolytes who has autism Confirmation Sunday.

Another is helped to light candles in worship eighteen senior members are prayer by our liturgist who has Asperger’s. A partners who pray for these students large smile spreads across that young daily. Your intentional involvement acolyte’s face when he gets a thumb’s with these 7th and 8th graders during up from the liturgist – a simple their journey is so important and is gesture of compassionate care and another example of compassionate encouragement. care.

Our Caring Connection Group sends cards to our hospitalized, homebound, new parents, those experiencing the loss of a loved one, and those celebrating their 90 plus birthdays.

Each card is a compassionate reminder that they are remembered and cared for.

Our six Congregational Care Assistants continue to visit our hospitalized and homebound, bringing hope and compassionate care with each visit made and prayer shared.

Two of our Stephen Ministers were paired up with new people and began their journey of walking alongside One of our seniors needed a ride to them through whatever they are going a doctor’s appointment. One phone through. They are the dedicated, call and a ride is found. Not only compassionate hands of Christ.

Each time we care for one another, in large and small ways, we are the compassionate hands and feet of Christ. Thank you, First Church.

Thank you for how you care for each other!

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Blessings, Marj Timmerman RN Executive Director of Congregational Care

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April 1, 5:00 pm Moms’ Group: Moms’ Night Out at Terra GR April 3 Blood Pressure and Communion Sunday 8:00 am Infant and Toddler Nurseries Open 8:15 and 10:45 am Sunday Worship 8:30 am Children’s Chapel (dismissed from worship) 9:15 am Church School for all ages 9:15 am Adult Church School Forum with Pastor Bob 10:45 am Children & Worship and Shine (dismissed from worship) April 4, 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 1:00 pm Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Stephen Ministry April 5, 7:00 am Work Program 10:00 am Pastoral Care April 6, 10:30 am Gallery Art Hanging April 7, 9:00 am Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 5:30 pm Legacy Committee April 10 Richard Mouw Sunday 8:00 am Infant and Toddler Nurseries Open 8:15 and 10:45 am Sunday Worship 8:30 am Children’s Chapel (dismissed from worship) 9:15 am Church School for all ages 9:15 am Adult Forum with Richard Mouw 10:45 am Children & Worship and Shine (dismissed from worship) 5:00 pm Kids’ Club, Jr and Sr High Youth 5:00 pm Richard Mouw Dinner and Discussion April 11, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Pastors’ Forum with Richard Mouw 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 6:00 pm Stephen Leader Meeting April 12, 7:00 am Work Program 10:00 am Pastoral Care 5:30 pm Finance Committee April 13, 6:00 pm Young Adults Dinner and Refresh 7:00 pm Refresh Worship (Taizé) April 14, 5:00 pm Trustees 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal April 16, 8:30 am Feeding America April 17 - 24 Family Promise Week April 17, 8:00 am Infant and Toddler Nurseries Open 8:15 and 10:45 am Sunday Worship 8:30 am Children’s Chapel (dismissed from worship) 9:15 am New Adult Classes Begin 9:15 am Church School for all ages

Mark your calendars 10:45 am Children & Worship and Shine (dismissed from worship) 12:00 pm Kids’ Club, Jr and Sr High Youth April 18, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm MLK Spring Outing 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Executive Team 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 6:30 pm Stephen Ministry April 19, 7:00 am Work Program 9:00 am - 1:00 pm MLK Spring Outing 10:00 am Pastoral Care April 20, 9:00 am Caring Connection 9:00 am - 1:00 pm MLK Spring Outing 6:00 pm Young Adults Bowling April 21, 9:00 am Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 9:00 am - 1:00 pm MLK Spring Outing 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal April 23, 11:00 am Moms’ Group: Nature Walk at Calvin Preserve April 24, 8:00 am Infant and Toddler Nurseries Open 8:15 and 10:45 am Sunday Worship 8:30 am Children’s Chapel (dismissed from worship) 9:15 am Church School for all ages 10:45 am Children & Worship and Shine (dismissed from worship) 5:00 pm Kids’ Club and Sr High Youth April 25, 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 1:00 pm Staff meeting 7:00 pm Leadership Council April 26, 7:00 am Work Program 10:00 am Pastoral Care April 27, 6:00 pm Young Adults Hosting a Gardening Project at Well House (open to all ages) April 28, 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal April 30, 10:00 am Youth Service rehearsal

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT #354 GRAND RAPIDS, MI

First United Methodist Church 227 Fulton St E Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3236 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Richard Mouw Weekend Author and Retired President of Fuller Theological Seminary

Join us for the following events: Sunday, April 10 Sunday Worship — 8:15 and 10:45 am Richard Mouw will be our pulpit guest for both services.

Adult Education Forum — 9:15 am in Wesley Hall Question and answer time with Richard Mouw.

Dinner and Discussion — 5:00 - 7:00 pm in Wesley Hall Enjoy dinner, “Uncommon Decency: Christian Civility in an Uncivil World” book presentation, and discussion time.

Donations for cost of meal accepted, but not required.

Monday, April 11 — 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Planting the Seeds of Civility in an Uncivil World — Pastors’ Forum Cost: $20 (includes lunch), open to all pastors and church staff.

Register by April 4 at www.grfumc.org/mouw

See you there!

firstchurch@grandrapidsfumc.org

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