Fpdecember2015 by First United Methodist Church

December 2015 Edition

Can anyone believe that it is nearly December? We are a few weeks away from Christmas… and then, a few days later, we will be entering 2016. It hardly seems possible to me that time is moving so swiftly. Of course, December means lots of activities are on the schedule of First Church. Advent is the anticipation and preparation for the coming of Christ that is celebrated on Christmas. There are so many ways to be involved and invested in living through the preparatory season of Advent. You will read about all of the opportunities to participate in the life of our congregation, from reading a daily Advent meditation resource, going caroling, attending Blue Christmas, being in worship, or serving in the myriad of outreach and mission ministries of First Church. Our theme for Advent, 2015 is The Luminaria of the Fruits of the Spirit! The theme will actually take us through the month of January as well. Our primary text for the entire series is; Galatians 5:22-25. Sunday, November 29 — The first Sunday of Advent! The sermon title is The Luminary of Love with the text from I John 4:7-19 and Colossians 3:12-4.

www.grandrapidsfumc.org

We d n e s d a y, December 2 — Advent is the anticipation and preparation Blue Christmas for the coming of Christ that is celebrated Service at 7:00 on Christmas. There are so many ways to be pm. A Taizéstyle service of involved and invested in living through the scripture, prayer, preparatory season of Advent. song, light, and silence, specially planned for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, health, employment, or relationship. Sunday, December 6 — The second Sunday of Advent! The sermon title is The Luminary of Joy! The scripture lesson is Luke 2:8-14. We will also celebrate communion. Sunday, December 13 — The third Sunday of Advent! The Luminary of Peace is the sermon title based on Psalm 29:11 and Luke 2:13. Caroling to the homebound will also take place following worship. Sunday, December 20 — The fourth Sunday of Advent is an all-church family-focused service of Lessons and Carols. The meditation will be titled; The Luminary of Patience. Thursday, December 24 — Christmas Eve begins with the Community Breakfast that will be served once again along with the giving of Casey’s Socks. 5:00 pm is the Christmas Story family-focused service. 7:00 and 9:00 pm are identical Christmas Eve services with a meditation based on Luke 2:15; Confirming What the Lord has Revealed to us!

Tuesday, December 1 — at 7 pm is our Annual Church Conference. District Superintendent, Bill Haggard will be with us to review our ministry progress in 2015 as well as begin the preparations for 2016. EVERYONE Sunday, December 27 — is the first is welcome! Sunday of Christmas and once again, we will have ONE morning worship service at 10 am. The title of the sermon is The Luminary of Kindness.

inside

Intentional Faith Development

Please make every effort to join us this Advent and Christmas season. Invite a friend or relative as together we prepare once again for the coming of Christ. Join us this holy season by losing yourself in the beauty of worship that will restore your soul.

Passionate Worship

Radical Hospitality

Pastor’s Message

Compassionate Care

Extravagant Generosity 4

1 Risk-taking Mission and Service

Pastor Bob Hundley

Intentional Faith Development Oh, the anticipation... We asked four families of First Church to describe some of the ways they celebrate Christ’s coming in their homes and with their kids.

“The greatest gift you can give to someone is your time.”

A lesson from my childhood that I could not fully appreciate until becoming a parent is this: the greatest gift you can give to someone is your time. During this season, where we are tempted to invest a lot of time and Gray Flermoen used this silicone mold to make homemade crayons for his siblings. John Flermoen creates money running around, LEGO-shaped birdseed ornaments to be hung outside. finding the perfect gifts for those on our list, I always look for- Christmas, I eagerly anticipate watchward to our tradition of homemade ing my own children act out this pregifts that our children make for each cious story by building the nativity in other. The kids love coming up with our children’s service of Lessons and the perfect, crafty idea and I love the Carols. It is a joy to hear the story, sing one-on-one time we carve out to ex- the carols, watch my children, and let ecute it! They beam with pride when our candles shine. they are able to present a homemade Sherah Eavey gift to each lucky recipient on Christmas day. Through our tradition, they Often times big events and celebraare becoming aware that the time that tions can feel overwhelming. It’s diffithey invest working to make each cult to pace ourselves when the pulse other happy is far more valuable than of the holidays is so alive; when friends any present that can be purchased are gathering, groups are celebrating from a store. I hope you are blessed and families are sharing. So before the with many small moments with loved days begin to take on their own breath, ones this holiday season and find them we have chosen to light a candle, to set more precious than any other treasure ﬂame to the wick, remain close by, and under the tree! watch it keep time. Katie Flermoen Each day and every day throughout Attending the Christmas Eve service Advent, we light a new candle in adis one of my favorite traditions at dition to each dark wick that had been Christmas time. As a child, I attended lit before. We light a candle each day the various churches where my father with hopes of ushering in slow and preached, and Christmas Eve meant intentional, as opposed to our often an evening of Lessons and Carols. I default of fast and hurried. We light loved hearing the story of the birth of a candle each day to remember to anJesus told in verse, paired with beau- ticipate and connect with the waiting. tiful Christmas hymns like “Away in a We light a candle to offer us a space to Manger,” “O Little Town of Bethle- gather and attend together the coming hem,” “We Three Kings,” “The First of Christ. Noel,” and at the end of the service, Jessica Rozga “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World” with lighted candles. These days at

The Mol Family Christmas Tradition

As we deck the halls with boughs of holly and numerous other holiday trinkets, we collectively reﬂect on the true meaning of Christmas: praising our Lord by loving friends and family through a commitment of faithful fellowship. When the BIG DAY comes, we gather ’round the Christmas tree with three things in mind: is everyone roused for the occasion, is there coffee in the pot, and the incredible anticipation of what is behind the wrapping of the “three gifts.” This might sound familiar. Yep, three gifts. Our family keeps the tradition alive by honoring The Gifts of the Wise Men for Jesus. Now gold, frankincense, and myrrh are a little out of our budget, but we aim to compromise. Our “Three Gifts” are simply a want, a need, and a reminder of God’s everlasting love. The “Three Gifts” idea is fairly new for our young family, but we believe that it will be a tradition to cherish and allow us to further incorporate the true meaning of Christmas. Ken and Emily Mol

Passionate Worship Refresh!

Our much-loved Taizé service is being given distinctive new life as Refresh, a Wednesday evening time for contemplation and prayer with music from Taizé, Iona, and other faith communities, with an open table for blessings and communion. In our hurried and noisy world, we offer gracious space and an evening’s hour to enjoy the power of a quiet space, gently surrounded by candlelight, music and prayer. The contemplative tradition holds that we find God in Christ in our hearts, in each other, and in all creation. This is the welcome paragraph found in the Wednesday evening bulletin for Refresh! It refers to music of Taizé and Iona. I thought I would give, in two installments, a little background and perspective on these two communities and their musical traditions. Taizé refers to a small town in France, where Roger Schütz founded the community in 1940. Brother Roger as he would be known as, moved there intentionally from Switzerland in order to assist those being displaced by the Second World War. The little village of Taizé is located close to the demarcation line that divided France in two, and was well situated for refugees ﬂeeing the war. Here, they provided hospitality and refuge for all, including Jews and agnostics. During these first two years, Brother Roger

prayed alone in the woods so that none of the refugees would feel uncomfortable. In 1942, having been warned that the authorities had targeted the community, all abandoned the site, with Roger temporarily relocating to Geneva. It was in Geneva that Roger formed, along with some other men, a monastic-style community of brothers. Returning to Taizé following the war 1944, Brother Roger and his sister Genevieve were able to provide shelter for children who had lost their parents in the war, welcome German prisoners-of-war from a nearby internment camp, and welcome men who wanted to commit to a life together in “great simplicity.” On Easter day, 1949, seven men made a life-long commitment to the celibate and monastic order. The Rule of Taizé was written by Brother Roger during a long retreat in the winter of 1952-3 which outlined the essentials required in making a common life possible. Today, there are over one hundred brothers, both Catholic and Protestant coming from around the world (30 nations). One of the central tenets of the community is one of reconciliation between divided Christians and separated peoples. The community accepts no donations, and allows no

personal inheritances. Several of the brothers live and work among the very poor and disadvantaged in Asia, Africa, and South America. Thousands of people make a pilgrimage to Taizé every year, with each encouraged to return with a renewed energy to pray and work with others in the places where they live. While in Taizé, pilgrims experience the distinctive service, which consists of singing short, meditative songs, prayer, and extended periods of silence. Using just a few words they express a basic reality of faith, quickly grasped by the mind. As the words are sung over many times, this reality gradually penetrates the whole being. Meditative singing thus becomes a way of listening to God. If you have not experienced “Refresh,” why not give it a try. It just may be a way of reinvigorating, renewing, and reimagining your spiritual center. Eric Strand Executive Director of Worship, Music, and the Arts

Adult Faith Development Classes //Sunday, November 29 – December 20 from 9:15 – 10:15 am // Join us for an adult class this Advent. Books are available in the north lobby office. Come to class ready to discuss the first chapter. Sign-ups for adult classes are appreciated, but not required. Sign up via the Sunday bulletin or use the online sign-up sheet at www.grandrapidsfumc.org/sign-up-sheet. Contact Laure Mieskowski at laurem@grandrapidsfumc.org or 616.451.2879 for more information. • A Bead and a Prayer: A Beginner’s Guide to Protestant Prayer Author Kristen Vincent explores the history and art of using beads in prayer, explains how to use prayer beads, includes instructions for making your own set of prayer beads, and offers a variety of prayers. Through this book you will learn how prayer beads can help you deepen your faith, understand Christian beliefs, and listen to God. Class facilitator: Patsy McGillivray. (First Place 3107) • Couples in Faith Class A place for study, prayer, fellowship, and community for 30s/40s-something couples. While We Wait: Living the Questions of Advent offers new ways of connecting with faith questions. Somewhat surprisingly, in this Bible study Tamar, Ruth, Mary, Zechariah, Elizabeth, and the Magi ask questions that resonate with contemporary Christians during Advent. Class facilitators: Jess & Jake DeBoni, Karl & Angela Norton. (Chapel) • Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope At Christmas God sent Christ into the world as our Savior. That’s what Christmas is all about. In turn, Christ sends us into the world. But do we really understand how, where, and why we are sent? This Advent study challenges us through story, art, and Bible study to discover what it means to be Christ’s hands, feet, head, and heart. Class facilitator: Laure Mieskowski (First Place 3109) 3

Risk-Taking Mission and Service First Church will be serving a hot and hearty holiday breakfast for our Heartside neighbors in Wesley Hall on Thursday morning, December 24, 8 – 10:30 am. Casey’s Socks for Christmas – Each Casey’s breakfast guest receives a Christmas sock filled with practical items and goodies. Purchase a pair of medium-weight, warm, winter, washable socks. Stuff one sock in the toe of the other so that each recipient receives a pair of socks! Fill the sock with full-size personal Christmas Giving care items like shampoo, soap, toothFirst Church is providing opportuni- brush, toothpaste, and lip balm. Add a ties for you and your family to share few extras like bandages, pen and pathe blessings of Christmas! You are per, hard candy, nonperishable snacks, invited to choose one or more of the even a t-shirt. You might want to add following suggestions. a few safety pins on the outside and pin on a hat and warm gloves. (Please Alternative Christmas Gifts – Honor avoid items that have alcohol, anything a loved one with a donation support- sharp, and crushable foods.) Drop off ing a mission or outreach ministry of your socks at the north lobby church First Church. For each person you des- office or bring them to worship on ignate, we will send a beautiful Christ- December 20. With your help, each mas card acknowledging your gift and of our Christmas Eve breakfast guests describing the First Church ministry will leave with a warm heart and warm that you’ve chosen. www.grfumc.org/ feet. alternativegift Christmas Caroling – Share the songs Casey’s Christmas Eve Breakfast of the season with our homebound, – First Church will be serving a hot hospitalized, those recovering from and hearty holiday breakfast for our surgery or an illness, and our senior Heartside neighbors in Wesley Hall members on Sunday, December 13. on Thursday morning, December 24, Watch for sign-up opportunities in the 8 – 10:30 am. This annual event invites worship bulletin. community members into our church for food and holiday fellowship. We Christmas Offering – Our Christmas need two kinds of helpers to make offering will be used to help people all this event a success. (1) Table host: over the world. Soon you will be receivbe a friendly host to our guests; share ing a letter from Pastor Bob, and it will a cup of coffee, sit and chat, create include an offering envelope for your a welcoming environment. (2) Food Christmas gift. You may bring your ofserver/eorker: serve food, bus tables, fering to our Christmas Eve services, and help clean up. Sign-ups for volun- mail to the church office, or give onteer helpers will be held in the sanctu- line at www.grfumc.org/missionofferary on Sunday, December 13 following ing. Whether your gift is small or large, both worship services. let the love of Christ ﬂow through you this Christmas to people in desperate need. Our goal this year is $20,000.

Coffee Can Offering – It’s a small thing, but your loose change can make wonderful things happen for those who are in need and hungry. Bring your coins to worship on Sunday, December 13 to benefit the Feeding Program of our sister church in Herradura, Cuba. Family Promise – Consider giving the gift of your time this holiday season. Several homeless families will be our overnight guests during Christmas week. Volunteers will be needed to act as evening hosts, overnight hosts, and dinner preparers. Watch for sign-up opportunities in the worship bulletin or contact the church office. Giving Tree – You are invited to take one of the ornaments off the tree located in the north lobby. Each ornament contains a suggested item requested by Martin Luther King Academy staff for the classrooms and children. Please limit your gifts to the suggested items on the tree. Unwrapped gifts may be left under the Christmas tree for delivery to MLK. Homebound Ministry – Pick up some address labels from the north lobby desk and send Christmas cards to our senior and homebound members. Your cards will help brighten their day while reminding them their church family is thinking of them this Christmastime. Methodist Connection Caroling – Join members of our partner churches to carol to local senior housing residents on Saturday, December 5 at 3:00 pm. Please contact Laure Mieskowski at 4512879 or laurem@grandrapidsfumc.org if you would like more information about any of the above opportunities.

Radical Hospitality Pastor Bob will be preaching on the The Luminaria of the Fruits of the Spirit! during Advent. He will be talking specifically about love, joy, peace and patience.

smile and/or hum an Advent hymn: Who knows, it might be catching! Look at yourself in the mirror often and look for the smile on your face that shows you have love in your I’m going to challenge you to think heart. Practice it the whole and pray the whole week about each week; maybe it will carry over of his sermons and to ask God to into the following weeks. deposit this gift in your heart with extra measure, then ask that situations Peace: Share the peace that Look at yourself in the mirror present themselves for you to use that God has placed in your heart specific gift during the week. It will with others. Try to remain calm often and look for the smile on be both a rewarding and a challenging in difficult situations. Be the your face that shows you have Love in your heart. experience. peacemaker for your family or circle of friends. Just sharing Love: There are many who walk love and joy will also show the peace days before Christmas but I also sugaround us without love in their lives. that you have experienced because of gest you use them on Sunday mornings when you greet those around you. There are different ways of showing your faith. These four fruits are just the ones our that love. Put money in the Salvation Army bucket as you walk into the gro- Patience: Oh, that’s a good one for visitors are looking for. Show them cery store. Pay for the person’s coffee that last Sunday before the festivities! that we have them at First Church! or meal in the car behind you in a We are all starting to run out of it; but Patsy McGillivray drive through. If someone is looking take a deep breath, count to ten and Director of Invitational Ministries for money in their wallet to pay for remember how much you are loved their groceries, see if you can help. and share that with all those around you. Joy: Have a smile on your face as you go about your business of Advent. I’ve suggested you share these with When the lines are long in the stores those that you run into during your

Extravagant Generosity It is interesting to me the different reactions we get when we mention the word “tithe.” To some, this word is a natural part of their understanding that God provides everything we will ever need, and our grateful response to this reassurance is to joyfully give one-tenth back to God. Indeed, First Church is blessed with many folks who have joyfully arrived at this point in their personal faith journey. This is evidenced by the many families who support First Church ministry with amazing generosity in the giving of time and money. To others, the word “tithe” is an uncomfortable word, even prompting negative reactions. Some view the discussion of tithing in the same context as a tax increase. To some, giving money to the church is viewed more

Our giving is not simply another part of our budgeted expenses. Scripture again tells us to set aside God’s gifts as a duty rather than a joyful choice. first, and then live on the rest. If we don’t do this, God tends to only get These two reactions reflect the two our “leftovers.” ends of the faith spectrum as related to giving. Each one of us is some- If your faith has led you to tithing, we where on this spectrum. Our person- rejoice with you. May you continue to al faith journey - our own walk with experience the joy that comes from God - determines our response to the this Extravagant Generosity. If you subject of tithing. are still on the journey to the tithe, we pray that God will continue to You likely have noticed that our stew- influence your faith, and that you will ardship efforts at First Church are less find a meaningful relationship with focused on detailed discussions about God through your participation in the the church budget requirements, but ministries of First Church. rather focus on stewardship in a spiritual context. What we give reflects We pray that your giving commitment where we are spiritually. for 2016 reflects yet another step forward in your personal walk with God! Our church giving is not dependent on what we can “afford.” Scripture Chris Hawkins, Finance Committee tells us the story of the poor widow who gave everything out of her faith in God.

Compassionate Care A Blue Christmas? Joy to the world, the Lord is come! And fa-la-la-la-la’s fill the air. Brightly wrapped packages with big red bows, holiday parties, shopping, and upbeat holiday music playing everywhere you go. All this joy and excitement surrounds you, yet you don’t feel like celebrating much of anything this year.

Yes, there are years when we hurt at Christmastime. The hurt may be due to the loss of employment, ﬁnancial concerns, depression, loss of a relationship or a dream, illness, or the death of a loved one.

If you are finding the coming holiday season tough, please join us. Or think of people you know who might find this Christmas season difficult and bring them! We have space for all to Yes, there are years when we hurt at come and sit quietly and worship, makChristmastime. The hurt may be due ing room for grief and frustration and to the loss of employment, financial memories, putting words to each while concerns, depression, loss of a re- remembering we are never ever alone. lationship or a dream, illness, or the death of a loved one. It doesn’t mat- Abbey Press (the Care Notes Compater whether the loss is recent or way ny) lists five ways to help you through in the past; the holidays may make the the holidays when you have experipain feel fresh once again. It is at such enced a loss. They are: times we need to make space, to ac- 1) Be patient and realistic with yourknowledge how we are feeling, and to self. Plan ahead and prioritize so know that we are not alone. you are not overwhelmed. 2) Listen to your heart and acknowlIf you are feeling down this Christedge your limits. Do what you can mas or know someone who is strugand let the rest go. Remember it is gling, consider attending our Blue OK to say no. Christmas Service which will be on 3) Adapt cherished traditions. Don’t Wednesday, December 2 at 7:00 pm in do everything the way you always the Upper Room. It will be a service have. Keep the traditions alive in of light in the midst of darkness and new ways that now make sense to will include readings, music, silence you. and candles in the style of Taize as we 4) Focus on the spiritual dimension acknowledge our losses, disappointof the holidays. When you are ments, and hurts together. ready, one way to refashion the holiday season is to focus on the After the service you will be able to true reason of the season. Quiet speak with a Stephen Minister and reﬂection and spiritual preparation each other if you choose. A small reare healing. ception will be held in the Library.

Blue hristmas C

Service

Wednesday, December 2 at 7:00 pm in the Upper Room A Taizé-style service of scripture, prayer, song, 5) light, Allow the tears to come but look and silence, specially planned for those who for joy amidstthethe Memories have experienced loss pain. of a loved one, employment, or relationship. willhealth, include heartache as well.

Remember you can use our Church AsThe holidays aren’t always merry for everyone. sistance Program If this year is a difficult(CAP) one for you,through please come. Pine know someone who is hurting, invite and bring them. RestIf youChristian services to help you or family members through this or any difficult time. Just call 455-6210 and tell them you are a member of First Church. You will receive two one-hour appointments with a compassionate social worker at no cost to you.

All are welcome!

If you have questions, please contact me at 616 901-9224 or by email at marjt@grandrapidsfumc. org. Grace and peace, Marj Timmerman, RN Congregational Care

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No Evening Activities

ONE WORSHIP 10:00 am “Luminary of Kindness” Dr. Bob Hundley Church School for 2nd Grade and Under

FAMILY PROMISE WEEK

WORSHIP 8:15 & 10:45 am “Luminary of Patience” Dr. Bob Hundley Lessons and Carols 9:15 am Church School for all ages No Evening Activities

17 16

CHURCH BUILDING AND OFFICES CLOSED

FAMILY PROMISE WEEK

11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 6:30 pm Stephen Ministry

FAMILY PROMISE WEEK

10:00 am Pastoral Care

CHURCH BUILDING AND OFFICES CLOSED

5:00 pm Family Service 7:00 & 9:00 pm Candlelight Communion FAMILY PROMISE WEEK

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

8:00 am Casey’s Breakfast

9:00 am Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal

9:00 am Caring Connection 6:00 pm Young Adults: Advent Study at Gita Pita 7:00 pm Refresh Worship (Taizé)

7:00 am Work Program 10:00 am Pastoral Care

11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 1:00 pm Staff

6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal

6:00 pm Serving from the Heart 6:00 pm Young Adults: Christmas Party at Well House

9:00 am Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 10:00 am Moms’ Group at Fredrick Meijer Gardens 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal

THURSDAY

7:00 am Work Program 10:00 am Pastoral Care 5:00 pm Trustees 5:30 pm Finance 5:30 pm Moms’ Group Dinner and Christmas Card and Craft-Making Night

6:00 pm Serving from the Heart 6:00 pm Young Adults: Advent Study at Cottage Bar 7:00 pm Blue Christmas Worship (Taizé)

WEDNESDAY

11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 1:00 pm Executive Team 6:30 pm Stephen Ministry

7:00 am Work Program 10:00 am Pastoral Care 12:00 pm JFON Open House 5:30 pm Staff Parish Relations 7:00 pm Church Conference

TUESDAY

WORSHIP 8:15 & 10:45 am “Luminary of Joy” Dr. Bob Hundley Communion 9:15 am Jesus’ Birthday Party and Church School for all ages 5:00 pm Sr & Jr High Youth, Kids’ Club, and Disciple I WORSHIP 8:15 & 10:45 am “Luminary of Peace” Dr. Bob Hundley 9:15 am Church School for all ages 11:45 am Christmas Caroling 6:30 pm Social Concerns No Kids’ Club and Youth

11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 1:00 pm Staff

WORSHIP 8:15 & 10:45 am “Luminary of Love” Dr. Bob Hundley 9:15 am Church School for all ages 5:00 pm Disciple I

MONDAY

SUNDAY

CHURCH BUILDING AND OFFICES CLOSED

25 FAMILY PROMISE WEEK

CHRISTMAS DAY

CHURCH BUILDING AND OFFICES CLOSED

FRIDAY

26 FAMILY PROMISE WEEK

CHURCH BUILDING AND OFFICES CLOSED

6:00 PM A JAZZ CHRISTMAS with MacNaughton Blvd

12:00 pm Moms’ Group Casey’s Socks Service Project

3:00 pm Methodist Connection Christmas Caroling to Senior Housing

SATURDAY

Join Us for Our Advent and Christmas Events

Make us a new part of your

Christmas Tradition!

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

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

PERMIT #354 GRAND RAPIDS, MI

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Join us this Christmas season as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. Lose yourself in the beauty of worship. Restore your soul.

First United Methodist Church

227 Fulton St E Grand Rapids, MI 49503

www.grandrapidsfumc.org/advent

Sunday Worship at 8:15 & 10:45 am

November 29 — “The Luminary of Love” December 6 — “The Luminary of Joy” December 13 — “The Luminary of Peace” December 20 — “The Luminary of Patience” December 27 — “The Luminary of Kindness” at 10:00 am

Christmas Eve Thursday, December 24 An interactive family story-telling service at 5:00 pm — Traditional communion and candlelight service. — at 7:00 and 9:00 pm — firstchurch@grandrapidsfumc.org

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