February 2015 First Pulse

February 2015 Edition

Dear Friends, There is SO much happening at First Church!

In past congregations that I have served, January and February are sort of ‘Blah!’ months, at least programmatically.

Matter of fact, we often hear about the January blah’s… when we simply hunker down and survive winter weather and the ‘not-much-to-do’ syndrome.

Certainly, survival is not the ethos of life in our congregation - and thank God for it.

Certainly, ‘survival’ is not the ethos of life in our congregation - and thank God for it.

Currently – there is high energy occurring among us in the discussion sessions on Envisioning our Future. There will be a couple of sessions scheduled for early February in the event that you have not had the opportunity to participate. Sign up online at www.grand rapidsfumc.org/envision to make sure you work that 90-minute commitment into your schedule.

We have also been engaged in studying the book, Finding Our Way, written by several of the Bishops of the United Methodist Church that gives insight into the struggle between the prac-

inside

Intentional Faith Development

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www.grandrapidsfumc.org

tices of love and grace that are often in conflict with the law of the church.

About 70 people are engaged in this study.

As you will read in Eric Strand’s article, our Celebration of the Arts emphasis in February is extraordinary. You will want to pay special attention to all that Eric writes so that you can be a part of one of the most outstanding artistic opportunities offered by any congregation in West Michigan.

I want to say a word about my brother in Christ, Neil Davis. Neil and I served together as District Superintendents for four years. We spent a lot of time together doing the work of ministry. I think the world of Neil and welcome him as our pulpit guest on Sunday, February 8.

The Calvin College Gospel Choir in Concert Sunday, February 15 at 3:00 pm

working on the schedule for the weekend of March 13 – 15, but Dr. Forbes will be with us to preach and teach here at First Church. This is an exciting opportunity for our congregation to host a prominent pastoral leader in the United States. Protect that weekend on your calendar and plan to be with us.

Read this edition from cover to cover and feel the enthusiasm of a church that is on the move. Pastor Tish spells out the plan for Lenten discussion groups… you will read about mission and outreach ministries… congregational care… and hospitality. All of it designed to not only deliver information… but to invite you into the jourFebruary 18 is Ash Wednesday… and ney of growing in faith and ministry by it will kickoff an important study series participating at First Church. in the life of our congregation. We will be studying the book, Whose Gospel?: A See you Sunday!

Concise Guide to Progressive Protestantism, Bob Hundley

by Rev. Dr. James Forbes. Dr. Forbes Senior Pastor served as the Senior Pastor for nearly 20 years at the Riverside Church in New York City. Dr. Forbes was recognized by Newsweek as one of the twelve most effective preachers in the English-speaking world. We are still

Compassionate Care

Extravagant Generosity 4

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1 Risk-taking Mission and Service

Passionate Worship

Radical Hospitaliy

Pastor’s Message

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Intentional Faith Development  Missouri Governor Sends National Guard to Ferguson – August 18, 2014 – Grand Rapids Press  2014 May Set a New Temperature Record. So Can We Please Stop Claiming Global Warming has “Stopped”? – January 6, 2015 – The Washington Post  Giancario Stanton Signs Record $325M Deal – November 18, 2014 – Detroit Free Press  Hope and Dismay at Resolution of Same-Sex Wedding Case – March 11, 2014 – United Methodist News Service  Time Magazine’s Silly Proposal to Ban the Word “Feminist” – November 12, 2014 – The Washington Post  U.S.-led Mission in Afghanistan Ends Combat Role – December 28, 2014 – Chicago Tribune

through the process of doing theology in new territory.

In this powerful book Dr. Forbes says to his readers, “In the book of Genesis, we hear the call to ‘go forth,’ to leave behind the comfortable and familiar and undertake a difficult, unknown, and uncertain journey. God says to Abram (later renamed Abraham), ‘Go forth from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing’” (Genesis 12:12).

How might we listen for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we face the challenges of today? Can Christians still offer blessing to the world? Going forth in God’s name isn’t an easy proposiAn Invitation tion, nor is discerning the Spirit, but What a challenging time it must have it is certainly betbeen! After his resurrection, Jesus ter when we go spent time with his disciples of- How might we listen for the together. Make fering encouragement and instruc- guidance of the Holy Spirit as we plans to get the tion for the days to come, but he face the challenges of today? book and join a could only do so much. I imagine discussion group it was a bittersweet time for him. (watch for details Their time together had been so brief. to come).

The disciples were still struggling with These are challenging times! the basics. How would they continue How are we as Christians to Tish Bowman to grow and live as faithful disciples respond? How are we to think, Associate Pastor without the presence of their beloved act, and engage in ways that are teacher? They were not ready to be on true to our faith? Does the Bible their own. And then Jesus told them speak to every issue we encounsomething that would make all the dif- ter? If not (and how could it?), ference – for them and for us. can it still offer guidance?

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears and he will declare to you the things that are to come” (John 16:12-13).

This is great news! Especially when we consider the challenges we face today, 2000 years after Christ’s last teaching.

Just take a look at these newspaper headlines from the last year.

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To coincide with our Lent sermon series, “Challenging Questions, for Challenging Times,” we will study the book “Whose Gospel?: A Concise Guide to Progressive Protestantism” by Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr. The book takes six modern-day issues (human sexuality, gender equality, racism, economic justice, war, and environmentalism) and, using the Bible as a jumping off point, walks its reader

Passionate Worship “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them.” 1 Corinthians 12:4

The Forty-Second Annual “Celebration of the Arts” Opening Friday, February 6, and running daily until Wednesday, February 18, is the 42nd Annual, “Celebration of the Arts: A Juried Spiritual Art Show.” Co-founders Richard and Marion DeVinney started this show in 1972. Each year, out of several hundred entries, the juror selects some 130 pieces. This year’s juror, Edee Joppich, is quite experienced as a juror, having adjudicated 190 shows.

Since 1980, she has been the artist -in-residence, curator, and director of Joppich’s Bay Street Gallery in Northport, Michigan. After receiving art on Friday and Saturday, January 30 and 31, she will do her work on “Juror Sunday,” February 1. The show will be laid out, and hung as the gallery is prepared during that week, culminating in a Friday evening opening of the gallery at the Artist’s Reception.

A frequently asked question concerns “What is a spiritual art show?” The first requirement on the entry form states, “Work should express a sacred or spiritual quality.” This is a rather difficult question to answer, and, is quite subjective. It is important to note that this question is something that the juror, and the juror alone, decides. The Celebration Committee facilitates the work of the juror, who makes all of the decisions regarding the selection and scope of the show.

Having said this, it is an interesting question, and one that we could ponder endlessly: “What makes art sacred, or spiritual?” Since the beginning of Celebration, sacred and spiritual have been understood in the broadest of terms. Art that is considered sacred, or spiritual can be said to “point to the divine.” It can reveal something holy, or, perhaps, Godly. On the other hand, it could be art that reminds us of our humanity. The human experience, whether ecstatic or mundane, is

life, which is sacred. The line between sacred and secular, for me, often blurs to the point of being nearly meaningless. I’m not sure who originally said this, but it seems to apply: “When one is creating, one is on holy ground.”

There is a sense that the act of being creative is always a sacred act, in that it shares that sacred quality of God as creator. Seen in this way, all art is sacred. Each year, quite remarkably, the show takes on a provocative and eclectic expression of the “sacred.”

It is an interfaith show, and, in recent years, has raised relevant issues of social justice. I’m confident that you will find inspiration and beauty in this year’s show.

In addition to the gallery being open daily, from 10 am to 6 pm, there are several special events offered over the course of celebration.

Celebration Sunday Worship • Sunday, February 8 at 9:15 and 11:00 am Rev. Neil Davis, Senior Pastor of Hope United Methodist Church in Southfield, Michigan will be our guest preacher. Our music will feature the captivating style of Edye Evans Hyde, popular local jazz vocalist.

Celebration of the Arts — Gallery Walk-Through • Sunday, February 8 from 9:30 10:30 am • Wednesday, February 11 from 12:00 - 1:00 pm All adults are invited to experience this year´s show through the special insight of Nancy Clouse, artist and retired faculty member from Grand Rapids Community College.

“Scenes from a Gallery” — Organ Concert featuring Eric Strand • Sunday, February 8 at 3:00 pm Eric Strand, Director of Music and Arts, and guest musicians will present a concert on First Church´s four manual, 68 Rank Möller /Buck pipe organ. Featured on the program is a suite by Craig Phillips titled “Scenes

“Sacred Ceremony” by Maribeth Weadock

from a Gallery” for violin, flute and organ inspired by particular paintings and sculpture that will be projected during the performance.

“A Taste of Celebration” • Saturday, February 14 from 4:30 - 6:30 pm Stroll the gallery and sample from tasting tables. Make this your first stop on a romantic Valentine´s Day evening. Phil Pletcher will provide romantic piano stylings. Suggested donation: $3.00 per person.

Celebration Sunday Worship • Sunday, February 15 at 9:15 and 11:00 am Join us for worship on the last Sunday after the Epiphany for a dynamic worship service featuring a Dixieland band presenting jazz music in the New Orleans tradition of Mardi Gras.

The Calvin College Gospel Choir in Concert • Sunday, February 15 at 3:00 pm This enthusiastic, engaging, and upbeat inspirational ensemble has been labeled the most diverse musical ensemble on campus!

All of this would be impossible without the dedicated efforts of the Celebration Committee and numerous volunteers who “host” during Gallery hours. Please sign up to help using the bulletin or online at www.grand rapidsfumc.org/celebrationvolunteer, as your help is invaluable.

Eric Strand Director of Music and the Arts

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Risk-Taking Mission and Service rental Accountability (DAPA) and expansion of existing Deferred Action for Childhood (DACA) to provide relief to a larger group of children and young adults.

Deferred action is not a pathway to lawful permanent resident status or U.S. citizenship. Instead, it authorizes an undocumented person to remain in the United States temporarily and to receive employment authorization.

Those who receive deferred action under either program will receive employment authorization for a threeyear period.

The congregation of First Church is incredibly generous! Your giving to the Christmas Mission Offering allowed us to double our budgeted donation to JFON. You are invited to read about the important work of JFON and to be radically hospitable to DAPA Application: to begin mid-May, 2015; Application Fee $465 our immigrant brothers and sisters by Expanded DACA Application: to bebecoming a JFON volunteer. gin mid-February, 2015; Application Fee $465 News from JFON – What

is the new immigration policy just announced?

On November 20, President Obama announced an executive action that will protect up to five million people from deportation and allow many to work lawfully. Additional components of the executive action include expanding visa opportunities for immigrants with high-tech skills, scrapping the controversial Secure Communities policy, which enlists local law enforcement in immigration enforcement, expanding the provision waiver program, and increasing resources for enforcement along the Mexican border.

From this action, there are two new applications – Deferred Action for Pa-

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JFON’s effort to serve the community will require many hands. To see the complete list of volunteer needs and fill out a volunteer application, go to www.jfonwestmichigan.org/volunteers/ or contact Esmeralda Gonzalez at (616)301-7461.

Laura Rampersad JFON Site Director

JFON is also working with other non-profit partners across the state to offer low-cost form preparation services.

If you know someone who may qualify, please make sure they begin to collect required documents; save money for the application fee; and seek professional services from a reputable provider. JFON can help make referrals to a form preparation clinic.

For more information on this new immigration policy, you can attend an upcoming informational session hosted by JFON after 11 am service in early February OR View the complete JFON fact sheet on our website at: www.jfonwest michigan.org/news Contact JFON: (616) 301-7461

Radical Hospitality

to walk by and ask her if she would help me.

Her response was very relucStereotyping: “the unconscious tant and she said she didn’t know if categorizing of people into groups usshe could.

She took me for a panhaning oversimplified opinion, prejudiced dler I think!

Once she learned what attitude, or uncritical judgment.” my need was, her whole demeanor changed and she very graciously All of us are guilty of picked up my keys and handed them stereotyping from time to to me.

time.

All of us are guilty of stereotyping from time to time, even when we know it isn’t the right thing to do. Recently I have had experiences with being the stereotyped and stereotyper.

The first caught me really off guard. I was leaving Target and my car keys had slipped out of my hands onto the pavement. Because of my recent surgery I just looked at them hoping they would jump up because I couldn’t bend down! Of course, they didn’t, so my next option was to ask for help. So I waited for the next person

The second was at a recent Competitive Cheer Competition that my daughter was participating in. The stands are full of parents and family members grouped by different schools excited to watch the girls perform. I noticed an older man sitting on the end of the bleacher by the door watching. As a mom, I went on an immediate alert. If he was there for a granddaughter, he would be sitting with the family or other parents from the same school, not alone. Then he was joined by another man and

Extravagant Generosity Thanks to all of you who gave 100% or more of your initial estimates, and thanks to the many of you who have discovered the joy that comes from being a tithing Christian.

Happy New Year from the Finance and Stewardship Teams! Financially, we ended 2014 right about where we expected to be. Thanks to all of you who gave 100% or more of your initial estimates, and thanks to the many of you who have discovered the joy that comes from being a tithing Christian.

However, our budget does not provide for any wage increases for our paid church staff. It’s no secret that our staff is in many cases paid less than what a similar position would provide elsewhere - and many of our staff work many hours more than they are technically paid for. To We have worked hard the last several most of them, they view their work months to plan for the financial needs as an extension of church ministry. in 2015. It is great to report that we Nonetheless, it is a concern that we project our giving to be UP in 2015 cannot provide even a modest inbased on the Estimates of Giving we crease. have received, and we have held the line on our budgeted expenses. With As our society has evolved, the amount that, we will be expecting to balance of time church members have and the budget again this year. are willing to devote to volunteering

they sat there watching the meet together. I was feeling more uncomfortable. Were they here just to watch the girls? During a lull in the action, I made a trip to the concessions stand and the two men were right ahead of me. I was so embarrassed and relieved to see from their jackets that they were school bus drivers!!

It is easy and natural for us to categorize people without thinking about it, even in church when we meet new people. I’m sure that most of the time we greet them without categorizing.

Hopefully, if you catch yourself doing it you can stop it, or at least recognize it and remove that person from the pigeon hole that you had erroneously put them in. I frequently refer to Hebrews 13:2, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Nowhere is that more true than in church!

Patsy McGillivray Director of Invitational Ministry

at church has diminished. As a result, much of the work that previous generations performed in support of being part of the church is now done by paid staff. This represents over half of our $1.5 million church budget.

We have wonderful and vibrant ministries at First Church that are facilitated by a great staff. As we move into 2015, we will be looking for ways to honor their Extravagant Generosity with a modest increase. Many of us will receive annual pay increases this year. Is it possible that we have not been as generous with our support of First Church as we could be?

Our successful fall campaign is drawing to a close, but it is not too late to adjust your 2015 Estimate of Giving.

So many people at First Church (both staff and otherwise) are enabled to do God’s work because of our generosity. Praise God for the First Church family and all the ways we support the ministries that in most cases are led by a wonderful church staff.

Chris Hawkins, Finance Committee

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Compassionate Care

Adoption Ministry Valentine’s Day Hoe Down

joined with Julie and Glenn Warners, all FUMC members, to form a “Southern Appalachian old-time band without a twang or drawl.” Gooder’n Grits features a fiddle, two banjos and one guitar. I had the privilege of hearing them play, and even contra-danced to their lively music. When they agreed to provide the music for the Valentine’s Day Hoe Down, I knew we’d have a hit.

to present the Kingmas with a generous financial gift to help them bring Raymond home. This year we want to be ready to assist a family that is answering God’s call to adopt. Adoption truly is the ultimate Valentine, as God demonstrates his love for us by adopting us into his family. You can help share in this love by joining us for the Valentine’s Day Hoe Down on Saturday, February 14.

Well, to have a hit, you do need to get folks not only to attend, but to dance.

Gooder’n Grits provided the event’s callers who smoothly got eager-beavers and skeptical wall-flowers out for some contra and folk dances: no dance experience necessary. There were kids from age three to 73 out on the dance floor, all with huge grins. Admittedly, some looked slightly shocked that they were actually dancing--and having fun!

Additionally, we hope to have a raffle and would appreciate help in obtaining raffle donations. Contact Marj Timmerman, Ruth Wezeman, Liz Kingma or me by February 8 if you have something to donate!

a fundraising event that would be fun and would also raise money for adoption. Because our family was in the process of adopting Raymond, our third child, we planned the first hoedown knowing that it would help us raise funds to bring him home. It was fun to plan the event knowing what the end result would be – one more orphan becoming part of a family.

It is estimated that there are 147 million orphans worldwide. This is a staggering number, but there are ways you can help. You can pray for the orphans. You can prayerfully consider adopting a child into your family. And you can encourage other families who adopt. You can join us for the annual FUMC Adoption Ministry’s Hoe-Down. We have

appreciated your support and encouragement through our children’s adoptions and I know that the other adoptive families at First have experienced this same support. We are all grateful for the community here at First and covet your continued support.

Liz Kingma (& Henry, Meili, Willem and Raymond)

Of the many great things about our church, it’s the support and encouragement families receive when thinking about adoption or foster care that mean so much to me. Last year, the FUMC Adoption Ministry brainstormed ways to raise financial aid for Liz and Henry Kingma to help bring their son Raymond home. We settled (some more enthusiastically than others) on hosting a Hoe Down. Yup, you read that right: a Valentine’s Day Hoe There were other fundDown. raising activities at the But to have a Hoe Down, you need a Valentine’s Day Hoe band. Bob and Shelley Hudson have Down, and we were able Our family has been attending First Church since 2006. One of the things that drew us to this church was the Adoption Support Ministry. We have three children that we have adopted from China. When we began the process to adopt our third child, we were doing a lot of praying and brainstorming about how we would raise the money to cover all of the expenses of paperwork, travel and immigration.

Around that time, the Adoption Support Ministry was also meeting to discuss ideas of how to build awareness of the ministry and to think about how to financially support families who were considering adoption or were already in the process to adopt a child. This is when the idea of hosting a fund-raising event came up and the hoe-down idea was born!

It was exciting to think about hosting

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We’d like to thank Gooder’n Grits for providing the dance tunes this coming February 14. Truly, your toes will be tapping, your hands will be clapping, and your heart will be happy at the second annual Valentine’s Day Hoe Down!

Paula Gibson (AKA, Pippa’s mom)

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February 1 Communion and Blood Pressure Sunday 9:15 and 11:00 am Worship: ”Uh Oh!” 9:15 am Children & Youth Church School 9:30 am Finding Our Way 12:15 pm Disciple I 5:00 pm Senior and Junior High at Kids’ Food Basket 5:00 pm Kids’ Club February 2, 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 5:00 pm Stephen Leaders 6:30 pm Stephen Ministry February 4, 10:00 am Finding Our Way at Clark 6:00 pm Young Adults Group, Disciple II, and Finding Our Way 7:00 pm Taizé Sung Prayers February 5, 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal February 6, 7:00 - 9:00 pm Artists’ Reception – Open to the Public February 7, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Celebration of the Arts Gallery Open February 8, 8:30 am First Singers Rehearsal 9:15 and 11:00 am Worship: Rev. Neil Davis 9:15 am Children & Youth Church School 9:30 - 10:30 am Celebration of the Arts — Gallery Walk-Through 12:15 pm Second Sunday Lunch Bunch 3:00 pm “Scenes from a Gallery” – Organ Concert 5:00 pm Senior High, Junior High & Kids’ Club 5:00 pm Disciple I and Envisioning Our Future February 9, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Celebration of the Arts Gallery Open 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study February 10, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Celebration of the Arts Gallery Open 5:30 pm Finance February 11, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Celebration of the Arts Gallery Open 12:00 - 1:00 pm Celebration of the Arts — Gallery Walk-Through 6:00 pm Disciple II February 12, 9:00 am Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Celebration of the Arts Gallery Open 4:00 pm Virtual Meeting: Envisioning Our Future 5:00 pm JFON Clinic 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Mark your calendars February 13, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Celebration of the Arts Gallery Open February 14, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Celebration of the Arts Gallery Open 4:30 - 6:30 pm “A Taste of Celebration” 6:30 pm Adoption Ministry Hoe-Down February 15, 8:30 am First Singers rehearsal 9:15 and 11:00 am Worship: “So What?”

9:15 am Children’s Celebration Scavenger Hunt & Youth Church School 3:00 pm The Calvin College Gospel Choir in Concert 5:00 pm Senior High, Junior High & Kids’ Club 5:00 pm Disciple I February 16, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Celebration of the Arts Gallery Open 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 6:30 pm Social Concerns and Stephen Ministry February 17, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Celebration of the Arts Gallery Open February 18, 9:00 am Caring Connection 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Celebration of the Arts Gallery Open 6:00 pm Young Adults Dinner and Disciple II 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service February 19, 5:00 pm Trustees 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal February 21, 8:30 am Feeding America at Cesar Chavez Elementary School February 22, 8:30 am First Singers Rehearsal 9:15 and 11:00 am Worship: “Challenging Questions for Challenging Times” 9:15 am Children & Youth Church School 9:30 am Lenten Study: Whose Gospel?

10:00 am Fellowship Brunch 12:15 pm Senior High, Junior High, and Kids’ Club 5:00 pm Lenten Study: Whose Gospel?

February 23, 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 7:00 pm Leadership Council February 24, 6:00 pm Young Professionals Lenten Study: Whose Gospel?

February 25, 6:00 pm Young Adults at Well House and Disciple II February 26, 9:00 am Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal

Non-Profit Organization 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

! w a H e Ye A benefit for the First United Methodist Church Adoption Ministry

Saturday, February 14 at 6:30 - 9:00 pm

Celebration of the Arts A juried spiritual art show. Check out all the special events, gallery walks, and performances online.

February 6-18

“Scenes from a Gallery” Organ Concert Sunday, February 8 at 3:00 pm A suite by Craig Phillips titled “Scenes from a Gallery” for violin, flute, and organ inspired by particular paintings and sculpture.

“A Taste of Celebration” Saturday, February 14, 4:30 - 6:30 pm Stroll the gallery and sample from tasting tables. Phil Pletcher will provide romantic piano stylings. Suggested donation: $3/person.

The Calvin College Gospel Choir in Concert Sunday, February 15 at 3:00 pm This enthusiastic, engaging, and upbeat inspirational ensemble has been labeled the most diverse musical ensemble on campus. Join us for a joyous and uplifting time of praise and worship!

“Sacred Ceremony”

by Maribeth Weadock

firstchurch@grandrapidsfumc.org

www.thecelebrationofthearts.com facebook.com/grandrapidsfumc

twitter.com/FUMC_GR