First Pulse January/February 2018

F irst Pulse

First United Methodist Church Grand Rapids | grfumc.org

January/February 2018

Enclosed are stories from First Church and the impact on the lives of our community.

F irst Pulse January/February 2018

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Baby Sunday was January 14, 2018.

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Family Christmas Eve service.

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Acquah family lighting the Advent candle.

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OUR MISSION

INCLUSIVITY

To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Inclusiveness means openness, acceptance, and support that enables all persons to participate in the life of the Church, the community, and the world; therefore, inclusiveness denies every semblance of discrimination.

OUR PURPOSE To fulfill the call of Christ to be spiritually alive in the city while embracing the world.

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First Pulse | January/February ‘18

Wednesday, February 14

A reflective service with imposition of ashes.

Dear Friends, As I write this article, we are combining the end of January with all of February, which means that we need to deliver to our congregation a lot of information. In this edition, you will read about the Celebration of the Arts (February 9 – 21), Lent, as well as pre-Lent programming. So here we go.

1. On Saturday, January 27, First Church is hosting the 50th Anniversary District Conference of the Grand Rapids District. It is the final conference because, in the merger to become one Michigan Area Annual Conference, the Grand Rapids District will be reformed and renamed. So, on the 27th, we need volunteer helpers in our hosting. The speaker for the morning is Bishop Laurie Haller, former Grand Rapids District Superintendent who now serves as the Resident Bishop of the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Please contact Sami Marasigan if you wish to serve in welcoming, greeting, or serving.

2. On Sunday, January 28, both Bishop Haller and Gary will be with us as worshipping guests. After the 10:45 am service, there will be a time of refreshments in Wesley Hall for our congregation to greet Bishop Laurie and Gary. (The Circles luncheon and educational opportunity will continue as scheduled in the Upper Room.)

3. On February 4, The Calvin Alumni Choir will be our worship guests for our 10:45 am communion service. The Calvin Alumni Choir has a wonderful reputation, not only in the Grand Rapids community, but throughout the country. Also, join me at 9:15 am for a Pastor’s Forum. This session will look back over 2017 and review our progress as a congregation and look forward into 2018.

4. Friday evening, February 9 is our Opening Reception of the Celebration of the Arts. (See Eric’s article to read the details about this year’s concerts, art, and special programming.)

5. February 11 – is Transfiguration Sunday. In New Orleans, it is Mardi Gras time. At First Church, for the last several years, we have welcomed a band to help us celebrate! We are fortunate to once again have “The River Rogues” as our guests.

THEN – Lent begins on February 14, Valentine’s Day.

This year, we are doing something a bit different with our Lenten devotionals. Several downtown churches have agreed to put together an ecumenical devotional resource. This will be a great opportunity for us to read how other Christian traditions view and celebrate Lent as well as share with others in our downtown coalition, a few of our writers. Different is often good!

ASH WEDNEDAY – will have three opportunities for worship and the imposition of ashes: noon in the Upper Room; 3:00 pm in the Chapel at Clark Retirement Community (Franklin Campus); and 7:00 pm in the Upper Room.

The Men’s Lenten Breakfasts on Friday mornings will start on February 16 – March 23 from 7:00 to 8:00 am in Wesley Hall. The Theme is Leadership and Christian Values.

1. February 16 – Pastor Bob will kick off our season with an introduction to the Lenten Journey (in the Upper Room due to Celebration).

2. February 23 – James Paparella, MBA, who serves as CEO at the D.A. Blodgett St Johns.

3. March 2 – Tom Haas, President of Grand Valley State University 4. March 9 – Chad Tuttle, Vice President of Spectrum Health 5. March 16 – Brian Pangle, CEO of the Clark Retirement Community 6. March 23 – TBA The thematic worship focus for Lent is The Greatest Story Jesus Told. I believe that the story of the Prodigal (Luke 15:11-32) is the greatest story in the New Testament.

There are two parts to this focus: 1st is the sermon series and 2nd is our educational focus.

• Lent 1 February 18 “Home” • Lent 2 February 25 “Sick of Home” • Lent 3 March 4 “Homeless” • Lent 4 March 11 “Home Sick” • Lent 5 March 18 “An Awakening” I am going to offer a Sunday evening class beginning February 18 from 5:30 - 7:00 pm for Thinkers, Writers and Sojourners … This is a five-week book study on Henri Nouwen’s book, The Return of the Prodigal Son. This is a directed study that uses the book along with the Rembrandt painting of the Prodigal Son. Sign-ups are important!

What an interesting time to be part of the congregation of First United Methodist Church! Come and be a part of the journey.

Blessings, Pastor Bob First Pulse | January/February ‘18

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Radical Hospitality

Kindness Collection What is at the core of hospitality?

Kindness.

The kindness of welcome.

The kindness of inclusion.

witnessed kindness. From holding the door to donating a kidney. Each act Throughout our of kindness is journey to Easter, important, but so Pastor Bob is frequently missed.

What is at the focusing on the I would love the core of hospitality? parable of the opportunity to Prodigal Son put together Kindness. The (Luke 15:11–32). a collection kindness of welcome.

The kindness of of videos and the father in the writings that The kindness of story gives me share these inclusion. hope and inspires stories. Would me offer kindness you be willing to to others. That made add to our Kindness me wonder, how can First Collection?

Church celebrate the kindness around us while leading the way to Watch our newsletter and future kindness?

Facebook page for recording times. Or email SamiM@grfumc.

We could take a kindness org to schedule a time to meet. collection! But how?

If you would like to help collect stories of kindness through I want to hear your stories interviewing or recording, please kindness. Ways you’ve received email me. kindness, shared kindness, or

The kindness of Christmas continues...

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First Pulse | January/February ‘18

I am excited to hear your stories of kindness. And, I know your stories of kindness have the potential to inspire more kindness.

In a world that needs more kindness, let’s lead the way!

Kindly, Sami Marasigan Hospitality and Invitation

KINDNESS

Collection

FIRST United Methodist

CHURCH

grfumc.org

PASSIONATE WORSHIP Music and Arts Ministry

The Arts at First Church The arts find a rich and varied expression at this church. This February marks the 45th annual Celebration of the Arts. An amazing and enduring legacy, this juried art show focuses on “sacred” art that speaks of God in our creative pursuits. All of us, as artists, are collaborators and full participants in God’s rich creation. At First Church, all are encouraged to express their art, be it music and song, all varieties of visual art, poetry, story-telling, dance, drama, and the art of living our lives in the context of a faith. It is always amazing to witness the diversity of expression found in the gallery each year. This should come as no surprise, as the rich diversity of God’s creative expression is on full display to us every day.

throughout the worship service.

“Celebration of the Arts” is a 13-day festival of the arts, which began in 1972 and has grown to represent one of the largest juried sacred art shows in the country. This year, our juror is Kathleen O’Connell, an artist in the Detroit area, and an experienced jurist.

The juried show features artists from throughout the region in a variety of media, including oils, acrylic, watercolor, sculpture, fiber, photography, and more.

Running from February 9 - 21, the gallery is open daily from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm and February 21 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. “Celebration” features many individual events including concerts and art activities.

During this year’s show, we are featuring an exhibit in our hallway gallery by the calligrapher, Timothy Botts, in conjunction with Eyekons, an online gallery based in Grand Rapids focused on art, faith, and creativity.

Timothy Botts seeks to portray the words so that “meaning is expressed visually,” and while working for Tyndale House Publishers, designed more than 600 books over his 40-year career.

That afternoon, February 11 at 3:00 pm, I will be presenting a recital of music for organ and for organ and voice, with Jonathan Bratt Carle. Jonathan is the pastor of First United Methodist Church in Ionia.

Jonathan was a professional vocalist and opera singer prior to entering seminary and becoming a United Methodist Pastor. The centerpiece of the concert is the Five Mystical Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Our acoustically rich and visually inspiring sanctuary is an ideal venue for instrumental and vocal offerings alike. This year, we are presenting some fine musicians from our area in worship on Sunday mornings, as well as in concerts on Sunday afternoons. On February 4, the Sunday in which the juror selects the pieces to be shown in the gallery, we present in worship at 10:45 am The Calvin Alumni Choir, directed by Pearl Shangkuan. The choir will sing several pieces

Celebration officially kicks off at the Artists’ Reception, on Friday evening, February 9 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. All are welcome to come see the opening of the gallery, talk with artists, hear jazz with saxophonist, Hugh DeWitt, enjoy a spread of tasty desserts, and witness the presentation of the awards.

On Sunday morning, February 11, the River Rogues, a Dixieland band join our worship services as we “swing” our way out of the Epiphany into Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season.

On Sunday morning, February 18, our guest musicians will be from The Girls Choral Academy of Grand Rapids, conducted by Lori Tennenhouse. The academy rehearses weekly at First Church, and offers a unique program of music for girls (1st through 12th grade) who love to sing and wish to grow not only musically, but personally, in self-esteem and in leadership skills as well.

That afternoon, February 18 at 3:00 pm, we present The Robin Connell Trio with vibraphonist, Jim Cooper. Robin Connell follows in the tradition of singer-pianists Shirley Horn, Diana Krall, and Blossom Dearie, leading her own jazz trio, tickling the ivories with original arrangements of time-honored jazz standards, such as those heard on her CD, A Beautiful Friendship. Honing her craft for over a decade in New York City, at places such as The Waldorf-Astoria and The Rainbow Room high atop Rockefeller Center, she brings the sophistication of The Great American Songbook to life in her own charming and inimitable way.

I encourage you to attend all of these events, which are free and open to the public. You may find details about these offerings at www.thecelebrationofthearts. com All are invited and welcomed at First Church, where the arts are alive.

Eric Strand, Director of Music and the Arts First Pulse | January/February ‘18

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January/February 2018 Sunday, January 28 8:15 am – Nursery 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel 9:00 am – Nursery 9:15 am – Church School for All Ages 10:15 am – Coffee & Connections 10:45 am – Nursery 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children & Worship and Shine: Sensory Room 11:45 pm – Greeting Time with the Hallers 12:00 pm – Circles Lunch & Learn 4:00 pm – Couples in Faith Church Renovation Discussion 5:00 pm – Jr & Sr High Youth Group 5:30 pm – Disciple II Monday, January 29 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 5:00 pm – Stephen Leaders 7:00 pm – Leadership Council Tuesday, January 30 7:00 am – Work Program Wednesday, January 31 10:00 am – Gallery Art Change 12:30 pm – Staff Prayer Service 5:30 pm – Young Adults: Bingo 6:00 pm – Disciple I Thursday, February 1 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Friday, February 2 10:00 am – Art Intake A

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Saturday, February 3 8:00 am – Puerto Rico ERT Team 10:00 am – Art Intake Sunday, February 4 Communion Sunday Blood Pressure Sunday Juror Sunday 8:15 am – Nursery 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel 9:00 am – Nursery 9:15 am – Church School for All Ages 9:15 am – Pastor’s Forum 10:15 am – Children’s Choir 10:15 am – Coffee & Connections 10:45 am – Nursery 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children & Worship and Shine: Sensory Room 5:30 pm – Disciple II Monday, February 5 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 5:00 pm – Trustees 6:30 pm – Stephen Ministry 6:30 pm – Methodist Connection Steering Committee Tuesday, February 6 7:00 am – Work Program 5:00 pm – Hanging of the Celebration Art 5:30 pm – Staff Parish Relations Wednesday, February 7 12:30 pm – Staff Prayer Service 5:00 pm – Hanging of the Celebration Art

5:30 pm – Children’s Council 6:00 pm – Disciple I 6:00 pm – Young Adults: Grilled Cheese and Game Night Thursday, February 8 9:00 am – Moms and Muffins Date 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Friday, February 9 10:00 am – Celebration Art Pick-up 7:00 pm – Celebration Artists’ Reception Saturday, February 10 Celebration Gallery: 10 am - 6 pm 10:00 am – Celebration Art Pick-up Sunday, February 11 Celebration Gallery: 10 am - 6 pm 8:15 am – Nursery 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel 9:00 am – Nursery 9:15 am – Celebration Gallery Walk 9:15 am – Church School for All Ages 10:15 am – Children’s Choir 10:15 am – Coffee & Connections 10:45 am – Nursery 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – River Rogues in worship 10:45 am – Children & Worship and Shine: Sensory Room 1:45 pm – Celebration Gallery Walk 3:00 pm – Mystical Songs: Celebration Concert 5:00 pm – Jr & Sr High Youth Group 5:30 pm – Disciple II

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First Pulse | January/February ‘18

Monday, February 12 Celebration Gallery: 10 am - 6 pm 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study

10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children & Worship and Shine: Sensory Room 12:00 pm – Kids’ Club: Unplugged Ice Skating 3:00 pm – Jazz Artists: The Robin Connell Trio with Jim Cooper Celebration Concert 5:00 pm – Jr & Sr High Youth Group 5:30 pm – Thinkers, Writers and Sojourners Class 5:30 pm – Disciple II

Tuesday, February 13 Celebration Gallery: 10 am - 6 pm 7:00 am – Work Program 12:00 pm – JFON Advisory Board 5:30 pm – Finance Meeting Wednesday, February 14 Ash Wednesday 12:00 pm – Ash Wednesday Service 3:00 pm – Ash Wednesday Service at Clark Retirement 7:00 pm – Ash Wednesday Service Thursday, February 15 Celebration Gallery: 10 am - 6 pm 12:00 pm – Celebration Gallery Walk 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Friday, February 16 7:00 am – Men’s Lenten Breakfast Saturday, February 17 Celebration Gallery: 10 am - 6 pm 8:30 am – Feeding America Sunday, February 18 Celebration Gallery: 10 am - 6 pm 8:15 am – Nursery 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel 9:00 am – Nursery 9:15 am – Church School for All Ages 10:15 am – Children’s Choir 10:15 am – Coffee & Connections 10:45 am – Nursery

Monday, February 19 Celebration Gallery: 10 am - 6 pm 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 6:30 pm – Stephen Ministry

Sunday, February 25 8:15 am – Nursery 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel 9:00 am – Nursery 9:15 am – Church School for All Ages 10:15 am – Children’s Choir 10:15 am – Coffee & Connections 10:45 am – Nursery 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children & Worship and Shine: Sensory Room 5:00 pm – Making Choices MI 5:00 pm – Jr & Sr High Youth Group 5:30 pm – Thinkers, Writers and Sojourners Class 5:30 pm – Disciple II

Tuesday, February 20 Celebration Gallery: 10 am - 6 pm 7:00 am – Work Program

Monday, February 26 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 5:30 pm – Building Commitee

Wednesday, February 21 Celebration Gallery: 10 am - 1 pm 9:00 am – Caring Connection 12:30 pm – Staff Prayer Service 4:00 pm – Off-the-Wall Party 5:30 pm – Moms’ Group Lenten Book Study 6:00 pm – Disciple I 6:00 pm – Young Adults: Lent Study

Tuesday, February 27 7:00 am – Work Program

Thursday, February 22 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Friday, February 23 7:00 am – Men’s Lenten Breakfast

Wednesday, February 28 12:30 pm – Staff Prayer Service 5:30 pm – Moms’ Group Lenten Book Study 6:00 pm – Disciple I 6:00 pm – Young Adults: Lent Study A

Casey’s Breakfast was hosted on Christmas Eve.

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Sons of Serendip concert on Tuesday, December 12.

The chancel and youth choirs performing “O Come All Ye Faithful” C

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Intentional Faith Development Lent at First Church First Church’s Lenten 2018 focus will be the Prodigal Son. We invite you to consider participating in an education class or special event that will be offered during Lent.

Each option offers a different way to spend time in study and contemplation during this time of spiritual focus. Sign up online at grfumc.org/sign-upsheet.

Sundays, February 18 – March 25 at 9:15 am

• Couples in Faith Class: A place for study, prayer, fellowship and community for 30-/40-something couples.

• Relationship Matters: The Parable about the Prodigal Son contains deep insights into family dynamics. While Jesus shared this story many years ago, relationships continue to function in the same way. Come explore the different ways this parable can help the human creature better understand ways conflict, imbedded thinking, and other family dynamics are lived out and how through learning about these dynamics relationships can be transformed. Facilitators: Naomi García and Tim Tuthill • Faith Link: Produced weekly, lessons connect faith to major current news events and life issues in the culture and the church. Topics change weekly so this class is ideal for adults who can’t attend Sunday morning classes on a regular basis or who prefer not to do homework between classes.

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First Pulse | January/February ‘18

Sunday Evenings, February 18 – March 18, 5:30 7:00 pm • Thinkers, Writers and Sojourners: A fiveweek book study on Henri Nouwen’s book, The Return of the Prodigal Son. This is a directed study that uses the book along with the Rembrandt painting of the Prodigal Son. Sign-ups are important! Facilitator: Pastor Bob Sundays, February 25 – March 18 at 9:15 am • Membership Exploration Class: Learn about the United Methodist Church and First Church with our pastors and other lay leaders.

Wednesdays, February 21 – March 28 at 5:30 pm • Moms’ Group Lenten Book Study: It’s true!

Moms can and do read books other than Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site! Join us as we take time out during the holy season of Lent to read and discuss our book. We will meet starting February 21 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at group members’ homes for a light potluck dinner; kids will play while we “study.”

Wednesdays, February 21 - March 14 at 6:00 pm • Stories and Acts of Kindness: College Students & Young Adults (ages 18-30) You’re invited to join us on a Lenten journey of kindness, through a combination of study and service. Facilitator: Sami Marasigan, samim@grfumc.org.

Women’s Winter Retreat: March 16 - 17 • Exploring our Buried, Budding, & Blooming Wisdom. Our retreat will feature spiritual director, Cami Mann. Cost: $150 per person (scholarships available). Includes three spiritual sessions, overnight accommodations in a condo, meals, and activities. Register at www.grfumc.org/women.

Location: Gull Lake 2018 Ministries (Hickory Corners, MI) Buried, Budding, & Blooming

Womens’ Retreat

Risk-Taking Outreach and Mission Circles Grand Rapids

Circles of Grand Rapids has an audacious goal: decrease the poverty rate in Grand Rapids by 10% over the next 10 years. 1 in 4 people, roughly 47,000 people, live in poverty in Grand Rapids.

Staggering numbers … seemingly impossible to overcome. How can we make a difference? 1 person, 1 family at a time.

You … yes … You, can help us move one family out of poverty.

How? Keep reading.

Circles is an innovative and proven strategy that builds relationships across socioeconomic lines to support families as they lift themselves out of poverty. Circles succeeds by taking the time necessary – nearly two years of weekly meetings – to transform and empower people from every economic class to eliminate poverty.

Outcomes for our first Circles GR Class include an average 63% increase in household income, an average increase in savings from $40 to $800, and an average increase in reliable support network from 1 person to 5.

How can you become involved?

Become a Circles Ally.

Two Allies (volunteers from the middle-upper middle class) are paired with

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” Mother Teresa one Circle Leader (the person moving from poverty) creating a Matched Circle who moves together on a journey toward the Leader’s self-sufficiency.

Become a Circles Meal Provider. Join other First Church volunteers in providing occasional healthy meals on Monday nights for the Circles Community.

Become part of a Circles Resource Team. Share education, job, and community resources and connections with the Circles Community.

Become a Circles Financial Supporter. Share a one-time or monthly gift with Circles GR. Join me at a lunch & learn orientation session at First Church on Sunday, January 28 immediately following the 10:45 AM worship service. Come find out how you can make a difference, one person, one family at a time.

Laure Mieskowski Circles Facilitator/ Coach lmieskowski@circlesgr.org

At first, Lakesha was suspicious.

Circles Grand Rapids sounded too good to be true. But she’d picked up a Circles flyer from Circles partner Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF), and she trusted ICCF. Plus, as hard as she was working, she wasn’t getting ahead. Lakesha longed to increase her income and get out of debt.

To create a stable future for her children. To own a home. To break the cycle of generational poverty.

So she gave Circles her best shot – and became one of our many Circle Leader stars.

Lakesha has maintained discipline and perspective. She’s received two raises, advanced to a full-time position, paid off over $8,000 in credit card debt with her Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) tax return check, and is exploring certification as a medical assistant.

Lakesha says, “As a young girl, I watched my mother work long hours.

She couldn’t spend much time with us because she was working so hard to make it on her own. After all her hard work, my mother still doesn’t have any savings and lives paycheck to paycheck. I chose as a mother to get us out of poverty. I am a person of great confidence and determination. I am on the road to better my family and myself.”

First Pulse | January/February ‘18

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EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY Resource Development

Caught’cha Being Good Our family spends a lot of time up north in Elk Rapids. The local paper there does a weekly feature called “Caught’cha Being Good.” The essence of this weekly article is that some local resident contacts the paper to report the good deed of another resident, whereupon the paper writes a brief article about the generosity of the do-gooder and presents him or her with a ribbon. The ribbon-wearing weekly winner is photographed for the article as well.

Usually the good deeds are along the lines of pushing someone out of a snowbank, mowing the yard of someone who is sick, picking up litter in the park, or returning a lost dog.

While the weekly feature reports just one good deed, there are obviously many other good things people do that are never publicized.

Become a Circles Ally... learn more on page 9!

The same is true at First Church. Our congregation is incredibly giving. God has provided each of us with our own gifts of time, talent, and treasure - and we use these in God’s service through the ministries of First Church. While some things that people do are very noticeable, such as singing a solo or leading a committee, most of the good deeds get done below the radar by regular folks plugging into the many ministry opportunities available!

membership exploration class ―

FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 18

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First Pulse | January/February ‘18

I find that to be one of the greatest things about our church. People truly look for God to lead them, and respond in ways that enable miracles to happen. Our year-end giving levels in 2017 were nothing short of miraculous, as we once again balanced our budget.

Our pledges for 2018 are higher than they were in 2017. Our special Christmas Mission offering was amazing.

And nobody does any of this hoping to get “Caught Being Good!” People give themselves to God’s work at First Church because their faith is leading them here. Certainly, God is watching us, and is aware of the good we are doing, but God also knows our giving comes from the heart, as God loves a cheerful giver.

I hope we can all are find our ministry hot button at First Church for 2018. There is a place for all of us, and much good to be done - even though we may get caught doing it!

Chris Hawkins Finance Committee

Congregational Care From time to time, people ask what I enjoy about for any person without an AD is to provide any and being a pastor. The simple answer is there are many all medical treatment that would save/prolong a aspects that I enjoy, and one aspect of pastoring person’s life, no matter the pain, suffering, or cost. that I enjoy is being invited into sacred moments In cases of patients who are suffering with a very with individuals and families. Time spent sharing advanced terminal illness or severe neurologic stories at a wedding and stories around illness/injury, leaving them without the the bedside of a dying loved one. It ability to know who they are, where is sacred to be an invited guest to they are, and unable to recognize witness and participate in these who is with them, families are once-in-a-lifetime events. Often left trying to guess what type I am asked to pray as together of care the person would It is sacred we call on God for guidance, want. This can lead to family hope, and strength. I find disagreement, which in turn to be an invited these very meaningful times. can lead to the involvement guest to witness There are many sacred times of the family’s spiritual leader and conversation in life. as the family grapples with and participate in Some we openly discuss, treatment decisions. While these once-in-aand others are a bit more there are many scenarios to challenging. Aging and dying consider, talking about it is a lifetime events. are not easy topics to discuss. In great first step. This is a sacred fact, sometimes those words are conversation that helps ease the conversation-stoppers. Aging and wonder and also help ensure your dying are inevitable parts of living, wishes are followed. and talking about aging and dying helps as does expressing what matters most. That Please plan to join in an education time on conversation is not always easy or natural. Since Sunday, February 25 in Wesley Hall following 2011, I have been involved with Making Choices the 10:45 am worship. Child care will be provided Michigan. This community collaborative helps along with a lunch. Making Choices Michigan individuals and organizations engage in the important will share with us ways to start and continue the conversation about Advanced Care Planning. conversation.

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a process designed to promote meaningful conversations about potential future health care needs. The conversation is between a person and his/her chosen Power of Attorney for Health Care, or Patient Advocate. The ultimate goal is for a person’s wishes and preferences of care to be known by the patient advocate, documented in an Advance Directive (AD), and honored at the end of life. Traditionally, these conversations have taken place in the health care setting, frequently in an urgent scenario. The “default” health care

At this presentation you will learn: • What is Advance Care Planning?

• How do I choose my Patient Advocate?

• Does my existing Advance Directive meet my needs?

• Steps to create an effective Advance Directive.

Plus, you can sign up for a FREE, no obligation, facilitated conversation to help you plan and prepare your personal Advance Directive.

Rev. Tim Tuthill Director of Pastoral Care

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Annual Juried Sacred Art Show

February 9 - 21, 2018 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them.

- 1 Corinthians 12:4

Special Events:

45 years in the making!

Artists’ Reception – Open to the Public • Friday, February 9 – 7:00 - 9:00 pm in Wesley Hall //Jazz, special desserts, and presentation of awards!

Celebration Sunday Worship with The River Rogues • Sunday, February 11 – 10:45 am //Join us in worship for traditional New Orleans Mardi Gras-style Dixieland music with The River Rogues. All are welcome.

Celebration of the Arts — Gallery Walk-Through • Sunday, February 11 – 9:15-10:15 am and 1:45-2:45 pm; Thursday, February 15 – 12:00 - 1:00 pm //Adults are invited to experience the show through the special insight of Nancy Clouse, artist and retired faculty member from Grand Rapids Community College.

Mystical Songs • Sunday, February 11 – 3:00 pm //Baritone, Jonathan Bratt Carle, and organist, Eric Strand, perform music by Vaughan Williams, Locklair, Wammes, and Bach in the rededication of the organ. Free-will offering.

Celebration Sunday Worship with The Girls Choral Academy • Sunday, February 18 – 10:45 am //Join us in worship to hear The Girls Choral Academy. All are welcome.

Jazz Artists: The Robin Connell Trio with Jim Cooper • Sunday, February 18 – 3:00 pm //Jazz pianist-singer, Robin Connell, tickles the ivories with original arrangements of time-honored jazz standards with vibraphonist, Jim Cooper. Free-will offering.

A Juried Sacred Art Show One of the largest in the country! art exhibit hours: Open to the public

February 10 - 20 daily 10:00 am - 6:00 pm February 21 - 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Visit and like our facebook page for important updates and news! www.facebook.com/ thecelebrationofthearts

Attention Artists!

For an Entry Form visit: www.theCelebrationoftheArts.com or call (616)451.2879.

Deliver artwork February 2 - 3, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Please help us spread the word about this great event!

For more information visit www.theCelebrationoftheArts.com