January 2017 Edition
www.grandrapidsfumc.org
It is difficult to write a Januar y ar ticle We get so focused on the moment that we often lose in the middle of perspective. We get focused on “the problem” or “the crisis” December. Just now, or “the challenge” so much so that sometimes we cannot see I am preparing for the past the current reality. There is life after the crisis, just as 4th Sunday of Advent January will come after December. and Christmas Eve. It’s not easy to look beyond Christmas Eve and think about the activities of to catch it early. Pig eon and I January. simply ask for When the Sons of Serendip were at your prayers that First Church a few days ago, they were all will be well. talking about how difficult it was to tape the America’s Got Talent Christmas At this point, show in Los Angeles in mid-August. I am planning They were reflecting that without the to be off from decorations and chill in the air, it was January 9 to 18 hard to get their minds and spirits (give or take a focused on Christmas when they were day or two). I am planning to preach on vision for 2017. I like to call it a “State walking around in shorts and going to the 22nd, but then I need to journey once of the Church” presentation. the beach. That is the way I am feeling: again to Springfield, Missouri, to check On January 15, Rev. Amee Paparella while being consumed with Christmas, on my parents for a few days. will be preaching in my absence. Amee it is hard to see past Christmas. It happens about every 5 or 6 years: and Jim are new members of First Life is like that in lots of ways, isn’t January 1 is on a Sunday! That means Church as Amee is on leave from it? We get so focused on the moment that we can begin our year with worship. pastoral ministry to complete her that we often lose perspective. We get Certainly worship is a fitting way to Master’s degree in Social Work. focused on “the problem” or “the start off a new year, don’t you think? crisis” or “the challenge” so much so We will have one service – at 10:00 January 22 – I will be preaching on the that sometimes we cannot see past the am. The sermon title I have chosen is theme of “Christian Unity.” The week current reality. There is life after the “Pressing Onward and Upward.” The of Prayer for Christian Unity is January 18 – 25, which interestingly enough we crisis, just as January will come after text is Philippians 3:13-14. will be in prayer during the presidential December. January 8 - We will return to our two inauguration. January has a different anticipation for services with Faith Development Hour me this year than Januarys of the past. at 9:15 am. Traditionally, it is a Baptism And, on January 29, Rev. Tim Tuthill In January, I will need to take a couple Sunday as the Sunday is called, The will be preaching. Tim is a friend and of weeks off to care for a health blip. Baptism of Our Lord. At First Church, colleague who is currently serving in the Without going into detail, the doctors it is a Sunday when we recognize and administration of the Holland Homes. have discovered some pre-cancerous celebrate all the babies who have been As we begin the new year, may I say and some cancerous spots that need born over the last year that are a part thank YOU for a marvelous 2016 at attention. A few weeks ago, a couple of our congregation. I have chosen the First Church. But as good as 2016 was of spots on my arm were surgically title, “The Ordination of the Laity,” for our congregation, I believe it will be removed that were assessed to be with a text from Romans 6:1-14. January even better in 2017. Grace and peace to melanoma. There are a few other spots 8 will also be a “Pastor’s Forum” at 9:15 you, and may God’s richest blessings that need to be cared for as well. I am am. This particular forum will focus be yours. Pastor Bob not worried because we were fortunate on a review of 2016 and a look at our
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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 Congregational Care
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Intentional Faith Development It’s the students that I see year after year who come back with an infectious thirst for God and fellowship. It’s the place: this magical place with the trees and the sounds of the waves that bring me back to nature and God. But most importantly, it’s the recharging of my faith that leads me to camp every year.
Lake Michigan Camp & Retreat Center Summer Youth Camps
have a tremendous impact on the campers, volunteers, and parents. The fellowship that is cultivated and developed through the various camp programs allows our campers to lead among their peers at their home church.
For three weeks in July, the south side of Lake Michigan Camp and Retreat Center is reserved for youth Hi, I’m Elise! I am a senior high school camps. The senior high school camp camp counselor at Lake Michigan welcomes students entering 9th grade Camp and Retreat Center. When Sami to graduating seniors. The middle Marasigan asked me to volunteer school camp invites students entering almost 11 years ago, I didn’t see myself 7th grade to those finishing 9th grade. your toothbrush) and join us this year! committing to it long-term. I thought And the elementary camps are for To find out more about United Methodist Camps and to sign up for being a camp counselor would be a children entering 2nd - 7th grades. this summer’s camp offerings, visit great chance to get a tan. We do a little bit of everything at senior umcamping.org. Eleven years later, what brings me high camp. Here are a few examples: we back year after year? It’s the lifelong sleep on the dunes under the stars; we See you in July! Elise Smalley friendships that are formed during play on a giant slip-and-slide; we play the week, for the students as well as capture the flag; our fire bowl worship the adults. It’s the students that I see gives youth an opportunity to lead; we First Church gives a $100 scholarship year after year who come back with an swim every day in Lake Michigan; we to every FUMC camper. Be sure to let us know you are going to infectious thirst for God and fellowship. craft; and we sing! camp by emailing Audrey Kawel at It’s the place: this magical place with the trees and the sounds of the waves that If you know or are a child or youth, audreyk@grandrapidsfumc.org! brings me back to nature and God. But you are invited to summer camp! You most importantly, it’s the recharging of don’t need to have a perfect pitch to my faith that leads me to camp every sing or even know the words. Don’t worry if you’re not the all-star athlete, year. you just have to outlast all of us old There is an old quip that says you can The youth camp programs at Lake camp counselors. Bring your sleeping learn everything you need to know Michigan Camp and Retreat Center bag and crazy dinner attire (don’t forget about a person’s faith by looking at their checkbook.
Extravagant G
We talk a lot about the basic definition of being a good Christian steward here at First Church. This means first joyfully accepting that everything we have is a gift from God, and that out of gratitude we respond by giving back to God through our gifts of time and treasure to the ministries of First Church.
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Passionate Worship
the world after pray that they will all be one, so that the drug trading. world will believe that you sent me.” T h e U n i t e d (John 17:21) This observance seeks to Nations defines human trafficking end division among Christians. When the Song of the as the recr uiting, transporting, Angels Is Stilled and harboring of persons by use Liturgies and services which highlight When the song of the angels is stilled, When of threat, force, or deception for particular causes and works are often the star in the sky is gone, When the kings the purpose of exploitation. United called contextual liturgy. Contextual and the princes are home, When the shep- Methodist Women have been at the liturgy is something that we regularly herds are back with their flocks, The work forefront of our denomination’s practice at this church. Contextual of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To response to this horrific situation. liturgy attempts to deal honestly with heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To re- Get involved in this response at umc. real world situations and offer prayers lease the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To org and unitedmethodistwomen. which then connect worship to action. bring peace among people, To make music in org. Also, read JFON Staff Attorney Worship that is honest and contextual the heart. (Howard Thurman) Katrina Pradelski’s article (page 4). In empowers us through the Holy Spirit collaboration with JFON, we will have a to go forth for God into the world. This incredible poem is often used as special evening worship service to offer It can lead us from complacency to a sending-forth prayer near the end of prayers for this work on Sunday, January action. This is why worship is at the the services on Christmas Eve. It is an 15 at 6:30 pm in the Upper Room. heart of who we are as Christians, and important and ever-critical reminder at the heart of our work to positively that what we celebrate at Christmas Sunday, January 15, is Human Relations impact the world. is the start of something, not a final Day (HDR), celebrated in connection Eric Stand, Executive Director destination or the celebration of with Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Worship and the Arts something completed. Rather, the on Monday, January 16. HRD calls Christmas celebration, and all of the United Methodists to recognize the fanfare and pomp leading up to it, is right of all God’s children in realizing ultimately a celebration of the ministry, their potential as human beings in teaching, and work of Jesus Christ. relationship with one another. The Jesus Christ came to change this world United Methodist Church seeks funds through his life-giving acts of love and to support a wide variety of ministries. liberation. As the body of Christ, we are the hands and feet of Jesus in the world Finally, on January 22, we celebrate to carry out this ministry in the world. Ecumenical Sunday as part of a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This A glance at the United Methodist week echoes the prayer of Jesus, “I Calendar for January reveals several The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed observances and calls to action. These observances point to “the work of me. He has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim Christmas.” Human Trafficking release to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to Awareness Day (January 11), highlights liberate the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s this form of modern-day slavery, and favor. Luke 4:18-19 the second largest criminal activity in
Generosity
are blessed with many wonderfully generous and devoted servants of Christ. We don’t need to wonder what their checkbook might look like! Our amazing plans for ministry in 2017 will be fueled by the generous giving of a faithful congregation The recently concluded giving campaign was a huge success, which indicates we continue to grow in our faith and commitment to our walk with God.
Now, of course, nobody is going to look at your checkbook to try and assess your level of faithful commitment - that is, except for you! If you reviewed how your money has been spent during the past year, would you find evidence of a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ? Would there be indications of Extravagant Generosity? Would the numbers show someone As the momentum here at First Church who sets aside God’s gifts first, and continues to gain steam rolling into then gratefully lives on the rest? 2017, I hope each of us takes time to think and pray about how well Fortunately for us at First Church, we we support our wonderful vision for
ministry. It might actually be interesting if we all examined our checkbooks. Since scripture tells us that our heart follows our treasure, would we find that our heart is firmly rooted in a life devoted to God? Interesting to ponder. If you find that maybe your level of commitment is not what you might hope it would be, then make it a priority in 2017 to grow in faith, to find a ministry niche that gets you involved and fires you up so that your giving is a true reflection of a life of grateful service to a loving God. Chris Hawkins, Finance Committee
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Risk-Taking Mission and Service Slavery in Our Midst “In my world, in my little bubble, this isn’t something we talk about.” “I didn’t think it could happen here.” These words are often spoken regarding a hidden horror: human trafficking. Human trafficking is the exploitation of a person for a specific purpose, usually forced labor, domestic servitude, or sex. Essentially, it is the trade of people, or modern day slavery. It does not discriminate by age, gender, nationality, or physical or intellectual ability, and it does not necessarily mean that people are being moved from place to place. It’s a low risk enterprise, with a high profit and plenty of demand. There is no perfect example of human trafficking. It can look like a husband keeping his wife’s wages earned in the family business. It can look like a new romance suddenly gone sour. It can look like a new job opportunity that is drastically different from what you thought. It can look like bartering for a place to stay or food to eat. It can look like taking a job that doesn’t pay you minimum wage because you don’t speak English. It can look like a friend or family member. It can look like you and me.
JFON assists in this fight not only by doing advocacy work and education, but also by representing immigrant victims in obtaining a special visa for victims of human trafficking. This visa allows those who are trafficked to come out of the shadows, report their trafficker, and not fear being deported for doing so.
statistics for human trafficking because to transport people through here), Kent its victims are hidden in plain sight. County is made even more vulnerable Even in Grand Rapids. to traffickers. Further, even though Kent County has seen economic growth What? Not here, surely! That can’t be. recently, financial stability is still out of The immigration lawyer is talking about reach for one in six members of our it - this has to be a third world problem, community. Poverty is a root cause of right? human trafficking, leaving the most vulnerable open to exploitation in order I’m afraid not. JFON is an affiliate to put food on the table or have a place organization of the Kent County to sleep. Human Trafficking Task Force (http:// stopthistraffic.org), which was created JFON assists in this fight not only by Human trafficking is a serious crime to address trafficking in our community. doing advocacy work and education, and a violation of basic human rights. Kent County is vulnerable to trafficking but also by representing immigrant It turns human life into an expendable in its agribusiness and hospitality victims in obtaining a special visa for commodity and decimates an untold sectors. Because of its proximity to victims of human trafficking. This number of lives. There are no accurate commercial transportation (i.e., it’s easy visa allows those who are trafficked to come out of the shadows, report their trafficker, and not fear being deported for doing so. With this visa, rebuilding and recovery can truly begin. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Stay tuned for events, a daily devotional, and other information about ways you can help #stopthistraffic. Katrina Pradelski Staff Attorney Justice for Our Neighbors West Michigan
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Radical Hospitality
The Sons of Serendip
Invitational Hospitality: My New Year’s Resolution Goal What a great year 2016 has shaped up to be! I’ve enjoyed meeting the new faces who are connecting at First Church for worship, classes, and events. I love the growing number of young families I met at the rocking chairs in the back of the sanctuary. I was thrilled to have invited the community to our tent for our ArtPrize LotParty. And the Sons of Serendip concert turned out do be an amazing success, despite the crazy amount of snow that decided to join us for the concert.
visiting us for worship. But it’s time to take the next step. I would love to see each person who walks through our doors become a deeply involved member of First Church.
How can we grow from being warm and welcoming to also invitational? This will take a team of people who have a heart for Jesus and hospitality. People who know that being a part of community makes a difference to oneself and to the community. People who aren’t afraid to invite someone to join a class, a volunteer activity, or to an event. But how exactly does this look? Honestly, I don’t have the perfect answer - that’s why I’m writing this article. I’m looking for your guidance and willingness to work toward this While it is important to celebrate goal. If you would like explore this goal our growth and success, it is just as with me or have suggestions, please important to strive for improvement. email SamiM@grandrapidsfumc.org. For many, our strive to improve I am looking forward to 2017. I hope comes in the form of a New Year’s you are too! resolution. Some of us set the same Sami Marasigan resolution (to lose 10 lbs, etc.) year Executive Director of after year. I’m not a huge fan of Hospitality and Evangelism resolutions, but I am a fan goals. My goal for 2017 is to help us move from great hospitality at First Church to “Invitational Hospitality.” Our Worship Support Teams are great at welcoming new guests into worship. Many of our involved members are also warm and friendly to those
Sons of Serendip with the Diarrassouba family Chris Herweyer and Don Shaffer welcoming guests after the concert. to the Sons of Serendip Concert.
So, my goal for 2017 is to help us move from great hospitality at First Church to “Invitational Hospitality.” Our Worship Support Teams are great at welcoming new guests into worship. Many of our involved members are also warm and friendly to those visiting us for worship. But, it’s time to take the next step. I would love to see each person who walks through our doors become a deeply involved member of First Church. 5
Congregational Care I know in my heart this is true; you need to take care of yourself before you can really care for others. My head is still stubborn, though, and thinks I can do it all. When we let go and let God and others help, we are all blessed!
Me? I don’t need help! Well…maybe I do! I have found that many people find it easier to help others than to accept help themselves. I was reminded that this includes me when I had outpatient knee surgery the end of September. I had fallen in May, torn my medial meniscus, and conservative measures didn’t result in my knee improving. It was supposed to be a “simple” procedure: on crutches 2 to 3 days, back to work in a week. The reality was quite different. During surgery, it was found that both my medial and lateral meniscuses were torn and a large chunk of cartilage had been torn off my femur. I was now in pain and limping more than ever. My first week “back to work” was mostly spent working from home with my leg iced and elevated.
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Pre-operatively, I had turned down most offers of help as I didn’t want to bother anyone else. It was no big deal - I could do this on my own. Postoperatively, I was limping down long hospital hallways making visits, feeling miserable as the extra walking made my leg hurt and swell even more. I would sit through long meetings which also caused my leg to swell and knee to throb. I couldn’t take pain meds while working and would go home at night frustrated and in tears. But you know what? When I finally admitted I was struggling and needed help, a huge weight was lifted! Staff members encouraged me to skip some meetings and passed the minutes on to me. Our very capable Congregational Care Assistants were willing to make extra hospital and rehab visits. I stayed out of the choir loft on Sunday mornings until I could walk the steps safely. When someone asked if they could bring meals, I said yes instead of no. Now I was truly on my way to healing.
heart this is true; you need to take care of yourself before you can really care for others. My head is still stubborn, though, and thinks I can do it all. When we let go and let God and others help, we are all blessed! A reminder that we won’t know you are hospitalized or having surgery unless you tell us! The hospitals are bound by HIPAA and can’t let us know. Even if you are having a “simple” outpatient procedure, we would like to know so we can be praying for you and can visit to pray with you pre-operatively if you would like us to. If you don’t want to be listed in Sunday prayer announcements or in the Pulse prayer concerns, that is fine. But don’t be afraid to be listed – caring for one another is part of the joy of being a church family. So thanks for the cards, notes, calls, and support while I continue to heal. I feel very blessed to be part of this congregation! A happy and healthy 2017 to us all!
This reminds me of what the airlines Peace and joy, tell you if there is an emergency while Marj Timmerman RN flying: put your own oxygen mask on Executive Director of before you assist others. I know in my Congregational Care
Sunday, January 1 New Year’s Day Communion Sunday 10:00 am – Sunday Worship 10:00 am – One Room Child Care and Pre-K - 2nd Program Monday, January 2 Church Building and Offices Closed 11:00 am – Retiree Bible Study at Clark Retirement Community Tuesday, January 3 7:00 am – Work Program 5:30 pm – Staff/Parish Relations Wednesday, January 4 9:00 am – MLK Giving Tree Pack-Up 5:30 pm – Christmas Clean-Up Party 6:00 pm – Disciple I 6:30 pm – Jesus in the Gospels Thursday, January 5 5:30 pm – Building Committee 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Friday, January 6 6:00 pm – Staff Epiphany Party Sunday, January 8 8:00 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel 9:15 am – Church School for all ages 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children & Worship and Shine: Sensory Room 12:00 pm – Nursery Open House 5:00 pm – Disciple II, Jr High and Sr High Youth Group Monday, January 9 11:00 am – Retiree Bible Study at Clark Retirement Community 5:00 pm – Trustees 6:30 pm – Stephen Ministry Tuesday, January 10 7:00 am – Work Program 5:30 pm – Finance Wednesday, January 11 6:00 pm – Disciple I 6:30 pm – Jesus in the Gospels Thursday, January 12 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 6:00 pm – JFON Volunteer Training 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Sunday, January 15 8:00 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel 9:15 am – Church School for all ages 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children & Worship and Shine: Sensory Room 12:00 pm – Unplugged: 3rd-6th Grade
Mark your calendars 5:00 pm – Disciple II, Jr High and Sr High Youth Group Monday, January 16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Church Building and Offices Closed 11:00 am – Retiree Bible Study at Clark Retirement Community Tuesday, January 17 7:00 am – Work Program Wednesday, January 18 9:00 am – Caring Connection 6:00 pm – Disciple I 6:30 pm – Jesus in the Gospels Thursday, January 19 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Saturday, January 21 8:30 am – Feeding America 4:30 pm – Dads’ Group Crafts Night Sunday, January 22 8:00 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel 9:15 am – Church School for all ages 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children & Worship and Shine: Sensory Room 5:00 pm – Disciple II, Jr High and Sr High Youth Group
Monday, January 23 11:00 am – Retiree Bible Study 2:30 - 6:30 pm – Blood Drive January 24 - 31 Haiti Trip Tuesday, January 24 7:00 am – Work Program Wednesday, January 25 6:00 pm – Disciple I 6:30 pm – Jesus in the Gospels Thursday, January 26 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Sunday, January 29 8:00 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel 9:15 am – Church School for all ages 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children & Worship and Shine: Sensory Room 5:00 pm – Disciple II, Jr High and Sr High Youth Group Monday, January 30 11:00 am – Retiree Bible Study 7:00 pm – Leadership Committee Tuesday, January 31 7:00 am – Work Program
NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE
− First Church Office Hours − beginning January 3, 2017
PAID
Church Office Sunday 7:45 am - 12:30 pm Monday – Thursday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (With the preschool moved to their new location, the church will no longer be open at 6:30 am on weekdays.) First Place Office Monday and Tuesday
First United Methodist Church 227 Fulton St E Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3236
PERMIT #354 GRAND RAPIDS, MI
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
− Financial Contributions for 2016 − Contributions to the First Church can be made during office hours or online at www.grfumc.org/give. Online contributions received prior to midnight on December 31 will be posted as 2016 contributions. If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Sorensen at sharons@grandrapidsfumc.org. We are still receiving pledges for the 2017 General Fund. Please make your 2017 pledge online at www.grfumc.org/eog.
Adult Faith Development Classes for the New Year
All adults welcome! Join us as we create community and learn together! Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required. Sign up at www.grfumc.org/sign-up-sheet or in the bulletin insert. January 8 – Pastor's Forum (Upper Room): All adults are invited to share discussion with Pastor Bob on the state of the church. Using the strategic plan as our guide, we will explore where we've been and where we are going. Sundays, January 15 – February 26 at 9:15 am Couples in Faith Class (Chapel): A place for study, prayer, fellowship, and community for 30s-/40ssomething couples. Winter study details coming soon! Facilitators: Amy and Michael Cochran A Disciple’s Path (Library): This study focuses on the United Methodist Church’s understanding of our growth in God’s love and grace through the practices of spiritual discipline expressed in the membership vows to uphold the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Participants will develop spiritual practices, discover their unique gifts, and explore ministry opportunities. This study is perfect for persons exploring church membership, new members, or as renewal for existing members. Facilitators: Patsy McGillivray and Rev. Dick Youells firstchurch@grandrapidsfumc.org
Faith Link (3109 – First Place): 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. Facilitators: Dick Mieskowski, Tami PreFontaine, and Sharon Sorensen Invitation to New Testament (3107 – First Place): Class members will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the New Testament as an integral part of the Christian Bible. Using readings and weekly video segments, participants will gain insight from biblical scholars and visual tours of archaeological sites. This class works best for participants who can have regular attendance and time for daily study between sessions. Facilitators: George Bob and Laure Mieskowski
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