First Pulse July 2015

July 2015 Edition

It seems hard to believe but July marks the beginning of my 3rd year serving as Pastor of First Church. I wrote last month about reflections on Annual Conference. One thing I did not say is that Annual Conference creates something of a rhythm for United Methodist clergy. Every job has its own rhythm. For United Methodist pastors, appointments generally go from July 1 to June 30. Most of us who serve under episcopal appointment acknowledge that July 1 is typically an anniversary date… and anniversaries have a purpose. It is a time to look back as a way to look forward.

It has been my experience that the first two years of a pastoral relationship is spent getting familiar with people, the environment, the history of the congregation, the unique ministries that have made the congregation successful, as well as beginning to see the possibilities that perhaps have not been fully realized yet. In similar fashion, the congregation must also become familiar with the pastor, the pastor’s family, the unique ministry values and leadership style and so forth, so that pastor and people can build on one another’s strengths. One of the important leadership books in my library is titled The Speed of Trust. Stephen Covey wrote a compelling volume that every leader ought to read and practice. Covey says that there is a speed and method for building trust within any organization.

From my perspective, our first two years have been spent productively in the process of building trust.

My wife recently asked me to reflect on the first two years of ministry at Grand Rapids First Church. My re-

inside

Intentional Faith Development

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www.grandrapidsfumc.org

sponse was that in 35 years of serving in pastoral ministry, I don’t believe that I have ever enjoyed a faster move toward productivity. In two years, we have entered a “vision” process and completed a three-year strategic plan that has been adopted. In previous pastorates, that has typically been the work in years 3 to 5. So I am celebrating forward movement as we enter our third year. I am looking forward to what is ahead for us.

ward removing exclusionary language from the Book of Discipline regarding human sexuality, marriage and defining the pastoral and congregational options in ministry with all people. It is a compromise position that seems to be gaining support across the divide of conservative verses progressive ideology. It may be a way to avoid a split within our denomination. I see

The two decisions that are noteworthy from Annual Conference 2015 are: 1) the vote was overwhelmingly positive to move to create a new Michigan Area Conference in place of West Michigan and Detroit. I have attempted to be a catalyst to get this done The vote was overwhelmingly positive to move before I retire. to create a new Michigan Area Conference in We are stron- place of West Michigan and Detroit. ger together than we are apart. The vote was nearly possibilities in this effort to unite the 90% across the state to move in this United Methodist Church. In May of new and exciting direction. It will help 2016, we will know if the effort will us as United Methodists in Michigan bear fruit. to be more strategic with our finances, our human resources, and streamlin- I pray you are having a wonderful suming our organizational structure with- mer season. Don’t forget to come to out duplicating positions and services. worship often and stay connected with I was stunned that the percentage was First Church. so high. So a new day is emerging for Michigan United Methodism. And 2) Grace and peace to you all. an important vote passed to send to General Conference a legislative item Pastor Bob Hundley called, “A Third Way.” (I invite you to read the legislation yourself – www. westmichiganconference.org/news/ detail/3731). This proposal moves to-

Pastor’s Message

Radical Hospitaliy 1

Risk-taking Mission and Service

Passionate Worship 5

Extravagant Generosity 4

3 Compassionate Care

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Intentional Faith Development Arts Alive Camp This year’s Arts Alive Camp is sure to go down in the history books as one of the greats. August 10 - 13, we will experience God’s gushing love by exploring “Living Water.” We’ll also learn about the global water crisis, what can be done about it, and small changes in our everyday routine here in Grand Rapids that can have a big impact on the global water climate. Campers will get to learn about our local water history through American Indian storytelling, drums, dance, and art.

Preparations for this year’s camp are well under way. All of our camping staff can’t wait to meet the campers and start our week of fun!

Recently, I interviewed some prospective Arts Alive campers and asked them to share some of their anticipation for the upcoming camp:

Have you signed up to be part of Arts Alive Camp this year? Adults can get in on the action by acting as a shepherd, helping with lunch preparation, or providing a scholarship to a camper.

Please visit grandrapidsfumc.org/artsalive-camp for more information and to register.

Thank you to Naomi Malinowski, SkyFor what part of Arts Alive Camp are What else do you want to tell new lar Heimstra, and Jonathan VanHouten for their participation with this article. you most excited? campers?

• I am excited about arts, like paint- • We’re going to learn some really Audrey Kawel ing. NM cool things. Last year we brought Director of Children’s Ministry • Painting and the field trip. SH in $10 so parents in Africa could • Art! JH buy those malaria nets. NM What should new campers know?

• Bring your water bottle [around • That we’re going to do some really with you] in case you get thirsty fun things, like arts and music. NM AND you’ll have fun! SH • That it’s awesome! SH • You’re going to have a lot of fun!

JH

Have you signed up to be part of Arts Alive Camp this year?

Campers will get to learn about our local water history through American Indian storytelling, drums, dance, and art.

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Passionate Worship Sparking Joy

It’s a book about unburdening, reconnecting to joy, engaging in gratitude, forgiveness, and observing ritual. Hmm… (Insert sounds of wheels turning in the mind.) That has a familiar ring to it. It sounds a bit like the church, and some of the ways in which the church should spark joy.

For the past 32 weeks, a rather unassuming little book has been at the top of the New York Times bestseller list. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, written by Marie Kondo, has captured the attention and imagination of people across the world, selling millions of copies, and turning Kondo into quite a celebrity in Japan. It’s a fresh approach to a topic that generates countless new books every year. The ultimate “purge” book, it takes hoarders to its polar opposite of extreme minimalism. Instead of focusing on what to get rid of, Kondo has a strategy to determine what to keep. The method, called the KonMari Method, involves holding an object, be it an item of clothing, book, photograph, or piece of memorabilia, and asking this question: Does it spark joy?

According to Kondo, by asking this question over and over of what is in your space, one gradually removes all of the stuff that is getting in the way, eventually surrounding oneself with only those items that spark joy. There are a number of helps along the way, akin to rituals that Kondo encourages, such as giving gratitude for the purpose and time that you and the particular object shared prior to letting it go. One reviewer remarked, “I felt as

if I could breathe easier. I felt like a weight was lifted off of me. [It felt] like a ceremony and a celebration; an act of love.”

is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. Practice these things: whatever you learned, received, heard, or saw in us. The God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9 – Common English Bible)

It’s a book about unburdening, reconnecting to joy, engaging in gratitude, forgiveness, and observing ritual.

Hmm… (Insert sounds of wheels turning in the mind.) That has a familiar ring to it. It sounds a bit like As we enter this season of visioning, the church, and some of the ways in and the process of implementing the vision, we can ask these questions of which the church should spark joy. all that we do in the church. We can Our recent process of visioning, and honor the things and practices that the process of implementing the vi- once served us so well, but now need sion could be compared to the Kon- to be put aside. Together, we can find Mari method. We can look at every- a shared joy in all that we do together thing that we do in the church and ask as a community of faith, and as the body of Christ in the world. questions such as “Does it spark joy?”

The early church was given a method and a set of criteria about what to keep, and upon that which to focus.

There is a beautiful passage in Philippians that points us to the questions that we can ask of the church and ourselves.

Eric Strand Director of Music and the Arts

From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything

MID-MICHIGAN ADVENTURE on WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

Riverboat cruise, historic village in Corunna, and Curwood Castle in Owosso.

Reservation form and payment due July 1.

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Risk-Taking Mission and Service guest families’ difficult work schedules and energy levels. Families often work second shift and will come to the church with their kids around 11:00 pm. Other families will come to the church and spend time in their rooms due to the stressful day that they had at work and school.

This is the everyday life for these families, and as long as our volunteers expect this, the experience will be a meaningful one.

Our family just finished our first week in the role of coordinators for Family Promise. The week was both rewarding and challenging in more ways than what we first expected. We would like to share some of the things that we learned during FUMC’s most recent host week: • We learned that while we planned several activities and events such as a trip to the children’s museum and movie nights, some of the things that made the biggest impact on our guest families and volunteers were simple things like having items available for the kids to make sack lunches and eating dinner family style at a set time each evening with everyone around the table in Wesley Hall. Several of the children were so excited to be able to bring a lunch from “home” that they could eat at school with their friends.

• We learned that we should buy bags of pre-popped popcorn for movie nights. We spent most of “Big Hero 6” manning the microwave to provide popcorn to 11 children.

• We learned that volunteering for Family Promise is not always easy and can sometimes feel discouraging if you do not know what to expect. We found that it is difficult to plan organized activities due to the

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• We learned that our church has an amazing set-up on the third floor that allows the families to have a safe place to eat, play, and sleep including private bedrooms for each While we learned many things during our family with natu- first host week, our biggest takeaway ral light streaming through the from the week is that the success of this windows, laundry mission relies upon the amazing people facilities, and bath- of this congregation that volunteer their rooms with show- time and talents. ers. Our guest families repeatedly commented to us that they couldn’t believe how big their bedrooms were and how much they enjoyed being on the third floor.

• We learned that our family loves this mission. Our three-year old daughter cannot wait for the next Saturday movie night or sleepover at the church. We are encouraged that our daughter gets excited to eat dinner and play with her new friends at the church. She is unaware that the children have no other place to go – she just assumes that they are also having a sleepover at the church.

everyone in between. We will need to continue to grow our volunteer base by adding first-time volunteers with each rotation of Family Promise to maintain the energy of the mission. If you have not yet tried volunteering for Family Promise, we encourage you to consider making this part of your famWhile we learned many things during ily’s outreach. It has been very rewardour first host week, our biggest take- ing for our family, and we are confiaway from the week is that the suc- dent that it will also be for yours. cess of this mission relies upon the amazing people of this congregation Darren McKnight who volunteer their time and talents.

Social Concerns Chair Throughout the week we had veteran mcknig24@yahoo.com volunteers, first time volunteers, and

Radical Hospitality “For through this simple act of opening our home and sharing a meal with someone new, God manifest Him/Herself. We found that there is always more room at the table, always more space for relationships, and always more bread to be shared.”

The above sentences were the last two sentences that Jess Rozga wrote in her “Radical Hospitality” article for June’s First Pulse. I wanted to expand on her article just a little bit more. A sense of community within your church family is very important; and to some, more important than others. I have heard it a lot in our classes for membership and from other people I come in contact with.

I like to scrapbook, so I started a scrapbooking group at church. We have a list of 18 people who like to participate and 4 of them belong to other churches. It is an open group and anyone can come and bring their friends. If you do any craft or hobby that requires you to spread out, you are welcome to join us. Everyone gets

one of the large round tables in Wesley Hall to work on. We have people come who are sorting photos or old papers. We have card makers and scrapbookers. A maker of jewelry is waiting for the next date that fits her schedule.

Both of these groups started because I had a passion and desire to organize.

What passion do you have? I’ll help you set up any group and let you take the lead. We need more groups to include more people. Only one rule: there must always be an open chair for someone not there yet.

I also like to play Rummikub, so I started a group of gals to play. There Patsy McGillivray is a list of 36 who have played at one Director of Invitational Ministry time or another and includes Only one rule: there must always be an 5 people who open chair for someone not there yet. are not church members. We play more regularly in the winter, but usually try to get an event scheduled in the summer.

We just have a great time. My favorite reason for loving it is that at least once a night we

Extravagant Generosity

taking the ferry to the island, taking a carriage ride to the fort, watching the soldiers fire the cannons, playing Frisbee on the lawn, tasting fudge, etc.

For many of the MLK 4th graders, it is the first time they have ever ventured north of Grand Rapids.

all get involved in a real “belly laugh” which feels so good to the soul!

Nearly every one of us at First Church has been to Mackinac Island - many of us multiple times. However, for many of these kids, it is the very first time they’ve ever ridden a charter bus, ever taken a boat ride, ever seen a horse up close, ever been to the Island, ever seen a Revolutionary War era soldier in uniform, or ever heard a cannon fire. In fact, for many of the MLK 4th graders, it is the first time they have ever ventured north of Grand Rapids.

you notes that were forwarded to the donors who made the trip possible.

You could just feel the pure joy and excitement in the kids writing about their day: the boat ride was amazing, the cannons were loud, the horses flipped their tails to keeps the flies off - and yes, several references to the other things the horses do on Mackinac Island as evidenced by the droppings in the streets.

So if you ever wonder if our giving to First Church is making a difference in the lives of people, this trip is a heartwarming example. But there are many more needs that are not being met. Just The ministries of First Church impact think of the possibilities if all of us the lives of many people in ways that were “Extravagantly Generous” disciwould surprise most of us. Because of ples of Jesus Christ! What could we acour generosity, many are able to expecomplish if we were a tithing church? rience new things most of us simply This trip was provided for by won- Praise God for all we do in ministry, take for granted. derfully generous financial gifts to the and may God continue to challenge us First Church MLK school ministry. to achieve even greater things!

Thanks to our ministry at MLK Leader- Most of the kids at MLK live in povship Academy, the 4th graders recently erty. A trip like this is simply out of the Amazing things are possible! made a day trip to Mackinac Island… question for their families. Upon their Chris Hawkins Finance Committee leaving by bus early in the morning, return, the kids wrote amazing thank

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Compassionate Care Stephen Ministry

Dick Mieskowski: I would say that my exIn April’s First Pulse Compassion- perience as a Stephen ate Care article, I shared some of the Minister has affirmed comments from the people (care re- just what I thought I ceivers) who have had a Stephen Min- would find. First, that ister journey with them through a dif- people are more capable ficult time in their lives. In this article, of managing life’s difficult situations when supported by you will hear about others. Second, that Stephen Ministry Christ Caring for People people of faith have a from the perspec- through People. firmer foundation to tive of several of face life’s difficult situations….as hope our Stephen Ministers! is an integral part of Christianity. And Fritz Briscoe: It is last, that my faith is strengthened when very easy when asked I see God at work within the care reto be a Stephen Min- ceiver and within the Stephen Ministry ister to think “What program. would I have to offer?

Fae Ewalt: An unexWhat would I say?” pected bonus to being Those who accept the a Stephen Minister is call quickly find out that the extensive the relationship that has training given all prospective Stephen developed between my Ministers provides many tools and recare receiver and myself. sources. It is a blessing to be able to We have become fast, walk alongside someone who is struggling. It is definitely a way to reflect caring friends!

God’s love to others. I am so glad I overcame my feelings of inadequacy Jeff Henrickson: Even to realize God is in charge. Turning though I have not been the process over to Him makes all the a Stephen Minister very long, it has been very redifference. warding. I have learned a lot of techniques to use Ann Donajkowski: in my own life!

Serving as a Stephen Minister allows me to Sharon Sorensen: I anshare in another person’s swered the call to Stefaith journey. As we phen Ministry in 2004. have traveled through Going through 50 hours various life experiences of training was inspitogether, I have witnessed courage, rational, insightful, and faith, trust, and endurance by my care healing for me. I rereceivers. I have also witnessed God’s grace as my care receivers have been member being asked why I answered sustained through very difficult situa- the call. My response was “if I could help just one person through what I tions. have been through, it will have made Linda Peterson: I feel my journey worth the trip!” I have blessed to be in a group been fortunate to help six care receivof such caring and lov- ers through many different issues. ing people. I hope I can What a blessing! I have been blessed be a blessing and a help to be a Stephen Minister. Thank you to someone who would First Church for your support of the like a Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministry program!

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Bob Jones: As one who was ordained 45 years ago, why would I choose to take 50 hours of Stephen Ministry training? I have found that I am gifted in following lay-led leaders of ministries, such as Marriage Encounter weekends, and Emmaus/DeColores weekends, and I have faith that lay Stephen Ministers and my care receivers can also greatly enrich my life. The most important learning I have received to date is that God is the healer, and we are the care providers (the hands of Jesus); therefore I need to concentrate more on the process and not try to fix every problem (which is my natural inclination).

Lois Walker: Stephen Ministry is such a part of me it’s hard to imagine who I would be without it. I have had the privilege of being in partnership with five care receivers over 11 years. I say partnership because that is how it really works. I have worked with someone grieving, someone ill, and someone trying to find some purpose for their life. It has never been to enter the picture with all the answers. It is to simply say “I wish life was better right now and I will walk along side you until it is.” To show up every week and listen and pray, then watch what God does in someone’s life. It is humbling and inspiring. Never underestimate the power of God when we gather in God’s name.

Want to truly make a difference and grow in faith at the same time? We plan to hold a training class this fall.

Let’s talk!

Grace and peace, Marj Timmerman RN, Parish Nurse

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Sunday Worship: “Worship is ‘the life-blood of First Church!’”

10:00 am Infant Nursery and Toddler Room 10:15 am Hometown Nazareth: 4-yr old - 6th grade 11:00 am Worship Forum June 29, 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study June 30, 7:00 am Work Program July 1, 6:00 pm Young Adults: Picnic and Frisbee Golf at Garfield Park July 2, 9:00 am Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship July 3 Independence Day Holiday: Church Building and Offices Closed July 4 Independence Day: Church Building and Offices Closed July 5, 10:00 am Sunday Worship: “The Meaning of Communion” 10:00 am Communion Sunday 10:00 am Infant Nursery and Toddler Room 10:15 am Hometown Nazareth: 4-yr old - 6th grade 11:00 am Blood Pressure Clinic July 6, 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 1:00 pm Staff meeting July 7, 7:00 am Work Program 3:00 pm Moms’ Group at Richmond Park 5:00 pm Stephen Leaders 5:30 pm Staff Parish Relations Committee July 8, 6:00 pm Staff Picnic at Manhattan Park July 9, 9:00 am JFON/Immigration Law Fundamentals Training 5:00 pm Trustees July 10 - 18 Senior High Youth Workcamp July 11, 11:00 am Methodist Connection Summer Picnic July 12, 10:00 am Sunday Worship: “Redefining Evangelism” 10:00 am Infant Nursery and Toddler Room 10:15 am Hometown Nazareth: 4-yr old - 6th grade 11:00 am Circles USA meeting July 13, 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 1:00 pm Staff meeting July 14, 7:00 am Work Program 9:00 am Stephen Leader Retreat July 15, 9:00 am Caring Connection July 16, 9:00 am Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship

June 28, 10:00 am

Mark your calendars 10:00 am 10:15 am 11:00 am July 20, 11:00 am 6:30 pm July 21, 7:00 am 5:30 pm July 26, 10:00 am 10:00 am 10:15 am July 27, 11:00 am 7:00 pm July 28, 7:00 am July 29, 8:30 am July 30, 9:00 am

July 19, 10:00 am

Sunday Worship: “Who Me? Actively Invite and Welcome?”

Infant Nursery and Toddler Room Hometown Nazareth: 4-yr old - 6th grade Evangelism and Hospitality Forum Retiree Bible Study Stephen Ministry Work Program Moms’ Group at Kentwood Splash Pad Sunday Worship: “Fulfilling the Law of Christ” Infant Nursery and Toddler Room Hometown Nazareth: 4-yr old - 6th grade Retiree Bible Study Leadership Council Work Program Mid-Michigan Adventure Road Trip Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship

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​ ircles USA C Presentation!

Sunday, July 12 at 11:00 am in Wesley Hall Circles' mission is to inspire and equip families and communities to thrive and resolve poverty. Julie Liske will share with us how First Church members can be involved in this exciting initiative.

SUMMER

PICNIC Sunday, August 9 at 11:00 am in the parking lot!

Food and drinks provided. Bring a dessert to share. firstchurch@grandrapidsfumc.org

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