May 2016 First Pulse

May 2016 Edition

As United Methodist C h r i s t i a n s, M ay of 2016 is a very important time in life of our denomination.

By now, I am sure that you are aware that General Conference of the United Methodist Church will convene in Portland, Oregon from May 10 – 20.

Delegates who have been elected from each Annual Conference from around the world will do the important business of the church in this quadrennial meeting. Every four years, General Conference is held. Based on the Constitution of the United Methodist Church, the only official voice of the church is General Conference.

Delegates will debate and decide on legislation from around the world that has been submitted for consideration.

My personal belief is that this year’s conference is perhaps the most important General Conference in decades. While there are many weighty decisions on the docket, none is more crucial than decisions regarding the church’s position on human sexuality.

The historic language of the church’s Disciplinary policies and procedures, (particularly within the cultures of the United States, Canada and Europe) must be amended to reflect our church’s over-riding value of inclusivity of our stated ministry goals. While there are a variety of opinions, perspectives and positions within the United Methodist Church, we must pray for God to guide the debates and decisions. Wisdom, guidance, grace, and a value for the common good needs to prevail. So above all things, please join me in prayer for the entire month of May – for the preparation for General Conference, the Conference itself, as well as the interpretation and implementation that follows General Conference.

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Intentional Faith Development

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www.grandrapidsfumc.org

all the volunteers who have given time and talents to sing, play, teach, cook, support, and invest t h e m s e l ve s i n o t h e r s.

This is the last Sunday of the program year! Eric Strand and Naomi García, along with staff members, will lead us in worship.

At First Church, May will be a month of celebration!

At First Church, May will be a month of celebration! Let me give you a brief overview of what is ahead for us.

Sunday, May 1 is Youth Sunday. Our young people will lead us in worship and I will serve communion as is our custom on the first Sunday of the month. We will recognize our graduates as well. In the afternoon is the Hunger Walk – of which you have received lots of information.

S u n d a y, M a y 2 9 – i s Memorial Day weekend. We shift for the summer to one Sunday morning service at 10:00 am (May 29 through September 4).

Sunday, May 8 is Mother’s Day and Baptism Sunday.

Finally, the Staff Parish Relations Committee made provisions for Pigeon and me to participate in a weeklong Academy of Spiritual Formation.

The Academy experience that we are attending is May 22 through the 27th in Richmond, Virginia. We are looking forward to this opportunity and are grateful to SPRC and the congregation for making this possible for us. We have wanted to do this for several years but never had the chance until now. So thank you.

Sunday, May 15 is Pentecost Sunday.

It is Confirmation Sunday, and what a wonderful class this has been. The number of students is impressive and the work they have done under the guidance of Emily Uebbing and Tommy Kawel as well as a host of teaching partners, sponsors, and parents is outstanding. Adult new members will also join as Pentecost is the birthday of the church. Come and be part of God Bless you, and God bless us all in this important day in the life of our our journey through May. congregation.

Grace and Peace.

Sunday, May 22 – is a Celebration Pastor Bob Sunday to honor the ministries of

Compassionate Care

Extravagant Generosity 4

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Passionate Worship

Radical Hospitality

Pastor’s Message

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Intentional Faith Development Who You Gonna Call?

For the past couple of months the senior high youth have been spending their Sunday evenings working diligently to design a worship service that shares their faith through music, skits, prayer, and a well-written sermon.

Now the teens in our church are ready to take over and would like to invite you to join us for worship on May 1.

The youth will be waking up early to lead both the 8:15 and 10:45 am worship services. The youth will be leading every aspect of the service from the Call to Worship to the Benediction, and everything in-between. Since the youth service is being held on the first Sunday of the month, the youth will also be in charge of serving communion. The senior high youth have worked together to create a worship experience that focuses on one common message.

Our theme this year is, “Who You Gonna Call?” It is a question that has been famously quoted since the Ghostbusters movie debuted in 1984.

While most people would respond to the question, “Who you gonna call?” with an enthusiastic shout of, “Ghostbusters,” the youth are prepared to share a different answer. In times of trouble and uncertainty we should constantly and consistently be calling out to God for assistance. He is the only one who knows exactly what wisdom and guidance we need on a daily basis. God is also calling out to each of us. We just have to decide if we are

The youth will share their own stories of how God has called out to them, how they call out to God, and how they are searching for what God is calling each of them to do.

willing to listen. It is a reminder that we all could use as we seek to share God’s love and leave a positive impact on the world around us. The youth will share their own stories of how God has called out to them, how they call out to God, and how they are searching for what God is calling each of them to do.

On May 1 we will also be recognizing all of the high school seniors who will be graduating with the Class of 2016.

They have put in an enormous amount of time and effort to reach graduation, and we believe that their hard work deserves to be celebrated. At the 10:45 am service we will be inviting all of the graduating high school students to come forward during the service to acknowledge their accomplishments and provide them with a gift.

We hope that you will join us on May 1 at the 8:15 am or 10:45 am service to support the youth and all of the work they have put into planning and preparing for the service.

Heather Yzenbaard Director of Senior High Youth

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Passionate Worship

Words of praise and thanksgiving are then offered by the pastor, giving thanks for all of creation, and for God’s goodness toward us.

Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of every month at the 10:45 am service, and every week at the 8:15 am service. Prior to the distribution and receiving of communion is an extended prayer known as The Great Thanksgiving.

This prayer is a rich and multi-faceted prayer that has evolved over the entire history of the church. There are actually twelve common aspects of this prayer when presented in its fullest dimension. I’ll point out the parts, and use examples from the prayer that we have been using during the Easter season at the 8:15 am service.

1. The Opening Dialogue is a responsive exchange between the pastor and the people. It is sometimes referred to as the sursum corda, a Latin phrase meaning “lift up your hearts.”

Priest: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Priest: Lift up your hearts.

People: We lift them to the Lord.

Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.

6. The Memorial Acclamation, is an opportunity for the people to respond to the gifts which Christ has given us 2. Words of Praise and Thanksgiving by “proclaiming the mystery of faith.”

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will are then offered by the pastor, giving come again. thanks for all of creation, and for God’s goodness toward us.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, 7, 8, & 9. The next three parts often always and everywhere to give thanks to vary in their presentation among you, Almighty God, Creator of heaven Christian denominations. However, and earth. Your love remained steadfast… the prayer in these paragraphs calls on the people to remember that the death delivered us from captivity… and resurrection of Jesus is present in 3. The “Holy, Holy, Holy” is known this celebration, that we are the body by the Latin word for holy, “Sanctus,” of Christ in the world, and invokes the and is the portion that is most often work of the Holy Spirit to help make sung by the congregation. It is an ancient this all happen.

Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered hymn of praise combining words from here, and on these gifts of bread and wine. the Old and New Testaments, with a Make them be for us the body and blood reference to the triumphal entry of of Christ, that we may be for the world Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood.

Holy, holy, holy Lord God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is 10. Next, a Supplication, or request is he who comes in the name of the Lord. presented, in this case, a plea for unity.

By your Spirit make us one with Christ, Hosanna in the highest. one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in 4. Next, the pastor tells a portion final victory, and we feast at his heavenly of the Salvation Story. The pastor banquet. reminds those gathered of our need for salvation, and how we have been 11 & 12. Finally, the pastor concludes raised to the new life in Christ.

Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus with a Doxology, song of praise to Christ. By the baptism of his suffering, God, Creator, Son, and Holy Spirit, to death, and resurrection you gave birth to which the people respond with The your Church, delivered us from slavery to Great Amen.

Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the sin and death, and made with us a new Holy Spirit in your holy Church, covenant by water and the Spirit. all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and for ever.

5. Next comes the Words of AMEN. Institution, which are taken directly from 1 Corinthians, 11, telling of how Jesus celebrated the first communion It should be said that there are many with his disciples on Maundy Thursday, versions of this prayer, with new ones encouraging the continuation of this being continually written. I encourage you to read the versions that we have in practice by his disciples. the front of our hymnal, or countless On the night in which he gave himself up for others that are readily available. us, he took bread, gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said: Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy “Take, eat; this is my body which is given mystery in which you have given yourself to us. for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Grant that we may go into the world in the When the supper was over he took the cup, strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, and said: “Drink from this, all of you; this Amen. (UM Hymnal, page 11) is my blood of the new covenant, poured out Eric Strand for you and for many for the forgiveness of Executive Director of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in Music and the Arts remembrance of me.”

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Risk-Taking Mission and Service Your Easter Mission Offering at Work The PET, Personal Energy Transportation, is a life-changing and enriching vehicle for children and adults all over the world. PETs are propelled by the personal arm strength of someone who has lost the use of his or her legs due to accident, polio, land mines, or other causes. One PET can be built and shipped for only $250. PETs were created in 1994 by a Methodist missionary, a Methodist pastor, and a Methodist lay member who saw that independent movement leads to spiritual, emotional, and physical health.

Over 1000 PETS have been shipped from the US to remote areas around the world.

First Church supports four PET organizations: Florida, Missouri, Holland MI, and Zambia. Each organization runs independently, often specializing in PET type or shipping to a specific global area. PETs are made by volunteers in workshops, packaged, and shipped where needed.

Your Easter gifts will produce 14 PETs. Each PET changes a life. Here is one story:

We can see from the picture that Merlin has well used his PET. Thank you for partnering with us to make these stories possible and help persons have a fuller and more active life.

Polio Doesn’t Stop Merlin From Marrying

Merlin has a repair business and now is married all while using his PET. Medical Teams International is one of our distribution partners and works in Haiti. They sent a report this summer about this life-changing event they witnessed that included Merlin riding his PET in his wedding.

“Hello Von, here are the photos of Merlin. He is 36 years old and he suffered from polio when he was a little boy. I’m sending you some photos of him using his PET cart in his wedding. He works fixing bikes and motorcycles, and he uses his PET cart to move around where he lives, and long distance near his house, too.”

Consuelo Alzamora Muñoz, O.T, Clinic & Outreach Manager MTI/AP We can see from the picture that Merlin has well used his PET. Thank you for partnering with us to make these stories possible and help persons have a fuller and more active life.

Laure Mieskowski Executive Director of Faith Development and Missions

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Radical Hospitality More and more, we are seeing our visitors signing in saying they found us through friends, neighbors, and family.

We are so happy to see that because it tells us that our church family is talking about us outside of our walls!

story to someone who needs to hear it. You may never know what impression that will leave on the listeners.

Because they are your experiences, no one can question them.

That is very important as we continually Your story is much more appealing try to grow God’s church and “make than reciting scripture, theology, or new disciples for the transformation doctrine. of the world.” It’s not only about the growth of our church (which is Second, the physical existence of this important in continuing our current building is very impressive but can also ministries), but it’s even more important be very intimidating. I was reminded that we “make new disciples” that will of my early years at First. I was in my be transformed by being involved early 20s, new to Grand Rapids, new to in our congregation so that they can the working world when I first walked “transform their world.” into our church. I had an apartment in Heritage Hill, was able to walk to I talked to the Confirmation class this church and had been raised “First Sunday about their membership vows, UMC,” so it just seemed right. The particularly the one on witnessing. A building, though, was much different couple of things stood out to me as than I was used to. I’m sure it was only I did so. because I was experiencing so many “firsts” that I was not intimidated by the First, all you have to do is tell your outside. What I found when I entered

Extravagant Generosity

One of the amazing Rapids, and decided to benefits of being aspartner with “Henry sociated with First School,” now Martin Church is being able Luther King, Jr., Leaderto be influenced by ship Academy, to launch the true saints in our a tutoring program. midst who live and Lois, and Kathy Muir, breathe Christ’s comaccepted the challenge mandment to love our to launch and nurture neighbors. I believe this fledgling ministry. that success breeds success, and that examples of generous gifts of time Little did anyone know at the time what and treasure breed more of the same. this ministry would become. In the 25 years since its inception, the MLK First Church lost one of its great Ministry has grown to provide many saints this week with the passing of wonderful examples of love and supLois Moseley. Lois and Skip not only port for kids living in a tough environhave been active at First Church, but ment. In addition to tutoring, this mintheir personal witnesses of time and istry now provides field trips, awards, resources have helped launch and sus- school supplies, clothing, Christmas tain vital First Church ministry for the gifts, and a variety of other experienclast generation. es that bring love and joy to the kids at MLK, not to mention the rewards Twenty-five years ago, First Church reaped by participating volunteers! determined that it was important to ratify our commitment to have a min- This is all a result of amazing Chrisistry presence in downtown Grand tian disciples like Lois! Thousands of

the church was amazing. Just sitting in the sanctuary was transformational for me. It brought a sense of peace that I didn’t know I was looking for.

That peace carried me through some pretty difficult periods, times when I could have easily picked up my bags and moved on. But it was this sanctuary and the people inside that kept me grounded. It was this church that allowed me to experiment and grow so that I could transform “my world.”

That is one of my faith journey stories to tell…..I’m sure you have similar ones. Share them when you feel the urge.

Patsy McGillivray Director of Invitational Ministries hours of time have been spent over 25 years by so many people. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been donated by members and friends of First Church. All of this happened because of a few saints like Lois, who took an idea and tirelessly created something simply amazing.

Other groups often ask us how to go about creating a partnership with another school. The conversation inevitably turns to the need for someone to step forward with the passion to make a difference. It can’t be just a “civic program.” Our ministry has been successful because at its roots is our calling to be a witness for Christ in the world.

The deep faith that inspired Lois into action at MLK exists in each of us. We each need to find our passion which will free us to do amazing things. I thank God for having had the opportunity to know and be influenced by Lois Moseley. Let’s all find our “inner Lois!”

Chris Hawkins Finance Committee

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Compassionate Care Compassionate Care at End of Life

3) They simply feel uncomfortable about death/funerals/loss.

4) They may believe that a month or so after a loss that grief is done and In the 13 years I have been on the life is back to “normal,” and if they pastoral care staff here at First Church, ask how the person is doing they will I have found that many people are prolong their grief. hesitant to reach out to those who are grieving, especially those who are Let’s try to make it a little easier for our grieving the loss of a loved one. I have congregation to reach out by addressing just finished attending three funeral/ these concerns! memorial services in 5 days and decided that now is a good time to talk about Crying – It’s OK to cry. If you knew the person who died or their family this! members, you empathize with the loss.

I have often observed when notice goes That’s comforting to the family, even out that someone has begun hospice if what you share is a simple “I am so care or that end of life is coming, people sorry” with a hug and your tears. ask me instead of the family what is happening or why. Respecting each What to say – Your presence even person’s confidentiality, I simply gently without saying much says a lot! Sharing referred them back to the family for how you knew their loved one or sharing a story about them is so meaningful. those answers.

Saying that their loved one is “in a So why are well-meaning people in better place” or that “God needed a the church often timid about reaching new flower for the heavenly garden” out to individuals or families who are generally isn’t helpful. Be genuine. grieving? I think there may be four Conversation doesn’t need to be long.

Offer to do something specific such reasons for this. as, “I am going to pick up groceries on 1) People are afraid they will cry or will Monday, what may I pick up for you?” cause the grieving person(s) to cry. or “Can I watch the kids so you have 2) They don’t know what to do or say some time to do something you need to and are afraid they may make it worse do?” is better than telling them to call you if they need anything. so they do nothing.

To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under Heaven... Ecclesiates 3:1

Feeling uncomfortable – should not prevent you from showing your loving care and support. The more you attend visitations, funerals and memorial services, the more comfortable you will become. No, they will never be fun but your presence at these times is so very meaningful to the family. They may not remember what you said but they will remember you were there.

Grief is a journey, and each journey is different. People never get over the loss but will get through it in time with faith and the love of family and friends.

The surviving family members’ lives are forever changed; you can’t pretend otherwise. It is generally comforting for families to hear their loved one’s name in conversation, knowing that they were special to others who also miss them.

2 Corinthians 1:4 says God wants us to comfort others as God has comforted us. That can be done in so many ways such as sending a card with a personal note, attending the funeral/memorial service, taking a meal, taking them out for brunch, or by continuing to check in even months after the loss. Your compassionate care is often needed most after the last casserole dish is returned. Let’s work on this together!

Grace and peace, Marj Timmerman RN Executive Director of Congregational Care

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Youth Service, Graduation Recognition, Communion and Blood Pressure Sunday 8:00 am Infant and Toddler Nurseries Open 8:15 and 10:45 am Sunday Worship 8:30 am Children’s Chapel (dismissed from worship) 9:15 am Church School for all ages 10:15 - 10:45 am 5/6th Graders Humane Society Fundraiser 10:45 am Children & Worship and Shine (dismissed from worship) 2:00 pm Hunger Walk May 2, 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 1:00 pm Staff meeting 6:30 pm Stephen Ministry May 3, 7:00 am Work Program 10:00 am Pastoral Care May 4, 6:00 pm Young Adults: Bible Study at J. Gardella’s May 5, 9:00 am Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 10:00 am History Committee 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal May 6 5/6th Graders at Humane Society of West Michigan May 8, 8:00 am Infant and Toddler Nurseries Open 8:15 and 10:45 am Sunday Worship 8:30 am Children’s Chapel (dismissed from worship) 9:15 am Church School for all ages 10:45 am Children & Worship and Shine (dismissed from worship) 5:00 pm Junior High and Senior High Youth May 9, 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Executive Team Planning Day 6:00 pm Stephen Leaders May 10, 7:00 am Work Program 10:00 am Pastoral Care 12:00 pm JFON Advisory Board 5:30 pm Finance Committee May 11, 3:30 pm MLK Board 5:30 pm Young Adults: Volunteering at Kids’ Food Basket 7:00 pm Refresh Worship (Taizé) May 12, 10:00 am History Committee 11:00 am Moms’ Group: Wilcox Park 5:00 pm Trustees 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal May 13, 5:00 pm Wedding Rehearsal May 14, 4:00 pm Wedding

May 1

Mark your calendars Confirmation Sunday 8:00 am Infant and Toddler Nurseries Open 8:15 and 10:45 am Sunday Worship 8:30 am Children’s Chapel (dismissed from worship) 9:15 am Church School for all ages 10:45 am Children & Worship and Shine (dismissed from worship) 11:45 am Stephen Ministry Informational Meeting 12:00 pm Confirmation Lunch 5:00 pm Kids’ Club and Senior High Youth May 16, 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 12:00 pm 60+ Luncheon 11:00 am Staff meeting 6:30 pm Stephen Ministry May 17, 7:00 am Work Program 10:00 am Pastoral Care May 18 - 22 Young Adults: Mission trip May 18, 9:00 am Caring Connection 6:30 pm Social Concerts/Missions May 19, 9:00 am Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 10:00 am History Committee 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal May 21, 8:30 am Feeding America May 22 Teacher/Leader Appreciation Sunday 8:00 am Infant and Toddler Nurseries Open 8:15 and 10:45 am Sunday Worship 8:30 am Children’s Chapel (dismissed from worship) 9:15 am Church School for all ages 10:15 - 10:45 am Living Bible Wax Museum 10:45 am Children & Worship and Shine (dismissed from worship) 12:00 pm Kids’ Club, Junior High and Senior High Youth May 23, 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 2:30 pm Blood Drive May 24, 7:00 am Work Program 10:00 am Pastoral Care May 28, 9:00 am Moms’ Group: John Ball Zoo May 29 10:00 AM SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE BEGINS 10:00 am Summer Sunday School (dismissed from worship) May 30 Memorial Day: Office and Church Building Closed May 31, 7:00 am Work Program 10:00 am Pastoral Care 10:30 am Executive Team 1:00 pm Staff Meeting

May 15

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C a m p 20-23

PERMIT #354 GRAND RAPIDS, MI

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B e a H un ge r H er o!

Help Kids’ Food Basket combat childhood hunger in Grand Rapids!

Sign your child up to help fight hunger in Grand Rapids! Campers will learn how Kids’ Food Basket is helping to ensure that all children in Grand Rapids have three nutritious meals every day.

Camp Schedule:

To register or for more information visit www.grfumc.org/arts-alive-camp

Monday – Wednesday: 9 am – 3 pm Thursday field trip: 9 am – 3 pm

For children entering 1st – 6th grade in fall of 2016 Fee provides lunch and snacks each day, t-shirt, reusable water bottle, and entrance fee to our Thursday field trip. firstchurch@grandrapidsfumc.org

facebook.com/grandrapidsfumc

R eg i str ation :

Early Bird Rate: $45 if registered

by May 22; $60 after May 22. twitter.com/FUMC_GR