November First Pulse

November 2014 Edition

November is an important month in the congregational life of First Church.

Each Sunday throughout the month has a special emphasis that is important to us all.

www.grandrapidsfumc.org

Please begin praying about the role YOU play in giving your time … talents … and treasures for 2015.

mate of Giving’ card for 2015 so that the Finance Committee can build the budget for next year. Brunch will be held in Wesley Hall. This is vital – in order for us to set the ministry direction for the coming year! Please November 2 – is All Saints Day. begin praying about the role YOU Eric’s article gives a historic perspec- play in giving your time … talents tive about ‘why’ this celebration of … and treasures for 2015. life is important to the community of faith. Acknowledging the transition And … from this life to life everlasting is imNovember 30 – is the First Sunday of portant for every congregation!

Advent!

November 9 – is What a GREAT month! Howa Baptism Sunday. ever … what is NOT included We have 6 baptisms in this edition is also imporscheduled so far! tant for you to note as we look PLUS … our Stewforward as a congregation. So ardship Campaign please take the opportunity to for 2015 kicks off on put the following dates on your the 9th on the theme calendar.

“Am I Extravagantly Generous?” Join our December 1 - at 7 pm is our Methodist ConnecAnnual Church Conference. tion brothers and sisters at 5 pm for our January 10 – 9 am - 12 pm, annual worship serwill be a Congregational Vision vice and pie social at Dialogue to hear and interact with the First Community AME Church. findings and planning of the Vision November 16 – is week 2 of our Stew- Team who have been working for over ardship emphasis. Pastor Tish will be a year. They are getting ready to rollpreaching and I will be the speaker at out a three-year strategic plan – that is the 175th anniversary celebration at a exciting for First Church! former pastorate in Mason, Michigan.

A Different Kind of Christmas Fair January 18 – is our Ecumenical Sunwill be held throughout the morning day with Father John Geaney preaching. Father “G” (as he is affectionately in Wesley Hall. called by his parishioners), is the RecNovember 23 – is not only the Sunday tor at The Cathedral of St. Andrew before Thanksgiving with the ‘Ingath- who is a marvelous preacher and ering,” but it is also Consecration Sun- friend in ministry! day. It is when we bring in our ‘Esti-

inside

Intentional Faith Development

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February 8 – Rev. Neil Davis, Senior Pastor of the Southfield Hope United Methodist Church, and former District Superintendent of the Kalamazoo District, will be our pulpit guest.

Neil is a good friend and colleague who will bring an African-American presence to worship.

March 14 – 15 – Dr. James Forbes will be with us for the weekend to teach classes and preach on the topic, “What does it mean to be a ‘Progressive Christian?’ For twenty years, Dr. Forbes was the Senior Pastor of the Riverside Church in New York City and has been named by Time Magazine as one of the finest and most influential preachers in America.

What a GREAT November … and what a promising beginning to 2015 for the ministry of First Church. I invite and encourage each person to come and be a part of our journey … and invite someone you care about to come and be a part too!

Passionate Worship

Radical Hospitaliy

Pastor’s Message

Compassionate Care

Extravagant Generosity 4

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5

1 Risk-taking Mission and Service

Pastor Bob Senior Pastor

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Intentional Faith Development Faith Developed

Despite the crazy Lot Party weather, Why does First we also had Church focus on the opportuIntentional Faith nity to share in commuDevelopment?

Why does my faith nion under need developing? our cold and What does ‘developed’ faith look like?

I’d like to share a glimpse of what developing faith, fruitful faith, might look like: •

• •

Developing faith looks like students studying Jesus’ life. Then, as a result of these studies: working to include everyone (no exceptions!), caring for the poor, being kind to outcasts.

Developing faith looks like young adults extending Christ’s love through sandwiches and friendliness at Veterans’ Park.

Developing faith looks like my 6-year old son saying “God is with us,” every time he blows out a candle.

Developing faith also looks like 60+ volunteers at our ArtPrize Lot Party, even though the weather was dreadful!

The weather was so bad, that it even hailed on us! But our volunteers were real troopers. They stood outside and welcomed in the stranger, offered kindness and coffee to the damp visitors to Grand Rapids, included children in the creation of art. I call that faith-producing fruit, ‘frozen’ fruit for those who helped outside.

breezy tent. Our communion table, on World Wide Communion Sunday, was extended beyond the sanctuary

by Rev. Dick Youells, who offered communion to over forty people in our tent before the picnic. It was amazing to share in the Lord’s Supper with so many of our Heartside neighbors!

First Church offers so many ways to develop your faith, but leaves the intentional part up to you.

How might you be intentional in your faith development? Is it time to sign up for a Sunday school class? Join an Advent group this fall? Intentional faith development leads to wonderful fruits of change in our community and beyond. Now is the time to get developing!

Sami Marasigan Director of Youth and Young Adults PS – A BIG THANK YOU to all the Lot Party Volunteers!!!

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Passionate Worship

“For All the Saints, Who From John Wesley encouraged reflection Their Labors Rest”

and learning from the lives of the For me, this time of year brings a cer- “saints,” but did not encourage the tain nostalgia, or remembrance. Sea- worship of the saints, and said that sonal changes bring colorful and falling leaves, and evoke United Methodists call people “saints” because they demonstrate the a turn inward, both physical- Christian life, and in this way, all Christians can be considered saints. ly inside to the warmth of a fire, and metaphorically, toward inte- “most of the holy days were at pres- een is a complex mix of both religious rior reflection on life and death. The ent answering no valuable end.” Unit- and non-religious traditions, some church as well seems to sense this ed Methodists call people “saints” be- very ancient, and these traditions conpattern and celebrates three days: All cause they demonstrate the Christian tinue to evolve. I’m reminded of the Hallows Eve, All Saints Day, and All life, and in this way, all Christians can old Scottish prayer that goes “From ghoulies and ghosties and long-legbe considered saints.

Souls Day. gedy beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!”

And yet, as United Methodists, we For many years now we have celebratPerhaps you can think about that as can still celebrate the saints; celebrate ed All Saints Day, in which those who you pass out candy this Halloween. those in the faith who have gone behave died in the past year are rememfore us, and embrace the mystery of bered with their name and picture as family or representatives are present their presence still in our lives. We “O blest communion, fellowship divine! We can celebrate the sainthood that we feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are to light a candle. A bell is tolled. all share, and we can all strive to “run one in thee, for all are thine. Alleluia, AlA United Methodist’s understand- with perseverance the race set out for leluia!” (Stanza 4, Hymn 711) ing of the saints differs from that of us.”

One consistent feature of saints the Church of England, out of which hymns is the frequent and repeated In religious practice, a triduum is a came the Methodist revival or moveuse of “Alleluia.” Alleluia is the song three-day period of prayer and highment in the 18th century. United of the angels. In this is recalled an lights important observances in the Methodists do not have a system in ancient Christian prayer, often used life of the church and in the life which saints are elected or “canonat funerals, “All of us go down to the of our relationship to Christ.

The ized,” do not pray to the saints themdust; yet even at the grave we make “great” triduum refers to those three selves, or expect saints to act as a meour song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.” days that Christ lay in the tomb before diator between themselves and God. Come, let us worship. his resurrection on Easter morning. “…There is one God; there is also Eric Strand Another triduum is found in the three one mediator between God and huDirector of Music and the Arts days observed at the end of Octomankind, Christ Jesus, himself human ber: All Hallows Eve (Halloween), All who gave himself, a ransom for all.”

Saints Day, and All Souls day. Hallow(1 Timothy 2:5-6a)

Adult Education Opportunities

Sign up online at www.grandrapidsfumc.org/adults

Medicare Maze Maze//Classes will be led by Bob Callery, the Regional Coordinator with the Area Agency on Aging in West Michigan in room 3108.

• Sunday, November 2, 9:30 am New to Medicare • Sunday, November 9, 9:30 am // Need to enroll for 2015.

Advent Conspiracy //Join us before Advent to learn how to fully embrace the season filled with hope.

• Sundays, November 2 - 23, 5:00 pm in room 3108. Led by Pete Muszkiewicz.

Advent Study: Not A Silent Night// Experience Advent and Christmas with Mary. Three class options: • Beginning Sunday, November 16 from 9:30 am led by Rev. Dick Youells and Mr. George Bob in room 3107 • Beginning Sunday, November 16 from 5:00 pm led by Rev. Letisha Bowman in room 3109 • Wednesday mornings beginning Wednesday, November 19 from 10:00 am in the game room at Clark Retirement Community. Led

by Rev. Dick Youells and Mr. George Bob

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Risk-Taking Mission and Service

A Different Kind of Christmas

Have you ever hunted for a Christmas gift for someone who has more than they need? Do you tell yourself that you’ll cut down on the craziness of the mall frenzy only to find yourself drawn back to the shops (or the internet) one more time? Do you ever feel a bit disappointed after all the gifts are opened? You are not alone. I have struggled with these very feelings. The hoopla of a commercial Christmas so easily overshadows the simplicity of the story of the birth of Christ.

Years ago, my husband Dick and I struggled between a desire to dazzle our young children on Christmas That is what we do on Christmas!” morning and a nagging feeling that Her statement was the best Christmas we were emphasizing the wrong thing. gift I received that year.

We talked about what values we wanted our children to have and decided to First Church offers many opportunispend less on gifts for them (and our- ties for us to prepare to celebrate a selves!). We tried to take the amount different kind of Christmas this year of money we spent on our family and by: Attending the Advent Conspiracy give a matching amount away. Our class beginning on Sunday evening, family Christmas shopping always in- November 2; exploring how to give cluded purchases for families at Henry alternative gifts through A Different School (now MLK Leadership Acade- Kind of Christmas Fair on Sunday, my). The adults in our extended family November 16; attending worship evchose to give to our favorite charities ery Sunday during Advent; using the instead of buying gifts for each other. Advent devotional to spend time in We focused our family time on the prayer and contemplation each day; nightly lighting of our Advent wreath giving the gift of time to others by candles, decorating our home, baking Christmas caroling with the Methodcookies, participating in church activi- ist Connection on December 6 and to ties, regularly attending Sunday morn- our church homebound members on ing worship, and attending services on December 16.

Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve serI must admit, I vices were always am now temptfollowed by spe- I continue to remind myself ed to buy too cial treats, laugh- that Christmas is not about ter, and Christmas the gifts we give and receive. many gifts for my grandchilmovies. dren! I continue to remind myself that Christmas is not One Christmas season we were strugabout the gifts we give and receive. gling to help Dick’s father through a Join me in examining how to create difficult illness. Many of our Christmas the right balance between Christmas traditions were set aside and very few family gifts were purchased. One of fun, ministry to others, and acknowlour daughters said, “That’s okay Mom. edgement of Christ’s holy birth. Join The only thing I care about is going me in celebrating a different kind of to the Christmas Eve service together. Christmas this year!

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“When they saw the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy…. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew: 2:10-11 Laure Mieskowski, Director of Mission and Outreach

Extravagant

Am I Extravagantly

Generous?

Radical Hospitality One of the beautiful and wonderful things about being part of a church family is its vast potential for diversity. Each one of us brings something unique to the body and, as in every family, we grow as we learn to appreciate and support one another. You never know whom you might encounter on Sunday, but with an open heart you just might be a radical blessing.

Someone who is struggling to care for an elderly parent during the week may come to church seeking the ear of one with a similar experience. Radical hospitality would lead us to be receptive to this person’s needs: to ask, “How is your mom doing?” when it appears that he is ready to talk, or to squeeze his hand and smile warmly so he knows you are there to support him. In turn, he will do the same for you.

Someone who was just accepted into the graduate program of her dreams may come to church excited and nervous about what is to come. Radical hospitality would lead us to congratu-

Generosity

late her, invite her over for a homecooked meal mid-semester, and remember to pray for her. In turn, she will do the same for you, and for the next nervous grad-to-be.

Someone who brings a gaggle of children to church may be there because he recognizes the importance of teaching and showing children the value of worshiping together. When his children talk loudly, drop the hymnals repeatedly, and continue singing after the song is over, radical hospitality would lead us to smile, never judge, thank the Lord for Radical hospitality means looking outside of their presence ourselves – making room for the other. in our church, and ensure that the entire family feels each of us closer to Jesus and to each welcomed and loved. In turn, they will other. This Sunday, I challenge you to do the same for you and for another try greeting three people that you are not familiar with; you just might be a young family. radical blessing.

Radical hospitality means looking outAudrey Kawel side of ourselves – making room for Director of Children’s Ministry the other. It is not an easy practice, to be radically hospitable, but it draws ardship. We do this so that when it comes time to make the Estimate of Giving for the coming year, we are centered in our faith such that giving is simply an extension of our commitment to Christ’s church.

These wonderful folks do not crave recognition, nor do they respond because they are coaxed. They are Extravagantly Generous because they have allowed God into their hearts in very personal and meaningful ways.

This year, we have chosen the theme… “Am I Extravagantly GenOur Annual Giving Campaign will erous?” Our goal with this campaign soon be upon us once again. For is to challenge each of us to look at most churches, this is a really uncom- what we give, and ask…are we truly fortable time of year, and the whole “all in” as Christians? topic of church giving is treated as a dreadful necessity. At First Church There are unbelievable acts of Exhowever, the Finance and Steward- travagant Generosity that take place ship Committee truly looks forward within our church every day. We have to our annual campaign. You have those in our church family who literalprobably noticed that we work hard ly balance the need for groceries with to interject some of the truly inspi- their giving. There are those whom rational stories of our active ministry most of us would never suspect who that are enabled by our generous giv- quietly and regularly make generous ing, and we even try to have some fun donations to various programs and with our campaigns. ministries every week - in addition to their already generous weekly giving.

Throughout the year, we discuss the There are those who respond with spiritual context of Christian Stew- their time whenever a plea is made.

So as you begin to contemplate your giving for 2015, spend time praying about not simply what you will give, but about where God stands in the various priorities in your life. For those I mentioned above, glorifying God comes first…and everything else follows. Are you there yet? Could 2015 be the year that you put God first? Just think of the power of our ministry if we were all Extravagantly Generous!

Look at what we give, and ask…are we truly “all in” as Christians?

Chris Hawkins Finance Committee

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Compassionate Care When I joined the church in 1998, it was the compassion our church showed in its outreach programs that attracted me most. I quickly joined the Social Concerns Committee and have been actively reaching out to others through our ministries ever since.

Over the past two years I have been able to experience that compassion first hand. In May 2012, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was Katrina’s senior year of high school and I was extremely busy with all of the endof-senior year activities. Then I was totally floored by the diagnosis. But then again, this kind of diagnosis never comes at a convenient time. While undergoing further testing, Marj came to Lemmen-Holton to pray with me, and the senior high youth staff offered their prayers and help not only for me, but also for both of my children.

Then before my surgery, Marj once again came to offer prayers for me and one of the pastors was there afterward for a visit.

Katrina’s open house was two days after my surgery. Some friends and a couple of church members stepped up and did a wonderful job decorating The Vine for the event.

A couple of weeks after my surgery, one of the pastors came to my home for a visit and brought me a beautiful prayer quilt. I have taken it with me for every chemo treatment and it calms me to know that I am covered with the love and prayers of the congregation.

Earlier this year, I found out my cancer had metastasized and I had to go back on chemotherapy. Both times I was on chemo, I received many cards from members of the Caring Connection,

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You’ve heard the term, “It takes a village.” Well, I was overwhelmed with the caring support of our church staff and congregation.

the staff and various members of the congregation. Some were from people I knew well, while others were from members I had never spoken with before.

Our meals ministry was a Godsend.

Both times I was on chemotherapy, we received healthy, generous meals a few times per week prepared by members of the church congregation and family friends. Neither my children, nor I, while feeling poorly, had to do much to prepare these meals and I did not have to worry about what my children would be eating. I had people calling stating they wanted to bring a meal but the meal list was full and could they bring something anyway.

You’ve heard the term, “It takes a village.” Well, I was overwhelmed with the caring support of our church staff and congregation. I had rides to appointments, to chemotherapy and even shopping; I received encouraging words of support on my carepage; books were given to me to read; and a family from the congregation along with my children and a few friends put a new roof on my house at a greatly reduced cost. This greatly reduced the stress that comes along with having

cancer and I will forever be thankful.

I have felt so very blessed to be a part of this congregation and grateful for all of the compassionate care I have received during my time of need. My extended family was amazed at how much support was given to me during these difficult times. It comforts my family and me to know that when God puts unexpected bumps in our paths that we have a church family whose compassion and support are never ending.

Lynne Beals

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

Consider spending some of your Christmas dollars in a different way this year by giving meaningful alternative Christmas gifts to your loved ones. You may purchase

PAID

First United Methodist Church 227 Fulton St E Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3236

Permit #354 Grand Rapids, MI

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

tangible gifts or choose to give a donation to a featured ministry in honor of a loved one. You will receive a Christmas card that acknowledges each donation. We encourage children to make donations (even small ones!) in honor of their parents or grandparents!

Enjoy Cafe’ Gusto Coffee, freshly baked treats, and learn more about the outreach ministries of First Church!

A Different Kind

of

Christmas Fair

Sunday, November 16

following worship in Wesley Hall! ďŹ rstchurch@grandrapidsfumc.org

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