November 2016 Edition
As I ponder what to write for this month’s newsletter, I consulted my c a l e n d a r. I w a s instantly reminded of all the exciting programmatic events that are happening at First Church over the next few weeks. Ours is an amazing ministry with extraordinary opportunities that are uncommon in most congregations.
www.grandrapidsfumc.org
What a wonderful November is ahead for us! Please join us regularly and may God’s grace and peace be with you.
1) A weekend with Dr. Roberta 3) November 20 is Consecration 6) Finally, remember to buy your Bondi − I have written about Sunday. It is the Sunday when we tickets for the Sons of Serendip Roberta a couple of times already present our estimate of giving for concerts at 3:00 and 7:00 pm as a way to introduce you to her. 2017 as an act of worship. Our giving on Sunday, December 11. This She was one of the teachers at the is for ministry. Lives are affected Christmas Concert will be a musical Academy of Spiritual Formation that positively. Lives are changed because night to remember! Those of you Pigeon and I attended in Virginia of the investment people make in who joined us a year ago know the in May. Roberta has been a church the ministries of First Church. As extraordinary musical gifts these history professor. Usually church you receive letters of education and four young men share. They were history professors are boring! NOT encouragement, please respond by an inspiration to us all. Invite friends Roberta. She makes history come giving faithfully and generously. to buy their tickets early. We are alive with her wit and humor. If you Our goal is to become a tithing offering an “invite a friend” packet do a google search for her books, you membership congregation. Together, of tickets so that you can share will discover that she writes poetry, we can do it! the evening with others. AND, reflective and personal stories of a 4) On November 27 we begin the we are still looking for financial difficult childhood, as well as several Advent journey! This year’s theme partners who wish to donate to make books on prayer! You will not want will be The Window to the Soul! this event happen. Contact Sami to miss November 6 for our All 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of Marasigan through the church office Saints Day emphasis. Please plan to to find out more details. the Tiffany window that is the central join us for a dinner, presentation, focus of our worship space. The and discussion at 5:00 pm. And on window was unveiled and dedicated What a wonderful November is ahead November 7, we are spending a on Christmas Eve of 1916. The four for us! Please join us regularly and may retreat day on Praying the Psalms. It Sundays of Advent will connect the God’s grace and peace be with you. is a marvelous opportunity that you Easter story with the birth story do not want to miss. Pastor Bob and what that scene means for the 2) On November 13 new members theology of our congregation! will be received and a stewardship 5) Monday evening, November 28th skit will be presented. If you have is our Annual Church Conference. interest in becoming a member of It is the annual business meeting First Church, classes will be held where important work of the church on October 30 and November 6 at is done. Please put 7:00 pm on your 9:15 am. Please consider becoming calendar and plan to attend. a member if you are not a member already.
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Intentional Faith Development
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Congregational Care
Extravagant Generosity 4
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1 Risk-taking Mission and Service
Passionate Worship
Radical Hospitality
Pastor’s Message
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Intentional Faith Development Casey’s Socks I have been blessed to work with our Junior High Youth for almost ten years now. One of the great service projects we delight in doing every year is stuffing Casey’s Socks. Casey’s Socks are passed out on Christmas Eve morning to members of our community who attend Casey’s Breakfast. Casey’s Breakfast is held each year in Wesley Hall. Members of the community are invited to eat a hot breakfast in a festive atmosphere. In the ten years that I’ve been a part of this project, the combined number of socks stuffed by the junior high youth group is somewhere in the ballpark of 2,500! In the most recent years an entire day is devoted to the shopping, sorting, and stuffing of socks. Our youth are divided into two or three groups. Each group shops for approximately 50 socks. We shop for men, women and children. The recipients appreciate full-size items such as shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste. It is an amazing blessing to watch neighbors open their socks after breakfast and be excited about the treasures inside. During our Confirmation years, there are numerous volunteers to help with the coordinating of this task and each time, their response is positive and full of joy as they see how hard each youth works to get the socks stuffed.
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The kids are the future of FUMC and I can’t say enough about how cognizant they were of others in need and each other. It was a beautiful thing to see! After helping in 2015, volunteer Mike Obrecht shared the following: Although we have been members of FUMC for nearly 25 years with two kids in tow, I had not volunteered for this very worthwhile cause. I found the group diverse, caring, having FUN, full of energy, and getting along very well. All I provided was a little adult direction at times to complete the task at hand. The kids are the future of FUMC and I can’t say enough about how cognizant they were of others in need and each other. It was a beautiful thing to see! My hat is off to the staff (particularly Emily) in seeing these kids through to adulthood. I have no doubt that the FUMC youth group experience impacted my children in a positive way. Both are off and running with life.
This huge undertaking could not be accomplished without the participation of our youth, their families, and our church. If you would like to get involved, please see the insert in the bulletin about how you can donate, or email me at emilyu@grandrapidsfumc. org for more information. Emily Uebbing Director of Junior High Youth
Passionate Worship The Cloud of Witnesses
We c e l e b r a t e t h i s connection to lost loved ones, and all those who have gone before us in the faith as saints. We have an understanding that we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1),” and that all the faithful, both living and departed, are bound together in mutual support and one community of prayer. I like that the word “cloud” has so many multiple meanings, as we ponder this obscured crowd that surrounds us. To culturally translate this to the church, instead of a “wind” phone, perhaps we have a “cloud” phone.
Situated in the middle of a hillside garden in northeastern Japan sits a little white phone booth. The garden looks out over the Pacific Ocean and the town of Otsuchi, a town that was devastated by the earthquake and tsunami of 2011. Inside the phone booth is a small rotary dial phone that is not connected to any network. The gardener, Itaru Sasaki initially placed the booth in the garden as a place of refuge to grieve his recent loss of a cousin. However, following the devastation and immense loss of life in the tsunami, the booth has received over 10,000 visitors coming to whisper messages to their lost loved ones. Known as the “wind” phone, ironically, this unconnected phone has become a means for those grieving to A United Methodist’s understanding connect to loved ones who perished in of the saints differs slightly from that disaster. that of the Church of England, out of which came the Methodist revival or movement in the 18 th century. United Methodists do not have a system in which saints are elected or “canonized,” do not pray to the saints themselves, or expect saints to act as a mediator between themselves and God. “…There is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human who gave himself a ransom for all.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6a)
We celebrate this connection to lost loved ones, and all those who have gone before us in the faith at all saints. The radio show, This American Life, recently did a story about the phone booth, and placed a microphone in the receiver to record these “conversations.” The conversations are often mundane recitations about life, updating the deceased on how life has gone on in their absence. Occasionally, there are often some regrets expressed, but, in general, one gets an overwhelming sense of hope and connection from these conversations. I encourage you to listen to the episode, available as a podcast.
They lived not only in ages past, There are hundreds of thousands still. The world is bright with the joyous saints Who love to do Jesus’ will. You can meet them in school, or in lanes, or at sea, In church, or in trains, or in shops, or at tea; For the saints of God are just folk like me, And I mean to be one too. Eric Steand Exec. Director of Music and the Arts
John Wesley encouraged reflection and learning from the lives of the “saints,” but did not encourage the worship of the saints. United Methodists call people “saints” because they demonstrate the Christian life, and in this way, all Christians can be considered saints. So in this season of saints, look about you and feel the support of that “cloud of witnesses.” They will be pictured in your bulletins, and found in the stained glass windows. It brings to mind the third stanza of hymn #712 by Lesbia Scott:
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Risk-Taking Mission and Service GRCC Laboratory Preschool Says Goodbye
As I have come to know the mission of the church, “open hearts, open minds, open doors,” I realize the Laboratory Preschool could not have found a better home.
As we transition “back to school” for the last time at the First United Methodist Church building, I reflect on our partnership and what it has meant. This partnership developed 42 years ago when First United Methodist Church opened its doors to the GRCC Child Development program. At that time it filled three important needs. First, it allowed the church doors to remain open during the week. Second, it provided a place for Grand Rapids Community College to have child care for women attending school. Third, it gave Child Development students an opportunity to get a laboratory experience working with young children. As I have come to know the mission of the church, “open hearts, open minds, open doors,” I realize the Laboratory Preschool could not have found a better home.
The initial proposal made in the early 1970s states, “If Grand Rapids Junior College is truly adhering to an ‘open door’ admissions policy, then we must strive to make this an open door to those women desiring to return to school to better their place in society.” Since that first fall 42 years ago, we have added infant, toddler, and more preschool classrooms. We have moved into offices, conference rooms, and many closets. Throughout this time we expanded our services to meet the needs of more families and children in our community who are vulnerable. We have increased from a laboratory setting for 2 classes of college students to serving over 500 students a year. With that growth the dream of our own dedicated space on campus emerged. This will allow us to “open our doors, hearts and minds” to more students, families and early childhood professionals.
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You have welcomed our families and students with warmth, smiles, and conversation. We will miss you and all of the excellent work you do to serve the Grand Rapids community. We are very excited that the concept has become a reality and we will be in our new space in January 2017. We have benefited from the open door and open spirit at First Church. This includes the art gallery that our children visit, Family Promise, The Work Program, community picnics, Arts Alive Camp, Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship, the list goes on and on. It has been encouraging to observe how the church opens their minds to serving everyone who walks through their doors with respect and kindness. It has taught us to be better listeners. We have worked together to be better communicators and in sharing space respectfully. Although our time together is coming to an end, I am confident that our program will forever be shaped by this time together. I trust that the sounds of children echoing in the hall will also be missed. It is bittersweet to be leaving this space that was instrumental in our history. However, it is time for us to expand our program further as we create a premier center of excellence. Very special thanks to Emil, Betty, Mary, Laure, Sherry, Peg, and Belinda and all the church members we come in contact with for accommodating our many requests with a positive attitude.
Jane Ann Benson GRCC Preschool Director
Extravagant G November 20 is Consecration Sunday, when we faithfully present our Estimates of Giving for 2017. Some of you may have noticed that we have shifted out annual stewardship campaign to be a little later in the year, closer to Thanksgiving.
A big reason for this is that our giving to God is truly an act of thanksgiving, and having the campaign culminate at Thanksgiving is perfect. Thanksgiving is the time when we traditionally celebrate and give thanks for the bountiful harvest that God has provided. This “bounty” includes our finances as well. Most of us enjoy a comfortable existence, having been able to financially provide for our families because of the talents that God has provided to us.
Radical Hospitality
their appreciation with big smiles. I look forward to the many ways they will continue to be engaged in the the family is here week after week ministries of First Church. showing us what Passionate Worship looks like; what a witness! Of course, Consider this good practice for our the children are starting to pick up Syrian refugee family when they arrive. English in school, but it is difficult for I understand they won’t speak English, the adults. That tells us how important either, but will need the same warm welcome and feeling of acceptance. the opportunity to worship is. Sign up to be a van driver, volunteer to H ow c a n yo u e x t e n d R a d i c a l welcome and assist the Syrian refugee Hospitality to our new families who family joining us soon. may speak a different language? Extend Patsy McGillivray a handshake, share a warm smile Director of Invitational Ministry Have you noticed that our church and welcome them in as a part of family has grown? One faithful family our church family. They will show of African refugees, the Abungos, has captured my heart. Their first I was a stranger and you welcome me. Matthew 25:35 Sunday, they walked two miles to church in flipflops and new dress shoes in the snow. We realized they needed transportation and church members have been providing that since spring. The family has been so grateful for the ability to worship and for the transportation; they rarely miss a Sunday. But do you know what is truly amazing? They don’t speak English. Yet
Generosity
But God also calls upon us to use those talents to God’s glory! The scriptures are filled with instructions teaching us the importance of giving our First Fruits back to God. If we thankfully and faithfully set aside God’s portion of our bounty first, we can always find a way to be comfortable with what remains. As Christians and members of First Church, we have vowed to support our many vital ministries − including with our financial gifts. The annual stewardship campaign is a time for each of us to affirm our commitment to these vows. We are thankful for the many people who faithfully give generously, even exceeding the tithe (one-tenth of their resources). For others, each year is one of growing in their faith, such that they find a way to move closer to a tithe.
No matter where you are on this journey, we need to hear from you during our campaign. While we are of course grateful for every gift that is given to First Church, it is important to understand your intentions for the coming year. Many ministries are counting on us, and we cannot simply wait to see if the money comes. We need to have a really good idea up front about what next year’s giving will look like because of the plans we hope to accomplish.
FREEDOM TO
Your Estimate of Giving is a personal commitment to God − a sign of faithful gratitude for all that God has provided. We thank God for all the generous givers we have, and thank you in advance for your response to So if you are one of the few who gives our 2017 campaign. regularly but does not provide a pledge, I hope you will consider providing an Chris Hawkins Estimate of Giving this year. These can Finance Committee be changed (up or down) at any time during the year. Each year we do get several adjustments, but at the end of the year, we are usually about right on in total, which is crucial to our ministry planning.
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Congregational Care Care for One Another! Christ cares for people through you and me, and that is what Stephen Ministry is all about! We have been an official Stephen Ministry Congregation for 13 years already, and in that time our Stephen Ministers have journeyed alongside over 140 people going through tough times in their lives. Currently we have nineteen active Stephen Ministers, but a congregation our size needs more. That’s why we are looking to start our next training class in February! Stephen Ministers go through 50 hours of training before being commissioned and assigned to a care receiver. Training includes topics such as confidentiality, boundaries, resources, and prayer. As a Stephen Minister, you are assigned to one person to meet with for an hour once a week. That person may be going through a divorce, health crisis, loss of a loved one, transitioning into a retirement community, family crisis, empty nest; just about anything that can make life difficult. In addition to weekly meetings with your care receiver, you meet with the entire Stephen Ministry Team once or twice a month for continuing education and supervision. Yes, it is a huge commitment! But you
will be blessed as much as you will be a blessing to your care receiver. Listen to what two of our care receivers have said:
member) if it weren’t for her meeting with me weekly, hugging me when I cried, letting me speak freely about my feelings of anger and loss, and then praying with me. That personal care helped me heal and move forward. I would recommend Stephen Ministry to everyone!”
“My world fell apart when I unexpectedly lost my job. When Marj met with me and told me about Stephen Ministry, I was hesitant to say yes. With some And Lois Walker, one of our nudging I agreed to try having a Stephen Stephen Leaders, reflects: “I have Minister and I now admit it was the best had the privilege of being in partnership thing I could have done at that time. We with five care receivers over twelve years. I met for coffee and conversation almost weekly say partnership because that is how it really and he was an encouraging and reliable support works. I have worked with someone grieving, for me for almost 2 years.” someone ill, and someone trying to find some purpose for her life. It has never been to enter “I am so very thankful that our church has the picture with all the answers. It is to simply Stephen Ministry and that I could have a say, ‘I wish life was better right now and I will Stephen Minister support me during one of walk alongside you until it is.’ To show up the darkest times of my life. I don’t think I every week and listen and pray, then watch could have gotten through the loss (of my family what God does in someone’s life is humbling and inspiring.”
Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galations 6:2
Are you looking to make a difference and grow in faith at the same time? Might Stephen Ministry be the way God is calling you to care for others? We have four people ready to take training this February but we need at least two more. You can meet some of the Stephen Ministry team before or after the 10:45 service on November 13. Look for the blue shirts and let’s talk! Blessings,
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Marj Timmerman RN Executive Director of Congregational Care marjtimm@aol.com or 901-9224
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Tuesday, November 1 7:00 am – Work Program 5:30 pm – Staff/Parish Relations 6:30 pm – Social Concerns Wednesday, November 2 5:30 pm – Young Adult Group 6:30 pm – Disciple I, Jesus in the Gospels, and Hindu Temple visit Thursday, November 3 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 4:30 - 7:30 pm – 2nd Best Sale: FUMC Congregation Pre-sale 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Saturday, November 5 9:00 - 2:00 pm – 2nd Best Sale Sunday, November 6 All Saints Sunday Daylight Saving Time Ends (fall back) 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 10:30 am – Blood Pressure Clinic 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children and Worship, Shine: Sensory Room, and 3rd Grade Bible Study 11:45 am – Blood Pressure Clinic 5:00 pm – Jr and Sr High Youth Group 5:00 pm – Roberta Bondi: Dinner and Discussion Monday, November 7 9:15 am – Roberta Bondi Retreat Day: Praying the Psalms 11:00 am – Retiree Bible Study 5:00 pm – Trustees 6:30 pm – Stephen Ministry Tuesday, November 8 7:00 am – Work Program 5:30 pm – Finance Committee Wednesday, November 9 6:00 pm – Young Adult Group: Bible Study at Big O’s Café 6:30 pm – Disciple I and Jesus in the Gospels Thursday, November 10 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Friday, November 11 9:00 am – Moms’ Group: Charlie Brown exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum Saturday, November 12 10:00 am – Table Toppers Sunday, November 13 8:00 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel 9:15 am – Medicare Class 9:15 am – Church School for all ages 10:15 am – Stephen Ministry Meet and Greet 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children and Worship and Shine: Sensory Room 11:45 am – Stephen Ministry Meet and Greet 5:00 pm – Jr and Sr High Youth Group, and Disciple II 5:00 pm – Methodist Connection Worship Service and Pie Social Monday, November 14 11:00 am – Retiree Bible Study 5:00 pm – Trustees 6:00 pm – Stephen Leaders
Mark your calendars Tuesday, November 15 7:00 am – Work Program Wednesday, November 16 9:00 am – Caring Connection 6:30 pm – Disciple I, Jesus in the Gospels, and Missions Thursday, November 17 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Saturday, November 19 8:30 am – Feeding America 8:45 am – Moms’ Group: Santa Parade Sunday, November 20 Consecration Sunday 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 10:40 am – Thanksgiving Ingathering Children’s Procession 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children and Worship and Shine: Sensory Room 12:00 pm – Consecration Lunch 12:00 pm – Jr High Casey’s Socks Stuffing 12:30 pm – Unplugged: 3rd-6th Grade Adventures 5:00 pm – Sr High Youth Group and Disciple II Monday, November 21 11:00 am – Retiree Bible Study 12:00 pm – 60+ Luncheon 6:30 pm – Stephen Ministry 7:00 pm – Leadership Council
Tuesday, November 22 7:00 am – Work Program 5:30 pm – Hanging of the Greens Thursday, November 24 Thanksgiving Holiday: Church Building and Offices Closed Friday, November 25 Thanksgiving Holiday: Church Building and Offices Closed Sunday, November 27 8:00 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel 9:15 am - 12:30 pm – A Different Kind of Christmas 9:15 am – Church School for all ages 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children and Worship and Shine: Sensory Room 5:00 pm – Disciple II Monday, November 28 11:00 am – Retiree Bible Study 2:30 pm – Blood Drive 7:00 pm – Church Conference Tuesday, November 29 7:00 am – Work Program Wednesday, November 30 6:00 pm – Young Adults Group: Advent Study at Panera 6:30 pm – Disciple I and Jesus in the Gospels
NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE
SATURDAY November 5
PAID
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
2ND BE S T SALE
First United Methodist Church 227 Fulton St E Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3236
PERMIT #354 GRAND RAPIDS, MI
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Donations Needed Drop-Off Day
Sunday, October 30
12:00-3:00 pm and 5:00-7:30 pm Helpers and tax donation receipts in the north lobby. (Donations AFTER October 30 must be delivered to Wesley Hall.)
First United Methodist Church
227 Fulton St E Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 451.2879
www.grfumc.org/sale
firstchurch@grandrapidsfumc.org
facebook.com/grandrapidsfumc
twitter.com/FUMC_GR