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October 2016 Edition

This past May, my wife and I had the privilege of attending a week-long session of the Academy of Spiritual Formation in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Roberta Bondi was one of two faculty members for that extraordinary experience of growing in the practice of prayer. As a result of the relationships that we built that week, both Roberta and author Robert Benson will be guest speakers with us at First United Methodist Church during the 2016 – 17 program year. Dr. Bondi served for many years as Professor of Church History at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta. Since she retired from faculty life, Roberta has continued her writing, serving as a retreat leader and speaker as well as serving regularly as a faculty member for the Academy of Spiritual Formation. Her expertise is in the prayer life of our ancestors in the faith, particularly the desert mothers and fathers of the faith. In her humorous and engaging style, Roberta makes those ancient prayers vibrate with relevance for the Christian sojourner of today.

www.grandrapidsfumc.org

What a great opportunity for us as a congregation to welcome one of the significant teachers and leaders of the faith to spend two days with us! Plan now to attend. On December 11, we are hosting a Christmas Concert of the “Sons of Serindip.” They were with us for a magnificent concert in November of 2015. Not only was it a deeply inspiring and meaningful concert for us as listeners, it was also a red-letter event in the lives of the performers as well. They contacted me this time, and asked if they could return to do a Christmas Concert. We are going to have two performances at 3 pm and 7 pm. For all those who attended, you will not need extra encouragement to attend – other than to invite and encourage your friends and family to come and enjoy an inspiring evening of Christmas music. Tickets will go on sale SOON! PLUS … if you would like to be a sponsor of the performances, we could use your financial partnership. We just received our first corporate gift for $1500 for Sons of Serendip concert. Your contribution financially will help

this be a huge success. And YES – they are doing a mission focused event on Monday, details to come. Finally, as we look ahead, author and retreat leader, Robert Benson, will be with us for Holy Week (2017) at First Church, teaching and leading an emphasis on praying our way through Passion Week. These are outstanding opportunities for our congregation in expanding our ministry and spiritual influence in Grand Rapids. Mark your calendar for all three of these events. Plan to be with us, and by all means, invite someone to attend with you! Grace and Peace to you. Pastor Bob P.S. — On Refor mation Sunday, October 30, we are going to hold a 30-minute prayer service for our country as we prepare for the election of leadership on November 8. The prayer service will be held in the Upper Room at 6:30 pm.

Roberta will be with us at First Church for All Saints Sunday, November 6. She will preach in our two worship services. Then, at 5 pm, we are hosting a dinner, presentation, and discussion time with Roberta on the topic “Our Praying in the Communion of the Saints.” On Monday, November the 7, we are hosting a retreat day with Roberta. She has selected the topic of “Praying the Psalms” for the morning session. After lunch, she will focus on the “Psalms of Lamentation.”

inside

Intentional Faith Development

Pastor’s Message

Radical Hospitality 1

Risk-taking Mission and Service

Passionate Worship 5

Extravagant Generosity 4

3 Congregational Care

Intentional Faith Development Trunk-or-Treat It’s nearly time for costumed children to call out “Trunk-or-Treat!” as they join in community and collect candy. Trunk-or-What? First Church’s Trunk-or-Treat is an annual Halloween event for church members, friends, GRCC Preschool families, and families from the community. Trunk-or-Treat is a safe alternative or addition to traditional Halloween trick-or-treating (think “Trick-or-Treating,” but in our First Place parking lot).

“Surprisingly, families from the Heartside Neighborhood and downtown shelters joined us. Many said that they were thankful that our church could provide their children with fun, safe Halloween activities.” each car as though they were trick-ortreating in a neighborhood. Beyond the candy, there will be games, prizes, and music at this year’s event, too!

I Can’t Attend, How Else Can I Help? We need extra bags of candy and items for our “Prize Bin” (spider rings, small fun, safe Halloween activities. We look How Does it Work? Adults and youth sign up to “host” toys, etc.)! Let Audrey know that you forward to having Heartside families their car trunk. Those who sign up are can donate by using the sign-up sheet. join us again this year. contacted and provided with further details like how many children to plan Last year’s event was the first for First We stretched our candy supply last year for and where to park. On Friday, Church and was in many ways a gamble. to accommodate all of our kids and October 28, hosts will decorate their Having never held such an event, we will need lots of candy for this year’s trunk and bring candy to the lower were unsure of its potential: Would we event. Those who hosted cars last year First Place parking lot. During the have any kids? Would we have enough left with smiles on their faces and gave positive reviews of their experience. event, which is open to the public from candy? Would car hosts have fun? Most said they would return for our 5:30 - 7:00 pm, hosts The results of our gamble: 2016 Trunk-or-Treat. stand or sit next to their we had about 200 children decorated open trunk show up! Many kids were I hope to see you at this year’s event and and pass out candy to from our congregation and thank you to those who have already the visiting costumed from GRCC’s Preschool. made an impact on Trunk-or-Treat and children. Surprisingly, families from Children’s Ministry at FUMC! the Heartside Neighborhood Costumed children and Blessings, and downtown shelters joined their families should Audrey Kawel us. Many said that they were stop by between 5:30 Director of Children’s Ministry thankful that our church could and 7:00 pm on Friday, provide their children with October 28 and visit

Passionate Worship

“Choose Gratitude” is one of the ArtPrize entries that we are hosting during ArtPrize Eight. The work is simple in concept: The words “Choose Gratitude” are constructed of wooden forms, and then layers of canvas have wrapped the letters. Along the way, words of hope and encouragement from scripture and poetry have been stamped on the various layers right down to the wooden form itself. During ArtPrize, additional words of encouragement are added to clear forms that are added to the existing layer so that the work can continue to grow “layers of gratitude.” This is an important reminder for our church at this time of growth and vision. We have to thank those who had the vision to build this vital church in the heart of this city so that it can stand in witness to God’s love and grace, and in service to God’s purposes. And, while being grateful for those who have come before, rededicate our lives to the work that we have been given to do in this place, and in this time. God, in this time, your church renew, enable us your work to do. As part of our ArtPrize offerings, we showcase our own sacred art show known as The Celebration of the Arts. Twenty-five artists that were selected in last year’s show form an exhibit in our gallery and hallway off of the north lobby. It is an excellent and representative sample of the art that is showcased in the Celebration gallery each year. It is with gratitude that we honor the founders of the show, Marion and the late Dick DeVinney, who, along with the original committee of volunteers, started the show some forty-four years ago. In gratitude for that legacy, this year’s juror will be Marion DeVinney.

T he ar ts, our outreach to the community, and our work for justice in the world often support each other in this church. The LotParty at ArtPrize is our way of extending hospitality to our heartside neighbors, affirm that the arts should be accessible to everyone, and demonstrate that we are committed to doing our work where we have been planted. The work, “Turn on the Light” highlights the needs of many children in Michigan in need of adoption, mentoring, and fostering. Our own support ministry “Families Adopting and Fostering Together” is a vital part of the mission and ministry of this church. The arts literally fill this church, and we give thanks for the vision of those who have come before us to provide the foundation and vision, for planting the seeds that are bearing so much fruit. Our church is an ideal venue for music, and our concert series this year will showcase our venue and bring musical delights. See the concert brochure and check out the musical offerings which include performances by The Sons of Serendip, MacNaughton Boulevard, The Grand Rapids Guitar Quartet, the vocal chamber ensemble known as The Scholars, The Grand Rapids Symphony and Chorus, the flute and guitar duo known as Folias, and The Girls’ Choral Academy.

Couple these offerings with the weekly work of the artists and musicians in our own congregation who offer their talents in worship, and we find much for which to be thankful. I encourage you to offer your artistic and music talents to the church in order to continue this vital ministry. Please contact me if you would like to explore offering your artistic and musical talents to the life of this church. I’m just an email or phone call away at erics@grandrapidsfumc. org or 451.2879 x108. I look forward to hearing from you. Eric Strand Executive Director of Worship and the Arts Creator God, source of all that sustains us, we give you thanks for the privilege of shaping sound and silence to your glory. Shed that same glorious light upon your church and upon its work and worship. Bless with renewed hope, energy and sensitivity all who plan and lead liturgy and artists, musicians, composers, and singers. In this servant ministry, help us to listen to each other as we enable congregations to express their longing for you, and encourage us to let go of everything that harms and hinders us in this task. By your Holy Spirit, empower all to work in partnership and harmony as we proclaim your praise and sing of your love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We have to thank those who had the vision to build this vital church in the heart of this city so that it can stand in witness to God’s love and grace, and in service to God’s purposes. And, while being grateful for those who have come before, rededicate our lives to the work that we have been given to do in this place, and in this time.

Risk-Taking Mission and Service Expanding Our Welcome: JFON West Michigan opens first LGBT Clinic JFON West Michigan continues to reach out to the most vulnerable immigrants in our communities, holding their first LGBT clinic on August 13 in the Grand Rapids Pride Center.

“We want to knock down any barriers that might keep people from seeking help,” explains site attorney Alex Gillett. “Our partnership with the Pride Center makes JFON West Michigan that much more welcoming.” Both Alex and attorney Katrina Pradelski saw several spousal cases at the clinic—newly married clients seeking to adjust their immigration status. However, they currently have four additional LGBT clients spread out through their site in Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, and Traverse City. left to right: JFON volunteers Jose and Belinda Orozco, JFON Legal Assistant Esmeralda “Many of them have already faced From Gonzalez, Site attorneys Alex Gillett and Katrina Padrelski, and Pride Center Board Member persecution in their home countries,” Elisa Perez. states Katrina. “Then they come here and are stigmatized for both their sexual “She’s a perfect example of someone the two hand-picked volunteers. Plans orientation and immigration status. It coming from a society that stigmatizes are already in the works to hold an LGBT people,” Katrina relates. “She additional LGBT clinic in Kalamazoo. adds a whole new level of fear.” has suffered from trauma quite a bit in “We’re very happy,” says Alex, smiling Katrina tells the story of a transgender her past.” Katrina pauses to add, “It’s in satisfaction. “We can’t wait for the client—from Tunisia—who successfully truly a privilege to help her start her next one!” changed her name to reflect her new life in America.” new identity. Thanks to JFON West Michigan, this client is now able to put As for the LGBT clinic, Alex reports that it was an absolutely positive her new name on her green card. experience for everyone—including

Refugees begin the path to US Citizenship with JFON West Michigan

Justice for Our Neighbors West Michigan began hosting clinics to help refugees obtain their Lawful Permanent Residence (LPR or “Green Card” status) in 2004. JFON attorney Katrina Pradelski ran the July clinic at the First United Methodist Church of Grand Rapids. She reports that it was a very happy experience.

“We were blessed to have so many volunteers to help us,” she says proudly. “We ser ved several families and everybody left smiling.” One of these volunteers had served in Afghanistan with the US Army. He immediately developed a rapport with an Afghan family seeking assistance at the clinic. While Katrina supervised the volunteers and answered any questions, the veteran played with the family’s children as he helped their mother fill out her application.

“Seeing them bond as human beings regardless of the current military climate,” Katrina muses, “…it was just beautiful in so many ways.”

Radical Hospitality Together Again!

At First Church, Homecoming S un d ay i s li ke a big family reunion! While I walked through the sanctuary and Wesley Hall, it felt like everyone was saying how great it was to be home from summer travels and how they loved catching up with their friends at First Church. Many were excited for the early service to start back up so they could be a part of a more intimate worship experience with communion. At the second service, others talked about how nice it was to have the choir back in worship. When I walked into the children’s area, it was a buzz

There are so many ways to make connections within our First Family! If you haven’t attended a class or are a part of of happy energ y. one (or two) of the many groups at First Across the street, it Church that are making a difference, I enwas awesome to see our students gathering courage you to try something new. to grow in faith and friendships during Sunday School. And, I can’t forget to mention the amazing turnout we had at the Adult Forum. What a fantastic day! There are so many ways to make connections within our First Family! If you haven’t attended a class or are a part of one (or two) of the many groups at First Church that are making a d i f f e r e n c e, I encourage you to try something new. Do you like

to help? The Fellowship Committee would love for you to help us with our next meal! Are you friendly? Consider serving as an usher or greeter. Are you interested in diving deeper in your faith? We have many classes to choose from. All of our classes and groups are excited to welcome new people -- so don’t be afraid to try something new this fall! Not sure where you fit? I would love to help you connect! Email Sami at samim@grandrapidsfumc.org. Sami Marasigan Executive Director of Hospitality and Evangelism

Extravagant Generosity

Stewardship Campaign. As we contemplate our personal ministry, both on terms of our involvement each of us to continue to search for and our financial support, are we our own path towards Extravagant dedicated like the chicken? Or, are we Generosity. fully committed like the pig?

One of the most interesting communications I enjoy reading from First Church is the regular piece that highlights a particular volunteer and their individual passion for the ministry You may have heard the analogy that being showcased. uses a bacon and eggs breakfast to describe the relative commitment to We are blessed with a multitude a successful breakfast by both the of people who collectively devote chicken and the pig. The chicken, by thousands of hours a year to the donating the delicious egg is indeed ministries of First Church, and many dedicated to the cause, but the pig, in more who support these ministries order to provide the bacon, is indeed with generous financial support. committed to the point that his life is given in order that a delicious breakfast Just when I might begin to become a bit becomes complete. complacent about my personal church involvement, I read about someone We are now beginning an exciting who has immersed themselves in new program year at First Church. We discipleship for Jesus Christ. These will soon be discussing our financial kinds of inspirational reminders from commitments to these ministries our own congregation hopefully spur in 2017 as we kick off our annual

The good news is, as described in the volunteer highlights I mentioned above, there are many First Church disciples delivering the bacon every day. Praise God for our congregation and the many ways we support ministry through our extravagant gifts of time and treasure. Each of us is on a faith journey, and I pray that your journey continues to bring you closer to a life full of joyful commitment to God through the ministries of First Church. Hmmm - writing this article has made me hungry! Chris Hawkins Finance Committee

Congregational Care

Does God Need You? Celebrating A Year at First Church “Jesus and Gelato” sounded like a delicious idea when my friend Marie suggested it last spring, and so I agreed to take her 10-year-old son and two other rambunctious neighbor boys on a special outing. The purpose was to talk about faith over dishes of a creamy Italian dessert. The ticket to the event was a 3-by-5 card with a belief about God written on one side and a question about God on the other. For example, one boy wrote, “God is good . . . but is God fair?” Hmm.

Does God need us? Yes, it’s a biblical idea! How so? God needs us to accomplish God’s work in the world. We are God’s ambassadors. We are the hands, feet, and voice of Christ.

It’s been a year since I began my service on the pastoral staff of First Church. As I look back I find myself celebrating. I have had the profound privilege of being the hands, feet, and voice of Christ — as a representative of First United Methodist Church here in Fast forward to a trip with my 19-year- Grand Rapids. Thanks to all of you for old godson, his brother, and their making this possible! father this past August. I introduced the idea of “Jesus and Gelato” to my I have heard the life stories of dozens godson, and he readily agreed. It didn’t of church members, particularly those take him long to articulate his belief with limited mobility who are living and question: “I’d like to believe that in retirement communities. I have God loves everyone, but I question reminded them that God loves them whether I need God.” Gulp! How was and so does this church. I have prayed I supposed to respond to that? with members before hip surgeries and after back surgeries. I have encouraged Well, I followed the example of Jesus gay and transgender youth who are by responding with a question, actually trying to make sense out of life in the a number of questions. Eventually a face of discrimination. I have visited new question came to my mind and with folks whose health was failing, mouth: “Perhaps you feel that you and I have led funerals of members don’t need God, but I wonder if God who have died. For all of these needs you.” opportunities, I am indeed grateful. Does God need us? Yes, it’s a biblical idea! How so? God needs us to accomplish God’s work in the world. We are God’s ambassadors. We are the hands, feet, and voice of Christ.

So does God need you? After all, the ministry of the church is not just the task of church staff. How is a discouraged person going to hear a word of hope if you don’t say it? How

is the lonely person going to know that Jesus loves them if they don’t receive a visit from a follower of Jesus? How is the sick person going to know God’s healing grace without a reminder from you? Thanks again for making it possible for me to do God’s work on your behalf here at First Church over the last year. And remember that God needs you, too! Rev. Jim Lucas, Chaplain

Saturday, October 1 10:00 am – Moms’ Group Apple Picking at Schwallier’s Country Basket Sunday, October 2 World Wide Communion Sunday and Blood Pressure 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 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children and Worship, Shine, and 3rd Grade Bible Study 5:00 pm – Jr and Sr High Youth Group, and Disciple II Monday, October 3 11:00 am – Retiree Bible Study 1:00 pm – Staff meeting 6:30 pm – Stephen Ministry Tuesday, October 4 6:30 pm – Social Concerns Wednesday, October 5 5:30 pm – Young Adult ArtPrizing 6:30 pm – Disciple I and Jesus in the Gospels Thursday, October 6 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Sunday, October 9 8:00 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel 9:15 am – Church School for all ages 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children and Worship, Shine, and 3rd Grade Bible Study 5:00 pm – Jr and Sr High Youth Group, and Disciple II Monday, October 10 11:00 am – Retiree Bible Study 1:00 pm – Staff meeting 5:00 pm – Trustees 6:00 pm – Stephen Leaders Tuesday, October 11 5:30 pm – Finance Committee 5:30 pm – Staff/Parish Relations Committee Wednesday, October 12 6:00 pm – Young Adults Volunteer Project 6:30 pm – Disciple I and Jesus in the Gospels Thursday, October 13 10:00 am – Moms’ Group: Nature Hunt at Blandford Nature Center 11:00 am – JFON Migrant Lives Workshop 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Saturday, October 15 8:30 am – Feeding America 10:00 am – Workshop Prayer with Kristen Vincent October 16 - 23 Family Promise/IHN

Mark your calendars Sunday, October 16 8:00 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel 9:15 am – Church School for all ages 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children and Worship, Shine, and 3rd Grade Bible Study 12:00 pm – Unplugged: 3rd-6th Grade Adventures 5:00 pm – Jr and Sr High Youth Group, and Disciple II 5:00 pm – Moms’ Group Volunteer with Family Promise Monday, October 17 11:00 am – Retiree Bible Study 12:00 pm – 60+ Luncheon 1:00 pm – Staff meeting 6:30 pm – Stephen Ministry Wednesday, October 19 9:00 am – Caring Connection 6:00 pm – Young Adults Group 6:30 pm – Disciple I and Jesus in the Gospels Thursday, October 20 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 5:00 pm – JFON Clinic 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Sunday, October 23 8:00 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel 9:15 am – Church School for all ages 10:45 am – Sunday Worship

10:45 am – Children and Worship, Shine, and 3rd Grade Bible Study 5:00 pm – Jr and Sr High Youth Group, and Disciple II Monday, October 24 11:00 am – Retiree Bible Study 1:00 pm – Staff meeting Wednesday, October 26 6:30 pm – Disciple I and Jesus in the Gospels Thursday, October 27 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Friday, October 28 5:30 pm – Trunk-or-Treat Saturday, October 29 Sr High Overnight Sunday, October 30 8:00 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel 9:15 am – Church School for all ages 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children and Worship, Shine, and 3rd Grade Bible Study 5:00 pm – Jr High Youth Group and Disciple II 6:30 pm – Prayer Service Monday, October 31 11:00 am – Retiree Bible Study 1:00 pm – Staff meeting

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

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

PERMIT #354 GRAND RAPIDS, MI

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Saturday, October 15, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Prayer Workshop with Kristen Vincent, author of A Bead and A Prayer Day Includes: prayer workshop, Q&A with Kristen, worship, and lunch. Cost: $20 (includes lunch) Register by October 7 at www.grfumc.org/prayerworkshop

See you there!

Be Still & Know

the that I am GOD in Midst of

Everyday Life

with Kristen Vincent,

author of A Bead and A Prayer Kristen Vincent is an author, speaker, and artisan. She is the author of multiple books including the award-winning A Bead and a Prayer: A Beginnerâ€™s Guide to Protestant Prayer Beads. Kristen speaks widely on spiritual formation, prayer, prayer beads, and enjoys leading retreats.

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