First Pulse September 2015

September 2015 Edition

www.grandrapidsfumc.org

Dear Friends, “Rebranding” – is generally applied to a marketing strategy in which a product is given a new name or a new design for an established brand.

Growing up in Flint, I became a devotee of Buick! My parents always drove Chevrolets because my mother worked for Chevrolet. I will never forget in 1968, my grandfather (who also worked at the Chevrolet Engine Plant), bought TWO new Buicks: a Le Sabre AND a Regal. My grandfather always aspired to own a Buick. In the summer of 1968 when he bought that Le Sabre, he let me drive and my grandmother and him to Mackinac Island – and I was hooked.

Today, Pigeon and I own two Buicks, but the Buick of today is NOT the same as the Buick of the 60s and 70s. The Buick of today has gone through a rebranding process. The Buick brand has been redesigned to be attractive, relatively economical, and highly desirable for the needs, desires, and wishes of today’s consumer. Their marketing is fresh and strategic because they have listened and applied adjustments to a historically reputable brand to give it new life.

September is when we introduce some “rebranding” of our worship and educational life at First Church. Now don’t be alarmed: the style of worship isn’t changing! But there is going to be more variety to choose from. Let me explain.

One regular message that we heard in our Envisioning our Future process was that people wanted an earlier Sunday morning worship option. They wanted two different styles of worship as well.

People also communicated that they wanted to return to a dedicated Christian education hour between worship services.

inside

Intentional Faith Development

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After much prayer and conversation, beginning September 13 – HOMECOMING SUNDAY, our schedule will be: 8:15 am — WORSHIP in the “Upper Room.” One of the most under-utilized spaces in our building has been the parlor. We have been working diligently to re-configure that room with appropriate lighting and seating. It is a beautiful space for worship. Our intent is for this service to be a bit more contemplative, following a modified order of worship for morning prayer that will include communion each Sunday. There will be a brief message each Sunday. Our hymns will be led by Eric on the piano and music will be more ensemble- and instrumental-oriented.

9:15 am — THE FAITH DEVELOPMENT HOUR for ALL ages. You will read about new classes for adults as well as youth and children. It is a way for the entire family to be engaged in learning the Christian faith.

10:15 to 10:45 am — A BREAK. Classes will be finishing up, coffee and conversation enjoyed, children will be located by the parents, choir has time to gather and rehearse, pastor has opportunity to re-group, robe and prepare, and all of us have a chance to then get to the sanctuary for the meditative beginning of worship.

of worship in keeping with what has been the tradition of First Church. The choir will be singing, there will be other musical additions as well as attempting to be eclectic and intergenerational.

PLUS… We are also rebranding Wednesday evening worship!

For many years, Taizé has been the worship style on the first Wednesday of the month. We are expanding that style, and offering a worship experience on the first and third Wednesdays of each month in the Upper Room called Refresh! A mid-week worship opportunity at 7 pm. Communion will be offered on the 3rd Wednesday. We will embrace music from Taizé, the Iona community, new and old hymns, as well as a time for prayer, meditation, prayers for healing, and a quiet time of reflection. We will begin this new adventure on September 16. Please come and join us in this important expansion of our worship life.

To play out my analogy: it is not my grandfather’s Buick anymore! Come on – give it a test drive! Rebranding is occurring! Invite a friend, or if someone has been missing for a while, invite them back.

See you in September!

Pastor Bob Hundley

10:45 am — WORSHIP in the sanctuary. This will be more of a festive style

Pastor’s Message

Radical Hospitality 1

Risk-taking Mission and Service

Passionate Worship 5

Extravagant Generosity 4

3 Compassionate Care

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Intentional Faith Development My Lesson In Breathing Long ago, we were attending a United Methodist Church in our neighborhood. I was a stay-at-home mom and had another baby on the way. I was having a very difficult pregnancy after having had a miscarriage the year before and had to quit my job. My husband, Dick, helped in every way that he could but he was working long hours and I was often home alone with our daughter. At church, I was singing in the choir and in charge of the church’s monthly food collections. I also taught a children’s Sunday school class each week.

One Sunday morning, a student sat, listened intently, and then raised her hand with enthusiasum. I was thrilled that she was engaged in the Bible story I was teaching. “I really, like your earrings,” she said. I remember laughing but also feeling deflated. I loved being a mom and volunteering at the church but I also had an empty feeling deep inside of me. I realize now that the empty feeling was God calling to me.

An older woman in our church invited me to a new study based on the life of Jesus. Eight women planned to meet every Wednesday evening for 28 weeks. It seemed crazy to make such a commitment during this period of my life. Dick encouraged me and committed to caring for two-year-old Emily each week so that I could attend.

That group changed my life. I realized that while I was serving others, I was emptying myself each day without having a disciplined way of refilling the spiritual vacancy that had been left.

With this group of wonderful women, I studied scripture, prayed, talked about life, laughed, cried, and loved.

And when Kara was born, these same women celebrated her baptism with our congregation. I no longer felt empty. I felt full of God’s love and grace. I have committed to some type of faith development in my life ever since.

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“It’s like breathing. Acts of piety are inhaling; acts of mercy are exhaling. They go together. People may ask which is more important, but the answer is, ‘It depends on which you did last.’ Life depends on an equal measure of both.”

John Wesley gave us General Rules to live by. He instructed Christians to first be merciful, caring for other’s physical needs. After works of mercy, he instructed Methodists to practice acts of piety: worship, Communion, Bible study, prayer, and fasting. This is the only way we can remain balanced.

know if you don’t see one that works for you; we’ll create something new One of my favorite illustrations about together. remaining balanced is from Vital Signs Do you need to exhale? Become a

by Dan Dick.

A teenager in one of the vital congregations part of one of our mission ministries suggested this incredible image for the bal- at www.grandrapidsfumc.org/mission. ance of acts of mercy and piety: “It’s like breathing. Acts of piety are inhaling; acts Do you feel called to do something of mercy are exhaling. They go together. new? Contact me at laurem@grandrPeople may ask which is more important, apidsfumc.org or 616.451.2879 x105. but the answer is, ‘It depends on which you Laure Mieskowski did last.’ Life depends on an equal measure Executive Director of of both.”

Faith Development and Mission So do you need to inhale? Sign up for a class or small group at www. grandrapidsfumc.org/adults. Let me

Adult Classes Sunday, September 13 - 9:15 – 10:15 am Couples in Faith is a place for study, prayer, fellowship and community for 30s/40s-Something couples. Fall study is The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Class facilitators: Jess & Jake DeBoni, Julie & Eric French Living The Questions 2 is a popular video based exploration of progressive Christianity featuring premier religion voices of our day. Class facilitators: George Bob, Janet Carter, Bob Jones, Dick Youells Serving from the Heart is a 7-week journey of self-discovery where participants will assess their spiritual gifts, talents and abilities, resources, individual style, dreams and experiences to serve God and neighbor. Class facilitator: Laure Mieskowski (This class will also be offered on Wednesday evenings at 6 pm, October 7 – November 18.)

What Every Church Member Should Know about Poverty is the most comprehensive and useful guide available for helping churches understand and reach out to people in poverty. Class facilitators: Sue & Dave Rowe

Passionate Worship

This fall will bring a number of changes within our faith community, as we grow into a vision of the future of our shared work. The Sunday morning schedule is changing to reflect our values, particularly as they relate to Worship and Faith Development. The worship times are moving to allow for both alternative and vital worship.

The 8:15 AM service in the reconfigured Upper Room (formerly the parlor) will take on a distinctly different quality, all the while having the familiar elements of prayer, song, message, silence, and communion. It is hoped that this service be a true alternative, and one that fulfills a particular need in this community. A “dedicated” education hour at 9:15 AM is an opportunity for all to fully participate in the life of the church, and to support one another in this Christian life and faith.

The 10:45 AM service in the sanctuary will allow for a significant gathering that both fits and fills the space with a vibrant and energetic worship experience that welcomes all.

This seems a good opportunity to speak of some of the “values” that we have as we prepare and gather for worship. It has been said of our worship that it embraces tradition, without being “traditional.” I would be curious as to how you interpret this statement. For me, this means that while we use traditional elements in our worship, we are not stuck in doing things just because it has always been done this way. A cookie-cutter template is not used to prepare worship.

Rather, we are open to new forms

of prayer, song, and liturgy. Here are will sing is whether they see the adults some of the values that are emerging they love also singing. Children natuas we prepare for worship. rally want to sing if they see their parents singing. In this way, the worship Worship should be increasingly experience can unite the generations, participatory. especially if careful thought is given Congregational song and prayer to the accessibility of the music across should be a priority. Newly published generational lines. I know I am a bit hymnals are pointing to an eclectic biased in this regard, as I’m writing mix of music, drawing upon the best this from a choir-singing course that of music that builds community, and I have attended with my children and new material that is relevant both my father for the past eight years in a musically and theologically. Included row. The children sing at least 6 hours in this eclectic mix are songs from a day, and the adults nearly 8 hours. around the world. There are some The course features a choir of about churches, and especially in smaller 175, with singers ranging in age from gatherings, that think of the congre- age 10 to 80-plus. gation as the choir, regularly teaching new tunes, canons, and singing in har- Music in the church should be full mony. Short and meditative musical of sincerity and integrity, both musipieces, several modeled after those in cally and theologically. Music should Taizé, are becoming a common fea- teach and inspire us in our movement ture in worship services for encourag- toward God, and toward serving and ing prayer and reflection. respecting one another and our community.

Worship should be increasingly intergenerational.

Eric Strand In order to maintain a tradition of Executive Director of good congregational singing, it has Worship, Music, and the Arts to be shared among the generations.

The composer and song leader, Alice Parker points out that the number one factor determining whether a child

For me, this means that while we use traditional elements in our worship, we are not stuck in doing things just because it has always been done this way. A cookie-cutter template is not used to prepare worship. Rather, we are open to new forms of prayer, song, and liturgy.

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Risk-Taking Mission and Service Jacqueline’s Story Jacqueline, her husband, and six children, were refugees from Burundi resettled in Michigan under the auspices of First United Methodist Church in 2007. Justice for Our Neighbors – West Michigan assisted the family to become lawful permanent residents in 2008. These are all wonderful blessings for a family who had suffered so much loss and hardship.

Jacqueline was deeply grateful to her church, her friends at JFON, and to the country that had welcomed her and her family. She wanted to express her love and appreciation in a truly meaningful way. She wanted to become a U.S. citizen. She tried to navigate the process with the help of a non-attorney friend from the Burundi community. It was not a success. She came back to JFON West Michigan and attorney Liz Balck for help. Together, and with the loving support of her church community, Jacqueline re-filed.

She passed the English/U.S. Civics test with flying colors and, of course, proved that she is a person of excellent moral character. On June 17, Jacqueline stood, raised her right hand, and along with hundreds of other new Americans across the country, took the oath of citizenship.

become a U.S. citizen,” said Jacqueline, choosing her words carefully. She was still a bit uncomfortable with so much attention. “I’m proud of this accomplishment and what it means for me and my family. Thank you to everyone for helping me.” “Anything else?” asked Liz. Jacqueline smiled broadly, her eyes brimming with the sentiments Liz caught up with Jacqueline after- she could not express. “It’s good,” she wards and asked her about the experi- said simply. “Yes,” Liz agreed. “It’s ence. “It is an honor and a privilege to very good!”

Liz Balck

“I’m proud of this accomplishment and what it means for me and my family. Thank you to everyone for helping me.”

“Anything else?” asked Liz. Jacqueline smiled broadly, her eyes brimming with the sentiments she could not express.

“It’s good,” she said simply.

Extravagant

When you think about your financial gifts to First Church, how would you characterize these thoughts? I think these thoughts fall anywhere on a continuum with folks on one end of the spectrum considering giving to be as unpleasant as income tax, and the other extreme being a feeling of pure joy in giving a tithe (one-tenth) back to God.

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Radical Hospitality Many of you know I’m transitioning out of high school ministry and becoming the Executive Director of Hospitality and Evangelism. As I move into my new role, I am thankful for the many valuable lessons my students and volunteers have taught me over the years. I thought I’d share a few that relate to my new roles.

the cafeteria to make me a happy camper...” Then, a student will start talking about how excited she is to paint the kitchen for a widow she is helping this week. I guess I didn’t need coffee, just a little perspective. #3 – Be real. We may look like we’ve got it all together, but we don’t. Over the years, I’ve walked with students in their darkest moments. From the outside looking in, you would have never guessed the pain. As adults, we are slow to share our struggles. But isn’t that what Christian community is for? When we share our struggles, we open the door for others to offer hope. When we share stories of past dark times, we offer hope to those in the midst of those times.

#1 – It’s important to ask questions.

Over the years, some questions have made me laugh out loud, others made me stop to think, others have made me do further research. With my new role, I’m asking a million questions.

And that’s ok, because First Church is a place where questions are welcomed. I love how you are quick to help the person who looks a little lost or doesn’t know where the “narthex” is. You are excited to share our expe- #4 – When you love something, you riences and wisdom with a younger share it with your friends! Maybe it’s generation. Which leads to #2. a movie, maybe it’s ice cream. Either way, you share it. Over the years, I have #2 – Our students have so much to met so many friends of students. Why? share! Their energy and excitement Because they brought them to church is contagious. There have been mis- - Sunday school, youth group, or on a sion trip mornings where I have wo- mission trip. Many times these friends ken up on the floor in a high school became regulars. When is the last time and thought to myself, “I don’t you invited a friend to First Church? know if there is enough coffee in

Generosity At First Church (and at any church for that matter), I’m sure our congregation spans the entire spectrum, although I like to think there aren’t any folks at First Church all the way at the “unpleasant tax” extreme.

With my new role, I’m asking a million questions.

And that’s ok, because First Church is a place where questions are welcomed.

This fall, I challenge you to be radically hospitable! Invite a friend to church. Welcome the visitors who’ve joined us for worship (and help them when they can’t find the “narthex”).

Reach out to our students. They are amazing, young Christians who want to use their faith to change the world.

Sami Marasigan Executive Director of Hospitality & Evangelism

If someone is energized for ministry through their faith, then their financial gifts are a natural response to that energy and enthusiasm.

In our Finance Committee discussions, we believe the key to increased giving lies with every single person’s individual faith journey. That is, if someone is energized for ministry A key component of our recently through their faith, then their financommunicated First Church Vision cial gifts are a natural response to that has to do with resourcing First Church energy and enthusiasm. ministries by growing the number of tithing members. That is, moving peo- The challenge is this: if someone is ple along the continuum to where giv- going to feel God’s leading them to ing a tithe becomes a joyful response give generously, they need to spend the time nurturing their own faith to rather than a sense of obligation. the point where giving really is a joyHow do we do that? Just creating a vi- ful response to God’s presence. We sion doesn’t necessarily mean that we need to work on getting our hearts will suddenly have a huge increase in right with God, and our treasures will surely follow. tithing members.

This fall, many facets of First Church programming and ministry are being revamped and reinvigorated. There will be many new opportunities for study and learning, and new ways to find your own personal gifts for ministry. You will soon begin hearing about our fall giving campaign, but we know our potential for financial resources lies in the faithful hearts of our congregation. So plan to work on your faith journey in the coming months so that we can all move toward being a congregation of joyful givers!

Chris Hawkins Finance Committee

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Compassionate Care Marj Timmerman, Executive Director of Congregational Care, asked me to write the Congregational Care column for this month. It is probably a punishment for not writing a Lenten Devotional earlier this year!

There are a huge number of ways members of this congregation care for each other. I’ll tell you about some of them that I am involved in. If you have the time and inclination, you can be a part of various caring ministries here at First Church.

Prayer Ministry

for those who have I did not grow up in a home where difficulty driving “If you shift your focus from yourself to prayer was practiced. My dad, in fact, at night or in bad others, extend your concern to others, and weather? Usually cultivate the thought of caring for the well rarely attended church. rides are needed being of others, then this will have the imWhen I began my teaching career in to and from mediAugust of 1962 at a Catholic High cal tests for which mediate effect of opening up your life and School, the principal announced at you are not allowed helping you to reach out.” Dalai Lama XIV the new teacher orientation, “By the to drive yourself The bins in the north lobby are always way, all classes start and end with home. there to receive items for the food panprayer.” I was soon wondering how I would handle that. Forty years later (I’ve made use of that!) You get good try, MLK Tutoring Center, and others.

I found myself attending an Adult directions from Marj and from those You can also help out with the Work Council meeting here at First Church you are driving. Usually it takes about Program, Justice for Our Neighbors, and heard those words again, this time two hours or so. Bring a book and you and the MLK Tutoring Center. You can reach out even further and go on from Laure Mieskowski. “By the way, are all set. one of our mission trips. All this we all classes start and end with prayer.” do in the name of Christ.

Wow! That I can handle.

Caring Connection A lot of class leaders ask for prayer requests at the end of class. In the Disciple classes, you get to know folks in a much closer manner and begin the process of sharing prayers for each other over time and develop that sense of community. This also happens in Retiree Bible Study, which meets on Mondays. You can also be part of our prayer chain and see the requested prayers that come in from the Work Program, the website, and the Taizé service.

Another opportunity is our Caring Connection. Like to send cards? Visit?

Make a phone call?

Transportation Ministry

A Caring Congregation

Then this is for you! We meet the third Wednesday of the month at 9:00 am at New Beginnings on Michigan St NE for breakfast. We get a list of names from Marj of those who are experiencing change in their lives and need a little TLC. If you are working, and would still like to participate, Marj can get the list to you.

Did you know that we have only two or Congregational care may be a bit inthree drivers available to provide trans- ward looking and focused on ourselves. portation for those unable to drive or But, we are also a caring congregation and reach outside our walls to others.

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George Bob

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August 30 - September 6 Family Promise/IHN September 1, 7:00 am Work Program 5:30 pm Staff Parish Relations September 6 Blood Pressure and Communion Sunday 10:00 am Sunday Worship 10:00 am Infant Nursery and Toddler Room 10:15 am Hometown Nazareth: 4-yr old - 6th grade 11:00 pm Blood Pressure Clinic September 7 Labor Day: Church Building and Offices Closed September 8, 7:00 am Work Program 1:00 pm Staff meeting 5:00 pm Stephen Leader Meeting 5:30 pm Finance September 9, 5:00 pm Legacy 6:00 pm Young Adults Group September 10, 9:00 am Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal September 13 Homecoming Sunday 8:15 and 10:45 am Sunday Worship 9:15 am Church School for all ages 10:45 am Children & Worship and Shine (dismissed from worship) 12:00 pm Homecoming Meal 5:00 pm Senior & Junior High Youth, Kids’ Club, and Disciple I September 14, 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study September 15, 7:00 am Work Program 10:00 am Mom’s Group: Frog Hollow Park Playdate September 16, 8:30 am Road Trip to Midland 6:00 pm Young Adults Group 7:00 pm Refresh Worship (Taizé) September 17, 5:00 pm Trustees 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers Rehearsal 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal September 20, 8:15 and 10:45 am Sunday Worship 9:15 am Church School for all ages 10:45 am Children & Worship and Shine (dismissed from worship) 5:00 pm Senior & Junior High Youth and Kids’ Club

Mark your calendars Retiree Bible Study 60+ Luncheon Stephen Ministry Eric Strand Organ Recital Work Program ArtPrize begins in Grand Rapids ArtPrize Welcome Station hosted by Young Adults Group 6:30 pm Missions Commission September 24, 9:00 am Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 10:00 am Mom’s Group: ArtPrize Stroll(er) 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers Rehearsal 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal September 26, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm ArtPrize Lot Party 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Celebration of the Arts: Fall Preview Reception/Open House September 27 ArtPrize Lot Party 8:15 and 10:45 am Sunday Worship 9:15 am Church School for all ages 10:45 am Children & Worship and Shine (dismissed from worship) 5:00 pm Senior & Junior High Youth, Kids’ Club, and Disciple I September 28, 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 2:30 - 6:30 pm Blood Drive 7:00 pm Leadership Council September 29, 7:00 am Work Program September 30, 6:00 pm Young Adults Group

September 21, 11:00 am 12:00 pm 6:30 pm 8:00 pm September 22, 7:00 am September 23 5:00 - 8:00 pm

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

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NEW WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES

PERMIT #354 GRAND RAPIDS, MI

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

• 8:15 and 10:45 am • 9:15 am Church School for All Ages Come home to First Church following summer travels and vacations. Invite your friends and neighbors to make First Church their home, too!

A homecoming meal will be held following the 10:45 am worship service in Wesley Hall. Suggested donation $7 per person or $20 per family.

a i i a w n a h

Homecoming LUAU sunday

SEPTEMBER 13

www.grfumc.org/homecoming firstchurch@grandrapidsfumc.org

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