September 2016 Edition
In my study, there is a beautiful wood plaque that my wife h a d m a d e by a n artist in one of our former pastorates. It was given to me as a constant reminder of time that we had spent together at the Disney Key West Vacation Club in Orlando. A dear friend, from yet another former congregation, allowed us to enjoy her membership privileges for several years. What the wooden plaque says is, “WELCOME HOME!” Now the significance of that two-word phrase is that when we were guests at the Key West Vacation Club, every time that we entered the campus, we were greeted with a verbal, “WELCOME HOME!” The first time that it happened, I was taken aback! The greeter at the gated entrance came out of the little house to make sure that our names were on his reservation list. When our reservation was solidified, the greeter stuck out his hand to shake mine with, “Welcome Home.” I said, “Thanks – but what does that mean?” He said, “As long as you are our guest, we want you to feel at home! Our home is your home. Relax. Enjoy. And if we can do anything to make your stay more enjoyable, please let us know.”
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signs of “welcome” just as you will hear the phrase “Welcome Home” from greeters! We hope to create the atmosphere where First Church is like a spiritual home where we all are welcome. “Homecoming” Sunday is September 11. Our fall schedule will return with worship at 8:15 am in the upper room. The church school hour is from 9:15 - 10:15 am. Worship begins in the sanctuary at 10:45 am.
local churches, and clergy. Therefore, for three Sunday’s in September we will hold Pastor’s Forums. They are designed to be a time of presentation, questions, and discussion. The Forums will be held in the upper room at 9:15 am.
September 11 – What’s happening in the United Methodist Church? Reflections on General Conference, Episcopal elections, the request for a declaratory decision by the Judicial Council, and actions taken by local You will read about classes, activities, congregations, Boards of Ordained and ministries for all ages and stages. Ministries, and Annual Conferences. On September 11, I will be kicking off a fall sermon series on the Ten September 18 – The Council of Commandments that I have entitled, Bishops “Call to Prayer” and our “God’s Design for Freedom and participation in praying for the Responsibility.” United Methodist Church. As a United Methodist congregation, how I am also going to hold a three- can we enter fully into a season of prayer week Pastor’s Forum focused on the and discernment for our denomination, following: Since General Conference AND for ourselves and the ministry of 2016, (held in Portland, Oregon, that we have in our community. May 10-20) there have been lots of questions about the decisions that September 25 – We also have a were made and the impact of those call to “Action!” Being prayerful decisions on Annual Conferences, often produces “action” to follow our discernment. As we become more selfWe were welcomed graciously aware as a congregation and further and it did feel like “home” define our scope of ministry, what role do we play in the greater church during our stay. to “lead” rather than follow?
As we arrived at the welcome center where we were to check-in and get our key, a person greeted us by holding the door with the phrase, “Welcome Home.” The Guest Services attendant at the desk said, “Welcome Home!” We were welcomed graciously and it did feel like “home” during our stay.
Come and participate in this unique time of learning and conversation. The year of 2016-17 is shaping up to be a red-letter year in the life of First Church. Come and join us … and “Welcome Home!”
That is the kind of hospitality that we are hoping to achieve at First Church, particularly this fall. You will see
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Intentional Faith Development
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Pastor Bob Hundley
Pastor’s Message
Radical Hospitality 1
Risk-taking Mission and Service
Passionate Worship 5
Extravagant Generosity 4
3 Congregational Care
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Intentional Faith Development Fall Sunday Schedule You are invited to begin a new year with us on Sunday, September 11. For more faith development infor mation visit grfumc.org/ ministries or sign up online at www. grfumc.org/sign-up-sheet. 7:45 AM • North Lobby doors open
I came into Disciple halfway, wondering how I would fit into an already established group. I felt warm and included from the first meeting. After completing the New Testament, I am looking forward to going back and studying the history of the Jewish people, and possibly studying the New Testament again. Pigeon’s engaging leadership was a big part of my positive experience. Karin DeHaan
8:15 AM Worship – Upper Room • Nursery (Infant - Toddler) – Room 106 • Children’s Chapel (Preschool – 2nd grade) – Begin in worship, dismissed to Chapel 9:15 AM Church School for All Ages • Nursery (Infant/Crawler/Early Walkers) – Room 107 • Toddlers – Room 106 • Preschoolers – Experience the Spark – Room 302 • K – 4th grade – Activate the Spark – Rooms 303, 304, 305, 306 • 5th & 6th grade – Faith In Action – Vine Game Room (First Place) • Junior High – South Vine (First Place) • Senior High – North Vine (First Place) • Adult Classes: September 11, 18, and 25 o Pastor’s Forum for all adults – Upper Room (Church Bldg) • Adult Classes October 2 - November 20 (8 weeks) o Couples in Faith (30/40 Somethings) – Chapel (Church Bldg) o A Disciple’s Path – Library (Church Bldg) o Intro to Old Testament – Room 3107 (First Place) o Faith Link – Room 3108 (First Place)
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o Interfaith Dialogue – Room 3109 12:00 PM (First Place) • Unplugged (3rd – 6th grade): third Sunday of each month – 10:15 AM Location Varies check grfumc.org/ • Coffee / Fellowship – Wesley Hall unplugged • Chancel Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room 5:00 PM Evening Activities • Youth Choir Rehearsal – Upper • Disciple 2 Bible Study (begins Room (Parlor) September 18) – Room 105 (Church Bldg) 10:45 AM Worship – Sanctuary • Junior High Youth Group – South • Nursery (Infant/Crawler/Early Vine (First Place) Walkers) – Room 107 • Senior High Youth Group – North • Toddlers – Room 106 Vine (First Place) • Children & Worship (Preschool • The Method of Methodists (be– 2nd grade) – Begin in worship, gins October 2) – Library (Church dismissed to Rooms 302 Bldg) • Third Grade Bible Study – Begin in worship, dismissed to Room 303 • Special Needs (Children and Youth) – Shine Sensory Room – Begin in worship, dismissed to Room 304/305 11:45 AM • Coffee, Fellowship, and Special Events – Wesley Hall
Passionate Worship Worship
This fall, we will begin having a new worship resource available to us in the upper room. Coincidentally, this hymnal is called “The Upper Room Worshipbook” and will be used at the 8:15 am Sunday service as well as for prayer services at other times during the week, and for the occasional “Refresh” service. An ecumenical resource, it is a broad and diverse collection of hymns, musical settings of the psalms, and prayer songs. Familiar tunes are often paired with a number of new texts which can be chosen to fit the occasion. It’s called a “Worshipbook” because it contains much more than songs and hymns. There are prayers, services, and informative essays on various topics concerning music and worship. It is a great resource for prayer at various times of day: morning, noon, evening, and night. There is an exceptional collection of music from Taizé and Iona, as well as an extensive body of global songs. It is an excellent resource for worship gatherings of all sizes as well as for individual prayer and meditation. The next time you are in the upper room, take the opportunity to exploring this Worshipbook. It will be time well spent.
An important and critical aspect of “Passionate Worship” is participation by those gathered. As our program year gets underway in a few weeks, I invite you to seek out ways to participate in the worship life of the church.
I invite you to seek out ways to participate in the worship life of the church. There are opportunities to sing, play an instrument, support worship, speak, and many other ways to positively impact the worship life of this community of faith. For those in 6th grade through high school, the youth choir meets on Sunday mornings from 10:15 to 10:45 am. The Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7:15 to 9:00 pm. There are a An important and critical aspect of number of openings in the handbell “Passionate Worship” is participation choir, The Jubilation Ringers, that by those gathered. As our program rehearse on Thursday evenings from year gets underway in a few weeks, 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
If you play an instrument and would like to offer those gifts, please let me know so that we might find the right opportunity for you to play a solo or in a group, depending on your comfort level. In addition to these musical opportunities, there are many people involved in the worship support ministries, such as greeter or usher. Liturgists help lead worship through prayers, reading scripture, and responsive acts. There are many opportunities that I encourage you to consider this fall. Together, may we worship God in spirit, truth, and deed. Eric Strand Executive Director of Worship and the Arts
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Risk-Taking Mission and Service
Our week in Detroit was an eye opening experience that gave the youth of our church the opportunity to see the needs we have in our own state and take action to make a difference.
Junior and Senior High Mission Trip to Cass Community Social Services On July 24th a group of nine youth and four leaders hit the road for a week of service at Cass Community Social Services in Detroit. Upon our arrival at Cass, we learned that many of the staff were planning on working late into the night to prepare for a visit from a senator. Even though we were not scheduled to start working until the next day, our youth jumped
right in as we offered to help the staff get ready for the senator’s visit. We headed over to Mom’s Place where we spent the evening painting doors, scrubbing walls, and moving furniture. Mom’s Place is a transitional housing program for moms and their children. Unfortunately, Cass lost funding for their mom’s program and is hoping the senator can find funding to bring the program back. The youth worked nonstop to get Mom’s Place cleaned up for the senator’s visit. Their hard work and dedication continued throughout the week as they helped shred documents for Cass Community’s document destruction program, prepared and served lunch for the Detroit community, and assisted with the day program for developmentally disabled adults. On Wednesday morning we were taken out into the Detroit community on a tire hunt. Tires are illegally dumped in many vacant lots in Detroit, and Cass travels around the city picking them up to recycle into mud mats and sandals. Since the tires are mainly sitting outside in the open, they are filled with water. The only way to get the water out of the tires is to throw them on the ground as the water splashes out. In the beginning everyone tried to stay dry as the water
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splattered onto the ground, but it was not long before everyone was covered in “tire funk.” On our way back to Cass the youth took a tour through some of the nearby neighborhoods. It was amazing to see how one street would be filled with abandoned houses and just a couple blocks away there were impeccable homes filled with families. On Thursday we had the opportunity to make mud mats using the sidewalls of tires that had been collected from around the city of Detroit. Strips of the sidewalls are combined together with beads in an intricate pattern to create mud mats that Cass sells. Profits from the mud mats are used to employ jobless men in the community. It’s a project that not only cleans up the Detroit community, but also provides jobs for the citizens of Detroit. Our week in Detroit was an eye opening experience that gave the youth of our church the opportunity to see the needs we have in our own state and take action to make a difference. Thank you to everyone who prayed for and supported this trip. Heather Yzenbaard Director of Senior High Youth
Radical Hospitality Welcome Home
First Church has also become my home. I especially feel at home as I walk into the sanctuary on a Sunday morning or when I gather with our young adults on a Wednesday evening.
As many students are preparing to move away from home for the first time, I am reminded of my move to Adrian College. I remember how excitedly nervous I was to move to a new town and to meet my new roommate. I wondered what it would be like to share 12 foot room with another person. Would my ballerinafrom-Texas roommate want to be friends with this dorky, business/ religion major from Cedar Springs?
Fast-forward to the end of my senior year. I had become close friends with my roommate, gained a great education, grew in my faith through the Christian groups on campus, made Adrian College my home. Soon, I would be getting married and moving into my first apartment. Then a year later, buying our first home. Each place fondly became my home.
First Church has also become my home. I especially feel at home as I walk into the sanctuary on a Sunday morning or when I gather with our young adults on a Wednesday evening. I am a part of the First Church family. You are too. We share our joys and sorrows. We grow together.
On Homecoming Sunday, September 11, you will see “Welcome Home” signs throughout the church. This is a reminder, that every time you walk into First Church, you are welcomed home. This is also a cue to remind you to welcome each visitor as a guest into our First Church home.
I hope you feel that First Church is your home too. If it is, I challenge you to intentionally make it a home to others as well. Imagine that each person you interact with is a guest in your home. How might you greet them? Do you welcome guests with open arms, introducing them to those around you? Do you invite them to a cup of coffee? Do you connect throughout the week, hold each other accountable, pray for each other, encourage each other?
We can’t wait to welcome you home on Sunday, September 11 for worship at 8:15 and 10:45 am and a Homecoming Dinner following the second service.
Extravagant Generosity What does it mean to be “Extravagantly Generous”? Jesus advised the rich young ruler that the ultimate definition of Extravagant Generosity- indeed the key to eternal life- is to sell everything you have and give the proceeds to the poor. Most of us get really hung up on the literal instruction given by Jesus, and miss the idea that by making Christ the center of our lives, we are freed from our worries over our wealth and possessions.
our culture. Now some may say that all of these folks are very wealthy and can truly afford to be generous. But that is simply not the case. There are people of very limited means who generously support First Church- and budget accordingly. In other words- they are giving their First Fruits to God.
Sami Marasigan, Executive Director of Hospitality Sami Fun Fact: When I get home (mine, my parents, or sometimes the office), I typically say “Hi Honey, I’m home.” What motivates this generosity? Certainly it is not these articles by the Finance Chairperson! Rather, these folks have taken to heart the words of Jesus to sell their possessions- in other words to release themselves from their fear and worry over money and “stuff ”- and to walk with Jesus in serving the least and the lost. This freedom is real. People describe the sense of euphoria that comes from making a decision to simplify their wants, and focus on giving first, and they find it far easier than expected to live off the rest.
We have folks who have little to no disposable income who will ride the For those that have come to experience bus or walk to participate in ministry We are all on a faith journey. We’re all at this freedom from want and worry, during the week- giving of their time different places in out walk with God. there comes a faithful and confident without hesitation. As you continue your journey, I hope ability to give generously out of the you are taking the time to observe the abundance that God has provided. God calls us to tithe- to give one tenth happy saints among us at First Church of what God has provided- but we who have come to know the joys of We are blessed at First Church have several unassuming saints in our generous giving! to have so many folks who give First Church family who give more so generously- without fanfare or than that- and are always there with Chris Hawkins recognition- knowing that they need additional gifts to special causes that Finance Committee not “hold back”. They are free from arise from time to time. worry about the material demands of
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Congregational Care Asking For Help? Asking for help can be one of the most difficult things to do. Some may believe that if they are truly strong enough in their faith that they don’t need to reach out for support. Others worry about what others may think if they find out they see a “therapist.” I believe we are meant to bear one another’s burdens - and that means being strong enough to recognize that you and I sometimes need human help!
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
Family Concerns – adoption and foster care issues, blended family challenges, childhood issues, divorce adjustment, breaking bad habits, parenting, and parent-teen conflicts. Grief and Loss Emotional Struggles – depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, feeling discouraged or overwhelmed, body image, and eating disorders/weight management. Alcohol and Substance Abuse Adult Issues – financial concerns, work pressure, time management, legal issues, family conflict, fatigue, elder care, suicide prevention, suicide recovery, worry, malaise, and organizational resilience.
Our Church Assistance Program (CAP) is in place to help strengthen us and keep us healthy! Simply by calling 455-6210 and identifying that you are part of CAP at First United Methodist Church, you are given up to three faceto-face one-hour appointments for each individual in your household at NO COST TO YOU. You are not limited to the number of times you may call with a new issue but you are limited to three sessions for any one issue. All contacts are confidential. I receive a report only stating the number of people who use CAP each month. No names or specific details are ever given. Confidentiality is maintained at all times. How do you contact CAP? You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to So what issues can be addressed speak to a counselor by calling 455through CAP? Just about anything! 6210. When calling, remember to Some examples include: identify yourself as a CAP member. The person answering the phone will ask your name, what concern you have, and which clinic would be easiest for you to visit. If it is an emergency situation, you will be directly transferred on the phone to a counselor who will listen and then schedule a face-to-face appointment for you ASAP. You may also call any Pine Rest Clinic directly Monday through Friday to schedule an appointment. There are many clinic locations in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas.
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In the first 6 months of 2016, 11 people have used CAP. We pay a set annual fee to be a CAP congregation so it doesn’t cost us any more if it is used a lot or any less if it is not used. Family members of our members are also eligible to use CAP. Please take advantage of this wonderful service if you or a family member has a need! Bob VandePol, Executive Director of the Pine Rest CAP program, recently said in a letter, “Asking for help requires tremendous strength. It shows I value myself and those around me enough to humble myself and fix something. It means I am optimistic enough to expect improvement – that I have faith in Christ’s healing power! …. It also sends a positive message to those who look to me for leadership and gives them permission to ask for help as well.” So let us truly bear one another’s burdens – and when we are the ones who are burdened, please reach out to a trusted friend, your Pastoral Care Team, or CAP. Be brave, healthy, and blessed! Peace and joy,
Marj Timmerman RN Executive Director of Congregational Care
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Communion Sunday Sunday Worship Infant Nursery and Toddler Room “Circuit Riders” church school ages preschool - 6th grade (dismissed following the Moments with Children) 11:00 am Blood Pressure Clinic September 6, 7:00 am Work Program September 7, 6:00 pm Young Adult Group: Welcome Home Night September 8, 9:00 am Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers Rehearsal 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal September 11 “Welcome Home” Homecoming Sunday 8:00 am Infant and Toddler Nurseries Open 8:15 and 10:45 am Sunday Worship 8:30 am Children’s Chapel (dismissed from worship) 9:15 am Church School for all ages and Pastor’s Forum 10:45 am Children & Worship, 3rd Grade Bible Study, and Shine (dismissed from worship) 12:00 pm Homecoming Meal 5:00 pm Senior & Junior High Youth September 12, 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 5:00 pm Trustees September 12, 1:00 pm Staff meeting September 13, 7:00 am Work Program 5:30 pm Finance Committee September 14, 10:00 am Celebration Fall Preview Art Hanging 6:00 pm Young Adult Group: Bible Study @ J. Gardella’s September 15, 5:00 pm JFON Clinic 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers Rehearsal 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal September 17, 8:30 am Feeding America September 18, 8:00 am Infant and Toddler Nurseries Open 8:15 and 10:45 am Sunday Worship 8:30 am Children’s Chapel (dismissed from worship) 9:15 am Church School for all ages and Pastor’s Forum 10:45 am Children & Worship, 3rd Grade Bible Study, and Shine (dismissed from worship) 12:00 pm Unplugged: 3rd-6th Grade Adventures
September 4 10:00 am 10:00 am 10:00 am
Mark your calendars 5:00 pm Senior & Junior High Youth and Disciple II September 19, 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 12:00 pm 60+ Luncheon 1:00 pm Staff meeting 6:30 pm Stephen Ministry September 20, 7:00 am Work Program 7:00 am Middlebury Road Trip September 21, 9:00 am Caring Connection 5:00 pm Young Adult Group: ArtPrize Open House 6:30 pm Disciple I 6:30 pm Jesus in the Gospels September 22, 9:00 am Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers Rehearsal 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal September 24, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm ArtPrize LotParty 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Celebration of the Arts Fall Preview Open House September 25, 8:00 am Infant and Toddler Nurseries Open 8:15 and 10:45 am Sunday Worship 8:30 am Children’s Chapel (dismissed from worship) 9:15 am Church School for all ages and Pastor’s Forum 10:45 am Children & Worship, 3rd Grade Bible Study, and Shine (dismissed from worship) 11:00 am - 3:00 pm ArtPrize LotParty and Picnic 5:00 pm Disciple II September 26, 11:00 am Retiree Bible Study 1:00 pm Staff meeting 2:30 pm Blood Drive 7:00 pm Leadership Council September 27, 7:00 am Work Program September 28, 12:00 pm Staff Prayer Service 6:30 pm Disciple I 6:30 pm Jesus in the Gospels September 29, 6:00 pm Jubilation Ringers Rehearsal 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal
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“Welcome Home” to First Church following summer travels and vacations. Invite your friends and neighbors to make First Church their home, too! To celebrate Homecoming Sunday, you are invited to join us for a meal in Wesley Hall after the 10:45 am worship service. Enjoy a delicious taco bar and Kitty’s ice cream cake for dessert. Suggested donation $7 per person or $20 per family.
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