F irst Pulse
First United Methodist Church Grand Rapids | grfumc.org
September 2017
together
AGAIN! Stories from First Church and the impact on the lives of our community.
First Pulse | September ‘17
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F irst Pulse September 2017
On the cover
Together Again! Join us for both worship and education this fall beginning September 10. Something for everyone!
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Senior High Youth mission trip. Read more on page 6.
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Lemonade on the Lawn participants!
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OUR MISSION To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
OUR PURPOSE
To fulfill the call of Christ to be spiritually alive in the city while embracing the world. 2
First Pulse | September ‘17
INCLUSIVITY Inclusiveness means openness, acceptance, and support that enable all persons to participate in the life of the Church, the community, and the world; therefore, inclusiveness denies every semblance of discrimination.
Community Dialogue on Race by The Methodist Connection Every church that I have ever served has referred to the Sunday after Labor Day as “Homecoming Sunday.” While the official liturgical calendar does not recognize the second Sunday of September as the start of the church program year, practically speaking, that is exactly what it is. The pragmatic rhythm of life aligns more with the calendar of public or college education than it does the January through December calendar or the liturgical calendar. We are conditioned early in our lives that serious work is done from Labor Day through the first two weeks of June; and then there is summer. Over the years, I have attempted to challenge or change the realities of that sociological rhythm in light of the church calendar, but to no avail. So think back to the images of “Homecoming” for you. Being a Spartan fan, we love the feeling as well as the activities of “Homecoming” weekend. There are concerts, parades, sporting events, food, gathering of friends, and the coming together of people that have a common bond that draws them to a weekend celebration. That is a pretty good image to duplicate in the church, don’t you think? “Home-Coming” Sunday is September 10. Our fall schedule returns 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. The theme this year is “Together Again!” My message for the morning is “We Are Stronger Together.” Church school classes begin again, and on the 10th, I will be holding a 9:15 am Forum in the Upper Room to share some of the details about the
ministry opportunities, challenges, and changes we are facing as a congregation. In typical “Homecoming” style, we are going to enjoy food and fellowship after worship as well. It is a big day in the life of the church that you will not want to miss. If you missed my sermon on August 20th, please access it through the website or on YouTube. If you want to know what is going on with the vision of First Church and how we are doing with our progress on the Strategic Plan, please watch, listen, or read that sermon. That information will be the basis of the FORUM topics including a preliminary report about the work of the Building Committee. Christian education classes begin after the 10th with a good variety of adult classes with Bible studies, understanding grief and health care choices, a current events-focused class, a church history class, and a Church Leadership Class on Wednesday evening. One final word is in order about the Methodist Connection and the tremendous event on Saturday evening, August 26. For a Saturday evening, on the last Saturday of August on a beautiful evening, around 125 people gathered to think and talk about racism. We had a tremendous response from our members. It was a positive evening of inter-racial fellowship and positive interaction. Little by little, we are making a difference. The year of 2017 – 18 is shaping up to be a red-letter year in the life of First Church. Come and join us on the journey. Let’s get together again, not just on September 10, but each Sunday throughout the year as we grow in our faith and ministry as we influence our community with the love of God. Grace and peace to you all.
Pastor Bob
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Radical Hospitality Room at the Table for YOU!
Would you like the opportunity to make new connections and build faith-shaping friendships? This fall you are invited to build community and extend hospitality through Dinner for Eight. Each time you meet (in a group of 8) for a potluck meal, it will be with a new group of people, so you will get to make many new friendships. Here’s what participants have to say: “We began participating in Dinner for Eight not long after we joined First Church in 1999 and have continued to take part every year since. It has been a wonderful opportunity for us to spend time getting to know both new and long-time church members in a relaxed social setting. Because our membership is rather large, this has been a chance for us to make church friends we might not have contact with in any other way.” — Suzy and Nelson Wood
Would you like the opportunity to make new connections and build faith-shaping friendships?
“Bill and I both love taking part in Dinner for Eight! We have participated for a number of years now, as both guests and hosts. With only three dinners each year, the time commitment is not too onerous, and hosting is just as much fun as being someone else’s guest. We have met many great people this way, and the food is always outstanding! If you love good food, good conversation and making good friends, Dinner for Eight is a great way to do it!” — Marlys and Bill Davis Sign up online at grfumc.org/ sign-up-sheet as participants or as hosts, by Sept 17 so you can be assigned to your groups.
• Inviting your neighbors to join us for the FREE ArtPrize Block Party event on Sept 23 & 24, 11am-3pm. We’ll have a bounce house, drawing for a free bike, crafts and activities. Do you have a friend with talent? Invite them to the Block Party’s Talent Show that takes place on Sept 24 at 12:12pm. They may even win a prize!
An ArtPrize Invitation ArtPrize brings thousands of visitors to downtown for all types of art! This is an amazing opportunity for you to INVITE your friends, family, co-workers, classmates, and neighbors to First Church. We are in the perfect spot! Consider… • Inviting a friend to meet you for worship, lunch, then a walk through ArtPrize. Let your guests know that they are invited to leave their cars here for free, because there are many great restaurant and art options all within walking distance. ArtPrize Sundays are: Sept 24, Oct 1 & 8.
• Inviting your co-workers and their pets to join us for an ArtPrize Blessing of the Animals Service on Wednesday, Oct 4, 6:30pm. After the service, take your guest and furry friends out for an evening stroll through ArtPrize. Sami Marasigan, Director of Hospitality
Give to UMCOR to assist the victims of Hurricane Harvey online at www.umcor.org.
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First Pulse | September ‘17
PASSIONATE WORSHIP Music and Arts Ministry
“Do Hymns Still Matter?” As United Methodists, we have a rich and unbroken practice of singing our faith through our hymns. Charles Wesley wrote over 6,000 hymns, with about 600 concerning the Lord’s Supper. The United Methodist Church is in the process of developing a new hymnal that will be approved by the 2020 General Conference and published the following year. The hymnal is to be quite flexible in its construction, a “cloud-based” hymnal that is “customizable” for each congregation. It will be interesting to watch as this new hymnal is developed, as it seems to me that we need new hymns to express the needs and challenges of our current age and condition. Here are just a few reasons why I think hymns still matter to the church: • Hymns teach our theology. One important function of the hymn is to teach the faith community the theology of the church. The hymns we sing are intended to tell the story and to support and encourage our faith, mission, and action in the world. • Hymns give us a language to express our deepest feelings and longings, as well as give us direction toward taking positive action in the world through speaking up for the less fortunate, and working for justice and peace in our world. • Hymns allow us to worship together. Hymns allow a large body of the gathered community to sing words and ideas simultaneously. Hymns are written with a larger group of singers in mind. • Hymns span the generations. A singing congregation often sings hymns from a variety of time periods, ancient and modern. Hymn singing is a way of connecting ourselves to the faithful in every generation. One type of hymn that I enjoy singing is one I call the “summary” hymn. For example, hymn #2197 (The Faith We Sing) “Lord of All Hopefulness” is a prayer for the presence of God throughout one’s day: at the break, at the noon, at the eve, and at the
end. The course of the day can also be viewed as the course of one’s life as well. Other hymns such as “My Song Is Love Unknown” and #261 “Lord of the Dance” summarize the Life of Christ, from birth and baptism, through death, resurrection, and ascension. One of my favorite hymns is a text that summarizes the work of Sunday morning, and seems quite appropriate as we come around to Homecoming Sunday. We, the Lord’s people, heart and voice uniting, praise him who called us out of sin and darkness into his own light, that he might anoint us a royal priesthood. This is the Lord’s house, home of all his people, school for the faithful, refuge for the sinner, rest for the pilgrim, haven for the weary; all find a welcome. This is the Lord’s day, day of God’s own making, day of creation, day of resurrection, day of the Spirit, sign of heaven’s banquet, day for rejoicing. In the Lord’s service bread and wine are offered, that Christ may take them, bless them, break, and give them to all his people, his own life imparting, food everlasting. (John Bowers, b. 1923) And, speaking of uniting heart and voice, why not consider joining one of our choirs? The vocal and instrumental choirs meet regularly for rehearsals and services, and always welcome new members. Contact me at erics@grandrapidsfumc.org or just show up for a rehearsal and we will get you singing or playing as the case may be. “How often, making music, we have found a new dimension in the world of sound, as worship moved us to a more profound Alleluia.” — Hymn 68 Eric Strand Director of Music and the Arts
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Intentional Faith Development Senior High Mission Trip to Columbia County, NY
I serve because the church first served my family and me. It’s amazing to give back to the community and show the world God’s love. — Bonito Barutwanayo
On July 21st a group of twelve youth and four leaders hit the road for a week of service in Columbia This has been the best week of my summer! I got to County, NY with Reach Mission Trips. While our meet some of the friendliest and most loving people primary focus was to go and be of service to the from across the country. After a whole week on a community, Reach made sure that our students roof and staining a deck together, I have made some were provided with opportunities to grow in faith amazing friends that I will never forget. throughout the week. Each day we attended — Darcy Walker both a morning and evening program that focused on a particular theme. Our Reach Mission Trips was a total blessing program theme for the week was Light for me, and was super awesome. It It Up. We were encouraged to be a helped me reconnect with my faith I serve because the light in the community as we served and develop a stronger bond with church first served at our worksites. Each of the youth the Lord. It was fun to serve for the stepped up to the challenge. In the Heavenly Father through working my family and me. It’s midst of a rainy workweek, our on houses in the community. amazing to give back to youth left each morning ready to — Michael Law the community and show get to work. Every person on the the world God’s love. trip has their own unique story to I had an amazing time at work camp. - Bonito Barutwanayo share about what they experienced. It meant a lot to me to go out of my While there is not enough room to comfort zone and out to a place I’d share everything that happened on never heard of to serve others. I thank the trip, here is a little taste of what the God and the community of FUMC for the youth experienced while we were serving in opportunity to go on the mission trip. Thank Columbia County, NY. you for all that you guys do for me and for others. — Francine Niyukuri This week I learned about tenacity and grit. We worked on an old woman’s house, we created a ramp, Our week in New York gave the youth of the church and extended her deck. I also learned that even the opportunity to step away from their everyday lives though you may think you’re and focus on serving others, growing in faith, and alone, God will always building new relationships. Thank you to everyone be with you. This was who prayed for us and supported this trip. a great week. — Sage Faustino Heather Yzenbaard Director of Senior High Youth
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First Pulse | September ‘17
Risk-Taking Outreach and Mission The Methodist Connection: Community Dialogue on Race
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ― Howard Thurman In the wake of the racist and antiSemitic violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, Christians across the nation are looking for ways to take action. A common question, “What can I do?” was answered this week by panelists at The Methodist Connection’s “Community Dialogue on Race,” held on August 26th at First Church. Several community leaders remarked that “gatherings like this [The Dialogue]” were a critical step toward dismantling racism. Featured speaker, Mead Goedert, author of The African American Urban Male’s Journey to Success: Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Race, Gender, and Social Class, stated that he was “encouraged” by the diversity of the crowd gathered. In addition to hearing from Dr. Goedert, a panel of local leaders (Mrs. Beverly Drake, Retired Executive Director of Area Community Services Employment and Training Council; Mr. Rhondo Cooper, Director of Upward Bound, Grand Rapids Community College; Mr. Alvin Hills, Liability Risk Management Analyst at the City of Grand Rapids; Hon. Senita Lenear, Third Ward City Commissioner; Dr. Bill Pink,
President of Grand Rapids Community College; and Mr. T.A. El-Amin, Educator and Retired Business) shared their thoughts on race, racism, and changes that need to occur in order to overcome the systemic racism that plagues our society.
nation: “You have to find in your heart that spark of accountability. I don’t want you to turn away. You poke that finger at “It [racism] is a sin,” stated Dr. yourself and Bill Pink, connecting the social make it happen. You take that extra and theological step. You find a facets of racism. way to make a For more information The Methodist contact the Southern Poverty difference in the Connection has world.” Law Center, a leading been drawing resource in the nation on people of faith The Methodist race and hate crimes, at together and Connection www.splcenter.org. encouraging is one way in cross-racial conversations and which you can get involved through relationships for over a decade. First Church. Contact Gary Rich A coalition of First Community (grich2215@gmail.com) or Pastor AME, St Luke AME Zion, First Amee (pastoramee@gmail.com or United Methodist, and Hilliard 616.551.9944 cell) for details. Chapel AME Zion churches, Rev. Amee Paparella The Methodist Connection has Associate Pastor been active through a variety of activities and meetings, from Hurricane Harvey working together on a Habitat for Humanity build to ongoing book As with humanitarian crises that groups. The Methodist Connection occur all over the globe, The provides space for open and frank United Methodist Committee communication on race and raceon Relief (UMCOR) was among related issues. the first agencies on the ground assisting in relief efforts. With all The work of racial justice is overhead costs already covered by complicated and ongoing. It is not the annual One Great Hour of simply about attending counterSharing collection, every penny protests or even changing personal donated toward Hurricane Harvey attitudes. It requires fundamental relief efforts goes directly to those changes to our public policies, in need. social norms, and institutional structures, including the church. For how to give financially, as well Above all else, it takes people as other ways you can get involved willing to get involved. in helping our Texan neighbors, visit: http://bit.ly/2vEeR7h. At her daughter’s funeral, the mother of Charlottesville victim Heather Heyer, implored the
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EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY Resource Development
Leaving A Legacy… More Income/Less Taxes Maybe you’re considering putting the church in your estate plan, or maybe you’ve even told us verbally about your wishes. If so, we thank you for your support of First Church! With your planned giving intentions, our mission and ministry will continue for future generations. There is another option for you to consider. Have you thought about donating assets for a charitable gift annuity? There are many immediate advantages to doing so. Receive More Income Now A charitable gift annuity provides fixed, guaranteed payments for the life of up to two annuitants. The payout percentage is based on age, so the older you are, the higher the rate. The current rates for one-life annuities are 7.8% for an 85-year-old, 5.8% for a 75-yearold, and 4.7% for a 65-year-old. This is probably higher than what you are earning from the asset now, especially in this economic environment. Setting up a charitable gift annuity may increase your cash flow. As an example, 85-year-old Mrs. Jones sets up a $25,000 charitable gift annuity. Her annuity payout percentage is 7.8%. This means that she can count on $1,950 from her gift annuity every year, for as long as she lives. Pay Less Taxes Now Another advantage of the charitable gift annuity is that, since it is irrevocable, you receive a charitable income tax deduction in the year in which you fund it. If you itemize deductions, this gift may reduce your income tax liability, and put more money in your pocket. It may be worth examining the financial benefits of using some of that bequest to fund a charitable gift annuity now. Make Your Income Steady and Reliable Right Away Gift annuity payments are fixed and guaranteed for life. Once you determine the payment frequency (quarterly, semi-annually or annually) each payment will be the same. Even if the stock market is on a roller coaster ride – your payments will not change during your lifetime. Quite often, the payments you receive will be higher than they would have been from the asset you used to fund the annuity. If a steady, reliable, and larger cash flow is a goal, the charitable gift annuity may help you achieve it. 8
First Pulse | September ‘17
If you think that using some of your bequest assets to fund a charitable gift annuity makes sense for you, let us know how we can be of assistance. We can prepare a personalized illustration at no obligation. It will show how a gift annuity may work in your circumstances. If you do move forward with a charitable gift annuity, we’ll do our part to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Please contact Sharon Sorensen if you would like to see a gift annuity illustration. It is that easy! Visit www. grfumc.org/planned-giving. Dan Miller Legacy Chairperson The annuity rates are based on current ACGA rates for gifts. This article is intended to provide general gift planning information. First United Methodist Church is not qualified to provide specific legal, tax, or investment advice. Consult with your legal and financial advisors before a final decision is made.
Congregational Care As the summer draws to a close, I look back with many positive memories of the past few months. One positive summer memory was joining the staff here at First Church and having the opportunity to be in ministry with you in the heart of Grand Rapids. Many people have asked me, “How long have you been in ministry?” I cannot point to the year and date that ministry started for me. One beginning memory is when I started singing in church when I was six years old. I think music has been an important way for me to connect to God and share in ministry with others.
I look forward to all that is coming! Word is out there about the ministry partnership with Clark, and ministry is at the heart of what we do at Clark Retirement Community. Pastor Bob, Pastor Amee, Marj, Father Rock, and I are developing in this emerging ministry with the residents at Clark. Through visitation, worship, and education we are developing a new ministry model learning time and time again about the important role faith plays in the lives of older adults.
In the coming months, I look forward to learning Officially, I have been part of the West Michigan more about you and the ministry gifts that you bring Conference since 1998. I have served local churches to our growing community. If you are curious about in Dallas, Texas and Mason, Michigan and been Clark Retirement Community, please talk with us in ministry with other specific communities-based or join us for a tour or worship. Worship is held at ministries during that time. I have served as Clark in the chapel on Sundays at 3:00 pm a community-based ministry leader to and Thursdays at 6:30 pm. I am looking homeless youth, college students, forward to the fall and a new season of older adults living in a retirement ministry that is taking shape here at community, and in a communityFirst Church. based federally funded program to senior living in the Rev. Tim Tuthill In the coming community. Director of Congregational months, I look Care forward to learning Ministry takes on different roles – always listening to more about you and the one another and for the voice ministry gifts that you of God in the midst of the bring to our growing challenges and celebrations. community. First Church is strengthened by the different ministries going o n w i t h i n the church and in the community. There is a great team working together to care for one another while reaching out in new ways.
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September 2017 Friday, September 1 5:00 pm – Wedding Rehearsal Saturday, September 2 2:30 pm – Wedding Sunday, September 3 Communion Sunday Blood Pressure Sunday 10:00 am – Worship Monday, September 4 Labor Day Church Offices and Building Closed Tuesday, September 5 7:00 am – Work Program 5:30 pm – Staff/Parish Relations Committee Wednesday, September 6 6:00 pm – Young Adults Group: Bible Study at J. Gardella’s 6:30 pm – Church Ensemble Rehearsal Thursday, September 7 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Rehearsal Sunday, September 10 Homecoming Sunday 8:15 am – Nurseries 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel A
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9:00 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 9:15 am – Church School for all ages • Infant – Wobblers: Room 107 • Walkers – 3 year olds: Room 106 • Preschool – 4th grade: Activate the Spark – Room 203 • 5th – 6th grade: Faith In Action – Room 201 • 7th – 8th grade: Confirmation Class (registration required) – South Vine • 9th – 12th grade: Senior High Sunday School – North Vine • Adult Class: Forum with Pastor Bob – Upper Room 10:45 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children & Worship, Third Grade Bible Study, and Shine: Sensory Room 12:00 pm – Homecoming Meal 5:00 pm – Jr High and Sr High Youth Group Monday, September 11 11:00 am – Retiree Bible Study 5:00 pm – Trustees 5:00 pm – Stephen Leader Meeting Tuesday, September 12 7:00 am – Work Program 5:30 pm – Finance Meeting
Wednesday, September 13 5:30 pm – Young Adults Group: Volunteering at Kids’ Food Basket 6:00 pm – Disciple I Thursday, September 14 9:00 am – Moms and Muffins Date 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers Rehearsal 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Rehearsal Saturday, September 16 8:30 am – Feeding America Sunday, September 17 Baptism Sunday 8:15 am – Nurseries 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel 9:00 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 9:15 am – Church School for all ages 9:15 am – Adult Education Classes • Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters Most in the End • A Disciple’s Path/Membership • The Legacy of First Church • Faith Link • Couples in Faith Class 10:45 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children & Worship, Third Grade Bible Study, and Shine: Sensory Room 5:00 pm – Jr High and Sr High Youth Group 6:00 pm – Disciple II
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First Pulse | September ‘17
Monday, September 18 11:00 am – Retiree Bible Study 12:00 pm – 60+ Luncheon 5:30 pm – Building Committee 6:30 pm – Stephen Ministry Tuesday, September 19 7:00 am – Work Program 6:30 pm – Missions Commission Wednesday, September 20 9:00 am – Caring Connection 5:00 pm – Young Adult Group: ArtPrize Open House 6:00 pm – Disciple I 6:30 pm – Church Ensemble Rehearsal
Give to UMCOR to assist the victims of Hurricane Harvey online at www.umcor.org. Sunday, September 24 8:15 am – Nurseries 8:15 am – Sunday Worship 8:30 am – Children’s Chapel 9:00 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 9:15 am – Church School for all ages 11:00 am – ArtPrize Block Party 10:45 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 10:45 am – Children & Worship, Third Grade Bible Study, and Shine: Sensory Room 5:00 pm – Jr High and Sr High Youth Group 6:00 pm – Disciple II
Thursday, September 21 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers Rehearsal 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Rehearsal Saturday, September 23 11:00 am – ArtPrize Block Party ALL Invited! FREE: bounce house, games, crafts, and activities for all ages in our lower parking lot!
Monday, September 25 11:00 am – Retiree Bible Study 2:30 pm – Blood Drive 7:00 pm – Leadership Council
Tuesday, September 26 7:00 am – Work Program Wednesday, September 27 5:30 pm – Young Adult Group 6:00 pm – What does it mean to be a Leader in the Church? 6:00 pm – Disciple I Thursday, September 28 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers Rehearsal 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir Rehearsal A
Moment with the Children featuring Goliath.
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Senior High Youth mission trip.
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Arts Alive Camp: Kindness University
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Saturday & Sunday September 23 & 24 11am – 3pm Block Party - ALL Invited! es! FREE Games, Crafts & Activities for ALL Ag FREE Bounce House, Coffee & Water. Drawing to win a FREE Bike.
Additional Sunday Activities:
11:30am Prayers & Music epted) 12:00pm Picnic (lunch available, donation acc awarded!) 12:12pm Talent Show (Open to all ages! Prizes
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More information at www.grfumc.org/artpri