September 2018 First Pulse

F irst Pulse

First United Methodist Church Grand Rapids | grfumc.org

September 2018

Swing into Fall!

Stories from First Church and the impact on the lives of our community.

First Pulse | September ‘18

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F irst Pulse

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September 2018

On the cover

Homecoming Sunday is September 9!

Get back into the swing of things with First Church!

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B

Summer worship with Bishop Bard.

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Junior High Week of Giving

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Arts Alive Camp was held in June!

Sintowing Fall!

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Homecoming Sunday is September 9!

Get back into the swing of things with First Church!

First United Methodist Church

227 Fulton St E Grand Rapids, MI 49503

www.grfumc.org/homecoming

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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.

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First Pulse | September ‘18

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.

Grace and peace to you as the First Church congregation looks forward to beginning our fall season. The program year begins with a host of activities, ministries and spiritual enrichment opportunities that kick-off once again on September 9.

We call it “Homecoming Sunday!” The "go-go-go" of summer activities begin taking a hiatus because young people are back in school, summer vacations are winding down, cottages will soon be closed for the year, outdoor pools are emptied and covered, and we begin to hunker down to do the work that seems synonymous with fall. So it is fitting to set aside the first Sunday after Labor Day to gather and celebrate the beginning of a new program year at our "home" church.

You will read about all of the activities on the 9th. A LOT IS HAPPENING … with guest musicians, food and fellowship, classes, and worship. I will begin the fall sermon series called “Attitude is Everything!”

Each Sunday until Thanksgiving, we will be considering the "Be-Attitudes." Matthew 5 will be our primary source of how Jesus taught and influenced his disciples. I invite you to begin your own prayerful reading and reflection of Matthew 5 in preparation for worship.

The 9th will also kick off three Pastor FORUMS. Several times per year, we gather as congregation and pastor to engage in dialogue about topics that are important for us to consider. The topics are listed below: September 9: Reflections from Renewal Leave This congregation provided Pigeon and me with an extraordinary gift of four months away to rest, reflect, renew, and then, re-engage. This will be a time to share about that experience.

September 16: Where Are We and Where Are We Going? I will cover the 3 plans that have been submitted for review and action at the February,

2019 General Conference of the United Methodist Church. Copies of all three plans will be available so that we (as a congregation) can be familiar with them and join in prayer with all our sisters and brothers as we discern the future of the church.

The second topic will be discussing where we are in our potential building project.

September 23: Where We Are Going This Year Our primary topic will be a programmatic overview in Christian Education classes. Each adult education class facilitator will give a brief introduction to their class and invite your participation.

As you read this edition, you will also read of various ways for all of us to be engaged in worship, spiritual development, hospitality, congregational care, and our various outreach ministries. You will read of invitations to get involved! The invitation is extended to children and families, youth, young adults, older adults, singers, instrumentalists, greeters, ushers, helpers, and on and on. You are invited to attend classes that are not only focused on learning; classes are also marvelous ways to get to know people and share the Spiritual journey with one another.

As I said on my first Sunday back after a four-month absence, I am personally delighted to be at First Church! I’ve been ready to get back to work and do the work God has called me to do in preaching, teaching, and leading as we strive to accomplish our mission and fulfill our purpose. And let me remind you of our mission and purpose: 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.

May God bless us all as we begin a new program year!

Pastor Bob

First Pulse | September ‘18

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Radical H ospitality Do you like working with people?

(If you answered no, just skip to the next article…)

This fall we will welcome hundreds of visitors to First Church! Guests will join us for worship, meals, ArtPrize, and more. What if each of these visitors felt welcomed into community the moment they walked in the door? What if they felt seen? What if they felt valued?

Then they might stay for a while.

They might begin to call First Church their home. They might make us their spiritual community.

They might join us in making a positive impact in the city and beyond.

How can you offer welcome to the guests who will join us this fall?

It doesn’t take mighty acts, just action!

Here’s how: 1. Help with the Homecoming Meal (this is a great time to reconnect after summer vacations, welcome new college students, and invite guests into community).

Saturday, September 8 10:00 am - Noon (setup and meal prep) Sunday, September 9 9:00 - 11:45 am (meal prep) 11:30 am - 12:30 pm (serving/hospitality) 12:30 - 2:00 pm (cleanup)

Thanks to all who joined us for and volunteered at the Neighborhood Picnic!

Available times/dates: Saturday, September 22 11:00 am - 2:00 pm 2:00 - 5:00 pm 6:15 - 8:30 pm Sunday, September 23 1:45 - 4:00 pm 4:15 - 6:30 pm Monday, September 24 6:15 - 8:30 pm Friday, September 28 6:15 - 8:30 pm Saturday, September 29 6:15 - 8:30 pm Sunday, September 30 1:45 - 4:00 pm 4:15 - 6:30 pm Friday, October 5 6:15 - 8:30 pm 3. Be a part of the ArtPrize Potluck Picnic on Sunday, September 23. Instead of a Lot Party (under a tent with weather of all extremes), we are hosting The (Beat) Theatre group throughout ArtPrize. We are also

holding a potluck picnic in Wesley Hall so people can connect with friends and stay downtown to see “Perchance to Dream.” Help by bringing a dish to share, setting up (10:00 am - 11:00 am), serving and offering hospitality during the meal (11:30 am - 12:30 pm), or cleaning up (12:30 - 1:30 pm).

4. Join a worship support team!

Be one of the first people who welcomes guests to First Church by being an usher or greeter.

(Ushers and greeters serve at either our 8:15 am or 10:45 am worship service, one Sunday a month.)

I hope you will help extend hospitality this September as we swing into fall!

Sami Marasigan Director Hospitality and Invitation samim@grfumc.org

2. Welcome guests to our ArtPrize time-based entry, Perchance To Dream, adapted from William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” performed by The (Beat) Theatre Collective. For each performance, we will need volunteers to greet guests and offer hospitality.

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First Pulse | September ‘18

The (Beat) Theatre Group

PASSIONATE WORSHIP Music and Arts Ministry

September is Full of Delights!

ArtPrize Open House: Saturday, September 22

While you are visiting ArtPrize, visit our open house any time between 11:00 am - 4:30 pm to hear two ArtPrize musical entries, the organ, tour the sanctuary, and view our juried annual sacred art show “The Celebration of the Arts” preview exhibit The Art of George Peebles by local artist, George Peebles (gpeebles.com). Peebles is a nationally recognized painter, specializing in colorful oil landscapes. Peebles’ work is instantly recognized for his use of brilliant colors in the landscape and the rich hues found in his skies. He is a frequent presence in “The Celebration of the Arts,” which celebrates its 46th year this February.

Oh Michigan, Our Michigan – Mark Del Covell (Vote Code: 68190) Homecoming Mark Del Covell’s sincere homage to Sunday: September 9 Michigan, the 26th State, is a folk“Perchance to Dream” – The We “Swing into Fall” on inspired song with a heart-warming (Beat) Theatre Collective (Vote Homecoming Sunday, September melody and lyrics. The natural Code 67816) 9, with special guest musicians, beauty and splendor of “The This is perhaps one of our most The River Rogues Jazz Band. The River Great Lakes State” abound interesting ArtPrize entries that Rogues pursue the energy and soul of in this musical tribute. You’ll we have hosted. “Perchance to traditional jazz, which began in New soon be singing along with the Dream” is an immersive, queer, Orleans, traveled up the Mississippi, ensemble of voice, guitar, cello, gender-bent re-telling of the spreading throughout the U.S. and around violin, and keyboard. classic tragedy of “Hamlet.” the world. Formed almost twenty years Immersive theatre is different ago, the Rogues have been entertaining First Church Outdoor from traditional theatre in that audiences with their mix of quickExhibits the action takes place in the steppin’ stomps to slow moanin’ midst of the gathered audience. blues. The Rogues join us for Also, the audience has the ability #infintelove – Cheryl Hutchings a festive worship service to follow various characters through (Vote Code 66756) at 10:45 am. multiple rooms and bear witness to their In the busyness of living life, moments final life review, as memories from their past and experiences ask us to stop for a moment, flash before their eyes in those fleeting, illusory to notice what is going on around us, and moments between life and death. The performance remember that we are all connected through love. Love times are Saturday, September 22: 7:00 pm; Sunday, endures. Love lifts. Love sustains. Love inspires.

September 23: 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm; Monday, September 24: 7:00 pm; Friday, September 28: Library on the Loose – Plainwell 7:00 pm; Saturday, September 29: 7:00 Literacy Team (Vote Code 67843) pm; Sunday, September 30: 2:00 pm, This bus, decorated by artist Maggie 5:30 pm; Thursday, October 4: 7:00 Flynn is a fully functioning library pm; and Friday, October 5: 7:00 pm. on wheels, intended as a gift to the Due to the nature of this performance community to encourage easy access and the inherent mature themes in to books for all children, regardless Shakespeare’s work, consider the performance akin to a of their socio-economic status. The idea grew out of a movie with a PG-13 rating.

Literacy Summit held last year in Grand Rapids.

First Church ArtPrize Performances

Carole – David Schultz (Vote Code: 68132) The Beer City Brass Quintet performs an ambitious and supremely joyous piece of music. The main theme passed among all of the parts continuously being transposed into every scale available in the key of E-major (that’s why Carole is spelled with an E!). The surrounding rhythms and harmonies react to each transposition, and they are reluctant to yield to the evolving character of the theme in each disguise until they violently shatter the theme. The theme endures, returning from an unexpected direction to take hold to the finish.

I AM – Don Teachout (Vote Code 68332) Don Teachout has been a regular exhibitor on the front of First Place for several years. His work is very engaging, as it uses very small words to form the visual image. I AM seeks to expand the mental space reserved by the viewer for their concept of God, through the use of an exploration of The Golden Ratio, sometimes referred to as the Fingerprint of God. Eric Strand Director of Music and the Arts First Pulse | September ‘18

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September 2018 Sunday, September 2 Communion Sunday Blood Pressure Sunday 9:45 am – Nursery 10:00 am – Worship 10:15 am – Lego Bible Adventures Sunday School & Sensory Room 11:00 am – Lemonade on the Lawn Monday, September 3 Labor Day Holiday Church Building and Offices Closed Tuesday, September 4 7:00 am – Work Program 5:30 pm – SPRC Meeting

• • •

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: Junior High Sunday School – 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 11:00 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

Thursday, September 6 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 12:00 pm – Thirsty Thursday 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir

Monday, September 10 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 5:00 pm – Trustees

Saturday, September 8 9:30 am – Feeding America 10:00 am – Homecoming Setup

Tuesday, September 11 7:00 am – Work Program 5:30 pm – Finance

Sunday, September 9 Homecoming Sunday Coffee Can 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

Wednesday, September 12 5:30 pm – Young Adult Group: Bingo at Dégagé

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Monday, September 17 9:00 am – MLK Tutor Training 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 12:00 pm – MLK Tutor Training 12:00 pm – 60+ Luncheon 5:30 pm – Building Committee 6:30 pm – Stephen Ministry Tuesday, September 18 7:00 am – Work Program 9:00 am – MLK Tutor Training 12:00 pm – MLK Tutor Training

Thursday, September 13 9:00 am – Moms and Muffins Date 12:00 pm – Thirsty Thursday 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir B

First Pulse | September ‘18

Sunday, September 16 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 – Pastor’s Forum 10:45 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 11:00 am – Children & Worship, Third Grade Bible Study, and Shine: Sensory Room 12:00 pm – Lunch & Learn: Get Involved at FUMC 12:00 pm – Unplugged 5:00 pm – Jr High and Sr High Youth Group 5:00 pm – Catalyst GR: Pitch Night

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Wednesday, September 19 9:00 am – Caring Connection 9:00 am – MLK Tutor Training 12:00 pm – MLK Tutor Training 6:00 pm – Young Adults Group: ArtPrize Walk Thursday, September 20 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 9:00 am – MLK Tutor Training 12:00 pm – Thirsty Thursday 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir

September 24 - 27 First Week of MLK Tutoring Monday, September 24 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 7:00 pm – The (Beat) Theatre ArtPrize Performance Tuesday, September 25 7:00 am – Work Program 6:30 pm – Meet and Greet: Kathy Pittenger, Children’s Initiative Coordinator of MI Conference

Saturday, September 22 11:00 am - 4:30 pm – ArtPrize Open House (see page 5) 7:00 pm – The (Beat) Theatre ArtPrize Performance

Wednesday, September 26 6:00 pm – Young Adults Group: ArtPrize Walk 7:00 pm – Carole: An ArtPrize Composition for Brass

Sunday, September 23 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 – Pastor’s Forum 10:45 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 11:00 am – Children & Worship, Third Grade Bible Study, and Shine: Sensory Room 12:00 pm – ArtPrize Potluck Picnic 1:00 pm – Kid’s Paper Mache 2:30 and 5:00 pm – The (Beat) Theatre ArtPrize Performance 5:00 pm – Jr High and Sr High Youth Group

Thursday, September 27 12:00 pm – Thirsty Thursday 6:00 pm – Jubilation Ringers 7:15 pm – Chancel Choir

Sunday, September 30 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 • Disciple III Bible Study • Faith Link • Parenting in 2018 • The Most Good We Can Do • Life Transitions 10:45 am – Infant/Toddler Nurseries 10:45 am – Sunday Worship 11:00 am – Children & Worship, Third Grade Bible Study, and Shine: Sensory Room 2:30 and 5:00 pm – The (Beat) Theatre ArtPrize Performance 5:00 pm – Jr High and Sr High Youth Group 5:30 pm – How To Pray 5:30 pm – ArtPrize Walking Social Justice Tour

Friday, September 28 7:00 pm – The (Beat) Theatre ArtPrize Performance

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Saturday, September 29 7:00 pm – The (Beat) Theatre ArtPrize Performance

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Senior High Youth mission trip Team.

Pippa and Abby Working

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Youth taking an ice cream break.

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Monday Worship

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First Pulse | September ‘18

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Congregational Care Pastoral Care Team

Rev. Dr. Robert Hundley Senior Pastor

Rev. Timothy Tuthill, MDIV MSW Associate Pastor

Rev. Norman Kohns Pastoral Care Assistant

Dr. Leandro Robles Pastoral Care Assistant

Dr. Joan VanDessel Director of Community Outreach and Mission

Congregational Care Team

Many Key Components are Part of Congregational Care Milestones are important. I feel very blessed to be part of the ministry team, and I can honestly say there has not been one day that has been alike in the past 13 months. The first year is a blur, and I am excited about what is around the corner as I continue to work with a great team of staff and laity.

Several months ago, Pastor Bob assembled a diverse team of church members from various areas in the congregation to begin thinking about the role and function of congregational care. Dick Mieskowski leads the group. The group continues to meet and will make a recommendation to Staff Parish about the current work and what is the vision moving forward.

This does not mean that Congregational Care is on hold. We are moving in a new directions with a staff and lay ministry model of congregational care to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals within our community.

Another change is that different team members will have the congregational care phone. First Church cares about you and has a pastoral care team to walk with you. If you call our pastoral care number, a member of the team will respond to your need or get you connected with one of the other members of the team who can better assist you. You can call or text 616.551.9944.

While a few components of congregational care are changing, Stephen Ministry will continue as a vital part of our community.

(Each week individuals meet with their Stephen Minister.) These ongoing care relationships help to keep strong the spiritual connection within the congregation.

Rev. Tim Tuthill Director of Congregational Care

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First Pulse | September ‘18

Risk-Taking Outreach and Mission Being In Relationship With Our Neighbors

This month marks the first time in 36 years that I will not be returning to school in some capacity. This summer I graduated from seminary and began my first full-time ministry position here at First United Methodist Church. While it feels a bit strange to not be joining the ranks of my colleagues who are revving up for a new school year, I don’t miss the anxious feelings that accompanied this time of year for me. Whether I was attending school as a student or teaching school as a professor, the month of August always brought out a good bit of back-to-school nerves.

These feelings probably stemmed from the unknowns that come with a new school year – or, better yet, the risk involved in engaging these unknowns. Going back to school certainly involves an abundance of unknowns: new relationships, new learning, new routines and commitments. While things inevitably feel settled by the time October rolls around, this does not diminish the sense of risk that resurfaces at the beginning of each new school year.

These unknowns are not unlike the spaces we encounter when we engage in mission and outreach. This is particularly true in a community, like ours, that’s aware of our need to be engaged in a spirit of mission with our neighbors and those we serve. If

our approach to mission was merely transactional there would be no risk involved. We would simply be doing things for our neighbors, from a comfortable distance. But the risk is exponentially higher when we work at being in relationship with our neighbors, learning from those we serve, and making commitments that may inconvenience our routines.

As Director of Community Outreach and Mission, it is my joy to be in this type of risk-taking mission and outreach with you.

During these past two months I’ve delighted in seeing the ways that you are engaging in mission and outreach both locally and globally. I’ve gotten to know our neighbors and those of you who volunteer every Tuesday morning at our Work Program. I’ve visited our tutoring center at MLK Leadership Academy, where in a few short weeks we will begin providing tutoring, mentoring, and friendship to students at MLK school. I attended a gathering of the Methodist Connection, where FUMC joined with First Community AME and St. Luke

AME Zion to fellowship and widen our circle of friendship.

And that’s only a small sample of the many mission and outreach activities that have been happening this summer, including a trip to Cuba and a week hosting families from Family Promise.

There are numerous opportunities to be in mission with others here at FUMC, and I would love to help you get connected to the places that are most appropriate for your circumstances and spiritual gifts.

Maybe a good step is signing up for Darren McKnight’s upcoming class on Sundays, where we will be learning about social injustices and thinking about effective new ways to engage with our neighbors.

Or maybe it’s time to commit to tutoring a student at MLK school or saving for an upcoming global mission trip. Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Perhaps back-to-school is the perfect time to take a risk and lose ourselves in the service of others in a new way.

Dr. Joan VanDessel Director of Community Outreach and Mission

First Pulse | September ‘18

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Intentional Faith Development Adult Faith Development //Join us as we create community and learn together! Sign up online at grfumc.org/sign-up-sheet.

Sundays, from 9:15 – 10:15 am //Forum for All Adults with Pastor Bob in the Upper Room • September 9: Reflections from Renewal Leave • September 16: Where Are We and Where Are We Going?

• September 23: Where We Are Going This Year Sundays, beginning September 30 from 9:15 – 10:15 am • Disciple III Bible Study //Through - May 19, 2019 in Room 104 //Disciple III is the study of the prophets and the letters traditionally attributed to Paul. This study examines the connection between memory and identity as the people of God. Videos for each session and the work in the study manuals for each week’s required reading and discussion provide the framework for our deep discussions.

This FastTrack version of Disciple III is ideal for busy people who want to fit an in-depth Bible Study into their schedule, and is open to anyone who has completed Disciple I. • Faith Link //Through - November 18 in Room 301 //Faith Link dissects current events through the lens of our United Methodist Faith. Led by Norm Kohns, this class is a drop-in class that requires no advanced reading or sign-up.

• Life Transitions //Through - November 18 in Room 303 //Children starting school, kids going off to college, an illness, a fall, divorce, the death of a spouse, or thinking of selling your home. Life is filled with transitions and each one is important. Often we think about transitions as just part of life, and we do not always find ways to talk through how the transitions play out in our emotional, spiritual, and physical health. This class will explore transitions and use spiritual practices to help uncover what matters most as you navigate through the transition. Class led

by Pastor Tim Tuthill.

• Parenting in 2018 //Through - October 21 in The Chapel //Parenting has never been an easy gig; doing so in 2018 has presented a myriad of new technological and social challenges. This class will explore parenting through the eyes of Jesus with TED Talk videos, discussion, and building a network of support among class-goers. Open to parents, caretakers of children and youth, and parents-intraining. Led by Sherah Eavey.

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First Pulse | September ‘18

Junior High Youth Week of Giving

• The Most Good We Can Do //Through - May 19, 2019 in Room 302 //Wasted human potential: over $400 billion is donated to charities and churches annually and yet social injustices continue to prevent people from realizing their potential. How can this be? This program year, Darren McKnight, chair of our Social Concerns Committee, will provide weekly lectures that touch on key topics of charity, altruism, poverty, homelessness, mass incarceration, immigration, and activism. You are welcome to spend the year with Darren, or pop in and out throughout the year. The class will include education on social injustices as well as effective ways to do “the most good we can” to unlock as much human potential as possible within our community.

• Parents: Slaying Your Goliaths //Beginning October 28 - November 18 in The Chapel // Overcoming life’s challenges is the larger lesson of the famous story of David and Goliath. Alongside other parents learn how to overcome the challenges that life doles out through our trust in God. This course is video and discussion-based with no homework.

• Medicare Class //November 4 in the Library Evening Opportunities • How to Pray //Beginning Sunday, September 30 November 4 from 5:30 - 7:00 pm in Room 104 // Dinner served from 5:00 - 5:30 in Wesley Hall for all Sunday evening activities //C.S. Lewis is one of the great thinkers and writers of the 20th century.

His Chronicles of Narnia has sold over 100 million copies and has been made into 3 motion pictures.

This book on prayer is a new release by the C.S. Lewis Foundation as a collection of essays from varied sources of the author’s writings. The chapters explore compelling questions, such as: Can prayer be proven to work? Why make requests of God if God already knows what we need? How do we make sense of what the New Testament teaches about prayer?

How do we pray while grieving? These are just a few of the soul-searching questions dealt with in this collection of essays. Pastor Bob will lead the six-week spiritual journey considering the philosophical, Biblical, and practical aspects of deepening our individual prayer life.

Intentional Faith Development continued...

• Disciple I //Beginning Wednesday, October 3 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm in Room 104 //For those seeking a first step in a path of discipleship, Disciple I is an overview of the biblical narrative from Genesis through Revelation. In this 24-week class led by Dr. Joan VanDessel, we will increase our knowledge and understanding of the Old and New Testaments and discover ways that scripture can transform our lives and communities. Videos for each session, as well as a study manual and required reading, will serve as a framework to shape our deep discussions. This FastTrack version of Disciple I is ideal for busy people who want to fit an in-depth Bible Study into their schedule.

On-going Study and Fellowship Groups //For small groups and fellowship see grfumc.org/adults.

New members are welcome!

News from our Youth The Jr. High spent a week in June giving back to the community. Eight youth served in various activities involving Kids Food Basket, JFON, SECOM, Clark Retirement Community, and making care packages for Family Promise. We ended the week with a fun day at John Ball Zoo. We worked hard and enjoyed the different volunteer opportunities.

Emily Uebbing Director of Junior High Youth grfumc.org/youth

Junior High Youth Week of Giving On July 22nd, the senior high youth hit the road for our mission trip to Kenosha, WI. For four days, our youth served at food pantries, senior community centers, and camps for the disabled. On Friday, after a trip to the Jelly Belly factory and the beach, we drove to Milwaukee to continue our week of service. On Saturday evening, we helped serve dinner to 85 people through Summerfield UMC’s meal program. It was an incredible week where our youth stepped up to lead worship and evening devotionals.

(See pictures on page 6.) Thank you to everyone who prayed for us and supported our trip.

Heather Yzenbaard Director of Senior High Youth

EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY Resource Development

Our Gifts Do Make A Difference!

Do you ever find yourself wondering just how much of a difference we are making in the world through our ministries here at First Church? With the huge problems facing our world, it seems it could be easy to feel overwhelmed, and think that our own little contributions of money, time, and talent are just not having any impact. But, in fact, our gifts do make a difference!

Early this summer, one of our volunteer tutors at the MLK Leadership Academy while shopping at Walmart, had a chance encounter with the student with whom she had spent the last school year with as that student’s tutor. As the tutor tells it, the child’s eyes lit up on a broadly smiling face and the child exclaimed to his mother, “There’s my tutor!” You would have thought the child had just encountered Santa Claus!

The tutor had been wondering if she had made any impact at all on the student up until this encounter. This is one of those examples where the giver feels as much joy as the receiver - for just as the child was excited to see his tutor, the tutor was overwhelmed by the joyful

greeting of her student.

Children are obviously much more vocal in their exuberance and enthusiasm than we adults, but they speak for many others touched by the ministries of First Church who are equally grateful. Every minute we spend in ministry, every prayer we offer, every dollar we give is indeed making a difference for some individual person.

As the fall season is upon us, with all the exciting new ways for us to be in ministry, don’t for a minute think that any effort, or any gift is not making a difference.

Find your calling so that you, too, can make a difference.

Give generously so that you are enabling ministry to flourish.

We are indeed spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.

Thank God for the unwavering faith and generosity of our church family as we bring love to a hurting world, one soul at a time!

Chris Hawkins, Finance Committee First Pulse | September ‘18

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Celebrate Homecoming Sunday with

the River Rogues and a meal!

The River Rogues, a local New Orleans style jazz band, will be playing during the 10:45 am worship service.

Join us for Worship (8:15 or 10:45 am), Education (9:15 am), and a Meal (12:00 pm) on September 9!

Something for every age!

8:15 am Worship: Upper Room Child care for infants – 2nd grade

10:45 AM – Worship: Sanctuary Child care for infants – 3-year olds Preschool – 2nd grade: Children & Worship Third Grade Bible Class Children and Youth with Special Needs: Shine Sensory Room

9:15 am – Church School for All Ages Child care for infants – 3-year olds Preschool – 4th grade: Activate the Spark 5th – 6th grade: Faith In Action 7th – 8th grade: Junior High Sunday School 9th – 12th grade: Senior High Sunday School Adult Forums: September 9, 16, & 23 Adult Classes: Beginning September 30 Disciple III Bible Study Faith Link Parenting in 2018 The Most Good We Can Do Life Transitions

Sunday Evening Activities Junior High Youth Group: 5:00 pm Senior High Youth Group: 5:00 pm Adult Class: How To Pray – Reflections and Essays of C. S. Lewis: Beginning September 30 at 5:30 - 7:00 pm Additional Opportunities Unplugged: 3rd – 6th graders meet the 3rd Sunday at noon.

Monday and Wednesday Adult Classes check grfumc.org/adults for schedule.

Fountain St NE

Jefferson Ave SE

Fulton St E

homecoming or like us at facebook. com/grandrapidsfumc.

College Ave NE

207 Fulton

FUMC

First United Methodist Church 227 Fulton

Visit us online at grfumc.org/ Prospect Ave NE

Silver Line Fulton St Station

FIRST PLACE

Lafayette Ave NE

The Vine

Barclay Ave NE

Ransom Ave NE

John St NE