Summer 2017 Edition
For a United Methodist clerg yperson, June is generally a month of ambiguity. Most of us are not quite sure how to feel about June. Why? Because June is fraught with wonder, anxiety, excitement, depression, or a myriad of other possible emotions. United Methodist clergy exist in a system called itineracy. What that means is that we are appointed to our ministry assignments by a Bishop along with District Superintendents, that together, create an entity called the cabinet. They do sacred, yet imperfect, work. Theoretically, clergy are assigned to their various ministry posts year by year. The appointment year begins on July 1. On July 1, I will begin my 38th year under appointment in the United Methodist Church and my 5th year here at First Church. June is the month when most clergy who are continuing in their ministry assignment are internally celebrating and planning with a sense of purpose and excitement for yet another year with their people and community, as they work to make a positive difference in that location. Other clergy who are staying are ambivalent or perhaps disappointed because they may have requested or silently desired a move, but there was no place to go. Unfortunately, treading water is more common than we United Methodists like to admit. That is true for clergy and laity! Still other clergy and clergy families are packing and preparing for a move to a new setting with new challenges and opportunities along with meeting and working with new people. June is a season of saying “hello” or “good-bye,” but it’s hard to know which sentiment comes first or last.
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Intentional Faith Development
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www.grandrapidsfumc.org
At First Church, we, too, are saying “good-bye” and “hello!” But ours is sort of an odd transition. Let me explain. We are saying “good-bye” to Laure Mieskowski as a paid staff person. Laure is transitioning from being on staff to being active in lay ministry within First Church. Laure Mieskowski’s first weeks on the job - 25 After all, First Church is Laure years ago! and Dick’s home church. They love the people, the ministry that First probably many other rolls. She and Dick Church has developed in Christian have been valued and valuable to this education, outreach and missions, the congregation and will continue to be. ministry of music, Stephen Ministry, and For that, we are grateful. on and on. All of the various ministries named above have been influenced As a way to celebrate her 25 years of significantly by the ministry of Laure. ministry, the Staff Parish Relations She has been on staff for 25 years. I Committee will be hosting Laure’s wonder if the congregation realizes recognition day on June 11. Please keep how rare it is to have a staff person for up with the invitation and instructions 25 years! I happen to be the 4th Senior from the committee as together, we say “thank you” to pastor that Laure has worked with, At First Church, we too Laure for her excellent which is also rare. are saying “good-bye” work for these 25 years. Please do not miss it! She was hired as a and “hello!” Christian Education Simultaneously, we will be preparing Director. She has to officially say, “hello” to Rev. Amee adjusted her title Paparella as our new Associate and responsibilities Pastor on July 9! You will hear more as the cycle of need about that next month, but again, and opportunity the transition is a bit odd because has changed. She Amee and her husband Jim have has been Program been part of our congregation for Director, Human nearly a year. We will be able to Resource Director, welcome her into a new role and Director of Social relationship. Justice and Mission Ministries, and most recently, Laure stepped in to fill a gap of both Director So as we enter June, join me in praying of Faith Development AND Mission for Laure and Dick, Amee and Jim, and Outreach. She has been deeply First Church, and the United Methodist committed to this congregation. Church as we begin the transition yet She has been a recruiter, educator, again, to a future built upon the past. developer, volunteer coordinator, social justice advocate, mission team leader, Grace and peace to you all. Pastor Bob supervisor, advisor, team member, and
Congregational Care
Extravagant Generosity 4
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Passionate Worship
Radical Hospitality
Pastor’s Message
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