Summer 2018 First Pulse

F irst Pulse

First United Methodist Church Grand Rapids | grfumc.org

Summer 2018

Enclosed are stories from First Church and the impact on the lives of our community.

F irst Pulse

Summer 2018

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"In the Image" Children's Musical

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Guest preacher, Rev. John Boley

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We hope you enjoy the First Pulse: Summer 2018 edition, the next edition: September 2018, will be available August 28, 2018.

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2018 Youth Service

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OUR MISSION

INCLUSIVITY

To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Inclusiveness means openness, acceptance, and support that enables all persons to participate in the life of the Church, the community, and the world; therefore, inclusiveness denies every semblance of discrimination.

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 | Summer ‘18

Summer is a time when I really appreciate living in Michigan. Living close to Lake Michigan is a part of my summer routine, and the water gives me a sense of peace. As a child, many family vacations were spent camping along Lake Michigan. I remember swimming during the day and making dinner around the fire at night.

I remember swimming in Lake Michigan with my parents and building countless sand castles out of old peanut butter pails. Water is a vital connection, and it goes far beyond recreation. It is what sustains us and gives us life. Water plays an important role in physical as well as our spiritual life.

One summer I spent a week kayaking along Lake Superior with a group of religious leaders from across the United States. We arrived as strangers on a Monday evening, and when we departed on Friday evening we were a connected community through paddling the waters and conversations of the “soul.”

Our time on the water connected us row after row.

As a group, we established a steady rhythm on the water as eagles soared over our heads. The water surrounded us and helped us to connect to the other through the common experience. It helped us as we talked about our shared experiences as well as to calm our fears of paddling in unchartered waters. The water helped us to form community just as we do as the church through the water of baptism. Community is formed in many ways and the common connection through water brings us together through the ritual of baptism or the power of the Holy Spirit. In this Pentecost season, shaping the church community is a vital part of our work.

Community takes on different forms for me. Many of you know me as part of the First United Methodist Church community. As a part of the community, my work provides an opportunity to work with different staff members and laity to reach out to meet the needs of the church and neighborhood. Yet I also work with a team at Clark Retirement Community to meet the different spiritual needs of older adults who have chosen to live in community there. We venture into the uncharted waters about the meaning of life in the face of death. Our work there helps to meet those needs just about daily. Similarly, being a father of three boys provides me with a community that connects me to their lives and, equally, my life to theirs. We enjoy swimming in Lake Michigan, hurdling the waves. We are part of different communities that are life-giving and life-sustaining that nourish and refresh us.

As faithful partners, we are connected through the waters of baptism and this connection forms our church community. Peter Block, in his book Community, The Structure of Belonging, states that “Community offers the promise of belonging and calls for us to acknowledge our interdependence. To belong is to act as an investor, owner, and creator of this place, to be welcome, even if we are strangers. As if we came to the right place and are affirmed.” As we wade into the water, we discover the importance of community and life-giving qualities that are essential part of belonging. Just as we need water to survive, healthy relationships thrive within a community that helps people find a place to be empowered and transformed by God’s grace.

Pastor Tim Tuthill First Pulse | Summer ‘18

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Radical Hospitality

Lemonade on the Lawn The summer season is almost here! That means it’s time to spend a little time outside.

First Church may not have a huge lawn, but we make the most of it! Beginning June 10 after the 10:00 am service, you’re invited to Lemonade on the Lawn. This is a time to enjoy lemonade, coffee, and popsicles with your friends from church.

It’s also a great time to make new connections. Don’t be shy: introduce yourself to people you haven’t met yet and intentionally

What might First Church look like in the future?

How can a building project help us to provide exceptional hospitality and meaningful ministry for the next 100 years? The Building Committee, with the help of architects and the guidance of our Strategic Plan, have hosted

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First Pulse | Summer ‘18

invite new guests to your favorite First Church summer events.

Would you like to host Lemonade on the Lawn for a Sunday (or two)? Hosts bring the popsicles and cookies, sneak out of worship during the closing hymn, and then welcome people as they come outside. We’ll have the coffee and lemonade ready for you. multiple presentations and discussions over the last five months to share design concepts and gather feedback related to these very questions. If you have not had a chance to attend one of these events, please visit www.grfumc. org/masterplan. Here, you can view a concept video, find more information about the process, and imagine what improvements to our campus could

This is a great way to share the gift of hospitality and a great way to get to know more people at First Church. Email: samim@grfumc. org with the dates you’re available.

Sami Marasigan, Director of Hospitality and Invitation

help us achieve as we strive to be a light in the city. As you view the video, remember: these are just concepts, not blueprints. We are a long way away from "putting a shovel in the ground.”

This is why we’ve included a spot for your feedback at the bottom of the web page. Even if you’ve missed the presentations, you’re invited to share in the conversation.

PASSIONATE WORSHIP Music and Arts Ministry

Reflections on The Royal Wedding Last Saturday morning, I confess that I got up early and watched the “Royal Wedding” of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Church musicians, in general, tend to watch these events, as the British know how to choreograph a good service that features fine organ and choral music. Of course, these events are surrounded by over-the-top press and tabloid coverage, often focusing on details that I care little about: the dress, the flowers, etc. The only inkling that this service just might be something extraordinary was that the current Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Michael Curry, had been invited to give the address.

Weddings often take on the quality of a spectator event. Often, the congregation at a wedding will only gather as such for that singular occasion. They often do not know each other, may be in an unfamiliar space, and come from widely varying faith and religious practices. If the congregation is expected to participate in responsive readings or hymns, they must be continually invited to do so, as the natural impulse for a wedding congregation is to sit back and watch. As worship is a participatory activity, one’s expectations of such happening at a wedding are often rather low.

Amidst all the distractions, hype, and prognostication, it seems that many did not expect how significant and substantive this wedding would be. Watching the various celebrities arrive, one is struck by a certain surreal quality, not sure if this is real, or a movie.

All was perfectly timed, with the bride arriving at the chapel steps at the stroke of noon. Following a majestic brass fanfare, the bride walked the length of the nave alone, accompanied by one of the most sublime pieces of music ever written, “Eternal Source of Light Divine” by George Frederick Handel. The performance was enhanced by use of a natural trumpet, which soared in the space completed during the reign of Henry the VIII. So far, all was meeting the expectations. Then it was Bishop Curry’s turn. Here was a massive opportunity. A world-wide stage numbering in the millions of viewers.

He did not squander the moment. He began by quoting The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love, and when we do

that, we will make of this old world a new world.”

What followed this opening quotation was an amazing, improvisational riff on the power of love.

Curry beautifully distilled the central message of the Christian faith that “God Is Love!”

There’s an old medieval poem that says, where true love is found, God himself is there. The New Testament says it this way, “Beloved, let us love one another because love is of God and those who love are born of God and know God. Those who do not love do not know God. Why? For God is love. There’s power in love. There’s power in love to help and heal when nothing else can.

There’s power in love, to lift up and liberate when nothing else will. There’s power in love to show us the way to live.”

Judging from the body language observed, many of the assembled guests and royalty were seemingly unprepared for such a passionate message on this occasion. The New York Times likened it to opening the windows to let a fresh wind blow in a room that was otherwise stifling.

Indeed, this service peeled away years of tradition, creating a powerful representation of the unifying goals and public service that this couple plan. The Kingdom Choir, based in southeast London sang an elegant and powerful rendition of “Stand by Me.” The 19-year old cellist, Sheku Kanneh-Mason performed a short recital as the wedding party retreated to a back room for the signing of the wedding documents. Kanneh-Mason is the first black musician to win the BBC’s Young Musician award.

His amazing story is worth further exploration.

This wedding projected hope and promise to a world in need of unity, acts of service and kindness, and, indeed, love. The wedding went a long way toward healing the wounds of the death of Harry’s mother, Diana, known as “The People’s Princess.” The mantle of her charitable works has been passed.

The people gathered outside closest to the Chapel were people specially invited as the result of their charitable service work.

May the words of Dr. King resonate throughout the world. The power of love can bring about a new world.

Eric Strand Director of Music and the Arts First Pulse | Summer ‘18

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Summer 2018 Sunday, June 3 9:00 am – Sr High Youth Mission Trip Informational Meeting 9:45 am – Summer Nursery 10:00 am – Worship: Rev. George Heartwell, Former Mayor of Grand Rapids 10:15 am – Summer Sunday School and Sensory Room 11:00 am – Volunteer Appreciation Celebration 11:00 am – Blood Pressure Clinic Monday, June 4 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 6:30 pm – Stephen Ministry Tuesday, June 5 7:00 am – Work Program 5:30 pm – SPRC Meeting Wednesday, June 6 6:00 pm – Young Adult Group Picnic at John Ball Park Friday, June 8 6:00 pm – Moms’/Dads’ Group Mixer Saturday, June 9 9:30 am – Feeding America Sunday, June 10 Communion Sunday 9:45 am – Summer Nursery 10:00 am – Worship: Rev. Dr. David Bard, Resident Bishop Michigan Area of the UMC 10:15 am – Summer Sunday School and Sensory Room 11:00 am – Lemonade on the Lawn Monday, June 11 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 1:00 pm – Staff meeting 5:00 pm – Trustees 5:00 pm – Stephen Leaders

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Tuesday, June 12 7:00 am – Work Program 5:30 pm – Staff Parish Relations Committee Thursday, June 14 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship 9:00 am – Moms and Muffins Date 5:30 pm – “I Light” Open House Friday, June 15 10:00 am – Caregivers Coming Together: I Light Sunday, June 17 9:45 am – Summer Nursery 10:00 am – Worship: Dr. Aly Mageed, Islamic Center of Grand Rapids Representative 10:15 am – Summer Sunday School and Sensory Room 11:00 am – Lemonade on the Lawn Monday, June 18 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 6:30 pm – Stephen Ministry Tuesday, June 19 7:00 am – Work Program June 20 - 23 Young Adult Mini-Mission Trip to Chicago Wednesday, June 20 9:00 am – Caring Connection Friday, June 22 10:00 am – Caregivers Coming Together: I Light Sunday, June 24 9:45 am – Summer Nursery 10:00 am – Worship: Rabbi Michael Schadick, Temple Emmanuel of Grand Rapids 10:15 am – Summer Sunday School and Sensory Room 11:00 am – Lemonade on the Lawn 11:00 am – June Lunch and Learn

June 25 - 28 9:00 am – Arts Alive Camp June 25 - 29 9:00 am – Jr High Week of Mission Monday, June 25 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 5:30 pm – Building Committee Tuesday, June 26 7:00 am – Work Program Thursday, June 28 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship Friday, June 29 10:00 am – Caregivers Coming Together: I Light Sunday, July 1 Communion Sunday 9:45 am – Summer Nursery 10:00 am – Worship: Dr. Douglas Kindschi, Director of the Kaufman Interfaith Institute 10:15 am – Summer Sunday School and Sensory Room 11:00 am – Blood Pressure Clinic 11:00 am – Lemonade on the Lawn Monday, July 2 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 6:30 pm – Stephen Ministry Tuesday, July 3 7:00 am – Work Program Wednesday, July 4 Independence Day Church Building/Offices Closed Friday, July 6 10:00 am – Caregivers Coming Together: I Light Sunday, July 8 9:45 am – Summer Nursery 10:00 am – Worship 10:15 am – Summer Sunday School and Sensory Room

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First Pulse | Summer ‘18

11:00 am – Lemonade on the Lawn Monday, July 9 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 1:00 pm – Staff meeting Tuesday, July 10 7:00 am – Work Program Wednesday, July 11 6:00 pm – Summer Women’s Study Thursday, July 12 9:00 am – Moms and Muffins Date 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship Friday, July 13 10:00 am – Caregivers Coming Together: I Light Saturday, July 14 9:30 am – Feeding America Sunday, July 15 9:45 am – Summer Nursery 10:00 am – Worship: Rev. Dr. Jennie Browne, Director of Clergy Excellence of the Michigan Area of the UMC 10:15 am – Summer Sunday School and Sensory Room 11:00 am – Lemonade on the Lawn 11:15 am – Pizza with the Puerto Rico Team Monday, July 16 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 6:30 pm – Stephen Ministry Tuesday, July 17 7:00 am – Work Program Wednesday, July 18 9:00 am – Caring Connection 5:00 pm – Young Adults Group at Millennium Beach 6:00 pm – Summer Women’s Study Saturday, July 21 11:00 am – Methodist Connection Summer Cookout

Sunday, July 22 9:45 am – Summer Nursery 10:00 am – Worship: Rev. Dr. Margie Crawford, New Superintendent of the Grand Rapids District 10:15 am – Summer Sunday School and Sensory Room 11:00 am – Lemonade on the Lawn Monday, July 23 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 5:30 pm – Building Committee Tuesday, July 24 7:00 am – Work Program Wednesday, July 25 6:00 pm – Summer Women’s Study Thursday, July 26 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship Sunday, July 29 9:45 am – Summer Nursery 10:00 am – Worship: Rev, Karen Stokes, UCC/Presbyterian 10:15 am – Summer Sunday School and Sensory Room 11:00 am – Lemonade on the Lawn Monday, July 30 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study Tuesday, July 31 7:00 am – Work Program Wednesday, August 1 6:00 pm – Summer Women’s Study

August 10-12 All-Church Camping Weekend Saturday, August 11 9:30 am – Feeding America Sunday, August 12 9:45 am – Summer Nursery 10:00 am – Worship: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, II, Senior Pastor of Asbury First UMC in Rochester, New York 10:15 am – Summer Sunday School and Sensory Room 11:00 am – Lemonade on the Lawn Monday, August 13 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 5:00 pm – Trustees Tuesday, August 14 7:00 am – Work Program 5:30 pm – SPRC Meeting 5:30 pm – Finance Wednesday, August 15 9:00 am – Caring Connection 6:00 pm – Summer Women’s Study August 19-26 Family Promise Week/IHN Sunday, August 19 9:45 am – Summer Nursery 10:00 am – Worship: Rev. Dr. Robert Hundley 10:15 am – Summer Sunday School and Sensory Room 11:00 am – All-Church Picnic

Sunday, August 5 Communion Sunday 9:45 am – Summer Nursery 10:00 am – Worship: Rev. Steven Dry, Lay Leader of the New England Annual Conference 10:15 am – Summer Sunday School and Sensory Room 11:00 am – Blood Pressure Clinic 11:00 am – Lemonade on the Lawn

Monday, August 20 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 1:00 pm – Staff meeting 6:30 pm – Stephen Ministry

Monday, August 6 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 1:00 pm – Staff meeting 6:30 pm – Stephen Ministry

Sunday, August 26 9:45 am – Summer Nursery 10:00 am – Worship 10:15 am – Summer Sunday School and Sensory Room 11:00 am – Lemonade on the Lawn

Tuesday, August 7 7:00 am – Work Program Wednesday, August 8 6:00 pm – Summer Women’s Study Thursday, August 9 9:00 am – Moms and Muffins Date 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship

Tuesday, August 21 7:00 am – Work Program Thursday, August 23 9:00 am – Fixin’ ‘n’ Fellowship

Monday, August 27 11:00 am – Adult Bible Study 1:00 pm – Staff meeting 5:30 pm – Building Committee 7:00 pm – Leadership Council Tuesday, August 28 7:00 am – Work Program First Pulse | Summer ‘18

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Intentional Faith Development Confirmation Year Fourteen 7th & 8th graders have been on the faith journey of Confirmation this year. The students have been learning about the United Methodist Church and its history, beliefs, and traditions. They have studied John Wesley, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, and the Three Simple Rules. They shared their faith stories, worked alongside each other in mission, and had an awesome time at their retreat. They did all of this while being students, daughters, sons, athletes, musicians, and friends. If you ask one of these students what Confirmation means to them, the answer will likely be, “I am answering God’s calling through my parents from my baptism.” Yeah, they get it!

“Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

1 Timothy 4:12-16 (NRSV)

I have seen God working through these students. We should all be proud of the dicipels these young people have become and the dedication to faith and to this church that they display. It’s the tradition at First UMC to hold Confirmation Sunday on Pentecost and this year was no exception. I urge you to stop one of these students and introduce yourself. Ask what their favorite part of Confirmation was, and then be sure to welcome them into this family of faith.

Emily Uebbing Director of Junior High Youth

A special thank you to all who volunteered with this years children's musical. We couldn't have made this happen without your help.

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First Pulse | Summer ‘18

Risk-Taking Outreach and Mission MLK Tutoring Center Annual Spring Outing: A Monstrously Fun Time

Silly monsters here. Silly monsters there. Silly monsters everywhere— at least at First Church on April 24!

This year’s annual First Church/ Martin Luther King Academy Tutoring Center Spring Outing was a monstrous success! MLK students grades (k-2nd) and their tutors (roughly 200 participants) were treated to a wonderful puppet show performed in the FUMC sanctuary by local puppeteer, Kevin Kammeraad. Kevin and his puppet friends sang songs that got our MLK kids movin’ and groovin’. Kevin even got the audience’s creative juices flowing by creating wonderfully silly songs based on the kids’ suggestions!

Following the performance, students, teachers, tutors and all of our extra helpers, were treated to a fabulously silly monster luncheon in Wesley Hall and the 3rd floor classrooms. Both Wesley Hall and the 3rd floor were decorated

Outing possible.

As one of our MLK 1st graders said, “This is the best day ever!”

Simply said, thank you for all you do. with wonderfully colorful goofy monster portraits both small and colossal! Each table was decked out with colorful paper bags, each made to look like different goofy creatures. Our meal included sillyshaped monster sandwiches (with jelly bean eyes), monster finger nails (Bugle snack treats), blue monster juice (Gatorade), monster brains in cups (green grapes) and a donut with three eyes and fangs!

We would like to send a warm and heartfelt thank you to all of you who helped make our 2018 Spring

Maryann Warren MLK Volunteer Coordinator “A smile from a child is packaged sunshine and rainbows.” Unknown PS – It’s not too early to sign up to be a tutor for the fall! Just one hour a week can make a lifetime impact for two of our students! Email: Maryann at mlktutoringcenter@gmail.com to sign up or to learn more.

First Pulse | Summer ‘18

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EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY Resource Development

Thoughts of Summer in Michigan!

Summer is right around the corner. Finally, warm sunshine has replaced the snow and ice, and our thoughts are turning to the beauty of summer in Michigan! Most of us have plans for vacations, leisure, and relaxation. We will be heading to the beach, going somewhere to the north, or traveling to some place we’ve never been! Time to recharge the batteries!

During this time of the year, I am reminded of a story that comes from our MLK ministry several years ago. One day, as summer was approaching, an MLK mother was excitedly telling one of our ministry volunteers about her family’s plans for the summer.

They had a family vacation planned to visit relatives in Lansing!

You see, this family had never been out of Grand Rapids! Stories like these remind me of how easy it is to take things for granted. Gosh, when our kids were at Michigan State, it wasn’t that unusual for us to take a mid-week evening drive to East Lansing to simply take them to dinner!

When we feel like we are “struggling” to make ends meet, our self-pity can cause us to forget about the menaces of poverty that exist just a few blocks from the doors of First Church. This summer, while we are vacationing, there will be kids who are not benefiting from school meals, usually their only source of true nutrition. There are families who view a trip to John Ball Zoo as a stretch. There are those in The Work Program who are still struggling day to day, many on the streets.

So as we plan our summer leisure activities, let us remember God’s call to minister to the least, the lost, the hungry, and the lonely. Our gifts, all year long, are fueling action packed ministry that is making a difference.

Can you afford to give extravagantly? In answering this question, first ask yourself how routine and unexciting a vacation to Lansing might seem compared to what you might have planned! Praise God for our First Church family and the never-ending generosity that defines our congregation!

Chris Hawkins, Finance Committee

Caregivers Coming Together: Spirituality and Community Beginning Fridays, June 15 - July 13 10:00 - 11:30 am Pastor Tim and Art Therapist, Leara Glinzak are collaborating to give caregivers of those suffering with memory loss an opportunity to discover their spirituality and creativity in relation to challenges, distress, and grief.

Cost: $65 for 5 weeks and materials Location: I Light Studio (First Place, 207 Fulton St E, Suite 3110) Register at grfumc.org/i-light.

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First Pulse | Summer ‘18

Meet Your Congregational Care Assistants!

I am so very excited to introduce Tom, Fae, and Jo, three new Congregational Care Assistants (CCAs)! They bring our number of CCAs to nine. Each one has a passion for caring for people as well as unique gifts and experiences to share.

Pastor Tim and I encourage you to hold our Congregational Care Team in your prayers!

Peace and joy, Marj Timmerman, RN, Parish Nurse Tom Conquest and his wife, Pam, have been members at First Church since 1986. They have 3 grown children plus 3 grandchildren. Tom retired one year ago as a Program Manager from GE Aviation and now is busily involved in many other activities. He enjoys fishing, hunting, golfing, and watching sporting events at all levels. Tom reflects “I have witnessed first-hand how the Congregational Care program has helped our family and wanted to give back as a CCA.” Fae Ewalt and her husband, Dale, have attended First Church for nine years. They have a combined family of 7 adult children, 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Fae’s career was in education, both as a teacher and in administration. She is an avid reader and enjoyed tutoring children in reading. Already making regular visits to our members at Clark, Fae shares, “I have found with my visitations that I get so much back, probably more than I am giving. I feel God has put me here at this time of my life to offer friendship and caring.”

Jo Seamon is the proud mom of 2 daughters, Jennifer and Alison. She moved to Grand Rapids just over a year ago and recently joined FUMC! She is a retired teacher, having mentored high school special needs students as well as teaching graduate level courses for the University of Michigan. She enjoys traveling, volunteering and living a spiritually healthy life! As for becoming a CCA, Jo says, “My love for people, my passion to listen actively, and to give back for my many blessings are just a few reasons I look forward to this next step in my life.”

Nel Kastner has 3 sons, 3 grandchildren, and was blessed with a wonderful husband for 49 years. She is a retired RN who worked for Spectrum Health in the Emergency Department for 25 years. A member of First Church for over 50 years, she has been a Stephen Minister and has already been visiting members at Porter Hills for 17 years! In addition to engaging with people, Nel enjoys hiking, flower arranging, and being with family. Nel visits our Porter Hills and Covenant Village members.

Dick Mieskowski and his wife, Laure, have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Dick works in Human Resources at Spectrum Health.

He has attended First Church for 25 years and has been very involved through Family Promise, Youth Group, Worship Support, and Stephen Ministry. Dick enjoys camping, MSU sports, working out, and time with family and friends. Dick says, “I consider it both an honor and a blessing that our congregation allows me to represent them via this ministry when members and friends of FUMC need our care and support.”

Barbara Moser is married to Richard and has a daughter, Amanda. Barb is the Marketing Design Manager at HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Attending First Church since she was 15 years old, Barb met Richard in our bell choir and the rest is history! She enjoys golfing, bicycling and travelling. Barb reflects, “I have been a Respite Care volunteer for Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital spending time with kids who are battling cancer. I thought with that experience I could help with our congregational care. I am excited to be a part of such an important ministry.”

Marlene Terpstra has been married to Dan for 46 years. They have 3 adult children and 3 grandchildren. She is a retired RN who worked for Spectrum Health for 42 years. Marlene attended here throughout her childhood and returned to First Church about 12 years ago with her daughter, Jen. She enjoys reading, walking, and spending time with her grandchildren. Marlene says, “I became a part of the Congregational Care Team to continue to help others as I have done my entire career.”

Peggy Thompson is married to Dave and has two daughters, Sarah and Stephanie.

Peggy is a physician and the Associate Dean at the MSU College of Human Medicine.

She has been attending First Church for 21 years and in her free time enjoys golfing, reading, and walking. Peggy volunteers as a CCA as she “enjoys building relationships with people and families at church. I think the church is there to be the support structure for its members.”

Lois Walker is married to Steve and has a son, Sean, and 2 daughters, Jenna and Darcy.

Lois has been attending First Church for 28 years and is one of our Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers. She is a physical therapist for Spectrum Health. Lois enjoys camping, music and theatre. She shares, “I joined the team because I am called to one-on-one ministry and helping people through difficult times.”

First Pulse | Summer ‘18

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KINDNESS JUNE 25-28, 2018

Camp registration closes June 11.

Ut 2 Par

in the fa ll of 20 18 !

Fo r kids ente ring gr ades 1- 6

gister at ArtsAliveCamp.com

. Re Early bird rate of $45 ends May 27

JUNIOR HIGH h t u Yo JUNE 25-29, 2018

For yout h ente ring grades 7-9 in the fall of 2018 !

Early bird rate of $50 ends May 27. Register at grfumc.org/jhcamp

ALL-CHURCH

Camping Weekend

Lake Michigan United Methodist Camp

August 10-12

Sign-ups for camp will be in the back of the sanctuary on June 3 and 10 after worship.