Roar Vacation Bible School Join us next month at ROAR, where kids discover that God is good even when life gets wild! Kids will enjoy Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play games, experience wild Bible Adventures, and test out sciency-fun gizmos. In the afternoon, we'll go on fun field trips to look for evidence of God all around through “God Sightings”. Our VBS will run during our SON event, July 25-27 from 9am 4pm. Register on the church website, Facebook, or at this link: https://vbspro.events/p/events/2e301c Questions? Contact Director Colleen Bajema by clicking on her name or call her on the cell 616-834-8478.
Sign Up By June 17 to Serve Our Neighbors Have you been thinking about signing up for Serving Our Neighbors (SON) 2019, but haven’t done so yet? If so, what’s holding you back? Last summer 150 church members joined together for 3 days to serve by making food, assisting in the nursery, doing home repairs in the community, delivering supplies and removing debris from work sites, shepherding children through Vacation Bible School and afternoon field trips, leading praise and worship, coordinating prayer and group interaction on the work sites, and even assisting with decorating and set-up before the event. It was such an exciting experience— you don’t want to miss it this summer! SON 2019 will take place July 25-27, with 3 days of activities ending by 5:30pm each day, and culminating in an outdoor worship service on July 28. If you have questions about this event, please reach out to the 2019 SON Team for answers! We would love to help you with the online signup process over the phone from your home, or in person This article continues on page 7
First Focus A Newsletter of First United Methodist Church of Holland Michigan
June 2019
June Group Opportunities June is all about growth and there are a number of opportunities to learn and grow your faith this summer! From learning how to play the Ukulele, to parent or grandparent and kid Sunday morning opportunities, the list of opportunities is growing too! Check them out at fumcholland.org in the Adult section of the Connection tab. Sadly, it is time for us to say goodbye to Heidi DeMoss, who has been the director of Adult Education here for quite some time! She and Jeff (husband) are moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, and we will miss her This article continues on page 5
Inside this Issue: Youth / Bells / Missions
2
UMW /Birthdays/ Seniors
3
Kids / Adult-Child Group
4
New Members / Photos
5
Grads / Praise Team
6
Lake Louise / Spec. Music
7
The Last Word
8
Our Vision: To be a grace-filled community aflame with God’s love for the world.
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June 2019
It’s Mission Trip & Camp Season! As school is ending, our children and youth are heading off to church camp and on mission trips. Please pray for our youth and leaders as we travel this month to Detroit and to the hills of Appalachia to serve in the name of Christ. Many prayer partners are still needed, so please contact LuAnne if you would like to sign up for this important ministry of praying for a specific person on the trip. Please begin praying now for safety and health for our camps and trips, as well as, for God’s spirit to work in the lives of our youth. Thank you so much for all the support from our church community through prayer and $10-for-10! June Youth Schedule:
June Bread Pan for Missions June’s Bread Pan offering for missions will assist ESCAPE Ministries’ Career Connections, a program that gives at-risk youth a productive activity for the summer months. Career Connections links youth with part-time jobs at local businesses and organizations with adult leadership. This is the first step towards a future of opportunity through hard work, caring relationships, and learning responsibility.
Sunday, June 9, Detroit Team Sending Forth, 2nd service. Please come and get prayed over and commissioned by our church community. Senior High ASP/Kentucky Mission Trip Meeting, time TBA. Team members and parents asked to attend our final meeting.
Thursday, June 13 through Sunday, June 16, Middle School Mini-Mission to Detroit! Please pray for the team of youth and leaders as we serve together at Cass Community Services. Our pray-off will be Thursday afternoon. Sunday, June 16, Kentucky Team Sending Forth, 2nd service. Please come and get prayed over and commissioned by our church community. Saturday, June 22, through Sunday, June 30, Senior High Mission Trip to Jackson, Kentucky! Please pray for the team as they serve with Appalachia Service Project for a week in Breathitt County doing relational work, with home repair on the side. There will be a gathering to “pray us off” at 2pm Saturday in the church parking lot.
Career Connections invites businesses, donors, and young people to join the movement towards a brighter future for all of us. Many of the jobs are offered by non-profit organizations, and our funds will assist with providing a paycheck for these positions. Let’s make a big difference for the youth of our community this summer by giving generously on June 9 and throughout the month of June.
40 Years of Bell Ringing & Seniors on the Go Did you know members of First UMC have been ringing handbells since 1978? This fall we will celebrate our 40th anniversary of handbell ringing! Handbells as they are known in Europe and the United States have descended from the tower bells in England. Around the 16th Century, the art of tower bell ringing was becoming established in England. A set of five to twelve bells was rung in a numerical sequence as opposed to a melodic pattern. This was called "change ringing".
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First Focus
United Methodist Women For June: •
The Service Circle is Joy Circle and the Meals in Time of Need is Faith Circle.
•
There are no Board or Circle Meetings in the Summer.
The UMW and our congregation had a busy week during Tulip Time! The wonderful Bell Choir Concert was enjoyed by many. UMW meals and lunches were provided at the church, along with men parking cars during the parades. The kitchen and dining room helpers served over 1700 meals to guests. We give thanks to our church leadership for opening up its doors and a HUGE thanks to all who volunteered! Monies raised from the meals will support so many missions groups locally, nationally, and world-wide. We pray that Gods' grace and love will reach those in need. Important Date to Note: July 10-13th at Albion College, Mission U, is offering classes on UMW history and money management, as well as, an interesting spiritual growth study on Radical Discipleship from the book of Mark. The theme of this year's church Bazaar is “All Aboard for Christmas”. It will be held on November 8th, from 9:30am 4pm. Please contact Cindy Helder at (616) 848-7204 for information or to sign up as a volunteer. There will be more information about the Bazaar next month.
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Celebrations Celebrating 50+ years of marriage: 4th Jack & Susan Dozeman 797 Brook Village Dr, Holland 49423 5th Doug & Sharen Dinkins 1289 Oakhampton Rd Holland, 49424 14th Gene & Lenora Bair, 420 Ida Red Pky, #210, Holland, 49423 19th Dick & Flo VanHaver, 837 Claremont Ct, Holland, 49423 26th Bill & Sharon Rocker 10626 Lake May Rd, Hawks, MI 49743
Seniors on the Go Shipshewana Have you been interested in taking a trip to Shipshewana? Seniors on the Go are planning a trip to Shipshewana on August 1st. First, we’ll enjoy an Amish meal served family style (chicken and meatloaf) and then see an Amish play called A Simple Sanctuary. The last event will be a visit to an Amish museum located nearby. We will leave the church at 8am and return around 7pm. The cost of the trip is $60 per person. We will be taking the church bus and one van. Your reservation and money are due by June 14th. Please make your reservation with Mary De Ridder (616) 399-2161 or email her by clicking on her name. Note: checks should be made out to FUMC Holland and Shipshewana trip on the memo.
Celebrating 85+ years: 4th Jim Bosman, 11456 S. Lake Dr, Holland 49423 5th Donna Bocks, 420 Ida Red Pkwy, #200, Holland, 49423 15th Joyce Dewaard, 16631 James, Holland 49424 27th Gerry Hunter, Freedom Village, 145 Columbia, #737, Holland, 49423
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June 2019
Children’s Ministry Sunday School classes are each Sunday at 9:40am and Children’s Time classes are at 11am. Check-ins are by entrance C. Kids need to be checked in and picked up by an adult parent/guardian. Questions? Contact Director Colleen Bajema by clicking on her name or call her on the cell 616-834-8478.
First through Fifth Grade Here is this month’s theme: “Power Up: Raise Your Game.” A Life Application - What is God doing in you to change the world around you. The memory verse this month is: “The fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy and peace. It is being patient, kind and good. It is being faithful and gentle and having control of oneself.” Galatians 5:22-23a, NIRV Here are the weekly themes: • • • • •
June June June June June
2 What is Love? • 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a. 9 Apostles are Treated Badly • Acts 5:17-42. 16 Don’t Worry • Matthew 6:25-27. 23 Simeon at the Temple • Luke 2:22-35. 30 The Good Samaritan • Luke 10:25-37.
Infants through Kindergarten June’s theme is “Power Up” and the following points will be reinforced each week.
• • •
Join us for adult-child learning and fellowship during the 9:40am hour each Sunday for a summer session June 2 through July 21. The class will be led by Beth Peter. The curriculum is designed to read and ponder a short Biblical passage during the week. Then during each session, do art and active exploration that will help us reflect together on the passage during each session. This class is designed for parent/child participation but could also be attended with a grandchild or special mentor as well as with one parent / two children or two parents/ one child. Each session will stand alone from the others so if you miss a few, (summer is crazy after all), no worries. Children need to be able to color and follow basic directions, pre-teens and teens are also welcome with a parent if they are willing to participate.
Memory Verse: “I can do everything by the power of Christ.” Philippians 4:13, NIrV Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
The cost for books is $10 per kid/adult combo and $5 for each additional kid who needs their own workbook.
Here are the weekly stories:
You can sign up at fumcholland.org If you need help signing up, contact Colleen at 616-834-8478 or by clicking on her name.
June 2 Jesus gives the power to love • 1 Corinthians; John 3:16. June 9 Jesus gives the power to have joy • Acts 16:16-34. June 16 Jesus gives the power to have peace • John 14:27; Matthew 6:25-34. June 23 Jesus gives the power to be patient • Luke 2:22-39. June 30 Jesus gives the power to be kind • Luke 10:25-37. •
•
Adult/Child Group
If you have questions about this class email Beth Peter Pete0993@umn.edu or call 616-335-2015.
First Focus
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We Welcome You!
Opportunities continues . . .
The Radical Hospitality team is looking forward to welcoming another great group of people into membership on Sunday, June 16 at both services. You will not want to miss this opportunity to welcome these wonderful folks into our faith community!
presence and gifts greatly here at First UMC!! We hope you will join us in celebrating her ministry here with us on Sunday, June 23 during both services. The theme for her farewell is a Luau! So, dust off your Hawaiian shirt, wear it to service, and join in the fun that day!
Wherever you are on your faith journey, the Radical Hospitality team would love to help you get plugged in. From opportunities to serve this summer or to grow your faith, we would love to help you out! On Sunday mornings, find someone wearing a purple lanyard and come have a cup of coffee with us in the lobby of the sanctuary before and after both services.
Bells & Seniors on the Go It took hours of practice of pulling on the ropes, causing the bells to ring in different orders and creating the intricate patterns of melody. But all the ringing of the tower bells was disturbing to the surrounding villagers, so small bells were developed. These hand-sized bells allowed the ringers to practice indoors out of the cold bell towers and also to not disturb the neighbors! Eventually, this type of bell ringing became an art in itself. As the art became more sophisticated in the 18th Century, larger sets of hand bells were cast. Popularity of handbells continued to grow and many hundreds of handbell groups sprang up from churches, schools, and other organizations throughout the country.
Would you like to know more about handbells and First UMC’s handbell choirs? Everyone in the congregation is invited to Seniors on the Go on Tuesday, June 18th at 12:30pm in the Fellowship Hall for a potluck. Please bring a dish to pass and a friend, too. Table service and drinks will be provided. Afterwards, we’ll meet in the Sanctuary to learn more about our handbells and choir chimes from David Newton and hear the Tintinnabulation Ringers play a couple of handbell selections. Included in the program will be your chance to get close up with the bells and even get to ring them. For questions, contact Nelda McCrocklin at 616-994-6381.
Pictorial Directory Sign ups to have your photo taken for the new pictorial directory with Lifetouch will begin in June. Karlene Stack and Cindy Helder will assist with sign ups before and after both church services! The dates that pictures will be taken are July 31, August 2, 3, 12, 13, and 14. We hope to see you there!
The Last Word continues Consequently, I began my research to find out the most environmentally friendly car I could buy. Guess what I found? The best car for the environment is the one I’m already driving. The same is true about your car. You see, a new car, even a little electric one, uses so many resources in the manufacturing process that it will always have a larger carbon footprint than the car you are already driving. I am going to get a new car—my Pilot is on its last legs—but no matter what I do it will still have an impact on the environment. Thus, being a faithful steward of God’s creation isn’t as easy as it sounds. Nonetheless it’s important for God’s people to be discussing and acting on creation care. This is why our worship series in June is on caring for the environment as part of our responsibilities as Christ-followers.
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Meet the Praise Team
Have you ever wondered who is on the Praise Team (at the 10:45am worship service)? They are: Andy Snyder on percussion; Jeremy Henry on acoustic guitar and vocals, Joe Herrick on bass guitar, Tim Hook on electric guitar, Del Gann on electric guitar, David Newton on keyboards and vocals, Heidi DeMoss on vocals, Kay Namovich on vocals, Chelsea Scott on vocals, Erica March on vocals, Jeff DeMoss on sound, and Dave Salisbury on sound. These team members come week by week to rehearse and help lead worship for First UMC and we are thankful for each member’s hard work and dedication! A special thank you goes to Heidi and Jeff DeMoss who have been faithfully providing music for us since arriving here over 23 years ago. Heidi has a unique ability to provide “on-the -spot" harmonies and vocalizations that have added so much to our sound as a praise team over the years. Heidi and Jeff both sang in the choir and joined in ensembles throughout the years at First UMC. We send our prayers and blessings as they continue their life journey to Las Vegas, Nevada this summer.
The Praise Team rehearses Wednesday in the sanctuary at 7pm and we’d like you to join in. We’d love to have those who play musical instruments such as flute, violin, and guitar or for those who love to sing! For more information click on the name David Newton or call the church office at 616-396-5205.
Trees and Creation Care
A new 8-foot tall red maple tree was recently planted on the north-side of Fellowship Hall near 9th Street. There are many advantages to planting trees. Besides their beauty, trees help make the oxygen we breathe, in addition to intercepting particulate pollutants in the air such as ash, dust, and smoke. It is estimated that the leaves of a single large neighborhood tree removes over 100 lbs. of carbon from the atmosphere each year! A 10-year old tree’s efforts are enough to offset the carbon produced by a single coast-to-coast jet flight. So, perhaps it’s time for everyone to plant a tree.
June 2019
Graduates First UMC is proud to announce the following higher education graduates from our church community: Chapin Virta will be receiving her Master’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Ball State University this July. She plans to reside in the Indianapolis area. Rebecca Jones graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Biosystems Engineering. She began work at Trident Labs in Holland in May.
Tyler Swanson graduated with honors from Wittenberg University with a degree in Political Science. He plans to work and take classes locally for a year before applying to graduate school. Ellorie Kenyon graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Arts in English from Grand Valley State University and is employed at Mission Partners India in Zeeland.
A Thought to Remember “Trees are earth’s endless effort to speak to the listening heaven.”
- Rabindranath Tagore
Have you remembered the First United Methodist Church of Holland in your will?
First Focus
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Lake Louise Improvement
SON Sign Up continues
First United Methodist Church sponsored a spring work camp April 29-May 2 at Lake Louise Summer Camp through a Bread Pan offering and handy volunteers. Although the weather was quite cool and damp, our group accomplished much.
at church any Sunday through June 16, or during the week. Reach out with your questions to fumcson@gmail.com or contact LuAnne Stanley Hook at 616-396 -5205, ext. 108.
We began with a comprehensive cleaning of the ten new cabins for summer use that included bathroom and floor work. We were excited to have built four treated patio decking (5x14) for the staff cottages, as well as a kitchen patio walkway entrance to the hotel retreat center. Four volunteers split and stashed 4 full cords of Beech firewood for fireplace and bonfire burnings. Those are some of the teams’ accomplishments that camp staff no longer needs to do. We are thankful for your financial and prayer support in this important mission work. The date for the fall Lake Louise work camp is set for September 30. At that time we will improve and winterize this beautiful camp ground. We invite you to join in!
In order for the SON Team to accurately plan for this event, we request that all participants sign up by June 17 or we will not be able to accommodate you. There is a $10 per person or $20 max per family donation requested to assist with costs that can be paid to FUMC by check or cash. Sign up at this link today or on the church website and please pay in the church office or through the offering plate. If money is tight, please email fumcson@gmail.com to request a scholarship. Follow the links below‌
https://www.fumcholland.org/ for the church website or https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI pQLSeiwH6SR_WjwpYvvLf2VO1Iub1JKf0 kJneIWU3Azkdqrl_VAw/viewform for the direct link to the SON sign up form.
Summer Services Special Music If you would like to provide music for our Sunday morning worship services, please fill out the slip below and return it to David Newton or the church office ASAP. Summer dates are Sundays, June 2 through September 1, 2019. Thank you for your willingness to share your talents. Name: _________________________________ Telephone: ____________________________ Please circle one: Voice or Instrument Preferred Sundays: _____________________________________________________________ Sundays not available: __________________________________________________________ Solo: _________________ Duet: _________________ Ensemble: ________________ Need Accompanist (circle one): yes
no
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Holland, MI Permit No. 445
First United Methodist Church 57 W. 10th St. Holland MI 49423 Return Service Requested
Reverend Brad Bartelmay Phone: 616-396-5205, ext. 105 or 269-266-2221 June Worship Series: God is Out There
Upcoming communion date: June 30, 2019
Visit us online at www.fumcholland.org
The Last Word The deadline for submissions to First Focus is Tuesday, June 18th. Please email articles to erin@ fumcholland.org
This last week of May I’m away at Annual Conference. Upon returning though, it will be time for a chore some people dread and others love—new car shopping. Usually, I fall into the latter category. I love the banter and negotiating; and I’m a bit (just a bit) of a car guy. I enjoy looking at what’s out there. Then there’s this: as I’ve been learning about my options I want to make not just a good consumer choice, but also an environmentally friendly one. Creation is a gift of God, and we’re called to be faithful stewards of it. So as I started my research, I wanted to buy not just a good car (hopefully scarlet in color) but also the car which will have the smallest “carbonfootprint.” Carbon-footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuel through the manufacture and use of a product (thank you Google). So, to get the vehicle with the smallest carbonfootprint means not just getting good gas mileage but also using the least amount of fossil fuels in making that car.
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