THE SUMMER OF RISK-TAKING MISSION August 2016
“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.” – 1Timothy 1:6 Ultimately, all are commissioned. All are called. All belong to the holy order of God’s beloved. The hands that pass the peace can pass a meal to the man on the street. The hands that cup together to receive Christ in the bread will extend to receive Christ in the immigrant, the refugee, the lonely, or the sick. Hands plant, and uproot, and cook, and caress. They repair, and rewire, and change diapers, and dress wounds. Hands tickle giggling children and wipe away tears. Hands rub heaving bellies of big, ugly dogs. Hands sanctify ordinary things and make them holy. 1
Beyond what many servants do day by day and week by week, our congregation has taken risks and ventured into new arenas of mission, by the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God. The following is a list of ways Holland United Methodists have been offering God’s love to the world.
Focus
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rachel Held Evans writes beautifully about the use of our hands in serving Christ in every day ministries. Reading it made me think of our church-hands feeding people at Senior Meals, hands crafting PET vehicles to transport mobility challenged children, hands praying and knitting shawls for healing and comfort. Rachel is writing about us, FUMC of Holland. We are a people engaged in ministry and mission-especially in this summer of 2016.
-Lake Louise Work Mission-preparing the camp for a summer of ministry with children, youth and families; others volunteered at nearby Camp Kinawind -Neighborhood Serve-joining together with Washington School Neighbors, Ebenezer Assemblies, and other churches to paint, repair, and landscape at the homes of neighbors nearby, as well as work at the Community Garden. -Guatemala Mission trip- 24 youth and adults built homes, painted, and repaired buildings at a Bible College, made new friends, and renewed old friendships -Cass Community Ministries Missions- Middle high youth served in the heart of Detroit; they followed the lead of adults who served there in January. They helped out in the recycle and reuse industries there working side by side with formerly homeless people who now have jobs. -Refugee Resettlement-Preparing and praying for an immigrant family who will need a warm welcome, lodging, items to make a home, and lots of support as they adjust to a new community in a new land. The lead team is excited about the arrival of the family later this summer and thankful for your generosity for this ministry. In all these ways, and many more, we are being the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
Inside this issue: Church Events, prayer concerns, Birthdays, VCI update
2-3
Nurture Ministry
4–5
UMW, Youth, Calendar
6-7
Giving thanks to God for this new vitality among us, Pastor Lynn 1
Rachel Held Evans, Searching for Sunday, (Nashville, TN, Nelson Books, 2015) 98.
A GRACE-FILLED COMMUNITY AFLAME WITH GOD’S LOVE FOR THE WORLD
Happening this Month Come join the Lunch Bunch on Sundays Come join us, or support us thru your offering on the following the 10:45 a.m. service. We will August 21st Bread Pan. Contact Gene Wong for gather at the Good Shepherd window to information about the workcamp. get a head count and head out to a local restaurant. All ages are welcome to join including Kids Hope news: singles, couples, and families. Check the bulletin for the August means back to school for Kids at days’ location or contact David Newton. Holland Heights. Another year of Kids Hope will be starting soon. If you have will meet on August 4 at 1:30 here at the been thinking of being a Kids Hope menchurch to ride the bus to DeGraaf Nature tor, this is a great time to get started. We Center for a Wildlife Lecture and optional are always in need of new mentors. Traintrail walking. Reservations are required, ing will be in the fall. Days are flexible and mentoring please call Phyllis Bocks at 616-394-5811. usually happens at lunchtime. Let's help some kids in need in our community. For more information conKnitting Fellowship needs a couple more knitters or tact Kathy Lindstrom at 738-1689 or crocheters to match the needs of this congregation. All klindst0702@gmail.com. are welcome to join the small group on Sept. 13, Tuesday evening at 6:30 in the lounge to distribute yarn and FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF patterns for prayer shawls. We will continue to meet on HOLLAND the second Tuesdays of the month, October 11, Job Description: Church Nursery Supervisor November 8 and December 13, all at 6:30 p.m. in the Looking to hire church nursery supervisor. This perlounge. Check out the bulletin board in the hallway out- son would care for children ages 0 – 4 at church durside the lounge. IF you have knitting or crocheting ing Sunday worship, 8:15 – 12:15, and for other activiexperience or would like to learn, please join us. Jane ties as needed. Other duties include the ability to oriSmith ent, coordinate, and supervise volunteer/parent helpers for the church nursery. The ideal candidate would FUMC is sponsoring the 2016 fall Lake Louise be able to develop and maintain relationships with the voluntary work camp scheduled for September 26parents and children in order to facilitate and encour30. We welcome all persons regardless of talent, gender, age their involvement in the church and church nurseor age to this worthwhile mission just north of Boyne ry. This job would start August 7. Please email your Falls, Michigan. We've had ladies and gentlemen as interest with a one page resume and 3 references to young as 16 and as old as 84 for our past mission expe- swansond@hope.edu. Include the best way to contact riences. We not only winterize the camp but most likely you in your email. will be doing finishing work on the new cabins that we started this spring. Some typical Fall experiences inThere will be an American Red Cross clude painting, cleaning, putting away picnic tables, light blood drive in Fellowship Hall on repair work on window, doors, and split rail fencing. August 14 from 8:15 to 2:30. Please give There always something that need repair, added to or if you are able. There is a significant modified in the cabins. Management provides all lodgblood shortage right now. ing, food, and supplies for our work so bring just your personal stuff, and a smile. Fall colors, clean lake and fresh air all awaits you at this great mission venue. The deadline for article submissions for the September Focus is August 16. Please email articles to mhaney@fumcholland.org by that date or earlier. If a hard copy must be used, please bring to main office by that date also. If you would prefer not receiving the Focus in the mail, please let Marj Haney know at mhaney@fumcholland.org Page 2
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Birthday Wishes! These friends are celebrating at least their 85th birthday this month. Please extend your well wishes! August 8
Maribelle Anderson 145 Columbia Ave. #251 Holland MI 49423
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Barbara Miner 145 Columbia Ave. #718 Holland MI 49423
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Joyce Bennett 630 Hastings Ave. #315 Holland MI 49423
Please be in prayer for these congregation members and friends…Sally Shimp, Allyn Abel, Al and Donna Wiegerink, Courtney Dooley, Myrna Beekman, Janet Howell, Cindy Helder, Deane Williams, Loretta Tiethof, all those who have lost loved ones recently and all those who have loved ones who are ill or hurting. If you have prayer requests, they can be send to Katie Curneal at kcurneal04@hotmail.com
Thank you cards that come into the office are placed on the bulletin board across from the kitchen in the 9th St. hallway. Stop and read them sometime. Right now you can find notes from Ivy Cammenga and Paul and Merilyn Klomparens.
Policy Governance Task Force Update As reported in July the Policy Governance Task Force has been working to create a proposal for restructuring the leadership of the Church. At a high level, it can be best described as a model whereby the leadership team is focused on the “Ends” (Mission, Vision and high-level ministry goals) and the staff and ministry teams is focused on the “Means” (how we will achieve the Mission, Vision and high-level goals through ministry). The work of the Task Force is progressing forward. In July the draft structure was presented to Church Council and Lay Leadership, where valuable feedback and input was received. Following those meetings the Task Force was busy drafting a proposal for the District Superintendent, whose approval is required before it can be presented to the congregation at a Charge Conference. The draft was sent in late July and we are now awaiting feedback. Next up for the Task Force is presentation of the draft proposed structure at a Town Hall meeting on August 21. This meeting will convene between the Sunday services and is open to all. We encourage you to attend to learn more about the upcoming proposal and to ask any questions you might have. Following the August Town Hall meeting additional meetings may be scheduled to facilitate feedback and understanding. After all reviews are conducted (and subsequent revisions made), and pending approval from the District Superintendent, the Task Force will make a proposal to the entire congregation at a Charge Conference, which is being planned for the end of September. Task Force Members: Kevin Virta, Jean Russner, Matt Carr, Kent Jagnow, Bill Rocker, Pastor Lynn Pier-Fitzgerald.
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Nurture Ministry Heidi De Moss, Director of Adult Ministry This summer we will offer a class for PK-3rd graders These children and youth will be at camp during the 10:45 worship service. During August, for this month. Please drop them a note and the three Sundays and including Labor Day weekend, let them know you are thinking about we will do a variety of Veggie Tales videos with themes them. Addresses listed with each group. that connect with the worship service. We will continJuly 31-Aug. 5: ue the practice of children remaining in worship on Chanelle Jackson will attend Camp the first Sunday of the month throughout the summer. Wannalaffalotta at Albright Camp. The address there Join us for these classes this summer in our nice air is Albright Park Camp & Retreat Center, 3156 190th conditioned spaces! We will meet in Room 103. Avenue, Reed City, MI 49677 During the 9:40 Jubilant Journey time, we will offer a place to do crafts, play a game and other activities for August 7-10: children PK-5th grade. That will be held in Room 102. Dylan and Zach Vruggink, along with their grandma Janet Hardenberg; and Rachel and Robert Carr, along with their mom Liz, will all be attending the Black Bear Teachers are needed for the Fall 2016 Elementary Camp at Lake Louise. The address there is Rotation Sunday School classes. A Lake Louise Christian Community, 11037 Thumb Lake schedule is on the first floor with Road, Boyne Falls MI 49713 themes so if you’d like to teach, please sign up for a Sunday or two. We also Thanks again for your support of our youth and chilneed someone to lead the third grade dren through $10 for 10, its been a great summer! 30 kids were able to go to camp because of your bible class during the 10:45 hour. generosity! This will be the first semester only.
Small Group Ministry Small Group is a commitment that will bring you closer to God, grow your understanding of yourself and God, and bring you into deeper fellowship with some other Christians who are seeking the same thing. Supporting each other in our growing discipleship and building connections with each other is what Small Groups is about. If you haven’t tried some type of small group ministry yet, talk with one of the leaders, a member, or Heidi and find out more.
Ladies Only 1 pm Monday Afternoons contact Marsha Burnham Care Ministry Office (every other week) Tuesday Night Group 7:30 pm Tuesday Evening fed by Steve and Sandy Snyder Sr. Snyder home
Women's Spiritual Growth Group Summer Study: Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans. To sign up or for more information contact Tania Dozeman at tania.dozeman@gmail.com. We will meet at the church (occasionally outside if Life Groups: Monday evening Conference Room at 7 weather permitting) at 7 p.m. and our two remaining Thursday evening Lisa Snyder’s home dates are: Thursday, August 25 (Sections V, VI, and VII) at 7 Coffee Klatz & Conversation 9:30 am Monday Morning Led by David Newton—Lounge
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Continuing Adult Class for Summer: Immersion Bible Studies: John by Carol J. Miller Where: Conference Room Led by Dave Minnich 9:30 am Sundays Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28 ~ Journey inside the pages of Scripture to meet a personal God who enters individual lives and begins a creative work from the inside out. cokesbury.com The Immersion Bible Study series uses the Common English Bible and is meant to “help readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith”. cokesbury.com Let Heidi or Marj know if you would like to join this study so we can be sure to have enough copies of the book. Short Term Classes for August: Aug. 7 ~ Joy “Inside Out” Emotions Where: Lounge Led by various people 9:30 am Sundays In the great Disney film Inside Out we watched Riley and her emotions, Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness try to adjust to changes in her life. We will spend some time this summer learning more about these five emotions from various sources including the Bible. Aug. 14 ~ Town Hall Meeting/ Vital Church update Where: Lounge Presentations by various teams 9:30 am Sunday Want to know what movement is being done on the prescriptions from FUMCH’s Vital Church consultation? Here’s a concrete chance for information and input into the process. Aug. 21 ~ Policy Governance/ Vital Church update Where: Lounge Led by Kevin Virta and Jean Russner 9:30 am Sunday This is a specific presentation from the VCI team that has been working so hard to put together a new form of organization and governance for FUMCH. Come and learn more about what this team proposes we change to as a way to move God’s work forward in this body.
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Aug. 28 ~ TBA Sep. 4 ~ Labor Day Weekend, No adult classes Fellowship Space Coffee and Conversation Where : East end of Fellowship Hall What : A time to gather and visit with each other, or just relax and refresh. Copies of the newspaper are present, as well as coffee, tea, and refreshments served by one of the many groups of the church. Continuing this month at FUMC Your Marriage and God (in a similar style to our Woman’s Spiritual Growth Group) ~ Led by Pastors Lynn and Tom Pier-Fitzgerald. Join Pastors Lynn and Tom Pier-Fitzgerald this summer as we explore how God fits into your marriage. This is a great opportunity for any couple, no matter how long you have been married, to open up a dialogue about faith in your marriage, explore what a spiritual foundation looks like for a healthy marriage, and how to keep Christ as the center of your relationship. We will meet in the church lounge and each session will go from 7- 8:30 p.m. with childcare provided. During our time together there will be some instruction, some couple’s conversation time and an opportunity to get to know other people in a spirit of fun. Wednesday, August 3, Wednesday, August 10 Please see Tania Dozeman to sign up and let her know if childcare is needed. Wanted! New Group Leaders and Sunday School teachers, for both long-term and short-term groups and classes. Desired Qualities: heart for others; ability to guide a discussion; maturing relationship with God that you are willing to share with a group. If that sounds like you call Heidi. If that doesn’t sound like you at all, but this is nudging at your heart, call Heidi DeMoss. Let’s have a talk about where God might be leading you... (She’ll treat you to coffee or tea even if you don’t say yes) (616)307-2585 Heidi’s cell.
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United Methodist Women The Service Circle for August is Shalom Meals in time of need is Hope Circle August 18 at 9:30 am we will assemble the program books. The Campbell Soup Labels program is ending. The label have been a great Blessing to Henderson Settlement in Kentucky over the years and have bought several new Vans and other equipment. They are collecting General Mills “Box Tops for Education� for local schools. You may put them in the recycle box marked Campbell Labels at the end of the North Hall. There are no circle meetings or board meeting for the month of August. We are looking forward to September 1 for the first Board Meeting of the 2016 - 2017 year. The Circles
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will resume on September 7 and 8, Hope Circle at Noon on the 7th and Shalom at 10 am, Joy at 1pm and Faith at 7 pm will all meet on the 8th. All women of the church are welcome and we look forward to welcoming new circle members. It's 4 months away! That seems like a long time, but United Methodist Women are working on the 55th annual Holiday Bazaar--"The Christmas Snowman"-which will be Friday, November 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Workshops to make handicrafts, cookies, candy, desserts, and pigs will be announced in the coming months. As you are downsizing or cleaning out storage areas, keep the Attic Specials and Bargain Boutique rooms in mind; you can contribute housewares, toys, linens, tools, artwork, etc. Chairs for the Bazaar are Tracy Garrett, Janet Hardenburg, Cindy Helder, and Liz Travis.
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Schedule of Events
August 2016 Sun
7
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
August 16
Staff Parish 6:00 PM
August 16
Trustees 6:00 PM
August 16
Finance 6:00 PM
August 16
Church Council 8:00 PM
August 18
Stephen Min. Supervision 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM
Each week: Tuesday noon: Senior Meal (not Aug. 2) Thursday 7:00: Volleyball
Youth Ministry
LuAnne Stanley Hook, Director (ext. 108) It’s been a great summer of serving and growth for our youth at FUMC, thanks to those who donated to the $10 -for-10 campaign and made it possible for the youth to attend church camp and mission trips at a reduced cost. We had 23 youth and 18 adults attend the mission trips to Chimaltenango, Guatemala and Detroit, MI, and many children and youth attended and are still attending various United Methodist church camps. Thank you so much for your prayers and support! Attention, upcoming sixth-graders: you are invited to become a part of the FUMC Youth Group, starting this month! See below for information! We hope to see you and your friends there! If you’d like to receive email reminders from LuAnne, please email me or give me a call at the church. Wednesday, August 10: UNITY FESTIVAL DAY ZERO at Heritage Landing in Muskegon. This is a FREE day of the outdoor Christian music festival that will feature 4 bands, including Josh Wilson and Francesca Battistelli, and a speaker. It is a great opportunity to be outside, hear great music, eat junk food (who doesn’t like that?) and stay up late. This is a free event, other than the food. Please call or email LuAnne if you would like to come and parents, if you can drive. Meet at the church at 4:00 with your own lawn chair and at least $10 for “fair” food for dinner. Dress for the weather! We will return to the church at around 11:30 p.m. Families are welcome to attend on their own if desired. Find out more at www.unitymusicfestival.com. Tueesday, August 16: High School Lakeside Swim Party and Cookout at Morgan Lynch’s house. Bring chips or another side dish or dessert and a drink to share, and we’ll provide burgers and dogs and the fixin’s. Freshmen, we especially welcome you to join us! 6:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 17: Middle School Pool Party and Cookout: at Carol Streur’s house. Bring chips or pop, and we’ll provide the hot dogs, burgers and s’mores. All incoming 6th graders will receive a post card in the mail, so watch for it! 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, September 11, FUMC FALL YOUTH GROUP KICK-OFF! All youth are invited! Come at 5:30 to eat a light supper in the Eclipse, and stay until 7:30 p.m. A good time is planned for all! Parents, please come at the beginning to the lounge to get info, fill out forms for the year and sign up to help provide meals and other necessary things.
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Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Holland, MI Permit No. 445
August 2016 F I R S T U N I T E D M E T H OD I S T C H U R C H
57 W. 10th St. Holland MI 49423
Return Service Requested
Pastor Rev. J. Lynn Pier-Fitzgerald Phone: 616-396-5205 ext. 105
Visit us online at www.fumcholland.org
Worship Topics for August
Sunday Morning 8:30 and 10:45 Pastor Lynn Pier-Fitzgerald, preaching
August 7
“Cultivating Joy:” Conclusion of the Inside Out Series Holy Communion 2nd Service: Child Friendly Worship
August 14
“Lessons on Prayer” Luke 11: 1-10
August 21
“Running The Human Race” Kim Fellwock, speaking Romans 5: 3 - 5
August 28
“Jesus Calls Out the Hypocrites” Luke 13: 10-17