June 26, 2012
|
|
 Dear Friends,
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! As I write this letter a little bird is singing the joys of life on a branch just outside my window, the sun is shining, and the day promises to be warm and beautiful. Summer is only a few days old now, the pace of life (at least for some I´m told) has eased to a slower pace. For some of us this is a blessed relief; a chance to sit back and breathe. For some of us this marks the beginning of a season of challenge; how to keep the children active and engaged without overloading their schedule and yours. In our household it is a season for a good read (is there ever a season when it is not?!).
Reading has always been a great joy in my life and I wanted to pass that along to our son. I was reading to him almost as soon as we brought him home from the hospital. We began with the classics: "Goodnight Moon" and "A is for Apple." As he grew we graduated to Dr. Seuss books and Tedd Arnold´s "No More Jumping on the Bed." I was thrilled the summer when he was finally able to sit still(ish) and listen to chapter books. Each year we would choose a book to read together over the summer. We started off with wonderfully silly books like "Captain Underpants" and "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" (he is a boy after all). We then read some great books like C.S. Lewis´ series "The Chronicles of Narnia" and the Harry Potter series (complete with voices!). Together we laughed and wondered and imagined.
I can´t think of a better way to spend the summer. How about you? Have you taken the time to develop a love of reading? Not only can reading be a source of great pleasure and joy, but it is also a way for us to grow and stretch. If we read broadly (perhaps beyond our experience or culture) we allow for new possibilities of growth and connection. If we read deeply (focusing on a topic of interest) we allow for a greater grasp of something important to us and perhaps even become a source of wisdom for others.
So having said all that, I thought I would share with you the titles of the books on my reading list this summer. Maybe you will find inspiration for your reading list. Here they are, in no particular order: 1. Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality by Donald Miller – Donald shares his journey of faith discovery as a young man in college. (If you read this one, let me know what you think about the ´confession booth.´)
2. Mitch Albom´s Have a little Faith: A True Story – Mitch tells the story of reconnecting with his old Rabbi (in preparation for writing the Rabbi´s eulogy) and of a profound encounter with an unlikely Christian pastor. Easy and enjoyable read.
3. Change the World: Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus by Mike Slaughter – Mike explores what it means to really be church in this day and age, challenging some of our more popular forms of community.
4. N.T. Wright´s Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church – Wright argues that what we believe about life after death directly affects what we believe about life before death. This one really got me thinking.
5. Jesus and Nonviolence: A Third Way by Walter Wink – I have read this one several times. Wink talks about what I believe it really means to live as a follower of Jesus. John Wesley claimed to be a ´man of one book.´ Of course his scholarship shows that he was a man who read broadly and deeply. What he meant was that he filtered everything through scripture; scripture was the book that formed his world view and helped him to interpret everything else. I hope you are reading your Bible this summer, but I hope you are also challenging yourself to read broadly and deeply. Let me know what you´re reading – I´m always looking for the next good book!
Blessings, Pastor Tish
Table of Contents |
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
• June 15-17 — Father Child Camp
• July 1-8 — Family Promise/IHN Week
• July 4 — First Church and First Place closed
• July 5, 9:00 am — Fixin´ ´n´ Fellowship
• July 11, 11:45 am — Women of First: Summer Lunch Series
• July 13 - 21 — Senior High Workcamp
• July 14, 12:00 pm — Methodist Connection Picnic at Johnson Park
• July 18, 8:00 am — Caring Connection
• July 19, 9:00 am — Fixin´ ´n´ Fellowship
• July 24, 5:30 pm — Moms Group: Evening Picnic and Water Fun
• July 25, 11:45 am — Women of First: Summer Lunch Series
• August 2, 9:00 am — Fixin´ ´n´ Fellowship
• August 6 -9 — Arts Alive Camp
• August 12, 11:15 am — Church Picnic
• August 16, 9:00 am — Fixin´ ´n´ Fellowship
• August 16, 10:00 am — Moms Group: GR Township Park
• August 17-19 — All-Church Camping Weekend at Lake Michigan
• August 30, 9:00 am — Fixin´ ´n´ Fellowship
Table of Contents
|
EDUCATION NEWS
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES: Please contact Kim DeLong at 451.2879 (Monday-Wednesday) or kimd@grandrapidsfumc.org if you have questions.
 ARTS ALIVE CAMPis August 6 - 9! This year´s day camp theme is "Under Construction," a biblically-based program by Habitat for Humanity, which uses a construction theme, and involves children in activities that teach the value of "building" Christian community and participating in outreach service missions. Program elements include Bible theme activities, music, art, and dance. Registration forms may be picked up at the church or register online. Volunteers are needed for Arts Alive Camp, so please see the Sunday bulletin to sign up to volunteer. Both senior high students and adult volunteers are needed.
CALLING ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS! (students entering grades 7, 8 or 9 Fall 2012) Do you like to work with your hands? Do you want an opportunity to serve? We will be constructing a tool shed during the week of Arts Alive Camp, August 6-9. Cost is $25 for the week, which includes lunch and a t-shirt. We may also have opportunities for you to be involved in a few short (5 minute) dramas each morning. If you would be interested in either or both opportunities, please see the Sunday sign-up sheet or register online. Contact Kim DeLong at 451-2879 or kimd@grandrapidsfumc.org for questions.
SUMMER NURSERY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES are now available through Doodle. Please go to www.grandrapidsfumc.org/volunteers to serve in the Infant, Toddler and One Room Schoolhouse classrooms at 10:00 am this summer!
SUMMER CHILDREN´S EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITES ON SUNDAY MORNING:
Summer Sunday Worship Schedule through September 2
8:30 AM
• Childcare: 0 years old-2nd grade Room 106
10:00 AM
• Infant Nursery: 0-2 years old Room 107
• Toddler Classroom: 2-3 years old Room 205
• One Room Schoolhouse: 4 years old-2nd grade Room 202
SUMMER TRANSITION Summer is always a good time to transition your child to the next classroom. Please contact Kim if you have any questions about which classroom is appropriate for your child.
Table of Contents |
EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
SUMMER HOURS The church building opens during the summer on Sunday's at 7:45 am. Beginning September 9 our opening time will revert to 8:00 am. Mark your calendar!
Church Building Hours
Sunday: 7:45 am - 11:30 am
Monday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm |
First Place Hours
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm |
SUMMER NEWSLETTER SCHEDULE: During the summer months the First Pulse will not be published in June, July and August and the Weekly Pulse will be mailed out on an alternating schedule. Please remember to submit your Weekly Pulse articles by the prior Thursday:
Weekly Pulse schedule
• July 10, submission deadline July 5
• July 24, submission deadline July 19 |
• August 14, submission deadline August 9
• August 21, submission deadline August 16 |
SUMMER PRAYER PARTNERS Summer camps are underway and our Senior High workcamp is just around the corner. Did you sign up to pray for one of our campers? If you haven´t received your prayer partner´s name yet, please email SamiM@grandrapidsfumc.org. (If you didn´t sign up and would like to be matched with someone to pray for, please email Sami.)
FIXIN´ ´N´ FELLOWSHIP Thursday, July 5 at 9:00 am - meet in room 105. We will start the day with fellowship over coffee and baked goods, then tackle minor repairs needed throughout the church buildings.
LET´S GET PERSONAL! The Social Concerns Committee is collecting personal care items to help stock the shelves of Westminster Food Pantry. Many of the things we take for granted are unavailable to low-income families because they are not covered by food stamps. Here´s a way we can help ease the problem. Why not pledge that each time you go to your favorite market, you will pick up one or more of the following items to donate to the pantry: deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bar bath soap, shampoo, conditioner, combs, brushes or feminine hygiene products. Donations may be dropped off in the collection bin in the north lobby office. Your ongoing support of the Westminster Food Pantry is an essential part of helping area families in need.
SECOND SUNDAY LUNCH BUNCH will meet Sunday, July 8 after the 10:00 am service for lunch at New Beginnings Restaurant (1455 Michigan St NE). Because we reserve space there, please let us know you are planning to join us by calling Sherry Gates at 942.8527 by Saturday, July 7.
MOMS GROUP: EVENING PICNIC & WATER FUN @ KENTWOOD SPLASH PAD Grab the kids´ swimsuits, towels, and a side or dessert to share. We´ll meet at the splash pad at Veterans Park in Kentwood on Tuesday, July 24 at 5:30 pm for an evening of summer fun. We´ll grill hot dogs by the picnic area while our kids enjoy some free water fun. Dads invited, too. Address: 355 48th St. SE, Kentwood.
LAY PERSONNEL NEWS We offer our thanks and appreciation to Chandra Criffield, our Junior High Youth Director for the past two years. Chandra is leaving this position to devote more time to her family and full time employment. Please express your appreciation to Chandra for her good work in this important ministry.
JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH DIRECTOR POSITION First Church is searching for an energetic, creative person who enjoys working with junior high youth. The Junior High Director will oversee weekly programs for our 7th – 8th grade Sunday morning church school class and Sunday night fellowship program. The coordinator will report to, and work closely with, the Director of Youth & Young Adults. Preferably candidates will have volunteer or paid experience working with youth in a church or similar setting. This is a part-time paid position, from late August through the first week of June. A complete job description and application are available online at www.grandrapidsfumc.org/employment. For additional information, contact Laure Mieskowski at 616.451.2897 or laurem@grandrapidsfumc.org.
DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN´S MINISTRIES POSITION First Church is accepting applications for the position of Director of Children´s Ministries. Responsibilities include oversight of all Sunday morning children´s education classes; recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteer teachers and paid childcare staff; planning and oversight of additional children´s activities. This is a part-time paid position. A bachelor´s degree is required. Experience working with children in a church setting is desirable. A complete job description and application are available online at www.grandrapidsfumc.org/employment. Application deadline is July 16. For additional information, contact Laure Mieskowski at 616.451.2879 or laurem@grandrapidsfumc.org.
JULY CONNECTIONS EVENT: A PICNIC AT THE GRAND RAPIDS YACHT CLUB on Friday July 13, 6:00 pm. Pam and Steve Rowe will host a picnic at the Grand Rapids Yacht Club. Enjoy an evening of fun and food in a beautiful setting. (The Yacht Club is next to the East Grand Rapids Library at 740 Lakeside Drive.) Bring your own meat to grill, a dish to pass and a beverage. Paper products and grills with charcoal will be provided. Arrive at 6:00 pm so we can begin grilling by 6:30 pm. Those whose last names begin with A – L bring a salad/side dish, M – Z a dessert. See the Sunday sign-up sheet to make reservations. Limited to 20. Connections is designed for the 50s – 60s age group, but we welcome all!
PHOTO DIRECTORIES Our new photo directories are here and are available to be picked up from the receptionist desk in the church lobby on Sunday morning or during the week (9 am - 4 pm, Monday, Wednesday - Thursday, 9am - 9 pm, Tuesday). Directories are free (one per family) to everyone who had their picture taken. Members and First Church friends who did not have their picture taken may purchase a directory for $2. Our directory may also be viewed online. Access information can be found on the label on the inside cover of the printed directory or can be obtained by calling Mary Molhoek in the church office. Please make the following revisions and additions to your directory.
• Freda Grover, 1551 Franklin St SE, 2004
Grand Rapids, MI 49506-3331 - 616.475.6869
• Hermina Graham, 1551 Franklin St SE, 3065
Grand Rapids, MI 49506-3331 - 616.452.4104
• Leola Hathaway, 1551 Franklin St SE Apt 2029
Grand Rapids MI 49506-3356 - 616/248-2755
• Jean McNabb, 2239 Eastern Ave SE
Grand Rapids MI 49507=3249 - 616/452-9373
• Tish Bowman - 616/260-2994
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY All are welcome at the All-Church Picnic on Sunday, August 12, following the 10:00 am worship in the parking lot. Please bring a dish to share.
FIRST CHURCH AND FIRST PLACE will be closed Wednesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
ALL-CHURCH CAMPING WEEKEND will be held August 17 - 19 at Lake Michigan UM Camp in Pentwater. Cost is $56. You can bring your own tent, trailer, or use the campground´s platform canvas tent with six beds. Sign up in Wesley Hall July 15 and 22. Payment needs to be made to reserve your spot. If you have any questions, call Peg Terkeurst at 451.2879.
WOMEN OF FIRST A new ministry is forming at First Church and if you are a woman, this is for you! Our goal is to hold a series of events throughout the year to bring together all the women of the church ´to grow together in Christ, loving and nurturing one another along the way.´ Join us for the next lunch Wednesday, July 11 at 11:45 am. Contact Tish at tishb@grandrapidsfumc.org for more information. Child care provided.
METHODIST CONNECTION SUMMER PICNIC Everyone is invited to attend The Methodist Connection Summer Picnic which will take place at Johnson Park on Saturday, July 14 at noon. If you haven´t experienced the Methodist Connection, put a toe in the water and come to the picnic! Meat provided; bring a dish to pass.
UMW SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MISSION DRIVE-IN DAY will be Saturday, August 11 at South Wyoming UMC (2730 56th St SW) from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Registration starts at 8:30 am with coffee and fellowship. Cost is $10 per person. Studies are: Poverty, Haiti, and Immigration and the Bible. Registration forms are available on the north lobby bulletin board. No youth or children´s classes are included for Drive-In Day this year. Cost includes lunch.
COFFEE CAN OFFERINGS Don´t forget to mark your calendar for the next coffee can offerings on Sunday, July 22 and August 19.
Table of Contents
|
|
|
 |
WEEKLY PULSE: Click the link to download a PDF version of the Weekly Pulse. |
|
Worship Services
8:30 & 10:00 am
Pilgrimage Through the Psalms
Sunday, July 1
Psalm 23: The Lord Is My Shepherd!
Rev. Gary Haller
Fourth of July Hymn-Sing
Holy Communion
Healing Prayers
Sacrament of Baptism
Deborah May, organ
Chuck Buffham, trumpet
Ruth Strohmer, soprano
Sunday, July 8
Psalm 1: Like Trees Planted By The Rivers
Rev. Gary Haller
Recognition of Sami Marasigan´s 10 years at FUMC
Staff Choir
Table of Contents
|
ADOPTION MINISTRY PICNIC Join us on Sunday, July 22 at noon for a picnic! Ruth and Ed Wezeman will host and provide hot dogs and paper products, all you need to do is sign up and bring a dish to pass. They also have a pool, so bring your swimsuits! Please use the Sunday sign-up sheet or email Marj at marjtimm@aol.com with your reservation. Directions will be provided after you sign up. Anyone who has adopted or fostered, is passionate about adoption, or is thinking about adopting is invited to attend!
90+ BIRTHDAYS Happy Birthday to Gene Hutchens who will be 90 years old on June 27th!
ILLINOIS ROAD TRIP Join us for an autumn road trip to Springfield, Illinois! We´ll leave Thursday, October 4, and travel by deluxe motor coach. We´ll visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Lincoln home, the Old State Capitol, and Lincoln´s tomb. Admission to all the attractions, coffee and donuts, Thursday´s dinner, breakfast on Friday, overnight at the Hampton Inn, baggage handling, and gratuities are included for $239 per person. Click here for detailed itineraries and reservation forms or pick one up in the north lobby, or by emailing Marj at marjtimm@aol.com.
STEPHEN MINISTRY Matthew 25:36-40 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?" The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
Through Stephen Ministry, this scripture is lived out every day in our church family. Our Stephen Ministers are trained to listen, reflect and love their care receivers through whatever crisis they face. As God works to heal the hurts of individuals, Stephen Ministers are blessed to witness that healing. We are all called to fulfill God´s kingdom "on earth as it is in heaven." Have you found your place in the body of Christ? Are you quick to listen and slow to speak? I would love to talk to you and tell you more about this miraculous ministry. We are starting a new training class this fall for Stephen Ministry. Please contact Lois Walker at 616-581-0381 or steveloisw@sbcglobal.net if you are interested.
HEART OF STEPHEN MINISTRY You are invited to learn more about Stephen Ministry on Sunday, July 22 from 9:30 - 9:55 am in the parlor! Meet our current Stephen Ministry Team and view a short video called "The Heart of Stephen Ministry." It´s a perfect time to see if you might be called to take Stephen Ministry training this fall or if you or someone you know might benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister. Snacks provided. Hope to see you there!
FOCUS! Sometimes life can be too much and you can lose focus on what is important. Let your Church Assistance Program (CAP) help make things clearer! Call your CAP hotline at 455-6210. Tell them you are a member or friend of First Church and you will receive 2 one-hour meetings with a counselor at no charge. Don´t wait, call today!
Table of Contents |
|
SEEKING SUMMER MUSICAL OFFERINGS Summer worship has begun and we are seeking people who are interested in singing or playing an instrument during our worship services. Please contact Eric Strand at erics@grandrapidsfumc.org so that we can facilitate this offering. Children who study an instrument or sing are especially encouraged to contact me. Playing and singing in church is a great way to get experience playing for others in a non-threatening environment that honors the offering of your gifts.
SOWHOPE GALLERY EXHIBIT Showing in our First Church Art Gallery through July is an exhibit highlighting the work of "SowHope," a charitable organization which supports disadvantage women around the world through wellness, education, and economic opportunities. The organization was founded by Mary Dailey Brown, whose photographs appear in the exhibit and are the inspiration for the art of fine artists Kimberly Gill and Loralee Grace whose works complete the gallery show. Fifty percent of the sales of the pieces exhibited will go to the work of SowHope. The gallery is open during the following business hours: Mondays, Wednesdays – Fridays: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Tuesdays: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm, and Sundays: 8:00 am - 11:00 am.
Table of Contents
|
FIRST CHURCH FAMILY CONCERNS
Concerns & Prayers for:
• Lynne Beals
• Ginny Groat (hospice care)
• Ardis Merrill (hospice care)
• Rachel Reed
• Luella Showers
• Shannon Smith
• Chuck Zimmerman
Service Personnel
• Chris Bolhouse
• Neesa Broussard
• Scott Grifhorst
• Stephan Mathos
• Jacob Mol
• Jesse Mounts
• Trevor Norton
• Shawn Seher
The love and prayers of the congregation are extended to Tom and Brenda Voisin and family on the death of Tom´s father on June 22nd.
Congratulations to Kristina Bloss and Bobby Sisk who were united in marriage on June 23rd in our sanctuary.
 Congratulations to Giovana Possignolo and Matt Jones on the birth of a son, Gabriel Henry Jones, on June 20th. Proud big sisters are Victoria and Isabella and proud grandparents are Bob and Carol Jones!
Table of Contents |
|
ATTENDANCE
Sunday, June 17
Worship 8:30 am........60
Church School........30
Worship 10:00 am........192
Sunday, June 24
Worship 8:30 am........63
Church School........31
Worship 10:00 am........191
Table of Contents
|
|
| Weekly Pulse is published by First United Methodist Church of Grand Rapids. To subscribe to this newsletter, click on this link: subscribe. |
|
|
|
Copyright 2010
First United Methodist Church, 227 E Fulton St., corner of Barclay and Fulton, Grand Rapids MI 49503, 616-451-2879
|
