JANUARY New Life United Methodist Church 6584 W. Howard City-Edmore Rd. Six Lakes, MI

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1 New Life United Methodist Church 6584 W. Howard City-Edmore Rd. Six Lakes, MI NEW L JANUARY 2015 FE NEWS Happy New Year Welcome to As we begin this new year there are some important things that you should know that are very much in process here at New Life UMC. For the last year and a half we have been involved in the Vital Church Initiative (VCI) and we are entering into a time when we will all be actively participating in the process. VCI began in the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church. It was conceived out of a desire to see declining churches find vitality, new life, mission, purpose, and growth. Since its inception, VCI has helped over 75% of the churches participating in the program move into new ministries, find new excitement, deepening relationships with God and one another, and have seen growth. Here at New Life, there are 11 members of the VCI Team. They represent a good cross section of the congregation. Since we began the process they have read 8 books, committed one Saturday a month for training, conducted surveys of the congregation and communities, compiled data, gathered information about the congregation, analyzed trends, worked with staff to consolidate information, and will continue to work with leadership when we implement new ministries. They have committed some serious time and we should all be thankful for their work. What comes next is the important work of involving the entire congregation in the process from here on out Here is what lies ahead for all of us: 1. Please mark your calendar for January 20 th and February 3 rd. We will all be participating in two Pre-consultation Events. These events are meant to be informative and will set the stage for what comes after them. It is important that we get as many members in attendance as possible. Each event begins at 7:00pm and will be done by 9:00pm. Transportation is being organized for those who don t like driving after dark. 2. Also mark February on your calendar. This is the weekend for our Consultation Event. There will be more details coming, but for now plan on this being a weekend dedicated to being at New Life Saturday will be a series of interviews and on Sunday we will have one worship service at 11:00am with a meal following. On Sunday, the message will be delivered by one of the members of the VCI Consultation Team. Following worship, the Consultation Team will deliver their findings to the congregation along with prescriptions. These prescriptions are usually 3-5 corrective measures for us to accept or reject. 3. Once we finish the Consultation Event we will then be invited to participate in 3-4 Town Hall Meetings that will take place over the course of 5-6 weeks after we get our prescriptions. These will be led by members of our own VCI Team and will be held for purposes of discussion around the prescriptions. These dates will be released at our Consultation Event. 4. Once we have received our prescriptions and held our Town Hall Meetings we will hold a Church Conference with our District Superintendent and vote on whether or not we will accept the prescriptions. 5. If we accept the prescriptions, we will move forward with VCI. If we choose to reject the prescriptions, our time with VCI will be complete. Personally, I want you know that as we have gone through this process, I have seen many changes within the life of the congregation. God is on the move here at New Life We should all be very excited about what lies ahead. Many blessings for a great year Pastor John

2 for the women As I prepare this article we are nearing the end of 2014 and want to thank our congregation for your support. I believe Vicky Burrows helped everyone to understand the Purpose and Mission of the UMW, when she spoke at our UMW Sunday, as we, the unit from New Life UMC try to live up to the call to mission. In December, at our unit officers meeting, as we reviewed our treasurer's report, we decided that we could donate $1500 and still meet our commitments for early Our monies were distributed as follows: Our New Life Youth - $250 Commission on Aging - $200 New Life new sign - $250 Community House Roof - $200 UMW Pledge for $200 Paws With a Cause - $200 (service dogs) New Life Emergency fund - $200 What a good feeling to be able to share and now it's time to look to We invite all ladies of New Life Church to join us at one of our Circles. The Women's Fellowship Circle meet on the second Tuesday of each month, at 1:30, and the Circle of Friends meet on the last Monday of the month, at 7:00. See your weekly bulletins for dates. Mark your calendar with a heart on February 14th. This is a Saturday, and the date for Heartland District's UMW Valentine's Tea. This year it will be held at St. Johns First UMC. Cost is $3.00 at the door, with no reservation necessary. The time is 1:00pm, with light refreshments following the program, by Marie Papciak. The subject will be "Women Who Changed America - Personality", by Mary Todd Lincoln. We will car-pool. ALL ladies welcome. Continue saving Spartan UPC, Campbell Labels For Education, General Mills Boxtops For Education and metal tabs from beverages and assorted cans. Thank You and Happy New Year, Mary Lou Botma New Life UMW president A Quieting Comes Does He not speak to the hearts of men... in their sea of turmoil and quaking within? Facing our fear, we too, must stand with "Peace be still"... A quieting comes to our storm-tossed sea. The Son of God... Our Shalom, is He Leone Whittum September 23, 2014 Women's January Schedule Page 2 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39 We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies. Martin Luther King Jr. Widows Might 01/08 1:00pm Women's Fellowship 01/13 1:30pm Kelsey Recreation 01/20 2:00pm Circle of Friends 01/26 7:00pm

3 Birthdays in January 2015 New Life United Methodist Church Page 3 Financial Report for November 2014 Mike Riley 01/01 Marjorie Larsen 01/02 Agnes Schnick 01/02 Kyle Andersen 01/07 Verna Buskirk 01/07 Andy Ray 01/07 Cindy Thompson 01/07 Cody (Schnick) Poulson 01/10 Jim Vanderwall 01/11 Rob Andersen 01/12 Larry Beach 01/14 Paul Johnson 01/14 Alex Jones 01/18 Eva Main 01/20 Barb Ray 01/20 Abbi Andersen 01/22 D'Ann Fountain 01/22 Kathy Matthews 01/25 Kim Carr 01/26 Holly DeRuiter 01/26 Donna Kinsey 01/28 Kim Molitor 01/29 Kevin Outman 01/30 Jason Kroeze 01/31 Nancy Nielsen 01/31 Tracy Riley 01/31 GENERAL''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''November.14 Income'('General Expenses'('General Income'for'Month Previous'Balance'('General'Checkbook Total'General'Offering Total $32, Expenses'for'Month Programs Staff'Ministry Bldg'&'Properties Non(budget'Expenses 0.00 Operating'Ministry Apportionments 0.00 Extended'Ministry'&'Missions 0.00 Designated'Expenses $ $18, Month'Ending'Checkbook'Balance* *Bal.'diff.'will'correct'in'Sept.* General'Designated'Money General'Available'Balance Wedding Anniversaries - January 2015 Debbie & Elmer Ashbaugh 01/07 Cindy & Niles Thompson 01/21 Don & Gail Shurlow 01/22 You're not alone BUILDING Bldg.'Fund'Acct. Previous'Balance'Ck'Bk Total'Income Total'Expenses Transfer'to'correct'April'Scrip'(Add) 0.00 Month'Ending'Cap.'Improv.'Checkbook LESS'DESIGNATED Elevator Upper'Classrooms Blacktop'Balance Cash'Available $3, Grief Recovery Mondays, starting January 19th, pm to 8pm - 13 weeks of sessions You may come to any or all sessions, as you wish at New Life United Methodist Church newlifeumc6584@gmail.com Check the schedule of topics at the Church Sign up at the church or just come, if you would rather

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5 JANUARY 2015 Page 5 Sunday' Monday' Tuesday' Wednesday' Thursday' Friday' Saturday' 1New$Year s$day$ OfficeClosed 2 OfficeClosed 3 4:30pEmmaus Gathering=Grvlle1 st UMC 4Missions 9&11aWorship 10aSundaySchool pm=winterjamfor Youth=VanAndel 7:30pAA&Al=Anon 5 12StephenMnstry. 5:45pTOPS 6 9:30aPrayerGroup 10:30aCareTeam 12pLVMinisterial 7 8aMen sbiblestdy 9:30aTOPS 6pGathering 6:30LifeTreeCafé 8 8aBreakfastat CrystalFountain 1:30WidowsMight 6pBoyScouts 9 10aCoffeeBreak 10 8aMen sfllshp 11$ 9&11aWorship 10aSundaySchool 7:30pAA&Al=Anon 12 12StephenMnstry. 5:45pTOPS 13 9:30aPrayerGroup 10:30aCareTeam 1:30pWmn sfllshp 6:30pLeadNight 7:45pAdmin.Brd. 14 8aMen sbiblestdy 9:30aTOPS 6pGathering 6:30LifeTreeCafé 15 6pBoyScouts 16 10aCoffeeBreak &11aWorship 10aSundaySchool 12pYoungatHeart 7:30pAA&Al=Anon 19$ 5:45pTOPS 6=8pGriefShare 20 9:30aPrayerGroup 10:30aCareTeam 2pKelseyRec. 5:30pVCI 7pVCIw/cong. 21 8aMen sbiblestdy 9:30aTOPS 6pGathering 6:30LifeTreeCafé 22$ 12=6pBloodDrive 6pBoyScouts 23 10aCoffeeBreak &11aWorship 10aSundaySchool 7:30pAA&Al=Anon 26 5:45pTOPS 6=8pGriefShare 7pCircleofFriends 27 9:30aPrayerGroup 10:30aCareTeam 28 8aMen sbiblestdy 9:30aTOPS 6pGathering 6:30LifeTreeCafé 29 6pBoyScouts 30 10aCoffeeBreak 31 Not in a partying 'MOOd' A Sunday school teacher shared the parable of the prodigal son with his class, pointing out how resentful the older son was when the father welcomed the wayward brother home with open arms and a party. Amid the celebration, the teacher emphasized, someone in the story failed to share in the joy. Can you tell me who that was? the teacher asked. Eagerly, a little girl raised her hand. I know, I know she exclaimed. The fatted calf Watch the weekly bulletin for each week's subject at Life Tree Cafe'. Come and see what it's all about. You're going to want to come back again, and again. Inside each of us there are two warring entities, the strong and the weak, the bold and the fearful, the large and the small. Each of us has a big me and a little me inside, and often the little me frustrates and paralyzes the big me. When a person s inner image drops below a certain level, the result is pure misery. The Rev. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

6 Page 6 NEW LIFE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD MEETING December 9, 2014 The December meeting of the administrative board was called to order by chairman, Pat Carr. Prayer was offered by Pastor Scott. Present were Pat Carr, Janet Johnson, Mary Lou Botma, Myrna Walldorff, Bill Besemer, Shelby Burr, Cindy Andersen, Linda Andersen, Ann Minkel, Mel and Linda Houck, Andy Ray, and Pastor Scott. Linda moved that we accept the minutes from November as presented. Janet seconded the motion and the motion carried. Linda presented and explained the Treasurer s report. She noted that expenditures are currently still within the budget. A loan was taken out from Chemical Bank in the amount of $12,500 in order to pay Johnson Digital the final payment on the sign. Janet moved that we accept the Treasurer s report as presented. MaryLou seconded the motion. The motion carried. Linda moved that we add Ann Minkel s name on the two accounts at Mercantile Bank. Janet seconded the motion. The motion carried. Pastor John reported that the retreat scheduled for March 6th and 7th at the Shack had to be moved to March 13th and 14th due to conflicts at the Shack. We have 16 rooms reserved at a cost of $ each. There is a signup sheet in the church office. Other important dates to put on the calendar are January 20th and February 3rd when we will have pre- consultation meetings from 7:00-9:00 pm. The entire congregation is strongly encouraged to attend these informative meetings as we move towards the Consultation event portion of the VCI program. On February the entire congregation is again strongly encouraged to be part of the Consultation event and then on Sunday we will receive our prescriptions as a result of the VCI Program. This will be followed by three town hall meetings over the next five to six weeks as we strive to make a decision on whether to accept or reject the prescriptions. There will only be one worship service on that Sunday beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Sunday School offered at 10:00 am. A meal is being planned at the conclusion of the worship service. Our Christmas program entitled Bethlehem Bound will be presented on December 21st during the 11:00 am service. On December 24th there will be two Christmas Eve services offered. The first will begin at 7:30 pm and will feature a baptism and worship with candle lighting. The second will begin at 10:30 pm and will offer communion and candle lighting. Myrna presented the 2015 budget and highlighted a few areas of significant increases. The largest of these being increases to the conference ($ ). The finance team cut $ from the proposed budget submitted from various committees; $ from administration/operation, $ from buildings and property, $ from the parsonage, $ from Christian education/outreach, $ from program expenses, $ from staff expenses, $ from worship, and $ from extended ministries. Staff from each area will be responsible to make these cuts from the area they are in charge of. Myrna moved we accept this budget in the amount of $236, for Mel supported the motion. The motion carried. Pastor John expressed his concern that if we are really interested in growing our youth ministries that the $ line item was inadequate. We currently have 15 to 20 youth attending our Wednesday evening program. Myrna also showed some examples of the reports that can be generated with the new software, Quick Book, the finance is starting to use. Linda moved beginning in January 2015 we adopt the Lead Night method for church meetings. The motion was supported by Mel. The motion carried. The purpose of Lead Night is to establish a uniform time and date to hold the majority of committees meetings. Committees would meet the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. followed by the Leadership Team which would begin at 7:45 p.m. Pastor John shared some upcoming dates to keep in mind. The church office hours over the Christmas holiday are as follows; the office will be closed at noon on Wednesday, December 24th through Friday, December 26th and the following week closed at noon on Wednesday, December 31 through Friday, January 2nd. Regular office hours will commence on January 5th. There will be no Gathering on Wednesday evenings the last two weeks of December. Committee reports were given as follows: Christian Ed.: Shelby reported she would like to develop guidelines for camp scholarships so it is clear in advance how much money the church will be giving in support of each camper. Missions: Mel shared the mission team will be working on missions close to home during the coming month. Hospitality: Janet reported the hospitality team has packed six boxes for our service personal and Christmas cards have been mailed to shut- ins. They will begin updating the church directory in January. She also expressed the need to add additional mail boxes. Admin. Board Meeting continued on page 7

7 Trustee s meeting November 25, 2014 Page 7 Present: Ann Larsen, Mary Main, Eugene Rentschler, Andy Ray, Craig Grassley, Ron Harvey, Bonnie Reed, Drew Moliter, Nick Armonk Andy opened the meeting with prayer at 7:00 p.m. October minutes reviewed, motion made by Gene, second by Craig to accept with the following change; budget recommendation was reported an up $1, should read $ All in favor, motion carried. Old Business The bat project is complete, and invoice has been paid. The sign project is moving along. There needs to be another electrical line run to the sign with 20 amp breakers. A photo cell will be place on the upper and lower portion of the sign so it will not use electricity during the day light hours. This will be paid out of the money received for the sign. Andy is going to look into having the electrical looked at for the parsonage. The electric bill seems to be running high. Andy reported that the re-rod in the cement bumpers has all been fixed. The fire extinguishers at the church and parsonage have been recharged. Projects to consider next year: replacement of table and chairs, office security steps 3 & 4, resealing and striping parking lot in the spring, updating the playground. New Business: Church Inventory: see next page Finance report: The recommendation for 2015 budget was accepted with just a few cuts. There is a question on the parsonage electric. Preschool report: Playground, research is being done on what is needed for ground cover under new equipment. There will be no meeting in December. Next meeting January 7:00 p.m. Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 Drew gave closing prayer. Recording Secretary Bonnie Reed Admin. Board Meeting continued SPRC: The SPRC is refining the job description for the worship leader and will continue their search to fill this position. Trustees: Andy reported that the bat exclusion/sign project is now completed with the installation of the sign which was installed near the end of November. Fire extinguishers at the parsonage have been recharged or replaced along with that addition of some smoke alarms. The trustees are working on an inventory report that will log the value of all church property. Projects under consideration for next year include; resealing and stripping of the parking lot, table and chair replacement for the multipurpose room and updating the playground. UMW: Mary Lou reported they packed 21 goodie sacks to be delivered to shut- ins and donations were given to the following groups; $ to both the sign project and the youth and $ given to each of the following; Commission on Aging, roof project at Grand Rapids Community House, Paws with a Cause, church emergency fund, and for the 2015 UMW pledge. UMM: Bill shared a good turnout enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared by Craig and Dorothy Ferrell at their last monthly meeting. The men have installed two more ramps and relocated two families. Pastor s report: Pastor John shared he is excited about the many ways New Life is reaching out to the community. The Christian Market Place was very successful again this year and the parents were able to attend a Life Tree Café program while their children shopped. Beginning in January there will be a 13 week Grief Share program offered that can be attended when you can. The Ministerial Association would like to begin opening the food pantry one day every week beginning in January and is requesting each church commit to one day a month. Training will be offered. The Wednesday Bible Study at the Lakeview Terrace is going very well and enjoyed by many of the residents. Pastor John closed the meeting with prayer at 8:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Andy Ray, Acting Secretary

8 New Life United Methodist Church 6584 W. Howard City-Edmore Rd. Six Lakes, MI Phone: Fax: Web Site: