The Good News. September The Pastor s Study. With Care & Deep Affection. Pastor Terri

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1 St. Paul United Church of Christ Mound Road Warren MI / The Avowal by Denise Levertov As swimmers dare to lie face to the sky and water bears them, as hawks rest upon air and air sustains them, so would I learn to attain freefall, and float into Creator Spirit s deep embrace, knowing no effort earns that all-surrounding grace. The Pastor s Study The Good News September 2015 Pastor Terri "How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone." (James 4:14 NLT) Did you know that the phrase, "Good Bye" actually means "God-bewith-you? Or that the language of the ancient Jewish people was so different than our own, that a single word carried a whole basket full of meaning. I studied Greek at Seminary, not Hebrew, but I had an Old Testament professor who taught us the Hebrew concept of "chesed," which is often translated as loving-kindness. It's one of those words, unlike God-be-with-you, that doesn't have an equal in the English language. More than just "kindness," it carries an understanding of a steadfast relationship, not easily broken, filled with grace and mercy. It's a word that says, "Despite what may happen, I am here with you through it all." It is at its core, God-be time. God-be time is important - it can be sad, it can bring us tears, it can make us uncomfortable-but it is SACRED time and while the future is unknown, we can rest assured knowing that God is with us always. The weeks are passing quickly, and in only about a month, my time with you at St. Paul will be coming to an end. I am feeling some sadness of that ending, even as I am as excited for my own new beginning, as I am to hear about the decisions this congregation will make in preparation for your New Beginning. That said, I will have to silently eavesdrop to discover where God is taking you, by reading the online newsletter, because I will no longer be allowed to have a pastoral relationship with any of the members of the congregation. By UCC policy and practical wisdom, there can be no exceptions to this. It will be the time to let a transitional pastor minister to you, so that when a new settled pastor is called, she or he can fully be pastor to the St. Paul congregation. I will be busy during the month ahead with sorting files, passing on information that might be needed in the future by other staff and lay leaders, and packing up my office and the parsonage. All that, and saying many heartfelt goodbyes. I have visited most of our elders and shut-ins, and am arranging for visits with other members and friends of St. Paul. If any of you would like to meet with me during September, or if you know of someone in the congregation who might, please let me know soon, and we'll find a time to get together. Friends, we have done good ministry together and have been faithful to the covenant promises we made to one another when you called me to serve you seven years ago. I will miss you. May God s Grace and the joy and promise of new beginnings lighten our hearts and lift our spirits as we move into this time of transition together. And may God be with you. With Care & Deep Affection

2 Page 2 Notes From The Consistory President Erich Regier We held an expanded Consistory meeting this month so others could be part of the discussion of New Beginnings. Whether we look at the possibility of merging, starting up as new or re-envisioning ourselves, the first thing we will need to do is search for either a transitional Pastor or interim Pastor for when Pastor Terri retires. A small group of us have started to meet and hopefully receive candidates within the next few weeks. Our search committee will consist of Dick Schuster, Gail Popyk, Jan Coleman, and Erich Regier. The roof on the Sanctuary has been installed. Amazing that it was completed within two days. Some good news is that the gutters did not need to be removed for the roof to be put on. Hopefully, that will save us some money. Our next repair will be the plumbing in the bathrooms downstairs. We are moving along. We had the kitchen inspected. We had no violations. The kitchen looks great. A big thank you to Mary Fritz who makes sure the kitchen does not have any issues that would come up on the kitchen inspections. On Sept 13 th, we will be having a quick Congregational Meeting. We have some constitutional changes we would like to vote on. Also, it may be a good time to bring up any updates we have on the search committee and or New Beginnings. Oct 10 th will be our Rummage sale. We are still in need of more rummage. Please remember to look around and bring whatever you have. On Oct 17 th, we will be having a fall clean up. The inside will be cleaned, dusted, and floors thoroughly mopped. We will be putting storm windows back up, and any other clean up outside. We are looking for more than usual volunteers this time. SPUCC WOMEN S OVERALL MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, AM FALL ASSOCIATION MEETING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 ST. JOHN ST. LUKE

3 Page 3 The pleasure of your presence is requested on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at the Book Publishing Party for M&M and the Rolling Stone and Other Scripture-Dramas by Reverend Penny Lowes Open House & Refreshments from 3-5 p.m. First Congregational United Church of Christ 102 Church Street, Romeo Penny will be available to sign books. 10% of all book sales will be donated to the ongoing Ministries of First Congregational UCC, Romeo.

4 Page 4 HOME BOUND Anne Pyciak Edith Anthony Virginia Park Marilyn Dopp Mable Adamson Esther Hornyak Mae St. Clair Joan Pinegar Dorothy Zink Ruth MacRae Wally Paczkowski Residents of Evangelical Home & Other Residences CANCER Bonnie Fagon Barbara Delmoral Shirley (Anne) Jean Donna Eugene Hardy Lynn Tom (Lisa) Carol Anna (Bonnie M) Nancy (Barb M) Lillian (Barb M) Howard Dubois Karen (Barb M) Sherry Schact Irene Marian (Bendik) Yaeger Hannah Aunt Debbie Mary Fritz Lorrie Berry Rachel James PLEASE PRAY FOR St. Paul UCC New Beginnings Process Oz Frangquist Sonja Gray (Lorrie) Ned (Marge) Linda Gerri Thatcher (Mary F) Rev. Gene McCornack Tommy Council (Mable s grandson) Brandon Ebel & Family Margaret (Barb M) Reva Brezin-Prosnitz (permanent kidney dialysis) SPUCC Community Supper Those Serving our Country Washington Decision Makers Michigan s People & Economy People Who Seek/Need a Community of Faith Safety for People of the World Seminarians and Members in Discernment PFLAG Ruth Ellis Center The Warming Center Sacred Conversations on Race Libyan Refugees Nepal Earthquake Victims We continually strive to keep our prayer lists updated. We are familiar with most of the people on our lists, but not all. Many people on our cancer list are our members friends or family members. If you know someone on our lists, please take a moment and let Barbara Stephens or Cindy Weiler know how they are doing. Thank you for your help. New additions will be lifted up during our community prayer time in worship and at Monday morning prayer. Each Monday, updated copies will be available on the black countertop. Emergency requests will continue to be called down the prayer chain as they are received. The names on our HOME BOUND and CANCER lists will be ongoing. The names on our PLEASE PRAY FOR list will remain on for a month. If a name is removed and you would like it to continue on the list, please let Maria know.

5 WOULD YOU BELIEVE It has been 3 years since we began our Community Dinners. What an exciting adventure it has been! Pastor Terri encouraged this program. What a wonderful outreach this has been for St. Paul, a much needed one. It has been very successful. We have only missed one due to weather. Many of our members attend, as well as many new faces including seniors, limited income people and families. It has grown that makes me feel good inside. It is wonderful to be part of something that is important to people who are looking for being comfortable and sharing a meal with others. Most come and are here almost the entire two hours. Most stop by the kitchen or speak to one of the helpers to say thank you and how much they appreciated and enjoyed being here. And they usually leave with we ll see you next month. And if they don t say that, we will invite and remind them. Page 5 Barbara Stephens Free Community Supper Wednesday, Sept 2 4:30-6:30 pm Sunday, Oct 4 at 2 pm Hope United Church of Christ Garfield, Clinton Twp, MI PETS should be safely restrained. Refreshments will be served. Mable Adamson Esther Hornyak Virginia Park Mae St Clair Edith Anthony Ruth MacRae Joan Pinegar Dorothy Zink Marilyn Dopp Wally Paczkowski Anne Pyciak

6 Page 6 Dear Members of St. Paul UCC, Brandon Ebel This month I want to share a story: "A young man sits in utter shock and fear that 12 individuals have the determining decision of his life. His thoughts waver creating an ambivalence that is not healthy. He ponders if life is even worth living and at the same time he's absorbing much of what the Bible entails, trying to hold onto hope. It seems unreal that he could be convicted and be given a life sentence. So in this boy's mind, he's thinking that he will be found not guilty and relieved of the burden of a murder charge. He's trusting God will deliver him from this nightmare. Little does he know, what he believes may ruin his life is actually what saves it. Awaiting trial brings great anxiety. Praying the whole time, the young man is really believing he'd be released. Then the jury came back with a guilty verdict of 2nd Degree Murder and Armed Robbery. Completely crushed and broken, the deputies cuff him and remove him from the court room. There had to have been 10 officers escorting him, all with their hands on their guns. This action actually made him think to grab one. Thankfully, he didn't attempt. Now sentencing comes and 13 years is the time to be served. Not a life sentence, but at 16 years old, he cannot fathom the amount of time. Blaming God and throwing in the towel on any faith he might've found didn't last long. What a tragedy it would've been if that boy gave up and made a decision to build on the negative he'd already seen in life. It seemed that something much greater was in store for him. But it would have to take people to believe and see something of value in order for this young man to see it in himself. A major transition took place when a pastor wrote him explaining how she was a member of his jury. This definitely influenced his curiosity, but by this time, most of his support dwindled away...he assumed this would be the trend here as well. Again, there was something much greater at work in this boy's life. And it had to take something great in order for his pessimistic outlook to be nullified. Against all odds, in the midst of a hopeless place; the relationship of this young man and juror/pastor began to blossom. The true miracle in this youth's life was having someone that cared enough to help discover who he was. In prison at the age of 16 can be a complete potential killer or it can create complete potential for greatness. The latter is much more rare and in this 16 year olds life, this was the route being developed. And to think, what if that pastor hadn't come into that boy's life? There is an integral part to any miracle or blessing. For whatever reason, whatever inkling or voice that pastor heard...she followed it. From then on so many amazing people from all walks of life came into his. That young boy would grow into a man with a reality that defies every norm you would associate with prison time. I must ask, how much do you think that forewoman of that young man's jury means to him?" One day, with much refining and added details, I see this story being published and reaching many. There is so much in all of us that can truly save lives. If you would like to write to Brandon or send him a card, his address is: Ebel, # Thumb Correctional Facility 3225 John Conley Drive Lapeer, MI 48446

7 Page 7 FALL CHURCH CLEANING EXTRAVAGANZA On Saturday, October 17 from 9 am until approximately 12 pm, we will be holding a fall cleaning of the entire church (or as many areas as possible). This will include installing the storm windows to the sanctuary windows, thoroughly wet mopping the tile floors on each level of the building, cleaning the balcony of the sanctuary, dusting and polishing the pews and woodwork in the sanctuary, vacuuming the red pew cushions in the sanctuary, washing any windows as needed, cleaning the outside of the church grounds as needed, and doing any other fall cleaning chores that may be needed. We are asking that the men and women of our congregation and any others they care to bring, come out to help us accomplish these goals. We hope to have at least 15 people to help and we cannot do it without you. PLEASE MARK THIS DATE ON YOUR CALENDAR AND COME OUT TO HELP! FALL RUMMAGE, SOUP, BAKE SALE & CHRISTMAS ROOM We hope you remembered to mark on your calendar the change of the month for the sale. It is Saturday, October 10. As always, we do need your help! Here s our schedule for the week: Saturday, Oct 3 9:00 am Set up tables & racks in large dining room Sunday, Oct 4 After Church Chain Gang Monday, Oct 5, Tues, Oct 6 & Wed, Oct 7 9:00 am Sorting Thursday, Oct 8 9:00 am Soup Making 6:00 pm Prepare the bread for baking Friday, Oct 9 8:30 am Bread baking Saturday, Oct 10 BIG SALE Arrive early to prepare for early bird sale 8:00 am-9:00 am $1 admission 9:00 am-2:00 pm Free admission 2:00 3:00 pm Fill a grocery paper bag for $2 Don t forget to bake delicious desserts for the bake sale! And the famous last words, WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! Blessings, Betty

8 Page 8 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015 Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the UCC that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants. NIN grants are awarded to churches and organizations doing justice work in their communities. There will be a congregational meeting on Sunday, Sept 13 right after church to go over the sale of the parsonage and some constitutional changes. Effective September 15, 2015, Pastor Terri's cell phone number will be 781/ The old number will no longer be in service. 1 Barbara Stephens 8 William Thompson Barbara Radke Christina Grawburg 22 Rev. Mary Alice Purcell 23 Suzanna Canales Sunday, Sept 13 Sunday, Sept 6 is Noisy Sunday. Get Your Change Ready!!!!!!! September 6 Dick Schuster 13 Gail Popyk 20 Cindy Weiler 27 Marge Murrell

9 Page 9 HELP WANTED (AND NEEDED!) If you are free on Tuesday, September 29 th from 10-ish to 12-ish, Pastor Terri would appreciate your help loading the Penske Truck she has leased for her move. It shouldn't take more than a couple hours, as she has had to downsize considerably to move into a much smaller space. Please let her know if you are able to help. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! APPRECIATION SUNDAY September 20, 2015 You are APPRECIATED and we are GRATEFUL!! On Sunday, September 20, we will be celebrating YOU. On the black countertop, you will find appreciation forms for anyone who has helped you or our congregation in any way - large or small. Be generous and specific in your gratitude for as many acts of service or kindness that you have witnessed, so that all are acknowledged and no one feels left out. It could be as simple as a warm smile and handshake during the passing of the peace or as vital as serving as liturgist or on consistory. Return your forms to the office by WEDNESDAY, SEPT 16, so they may be displayed for all to see during a special appreciation luncheon following worship.