United Methodist Church of the Dunes January 2018

Transcription

1 United Methodist Church of the Dunes January 2018 Dunes Digest P P Happy New Year, Friends! Okay, so it was a little daunting to think of 26 people hanging out for three days plus in our home --a home that a little over six months ago was not ours at all. But as we celebrated, the town, the house, and the church slowly and surely became home. They became home because hugs were exchanged, snow was shoveled, Christmas cookies were gobbled, pictures were snapped, new memories were made, toasts were offered, and eventually good-byes were delivered with kisses pressed against windows by waving grandchildren in car seats. And last night, my wife, Karen, returned from the store, handed me a small item, and said, Here! Put this in next year s Christmas gift box. I did, and then I slipped the gift box up into a corner of the garage at 633 Hillock Court, Grand Haven, Michigan, where we intend to spend Christmas again this year. So just like that, another year begins that will end in much the way 2017 just did. You have to wonder what will happen between now and next Christmas? Who will have a new baby, break an arm, start their first job, receive a diagnosis, learn an instrument, join a sports team, graduate, marry or even die? Who knows? Whatever comes we will deal with it--with the help of family, old and new friends, church community, and a loving, graceful God. We must remember, however, that some things happen to us, while other things happen because of us. I invite you not just to react to what life throws at you this year, but also to dream big dreams for Then, design and execute a plan that allows you to embrace uncertainly and serendipity as you live your year--blessing others and deepening yourself spiritually. I don t know for sure what life will bring, but I know who holds tomorrow. So, live humbly. Love big. Forgive always. Trust God. Never give up. In Christ s Love and Service, Pastor Lou

2 United Methodist Church of the Dunes In Remembrance Former member of Church of the Dunes, Fran Reinecke died on December 27, 2017 in Arizona. Church of the Dunes Weather Closing Policy If Grand Haven Area Public Schools are closed due to weather, events at the church will be canceled and the church office will be closed. If the weather turns bad later in the day or on the weekend, we will contact Wood TV8 to notify the congregation of any cancellations. You may access Wood TV8 s closings on your television, computer or tablet, or cell phone. Sunday morning services will not be cancelled due to weather as long as Pastor Lou is able to make it to the church. This will also be announced via Wood TV8. January 2018 Worship for January at United Methodist Church of the Dunes 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM each Sunday. January 7: Pastor Lou Grettenberger will be preaching. Sermon Title: The voice of the Lord Scripture: Mark 1:4-11 January 14: Pastor Lou Grettenberger will be preaching. Sermon Title: Listening for God Scripture: I Samuel 3:1-20 January 21: Pastor Lou Grettenberger will be preaching. Sermon Title: Running from God Scripture: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 January 28: Pastor Lou Grettenberger will be preaching. Sermon Title: Leading by Example Scripture: I Corinthians 8:1-13 Changing Hearts...Changing Lives January is a season of new beginnings. It is a perfect time to review the year behind, and look at the new year ahead. It is a good time to ask ourselves if we are doing enough, giving enough? We are a privileged people. Do you have a roof over your head, heat to stay warm, electricity to see after dark and cook your food, clean water, and even water that gets warm, a toilet to flush? Do you have food for the next meal? A vehicle? Does your vehicle even have a roof over its head (i.e. garage)? If you answered yes to even one of these questions, let alone several or all of them, then you are among the world s wealthiest individuals. Ten percent of the world lives on less than $1.90 per day. We spend more than that on a cup of coffee or a magazine. Let that sink in and please consider increasing your giving to Church of the Dunes this year. There are cold and hungry people right here in our community, across our country, and around the world who are waiting for our help. Give generously so we can help to change the world one life at a time! The Stewardship Committee

3 January 2018 UMC Dunes Hires Director of Communications Carla Kocher has been hired as director of communications at UMC Dunes, effective this month. Working with Senior Pastor Lou Grettenberger and other staff members, she will be responsible for developing a comprehensive and systematic plan for communicating the vision, mission and programming of the church, both within the congregation and throughout the area. Carla s duties will include designing, writing and editing print and electronic newsletters and press releases. She also will be in charge of planning and posting content on our website and on social media outlets. Carla brings a wealth of experience working on outreach strategies for faith-based, nonprofit and government-funded organizations. Most recently, she has been a consultant, a project and outreach coordinator at the Ottawa Conservation District, and worked for Ottawa County Parks and Recreation. She is the vice president of the Owashtanong Islands Audubon Society and volunteers as an arts and crafts instructor for Pioneer Resources. As the daughter of a retired Evangelical Lutheran Church in America pastor, Carla says she feels at home working in a church setting. I m looking forward to learning more about UMC Dunes and working with the staff and congregation, she said. She holds a bachelor s degree in political science from Minnesota State University in Moorhead and a master s degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. Kocher and her husband, Jerry Hilger, have lived in Grand Haven since They enjoy hiking, flying their dual-line kite, watching and learning about Great Lakes freighters, and spending time with their adopted miniature schnauzer, Luci. Megan Horist Hired as Director of Music Megan E. Horist is returning to UMC Dunes as director of music and choral director, effective this month. Working with Senior Pastor Lou Grettenberger and other staff members, Megan will be responsible for the overall music program of the church. This will include directing the adult music groups, Chancel Choir and Bells of Glory; middle school and high school bell players, Carillon Ringers; and the 2 nd - 6 th grade Chimers and Junior Singers. She also will oversee staff members and volunteers in the music ministry, coordinating all music at regular and special church services. Megan brings a wealth of experience to the position. Since 2009, she has served as the director of music and worship arts at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids. There she was responsible for coordinating all artistic aspects of the worship services, including vocal and instrumental music, drama, visual arts, audio and visual services, and liturgical dance. Prior to working in Forest Hills, she served as the director of worship arts at Second Reformed Church in Grand Haven. She also worked for some time as the director of choral and instrumental music at West Michigan Academy of Arts and Academics in Spring Lake, and as a private voice teacher for Grand Haven High School and Tri-Cities area students. Megan holds a bachelor s degree in music (vocal performance) from Michigan State University. She also has taken continuing education classes at Boston College, Boston University, the University of Massachusetts in Lowell and Calvin College. Megan grew up attending UMC Dunes, was active in the youth group and participated in the New Day Singers. She lives in Grand Haven with her husband, Matt, and their three children, Noah, Cole and Paige. She is really excited to be coming home and is eager to begin ministry here.

4 United Methodist Church of the Dunes Adult Education Group Studies: The Word for The Way By Jan Stuart, Adult Education Coordinator January 2018, a time to begin again, to renew our Faith commitment, get a fresh start! Your Education Team is equipped and want to welcome you to visit, or sign up, and join the conversation as we search for God s directives in our lives. All classes open! Some need early registration to have the books on hand before the first session. FaithLinks - Every Sunday, 9:30 10:30 am, Room 4, facilitator Ed Lystra. Connecting Faith with Life. New Topics Weekly concerning social concerns & current events. Parenting Discussion Group Sundays, 11:30 am 12:15 pm, Wiltse Center, discussion leader, Val Martin. Drop in parenting discussion group. New topics weekly. Unique perspectives and coping skills for the daily challenges parents face. The World at Odds Sundays, 11:30 am 12:30 pm, Room 13/14, facilitators John & Gwen Bartels. Faith Lessons teaching us how to answer God s call to be a transforming influence in our culture today. Basic Beliefs & Questions, BBQ Book Discussion Group Sundays, 11:30 am 12:30 pm beginning January 14-February 25, Ryder Lounge, discussion leader, Jill Martin. New Book: Jesus at 2000, edited by Marcus J. Borg, Book 2 of "God at 2000". Six internationally known Jesus scholars, commemorating the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus, talk about the historical, religious, and cultural significance of Jesus. Readers will appreciate the wide range of perspectives offered, from historical Jesus scholarship to Jewish studies, early Christian history, world religions, and religion and culture. Participants responsible for buying their own book (as little as $2 on Amazon). Read Chapter 1 (Intro) and Chapter 2 by the first class, then read one essay per week. Different discussion each week! Financial Peace University - by Dave Ramsay. New class. Begins Sunday January 14 March 11, 11:45 am 2:45 pm, facilitator Jeff Moody. Back by popular demand! Financial Peace University will again be presented at Church of the Dunes! After the Holidays, when the receipts are piling up, you may be asking yourself, How will I get caught up? Or, I should have budgeted for gift giving this year? We all have had those thoughts and never find the right answers. Dave Ramsey, founder of Financial Peace University can help you bring your finances into focus though his faith-based approach to getting out of debt and making smarter choices. Prepare now for this one afternoon per week event that is tried and true for so many across the country. Jeff Moody, CPA will be facilitating the class which consists of a 45 minute video and Q & A. Both Church members and the public are invited. Go to to order your workbook and see the difference Financial Peace can make in your life! For additional details, contact Susan Thorpe at Monday Night Book Discussion Group 4 th Monday each month, 6:30 pm, Ryder Lounge, discussion leader, Gayle Cox. On January 22 we will discuss The Japanese Lover by Isabelle Allende. This historical fiction, set during the WWII era explores questions of identity, abandonment, redemption, and the unknowable impact of fate on our lives. Participants get their own book from library, or bookstore. Abiding In Christ by Maxie Dunnam Tuesday mornings, 9:30 11:00 am, begins January 16 March 6, Ryder Lounge, facilitator Cathy Shick. New Woman s Study! There is a place in God s heart that only you can fill. Do you want more assurance and connection in your Christian life? Together we will look at the difference between following Jesus and remaining in him. We will explore how to renew our strength, find direction, and gain confidence by cultivating the presence of Christ within us. We will look at the relationship between prayer and abiding in Christ. 8 weeks, Sign-up Sheet by Office, $8 books need to be ordered ahead.

5 January 2018 Adult Education Group Studies (continued) Season 2 of the Story of God, DVD study, narrated by Morgan Freeman and produced by National Geographic. Wednesdays, 5:45 7:15 pm, January 10, 17 & 24, Ryder Lounge, discussion leader, Val Martin. In three new episodes, Morgan Freeman continues in his quest to find how most religions perceive the topics of the chosen people, heaven and hell, and proof of God's existence. You do not need to have seen the first Season to participate in this educational look at the Faith. No homework, no stress, just come and engage with open mind and open heart! No registration required. Workbook Of Living Prayer by Maxie Dunnam New Men s 7 week Study, Wednesdays 6:00 7:15 pm, Room 13/14, begins January 17 February 28, facilitators Doug Mitchell and Greg Kelly, This Internationally acclaimed study from Upper Room Ministries written for new and seasoned believers, concentrates on improving our communion with God, and experiencing the many inspirational ways to enrich our prayer life. 100% satisfaction study guaranteed! Sign-up sheet by office, $8 books need to be ordered ahead. Thursday Friends Woman s Fellowship Study - 1:00 pm Thursdays, Ryder Lounge, facilitator, Marion Fitch. Information to follow on their next study. Dunesmen 2018 Retreat Dates Set By Al Kochanowski Save the dates: May 11 & 12, The Dunesmen invite you to our second outing at Gull Lake Ministries. Our conference theme will be Getting Out of the Boat. We are planning ways to accommodate singles, couples and families. Pastor Lou will be our Friday evening leader. More details, including Saturday s leader and cost will be forthcoming. Talk to those who attended last spring. They had a great time. Gull Lake Ministries is a wonderful facility in a beautiful setting. United Methodist Women Distribute Bazaar Profits It is with great joy that we report how we divided the profits from our recent Holly Berry Bazaar. The goal is to seek out programs from local, national and international areas. This year the recipients are: Cass Community Social Services Tiny Home Project $2,000 UMCOR for Puerto Rico $2,000 Camp New Day $2,000 National United Methodist Women 150 Year Endowment Fund $1,000 Family Promise of the Lakeshore $1,000 Grand Valley State University Wesley Foundation $1,000 TCM Counseling s School Outreach Program $1,000 TOTAL $10,000 We thank the congregation, and everyone involved who helped raise this money

6 United Methodist Church of the Dunes January 2018 Adult Small Group Opportunities By Susan Thorpe, Adult Council Chair Ever wonder where everyone goes to have a good time and enjoy fellowship? Church of the Dunes has a variety of options for those working and not working or retired. Everyone is welcome and sign up is not always required. These options are called Small Groups and this is an ideal way to get to know someone new or just enjoy a social time with friends. Dunes Golf Group Meets Mondays at 9:00 am during the spring and summer at Terra Verde Golf Course in Nunica. The group welcomes men and women and novices too! Play 9 or 18 holes. Carts available. Contacts are Al Kochanowski ( ) and Barry Huntington ( ). Dunesmen Group Meets 2 nd Mondays from April December 6:00 pm in the Social Hall at church. Enjoy a homemade dinner, entertaining and informative speakers and fellowship. This group supports the summer softball team and Couples Retreat in the spring. Contacts are Al Kochanowski ( ) or Dale Zurakowski ( ). RSVP needed for dinner. Caregivers Group Meets the last Friday at 1:00 3:00 pm in the Ryder Lounge. Caregivers can be any age and dealing with many different challenges. Join a group that understands your journey and be supported, learn a new tip or trick, but most important take time for yourself to rejuvenate. No sign up, just come! ROMEO s Group Meets 3 rd Tuesdays at 9:00 am at Vic s Restaurant in Spring Lake. No leader, just show up as this men s group is casual, welcoming and fun! Come and join in! Ladies Morning Coffee at Russ Restaurant Group Meets every Wednesday at 9:00 am. Breakfast or just coffee and plenty of fellowship, laughter and good news to share. No leader, just drop in anytime to our table near the door! Kid s and Coffee Playdate Group Meets every other Tuesday morning at 10:30 am in our Church Nursery. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring their little ones. Coffee and tea are provided (or adults are welcome to bring their own favorite morning beverage). It s playtime for kids and fellowship time for the adults. We have young moms and dads as well as grandparents who attend. Contact Laura Burns at Resumes January 16, Men s Coffee Group Meets every Wednesday at 9:00 am at either The Idle Hour Restaurant in Spring Lake or Hideaway Restaurant (behind Sporty s Bar) in Grand Haven. Location rotates every week, so contact Herm Tanis for weekly location. Share in tall stories, laughter and fellowship! All men are welcome! Pizza Group for Widows Meets 3 rd Thursday at 6:00 pm at The Village Baker in Spring Lake. Leaders are Al and Karen Kochanowski. Call Al at or Karen at for details. Enjoy great pizza, sharing and laughter for those who have lost a spouse. 2 nd Friday Lunch Group Meets at noon at a variety of restaurant locations. Everyone welcome that enjoys food and conversation and meeting new people! Contact is Elaine Bradford ( ). Creativity, the Arts and God Group - Meets in the Social Hall downstairs, Thursdays at 7:00 pm. Leader is Liz Lystra, accomplished local artist. This group is both a small group and a class - everyone is welcome. No previous experience or special talent required. We were created in his image and he was creative, we are too. No, not all in the same way, we are all different after all. However, we are all creative and you might be surprised at some of the artistic things you can do to express your creativity. It's just a matter of knowing how some things are done. You will learn some of those things in this group. Join us beginning January 4th. No sign ups needed. Contact Liz for details

7 United Methodist Church of the Dunes Youth Ministry Update By Ashley Boersma, Director of Youth Ministry December was a great and busy month for the youth! We started off the month with our Adopt-A-Family shopping trip! We went shopping for a mother from Women in Transition and her young daughter. We were able to get them both some things they wanted, and also things they needed. When we got to the store we divided up into three groups in search of the perfect gifts for this family. The kids had the list of the needs and wants, and a budget. It s great to watch the youth work together to figure out how they can get the most for their money for the family! They looked for sales and they talked to each other to work out what they thought was the best choice! I love to see our youth grow together using team work and their hearts of compassion, wanting to give this family as much as they possibly can. On December 10 th, we hosted the church wide Christmas Caroling and soup dinner. It was so great to have members of our congregation join the youth and their families to go caroling to our homebound members. It s always such a joy to see the response of our members we are caroling to. One sweet moment was when we went in to carol, the person we were visiting was in the dining hall eating, and one of her friends sitting with her said, Can you believe all of these people are here just for you! It s great to see people singing along with us. It s such a great way to spread joy this time of year! Thank you to everyone who joined us in the ministry, and thank you to those who stayed back at church to prepare soup for us. What a great evening we had! We ended our year with a Christmas party. We decorated sugar cookie cutouts, made ornaments, had snacks, had a photo booth and played games! The kids were encouraged to wear creative and festive Christmas attire if they wanted to, and we had some great outfits! It was a lot of fun and a lot of laughs.

8 January 2018 Small, Personal, Specific By Laura Burns, Director of Children s Ministries I am a planner so naturally, I love New Year s as we take time to examine the past: marking the highs and lows, and casting a vision for the future. I study the past as I strive to build a better tomorrow. I truly love to plan (we re working on VBS plans for this summer, as we speak!), I love having a well-laid plan and my materials all prepared long in advance of the actual event. I love planning because it fuels my anticipation for special events or a trip. Of course, as I ve learned, the unexpected, inevitably, plays a role in shaping life s best laid plans. As I began to take a closer look at Jesus and the way he lived his life, I noticed much of his ministry actually happened in unplanned moments. Jesus performed many of his healings as he was traveling from one town to another. He was interrupted many times: when he was speaking (Luke 5:17-19), when he was praying (Mark 1:35-39), and even when he was performing other healings (Luke 8:43-48). He handled each of these situations with grace and presence. He didn t see these as interruptions but rather, as part of his mission. Nor did he let these unexpected events take him off course he was fully present with the people wherever they happened to meet. He would attend to the needs at hand and then continue along on his path. Author Emily P. Freeman writes, He (Jesus) spoke of the future because that s why he came, but he didn t do it at the expense of the present. Jesus continued his life on earth the same way he started it small, personal, and specific. One of Jesus s most memorable parables is the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-27). A traveler is robbed, beaten, and left for dead. A priest and Levite saw him and passed by on the other side of the street. A Samaritan man comes by, bandages his wounds, takes the man to town, and pays an inn keeper to care for the injured man. Jesus says, Go and do likewise. This has resonated in my heart; please don t let me be the type of person who chooses to cross by on the other side too busy or too fearful to help a person in my path. Let me be a long-term planner who still has her eyes, ears, and heart in the present. So, as we stand at the brink of a new year, I think it s important to ask the big questions, to plan and dream of the large places God is calling us, but to also be in the present. Let us not miss or dismiss the unplanned moments or people in our paths. In this new year let us open our hearts to God s big plan for our lives in the small, personal, specific moments and people before us.

9 United Methodist Church of the Dunes 717 Sheldon Road Grand Haven, MI Phone: 616/ Website: Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Grand Haven, MI Permit 117 February Dunes Digest Deadline The deadline for the February issue of the Dunes Digest is January 15. Address Service Requested The 2018 Flower Chart is now posted on the wall outside the Wiltse Center. You may sign up to sponsor the sanctuary flowers on a specific Sunday. The cost is $30 and the church office staff will order the flowers for you. Welcome Church of the Dunes Core Purpose We are a family of faith who seeks to grow in God s grace and love, challenges and equips all members to be faithful disciples, to share the Good News and demonstrate and reflect the love of God. Dunes Digest Available Via Would you like to begin receiving your Dunes Digest by instead of having a copy mailed to you? If so, please contact Jan in the church office at jblanchard@umddunes.org. Church Staff Ministers. All Members of the Congregation Senior Pastor.Rev. Louis Grettenberger (louis.grettenberger@gmail.com, ) Assistant Pastor. Rev. Eldon Eldred (eldon616@gmail.com, ) Director of Music..Megan Horist Director of Jubilation Choir.. Carol Kirchner (kirchcocarol@yahoo.com) Director of Youth Choir Cynthia Hicks (Cynthia_Hicks@hotmail.com) Accompanists Marna Jeffery, Cathy Shick Director of Children s Ministries...Laura Burns (lburns@umcdunes.org) Director of Youth Ministry...Ashley Boersma (aboersma@umcdunes.org) Director of Communications Carla Kocher Kitchen Coordinator Sherry Baker (sherry.baker@sbcglobal.net) Wednesday Night Suppers...Tracee Cole and Kelly Daniels Office Administrator Jan Blanchard (jblanchard@umcdunes.org) Assistant Office Administrator.. Shirley Chappell Custodian.Jeff Thomasma (jeffthomasma@gmail.com) Covenant Missionaries...Rev. Nkemba & Mbwizu Ndjunsu and Dr. Lester & Debbie Dornon