Volume 62, Issue 4 December 2018

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1 Fellowship Lantern Volume 62, Issue 4 December 2018 A Celebration of Ministry Annual Church Conference November 14, 2018 The world is in an unsteady tumultuous season. An atmosphere of unpredictable change has permeated the church, nature, politics, social mores, and consequently our personal lives. In fact, change is the new normal as things that were previously acceptable are now disdained and those that were once disdained are now acceptable. The world-wide status of local the church is in jeopardy as numbers of lifelong parishioners dwindle, younger families move away or join other religions, and the church experiences the spreading social conundrum of the spiritualbut-not-religious (SBNRs) those who shun organized religion in favor of defining it for themselves. These events are nothing short of what the Bible tells us will happen. Consequently, the role of the church must advance in new ways to meet significant social and spiritual needs head-on without, hesitation or fear. First UMC of Wayne is no exception to the numerical trends as our parish size falls short of supporting the fiscal life of the church. However, a reflection of our ministry accomplishments, reminds us that we are still alive. As we follow through with and fulfill the recommendations of our Vital Church Initiative (VCI) with reliance upon the Lord, hope will grow in new ways! FUMC-Wayne will celebrate ministry while both holding on to tradition and implementing new and creative ways of doing ministry. We do it because our overarching focus is obedience to Jesus command to go into the world and make disciples; and our discipleship is for the transformation of the world. When we obey as we are commanded, God will exponentially bless our efforts. Reflecting on our life-giving and nurturing accomplishments continues to provide inspiration. We celebrated three youth baptisms and four new members. Praise God! Add to that continuing outreach and missions efforts wherein we provided 106 backpacks for students and 39 shoeboxes filled with Christmas gifts for girls and boys to be sent world-wide. We continue to provide coats and boots to the homeless. Those efforts do not include the many unspoken deeds that our members perform for one another in times of need. Our annual Harvest Dinner and Rummage Sale have both blessed the community and raised funds. We look forward to our Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve worship service with St. Mary s Parish and First Congregational Church of Wayne, decorating the church for the advent of Christmas, the sale of Christmas Poinsettias, and the smell of baking of holiday cookies. Also, the needful installation of new phone, internet and security systems. And we have welcomed a new tenant relationship with Hill Crest Baptist Church, which helps, but does not fulfill our financial shortfall. Hill Crest is full of life with a mixture families and children; much like our own past. So, where is God in all of our circumstances? The Most High, Sovereign God who is everywhere present and will never leave nor forsake us, remains on the throne. Know that God who is all-powerful and all-wise will grant us the love, strength, and wisdom to do all that is necessary to carry out God s mission at First UMC-Wayne. To promote Christian discipleship and fellowship in the congregation and community Published by.the FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF Wayne-Westland Pastor Marva Pope 3 Town Square Wayne, MI Telephone Be encouraged everyone! Let us continue to serve, worship and build, as we uplift one another with love while carrying out Christ s mission!. Peace and Blessings, Pastor Marva 1

2 "IN DEFENSE OF SANTA" Back several years ago as the HS Sunday school teacher I was talking to the class about excessive secular celebration and one of the students suggested that Santa was the only way some children might experience the love of Jesus. (What a Shame). That's an interesting thought, however. It's not Santa's fault that people forget the infant Jesus. Why does the world love Santa Claus? "First of all, he's a joyous individual. People are attracted to joyous individuals as filings are to a magnet. Next, Santa is interested in making others happy. He increases the happy moments in the life of everyone he meets. He loves his work; he gets fun out of his job. He is childlike, simple, humble, sincere, and forgiving. Finally, he is a giver. His philosophy is to give himself away in service. He is a friend to everyone. He smiles. Perhaps we all could attain greater happiness if we emulated Santa a little more, for his way, is partially, the way of the Infant Jesus also." The commercialism of Christmas may have gone a bit too far for the Christian, but for me Santa and his reindeer belong. It is not our job to judge the world but as Christians it is our job to promote "THE REASON FOR THE SEASON," which is Jesus Christ. We need to witness to the love that came down in the Infant Jesus, the best gift of all and our reason for joy. Two thousand years later, it seems difficult for many of us to imagine the intensity of the joy of a teenager, Mary, that she has given birth to the Messiah, her joy as she watched Him grow to manhood, her joy at the great healing miracles He performed, her joy at the resurrection, and her joy as she watched belief in Him spread through the nations. No other mother in history has had that experience. Surely Mary had reason to be merry. That joy continues for us today who believe in the miracle of the incarnation, "The Word became flesh." No other time of the year inspires so much excitement, no other holiday is celebrated as much as Christmas. "GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST AND ON EARTH PEACE" Anita and I wish you all a Joyful Holiday and a blessed In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. Philip. 1:4 Red Miller 2

3 This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC December Mission Methodist Children s Home Society Many of you know, the Methodist Children s Home Society is close to my heart. It is this organization who gave me a chance in life and matched me with the best parents in the world. I was one of the fortunate ones. I was only 2 months old when I was adopted by a loving family. I often wonder where I would be and what type of life I would have lived if God had not worked in the hearts and minds of the people at MCHS making it possible for my Mom and Dad to adopt me. Through the years of volunteering at MCHS, I see the dedicated staff working with these kids who have been at risk all their young lives. The following was written by MCHS so the community can see what their program is all about and what their goals are to help these kids. At Methodist Children s Home Society, we are building a community where every child and family has a safer and brighter future. Through our programs and services and in partnership with our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors and community members, we are changing the lives of children and families who have experienced the trauma of child abuse and neglect. Our 80-acre campus in Redford is home to 50 boys between the ages of 5 and 18 who arrived at MCHS searching for the hope, love, safety, and support every child needs and desires. Having bounced from home to home, on average about five different homes over the past two and a half years, the boys who come to our residential program are looking for the chance to enjoy their childhoods while also healing from the immense trauma they have experienced throughout their short lives. MCHS needs every volunteer and dollar available to make sure these kids get the type of help they need. In addition they have a foster care program for both boys and girls. Let s give generously this Christmas Season knowing our dollars are spent helping to give these children a chance in life. 3

4 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Many thanks to everyone who filled shoe boxes for boys and girls around the world. For some children this is the only gift they may receive. In addition, they will have follow-up lessons that teach the Gospel message. We collected 40 boxes. They were delivered November 14 th to the dropoff church in Canton. Thank you again for your participation. Jan Podgers Mission Committee Christmas Cards will be on a separate tree in the foyer for our home-bound members. Please take one and visit, make a phone call or just send the card. Many people are lonely. A visit, call or card will certainly brighten up their day. See Ginger Cook or Jan Podgers for any questions. 4

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7 DECEMBER 2 nd, 2018 DECEMBER 9 th, 2018 DECEMBER 16 th, 2018 DECEMBER 23 rd, 2018 DECEMBER 30 th, 2018 Coffee Hour Doug & Irene Schoonover celebrating Doug s Birthday Roy & Jeannine Klay in celebration of Jeannie s Birthday Linda Maylone Open Roy & Jeannine in celebration of their 66 th Wedding Anniversary ************************************************************ Lay reader for December 2 nd, 9 th, 16 th & 23 rd is Nancy Lewis Lay reader for December 30 th is Gale Wilbur ************************************************************ ALTAR FLOWERS DECEMBER 2 nd, 2018 Doug & Irene Schoonover celebrating Doug s Birthday DECEMBER 9th, 2018 Roy & Jeannine Klay in celebration of Jeannie s Birthday DECEMBER 16th, 2018 Melissa McCormick in honor of Mary McCormick DECEMBER 23rd, 2018 Poinsettias DECEMBER 30th, 2018 Roy & Jeannine in celebration of their 66 th Wedding Anniversary 7

8 This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS: DECEMBER 2 nd DECEMBER 3 rd DECEMBER 8 th DECEMBER 9 th DECEMBER 11 th DECEMBER 12 th DECEMBER 14 th DECEMBER 15 th DECEMBER 19 th DECEMBER 22 nd DECEMBER 25 th DECEMBER 27 th DECEMBER 30 th Tamara Dean Charles D. Schoonover Paul Cook James Nault Jeannine Klay Luann Farmer Linda Brindley Doug Dillingham Skylar Stevens Amanda Speakman Linda Ruth Maylone Sheri Miller Chase Kull Mary McCormick David Randall Evelyn Clark ********************************************************** 8

9 Christmas Boutique Located in the Parlor The boutique will be open on Sunday, December 2 nd, 9 th and 16 th after the worship service. You can support United Methodist Women Missions, the church and do some shopping at the Boutique. We have lovely crafts, needlework, Rada Cutlery, Christmas Décor and many other items. Why not get your coffee and then come and browse? Thank you for your support, United Methodist Women 9

10 This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES: DECEMBER 27 th Paul & Ginger Cook DECEMBER 28 th Roy & Jeannie Klay ******************************************************************* This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND We are going to have Poinsettias again this year. These flowers are used to decorate our Altar for Christmas. They will be $9.00 and you can pick them up after the Christmas Eve service. Your orders need to be in by December 16 th. 10

11 This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA It is that time of year again, time to sit down and fill out those Christmas cards and remember all the people who have touched your life and you want to acknowledge. In a long-standing tradition, we have saved time by only sending one card to our church family. If you calculate what you will have saved in the cost of cards, stamps and time, wouldn t it be great to make a donation to the church in honor of your family in Christ the Christmas season? Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season. The cards will be on display in the narthex. There are many boys and girls who are in need of warm hats, gloves, mittens and scarfs for the colder weather. We are going to collect them for the Methodist Children s Village. The tree will be in the foyer after the Hanging of the Greens. Please donate generously to this cause and keep the children warm. Thank you all for your continued support. If you have any questions, see Jan Podgers or Ginger Cook 11

12 This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC NOW IS THE TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN LINDA IS WORKING ON NEXT YEARS CALENDAR. PLEASE LET HER KNOW ANY ITEMS THAT NEED TO BE IN YOUR COOPERATION IS NEEDED. THANKS. WE HAVE BEEN FINDING LIGHTS LEFT ON. IF YOU TURN A LIGHT ON, PLEASE REMEMBER TO TURN THEM OFF. RESTROOMS PLEASE. 12

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14 FELLOWSHIP LANTERN REV. MARVA POPE PASTOR is published monthly except August GALE WILBUR EDITOR DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES Is the 15 th of the month address for the lantern is Visit us on the web at Mission Statement We are the Congregation of First United Methodist Church of Wayne-Westland and are a committed, loving, Christian community of Jesus Christ, in ministry, witnessing to the love of God as experienced in our lives, and expressed by: worship together, Christian nurture, education evangelism, Christian fellowship and support of one another, invitation to others to share our faith, social awareness, involvement and support of worldwide Methodism. Our witness embraces all people. First United Methodist Church 3 Town Square Wayne, MI SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 10:00 A.M. ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL AT 9:00 A.M. CHILDREN S SUNDAY SCHOOL 10:00 A.M. 14