New Life News. Pastor s Corner

Transcription

1 Volume 6, Issue 5 New Life News Volume 6, Issue 5 New Life United Methodist Church Worship Times: 9:00am / 10:30am / Sunday School 9:00am & 10:30am Pastor s Corner May 2012 Special points of interest: Church Conference Dinner / Talent Show National Day of Prayer UMW Spiritual Growth Retreat New Projects & New Staff member Inside this issue: Looking Ahead Leone Whittum s Poem For Women Birthdays / Anniversaries Treasurer s Report Church Calendar Church News Admin. Council Minutes Not long ago I was having a conversation with a very wise and deeply spiritual lady here at New Life regarding all the changes taking place. Both of us acknowledged both praises and concerns that were being voiced. As we talked she shared this bit of wisdom, Change can be a bad word for some people. But when you are moving forward it is unavoidable. It s true. Here at New Life, we are intentionally moving forward by the grace of God and your faithful support. As we move forward here at New Life, there are some things and dates that I would like to take a moment and draw to your attention: 1. On Sunday May 13 th, Meredith VanderHill, our new Director of Christian Education and Worship Arts, will be introduced in our morning worship services. You will have an opportunity to meet her and her husband Micah. Her first day on the job will be sometime during the first weeks of June. 2. On Thursday May 17 th we will hold a Church Conference that will be led by our District Superintendent Rev. David Hills. At this conference we will present all the details of the parking lot project. As a member of New Life, your attendance is encouraged. It will be a great time to voice your support and concern. 3. The Lay Leadership Team has met and has confirmed members and established a Capital Campaign Team made up of the following people: John Andersen Phil Sieter Bonnie Reed Ron Harvey Anita Epalito Theresa Dilts Also, helping and supporting the Team will be: Sue Brockschmidt Linda Houck (rep from Finance) Let me invite you to be in prayer about how you will support the parking lot project and be looking for some exciting communication from these folks. 4. Vacation Bible School dates have been set for the week of August 6 th. Barb Ray, with the help of others, is working to organize and do the ground work needed to get things ready. Please let her know if you are willing to help! 5. I would like to thank you for the overwhelming response to the volunteer forms that have been in the bulletins for the last couple weeks. If you haven t filled one out no worries! There is still time to do so! The forms will be in the bulletins until May 20 th. For those of you who have filled them out already, we will be contacting you soon. Please fill one out and join the fun! 6. Annual Conference is coming June On Saturday June 9 th we would like to have at least 12 people from New Life attend Super Saturday at Calvin College s campus and join the Conference for a great time of worship and ministry. Please call the church office at if you are interested in attending. May God bless you as we move forward! Pastor John

2 Volume 6, Issue 5 2 New Life United Methodist Church Looking Ahead Wednesday, May 2nd Beginning at 5:45pm CHILDREN - BRING YOUR PARENTS! This is a wrap up for the last Churchfest of the season. Questions: Please contact Cathy at National Day of Prayer Service Thursday, May 3rd, 12pm at the Lakeview Community Center Waiting on God On May 3rd, Americans observe the National Day of Prayer. Waiting on God is an important component of prayer. It s hard to understand why God delays when we cry out for help. Why does he allow us to suffer, when he could just say the word and make it all better? Why must we wait? Consider a child who we parents always give her whatever she asks, as soon as she asks for it. That child has little opportunity to learn patience or gratitude. Because she doesn t know what it s like to not have, she cannot appreciate the true value of something. God may have some of these things in mind when our prayers go unanswered for a time. As the psalmist exhorts, Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14 NRSV). Come and join others in prayer on May 3rd. Update Regarding the Preschool Young Partners Christian Preschool will need to make a decision on August 1st, if the program is able to continue or not. We need 12 tuition-paying students for the program to make it financially. We need financial support and prayers for the program to continue for another year. Full Blown Bits and Pieces of the past Will fit together at long last... Dark and light, big and small Incomplete without them all. Those of question marks of why? And exclamation points of cry! Everlasting waiting periods Oh the multitudes of myriads. Yet in the infinite mysterious plan Our Father has it well in hand... In His wisdom He withholds Yet in His time we shall behold. Greater than we can imagine Our Creator in love fashions... What our hearts have dreamed for long Yes, twas His dream, all along. And for His child He has created Realms of glory long awaited. When He removes the darkened glass We ll look upon His face at last. With every longing satisfied He ll wipe away the tears we ve cried. And we will know as we are known... Our Eternal rose, full-blown. And sometimes, even now o erflows The fragrance of this heavenly rose. Leone Whittum July 12, 2009

3 Volume 6, Issue 5 3 Women s Circles The first weekend in May will find 5 of our New Life UM women enjoying the Spiritual Growth Retreat at Wesley Woods. Even though early warm temperatures forced many of the wild flowers we look forward to seeing in the woods, to show off their beauty early, I am sure we will still see wonderful surprises along the trails and will grow as we share and fellowship with ladies from other churches in our district. On May 8th at our Women s Fellowship meeting, at 1:30pm, we have invited a special guest to share some information about Heifer International. Our guest is Judy Huynh. Judy is our Social Action Coordinator for Heartland District. We hope to build interest in a visit to Howell Nature Center in the future, so we invite our Mission Team and anyone else with a heart for missions to join us. Kelsey Recreation is scheduled for May 15. We again could use items for prizes for our bingo with the residents at Kelsey Long Term Care. Small items, such as knickknacks, jewelry, hand creams, and some items of interest for men, etc. Thanks for your support. We will have a book review in June, by Joan Selesky. This always is an encouragement to make use of our wonderful library. Keep saving Spartan UPC s, General Mills and Campbells Help for Education, as always. UMW President Mary Lou Botma A man stopped at a flower shop to order some flowers to be wired to his mother who lived two hundred miles away. As he got out of his car he noticed a young girl sitting on the curb sobbing. He asked her what was wrong and she replied, I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother. But I only have seventy-five cents, and a rose costs two dollars. The man smiled and said, Come on in with me. I ll buy you a rose. He bought the little girl her rose and ordered his own mother s flowers. As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride home. She said, yes, please! You can take me to my mother. She directed him to a cemetery, where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave. The man returned to the flower shop, canceled the wire order, picked up a bouquet and drove the two hundred miles to his mother s house. Spiritual Growth Retreat Friday, Saturday: May 4th and 5th, 2012 Wesley Woods Camp (About 8 miles south of Nashville) Retreat Leader: Pastor Terri Bentley THREE SIMPLE QUESTIONS Who is God? Who Am I? Who Are We Together? Our answers to these basic and profound questions, found at the center of our faith, have an impact on what we believe, how we live, and how we relate to each other. We will worship and learn together. We will sing, enjoy fellowship, and simply relax and enjoy our time away. We will grow together and deepen our faith as we gather together at beautiful Wesley Woods. Schedule Fri. & Sat. 4-5 UMW Spiritual Growth Retreat Tue. 08 Women s Fellowship@1:30pm Tue. 15 Kelsey Recreation@2:00pm Widows Might Will meet at the church on Thursday, May 10th, at 1:30pm. Please bring finger foods. Sara Hill will be visiting us on Memorial Day weekend. She will be preaching in both services on May 27th. I m sure she will fill us in on her new experiences in Ohio, so come and welcome her back for the day. Thanks, Mom Dad came home to find toys all over the living room, dirty dishes stacked in the sink, clothes piled in the laundry room, beds unmade and kids still in their pajamas. The house was a wreck, like nothing he d seen before. Worried, Dad rushed upstairs to find Mom reading a book in bed. Are you okay? he asked. What happened? You know how you always ask what I do all day? Mom replied. Well, today I decided not to do it.

4 Volume 6, Issue 5 4 NEW LIFE UM CHURCH FINANCIAL REPORT FOR March 2012 Birthdays Shirley Buskirk 05/01 Taylo5r Lorentz 05/01 Sydni Cordray 05/02 Lilly Tawney 05/02 Linda Houck 05/06 Jim Nielsen 05/06 Amy Brockschmidt 05/07 Bill Besemer 05/09 Jill Gilbert 05/09 Hayden Rentschler 05/10 Dixie Hegenauer 05/11 Cayden Nisonger 05/11 Margaret Raamussen 05/11 Angie Martens 05/12 Marlee Balczak 05/15 Walter Bannen 05/15 Mranda Carr 05/15 Michelle Outman 05/15 Edie Young 05/15 Quinn Kroeze 05/21 Nick Armock 05/22 David Chatman 05/22 Don Shepard 05/22 Myrna Walldorff 05/22 Mike Minkel 05/23 Ron Medendorp 05/24 Harold Force 05/25 Ben Outman 05/25 Mary Schnicke 05/25 Alice Lance 05/26 Roshea Leppink 05/30 Anniversaries Chris & Shelly Smith 05/12 Tom & Suzanne Ammann 05/29 Jim & Sharon Vanderwall 05/31 GENERAL Income for Mar. Balance Primary Chk Bk Feb. 29 $ Total General Offering $15, Total Offering $16, Expenses for Mar. Programs $ Staff Ministry $10, Bldg & Properties $3, Non-budget Expenses $ Operating Ministry $ Apportionments $0.00 Extended Ministry & Missions $ $15, March Income - General $15, March Expenses - General $15, March Savings Acct. $6, General Chk Book Mar. 31 $ $7, General Designated Money $7, All Income - March $36, All Expenses - March $15, Check Book Balances $20, Budgeted Income YTD $48, Budgeted Expenses YTD $47, BUILDING March 31, 2012 Bldg. Fund Acct. Prev. Bal Chk. Bk. $18, Total Income $9, Total Expenses $0.00 Bal. Chk. Book $28, Less Designated $17, Cash Avail. Mar. 31 $11,065.67

5 MAY 2012 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 12:00pm LV Minst. Mtg. 2 5:45pm Dinner/Talent Show (Last Churchfest for season) Volume 6, Issue Mother s Day 3 Natl. Day of Prayer 6 9 & 10:30am Worship 9 & 10:30am Sunday School 9 & 10:30am Worship 9 & 10:30am Sunday School 20 9 & 10:30am Worship 9 & 10:30am Sunday School 12:00pm Young at Heart 27 9 & 10:30am Worship 9 & 10:30am Sunday School 7 12:00pm Stephen Ministry 5:45pm TOPS 14 5:45pm TOPS 21 5:45pm TOPS 28 Memorial Day Office Closed 8 1:30pm Women s Fllshp. 15 2:00pm Kelsey Recreation Last Day of Preschool 12:00pm Ntl. Day of Prayer (LV Community Center) :00pm Free Food Truck 31 4 UMW Spiritual Growth Retreat (Wesley Woods) 5 UMW Spiritual Growth Retreat (Wesley Woods) :00am Men s Fllshp :00pm Pre-Conf. Brief. (Sanctuary) 1:00pm Private Party (Fellowship Hall) 25 26

6 Volume 6, Issue 5 6 Church News April 16, 2012 Newsletter: I would like to clarify something that may not be known to our members and friends at New Life. Pastor John recognized some folks, this past Sunday, for their leadership and service to the church as they are leaving their positions. Cathy Schnick is stepping down as Christian Education Director; Amy Brockschmidt as Youth Director and Nancy Nielsen as Choir Director. I did not expect Pastor John to call me forward, as he had mentioned it at Worship Team meeting and I had asked him not to.(sorry, John, you probably forgot!). My issue with this is that all these other three positions are paid staff positions. I'm sure a lot of folks don't even know that I had asked to "retire" from the organist's duties, although I will fill in if needed and if I am able. From the beginning of New Life the folks who provide the music on Sunday mornings have not asked for, nor been offered a salary of any kind. We are now going in a new direction which will require that we offer payment for some of these services to get the best qualified personnel. I am confident that the leadership of our church will keep us informed of what is happening - to avoid speculation and misinformation being circulated. I am expecting wonderful things to happen at New Life as we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Jane Large Adopt-A-Highway workers picked up 17 bags of trash on New Life s two mile stretch curing the April pickup week. Now that is Community Service! Thanks to Jeff and Theresa Dilts, Janet Johnson, Mesha Moses, Hal Wilkes, Tony Linson, Arvin Selesky, Bill Besemer, Bob Buskirk and Alger Frandsen. Janet and Mesha were accompanied by Chyenne and MacKenzie. We reported 17 bags used, 10 workers, and 12 work hours. Plan on joining the fun for the July pickup; new workers are always welcome. Much Thanks As we move forward at New Life, may we not forget the efforts of the gals who are stepping down; Amy, Cathy, and Nancy. A big thank you and God bless you. Now I pray we accept Meredith and Micah with open arms, open hearts, and a willingness to support and work with. Although many of us have been here a long time, I believe New Life Church can and will be a New Life for many we don t know yet. God Bless You, Mel Houck, Chairman of the Admin. Council

7 Volume 6, Issue 5 7 ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL MEETING LEADERSHIP TEAM April 10, 2012 The April meeting of the administrative board of New Life United Methodist Church was called to order by Chairman Mel Houck who led us with devotions. Members present were: Barbara Ray, Mel and Linda Houck, Linda and Cindy Andersen, Diana Jones, Sue Brockschmidt, Craig Farrell, Bill Besemer, Todd Horrocks, and Pastor John. The secretary s report was distributed. The end of the sentence on the finance report should have read couldn t pay our apportionments. Linda Andersen moved that we accept the secretary s report with that correction. Bill seconded the motion. Motion carried. Linda Houck explained the treas. report. Linda Andersen moved that we take enough money from our savings to pay one back month of apportionments and one quarter of back missionary support. Todd seconded the motion. Motion carried. Todd moved we accept the treas. report. Craig seconded the motion. Motion carried. Old Business: John reported that we can now record the sermon. Mel reported that there may be two more classes of CPR training. John reported that we are all set to accept electronic giving. Committee reports: SPRC Barb reported that we offered the position of combined Christian Education, youth leader, choir director, and worship leader to Meredith VanderHill. Trustees Todd reported that he has gotten three bids to pave the parking lot and driveway at the parsonage. He explained the particulars of how the work would be done. The projected cost is $95, We need to get a fund raising committee to put together a Miracle Sunday, take pledges, and contact banks for a line of credit. Worship Diana reported that the pulpit will be filled on April 22 nd with Teen Challenge and on April 29 th by Rev. Bob Horton. Connections Sue B. reported that Ron set up the information center in the church entryway. Small Groups Linda A. reported that the quilt show will be on April 28 th with a luncheon provided from The UMW will take a day trip to the Howell Nature Center, Heifer Int. in May or June. Pastor s report Pastor John stressed that we need to move forward and have more volunteering to accomplish all that we wish to do. Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Ray, Secretary

8 Volume 6, Issue 5 8 New Life UMC 6584 Howard City Edmore Rd. Six Lakes, Mi Phone: Fax: newlifeumc@cmsinter.net Web-site: You Are Invited To Join Us! Sunday 9:00am Traditional Worship Service 10:30am Praise Worship Service 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10-10:30am Children s Church 10:30am Children s Sunday School Wednesday 5:45pm Churchfest (September to April) The New Life United Methodist Church was formed from three local churches. Realizing their need to come together and meet as one entity, brought this congregation to where they are today. This church was built in 2001, and has grown from that time on. There are services and activities for all ages and conditions of your life. Come and worship in a traditional format on Sunday mornings, at 9am, or come to the more contemporary service at 10:30am. We also have a children s Sunday School at 10:00am.. You may be interested in coming to Churchfest on Wednesday evenings, at 5:45pm, for dinner and fellowship. Check our calendar for other opportunities.