White Cloud UMC Newsletter

Transcription

1 Real Purpose...Real Passion...Real People White Cloud United Methodist Church 1125 Newell Street P.O. Box 188 White Cloud, Mi White Cloud UMC Office Hours: Newsletter MARCH 2019 Seeking God s Purpose Offering God s Love Nurturing God s World Sunday Worship Times 9:01 am Traditional Worship 10:15 am Adult Sunday School Children s Sunday School 11:16 am Infusion Worship Pastor Ed Snook Monday thru Thursday 9:00 am until noon FRIDAY IS HIS DAY OFF Parsonage Phone: Cell Phone: Barb a.k.a church secretary Mon. Wed. Fri. 9:00am - 3:30pm Office Phone:

2 ANSWERS TO HOLY WEEK QUIZ Shalom, Food for thought, from the Desk of Pastor Ed Reflection may be the best word for us to think about as we move toward Lent to Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter. As we do a spiritual check up on our soul it is good to reflect on the grace of God and our own practice of that grace with others we interact with. We sometimes forget that we are Easter people and that every Sunday is a celebration of Easter for us and the world. Maybe it is that we forget this because we look past the pain and commitment of Christ and God s grace to bring this celebration about. Christ must have knew that the celebration of Palm Sunday; the shouts of Hosanna would give way to the cry Crucify. Christ was familiar with the temptation to follow the path of political correctness and the easiest way out. Christ knew the shouts of jubilation would change from Hosanna to Crucify because he was fully divine and could see clearly his journey of incarnation was near the end. Christ could see the upcoming public humiliation and execution were inevitable. Christ s desire to be faithful was awesomely strong because of the confidence and ultimate trust in God whom he had an intimate relationship with as Abba Father. For Christ there was no turning back. Christ s focus was to rely on God and God s will as he moved forward, propelled and sustained by his deep faith in God s goodness and love. 1. What do palm branches symbolize on Palm Sunday? The correct answer is they were a symbol of victory in the Roman Empire. 2. What was Judas paid for identifying Jesus to the Roman soldier? The correct answer is 30 pieces of silver. 3. The Upper Room Chapel in Nashville displays a carved wooden representation of: The correct answer is The Last Supper. 4. Which was not said by Jesus the night before he died? The correct answer is Physician, heal thyself. 5. What are the Stations of the Cross? The correct answer is moments in Jesus journey from his trial to the tomb. 6. What does a Tenebrae service consist of? The correct answer is extinguishing of candles. 7. What does INRI mean on a crucifix? The correct answer is Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews. 8. Why are eggs associated with Easter? The correct answer is all of the above. 9. Which of these Easter hymns did Charles Wesley write? The correct answer is Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies. 10. Why do some churches hold Easter sunrise services? The correct answer is all of the above.

3 ANSWERS TO THE LENTEN QUIZ. 1. What does the term Lent, which comes from lencten, mean? The correct answer is spring. 2. How were ashes imposed in the early church? The correct answer is ashes were poured or sprinkled over the head. 3. Why do people give things up for Lent? The correct answer is all of the above. 4. What snack food has significance during Lent? The correct answer is pretzels. 5. Many people fast during Lent. How often did John Wesley fast? The correct answer is twice a week. 6. Why does Lent last 40 days? The correct answer is to represent the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, tempted by Satan. Palm Sunday and Holy week invites us to search deep within our own souls for the answers only we can answer about our faith and trust in God. This is also a time that invites us to reflect on our own route for today and tomorrow. We as Christians have to ask ourselves can we move forward in obedience and faithfulness. Can we place our ultimate trust in God who has been made known to us in Jesus Christ? Can we exclaim as John Wesley I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of my sin and death. As we reflect may the peace and confidence of Jesus be ours as we place our ultimate trust in Abba Father our God. In the peace, love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ Pastor Ed 7. What do some United Methodists not sing at Lent? The correct answer is alleluia. 8. Which hymn, based on St. Patrick's prayer, would be a good Lenten devotion? The correct answer is Christ Beside Me. 9. True or false? Sundays are not counted in the 40 days of Lent. The correct answer is True. 10. When early Methodists in America sat in a church on a mourner's bench, they would... The correct answer is all of the above.

4 Potluck Brunch When? March 17 th What time? In-Between Church Services What do I bring? YOURSELF AND YOUR FAVORATE BRUNCH DISH TO PASS. **WE WILL BE RAISING MONEY FOR MINISTRY SHARES. We will be enjoying a time of Christian fellowship at Potluck every month on the third Sunday. There will only be a fundraiser in the potlucks every quarter, so come and enjoy a time of Christian fellowship and great food every third Sunday between the church services. A FUN HOLY WEEK QUIZ 1. What do palm branches symbolize on Palm Sunday? They symbolized victory in the Roman Empire. Palm is the Latin word for return. Hearts of palm were considered kingly food. All of the above. 2. What was Judas paid for identifying Jesus to the Roman soldier? 20 pieces of gold 20 pieces of silver 30 pieces of gold 30 pieces of silver 3. The Upper Room Chapel in Nashville displays a carved wooden representation of The Nativity Scene The Last Supper Christ s Crucifixion Christ s Resurrection 4. What was not said by Jesus the night before he died? All those who use the sword will die by the sword. The spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak. Physician, heal thyself. Friend, do what you came to do. 5. What are the Stations of the Cross? Place in Jerusalem where prisoners were sentenced Moments in Jesus journey from his trial to the tomb Officially approved places for crosses in churches 6. What does a Tenebrae service consist of? A drama about the last seven words of Jesus A reenactment of the Last Supper Extinguishing of candles The receiving of ashes 7. What does INRI mean on a crucifix? Pontius Pilate, Prefect of Rome Nazareth, Kingdom of Jerusalem Sign of the Cross Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews 8. Why are eggs associated with Easter? They symbolize new life. They have a shell around the body inside, like the tomb of Jesus. They can be dyed pretty colors to represent the joy of Easter. All of the above. 9. Which of these Easter hymns did Charles Wesley write? Because He Lives Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies Lift High the Cross Sing with All the Saints in Glory 10. Why do some churches hold Easter sunrise services? Easter prayer vigils often ended as the sun rose. Three women visited the tomb early in the morning. Jesus is often called the light of the world. All of the above.

5 A FUN LENTEN QUIZ 1. What does the term Lent, which comes from lencten, mean? Sacrifice Time Spring March Madness 2. How were ashes imposed in the early church? The shape of a cross was drawn on the forehead. Ashes were smeared across closed eyelids. Ashes were poured or sprinkled over the head. 3. Why do people give things up for Lent? To follow the example of Jesus 40-day fast in the wilderness. To help us focus on prayer and devotions. To give the acquired savings to the poor. All of the above. 4. What snack food has significance during Lent? Chocolate Pretzels Popcorn All of the above. 5. Many people fast during Lent. How often did John Wesley fast? Twice a week Twice a month Twice a year Rarely, He did not fast. 6. Why does Lent last 40 days? To represent the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, tempted by Satan. To recall the 40 days and nights the earth was flooded in the O.T. To remind us of the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the desert. 7. What do some United Methodists not sing at Lent? Doxologies Alleluia In the Garden The communion liturgy 8. Which hymn, based on St. Patrick's prayer, would be a good Lenten devotion? Jesus Walked This Lonely Valley Christ Beside Me O Happy Day, That Fixed My Choice Come and Find the Quiet Center 9. True or false? Sundays are not counted in the 40 days of Lent. True False 10. When early Methodists in America sat in a church on a mourner's bench, they would: Repent their sins Experience a new birth Rededicate themselves to Jesus All of the above Scriptures and sermon titles for March 2019 March 3, 2019 Transfiguration Sunday Luke 9:28-36 From the Mountain to the Valley March 6, 2019 Ash Wednesday Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; Psalm 51:1-17; 2 nd Corinthians 5:20-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6,16-21 Relationship March 10, 2019 First Sunday in Lent Luke 4:1-13 Attending Too Our Souls March 17, 2019 Second Sunday in Lent Luke 13:31-35 The Indirect Path March 24, 2019 Third Sunday in Lent Luke 13:1-9 Beginning Again a Second Chance March 31, 2019 Fourth Sunday in Lent Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Finding Our Way Back Home

6 Please come join us for our ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE On March 6th At 7:00 pm In the sanctuary. Lent is the period of 40 days before Easter (excluding Sundays), begins on ASH WEDNESDAY and ends at sundown on Holy Saturday, the evening before Easter. During Lent, we enter into a season of preparation, selfreflection and repentance when we seek to literally turn around and realign our lives and focus toward God. 02 ~ Tom Baker 02 ~ Gabriella Dakin 11 ~ Terry Peabody 15 ~ Bowman Seabrook 15 ~ Gene Reid 16 ~ Pat Fetterley 17 ~ Pat Ebenstein THE DEADLINE FOR THE APRIL 2019 NEWSLETTER IS NOON ON MONDAY, MARCH 25TH. EITHER PUT YOUR ARTICLE IN MY MAIL BOX IN THE CHURCH OFFICE OR ME AT: mysticmethodist1954@yahoo.com Thanks, Editor: Helen Reid 17 ~ Jim Vandenbosch 18 ~ Chris Wenstrom 19 ~ Jean Crabtree 20 ~ Skye Nichols 24 ~ Annette Christenson 24 ~ Bill VanAndel 26 ~ Janet Fetterley 30 ~ Tegan Broome Please contact the church office at with any Birthday Or Anniversary corrections or additions.

7 PRAYER CONCERNS Pastor Ed & Ellen Snook Candy & Howard Keith Jeff Stratton Tim Rossler Marv & Jackie Cruzan Mike Thatcher Aaron Randall Pat & Richard Long Family of Donita Thwaites Art & Ginny Faber Dolly Voss Beth Plotts Bill VanAndel Jerry Jaquish Verda Hews August Davis Linda Goff Jenetia Ruble Joe Thatcher, Jr. Mike Ross Nancy Arnold Patrons from Benny s house PRAYER CHAIN The prayer chain is a way to spread the word to others of those who are in need of prayer. There are approximately seven groups that are on the prayer chain. If you have a prayer request and/or would like to be a part of one of the groups, please call Pat Thumser at or When a prayer is requested Pat calls the top of each list, and that person calls down to the next, and that person down to the next, etc. Each fourth Sunday is being designated as Mission Sunday and a special offering will be received on each of those Sundays? Our offering from January for Haiti solar ovens came to $ Thank you for your giving! This year, UMCOR Sunday will be observed on March 31st. We are going to depart just a bit from our new format for March. On Sunday, March 3rd, calendars and banks will be available for a month long campaign to support UMCOR. Many of you are familiar with the calendars we have done in the past, and this will be similar. For those that have not participated before, each day will reflect a blessing and a suggested giving amount in tally of that blessing. For example, the blessing may be to count the number of windows in your home and multiply that by 10 cents each, or something of that nature. The calendar is intended as a fun way to remember our blessings, have a little competition with our family members and friends and support UMCOR. You may choose to make a lump sum donation, and that is fine. Banks will be due back to the church on the 31st rather than on the fourth Sunday so that we can participate for most of the month of March. UMCOR is the United Methodist Committee on Relief and is funded in part through our Ministry Shares and this special offering. This ensures that all further offerings in response to emergencies can fund those emergencies at 100%. UMCOR Is a non-profit organization. UMCOR and its partners are the first responders toward sustaining re-development in a disaster. Their work includes Humanitarian Relief/Disaster Response, Sustainable Development, and Global Health in collaboration with Global Ministries. Their Mission: Compelled by Christ to be a voice of conscience on behalf of the people called Methodist, UMCOR works globally to alleviate human suffering and advance hope and healing. Please remember that special offerings should always be made prayerfully and never take away from your regular offering or tithe. Each special offering need will not speak to everyone s heart, so please pray about each request and do not feel obligated to give to each and every request. May the Holy Spirit guide your path and your giving, The Missions Committee of the WC UMC.

8 MARCH WORSHIP HELPERS GREETERS March 3rd - Pat & Paul Thumser March 10th - Janet & Paul Fetterley March 17th - Gloria Foster March 24th - March 31st - MUSIC March 3rd - Shaunna Baker March 10th - Shaunna Baker March 17th - Shaunna Baker March 24th - Shaunna Baker March 31st - Shaunna Baker AUDIO VISUALS March 3rd - Traditional - Andy Keith Awakening - Zane Keith March 10th - Traditional - Tony Jonaitis Awakening - Helen Reid March 17th - Traditional - Chuck Christenson Awakening - Chuck Christenson March 24th - Traditional - Robert Birr Awakening - Jerry Jaquish March 31st - Tradiational - Chuck Christenson Awakening - Chuck Christenson LITURGISTS March 3rd - Janet Brock March 10th - Cheryl Wenstrom March 17th - Kenzie Keith March 24th - Barb Anderson March 31st - Helen Reid HEAD USHER March 3rd - Tom Baker March 10th - Barry Seabrook March 17th - Marc Jonaitis March 24th - Bob Anderson March 31st - Tom Baker Making Pretzels Pretzels are great for Lent because they are shaped like two arms crossed in prayer. Try this recipe with your children. Prep time: about 30 minutes Ingredients: 1 tbsp. yeast 1/2 c. warm water 1 tsp. honey 1 1/3 c. flour 1 tsp. salt Directions: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). Put the yeast in a small bowl with the water and honey. Stir a little, then let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. Mix the flour and salt together in a medium-size bowl. After the 5 minutes is up, check on the yeast mixture. It should be bigger than before and a little bubbly. Add this mixture to the flour and salt mixture. Stir everything together. Use a spoon to start. Finish with your hands. The dough is ready when it's still a little crumbly and flaky. Put the dough on the cutting board and knead it like you are playing with clay. Knead it into one big ball. Break off a piece of dough that's about the size of a big gumball or superball. Use your hands to roll it into a skinny snake. Twist the snake into a medium-size pretzel shape, and put it on the cookie sheet. Do this with all the dough, making 12 pretzels. Bake your pretzels for 10 minutes. Let them cool and take a bite!

9 MARCH WORSHIP HELPERS (CONT) Nothing better captures the period's mood of "more and more, better and better" than the word missions. Charles J. Little, a Syracuse University professor, saw America as "a missionary nation radiant with beneficent activity, illuminating the ends of the earth with the out-streamings of the Holy Ghost." Methodists streamed out to Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, the Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Germany, Japan, Korea, Liberia, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. United Brethren missions were planted in China, Germany, Japan, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Sierra Leone. Evangelical missionaries traveled to China, Germany, Japan, Nigeria, and Switzerland. These missions were guided by denominational boards of foreign missions and by independent women's boards, the first of which was founded in 1869 by northern Methodist women. The idea was picked up in 1875 by United Brethren women, whose stated purpose was not to compete with the denominational board but to allow women to select new areas for missionaries to visit. Women of southern Methodism organized their own foreign mission efforts in 1878, with Evangelicals following suit in Martyrdom came to seven United Brethren missionaries in Sierra Leone in These deaths were partly the result of growing nationalism, a sentiment that led elsewhere to the establishment of independent churches. The first independent Methodist church came in Japan in In 1913 the United Brethren Church declared the supreme aim of its mission program was to establish self-supporting native MONEY COUNTERS March 4th - Vicki Burke & Hope Stratton March 11th - Vicki Burke & Barb Thatcher March 18th - Vicki Burke & Hope Stratton March 25th - Barb Anderson & Barb Thatcher April 1st - Barb Anderson & Hope Stratton CHILD CARE SERVANTS March 3rd - Traditional - Peggy Rossler & Madee Seabrook March 10th - Traditional - Stephanie Jaquish & Mary Burgess March 17th - Traditional - Janet Brock & Madee Seabrook March 24th - Traditional - Stephanie Jaquish & Kenzie Keith March 31st - Traditional - Janet Brock & Donna Horning ACCOLYTES March 3rd - Kayla Burgess March 10th - Lillie Keith March 17th - Zane Keith March 24th - Andy Burke March 31st - Kayla Burgess

10 We have two Adult Sunday School classes. Each class has its own personality flare, and each class teaches something different. Please come and join us at 10:10 a.m. 200 Years of United Methodism The churches' growing educational interests--sunday schools, youth groups, colleges, and seminaries--used the lesson sheets, books and periodicals pouring from their publishing houses, several of which faced trials. Southern Methodism had to reconstruct its printing work after the Civil War. Financial wrongdoing was uncovered in the 1860s in the northern church's Book Concern in New York City. The United Brethren survived a contest in 1869 between liberals and conservatives for control of their denominational paper. Milton Wright, father of aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright, captained the conservative team and won the editor's chair. Despite these problems the churches used their newspapers and a flood of books to promote the cause of the era: winning the world for Christ. We are excited in our children s area of education. At this time we offer a class called Little Lights for children ages 3 up to age 9. We also offer a class the Middle Lights for children ages 9 and up. We hope to offer in the near future, a class for youth ages 13 and up. Please feel free to come and join us during Sunday School hour at 10:10 a.m.