Volume 60, Issue 3 November, 2016

Transcription

1 Fellowship Lantern Volume 60, Issue 3 November, 2016 In just a few days the polls will open for voting and I encourage you to consider the following quote from the journal of John Wesley, the organizer of the Methodist movement in England and the Methodist Church in the United States. I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them, 1. To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy: 2. To speak no evil of the person they voted against: And, 3. To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side. This has been a frustrating and irritating campaign season on many levels, regardless of one s personal political views. While I m not at all concerned about any readers selling their vote as Wesley referred to in his first point, the second and third points seem particularly relevant. I have seen how anger has become the method of entertainment in our day, particularly when we can share the anger of those we watch, listen to, or read. Wesley was right to advise those who want to follow Christ more closely to not speak evil of the person they voted against; and to take care that their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side. Wesley s advice sounds much like Scripture s frequent advice to the early Christians to bear with one another patiently, particularly in Ephesians, Corinthians, and Colossians. The men and women of the early church came from so many different backgrounds and cultures that the message of Christ, to seek after the timeless kingdom of God, could well have been drowned out by voices of prejudice and dissension. The apostle Paul focused much of his preaching on the temptation for the early church to reflect the divisions of the world around them. To promote Christian discipleship and fellowship in the congregation and community Published by.the FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF Wayne-Westland Pastor Carter Cortelyou 3 Town Square Wayne, MI Telephone In these turbulent times, I am convinced that the Church has a powerful witness to offer to the world if we can continue in the journey of Paul and our early ancestors in the faith. Let us show the world that while we each engage in critical issues of our day; we can do so without bitterness or minimizing the humanity of each other. Let us bear witness to those outside our faith that we have shaped our lives in the image of God so that we can listen to and learn from one another as we seek to follow Christ as we hope to point the United States to the greatness of its highest ideals and dreams In the coming election and in the months after, I encourage to remember Wesley s advice, and follow the Christ who has called us all. Pastor Carter

2 COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. The trees of the field will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord. Ezekiel 34:26-27 God has blessed us so much it seems as though we take Him for granted and don't recognize his many blessings. Count your blessings is excellent counsel but we must start by asking God to open our eyes to see our possessions in Christ. We must begin by recognizing all that we have in Christ. That will change our entire perspective and enable us to praise God for what we already have. Today many Christians spend a great deal of time and effort vainly looking for blessings that have already been given to them. They pray for God's light, although He has already supplied light in abundance through His Word. Their need is to follow the light they already have. They pray for strength, although His Word tells them they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them. Phil. 4:13) They pray for more love, although Paul says that God's own love is already poured out within their hearts through the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5). They pray for more grace, although the Lord says the grace He has already given is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9). They pray for peace, although the Lord has given them His own peace, "which surpasses all comprehension" (Phil. 4:7). It is expected that we pray for such blessings if the tone of the prayer is one of seeking the grace to appropriate what is already given, rather than one of pleading for something we think is scarcely available or is reluctantly shared by God. blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it." Luke 11:28. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy! Philip. 1:4 Red Miller

3 Rummage Sale Blessings by Linda Maylone The fall rummage sale was very successful. I am not just speaking about the financial aspect of the sale. The money that is earned does build up our general fund, and, of course, that is a good thing. But I feel the sale offers many hidden benefits, too. Think about this: on Saturday, two different people from the community thanked the rummage sale workers for our church s rummage sale. They commented on how reasonable the prices were and how well the merchandise was set up and that the community really needs this and benefits from it. The community needs this. As a frequent donator to the sale, I love that I have the opportunity to pare down my own belongings, which have out grown their usefulness in my home, and pass them on to the church for the sale. This is truly good stewardship of my resources, considering the fact that many people would simply put everything to the curb for trash day. I need this. How does our sale come together and be so well organized? Well, many hands make light work. It does take a lot of help to prepare a sale of the size we have. This is an opportunity for every church member to try and invest a little time and effort and in turn, receive a big payoff. The payoff is that you get the chance to enjoy fellowship with other church members, and get to know each other better. You get to help figure out just what it is that a donated item is really for, or at least give it your best guess, which leads to a lot of laughter and camaraderie, in some cases. The church needs this. After we wrap up the sale on Saturday, the items that are left are boxed up and we make arrangements for Purple Heart to pick them up. The items continue on their journey to being sold at their resale shops. Purple Heart needs this. Beginning in 2017, I will be the new chairperson of the rummage sale. I gave a lot of prayer and thought to this before accepting the position. I truly feel the sale needs to go on. I see so many benefits in having the sale. Carol Simons generously agreed to be the co-chair. We are still looking for a new Plus Room chairman. And we will need everyone s help to keep having the rummage sales. There are opportunities for day shift workers to come in on Tuesday evening and begin pricing the items. Our congregation needs this. Did you know that Bibles are given away free during the sale? I welcome ideas and thoughts on the rummage sale. Call, or speak to me in person. Thanks, Linda lmaylone@wideopenwest.com

4 Save the Date! Sunday, December 18 (Immediately following the worship service) The Witness committee is hosting the first ever Ugly Christmas Attire Soup and Bread Lunch and Christmas Carol Sing Along event at our church Here is the scoop: Wear whatever ugly Christmas attire you have (suggestion: check out resale shops early if you need to purchase an ugly attire item). It could be a hat, sweatshirt, t-shirt, tie, socks, shoes, jewelry, etc. (but all in good taste, of course!) We are asking all who attend to donate a non-food item that will be given as a bonus item during our next Fish month to our recipients. Suggestions are: laundry soap, dish soap, toilet paper (4 roll packages preferred), bar soap, women s sanitary pads, or shampoo and conditioner. Any questions? Ask Linda Maylone at church, or call her at or e- mail her at lmaylone@wideopenwest.com

5 Attention Heavenly Circle Members (Formerly known only as the E-Circle) You are cordially invited to come to a meet and greet on Saturday, November 5 from 9:30-noon in the church Parlor. This will be our chance to put faces and names together with those we know only through . We will watch the movie War Room. The lesson from this powerful drama could jump start your prayer life into a vital way to start your day. Continental breakfast provided The new name for the circle is the Heavenly Circle! Thanks to Marlene Dean-Doran for suggesting this name. Please let Kim know if you can make it. Also, when responding to her encouraging thoughts, think about selecting Reply All in order to get more of a group discussion going through your feedback. See you there! Linda Maylone, United Methodist Women s President

6 All Women and Girls are Cordially Invited to attend the United Methodist Women s General Meeting Wednesday, November 9 7-8:30 p.m. Meet in the Parlor Please join us and learn about the programs we have planned for 2017 and why we plan them Learn more about the exciting United Methodist Women s Reading Program Light Refreshments Provided Invite a friend to the meeting, too! All Circle members and General members should plan to attend We welcome your questions! Call Sally Nitzel OR Linda Maylone

7

8 Are you a bargain hunter? Then consider joining Charis Circle members on our annual shopping trip! On Saturday, November 19, we will meet at 10:00 a.m. on the north side of the church (office side) and car pool to our two shopping destinations. First stop: The Small World shop, located inside the First United Methodist Church of Ypsilanti. They hold a special Open House that day with samplings of some of the food items they have available. The items they sell in their store are made by individuals and sold to the consumer with no middle man. This ensures that the maker of the items receives the full value of the sale. Items available include: jewelry, baskets, nativities, toys, secret boxes, purses, bird houses and many food items, such as nuts, coffees, soups and chocolate. You will find many other unique and one-of-a-kind items here. It is a wonderful place to begin our shopping trip! We eat lunch before we reach the outlet mall in Howell. Once we reach the outlet mall, it is shop until you drop! Then, around 6:00 p.m. or so, we leave the mall and stop at the Cracker Barrel in Brighton for dinner. Even though we are tired by then, after we eat, we can usually muster up enough energy to take a look around the Cracker Barrel store, where we just might find some additional great bargains! Then we head home, tired and spent, but content. It is always a challenge (and fun) to see who gets the best bargain of the day! All are welcome to come with us and enjoy the thrill of the (bargain) hunt. If you have any questions or to reserve a spot, call Sally Nitzel, or Linda Maylone

9 To Our Church Family WELCOME PACKETS The packets are to be taken to a new neighbor in your neighborhood by YOU. Included in the Welcome Packet: A current Upper Room, a children s page, a letter from the Pastor, and a tea bag. You may wish to write your own small note to introduce yourself to the new neighbor and add it to the contents of the hand out. The clear plastic bag is designed to be hung on the door, in case your new neighbor is not home. WELCOME WAGON The cookie mix jars are to be given to an individual or family that attends a Sunday Service by a member or designate of the Witness Committee. (1 per family) * * * * * * * * * * * * * We can t keep our wonderful church here at 3 Town Square a secret any longer! We encourage you to deliver a packet to the new neighbor on your street! May God give his blessing to this outreach! Witness and Mission Committee Questions? See Nancy Lewis, Linda Maylone or Janice Podgers

10 Coffee Hour November 6 th Red & Anita Miller in honor of their children. November 13th Vince & Linda Maylone in Honor of Felicity Stevens & Sally Nitzel s birthdays. November 20th OPEN November 27th Doug & Irene Schoonover in honor of Doug s birthday Altar Flowers November 6 th November 13th November 20th November 27 th Ray Shaffer in memory of Pat Shaffer Mary & Melissa McCormick in memory of Bob McCormick Nancy Farmer in memory &honor of Lucille & Glen Farmer s marriage anniversary. Charley & Lisa in memory of Phil Shelly

11 NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS: November 2 nd November 3 rd November 5 th November 6 th November 8 th November 9 th November 11 th November 12 th November 14 th November 17 th November 26 th November 28 th November 29 th Curtis Jackson Marlene Dean-Doran John Ofiara Jane Jackson Ray Shaffer Virginia Medlyn Sally Nitzel Felicity Stevens Faye Langford Sarah Knoll Alena Netschke Carlos Sadler Aaron Scott Barbara Wilbanks Pat Johnson Ilene Saunders Marlene Pedlow Helen Olojo

12 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY November 5 th Ernest & Linda Owulette November 11 th Spencer & Donna Ross November 16 th Robert & Jane Jackson November 25 th Jim & Tricia Nault ******************************************************************* THE LAY READER FOR NOVEMBER IRENE SCHOONOVER ************************************************************************************************** SPECIAL NOTES FOR YOUR ATTENTION ************************************************************************************************** DO YOU HAVE KEYS TO THE CHURCH?????????? PLEASE LET THE TRUSTEES KNOW OR CALL IRENE SCHOONOVER AT 734/ ******************************** COMMITMENT SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13 TH SUMMIT PLEDGES FOR 2017 ********************************

13 UNITED METHODIST WOMEN NOVEMBER 2016 EXECUTIVE MEETING MEETING - NOVEMBER 2, :30 PM IN THE PARLOR. CIRCLES CHARIS CIRCLE MEETING - Monday, - November 7, 2016 We are attending the Wayne-Westland School Board Meeting Meet in the North Parking Lot at 6:40 p.m. or go to the board office by 7:00 p.m. This is in keeping our goal of being involved with children and youth, plus doing something different. ESTHER/MARTHA CIRCLE Meeting November 9 (Wednesday) 7:00 p.m. NOTE: CHANGE OF DAY. We will meet with the general meeting. LYDIA CIRCLE Thursday November 10th, 2016 We will discuss current events. HEAVENLY CIRCLE GENERAL MEETING Meeting Saturday, November 5 th in the parlor. 9:00 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 9 th, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Elections of officers & approval of budget. ******************************************************************* COMING UP: November 19 Charis Circle shopping spree. November 13, 20, 27 Boutique open November 26 Small Business Saturday MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO HELPED WITH THE HARVEST DINNER *******************************************************************

14

15

16 FELLOWSHIP LANTERN REV. CARTER CORTELYOU 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.