The Visitor. V acation B ible S chool. August :00 to 11:00 a.m. For more information, call Vicksburg United Methodist Church

Transcription

1 Vicksburg United Methodist Church The Visitor Volume 25, Issue 6 August 2018 Inside This Issue Pastor s Article 2 Mission Moment 3 Worship Schedule 3 Birthdays/Anniversaries 5 Calendar 6 V acation B ible S chool Church Staff Pastor Rev. Greg Culver Administrative Assistant Polly Preston Financial Assistant Michelle Morgan Choir/Praise Band Director Tamra Stamm Custodian Paul French Heart & Hands Teacher/Director Amber Morris Heart & Hands Teacher Kelli Young Heart & Hands Assistant Amber Smith Kids Hope USA Director Sharon Pendola Youth Director Hank Stamm Newsletter Editor Polly Preston Vicksburg United Methodist Church August :00 to 11:00 a.m. For more information, call

2 Page 2 The Visitor August 2018 What s the Good Word? Looking for a Way Forward: The GLBTQ Impasse Dear Family and Friends of Vicksburg United Methodist Church: So what is the Good Word? To be honest I am struggling to find certain words when typing this. While expressions of mission are happening here at VUMC and in the world-wide United Methodist Church, major changes are coming to our denomination. For decades United Methodists have disagreed regarding the acceptance and inclusion of gay persons in the United Methodist Church. Since 1972 the Book of Discipline has included the statement: The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Later, restrictions were placed on self-avowed practicing homosexuals being ordained or appointed to ministries, and clergy were prohibited from officiating at same sex unions or conducting them in UM churches. The disagreements about these issues come down to differences in how we interpret scripture. People who sincerely love Christ are on both sides of this issue, but we differ on what scripture, tradition, reason, and experience say to us. Many want to retain the current language of the Book of Discipline and many others want change that will allow full inclusion and acceptance of gay persons in the UMC. Over the years legislation has been brought to General Conferences advocating for change. Debates have intensified, but no solutions have ever come. This reached a fever point at the 2016 UM General Conference (the world-wide decision making body of our denomination). There the delegates asked (no, begged!) the Council of Bishops to help with the impasse. In response the Council of Bishops formed the Commission on a Way Forward to move the UMC past the standoff around inclusion of GLBTQ persons. This commission has since counseled the Council of Bishops regarding possible options through the difficult impasse. The bishops have submitted these options for consideration during a special General Conference meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, on February 23-29, Why does this matter? The debate is very personal and too painful to continue as we have. It is especially hurtful to gay United Methodist Christians who are treated as an issue to be solved. Few United Methodists are content with the current state of the church regarding this matter. It is time to be clear and definitive if we are to move forward. Here is what A Way Forward might look like: 1) The Traditionalist Model This possibility would affirm current church restrictions related to GLBTQ individuals and aim to add more accountability for enforcement of those restrictions. 2) The Centrist Model This possibility would remove the Book of Discipline s restrictive language and allow more freedom for United Methodists to set policies around GLBTQ inclusion according to their own local contexts. Individual Annual Conferences could choose whether to ordain openly gay clergy, and local congregations could decide whether to allow same-gender weddings. 3) The Multi-branch Model This possibility would create multiple branches of the de- Let us pray for Vicksburg United Methodist Church that whatever the outcome, we will love one another and remain in unity. Let us pray for those with whom we may disagree that all of us will not judge others, that we will not sin by adding more pain with our tongues. nomination. The branches would share one General Conference, which would have responsibility for overseeing shared services such as certain general church agency functions. Under this denominational roof, there would be a branch that wants to maintain the current Book of Discipline s language, a branch that favors a more local approach, and a branch that wants full inclusion of GLBTQ individuals in all parts of their fellowship. All three models would come with a way for local churches to exit the denomination. (Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy!) Adoption of any three of these options is bound to take its casualties. My hope is for a miracle to emerge that would allow the United Methodist Church to stay together in mission. Many questions still exist, and as with any relationship the deeper the difficulties the more complex the solution. The Lord and I are having agonized conversations. Because our lay servants (Brad Addis, John Cleveland, Ken Franklin, Kathy Phillips, Diana Pomeroy, Vera Walker along with minister of youth Hank Stamm) and I want you to be aware of this and its potential impact, over the coming months we will be calling upon our congregation to participate in more intensive prayer opportunities for the future of the United Methodist Church. Let us pray for the Council of Bishops (a name-list of the bishops will be made available soon). Let us pray for Vicksburg United Methodist Church that whatever the outcome, we will love one another and remain in unity. Let us pray for those with whom we may disagree that all of us will not judge others, that we will not sin by adding more pain with our tongues. I am still hopeful about the future of the United Methodist Church and our congregation s place within it. For 234 years the people called Methodist have proclaimed and lived out the love of God in Jesus Christ. Our spirit of openness and outreach to all people will continue to be the heart and soul of our mission. Please pray with me for our church using this prayer offered by our Michiganarea Bishop David Bard: Gracious God, there is much still to be decided as the United Methodist Church moves into the future. Even in the unknown, even where there is chaos and confusion, remind us again and again of the power of Your love which ripples through history changing lives, transforming the world, and creating new possibilities for kindness, compassion, caring, and connection. May these ripples of Your love and grace flow freely out from us. May these ripples of Your love and grace flow deeply into us. Enlarge our hearts. Enliven our minds. Expand our imaginations. Make gentle and generous our spirits. In Jesus name and for His sake. Amen. So what is the Good Word? Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Let us not be anxious. Our King reigns! May the peace of Christ be with you, Pastor Greg

3 August 2018 The Visitor Page 3 Mission Moment Generous Hands and South County Community Services are partnering to help children prepare for a successful new school year. They will be hosting the Annual Back to School Bonanza on August 11. The Bonanza is a free event offered to the children in the South County area who are in need of assistance. Children receive free backpacks filled with school supplies. We are asking your help by donating school supplies (pencils, notebooks, crayons, markers, etc.). There are complete lists of items needed on the mission table. Place items in the baskets in the hallway or on the table in the church narthex. If you would like to make a more personal impact, you can volunteer to help with games, face painting, crafts, and more! Please contact Sheri Louis at or slouis916@aol.com if you are interested in putting smiles on kids faces this year! Thanks again for supporting your community by sharing God s love. Worship Schedule for August August 5 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Scripture: 1 John 1:5-2:2 Diana Pomeroy, lay-servant, preaching (Pastor Greg on vacation) August 12 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Scripture: 1 John 3:1-7,16-24 Hank Stamm, minister of youth, preaching (Pastor Greg on vacation) August 19 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21 August 26 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Scripture: 1 John 5:1-6 September 2 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Holy Communion Scripture: 1 John 5:9-13 In August, we will explore Jesus being our rock, the foundation of our lives. The wise child builds her/his house upon The ROCK! Thank you for your prayers and support at this difficult time. Also, thanks so much for all you did for Mom s funeral and luncheon. We had many nice comments on the service, and we appreciate the effort to include some personalization and history of our mom. Thanks to the Women s Society, too, for their input. Mom worked with many of them. Thanks also for the flowers. VUMC was always a big part of our parents lives. Mom was so appreciative of the help extended to her and Dad, especially in their last years in Vicksburg. ~ Family of Charlotte Rice Thank you for the prayers for healing for me. Also for my son, Matthew, during his back surgery on June 28th. He is doing well. ~ Melva Kohler Thank you, Brad Addis, for painting the Flame and Cross. ~ Board of Trustees Church Leaders Church Council John Cleveland (Jcleveland327@gmail.com) Finance Don Dailey (ddaileymsu@gmail.com) Trustees Joe Gruber (jbgru31@gmail.com) Staff Parish Relations Andrea Read (readandrea28@gmail.com) Caring Ministries Barb Addis (Bb1a2b3@aol.com) & Vera Walker (vrwlkr@yahoo.com) Global Missions Tom Aitken (twaitken@att.net) Diana Pomeroy (dlpomeroyus2000@yahoo.com) Memorial Ken Franklin (drkenfp@mac.com) Worship Brad Addis (braddis109@aol.com) Wills & Trust Chris Morris (morrislaw@ameritech.net) Nominations Pastor Greg Culver (gpculver@mac.com) Abuse Prevention Hank Stamm (henrystamm3rd@yahoo.com) Lay Leader Brad Addis (braddis109@aol.com)

4 Page 4 The Visitor August 2018 Creating Confident Caregivers Place your Christmas events on the calendar If you have something planned for the months of November and/or December that needs to be on the church calendar, please get that information to Polly in the church office as soon as possible. Outside groups are requesting building reservations, and we want to be sure you get priority. Call or reception@vicksburgumc.org. Matter of Balance Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. This class will be held at VUMC Mondays, Aug. 6-27, and Fridays, Aug , from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. all days. You must preregister at South County Community Services, For more information, contact Kelly Milliman at This month s deadlines ScripCents orders are due by 2:00 on Wednesdays, Aug. 1 and 15. Minutes and reports for the Council are due in the church office by Tuesday, Aug. 21. September newsletter items are due in the church office by Monday, Aug. 27. Prayer requests by phone You can hear the weekly prayer requests by calling the church ( ) before 9:00 a.m. and after 1:00 p.m. When the answering machine answers, press 370. Teen volunteers are needed Teen helpers are needed for POP! on Sunday mornings. Please text Laurie Nic if you can help during August Hour Prayer Vigil For the next several weeks, we would like to have prayer for our church, our church family, and others for 24 hours a day, if possible. If you would like to sign up for an hour (as many as you would like), please call the church office ( ) or Brad Addis ( ) or the church office at reception@vicksburgumc.org. Concert at Klines Resort HIS Harmony Quartet will be appearing on Sunday, Aug. 5, at 6:30 p.m. at Klines Resort, 5 miles south of Vicksburg. If you plan to attend, you will need to bring a lawn chair to this outdoor concert and a finger food to share afterward. A love offering will be taken. AN EMPOWERING, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS CARING FOR A PERSON WITH MEMORY LOSS OR DEMENTIA Creating Confident Caregivers is a program for those caring for loved ones with dementia or memory loss. This unique, 6-week training uses the university tested Savvy Caregiver Program and provides participants with information and resources to better manage the stress of caregiving. Learn about Dementia and its effects on the brain Caregiver resources Managing behaviors Improving caregiving skills How to handle everyday activities more easily Taking care of yourself to better care for your loved one Care for your family member with memory loss can be arranged so you may attend the sessions. *Ask for details when you register.* Dates: August 15, 22, 29 September 12, 19, 26 Location: Vicksburg District Library 215 S. Michigan Vicksburg, MI Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Classes are free with donations accepted. For questions or to register, please contact: Patti Stratton, LMSW, , psstra@kalcounty.com. Over a river and through the woods... Progressive Dinner December 8 Holiday Progressive Dinner is back. Plan now and save the date: December 8. We will need 3 homes to volunteer for a course. Contact Betsy Myers at if you can host appetizers, salads, or desserts. Plan now so you have plenty of time to clean and decorate for December 8.

5 August 2018 The Visitor Page 5 August Birthdays and Anniversaries Birthdays 1 Abby Hamilton 2 Nancy Herson 3 October Moberley 4 Nick Cron Amy Moberley Vicki Worthington 5 Calvin Gose 7 Betty Witcher 8 Don Dailey Jen Thompson 11 Nona Mattheis Liz Page Lori Tichvon 12 Iris McGahan 13 Joanne Culver 16 Harley Hill 17 Jackson Hambright 18 Doug Smith Brady Young 19 Nancy Fulton Sally Kohler Daniel Zonyk 20 Sue McClish 21 Rexalee Goecker Bonnie Holmes Kara Nic 22 Carol Lohman 23 Brad Fenwick Marlie Hossink 24 Mark Harrison 28 J.R. Fulton Marlene Sherman 29 Mike Hamilton 31 Jo Ann Cain Anniversaries 5 Vernon & Janet Noel 7 Tim & Lynne Melvin Dan & Sandy Minger 8 Brad & Lisa Beams 9 Ken & Jolene Cron John & Sharon Wagner 11 David & Cande Vermeulen 13 Don & Charlene Dailey Lee & Jean Philport 20 Steve & Lori Ensing 23 Doug & Dorothy Smith 24 Ken & Doreen Akins 25 Kip & Tamara Young 28 Fred & JoDee Nelson Summer Worship Schedule Sundays at 10:00 a.m. (no Sunday School) Donations from Heirloom Rose Jim Stamper, Master Florist, is donating his services to Vicksburg Untied Methodist Church to provide a rose bud for members who pass away. In addition, he will provide altar flowers for $25. Please make arrangements with the treasurer to make payment. All arrangements and payments for the roses will be made through Vicksburg United Methodist Church. Please contact the church office or Dee Morton for more details. Coming in September Change of Sunday Schedule begins September 9 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Rummage Sale Wednesday and Thursday September 26 and 27

6 Becoming disciples; serving God s world. Sunday Schedule 10:00 a.m. Worship Church Office Hours Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. The Visitor August :00p Caring Ministries 2 11:00a UMW Executive Comt. 12:30p UMW General Meeting 6 1:00p Matter of Balance class 6:30p VBS training 7 all day State Primary Elections 7:00p Trustees 9 10:00a UMW Sewing for Missions 5:30p Preschool Board 6:30p Scouts District Round Table 10 1:00p Matter of Balance class 13 9:00a VBS till 11:00a 1:00p Matter of Balance class 14 9:00a VBS till 11:00a 15 9:00a VBS till 11:00a 16 9:00a VBS till 11:00a 17 1:00p Matter of Balance class 18 8:30a Loaves & Fishes till 10:00a 20 1:00p Matter of Balance class 7:00p Finance Committee 21 6:30p Staff Parish Relations Comt. August Calendar 22 7:00p Worship Committee 23 1:00p Priscilla Circle 24 1:00p Matter of Balance class 27 1:00p Matter of Balance class 6:30p Church Council 31 1:00p Matter of Balance class Weekly Activities Sunday 10:00a Worship with POP! for children no Sunday School Tuesday 2:00p Sew What Now God Wednesday 10:30a SCCS Wednesday Winners Fridays are Pastor Greg s days off (Sabbath). Please call him only in an emergency.