RICHMOND, MICHIGAN June, is holy. from the hymn, Holy Ground

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1 FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST RICHMOND, MICHIGAN June, 2014 This is holy ground. We re standing on holy ground. For our God is with us, and where God is FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Rev. Denise Griebler gmail.com CELL: OFFICE: FAX: Website: OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY FRIDAY 9:00 AM - 12 NOON Afternoons by appointment Pastor Denise is in Richmond on Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday We are a Christian community called to love God, love neighbor, love self, as Jesus taught. is holy. from the hymn, Holy Ground S o declares the hymn we sing together. And it is true. First UCC is holy ground. The corner of Forest and Main is holy ground. Springtime is a wonder-filled time to arrive in a community. At Holy Week, the grass was still brown and the soil just, well, soil. Just the bare beginnings of a few bulbs breaking through. The buds on the trees were beginning to swell, but there wasn t much green to be seen. But there was so much going on beneath the ground and in those buds! But it was hidden. I think getting to know another human being or family or church or community is like that. There s a lot going on beneath and within, between and beyond. It can t all be told or known at once. There is a gift in knowing there s so much more to be known. And that it will unfold in its time. Our Detroit backyard is full of raised beds six to be exact. There are also two trees (a chestnut and an apple), an out-ofcontrol raspberry patch and another out-of-control line of roses, ferns, flocks, lilies and other beauties. My first spring in this yard was a time of wonder. What s growing already? What needed to be pulled or thinned or moved? What would I add? That first year there was wisdom in just seeing what was there and delighting as crocuses and jonquils gave way to lilies of the valley, a sea of variegated green and white something or other and roses gone wild. A mystery that kept unfolding. There were so many sweet flowers and plants, some recognizable right away. Others, I had to wait and see. Was it purple phlox, or was it goldenrod? Rhubarb or burdock? Sometimes you just honor the ground itself as holy, wait and see and delight. (continued on next page)

2 (continued from front page) By comparison, the raised beds were pretty straight-forward. We planted them on purpose and tended and watered. What we planted was what we got though sometimes we were surprised by what we had planted! (There s a story waiting to be told.) Joy is making supper from your own garden all through summer and fall. At the welcome luncheon I was presented with garden tools and gloves. It is good to plant on purpose, to tend and water. You can eat from that kind of garden. Others, too. People. Bees. Butterflies. Purposeful and tended beauty brings a sense of rest and renewal for weary or worn spirits food for the body and soul. There is so much already growing at the corner of Forest and Main. And, much that is hidden and waiting to blossom. I m so grateful to be standing on this holy ground with you. Blessings, Pastor Denise P.S. Join us for the planting of the community garden and the butterfly garden after church on June 1! I m looking forward to using my gardening tools! An invitation from Trinity Lutheran to Travel to Jerusalem What: Trip to See Jerusalem At Henry Ford s IMAX theater. When: Sunday, June 8 Time: Meet at Trinity at 1:15 pm, we will ride together in Ross Brown s bus. Movie runs from 2:50 pm-3:35 pm. We will return to Trinity by 4:30 pm for discussion and refreshments. Cost: $20 due to Pastor Kelsay by June 1. Includes movie ticket and a group bus ride to and from the theater. NEW! Filmed for the first time in IMAX 15/70 for the Giant Screen, JERUSALEM immerses audiences in one of the world's most beloved cities. Discover why this tiny piece of land is sacred to three major religions through the stories of Jewish, Christian and Muslim families who call Jerusalem home. Join renowned archeologist Dr. Jodi Magness as she travels underground to solve some of this city s greatest mysteries. Find out why, after thousands of years, Jerusalem and the Holy Land continue to stir the imagination of billions of people. Unprecedented access to the city's holiest sites, as well as rare and breathtaking aerial footage of the Old City and the Holy Land, combine to make JERUSALEM a unique and stunning cinematic experience on Michigan s largest screen.

3 Scripture Readings for June June 01 June 08 June 15 June 22 June 29 Seventh Sunday of Easter Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11; John 17:1-11 Pentecost Sunday Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13; John 20:19-23 Trinity Sunday Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Psalm 8; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; Matthew 28:16-20 Second Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 21:8-21; Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17; Romans 6:1b-11; Matthew 10:24-39 Third Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 22:1-14; Psalm 13; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42 Vision Statement: The purpose of this church shall be to worship God, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to celebrate the sacraments; to realize Christian fellowship and unity within this church and the Church universal; to render loving service toward humankind; and to strive for righteousness, justice and peace. Mission Statement: We are traveling life s road: created by God, guided by Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit and grounded in scripture. We strive to be individuals on a spiritual journey and a community sharing God s love with all. Called to Care Team Mary Alice Busch Bob Chrostowski (H) (C) Reb & Sally McNinch Explore Living History June 29, Noon 4PM Log Cabin Day at the Historic Village At Bailey Memorial Park in Richmond Join us for a fun afternoon that will take you back in time. The log cabin, train depot, one room schoolhouse, and the museum will be open with guides available to answer questions. Sponsored by the Richmond Area Historical and Genealogical Society. Free Admission.

4 Our Noisy Offering Supports the Blue Water Area Humane Society The children of our church collect coins or bills in coffee cans during the service on Sunday school days. They give the cans a shake to make a joyful noise; and, at the end of the year, we donate the money to the Blue Water Area Humane Society. This facility has been helping animals since They are a No Time Limit shelter where no animal is refused admittance with the exception of stray dogs which must go to County Animal Control. The Blue Water Area Humane Society provides adoption services, requested euthanasia and educational programs. They also have a Spay/ Neuter Voucher program and a Low-Cost Vaccination Clinic for limited income families or individuals. Call or to bluewaterareahs@comcast.net Thank you to the following people who provided cakes, did laundry and chauffeured men for the McRest program held at the Armada Congregational United Church of Christ the week of May 12-17: Mary Alice Busch, Shelley Champion, Veronica Chrostowski, Kathi Miller, Lynn Dunsmore, Sharlene Haws, Chris Hensch, Glen Porrett, Joyce Townsend, and Paulette Trombley. Also, thanks to Pastor Denise who made a visit to the program on Friday, May 9. All of you are a blessing to the host Church and to the McRest clients. Dear Congregation, Thank you for your donation to the Richmond Community Food Pantry from the sales of the paczkis. Your continued support is a blessing and helps us continue to help those in our community who are having a difficult time. Your check for $131 has been deposited. God s blessings for your servant hearts! Pat Bartosiewicz

5 Help Keep our Church Lawn Beautiful Mow the grass or donate $35 to get the job done. A lawn-mowing schedule is on the table in the narthex. Just write your name on the schedule in the signature box for the week or weeks that you would like to mow the lawn or donate the fee and indicate mow or paid. If you choose to donate $35 for a week, please place the money in an envelope, mark it with the words, Lawn Mowing and place it in the offering plate or leave it in the church office. Thank you. Thanks to Glen Porrett, Chris Hensch, Ken Stein and Aaron and Terry Miller who helped to clean up our church yard. First UCC Prayer Chain Do you need to send a special person a note or letter? The Church has just the pretty note card for you to use. We have made seven different cards from photos taken of our church. The cards are blank in the inside and can be used for any occasion. The cost for a card and envelope is $2.00. So the next time you are in church, pick out a card or two and drop your money in the little box next to the display. Money from the card sale will go directly into the church s general fund. Pastor Denise Sue Weinert Diane Porrett Jennifer Northam Reb & Sally McNinch Mary Alice Busch Paulette Trombley Karen Eltringham Joyce Townsend Shelley Champion If anyone would like to be added to our prayer chain, please call the church office at Thank you.

6 What s Going on at First UCC? If you would like to be an active participant in any of the goings on at First UCC or have any questions concerning what our committees do, feel free to reach out to the committee liaison. The many committees that make sure things run smoothly are made up of volunteers, and each committee is represented by a church council member. The various committees and liaisons are as follows: Mission Kathi Miller ( ) Buildings and Grounds Bill Wagner ( ) Worship Terri Houston ( ) Vitality Kathi Miller ( ) Finance Kim Grewe ( ) Stewardship Veronica Chrostowski ( ) Christian Education Dean Handrow ( ) Memorial Lynn Dunsmore ( ) Personnel Ron Schrote ( ) Servers Rotation Schedule 2014 June 1 Greeters Darrel & Sharlene Haws Ushers Ron & Kim Schrote Lay Reader.Mary Alice Busch Communion Preparer...Ruth Hartwell Communion Servers...Rich & Sue Weinert June 8 Greeters..Ray & Paulette Trombley Ushers..David & Ruth Hartwell Lay Reader..Jennifer Northam Altar Flowers.Glen & Diane Porrett June 15 Greeters.Bob & Veronica Chrostowski Ushers.Glen & Diane Porrett Lay Reader..Lucia Marshall Altar Flowers.Linda Porrett June 22 Greeters..Reb & Sally NcNinch Ushers..Rich & Sue Weinert Lay Reader...Christine Hensch Altar Flowers..Al & Mary Alice Busch June 29 Greeters.Joyce Townsend & Pam Green Ushers.Bob & Veronica Chrostowski Lay Reader..Traci Bartell Altar Flowers.Sharlene Haws July 6 Greeters.Glen & Diane Porrett Ushers.Ray Trombley & Tom Hebel Lay Reader..Joyce Townsend Communion Preparer...Mary Alice Busch Communion Servers...David & Ruth Hartwell

7 Our Community Garden God said, See I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. Genesis 1:29 Planning the Garden with Hope Expanding the Growing Space with Thanksgiving Planting the Garden with Promise Tending the Garden with Care and Commitment Harvesting the Food with Gratitude Sharing the Harvest with Joy This is the Community Garden Crew s check-off list for June through September. A couple of the first items are already checked off for this year! You may have already noticed the unique way we have expanded the growing space this year. Tires can make a great garden! Vans Tires here in Richmond donated the ones that have been converted into new beds. Look for a calendar at the back of the sanctuary to sign up for a turn to tend the garden for one week. We need tenders from June thru September. If you take a turn tending and see signs of an infestation of unwanted critters, please let anyone on the garden crew know as soon as possible so that we can treat the problem appropriately. With some of the money earned by our garden fundraisers, we have purchased a storage container that will be placed at the back of the shed. This will house things that you might need to use if you take a turn tending. We just ask that you put the watering cans or tools back in the container when you are finished so that the next round of tenders can use them. Also, if you are not a gardener, remember that praying is a part of gardening! Pray for sun and rain, pray for the sprouts and buds, pray for a bountiful harvest, pray for those who rely on food from the Richmond Food Pantry, pray for those who come to our Christmas Day dinner, pray for the world to live into God s abundance for all dream! As always, if you have any questions, please contact any of the garden crew: Kathi Miller, Ron Schrote, Traci Bartell, Terri Houston, Sally McNinch, Shelley Champion, Lynn and Jerry Dunsmore Adopt-A-Bill Here s How it Works: 1) Take an Adopt-A-Bill envelope from the display board in the narthex. 2) Pick a bill from the board. 3) Place your check (made out to First United Church of Christ) or cash along with the bill in the envelope. 4) Place the envelope in the offering plate or mail it to the church. Every contribution is greatly appreciated and helps to support our church.

8 Planting of the Community & Butterfly Gardens... June 1 after worship We need donations of mulch and plants. For more information, see the bulletin board downstairs. Special Congregational Meeting June 1 after worship During the summer months, our worship service will begin at 10:00 am. Our summer worship schedule begins on June 1st and continues thru September 7. The purpose of this short congregational meeting is to elect a church council member to complete the term of Zack Joppich who resigned from church council due to a change in his work schedule. Camp Talahi Retreat & Nature Center Summer 2014 Young Adult Camp/May 23 May 26 CIT Camp/June 22 June 27 Mini Camp/June 29 July 2 Adventure Camp/July 6 July 11 Junior Camp/July 13 July 18 Senior High Camp/July 18 July 25 MADD Camp/July 27 August 1 GAS Camp/July 27 August 1 Family Camp/August 1 August 3 Talk w/pastor Denise for more information. Our Website is up and running Come take a look! Here s the address: Are there any graduates out there that would like to be recognized during worship service? The tentative date for this service will be June 8. If anyone has a graduate who would like to be honored, please notify the church office at Please submit your articles or announcements for the next issue of Sharing the Word no later than June 23.

9 February March April MISSION CALENDAR 2014 Health Kit items due in church on or before February 23 *One Great Hour of Sharing Offering on March 30 Shoe Drive for Grace Center of Hope, Pontiac April 26 May Shoe Drive continues May 3 *Blanket Sunday Offering on May 11 Armada UCC Church June August October November December *Envelopes will be provided *Strengthen the Church Offering on June 8 Baby Kit items due in church on or before June 22 School Kit items due in church on or before August 24 *Neighbors In Need Offering on October 5 Bread for the World Bread Sale on October 19 Shoebox Christmas Gift Collection for KIDS due in church on or before Dec. 7 *Christmas Fund Offering on Dec. 21 Check the Mission bulletin board at the back of the church for the detailed list for the baby, health, and school kits plus any other Mission updates. Look for canisters for the ongoing collection of Box Tops for Education, Campbell s labels, & coins for the Holy Joe s Café Coffee for the Troops. Baby Kit Items Needed by June 22 During the month of June the Mission Committee will be collecting items for the Church World Service Baby Care Kits. Members of the congregation have been sewing and knitting so we have enough sweaters and blankets. The sign-up sheet will have the following items on it: Cloth diapers T-shirts or Undershirts (no onesies) under 12 month in size Wash cloths Gowns or sleepers under 12 month in size Diaper pins Money donations will be accepted. Any Mission committee member can go shopping for you. Cash may be used for the processing fees and postage, or to complete a kit. If items need to be purchased to complete a kit, a committee member will purchase the needed item. Please bring your Baby Kit items/cash donations to the church by June 22. The Mission Committee is very grateful to all for your generous donations. So Many Shoes! The shoe drive for Grace Center of Hope was a HUGE success this year. The donations filled the trailer and the red barn, and we still had a few bags of shoes inside the church. The men from Grace Center that came to pick up the shoes were amazed and wondered how we could collect SO many shoes!

10 INVEST in the VISION Strengthen the Church Offering Each day, visions and dreams are created in the hearts of many in the United Church of Christ. Through the Strengthen the Church offering, these visions and dreams can become a reality. As God calls our congregations to be a church in new ways, your gift will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches and develop spiritual life in our youth and young adults. Because of this offering on June 8, many more will hear the good news that God is still speaking. Envelopes will be provided in the bulletins so you can INVEST in the VISION! Thank you. A Warm Thank You The Church World Service Blanket Offering was taken on Sunday, May 11. We collected $ That was an increase of $65.00 over last year s collection! The 37 blankets will help families around the world who are going through hard times. And, when we help them, our hearts get bigger, we feel better and we feel more connected to the rest of the world. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Ask, Seek, Knock My first class through Central Seminary begins on the 27 th. I am anxious and nervous and all things in between! For this course I will occasionally travel to the UCC Conference office in Lansing and complete portions of it on-line. The class is the history and polity of the United Church of Christ which is an elective course within the structure of my degree plan but necessary to be considered for ordination. Here is a list of some of the text books I will use for the course: Covenant: A Study for the United Church of Christ by Jane Fisler Hoffman, Confessing Our Faith; an Interpretation of the Statement of Faith of the UCC by Roger L. Shinn and Theology and Identity; Traditions, Movements and Polity in the United Church of Christ by Daniel Johnson and Charles Hambrick-Stowe. This is a shortened version of the list! (I know that enjoying reading is a prerequisite for being ordained!) As part of the course I will have the opportunity to travel to Cleveland, OH to visit the UCC Church House. I am anxious to see Amistad Chapel and all the buildings that make up the campus. My hope for this learning time? to be immersed in what makes UCC truly UCC and to find more ways that God is Still Speaking in and through our denomination. It will be a challenge, but, I really believe it will be like relearning or recalling my family story there were/are unions and births, there were/are struggles and conflicts, there was/ is tradition and newness, there was/is love and God s presence and direction that assists us through it all. Traci Bartell

11 Prayers coming your way... This page in our newsletter shares prayer concerns and prayer opportunities within the life of our family of faith. By actively praying for the concerns presented, we strengthen our congregation, our brother and sister churches, our association and our conference. If you have prayer concerns you would like to see added to this page, please contact Pastor Denise or call the office at Please add the following concerns to your personal prayer time: Those from our family of faith who are distant, homebound or dealing with illness: Bertha Teska..Donna Bartell..Carl Kulman.. Joyce Trudgeon..Leona Conner..Lucille Trombley.. Marjorie Pentzien..Bob Reindel.Paulette Trombley. Chuck Busch.Bob Chrostowski.Sue Weinert. Jim Volkenant The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:18 First UCC s Weekly Prayer Discipline for JUNE Clip and Keep Reminders June 1-7 Brendan Weeks Fred Weeks Jr. James & Rose Weeks June 8-14 Tarah Weeks Richard & Susan Weinert Norma Worth June Sue Williams Justine, Caleb, Paul & Alyson Achatz Jacob Marlow & Carissa Sugg June Matthew, Andrew, Jacob & Avery Ball Frank & Donna Bartell Traci Bartell June 29 - July 5 Carmen Breese Warren & Sue Ann Burmann Al & Mary Alice Busch

12 We wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the following members who are celebrating their birthday in June: 02 - Melissa Kulman 03 - Joshua Kohn 06 - Doris Essenburg 08 - Patti Cronauer 08 - Jane Rapley 09 - Diane Porrett 14 - Joshua Fair 16 - Jeremy Hunger 17 - Renee Rewalt 18 - Warren Burmann 18 - Carmen Breese 27 - Kerri Green 27 - Doug Manska 29 - Corey Fair HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the children of our church who celebrate a birthday this month: 07 - Madison Cleveland 15 - Isaac Johnson 22 - Katherine Davis 27 - Katherine Chrostowski 28 - Liam Jones We also wish a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to the following members whose wedding anniversary is in June: 01 - Doug & Suzanne Manska 09 - Dave & Terri Hunger 15 - Ryan & Niki Schrote 19 - Kirk & Lucia Marshall 21 - Al & Mary Alice Busch 30 - Fred & Shirley Teltow 30 - Mark & Vicky Davis B E S T W I S H E S T O Y O U! Weekly Offerings: May 18 $ Noisy Offering $ Blankets $ May 11 $1, Blankets $ May 4 $2, April 27 $1, Adopt-A-Bill $ Y-T-D Adopt-A-Bill $3, Food Bank $ May May May April

13 FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST SOUTH FOREST RICHMOND, MI Return address requested No Matter Who You Are Or Where You Are On Life s Journey You Are Welcome Here!