Pastor s Pondering. Here is the link to the interview soundtrack: Grace, Pastor Tim

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1 The lamplighter Volume 64, Issue 5 May 2014 Pastor s Pondering I recently listened to an interview with Gordon Hempton on the public radio program, On Being. Gordon Hempton says that silence is an endangered species. He defines silence as presence - not an absence of sound, but an absence of noise. He invites us to become better listeners of the earth in places unspoiled by noise pollution. He describes earth as a "solar-powered jukebox". As I listened to him speak and to his recordings of unspoiled nature I was reminded of Psalm 98, Let the sea resound and everything in it...let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy and Isaiah 55:12, You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. I deeply experience who I am in God and who God is in me when I am immersed in the quiet of nature, without the noise pollution of human electrical, mechanical, or other creations. I would call the earth a God-powered jukebox that sings God s music to our souls. As the weather warms and God s creation births forth life, I encourage you to intentionally and regularly take time to be in nature away from the noise of your electrical and mechanical life - to simply listen to what God is speaking to you through the trees clapping their hands and the hills bursting forth in song. May you hear God singing His love into your life empowering you to go out in joy and go forth in peace. Here is the link to the interview soundtrack: Inside this issue: Youth Group 2 NECM Needs 2 Mission Opportunity 3 Silver Seniors 4 Women s Spring Tea 5 Newsletter Deadline 7 Volunteer List 8 Monthly Calendar 9 Special points of interest: Summer Movie Night W.O.N. Circle Updates Brianna Lee Golf Outing Clatter Offering Updates Grace, Pastor Tim

2 Help Earn Money for the Church! If you use the internet for any type of search you can use GoodSearch and a donation will be made to the church for every search and purchase you make over the internet. The last check Northlawn received was for over $140. All proceeds go toward the mortgage principle. Here's all you need to do; Go to Click REGISTER NOW and begin raising money for Northlawn every time you search, or shop on line! 2014 Northlawn Youth Group Activities Saturday, May 3 - God's Not Dead Help us plan: Summer Outdoor Movie Nights Bring your ideas - Thursday, May 1 at 7:00 pm NECM Monthly Needs: NECM always needs grocery bags. They may be paper or plastic Meat, Canned Meat Potatoes Stuffing Pasta, Pasta sauce Cereal Fruit cups Granola Bars & Cereal Bars Crackers Chips Rice, Beans Vegetables Dry milk Macaroni & cheese Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo) Canned spaghetti (like spaghetti o s) Diapers Toothpaste/brushes Soap Shampoo Deodorant 2

3 Please Consider This Mission Opportunity The WON (Women Of Northlawn) Circle s last project for this season is to provide support for The Open Door, a temporary overnight women s shelter provided by Degage Ministries, which serves some of our community s neediest residents in the Heartside area. A collection receptacle will be located in the Narthex into which you should place any items you are willing to provide. These items will be brought to the Degage Ministries facility the week of May 12. So, if you intend to donate, please be sure to bring your gifts by Sunday, May 11 (which is also Mother s Day). Thank you for giving consideration to support of this ministry. If you have any questions, please see Linda Allen or Jamie Guinn. The Open Door Wish List Asterisked (*) items are those in highest demand. Slippers Pajamas* Socks* New women s underwear and bras 8 oz. styrofoam cups Towels Wash clothes T-Shirts African American hair products 55-gallon trash bags* Chapstick Vaseline Pillow covers Pillow cases Laundry soap Fabric sheets Plastic forks & spoons* DVD Player The W.O.N. Circle (Women of Northlawn) The W.O.N. Circle used the remaining $ from Kohls (money from the craft show) for bedding for St. John's Home. Bedding is always high on their "wish list". As a reminder, the first $ was used for gifts for children at Joe Beaven's church. We were able to purchase for St. John's: 7 Pillows 6 Blankets 6 Sheet Sets 9 Bath Towels 12 Washcloths We are grateful to Kohl's for this additional gift of $ from the craft show, to be used for children in need. If you have any questions, please contact Ruth VanValkenburg or Sue Cleveland. 3

4 SILVER SENIORS Wednesday, May 11 am (note time change). Lunch will be at CHESHIRE GRILL, 2161 Plainfield NE. We will order from the menu and pay individually. PLEASE sign up at Connection Corner. Call Lee Grey, , if you have any questions or need a ride. 4

5 Sunday, May 4 at 3:00 pm ~ Save this Date!!! Women of Northlawn of all ages you are invited to join us for annual Spring Tea!! Please watch for more details in the upcoming bulletins! Questions? Please contact Christine Wright, Jeanne Hoye, or Lee Grey. May 17 Extravaganza Sign up to help at the Connection Corner 1. Neighborhood Plant Exchange - Bring your split plants, seeds, trees, shrubs, bulbs, etc. to donate or trade for new? Plants will be available for sale too! 2. Free Electronics Recycling - Trailer attendant volunteers needed Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. Please take advantage of this opportunity to properly dispose of obsolete or non-working electronic items. Acceptable Items include: Office & Household Electronics (cell phones, radios, microwaves, VCRs, TV s etc.), Computer Components & Accessories (laptops, monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, speakers, power cords, etc.). Almost anything with a cord or battery will be accepted. Comprenew will wipe or destroy all computer hard drives. *No big box appliances, air conditioners or Refrigerators 3. Women of Northlawn Mission Bake Sale Clatter for May is Wesley Fellowship at GVSU The Wesley Fellowship at Grand Valley is a United Methodist Campus Ministry serving the students of Grand Valley State University and young adults in the greater Grand Rapids area. It is a welcoming, diverse community which strives to be open to persons of all backgrounds, traditions and experiences. It is a safe place to gather, to learn, and to serve. Total clatter giving thru March $ January clatter Guiding Light Mission $ February clatter Urban Family Ministries $ March clatter NECM $

6 Final WON (Women Of Northlawn) Circle Meeting of the Season If you are a woman, and if you have any affiliation with Northlawn, you meet all the requirements for participation in the WON Circle. So, please consider joining us at the final meeting of this season. We will meet on Monday, May 12 at 6:30 PM, right here at church, for our last gathering until fall. Our main agenda item be a pot-luck supper, so remember to bring your favorite side dish or dessert. Linda Allen and Jamie Guinn are the hostesses, and they will be providing a main dish and beverages. The WON Circle is dedicated to local mission activities. Our mission project for this month will be focused on The Open Door, a service of Degage Ministries. We will be gathering items to assist the women who obtain shelter and refuge at this facility. As we often do, we have offered the members and attendees of Northlawn UMC the opportunity to participate with us on this project. Please look elsewhere in this newsletter for the list of items on their wish list, and provide support as you are able. MASTER CALENDAR All information put on the master calendar MUST be put on in pencil. This allows changes to be made. Northlawn United Methodist Church 1157 Northlawn St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI Mission - why we are here Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world 6

7 Northlawn United Methodist Church 2014 Leadership Team Administrative Team Chairperson: Chris Longstreth Finance Chairperson: Diane Ludwig SPRC Chairperson: Thurlan Meredith Trustee Chairperson: Jerry Lachniet Lay Member to Ann. Conference: Women of Northlawn President Ruth VanValkenburg Large: Alan Claybaugh, John Secord, Phil VanHammen, Tammy Diebold, Ken Jeltema Core Ministry Team Outreach, Hospitality, Mission Sally Wesorick Small Group Barb Jeltema Education and Discipleship Teri Chandler Worship Jan Jager & Sharon Longstreth Congregational Care John Secord Administrative Team Rep Jerry Lachniet Deadline for The Lamplighter Newsletter is ALWAYS the 17th of the previous month. ALL articles must be received by this date or they will not be included. Sorry, no exceptions. You may your articles to: catsdesk@northlawnumc.org or leave them in the secretary s office. Remember to Save Those Box Tops For Education! 7

8 May Volunteer List, Birthdays & Anniversaries Please sign up at the Connection Corner. 4 Jeff Yen 11 Jody Hamilton 18 Paula Wright 25 Ken Jeltema 4 Sharon Applegarth 11 Jan Jager 18 Lyle & Hilda Russell 25 Bill & Doris Black 4 Ed Hansen 4 Emmie Yen 5 Sharron Myler 5 James Wright 6 Greg Wesorick 7 Sharon Sumner 9 Dawne Ball 9 Jason Dionne 10 Amanda Eslinger 11 Rev. Thurlan Meredith 14 Benjamin Wesorick 14 Jacob Wesorick 17 Aleya Selkirk 18 Sally Wesorick 19 Jane Lachniet 21 John Ball 21 Jean Wilson 22 Sue Spahr 25 Joan Velting 27 John Applegarth 27 Jeff Yen 29 Heather Berry 29 Dawn Johnson Please sign up at the Connection Corner. 4 Ruth VanValkenburg 11 Darla Kilgore 18 Jan Jager 25 Hilda Russell 12 Greg & Monica Stevens 13 Jeff & Sharon Yen 16 Bob & Linda Meinke 20 Alan & Michelle Claybaugh 23 Brian & Tara Cleveland 26 William & Doris Black 8

9 May 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS: Please note, it is YOUR responsibility to list all meetings on the Office calendar. The online calendar is then updated based on the office calendar. ALL COMMUNICATIONS ARE BASED ON THE OFFICE CALENDAR. Pastor Tim Yarn w/ purpose am-5 pm Gilmore Gathering am-1 pm District Clergy Meeting Worship Committee 10 am Bible Study 7 pm Bible Study 11 am Silver Cheshire 7 pm Choir Practice 6 pm Hospitality Committee Yarn w/ purpose 5 pm-10 pm Renkema Gatherine W.O.N. Circle Meeting 10 am LAST Morning Bible Study 6 pm Trustee Meeting 7 pm Bible Study 7 pm Choir Practice 6 pm Finance Committee 6 pm SPRC Committee Yarn ELECTRONICS RECYCLE EVENT 7 pm CORE Team/ Admin Meeting Yarn w/ purpose Yarn w/ purpose 9

10 Northlawn United Methodist Church 1157 Northlawn St. NE Grand Rapids, MI Phone: (616) Fax: (616) We re on the web! Please remember the following people in your prayers: Rhea Glazier Dolores Barnes Izzy Ward Kelli Hamilton Dave & Dorothy Spaulding Bob & Barb Morton Darva Oberhofer Wes & Phyllis Smith RuthAnn Buschert Robin Eslinger Teresa Hoff Cathy Renkema Mission - why we are here Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world 10