Monthly Newsletter of The Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI l l ThePeoplesChurch.com

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1 Portal Rev. Andrew Pomerville, Senior Pastor Rev. Betsy Aho, Associate Pastor Rev. Drew Filkins, Associate Pastor FEBRUARY 2018 Monthly Newsletter of The Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI l l ThePeoplesChurch.com WHAT COMES NEXT? FEBRUARY CONCERTS Transitions in leadership are always cause for a bit of consternation, worry, and anxiety about an uncertain future. We see this throughout the Old and New Testaments during the expected and unexpected departures of prophets, kings, judges, teachers, and pastors. Beyond scripture, we see the same uneasy experience during peaceful and sometimes violent changes in authority. Change is difficult. We get used to the way things are and start assuming that is the way it has always been. In reality, our lives, our communities, our calls from God, are always in flux and constantly on the move. This Lent, we are guided by John s gospel where Jesus never seems to sit still for too long. His disciples are trailing after him as he journeys from one place to the next. Each place is changed because of his leadership, and as a result, those new disciples go on to influence other towns for the same gospel of salvation and hope. I m not sure who the next senior pastor will be at The Peoples Church and I am equally anxious and excited to discover who God has already called. But this is not a sad or negative experience for the church! We have seen a number of clergy people come and go in this church and the gospel is still preached, the community is changed for the better, and we are infinitely better for the wealth of gifts, talents, and inclinations each called and installed pastor has delivered during their time at The Peoples Church. Join me in using this Lent (starting with three services on Ash Wednesday) in reflecting on who we are called to be, where we are called to go, and how we are supposed to celebrate the servant leadership of Jesus Christ that is the model for our next steps. Peace and Grace, On Saturday, February 10, come and spend an evening with Michigan Singer-Songwriters Monte Pride, Timothy Monger, and Gifts or Creatures. This intimate gathering of some of Michigan s premier singer-songwriters will be held in the chapel at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are available for $10 or $5 for students. All ages welcome. On Saturday, February 17 at 5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, come and enjoy a Celebration of Bagpipes and the Scottish Highland Arts! Graduate composition student Duncan Petersen-Jones, a bagpiper who has played a number of times at The Peoples Church, will be hosting a special evening of bagpipe music and Highland dancers as a fundraiser for his soon-to-be published book of bagpipe music. A suggested donation of $5 is welcome. Pastor Andrew SAVE THE DATE! A celebration of gratitude is being planned for Rev. Andrew Pomerville s ministry, on March 11, The celebration will take place following the 10:30 a.m. worship in the Snider Social Hall. More details to come!

2 FOOD & FELLOWSHIP! Come enjoy lunch with church friends. No need to RSVP, just meet after 10:30 a.m. worship on the following dates and the Welcome Ministry will have a section of tables reserved for The Peoples Church! Our upcoming Food and Fellowship dates and locations are: February 25 Champps Preyde Blvd., Lansing Come listen and play with us! The Pretty Shaky String Band is so thankful to The Peoples Church for giving us a new home to play music together. We meet almost every Wednesday at 7:30 pm. The Shakies are a friendly and laid back group. We mostly play old time folk music, but also embrace Celtic and French-Canadian influences. Musicians of all levels are welcome to play with us. We follow a round robin format, so everyone gets a chance to pick tunes. For more info, please visit prettyshakystringband.org FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS *80 & OVER 11 - Eleanor Chapin 15 - Thelma Hansen 15 - John Wales 18 - Roger Grove 22 - Shirley Noetzold 27 - Gary Wegenke March 18 Leo s Spirits and Grub W Grand River Ave, Okemos April 22 Smokey Bones Lake Lansing Rd., Lansing SCIENCE & WONDER by Dana Johnson, Director, Peoples Church Preschool True scientific learning should be hands on. This means it should engage some, or all, of the child s senses by being seen, touched, tasted and smelled. This type of learning experience has a huge impact on children because what they learn doesn t just become filed away in their memory, it becomes part of them and, as their knowledge grows, it begins to shape how they think and act. To carry out their scientific wonderings, children are provided with daily opportunities to explore and discover scientific materials and concepts in open-ended play settings. It is through repeated experiences involving varied and rotating materials that children construct and then build on their knowledge. When interacting with these materials, children can observe, question, think, make predictions, and experiment to confirm their ideas. When they do this, they are making maximum use of their brain s capacity for learning. As teachers, we acknowledge and foster young children s natural abilities and curiosities as we develop their scientific thinking. This is done in part by asking the child open-ended questions such as: Why do you think, What would happen if, and What do you suppose we learned? Although young children may not understand complicated and abstract principles they can wonder, explore, and discover ideas when they are given time and encouragement. ANNIVERSARIES *MILESTONE & Albert & Yvonne Hafner (60) If we missed you, please accept our apology. Contact the office to make sure we have your correct information on file. ThePeoplesChurch.com

3 CONNECT GROW SERVE SHARE EMPTY BOWLS EVENT & CHILI COOK-OFF On Sunday, February 11, following the 10:30 a.m. worship service, the Welcome Ministry will host their annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser and Chili Cookoff! Sign up at the Welcome Desk or at ThePeoplesChurch.com. Contact Jane Ledebuhr at with any questions. Check out the January issue of the Portal newsetter, or ThePeoplesChurch.com, for more details. CHILI COOK-OFF MENU Hearty Chili Vegetarian Chili (crackers, sour cream, shredded cheese, onions & hot sauce) Mixed Greens Salad Corn Bread Seasonal Fruit Rice Crispy Treat Coffee, Tea, Punch & Iced Water Childrens Table Mac & Cheese Fresh Vegetables with Ranch Dip Seasonal Fruit Rice Crispy Treat *Gluten Free Options Available FAMILY GAME NIGHT A SUCCESS! The first Family Game Night at The Peoples Church was a great success! More than 70 people gathered to play a myriad of games with family and friends. The event brought many smiles, laughter, and friendly competition among everyone. Be on the lookout for details about the next Family Game Night soon! WPC JEWELRY SALE The Women of Peoples Church annual jewelry sale is set for May 19-20, Donations are needed of old, new, estate, costume, collectible and broken jewelry for the sale. You may also donate scarves, hand bags, art, wallets, MSU items, puzzles, games, and watches. All donations can be dropped off at the church office Monday-Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tax receipts are available. DORCAS CIRCLE Dorcas Circle will meet Tuesday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m. in the Robertson Room. Our program will be Ghandi presented by Jan Reed. For more information, contact Phyllis Gaulden at PEOPLES FORUM Join us each Sunday for interesting and informative Voices of the Community at 9:30 a.m. in the Robertson Room. FEBRUARY 4 BRIAN PHILSON, DIRECTOR OF CAMP HIGHFIELDS Saving Boys and Building Men FEBRUARY 11 DORY LEYKO, SUPERINTENDENT OF EAST LANSING SCHOOLS Challenges Facing Secondary Education FEBRUARY 18 PRESIDENT S DAY WEEKEND No Peoples Forum FEBRUARY 25 ANDY MAYVILLE, FACILITY DIRECTOR The Memorial Garden KUDOS TO... Andy Mayville, Facility Director, for his 16 years of service with The Peoples Church. Thank you! MEET YOUR ELDERS! The Council of Elders is the governing body of The Peoples Church. It is made up of 17 representatives elected from the active membership to serve three-year terms. It is responsible for the spiritual, financial, physical and overall welfare of the church and assists the pastors in administering the sacraments or ordinances. The Council of Elders meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Robertson Room. All members of The Peoples Church community are welcome to attend; or contact the chair or another elder prior to a monthly meeting to be included as part of an evening s agenda. Contact information available at ThePeoplesChurch.com or by calling the church office. Jennifer Nagel, Council of Elders Chairperson Thad Morgan, Clerk Gary Dawson, Treasurer, Finance Ministry Paul Babbitt, Welcome Ministry Wayne Budde, Personnel Ministry Alan Canady, Personnel Ministry Ben Eysselinck, Building & Grounds Ministry Dot VanLooy, Christian Education Ministry Chairperson Jodi Cook, Community Engagement Ministry Chairperson Lew Worthington, Worship Ministry Chairperson Barbara Scott, Community Engagement Ministry Bob Cantrell, Finance Ministry Stacy Gronowski, Campus Ministry Chairperson Clark McCreedy, Community Engagement Ministry Rob Privette, Building & Grounds Ministry Chairperson Diane Shafer, Welcome Ministry Chairperson Beth Lundy, Worship Ministry

4 SUGGESTED READING FROM THE LIBRARY COMMITTEE LOVE WINS by Rev. Rob Bell For our February read, housed in the Fishbach library, we suggest Love Wins by Pastor Rob Bell, published in Pastor Bell discusses his concern that Jesus story has been transformed by companion stories that have come down through the ages, but have little to do with what Jesus came to do. He criticizes the idea that only a select few will enter the pearly gates, while the rest of humanity have no admission slip. Bell understands Jesus message to be one of love, peace, forgiveness and joy. He writes that Jesus story is about the LOVE of GOD that is for every single one of us. LOVE is for everybody, everywhere. Our world desperately needs to hear this message. In his book, Bell makes his case through an array of contemporary issues that provide the reader with a diversity of views that have surfaced over thousands of years. The reader will come to appreciate the on-going discussions surrounding the resurrected Christ with all its vibrant, diverse, messy multi-voiced complexity. PORTAL DEADLINE: The deadline for submissions to the March 2018 Portal is February 15. Submit content to Rachel Giddings at, rgiddings@thepeopleschurch.com. The Portal is a monthly newsletter that is mailed each month and also included in the Friday . FROM OUR KITCHEN TO YOURS RECIPES BY GERRI LYNN Gerri Lynn Nichols, our talented Hospitality Coordinator, will be sharing a recipe with us each month. Enjoy! BEEF BARLEY SOUP INGREDIENTS: 1-1/2 cups of pearl barley (soaked in water overnight) 1 lb. of leftover pot roast or meat from soup bones 1-2 cloves garlic, minced 1 onion, diced 2 celery stalks, diced (leafy tops too) 2 carrots, sliced 1 medium turnip, sliced 8 cups of homemade beef stock 2 bay leaves Garden seasoning or Mrs. Dash *Extra beef broth to thin out soup as needed Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot and add the garlic, celery, carrots, turnip and onions. Saute for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add 8 cups of homemade beef stock, or a combination of homemade beef stock and store boxed beef broth (I use half broth & half Au Jus). Drain and rinse the pearl barley and add to the soup mixture. Add the leftover beef and two bay leaves and simmer uncovered on medium low heat for 45 minutes. GREAT DECISIONS SPONSORED BY THE FOREIGN POLICY ASSOCIATION Great Decisions is America s largest discussion forum on world affairs and you can participate in the discussion right here at The Peoples Church. All meetings take place in the Robertson Room from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.! THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 We invite you to join us on Thursday, February 22, for our first Great Decisions program of Dr. Kirstin Brathwaite, Assistant Professor in MSU s James Madison College, will lead our presentation and conversation on US Global Engagement and the Military. The global power balance is rapidly evolving, leaving the United States at a turning point with respect to its level of engagement and the role of its military. Some argue for an America First paradigm, with a large military to ensure security, while others call for a more assertive posture overseas. Some advocate for a restoration of American multilateral leadership and a strengthened role for diplomacy. Still others envision a restrained U.S. role, involving a more limited military. How does the military function in today s international order, and how might it be balanced with diplomatic and foreign assistance capabilities? Come learn and bring your concerns and questions!

5 CHILDREN S CORNER by Julie Bills, Christian Education Director How a congregation reacts to and treats the children in its midst often tells a lot about who that body of Christ is in that moment. For instance, I have not heard a complaint from a church member or a pastor about the children running down the aisle during worship when they go and return from Children s time. This allowance for their zest for life reveals an appreciation for who they are. I have watched people speak to the children in respectful and interested tones which shows interest in their lives as individuals. I have also seen them spontaneously help and play as their adults are busy doing other things. They feel comfortable at The Peoples Church. This reveals a taking seriously of Matthew 19:14, Allow the children to come to me, Jesus said. Don t forbid them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like these children. (CEB) PEOPLES CHURCH CAMPUS MINISTRY Thank you for your support of Peoples Church Campus Ministry! We very much enjoyed leading worship last month, and it was a joy to speak with congregants throughout the morning! We also appreciate that so many of you visited our Wall of Blessings fundraising board. If you took an envelope and have yet to return it with a donation, here is some clarification: envelopes may be returned to the church office or the offering plate checks can be made payable to The Peoples Church please return donations by Feb. 11, 2018 contact Pastor Betsy with any questions STYROFOAM RECYCLING NEWS The City of East Lansing has recently received a grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to add Styrofoam as a recycled material in the city. Styrofoam will not be added to the residential curb side program, but will be available at the East Lansing Department of Public Works drop-off recycling site located at 1800 E. State Road. Other locations include Impression 5 Museum, Dart Container (Holt and Mason), Charlotte Area Recycling Authority, St. Johns Lions Club Recycling Center, and the Meridian Township Recycling Center (E. Lake Drive in Haslett). The Styrofoam recycling program here at The Peoples Church has been very successful in keeping these materials out of the landfill. However, since there are now many local options for recycling, The Peoples Church Earth Stewardship Committee is discontinuing the Styrofoam recycling program effective March 1st Additional information regarding recycling options and locations are posted on the wall across from the church office. Sundays 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch & Lounge Meet in Friendship Hall (back of Sanctuary), have lunch in The Lounge with a new topic of discussion each week! Thursdays 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Dinner & Bible Study Join us in The Lounge for a home cooked meal and a chance to discuss and learn about the scripture passage for the upcoming Sunday worship service.

6 Sundays 9:30 a.m. Bible Exploration (Youth Den) 9:30 a.m. Confirmation Class for interested students in the Centennial Room 10:30 a.m. Worship for everyone 6:10 p.m. High School Choir Rehearsal (Youth Den) 6:30-7:30 p.m. High School Youth Group (Youth Den) Wednesdays 5:30 p.m. Community Meal for everyone 6:00 p.m. Middle School Choir Rehearsal (Youth Den) 6:30-7:30 p.m. Middle School Youth Group (Youth Den) PCYG PEOPLES CHURCH YOUTH GROUP JOIN THE PCYG! The Peoples Church Youth Group is a dynamic group of youth that meets weekly (see schedule to the left), and we are always looking for new faces to join us! If you are interested in having fun, going on trips, laughing a lot, making new friends, and sharing in fellowship, we would love to have you! Contact Joe Kennedy at jkennedy@thepeopleschurch.com for more information. W N L! Wednesday Night Live! ADULT EDUCATION February 7: St. John s Bible Rev. Drew Filkins & Susan Reedy February 14: Ash Wednesday February 21 & 28: Third Way Writing Contest Presentations Rev. Drew Filkins with Middle & High School Students WNL! SCHEDULE 5:30 p.m. - Dinner 6:00 p.m. - Youth Choir (Youth Den) Children s Programming (3 rd Floor) 6:30 p.m. - Yoga (Yellow Room, 3 rd Floor) Adult Programming (Robertson Room) Middle School Youth Group (Youth Den) WNL! MENU COMMUNITY MEAL 5:30 P.M. FEBRUARY 7 Sausage Kale Soup ~ Crackers Baked Turkey Mashed Potatoes ~ Gravy Green Bean Casserole Dinner Breads Seasonal Fruit Assorted Pies FEBRUARY 14 Ash Wednesday No meal or programming (worship times on back of Portal) FEBRUARY 21 Minestrone Soup ~ Crackers BBQ Chicken ~ Baked Ham Macaroni & Cheese Mixed Vegetables Baked Apples Frozen Yogurt FEBRUARY 28 Chicken Tortellini Soup Roast Beef Redskin Potatoes Roasted Root Vegetables Assorted Muffins Fresh Fruit Trifle

7 UNITED IN LOVE RETREAT: EDGEWOOD UNITED CHURCH FEBRUARY 10, 2018 Couples are invited to take a journey to deepen and strengthen their love at the United in Love retreat at Edgewood United Church (469 N. Hagadorn in East Lansing) on February 10, United in Love s purpose is to enhance committed relationships of all couples through personal growth, meaningful communication and the strengthening of mutual trust. The aim is to assist couples of all ages, races, faiths, sexual orientation, gender identities, and economic abilities. While this retreat is not for troubled relationships, committed couples of any age or orientation who want to enhance their relationship are welcome. Starting at 8:30 a.m., ending at 5:00 p.m., this is a time for couples to focus on their relationship in a relaxed, private setting. Lunch and all materials are provided. Cost is $50 per couple (scholarships available). Leadership presentations include personal experiences, which can inspire couples to examine themselves and their relationships. This is not a marriage clinic or a counseling session. Couples are not asked to disclose any aspect of their relationship to others. For more information contact Connie Detjen at or at conniedetjen@gmail.com. Registration Deadline: February 6, Register now! Complete this part of the form and mail it, along with your $50 payment (check payable to Edgewood United Church, with United in Love in the memo line), to C. & J. Detjen c/o EUC 469 N. Hagadorn East Lansing, MI PARTNER 1: Name: Phone: PARTNER 2: Name: Phone: Please list any special Diet/Medical/Accessibility Needs: If requesting a scholarship, please pay $10 instead of full fee. Requesting child care stipend? What are the ages of your children?

8 ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES with imposition of ashes FEBRUARY 14, 2018 WORSHIP SCHEDULE 8:00 a.m. CHAPEL SERVICE 12:00 p.m. CHAPEL SERVICE 6:30 p.m. SANCTUARY SERVICE 200 W. Grand River Ave. East Lansing MI ThePeoplesChurch.com FEBRUARY 2018 PORTAL