FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST RICHMOND, MICHIGAN September 2016 Happy last days of summer and blessed turning toward Autumn! It's this turning I'll write about. And the rhythms of this life. FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Rev. Denise Griebler denisegriebler1stucc@ gmail.com CELL: 630-297-1740 OFFICE: 586-727-3155 FAX: 586-727-8341 E-mail: firstunitedcc@outlook.com Website: www.firstuccrichmond.yolasite.com OFFICE HOURS: TUESDAY THURSDAY 9:00 AM - 12 NOON FRIDAY, 9 AM - 3 PM Afternoons by appointment Pastor Denise is in Richmond on Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday We are a Christian community called to love God, love neighbor, love self, as Jesus taught. I hope you had time this summer to be still. To take in a sunrise (or just the morning) without needing to hurry up and get on with your day - a chance to just let the day unfold, to take it in and enjoy, to give thanks for the gift and to rest. I had some lovely mornings in my wild back yard that is teaming with kale, eggplant, various peppers, tomatoes, apples and morning glories. The birds come and go. Early summer brought woodpeckers to our neighbors ash tree that the ash bores have done in. The bark has now fallen, intricate, even beautiful, lacy paths tell the story of its demise along with almost every ash tree in Michigan. The woodpeckers must have harvested what they could and now it's just robins, sparrows and cardinals with the occasional mourning dove or blue jay lighting on bare branches. One morning a hawk came to visit. The cicadas and crickets sing their hearts out morning and night and purple morning glories open and lift their praises to God as the day begins. I hope you've had some time to be still and notice, to wonder and enjoy, to play, to see friends and family, to rest and give thanks! Ah, but this world is turning and wheeling us into Autumn! It's a busy time. Especially for families with children in school! Or if you are a teacher or if you work at school. Or if you are a vegetable gardener or a canner. Or the grandparent of schoolaged children. Or if you are a student! Or on a team or in the band. Fall has a rhythm that pulls us in and moves us along. At 1st UCC it's Good Old Days, Blessing of the Back Packs, Sunday School, Stewardship Campaign and Annual Congregational Meeting, the Pasty Sale, the Annual Church Auction, Thanksgiving and our first-ever Christmas Tree Sale. continued on next page
continued from previous page It s still August as I'm writing and in just one sentence-breath I've gotten us to Christmas! There are so many ways to be a part of our life at 1st UCC. No one has to do it all, but I hope each of us will find ways to support and be a part of this beloved community. For my part, I have had some wonderful be-still moments this summer, but it has also been demanding and full. Bill's youngest daughter, Lucy, got married just last Saturday in a beautiful pine grove in our 5-acre woods where our cabin (and new out-house!) reside in Port Sanilac. We welcomed 170 guests into a chapel of trees, an aisle made of strung lights and overflowing hanging baskets and birch arbor adorned with white pine branches. The gentle rain made it all the more holy, the pine trees a massive communal umbrella. The party was at a barn in Melvin, graced by strings of lights, wild flowers and 170 ceramic cups that were the timetable of my summer. I fired the kiln 10 times this summer and learned a thing or two about production work! In September, Bill and I will be away for a 3-week honeymoon in Greece! I can hardly believe it. We married in December 2013 (what pastor does this?) and we jumped right into Christmas without a chance to catch our collective breath. So, now at last, the wheel of our world will slow down for a few weeks. Neither one of us has ever been to Greece and neither of us has traveled in Europe much. So this is an adventure in which we will find our way together! We will have a week at a writers retreat in a fishing village near Methana (across the sea from Athens) and then we will likely rent a car and tour central Greece. We'll go to some of the places where Paul preached and planted and nurtured the early house-churches. Who knows, we may head for the isle of Patmos where John wrote the book of Revelations from prison. I don't think we can go wrong! We have a great line-up for Sunday mornings while I am away: September 11th is Good Old Days Worship at Trinity (9:30 am!), September 18th Rev. Leah McCullough will be back in our pulpit, and September 25th our Stewardship Committee is lining up 1st UCC folks to share in worship, led and held together by Rose Cowley. I will hold you in my heart as I take in the sea and the sky and the people and sites of Greece. And when I come home, I will take my place alongside the pasty and budget makers, Sunday school teachers and students and mission partners on this turning wheel of a world. I like being next to you, sharing in the work and the joy of life together in this place. Blessings and love, Pastor Denise Wider Church Connections you just may be interested in: Daily Devotional, emailed to you: http://www.ucc.org/feed-your-spirit/daily-devotional/ Weekly E-Zine with featured items, resources, worship materials, and justice-action items: http://www.ucc.org/news/keeping-you-eposted/ Information and resources of all kinds from the United Church of Christ: http://www.ucc.org/
Sunday School News We are very excited to announce that Sunday school will begin on Sunday, September 18th after the Children's Moment. All children ages Kindergarten to 6th grade are invited to join us downstairs. Class meets September to May on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays. When a month has five Sundays, we will do an activity with the children. In October, we hope to visit Kroger in Richmond to purchase food for the Food Pantry with the funds from the Noisy Offering to finish up our Mission from last year. The children will be selecting a Mission Project for this year during the first weeks of class. On Sunday, September 18th during the 11 am service, we will celebrate Blessing of the Backpacks. We will ask God to bless each child and anyone who works as a cook, bus driver, aide, teacher and so many others that work with our children during the school year. Please plan on attending this special service. September 4 Greeters...Doris Essenburg & Mary Lou V. Ushers Mary Alice & Al Busch Lay Reader.Christine Hensch Communion Preparer...Mary Alice Busch Communion Servers...Rich Weinert. & September 11 Ray Trombley Good Old Days.Community Worship Service at Trinity Lutheran 9:30 am September 18 Greeters..Karen Eltringham & Joe Burkhart Ushers Don & Donna Cockerill Lay Reader.Pam Green Servers Rotation Schedule 2016 Altar Flowers Bob & Veronica Chrostowski September 25 Greeters..Sally McNinch & Lucia Marshall Ushers Rich & Sue Weinert Lay Reader.Joyce Townsend Altar Flowers Pam Green October 2 Greeters...Ron & Kim Schrote Ushers Bob & Veronica Chrostowski Lay Reader.Sue Weinert Communion Preparer...Sally McNinch Communion Servers...Glen & Diane Porrett October 9 Greeters..Rich & Sue Weinert Ushers Amy & Rob Follebout Lay Reader.Mary Alice Busch Altar Flowers Sue Weinert
With Much Appreciation First Congregational UCC Church of Romeo thanks First UCC of Richmond most sincerely for your gift. It will be used to further the work of the church in honor of Sherry Schacht. She was a great gift to our church and is missed by all of us. God s blessings to you and your work. The members of the Romeo church. Mark Your Calendars! The Annual Church Gift Auction is coming up on November 20 after service. We would love it if each family could contribute one new item, whether it be a baked good, craft item, handmade scarf or a themed gift basket (i.e. a basket with pasta & sauce and a bottle of wine for a date night theme, or popcorn, toppings and a video rental card for a movie night theme). You get the idea. Something that would be a perfect gift for someone or yourself (we all need to splurge once in a while). We hope you participate in the fun and fellowship! 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 (586-727-1726) Buildings and Grounds Matthew Ball (586-531-7966) Worship Terri Houston (586-727-7034) Vitality Joe Burkhart (330-431-3663) Christian Education Dave Hartwell (586-727-8083) Finance Rich Weinert (586-727-1139) Stewardship Veronica Chrostowski (586-727-9904) Memorial Karen Eltringham (586-291-0615) Personnel Terri Houston Karen Eltringham Kim McCardell 586-623-9833
Church Notes Gather Round the Circle Join us Sunday, Sept. 4 for our Sunday Potluck and Song Circle. Bring a friend! Potluck: 5:30 pm: Bring a dish to pass Community singing: 6:30-8:00 pm If you like to eat, tell stories and sing old and new songs... this is for you! On September 18 our regular Sunday worship schedule resumes at 11 am. Join us for a Blessing of the Backpacks service and the first day of Sunday school. Euchre Party... Saturday, September 17 at 6 pm Tickets: $10 Snacks, cold drinks and coffee will be provided. Raffles and 50-50 will add to the fun. Bring a friend! Any questions, call Kim at 586-623-9833 Join us on September 11... Trinity Lutheran Church 9:30 am We will share a community Tri-church worship service and celebrate the Good Ol Days weekend. Saturday, October 1 It s time again to clean up the road. Meet at the church at 9:00 am. We furnish the orange vests, bags and grab sticks. All you need to bring are gloves and good walking shoes. We will clean up the debris along 33 Mile Road between Armada Ridge Road and Memphis Ridge (M19). Newsletter Deadline...Sept. 19 Good Old Days Bake Sale Saturday, September 10 & Sunday, September 11 Come on over to 1st UCC. We ll have a bake sale under the tents, hot dogs on the grill with chips, pop and water also for sale. We will sell our walking tacos on Sunday. We will also take pre-orders for pasties which will be available on October 17, 18 & 19. (We need lots of helpers for the pasty sale. If you wish to help, contact Sharlene Haws @ 586-727- 9912) (To order, call 586-588-2635) Bake Sale Hours: 10 am - 2 pm Parade starts at 1:30 pm
February March April May June August October MISSION CALENDAR 2016 November December Health Kit items due in church on or before February 21 *One Great Hour of Sharing Offering on March 6 No Shoe Drive this year *Envelopes will be provided *Blanket Sunday Offering on May 8 McRest, Armada cakes needed week of May 8-14 *Strengthen the Church Offering on June 5 Baby Kit items due in church on or before June 19 School Kit items due in church on or before August 31 *Neighbors In Need Offering on October 2 Bread for the World Bread Sale on October 16 Shoebox Christmas Gift Collection for KIDS due in church on or before Dec. 4 *Christmas Fund Offering on Dec. 18 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 UPC labels for Crossroads Child Services & coins for the Holy Joe s Café Coffee for the Troops. Kids In Distress Service, Inc. (KIDS) Wish List: Winter Coats Diapers (size 2, 3, 5) Pants (size 2T - 14) Cribs Baby Strollers Car Seats Clorox Bleach Laundry Soap New Stuffed Animals Children s Books & CD s Pots & Pans Linens Drop items off at their St. Clair store or place items in the pretty purple collection bins that are placed here in town. There are two bins in the Kmart parking lot. Thank you to everyone who brought in school supplies. Members will gather to make the kits & then the kits ship to Church World Service. Our kits could be going to victims of the Louisiana floods, the fires out west and the earthquake in Italy. We are so blessed that we can provide these items. Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter (McREST) will be hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church October 23-30. In the past, we have provided a supper meal, drivers, laundry helpers and workers to assist the 30 men that will be staying at Trinity. It is with high hopes our members will once again provide for this project. More information will be available soon. Kids Against Hunger, an international food relief campaign, will be holding a food packaging project on November 19 from 9 am to 12:30 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church. Volunteers from age 5 to 105 are welcome and financial donations are appreciated. More info will be coming soon, or talk to Kathi Miller if you want to help. The packaged food will benefit our local community, our country and our world.
EXCITING NEWS! FIRST UCC IS NOW PART OF THE KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM Enroll now to help benefit our church. Kroger is committed to helping communities grow and prosper. Each year, they assist hundreds of local nonprofit organizations, schools and churches working to make the communities they share better places to live and work. First United Church of Christ is now registered as a nonprofit organization that can benefit from the Kroger Community Rewards Program. You will still earn points toward your fuel savings as always, only now our church can benefit as well from you shopping at Kroger. First UCC will get money from Kroger based on the percentage of spending as it relates to the total spending of all participating Kroger Community Rewards organizations. All you have to do is enroll with your Kroger Plus Card and use the church s new NPO number: 97155 See the following notes to help you enroll and get a Kroger Plus Card if you don t have one. TO USE THE KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM: * Simply register online at krogercommunityrewards.com * Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy and register your card with your organization after you sign up. * If you do not yet have a Kroger Plus card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger. * Click on Sign In/Register Most participants are new online customers, so you must click on SIGN UP TODAY in the New Customer? box. Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on your favorite store, enter your email address and create a password, agree to the terms and conditions. * You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email. * Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step. * Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number. * Update or confirm your information. Enter NPO number (97155) or name of organization, select organization from list and click on confirm. * To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see your organization s name on the right side of your information page. REMEMBER, purchases will not count for our group until you register your card(s). * Do you use your phone number at the register? Call 877-576-7587 to get your Kroger Plus card number. * Members must swipe their registered Kroger Plus card or use the phone number that is related to their registered Kroger Plus card when shopping for each purchase to count. * You must re-enroll annually for your points to count for First UCC. Also we will schedule a special sign up day at church for those of you who need assistance with online registration. Thank you for your support! The Finance Committee
Pastor Denise's Mission Trip to Chiapas And just before the wedding was my mission trip to Chiapas, Mexico. I say "mission trip" and I fear it conjures up the idea of the United Church of Christ going "down there" to save - or at least, help - people. But "mission" in our tradition is different than that. First of all, we only go where we are invited. And then we come as guests who hope to learn and perhaps become friends and colleagues with those who have invited us to come and see and share in life together. Global Ministries has mission partners in Guatemala and in Chiapas, Mexico. In the 1980's I was part of a group in the Illinois Conference that went to visit Guatemalan refugees living in Chiapas. 80,000 people were there, displaced by the US-backed violence perpetrated by their government against students, teachers, pastors and pastoral workers, healthcare workers, and remote indigenous (Mayan Indian) villages. 250,000 people were killed in the Guatemalan civil war which was fueled by often trumped-up anti-communist fears and real greed. There were some communists, but the real struggle was always over who would have access to land: United Fruit Company, mining companies, various mega-projects like damns, and agri-business, etc, or the people and communities who had been farming the land for a thousand years? The histories of Chiapas and Mexico are intertwined because the Mayan people live on both sides of the border - one people, one history. And the greed that fueled the struggle in Guatemala fuels the displacement and impunity with which the Mexican government and multi-national corporations operate in Chiapas as well. NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) has been a terrible force, undermining markets, destabilizing communities. Of course we could say the same thing about what it's done here in southeastern Michigan. Turns out we are partners in the needing, dreaming and making of a new world. None of us is able to fix it for somebody else. We won't even be able to fix our own little corner of the world alone. We need each other, we need to share and learn and dream and plan together. The indigenous Mayan people say that another world is possible - one where all worlds fit. So when I go to Chiapas to support the work of our mission partners (SiPaz and INESIN - an ecumenical Bible) it's in the spirit of friendship and knowing that we are dreaming and making another world together where there is peace rooted in justice and in respect for Mother Earth and all human beings. There is a little DVD about life in the indigenous communities which SiPaz made for our 20th anniversary celebration. I will show it after worship, during coffee hour on October 2nd. It will give you a glimpse of life in the indigenous communities in Chiapas. A lawn-mowing/snow shoveling schedule is on the table in the narthex. If you can help us maintain the lawn around the church for the remaining warm season, please write your name on the schedule on the arrowed line for the week or weeks that you would like to mow the lawn. Thank you.
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 586-727-3155. Please add the following concerns to your personal prayer time: We pray for those from our family of faith who are homebound, dealing with illness, caregiving or grief: Emily & Josh Houston.Lucille Trombley.Donna & Frank Bartell.Marjorie Pentzien.Bob Reindel.Paulette & Ray Trombley.Chuck & Mary Alice Busch.Leona Conner.Lucy & Daniel Wylie-Eggert just married and expecting a baby in December, gratitude for our community garden and gardeners.... for the bounty of the earth... for our Richmond schools students, teachers, administrators and staff as the new school year begins.... for families with young children who can become so exhausted, may they find delight in each other and community with family, friends and neighbors, and church.... for clean affordable water for all of the residents in Michigan.... for the healing of deep racial divisions through a process of reconciliation and justice for all who feel afraid - that we continue to be bold to live out of our faith and commitments to justice, mercy and love even when we are afraid....for patience and wisdom in this election season.... for the people and communities who have suffered terrible storms, heat and drought.for an end to the war in Syria, for Syrian refugees and for a willingness for nations to welcome them....for detained immigrants and all prisoners, for people being released from jail, especially those who have served long sentences...for people suffering from addictions.for justice, mercy and peace for all. If you are aware of someone who should be included in our prayers, please call the church office or speak with Pastor Denise. Pastor Denise s Office Hours and Pastoral Care I plan my week to be in Richmond on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. It s possible that the days may move a bit as I respond to various needs that arise, but for the most part, that s when I ll be in town. If possible, please plan for committees to meet on one of those days or evenings. Thanks so much! If there are situations that arise in which you d like pastoral care, please call to let me know. In the old days, hospitals and rehab/ nursing facilities used to inform pastors when one of their flock was admitted. That doesn t happen anymore. You can reach me directly by calling my cell phone 630-297-1740 or call the church office and leave a message with Helen or on the answering machine. I m always happy to receive your calls. Pastor Denise
Your Church Council Listed below are your church council members. Please contact any one of them with any questions, comments or concerns. Name Matthew Ball Joe Burkhart Veronica Chrostowski Mark Davis Karen Eltringham Denise Griebler Dave Hartwell Terri Houston Kim McCardell Kathi Miller Jackie Waszkiewicz Rich Weinert Position Council Member Council Member Council Member Treasurer Council Member Pastor Council Member Council Member President Secretary Financial Secretary Vice President Term Ends 2018 2018 2016 2017 2017 N/A 2017 2016 2018 2016 2017 2017 First UCC Prayer Chain Pastor Denise 630-297-1740 Sue Weinert 586-206-1719 Diane Porrett 586-727-1374 Jennifer Northam 586-727-5176 Sally McNinch 586-727-1000 Mary Alice Busch 586-727-7009 Paulette Trombley 586-784-5726 Karen Eltringham 586-291-0615 Joyce Townsend 586-727-9735 Shelley Champion 586-255-0387 Christine Hensch 810-385-4391 Traci Bartell 586-557-2264 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. Want to join our prayer chain? Please call the church office at 586-727-3155.
Scripture Readings for September Sept. 04 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Jeremiah 8:1-11 ; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; Philemon 1-21; Luke 14:25-33 Sept. 11 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28; Psalm 14; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10 Sept. 18 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Jeremiah 8:18-9:1; Psalm 79:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:1-7; Luke 16:1-13 Sept. 25 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15; Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16; 1 Timothy 6:6-19; Luke 16:19-31 Office Hours The secretary is in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9 am till 12 noon and Friday 9 am till 3 pm. If you need additional assistance at other times, please send Helen an email at firstunitedcc@outlook.com or leave a phone message at the church office: 586-727-3155. Thank you. 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. 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.
We wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the following members and friends who are celebrating their September birthdays: 05 - Adam Schrote 06 - Majorie Pentzien 07 - Jackie Schroeder 13 - Lucille Trombley 14 - Mary Alice Busch 14 - Denise Griebler 17 - Amy Santo 18 - Kim Grewe 20 - Glen Porrett 22 - Jacob Ball 29 - Yvonne Reindel HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the children of our church who celebrate a birthday this month: 03 - Jessie Hollick 27 - Savannah Briggs We also wish a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to the following members and friends who have September wedding anniversaries: 13 - John & Nancy Pollock 14 - Ray & Paulette Trombley 18 - Steve & Linda Livingston 26 - Rob & Wendy Reindel B E S T W I S H E S T O Y O U! Call to Care Team: Mary Alice Busch...586-727-7009 Bob Chrostowski...586-727-9904 (H) or 586-855-1823 (C) Attendance and Offerings: August 28.31 August 21.34 August 14 @ Trinity August 07.25 August 28 $1,062.25 August 21 $1,853.50 August 14 $ 845.00 August 07 $1,888.00 First United Church of Christ
FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 68651 SOUTH FOREST RICHMOND, MI 48062 Return address requested No Matter Who You Are Or Where You Are On Life s Journey You Are Welcome Here! First United Church of Christ Rev. Denise Griebler dgriebler@sbcglobal.net cell: 630-297-1740 office: 586-727-3155 email: firstunitedcc@outlook.com