insideIntentional FaithDevelopment

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Risk-taking Missionand Service

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Pastor’s Message

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Extravagant Generosity

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Radical Hospitality

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Compassionate Care

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Passionate Worship

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April 2016 Edition www.grandrapidsfumc.org

Dear Friends,

It was a year ago when our congregation was blessed by the presence of Dr. James Forbes and our

Lenten study of his book, Whose Gospel? A Guide to Progressive Protestantism. Dr. Forbes challenged us to think and discuss contemporary “hot-button” issues that are affecting the church as well as society. In our Lenten journey of a year ago, we also discovered that when Christians disagree on issues, it is not so easy to talk about the various issues while remaining in healthy relationship. Talking with each other and learning how to disagree in an agreeable fashion, is a much needed characteristic of the Christian faith. We need to learn to embrace that model within the culture of the local church.

As United Methodists prayerfully prepare for General Conference

(May 10 – 20 in Portland, Oregon) and while our country is muddling through the political season and preparing for a Presidential race, we need a reminder about the Christian responsibility to be civil in our fierce conversations with one another.

Consequently, on Sunday, April 10, Dr. Richard Mouw will be with us for the entire day. Dr. Mouw was a professor at Calvin College for many years and then became the President of Fuller Seminary in southern California. A Presbyterian by tradition, Dr. Mouw wrote a wonderful book titled, Uncommon Decency – Christian Civility in an Uncivil World. It is one of the most thought-provoking books on the important subject of Christian civility that I have ever read. He will

be our pulpit guest, lead a presentation with discussion during the Sunday School hour, and then, during an evening meal at 5 pm, make another presentation with discussion in Wesley Hall. On Monday the 11th from 10 am to 3 pm, we are hosting an event for inter-denominational pastors and lay leaders as well (register online at www.grfumc.org/mouw). This is an important

day focusing on a very important topic. Please make sure that you have April 10 (and/or 11) on your calendar. Copies of Dr. Mouw’s book are available for purchase ($11.00) in the church office or electronically through Amazon.com.

On April 24, we will have a second guest preacher during the month. Rev. Melanie Carey, the Assistant to the Bishop of the Michigan Area of the United Methodist Church, will be with

us. I worked with Melanie when both of us served as District Superintendents. Melanie served the metro area of the city of Detroit. She has a passion for mission, social justice ministries and has led us in expanding United Methodist ministries with multi-cultural and ethnic minority populations. She is a gifted preacher who is returning to serve a local congregation in Farmington on July 1. You will not want to miss Melanie either.

Finally, I would ask you to be in prayer throughout the months of April and May for our United Methodist General Conference. This year’s conference may prove to be the most contentious in decades. As United Methodist Christians, we need to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance to be with our GC delegates. They need the courage to make good and responsible decisions – not with a value of maintenance of the status quo, but with the bold vision for ministry with all of God’s children. Please join me in this season of prayer.

Grace and Peace to you.Pastor Bob Hundley

We need a reminder about the Christian responsibility to be civil in our fierce conversations with one another.

2

Be a Superhero: Fight Hunger! “Mom, I’m starving!”

How many times have you heard this phrase uttered by a nearby hungry child? I am guilty of exclaiming a similar phrase as an adult.

Are those from whom we hear this phrase actually starving? Probably not.

Do those in our immediate circles likely know what it feels like to go without food? We hope not.

On average, Grand Rapidians who live above the poverty line have a great variety of grocery stores from which to select their fresh vegetables, meat, fruit and dairy. However, for people, children included, who live below the poverty line and often within the city limits, food security is a luxury that they are not afforded. To be “food insecure” means that families do not have consistent access to enough food for a healthy, active life and do not have access to nutritionally adequate foods (US Department of Agriculture, 2015).

According to a 2015 Feeding America study, 13.3% of Kent County residents are food insecure and nationally, 1 in 5 children does not know from where their next meal will come. Children who are food insecure can experience physical and developmental delays and have trouble focusing in school; they are destined to struggle through life because of their family’s limited access to nutritious food.

This is where Arts Alive Camp comes in…

This Summer, June 20 - 23, Arts Alive Camp Superheroes will focus in on food insecurity in Grand Rapids and the ways in which Kids’ Food Basket, an organization based in Grand Rapids that provides a sack supper to thousands of children all over Grand Rapids who would otherwise go without, is already working to combat hunger. They’ll see this problem through the eyes of Jesus and will learn about what he did

to feed the hungry during his life. Campers will learn that if we Superheroes work together, we can ensure that children in our community do not go to bed hungry.

Campers will also experience drums, dance, singing, and art

as they traditionally do during Arts Alive week. A

child near you won’t want to miss

it!

Camp is for children who will enter 1st - 6th grade in the fall of 2016. Responsible Jr. and Sr. High students are also welcome to join us as shepherds and helpers throughout the week. Please visit grandrapidsfumc.org/artsalivecamp for more information and to register. Scholarships are readily available, contact Audrey Kawel at audreyk@grandrapidsfumc.org for more information.

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, June 22 at 2:00 pm: you will be invited to a fundraiser put on by the campers to benefit Kids’ Food Basket! A reminder will go out in church publications in the weeks prior to camp.

Audrey KawelDirector of Children’s Ministry

For more information about Kids’ Food Basket, visit kidsfoodbasket.org.

“USDA ERS - Food Security in the U.S.” USDA ERS - Food Security in the U.S. US Department of Agriculture, 8 Sept. 2015. Web. 15 Mar. 2016.

“Food Insecurity in the United States | Map the Meal Gap.” Feeding America. 2015. Web. 15 Mar. 2016.

Intentional Faith Development

3

Passionate Worship

Christ is alive! Let Christians sing. The cross stands empty to the sky. Let streets and homes with praises ring. Love, drowned in death, shall never die.

The Poetry of HymnsThe opening line of the recent movie “The Big Short” goes something to the effect of Truth is like poetry. And most people hate poetry. But, wait, I wanted to protest, “I love poetry.” However, it got a laugh when I saw it in the theater, so there must be some kernel of truth to the statement. In the context of the movie, I think it makes this point: People don’t want to know the truth, if it takes some serious wrestling with complex information. In the case of “The Big Short,” the topic was the housing “crisis” of 2008 due, in part, to banks issuing mortgages that were virtually worthless and highly likely to go into foreclosure. Figuring out the layers of economic dysfunction was like peeling the onion on a piece of dense poetry. It is a fascinating movie, and I highly recommend seeing it, but let’s move on to poetry.

The church is full of poetry, and for good reason. Poetry is used in prayers, liturgy, and especially hymnody and spiritual songs. Poetry, like music, attempts to go beyond the individual words to evoke meaning and mystery beyond what is on the page. The French composer, Olivier Messiaen contrasts music and words when he said: “The joy of music is that it can go beyond words----which are too precise. Music can express what there is in the soul.” Poetry functions in a similar way to music, in that in the imaginative use of words, poetry attempts to evoke emotion and meaning.

Hymns are poems. At their best, they contain memorable words, metaphors, and phrases: language that delights and inspires. Hymns are poems of faith. They express whatever a congregation needs to express in the presence of God. The hymn-form is used in varied ways, but its genius is its capacity to develop a theme, tell a story, and take us on a journey as it unfolds. (Brian Wren, Praying Twice: The Music and Words of Congregational Song (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, June 2000)

One of the primary reasons that it is difficult to see hymns as poetry is because of the way they look placed under the notes within the music of the hymn. Consider, for example the Easter hymn, “Christ is Alive.” In our hymnal format, it looks like this:

1. Christ is a - live! Let Chris - tians sing. The cross stands

2. Christ is a - live! No long - er bound to dis - tant

3. In e - very in - sult, rift and war, where col - or

4. Wom - en - and men, in age and youth, can feel the

5. Christ is a - live, and comes to bring good news to

In this format, known as “interlinear” form, it’s difficult to comprehend the sense of the poetry. Consider the same hymn in poetic form:

Christ is alive! Let Christians sing. The cross stands empty to the sky. Let streets and homes with praises ring. Love, drowned in death, shall never die.

Christ is alive! No longer boundto distant years in Palestine,but saving, healing, here and now,and touching every place and time.

In every insult, rift and war,where color, scorn or wealth divide,Christ suffers still, yet loves the more,and lives, where even hope has died.

Women and men, in age and youth,can feel the Spirit, hear the call,and find the way, the life, the truth,revealed in Jesus, freed for all.

Christ is alive, and comes to bringgood news to this and every age,till earth and sky and ocean ringwith joy, with justice, love and praise.

Copyright © 1975 by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188. All RightsReserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net No. 703279

This hymn was written by the English hymnwriter, Brian Wren in the week before Easter, 1968, not too long after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is a call to experience the Christ that is with us today and is deeply part of our present day struggles and concerns, as well as our joys and triumphs. It is a wonderful hymn for this Easter season, with a message that can transform the world. Take a fresh look at the hymns, and experience them in the poetic form as often as you can.

Eric StrandExecutive Director of

Worship, Music, and the Arts

4

Spotlight on Syrian Refugees: Michigan PreparesPart of the United Methodist Com-mittee on Relief ’s care for immigrants and refugees is facilitated by a network of clinics known as Justice For Our Neighbors (JFON). Michigan stands ready to assist through the services of Justice for Our Neighbors. JFON is a legal ministry supported by the Unit-ed Methodist Church to provide free legal services to immigrants in need. JFON of West Michigan is a ministry of Grand Rapids First Church housed in First Place.

Director of Justice for our Neigh-bors Southeastern Michigan (JFON-SEMI), Tori Booker, reports, “Cur-rently, our attorney is representing a family from Syria with their political asylum ap-plication and is ready to serve others. We are also prepared to help Syrian families apply for Tem-porary Protected Status now that Congress has authorized this form of relief.” Apart from pro-viding free legal services, JFON also operates “in a climate of intentional hospitality through our

clinics, which are hosted by United Methodist churches.” Tori remarks, “Clients who are nervous or fright-ened arrive at our clinics and are greet-ed with friendly faces, snacks, and an attitude of welcome.”

Laura Rampersad, JFON West Michi-gan’s Director, adds: “As far as im-mediate response to the Syrian crisis, there will be a need for church place-ments for new arrivals. Congregations should consider answering the call if Congress increases refugees allowed into U.S.” She lists “housing, employ-

ment and school as immediate needs of families navigating immigration issues.” JFON West Michigan has strong ties to the two major regional refugee resettlement agencies in Bethany Christian Services and Lutheran Social Ser-vices.

Chris Cavanaugh, Pro-

gram Manager of Refugee Services for Lutheran Social Services of Michi-gan, says, “We have been gearing up statewide for a resettlement program for Syrians, meeting with local Syrian-Americans, Syrian professionals, and the Islamic Center. We have resettled a few cases here in Grand Rapids and almost 60 Syrians in Detroit.”

Cavanaugh believes there is strong precedent for increased mobilization: “After the Vietnam War the U.S. was able to be very responsive and reset-tled over 200,000 ‘boat people.’ There is much similarity to what we are see-ing in Europe,” he notes. He encour-ages interested individuals to consider sponsorship, describing the refugees’ situation this way: “Syrians have ex-perienced high trauma and they need mental health support. They have a strong willingness to be contribut-ing members of the community with eagerness to work and integrate.” Churches are uniquely positioned to facilitate integration. “The best way to help them integrate is just to get to know them and help them out with everyday things we take for granted,” Cavanaugh concludes.

Kay DeMoss, Michigan Area UMC News Editor

contributed to this report

Risk-Taking Mission and Service

JFON operates “in a climate of intentional hospital-ity...” “Clients who are nervous or frightened arrive at our clinics and are greeted with friendly faces, snacks, and an attitude of welcome.”

Migrants form a crowd at the Keleti pályaudvar train station Sept. 2 in Budapest while waiting passage to Germany, Austria, and other wealthier countries within the European

Union where the laws on refugee protection are better. ~umns photo/Daniel Peters

UMCOR Photo

5

Extravagant GenerosityWhat are you doing for spring break?Isn’t that a pretty common question this time of year? For some, spring break means a trip to some warm ex-otic place. For some, it means relaxing at home. For some, it means a chance to tackle home projects, and for still others, it is a week of service through mission or charitable activity.

But for many, it is just another week trying to get by. Those who queue up for the work program at First Church each week will still be there. The fami-lies at MLK Leadership Academy that are living in poverty or homelessness will struggle as usual. Those in our midst dealing with sickness and lone-liness will not have a “break” from these realities.

The wonderful thing about First Church is that we understand these harsh realities, and are in active min-istry addressing these and many other needs in our community and around the world. Our church family does not take a “spring break” when it comes to our generosity.

Indeed, while many of our church friends will enjoy wonderful experi-ences this spring, we never take a break from being disciples of Jesus Christ! Our congregation demon-strates the call to set aside God’s gifts first before planning for our own per-sonal finances. We know that enjoying the fruits of our labors is wonderful and renewing, but only after we have honored God for the bounty God has provided.

If God has provided you with the abil-ity to plan an exciting spring break or summer vacation, have you expressed your gratitude to God with generous gifts that enable First Church to bring hope to those who can’t even imagine the experiences many of us might be planning?

Spring is a wonderful time of year. As we make plans for our own enjoy-ment, let us remember those whose lives we touch through our gifts of time and treasure. I hope the spring brings you many warm weather bless-ings, and I hope God leads us all to be Extravagantly Generous to those not as fortunate as we.

Chris HawkinsFinance Committee

Our church family does not take a “spring break” when it comes to our generosity.

What’s in a name?The following is a story from Debbie Schuitema, one of my mom friends at First Church, when I asked her how she chose her kids’ names:

Being a teacher makes nam-ing your children very inter-esting. Fun fact: both Rick and I are teachers’ kids and were named after students. We chose the name “Veda” after Rick discovered it on a list of mid-20th century names of actresses. We were looking for an older name but were having trouble finding one we both agreed on. I loved the mean-ing of the name (in Sanskrit, Veda means ‘understanding’ and ‘knowledge’) and it sounded so beautiful with the middle name we already picked out: Lorraine. Lorraine is from my hero, my paternal grandmoth-er who passed away a few years ago. My grandmother was the living embodiment of “understanding” and what it means to love your neighbor. Plus it’s fun to say “Darth Veda.”

Naming a boy seemed even tougher, but Gideon kept coming up. We liked the bib-lical ties (both Gideon and Deborah were

judges, as my dad pointed out), and strong distinct sound. His middle name is Lucas which is after Rick’s maternal grand-father who was a man of many talents and very well loved. We love to call him “G-man.”

My husband, Ger-man, and I also spent much time picking

unique names for our kids. My daugh-ter’s name is Rheadawn Amalia. We call her Rhea. My father-in-law’s name was Rey, my dad’s name is Don. We femi-nized and smooshed and came up with Rheadawn. Rhea’s middle name is after my husband’s grandma. Her younger brother’s name is Eman Liatti. Eman was my husband’s childhood nickname when he lived in the Philippines. I also liked that Eman is a variation of Em-manuel. His middle name is an artistic creation of my mom’s and mother-in-law’s names, using the last 3 letters of each name. (After using both dads, we had to use both moms!)

Why these stories about choosing names? Because names are so impor-tant! Look how much people put into choosing names. That’s why we should introduce ourselves, by name, to people we don’t know on Sunday mornings. If that person responds by saying her name, get to know her. If you’re brave, introduce her, by name, to another per-son near you. This is how meaningful community is built!

Sami MarasiganEvangelism and Hospitality

PS - I have a confession…I’m terrible at names! It takes me about 7 times to finally remember a person’s name. On Sunday mornings, I find myself say-ing: “I know I should remember your name, but could you remind me?” If I, or someone else, say this phrase to you, please be gracious with us and share your name. Know that this is our way of saying, I’m glad YOU are here!

Radical Hospitality

Gideon and Veda

Rhea and Eman

6

The Many Faces of Compassionate CareBeing compassionate is defined as feeling sympathy or concern for others. As I write this article, I am reflecting back over the last month on how you have cared for one another!

A family in crisis in our congregation needed furniture for a new apartment. In just a few days, we had four beds, a coffee table, kitchen table and chairs, and a couch – and delivered them! A special thanks to our Moms’ Group who responded so quickly and compassionately with what was requested.

A beloved member of our congregation died after a long battle with cancer. Along with your prayers, you provided meals, transportation, sent cards, visited, and came together in grief and love when you attended her memorial service. Your compassionate care extended to her family when it was most needed.

Our Adoption Ministry Fund needed to be ready for the next family to bring a child home. Several of our adoptive families worked hard to plan a fundraiser. Many of you donated items for an auction, bid on auction items, and attended the Hoedown on March 12. A band made up of 4 of our own members provided 2 ½ hours of lively music. As a result of your compassionate care, a child yet unknown to us will be closer to finding a forever home!

You knit booties and tie prayer blankets which are given with a cradle cross to each of our newborns, (two girls and a boy this month)! You sign up and take meals to our new parents. Each act is one of compassionate care.

One of our acolytes who has autism is helped to light candles in worship by our liturgist who has Asperger’s. A large smile spreads across that young acolyte’s face when he gets a thumb’s up from the liturgist – a simple gesture of compassionate care and encouragement.

Our Caring Connection Group sends cards to our hospitalized, homebound, new parents, those experiencing the loss of a loved one, and those celebrating their 90 plus birthdays. Each card is a compassionate reminder that they are remembered and cared for.

One of our seniors needed a ride to a doctor’s appointment. One phone call and a ride is found. Not only

does the driver take her to the appointment, but also treats her to lunch, something she hasn’t done in a long time. Compassionate

care can also be a gift of time – and lunch!

Eighteen of you mentor a student in Confirmation. You pray for them daily, attend their outings and classes, and will be standing with them on Confirmation Sunday. Another eighteen senior members are prayer partners who pray for these students daily. Your intentional involvement with these 7th and 8th graders during their journey is so important and is another example of compassionate care.

Our six Congregational Care Assistants continue to visit our hospitalized and homebound, bringing hope and compassionate care with each visit made and prayer shared.

Two of our Stephen Ministers were paired up with new people and began their journey of walking alongside them through whatever they are going through. They are the dedicated, compassionate hands of Christ.

Each time we care for one another, in large and small ways, we are the compassionate hands and feet of Christ. Thank you, First Church. Thank you for how you care for each other!

Blessings,Marj Timmerman RNExecutive Director of

Congregational Care

Compassionate Care“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14

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firstchurch@grandrapidsfumc.org facebook.com/grandrapidsfumc twitter.com/FUMC_GR

First United Methodist Church227 Fulton St EGrand Rapids, MI 49503-3236

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P A I DPERMIT #354

GRAND RAPIDS, MI

Join us for the following events:Sunday, April 10

Sunday Worship — 8:15 and 10:45 amRichard Mouw will be our pulpit guest for both services.

Adult Education Forum — 9:15 am in Wesley HallQuestion and answer time with Richard Mouw.

Dinner and Discussion — 5:00 - 7:00 pm in Wesley HallEnjoy dinner, “Uncommon Decency: Christian Civility in an Uncivil World” book presentation, and discussion time. Donations for cost of meal accepted, but not required.

Monday, April 11 — 10:00 am - 3:00 pmPlanting the Seeds of Civility in an Uncivil World — Pastors’ Forum

Cost: $20 (includes lunch), open to all pastors and church staff. Register by April 4 at www.grfumc.org/mouw

See you there!

Richard MouwWeekend

Author and Retired Presidentof Fuller Theological Seminary