first united methodist church of ann arbor winter 2013-14
TRANSCRIPT
Winter 2013-14
The MESSENGER First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor Winter 2013-14
INTHISISSUE
Downtown5:00 p.m. Children’s Christmas Service
Rev. Nancy S. LynnA wonderful service where the very young participate in the telling of the Christmas story
7:00 p.m. Family ServiceRev. Nancy S. LynnA service where many of our young people share their gifts in word and music
9:00 p.m. Christmas Communion CelebrationRev. Robert H. Roth“Tenderness Amidst Terror, Truth Amidst Trials”God comes into the world through Jesus. Despiteit all, God is with us — bringing a New Creation.Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-20
11:00 p.m. Candlelight ServiceRev. J. Douglas PatersonA traditional service of light, love, andbeautiful Christmas music
December 28 & 29Odd & Awed: Praise in the Midst of SufferingRev. J. Douglas PatersonOne service only on December 29, at 9:30 a.m.
January 4 & 5Rev. Nancy S. Lynn preachingOne service only on January 5, at 9:30 a.m.
Christmas Eve WorshipGreen Wood5:00 p.m. Candlelight Service
Rev. J. Douglas PatersonAn intimate setting for thecandlelight celebration of Christmas
Prayer Power .......................................... 7Caring & Connected ............................. 8Kenya Mission 2014 .............................. 9Affordable Housing News ...................... 9Memorial Poinsettias ........................... 10Youth Retreat ....................................... 11Children’s Worship ..................... 12 & 13
All Church Conference .......................... 3Stamp Camp Fun-Raiser ....................... 3Advent Worship Series ........................... 3Cookie Walk Reminder ......................... 3Music & LiturgicalArts Ministries ................................ 4 & 5Harvest Dinner Report ................... 6 & 7
Adult Education .................................. 13Green Wood ......................................... 14Movie Review ....................................... 14UMW Christmas Tea ........................... 14Wesley Foundation .............................. 15Henderson Mission Trip ........ Back Cover
The Messenger2
Marcia Schlee 426–2902Design andProduction Editor
The Messenger is publishedmonthly, except for Summer& Winter editions. Thesubmission deadline forthe February issue will beFriday, January 10. Emailchurch news and photos toMarcia Schlee [email protected].
Published byAnn Arbor First UnitedMethodist Church120 South State StreetAnn Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 662–4536FAX (734) 662–1321Visit us at www.fumc-A2.org
PastorsJ. Douglas [email protected]
Nancy S. [email protected]
Robert H. Roth, [email protected]
Program StaffAnn Marie KoukiosDirector of Music andLiturgical [email protected]
Beth PascoeDirector ofChildren’s [email protected]
Melanie SnookDirector of Youth [email protected]
TheMessenger
Masthead Photos: Jim Danforth,Mark Hansen, Carol Hulbert
KNOW God LOVE OthersSERVE the World
Clergy Corner
In her wonderful essay on faith and house-hold economics, Sharon Daloz Parks ex-plores what it means to change how we livein response to God’s call to faithfulness. Sheasks many of the same questions we did thisfall about how we spend and what we value.“For Christians, she says, “the change thatis faithful is not from the material to thespiritual but rather from materialism to in-carnation.” What a wonderful way to thinkabout the coming holiday season!
Christmas is the celebration of God’s in-carnation—God coming to live among usin the form of Jesus, a tiny baby born in astable in Bethlehem. From his example, welearn about God and how to live a godlylife—a life of giving, of serving, of caringfor each other and the world. That’s whatChristmas is all about!
Of course, much of what we experienceduring the holiday season isn’t about Jesusat all. Rather, we are inundated by the val-ues of secular society—the pressure to spendmore than we have, consume more than weshould, push ourselves beyond our limits.
So, here is a challenge for you to considerthis year. In the midst of all the concertsand plays, parties and shopping, decorat-ing and cookie-baking, what is one way inwhich you can extend the incarnation? Inother words, what is one simple thing thatyou and your family can do to intention-ally imitate Christ?
One idea is to buy gifts that support mis-sion work or fair trade. There are a numberof opportunities to do this through church
including notecards for Kenya, scarves fromMadagascar, coasters and doormats fromCass. Another possibility is to choose a ser-vice project—come to FISH FRI or makelunches through Love Thy Neighbor. Al-ternatively, you could offer a ride to churchto an elderly neighbor or invite a lonelyfriend to dinner.
Of course, our acts of Christian caring don’tend at the end of Advent, but this is cer-tainly a good time to remember that fol-lowing the Christ child means moving be-yond ourselves and the materialism of oursociety and into the realm of hospitality,service, and love.
May peace, love and the joy of Christiangiving be yours this holiday season andthroughout the year!
Advent blessings,
Nancy
The Joy of Christian Giving
Winter 2013-14 3
Advent Sermon SeriesTo keep awake is to open our eyes in awe at the works of the Holy in ourmidst and to the promises of God to continually make all things new. Weintroduce the theme of “Odd & Awed” for this season of anticipation andexpectation.
November 30 & December 1Odd & Awed: Peace in the Midst of Conflict ... Rev. J. Douglas Paterson
December 7 & 8Odd & Awed: Love in the Midst of Hate ... Rev. Nancy S. Lynn
December 15Advent Music Sunday featuring music for chorus, soli & orchestraOur Chancel Choir, Vocal Staff and Instrumentalists will share Mary’sstory through the music of Antonio Vivaldi’s inspiring setting of theMagnificat.
December 21 & 22Odd & Awed: Hope in the Midst of Hopelessness ... Rev. J. DouglasPaterson
All Church ConferenceWednesday, December 11
7:00 p.m. Downtown in theSocial Hall
The annual conference is our chance togather and elect lay leadership for 2014.We’ll also set pastors’ salaries and considergoals for the following year.
Our district superintendent, Rev. MarkSpaw, will preside.
Our UMW 20th “Walk” for missions is al-most here. There is still time to sign up tobake or volunteer. To do so, stop at theCookie Walk table at Connections or go tohttp://tinyurl.com/cookie2013. Lookingahead, these are the dates to remember:
Baking DayDec. 7, 1:00-3:00 p.m.- church kitchenDecorating Day-Dec. 11, 9a.m.-2:00 p.m.– Green WoodDrop-off DaysDec. 12, 4:00-7:00 p.m. andDec. 13, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.-Social HallDome DayDec. 13, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. –Social Hall
Sale Day-Dec. 149:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. or until sold out!
These days are busy, but provide lots of funand fellowship. Come, join us!
To place orders for pre-packaged domes ofcookies contact (734) 665–5890 or [email protected].
Live LaughLove Stamp
Camp3rd AnnualFun-Raiser
Join us for a delightful morning of fun and friendshipand exploring your creative side to make cards for yourfamily and friends on Saturday, January 26, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Calkins Hall, downtown.
No experience necessary! You will make six greetingcards. $25 fee includes all supplies as well as refresh-ments and benefits Cass Community Social Services.
For more information or to register, please contactWendy Everett at [email protected]. Limited to 30persons.
Cookie WalkReminder!
The Messenger4
Music and Liturgical Arts MinistriesOne of the most beautiful and rewarding ways to serve the Lord is through the worship aesthetics of our Music and Liturgical ArtsMinistries. Our music and arts programs provide multiple opportunities to members of all ages and abilities to praise God through thearts while adding a uniquely inspiring dimension to our worship services. For information on any of our ensembles, please contactMinister of Music, Dr. Ann Marie Koukios at (734) 662–4536, ext.25.
FUMC Chancel Choir
FUMC Chancel Choir continues to welcome new members. Please consider sharing your vocal talents with us this season. We areseeking new members in all voice parts, especially tenors and basses. If you are not able to make a weekly Sunday commitment butwould like to sing on occasion and/or in special choir events, please see director Dr. Ann Marie Koukios for options. Consider joiningus now, in time to participate in our Christmas Eve Worship Services.
2013 Fall FUMC Music and Liturgical Highlights
Our Music and Liturgical Arts Ministries are again launching an exiting season of inspiring activities and worship experiences high-lighted by the creative use of the arts in worship. These include: a Downtown Music Outreach Series and Green Wood ChamberMusic Series. Below are our upcoming events. Please see our First Music and Arts Series 2013-2014 Brochure for a full listing of eventsfor the entire season.
An Organist’s ChristmasMaryAnn Crugher Balduf, organPamela Ruiter-Feenstra, organAaron Tan, organAnn Arbor Boychoir – Thomas Strode, conductorFriday, December 6, 2013 7:30 p.m. FUMC Downtown Series
Co-sponsored by the Ann Arbor Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO)and the First Music and Arts Series, this concert promises to ignite your Advent/Christ-mas holiday spirit with festive music of the season. Don’t miss these special musicalofferings presented by local AGO artists performing on the Reuter Pipe Organ of FirstUnited Methodist Church. Featured performers include MaryAnn Crugher Balduf,Pamela Ruiter-Feenstra and Aaron Tan. We are also pleased to welcome choristers fromthe Ann Arbor Boychoir, who will lead our audience in a carol sing, adorning our singingwith beautiful descants. A freewill offering will be taken and a reception will follow theconcert to meet our guest artists.
A Marian Sunday:Vivaldi – Magnificat in G minor, RV610Ann Marie Koukios, conductorFUMC Vocal Staff, FUMC Chancel Choir, Michigan Sinfonietta OrchestraSunday, December 15, 2013 9:30 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. Worship Services FUMC Downtown Series
Join us in worship for special music presentations set to the famoustext of Mary “My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord….” on this thirdSunday, Marian Sunday, of Advent. Musical centerpiece of the ser-vice is Antonio Vivaldi’s exuberant and charming setting – Magnificatin G minor, RV 610. Under the direction of Ann Marie Koukios, ourFUMC Vocal Staff, FUMC Chancel Choir, and Michigan Sinfoniettainstrumentalists will join forces to present this joyous text illuminat-ing the Canticle of the Virgin Mary found in the scriptures of Luke.Come to either our 9:30 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. Downtown Sunday Wor-ship Service to experience this inspiring musical offering.
Downtown Music Outreach Series
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Celebrate the season and join us for the Children’s ChristmasMusical Sunday, December 15 in the Downtown Sanctuary at2:00 p.m.
The musical includes the Cherub Choir, Carol Choir,Handchimes and features the Epworth Choir’s presentationof Light of the World
Sounding Light! – “I Have a Dream”Tom Trenney, conductorFriday, January 17, 2014 7:30 p.m. FUMC Downtown Series
We are pleased to welcome back Sounding Light to our series. Sounding Lightis a collection of 32 singers who share a love of and commitment to choralensemble singing. Now in its 11th season under the direction of foundingconductor Tom Trenney, the group will present an illuminating performanceinspired by the profound legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This MLKcelebration features diverse musical expressions of faith, justice, hope, andfreedom, including beloved hymns and spiritual songs. Powerful, profound,meaningful texts accompanied by rich harmonies and compelling rhythmstell the story of one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century. Reper-toire includes selections by Carmen Cavallaro, Rene Clausen, Bob Chilcott,Kirke Mechem, Anne Wilson, Stacey Gibbs and Moses Hogan. Suggesteddonation is $15. A reception will follow the event.
Ypsilanti “Town Band” Concert(Jerry Robbins, conductor)Sunday, January 26, 2014 – 3:00 p.m.FUMC Green Wood
Under the leadership of conductor Jerry Robbins (former conduc-tor of the Washtenaw Community Concert Band), this twenty-piece wind ensemble will perform popular music from 1880-1920in period costume. Returning once again to our Chamber Series,this ensemble will entertain you with a variety of styles, genres andinformative insights into this era.
Green Wood Chamber Series
Children’sChristmas Musical
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The Messenger6
Many of us find it a challenge to get our own family’s Thanksgiving meal on the table;but working together, over 125 volunteers associated with our congregation created andserved a truly fantastic Thanksgiving meal for about 277 people! The Harvest Dinner isa great opportunity for our church family to raise funds to support local and globaloutreach while enjoying the chance to work and eat together. We certainly appreciate allwho came to dine and all the generous volunteers and donors of all ages who helpedwith ticket sales, publicity, food prep, serving, room set-up, decorations, clean-up be-fore and after the dinner, and donating items and many fabulous pies – thank you! Weare thankful for the planning and efforts of dinner leaders Mark Baily, Susan Baily, SueElliott, Kristi Jenkins, Kendra Kerr, Lynn Palacios, Phyllis Rector, Adele Roy, and GwynnSterken.
Absolutely delicious food from fresh ingredients keeps people coming back year afteryear. Chefs Gwynn Sterken and James Macdonald led volunteers to create another trulyfantastic meal. We are very grateful for all of their efforts! We want to thank the pastorsand staff who work hard to make sure all the big and small details happen so things runsmoothly. Several groups of volunteers helped behind the scenes ahead of time. Manythanks to: Alcoholics Anonymous for setting up the tables and chairs in the Social Halland FiSH FRI for wrapping silverware on October 18.
The Harvest Dinner is a fun all-church dinner with missions in mind; the proceedsamounted to $3,580 this year, an increase from 2012, and here is how they will be used:
10% will go to support the costs that the church incurs to host the dinner90% will go to support the following:• FUMC Emergency Fund• Detroit Conference Projects – FUMC’s Second Mile Giving• Missionary Salary Support:• David Johnson, Washington DC (FUMC Member)• Becky Harrell, Costa Rica• Kaaga Bio-Intensive Agricultural Center: Meru, Kenya• Henderson Settlement, Kentucky• Haiti School Hot Lunch Program• John Dean Town Health Project, Liberia
2013 Harvest DinnerWorking and Dining to Make a Difference
Our thanks to all involved!Thank you to all the wonderful HarvestDinner volunteers, pie bakers, and to all theOctober 18 FiSH FRI volunteers. We apolo-gize for anyone we may have missed here:Susan AllenMarian AllmandBarb BailyMark BailySpencer BailySusan BailyCheryl BakerBetty BallardHelen BeavinCarol BenningtonMaria BertramTerry BertramLaurie BrannanWill BrightonDee ChapellMarilyn ChasteenDick ChesbroughJoyce ChesbroughNona ChurchCharles CraigPam CraigMargaret CressmanAmy CrummBen CrummJim DanforthMary DanforthCarol DeHartStefie DeHartDeanna DittmarLarry DittmarPrudy DittmarJessica Dold
Moni DresslerKristina EdenDixie EdwardsSue ElliottTaylor ErhardtWendy EverettOlivia FanningElaine FisherDonna FowlkesBrian FowlkesAngelina GarnerJohn GetsoianHelen GiermanKarl GiermanMarci GilchristKen GrupeMeredy GrupeAnn HantonDoug HantonCarol HulbertGreg HulbertSpring JacksonTom JacksonDebbie JeffriesAshlyn JenkinsKrsiti JenkinsLindi JenkinsTom JenkinsIsaac KaczorKendra KerrYong Hyun KimEli Kline
Winter 2013-14 7
PRAYERPOWERPRAYER
PRAYERPRAYER
Kneeling in BethlehemOne of my very favorite Christmas books is Ann Weem’s KneelingIn Bethelem. It’s a book of poems with the first edition publishedin 1980, so it’s been around for a while. Every year during AdventI read this book, sometimes just opening it up to reading whateverpage come up and other times reading it from front to back. WhatI like about Weem’s book is that it is fresh, real, funny, sad, touch-ing, hopeful, and timeless. The front flap reads that Ann Weem’sstyle “is reverent, faith-filled and reflects on the mystery of theChristmas season.” And ‘“If Christmas is not now, if Christ is notborn into the everyday present, then what is all the noise about?”’
Here are two poems from her book that I think you will like. Thebook is available on Amazon. I have the hard cover and like theway it feels.
GODBURSTWhen the Holy Child is born into our hearts
there is a rain of starsa rushing of angelsa blaze of candlesthis God burst into our lives.
Love is running through the streets.
THE CHRISTMAS SPIRITThe Christmas spirit
is that hopewhich tenaciously clingsto the hearts of the faithful and announcesin the faceof any Herod the world can produceand all the inn doors slammed in our faces and all the dark nights of our soulsthat with Godall things still are possible,that even now unto usa Child is born!
Peace,Dee Chapell
Hannah KlineJohn KlineLinda LaBarreDavid LeachMary LeachEllen LewisBeth LiptonNancy LynnJames MacdonaldKathy MacdonaldKim MarchGary McCluskyMary McCluskyGrant McLeanKim McLeanAl MetzRick MillerBeth MooreNancy MooreTom MooreAnnie NelsonJennifer NiggemeierMaddy OngLynn PalaciosRichard PalaciosKarla PatersonWilliam PollardPhyllis RectorSarah RectorJan RichardsJulie Roesch
Sherry RootAdele RoyGriffin RoyRob RoySue SaloBill SeitzSue SeitzElaine ShawPeter SlottenClaire SprauGeorge SprauStella SteinerGwynn SterkenJim SterkenAustin StoutRandy StrassburgPeggy SuttonSarah TeareCarena TownsendIan UnsworthJack WalkerJosh WarnCherry WestermanBob WhitacreLynn WhiteMark WickhamFran WicksMichael WilliamsCarolyn WisemanMarilee WoodworthAngela Xydis
First United Methodist Church 120 S. State St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
December 2013—January 2014
Caring & Connected This page comes to you as “news” from around our congregation and as a prayer list, in the hopes that it will enable us all to be caring of and connected to one another.
Remembering the Saints...
On All Saints Sunday, November 3, 2013, we remembered the following in our fellowship who passed away over the past year:
Births...
Franklin and William Hampton, twin sons of Kendra and Rob Hampton, and grandsons of Martha and Larry Gray, were born October 21.
On the Move...
Harvey & Mary Amoe to 678 Boston Ct., Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Marie Colton to 126 Quietwalk Lane, Herndon, VA 20170
Don Christopherson to 451 Antique Ct., Chelsea, 48118
Christine Ho to 11 Lexington St., Franklin, MA, 02038
Marilee Kelly to 200 Silver Maples Dr. #1212, Chelsea, 48118, 562-2625
Betty Lambarth to 57 W. 400 S., Ivins, UT, 84738
Carmen Lok to 1760 Broadway St, N310A, Ann Arbor, 48104
Tim Longnecker to 38841 Equestrian S., Farmington Hills, 48331
Emily Palmer to 421 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, 48104
Skip & Judy Tatum to 2011 Marra Dr., Ann Arbor, 48103
Cliff Williams to 480 Tiplady Rd., Pinckney, 48169
Anniversaries...
Herb & Betty Jones – 60 years December 20
Brian & Donna Fowlkes – 30 years December 23
Larry & Sarah Nooden – 50 years December 28
Our Sympathies...
To Cynthia and Granville Lee, in the passing of Cynthia’s brother.
To Roger Craig, whose brother, Robert Craig, passed away November 8 in Pennsylvania.
To Jessie Siekmeier and family. Jessie’s sister Dorothy Forshee Scott passed away November 12.
Also in our thoughts and prayers...
Phil & Elaine Alexander, Barb Baily, Cliff Baker, Al Bamsey, Sherri Barnes (daughter of Sandy & Ron Hultquist), Alice Brewer, Harry Benford, Bev Bole, Carolyn Brown, Letitia Byrd, Arthur Carr (Jan Radak’s father), Janene Centurione’s parents, Marilyn Chase, Sharon Cox and her daughter, the Crumm family, Peg Dukes, Karen Ensminger, Florence Eridon (mother of Jean Eridon), Howard Fox, Melanie Fuscaldo, Kathryn Grammel, Bob & Elaine Greene, Frances Hartmann, Florence Hendel, Barbara Hoffman’s parents, Gini Hunt, Martha Irwin, Chuck & Dorothy Jones, Hebert & Betty Jones, Patty Keesee, Marilee Kelly, Evans Koukios, Janet Krause (Debbie Houghton’s mother), Doris Kraushaar, Cynthia Lee, Kathy Macdonald, Liz Marson (Tom Jackson’s sister), Dan Martin, Michael and Adam (Jennifer Niggemeier’s family members), Kim Richardson-Hippler, Doris Rumman, Larry Sarbaugh, Don Siekmeier, Maureen Smith, Dave Tabler, Jan Weaver, and Norma Wonnacott.
And we pray for...
Those visiting our church for the first time... Parent/child relationships... people recovering from illness or addiction... neighbors at Alpha House... those grappling with financial stress... those affected by job loss... expectant mothers... teachers... homebound members... people rebuilding after devastation from natural disasters and those providing assistance in recovery...
Please help us to connect by submitting information for this page to the church office (734-662-4536 or [email protected].) Information reported as confidential will not be publicized.
Robert Fryer
Charles Rubin
Kendall Cowing
Miney Williams
Elizabeth & Don Yenni
Grace Oxley
Helen Brown
Renton Bartscht
Loyd Wicks
Lon Kelly
Muriel Wong
Joan Craig
Barbara Losey
John Strand
Irene Williams
Winter 2013-14 9
If you have not driven along Pauline Street latelybetween Seventh and Stadium Boulevard, itmay be a shock to see the size of the new PaulineApartments. Last spring the site was a lot ofdirt and gravel with some bare wood framingin the background. Now the buildings are readyfor their residents to move back in this De-cember after a break of many months.
The project, undertaken in 2009 by AvalonHousing, has preserved and upgraded 32of the small supply of Ann Arbor apart-ments that could be considered affordablefor people with incomes near or below the“poverty line.” Many of the units are handi-cap accessible and some have 3 bedrooms.FUMC members who donated funds to theprevious RAAH (Religious Action for Af-fordable Housing) capital campaign havehelped make these homes possible.
Another product of that campaign was a$20,000 contingency fund, set aside forunforeseen needs of local housing andhomeless advocacy groups. In the wake ofrecent government cutbacks the fund isproving useful. Recently the RAAH boardresponded to 2 requests for assistance toprograms from which money was with-drawn by federal agencies. Ozone House,whose SOLO program provides support-ive housing for homeless youth with dis-abilities, suddenly needed to replace moneyno longer available from HUD. The otherrequest came from SOS Community Ser-vices for aid to their new Rapid Rehousingprogram, which “assists families on the pathto self-sufficiency.” They needed stop-gapfunding to be able to continue paying sup-portive services staff after funding wasshifted by other agencies. Meanwhile theywill seek other ongoing funding sources.
An interesting fact mentioned at a recentRAAH meeting: The amount of money bywhich Congress recently reduced the foodstamp program exceeds the combined bud-get of all the food banks in the US
continued onpage 14
In February, a team of nineteen (19) willreturn to Kenya to strengthen our partner-ship with the Bishop Lawi Imathiu Second-ary School (BLISS) and community. Thisyear will mark over a decade of workingtogether to educate the children in a ruralKenyan community who cannot afford orqualify for the elite boarding schools thatare their only option. BLISS is celebratingtheir 10th anniversary of providing second-ary school education in the community.
Our team members will again support theKenyan educators by assisting in the class-room and teaching specialized lessons inbiology, chemistry, physics, computer skills,literature, and business. In addition, TeamMembers will spend time at local primaryschools for storytelling, music, and crafts.Our efforts have also initiated a critical feed-ing program targeting two of the poorestprimary schools that feed into the BLISSSecondary School.
How can you help?In January, you will receive a letter outlin-ing our specific goals for 2014. Please takea moment and consider this mission effortas one way in which you can help “servethe world.” For a nominal cost, we can di-rectly improve the lives of children in Meru,Kenya. No financial contributions are usedfor travel expenses by the mission team, whofund their own way. Any amount is appre-ciated, and makes an extraordinary differ-ence in the lives of the people of Meru.
Kenya Mission 2014“What’s going on for 2014?”
AffordableHousing
NewsIn addition to monetary funds, your prayersfor our team are deeply appreciated. We willalso be posting a list of supplies we are hopingto have donated for the team to bring along.
We are passionate about our partnership inKenya and welcome opportunities to talkabout it! Please speak to any of the KenyaMission Team to offer your thoughts andencouragement.
Ted BrokawLarry DittmarElizabeth DonovanDixie EdwardsTaylor ErhardtLarry GrayGreg HulbertQuinn JohnsJazz JohnsEli Kline
John KlineNancy LynnKathy MacdonaldGary McCluskyAl MetzJeff PunchJulie RoeschMelanie SnookBrad Stotz
Your 2014 Mission Team
Please return this form to the church office with your contribution. You may place it in the offering plate, or mail it to:
FUMC POINSETTIAS 120 S. State St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
The cost for each poinsettia donation is $15.00. Make your check payable to FUMC with “Poinsettias” in the memo line.
The deadline is Monday, December 16 to include names in the bulletin insert.
One donation ($15):
□ In Memory of □ In Honor of
__________________________________ (PLEASE PRINT NAME CLEARLY!)
Second donation (additional $15):
□ In Memory of □ In Honor of
__________________________________ (PLEASE PRINT NAME CLEARLY!)
Given by: ____________________________ (PLEASE PRINT NAME CLEARLY!)
Phone: ______________________________
Thank you for your contribution!
This year we will again celebrate loved ones by contributing toward the cost of Christmas Poinsettias that decorate the downtown and Green Wood sanctuaries. As in past years, funds generated above and beyond the cost of the plants will be used for our Emergency Relief Fund.
Over the last year, the Emergency Relief Fund was used to help distressed families and individuals who needed help with hunger, transportation, shelter, and other personal issues.
If you wish to contribute toward this effort please fill out the form to the right. An insert, listing your name and that of your loved one(s), will appear in the downtown church bulletin the weekend of December 21 and 22. The cost for each donation is $15.00. The deadline for including note of your donation in the bulletin is Monday, December 16.
Winter 2013-14 11
Climbing trees is a greatcamp activity.
Youth Fall Retreat52 Youth and 11 counselors went to Judson Collins Retreat Center in the Irish Hills fora weekend to study the theme of Faith Journey. They spent time in small groups, largegroups, silent individual devotions, and around the campfire.
“As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselvesof everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and letus run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed onJesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up becauseof the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thoughtnothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side ofGod’s throne.” Hebrews 12:1-2, Good News Bible
Other Photos by Peter DeHart
Photo by Wendy Everett
Some happy campers
The Electric Mazeposed a challenge forteams on Saturdaynight.
Playing cards is popu-lar during free time.
The class of 2014 led our Sunday morning worship enduring some blustery winds.
In another chal-lenge, youth tookturns being thebody, voice, or eyesto complete thetask of putting aball in a basket.
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Children’sWorship
Sunday, Oct. 27 — DowntownSaturday, Nov. 2 — Green Wood
Carol Choir, Call to Worship readers, Cherub Choir
Handchimes
Prelude
Time with the Children
Epworth Choir
Time of Prayer
Winter 2013-14 13
For Advent….
The Journey –a fascinating look at the birthof Jesus Christ. As he did with Jesus’ cruci-fixion in 24 Hours that Changed the World,Hamilton once again leads us through theactual territory of the nativity account, us-ing historical information, archaeologicaldata, and a personal look at some of thestories surrounding the birth. Leaders:Linda LaBarre, John Wilson, Sue Seitz,Kristina Eden. Classes meet at 11:15 a.m.in the Asbury Room on December 1, 8,15, and 22.
Beginning in January….
Living the Questions - Join us for thisthought-provoking series about basic ques-tions of Christianity that we struggle within today’s progressive church. We will lis-ten to contemporary voices of faith anddiscuss the ups and downs of our own evolv-ing faith journeys. This is an ongoing classoffered during the fall, winter, and spring– the second session is seven weeks long.Led by Debbie Houghton. No preparationor book study needed! Weekly Sunday class(11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.) runs 1/12/14-2/23/14.
So you want to be aUnited Methodist.
Not only was this a title of Pastor Doug’ssermon, it will also be an adult educationoffering this winter. Come and join PastorNancy for four weeks on Sunday nights asshe guides participants through the history,theology, and polity of the United Meth-odist Church. This is a great class for newAND old members who wish to know moreabout their place of worship.
Dates, times and place to be determined; classwill occur in January/February 2014.
In the Disciple series….
Disciple 2New class beginningon January 8Join Wendy Everett and Ellen Lewis asthey begin the second study in the Dis-ciple series, Into the Word. This study cov-ers the Old Testament book of Genesisand Exodus, and the New Testamentbooks of Luke and Acts. You need to havecompleted Disciple 1 to join this class— but feel free to retake the class if youhave already had it! Disciple 2 will runon Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:30 p.m.,from January 2014 - May 2014, with abreak for the summer, then will resumeSeptember 2014 through May 2015.Please contact Wendy Everett([email protected]) or Ellen Lewis([email protected]) for more in-formation.
Disciple 3New class beginningJanuary 8!Join Debbie Houghton and AmyKennedy as they begin the third study ofthe Disciple Series, Remember Who YouAre. This study covers the books of theProphets in the Old Testament and theletters of Paul in the New Testament. Youneed to have completed only Disciple 1to join this class — but feel free to retakethe class if you have already had it! Dis-ciple 3 will run on Wednesday evenings,7:00-9:00 p.m., from January 2014-May2014, with a break for the summer, thenwill resume September 2014 throughMay 2015. Please contact DebbieHoughton ([email protected]) orAmy Kennedy ([email protected])for more information.
Adult Education DuringAdvent and Beyond
Pastor and his young flock
Scripture Reading
Serving communion
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You Might Like to Watch…
Dave Rigan provides the congregation with succinct reviews of books and films that he feels youmight wish to explore in developing your faith. —Ed. Note
Saturday Worship5:00 p.m.Casual, Contemporary, and Creative
Coffee House Series8:00 p.m. (Fridays)
David Vaughn, Green Wood Music Director
1001 Green Road, north ofGlazier Way
Buy tickets for shows online with PayPal
Dec. 6 Don White $17
Dec. 13 The Waymores Christmas Show $15
GreenWoodGreenWoodSelected Christmas Movies
A Christmas Carol, specifically the Britishversion made many years ago with almostall the actors not famous today, had themost lasting impact on me of many Christ-mas movies I recently watched. It had thebest feel for the real Dickens message of theseason. It’s not “bah-humbug” as EbenezerScrooge continues to respond when otherswish him a Merry Christmas.
The ghosts of Christmas past and futureare a magical re-creation of what kind oflife this truly poor rich man lived. He hada loving wife and they agreed to stay to-gether for richer and poorer. Scrooge, how-ever, changed and a scene allows her to spellout clearly what he has become.
The same spirit had been the undoing ofhis business partner and that was used tohaunt Scrooge throughout the movie. Thisversion of A Christmas Carol does the mostjustice to the story of the birth of Jesus asgiving hope to the world, especially the poorfolk and others who suffer. Tiny Tim, withhis cane, is the embodiment of that spiritas he says, “Bless us all, every one”.
Scrooge eventually becomes childlike in hisdesire to repent for his misdeeds and cru-elty and to redeem his life from a spirit thatdamaged Scrooge more than it did others.He bestows spontaneous gifts on manypeople including people he does not know.
Another excellent movie is House Withouta Christmas Tree. It tells the story of manplayed by Jason Robards who refuses to al-low his daughter to have the tree she wantsbecause it reminds him of his deceased wife.
The Christmas Card tells of a young womanwho sends cards to soldiers in World WarII and one reaches a man who is in despairof losing a friend in battle. The soldier re-
turns home and finds the woman engagedto another man and the triangle ensues.
A number of others are about war. One tellsof the famous Christmas Truce (HistoryChannel), a true story of Denmark in 1914during World War I. Soldiers from Ger-many, France, Scotland, England, and Den-mark start singing carols in the trenches andthen move out into “no man’s land” to greeteach other as friends.
The fictionalized movie called Joyeaux Noelwith French subtitles tells the story in de-tail and has a special interview which talksin detail about the incident. It was such aheralded event all over Europe, but hatedby the military leaders.
A Canadian story is called An AvonleaChristmas based on Anne of Green Gables.Good films about Christmas and the un-der classes in America are Noel and Mid-night Clear. The Christmas Miracle ofJonathan Toomey tells of a 19th century manconsidered a grouch by everyone. It turnsout that he brings a happy Christmas to ayoung boy as well as the entire village withhis carving skills.
All of these movies have the Christmasmessage that peace, hope, and love can pre-vail even in the darkest of times.
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More information about RAAH and itscurrent campaign can be found at the re-vamped web site: www.raah.org
AffordableHousing News
UMW Christmas TeaHonoring Outgoing Officers and
Installation of 2014 OfficersPledge Service for 2014Monday, December 16
1:15 p.m. Wesley LoungeChild Care will be available
and refreshments will be served.
Winter 2013-14 15
TheWesleyFoundationat theUniversity of Michigan
Student Leadership ’13 – ‘14Sarah Wales, Outreach, Campus, and Service Coordinator:
Rebekkah Munchow, Adm. Asst./Com. Coordinator:
John Von Leon Lee, Community Coordinator:
Rev. Bob Roth, Chaplain/Director,[email protected], 734-662-4536
Check out the website fordetails & updates:www.umich.miwesley.org
Facebook: Students at the Wesley Foundation
Communion at WesleyEvery Wednesday evening the sacrament is celebrated and sharedat 7:30 p. m. ALL are welcome.
Weekly Schedule:
Undergrad Bible StudyEvery Wednesday at 8:10 p.m. We recently enjoyed a visit from,and conversation with Mohammed Tayssir Safi, the first ever Mus-lim Chaplain at the University of Michigan. December 4 duringour regular Communion and Bible Study time: “Lessons and Car-ols.” The Canterbury Club is joining us, bringing their jazz group;we are providing dinner. Details on Facebook.
Grad Bible StudyFor graduate and professional students and recent grads. EveryTuesday evening at 8:00 p.m., currently learning about and dis-cussing topics related to John Wesley, early Methodism, and Meth-odist beliefs and practices.
Free Student LunchNormally, 12:15 p.m. every Sunday, though December 8 is ourlast regular lunch until after break ends in January.
Upcoming Dates:December 6, 6:00 p.m. “Hanging of the Greens” at WesleyDecember 7 1:00 p.m. Visit Chelsea Retirement CommunityDecember 13, 6:00 p.m. Dinner at Wesley, then
7:00 p.m. Wesley Christmas Party
Thank you FUMC!Many, many thanks to all who purchased bread for our upcomingSpring Break Trip to Washington, D.C. We will be participatingin a Washington seminar sponsored by the General Board ofChurch and Society. The seminar office is where recent UofM/Wesley grad Dave Johnson is now serving for two years as a US-2.Thanks again for supporting our bread baking!
The Messenger
COMING EVENTS at FUMCFriday, December 6 An Organist’s Christmas, 7:30 p.m. Downtown Sanctuary
Green Wood Coffee House,
Don White, 8:00 p.m. FUMC Green Wood
Saturday, December 7 Sisterhood Advent Tea, 1:00 p.m. FUMC Green Wood
Cookie Baking Day, 1:00 p.m. Downtown Kitchen
Sunday, December 8 Youth Christmas Theatre Fundraiser, 4:40 –6:00 p.m. Downtown Sanctuary
Wednesday, December 11 Cookie Frosting, 9:00 a.m. FUMC Green Wood
All Church Conference, 7:00 p.m. Downtown Social; Hall
Friday, December 13 Green Wood Coffee House,
The Waymores Christmas Show, 8:00 p.m. FUMC Green Wood
Saturday, December 14 Cookie Walk, 9:00 a.m. Downtown Social Hall
Sunday, December 15 Chancel Choir Vivaldi Magnificat, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Downtown Sanctuary
Children’s Christmas Musical, 2:00 p.m. Downtown Sanctuary
Monday, December 16 UMW Christmas Tea, 1:15 p.m. Wesley Lounge
Tuesday, December 24 Candlelight Service, 5:00 p.m. FUMC Green Wood
Christmas Eve Children’s Christmas Service, 5:00 p.m. Downtown Sanctuary
Family Service, 7:00 p.m. Downtown Sanctuary
Communion Celebration, 9:00 p.m. Downtown Sanctuary
Candlelight Service, 11:00 p.m. Downtown Sanctuary
December 28 & 29 5:00 p.m. Service FUMC Green Wood
9:30 Service Downtown Sanctuary
January 4 & 5 5:00 p.m. Service FUMC Green Wood
9:30 Service Downtown Sanctuary
Friday, January 17 Sounding Light Concert, 7:30 p.m. Downtown Sanctuary
Saturday, January 26 Stamp Camp Fun-Raiser, 10:00 a.m.–12:30 Calkins Hall
Sunday, January 26 Ypsilanti “Town Band” Concert, 3:00 p.m. FUMC Green Wood
Wednesday, February 5 FUMCN Coop Nursery and FUMCN COOP Rooms
Young fives Open House, 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Wednesday February 12 COOP Nursery Open House Snow Date
Photo by Peter DeHart
Come! Be a part of the 2014 Appalachia Mission Team when we travel to Henderson Settlement inFrakes, KY for FUMC’s annual family mission trip. The dates are April 9 -12, 2014.
Last year’s group was the largest we have ever taken, 56 strong! Whata wonderful response. Housing as families is somewhat limited, so.....it’s never too early to mark your calendar and sign up.
Applications will be accepted starting December 15, 2013. The dead-line for registrations is February 16, 2014. Registration forms willbe available through the church office. For any questions, contactCarole DeHart at [email protected].
Come! Join the FUMC 2014 Appalachia Mission Team as we serveChrist in southeast Kentucky.