A SIMPLE INVITATION: COME AND SEE

Elsie Lang invited me. I was a 4th grade Sunday school student, and Elsie, my teacher, suggested that I try out church camp. I trusted and respected Elsie; she was wise and kind, and I enjoyed her class. The next summer, I went to church camp. I met new friends, discovered Christian community, and met Jesus in a new way in the beauty of the northern Wisconsin woods. It changed my life and I will forever be thankful for the invitation.

The Vital Church Initiative (VCI) Team had a conversation about evangelism recently. Like many mainline Christian congregations, we are challenged by the word itself. We often think of evangelism in a negative way. And yet, Jesus closing words to the disciples were “Go, share, and make disciples.” One member of our congrega-tion said to me: “We’re not very good at inviting people to church.” We at First UMC of Holland haven’t cultivated a culture of invitation. Robert Schnase has a perspective which is helpful in a chapter entitled: Radical Hospitality.

A church changes its culture one person at a time. Radical Hospitality begins with a single heart, a growing openness, a prayerful desire for the highest good of a stranger. It begins when one person treats another respectfully and loves the stranger enough to overcome the internal hesitation to invite that person into the life of Christ’s church.

An invitation is not complicated. In the first chapter of John’s gospel, Jesus’ invitation was simple: “Come and see” (John1:39). His disciples then used the same language to invite others.

People don’t need to know the answers to all the questions of faith and life to invite someone to church. They don’t need to exaggerate or persuade or say more than is true. They simply and naturally find a way to say to their acquaintances and those with whom they share activities, “Come and see”.

Every member of the Body of Christ is the fruit of someone else’s ministry and faithfulness. Who is the fruit of yours? (Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, pages 29 and 32)

A church culture changes one person at a time. One by one, let us begin to become a more invitational congregation.

Grace and peace to you,

Pastor Lynn

Church Events, Caring

Ministry, Birthdays,

Stephen Ministry,

memorials

2 & 3

Nurture Ministry 4 & 5

Outreach Ministry,

UMW, Finance

6

Calendar, Youth

Ministry

7

Inside this issue:

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February 2014

“Can I get a witness?” Join us February 6 at 7 pm, in the Lounge, as passion-ate, interested people gather to pray, envision, and plan for the invitational, wel-come, and witness ministries of our congregation. After the retirement of Liz Travis as the Director of Witness, the SPRC decided not to fill that position. That vacancy opens an opportunity to reimagine and rethink how we understand and organize this vital area of our ministry together. Phil Harrington, a United Methodist pastor, will help facilitate our time together. People of varied gifts for ministry are needed to work together as we deepen our faith, invite, welcome, witness, and offer radical hospitality in Jesus’ name.

Come join the Lunch Bunch on Sundays following the 10:45 a.m. service. We will gather at the Good Shepherd window to get a head count and head out to a local

restaurant. All ages are welcome to join including singles, couples, and families. Check the bulletin for the days’ location or contact David Newton.

Epsilon will meet Wednesday, February 19 at 11:30 AM at Beechwood Inn. Please call Dave or Dorothea 392-3493 by the 17th for reservations.

will meet on February 13 for a Valentine dessert and music by David Newton in the church Sanctuary beginning at 1:30. The cost is $5.00 and reservations are required. Call Sharon Rocker at 392-1966 for reservations or more information.

The deadline for article submissions for the March Focus is February 17. Please email articles to mhaney@fumcholland.org by that date or earlier. If a hard copy must be used, please bring to main office by that date also. If you would prefer not receiving the Focus in the mail, please let Marj Haney know at mhaney@fumcholland.org.

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Happening this Month

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The Kids In Tow February event is to be announced. Watch your emails for the evite and more information about date, time and location. A year long schedule should be available soon.

For February, Book Club will be discussing a thrilling mystery, vivid history lesson and a complex love story, People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks, portrays a celebration of people as human beings in the past and pre-sent. Read the book and join us in the Confer-ence Room, Monday, February 10, at 6:30.

The Meet and Eat Singles group will go to Culver’s at 6 p.m. on February 20 for their annual Valentine’s outing. No need for reservations, just come!

How Does Stephen Ministry Work? Requesting Assistance

“Christ Caring For People Through People”

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions

and in truth. 1 John 3:18

When a name is given to Sharon Rocker, our referrals coordinator, she and Pastor Lynn determine whether Stephen Ministry is the kind of care that the person needs. Sharon then contacts the person and matches that person with one of our available Stephen Minis-ters. She matches a man with a man, and a woman with a woman. The Stephen Minister will then call the per-son, and the two will begin meeting about one hour each week. The care receiver always has the option to say, "No thanks," but the hope is that the receiver will

agree. Everything is always confidential; there is no need to worry. The Stephen Minister does not try to solve problems; rather s/he listens, prays, and helps the care receiver look for his/her own path toward God's healing. This is more than a friendship between two people; this is a long-term, Christian, caring relation-ship. Everything between the two is confidential. Even other Ministers know no specifics.

If you know someone who might benefit from a Ste-phen Minister, call Sharon Rocker (392-1966). If someone has told you that you might do well helping as a Stephen Minister, please consider carefully. If YOU think you might do well as a Stephen Minister, please follow your instincts. Contact Ann Nieuwkoop ( 399-7203) or Marsha Burnham (395-0054).

Done In a Day...curious? Read on.

The Board of Trustees is excited to announce the opportunity to start spring-cleaning early. Our Lead Custodian, Walt Garrett, is compiling a list of clean-up, repair, and basic maintenance projects to be “Done in a Day”. The goal is to tackle projects as a group and make our building more inviting and useful to all. The first project dates are Mondays, January 27 and February 10, 8.30 am - 12.00 pm, and Saturday, March 1. Come with a positive spirit and elbow grease. RSVP to Kaarli Riley (786.0193, jimkaarli@gmail.com) so we can plan appropriate projects and donuts.

Birthday Wishes!

Please be in prayer for these congregation members and friends...

Notes of appreciation received since the last Focus:

Dakota, a student in the WAY program, wrote: Thank you oh so very much for the gifts you kind people. :] I'd just like to thank you from the bottom of my heart and I'm sure that all of us here at WAY are more than gracious for you to have even considered gifting us. You're truly great

people and I only wish the best for all of you. Keep up the good work and God bless. "Courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality." ~Richter Abend

Jean DeVries and family wrote: We would like to thank you for all the support, love, and prayers you sent our way following the loss of our husband and father, Bill DeVries. We were overwhelmed by the many cards and notes of sympathy and the personal calls expressing concern and condolence. We would also like to thank Sharon Rocker and Pastor Lynn for their many visits to the hospital and The Inn at Freedom Village during Bill’s illness. You provided comfort and a refuge of hope in such a trying time for us. In addition, the wonderfully soft prayer shawl Sharon brought to us in the hospital was a lovely re-

minder of the love and support God wraps around us in our time of need. Lastly, thank you to everyone who graciously gave of their time on a busy Saturday before Christmas to help with Bill’s memorial service. From the beautiful decorations in the sanctuary to the music and Pastor Lynn’s message and the luncheon following the service, thank you to all for making the visitation time and service such a wonderful celebration of Bill’s life.

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The Memorial Committee announces the following continuing and new Memorial Projects given to our church in memory of loved ones by family and friends.

Oil filled Altar Candles Anne Nelson

Oil filled Altar Candles Elaine Doolittle

Praise Band David Walton

Pastor's Discretionary Fund Geordan "Gee” Tyler Hudson

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These friends are celebrating at least their 85th birthday this month. Please extend your well wishes!

Mildred Shidler; Greta Long; Ivy Cammenga; George Kleis; Valarie DeLany; Grace Namovich; Edith Fincher; David Lindstrom; Joyce Buis; all those with loved ones and family who are hurting or ill

Please keep Conrad and Laurie Mutschler in your prayers as they leave us for a year long assignment in Ireland for Conrad’s job. They will be missed!

February 18 Robert Hornbeck 360 W. 40th St. Apt. 214. Holland MI 49423

23 Mary Jane Aalderink 333 E. Lakewood #220 Holland MI 49424

Caring Ministry Sharon Rocker, Director of Visitation Ministries (ext. 104)

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Nurture Ministry Marj Haney, Director (ext. 106) Heidi De Moss, Director of Adult Ministry

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Spark Rotation will continue its year long People of the Bible theme in February with a look at Mary and Martha. We will learn how each of these women were important to Jesus and how each one had gifts to serve with. This story is found in Luke 10:38-42. We still are in need of helpers and teachers for this class. A one week a month commitment is all we ask. Sign up for your preferred day at the first floor hallway table and thanks!

Never too late to join our choir for 1st through 8th graders that meets on Sunday morning. We are work-ing on spring songs and a mini-musical to be presented sometime before Easter. Hope to see you there- - 9:00 in Room 304!

The 3rd Grade Bible Class will continue through the second semester. We will use a variety of media to dig into our bibles further, including the Phil Visser DVD series called “What’s in the Bible?” and some booklets from Cokesbury about the different parts of worship. All third graders are welcome to join us.

Summer camp registrations are now open at http://westmichiganconference.org/eventsessions

Everything you need to know about camping in the West Michigan Conference and beyond is at that same website. Please see Marj Haney if you need help navigating the site. More info coming in March!

Annual All Church Campout August 9-10, 2014 Plan now to join us for a weekend at Lakeview Campground in north central Michigan, about an hour north of Grand Rapids. We have 14 sites reserved and they are first come, first served. Our first night is paid for so you will just be required to pay $26 upon arrival for your second night. More information about the campground can be found at www.lakeviewcamp.org We have the Luke and John loops, sites 46-51, 53-56 and 58-61. It may still be possible to book one or both of the cabins that are also in those loops but you will need to see Marj Haney asap about those.

Reservations are now available through Marj or Tim Haney. Look forward to seeing you there!!

Small Groups

Nurture Ministries would like this to be the year that everyone at FUMCH tries a Small Group, a class, or both. Look for program-ming, Small Group studies, classes, and presentations that will give you the opportunity to engage with your Bible and your God in a new and deeper way.

Small Group is a commitment that will bring you closer to God, grow your understanding of various Christian topics and the Christian faith itself, and bring you into deeper fellowship with some other Christians who are seeking the same thing. Studying together, supporting each other, and holding each other accountable is some of what Small Groups is about. Mostly, it is building connection. If you haven’t tried a Small Group yet, talk with one of the leaders, a member, or Heidi and find out more.

Here is a list of FUMCH’s current Small Groups:

Sunday Night Group Sunday Evening Led by Dave Marckini & George Ward Lounge If anyone wants more information, he/she may call

George Ward at 786-4761 or email gfward@hotmail.com

Coffee Klatz & Conversation Monday Morning Led by David Newton Lounge

The Searls Group Monday Evening Led by Jim Searls Room 301 at 7:00

The Rocker Group Monday Evening contact Bill & Sharon Rocker (every other week)

Tuesday Night Group Tuesday Evening fed by Steve and Sandy Snyder Sr. Snyder home This group is full at this time.

Bible Study for Moms Wednesday Evening Led by Pastor Lynn Conference Room

Ladies Only Thursday Morning contact office (every other week) Care Ministry Office

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Adult Nurture Opportunities 2014 is a good year to grow closer to God... How can Nurture Ministries help? What are you going to do this year? Here are some details for you: Brand New!!

New Bible study for Adults Where : Lounge What : Wonderstruck by Margaret Feinberg led by Marj Haney Like you, Margaret Feinberg longs to live in a way that makes her feel fully alive. She suspects she's not the on-ly one whose sense of splendor and delight has faded with the demands of modern living. In Wonderstruck, Margaret invites you to toss back the covers, climb out of bed, and drink in the fullness of life. Learn to unearth the extraordinary moments in every day life, recognize the presence of God in the midst of your routine, and discover peace in knowing you're wildly loved. Wonder-struck will inspire you to fall in love anew with God. amazon.com, edited by Heidi DeMoss

Please let Marj know if you are interested so she can get you a book. When : Wednesday mornings from 10:00 to 11:30, for 7 weeks Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5, 12, & 19 Ongoing Classes FaithLinks Class Where : Filling Station contact Peg Minert UMC FaithLinks material Leadership will be provided by FaithLinks members.

Pastor Lynn’s Class Where : Conference Room led by Pastor Lynn Creation Care: What Does Jesus Have to do with Light-bulbs Feb. 2 ~ Hope (the renewal of God’s Land) VCI series - Pastor Lynn’s class will be joining these presentations which will be held in the Lounge. Lecture/Presentation Classes Feb. 2 ~ Coffee Time in the lounge all morning due to blood drive VCI (Vital Church Initiative) series - presentations by members of the VCI study team on what they are learn-ing and how you can be more involved in this trans-formative Vital Church Initiative. Held in the Lounge Feb. 9 ~ VCI Introduction: What’s the Urgency? led by Cindy Helder Find out: Why our church decided to participate in VCI; What vital churches do. Feb. 16 ~ Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Robert Schnase led by Matt Carr An overview of what this book says, and what our VCI team feels it means for our congregation. Feb. 23 ~ Some ways to see conflict with God’s eyes led by Carl Virta Mar. 2 ~ TBD Fellowship Space Coffee and Conversation Where : West end of Fellowship Hall What : A time to gather and visit with each other, or just relax and refresh. Copies of the newspaper are pre-sent, as well as coffee, tea, and often some light refresh-ments.

Coming Soon... during Lent ~ The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus by Adam Hamilton Travel with Adam Hamilton as he retraces the life and min-istry of Jesus Christ. Hamilton approaches his subject matter with thoughtfulness and wisdom. Using historical infor-mation, archaeological data, and stories of the faith, Hamil-ton follows in the footsteps of Jesus from his baptism to the temptations to the heart of his ministry, including the people he loved, the parables he taught, the enemies he made, and the healing he brought. Baptism and Temptation ~ The Jordan River and the Wilderness The Healing Ministry ~ Capernaum Proclaiming the Kingdom ~ The Mountains Calming the Storm ~ The Sea of Galilee Sinners, Outcasts, and the Poor ~ Samaria

The Final Week ~ Jerusalem later in the spring ~ Some possible programming around grief, disabilities, Sticky Faith again, and maybe ideas to help you simplify your life. Let me know what interests you for future programming. What do you think? ~ What are some of your big questions? in life? about God? about faith? parenting? marriage? cooking? Chances are if you have a question, so does someone else. We can’t seek the answers together if we don’t share the questions. Let Heidi know what big questions are, and maybe we can work on some answers (or at least some pondering) together. Contact Heidi at (616)307-2585 with a text or a call, or email at ssomed.h@gmail.com.

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Outreach Ministry

United Methodist Women

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Finance Update Liz Travis, outgoing Treasurer (ext. 103)

Kent Jagnow, incoming Treasurer

Our bread pan offering will continue to be taken on the third Sunday of each month. The beneficiary of our bread pan offering for February will be the

JFON organization.

We will be collecting Styrofoam on the first and third Sunday of each month. All items must be clean! Please, do not to bring items during the week - we have no place to store

them. We are again able to accept batteries for recycling - a bucket is located at the east end of the 9th Street hallway. If you would like to help with this effort please contact Dave Marckini. (dmarckini@att.net).

Non perishables and household supplies are always accepted. Please place in baskets near the entryways.

Some statistics about JFON in 2013:

JFON has over 2,305 active cases across the country as reported through our National JFON board

Over 300 Family Unity Prayer Vigils supporting just humane immigration were held

A letter signed by 130 bishops and United Methodist organizations were sent to the Senate for just humane immigration

Hundreds of calls to the House of Representatives urging members to say no to the Safe Act and yes to solutions-based reform

Locally, our Holland JFON had two naturalization clinics in November and December processing about 24 individuals who will become citizens. We held a clinic on Jan. 17 and will hold one on February 14th. Praise be to God!

On February 7th, there will be a fundraiser at Grand Rapids First UMC celebrating 10 years of JFON ministry there. The bishop and district superinten-dent will be there. There will be ethnic foods, enter-tainment, and a silent auction. For more information contact Mary De Ridder deriddermd@juno.com or Sally Garrett fuzzy_garrett@hotmail.com .

The service group for February is Shalom Circle

February 6, Executive Board @ 6:30

12, Hope Circle Meeting at noon

13, Shalom Circle at 10:00

Joy Circle at 1:00

All women of the church are invited to attend any of the circles. Hope Circle will be putting together Birth-ing Kits for Third World Countries and then sending them to New York for distribution to our missionaries. Joy Circle is working on personal hygiene kits for school girls in Kenya. The women interested in cutting, sewing, ironing, or donating bright colored pattern cotton, or cotton flannel either bright patterns or plain, may call Roma Van Harn for details at 399-0569.

Save March 21 for the Intergenerational Family Night. "The Pippen Puppets" will be coming from Lavonia Michigan for the delightful, fun program. We will again have our "Make you own Sundae" More details will be in the March Focus.

Thank you for all the gifts you have given in 2013! Our income for the year was $541,464 with another $12,621 from a health insurance rebate (ACA), totaling $554,087. Our expenses totaled $558,788.

The 10th St. House commercial loan is down to $8895.

The Capital Reserve balance is $77,392 ($12,500 will be used to repair the stained glass windows in Fellowship Hall). Our ministry shares were paid 100% and all of our invoices for expenses were paid.

Liz adds: Thank you for letting me serve you the last 27 years as your treasurer/financial secretary. I have enjoyed working with and for you as a congregation.

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

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2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28

February 2014 Schedule of Events

February 10 Endowment Team 7:00 PM

February 11 Staff Parish 7:30 PM

February 13 Trustees 7:00 PM

February 18 Finance 7:00 PM

February 20 Stephen Supervision 7:00 PM

February 20 Renovation Team 7:00 PM

February 25 Church Council 7:00 PM

Each week:

Tuesday noon: Senior Meal

Youth Ministry LuAnne Stanley Hook, Director (ext. 108)

2014 is off to a great start with the youth of FUMC! January saw us “locking in” together at the church, making care packages for our college freshmen, and learning a lot together. We have kicked off our $10 for 10 campaign and appreciate those who have already contributed to this fund for youth mission trips and camp scholarships for our children and youth. Mark your calendars for our $10 for 10 Appreciation Dinner after second service on March 16.

Meeting Schedule for February:

Sunday, February 2, SUPER BOWL PARTY at the Hook House at 6618 Butternut Drive in West Ol-ive. Call if you need directions. Arrive at around 6:00 p.m. to get your munchies and get ready for kickoff at 6:25 p.m. Please bring an appetizer and 2 liter of pop to share. Middle schoolers may stay until half-time and high schoolers, until the game is over or you need to leave.

Sunday, February 9, Youth Group, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 16, Youth Group, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 23, ALL-CHURCH CHILI COOK-OFF AND DECADENT DESSERT BAKEOFF! Come and help us provide an evening of food, fun and fellowship for our congregation. We'll need help setting up, working the event and cleaning up, so be prepared to come early and stay late. Bring a crock pot of chili or

a decadent dessert to enter as well, if you like! The event will officially start at 5:00 and end at 7:30.

Sunday, March 2 is YOUTH SUNDAY, so all youth please be prepared to participate in some way if you can!

ATTENTION, ALL CHILI CHEFS AND CONFECTION CREATORS!

On Sunday, February 23, the FUMC Youth will host an All-Church Chili Cook-off and Decadent Dessert Bake-off at 5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. In order to sign up to bring a crockpot of your favorite chili or a decadent dessert, please contact LuAnne Stanley Hook, either by phone (396-5205, ext.108) or email (lstanleyhook@fumcholland.org) or sign up on the youth bulletin board near either church entrance. Contest rules will be posted on the youth bulletin boards as well, so please take a sheet. We are looking for ANY kind of chili: red, white, vegetarian, Texas, Cincinnati, etc., and ANY kind of desserts, including cakes, pies, bars, can-dies, etc. Prizes will be given to make it more fun and competitive.

Please come and join us, even if you don’t bring an item for the contest. We need lots of folks to judge the samples and vote on your favorites. A hot dog supper will be provided as well, in order to supplement the bowls of chili. A freewill offering basket will be available if you would like to help defray our costs.

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February 2 “Creation Care: Hope” Isaiah 40:13; Luke 10:27 The Lord’s Supper Series: Toward Vitality February 9 “A Church in the Life Saving Business” Mark 4: 35-41 February 16 “Communicating As Jesus Taught Us” Matthew 18 February 23 “Real Life Evangelism” Hebrews 13:2, Matthew 22: 8-9

Worship Topics for February Sunday Morning 8:30 and 10:45

Pastor Lynn Pier-Fitzgerald, preaching

Visit us online at

www.fumcholland.org

57 W. 10th St.

Holland MI 49423

Return Service Requested

FI RST UNIT ED MET HODI ST CHURCH

Phone: 616-396-5205

February 2014

Pastor Rev. J. Lynn Pier-Fitzgerald

Phone: 616-393-6242

Nonprofit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Holland, MI

Permit No. 445