May 2015

HERE I AM, LORD, SEND MEmissions ministry

HERE I AM, LORD, SEND ME

For more information on the Garden Tour, please contact Jay Shell at 248-647-6050

Upcoming EventsCooking with Cass, DetroitJune 13, July 18, August 8

Henderson Settlement Mission Trip June 21-27

Spirit Journey Mission TripJune 26-28Birmingham in the Garden TourJuly 11

Focus: HopeJuly 11

Student Ministries Costa Rica Mission TripJuly 17-24

4th & 5th Grade Local Mission TripsJuly 21-23

South Oakland ShelterAugust 9-16

StreeThreads at Haven, PontiacJune 8, July 13, August 10

StreeThreads at Central UMCAugust 24

Brightmoor Free StoreSaturday’s Weekly

Don’t miss the 4th annual “Birmingham In The Garden” self-paced garden tour on Saturday, July 11, 2015 from 9am – 4pm. The Garden tour promises to be a celebration of summer beauty at its best.

Tickets are $10 per person in advance. Tickets may be purchased the day of the tour for $15 per person. Proceeds from the tour are used to aid student international mission participation. You can purchase tickets online at www.fumcbirmingham.org. Look for the “Birmingham In The Garden” logo on the home page.

Art & Soul Studio Celebrates 5 Years!Art & Soul

Art & Soul participants have been busy since the first of the new year in preparation for a gala fifth anniversary celebration gallery and sale event. In February, artist Charles Lee was our capable Mission Moment speaker, informing the congregation of upcoming events at the studio

and sharing some of his personal experiences within the mission. At the studio, other artists were busy creating Bowls of Hope for FUMC and for Central UMC.

An exciting series, Art with The Masters, was launched. This project, led by volunteer Francine Grace, aims at introducing the participants to different kinds of artists, their work and their backgrounds, including their struggles and successes.

The first artist presented was Andy Warhol. The A&S artists learned from “Pop Art” personalities, self portraits and pop-up prints, all in the manner of Warhol. An entertaining highlight was the creation of two dimensional ceramic shoes that were glazed and fired. Super original and handsome!

By Shirley Klipfel

Second, Vincent Van Gogh came into being in the eyes of the A&S artists with their own versions of Van Gogh’s “Starry Nights” using the Detroit skyline. Van Gogh painted many sunflowers in many forms. A&S came up with their own ceramic sunflowers, as well.

The third artist represented in their study was Claude Monet. Works of art in the manner of Monet were done with acrylics on canvas. It was learned that Monet was the creator of flat brush painting and the resulting paintings done in the studio were of Central UMC in that manner.

April 16th was the big day for a big celebration of Art & Soul’s use of the studio. The A&S ministry actually

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For more information or to participate in our Art & Soul ministry, please contact Susan Greenhalgh at sbgreenhalgh@gmail.com

“It was a happy day for everyone and we knew that God was there with us.”

began six years ago, but the studio has been open for five. More than 100 people attended the gallery reception in the gym at Central UMC. They were able to enjoy refreshments and view the work of 14 artists that was pridefully exhibited and sold. Their work earned $1600, and 80% of the earnings went directly back to the artists. It was a happy day for everyone and we knew that God was there with us.

Before the program closes for the summer, there will be two trips for the A&S group. They will visit the O.A.T.S. Horse Facility in Clarkston (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles) and the DIA for the Diego/Frida Exhibit. They will also tour the museum, looking

especially for the work of artists they have been studying.

As we close the studio for the summer, we can only look back on the year with wonder and awe at God’s goodness to us all. With His help, the leaders and the participants of the A&S Mission work together to create, through self-expression, a climate of dignity, pride and purpose to those in need in Detroit.

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Always More To Do

I am always astonished upon return from a Haiti mission trip that I’m not immediately filled with joy and contentment. Rather, I’m preoccupied by recurring thoughts of “should’ve done more”, “could’ve done that” or “I wish I had one more day or one more dollar.” I suppose the utter breadth of needs in this country feed such feelings of inadequacy. But with the passage of time, the recapping of stories and the jotting down of trip summaries such as this—those shortfall moments fade and usually motivate plans for next year. I have faith the cycle once again holds true.

John and I were the Haiti VIM team this year…. small in number but

By Nancy Smith

mighty in dedication. We prefer to be an eight-member team (perfect for Haiti), but scheduling conflicts halted the inclusion of other members we normally counted on.

So, what did we accomplish this year? To start, we carried almost 400 pounds of donated goods: medicine ($2500 value donated from St. John’s Hospital System’s wholesaler); dresses and baby blankets from our seamstresses and my teenage angel, Erica Schwegman (who collected stylish skirts and athletic shorts for the older children); fluoride varnish and toothbrushes for dental care; diabetic glucometers, nursing BP cuffs, thermometers, bandage scissors and non-sterile gloves for newly graduated nursing students; new clothes and rubber sandals for the elderly at Good Sam; fashionable reading

Haitiglasses; old iPhones, a Chromebook and projector for the new school building in Chiraque; and a healthy supply of colostomy gear and special items for a burn patient—from a last minute appeal to our Parish Nurses. I can’t thank everyone enough for all you donated, large or small, items or dollars.

Our projects centered on these donations. Medicines were distributed in a number of ways. First, to St. Antoine hospital in Jeremie and specifically to patients who have no ability to pay. The medical system in Haiti has no possibility for indigent care as we know it. You may be admitted to the hospital because you need care, but if you cannot pay for medicine, supplies and food, you are only given a bed until help comes your way. Enter in FUMC! We received the

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Always More To Do

list of patients needs, and filled as many as possible. It was also here that many of the baby blankets were distributed. To touch a life with this simple offering is hard to explain. Babies suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, malaria and HIV—all received the gift of warmth and love. Second, we gave medicines to our long-time Haitian doctor/partner who is now setting up his own private practice. He has always practiced charity care, and now with medicine, he can further his outreach. Third, we provided medicine for the clients at Good Samaritan elderly home—indigent care for certain. Last, we provided medicines at our adoptive village of Chiraque by way of a mobile medical clinic.

Our two days in Chiraque were the best ever. We can see improvement.

Our two-room school building is almost complete. The masons were putting the finishing touches on the building and soon it will be ready

for the roof, paint, wood doors, and student desks. The teachers and students are excited and SO ready to get out of the elements, whether heat or pouring rain.

We labeled day one as “Dental.” With the help of a Haitian dentist, a somewhat sterile area and a wood chair propped against a tree, a rustic setting for tooth extractions was created. 35 adults had teeth removed and another 15 or so had other treatments (cleaning, simple composite fillings). For 5 non-stop hours the dentist worked, bound and determined to help any patient who needed it. In the meantime, the church was transformed with the constant flow of school children receiving tooth brushing instructions and a fluoride varnish treatment. 180 kids were treated and only one set of tears!

Day two was “Medical.” Dr. Marx, our Haitian physician friend accompanied us along with recently graduated nurses. This was a wonderful experience as these nurses finished their studies with funds from one of John’s Board colleagues. Now, as they look for work they asked to be part of our team to learn community nursing…and learn they did! One gal became part of my triage team

Story continued on page 6.

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and the other helped with medicine distribution following Dr. Marx’s treatment protocol. From 9 am to 6 pm we worked nonstop because the entire village came with their families, and they kept coming. As long as they were willing to wait, we were willing to work. The entire village was de-wormed (a common need and practice in Haiti considering the condition of drinking water). We ran out of one medicine—infant amoxicillin liquid—but with pocket money, a cell phone and a friend with a Chinese-brand motorbike, a pharmacy run was organized and amoxicillin stocks replenished.

Mobile Medical requires much organization—but offers much to giver

and receiver. Everything you might need must be taken up a mountain that same day….once. What I’ve learned from this experience is that you can never have enough TUMS. Everyone in Haiti has acid reflux—not because of what they eat, but rather because they don’t have food. I also can never have enough vitamin B complex and C—it is that malnutrition once again. I can never have enough infant and children’s Tylenol—there is nothing worse than kids with fever and nothing to give them. I can never have enough non-sterile gloves—even the customs agent at the airport sheepishly asked me for gloves for her use as she examined our bags. Yes, I found her some and yes, she let us through!

Always More To Do Continued from page 5.

By Nancy SmithHaiti

We also found time to educate our Haitian friends—a new Chromebook and projector were donated to Chiraque. The simple painted walls of the new schoolroom will offer a great backdrop for projecting computer images. These kids will learn in the 21st century! A world will be open to them, one click at a time. It is hard to imagine that most do not know what an elephant is—truly they don’t. But not for long! Two teachers sat for hours intently listening to instructions about the computer and projector, and then they had hands on experience ‘playing’ with the contraption. It didn’t take long. We also hooked them up with a ‘help’ person (a real live Haitian with IT experience) that they could call upon when they get into trouble.

I also taught at the hospital—proper burn care, colostomy care and use of a defibrillator in the emergency room. I found the nurses so motivated to learn. They asked relevant, important questions and were anxious to have supplies and materials to use with these special patients. These were gratifying days for me—small group

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We had a great turn out at our May 2nd Cass Family Work Day with 17 youth and 14 adults. Karla and Mark Bole also had around 12 adults helping out as well. We pulled weeds, spread mulch, picked up trash, planted flowers, filled in parking lot potholes and accomplished other various gardening and landscaping tasks.

Always More To Do Continued from page 5. Great FunCass

For more information on Haiti, please contact Nancy and John Smith at 810-678-3327

learning, large problems, and yet goals accomplished.

Is there more to do? Always. More supplies, more instruction, and more funding to do both. But I thank God for giving me the chance to give back, to be the hands and feet of all those

donors and yes, I feel better…….

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Sister CongregationsCosta RicaFUMC Birmingham is involved with two large construction projects in Costa Rica. In February, we divided our time and spent one week at each site. At Mansiones, we assisted in the construction of the last building at the Faro del Este Methodist Church. FUMC Birmingham provided the funds to erect the church in 2003-2004. We returned a few years later to help build the fellowship hall. After both of these buildings were completed, there was just enough space to build a parsonage. Several U.S. churches are assisting with this project and hopefully it will be completed within the next two years.

The structure will serve two purposes, a parsonage on the second floor and classrooms on the first floor. In February, our team laid block, applied stucco to the walls and painted the interior of the church. We also were able to renew old friendships and begin new ones by presenting a women’s program and giving a Sunday School lesson to the children.

The pastor of the Faro del Este church, Pastor Jorge Granados, visited Birmingham in January and he is very excited about his church being a “sister congregation” with ours. Pastor Jorge ordered mugs to celebrate our congregation’s relationship with theirs. We will be sending our first youth team to Mansiones this summer to work on the parsonage and also spend time with the youth of Faro del Este. A book about the stain glass windows of both churches is for sale in the bookstore.

“A FATHER TO THE FATHERLESS – A MOTHER TO THE MOTHERLESS”

Since 2009, FUMC Birmingham has also been involved in constructing two of the orphanage houses at the Costa Rica Methodist Children’s Home. Casa Esperanza and Casa Fe are at full capacity with 23 children living in

the houses. This year, our team spent one week helping to raise the walls for the multi-purpose building. This structure will house classrooms and a gymnasium and will serve as the Methodist Church of Coronado.

Heartfelt thanks to all the individuals and committees at our church who made donations to the Home this year. We recently started a Guardian Angel project for the Home. The monies raised from the Unfinished Christian Women’s pie sales, Fantasy Football and the Guardian Angels this year helped to cover one month’s expenses at the Home, which includes everything from wages to diapers.

Both of the projects have gone through the difficult beginning stage and are now prospering. In addition to the Costa Rica Methodist Home being

By Ann Littleton

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at full capacity, the Faro del Este congregation has grown to 185 members and has an active youth group and adult choir.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The Faro del Este church is now raising funds to complete renovations to the bathrooms before our youth arrive. If you would like to donate to this project, please make checks out to FUMC Birmingham with the notation “Costa Rica Church.”

Now that the Costa Rica Methodist Children’s Home is at full capacity, there is a need to purchase a coaster bus to allow them to transport all the children to church and to the Methodist School. This bus could

then be used to transport the U.S. teams working at the site.

The Home is in the process of establishing an endowment. Small and large donations are appreciated. A business man from Texas is in charge of building the endowment and hopes to raise enough funds to make the Home self-supporting by 2020. A nine year old girl from Georgia asked her family and friends to make a donation to the Home rather than buy her birthday presents. She raised $600.

If you would like to donate to the Home, please make checks payable to FUMC Birmingham with the notation “Costa Rica Children’s Home.”

For more information on Costa Rica, please contact Ann Littleton at 248-723-1929

“Sacred Windows - Sister Congregations”

Learn about our beautiful stained glass windows at FUMC and in Costa Rica. Purchase your copy in the bookstore. Proceeds benefit the Faro del Este Methodist Church.

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Connecting with Brightmoor Residents

“How can we connect with residents of Brightmoor?” “How do we build community and develop relationships with people in the neighborhood?” “What needs do people have?” After

many brainstorming sessions, the Brightmoor Initiative Free Store opened in January 2014 in an attempt to answer these questions.

Today, the Store is open every Saturday from 10 A.M. until 1 P.M. Shoppers come for gently-used clothing, household and personal care items not covered by Bridge cards, furniture and appliances. All items are free. In addition, a lunch is served every week. The store is staffed by a manager and volunteers, most of whom live in the community. Because of the friendly atmosphere in the store, we are beginning to develop relationships.

By Jean McKeehan

Kelly says, “Being able to get items for my family has relieved a lot of stress for me.” Dakota says with a smile, “Hi. Nice seeing you again.” Rhonda, a regular volunteer says, “I want to give

back to God.” She helps with check-out every Saturday. As a result of these contacts with Brightmoor neighbors, we are learning of other needs—

Brightmoorhome repairs (3 houses repaired last summer), the Director helping residents apply online for jobs, working with landlords. However, not only are we helping our Brightmoor neighbors, but our neighbors are beginning to donate extra food items, clothing, and toys to the Free Store. Giving back and helping others is a sure sign that Brightmoor Initiative is on the path toward establishing a positive influence in the neighborhood. Recently, a parking lot full of cars on a Saturday morning says that the church at W. Outer Drive and Acacia is the place to be! Since its inception, The Free Store has helped over 700 shoppers. A success? Yes, but it’s only the beginning!

For more information on Brightmoor, please contact Mary Pickett at DetroitBrightmoor@gmail.com

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Connecting with Brightmoor Residents

For more information on Spirit Journey, please contact Laura Dickerson at 248-539-1925

Grooming LeadersSpirit Journey

As of January 2015, Spirit Journey has held academic support and basketball conditioning 4 days a week. Ten tribal students were selected, due to their commitment and participation to these activities on a regular basis, to take a trip to Louisville, KY, to support our sister, Jude Schimmel. It was her senior night and last home basketball game. It was also Native American night. Natives from all over the country came to support Jude as we had the year before to support her sister, Shonni.

We have been following the young ladies and met them last year at a game in Indiana. We have been blessed to have such inspirational Native leaders setting the example. Spirit Journey displays what the Schimmel sisters have accomplished and how they have inspired not only Natives in Indian Country, but non Natives as well.

The experience when Jude spoke to the arena thanking all who had come to support her and how she is going to continue to work hard to be the best for her family, people and creator, was awesome!!!!!!! You could see that all of Louisville were Schimmel fans because they are amazing women!!

I wanted the kids to recognize that they themselves have the talents, abilities and personalities to become inspirational leaders. Everyone dreams of hitting that game winning shot or throwing that touchdown pass to win.

By Brandon Smith

We will do that in life by becoming those leaders who change lives and create a healthy future.

It was an amazing experience for the kids to meet the Schimmels again and say thank you for all they do for our people!!!!

Shonni also was the 2014 WNBA All Star MVP; the first to ever do that as a rookie! She was also in the men’s NBA celebrity all star game. These girls are the real deal not because they are Native, but amazing Native women— followers of Our Gracious GOD. That is what our kids need to learn. We will get there.

Thank you FUMC for all that you do! We are battling up here and all the support we can receive is greatly appreciated. We are going to get there!!! And then some.

“These girls are the real deal not because they are Native, but amazing Native women followers —of our gracious GOD. That is what our kids need to learn. We will get there.”

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Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said,

“Here I Am, Lord... Send Me”

Our Purpose: To gather, nurture and equip disciples of Christ for ministry and mission in the world.

1589 West Maple RoadBirmingham, MI 48009

248.646.1200fumcbirmingham.org

Missions Ministries, Co-LeadersJohn and Nancy Smith, 810.678.3327Laura Dickerson, 248.539.1925

For more information on any of our Missions Ministries, please contact:

Bev Richardson, Missions Coordinatorbrichardson@fumcbirmingham.org248-646-1200 ext. 3156

The projects in this newsletter and many more are supported by your generous contributions to the Partners in Mission fund. Please consider making a donation today by filling out a deposit envelope at church or going to our website and choosing Partners in Mission.

Our Missions Ministry equips disciples of Christ to share God’s love through gifts and service, creating hope and sustainable opportunities for those in need.

Plans are under way for a Volunteers in Mission trip to McCurdy School in New Mexico. The focus of our mission trip will be offering christian education to both the Preschool program and the After School Care program. We also have a desire to make this trip a truly spiritual retreat for all participants and plan to include a visit to The Monastery of Christ in the Desert and Ghost Ranch.

McCurdy School MinistryVolunteers in Mission Trip May 2016

For more information on McCurdy School Ministry, please contact Mary Engelhardt 734-663-0604 or Donna Sutton 248-545-1752.