28

HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER

Sundays 08:00 AM Prayer Service 12:00 PM Worship 12:15 PM Sunday School 01:15 PM Fellowship Hour 1st Sunday—Congregational Conversation 2nd Sunday—Potluck 3rd Sunday—Hospitality Hour with Pilgrim 4th Sunday—Fellowship Hour 5th Sunday—Birthday Sunday

Mondays Church Office Closed

05:30 PM We Came to Believe (NA)

Tuesdays Church Office Closed

05:30 PM Board of Trustees (3rd Tuesday) September 18

Wednesdays 10:00 AM Mission Meal (3rd Wednesday) September 19 12:00 PM Adult Formation 10:00 AM Clothing Closet (2nd & 4th Wednesdays) Sept. 12 & 26 01:30 PM Board of Lay Ministry (2nd Wednesday) Sept. 12

Thursdays 05:00 PM Board of Christian Outreach (2nd Thursday) Sept. 13

(Board of Deacons day and time starting in September to be determined.)

______________________________________________________

SPECIAL DATES

Monday, September 3, 2018 9:30 AM—Labor Day Breakfast

Friday, September 7 & 21, 2018 11:30 AM–Mobile Farmers Market

Friday, September 7, 2018 6:00 PM—Family Fun Night

Sunday, September 9, 2018 12:00 PM—Rally Day

Wednesday, September 12, 2018 12:00 PM—Adult Formation

Saturday, September 15, 2018 5:00 PM – Pilgrim’s 125th Anniv.

Sunday September 16, 2018 Joint Worship Service Sunday September 16, 2018 Hospitality Hour with Pilgrim

1

OUR CHURCH LIFE

___________________________________________________________ Newsletter of Plymouth Congregational Church August 2018 125 S. Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912 (517) 484-9495 Vol. 104 Edition #8

We are Christ’s People Who will live within our means as we

Study and Teach the Good News Preach the Good News

Be the Good News To each other and all others.

The Good Lord Willing, Leading, and Assisting.

OUR CHURCH LIFE

September Articles Due August 28, 2018 Publish August 30, 2018

Website: www.plymouthchurch-lansing.org Email: secretary@plymouthlansing.org Pastoral Emergency: (517) 512-8018

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD. (Ps. 130:1)

2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Sunday, August 5, 2018 .............................. 3 Christian Outreach .......................... 18

Sunday, August 12, 2018 ........................... 4 Board of Trustees ........................... 19

Sunday, August 19, 2018 ........................... 5 Deacons Team .................................. 20

Sunday, August 26, 2018 ........................... 6 Board of Lay Ministry ..................... 21

Sunday Servants .......................................... 7 Congregationalists First #2 ...... 22-23

Plymouth Summer Workshop #3 ........... 7 Anniversaries..................................... 24

Pastor’s Message ......................................8-9 Rally Day............................................ 25

Great Michigan Read ................................ 10 Free Meals ......................................... 25

Lansing Mobile Farmers Market ............ 10 August Birthdays .............................. 26

Pilgrim / Plymouth Breakfast ................. 10 Office Hours ..................................... 26

Thank You ................................................. 10 Scraps to Soil..................................... 26

Adult Formation ....................................... 11 Pastor’s Hours .................................. 26

Family Ministries ....................................... 11 Pastor Bob’s Information ............... 26

Hey Kids ..................................................... 12 Memorials Scholarship Fund ......... 26

Neighborhood Night Out ..................... 13 Remember in Prayer ........................ 27

August Calendar .................................. 14-15 What’s Happening in Sept. ............. 28

VBS Thank You .................................. 16-17

PASTORAL STAFF _________________________________________________________________

The Rev. Robert A. Higle, Senior Minister Kathy Farnum, Licensed Minister

Betty Briggs, Lay Minister Daun Ketcheson, Lay Minister in Training

Administrative Staff

The Rev. Robert A. Higle, Senior Minister

Kathy Farnum, Licensed Minister Stephanie Gewirtz, Minister of Music

Charles Gabler, Director of Bell Choir Betty Briggs, Director of Family Ministries

Susan Cady, Chair of Deacons Joan Chandler, Administrative Assistant

Ronald Silky, Sexton Kliff Nhengu, Assistant Sexton

27

REMEMBER IN PRAYER OUR PLYMOUTH CHURCH FAMILY

LINDA CLEAVELAND Vista Springs Edgewood, Apt. 111, 200 W. Edgewood Blvd, Lansing 48911

JOHN CROCKER Bickford Sr. Living, Room #407, 3830 Okemos Rd, Okemos 48864

DARWIN DUDLEY Blossom Hill Care Ctr, 12496 Princeton Rd, #48, Huntsburg, OH 44046

VIRGINIA GRIFFITHS Clare Bridge of Delta, 7235 Delta Commerce Dr., Lansing, 48917

MARILYN HASTINGS Grand Haven Manor, 3215 W. Mt. Hope Ave., Unit N, Lansing 48911

BETTY HAWKINS Medical Care Facility & Rehabilitation, Room #167

3860 Dobie Rd, Okemos, MI 48864

BUNNY MCCOMB 11555 Silverstone Ln, Apt. 10, Grand Ledge, MI 48837

BETTY MORTLAND Brookdale Meridian, 5346 Marsh Rd., Apt. D9, Haslett, MI 48840

DOROTHY RICE c/o David Rice, 4230 Del Monte Ave., San Diego, CA 92107-3644

JOYCE SCHROEDER Timber Ridge Senior Assisted Living, 16260 Park Lake Rd., E.L. 48823

DON SMITH Sparrow Hospital, Rm. 633, 1215 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing MI 48912

HOME

Norma Chamberlin David and Marie DeVries

Betty Dunn Margaretta Freburg

Yvonne Groak Lloyd Hall, Jr.

Bruce Kushion Barbara Stuart

OTHER MILITARY SERVICE

John Chain, Jr. (Grandson of Lois Chain) Coast Guard Sgt. Henry D. Reinewald, (Son of Henry Reinewald) Marine Corps

Jordan Wilson (Grandson of Marjorie Cook) Air Force

26

PASTOR’S HOURS

Sundays 10:00 AM—4:00 PM Wed. & Thurs.: 8:00 AM—7:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM—5:00 PM

OFFICE HOURS

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 AM—12:00 PM 1:00 PM—5:00 PM

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

August 1 Karan Rai

August 6 Marjorie Cook

August 7 Fred Miller

August 8 Alya Yahya

August 11 Mary Beth Graebert

August 11 Katie Jackson

August 12 Sue Baldwin

August 14 Tony Fisher

August 17 Gretta Delaney

August 20 Barbara Stuart

August 22 Hannah Hall

August 22 Rex Sessions

August 24 Jim DeLine

August 29 Jackie Stebbins

August 30 Catherine Hawkins

PASTOR BOB HIGLE 409 Farmstead Ln, Lansing 48917

Church Office: 517-484-9495 Cell Phone: 517-512-8018

Email: pastor@plymouthlansing.org

The Allen Neighborhood

Center is one of several sites par-

ticipating in “Scraps to Soil” pro-

gram this summer recycling table

scraps. Pilgrim / Plymouth are

supporting this program by sav-

ing coffee grounds and tea bags

and then taking them to the

green bin at the entrance of the

parking lot of the Farmers Mar-

ket each Wednesday.

PLYMOUTH MEMORIALS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Scholarship forms are due in the Church office by August 15.

3

AUGUST 5, 2018 AT 12:00 NOON ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

INTRODUCTION Apparently not satisfied by Jesus' feed-ing of thousands, some who were there press him for a sign of his power; per-haps it is daily manna they want. As always in John's gospel when people want a sign, Jesus offers himself. He is the bread come from heaven to give life to the world. He calls us to come to him and believe in him, and through

that relationship to know the one who sent him. FIRST READING: 2 Samuel 11:26—12:13a God sends the prophet Nathan to rebuke King David for his abuse of power in taking Bathsheba and killing her husband, Uriah. Confronted with his sin, David repents. This sin, however, marks the beginning of troubled times in David's family. PSALM: Psalm 51:1-12 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. (Ps. 51:1) SECOND READING: Ephesians 4:1-16 Christians share fundamental unity and diversity. Our unity consists in the one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. Our diversity is expressed in various forms of ministry, whose goal is equipping the saints and building up Christ's one body. GOSPEL: John 6:24-35 Many of the five thousand people Jesus fed in the wilderness continued to follow him throughout the countryside. Jesus challenges them to consider the real nature of their quest. Mission Project: Greater Lansing Food Bank Sermon: But I Want More! Fellowship Hour: Congregational Conversation

4

AUGUST 12, 2018 AT 12:00 NOON TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

INTRODUCTION

Jesus says that the bread he gives for the life of the world is his flesh, and whoever eats this bread has eternal life now and will be raised on the last day. In Ephe-sians Paul tells us what this life Jesus gives us looks like, this life we live as those marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit in baptism. We live in love, as Christ loved

us and gave himself up for us. The whole purpose of life is giving yourself for the other. FIRST READING: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 This reading describes some of the troubles in King David's family. His son Absa-lom has amassed an army and seized David's throne. Those loyal to David fight Absalom's forces and defeat them. David himself is chiefly concerned about the well-being of his son, even though that son has betrayed him. PSALM: Psalm 130 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD. (Ps. 130:1) SECOND READING: Ephesians 4:25—5:2 Christians are called to be imitators of God. This does not mean Christians are perfect. Rather, the Spirit is at work in our lives so that our actions and attitudes genuinely reflect the love and forgiveness we have received through Christ and his death. GOSPEL: John 6:35, 41-51 After feeding more than five thousand people in the wilderness, Jesus teaches them regarding the true significance of this remarkable sign. Mission Project: White T’s & Socks for City Rescue Mission Sermon: Reflecting God Fellowship Hour: Monthly Potluck

25

Mark your calendars as our Rally Day activities will begin on Friday, September 7 with a Family Fun Night and continue through to Sunday, September 9 as we gather around our Lord’s Table. Later in the week, we will have a special Adult Formation at noon on Wednesday, September 12. We will conclude our Rally Day festivities on Saturday, September 15 with the people of Pilgrim. Pil-grim’s 125th committee has planned a program featuring two minis-terial guest speakers, Roger Pancost of Midland UCC, and Melvin Jones of Union Missionary Baptist Church concluding with a potluck meal all beginning at 5 PM. The program is titled "Embracing the Future: In touch with God … taking Action … Being the Church." We are invited to join with them.

FREE MEALS St. Casimir - 2nd Sunday of every month, 2 – 3pm St. Casimir Catholic Church, 800 W. Barnes This is open to everyone for a good hot dinner each month. Immaculate Heart of Mary's Soup Kitchen 3rd Sunday of each month, 2-3pm Immaculate Heart of Mary, 3815 S. Cedar Street Southside Community Kitchen free meal for all in need. Monday-Thursday, from 11:30am - 12:15pm at Casmir's Holy Family Center, 800 W. Barnes Tuesday and Thursday, from 11:30 am - 12:15 pm at Galilee Baptist Church, 2511 Reo Rd St. Luke Lutheran Church-Christ Campus Soup Kitchen – 122 S. Penn-sylvania Ave. Saturdays, 11:30am-12:30pm. Salvation Army: Citadel Corps at 525 N. Pennsylvania: lunch on Monday & Fridays/Noon – 12:45pm; Wednesday – Breakfast/8:45-9:30am South Corps/701 W. Jolly serves lunch on Monday & Friday/Noon – 12:45pm; Wednesday- dinner/4:30-5:30pm

24

ROY AND DAUN KETCHESON 62nd Wedding Anniversary on August 11, 2018

BILL AND SUE BALDWIN 49th Wedding Anniversary on August 16, 2018

BILL AND PHYLLIS TOMLINSON 64th Wedding Anniversary on August 21, 2018

DAVE AND MARIE DEVRIES 67th Wedding Anniversary on August 22, 2018

TOM AND MARCIA CORNELL 43rd Wedding Anniversary on August 23, 2018

STEVEN PARKER AND JENNIFER LOVE HALL 5th Wedding Anniversary on August 24, 2018

CLINT AND BETTY DUNN 64th Wedding Anniversary on August 26, 2018

FRED AND BEV MILLER 54th Wedding Anniversary on August 29, 2018

STAN AND MARGARETTA FREBURG 59th Wedding Anniversary on September 19, 2018

5

AUGUST 19, 2018 COMBINED WORSHIP AT 11:00 AM

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

INTRODUCTION Wisdom prepares a feast, sets her table, and invites all to come and eat her bread and drink her wine. The first chapter of John's gospel owes much to the biblical tradi-tion that imagined Wisdom as existing before anything was created and having a role in the work of creation. Christ, the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24), today invites us to eat his flesh and drink his blood. John's gospel

includes no account of the institution of the Lord's supper, but here we can't help hearing Jesus' words as an invitation to the meal of bread and wine we share. FIRST READING: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Solomon, son of David and Bathsheba, becomes king over Israel when his father dies. He asks the Lord for wisdom in order to govern the people. The Lord grants his request, and Solomon becomes known far and wide for his great wisdom. PSALM: Psalm 111 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. (Ps. 111:10) SECOND READING: Ephesians 5:15-20 True wisdom integrates our new reality in Christ with our Christian fellowship and daily conduct. Because we are filled with the Spirit, Christians regularly rejoice together, give thanks to God for one another, and care for one another. In this way we revere our Lord Jesus Christ. GOSPEL: John 6:51-58 In John's gospel, the feeding of the five thousand leads to extended teaching in which Jesus identifies himself as the true "bread of life." Finally, in these verses, he makes a connection that would not be understood until after his death, in light of the church's celebration of holy communion. Mission Project: Greater Lansing Food Bank Sermon: Manna Became Man Fellowship Hour: Simple Coffee Hour

6

AUGUST 26, 2018 AT 12:00 NOON FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

INTRODUCTION In today's gospel many people take offense at Jesus' invitation to eat his flesh and drink his blood; even many of Jesus' disciples peel off. This is the back-drop in John's gospel for Peter's confession of faith. "To whom can we go?" asks Peter, in words we

sometimes sing just before the gospel is read. "You have the words of eternal life." In order to take such a stand, as Peter and Joshua did, Paul tells us to arm ourselves with the word of God. We pray in the Spirit

that we might be bold ambassadors of the gospel.

FIRST READING: 1 Kings 8:22-30, 41-43 Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem and put the ark of the covenant there. This passage includes part of the prayer Solomon prays at the dedication of the temple. He prays for the fulfillment of God's promises to David and for God to hear the prayers of all the faithful.

PSALM: Psalm 84 How dear to me is your dwelling, O LORD. (Ps. 84:1)

SECOND READING: Ephesians 6:10-20 Like a general giving a rousing speech to troops before battle, this letter closes by calling on Christians to be equipped for spiritual warfare against evil. The full ar-mor of God includes truth, righteousness, peace, faith, the gift of salvation, and the word of God inspired by the Spirit.

GOSPEL: John 6:56-59 The "hard saying" that offends Jesus' disciples is his claim that his followers must eat his flesh and drink his blood. The followers who return to their old lives know something about how odd this sounds. Simon Peter, on the other hand, knows something about the scarcity of living, gracious words. He asks the most important question: "To whom shall we go?"

Mission Project: Personal Needs

Sermon: To Whom Shall We Go?

Fellowship Hour: Birthday Sunday

23

1798: Christians seek liberty of conscience

Dissident preacher James O’Kelley is one of the

early founders of a religious movement called

simply the “Christians.” His aim is to restore the

simplicity of the original Christian community.

The Christians seek liberty of conscience and

oppose authoritarian church government.

In 1806, Mission Work Begins.

Five Williams College undergraduates felt a call-

ing to dedicate their lives to foreign mission. This

resulted in the establishment of the American

Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions

(ABCFM). In 1812, the Board sent out America’s

first foreign missionaries to Bombay. Today, the

United Church of Christ has 100 missionaries

around the world. In 1812, the Board sends first missionaries to Near

East, including Turkey and Palestine then to the Sandwich Islands. In

1821, ‘The Missionary Herald’, the Board’s magazine of missionary

reports is established.

1807: First Protestant Seminary Congre-

gationalists organize Andover Theological

Seminary, the first Protestant seminary

in America, which becomes a center for

religious reform. It later introduces the

critical study of scripture and church his-

tory, and offers the first challenge to conventional religious thinking in

the debate on the theory of evolution.

1817: First School for the Deaf

The Rev. Thomas Gallaudet went to Europe to learn new forms of

communicating with those without hearing. He opened the Connecti-

cut Asylum for the Education of Deaf and Dumb Persons in 1817,

supported by voluntary contributions and subsidized by the state. In

1856, the school for the deaf later named Gallaudet University opened

in Washington, D.C.

22

CONGREGATIONALISTS FIRSTS – PART 2

1630: an early experiment in Democracy The Congregational churches founded by the Pil-grims and other spiritual reformers spread rapidly through New England. In an early experiment in de-mocracy, each congregation is self-governing and elects its own ministers. The Congregationalists aim to create a model for a just society lived in the pres-ence of God. Their leader, John Winthrop, prays that

"we shall be as a city upon a hill ... the eyes of all people upon us." 1773: First African American Poet Published A young member of the Old South Congregation, Phillis Wheatley, becomes the first published African Ameri-can author. “Poems on Various Subjects” is a sensation, and Wheatley gains her freedom from slavery soon after. Modern African American poet Alice Walker says of her “[She] kept alive, in so many of our ances-tors, the notion of song.” 1777: Congregation saves the Liberty Bell

The British occupy Philadelphia—seat of the rebel-lious Continental Congress—and plan to melt down the Liberty Bell to manufacture cannons. But the Bell has disap-peared. It is safely hidden under the floorboards of Zion Reformed Church in Allentown.

1785: First Ordained African American Pastor Lemuel Haynes is the first African American ordained by a Protestant denomination in 1785. Earlier in 1776 and in the midst of the fight for liberty in which he enlists as a soldier, he writes a defense of the liberation of African American from slavery titled ‘Liberty, Further Extended.’

7

FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST

Worship Assistant August 5, 2018 ....................................... Betty Briggs

Worship Assistant August 12, 19, 26, 2018 ....................... Tom Cornell

Greeters ................................................ Lois Chain and Marian Korroch

Fellowship Hour August 5, 2018 ........... Congregational Conversation

Fellowship Hour August 12, 2018 ............................................... Potluck

Fellowship Hour Host August 19, 2018 .......................... Jen Love Hall

Fellowship Hour August 26, 2018 ................................Birthday Sunday

Flowers ....................................................... Sign-up Sheet in Parish Hall

August 5 ........................................................................................................

August 12 ......................................................................................................

August 19 ......................................................................................................

August 26 ......................................................................................................

PLYMOUTH SUMMER WORKSHOP #3

Do We Really Need a Church Council?

Wednesday August 15, 2018

6:00 PM Pizza & Beverages

6:30 PM – Workshop

8

PASTOR’S MESSAGE

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11). The prophet Jeremiah speaks and writes these words to a people in exile reassuring them that God has not abandoned them or forgotten God’s

purpose for them. All of the people were conquered and placed into exile (in 597 B.C.) by Nebuchadnezzar and it is from this understanding that the prophet writes and speaks to.

As their story unfolds, there was indeed a future and hope in God’s plans for these people, but the future and hope did not unfold quickly or immediately. In fact, no matter how much they would complain about their being exiled, the unfolding of their hope and God’s plan remained a mystery. Hope returned, and plans unfolded once their hearts changed. This occurred after many years producing the desired transformation in their lives. It would be only when they turned everything over to the Lord with all their heart that the Lord’s plan would be revealed. A plan to return and renew their identity through their relationship with the Lord, each other and the land.

Earlier this past July I asked one of the folks from Pilgrim what they were doing about a year ago. “We were cleaning, clearing out, painting rooms, making space for the people of Plymouth and we were very excited – still are!” What were we doing? Do you remember?

By the end of June 2017, we confirmed Nate Mitchell and then, we hosted our last Mobile Food Pantry for the Greater Lansing Food Bank at the beginning of July. We gathered for an annual meeting where we set aside a handful of our by-laws, set up our Transition Teams which would provide guidance for our move and then we held our first joint VBS activity with Pil-grim. Our Transition Teams was formed by three ad-hoc groups which in-cluded the belongings, moving and storage, and sales group. It was the lead-ership, tenacity, and perseverance of these three groups which would allow us to move. That work included inventorying all of our personal belongings, hiring an estate/auction consultant, and begin sifting, sorting, selling, moving and storing our belongings. Our original plans to exit changed and we ad-justed.

At the same time, the buyers of our building and property ran into what would be a series of long delays and setbacks. While we remained on time and focused, their setbacks did not take them off course. Nor did they lose hope or sight of the grand plans our Grand River location could provide them. Earlier this year in May one of their strongest supporters died. This summer they suffered the loss of their lease and are now searching for a tem-porary location for their fall semester. Let us not forget the delays for final

(Continued on Page 9)

21

FROM THE BOARD OF LAY MINISTRY

As we age, and years pass, different concerns seem

to float to the surface, perhaps concerns related to

health, well-being, sleep, worry, or loneliness. These are

the events when we need to be reminded our existence is

much more than just dwelling on the adverse side of life.

Our lives have been richly filled with a tapestry of ex-

periences, many of which are wonderful – family, weddings, births,

travel, and others perhaps a bit more challenging.

Just think, we have all passed through the different life stages

such as the “terrible twos” or “troubled teens” of youth, or the

“midlife crisis” - thankful we no longer have to relive those moments!

Now, annoying “senior moments” are cropping up and we take these

moments in stride as best we can.

A critical assignment as a Lay Minister is to support anyone ex-

periencing that adverse side of life. We may offer a visit as a pick-me-

up, send a card, or make a phone call. Many of our members who are

not classified as “Lay Ministers” do much the same work, letting their

light shine.

Our Church is blessed to have such

caring individuals who take the time to check

on a friend. That visit or phone call will bring

a freshness and continuity to the individual’s

day, and take away the loneliness or worry

they may be experiencing even for a short

time.

As we continue this cradle-to-grave existence, let us remember we

are not alone and we all live in God’s kingdom. Finding something

deeper in our daily walk such as giving thanks in all we do and helping

others, will give us that spiritual uplift needed, encouraging us to con-

tinue sharing our light!

Betty Briggs

Betty Briggs

20

FROM OUR DEACONS TEAM

Psalm 63:1-8 O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Pastor Bob shared these words at VBS: “God 1st, oth-ers 2nd, me 3rd” Others before me. I think a lot of us are good at doing that. However, how well do we really do with remembering God 1st or perhaps putting him in the equation at all? Everyday stuff comes up; sometimes something small, but perhaps an-other that is a bigger deal. I make to-do lists; some written, some in my head, and keep calendars of what needs to be done. Rarely though do I remember to make time with God part of that list. Doctor appointments, meetings, cleaning this, that, and the other, but where is God? I have been dealing with a lot—my on-going, health issues and job and health stresses for Steve, recently worrying about Dad’s health and making sure mom is ok as she deals with Dad and the rest of her busy life. I haven't always remem-bered to ask God for help in coping and trust-ing in Him. I am, however, working on it daily—sometimes minute by minute—to pray and remember that He is in charge and has the ultimate plan for all of us. The prayer below was written by Lisa Simpson Rambo. With her blessing I am sharing it here. There was a lot that spoke to me in the prayer. Hope it reaches others too.

“Jesus, I'm in awe of the love You have for me; that You would sacrifice yourself for me. What an amazing gift! I don't want to squander it or use it to indulge in sin. I'm so sorry I haven't made You my top priority. I'm sorry I have been lukewarm. I'm sorry I have chosen my family, friends, hobbies and many other things over You time and again. I need to give myself up, let go of my fleshy desires and choose You every day, but I'm not strong enough to do it on my own. I need You. I want to thirst for You, genuinely enjoy You and be brimming with love for You. I believe You are better than anything this life can offer and I want to love You more than anything or anyone on this Earth!! I want to be wholly satisfied by You - enough that I'd be willing to give up everything in order to spend eternity with You. I believe You are worth it. I want You. And when I don't, I want to want You. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit and transform me. Take all of me. I love you Jesus. Amen.”

Action Step: Genuinely seek God’s help and wisdom in all things!

Jen Love Hall

9

(Continued from Page 8) approval by our State. None of these setbacks have taken them off course. Their faith has not wavered. Their hope remains steadfast and centered. Their journey and their resiliency should remind us of the value and the need to be steadfast in our Lord.

During our time in transition, God kept opportunities made known to us. We maintained the mission work and ministry during the transition, dur-ing our exit, and during our new path. If you take pause and reflect on our last year, I trust you will see God’s hand in redirecting our energies, hopes, and direction. We have expanded our clothing closet opening now twice each month, with more hands supporting, and serving others. We have invited the Mobile Farmer’s Market to bring fresh produce to the neighborhood and by offering free clothes to the neighborhood. We continue to strengthen the bonds between ourselves and our sister congregation (Pilgrim).

We have completed our second shared VBS week with the people of Pilgrim and I am glad for the shared experiences through our service, faith, and fellowship. But there is yet more to unfold if we but let God guide us. Some refer to the month of August as the “Dog Days” referring to a lazy lull time. So, let us take this month to be centered in prayer with a focus on dis-cerning God’s plan for ourselves as we set our sights toward the coming year, strengthening our resolve to be a people of hope, full of wisdom, endowed with many gifts, rejoicing in the family we’ve been given, and full of faith. This leads us to a Bible verse we used as we closed our VBS week. The apos-tle writes to the church in Galatia: “For you are all children of God through Faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26).

Yes, we are all God’s children and as children, we are all responsible for our individual and collective journey. There are many ways and opportu-nities to serve. My question to each of you is simple “Will you respond and say YES – Here I Am?”

A couple of items worth noting about August.

Mobile Farmers Market will be in our parking lot on the first and third Fridays beginning at 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM.

Adult Formation returns this month on Wednesdays at 12 noon as we continue to explore “The Jesus Fatwah”

Combined Worship on the third Sunday of August begins at 11 AM. Hospitality hour following.

Plymouth Workshop #3 – Wednesday, August 15, at 6:30 PM— topic is “Do We Really Need a Church Council”. If you’d like to join us for a meal, we’ll be having pizza and beverages at 6:00 PM.

In the meantime: be well, do good, and know that you are loved!

Pastor Bob

10

LANSING MOBILE FARMERS MARKET

August 3 & 17, 2018- 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Parking Lot of Plymouth Congregational Church

Labor Day Monday, September 3rd—9:30am

Pilgrim/Plymouth Breakfast at

Waverly Flap Jack

RSVP through the Signup Sheet on the Pilgrim Bulletin Board or by calling our Church Office at 484-9495

Join the GREAT MICHIGAN READ

X: A Novel

By Ilyasah Shabazz with Kekla Magoon

Pilgrim / Plymouth is participating in the Great Michigan Read.

X: A Novel is about Malcolm X focusing on his life in Michigan and Lansing. Books were provided by the Michigan Humanities Council. We are reading the book throughout the summer and the NOON PROGRAM on August 8 will be a discussion on the book.

Dear Plymouth Folk, We, the Hoyt Clan, in Deland, Florida are missing you loads! I still feel your presence from the laying on of hands. Choir & Bell Choir: Again, thank you for the memor-iam. I see it and remember you every day. Women’s Fellowship: Thank you for the gift. I have put it to good use. Mom and I plan on coming to church this summer. Catherine will be job searching in Florida. Love you all, Debby

Debby Hoyt

19

BOARD OF TRUSTEES UPDATE

The Board of Trustees has been involved in several projects this spring and summer.

The following list is a summary of these projects.

Sale of the Grand River property to the Martin Luther High school – the sale is still not final-ized, and the Martin Luther High school continues to pay all the expenses of maintaining the property as well as paying Plymouth church a $10,000 penalty fee each month.

Reassignment and replacement of church financial secretary – the head of the Personnel committee led this move and work has been reassigned to the current Administrative Secretary. In addition Megan Higle has been hired as a financial consult-ant to assist in bringing the financial situation at Plymouth into compliance and achieving use of current accounting soft-ware. The Board of Trustees (BOT) approved a $25.00/hour consultation fee.

Each subcommittee of the BOT; personnel, house, finance and audit outlined a goal for the year. The overall BOT goal is “to make financial decisions that contribute to the continua-tion of Plymouth Congregational fellowship.”

Trustees will continue to count the weekly collections and complete a report during the week. A form has been devel-oped for counting the money.

The BOT authorized money (which was saved by the depar-ture of the financial secretary) to cover expenses for pulpit relief in order to comply with the Senior Minister’s contract.

Trustees completed a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportu-nities, and Threats) regarding the future of Plymouth Church as to building, buying, leasing, or staying at Pilgrim. This form was distributed at the monthly update meeting in July.

Please feel free to contact any member of the BOT: Marcia Cor-nell, Maryanna Foster, Wendy Kushion, Daun and Roy Ketcheson, Deborah Stuart and Louise Koster for questions, explanations, or sug-gestions.

Wendy Kushion

Chair, Board of Trustees

Wendy Kushion

18

GREETINGS FROM CHRISTIAN OUTREACH

Here’s what happened over the month of July all thanks to our Plymouth and Pilgrim families.

Food Bank – Many thanks to the faithful individuals who fed those in need on Communion Sunday and contributed throughout the month. Two boxes of food plus t.p. was deliv-ered to Resurrection’s drop off location.

Mission Meal –Our mission meal of scalloped potatoes and ham was collected by the Mission. Our next scheduled meal is Wednesday, Au-gust 15th.

Personal Needs Items – Delivery of two large boxes to North West-minster Presbyterian was made. A huge thank you from the Personal Needs Closet was sent to Plymouth!

Adult Clothing Closet –The Adult Clothing Closet continues to serve our Christian Services clients on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Thank you to the volunteers who help keep the Closet open for those in need!

Back Pack Drop Off – On Sunday, July 8th, we were able to distribute fourteen backpacks to our congregation along with a list of supplies needed to fill the backpacks. Filled backpacks are needed by Sunday, August 12 for delivery on Monday, August 13. Many thanks to those generous folk who chose to help students in need.

Here is what we are planning!

Thanksgiving Baskets – Researching the cost of a Thanksgiving Basket and not taking “sales” into consid-eration, the Christian Outreach Board finds the cost of a basket amounted to approximately $70 including the meat. Our Board thought an early list would be prudent for those interested in filling a basket or buying supplies early and tak-ing advantage of current sales. We will have a head start on our pur-chases and avoid the crunch as Thanksgiving nears. A grocery list is available on the Plymouth Bulletin Board for the taking.

We are SO blessed!!!!

Betty Briggs

11

WEDNESDAYS IN AUGUST BEGINNING AT 12:00 NOON

Throughout most of August we will work through the remaining chapters on “The Jesus Fatwah” taking a break to join Pilgrim as we share in the read on “X – a Novel” by the daughter of Malcolm X. Much of what passes as information about Islam is weed-like disinformation rooted in stereotype and watered by fear. In The Jesus Fatwah, Islamic and Christian scholars offer reliable information about what Muslims believe, how they live out their faith, and how we all can be about building relationships across the lines of faith.

Here are the chapters we will be covering in August.

August 1- The Jesus Fatwah on Misconceptions about Islam

August 8 – Pilgrim Read on “X” by Ilyasah Shabazz

August 15 – The Jesus Fatwah on Islam in America

August 22 – The Jesus Fatwah on Making Connections Pt. 1

August 29 – The Jesus Fatwah on Making Connections Pt. 2

FROM FAMILY MINISTRIES

Our Vacation Bible School was very successful this year and we are now looking forward to spreading the word for next year to increase our numbers. There was great fellowship and much help from our members and friends. Also, our Sunday school will have a new curriculum for those who have volunteered to teach in the fall of 2018! Stay tuned!!

Betty Briggs

12

17

For Judy Nott's creative insight in working with clay; also helping the children create take home items to help them remember.

For Janine Medler, Jane Anne Blanchard and their Jewelry crew allowing the children to create items of fun to take home and remember.

For Nate Mitchell standing as the lone barber ... and may in fact be still waiting for his first customer.

For Bev Van Riper in getting the blanket just right to be deliv-ered as a gift to the Women and Children’s Shelter on Cedar.

For Henry Reinewald's magic always engaging, appropriate, ex-citing and fun and for Cyndy who loves Henry and keeps him on time and on track despite his own desires not ...

For Elsie Claggett, Bev Miller, Meneta Kass, Evelyn Van Kirk, and others who helped prepare exotic foods from the Mediterra-nean for us to explore each night.

For Sherrill Nott & Mary Farnum's taking of pictures

For Pastor Peter leading the adult Bible study each night as the kids were working through the story of Joseph, Pastor Peter and the adults were also working through the same.

For Jen Joy Yocum and Lynn Pulling in creating the wonderful fabric of music, song, and movement throughout our time together.

For Jean Bolley and her creative way in retelling the story of Jo-seph and bringing those story-telling skills for our VBS Sunday wor-ship.

And lastly for all the parents and children who came to experi-ence the wonder and joy exploring God's gifts of Hope, Special Abili-ties, Wisdom, Forgiveness, and Family.

There were two verses for us to remember that were used for the opening and ending day and for me centered our time together.

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”

Galatians 3:26: “For you are all children of God through Faith in Christ Jesus”

Pastor Bob

16

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS YEAR’S VBS A SUCCESS

Before the month gets behind us, I have sincere thank-you’s to everyone who made this year's VBS week such a success.

From our admin staff to Joan and Janis who kept our church of-fices running while we were focused on VBS. For Kliff & Lynn for keeping the common areas and bathrooms clean and cleaning up after us.

For Judy Hackett who always manages to find those little jobs that need attention and gets them done without complaint.

To Wendy Kushion and her kitchen crew which included Kathy Farnum, Betty Briggs, Judy Hackett, Annette Foster, Meneta Kass, and Daun Ketcheson. This creative crew prepared the won-derful meals, treats, and beverages that sustained us throughout our week together.

For Jen Love Hall, Barb Ne Smith, for being our daily registrar and for Tom Cornell for helping corral the parking lot and look for missing children.

For Tom Cornell and his snare drum used during music time.

To Melanie Courtier, Bev Van Riper, Marcia Cornell, Henry Reinewald, Cyndy McVay, and Betty Briggs who helped keep our families engaged, active, and excited.

To Danielle Pulling for her creative insights to Egyptian Hiero-glyphics allowing the kids to create posters with words translated to help them remember their time together.

13

14

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 12:00 Adult Formation

2 3

11:00 Mobile Farmers Market 12:00 Deacons Ministry Team 02:00 Worship & Music Planning 03:00 Staff Meeting

4

5 12:00 Worship Service 01:15 Congregational Conversation Non perishable items for Food Bank

6 Church Office Closed 05:00 We Came to Believe (NA)

7 Church Office Closed 07:00 Voter Primary

8

08:00 Men’s Morning Manna 10:00 Clothing Closet 12:00 Pilgrim Noon Program 01:30 Board of Lay Ministry

9

05:00 Board of Christian Outreach

10

11

12

12:00 Worship Service 01:15 Potluck T-Shirts and Socks for City

Rescue Mission

13

Church Office Closed 05:00 We Came to Believe (NA) 06:30 Pilgrim Executive Ministry Team

14 Church Office Closed . 05:30 Board of Trustees 06:00 Neighborhood Night Out

15

10:00 Mission Meal 12:00 Adult Formation 06:00 Pizza & Beverages 06:30 Summer Workshop #3

16

Pastor Bob on Vacation 01:00 Pilgrim Crafters

17

Pastor Bob on Vacation 11:00 Mobile Farmers Market

18 Pastor Bob on Vacation

19 11:00 Joint Worship Service 12:15 Hospitality Hour Non perishable items for Food Bank

20

Church Office Closed

05:00 We Came to Believe (NA)

21

Church Office Closed 10:30 Pilgrim Staff Mtg

22 Pastor Bob on Vacation 08:00 Men’s Morning Manna 10:00 Clothing Closet 12:00 Adult Formation 03:00 Prayer & Meditation

23 Pastor Bob on Vacation

24 Pastor Bob on Vacation

25 Pastor Bob on Vacation

26 12:00 Worship Service 01:15 Birthday Sunday Personal Needs Items

27 Church Office Closed

05:00 We Came to Believe (NA) 06:30 Pilgrim Worship & Discipleship

28

Church Office Closed 06:30 Fun Group

29 12:00 Adult Formation

30

31

AUGUST 2018

PASTOR BOB HIGLE 409 Farmstead Ln, Lansing 48917

Office 517-484-9495 — Cell Phone 517-512-8018 Email: pastor@plymouthlansing.org

15

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 12:00 Adult Formation

2 3

11:00 Mobile Farmers Market 12:00 Deacons Ministry Team 02:00 Worship & Music Planning 03:00 Staff Meeting

4

5 12:00 Worship Service 01:15 Congregational Conversation Non perishable items for Food Bank

6 Church Office Closed 05:00 We Came to Believe (NA)

7 Church Office Closed 07:00 Voter Primary

8

08:00 Men’s Morning Manna 10:00 Clothing Closet 12:00 Pilgrim Noon Program 01:30 Board of Lay Ministry

9

05:00 Board of Christian Outreach

10

11

12

12:00 Worship Service 01:15 Potluck T-Shirts and Socks for City

Rescue Mission

13

Church Office Closed 05:00 We Came to Believe (NA) 06:30 Pilgrim Executive Ministry Team

14 Church Office Closed . 05:30 Board of Trustees 06:00 Neighborhood Night Out

15

10:00 Mission Meal 12:00 Adult Formation 06:00 Pizza & Beverages 06:30 Summer Workshop #3

16

Pastor Bob on Vacation 01:00 Pilgrim Crafters

17

Pastor Bob on Vacation 11:00 Mobile Farmers Market

18 Pastor Bob on Vacation

19 11:00 Joint Worship Service 12:15 Hospitality Hour Non perishable items for Food Bank

20

Church Office Closed

05:00 We Came to Believe (NA)

21

Church Office Closed 10:30 Pilgrim Staff Mtg

22 Pastor Bob on Vacation 08:00 Men’s Morning Manna 10:00 Clothing Closet 12:00 Adult Formation 03:00 Prayer & Meditation

23 Pastor Bob on Vacation

24 Pastor Bob on Vacation

25 Pastor Bob on Vacation

26 12:00 Worship Service 01:15 Birthday Sunday Personal Needs Items

27 Church Office Closed

05:00 We Came to Believe (NA) 06:30 Pilgrim Worship & Discipleship

28

Church Office Closed 06:30 Fun Group

29 12:00 Adult Formation

30

31

AUGUST 2018