Big Rapids First United Methodist Church the › mychurchwebsite › c3264 › ... · busyness of...

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the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church APRIL 2019 FIRST UMC family During this Lenten season I am reminded often of how I fail to be all Christ wants me to be, yet there is still hope and joy in the midst of this because of Christ’s resurrection. I am reminded that I still allow the busyness of life to draw me away from the time I need most — time spent studying God’s word, time spent with God in prayer and time spent with God through worship. Our God is a God of mercy. The compassion shown to us by God is new every day. We are never abandoned by God, we are the ones who walk away. We are the ones who fail to understand why we are here and what we are about. In our Lenten sermon series based on Rev. Adam Hamilton’s 24 Hours that Changed the World we are becoming more and more aware of the details of the events that took place in Jerusalem on the last night and day of Jesus’ life on earth. We are gaining new understanding of what happened and what it means for each of us. And we try to find ourselves in the story. Who are we like Peter, Judas, John, Nicodemus…? People haven’t changed. Paul wrote to the church in Rome telling them they needed to be changed by God. He told them to look beyond what society holds as valuable and important and look to God for their standards of how to live. In Romans 12:1-2 Paul said,“I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good and acceptable and perfect.” We are like the Christians in the church of Rome. We listen and act on what our society says is good and worthwhile. We get caught up in materialism and addictions. We develop bad habits that separate us from God. We spend more time in front of the computer, TV or on the phone than we do with God. We get so busy we forget to seek God first each day and we set our day according to what we want. BUT, God can transform us if we seek to change and God will help it happen in our lives. It’s time for us to take seriously what Jesus did on our behalf. It’s time to focus on the cross that bought our redemption. It’s time to draw closer in our relationship with Christ. Make a commitment to not miss going to worship. Make a commitment to grow closer to Christ through study (the Adult Sunday School will be starting a study on Romans soon). Make a commitment to spend more time in prayer and meditation, song and silence. Then see what God will do in your life! I can guarantee God will move in your life and mine in a powerful way if we are intentional about spending more time with God. Actually, doing those spiritual disciplines on a regular basis will transform your life forever and what better gift could you receive this Easter! May God continue to bless your faithful journey,

Transcript of Big Rapids First United Methodist Church the › mychurchwebsite › c3264 › ... · busyness of...

Page 1: Big Rapids First United Methodist Church the › mychurchwebsite › c3264 › ... · busyness of life to draw me away from the time I need most — time spent studying God’s word,

theBig Rapids First United Methodist Church

A P R I L 2 0 1 9FIRST UMC family

During this Lenten season I am reminded often of how I fail to be all Christ wants me to be, yet there is still hope and joy in the midst of this because of Christ’s resurrection. I am reminded that I still allow the busyness of life to draw me away from the time I need most — time spent studying God’s word, time spent with God in prayer and time spent with God through worship. Our God is a God of mercy. The compassion shown to us by God is new every day. We are never abandoned by God, we are the ones who walk away. We are the ones who fail to understand why we are here and what we are about.

In our Lenten sermon series based on Rev. Adam Hamilton’s 24 Hours that Changed the World we are becoming more and more aware of the details of the events that took place in Jerusalem on the last night and day of Jesus’ life on earth. We are gaining new understanding of what happened and what it means for each of us. And we try to find ourselves in the story. Who are we like Peter, Judas, John, Nicodemus…?

People haven’t changed. Paul wrote to the church in Rome telling them they needed to be changed by God. He told them to look beyond what society holds as valuable and important and look to God for their standards of how to live. In Romans 12:1-2 Paul said,“I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God —what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

We are like the Christians in the church of Rome. We listen and act on what our society says is good and worthwhile. We get caught up in materialism and addictions. We develop bad habits that separate us from God. We spend more time in front of the computer, TV or on the phone than we do with God. We get so busy we forget to seek God first each day and we set our day according to what we want. BUT, God can transform us if we seek to change and God will help it happen in our lives.

It’s time for us to take seriously what Jesus did on our behalf. It’s time to focus on the cross that bought our redemption. It’s time to draw closer in our relationship with Christ. Make a commitment to not miss going to worship. Make a commitment to grow closer to Christ through study (the Adult Sunday School will be starting a study on Romans soon). Make a commitment to spend more time in prayer and meditation, song and silence. Then see what God will do in your life! I can guarantee God will move in your life and mine in a powerful way if we are intentional about spending more time with God. Actually, doing those spiritual disciplines on a regular basis will transform your life forever and what better gift could you receive this Easter!

!May God continue to bless your faithful journey,

!

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Our mission is to reach out to

and bless every child of God.

GALLOPIN’ GRANNIES

APRIL 3 BOB EVANS

APRIL 10 BOB EVANS

APRIL 17 SCHUBERG’S

APRIL 24 SCHUBERG’S

Prayers!• Aging: Those suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other conditions associated with aging, and for

those who care for them.!• Students, Teachers, & Administrators: Angela Lovegrove, Wesley Theological Seminary. Support for

all in education.!• In Nursing/Adult Care Homes: Carroll Larrison, Dottie McMaster, Malcolm Lund, Roger Baker, Wilma

Goodman, Gloria Anderson, Barbara Piggott. All those in Nursing/Adult Care Homes.!• Mission: Mecosta County Jail Ministry, McCurdy School, Valerie Mossman-Celestin (HAPI)!• Military: Msgt. Jamie Sobers (Home); Captain Phillip Sobers (Home); Sgt. Kyle Maneke (Fort

Campbell, Kentucky); Forrest Dorman (Beale AFB, California); River Dorman (Cannon AFB, NM), 2nd Lieutenant Matthew Ferguson (USMC, Jacksonville, NC); PFC Paul Nelson (Camp Pendleton, CA); Stephen Szpiech (Scott AFB, IL)

Staff!Rev. Becky Morrison — Pastor Barbara Erb — Office Manager Jen Morrison — Director of Christian Ed. Rev. Kaye Patton — Director of Music Shirley Jernstadt — Organist Kathy Bell — Accompanist Ruth Reeds — Accompanist Diane Parrish — Nursery Supervisor Beth Ridenour — Treasurer Gary Erb — Custodian

Email for Church Office/Barbara Erb: [email protected]!Email for Pastor Becky: [email protected]!Church Website: www.bigrapidsfumc.com!Church Address: !304 Elm Street Big Rapids, MI 49307!Phone Number: 231-796-7771!Fax Number: 231-796-0757!

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Worship In

APRIL 7 April 14 Palm Sunday

April 21 Easter Sunday

APRIL 28

Liturgist: Joe Compton

Liturgist: Claudia Lenon

Liturgist: Fred Jaeger !

Liturgist: Christine Berke

Ushers: Ann Spagnuolo Joann Haist Ron Bongard Pat Williamson Daniels Family

Ushers: Colin & Roberta Cline Arnold Parrish Allan & Sharon Parker

Ushers: Doug & Jackie Fitzgerald Pete Jensen Herm McConnell Pisani Family

Ushers: Bob Cervantes Michael Gibson Carter Councilor Gary Lenon John & Sally Nelson

Greeters: Pete Jensen Denise Jefts Claude & Jane Pepper

Greeters: Mike & Dawn Wyman Joann Haist Gary Fitch

Greeters: Barbara Ross Mike & Chris Mekaru Bev Wesche

Greeters: Chris & Christine Berke Ed & Linda Owczarek Phyllis Yanick

Acolytes: Kaitlyn Case

Acolytes: Liberty Beam

Acolytes: Chloe Councilor

Acolytes: Emma Kwant

Soundboard Tech: Ed Bobrowski

Soundboard Tech: Thomas Wheeler

Soundboard Tech: Ed Bobrowski

Soundboard Tech: Ken Draves

Nursery: Kati Wheeler

Nursery: Kati Wheeler

Nursery: Julie Tessin

Nursery: Jana Pisani

Children’s Worship: Cara Sweppenheiser Tony Daniels

Children’s Worship: Larisa Draves Sierra Oliver

Children’s Worship: Pam Fleming Gayle Rhodes

Children’s Worship: Amanda Hahn Dawn Wyman

Communion Helpers: Claude & Jane Pepper

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Upcoming Church, District and Conference Events

Dates AprilEventsThursday,April4-Saturday,April6 AAUWBookSaleatFirstChurch

Thursday,April4 NoCommunityMealduetoAAUWBookSale

Sunday,April7 LastdayforEasterEggHuntCandydonations

Sunday,April14 PalmSunday

MissionMoment/HungerPotforProjectStarburst

Monday,April15 CampRegistrationformsdue

Thursday,April18 MaundyThursdayServiceatUnitedChurchofChrist,7:00pm

Friday,April19 GoodFridayCommunityWorshipServiceatFirstChurch,12:30pm

Sunday,April20 LastdaytosubmitHS&CollegeGraduatenamestoJenMorrison

Sunday,April21 EasterSundayTheSonHasRisenService,7:30am

EasterBreakfast,8:30am

EasterEggHunt,9:00am

Worship,10:30am

Sunday,April28 NewMemberClass,2:00pm-5:00pm

Monday,April29 RedCrossBloodDriveatFirstChurch,12:00pm

Sunday,May19 GraduationSunday,TeacherAppreciationSunday&MusicAppreciation

!Stitching Challenge!!

Rev. Dr. Margie Crawford, our Midwest District Superintendent is inviting each church to donate prayer shawls, lap blankets, chemo hats or port pillows for those who are undergoing treatment for cancer, long term illness and for those who may be in a Hospice facility. The challenge begins now and will continue through Good Friday. Items can be brought to the church Fellowship Hall. If you have questions, contact Liz Bode in the Midwest District office at 616-459-4503. ! !! Links to patterns: !

Prayer Shawls and Lap Blankets: http://alicesembrace.org/patterns ! Chemo hats: http://www.knotsoflove.org/patterns ! Port Pillows: ! https://rapidesregional.com/util/pdf/Breast-Cancer-Port-Pillow-Instructions.pdf! !

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MAUNDY THURSDAYThursday April 18, 2019United Church of Christ120 State St. Big RapidsPotluck Dinner 6:00pmWorship at 7:00

GOOD FRIDAYCOMMUNITY WORSHIP SERVICEApril 19, 2019 12:30 pmBig Rapids First United Methodist Church Choir rehearsal 11:30 am

EASTER MORNINGThe Son has Risen Youth Service 7:30 amEaster Breakfast 8:30amEaster Egg Hunt 9:00ish amWorship 10:30am

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Easter Morning will be a wonderful celebration!

10:30 am Traditional Service

about 9:00 am 8:30 am 7:30am The Son Has Risen

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Christian Education and Family NewsSpring Splash 2019 at Great Wolf Lodge gave the IGNITE! Youth a weekend of great

music, stories and friendship. Thank you to each of you who have supported us through your prayers and financial support. Archie, Bella, Carter, Chloe, Kaitlyn, Bob, Sierra and Jen are

truly blessed by our church family!

Graduation Sunday! !It’s already that time of year again…Graduation!

It is a blessing that we want to celebrate with those who are a part of our congregation.

Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 10:30 am we will honor our high school and college graduates.

Please submit you grad’s name, school and degree to Jen by April 20.

Teacher Appreciation Sunday Without teachers, we have no Christian Education. Some of our best church memories are Sunday School! Please join in honoring our teachers of Nursery, FIRST Kids! , IGNITE! Youth, and adults on

Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 10:30 am

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save the date: Monday, July 15-Thursday July 18 5:30pm - 8:30pm

to Mars and Beyond VBS See Jen to volunteer! Help discover the wonders of God’s Universe!

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Camp Registration is Open!! Who Is Joining US?

Church camp is full of fun activities sports, singing, crafts and music - all while learning about God, exploring the Bible, becoming friends with other

Christians and also learning more about themselves. More information

available online: https://umcamping.org/ !!!!

As in the past, our church will be offering full and partial scholarships for our children and youth to attend a camp. On Sunday, May 12, a Hunger Pot collection will be taken for scholarships. Camp is between $300 and $400 per camper. Please prayerfully consider sponsoring a child.

Campers going to Summer Games need to be registered ASAP as space is limited to 50 campers this year. Summer Camp has changed location to Rodney, MI. A $25 discount for those registered by March 1. Forms can be found at https://summergamescamp.org/camper-forms.

Financial questions, please call: Jen Morrison 989-292-077 Any general questions, please call: Larisa Draves, Camp Coordinator 231-598-1911

We need all registration forms by April 15.

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Class Date: !

Sunday, April 28 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm !If you have questions, please see Pastor Becky

Mission CommitteeThefollowingdatesin2019arescheduledforMissionMoment/HungerPotsandSpecialOfferingSunday’s:!Sunday,April14-MissionMoment/HungerPotforProjectStarburstSunday,May5-SpecialOfferingSunday-NativeAmericanMinistriesSunday,May12-MissionMoment/HungerPotforCampScholarshipsSunday,June16-SpecialOfferingSunday-PeacewithJusticeSunday,October6-SpecialOfferingSunday-WorldCommunionSunday,November24-SpecialOfferingSunday-UMStudentDay!

Worship/Music Committee

Coffee/FellowshipIfyouwouldliketovolunteerforaSundayCoffee/Fellowshiphourorbeasubstitutewhenneeded,callLindaOwczarek796-3212.

WeareinneedofapersontoruntheSoundboardduringworshipforoneSundayamonthandapossiblesecondSundayonmonthswithfiveweeks.Thisisanimportantministryandifyoufeelcalledtofillthisposition,[email protected]!WearealsoinneedofanUsherforthe2ndSundayofthemonthforthemainfloor.Ifyouareinterestedinfillingthisposition,[email protected].

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Members of our church recently met with the Director and staff at WISE to see how our church might help meet some of the shelters’ current needs. We received a lengthy list of items, both those that require some volunteer time and those items that might be purchased and donated. If you are interested in purchasing items, a WISE box for your donated items is located in Fellowship Hall. !Under the category comfort; coffee, coffee creamer, first aid supplies, small gift sets for the women’s birthdays and holidays,

night lights, underwear and socks for women and children, yoga or sweatpants for children and women-all sizes through 3X. !Under the category cleaning: Lysol, Pine-Sol, and Clorox wipes, bathroom cleaners, liquid dish soap, dishwasher soap and laundry soap. !Under the category toiletries: Q-tips, baby wipes, diapers all sizes especially larger sizes, paper towels, toilet paper, facial tissue. !Please see the listing in Fellowship Hall for more items. We will provide regular updates to you regarding the WISE shelter. !The shelter is also interested in a group or individuals that might want to clean the facility; and they have a need for a removal of an old freezer that does not work. Please contact one of the individuals below to arrange access to the WISE shelter. !Here is another way we can help to fulfill our church mission to bless every child of God. If you have questions about the WISE shelter, please contact Pastor Becky, Bea & Mike Cooper, or Karen Thompson. Thank you for all you do.

Monday, April 29 12:00 pm - 5:45 pm

at First Church