CLARKSTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CHIMES

Date Mailed: 02/24/15

Core Values:

Committed to Christ Worship That Makes a Difference Making Disciples

Biblical Hospitality Transformational Mission

march Issue

Like Missions? Like Food? Spaghetti Dinner!

March 7, 5:00 and 7:30 seating's

On Saturday, March 7, you can support our Righteous Mission team by attending the annual Spaghetti Dinner. We have two seating's: 5 and 7:30. Our youth will serve as your hosts, your waiters, and your coat checks. They and their parents will prepare a delicious meal for you. We guarantee that you will have a wonderful time. Tickets will be on sale in the crossroads: $15 a person on Sunday, March 1st. We have childcare at the 5pm seating. Gluten free meals available upon request.

For Righteous Mission this summer, our High School Youth will be travelling to Detroit, Michigan to work with people through Motown Mission. We are excited to be sending a team of youth and adults to experience transformational mission as they work to help feed the hungry, help the homeless and better the landscape in

Detroit. Thank you for your prayer support!

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A PASTORAL WORD

Where will you be in 40 days? How will your life be different, better, or more balanced? More specifically, what are you doing to grow in faith right now?

Lent is a time of spiritual renewal and discipline for Christians. It is a specific time to take steps to grow deeper in our relationship with Christ and as a result, allow our lives to be enriched. The idea of giving something up for Lent was intended to be a time when we would surrender behaviors that kept us from Christ. It could also include taking on actions that would allow us to focus more on God and less on ourselves.

This Lent, I am accepting the discipline of 60/60. This simple concept comes from the book, Soul Revolution. The idea is that for 60 days, once every waking hour, participants are invited to take a second to focus on God. This could include reading a verse of scripture, pausing to sense where Christ is in the moment or praying a simple prayer. There is even an app (google Soul Revolution 60/60) that will help your phone remind you every hour to pause and focus on God for a minute. I intend to use the moment to pray our Lenten Prayer, “Lord, What do you want to do through me?” It is my hope this will allow me to be more aware of the presence of God throughout the day and better prepared to serve Christ. If you are interested in learning more about this discipline, get the book, go to the website or feel free to talk to me.

I invite you to take this opportunity to join with me in some form of Lenten Discipline. Some of you may have already begun one. It is not too late to begin one now. Ask yourself the question, “What am I doing to grow in faith right now?” Where will your faith journey be in the next 40, 60 or 90 days? During this season when we remember what Jesus did for us, it is a great question to consider. Praying for a Holy Lent, Pastor Rick

BUILDING COMMITTEE UPDATE The architect has completed the Detailed Design Development. We have detailed drawings to support the proposed updates to the Building Expansion. We are working closely with the Capital Campaign team on the fundraising efforts, which will determine how much of the expansion we can absorb. We will make arrangements to have Crossroads District Approval for the plan. Construction timing will be determined once the Capital Campaign is complete. We continue to celebrate the enthusiasm our church family has given during this period. We look forward to the next phase, which would include site approval and construction planning.

WORSHIP THIS LENT

Come and experience meaningful and memorable worship as we move through the journey of Lent towards a triumphant Easter. Our journey will take us into a deeper relationship with God by asking "Lord, what do you want to do through me?"

Sun., March 1 Revealed in PRAYER, Holy Communion

Sun., March 8 Ministry Sunday Celebrating Ministry and its impact-special banners, testimonials

Sun., March 15 Wesley Choir presents The Rock Slinger and His Greatest Hit

Fri-Sat, March 27-28 Prayer Vigil -24 hours of prayer noon to noon.

Sun., March 22- Lived in FAITH, *Celebration event to follow worship*

Sun., March 29 Palm Sunday—a day of commitment Celebrate Palm Sunday with us & bring your Commitment Card

Our worship services in March and April will be memorable, uplifting and celebratory. Please mark your calendars now and plan to join us each and every Sunday.

You are invited to be a part of our 24 Hour Prayer Vigil! We want to cover our capital campaign and building project in prayer. We will be praying over different ministries in our church, as well as for the community. It will take place from noon on Friday, March 27, 2015 to noon on Saturday, March 28, 2015. Prayer Areas/Stations will be set up at the church 12-9 pm on Friday, and 9 am to 12 noon on Saturday. There will be a prayer walk through the community at 6 pm on Friday starting in the sanctuary. Pray at the church during the open hours or pray from home anytime. Prayer leaflets will be available to guide you through the different prayer areas. Sign up for a 30 minute time slot online or in person. Questions? Ask Prayer Team Chair, Jan Lewis, Deacon Christine or Deacon Laura.

Celebration Sunday Let's celebrate! Please join us on Sunday, March 22, 2015 in Fellowship Hall either at 10 am or 12 pm. Look for reservation forms in the bulletins on March 1, March 8 and March 15. These reservations can be turned in by putting them in the offertory plate on those dates or in the Reservation box located in the church office no later than March 15th. This will be a time of food, fellowship and fun for all ages. You won't want to miss it!

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FAMILY MINISTRY - CHILDREN VBS informational meeting! We will hold our 2nd VBS meeting on Sunday, March 29th at 10am in Room 207 (Children’s Church). Come learn about our very fun theme (G-Force: God’s Love in Action) and how you can help. If you cannot attend the meeting and want to help, please contact Annette at asiminksi@clarkstonumc.org. Bring a Friend to Sunday school day! On March 8th at both 9 & 11am, we encourage your children to bring a friend to Sunday school. What a wonderful opportunity to share our awesome church and faith with others.

Wesley Choir Musical is March 15th . . . .and there will be no Sunday school at 9 or 11am for Kindergarten-Lounge 456 as they are encouraged to attend worship and support our Wesley choir friends! Please note that we will have Sunday school for 3-4 year olds. No Angels In Training on April 5th—Happy Easter! Be a Bible Buddy! Bible Sunday this year is Sunday, May 10th at 11am. If you would like to purchase a bible for a 2nd grader this year, the cost is $15.00. Look for the Bible Buddy tear-off in the March and April bulletin, or see Annette Siminski.

Looking ahead . . . Bible Sunday is May 10th at 11am. If you have a registered 2nd grader, he/she will receive a bible from a special bible buddy in our church. Please make sure you have turned in your Sunday school registration form. We don’t want to miss any 2nd graders. Additional information to come.

FAMILY MINISTRY - FUEL Spring is just around the corner, and the FUEL activities are in full swing.

Youth Breakfast Club Sundays, at 9am and 11am, all 7th-12th graders are invited to have a light breakfast and enjoy the sermon via a live feed into the Youth Lounge. Following the sermon each week, a teacher will lead a discussion utilizing questions provided by our pastors. If you received notification from signup genius, don’t forget to signup to help provide breakfast items.

March FUEL Topics: All 6th-8th graders are invited to join us from 6-7:30pm for fun and fellowship. Friends are always welcome. March 1: SMART Intimate Relationships, Part 2, Permission Slip required March 8: Hobby Day March 15: Stereotyping March 22: Can I do something bad enough that God will stop loving me? March 29: Prayer Walk

Youth Group Returnable and Change War Competition! On February 22, the Youth Groups began a friendly returnable and change war competition, youth girls against youth boys. All the funds that are earned will be contributed to the Capital Campaign on Commitment Sunday, March 29! If you have bottles to return or loose change burning a hole in your pocket, please let our youth help you find a place for it! Your support is always appreciated!

New! Grief Support Series for Young People, Aged 11-17, will start Monday, March 9, 2015, 7-8 pm and meet for four Mondays total. Facilitated by our own Debbie Giola, LPC, who is a middle school counselor for Huron Valley Schools, this series will provide a safe place for processing the challenging emotions around the death of a loved one and begin a process of healing. Questions? Please contact Debbie, or Deacon Laura Speiran in the church office.

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FAMILY MINISTRY - HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH March 1: 6-7:30 Love Languages March 7: 4-9 Spaghetti Dinner (Saturday) March 8: No Youth Group March 15: 6-7:30 Food Pantry Scavenger Hunt March 22: 6-7:30 Bridges Out of Poverty, mandatory for all RM participants March 29: 6-7:30 Bridges Out of Poverty, mandatory for all RM participants

MISSIONS Helping Hearts Helping Hands Update What a blessed start to 2015…many wonderful projects taking place in Honduras to change lives, Nancy Cale, Jill Cascone and Shelley Schafer spent 10 days in Honduras helping to change the lives of over 800 children and their families. A huge thank you to all who make these mission projects possible and to these three women for joining us on this journey with God. In God’s name with love, Erica Cale

Coral Ball Friday, April 17th 6:00pm – 1:30am

Support our mission work in Honduras. Get dressed up, enjoy an evening out, bring your friends and reserve a VIP table of 10, and join us for lots of fun! Includes: appetizers, dinner, silent auction, live auction, mission presentation, music, dancing and more! Where: Deer Lake Banquet Center. Adult tickets: $80 before April 11th, $90 at the door. Under 21 Tickets: $35 before April 11th, $45 at the door. $20 for entrance after 10pm for all ages. Table of 10: $695 if purchased by April 11th.

Auction Donations and Coral Ball Sponsorships needed! Silent and live auction items needed to raise money for our mission work in Honduras. Ideas: vacation packages, sports memorabilia, gift certificates, gift baskets, entertainment tickets, etc. Donation information needed by Saturday, April 11th. We are in need of any and all donations at this time and would appreciate any support you would like to provide. We are also looking for businesses or individuals interested in supporting us with a $50 table sponsorship or one of our many other sponsorship opportunities. For more information on the above event, please contact Erica or Nancy Cale at helpingheartshelpinghands@hotmail.com or visit:www.helpingheartshelpinghands.org or 248-980-5090

Midwest Mission Distribution Center (MMDC) The mission of the Midwest Mission Distribution Center is to compassionately help those in need locally, nationally and globally and to offer a center to fulfill the call for service to our neighbors in Christ’s name. Our next mission trip to work on disaster relief materials at the MMDC in Chatham, IL, will be May 3 – 8, 2015. More information is available at www.midwestmissiondc.org .

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An informational and planning meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, at 12:15pm in the Library. Contact Brenda and Lou DuPree at bkdupree@comcast.net or 248-625-5141 if you are interested in participating in the amazing ministry! Adult Righteous Mission 2015 June 15 - 19 -- Save the Date! Hope Hospitality and Warming Center

It is with great joy, your ARM Coordinating Team announces that we will be serving at the Hope Hospitality and Warming Center in Pontiac.

Remember, ARM is a schedule friendly mission opportunity where you can work one to five days!

Also, we are looking for Team Captains to help develop the work plans for a wide array of projects, including:

Replacing 330' of fence Removing dead trees, stumps, and doing plenty of tree trimming Building a dumpster enclosure, shed and pavilion Cooking Gardening & landscaping Painting Organizing & cleaning Praying, Teaching, and Connecting People to God

There is a role for everyone who would like to participate! And, back by popular demand, Kid's Camp will happen on Wednesday, June 17th, so CUMC parents of young children can participate as well.

We certainly hope you will join us! Save the Date! And watch for additional information as our plans to serve progress.

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ADULT EDUCATION Adult Education - New Study for Lent 2015 Renegade Gospel: The Rebel Jesus by Rev Michael Slaughter, pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC. Six sessions, including DVD and book. Who was Jesus, really? Wasn’t the central figure to the Christian faith a man who denied all pre-conceived notions about what God should look like? Wouldn’t associating with him have meant joining a rebel movement? Have we turned faith into “easy-believe ism?” These are some of the questions Slaughter asks as we look at Jesus message and ministry.

Two sessions offered: Adult Sunday School Class - meets in Parlor 10:05-10:50am….facilitator: Rev Christine Wyatt. Childcare available. Begins March 1. Tuesday Morning Parlor Class 9:30-11 am. ….facilitator: Rev Christine Wyatt. If you would like to attend and need childcare, please contact Christine so we can arrange for this. Begins March 3. Sign up online or on Adult Ed Bulletin Board.

Parent’s Circle- Sunday Mornings- meets in Adult classroom next to Fellowship Hall 10:05-10:50 am…facilitator Kathy Gleason. Childcare available. The Whole Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson.

CUMC Book group – meets in Parlor. All readers are welcome! March 17, 2015 The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande Discussion Leader: Daughn Forbes April 21, 2015 The World’s Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarn Discussion Leader: Debbie Stout May 19, 2015 The Good Luck of Right Now by Matthew Quick Discussion Leader: Kristin Sloan June 16, 2015 Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd Discussion Leader: Debi Moore And Choose Books!!

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HOLY WEEK SERVICES

Maundy Thursday, April 2nd, 7pm

Good Friday, April 3rd, Noon & 7pm

Easter Sunday, April 5th, 9 & 11am

Cyclamen 6” $10.00 Tulip 6” pot $10.00 Daffodil 6” pot $10.00 Hyacinth 6” pot $10.00

One of our Easter traditions is to create a living Easter cross that stands outside and represents Christ’s love for us. We need flowers to be brought to the 9am and the 11am services. Volunteers will be at the Narthex entrance to help you place your flowers on the cross. Your participation in filling the cross with flowers is appreciated. Easter Flowers. Help decorate our sanctuary on Easter Sunday by purchasing an Easter flower in honor or in memory of a loved one. Please pickup your plants after the 11am service. Please fill out tearoff in the bulletin and turn into the church office or Pastor Amy’s mailbox. DO NOT put form in the offertory plate. Donations go toward the Youth Costa Rica Mission Trip.

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Easter

Egg Hunt Join us on Saturday, March 28th at 3pm for our community Easter Egg Hunt—rain, snow, sleet or shine! Refreshments and crafts are available in fellowship hall, along with pictures with the Easter bunny. The egg hunt will be outside, so dress appropriately! All children are welcome and are encouraged to invite friends. This event is free!

If you are able to donate candy for the +2500 plastic eggs,

please drop it off in the white basket outside the main church

office by March 16th. Questions? Email Annette at

asiminski@clarkstonumc.org.

ANNOUCEMENTS

Transitioning Aging Parents Group—Come join Transitioning Aging Parents if you are seeking suggestions, practical guidance in finding resources and/ or support and encouragement from others facing similar struggles. Our next meeting is Monday, March 2nd at 7 pm in the Board Room and is facilitated by Kathy Gleason, MA, LMFT and CUMC member. CONFIRMATION On Sunday, March 8, Emma Borowski will be printing and selling Capital Campaign t-shirts for $12 in the fellowship hall for her Kingdom Project. She will also be taking pre-orders on February 22 at the Crossroads. The money raised from shirt sales will go to her chosen charities, CUMC Homework Club & Camp B. They work hand in hand at Bridgewater Apartments providing educational assistance to under-resourced lower & upper elementary children. She chose the Homework Club & Camp B as her charities because she believes a big part of breaking the cycle of poverty is education!

New Member Class Have you been attending Clarkston UMC for awhile and feel ready to join? On Wednesdays, March 11 and 18, Pastors Rick and Amy will be leading a new member class from 6:30-8:30. Sign up on the bulletin board across from the office. Have any questions? Contact Pastor Amy. March 15, April 5 (Easter Sunday), 12, 19, 26th are all available for Mission Candles dedications to honor, remember or celebrate an occasion or someone special. Please check in the church office for the Mission Candle book.

Annual Women’s Retreat: March 20-22 at Lake Huron Retreat Center This year’s theme is: “The Journey is Our Home” and will be led by Pastor Amy and her mom, Rev. Judy Mayo. The retreat begins with dinner on Friday and ends with breakfast on Sunday. We highly encourage people to come home in time for Celebration Sunday. Through scripture, conversation, and activities, we will explore the theme of God’s presence with us throughout our lives. Cost: $181 per person for a two person room, $161 per person for a three person room. Please sign up on the bulletin board outside Pastor Amy’s office and deliver your checks directly to Pastor Amy, or register online. $75 deposit is due by February 28.

(announcements continued on page 14)

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 3pm Confirmation

Class (FH)

2 PEO Dinner (Par)

Transitioning Aging Parents 7pm (Brd

Rm)

3 6pm Relay for Life

Mtg. (Youth Clr)

6:45pm Clarkston Comm Women

Club (Lib)

7pm Disciple II (FH)

4 Susanna Wesley

9:15am (Par)

3:30pm Campaign Leadership Mtg.

(FH)

Althea Rose 7pm (Par)

7:15pm Stardusters Band (Sanc)

5 6

7 5pm Spaghetti

Dinner (FH)

7:30pm

Spaghetti

Dinner

(FH)

8 ARM All Church

Info Mtg (FH)

9 7pm Hospitality

Mtg. (Par)

10

11

8:45am Memorial Committee

(Par)

6:30pm New Member Class (Par)

7pm UMM Mtg (Adult Clr)

12 13

14

10am MIA Day (OS)

10-1pm Musical Rehearsal (Sanc)

5-7pm Family Fun Night Speaker

Series (FH)

15 8:30am –11 All Church Pancake

Breakfast (FH)

2-3:30pm Piano Recital (Sanc)

16 7:30pm Ed I Mtg

(Rm 202)

7pm Trustee Mtg (Par)

7pm SPRC Mtg (Lib)

17 St Pat’s Day

7pm CUMC Bookgroup

(Par)

7pm Missions Mtg (Lib)

18 5pm Design/Bldg

Cmt (Rm 201) 6:30pm New

Member Class (Par)

7:15pm Stardusters Band (Sanc)

19 5:30pm Building

Cmt.Mtg (Brd Rm)

20

9-3pm Over 50 Trip (Par)

CUMC Women’s Retreat (OS)

21

CUMC Women’s Retreat (OS)

5pm Parent’s Night Out (FH)

22 CUMC Women’s

Retreat (OS)

23 10am Food Pantry

Pickup (FH) 7pm Food Pantry

Pickup (FH)

24

25 8:30am UMW Brd

Mtg (Par)

26

27 Noon Begins Prayer

Vigil

6pm Prayer Walk

28 3pm Community Easter Egg Hunt

(AC)

Noon Ends Prayer Vigil

29 Palm Sunday

12:15 MMDC Mtg (Lib)

CUMC WEEKLY SCHEDULE

SUNDAY 9:00 —10:00am Worship Service

9:00—10:00am Sunday School 9-10am Youth Breakfast Club (Youth Lounge) 10-11am Angels In Training (201-205) 10:10– 10:50am Parlor Class (Parlor) 10:10– 10:50am Parent’s Circle (Adult Classroom) 11:00—12:00pm Worship Service 11:00—12:00pm Sunday School 11-12pm Youth Breakfast Club (Youth Lounge) 6-7:30pm Fuel & HS Youth Groups (FH) 6-7:30pm Parents of Teens Lenten Study (Brd Rm) 7-8:30pm Financial Peace (Par)

MONDAY 11-2pm Line Dancing (FH) 1:00—2:30pm Knitting from the Heart (Par) 4pm– 5:30pm Gentle Yoga (Par) 6:00—7:00pm Tai Chi (FH) 6:30-8pm Grief Support (Adult Clr) 7:00—9:00pm AA Meeting (Yth Clr) 7:00-8:30pm Cub Scout Pack 126 (Lib)

TUESDAY 9:30-12PM Caring Hearts Bible Study (Yth Clr) 9:30-11am Tuesday Morning Study (Parlor) 6-7pm Girl Scout Mtg. (Brd Rm) 4-5:30pm THINK Tutoring (FH) 7-8:30pm Disciple II (FH)

WEDNESDAY 7:00—8:30am Optimist Club (FH) 9:15—11:15am Covenant Group (Lib) 4:15-4:45pm Sign Choir (FH) 4:30-5:15pm Angelus Bells ( Music Rm) 5-6pm Wed. Night Youth Dinner (Youth Lounge/Classroom) 5:15-6pm Cherub Choir (Par) & Wesley Choir (Music Rm) 6-6:45pm Youth Choir (Music Rm) 6:30-8:30pm Companion Group (Library) 6:45-7:30pm Celebration Ringers (Music Rm) 7pm-8:30pm Prodigal Son Bible Study (Par) 7:30-9pm Jubilation Ringers (Music Rm)

THURSDAY 7:30—9:00am Clarkston Coffee Club (FH) 9:30-11am The Way Bible Study (Par) 6:30—7:30pm Men’s Bible Study (Lib) 6:45— 7:45pm DivorceCare (Par) 7:30—8:30 pm Chancel Choir (Music Rm) FRIDAY 7:00—8:00am Men’s Bible Study 7:00—9:00pm AA Meeting

30

View the most recent version of the CUMC calendar at our website: www.clarkstonumc.org

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 3pm Confirmation

Class (FH)

2 PEO Dinner (Par)

Transitioning Aging Parents 7pm (Brd

Rm)

3 6pm Relay for Life

Mtg. (Youth Clr)

6:45pm Clarkston Comm Women

Club (Lib)

7pm Disciple II (FH)

4 Susanna Wesley

9:15am (Par)

3:30pm Campaign Leadership Mtg.

(FH)

Althea Rose 7pm (Par)

7:15pm Stardusters Band (Sanc)

5 6

7 5pm Spaghetti

Dinner (FH)

7:30pm

Spaghetti

Dinner

(FH)

8 ARM All Church

Info Mtg (FH)

9 7pm Hospitality

Mtg. (Par)

10

11

8:45am Memorial Committee

(Par)

6:30pm New Member Class (Par)

7pm UMM Mtg (Adult Clr)

12 13

14

10am MIA Day (OS)

10-1pm Musical Rehearsal (Sanc)

5-7pm Family Fun Night Speaker

Series (FH)

15 8:30am –11 All Church Pancake

Breakfast (FH)

2-3:30pm Piano Recital (Sanc)

16 7:30pm Ed I Mtg

(Rm 202)

7pm Trustee Mtg (Par)

7pm SPRC Mtg (Lib)

17 St Pat’s Day

7pm CUMC Bookgroup

(Par)

7pm Missions Mtg (Lib)

18 5pm Design/Bldg

Cmt (Rm 201) 6:30pm New

Member Class (Par)

7:15pm Stardusters Band (Sanc)

19 5:30pm Building

Cmt.Mtg (Brd Rm)

20

9-3pm Over 50 Trip (Par)

CUMC Women’s Retreat (OS)

21

CUMC Women’s Retreat (OS)

5pm Parent’s Night Out (FH)

22 CUMC Women’s

Retreat (OS)

23 10am Food Pantry

Pickup (FH) 7pm Food Pantry

Pickup (FH)

24

25 8:30am UMW Brd

Mtg (Par)

26

27 Noon Begins Prayer

Vigil

6pm Prayer Walk

28 3pm Community Easter Egg Hunt

(AC)

Noon Ends Prayer Vigil

29 Palm Sunday

12:15 MMDC Mtg (Lib)

31

View the most recent version of the CUMC calendar at our website: www.clarkstonumc.org

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ANNOUNCEMENTS CONTINUED

50 and OVER 50 and OVER is a vibrant group that enjoys the fun and fellowship of monthly mid-day social gatherings. We meet for potluck lunches, programs and field trips. You are heartily welcomed and encouraged to attend any time! We usually meet on the third Friday of the month. Watch the Bulletin for detailed information and sign up on the 50 and Over bulletin board in the hallway by the nursery. Contact for questions: Lou and Brenda DuPree, bkdupree@comcast.net, 248-625- 5141.

Our program for Friday, March 20, will be How to Talk to Your Doctor. Mary Strobe, RN, of the Oakland County Health Division will be our speaker. We hope you will join us for an interesting program, for food, fun and fellowship! The potluck lunch begins at noon in the Parlor and her talk will follow at 1pm. Bring friends, a dish to pass and your own place setting. Please sign up on the 50 and OVER bulletin board outside the nursery.

High school grads seeking scholarships – Each year CUMC awards scholarships to high school seniors who have met the following criteria: active participation in church activities, strong academic performance, leadership qualities while participating in school and community projects, and thoughtful responses to a mandatory interview with the interview committee. Applications are now available in the church office, and must be returned by 9 PM Sunday April 12th along with high school transcripts. Interviews will be scheduled during that week, or Saturday morning, April 18th. Contact Tom Creech at 248.393.0058 if further information is needed.

Non-traditional scholarships – Scholarships are also available for CUMC members who are seeking financial assistance for advanced education or training. Applications are available in the church office and must be returned by April 12th for consideration. Contact Tom Creech at 248.393.0058 if further information is needed.

THINK SPRING - Men, are you looking for a fun way to get exercise while making connections with others? Looking for a great father-son bonding opportunity? Then, consider joining the CUMC Men's Softball team. The team is open to all Men from high school to 100. The season is from May-August. The team is forming now. Contact with questions or interest: Nathan Majiros (majirosna@gmail.com, 248-613-1893).

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Downton Abbey Tea -Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 @11:30 am to 2:00 pm—Inspired by the PBS series on Masterpiece Theater, we are planning a Downton Abbey Tea! Dress in your finest for our special event held in the Fellowship Hall. A special menu and photo opportunity is planned. Please share the invitation with your friends and fill a table for 8 guests for $250.00. Guest tickets sold at $35.00 each by mailing a check payable to “Esthers Children” to Pam Ruth at 6636 Northview Dr., Clarkston, MI 48346.Or pay online with a card fee of $2.00 per ticket at www.estherschildren.org. Look for the Events tab. This is a charity fundraiser and you can learn what the Esthers Children organization is about. The Downton Abbey era is 1920's -1940's. Wear a fine hat and nice dress. Volunteers are needed. Contact us to offer your time, decorating, serving or kitchen help. Questions contact Pam Ruth at 248-421-7699 or email pamruth@gmail.com Downton Abbey Tea committee will again be collecting your unwanted fashion accessories, purses, jewelry, scarves and such for our Fashion Resale Boutique at the event. To donate contact Marilyn Whisner, Leslie Vaughn, Joyce Bleim or Pam Ruth at 248-421-7699. If left at the church, please let us know.

The UMW Rummage Sale is coming Saturday, May 30th. Start saving your unwanted items to donate, and keep the week leading up to the sale open so you can work and play the “What Is It” game and shop before anyone else gets the good stuff! Angels in Training are asking for mug donations of Christmas, Grandpa, Grandmother designs. If you have any of these mugs you no longer want, please drop them off in the church office. They will be assembling mugs with tea, hot cocoa etc. and will be used for mission work.

Chase away the winter blues with Gentle Yoga and stretching. Classes are held every Monday in the Parlor from 4 to 5:30 pm. Cost is $75 for 10 weeks or $10 for weekly drop in. This is a great way to keep moving during the snowy winter. Questions? contact mkworourke@gmail.com

Send your kid to Camp! The United Methodist Church has several camps throughout the state that provide kids with a wonderful week of Christian Community, faith development and lots of fun. Every year the UMW sponsors any child or youth going to a Christian Camp with a campership. Contact Pastor Amy if your child or youth is going to camp! Check out lakelouisecommunity.org for Lake Louise Camps and umccamps.org for Detroit Conference Camps.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS CONTINUED The American Cancer Society's Clarkston Relay For Life is coming May 16 at the Clarkston Jr High School track. CUMC is again sponsoring a team of walkers. Co-captains this year are Beverley Merz 248.310.0668. We will be in Fellowship Hall on March 30 and April 27 to answer your questions; sell luminaries in honor of cancer survivors or memory of loved ones for the Luminaria Ceremony at dark; or to accept donations for research and community support. Donations may also be made online for the CUMC team members or the church team. If you are a cancer survivor please register on the acsrelayforlife.org web site for the survivors lap which is held on Saturday morning. There is also a t -shirt and a celebration in honor of survivors. Thank you for all your help and support.

The New Food Pantry has been open for about 6 months and has been a success—thanks to you of CUMC! Through your generosity, the missions committee has provided the pantry with a refrigerator to store dairy products, a freezer to store frozen lunch items and frozen family meals, and metal racks to display all your donated food, personal care items and cleaning supplies. Here are a few examples of the blessings your generosity has provided by allowing our participants to save money on food expenses. One woman was able to save enough to buy the necessary uniform she needed for a potential job. Not only did she get the job, but she has gotten 2 promotions and no longer needs our services. Another young lady was able to save enough to buy a used car and now drives to a place of employment while her children are attending school. Thank you for supporting us in the past and your continued support to the CUMC Food Pantry. You are truly making a difference in the lives of many families and especially the children of our community. As Jesus said in John 13:35 “your love for one another will prove to the world, you are my disciples.”

Sometimes you need an item of medical equipment for a brief time after a surgery or during an illness. You don’t want to buy anything, but where can you borrow it from? Our Caring Ministries Program is starting a medical equipment loan closet for just this purpose. If you have an item you don’t need anymore, please call and ask if it is needed. If you need an item, please call and ask if we have it available. Items to be collected/lent out include: walkers, canes, commodes and shower chairs. Need more information? Please ask Deacon Laura Speiran.

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Notes from your Missionary Safe, warm homes and so much more! On Tuesdays and Thursdays I set aside the day to meet with individuals who have eviction and shut-off notices. When I was first placed at Clarkston United Methodist Church as your Church and Community Worker Missionary for the United Methodist Church, I heard this would be a part of my job as Community Outreach Director. “You will meet with those individuals who come in off the streets in need of assistance.” As a pastor’s kid I’ve spent almost every day of my life in a United Methodist Church. I have attended and worked in very large and very small churches, urban, suburban, and rural churches. When I heard about this role of my job I expected to meet with individuals once or twice a month at most. In reality, I sometimes, meet 8 people a week. I serve as a reference or contact for those who are in need and looking for services in our community, and I sit with individuals and listen to their stories and struggles. Recently, a woman entered my office in tears. She shared with me that circumstances of her life are out of control and she feels helpless and alone. She had no transportation, had recently experienced divorce, job loss, family illness and death. My heart breaks for individuals living in the environment of generational poverty, an environment that often provides little resources and great struggles. I have learned in my work here that sitting and listening to someone’s story is often as important as the money that we are able to give out. I was not only able to listen to her struggles but fortunately for me, she was able to share with me some of her gifts and strengths. We were able to share with one another about our passion for the Deaf community and our experience with American Sign Language. She told me that she has recently found employment and pride in her job as a tattoo artist. In 2014 Clarkston UMC gave over $41,000 to individuals to help them stay in their homes and stay warm. That money represents approximately 136 families, they are families with struggles and with skills and joys. I don’t know how it came to be that I am able to share these moments with those who are seeking help, but I feel honored that they are willing to tell me their stories. I see it as my job as a Church and Community Worker to find ways to fold these individuals into the love of our church community so that we can all be blessed with their gifts and graces. Blessings, Mary B. Gladstone-Highland Community Outreach Director & Church and Community Worker Clarkston United Methodist Church

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UMW

United Methodist Women

UMW Circles – Following is information on the UMW Circles for their March meetings. Alethea Rose Circle will meet Wednesday, March 4th at 7 pm in the

Parlor. We will be assembling Easter baskets for the boys at Promise Village. Contact Mary O'Rourke at mkworourke@gmail.com or 248-620-9491 with any questions.

Susanna Wesley Circle will meet, Wednesday, March 4 in the Parlor at 9:15. We will be preparing Easter treats for the girls at “G” cottage. Our pantry needs for March are condiments ( ketchup, mustard, relish, mayo, etc.) All CUMC women are invited. Call Paula Acton at 248-625-5797 if you have any questions.

Upcoming Events

Crossroads District UMW Annual Prayer Breakfast - Saturday, March 14, 2015 - Registration at 8am, meeting from 8:30-12 noon - Register by March 1 - $10.00 per person - Held at Davison UMC, 207 E. Third St, Davison, MI 48423

Crossroads District UMW Mission Trip to Branson, MO - April 28-May 3rd, 2015 - Price per person: $689 (Double), $659 (Triple), $869 (Single)

For information on the above listed events or to register for any of them, please call Suzanne Tinka at (248) 625-3405 or E-mail: Saintsuzanne@aol.com.

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UMM United Methodist Men

CUMC Men's Bible Study

Thursday evening, 6:30pm-7:30pm - Library (Jeff Smolek)

Friday morning, 7:00am-8:00am Parlor (Bob Hoff)

March 2 (Sun) Daylight Savings Time Begins (Spring Ahead move Clocks Forward 1 hour!)

March 11, (Wed) 7:30pm (Adult Classroom) - CUMC MEN'S Committee Meeting - consists of the CUMC UMMen's Officers, Committee, and members at large, that serve as a leadership team working in partnership with the pastor(s). All men of the church are welcome to drop in and join.

March 15, (Sun) 9:30am- CUMC "All Church" Pancake Breakfast (FH) Hosted by the CUMC Men from 9:30am-11:00am on Sunday March 15th (same day as the Wesley Choir Musical - all are Welcome!!!). Please bring your Family & Friends - there will be a Free Will Offering. This year the Free Will Offering will go to help support the CUMC Men's Ministries. To help Volunteer on the Set-Up Crew, Cooking Crew, Service Crew and Clean-Up Crew please contact Jay Bleim @ 248 625-0875 or 248 875-4112 or bleimer22@att.net. Thank you.

March 15 @ 4:30pm Flint Hope UMC - John Wesley 60- minute class "Revive Us Again" hosted by Rev. J.D. Landis – dessert included. RSVP to James Walker 810 732-6396. March 21 (Sat) - Carriage Town Ministries benefit dinner sponsored by the Crossroads District UMMen @ Flint HOPE UMC @ 5:30pm - Dinner by Chef Peter Thomas followed by the Movie Courageous. Dinner will be Sour Cream Chicken Supreme, Mashed Potatoes, Cole Slaw, Corn, Drinks, Dessert. Send $15 per person to: Jim McEwan, P.O. Box 8, Fenton, MI 48430-0008. Checks made out to UMM. Carriage Town Ministries 605 Garland Street Flint, MI. 48503 “Our mission is to provide help, hope and the Good News to our community through the skills and means of God’s people and the transforming power of Christ’s love.”

CLARKSTON

THANK YOU

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I would like to thank my church family for their wonderful support of my kingdom project by buying muffins. Thanks for your generosity I raised $493.00 to my project of getting overnight bags for parents of children who have to stay at Royal Oak Beaumont Children’s Hospital. Thank you. -Morgan Clemens

Dear CUMC Family, Thank you so much for your prayers, cards and encouragement during these past few months of mom’s illness and passing. Thank you to Pastor Amy and Deacon Laura for their prayers and presence and to Pastor Rick for his listening ear. -Bob & Christine Wyatt

Begins Sunday, February 22, 2015 CUMC Parlor, 7pm—9 week session

Sign up in the office or online at www.clarkstonumc.org

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LAY LEADER REFLECTIONS March 2015 Lord, What Do You Want To Do Through Me? So then you are no longer strangers, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God. - Ephesians 2:19-22

We are drawn to church by the love of God offered through worship, through fellow worshipers, through the Holy Spirit moving in each of us in individual ways, inspiring us to be all that He has planned. We come because it is home, a place where we learn of his love, about Jesus and his sacrifice, from early Sunday School and on. Desire is born to understand who I am and, oh, my, what does he intend for me? How can I become more like him and live in his image? What can I do to be more Christ-like, what do I do? I take heart from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians where he acknowledges that we already are part of God’s community, in process of becoming that holy temple where God not only dwells but reigns.

The Prayer Team cadre of the Capital Campaign who have conscientiously contacted many members in the last few weeks have been blessed by extending the offer of prayer for individuals and inviting prayers for our ministry expansion. This foundation is critical and I invite each of you to join us in our daily prayer: Lord, what do You want to do through me?

Lent is a time of living simply, of reflecting, repenting and returning to God in order to grow closer to the heart of God, as Jesus did during his 40 days of fasting and prayer in the wilderness. This particular season we are on a holy journey - to do all we can to further His Kingdom at this time, in this place. We can live with gratitude, gather information about the campaign, attend a gathering, pray for discernment. God, you have chosen us for a remarkable opportunity to do your work of changing hearts! Thank you! Brenda DuPree Lay Leader

PRAYER REQUESTS Prayer Requests for church bulletin and/or Prayer Chain:

Use pew card, contact Suzanne Tinka at 625-3405, or email to prayerrequests@clarkstonumc.org.

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Your prayers are requested for:

Congregation and their Family Members

Mary Aleksoff, Lisa Barton, Doris & Bob Beattie, Blaze Beeson & Family, Jeff Bleim, John Bundridge, Erica & Trevor Cale, Joan Carr, Ralph Carter, Vern & Betty Case, Anne Chen, Linda Clark, The Cobb Family, Cameron Corder, Jenny DuPree, Kathy Fairburn, Dawn Federspiel, Cameron Fortinberry, Janet Glascock, Bob Greene, Michelle Henry, Don Hill & Family, Elliott Hirn, Tom Hoff, Ruth Ellsworth Jones, Vineese Kasari, Marge Kenerson, Margery Kerr, Patricia Kerrick, Casey Knott, Lynne Kristi, Gary Lenger, Elsa Lopez, Jan Lucich, Laura Madison, Kelley Martin, Terry Matzke, Bernice McCarrick, Ed McGregor, Tom McKittrick, Kelsey Merz, Lila Miller, Jim Morrison, John Morrison, Ed Nagel, Pat Ouellette, Gordan Palmer, Everett Parrott, Dallas Peterman, Fran Pitcher, Jay Reinke, Heather Robinson, Jerry Rucker, Bill Samson, Bob Scott, Yvonne Sleight, Matt Smolek, Steve Stadler, Charles & Patricia Sutherland, Arlyce Tague, Armen Tamakian, Jameson Timberlake, Mary Tischer, Robert & Linda Tudor, Nancy Vance, Justin Van Hooser, Joan Veale, Noah Wills & family, Kent Winter and Family, Shawna Wisser, Anne Wohlford, David & Matthew Wood, Jim Zink and Bill Zorka

Friends of the Congregation

Emily Adams, Jan Altermatt, Althouse Family, Tom Bacon, Lisa Ballinger, Sandy Balone, Joe Battaglia, Debby Berry, Marilyn Campbell, Jim Carpenter & Family, Amy Castell, Betty Cole, Baby Collin, Karen Cooper, Dan, Tony Davidge, Carol Doeringer, Ian Dyer Dorothea Flagg & Family, Nate Gheen, Bernita Hawes, Linda Hamilton, Abby Hixson, Jim Hopson, Mike Kindermann, Andrea and Ken Klimek, Fritz Kruger, Dawn Lamb, Joyce Lewis, Tom Lowell, Jim MacDonald, Jaclyn Martini, Baby Maya, Gary McCowan, Larry Moceri, Mary Muscat, Rev. Barbara Nolin, Cheryl Noll, Cookie Okros, Rebekah Oman, Marcia Outlaw, Jean Pachuta, Rachel Rea, Rick F., Alicia Riegel, Tom Rogers, Fred Rohrbach, Cameron Ruby, Russ, Peggy Schroeder, Shawn & Jon Schwarts, Jane Sessions, Matt & Kathleen Shipley, Larry Sholtey, Carol Ann Simmons, Cody Sleva, Raymond Stutzman, Sue, Jim Terrill, Anita Terry, Taryn Tucker, Jim Walker, Robert Ward Sr., Brian & Lezley Wells and Wendy Wisniewski

In Care Facilities

Golda Cecil, Rev. Jon Clapp, Marie Dolby, Peggy Dryer, Eva Hofert, Marilyn Guzzo, Jean Koskela, Lillie Leedy, Charlotte Maybee, Bernice McCarrick, Freda Meyland, Lila Miller, Bob Morse, Jan Sutton, and Robert Wickell

At Home

Jim & Kay Coates, Jean Macklem, Leona Stelmach, Patricia Stitt

Serving Our Country

Maggie Adams, Robert Baird, Aron Bland, Joe Bondy, Madeline Bondy, Josh Brewer, Scott Brewer, Becky Bucar, Tommy Bullen, Tommy John Burbank, Sean Coppinger, Cameron Corder, Shawn Flanigan, Charlie Fulton, Michael Galbraith, Jim Goerss, Joshua Goerss, Ansel Gruenberg, Ariel Gruenberg, Luke Harris, Gentry Herring, Courtney Koskela, Greg LeClaire, Tommy Lewis, Matt Murphy, John Nickerson, Lisa Pasternak, Wendy Pinter, Eric Speiran, Ben Tartell, John Wawruck, Nicholas White, Dennis Wisser, Justin Wisser, and Gabriel Zapata

Our Congratulations go to Jeff and Laura Parrott on the birth of their son, Everett Thomas, on February 15. Grandparents are Tom and Jan Parrott. .

Chimes Schedule

Submission deadlines Mail date

April Issue/ Tue, Mar 18 Mon , 24

May Issue/ Tue, Apr 22 Mon, 25

June Issue/ Tue, May 20 Mon, 26

CHURCH STAFF

Main Number: 248-625-1611 Email: cumcoffice@clarkstonumc.org Website: www.clarkstonumc.org

Richard Dake, Senior Pastor ext. 223 Amy Mayo-Moyle, Associate Pastor ext. 224 Laura Speiran, Minster of Congregational Care ext. 222 Christine Wyatt, Minister of Adult Education ext. 226

Kim Bishop, Adult Choir Director Gwen Burns, Finance Assistant ext. 221 Jeremy Dean, Director of Facilities/Caretaker ext. 234 Michele Ettinger, Children & FUEL Coordinator ext. 235 Mary Gladstone-Highland, Community Outreach Director ext. 234 Collen Godfrey, Executive Director of Ministries ext. 250 Cheryl Kelly, Administrative Assistant ext. 227 Jack McCarrick, Evening Caretaker ext. 252 Judy Mellen, Handbell Choirs Director ext. 253 Carole Meyers, Finance Manager ext. 221 Michele Poirier, Childcare Coordinator ext. 232 Karen Girard, Cherub Choir Director ext. 251 Annette Siminski, Director of Family Ministries ext. 233 Fred Krause, Sunday Evening Caretaker Angie Scheu, Director of Worship ext. 228 Holly Stowers, Office Volunteer ext. 220 Kathy Waechter, Finance Assistant ext. 221 Leslie Wills, Principal Organist ext. 229 Neal Wright, Youth Music Director

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