FIRST UNITED

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Rev. Denise Griebler

denisegriebler1stucc@

gmail.com

CELL: 630-297-1740

OFFICE: 586-727-3155

FAX: 586-727-8341

E-mail: firstunitedcc@outlook.com

Website:

www.firstuccrichmond.yolasite.com

OFFICE HOURS:

TUESDAY—THURSDAY

9:00 AM - 12 NOON

FRIDAY, 9 AM - 3 PM

Afternoons by appointment

Pastor Denise is in Richmond on

Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday

We are

a Christian

community

called to

love God,

love neighbor,

love self,

as Jesus taught.

FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

RICHMOND, MICHIGAN

August 2015

Calling all youth - 4th - 6th graders!

Check out the flyer inside . . .

for our new Peace Planters Camp.

You will

learn stories and songs of courage . . .

build luminaries . . .

learn how to be a peace-maker. . .

have fun with friends . . .

make new friends. . .

build community.

Hey! Do you know what luminaries are?

They are 3-D wire lanterns that you get to design and build.

Build out the wire design . . . cover it with tape . . .

glue on tissue paper . . . put a light inside . . .

wait til dark . . . turn it on . . . and be amazed!

Tell your friends. Register by August 16

continued from previous page

Scripture Readings for August

August 02 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a; Psalm 51:1-12; Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:24-35

August 09 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33; Psalm 130; Ephesians 4:25-5:2; John 6:35, 41-51

August 16 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14; Psalm 111; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58

August 23 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 8: (1, 6, 10-11), 22-30m 41-43; Psalm 84; Ephesians 6:10-20; John 6:56-69

August 30 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9; James 1:17-27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Called to Care Team

Mary Alice Busch 586-727-7009

Bob Chrostowski 586-727-9904 (H) 586-855-1823 (C)

Vision Statement:

The purpose of this church shall be to worship God, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to celebrate the sacraments; to realize Christian fellowship and unity within this church and the Church universal; to render loving service toward humankind; and to strive for righteousness, justice and peace.

Mission Statement:

We are traveling life’s road: created by God, guided by Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit and grounded in scripture. We strive to be individuals on a spiritual journey and a community sharing God’s love with all.

Office Hours

The secretary is in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9 am till 12 noon and Friday 9 am till 3 pm. If you need additional assistance at other times, please send Helen an email at firstunitedcc@outlook.com or leave a phone message at the church office: 586-727-3155. Thank you.

First UCC Prayer Chain

Pastor Denise 630-297-1740

Sue Weinert 586-206-1719

Diane Porrett 586-727-1374

Jennifer Northam 586-727-5176

Sally McNinch 586-727-1000

Mary Alice Busch 586-727-7009

Paulette Trombley 586-784-5726

Karen Eltringham 586-291-0615

Joyce Townsend 586-727-9735

Shelley Champion 586-255-0387

Christine Hensch 810-385-4391

Traci Bartell 586-557-2264

Want to join our prayer chain? Please call the church office at 586-727-3155.

Adopt-A-Bill Here’s How it Works:

1) Take an Adopt-A-Bill envelope from the display board in the narthex.

2) Pick a bill from the board.

3) Place your check (made out to First United Church of Christ) or cash along with the bill in the envelope.

4) Place the envelope in the offering plate or mail it to the church.

Every contribution is greatly appreciated and helps to support our church.

Listed below are the church council members for 2015. Please contact any one of them with any questions or comments that you may have.

Your 2015 Church Council

Name

Veronica Chrostowski

Mark Davis

Vicky Davis

Karen Eltringham

Kimberly Grewe

Dave Hartwell

Terri Houston

Denise Griebler

Kathi Miller

Ron Schrote

Jackie Waszkiewicz

Rich Weinert

Position

Council Member

Treasurer

Council Member

Council Member

Council Member

Council Member

Vice President

Pastor

Secretary

President

Financial Secretary

Council Member

Term Ends

2016

2017

2015

2017

2015

2017

2016

N/A

2016

2015

2017

2017

What’s Going on at First UCC? If you would like to be an active participant in any of the goings on at First UCC or have any questions concern-ing what our committees do, feel free to reach out to the committee liaison. The many committees that make sure things run smoothly are made up of volunteers, and each commit-tee is represented by a church council member.

Mission Karen Eltringham (586-291-0615)

Buildings and Grounds Dave Hartwell (586-727-8083)

Worship Terri Houston (586-727-7034)

Vitality

Rich Weinert (586-727-1139)

Finance Kim Grewe (586-894-3093)

Stewardship Veronica Chrostowski (586-727-9904)

Memorial Kathi Miller (586-727-1726)

Personnel

Ron Schrote (586-925-8801)

The various committees and liaisons are as follows:

August 2

Greeters…………Jennifer & Lantz Northam

Ushers……………Glen & Diane Porrett

Lay Reader…….Traci Bartell

Communion Preparer…...Mary Alice Busch

Communion Servers……...Rich & Sue Weinert

August 9

Greeters………….Joyce Townsend & Pam Green

Ushers……………Ray Trombley & Joe Burkhart

Lay Reader…….Ruth Hartwell

Altar Flowers…David Hartwell

August 16

Greeters………….Amy & Rob Follebout

Ushers…………….Lantz Northam & Rich Weinert

Lay Reader……..Mary Alice Busch

Altar Flowers….Diane Porrett

August 23

Greeters……………Darrel & Sharlene Haws

Ushers………………Kim McCardell & Glen Porrett

Lay Reader……….Jennifer Northam

Altar Flowers…...Al & Mary Alice Busch

August 30

Greeters…………...Karen Eltringham &

Joe Burkhart

Ushers………………Dave & Ruth Hartwell

Lay Reader……....Mary Alice Busch

Altar Flowers…...Denise Griebler

September 6

Greeters…………...Ron & Kim Schrote

Ushers……………...Rich & Sue Weinert

Lay Reader……….Joyce Townsend

Communion Preparer…...Sally McNinch

Communion Servers:……..Bob & Veronica

Servers Rotation Schedule—2015

Pastor Denise’s Office Hours and Pastoral Care I plan my week to be in Richmond on Tuesday, Thurs-day and Sunday. It’s possible that the days may move a bit as I respond to various needs that arise, but for the most part, that’s when I’ll be in town. If possible, please plan for committees to meet on one of those days or evenings.

Thanks so much! If there are situations that arise in which you’d like pastoral care, please call to let me know. In the old days, hospitals and rehab/nursing facilities used to inform pastors when one of their flock was admitted. That doesn’t happen anymore.

You can reach me directly by calling my cell phone— 630-297-1740 or call the church office and leave a message with Helen or on the answer-ing machine. I’m always happy to receive your calls.

Pastor Denise

Once again, during the “Good Ol’ Days” week-end, we are planning a yard sale and bake sale to raise money for our church.

A portion of our parking lot will have church tables of donated items (no clothing, please). The rest of the park-ing spaces we will rent for ten dollars each to those who have their own items they wish to sell. And, we always have a nice variety of deli-cious baked goods for sale along with grilled hot dogs, chips, pop and water.

It is clear that we generate the greatest dollars for our church when we all contrib-ute items for the sales, so we’re counting on your help.

If each family donates one used item and one baked item, we will have much to sell.

We need lots of volunteers to make this fundraiser a big success. Can you donate an hour or two on Saturday or Sunday? If you can, please sign up for your favorite job on the sign-up sheet that is posted in the narthex.

Good Ol’ Days Weekend Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13

August 16 - 22

Zach, Heidi, Makenna, Masen & Maya Joppich

Sandy Knoell

Scott, Ginnean, Joshua & Savannah Kohn

August 9 - 15

Alexa & Andrew Jarrell

Carmelle Johnson

Bill, Andra, Brianna & Liam Jones

August 2 - 8

Christopher Hunger

Dave & Terry Hunger

Jeremy Hunger

August 23 - 29

Diane Kulman

Carol Kulman

Don & Pat Lawrence

First UCC’s Weekly Prayer Discipline for August

“Clip and Keep Reminders”

Pastor Denise will be away August 2 — 8. If anyone is in need of pastoral care during the pastor’s absence, please call the office at 586-727-3155 or Ron Schrote at 586-925-8801. Thank you.

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. ~Victor Hugo All those who are interested in sharing their talents and love of singing and music, please come to the Adult Choir opening gathering on

Tuesday, September 1st at 6:30pm. We will gather in the Sanctuary. We will tell stories of our summers, join our voices in new songs, and build our faith through it all! We have the added joy this fall to participate in the Instal-lation service of Rev. Dr. Julie Kilmer at St. Matthew UCC, Adair on Sunday, September 27. First UCC’s Adult Choir is open to all who are in the 8th grade and beyond. We re-hearse once a week and we

offer music in worship twice per month. You do not need to read music or be a trained singer to share your gifts this way. There are no auditions or mandatory solos. We do move and sing at the same time occasionally and sometimes dive into singing in languages other than English. Come! Be open to the Spirit moving through the music! All are welcome! Music is what life sounds like. ~Eric Olson

During the summer months, our worship service begins at 10:00 am.

We resume our fall schedule (11:00 am) on the 2nd Sunday after Labor Day.

Please submit your articles or announce-ments for the next issue of Sharing the Word no later than August 24.

Our Website is up and running…

Come take a look! Here’s the address: www.firstuccrichmond.yolasite.com

Gather ‘Round the Circle’…

Join us Sunday, August 9 for our Sunday Potluck and SongCircle. Bring a friend!

Potluck: 5:30 pm—Bring a dish to pass Community singing: 6:30 - 8:00 pm

If you like to eat, tell stories and sing old and new songs . . . this is for you! We sing mostly out of a wonderful collec-tion of songs in a songbook called Rise Up Singing. There are 1200 songs in all - from the Beatles to Dylan, sacred and secular, songs of struggle and hope, love songs, silly songs, songs of your youth and even your grandparents’ youth, and songs and chants of today. All are welcome!

Doris Ensley has suffered a stroke and is now recuperating at Canterbury on the Lake.

Cards can be sent to the following address:

Canterbury on the lake

5601 Hatchery Road

Waterford, MI 48329 Peace Planters

Summer Arts Camp

Learn...Build...Grow!

Every day we will sing, create, tell stories, build community!

August 23 - 27

First United Church of Christ,

Richmond

For children going into 4th, 5th, or 6th grade.

More information and application visit firstuccrichmond@yolasite.com or contact 586-727-3155/firstunitedcc@outlook.com

MISSION CALENDAR 2015

February Health Kit items due in church

on or before February 22

March *One Great Hour of Sharing

Offering on March 15 April Shoe Drive for Grace Center of

Hope, Pontiac—April 25

May Shoe Drive continues—May 2

*Blanket Sunday Offering on May 10

June *Strengthen the Church

Offering on June 7 Baby Kit items due in church on or before June 21

August School Kit items due in church

on or before August 30

October *Neighbors In Need Offering

on October 4 Bread for the World Bread Sale on October 18

November Shoebox Christmas Gift

Collection for KIDS due in church on or before Dec. 6

December *Christmas Fund Offering on

Dec. 20

*Envelopes will be provided

Check the Mission bulletin board at the back of the church for the detailed list for the baby, health, and school kits plus any other Mission updates. Look for canisters for the ongoing collection of Box Tops for Education, Campbell’s labels for Crossroads Child Services & coins for the Holy Joe’s Café Coffee for the Troops.

Church World Service School Kits

The Back to School Sales are happening and once again our congregation is packing school kits for Church World Service. Please donate any of the following items and bring them to church by Sunday, August 30.

We need the following items to assemble a School Kit:

One pair of blunt scissors (round tip)

Three 70-count spiral notebooks, 200-210 pages

One 12” ruler

One hand-held pencil sharpener

One large eraser

Six new pencils with erasers

One box of 24 crayons

One cotton/lightweight canvas bag with cloth handles—If you like to sew and can help make these bags, Mary Alice Bush will supply you with the material and the pattern.

The Mission committee is applying for the matching grant from UCC Disaster Ministries to help with the processing/shipping cost and/or purchasing supplies for the assembly of these kits. We received this $250 grant last year and it was a huge help. The application can be sent in after September 1 and hopefully by the end of September we will know if we are a recipient. Please give what you can. ALL items will be sent to Church World Service.

T hank you for your continuing support of Crossroad’s education program with your

Campbell’s Labels and Box Tops. As a result of your generous donations, we processed 15,701 Box Tops and 46,502 Campbell Labels in 2014-2015. Thank you for your interest in Crossroad and our programs.

Zenovia Pearson, Donor Specialist

Prayers coming your way... This page in our newsletter shares prayer concerns and prayer opportunities within the life of our family of faith. By actively praying for the concerns presented, we strengthen our congregation, our brother and sister churches, our association and our conference.

If you have prayer concerns you would like to see added to this page, please contact Pastor Denise or call the office at 586-727-3155. Please add the following concerns to your personal prayer time:

We pray for those from our family of faith who are homebound, dealing with illness, grief or caregiving:

DiAnne Leitermann (Kim McCardall’s mom)….Bertha Teska….Doris Ensley….

Donna & Frank Bartell….Lucille Trombley….Marjorie Pentzien….

Bob Reindel….Paulette & Ray Trombley….Chuck & Mary Alice Busch….

Leona Conner….Jo & Bill Wagner....children and families for a safe and fun summer

Reach Out in Faith Thousands of older and dis-abled adults in our commu-nity struggle daily to get by. For these individuals a little extra help can make it possi-ble for them to remain safe and independent in their own homes. The Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers program matches volunteers with frail, home-bound and isolated neighbors

who need assistance. If you have just a couple hours a month that you can give to someone in need, you can make a huge difference in the life of a struggling neighbor. You tell us what days, times and areas are convenient for you and how you would like to serve. You can be matched with the same person for regular visits, or just be on a list for occasional rides and chores. Volunteers are needed to help with the following:

► Transportation for appointments and essential errands

► Simple chores, yard work or home repairs

► Help with housekeeping or meal preparation

► Friendly visits or supportive phone calls

► Respite breaks for full- time family caregivers

► Other support that can help a frail, older or disabled neighbor We also need volunteers who can provide support in our office, assist with special events, or serve on our Board and its various committees. Call JoAnn at 586-757-5551 for more information . Learn more about our work at www.ivcinfo.org

We wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the following members who are celebrating their birthday in August:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the children of our church who celebrate a birthday this month:

We also wish a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to the following members whose

wedding anniversary is in August:

06 - Mike & Kelly Hamburg

14 - Justin & Avrie Dunsmore

15 - Brian & Cathy Conner

21 - Glen & Diane Porrett

26 - Warren & Sue Burmann

B E S T W I S H E S T O Y O U !

04 - Sally McNinch

04 - David Busch 06 - Lucia Marshall

07 - Donna Bartell 13 - Rich Weinert

16 - Rex Ritchie

17 - Bill Jones 22 - Eric Hummel

26 - Justin Dunsmore

17 - Avery Hamburg

26 - Elaina Briggs 29 - Brianna Jones

Weekly Offerings:

July 19 $1,156.00

July 12 $1,655.00

July 05 $1,394.00

June 28 $1,897.25

July 19………………….25

July 12………………….36

July 05………………….35

June 28………………..35

FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

68651 SOUTH FOREST

RICHMOND, MI 48062

Return address requested

No Matter Who You Are

Or Where You Are On Life’s Journey…

You Are Welcome Here!

First United Church of Christ Rev. Denise Griebler dgriebler@sbcglobal.net

cell: 630-297-1740 office: 586-727-3155 email: firstunitedcc@outlook.com