A GOD-SIZED VISION

“I don’t think we’ve shared a God-sized vision since we worked together to build our sanctuary and fellowship hall after the 1979 fire.” This remark by a long time member came in a discussion of the book, Bearing Fruit: Ministry with Real Results, by Lovett Weems, Jr. and Tom Berlin. One way for a congregation to move forward toward fruitful ministry is to claim a “God-sized vision.” It is a vision that captures attention and excitement, pulls the congre-gation together, and makes a difference in the world. It is also a project or missional effort that cannot be accomplished without God’s help. The authors describe it this way:

Fruitful ministry requires leaders to embrace God-sized visions that have the power to transform the lives, church, and community of their people. A God-sized vision is something that your church can-not do under its own power with the resources availa-ble today. It is large enough to cause even faithful church members to ask, “Have you lost your mind?” (p. 57)

For Floris United Methodist Church in Vir-ginia, the God-sized vision began with a guest preacher and a concern for orphans in Sierra Leone following a decade long civil war there. They started with an orphanage

for 40 children. Now the ministry in part-nership with the United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone serves 250 youth in various ways. Construction has begun on a hospital in a nearby community.

Ours is a congregation on a mission for God. We hear Jesus’ call to serve the least, the lost, and the last. We understand that our vitality as Christians and as a congrega-tion is increased when we are transformed through love and service to our neighbors. We have engaged in several God-sized visions. When the P.E.T. ministry was launched, it seemed impossible. When we sent a group to Haiti on mission after the earth quake there it was a huge challenge to prepare a team and fundraise with short notice. When the youth ventured to go to Guatemala, it stretched everyone involved- the leaders, the youth, and the congregation. These are important missions for God. And yet, I know that God has a more embracing mission for us which will compel us to take risks together and propel us forward in a ministry under God’s direction.

What is the God-sized vision that will call us forward together and stretch our faith as we respond to God’s call? Here are three ideas which have come to me at the Holy Spirit’s prompting:

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Worship Topics for June Sunday Morning 8:30 and 10:45

Pastor Lynn Pier-Fitzgerald, preaching

June 2 From Here to Eternity: The Best is Yet to Come Revelation 21: 1-4; Luke 24: 44-53 The Lord’s Supper June 9 From Here to Eternity: What are You doing on Earth, for Heaven’s Sake? Revelation 21: 1-7, Luke 6: 46-49 Graduation Sunday Commissioning for Senior High Youth Mission Trip June 16 On a Mission for God: Why Did Jesus Come to Earth? Colossians 1: 15-20; Luke 7: 22-23 Father’s Day New Members Reception in honor of Jan Lancaster’s Ordination June 23 On a Mission for God: Transform the World with Love Luke 7: 1-10 June 30 On a Mission for God: What’s Missing in Mission? I Corinthians 1 : 26-29; Luke 10: 1-11 8:30 am Classic Service in Sanctuary 10:45am Outdoor Service; bring your lawn chair (pizza to follow-see back page for more information)

Church Events, Caring

Ministry, Birthdays, Stephen

Ministry

2 & 3

Nurture Ministry 4 & 5

Outreach Ministry,

Confirmation class, Finance

6 & 7

Witness, UMW, Summer bells 8

Youth Ministry, calendar 9

Inside this issue:

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June 2013

Come join the Lunch Bunch on Sun-days following the 10:45 a.m. service. We will gather at the Good Shepherd window to get a head count and head out to a

local restaurant. All ages are welcome to join includ-ing singles, couples, and families. Check the bulletin for the days’ location or contact David Newton.

Epsilon will meet Wednesday, June 19, 11:30a.m. at Beechwood Inn. Please call Dave or Dorothea 392-3493 by June 17 for reservations.

will meet on June 6 at 1:00 here at church to travel to Caledonia for the Dale and Gail Musical Program featuring hymns, gospel, traditional and sing along favorites. Reservations are needed and the cost will be told upon reservation to Sharon Rocker at 392-1966.

The Kids In Tow June event has had to be changed due to the change of date for the church picnic. Please see Traci Howard or watch your emails for information. Please see the Welcome Center and bulletin boards for the com-

plete year’s schedule and contact information.

The deadline for article submissions for the July Focus is June 15. Please email articles to mhaney@fumcholland.org by that date or earlier. If a hard copy must be used, please bring to main office by that date also. If you would prefer not receiving the Focus in the mail, please let Marj Haney know at mhaney@fumcholland.org.

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Happening this Month

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The Meet and Eat Singles group will be going out on Thursday, June 27 to Brann’s on James Street at 6:00 PM. Contact Dave Newton by the 26th for reservations.

Liz Travis is now coordinating meals for people who need them following surgery or during illness. If you would like to provide a meal, call her at 396-5205 ext. 12.

We would like to recognize those members of our congregation who have graduated from college, university or a trade school this year. Please get this information to the church office by Thursday, June 6 and it will be included in the June 16 announcements as well as the July Focus.

Stephen Ministry Cares

“Christ Caring For People Through People”

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you; in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:7

“I don't need a Stephen Minister, I'm managing on my own.”

You're not required to “need” a Stephen Minister in order to qualify to receive one. There are no strict “rules of eligibility”.

Perhaps you would like a friendly non-judgmental face across the table at Russ'. Your Stephen Minister's entire attention for that hour over coffee will be on you and

you alone. She will listen to you. You and she will talk about the walk through Kollen Park you're planning for next week. She will ask you if your grandchildren liked the book she brought for you to read to them last week. Perhaps you had a really bad day and just need to vent. Perhaps you and she decide that yes, you do need to cut your hair!

A Stephen Minister is a thoughtful, caring person who has committed him/her self to share the love of Christ with another person. Are you that person? You don't need a Stephen Minister, but, maybe, just maybe, it might be nice to be able to really talk to someone? Call Sharon Rocker (392-1966), or Pastor Lynn (396-5205).

Plan on joining us for a “Summer Reading for the Spirit” book group. Reading material is now available

in the church office. We will begin Monday June 3, at 7:00 pm in the lounge. Our reading for June will be excerpts from Sarah Arthur’s At the Still Point.

See Sharon Rocker for more information.

Happy Birthday Wishes!

Please be in prayer for these congregation members and friends...

Notes of appreciation received since the last Focus:

Maxine Klinesteker wrote: Dear Friends, Thank you for the beautiful

lily plan and many get well cards. It means so much to me, to be remembered in your prayers. Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated. Jeanne and George Kleis wrote: Thank you for the lovely Easter lily and the cards from the circles. Flora Nies wrote: Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. God bless.

A note was received from Lake Louise Christian Community thanking the church for sending workers and money to the camp this spring. The note men-tions how hard everyone worked and how that was so appreciated. Good job everyone! Ivy Cammenga wrote: I would like to thank all those who sent me ‘get well’ cards since I came here several months ago. It is certainly a good feeling to know that I am missed and I certainly miss getting on the bus at Appledorn to get there.

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Caring Ministry

Sharon Rocker, Director of Visitation Ministry (ext. 13)

These friends are celebrating at least their 85th birthday this month. Please extend your well wishes!

The Memorial Committee announces the following continuing and new Memorial Projects given to our church in memory of loved ones by family and friends.

Organ Fund and Landscaping B.B. and Edna Rousch The Upper Room Robert Jaehning

Hank Visscher; Sally Garrett; Dar Van Heest; Ivy Cammenga; David Diehl; Barb Schippa

Sympathy to family and friends of Marjorie Walcott who passed away on May 8, sympathy to the friends and family of Helen Moomey who passed away on May 24 and sympathy to the fami-ly and friends of Elaine Doolittle who passed away on May 26.

June

7 Donna Peters 145 Columbia Ave. #664 Holland MI 49423 28 Lois Flowerday 361 W. 31st St. Holland MI 49423

We would like to start a church-wide prayer group to pray for our church world-wide and God’s work among all peoples. We are planning on the first Tuesday of each month. Time will be determined by those who participate. Call Sharon Rocker at 392-1966, if you are interested.

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Nurture Ministry Marj Haney, Director (ext. 15) Heidi De Moss, Director of Adult Ministry

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Spark Rotation

Spark Rotation is on summer vacation but have no fear, the learning and fun doesn’t need to stop!! During Jubilant Journey time through the summer, we will be showing movies in the lounge. Some of these are

appropriate for older kids and youth. When they are appropriate, you are invited to attend. When they aren’t and if you are here during that time with a parent, we will have a separate kid-friendly movie on the first floor in Room 102.

We will also have Summer Children’s Church beginning on June 2 at the second service for children going to Kindergar-ten in the fall through those who just completed the 3rd grade. We will use The Storykeepers series for our curricu-lum. This class will meet through the summer except for June 30 when we have our outdoor service and August 4 when the children will be presenting the VBS worship ser-vice. Help is needed for this class, please sign up at the classroom location, Room 102 on the first floor.

Family Camps

6 sites are still available for Aug. 9-11 at Lake-view Campground north of Grand Rapids on the shores of beautiful Townline Lake. This is a UM campground and the cost for the week-end is $52. We have 16 sites reserved for that

weekend. The first night’s deposit has been paid for so please let Marj or Tim Haney know you are interested asap to claim your site. Check out all there is to do at this campground at www.lakeviewcamp.org

Summer Camp Time!

Still time to register for a camp this summer. The only thing that might prevent you is if the camp is full. You can see if it is by going to www.westmichiganconference.org and click-ing on the camp tab at the top of the page.

Also, when registering, the entire amount needs to be paid so you will need to contact me so I can get a check from Liz for you when you make your registration. Hope you will consider this wonderful opportunity for the children in your life, even grandkids would like a week at camp! Again, if you have any questions, please see Marj Haney, call her at church at ext. 15 or email at mhaney@fumcholland.org

Speaking of camp, the season has begun and we will have two youth at camp during the month of June. Letters from home are one of the best things about camp so be sure to con-tact these students this month and their friends

who will be attending in July and August. Ben Russner will be attending the middle school Chaos camp at Wesley Woods Camp June 23-29. The address there is 1700 Clear Lake Dowling, MI 49050. Makenzie Miller will be attending the all ages choir camp at Lake Louise from June 30-July 6. The address there is 11037 Thumb Lake Road Boyne Falls, MI 49713. Happy camping to you both!

Vacation Bible School will be here before you know it and we hope you are excited as we are about this year’s event!! We will host our annual VBS from Sunday, July 28-Thursday, Aug. 1 in the evening from 6-8:30. Our theme is Everywhere Fun Fair! and fea-tures a carnival atmosphere. Our Center leaders are in place but we are looking for 4

adults to act as the group leaders who escort the children from Center to Center. We will also need youth helpers for all areas. There will be an informational/training meeting for those adults and youth who would be willing to work in these jobs on Wednesday evening, June 5 at 6:30 in the lounge with Center leaders to meet at 7:30. If you are unable to attend this meeting, please see Marj Haney for more information.

Registration is now open for our VBS...please go to http://2013.cokesburyvbs.com/fumcholland.org and sign up!!

Do you love High School students and the way their brains work? Would you like to deepen your faith by learning along with youth each Sunday morning? We are looking for someone or ideally a group of “someones” who will be willing to commit to

leading the High School Sunday school class. This class meets at 9:40 each week in the Eclipse beginning in the fall. Curriculum can be made available if desired. If you are the least bit interested, please see Marj Haney or LuAnne Stanley Hook for more information.

Also in the fall we will be in need of Spark Rotation leaders and helpers as well as Worship Center leaders. Please see Marj Haney for more information on these opportunities to serve and make a difference!

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Adult Jubilant Journey Opportunities

Ongoing Classes on Sunday Morning Pastor Lynn’s Class Where : Conference Room led by Pastor Lynn May 26 ~ No Class - Memorial Day Weekend

Book Discussion June 2 ~ Bearing Fruit June 9 ~ Bearing Fruit Lecture/Presentation Classes Short - Term Classes Where : Lounge May 26 ~ No Class - Memorial Day Weekend The Movies hosted by various folks What : A time to ponder and discuss the movie shown the previous Monday. Where do you see faith portrayed on screen? Moral and ethical issues? Do you agree or disagree with the presentation? In this age of media saturation what do the movies teach us? June 9 ~ Pocahontas June 16 ~ Last of the Mohicans June 23 ~ The Indian in the Cupboard June 30 ~ Dances with Wolves Fellowship Space Coffee and Conversation Where : East end of Fellowship Hall What : A time to gather and visit with each other, or just relax and refresh. Copies of the newspaper are present, as well as coffee, tea, and often some light refreshments. During the Week BIG SCREEN MOVIE NIGHT Where : Lounge hosted by various folks When : Monday evenings 6:30 to 8:30 pm What : Come fellowship together with a movie and popcorn. A variety of films will be shown over the summer. June will focus on Native Americans, in support of our youth’s mis-sion trip to South Dakota. July will focus on a variety of so-cial justice issues, and August is planned around a broad mission theme. As always we try to include films for young children, as well as teen, adults, and maybe even a documen-tary this year. June 3 ~ Pocahontas (1995) Walt Disney Films 1 hr 22 mins rated G The film is the first animated feature Disney film to be based on a real historic character, based on the known history and also the folklore and legend that surrounded the Native American woman Pocahontas, and features a fictionalized

account of her encounter with Englishman John Smith and the settlers that arrived from the Virginia Company. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocahontas_(1995_film)

June 10 ~ Last of the Mohicans (1992 film) 1 hr 52 mins rated R A note from Heidi about this film’s rating. Today this film might be rated at PG-13. The R rating is based on violence. The violence is not portrayed in a gratuitous manner, but that of hand to hand combat and destruction during the French and Indian War. We showed the film to our children when they were 14. I would not have wanted them to see the movie without an adult present at that age. It is violent, and best for adults and older teens. An historical epic film set in 1757 during the French and In-dian War. It was based on James Fennimore Cooper's novel of the same name and the 1936 film adaptation. The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Madeleine Stowe, and Jodhi May. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_of_the_Mohicans_(1992_film)

June 17 ~ The Indian in the Cupboard (1995) 96 min rated PG An American fantasy-adventure film based on the children's book of the same name by Lynne Reid Banks. The story is about a boy who receives a cupboard as a gift on his ninth birthday. He later discovers that putting toy figures in the cupboard, after locking and unlocking it, brings the toys to life. It was directed by famous Muppeteer Frank Oz. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Indian_in_the_Cupboard_(film) June 24 ~ Dances with Wolves (1990) 3 hrs 2 mins rated PG-13 An American epic western film directed, produced by, and starring Kevin Costner. It tells the story of a Union Army lieutenant who travels to the American frontier to find a mili-tary post, and his dealings with a group of Lakota Indians. Winner of seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama. In 2007, Dances with Wolves was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dances_with_Wolves

Continuing into the summer... A Novel Idea Where : Lounge hosted by Lisa Snyder When : Wednesday evenings 6:30 to 8:30 What : A different kind of book club. Are you a reader with no time to read, or no one to read to? A creative person with no time to create, or craft? How about some fellowship? Join us!

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Outreach Ministry Tracy Garrett, Director (ext. 11)

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Community Action House

As always we accept donations of non-perishable food items, household cleaning,

and hygiene products for the emergency pantries of Com-munity Action House. Your donation may be brought to the church anytime and placed in the baskets at both main entry doors.

Recycling

We will be collecting Styrofoam on the first and third Sunday of each month. All items must be clean!

Please, do not to bring items during the week - we have no place to store it. We are again able to accept batteries for recycling - a bucket is located at the east end of the 9th Street hallway. If you would like to help with this effort please contact Dave Marckini (dmarckini@att.net).

Many thanks for your generosity of time, talent, witness, and financial giving.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You have generously supported our special offerings in May.

Communion Offering (May 5) in support of Haiti Hot Lunch (an ongoing feeding program of Michigan Area UMCs), your gifts totaled $257.05.

Bread Pan Offering (May 19) in support of PET Holland, your gifts totaled $3085.25!

Thank you to our Lake Louise spring mission trip members! Lake Louise now has newly built and painted bunk beds; firewood stacks; wood chips raked on the playground; re-paired split rail fences; a rolling teeter totter at the Rope Course; a new sign by the county road. The Osment build-ing has been remodeled into two bedrooms, two baths, and a shower room. Horner cabin has a new roof and new shower. Halstead Lodge has newly finished stone work. And the hallway and ceiling on the main floor of the Retreat Center has fresh paint. Thank you to Liz Carr, Loretta Ti-ethof, Jim Chamness, Jake Eberly, Tom Webber, and Gene Wong! Thank you also to the old United Methodist Men’s group and it’s supporters - the remaining funds, $1,330, was donated to Lake Louise maintenance fund.

Upcoming Mission Service Opportunities

Bread Pan Offering on Sunday, June 16, will support Washington School Neigh-bors.

Washington School Neighbors is our Neighborhood Connections partnership with Good Samari-tan Ministries, Hope Church, St. Francis Church, and

Fourth Reformed Church. Through our Community Con-nectors, Kallie & Andrew Spidahl, this program aims to identify assets and needs in the neighborhood and to help the residents come together with resources (including our church) to address the needs of the whole neighborhood, as well as, the needs of individuals and families around our church. This program brings great opportunities for mis-sion work in our own backyard! Please prayerfully consider sharing your financial blessings on June 16.

Communion Offering, Sunday, June 2, will support Native American Ministries Sunday.

This is a Special Sunday offering on the global United Methodist Church. Your donations support Native American ministries in our conference and the nation. Each annual conference receive one have of your donations to develop and strengthen Native American ministries within the conference. The remaining gifts provides scholarships for Native Americans attending United Methodist schools of theology and other schools approved by the University Senate of The United Methodist Church (General Board of Higher Education and Ministry).

2014 Adult Mission Trip to Guatemala. Due to scheduling conflicts we were forced to cancel the 2013 summer trip. Our church is now scheduled to travel to Guatemala July 12-19, 2014. The trip will likely cost $1000-1200 per person - put us on your calendar and start saving for the trip! We will travel to Guatemala in August to work with Michelle and Kirk Lightfield (on Facebook @ Lightfields in Guatemala). We will work on construction, fellowship, and worship. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Tracy Garrett (396.5205 x 11, tgarrett@fumcholland.org). More details will come at the start of 2014.

Volunteers in Mission - Hurricane Sandy Recovery We will plan a mission trip to the East Coast later this year - we are waiting on the official invitation for general volun-teer teams - currently only specially trained teams working in the area. Volunteers in Mission is the lay member mis-sion trip arm of United Methodist Committee on Relief. UMCOR will invite general VIM Teams when the most dangerous hazards have been cleared and infrastructure is in place to accommodate mission teams for general clean-up, repair, and reconstruction. As soon as the invitation is is-sued we will begin planning this mission trip. Again, continue to watch this space in the monthly newsletters and the announcement page of the weekly worship bulletins for updates.

JU NE 201 3 Page 7

Finance Update Liz Travis, Treasurer (ext. 12)

Confirmation Class of 2013

On Sunday, April 28th, we welcomed

and confirmed into full membership these

seven youth. They have completed a year

-long study and are ready to “Claim the

Name” of Christian. HUGE thanks to

the teaching team of Steve and Sandy Snyder, David Diehl,

and LuAnne Stanley Hook!

Valerie DeLany, a student at Hudsonville Riley Street Mid-

dle School in Hudsonville, is the daughter of Joe and Mary-

Jo DeLany. Valerie is involved at FUMC in the youth group

and Youth Praise Choir and participates in the school band,

dance, winter guard, choir, soccer, and Science Olympiad.

Valerie, says that being a member of the church means “to

be a part of a huge Christian family that will accept you no

matter what, and (to whom) you can talk to about anything.”

Valerie and her family recently lived in Holt, Michigan, and is

transferring her membership today from Holt UMC to

FUMC Holland. Her mentor is Diane Murray.

Wesley Hook is a student at West Ottawa Macatawa Bay

Middle School and the son of Tim Hook and LuAnne Stan-

ley Hook. Wes is involved in football, basketball, wrestling

and track at school; and at church he is involved in youth

group, ushering, and is an acolyte. Wes says that becoming a

member of the church is “mostly a thing to help motivate me

and help me grow spiritually, as well as to tell the church that

I’m here for good, or at least until I go to college.”

His mentor is John Buttrey.

Andrew Kenyon, a student at Zeeland Cityside Middle

School, is the son of Andy and Kerri Kenyon. He plays soc-

cer and Little League Baseball, as well participating in Junior

Choir and youth group. Drew states, “It will be nice to be a

part of the ‘body’ of the church, to belong to the group. I

look forward to sharing more of my talents and abilities.”

His mentor is David Minnich.

Brendan Miller, a student at Hudsonville Riley Street Mid-

dle, is the son of David and Loreen Miller. He is involved in

Boy Scouts, school band and Junior Choir. He also recently

played the lead role of Elijah in the Junior Choir play. His

mentor is James A. Chamness.

Benjamin Russner, a student at Holland High School, is the

son of Bill and Jean Russner. He is very involved in theater

at school and swimming. He is a member of the youth

group and Junior Choir at FUMC. Ben says, “Being a part of

the church means I will be able to lend my talents that God

has given me to carry out His work on mission trips, and this

time as a member—part of God’s family as a community.”

His mentor is Jim Searls.

Benjamin Snyder, a student at Zeeland Cityside Middle

School, is the son of Andrew and Lisa Snyder. At school,

Ben is involved in Track and Field, Choir, and has been in

several of the plays and musicals at Cityside. Outside of

school, Ben enjoys reading, spending time with family and

friends, attending Youth Group, playing video games and

watching T.V., especially History channel, SyFy, and old

episodes of “The Twilight Zone” on Netflix. In a few weeks

Ben will be promoted to an orange belt in Tae Kwon Do at

Chan’s Martial Arts. Ben states, “I am excited to be joining

the church and growing in my faith as I become even more

involved in our church family.” His mentor is George

Ward.

Zachary Stid, a student at Holland High School, is the son

of Mark Stid and Karen Foulds. His many activities include

Holland High Theatre, tennis, soccer, Youth Group, and

youth mission trips. To Zach, becoming a member of the

church means “to become part of a loving atmosphere, and

to help others the way we do.” His mentor is Kevin Virta.

As of May 20 our Capital Reserve fund is at $61,200. The remaining balance on the 10th St. House Ministry properties is: $27,529. We are blessed to have our invoices covered for this month. PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO KEEP YOUR PLEDGE UP TO DATE THIS SUMMER. Thank you for all your contributions!

Did you know that our Endowment Fund has over $234,264 and we give away the income each year to worthy projects? The mission trip to South Dakota will be helped this year for the cost of 3 vans and gas since 31 people are going.

United Methodist Women

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Witness and Invitational Ministry Liz Travis, Director (ext. 12)

The service group for the month of June is Hope Circle.

Coming up this summer we have an opportunity to attend Mission U, (Formally School of Christian Missions), held at Central Michigan University , on July 24 - 27th. The studies are "Roma People of Europe" and "Poverty". The Spiritual Growth study is How to "Live Sacramentally and Walk Justly". Drive in Day which is a shortened version of the Mission U, will be August 10 in Alto, MI. If you are interested in attending any of these events, please call Pat Barrett at 399-4354.

Thank you to all who volunteered their time and energy for the Tulip Time Festival. The City was beautiful and so were all of you. This event is one of our major fund raisers for missions.

We are in need of tall bud vases. If you have some extras to donate please leave them at the church office.

We have Pig in the Blankets left for sale and are in the freezer. They are $8.50 a dozen and you may pay for them in the office.

Bazaar News

United Methodist Women have chosen "Ring in the Christ-mas Season" as their theme for the 52nd annual Holiday Bazaar on Thursday, November 7, 2013. Save the date and watch the Focus for ways you could help.

All proceeds of the Bazaar go to missions selected by UMW.

Polly Diehl would like donations of pint or jelly-size canning jars (Ball or Kerr) as well as regular-size lids and rings, which she will fill this summer and fall with delicious foods to sell at the Bazaar. Your contributions can be delivered to the church office.

Handicrafters, please be thinking about items you can make to carry out the bell theme; other crafts also are welcome.

Summer Bell Choir Are you interested in being a part of a bell choir but don’t have time during the school year to participate? If so, the newly forming Summer Bell Choir may just be for you. Come join adults and youth of all ages as we rehearse songs of the church during the summer months. We’ll rehearse on Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. starting June 4. Can’t make all Tuesday rehearsals; no problem, come when you can. For further info or to sign up for the bell choir contact David Newton at 396-5205 or dnewton@fumcholland.org

The current new member class cycle concludes June 2, Sunday evening from 6-7:30 in the Conference Room. Those choosing to do so will join on June 16. For more information about this, please see Liz Travis.

Pastor Lynn’s article continued from pg. 1 1. We are a congregation committed to youth. Let us

take concrete steps to discover how we might fill a gap in helping at-risk youth in our community. Do our connections with 2 alternative high schools in the area give us a place to begin?

2. We love children and we seek to serve and nurture families and children. Let us use our playground and our facility to create after-school or summer activities (or meals) for the children of our neigh-bors.

3. Holland has one of the largest Hispanic/Latino pop-ulations in West Michigan. Let us work in partner-ship with the Hispanic/ Latino Committee of our UM Conference in exploring new options for a United Methodist Spanish language ministry in our city.

Do your hear God’s call in any of these visions? Is there an

idea here which captures your attention? The challenge of a God-size vision is that it will gather us together; it will ener-gize us and call us to imagine ministry we cannot do without God. What are you hearing from God? How is the Holy Spirit prompting you? Jim Searls, from the Vision Team, will make a survey available in June which will give you an opportunity to share your God-sized vision for our congregation.

The early church gathered in Jerusalem, prayed expectantly, and waited because Jesus told them to stay there “until you have been furnished with heavenly power.” (Luke 24: 49b.) I call upon you to pray for direction for our church, for our God-sized vision, and to share your experience in praying with others. Let us pray, talk together, and wait. It is a way of opening our sails to catch the mighty winds of the Holy Spirit and God’s heavenly power.

Praying and waiting with you, Pastor Lynn

For times and locations of events and meetings each week, refer to the calendar available at our website, www.fumcholland.org on the lower right hand side of the page. Staff can be reached via the website under the About Us tab at the top and clicking on Church Staff. Check out our new website!

Youth Ministry LuAnne Stanley Hook, Director (ext. 19)

JU NE 201 3 Page 9

Schedule of Events

June 4 Outreach Team 7:00 PM

June 7 JFON Clinic 8:00 AM

June 10 Endowment Team 7:00 PM

June 11 FUN School Board 7:00 PM

June 17 Trustees 7:00 PM

June 18 Finance Team 7:00 PM

June 25 Church Council 7:00 PM

Each week:

Tuesday noon: Senior Meal

Thursday 7:00: Volleyball

Saturday 7:30 AA-Alanon

It’s Mission Trip Month!

The Senior High youth will be traveling on June 15-23 to Mission, South Dakota, where we will serve on the Rosebud Lakota Reservation with Tree of Life, a ministry of the Da-kotas Conference of the United Methodist Church. We’ll be doing home repairs, working in the thrift store or food pan-try, or whatever they need us to do! We will also learn much about the Lakota Sioux people and ministry among Native Americans.

Transportation costs are much more than expected for this trip—probably running about $8000—and are being cov-ered by the generous donations given during our $10-for-10 campaign. Thank you so much for this! Our team will be responsible for our own food for this trip as well, and dona-tions of pantry items that have come in from the congrega-tion have made a good-sized dent in what we will have to buy on the reservation. Thank you!

Our middle schoolers will end the month with their Mini Mission to Mt. Pleasant, serving with and residing at the Wesley Foundation on the campus of Central Michigan Uni-versity. We will also visit the Zibiiwing Center to learn about the history of the Saginaw Chippewa's and other Anishinabe

in Michigan. The trip dates are June 30 through July 2.

Please pray for all of the youth and leaders who will be serv-ing on these mission trips, for their safety and health, as well as for God’s spirit to work in their lives and the lives of those whom they meet. We are still in need of prayer part-ners for the 45 people going on these trips, so please let LuAnne or the church office know if you are interested in being a “official” prayer partner for someone!

Thank you so much for all the support that we have gotten from our church family thus far—it wouldn’t be possible for us to go without you!

June Youth Schedule:

Friday, June 14, 7:00 p.m. South Dakota team packing and “praying off” and then Saturday, June 15, through Sunday, June 23, Senior Highs Mission Trip to Mission, South Dakota!

Sunday, June 30, Outdoor Worship at FUMC with lunch afterward. The Middle Schoolers will be commissioned.

Sunday, June 30 – July 2, the Middle School Mini Mission to Mt. Pleasant. We will leave the church together after lunch.

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June 2013

Pastor Rev. J. Lynn Pier-Fitzgerald

Phone: 616-393-6242

Nonprofit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Holland, MI

Permit No. 445

57 W. 10th St.

Holland MI 49423

Return Service Requested

FI RST UNIT ED MET HODI ST CHURCH

Highlights for the Month

Phone: 616-396-5205

June 2013

Visit us online at

www.fumcholland.org

Please join us from 9:15-10:30 on Sunday, June 9 in Fellowship Hall to congratulate our graduating high school seniors.

Breakfast type refreshments will be served. The grads will then be recognized during the 10:45 worship time.

Everyone is invited to attend worship outdoors at 10:45 on June 30. The band will be playing and we will commission our Middle School mission trip participants. Pizza will be

served afterwards in Fellowship Hall, freewill donations accepted. Some balloon animal entertainment will also take place during lunch. Bring lawn chairs to use outside. If it is raining, we will worship inside instead. The 8:30 service will be held at the regular time and place that morning.

The Annual Church Picnic at Dunton Park will be held on Wednesday, July 17 at 6:00. Please see the July Focus for what to bring!

Another year of Kids Hope has come to a close!! I want to thank all my wonderful mentors, prayer partners, and subs. You make this program run. We mentored 14 kids this year at Holland Heights!!

Hopefully we can increase this number even more in 2013-14!! I hope you will prayerfully consider joining our team in the fall!! Please contact Kathy Lindstrom for more information at 738-1689 or dklindst@yahoo.com. Please join me in thanking the following:

Mentors: Kathy Lindstrom, John Buttrey, Mary Buttrey, Sue Dozeman, Carolyn Hulst, Liz Travis, Roxanne Wallace, Herb Weller, Pastor Lynn, Peg Minert, Daughn Greenwood, Kendra Gerlach, Lorelle Eberly, Connie Meinke, and Loretta Tiethof

Prayer partners: John Buttrey, Mary Buttrey, Ann Weller, Jack Dozeman, Gordon Hulst, Joan Wallace, Tom Fitzgerald, Al Minert, Diane Murray, Kaarli Riley, Kathy Venema, Ryan Gerlach, and Rich Tiethof

Subs: Mary DeRidder, Ann Weller, and Kathy Beal