 Greetings Dear Friends,
Do you remember the first time you were a first-timer at the church? Do you remember how intimidating the building looked (it´s rather big!)? Did you know where to enter (we have 6 sets of doors!)? Where to park (always a problem downtown)? Once you were in the building, did you know where to go to find the sanctuary, the nursery, the bathroom (you must admit, our building isn´t the easiest to navigate)?
Over the course of ArtPrize we have had hundreds of first-timers in our building. I wonder how some of them felt as they approached our building. I hope, and wouldn´t be surprised if, some of them came back for worship (we have had so many positive comments and questions about our sanctuary and worship!). Will they feel welcome when they come? How will they be greeted? If experience is any indicator, I suspect they will be warmly greeted not only by our Worship Support Team but by our entire congregation. We love to have new people in worship.
In the book, "Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations" Robert Schnase calls congregations to practice what he calls "Radical Hospitality." By this he means a drastically different-from- ordinary and "active desire to invite, welcome, receive, and care for those who are strangers so that they find a spiritual home and discover for themselves the unending richness of life in Christ." It means living out the love of Christ. It means Philaxenia.
Philaxenia comes from the Greek ´philia´ meaning friendship/virtuous love and ´xenos´ meaning stranger. The practice of Radical Hospitality involves Philaxenia – the love of the stranger. As Christians, we need to remember that we were all strangers once, separated from the body of Christ by our sinfulness, but then somebody extended an invitation to us through an act of hospitality. Perhaps it was as simple as our parents bringing us to church as a child or maybe it was as radical as a congregation reaching out in an unexpected way at just the right time. Radical hospitality involves loving the stranger, really loving them.
How might we practice Radical Hospitality in our community? Are there ways we could make the "stranger" feel more welcome in our building?
Radical Hospitality might include:
• Not only extending an invitation to church but offering a ride as well.
• Greeters outside the church doors on Sunday morning.
• Valet parking!
• The aroma of a coffee bar for those who just can´t get going in the morning.
• Members offering to sit with visitors as they come into the sanctuary.
• Inviting a visitor to join you for lunch following the service.
• Making it a practice to talk to at least one visitor before you catch up with friends.
How "radical" can we make our hospitality? I´m sure we can come up with all sorts of different ideas. Romans 15:7 says, "Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." Let´s see just how much glory we can give to God through the practice of Radical Hospitality and ´Philaxenia´!
Blessings, Pastor Tish
P.S. It might not be very radical, but hospitality could start with something as simple as everyone wearing a nametag. In order to show hospitality to our visitors and those who are newer to our church, our staff Coordinating Team has committed themselves to wearing their nametag every Sunday. We encourage you to wear your nametag, too! Knowing someone´s name makes us feel like we belong. If you need a nametag, let Christian Miles know at the north lobby desk or contact Peg Terkeurst at First Place.
P.P.S. Thank you to everyone who extended radical hospitality to our ArtPrize visitors either by sitting with the art or by volunteering for the Lot Party. Way to go, First Church!
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
• October 3, 7:00 pm — Taizé Sung Prayers
• October 5, 7:30 pm — ArtPrize Film & Lecture: Soul Tenders
• October 6, 7:30 pm — Anne Hills – Contemporary Folk Musician
• October 7, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm — Mission Fair
• October 9, 7:00 pm — Infertility Support Group
• October 10, 6:00 pm — Sparks Service
• October 11, 9:00 am — Fixin´ ´n´ Fellowship
• October 14, 12:15 pm — Taste and See Class
• October 15, 12:00 pm — 60+ Luncheon
• October 17, 8:00 am — Caring Connection
• October 20 — Scrapbooking Marathon
• October 20, 6:00 pm — Jazz Vespers: The Wonderland Jazz Ensemble
• October 21 — Stewardship Celebration Sunday
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EDUCATION NEWS
CHILDREN´S PROGRAMMING
Please go to www.grandrapidsfumc.org/volunteers to sign up to serve in one of the areas listed below. If you have questions, please contact Annette Erbes at 451.2879 (Monday-Wednesday) or annettee@grandrapidsfumc.org. All volunteers must be cleared through our child protection policy procedures.
FAITH TRAVELERS SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT Through the month of October the Faith Travelers classes are engaging in service learning projects, and they would like your assistance! The fifth and sixth grade class will be collecting toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss for a food pantry. Their goal is to collect five buckets worth of items. Sunday, October 7 bins will be located at the entrances to the sanctuary. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Judnich at jjudnich@comcast.net. Thank you for your support of our church school students and their service projects.
FALL 2012 SUNDAY MORNING CHILDREN´S CLASS SCHEDULE
9:15 AM
• Infant Nursery — 0-23 months — Room 107
• Toddler Nursery — age 2-young 3 — Room 205
• Children & Worship — older 3s (potty trained) – K — Room 204/201
• Faith Travelers — 1-6th grade — 3rd floor Church bldg
(Faith Travelers begin in worship with their parents. Following Moments with the Children, they are dismissed to class. Children of all ages are welcome to remain in worship if their families so desire.)
9:30 AM
• Junior High — 7-8th grade — The Vine South (1st floor of First Place bldg.)
• Senior High — 9-12th grade — The Vine North (1st floor of First Place bldg.)
10:25 AM
• Faith Travelers´ Choir — 1-6th grade 3rd floor Church bldg
11:00 AM
• Infant Nursery — 0-23 months — Room 107
• Toddler Nursery — age 2-young 3 — Room 205
• Children & Worship — older 3s (potty trained) – K — Room 204/201
• Junior Church — 1-2nd grade — Room 202
(Children in Junior Church begin in worship with their parents. Following Moments withthe Children, they are dismissed to class. Children of all ages are welcome to remain in worship if their families so desire.)
**Worship bags and Children´s Pages are available in the narthex with activities that allow for children to participate in worship at their own level.**
ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Please sign up for the following adult education opportunities in the Sunday bulletin or online at www.grandrapidsfumc.org/sign-up-sheet.
  • A DISCIPLE´S PATH — Everyone is invited to take this 7 week class! Combining a Wesleyan understanding of our growth in God´s love and grace with the time-tested practices of spiritual discipline as expressed in the membership vows to uphold the church with our presence, prayers, gifts, service, and witness, you will discover the difference it makes to live out your commitment to Christ through membership in the United Methodist Church. You will learn that being a disciple means loving God and loving others, and you will be equipped to do that by discovering your unique gifts and becoming engaged in ministry that also brings transformation in your own heart and life through the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Books are available from the north lobby receptionist: Workbook (required) $6.50, Companion Reader (optional) $7.00. Register online at www.grandrapidsfumc.org/sign-up-sheet.
• Begins Sunday, October 21 at 12:15 pm in the Parlor(includes lunch). Led by Patsy McGillivray. Table of Contents |
EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
FAIR TRADE COFFEE is available for sale at our north lobby desk. Fair trade coffee is certified coffee that guarantees that farmers in third world countries receive a fair price for coffee production.
 FUMC BOOK CLUB will meet at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, October 10 at Pearl Street Grill (310 Pearl St. NW, inside Holiday Inn.) Our book is The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings, in which a distracted, work-obsessed father, Matt King, is forced to take a much more hands-on role with his two daughters when his daredevil wife Joanie falls into a coma after a boating accident. Narrated in a bold, fearless, unforgettable voice and set against the lush, panoramic backdrop of Hawaii, The Descendants is a stunning debut novel about an unconventional family forced to come together and re-create its own legacy. Join us for good food and great conversation. Please RSVP to Marlys Davis at 735.3339 or marlys366@aol.com by Tuesday, October 9.
TASTE AND SEE CLASS If you are interested in learning more about First Church, please plan on attending our "Taste and See" on Sunday, October 14 at 12:15 pm in the parlor. Email Patsy at patsym@grandrapidsfumc.org if you have questions or plan to attend. Child care will be available.
SCRAPBOOKING Our next scrapbooking event will be Saturday, October 20 from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Have a work space table all to yourself. Great place for scrapbook wannabes! If you´re not a "scrapper," you can enjoy other paper crafts like card making or quilling. We´d love to have you join us! If you are a scrapbooker, please email Patsy McGillivray at patsym@grandrapidsfumc.org to be included on the scrapbook emailings.
DON´T FORGET YOUR SWEATER Outdoor temperatures are fluctuating like mad! How are we supposed to dress? The outdoor temperature has a direct effect on how the church building feels inside. When the temperature is going back and forth, church can be very warm or very cool. During this time of temperature uncertainty, please wear layers. In this huge building, it´s difficult to get the temperature favorable for all, so please come to church prepared!
MOMS GROUP: HAY RIDE Join us for a hayride at Orchard Hill Farm (2934 68th St., Caledonia) on Friday, October 12 at 6:00 pm. After the hayride, we´ll go on a nature walk to see the animals, a greenhouse, and a cornfield maze. The cost is $5/person (children under 1 are free). Price includes: hayride, small pumpkin, cider, and donut. RSVP by Oct 9. Cash or check only.
SECOND SUNDAY LUNCH BUNCH will meet Sunday, October 14 after the 11:00 am service for lunch at New Beginnings Restaurant (1455 Michigan St NE). Because we reserve space there, please let us know if you are planning to join us by calling Sherry Gates at 942.8527 by Saturday, October 13.
60+ LUNCHEON The next 60+ Luncheon will be held on Monday, October 15 at noon. Please call Elaine Youngs at 735.5506 or Luci Baer at 457.7797 if you would like to make a reservation.
PHOTOS If you would like to be included in our new "online" photo directory join us on Sundays, October 7 and 21, between and after the 11:00 am services in the parlor for pictures. They will be used in our online directory and/or the "New Member Board." If you have any questions, contact Patsy at 451.2879 or patsym@grandrapidsfumc.org.
WOMEN OF FIRST FALL RETREAT Join us November 9, 6:00 pm – November 10, 4:00 pm at Gull Lake Retreat Center (Hickory Corners, MI). Cost $120. Relax, Worship, Learn and Grow! Workshops Include: God´s Amazing Pharmacy!, Revive, Refresh, Renew, and Living Prayer. RSVP to the church office at 616.451.2879 by October 26. Send payment to Sharon Sorensen (payment guarantees reservation).
HALF-N-HALF HALLOWEEN OVERNIGHT Senior High Youth are invited to join us Saturday, October 27, 10:00 am - Sunday, October 28, 10:30 am. First Half: Making a Difference! We´re working with GRASP (Grand Rapids Area Service Project) to repair homes for low-income families (similar to workcamp). Second Half: Bonfire! After volunteering, we´re having a bonfire, spending the night at The Vine (games, sardines, movies, midnight worship, sleep optional). Please RSVP by Wednesday, October 24 to Sami at samim@grandrapidsfumc.org or 616.485.6203. Cost: $25 (scholarships available). Open to anyone in grades 9-12. Friends invited!
UPCOMING BAPTISM DATE Our next baptism date is Sunday, October 14. Please call Mary Molhoek at 451.2879 to schedule a baptism.
10-FOLD returns October 1! Join us weekly at www.10-Fold.org throughout October for multimedia experiences around five exciting projects: Week 1: Disaster Relief, Week 2: Young People in Mission, Week 3: Mission Initiatives, Week 4: Missionaries, and Week 5: Fair Trade. Your visit each week will trigger a US $1 donation to the week´s project from one of our sponsors. Plus, you´ll gain access to great videos, worship resources, children´s activities, and more. Check it out today!
ADVENT DEVOTIONALS The season of Advent is approaching quickly and we need your help. As in past years, we are planning to provide a booklet of Advent devotionals, written by members of our First Church family. We need 24 devotionals for Advent. Entries for Advent are due by November 5. Our Advent theme is The Journey. Topics might include spiritual journeys illustrated by: the transformation from child to adult, genealogy/family, hometowns, the journeys we don´t want to take, unplanned blessings, and travel. If you are interested in writing a devotional, or would like more information, please contact Laure Mieskowski (451-2879 or laurem@grandrapidsfumc.org). You may also sign up using the Sunday bulletin insert.
 IHN TRAINING Have you thought about volunteering to be a host for our IHN guests, but were not sure what you were getting yourself into? Join us on Tuesday, October 16 at 6:00 pm in Wesley Hall as we conduct a training session put on by Barb Zylstra, Assistant Director to Family Promise of Grand Rapids. Come and learn how simple, easy, fun and rewarding it is to host our IHN guests. We will provide dinner and we will have you out by 7:15 pm at the latest. Sign up online at www.grandrapidsfumc.org/sign-up-sheet or use the Sunday bulletin. If you have a simple craft idea for kids, you too, can be a fun evening host for IHN.
 MISSION FAIR Come for the chocolate, stay for the information, inspiration, and opportunity for involvement! The local, national, international mission and outreach ministries of First Church will be featured at the annual Missions Fair on Sunday, October 7 from 10:00 am - 12:30 pm in Wesley Hall. Learn how your mission dollars are impacting our neighbors in Grand Rapids and around the world. Find out how you can take the next step on your Disciple Pathway of service and growth. All attendees will receive a scrumptious piece of fair trade chocolate!
PRAYER QUILTERS Join us Thursday, October 4 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm in Wesley Hall. It´s a great way to make new church friends, learn about quilting, and be a part of this wonderful project. No skill is required. We have a job for everyone. Come when you can and stay as long as you´re able. We also would welcome any donations of 100 % cotton material. For more information contact Ginnie Edwardson at ginniee@aol.com.
THE METHODIST CONNECTION What is The Methodist Connection? It´s an association of First Community AME, First United Methodist Church, Hilliard Chapel AME, and St. Luke AME Zion, which meet together for yearly events as a way to further racial reconciliation and to widen the circle of friends and those for whom we care and pray. Here is how you can become involved this fall:
• METHODIST CONNECTION BOOK CLUBS will be restarting in October. New members are always welcome.
• JOINT WORSHIP SERVICE on Sunday, November 11 at 6:00 pm in First Church sanctuary followed by a pie social in Wesley Hall. All are welcome! Contact Skip Moseley at llmos49506@comcast.net or 949.8938 to learn more about book clubs.
ACCESS COUNTY WIDE FOOD DRIVE, OCTOBER 8–13 ACCESS of West Michigan has facilitated the County Wide Food Drive for many years and in that time has collected up to 100 tons of food annually for over 60 Kent County food pantries. Every month, these pantries provide over 20,000 food services to individuals who find themselves with no other place to turn for help. In recent years food collection amounts have dwindled so ACCESS is seeking new ways to expand the food collection to get critically needed food and personal care items into our pantries. Here are some ways members of First Church can get involved:
1. Fill paper bags up with food and personal care items, and bring it back on Sunday, October 7. Suggested items include: cereal, soup, rice, canned fruits & vegetables, canned meats, pasta & sauce, peanut butter, soap (dish, laundry, bar), toilet paper, diapers, shampoo & conditioner, toothbrushes & toothpaste. All First Church donations will go to Westminster Food Pantry, our neighborhood distribution pantry.
2. Volunteer throughout the week of October 8-13 at local grocers to help us collect food. ACCESS will coordinate time and place. Sign up through the bulletin sign-up sheet or contact emma@accessofwestmichigan.org.
3. Pray for the volunteers as well as the pantries receiving the food.
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WEEKLY PULSE: Click the link to download a PDF version of the Weekly Pulse. |
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Worship Services
9:15 & 11:00 am
A Disciple´s Path!
Sunday, October 7
"What Type of Example is This?!"
Rev. Gary Haller
John 13:12-15
Worldwide Communion
Healing Prayers
Mission Fair in Wesley Hall
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 CONGREGATIONAL CARE We often hear about and celebrate the wonderful outreach ministries in which our church is involved. You may be less familiar with the Pastoral Care and Health Ministries available to you here at First Church. This week I would like to highlight hospital visitation. Did you know that each day of the week (including weekends), pastoral care is covered by one of our pastors or our parish nurse? We are happy to visit and pray with you before surgery and during a hospital stay but remember to let us know if you are hospitalized or having surgery, including outpatient procedures. Due to strict hospital privacy rules, we won´t know unless you tell us!
BLOOD DRIVE RESULTS Thank you to all of the donors, those who attempted to donate, the cookie bakers and beverage providers who made this blood drive a success. Congratulations to Sherry Gates who received her 6 gallon pin! Our next blood drive will be Monday, November 19 from 3:00 - 7:00 pm in Wesley Hall. Save the date and save a life!
CARE NOTES The Care Notes rack has been relocated from the top of the ramp at the Barclay St entrance to the west side of the art gallery hallway between the name tag holders and the dumbwaiter. Be sure to check out the new titles as well as the new location!
INFERTILITY SUPPORT GROUP will meet on Tuesday, October 9 at 7:00 pm in The Vine. Our topic will be The Voice of Infertility. All who have experienced any kind of infertility from being unable to conceive to miscarriage, stillbirth, IUI, IVF, and secondary infertility are invited and encouraged to attend.
FLU SHOT CLINIC Spectrum Health Visiting Nurses will be here on Sunday, October 14 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the parlor to administer flu shots. Bring your Medicare or Priority Health insurance cards and Spectrum will bill them directly for you. Otherwise the $30 payments can be made by check or cash. Check with your physician to see if a flu shot is appropriate for you.
 STEPHEN MINISTRY TRAINING We are so pleased to be in the fourth week of training 11 new Stephen Ministers! Our trainees are Tim Beals, Shelly Binder, Jerry Borths, Marion DeVinney, Fae Ewalt, Anthony Gilbert, Sara Gilbert, Lois Johnson, Laurel Minser, Alana Moceri, and Jenn VanderVeen. Please hold them in your prayers as they faithfully undergo 50 hours of training to care for people in our congregation as well as beyond our walls.
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ARTPRIZE PERFORMANCES Join us for these ArtPrize entry performances:
• Soul Tenders Film on Friday, October 5 at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary. "Soul Tenders" shares the lives of nine women who are part of a solution which does not create more harm.
• "Whom Do You Seek? by Eric Strand will play at regular intervals in the sanctuary during venue hours. This piece is written for solo organ and optional voices, and could function as a prelude and introit for Easter day.
• Anne Hills - Contemporary Folk Musician on Saturday, October 6 at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary. Anne has become one of the better known voices of the contemporary folk music scene. Whether she is singing her own song or the words of poets, accompanied with her guitar, banjo, or simply a Tibetan bell, she puts her whole heart and soul into the moment.
TAIZÉ SERVICE Wednesday, October 3 at 7:00 pm. Taizé is a meditative service of choruses, accompanied by instruments and vocal solos. Communion, prayers for healing, and the lighting of candles are also offered. It´s a wonderful way to connect with God in the midst of a busy week.
 JAZZ VESPERS, featuring The Wonderland Jazz Ensemble, on Saturday, October 20at 6:00 pm weaves scripture, a pastoral message and prayer into a celebration of faith, hope, and the love of God.
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FIRST CHURCH FAMILY CONCERNS
Concerns & Prayers for:
• Lynne Beals
• Betsy Buist
• Julie French
• Ginny Groat (hospice care)
• Corky Kastner
• Jane Killman
• Sue Reinhard
• Betty Rosendall
• Lou Sinigos
• Cat Wescott (Butterworth Hospital)
• Dorothy Wimmer
• Richard Wimmer
• Chuck Zimmerman
Service Personnel
• Chris Bolhouse
• Scott Grifhorst
• Stephan Mathos
• Jacob Mol
• Jesse Mounts
• Trevor Norton
• Shawn Seher
 Congratulations to Scott and Nicole Grifhorst on the birth of a son, Axton Scott, on September 27th. Proud grandparents are Judy and Tim Grifhorst!
Dear First UMC,
I want to thank you for your recent donation of cell phones. Every year, we receive valuable funds through the Shelter Alliance cell phone program which makes a difference in the lives of women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. We are grateful for your support!
Jillaine Harkema,
Executive Director of Safe Haven
Dear FUMC Members,
I want to thank you for all the prayers, prayer quilt, and wonderful cards that have been sent my way during my months of treatment. My family and I have also appreciated all the wonderful meals that have been provided. I am done with chemo this week and move on to radiation.
Lynne Beals and Family.
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ATTENDANCE
Sunday, September 30
Worship 9:15 am........112
Church School........130
Worship 11:00 am........263
Evening Activities........28
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