 Every year on the fourth Thursday of November our nation pauses to eat turkey, watch football, and give thanks. In my book, turkey is pretty good, and I can take or leave the football, but the giving thanks part is actually my favorite (go figure!). Unfortunately with all the work that goes into preparing the feast, with all the family that gathers, with all the noise from the family room TV, the thankfulness part often gets short shrifted.
What´s a body to do? And then I logged on to my Facebook account on November 1 and noticed a wonderful phenomenon. People were using Facebook (social networking site on the internet) to express their thankfulness for the entire month of November! Imagine that, an entire month of thankfulness. Every day since my Facebook page has been overflowing with posts like:
• "I´m thankful for my spouse/children/parents (I even saw a non-adult child post this one!)."
• "I´m thankful for my church."
• "I´m thankful for my job and the people I work with."
• "I´m thankful that I live in a country where I can vote (and that tomorrow the ads will stop!)."
What a great way to spend the month of November. Not only does it help put the person giving thanks into a continual posture of thanksgiving, but it also helps others to see that they too are blessed. It also got me to thinking about some of the things I´m thankful for…
I´m thankful for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Whenever and wherever disaster strikes in our world UMCOR responds with help almost immediately. They are able to do so because we have all been so faithful in our support. If you´ve been looking for a way to donate to the recovery following Hurricane Sandy, you can go to: www.umcor.org. Remember 100% of your donation goes to help the people in need.
I´m thankful for the people who saw the sinfulness of a church divided by the color of people´s skin and took steps to break down barriers. Fifteen years ago our church joined together with First Community African Methodist Episcopal Church and St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Zion church to form The Methodist Connection in an effort to build community. Skip Moseley, an active member, shares: "We have met people in small groups where we talk about ourselves and begin to get to know one another much more than superficially. We pray together, grieve together, laugh and cry together, call and chat with one another, ask about kids and grandchildren; and what many of us have found over the years is that we love one another." On November 11 at 6:00 pm the Methodist Connection will worship together in our sanctuary and share fellowship and pie. I hope to see you there.
I´m thankful for those who came before us and with great devotion and faith built our beautiful building. Approaching our building, entering the doors on Fulton St, ascending the steps, passing through the narthex and entering into the sanctuary is truly a journey toward the sacred. I´m also thankful for the trustees who take such good care of the building and who tell us that it is time to make sure it continues to be a place of beauty and safety. I´m thankful that so many people attended our first set of informational meetings on November 4th. I´m thankful that the rest of you have made plans to attend one of the two remaining meetings (Nov. 14 at 6:30 pm and Nov. 25 following each service).
I´m thankful for the dedication of this church to our city. Each year we participate in "Ingathering Sunday." I was amazed at the number of grocery bags full of good food collected last year and can´t wait to see our chancel packed again. When we share all that God has given to us, our community and the world become a better, stronger place. I´m so thankful for your generosity. I´ll meet you with my gift in the sanctuary on November 18.
What are you thankful for? Will you spend the month of November giving thanks? Will thankfulness become a way of life for you? Let´s get started today! Pastor Tish
Table of Contents |
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
• November 7, 7:00 pm — Taizé Sung Prayers
• November 8, 9:00 am — Fixin´ ‘n´ Fellowship
• November 9 - 10 — Women of First Fall Retreat
• November 11 — Coffee Can Offering
• November 11, 6:00 pm — The Methodist Connection Celebrates
• November 13, 7:00 pm — Infertility Support Group
• November 14, 6:00 pm — Young Adult Sparks Service
• November 15, 5:30 pm — Moms´ Group: Taco and Turkey Project
• November 17, 8:30 am — Feeding America at Cesar El Chavez Elementary
• November 17, 6:00 pm — Jazz Vespers: Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra
• November 18 — Ingathering Sunday
• November 19, 12:00 pm — 60+ Luncheon
• November 19, 3:00 - 7:00 pm — Blood Drive
• November 20, 8:00 am — Caring Connection
• November 22 - 24 — Thanksgiving Holiday: Offices and Church Closed
• November 25, 12:15 pm — Hanging of the Greens
• November 29, 9:00 am — Fixin´ ‘n´ Fellowship
• November 30, 1:30 - 3:30 pm — United Methodist Women Dessert at Clark
Table of Contents
|
EDUCATION NEWS
CHILDREN´S PROGRAMMING Please contact Annette Erbes, Director of Children's Ministry, at 451.2879 (Monday-Wednesday) or annettee@grandrapidsfumc.org with questions.
| FAITH TRAVELERS JOURNEY TO CUBA On Sundays, November 11 and 18 the Faith Travelers students will "Journey to Cuba" with guest teachers Wendy Taylor, Deanna Mitchell, and Gary Rich. Children in Grades 1-6 are invited to Faith Travelers at 9:30 am on those two Sundays to listen as the guest leaders share photos, memories, and stories from their mission experiences in Cuba. Students will create postcards to share God´s love with a Cuban pen pal and more. Elementary aged children are invited to join in and bring a friend! |
CHILDREN´S INGATHERING PROCESSIONAL Our annual Ingathering will take place on Sunday, November 18. We invite children ages older 3s through grade 6 to come to the west hallway next to Wesley Hall at 9:05 am or 10:50 am with their offering of food items. Children will process during the first hymn of both worship services. Following the "Moments with the Children," the children will be excused to their church school classes at 9:15 am. At 11:00 am younger children through second grade will be excused to their classes with older children remaining in worship with their families.
SUNDAY MORNING CHILDREN AND YOUTH 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.
| GENESIS CLASS will meet at 4:30 pm on Sunday, November 11. |
 NOOMA SERIES: 9:30 am in the parlor — a four week, drop-in series featuring Rob Bell´s Nooma videos. The class will include video and discussion.
• Sunday, November 11: Rhythm: Are our lives in tune with God´s plan for the world? — What does it mean to have a relationship with God? What does it look like? For a lot of us it´s a hard thing to fully understand. If God is an infinite spirit with no shape or form, how can we possibly relate to that? And what about Jesus? He said he came to give everyone life in its fullest. He came to show us how to live. Maybe it´s through trusting Jesus and living the kind of life he taught us to live—a life of truth, love, justice, compassion, forgiveness, and sacrifice—that we have a relationship with God. Maybe the way we live every day, every single choice we make, determines how in tune with God we are.
• Sunday, November 18: Luggage: Why is it sometimes so hard to forgive? — Maybe a friend turned his back on you. Maybe someone you loved betrayed you. We all have wounds and we end up carrying around these things that people have done to us for weeks, months, and sometimes even years. It isn´t always easy to forgive these people and after a while these hurts can get really heavy. So the only way to feel better seems to be somehow getting back at the people that hurt us, to get revenge. But does revenge ever truly satisfy? Maybe forgiving isn´t something you do for someone else to let them off the hook. Maybe forgiveness is about you.
• Sunday, November 25: Bullhorn: Can we really love God without loving others? — God loves everyone, so a Christian should, too. In fact, Jesus said that the most important thing in life is to love God with everything we have and love others the same way. But it´s not always easy to love everyone around us, is it? Sometimes we strongly disagree with other people´s political views, religious beliefs, behaviors, or something else, and it makes it hard to love them when we feel like we´re right and they´re very wrong. But Jesus doesn´t separate loving God and loving others.
WALKING THROUGH THE MEDICARE MAZE Join us on Sunday, November 11 from 9:30 – 10:45 am in room 3109. Medicare A, Medicare B, Medicare D, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement. What are they and how are they different from one another? How do I choose? When do I choose? If you´ve ever asked yourself any of these questions, you aren´t alone. It´s complicated! If you´d like to learn more about these plans and feel a little more comfortable as you try to decide what to do, please come hear an unbiased overview. No specific insurance plans or carriers will be highlighted, and no one will try to sell you anything. This is an informational gathering sponsored by your LegacyMinistry.
Table of Contents |
EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY Wednesday, November 21, the church building and First Place will close at 2:00 pm for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will be closed Thursday, November 22 through Saturday, November 24, with worship services at 9:15 and 11:00 am on Sunday, November 25. Over the Thanksgiving weekend if there is a pastoral emergency, you may call Parish Nurse Marj Timmerman at 901.9224.
HURRICANE SANDY Help bring hope to those in Hurricane Sandy´s path. Please donate to UMCOR US Disaster Response, Hurricanes 2012, Advance #3021787. You may donate online at www.umcor.org or leave a check in the Sunday offering plate with the words Hurricane Sandy in the memo line. You can also text the word RESPONSE to 80888 to give an immediate $10 donation.
FEEDING AMERICA Join us Saturday, November 17 for the monthly food distribution at Cesar Chavez Elementary (1205 Grandville Ave SW 49503). The truck arrives at 8:30 am for set-up, and the distribution begins at 9:00 am. First UMC is responsible for this month, so we need volunteers to help unload the truck and to assist clients in selecting food.
HANGING OF THE GREENS Join us following 11:00 am worship on Sunday, November 25 for a simple meal and decoration of the church for Advent and Christmas. If you´re able to help, please use the Sunday bulletin sign-up sheet or contact Mary and John Judnich at jjudnich@comcast.net. Child care available.
MLK CHRISTMAS GIFT OF GIVING Volunteers are needed for the Gift of Giving. Please sign up online or by using the Sunday sign-up sheet. All work will be done on the THIRD FLOOR of the CHURCH (follow the signs). Help is needed in the following ways:
• Monday, November 26: Set Up the Workshop
• Wednesday and Thursday, December 5-6: Pass out gifts to MLK parents, help wrap & carry gifts downstairs
• Thursday, December 6: Pack up the Workshop
• Drive parents without transportation home with their gifts.
 WORK PROGRAM´S 30TH ANNIVERSARY! Did you know that the FUMC Work Program has been serving the homeless and needy residents of Heartside for 30 years? Each week this outreach ministry employs 42 workers in short-term jobs at 12 non-profit agencies within walking distance of our church. Last year, our hard working participants completed 2,155 job assignments and our generous volunteers put in 453 hours on Tuesday mornings to make the program a success. Thank you for three decades of help and support!
A COFFEE CAN OFFERING will be held this Sunday, November 11. Thank you for your generous giving!
CASEY´S SOCKS It´s hard to believe that it´s time to start thinking about Casey´s Socks! The Junior High Youth are asking you to provide FULL-SIZED items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes so that the items last longer for those in need. We´re also seeking other items such as plain t-shirts (sizes L, XL & XXL), cotton gloves, and hand lotion. Drop off your items or monetary donation to Emily Uebbing at First Place or in the drop-off room at the church.
 THE FUMC BOOK CLUB will meet at 6 :00 pm on Wednesday, November 14 at Osta´s Lebanese Cuisine (2228 Wealthy Street SE, East Grand Rapids) to discuss The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman. "Only two women and five children of more than 900 people survived the Roman siege of Masada in the year 73 C.E. after the suicide pact of the Jewish rebels there, according to the historian Josephus. In this well-researched novel, Hoffman vividly brings this tragedy to life, as four women who take care of the dovecote at the fortress tell their stories." (Library Journal) Join us for good food and discussion. Please contact Marlys Davis at 735.3339 or marlys366@aol.com to reserve a spot.
60+ LUNCHEON will be held on Monday, November 19 at noon. The program will be "Christmas Tree Ornaments, Old and New" by the Meijer Garden tree decorators. Please call Elaine Youngs at 735.5506 or Luci Baer at 457.7797 if you would like to make a reservation.
MOMS´ GROUP: TACOS & TURKEY PROJECT You´re invited to the tacos and turkey project on Thursday, November 15 at 5:30 pm. Join us for tacos and Thanksgiving card making. We´ll make one to take home and an extra for our homebound friends. Please sign up to bring a taco topping. To RSVP or if you have a question, contact Sami at 451.2879 or samim@grandrapidsfumc.org.
INGATHERING On Sunday, November 18, we will receive an offering of nonperishable foods to support the Westminster Food Pantry. Bring food items to the sanctuary prior to the start of either worship service. Paper bags, with suggested food lists attached, will be distributed after the worship services on November 11. If you prefer, you may also consider a financial (deductible) gift. The pantry can often purchase food for as little as $.16/lb. The pantry must use financial resources to purchase meat, personal care items, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, eggs, dairy, and other items on a weekly basis. Checks should be made payable to FUMC with "Westminster Food Pantry" written on the memo line. Envelopes will be available in the narthex and at the reception desk. Please plan on giving a generous gift at this time of thanksgiving.
MARTIN LUTHER KING MOTHER GIFTS Sadly, we have discovered the parents who participate in our Christmas Gift of Giving program rarely receive Christmas gifts themselves. For the past few years we have collected donations of new items such as holiday decorations, jewelry, scarves, fleece blankets, candles, perfumes or other special treats/trinkets. These are left unwrapped and the mothers are able to select something they would really enjoy off our gift table. Sometimes volunteers then wrap the gift so Mom will have something to unwrap on Christmas. Please be on the lookout for some nice surprises and leave them in the collection room off the north lobby clearly marked "MLK Mom Gifts." Gifts are needed by December 2.
SECOND SUNDAY LUNCH BUNCH will meet Sunday, November 11 after the 11:00 am service for lunch at New Beginning´s Restaurant (1455 Michigan St NE). Because we reserve space there, please let us know you are planning to join us by calling Sherry Gates at 942.8527 by Saturday, November 10.
SCRAPBOOKING Our next scrapbooking event will be Saturday, November 10 from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. It´s a great way to get some projects done and be in fellowship at the same time. Glean ideas from each other and share supplies. Have a work space table all to yourself. 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.
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION Clip the logo on General Mills products (Pillsbury, Ziplock, Hefty, and more) and drop off in the north lobby. Meijer is offering 20 bonus box tops when you buy any 5 or more participating Green Giant vegetables, Pillsbury refrigerated baking items, or Yoplait items November 4 - December 15. Money is used for MLK PTA.
THE METHODIST CONNECTION Racism is still with us. We are all praying for its end. We have hoped that with legislation, desegregation, changes in the military, and other structural changes that it would go away. But it hasn´t. Why is that? It takes more than law changes and prayer to change hearts. It takes development of a personal relationship with someone different before changes can begin in your heart.
Fifteen years ago, First United Methodist Church joined with two predominantly black churches, First Community African Methodist Episcopal Church and St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, to form The Methodist Connection. We decided to try to begin racial reconciliation by working on a project together, and we built a Habitat house. Those who worked on the house realized that we weren´t very different, and decided to continue to do things together.
The Methodist Connection holds an annual worship service, a summer picnic, Christmas caroling, bus trips, and sponsors book clubs where we tackle difficult racial issues. As we share together, we begin to get to know one another much more than superficially. We pray together, grieve together, laugh and cry together, call and chat with one another, ask about kids and grandchildren; and what many of us have found over the years is that we love one another. It is very hard to be racist when you love the person from whom you appear different. Racism, it turns out, is only skin deep.
We are always looking for folks who will join us in the journey to real racial reconciliation. Join us on Sunday, November 11 at 6:00 pm in the First Church sanctuary for our annual worship service followed by a pie social in Wesley Hall.
- Skip Moseley
Table of Contents
|
|
|
 |
WEEKLY PULSE: Click the link to download a PDF version of the Weekly Pulse. |
|
Worship Services
9:15 & 11:00 am
Four From Philippians
Sunday, November 11
"Make My Joy Complete!"
Rev. Letisha Bowman
Philippians 2:1-11
Coffee Can Offering
9:15 am
First Singers, Chorister´s
Jubilation Ringers
11:00 am
Wezeman Strings and Friends
Jubilation Ringers, Chancel Choir
Table of Contents
|
 |
|
 BLOOD DRIVE The last blood drive of 2012 is coming up on Monday, November 19 from 3:00 - 7:00 pm in Wesley Hall. If you are eligible and available to donate blood, please use the Sunday sign-up sheet or email me at marjtimm@aol.com with a time which works for you. Cookies are also needed. Please help save a life and sign up today!
INFERTILITY SUPPORT GROUP All who have experienced any type of infertility issues, including the inability to get pregnant, miscarriage, infertility treatments, and secondary infertility are invited to attend our next meeting on Tuesday, November 13 at 7:00 pm in The Vine. Our guest speaker will be Sue DeJonge who will share her journey through miscarriages to Grace. Please RSVP by using the bulletin sign-up sheet or by calling Marj Timmerman at 451-2879 x 115.
Table of Contents
|
|
TAIZÉ SERVICE Wednesday, November 7 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.
MUSIC WITH A MISSION SERIES Each concert will benefit a mission supported by First Church. Events are free (except as noted), open to the public, and have unreserved seating. A tithe of the free will offering collected will help those in need both locally and around the world. We look forward to having you with us at our next concert!
• Concert Choir of Grand Rapids Community College Join us Sunday, November 11 at 3:00 pm in the sanctuary. This vibrant ensemble performs an eclectic program of choral gems. Dr. Stephen Barton directs this highly select group that is the premier ensemble at the college.
 JAZZ VESPERS, featuring The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, on Saturday, November 17 at 6:00 pm weaves scripture, a pastoral message and prayer into a celebration of faith, hope, and the love of God.
Table of Contents
|
FIRST CHURCH FAMILY CONCERNS
Concerns & Prayers for:
• Donna Anton
• Judy Beals
• Rick Kase
• Jeanne McCaw (outpatient surgery 11/7)
• Betty Rosendall (hospice care)
• Laura Wright
• Nancy and Bob Gillette (mission team to Nicaragua)
Service Personnel
• Chris Bolhouse
• Scott Grifhorst
• Stephan Mathos
• Jesse Mounts
• Trevor Norton
• Shawn Seher
• Peter Taylor, Jr
The love and prayers of the congregation are extended to the family and friends of Opal Smith who died on October 31st. Opal´s service will be held on Saturday, November 10 at 11:00 am at Reyers North Valley Chapel.
 Congratulations to Stephanie Sherman and Mark Walker who were united in marriage November 3rd in our sanctuary!
Loosing our son Randy to cancer was a terrible experience. How fortunate we were to have the staff and members of the congregation of First Church extending so much support. It was greatly appreciated. What a great church we have. Thank you and may God bless you.
Dawn and Sam Bush
Table of Contents |
|
ATTENDANCE
Sunday, November 4
Worship 9:15 am........140
Church School........154
Worship 11:00 am........265
Evening Activities........56
Table of Contents
|
|
Home 9(13*Off)11(2*2)&utmwv=1&utmn=3250417472&utmsr=-&utmsc=-&utmul=-&utmje=0&utmfl=-&utmdt=-&utmhn=grandrapidsfumc.org&utmr=&utmp=/noscript&utmac=UA-27114567-1&utmcc=__utma%3D48126241.1219837305.1369358585.1369358585.1369358585.2%3B%2B__utmb%3D48126241%3B%2B__utmc%3D48126241%3B%2B__utmz%3D48126241.1369358585.2.2.utmccn%3D(direct)%7Cutmcsr%3D(direct)%7Cutmcmd%3D(none)%3B%2B__utmv%3D48126241%3B)
