 It´s ArtPrize time again and the city is stirring with anticipation. What new creation will pop up and where? What piece will create the biggest stir, biggest controversy, biggest WOW? How will the musical entries this year change the tone of the event? It´s all so exciting.
Have you spotted all the new artwork that has been hung, arranged, placed and plugged in at our church? The west end of our parlor is in the process of transforming into an amazing display of various interpretations of the divine feminine. Outside along Barclay Street you have surely seen the cross sculptures, beautifully created out of steel. In our gallery, paintings are popping up filling the corridor with color and vibrancy. In the Barclay Street entrance, our great white wall is now a giant, colorful work by a group of artists working together. Don´t miss the paper banners in the sanctuary. These intricately cut works of art, along with the paraments on the pulpit and lectern, and the stoles in one of the east bays, are all a part of ArtPrize. And finally, be sure to listen for the original organ composition (inspired by our Tiffany window) that our Director of Music and the Arts, Eric Strand, has entered.
I´ve said it before, but it bears repeating – We are created in the image of the Ultimate Creator! We are all creators. Some of us create with pigments and brushes, others with time and talent. It´s really all about using the gifts we have been given. Each of us is a thread to be woven into our place in the tapestry of God´s perfect vision for creation. I wonder what your part will look like.
• The smile on the face of a child as you help her/him to discover the joy of reading
• A refurbished home in the inner city or a new ministry center at a camp for underprivileged youth
• A sense of security and dignity for a homeless family as they work to get back on their feet
• Safe water to drink in a third-world country
• A non-judgmental, listening presence for a soul in distress
• Food on the table of a hungry family
• Prayers wafting up toward the throne of grace on behalf of the body
• A warm winter hat and a matching pair of mittens
• Funds to support research toward the elimination of disease
There are so many gifts within the body of Christ and so many ways to employ them in the creation of a better world. Of course, creation (for us humans anyway) is always influenced by what surrounds us. If we are surrounded by beauty and grace, it will show in our ‘works,´ and if we surround ourselves with negativity and darkness, that too will show up as the fruit of our labor. I´m proud of our Methodist heritage that has always surrounded us with, and insisted on, a balance between acts of piety (worship, scripture reading, prayer, etc.) with acts of mercy (like those listed above). I´m glad that when we join the church, we pledge to balance these means of grace with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. We are children of God and it shows in all the ‘works of art´ we produce at First Church.
I hope you are planning to join us for our sermon series this fall. ‘A Disciple´s Path´ will focus on our membership vows and all the ways that we can creatively fulfill our pledge. I also hope that you have signed up for the ‘A Disciple´s Path´ class. It´s not too late to get started on your Pathways adventure. If you haven´t gotten your copy of our new Pathways tool for tracking your progress and balance in spiritual growth, be sure to drop by the church and ask for one. I´m looking forward to seeing how many unique and creative paths we all take as we journey toward the same goal: God´s beautiful and perfect kingdom!
Blessings and joy on your journey,
Pastor Tish Bowman
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
• September 19, 8:00 am — Caring Connection
• September 19 - October 7 — ArtPrize Venue
• September 24, 3:00 - 7:00 pm — Blood Drive
• September 27, 9:00 am — Fixin´ ´n´ Fellowship
• September 29, 1:00 - 9:00 pm — ArtPrize Lot Party
• September 29, 4:00 pm — ArtPrize Film & Lecture: Soul Tenders
• September 29, 7:00 am - 8:00 pm — Methodist Connection Bus Trip to Chicago
• September 30, 12:00 - 4:00 pm — ArtPrize Lot Party
• 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 14, 12:15 pm — Taste and See Class
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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.
TWO CHURCH SCHOOL ASSISTANT POSITIONS are now available during the second worship service each Sunday. To apply for one or both of these positions, please visit the church website at www.grandrapidsfumc.org/employment.
CHILDREN´S MINISTRY PHOTOGRAPHER Would you like to help with Children´s Church School by serving as a photographer for Children´s Ministry events. If so, please sign up online at www.grandrapidsfumc.org/sign-up-sheet or use the Sunday bulletin.
THIRD GRADERS Parents, do you have a third grade child this year? If so, we want to make you aware that the presentation of Bibles to our third grade students will occur on Sunday, September 23 during both worship hours. If you would like to have your third grader receive a Bible, please notify Annette Erbes at annettee@grandrapidsfumc.org or 616.451.2879 to which worship service your child will be attending that day and the preferred listing of your child´s name for the nameplate. We look forward with your child to this opportunity for faith learning and growth.
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, September 16 from 9:30-10:30 am at First Place. Led by Rev. Bob Jones.
• Begins Sunday, September 16 from 5:00-6:30 pm at First Place. Led by Rev. Tish Bowman.
• Begins Tuesday, September 18 from 10:00-11:30 am at Skip & Lois Moseley´s (Clark Retirement). Led by Mary TerMeer.
• Begins Tuesday, September 18 from 7:00-8:30 pm at First Place. Led by Rev. Martha Beals.
• Begins Wednesday, September 19 from 6:30-8:00 pm at First Place. Led by Rev. Gary Haller.
• Begins Thursday, September 20 from 5:30-6:50 pm at FUMC. Led by Rev. Janet Carter. Table of Contents |
EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
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!
 THE NEXT FEEDING AMERICA food distribution event is Saturday, September 22nd at Cesar Chavez elementary, 1205 Grandville St. SW 49503. FUMC is not sponsoring this distribution, but FUMC volunteers are always welcome. Future dates are October 20 and November 17 (FUMC sponsored date). The truck arrives at 8:30 am for set-up. Distribution begins at 9 am. This is a great service event for the entire family. For more information or to volunteer, contact FUMC Social Concerns Chair Darren McKnight at mcknig24@yahoo.com or sign-up using the Sunday bulletin sign-up sheet.
MISSION FAIR The outreach ministries of FUMC invite you to attend the Missions Fair on Sunday, October 7 from 10:00 am - 12:30 pm in Wesley Hall. This is your opportunity to find out all about the mission outreach programs of First Church.
YOUNG ADULT ARTPRIZING If you´re 18-30, then you´re invited to join our Young Adult Group on Wednesday, September 26 at 6:00 pm. Wear your walking shoes and join us in exploring ArtPrize! Meet at The Vine and bring some $$ to grab dinner as we go. Sign up online at www.grandrapidsfumc.org/sign-up-sheet.
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 (babies under 1 are free). Price includes: hayride, small pumpkin, cider, and donut. RSVP by Oct 9. Cash or check only.
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:
• ANNUAL BUS TRIP to Chicago on Saturday, September 29, 7 am – 8 pm: Participants choose to visit Shedd Aquarium or the Field Museum. All are welcome. $30 reserves your bus seat. Plan on an additional $30 - $50 to cover charges for museum entrance and meals. We will leave from the parking lot of First Community AME Church (500James Ave SE).
• 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 reserve your spot for the bus trip or to learn more about book clubs.
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.
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 the "New Member Board." If you have any questions, contact Patsy at 451.2879 or patsym@grandrapidsfumc.org.
PARTNERS FOR A RACISM-FREE COMMUNITY: Institute for Healing Racism It is our belief that the Institute for Healing Racism model of working on racial relationships has great value for the people of our community. The discipline and focus provided by these dialogues will begin the healing for all participants, regardless of ethnicity. This step of greater awareness and sensitivity links naturally to action steps which will have an impact on the quality of life for everyone in our community. Upcoming 8-Week Institute: Wednesdays, 7:30-9:30 am September 26 - November 14 at YWCA West Central Michigan (25 Sheldon Boulevard). Cost: $100. Call 616-466-6187 if you have questions.
VOLUNTEERING IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH Excerpted from Grand Rapids Press, by Nicole Hansen, Healthy Living Specialist, "More than 30 studies have found volunteering a few hours every week lessens symptoms of depression, lowers the rate of heart disease and adds years to your life. It is especially helpful for those with chronic medical conditions, such as pain. Volunteers enjoy a greater degree of both mental and physical fitness. Giving back boosts your sense of optimism and control. It takes the focus off your issues and puts it on other issues where you can make a real difference. The National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating reported that most volunteers also improved their interpersonal skills, communication skills, job skills and broadened their knowledge about important issue. If the holiday blues come knocking, don´t be home to answer the door. Be out helping others – and you might just help yourself." Now is the time to sign up to be a tutor at Martin Luther King Academy, where we have coordinated a reading tutoring program for kindergarten-2nd graders for 20 years! We provide training, all materials, pre-testing/leveling of students, eager children and welcome arms. You pick the day/time to come each week for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Sessions are one-on-one and last 30 minutes. Another option is to be a substitute tutor who receives emails in times of need and you respond as openings fit your schedule. Use the Sunday sign-up, www.grandrapidsfumc.org/sign-up-sheet, or email Leah at mlktutoringcenter@gmail.com.
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. Paper bags will be distributed on Sunday, September 30. Take a few bags home, fill them 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.
 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? Come 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. As an Evening Host, you meet our guests over dinner and are able to play, read and have fun with our guests´ children for a night. Feel free to bring one or two kids of your own to enrich everyone´s experience.
DONATIONS NEEDED for the Lot Party children´s craft: toilet paper tubes, yarn scraps, coffee filters, pipe cleaners, clothes pins, colored or patterned tissue paper, glue, construction paper, washable markers, and watercolor paints. Drop off by September 22.
MOMS´ GROUP: ARTPRIZE LOT PARTY WITH KIDS´ ACTIVITIES Join us for a picnic and kids´ art stations after the 11:00 am worship service on Sunday, September 30. To RSVP or if you have a question, contact Sami at 451.2879, samim@grandrapidsfumc.org or online at www.grandrapidsfumc.org/sign-up-sheet.
EASY FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT OUR TUTORING CENTER AT MLK Shop D&W Fresh Market Stores and Family Fare Stores on:
• September 23-29
• October 21-27
• November 18-24
The CASH for CLASS fundraisers for the MLK Academy at D&W and Family Fare now have a very easy format. To support our Tutoring Center you must first be registered for the Spartan/D&W/Family Fare YES card, then during specific promotional periods, when your YES card is swiped MLK automatically benefits. Now is the time to get registered! Their promotions are starting soon and we want to be ready!
THE CATCH IS, everyone must register anew for this school year! This is how it´s done….
1. Already a YES cardholder? Go to www.myyesrewards.com, log into your account by entering your email address and password under "Returning Members," go to "My Profile" page and link our school CODE 89389.
2. Already a YES cardholder, but don´t have an on-line account set up? Go to www.myyesrewards.com click "First-Time to Site" and follow the steps to complete account registration. Then complete part 1 as written above. CODE 89389.
3. Not a YES member yet? Go to www.myyesrewards.com and click "Join Us," fill out the registration form and link our school code to your card 89389! You can pick up your YES card at your store´s Customer Service desk. CODE 89389.
4. If all else fails, go to the Customer Service desk in any store and they can help you get a card and link your card to the FUMC – MLK Cash for Class number 89389.
Thank you for planning ahead to help us raise funds for the FUMC Tutoring Center!
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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, September 23
"When You Pray..."
Rev. Letisha Bowman
Matthew 6:5-15
Ministry Focus: 3rd Grade Bibles
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MEALS NEEDED! Chuck and Anne Zimmerman live on the SE side of Grand Rapids and would appreciate meals on Mondays and Wednesdays. Lynne Beals lives on the NE side of Grand Rapids. Sign up for either family online at www.grandrapidsfumc.org/take-them-a-meal. Meals do not need to be fancy! Thank you so much!
CARING CONNECTION The next meeting is on Wednesday, September 19 at 8:00 am at New Beginnings Restaurant (1455 Michigan St NE). We welcome anyone who would like to participate in caring for our homebound with phone calls, note-writing, and visits.
 BLOOD DRIVE Our next Blood Drive will be Monday, September 24 from 3:00 - 7:00 pm in Wesley Hall. Please use the Sunday sign-up sheet or call the office to reserve a time to donate blood. If you can´t donate blood, cookies and caffeinated beverages are also needed! Be a part of this important mission to save lives.
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TYLER VANDER MAAS SAX QUARTET will be performing at the Women´s City Club on Saturday, September 22 at 7:00 pm. The name of Tyler´s composition is Intrepid Harmony and the voting number is 52634.
ARTPRIZE LOT PARTY As a part of ArtPrize, First Church is hosting a HUGE Lot Party on Saturday, September 29 from 12:00 - 9:00 pm and Sunday, September 30 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. We´ll need many volunteers for this exciting day. Please sign up using the Sunday bulletin sign-up sheet or online.
ARTPRIZE PERFORMANCES Join us for these ArtPrize entry performances:
• Bloodroot on Saturday, September 29 at 1:00 pm at the Lot Party. Bloodroot is a live music performance and community art project.
• Soul Tenders Film on Saturday, September 29 at 4:00 pm and 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.
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
• Ginny Groat (hospice care)
• Corky Kastner
• Barb Moser (outpatient surgery 9/13)
• Sue Reinhard
• Ellen Sadler (Blodgett Hospital)
• Dorothy Wimmer
• Chuck Zimmerman
Service Personnel
• Chris Bolhouse
• Scott Grifhorst
• Stephan Mathos
• Jacob Mol
• Jesse Mounts
• Trevor Norton
• Shawn Seher
The love and prayers of the congregation are extended to Cat and Matt Wescott and family on the death of Cat´s grandmother on September 15th; and to Bob Haile and family on the death of Bob´s son, Larry Haile, on September 18 in New York.
Thank you for the get well cards and prayers.
Joanie Colvin
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ATTENDANCE
Saturday, September 15
Jazz Vespers........70
Sunday, September 16
Worship 9:15 am........110
Church School........152
Worship 11:00 am........305
Evening Activities........81
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