 Thanks to a cantankerous squawking duck, Aflac has become one of America´s best-known insurance companies. Who hasn´t seen that squawking frustrated duck yelling "AFLAC!" instead of quacking? But here are two things you probably don´t know about Aflac: faith plays an important role in the company, and 75 percent of its business is in Japan.
A year ago those two factors came head-to-head when a powerful tsunami struck Japan, says Paul S. Amos II, president and chief operating officer of Aflac. As the company rushed to respond to the tragedy, it suddenly found its core principles tested.
In what could have been a nightmare right out of a business school case study, the comedian who served as the voice of the company´s iconic duck began tweeting offensive jokes about the victims of the tsunami. But it was an easy test for Aflac, a company that for five years in a row has been named to a list of the world´s most ethical companies. In 15 minutes, the man was fired! "We picked up the phone and said we could no longer work with him. It didn´t matter what it cost us to get out of the contract. We could not have someone who would make comments like that stand for our brand."
"We knew immediately, ´This is not who we are.´ We take care of people. Like it says in Ephesians, we don´t let things come out of our mouth that are anything other than positive. This was something that was truly negative and wrong" Amos said. "We´re not trying to bring religion into the workplace. We´re not trying to make Aflac a religious company. What we´re saying is, ´I believe the teachings of Jesus absolutely create the right principles. I believe they´re the right way of treating other people. I believe they´re the right way of acting in this world.´
Aflac was founded in 1955 in Columbus, Ga., by three brothers from Enterprise, Ala., the children of John and Helen Amos. They were raised in the Methodist Church, and they applied the principles they learned there in starting and building their company. They knew that doing the right thing would be critically important to their success in business. Almost all of the company´s principles come from Scripture. They might be as simple as, "Everyone is important. No matter who walks through the door, whether it´s the man in overalls and a straw hat or the man in a $1500 suit, everyone is treated equally."
"And as far as the firing," says Amos, "it yielded us an incredible windfall. We had over a million people check out the online posting for the job, and 13,000 people showed up and applied to try out for the voice of the duck. Ultimately, a gentleman from Minnesota was chosen – a regular, everyday guy who does an incredible job. We hit a home run, so maybe that´s God´s way of blessing us for doing the right thing."
In a related activity, First Church is doing "the right thing" by hosting an ArtPrize Lot Party this Saturday (noon - 9 pm) & Sunday (11 am - 3 pm) for our community. It´s our opportunity to offer God´s love to all who pass by. Saturday´s festivities will include a sidewalk chalk contest, five different bands, and a karaoke party. Sunday´s activities will include worship, a picnic, kids´ activity stations, and a Zumba party! Sunday´s picnic menu is shredded chicken BBQ sandwiches, vegetarian baked beans, fresh veggies & dip, watermelon, chips, cookies & drink.
It would be easy for us to sit back and just enjoy the art in and around the church, but it wouldn´t be right or good. So just drop in on to our tent on Saturday or Sunday or both. We have all the helpers needed, but filling the tent with God´s love is something you can do! I´ll be looking for you there.
– Gary
PS – The Aflac duck is also in Japan, however he has a slightly different attitude there. He´s calmer and friendlier than his counterpart in the United States. And ducks in Japan don´t say "Quack Quack," they say "Ga Ga!"
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
• 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.
NO EVENING ACTIVITIES Sunday, September 30 for Choristers, Kids´ Club, Junior High Youth, and Senior High Youth. Families are encouraged to join us for the ArtPrize Lot Party.
JUNIOR CHURCH SCHOOL ASSISTANT POSITION is available during the second worship service each Sunday. To apply, please visit the church website at www.grandrapidsfumc.org/employment.
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
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!
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.
ARTPRIZE LOT PARTY Our parking lot will be more than ´alive in the city´ this weekend! Please join us for our ArtPrize Lot Party this Saturday, September 29 (noon - 9 pm) & Sunday, September 30 (11 am - 3 pm)! Saturday´s festivities will include a sidewalk chalk contest, rocking out with five different bands, and a karaoke party. Sunday´s activities will include worship, a picnic, kids´ activity stations, and a Zumba party! Sunday´s picnic menu is shredded chicken BBQ sandwiches, vegetarian baked beans, fresh veggies & dip, watermelon, chips, cookies & drink. Suggested donation is $5 for adults, $3 for children (age 10 & under), $20 max per family. Bring your friends, your family, or people you pass on the street! You won´t want to miss out! Visit www.grandrapidsfumc.org/artprize for more information.
YOUNG ADULTS: PUMPKIN PAINTING PROJECT Help us lead a fun night of pumpkin painting on Wednesday, October 3 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm with our Heartside friends at Ferguson Apartments (low-income housing). We´ll bring out mini-pumpkins to decorate. Friends and new folks (ages 18-30) are always invited to join us! Please eat dinner before you arrive.
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.
 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.
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.
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.
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.
SINGLE PARENT GROUP 6-part series covering a wide range of single parent issues beginning October 10 from 6:30-8:30 pm at North End Community Ministry (214 Spencer NE). Registration fee is $15 and is due October 5. Contact Laura Castle for information at 616.454.1097.
 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:
• 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.
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. Volunteers enjoy a greater degree of both mental and physical fitness. 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 issues. If the holiday blues come knocking, don´t be home to answer the door. Be out helping others – and you might just help yourself." 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.
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 30
"A Tangle of Vines and Branches"
Rev. Gary Haller
John 15:1-11
Coffee Can Offering
ArtPrize Lot Party Parade
after 11:00 am service
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90+ OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
• Don Merrill 92 on October 6
• Betty Hurley 96 on October 15
• Kathryn Olson 90 on October 22
• Leola Hathaway 93 on October 26
If we have missed listing your 90+ birthday, please call the church office at 451.2879 with your name and birthdate and we´ll list it!
FLU SHOTS given by Spectrum Health Visiting Nurses will be available in the parlor on Sunday, October 14 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm for $30 which may be paid by cash, check, or billed to Priority Health or Medicare. No reservations needed!
WORRIED ABOUT DEPRESSION? My grandmother used to love to be outside in the sunshine, but now shuts herself inside all day. If you´re worried about depression, call your CAP hotline at 455.6210 or 1.800.442.0809.
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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.
• 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
• Ginny Groat (hospice care)
• Corky Kastner
• Jane Killman (outpatient surgery 9/26)
• Sue Reinhard
• Lou Sinigos (outpatient surgery 9/25)
• Cat Wescott (surgery 10/1)
• 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 Bob Haile and family on the death of Bob´s son, Larry Haile, on September 18th in New York; and also to Diane and Jim VanderMaas and family on the death of Diane´s mother and long time First Church member Ellen Sadler on September 20th. Ellen´s Memorial Service was held on September 25th in our sanctuary.
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ATTENDANCE
Sunday, September 23
Worship 9:15 am........145
Church School........142
Worship 11:00 am........275
Evening Activities........107
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