 I was born in the summer of 1967, making me very much a child of the 70´s. In my Girl Scout troop we happily wiled away the hours making macramé necklaces, and bracelets, and belts, and plant holders, and wall art, and well, just about anything that could be made out of macramé (does anyone remember the owls?). I enjoyed doing macramé, and in fact still have a couple of those necklaces in my jewelry box, but what I really got fired up about was when we would go to the ceramic shop. Do you remember those places? – aisle upon aisle of dusty white figurines and plaques, just waiting for us to add our artistic flair with paint? It was the best!
I remember agonizing over the hundreds of choices available. Should I choose a Strawberry Shortcake figure or the owl on the log, or maybe a plaque with a peace symbol? And then the real fun would begin…well almost. You see, before you could paint your soon–to–be–treasure, you had to prepare the piece. This involved going over the entire thing with sandpaper and pick. The molding process typically left behind unsightly seam lines, bubbles, and blemishes. If you didn´t spend the time smoothing out these imperfections prior to painting, you were not going to be happy with the end result.
I wasn´t real crazy about this part. It was painstakingly slow work and when you were done it was still a boring white ceramic statue completely devoid of character. I wanted to get to the exciting part – the painting. What I really wanted was the final product without all the hard work that it would take to get there.
I find that to be the case too often with my spiritual life as well. I want desperately to jump over all the "boring" stuff and get to the perfection part. It is said that God could make all of creation "perfect" (whatever that means) in an instant, but that God chooses instead to allow us to be a part of the process. What that means is that you and I need to sand off our rough edges and scrape out and cleanly define our details. It means committing ourselves to the work of discipleship, the day-in, day-out attention to the form we are taking on.
What helps me is keeping the end in sight. I have a picture of myself in my mind as a passionate prayer, a steadfast presence, a joyful giver, a dedicated server, and an earnest witness. It takes work. It´s not always glamorous and at times downright tough. When we compare it to the glory of a disciple perfected in love, however, it certainly seems worth it to me. And the best part is we don´t have to do it alone. We have each other!
My son rescued the last remnant from my days as a ceramic artist just before our move to Grand Rapids. It is a small statue of a clown, and if I do say so myself, very well done. I was going to give it away but he thought it was cool. I´m rather glad he did, because it will continue to remind me of the reward that comes with hard work. Are you willing to take the time to smooth out your rough seams, lumps, and blemishes? Are you ready to take the next step down the path toward real discipleship? If so, I´ll see you on Sunday where we will celebrate our giving, renew our commitment to the kingdom, and enjoy a delicious brunch!
In Christ, Pastor Tish
P.S. There is still time to get in your World Wide Missions offering (one of only three mission offerings taken each year). Our goal this year is $10,000 and we have a bit to go yet. While we may not make a big to-do about this offering, it is a very big deal. Did you know that this is the only way our mission projects are funded? They do not come out of the general budget, so worthy ministries count on your support through these offerings. Send your check in today, attn: Sharon Sorensen.
P.P.S. We are looking for people to write Advent devotionals. If you would like to participate in this year´s edition, please contact Laure Mieskowski.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
• 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
• October 25, 9:00 am — Fixin´ ´n´ Fellowship
• October 27 - 28 — Junior and Senior High Youth Halloween Overnight
• October 28 - November 4 — Family Promise Week
• 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 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, 5:30 pm — Jazz Vespers: Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra
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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.
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.
FAITH TRAVELERS SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT: WARM THE HEARTS OF OTHERS! This is the last week of the Faith Travelers Service Learning Project and you have all helped this month be a great success so far. Your assistance is still needed while the 3rd and 4th graders work to "Warm the Hearts of Others!" The 3rd and 4th graders are collecting baby to adult size blankets to help keep people warm during the winter months. Their goal is to collect 50 blankets. Sunday, October 21, there will be boxes located at the entrances to the sanctuary for you to put a new or gently used blanket into. If you have any questions, contact Mary Judnich at jjudnich@comcast.net or 616.735.0155. Thanks for helping us meet our goal!
• Toothpaste, toothbrushes and floss: thanks to all who brought these in, our buckets overflowed easily!
• Soap: to all those who brought in the soap this week, thank you!
• Blankets: We will give you an update next week on how we did.
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.
  • 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.
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EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
 DON´T FORGET to fall back Sunday, November 4. Set your clocks back one hour for daylight saving time.
PHOTOS To be included in our new "online" photo directory join us on Sunday, October 21, before 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.
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: 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.
CLOCK IS TICKING ON ANIMAL SHELTER SPECIAL There isn´t much time left to take advantage of special pricing at the Kent County Animal Shelter! Thanks to a grant from the Bissell Pet Foundation, dogs can be adopted for just $50 (plus $12 for licensing) and cats are just $5. Pets are brought up to date on vaccinations, microchipped, and spayed or neutered before they can go home. This special runs until the funding is gone or through October 31. Call 616.632.7300 or visit www.icpawz.com for more information.
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 turkey 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.
PRAYER QUILTS Thursday, November 1 will be the next Prayer Quilting bee. We meet in Wesley Hall from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. All are welcome to join us. You can learn about quilting, meet new people, and be a part of this meaningful mission. If you have any cotton material or batting you would like to donate, please mark it "for prayer quilts" and drop off it at the north lobby desk. For more information, contact Ginnie Edwardson at 261.2602 or ginniee@aol.com.
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. It´s a 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.
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).
INGATHERING On Sunday, November 18 we will receive an offering of nonperishable foods to support the Westminster Food Pantry. Adults may bring food items to the sanctuary prior to the start of both worship services. 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 Westminster Food 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 during the month of November. The need is great for both food and financial support. Please plan on giving a generous gift at this time of thanksgiving.
ALZHEIMER´S STORIES Join The Chamber Choir of Grand Rapids and The Grand Rapids Women´s Chorus for a benefit for the Alzheimer´s Association on Sunday, October 28 at 3:00 pm. Enjoy a work by Robert Cohen for choir, orchestra and soloists in three movements at the East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $20 for adults/$15 for seniors and available at www.grwc.org or www.chamberchoirgr.org.
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!
EASY FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT OUR TUTORING CENTER AT MLK Shop D&W Fresh Market Stores and Family Fare Stores on:
• 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!
 BOO-TIFUL COOKIES NEEDED Halloween Party time is approaching quickly at MLK Academy. We are in need of cookie bakers of all ages to meet in the kitchen of FUMC on Tuesday, October 30. Baking, cookie decorating, and boxing will start at noon and finish up about 2:00 pm. Feel free to bring along some autumn sprinkles for decorating. What a fun way to support our partnership with MLK and get together with church friends too! Please use the Sunday sign-up or call the Tutoring Center at 819.1745 to let us know we can count on you!
ADVENT DEVOTIONALS The season of Advent will be here before you know it 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. Submissions 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.
GRATITUDE BRUNCH This Sunday we will celebrate our giving, renew our commitment to the kingdom, and enjoy a delicious brunch! Join us in Wesley Hall on Sunday, October 21 from 10:00 am - 12:30 pm for the Gratitude Brunch. Our menu will include: mini quiches, rosemary scalloped apples with toast points, maple glazed bacon, sticky buns, orange juice, cider, milk and coffee.
BETHANY CHRISTIAN SERVICES: ART WITHOUT BORDERS Join us Thursday, November 1 at The Gallery (15 Ionia Ave NW) from 6:30-9:00 pm for this annual event that celebrates the diversity and creativity of GR´s refugee community. Admission fee: $10 general admission, $5 with a college ID. Join us for a night full of free international food and music, and learn about issues facing the local refugee community and what you can do to help!
MARTIN LUTHER KING ~ FUMC GIFT OF GIVING CHRISTMAS PROGRAM Each year our church embraces the families of MLK at Christmas in a wonderful way.
• MLK parents sign up at fall registration and immediately begin doing volunteer work at the school or outside agencies to "earn" the gifts provided for their children.
• They provide us with a wish list of presents for each of their children, which may be aged birth to 12. The lists tell us the gender, age and sizes, as well as clothing needs and desired toys or games. Teens aged 13-18 will have a choice of 2 stores and donors simply purchase a gift card, as they are difficult to buy for.
• We solicit donors who pledge to spend AT LEAST $40 for each child they request. The wish lists are passed out on Sunday, November 4 at church or mailed Monday, November 5.
• Donors shop from Monday, November 5 - Sunday, December 2.
• Unwrapped gifts are brought to our collection area on the third floor of First Place Wednesday, November 28 or Sunday, December 2.
• MLK parents wrap the gifts Wednesday and Thursday, December 5 and 6.
What Are This Year´s Needs? They Are Great! 98.8% of MLK families live below the national poverty level. We anticipate needing to gift approximately 200-250 children this year. Please indicate your interest in sponsoring today by filling out the Sunday sign-up sheet or online at www.grandrapidsfumc.org/sign-up-sheet. To date we still need 129 children sponsored.
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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 21
"Can I Get a Witness?!"
Rev. Letisha Bowman
John 1:35-43
Stewardship Celebration Sunday
Gratitude Brunch – served from 10:00 am through 12:30 pm
9:15 and 11:00 am
Barclay Street Brass, Youth Choir, Chancel Choir
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 SUBSTANCE ABUSE My spouse would have a beer or two occasionally with the guys, but now he has several drinks every day. Call your Church Assistance Program (CAP) at 455.6210. They will answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will set you up to meet with a trained counselor. The first two one-hour sessions will be at no charge to you by telling them you are a member or friend of First Church!
 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 at First Church. This week I would like to highlight our Caring Connection. If you enjoy sending cards and notes of cheer, this ministry is for you! We meet the third Wednesday of each month at 8:00 am at New Beginnings on Michigan St. Either Pastor Tish or Marj will provide you with a short list of people to whom you can be a reminder of Christ´s love by sending them a note. Join us next Wednesday, October 17 for breakfast and fellowship!
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NEW GALLERY EXHIBIT Now showing watercolor works by Wilma Knoll through Wednesday, October 31. Hours are 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Monday-Thursday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Friday, and 8:30 am - 11:00 am Sunday.
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 Wonderland Jazz Ensemble, on Saturday, October 20 at 6:00 pm weaves scripture, a pastoral message and prayer into a celebration of faith, hope, and the love of God.
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.
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FIRST CHURCH FAMILY CONCERNS
Concerns & Prayers for:
• Judy Beals
• Betsy Buist
• Kathie Fahrner-Jones (outpatient surgery 10/15)
• Jean Graham (outpatient surgery 10/16)
• Jane Killman
• Betty Rosendall (hospice care)
• Lorna Smith (outpatient 10/23)
• Cat Wescott
Service Personnel
• Chris Bolhouse
• Scott Grifhorst
• Stephan Mathos
• Jesse Mounts
• Trevor Norton
• Shawn Seher
Congratulations to Rachael Stern and Karl Eerdmans who were united in marriage on October 13 in our sanctuary.
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ATTENDANCE
Sunday, October 14
Worship 9:15 am........113
Church School........136
Worship 11:00 am........282
Evening Activities........85
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