Nov 2010

From the Pastor

 What a blessed weekend  Polly and I had.  The wedding was beautiful, and we pray for Caleb and Megan as they start their life together as husband and wife.  It was great to have the family together and join in our celebration.  We want to thank you all for your prayers and words of encouragement.  Question I have been asked by some members is “Why do you preach on the lectionary?”  I thought about this and then I received the last Course of Study newsletter, in which the Rev. Diane Turner-Sharazz, directory of the Course of Study program at the Methodist School of Ohio, wrote the following which reflects my belief also:   “As I have sought to hear God’s word for the congregation I serve, the words of the prophet Hosea have stood out as a word for today.  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, because you have rejected knowledge.  I reject you from being a priest to me.. let us know, let us press on to know the lord;…for I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 4:6; 5:3,6-NRSV).  Knowledge, understanding, steadfast love, knowledge of God and God’s ways are emphasized over and over in these passages.  How important it is for us to be able to teach and lead others into this knowledge and love of God.  That’s why we take the time to study and grow in our understandings, so that we can better serve God and those in our care.”  Using the lectionary necessitates that I consider and study important passages in the Bible which I might otherwise neglect. You know,  even if  you have been a Christian for years and years and have read the Bible through from cover to cover several times that you learn something new each time.  I try, by reading different commentaries and  doing research on the computer, to be able to apply these passages as to how we live our lives in this day and age.  Even though I am finished with the Course of Study, I still try to take advantage of the many opportunities available.  I attended a two day program titled   “ Assisting Individuals in Crisis”,held at the First Baptist Church in Manistique.  Janet Helmbold also attended, as did three other pastors from the community.  I pray that I can continue to learn God’s ways by continually reading the Bible and taking advantage of those programs that are available locally.   I pray also that you will continue to read the Bible  as well as encourage others  to read the Word.
Grace and peace,                                                                                                                               
Pastor Don

Birthdays

               NOVEMBER
6 David Henschel
9 Lynne Giles
17 Doris Hubble
18 Carla Brower
18 James Stark
20 Karen Ackley
22 Bette Jahn
22 Darlene Gilroy
25 Mike Rochon
26 Tyler Carlson
29 Rita Salter
29 Lynnelle Tallman

Anniversaries

 6 Paul/Karen Ackley
21 Pete/Bessie Moore
30 Ed/Eileen Renton

Memorial Gifts

Memorial gifts have been given in the names of:
*Edward & Gunhild Hokenson (Music)
    by David Hokenson

A big “Thank You” to Rita Salter for taking over the Progressive Dinner at the last minute. 

Thank you to Janet Helmbold for all your assistance to the church staff.  It is greatly appreciated.

Women's News   

 

  —Carol Weinert
The Marquette District meeting of the United Methodist Women held recently in Menominee acknowledged the achievements of the several UMW units and technically closed the books on the activities for 2010. Our unit can be very proud that we were recognized for reaching many of the District’s goals for the year. I am especially pleased that 8 of our women received certificates for participation in the UMW Reading Program. I hope more of you will join us in the upcoming year and make this number even larger. Ask Mary Prater, our Program Resources person, for more information on how you can participate.
Our UMW library shelves are always receiving more informative and interesting books that are included in the Reading Program and I would like to recommend two.
A new book (2009) in the "Social Action" category has the intriguing title Not Just a One Night Stand. This book bears the sub-title "Ministry with the Homeless," and details how a church in Texas extends its outreach to the less fortunate in the area. Perhaps we could adapt some of their methods to reach the homeless in our own area. (Yes, we have them, too!)
Another thought-provoking book is Who Stole My Church? Written in first-person story form, this book tells how a New England church faced the changing times and adjusted their thinking and worship format to be pertinent in the twenty-first century. Though I don’t agree with some of their changes, the author raises some valid issues that might be considered in our own church. This book, on loan from the UMW District Library, is in the "Nurturing for Community" category. (If this book piques your interest, I suggest you check it out soon because it has to go back to the District Library in the near future.)
Although the District meeting is over, we here in Manistique still have some UMW activities in the works before 2010 closes. Upcoming events in our local UMW unit are:
      * Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1:30 PM – General Meeting/Thank Offering

      *  Saturday, Dec. 4, 1 PM, Annual UMW Christmas Tea and mini-bazaar       (proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations); open to all women in the  community – bring your friends

      *  Wednesday, Dec. 8, 5:30 PM, Annual UMW Christmas party. Event begins  with a potluck dinner; entertainment created by Janet Helmbold. This event is  open to all FUMC women and guests.

 Spotlight on Missions

   —Norma Johnson, Coordinator
One of the mission projects supported by Manistique First United Methodist Church is Cass Community Social Services, known as CASS.  CASS provides emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals and families, vocational training and employment, food services, medical and mental health services as well as programming for  “at risk” children, youth and seniors.  CASS is located in Detroit.

Please Remember in Prayer-For Our Prayful Consideration

October 31– November 6
Jamie, Tyler, Jordan Lexi Carlson
Marvin & Linda Curran
Peter & Ellen Derber
Norm & Sharon Feichtenbiner
Marilyn Fritz
Al, Pat, Sarah, Heather Duyck
James Gaffney
David, Belinda, Ryan, Corey Gardapee

November 7- 13
Bill, Lynne, Monica Giles
Duane & Darlene Gilroy
Mae Gilroy
Margo Gleason
James Hagman
Genevieve Hastings
Janet Helmbold
Dorothy Hendricks
David & Jill Henschel

November 14 - 20
David Hokenson
Scott, Lisa, Taylor, Tanner, Olivia Holmberg
Mike & Tanya Hoar
Sandra Houghton, Bill, Gray Turek
Doris Hubble
Ashley Jahn

November 21– 27
Bette Jahn
David, Judy, Dennis Jahn
Heidi Jahn
Kurt Jahn
Norman, Marla, Jennifer, Julianne Jahn
Eugene & Norma Johnson
Gary & Cindy Kaiser, Steve Kaiser, Theresa, Megan Weber

THE INFORMATION BOARD

Please keep the following people in your prayers:  Jim Hagman, Wayne Weaver, Doug Finch, Kathy Weber, Bill Hoar, Marilyn Fritz, Phyllis Burge, Emma Tufnell, Norma Johnson, Gene Johnson, Mae Gilroy, Clara Mersnick and Dorothy Hendricks.

Please remember those serving our country:  Keegan Feichtenbiner in Iraq and Greg Mulligan.

Congratulations to Marcia and Tom Tevelde on the opening of their new facility.

Daylight Savings Time ends November 7.  Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour.

Thanksgiving Service will be held here at First United Methodist Church on November 23rd at 7:00 PM

Festival of Lessons & Carols Community Choir rehearsals are taking place every Sunday at 1:15 PM at First Baptist Church in Manistique.  Singers are needed!!!  The actual Festival date is Sunday, December 12th at 3 PM at St. Francis de Sales Church.

Children’s Sunday School will begin November 7.  If anyone is interested in teaching Sunday school please contact the church office. 
Please continue to watch the bulletin and newsletter for other items needed in the future

Bible Study Books are in.  The cost is $10.  Please see the church secretary.

Small home for rent.  One of our church members has a small home for rent.  For details, please call the church office.

Information Updating is currently taken place.  If your address or phone number has changed, please let us know.  Also, let us know if we don’t have birthday/anniversary.

               A View from the Belfry  

 Hi!  It’s Bennie again, your bat in the nonexistent belfry!  You know, this is a really great church family!  A few weeks ago it rained bats and frogs.  (Some would say cats and dogs, but I like my batty version better.)  The result was an unwanted swimming pool in the social hall.  This church really pulled together to clean up the mess.  There must have been 20 or more people here washing everything down and putting things away.  Of course, by now that’s old news.  However, the same willingness to work together to solve a problem has been noticed in another area as well.  Not so very long ago, this church really struggled to pay its bills, and sometimes didn’t quite get some of them paid in a timely manner.  Well, guess what?!!?  You’ve come a long way since then!  For the past several months, the church’s giving has increased enough so that bills are being paid on time, and we are looking good as far as paying apportionments and pension expenses go.  Thanks to the caring and generosity of this congregation, and the willingness of everyone to give a little extra, the church should end this year completely paid up and in the black!  You Manistique United Methodists are awesome!

Lectionary for  November 2010
November 7
Haggai 1:15b-2:9 Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21               2Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
    Luke 20:27-38
November 14
Isaiah 65:17-25
Psalm 118 or Isaiah 12 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
 Luke 21:5-19
November 21
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Luke 1:68-79
  Colossians 1:11-20 Luke 23:33-43
November 28
Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122                    Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44

WHY SUNDAY SCHOOL IS SO IMPORTANT!
Provides a basic systematic study of the scriptures at a level of understanding for that age group.
Allows an opportunity for its members to talk and share about  their needs with others in similar life situations.
Provides an opportunity for personal application of the scriptures based on the age level of the class.
Provides for fellowship and a sense of belonging for each member of the class.
Provides a platform for people to serve the Lord through teaching and administration.
A training ground for young Christians to be more productive in their church and gives them the opportunity to develop their skills and talents for the Lord.

CHURCH CONFERENCE NEWS
 Nine parishioners braved the weather to attend this year’s conference despite fallen trees, lack of electricity and blown off shingles.
 District Superintendent Grant Lobb conducted the meeting.  Copies of the meeting minutes and conference booklets are available in the church office.  He also informed us that as of July 1, 2011, he will no longer be the superintendent.  He has enjoyed these past years, but looks forward to leading worship service again.
 Pastor Don and Janet Helmbold provided the entertainment for the conference this year.  It included singing and an audience participation report.  Everyone in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the creative writing and performances.