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Footprints

A publication of UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF LUDINGTON 5810 Bryant Road, Ludington, MI 49431 (231) 843-8340 Email: office@ludingtonumc.org www.ludingtonumc.org Believers seeking and sharing the character of Christ

1,8,15,22,29 Contemporary Worship & Sunday School 9:30 am, Traditional Wor-ship 11:00 am 1 Communion, Food Pantry 2,9,16,23,30 Flower Ministry 10:00 am 3,10,17,24,31 Intercessory Prayer 9:30 am, Bell Choir 5:00 pm 3 Trustees 7:00 pm 4,11,18,25 Rug Ladies 9:00 am, Catered Meal 6:00 pm, Pastor’s Study 7:04 5,12,19,26 Men’s Emmaus 7:30 am, Women’s Bible Study 10:00 am, Women’s Emmaus 1:00 pm, Chancel Choir 7:00 pm, Praise Choir 8:00 8 Daylight Saving Time begins, Visioning Committee 12:30 pm 9 Evangelism Committee 2:30 pm, Grief Group 4:00 pm 10 Vacation Bible School Meeting 4:00 pm, Staff-Pastor-Parish 7:00 pm 12 Finance Committee 5:00 pm 13 Blood Drive 12:00-4:45 pm 17 Books & Beyond Book Club 6:30 pm 18 Worship Committee 11:00 am 22 UMCOR Sunday, Visioning Commit-tee 12:30 pm 24 Administrative Board 6:30 pm 31 “Praying with Eyes Wide Open” 2:00-4:00 pm Be sure to look inside this newsletter for exciting United Methodist Women and Legacy events this month!

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which will be February 26 this year.

Lent is a six-week season of the Christian year in which we prepare ourselves

for Easter through prayer, self-examination, and repentance; and make a re-

newed effort to walk in God’s ways. There are six Sundays in Lent, the last

one Palm Sunday. We say “Sundays in Lent” because all Sundays are supposed

to be mini-celebrations of Jesus’ resurrection, so they are not considered to be

part of Lent.

The last week of Lent is Holy Week. It begins with our remembrance of Je-

sus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday). We celebrate Jesus’ last

supper with his disciples, and his betrayal and arrest, on Maundy Thursday.

Jesus was crucified on Good Friday. Holy Week ends when he is in the tomb

(Holy Saturday).

Watch upcoming Sunday bulletins for special worship times during Holy

Week. Be sure to attend our February 26 Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 pm.

And pick up a Lenten devotional booklet, containing meditations by Henri

Nouwen.

Ash Wednesday February 26 Worship 7:00 pm

Palm Sunday April 5 Worship 9:30 and 11:00 am

Maundy Thursday April 9 Worship 7:00 pm

Good Friday April 10 Worship 7:00 pm

Easter April 12 Worship 9:30 and 11:00 am

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We continue to serve coffee, punch and goodies from 9 am to noon on Sundays in the narthex.

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Legacy Activities in March

March 7 Sleepover begins at 7:00 pm March 8 Sleepover ends at 10:30 am March 15 Legacy Room 5:00-7:00 pm March 22 Legacy Room 5:00-7:00 pm

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Michigan Department of Health and Human Services presents Foster Care and Adoption Information Night on Sunday, March 1 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Path of Life Church in Ludington. For more details, see the church office bulletin board.

In Our Church this month

2,4,6,9,11,13,16,18,20,23,25,27,30 Women’s Closed AA 10:00 am 2,4,16,18,25,30 Cub Dens 5:00-7:30 pm 3,10,17,24,31 Webelos 5:00 pm 5 PEO 8:00 am-12:00 pm, Mediation 10:00 am 7 Emmaus Gathering/Potluck 3:30-9:30 pm 8 Girl Scout Sunday, Baby Shower in afternoon 10 PEO Chapter EU 10:00 am-3:00 pm, Cub Scout Pin-ewood Derby 5:00 pm 12 Emmaus Board 6:00 pm 19 Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers 6:30-8:30 pm 20 Cornerstone University Choir Concert 7:00 pm 26 Mediation 1:00-4:00 pm in 4th-5th Grade Room, Gar-den Club 12:00-4:00 pm in Fellowship Hall

Due to the Visioning Committee meetings, there will be no Reel to Real until further notice.

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Evangelism Committee now meets at 2:30 pm the second Monday of each month.

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Women’s Spring Bible Study to Begin March 5

This spring we will continue with another study by Jody Mohan, as we were so blessed last fall by her study of The Richest Lady in Ludington. Our new 10-week study is How to Walk on Water, which helps us to “get out of the boat”. It covers how what we wear can make a difference, perils along the way, who is in the boat with us, moving on, and shar-ing our stories. We will continue to meet in the 4th/5th grade Sunday School room beginning at 10:00 am. For more information you may contact Lynne Gohn at 843-4746.

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Cornerstone University Chorale 34 Singers in Concert!

Friday, March 20, 7:00 pm, here at our church

We are very blessed to host these wonderful young people in concert at our church. Mark your calendars now; you won’t want to miss this special evening of Gospel music. It will be such a joy to meet these young men and women who are so dedicated to their music, their studies, and their faith. A free will offer-ing will be taken to help with their travel expenses. Our choir will provide a light supper for the Chorale, and we have host people providing for their overnight stay and breakfast before they return home. Please help by telling your friends and neighbors about this concert, and let’s fill the sanctuary!

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Dear Friends,

Thank you to all those who worked on and supported the Community Memorial Service February 15. Those of you who attended and

trusted us with your stories and your love were indeed a blessing as well, and you should also be thanked for your courage and participation. Some have suggested that we do something like this again in the future, and that is well worth consideration. It is important that we continue to work together to build the family in every way we can. I am re-reading Bishop Robert Schnase’s Just Say Yes, and am reminded that sometimes the very thing that stops us from engaging in new ministry is that we have never done such a thing before. This book, coupled with Jim Noggle’s work with us in developing a lasting vibrant vision, has inspired me to ask, “What is it that we have never done before?” and “Is someone already doing that thing well?” If the answer to the latter ques-tion is no, then is there interest to do this thing here? Nothing encourages involvement like doing some-thing new and exciting. I have also come to the con-clusion that a dream is just a dream until we decide to work to make it happen. Once the work begins, it has developed into a vision that initiates transformation. I know that it may be hard for some of us to get excit-

ed about new ministries and new programs when it

seems that we are struggling to put together a bal-

anced budget. As we come closer to paying off the

mortgage on this building we find that our desire to

do so has not allowed more moneys to flow into the

general budget. We have lost members and we have

not found a way or means to bring an equal number

of new people into the family. Some are concerned

because of the uncertainty of the future of the United

Methodist Church, and have decided to withhold sup-

port until there have been decisions made in regards

to what kind of ministries will be done here in Luding-

ton. Those decisions will come as the General Confer-

ence and Annual Conferences take place.

I would like to assure you that no matter what the de-nomination decides, this congregation will still be here in Ludington, its ministries will still be a vital part of the community, and there will be needs that we are able to help meet. I honestly believe there is room for all people in this congregation, and that the love of Jesus Christ will continue to shine through the per-sons who choose to make this place their faith home. This congregation will remain faithful to the call of our Lord Jesus Christ as we support each other with love and grace. So let us look around us and take some time to think. What is not being done that we could be doing? What is taking place around us that may help us develop new ministries? For example, those who helped plan to build this building had the foresight to make it day-care ready. With a new elementary school being built just across the street, might we not think about an after-school program to give working parents a place for their children to be cared for between the time school lets out and they get done with work? Another possibility may be day care for students who only attend half days at school. Would that bring new people into our building to get to know who we are and what we stand for? Again, might we meet a need if we offered tutoring after school here for those who might need a little help with reading or math? Perhaps a mentoring program for those young people who are cared for by single parents? Are these just dreams, or could they turn into a vision? As I suggested above, a dream is just a dream until we decide to work to make it happen. Blessings to all!

Pastor Dennis

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Thank you to our youth who made some beautiful valentines for our nursing home people. Know they were much appreciative of your kind-ness. Lynne Gohn

Your gifts of kindness, food, friendships and especial-ly your prayers have been very much appreciated. I’m doing much better and continue to improve week-ly now. Barb Woodworth Thank you to the Prayer Shawl Ladies for my prayer shawl and to the prayer warriors praying for me in my battle with cancer. There has been some shrinkage of my brain tumor. I am so appreciative that you consid-ered me a recipient of such a precious gift. Thank you for your continued prayers. Daria Reitsma and Mom Flower Volunteers - Thank you for thinking of our mom weekly with flowers! We appreciate it! Cheri Thoreson, daughter of Ruthie Peterson To my Church Family, I don’t know how I would have gotten through the years without you. Your constant prayers and support gave me the strength I didn’t know I had. I am blessed, and I try to remember to be grateful for what I have. May God bless you all. Vi DeMeester

Vacation Bible School Monday through Thursday, August 3 through 6, 2020

5:30-7:30 pm in the church

Decorate and set up Saturday, August 1 VBS Worship Service Sunday, August 9,

with children and bells Take down decorations Sunday, August 9

following worship

Working meeting dates, all Tuesdays at 4 pm: March 10 April 14 May 12 May 26 June 9 June 23 July 14 July 28

We need your help! Please mark your calendars now.

“Come to me, all you who are strug-gling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 CEB

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“The Best Sunday School Snack Ever.” Better than cookies and cocoa with marshmallows? What snack would this be? Our lesson on February 2 was about the Palm of Deborah found in Judges 4:4-16. Deborah was a prophet, intelligent and brave. People would bring their disputes to her as she sat under a palm tree. Check the scripture to learn more about Deborah, Bar-ak and Mount Tabor. Palm of Deborah Snack Cut a banana lengthwise. Place cut side down on a pa-per plate for the trunks. Cut green grapes lengthwise also. Place cut sides down to be leaves. Add a few rai-sins to be coconuts (or dates). Put some animal crack-ers around the base of the Palm of Deborah. Eat with a fork. Enjoy the best snack ever! Betty Tabor

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Altar Guild invites you to provide flowers for the narthex on Easter morning. Please fill out the form below and return it to the church office or place it in the offering plate with your pay-ment by March 29.

Easter Lilies Single (6”) ___$16.95 Double (9”) ___$26.50 Triple (10”) ___$33.50

Tulips (6”) ___$13.00

Daffodils (6”) ___$13.00

Hyacinth (6”) ___$13.00

Azaleas (6”) ___$28.00

Hydrangeas 6 inch ___$28.00 8 inch ___$36.00

Given by: _________________________________________________________ In Memory of __________________________________________________________ In Honor of ___________________________________________________________

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UMW Executive Board will meet on Friday, March 13 at 1:00 pm. Ladies of the church, be sure to set aside time for yourself to attend the UMW Lenten Breakfast on Saturday, March 28 at 9:30 am. Breakfast, as always, will be delicious (yes, including Jane's famous sticky buns once again), and the visiting and fellowship are always a treat! Susan Wirgau, our district UMW Presi-dent, has graciously accepted our invitation to share a message. So we hope you will be able to attend this year, and bring a guest! All ages of women are wel-come, from Middle School to 90+! Please sign up in the church office by Wednesday, March 25 if possible. We want to have ample food for all who plan to at-tend! Don’t let a lack of reservation keep you away, however! The March Ladies’ Lunch will be at 11:30 am Tues-day, March 17 at Luciano’s. Sign up in the church of-fice, but come even if you didn’t sign up! Daylight Saving Time begins March 8! When you go to bed Saturday night, March 7, set your clocks ahead one hour. You will lose an hour of sleep.

Our Monday Morning Flower Ministry needs temporary helpers! If you can spare a couple of hours every Monday morning for the next four weeks, please contact the office at 843-8340. And speaking of the office, we need substitute of-fice volunteers because several of our office folks are out because of travel or surgeries. Please call us if you might be available to sub sometimes. We will have another American Red Cross Blood Drive Friday, March 13 from 12:00 to 4:45 pm in the Sunday School Gathering Area. To volunteer for the Canteen Table or the Registration Table or to help with setup and takedown, please call the church office at 843-8340. To donate blood, please sign up at RedCrossBlood.org (sponsor code: UMCL) or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Do you remember One Great Hour of Sharing? Now it’s called UMCOR Sunday. It’s a special offering of The United Methodist Church; one which provides overhead and other administrative expenses of UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) so that when you give to a disaster through UMCOR, 100% of your donation goes to that disaster relief. When there is a flood, earthquake, tsunami or any oth-er catastrophic event, UMCOR is there to provide a great variety of services tailored to the needs of that population. It’s as if you were right there, sifting through rubble, bringing clean water, fixing a damaged roof, cleaning up messes, providing case manage-ment.. Read more about it at https://www.umcor.org, and please give to UMCOR Sunday on March 22. “I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25:35-36, CEB.)

United Methodist Women Karen Genson, President

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ONGOING PRAYER LIST Bill Alexander Jim & Nancy Anderson Brenda Begnoche Bill, Glen & Julie Bromley Allan Carlson Jim Carey & Family Deborah Chrystal Vi DeMeester Anne Estle John & Kathy Fletcher Mike &Cindy Genter Gregg Heimall Erving & Katherine Johnson Bob Jones Joan Maclam Sue Major Stan McCallum Ken McClellan Ed & Maralee McCumber Clint McKinven-Copus Sean Nelson Donna Peterson Bea Riffle Toni Rumsey Sandy & Tammy Sgro Janice Soper Dale Swanson Stub Willick Janice Wolff Linda Wolven Barb Woodworth

OUR MILITARY PEOPLE SSgt Joseph Archer, TX SSgt Daniel J. Cook, NC Kevin D. Coyne, deployed CS 2nd Class Emily Gibson, VA Matthew Heard, deployed Ensign Gregory Heimall III, VA Melody Houk, CA SSgt Jacob Hunt, VA Catherine McNaughton Rizzo, AK SPC Christopher Myer, KY Paul Nickelson, MI NURSING HOMES AND ASSISTED LIVING Rosie Abrahamson Eldred Chavalia Myra Easton Sharon Fusari, Virginia Dave Hullinger Phil Hunt Sherry Johnson Nancy Kelley Tom McCumber Dick & Donna Nelson Ruthie Peterson Bob Rasch Marian Riffle Roland Vandenheuvel Ellie Westcott Matthew Wilson (Greg’s son -Oklahoma) HAITI: Baudin School, Baudin Methodist Church, Ranquitte Methodist Church and Pastor Odeles Du Rosier MARC: Alaska Ministries, Collier & Allyson Hard

Ongoing Prayer Concerns

PRAYER REQUEST CARDS are located in the pews, the narthex and the Volunteer’s Desk. Requests are prayed over on Tuesday mornings and are kept confidential. They are prayed over for 30 days unless up-dated for a longer period of time. All prayer requests are kept in the office. If you have an urgent prayer request, you may activate the prayer chains by calling the church office at 843-8340. If the church office is closed, you may call Lynne Gohn (843-4746).

OUR COLLEGE STUDENTS Briona Carrier - WSCC Nate Carrier - Poland Emma Fountain - CMU Luke Fountain - Kalamazoo College Zachary Genter - Michigan Tech Noa Gohn - GVSU Rachel Gohn - Cornerstone U Kayla Gottwald - GVSU Cory & Rachel Ives - U of M Ana McCallum - Spring Arbor Breanna McMaster - Harrisburg Coll, PA Jordyn Sanders - U of M Tristan Scribner - Ferris Mallory Shinn - Hope College Meredith Sparks - CMU Emma Taranko - GVSU Rachel Verbus - Towson Univ., MD

HENDERSON SETTLEMENT AND OUR MISSIONARIES THIS MONTH ZAMBIA: Soweto-Kapisha UMC; Pastor Bernard & Betty Lumene & Lord’s Mountain Orphanage; Bwafwano Care Project and Minerva Phiri

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Footprints A publication of UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF LUDINGTON

United Methodist Church of Ludington

5810 Bryant Rd., Ludington, Michigan 49431 (231) 843-8340 Fax: (231) 843-0070

Email: office@ludingtonumc.org Web site: www.ludingtonumc.org

Rev. Dennis Bromley, Pastor

Rev. Laurie McKinven-Copus, Office Manager, Footprints Editor Cindy Cooper and George Faust, Youth Directors

Rev. Judy Downing, Director of Christian Education, Office Manager

Rebecca Sopha, Music Director Rogene Lathouwers, Accompanist

Carleen Shinn, Hand Bell Choir Director Roseann Shook, Renia Carrier and Rachel Faust, Nursery

OFFICE HOURS

Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

SUNDAY MORNING Adult Bible Studies 8:15 am

Contemporary Worship and Sunday School 9:30 am Traditional Worship 11:00 am Nursery 9:15 am - 12:15 pm

The Footprints deadline is the third Monday of each month.

United Methodist Church of Ludington 5810 Bryant Road Ludington, MI 49431 Address Service Requested

Non-Profit US Postage

PAID Ludington, MI Permit No. 163

INSIDE THE MARCH 2020 ISSUE OF FOOTPRINTS

Bits & Pieces…….…......…...…2 Calendar………....…….…...….9 Christian Education………....4,5

(Coloring Page returns in April).

Easter Flowers Order Form....5 Pastor’s Letter…..………..….3 Prayer Ministry………...…….7

Thanks…………….………….4 United Methodist Women……6 You Can Help…….…………..6

Some funny signs contributed by Elaine Beach: Jesus is watching but the police have radar. Ants are healthy because they have little antibodies. What happens if you get scared half to death twice? I was addicted to the Hokey Pokey but I turned my-self around. Went to the Air and Space Museum but there was nothing there. I just did a week’s worth of cardio after walking into a spider web. All those who believe in psychokinesis raise my hand. Be the kind of person your pet thinks you are. Tweet others as you would like to be tweeted.