Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
September 2016
HERE I AM, LORD, SEND MEmissions ministry
HERE I AM, LORD, SEND ME
Upcoming EventsArt & SoulMonday & Thursday Weekly 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Brightmoor Free StoreSaturday weekly 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Focus Hope Food DeliverySeptember 17, November 12
StreeThreads at NOAHOctober 24
StreeThreads at HavenOctober 10, November 14, December 12
Take-Home Lunch Fundraiser for Henderson Settlement in Kentucky and the Costa Rica Methodist Children’s Home October 30
Missions FairNovember 13
Angel Tree SundayNovember 20
Upcoming Volunteers in Mission Trips: Cuba: March 31-April 8, 2017Haiti: April 20-29, 2017Henderson: June 25-July 1, 2017
A Big Box of BooksHenderson Settlement
By Sue Walters
For more information about Henderson Settlement, please contact Deb Roy, [email protected]
or Sue Walters, [email protected]
This article could be about how we had our largest mission team ever going to Henderson Settlement in southeast Kentucky this past June. Fourteen volunteers planned to go; however at the last minute one was unable to, so we had 13. But it isn’t!
Or maybe this article cold be about our 8th consecutive Volunteers In Mission (VIM) trip there, and the 9th is already being planned.
Or it could be about how this geographic area, although economically poor, is vastly rich in community. But it isn’t about that, either.
Then it could certainly describe how the United Methodist Women and Unfinished Christian Women generously provided funds to hire two additional counselors to teach art, music, and reading literacy during the six week summer program. Both of these young adult counselors, who are currently college students, participated in the settlement’s summer program while they were growing up. Each of them expressed sincere gratitude for summer employment made possible by you.
Continued on Page 2
1
A Big Box of BooksHenderson SettlementBy Sue Walters
(Continued from Page 1)
But it really isn’t about that, either!
The real story is about a big box of books. While helping clean out the library at the Berkley First church last February, I knew that many of the books, which were being discarded because they weren’t current editions, could find a home at Henderson Settlement. After all, Bible stories and children’s classics are timeless. So the big box of books was stored in our garage until June when we transported it to Kentucky.
On Monday all the books were displayed in our “classroom library,” which was actually the entire surface of the ping pong table in the recreation room that served as our classroom for the 4th through 7th graders during that week. The plan was that the books would remain there until Friday when the children could take them home.
Gale Cunningham, one of the teachers working with this age group, tells this story. On Monday, the first day, one of the sweet fourth grade boys came up to me and whispered, “Miss Gale, could I please take a book home today? I’m afraid someone else will get it.” Of course I said yes. Then another boy came to me with the same request. The books they wanted were the Bible stories. You would think I had given them a hundred dollars! They carried those books around with them all day. By the way, all the books found a new home before Friday.
Like the books, I invite you to join our team next June when we again are blessed to draw the circle wider and make a difference to these children and youth we have learned to love.
“Miss Gale, could I please take a book home today? I’m afraid someone else will get it.”
Henderson Settlement 4th Grader
2
Pie Ladies and Guardian AngelsCosta Rica
By Ann Littleton
For more information on our Costa Rica ministry, please contact
Karen Plants at [email protected] or Ann Littleton at [email protected]
In June, we were delighted to have Will Faircloth visit Birmingham First to give us an update about the Costa Rica Methodist Children’s Home. Will and his wife, Ella, serve as missionaries in Costa Rica and our congregation has been sending support for them for the past eight years. They began their work as missionaries in 2004 and both are members of the Board of Directors for the Costa Rica Methodist Children’s Home. Will also serves as a professor at the Seminary in San Jose, Costa Rica. Two orphanage houses have been constructed by Volunteer in Mission teams and 24 children are now out of harm’s way and living at the Home. Currently, the teams are working on a multi-purpose building that will be used as a gymnasium for the children as well as the Methodist church for the community. Our church has sent VIM teams every year and members of our congregation also volunteer to be “guardian angels” by making donations for the children’s care.
After Will and Ella’s last visit in 2008, a very special group of women, known as the Unfinished Christian Women, began raising funds for the Costa Rica Methodist Children’s Home by baking pies twice a year to sell on Sunday mornings. For Will’s visit this year, the “pie ladies” not only baked pies but also made
quiches to serve to the 75 people who attended the reception after the worship service. After Will spoke to the group about the Methodist Children’s Home, we were able to give him a check for $3,000, money raised this year by the “pie ladies” and the “guardian angels.” Many thanks to all the members of our congregation who have helped provide a loving home to these children.
For over twenty years, Birmingham First has sent VIM teams to Costa Rica to work on building churches, schools and an orphanage. In the past, members of FUMC Ann Arbor and West Side UMC Ann Arbor joined our team. In 2017, Birmingham First will not be leading a team to Costa Rica, however, West Side UMC Ann Arbor will be leading a team for the first time and any of our members who are interested in traveling with a VIM team to Costa Rica in 2017 may be able to join their team. If you are interested, please contact Ann Littleton.
3
Restoring a NeighborhoodBy Jean McKeehanRedford Brightmoor Initiative
What goes into restoring a once-vital neighborhood in Northwest Detroit that has barely survived the challenges of the times? Redford Brightmoor Initiative (RBI) is addressing some of these challenges in a variety of ways. A sampling of services provided are: A Free Store which gives away gently-used clothing, household and personal items, furniture and appliances, school supplies, etc.; teams of volunteers who repair homes, clear neighborhood debris and board-up abandoned buildings; volunteers who prepare weekly free lunches; and a director who provides guidance and solutions to neighbors in crisis. RBI leaders are always looking for new ways to rebuild Brightmoor.
One of the latest directions we are taking to help revitalize the neighborhood is through our community garden and orchard. Our guide book, the Bible, has much to say about plants. A verse in Ezekiel says, “Ask the plants of the earth and they will teach you.” Ecclesiastes also reminds us that “there is a time for everything…a time to plant…”
The “time to plant” started during the summer of 2013 when a small group of volunteers were inspired to break ground for a community garden on the grounds of the Brightmoor Campus. Their idea became a reality when a crew of volunteers began taking up sod, rototilling, and planting 7 beds with vegetable seeds and plants that
first year. Today, the garden continues to thrive, and neighbors are regularly coming to pick produce. We are also sharing the garden with the local wildlife, as deer are often seen munching away on the vegetables.
One of the volunteers who actually spear-headed the garden project was Mr. Dave. He reports, “My experience with gardening began when I was young. My brothers and I grew up having to weed our large family garden. As an adult, I am drawn to growing things and really liking it. Today, in addition to caring for the
Mr. Dave and Helpers
Volunteers from Northville UMC planting the orchard.
4
garden, I also enjoy canning vegetables, especially tomatoes.” Mr. Dave has turned his talent for canning into a fundraiser for RBI. Miss Frances also has a background and current interest in growing vegetables. She can be found weeding and watering the community garden on even the hottest days.
The latest project that began in the spring of 2016 is planting an orchard which is located to the east of the Brightmoor Campus. Through the generosity of Birmingham First’s Missions Ministry, two lots were purchased by RBI and volunteers cleared the land. Ten fruit trees were then planted. The trees are growing and should make for a beautiful landscape when they blossom in the Spring.
Restoring a neighborhood can take many different forms as evidenced by
the garden and orchard projects at RBI. This unique ministry continues to creatively address the challenges of poverty and provide hope to a community that needs a helping hand. Thank you for your continued support.
Miss Francis preparing the garden for planting.
For more information on Redford Brightmoor Initiative, please contact Mary Pickett at
“Restoring a neighborhood can take many different forms as evidenced by the garden and orchard projects at RBI. ”
5
New and Improved StudioBy Susan GreenhalghArt and Soul
Come check out the new and improved, better and brighter than ever Art & Soul Studio at Central UMC in Detroit! This summer one of our multi-talented participants, Twiana Odom and her partner replaced our very worn out floor that was being held together by duct tape - literally. They tore out the old linoleum, replaced the underlayment and installed bright new tiles. Old appliances were thrown out, paint and plaster touched up and all the art supplies were organized. We’re ready for business!
September 8th was our Welcome Back Day at Art & Soul and our participants were delighted to come back to such
an inviting space. Between the excited chatter and the ice cream sundaes, plans and projects were decided upon for the upcoming year. There is much on the horizon for our Art & Soul family. This fall many of our projects will be in preparation of our exhibit and sale, Windows into the Soul, at the Swords into Plowshares Peace Gallery in Detroit, January 12-15, 2017. Stay tuned for more information.
Much appreciation goes to our church member, Betsy Stubbs, who organized a very successful fundraiser this summer to benefit the mission of Art & Soul. Paint the Runway was held at Bloomfield High School and included a fashion show by her fellow students
and showcased the art of Twiana Odom. Thank you, Betsy, for all your efforts!
Art & Soul is always looking for great volunteers who have a welcoming heart and warm soul. No artistic ability required! We meet every Monday and Thursday from 10:30am – 3:00pm at Central UMC across from Comerica Park. But don’t let that deter you from coming down for as little or as much as you can, whenever you can. Just don’t be surprised if you catch the Art & Soul bug. The creative energy is infectious!
For more information about our Art & Soul ministry, please contact
Susan Greenhalgh at [email protected]
6
The Impact of Summer CampsSpirit Journey
By Brenda Hendley and Submitted by Jeanne Fritz
Summer started out with a bang! Basketball Camp began the full week after school was over with a Gus Macker 3 on 3 Tournament in Ludington the following weekend. We had 24 youth participating with 6 teams. We took the camping tents to set up at the State Park and camped Friday and Saturday nights with players and their families. Everyone had a great time! No First Place winners, but a lot was learned in competing with various teams from around the state. It gave our kids an experience to see firsthand the level of competition and what skills needed honing.
Our efforts for a Performing Arts Camp did not create any interest with the kids, so Brandon scheduled another Gus Macker Tournament
in Belding later in the summer. Each week during the summer when the camps were not in session, Brandon took the kids to movies, bowling, swimming, dunes, etc. to offer more casual entertainment and keep the contact and communication going.
The Writing Camp took place in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula for four days. They journaled and wrote what Spirit Journey meant to them. The compositions were so heartwarming. Bonds were strengthened during that week. The kids reported that they had an awesome time and were truly in their element among the spectacular rock formations and water. They again camped in the tents and cooked on the open fire along the lakeshore of Lake Superior.
Spirit Journey Camp was the largest ever! With 58 youth 10 adult leaders, we had an outstanding week!! The campers went swimming and tubing, competed in a decathlon, were given art lessons, watched movies with popcorn, ate lots of food, and capped off the week with a spectacular Talent Show!! Over 125 in attendance including the youth. Ten of the campers gave emotional testimonials of what the summer has meant to them. You could sense the impact that an entire summer of programs had on the kids.
Twelve outstanding campers were selected to go to Cedar Point the next week. Even though they were rained out by 4pm, they had six hours of rides and excitement. They spent the night at a hotel with a pool.
We’re already planning for 2017 and are thinking of ways to fundraise. We had 17 UMC delegates sign up for Brandon to speak to their congregations after Michigan Conference, so he has a busy year ahead! We can see the interest build and are so thankful that people are seeing the need to support. Thanks be to God!
For more information on Spirit Journey, contact Laura
Dickerson at [email protected] or Jeanne Fritz at [email protected].
7
Long Division and Harry PotterBy Bob EversonBaldwin Interns
As it has for many years, the Baldwin Center in Pontiac held a summer camp for grade school aged students living in Pontiac. The camp is held during the Pontiac School Systems six-week summer break.
Our church, as it has for many years, hired college age students as interns to assist in the teaching of the students. The interns this year were Christine Rysenga, a student at the University of Michigan studying Evolutionary Anthropology within a pre-medical track; Nora Lynch, double-majoring in Sociology and Spanish at Michigan State University; and Sara Carter who completed her freshman year at Miami University in Ohio and this year is at Michigan State University studying advertising and public relations.
Christine Rysenga spoke for the interns at the Mission Moment on August 14. Her comments follow:
“This summer we had the privilege to work in the Baldwin Center in Pontiac as interns for their youth program. The Baldwin Center has a multitude of programs aimed at feeding, clothing, educating and empowering those in need in the Pontiac community.
“We worked specifically with the Day Camp program that aims to improve the literacy and math skills of our kids as well as educating them on nutrition facts. Our days were spent doing everything from trying to remember long division well enough to teach it to creating interesting games to helping our kids learn how to have a healthy diet.
“I keep saying ‘our kids’ because that is how it truly felt. After seven hours a day for six weeks, Sara, Nora, and I kept having proud parent type moments. Seeing their eyes light-up when given a chance to learn how to create robots or watching a student go out of their way to teach another struggling student or even seeing a child fall in love with reading as they experience Harry Potter for the first time.
“In addition to academic growth we also saw tremendous growth emotionally as they learned to deal with conflict and communicate better. But this whole time while we were doing our best to teach our kids something useful, I really feel like we learned the most. This experience has not only humbled me but also changed my understanding of issues in poverty, education and charity.
“The most profound thing to me was seeing the extreme disparities in
8
For more information on our Baldwin Summer Intern Program,
contact Bob Everson at [email protected]
education between my own personal experiences and that of the Pontiac Schools. Nora, Sara and I all had extremely bright and talented children that were eager to learn but it was clear that they had not been given the resources to succeed. All three of us were incredibly privileged to grow up in areas where the public schools had a multitude of resources but unfortunately in Pontiac this is not the case.
“Summer programs like these are so important for the kids in this area because they work to educate and empower kids who have obviously been forgotten by the system. Trying to understand these complex issues from the news or politicians or even college courses is nothing as compared to actual experiences. I would encourage every
one of you to volunteer at the Baldwin Center or somewhere similar in the future.
“All three of us would like to thank the support of Partners in Mission and the United Methodist Women who through their hard work with Rummage Sale make this very important outreach program possible. Thank you so much.”
The staff at the Baldwin Center gives our interns high praise; they find them indispensable to the program. I had the opportunity to talk to a couple of the parents of the students and they had very high praise for the program. This is a program worthy of our support.
“This experience has not only humbled me but also changed my understanding of issues in poverty, education and charity. “
Christine Rysenga
9
New Sister Congregation in CubaCubaIn May, our Missions Ministry gave approval for our congregation to enter into a three year sister congregation relationship with the Manzanillo Methodist Church located in Manzanillo, Cuba. Today, the growth of the Methodist Church in Cuba is astounding. In the 1950s, prior to the Revolution, there were 70 Methodist pastors in Cuba, however, after the Revolution, only 5 pastors remained.
In 1992, the Cuban government passed a law allowing for freedom of religion. By 1999, the Methodist church population had grown to 8,000 members. By 2012, there were 36,000 members and by 2015, the Methodist population had increased to 42,000 members with 65,000 people worshipping. At present, there are 400 Methodist churches in Cuba. Many of these churches are still home churches. There is a Methodist church in 92% of the Cuban cities. More than 60% of the worshippers are under the
By Ann Littleton
age of 30.
In Manzanillo, the church has 552 members. There are three main worship services every week in addition to a special Saturday service for senior members and a Monday worship service for teenagers. During the week there are Bible study classes, fasting and prayer meetings, new member classes and seminary classes. The church serves as the location for the Havana Methodist Seminary for the Sierra Maestra District.
As sister congregations, we will pray for one another and Birmingham First will send a VIM team beginning in
2017. The priorities for the Manzanillo church are:
1. Repairing the building of the church. The church is 63 years old and the congregation has only been able to paint and do minor repairs to the building. There is a need for a VIM team to help with major repairs especially to the walls and floors.
2. Lunch program for the children. On Sundays, the members prepare lunch for 50–60 children and they need some financial assistance to be able to continue with this lunch program.
Seated center are husband and wife, Pastor Miguel Moreira Nunez and Pastora Mercedes Ruiz Romero
Manzanillo Methodist Church
10
3. Audio equipment. The audio system at the church has been repaired so often that it no longer can be repaired. They are trying to raise $4,500 to purchase a new system.
4. Vehicle. Only a very small percentage of Cubans own vehicles and the pastors at Manzanillo do not own a car. The church is located in the district of Sierra Maestra which is one of the largest districts in Cuba. The pastors and members at Manzanillo are currently trying to serve six mission house churches in the district but the use of public transportation does not always get them close to these missions. The Bishop in Havana asked them to list a vehicle as a priority. A new vehicle in Cuba can cost $300,000 and a used car can cost $42,000 if they are purchased from a government dealership. Now that individuals can sell cars to
each other, the Bishop believes they can buy a used vehicle for $12,000.
If you would like more information or would like to be involved in this
11
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said,
“Here I Am, Lord... Send Me”
Our Purpose: To gather, nurture and equip disciples of Christ for ministry and mission in the world.
1589 West Maple RoadBirmingham, MI 48009
248-646-1200fumcbirmingham.org
Missions Ministries, Co-LeadersPaul and Jackie Keller, 248-535-4441 Laura Dickerson, 248-539-1925
For more information on any of our Missions Ministries, please contact:
Bev Richardson, Missions [email protected] ext. 3156
The projects in this newsletter and many more are supported by your generous contributions to the Partners in Mission fund. Please consider making a donation today by filling out a deposit envelope at church or going to our website and choosing Partners in Mission.
Our Missions Ministry equips disciples of Christ to share God’s love through gifts and service, creating hope and sustainable opportunities for those in need.
The StreeThreads mission continued throughout the summer months. We made several trips to HAVEN and one trip to NOAH. A definite highlight was the cook-out at HAVEN. We had a bbq picnic for the residents. It was such treat for them and a much appreciated change.
The NOAH trip in August was a great success and very busy day. We had many donations and and helping hands the past few months and would like to thank everyone involved.
We will continue the HAVEN mission monthly until the end of the year and have another trip to NOAH in October.
HAVEN and NoahStreeThreadsBy Kirsten Layer
NOAH celebrated 40 years of their bag lunch program in September! Happy Anniversary to an amazing mission that is feeding so many hungry mouths every week! We are honored to have a part in this great program.
StreeThreads is looking for new (co-)leadership starting next year. We would like to thank our co-chair Jan Peabody-Kratt for her dedication within the last 2 years. We are grateful for her leadership. If you are interested in (co-)chairing StreeThreads, please contact Kirsten Layer.
For more information about StreeThreads, contact Kirsten Layer at
12
