Willing to ServeOctober 2019

Is It your Sunday to serve?

Sunday, October 6, 2019 Greeter: Scott and Norma Bohms Ushers: Joe, Kyle, Logan and Nathan AbbottNursery: Helen and Logan Abbott Children s Church: Counters: Alyson Edwards & Helen Abbott Coffee Hour: Pastor George and Elizabeth Ayoub

Sunday, October 13, 2019 Greeters: Dan and Alyson Edwards Ushers: Dick Schell, Wayne McDonald, Don Cameron Nursery: Sarah Kady and Gracie Bell Children s Church: Counters: Dorothy Kelly and Cheryl Hunt Coffee Hour: Judy Hostetler

Sunday, October 20, 2019 Greeters: Gerry Smith and Mary Ann Fick Ushers: Pat Wilson, Tom Decker, VolunteerNursery: Amy King Children s Church: Counters: Gerry Smith and Tom SkakleCoffee Hour: Volunteer

Sunday, October 27, 2019 Greeters: Randy and Judy Hostetler Ushers: Ted Huntoon, Paul Dunsford, Lon DunsfordNursery: Volunteer Children s Church: Counters: Inez Stephens & Mary Lou Prowse Coffee Hour: Potluck – main dish provided

If you cannot serve at the time assigned, please plan for a sub or call the office by Wednesday before the Sunday

Volunteers Needed Contact the church office if interested

New Residents Welcome Ministry

Beginning

We are looking for persons who would be willing to

Stop by, drop off a gift from the church, welcome them to the community,

and invite them to our church if they do not have a church home.

Let the Fun BeginSenior High 10 th -12 th Monthly Pizza

Night

1st meeting is Oct 15th at the Parsonage 7:00 p.m.

Pass the word and invite friends

Children’s ChurchNeeds Your Help

Have you Considered Leading the Children with

A message during Sunday’s Worship Service?

Grades K – 5th Scheduling for month at a time. Curriculum is provided. Please

contact office 989-635-2075, or Sarah Kady.

---Bell’s Small Group will meet Sunday’s @ 6:00 p.m. see Sherryl Potter, 635-7815, or Deb Wilson,635-3767 for meeting place.

---Little Women meet Tuesday night’s at 6:00. If you have questions call Gerry Smith at 989-274-6795 ---Helping Hands meet weekly on Tuesday Morning in Fellowship Hall 9:30 a.m. Any questions call Gerry Smith at 989-274-6795 ---Friday Morning Bible Study 10:00 a.m. in the Upper Room. Call church office and you will be put in touch with Scharla Tapson for any questions.

Heaven Sent to Host Food Pantry Distribution Volunteers from our church as well as other churches will meet

at the Heaven-Sent Community Ministries building on Main Street on Thursday September 19th, 2019 for the regular distribution. If you would like to help with the distribution, show up at Heaven Sent at 4:30 that day. Meanwhile the Second Chance Clothing Shoppe continues to operate from their building from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 10-2 on Saturday. Men, Women, boys and girls: Add to your winter wardrobe for the right price. Check out the selection; remember it changes all the time! Drop-offs can be made at the back door. Heaven Sent sponsors another food distribution on Saturday August 31st at the VFW Hall Parking Lot in Marlette. Your volunteer

help would be most appreciated. Call Gina at 989-635-0077 for details.

Woman’s Fellowship DaySaturday October 5th

beginning at 10:00 a.m.A Day of Friendship and

FellowshipGuest Speaker – Elizabeth AyoubPlan on a Day of

Blessings---------------------------------

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HAVE YOU HEARD?

This beautiful quilt was handmade By Linda WarnerIt is 90” x 100”

And it is being Raffled Tickets are $10

They are available through the Church Office, and from Linda Warner, Natalie Skakle

and Mary Lou KraftDrawing will be Thanksgiving Day

Need not be present to win – you will be notifiedALL PROCEEDS GO TO

FIRST UNITED METHODIST FOOD CUPBOARD/ FREE LUNCH PROGRAM

East Winds District UMW 2019 Annual Meeting

Saturday, October 12, 20199:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Davison UMC 207 E 3rd St.; Davison, MI“Something the Women Said”

Speaker Rev. Dr. Joy MooreIngathering Projects – Dress for Success – uniforms for Cass Community School Children – (underwear, black socks, black pants, white shirt, blouse or polo type shirt for boy or girl)There is a tote in the Fellowship Hall if you would like to donate

Registration & Lunch: $14 Meeting only $4 Registration Deadline: Oct. 1, 2019See bulletin in fellowship hall for more information

Electronic Fund Givingis Now Available

Making it more convenientEven if you are on vacation

Mobile giving – download from Google Play or Apple Store

(GivePlus+) • Webpage for on-line giving set up https://www.giveplus.com/

Text to Give will be an option soon

MEMORIAL FUND PROJECT

The Memorial Committee has been working over the past fifteen months to save funds for a Church Canopy/Awning with the church name on it. We have over 2/3 of the cost covered and are asking others may want to, to donate to this project. Checks can be made out to FUMCM, with “Memorial Fund Project”, noted in memo or on envelope.

If you have any questions please contact a member of the Memorial Committee which consists of: Mary Lou Prowse, Russ and Bonnie Liebler, Kay Severson, Inez Stephens, Julia Robbins, Arvilla Hobson, Jackie Reid, Gordon Pabst and Denise Klein. Any amount of donation will be greatly appreciated.

FUMCAdministrationBoard Highlights

Missions report presented by Natalie Skakle. Our Community Free Lunch, supports itself, emergency Food Cupboard, Red Raider Mall Smart Snacks, Mid-week Meal for Kids Club, monthly church Potluck. 30 families were here in August, September has had 17. This mission is looking for continued support. There is a new inventory method to keep better track – should make clearer picture of what is going in and out.

United Methodist Women and Helping Hands Gerry Smith presented. A letter was sent to all the women of the church asking for a donation to help the fund and giving the means to give to the missions they support. They had a hotdog supper on Sept. 20th. Between the letter and the dinner, they were able to raise $2000. She also shared that they would like to see more ladies attending business meeting.

Helping hands – delivered 13 quilts to Marlette Regional Hospital. The Emergency Room staff had informed quilting club that there was a need. They will deliver another 15 this month. They also provided 8 comfort blankets, 6 baby blankets and a couple sweaters to the Baby Pantry. Currently only two involved with Helping Hands, with Patrecia leaving for the winter soon – would like more volunteers for this mission. In addition, 3 dozen mittens and some hats have been made for the elementary school.

Music –They are planning songs for Veterans Day Special, Christmas Eve and an occasional Children’s song. New sound system is very sensitive, so everyone is trying to adjust.

Memorials –Have an idea for a canopy over the west Kilgore St. entrance. They are looking to fulfill this project and will be including a congregation giving request in the bulletin and newsletter, to try to raise funds and make the project happen.

Finance presented by Ted Huntoon. Review of the 2020 budget was presented to the Ad Board for approval.

SPRC Ralph Hunt reported that the District Superintendent meeting August 29th went well and included good conversation.

Trustee report presented by Keith Nicol. Reporting that projects they had planned to accomplish for 2019 were coming to completion. This includes cement drive poured behind office, new signs placed around church property – thank you Ralph. Ben King will be removing diseased tree from in front of church office. New LED lighting throughout church and office. Gutters at office and parsonage cleaned and repaired by Randy Hostetler. Heat in women’s bathroom will be done shortly. Working on internet option. Next meeting will be some discussion on 2020 projects. Tom Skakle brought a motion to lock doors during worship service. Motion was carried. Implementation in the next few weeks.

Nominations – Natalie Skakle presented Committee Membership for 2020.

New Business –

Adding GivePlus Text to option for giving

New Resident Visitation Team – Pastor would like to have members visit new residents to town. Scott

Bohms volunteered Norma to bake. Ralph Hunt volunteered Cheryl to bake as well.

Standalone Food Cupboard – Gerry Smith presented an idea to have a cupboard built and placed on the

church property, that would allow people to help themselves to nonperishable items. This would provide some food help to those who may be too proud to ask. It would also receive nonperishable items from those who would like to give.

Dates for Family Activities: 10/19 Fall Family Festival – church will have something to add to the Community Fall Festival planned that day; 11/15 Hunter’s Brunch, 11/22 Family Game Night, 12/14 Christmas Family Night

October 26th

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. First United Methodist Church

MarletteFall

Family Fun DayOctober 19, 2019

2 – 6 p.m. downtown

FUMC is looking to participate in this day hosted by the Chamber of Commerce

This event is in place of the Halloween Events planned in the past.

JUST LIKE JONAH

A South African diver was pulled into the mouth of a feeding

Bryde’s whale earlier this year. Rainer Schimf 51, report “It got dark. I felt some pressure on my hip and I instantly knew that a whale had grabbed me.” Fortunately, the filter-feeding whale didn’t swallow Schimpf whole – it proceeded to spit him out of its baleen.

Article courtesy of Tyndale Publishing

……..One Piece at A TimeBy Jim Kraus

I have often written about my daily activities with the noble dog Sadie, and our adventures in the neighborhood. And since the dog and I are good citizens, we are prepared for all the eventualities that could occur during our daily constitutionals. Sadie is a small dog, a relatively petite miniature schnauzer. She does not leave much of a footprint. And I am there to make sue her “footprints” are not left out there unnoticed.

Our normal walk, during daylight hours, takes us down a path next to the pond behind our house. The we cross over to the large field behind the old Scripture Press building, now part of Wheaton College. And during our walk, we also encounter the detritus of modern society – plastic water bottles, paper cups, the old beer can – some of it most likely scattered by the wind, some of it, no doubt, left behind by those slobs who live among us.

When encountering that trash, I will often stop and pick it up. I already have a bag destined for the garbage can, so an extra can or cup is no problem.

Of course, one piece of trash picked up will not make our route suddenly pristine again, but over time, it will improve the environment. Every little bit helps, I tell myself.

And perhaps that “every little bit helps” idea can be applied to Christian witnessing.

Many believers are well armed in this endeavor – studying apologetics, memorizing Scripture, learning all the latest techniques of explaining our faith to others.

But for me, it is the little things that make a difference as well.

Making a difference includes showing kindness and understanding to a harried waitress (whose job is much harder than any job I have ever had), offering an encouraging word to the busy checkout person at the supermarket, showing patience to the only clerk at the post office who’s facing a long line of impatient customers. It is the little things that demonstrate how a believer lives, and what they believe.

Over time some of those people have begun to recognize me and greet me with a smile. And occasionally I tell them that I am simply trying to live out my faith in the most practical way possible -- by showing kindness and love.

That point to faith and to God.And isn’t that what we all should do?Every little bit helps, doesn’t it?

Prayers of Thanksgivingo For Blessings from God!

Prayers for Healing & Protection

o Jose Elias Jr., travel to Mexico for work.

o Laura Dale, resting at home. Prayers for peace and comfort for he and the Dale family.

o Dawn, surgery for cancer.o Jill Wilson – Hammond, Pat

and Deb Wilson’s daughter, internal bleeding and unknown cause.

o Christian Mason and Kailey Shaver in the arrival of Brynley, – concerned of small birth weight.

o Jackie Reid, continuing care in Bay City hospital. Planning for aftercare at Swing bed Marlette

o A classmate recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. Prayers over family and doctors.

o Travel mercies for Don Cameron and his mom as they travel to Kentucky.

o Marie Schwartz, extensive foot surgery. (Kim Schell’s sister)

o A husband feeling overwhelmed with classes, work and family responsibilities.

o Byron Leveille had back surgery Thursday 9/12, continued healing

o The Daniel’s family.o Health concerns with ongoing

PTSD, Asthma and Arthritiso Debra Blood, in severe pain,

doctors believe it may be MS. o Dr. Gregory Atkins, recovering

from a car accident that has left him paralyzed.

o Diane Foster, healingo Bob Schott, serious medical

concerns.o Cathy and Mike Konarski,

Cathy’s medical concerns.Prayers for Those Dealing with Cancer

o Donald Sheets, Denny Lester, David Blood, Betty Varey, Mark Kappen, Dan Galloway, Jim Gross, Joe McClatchie, A Mom, Velma Moshier, Stephanie Wilkinson, Addison Stomach, Becky Bismack, Mary Szczerbinski, Josh Morgan, Diane Tomlins, Daughter-in-law, Linda Warner, Helene Kraft, Kathy Bowers – Anteau, Marissa Pierce, Sue Brydon, Dave Hall

Prayers for the Bereaved o For the family and friends of

Elaine Walkero For the family and friends of

Jessica Tracy

o For the Stamp and Dale Families

o For the family and friends of Valerie Henderson Hughes, Natalie Skakle’s mom.

Prayers for Victims of Natural Disasters

o Hurricanes, Fires, Earthquakes, Flooding

Prayers for Our Missionaries o Dan & Suzie Pottero Jason & Emily Atkins

o Keep them safe and let their service be productive, with additional prayer, asking for God’s provision.

Prayers for Our Nation & Our World

o Local Law Enforcement and Health Care Workers

o Our Service Men & Women Our Government: Local, State and National

Have you asked?In the Gospel of John chapter one verses 35-42 we can read the account of the first disciples meeting Jesus. Andrew, once he heard Jesus for the first time, went to get his brother Simon and told him “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:40-42) and he brought his brother to see Jesus!Have you ever been so excited about something you just had to tell someone? A friend? A family member? A neighbor? That’s the kind of excitement Simon felt when he came to tell his brother.One of the things that is clear to us as we study our Bible, is that we are being challenged to tell others about Jesus. To bring others into the family of Christ. But why me? Can’t someone else do that? Isn’t that the pastors’ responsibility?YES>>> someone else could do it… and hopefully they are! YES>>>> it is the pastors’ job also… but not the pastor alone!So why should we ask? Here are a few reasons to think about…

1. When we ask someone to come to church, we are fulfilling God’s purpose. Jesus left us here to bring others to Christ. (Read Matthew 28:19-20)

2. It gives people the opportunity to hear about Jesus and may help them decide to follow Christ! Coming to church provides a quiet atmosphere for us to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and think about how it affects our lives. While we listen, the Holy Spirit works in our minds and hearts, bringing us to new revelations of how we should live life. If this happens to us, it sure can happen to those we invite to join us. (Romans 10:14)

3. Having new people come to church helps keeps us healthy as a church family. If we look at the church spoken of in the book of Acts, we can see that the church

keeps growing as more people are invited to hear about Jesus (Acts 2:38-42, Acts 4:4 & Acts 5:14). The churches we see growing today are the churches where the Gospel of Christ is spoken and lived. They don’t come for the music or because it is the place to be… they come to hear about Jesus. So why not invite them?

4. When new people come, we have the opportunity to help get them connected into the body of Christ (1Corinthians 12:27). Once a person comes to church, it is our responsibility to help them feel welcome, and find ways to become involved. We can then provide a living testimony on how to study the Bible and pray, so they can learn by seeing and experience. Saying hi to someone you may not know is a first good step. Sitting with a visitor to help them negotiate the service is another good step. Then taking time to get to know them better helps even more. Over time this new person can be asked to help with a church activity, so they can become more deeply connected in the family. If he or she never comes to church, none of this can happen.

So… whom can you ask to join you in church? Let’s all think about it and then step out of our comfort zone and just ASK! Some folks are just waiting to be asked.

I look forward to meeting the new folks you ask… Pastor George