APRIL 2017

Vol. 7, No. 8

Nardin Park United Methodist Church 29887 West Eleven Mile Road Farmington Hills, MI 48336 www.nardinpark.org

Christ-centered People-focused

Spirit-led

The Difference Maker is Your Faith

My friend, Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, is the resident Bishop of the East Ohio Annual Conference. Bishop Malone is an encourager and

she recently wrote the following message on her facebook page: “No matter one’s age or station in life, everyone goes through some-

thing and/or finds themselves in the middle of something. Life is a jour-ney and it has its twists and turns. The difference maker is your faith in

Christ which is your strength and the compass for your way. Put your

whole trust in God and let the power of the Holy Spirit direct your life.” (Bishop Tracy Smith Malone)

Bishop Malone’s quote is a good reminder of how our faith in

Christ gives us strength and directs us, especially in the twists and turns of life. I have always found my faith to be a way of seeing the

world. It gives me perspective and grounds me so that I can keep standing during difficult times.

My faith also gives me strength because with it, I rely not on my-

self, but on the power of Christ which strengthens me. My faith also gives me joy, because in the midst of the twists and turns of the jour-

ney, the Holy Spirit refreshes me and reminds me of the joyful mo-ments that come even in the very midst of the twists and turns. My

joy is in the Lord. My strength is in Christ. Faith is the difference

maker!

In this Lenten season as we face changes in life, let us remember our faith in Christ and the difference it makes. With the twists and

turns that happen to us, may our faith in Christ guide us and strengthen us so that “we may put our whole trust in God and let the

power of the Holy Spirit guide us.” (Bishop Malone)

Amen and Amen!

Pastor Melanie

Spring and orange barrel

season are here - 11 Mile

Road construction has be-

gun!

During this construction

project, Nardin Park will

only be accessible from

Middlebelt Road, as 11

Mile Road is closed mid-

point between Orchard Lake

and Middlebelt until late

summer. You can access

Middlebelt Road from

Orchard Lake by taking

either 12 Mile Road on the

north side or 10 Mile Road

on the south side and com-

ing north or south on

Middlebelt to 11 Mile.

We will provide you with

updates as they become

available throughout this

process.

While this will most cer-

tainly impact us and be an

inconvenience, the church

will be open for all of its

scheduled services and

activities during construc-

tion. Just plan ahead, allow

yourself a little extra time to

get to church, and think

about how nice it will be

when the road improve-

ments are complete!

Thank you for your

patience!

Page 2 At The Park April 2017

4 Hannah Allbery, Lizzie Babcock, Michael Riffe, and Nicholas Riffe 11 Scott Latham, Emma Latimer, Zach Latimer, and Nathan Perinpanayagam 18 Austin Kain, Ethan Kain, Avishay Mamidi, and Jacob Spala 25 Emily Scobel, Arhianna Stokes, Abby Suter, and Ryan Swarthout

April Worship Schedule:

April 2nd - Fifth Sunday in Lent, Holy Communion

Rev. Melanie Carey preaching, “Extravagant Generosity”

Chancel Choir

April 9th - Palm Sunday - New Members Sunday

Rev. Melanie Carey preaching, “Through the Gate”

Chancel Choir, Cherub and Wesley Choirs

April 16th - Easter Sunday

Rev. Melanie Carey preaching

Chancel Choir

April 23rd

Rev. Melanie Carey preaching

Chancel Choir

April 30th - Native American Awareness Sunday Rev. George Covintree preaching

Chancel Choir

Lent Sermon Series: Radical Hospitality - Passionate Worship - Intentional Faith Development

Risk-Taking Mission and Service - Extravagant Generosity

During Lent, from March 5th - April 2nd, we have been focusing on these Five Practices of vital, fruitful

congregations. These ideas aren’t secret or new, but they are the practices that can lead to excellence and growth in the

life of our church.

Just imagine what could happen if everyone in our congregation spent these thirty-five days reading, praying,

discussing, and focusing on these Five Practices. God can change individuals, entire families, and our whole church -

WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 10:00 AM

CHURCH SEASON: Lent & Easter

April 13th - Holy Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Communion - “Leaving the Gate”

April 14th - Good Friday at 7:30 p.m. - “Last Breath”

April 16th - EASTER SUNDAY - 2 services

7:30 a.m. “Sonrise Service” in the Chapel - “Into the Light” Rev. Karen Poole & Rev. Melanie Carey

10:00 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary Rev. Melanie Carey preaching, “Out of the Tomb” Special Brass Ensemble, Chancel Choir

April 2017 At the Park Page 3

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

STAFF PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE - We are pleased to announce the hiring of Cliff Donovan as evening Custo-dian, who started on February 27th. He and his wife live in Farmington. Cliff is already known around Nardin Park, as he has catered for many occasions at the church for about eight years. He formerly owned Grand Celebrations Event Center.

Cliff is eager to become a part of the Nardin Park staff. We feel he will be a real asset to our custodial staff with all of his history of cleaning and working with people in his own business. He understands the importance of being responsible for a large building.

Thanks to all who have helped close the building at night, especially our staff, Mike Glenn and Terry West. We appreciate everyone’s support during this custodial staff vacancy.

Please extend the Nardin Park welcome to Cliff when you see him.

Blessings to all - The Staff Parish Committee

Easter Lilies and Food for the Hungry Donations

The Worship Ministry Team will decorate the Sanctuary with lilies for Easter again

this year. Orders will be taken on Sundays , March 26th and April 2nd

following worship in Mercer Hall for $12 per plant. Donations for Food for the Hun-

gry will also be taken at that time. Lilies may be taken home following the worship

service you attend on Easter. Thank you for your support.

THANK YOU

I want to thank the church family for all your love and kindness

toward Mary Byakowski. The quilt made by the ladies of the

church for Mary was so beautiful. It made me cry as well as

Mary. May God bless you all.

Respectfully,

Tina Dugener

Dear Friends at Nardin Park,

We are blessed to have you as our friends

and neighbors. We are deeply touched by

your love, support, and empathy. We look

forward to working together with you for

the greater good.

Peace and blessings,

Afroz Khan

Muslim Community Mosque (ICA)

“Guests of my Life” the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore called them; those individuals who have

made us, shaped us, modeled for us, what it is to live out our faith. I hope you have had an opportu-

nity to enjoy our “Selfies w/Seniors” on the Nardin Park Facebook page, and to become acquainted

with many of our members who cannot make it to church as often as they would like. I hope it has

renewed some good memories and put some faces onto the names you might only hear in passing or

read in the Worship Notes on Sunday morning.

In my short time as your pastor of Congregational Care Ministries, it has been my joy to be out and

about putting faces with names. I have met a real life Rosie the Riveter and a Seabee who

constructed runways in the Pacific, a national roller skating champion and a lyric soprano, scout leaders and a cardiac poster child. I have

heard dozens of stories about how these individuals and their families got here, how relationships were formed and blossomed over the

years creating this web of relationships that is the church (John Wesley termed it “being in connexion”) - that is Nardin Park United

Methodist Church. Guests of “our” lives who, in the words of the poet, brought the harp and the light into our lives.

And this connexion works both ways! It seems the folks I visit love seeing the Selfies w/Seniors as well. They love seeing their friends, who

they have lost contact with or not seen in a long time. Re-connecting, caring, listening, being present - this is congregational care. And now

the plug… I could not do this ministry without the support of the Congregational Care Team. They work alongside me, making phone calls,

hospital and hospice, home and assisted living visits each week. If you would like to be a part of this ministry, please contact me, Pastor

George, or the church office.

Page 4 At The Park April 2017

CHURCH NEWS

Vital Church Initiative – Linda McCraith

As we approach April, the VCI path Nardin Park has embarked on is into its eighth month! We all know now about the time, commitment and questioning our church family will be pursuing in the coming months as we continue through the process. Dur-ing Lent we are studying Robert Schnase's "Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation." As I've read through the booklet, I have accepted the challenge on page 22 - "Radical Hospitality begins with a single heart, a movement from "they ought" to "I will." Why this one? Because it is easiest for me. As you read the booklet, there will be challenges that are closer to your heart. Choose one of them and begin to think how Nardin Park might change its outlook on something because of a simple action on your part.

My "wish list" for radical hospitality follows. Add, subtract, MULTIPLY! Get Radical! Send a card to someone on our homebound list. Sit in a different pew some Sunday. Read to a child in the children's library. Become a greeter. Read the bulletin boards to find out about community events. Then show up at one of them. Sign up for a mission opportunity. Share something about NP on social media. Praise our children and young adults for the contributions they make to our daily life. Send a thank you note to someone on staff. Ask questions about the Vital Church Initiative. Sign up to light the steeple or put flowers on the altar for no particular reason. Send a welcome note to one of our new members. Invite a child from your neighborhood to VBS. Listen carefully when someone is speaking to you. Would a niche small group fit one of your needs? Ask one of the pastors for guidance. Better yet, offer to lead one if you

can. Embroider a square for a prayer quilt. Smile while you are here!!! Pray daily for our church, its people and those who may come through our doors.

As Pastor Melanie recently reminded us, we are commanded to bring the love of Jesus Christ to those who do not know HIM. As we enter into the Lenten Season, begin the journey of sharing the love you have found in Jesus with someone else. Small steps you make could have unfathomable results.

Please plan to attend our next Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday evening, May 2nd.

. Until then, we invite you to approach any of the VCI team members with your questions or comments.

Nardin Park is very happy to be hosting i9Sports this spring season! i9Sports is the nation’s first and largest youth sports league franchise business in the United States.

At Nardin Park, flag football, soccer, and t-ball will be offered for children 3-14. The emphasis is on sportsmanship and healthy competition. Please register online at igsports.com or call 248-516-7125. The season begins April 22nd and runs through June 17th (no session on May 27th).

i9Sports will donate $5.00 to the church for each NP child who registers!

PREPERATION FOR MARRIAGE WORKSHOP AT NARDIN PARK-SATURDAY,

APRIL 22ND 9:OO AM—1:00PM

This workshop, led by experienced leaders, provides opportunities for couples to identify and explore both strengths and areas of poten-tial difficulties in their relationship. Couples will consider the complexity of marriage, rec-ognize what each individual brings to this rela-tionship, and clarify the expectations both have as they enter into this commitment.

The workshop includes presentations by the workshop leader, videos, small group and large group discussions, couple sharing, and review-ing the results of online tests completed by the couple before the workshop. Both partners are expected to attend.

CONTACT THE SAMARITAN COUNSELING CENTER AT

248 474 4701 TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.

COST IS $225 PER COUPLE. A

DEPOSIT OF $125 IS

REQUIRED.

April 2017 At the Park Page 5

Monday, July 24 - Thursday July 27 9:00am to 2:00pm

Ages 2 - 5th grade

6th grade and older are invited to volunteer! Lunch will be provided

Want more information?

Want to be involved in this exciting ministry?

Contact Rev. Beth Titus: btitus@nardinpark.org

Who Is My Neighbor?

Vacation Bible School

VBS & GRADUATION SUNDAY

Are you graduating this year?

Congratulations!

Please contact the church office and let us know.

We have scholarship applications for active members of Nardin Park planning to attend college,

as well as from Metropolitan United Methodist Church

for active United Methodist students.

Graduation Sunday at Nardin Park is June 10th!

Page 6 At The Park April 2017

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

Th

e

Fa

ces

of

Ea

ste

r

Jesus Said “...Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; For it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” Mark 10:14

Children’s Spiritual Guidance

10:00 a.m. Sundays

Nursery Care -First Floor

Toddler-Two Year Room - First Floor

April Theme: “Hooray for Easter”

Nursery-Toddler Coordinator Lauren Sundquist

“Godly Play” 10:00 a.m.

3 - 5 Year Olds - First Floor

5K/6 K - 1st Graders - Second Floor

2nd - 3rd Graders - Second Floor

4th, 5th, 6th Graders - Second Floor

April 2 Faces of Easter 4 A,B,C,D

Jesus’ Baptism and Blessing by God

April 9 Palm Sunday

Palm Parade / Children’s Choirs Faces of Easter 5/6 A,B,C,D

Jesus as Healer and Parable Maker Jesus Offers the Bread and the Cup

HOLY WEEK Maundy Thursday service 7:30 p.m. (childcare available)

Good Friday Noon - Community Service at North Congregational 7:30 p. m. - Service at Nardin Park

A. B. C. D.

LENT continues as we prepare for Easter. These lessons offer the children experiences

to enter into and explore, as we all take the journey toward the mystery of EASTER.

The Season of Easter The Season of Easter extends the experience of Easter Sunday for six weeks, but it also helps to prepare us for the coming of the Mystery of Pentecost.

Holy Saturday - April 15 9:00 a.m. Breakfast / Easter Egg Hunt

April 16 April 16 -- EASTER SUNDAY EASTER SUNDAY 7:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. Worship / Chapel Worship / Chapel (only)

10:00 a. m.10:00 a. m. Worship / Sanctuary Worship / Sanctuary (and Godly Play)

Children begin in worship then can move to their Godly Play rooms. Nursery/and Toddler Room also available

Faces of Easter 7 A,B,C,D

Jesus on the Cross and Easter Sunday

April 23 Jesus and the Twelve A,B,C,D

April 2017 At the Park Page 7

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

Saturday, April 15 9:00 a.m.

Egg-stravaganza

Breakfast, Holy Week Story and Easter Egg Hunt!

Here at Nardin Park!

Events for Children, Families, and others beyond Sunday morning…

Feel like shopping for Easter treats for the children? There’s a basket outside Pastor Karen’s office to receive the goodies!

Chocolate, non-chocolate, gluten-free; milk free are some labels and ideas to work with.

Receiving them by Sunday, April 9th the best! Thank you!!

Every child will be receiving this magnetic

Lenten/Easter Puzzle “Easter Live.”

“Godly Play”

Introductory

Training Saturday, May 20 at Nardin Park

9:30 a. m. - 2:30 p.m. (Lunch $10)

Interested: register with Karen Poole

kpoole@nardinpark.org

Summer Camp

Visit United Methodist Camp websites

umcamping.org lakelouisecommunity.org

campmichigamme.org

There are camps for all ages (children -

adults), interests, and length of time.

Scholarships available. Send or give Karen Poole a copy of your registration by June 1st to be eligible for financial distributions.

VBS ARTS CAMP

July 24 - 27, 2017 Put it on the calendar!

Page 8 At The Park April 2017

MUSIC MINISTRY

“Peter & Will Anderson Jazz Trio”

Sunday, April 2, 2017 - 2:00 PM (Seating and Pre-Concert Reception starting at 1:30 PM in Mercer Hall)

Clarinet, Saxophone, and Piano from NYC Official Website for Details and Pictures: www.peterandwillanderson.com

“Broadway Nights Return from NYC”

Sunday, May 21, 2017 - 2:00 PM (Seating and Pre-Concert Reception starting at 1:15 in Mercer Hall)

Craig Schulman www.craigschulman.com Gary Mauer www.garymauer.com Rita Harvey www.ritaharvey.com

(This concert will request a free-will donation)

Music Department Updates We have directors for all choirs and an organist through the end of April. There are a lot of moving parts, working together. We are going forward with the concerts scheduled for March 26th and April 2nd. Jim and Lisa Merte will be our interim Organist, Chancel and Handbell Choir Director April 4th - 30th . This includes all services for Holy Week and Easter, except the Sunrise service at 7:30 a.m. on Easter. They will also be directing the dance number on April 9th. On March 26th and Sunday April 2nd, Jan Riccinto will be our Organist and Tom Schroeder from Harrison High School will be the Chancel Choir Director. They will also attend the Thursday night Chancel Choir rehearsals. Rev. Suzanne Goodwin, Deacon and Director of Music at Orchard UMC, will be the Guest Conductor for the Handbell rehearsals on March 21st and 28th. Peggy Babcock will continue to direct the Wesley Choir. The musical scheduled for May 7th is still being dis-cussed. We are continuing to look for an interim Organist and Chancel Choir Director for May, June and July, as Lisa and Jim have another commitment during May and June. Finally, Chris Hall, retired Minister of Music from Birmingham UMC, will meet with the joint music and SPRC representatives, Judy Hood, Rev. Carey and hopefully our lay leaders and vice chair of church council on March 29th to share best practices in searching for and hiring a new director/minister of music. We will update you as we have more information. Carolyn Bough, Staff Parish Chair

April 2017 At the Park Page 9

YOUTH NEWS

April 2 – Spring Break No Common Ground

April 9 – Palm Sunday - Don’t forget to come to church, it’s a great day to be in worship.

Common Ground

April 16 - Happy Easter

April 23 – watch for something good. April 30 - Common Ground

2017

Summer Mission Trip

Henderson Settlement June 18 - 23

All youth completing grades 6 – 12 are

welcome to join us for this opportunity

to serve in the mountains of Kentucky.

For more information contact

Pastor Beth - btitus@nardinpark.org

DUE NOW Registration and deposit of $50

Page 10 At The Park April 2017

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

Kay Marie Hill 4/1 Rene Yaroch 4/1 Kit Raymo 4/2 Robbie Hayes 4/3 Emma Latimer 4/4 Patrick Paquette 4/4 Robert I. Smith 4/4 Merry Hulslander 4/5 Sherry Ryan 4/5 Kristin Timpner 4/5 Vicky Vainer 4/5 Mark Martinez 4/6 Evelyn Bertram 4/8

Charles Petoskey 4/8 Annika Taylor 4/9 Sam Afolabi 4/10 Debbi Lockledge 4/10 Douglas Walters 4/10 Terry West 4/10 Brendan Wesaw 4/11 Matthew Weber 4/12 Dale Bjorklund 4/13 Cameron Ellis 4/13 Brenden Frabutt 4/13 Madison Lane 4/13 Richard Lefstad 4/13 Veronica McAuliffe 4/13 Faith Fitzpatrick 4/14 Karli Frye 4/14 Lorene Juhnke 4/14 Toni Boehms 4/15 Noah Brackenbury 4/15 Mill Docking 4/15 Melinda Polk 4/15

Abagail Ray 4/15 Graham Teal 4/15 Sue Whitston 4/15 Sherry Wright 4/15 Scott Dixon 4/16 Doug Barrick 4/17 Eva Ashton 4/18 Kyle Kahsin 4/18 Janet Lefstad 4/19 Lizzie Petoskey 4/20 Anne-Marie Rousseau 4/20 Carolyn Weber 4/20 Cole Shenton 4/21 Barb Williams 4/21 Drew Shenton 4/22 Callum Ellis 4/24 Carl Holdampf 4/24 Curtis Tingle 4/24 Sarah Winterbottom 4/24 Sue Genschoreck 4/26 Cathey Studnicki 4/26

Hal Hood 4/27

Wesley Schwartz 4/27 Christopher Baker 4/28 Sarah Kellogg 4/28 Jake Lockledge 4/28 Clark Williams 4/28 Ken Hixson 4/29 Jacqui Laskowsky 4/29 Al Wujcik 4/29 Elizabeth Morrison 4/30 Keith Weekley 4/30

Danny & Patti Dawes 4/8 John & Betty Barclay 4/25

Mary Byakowksi Linda Franz Jerry Foss Margaret Gerber Joyce Jones - hospice Gloria Knappenberger

Al Knappenberger Dennis Middelton Bonnie Rudolph Marion Smitley Keith Witmer Tally Witmer

Betty and John Barclay Carrol Belott Bob Bough Ruth Heaslip Lorene Juhnke

Gar Laity Nan McCabe Ricky Moore Bev Mumbulo Bev Notestine Ruthe Peterson

Frances Prior Jackie Rippett Glen Schlott Ann Shell Margaret Shell William Sheppard

March 29 - In loving memory of Donald McCabe,

from his wife, Nan.

April 9 - In memory of Anne’s Dad, D.R. Johnson,

and Bob’s mother, Florence Schuler, with love from

Bill Hollingsworth.

April 9 - In honor of Lorene Juhnke’s 98th birthday,

with love from Jan Leonardis, Andre, David, Gabby

and Ava DesNoyer.

April 16 - In memory of our son, Craig, with love from Barbara and

Dic Kahl.

March 5 - In honor of Elizabeth Brandon’s 90th Birthday, with love from your children, grandchildren and great

grands.

March 12 - In honor of William Hollingsworth’s 92nd Birthday, with love from Victoria and family.

April 16 - In memory of Richard, Elizabeth and Marta, from Patricia Huntoon and family.

April 30 - Three single roses in memory of George Thomas and Bill’s sisters, Mildred McCormic and Dorothy

Wilbur, with love from Bill Hollingsworth. Floral arrangement in memory of Anne on our anniversary, with love from

Bill.

Bob Sowder, husband of Suzanne, passed away in March.

Cards can be sent to:

Suzanne Sowder

6622 Hans Brinker Dr

Liberty Township, OH 45044

April 2017 At the Park Page 11

Newsletters are furnished through the courtesy of

THE HEENEY-SUNDQUIST FUNERAL HOME Downtown Farmington Since 1850 248-474-5200

Office Hours are 8:30 to 4:30pm

Monday-Friday

DEADLINES: Weekly Bulletin Announcements - Due Wednesdays @ Noon

May 2017 Newsletter Input - Due Friday, April 7, 2017

APRIL 1 - CASS COMMUNITY ANNUAL DINNER – 6:00 PM at INN AT ST. JOHN’S

APRIL 2 - PETER & WILL ANDERSON JAZZ TRIO - 2:00 PM in the Sanctuary

APRIL 9 - PALM SUNDAY, New Members Welcoming

APRIL 13 - MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE- 7:30 PM

APRIL 14 - GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE - 7:30 PM

APRIL 15 - EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA! - 9:00 AM

APRIL 16 - EASTER SERVICES: 7:30AM “SONRISE” SERVICE IN CHAPEL

& 10:00 AM IN SANCTUARY

APRIL 25-27 RUMMAGE SALE IN MERCER HALL

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

All women of Nardin Park are invited to the Mother Daughter Banquet on May 12 at 5:30. We will gather for an evening of food, fellowship and a delightful program.

There will be a time to gather and an opportunity to view different china patterns..... you can bring one!......before dinner.

After dinner, Arlene Marks will take you on a trip through the White House highlighting various china patterns of the Presidents. Children will have their own program with a magician! Tickets will go on sale

in April: children two and under free, three to 12, $5.00 and 13 and above, $12. Hope to see you all there!

Rev. Melanie Carey, Lead Pastor Rev. Beth Titus, Pastor of Youth Ministries, Missions/ Outreach, and Dance Choir Director Rev. Karen Poole, Pastor, Children’s Ministry Rev. Dr. Wes Brun, Director, Stephen Ministry Rev. George Covintree, Pastor, Congregational Care Mike Marks, Lay Leader Mary Glenn, Lay Leader Karl Heiss, Accountant

Linda McDoniel, Administrative Assistant Carol Trost, Secretary / Treasurer Judy Hood, Secretary of Music Ministry Diane Brady, Cherub Choir Director Bev Trottier, Custodian Eddie Sanders, Custodian Cliff Donovan, Custodian Lauren Sundquist, Nursery & 2 Yr. Old Coordinator

Nardin Park Staff

Mark your calendars now:

CROP Walk Sunday-May 1st

Christ-centered

People-focused

Spirit-led

Nardin Park United Methodist Church 29887 West 11 Mile Road Farmington Hills, MI 48336

Nardin Park United Methodist Church

29887 Eleven Mile Road ~ Farmington Hills, MI 48336

www.nardinpark.org ~ nardin@nardinpark.org

248.476.8860

Christ-centered

People-focused Spirit-led

SPRING RUMMAGE SALE

April 25 - 27

April 25 [6-9 p.m. pre-sale, 20% surcharge]

April 26 [9 a.m. - 5 p.m.]

April 27 [9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Bag Sale]

Please wait to bring large items until April 19th, and

drop off all jewelry in the church office.

For questions, or to arrange for a pick-up, please contact Tina Jensen

248-478-7017.

*Volunteers are needed to help set up after worship on Sunday, April 23rd!