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ORCHARD HARVESTER Monthly Newsletter of Orchard United Methodist Church October 2014 COLOR ME FAITHFUL by Rev. Suzanne Goodwin P olling results are inconclusive regarding the favorite-month status of October, but one thing is sure: October is a palette of treats for the senses. The cool snap in the air makes it impossible to deny that summer is truly over and it’s time to put away those shorts. On the other hand, the smell and taste of hot apple cider, the sound of the marching band warming up for that football game, and the incredible beauty of the brilliant autumn colors against a deep blue sky are enough to remind you that God is an artist who loves us beyond measure! This is a God I want to get to know better, and I hope you do too! This month there are so many opportunities to draw closer to God, grow in faith, and get more deeply connected to others who are seeking to do the same. Several of our offerings are brand new such as our new Current Events in the Café; Samson – a biweekly devotion for men of all ages; and October FunFest – a full- congregation celebration of the harvest! And, of course, there are plenty of traditional favorites such as Pumpkin Patch, the return of South Oakland Shelter, and the continuation of many classes and studies. Look inside for more information about all these offerings and more. Make plans to join us and get connected. And don’t forget to invite a friend! IN THIS ISSUE All Saints’ Day ............ 8 Bible Basics................ 4 College Students ........ 2 Color Me Faithful ........ 1 Current Events ........... 4 Drive Thru Nativity ..... 8 E-Connections............ 3 In the Life of Orchard . 7 Mark Your Calendar.... 8 MOO Events............... 4 October FunFest......... 6 October Opportunities 4 Orchard in Mission...... 5 Orphan Train.............. 1 Prayer Concerns......... 7 Pumpkin Patch ........... 6 Rev. Carol’s Letter ...... 3 Social Media............... 8 SOS........................... 5 Spotlight Orchard ....... 2 Transitions ................. 2 ORPHAN TRAIN A Special Presentation J oin us for an informative father-son presentation on the orphan trains that transported children to the Midwest during the Depression when their parents couldn't afford to keep them. For more information on this subject, check out The Orphan Train: A Novel by Christine Baker Kline, which captures the harsh realities of this Depression-era practice. Invite your friends to join us for this fascinating presentation. Thursday, October 23 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Contact JoAnn Cline at (248) 553-3686 for more information on this presentation and our active seniors group, the Funtastiks. Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile. William Cullen Bryant

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Page 1: ORCHARD HARVESTER - storage.cloversites.comstorage.cloversites.com/orchardunitedmethodistchurch/documents... · ORCHARD HARVESTER Monthly Newsletter of Orchard United Methodist Church

ORCHARD HARVESTER Monthly Newsletter of Orchard United Methodist Church

October 2014

COLOR ME FAITHFUL by Rev. Suzanne Goodwin

P olling results are inconclusive regarding the favorite-month status of October, but one thing is sure:

October is a palette of treats for the senses. The cool snap in the air makes it impossible to deny

that summer is truly over and it’s time to put away those shorts. On the other hand, the smell and taste

of hot apple cider, the sound of the marching band warming up for that football

game, and the incredible beauty of the brilliant autumn colors against a deep

blue sky are enough to remind you that God is an artist who loves us beyond

measure!

This is a God I want to get to know better, and I hope you do too! This month

there are so many opportunities to draw closer to God, grow in faith, and get

more deeply connected to others who are seeking to do the same. Several of

our offerings are brand new such as our new Current Events in the Café;

Samson – a biweekly devotion for men of all ages; and October FunFest – a full-

congregation celebration of the harvest! And, of course, there are plenty of

traditional favorites such as Pumpkin Patch, the return of South Oakland

Shelter, and the continuation of many classes and studies.

Look inside for more information about all these offerings and more. Make plans

to join us and get connected. And don’t forget to invite a friend!

IN THIS ISSUE

All Saints’ Day ............ 8

Bible Basics ................ 4

College Students ........ 2

Color Me Faithful ........ 1

Current Events ........... 4

Drive Thru Nativity ..... 8

E-Connections ............ 3

In the Life of Orchard . 7

Mark Your Calendar .... 8

MOO Events ............... 4

October FunFest ......... 6

October Opportunities 4

Orchard in Mission ...... 5

Orphan Train .............. 1

Prayer Concerns ......... 7

Pumpkin Patch ........... 6

Rev. Carol’s Letter ...... 3

Social Media ............... 8

SOS ........................... 5

Spotlight Orchard ....... 2

Transitions ................. 2

ORPHAN TRAIN A Special Presentation

J oin us for an informative father-son

presentation on the orphan trains that transported children to the Midwest during the Depression when their parents couldn't afford to keep them. For more information on this subject, check out The Orphan Train: A Novel by Christine Baker Kline, which captures

the harsh realities of this Depression-era practice. Invite your friends to join us for this fascinating presentation.

Thursday, October 23 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Contact JoAnn Cline at (248) 553-3686 for more information on this presentation and our active

seniors group, the Funtastiks.

Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile.

William Cullen Bryant

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SPOTLIGHT ORCHARD

Each month we highlight a group, a friend, or member of Orchard to see how they are finding ways

to shine God’s light out in the world. Contact Deanna Kohl if you have a suggestion for a future Spotlight candidate!

DR. MARY FRANZEN CLARK

E veryone knows Dr. Mary Clark. She’s the

polished, beautifully put-together woman who

serves as the Chair of our Adult Education

Committee and the President of the Dr.

Tom Clark Fan Club (!). She exudes an

intelligent and competent

professionalism that some might find

intimidating until you have an

opportunity to meet her, and discover

that she has a deep well of faith and a

love for God that is her true source of

beauty.

Dr. Mary and her husband, Tom, are

both doctors of psychology—at the

forefront of their fields of expertise.

Together, in 1983, they formed Alpha

Psychological Services with the intent of

providing professional excellence in

therapy and counseling in a practice

where faith is the basis of their value system.

Mary has always been a person of faith, but when

challenged in grad school by an atheist professor to

respond to the question, “What do you live by and

why?” Mary went back to the gospels with the intent

to read them as a biography. This experience led

her to a profound rediscovery of the amazing person

of Jesus, and in so doing, solidified her commitment

to walk with him throughout her life. She will tell

you that following Jesus is an adventure

and the “most exciting thing.”

You might not have realized that Dr.

Mary is an adventuress! Just ask her

about her travels and how many of our

national parks she has visited. You also

might not know that Dr. Mary has a

passion for cooking and entertaining.

She is known for her soup ministry

which allows her to indulge that passion

for creating in the kitchen and for

visiting with the people with whom she

shares it. While you might know that

she is an expert in the field of

psychology, you might not know that

she is extremely gifted in sharing her

faith and inviting others to discover theirs through

the classes she leads on Sunday mornings.

Orchard is a place of connection through which

God’s blessings often flow in surprising ways. Meet

Dr. Mary and may God bless your connection with

her!

“God’s word is amazing and wonderful, uplifting and grounding.

The more we learn to love it, the more it becomes our rock of faith.” Dr. Mary

TRANSITIONS After careful deliberation, Julie Updyke, who has been serving as our Director of Children’s Ministry, has decided to resign her post. Julie’s life is action-packed with her three young

sons, and the adventures that seem to follow them everywhere (broken arms, flooding basements...). Julie remains a valued and active member of our congregation and ministry team, but will begin transitioning out of her official role later this month. Please

join us in thanking her for her passion and service to our children’s ministry!

COLLEGE STUDENT ADDRESSES

Did you know that in addition to our Exam Week Care Packages, Orchard also sends a monthly Harvester to each of our beloved college students? Please make sure that we have your student’s current address by contacting Deanna Kohl in the office

at (248) 626-3620 or [email protected].

The Updykes—Ben, Julie, Linus, Henry, & Oscar.

SHINING GOD’S LIGHT INTO THE WORLD!

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TENDING

THE ORCHARD

O ne of my favorite Sunday

afternoon activities (after

Lions’ football ) is

reading Mitch Albom’s column

in the Detroit Free Press. Last

Sunday, his title caught my

attention: “When sorry seems

to be the hardest word.”

Sorry has always been a

powerful word with the

potential to open hearts to

reconciliation, the extension

of grace, and even forgiveness. Maybe that’s part of

the reason why corporations, politicians, and even

policemen in Ferguson, Missouri have started to use it

more often.

Some people struggle to say “I am sorry” in the midst

of their everyday lives. A person’s willingness to take

responsibility for their own choices and actions is not

always their first response. The urge to “CYA” or

point the finger at someone else is pretty strong in

most people. Yes, the blame game is alive and well in

America.

Seeking forgiveness is a major part of the Jewish

high holidays that many of our neighbors are

celebrating. Last week it was Rosh Hashanah, the

Jewish new year. As part of a special meal, they ate a

piece of apple dipped in honey to symbolize their

desire for a sweet new year. Rosh Hashanah also

marks the beginning of Ten Days of Repentance

which culminates on Yom Kippur, October 3rd, the

day of atonement.

As Mitch Albom wrote:

It is a lesser-known but integral part of

the Jewish high holidays, going on right

now, in which people atone for their sins

not only with God, but with one another.

They must show remorse to everyone in

their circle. Not just the people they know

they wronged. Everyone.

”Will you forgive me if I’ve done or said

anything this year that has hurt you?”

That’s how it’s supposed to go. Every

friend. Every neighbor. Every colleague.

We Protestants know a bit about celebrating the

new year and making resolutions that we try to

keep for at least one day or two. But Mitch

Albom is talking about something different…

something more profound. Maybe we ought to

take a little direction from our Jewish neighbors as

they are getting ready for Yom Kippur, the day of

atonement. The question for us is not, “who needs

our forgiveness,” but “who do we need to ask for

forgiveness.”

At Orchard, we often think of repentance in terms

of making things right with God. Atonement is

making right those relationships that we have

broken. I suspect that most of us have one or two

of them.

The phrase “I’m sorry” from a contrite heart can

breathe hope and life into damaged relationships.

Extending yourself, receiving forgiveness, sets you

free to enter into a new day—a new year— with

hope and possibilities.

Our Jewish neighbors have it right. Let us join

them in reaching out. Grace given and grace

received. Who knows how it might change this

troubled world we live in.

Blessings,

Page 3

ORCHARD’S E-CONNECTIONS

Orchard has many ways for people to connect through the internet, including Facebook, Twitter, and our

own webpage which is chock-full of information about our church and upcoming events.

Caring Connection is our email distribution which keeps parishioners up to date on

prayer concerns. In order to keep from overwhelming people with daily emails,

we will make every effort to update this list twice a week with exceptions made

for serious and time-sensitive concerns.

Midweek Connection will be sent once a week and will provide reminders about

what’s happening this week at Orchard.

Please contact DyAnn ([email protected]) or call the church office (248-626-3620) if you wish to

receive these emails.

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CURRENT EVENTS IN THE CAFÉ Second Mondays at 7:00 pm beginning October 13th

J oin us for a cup of coffee and some Christian dialog on the events of the day

that challenge our faith. This once-a-month class led by Dave Albery begins

on Monday, October 13th at 7:00 in the Café. Bring your Bible and any news

items you’d like to share.

BIBLE BASICS Tuesday, October 28th at 7:00 pm

Does the Bible baffle you? Have you ever tried to read it and been

stumped before you made it through the first book? Join us for a fun

evening of Bible basics (led by Rev. Suzanne) and learn a little bit

about how to navigate this foundation of our faith!

Page 4

OCTOBER OPPORTUNITIES Check out these calendar-friendly periodic and special programming opportunities

SAMSON – A BIWEEKLY DEVOTION FOR MEN Beginning Thursday, October 7th at 7:00 pm

This four-week devotion series for men will meet

every other week and will use the story of Samson

as a platform for discussing places of opportunity

for men to grow in their faith. Nick Bonsky is taking

the lead on this study which will meet in the parlor

beginning on Thursday, October 9th at 7:00. For

more information, contact Nick by calling

(586) 944-3292 or at [email protected].

DARE TO BE UNCOMMON—A MEN’S RETREAT October 10th—12th

Be part of the gang going to Oscoda on the

weekend of October 10-12. Plans are in the works

for canoeing and kayaking on the Au Sable River,

golfing, and lively discussions centered around the

Tony Dungy book Dare to Be Uncommon. Contact

Doug Rick at [email protected] or by calling

(248) 478-4065.

Men of Orchard (MOO) are sponsoring two events in October

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Saturday, October 4th

Led by local United Methodist Churches, in partnership with Gleaners Food Bank and other local sponsors, Hands4Detroit is a one-day

opportunity for service and community building. Serving both Detroit and Pontiac with over 40 sites, we will rake, clean, garden, replace

and build as we nurture new and old relationships with our neighbors

across the Metro-Detroit and Pontiac area. Join our Junior and Senior High youth – we truly need your Hands 4 Detroit! Sign up to volunteer at www.hands4detroit.org.

Thank your for filling the donation basket full of needed items for the people in these cities. If you would still like to donate, please have your items in by Friday, October 3rd.

Sunday, October 5th

Christians all over the world will

celebrate World Communion

Sunday. Included with this

newsletter is an envelope for

this special offering taken

throughout the United Methodist

Church on that day.

This year your generous gifts

will support World Communion

Scholarships, Ethnic Scholarship

and Ethnic In-Service Training

programs, and will help equip

racial and ethnic students in the

United States, as well as international students,

to help transform their churches and communities.

Please remember to bring your envelope in on that

Sunday, or mail it into the church office, attention

Suzanne Reddy.

Page 5

ORCHARD IN MISSION

...faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove… James 2:18

ORCHARD HOSTS GUESTS FROM SOS October 26th- November 2nd

O rchard will again host guests from the South Oakland Shelter (SOS) program from Sunday evening,

October 26 - Sunday morning, November 2. SOS is a non-profit agency based in Lathrup Village

focused on providing shelter, food, career building, counseling and housing assistance to men, women, and

children. It is a transitional program designed for those trying to improve by removing themselves from the

cycle of homelessness. Orchard participates in this valuable mission by hosting about 30 guests every

night. Our guests stay in the church overnight, receive dinner, breakfast and a packed lunch for the next

day, and are driven to jobs or to the SOS office every morning and taken back to the church in the

evening. We will need about 200 volunteers to help during the week with daily activities such as driving,

preparing meals and hosting at the church, as well as one time activities such as setup, laundry, Saturday

breakfast and cleanup.

There are several ways to volunteer this year — sign up at the SOS display in the narthex; scan the QR

code below; or contact Sara Ganser for the link to Sign-Up Genius for SOS volunteers. Sara can be reached

at (248) 910-7656 or [email protected].

Volunteer today to share Orchard’s

hospitality and to connect to the best parts of yourself!

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Page 6

There will be something for everyone at the October FunFest

on Saturday, October 18th! Watch your email for our new Midweek Connection

with more details and remember to check your Sunday bulletin!

PUMPKINS & MISSION

O rchard has a unique reputation for linking pumpkins and mission. People in the community know us

as the “Pumpkin Church.” But people in a variety of places all over the eastern half of the country

know our youth as a group of students who swoop in for a week and provide a concentrated dose of

home rehab and repair, as well as a liberal sprinkling of Christian love and

concern for neighbors unknown.

Even as our youth (approximately 42 of them) are making plans to provide

service in a Native American community in June, pumpkins are being

harvested to arrive here at Orchard on Thursday, October 9th. Every

pumpkin we sell helps us to enable our students to learn about our

neighbors in need, to grow in their faith, and experience the intrinsic

blessing of serving others.

We invite you to join us for the festive unloading at 4:00 on October 9th.

Bring gloves and a wheel barrow if you have one. We’ll supply the donuts

and cider!

We also encourage you to sign up to tend a shift in the patch sometime

during the month of October. You’ll find it’s nice to be out in the crisp

autumn air and an opportunity to meet people in the community and share

a little bit about Orchard’s passion for mission and ministry.

Finally, please help us to spread the word that the best pumpkins in town

are available here at Orchard – special pumpkins that help our youth to be

the hands and love of Jesus in a community that needs to receive them.

Pumpkin Patch is open daily from October 10 through October 31 Sign up in the church office, or on the church website, go to the Youth page, then Fusion (Sr. High)

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IN THE LIFE

OF ORCHARD

Connecting people to God… to each other… and to the best parts of themselves!

In the life of Orchard, we believe in the power of prayer.

Join us in intercession, thanksgiving, celebration, and remembrance.

WE PRAY FOR…

Cathy Albery’s friend, Beverly Galligan Sherman The family of Lesley Bonsky’s friend, Eileen Cicone Frances Childress Nancy Haight Melissa Hall’s friend, Loretta Mandel Tracey Hammaren’s friends, Laura Desilets and her father and Elizabeth Schuch and her husband Marcia Harmon’s cousin, Alan Raines Vivian Henderhan’s cousin,

John Gustina Sheri Hick’s mother-in-law, Jane Hicks The Hubbs’ family friend, Morgan Martin Davis Rev. Carol Johns Kara (Lamson) Kenny Anthony Kosiba Esther Kulhavi’s mother, Trinity Moreno Debbie Lamson’s neighbor, Renetta Lynne Lehmann’s friends,

Susan and Stephanie Kall Jim Lowe’s friend, Robert The family of Hilary Mahon’s friend, Bob Love Barbara and Bob Mark’s grandson, Nick Mark Missie McSweeney’s sister, Millie Speed Todd Morell’s brother-in-law, Doug Flo Nauman

Karen Porter’s father, Cecil Collins Marianne Rinker’s mother, Ann Graham Michelle Rosenblum’s aunt, Fritzi Rott, and her brother, Paul Rappaport Ronald Rucker’s friends, Ruth Siepney and Felix Guy

Rob Rudnick’s father, Robert Rudnick Brad Snider and family Melissa and Mike Stafiej Susan Stone’s friend, Sandra Stone John Trenkle’s friends, the Wittlingers Mary Ann Trenkle Barb Van Haren’s friend, Joyce Paul Wagner’s mother, and relatives Rosalie and Harry Kelly Betsy Watson The family of John Young’s friend, Kenny Krausman

WE REMEMBER…

Sue and Bill Young’s son-in-law, Tom Carr (August 26, 2014) Gary Van Haren’s uncle, Dennis Millgard (August 30, 2014) Sara Moore’s sister-in-law, Patricia Moore (August 31, 2014)Barney Coon (September 2, 2014) Mari Anne Wilks’ grandfather,

Herb Judd (September 13, 2014) Mary Oliphint’s sister, Margaret Rosenbalm (September 16, 2014) David Ballentine (September 26, 2014) Verlin Tate (September 27, 2014)

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR...

Bob and I wish to thank our Orchard family for the love and support expressed in so many AMAZING ways during our recent nuptials. We were thrilled to see so many familiar faces celebrating our much-anticipated wedding day with us, and to know that

others, who could not be there in person, were upholding us in prayer. Words seem far too inadequate to fully express our appreciation for EVERYTHING that was done to provide us with a perfect day we will NEVER forget! To be surrounded by such love, from both family and friends, gives us a wonderful start for the rest of this journey. DyAnn and Bob

During this difficult time of hearing a

cancer diagnosis words cannot express how much I appreciate the support of our Orchard family. The cards, phone calls, and prayers have been overwhelming. They have meant more than you will ever know and I can only say how very thankful I am. Sue Darold

The Rev. Paul Webster (left), Missionary at

Mujila Falls Agricultural Centre in Zambia, and

his colleague, Andre Kanjimana (right), helped

lead worship on September 21. Cathy Albery (center) is our Missions Chairperson.

Moments from our Worship in the Park

on September 7, 2014

Alex Hamilton says,

“That’s one BIG flower!”

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Orchard United Methodist Church

30450 Farmington Road

Farmington Hills MI 48334-1939

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

The Orchard Harvester is the newsletter of Orchard United Methodist Church. The November 2014 Harvester deadline is October 20th.

E-mail articles may be directed to Deanna Kohl at [email protected]

Pastors: Rev. Carol J. Johns and Rev. Suzanne K. Goodwin Worship Services @ 9:00 & 11:00 am with Christian Education @ 10:00 am

Phone 248 626-3620 Fax 248 626-6836 Web Site: www.orchardumc.org

Non-Profit Org.

US Postage

PAID

Farmington, MI

PERMIT No. 216

Page 8

Find us, like us, share with us, and share us with others on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

CONNECT US WITH TODAY!

Return to Bethlehem Drive –Thru Living Nativity

Sunday evening, December 14th

Start saving those clean, rinsed out, and no caps milk

jugs!

Talk to Suzanne Kosiba (248) 661-2461 and Julie Wright

(248) 473-8433 about how you can get involved.

Think about all the friends you’re going to invite and start

talking! :)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

ALL SAINT’S SUNDAY

November 2, 2014 is All Saints’ Sunday, when

we will remember those in our church and family

members who have died since October 15, 2013.

Please bring a photo of your loved one with your

name, relative’s name, relationship, and date of

death. Please have your photos to the church office

by October 30th. If you have any questions, contact

Linda Hall (248-626-3620, ext. 35).