Upcoming Orchard Events…

Thu. May 2 - National Day of Prayer (10:00 Service) Dinner / Book Group (Brass Pointe - 6:00 p.m.) Sat. May 4 - “Strolling Under the Stars” Charity Auction Sun. May 5 - Confirmation Sunday / CROP Walk Fri. May 10 - Funtastiks to DIA and Lunch Sat. May 11 - OUMC Church Spring Clean-Up Day Baldwin Flower Pick-Up at OUMC (11 - noon) Sun. May 12 - Mother’s Day Thu. May 16 - Cardshop Fri. May 17 - Sun. May 19 - Detroit Annual Conference Sun. May 19 - Pentecost Sunday / Graduation Sunday Wed. May 22 - Sat. May 25 - Orchard Portrait Sessions Sun. May 26 - Summer Worship Hours begin (9 & 10:30 a.m.) Mon. May 27 - Memorial Day (office closed)

Thu. May 30 - Sun. May 2 - ROOTS Mission Experience

10AM KidZone!

A Special 3-Sunday Event For Kids Ages 4-4th Grade

When: Sundays, May 5, 12, 19 at 10 a.m. Where: Room Seven (Old Parlor) What: Fun, Food, Music, Movement, Games, Faith Hosts: Mrs. Roode, Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Noble, and Mrs. Parker

CROP Walk - Sunday, May 5th

The 28th Annual Farmington/West Bloomfield CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Walk will depart from Farmington First

UMC at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 5th. It's not too late to sign up! Pledge envelopes are available in the narthex and in the church office. Registration begins at 1:00 p.m. at Farmington First UMC, with refreshments available both before and after the walk. There is an option for a 2 mile walk or a 6 mile walk, with checkpoints along the route for refilling water bottles and grabbing snacks. Monies raised will go to fight hunger and poverty, both at home and in third world countries, through the efforts of Church World Service. Help us to MAKE A DIFFERENCE, one step at a time. You can also make donations online at www.cropwalkonline.org. Click on Michigan, then Farmington/West Bloomfield Walk, then Donate by Team (look for Orchard UMC and click on a team member). Or you can add yourself to Team Orchard! See DyAnn St. Clair for more information (248 756-9643).

As regular programs start to wind down and we head into Orchard’s

summer season, it’s time to switch to our summer worship schedule. Beginning May 26th, Memorial Day Sunday, we will have a casual worship service at 9:00 a.m. and a more traditional service at 10:30 a.m.

Summer Choir: Any adult or older teen interested in singing this summer is invited to come at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday to rehearse that morning’s music. No weeknight rehearsals, no robes; sit with your family for most of the worship service. If you enjoy singing but don’t have time for weekday rehearsals, come join the summer choir!

ORCHARD’S ALL CHURCH SPRING CLEAN-UP

Please come to Orchard on Saturday, May 11th, to help clean up our church grounds and our church home. From 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., we’ll work indoors and outdoors under the direction of Betsy Stanis. Please bring lawn care equipment (gloves, rakes, hoes, shovels, etc.) Inside we’ll clean the pews and windows, plus some other projects (please bring cleaning supplies). Come rain or shine, we’ll be working together to make God’s home shine! Join us!

Families are funny. Just when you think you know everything about them, they surprise you and sometimes you even surprise yourself. Take the wedding I participated in last weekend in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Gualdoni, Blakemore, Johns, Luttrell families and others gathered to witness Megan and Michael tie the knot. Megan, like many bright Michigan college graduates, moved to Knoxville for employment and found her true love. It took several years, two broken hearts, and then just the right Prince Charming appeared. Looking at them from the preacher’s side of the altar rail, I had to smile. My nervous bride from last night’s rehearsal had become a rock, but the groom was as white as a sheet… and looked like he might faint any minute. Breathe, Michael! What can I say to touch their hearts, about the opportunities and challenges that await them as they walk back down that aisle? Marriages always begin with such promise and hope. Tonight, this very sanctuary is alive with hope and faith. I can see it shining in the faces of my own rejoicing family, who know a great deal about the wonderful experiences of life, as well as its disappointments and tragedies. The events of the Boston Marathon, only a week ago, seem light years away… and yet we know tragedy can happen to anyone, anywhere. Life is unpredicta-ble, but the sustaining grace of God makes all the difference as we stand together. As I look at my family, I realize they are not perfect - nor am I - but we’ve known each other for a long time, and have discovered that we are durable, streetwise, and willing to help each other. We love Jesus, and that simple decision has profoundly transformed our lives. And we are blessed to be part of a great legacy of faith that continues to grow. Tonight is about commitments and candle-light. It’s about taking the opportunity to hug family members we see only occasionally, and trusting that God knew what He was doing when He gave us to each other. Tonight I am more willing to claim them all… and to see how God continues to work in their lives as well as in my own. So, filled with thankfulness, I lay my hands on Michael and Megan and bless them in God’s name for the journey. I am secure in the knowledge that whatever happens, God is with them, as he is with each of us. May we all go with God. Blessings and love, Aunt Carol

Trustees’ Corner

I am certain spring is going to arrive any day now. We have navigated winter by resolving a difficult problem with our heating system, and having the fire doors repaired which lead into the new wing. The trustees have been faithful to check boilers, change light bulbs and perform general small repairs. We have a spring cleanup day scheduled for Saturday, May 11th, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. We need the congregation’s help in cleaning up the outside by pulling weeds and spreading mulch. We need help in the sanctuary to clean pews, windows and doors. Please mark this day on your calendar and plan on lending a hand to spruce up Orchard. As we pray, “nothing can happen here without God and without our willing hearts” and hands! Blessings, Barbara DeGrazia, Chairman, Trustees

SUMMER CHURCH CAMP REGISTRATION

August 4th - 10th

"It's the best week of summer… actually the whole year!" ... a quote from

Camp Mahn-Go last year. Orchard UMC and Northbrook Presbyterian Church are excited to be partnering together again for Mahn-Go Summer Church Camp the week of August 4th-10th. All completed 1st through 12th graders are invited to spend a week full of fun at the Loon Lake Retreat Center in Hale, Michigan. Where else does your kid know everyone from camp, and connect with all ages from our church? It is all about connections, at all ages. We stay in rustic cabins, experience all types of outdoor fun, as well as Christian education, music and worship. This monumental faith building experience costs $350/camper (including buses) if you register before June 1st. Registration forms are available in the church office. Late registrations are accepted up to July 10th for $400/camper. Scholarships are available, please speak with Rev. Carol if you need financial aid. Questions? Contact Dave Tengler at (248 661-1788) or email Dave at: ds10gler@gmail.com

COLLEGE GRADUATION INFORMATION NEEDED

Do you have a winter or spring college graduate in the immediate family (you, your spouse, son or daughter)? We want to share your good news in the Harvester! Include your student’s name, date of graduation, university, degree, major, etc., and email the information to susanstone@orchardumc.org by May 20th.

Miranda Nauta and Brad Snider were united in marriage on April 11, 2013, in a beautiful wedding ceremony on Kauai.

Andrew Gordon Eason was born on April 7, 2013. Andrew is the son of Therese and Tom Eason. Grandparents are Debbie and Gordon Eason. Marie O’Boyle is Andrew’s great-grandmother.

With Appreciation

Dear Friends at Orchard, Thank you for your prayers for my mother Diane as she struggled with illness over the past few years. Mom felt the strength of those prayers and recognized the blessings they brought into her life. We had many miracles of healing and were thankful for each day we shared. We appreciate your words of support and comfort as we deal with her death. Through those messages, Julianna and I have felt the warmth of your kindness and the grace of God. Lisa and Julianna Jackson To My Orchard Family, I want to thank you for all your nice cards and prayers. I am feeling stronger each day. The pace-maker is doing its job. It’s good to be home after a long hospitalization and rehabilitation stay. Barbara McMenamin

Ryker Douglas Gantz, born June 20, 2012, was baptized at Orchard on Sunday, April 14, 2013.

Ryker is the son of Dana and Kevin Gantz. His grand-parents are Ronald Ginotti, and Denise and Martin Gantz. His great-grandfather is Gary West.

ORCHARD FAMILY AND FRIENDS HOSPITALIZED/CONVALESCING/ILL

Helen Cooper; Mary Dible; Wilbur Lynn; Mary Manier; Flo Nauman; Elaine Patterson; Louise Rudnick; Marion Seeber; Beth Shrosbree; Verlin Tate; Bill and Sue Young

ORCHARD FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN NEED OF OUR PRAYERS

Matt Abdallah’s friends, the family of Mike House Adamowski family friends, the Masters family Leslie Blair’s friends, Robbie Martinez and Mandy Tabor Luther Blue’s neighbors, the Blackmore family Katrina Carson’s father, Don Ray Amanda Crawford’s friend, Marian Hicks Hammaren family friends, the Miles Family Dave Kochanek’s brother, Dan Kochanek Anthony Kosiba’s parents, Pat and Frank Sobecki Suzanne Kosiba’s parents, Loretta and Bill Marrs Cheryl Love’s neighbor, Shelly Parapet John Mitchell’s mother, Ruby Mitchell Sara Repen Sara Repen’s mother, Marianne Mickle, and niece, Jennifer Stu Rescoe The Sakach family Debbie Sakach’s friends, Tanya and Jim Montroy Marci Schumacher’s father, Bill Edwards Masha Sohn Betsy Stanis’ friend, Chris St.Clair family friends, the family of Capt. James Steele Glenn Ulrich Former Orchard member, Betsy Watson Pam & Scott Williams brother-in-law, Butch Waugh

IN MEMORIAM

Bob Schupp’s brother, Bill Schupp, died March 22, 2013.

Doug Rick’s mother, Lilian Libby Rick, died March 30, 2013.

Isabelle Davis’ mother, Isabelle Manwiller, died April 4, 2013.

Don Sharp’s father, Walter “Ben” Sharp, died April 8, 2013.

Steve Kohl’s father, Jerry Kohl, died April 9, 2013.

Jeanie and Doug Graham’s nephew, Justin Reed, died April 15, 2013.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER OBSERVED AT ORCHARD

Thursday, May 2, 2013

This year marks the 62nd anniversary of the National Day of Prayer, a day set aside to pray for our nation. This year’s theme is “Pray for America”, based on Matthew 12:21, which reminds us that “In His name the Nations Will Put Their Hope.” On Thursday, May 2nd, Orchard’s Intercessory Prayer Group invites you to join us at 10:00 a.m. in Graham Chapel (south end of the south wing). Prayers will be lifted for America, civilian and military leaders, our neighborhoods, our schools, our families, and those who protect us and our country. Join us May 2nd, or wherever you are that day, and pray for our nation.

ARTS AND CRAFTS OPPORTUNITIES

Orchard Card Shop Are you ready for some creative fun? The Orchard Card Shop is open for business! Join us for a fun evening, where we’ll create 8 beautiful cards, 2 each of 4 different

designs. We meet every third Thursday of the month from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Fee $17 and up. For reservations and more information, contact Sue Sohn at (248 324-1557).

Knit and Crochet Ministry Join us Thursday, May 2nd at 1:00 p.m. We come together for fellowship, to build our knit and crochet skills, and share patterns. Meetings are the 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoons at 1:00 p.m., and the 2nd and 4th Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. All skill levels welcome! For more information please contact Ellen Cogsdill at (248 935-8018).

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 June 2013 Harvester deadline is May 15, 2013 and will be mailed the week of May 27, 2013.

E-mail articles may be directed to Susan Stone at: susanstone@orchardumc.org

Pastors: Rev. Carol J. Johns, Rev. Suzanne K. Goodwin and Rev. Lynn Hasley Sunday Worship Services at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Phone 248 626-3620 Fax 248 626-6836 Web Site: www.orchardumc.org Samaritan Counseling Center 248 474-4701

Kingdom Rock – VBS July 8th - July 12th , 2013 “Standing Strong for God” Mark your calendars NOW!

NEW ORCHARD CHURCH DIRECTORY!

We’re doing a new pictorial directory for Orchard UMC, and we’d like everyone to be included! Portrait dates are still available in May (22nd-25th). You can sign up for a portrait session after worship services, online at www.orchardumc.org, or by contacting Susan Stone in the church office. You’ll receive a free 8x10 portrait and photo directory just for partici-pating! Bring a non-perishable item for our food drive and receive a $5 discount towards the purchase of any photography. Questions? Please contact Susan Stone at (248 626-3620, ext. 25). ** We need hosts for our portrait dates - please call Sandy Catherman (248 478-1336) if you can help.

You are part of our Orchard Family, and our directory won’t be complete without you!

May Funtastiks - Visit the DIA & Lunch!

On Friday, May 10th, the Funtastiks will carpool from church at 10:00 a.m. to visit the Detroit Institute of Art to see the Van Gogh exhibit. After our visit we'll have lunch at Seva, an interesting downtown restaurant. Sign up soon in the church office. For more information please contact Jo Ann Cline at (248 553-3686).

Did You Know?

Did you know there are over 200 people who help make Sunday mornings at Orchard happen? They are greeters, ushers, musicians, techies, teachers, singers, counters, actors, preachers… and that’s just some of the teams involved in making Orchard a great place to worship! Orchard is now using worshipplanning.com, an online worship planning program that allows us to have - in one place - the schedules of all those who participate in making worship and children's programming happen on Sunday mornings. If you are on one of the various teams, you have more than likely received an email or two reminding you of your participation. These reminders replace the postcards you used to receive (saves us over $200 a year in postage!). This new program helps us know who is available – and when - so that if there is a conflict with a date, we can plan proactively to fill the spot. Thanks for taking the time to login to worshipplanning.com and using the availability function to help us facilitate the scheduling of our many volunteers. As with any new program, there will be a learning curve for all of us. We thank you for your patience while we learn together, work out kinks, and smooth out the operation! If you need assistance with this program, please contact Linda Hall at 248-626-3620, ext. 35, or email Linda at: lindahdall@orchardumc.org

OUT OF THE STORM

The 2013 Fusion Mission Team is making final preparations for our trip to New Jersey to help with hurricane relief in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. Each year we look for new opportunities to serve and to expand our understanding of human need in America. We had originally planned to go to New Jersey, although not the coastal area. Then the storm struck and devastated the homes and lives of so many people. Areas of commerce have received priority attention in order to restore economic foundations. In other words, the Boardwalk is recovering quickly. Not so for the many people who live just blocks inland whose lives are still buried in debris and wreckage.

This year we are taking a team of 32 students and 6 adults to Atlantic City. We will be sleeping on the floor of a host church and working on sites assigned to us by the Fuller Housing group. As we prepare to go, we are reminded of the time that Jesus calmed the storm. Perhaps we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ and provide a little storm relief on his behalf. We appreciate your prayers and support as we ready our supplies and our lives to be in service to others.

Worship and a Carwash

On Sunday, May 19th, the Fusion Youth Mission Team will be holding a carwash immediately following the 11:00 service. Students will be ready to wash your car quickly and efficiently as soon as church lets out.

Tickets are available for a $5 minimum donation, or you can pay at the event. Proceeds will be used to help cover the travel expenses for the Fusion Mission Trip.

LOW NOTES

The Orchard music ministry is blessed and grateful for the men who anchor the Chancel Choir and Rejoice with their low-end contribu-tions! We have discovered (as we have suspected all along) that there are many other men in our congregation who are singers incognito! We would like to invite all our men to join together for a one-time men’s ensemble – possibly for Father’s Day. If you are interested in participating, OR you have discovered one of the hidden talents and would like to act as an agent, please contact Daniel Drummond to discuss this low note opportunity.

A RED LETTER SUNDAY!A RED LETTER SUNDAY!A RED LETTER SUNDAY! Sunday, May 19th

Did you know that the phrase “red letter day” dates back to medieval days when the early church used red markings on the calendar to denote special holy days? Well mark your calendars in red as we prepare to celebrate Pentecost Sunday on May 19th. On this special Sunday we remember the birth of the Church and the gift of the Holy Spirit. We also plan to recognize our high school graduates as they prepare to enter a new and important phase of their lives. College is a great adventure, but one that often presents new challenges of faith and connection. We can support our graduates by offering words of encouragement and prayer. We hope that you will be present to meet them and hear a little bit about their future plans. All-in-all, Pentecost Sunday is a red letter day of new beginnings. Celebrate by wearing red – the official and liturgical color of Pentecost!

Strolling Under the Stars

Join us for an enchanted evening, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4th. Stroll under the starlit decorations as you check out the fabulous items for bid at both silent and live auctions. Enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres and beverages as you are entertained by the velvety smooth voice of Tony Camilletti, joined by the very talented Ray Santerini on guitar. Tickets are $15 for an individual and $25 for a couple. Get yours now from any member of MOO (Men of Orchard), the Missions Team, Congregational Life Team, or the Fusion Mission Team, or stop by the church office. Complimentary childcare is available by reservation – call the church office for more information. Help us help others as we raise money to use through our mission outreach programs which include Rebuilding Together and the Fusion Mission Team’s work with the families affected by Hurricane Sandy. Come have a great evening… and support this worthy cause! Invite family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors for this wonderful evening. Thanks for helping us make a difference in our community and in the world! A list of auction items is available online at orchardumc.org. Check out our Facebook page, too, for a look at some of the items up for auction!