Dear Central Friends, Discipleship Focused at Central

Lawyers and lawmakers appreciate the Constitution and use it as a tool to perform services to the

public. They also must read current laws and literature that translate constitutional laws to common

citizens on the street. In the same way, Christians should read the love letter from God (the Bible);

however, many so-called Christians don’t care to read the Bible. We can enjoy sports, news, movies,

political documentaries, science fictions, and secular literatures rather than having a moment with

God—praying and reading the Word. For Christians who develop discipline to read the Bible consist-

ently, they find treasures of God’s heart. The Bible is not only the food to feed our souls, the sword to

fight our battles, and the lamp to guide our feet, it is also a mirror in which we see a vision of our-

selves and discover God’s glorious kingdom prepared for those who love Him. I believe that fondness

or liking of the Word of God depends on what kind of disciple of Christ one is. The fourteenth chapter

of the Gospel of Mark is really a mirror to Christians; it reveals at least ten kinds of disciples: 1) The

disciple who loved the Lord (v. 3-10); 2) The critical disciple (v. 4); 3) The disciple who betrayed the

Lord (v. 10-11); 4) The self-confident disciple (v. 29); 5) The sleeping disciple (v. 37); 6) The disciple

who was bold in the flesh (v. 47); 7) The running-away disciple (v. 50); 8) The lukewarm disciple

(v. 54); 9) The disciple who denied the Lord (v. 66-71); 10) The weeping disciple (v. 72). What kind

of disciple are you?

If you see yourself as the lukewarm disciple, you need a boost. "And Peter followed Him afar off ...

and he sat with the servants and warmed himself at the fire" (v. 54). We are drawn away by

worldliness—the desire of the flesh rather than the desire to follow the Lord. Take the example from

Apostle Peter, his lukewarm attitude develops in the midst of crisis. Lukewarm disciples’ attitude may

happen when there is a life crisis. Rather than being close to the Lord, we walk away. May we follow

the Lord closely and “not afar off.” "My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me”, a lesson

from David (Psalm 63:8).

Annual Conference: By the time you read this Reflection, I’ll be at Traverse City, Michigan, for

the Annual Conference of Michigan Area United Methodist Churches. Annual Conference is when all

districts and churches meet for the business of General Church. Pastoral appointments are read;

nominations, budget and leadership training and information are exchanged. Please pray for the lead-

ership of Michigan Area Conference, pastors moving for new appointment, and for the welfare of our

area churches. Pray for Central Church as we seek to maintain Christ’s presence in the community.

Thank you for your Good Friday and Easter offerings. Your Good Friday offerings went to Lakewood

Ministerial Association for sustaining the needs of residents in the Lakewood School District. And your

Easter Offerings is retained in our congregation for the “Helping Hands Fund.” This fund is restricted

to the needs of Central members and friends. If you know of members with needs within our congre-

gation, please contact the office. Enjoy the coming summer, and grace to you, now and always!

Pastoral Reflection from Pastor Dominic Tommy

Summer Issue 2019

Central United Methodist Church is located in downtown Lake Odessa at 912 4th Avenue. Contact us at 616-374-8861; info@centralchurch-lakeo.org or pastor@centralchurch-lakeo.org.

INVITATION TO NEW BIBLE STUDY

Tuesdays, July 9 through July 30

10:00 to 11:30 AM

Lower Level Classroom

Title: Jesus—Compassionate Healer

Outline:

Introduction: Jesus, The Compassionate Healer

1. Jesus—Weeps our Tears (John 11:1-37)

2. Jesus—Binds our Wounds (Mark 5:21-43)

3. Jesus—Carries our Burden (Luke 11:46 &

Matthew 9:35-38)

4. Jesus—Breaks Our Chains (Luke 13:10-17)

5. Jesus—Covers Our Shame (John 8:1-11)

6. Jesus Restores Our Community (John 17:6-26)

Every session begins with gathering and a prayer moment, reflection on the lesson, conversations to connect our stories, and prayer time for healing—either for yourself, friends or families.

Refreshments provided. No book to buy but you will receive notes for every class session.

Join us, and bring a friend!!

We would like to thank the following donors

for contributing to our Memorial Fund:

In Memory of Leah Abbott: Sharron Dodge, Marvin & Judy Morgan, Delos Johnson

In Memory of Charles Dodge: Sharron Dodge

In Memory of Jack Wagner: Art & Ann Wagner

The next published issue of the Central Church Newsletter will be for September with

schedules and announcements for our fall activities and events. Check the church

bulletins and our website for updates on current and upcoming summer activities.

Birthdays

06/01 Christy Erickson

06/03 Mike McCartney

Kim Deardorff

06/04 Allen Decker

Dale Pa�erson

Jan Jackson

06/11 George Carpenter

Ron Cunningham

06/12 Jean Cook

06/15 Ann Wagner

06/17 Kathy Decker

George Thelen

06/19 Charlo�e Kendregan

Dick Nelson

06/20 Caroline McDonald

07/01 Sidney Klynstra

07/03 Ken Steele

07/04 Wes Friend

07/05 Tina Walker

07/11 Virginia Rayner

Von Goodemoot

07/18 Tom Reiser

07/21 Allison Thelen

07/22 Kaye Friend

07/23 Clara Hutchison

07/27 Judy Freidhoff

07/28 Chris2na Jackson

08/04 Bob Avery

08/06 Dave Faulkner

08/08 Comfort Tommy

08/10 Tim Girvin

08/13 Jameson Goodemoot

08/14 Vergie Winkler

08/22 Ed Reiser

08/24 Bob Durkee

08/27 Elaine Garlock

Delos Johnson

08/30 Bill Eckstrom

George McNeill

08/31 Ray McDaniels

Margie First

Anniversaries

06/01/1977 Dick & Vergie Winkler

06/09/1990 George & Penny Thelen

06/12/1954 Lloyd & Bev Corston

06/18/1994 Del & Jane Kostanko

06/24/1978 Tony & Kay Barcro9

06/25/1971 Dick & Julie Nelson

06/30/2017 Michael & Sherry Helmic

07/28/1977 Harold & Ada Dennie

07/29/1978 Dominic & Comfort Tommy

08/10/1975 Ken & Brenda Steele

08/13/2016 Mike & Myra McCartney

08/21/2009 Casey & Christy McDonald

08/23/1970 Dave & Jean Faulkner

08/26/1978 Randy & Barb Klein

Celebrations

Family of Leah Abbo�

Family of Bob Othmer

Family of Mary Cusack

Family of Gwen Phillips

Pam Beam

Steve and Mary Runyon

Judy Burruel

Bob Neary

Becky Wareing

Ron & Mae Shuert

Sharon Hager

Deann

Deanne Lighner

Ruth Veberroch

Eunice Goodemoot

Holly Triezenberg

Bree

Sharon

Randy Shuert

David Lackey

Irving

Arlene Lee

Jan Lackey

Sue Calkins

Jim Hayden

David Molitor

Recent Prayer Concerns State of the Church Report

Stats for April 2019

Average Attendance: 66

Operating Fund: Receipts $11,006.22 Expenses ($13,554.58)

Monthly receipts needed to

maintain budget: $16,580.00

Other Designated Giving: Building Fund $ 393General Missions $ 93 Helping Hands $ 125 Missionary Delbert Groves $ 30 UMCOR One Great Hour $ 50 LAMA Benevolence Fund $ 75 Easter Offering $ 397 Golden Cross Sunday $ 8 N/O Manna’s Market $ 77 General Education Fund $ 44

A.A. OPEN MEETINGS Mondays, June 3, 10, 17, 24—7:00 pm

FRESH FOOD DISTRIBUTION Tuesday, June 4—2:00 pm (Volunteers at 1:30.)

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE (change from original date)

Wednesday, June 5—12 to 5:45 pm

ADULT RESPITE Thursdays, June 6 and 20—1:00 to 4:00 pm

UMW ANNUAL OUTING Sunday, June 9—see information below

FATHER’S DAY COFFEE HOUR—June 16

Committee/Other Meetings Scheduled:

Board of Trustees—Tues., June 4, 7 pm

Missions Committee—Weds., June 5, 9 am

Friendship Group—Fri., June 14 and June 28, 12 pm

Finance—Mon., June 17, 6 pm

June Events

where Christ is central.

On behalf of the Lakewood Community Council, I would like to thank you for your generous $2172.63 donation for the Christmas Basket program. It’s support from area churches and community groups that make this program possible. ~Kay Barcroft, treasurer

I want to Thank my Church Family for All your Prayers and Sup-

port. Our God heard and answered your prayers. My cancer treatments were successful and I am well. To God be the Glory, thankful for the Power of Prayer. Always, ~Rita.

Thank-you’s

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN NEWS!!

I would like to thank all the women who made

our Spring Breakfast a great success: Andrea

Gentner for a very delicious breakfast, a great

program by Brenda Filkins on "Beatrice Potter," and all

those who attended. A great time was had by all.

The June outing to the Barn Theatre has been changed to

lunch at Buddies on the Beach at 11:30 (still June 9.) Our

District President, Donna Kleiver, is coming with one or

two others so bring your questions. She will also have

information on the Mission U and district meeting.

COMING UP:

Father’s Day Coffee Hour—Sunday, June 16

Salad Luncheon—Monday, August 12, Noon

August 12 is our salad luncheon so get it on your calendar

and invite your friends. The program is Julie Slate, "the

Ukulele Lady," speaking and singing Christian songs.

Remember to seek God every day and lean on his

strength.

~~Terri Catt, president

Our next Red Cross blood drive is scheduled for WEDNESDAY,

June 5, 12 to 5:45 pm

Upcoming Blood Drive

The UMW annual Spring Breakfast was held on May 11 and was very well attended.

The Lakewood Area CROP Walk was held on Sunday, April 28.

Thank you to all who contributed and/or participated!

RECENT EVENTS

Sidney Klynstra

Saturday, June 22 4:00 pm

2094 W. Peck Lake Road