THE MESSENGER
Alma United Methodist Church
Church website: www.almaumc.com
501 Gratiot • Alma (989) 463-4305
office@almaumc.com
pastorphil@almaumc.com
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
May the true joy of Christmas Day resonate within each of us as we welcome Christ and welcome each other. May abundant blessings be yours.
New Year’s Day Worship
January 1, 2006 ~ 9:30 a.m.
Due to New Year’s day falling on a Sunday, we will combine both worship services on Jan. 1st. Plan to join us at 9:30 a.m. and enjoy an inspirational morning in a relaxed setting! There will not be Sunday School classes held on Jan. 1st.
Due to the holiday schedule and vacations, the office will be closed December 26 – January 2. We will re-open Tuesday, January 3rd at 8:30 a.m. If there is an emergency please call the church office (463-4305) and your call will automatically be forwarded to Pastor Phil, or you may call his cell phone directly at 763-0900. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to each of you and your families. See you in 2006!
Thank you to all who contributed gifts to this ministry of Prison Fellowship.
MEN’S BASKETBALL LEAGUE will be starting in January for boys and men (age 16 and older). They will be playing on Monday nights. If you are interested, please visit the Small House display in the parlor and sign up there.
PRAYER PARTNERS
Have you met with your prayer partner this week?
Do you want a prayer partner?
For more information contact Jane Francis at 463-2856 or contact her via email at jnfrancis@yahoo.com.
2006 OFFERING ENVELOPES . . . Did you get yours yet?
The new giving packets will be available in the parlor until January 8th. Enclosed with your packet will be a brochure that explains each of the envelopes for this year. (Brochures are also available in the parlor or the church office.) You are invited to support the special offerings that appeal most to you, in addition to your regular weekly or monthly tithe. The money counters really appreciate it when the envelopes are used for your weekly offerings. If you know someone who is unable to pick up their packet, we would appreciate if you would take it to them, thus saving the church postage.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE
There will not be supper on Wednesday, Dec. 28th due to the holiday. Enjoy the holiday time with family and friends. We will resume our dinners together on Jan. 4th.
UMW NEWS & EVENTS
Monthly luncheons are hosted by the Alma United Methodist Women
on the 2nd Thurs. of each month – reserve those Thursdays on your calendar now! Join us in the new year -- great programs scheduled for winter and spring.
Lunch is only $5.00; reservations due the Mon. preceding the 2nd Thurs.
Everyone (men, too) is welcome to enjoy a simple lunch and interesting program
Jan. 12 -- Elsie Peterson and Nancy Bitterling (from Lincoln Rd. UMC) will present a program about their Mission trip to Bolivia. Reservations need to be called in to the office by Monday, Jan. 9. Plan to join us!
HELP WANTED!
Wanted: warm bodies, committed hearts, helpful hands, thankful minds; interested in promoting the mission of women, children and youth;
several positions are open; excellent benefits; call 463-4305 or 466-0330 for more information!!
MEET & EAT BOOK CLUB
Do you enjoy reading? Would you like to find some good titles in the areas of Education for Mission, Social Action, Nurturing for Community, and Spiritual Growth? If yes, come and join the new UMW Book Club which will meet on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 5:30-6:30 in the Youth Room adjacent to the fellowship hall. Don’t forget to grab your dinner from Wednesday Night Alive and bring it with you! We will eat and discuss books we have each been reading from the UMW Reading Program. Not familiar with the UMW Reading Program? If you would like more information, please call Julia Rice (463-3814) or Linda Darrow (463-0330), or just join us for the first meeting on Wednesday, January 25. Everyone is welcome!
PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry
Prayer Quilts are being prepared for:
Marguerite Turner
Genevieve Wolfe
Please keep these persons in your prayers.
If you would like to request a prayer quilt for someone in special need of our prayers, please call Beverly in the church office, or Julia Rice at 463-3814.
DISCIPLE STUDY CLASS
Jana Lynn Almeida will be teaching this 8 week class beginning in January. We will be studying an overview of the Old Testament. Books need to be ordered ahead of time, so if you are interested, contact the church office ASAP (463-4305). Time and starting date TBD.
The Sunday morning Adult Bible Study Class will continue working with
Max Lucado's book "Come Thirsty" during the winter. Each week
we will be discussing a chapter and addressing the questions at the
back of the book. You are welcome to attend all the classes, or any
of the ones that are of particular interest to you. The class starts
at 9:15 a.m. and finishes at 10:00 a.m. Contact Ray Francis (463-2856)
for more information.
12/25/05 no class meeting
1/1/06 no class meeting
1/8/06 Chapter 6 Hope for Tuckered Town
1/15/06 Chapter 7 Waiting for Power
1/22/06 Chapter 8 God's Body Glove
1/29/06 Chapter 9 It's Not Up To You
ALTAR FLOWERS
The month of January is available if you are interested in providing altar flowers in memory of or in honor of someone, please call the church office (463-4305) and tell us. Another way to remember or honor your loved one is to help sponsor students at the Congo Seminary in Mulunguishi, Africa. Our congregation has been supporting this vital mission ministry for a few years. If you choose to participate in this way, the church has 4 different artificial flower arrangements (seasonal) and we will place one of these arrangements on the altar for that particular Sunday. The cost is $15.00 per Sunday and the name(s) of the ones being honored or memorialized will be printed in the Bulletin for the Sunday of your choice.
HELPFUL CHURCH TIMELINES
Messenger and Bulletin (weekly): Wednesday noon
Ambassador (monthly): the 15th of each month
LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS – December 18th
Financial Receipts: $5,309.58
Attendance: 149
Some Financial Highlights:
Loose Offering $ 51.00
Unified Giving $4,367.50
Angel Tree $50.00
Sunday morning breakfast $86.50
Sunday School $10.64
Wednesday Night Alive $222.00
UMM fudge $90.00
UMW reimbursement $341.24
All other donations $90.70
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY – January 1st
Psalm 148 (UMH 861); Isaiah 61:10-62:3;
Galations 4;4-7; Luke 2:22-40
Bring your Bibles and follow along as the Scripture is read.
SPECIAL DATES
December 2005
Dec. 25 Christmas Day combined worship service at 9:30 a.m.
Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve
January 2006
Jan. 1 New Year’s Day combined worship service at 9:30 a.m.
Jan. 6 Epiphany of the Lord
Jan. 8 Baptism of the Lord
Jan. 18-25 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PERSONS IN YOUR PRAYERS
Dorothy Nelson Jeanne Isaacson Wilma Brown
Eileen Budge Grieta Elenbaas Pat Breidinger
Vesta Mapes Gordon Grant Floyd Johnson
Doris Walsh Nada Fleury Evelyn Slates
MaryLou Sommerville Dave Sommerville Victoria Elise Hamm
Louie Castellon Joe Zigray Jack Mellinger
Bill Matthews, son of Marjorie Matthews, critically ill in Fort Wayne, IN
Please pray that the non-custodial parent of a couple of our church children will have a change of heart and come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Tracey Birdsall, sister of Renee Hahn
Rev. Dave Stout, Aldersgate UMC in Midland
Helen Hatchett, mother-in-law of Pat Wright’s daughter (cancer)
Bud Zerbe, father of Dave Zerbe.
Our entire Nation’s Leaders and those in the Armed Forces.
Leaders around the world.
OTHER PRAYERS
Today Christmas Day! No Sunday School
9:30 a.m. Combined worship service
Monday Office Closed
Tuesday Office Closed
Wednesday Office Closed
Thursday Office Closed
Friday Office Closed
Next Sunday New Year’s Day! No Sunday School
9:30 a.m. Combined worship service
A friendly welcome to each worshiper! We are pleased to have each of you here to glorify God and sing praises to the Almighty.
ANGEL
TREE KICK-OFF – November 27th
Angel Tree is a ministry of Prison Fellowship and is designed to provide
and deliver Christmas gifts (one clothing item and one toy) for children
with an incarcerated parent. Angel Tree gift tags will be set out on
the Christmas tree in the parlor beginning November 27th. You will have
a couple of weeks to purchase your gifts, returning them to the Christmas
tree in the parlor, or the adjoining conference room. We would ask that
you please keep the tag with the gift. All the gifts are then wrapped
and delivered - given in the name of Jesus on behalf of the incarcerated
parent. Often, the Angel Tree gifts are the only gifts the children
receive.
To support Angel Tree with a monetary donation, use the blue-edged envelope
in your giving packet. If you are donating to help us purchase gifts,
please make your check out to the Alma United Methodist Church. If you
would like your donation to go directly to the program, checks can be
made out to Angel Tree/Prison Ministry. Thank you for your support for
this mission project of our church.
ADVENT IS A BEGINNING
Advent begins on November 27 this year. Many Christians may not realize
that Advent is the beginning of the “church year.” The church
year starts with our preparation to celebrate the birth of Christ. Advent
obviously leads to Christmas Day.
After Christmas, churches move on to observe Epiphany (the arrival of
the wise men). Epiphany is always observed on January 6. Next comes
the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Lent continues through Holy
Week when we observe Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. Forty
days after Easter we recall the ascension of Christ (Acts 1:9) on Ascension
Day. Fifty days after Easter comes the birthday of the church when the
Holy Spirit descended upon Christ’s followers in Jerusalem giving
them power and unity. It happened on the day of Pentecost, a harvest
holiday celebrated by Jews. Pentecost is observed until the start of
Advent, when the church year begins again.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE
Why not leave the cooking to someone else once a week, socialize with
friends during supper, and know that the children are properly supervised
in the ARK…and it happens every Wednesday night. The menu for
Wednesday, Nov. 30th will be Roast pork, real mashed potatoes and gravy,
green beans, pigs-in-a-blanket, salad bar, and angel food cake for dessert.
Dinner is served from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The kid’s choirs
rehearse at 5:00 p.m. and the Chancel Choir rehearses at 7:00 p.m. Childcare
is available all evening.
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HOLIDAY WORSHIP SERVICE TIME CHANGE!
9:30 a.m. both Sundays
Due to Christmas and New Year’s day falling on Sundays, we will combine both worship services on Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st. Plan to join us at 9:30 a.m. and enjoy an inspirational morning in a relaxed setting!
YEAH ! PARSONAGE RENOVATIONS
ARE COMPLETED! . . . But we need YOUR help!
We have only paid one half of the total cost. Would you consider making
a contribution to help finish paying for this project? Pledge/donation
cards are available in the pews or just mark your check or offering
envelope for “Parsonage Renovation”. Thank you in advance
for your participation.
PRAYER PARTNERS
Have you met with your prayer partner this week?
Do you want a prayer partner?
For more information contact Jane Francis at 463-2856 or contact her
via email at jnfrancis@yahoo.com.
PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry
There are two Prayer Quilts to be tied at today’s service:
Helen Shimunek – Prayers of comfort are requested for Helen.
Dawn Sherlock – Prayers of healing are requested for Dawn who
has recently been diagnosed with cancer.
Please take a moment to say a prayer, tie the quilts and write a note
of encouragement on the cards after today’s service.
Prayers quilts are being prepared for the following:
Marguerite Turner
Genevieve Wolfe
Please keep these persons in your prayers.
If you would like to request a prayer quilt for someone in special need
of our prayers, please call Beverly in the church office, of Julia Rice
at 463-3814.
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The Sunday morning Adult
Bible Study Class had decided to continue working with Max Lucado's
book "Come Thirsty" during the fall and winter. Each week
we will be discussing a
chapter and addressing the questions at the back of the book. You are
welcome to attend all the classes, or any of the ones that are of particular
interest to you. The class starts at 9:15 AM and finishes at 10:00 AM.
Books are available in the Alma UMC office or contact Ray Francis (463-2856)
for more information.
11/27/05 Chapter 2 - Sin Vaccination
12/04/05 Chapter 3 - When Grace Goes Deep
12/11/05 Chapter 4 - When Death Becomes Birth
12/18/05 Chapter 5 - With Heart Headed Home
12/25/05 - no class meeting
1/1/06 - no class meeting
1/8/06 Chapter 6 - Hope for Tuckered Town
1/15/06 Chapter 7 - Waiting for Power
1/22/06 Chapter 8 - God's Body Glove
1/29/06 Chapter 9 - It's Not Up To You
2/5/06 Chapter 10 - In God We (Nearly) Trust
2/12/06 Chapter 11 - Worry? You Don't Have To
2/19/06 Chapter 12 - Angels Are Watching over You
2/26/06 Chapter 13 - With God as Your Guardian
3/5/06 Chapter 14 - Going Deep
3/12/06 Chapter 15 - Have You Heard the Clanging Door?
3/19/06 Chapter 16 - Fearlessly Facing Eternity
3/26/06 Chapter 17 - If God Wrote You a Letter
METHODIST MEN’S FAMOUS FUDGE IS BACK!!
Starting December 4, between and after services in the parlor, you will
be able to choose from 3 delicious flavors (walnut, peanut butter and
plain). The fudge will be packaged in attractive tins with Christmas
designs. Price for one pound of fudge is $6.00. Please contact John
Knowlton at 463-5282 with any questions.
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DIVORCED ? SEPARATED? FIND
HELP AT DIVORCE CARE. Divorce Care is a special weekly seminar
and support group for people who are separated or divorced. The topic
for Tuesday, Nov. 29th will be, “Reconciliation”. Bobbi
Price leads this support group and it meets at the church (in the ARK)
on Tuesdays, at 6:30 p.m. It is a 13 week cycle and you can join at
any time! If nursery care is needed please call the church office ahead
of time to make arrangements. For more information call the office with
your name & phone number and Bobbi will call you back.
SURPRISE CARD SHOWER!
The family of Nancy Hetzman is planning a SURPRISE card shower in honor
of her 70th birthday on December 6th . If you know Nancy and would like
to surprise her with a card, please send it to:
Nancy Hetzman
17509 SE 104 Circle
Summerfield, FL 34491
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STEWARDSHIP
During Moses’ time, the tithe was established so that the children
of Israel might learn to fear God. Deuteronomy 14:22-23 says, “You
shall surely tithe all the produce from what you sow, which comes out
of the field every year. And you shall eat in the presence of the Lord
your God, at the place where He chooses to establish His name, the tithe
of your grain, your new wine, your oil, and the first-born of your herd
and your flock, in order that you may learn to fear the Lord your God
always.” But what about the implications of this statement today?
Does it still apply to God’s people? Jesus spoke of sacrificial
giving, especially of the money God has entrusted to us. Are you being
a good steward of God’s money by honoring your Giving Plan Covenant
with God?
ALTAR FLOWERS
Most of the month of December is available if you are interested in
providing altar flowers in memory of or in honor of someone, please
call the church office (463-4305) and tell us. Another way to remember
or honor your loved one is to help sponsor students at the Congo Seminary
in Mulunguishi, Africa. Our congregation has been supporting this vital
mission ministry for a few years. If you choose to participate in this
way, the church has 4 different artificial flower arrangements (seasonal)
and we will place one of these arrangements on the altar for that particular
Sunday. The cost is $12.00 per Sunday and the name(s) of the ones being
honored or memorialized will be printed in the Bulletin for the Sunday
of your choice.
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HELPFUL CHURCH TIMELINES
Messenger and Bulletin (weekly): Wednesday noon
Ambassador (monthly): the 15th of each month
LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS
– November 20th
Financial Receipts: $4,102.45
Attendance: 146
Some Financial Highlights:
Loose Offering $ 83.20
Unified Giving $3,141.50
Community Café $175.57
Habitat for Humanity $60.00
Wednesday Night Alive $330.00
Sunday morning breakfast $59.00
Sunday School $9.60
Parsonage Renovation $50.00
All other donations $193.58
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SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR
NEXT SUNDAY – Dec. 4th
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 (UMH 806); Isaiah 40:1-11;
2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8
Bring your Bibles and follow along as the Scripture is read.
SPECIAL DATES
November 2005
Nov. 27 Angel Tree; First Sunday of Advent
December 2005
Dec. 4 Ministry Fair; Second Sunday of Advent
Dec. 11 Third Sunday of Advent
Dec. 18 Fourth Sunday of Advent
Dec. 21 First Day of Winter
Dec. 24 Christmas Eve
Dec. 25 Christmas Day
Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve
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PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PERSONS
IN YOUR PRAYERS
Dorothy Nelson Jeanne Isaacson Wilma Brown
Eileen Budge Grieta Elenbaas Pat Breidinger
Vesta Mapes Gordon Grant Floyd Johnson
Doris Walsh Nada Fleury Evelyn Slates
MaryLou Sommerville Dave Sommerville Victoria Elise Hamm
Louie Castellon Joe Zigray Jack Mellinger
The family of Fred Jones (Fred passed away Sunday, Nov. 13)
Bill Matthews, son of Marjorie Matthews, critically ill in Fort Wayne,
IN
Bill Stiles, pastor of the First Baptist Church
Please pray that the non-custodial parent of a couple of our church
children will have a change of heart and come to know Jesus as Lord
and Savior.
Tracey Birdsall, sister of Renee Hahn
Rev. Dave Stout, Aldersgate UMC in Midland
Helen Hatchett, mother-in-law of Pat Wright’s daughter (cancer)
Bud Zerbe, father of Dave Zerbe.
Our entire Nation’s Leaders and those in the Armed Forces.
Leaders around the world.
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OUR WEEK TOGETHER
Today Angel Tree kick-off!
8:00 a.m. Early worship
8:00 a.m. Infant/Toddler Nursery all morning
8:30 a.m. Sunday morning breakfast
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages!
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
10:45 a.m. Children’s Worship
Monday
10:00 a.m. Prayer Quilter’s meeting
3:00 p.m. Strings
Tuesday
6:30 p.m. Divorce Recovery Support Group
6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts
Wednesday Hanging of the Greens
3:00 p.m. Girl Scouts
4:00 p.m. Strings
5:00 p.m. Cherub & Jr. Choir practice
5:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Alive dinner
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Thursday
6:45 p.m. Jazzercise
Saturday
8:00 a.m. UMM make fudge
Next Sunday Ministry Fair; Second Sunday of Advent
8:00 a.m. Early Worship
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages!
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, we are pleased to welcome you. May we all experience the love of God and extend friendship toward one another.
HEIFER MARKETPLACE
Visit our parlor TODAY for the 2005 "Heifer Marketplace" at
11:15 a.m. Our Sunday school classes, as well as other groups, have
tables available in the parlor to share information on this worthwhile
project, and to allow you the opportunity to purchase a living gift
for friends and family. Heifer Project Living Gifts are a great way
to Christmas shop for friends and family while helping those in our
world who are less fortunate. To participate, you "buy" shares
of animals that are given to impoverished rural families around the
world. These animals, such as chicks, bees, fish, rabbits, pigs, goats,
sheep, water buffalo, llamas and heifers, provide food and income for
the families for years to come. When you honor friends and family with
your purchase of these "Living Gift Shares," they will receive
an attractive card explaining the gift given in their name. "Living
Gifts" are a unique alternative to commercial gifts which may not
be needed, or can be given in addition to traditional gifts. Plan now
to participate in this meaningful mission outreach of our church.
Heifer Project International is an on-going solution to solve hunger
throughout the world.
ANNUAL CHURCH CONFERENCE
Our District Superintendent, Bill Dobbs, will be with us on Sunday,
November 20th to preside over our annual church conference. Everyone
is encouraged to attend.
SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST!
Come to breakfast on Sunday mornings from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Good
food and good fellowship!
Helpers are needed – If you can help any Sunday with set-up at 7:30 a.m. or with the clean-up at 9:45 a.m. , please call Linda Darrow at 466-0330.
FALL LEAF CLEAN-UP
Do you need help getting your leaves cleaned up before winter arrives?
The youth group, along with the men of the church, are available to
help you! Just call the church office (463-4305) with your name, address,
and phone number to schedule a time.
DIGITAL CAMERAS
If you are knowledgeable about digital cameras, please call the church
office at 463-4305.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE
Why not leave the cooking to someone else once a week, socialize with
friends during supper, and know that the children are properly supervised
in the ARK…and it happens every Wednesday night. The menu for
Wednesday, Nov. 16th will be Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with
gravy, sweet potatoes, squash, green beans, cranberry sauce, salad bar
and homemade pie for dessert. Dinner is served from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30
p.m. The kid’s choirs rehearse at 5:00 p.m. and the Chancel Choir
rehearses at 7:00 p.m. Childcare is available all evening.
“Janet Pond and Elaine Wrath would like to thank the person or
persons that blessed us both with the gift of the calendar dinner. The
tables are always decorated so lovely and the food so wonderful. God
bless you for the wonderful gift you gave us.
Janet Pond & Elaine Wrath”
The men of our church will be meeting together for breakfast, fellowship,
support and to share in prayer on Saturday, November 26th at 7:30 a.m..
We will be meeting in the side room of the Main Cafe at 7:30 a.m. For
more information please contact John Knowlton (463-5282).
PRAYER PARTNERS
Have you met with your prayer partner this week?
Do you want a prayer partner?
For more information contact Jane Francis at 463-2856 or contact her
via email at jnfrancis@yahoo.com.
DIVORCED ? SEPARATED? FIND HELP AT DIVORCE CARE. Divorce Care is a special weekly seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced. The topic for Tuesday, Nov. 15th will be, “Single Sexuality”. Bobbi Price leads this support group and it meets at the church (in the ARK) on Tuesdays, at 6:30 p.m. It is a 13 week cycle and you can join at any time! If nursery care is needed please call the church office ahead of time to make arrangements. For more information call the office with your name & phone number and Bobbi will call you back.
YEAH ! PARSONAGE RENOVATIONS ARE COMPLETED! . . . But we need YOUR
help!
We have only paid one half of the total cost. Would you consider making
a contribution to help finish paying for this project? Pledge/donation
cards are available in the pews or just mark your check or offering
envelope for “Parsonage Renovation”. Thank you in advance
for your participation.
PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry
There are three Prayer Quilts to be tied at today’s service:
Robert Riedel – Prayers of healing are requested for Robert, he
is the father-in-law of Donna & Jerry Roger’s son. Robert
is 93 years old and is suffering from kidney problems.
Nada Fleury – Prayers of healing and comfort are requested for
Nada who fell a while ago and is having difficulty getting around.
Betty Smith – Prayers of comfort are requested for Betty.
Please take a moment to say a prayer, tie the quilts and write a note
of encouragement on the cards after today’s service.
Prayers quilts are being prepared for the following:
Evelyn McFall
Helen Shimunek
Marguerite Turner
Genevieve Wolfe
Please keep these persons in your prayers.
If you would like to request a prayer quilt for someone in special need
of our prayers, please call Beverly in the church office, or Julia Rice
at 463-3814.
Between November 6th and December 18th we will be working our way through
the “Come Thirsty” book. The dates we will be discussing
specific chapters are listed below. You are invited to attend all of
the classes or, if you wish, attend the ones where you have a particular
interest.
We will then be taking a break from Sunday School until January 8th
when we will begin our next project “Women of the Bible”.
Cost of the book will be approximately $15.00. You can contact Beverly
in the church office (989-463-4305) to reserve your copy of the book.
Please feel free to share this message with your friends and other members
of the congregation.
“Come Thirsty” - book study schedule
11/13 - Chapters 2, 3, and 4
11/20 - Chapters 5, 6, and 7
11/27 - Chapters 8 and 9
12/4 - Chapters 10, 11, and 12
12/11 - Chapters 13, 14, 15
12/18 - Chapters 16 and 17
ANGEL TREE KICK-OFF – November 27th
Angel Tree is a ministry of Prison Fellowship and is designed to provide
and deliver Christmas gifts (one clothing item and one toy) for children
with an incarcerated parent. Angel Tree gift tags will be set out on
the Christmas tree in the parlor beginning November 27th. You will have
a couple of weeks to purchase your gifts, returning them to the Christmas
tree in the parlor, or the adjoining conference room. We would ask that
you please keep the tag with the gift. All the gifts are then wrapped
and delivered - given in the name of Jesus on behalf of the incarcerated
parent. Often, the Angel Tree gifts are the only gifts the children
receive.
To support Angel Tree with a monetary donation, use the blue-edged envelope
in your giving packet. If you are donating to help us purchase gifts,
please make your check out to the Alma United Methodist Church. If you
would like your donation to go directly to the program, checks can be
made out to Angel Tree/Prison Ministry. Thank you for your support for
this mission project of our church.
Habitat for Humanity/Community Café
November 20, 2005
The funds received will be shared evenly between Community Café
and Habitat for Humanity.
Community Café serves a free meal at the Alma First Presbyterian
Church every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. It is open to anyone who wishes to
come and is funded totally by donations of food, money, and volunteer
labor.
Habitat for Humanity, through volunteer labor, management expertise,
and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, builds and rehabilitates
homes with the help of the homeowners. Houses are sold at no-profit
to partner families, and no-interest mortgages are issued over a fixed
period. Currently, a Habitat house in Michigan cost an average of approximately
$32,500. Small monthly mortgage payments, including taxes and insurance,
are repaid over 7 to 20 years and deposited into a revolving “Fund
for Humanity” which supports the construction of more houses.
ALTAR FLOWERS
Most of the month of December is available if you are interested in
providing altar flowers in memory of or in honor of someone, please
call the church office (463-4305) and tell us. Another way to remember
or honor your loved one is to help sponsor students at the Congo Seminary
in Mulunguishi, Africa. Our congregation has been supporting this vital
mission ministry for a few years. If you choose to participate in this
way, the church has 4 different artificial flower arrangements (seasonal)
and we will place one of these arrangements on the altar for that particular
Sunday. The cost is $12.00 per Sunday and the name(s) of the ones being
honored or memorialized will be printed in the Bulletin for the Sunday
of your choice.
HELPFUL CHURCH TIMELINES
Messenger and Bulletin (weekly): Wednesday noon
Ambassador (monthly): the 15th of each month
LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS – November 6th
Financial Receipts: $7,411.20
Attendance: 178
Some Financial Highlights:
Loose Offering $ 60.62
Unified Giving $6,363.00
Endowment $190.00
Sunday morning breakfast $132.50
Sunday School $18.76
Parsonage Renovation $60.00
Samaritan’s Purse $40.00
Wednesday Night Alive $173.32
Ministry Shares $105.00
All other donations $268.00
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY – Nov. 20th
Psalm 100 (UMH 821); Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24;
Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46
Bring your Bibles and follow along as the Scripture is read.
SPECIAL DATES
November 2005
Nov. 13 Heifer
Nov. 20 Church Conference
Nov. 24 Thanksgiving
Nov. 27 Angel Tree
December 2005
Dec. 4 Second Sunday of Advent
Dec. 11 Third Sunday of Advent
Dec. 18 Fourth Sunday of Advent
Dec. 21 First Day of Winter
Dec. 24 Christmas Eve
Dec. 25 Christmas Day
Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve
PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PERSONS IN YOUR PRAYERS
Dorothy Nelson Jeanne Isaacson Wilma Brown
Eileen Budge Grieta Elenbaas Pat Breidinger
Vesta Mapes Gordon Grant Floyd Johnson
Doris Walsh Nada Fleury Evelyn Slates
MaryLou Sommerville Dave Sommerville Victoria Elise Hamm
Louie Castellon Eugene Hohlbein (father of Helen Rogers)
Bill Matthews, son of Marjorie Matthews, critically ill in Fort Wayne,
IN
The family of Helen Hatchett who passed away Monday, (mother-in-law
of Pat Wright’s daughter)
Bill Stiles, pastor of the First Baptist Church
Please pray that the non-custodial parent of a couple of our church
children will have a change of heart and come to know Jesus as Lord
and Savior.
Tracey Birdsall, sister of Renee Hahn
Rev. Dave Stout, Aldersgate UMC in Midland
Bud Zerbe, father of Dave Zerbe.
Our entire Nation’s Leaders and those in the Armed Forces.
Leaders around the world.
OTHER PRAYERS
OUR WEEK TOGETHER
Today
8:00 a.m. Early worship
8:00 a.m. Infant/Toddler Nursery all morning
8:30 a.m. Sunday morning breakfast
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages!
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
10:45 a.m. Children’s Worship
12:00 p.m. Methodist Musician’s Rehearsal
Monday
10:00 a.m. Prayer Quilter’s meeting
3:00 p.m. Strings
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Parent Meeting
Tuesday
6:30 p.m. Divorce Recovery Support Group
6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts
Wednesday
3:00 p.m. Girl Scouts
4:00 p.m. Strings
5:00 p.m. Cherub & Junior Choir Rehearsal
5:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Alive
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Thursday
2:00 p.m. Masonic Tea
6:30 p.m. Jazzercise
Next Sunday Church Conference
8:00 a.m. Early Worship
8:30 a.m. Sunday morning breakfast
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages!
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
With gladness in our hearts, may we all exult in the Lord! Let us eagerly greet one another with a warm and friendly spirit. You, friend, are most welcome in the house of the Lord.
COME HUNGRY!
Breakfast buffet every Sunday during “Come Thirsty”
in the Fellowship Hall
September 25 – November 6 ~ 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
(Donations accepted)
The menu for Oct. 23rd will be: Baked French toast, pastry squares,
fresh fruit and cereal.
The menu for Sunday, Oct. 30th will be Breakfast casserole, fried Hungarian
pastries, fruit salad and cereal.
Why eat breakfast at home when we’ll fix it for you?
No cooking, no dirty dishes!
An all-church hayride will be held today, October 23rd, at Mark & Renee Hahn’s (305 E. Hoffman Rd., St. Louis) from 3-5 p.m. The Jr. High and Sr. High Youth will be taking their hayride from 5-7 p.m. Hotdogs and hot chocolate will be provided. You may bring a light snack, finger foods or dessert to share.
Save those shoe boxes…….. OPERATION
CHRISTMAS CHILD, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, returns
to AUMC this fall! This is an opportunity to send a gift-filled shoe
box and the Good News of God’s love to hurting children in the
far corners of the world.
There are three ways to give to this ministry:
1. Fill a shoe box (for boy or girl) with small items, such as school
supplies, hygiene items, toys, crayons, hard candy, socks, t-shirt,
etc.
2. Or, purchase individual items that could be combined with others
to fill shoe boxes.
3. Or, give a monetary gift to help cover the cost of processing and
shipping shoe boxes. Checks for $5 or more may be written to “Samaritan’s
Purse” (with “Operation Christmas Child” written on
the memo line).
Gift-filled shoe boxes, gifts, and checks may be brought to the church anytime this month until Dedication Sunday, November 6. Last year, 84 shoe boxes were collected! Thank you for your generosity. Please direct questions to Julie Armstrong and Jana Lynn Almeida, project coordinators.
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE
We will not be having our regular WNA dinner (this week only!) due to
the calendar dinner being held that night. Punch will be served at 6:00
p.m. as you view the tables, with dinner being served at 6:30 p.m. For
more information contact Sandy Dunn at 1677.
The men of our church will be meeting together for breakfast,
fellowship, support and to share in prayer on Saturday, October
29 at 7:30 a.m.. We will be meeting in the side room of the Main Cafe
at 7:30 a.m. For more information please contact John Knowlton (463-5282).
UMW NEWS
Nov. 10 -- UMW Monthly Luncheon Have a great lunch, great fellowship
and hear a great speaker! $5.00 – in the parlor. Reserve by (Mon.,
Nov.7)
Topic will be about the “Work Camp Experience at Henderson Settlement”
with Gary & Lou Ervin from the St. Louis UMC.
PRAYER PARTNERS
If you have signed up to participate in prayer partners, people have
been paired up, so be sure to stop by the table and pick up the information
regarding your prayer partner. It’s never too late to join this
ministry and make a consistent connection to another member at the Alma
United Methodist Church. The only commitment you will be making is to
connect with your Prayer Partner at least once each week, other than
at church, for 14 weeks starting October 2nd. You can connect with your
Prayer Partner by meeting face-to-face, by phone, or by e-mail. To sign
up for Prayer Partners, place a sign-up card in the box in the lobby,
or contact Jane Francis by phone (463-2856) or e-mail (jnfrancis@yahoo.com)
CLOTHING DRIVE NEEDS YOUR HELP !
Thank you for your generous donations of clothing. Unfortunately, when
we delivered our first load to the Mission in Maple Rapids, we were
informed they couldn’t take further donations due to the lack
of funds for fuel for the delivery truck. God’s Mission Outreach
takes our donations to Kentucky and West Virginia.
If you would be willing to help with this urgent need, would you please
write “God’s Mission Outreach” on the memo line of
your check or mark your envelope. They have trucks and drivers ready
and waiting for the fuel to deliver these clothes. Thank you for sharing
in this need.
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PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry
There are two Prayer Quilts to be tied at today’s service:
• Sandy (Watson) Geitman - she is undergoing testing for a growth
on her liver. Keep Sandy in your prayers.
• Evelyn Slates - she is recovering from a broken hip. Keep Evelyn
in your prayers.
Please take a moment to say a prayer, tie the quilts and write a note
of encouragement on the cards after today’s service.
If you would like to request a prayer quilt for someone in special need
of our prayers, please call Beverly in the church office, or Julia Rice
at 463-3814.
DIVORCED ? SEPARATED? FIND HELP AT DIVORCE CARE. Divorce Care is a special weekly seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced. The topic for Tuesday, Oct. 25th will be, “New Relationships”. Bobbi Price leads this support group and it meets at the church (in the ARK) on Tuesdays, at 6:30 p.m. It is a 13 week cycle and you can join at any time! If nursery care is needed please call the church office ahead of time to make arrangements. For more information call the office with your name & phone number and Bobbi will call you back.
USHERS/GREETERS
If you would like to volunteer to serve as an usher, please contact
Kay Brown or Denise Bawtinheimer, or call the church office at 463-4305.
SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE /FELLOWSHIP TIME
If you are able to volunteer to help with snacks, coffee and/or clean-up,
please contact Carrie Cubberley at 466-4305.
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Sunday, Oct. 30
Daylight Saving Time ends!
FIRST FEST
Saturday, October 29
10:00 a.m. ‘til 3:00 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church ~ 495 Charles Ave., Alma
LUNCH: 11:30 ‘til 1:00 p.m.(eat in or take out!) COFFEE SHOP-
pies & pastries THE PANTRY-baked goods and preserves CRAFT FAIR
AND ATTIC TREASURES-shop all day KIDS ACTIVITIES-pumpkin painting, wood
crafts and more CARNIVAL GAMES with fun prizes SILENT AUCTION!
All proceeds divided equally among Big Brothers Big Sisters, Gratiot
Emergency Housing and First Presbyterian Church
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HELP WANTED… We have an opening for
a director for our Junior Choir as well as an accompanist. If you are
interested, please see any of the following Vision Team members: Pastor
Phil, Renee Hahn, Linda Darrow, Sandy Koch, Greg Mapes, Ray Francis
or Pat Wright.
YEAH ! PARSONAGE RENOVATIONS ARE COMPLETED!
. . . But we need YOUR help!
We have only paid one half of the total cost. Would you consider making
a contribution to help finish paying for this project? Pledge/donation
cards are available in the pews or just mark your check or offering
envelope for “Parsonage Renovation”. Thank you in advance
for your participation.
ALTAR FLOWERS
Oct. 30, Nov. 27 and the month of December is available if you are interested
in providing altar flowers in memory of or in honor of someone, please
call the church office (463-4305) and tell us. Another way to remember
or honor your loved one is to help sponsor students at the Congo Seminary
in Mulunguishi, Africa. Our congregation has been supporting this vital
mission ministry for a few years. If you choose to participate in this
way, the church has 4 different artificial flower arrangements (seasonal)
and we will place one of these arrangements on the altar for that particular
Sunday. The cost is $12.00 per Sunday and the name(s) of the ones being
honored or memorialized will be printed in the Bulletin for the Sunday
of your choice.
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HELPFUL CHURCH TIMELINES
Messenger and Bulletin (weekly): Wednesday noon
Ambassador (monthly): the 15th of each month
LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS – October 16th
Financial Receipts: $3,357.90
Attendance:
Some Financial Highlights:
Loose Offering $ 92.69
Unified Giving $2,640.66
Wednesday Night Alive $176.00
Sunday morning breakfast $124.75
Parsonage Remodeling $130.00
Sunday School $16.50
Ministry Shares $70.00
All other donations $107.30
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY – Oct.
30th
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 (UMH 830); Joshua 3:7-17;
I Thessalonians 2:9-13; Matthew 23:1-12
Bring your Bibles and follow along as the Scripture is read.
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SPECIAL DATES
October 2005
Oct. 23 Hayride
Oct. 26 Calendar Dinner
Oct. 30 Daylight Saving Time ends!!!
November 2005
Nov. 6 All Saints Sunday
Nov. 8 Election Day
Nov. 11 Consecration Sunday
Nov. 13 Heifer
Nov. 20 Church Conference
Nov. 24 Thanksgiving
Nov. 27 Angel Tree
PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PERSONS IN YOUR PRAYERS
Dorothy Nelson Jeanne Isaacson Don Brice
Wilma Brown Eileen Budge Grieta Elenbaas
Pat Breidinger Vesta Mapes Gordon Grant
Floyd Johnson Doris Walsh Nada Fleury
MaryLou Sommerville Dave Sommerville Ardis Wolven
Victoria Elise Hamm Louie Castellon
The family of Dick Croucher
Bill Stiles, pastor of the First Baptist Church
Please pray that the non-custodial parent of a couple of our church
children will have a change of heart and come to know Jesus as Lord
and Savior.
Tracey Birdsall, sister of Renee Hahn
Rev. Dave Stout, Aldersgate UMC in Midland
Helen Hatchett, mother-in-law of Pat Wright’s daughter (cancer)
Bud Zerbe, father of Dave Zerbe.
Our entire Nation’s Leaders and those in the Armed Forces.
Leaders around the world.
OUR WEEK TOGETHER
Today All-church Hayride!
8:00 a.m. Early worship
8:00 a.m. Infant/Toddler Nursery all morning
8:30 a.m. Breakfast buffet
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages!
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
10:45 a.m. Children’s Worship
12:00 p.m. Methodist Musicians Rehearsal
Monday
10:00 a.m. Prayer Quilter’s meeting
3:00 p.m. Strings
Tuesday
6:30 p.m. Divorce Recovery Support Group
6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts Pack Meeting
Wednesday
3:00 p.m. Girl Scouts
4:00 p.m. Strings
5:00 p.m. Cherub & Junior Choir Rehearsal
6:00 p.m. Calendar Dinner 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal
7:30 p.m. Memorial Committee Meeting
Thursday
6:30 p.m. Jazzercise
Saturday
7:30 a.m. UMM Breakfast at The Main Café
Next Sunday Daylight Savings Time ends!
8:00 a.m. Early Worship
8:30 a.m. Breakfast buffet
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages!
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
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Remembering that Psalm 8:5 tells us that we are all “crowned . . . with glory and honor.” Let us show our appreciation for the life of each person present. Welcome to all!
COME HUNGRY!
Breakfast buffet every Sunday during “Come Thirsty” in the Fellowship Hall
September 25 – October 30 ~ 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
(Donations accepted)
The menu for Oct. 16th will be: Mexican breakfast including fried sweet
puffs, fresh fruit and cereal.
The menu for Sunday, Oct. 23rd will be Baked French toast, pastry squares,
fresh fruit and cereal.
Why eat breakfast at home when we’ll fix it for you?
No cooking, no dirty dishes!
An all-church hayride
will be held Sunday, October 23rd, at Mark & Renee Hahn’s (305 E. Hoffman Rd., St. Louis) from 3-5 p.m. The Jr. High and Sr. High Youth will be taking their hayride from 5-7 p.m. Hotdogs and hot chocolate will be provided. You may bring a light snack, finger foods or dessert to share.
Save those shoe boxes…….. OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, returns to AUMC this fall! This is an opportunity to send a gift-filled shoe box and the Good News of God’s love to hurting children in the far corners of the world.
There are three ways to give to this ministry:
? Fill a shoe box (for boy or girl) with small items, such as school supplies, hygiene items, toys, crayons, hard candy, socks, t-shirt, etc.
? Or, purchase individual items that could be combined with others to fill shoe boxes.
? Or, give a monetary gift to help cover the cost of processing and shipping shoe boxes. Checks for $5 or more may be written to “Samaritan’s Purse” (with “Operation Christmas Child” written on the memo line).
Gift-filled shoe boxes, gifts, and checks may be brought to the church anytime this month until Dedication Sunday, November 6. Last year, 84 shoe boxes were collected! Thank you for your generosity. Please direct questions to Julie Armstrong and Jana Lynn Almeida, project coordinators.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE
Why not leave the cooking to someone else once a week, socialize with
friends during supper, and know that the children are properly supervised
in the ARK…and it happens every Wednesday night. The menu for
Wednesday, Oct. 19th, will be Ham, Au Gratin potatoes, broccoli, cheesy
garlic bread, salad bar, and fruit crisp for dessert. Dinner is served
from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The kid’s choirs rehearse at 5:00
p.m. and the Chancel Choir rehearses at 7:00 p.m. Childcare is available
all evening.
UMW NEWS
Nov. 10 -- UMW Monthly Luncheon Have a great lunch, great fellowship
and hear a great speaker! $5.00 – in the parlor. Reserve by (Mon.,
Nov.7)
Topic will be about the “Work Camp Experience at Henderson Settlement”
with Gary & Lou Ervin from the St. Louis UMC.
PRAYER PARTNERS
If you have signed up to participate in prayer partners, people have
been paired up, so be sure to stop by the table and pick up the information
regarding your prayer partner. It’s never too late to join this
ministry and make a consistent connection to another member at the Alma
United Methodist Church. The only commitment you will be making is to
connect with your Prayer Partner at least once each week, other than
at church, for 14 weeks starting October 2nd. You can connect with your
Prayer Partner by meeting face-to-face, by phone, or by e-mail. To sign
up for Prayer Partners, place a sign-up card in the box in the lobby,
or contact Jane Francis by phone (463-2856) or e-mail (jnfrancis@yahoo.com)
COME THIRSTY
Come and join with us! This is where and when we are studying together!
Day Time Location Phone
Sunday 9-10 a.m. Conference Room 463-8256
Sunday 6:30 p.m. Dunn’s (5901 W. Lincoln Rd. Alma) 463-1677
Monday 7:00 p.m. Wright’s (4780 Van Buren Rd. Alma) 463-2701
Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Conference Room (after WNA) 463-4285
Thursday 7:00 p.m. Darrow’s (633 N. State St., Alma) 466-0330
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PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry
There are three Prayer Quilts to be tied at today’s service:
Betty Freed – Prayers of healing are requested for Betty, Marilyn
& Harry Gray’s daughter’s mother-in-law. She is recovering
from her second shoulder surgery.
Ken Foote – Prayers of healing are requested for Ken who is undergoing
testing for serious health concerns.
Ruth Eichorn –Prayers of healing and comfort are requested for
Ruth who is at Schnepp’s Health Care Center in St. Louis .
Please take a moment to say a prayer, tie the quilts and write a note
of encouragement on the cards after today’s service.
• A Prayer Quilt is being prepared for Sandy (Watson) Geitman
as she is undergoing testing for a growth on her liver. Keep Sandy in
your prayers.
• A Prayer Quilt is being prepared for Evelyn Slates as she recovers
from a broken hip. Keep Evelyn in your prayers.
If you would like to request a prayer quilt for someone in special need
of our prayers, please call Beverly in the church office, or Julia Rice
at 463-3814.
DIVORCED ? SEPARATED? FIND HELP AT DIVORCE CARE.
Divorce Care is a special weekly seminar and support group for people
who are separated or divorced. The topic for Tuesday, Oct. 18th will
be, “What Does the Owner’s Manual Say?”. Bobbi Price
leads this support group and it meets at the church (in the ARK) on
Tuesdays, at 6:30 p.m. It is a 13 week cycle and you can join at any
time! If nursery care is needed please call the church office ahead
of time to make arrangements. For more information call the office with
your name & phone number and Bobbi will call you back.
USHERS/GREETERS
If you would like to volunteer to serve as an usher, please contact
Kay Brown or Denise Bawtinheimer, or call the church office at 463-4305.
HOSTS FOR SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE/FELLOWSHIP TIME Several opportunities
are available for individuals, families, or groups to host the Sunday
Morning Coffee/Fellowship Time following the 10:15 AM worship service.
Hosts should either provide, or arrange for 12 dozen cookies (or a similar
number of other snacks), set out the snacks for the end of the 10:15
AM worship service, and help clean up after the fellowship time. This
is a great opportunity for groups to sponsor a Sunday and serve the
church. Open Sundays include October 23, November 20, and November 27.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact Carrie Cubberley or call
the church office at 989-463-4305.
HELP WANTED… We have an opening for
a director for our Junior Choir as well as an accompanist. If you are
interested, please see any of the following Vision Team members: Pastor
Phil, Renee Hahn, Linda Darrow, Sandy Koch, Greg Mapes, Ray Francis
or Pat Wright.
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Women's Aid Service presents: "Autumn in
Motion"
An Evening of Square Dancing, with an experienced caller BUT, NO experience
is necessary to come and enjoy -- learn to square dance, help teach
others or just enjoy watching. Bring a partner or come meet new friends
Tickets: $10. adults; $7.50 seniors (60+) and students
Call 989-463-6014 or 989-773-7960
Proceeds support victims of domestic violence
(October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month)
Sat., Oct. 22, 2005 at the Alma High School Gym
ALTAR FLOWERS
The month of Oct. is available if you are interested in providing altar
flowers in memory of or in honor of someone, please call the church
office (463-4305) and tell us. Another way to remember or honor your
loved one is to help sponsor students at the Congo Seminary in Mulunguishi,
Africa. Our congregation has been supporting this vital mission ministry
for a few years. If you choose to participate in this way, the church
has 4 different artificial flower arrangements (seasonal) and we will
place one of these arrangements on the altar for that particular Sunday.
The cost is $12.00 per Sunday and the name(s) of the ones being honored
or memorialized will be printed in the Bulletin for the Sunday of your
choice.
HELPFUL CHURCH TIMELINES
Messenger and Bulletin (weekly): Wednesday noon
Ambassador (monthly): the 15th of each month
LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS – October 9th
Financial Receipts: $4,505.27
Attendance:
Some Financial Highlights:
Loose Offering $41.40
Unified Giving $3,626.87
Wednesday Night Alive $246.00
Prayer Quilt Ministry $40.00
Hurricane Relief $500.00
Sunday School $6.00
All other donations $45.00
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SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY – Oct.
23rd
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 (UMH 789); Deuteronomy 34:1-12;
I Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46
Bring your Bibles and follow along as the Scripture is read.
SPECIAL DATES
October 2005
Oct. 23 Hayride
Oct. 26 Calendar Dinner
Oct. 30 Daylight Saving Time ends
November 2005
Nov. 6 All Saints Sunday
Nov. 8 Election Day
Nov. 11 Consecration Sunday
Nov. 13 Heifer
Nov. 20 Church Conference
Nov. 24 Thanksgiving
Nov. 27 Angel Tree
PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PERSONS IN YOUR PRAYERS
Dorothy Nelson Jeanne Isaacson Don Brice
Wilma Brown Eileen Budge Grieta Elenbaas
Pat Breidinger Vesta Mapes Gordon Grant
Floyd Johnson Doris Walsh Nada Fleury
MaryLou Sommerville Dave Sommerville Ardis Wolven
Victoria Elise Hamm Louie Castellon Dick Croucher
Bill Stiles, pastor of the First Baptist Church
Please pray that the non-custodial parent of a couple of our church
children will have a change of heart and come to know Jesus as Lord
and Savior.
Tracey Birdsall, sister of Renee Hahn
Rev. Dave Stout, Aldersgate UMC in Midland
Helen Hatchett, mother-in-law of Pat Wright’s daughter (cancer)
Bud Zerbe, father of Dave Zerbe.
Our entire Nation’s Leaders and those in the Armed Forces.
Leaders around the world.
OTHER PRAYERS
OUR WEEK TOGETHER
Today
8:00 a.m. Early worship
8:00 a.m. Infant/Toddler Nursery all morning
8:30 a.m. Breakfast buffet
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages!
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
10:45 a.m. Children’s Worship
Monday
10:00 a.m. Prayer Quilter’s meeting
3:00 p.m. Strings
6:30 p.m. Bariatric Support Group
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Parent Meeting
Tuesday
6:30 p.m. Divorce Recovery Support Group
6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts
Wednesday
9:00 a.m. Trustees Meeting
3:00 p.m. Girl Scouts
4:00 p.m. Strings
5:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Alive dinner
5:00 p.m. Cherub & Junior Choir Rehearsal
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Thursday
2:00 p.m. Masonic Tea
6:30 p.m. Jazzercise
Next Sunday All-church Hayride!
8:00 a.m. Early Worship
8:30 a.m. Breakfast buffet
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages!
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
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St. Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome saying, “May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another…” (Romans 15:5, NRSV). May that be our goal as we welcome and support one another in the name of the Lord.
MINISTRY FAIR ~ TODAY, Sunday, September 11!
Booths are set up in the parking lot immediately following the second
service showcasing our different areas of ministry. Hopefully by looking
at the information at these interesting booths you will find an area
(or areas!) where you feel like it will be a perfect fit for you to
become involved! Maybe you’re not sure about where you fit, then
why not try an area or project and if you discover it’s really
not your niche, move on to a different area when you’re finished!
Whatever the case, we’re sure there is a ministry project(s) that
each person can become involved in and claim ownership of it! Remember
the saying, “Many hands make light work!” Try it and see
how it fits!!!
Relationships Seminar
Topic: THE WORD on Marriage and Parenting/Grandparenting
with
Dr. Randy Carlson
at
Ithaca United Methodist Church
327 E. Center St. ~ Ithaca
September 18 -19 Sunday & Monday
7 p.m. each evening
Tickets: $10/night
Information: call the church at 875-4313
50th Annual Men & Boy’s Retreat
Are you stressed out? Need a relaxing spiritual weekend close to God
and nature? Join us at our Annual Retreat on September 16–18,
2005 at Lake Louise for a Christian experience that will renew your
spirit.
The featured speaker this year is Dr. Randy Carlson, President of Family
Life Communications. Randy has written or co-authored five books, has
a Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology, and is a certified
Marriage and Family Therapist with over fifteen years in family counseling.
He and his wife Donna reside in Tucson, AZ and are the proud parents
of 3 children.
Music will be provided by Johnny Ray Watson who says, “Everything
I do, from planning the songs I sing to praying before I perform, is
aimed at moving people’s hearts closer to God.”
If you know a young man age 8 or over, bring him with you…or invite
a friend! Money is available to help cover the cost of any youth attending.
You’ll want to make your reservation early due to limited space.
For more information, contact Mark Hahn (620-4316).
THANK YOU
A big thank you goes out to the following people who generously donated
their time and worked tirelessly to help clean and paint the Sunday
School rooms on the third floor. Supplies are organized and in one place
and many rooms were given a fresh coat of paint, as well as the storage
room being thoroughly cleaned out. It was a hot and tiresome job and
these folks “hung in there”! The finished product will result
in a smoother and more organized Sunday School. Thanks again and God
bless each of you!
~Kelly Masley
Mark Armstrong
Melissa Armstrong
Michelle Blackmer
Linda Darrow
Michael Finn
Aleatha Foote
Rachael Friedrick
Laurie Harrison
Ginny Howes
Marilyn & Harry Gray
Lori & the Cub Scouts
Pat & Milt Wright
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE
Why not leave the cooking to someone else once a week, socialize with
friends during supper, and know that the children are properly supervised
in the ARK…and it happens every Wednesday night. The menu for
Wednesday, Sept. 14, will be Roast pork, real mashed potatoes and gravy,
green beans, pigs-in-a-blanket, salad bar, and angel food cake. Dinner
is served from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The kid’s choirs rehearse
at 5:00 p.m. and the Chancel Choir rehearses at 7:00 p.m. Childcare
is available all evening.
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DIVORCED ? SEPARATED?
FIND HELP AT DIVORCE CARE. Divorce Care is a special weekly seminar
and support group for people who are separated or divorced.
Seminar Topics include “What’s Happening to Me?”,
“The Road to Healing/Finding Help”, “Facing My Anger,
Depression and Loneliness”, “New Relationships”, “Forgiveness/Reconciliation”
and other pertinent topics related to Divorce/Separation. Bobbi Price
will be leading this support group and it will begin meeting at the
church on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. It is a 13 week cycle and you
can join at any time! If nursery care is needed please call the church
office ahead of time to make arrangements. For more information call
the office with your name & phone number and Bobbi will call you
back.
PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry
Prayer Quilts are currently being prepared for:
• Hilda Kalush (Sandy Dunn’s aunt)
• Erma LaPaugh
• Don Miller
• Felicia Hetzman
Please keep these people in your prayers.
SMALL GROUP STUDY
You are invited to attend a Sunday evening Bible study beginning at
6:00 p.m. with a potluck at the home of Bob & Sandy Dunn (5901 W.
Lincoln Rd., Alma) on Sunday, Sept. 18. For more information call Ed
Massar at 463-4082.
UMW NEWS
Come the 2nd Thurs. of the month. Have a great lunch, great fellowship
and hear a great speaker. $5.00 – in the parlor
Oct. 13 -- Mission Trip to Haiti with Mary Lou Passenger
Reserve by (Mon., Oct. 10)
Central District Annual Celebration!
“Vessels of Mission – LOVE” International program:
“FEED THE CHILDREN” Thurs, Sept. 15, 9am – 3pm
Carson City UMC $8.00, reservations due Sept. 8
In-gathering: non-prescription medicines. DOVE award recipients will
be honored. For more information call Pam Eisenberger or Linda Darrow.
PRAYER PARTNERS
Would you like to connect with other members of the congregation? Try
joining the Prayer Partners and make a consistent connection to another
member at the Alma United Methodist Church. The only commitment you
will be making is to connect with your Prayer Partner at least once
each week, other than at church, for 14 weeks starting October 2nd.
You can connect with your Prayer Partner by meeting face-to-face, by
phone, or by e-mail. To sign up for Prayer Partners, place a sign-up
card in the box in the lobby, or contact Jane Francis by phone (463-2856)
or e-mail (jnfrancis@yahoo.com)
HELP WANTED
We have an opening for a director for our Junior Choir as well as an
accompanist. If you are interested, please see any Vision Team member:
Pastor Phil, Renee Hahn, Linda Darrow, Sandy Koch, Greg Mapes, Ray Francis
or Pat Wright.
ONE CHURCH ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
Dr. Jon Walton, pastor of New York City’s First Presbyterian Church,
wrote a brief account about September 11, 2001, and the effect that
day’s events had on his church.
He recalled that the church had to be left open for the people who continually
streamed in. Some came to escape the smoke that affected their lungs
and their eyes. Some came hoping to find friends or relatives. Most
came to pray, to seek solace and to try to sort out why the unspeakable
death and destruction had happened.
Dr. Walton soon learned that the tragedy directly affected several families
related to the church. The husband of the church secretary, a nephew
of the receptionist, a church-school teacher, the father of a child
in the nursery and a young mother of two children were all missing or
known to be dead.
Dr. Walton said he now understands the opening word of the book of Lamentations,
which refer to Jerusalem when the Babylonians invaded and destroyed
the city: “How lonely sits the city that once was full of people!
How like a widow she has become, she that was great among the nations!”
(Lamentations 1:1, NRSV).
~Adapted from Dr. Walton’s brief statement titled “Lonely
City”
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COORDINATOR FOR USHERS / GREETERS
There is currently the opportunity for one or two people to serve the
congregation by coordinating the schedule of Ushers/Greeters for the
Sunday morning and special event services. Many people have volunteered
to serve the congregation as ushers and greeters and we are seeking
someone to coordinate their schedule from mid-September 2005 through
May 2006. This person has the opportunity to provide a very important
service to the congregation. If you are interested in this opportunity
to serve the congregation, contact Ray Francis by phone (463-2856) or
by e-mail (drrayfrancis@yahoo.com).
PRODUCE
Have extra garden produce? Don’t know what to do with it? Contact
the church office or Gail Friedrick and we’ll be glad take it
off your hands and use it for our WNA dinners!
ALTAR FLOWERS
Sept. 25 and the month of Oct. are some of the dates available if you
are interested in providing altar flowers in memory of or in honor of
someone, please call the church office (463-4305) and tell us. Another
way to remember or honor your loved one is to help sponsor students
at the Congo Seminary in Mulunguishi, Africa. Our congregation has been
supporting this vital mission ministry for a few years. If you choose
to participate in this way, the church has 4 different artificial flower
arrangements (seasonal) and we will place one of these arrangements
on the altar for that particular Sunday. The cost is $12.00 per Sunday
and the name(s) of the ones being honored or memorialized will be printed
in the Bulletin for the Sunday of your choice.
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HELPFUL CHURCH TIMELINES
Messenger and Bulletin (weekly): Wednesday noon
Ambassador (monthly): the 15th of each month
LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS – September 4th
Financial Receipts: $4,737.65
Attendance: 74
Some Financial Highlights:
Loose Offering $103.00
Unified Giving $3,912.67
Congo Seminary Scholarships $25.00
Hurricane Relief $661.06
Parsonage Remodeling $20.00
All other donations $15.92
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY –
Sept. 18th
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 or Psalm 78 (UMH 799); Exodus 16:2-15;
Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16
Bring your Bibles and follow along as the Scripture is read.
SPECIAL DATES
September 2005
Sept. 11 Sunday School kick-off; Ministry Fair
Sept. 11 Grandparents Day and Patriot Day
Sept. 16-18 Men & Boy’s Retreat
Sept. 22 First Day of Autumn!
Sept. 25 “Come Thirsty” Kick-off
October 2005
Oct. 2 CROP Walk
Oct. 26 Calendar Dinner
PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PERSONS IN YOUR PRAYERS
Dorothy Nelson Jeanne Isaacson Don Brice
Wilma Brown Eileen Budge Grieta Elenbaas
Pat Breidinger Vesta Mapes Gordon Grant
Floyd Johnson Doris Walsh Nada Fleury
MaryLou Sommerville Dave Sommerville Diane Sparks
Victoria Elise Hamm Ardis Wolven
Please pray that the non-custodial parent of a couple of our church
children will have a change of heart and come to know Jesus as Lord
and Savior.
John Boals, Marilyn Smith’s father
Tracey Birdsall, sister of Renee Hahn
Rev. Dave Stout, Aldersgate UMC in Midland
Helen Hatchett, mother-in-law of Pat Wright’s daughter (cancer)
Bud Zerbe, father of Dave Zerbe.
Our entire Nation’s Leaders and those in the Armed Forces.
Leaders around the world.
OUR WEEK TOGETHER
Today Ministry Fair
8:00 a.m. Early worship
8:00 a.m. Infant/Toddler Nursery all morning
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages!
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
10:45 a.m. Children’s Worship
Monday
10:00 a.m. Prayer Quilter’s meeting
Tuesday
6:30 p.m. Divorce Recovery Support Group
Wednesday
9:00 a.m. Project Fresh
5:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Alive dinner
5:00 p.m. Cherub Choir Rehearsal
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Thursday
2:00 p.m. Masonic Pathways Tea
Friday – Sunday Men & Boy’s Retreat
Next Sunday
8:00 a.m. Early Worship
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages!
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
Michigan History, the state history magazine, tells of our church’s part in an inspiring chain of compassion that changed the lives of scores of Cambodian refugees and fellow parishioners. To read the full story, visit the church office or call Michigan History to purchase your own copy. The number is (800) 366-3703, or www.michiganhistorymagazine.com
SUNDAY SCHOOL IS COMING!
When: Sunday, September 11, 2005
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Who: All kids through 12th grade
I ask that you keep our Sunday School program in your prayers.
Kelly Masley
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2005
Booths will be set up in the parking lot immediately following the second
service showcasing our different areas of ministry. Hopefully by looking
at the information at these interesting booths you will find an area
(or areas!) where you feel like it will be a perfect fit for you to
become involved! Maybe you’re not sure about where you fit, then
why not try an area or project and if you discover it’s really
not your niche, move on to a different area when you’re finished!
Whatever the case, we’re sure there is a ministry project(s) that
each person can become involved in and claim ownership of it! Remember
the saying, “Many hands make light work!” Try it and see
how it fits!!!
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE RESUMES – September 7th!
Why not leave the cooking to someone else once a week, socialize with
friends during supper, and know that the children are properly supervised
in the ARK…and it happens every Wednesday night Dinner is served
from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The kid’s choirs rehearse at 5:00
p.m. and the Chancel Choir rehearses at 7:00 p.m. Childcare is available
all evening.
UMW NEWS
Come the 2nd Thurs. of the month. Have a great lunch, great fellowship
and hear a great speaker. $5.00 – in the parlor
Sept. 8 -- “A Seed is a Promise”
What did YOU do this summer? Reserve by (Tues., Sept. 6)
Central District Annual Celebration!
“Vessels of Mission – LOVE” International program:
“FEED THE CHILDREN” Thurs, Sept. 15, 9am – 3pm
Carson City UMC $8.00, reservations due Sept. 8
In-gathering: non-prescription medicines. DOVE award recipients will
be honored. For more information call Pam Eisenberger or Linda Darrow.
PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry
Prayer Quilts are currently being prepared for:
Hilda Kalush (Sandy Dunn’s aunt)
Erma LaPaugh
Don Miller
Please keep these people in your prayers.
BOWLING
How about a great time of Christian fellowship and bowling? An ALL-CHURCH
bowling league is being formed. Bowling will begin on Saturday September
10th at the 300 Bowl in Alma. The ending date of the league will be
early March. Cost, per bowler, last year was $8.50 and the fee this
year is expected to be the same (shoes included). For more information
pick up a team information form in the church lobby, or contact Larry
Koutz (989-268-5177).
DIVORCED ? SEPARATED?
FIND HELP AT DIVORCE CARE. Divorce Care is a special weekly seminar
and support group for people who are separated or divorced.
Seminar Topics include “What’s Happening to Me?”,
“The Road to Healing/Finding Help”, “Facing My Anger,
Depression and Loneliness”, “New Relationships”, “Forgiveness/Reconciliation”
and other pertinent topics related to Divorce/Separation. Bobbi Price
will be leading this support group and it will begin meeting at the
church on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. It is a 13 week cycle and you
can join at any time! If nursery care is needed please call the church
office ahead of time to make arrangements. For more information call
the office with your name & phone number and Bobbi will call you
back.
YEAH! PARSONAGE RENOVATIONS ARE COMPLETED! . .
. But we need YOUR help!
We have only paid one third of the total cost. Would you consider making
a contribution to help finish paying for this project? If this isn’t
paid for in full by November 1st, money will have to be borrowed to
pay for the project. Pledge/donation cards are available in the pews
or just mark your check or offering envelope for “Parsonage Renovation”.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
~ The Stewardship and Finance Committee
SOFTBALL
It was another great season for the AUMC softball team. As in the past,
we had some new faces, both young and “veteran”. We had
a lot of fun and fellowship and a very minimum of injuries. Some of
the younger kids who can’t play yet due to the age minimum, look
as if they will be very fine players when their time comes. By the way
– Matt, Morgan and Kyle – thanks for coaching third base
and being batboys for the team. A special thanks to Ray for taking care
of the team in my absences. Thanks to all who played and to those who
supported the team. We couldn’t have done it without you.
See you all next year,
Ed Massar
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SCHOOL CLOTHES NEEDED!
There is a local family who needs our help providing clothes for three
children. If you have any of the following items that are in good condition
or you feel you could purchase some of these items, please do so and
turn them into the office.
Child #1: pants size 30/30, baggy
shirts, t-shirts size large
boxer underwear size 32
shoe size 10 ½, socks size 10-13
Child #2: pants size 12, baggy
shirts, size boys large
boxer underwear size 12-14
shoe size 6, socks
Child #3: boys pants size 7
shirts, size 7 boys or medium
boxer underwear size 8
All three children need jackets and winter boots.
Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated!
HELP WANTED…
We have an opening for a director for our Junior Choir as well as an
accompanist. If you are interested, please see any Vision Team member:
Pastor Phil, Renee Hahn, Linda Darrow, Sandy Koch, Greg Mapes, Ray Francis
or Pat Wright.
“Hello Church Family!
Thanks for the pretty birthday card signed by so many of you. It did
just what it was supposed to do – lifted my spirits, strengthened
my faith and really brightened my day. Mission accomplished! The new
church directory helps put names and faces together. So many memories
– all good, beginning in 1940 when we moved to Alma and Rev. Byron
Hahn came to see us. So many changes in church and city since we came.
Good memories.
Thank you again,
Wilma Brown”
PLAN AHEAD ... 50th Annual Men & Boy’s
Retreat
Are you stressed out? Need a relaxing spiritual weekend close to God
and nature? Join us at our Annual Retreat on September 16–18,
2005 at Lake Louise for a Christian experience that will renew your
spirit.
The featured speaker this year is Dr. Randy Carlson, President of Family
Life Communications. Randy has written or co-authored five books, has
a Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology, and is a certified
Marriage and Family Therapist with over fifteen years in family counseling.
He and his wife Donna reside in Tucson, AZ and are the proud parents
of 3 children.
Music will be provided by Johnny Ray Watson who says, “Everything
I do, from planning the songs I sing to praying before I perform, is
aimed at moving people’s hearts closer to God.”
If you know a young man age 8 or over, bring him with you…or invite
a friend! Money is available to help cover the cost of any youth attending.
You’ll want to make your reservation early due to limited space.
For more information, contact Mark Hahn (620-4316).
ALTAR FLOWERS
Sept. 25 and the month of Oct. are some of the dates available if you
are interested in providing altar flowers in memory of or in honor of
someone, please call the church office (463-4305) and tell us. Another
way to remember or honor your loved one is to help sponsor students
at the Congo Seminary in Mulunguishi, Africa. Our congregation has been
supporting this vital mission ministry for a few years. If you choose
to participate in this way, the church has 4 different artificial flower
arrangements (seasonal) and we will place one of these arrangements
on the altar for that particular Sunday. The cost is $12.00 per Sunday
and the name(s) of the ones being honored or memorialized will be printed
in the Bulletin for the Sunday of your choice.
HELPFUL CHURCH TIMELINES
Messenger and Bulletin (weekly): Wednesday noon
Ambassador (monthly): the 15th of each month
LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS – Aug. 28th
Financial Receipts: $4,273.98
Attendance: 131
Some Financial Highlights:
Loose Offering $74.98
Unified Giving $3,677.00
Congo Seminary Scholarships $25.00
UMM Steak Dinner $229.00
Ministry Shares $105.00
All other donations $163.00
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY – Sept.
11th
Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21 (UMH 135); Exodus 14:19-31;
Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35
Bring your Bibles and follow along as the Scripture is read.
SPECIAL DATES
September 2005
Sept. 2-5 Family Camp at Lakeview Campgrounds
Sept. 5 Labor Day; Office Closed
Sept. 11 Sunday School kick-off
Sept. 11 Ministry Fair
Sept. 11 Grandparents Day and Patriot Day
Sept. 16-18 Men & Boy’s Retreat
Sept. 22 First Day of Autumn!
Sept. 25 “Come Thirsty” Kick-off
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PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PERSONS IN YOUR PRAYERS
Dorothy Nelson Jeanne Isaacson Don Brice
Wilma Brown Eileen Budge Grieta Elenbaas
Pat Breidinger Vesta Mapes Gordon Grant
Floyd Johnson Doris Walsh Nada Fleury
MaryLou Sommerville Dave Sommerville Diane Sparks
Victoria Elise Hamm Ardis Wolven
Please pray that the non-custodial parent of a couple of our church
children will have a change of heart and come to know Jesus as Lord
and Savior.
John Boals, Marilyn Smith’s father
Tracey Birdsall, sister of Renee Hahn
Rev. Dave Stout, Aldersgate UMC in Midland
Helen Hatchett, mother-in-law of Pat Wright’s daughter (cancer)
Bud Zerbe, father of Dave Zerbe.
Our entire Nation’s Leaders and those in the Armed Forces.
Leaders around the world.
OUR WEEK TOGETHER
Today
8:00 a.m. Early worship in the park
8:00 a.m. Infant/Toddler Nursery all morning
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
10:45 a.m. Children’s Worship
12:30 p.m. Sunday School training
Monday Labor Day; Office Closed
Wednesday
5:00 p.m. WNA resumes!
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Thursday
12:00 p.m. UMW Luncheon
Next Sunday Ministry Fair
8:00 a.m. Early Worship
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages!
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before
a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were
many cars ahead of him. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a
vacant pump. “Reverend,” said the young man, “I’m
sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last
minute to get ready for a long trip.” The minister chuckled, “I
know what you mean. It’s the same in my business.”
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WELCOME, REV. PAUL LONEY
We are delighted to have Rev. Paul Loney with us today to bring the
morning message. Paul is Midwest Regional Sales Manager at Garr Tool.
An ordained Baptist minister actively involved in the ministry of First
Church of God in Alma he does pulpit supply ministry in the Alma and
Mt. Pleasant area. Paul and Teri have 3 children and have lived in Alma
since 1987. Their son, Michael, is married and lives in Jenison, MI
with his wife, Annie and son, Michael, Jr. Please be sure to welcome
Rev. Loney this morning.
YEAH ! PARSONAGE RENOVATIONS ARE COMPLETED! .
. .
But we need YOUR help!
We have only paid one third of the total cost. Would you consider making
a contribution to help finish paying for this project? If this isn’t
paid for in full by November 1st, money will have to be borrowed to
pay for the project. Pledge/donation cards are available in the pews
or just mark your check or offering envelope for “Parsonage Renovation”.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
~ The Stewardship and Finance Committee
UMM STEAK DINNER
The annual summer steak dinner hosted by the United Methodist Men is
almost here! Plan to join us on Wednesday, August 24th, 5 – 7:30
p.m. for a delicious dinner that will be sure to please everyone’s
palate. You will have a choice of three different dinner menus and the
prices will be as follows: Steak dinner will be $9.00/person, Hamburger
or Brat dinner will be $5.00/person and a Hotdog dinner will be $2.00/person.
Weather permitting, it will be served outside in the church parking
lot. Please call the church office (463-4305) with your reservations.
Youth baked goods will also be available to purchase at the dinner.
Three-on-three basketball tournament (open to anyone) will be held at
the church during the steak dinner. At least one person on each team
must attend AUMC. Each participant must recite a Bible verse from memory
before they can play. Teams will be divided by age groups and teams
arriving after 5:00 p.m. will still be included. For more information
contact Mark Hahn.
PLAN AHEAD ... 50th ANNUAL MEN & BOYS RETREAT
Are you stressed out? Need a relaxing spiritual weekend close to God
and nature? Join us at our Annual Retreat on September 16–18,
2005 at Lake Louise for a Christian experience that will renew your
spirit.
The featured speaker this year is Dr. Randy Carlson, President of Family
Life Communications. Randy has written or co-authored five books, has
a Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology, and is a certified
Marriage and Family Therapist with over fifteen years in family counseling.
He and his wife Donna reside in Tucson, AZ and are the proud parents
of 3 children.
Music will be provided by Johnny Ray Watson who says, “Everything
I do, from planning the songs I sing to praying before I perform, is
aimed at moving people’s hearts closer to God.”
If you know a young man age 8 or over, bring him with you…or invite
a friend! Money is available to help cover the cost of any youth attending.
You’ll want to make your reservation early due to limited space.
For more information, contact Mark Hahn (620-4316).
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Attention Parents, teachers and those who are
interested in our Sunday School Program!!!
You are Invited!
What: “Hand’s On” Bible Curriculum Training
When: Sunday, August 28th
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 3:oo p.m.
Lunch is being provide by Ken & Luana Lemasters of The Main Café
and will be served following the 10:15 a.m. worship service. Childcare
will also be available.
Please R.S.V.P. to Kelly Masley by Sunday, August 21st. 466-2304
This program is not just for teachers but for parents and anyone wanting
to support our Sunday School program. Please put this date on your calendar
and plan on attending. In the mean time, I ask that you keep our Sunday
School program in your prayers.
Kelly Masley
PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry
Prayer Quilts are currently being prepared for:
Hilda Kalush (Sandy Dunn’s aunt)
Erma LaPaugh
Don Miller
Please keep these people in your prayers.
CONGRATULATIONS
On Saturday, August 20th, Gordon & Marilyn Hahn celebrated their
50th Wedding Anniversary!
Congratulations on reaching this milestone!
MORE CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to Erin Binger and Michael Harrier on the birth of Kylee
Ann Binger on July 18, 2005. She weighed in at 8 lb. 7 oz. and was 21
¼ inches long! She is welcomed home by big sister, Olivia, maternal
grandparents Terry & Gerry Binger and paternal grandparents John
& Erin Harrier.
BOWLING
How about a great time of Christian fellowship and bowling? An ALL-CHURCH
bowling league is being formed. Bowling will begin on Saturday September
10th at the 300 Bowl in Alma. The ending date of the league will be
early March. Cost, per bowler, last year was $8.50 and the fee this
year is expected to be the same (shoes included). For more information
pick up a team information form in the church lobby, or contact Larry
Koutz (989-268-5177).
SING TO THE LORD ALL THE EARTH!
The Chancel Choir will begin rehearsing for the 2005-2006 season on
August 24th and now would be a great time to join us. This choir sings
regularly at our 10:15 a.m. Sunday worship service and for special services
during the holidays. We welcome singers of all experience levels. We
sing, we learn, and we grow together musically and spiritually. Participation
in this choir is a unique opportunity for music ministry, fun &
fellowship.
The Chancel Choir will rehearse this season on Wednesday evenings from
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the church music room. Childcare will
be available. For more information contact Renee Hahn at 620-4317.
Labor Day Weekend at Lakeview Campground
If you can’t spend the whole weekend,
come spend the day on Monday, Sept. 5th!
Swim, go for a boat or paddleboat ride, or just plain relax in the sun. Potluck dinner @ 5:30 p.m. at our church campsite.
Directions: M-46 W to Hillman Rd. North on Hillman to Cutler Rd. Campground on the right side. Go to the stop sign inside the campground. Turn right at next corner and our campsites are across from the pavilion in Area 2.
DIVORCED ? SEPARATED?
FIND HELP AT DIVORCECARE. DivorceCare is a special weekly seminar and
support group for people who are separated or divorced. Seminar Topics
include “What’s Happening to Me?”, “The Road
to Healing/Finding Help”, “Facing My Anger, Depression and
Loneliness”, “New Relationships”, “Forgiveness/Reconciliation”
and other pertinent topics related to Divorce/Separation. Bobbi Price
will be leading this support group and it will begin meeting at the
church on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m. It is a 13 week cycle and you
can join at any time! For more information call the office with your
name/phone number and Bobbi will call you back.
ALTAR FLOWERS
Aug. 28, Sept. 4 and Sept. 25th are some of the dates available if you
are interested in providing altar flowers in memory of or in honor of
someone, please call the church office (463-4305) and tell us. Another
way to remember or honor your loved one is to help sponsor students
at the Congo Seminary in Mulunguishi, Africa. Our congregation has been
supporting this vital mission ministry for a few years. If you choose
to participate in this way, the church has 4 different artificial flower
arrangements (seasonal) and we will place one of these arrangements
on the altar for that particular Sunday. The cost is $12.00 per Sunday
and the name(s) of the ones being honored or memorialized will be printed
in the Bulletin for the Sunday of your choice.
HELPFUL CHURCH TIMELINES
Messenger and Bulletin (weekly): Wednesday noon
Ambassador (monthly): the 15th of each month
LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS – Aug. 14th
Financial Receipts: $5,026.05
Attendance: 97
Some Financial Highlights:
Loose Offering $113.00
Unified Giving $3,744.80
Congo Seminary Scholarships $100.00
Memorial $840.00
All other donations $228.25
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY –
August 28
Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c (UMH 828); Exodus 3:1-15;
Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16: 21-28
Bring your Bibles and follow along as the Scripture is read.
SPECIAL DATES
August 2005
Aug. 24 UMM Steak Fry
Aug. 24 Chancel Choir Rehearsals begin
Aug. 28 Sunday School teacher training
Aug. 29 School starts!
September 2005
Sept. 2-5 Family Camp at Lakeview Campgrounds
Sept. 5 Labor Day; Office Closed
Sept. 11 Sunday School kick-off
Sept. 16-18 Men & Boy’s Retreat
PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PERSONS IN YOUR PRAYERS
Dorothy Nelson
Jeanne Isaacson
Don Brice
Wilma Brown
Eileen Budge
Grieta Elenbaas
Pat Breidinger
Vesta Mapes
Bernice Boyer
Gordon Grant
Floyd Johnson
Doris Walsh
MaryLou Sommerville
Dave Sommerville
Diane Sparks
Victoria Elise
Hamm Ardis Wolven
Nada Fleury
Dennis Maloney at the passing of his mother
Please pray that the non-custodial parent of a couple of our church
children will have a change of heart and come to know Jesus as Lord
and Savior.
John Boals, Marilyn Smith’s father
Tracey Birdsall, sister of Renee Hahn
Rev. Dave Stout, Aldersgate UMC in Midland
Helen Hatchett, mother-in-law of Pat Wright’s daughter (cancer)
Bud Zerbe, father of Dave Zerbe.
Our entire Nation’s Leaders and those in the Armed Forces.
Leaders around the world.
OUR WEEK TOGETHER
Today
8:00 a.m. Early worship in the park
8:00 a.m. Infant/Toddler Nursery all morning
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
10:45 a.m. Children’s Worship
Tuesday
1:00 p.m. 3rd floor clean-up for Sunday School
7:00 p.m. Cub Scout organizational meeting
Wednesday
8:00 a.m. Project Fresh
5:00 p.m. UMM Steak Fry
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsals begin!
Thursday
6:00 p.m. 3rd floor clean-up for Sunday School
6:30 p.m. Vision Team
Next Sunday
8:00 a.m. Early Worship in the park
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
12:30 p.m. Sunday School teacher training
HELP! IT’S FALL AND
WE NEED TO CLEAN UP!
We need your help cleaning and organizing the 3rd floor to get ready
for fall Sunday School! We will be working on Tuesday, Aug. 23 from
1-4 p.m. and again on Thursday, Aug. 25 from 6-8 p.m. Even if you can’t
work the entire time, any amount of time you can give to this project
will be greatly appreciated!
Kelly Masley and Pat Wright
CONGO SEMINARY SCHOLARSHIPS
This money will be sent to the Mulungwishi Theological Seminary located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tuition and fees for students are $1500 per year for a family and $1000 per year for single students. This includes tuition at the seminary and women’s school, education for the children, medical care, housing and living expenses. The school was established in 1951 by the United Methodist Church to serve the church of the Congo. It also equips and sends missionaries to other African countries.
ANNUAL UMM STEAK DINNER
The annual summer steak dinner hosted by the United Methodist Men is
coming! Mark your calendar for Wednesday, August 24th from 5 –
7:30 p.m. for a delicious dinner that will be sure to please everyone’s
palate. You will have a choice of three different dinner menus and the
prices will be as follows: Steak dinner will be $9.00/person, Hamburger
or Brat dinner will be $5.00/person and a Hotdog dinner will be $2.00/person.
Weather permitting, it will be served outside in the church parking
lot. Please call the church office (463-4305) with your reservations.
For more information contact Mark Hahn.
YEAH ! PARSONAGE RENOVATIONS ARE COMPLETED! . . . But we need YOUR help!
We have only paid one third of the total cost. Would you consider making
a contribution to help finish paying for this project? If this isn’t
paid for in full by November 1st, money will have to be borrowed to
pay for the project. Pledge/donation cards are available in the pews
or just mark your check or offering envelope for “Parsonage Renovation”.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
~ The Finance Committee
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PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry
Prayer Quilts are currently being prepared for:
Hilda Kalush (Sandy Dunn’s aunt)
Erma LaPaugh
Don Miller
Please keep these people in your prayers.
BOWLING LEAGUE
How about a great time of Christian fellowship and bowling? An ALL-CHURCH
bowling league is being formed. Bowling will begin on Saturday September
10th at the 300 Bowl in Alma. The ending date of the league will be
early March. Cost, per bowler, last year was $8.50 and the fee this
year is expected to be the same (shoes included). For more information
pick up a team information form in the church lobby, or contact Larry
Koutz (989-268-5177).
Attention Parents, teachers and those who are interested in our Sunday
School Program!!!
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You are Invited!
What: “Hand’s On” Bible Curriculum Training
When: Sunday, August 28th
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 3:oo p.m.
Lunch is being provide by Ken & Luana Lemasters of The Main Café and will be served following the 10:15 a.m. worship service. Childcare will also be available.
Please R.S.V.P. to Kelly Masley by Sunday, August 21st. 466-2304
This program is not just for teachers but for parents and anyone wanting
to support our Sunday School program. Please put this date on your calendar
and plan on attending. In the mean time, I ask that you keep our Sunday
School program in your prayers.
Kelly Masley
Labor Day Weekend at Lakeview Campground
We have 10 sites in a circle this year!
Any size tent or camper/trailer ~ Cost is $75/site
Special events include a talent show, all camp potluck and all camp breakfast. Swimming, boating, fishing, biking and hiking, paddle boats, volleyball, tetherball, campfires and marshmellow smore’s…
Contact Renee Hahn ASAP to reserve your site!
SING TO THE LORD ALL THE EARTH!
The Chancel Choir will begin rehearsing for the 2005-2006 season on
August 24th and now would be a great time to join us. This choir sings
regularly at our 10:15 a.m. Sunday worship service and for special services
during the holidays. We welcome singers of all experience levels. We
sing, we learn, and we grow together musically and spiritually. Participation
in this choir is a unique opportunity for music ministry, fun &
fellowship.
The Chancel Choir will rehearse this season on Wednesday evenings from
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the church music room. Childcare will
be available. For more information contact Renee Hahn at 620-4317.
STEWARDSHIP
–The Bible says in Luke 16:10-11, “Whoever can be trusted
with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest
with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not
been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with
true riches?” This is a very important truth. God says there is
a direct relationship between how I use my money and the quality of
my spiritual life. How I manage my money (“worldly wealth”)
determines how much God can trust me with spiritual blessings (“true
riches”). Is the way you manage your money preventing God from
doing more in your life? Can you be trusted with spiritual riches? Have
you made your Giving Plan Covenant with God?
LINCOLN ROAD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
is hosting an
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
DATE: Thursday, August 18th
SERVING TIME: 4:30 – 7:00 p.m.
MENU: Homemade ice cream, Sloppy Joes, Potato chips, Dill pickles
Ice tea, Coffee, Water
Sponsored by the Lincoln Rd. United Methodist Men’s Croup
Proceeds towards church projects and help fund kids going to camp
PLAN AHEAD ... 50th ANNUAL MEN & BOYS RETREAT
Are you stressed out? Need a relaxing spiritual weekend close to God
and nature? Join us at our Annual Retreat on September 16–18,
2005 at Lake Louise for a Christian experience that will renew your
spirit.
The featured speaker this year is Dr. Randy Carlson, President of Family
Life Communications. Randy has written or co-authored five books, has
a Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology, and is a certified
Marriage and Family Therapist with over fifteen years in family counseling.
He and his wife Donna reside in Tucson, AZ and are the proud parents
of 3 children.
Music will be provided by Johnny Ray Watson who says, “Everything
I do, from planning the songs I sing to praying before I perform, is
aimed at moving people’s hearts closer to God.”
If you know a young man age 8 or over, bring him with you…or invite
a friend! Money is available to help cover the cost of any youth attending.
You’ll want to make your reservation early due to limited space.
For more information, contact Mark Hahn (620-4316).
ALTAR FLOWERS
Aug. 28, Sept. 4 and Sept. 11 are some of the dates available if you
are interested in providing altar flowers in memory of or in honor of
someone, please call the church office (463-4305) and tell us. Another
way to remember or honor your loved one is to help sponsor students
at the Congo Seminary in Mulunguishi, Africa. Our congregation has been
supporting this vital mission ministry for a few years. If you choose
to participate in this way, the church has 4 different artificial flower
arrangements (seasonal) and we will place one of these arrangements
on the altar for that particular Sunday. The cost is $12.00 per Sunday