August 6, 2006

Jesus said, “Anyone who comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37, NRSV). Our Lord welcomes each of us here today. Consider yourself warmly welcomed in the name of Christ.

“VEGGIE TALES” ARE COMING!!

When: August 14-18, 2006

Where: Alma United Methodist Church

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon

For more information contact Miah Pavlik at 681-3528

Plan to attend and bring a friend!

The annual summer steak dinner hosted by the UMM is coming this summer! Mark your calendar for Thursday, August 24th from 5 – 7:30 p.m. for a delicious dinner that will be sure to please everyone’s palate. Weather permitting, it will be served outside in the church parking lot.

SHARING IN MINISTRY - A Word from the West Michigan Conference
As United Methodists, we believe that every person has valuable gifts and graces that make a difference in the world. We also know that by working together, we can accomplish much more than we can alone. That is part of the reason we participate in what we call a "connectional church" structure. A portion of offerings given at the local church level are shared for ministry in the world.
For a variety of reasons, some churches are paying less than their full share, and ministries are being affected. The West Michigan Conference Council on Finance and Administration has reduced budgeted expenditures by 15% for 2006 based on actual ministry share receipts, which were at 37% of budget at the end of June. This is almost 2 percentage points lower than last year, with churches contributing 5% fewer dollars toward our shared ministry than in the first half of 2005.
So what is affected? It is not “just overhead!” Because of the generous giving of United Methodists in West Michigan , thousands of young people develop a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ through our camping program, Christian Education grants, youth and campus ministries, and community outreach programs. New churches are planted. A ministry of welcome is extended to God’s children who are new immigrants to our country. Our Native American churches share the Good News in their communities through annual camp meetings. Churches are led in biblically-based and prayerful visioning and planning that shapes ministry for years to come. Support is available for education, supervision, and faithful administration. And this is just a partial list of ministries within our own conference. Our shared ministry reaches throughout the world!
During uncertain times - economically, ideologically, and spiritually - we stand on the solid foundation of Christ, and the world watches. What message will we send? Support your church’s ministry share payments, and encourage your church leadership to pay at 100% or higher. Let us all be “ministry messengers” that show an abiding commitment to a family that extends to the ends of the earth.

DIVORCE CARE
DivorceCare will not meet during the month of August. Watch the Messenger for fall start-up dates.

Adult Sunday School Facilitator
There is a need for an individual, or team of individuals, to coordinate the Adult Sunday School Class. The class meets on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the conference room. The fall class is scheduled to begin on September 10th. If you are interested, or know someone who may be interested, contact Beverly in the church office (463-4305).

Junior Choir Director
There is a need for a Junior Choir Director (3rd through 7th grades). If you would be interested in working with this group of children, or know of someone who may be interested, contact Beverly in the church office (463-4305).

Fellowship Time Coordinator
The Lighthouse of the Alma United Methodist Church is in need of an individual, or team of individuals, to coordinate the Sunday Morning Fellowship Time. Each Sunday volunteers provide and set-up the snacks in the church parlor for the congregation to enjoy while enjoying the fellowship of other members of the congregation. If you would be interested in coordinating the Sunday Morning Fellowship Time, or know of someone who may be interested, call Beverly in the church office (463-4305).

Fellowship Time
The Lighthouse of the Alma United Methodist Church is in the process of developing a schedule of volunteers for the months of September through December. If you would like to host the Sunday morning Fellowship Time on a specific day, please call the church office (463-4305) to let us know when you would like to volunteer.

Chancel Choir and Methodist Musicians Family
Kick-off potluck
Sunday August 27th 6pm
Mark and Renee Hahn’s
RSVP to Renee please ?

The Chancel Choir will rehearse this season beginning August 30th, 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. Email: renee@almaumc.com or cell phone 620-4317.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE
WNA will resume on Wednesday, September 6th! Plan to take the night off from cooking and eat supper with your church family!

UMW NEWS
UMW Executive Board will not meet during August.
Monthly luncheon will not be held in August. Be sure to put Thurs., Sept. 14, on your calendar now and plan to attend our first luncheon of the season!

51st 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 15–17, 2006 at Lake Louise for a Christian experience that will renew your spirit.
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. For more information, contact Mark Hahn (620-4316).

PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry
There is one Prayer Quilt to be tied today:
Kim Cummings – Prayers are requested for Kim who is fighting cancer.
Prayer quilts are being prepared for:

• Ray Kley
• Jerry Ceja
• Kali Pung
• Mary Garringer
• Sara Olson

Please keep all of these people in your prayers.

If you would like to request a Prayer Quilt, call Beverly in the church office or Julia Rice at 463-3814.

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.

The American Cancer Society
Gratiot County Relay For Life
August 11th-12th 3pm-3pm
St.Louis High School Track
August 11th Luminary Ceremony at Dusk
August 12th Cancer Survivor & Caregiver Celebration @ 11a.m.
For more information contact Jayne Norris at 989-466-9052
COMMUNION TABLE FLOWERS
August 13, 20, 27 and Sept. 3rd are some of the available dates if you are interested in providing flowers in memory of or in honor of someone. 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. 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. Feel free to take the flower arrangement home with you after the 2nd service. Please call the church office (463-4305) if you would like to participate in this ministry.

HELPFUL CHURCH TIMELINES
Messenger and Bulletin (weekly): Wednesday noon
Ambassador (monthly): the 15th of each month

LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS – July 30, 2006
Financial Receipts: $3,505.33
Attendance: 126
Some Financial Highlights:
Loose Offering $53.93
Unified Giving $3,004.00*
Ministry Shares $80.00
Salvation Army $40.00
Memorial $250.00
Other $77.40

*The finance and stewardship team would like you to know we need to average $4,300 per week in Unified Giving to meet this year’s projected expenses.

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY – August 13, 2006
Psalms 130 (UMH 848); 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33;
Ephesians 4:25-5:2; John 6:35, 41-51
Bring your Bibles and follow along as the Scripture is read.
SPECIAL DATES
August 2006
Aug. 13 Special Offering: Congo Seminary Scholarships
Aug. 14-18 Vacation Bible School
Aug. 24 UMM Annual Steak Dinner
September 2006
Sept. 1-4 Family Camp
Sept. 4 Labor Day
Sept. 5 First day back-to-school!
Sept. 6 WNA begins
Sept. 10 Sunday School kick-off!
Sept. 14 UMW luncheon
Sept. 15-17 Men & Boy’s Retreat
Sept. 24 Pre-Sunday for “40 Days of Community”

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PERSONS IN YOUR PRAYERS
(Names in bold are new additions)
Jeanne Isaacson Wilma Brown Grieta Elenbaas
Pat Breidinger Vesta Mapes Gordon & Dorothy Grant
Doris Walsh Evelyn Slates Pat Wright
Betty Peters Jack & Barbara Bird
Kali Pung-swimming accident
Jana Vetere- critically ill in hospital (daughter of Edna Walling)
George Nama – brother of Sandy Dunn, struggling with cancer
“Buzz” Meihls – husband of Jan Harris Meihls (former member of AUMC) who has been diagnosed with a tumor on his lungs
Robert Rasinski – son-in-law of Joyce Marcy
Beryl Scramlin, brother of Leona Harrell
Jim & Mary Hicks and their extended family
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.
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

9:00 a.m. Early worship in the park
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
2:00 p.m. Sign Language Class

Monday

10:00 a.m. Prayer’s & Squares Quilt Group
5:00 p.m. Women’s Aid

Tuesday

6:30 p.m. Softball game

Thursday

2:30 p.m. Prayer’s & Squares Quilt Group

Next Sunday

9:00 a.m. Early worship in the park
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship

July 30, 2006

May God’s Holy Spirit touch each of us today and inspire us to extend our hands in friendship to one another.

“VEGGIE TALES” ARE COMING!!

When: August 14-18, 2006

Where: Alma United Methodist Church

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon

For more information contact Miah Pavlik at 681-3528

Plan to attend and bring a friend!

For: Jenefer Sanderson

When: Sunday, August 13

Where: Michigan Masonic Pathways

(room below the chapel)

Please RSVP to Sue Sanderson at 463-4149 by Friday, Aug. 4th!

AFRICAN CHILDREN’S CHOIR UPDATE

African Children’s Choir Concert last month was a great success, despite the intense heat and humidity! Thank you to all the families who hosted the kids and chaperones overnight after the concert, to all the members of our congregation who helped make the concert happen by being ushers, greeters, set-up and tear-down, meal preparation and clean-up, and of course, all those who attended the concert! With all the happenings in Alma that week, attendance was down from our own people, but the sanctuary was comfortably full with over 2/3 of the attendees being from the community. One family even came from Midland because ‘mom’ had served as a volunteer with previous choirs several years ago! The freewill offering raised just over $1700 and this money goes to support the total ministry of the African Children’s Choir, making a significant difference in the lives of children in Africa who have suffered the loss of one or both parents due to aids or other disease. It is our goal to bring the African Children’s Choir to our congregation every time they are in Michigan – every 2 or 3 years. If you want more information on the ministry of this organization, flyers are located on the tables in the narthex or by the office.

SOFTBALL SCHEDULE

Mon. July 31 7:50 p.m.

Tues. Aug. 8 6:30 p.m.

The annual summer steak dinner hosted by the UMM is coming this summer! Mark your calendar for Thursday, August 24th from 5 – 7:30 p.m. for a delicious dinner that will be sure to please everyone’s palate. Weather permitting, it will be served outside in the church parking lot.

DIVORCE CARE

DivorceCare will not meet during the month of August. Watch the Messenger for fall start-up dates.

BABY BOTTLE BOOMERANG!

You can still turn your baby bottle in to the church office. The total amount received thus far is $500.35! Thank you for supporting this ministry both financially and prayerfully.

SUMMER CAMPS

Following is a list of students from our church who have participated in camps offered through our local church and church conference. A big thank you to each person who had a part in any way that allowed these young people to attend something that is spiritually rewarding in a fun setting!

Work Camp- Walpole Island, Ontario

Melissa Armstrong Kallei Mapes

Tom Finn Michael Finn Miah Pavlik Rachel Friedrick Tara TenHave Ethan Rice Willie Harrison Chelsea Holmes Aaron Hahn

Ryan Rogers Sara Oman

Senior High Camp-(Lake Louise) Boyne Falls, MI

Becky Friedrick Rachel Friedrick Miah Pavlik

Lindsey Rentfrow

ACT I – (Wesley Woods) Dowling, MI

Evan Masley Jacob Adams

Christian in “Extreme” Action – (Wesley Woods) Dowling, MI

Ariana Borrello Emily Masley Kyle Hahn

We will not be having Children’s Sunday School classes during the month of August. We will kick-off our fall Sunday School program on Sunday, September 10! Be watching for more information. Hope to see you there!

Chancel Choir and Methodist Musicians Family

Kick-off potluck

Sunday August 27th 6pm

Mark and Renee Hahn’s

RSVP to Renee please ?

The Chancel Choir will rehearse this season beginning August 30th, 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. Email: renee@almaumc.com or cell phone 620-4317.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE

WNA will resume on Wednesday, September 6th! Plan to take the night off from cooking and eat supper with your church family!

UMW NEWS

UMW Executive Board will not meet during August.

Monthly luncheon will not be held in August. Be sure to put Thurs., Sept. 14, on your calendar now and plan to attend our first luncheon of the season!

51st 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 15–17, 2006 at Lake Louise for a Christian experience that will renew your spirit.

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. For more information, contact Mark Hahn (620-4316).

PRAYER MINISTRY

PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry

There is one Prayer Quilt to be tied today:
Buzz Meihls - Please pray for Buzz who is struggling with severe emphysema.

Prayer Quilts are being prepared for:

Kim Cummings

Ray Kley

Jerry Ceja

Please keep all these people in your prayers.

If you would like to request a Prayer Quilt, call Beverly in the church office or Julia Rice at 463-3814.

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.

A PRAYER FOR HUMILITY

Lord, I know that Jesus was humble and stooped to serve those in need, even washing his disciples feet. Please keep me from being so prideful and self-centered that I fail to be a humble servant of Christ. Pierce my spirit until I am deflated of all sinful pride and the desire for others to serve me instead of exercising loving service in Christ’s name. Amen.

COMMUNION TABLE FLOWERS

August 13, 20, 27 and Sept. 3rd are some of the available dates if you are interested in providing flowers in memory of or in honor of someone. 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. 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. Feel free to take the flower arrangement home with you after the 2nd service. Please call the church office (463-4305) if you would like to participate in this ministry.

HELPFUL CHURCH TIMELINES

Messenger and Bulletin (weekly): Wednesday noon

Ambassador (monthly): the 15th of each month

LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS – July 23, 2006

Financial Receipts: $2,955.50

Attendance: 116

Some Financial Highlights:

Loose Offering $86.00

Unified Giving $1,518.00*

United Methodist Women $100.00

Pasties $35.00

African Children’s Choir $1,065.85

Other $150.65

*The finance and stewardship team would like you to know we need to average $4,300 per week in Unified Giving to meet this year’s projected expenses.

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY – August 6, 2006

Psalms 51:1-12 (UMH 785); 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a;

Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:24-35

Bring your Bibles and follow along as the Scripture is read.

SPECIAL DATES

August 2006

Aug. 13 Special Offering: Congo Seminary Scholarships

Aug. 14-18 Vacation Bible School

Aug. 24 UMM Annual Steak Dinner

September 2006

Sept. 1-4 Family Camp

Sept. 4 Labor Day

Sept. 5 First day back-to-school!

Sept. 6 WNA begins

Sept. 10 Sunday School kick-off!

Sept. 14 UMW luncheon

Sept. 15-17 Men & Boy’s Retreat

Sept. 24 Pre-Sunday for “40 Days of Community”

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PERSONS IN YOUR PRAYERS

(Names in bold are new additions)

Jeanne Isaacson Wilma Brown Grieta Elenbaas

Pat Breidinger Vesta Mapes Gordon & Dorothy Grant

Doris Walsh Evelyn Slates Pat Wright

Betty Peters Jack & Barbara Bird

Kali Pung-swimming accident

Jana Vetere- critically ill in hospital (daughter of Edna Walling)

George Nama – brother of Sandy Dunn, struggling with cancer

“Buzz” Meihls – husband of Jan Harris Meihls (former member of AUMC) who has been diagnosed with a tumor on his lungs

Robert Rasinski – son-in-law of Joyce Marcy

Beryl Scramlin, brother of Leona Harrell

Jim & Mary Hicks and their extended family

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.

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

9:00 a.m. Early worship in the park

10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship

2:00 p.m. Sign Language Class

Monday

10:00 a.m. Prayer’s & Squares Quilt Group

5:00 p.m. Women’s Aid

7:50 p.m. Softball game

Wednesday

9:00 a.m. “Project Fresh”

Thursday

2:30 p.m. Prayer’s & Squares Quilt Group

Next Sunday

9:00 a.m. Early worship in the park

10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship

Frozen pasties for sale!

$4.00 each or three for $10.00

They are in the freezer in the kitchen and envelopes have been provided (on freezer door) for payment.

Thank you for your support of the youth work camp. ?

July 16, 2006

We warmly greet each of you in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Welcome to all!

BABY BOTTLE BOOMERANG!

You can still turn your baby bottle in to the church office. The total amount received thus far is $497.30! Thank you for supporting this ministry both financially and prayerfully.

LUGNUTS TAILGATE PARTY & BASEBALL GAME

Saturday, July 29 ~ 7:00 p.m.

Have you registered with the office yet?!!

Leave church at 4:30 p.m. and set-up for tailgate party near park. Please call the church office to reserve your seats ASAP.

(tickets: $8.00 each)!

SOFTBALL SCHEDULE

Tues. July 18 6:30 p.m.

July 24 no game/off week

Mon. July 31 7:50 p.m.

Tues. Aug. 8 6:30 p.m.

The annual summer steak dinner hosted by the UMM is coming this summer! Mark your calendar for Thursday, August 24th from 5 – 7:30 p.m. for a delicious dinner that will be sure to please everyone’s palate. Weather permitting, it will be served outside in the church parking lot.

DIVORCE CARE

Divorce Care is a support group for people who are separated or divorced. Bobbi Price leads this support group and it meets at the church (in the ARK) on Tuesdays, at 6:30 p.m. May 2nd – July 25th. The topic for Tuesday, July 18th, will be “Reconciliation”. 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.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Isabella Poquiz, along with her parents Chol and Jimson, welcomed Paolo Poquiz on Wednesday, July 12. He arrived weighing in at 7 lbs. 7 oz. and mom and Paola are doing well.

Jonah Falder, along with his parents Traci & Mike, welcomed Lydia Falder on Wednesday, July 12. She arrived weighing in at 7 lb. 11 oz. and mom and Lydia are also doing well.

Welcome to these new little ones!

MAC 3 SCHEDULE

AUMC has begun video-taping of the service on Sunday mornings. The following is a schedule of the days you can watch it the following week.

i.e. This Sunday, 7-16, will be available for viewing on Thursday, 7-20, at 4 p.m. and on the following Friday and Sunday at 9 a.m., and both 9:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. (respectively).

Thursday’s @ 4 p.m.
Friday’s @ 9 a.m.
Sunday’s 9:30 a.m.
Sunday’s @ 9:30 p.m.
ANOTHER BURNING BUSH

A church youth group in Arizona went to New Mexico to fix up homes for low-income Native-Americans. When they returned, one of the teenage boys spoke during a worship service. He told the congregation about the good the group had done, but he also told about a unique spiritual experience that he’d had.

The group had held vespers outdoors each day as the sun set. One day as dusk approached, he noticed a dead bush that seemed to demand his attention. He was fascinated because the bush glowed as though it had a large glistening ruby in its branches. For him it was an epiphany, a unique memorable revelation of the presence of God. It was a spiritual event that burned deeply into his spirit.

From a burning bush, God once summoned Moses to do his bidding. Like Moses, this boy experienced something special. His heart and mind were open to the call. Are we prepared to notice burning bushes along life’s way?

PRAYER MINISTRY

PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry

There are three Prayer Quilts to be tied today:

Art Meyer – Prayers are requested for Art, the father of Lisa Seelye, principal at St. Mary’s school. Art is a paraplegic who is suffering with complications from diabetes.

The Cubberley’s – Prayers are requested for Mark, Carrie, Lauren & Holden as they settle into their new home in Ohio.

Brandon Sharpe – Prayers are requested for Brandon, an 11 year-old from Maple Rapids who has leukemia and complications with blood clots and seizures.

Prayer quilts are being prepared for:

Kim Cummings
Ray Kley
Jerry Ceja
Please keep all of these people in your prayers.

If you would like to request a Prayer Quilt, call Beverly in the church office or Julia Rice at 463-3814.

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.

COMMUNION TABLE FLOWERS

July 30th and the month of August is available if you are interested in providing flowers in memory of or in honor of someone. 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. 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. Feel free to take the flower arrangement home with you after the 2nd service. Please call the church office (463-4305) if you would like to participate in this ministry.

HELPFUL CHURCH TIMELINES

Messenger and Bulletin (weekly): Wednesday noon

Ambassador (monthly): the 15th of each month

LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS – July 9, 2006

Financial Receipts: $2,448.26

Attendance: 125

Some Financial Highlights:

Loose Offering $89.00

Unified Giving $2,076.00*

Pregnancy Service…Baby Bottles $32.15

Salvation Army Special Offering $140.00

Memorial $60.00

Other $51.11

*The finance and stewardship team would like you to know we need to average $4,300 per week in Unified Giving to meet this year’s projected expenses.

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY – July 23, 2006

Psalms 89:20-37 (UMH 807); 2 Samuel 7:1-14a;

Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56

Bring your Bibles and follow along as the Scripture is read.

SPECIAL DATES

July 2006

July 16-22 Senior High Camp

July 29 Lugnuts game & tailgate party

August 2006

August 24 UMM Annual Steak Dinner

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PERSONS IN YOUR PRAYERS

(Names in bold are new additions)

Jeanne Isaacson Wilma Brown Grieta Elenbaas

Pat Breidinger Vesta Mapes Gordon Grant

Doris Walsh Evelyn Slates Pat Wright

Victoria Elise Hamm Betty Peters Jack & Barbara Bird Harold Brock

Audrey Johnson and family, at the passing of Floyd Johnson

George Nama – brother of Sandy Dunn, struggling with cancer

“Buzz” Meihls – husband of Jan Harris Meihls (former member of AUMC) who has been diagnosed with a tumor on his lungs

Robert Rasinski – son-in-law of Joyce Marcy

Beryl Scramlin, brother of Leona Harrell

Jim & Mary Hicks and their extended family

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.

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

9:00 a.m. Early worship in the park

10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship

2:00 p.m. Sign Language Class

Monday

10:00 a.m. Prayer’s & Squares Quilt Group

5:00 p.m. Women’s Aid

Tuesday

6:30 p.m. Divorce Care

6:30 p.m. Softball game

Wednesday

9:00 a.m. “Project Fresh”

Next Sunday

9:00 a.m. Early worship in the park

10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship

Frozen pasties for sale!

$4.00 each or three for $10.00

They are in the freezer in the kitchen and envelopes have been provided (on freezer door) for payment.

Thank you for your support of the youth work camp.

July 9, 2006

Realizing that each of us has times of loneliness or alienation, let us greet one another with the assurance that God’s love is present for us all. Welcome, friends.

AFRICAN CHILDREN’S CHOIR
IN CONCERT
JULY 14, 2006 ~ 6:30 P.M.

The African Children's Choir is an ambassador for all children in Africa who have become orphans because of the AIDS pandemic. They are their voice to the rest of the world.

The African Children’s Choir is comprised of children ages seven to eleven. Many of the children in the Choir, have lost one or both parents to poverty or disease.

The African Children’s Choir performs throughout the world bringing hope and joy to everyone they meet while shining the spotlight on the plight of children in Africa.

Your financial gifts to the African Children's Choir™ help support the ongoing delivery of Choir programs thereby allowing new Choirs to tour each year and past Choir members to enter into our care and education programs.

Invite your friends and neighbors. No admission fee; a free will offering will be taken for the choir.

BABY BOTTLE BOOMERANG!
You can still turn your baby bottle in to the church office. The total amount received thus far is $465.15! Thank you for supporting this ministry both financially and prayerfully.

LUGNUTS TAILGATE PARTY & BASEBALL GAME
Saturday, July 29 ~ 7:00 p.m.
Leave church at 4:30 p.m. and set-up for tailgate party near park. Please call church to reserve your seats ASAP.
(tickets: $8.00 each)!

SOFTBALL SCHEDULE
Mon. July 10 7:50 p.m.
Tues. July 18 6:30 p.m.
July 24 no game/off week Mon. July 31 7:50 p.m.
Tues. Aug. 8 6:30 p.m.

The annual summer steak dinner hosted by the UMM is coming this summer! Mark your calendar for Thursday, August 24th from 5 – 7:30 p.m. for a delicious dinner that will be sure to please everyone’s palate. Weather permitting, it will be served outside in the church parking lot.

DIVORCE CARE
Divorce Care is a support group for people who are separated or divorced. Bobbi Price leads this support group and it meets at the church (in the ARK) on Tuesdays, at 6:30 p.m. May 2nd – July 25th. The topic for Tuesday, July 11th, will be “Forgiveness”. 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.
Alma Community Center Enrichments for July

A WEEK AT CAMP RIGHT HERE AT HOME
Camp Counselors: Susan Smoker and Amanda Huff
Dates: July 17-20 Time: 9:30a.m.-11:30 a.m. Cost: $30 Ages: 6-11
Monday: Board Game Day Tuesday: Craft Day Wednesday: Outdoor Games
Thursday: Indoor Games
If you like camp but don’t want to be away all day, come join us for some fun and games. We will provide a snack each day.

BEGINNING YOGA FOR TWEENS Instructor: Rachel Friedrick
Dates: July 10, 13, 24,31 Time: 11:00-Noon Cost: $12 Ages: 10-13
Want to try out yoga! Bring your friends for a relaxing time of stretching, basic postures and relaxation. Feel good about yourself and the world around you.

BIRD BANDING Instructor: Mike Bishop
Dates: Tuesday, July 18 Time: 7:30 a.m. - Noon Cost: $5.00/ind.-$20.00/fam.
Would you and your family like to spend a Saturday morning looking at wild birds up close and maybe even touch or hold one? If so, enroll in family bird watching. Families with children of all ages are encouraged to spend a morning with a licensed biologist who will point out wild birds in the field and identify their calls and songs. We will safely capture some birds to observe up close and then release them unharmed. Participants are welcome to bring binoculars, but it is not necessary. If there is bad weather, we will postpone the session for a later date.

CULTURAL EXPLORATIONS CAMP Instructor: Carajane Bott
Dates: July 25, 26, August 1,2 Time: 9:00 a.m.-Noon Cost: $10 Ages: Grades 5-7
Explore Latin America through a variety of crafts, music, games, cooking and trivia. Participants will being making salsa, rice pudding, sweet potato candy and more. Crafts will include maracas out of paper mache, tissue paper flowers and more. This will be a class where everyone will get to explore their creative side while learning about a different region of the world. Maximum 15 students

INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT WORD Instructor: Susan Smoker
Dates: July 18, 19 25, 26 Times: 10:00-11:00 Cost: $20
This class starts from the beginning. Participants will learn to create, edit, print and save documents. They will also learning cutting and pasting, understand how to use different fonts, and recognize the tools in the toolbar. We will work to the pace of the class.
JUMP, SHOUT and STUNT CAMP Instructor: Jessica Kennett
Dates: Saturdays, July 15, 22 Times: 9:00-11:00 Cost: $20 Ages: 6-8
Have fun learning cheerleader style jumps, cheers and stunts. This 2 day workshop will build to a small performance for parents at the end of the day on the second Saturday. So go, Go, GO get registered for this fun class for kids.

LEGOS MAINIA II Instructor: Ginna Holmes
Dates: July 24-27 Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m. Cost: $25 Grades:
Have fun building with LEGOS using the Academy of Engineering LEGO Lab. Participants will learn building, architecture, and engineering principles

PARENT & CHILD CREATIVE MOVEMENT CLASS
Instructor: Sheryle Dixon, Ph.D.
Dates: July 10, 17, 24, 31 Time: 10:00– 10:30 a.m. Cost: $40(6 weeks) Ages: 2-4
Sheryle Dixon has taught creative dance programs for ten years and has written two books about creative movement. She will help you and your child have fun while learning about body, space, tempo, weight, and how to move with partners and groups. Activities will include moving to music, stories, fun with pictures and instruments, and more. This is a great way to develop motor skills and communication. Maximum 10

SUMMER PARKS PROGRAM Parks Director: Eric Huff
Dates: July 10-13 and July 17-20 Time: Noon-4:00 Cost: $45
Enjoy games, swimming, crafts and more at Wright Avenue Park. Themes include Crazy Clothes Week and Holiday week.

SURVIVAL FOR KIDS Instructor: Eric Huff
Dates: July 10-13 Time: 9:00-10:30 a.m. Cost: $30 Ages: 8-12
How do you think you would fare in a survival situation? Could you forage for food and purify water? Campers will learn how to survive using the skills like making a shelter, orienteering, purifying water and how to find food/nourishment. Campers should were clothes and shoes that can get dirty or wet.

UNIQUE CERAMICS – For Adults Instructor: Pat Allen
Dates: July 17 and 24 Times: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost: $30
Teacher is coming from Unique Ceramics to demonstrate basic painting techniques. Choose from large yard bunnies, garden rocks or lighted art stones. A great way to brighten up your garden.

Please call 466-7539 or stop by the Alma Community Center, 301 N. Court St., Alma, MI 48801 to register.

PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry
We are preparing Prayer Quilts for the following:

Art Meyer - Art is the father of Lisa Seelye, the principal at St. Mary's school. He is suffering with complications from diabetes.

Kim Cummings - Kim is a friend of Debbie Beech who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Ray Kley - Ray is a friend of Ray Francis and is battling cancer.
Please keep each of these people in your prayers.

If you would like to request a Prayer Quilt, call Beverly in the church office or Julia Rice at 463-3814.

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.

“To the Alma United Methodist Church –
Words cannot express what the beautiful Prayer Quilt means to me each day. Through the knots that were tied are a great reminder of God’s love and prayers that are being said for me. May God bless everyone of you.
Thank you again ~ Love,
Frances Myers” (cousin of Esther Stewart)

COMMUNION TABLE FLOWERS
July 30th and the month of August is available if you are interested in providing flowers in memory of or in honor of someone. 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. 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. Feel free to take the flower arrangement home with you after the 2nd service. Please call the church office (463-4305) if you would like to participate in this ministry.

HELPFUL CHURCH TIMELINES
Messenger and Bulletin (weekly): Wednesday noon
Ambassador (monthly): the 15th of each month

LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS – July 2, 2006
Financial Receipts: $5,513.45
Attendance:
Some Financial Highlights:
Loose Offering $37.00
Unified Giving $3,809.87*
Youth Work Camp $1,576.00
Summer Church Camp $30.00
Confirmation Camp $60.58

*The finance and stewardship team would like you to know we need to average $4,300 per week in congregational giving to meet this year’s projected expenses.

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY – July 16, 2006
Psalms 24 (UMH 755); 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19;
Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6: 14-29
Bring your Bibles and follow along as the Scripture is read.
SPECIAL DATES
July 2006
July 14 African Children’s Choir concert
July 16-22 Senior High Camp
July 29 Lugnuts game & tailgate party

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PERSONS IN YOUR PRAYERS
(Names in bold are new additions)
Jeanne Isaacson Wilma Brown Grieta Elenbaas
Pat Breidinger Vesta Mapes Gordon Grant
Floyd Johnson Doris Walsh Evelyn Slates
Pat Wright Victoria Elise Hamm Betty Peters
Jack & Barbara Bird Harold Brock
Audrey Johnson and family, at the passing of Floyd Johnson
Robert Rasinski – son-in-law of Joyce Marcy
Beryl Scramlin, brother of Leona Harrell
Jim & Mary Hicks and their extended family
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.
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

9:00 a.m. Early worship in the park
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
2:00 p.m. Sign Language Class

Monday

10:00 a.m. Prayer’s & Squares Quilt Group
5:00 p.m. Women’s Aid

Tuesday

6:30 p.m. Divorce Care

Next Sunday

9:00 a.m. Early worship in the park
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship

June 25, 2006

“I will welcome you, and I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:17-18, NRSV). We have gathered together as the family of God. We welcome everyone!

BABY BOTTLE BOOMERANG!

If you haven’t turned your “baby bottle” in yet, please turn it in to the church office asap. Thank you for supporting this ministry both financially and prayerfully.

YOUTH WORK CAMP – JUNE 25TH – JULY 1ST

Following is a list of the students and the adults who are going on this mission trip to Walpole Island, Ontario, Canada. We ask for your prayers for their needs (physical, spiritual, emotional and financial) as they leave today for this ministry opportunity.

Melissa Armstrong, Michael Finn, Tom Finn, Rachel Friedrick, Aaron Hahn, Willie Harrison, Chelsea Holmes, Kallei Mapes, Sara Oman, Miah Pavlik, Ethan Rice, Ryan Rogers, Tara TenHave

Adults: Janel Lemasters, Pastor Phil, Tom Armstrong

LUGNUTS TAILGATE PARTY & BASEBALL GAME
Saturday, July 29 ~ 7:00 p.m.
Leave church at 4:30 p.m. and set-up for tailgate party near park. Please call church to reserve your seats ASAP.
(tickets: $8.00 each)!

SOFTBALL SCHEDULE
Mon. June 26 6:30 p.m.
Mon. July 10 7:50 p.m.
Tues. July 18 6:30 p.m.
July 24 no game/off week
Mon. July 31 7:50 p.m.
Tues. Aug. 8 6:30 p.m.

The annual summer steak dinner hosted by the UMM is coming this summer! Mark your calendar for Thursday, August 24th from 5 – 7:30 p.m. for a delicious dinner that will be sure to please everyone’s palate. Weather permitting, it will be served outside in the church parking lot.

DIVORCED? SEPARATED? FIND HELP AT DIVORCE CARE. Divorce Care is a special 13 week seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced. Bobbi Price leads this support group and it meets at the church (in the ARK) on Tuesdays, at 6:30 p.m. May 2nd – July 25th. The topic for Tuesday, June 27th will be “KidCare”. 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.

“Dear friends, Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. They mean so much to us. The quilts and flowers were appreciated and enjoyed. Prayerfully yours, Barbara & Jack Bird”

“Dear U.M.C. Family: Your thoughtfulness is appreciated. Thank you so much for the beautiful prayer quilt!! I love it. God has bless me with so many wonderful people – some I know and some I don’t. May God bless your ministry as you continue to minister to others. Thank you, Karla Murray”

“To all my friends and family at Alma United Methodist Church, When I opened the package with the lovely Prayer Quilt it was as if God wrapped his arms around me and said, “there, there, I have told you that I loved you and would take care of you but you seemed to need reassurance like this. Now, go out and find ways to help others as these folks have helped you.” I will always cherish the thoughts and prayers that made up my quilt and keep them in my heart forever. Remember the peace and tranquility you have sent to me and always be happy. Thank you so very much. God Bless you all. Most sincerely,Lillian” (Pastor Phil’s aunt)

FUSSY PEOPLE
Did you ever wonder if among the thousands of people fed by Jesus with just a few fish and five loaves of bread, there were some who complained about finding bones in the fish and lumps in the bread? Some people seem unable to be happy about anything. There may be truth to the notion that those who spend their energy being grouchy all day, always barking about something, are very likely to be dog-tired at night. The book of James has a lesson for us regarding our complaints and the misuse of our tongues. “How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire” (James 3:5-6, NRSV). As Christians, may we use our tongues to light the fire of Good News, rather than fires of discontent!

SHIRLEY CHERRY CONCERT
When: Saturday, July 8, 2006 6:00 P.M.
Where: East Superior Christian Church
Lippert Family Life Center
608 E/ Superior St., Alma, MI
Minister: Dr. James L. Amstutz
Phone: (989) 463-1502

PRAYER MINISTRY

PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry
There is one Prayer Quilt to be tied today:
Baby Poquiz – Prayers are requested for Jimson & Chol Poquiz (and Isabella, too!) as they prepare for the arrival of their baby in July.

Prayer quilts are being prepared for:

Art Meyer – Prayers are requested for Art, the father of Lisa Seelye (principal at St. Mary’s), who is a paraplegic suffering from complications from diabetes.

Please keep all of these people 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.

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.

MEET & EAT BOOK CLUB

The Meet & Eat Book Club will not be meeting during the summer months. However, Julia picked up some new books from the Reading List at the UMW Assembly in Anaheim. Look for some of the following titles on our bookshelf section in the Parlor: Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths by Bruce Feiler, Hands to Work by LynNell Hancock, Daughters of the Desert by Claire Rudolf Murphy, Wuhu Diary by Emily Prager, Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich, Schools That Do Too Much by Etta Kralovec, and many more!

COMMUNION TABLE FLOWERS

July 30th and the month of August is available if you are interested in providing flowers in memory of or in honor of someone. 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. 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. Feel free to take the flower arrangement home with you after the 2nd service. Please call the church office (463-4305) if you would like to participate in this ministry.

HELPFUL CHURCH TIMELINES

Messenger and Bulletin (weekly): Wednesday noon

Ambassador (monthly): the 15th of each month

LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS – June 18, 2006
Financial Receipts: $4,865.38
Attendance: 148
Some Financial Highlights:
Loose Offering $99.00
Unified Giving $3,754.00*
Ministry Shares $80.00
Summer Camp $174.00
Memorial $405.00
Pasties $220.00
All other donations $133.38

*The finance and stewardship team would like you to know we need to average $4,300 per week in congregational giving to meet this year’s projected expenses.

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY – July 2, 2006
Psalms 130 (UMH 848); 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27;
2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43
Bring your Bibles and follow along as the Scripture is read.

SPECIAL DATES

June 2006

June 25-July 1 Youth Work Camp

July 2006

July 8 Shirley Cherry concert at East Superior Christian Church

July 4 Independence Day

July 14 African Children’s Choir concert

July 16-22 Senior High Camp

July 29 Lugnuts game & tailgate party

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PERSONS IN YOUR PRAYERS

Jeanne Isaacson Wilma Brown Grieta Elenbaas

Pat Breidinger Vesta Mapes Gordon Grant

Floyd Johnson Doris Walsh Evelyn Slates

Pat Wright Victoria Elise Hamm Betty Peters

Jack & Barbara Bird

Robert Rasinski – son-in-law of Joyce Marcy

Beryl Scramlin, brother of Leona Harrell

Jim & Mary Hicks and their extended family

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.

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
9:00 a.m. Early worship in the park
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
2:00 p.m. Sign Language Class

Monday
10:00 a.m. Prayer’s & Squares Quilt Group
5:00 p.m. Women’s Aid
6:30 p.m. Softball game

Tuesday
6:30 p.m. Divorce Care

Next Sunday
9:00 a.m. Early worship in the park
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship

Frozen pasties for sale!

$4.00 each or three for $10.00

They are in the freezer in the kitchen and envelopes have been provided (on freezer door) for payment.

Thank you for your support of the youth work camp. ?

June 18, 2006
Father's Day

St. Paul believed that God had given him “the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18, NRSV). We have the same ministry. Therefore, let us be reconciled with one another and reach out in Christian love to our brothers and sister in Christ. Welcome to all.

BABY BOTTLE BOOMERANG!
Today is the day to turn in your baby bottles! If you forgot to bring it today, drop it off to the office this week. Thank you for supporting this ministry both financially and prayerfully.
Baby Bottle Boomerang is a yearly campaign to help fund Pregnancy Services and its many life-affirming programs. Questions? Contact campaign liaison, Julie Armstrong.

SPECIAL OFFERING ~ Today, June 18, 2006
Summer Camp Scholarships
Summer Church Camp is one of the most spiritually transforming experiences our youth can have. This fund provides up to one-half of the fee for children and youth (3rd grade through High School) from our church who attends a United Methodist summer church camp. We currently have a large number of kids eligible to attend church camps. Most of our camps cost over $300 per child. Make a difference in a child’s spiritual life this summer!
YOUTH WORK CAMP – JUNE 25TH – JULY 1ST
Following is a list of the students and the adults who are going on this mission trip to Walpole Island, Ontario, Canada. We ask for your prayers for their needs (physical, spiritual, emotional and financial) as they prepare and look forward to this ministry opportunity.

Melissa Armstrong Michael Finn
Tom Finn Rachel Friedrick
Aaron Hahn

Willie Harrison
Chelsea Holmes Kallei Mapes
Sara Oman
Miah Pavlik

Ethan Rice
Ryan Rogers
Tara TenHave
Adult: Janel Lemasters
Adult: Pastor Phil Adult: Tom Armstrong

See the clipboards to find out how you can help with work camp supplies!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ~ YOU’RE INVITED!!!
First Presbyterian Church of Alma invites you to join us in our Vacation Bible School, “Adventure of the Treasure Seekers”. From June 18-22, 6:30-8:30 p.m., we’ll be going on an archaeological dig to discover the treasures God has for us. VBS is open to children 3 years old to entering 6th grade. Come join us as we share God’s love through music, crafts, games, and stories! If you have any questions, please call Jessica at the First Presbyterian Church office, 463-2940. Can’t wait to see you there!

The annual summer steak dinner hosted by the UMM is coming this summer! Mark your calendar for Thursday, August 24th from 5 – 7:30 p.m. for a delicious dinner that will be sure to please everyone’s palate. Weather permitting, it will be served outside in the church parking lot.
DIVORCED? SEPARATED? FIND HELP AT DIVORCE CARE. Divorce Care is a special 13 week seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced. Bobbi Price leads this support group and it meets at the church (in the ARK) on Tuesdays, at 6:30 p.m. May 2nd – July 25th. The topic for Tuesday, June 20th will be “Financial Survival”. 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.

MEET & EAT BOOK CLUB
The Meet & Eat Book Club will not be meeting during the summer months. However, Julia picked up some new books from the Reading List at the UMW Assembly in Anaheim. Look for some of the following titles on our bookshelf section in the Parlor: Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths by Bruce Feiler, Hands to Work by LynNell Hancock, Daughters of the Desert by Claire Rudolf Murphy, Wuhu Diary by Emily Prager, Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich, Schools That Do Too Much by Etta Kralovec, and many more!

LUGNUTS TAILGATE PARTY & BASEBALL GAME
Saturday, July 29 ~ 7:00 p.m.
Leave church at 4:30 p.m. and set-up for tailgate party near park. Please call church to reserve your seats ASAP.
(tickets: $8.00 each)!

SOFTBALL SCHEDULE
Mon. June 19 6:30 p.m.
Mon. June 26 6:30 p.m.
Mon. July 10 7:50 p.m.

Tues. July 18 6:30 p.m.
July 24 no game/off week Mon. July 31 7:50 p.m.
Tues. Aug. 8 6:30 p.m.
GOOD FRIDAY PRAYER VIGIL
Members of the Lighthouse and the Comfort Station would like to thank the volunteers who participated in the 2006 Good Friday Prayer Vigil at the Alma United Methodist Church. Between 7AM and 7PM there were over 30 individuals who gave up a part of their day to be in prayer in our church. Also, special thanks goes to Pastor Phil for providing the meditation materials during the day.

To Pastor Phil and Alma United Methodist Church Family;
Thank you so much for your wonderful support. We have really appreciated all the meals, cards and prayers. (Milt never had to learn to cook). What a blessing it is to be a part of our church family. God’s love was felt through each and every one of you. During this time I have not been able to get out, but I could still pray, and I have been praying for all of you and our church. What a witness you made to our family and friends as they saw all the meals, visits, and good deeds you sent our way. Love is never ending!
Our love and thanks to all,
Milt & Pat Wright

A.U.M.C. Youth Group,
You kids are amazing! I have felt so blessed by your outpouring of love. So many times, in the past, I have watched you and felt so proud of you. Your faith is growing and showing. The wonderful basket you filled and your visits really tugged on my heart strings. God really does compound what is given, and I have felt His wonderful love through your loving prayers, visits and letters. I am truly blessed through you. I will continue to pray for all of you, that you will feel and know God’s love also. Thank you so much for all the care you have shown for me.
Love to all of you,
Pat Wright

PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry
There are three Prayer Quilts to be tied today:
Brian Meyer – Prayers are requested for Brian, a Twin City employee whose father is terminally ill.
Tracy Garcia – Prayers are requested for Tracy who is struggling with MS.
Zoe Hedrick – Prayers are requested for Zoe who has been undergoing testing for health problems.
Prayer quilts are being prepared for:
Robert Wendt, the father of Heather Aumaugher, who has been diagnosed with kidney failure.
Please keep all of these people 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.

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.

Happy Birthday to the following individuals:
• Dorothy Grant (belated - June 15th)
• Viola Brink (June 18th)
Don’t forget to sign their birthday cards in the parlor after service and pray for them this week!

COMMUNION TABLE FLOWERS
June 25, July 2nd and July 9th are available if you are interested in providing flowers in memory of or in honor of someone. 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. 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. Feel free to take the flower arrangement home with you after the 2nd service. Please call the church office (463-4305) if you would like to participate in this ministry.

HELPFUL CHURCH TIMELINES
Messenger and Bulletin (weekly): Wednesday noon
Ambassador (monthly): the 15th of each month

LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS – June 11, 2006
Financial Receipts: $4,091.00
Attendance:
Some Financial Highlights:
Loose Offering $35.00
Unified Giving $3,546.00*
Ministry Shares $80.00
UMW $200.00
Summer Camp $120.00
Memorial $20.00
All other donations $90.00

*The finance and stewardship team would like you to know we need to average $4,300 per week in congregational giving to meet this year’s projected expenses.

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY – June 25, 2006
Psalms 9:9-20 (UMH 744); I Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49;
2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41
Bring your Bibles and follow along as the Scripture is read.
SPECIAL DATES
June 2006
June 18-24 Confirmation Camp
June 25-July 1 Youth Work Camp
July 2006
July 8 Shirley Cherry concert at East Superior Christian Church
July 4 Independence Day
July 14 African Children’s Choir concert
July 16-22 Senior High Camp
July 29 Lugnuts game & tailgate party

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PERSONS IN YOUR PRAYERS
(Names in bold are new additions)
Jeanne Isaacson Wilma Brown Grieta Elenbaas
Pat Breidinger Vesta Mapes Gordon Grant
Floyd Johnson Doris Walsh Evelyn Slates
Pat Wright Victoria Elise Hamm Betty Peters
Jack & Barbara Bird
Robert Rasinski – son-in-law of Joyce Marcy
Beryl Scramlin, brother of Leona Harrell
Jim & Mary Hicks and their extended family
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.
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 Father’s Day

9:00 a.m. Early worship in the park
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
2:00 p.m. Sign Language Class

Monday

10:00 a.m. Prayer’s & Squares Quilt Group
5:00 p.m. Women’s Aid
6:30 p.m. Softball game

Tuesday

6:30 p.m. Divorce Care

Next Sunday

9:00 a.m. Early worship in the park
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship

June 11, 2006

"For all who are led by the spirit of God are children of God" (Romans 8:14, NRSV). Welcome, children of God. Join hearts and hands together as members of the family of God.

MINISTRY FAIR ~ TODAY!

Booths are set up 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!!!

BABY BOTTLE BOOMERANG!

There are still a few baby bottles for Pregnancy Services of Gratiot County available to take home and fill with change, bills, or a check. Please return the bottles on Father's Day, June 18, 2006. Every bottle counts!

Baby Bottle Boomerang is a yearly campaign to help fund Pregnancy Services and its many life-affirming programs. The bottle, placed in a visible spot at home, will be a daily reminder to pray for this ministry as you fill it with your loose change. Questions? Contact campaign liaison, Julie Armstrong.

YOUTH WORK CAMP - JUNE 25TH - JULY 1ST

The people of the Alma United Methodist Church recently gave an offering towards the expenses of the upcoming work camp this summer. Thank you and may God bless each of you for your gifts. If you didn't have a chance to participate, you may do so at any time. Just write on your envelope or check "Youth Work Camp" and it will be deposited towards that trip.

Following is a list of the students and the adults who are going on this mission trip to Walpole Island, Ontario, Canada. We ask for your prayers in the coming weeks for their needs (physical, spiritual, emotional and financial) as they prepare and look forward to this ministry opportunity.

Melissa Armstrong, Michael Finn, Tom Finn, Rachel Friedrick, Aaron Hahn, Willie Harrison,
Chelsea Holmes, Kallei Mapes, Sara Oman, Miah Pavlik, Ethan Rice, Ryan Rogers, Tara TenHave

Adults: Janel Lemasters, Pastor Phil, Tom Armstrong

DIVORCED? SEPARATED? FIND HELP AT DIVORCE CARE. Divorce Care is a special 13 week seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced. Bobbi Price leads this support group and it meets at the church (in the ARK) on Tuesdays, at 6:30 p.m. May 2nd - July 25th. The topic for Tuesday, June 13th will be "New Relationships". 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.

The annual summer steak dinner hosted by the UMM is coming this summer! Mark your calendar for Thursday, August 24th from 5 - 7:30 p.m. for a delicious dinner that will be sure to please everyone's palate. Weather permitting, it will be served outside in the church parking lot.

MEET & EAT BOOK CLUB

The Meet & Eat Book Club will not be meeting during the summer months. However, Julia picked up some new books from the Reading List at the UMW Assembly in Anaheim. Look for some of the following titles on our bookshelf section in the Parlor: Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths by Bruce Feiler, Hands to Work by LynNell Hancock, Daughters of the Desert by Claire Rudolf Murphy, Wuhu Diary by Emily Prager, Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich, Schools That Do Too Much by Etta Kralovec, and many more!

H.E.A.R.T. SUPPORT GROUP OFFERED

H.E.A.R.T. Support Groups are designed to help those who have experienced abortion. Pregnancy Services of Gratiot County has scheduled a free six week bible study for early June. This group is designed to help women who have experienced the pain of an abortion. It will provide an atmosphere of compassion and understanding, which will promote hope and healing. If you or someone you know would benefit from this support group, please call 466-2295.

Alma Community Center Summer Enrichment Classes:

The Alma Community Center is offering many exciting classes for both youth and adults. The following classes begin in the month of June

· Golf for Kids June 12-15 $30

· LEGOs Mania I June 19-22 $25

· Yoga for Tweens beginning June 19 $12

· Sanchin - Children's Safety beginning June 19 $25

· Book Buddies Camp June 20, 22, 27 and 29 $20

· Make Take and Bake - Taco Pie Dinner June 21 $20

· Create and Paint Tile June 27 $10

· Clogging June 27-August 8 $30

For more information or to register for classes, please contact the Alma Community Center at 466-7539.

LUGNUTS TAILGATE PARTY & BASEBALL GAME

Saturday, July 29 ~ 7:00 p.m.

Leave church at 4:30 p.m. and set-up for tailgate party near park. Please call church to reserve your seats ASAP.

(tickets: $8.00 each)

SOFTBALL SCHEDULE

Tue. June 13 7:50 p.m.

Mon. June 19 6:30 p.m.

Mon. June 26 6:30 p.m.

Mon. July 10 7:50 p.m.

Tues. July 18 6:30 p.m.

July 24 no game/off week Mon. July 31 7:50 p.m.

Tues. Aug. 8 6:30 p.m.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ~ YOU'RE INVITED!!!

First Presbyterian Church of Alma invites you to join us in our Vacation Bible School, "Adventure of the Treasure Seekers". From June 18-22, 6:30-8:30 p.m., we'll be going on an archaeological dig to discover the treasures God has for us. VBS is open to children 3 years old to entering 6th grade. Come join us as we share God's love through music, crafts, games, and stories! If you have any questions, please call Jessica at the First Presbyterian Church office, 463-2940. Can't wait to see you there!

YOU'RE INVITED!

Becky Friedrick

Sunday, June 11 ~ 5 - 8 p.m.

627 Woodworth Ave., Alma

Please join us to celebrate Becky's graduation from high school.

PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry
There are three Prayer Quilts to be tied today:

Robert Rasinski - Prayers are requested for Robert, Joyce Marcy's son-in-law, who is terminally ill.

Frances Meyer - Prayers are requested for Frances, Esther Stewart's cousin, who is fighting cancer.

Lydia Falder - Prayers are requested for Lydia, and her parents Mike & Traci Falder and big brother Jonah, as they prepare for her birth in July.

Prayer quilts are being prepared for:

Brian Meyer, an employee of Twin City, whose father is terminally ill.

Robert Wendt, the father of Heather Aumaugher, who has been diagnosed with kidney failure.

Please keep all of these people 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.

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.

Happy Birthday to the following individuals:

· Pat Breidinger (June 15th)

· Eleanor Kuse (May 16th)

Don't forget to sign their birthday cards in the parlor after service and pray for them this week!

COMMUNION TABLE FLOWERS

June 18 and June 25 are available if you are interested in providing flowers in memory of or in honor of someone. 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. 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. Feel free to take the flower arrangement home with you after the 2nd service. Please call the church office (463-4305) if you would like to participate in this ministry.

HELPFUL CHURCH TIMELINES

Messenger and Bulletin (weekly): Wednesday noon

Ambassador (monthly): the 15th of each month

LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS - June 4, 2006

Financial Receipts: $5,947.42

Attendance: 143

Some Financial Highlights:

Loose Offering $102.05

Unified Giving $3,673.87*

Confirmation Camp $158.00

Pasties $242.00

Group Work Camp $525.00

Memorial $1,060.00

All other donations $186.50

*The finance and stewardship team would like you to know we need to average $4,300 per week in congregational giving to meet this year's projected expenses.

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY - June 18, 2006

Psalms 20 or Psalm 72 (UMH 795); I Samuel 15:34-16:13;

2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13), 14-17; Mark 4:26-34

Bring your Bibles and follow along as the Scripture is read.

SPECIAL DATES

June 2006

June 11 Ministry Fair; both services in the park

June 18 Father's Day

June 18-24 Confirmation Camp

June 25-July 1 Youth Work Camp

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PERSONS IN YOUR PRAYERS

(Names in bold are new additions)

Jeanne Isaacson Wilma Brown Grieta Elenbaas

Pat Breidinger Vesta Mapes Gordon Grant

Floyd Johnson Doris Walsh Nada Fleury

Evelyn Slates Pat Wright Victoria Elise Hamm

Joe Zigray Jack & Barbara Bird Betty Peters

Joan Kidd Dennis Kidd SabinaSotoMiller(surgery)

Bill Budge and family at the passing of Eileen Budge

Loren Nelson and family at the passing of Dorothy Nelson

Robert Rasinski - son-in-law of Joyce Marcy

Beryl Scramlin, brother of Leona Harrell

Jim & Mary Hicks and their extended family

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.

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 Both services in the park; Ministry Fair showcase

9:00 a.m. Early worship in the park

10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship in the park

5:00 p.m. Becky Friedrick open house

6:00 p.m. Sign Language Class

Monday
10:00 a.m. Prayer's & Squares Quilt Group
5:00 p.m. Women's Aid
7:50 p.m. Softball game

Tuesday
6:30 p.m. Divorce Care

Next Sunday Father's Day
9:00 a.m. Early worship in the park
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship

May 28, 2006

"Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts" (I John 5:10, NRSV). What is the testimony? It is the assurance that God loves us and that Christ is Lord. Such assurance brings joy we can share with everyone. A warm welcome to all who are present.


"Worship in the Park"
begins today!
New time 9:00 a.m.

Memorial Day Weekend (May 28)
through
Labor Day Weekend (September 3)

Because of the coolness of the early morning we are moving this service from its school-year 8:00 a.m. starting time to 9:00 a.m. (just for the summer). When we move back to the sanctuary after Labor Day Weekend this service will return to the earlier time.

In case of inclement weather, we will meet in the sanctuary.

BLANKET TOTALS
A total of $470.00 has been received for the purchase of blankets. If you haven't given yet, but would like to, you can still give towards this mission project. Just mark the memo line of your check, "Blanket Sunday". Thank you for your generosity.

BABY BOTTLE BOOMERANG IS BACK!
Baby bottles for Pregnancy Services of Gratiot County* are still available to take home and fill with change, bills, or a check. Please return the bottles on Father's Day, June 18, 2006. Every bottle counts!
Baby Bottle Boomerang is a yearly campaign to help fund Pregnancy Services and its many life-affirming programs. The bottle, placed in a visible spot at home, will be a daily reminder to pray for this ministry as you fill it with your loose change. Questions? Contact campaign liaison, Julie Armstrong.
*For more information regarding Pregnancy Services, see page 5

THOUGHTS FOR MEMORIAL DAY
The anthropologist and naturalist, Loren Eiseley, who died in 1977, wanted this epitaph for his wife and himself: We loved the earth, but could not stay."
No one can stay, of course. We all are moving inexorably toward that final day when "the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over, and our work is done" (Book of Common Prayer).
This Memorial Day we particularly remember the men and women who have perished in war, giving the ultimate sacrifice to make the world a better place. They too "loved the earth, but could not stay." May God hasten the day when we can solve our disputes peacefully.
We also remember all our loved ones whose stay on Earth is over. Christians believe that death does not end all. We trust that the God who made us will provide for us when our bodies can no longer sustain us.
A memorial stone on the campus of the College of Wooster in Ohio, placed there by a class many years ago, reads:
United in time
Divided in time
To be reunited
When time shall be no more.
That is a hope we can have for ourselves, our loved ones and those who sacrificed all.

DIVORCED? SEPARATED? FIND HELP AT DIVORCE CARE. Divorce Care is a special 13 week seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced. Bobbi Price leads this support group and it meets at the church (in the ARK) on Tuesdays, at 6:30 p.m. May 2nd - July 25th. The topic for Tuesday, May 30th will be "Facing My Loneliness". 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.


H.E.A.R.T. SUPPORT GROUP OFFERED
H.E.A.R.T. Support Groups are designed to help those who have experienced abortion. Pregnancy Services of Gratiot County has scheduled a free six week bible study for early June. This group is designed to help women who have experienced the pain of an abortion. It will provide an atmosphere of compassion and understanding, which will promote hope and healing. If you or someone you know would benefit from this support group, please call 466-2295.


Softball season is upon us again and the first game is June 5th. I would like to have practices on the next two Sundays at Euclid field around 1pm. If you can make it, please show up and join our team. I do not have a schedule yet, but as soon as I do I will make some sort of announcement in church. If you are interested in playing, please contact Ed Massar.


The annual summer steak dinner hosted by the UMM is coming this summer! Mark your calendar for Thursday, August 24th from 5 - 7:30 p.m. for a delicious dinner that will be sure to please everyone's palate. Weather permitting, it will be served outside in the church parking lot.

AUMC YOUTH GROUP TO MICHIGAN ADVENTURE!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
The youth are invited to bring a friend and spend the day at Michigan Adventure! Please RSVP to the church office by Sunday, June 4th so transportation arrangements can be made.
Join us for some spectacular fun!


LUGNUTS TAILGATE PARTY & BASEBALL GAME
Saturday, July 29
7:00 p.m.
Leave church at 4:30 p.m. and set-up for tailgate party near park. Please call church to reserve your seats (tickets: $8.00 each)!

YOU'RE INVITED!
Lindsey Rentfrow
June 10, 2006
1 - 4 p.m.
AUMC Fellowship Hall
501 Gratiot Ave., Alma
Come help Lindsey celebrate her high school graduation!

PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry
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.

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.

PREGNANCY SERVICES OF GRATIOT
Did you know that already this year, Pregnancy Services of Gratiot County has ministered to over 50 new clients and hosted a Power of Purity event for mothers and their daughters? Pregnancy Services is a non-sectarian, pro-life organization dedicated to helping pregnant women in crisis pregnancies. All services are free and confidential. Services and referrals include: adoption, maternity clothing, baby layettes, nutrition for mother & baby, housing, free pregnancy tests, prenatal assistance, post-abortion counseling and parenting support. Pregnancy Services is not a medical clinic. Emotional, spiritual, and practical support is provided to any pregnant woman who requests assistance. Please keep the work of Pregnancy Services in your prayers.

COMMUNION TABLE FLOWERS
June 18 and June 25 are available if you are interested in providing flowers in memory of or in honor of someone. 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. 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. Feel free to take the flower arrangement home with you after the 2nd service. Please call the church office (463-4305) if you would like to participate in this ministry.

HELPFUL CHURCH TIMELINES
Messenger and Bulletin (weekly): Wednesday noon
Ambassador (monthly): the 15th of each month

LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS - May 21, 2006
Financial Receipts: $5,396.23
Attendance: 137
Some Financial Highlights:
Loose Offering $105.58
Unified Giving $3,925.00*
Blanket Sunday fund $60.00
Sunday morning breakfast $46.00
Wednesday Night Alive $162.00
Camps(Summer, Youth work, Confirm.) $881.00
Ministry Shares $80.00
All other donations $136.65

*The finance and stewardship team would like you to know we need to average $4,300 per week in congregational giving to meet this year's projected expenses.

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY - June 4, 2006
Psalms 104:24-34, 35b (UMH 826); Acts 2:1-21;
Romans 8:22-27; John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Bring your Bibles and follow along as the Scripture is read.

SPECIAL DATES
May 2006
May 28 Begin Worship in the Park at 9:00 a.m.
May 29 Memorial Day; Office Closed
June 2006
June 4 Graduation Sunday
June 11 Ministry Fair
June 18 Father's Day
June 18-24 Confirmation Camp
June 25-July 1 Youth Work Camp

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PERSONS IN YOUR PRAYERS
(Names in bold are new additions)
Dorothy Nelson Jeanne Isaacson Wilma Brown
Grieta Elenbaas Pat Breidinger Vesta Mapes
Gordon Grant Floyd Johnson Doris Walsh
Nada Fleury Evelyn Slates Pat Wright
Victoria Elise Hamm Joe Zigray Jack & Barbara Bird
Joan Kidd Dennis Kidd Betty Peters
Sabina Soto Miller(surgery)
Bill Budge and family at the passing of Eileen Budge
Loren Nelson and family at the passing of Dorothy Nelson
Robert Rasinski - son-in-law of Joyce Marcy with a terminal illness
The family of Steve Keelan- a sheriff killed in the line of duty from Houghton Lake (former co-worker of Debbie Beech)
Beryl Scramlin, brother of Leona Harrell
Jim & Mary Hicks and their extended family
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.
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
9:00 a.m. Early worship
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
10:45 a.m. Children's Worship

Monday Memorial Day; office closed

5:00 p.m. Women's Aid

Tuesday
10:30 a.m. Blood Drive @ VFW Post 1454
6:30 p.m. Divorce Care

Wednesday

6:00 p.m. Sign Language Class

Thursday - Sunday Annual Conference

Next Sunday Graduation Sunday

9:00 a.m. Early worship in the park
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship

May 21, 2006

A psalmist wrote: "Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises" (Psalm 98:4, NRSV). In the spirit let us sing and have joyful fellowship with each other. Welcome, friends.


THE BLANKETS ARE GIVEN BY: (update)

Tom & Julie Armstrong in honor of Sharon Schlundt and Arlene L. Armstrong (2)

Doug & Michelle Blackmer in honor of Nancy Hetzman. (1)

Pam Eisenberger in honor of Dorothy Grant and Magdalene Fuller. (2)

The Friedrick family in memory of Norma Friedrick and in honor of Shirley Barclay. (2)

Dale & Barb Greer in honor of new friends we've made at Alma United Methodist Church. (1)

John H. Gibson in memory of Onata Gibson and in honor of Harriet DeHaan. (5)

Mike Joslyn in honor of Judy Joslyn and Rose Mantey. (2)

Rich & Julia Rice in honor of Pat Paradine and Evelyn Rice. (2)

Virginia Schaeffer in memory of Gertrude H. Watson. (1)

Hal & Marilyn Smith in honor or our children, Brent, Christie and Andrew. (2)

Richard & Peggy Stuckey in memory of Marcella Stuckey and in honor of Dorothea Van Allsburg. (2)

BABY BOTTLE BOOMERANG IS BACK!
Baby bottles for Pregnancy Services of Gratiot County* are still available to take home and fill with change, bills, or a check. Please return the bottles on Father's Day, June 18, 2006. Every bottle counts!
Baby Bottle Boomerang is a yearly campaign to help fund Pregnancy Services and its many life-affirming programs. The bottle, placed in a visible spot at home, will be a daily reminder to pray for this ministry as you fill it with your loose change. Questions? Contact campaign liaison, Julie Armstrong.
*For more information regarding Pregnancy Services, see page 5


WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE
We are finished having our regular dinners together on Wednesday evenings until the fall. Thank you for your support of this ministry. Thank you Jan for the awesome job you've done with the cooking and last, but not least, thank you to the ladies who have helped her on a weekly basis! We'll see you again in the fall!


Adult Sunday School class meets at 9:00 a.m. in the Conference Room. The class is a combination of video and reading, and will last 8 weeks. The title of the class is "Women of the New Testament". You are welcome to join us!



DIVORCED? SEPARATED? FIND HELP AT DIVORCE CARE. Divorce Care is a special 13 week seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced. Bobbi Price leads this support group and it meets at the church (in the ARK) on Tuesdays, at 6:30 p.m. May 2nd - July 25th. The topic for Tuesday, May 23rd will be "Facing My Depression". 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.
H.E.A.R.T. Support Group Offered
H.E.A.R.T. Support Groups are designed to help those who have experienced abortion. Pregnancy Services of Gratiot County has scheduled a free six week bible study for early June. This group is designed to help women who have experienced the pain of an abortion. It will provide an atmosphere of compassion and understanding, which will promote hope and healing. If you or someone you know would benefit from this support group, please call 466-2295.

FIRST AID TRAILER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
When: May 27 & 28 @ Highland Festival
Work in pairs for 2 hr. blocks. At least one of the pair needs to be certified in First Aid, MFR or EMT
Volunteers receive a pass for the weekend!
Contact Dale Greer @ 463-1612 to sign up.
If no answer, leave name & phone # and you will be contacted.


Softball season is upon us again and the first game is June 5th. I would like to have practices on the next two Sundays at Euclid field around 1pm. If you can make it, please show up and join our team. I do not have a schedule yet, but as soon as I do I will make some sort of announcement in church. If you are interested in playing, please contact Ed Massar.


American Red Cross BLOOD DRIVE
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
10:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

@ VRW Post 1454
1302 Wright Ave., Alma

Requirements: You must be at least 17 yrs. old, weigh at least 110 lbs. and be in general good health.
LUMBERJACK PARK CHICKEN BBQ
Sunday, May 21, 2006

Begin serving at 1:00 p.m.

Menu includes: $7.00 meal includes ½ Chicken; $5.00 meal includes ¼ Chicken
Each meal includes: Baked Potato, beans, rolls/butter and ice tea. Soft drinks will be available at an additional charge.

Come watch the Riverdale Lumberjack baseball team vs. The Stanton team J

Proceeds will go to the renovation of the Pavilion buildings and park improvements.
Come enjoy the great food and have some fun!!!



BENEFIT CONCERT for HURRICANE RELIEF

The Soulful Celebration Choir from the First Church of God, Alma

Sunday, May 21, 2006

8:00 p.m.

Alma College Chapel

For more information contact Rev. Ron Woolsey @ 463-3730



UP FROM THE ASHES
Michigan Holocaust Survivors share Their Stories
Compiled and Directed by Joanne Gilbert

Remick Heritage Center, Presbyterian Hall
Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Admission is free; Seating is reserved. Please call the Heritage Center Box Office for your reservations @ 463-7302



PRAYERS AND SQUARES: Prayer Quilt Ministry
There is one Prayer Quilt to be tied today:
Karla Murray - Prayers of healing are requested for Karla who has undergone 2 surgeries for brain tumors.
Please continue to keep Karla in your prayers this week.
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.

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.



PREGNANCY SERVICES OF GRATIOT
Did you know that already this year, Pregnancy Services of Gratiot County has ministered to over 50 new clients and hosted a Power of Purity event for mothers and their daughters? Pregnancy Services is a non-sectarian, pro-life organization dedicated to helping pregnant women in crisis pregnancies. All services are free and confidential. Services and referrals include: adoption, maternity clothing, baby layettes, nutrition for mother & baby, housing, free pregnancy tests, prenatal assistance, post-abortion counseling and parenting support. Pregnancy Services is not a medical clinic. Emotional, spiritual, and practical support is provided to any pregnant woman who requests assistance. Please keep the work of Pregnancy Services in your prayers.
COMMUNION TABLE FLOWERS
May 28 and June 18 and June 25 are available if you are interested in providing flowers in memory of or in honor of someone. 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. 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. Feel free to take the flower arrangement home with you after the 2nd service. Please call the church office (463-4305) if you would like to participate in this ministry.

HELPFUL CHURCH TIMELINES
Messenger and Bulletin (weekly): Wednesday noon
Ambassador (monthly): the 15th of each month

LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS - May 14, 2006
Financial Receipts: $8,069.19
Attendance: 193
Some Financial Highlights:
Loose Offering $181.95
Unified Giving $3,978.00*
Blanket Sunday fund $400.00
Sunday morning breakfast $112.00
Wednesday Night Alive $179.00
James Bartley Trust $2,572.74
Ministry Shares $40.00
All other donations $605.50

*The finance and stewardship team would like you to know we need to average $4,300 per week in congregational giving to meet this year's projected expenses.

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY - May 28, 2006
Psalms 1 (UMH 738); Acts 1:15-17, 21-26;
I John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19
Bring your Bibles and follow along as the Scripture is read.
SPECIAL DATES
May 2006
May 26-28 Highland Festival
May 28 Begin Worship in the Park at 9:00 a.m.
May 29 Memorial Day; Office Closed
June 2006
June 4 Graduation Sunday
June 11 Ministry Fair
June 18 Father's Day
June 18-24 Confirmation Camp
June 25-July 1 Youth Work Camp

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE PERSONS IN YOUR PRAYERS
(Names in bold are new additions)
Dorothy Nelson Jeanne Isaacson Wilma Brown
Eileen Budge Grieta Elenbaas Pat Breidinger
Vesta Mapes Gordon Grant Floyd Johnson
Doris Walsh Nada Fleury Evelyn Slates
Victoria Elise Hamm Joe Zigray Jack & Barbara Bird
Sabina SotoMiller(surgery) Pat Wright Joan Kidd
Dennis Kidd Betty Peters
Robert Rasinski - son-in-law of Joyce Marcy with a terminal illness
The family of Steve Keelan- a sheriff killed in the line of duty from Houghton Lake (former co-worker of Debbie Beech)
Beryl Scramlin, brother of Leona Harrell
Jim & Mary Hicks and their extended family
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.
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
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship
10:45 a.m. Children's Worship

Monday
10:00 a.m. Prayer Quilt ministry
5:00 p.m. Women's Aid

Tuesday
6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts
6:30 p.m. Divorce Care

Wednesday
3:00 p.m. Girl Scouts
6:00 p.m. Sign Language Class

Saturday - Sunday Highland Festival

Next Sunday No Sunday School this week due to the holiday
9:00 a.m. Early worship in the park
10:15 a.m. Celebration Worship

May 14, 2006

Whether you are a member of this congregation or a visitor to our church, you are not meant to be a stranger. Be assured that you are welcome. Let us extend a hand of friendship to one another.

BLANKET SUNDAY . TODAY!


Blanket Sunday is another ministry of Church World Service (CWS), the same agency that sponsors the CROP walk. Church World Services provide both light and heavy blankets for warm and cold climates. Blankets provide warmth and protection from the elements, and often is the only shelter a family may have.

Honor your mother or remember her on this Mother's Day by contributing $10 in her name. Children can contribute any amount up to $10. We will be offering special cards in the parlor today so you can send (or give) a card to your mother letting her know how you have honored her on this special day.

Celebrate Mother's Day through the dedication of blankets for the needy.


THE BLANKETS ARE GIVEN BY:

Tom & Julie Armstrong in honor of Sharon Schlundt and Arlene L. Armstrong (2)

Pam Eisenberger in honor of Dorothy Grant and Magdalene Fuller. (2)

The Friedrick family in memory of Norma Friedrick and in honor of Shirley Barclay. (2)

Virginia Schaeffer in memory of Gertrude H. Watson. (1)



THANK YOU SO MUCH
"To all of the wonderful people at Alma United Methodist Church, Thank you!
Thank you for your kindness, your warm and special thought. There's just no way to measure, all the pleasure that you've brought! Thank you for the beautiful gloxinia plant. And thank you for the May basket. I was pleasantly surprised.
Love,
Jan Finucane, 'cook' J"


BABY BOTTLE BOOMERANG IS BACK!
Today (Mother's Day) we are distributing baby bottles for Pregnancy Services of Gratiot County. As you exit today, be sure to take one home to fill with change, bills, or a check and return it to church on Father's Day, June 19, 2006. Baby Bottle Boomerang is a yearly campaign to help fund Pregnancy Services and its many life-affirming programs. The bottle, placed in a visible spot at home, will be a daily reminder to pray for this ministry as you fill it with your loose change. Last year, our congregation generously filled bottles with a total of $680.71!
Questions? Contact campaign liaison, Julie Armstrong.

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, May 17th 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. - 6:30 p.m. The kid's choirs rehearse at 5:00 p.m. and the Chancel Choir rehearses at 7:00 p.m. Childc