Are you in SYNC.
Join us and make it a part of your faith walk!
L
OWELL
F
IRST
U
NITED
M
ETHODIST
C
HURCH
2012 Stewardship Campaign
Surpasses Goal
Congratulations! Our “More than Enough" stewardship campaign
surpassed the goal of 105 commitment cards returned by over 10%! To
date, 117 cards have been returned, with
more anticipated. This is nearly a 13%
increase. If an additional 13 cards are
returned, it would represent a 25%
increase in households committed to
returning thanks to God with their prayers,
presence, gifts, service, and witness
through Lowell First.
These strong results confirm the
positive attitude in the church and a deep
desire to build our congregation as we grow closer to God and stronger
in our faith. Very special “More than Enough" fellowship times on
November 6 celebrated the accomplishment. Special “tuxedo" clad
youth circulated throughout the Fellowship Hall serving special hot and
cold hors d'oeuvres, snacks and beverages.
621 E. Main
Lowell MI 49331
Phone: 616.897.5936
Fax: 616.897.1299
E-mail:
office@lowellumc.com
www.lowellumc.com
Pastor: Rick Blunt
Administrator: Heidi Twigg
Director of Music & Education:
Bill Zinke
Custodian: Carrie VanderBilt
S
Y
N
C
SYNC
N
OVEMBER
2011
I
NSIDE
T
HIS
I
SSUE
Community .................. 6
Eggs on a Mission ....... 6
Finance .................... 1,8
Kids’ Club .................... 7
Missions .................. 6, 9
New Membership......... 8
Outreach...................... 6
Operation Christmas
Child ........................ 9
Shout Out .................... 3
Special Offerings . 4, 8, 9
Sunday School ............ 7
Women ........................ 2
Worship ....................... 4
Worship Assistants .... 10
Youth ........................... 7
Church-wide Study to Highlight—Our Approach to Christmas
This Advent season, you’re invited to join
The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem.
From November 27 through December 25 we’ll
study the nativity story in detail, integrating
historical and archaeological information with
the biblical text. What is scriptural and what is
tradition. What really happened.
Our study will include four levels of
participation: 1.) attend worship and learn
through the sermons; 2.) purchase and read the
28-day daily devotional; 3.) purchase and read
the in-depth study book by author Adam
Hamilton, who wrote The 24 Hours that
Changed the World;
4.) join a weekly study and discussion group
for video presentations by Adam filmed in the
Holy Land.
Books are available for purchase. The daily
devotional book is $7 and the study book is $12.
There will be several small group options:
Sunday mornings at 9:30 am, led by Rev. Ethel
Stears; a Tuesday morning class led by Pastor
Rick; and possible classes on Wednesday night
at 6pm and Friday evening at 7pm, if there is
enough interest. The high
school class will also be doing
the study.
“Strong
results confirm
the positive
attitude in
the church..."
pg_0002
Page 2
SYNC November 2011
Nursing Home Worship
Led by
Lowell First Youth
Lowell First’s turn to lead worship at Laurels of
Kent and Fountain View nursing homes is Sunday
afternoon, November 6. The Raya Sr. High Youth
Group will join Pastor Rick and Bill Zinke in leading
worship for residents You’re invited to join us as well.
Services begin at 2:30 p.m. at Laurel’s for a half hour
worship time in the dining room and about
3:15 at Fountain View in the dementia unit.
November Calendar
Saturday, November 5
9:30am – Executive Meeting in Dining Room
Thursday, November 10
9:15am – Lydia Circle in Dining Room
Program & Devotions: Jean Esterline
Hostesses: Annabelle Wittenbach &
Velma Perry
7:00pm – Susanna Wesley Circle in Kitchen
Craft Project
Hostess: Beth Wolfe
Friday, November 18
9:00am – Prep for Craft Fair & Luncheon
Saturday November 19
9am-3pm – Craft Fair & Luncheon
(part of Christmas through Lowell)
Apple Fest Is a Success
Thanks to all who attended our October Apple
Fest. It was a nice crowd and the food and
desserts were scrumptious! Over $160 in
donations were received. Those gifts will be used
for United Methodist Women mission projects.
District Carol-Sing with Our Bishop &
Cabinet
Bishop Keaton and all six District Superintendents will
host a Carol Sing on Tuesday, December 13 at GR First
UMC beginning at 7pm.
Did you know Bishop Keaton is a musician. Our DS,
Laurie Haller has a master degree in organ performance.
The bishop’s assistant, Rev. Dobbs, and DS Rev. Hundley
are former band directors. DS Rev. Hill has been a stage
singer. Our cabinet is a musical group.
They’ll do some special music and lead us all in singing
Christmas favorites. Mark your calendar and plan to attend.
Relay for Life Cookie Sale
Let Relay for Life help with your holiday baking.
Holiday Cookie Sale on Sunday, December 11
Visit our table in Fellowship Halll after worship.
Thank you so much to everyone who have
sent me cards, visited me or called just to check in.
Your though ulness is very appreciated, as I transi-
on to my new home at Laurels of Kent. And spe-
cial thanks to Pastor Rick for his visits and many
words of support. Margaret Peckham
December Calendar
Sunday, December 4
6:00pm – Christmas by Candlelight (Dining Room)
Note Circle meetings in December.
Sunday, December 11
Please help us distribute cookies and poinsettias to
our shut ins. Items will be available
after either worship service.
pg_0003
What
a year it has been! This is a
great congregation made up of
wonderful people dedicated to
serving God by loving the community
and
people around them. I feel honored
to serve among you as pastor. We are in the beginning of our
fourth year together. Each year just keeps getting better and
better.
Every fall the Staff Parish Relations Team and I prepare a
boatload of paperwork for our annual All Church Conference
(November 20 this year). In completing those forms this year, I
realized this is my 25th year in full time ministry. And more than
that, it has been one of the best years of my entire ministry.
All those forms invite us to look back and celebrate as we
move forward into new ventures. Reviewing 2011 is exciting.
Our year began with a great spiritual growth adventure as we
looked at The 24 Hours that Changed World together during
Lent. I learned new things. You learned new things. And our
faith was deepened as we discovered the depth of Christ’s love
for us. What a powerful Holy Week it was. Thank you for that
uplift in my spiritual walk.
The summer saw Lowell First shake things up by moving to
one service and then holding that service outside on the
Riverwalk for 7 weeks. Worship on the Riverwalk was
wonderful! You went along with adventure without complaining.
We were visible in our community outside our building.
Attendance was up for the summer months. Thank you for trying
something new.
At the end of July we made a bold step to do a Mission Trip
within our own zip code. And Lowell First stepped up big time.
Over 105 volunteers helped in someway during the week. Do
you realize that is 73% of the average summer worship
attendance. It was amazing. The Local Mission Project (LMP)
to Key Heights was about more that the 99 projects in 36 homes
over seven days with 1,700 volunteer hours; it was about putting
faith into action, about loving people unconditionally, about
working together and finding joy and fun in the fellowship. Thank
you for all the effort you put into this new mission venture.
Add to the LMP the great VBS, Vacation Bible School that
went to the Key Heights kids rather than asking them to come
to us. So much fun. Did you realize that half the participants
were Key Heights and community children not previously
connected to Lowell First. Only half were our kids. Thank you
for helping kids learn that God is wild about them.
That week goes down as the most powerful and moving
week in
my 25 years of ministry. Thank you.
The building has been improved with energy saving lighting
and some remodeling in the office. Painting and improving the
education wing continues. A handicapped accessible restroom
has been completed in the lower level. Several appliances have
been replaced, repairs made, and Green Steps funds used to
make our buildings more energy efficient. Thank you.
2011 has also been one of the strongest financial years in
recent history. We have consistently met our monthly goals and
have been able to keep current on ministry shares and other
payments. Your continued faithful giving, paired with reductions
in expenses are keeping us on track. Thank you.
Our new H.O.M.E. Team is up and running to oversee
Hospitality, Outreach, Marketing and Evangelism. They are
focusing on the improving our welcoming of guests and
following up contacts with guests. Thank you.
Youth ministries continue to be strong and vital. We sent
over 30 children and youth to summer camps. The Sr. High
Youth Group also went on a mission trip to Chicago. Music
ministries remain strong and provide great leadership for
powerful worship. Missions work has been fully funded for
reaching out locally and globally. Congregational care
continues to provide regular contact and care for our ill and shut
in members. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I could go on and
on. Lowell First is active and vital. Thanks to you. And thanks
to God.
In this month where we focus on gratitude, know that your
pastor is grateful for you. I am grateful for the spirit and
commitment in this congregation. I am grateful for attitude of
compassion and caring evident in this faith family. I am grateful
for all we’ve done together and I am grateful for all we will
accomplish in 2012 and beyond. We truly have been blessed.
What a joy it is to be able to share that blessing with others.
I am looking forward to worshipping with you this month.
In Christ’s service,
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Page 4
SYNC November2011
Hanging of the Greens Takes a Fresh Turn
This year’s event, which prepares our church for the Advent Season, will be a little
different than in past years. On Sunday, November 20, we will have a church-wide
potluck at 11:45a.m. Following 30-45 minutes of enjoying delicious United Methodist
potluck dishes and fellowship with friends, we’ll move upstairs to begin decorating all areas
of the church. Ministry groups each have a section assigned that they will oversee and all
areas need the helping hands of our congregation to make them readied for Advent Season,
which begins November 27. Please mark your calendar to come to the potluck and then help with
our Annual Hanging of the Greens.
UM Student Sunday on November 27
Honors College Students
The Methodist Movement that led to The United
Methodist Church began on a college campus in England.
We believe in the importance of education and learning.
The Sunday following Thanksgiving is traditionally
Student Sunday in The UMC. We want all our college
students to attend worship that day. We’ll invite you
forward and offer a blessing. Wear a shirt with your
college colors and emblem. In fact, everyone is
encouraged to wear a favorite college team shirt on
November 27, too. Will there be more blue and gold or
green and white shirts. Maybe it’s brown and gold or,
heaven forbid, red shirts.
This is also the day we receive a special offering for our
denominational student ministries. This fund helps
underwrite a top-rated student loan program and many
college scholarships. Every member of The UM Church
qualifies for student loans. Scholarships are available to
those attending UM colleges and universities and several
specialized fields of study, at both undergraduate and
graduate levels. For detailed information and applications,
go to the website of the General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry: www.gbhem.org. Did you know we have 123
colleges and universities. In Michigan, Albion and Adrian
are UM schools. Well known schools founded and affiliated
with the UM Church include: Duke, Northwestern, Boston,
Southern Methodist, Syracuse, American (D.C.), Emory,
Dillard, and Drew.
Looking Ahead to
Holiday Schedules
Christmas Day is on Sunday this year. That affords us the
opportunity do some exciting things!
Christmas Eve services will be at 4pm and 7pm.
Christmas Sunday and New Year’s Sunday will have one
service at 9:30 am.
With Christmas Eve on Saturday, we’re moving up the
early service to 4:00 p.m. This time will be more friendly for
families and persons who do like to get out in the dark. This
service will be designed to be kid friendly, with all children
having an opportunity to be part of acting out the nativity
story in costume, rather than trying to sit still in the pew for
over an hour. It will still include carols, candle lighting, and
communion, but will have the addition of costumed children.
Read a more detailed account on page 6. It is a great
opportunity to bring your family and guests to worship. You
can be home in time for dinner and other evening
celebrations. The 7pm service will feature the chancel choir
along with the traditions of carol singing, communion and
candle lighting. This service will end quietly with Silent Night.
Christmas Day worship at 9:30 will be filled with carols.
Children are invited to bring a favorite gift to share (not too
big, please, nor alive.) There will be no Sunday School.
New Year’s Sunday will likewise be a single service at
9:30 am. We’ll begin the year with Holy Communion and a
rededication of our lives using the Wesley Covenant.
pg_0005
Raya Senior High Youth Mix Fun, Service, & Faith Building
On November 6, the youth were special servers at the “More than
Enough" fellowship time, wearing tuxedo shirts and elegantly serving
hors d'oeuvres to the congregation.
They stayed for a light lunch before heading off to lead worship at
both Laurels of Kent and Fountain View nursing homes at 2:30.
On both Saturday, November 12 and 19 they are doing leaf raking
as a fund raiser for their mission trip next year.
On Sunday, November 13 they will be selling Krispie Kreme
doughnuts during fellowship time.
November 20 has the youth helping carry Christmas decorations from the Raya House to church and helping decorate
the church at 11:30 a.m..
There will be no meeting on the Sunday following Thanksgiving. October, the youth hosted a Wednesday night supper,
went swimming at the downtown Y, had a bonfire at the Graves’ home (and enjoyed their hot tub), and visited 3 Mile Project
(a Christian game and activity center).
This just in
– Raya Sr. High Youth Group will be doing their annual
Leaf Raking Fund Raiser on Saturday, November 12 and Saturday,
November 19.
If you would like to sign up for raking, please call Ken Gregerson (897-
6197 or 915-8076), or Karen Noreen (690-3911). Once a list of the lawns is
set, customers will be contacted to schedule dates and times. Thank you for
your support. December will bring our yearly caroling visits and our annual
Christmas Party. And who knows, there may be a few surprises along the
way too!!!
Now – back to your regularly scheduled SYNC programming.
SYNC November 2011
Page 5
We Need a Few Good People
Here are several ways you can help:
•
Upholstering: we have several chairs that need the seats and backs recovered. Do you know how to do simple
upholstering. Would love to have them done before Christmas.
•
Craft making with Kids’ Club: each year our kids make crafts to sell at the craft fair. Pastor Rick is NOT a crafter. Can
you help the kids make crafts. Needed November 9 and 16 for the November 19 craft fair.
•
Christmas Parade entry: We want to have a fun and creative entry in this year’s community Christmas Parade on
December 3 @ 6pm.
•
Sunday Shovelers: It’s time to think about snow. Will you take a turn signing up to clear the sidewalks and steps on
Sunday morning. (A new more powerful snow blower will make it a bit easier this year.)
pg_0006
Page 6
SYNC November2011
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Don’t eat alone on Thanksgiving! There is a community-wide free Thanksgiving Dinner on
November 24 from 12pm until 3pm. This ministry is supported by Lowell area churches and is
hosted by First Congregational Church on Lincoln Lake Road, north of town.
The dinner is for everyone. The focus is on community and fellowship and gratitude, not
whether a person can afford the meal. Bring the whole family.
Lowell First UMC participates with donations and with helping prepare, serve and host. If
you’d like to contribute, simply indicate “Community Thanksgiving" on your check memo or envelope. If you’d like to help
with preparation or serving, contact Patty Story or call the Congregational Church office at 897-5906.
Eggs on a Mission
The Graves Family has farm fresh eggs.
They are willing to deliver a dozen eggs to you at church on
Sundays if you make a donation to the First United Methodist
Mission Fund.
Fresh eggs generally sell for 2$/dozen
but, you are welcome to make any
donation to the mission project you wish.
Just look for the family with the egg
cartons in the fellowship hall on Sundays.
F.R.O.M. Is Making a Big Difference
in Many Area Lives
It is amazing to remember that just a few years ago, F.R.O.M. was little
more than a cupboard in our church basement, handing out occasional
bags of food to area families. Look at what was accomplished recently:
The Food Pantry served 230 families with 25 volunteers putting in 182 hours in September. In addition, the
Foodmobile served 57 families with 20 volunteers working 40 hours.
Financial Assistance for Housing reported 15 families were helped in September with $4,825.00 from FROM and
$1,700.00 from Access Six. Utilities served 8 families in September with FROM helping with $1,942. and Access Six with
$400. Other assistance from FROM included $704.00 and Access 6 in the amount of $200.
Thrift Shop 73 volunteers worked a total of 1,466 hours. $16,359.42 in sales were recorded for the month of
September. Did you know that over 40% of FROM’s income comes through Thrift Shop sales. Your purchases there help
feed, house, and keep warm families in our area. Please stop in the Thrift Shop often.
Did You Catch Lowell on
the Today Show.
Wednesday, November 2, the Today Show ran a
story about Lowell’s Pink Arrow Project, which they
filmed in September. If you missed it, you can find it
online. It was a great piece about a wonderful
community doing good work. Check it out.
pg_0007
SYNC November2011
Page 7
Kids’ Club Needs Adult
Helpers
Our after-school ministry to area children
needs additional adult helpers to work with
our many youth volunteers. Can you join in
this ministry. Adults are needed between 3-
5:30 pm. on Wednesdays. All activities are
planned and all materials provided. And you
don’t have to commit to being present and
Early Christmas Eve Service to Feature
Children’s Pageant
Our early Christmas Eve service will be at 4:00 p.m. this year. The earlier time is
to be kid and family friendly as well as for those who don’t like to drive in the dark.
The service (complete with traditional carols, candlelight and communion)
will include an opportunity for any and
all children to be part of the no-rehearsal, pageant that night.
This means grandchildren and guests’ children can be part of the pageant too.
During the opening carol, kids will be invited to exit the sanctuary in groups according to whether they’d like to be angels,
shepherds or wisemen (and wisewomen). While the service continues, kids will be costumed and will reenter on cue to take
their place as part of the nativity story.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPER MENUS & SERVERS
November 9th: Missions Team – Authentic Mexican meal
16th: Jr. High Youth – Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwich with a
variety of Soups
23th NO Dinner or Kids’ Club (Thanksgiving Eve)
30th: Congregational Care
Do you love to
read.
Then we have a
place for you.
Join the new Book Club, open to
all adults on the 3rd Wednesday of each month 6:00-7:00 pm in
the Wesley Hall classroom (lower level) to discuss the current
reading. Any questions please contact Sue Behnke. 897-
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Page 8
SYNC November 2011
New Members Welcomed
December 4
New members will be welcomed during worship on
Sunday, December 4. Those interested in formally joining
Lowell First are asked to attend two membership orientation
classes.
Class one will be offered on: Sunday, November 13 at
9:30am and on Tuesday, November 15 at 7pm. (choose
either).
Class two will be offered on: Sunday, November 20 at
9:30am and one Monday, November 21 at 7:00 pm. (choose
either).
During classes we’ll look at what are the basic beliefs of
United Methodists, what the vows of membership mean,
Finances Continue Strong
Your Finance Team continues to be encouraged by the
turn around in our church finances during 2011. Giving
continues to be strong and is slightly ahead of our target
goals. Through the end of September, giving was 3% above
the projected total. We ended October with Y-T-D income
4% over the anticipated amount. Thank you.
Please keep in mind that monthly income targets are
based on our 5-year pattern of giving. This pattern
presumes October, November and December as months
with significantly increased income. Our pattern is that over
31% of our annual income is received in the last quarter.
Even with the current giving above projection, we will need
over 19% of our annual income during November and
December. This is very doable, because our pattern would
be to receive just over 22% of our income in the final two
months.
Report of Current C.O.M.M. Fund
Year-to-Date, October 30, 2011
Income
$235,382.57
Income Goal
$231,678.27
Above goal (1.5%) +$3,704.30
Year-to-Date Summary
Income
$235,382.73
Expended
$234,052.10
Balance
+$1,330.63
Ministry shares
$25,505 of $36,347 are paid to-date
which is 70% at the end of September.
Forward Steps fund balance: $1,689.05
Green Steps fund balance: $2,121.30
Again, thank you for your gifts. They are being used to build
God’s kingdom, share God’s love, teach the faith
and
inspire faithful living. A complete financial report is always
available upon request from the office.
All Church Conference
Is November 20
Your presence is requested at our annual meeting of the
whole congregation. We gather with four other area UM
congregations and are led by our District Superintendent,
Rev. Laurie Haller. This year Vergennes UMC on Bailey
Road will host the 7:00 pm event on November 20.
Rev. Haller is a dynamic preacher and spiritual leader
and this is the last year of her 6-year tenure as District
Superintendent. If you’ve not heard her preach, it is worth
taking the time. Following worship, each congregation meets
individually to conduct several business items. Rev. Haller
will preside at Lowell First’s congregational meeting.
Business items include: electing 2012 leaders, setting
pastor’s compensation for 2012, a membership report, and
the pastor’s report.
Every member is invited and has voice and vote.
pg_0009
SYNC November 2011
Page 9
You can help children around the world enjoy Christmas
and learn the good news of Jesus coming to earth by
preparing a shoebox of presents to be distributed by
Operation Christmas Child. Pick up a brochure to learn how to
pack a box.
The deadline for bringing the boxes to church is
Wednesday, November 16. For additional information,
contact Ray Wolfe.
A Letter from Our Missionary in Zambia
A mix-up kept him from visiting Lowell First, but Paul sends his thanks as he heads back to Zambia.
Dear Friends, I am very gratified by the financial support you have given and are continuing to afford me as I return to the
Mission Field in Zambia. I have just signed my contract for another three years with the General Board of Global Ministries
and will be going back to our site at Mujila Falls Agriculture Centre.
Andre and I had a very fruitful summer as we traveled through Alabama, North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, Indiana,
Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan.
We have stayed with very many wonderful people and shared meals with many of you. God is blessing us well. We
will be going back to Zambia on the 14th of October. The rains are about to start and we are hoping to be able to buy a
corn planter so as to make our planting season more productive.
I will be having a Volunteer in Mission come to our site in early November so will need to prepare for his work. May
God grant us a safe journey back to our site.
Your Brothers in Christ, Paul L. Webster and Andre Kanjimana
Our Thanksgiving Offering Will Help Local Needs
Our Thanksgiving offering will be split between the Flat River Outreach Ministries food
pantry and the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund.
The Food Pantry continues to experience growing clientele. Monetary donations allow
the pantry to purchase needed food items cheaply and to get the specific items that are
lacking.
The Discretionary Fund is used to respond to local needs for such things as assistance
with housing and utility costs through FROM referrals. When FROM has a verified need
greater than their ability to handle, they often contact churches to help address the need.
As the needs in the Lowell area continue to rise, the requests rise as well. Your generous
second mile giving to the Thanksgiving Offering will help Lowell First continue to be able to
respond quickly.