February, 2016

This month’s issue is sponsored by
RICHARD and JANET YOUNG.
U.S. Postage
PAID
403 N. Saginaw Street
Durand MI 48429
(989) 288-6684
www.durandchurch.com
Permit #29
Durand, Michigan
Non-Profit Organization
February, 2016
Happy Valentine’s
Day
On February 14, many
around the world will express
love for their sweetheart through
gifts of cards, flowers, chocolate, and other gifts that still
leaves a few grumbling and refusing to participate in a
“Hallmark holiday.” Of course,
those individuals tend not to
have a sweetheart for obvious
reasons. Because Valentine’s
Day has become so overrun with
cupids and red hearts, some may
not realize that there really was
a Valentine. It is worth knowing
just a little about this ancient
man of God.
Valentine was a secondcentury priest who lived in
Rome during the days of Emperor Claudius II. Under Claudius
Rome was embroiled in one
unpopular, bloody military campaign after another. As a result,
the army required a steady
stream of young recruits. However, young men who were married were less inclined to volunteer because of concern for and
attachment to their wives and
families. To eliminate what he
saw as an obstacle to military
expansion, Claudius issued an
edict banning all young men
from marrying.
(Continued on p. 3)
Everyone is invited to join
us for our weekly Bible
Study, Wednesdays at
11:00am. We are studying
the Book of Ephesians and
learning to use the Inductive
Bible Study method. The coffee is fresh-ground and the
conversation is Spirit-lead.
Study materials may be accessed on the church website
and Facebook page. It is
NOT too late to join the
group! Come join us!
FCC to Host Roast Beef Dinner
First Congregational Church of Durand will host a family-style, “all-you-care-to-eat” Roast
Beef Dinner on Friday, February 5, 2016, from 4:45pm-7:00pm (or until the food is gone).
After several months that left the Durand area asking, “where’s the beef?” FCC will once
again be offering the meal that has been a popular community event for over 100 years.
The menu includes: FCC’s “oughta-be-world-famous” roast beef, mashed potatoes & gravy, vegetables, rolls, homemade pies, cakes, and more.
Cost is $10 per adult, and $5.00 for children age 4-12. Kids under 4 are free. Take-out orders are available starting at 4:30pm. For those with special needs there is an elevator available at the Washtenaw Street entrance. First Congregational Church is located at 403 N. Saginaw Street in Durand. For more information, go to www.durandchurch.com or call (989)2886684.
NOTE: Volunteers are still needed for this event! Please contact BOB EDWARDS and ask
how you can help.
FROM THE PASTOR
Advice for A Year of Bible Reading
Most Christians acknowledge
the importance of reading the
Bible. One of FCC’s Core Beliefs
states, “The Bible is God's word
to all men. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit.
It is the supreme source of truth
for Christian beliefs and living.
Because it is inspired by God, the
Bible is a reliable source of truth
without any error” (FCC Core
Beliefs). That said, how do we
read the Bible personally? Since
it is February, some of you are
still using the THROUGH THE
BIBLE IN 2016 guide we distributed in January, but some have
stopped. How can individuals
read the Bible for themselves in
such a way that it produces results? Here are some suggestions:
1. Commit to being consistent.
There is no denying it, all of
us need regular time in God’s
word outside of the reading we
do together on Sunday mornings.
Yet, survey after survey shows
that a very small percentage of us
actually read the Bible for ourselves. The first step is to commit
to something consistent. Whether
it is daily, weekly, three or four
times a week, or some other combination, men and women who
want to develop their relationship
with God must read the Bible
consistently. Consistent, daily
Bible reading is by far the best
approach.
2. Read some for devotion, and
some for study.
There is a difference between
Bible study and devotions. A lot
of people get discouraged in their
devotional reading because they
are trying to study the Bible in
short bursts every day. Devotional reading is just that, reading. It
is usually a shorter time, and
sometimes involves tools like the
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN
2016 guide I mentioned earlier. It
is a brief time in which we read a
passage and let God speak to us.
On the other hand, Bible study is
a little more involved. It involves
more time, and probably covers a
smaller section of Scripture.
Sometimes it involves the Inductive Bible Study Method I teach
our Wednesday study group to
use. Other times we use Bible
commentaries, and other
appropriate sources to dig deeper
into the passage. Ideally,
(continued on p. 3)
FCC Sanctuary Choir
2016 Annual Meeting
FCC Elects 2016 Officers
First Congregational
Church will offer its 2016
Confirmation Classes beginning in February. The first
series of classes is designed
for boys and girls who have
begun showing an interest in
faith matters, and are ready to
learn more. Confirmation will
be offered in a series of three
classes, February 28, March
6, 13. The classes will meet
following the Sunday Worship Celebration, and attendance at all three is necessary
to complete the course. Pastor
Steve will be leading the classes.
Parents, please understood
that Confirmation is not a
Sacrament, or any sort of path
to your son or daughter’s sal-
vation. It is simply a next level of instruction regarding
God, the Trinity, Salvation,
the Bible, Baptism, Communion, and our local church. It is
our desire to make sure the
children who participate have
an instructional foundation
through which the Holy Spirit
can work, hopefully drawing
those who have not yet received Christ to do so at some
point soon.
Parents wishing to enroll
their son or daughter in Confirmation may do so by contacting Pastor Steve, who can
also answer any questions that
might need to be asked.
Please note, this is the only
time Confirmation Class is
planned for 2016.
February 17, 2016 - 5:00pm
Come Join FCC for Family Night!
FCC is excited to announce FAMILY NIGHT
coming up Wednesday, February 17, 2016. In what could
become a monthly event at
least until spring arrives,
FAMILY NIGHT will begin
at 5:00pm with pizza, snacks,
and activities for all ages. The
night will include a free
screening of the film,
“Woodlawn,” in the Teen
Center; children’s activities
and the film, “Minnesota
Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella (VeggieTales),”
in the Kid’s Church area; video games in the “Take-Out
Room;” and pizza, snacks,
card games, and board games
in the Social Hall. The event
will last just over two hours,
so everyone can get home and
keep bedtimes in order.
“Woodlawn,” is the true
story of the Woodlawn High
School football team that experienced a spiritual awakening in Birmingham, Alabama,
in 1973. Forced into federally
mandated desegregation and
the resulting racism and hated,
Coach, Tandy Geralds, and
star running back, Tony Nathan lead the team through an
astounding run in the state
playoffs fueled by dedication
to love and unity. The film
features Sean Astin, Nic Bishop, Caleb Castille, Sherri
Shepherd, Jon Voight, and C.
Thomas Howell.
Everyone is asked to bring
salty or sweet snacks to share.
Pizza and soft drinks will be
provided. Card games and
board games are also needed.
This is a great event to invite
friends. Come join FCC for a
great night of fun for all ages!
First Congregational Church held its 120th Annual Meeting on
January 24, 2016. In addition to other important business, the congregation elected the following individuals to serve in 2016. Please
note: this roster is only for the purpose of naming the individuals
elected, and does not reflect length of service, or chairs of the boards
and committees. Thank you to all who have agreed to serve!
OFFICERS
Moderator
Lori Childs
Treasurer
*VACANT
Clerk
Shirley Polen
Scribe
Marcia Dennis
Co-C.E. Directors Tonia Ritter
Shannon Fryer
Auditor
Jack D. Fries
BOARDS
Deacons
Rodney Dean
Brad Ritter
Sherry Dean
Jim Schuyler
M.J. Edwards
Shari Schuyler
Nancy Grumley Tina Wilhelm
Shirley Polen
Brian Wilhelm
George Polen
Trustees
Helen Cole
Terry Howdyshell
Kristine Davis
Pat Post
Sherry Dean
Jack Wooton
Carl Dennis
VACANT
Roger Drury
Benevolence
Matt Blight
Marie Semple
Rodney Dean
Dick Young
Sherry Dean
Janet Young
Terry Howdyshell
Christian Education
Sandy Blight
Jennifer Linder
Cheryl Cole
Tonia Ritter
Robert Donley Kristy Wagner
Shannon Fryer
Christy Wiley
Claudia Howdyshell
Youth Fellowship
Penny Harden
Connor Stull
Cindy Stull
COMMITTEES
Finance
Sandy Blight
George Polen
Diane Fries
Living Memorial Trust
Sandy Blight
Sherry Dean
Lori Childs
Marcia Godley
Helen Cole
Pat Post
Annual Fellowship Meal - January 24, 2016
FCC 101 Offered in March
First Congregational Church will
offer “FCC 101,” a class for adults
wishing to know more about Christianity, Congregationalism, and
FCC, on Sunday, March 20, following the Worship Celebration. Anyone interested in the possibility of
Baptism and/or church membership
is invited and encouraged to attend.
Those who simply wish to learn
more are also cordially invited.
Developed in 2015 for adults
who were new to FCC, this class
will be lead by Pastor Steve and
draws heavily from the
“Congregational History and Polity,” materials available
from the
National
Association of Congregational
Christian Churches. Anyone interested should contact Pastor Steve to
register or ask questions!
Gift and Memorial
Lea Anderson
Shari Schuyler
Lori Childs
Ron Stork
Cheryl Cole
Sue Swantek
Janet Fries
Nominating
Sandy Blight
Pat Post
Cheryl Cole
Shari Schuyler
Amy Donley
Cindy Stull
Family Fund
Lori Childs
Jim Schuyler
Steve Wood (Pastor)
Lamplighter
Lois Cole
Sue Parkin
Dennis Parkin
Cliff Semple
Shirley Polen
Steve Wood (Pastor)
Pastoral Relations and Planning
Moderator
Pastor
Deacon Chair
Trustee Chair
Benevolence Chair
C.E. Chair
Prudential
Moderator
Scribe
Pastor
Treasurer
Clerk
Director of C.E.
Deacon Chair
Finance Chair
Trustee Chair Benevolence Chair
C.E. Chair
Nominating Chair
Gift and Memorial Chair
Living Memorial Chair
Youth Fellowship Chair
Representatives to Regional and
National Associations
Fern Wilson (permanent delegate)
Pat Post
FCC’s “One Item a
Month,” for February is Bibles. Throughout the month
everyone is invited to deposit
their gently used Bibles in
the box at the back of the
Sanctuary. They will be
packaged up in early March
and delivered to our friends
at Christian Resources International right down the road
in Fowlerville. Over the last
60 years CRI has distributed
about $278 million in Bibles
and materials to people in
170 countries around the
world. It is a blessing to partner with such an effective
ministry that operates so
close to home. So, if you
have Bibles that you no longer use, drop them off at FCC
throughout the month of
February. We will deliver
them to CRI and they will
end up with someone who
will be blessed by them.
Thanks!
February Worship Personnel
Riding stellar performances by their quarterbacks, the Carolina
Panthers and Denver Broncos punched their tickets for Super Bowl
50, dashing the preseason hopes of the Patriots, Steelers, Packers …
and the Lions (again). With the game scheduled for Sunday, February 7 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, FCC announces
plans for SUPER BOWL SUNDAY. Everyone is invited to wear
their favorite NFL paraphernalia and join FCC for Sunday Worship
Celebration at the point of Saginaw and Washtenaw in beautiful,
downtown Durand. Because the Worship Celebration starts at
10:00am, and the Super Bowl does not kick off until 6:30pm, there
are no excuses. You WILL be home long before game time!
So, put on your favorite NFL duds (the Pastor will be wearing his
“wait ‘til next year” Lions bling), and join FCC for a morning of
Worship on Sunday, February 7, 10:00am.
The following individuals
will be staffing our Kid’s
Church ministry in February.
Thanks to all of you!
February 7, 2016
Robert Donley
Bailie DeFrenn
February 14, 2016
Penny Harden
Christy Wiley
February 21, 2016
Tonia Ritter
Jennifer Lindner
Kylah Didur
February 28, 2016
Shannon Fryer
Tina Wilhelm
Connie Johnston
Valentine
(continued from p. 1)
The edict of Claudius created
immediate issues within the
Christian Church, which at this
time maintained essential unity
since the Great Schism did not
begin until 1050, and the
Protestant Reformation would
not occur until 1517. Roman law
in the late second century allowed polygamy, although the
Church did not condone or sanction the practice, so there was
already a certain amount of tension between civic and ecclesiastical authorities.
The Church taught the sacredness of a life of marital fidelity between one man and one
woman, and Valentine interpreted this to mean couples should
be encouraged to marry. He began conducting secret weddings
for young couples in order to
avoid Claudius’ edict. In
269AD, authorities caught and
arrested Constantine for performing wedding ceremonies
deemed illegal by Claudius. He
stood trial before the Prefect of
Rome and who sentenced him to
a three-part execution of a beating, stoning, and finally decapitation. The sentence was carried
out on February 14, 270AD.
Legend has it that the Prefect
of Roman was a man named
Asterius, whose daughter was
blind. While awaiting execution,
Valentine befriended the girl. At
some point, he prayed with her
and her she regained her sight in
the moments after his execution.
Her healing was so dramatic that
Asterius himself became Christian as a result. The legend also
holds that Valentine left a note
for Asterius' daughter, which he
signed, "From your Valentine."
In 496AD, Gelasius, Bishop
of Rome, declared February 14
St. Valentine’s Day. While the
observance evolved into its
modern form, it is also a celebration of the life of a kind, godly
man who championed love and
marriage.
“This little light of mine…”
From the Pastor
(continued from p. 1)
individuals should have times of
devotion and times of study.
3. Read in order to connect
with God.
Whether devotionally, or as
Bible study, we read Scripture in
an effort to connect with God. No
amount of biblical knowledge
can ever surpass the importance
of developing and deepening our
relationship with Jesus Christ,
God Incarnate. Remember who
wrote the Bible as you read it.
Paul said, “All Scripture God
breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16); and
Peter wrote, “Men spoke from
God as they were carried along
by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter
1:21). The Bible is God’s selfrevelation to humanity, so our
focus must always be a deeper
relationship with him. In other
words, read to know God, not
just to know about him.
4. Pray first.
To be blunt, attempting to
read the Bible without first asking God to speak to you is a
waste of your time. It is presumptuous for us to think we can grasp
the truths of Scripture without the
Holy Spirit to guide us. David
prayed, “Show me your ways, O
LORD, teach me your
paths” (Psalm 25:4); and,
“Search me, O God, and know
my heart; test me and know my
anxious thoughts. See if there is
any offensive way in me, and lead
me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). That is
how each of us should read the
The following individuals
have volunteered to serve by
facilitating Worship in various
ways during the month of February. There are open opportunities to serve as Liturgist,
Head Usher, Assistant Usher,
and Greeter. In addition,
Nursery attendants and those
who are willing to provide
snacks for Social Time are
needed. If you would like to
help out, call the Church Office (989-288-6684), or sign up
at the back of the Sanctuary.
Got any questions? See JIM
SCHUYLER.
February 7, 2016
Liturgist:
Sandy Blight
Head Usher:
OPEN
Asst. Usher:
Brad Ritter
Greeters:
OPEN
Snacks:
OPEN
Nursery:
OPEN
February 14, 2016
Liturgist:
Sherry Dean
Head Usher:
Jim Schuyler
Asst. Usher:
Shari Schuyler
Greeters:
OPEN
Snacks:
Trudy Nicks
Nursery:
OPEN
February 21, 2016
Liturgist:
OPEN
Head Usher:
Lori Childs
Asst. Usher:
M.J. Edwards
Greeters:
OPEN
Snacks:
Melanie Wood
Nursery:
OPEN
February 28, 2016
Liturgist:
OPEN
Head Usher:
Rodney Dean
Asst. Usher:
Sherry Dean
Greeters:
OPEN
Snacks:
Deans
Nursery:
OPEN
Bible.
5. Commit to applying the
truth God teaches you.
James wrote humorously,
“Anyone who listens to the word
but does not do what it says is
like a man who looks at his face
in a mirror and, after looking at
himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks
like” (James 1:2324). If we ask him
to, God will speak
to each of us individually through
the Bible, and teach
us the truth of what
we read. However,
the truth is lost if it
is not applied.
Congregationalists believe each
man and woman
has the privilege of
January Teen Meeting
developing their
personal theology.
As an autonomous local church,
of God for a lie, and worour Core Beliefs are concise and
shiped and served created
limited so that individuals will be
things rather than the
able to develop their personal
Creator--who is forever
beliefs, as well. However, we
praised. (Romans 1:21must not make the mistake of
25)
seeing this privilege as a “right,”
So, as you have heard me say
when it is much more accurately Sunday after Sunday after Suna responsibility. Far too many
day, read the Bible for yourself.
individuals develop their beliefs Read it in big chunks and small
based on opinions and emotional bites. Read it quickly and read it
responses, rather than biblical
slowly. Read it out loud and read
insight. If my beliefs are not
it silently. Just read it.
based on God’s word they are
opinions, not theology, and that
leaves me in a condition of foolishness. Paul described it this
way,
Although they knew
God, they neither gloryfied him as God nor gave
thanks to him, but their
thinking became futile
ATTENTION:
and their foolish hearts
Anyone with a mouth!
were darkened. Although
Come join the FCC Sanctuthey claimed to be wise,
ary Choir. Rehearsals are
they became fools…
Sundays
following Worship!
They exchanged the truth
Once you
have
this issue
THEDay!”
LAMPLIGHTER,
Looking
ahead
to finished
March: 6 with
- “National
Oreoof
Cookie
13
- 2nd pass
Annual
HalleLUAU!”
17 - St.
Day. be
20interested
- Palm Sunday.
please
it along
to someone
elsePatrick’s
who might
in
25
Durand
Area
Good
Friday
Service.
27
Easter
Sunday.
First Congregational Church of Durand!
Check out FCC on the internet: www.durandchurch.com
DISCOVERY CAMP
(grades 2-3)
$165
#1: June 26-28
#2: July 6-8
JUNIOR EXPLORER CAMP
(grades 4-6)
$265
# 1: June 19-24
#2: July 17-22
The Christian Education
recreational activities, worship,
week of summer camp is signifi- TEEN CHALLENGE CAMP
$265
Board is very pleased to anand Bible instruction appropriate cant, especially for those families (grades 7-9)
nounce that FCC children and
to each age group. Each session
with more than one camper. WE #1 June 26-July 1
teenagers will once again have
of camp is carefully planned and WANT TO HELP! It is our goal #2: July 17-22
the opportunity
carried out so
to see that every boy and girl who TEEN TRIP CAMP
$285
to attend SUMthat campers
wants to attend a camp gets to do (grades 9-12)
MER CAMP
have fun and
so and there are funds in place to July 24-29
*Registration forms and additionthis summer at
grow spiritually. help. To secure your son or
al information are available on
Covenant Hills
Covenant Hills
daughter’s place in a camp FCC
Camp and ReCamp is comasks for a completed registration the Literature Table at FCC, and
at: www.covenant hills.org. Get
treat Center in
mitted to provid- form and a $25.00 deposit by
Otisville, Michiing a safe envi- February 14, 2016. Beyond that, ready for Summer Camp!
gan. Located on
ronment that
payment plans and other arrangeFarrand Road,
allows campers ments can most certainly be
north of Dato learn, develop made. PLEASE LET TONIA
vison, Michifriendships,
RITTER, OR SHANNON FRYgan, Covenant
grow in their
ER KNOW IF YOU NEED FIHills is owned
relationship with NANCIAL ASSISTANCE! Here
and operated by
Christ, and make is the schedule and pricing for the
the East Michilifetime memo- camps Covenant Hills is offering
gan Conference of the Free Meth- ries.
this summer.
DAY CAMP
odist Church. The folks at CovePARENTS! Although Cove$120
nant Hills have been doing Sum- nant Hills offers an excellent pro- (grades 1-8)
mer Camp for nearly 50 years and gram and very competitive rates, #1 July 4-8
#2 July 25-29
they have planned another fantas- FCC is aware that the cost for a
tic summer for 2016.
This summer’s theme is
“ANCHORED,” and is based on
Matthew 28:20, “I am with you
THE LAMPLIGHTER is a
always, even to the end of the
publication of FIRST CONage.” The programs will feature
GREGATIONAL CHURCH
OF DURAND and is published
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To subscribe or stop receiving
this publication please contact
the Church Office (989)2886684
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403 N. Saginaw St.
Durand MI 48429