January - Milford United Methodist Church

January 2015 Newsletter
1200 Atlantic St. Milford, MI 48381
(248) 684-2798 FAX (248) 684-9585
www.milfordumc.net
A Stephen Ministry Congregation
Pastor’s Column: Doug’s Discoveries
I’ve re-discovered the Latin inscription on the church bell
here at Milford United Methodist Church: “Alas, the Fleeing Years Slip Away.” How I wish that bell could speak of
all the years it has witnessed! The bell was first hung in
1887
over our church on Union Street, upon the 50th anniversary of the congregation. Early “Methodists” were known for their “enthusiasm.” Year
by year, those “shoutin’ Methodists” sang their praises, raised families
in faith, baptized new disciples, taught Bible lessons, supported the
connectional mission of the church, and prayed their way through 2
world wars.
In 1962, with a vision for the future, this Methodist congregation bought
7 acres at 1200 Atlantic Street. In July, we held our first worship service here and baptized 2 children, whose parents are still members:
Scott Walter Harrison, son of Barbara Harrison and the late Wendell
Harrison; and Kenneth Norman Bourns, son of Norm and Gail Bourns.
Some of our current members served on the building committee: Barbara Harrison and Elaine Skarritt. At the 1966 ground breaking ceremony, Eunice Michaels and Donna Caswell had reading parts. We
were excited about the new church. On September 18, 1966, we built
such a great bonfire here that area residents called the fire department. The basic building was mostly enclosed in December and completed for just over $300,000.
Bishop Marshall Reed joined our pastor, Rev. Archie Donigan, for the
consecration of the church on September 10,1967 at 3:00 p.m. Many
people honored loved ones by purchasing equipment and hymnals for
the new sanctuary. In 1969, we bought the old church bell from the
Masons for $1,000, and placed it in the new church garden. We
burned the mortgage in 1980.
In the late 1990’s we elected a building committee, including these current members: Juanita Rogers, Joe Strauss, Donna Oberg, Judy Clemens, Evelyn Cohea, John Olari, Laurie Tulk, Patsy Patterson, and Ron
Opfer. After 3 years of work, on May 21, 2000, the congregation consecrated the expansion of the church, including the current bell tower.
The year 2014 is slipping away, and thanks be to God for all the blessings of the year past, from baptism to Harvest Dinner, from sweet corn
to Appalachia, from age 1 to 96, from Allie Andersen to Pam Zientar,
I’m looking for some “shoutin’ Methodists” for 2015. Let’s light a bonfire for the Lord! I love you all, Pastor Doug
1
Upcoming Events
Milford Presbyterian/MUMC
Joint Service
Sunday, January 4th 10 am MPC
America’s Sunday Supper
Sunday, January 18th
2 pm-March
Beginning at Prospect Hill
Shopping Center
5:30 pm-Potluck at MUMC
The Spaghetti Event
Saturday, February 7th
4:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Our Deacon-Rev. Sherry
As you read this, it is still Christmas! -Until January 6 and Epiphany, the arrival of the
Magi. Christmas is often a season when people seek a closer relationship with God. The
warmth of the nativity story draws people near the manger and the wonder of the Christ
Child. It is also a time when we think of helping others and sharing God’s love in the world. I
came across this story and wanted to share it, but also to encourage us to think about
keeping Christmas all year round and sharing God’s greatest gift to us with others by being
his hands and feet on earth. What a difference we CAN make!
“Christmas at the Gas Station” (Chuck Garber)
The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn't been anywhere in years since
his wife had passed away. It was just another day to him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason
to celebrate. He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last hour and wondering
what it was all about when the door opened and a homeless man stepped through.
Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his customers, told the man to come and sit
by the heater and warm up. "Thank you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you're busy, I'll
just go." "Not without something hot in your belly." George said. He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos
and handed it to the stranger. "It ain't much, but it's hot and tasty. Stew ... Made it myself. When you're done,
there's coffee and it's fresh."
Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell. "Excuse me, be right back," George said.
There in the driveway was an old '53 Chevy. Steam was rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked.
"Mister can you help me!" said the driver, with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is broken." George opened the hood. It was bad. The block looked cracked from the cold, the car was dead. "You
ain't going in this thing," George said as he turned away. "But Mister, please help ..." The door of the office
closed behind George as he went inside. He went to the office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went
back outside. He walked around the building, opened the garage, started the truck and drove it around to
where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain't the best thing you ever looked at, but
she runs real good."
George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into the night. He turned and
walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave 'em the truck, their tires were shot too. That 'ol truck has brand
new ." George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk,
empty, with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George thought.
George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into
the garage where the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve
meant no customers. He discovered the block hadn't cracked; it was just the bottom hose on the radiator.
"Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. So he put a new one on. "Those tires ain't gonna get 'em
through the winter either." He took the snow treads off of his wife's old Lincoln. They were like new and he
wasn't going to drive the car anyway.
As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car an officer lay on
the cold ground. Bleeding from the left shoulder, the officer moaned, "Please help me." George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had received in the Army as a medic. He knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been there that morning
and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can
fix anythin'," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease. "Something for pain," George thought. All he
had was the pills he used for his back. "These ought to work." He put some water in a cup and gave the policeman the pills. "You hang in there, I'm going to get you an ambulance."
The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He
went out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two way radio. He went back in
to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the officer. "You could have left me there. The guy that shot me
is still in the area." George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an injured man in the Army and I ain't
gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than what it is. Bullet
passed right through 'ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time your gonna be right
as rain." George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you take it?" he asked. "None for me," said the
officer. "Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got no donuts." The officer laughed and
winced at the same time.
2
The front door of the office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun. "Give me all your cash! Do it
now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything
like this before. "That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer. "Son, why are you doing this?" asked
George, "You need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt." The young man was confused.
"Shut up old man, or I'll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!" The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that
thing away," George said to the cop, "we got one too many in here now." He turned his attention to the
young man. "Son, it's Christmas Eve. If you need money, well then, here. It ain't much but it's all I got. Now
put that pea shooter away." George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man, reaching
for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and
began to cry. "I'm not very good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something for my wife and son," he
went on. "I've lost my job, my rent is due, my car got repossessed last week." George handed the gun to the
cop. "Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it
through the best we can."
He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we
do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. "Bein' stupid is one of the things that
makes us human. Comin' in here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we'll sort this
thing out." The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. "Sorry I shot you. It just went off.
I'm sorry officer." "Shut up and drink your coffee " the cop said. George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn.
"Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer. "Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did
you find me?" "GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. Who did this?" the other cop asked as
he approached the young man. Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just
dropped his gun and ran." George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other. "That guy work
here?" the wounded cop continued. "Yep," George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job." The
paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop
and whispered, "Why?" Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas boy ... and you too, George, and thanks for everything."
"Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. That ought to solve some of your problems."
George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go, something
for the little woman. I don't think Martha would mind. She said it would come in handy some day." The young
man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw. "I can't take this," said the young man. "It
means something to you." "And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories. That's
all I need." George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared next. They were toys
that the oil company had left for him to sell. "Here's something for that little man of yours." The young man
began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the old man had handed him earlier. "And what are you
supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that too," George said. "Now git home to your family."
The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I'll be here in the morning for work, if that job
offer is still good." "Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after."
George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. "Where'd you come from? I thought you
left?" "I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You say you don't celebrate Christmas. Why?" "Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn't see what all the bother was. Puttin' up a tree
and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin' cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn't the same by
myself and besides I was gettin' a little chubby." The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But you
do celebrate the holiday, George. You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and hungry.
The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great doctor. The policeman you helped will go
on to save 19 people from being killed by terrorists. The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich
man and not take any for himself. "That is the spirit of the season and you keep it as good as any man."
George was taken aback by all this stranger had said.
"And how do you know all this?" asked the old man. "Trust me, George. I have the inside track on
this sort of thing. And when your days are done you will be with Martha again." The stranger moved toward
the door. "If you will excuse me, George, I have to go now. I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned." George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the stranger was wearing
turned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill the room. "You see, George ... it's My birthday. Merry
Christmas." George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, Lord Jesus"
3
America's Sunday Supper
January 19th 2015 will be the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. This milestone is a perfect opportunity for Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy by working throughout January to find ways to address the
issues of our communities.
America’s Sunday Supper 2015
will focus on the HVMLK Day
theme of “Freedom Songs.”
We will have a community
potluck supper on Sunday, January 18th at 5:30pm here at our
church (feel free to bring a
dish to pass, or just come and enjoy!). This will be followed by a
program featuring a musical
performance and a speaker
from the Michigan Abolitionist
Project (MAP), speaking on
human trafficking; helping
create awareness and discussing ways we can help fight against it.
A candlelight tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. will conclude our evening. A free-will offering will be received to
support our musicians and MAP.
We encourage your participation in the 10th annual HVMLK March on Main Street at 2pm starting at the
Prospect Hill Shopping Center and ending at the SHAC near Central Park. Awards, presentations, and other activities will take place at the SHAC following the march. Contact MUMC office (248-684-2798) for more information.
Need Support for Coping?
Every Thursday in the church
parlor, at 10:00a.m., Carol
Cronk leads a small group called "Recovery." It is
a support group for anyone coping with issues like
depression, anxiety, change, addiction, pain,
chronic illness, or grief. We use a systematic
method that has helped many people cope with or
overcome a wide range of personal concerns. Inquire by calling Carol Cronk at 248-887-6696.
On October 12th we received the
new members listed below.
Welcome to all!
Adult Sunday School in January
Please join one of these classes on Sundays at 9:30 am:
1. Topic: "Esther: Woman of Faith and Action”
Teacher: Maureen Bonhard
Classroom: Parlor, east side of Fellowship Hall
2. Topic: Adult Bible Study
Teacher: Carolyn Graves and TBD
Classroom: Pastor’s Study
3. Topic: “The Blue Parakeet:
Rethinking How You Read the Bible”
A study of the book by Scot McKnight
Teacher: Pastor Doug
Robert Campbell, sponsored by Larry Shaver, was born and raised in Waterford. After he graduated high
school, Robert attended college, and joined the USAF for four years. He raised 2 girls, Melanie and Carmen
and has 2 grandchildren, Madeline and Davis. Robert worked at GM, including the Proving Grounds, for 38
years. He is married to Thesia Wolf, and they live near the church at 818 Atlantic Street.
Jennifer Frankford, sponsored by Diana Brudi, has lived in the Village of Milford for 26 years with her 3 adult
children: Amber, Michael, and Christian. Jennifer is and has been involved with many different organizations
including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Zonta, Daughter's of the American Revolution, and the Village Council. She
is a Business Agent for United Food and Commercial Workers 876 where she is the chair of the Women's Network. Jennifer’s favorite charity is HAVEN, and her favorite part of the day is sunrise. Jennifer lives next door
to Pastor Doug and Marianne at 360 Cabinet Street.
Nancy Lankford, sponsored by Virginia Orr, was born in Pontiac and moved to Milford in 1968. She worked
at the US Post Office for 20 years. Nancy has 4 adult children, has been a ‘hands-on’ Grandmother to three
grand-daughters, and just recently became a Great-Grandmother! She lives at 851 Union Street.
Susan White, sponsored by Linda Fraser, was born and raised in Kalamazoo and Portage MI. She has 5 children, 8 grandchildren, and 2 beautiful great-grandchildren!!!! Susan was a member of First UMC in Adrian.
She is new to this area, having moved to Highland last November and is a recent widow. Sue enjoys flower
gardening, walking, playing golf, traveling, and enjoying time on the lake with her wonderful family and friends.
She lives at 393 Gleneagles in Highland. (Sue will be received into membership at a later date.)
4
Mitten Tree: Thank you to everyone who contributed SO generously this year so far! We
were able to send a large box of hats, scarves, gloves, mittens and socks to the Baldwin
Center in Pontiac for their use. We will keep the tree up through February for donations
that will be given to local charities. We are anticipating another cold winter and these donations will be wonderful to help people stay warm -thanks again for helping to share the
warmth of God’s love with those around us!
Birthday Party for Jesus: We had a tremendous turnout for this annual event with a
good meal and a great performance of our annual Christmas play. Thank you to Kelsey
Shufflebarger for writing, leading and directing the play, the moms who helped with costumes and with the meal, the dads who helped with clean-up (special shout out to the Antrim family), the youth who helped with child care and stage management, Bob and Jan
Olari for delivering the Christmas gifts to Baldwin Center, and everyone involved! Our
church’s generosity sent a van full of brand new toys, games, books and wrapping items
to the Baldwin Center to be used in their Christmas shop for parents to get for their children – THANK YOU SO MUCH!
MOPS News: Remember that our church has an active and growing group of
Mothers of Preschoolers and more are welcome! We meet on the second
and fourth Fridays of each month and childcare is provided – this is a time for
the moms to have fellowship and relax with each other in a special time of nurturing. Delicious snacks are provided as well; if you are someone – or know
someone – with children infant through preschool age please put this on your calendar and join our group in
January! We would LOVE to care for you and your children.
Letter from Saint Urbain Jefthe: Saint Urbain is a boy who lives in Haiti and
our Sunday School classes support through Compassion International. Here is
his most recent letter to us: “Greetings! It’s such a joy to write you this letter.
How are you? My family and I are great by God’s grace. How are your activities
going? My activities are going so well. I took part in a big musical camp which
was lots of fun where children were playing music: violin, trumpet, clarinet, and
many nice instruments. I played a lot of music like symphony, “Kumbaya,” “Haiti
Cherie,” “Tizwazo” and others. I took part in a recital which was fun. Every child had to play a musical piece
for 15 days during the camp. I’m thankful for that. I am praying that God bless you in all you do. Pray that
God protect me in all I do.”
Saint Urbain’s participation in this music camp was made possible by our sponsorship of him as a Compassion Child. Our sponsorship costs $38 per month and we welcome any donations for this cause as our Sunday
School attendance has been lower since we sponsored him. If you are interested in either donating or sending a letter of encouragement to him (highly appreciated!) please see Karen Smith. Thanks! It’s so wonderful
to bring joy and security to a child who needs us, and bring Jesus to him too!
5
United Methodist Women
January 8-9:30 am Morning Glories meets at Leo’s Coney Island in Milford.
January 16-10:00 am Clara’s Helping Hands meets in the Church Parlor
January 27-7:00 pm Mary Martha Circle to be held in the Teen Room. Hostess-Judy Culbertson
Joy, Peace, Love, and Hope were topics presented at our UMW Advent Tea. The evening
was full of fellowship, yummy goodies and warm hearted spiritual renewal.
I want to thank Jeana Marquardt, Maureen Bonhard, Christina Rockwell, and Julia Cohea
for presenting a heart touching program. It reminded each of us what IS the true meaning
of Christmas! May we each keep Joy, Peace, Love, and Hope in our minds and hearts all
through the coming year.
Linda Sturgeon
ASPIRE/BRIDGE CALENDAR-updated as of Dec. 2
January 4 - regular schedule. Broomball practice; please dress for vigorous game.
January 11 – regular schedule – info re: Spring Hill retreats; parents welcome.
January 18 - ASPIRE special event: America's Sunday Supper
January 25 - ASPIRE – regular (J. Olari); no BRIDGE (Middle School retreat)
February 1 - AM - Souper Bowl of Caring; PM - Super Bowl party (no ASPIRE)
February 8 - ASPIRE – regular (J. Olari); no BRIDGE (High School retreat)
February 15 – regular schedule
February 21 – WinterJam concert, Palace of Auburn Hills
February 22 – No ASPIRE or BRIDGE (due to concert previous night)
March 1, 8 – regular schedule
March 15 – TBD
March 22, 29 – regular schedule
April 5 – No ASPIRE or BRIDGE (Easter)
April 11 – Lock-in (tentative)
April 12 – No ASPIRE or BRIDGE (due to lock-in that weekend)
April 19, 26 – regular schedule
May 3 – regular schedule
May 10 – No ASPIRE or BRIDGE (Mother’s Day)
May 17 – Final ASPIRE and BRIDGE (Grad recognition)
Newsletter Deadline
6
THE SPAGHETTI EVENT
Yes!! It is more than just a dinner – it is an event in every sense of
the word. There will be food (of course), decorations, music, silent auction, square dancing, laughter, and fun, fun, fun! It is our fourth Spaghetti
Event and it is going to be bigger and better than ever.
February 7, 2015
Spaghetti Dinner
4:30 – 6:30
Square Dance
7:00 – 9:00
Silent Auction
4:30 – 8:30
There is no experience required to square dance. The caller will
teach us whatever we need to know. It is fun whether you know what you
are doing or just learning. If you don’t care to dance, we’ll have table
games, a comfortable place to watch the dancing, and live auctions.
Have fun however you wish!
Please mark your calendars for February 7th. It will be a grand day/
evening to spend with our church family and anyone else that wants to
come and have fun with us.
Proceeds from the Silent Auction will go to apportionments and to our
mission in Haiti. If you have a new item that you would like to donate
for the Silent Auction, please contact Kecia (248) 685-3047 or Chris
(248) 624-2098. The deadline for donations is January 15th.
7
Happy
Anniversary
No anniversaries this month.
Jan. 1: David Fisher & Marilyn Motschenbacher. Jan. 5:
Frank Jacoby. Jan. 7: Bob Schiemann. Jan. 9: Elizabeth
Gordinier, John Olari & Marilyn Stoner. Jan. 10: Michael
Katchever. Jan. 13: David Bonhard, Norma Weening, &
Marjorie Wesley. Jan. 16: Bryan Craft. Jan. 17: Walter
Ebert & Sharon Hatfield. Jan. 18: Tom Gorton & Donna
Oberg. Jan 19: Kristine Heidt. Jan. 21: Debbie Bonnewell
& George Ebert. Jan. 23: Glenn Rittenger. Jan. 24: Barb
Harris, Aidan Kim, & Chris Rockwell Jan. 25: Katie Sturgeon. Jan. 27: Henry Ebert & JJ Venezia. Jan. 29: Adam
Blouin. Jan. 30: Ron Kroll & Rob Vickery. Jan. 31: Larry
Martin & Alex Watzke
New Prayer Requests: Norty Caswell for cancer, Kenneth Bourns for multiple blood
clots, Katy Joly for father with stage 4 cancer, Keith Wilson for cancer.
Sympathies: Family and friends of Michael Howell, Family of Kate Oesch.
Continuing Prayers: Arlene & Steve Booker, Pamela & Bruce Chester, Evelyn Cohea,
Betty Dryer, Patty & Tutt Harvey, Carol Hawkinson, Margaret Leibler, Richard Leibler, Nancy
London, Eddie McManus, Ann Morris, Gerry Nowland, Marilyn Nowland, Bonnie Parsons, Jessica Rockwell,
Linda Sturgeon, Isabelle Tulk, New Sawtrol UMC (sister church, Liberia).
Our Missionaries: Dan & Rachel Gabler and Ut & Karen To.
Homebound, Rehabilitation Center & Nursing Care: Dorothy Branch, Winnie Crawford, Barb Harrison,
Marjorie Morris, Donna Oberg, JoAnn Pliska, Gary Scholes, Betty Whitworth and Kyoung Yim.
New Joys: Karen Smith is cancer free!
IN OUR PRAYERS
Members in College: Sarah Bonhard, Audrey Fisher, Christian James, Rachel
McAuliffe, Marshall Rittenger, Mike Rockwell, Shawn Shove, Ieasha Shufflebarger,
Kayla Shufflebarger, Alexander Smith, Andrew Smith, and Sarah Smith. Other church
members in postsecondary education? Please notify the church office.
Those in the Military: Capt. Jamie Bowman, Matt Cowell, Sgt. Jennifer Ducote,
Sgt. First Class Michael Ducote, Staff Sgt. Sean Foster, Jeremy Francis, Col.
Chris Garver, ABF AR Elena Glinter/Navy, Kelly Harvey, Sgt Deacon Holton, Sgt.
Ryan Kidd, 2nd Lt. Alaina Maten, Gunnery Sgts. Connie & Gary Ollor, Airman Adam Rack, Jeremy Rudd, Jacob Smucker, Chris Thomas, Staff Sgt. Charles
VanAcker III, & Capt. Bryan Vaught.
Deployed: Major Matt Graham in USAF deploying to Qatar; Lt. Col. Eric Harris
deployed to the UAE, Bahrain, & Saudi Arabia for a few weeks. Others deployed?
Please notify the church office. Thank you all for your service!!
I just wanted to let you know that Phillip Tesolin completed his last tour of duty and has
now returned home!!! Thank you for keeping him on your list under "Those in the Military"
but thankfully, you can now remove him. Phil is so happy to be back home in Milford after
so many years away. Wishing you and those you hold dear a very joyful Merry Christmas. Phillip’s Aunt-Mary Collins
8
Stitching for Others – Prayer Quilts and Shawls. Please come and help us. We need knitters, crocheters, sewers, cutters, ironers, etc., fabric and of course money. It is a wonderful
fellowship group and there is a job for everyone, no experience necessary. We delivered 40
bags for walkers and 3 lap quilts for wheel chairs to West Hickory Haven. They have requested more lap quilts and larger bags for the backs of wheel chairs. We also delivered 40 children’s quilts to The Haven shelter in Waterford, and 30 children’s quilts for Grandma's Comfort.
For more info call Thesia Wolf, 248-310-8798.
Thesia
Dear Thesia,
As chairperson of the memorial committee it is my honor to inform you that the donations to the Memorial
Fund made in George’s name will be transferred from the memorial account to the Stitching for Others ministry. This money is being transferred pursuant to the request of Sandy Thomann and family.
Let us all pause to remember George and what he meant to Sandy, his family, and his friends. I’m sure their
burden is heavy, but perhaps it will be made a tad lighter by knowing that the George Thomann memorial
money is going to the Stitching for Others ministry.
Please thank all the wonderful people involved in Stitching for Others for the wonderful work that they do!
Blessings,
Pat Loder
Chairperson Memorial Committee
The following is a note Sandy wanted sent to the Stitching for Others group:
__________________________________________________
My Dear Sisters in "Stitching for Others"
Thank you for the love and care you have extended to me and my family.
We (the family) can not think of a better use for the money that was donated in George's
memory. He so appreciated the quilt and the love you gave him. It will forever stay on his La-ZBoy.
I would love for some of this money to be used for labels for the Prayer Quilts.
Hope this will help keep the group working. Keep up the good work; it is a wonderful ministry!!
Love,
The family of George Thomann
For Smart Phone Users QR CODE Scan this QR code with your
smart phone or electronic device and it will take you directly to the
MUMC website.
Report from Fall Stewardship Campaign
In the fall of 2013, we received 74 Estimate of Giving cards for a total of
$188,772 in estimated giving.
In the fall of 2014, we received 75 Estimate of Giving cards for a total of
$192,829 in estimated giving.
Thank you for your participation. Every card and gift makes a difference!
The Stewardship Team
In January, Wednesday morning Bible study will be starting a new book titled - Stuck! It
has a DVD and discussion questions for the group. The author explains how God and
faith can help you overcome these moments! Please join us at 10 am in the Parlor!
9
God Inspired Turning Points. – Change
By
Debbie LLewellyn
January 1 marks a new year, a new beginning. It’s an opportunity to not only “resolve”
to become a different person, but to actually change.
According to the Merriman-Webster online dictionary, one definition of change is: to become different.
Romans Chapter 12:2 of the Bible says this:
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
What is it that you would like to change – a pattern of thought, a habit, an attitude?
Like me, you may be familiar with the often repeated theory of Dr. Maxwell Maltz’s (author of PsychoCybernetics) that it only takes 21 days to change (which is actually a misnomer because he actually said it
takes a minimum of 21 days but could actually take much longer).
Tom Bartow, a highly sought after business coach developed a “model” for change:
The Honeymoon phase –decision to change is identified, desired.
The Fight thru phase – new habit is becoming a struggle and the old habits start creeping back. Bartow
suggests that it’s critical to win the first “fight thru” which consists of:
Recognition – awareness of the “fight thru” and deciding to win.
Questioning – Ask yourself how you will feel winning the “fight thru.” Bring emotion into it.
Life Projection – if “a” and “b” don’t move you to action; imagine what your life will be like in 5 years
if you don’t change.
Second Nature Phase - or “getting in the groove.” This phase is oftentimes disrupted by:
The Discouragement Monster – negative thinking creeps in.
Disruptions – daily patterns are interrupted by illness, vacations, holidays.
Seduction of Success – Thoughts that make you believe, “I have finally figured out how to have
great results with not so great process.”
Bartow says “most people want positive habits to be as easy as brushing their teeth… being great isn’t
easy. In fact greatness requires sacrifice. It requires doing things that others won’t or can’t do. GREAT HABITS ARE FORMED DAILY….Make the commitment to make it past the
fight thru, no matter how many times you go back to it, to reach new
levels of success.”
Happy new you!
Evangelism and Care Report – January
Happy New Year everyone!
Let’s all be bold this year – if you are visiting with a friend,
relative, acquaintance and it seems that they are feeling lonely, depressed, or in need of some encouragement why not invite them to
church? It doesn’t have to be for a church service – it could be to
the Irish Dinner, The Spaghetti Event, UMW Tea Parties, Family
Movie Night, etc. I say this because occasionally what brings non-
church goers to church is “a life event” when they begin to feel
that they have nowhere else to turn.
And while we are at it, let’s be persistent – what’s that old cliché, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again,” because you may
just get them to say “yes” following a few “maybes” or “I’ll try.”
There are more and more people without a church “home.”
Let’s welcome them.
10
Did You Know?
You Can Subscribe to a Monthly Newsletter From The Ann Arbor District of The United Methodist
Church?
Milford UMC is one of 73 churches in this district, with 17,443 members. The average church has 239 members. At Milford, we are a middle-sized church, with 299 members. To subscribe, write to our district secretary, Jane Pollock, [email protected].
Human Relations Day Is January 18?
This annual United Methodist Special Sunday with its offering supports vital community ministries that teach
and advocate for justice, especially among people struggling to survive in the margins of society. If we could
average just a dollar per member in a church-wide offering, that would raise over $8 million dollars! What a
help for Youth Offender Rehabilitation Programs, Community Developers, Self-Improvement Efforts, and
United Methodist Voluntary Services.
About Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry provides training and support for lay Christian care giving. Stephen Ministers receive 50
hours of training before they are commissioned. Our active Stephen Ministers are: Linda Fraser (Stephen
Leader), Al Worrell, Joan Wilson, Ann Godwin, Carolyn Graves, and Evelyn Cohea.
If you would like support as you live through a difficult personal experience, please let our pastor know that
you'd like to know more about Stephen Ministry. A Stephen Minister is assigned to a care receiver and visits
that person for one hour each week to provide support through active listening, caring, prayer, and connections to additional sources of help when appropriate.
We hope to offer a Stephen Ministry Training Course in the Spring of 2015. If you are interested, please notify Joan Wilson, 248-889-4087.
About The Interdenominational Cooperation Fund?
A small part of our apportionments helps The United Methodist Church partner with other denominations. We
work and witness together, marching in the light of God. “We’re not carbon copies of each other, but we can
work together.” Ephesians 4:4 says, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one
hope of your calling.” We work with the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches, the
Pan-Methodist Commission, the World Methodist Council, and Christian Churches Together. Together we
share the love of Christ throughout the world, doing together what none of us could do alone. Learn more at
www.umcgiving.org/icf and www.ocuir.orgAbout Africa University?
A small part of our apportionments help sustain Africa University, located in Old Mutare, Zimbabwe. AU is
the first, fully-accredited United Methodist-related educational institution in Africa. We offer bachelor’s and
master’s degree programs in six faculties of learning: agriculture and natural resources, education, health sciences, humanities and social sciences, management and administration, and theology. The Institute of
Peace, Leadership and Governance offers postgraduate diplomas and master’s programs. From food security to church planting to music, Africa University is preparing Christian leaders for countries all over Africa.
About Young Adult Mission Opportunities, www.umcmission.org?
Take the Journey! Answer God’s call to change the world through mission service in The United Methodist
Church. Develop new skills, learn from local experts, and channel your passion:
-Global Mission Fellows: 2-year mission service, ages 20-30
-Global Justice Volunteers: 2-month mission service, ages 18-30
-Individual Volunteers: Flexible mission service, ages 18 and up. Bring meaning to your vacation, semester
abroad, or gap year. Put your faith into action at placement sites around the world or locally.
11
Worship Service Volunteers
January 4-MPC/MUMC Joint Service at MPC
Liturgist: Cole McKane
Counter: Nancy Weeks
January 2015 Worship Features and
Sermon Themes
January 11
Greeter: Sue White
Ushers: 8:30 Kelsey Shufflebarger/David Bonhard
10:30 Doug Radeka, Ray Michaels, Jeff
Motschenbacher, Chris Smith
Liturgists:8:30 & 10:30-Luke Olari
Counters: Deb Bonnewell & Bette Knedgen
January 4 Combined Service, 10:00 a.m. at Milford
Presbyterian Church, with combined choirs and sermon
by Rev. Sherry Foster on “Epiphany,” Matthew 2:1-12.
January 18
Greeter: Jennifer Frankford
Ushers: 8:30 TBD
10:30 Roger Clemens, Cole McKane, Ron
Opfer, Carla Gorton
Liturgists: 8:30 & 10:30-Barb Harris
Counters: TBD
January 18 Human Relations Day
Sermon by Rev. Marianne McMunn
James 3:7b-10 and Ephesians 4:29
“Tearing Down or Building Up?”
January 25
Greeter: Carla Gorton
Ushers: 9:30 Jan/Bob, Regina, & Katja Olari, Larry
Shaver
Liturgists: 8:30-Laurie Tulk &10:30-Jean Utley
Counters: TBD
Noisy Offering-BRIDGE
Fellowship Hour Hosts-SPRC
Marriage Encounter
Marriage Encounter is a
weekend experience to
help couples who want to
strengthen a good marriage and make it even better. The next opportunity is February 13-15, Friday
evening to Sunday afternoon, at Garden Hilton hotel,
Plymouth, MI. Please notify Pastor Doug if you are
interested, or see www.encounter.org, or call for reservations at 734-260-3728.
January 11 Baptism of the Lord
Mark 1:4-11 “Blessed Beginnings”
January 25 Mark 1:14-20
“Marvelous, Ordinary Friends”
Joyful Noise Hand bell Choir “Seasons of Celebration”
We Want Your Photo
For my sermon on January 25, I’d like a
picture of you with a group of your
friends. It could be a birthday party, a bridal shower, or
a fishing trip. It could be a bowling team, a Cub Scout
den, or the honor guard of The American Legion. My
sermon title for that Sunday is “Marvelous, Ordinary
Friends,” and it would be a great Sunday for you to invite
some of your friends to church! Please submit a photo of
you and your friend(s) to the church office by January
20.
Our Staff
Pastor-Douglas McMunn
Deacon-Rev. Sherry Foster
Children’s Ministry Director-Karen J. Smith
Music Director-Linda Lutz
Nursery Care Director– Kayla Shufflebarger
Friends Preschool Director-Robin Fletcher
Office Manager-Kelley Cerny
Custodian-Margie Majewski
Maintenance-Tim Bonnewell
12