May 2016 - First Congregational United Church of Christ

May
2016
Still Speaking
First Congregational
United Church ofUnited
Christ of Alpena
Newsletter of First
Congregational
Church of Christ of Alpena
Board of Directors:
A Word from our Minister: “ Spring Has Sprung”
 Dennis Artley, Secretary/Treasurer
 Brandon Borke

Ann Diamond. Chair
 Kathy Dempdey

Ann Gerow
 Dottie Haase
 Mike Mack
 Jim McNeil, vice chair
 Beth Petty,
May 2016
Dates to Remember
10:00 Every Monday Bible
Study in Lounge
11:30 Every Monday
Mid-Day Movies
In Fellowship Hall
4:00 Every Wednesday
Wacky Wed. Fun Club
13
Ladies Luncheon at The
Fresh Palate
18
No Frills Book Club
21
Dr. Daniel Kirk Seminar
23
Friendship Room
30
Memorial Day
Offices Closed
The month of May promises a springtime burst of new life and
activity. Not only are the birds nesting birds in our trees, the cheery
daffodils and blossoming bushes sparkle with new life and fresh growth.
Isn’t it wonderful?
Our church schedule is also bursting with new possibilities.
Marcia Aten, for example, has started an “Interfaith Amigos” book
study group, and I have helped convene an informal group for discussing
issues related to divorce. Our Monday Mid-day Movies are continuing with
a series on “Growing Old with Grace” and our after-school “Wacky
Wednesday” children’s fun club is going full-speed ahead.
Our Monday morning Bible Study is completing its discussion of the
Apostle Paul and we’ll be beginning something new this month: the Old
Testament book “Genesis”. Please consider joining us in the Lounge at 10
AM as we get into some of the oldest stories in the world and re-discover
the roots of the family tree of Abraham & Sarah.
I hope you all are considering spending Saturday, May 21, with us in
Fellowship Hall as Prof. J. R. Daniel Kirk walks us through a fresh approach
to Jesus of Nazareth as portrayed in the Gospels, and the interpretation that
St. Paul brought to the early church as he preached about the dying and
rising “Christ.” The day begins at 9:30 am and ends at 3:30 pm with a lunch
included. RSVP is necessary! Come meet some of our neighboring church
clergy and wrestle with current issues such as gender bias and sexuality as
seen through the
eyes of both Jesus
and the Apostle Paul.
The
LARCC
churches (Lutheran,
Anglican/Episcopal,
Roman Catholic and
Congregational) will
show a movie on
Wed., May 11, at
9:30 a.m. in our
Lower Level in which
PBS TV travel host Rick Steves opens the door to Martin Luther’s
Reformation.
Continued on page 2
Page 2
Strengthen the Church
From the UCC website
Strengthen The Church (STC) is a special mission offering to
reimagine and build the future of the UCC. Shared at the conference
and national levels, STC largely supports youth ministries and
full-time leaders for new churches in parts of the country where the
UCC voice has not been heard.
As God calls our congregations to be the "church" in new ways, your
generosity will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing
churches and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults.
STC funds will also be used to award grants to help congregations
communicate the "God is still speaking," message. Our congregation
will receive the STC offering on Sunday, May 1, 2016
Summer Singers
Summer Singers
The last Sunday for Chancel Choir before the group goes on summer
“hiatus” will be Sunday, June 12th. However, that doesn’t mean that
Sunday morning choral anthems are done until autumn! Any and all
people who like to sing are invited to be part of our “Summer
Singers”. We will meet in Barksdale Chapel at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday
mornings, beginning on June 26th and practice for
worship that day
and also learn the next week’s song. No robes, no processional, sit in
the congregation until it is time to sing! If you have any questions,
please see Betsy.
Words from the Minister Continuation from page 1
On Thursday, May 12, Gerrie La Cross and I will spend a day learning with the Alpena Visitors
Bureau (and “Pure Michigan” consultants) how to better use social media to get our message out to
the community. We are never too old to learn new skills, and the church must remain relevant to the
younger generation if we are to thrive.
I do not expect anyone to take part in all these new initiatives; otherwise we will burn out our
best and brightest volunteers. But I hope that two or three of these on-going activities will spark your
interest and get you into a small group here at church.
Sunday morning worship is still the biggest and best gathering of most of our members, and it is
supported by Betsy’s new organ skills and our faithful choir. I hope to see most of you in worship in
the course of the month. But maybe May is the month to stretch yourself into some new area of interest and activity. May you find something on the church calendar that inspires the best in you to be
even better.
May God bless and keep you. I’ll see you in church!
Rev. Paul Lance
Page 3
Betsy Adamus, Christian Education and Music
Save the Date!!
Alpena Community Ecumenical Vacation Bible School (ACE VBS)
First United Methodist
First Congregational
First Presbyterian
Grace Lutheran
St. Paul Lutheran
Trinity Espicopal
is hosting…
“Fearless Faith: Courage in Community”
VBS DAY CAMP
July 24-29. 2016
Each day from 9 AM to 3 PM
at:
First United Methodist Church
167 S. Ripley Blvd, Alpena
989-354-2490
This is a free event for children Ages 5-12.
Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Activities include Bible Adventures,
Arts & Crafts, Nature Activities, & Games!
Page 4
The Artist known as “Caravaggio”, after the
town his family originated from, lived most of his
short life in Rome, Where he radically changed
the course of art with his new, poetic realism,
drawn directly from everyday life. Born in Milan,
Italy, in 1571, Michelangelo Merisi’s early paintings depicted street urchins, charlatan, gypsies,
and all kinds of dubious characters, introducing
a novelty and indecorum that caused a scandal
because they were considered ”too close to real
life” revealing a wealth of everyday detail. He
died at age 39
Caravaggio’s “Martha and Mary Magdalene” will
be displayed on the exterior of our building from
mid-May until November as part of a Detroit
Institute of Art exhibit in Alpena coordinated by Leslee Dort’s Downtown Development Agency.
Altogether there will be 12 buildings with classic art pieces in the downtown area
Two Church Outings are Being Planned
Pick up a brochure about our two all-church outings being planned for August.
The first will be July 31 - August 2 (three days, two nights) in Dearborn, visiting Greenfield Village, the
Ford factory, the Islamic Center of America, and Detroit's Eastern Market. Return drive will stop at
Birch Run Outlet Mall, Frankenmuth, and Dow Gardens in Midland. We will meet our 24 guests from
Germany at the Detroit airport and mingle on this downstate outing.
The second outing (Monday August 8 - 10) will take us north, beginning at Colonial Fort
Michlimackinac, Mackinaw City, followed by the Ojibwa Cultural Center in St. Ignace, and up to Lake
Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie. Two nights lodging in the LSSU dormitories with meals
in their cafeteria, tour of the campus, visit to the Soo Locks, and a day's hike between the Upper and
Lower Tahquamenon Falls will make a memorable Upper Peninsula experience. For details, speak
with Brandon Borke or Rev. Lance
Ladies Luncheon
“50” Year Members and Graduates
Kay Beland and Jan Snell
We gathered for the Ladies Luncheon at The
Sanctuary Inn Friday, April 8th. A good time
was had by all attendees. Please consider
joining us on Friday, May 13th at 11:30 a.m. as
we gather at The Fresh Palate for another fun
filled luncheon. A sign up sheet will be on the
podium
in
the
hallway.
On Sunday June 12th we will recognize our high
school and College graduates and
church members of 50 years or more.
Page 5
Let’s Celebrate May Birthdays for:
May 4 Peggy DiNegro
May 9
Elizabeth Skiba
May 4 Sharon Rickard
May 11 Jody Moceri
May 4 Greg Adamus
May 22 Jack Caplis
May 5 Beverly Aikens
May 25 Phyllis Manitz
May 5 John Briggs
May 26 Mark Cousineau
May 5 Ann Gerow
May 27 Justin Grubaugh
May 5 Hanna Skiba
May 29 James Standen
May 7 Gay Fry
May 30 Robert Case
Board of Directors April 2016 Meeting Highlights
Gerrie La Cross, Secretary
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Thank you cards were received from Rosemary Horan, of Madonna House for the donation
towards her new vehicle. A card from Phyllis Manitz for the narrative of Janet’s funeral
celebration. Also an email from Diana Speers, from the Alpena News regarding the upcoming
Daniel Kirk Seminar.
Finances are in good shape at this time. We have received donations from two individuals and
one from the UNA to help fund the Daniel Kirk Seminar.
The roof above the columbarium door has been repaired from snow damage. A new part for the
dishwasher is being created by Bob Westenberger. Discussion on repair/replacement of one of
the heating boilers . Tabled until next month. The Downtown Development and Detroit Institute
of Art has chosen our church to display a piece of art from May to November.
Mission committee will be distributing additional checks to community organizations with the next
month. Strengthen the Church collection will be May 1.
Rev. Lance will be conducting staff reviews. Personnel committee will be meeting to develop a
job description for a part time custodian. Mike La Cross will be taking his test for safe serve and
will be the new kitchen oversight person.
Names for the investment committee were reviewed as Gordon Nethercut will be finished in
June.
Names were submitted to the board to form a new fellowship committee.
“50” year members and graduates will be honored on Sunday, June 12th.
Rev. Lance and Gerrie will attend a workshop on social media @ ACC on May 12
We are in need a new “Sunday Worship attendance and membership record-keeper”
Review of activities for the upcoming German visitors
Caitlyn Borke would like to offer a Children’s Choir for six weeks this summer.
A Divorce Issue discussion group will be meeting weekly at the church.
Full Board Minutes are at the Calendar Podium outside the Office
or request by email to [email protected]
Page 6
Thank you
Thank you to Bob Westenbarger for creating a
new drain catcher for the dishwasher.
It is wonderful to have such talent in our church.
Thank you to Jim Mc Neil for taking the time
To do all the dusting in the high places of the
Fellowship Hall. It looks great!
Monday Mid-day Movies Series: “ Growing old with Grace”
In May and June, the “Monday Mid-day Movies” at First Congregational United Church of Christ (201 S.
Second Ave., downtown Alpena) will have the theme -- Growing Old with Grace. Everyone is welcome
at 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall (accessible by elevator) for the free movie. Bring your lunch, if you
like, and enjoy these great films.
Monday, May 2—“On Golden Pond” (1981) Henry Fonda & Katharine Hepburn
Monday, May 9—“The Notebook” (2004) James Garner & Gena Rowlands
Monday, May16—“Murphy’s Romance” (1986) James Garner & Sally Field
Monday, May 23—“The Trip to Bountiful” (1985) Geraldine Page & John Heard
(No movies on Monday, May 30, Memorial Day, nor on June 6)
Monday, June 13 – “The Straight Story” (1999) Richard Farnsworth & Sissy Spacek
Monday, June 20 – “Waking Ned Devine” (1999 – Irish) James Nesbitt & Susan Lynch
Monday, June 27 – “Tuesdays with Morrie” (1999) Jack Lemmon & Hank Azaria
Feed a Family
Bill Haase
The Salvation Army Food Pantry Coordinator thanks us for our monthly on going
food support and reports the following shortages.
She is in need of: hamburger helper, tuna helper, rice, jello, puddings, chili
mix and pancake mix. Pork and beans, diced tomatoes and crackers are
also in short supply.
Please keep these items in mind when you do your “Feed a Family” grocery
shopping. Your donations are so needed. If you wish to make a money donation,
address your check to First Congregational UCC and note Feed A Family on the memo line.
Place your donation in the Sunday offering basket or deliver/mail to the church office. Thanks for your
continued support. Pick up a shopping list from the bulletin board as a reminder.
Page 7
Summer Church Camp is Coming!
First Congregational children and youth are invited to choose a week of summer camp at near-by
Camp Chickagami in Presque Isle and have half of the cost covered by a church
"campership". Normally $325 per person, they can attend one of the following camp weeks for half
price!
(1) Grades 7-11 "Leaders in Training" June 26 thru July 2
(2) Grades 5-8 "Pioneer Adventure" July 10-16, or "Esau Explorers" July 17-23
(3) Grades 3-7 "Bell Bay Camp" July 24-30
In addition, if you want to camp as a whole family together, we have two options:
Wednesday, July 6 through Sunday, July 10 is "Family Camp" for $325 per family (not per person!),
or plan to join us at First Congregational's "Church Retreat" Thursday, Aug. 11 thru Saturday, Aug 13
made possible by a Comstock Fund Grant. For more information, contact Rev. Lance.
2016 Northeast Choral Summit
The Northeast Choral Summit held on Saturday, June 25, 2016, will be a
daylong (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM) interactive and fun clinic for church choir and
community choir conductors, accompanists and singers. Its goal is to provide
encouragement, guidance, and primary resources for those assuming or
holding leadership or supportive positions in vocal ensembles. Music
selection, rehearsal organization and techniques, singing instruction, and
achieving success as worship leaders or concert performers will be among
the topics addressed through demonstrations, instruction, and audience
participation. Steve SeGraves, an experienced clinician and vocalist, music
director at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Birmingham, founder and director of the award winning
Langsford Men's Chorus, as well as longstanding conductor of the Farmington Community Chorus will
lead the summit. Elise Eden, an Alpena native who holds her bachelor’s degree in Vocal
Performance from Oakland University, will return home to participate and will join Steve to
demonstrate styles and techniques for a wide variety of music, including general choral music, praise
music, and traditional worship music. Susan Armstrong, a well-known pianist and accompanist in
Northeast Michigan will accompany them. Printed takeaway information for ongoing reference and
guidance will also be provided. The day will begin at mid-morning, include lunch, and will conclude by
mid-afternoon.
Due to limited space, advance registration at: www.uccalpena.org by Friday, May 27th is highly
recommended. There is no charge for attending the summit which is underwritten by the Comstock
Fund at First Congregational United Church of Christ of Alpena. The summit has also received a
non-funding endorsement and recommendation from the Thunder Bay Arts Council.
First Congregational United Church of Christ
201 South Second Avenue
Alpena, MI 49707
Phone: 989-356-1795 Fax 989-356-8825
Web Site: http://uccalpena.org
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: 9:00 am — 1:00 pm Monday — Thursday
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m.
Fellowship Time follows Worship
Underground Church 5:00 p.m.
Minister: Rev. Dr. Paul A. Lance III
Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Dr. H. Robert Case
Assoc. for Music & Education: Betsy Adamus
Treasurer: Denise Fusina
Secretary: Gerrie La Cross
Still Speaking
Newsletter of First Congregational United Church of Christ of Alpena
Sunday May 8, 2016
Monday May 30, 2016