Post on 13-Aug-2020
To gather, nurture and equip disciples for ministry and mission. MAY 3, 2015
Our Purpose:
To gather, nurture and equip
disciples of Christ for ministry
and mission in the world.
Our Vision:
Becoming a church that
glorifies God, serves Christ,
loves others, and lives it out.
Traditional Worship
8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Sanctuary
Hymns
“Crown Him with Many Crowns”
“Christ from Whom All Blessings Flow”
“Where Charity and Love Prevail”
Anthems
“Train Me Up in the Way I Should Go”
Sonshine Choir
“Risen Today”
IXOYC Choir
“O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”
Genesis Choir
“I’ll Praise My Maker”
Chancel Choir
Scripture
Acts 15:1-2, 6-15, 19-20
Sermon
Revival: Living the Methodist Way
“We Think and Let Think”
Rev. Laurie Haller
Shine Contemporary Worship
11:00 a.m.
Christian Life Center
Scripture
John 9:1-11
Sermon
“The Miracle of a New Start”
Rev. Chad Oyer
Worship at Troy Campus
9:00 a.m.
Sanctuary
Sermon
Rev. Suzanne Walls
SUNDAY WORSHIP
May 3, 2015
The Liturgists are Rev. Gary Haller in the
Sanctuary and Rev. Lindsey Hall at Shine.
The Altar Flowers are dedicated to the
glory of God and placed in loving memory
of Forrest E. Fox by his wife, Gertrude, and
family.
The Rosebud on the altar announces the
birth of Maeve Elizabeth Colosimo, born
March 28 to Phil and Jennifer Colosimo.
Proud grandparents are Frank and Carol
Driscoll.
Sunday School
Nursery care is offered at 9:30 and 11:00.
9:30 a.m.
Children’s Sunday School
Middle School Sunday School
High School Youth Café Contemporary Study
Covenant Bible Study
Faith Builders Parents of Adolescents
10:30 a.m. Adult Sunday School (Troy Campus)
11:00 a.m. Children’s Sunday School
Fundamentals
Sunday Scholar
Sunday’s Usher Teams
8:15 a.m. Head Usher: Fred Gardner
9:30 a.m.
Head Usher: Linda Remington
Asst. Head Ushers: Dick Cummings, Tony Gillett
11:00 a.m.
Head Usher: Bob Falberg
Asst. Head Ushesr: Bob Sheridan, Ron Noyd
11:00 a.m. Shine Lead Usher: Ron Reynolds
The Prayer Team would like to pray for you during times of need and also to
praise the Lord during times of celebration. In addition to your concerns, please
let us know of any answered prayers, family members in the military returning
home, births, marriages and other special events. Contact Elise Norwood
(enorwood@fumcbirmingahm.org or 248-646-6407 ext. 3127).
INTERCESSORY PRAYER
OUR CHURCH FAMILY
Our Christian Caring and Concern are shared with the following persons, known to be in
the hospital on Thursday, April 23: Sharon Edall, Fran Hayes, Shirley Thornton
Our Prayers for Good Health are shared with the following persons, released from the
hospital since Thursday, April 16: Patty Glass, Laurie Miller, Ann Van Deusen
….that the Voice of Hope message for the week of May 3 will be recorded by Andy
McMillan. To listen to this message, call 248-646-6407 and press 2 when your call is
answered by our automated system.
….that just in time for Mother’s Day, Creative Café will be selling lovely gifts and more
during the coffee hours on Sunday, May 3. All proceeds will go to Spirit Journey mission.
….that Fair Trade coffee will be sold during the coffee hours on Sunday, May 3.
….that the Christian Classic Book Club will meet on Wednesday, May 13 (note date
change) at 7:00 p.m. to discuss One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch by Solzhenitsyn. For
more information, please contact course leader Bev Hannett-Price (bprice@dcds.edu).
….that the Tibetan Singing Bowl Group of Desert Sisters invites you to a workshop to learn
more about Singing Bowls and have the opportunity to purchase one. Our workshop leader
is from Nepal and is a leading importer and instructor. Saturday, May 16 from 9:00 a.m. to
noon in the Martin Room. Cost: $25. Please contact Mixie Hockman (mixiehock@aol.com)
with questions.
….that you can help the hungry every time you shop at Kroger! It’s that time of year again:
time to re-enroll your Kroger Card for the Community Rewards Program. A portion of your
Kroger spending will then support the FUMC Hunger Ministry programs that provide food
assistance for those in need. Go to www.krogercommunityrewards.com and complete your
annual enrollment today! Questions? Contact Chris Stout (stoutemail@gmail.com).
….that our First Nurses sponsor a Lions Club box for eyeglass and hearing aid donations.
Your unneeded equipment will help people in developing countries. The box is located
outside the sanctuary, across from the Welcome Center.
….that you can contribute to First United Methodist Church by credit card or from your
checking or savings account through our website: www.fumcbirmingham.org. Just follow
the link for “Giving” at the top of the home page to make one-time or recurring donations.
DID YOU KNOW
CHILDREN, STUDENT, AND FAMILY MINISTRIES
For information about our Children’s Ministry activities (Crib through 5th Grade),
check out our website at www.fumcbirmingham.org, Facebook FUMC Birmingham
Children and Family Ministries, or contact us at sheilas@fumcbirmingham.org
to receive a monthly email newsletter.
Want to get the inside scoop on First Student Ministries? 180seconds is a weekly e-mail
newsletter with the most current news for middle school and high school students. Get your
free subscription today! Sign up under “E-mail Subscriptions” on our website.
High School Graduates and Families...May 17 is Graduation Sunday, when we will
celebrate our member graduates and recognize them in the sanctuary at the 11:00 a.m.
service. Families and students first break bread at the Graduate Brunch at 9:30 a.m. in the
Thomas Parlor. To RSVP for brunch and/or to include your student in the bulletin insert and
Steeple Notes, please contact Liz Larson-Shidler (liz@fumcbirmingham.org) by May 8.
Meaning and Significance of Baptism….Led by clergy and lay staff, this class for parents
explains the biblical basis for why our church baptizes infants and children, the unique
benefits of baptism, and how God works in the lives of infants, children and their parents to
produce spiritual growth and the ongoing ministry of the church. The next class is Sunday,
May 10 at 11:00 a.m. and will cover baptisms through August. Baptisms will take place on
the following Sundays: May 17 (9:30), June 21 (10:00), July 19 (10:00) and August 16
(10:00). Please contact Janet Smylie (office@fumcbirmingham.org or 646-6407 ext. 3121)
to register for the class or to schedule a baptism.
Brand New to FUMC: Discovery Theatre Camp! Please contact Beth Torrey (btorrey@
fumcbirmingham.org) for a registration form or more information.
Theatre Fun! Have fun bringing out your inner actor. We will play creative games,
explore movement, learn theatre basics, and have a great time. July 6-10 from 9:00-
11:00 a.m. for kindergarten through third grade. Cost: $125.
Telling Tales! Developing actors’ tools in voice, body, expression and imagination,
participants will explore story and character creation in fun and unique ways. A
showcase for parents and friends will culminate the two-week workshop. August 17-28
from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. for fourth through eighth grades. Cost: $400.
Merry Mates...Radford W. Jones, retired Secret Service Agent, will present a brief
historical overview and share photographs from Presidential libraries, Secret Service
archives, and his personal collection. Mr. Jones is also a member of the MSU faculty and
currently teaches a master’s level course in Homeland Security. Friday, May 15 at 6:00 p.m.
for social time, with a catered dinner ($13) at 6:30 and the program to follow. RSVP to Bob
and Sharon Pierce (248-364-4438 or sharonbobpierce@gmail.com) by early evening on
Sunday, May 10. Merry Mates is a fellowship group for those in their fifties and up. All are
welcome to come enjoy this interesting evening with us.
OPPORTUNITY FOR FELLOWSHIP
They checked nine pieces of luggage. As I write this, John and Nancy Smith are in Jeremie,
Haiti on a First UMC mission trip. They took with them 300 dresses and baby blankets
handmade by First Church women. Each item had a label sewn on it: “Made with love—
First United Methodist Birmingham.”
When Nancy advertised on Facebook for clothing, the fifteen-year-old daughter of a friend
responded by collecting 400 items of apparel. Plus she made 120 bracelets! This amazing
young woman is Catholic, but we claim her as a Methodist as well!
John and Nancy also took $2,500 worth of prescription medicines from St. John’s. In
addition, when the word arrived that a Haitian woman had suffered severe burns and had a
colostomy but no bags, Nancy appealed to our church nurses. She took along more supplies
than this woman will need in a long time.
When they went to a medical supply store in Lapeer and explained where they were going,
there was a pregnant pause. Then they were gifted with more supplies than they could
imagine, including many brightly colored hospital sandals, a real treat for the many Haitians
who go barefoot all the time.
John writes: “First Church is enabling us to finish the two-room school building in Chiraque
and outfit the classroom with its first Internet-capable Chromebook and mini-projector so
the teachers might share what’s on the screen with the whole classroom. We’ll also be fitting
water cisterns to flush toilets already installed at the church in Chiraque and the Good Sam
assisted living facility in Jeremie.”
By promoting education and helping Haitians create sustainable communities, John and
Nancy are living the Methodist Way, and so are you! Thank you for your faithfulness. Are
you taking Flat John and Flat Charles (Wesley) with you as you live the Methodist Way in
your everyday activities? Send us your pictures and I’ll see you in church this Sunday as we
consider John Wesley’s encouragement for the people called Methodist to “think and let
think” and have a generous spirit toward all.
Pastor Laurie Haller
LIVING THE METHODIST WAY
THE MIRACLE OF A NEW START
“I believe in miracles.”
“Yes, with God nothing is impossible.”
“I love hearing people share about the miracles they have experienced.”
Maybe you have said one of those things. But, deep down, you
believe that God would never choose to work a miracle in your
life. If so, then this message is for you. And let me encourage you
to never say never!
Pastor Chad Oyer
Spring Work Day at the Troy Campus….Join us at the Troy Campus on Saturday, May 2
starting at 9:00 a.m. Bring a rake or other basic lawn and garden tools. We will clear the
leaves, sticks and any trash from the parking lot in preparation for the Troy Area CROP
Walk the next day. We will also weed and remove old annuals from last year and trim
around the building perimeter landscaping beds. We should be done by noon. All help is
much appreciated!
Looking for a perfect Mother’s Day gift? The latest edition of the FUMC Missions
Cookbook will be available during the coffee hours on Sunday, May 3. Just $20 (plus $2.50
for a stand) makes it a real bargain. Treat your mother, sister, daughter or anyone to our
beautiful cookbook while supplies last. Remember, all money from the sale of these
cookbooks support our local, national and international missions. Be a part of this dynamic
ministry.
“Tag a Bag” Food Collection Drive is May 3. The Hunger Ministry is once again
sponsoring the Food Drive to benefit local food pantries. It’s been a long, cold winter and
the shelves are especially under-stocked. Even in a typical year, giving slows as spring and
summer approach, while the need remains constant. Please help us support these pantries,
including Lighthouse and Baldwin in Pontiac, Cass and Brightmoor in Detroit, and DORT in
Flint. All you have to do is fill a paper grocery bag, then return your filled bag(s) to FUMC
on Sunday, May 3. (If you cannot attend on May 3, bags may be dropped off in the church
office before that date.) As always, thank you for your generosity!
Spirit Journey Mission, together with Church and Society Ministry, present the compelling
documentary Our Fires Still Burn (A Native American Experience). Audrey Geyer, the
creator of the documentary, will be the presenter. The film reveals how Native Americans
continue to persist, heal from the past, confront the challenges of today, keep their culture
alive, and make great contributions to society. You will be moved! Brandon Ahmicasaube
Smith, the founder and director of Spirit Journey, will also share a video highlighting Spirit
Journey activities and how we can help this important mission of our church. Friday, May 8
at 7:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Coffee and dessert provided. There is no need to register
and there is no charge for this event.
Hunger Ministry….Mother’s Day, May 10, is the second Sunday of the month, which is
also Hunger Sunday for our congregation. Bakers are needed for the Home Foods Table that
morning. If you would like to bake in honor or remembrance of your mother, grandmother
or other special lady, please contact Carol Rillema (248-851-6438 or crillema@gmail.com).
Label your baked items with the name of the baked good (i.e.: bran muffin) and the person
you are honoring or remembering. Other homemade specialties such as jellies, jams, candies,
pickles, gluten-free and no-added-sugar items are welcomed. Remember, our church is a
“nuts free zone” which means no tree nuts or peanuts, nut oils, nut butter or nut flavoring.
Donations for your baked “goodies” will be used toward hunger relief. Hunger does not
observe holidays and hunger among children is of special concern to mothers everywhere.
FUMC Garden Tour….We are seeking Garden Hosts for the 2015 and 2016 FUMC
Garden Tours. This is an easy way to share your garden with fellow garden enthusiasts.
Please contact Garden Tour Chair Jay Shell (jay.shell@gmail.com). Garden Tour tickets
will be available during the coffee hours on Sunday, May 10. After May 10 you may
purchase tickets through the church website or in the church office.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTREACH
Beginning July 12, Steeple Notes will become an emailed newsletter. As of that date, we
will mail printed Steeple Notes only with a paid subscription. Why this change?
It cost $22,384 for printing and $8,210 for mailing Steeple Notes in 2014. This change
relieves $30,594 annually from the Operating Budget.
It will be more timely. Articles will be due in the office on Monday, the newsletter will
be produced on Tuesday and emailed no later than Wednesday morning.
We can include color photos and logos at no additional charge.
It will still include all the sections you love to read.
What do you need to do?
Make sure we have a valid email address on file for each member of your family.
Contact Karen Porter (kporter@fumcbirmingham.org). And remember to let us know
if your email address changes.
If you have previously opted out of emails on the church website, please re-subscribe.
If you don’t have email and wish to receive a printed copy, you can pay $50 annually
for a Steeple Notes subscription (July 12, 2015 through July 11, 2016). This covers the
cost of paper, printing and mailing with a first class stamp. A check may be made
payable to First UMC and sent to Janet Smylie in the church office.
If you do not have email and are a shut-in who cannot come to church, we will
continue to mail the Steeple Notes newsletter at no charge. Please contact Janet Smylie
(248-646-1200).
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Janet Smylie (248-646-1200 or office@
fumcbirmingham.org).
STEEPLE NOTES IS GOING PAPERLESS!
Have you ever thought you’d like to know more about the life of John Wesley? Maybe
you’ve wanted to visit England for the first time or see parts of England you’ve never before
seen? Here’s your chance! Revs. Gary and Laurie Haller are joining with Rev. Jack and
Judy Harnish to sponsor a Wesley Heritage Tour from November 9-17, 2015, with optional
post-tours of London or Ireland. An informational meeting will be held on Wednesday, May
6 at 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Parlor. Come with your questions!
WESLEY HERITAGE TOUR
Jesus knows you by name (Isaiah 43:1). We would also like to know your name!
Please wear a nametag on Sunday, May 3. The Connecting Hospitality Ministry area
would like you to wear a nametag that you have from a church group, work group, or a
nametag from another outside group. And if you come without one on May 3, we will have
nametags available for you. We want to know your name!
WE WANT TO KNOW YOUR NAME!
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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Birmingham Campus: 1589 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, MI 48009
Church Office ............................ 248-646-1200 Office Hours ....................... 8:30-5:00, Monday-Friday
Voice Mail System .................... 248-646-6407 Email Address ............... Office@fumcbirmingham.org
Church Fax ................................ 248-646-2661 Website ............................. www.fumcbirmingham.org
Troy Campus: 4050 Coolidge Road, Troy, MI 48085
Church Office ............................ 248-643-8585
PASTORAL LEADERSHIP TEAM
Laurie Haller and Gary Haller, Senior Pastors Lindsey Hall, Chad Oyer and Suzanne Walls, Associate Pastors
John E. Harnish, William A. Ritter and Robert P. Ward, Pastors Emeriti
SENIOR STAFF
Mary Feldmaier ................................... Director of Membership and Congregational Care
Doris Hall ............................................ Organist
Tony Kotwicki..................................... Director of Facilities Holly Pisano ........................................ Director of Finance
Casey Proch ......................................... Director of Music
Janet Smylie ........................................ Executive Administrative Assistant Lisa Wells............................................ Director of Program
Kelly Willian ....................................... Director of Children and Family Ministries
Steeple Notes Editor: Janet Smylie. Notices for Steeple Notes should be in writing and in the main church
office by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday of the week preceding publication.