Central United Methodist Church April 2015

The Outlook The Outlook is published monthly by Central United Methodist Church, 1011 2nd Street, Muskegon MI 49440. Volume 118 Issue 2

Central United Methodist Church February 2018

CUMC…be the gift in 2018 ~ Juanita Joiner

I hadn’t planned on writing a lead story this month. My plans were to use the wonderful article,18 Ways To Be More United Methodist in 2018, written by Joe Iovino. It was already in place; permission had even been granted to reprint the article. It was a done deal. Something happened and I moved that article to page 7.

My resolution was made weeks before New Year’s Eve…a resolution set in cement after I purchased the book, Be The Gift, by Ann Voskamp. It took me forever to read the introduction; I kept reading and re-reading Ann’s words. I felt as if she was writing those opening pages especially for me. It’s no secret that I struggle during January…the month I lost Dad. Lost him the day after my birthday. Each year when I flip the calendar to January I tell myself…this year it’s going to be different. I tru-ly need to get past this reminder that Dad’s passing and my special day are blended together. My birth brought my parents joy…Dad’s death should also deliver that same gift…joy. In many ways it does because I know he’s in heaven, but in other ways, I allow myself to get caught by my brokenness. It was in Ann’s introduction that I read these words again and again and again. Yes, it’s true—our hearts may be busted and bruised…but I just keep repeating the healing secret of what to do with your one broken heart: give it away, because this is how you begin to heal. Ann was saying by giving we get, by getting we heal, by healing we can find a truly abundant life.

Ann goes on and writes…Our call is to take the form of reaching hands, open ears, listening hearts because our God is with us and we’re called into communion with Him and with each other. So, here’s to being the gift, to listening to others and see-ing the opportunities to be God’s gifts every day of the year. Here’s to the thanks-giving that becomes thanks-living in our everyday lives.

Throughout this church you will see the phrase: CUMC…be the gift in 2018. Like me, I think we can and should discover what it means to be the gift — to give it forward — to find the abundant life every day. Oh yes, we are giving people. I know that because my heart has been blessed by things you have done and things you have said. But God asks each of us to go and do likewise in the world. We live in a hurting world. A hurting world filled with hurting people. Listen to the words found in Luke 6:38. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way.” Translation from the Message

I put my knitting in the car and headed to a restaurant to start being the gift in 2018. I knew if I sat there and knitted something good would happen. I was right. Actually, two things happened. I ended up not be-ing the person who would be the gift. Two complete strangers became the gift to me. These two presented me with a gift that will not be forgotten for a long time… the gift of trust and compassion.

A young man and his caregiver entered the restaurant and sat next to my table. The young man was totally blind and had many other issues. The young caregiver carefully planned what would be on his plate so he could feed himself using his hands and sometimes a spoon. As they were about to start eating this young man in a loud voice said he needed to pray. The prayer was simple; hard to follow at times but understand I did. He thanked God for his food and asked that he would be able to eat it all and not be a problem while in the restaurant. I melted into tears just as his young caregiver looked at me. I simply said...that young man just touched my heart. Priceless. She smiled and continued to lovingly assist him. I felt sorry for the couple who sat at the next table; they couldn’t get past how he looked or how he ate. They didn’t receive the gift nor were they capable of being the gift. How sad!

I want you to think of one or two people who have been that special gift to you at CUMC. I know I would have a difficult time naming just one or two, but at the top of the list would be Robert and Alice Hunter. Next, think about how you plan to be the gift in 2018 within our church...within the real world. It may be as easy as a simple smile, a kind gesture while waiting in line, or asking a stranger to come to church. The list is endless.

There’s a cross that is your backbone, and all you must do is reach out your arms. Just remember...Together We Can!

Reach Out in Love Valentine's Day is one of the most widely celebrated unofficial holidays. There are several different explanations for the holiday, which was declared a celebration of martyrs in A.D. 496 by Saint Pope Gelasius I.

Some authorities believe the celebration was designed to divert Christians from the pagan observance of Lupercalia, an ancient Roman festival. Other experts link the custom of exchanging valentines with the old English belief that birds chose their mates on that day.

The early church had two saints named Valentine. In one story the Roman Emperor Claudius II forbade young men to marry, thinking that single men made better soldiers. A priest named Valentine disobeyed and secretly married young couples.

Another version asserts that Valentine was an early Christian who made friends with children. When the Romans imprisoned him, the children threw loving notes through his cell window.

Jesus condensed the Ten Commandments into two:

"Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love others as yourself (Mark 12:30-31)."

"[Jesus said,] I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other (John 13:34)."

He said the love we have for one another will prove to the world that we are his followers (John 13:35).

Once we experience God's lavish, unconditional love, the only reasonable response is to share that love with others.

Jesus also gave a command that appears illogical and impossible:

"We are to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us (Luke 6:27)."

Our natural tendency is to love only those who love us, which Jesus said is no credit to us. The selfless love he described can be expressed only with supernatural help from God's Spirit, but it offers the world an undeniable witness of God's transforming love and power.

Maybe we should use February 14 to reach out to those who don't immediately

come to mind when we think of Valentines.

Love in Christ,

Central’s Mission ...

Central United Methodist Church seeks to be “a light along the shore” in Muskegon.

As believers in Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, we

Worship together in community

Learn of God through the Word at all ages of life.

Because our lives are ablaze with the Light of Christ, we

Welcome all who wish to walk with us on the journey

Serve our neighborhood and world.

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CHURCH HUMOR

Instead of giving up something for

Lent this year, please consider

...being the gift in 2018.

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Behold the Savior of Mankind

Behold the Savior of mankind nailed to the shameful tree; how vast the love that him inclined to bleed and die for thee.

Hark how he groans! While nature shakes, and earth’s strong pillars bend! The temple’s veil in sunder breaks, The solid marbles rend.

‘Tis done! The precious ransom’s paid! “Receive my soul!” he cries; See where he bows his sacred head? He bows his head and dies!

But soon he’ll break death’s envious chain and in full glory shine. O Lamb of God, was ever pain, Was ever love like thine?

Samuel Wesley (1662-1735)

These words were written by Samuel Wesley and one of the few relics of his papers found after the fire which destroyed the Epworth rectory in 1709, when his son, John Wesley, was res-cued as a “brand plucked out of the burning.”. This was first printed in John Wesley’s hymnbook in 1737, under the title “On the Crucifixion”.

The next Men’s Prayer Breakfast will be held on February 10, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at Crestwood UMC. Please join this very vibrant group of Christian men for good food, prayers and fellow-ship. God is using this outreach to touch and inspire the men of our churches, helping them grow in Christ and experience good Christian bonding with our Brothers in Christ.

Crestwood UMC is located at 1220 Creston Street in Muskegon. Won’t you please consider joining?

Please contact Don VanderLaan (557-1948) for more information.

Every year, the faithfulness and generosity of our members and constituents always astounds me. The pledges for 2018 was no exception! Thanks and blessings to all who participated. With that said, we also know, our member-ship has fallen as the congregation has aged. Some members have moved, others have had their life situation change. Thus, our income from offerings (including pledges, tithes, and other regular giving) has continued to decline year-after-year. The recent pledge campaign results have been summarized for sharing: We had 63 people/giving units pledge dollars. The pledges by fund were Operating — 58, Building — 30, and The Corner — 25. Prior pledges totaled 76. The 17% decrease in pledges resulted in an 18% decrease in dollars being pledged. Also, the pledge dollars for year 2017 were down 18% from 2016 pledges. Note that we do hereby thank those who participated by communicating their support by service, prayer, and/or non-pledge giving.

Pledge results lead to budgeting and then making operational decisions necessary. Cost cutting is not the path for our future success. Yes, we should always cut waste. However, the solution is for us to grow and bright-en our “light along the shore”. We do have a lot to offer! Growth can come as we restore our traditional music program, continue small groups, and offer alternatives with The Corner. Now the personal part — we must seek out new members! This is every-one’s responsibility. May God bless our efforts in 2018 and for years beyond.

Lord Jesus, give us the courage and strength to be the people of faith you call us to be. Amen

Pledge

Campaign

Update

Jim Johnson

Tithes and Offerings

2018 Offering Envelopes are here and set out in Parish Hall. We can mail the packets to our snowbirds and shut-ins.

Automatic, electronic bank debits may be of interest to you. If you are not already using this service and are interested in this program for 2018, please contact Patty Dahlman at the Church office.

On-line giving is available through our church website at www.muskegoncentralumc.org. Click on “Giving” (in the upper right hand corner).

2017 Financial Statements have been mailed. If you have a question please contact Jim Johnson or Jane Catey in the Finance Office.

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HELPING HAND FUND Kindness Jars are put out at the back of the Sanctuary every third Sunday and the dollars collected enable Pastor Mark to meet the needs of persons in the community and in the congregation. Donations to this cause can be made anytime just by putting a note on your check or envelope with money enclosed.

LOCAL MISSION HOPE PROJECT

This is a new mission giving for Central. The mission of this organization is to end Sex Trafficking in the USA through restoration and prevention. We may not think this is a problem in our area, but truly it is. There is a Lakeshore Human Trafficking Task Force. As with any non-profit there is always a need for funds to continue doing the work they need to do. Let’s do our part to help them achieve their mission. CUMC...be the gift in 2018!

HUNGER/UMCOR NATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE FUND

The purpose of the United States Disaster Response is to have funds on hand to be able to immediately respond to natural disasters, human caused disasters, civic uprisings and other issues as related to human suffering. They are not just sending money, but also training, equiping, and deploying volunteers to meet the needs of affected commu-nities by offering support for clean-up, rebuilding, Spiritual and emotional care, material supplies, etc. This is a perfect offering for CUMC...to be the gift in 2018!

MISSION POSSIBLE FOR FEBRUARY

MISSION OF THE MONTH HAITI HOT LUNCH

Central has been giving to Haiti Hot Lunch for many, many years. We have had wonderful Chili Cook-Offs and a chili “purchase” for a certain amount of donation. This year we are asking that you think of all the disasters that have happened to Haiti lately and how much a hot lunch would mean to a child in Haiti as this may be the only meal they have each day. The food budget for this pro-gram is $237,630.00. Can we count on you helping? CUMC...be the gift in 2018!

PANTRY MAP PERSONAL PRODUCTS

The grants that MAP gets for the Food Pantry are not to be used for personal products so if there is a shortage there is no money to purchase them. What we take for granted: laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, tooth-paste, toothbrushes are necessary for personal hygiene. Look for a complete list on the board outside the Chapel. Let’s set our goal at 300 items. Together We Can! CUMC...be the gift in 2018!

Sunday Morning Prayer Given by Julie Husted Please pray with me as I borrow the words of one of my favorite hymns: Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love what Thou dost love, and do what Thou wouldst do. Holy One, fill us with Your spirit, that we may be alive in You and You in us. Breathe on me, breath of God, until my heart is pure, until with Thee I will one will- to do and to endure. Lord, help us to know Your will, do Your will, and to live Your will. We are blessed by Your grace. Breathe on me, breath of God, till I am wholly Thine. Till all this earthly part of me glows with Thy fire divine. Blessed Lord, let Your light shine through us for all to see. Breathe on me, breath of God, so shall I never die, but live with Thee the perfect life of Thine eternity. Holy One, thank you for Your gift of eternal life. May we remember this unfathomable gift each and every time we pray to You from Our hearts.

Breathe on me, breath of God, till I am wholly thine!

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OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE AND SERVE

MISSION OFFERINGS DECEMBER

Mission of the Month—Haitian Artisans for Peace $240

Local Mission—One Day With God $65

Helping Hand Fund $201

Hunger/UMCOR—Global Refuge/Immigration $185

Pantry— 300 Boxes of Jiffy Cornbread Mix

Missionary Salary Offering—Valerie Celestin & Paul Webster

$120

Alternate Christmas Gift—Conference Campgrounds $910

Christmas Eve—Supper House $743.55

IT’S OFFICIAL!

July 22-July 28

More information will follow!

Mark your calendar so you can join us around

the campfire.!

We are asking that you keep your eyes open for year end sale items that would make perfect TEENAGE Christmas gifts. Why? MAP Christmas Shoppe will only serve teens next year. This is a difficult area each year so MAP has decided to focus their mission only on teens. CUMC...be the gift in 2018!

Blue Star Partners

Our Blue Star Partners’ Program is well underway with 56 participants during our first round in the first service group. Hopefully, individuals

have been making weekly contacts with their assigned partners, calling, texting, or emailing to help create personal bonds within our congregation. We will be starting a second round in February, and it would be helpful to get feedback on how we might improve the program. Please email Sue Zack (szack1951@gmail.com) or Julie Husted (hjhusted@gmail.com) with your comments or suggestions so we can share them with the Vision Team and discuss ways to strengthen and improve this initiative. Remember, our goal is to increase the fellowship and relationships between current and new members of the congregation. CUMC...be the gift in 2018!

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY GATHERING

Sunday, February 11

Pink Valentine Coffee Hour

Sunday School with Mary Oakes “Gift of Love” by Adam Hamilton

Valentine’s Day Potluck Bring a tasty, generous dish to pass and your table service.

Beverages will be provided. Plans are to eat at NOON!

Please plan on joining us for a great time of Christian fellowship.

For additional information please contact

Erika Paulson at 759-0648

MORE FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Is there any word more powerful than giving? Thanksgiving Forgiving Care-giving Life-giving

Everything that matters in living comes down to giving!! CUMC...be the gift in 2018

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FEBRUARY WORSHIP AT CUMC

9:30 a.m. and 11:11 a.m.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT! This is a wonderful analogy...share with others.

(Originally posted on Facebook.)

You are holding a cup of coffee when someone comes along and bumps into you or shakes your arm, making you spill your coffee everywhere. Why did you spill the coffee? “Well because someone bumped into me, of course!”

Wrong answer. You spilled the coffee because there was coffee in your cup. Had there been tea in the cup, you would have spilled tea

Whatever is inside the cup, is what will spill out. Therefore, when life comes along and shakes you (which WILL happen), whatever is inside you will come out. It’s easy to fake it, until you get rattled.

So we have to ask ourselves … “What’s in my cup?” When life gets tough, what spills over? Joy, gratefulness, peace and humility? Or anger, bitterness, harsh words and reactions?

You choose! Today let’s work towards filling our cups with gratitude, forgiveness, joy, words of affirmation; kindness, gentleness and love for others. CUMC...be the gift in 2018!

February 4 RARE Leadership – Return to Joy

(Philippians 2:1-4) 1 John1:1-4

Holy Communion

February 11 RARE Leadership – Endure Hardship

(James 1:2-5) 1 Peter 4:12-19

February 18 A Time for Learning (Isaiah 40:3-5) Mark 1:12-15 February 25 A Time of Challenge (Matthew 7:13-14) 2 Corinthians 4:8-11

A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall

become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 40:3-5

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A UMC.org Feature Article by Joe Iovino*

Several years ago I signed up to receive newsletters from UMC.org and also from the Michigan Office of Communications where are very own Kay DeMoss serves as their Senior/Writer and Content Editor. Both of these publications keep me busy as I read not only about our denomination as a whole but also about our denomination on the state level. When I spotted Joe Iovino’s article entitled, “18 Ways To Be More United Methodist in ’18”, I immediately emailed Joe for permission to share this with CUMC; I received a “Yes you may share my article” reply. I have reprinted twelve of his eighteen listed for you to read and ponder. As you read, please give your thoughts this title: “12 Ways CUMC Can Be The Gift in 2018”. The blue links will allow you to even dig deeper when you double click on them with your computer mouse. Those not reading on your computer will still be able to get the important points. My question is this: How can CUMC do even more in the 12 points I have listed for you?

1. Read -- John Wesley may have considered himself “a person of one book,” but he was also a prolific writer and vora-cious reader. Grow your faith by reading good books, Wesley’s sermons, classics, histories, theologies, or whatever feeds your spirit. (You could also subscribe to an awesome podcast!)

2. Join a small group--Small groups are at the heart of United Methodism. The Methodist movement began not as a church, but as a collection of connected societies, classes, and bands (oh my!). These gatherings were places where Christians would “watch over one another in love.”

3. Enjoy a shared meal-- Few things are more United Methodist than a shared meal, sometimes called a potluck supper or covered dish dinner. If you grew up in the church, you know the joy of sampling from a table filled with Crock-Pots and casserole dishes, then enjoying these favorite family recipes with your church friends. Consider hosting a shared meal in your home!

4. Stick to a budget--John Wesley gave some amazing advice for how we should handle our money: (1) make all you can, (2) save all you can, (3) give all you can. Make this the year you take control of your money, simplify, and live gener-ously.

5. Hold family devotions--John and Charles Wesley’s mom Susanna made special time for her children each week to mentor them spiritually. Some of John Wesley’s very first class meetings met on Thursday evenings, which was his time with Susanna as a child. Coincidence?

6. Join a committee--As United Methodists, we’re addicted to committees. Our congregations even have committees to form committees. While we joke about it, these are some of the best ways to get involved in your congregation, district, annual conference, and beyond. Serve your church by joining a committee.

7. Deepen your devotional life--Wesley said that two means of grace every Methodist should practice are “searching the Scriptures” and prayer. Find some helps from the Upper Room, Cokesbury, or elsewhere, to assist you as you listen for the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the Scriptures, and in prayer.

8. Write a hymn-- Charles Wesley, John ’s brother, wrote over 6,000 hymns in his lifetime! Surely, you and I can write one. Change the words to favorite tune to reflect a spiritual truth. It may not be publishable, but it can be something just between you and God.

9. Follow the rules--Following in the footsteps of John Wesley, we United Methodist like to follow rules. The very first so-cieties were given three simple rules that we sometimes summarize as (1) do good, (2) do no harm, and (3) stay in love with God. It seems best if rules come in threes (see “Stick to a budget” above).

10. Attend worship every Sunday--Hearing the Bible read, joining our voice in song, hearing a sermon, receiving com-munion, and praying with others, are important ways we grow individually and together. Never miss an opportunity to worship.

11. Give to UMCOR--The United Methodist Church offers great opportunities to participate in ministries that serve people around the corner and around the world. Give to the United Methodist Committee on Relief on UMCOR Sunday (March 11, 2018) or anytime to help with their relief work.

12. Enjoy some coffee--Although John Wesley might disagree—he knew water was the healthiest drink—we United Methodists are known for our coffee consumption. Use the Sunday morning fellowship time before and after worship (even if you’re not a fan of coffee) to greet your neighbors and connect with your church family.

You can find his entire article here: http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/18-ways-to-be-more-united-methodist-in-18

*Joe Iovino works for UMC.org at United Methodist Communications and hosts a podcast called Get Your Spirit in Shape. Contact him by email or at 615-312-3733.

2017 – A YEAR IN REVIEW It was another busy year at Central in 2017, and the Parish Visitor summary cer-tainly reflects all the activities offered by this position. Here are the stats for 2017: Parish Visits – 317 Communion – 27 Hospital Visits – 10 Phone Calls – 323 Cards & Notes – 215 Transportation – 40 Miles Driven – 3,320 Funerals Attended – 10 Members Lost in 2017: Dick George, Larry Seastrom, Ruth Ritter, Larry Duram, Donna Conens, Carole VanderWall, Bob Buboltz, Dick Swanson, Barbara Kline, Betsie Chapman, John Mahn, Dean Chapman, and Ginette Hallead. (13)

In addition to the Pastor and the Parish Visitor, Central is lucky to have many other people who also provide connectional services to those

members who are unable to attend worship services on a regular basis, including the following: Lay Communion – Pete Van Hoesen, Tom Huizenga, Dave Paulson, Don Vanderlaan Communion Supplies – Sally Wibalda Active Stephen Ministers -- (Mary Oakes, Sue Zack, Liz Johnson, Tom Huizenga) plus inactive & retired (Martha Giacobassi, Pete Van Hoesen, Kathryn Alexander, Bob & Ruth Fountain, Lori & Harry Arthur, Sue Arthur) Cards & Notes – Barb Robillard (UMW Friendship Correspondent), Martha Giacobassi, Erika Paulson … plus many more I’m sure Transportation – Don Vander Laan brings 3-5 people to church every week Funerals at Central – Linda Roberts & Kay Fairfield and all the luncheon servers; plus many, many church members in at-tendance Prayer Shawl Ministry – Juanita Joiner (coordinator) + many creative knitters Faithful Pray-ers – Mary Oakes Office – (Patty Dahlman & front desk vol-unteers) weekly sermon CD’s & bulletins, and more Personal visits, phone calls, additional communication via text/email/etc. – many caring members of the general con-gregation, probably more than I can count! I’m sure there are many more members who support the CUMC parish community and to all of you I say, “THANK YOU!!”

~ Marian Davis

United Methodist Women

The United Methodist Women are a global Mission Outreach with district, conference and national connections. It’s the largest faith-based women’s group in the world with over 800,000 members fostering spiritual growth, developing leaders and advocating for justice. Do any of these Circle programs look interesting? Please come! Susannah Wesley members and anyone else. You are invited. Monday, February 5, 2018, Book Discussion Group, 9:30 a.m. Hostesses: Hester Newton and Dona Hettle Location: Church Conference Room Program: “Lab Girl” by Hope Jahren Presenter: Sue VanHoesen Tuesday, February 13, 2018, Executive Committee, 9:30 a.m. Location: Conference Room Monday, February 19, 2018, 6:00 p.m. Vibrant Women go out to dinner and chat Location: Booyahs Bar and Grill Contact: Call Debra Dahlquist to reserve table space, 780 4428 Not connected? Come and join this friendly group. Tuesday, February 20, 2018, Isabella Thoburn Circle, 1 p.m. Hostess: Marian Davis Location: Church Conference Room Program: Bible Study: “Great Figures of the New Testament”, chapter 10 Wednesday, February 21, 2018, Ruth Circle, 10:30 a.m. (Hostess:) Location: Church Conference Room Program: “Taiwan Adventure”, Presenter Erika Paulson MISSION MART NEWS: MISSION MART NEWS: Grab a cookie and say HELLO to Mary Duram as she faithfully opens the Mission Mart for Coffee Hour. Check out all the different colorful and tasty items she has laid out for you. Make her day! Make a purchase! (And make the UMW happy, too)

To be a community of women To know God

To develop a creative and supportive fellowship

To expand concepts of mission

If you have any questions about the Women’s Circles at CUMC, please contact Sue Van Hoesen (231) 755-3476 or Erika Paulson (231) 759-0648.

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Central United Methodist Church January 2018

Light Lines

February Volunteers

Sunday service reminder … clip to your calendar. Post on your fridge.

February 4 Worship Leader: Julie Husted Lay Reader: Sue Van Hoesen Ushers: Bill Paulson, Bill Nicholson, Huey Husted Greeters: Brad & Katie Cotton Welcome Desk: Val & Tim Lundholm Communion Servers: Mona & Bill Dye

February 11 Worship Leader: Mary Oakes Lay Reader: Don Vanderlaan Ushers: Bill Paulson, Bill Nicholson, Sue Van Hoesen Greeters: Dale & Sue Beattie Welcome Desk: Monica Morey

February 18 Worship Leader: Sue Zack Lay Reader: Kip Smith Ushers: Bill Paulson, Bill Nicholson Lew Peck, Peter Van Hoesen Greeters: Tim & Val Lundholm Welcome Desk: Billie Joy Thomas

February 25 Worship Leader: Diane VanWesep Lay Reader: Doug Clarke Ushers: Bill Paulson, Bill Nicholson Tim Lundholm, Don Vanderlaan Greeters: Larry & Sharon Bradfield Welcome Desk: Joyce Stepancevich

Care Notes

Share their grief: Family and friends of Russell Nicholson (Bill’s brother)

who passed away on December 13.

Closings: Please check our website or TV stations WOODTV-

8, WZZM-13 OR WXMI-Fox 17. If Muskegon Public Schools are closed, the Church is also closed.

New Address: Donna Martens Appledorn Living Center South 727 Apple Avenue #12-L Holland, MI 49423

Special Request: Please keep Patty in the church office updated on any

of the prayer requests you have made on behalf of your friends and family. We want our bulletin to be not only accurate but up-to-date.

Where to send important information! Please send to all addresses.

Juanita Joiner for the Newsletter: jrjoiner@comcast.net

Patty Dahlman for the Church Calendar and Bulletin: pdahlman@muskegoncentralumc.org

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Annual Super Bowl Party

February 4, 2018

You are invited to the Annual Super Bowl Party on February 4 at Doug and Cathy Clarke’s Home

(2147 Bluffton Ave.) Please arrive around 5 p.m. and bring a dish to pass.

Games can be played ahead of time. We will provide chili and soft drinks (BYOB).

We will conclude after Half Time, since it’s a Sunday night.

Please RSVP to Cathy at 231-855-0335.

Hope to see you there!

Central United Methodist Church

1011 2nd Street Muskegon MI 49440 231-722-6545 MuskegonCentralUMC.org

Muskegon Central United Methodist

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Muskegon, MI

Permit No. 321

Central Staff

Rev. Mark Miller, Senior Pastor revmarkmiller@yahoo.com; 231-766-1376

Patty Dahlman, Office Manager pdahlman@muskegoncentralumc.org; 231-722-6545

Marian Davis, Parish Visitor osu1fan@gmail.com 231-903-7240

Ron Vanderwest, Assistant Organist

Jim Johnson, Financial Administrator J_a_johnson_2007@yahoo.com; 231-798-2987 or 231-740-1447

Jane Catey, Financial Secretary jcatey@muskegoncentralumc.org; 231-722-6545

Melody Schneider, Worship Leader for The Corner melodyjoymusic@gmail.com

Juanita Joiner, Newsletter Editor

jrjoiner@comcast.net 231-722-3689

Josh Dugger, Technology Director

Dan Melinn, Facilities Coordinator

Doug Schramm, Custodian

Have news for the Outlook or bulletin? See page 7 for submission addresses. Next Outlook deadline is February 13. Thank you!

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What Should Our Garden Look Like?

Plant Three Rows of Peas:

Peace of mind, Peace of heart, Peace of soul

Plant Four Rows of Squash:

Squash gossip, Squash indifference, Squash grumbling, Squash selfishness

Plant Four Rows of Lettuce:

Lettuce be faithful, Lettuce be kind, Lettuce be patient, Lettuce really love

one another

No Garden Should Be Without Turnips:

Turnip for meetings, Turnip for service, Turnip to help one another

To Conclude Our Garden We Must Have Thyme:

Thyme for each other, Thyme for family, Thyme for friends, Thyme for God

CUMC...be the gift in 2018