The lamplighter

Volume 64, Issue 8

August 2014

NECM Needs 3

Silver Seniors 3

Make it Science 4

Volunteer List 7

Welcome Team 8

Inside this issue:

Special points of interest:

Silver Seniors

Movie Night

Monthly Calendar

Pastor’s Pondering

One of the priorities for 2014 established by the Leadership Team is Radical Hospitality. This priority is being implemented through the Radical Hospitality Team. The Radical Hospitality Team has been active in learning, praying, and planning in order to lead and facilitate Northlawn United Methodist Church to improve, expand, and deepen our practice of Radical Hospitality. The team members include: Ruth VanValkenburg, Kelli Hamilton, Darla Kilgore, Jeff Yen, and myself

We are working with the Outreach Team to improve ways in which our time before and after worship demonstrate Christ’s welcome. You can expect to see some changes to our coffee time.

We are also working in establishing a Welcome Team that will demonstrate Radical Hospitality to those who are guests to our worship service. Hilda Russell is the leader of this team. A training session is being planned to help equip the team. The Welcome Team will work together with the ushers and greeters.

We will be working together with the Worship Team and other ministry areas to improve, expand, and deepen their practice of Radical Hospitality along with establishing a consistent follow-up process for staying connected to guests. Additionally, we will be available to Sunday school classes or other groups to discuss any aspect of Radical Hospitality.

Our goal is to have the majority of the ways we are improving, expanding, and deepening our practice of Radical Hospitality in place by Sept. 7

th. If you have any questions or feedback, please speak directly to

one of the Radical Hospitality Team members.

It is great to see the excitement in each of the ministry areas we are working with. My hope and prayer is that we all catch the excitement of welcoming one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God (Romans 15:7).

In Christ,

Pastor Tim

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Help Earn Money for the Church! If you use the internet for any type of search you can use GoodSearch and a donation will be made to the church for every search and purchase you make over the internet. The last check Northlawn received was for over $140. All proceeds go toward the mortgage principle. Here's all you need to do; Go to http://www.goodsearch.com/nonprofit/northlawn-united-methodist-

church.aspx

We need volunteers to help with this our

next fun Community Outreach Event

Free Outdoor Summer Movie Night Friday, August 22—Movie: Despicable Me

Join the fun! Popcorn, pop, games & more.

Can you help us set up, serve popcorn & pop, run a game before the movie, or just be there to

welcome the people who come? You don't have to stay until the movie is over if its past your

bed time. Sign up to volunteer online using this link or at the Connection Corner!

WE NEED YOU!

Please prayerfully consider joining the Education Team this coming Church season. We want

to be able to spread God’s Word and Message not only here within the walls of Northlawn

but throughout the neighborhood and beyond. We need volunteers for adult groups and chil-

dren’s activities of all different levels. No experience needed, just a willingness to help and

grow with our groups. The emphasis this year will be on “Discover and DO”. You need not

commit to every Sunday. We will have opportunities for anyone willing to donate whatever

time they have in our many activities and programs. Please contact Pastor Tim or Teri Chan-

dler (terichan55@gmail.com or 550-8021 if you have any questions. Our Team is a very re-

warding Ministry. As you give of yourself, you will feel blessings come back to you in ways

you never imagined. Thanks!

THANK YOU!

Thank you for your help! In addition to helping to protect the environment, our May Elec-

tronics Recycling event earned Northlawn a check from Comprenew for $394.74. We are

considering hosting the Comprenew trailer again after the holidays, in January and again in

May.

Tuesday Morning Ladies’ Bible Study

To Resume September 9, 10:00 a.m.

Please come and enjoy our fellowship in God’s word. We will continue our study of Psalms with Psalm 49.

It is not too late to join in this study. Hope to see you there.

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NECM Monthly Needs: NECM always needs grocery bags. They may be paper or plastic

CANNED MEAT

SNACK ITEMS: Granola Bars, Crackers, chips, etc.

RICE

BEANS

MAC & CHEESE/PASTA

FRUIT JUICE

CEREAL

CONDIMENTS

PERSONAL CARE ITEMS

Our lunch date has been changed from Wednesday, August 6 to WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13 ….join us for lunch at noon! Please sign up at connection corner. If you have any questions, please call lee grey, 361-8458.

“Teaching is the art of sharing” Abraham Joshua Heschel Please prayerfully consider joining Northlawn’s Education Team this fall. No experience necessary; just a willingness to share your talents and time with others. We will have sup-port and materials available for all groups. You need not commit to every Sunday. We hope to have enough volunteers to develop a rotation of group leaders, co-leaders, assis-tants and helpers. This is a very rewarding Ministry as we all move towards sharing and learning new adventures in our Faith. Please talk to Sharon Longstreth, Pastor Tim Wright, or Teri Chandler (terichan55@gmail.com) if you would like more information or are inter-

HANDBELLS ANYONE?

Our first practice in the fall is Wednesday evening, September 3, 6:00 p.m. It is preferred

that those interested in playing handbells have some experience with music—either from

playing a musical instrument or singing in a choir or group. A good sense of rhythm is also

important. If this sounds like something you might like to try, please join us on September

3rd in the Sanctuary. Hope to see you there!

Sharon Sumner

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Make it Science Night!

Here we go again...Make It Math Night was so much fun and the children are still playing those games, so we have decided to offer “Make It Science Night” right before school starts on Tuesday, August 26 from 6:00-8:00 pm here at Northlawn. Please consider volunteering to help with an activity table and/or experiment. No experience needed! Come at 5:00 pm and we’ll show you what you need to know and do. This will be exciting as we prepare “hands-on” activities that promote understanding of scientific concepts. In addition, donations of healthy snacks would be appreciated. Finger food worked well at Math Night. They enabled us to keep on playing games! Also, bring some students! Children of elementary ages are all welcome: grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors...bring them all. We will have a great time and, hopefully, not blow up anything too valuable. If you have questions and to volunteer (see sign up sheet at Connection Corner), see Teri Chandler (terichan55@gmail.com or 550-8021) or Pastor Tim. Here’s to kicking off the school year with a blast!

WON PROJECT FOR SEPTEMBER

The WON circle is collecting activity books for the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital for

kids who need kidney dialysis. This is our mission project for September. If you can help

with this project, it would be greatly appreciated. There will be a box in the narthex for

contributions. If you have questions, please call Ruth VanValkenburg at 454-9918.

CLATTER OFFERING FOR AUGUST 31

The clatter offering is collected on the last Sunday of each month. The recipient of the

August clatter offering will be Heartside Ministry. If you are not familiar with this

organization, here is a little information about its history: Inspired by the life of Jesus of

Nazareth, Heartside Ministry began in 1983 as a small outreach to the homeless and

disenfranchised people of the street, on a blighted section of Division Avenue in Grand

Rapids, Michigan, in a neighborhood all but abandoned by businesses and avoided by

many. Heartside took up its work to help the most disadvantaged residents of the streets.

Please remember to bring your contribution on the last Sunday of August, the last DAY of

August!!!

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Northlawn United Methodist Church 1157 Northlawn St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

www.northlawnumc.org

Mission - why we are here Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world

CHOIR NOTES!

You’ve been humming and singing all summer long (and we guess it wasn’t “Winter Won-

derland”) so now is the time to join the Northlawn Chancel Choir! We welcome all voices

and levels of experience. We will help you grow musically and spiritually as our Music

Ministry is one of the most rewarding groups here at Northlawn. Our first rehearsal this

season will be Wednesday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m. We present an anthem (usually) the

first three Sundays of the month. Rehearsal time is only one hour but during that hour you

will not only work hard but have lots of fun with one of the friendliest group of people in

our church family. Please join us and praise the Lord with one of our most blessed gifts, the

human voice. Questions? See Toni Gould (organist/pianist) or Teri Chandler

(terichan55@gmail.com) Sing on!

SAVE THE DATE!

October 25, 2014 Northlawn UMC's 2nd Annual Women's Retreat

AKA shopping at Woodfield Mall and IKEA in Schaumburg, IL

Just like last year, deluxe motorcoach and your friends are welcome!!

Stay tuned for more information

Free Outdoor Summer Movie Night

Friday, August 22—Despicable Me

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We need your help!!! Do you have an activity idea that you can help with before the mov-

ie? Activity/game time is about an hour (8-9:00 pm). We need activities for all of the kids

and families. Your creative ideas are welcome and encouraged. It’s fun and rewarding.

Sign up at Connection Corner or online.

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Northlawn United Methodist Church 2014 Leadership Team

Administrative Team Chairperson: ···························································································· Chris Longstreth Finance Chairperson: ····················································································· Diane Ludwig SPRC Chairperson: ················································································· Thurlan Meredith Trustee Chairperson: ···················································································· Jerry Lachniet Lay Member to Ann. Conference: ···································································· Pat Whyatt Women of Northlawn President ························································· Ruth VanValkenburg Members @ Large: ······························································· Alan Claybaugh, John Secord, Phil VanHammen, Tammy Diebold, Ken Jeltema

Core Ministry Team Outreach , Hospitality, Mission ······································································Sally Wesorick Small Group ····································································································· Barb Jeltema Education and Discipleship ············································································ Teri Chandler Worship ··············································································· Jan Jager & Sharon Longstreth Congregational Care ························································································ John Secord Administrative Team Rep ··············································································· Jerry Lachniet

Remember to Save Those Box Tops For Education!

Deadline for The Lamplighter Newsletter is ALWAYS the 17th of the previous

month. ALL articles must be received by this date or they will not be included.

Sorry, no exceptions. You may email your articles to:

catsdesk@northlawnumc.org or leave them in the secretary’s office.

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August Volunteer List, Birthdays & Anniversaries

3 Dave & Dorothy Spaulding 10 Kris Kanai 17 _____________

_____________ 31 Bill & Doris Black

3 Ruth VanValkenburg 10 ____________ 17 ____________

____________ 31 ____________

6 Jan Jager 13 Sharon Sumner 20 27

3 Jan Jager 10 Paula Wright 17 Dawne Ball

Ed Cavanaugh 31 Don Chandler

2 Dave Spaulding 3 Tara Cleveland 4 Bev Wells 7 Laura Biggins 7 John Wells 7 Emily Menn 8 Allison Dionne 8 Andrew Smith 10 Robert Wild 11 Kendra Brown 11 Ellen VanHammen 12 Dorothy Spaulding 12 Ronald Cavner 14 Sybil Hole 15 Lyle Russell 18 Lisa Peterson

Ruth VanValkenburg Ken Jeltema

28 Lauren Peterson Kris Schoonmaker

30 Jan Lancaster Kathy Thompson

30 John Secord 31 Kay Smith

7 Thomas & Kathy Thompson 8 Scott & Christine Kanai

Chad & ChariAnne Weidenfeller 18 Kris & Shannon Schoonmaker

Mike & Tammy Diebold Craig & Linda Allen

28 Bob & Jackie Rauser

3 ____________ 10 ____________ 17 ____________

____________ 31 ____________

LITURGIST

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15th Annual CELEBRATE BACK TO SCHOOL

NECM is excited to offer our Annual ‘Celebrate Back to School’ Program August 8TH AND 9TH, 2014.

This program provides brand new school clothes, school supplies, and backpacks to children in need.

This year Middle School students will be required to wear uniform style apparel also. Last year we

provided for over 550 children in our community.

To make this program a success we need the following:

1. Brand new clothing

2. (Children and Adult sizes-collared shirts in navy blue, light blue, white, black, or red, and pants in

navy, black, or Khaki/tan)

3. Backpacks

4. Brand new Socks and Underwear

5. School Supplies

6. Monetary Contributions

For further information on how you might participate or help contact Sarah Harnish, Program

Coordinator, at 616-454-1097 OR jsharnish@sbcglobal.net.

Note: Feel free to bring items to church and place in the boxes provided. Thank you!

NEW WELCOME TEAM TRAINING COMING IN AUGUST

The new welcome team members will be working along side greeters each week to help make our

visitors and newcomers experience the love of Christ with us at Northlawn. We need volunteers to

become part of the team. There will be a training session on August 12 at 7:00 p.m. here at church. We

will be learning how to spot and greet newcomers and how to make them feel especially welcome to the

Northlawn family of Christ. It would be great to get many people involved so it will not be a huge time

commitment for all team members. Please join us on August 12th at 7:00 p.m. and plan on lots of fun

and learning. Questions? See Hilda Russell or contact her at 647-4673 or hruss.1@att.net.

Thanks!

GRAPEVINE HARVEST SHOW—2014

This year, our Show will be on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Watch for

more information and the many ways you can help. We always appreciate any handmade items for our

Holiday Gift Booth.

If you would like a booth at the show, please call or see Christine Wright for more information and an

application. Christine’s phone number is 691-7548.

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August 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3 4

6:30 pm

Worship Team

5 6

7:00 pm

Yashana

Lodge

7

6:00 pm

Hospitality/

Outreach

7:00 pm

Movie Team

6:30 pm

Yarn w/a

Purpose

8 9

10

11:15-1:15

Sybil’s 90th

Birthday Cele-

bration

3:00 pm

Vista Springs

11 12

6:00 pm

Board of

Trustees

7:00 pm

Welcome

Team

13

7:00 pm

Yashana

Lodge

14

6:30 pm

Yarn w/a

Purpose

15 16

17 18

7:00 pm

CORE

19

Pastor Tim at

Pastor School

20

\

7:00 pm

Yashana

Lodge

21

6:30 pm

Yarn w/a

Purpose

22

9:00 pm

Movie Night

23

24 25

7:00 pm

CORE/Admin

Team

7:00 pm

Congregational

Care Team

26

6-8:00 pm

Make it

Science Night

27

7:00 pm

Yashana Lodge

28

Pastor Tim on

Vacation

6:30 pm

Yarn w/a

Purpose

29

30

31

Pastor Tim on

Vacation

MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS: Please note, it is YOUR responsibility to list all meetings on the Office calendar. The

online calendar is then updated based on the office calendar. ALL COMMUNICATIONS ARE BASED ON THE OFFICE

CALENDAR. Pastor Tim

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Please remember the follow-

ing people in your prayers:

Rhea Glazier

Dolores Barnes

Izzy Ward

Kelli Hamilton

Dave & Dorothy Spaulding

Bob & Barb Morton

Darva Oberhofer

Robin Eslinger

Ken Peterson

Leslie Martin-Good

Northlawn United Methodist Church 1157 Northlawn St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Phone: (616) 361-8503 Fax: (616) 361-2878

We’re on the web!

www.northlawnumc.org

Mission - why we are here Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world