Hope or Trust

We don’t have to look far to see people who crave power. The headlines are full of people who want to gain power either through the election process, through political power, through violence or by threats of physical violence, and through military might. Power is so often associated with control over others. It is seen as a way to manipulateothers for ones own personal gain.

The abuse of power occurs when we use power to gratify our own needs rather than to carry out God’s sacred trust. Often, if not always, sexual abuse is the abuse of power. In the Bible we see the abuse of power by David against Bathsheba. She lost her husband and her son because David used his power as king to get what he wanted rather than be a guardian of his people. In our society, we so often seek power for what we will get out of it, not for what it will enable us to give. Yet Jesus taught, “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.” (Luke 12:48)

On Sunday May 11^th, Pentecost Sunday, we will gather to be reminded that we have been power through the Holy Spirit. But this power is much different than the power that we exert over another for own personal gain. The power of Holy Spirit is a gift from God so that we can enable others to live the life that God intended for them to live. It is the power to change lives not for our benefit but so that others can know the love of God in their lives. This power is not for us to take but is for us to give to others.

The power of the Holy Spirit is the power to live a humble life of service to God and for God. It is a humble life for we know that the power that we have is not of this earth or of our own doing. It is a humble life for we know that we have done nothing to gain this power and that in using that power it is not to lord over others, but to serve others in the name of Christ.

We have been given and entrusted with the power of the Holy Spirit, much is required of us and even more is demanded of us because we have the gift and the power of the Holy Spirit. We have been given a sacred trust and a sacred responsibility to use it in the name of God for others. We are a power-filled people that can do wondrous and marvelous things in the name and on behalf of God. Never doubt that we have that power. But with that power much is required of us and even more is demanded of us. Are you ready to use that power?

You Are Invited
Come and Worship with us.
First United Methodist Church
10016 E. Newburg Rd
Durand, Michigan 48429
(989) 288-3880
E-mail: durandfumc@verizon.net
www.gbgm-umc.org/durandfumc/

Sunday Morning Worship is Sundays at 9 a.m.
Contemporary Worship is Sundays at 11:30 a.m.
Nursery is available for children under the age of four.
Sunday School/Bible Study 10:15am
Holy Communion is held the first Sunday of the month.
"Bucket Offering" Sunday is the 2nd Sunday of the month.
Youth Group is the 2nd & 4th Sunday at 10:15 a.m.
Young Adult Group At Times to be announced.
Liturgical Dance meets4:30pm 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month.
Men's Group meets 3rd Sunday of each month after 9:00am Worship
Women’s Group meets3rd Sunday each month after 9:00am Worship
Adult Choir practices 7:00pm each Wednesday
******************

Pastor: Wayne N. Thomas (989) 288-4364 at parsonage
Organist: Bill Pomeroy
Choir Director: Wendy Tanner
Custodian: Bill Pomeroy
Secretary: Liz Oglesby

All students have been working hard learning the facts of the Bible; which include learning all the books of the Bible. On Sunday June 1, 2008; eight students will be receiving Bibles. We are looking for Spiritual Sponsors for each of them. Spiritual Sponsors would pray for them, call them, or send them a note of encouragement.

We also need help for Vacation Bible School, the theme this summer is Jerusalem Market Place. If interested in being a sponsor or helping with VBS please contact Vicki Gadd 810-621-3284 or Sandy Sanders 810-621-5214.

Thursday, May 1^st at 7:00 p.m.
(Every other Month on 1^st Thursday of the Month)

United Methodist Women’s Monthly Meeting:
Sunday, May 18th after 9 a.m. Service.

United Methodist Men’s Monthly Meeting:
Sunday, May 18th after 9:00 a.m. Service.

Council on Ministries
May 19^th at 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 20^th at 7:00 p.m.
Meets every other month on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month.

** UNITED METHODIST WOMEN **

It’s Bakeless Bake Sale time! If you’re not familiar with the bakeless bake sale, it goes like this: Instead of baking something for a bake sale, just send a donation of what it would cost ($5.00, etc.) to bake something in the enclosed envelope in this newsletter. Make checks out to the U.M.W. We hope to use the funds we collect to reupholster the chairs in the entryway. We have done 2 of the chairs all ready and bought 2 end tables to go with them. Gene Roussin is putting a new finish on the new tables to match the color of the wood in the chairs.

Kathy Lincoln has a wonderful project going in the Comfort Quilts. If you have someone you think could need a quilt, please let Kathy know and we’ll get one to them. Also if anyone would like to make quilt tops at home and use their own scraps that would be wonderful. The tops just need to be 48”x54”.Thanks Kathy for all your hard work! For more information, please call Kathy at 288-2749.

On March 27^th, we had the “Soup Lunch” program. The soups we had were Chicken, Chili, and Minestrone. We delivered 108 lunches. This is the last “Soup Lunch” until October. And in the fall and winter months, we are thinking of having “Fried Chicken Dinners for the Heat Fund”. And all the proceeds would go for the heating bills of the Church. Joyce Helms would be our head chef for this project. And if you haven’t had any of Joyce’s southern fried chicken, you’re in for a treat!

Just a reminder. We also collect Spartan UPC’s and Cambell’s soup UPC’s. You no longer need the whole label for Cambell’s soup, just the UPC. The collection box is in the narthex on the oval table by the parlor door. The Spartan UPC’s are turned in for cash for the UMW and the Cambell’s UPC’s and Box Tops for Kids are given to the school for our children.

Thanks for all your help, support and prayers. And don’t forget to go “Bakeless”!

Every second Sunday of each Month due to the death of a spouse or divorce, you are invited to Marilyn Sidebotham's home for dinner on Sunday, May 11th and thereafter every second Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. Kindly call Marilyn at (989) 271-3276 to RSVP by May 9^th,2008.

BIBLE READINGS-May May Birthdays & Anniversaries

1. Exodus 3:1-6                                        1. Joe & Anne Phillips
2. 2 Samuel 21:15-21                                2. Mike & Dawn Clark
3. Psalm 84:1-12                                          Aaron Meadows
4. Isaiah 9:6-7 and                                        Adam Meadows
John   11:17-27                                       3. Dan Marsh,
                                                                    Michael & Kathy Lincoln
5. Romans 12:1-21

In the Hospital or Recovering at Home: Pal Carlin, Bill Price, Anthony Toth.

Frank Blount, Brad, Brenda, Larry Bush, Beverly Cards, Arthur Carlin, Carol Carlin, Edith Castle, Jim Chizmidia, Paul Conklin, Mary Cottenham, Cynthia, Margie DeClerg, Ernestine Dimkoff, Bill Doefer, family & friends of Tim Doyle, Delbert Gadd, Libbie Gilliland, Norm Haskins, Cheryl Hasyn, Betty Henry, Tim Inman, Betty Jackson, Joanie, Louis, my mom, Carol Milmine on death of her step-mother, Betty Moore, family & friends of Marvin Moore, Carol Morrice, Andy Mosciski, Ray Plumb, Maxine Porter, Marg Powell, Zander Pratt, Tamara Ramiller, Barbara Reithel, Tina Schaefer, family & friends of Laurel Elaine Lene-Schmidt, Theo Shelp, family & friends of Gerald Spinning, family & friends of Eunice Sprague, Heather Springs, Richard Stiff, Joan Streeter, Jordan Teichman, Marion Vasicek, Bridget Warlick, Tom Wescott, Angela Wright and continued prayer for those in the military.

Please contact the church office with name of your loved one for removal from the list to keep the list up to date. Thank-you.

Remember our Shut-Ins with your prayers, calls and cards every once in a while. They love to hear from you. There is a separate listing for our Shut-Ins in the back of your Church Directory.

MISSION OPPORTUNITY

Come hear Dr. James Karblee, Director of the Methodist School of Theology in Liberia, Africa.

Tuesday, May 13
7:00 p.m.

Come enjoy a Potluck Meal at 6:00 p.m. followed by Dr. Karblee’s Presentation.

Dr. Karblee, a delegate from Liberia to General Conference, will have just returned from General Conference.

All Are Invited to attend to learn about the United Methodist Church in Liberia.

First UMC of Durand

Now accepting farm machinery, vehicles, household & unusual items for consignment. We have the right to reject selling items that are not useful (no t.v.’s or old electronics). A $3 nonrefundable registration fee per item (includes box lots) to be paid at registration.

In addition, there will be a 10% commission or 5% buy-back fee. Free advertising if you consign by April 15^th. All unsold items must be picked up one hour after end of sale. Contact Don Wentz at 517-410-8089 to consign or with questions or Joyce Pabst at 989-288-6955 for Flea Market registration & information. Donated items & consignment fees are tax deductible. Auction to benefit church’s Mortgage Fund. Concessions on site all day (including pancake breakfast).

CHRISTIAN FAMILY NIGHT
OLDS PARK
LANSING LUGNUTS

COST: Reserved Seats $8.00 (children 2 & under free) PAYMENT/ORDER *DEADLINE: May 27^th*

Sign Up Sheet Available Soon Enjoy a night at the park featuring fellowship, baseball and a great family night!

Please contact Heather Brown at (989) 725-3195 or sunnywater10@hotmail.com for Upcoming Newsletter Articles ASAP or by the 15^th of the Month.

Council on Ministries May 19th at 7:00 p.m.

** UNITED METHODIST WOMEN **

BIBLE READINGS-May May Birthdays & Anniversaries

MISSION OPPORTUNITY

First UMC of Durand

CHRISTIAN FAMILY NIGHT OLDS PARK LANSING LUGNUTS

Council on Ministries
May 19^th at 7:00 p.m.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

CHRISTIAN FAMILY NIGHT
OLDS PARK
LANSING LUGNUTS