FELLOWSHIP UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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SOMETHING SPECIAL

NOVEMBER 2009

THE FELLOWSHIP FLAME

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR (Johnny Liles)

Y2K!  It is difficult to believe that ten years (!) ago some folks were sure computers would crash, airplanes would fall from the sky, and maybe even the world would come to an end at the stroke of mid-night December 31, 1999.  The gloom and doom folks did not say whether it would be at the end of the day at the International Date Line in the middle of the Pacific Ocean or Eastern Standard Time.  The next day dawned like most any other day.  I did not hear of anyone who had a problem with a computer.  We are still here.  It sure seemed some folks were about to get ulcers worrying about Y2K.  My point is that we often make problem for ourselves when we try to determine what God will do and how God will do it.  It is better if we heed the words of a Gospel Song, “We’ll work ‘til Jesus comes and we’ll be gathered home.”

There is work for all of us by sharing what we know and have experienced with Jesus Christ.  You need not be an “in your face” like a street-corner evangelist.  I have always doubted the value of that kind of witnessing.  You will probably get better results by just letting people know you go to church and where the church is and inviting them to attend.  Be prepared for people to ask more in-depth questions.  I believe there is a spiritual hunger at this time in our history.  You do not need to be a theologian to share what you know and what you have experienced.

Most of you who read this have seen or will see the painting the trustees hired a man to do.  What none of you have seen is the tender loving care he and his crew put into the work they did for us.  In addition to the painting he replace bulbs (some of them at his own expense) and re-aimed the spotlights to my suggestions.  It is very satisfying to have a person like that working for the church.  He is active in his church and very trust worthy.  On two occasions I have given him a key to my house with the instructions I want it painted when I come back from vacation.

Some things can be delegated to a committee or individuals and the work will be done.  On the other hand, once each year the entire church must come together in a “business meeting.”  That meeting is calling the Church Conference.  It will happen at Fellowship in early November.  It is my hope and prayer that most of us will be there.

In this month of November we will celebrate Thanksgiving (26) and begin the Advent Season (29).  On Thanksgiving we give thanks for the material blessings of God for the past year.  Advent is a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ our Lord.  Some stores had their “Christmas stuff” on display well before Halloween.  So it is difficult to get our hearts and minds in the real spirit of Christmas after having been bombarded with the commercials and music for so long.  I do pray you and I will try very hard this Advent Season to get that spirit, the Spirit of God.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN (Liz Travis)

Ladies, mark November 10 on your calendar for our next meeting at 11 am at church. Bring a sandwich and ideas of what you would like to see as programs, especially our December meeting. Do you have a special program that you would like to present? The December meeting is Tuesday, December 8.

Elected Leadership training is at Waterford Central on Saturday, November 14 at 1 pm to 3 pm. We need to register all officers. Even though you may have been an officer before, there are always new ideas and thoughts from which we can all benefit. Not a current officer in our local unit?  There are places we can use your expertise and energy.  Areas of interest: Education and Interpretation, Spiritual Life, Program Resources (like to read – this is good), and Nurture and Outreach.

We have available Mission cards for all occasions. Thinking of You, Thank You, Congratulations and Your Special Day. These cards are $5 each. This money goes directly to Missions.  We also have available Gift To Mission Memorial Cards. You fill out the bottom portion of the card; give it and a check to our treasurer, Carolyn Jones (there is a sample card on the UMW board in the hall). I have sent these to relatives and the response has been very positive, knowing that a gift to Mission has been given in their loved one’s name. No charge for these cards.

In the September/October issue of World Outlook (Mission magazine of the United Methodist Church), there are several interesting articles, but one that stood out. It is one on Facebook. Apparently there are 2 online games that members can play. They are Farm Town and African Safari. When you play African Safari, the site will contribute something toward “Nothing But Nets”. Nothing But Nets provides bed nets to protect people in tropical climates from mosquito-borne disease, especially malaria. This will be one of our Churches Advances Mission Giving for 2010. There are many more interesting articles in this magazine. I will put my copy on the table in the lounge. Computers and THE WEB have changed the way missionaries are able to tell about their work.

WORSHIP (Jeff Walker and James Sawyer)

We discussed the new way that we did communion at the beginning of the month – with the tray of bread and the little cups. The congregation seemed to like it so we will continue to serve communion this way, at least through the winter. It is a little more sanitary.

We plan to try to find another retailer for our poinsettias this year and we plan to order them earlier. That way, we will have them for more Sundays.

Sunday, November 22 – “Hanging of the Greens” will take place following the worship service. There will be a potluck lunch and then we’ll decorate the church. Worship Committee will furnish the main course with a sign-up sheet for your choice of whatever you’d like to donate to the meal.

Sunday, January 3, 2010 – “Unhanging of the Greens” will take place following worship.

We will receive envelopes (and information) about the Six Special Sundays of United Methodists. The education and information are more important than the monies that we collect, but both are good!

EDUCATION (Maxine McClure)

Education will meet on Thursday, November 20 at 10 am. This is an important meeting and I hope that all members will be able to attend. Thanks.

STAFF-PARISH RELATIONS  (John Hart)

We have a new member of the staff at Fellowship: a familiar face with a new responsibility. Lana Boehm is now providing childcare on Sunday mornings. She reports to the Education Committee.

TRUSTEES (Steve Payer)

The Trustees have been shifting into high gear over the past couple of months, and October in particular has been a very busy time for the committee. We started several weeks ago with the removal of diseased trees and stumps and some heavy weeding around the church property. Some of the larger projects where we contracted help included painting the exterior of the sanctuary. We didn’t shop there; we moved indoors to heave sanctuary west wall painted and the wood paneling cleaned and coated with polyurethane. Since the tall ladders were in place, we had a number of light bulbs replaced. While we were at it, new “vandal” covers for our church sign were ordered and installed in addition to a number of our traditional fall workday interior and exterior projects. Thank you to all who participated and supported these important maintenance and improvement projects.

Of course, we’re not done yet. The Trustees are planning on other projects clear through 2010, so stay tuned!

PASSION PLAY IN OBERAMMERGAU, GERMANY (Joyce and Karl Henn)

Like to travel? Beginning July 27, 2010, the United Methodist Michigan Conference in offering a 5-day trip to the world-famous 400-year-old Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, and to other Alpine Wonders.

WORDS OF WISDOM FOR NOVEMBER

God is like Bounty:

 He is the quicker picker-upper!

 He can handle the tough jobs!

 And: He won’t fall apart on you!

This page was updated on November 6, 2009