Contents:
Mallory's Musings
Letter from Katie Peterson
Mission to and from GCCP
GCCP Activities
Youth News
Fellowship and Events in the Seven Churches
of the GCCP
A Personal Note
P.S. From the GCCP Director
Mallory's Musings
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As I write this, we are in a busy time here in God’s
Country Cooperative Parish. Just yesterday a potluck picnic
was held along the shores of Lake Superior in Grand Marais
where we learned about mission work in Liberia from Rev. Herb
and Mary Zigbuo. On Saturday, Aug.11, there will be women’s
retreat in Engadine led by Rev. Mary Laub of Escanaba First
UMC. The following Monday “MAD Camp” (Music, Arts
and Drama) begins in Newberry.
We have hosted Volunteer in Mission teams all summer doing
work on homes in the area. I want to commend those committees
and individuals who have worked so hard to plan, coordinate,
attend and work these events and ministries touching the hearts
and souls and minds of many.
We are also entering a very busy time, administratively speaking
that is. This is the time when the Work Areas of the individual
churches and the Cooperative Council gather to plan their
program and budgets for the coming year. This is the time
when staff salaries are reviewed and set, when Church/Charge
Conference is prepared for and when the laity of the churches
will be asked to take part in the life of their church and
of the cooperative by serving on committees, etc. This is
the time of year for anticipation, motivation and frustration.
Every year that I have gone through this as a pastor, I always
try to see the whole picture and get a grip on what we are
about. Some questions always come to mind: Are we programming
for program’s sake? Do we go through this because The
Discipline or Cooperative Constitution say this is the way
it will be? There are other questions, and I am sure you must
have some of your own - especially if you are asked to serve
on a committee.
As we begin the process this year, I have begun to muse on
the question, What is the Church? I really don’t intend
to get ‘all theological’ here in discussing it
as the ‘body of Christ,’ etc. I want to keep it
simple (if that is possible for a preacher). First and foremost,
I see the church as the place of worship, the place where
the people of God gather to praise God, confess to God, offer
to God and glorify God. Secondly, it is the institution through
which we can act out our faith and calling, using the gifts
God has given us. Everyone who has been baptized confirmed
as a youth, or joined the church as an adult, has taken vows
to support the church. Fulfilling these vows is important,
but responding in faith to the call God has given us is most
important. The church gives us a place to respond to that
call. Through our committees and councils our individual gifts
can be expressed and we can serve God, the world, and community
in which we live.
Think about this when you are involved in the planning or
when you are asked to serve. Perhaps as you think about it
you may even wish to volunteer.
Pax,
Paul J. Mallory PO Box 268, Grand Marais,
MI 49839 (906) 494-2653
thevicar@jamadots.com
Letter from Katie Peterson
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God is Good – All the Time! Romans 8:28 All things work
together for those whom trust in the Lord.
Wow – where has this summer gone? It has been amazing
to experience how God’s love has been shown and given
to so many families from our Volunteer In Mission teams and
our local Neighbor In Mission teams. We have been able to
help 15 families and agencies with home repairs, including
5 roofs, 3 paint jobs, 1 wheelchair ramp, 1 deck enclosure,
2 floors refinished, 1 walkway, chopping and stacking firewood,
and assisting with some of the Vacation Bible Schools. Over
150 volunteers helped on these projects in making this a successful
summer! Thank you to everyone who volunteered in so many different
ways!
God is moving in so many directions in the Cooperative! We
are once again collecting clothing items for our schools –
sweatpants, socks, snow pants, boots, and school supplies.
Thanks to everyone in the Detroit Annual Conference who participated
in collecting children’s underwear for our schools.
It is a tremendous help and the items are greatly needed.
There are several ways that you can individually support
God’s Country Cooperative Parish: buy a magnet for $5,
a new GCCP tee-shirt for $15, shop at Gordon’s Food
Services and use your Fun Funds card, or support any of the
ministries with donations.
Your church or group can support GCCP through Ministry Jubilee
in the Detroit Annual Conference #1110 or support me as GCCP
Deaconess and Church and Community Worker – through
the Advance -#982942.
I would be happy to come share the joys of missions in the
God’s Country Cooperative Parish with your mission committee,
church, Sunday School Class, UMW, Youth, or UMM. Please contact
me at 906-492-3680 to work out a time for me to come.
***Please DO NOT SEND me any emails to ktpete@gmail.com.
This email account is no longer my email. Right now, the best
way to reach me is by phone calls. Thank you for your support
and prayers.
Have a blessed summer and start into the Fall!
Shalom,
Katie Peterson, Deaconess, Church and Community Worker
Mission To And From GCCP
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Greetings from your Mission Intern! By John Nadeau
Hi, I’m John Nadeau and I have been in Paradise this
summer as a Mission Intern for the GCCP. My role this summer
has been to help Katie Peterson with the VIM teams that have
visited us through out my eight weeks here in paradise. But
before I talk about my experience this summer with the GCCP
I would like to explain exactly what a Mission Intern is.
The Mission Intern program was started and is still organized
by Terry Gladstone. As a mission intern you commit to working
the whole summer at one of six sites most of which involve
summer long day programs for kids in the community. Paradise
is the only site in the Mission Intern program that involves
construction ministry. When I heard of the opportunity I quickly
applied for the position and was delighted when I heard I
received the job.
As a Mission Intern for the GCCP my role has been to lead
the VIM teams on the actual construction aspect of the worksite
as well as lead daily lunch time devotions with the volunteers.
We have touched the lives of fifteen families this summer,
and though we have improved the quality of life for them through
home repair, what really matters is the light of god that
we have shown these people this summer. The most important
part of home repair ministry is to remember that you’re
building relationships, not just homes. If it had not been
for the Mission Intern program’s involvement and partnership
with the GCCP this summer, we would not have been able to
help as many people as we did with the large projects that
we undertook.
This summer I have learned a great deal. My leadership skills,
construction knowledge and, most importantly, my faith and
spirituality have developed more than I would have ever thought
was possible in just eight weeks. It has been an experience
that I will remember and look back on frequently as life takes
me through the rest of my journey with God.
Thank you for the opportunity and God bless,
John Nadeau
VIM - VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION TEAMS RETURN TO THE GCCP!
Paradise
Chelsea Venture Crew 412 VIM Team
returns to Paradise in 2007. This group of great youth and
adults worked hard together as a team to help complete two
projects and get a great headway on their largest project.
Part of the group painted Mr. Taft’s home and rebuilt
a wooden walkway for Ms. Marci. The whole team participated
as they tore off part of an old roof and worked hard to rebuild
the new one– in spite of the rain that showered us off
and on throughout the week. The team also enjoyed dinner at
the DeVries’ and Mrs. Jarvie’s homes on Whitefish
Bay. Thank you for all of your wonderful mission work with
all of us. Thank you to our local project directors for helping
us to better succeed in these projects: Tom Norman, Alex Dean,
Carl DeVries, and Catherine Labron. Your willingness to lead
and efforts are very much appreciated!
Engadine
Thank you to Charlie Fosdick, the project director, for all
of your time and support on the Engadine VIM project. Mr.
Archambeau inspected his home following the improvements made
by the VIM team. He excitedly reported that when it rained
after the work was complete, he only heard the rain in the
bathroom through the vent…not throughout the entire
ceiling. Not a member of the UM Church, he was amazed to be
the recipient of unconditional love in the form of hands-on
mission from the GCCP NIM and VIM Teams.
The Mackinaw City SARM VIM Team Comes to Newberry
and Engadine
Youth and their chaperones from Mackinaw City came to Newberry
to work on sprucing up the Good Samaritan House, a shelter
for families who have experienced house fires. They also worked
to improve the condition of the Youth At Play Center in Newberry.
When not working on these manual labor projects, the youth
assisted at Engadine’s Vacation Bible School.
Thanks to Jo Anne Martin and Joe Kolder for serving as the
project directors to coordinate and work with the volunteers
at the Youth At Play Center and the Good Samaritan House.
NIM - NEIGHBORS IN MISSION
A much needed labor force has come to be known as NIM...Neighbors
in Mission. Local church and community volunteers from the
GCCP area provide the ministry of labor to aid their eastern
UP neighbors in projects that may not be able to be completed
otherwise. Projects that are chosen to be completed by this
group are assessed by a committee and accepted on a need basis.
|
Liz and Raylon wash windows. |
During the summer months, we always welcome
the VIM teams from other communities as we continue the new
NIM program.
MISSION IS OUR MISSION
For participation in any way to the NIM and/or VIM Program
contact:
Katie Peterson
P.O. Box 67
Paradise, MI 49768
Tel. (906)492-3680
ktpete@gmail.com
GBGM#982942 – CCW
MJ1110 – GCCP Advance #
GCCP Activities
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USING GOODSEARCH.COM TO SURF INTERNET HELPS US OUT FOR FREE!
What if God’s Country Cooperative Parish earned a penny
every time you surfed the Internet? Well, now we can! GoodSearch.com
is a new search engine that donates half its revenue, about
a penny per search, to the charities its users designate.
You use it just as you would any search engine, and it's powered
by Yahoo! so you get great results. Just go to www.goodsearch.com
and be sure to enter God’s Country Cooperative Parish
as the charity you want to support. Just 500 of us searching
four times a day will raise about $7300 in a year without
anyone spending a dime! Please, be sure to spread the word!
In just 1 week with 2 users – we have already raised
$1! Imagine how much we could earn if all of us signed up
and searched the Internet through GoodSearch!
Annual Picnic - at New Location
The annual picnic of the GCCP will be held on Sunday, September
9th. We will gather for the faith potlock around 4 p.m. for
fellowship, short worship, and a meal at Seney Community Park,
one block east of M77 on M28. Please bring your own service.
We are fortunate this year to have Germfask’s own Hunter
Buckingham sharing vocal music with us before the meal. All
are invited to attend and no RSVP is needed. You may invite
visitors to attend with you. What a wonderful way to introduce
them to our “family”. This is a great time to
get to know other members of the GCCP Community.
Liberian Missionaries Visit
Itinerating missionaries from Liberia, Herb and Mary Zigbuo,
were hosted by the GCCP at a picnic in the pavilion at Woodland
Park in Grand Marais on Tuesday, July 31st. Stomachs and hearts
were fed from the table filled with great food and an inspiring
message the Zigbous shared of their work in Liberia. Our gifts
can make a difference in the lives of many young people in
Liberia. $5,000 per year is needed to provide vehicle operation
and maintenance, office equipment and supplies, Internet access
fees, postage, etc. The UMC of Liberia will provide the space
and additional staff to make this program successful. If you
would like to gift this couple with funds to support their
program, you may designate offerings to Liberia General Advance
number #00382A. PLEASE BE SURE TO SPECIFY “Vocational
ExCombatant Training Unit, ATTN: Herbert Zigbuo”. Please
send a cover letter with your check and include in the cover
letter that the funds are designated for the establishment
of the Vocational Education Office and the funds are TO THE
ATTENTION OF HERBERT ZIGBUO ON umcliberia@yahoo.com.
|
The Zigbuos in Grand Marais |
MAD CAMP RETURNS
MAD Camp begins at Newberry on August 13th and runs until
Fri August 17th. Directed by Germfask’s Jan Barrett,
this camp is open to all children K- 8th grade. We again welcome
composer/clinician John Horman from Maryland to work with
the children in a faith-based music, art, and drama camp.
We invite anyone to attend the final session at 11:00 a.m.
on Friday, 8/17, when a 20 minute musical will be presented,
followed by a LIGHT lunch. No RSVP is necessary. Call Jan
Barrett with questions. (906-586-3901)
The on-line Interpreter (United Methodist magazine) has place
an article about last year’s MAD Camp program. We are
excited to share what we are doing “UP” here with
the rest of the worldwide United Methodist family. You can
access the article by going to http://www.interpretermagazine.org/interior.asp?ptid=43&mid=12215
CONTINUING PROGRAMS ASSIST WITH THE
GCCP FINANCES
“CROSS AND FLAME” UMC MAGNETS
FOR SALE
We are currently selling UMC magnets for $5 in order to support
the mission projects of the GCCP. You may want to purchase
a large number of these and sell them at conferences or large
meetings. These may be purchased from any pastor or the CCW,
Katie Peterson (906-492-3680 or Ktpete@gmail.com).
Thanks for your prayers and support!
TURN GARBAGE INTO GOLD!
(And be kind to the environment)
In an effort to help cut GCCP office expenses, you can donate
your used HP, Lexmark, or Brother ink cartridges from your
printers. These may be redeemed for paper for the GCCP office
or other office supplies. If you are not near and would like
to participate, you may turn them into most office supply
stores and they will give you a “Gift card” or
coupon.
These may then be sent to the GCCP office at Newberry UMC
for redemption. (906-293-5711)
GORDON FOOD SERVICE "FUN FUNDS CARDS"ordon Food
Service “Fun Funds Cards”
Last, but certainly not least, Gordon Food Service is continuing
to partner with us to help raise money for missions. Every
time you show your “Fun Funds Card” when shopping
at Gordon’s, we get up to 10% back. If you do not have
a “Fun Funds Card,” you can apply at any Gordon’s
store. Be sure to include on the form that God’s Country
Cooperative Parish is the agency you wish to support. Anyone
can participate in giving to the GCCP from any community,
whether you are connected to the church or not. This would
be a great way for people who live far and wide to share with
the GCCP ministry.
Youth News
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YOUTH TRIP TO FREEMONT, OHIO IN JULY
12 youth and adults from GCCP traveled to Fremont, Ohio to
assist in the renovation needed at the Aslan House, a supported
living facility for developmentally delayed and mentally retarded
adult males. This home, owned and run by Rev. Todd Gates and
his wife, Ginny, provides a safe home that provides a community
for tenants and peace of mind for their families. They are
serving the Trinity United Methodist Church in Lindsey, Ohio.
The youth cleaned and completed minor repairs during the week
and gained a sense of love through their labors of mission.
YOUTH MISSION TRIP 2007 REFLECTIONS
How have you felt God touch your life this week? How have
you made a difference this week?
- I have been touched by God and his love in full force
for years. I kept it hidden in myself. Shyness locked it
away until I became alone only with him. I have surrendered
my life already four times, and the only way I feel that
this trip contributed to this is that I have released my
shyness and talked openly about it. I now plan to bring
him to others. Riley Fair
- God, I have learned that I can still be of service to
you working with the wonderful group of people this week.
The owners of the Aslan House are real servants or Yours
and I am glad I could make a difference in the home that
they are using to serve others. Thank you for this opportunity
– Bless Katie as she serves you in our GCCP and also
bless her parents as they serve in ministry in Fremont,
OH. Love and God Bless, Katie Labron
- God’s work touches everybody’s heart in some
way. Andrew Wheeler
- I learned this week how to work with teenagers other than
my own, which I haven’t done before. I learned to
be able to give without requiring something in between.
Randy Wheeler
- I learned that God helped get the floor joists, floor
panels on and keep Dan Miller from breaking his back when
he fell. Allen Wheeler
- I have learned to trust God to work out problems. I know
that if I take time to read the Bible and pray, each day
goes better. God is good, and each of us has been given
talents we can use to make our world a better place a little
piece at a time. Eleanor Peterson
- As I write this the song going through my head is “Were
you There When They Crucified my Lord?” In that crucifixion
2000 years ago, God showed us His ultimate love by giving
us His son, so that we may be free. As followers of Christ
we are supposed to show our love to others, as Christ did.
To me, that’s why I go to serve - to perhaps to show
one millionth of the love God first showed me. Without Christ
as my Savior to love me, I wouldn’t be alive today.
So, for the rest of my life that He has given to me, I hope
to spend it loving others. That’s what I hope my actions
show - Christ’s love. Chelsea Blankenship
- I’ve learned that planning is important, but we
must also be willing to change plans to better serve God.
If God is in charge of our lives, and we do His will, we
no longer need to “sweat the small stuff.” I’ve
also learned that serving as a team is both hard work and
fun. Every person is important – whether on the work
site or just enjoying each others’ company. Lori Fair
- I haven’t learned a great deal more about myself
but now I realize just how different each of these experiences
with God and His work can be. Throughout all my experience
with mission work, as I’m sure Katie can relate, God
will never cease to amaze you with the many ways His grace
can help you accomplish different, yet always life changing
things each time. Megan Fair
- I think that I learned that it doesn’t matter what
strategy you use to work, but it matters that you know you
are doing this work for God! I think that in doing this
and staying here this week that I feel I have come closer
to God. I am thankful to have people with me here that love
me enough to help me to conquer my fears of homesickness.
I am also glad to have met the people that I did. My favorite
part of this mission trip was painting and knowing that
it’s for my God. To have fun with the work I was doing
is important to me. I love the people on this trip even
though some of them got on my nerves. I love you too, Katie.
Gabi Peters
- On this mission trip, hopefully, the first of many that
I will attend in my life time, I have learned how to be
comfortable with whom I am. I have also learned to meet
new people and open my heart and myself fully to them as
well as others I already knew. I have learned that God works
through many, many hearts in many, many ways. I am thankful
for this trip and everything I have received as well as
given through my participation. Cassandra Radka
- I have grown closer to this whole team and to God this
week. I have put my trust in God to see how Awesome He can
work through me with patience and a variety of bumps in
the road, but the Devil has not won this battle –
God has! No matter how small a task or skills we may have
or come with – we can shine through God’s eyes
and share our love with others through our gifts. We can
not hold onto past experiences but be open to what great
things and experiences God has for us. God is good! All
the Time! Katie Peterson
- The work of God we did this week through these gifts that
we displayed:
enthusiasm joyful patience trusting willingness kindness
humility careful caring leadership hard working forgiving
funny eager flexibility supportive
pounding taping hauling painting pealing shopping
scraping sewing vacuuming cleaning carrying spraying
cooking moving cutting clipping digging driving
flooring spackling sanding Erin McNamara (Ms. Mac)
Fellowship and Events in the Seven
Churches of the GCCP
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ENGADINE UMC
VBS, A RESOUNDING SUCCESS!
From June 11-June 15, 2007, the Engadine United Methodist
Church was transformed into a seaside village in Galilee.
Our “Galilee-By-the Sea” Program provided memorable
Bible-learning activities. Each day, our kids, after coming
together in the Gathering Place for singing, dancing, and
worshiping, joined with a small multi-age group under a canopy
setting on decorative rugs to explore traditional Bible times
family life. Tribal banners representing tribes of Israel
guided the children to their settings. Also, they visited
the Synagogue, played authentic seaside games, and sampled
Middle Eastern snacks. Two other special features each day
were temple building (an authentic temple model from the Holy
Land) and fish net making done at the fisherman’s hut.
After children tied square knots to make the net, they could
go fishing for fish crackers. Finally, a highlight of each
day was when the children explore a "Galilee-By-the-Sea”
Marketplace where they became apprentices at the bakery and
the farmers’ market, made toy boats in the Toy Making
Shop, designed jewelry at the Jewelry Shop, sewed sandals
at the Shoe Shop, and more.
“Galilee-By-the-Sea” was an exciting way for everyone
to learn more about the amazing things Jesus did. The best
part was that they learned by becoming immersed in authentic
Bible-time culture. Kids witnessed real-life dramas daily
at the village well, hearing about Jesus’ sermon on
the mount, how He asked His disciples to follow Him, calming
the storm for them, and how he was healing the sick. Eyewitnesses
shared all of this! Someone who was crippled and now walking,
because of Jesus, shared experience too! On the final day
we met at the beach on Lake Michigan (the Sea of Galilee)
where we could see the ship that Jesus and His disciples were
probably on. While we were singing our favorite song, “Love
the Lord”, Jesus appeared and blessed and hugged us
all.
Jesus appeared again at our program the following Sunday during
the mime. Our little Engadine United Methodist Church was
bulging that day. Our pastor and her husband had moved all
the pews so that the children could perform in the middle
of the sanctuary.
Our attendance (38) was more than we’ve ever had. Each
child has a CD of our favorite VBS songs and are still dancing
and singing to them at home. Praise the Lord for allowing
the children to experience a special closeness to Him all
week in our Galilean village.
4TH OF JULY AT ENGADINE
The Engadine United Methodist Women really enjoyed their booth
at the festivities in Naubinway on the nation’s birthday
again this year. Their profit from sales came to $980.44!
Because the 4th was in the middle of the week, we had anticipated
a bit slower turnout, but how wrong we were. We had three
tables of wonderful baked goods, which were all sold before
the parade even began at 1:00. The table was laden with 30
fruit pies that sold like hot cakes, brownies, cookies, fudge
and several types of bread. Our women outdid themselves again
this year with all that baking. Muriel sold lots of cutlery
and dishcloths, making them some of the most popular items
this year. Looks like there will be a lot of clean dishes
around! Then there are the brats and hotdogs. We sold all
the brats and had very few hotdogs left by the end of the
day. These will be used for the August Community Meal cookout.
Our mission projects will again be well funded for another
year, and we thank all of you for the support and help. We
couldn’t do without you!
GERMFASK UMC
STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
The annual Strawberry Festival held July
11th at the Community Center was another resounding success.
Close to 300 shortcakes were sold along with crafts, baked
goods and knives. In addition, the donated quilt brought in
many dollars as folks hoped to have their name drawn to receive
this piece of local art donated by Grace Brubaker. Funds raised
during the festival will assist in the day-to-day expenses
of church life. Thanks to all who came and enjoyed the day.
NEW MEMBERS
Germfask UMC welcomed four new members into their fold this
summer. The congregation is delighted to have them join and
appreciate the gifts of time and talent they are already sharing
in their midst.
A YOUNG MUSICIAN EXCELS
Hunter Buckingham is a member at Germfask UMC. In July he
went with his family to Las Vegas, where he auditioned with
200 musicians who had been chosen from 45,000 hopefuls. When
the die was cast and the auditions over, Hunter was one of
the 20 finalists chosen to continue. We wish him the best
in this endeavor. He will be singing for us at the annual
GCCP Picnic on September 9th.
VBS
During the third week of July, children from the Germfask
community joined with the children from Germfask UMC for the
annual Vacation Bible School led by Diann Bowler. On Friday,
following a week of morning activities, the children provided
a short program for their families and friends and then shared
lunch. Several ladies from the church worked together to provide
the weeklong experience.
GRAND MARAIS UMC
4TH OF JULY
We had a quite a crowd for the 4th of July festivities in
Grand Marais. Ninety-one pies made
by ladies from the church were sold in a mere ten
minutes! People started lining up forty-five
minutes before the doors opened to watch the parade –
while still holding their spot in line to buy pies.
While waiting, the parade watchers and future pie customers
did not go hungry! Ted Geiger, Bill DeWoff, and Rev. Paul
J. Mallory, GCCP Director and Grand Marais UMC Pastor, busily
grilled brats and hot dogs outside the church. Aromas lured
the crowd to fill their stomachs while watching the parade
and awaiting the pie sale.
VBS
On July 24 thru 28 we held our annual VBS, at Grand Marais
Church, led by Diann Bowler. After working and studying all
week, the 9 members presented the "playlet" they
had prepared during the week to all parents and other guests
attending the last day. Following, they went to the Pavilion
in the Park, where hot dogs, grilled by Mr. DeWolff. (Mr.
Bill has become known as "the Hot Dog Man") were
waiting, as well as lots of other "picnic goodies"
provided by several guests and providers. It is really a "fun"
meal, enjoyed by young and old, despite the gloomy weather.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
On August 18, from 1p.m. to 3 p.m., an Ice Cream Social gathered
together many of the Grand Marais community to just sit, talk,
and socialize over a bowl of ice cream. Here the participants
enjoy a cool treat, enhanced by delicious, HOME MADE toppings
as they have a wonderful time relaxing.
FALL MUSIC RETREAT
In late August or early September, we expect to have our "guest
Choir Director and pianist," Ellen White, come. While
here, she puts our Choir thru its paces, usually learning
two anthems to sing during service, the two weeks she is here.
She is so talented, and can really bring out the music in
all of us. We truly miss her when she returns to her own church.
She often brings some of her own church members along to join
us. What a wonderful addition to our small group.
LABOR DAY BAKE SALE
On September 3rd is our annual Labor Day Bake Sale. The door
opens at noon and stays open until all is sold. (This could
be as short as 20 minutes or as long as ?)
HULBERT-TAHQUAMENON UMC
VBS
Hulbert-Tahquamenon UMC Enjoyed the success of their first
VBS (Vacation Bible School) in over nine years. They opened
their doors to the children of the small community drawing
eleven children into their doors and their hearts. They thank
the many volunteers who shared their time and talents to help
make this VBS such a success! Surely there are plans already
being discussed for next summer. Stay tuned!
FEEDING THE WORKERS
The ladies of Hulbert-Tahquamenon provided an evening meal
which included home baked pie and rolls after long hot day’s
work for the Essexville VIM team from St. Luke’s UMC
on Monday, the 30th of July. Surely they were fueled for the
next day’s activities. During the evening the team presented
Katie Peterson with rock symbolizing the bonding on the churches
here and below. It was a wonderful opportunity for sharing
and fellowship.
MCMILLAN UMC
A GROWING CHURCH
McMillan congregation was pleased to have four new members
enter the fold since May. They also celebrated three adult
baptisms. It is exciting to see the flock grow and they look
forward to those new members sharing their time and talents.
HOPEFUL GOSPELS
On May 29th The Hopeful Gospels group (Don Stephenson, Bob
Neimi, Ken Troyer, Dr. Terrain, and Bill Van Effin) from Newberry
shared their music with us at the McMillan UM Church. We had
a delightful time.
"GLAMOUR GRANNIES"
June 12th, Tuesday, at 12:00 noon the UMW group hosted the
“Glamour Grannies.” Through humor and bit of music
these three women shared their Christian outlook . They presented
an hour-long program for us. All women from the GCCP and friends
were invited to attend. We had a wonderful turnout. Lunch
was served as part of the program.
RUMMAGE SALE
June 23rd was McMillan’s rummage sale. Although much
was happening in the UP on that day, we had a successful sale.
A soup, salad and pie lunch was offered for purchase so that
people could continue shopping. Thanks to all you participated.
NEWBERRY UMC
P B & J MINISTRY CONTINUES
The Newberry UMC Missions Committee is planning, again this
year, to provide lunch supplies to families in our community!
Please plan to help by donating peanut butter, jelly, and
boxes of macaroni and cheese. These items can be brought to
the Newberry UMC “pantry” in the Fellowship Hall
– they will be needed by the second week in June, so
please start watching for bargains now! You can help by making
financial contributions, as well. You can also help by spreading
the word among families of children who qualified for free
or reduced-cost lunches this school year. Parents need only
call the church office at 293-5711 to indicate how many children
are in the family and to provide contact telephone number.
Parents are not asked to provide their names or any financial
information. Finally, you can help by volunteering for any
of the Tuesday mornings for two to four hours. Please call
the church office to sign up for this local mission opportunity!
ORGAN RECITAL
Marie Blauwkamp, our summer organist will be giving an organ
recital at Newberry United Methodist Church., Tuesday, August
14th at 7 pm. The program will also feature Riley Fair on
trumpet and Doreen Hatfield on violin. Please join us for
a wonderful time of music and refreshments.
FREE COMMUNITY MEALS
Newberry continues to offer Free Community Meals. They strive
to serve tasty, nutritional meals with a kind smile and words
and with God’s love. At “specialty meals”
like Christmas, Thanksgiving and St. Patrick’s Day,
there may be as many as 170 meals served. These include both
sit down and take out dinners. They serve from 4:00-6:00,
and plenty of parking is available. A ramp inside the north
door and an elevator chair make the dining area and rest rooms
available to all. All are invited to join us for our once
a month get-togethers. Call the church (906) 293-5711, for
specific dates.
NEWBERRY UMW
The Newberry UMW meets on the third Wednesday of each month
at 11:00a.m. Everyone is asked to bring a sandwich to share.
This year they are using the study book entitled Women
of the Bible . Anyone is invited to participate.
PARADISE UMC
SUMMER GROUP
Four youth in grades 5 through 7 have been meeting weekly
this summer at the Paradise UMC. The “Summer Group”
has been learning about how bullying effects people lives
and how God can show us through Scripture what we should do
and not do. This has included watching portions of the film
“The Return of the Titans” each week. There were
breaks for camp, VBS and the heat!
CAMP
The Paradise UMC sent 9 children to the Summer Games Camp
at Camp Michigamme this year! Five of these children were
first time campers! They all loved it, of course, and are
planning on going again next year! What a great experience
this is for our kids!
VBS
There were 16 children, 4 youth and 15 adults that “Lifted
Off” and soared to new heights with God at the Paradise
UMC. That was the theme for the 2007 VBS program that was
held July 22 through 26th. There were lots of balloons as
this was a hot air balloon theme. The children learned to
follow God, trust God, listen to God, repent to God and to
serve God. As part of their mission, the children took a daily
offering for the orphanage in Haiti, collecting $113.00. When
added to the special offering on Sunday, this amount grew
to $162.00.
BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL
The annual Blueberry Festival in Paradise is August 17-19!
The Paradise UMC will be serving a pasty dinner on Friday,
August 17 and Saturday, August 18 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The
dinner includes a homemade pasty with gravy or catsup, coleslaw,
pickle, drink and homemade dessert. Veggie pasties are also
available. The suggested donation is $8.00 for adults and
$4.00 for children. You can also purchase some of these wonderful
pasties frozen for $3.00 each.
Also, on Friday, August 17 and Saturday, August 18 there will
be a bake sale at the Paradise UMC from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
And, don’t forget! The church does provide parking for
donations and we are right across the street from the Festival!
A PERSONAL NOTE top
TO ALL OF MY DEAR GCCP FRIENDS:
I SEND YOU MY THANKS AND LOVE FOR ALL
THE CARDS AND COMMUNICATION WHICH CAME TO ME WHILE I HAVE
BEEN DOWN FROM FRACTURES, SURGERIES, HORNET STINGS, AND
OTHER THINGS, INCLUDING THE LATEST FALL ON 7/23/07. I SUFFERED
A HARD CRACK ON THE HEAD AND A SORE BUNCH OF GLUTES. I AM
NOT WALKING WELL.
I WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE
YOU ALL AND YOUR EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE FOR ME. YOU SEE, I
DON’T THINK I WOULD HAVE MET MANY OF YOU IF IT WEREN’T
FOR YOUR LOVE FOR HIM. AND HIS LOVE IS SO WONDERFUL AS YOU
HAVE EXPRESSED IT TO ME.
MY LOVE TO YOU, AUDREY M. DUNLAP
P.S. FROM THE GCCP DIRECTOR
top
Reflecting on the musings, I have another thought.
As the new church year is being planned,
it is important for the 7 congregations to look ahead to the
year with calendar in hand. Please,
between now and the next newsletter deadline, NOVEMBER 1,
2007, fill in your church calendar
with all of the dates for special events that are unique to
your church’s life: bazaars,
bake sales, festivals, dinners, programs, etc. Doing this
is especially important if you want others
in the GCCP to supported or attend your events. This will
help to assist others within the parish in their planning.
Local meetings can then be planned around BIG events that
you may hope for the others in the
GCCP to be free to attend. So, please turn in your annual
calendar to the editor of the newsletter,
Jan Barrett, jan_barrett47@hotmail.com, a calendar of major
events from 11/1/07 – 11/1/08.
These can be mailed via “Snail” as well.
Good luck with your planning, Paul
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