“The
Cooperative Courier”
GBGM Advance #3020435
Ministry Jubilee #MJ 1110
110 W. Harrie Street
Newberry, MI 49868
Tel. & Fax (906) 293-5711
Contents:
Mallory's Musings
Letter from Katie Peterson
Mission To and From the GCCP
Fellowship and Events
How to Assist GCCP Finances
Youth News
Community Church News
Mallory's Musings
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This article entitled, “Philosophy of Charles Schulz’
came across my desk again and I thought I would share it with
you. You remember Charles Schulz, the creator of the ‘Peanuts’
comic strip? “You don’t have to actually answer
the questions, just read straight through, and you’ll
get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3.Name the las five winners of the Miss America Pageant.
4.Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award Winners for Best
Actor and Actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.
How did you do? The point is none of us remember the headliners
of yesterday. These are no second rate achievers. They are
the best in their fields. But the applause dies…awards
tarnish…achievements are forgotten… accolades
and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here is another quiz. See you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult
time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated
and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life
are not the ones with the most credentials...the most money...or
the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most.
Who is it we care about? What do we care about? Do we care
that anyone knows?
Pax, Paul
Letter from Katie Peterson
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Greetings from Katie Peterson
We had a busy last quarter, with Thanksgiving and Christmas.
During the holidays, between all seven churches we were able
to assist close to 75 families, and around 200 children with
food, gifts, clothing, and school items. There were another
200 children that we were able to provide for, with winter
clothing items, socks, underwear, and school supplies for
Christmas at other agencies. This was all made possible because
of the generous donations of many UM Women and Church groups
from many places. It is so wonderful to be a part of the connectional
church and Kingdom of God.
In addition to providing many items for families at Christmas,
we will be able to continue to provide emergency supplies
to our schools and families all year around. We have also
received prayer shawls and quilts for us to share with individuals
and babies who will feel God’s love and warmth around
them. Thank you also to our supporting churches for continuing
to support Newberry UMC’s Peanut Butter and Jelly Ministry
– with donations of peanut butter, jelly, mac and cheese,
and monetary donations.
I am pleased to say that after just 4 months – God’s
Country Cooperative Parish has paid off our Yukon vehicle!!!
Thank you to the donations and support of not only our churches,
but also the generous donations of individuals and churches
around the conference. We have already been using it to take
children home from Kids Club, to go Christmas caroling, to
travel to UMW conferences and district meetings. Be on the
look out for our GCCP magnets on our Yukon as we drive to
conference events or around GCCP.
I would like to thank everyone for your prayers and support
for my family; especially during the month of January, as
my mother lived her final 3 weeks of this earthly life with
us in ICU in Toledo, OH. On January 20, 2009, she went on
to live an eternal life with Jesus. It was such a blessing
to be able to be with her and my father in her final days
of life. Thank you for your cards, calls, emails, and prayers
for my family and myself.
We are busy planning for our summer mission teams by seeking
projects and reviewing them. Please continue to pray for our
projects and the teams that will be working with us this summer.
Stay warm and safe this winter. May God to bless each of
you, everyday!
Shalom,
Katie Peterson, Deaconess, Church and Community Worker
Mission To and From
the GCCP top
“Mission is our Mission"
For participation in any way to the NIM and/or VIM Program
contact:
Katie Peterson ktpete@gmail.com
P.O. Box 67 GBG#982942 - CCW
Paradise, MI 49768 MJ1110 – GCCP Advance#
Tel. (906) 492-3680
SUMMER 2009 VIM/NIM
Seeking work projects for 2009
Do you know of anyone who is a low-income homeowner –
needing some minor home repairs, or yard work done? Is there
someone who needs, but cannot afford a wheelchair ramp, steps,
or a new small porch on their home? If so, please contact
Katie Peterson at 906-492-3680 or 293-5711 to get an application
for this summer’s projects during June or July. Application
deadline is May 1, 2009. Click here
for the official form. (Make sure you complete the front and
back.)
Continuing Programs
Assist with the GCCP Finances
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GBGM Advance #3020435
GCCP funds are very low at this time. The following section
has ways in which you and your organization can help to enhance
the local mission of the GCCP.
A GCCP COOKBOOK!!!
A donation of $10.00 is being asked for each book. (There
will be an additional $2.50 per book if being mailed.)
The GCCP cookbook has been a great success! You might want
to consider this a UMW, or whole church, mission project.
We do have books still available. This is a great opportunity
for you to provide a gift for any occasion for friends, neighbors
and relatives near and far. We will be happy to mail far and
wide!
To order or with questions, contact: Jan Barrett 906-586-3901
or jan_barrett47@hotmail.com
GCCP TEE SHIRTS FOR SALE
You may purchase a GCCP tee shirt for yourself or as a gift
for a family member of friend.
They are $15.00 for short sleeve or $27.00 for long sleeve.
Contact Katie Peterson (906-492-3680 or ktpete@gmail.com)
USING GOODSEARCH.COM TO SURF THE INTERNET HELPS US
OUT FOR FREE
You can now SHOP through this site as well as search, and
the parish receives a % of the sale. It’s easy!
God’s Country Cooperative Parish is earning a penny
every time you surfed the Internet! GoodSearch.com is a 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 Yahoo powers it! 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! Saving the address
as a favorite makes this an easy way to participate and give
to the parish. Planning a big event, like a wedding? Every
time you check out a site, GCCP can earn valuable money for
their work in ministry. Since inception, we have earned $115.65.
CROSS AND FLAME UMC MAGNETS
We are currently asking for donations of $5 for UMC magnets
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. They may be acquired from
any pastor or from 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)
THANKS to everyone who donated used
ink cartridges to God’s Country Cooperative Parish.
The ink cartridges have been redeemed for colored paper, card
stock and labels. Turning garbage into Gold! What a savings
and blessing! We couldn’t do it with out YOU.
GORDON 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.
YARN REALLY NEEDED FOR LOVE MISSION
We are continually creating baby blankets, caps, and prayer
shawls for mission giving. Those who are knitting and crocheting
would love to receive yarn as a donation for their projects.
If you are cleaning out your closets or would like to have
a yarn drive at your next women’s meeting or would like
to purchase some yarn, any kind, you may deliver it or mail
it to Joan Lynn. The address is P.O. Box 95, Naubinway, MI,
49762 – or call her at (906) 477-6299. These items go
to the local hospitals for new babies, and the prayer shawls
are gifted to shut-ins, cancer patients, those who are grieving,
or anyone who might need a “prayer hug.” Thanks
for your continued support to our mission.
Fellowship and Events
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GCCP BIBLE STUDIES
A Lenten Bible Study will be held in Germfask
on Thursdays, beginning at noon with a soup and sandwich lunch.
This will begin on February 26th and will last for six weeks.
McMillan, Grand Marais, and Germfask
Churches will be gathering for this activity. Call Rev. Mallory
for information. . (906) 494-2653
MUSIC, ART & DRAMA (MAD) CAMP 2009
A Summer Program for kids 4-18
The children and youth in the GCCP area are again invited
to participate in MAD (Music Art and Drama) Camp - this summer
from July 27 – July 31. This experience is an ecumenical,
faith based experience for 5 year olds – 18 year olds,
and is the fourth here in the GCCP area. This program is offered
to local children not connected to a church, as well as the
children and youth of our church member families. The Intern
Program last year was a great success. We are now including
a full program for older campers (14-18) who will present
some of their own material on Friday, as well as work with
the musical. They will also be receiving leadership training.
Instrumental experiences are also available for those who
have had at least one year of experience. No church affiliation
is required. Volunteers are welcome to participate.
Watch for more information and registration forms in the May
newsletter, but get it on your busy calendar now!
Call Jan Barrett@ 906-586-3901 for more information.
THE PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE PERSONS TRAINING
On Saturday, February 28th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Germfask
congregation is hosting a GCCP wide training for The Protection
for Children and Vulnerable Persons. This will include both
new and renewing certification. Please call Jan Barrett @
586-3901 or email her -jan_barrett47@hotmail.com - to register,
so that Katie can order enough materials for the session.
Everyone is encouraged to participate in this training. Bring
a lunch for yourself on the day of training. Coffee and tea
will be available.
Youth News
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The youth from GCCP will be going on a mission trip to Sault
St. Marie, MI, June 29-July 1, 2009, to make raised flower
beds and a roof overhang for Hearthside Center. Any youth
who are in grades 7-12 are welcome to sign up.
6th grade youth will join for a day of the trip to help plant
flowers. We will also be participating in a variety of local
mission projects in our GCCP communities. Thank you to everyone
who donated, bought, sold, and helped to make our Super Bowl
Sub sandwich sale a success. We sold over 200 sandwiches!
This will certainly help us to make the raised flowerbeds
for senior citizens in Sault Ste. Marie this summer. You can
still help us in raising money for our mission trip by sending
money to GCCP - designated for the youth mission trip. Thank
you for your continued prayers and support for our youth and
adults participating in missions this summer.
Community Church News
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MCMILLAN NEWS
Fish Fries are a major part of the McMillan income. Please
check the calendar for the dates of this event.
ENGADINE NEWS
Community Meals
Engadine continues to serve over a hundred guests at their
community meal USUALLY on the last Wednesday of every month
at the church. The meal is served from 4:30 – 6:30.
There is no cost for this meal.
The contact person at Engadine UMC is Ruth McCarney @906-477-6838.
May Fellowship
There will be a UMW gathering at the church on May 8th at
10:00 for the annual May Fellowship. All are invited.
NEWBERRY NEWS
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.
Amazing Grace
Do you know what is so amazing about Grace?
The adult Bible Class at the Newberry United Methodist Church
does.
Through the generous gift from the GCCP we were provided through
the resource library the Groupware package, “What Is
So Amazing About Grace” by Philip Yancey. An intimate
journey with God, taking an honest look at the meaning of
grace and its presence-and absence- in our church, the world,
and yourself. This package is designed to allow almost anyone
to lead a spirited and engaging group discussion. Included
in the package are video instructions and leaders’ and
participants’ guides. (Class members will need to purchase
the participants guide and book). Each of us has expressed
growth during our Spiritual Journey by understanding the Power
of Grace, the art of forgiving, facing disagreements, and
how as an individual to dispense Grace.
“Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace
of God is the glue.” - Eugene O” Neill
“A grace-full Christian is one who looks at the world
through grace-tinted lenses.” - Philip Yancey
“When you forgive you rediscover the humanity of the
other person. But even better, when you forgive –you
rediscover the humanity in yourself.” - Patrician Raybon
GERMFASK NEWS
Pasty Sale
March 21, pasties that have been ordered may be picked up
at the church from 4pm to 6pm. The cost will be $3.50 each.
To order, call (906) 586-6684 or (906) 586-6201.
A Farewell Potluck
A church and community potluck was held at the church on January
25th to bid farewell to the Ednarae and Rex Baker who moved
back below the bridge. They will be missed.
Lenten Study
Germfask/Grand Marais/McMillan Churches will participate in
a Lenten Study each Thursday during Lent. They will meet at
noon at Germfask UMC. The individual churches will provide
a soup lunch.
The Protection for Children and Vulnerable Persons
On Saturday, February 28th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Germfask
congregation is hosting a GCCP wide training for The Protection
for Children and Vulnerable Persons. This will include both
new and renewing certification. Please call Jan Barrett @
586-3901 or email her -jan_barrett47@hotmail.com - to register,
so that Katie can order enough materials for the session.
Everyone is encouraged to participate in this training. Bring
a lunch for yourself on the day of training. Coffee and tea
will be available.
Spring Tea
The Spring Tea is scheduled for Saturday, May 16th from 2-4
p.m. There will be a penny auction to raise funds for the
camp fund for children who wish to participate.
Rummage Sale
Germfask will participate in the Community Rummage Sale on
June 13th. Feel free to bring items for sale and to come shop
on that day.
Self Denial Offering
On August 22, Saturday, the Germfask UMW is hosting a Stone
Soup Self Denial Offering meal for the church and community.
More details will be announced in the May Letters. Anyone
is invited to attend and a free will offering will be taken
for mission giving.
Craft Sales and Rada Knives
At this time there are no craft sales planned, but anyone
may notify a member of the church if you are interested in
acquiring Rada knives for yourselves or as a gift for a family
member or friend. They would make very nice Mothers’
Day or wedding gifts.
PARADISE NEWS
Praise Services
Praise Service will continue to be held on Sunday Evenings
at 6:30 on the third Sunday of the month. All are invited
to attend. This service has welcomed at least 50 people, and
is looking forward to opening the doors to even more!
Kids’ Club
The Paradise UMC began its 6th year of ministry to children
with Kid’s Club on Wednesday, October 1st at 2:40 p.m.
This is for children 4 years old through 5th grade. They meet
right after school for music, games, a snack, Bible study
and a craft! It’s great fun and the kids love it.
Young Youth
The Paradise UMC Young Youth continue to meet now that school
has started. Because of sports practice the time is now every
other Sunday night. There are now at least five youth who
attend regularly.
Monday Night Bible Study
Adult Bible study will resume after Easter at 6:30 on Monday
nights at the Paradise United Methodist Church. All are invited
to join even though it’s in progress.
AA Meetings
AA meetings are held at the church on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
Birders’ Dinner
The Birders’ Dinner welcomes all to the church on April
24th at 4:00 to celebrate the migration of the birds return
to God’s Country. This pasty dinner is provided for
a cost by the members and friends of the Paradise UMC. This
project helps to support the camp fund and the fuel fund for
the church.
GRAND MARAIS NEWS
Just a teeny-weenie bit of news. We have had a tremendous
slow-down of activity. During the winter months, the most
exciting thing we have going is the Annual Sled Dog Race weekend,
on February 21st. This should be a really good run for the
sleds and dogs, as it has been quite snowy and cold, which
are ideal for both. Our usual table will be furnished with:
cookies, small cakes, brownies, and usually some small pumpkin
( or other delicious home-made filling) pies. Normal start
time is around 9:00 - till sell-out (around 2:00).
We have now moved our Sunday Worship into the Multi-purpose
Room, which is much more "comfy" with our reduced
attendance and conserves heating costs
HULBERT/TAHQUAMENON NEWS
Several times this winter elementary students Kayla and Karley
Honeysette have provided special music for our Sunday morning
worship service. The girls also help out by ringing the bell
and taking up the offering.
Christian Crafters
Crafters continue to meet Wednesdays at 1 p.m. at the Hulbert
township office. Anyone is welcome to come to this lively
gathering.
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