March 2008 Newsletter

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
Sunday, March 2
The New Orleans Mission Trip
 Special presentation by
 Mary Jane Maze, David and Marilyn Jachalke, and Pastor Alice

Last October a team of about fifty people from the Detroit Conference went on a week-long Volunteers In Missions (VIM) Katrina Relief Project. Our North Lake team will share their experience with you in photos and story during worship services on Sunday, March 2.

Following the second service, we will have a Creole (or Southern) meal together. Everyone is invited to stay and eat. If you have a favorite southern recipe you wish to share with us, that’s great. Marilyn plans on bringing some jambalaya. The team will continue sharing the stories while we eat.


Potluck Luncheon
   Sunday, March 2 -- after second service
   Hosted by the MCO committee
   Bring a dish to share and your own table service
   In honor of the Mission trip, we would especially like "Southern" or Creole dishes.

Sunday, March 2, is also One Great Hour of Sharing.

This is one of our special offering Sundays. The funds received are used by UMCOR (United Methodist Committee On Relief) to respond immediately when natural disasters happen. We were first on the scene following Katrina, and because of our commitment UMCOR is still working to bring life back into these communities. We encourage you to give generously.

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Pastor’s Page

I REMEMBER EASTER!
 
What do you remember most about Easter from your childhood?

Many of us recall Mother taking us shopping for the petite spring dress and coat, a cute little Easter hat and gloves. The boys would get a three piece suit and a hat like daddy’s. I often wondered how many times such finery was worn. But, everyone dressed up for Easter, in celebration that “Life is New!”

I recall boiling eggs, then dipping them in an assortment of dye colors. Putting decals on them. And, who can forget the clumps of green shredded paper that served as grass in our baskets. Remember the taste of chocolate rabbits whose ears were always the first to go, cream-filled chocolate or peanut butter filled eggs, and the rainbow-colored jelly beans.

I remember getting up before sunrise to be at church for the “Sunrise Service” at 6:00 a.m. The youth always did that service, and we didn’t go dressed up because we only lived a half block away from the church. Following the Easter Breakfast, which we always helped to cook and serve, we ran home to get changed into our Easter outfits and back to church in time for Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and Easter Worship at 11:00 a.m. Yes! From 6 a.m. till noon we went to church, to worship, again and again. From the time I was an infant until I married this was Easter. The Easter egg hunts came later in the day.

My children suffered a similar fate. We were always involved with children and youth ministries, and choirs for all ages. So, that means whatever service the choir or youth were doing, the family was there to support. In Florida we had a 6 a.m. Sunrise service -- maybe there wasn’t any Sunday school, but there were 8, 9:30, and 11 a.m. services that we all participated in. And of course Easter breakfast.
It was what our family did. Yes, we were tired at the end of the day, but it was a good feeling we had. We had worshiped the “risen Christ” with Christian friends. We helped to make the day meaningful to others, also.

What will your children recall in later life about Easter? Will it be only the chocolate bunnies, and the coloring of eggs? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all dress in our finest (for Jesus)? A new outfit means that you are open to a new “You”. Please spend family devotion time during this Lenten season. Read the events of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday through death to resurrection. Each of the Gospels have a little different tale. Tell the stories of Jesus again and again. Worship together with family and friends.

Christ Is Risen! Alleluia!

Happy Easter
Pastor Alice  

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 Holy Week Schedule

March 16 - Palm Sunday   9:00 & 10:45Worship
March 20 – Maundy Thursday  7:00 p.m. Lovelight a Tenebrae Service  
March 21 – Good Friday  12:15 at Chelsea First United Methodist
March 23 – Easter     8:30 SonRise Service by the youth
                                    9:30 Breakfast & Egg Hunt
                                  10:45 Easter Worship and Cantata In Christ Alone


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132 nd Annual Egg Supper

Friday, March 14, 2008
5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Salads
Rolls
Potatoes
Homemade Pie
Baked Beans
Drinks


Our annual fund raiser for Camp and Mission Scholarships

Free will offering

Eggs donated by Polly’s Market

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Finance

Your faithful financial support for the New Year is steady as we progress through winter. 

Designated funds disbursed include: If you would like to give to the general operating fund by electronic giving, please see me or Sharon for an authorization form.

Denise Schuh
Treasurer@NorthLakeUMC.org

Please, prayerfully consider your part in God’s Kingdom ministry.

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Upcoming dates for 2008…
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12 Hours for “Nothing but Nets!”

March 29 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

North Lake United Methodist Church is providing the time and place to get your pictures into scrapbooks. It is also a time to gather and share with your community as an example of Jesus Christ. This event will be 12 hours of fun on March 29th from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall at North Lake United Methodist Church. We will have breakfast treats, lunch, coffee, and water provided. You are welcome to bring your own soda or bottled water if desired.

Croppers will need to bring their pictures, albums, supplies and friends. Some cutting tools will be on hand for use such as the Sizzix die cutting machine and some of the Creative Memories cutting systems.
 
What is “Nothing but Nets” you ask?
“Nothing but Nets” is a project to purchase mosquito nets to help prevent Malaria in Africa.

By the time you finish reading,  this 2 children will die from a disease that costs as little as $4 to prevent.

Malaria kills over a million people each year, many of them women and very young children, most of who live in tropical, impoverished areas where conditions hasten the disease's spread. Your gift will help assist children and their families receive the resources they so desperately need to fight this deadly disease.
 
Cost $20.00 (Register by March 10th)

Contact Crystal Meads to register or for more information.

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Of Cabbages and Kings

March 2008
Brother: Where Art Thou ! ?

Where have all the men of the 'Church' gone? When I attend or participate in a church activity I can’t help but notice the lack of men in the congregation or at the meetings. Now as your co-lay leader I wondered why this lopsided ratio of women to men existed. Soooo, I came across the book Why Men Hate Going to Church; by David Murrow. Very enlightening and informative. Now keep in mind I don’t buy into everything that the author presents, but I do think he has some good points.

Jesus was not a wimp! Yet the Church portrays Jesus as a teacher who is always gentle, tender, and Jesus would never offend or judge anyone. Not true; Mark 4: 41, the disciples were “terrified” of Him. Mark 12:34, “no one dared ask him any more questions”. Matthew 15: 16, He regularly ridiculed his disciples for their thick headedness, and He was not afraid to address an issue or subject head on. Matthew 15: 19-20. “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality….” And what about Jesus at the Temple, Matthew 21:12-13. Now I ask you how many of us “men” would take on the task of “cleansing” the temple. No: Jesus is not a wimp!

And yet the 'church' employs feminine themes. Weakness, humility, relationships, communication, support and feelings are constantly held up as the ideal values of a Christian which may be rightly so. However, some of these terms turn men off as do some of the more feminine hymns. In the Garden and Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee are hymns that give men the impression (right or wrong) that they are singing a love song to Jesus. Men do not sing love songs to men! On the other hand, Onward, Christian Soldiers orA Mighty Fortress Is Our God are hymns that men can relate to.

If we, as people of the Trinity, want our men to participate in the religious aspects of the church, other than a chicken roast, egg supper or moving tables around, we must appeal to the masculine side of the man’s brain and be cognizant of the fact that “femininity” does not appeal to a man, whether it be a church activity or the job site.

Ok, so now we have identified one of the concerns. How do we go about correcting this?

Brother Where Art Thou? We could ask more men to be ushers, develop a more active men’s group (we are working on that), be liturgist at a service, tally the collection, and possibly help structure the worship program to be more masculine oriented.

Brother: Where Art Thou?
Shalom                                                         Gordon Knight Co-lay leader



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Thank You
 
I wish to thank Barbara Obenchain for encouraging us to have a Valentine Dinner. Barbara did all the shopping and cooking for the meal. Ben Gorham assisted Barbara in cooking. Some of the U.M.W. ladies provided additional support. The meal and entertainment were enjoyed by about 50 persons. Thank you all who helped to make it possible.

In the last few weeks, we have been privileged to hear the music of Jonathan and Nathan Obenchain, as they played the Clavinova and Reeve Segrest on his lap harp. It is always wonderful to listen and enjoy the instruments of Dawn Brennan, Jenni Ridley, and Diane Tandy, both individually or together. We look forward to others coming forward and sharing their talents with us. Please contact Dawn Brennan if you, or someone you know, would share in music ministry.

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21stCentury Technology for North Lake Church

Check It Out!

www.northlakeumc.org

Have you checked out our webpage yet? Well, it’s time you did. ( Yes, I know. Since you're reading this, you know about the site. Bear with me here.)

We have a really great presentation as to who, what, and where North Lake Church is.
John and Jenni Ridley have gifted the church with this website, and they provide the expertise in keeping the webpage current. It truly is a gift. Many of the larger churches still don’t have this useful tool for mission outreach. We are blessed.

The Campbell family told us that they found our church on the internet, was attracted to our church because of our Purpose Statement, and after visiting us became members. Pastor Alice has occasional calls from couples looking for a church to get married in, also. So, people really do look at the web when seeking a church home.

Thank you John and Jenni.

Pastor Alice and the North Lake congregation

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Care and Outreach

MCO is collecting Easter candy for the children who need a helping hand and depend on the help that is given by the Stockbridge Community Outreach. They also appreciate small non candy items: pencils, crayons and extremely tiny toys. These items must be tiny because they are put into small paper bags not baskets. Deadline March 9.

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Worship Committee News

Special Music in March
March 2 Open the Eyes of My Heart– flute solo
March 9 Written in Red - vocal solo by Bette Roth
March 16 Let Sweet Hosannas Ring performed by the choir
March 23  Triumphal Entrance (North Lake children) – first service
In Christ Alone cantata (choir) – second service
March 30  The handbell choir will perform Christ the Lord is Risen Today


Thank You
Thank you to Jonathan and Nathan Obenchain for sharing their talents on the clavinova for Scout Sunday (February 10).

March Events
March 16 – Palm Sunday

March 20– Maundy Thursday, 7:00 pm.
Lovelight is based on the ancient Tenebrae, a service dating from the 8th century. It commemorates the suffering and death of Christ and represents the darkness that overcame the earth as God’s Son was crucified. The candles symbolize Christ, the Light of the World. Join us for this moving service.

March 23 – Easter Sunday


Dawn Brennan, Worship Committee Chair

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United Methodist Men
Saturday, March 8th 10:00 a.m.

On the second Saturday in February the United Methodist Men were up to the challenge laid down by Gordon Knight before he left for a six week stint in sunny Florida. Gordon challenged us to keep up with our monthly breakfast meetings in his absence and we did. In fact we did it in a big way! Not only was the usual fine spread of culinary delights prepared by our talented chefs but we had a record breaking 18 men and boys in attendance for the meeting.

Food and fellowship were certainly in abundance but we also discussed the spiritual gifts and talents possessed by the group and how we might use those talents in local missions right here in the North Lake community. Many great ideas were discussed and we will continue this focus on missions at our next meeting on the second Saturday of March, 3/8/08 at 10am. If you missed the meeting last month, mark it on your calendar right now! Don’t miss this opportunity to get to know the men of the church and join us in making a difference in the community.

Mark Obenchain

P.S. Bring your sons along, and make it a father/son event.


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United Methodist Women

Dates to keep in mind:
District/Conference Dates note:  The coffee at fellowship time between services is provided by the UMW.  Please check out the selection of different flavored Fair Trade coffees, teas, and cocoa.
 
Sandy Eisele

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Education

C.O.O.L. J Sunday school

9:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings

March 2 - The beginning session of the Easter rotation The Triumphant Entry
March 23 - at 8:30am Easter Sonrise service by the C.O.O.L. “J”. We are in need of youth and teens to help with some of the story telling and Bible verse readings.

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Puppet Team
headed by Diane Tandy  & Ann Beyer meets from 6-7:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. 

March Schedule:  Wednesday, March 5, 12, 19 & 26

Any questions call Diane Tandy

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Youth Group at Whirly Ball

In January the youth group went to Whirly Ball.
Our next event is Wednesday, March 19th at Food Gatherers at 1 Carrot Way in Ann Arbor. We will work there from 6-8pm cleaning the pantry and sorting food donations.
Any questions can be directed to Monica Higman 
Youth Group and Friends at Whirly Ball
    Pictured at Whirly Ball are: Nathan & Jonathan Obenchain, Charlie Miller, Joshua Galbrath, Adrian Schuh, Liz Boyce, Lily Bowen, Hayley Murphy, Reeve Segrest, Levi Kipke, Kevin & Jacob Higman, and Clayton Meloney McGlinr.


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Scout Sunday at North Lake Church
Jonathan Obenchain and Tom Ridley with Pastor Alice and their Families on Scout Sunday

    Left to Right: Jenn, John, and Tom Ridley; Nathan, Barbara, Mark, and Jonathan Obenchain; Pastor Alice


CONGRATULATIONS to Jonathan Obenchain and Tom Ridley

Jonathan and Tom crossed over from Cub Scout to Boy Scout at the Blue and Gold Banquet in early Febrary. They each earned 20 merit badges (the most a Cub Scout can accomplish). 


I also enjoyed working with Jonathan for his God and Family award.

Mark Obenchain was a pack leader, and for the past several months his pack held their meetings at North Lake Church. This was another wonderful opportunity to fulfill our purpose to be a Center in the community where people can gather to live out the example of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Alice

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Please keep alert to other opportunities where we can make our facilities available to people and groups in our community. Encourage family and friends to consider our hall when planning family gatherings, showers, etc

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Thank You

Dear Pastor Alice and Tuesday Christian Believers study group,

What a wonderful surprise to receive the beautiful prayer shawl. The moment I placed it around my shoulders I could feel the power of prayer at work. I cherish the gift and thank you all so much for your prayers and kind thoughts. Best wishes and love to all!

Nanette Tandy

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MISSION CELEBRATION EVENT

Weekend of April 10 through April 13

Each of the 65 churches in our Ann Arbor district is encouraged to participate in this all out mission event. They have several mission interpreters who will come to the church and share, inform, inspire and encourage your church groups regarding world-wide mission in The United Methodist Church. Our MCO outreach committee has requested a speaker for Sunday worship, April 13. A special offering for missions will be received that morning.

However, on Saturday, April 12, 6:30 p.m. there will be a “Mission Celebration Banquet” held at Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building on the Ann Arbor campus, across from St. Joseph Hospital.

This will be an opportunity to meet many of the missionaries in the Detroit Conference, and others who have participated in VIM projects. Beth Miller, Director of Youth Ministries at Ann Arbor 1st will be the keynote speaker and will be sure to inspire us. It will be a great evening of celebration.

NOTE March 1 Deadline: Though this banquet is not until April 12, the caterer requires a head count much earlier. Meal is $15.00 a person and reservations are due in district office by March 1. Please notify Jo Page immediatelyif you would like to attend.

Upcoming Mission Trips. . . 
November 7 – 14, 2008 You’re invited to the fall VIM trip with the Haiti School project. The team will visit several sites and meet people in various settings. If you would like to join the Haiti School Project team as we work and worship with our Haitian partners in missions, contact Curtis Bartz email

Leaving March 22, 2008 Rebuilding the Gulf Coast - Mary Peterson from the First United Methodist Church in Birmingham is leading a team. Dulac is located outside the city of New Orleans, and has suffered greatly from both hurricanes and poverty. We plan to leave the Saturday before Easter and celebrate Easter Sunday at a church in the town where we stop overnight. The team is open to 14-20 people to be rebuilding and doing new construction. Contact Mary Peterson email

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Bishop’s Day for Evangelism and Stewardship II

Saturday, March 1, from 9:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m.
 Featuring

Dr. Rose Simms, the author of New Life for Dying Churches

Our District Superintendent’s goal is to have a minimum of five people from every congregation attend this event.

Rev. Tom Macaulay says, “We have acquired dynamic leadership for this day and believe that all who attend will be blessed and empowered for their ministry in their church and community.

"Dr. Sims will lead us for two plenary sessions. Now, you do not need to be a “dying church” to benefit from this passionate advocate for the gospel. She will help us in our ministry of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

"Also, Rev. Taek Kim, from our Walled Lake Church, will lead us in worship, along with the Northville 1st youth. Taek will help us explore the crucial area of stewardship as he leads our morning worship time together. "

Pastor Alice has three copies of Dr. Rose’s book available to read

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WORSHIP

In a great many Protestant congregations, there are four movements of worship: This fourfold pattern has roots in the early church and allows the worshiping congregation to reflect on and assimilate the Word heard in scripture and sermon as the congregation gives thanks and praise to God, prays for the world, and celebrates the feast at God’s table. In this month’s newsletter, the first movement is more fully described.

GATHERING
At the beginning of worship, we open ourselves to the call of God’s voice and attend to the movement of God’s spirit. We leave the isolation of our individual lives and gather with our community as the body of Christ. The elements of the worship service that begin with the prelude and end just before the scripture reading are together called the Gathering, described below.

Mutual Greeting and Hospitality
Greetings are an important part of melding scattered individuals into one body for worship. Ideally, this greeting takes place in a narthex or fellowship area rather than in the worship space itself.

Gathering Music
In many congregations, an organ or piano prelude provides the opening music and allows us to turn our attention to worship. Casual greeting has passed.

Silent Prayer or Meditation
Some people need a time of silent prayer or meditation to help them focus and become ready for worship. A space that is quiet or has gentle music playing can encourage early arrivals to enter and center themselves.

First Words
What are the first words heard in our service? Are they formal or casual? In some congregations, the service opens with a formal greeting or call to worship. In many, it is Good morning! And people
often respond in the same words. Whether formal or casual, many congregations follow the greeting with a statement of welcome. Listen carefully – who is welcomed? According to a recent study, hospitality and welcome are key emphases in a vital and caring congregation.

Passing of the Peace
The passing of the peace of Christ is another variable or movable element of our gathering. The passing of the peace originates in the “kiss of peace” described in the letters of Paul.

Announcements
Announcements remind us of the work we do together as the people of God and so help us gather in one body. Announcements also connect what happens in the rest of the week to what happens in worship.

Processions
Processions can be simply an acolyte bringing in the light for the candles. Processions are meant to serve as a festive and celebratory entry into worship.

Call to Worship
The call to worship is precisely that: the call or summons to the whole community of God’s people gathered in a congregation to join in the praise and worship of God.

Hymns and Songs
In some congregations, an opening hymn immediately follows the prelude. In others, the first song may follow the call to worship. Some use both. Either may include a procession. A hymn selected for the opening of worship works well when it is easy to sing and familiar. Because praise is an important aspect of the Gathering, the hymn should ideally praise God the creator or Jesus Christ, or it may invoke the presence of the Holy Spirit in the worship gathering.

Prayer of the Day (the Collect is a type of prayer)
A brief prayer is a very common element in the Gathering movement. It is a time to welcome God into our worship. Of course, we know that God is already present, but this is the moment to acknowledge God’s presence and to express our hope for God’s action within the worship on the day. The prayer focuses us and centers us on the God whom we gather to praise.

Other Acts of Praise
We respond to the proclamation of God’s mercy and assurance with words of praise and thanksgiving. In many Protestant liturgies, the congregation sings the words of either the ancient “Gloria Patri” or the “Gloria in Excelsis.” After the opening prayer, if an act of praise is desired, one or more could follow: canticle of God’s glory, a psalm or scripture song (canticle), Gloria Patri, Lord Have Mercy, or special music.
Taken from The Work of the People by Marlea Gilbert.
The elements in the Gathering also follow the United Methodist Book of Worship.

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Prayer Shawl Ministry
A little over a year ago, Pastor Alice and I talked about starting a prayer shawl ministry for our church community. I admit, there was a bit of the doubting Thomas in me. Are people interested in this type of ministry? Do we have enough people to knit or crochet shawls? Can we meet the need?

Thanks to all of you who helped get the prayer shawl ministry underway, by contributing to buy supplies, knitting or crocheting shawls, or asking friends and family members to help. You have shared your talents to provide support and comfort to those in need. Thank you so much.

If you know of non-members who contributed in some way, please let me know who they are, what they did, and their addresses, so that I can send out thank you notes.

Ann Beyer,


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 Trip to the U-Mich Graduate Library
February 2, 2008

Ladies at the UM Library
  Left to Right: Diane Tandy, Nancy Schutze, Danna Segrest, Irene Bokros, Alice Sheffield

A group of 5 women from our church went to an exhibit at the University of Michigan library entitled From Papyri to King James. We all learned a lot about the evolution of the English Bible. It makes me appreciate how the Bible has been preserved through the ages to us today.

The Word of our God shall stand forever.
                      Irene Bokros, reporter

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"Super Tuesday"  Tornado recovery

United Methodist Committee On Relief's early response teams have been hard at work removing debris caused by the devastating tornadoes that struck five southern states on "Super Tuesday" Feb. 5. UMCOR will now assist in long-term recovery to help rebuild homes and lives in the Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee areas.

 The tornadoes were considered to be the worst outbreak in nearly 25 years. Dozens of people were killed and thousands of homes were destroyed. Help us rebuild by giving to Domestic Disaster Response — "Super Tuesday" Tornadoes, UMCOR Advance #901670

note that this is a secure link directly to the General Board of Global Ministries. You may also contribute through the offering plate at church.

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Together we can make a Difference

Raise money for North Lake UMC!
Together we can work to make a difference in our church. It's easy, just save UPC barcodes for cash. When we receive the checks, the church is free to spend the money any way we want.

Save Our Family UPC barcodes.... It's that easy!

Just save the barcodes from Our Family products (at both Country Market and Polly's Stores). Your church earns $25.00 in cash for each bundle of 500 UPC barcodes sent to us. There is a container in the Grange Hall. Thanks!

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E-mail Addresses
wanted for:
Send your email address to church email address.

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The Official Church Calendar is on the office wall.

Each committee is responsible for recording all dates of meetings and events.
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Wanted: Church Keys

If you have a church key that you no longer use, please return it so it can be given to current church officers and teachers

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PRAYER CHAIN
Many of our church families participate in the North Lake Prayer Chain. The Chain goes into action when there is a need for prayer. Bob Burrows is the Chair of the Prayer Chain. Calls go to him, and from that six calls are made to activate the chain in six directions.

The prayer chain is a good way to be involved in prayer ministry. If you are not a part of the Prayer Chain, we invite you to sign up today. If for any reason you no longer wish to be a part of the chain, you may ask to be removed from your obligation to it. For more information, contact Bob Burrows.
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E-Mail Prayer Chain!
What a wonderful way to extend our prayer ministry. If you are interested in receiving prayer requests and joys by e-mail so you can be a part of a vital ministry, please let Pastor Alice know. You can e-mail her at: pastor's email

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The church's email address: contact@northlakeumc.org.
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The Sunday School hour is the most wasted hour of the week -- for the people who aren't there.
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