October 2008 Newsletter


CROP WALK
   We walk because they walk!
Sunday, October 5, 2008

On Sunday, October 5, starting at 2:00 p.m., a group of walkers from 15 churches and other organizations from the Chelsea-Dexter area will be walking around Chelsea.

As a CROP Hunger Walker or sponsor, you help reach out to children and families in Darfur, Kenya, and elsewhere with gifts of clean, fresh water and other empowering tools of hope.  25% of the funds raised will be given to Chelsea’s Faith In Action.

At this time we have the following people representing North Lake Church: Jo and Jim Page, Pastor Alice, Jinx Bailey, Diane Tandy, John Ridley, Denise Schuh, Sharon Wheeler.  Will you join the our team of walkers, or contribute to a Walker?

Together, we can make a difference!

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WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
October 5, 2008

Purpose:  "World Communion Sunday calls the Church to be the catholic inclusive church." (¶264.3, The Book of Discipline 2004)

In 1940 the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America established World-wide Communion Sunday -- originally a Presbyterian observance -- as a global, interdenominational event.  Prompted by the impact of World War II, the Methodist Church received an offering on this Sunday for the Fellowship of Suffering and Service.

In 1971 The United Methodist Church changed the name of the observance to World Communion Sunday and redistributed the offering to support the Crusade Scholarship Program, and the Ethnic Minority Scholarship Program. 

Our World Communion Sunday gifts enable people to "press on toward the goal" of serving God in life-changing ministries. Your gift of just one or two dollars can make a big difference in someone's life.

Please give generously, your gift can change the world, as we move toward being a one, holy, catholic (universal) and inclusive church.


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  Only at North Lake do we have:
TRUNK & TREAT
  Our Halloween Parking Lot Event

Friday, October 31, 2008  
from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Kids & Parents ==>  Make this one of your stops.

Bring your Cars and join us for the evening.
  decorate the car for Halloween and
  load the trunk with goodies. 
  Wear a costume or not
 
Line up in the lot by 5:15 (ready for the kids)

We need help:      
 Your Car & Family to join the fun!
 People to donate donuts and cider.
 Help to set up a safe parking lot
   
We hope to have a bonfire.      

For  more information, contact Jo Page

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LAITY SUNDAY – October 19th

The United Methodist Church has the responsibility of training and enabling the whole body of its membership to enter into mission and to minister and witness in the name of Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church.  Laity Sunday calls the Church to celebrate the ministry of all lay Christians, as their lives are empowered for ministry by the Holy Spirit.

One of the programs of the conference directed through the districts is the Lay Speaking courses provided in the spring and fall of the year.  Our church is blessed, as several of our members have availed themselves of this special training:  Gordon Knight, Annette Weeks, David Knisely, Diane Tandy, and Mark Obenchain.  Will you consider joining the ranks as a certified lay speaker?  Talk with one of them about the program.

This year for Laity Sunday, we have Rochelle Hunter who is a member of the Southfield Hope UMC and works with Linda Smith. She is a Certified Candidate for Ministry and is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree. She assists monthly in worship, and is a teacher for youth and adult confirmation classes. Please join us on Laity Sunday, and welcome Rochelle to our church.

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United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)

United States ---> Hurricane Ike made its devastating landfall in Galveston, TX, and along the Gulf Coast on Sept. 12, forcing many people into temporary shelters and leaving about 1.5 million people without power. Hurricane Ike caused severe damage to homes, businesses and communities, making it the largest recovery effort in the state’s history.

Sam Dixon, UMCOR's top executive, said "While we do not know the full extent of the people's needs in Texas, UMCOR, will work quickly to understand and respond and begin the process to help people rebuild their lives." UMCOR is in contact with affected annual conferences and is making assessments for long-term recovery work. UMCOR's domestic disaster response staff has been deployed to assist in the recovery. You can give to Hurricanes 2008, #3019695.

  ~**~**~**~**~

Haiti ---> UMCOR is working through its office in Cap Haitien and through partner, Action by Churches Together to respond to those most affected by Hurricanes Fay, Hanna, Gustav and Ike — including children.

UMCOR is bringing emergency relief to 500 orphaned or hurricane-affected children in Cabaret, north of Port-au-Prince, where recent hurricanes caused massive floods and destroyed communities.

UMCOR Haiti is distributing food packages, hygiene kits and small toys which will help alleviate trauma experienced by the children.  Based on Haiti's ongoing needs assessments, UMCOR Haiti will provide families and displaced individuals with a variety of assistance packages such as long-term access to potable water, cash for work activities to help clean up the affected areas, school kits for school age children, cook stoves and building materials to help families rebuild. Please give to Haiti Emergency, #418325.


Remember -- When you give to UMCOR 100% of your gift goes to the project designated.

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A Hunting Story

A man who liked to hunt pheasants purchased a dog to help him. However, to his disappointment, he soon learned the dog was addicted to chasing skunks. Poor guy, no matter how hard he tried to retrain the dog, it was usually not too long before it was again distracted by  the skunk.

One day he even feed the dog some pheasant, and the old boy liked it. It was the finest food the hound ever ate. And yet, the next time he had a chance, after the skunk he went.He caught the skunk, and the skunk caught him, and the dog came home stinking. The dog’s owner declared, "I need a bird dog and you ain't nuthin' but a hound dog!”

It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. As hard as that man tried, even after being sprayed by the skunk, the dog showed no signs of change. Finally, the only solution to the problem was to leave the dog in the doghouse and go hunting alone.

Why is it that we try to do good things and end up doing bad things? It is because there is an "old dog" inside each of us.  Until Jesus comes, that old dog will continue to hound us. The fact that he has tasted the best the Master has to offer does not change him.  If we are not alert, we will be distracted by the skunks that are hiding everywhere around us. We will spend our time in pursuit of things we are better off without, and we will miss the best there is for us.  So long as we allow ourselves to be distracted by the desires of our sinful nature, those old habits and ways of life, we are likely to come home stinking.

Life for us does not need to be like that. The good news is that in the meantime we are not left alone with only our own power. By putting on Jesus we can find strength to leave the old dog behind and live more  fully like our Master. "Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of your sinful nature."  (Romans 13:14 NIV)

Near the place where you get dressed each day, place a picture of a hound dog.  Let it serve as a reminder that you are determined, with God's help, to put an old destructive habit in the doghouse this month.

   from Leading by Following Closely by Michael Duduit


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JOIN OUR MUSIC PROGRAM!
SING!  SING!  Or RING THE BELLS!

We need people to share their musical talents with us.
You do not have to be a great singer, or even read music.
Together, we can make beautiful music to God's glory.

OR, join the Bell Choir. Again, it's a matter of keeping the beat.
Come and try us out.

Choir rehearsal : Sunday morning at 11:30 am following worship
 
Bell Choir rehearsal
Help us to enjoy our investment in our new brass bells
Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. 
      30 – 40 minute rehearsals    Come and try us out


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LAY LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

On December 15, we will hold the annual Charge Conference for our church, and elect the 2009 leadership team.   Each year we give our members an opportunity to consider where they presently serve in the life of the church, and whether they wish to continue serving in that area or move to a new position.

We are always looking for new people to come into the various groups with new ideas for mission and ministry.  Please, prayerfully consider where God is calling you to serve.  The work of the church depends on each and every one of us using our spiritual gifts.

If each member will commit to serving on one committee, than the work of the church will be in good hands for the coming year.  This year, we are looking for someone to fill the Worship Committee chair position.  What are the committees you might serve on: Christian Education Committee; Membership, Care and Outreach Committee; Worship Committee; Board of Trustees; Finance Committee; Pastor-Parish Committee; Building Committee; Building Finance Committee; and Lay Leadership Committee.  Church Council is made up of the chairs from these committees. 

Please contact Pastor Alice with your desires for serving the church in 2009. 
We need YOU1

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Financial Highlights


Our special offerings are focused to meet the Spotlight Church honor.  The recent noisy offering is one step towards this designation.
    Methodist Children’s Home Society $111

The next noisy offering (in November) is directed to the Baldwin Church and Center of Pontiac.

A critical step for the Spotlight Church honor is meeting our apportionment obligation.  We have paid to date 80% of $18,740.

Yes, indeed the overall operating finances are stable this fall.  We have the opportunity to complete our apportionment commitments early and save for the lean winter months (when the weather prevents us from getting to church).

If you'd like to reduce your check writing expenses, electronic giving is successful and safe option.  Start, stop, and make changes with your written authorization.  See Denise or Sharon for the form.

Yours in service,

Denise Schuh

Treasurer@NorthLakeUMC.org



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  ~*~*~*~
"When I grow up, I want to be a philanthropist!"”
His mother replied, "Why Johnny, that's wonderful."
"Yeah", Johnny responded, "they all seem to have a lot of money".

We think of a philanthropist as someone, like Bill Gates, who donates big sums of money, yet the work literally mean "love of mankind". All of us are capable of being philanthropists. 
         Edward Lindsay, United Methodist Communications


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Volunteers needed – Chelsea Hospital

Rev. Kathy Schell, chaplain at Chelsea Community Hospital, is looking for volunteers to participate in a ministry of hospitality. These pastoral care volunteers would make brief "hi, how are you?" visits to help identify spiritual needs of patients and their families. If you think God might be calling you to use your gifts in this way, or want more information, please contact Pastor Kathy by phone at 475-4040 extension 3281 or by email.


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United Methodist Women

Ann Arbor District Annual Celebration & Leadership training
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Ypsilanti First United Methodist Church

Registration with Dinner $10.00 per person
Attend all or part of the evening
Registration: 2:45 pm
Gathering and training: 3:15 pm
Call to Order 4:30
Dinner: 6:00 pm
Speaker: 7:00 pm
Keynote Speaker Reverend Ann Emerson, Director Lake Huron Retreat Center

Would anyone like to join me?   Carol Gorham, UMW president
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Education Committee

C.O.O.L. J. off to a great start!!
September 7th started another school year of "Children Of Our Lord on a Journey."

Our littlest Christians are learning to "Love our Enemies" or more specifically not to make enemies in the first place. Loving everyone is not easy but with God's help we can all get a step closer.

Adventure Class (6th Grade and up) is doing The Amazing Bible Race and are enjoying it. You can click on that site any time to see what they are studying about the New Testament. Youth are also encouraged to participate in the Crop Walk Oct. 5th.

C.O.O.L-.J "2" during the 10:30 a.m. worship service is for anyone in 5th grade and younger. They begin church with the family and leave after Children's Time, continuing lessons on the "Love Your Enemies" theme with Mrs. Harwood and another staff member. One member of the Adventure class will sign up to be a helper each week.

Puppet team begins rehearsals on Wednesday Oct 1 at 6:30 pm. Interested parties of all ages are invited to attend.

Week day Bible Study That the World May Know meets on Mondays with a 9 am class. The Tuesday night class at 7pm follows Bell Rehearsal. The format this year is more open so come to class whenever you can.

Sunday morning classes for adults have gotten off to a great start with Bad Girls of the Bible and CSI North Lake. These will both run to the end of October. Three Simple Rules class will start Oct 5th and run 4 weeks.

Our next Education meeting is Wednesday Oct 22. We are taking ideas for Christmas studies, pageant themes,  and classes. Contact me with your suggestions.

Danna Segrest, Education Chair


~*~*~*~
Nathan Obenchain received his God and Church award September 7.
Pastor Alice, Nathan, Parents

He is now one step closer to the God and Country award.

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Membership Care and Outreach

  Bring everyone to
FAMILY FUN NIGHT
  Sunday, October 26, begins at 4 p.m.

Scarecrow making and pumpkin carving, and more!
Weenie roast & Smores

Hay Ride planned for 6:00 pm
We need your help:
 Donate old clothes, hats, gloves, etc. for scarecrows. (you won't get these back!)
 Scarecrows will be used to decorate for Trunk & Treat
 Pumpkins for carving or decorating with Markers or Crayons
 Food is always welcome.

 It would be helpful if you signed your family up, so we have food,  etc.
                                         Jo Page, chair



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Youth Group Bonfire
 Schuh's - 
Saturday, Oct. 11  (rain date Sat, Oct. 17)
Time to be announced – just before dark
Bring your own: Food to cook, camp stool, etc.
All activities outside
                                Denise Schuh

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Special Music in October
October 5   Dianne Smith on the clavinova
October 12  What a Friend – Choir
October 19  Come Thou Almighty King – Handbells
October 26  Sunday School Kids with a special performance
                                         Dawn Brennan   Music committee


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THE UMW READING PROGRAM –Book Review

Taught By America by Sarah Sentilles

After Sarah graduated from Yale she signed on with Teach America for two years, and was assigned to Compton, CA.

Sarah gives us a real glimpse of the schools that are failing our children, of the real extent of poverty in the richest country in the world.

The following is a brief an excerpt from the book, which I feel will give you a glimpse into Sarah's story:

"What kind of relationship do these images forge between me and Compton, between me and these children, dead and alive? What a radicalizing and life-changing experience for me was just two years in their regular lives. And yet their images the ones I have turned into word in this book, form, for me, a family album of sorts. These are the stories of the people I hold myself accountable to, people who have shaped who I am and who I want to be, people who remind me where I belong. I carry these images with me; they weigh on me like precious stones."        Page 136

Reviewed by Carol Gorham


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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 Pastor Alice.
-- --- -- --

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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