September 2008 Newsletter


Sunday School Kick-off Potluck
After worship at 11:45 p.m.
Bring a dish to pass, your own table service. Hot dogs provided
Games – Food – Fellowship

=====================

NEW SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Begins September 7th
9:30 a.m.     Sunday School
10:30 a.m.   Worship Service
Note: One service only


=====================
Children’s  C.O.O.L  J.  – Theme: Love your enemies
5th Grade and younger will visit stations including T.E.N.T. & Pup Tent, Glorious Games, King’s Café, Creation Station, and Joyful Noise.
Youth  6th – 8th  grade will navigate the Amazing Bible Race  (www.Amazingbiblerace.com) with John & Sandy.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Adult Sunday classes
1) Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs;  led by Carol Gorham.
   Book with video. Whether they were Bad to the Bone, Bad for a Moment, or Bad for a Season, but Not Forever, these infamous sisters show us how not to handle the challenges of life. With    trademark humor and heartfelt encouragement, Liz teaches us how to avoid their tragic mistakes and joyfully embrace God's grace.

2) History of Your Church and United Methodism (aka CSI) led by David Knisely.  

3) Three Simple Rules Pastor Alice will lead a 5 week class starting  Sept. 28 based on: Do Good, Do No harm, Stay in love with God.

=====================
Pastor's Corner

Welcome to a new fall season at North Lake U.M. Church
God has been good and gave us a beautiful summer, with some perfect days.  Many in the congregation have been able to enjoy vacation time near and far.  It has also been nice to see so many of you in worship each Sunday and the children in our summer C.O.O.L.-J. Sunday school.

September is here, however, and we get back into schedules that are determined by our faith in God, our family, our work, our schools, and our sports/hobbies, etc.  If our faith is strong, our schedules will reveal weekly worship attendance, Bible study and prayer time as top priorities. We invite you to help us help you have a vital faith journey.

The North Lake Church Sunday schedule has been changed this fall in an effort to meet the needs of the majority.  Many people liked the early service, many people like the late service, so we hope we have reached a good compromise. 

Sunday school will be at 9:30 a.m.. This still allows our children and youth to sleep in an hour or longer than what school days allow. All classes begin September 7.  We will also offer two, maybe three, book studies for adults during the Sunday school hour.  We hope that with the rotation of the children's classes, our teachers, and the parents, and all adults will take advantage of a 50 minute class each week. We hope to offer a variety of topics, and we invite you to suggest topics for discussion, as well, (i.e. marriage, parenting, grief, etc.)

Worship will be at 10:30 a.m.  Moving directly from Sunday school to worship, we hope everyone will join in the celebration of praise and thanksgiving to a gracious God and our Lord Jesus Christ.   Everyone is invited to take part in ministry as greeters, ushers, acolytes, provide altar flowers, or hosting fellowship following the service.   

Music is a most important part of worship.  Please offer your voice, your instrumental gifts, and/or join the bell choir.      

Now is a perfect time to begin a new habit of worship, learning, and sharing God's message of love and grace. Have you invited someone to church lately? 
                        Pastor Alice



~**~**~**~**~
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
           Beginning September 7


Bell Choir rehearsal
Help us to enjoy the investment of our new brass bells
Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. - beginning September 9

  30 – 40 minute rehearsals    Come and try us out

 =====================
Of Cabbages and Kings  
 September 2008     
"If thy brother shall sin against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: If he shall hear thee, thou gained thy brother. But if he will not hear, take with thee one or two more, that
in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he will not hear them, tell it to the Church. But if he does not hear the church, let him be to thee as an heathen man and a
publican."                       Matthew 18:15-17

 
Recently John Wesley was a guest speaker at our church. He said he was "enthralled" with his visit. Wesley tries to leave each church with advice on how to improve communication within the congregation. He sent me the following esp-mail, taken from one of his sermons titled THE CURE FOR EVIL-SPEAKING.

Put ye away evil-speaking, talebearing, whispering; Let none of them proceed out of your mouth! Se that you "speak evil of no man"; of the absent, nothing but good. If ye must be distinguished, whether ye will or no, let this be the distinguishing mark of a Methodist; "He censures no man behind his back: By this fruit ye may know him. What a blessed effect of this self-denial should we quickly feel in our
hearts!" How would our "peace flow as a river", when we thus "followed peace with all men!" How would the love of God abound in our own souls, while we thus confirmed our love to our brethren! And what an effect would it have on all that were united together in the name of the Lord Jesus! How would brotherly love continually increase, when this grand hindrance of it was removed! All the members of Christ's mystical body would then naturally care for each other. "If one member suffered, all would suffer with it; if one was honored, all would rejoice with it"; and everyone would love his brother "with a pure heart fervently". How soon would they descry in us, what they could not find among all the thousands of their brethren, and cry ... "See how these Christians love one another!" The Lord enable us thus to love one another, not on "in word and in tongue, but in deed and in truth", even as Christ hath loved us. 

Partly because of Wesley's words, the United Methodist Church has a system set up to handle communications within each congregation. The Pastor-Parish Relations Committee strives to eliminate "evil
speaking". It would be awesome if our brethren would cry, "See how these Christians love one another!" Sandy Eisele is the chair of the PPR committee and she or any member of the committee is available to ease church communication.  

Thank you, John Wesley, for your input.
                     David Knisely, Certified Lay Speaker
=====================
Thank You
Thank you all for your cards, calls, and prayers during Jay’s recovery from knee surgery. It's nice to be remembered. Jay is doing much better and going to physical therapy. Thanks also to Pastor Alice for her support.
            Jay & Betty Hopkins

   ~*~*~*~
Dear Friends:
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your recent donation to Methodist Children's Home Society. As you know, keeping up with the activities of growing children is always a challenge. Your donation of 44 pairs of socks is a wonderful gift. Your contribution truly makes a difference to help our children learn and grow as fully as they are able
     Sincerely,  Steve Dingman
        Methodist Children's Home Society

   ~*~*~*~
North Lake U.M.C.

Traveling back to Michigan with my kids again was a thrill. We had a wonderful and great time visiting my parents Gordon & Pat Knight. What made it even more special was attending church service with them. Thank you for the warm welcome and making us feel like we were at home. As we travel, especially around small towns, I appreciate the small churches, the sense of togetherness from everyone, community and how they keep on maintaining, growing and strengthening.
.  
It was a pleasure meeting you all when we visited in June. May God continue to bless you.

    Amy J. Roloff
    Jeremy, Zachary, Molly, Jacob

   ~*~*~*~               
Dear Christian Friends,
    What a lovely surprise we received when opening the box to see the lovely prayer shawl.
    May God bless each hand in the making of this shawl. We will treasure it and think of your blessing each time it is used.  
    Thank you so very much.
    Hubert and Virginia Smithson (Cheryl Green’s parents)

   ~*~*~*~
Dear Pastor Alice and members of the prayer shawl ministry,
Thank you so much for the lovely shawl/comforter. I was touched to receive it from my sister Jocelyn Harwood, and to learn of the way that it is blessed by members of your church community. You are a compassionate group of people, with a heart to spread goodness to others.

Thanks again for your kindness and thoughtfulness. Many blessings to you.
    Liz Callaway

=====================
Child Care Positions Available

At the Church Council meeting on August 4 the Sunday morning schedule for the year beginning Sept. 7th was set. Sunday School classes will begin at 9:30 a.m. and one only worship service at 10:30 a.m.

This change in schedule will make 2 child care positions available for the worship hour.  For more details and information contact Sandy Eisele, or any Pastor Parish members. 
           Sandy Eisele, Pastor Parish Chair 


=====================

Financial Highlights

Rummage Sale

  $3,245 Total Profit (compare 2007 @ $3294)
  Disbursed:
     $2,162 (70%)    General Operating Budget
     $486 (15%)    UMW
     $486 (15%)     Phillip D. Innis Church, Liberia

Chicken BBQ
     $1928 Total Profit (compare 2007 @ $1931)

These fundraising proceeds are designated for 2 very important items in the church's general operating budget:  building insurance and apportionments.

Everyone's hard work at both events has paid off.

Denise Schuh 

Treasurer@NorthLakeUMC.org

I am most grateful to the many volunteers (men, women, and children) who made these events possible and successful. I thank God for your faithfulness.
                        Pastor Alice

=====================

Congratulations to:

Pastor Alice on the birth of a grandson, Devon Reese Tutas on July 7th. He was 6 lbs and 4 oz. and is the son of  Kim and Brian.

  ~*~*~*~

Christopher Roland & Adelphia Lyles on the birth of a daughter, Laila Dalphine Roland on July 23 at 4:22 p.m. She was 6 lbs. and 15 oz. 19 1/2 inches long. Proud grandparents are Joe & Pat Spitzley

  ~*~*~*~

Carrie & Ray Muterspaugh on the birth of a daughter, Audrey Evalyn on July 30. She was 8 lbs. 1oz. and 19 1/2 inches long with dark hair, chubby cheeks, long feet and a good yell.

  ~*~*~*~
Gordon & Pat Knight have a new granddaughter in Colorado. More details to follow.


=====================
Please keep the following people in your prayers:

Bob and Dean Burrows       
Pearl Fitzsimmons           
Dean Eberts                   
Kids and teachers returning to school
College students
Our building program
Andy and Peggy Fraser
Loretta Sockow


=====================
United Methodist Women

THE UMW READING PROGRAM –Book Review

The Hospital by the River. By Dr. Catherine Hamlin

The book begins with a quick history about Catherine and her husband Reg's families. Then the story moves to their life together.  As skilled gynecologists, the couple felt a need to go to Ethiopia and
start a school for Midwifery.

Catherine shares stories about what life is like raising her son in Ethiopia with its changes in government and wars. All the while, Catherine and Reg become very dedicated to their patients, and raise
funds to build a hospital.

Their patients, who are sometimes called the fistula pilgrims, are women who have suffered catastrophic injuries because of very long obstructed labors. The women have been neglected and forgotten by
their families. Most of the fistula pilgrims are very young, and very poor. The Hamlins work and develop ways to heal their broken bodies. After forty years of dedicated service, Catherine continues to do this work in Ethiopia today.

This book is on the church UMW library shelf.  I would encourage you to read it.

Carol Gorham, UMW president
=====================
Education Committee
Vacation Bible School in July was an exciting time Surfin' through the Scriptures with 43 children and 45 adults participating in a Beach Party. The daily offering was enough to provide funds for a well at Yaeway Camp UMC in Liberia. 

Our Sunday School has been active in teaching about and supporting our sister churches in Liberia – recently checks have gone to:
    1) Yaeway Camp UMC - $1,500 to dig a well is from VBS offering
    2) Philip D. Innis UMC - $700 for Education and general needs   came from 10% rummage sale proceeds and Sept-May Sunday School offering

~*~*~*~
Puppet Team will soon begin Wednesday evenings practice for the new season. Keep watching for details. Danna Segrest -Education Chair

~*~*~*~
THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW!  First series is 5 lessons only.
    By Raynard Vander Laan
    Published by Focus on the Family         NO book fee.

A fun study for the first time Bible student and the seasoned Bible student.   

Have you ever wanted to go to the Holy Land?  Well, this Bible study allows you to venture there each week via video.  The inspired human authors of the Bible were Jews living in the Middle East.  The
circumstances and conditions of the people of the Bible are unique to their time. In this study you will learn how to think and approach life as Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Esther, and Paul did.  You, as a modern Christian. will deepen your appreciation of God's Word. 

When you begin to explore the people, places, and events of the Scriptures, something incredible happens -- God's Word suddenly comes alive with astounding significance. You see that God wants us, like every generation before, to courageously confront our culture.

Tuesday evening classes are still at 7:00 pm, and will be about an hour and a half sessions.  This study requires little homework.  I am interested in having a Thursday class, and one morning class also.
Sign up and make a suggestion as we hope to meet the needs of as many people as possible.
                                                 Pastor Alice  


Surfin' through the Scriptures

Pictures from VBS
Nancy Tandy and girls at Crafts David Knisely Teaching
Nancy Tandy (far left) works on crafts David Knisely tells a history story

=====================
Membership Care and Outreach
Welcome back Bishop Keaton!

Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton has been reassigned as the resident bishop of the Michigan area for the years 2008-2012. We can participate in this wonderful time by sending him and his family a letter of greeting which can be sent to:
         Welcome Back Bishop
         PO Box 25068
         Lansing, MI 48909

A welcome back reception will be on September 14, 2008 at Lansing Trinity UMC at 3:30 p.m.  A special gift to Haiti Hot Lunch program will be given in his honor.  If you would like to contribute, please place your gift in the church offering by Sept. 7.

**~**~**~**~
Get ready! Get set! WALK! for the Chelsea CROP WALK on Sunday October 5, 2008. KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR DETAILS LATER.

**~**~**~**~
Faith in Action: Our mission basket was overflowing with wonderful items! In August we delivered 14 pounds of food & 48 pounds of non-food items to Faith in Action. We are now asking for donations of diapers, wipes, baby food and shampoo, as well as laundry detergent and feminine products for Stockbridge Community Outreach. Thanks for your continuing generosity in our mission to help folks near by.

**~**~**~**~
Noisy Offering:

The August Noisy Offering will be dedicated to Methodist Children's Home Society. Since 1917, Methodist Childrens Home, the only United Methodist child caring agency in Michigan, has been charged with the care of one of our most precious resources – our children! They are the innocent victims of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; often at the hands of the people they love and trust the most. Each year, more than 300 children and families receive services through Residential and Foster Care Programs, Adoption, and Book Partners Mentor/Tutor Program.

November: Noisy Offering is designated to Baldwin Avenue Church and Center which has programs to feed, clothe, educate, and empower men, women and children in Pontiac.  It continues to be an anchor of hope for the hungry, homeless, and disadvantaged.

Thanks, Jo Page


=====================

**~**~**~**~

NEW SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Begins September 7th
9:30 a.m.     Sunday School
10:30 a.m.   Worship Service
Note: One service only

**~**~**~**~
=====================

Stewardship All Year 'Round
Saturday, September 13
First United Methodist Church, Jackson MI

The conference that will pay for itself over & over again! This one day event can help your church maximize its stewardship efforts by developing a program to make people's relationship with money a natural and ongoing part of the church's conversation.

Workshops include:
  You Might be a Biblical Steward if…(Here’s your Sign!)
  Giving Beyond Your Lifetime
  Planning for a Peaceful Future
  What Are You Doing with God's Money?
  God, Youth, and Money
  God, Children, and Money

Pastor Alice is looking for others to attend with her 475-9348

~**~**~**~

Hospital Volunteer Training

Rev. Kathy Schell, chaplain at Chelsea Community Hospital, is looking for caring 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 x3281 or by email at kschell@cch.org

Rev. Kathy Schell, BCC, Chaplain at Chelsea Community Hospital
North Lake United Methodist Church
14111 N. Territorial Rd.
Chelsea MI   48118
=====================

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
 4  Sue Collier
 4  Cory Policht
11  Chris Collier
14  Garth Baize
15  Mallory Meads
15  Linda Smith
19  Greta Kelly
24  Kim Longworth
25  Heather Campbell
27  Peggy Fraser

**~**~**~**~
SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
13  Wade & Danna Segrest
16  Scott & Cindy Perelman
23  Dan & Brenda McGuire
28  Garth & Heidi Baize
29  Floyd & Mary Boyce

 =====================
 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!

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

=====================
The Official Church Calendar is on the office wall.

Each committee is responsible for recording all dates of meetings and events.
=====================
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

=====================
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

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

next month's newsletter
=====================
Contact the webmaster
=====================
North Lake UMC home page