Reflections from the Pastor

"I know all your ways; and look, I have set before you an open door which no one can shut."        Revelation 3:8

The beginning of a new year, we often become more acutely aware of our past and hopeful for the future. We may tend to focus and regret our mistakes, contemplate the future, and make resolutions. But we need to turn loose the negative parts of our past and appropriate the power of God to help us do what we cannot do on our own. Louisa Fletcher Tarkington's poem "The Land of Beginning Again" may be our wish:

   I wish there were some wonderful place
   Called the land of beginning again
   Where all our mistakes, and all our heartaches,
   And all our poor selfish grief,
   Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door,
   And never be put on again.

Yes, we carry burdens and baggage from the past into this new year. Some of the baggage is imaginary or unreal, but some is very real. Some of the baggage has left scars and even open wounds.  Only God knows how we hurt. Only God knows what we may become if we could be free of the unresolved and unredeemed past!

The Bible tells us we can be free. The Bible is filled with the idea of beginning life over again. God has set before us an open door. Whatever loose ends may be lying out there in our past, God can help us gather them into new beginnings. Forgiveness is for the asking. "If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

Some people, however, are lured to the past, like a moth to the flame. The past is used as a place of comfort and security.  Those who constantly return to the past for security are in danger. There is nothing more futile than trying to create a better past. As the country song says "It looks like looking back is all I have to look forward to". If all our happiness is in the past, we are not likely to be happy again.  You cannot live with the past when it is gone. So please don't try!  It is better to trust the uncertain future.

So we too, as a congregation, walk through the open door and trust God for our future. Let us work together to provide a Center in the community where people can gather to live out the example of Jesus Christ. And in this new year, may God be glorified.
                        Pastor Alice    


THE 2012 BUDGET
Approved by the Church Council  Nov. 14, 2011

	2011	2012
Benevolences -- Conference and District Apportionment	10,054	9,769
Clergy Support   --  Salary, Pension Apportionment, Health Insurance,  Parsonage utilities, Travel, Continued Education		59,221
Lay Employees --  Secretary, Organist, Childcare workers,  custodian, FICA	10,622	12,011
Program Expenses -- Christian Education, MCO, Advertising, Worship,   Guest speakers, Finance, PPR, Church Council	3,450	3,000
Operating Expenses --   Trustee fund, Garbage collection, Insurances,  Church utilities, internet service, Telephone, Office supplies, postage	15,372	18,933
Grand Total (6.7% increase)	96,458	102,934

The Finance Committee and Church Council  Thank You  for your support in 2011

We finished the year with no outstanding debt. In these winter months, however, we suffer high utility bills, and we rely on your faithful tithes and offerings. We invite you to consider having direct deposit from your account to the church account. Many in our congregation are paying other bills this way, and find it to be convenient for tithing
as well.  As God blesses you in 2012, may you continue to bless our ministry.
I AM YOUR CHURCH BUDGET

Through me,
Families are launched in marriage,
Persons are baptized,
The young are trained in Christian character.
I provide a Church school and youth activities for your whole family

I provide music to enrich your worship and
Preaching services to help you live more nobly.

I heat your Church building and keep it in repair
for your comfort and use. I do your custodial work.

I reach out to your community and country,
Preaching, teaching, healing in Christ's name.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY 
  January 21, from 8:30 a.m. till 12:15 p.m.

This year the laity of Ann Arbor District are encouraged to gather at Chelsea First for the District training day event.  As it is so close, I hope several of you will attend. 

BISHOP'S DAY

March 10, will be held at Saline Church.  Please put this on your calendar as well.  More details will follow.

THANK YOU

So much has happened in mission and ministry during 2011 that I cannot express my gratitude enough.  I hesitate to name names, because all of you put in so much time and effort toward our many programs and special events.  The words "Thank You" seem so little for the outpouring of your ministry, and the gracious gift you gave me for Christmas.

As previously announced, I will be retiring in July.  Therefore, I am looking forward to the pension benefits provided to me by faithful congregations and a pension fund that has been a blessing to clergy families for many, many years. And I am reminded that it was only in 2007 that our sister conferences in Africa implemented a Pension Plan for their clergy retirees and surviving spouses.  The United Methodist Church's goal is to establish self-funded, self-governed and self-sustained pension programs for all UM conferences throughout the world.

In loving honor of the North Lake Church congregation, I have given a donation to the Central Conference Pension Initiative.  As you have blessed me, so may I always bless others.

OF CABBAGES AND KINGS                    Janaury/February 2012

NEW BEGINNINGS:

I look forward to the month of January. It's a month that signifies new beginnings; it's a month that we can say we have completed one more chapter of our journey of life. We can look at the trial and tribulations that we have endured and the joys and smiles that have blessed our journey. The month of January is the month that we can start afresh. January is the month in which we can enter into new adventures and close old transgressions. Each day, each month, of the New Year presents an opportunity for each of us to venture into new untried areas, whether that area be a relationship, a change in occupation, re-employment, a learning experience or a volunteer commitment, be it at the church or a community service organization.

I am reminded of the passage from the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 31:2. Moses speaks to all of Israel: "I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The Lord has said to me: 'You shall not cross the Jordan'."  Moses' journey of life had come to its conclusion. Very much like the year 2011, and yet in verse 7 "Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, 'Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their forefathers to give to them'..." Now if that isn't a new opportunity that probably had Joshua swallowing more than once.... However in verse 8, the Lord says to Joshua, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

As we enter into the New Year let us be reminded that our God will be with each of us, if we let Him. He will never leave us or forsake us. We all will experience challenges and joys in the coming year. With our God walking with us I feel confident that the New Year will be both fulfilling and enlightening. We all should look in anticipation to the year 2012.

  Shalom:
Gordon Knight Co-Lay Leader:

Membership Care & Outreach
January 28 - 10 am

The next meeting for MCO was scheduled for Jan. 21, but that date is the Ann Arbor District Leadership Training day. 

So, we will plan to meet on January 28, at 10 am.

Going into 2012, we have already designated the 5th Sunday of January, January 29, as Noisy Offering for Methodist Children's Home Society.

We once again qualify as a SPOTLIGHT CHURCH for 2011, having paid our apportionments in full, and contributing to the six areas of mission and ministry.

Mitten Tree  - 
Our Mitten Tree looked beautiful when it was completely covered with many items for the Stockbridge Outreach. It spilled over with many packages also on the floor.  There were 23 hat and glove sets, 40 pairs of gloves/mittens, 3 head bands, 5 scarves, a pair of men's socks, some miscellaneous gifts, and 51 pounds of food. Gordon made the delivery and said they were very excited to receive our donations.  Thank you.

Chelsea/Dexter Crop Walk

Though the Crop Walk was the first Sunday in October, we just received the information regarding the success of the 2011 Walk.  There were a total of 93 walkers from 13 organizations, collecting a total of $22,150.25.  Chelsea Retirement Community made the largest contribution per number of walkers, thereby receiving the GoldenSneaker Award.

North Lake had only three walkers this year, Heidi Baize, Diane Tandyand Steve Worden and boys, bringing in a total of $915.00.  Thank you walkers for participating. Thank you, congregation, for supporting our walkers.

Futuring Committee

The futuring committee worked on the goals for the 2012 High Five Report for the District Superintendent in early January.  They set goals to research possibilities for opening up our buildings for community use, offer more activities for the youth, and to help find co-chairpersons for VBS.  Many ideas were generated and will hopefully become part of our programming in 2012.
                    Nancy McKinnon, reporter

High Five Project - 2011

This project is a friendly competition within each church of the Ann Arbor District to reach a minimum of 5% increase growth in the following areas. This is our 2011 report.

	Goal	1/1/2011	12/31/2011
Membership	106	101	100
Average attendance	53	50	57
Giving (General Budget)	$87,482	$83,317	$85,849

Prayer Life and Spiritual Formation
  - Focus on Prayer chain, shawl ministry and prayer group.
  - Group studies through out the year.
  - Sunday School provided youth/children Christmas musical

Help us improve and grow in 2012!

United Methodist Women

January 21 – 10:00 a.m.

The next UMW meeting will be January 21 at10:00 AM at the church to determine upcoming dates for the year. Please bring a snack to pass. Still needed are President and Vice President positions for 2012.


Mark your calendars - Spring Tea date is May 5th.  We are looking for volunteers to help.

UMW Mission giving report for 2011

   $400  District pledge to missions       
    200  Stockbridge Community Outreach
    150  Camp Scholarships
    200  Lingap Mission – Philippines
    367  VBS mission – stove for Jamaica
    100     Aware Inc
    200  Heifer Project
    100  Safe House–Domestic Violence Center
    200  Faith in Action – Chelsea
 $1,917  Total Mission giving

Photo calendar
Get your 2012 calendar with photos from our 175th anniversary celebration year. Included are pictures of events throughout the year, over 50 pictures commemorating our 175th anniversary year. Get your 2012 calendars for only $11
For more information contact Sandy Eisele
  
North Lake UMC 175th Anniversary Cookbooks are still available for $12.

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www.northlakeumc.org – This is the North Lake Church website.

John and Jenn Ridley are doing a wonderful ministry in setting up and maintaining our web site.  I encourage you to check it out and enjoy some of the benefits.  Such as when you miss church, you can see a copy of the bulletin, check the calendar for weekly events and listen to some of the worship service.

 Did you miss Christmas Eve?  You can go to our website, click on 'Listen to service', choose the date and enjoy the music.  Particularly you may enjoy "Breath of Heaven" -- Dianne Smith sings a solo, but it is also the first time our new chimes played.  Many people have highly praised this site.  I encourage you to visit it often.  

                                Alice

(ed note: I feel a little odd putting a squib about the website on the website, but if you used a direct link to the newsletter page, you may not have seen the links on the Front page.)

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Learning Better Ways to Do Church with Friends

            Ann Arbor District UMC
            Leadership Training Day

             Saturday, January 21st
             8:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Keynote Speaker: Betsy Marvin is the Director of High School and Young Adult Ministry at Cornerstone Church in Grand Rapids.

Plus six workshops:
1) Irresistable Worship
      Due to demand, this is a repeat workshop by Rev. Larry Wik. Come experience simple ideas to help worship become fresh & inviting.

2) Set the Temperature on WARM
    "Offer Hospitality Without Grumbling" 1 Peter 4:9
       Rev. Mike Norton discusses the basic elements of giving your church family and guests a warm welcome every Sunday.

3) Reaching the Heart and Mind Through the Eyes
     Learn how to use media in worship for more than words to songs.  Visuals can help create community, stimulate learning, and add inspiration.

4) Meetings That Matter
     Rev. Dr. Sherry Parker will share a format for meetings that will turn your church meetings into a time of worship and productive service in the name of Christ.

5) Why Small Churches Matter
     Small churches are an important part of God's kingdom. Bob Miller will discuss the privileges and challenges of small congregations and how to maximize our impact.

6) Building a Youth Ministry
     Our keynote speaker, Betsy Marvin, builds on her keynote address by sharing more of what she has learned building a youth ministry. 

Schedule:   
      8:30 am – Gathering /Refreshments  
      9:00 am – Worship and Keynote
     10:45 am – Workshops (choose one of 6)    
     12:00-12:15 – Workshop Q&A and evaluation

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SPAGHETTI DINNER

Sunday, Feb 12th -  noon

A spaghetti dinner will be held in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, Feb. 12th at noon.  Please join us in celebrating the beautiful new spire on the church! John and Linda Reilly will generously provide the spaghetti and sauce.  Each family attending is asked to bring either salad, rolls, bread, dessert, or beverage to the meal. Mark your calendar now to join us in a great time of fellowship and enjoying a meal with one another! 

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Thank You

  Thanks to Dianne Smith, Danna Segrest and Dawn Brennan for the time and effort they gave to this production of 3 Wise Men and a Baby. We also appreciate the work they have done behind the scenes.  Thanks also for the grant from the North Lake Christian Covenant Endowment which provided for the music, scripts, and expenses.

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Dear friends,
   Thank you for your recent donation to our Christmas efforts. Your donation came at just the right time. We appreciate your help and thoughtfulness all year round.
        Sincerely,
        Evelyn Kay and Stockbridge Community Outreach 

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Mid Week Book Study
When Bad Things Happen to Good People     By Harold S. Kushner

Book study for Tuesday, 7:15 p.m. and Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.
We invite you to join us for a group discussion -- sessions begin January 10 & 11.
Books will be ordered from Amazon, cost about $10.00.  Let Pastor Alice know if you are interested.

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Congregational Notes
Born
We are pleased to announce the daughter of Tim and Robin Casey has been born. Sophia Rae Casey was born January 3 at 3:26 pm.  She
weighed 7 lbs and 2 oz. and was 19" long. She has black hair, and is beautiful (so says the proud dad.) The birth mother is doing well.
Welcome, Sophia.

Baby Shower for Sophia Casey

When: Saturday, January 21 at 1:00 PM
Where:  North Lake UMC Fellowship Hall
All are invited (Tim could use some support, guys)
RSVP: Sandy Eisele or Diane Tandy 

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Baptized
 Aiden Lee Soluk was baptized on November 27.

 He is the son of Jonathan and Erin (Collier) Soluk and grandson of Sue Collier.

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 Sympathies and Condolences

Mark Pingaro 52, passed away on Monday, Dec. 5, 2011 at home in Bedford Texas. He was married to Marcie (Collier) Pingaro and is the son-in-law of Sue Collier and brother-in-law of Michael (Candyce) Collier of Martin, Christopher (Rhondell) Collier of Gregory, and Erin (Jonathon) Soluk of Fowlerville.
     Messages of support and sympathy can be sent to  Marcie Pingaro  (address is available at the church office)

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Barbara Obenchain and family on the death of her stepfather, Elwood “Woody” Leathley, on Dec. 16th in Savannah, Georgia.

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Sue Collier and family on the death of her brother-in-law, Gary Mattila, her youngest sister's husband on Dec. 10th in New Hampshire. 

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Education Committee
Sunday School begins for the new year on January 15 at 9:30 am.

C.O.O.L-.J 2 --  (Entering 5rd grade and younger)  will be doing a unit on respect

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Teens --  will be studying Cast of Characters by Max Lucado.

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Young Ladies -- will drive out "Stinkin' Thinkin'" with the Battlefield of the Mind from Joyce Meyers

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Adult Upstairs  – will look at How Good Do We Have To Be by Harold S. Kushner which goes with the Mid-week classes study of When Bad Things Happen to Good People.

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The Musical performance of 3 Wise Men and a Baby was a great hit. Big THANK YOU to everyone who participated.

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Education Committee is looking forward to Easter and VBS programs - let us know how you can help.

We need somebody to volunteer to chair VBS as soon as possible!

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Helpers are always needed. Pick a a date, and sign up with Danna 

Thanks,
    Danna Segrest
    Education Committee Chair

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Mailing List maintenance
We're trying to eliminate excess mailings. Please choose how you want to receive newsletters from North Lake Church by sending an email to the secretary
Your options are:

U. S. mail only (you may want to include your mailing address if you haven't received mail from us recently)
E-mail only (include your email address if it's not the one you're mailing from)
Both
Neither

Be sure to include your name!

(Donations toward paper and mailing appreciated.)

The List Manager would like to point out that you may subscribe/unsubscribe to any of the open church mailing lists right here on the website

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HAVING A PARTY? USE OUR HALL!

Every once in a while, someone from the congregation makes a request to use the fellowship hall.  We have had birthday parties, and showers, and other private events.

The hall is available for use by members of the congregation if it is not in use for another function.

You need to clear the date with John Tandy (Trustee Chair), and the church office.  Donations are always welcome

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Morning Prayers - Every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m.  

Tuesday Morning Prayer Pack continues. Join us 9-9:30 to pray for our Families, Church, and World.

If you cannot meet us at the parsonage, take a moment at that time to pray with us from wherever you are.

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Please note prayer requests AND responses in the Green Prayer Book. We want to pray about the answers to our prayers too.

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Prayer Chain  Our prayer chain emphasizes the mutual responsibility of our congregation to care for one another.
  To make a prayer request call:
        Nancy McKinnon
        Betty Hopkins
        Sandy Eisele.
        Pastor Alice   or email Sandy or Pastor Alice

If you would like to be added to (or removed from) the prayer chain, please contact the church office at 475-7569 or email the secretary

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Rethink Church

What if Church Were A Verb?  Rethink Church   (United Methodist Communications)

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Attention Coupon Clippers

Helping Others and Enjoying Your Soup, Too!

We are currently collecting:

• Our Family brand items -bar code (this is the Polly's/Country Market brand)
• Box Tops for Education from General Mills products
• Campbell's Labels for Education: The UPC section, along with the Labels for Education symbol (little scholar with pencil.) This applies to all Campbell's items.

There will now be a box with three receptacles that we will have in Fellowship Hall.  Please bring any of these barcodes or box tops and we will make sure they get to the right place.  Here is a way to help mission and our schools just by doing a little clipping.  

Also on the table next to the prayer shawls is a box of coupons.  If you like to save money using coupons, look in the box.  You may find a coupon that you can use.  A friend of our church clips the coupons for us and makes them available for us to use.  Maybe the money you save could go to the building fund or mission!  

Pop can tabs are also being collected, there is a large jar for those on the mission table in the hall.

We are also collecting POP CANS (and bottles!)  in the barrel out the back door of fellowship hall. The money we get helps to support our youth ministry.

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E-mail Addresses  wanted for:

• Prayer requests
• Activities not listed in the newsletter
• Receive your newsletter by email, if you request it.

Send your email address to church email address.

We have a new webhost, and you can subscribe and unsubscribe yourself here if you desire.

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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.

• Dates will appear in bulletin
• Meeting reminder postcards mailed
• Helps prevent scheduling overlaps

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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