Holy Week

Palm Sunday, March 16
  9:30am Sunday School for all ages
11:00am Worship
  3:00-4:30pm UMYF
  4:30-5:30pm Confirmation

Tuesday, March 18
  7:00pm Administrative Council

Wednesday, March 19
10:30am Study
  7:00pm Choir Rehearsal

Maundy Thursday, March 20
  7:00pm Service of Darkness

Good Friday, March 21
  1:00pm Community Service sponsored by the Cass City Ministerial Association and held at Living Word Worship Center.

Easter Sunday, March 23
8:00am Early Service
9:00am Breakfast
9:30am Sunday School
11:00am Easter Celebration

Daylight Saving Time

     Spring isn’t here, yet! But Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, March 9. You will need to move your watches and clocks ahead one hour before going to bed on Saturday, March 8.
     Since it will be darker in the mornings, please be alert to our children walking to school and getting on buses!

Life After People

An interesting television program was on the History Channel the other night that asked the question, "What would life look like on earth if the human race suddenly and simply disappeared?" The program showed interesting realistic animations of what New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago would look like after a year, five years, ten years, fifty years, a hundred years, a thousand years, and, finally, ten thousand years.

Surprisingly, the conclusion that the program seemed to reach was that most of life on earth would actually benefit in the long run if humans were to suddenly and simply disappear. The forests would regrow, wild animals would make a huge comeback, the oceans, now becoming polluted and depleted, would quickly be replenished with life. After 10,000 years, most evidences that humans had ever messed up the earth would be very difficult to find.

Of course, I can’t think of a scenario wherein only all human life would be suddenly and simply destroyed. I have the feeling that if we humans come to a dastardly end it will probably be by our own doing and that our last act will likely result in the selfish demise of many other species of life besides our own.

The television program ended by pointing out that if the 4 billion year history of earth could be crunched down into a period of 24 hours, civilization would comprise about 2 seconds and human life, itself, about 2 minutes of that period of time.

So, how does God fit into this picture? How does our Christian understanding of creation, perfection, grace, redemption, justification, and salvation fit into what scientists are telling us about the history and future of the planet?

Some Christians, of course, prefer to deny the conclusions of these scientists, saying that they’ve got it all wrong; that the earth was created only 6,000 years ago; that Wilma and Fred Flintstone living in Bedrock with dinosaurs running around in their backyard, at least until the great flood, would actually be a pretty good description of the way things were at the time. In spite of what astronomers say about the age of the light that we can see coming from stars that are billions of lightyears away, in spite of what geologists say about glaciers that carved out our lakes at least 30,000 years ago, in spite of what paleontologists say about thousands of layers upon layers of fossils found on the sides of lofty ancient mountains, there are Christians who insist that this is all incorrect, that it’s the product of a conspiracy of godless scientists. Imagine how Christianity must be regarded by many good scientists who are told that being a Christian requires rejecting such convincing observations?

I am not one of those Christians who so quickly dismiss such clear observations of our world, convincing observations that I have made, myself, as I have traveled and studied this planet.

So, of course, there is another way of believing how God comfortably fits into a picture of a four billion year old world with humans living here for only a small fraction of that time.

Anthropologists are quick to point out that the act of human beings having achieved a level of being able to look out into space and asking the question, "Who am I in the midst of all of this?" is unique and mysterious; that the chance of another species ever again evolving to such a level of awareness is very slight in the future of the world.

Therefore, as a Christian, I find it very easy to believe that not only did God create the heavens and the earth and the plants and animals, but that God was and has been even more directly involved in what has happened within those 2 minutes that humans have existed. And this includes the last 2 seconds, as well.

The Bible and what it teaches us about our relationship with God, while briefly mentioning the first 23 hours, 59 minutes, 58 seconds, is really mostly about the last two seconds, including the fraction of a second we inhabit, right now. It’s also about where we go from here.

God created a beautiful garden and put us into it. But, we cleverly found ways to mess it up. Then, God found ways to fix it, again, even sending us his Son to show us how.

I really believe that being Christians isn’t just about us. Rather, it is about the garden, too. Yes, Jesus came to save us. I believe that with all my heart. But also, when we humans are saved, when we really finally get things figured out the way God wants us to, when we stop messing up the garden, then Jesus is the Savior of the world.

United Methodist Women

The Monday, March 3 meeting of the United Methodist Women will feature their Easter Program. Member of Group 1, along with co-hostesses Connie Schwaderer and Shirley Wisenbach will prepare and serve the noon luncheon. All ladies of the church are welcome!
The program will be a video from the Health Department on germs.

Dorcas

Meal Stats:
February Menu: Pork Chops and Escalloped Potatoes
Total Meals Served: 170
(Guests: 87; Takeouts: 61; Helpers: 22)
Total Donation: $1088

March Menu is Swiss Steak

New Event to Fund Camping!

For many years, the main fund raiser for our Camp Fund was the Annual Pig Roast. This was a special project for members of the Progressive Class and they did it very well. Most everyone set aside the first Saturday of May for this. Family members came back home to join in the fun, food and fellowship. The Inbody family donated a pig, Gerald Auten and helpers roasted it and it was like a family reunion. We would like to thank all of the folks who worked so hard and had so much success with this project.

The Pig Roast was a lot of work and as the group gracefully grew older, they hoped some younger folks would pick up the ball and keep it going. After several lackluster attempts to re-energize the event, the Program Team decided to try a different approach. An after-church Soup Bread Bowl lunch, where we could invite other churches to attend, will be planned for Sunday, April 20 and again on September 28.

This will be a little difficult to plan so our congregation will be asked to give us the number of bread bowls we’ll need for our congregation and then guess for a few more. This should help assure an adequate number of bread bowls for all who attend. We will also need desserts. Clipboards will be passed during worship in early April.

If you can help with this, contact Janelle Dickinson, our Camp Coordinator.

And remember the ongoing Bottle/Can Drive. All clean returnable bottles and cans will be accepted. There is a container in the east entry for your donation. Please be sure the bottles and cans are rinsed out to help keep the ants at bay. If you need pickup, contact the Shermans at 872-4649.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. Ralph Waldo Emerson

In Memory of Retta Charter

       We gratefully thank the Charter Family for their generosity over the many years to our church. Many years ago, a donation of 204 shares of Entergy Stock was given to the church. It has increased in value to about $20,000 this past year. We were remembered again in Retta Charter’s will and received a check for $69,862.95 as the first distribution last June. The money was put in a CD where it has earned interest. We received the final distribution a few weeks ago: $9330.97. As Retta was a patron of the performing arts, it was suggested this last check be set aside for music and performing arts events in her memory. Total received from Retta Charter: $79,193.92 plus the shares of Entergy Stock. We are very appreciative of her generosity.
       A special information gathering meeting was held in December to see what might be done with the bequest. The Board of Trustees, the Finance Committee and Administrative Council have been meeting on the suggestions. See "Minute by Minute" for more details.

Travel with Bishop Keaton

If you read the article in the January Advocate you will know you are invited to join Bishop Keaton in one, or all, of the trips being planned over the next three years.

1. Paul’s Fourth Missionary Journey (Greece & Italy) November 12-22, 2008.
2. Journey to the Holy Land on February 2-12, 2009.
3. Oberammergau Passion Play (Oberammergau is a small town located in Germany) July 28 - August 6, 2010.
If you are looking for more information on any of these trips, contact the district office for a brochure at 4580 North Rd., Clyde, MI 48049.

Angel Food Ministries

1.5# Top Sirloin Roast
2# IQF Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
(IQF is Individually Quick Frozen)
1.5# Boneless Pork Fillet
2# Breaded Chicken Breast Strips
4# IQF Chicken Leg Quarters
1# All Meat Bologna
1# Ground Turkey
24 oz. Steak-cut French Fries
16 oz. Frozen Mixed Veggies
16 oz. Frozen Green Beans
10ct. Waffles
32 oz. Borden Shelf-Stable Milk
1# Blue Bonnet Margarine
15 oz. Pork and Beans
15 oz. Marie Callender’s Soup
7.5 oz. Macaroni and Cheese
1 Dessert Item

Special #1: 8 pound Grill Combo: $20.00
(Pork and beef chops, ribs, steaks)
Special #2: 5 pound Rib Eye Steak: $20.00
Special #3: 10 pounds Breaded Chicken Tenders. $18.00

Locally, the Lamontte Missionary Church on M-53 is the distributor. You pay when you place your order. Times: Sundays early in the month between 10:30 and 12:30pm or Wednesday, March 12 & Thursday, March 13 from 10 to 2pm or on Friday. March 14 from 3 to 7pm. They will tell you the date to pick up your food. You will need to take boxes along when your order arrives.

Wednesday Night Lenten Potlucks

Mark you calendar for Wednesday, March 5 and March 12 for you will want to take in the two remaining potlucks and programs. Potlucks start right at 6:00pm and finish at 7:00pm in time for choir rehearsal. It’s quick: the meal, the program from your placemat and you are out the door!
March 5, is the Chili Cook-off! Bring a kettle of your favorite chili. Be kind to the others by marking your chili as to how spicy it is. If chili isn’t your dish, bring some corn bread, or crackers or a dessert and your own table service. Beverage will be provided.
March 12 will be the final Lenten potluck and program. It will be Italian Night! Bring your favorite Italian dish (spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, etc), a bread or a dessert and your own table service.

St. Patrick’s prayer is often called "Saint Patrick’s Breastplate" because it was thought to protect him from hostile powers. Here are a couple of portions of the prayer:

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.
I arise today
Through God’s strength to pilot me:
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me,

Newsletter Newsletter, Communication Resources, 03-‘03

A wonderful idea came up at our first Program Team meeting and we want to share it with YOU! Ride Partners!

So often we hear from our seniors how they wished they could have attended an event but it was at night, or they don’t drive on snowy roads anymore. Or it was too far to walk into the church or their eyes are getting bad so they don’t go out at night. Maybe it would even work getting our seniors to worship on Sundays! But we do have folks in our congregation who do attend these events and could easily stop by and pick up someone to bring along!

It would only take an extra few minutes to pick up someone and drop them off at the door and return them safely home after the event. This would do two things:

• It would help the senior to feel like a viable part of the congregation.
• It would motivate you to attend because you have made a commitment to bring someone else.

Actually the list would even be longer - the youngster and seniors would get to know each other better; attendance at events would be better not wasting money, time and effort; new friendships would develop and relationships would be deeper; it would help teach respect for others’ frailties and disabilities; and much more!

Never do we approach nearer to our heavenly Father than when we alleviate the sorrows of others. James Gibbons

Several events are in planning stages. If you have been wanting something different to do to help out, take a look at the Minute by Minute section on pages eight and nine. Especially the Program Team minutes show many upcoming opportunities where volunteers, ideas, suggestions or donations would be helpful.

We know the best way to get things done is to get started early. A few ideas get the ball rolling - some new ideas come in - some people volunteer to donate something or help and then we have an event for the congregation and community to enjoy! If you find something you’d like take part in, contact the person, if listed, or the church office.

We also know some of you have ideas for fun events and you are welcome to get started by checking with those in the church office to see what dates are available and to keep us informed.

Two items need leaders and workers in order to become part of our exciting schedule: Vacation Bible School (no date has been set) and the 4^th of July Float (Saturday, July 5). If you feel you are being called to either of these ministries, please contact the church office immediately!

Saturday, March 8 a softball tournament will be held at the Cass City Park. It will be a co-ed and round robin. Cost is $125 for a team to join. Start asking around to get a team together. Contact Ron Czekai at 872-2679 or Terry Czekai at 1-989-553-1019.

Administrative Council 2-15-08

• Treasurer’s Report: All apportionments have been paid except for December. All bills are paid to date.
• Staff-Parish Relations recommends the fees and expenses for weddings be reviewed. Fees may be too high for some.
• Trustees recommended the following items to be paid from the Charter Estate funds:
  A John Deere lawn tractor with a 4 year maintenance agreement: $5,345. This includes a $1,200 discount.
• Items for the parsonage:
  • Replace 13 exterior windows: $8,827
    Fix laundry room: $3,380
    Replace stair railing with stub wall: $1238
    Patio Door: $205
    Vinyl siding to replace wood exterior:$800
• The Trustees request $30,000 for both projects with the additional money to be used to replace window treatments throughout the house. The remaining funds will be put back on a CD for later evaluation. The Council amended the recommendation to have the Trustees get 3 bids on the parsonage work and to only start with $20,000, the other $10,000 to stay on the CD until if or when needed. The recommendation carried.
• Total for parsonage: $14,450.
• Altar safety - it was recommended the two top platforms be removed to help alleviate falling. The two step platform will be stored in the pole barn.
• Finance Committee reported donations were down $28,000 for the General Fund. The Building Fund was down $7,000.

Program Team 2-5-08

• Set events on the calendar for the next several months:
• Valentine Lunch Treat for Singles, Shut-ins and Seniors. (Betsy Dillon)
• Pig Roast: Thank you to the Progressive Class for their dedication to this project. Team agreed the "flavor" of the event has changed - along with support for this event. Will hold two Bread Bowl Soup Meals during the year in support of the Camp Fund. The first one being Sunday, April 20^th after church and the second, Sunday September 28^th. Will have sign up in our congregation to see how many bread bowls to make and add more to open it to some other churches. (Janelle Dickinson)
• Annual Harvest Dinner: Sunday, October 19 after worship. (Linda DuQuesnay and Yvonne Sherman)
• Easter Breakfast: Rev. Paul will see if the Czekai Family is interested in doing it again. (Keith Czekai)
• Graduation Breakfast will now be a reception following worship on the first Sunday in May. (Pam Powell)
• Freedom Festival Tailgate Party: Saturday, July 5. Needs helpers. Proceeds to camp fund. (Lori Inbody)
• United Methodist Women’s Sunday will be May 18. Rev. Linda will be speaker.
• Needing a Fellowship/Reception Chairperson for the few times we need cookies and coffee after a community event like Thanksgiving Service. This person would get a group together to do the task.
• 4^th of July Float: If someone wants to volunteer, it can be done; however the Team felt from the Strawberry Festival, Tailgate Party, Boy Scouts, Band members, other leaders from our congregation, we already have much involvement.
• Hanging of the Greens: Went well, will plan to do it again on November 30 at 3:30pm with a munchie potluck to follow. Learned Tom Thumb will move their concerts back one week to December 13 & 14. (Barb Kirn)
• Vacation Bible School: Education Team - looking for volunteer to coordinate. Need to be moving on this now.
• Would like to get a "partnership" going where those who drive, be responsible for one or two seniors to invite and take to evening events.
• Want to get door people to tend the entry doors to help those people having difficulty opening the doors. Pam Powell will ask some children for this ministry.
• Would like a volunteer to supervise Junior Church. It must be just that - church - not recess.

Worship Team 2-12-07

• Looked over the placemat for the first Lenten Program.
• Barb Kirn will order palms.
• Doris Jones will check with nursery in Croswell for Easter flowers: would like lilies, hyacinths, daffodils.
• It was suggested we have a Family Game Night (this would be Program Team). If anyone wants to organize such events - just check with office to see if the date is available.
• Summer Worship will be as usual: 9:30am.
• Discussed Praise Time. Hard getting folks to lead it. Praise leaders will meet after church on February 24^th to pick out the date(s) they would like to lead and the songs from the worship planner they’d like.
• The UMW Sunday will be May 18. Rev. Linda will be the speaker.
• Will change from a Graduation Breakfast to an after church Graduation Reception for High School and College graduates. Light refreshments will be served on Sunday, May 4 so as not to interfere with other graduation plans. Pam Powell will organize.
• Special Music for summer: need a volunteer to get music lined up for 13 weeks. Prefer live accompaniment. Looking for individuals, groups and instruments.
  Discussed and developed a policy for special music requests. Requests need to be submitted one month prior to the date requested. A committee consisting of the pastor, choir director and worship chair will reserve the right to preview the presentation - it should fit in with the lectionary for that day.
• Would like to schedule Cornerstone to come. It would help keep our church connected to the youth in our community.
• Announced a check for $9330 has arrived from the Retta Charter estate. It was suggested this money be set aside for special music and art performances in her memory. It was suggested some of these funds could be used by the youth to set up a concert with a well-known Christian group and invite other area youth here to the church.
  Discussed dripping wax from the Christmas Eve candle holders. It runs out of the holder down the pews - hymnals and Bibles, onto the seats and floors. It is a major cleaning job. Will look to see if there are new holders available solving this problem.
• Discussed meeting schedule. Will plan to meet again in August to detail fall items and again before Christmas and Easter.

Our Faithfulness

Caring and Sharing...

Deaths...

...Our Condolences to Jack Esau, his family and friends on the passing into life eternal by his wife of nearly 60 years, Ruth. A memorial service will be held on June 15.
...We Send our Sympathy to Mary and Dale Damm, Randy and Carmen Camm, Jason and Ethan, their family and friends on the passing into life eternal by Mary’s brother, Richard "Rip" McClorey on February 18. "Rip" is also Keith and Jane Mitchell’s son-in-law’s father. A memorial service will be planned for a date in April.

We celebrate the birth of Haven Marie Rose, born to Tavis and Carrie Osentoski on December 28. Haven weighted 8 pounds 14 ounces and was 20 ½ inches long. Proud great-grandmother is Clara Gaffney.

In Your Prayers... Rev. Paul & Rev. Linda; Tom & Elaine Proctor; Denise Jones (Leukemia); Maurice Joos; Mary Hutchinson; Thelma Graham; Bea Baker; Jack Esau; Rev. Bob & Charlene Garrett; Winifred Lamb (Betsy Dillon’s mom); Helen Jezewski; Betty Scoffield (Bea Baker’s sister); Marilyn Morgan; Barney & Ruth Hoffman; Lucille Copeland; Dale & Mary Damm; Esther Guinther; Maxine Profit; Elizabeth Stine (6700 Westside, Bay City 48706); Betty Wareham.
Tendercare, 4782 Hospital Dr., C.C.: Florence Eimers, Audrey Katzenberger, and Janet Francis
Northwood Meadows, 6086 Beechwood, C.C.: John Marshall, Bob Keating, Fritz Pomeroy, Marv Hobart.
Rendon AFC, 1341 S. Colling Rd., Caro 48723, Stanley Kirn.
Kings’ Daughters, 2410 Rodd St., Midland, MI 48640: Dorothea Quick;
Tuscola Medical Care Facility, 1285 Cleaver Rd., Caro 48723: Ruth Freeman.
Service People: Mike Furness; Marc Inbody (Germany); Jason Jezewski (Montana); Tim Karr (Washington State); Josh Sherman (Ohio).

Newsletter Helpers: Ruth Esau, Shirley Wolfe, Judy Profit, Norma Dawson, and Viola Walker.
To the UMYF: Thank you for the lovely pancake supper on Shrove Tuesday!
Kitchen Work: Grease Trap: Gerald Auten, George Wilson, J.E. and Bob Smith; Cleaning the kitchen: Doris Jones, Jon & Char Fahrner, Shirley Wisenbach, Larry Wheeler and Gil & Connie Schwaderer,
Thank you to Rod Sherman for blowing and shoveling the walks whenever it is needed. From time to time, Mick Kirn fills in. You both are appreciated.
Even though it is still winter and there will likely be more snow to be removed, we want to thank Bill and Andrea Shagene for keeping the driveway and parking lot clean.

From Lois Bockstanz: Thank you! Thank you! To the members of the Cass City United Methodist Church for the bag of fruit for me to enjoy during the Christmas Season and another is for those who brought the fruit in very unfavorable weather. It is nice to be remembered and it added much joy to my Christmas. Thank you again.u>
From Ida Wiles: Happy New Year! Please give my thanks to the Sunday School students who brought and packed and delivered fruit for my Christmas. It makes me feel like one of the church family.
From Larry Buehrly, Cass City AA: Dear UMW Ladies, Thank you so much for the gift of money. With your generosity our AA group will be able to continue to help others in need on their road to recovery from Alcoholism and get their lives back together. Thank you so very much.
From Chaplain Hazen, Forgotten Man Ministries: Dear Friends (UMW), Thank you for your latest donation to our jail ministry. You and your gift are an encouragement to our ministry team. God bless you in your mission.
From Char Fahrner: Dear Sherryl and members of the UMW, What a surprise to be selected for this year’s Special Recognition award. I certainly could not accomplish all the tasks without numerous volunteers. My efforts are my mission to our church.
From Bay Shore Camp Director, Mike Coffey: Dear Prayer Partners, Although we’re in the midst of cold wintry February, we know by the action here in the office summer will be upon us in no time. Campers are registering daily. Special Ministry events are getting great response. We praise God for His faithfulness and continue to pray His blessing on the family of Bay Shore and their efforts. We have so many thing to be thankful for! Here are a few for which you can thank God: An excellent counselor training weekend for 16+year olds - 47 youth attendants; busy rental calendar; off to a good start financially; planning being done for upcoming events; our volunteers who help keep Bay Shore Camp running; committed staff and their sense of ministry.....Please pray for: Hiring of summer staff; Success for the new "workamper" and program staff positions; Fund-raising for dining hall addition and remodeling; Andra Shier, head of foodservice, as she writes standards and procedures for year-round licensing in the kitchen and getting ready for inspection and year-round licensing; Filling in a few gaps on our summer health officials; Spring projects: shade cover for the zip line, low ropes challenge course, sewer lines for 5 RV sites, A/C units in Fellowship Hall, deans office in Montei cottage. I want to thank you for your prayers.
From Forgotten Man Ministries: Thank you so much for your gift of $100. We are always encouraged by the faithfulness of our supporters. Your gift will enable us to continue to minister to men and women behind bars. Please pray for us as we begin our 42^nd year of service to the Lord.
From June Thomas: Thank you for braving this very cold day to deliver my Valentine treat. The corn chowder (my favorite) was delicious and I am so pleased that you think of me.
From Ann Marie Lynch: I want to say thank you for the soup, roll and cookie. It was a nice surprise when I got home from work at 11:00pm with it sitting on the table. Thank you!

There are some people in your life that you can’t imagine will ever pass away. You know what I mean, they seem to be invincible - they defy the odds! Ruth came into my life when I was a second grader at the Gagetown School. I always thought their home was so quaint. I started piano lessons with her. I remember this little "old" lady (in the eyes of an eight year old) scurrying around, bent over with her hand on her bad leg. That was 50 years ago! I also remember this big dog - can’t remember now but it seemed like a St. Bernard. During the summer, my brother and I both took lessons, and we played in the "forest" just to the west of the house with Eric and Mary Beth while we waited to be picked up. My memory is not like Ruth’s, because I can’t remember how many years we took lessons. I don’t remember being there when Anne was a baby. For many years after that, Jack was the one we saw - at the dentist’s office - at the meat market and later at Erla’s.

The merging of our congregations brought Ruth back into my life. We all know Ruth was a letter writer and that may have been how I learned she was so sad to see her little German church change. It bothered me and I wondered how I might help make the experience less painful. I sensed she felt left out. I really wanted someone to proofread the newsletter and who better than a retired teacher?! She accepted when I asked. It has been such a blessing to me for the past nine years! I found a big red pen and told her to "Mark it up!" It always amazed me how she remembered all the grammar rules - she wrote them in the margins - being forever, the teacher.

Of course, I’d plan my times to drop off and pick up the newsletter for times I could spend some time because one of Ruth’s greatest joys was to talk. What Ruth couldn’t remember, Jack could and I have learned much about people I knew from my childhood, the community and even things about my own family. She didn’t have caller I.D. but she almost always knew it was me calling and would answer the phone, "Yes, Linda, I will!" before I could even ask. My regret is that for the last newsletter the weather was very frigid so I had Dailey drop it off and pick it up and I missed out on what would have been our last conversation. Each time she said she’d love to do it again if she were still here, but now she isn’t. Her eyes were failing and she sometimes missed a few of my errors but her heart was big and willing./p>

We have spent many hours together - encouraging and supporting one another. She often reminded me of my own mother - remembering who was related to whom and how. We will all miss her letters of encouragement and gratitude. Thank you, Ruth. I’m sure you have already heard the Master say: "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

Gratefully, Linda

–Peggy Ferrell

Go to Bay Shore Camp Website for information on...

Quilting Retreat

Quilting Retreat at Bay Shore Camp - April 5 & 6

Kickoff Dinner

www.bayshorecamp.org