The denomination’s stand on homosexuality remained the same as it has been for many years. Its stance on abortion, while unchanged, was actually further defined in such a way that churches will now be encouraged to help women "find feasible alternatives to abortion."

     Our denomination continues to stand for moderation in all things, avoiding the radical tendencies that have polarized American society.

     As United Methodists, we continue to ask, "What would Jesus do?" as we engage in the world around us, being neither judgmental nor antinomian, but offering grace and Christ to the world.                               PGD

United Methodist Women

     The United Methodist Women will hold their June meeting on Monday, June 2, beginning with a noon luncheon.
     Co-hostesses Connie Schwaderer and Shirley Wisenbach, along with other members of Group 1, will prepare and serve the meal.
     Joan Merchant will lead the Memorial Program for:

Esther Buehrly
Marilyn Hobart
Margaret Burns
Ruth Esau

Dorcas

Meal Stats: May 14

 It is no secret that how people are treated at church has a significant impact on whether or not guests return. It is no shocking revelation that how people treat each other at church sets the stage for either growth or decline. It is no new discovery that it is easier for someone to enter a group that is seeking new people than one that has become a closed clique. In spite of this, however, a majority of churches still struggle to be places in which the grace and welcome of God is extended to all people. Why is this? Below are seven reasons that contribute to the lack of outstanding hospitality in churches.

1. We think we are friendly enough already. Most churches consider themselves to be friendly. Many guests, especially those without a significant church background, do not experience most churches as friendly places. Simply having a greeter or usher shake someone’s hand and say "Good morning" is not enough. The welcome needs to be intentional and at least set the stage for the beginning of a relationship. Watch during the greeting time in the worship service – are guests continually engaged by people in the church or do they receive a few handshakes and then stand alone waiting for the greeting time to end?

2. We are comfortable so we think everyone else is comfortable. For long-time attendees, church is usually a comfortable place to be – they know many people, they know how the service is structured, they know what to wear, they know where the facilities are located and they know the "language" of the church. This is not true for many new people. Repeating the words of the creeds and the Lord’s Prayer from memory may bring comfort to some people, but these words are often foreign to guests. Remembering the discomfort we have felt in new and different places will help us do all in our power to make our guests feel comfortable.

3. It is not the issue on which we wanted to work. Ask most church people what they most want to see in the future for their church and the responses typically include "more youth," "more young families," "more children," "more money," "upgrading the facility," "caring better for aging members" and "saving money for a rainy day." A response typically not seen is "improve the hospitality system of the church." When no one is the champion for an idea, it rarely becomes the driving force in the life of the church. Unless a group of people in the congregation decide that they want to focus on improving hospitality, then it is unlikely to happen.

4. We believe it is the job of new people to fit in with us. Here is a common attitude encountered in churches which works against our efforts to grow: We have been at the church a long time. It is "our church." We helped to keep it going, we have served on the committees, we have provided the money, we have been Sunday School teachers and youth group leaders, and we have stuck with the church through thick and thin. We would love to have new members, but they should not expect us to change for them. In fact, it only seems right that they would get used to the way we do things.

5. We are content with the church just the way it is. While many church members report wanting the church to grow in numbers, spirit and finances, many are also basically content with the status quo. They experience church in a positive way and have constructed some portion of their life around it. They are not seeking significant change. They don’t have a drive to introduce a lot of new things into the life of the congregation. They value harmony and seek to avoid the conflict change can bring. If the leaders do not feel an urgency to change, then it is unlikely that change will occur.

6. We don’t see how better hospitality will benefit us. What is seen is the increased workload that will be required of "us" if we introduce a number of new steps to welcome "them." It is easier to see the value of not starting something new that will demand our time than it is to see the value of doing something that "may or may not help us."

7. New people really are not that important to us. While almost all churches would like to see new people in worship, this does not necessarily translate into actions likely to lead to that result. Reaching new people can be viewed as a luxury, not a necessity. The spiritual condition of those outside the church is not often considered and certainly not considered to be the primary responsibility of the church. It is not uncommon for churches to be far more concerned about "taking care of our members" than helping new people come to a personal faith in Jesus.

Dr. Don Nations is the President of DNA Coaching. He can be reached at don@dnacoaching.com and the DNA Coaching web site is located at www.dnacoaching.com.

Minutes for Board of Trustees 5-1-08

• Ron Kittle volunteered to take care of the ant problem previously overseen by Char Fahrner. (A BIG "Thank you!" to Char.)
• It was recommended by the Staff Parish Relations Committee to have Dutch doors installed in the Nursery and Church Office. It would be expensive and take replacing the present doors. Issue was tabled.
• The Chairperson notified the group of an inquiry on purchasing the parsonage by the next door neighbor whose parents want to move to this area and be close by. Rev. Paul explained the parsonage guidelines of The United Methodist Church. If a parsonage could be found, it would cost about $200,000 and it would have to meet the guidelines. To build a parsonage would cost about $250,000. It is felt the current parsonage would be valued about $80,000. Administrative Council will be made aware of the issue. No other action taken.
• Gary Jones has been working on the roofing project. He attempted to get three bids for 90 mph and 110 mph shingles. Bids range from $38,600 for 70mph shingles, $42,475 for 110 mph shingles to $51,837 for a steel variety. Our current shingles are 70mph shingles. A motion was approved to go with the bid from Ray Hendrick for $42,475 for 110 mph shingles.
• Seventeen windows at the parsonage need to be replaced. The Administrative Council approved spending $20,000 for the parsonage and the John Deere lawn tractor. There is $14,600 left to spend on the parsonage. Bids from Ray Hendrick, Wallside and Rutkowski were examined. A motion was accepted to go with Ray Hendrick’s bid of $7,516. Rev. Paul volunteered to varnish or paint the sills that will be replaced. Also at the parsonage, several Trustees are concerned about the current railing around the open stairwell to the basement. It is loose and rails are too far apart. A handrail is also needed. Will ask Ray Hendrick for a bid.
• Ted Furness and Gary Wichert are planning to remove part of the altar decking to see if all of it can be removed for safety reasons. May 10th is date set to do this.
• Mick Kirn reported a light out in the parking lot. Will need to rent a lift. Should replace all the lights at the same time as to save on lift rental. Get back to this issue in the fall.

Let's Do Lunch

Lilly Kathryn and Audrey Suzanne were born on April 24 to Mark and Ashlie Brining. Lilly weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces and Audrey weighed 7 pounds. Both girls were 19 ½ inches long. The proud first time grandparents are Dr. Paul and Suzanne Chappel.

In Your Prayers...

Rev. Paul & Rev. Linda; Janet F.; Brian M. (chemo in Ann Arbor); Tom & Elaine P.; Denise J. (Leukemia); Maurice J.; Mary H.; Thelma G.; Bea B.; Rev. Bob & Charlene G.; Winifred Lamb (Betsy Dillon’s mom); Helen J.; Betty Scofield (Bea Baker’s sister); Marilyn M.; Barney & Ruth H.; Lucille C; Dale & Mary D.; Esther G.; Maxine P.; Elizabeth S.; Betty W.
Tendercare, 4782 Hospital Dr., C.C.: Florence E., Audrey Katzenberger
Northwood Meadows, 6086 Beechwood, C.C.: John M., Bob K., Fritz P., Marv H.
Rendon AFC, 1341 S. Colling Rd., Caro 48723, Stanley K.
Kings’ Daughters, 2410 Rodd St., Midland, MI 48640: Dorothea Q.
Tuscola Medical Care Facility, 1285 Cleaver Rd., Caro 48723: Ruth F.; Carolyn Chapman (Jamie Withey’s mother)
Service People: Mike F; Marc I. (Germany); Jason J. (Montana); Josh S.(Ohio); Andy Hoffman (Amy Hoffman’s brother - Kuwait); Ben Wheeler (Iraq -Lori Inbody’s god-son).