Annual Harvest Dinner
Sunday, October 19
Immediately following worship

The Harvest Dinner features turkey, dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes and beverage. Bring a dish to share like a veggie or a salad or maybe dessert is your speciality! You are also asked to bring your own table service.

You are welcome to use the cooler, freezer, ovens or electrical outlets to keep your food item ready for the table immediately following the 11:00am Worship Service.

If you have or would like to donate a turkey to this meal, contact Linda DuQuesnay or Yvonne Sherman. If you would like to help them with preparation, they would appreciate your help.

If you were going to die soon and had only one phone to make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?                    Stephen Levine

Saturday is for Basketball

Want some extra fun and exercise on Saturday mornings? Why not come to the church and dig out the round balls and shoot some hoops for a couple of hours?!   If you like basketball - all ages - come and join the fun starting about 9:00am.  Please wear tennis shoes to prevent scuffing and black marks on our shiny hall floor!  Contact Keith Czekai if you have any questions.

Kidz’ Day

Calling all KIDZ!! Moms and dads, mark Sunday, October 12 on your calendar for your youngsters pre-school through 4th grade to have lunch at church following worship. For the next couple of hours, Lori Inbody has a fun packed afternoon with games and crafts. You could catch a little snooze and still pick up your youngster by 3:00p.m.

Annual Church Conference

Wednesday, November 5

The meeting will be held at the Gagetown UMC beginning at 7:00pm. Everyone is encouraged to attend this service of celebration and business.

Our Staff-Parish Relations Committee will meet there with District Superintendent, Rev. Paige at 6:15pm.

Meeting with us will be members of the Owendale UMC and Gagetown UMC. Their  SPRC meeting will follow the Conference.

Memorial Service Planned for Jason Jezewski

A memorial service will be held here on Sunday, October 5 at 2:00pm for Jason Jezewski. The service is open to the community. Jason died on September 7 in Great Falls, Montana. Jason is the son of Elaine and Manuel Thies of Owendale and Jim and JoAnn Jezewski of Burtchville, MI. Jason was the grandson of the late Helen Jezewski.

FYI

It is hard to believe our new roof is on! We have had a wind storm and no shingles laying in the yard (or on my desk!) 

There is something you might need to know about our roof.

** IF you need to ever go up on the roof for any reason, you must be very careful where you walk.

• First make sure the roof is dry.
• Second, the aluminum can be crushed and the dent(s) will show forever. Soon we hope to have a map of the roof where extra backing was installed to help prevent the denting. This map will be posted in the furnace room. But until that comes, place your feet on the flat part of the shingle just below the lip or crease or fold line.

Christmas in Color

Thurlow Spurr and the CMI Michigan/ Ohio Concert Choir presents their annual Christmas program, Christmas in Color. This is guaranteed to get you into the spirit of the holidays.

Premium seats are $22; Reserved: $20; Maestro Circle Seating is $30.00. Call 1-800-993- SING (7464) or visit their website at www.cmichoir.org

There are several concerts in the state but the closest two are:

**Friday, November 14 at 7:30pm at The Dow Event Center in Saginaw.

**Saturday, November 22 at 2:30pm at The Whiting in Flint.

Soon we should receive information on their bus tours to these two concerts. Be watching for more details.

It is easy to be independent when you’ve got money. But to be independent when you haven’t got a thing, that’s the Lord’s test.                                 Mahalia Jackson

Minute Highlights                                                                                                   

Program Team 8-05-08

• Will have Camp T-Shirt day on Sunday, September 28 when the Bread Bowl Soup Dinner is held for the Camp Fund.
• Rev. Donelson asked for folks to go to the care centers when he does the communion services. Northwood is the first Thursday at 2:00pm and Tendercare is the second Tuesday at 10:00am.
• Lori Inbody will have Kidz’ Day on Sunday, October 5 right after worship. Lunch will be served.
• November 30 is the first day of Advent. Everyone liked how things went last year. Will contact Barb Kirn to see if she’d coordinate it again. The snack potluck was good.
• Discussed the Revive Ministries upcoming community food give away.
• Children’s Christmas Program is Sunday, December 7 at 6pm.
• Tom Thumb Singers’ concert will be here on December 13 & 14.
• Cantata will be December 21.
• One Christmas Eve service at 8pm.
• UMYF want to do another pancake supper on Fat Tuesday.
• Set up 5 lenten programs on Wednesday nights. Will follow the same schedule as last year’s with various potlucks at 6pm along with a program - all done at 7pm.
• Will follow same plan for Easter as last year. Breakfast will be served at 9. If anyone is interested in preparing breakfast, please contact Rev. Paul or Linda Parrish.

Worship Team 8-12-08

• Ushering was discussed. There is a need for training. Ushers are responsible for lock-up each Sunday and sometimes to open up when the pastor is away.
• Laura Hill has a program to be used for Junior Church for 4 year olds through 4th grade. Melody Frankowski, Linda Derfiny and Dora Fobear will be helpers. May use this time also for getting ready for the Children’s Christmas Program. Kids will leave after the Children’s Message and return during last hymn.
• It was requested to have some paper napkins available for drips and sticky hands following communion.
• It has been requested there be a Sound Team who really knows the system inside and out for problem solving.
• Would like to train Jacob Kittle on the Media Shout program so he can fix problems on Sunday mornings. Problem with the computer overheating where it is. Also a problem on placement as the projection persons gets interrupted by folks needing hearing devices. Once their eyes leave the screen, it is easy to be lost. It was agreed we have outgrown our present sound system and it needs to be located more centrally. Estimated cost to make changes would be more than $15,000. Will talk to Trustees.
• Will seek more people to be on the Altar Guild. Visually the chancel needs to be ready for worship. Would take a picture as it should be and unless there is a special service they will know what belongs up front. People aren’t sure what to move. The problem with Christmas Eve candles was brought up. Rev. Paul said it could be cleaned up with an iron and paper towels.
• Praise time needs to have practice time. Keep songs short - repeat only one or two verses. Praise time needs to be praise time not a mini-worship service. Need welcoming people to hand out popcorn not praise people.
• Will contact the Lions’ club to see about poinsettias. People want red poinsettias. Will let them order whatever color they want.

Board of Trustees 9-4-08

• (Met at parsonage for annual review)
• As promised the insurance company will send us $1100 since we re-roofed the church as they requested. The extra funds will go to pay the insurance premium.
• Members of the Lawn Mowing Team would like to have the lawn sprayed for weeds. The estimate from Brad Goslin is $360 for one treatment. This would include spraying the weeds on the south lot line which will be mowed.
• A box elder tree in the back yard at the parsonage needs to be removed. Will contact Kappen Tree Service. Will have them to it if the cost is under $250.
• Discussed businesses to measure and install window treatments at the parsonage. Ron Kittle and a committee will work with Rev. Paul to get new window coverings. It was approved to spend $1000 on this project. Ron and Rev. Paul will install the coverings.
• The basement stairwell project and back storm door will be done by Lavern Rutkowski for $300.
• The new windows at the parsonage have been installed and look nice. Will ask if anyone wants the old windows but they are in bad shape otherwise they will be taken to the trash.
• Discussed condensation of the south wall of the fellowship hall. It may need to be insulated. No action taken.
• The steeple is chalking. It is moist in that area. It is a flat roof. It will be checked to see if it is leaking.
• Plans were made for snow removal - same as last year.
• Discussed putting enter and exit signs on the driveways. South would be enter, north would be exit.
• The tour of the parsonage revealed many tasks completed. The utility room will not be totally reworked as previously planned. Pam Powell and Jack Gallagher will take care of this project. Rev. Paul will do the painting.
• Approved new carpeting of not more than $2500 for the hallway, front bedroom and master bedroom. Will contact Schneebergers.

This and That and Other Stuff.....

You Have to Help Yourself First

Often, when alcoholism strikes a person, the family feels it isn’t their problem. But when alcoholism is in a family, everyone is affected no matter how much it is denied.

Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problems. It is believed alcoholism is a family disease and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.

Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, or organization or institution: it does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses or opposes any causes. There are no dues for membership. Identity of all members is protected. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions. It has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholics.

There is a book on the kiosk if you would like more information. Locally meetings are held on Tuesday Night, Thursday Night (both at 8pm) and Saturday Morning (11am) at Cakima Serenity Home (3800 Lee Hill Rd., Mayville, 3 ½ miles east of M-24 on M-46 and ½ mile South of M-46 on Lee Hill. Contact Pam O 989-823-3243; Cathy S. 989-683-2751 or Kay W. 989-872-5479.

Corn Maze/ Craft and Quilt Show

Heritage United Methodist Church, Snover, invites you to attend their Corn Maze open on October 4, 11 (4-9pm) & 18 (1-9pm). Admission $3.00. Children under 5 are free. Prizes, Flashlight walk. Hot dogs, chips drink and cookie $3.00.

Saturday, October 18 is their Craft and Quilt Show from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Homemade Lunch available. Flu and Pheumonia vaccinations.

Call 810-672-9101 for more information.

Tom Thumb Singers

Anyone interested in joining Tom Thumb Singers, please contact Steve Fobear. Especially needed are men’s voices.

Their concert will be held in our sanctuary on 7:00pm on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14 at 3:00pm.

Bay Shore Camp Happenings

Contact Bay Shore at 989-883-2501 or check out their website at www.bayshorecamp.org.

• Scrapbooker’s Retreat: October 18-19.
• Fall Quilters’ Retreat October 25-26
• Senior High Retreat November 1-2
• Couples’ Retreat November 21-22

Fall Fun Days

Visit the Pumpkin Patch starting Sept. 26.
Every Friday and Saturday
10:00 - 6:00pm
Every Sunday from 1:00-5:00pm
1/4 mile south of Deckerville Rd on west side of M-53
Pumpkins - corn maze - boo train - wagon ride
Group rates available for 10 or more people.
Call 872-4791 for group or other info.

VIM Teams Forming

Detroit Conference is forming a Volunteers in Mission team to build a house in New Orleans (Katrina recovery).  Volunteers can be scheduled on a team that matches their availability from a time frame of September 13 through December 14, 2008. For more information contact Eric Miller at emiller629@comcast.net

stats

Have You Wondered about Cuba and the UMCOR’s Response?

New York, NY, September 9, 2008—After watching Hurricane Gustav tear through Cuba and hearing reports on Hurricane Ike’s approach, many people are asking why the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is not raising funds to assist with storm relief there.
      The reason arises from the foreign policy of the United States.
      UMCOR and most other church-related humanitarian organizations based in the US are prohibited by federal law from transferring to Cuba the funds that could assist survivors of disasters.
       In 2006, the federal government failed to renew the license of the General Board of Global Ministries, UMCOR’s parent agency, to send funds into Cuba for ministries of various kinds. Many other denominations have also lost their licenses.
      Methodists in Cuba have responded to the damage done by hurricanes, although they are severely limited in their financial capacity. Reports on this work of the Methodist Church of Cuba can be found in Spanish and English on the church’s internet site at http://imecu.org/index.php.
      The US Government allows only "churches" to have the right to travel to Cuba as volunteer teams in the name of religious work. It restricts the term "church" to mean only individual congregations. Cuba limits the number of such teams that are admitted each year.
      The United Methodist Church, by action of its legislating body, the General Conference, opposes both the US boycott of Cuba and restrictions that Cuba puts on freedom of expression among its people.

Deaths...

• Our Condolences to Machelle and Meagan Jezewski, Elaine and Manuel Thies, Jim and Joann Jezewski, Maurice Joos their family and friends on the tragic death of Machelle’s husband, Jason. Jason was the late Helen Jezewski’s only grandson.
• Our Deepest Sympathy to Mick and Barb Kirn, Meredith and Whitney, Janis and Sherryl Seeley, their family and friends on the passing of Mick’s father, Stanley Kirn.
• Additions:  We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of Robert Keating who passed into life eternal on September 18.
  And Our Condolences to the family and friends of our former member, Mary Proudfoot who went to live with her Heavenly Father on September 18.

In Your Prayers...

• Rev. Paul & Rev. Linda; Brian Mallory; Elaine Proctor; Dorothy Knight; Rick Dillon; Denise Jones (Leukemia); Maurice Joos; Mary Hutchinson; Thelma Graham; Ray Arnold (surgery); Bea Baker; Rev. Bob & Charlene Garrett; Winifred Lamb (Betsy Dillon’s mom); Betty Scofield (Bea Baker’s sister); Marilyn Morgan; Barney & Ruth Hoffman; Laura Bryant; 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,
  Northwood Meadows, 6086 Beechwood, C.C.: John Marshall, Fritz Pomeroy, Marv Hobart, Tom Proctor.
  Kings’ Daughters, 2410 Rodd St., Midland, MI 48640: Dorothea Quick;
  Tuscola Medical Care Facility, 1285 Cleaver Rd., Caro 48723: Ruth Freeman; Carolyn Chapman (Jamie Withey’s mother)
  Service People: Mike Furness (Kentucky); Marc Inbody (Germany); Josh Sherman (Ohio); Major Andy Hoffman (Amy Hoffman’s brother); Ben Wheeler (Iraq -Lori Inbody’s god-son).

Thank you!

–August/September Newsletter: Linda Derfiny (proofreading - just a note to say sometimes an article will change from the time it was proofread so if you find a mistake it is mine - Linda P. ); Janet Francis, Marge Dickinson, Judy Profit and Viola Walker.
–Stripping/waxing Hall Floor: Char and Jon Fahrner and Eleanor Truemner. Great job!!

From the Mail Box:

From Dale and Mary Damm: We want to thank you for the lovely flowers celebrating our 55th wedding anniversary. What a thoughtful thing to do. Also, thanks to all who sent cards. We truly appreciated it.

From Shirley and Ron Geiger: Thank you for the lovely flowers fo our 60th wedding anniversary.

From Linda Parrish: Thank you for your prayers, calls and cards following my surgery. I so appreciate your kindness. Thanks to Rev. Paul for his visit. He arrived just as I got back to my room and I remember rambling and fussing about the pictorial directory I had sent in a couple of days prior! Guess you don’t just stop being a secretary because of a little anesthesia!

From The Trio (Meredith, Katie and Jack): Thanks so much for the opportunity for The Trio to sing at your church! It was such a great time. I really appreciate you letting me share about my trip to Africa! God Bless you!

From Dean and Nancy Hutchinson: Thank you for the lovely flowers. What a warm and loving feeling we experienced that you remembered us on our 45th anniversary. Thank you for making our day special.

An Irish Friendship Wish..

May there always be work for your hands to do;
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

Thanks be to God!

Ministry Assistants for October