~~~Holy Week ~~~

April 5: 9:30am Sunday School
11:00am Worship


Monday, April 6: 12:00 noon UMW Luncheon

Wednesday, April 8: Dorcas Dinner- Swiss Steak


Maundy Thursday, 7:00pm
8:00pm Progressive Class at church



Ministerial Association’s Good Friday Service -
April 10, in our sanctuary at 1:00pm.


Easter Sunday, April 12
Early Service at 8:00am
Breakfast at 9:00am
Sunday School at 9:30am
Easter Worship at 11:00am.

How Bible Uses Birds

      I’ve been thinking about birds, lately, mainly because of the scripture lesson we had in church a few weeks ago where the people of the Hebrews complained to Moses because all he had fed them was manna from heaven and meat from wild birds that had regularly fallen dead out of the sky. Not satisfied with being fed by God’s miraculous providence, they complained, calling Moses’ leadership disgusting. The result of the complaining was God sending poisonous snakes that bit the complainers.
This led to Moses putting a bronze serpent on a pole so that those who had been
bitten could look at the bronze serpent and be healed.
     It is interesting, though, what some heavenly bread and wild birds can lead to!
The first mention of birds in the bible is in Genesis 1:21, where on the fifth day God is said to have created the fish of the sea and the birds of the air.
Then, in Genesis 1:24, on the sixth day, the story goes on to say that God made the land animals, including human beings.
     Of course, this leads to some interesting problems for those who believe in Creationism, or what is now called “Intelligent Design,” as the fossil and DNA evidence clearly show that dinosaurs (land animals, I believe?) were the ancestors of birds; that birds came after them and not before!
      Birds also come into play when Noah gets on the ark in Genesis 7 and 8. Waiting to see if the flood is subsiding, Noah first sends out a raven that keeps flying around because it has no place to land. Then he sends out a dove that comes back with the hopeful sign of an olive leaf. Then he sends out a dove, again, and it simply doesn’t come back. So, Noah knows that there must be some dry land, somewhere. It is from this story that we get the symbol of a dove with an olive leaf in its beak, a sign of hope and trust in the Lord.
       The next mention of a bird comes in Leviticus 14 where two birds are recommended as a means of healing people with skin diseases – a problem that must have been pretty common in ancient days. In this scripture, one of the birds is killed and its blood drained into a pot. Then the remaining bird is to be dipped into the blood of the other bird, along with some cedar shavings, red yarn, and an herb called hyssop. Then the person with the skin disease is sprinkled with the blood and pronounced healed. The live bird is then to be released to the open fields. (You might want to see what your dermatologist thinks about this remedy! On the other hand, who knows what that trusty zit cream that works so well might actually be made out of ? !)
       This brings to mind the old hymn – “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! O precious is the flow that makes me bright as snow; no other fount I know; nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
       Many people don’t like thinking about blood. In fact, many modern hymnals don’t even include hymns about blood, anymore. You won’t see “There is a Fountain Filled With Blood,” in most new hymnals, anymore! It makes people too squeamish to sing about it, not to mention how it might affect the little kids sitting in the pew! However, I think my grandma would laugh at such squeamishness, considering all the chickens she
killed, plucked, and cleaned in front of her own children. Most city folks don’t even know where their food comes from! You have to wonder: Is removing this gory reality from our world really as good for us as we moderns believe it might be? Think about that the next time you consider taking your grandchildren pheasant or duck hunting! Studies show that overly protecting one’s children from this kind of reality can actually make them sick and retard their normal psychological development.
      Birds are mentioned in numerous places throughout the Psalms, especially as being symbolic of freedom, especially in Psalm 11 and 24. And then Ecclesiastes 10:20 warns us to be careful about how we talk about our leaders, because birds might hear it and squeal on us, because some birds, like ravens, can actually talk!
      Doves are mentioned quite a bit in the bible, as well. They’re a symbol faith, peace and God’s Holy Spirit. In Matthew 3:16 Jesus is baptized and a dove comes down and lands on him and a voice is heard from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, with him I am well pleased.”
Sparrows are mentioned, too. In Matthew 10 and Luke 12 they are a symbol of things that aren’t considered by most to be really precious. Yet, we’re told that God really cares about sparrows. And human beings are more precious to God than sparrows! So how much do you think God loves you?
       Eagles are mentioned in the bible twenty-six times. One of those passages talks about how God is very much like a mother eagle that teaches her babies how to fly (Deuteronomy 32:10-11). That’s a good scripture to show anyone who thinks that the only imagery for God in the bible is male. In fact, there are several places in scripture that God is actually referred to with female imagery, this being just one.   Isn’t bible study fun? Do it!

Group Highlights

Dorcas

Statistics for March
Menu: Meatloaf
Total Meals Served:
(Guests:110; Take Outs:65; Helpers: 32 )
Deposit: $1,151.00

Menu for Wednesday, April 8: Swiss Steak

     Everyone is welcome to attend this “All You Can Eat” meal. Cost is $6.00 each. Take outs are available and delivery can be made to offices, shops and homes. Call 872-4604 on the second Wednesday of each month to place your order.

United Methodist Women

     The April meeting will be held on Monday, the 6th at noon. Group 2 will prepare and serve the luncheon. Co-hostesses are Judy Wallace and Melody Frankowski.
      The Port Huron District UMW Shepherd, Grace Cameron, will be the speaker.
All ladies are invited to this and all luncheons and program.

Free Soup Lunch

     Most Saturdays, a free soup and bread lunch is served in our Fellowship Hall for those in our area needing a warm meal from 11am to 2pm.
     Helpers and donations of food items are needed each week. Cathy Czekai is heading up this project. If you can help, give her a call at 872-2679. Clipboards are passed each Sunday during worship for donations of food items.

Church Softball League Forming

We are looking to have a team in the area Church Softball League. It will be a mixed league of youth and adults. Each team must have at least 4 ladies on it. If you are interested in playing in the slow-pitch softball league, please talk with Rev. Paul asap!!

Calling Volunteers for Lawn Mowing

      Spring is here! It won’t be long before the grass will be growing. Last year, a new John Deere garden tractor was purchased to be used on the yard.
       If you would like to take a turn mowing the lawn, please contact the church office to be added to the rotation. By sharing the task, you may only be asked to mow two or three times all year!

Morning Breaks Upon the Tomb

Morning breaks upon the tomb,
Jesus scatters all its gloom.
Day of triumph through the skies –
See the glorious Savior rise.
Christian! Dry your flowing tears,
Chase those unbelieving fears;
Look on his deserted grave,
Doubt no more his power to save.
Ye who are of death afraid,
Triumph in the scattered shade:
Drive your anxious cares away,
See the place where Jesus lay.
–William Bengo Collyer
(Newsletter, Newsletter, 4-03, Canton, OH)

Anniversary and Heritage Celebration
Sunday, April 19

       We moved into our building on September 27, 1998 and last September would have been our 10 year anniversary. We are still in our anniversary year. What started out as a celebration of 10 years, has turned into a Heritage Sunday with many old pictures and memorabilia from the early 1900's and before coming to the surface. Even though our books start in 1865 and 1869, we know folks in Cass City began worshiping in homes and schools earlier than what the records show. It is likely we had our beginnings just as Cass City began just about one hundred fifty years ago!
       Sunday, April 19th, several former pastors and their wives will be joining us for the 11:00 o’clock worship time. Rev. Jim Braid from the 1960's is planning to attend along with some more recent pastors. There will be a time for them to speak during worship. A potluck dinner will be held following worship where there will be ample time for others to greet former pastors and friends.
      There will also be displays of our oldest membership books dating from the late 1800's. There are old hymnals, worship books and an array of items and pictures also on display. Pictures, newspaper articles, videos and lots more are in the process of being put on CD’s which will be available. How blessed we are to be able to save so much digitally for future generations!
     Make plans to attend, Sunday, April 19. Bring a dish for the potluck. There is ample frig and freezer space, ovens and outlets to keep your items either hot or cold! Please bring your own table service.

Here is a sampling of what will be on display.

After Thought:  As we have been going through many of the old, old photos and articles it came to my mind there are many older folks who have such treasures safely tucked among their scrapbooks and other albums. When the times comes for the family to close up a household, please bring as many things pertaining to the history of our church into the office. These items may be scanned and returned or if they are no longer wanted, we would see they are protected for future generations.     Linda

Revive Ministries

      The Revive Ministries sponsored by the Cass City Missionary Church is having a big impact on the Cass City area. Their first few food days were open to everyone.
Now, they are aligned with the Eastern Michigan Food Bank of Flint and will be following their income guidelines on food distribution days - the third Saturday of each month at the Millennium Building next to McDonald’s on Main Street from 10am to 11am.
      The Guidelines:
        • Must bring personal identification
        • Must have identification for each family member (birth certificate, shot
          record, report card, etc.)
        • Must bring proof of income (bridge card/ food stamps, check stub, etc.)
        • Must be present to receive the food.
        • Must be a resident of the Cass City School District.
        • Financial Guidelines start with one person with a monthly income of $1,430 - for
          each additional family member, add $495.

If you would like to help or donate to this ministry, go to their website www.revivecc.org or call 1-989-551-7803.

Minute Highlights

Board of Trustees    3-5-09

Discussed lawn care and maintenance on the new mower. Larry Wheeler, Ted Furness and Rev. Paul volunteered to join the mowing group. Will ask for more volunteers.

Disbanding the Lock Up Team was discussed but the consensus is that we have to much to risk not to have someone checking the building every night. Besides making sure the doors are locked, they check faucets and toilets for running water, kitchen appliances to be at proper temperatures, check to see lights are shut off properly and thermostats are set correctly.

The Trustees will work on a checklist for groups using the church so that they will know what is expected of them before they leave.

Discussed and decided to purchase signs to control traffic flow. The South drive will be for entering and the North drive will be for exiting only.

Will also purchase a sign to let people know there is a unisex restroom in the cry room.

Some painting projects were discussed.

No Parking Between Signs will be placed at the end of the North sidewalk to give people needing to drive up the sidewalk access.

Christians who move the world are those who do not let the world move them.
                                                                                                –D.L. Moody
Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.
                                                                                               -- Albert Schweitzer
                                                                                                                                    (Newsletter, Newsletter 4-97, Canton OH)

Mission Day at CCUMC
Thursday, May 21

       Beatrice Gbanga is a nurse and United Methodist missionary in West Africa. Beatrice serves as the medical coordinator for both Liberia and Sierra Leone Annual Conferences. Liberia and Sierra Leone are now recovering from a decade of civil war which destroyed much of the infrastructure of both nations, including much of their medical system.
       Beatrice is extremely well qualified for this role. After earning her G.C.E. Level in 1967 from the Harford School for Girls in Freetown, she received an RN degree in 1972 from Grantham & Kesteven General Hospital in Grantham, England. She then received a master's degree in nursing in 1973 from the Leeds Maternity Hospital in Leeds, England (an outstanding teaching hospital). She later received a nurse tutor's diploma in 1989 from the Centre for Teachers of Health Sciences in Ibadan, Nigeria. In addition, she was certified in Advanced Health Leadership in 1997 by Global Health Action in Atlanta, Georgia.
       Ms. Gbanga previously served as a Person In Mission (PIM) in her native country of Sierra Leone as administrator and coordinator of the Sierra Leone Annual Conference's medical program from 1993-1997. She also trained professional nurses from 1985-1993 at the National School of Nursing in Freetown.
      Of her return to West Africa as a GBGM missionary, Ms. Gbanga says, "When I was in the USA in 1997, I intended to stay for a month but war broke out in Sierra Leone, which made me stay longer. I tried to update my license to practice as a nurse (in the USA), but things did not go well. Just then, I got a call from the GBGM to apply for mission service. I believe God wanted me to serve him in this way."
      In 2006, The First UMC of Birmingham provided $12,000 for Beatrice Gbanga to initiate a mobile medical clinic for Liberia. The funds were used to purchase a used bus as well as the medical equipment and supplies to stock it. The funding came from a combination of missions funds in the operating budget, the Partners in Mission fund, the UMW rummage sale missions fund, and an anonymous donor. UMW has continued to provide annual funding for the operation of the mobile medical clinic.
      Today people in rural areas of Liberia must often walk 5-10 miles to the nearest health care facility. This mobile medical clinic will provide medical care to many of those people in the rural areas around Monrovia.
      A member of First United Methodist Church in Riverdale (Atlanta), Georgia, Ms. Gbanga is married to Tamba Samuel Gbanga and together they have five children: Samilia, Agnes, Henrietta, Julliette and Teddy. Her mother, Agnes Nancy Minah, is a member of Bauya Anglican Church in Sierra Leone.
      Beatrice's other projects in Liberia include the following:
           *Training volunteers to provide health care in rural villages.
             For a total of $2,000, 20 people can be trained in first aid, maternity care,
             nutrition, etc., and then become the primary health care providers for their
             villages.
            *Providing prosthetic legs to  amputees. Many people lost legs during the
             decade of civil war in these nations. For $50, a prosthetic leg can be
             manufactured and the amputee trained to use it.
           *HIV/AIDS awareness program.
           *Substance abuse and violence prevention programs.
           *Supervising work at Ganta Hospital and several clinics.
      After serving as the medical coordinator for the Liberia Annual Conference for a number of years, in July 2006 Beatrice moved to Sierra Leone and has initiated similar programs there while she continues to have responsibility for the programs in Liberia.
Mark your calendar for Thursday, May 21! It promises to be a very exciting day here at CCUMC.
     Beatrice will be staying overnight here in Cass City. If you would want to provide her a room for the night and breakfast, please contact Rev. Paul.

Soup and Sandwich Lunch  -- Camp Fund Raiser

     Our Camp Fund is about to be swamped with requests from the children and youth in our congregation. The buzz is going on. Last year we sent about 26 from CCUMC to Bay Shore Camp. That is close to $7,000!
    Our Camp Policy is to pay 2/3rds of the registration fee for each child of camping age to attend one United Methodist Camp of his or her choice each year!
Janelle Dickinson is our Camp Co-ordinator who is collecting the registration slips after the families send in their 1/3rd payment. If you have a problem with the 1/3rd payment, talk with Janelle.
    Help plump up the Camp Fund by giving a generous donation at the Soup and Sandwich Lunch following worship on Sunday, April 26.

Nice Twice

       Last September, Dolly Misch, brought up an idea at Ad Council. She was interested in starting a collection of professional women's clothing which could be given free to anyone needing such clothing for a job interview, or to then start a new job. Linda Derfiny said that she would help with the project.
      There is really no good spot in our church to house such a collection. After looking at several possible locations around town and striThisking out, Dolly & Linda were delighted to learn that the Revive Ministries would have a room to use in their "new" building to the west of McDonalds in Cass City. That used to be Millennium, Walbro, and even a skating rink way back when. The women now have a name for the clothing collection: Nice Twice, and it will be opening later this spring.
      Apparel will be free, but available by appointment only. Clothing will also be given if someone is in need for greeting mourners at a funeral, or even for a deceased family member.
      If you have any nice clothing, including suits with skirts or pants, dresses, jackets, jewelry, or dressy shoes or purses which you would like to donate, just call Dolly or Linda. Tax receipts will be available. They're not sure how much need there is for interview clothing in these times, but even to apply for a minimum-wage position, women may need nice clothes. Once it is up and running, Dolly and Linda will get the word out to the unemployment office, the various hairdressers, the funeral homes, etc.
      Nice Twice is also in need of a full-length mirror, an iron, and an ironing board. If you have any of these items to donate, please let Dolly or Linda know.
     As you are cleaning out dress clothing you no longer need or want, keep Nice Twice in mind for any "good stuff" !!!

This 'n That

Volunteers in Mission Opportunities

Katrina Recovery Team Openings
Holly Fujishige is leading a team April 19-25, 2009 for reparing and rebuilding for Katrina recover at Heritage UMC in D’lberville, MS. The team is organized from the St. Clair First UMC. Please contact her at hkfujishige@comcast.net or phone at 586-675-3224. The cost to individual team members is $150.00

Looking Glass Community Services
Contact Andrew Highland or Dawn Dulworth of Laingsburg, MI if you are interested in church and community projects of the General Board of Global Ministries. Home repairs and renovations, small building projects: painting, porches, roofs, wheelchair ramps, working on our playground. Helpers needed through summer of 2009. Call 517-675-5427 or email: ahighland@lgcservices.org or ddulworth@lgcservices.org

Flint Community Service
Work week is scheduled for June 21 -26. Ray McGee 810-238-7685 or email: prmcgee@sbcglobal.net Stay at the church, do home repairs for financially challenged community members. Cost is $200 ($100 to cost meals, etc. and $100 to help offset material expenses.)

If you are interested in other VIM opportunities, contact Duane and Terry Townley by calling them at 989-835-7564.

If you life is headed in the wrong direction, God allows you to make a U-turn.
                                                                                                        Unkown

United Hospice Service Walk-a-Thon

      Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 2 in Sandusky if you would like to help the Marlette United Hospice in their fund raiser. All proceeds from this year’s event will be directed to our “Friends of Hospice” program. This program helps ANY individual or family facing difficult end-of-life circumstances. The funds assist patients with utility bills, room and board at the residence.
     If you want more information or want to register a walking team call 1-800-635-7490.

Marlette Regional Hospital

     During the month of May, the Marlette Regional Hospital (the certified Softer Mammogram Provider) is offering mammograms at the reduced rate of $65 which includes hospital and radiologist fee. To schedule the Softer Mammogram call 989-635-4360.

Earth Day

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Caring and Sharing

Deaths...
...Our Condolences to Ann Marie Lynch, her family and friends on the death of her 16 year old cousin, Andrew Burkett.
...Our Sympathy to the family and friends of Betty Wareham.
..We Extend Our Condolences to Shirley and Bill Zinnecker, their family and friends on the unexpected death of Shirley’s brother, Duane Buschlen of Pigeon.
...Our Sincere Condolences to Doris Rawson, Jim Rawson, their family and friends on the passing into life eternal by Doris’ husband and Jim’s father, Dr. Delbert Rawson.

In Your Prayers... Ruth Ann Wichert, Clara Seeley, Rev. Paul & Rev. Linda; Carol Schaufele; Brian Mallory; Donna Auten; Elaine Proctor; Dorothy Knight; Denise Jones (Leukemia); Maurice Joos; Mary Hutchinson; Ray Arnold; Bea Baker; Rev. Bob & Charlene Garrett; Winifred Lamb; 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, Don Buehrly, Thelma Graham
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)
Timber Line Lodge, 3771 Colwood Rd., Caro:
Betty Scofield;
Service People: Matt Inbody (Afghanistan); Mike Furness. (GA); Marc Inbody (SC); Josh Sherman (OH), Kendra Parsons (TX); Matt Essenmacher. (Honduras); Tim Karr (WA); Steve McCormick, (Iraq); Ben Wheeler (Iraq -Lori Inbody’s god-son and their units.

From the Mail Box:

From Betsy Dillon: Thank you to everyone who sent birthday cards to my mother. How very thoughtful – you made her day very special. She was thrilled.
From Elmer and Janet Francis: I wish to thank you for all the prayers and cards. It lifts the spirit. We also want to thank you for the delicious chicken soup for Valentine’s Day. It was so very thoughtful of you!
From Ida Wiles: Thank you all for the lovely fruit you sent me at Christmas time. I also enjoyed a short visit with the lovely young lady who brought it to my door. The Valentine soup lunch was good also. It was delivered by a young man and his mother. It makes me feel good to be included in your church. I am moving out of town so I will not be coming to church. I am going to live with my son and his wife and I will be attending the church where I am a member. I have enjoyed being part of your congregation for the last five years.
From Jerry & Donna Auten: We enjoyed the delicious soup and cookies at Valentine’s Day. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
From Irvin and Carol Schaufele: Thank you so much for the soup and cookie and the Valentine card. It was so good. Thanks Jay for bring it out.
From Lois Bockstanz: Thank you belatedly for remembering me with the fresh fruit for Christmas. It was delicious and I enjoyed it. Also, thank you for the delicious Valentine’s day lunch of soup, roll and cookies. I appreciate your remembering me on these days.
From Dorothy Knight: Thank you so much for all the beautiful birthday cards. No two were alike. You truly made me feel very special. I’m saving them all. My best to you.
From Elaine and Tom Proctor: I want to thank everyone who has shown us kindness. During this difficult time, we appreciate your prayers, cards, flowers, food and etc. God bless each and everyone of you.
From Pauline Hulburt: Sincere thanks once again for the delicious Valentine soup lunch. Mine was chicken soup and so tasty! I’m blessed to be a part of such a caring church.
From Jay and Shirley Wisenbach: A big thank you for that wonderful Valentine lunch. Homemade soup, cookies and Valentine card. You can’t beat that.
From Marge Dickinson: Thank you for the Valentine’s Day soup, roll and cookie. It was very good and appreciated. I especially liked the card Heather Czekai made.

Thank you to our helpers:

April Worship Assistants

Greeters

April  5    Larry and Julie Janik
          9    Roy and Shirley Wagg (Maundy Thursday)
        12   Jay and Shirley Wisenbach
        19   Luis and Helen Salas
        26   Mary Jane and Megan VanVliet

Readers // Children’s Messages

April  5   Jane Mitchell
         12  Gil Schwaderer // Rev. Paul
         19  Rev. Paul
         26   Barb Kirn

Sound/Projection

April  5   Jacob Kittle
        12   Jacob Kittle
        19   Morgan Erla
        26   Morgan Erla

Ushers: Captain: John Merchant

Not Available at printing

Communion Steward:

Ruth Wichert Sunday, April 5: Ruth Wichert Maundy Thursday, April 9: Dora Fobear

Acolyte

April   5   Hank Janik
         12   Bobby Sue Steely
         19   Nataliah Frankowski
         26   Mandy Czekai

Altar Guild

April   5   Bob & Barbara Stickle
         12   John & Melody Frankowski
         19   Caren Clara
         26   Bob & Barbara Tuckey

Flowers (Please use real flowers and plants.)

April    5
         12   Clara Seeley
         19   Al & Ashlie Patrick
         26   Dr. Paul and Suzanne Chappel

Lock Up

April  5   Ted Furness
        12   Gary Wichert
        19   Ron Kittle
        26   Rod Sherman