Mother's Day

Sunday, May 10

Rev. Tom Wachterhauser Retires

      The Davison UMC is planning a catered meal to honor Rev. Tom on his retirement this year.  The evening begins with dinner at 6:00pm on Saturday, May 30.  If you would like to attend, please RSVP by May 20th to Doris Landen at 810-658-5337 or email: landendy@yahoo.com.
       You are also invited to send Rev. Tom and Beth a card or letter in honor of his retirement to:  Davison UMC, 207 E. Third St., Davison, MI  48423 before May 30.
       Rev. Tom began his ministry in 1971 at Burr Oak.  Other churches served were Midland First, Cass City Trinity, Ann Arbor First and the last twelve years at Davison. 

Notes

Administrative Council
Tuesday, May 12
7:00pm

Progressive Class Outing
Thursday, May 14 (all day)
Northern Michigan Experience
Contact a class member for details.

Detroit Annual Conference
May 14 - 17
Adrian

Pentecost is Sunday, May 31
Worship is at 11:00am.

Sunday School Classes End
Sunday, May 17
Last day until fall.

Revive Cass City Food Distribution
Third Saturday - May 16
10:00am - 11:00am
Millennium Building
Income guidelines apply

Rev.

from Rev. Paul

          The great prophet Amos, even in the midst of the impressive religious demonstrations of his fellow countrymen, said these words in God’s name:

"I hate, I despise your religious feasts;
I cannot stand your assemblies.
Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,
I will have no regard for them.
Away with the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!
(Amos 5:21-24)

         Amos was really upset with the fakery of his people’s worship, especially as it was compared to what they did outside of worship. Just a few verses earlier, he says:

You hate the one who reproves in court
and despise him who tells the truth.
You trample on the poor
and force him to give you grain.
Therefore, though you have built stone mansions,
you will not live in them;
though you have planted lush vineyards,
you will not drink their wine.
For I know how many are your offenses
and how great your sins.
You oppress the righteous and take bribes
and you deprive the poor of justice in the courts.
(Amos 5:10-12)

         It is not uncommon for people to allow their culture to define the correctness of their religious practices, without much regard for biblical principles. In Amos’ day the typical religious person went to the Temple and synagogue pretty regularly, offered sacrifices for their sins, had great fellowship and rousing worship services with wonderful music. But, according to Amos, the most important thing they lacked was a concern for justice for the poor and righteousness in their community.
         As far as Amos was concerned, worship was an important thing for God’s people to do. However, for Amos, nothing in worship should ever encourage self-righteousness or self-permanence. No one should ever think that just because they are doing religious things in church that they are somehow immune from responsibility for the homeless, the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, the naked, the strangers, those in prison (Matthew 25:35-36).
        Sometimes this kind of thinking can creep into the life of the church. Something that may be used to advertise or flag one person’s self-importance should always be suspect. For instance, if I were to start a church and name it after myself (St. Paul’s?) I should certainly expect people to suspect my motives!
I know of several denominations, for instance, where worship services with the Lord’s Supper are regularly held and paid for by family members in memory of a loved one. One of the purposes of such worship services is to pray for the soul of the departed such that the deceased person may quickly get to heaven. The more services, the better!
         Of course, the United Methodist Church doesn’t buy into this theology, because we believe that whether or not a person goes to heaven has much more to do with one’s relationship with Jesus Christ. Whether or not a person has friends who are willing to pay for “enough” special worship services doesn’t affect one’s salvation! If paying for special worship services to get someone to heaven actually worked, then I would imagine that it might be difficult for a person with poor friends to ever get out of purgatory!
        This is the kind of thing that riled Amos when he criticized the religious thinking of his own people. While they promoted their own worthiness in their religious practices, they “trampled on the poor” (Amos 5:10).
         This is one of the reasons that faithfulness in church must be matched by our faithfulness out in the world. Being involved with missions, social concerns, volunteering as a tutor or mentor, visiting the sick, being involved with projects that provide housing, like Habitat for Humanity, working with community youth groups, are just a few examples.
          It is this kind of thing that makes what we do in church real. And, it is that which is real that we must present to God and to the world if we’re really serious about our faith.
For instance, if I were a young lady going to the prom, how would I feel if my date came to the door and presented me with an artificial corsage, explaining that he got it for her so she could use it on all their next dates? While the young man could be admired for his practicality, the young lady might certainly tend to suspect the reality of the young man’s passion for her!
           So, the sincerity of our faith is seen in the reality of what we do in church and must be matched by the reality of what we do in the world, reflecting our passion for Christ.

Grads

               Known College Graduates this past year:

               Leah Sherman
               Jonathan Bennett
               Nick Stoutenburg





***Graduate Reception following worship
On Sunday, May 10

Group Highlights

Dorcas

The April Dinner Stats:
      Menu: Swiss Steak
     Total Meals Served: 194
     (Guests: 115; Take-Outs: 49; Helpers: 30)
      Deposit: $1,227.00

Dorcas Dinner for Wednesday, May 13:
                                          Menu: Chicken with Stuffing
                                         Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

        The Dorcas Community Dinner is held in our dining room the second Wednesday of each month at noon. Food is served family style. The cost is $6.00 a person for the full dinner plus your beverage and a generous piece of pie! Take-outs are available by calling 872-4604 before noon on that day. Delivery is available to factories, offices, and stores. If you know of a business who might like to order a hot meal, give them the information. Invite your family, friends and neighbors! The meal is for all ages.

United Methodist Women

There is no Monday meeting in May.

Mother/Daughter/Friend Salad Potluck
Saturday, May 9 - Dinner at 6:00pm

       All ladies are invited to share in this delightful evening. If you are not a mother, then you are someone’s daughter and that makes you part of the festivities! Invite a lady friend to come with you for the evening!
      Bring your favorite salad to share for the meal. Rolls, dessert and beverages will be provided. There is no charge.
      Come early for fellowship and punch. There will be a time of entertainment following the meal provided by various youth and adults from the congregation.

Ultimate Garage Sale
June 17-18-19

       It took forever for winter to leave so many folks have put off spring cleaning! But there is still time before the annual church garage sale.
      Check your closets, attic, basement, and garage for good and gently used items that are taking up your precious space!! Donate them to the church!
        If you are thinking about downsizing your home items, we’ll take what you no longer use. If you have upgraded your electric tools, bring us your old one; if you have the new HDTV, bring us your portable television and/or the DTV box you no longer use; and if you have furniture you no longer need, bring it in! As always, dishes, electric appliances, bedding and housewares, toys, bikes, sport or exercise equipment, decorations and good clothing are needed.
        There is some room in the storage shed, and after May 31st, items may be brought into the Sunday School area.

Church Night with the Loons!

     Tuesday, June 30 is Church Night at the Dow Diamond in Midland. The Loons will be hosting the Lansing Lugnuts (the minor league team for the Blue Jays.) Game time is 7:05pm.
Last year a group went to the Loons game and had a BALL! If you would like to join in on the fun outing, contact Connie Schwaderer by JUNE 1. Take the whole family!! Tickets are $9.00 each.

VBS

Mark your calendar for Monday, June 22, Tuesday, June 23 and Wednesday, June 24 for a high energy Vacation Bible School, Beach Party!
Teachers and helpers are needed. Contact the church office, Lori Inbody or Laura Hill.

Whatever Happened to Mildred?

Mildred was a very old woman living in a retirement home. One day she was sitting and talking with a friend of similar age. “I’m getting so old,” Mildred said to her companion, “that all my friends who are already in heaven will think I didn’t make it.”
                                                                                 Newsletter Newsletter, Communication Resources, Inc, Canto, OH May ‘03

Free Soup Lunch

Each Saturday, the community is invited to the Free Soup Lunch in our dining room from 11:00am to 2:00pm. If you would like to contribute to this project and/or help with set up/ serving / clean-up, contact Cathy Czekai at 872-2679.
There is a new menu each week.
The dates in May are: 2, 9, 16 and 23. The church hall is rented on May 30.

Walking by Faith

          An Oklahoma City pastor, Susan Southhall, says that we Christians sometimes have trouble walking by faith. We live in a world that wants to analyze and plan out everything instead of living in the midst of the experience. This makes it hard for us to live a life of faith because true faith is about living in patient expectation of what God will do in our lives. Often we want to be in control and help God along when it seems that things are not happening!
         She suggests Abraham as the model of a person who walked by faith. Abraham set out on his journey without knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). He trusted God to lead him day by day, step by step.
         Perhaps Rev. Southhall has a point we should consider. Remember the old joke about the man who made extensive plans regarding every detail of his life? God asked him what he was doing. The man told God of his detailed plans, and you know what happened? God laughed.
         That is supposed to be funny, but it makes the point that we really have only one real and ultimate plan to follow – God’s plan. It’s the plan that will be revealed to us as we walk by faith day by day through life.
                                                            Newsletter Newsletter, Communication Resources, Inc, Canto, OH May ‘03

*** Mission Day at CCUMC ***
Thursday, May 21

Meet a United Methodist making real changes in the world!

       You will have just that “once in a lifetime chance” on Thursday, May 21 when Beatrice Gbanga comes to share a potluck meal with us and then tell us about the life she lives and witnesses to in her home country of West Africa.
       Ms. Gbanga sees it all! She sees the hard life in the country struggling more now to regain its identity following years of civil strife. She also sees the rewards – improvements in the lives of people with real names and faces and as a result a growing United Methodist Church!
      You may read the impressive list of personal accomplishments of Ms. Gganga and feel she might not have time enough to be in face to face and hand to hand ministry. But you’d be wrong! She is your eyes and ears and heart working indiscriminately among people of all faiths, especially the young folks of the region, who begin to trust and give respect to those who work in the name of The United Methodist Church.
     Currently on leave from the General Board of Global Ministries, she voluntarily gives of herself to travel in this country and give first hand accounts of the needs and rewards.
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.

       Beatrice Gbanga is a nurse and United Methodist missionary in West Africa. She serves as the medical coordinator for both Liberia and Sierra Leone Annual Conferences. The area is now recovering from a decade of civil war which destroyed much of the infra-structure 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." 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. 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.
       If you want more background on Ms. Gbanga, you may type her name in your search engine and read many articles about her and her work.

Operation Classroom

     Operation Classroom is planning a teachers workshop July 25 to August 10 at the Ganta UM School, in Ganta, Liberia. They have requested workshops in: a. lesson planning, b. lesson presentation, c. classroom management, d. teaching methods for reading, math and science.
     Certificates will be given each participating teacher. The cost per team member will be around $3,000 (depending on the price of the tickets when they are ordered.).
The team will fly to Monrovia, spend one evening in Monrovia and then travel to Ganta. At Ganta they will be staying in a guest house. Time will be given to visit the hospital and the rehab center. Rev. Priscillaa Jaiah is the principal at the Ganta school. For more information and an application, contact Carolyn Wagner, PO Box 246, Colfax, IN 46035, or  ccwagner@hotmail.com.
     For more information about Operation Classroom, check the website:
www.operationclassroom.org .

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Commemorative Items

    A CD is available for $5.00 to cover the cost. The CD’s contents need to be viewed on a computer’s internet browser program. There are many very old pictures including a variety of snapshots in no particular order, all previous and current pictorial directories, and an expanded section on pastors with some newspaper articles. It is hoped to continue adding pictures and articles as a way to preserve our history and make these available also.
    Attractive t-shirts and sweatshirts have been made available for purchase.
The t-shirts come in lime green, beige and a pretty blue for $8.00. The sweatshirts come in beige and navy and are $20.00 each. There are various adult sizes S - M - L - XL.
     If you are interested in purchasing these items, you will find them on the table in the north hallway. Please pay in the office.

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 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 striking 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 also needs a full-length mirror, and an iron. 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" !!!

Minute Highlights

Worship Team        3 -31-09

     Summer worship time will change to 9:30am on the first Sunday in June. Sunday School’s last day will be May 17.
     Will have dedications of Memorials on Sunday, May 24 at the 11 o’clock worship.
Praise Time will come back after Easter. Wanted Lent to be a more reflective time.
Discussed the layout of the worship service. It follows the United Methodist Book of Worship. It is important to sing all the verses of songs. Need to keep the tempo faster. Hymns are dragging.
     Would like special music for summer. Would like “live” music. The church is about the only venue for musicians to play these days. Would like those who play instruments to do a special during the summer.
      Mother’s Day will also be Graduation Recognition. The following weekend is Annual Conference and the following weekend is Memorial weekend.
      The worship team requested that Jacob Kittle read his article that won him the opportunity to place a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers in Washington, D.C. when the eighth graders take their trip.
      Discussed Monster Cookies for men’s treat on Father’s Day.
      Discussed having a worship service in Rotary Park on Sunday, July 5.
       Calvarymen Quartet will be coming here on August 30 at 9:30am.
       September 13 will be Rally Day.
      Discussed business cards for the pastor and the church so when the pastor calls on someone he can leave his card if they are not home.
      Not getting many popcorn tags with names and addresses back. Thought maybe if a return address is on them, they might mail them back. Need people familiar with the congregation so they recognize new people.

Special Thanks

       A special “Thank you!” to Jane Mitchell and Connie Schwaderer for coordinating the 10th Anniversary Celebration. Jane spent much time with the layout. Those who helped her were Doris Jones, Suzie Chappel, Shirley Wisenbach and Melody Frankowski. Jane also put together a remembrance booklet that was handed out. Many thanks to all those who contributed articles describing the various groups and ministries of the church. Gerald Auten and Bob Wood made a large showcase depicting a step by step progression of the building process. Several folks brought in old pictures, newspaper articles and books from across the many years which were very interesting. Thank you to Marilyn Green and Doris Jones for working on t-shirts and sweatshirts with the church logo on them. Pam Powell provided an extra special coffee time for the event. Shirley Wisenbach and Shirley Wagg worked on the banner for the occasion. This was all followed by a great potluck dinner supervised by Louise Buehrly, Shirley & Jay Wisenbach, Pam and Mishelle Powell and Connie Schwaderer. Dora Fobear took pictures. So many folks have helped in so many ways that we are sure some names are regretfully being omitted. Our cleaning group did a little extra getting ready and the follow up cleaning. Special music by Ron Kittle and Laura Hill. The Chancel Choir did an extra special number, too!
     What was expected to be an anniversary celebration actually turned into a Heritage Celebration with displays of our oldest membership books dating the mid-1800's along with family Bibles as well as actual pictures from the same era! It was truly remarkable.
Former District Superintendents and pastors gave greetings. Those present were: Rev. Peggy Paige and her husband, Jim; Rev. & Mrs. Ken Tousley, Rev. & Mrs. Jim Braid, Rev. & Mrs. Joe Robertson, Rev. & Mrs. Bob Garrett, and Dr. & Mrs. Philip Rice. Mrs. Rice also stepped up to direct the choir, providing special music and accompanying Don Greenleaf for the offertory.
      CD’s for viewing on your computer’s internet browser were made from some of the many, many pictures and articles brought in. Rev. Paul and Linda Parrish worked on these. Hopefully, more pictures will eventually be scanned to preserve our history and made available to those who are interested. Rev. Paul spent much time converting videos and slides into a format that will allow viewing for many years to come.
      Here are the addresses of the pastors who were either here or sent notes if you’d like to write a personal note to them:

Rev. & Mrs. James Braid
1850 Helena Ave
Hartland, MI 48353-3773

Dr. & Mrs. Philip Rice
6074 Old Hickory Dr.
Bay City, MI 48706-9068

Revs. Peggy & Jim Paige
974 Mitchell Lake Rd.
Attica, MI 48412

Rev. & Mrs. Robert Garrett
Box 56
Elkton, MI 48731-0056

Rev. & Mrs. Joe Robertson
907 Monument
Tawas City, MI 48763-9366

Rev. & Mrs. Ken Tousley
1235 Wintergreen St.
East Tawas, MI 48730

Rev. Robert Betts
200 S. Miller Dr., Apt. 15
Eaton Rapids, MI 48827

Rev. Tom Wachterhauser
716 Surfwood Ln
Davison, MI 48423-1237

Rev. & Mrs. George Ward
996 N. Baywood Dr.
Holland, MI 48424

Rev. & Mrs. Clare Patton
153 Palisades Dr.
Davenport, FL 33837

Rev. & Mrs. Ken Ray
5493 Willis Rd.
Ypsilanti, MI 48197-8922

Notes on our Kitchen Inspection

      Twice annually, the Tuscola County Health Department makes a surprise visit to inspect our facility. Now you may suspect that the inspection is just the kitchen, but it includes the storage rooms, water supply and softener salt storage, and the janitor’s closet because some things are stored there, too! The restrooms, especially the one in the kitchen area, are also checked for adequate supplies and cleanliness!

     We had two critical repeat errors and several minor errors. We thought it important to report these to you so that everyone may help keep our facility inspection ready.

     1. A repeat critical violation: one dozen eggs were found on the shelf marked ready to eat foods on the left hand side marked raw vegetables, bread, salads, sandwich fixings, etc.. Eggs must be stored on the lowest of the meat shelves because if they break they can contaminate other foods if they drain into them. They are just like meats (which go on the north wall shelving or straight in). Meats also need to be put into a pan to catch any leaking. THERE ARE SIGNS ATTACHED TO THE SHELVES TO TELL YOU WHAT SHOULD BE PLACED THERE. Please read the signs.
     2. Critical violation: Blue enameled pan for an electric roaster was found - it is not food safe and should not be on the premises. Baked-on enamel ware is not food safe.
     3. A repeat non-critical violation: Styrofoam plates, cups and take out boxes in the storeroom were not wrapped in plastic and face down to prevent contamination. Some left-over ones were also found on the kitchen serving counter face up.
    4. Hand cream cannot be stored by single-service items in the kitchen.
    5. The kitchen restroom was out of hand towels. Please let someone know when you find yourself with the last towel.
     6. The back flow valve certificate on our heating system is not current. It needs to be tested each year by a licensed contractor with this type of certification. Now what does that have to do with food safety? If that valve fails, it can release water from our heating system into our drinking water lines; thus contamination occurs.

     And a couple of items that may not have been explained before. Whenever towels are used, whoever dirties them is responsible for taking them home to be laundered and returned to the kitchen. Dorcas cleans up after Dorcas; you should clean up after yourself.

    Since we don’t have a janitor, it is the responsibility of those using the kitchen to sweep and mop the floors after their use. Also pick up the mats to clean because many things hide under them which draw ants and mice.

    Milk must be marked with the date counting today plus 6 days. If you aren’t going to use it yourself, put it in the freezer or take it home with you. Don’t think someone will be in and use it because they won’t. They think it is someone’s milk and won’t touch it! Remember these are surprise inspections! When there are violations, we are listed on the website for everyone to see and the inspector will come back for another recheck - unannounced and at our expense!

     One more reminder, when we serve food to the public, the Health Department wants all foods prepared in the church kitchen following the rules and guidelines for food safety. Homemade canned foods are not allowed in foods served to the public nor are they allowed in our kitchen.

     Every effort has been taken with signs in as many places as possible to maintain a clean and orderly facility. Your vigilance is needed to keep us in good standing with the State of Michigan guidelines.

                 *** Please read the signs. ***

Caring and Sharing

Deaths...

Our Condolences to Dan and Linda Derfiny, Matt Derfiny, Michelle and Andres Wells, their family and friends on the passing of Dan’s mother, Joyce Derfiny of Mesa, Arizona, on Easter morning.

Births:
     We send our welcome to Gabriel Thomas Willard, born on April 17th to Ashley Wallace and Josh Willard. Gabriel weighed 6 pounds and 3 ounces. The grandmother is the former Angela Nieboer. Great-great grandmother is Esther Guinther.
    Our Congratulations to Stuart and Vera Nicol on the birth of their first great-grandson, Graham Stuart Nicol on April 12, weighing 7 pounds 15 ounces. Jason and Jennifer Nicol of Ubly are the proud new parents. Graham missed Great-Grandma Vera’s birthday by coming one day earlier!

In Your Prayers...
Jason Anthes (lung problem - son of Beth Anthes); James Bratton (mass behind knee cap - nephew of Laura Hill); David Johnston (hearing damage - brother-in-law of Laura Hill); 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).
Tendercare, 4782 Hospital Dr., C.C.: Florence Eimers, Don Buehrly,
Northwood Meadows, 6086 Beechwood, C.C.: John Marshall, Fritz Pomeroy, Marv Hobart, Tom Proctor, Thelma Graham
Kings’ Daughters, 2410 Rodd St., Midland, MI 48640: Dorothea Quick;
Tuscola Medical Care Facility, 1285 Cleaver Rd., Caro 48723: Ruth Freeman; Carolyn Chapman; Clara Seeley
TimberLine Lodge, 3771 Colwood, Caro: Betty Scofield.
Service People: Matt Inbody (Afghanistan); Mike Furness. (GA); Marc Inbody (SC); Josh Sherman (CA), Kendra Parsons (TX); Matt Essenmacher. (Honduras); Tim Karr (WA); Steve McCormick, (Iraq).

From the Mail Box:
From Joan Merchant to Pastor Paul: Just a word of thanks for the beautiful Holy Week Services. I’m always disappointed on Maundy Thursday as I’m sure all pastors are for the many that miss that precious service. (I did miss the black stole around the cross.) But Easter was glorious.
From LEAD Tuscola to Pastor Paul: It’s great to know we can count on leaders to go the extra mile. With sincere appreciation for your time and the knowledge you shared with the LEAD Tuscola class.
From Jim and Doris Rawson to Rev. Donelson: On behalf of my Mother and myself I want to thank you and your staff at the Cass City United Methodist Church for all that you did to successfully carry out my father’s service on Friday, March the 13th. Your support in following our wishes was most appreciated. The members from the church who volunteered to serve made us feel most at home. Their refreshments were just what we needed and loved by all who partook. Our most sincere thanks you to you all.
From Bay Shore Camp (Mike Coffey): I want to write and express my appreciation for your gift to our Scholarship fund. While attendance numbers are holding steady or even climbing a small amount, we are probably going to struggle to meet last year’s income for scholarships due to the down turn in the markets. This makes your ongoing support that much more meaningful, and I wanted to express my thanks. Thanks again for all you do for the Lord through Bay Shore Camp. (This was in response to our anonymous donor’s $2,000 contribution.)

Thank you to helpers:
 --Folding Bulletins: Janis Seeley
 --Newsletter: Proofreading: Linda Derfiny. Helpers: Judy Profit, Norma Dawson and Ted and Janet Furness
 --Thank you to The Cleaning Crew!!
 --Thank you to the Chancel Choir as they are coming to the last month of regular music until fall. Thank you to Steve Fobear, Glenda Wilson and Don Greenleaf for sharing their talents!
 --Thank you to Rod Sherman and helpers Mick Kirn and Larry Wheeler for shoveling snow from the sidewalks early in mornings this past winter!
 --Thank you to Shagene Excavating for keeping the parking lot bladed.
 --Thank you to Dolly Misch for sending out bulletins to the shut-ins.
 --And as always, thank you to those folks getting things done behind the scenes. We know jobs are done, but we don’t always find out who did them!!

one liners

A simple, grateful thought turned heavenwards is the most perfect prayer.
                                                                                    Doris Lessing

If God is your Co-pilot - swap seats!

An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy.
                                                                                  Spanish Proverb

The will of God never takes you where the Grace of God will not protect you.

Put your trust in the living God and all will be right in time and eternity.
                                                                                      John Taylor

Opportunity may knock but once, temptation bangs on the door forever.



Something about the Ascension of Christ

     A pastor nearing retirement realized that he had probably preached 5,000 times or more, but had only preached once on the Ascension of Christ. He began to regret that he hadn’t helped his listeners understand the significance of the Ascension more often.
After all, he contemplated, not only is the story told in detail in the first chapter of Acts, but it’s referred to in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, as well as in the First Epistle of Peter. Furthermore, it’s in the Apostle’s Creed: “He ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty...”
     The pastor began to prepare a sermon focusing on the Ascension. He started with the story of Jesus’ being lifted up and disappearing into heaven. Jesus’ friends who witnessed the event were left standing, opened-mouthed, looking skyward. St. Luke, who wrote the most about this story, tells of two men in white robes who appeared and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven?” (Acts 1:11 NRSV).
To the pastor it seemed as though the messengers of heaven were saying, “Christ has risen from the dead. Christ has ascended into heaven. Stop qawking and go tell this glorious good news to everyone!
     That is an order the Church needs to remember always.
                                                          Newsletter Newsletter, Communication Resources, Inc, Canto, OH May ‘02