1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

12
The Tower News
First United Methodist Church
111 East Michigan Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49014
www.firstumcbc.org
First United Methodist Church
The City Center Church
111 East Michigan Avenue,
Battle Creek, MI 49014
Address Service Requested
Volume 5 Issue 3 – June 2015
The vision of First United Methodist Church is to be a Vibrant,
Diverse, Christ-Centered People.
Your Church Staff
Ministers .................................................. All Members
Lead Pastor ....................................... Marshall Murphy
Co-Pastor .............................................. Scott Bouldrey
Administrative Assistant ................ Jean Harvey-Clark
Music Director .................................... Wendy Wheeler
Custodian ...................................................Jeff Stevens
Organist .................................................... Kay Ensfield
Keyboards ............................................. Naghielly Agy
Child Care ........................................ Allyson Cubberly
The TOWER News is published monthly.
Copy deadline is the 20th of the month. Please
electronically submit your information to:
Editor & Publisher: Jean Harvey-Clark
[email protected]
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 am to 5 pm
Closed for Lunch between 12-1 pm
Office is Closed on Fridays
Phone: 269.963.5567/ Fax: 269.963.6899
Pastoral Care: Marshall - 269.753.8056
June 2015 • Tower News
Worship
Schedule
9:00 am Praise Worship
11:30 am Traditional Worship
with Choir
At Everest VBS, kids
embark on the coolest
adventure of the summer!
Everest VBS is filled with
incredible Bible-learning
experiences kids see, hear,
tough and even taste!
Sciency-Fun Gizmos,
team-building games, cool
Bible songs, and tasty
treats are just a few of the
stand out activities that
help faith flow into real
life. We’ll help kids
discover how to see
evidence of God in every
day life—something we
call God Sightings. Get
ready to hear that phrase a
lot.
Sign up sheets are in the
Atrium! Please fill them
out and leave them at the
office pass through
window!
Please see Von Bird if
you have any questions or
want to help!
June 22-26, 2015
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Everest will also be held at Chapel Hill and Christ
UMC’s this summer if you are unable to attend or like it
so much you want to participate again!
Chapel Hill Everest VBS
July 13-17, 2015
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Everest be held at Christ UMC in August
June 2015 • Tower News
2
Happy Birthday to You!
06/02 Beverly Sink
06/12 Kay Ensfield
06/04 Bob Harvey
06/14 Barbara Larsen
06/05 Linsey Wade
06/15 Allison Clark
06/06 Mike Dawson
06/15 Earl Wade II
Actual
06/07 Jerry Mackey
06/21 Lilianna Robinson
Income
06/08 Carolyn
Harvey
06/22 Spencer Hunt
Account Category
YTD
06/08 John Briggs
06/24 Julye Paulk
06/09 Clair Peters
06/26 June Dufour
Income Pledges
$46,506.50
06/09 Denny Hunt
06/29 Brenda Howard
Non-Pledged
$8,499.25
06/09 Alan
Tolliver
06/29 Melanie Davis
06/09 Neil
Tolliver
06/29
Dylan
Moore
Loose Plate Offerings
$2,567.80
06/10 Margaret Brayne
06/30 Tim Davis
Other Budgeted
$785.25
Total Budgeted Income $58,358.80
SAVE THE DATE!!
Happy Anniversary!
06/14
06/21
06//22
06/26
Amount
Budgeted
YTD
Jack & Jo Schils
David & Leona Leach
Jim & Bettye Mobley
Larry&
Kathy Rizor
Ahead
Total
or
Behind
Annual
Budget
% of
Annual
Budget
Please keep your eyes open for an
upcoming
Church$156,912.00
Conference
in
$52,304.00
-$5,797.50
29.64%
June to approve the compensation
$8,332.00 $167.25 $25,000.00 34.00%
package for Pastor Doug Vernon
$1,332.00 $1,235.80 $4,000.00 64.20%
who will be starting on July 1. As
$879.00
$2,975.00
soon
as it’s-$93.75
scheduled
we’ll 26.39%
get
the word-$4,488.20
out.
$62,847.00
$188,887.00 30.90%
2014 Fund Balance Carryover (per future audit report), not income
Please save Sunday, July 5 for a
Garden Party and Picnic to welcome
Pastor Douglas Vernon and Jane to Actual
Battle
Creek First. It will take place afterExpenses
the
Account Category
YTD
second service at “Nature’s Acre,” home
of
Expenses
Total
Salaries Harvey and their $33,562.22
Bob and
Carolyn
hostas.
Be watching
for details
can sign
Total Church
Buildingon how you $14,971.73
up and how you can help.
Total Parsonage
Total Ministry Shares
$188,887.00
Hattie Tuck is planning dinner for
all musicians
who
have% of
Amount
Ahead
Total
participated
in
our
church's
Annual
Budgeted
or
Annual
traditional
Cornerstone
or
Budget
YTD
Behind
BudgetChoir
Praise Team worship this past
$33,789.00 $226.78 $110,029.00 30.50%
year. Please pass this
$22,224.00
$7,252.27
22.46%
invitation
along $66,669.00
so everyone
knows $117.65
about this
delicious
$1,070.35 $1,188.00
$2,061.00
51.93%
upcoming
event!
$8,742.99 $10,408.00 -$1,665.01 $31,219.00 28.01%
Everyone is invited to attend the 101th
Office
$3,116.00
$772.77 everything,
$9,328.00 25.12%
BirthdayTotal
Party
for Margaret Brayne$2,343.23
on
Hattie
is providing
so
there's
no
need
for
you
to
bring
Wednesday,
June
10th
at
Total - All Other Budgeted
$9,660.56 $10,899.00 $1,238.44 $23,418.00 41.25%
food or -$196.00
tableware.
Just bring
2:00 pm. It will be held in Worship $1,996.00 $1,800.00
$5,400.00 36.96%
yourself
and
your
spouse
or
the Dining Room at the
Finance
$344.04
$376.00
$31.96
$564.00 61.00%
"favorite other" guest on
Oaks at NorthPointe
Benefits $7,159.28 $7,890.00
$730.727. $16,204.00
44.18%
Sunday,
June
We'll be gathWoods, 706 North AvePastor's Travel
$161.24 ering
$833.00
$671.76
$1,250.00
12.90%
about
1:15 pm,
planning
to
nue. She would appreciate
eat by 1:30 pm. Printed directions
seeing her long time
to the $7,942.90
Tucks' residence
Expenses $70,351.08 $81,624.00
$242,724.00 are
28.98%
FUMC friends. Total
She Budgeted
has
available in Wendy's music bin.
YTD Budgeted Income vs YTD
been a member
See you there!
Budgeted since
Expenses
-$11,992.28
November 14, 1926.
June 2015 • Tower News
“First” Family May 2015 Loses
11
Junior Burdette Thornton, age 88, of Battle Creek died
peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, May 27, 2015 at the Bronson
Good Samaritan Hospice Residence.
Junior was born December 21, 1926, the loving son of Levi
Burdette and Helen Catherine (Hoenes) Thornton, in the family's
home in Marshall, Michigan.
Junior married the 'Love of His Life', Frances Ann Gardner Wilber on February 9, 1947;
she preceded him in death on June 22, 2006. He is survived by his daughters, Diane
(Mike) Buckley and Kathy Thornton; his son, Kurt Thornton; grandchildren Marc (Lexi)
Beckley, Tim (Caity) Beckley, Colleen (John) Ozment; three great-grandchildren, Miles
Beckley, Jameson and Gavin Ozment and a brother-in-law, Bill Trine. Junior was also
preceded in death by three sisters and a brother.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 pm, on Friday, June 5, 2015 at the
Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A memorial service to
celebrate Junior's life will be held Saturday, June 6, at 11:00 am at the Battle Creek First
United Methodist Church with Rev. Billie Dalton, officiating, with the assistance of Rev.
Marshall Murphy and Rev. Scott Bouldrey. Family and friends will continue the celebration of Junior's life with a time of fellowship and a luncheon in the church's Fellowship
Hall immediately following the service. A private burial service will be held at the Fort
Custer National Cemetery.
James W. "Jim" Davis, age 70, of Battle Creek went to be with
his Lord and Savior on Sunday morning, May 3, 2015.
He was born in Battle Creek on May 1, 1945, the son of Willis W.
"Bill" and Ione (Oyster) Davis. Jim graduated from Battle Creek
Central High School with the Class of 1963, and furthered his education at Ferris State University. Jim retired in 2014 after more than
47 years as an area pharmacist, most notably at Bronson Hospitals.
Jim married Nancy J. (Stults) Davis at the First United Methodist Church, Battle Creek;
she survives. He is also survived by his 3 children, Elizabeth (Matt) Mahlstedt of Waterloo, Iowa, Julie (Garth Ryan) Davis of Kalamazoo, and Tim (Melanie) Davis of Otsego;
4 grandchildren, Mason Stilwell, Michael Johnson, Claire Davis, and Elspeth Ryan; his
sister, Donna Briggs; a special cousin, Jill Melton, and several nieces & nephews.
June 2015 • Tower News
10
Finance Update
June Happenings at First Church
FUMC Consolidated Adopted Budget Report
April 30, 2015
These are Budgeted items only
Actual
Income
YTD
Account Category
Income
Pledges
Amount
Budgeted
YTD
Ahead
or
Behind
Church and Society information can be found on the bulletin boards at the top of the steps.
Total
Annual
Budget
% of
Annual
Budget
$46,506.50 $52,304.00 -$5,797.50 $156,912.00 29.64%
Non-Pledged
$8,499.25
$8,332.00
Loose Plate Offerings
$2,567.80
$1,332.00 $1,235.80
Other Budgeted
$785.25
$879.00
$167.25 $25,000.00 34.00%
-$93.75
$4,000.00 64.20%
2014 Fund Balance Carryover (per future audit report), not income
Account Category
Expenses Total Salaries
$33,562.22 $33,789.00
Total Church Building
Ahead
or
Behind
Total
Annual
Budget
% of
Annual
Budget
$226.78 $110,029.00 30.50%
$14,971.73 $22,224.00 $7,252.27 $66,669.00 22.46%
$1,188.00
Total Parsonage
$1,070.35
Total Ministry Shares
$8,742.99 $10,408.00 -$1,665.01 $31,219.00 28.01%
Total Office
$2,343.23
Total - All Other Budgeted
$9,660.56 $10,899.00 $1,238.44 $23,418.00 41.25%
$3,116.00
$117.65
$772.77
Praise Band Practice
Contemporary Worship
Choir Practice
Cornerstone Worship

Monday
9:00 am
Staff Meeting
Adventures Group:
Check with Esther Brown




Book Group:
tba
GIFT Group: Tuesday,
June 2: 6:00 pm, FUMC
June 2: 6:00 pm, FUMC
Martha Circle
Off for the Summer
Men’s Group:
Mondays, 6:00 pm
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Trustees
Finance
Service Team
Staff Parish
Church Council
06/03 6:30 pm
n/a
06/10 6:00 pm
06/16 7:00 pm
n/a

Partners in Prayer:
June 1: 7:00 pm,
Sharon McKelvey’s
June 15: 7:00 pm,
tbd
$9,328.00 25.12%
$1,996.00
$1,800.00
-$196.00
$5,400.00 36.96%
Finance
$344.04
$376.00
$31.96
$564.00 61.00%
Benefits
$7,159.28
$7,890.00
Pastor's Travel
$161.24
$833.00
$730.72 $16,204.00 44.18%
$1,250.00 12.90%
Total Budgeted Expenses $70,351.08 $81,624.00 $7,942.90 $242,724.00 28.98%
YTD Budgeted Income vs YTD
Budgeted Expenses
-$11,992.28
June 2015 • Tower News
Sunday
8:00 am
9:00 am
10::30 am
11:30 am
$2,061.00 51.93%
Worship
$671.76
SMALL GROUPS
Wednesday
7:00 pm
Prayer Time
$188,887.00
Amount
Budgeted
YTD
WEEKLY EVENTS
$2,975.00 26.39%
Total Budgeted Income $58,358.80 $62,847.00 -$4,488.20 $188,887.00 30.90%
Actual
Expenses
YTD
3
The TOWER News is published monthly.
Copy deadline is the 20th of the month.
Please electronically submit your
information to:
Editor & Publisher: Jean Harvey-Clark,
[email protected].
Pastor Marshall Murphy’s
FUMC Hours are
Monday-Wednesday: 9:00 am -2:00 pm.
He can be reached by phone or text at
269.753.8056 and via email at
[email protected].
Please do not leave requests for Pastoral
Care on the church voice mail system.
June 2015 • Tower News
Trustee Report
4
Thank you to our faithful friends of the First United Methodist Church! We
raised $150 dollars for the Heifer Project in just three weeks. We sent in a
check to purchase a llama for a family who needs the help. They will in
turn provide an off spring of the animal to another family. The generosity
will continue thanks to our church family. We appreciate your love and
support,
The Middle School Sunday School Class
Have you noticed the small baskets of toiletries in
the Men’s and Women’s rest rooms across from
the office? If you are able to occasionally make a
donation of travel sized items; toothpaste, tooth
brushes, deodorant, etc. to this very
important ministry is would be greatly
appreciated.
Cooking with Kids
What:
Cooking class for any youth age 1218
When:
June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15,
July 22,
5:30 - 7:00 pm
Where: Christ United Methodist
We would like to extend an open
invitation to our church family!
Please join us for
Emma’s Open House!
Church
65 North Bedford Road
From:
Terry Smith
Regarding:
Trustees
Date:
May 26, 2015
On May 6, 2015, the FUMC Board of Trustees met.
Todd Boshers volunteered to check the church building on Tuesday and Thursday
evenings. Volunteers are needed for other evenings.
UpRight Roofing replaced the gutters and downspouts that were torn down by ice last
winter. They replaced broken clay tiles on the roofs. The repaired the flat roof that was
leaking in to the attic and then into the middle school classroom and even into the parlor.
This was paid for by an insurance claim and with money from the Endowment Funds.
The boiler system work is on hold until the boiler can be shut down and pipes opened
with no steam pressure. It appears that the boiler fund has enough money collected for
all the planned work and repairs. Thank you to everyone who contributed.
The parsonage is vacant. The tenants have purchased a house. Reverend Doug Vernon
will not reside in the parsonage so it is available for rent. The Trustees have been doing
maintenance work to keep the parsonage in good repair and to prepare it for new tenants.
The vacancy has been advertised throughout the Albion District of the UMC.
Lorraine Kendall is mowing the grass at the church. The grass is growing so fast that the
lawnmower battery is not strong enough to mow the entire grass-covered area.
The odor has emerged again. It may be necessary to clean the entire sewer and storm
drains to see if that helps to eliminate “the odor”.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at 6:30 pm.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
RSVP: Dana Wawrzyniec
[email protected]
269.781.0784
June 2015 • Tower News
9
June 2015 • Tower News
Service Team Updates
Pastor Marshall Murphy
8
“This is the Church, this is the steeple;
open the door and see all the people.”
5
Luke 10:25-37 “The Good Samaritan”
25
Remember that game that we played as children? During the weeks of July 13, and July
20, 2015, you have the opportunity to do just that (open the door and see all the people),
at St. Thomas, the church with the copper steeple. It is time again for the Summer
Breakfast program at St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
First Church has volunteered for our usual two weeks in July. When it’s your turn to
help with the breakfast program, you will indeed see many people who arrive each
weekday morning throughout the summer for a nutritious, free breakfast.
Two weeks in July, “been there, done that”, “boy, was it hot”, can hear it now. Not so
this year, you can work in comfort; as the area is now air conditioned. Now you’re ready
to sign up and help, aren’t you? We need 4 people to come in at 7 am to prepare the
breakfast, and 4 to come in at 8 am for serving.
Stop by the Service Team table to sign up to help with this project. Many people return
to help each year.
Wesley Woods Cabin Clean-Up
Are You Ready for a Roof Sit?
Thank you to the hardworking crew who
helped with our annual clean-up of the
nurse’s cabin, as well as, a cabin for
campers. Everyone worked together like
a well-oiled machine, making short order
of the work.
It’s okay, really it is! I can hear it now,
“Roof Sit! I’m not getting up on a roof!
How would I get up there? I’m afraid of
heights!” The Haven’s 9th Annual Roof Sit
will take place on Friday, June 26, and
Saturday, June 27 at Lakeview Pizza Hut.
You don’t have to sit on the roof at Pizza
Hut; you can help by volunteering to sit at
Pennfield Family Fare with bucket to
collect the donations. Many rang bells for
the Salvation Army at the same location.
This year the donations will benefit In-asMuch House. Now that you know you
don’t have to really sit on a roof; stop at
the Service Team table to sign up for this
volunteer opportunity.
Thanking you in advance and wishing you
a great time.
In just a few short weeks, the Camp will
be filled with campers, some first time
attendees at a church camp, and many
returning to renew friendships and
continue to grow in their faith. Your
efforts on May 16, helped provide an
enjoyable experience for all the campers.
Thanks again.
June 2015 • Tower News
Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit
eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?”
27
He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your
soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”
28
And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”
29
But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30Jesus
replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of
robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31Now by
chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the
other side. 32So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on
the other side. 33But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him,
he was moved with pity.34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil
and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took
care of him. 35The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and
said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you
spend.’ 36Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the
hands of the robbers?” 37He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him,
“Go and do likewise.”
Our Neighbors
In this parable Jesus shares with the lawyer a moment of compassion, empathy and
agape love for humanity. This parable has the reader questioning why a priest and a Levite would not stop to offer assistance to someone in need. This parable is a reminder
that our neighbors may not be someone we are familiar with by physical proximity. Our
neighbors are all of God’s children. Sometimes, the needs may not be of a physical nature but, a spiritual need. We continue to meet with our neighbors at North Pointe
Woods every third Tuesday to serve Communion and now as of May 3rd we are
having a worship service on every first Sunday at 3:00 pm. We do this service with
spiritual enthusiasm and practicing what Jesus said; “to love your neighbor as
yourself.” The residents of North Pointe Woods enjoyed the service, the singing
and fellowship. Please know all are welcome to attend this service!
continued on the next page
June 2015 • Tower News
Pastor Marshall Murphy
6
Steps for Vital Older Adult Ministry
Copied from www.umc.org
Anytown United Methodist Church sponsors a regular monthly luncheon for older adults. In
addition to the covered-dish meal, a speaker or program is held to entertain, inform and inspire
participants. Normal attendance averages about 20, even though there are several hundred older
adults both in the church and in the community.
The pastor would like to get more people involved in this particular program. After all, it's
the only ministry the church has for older members.
Churches genuinely concerned about the faith development of all God's people will want to
develop vital ministry by, with and for older adults. Unfortunately, when older adults see little
interest directed at them by the church, they gradually lose their sense of themselves as having
value and worth, which diminishes their faith development.
Churches have an opportunity to celebrate Older Adult Recognition Day during the month of
May. However, this should not be the only time of year when congregations develop intentional
ministry with older adults.
One important ministry model for congregations seeking to develop a comprehensive older
adult ministry is the S.E.N.I.O.R.S. Ministry model. The seven components are Spiritual,
Enrichment, Nutrition (Wellness), Intergenerational, Outreach, Recreation and Service.
Spiritual - I don't know anywhere in the Bible where it says that God takes away God's
blessing when a person reaches the age of 65. God does have much to say in Scripture about
aging, which is a gift from God and has a purpose. Job 12:12 raises the question of whether
"Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days." An answer is given in Proverbs
16:31, "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is found on the path of righteousness."
While we are all spiritual beings, not all older adults are religious. Helping older adults in
their spiritual journey is vital for the later years. Worship, Bible study, prayer groups, church
school, journaling classes and healing services are just some of the many ways congregations
can be encouraging and instrumental in their faith development. Holding special Sunday
afternoon worship services for the homebound, offering home Communion and making friendly
visits are a few additional opportunities.
Enrichment - Older adults, no less than other people, and want to continue learning. In our
fast-paced and changing society, older adults need opportunities to continue the lifelong process
of learning and growing. Churches can help older adults learn and grow by providing
information and classroom situations related to their needs and concerns. Issues around health
and finances are important, as well as political concerns and the environment. Opportunities to
learn about the latest technology can be especially endearing to many seniors. The chance to
travel and join in mission can both educate and provide a sense of purpose to older adults.
Pastor Marshall Murphy
Nutrition (Wellness) - The church plays an important role in the physical well-being of
older adults. From providing meals to exercise classes to adult day services, congregations have
found varied ways to foster the well-being of older adults. With changes in health care, pensions
and federal insurance programs, congregations need to train volunteers to serve as
congregational care teams, an increasingly necessary task of the church. Many congregations
also have on staff a parish nurse, who not only takes regular blood pressure checks but also
helps educate the whole congregation about wellness.
Intergenerational - When congregations place an emphasis on the faith development of
older adults, this does not suggest that we are less concerned with individuals of other ages. We
need one another, and this need expresses itself in healthy relationships as nurturing and caring
opportunities. Old and young alike should be encouraged to work, play and study together.
Older adults should be invited and equipped to serve as volunteers in programs serving other
age groups, such as mentoring youth and young adults, tutoring children or being a foster
grandparent. Younger and older people can be teamed up together to provide particular
ministries, such as working to clean up the environment, visiting people who are homebound or
in prison, participating in short-term mission projects or attending a weekend spiritual retreat.
Outreach - The mission of The United Methodist Church is "making disciples of Jesus
Christ for the transformation of the world." In doing so, the church involves older adults in
reaching out to other people in their communities, as well as the church reaching out to other
non-churched older adults.
Older adults can be the purveyors of the Good News, but they should also be the recipients.
All too often, our view of church growth is reaching out only to the under-35 crowd rather than
to all ages.
Recreation - Older adults can literally think themselves into the grave by feeling bad about
getting old. Attitude is an important index in prolonging life expectancy. The ability to recreate
gives people the chance to re-create themselves at this stage of their lives. Laughter, fun, humor
and play are all vital ingredients for the well-being of older persons.
Fellowship meals, game days and travel events are a few ways congregations can involve
older adults in recreation. Holding golf or fishing outings, arts and crafts, quilting circles and
senior theater are additional ways to energize older adults for fun and play.
Service - Helping to meet the needs of others can provide an ongoing sense of purpose for
older adults. There are countless opportunities available for older adults to be in service: giving
care, preparing meals, providing transportation, engaging in active listening, monitoring
medication, teaching Sunday school or singing on the choir. Congregations must encourage
older adults to be in service, and congregations must be willing to equip, train and support them
in these endeavors.
Older adults are the fastest-growing age demographic in many of our congregations. We can
remain behind the curve and ignore an important resource for church vitality and growth, or we
can be enlightened to the special gifts that older adults offer to Christ and the church.
continued on the next page
June 2015 • Tower News
7
June 2015 • Tower News