1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

APRIL 2015
Palm Sunday Service
Maundy Thursday Service
Joyful Notes
MARTIN AND SHELBYVILLE UMC
March 29, 9:30 and 11am
Tom Northrup, Special Music at Martin
Easter Egg Hunt – 11am
Seder Meal-April 2, 6pm @ Shelbyville UMC
Please RSVP for Seder Meal to
Church Office
Worship at 7pm
Good Friday Service
April 3, 7pm
At East Martin Christian Reformed Church
Holy Saturday
The Rock @ 5 O’Clock
Saturday, April 4, 5pm
Easter Sunrise Service
April 5, 7:30am @ Martin UMC
Breakfast provided at 8am-9am
Easter Services
9:30 @ Martin and 11am @ Shelbyville
Everyone welcome!
CHILDREN’S PAGE
Mark 16:1-8
John 20:1-19
Page 2
Jesus Loves Me; Easter Tells Me So
Jesus loves me, this I know; The Easter story tells me so.
He died for me to bear my sin; He opened heaven to let me in.
Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes Jesus loves me;
Yes Jesus loves me;
Easter tells me so.
Jesus loved me when He died, Loved me enough to be crucified.
But His death didn't last very long, Because His power is so strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes Jesus loves me;
Yes Jesus loves me;
Easter tells me so.
Jesus' came back from the dead I know because the Bible said.
Jesus is my Lord and King; Love and praise to Him I bring.
Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes Jesus loves me;
Yes Jesus loves me;
Easter tells me so.
When I die, I'll rise up, too. We'll all be in heaven, me and you.
We'll see Jesus face to face. Up in heaven, that happy place.
Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes Jesus loves me;
Yes Jesus loves me;
Easter tells me so.
The Easter story brings much joy To us all, each girl and boy.
Jesus is my Savior now; Heaven and earth to Him must bow.
Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes Jesus loves me;
Yes Jesus loves me;
Easter tells me so.
By Joanna Fuchs
Page 3
PEBBLES/ PRAISE/ PRAYER-The Rock @ 5 O’Clock
Susan Pyle 672-9756
can be called for a
substitute in the
rotation.
Community dinners (fellowship) on the fifth Saturdays
of May, August and October after
The Rock @ 5 O’Clock.
Come to worship—stay for dinner!
The Big Question?
During The Rock @ 5 O’Clock
Third Saturday of each month
Page 4
RED BIRD MISSION
The United Methodist Committee on Relief is partnering with the Red Bird Missionary Conference to build a
communal water kiosk that will provide clean water for 6,000 people living in remote Appalachia.
Living water for Kentucky hills
In an effort to reduce the health risks associated with being exposed to or drinking contaminated
water, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is supporting Red Bird Mission
(RBM), in building a communal water kiosk that will provide clean water to 6,000 people living in
remote Appalachia.
Clay County, Kentucky, the location of the soon-to-be-constructed water kiosk, was recently
dubbed by The New York Times as the most difficult place to live in America. The county’s median household income is half the national average; diarrheal, heart and lung disease are rampant,
and a recent state-wide appraisal of factors contributing to health, including potable water
resources, ranks Clay as the most disadvantaged of Kentucky’s 120 counties.
In addition, recent water testing samples drawn from local creeks and streams contained bacteria
and nitrate counts that exceeded the allowable Environmental Protection Agency limits for safety. These tested areas are off-shoots of Red Bird River, a local source for drinking water, swimming and fishing. RBM will partner with the University of Tennessee and Appalachia
Community Health & Disaster Readiness Project to address community needs and raise awareness to promote healthy living. UMCOR’s support of the water kiosk construction will secure
access to a clean water supply at a centrally located community and help to prevent waterborne
disease through hygiene education and training. Support projects like this one with your gifts to
UMCOR Water and Sanitation, Advance #3020600.
Page 5
MISSION NEWS
Martin UMC
Community
Breakfast
Third Saturday every month!
April 18
8am to 10:30am
Proceeds to Food Pantry
Menu
surprises
monthly!
ESCRIPT
The Mission Committee
has
signed up to receive funds from Harding’s
Market and we need your
help!
Cards are available
in the church office to use
each time you shop at Harding’s. 4% of all purchases
will be deposited in the
Neighborhood Mission Fund.
These funds are designated
for community needs for food
and/or utility assistance.
American Cancer Society
Benefit Breakfast
Saturday, April 4, 8 to 11am
Trowbridge UMC 355 26th St. Otsego
Page 6
SUNDAY MORNING
FELLOWSHIP
Have you taken a turn to
provide coffee time on a
Sunday morning? Beverages, cookies and paper
products are all provided. Please see Lue Phelps
today to sign up!
ODDS AND ENDS!
Got a big event coming up?
The church office has a form for you to fill
out to help promote the event.
They are on bulletin boards at both churches.
WHAT IS IT LIKE
TO YOU?
Author Unknown
Mortal: What is a million years like
to you?
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
April 17
On Wednesday, April 22
at 2:00 pm, we will assemble the May 2015 Joyful
Notes newsletter. We will
meet in the Martin Fellowship Hall.
God: Like one second.
Mortal: What is a million dollars
like to you?
God: Like one penny.
Mortal: Can I have a penny?
God: Just a second.
EMMAUS GATHERING
Tuesday April 7, 6pm
At Martin UMC
Lue Phelps and Pat Hoekstra are
hosting the baked spaghetti dinner.
Please notify them if you would like
to furnish something. Patsy is setting the table and Deb Straub will
share devotion with us.
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 4
Martin
MONTHLY LOOSE
CHANGE
Offering-April 12
Food Pantry
will receive the special offering.
Page 7
th
“ In essentials, This quote dates back to the 16 century to a German Lutheran who
longed for peace within the church on earth. Many church traditions
unity;
have grabbed it for use in their own fellowship and rightly so, for it espouses the same cry for unity that our Lord prayed for in the 17th chapin nonter of John. “I pray that they are one as we are one,” cries Jesus. He too
essentials,
had a desire to see His children unified. Let’s take a closer look at each
liberty;
of the phrases in that maxim,
in all things, “In essentials, unity.” The term applied to various church traditions/
charity.”
spiritual views working together for the greater good is ecumenism.
I’ve served on a number of ministerial boards made up of several Christian traditions:
Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Nazarene, Methodist, Church of Christ, Apostolic, etc.
And while we had various differences in the way we worshipped or governed our
churches, one thing remained true: we all believed in those core doctrines which remain central to our faith. Belief in God the Creator, the Trinity, Jesus as redeemer,
Savior and the only way to salvation.
Unity is so important, but not at the expense of those essential beliefs of Christianity that shape our faith, In matters of salvation, we must be unified if we are to be
brothers and sisters in Christ.
“In non-essentials, liberty.” This includes the 99% of the other stuff, not related to salvation, that churches seem to love to fight about. Our views on gender roles in
the church, frequency and form of communion, use of building, order of service, forms
of worship. In areas where we might not agree fully, but are not central doctrines of the
faith, we should give each other liberty and freedom to agree to disagree and not make
such non-essential matters a test of fellowship.
“In all things, charity.” This speaks to the orientation of our heart. Whether
we can be united in matters of salvation or not, whether we are miles apart on nonessentials or not, we can and should have a spirit of love and grace toward others. Nowhere does Jesus condone a mean or unforgiving spirit towards our fellow man. We
should see others as Christ does.
During this season of Lent, reflect on your own attitudes toward people who
don’t see eye-to-eye with you. Are you loving towards them? Do you accept them?
Follow the heart of Jesus and seek unity with those around you.
Your Pastor and Friend,
Sean
Page 8
SHELBYVILLE CHURCH NEWS
Administrative
Council Meeting
April 1, 6pm
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Wednesday, March 8
All women of the church are invited.
10:00am
Potluck at noon! Everyone welcome...
MISSION
STATEMENT
The mission of the Shelbyville United Methodist
Church is to provide a warm,
loving environment in which
to worship the Lord, and to
educate and reach out to others in our community.
DO YOU LOVE TO
SING?
Come join the
choir...
Practice on
Wednesdays,7pm
Shelbyville Winter Repairs:
Thank you to Jerry Mauchmar
for replacing the
front
door lock system. Thanks to
Dan Boniface for vacuum repair.
Thank you also to
all who stepped in to shovel the sidewalks when needed.
Page 9
SHELBVYIILE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Administrative Council
Minutes for March 4, 2015
Attending: Pastor Sean, Matt Schrier, Bob Benedict, Jeff Anderson, Deb Boniface, Jessica
Cole, Carolyn Buskirk, & Virginia Mauchmar.
Bob Benedict opened with a prayer. Minutes were read.
Treasurer Report for February 2015
Receipts $2,777.97
Respectfully submitted
Disbursements $4,859.10
by Virginia Mauchmar
Balance to Date $7,408.80
Local Mission $201.89
Sunday School $119.92 (Heifer International)
Special Funds
Memorial Fund $4,277.83
Building Fund/Future Needs $10,107.24
Interest $.22
Total $14,385.07
Old Business:
Guideline Review – no review, Ruth was absent
Office Chairs – Pastor Sean and Bob Benedict will shop for office chairs at the Martin UMC
office.
Virginia Mauchmar will research the cost of folding chairs for the fellowship hall.
Pastor’s time: Sean talked about the new youth pr ogr am that will begin Sunday after noons 4-6:00 p.m. after Easter (grade 5 and older).
New Business:
Snow plowing – Sean needs to talk to Gary Coburn anyway, so he will talk to Gary about
snow plowing and pushing the snow back further.
Mowing grass – Deb should be getting a letter from Conley’s and she will talk to them about
lawn care.
Church Insurance – Went up $560.00. Cost is now $2,250.00. Deb will check on other insurance coverage.
Youth church camp – camping forms are available, camp budget is $500.00
Mission money – we discussed future mission policies.
Cracked pew – Jerry fixed the cracked pew on the west side of the church.
Lecture podium – Sean needs a larger work surface for sermon papers. We removed the large
bible. If this does not work, we will talk to Les Collick about adding a larger work surface.
Page 10
THIRSTY THURSDAYS
1
2
Psalm 42
As a deer longs for flowing streams,
so my soul longs for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.
There are two opportunities every Thursday
for you to attend a study gathering.
10 AM – Shelbyville U M Church
7 PM – Pastor Sean’s home
Bring your Bibles and favorite beverage or mug.
Coffee/hot cocoa will be provided at each gathering.
You are welcome to bring a munchies to share if you choose.
Page 11
CHILDREN'S CHURCH HAS RESUMED AT MARTIN UMC!
On Sunday, March 22nd, we rekindled the fires of Children's Worship with special
worship, message and activities just for students in the fellowship hall,
We will begin doing this service
twice a month to begin, with a goal
of a weekly Children's Worship
soon!
Page 12
11 students and 2 adults enjoyed the
first day of church school.
MARTIN CHURCH NEWS
MISSION STATEMENT
We, who are the Martin United Methodist Church, are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ, committed to:
*SHARING God's Love
*TEACHING the Bible and spir itual life
*INVITING the community to gr ow and walk with us in Chr istian
faith
BUDDIES
Did you notice the “buddies” in the
pews? Do you know someone who
needs a companion to cheer them up?
You are welcome to take a buddy to
them.
APRIL NURSERY
SCHEDULE
4/5
4/12
4/19
4/26
Theresa & Mary McKie
Marlene & Dakota Rose
Kristin Ash & Allison Collins
Ronnie Collins & Amanda Northrup
Administrative
Council Meeting
April 14, 7pm
APRIL ACOLYTE
SCHEDULE
4/5
4/12
4/19
4/26
Matthew Northrup
Michael Stoken
Jacob Wheeler
Mary McKie
PLEASE REMEMBER OUR HOMEBOUND WITH CARDS AND CALLS:
Lucille Brown 2115 84th St. SW Bldg. 151 East Navy
Byron Center, MI 49315
Ruth Newman
PO Box 12 1561 10th St.
Martin, MI 49070
Alice Kraima
613-118th Ave.
Martin, MI 49070
John Withrow
883 - 30th Ave.
Allegan, MI 49010
Jake VanDenBerg
203 W. Bridge St.
William Crispe
Plainwell, MI 49080
Trudy Wells
413 Mill St. #1
Wayland, MI 49348
th
Doris Hawkey
829 116 Ave.
Martin, MI 49070
Page 13
ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL MEETING
MARTIN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Tuesday, March 10, 2015 - 7:00PM
Minutes
PRESENT: Deb Str aub, Debbie Foster , Patsy Hoekstr a, Maggie Stoken, Don Rambadt, Pastor Sean Kidd, Joyce Jenkins, Royal Boulter, Lue Phelps
GUEST: Melinda Tisr on
Meeting Called to Order by Don Rambadt at 7:03pm. Pastor Sean Kidd opened with prayer
Previous meeting’s minutes were reviewed. Maggie moved to accept minutes as printed.
Lue seconded it. Motion passed.
PASTOR’S TIME: Pastor Sean passed due to his infor mation being pr esented with
other reports.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION and /or VOTE
Treasurer’s Report – were reviewed. Maggie thanked Anita Rambadt for her diligence
in creating a report that meets the needs of the Administrative Council request. Maggie moved we accept the report as presented. Patsy seconded. Motion passed.
Finance Committee - Scott Warner shared that the finances of the Martin UMC are falling behind every month. The committee feels that the winter expenses and the weather, have caused us to be in this position. The Finance Committee will be looking at
cost reduction in all areas. Committee heads are encouraged to look at their area for
cost savings. Much conversation followed.
Scott presented two motions:
Fundraising Moratorium – as of March 10, 2015 all fundraising must be approved thru the administrative council. All previously approved fundraising must be revisited.
7 yes – 1 no - Motion carried
Budget Freeze – All committee heads must note that prior to spending any
money it must be approved by Administrative Council regardless of what
is left in your budget lines. Motion passed.
Staff Parish Relations Committee
Maggie
Stoken
Maggie reported the committee had met before the administrative council meeting tonight. The following were discussed: Reinforcement of policy for
Trustees to be involved in changes to the building and to participate in contract reviews. Review of Safe Church Policy Planning a process improvement in an effort to assist music leadership and the pastor.
Evangelism Committee-no report
Debbie Foster
Worship Committee-no report
Della Bellgraph
Page 14
Trustees – it was noted that the Trustees have met, have gone thru the building and assigned jobs within the committee to get them done. In the
spring they will look at the bigger jobs that need to be taken care of.
Missions Committee-Deb Straub expressed her concern about the effect of
the fundraising and finance freeze will affect the work of the mission
committee.
Christian Education Committee-Pastor Sean shared that Children’s Worship will begin on March 22. The children will be invited to the fellowship hall after “A Moment for Children”.
The Rock @ 5 O’Clock-Joyce reviewed her submitted report
OTHER BUSINESS:
1. Camp Scholarship
Melinda Tisron
Last year we supported 14 children to Christian camp. The Oetman Fund is
designated for youth.
Melinda made the motion that we use the Oetman Fund to send children to summer camp up to $3,200. Don seconded the motion.
Motion passed
2. Vacation Bible School
Melinda Tisron
“Outback” is the theme-3 night event – date to be determinedThe Oetman Fund is designated for youth.
Melinda made the motion that we use the Oetman Fund to help defray
the cost of VBS up to $500. Motion passes.
3. Maggie made the motion that the Community Breakfast continue as long
as they are self-sufficient. Patsy seconded the motion. Motion passed.
4. Debbie Foster updated the sound system progress. As of today, the project needs $2,908.68 for completion. We saved 24 hours of labor because
John from Last Pew Sound was able to run the sound wire while running
the video wires. There has been a $500 commitment to the project so it
brings it down to $2,408.68. Debbie was commended for the great job
she has done in raising the funds for this addition to our worship service.
She also pointed out that it will save us money when we begin printing
less and less of the bulletin/newsletters. Pastor Sean communicated to
Debbie that she needs to make a greater effort to keep him in the loop on
all matters regarding this project.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, Apr il 14, 2015
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 4
ADJOURNPage 15
Martin / Shelbyville
United Methodist Church
PO Box 154
Martin, MI 49070
U. S. Postage Paid
Non-Profit Org.
Permit # One
Martin, MI 49070
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
-The People of the United Methodist Church
Martin United Methodist Church
969 E. Allegan St. PO Box 154
Martin, MI 49070
Worship: 9:30a.m
Sunday School: 11am
The Rock @ 5 O’Clock
Saturday at 5:00pm
Shelbyville United Methodist Church
938 124th Ave.
Shelbyville, MI 49344
Worship: 11:00am
Children’s Worship: 11:05am
Pastor Sean Kidd
1-616-401-8576
[email protected]
Pat Hoekstra, Office Manager
1-269-672-7097-office
[email protected]
Web site: www.martinumc.com
Office Hours:
Monday thru Thursday 8am to 5pm