from the desk of pastor jonathan
TRANSCRIPT
From the desk of Pastor Jonathan
A publication of
First United Methodist Church
105 E Main
Ionia, MI 48846
616.527.1860
www.ioniafirst.com
Pastor Jonathan’s Letter 1
SPRC 2
Coming Events 3
Children/VBS/Youth 4
Trustees/Missions/Prayers 5
United Methodist Women 6
Attendance/Giving/Finance Report 7
Birthdays/Anniversaries/Schedules 8
July Calendar 9
Inside this issue:
105 E. Main Street
Ionia, MI 48846
Service
9:30 am
www.ioniafirst.com
“Awe Came Upon Them”
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread
and the prayers. 43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done
by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would
sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. (Acts 2)
Dear Friends,
I find it compelling that the fruit of the Spirit’s coming at Pentecost is the community described above: a
community dedicated to the Lord’s Supper, the proclamation of the Resurrection, and the counter-cultural
weaving together of every social class into one family. We have the first two marks of this holy communi-
ty. I’m not so sure about the third. We preach the Resurrection, and we celebrate the Lord’s Supper
(sometimes), but we’re far too indoctrinated with the foibles of our culture for the Spirit to make us into
one family. Let’s be perfectly honest: For many of us, our religion remains self-referential, never proceed-
ing past the hope of heaven to the realized expectation of heaven on earth. So our way of giving remains
lack luster and uninspired, and financial difficulty in the church must be recognized as a spiritual problem.
As I preached on Sunday, June 23, Evangelism means “one beggar telling another beggar where to find
bread.” Every person who claims the grace of Christ is at once beholden to his command to care for others
– family, friend, stranger, and enemy alike. What we have – our money, our land, our clothes, our homes,
our cars… even our experience and education – none of this belongs to us. It belongs to God, for if God
had not blessed us with every good thing, we all would perish. To affirm anything less is atheism. But
why make this appeal to you now?
At the end of last year, the Administrative Board decided to do two things: pay our Ministry Shares
(formerly “apportionments”) in full for 2018, and compose a deficit budget in order to staff our nursery
and children’s ministries. Both of these initiatives were a response to the Spirit’s guidance. Both of these
initiatives represent a leap of faith and a risk. And the result of these two missional initiatives is that the
balance in our General Checking Account has dipped below $7000. What does this mean? It means we do
not have enough in the General Checking to cover 1 month’s expenses. In response to this situation, the
Administrative Board has taken the following actions: moved $10,000 from the Endowment Contingency
Fund (which provides for budget short falls) and commissioned me to petition the Conference leadership
for a reduction in our Ministry Shares for 2019. But I’m taking this one step further and writing to you all.
For those who have given to the general budget consistently, and even sacrificially, thank you. For those
who have not, why not? Doesn’t it matter that there is a church in Ionia who is keeping alive the living
traditions of the ancient worship of the church? Doesn’t it matter that there is a church in Ionia working
against the systemic evils of poverty, violence against women, drug abuse, and general hopelessness? In-
deed, it matters a very great deal. And so the invitation is hereby made for all those who are not giving
consistently to the general budget of our church to get organized! Greater things are yet to be done, and
we need all hands on deck; because our ship is sailing into the storm of prophetic ministry with those who
have lost or never experienced the love of God.
Serving Christ Together,
Jonathan
JULY
2019
Newsletter
At present UMW is in a “lull.” We are in the planning stages for the up-coming “School Kit” project in which we will be collecting items for school kits to be sent to UMCOR and forwarded to wherever the need is greatest. We are also beginning to plan for our special recognitions and for the late summer Trash and Treasure Sale. The pay is to feel the sense the satisfaction experienced when you have reached out and improved someone else’s life, knowing that you perhaps have been that “one little candle.” The bonus is that you have bonded more closely with members of you own church family and enjoyed a priceless fellowship, that you have received and given support to those with which you have worked.
STAFF PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Keeping activities at FUMC takes a village. During this past month 9 of us from First and 2 from LMC journied to
Brentwood, Tennessee to witness the ordination of our own Pastor Jonathan. What a blessing to pray with him as
the Bishop of the Tennessee Conference bestowed on him the position of Elder in the United Methodist Church.
We worshiped with song, beautiful music from a full orchestra and choir, and their incredible organ. We also met
some of the wonderful friends he has made on this journey. Thank you Jessica, your family and Jonathan’s family.
On Sunday, June 16th, we at First experienced a wonderful service and dinner. There are so many to thank, and if I
have forgotten anyone, I apologize. These workers deserve extra praise...organizers: Linda Ciangi, Marie Church,
Eric Asher and Jan Powell got the early planning done. Next the worship service ideas went to the Worship Com-
mittee for review and Jonathan’s approval. The planning began well ahead of time because so many were involved.
Thanks to: Joel Kilgore for technical support, Marilyn Nash for the invitations and bulletin design, Marie for typing
it all up and e-mailing, Linda for arranging the dinner, Joel and Kayla for music, Jonathan for his beautiful hymn
during the service, Lyons-Muir for the bell choir and praise band, Reverend Doctor Margie Crawford for helping
lead the service and her sermon, Reverend Nancy Carle for prayer, Dr. David Carle for accompanying Jonathan on
piano, Sari Mercer for sharing her special gift on playing the organ, Phil Fedon for making sure our church was spic
-and-span, Roberta Sterner and Anne Jeffers for the addition of flowers, our acolytes: Amora and Adora Hall,
Chasity Fedon and Tristan Asher who made the service special, Andrew Badder for ringing the bells at the begin-
ning of the service, our ushers: Dick Christiansen, Ron Rozeboom, Dave Stiles and Joe Brown who took people to
the front pews, our greeters: Joe & Becky Brown, Jackie Christiansen and Peg Fell who smiled and beamed. We
were also blessed to hear Melissa Wagner give the readings. We cannot forget Eric Asher who welcomed us to
worship and had a wonderful Father’s Day reading.
Now, the thank you to the kitchen staff: wow, what work you did; Jodi Hagen, Becky Brown, Roxie Stiles, Amy,
Buckingham, Andrew Badder, Alicia Christensen, Wendy Haight, Sue Manciu, Linda Ciangi, Marilyn Nash, Joe
Brown, Jana Fedon, Kayla Hagen, and whoever lent a hand. Amazing. We cannot miss the cake and jello ladies:
Becky Brown, Ronda Bestrom, Virginia Carter, Joyce Slomski, And Marge Bowne. We will not bless the number
of dishes that had to be washed, but we survived. Thank you Marilyn and Linda for the dining room design and set-
up. Thanks for the donation from becky and joe of the extra dishes and cups.
Last but not least, I must thank the team of SPRC because of their help in keeping us all sane. We are: Jason Si-
bley, Phil Kahl, Wendy Haight, Jim Wagner, Becky Brown, Roxie Stiles and (me) Jan Powell.
So, you see, it takes a village. Thank you everyone for what you did to make this day so special. Bless our Church.
Page 3
JUNE Coming events
July 2 9:30 a.m. Friendship Committee
7:00 p.m. Music on the Green
Ionia Community Band
July 9 7:00 p.m. Music on the Green
Rob Pearson & We Three Strings
7:00 p.m. VBS meeting
July 10 10:30 a.m. Finance Committee meeting
July 11 Noon Ionia Free Fair begins
July 13 11:00 a.m. Free Fair Parade
July 15 7:00 p.m. Administrative Board meeting
July 21 11:30 a.m. UMW meeting
July 22 6:30 p.m. Trustees meeting
July 23 7:00 p.m. Music on the Green
Three Husbands on the Loose
July 29 6:30 p.m. Worship Committee meeting
July 30 7:00 p.m. Music on the Green
Great Lakes Chorus
July 30-31 7:00 p.m. VBS Training
Sunday-School
We are moving right along through the Deep Blue Sunday School Curriculum. The kids seem to be enjoying
the stories and crafts that go along with this curriculum. On Father’s Day, we had all 4 kids participate in be-
ing Acolyte’s.
VBS
We are in need of volunteers! VBS will run August 4-8 from 6:30-8:30 PM. You can sign up to volunteer at
ioniavbs.com. Please consider being a part of this program.
On The R.I.S.E
The youth group is still looking for sponsorships for the mission trip to Tennessee. We will be leaving July
24th and will be returning July 29th. The kids have been working hard to raise money to go and are very excit-
ed for this opportunity. We are finishing up a couple of service projects and are working on finalizing our
itinerary for the trip.
Family Ministries Coordinator
Jodi Hagen
616-841-0288
Page 5
Prayers for those in the military:
Adam Cook-Green Beret, Afghanistan
Nick Murray, Retired, Bremerton WA
Andy Hoort-Nurse, Ret. Royal Oak, MI
Ross Marshall, Navy, Submarine, Groton, CT
Daniel Zander-Major U.S. Army Ft. Lewis-
McChord
Duane Baliff
Austin Campbell - Air Force
Prayers for: Carol Newkirk Brian Lyons Stuart Weisgerber Elizabeth Smith Bryant Adams Steve Lampman Hunter Wagner Julie Peters Al & Marge Irby Evie Bishop Vianne Cooper Gary Hanson Elisha & Crystal Stock Robert & Pat Zander Barb Helmer Katherine Asher Penny Wineman Jennifer Ferris Maybelle Drake Nicole Rhodes Marian Quinn Winter Mike Nelson Ethel Clark Janet Winter Keith Soloman Lorraine LeMay Jody Bisanz Lori Slater Barb Ehlert Ned Kuhlman Fred Bishop Ben Merchant Jack and Millie Bartholomew
PLEASE PRAY IN THE NAME OF THE LORD
FOR:
(E-mail prayer requests to
From the Trustees
Fund raising to replace the existing Heating System will be starting. The Heating Contractor is in the process
of removing the old/worn out unit and getting ready to start the installation of the much needed replacement
unit.
The Trustees will be doing a walk-through inspection of the Church and Grounds on Sunday, July 14, 2019.
All areas of the church will be inspected and if necessary a list of issues which will need to be addressed, will
be sent to the appropriate people. This will include closets, refrigerators, etc. all food items must in the re-
spective refrigerators/freezers need to be labeled and dated.
Just a reminder, that there is no food or drinks allowed in the Sanctuary area at any time with two exceptions.
Baby bottles are allowed and the electronics area is a working area. A sign has been posted. Also the Ameri-
can Cancer Society has determined that the fumes from e-smokes contain heavy metals and in some instances
are worse than cigarettes. E-smokes are now considered tobacco products and should be addressed as such.
Joe Brown, Trustees Chairman
Missions and outreach committee
You have undoubtedly seen, and will continue to see monthly missions you didn’t know about before. This is
because the Michigan Conference has provided information about missions in which they would like the church-
es to participate. Some of these missions, such as Circles USA, are missions the Conference would like us to
do more than give money. We need to become involved in the actual work of the mission. More on this later.
Our committee is also planning a picnic for August 25th to kick off the new school year. This date is appropriate
since it falls on Christian Education Sunday. The picnic will be held at Robinson Park, which is newly remod-
eled. The time is 12:30 p.m. Watch your bulletin for further details.
Congratulations!!
To Caleb Sibley for taking first place in the Michigan Industrial Technology Education Society
State Competition for his Nintendo Switch game case.
UMW NEWS
My goal today is to fulfill a promise and summarize information about UMW.
What is UMW? The initials stand for United Methodist Women, “the organized unit of
United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose PURPOSE is to know
God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a crea-
tive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global
ministries of the church.
As a connectional church, we are a part of the MIDWEST District. The district has compiled a list of
33 objectives which we as a local unit are challenged to meet. We can fulfill at least 8 of them:
1. Make and meet a Pledge to Mission. This year we are pledging $1,000.00 dollars.
2. Become a 5-Star Unit by contributing to all 5-channels of undesignated giving:
a. Pledge of Mission
b. Gift in Memory (recognizing someone who dedicated his/her life to giving
money, time, and/or talent).
c. Recognition of outstanding service.
d. Dove award (presented to a woman who has given above and beyond expectations
We request nominations and present a Dove pin and certificate).
e. WORLD THANK OFFERING
3. Donate to a local women’s shelter or children’s /youth program. (We donate to RAVE
Contribute to camperships. This year we have contributed one-fourth the fee for
three campers. We donate and work at IM Kids).
4. Participate in a local prayer, retreat, or Bible Study. (Jana chaired a Bible Study).
5. Added a new member.
6. Invite a District officer to a meeting. (We have invited Judy Huynh, District Spiritual
Leader.)
7. Attended a Church Women United Meeting. (We hosted the Friendship Luncheon, Peg
is Secretary of the group, and several of our women work as volunteers at the
center.
8. Use the Prayer Calendar. (We sent birthday cards to Missionaries listed in the book)
9. We are now working on re-establishing our library and becoming active in the Reading
Program. I will share information about that project later.
There is much more to share which I will do next time. During the month of July the UMW will be
working on the Trash and Treasure Sale. If you would like to assist there is a sign-up sheet on the
desk
outside the chapel. Donations may be brought to the church garage the week of July 22nd. The
UMW thanks you for your donations and support. Proceeds will go to the mission projects listed
above and to the Christmas Basket Mission.
Peg Fell
Attendance Giving Needed
June 2 68 $2,387.00 $2,989.00
June 9 56 $3,540.00 $2,989.00
June 16 130 $1,421.00 $2,989.00
June 23 54 $2,026.00 $2,989.00
June 30 Information not available at this time $2,989.00
_____________________________________________________________________________________
A Note From Your Finance Committee
Stewardship is the “management of God’s household”. Stewardship is the way we manage our entire lives: our gifts and talents, our resources and possessions, our time and our energy. Stewardship is our “whole life” response to God.
Christian stewardship is a relational issue. It begins with God’s love. It affirms God’s ownership of our possessions, which are really a trust from God. It celebrates God’s partnership with us, and it grows on God’s hope. It helps us discover meaning for our lives, and it changes the church’s focus from money to people.
FUMC needs your support! Your support enables FUMC to continue: a) sharing Christ’s message and making Christ’s love a reality for everyone and, b) caring for people in our community and the world. Your prayers and gifts enable your church to minister to many people in need.
FUMC serves many people and a strong church, supported by all it’s members, can bring about positive changes in the home, community and world. Supporting your church is a way to put Christian values and your faith into action. Your personal con-tributions make a difference! The sole motivation for giving of one’s self and giving of one’s finances is gratitude for God’s love in Jesus Christ. Your giving is the key so the success of the church plans and programs. Remember, we haven’t learned to live until we’ve learned to give.
Please be in prayer for God’s people and His church as we look forward to the work God has for FUMC in 2019 and beyond.
In His Service,
Allen MacDonald
Finance Committee
JULY
BIRTHDAYS
1 Becky Brown 2 Amy Buckingham
4 Sheila Ransom 8 Judy Gregory
10 Sarah Hamilton 18 Joel Kilgore
23 Andrew Badder 23 Isabella Teunissen
26 June Faulkner
27 Christina Frost 27 Glenn Joy
28 MacKenzie Mercer 29 Sue Manciu
30 Ron Rozeboom
July Anniversaries
6 Bill & Sharon Hartman
6 A. J. & Katie Mayer 25 Mitch & Sari Mercer
July
Greeters
July 7 Amora Hall
July 14 Miller & Deanna Hotchkin
July 21 June Faulkner
July 28 Andrew Badder
Note: If you have agreed to serve as a greeter on a
Sunday morning, but find that you cannot do so,
please call Peg (527-2433) or the church office
(527-1860).
July
Nursery July 7 Alicia Christensen
July 14 Alicia Christensen
July 21 Alicia Christensen
July 28 Alicia Christensen
We need people to help in the nursery. There are beginning to be more small children and babies here during church service. If you would like to volun-teer, please call Marie Church in the church office. (527-1860)
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
Mission:
Water for Life
1 2 9:30 am
Friendship Com-
mittee
7:00 pm Music
on the Green
Community Band
3 4
Office closed
for the Holiday
5 6
7
9:30 am
Communion
3:30 pm Youth
Group
8
6:00 pm Soup
Kitchen
9
7:00 pm Rob
Pearson & We
Three Strings
7:00 pm VBS
meeting
10
8:30 am Morning
Prayer
10:30 am Finance
Committee
11
8:00 am Quilters
Fair Begins
12
13
11:00 am Fair
Parade
14
Noisy Offering
15
6:00 pm Soup
Kitchen
7:00 Ad Board
16
No Music on the
Green
17
18
8:00 am Quilters
19
20
Fair Ends
21
Mission Sunday
11:30 am UMW
22
6:00 pm Soup
Kitchen
6:30 pm Trustees
23
7:00 pm Music
on the Green -
Samuel Steffen
& Three Hus-
bands on the
Loose
24
8:30 am Morning
Prayer
Mission Trip to
Tennessee thru
July 29
25
8:00 am Quilters
Newsletter
Deadline
26
27
Father’s Day
BBQ
28
29
6:00 pm Soup
Kitchen
6:30 pm Worship
Committee
30
7:00 pm Music
on the Green -
Great Lakes
Chorus
7:00 pm VBS
Training
31
8:30 am Morning
Prayer
7:00 pm VBS
Training
July 2019
105 E. Main Street
Ionia, MI 48846
Service 9:30am
Check it out!
www.ioniafirst.com
Prayers for our youth as they travel to Memphis on their mission trip.
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