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TRANSCRIPT
Volume 75, Issue 44 November 9, 2016
The Choices We Make 525,600 minutes. 525,600 moments so dear.
How do you measure, measure a year?
In daylight, in sunsets?
In midnight, in cups of coffee?
In inches, in miles? In laughter, in strife?
In 525,600 minutes, how do you measure,
measure a life?
I resonate deeply with these
words from the musical Rent.
How do you measure a life?
Each moment is a matter of
choices. We have 525,600
minutes each year: how will we
choose to spend them? Will we
build up—or tear down? Will
we love—or throw stones?
Will we live for ourselves—or
walk Christ’s path of love?
I speak with many people who have added up their
minutes and are dismayed by their summation. They have
squandered those minutes, one by one, 525,600 per year.
They have done injury to others, are dismayed at the
bitterness in their life, have spoken words they can never
take back.
Jesus is the model for one of life’s most important
lessons: don’t throw stones! When the “righteous”
are lined up to stone a sinner, Jesus declares, “Let anyone
without sin throw the first stone!” They all turn away,
ashamed. Stones, once thrown, cannot be taken back.
A moment, a year, a life is measured by the choices we
make. By my reckoning, 442,080 minutes have passed
by so far this year. How will we measure the time
remaining? Will we measure it by choices well made:
enhancing the lives of others, simple kindness, cherish the
opportunities to love, to enter into communion with
God? The choice, as always, is in our hands.
This Sunday we’ll look at Christ’s teaching on stones...
and we’ll come to the table of our Lord!
Pastor Gary Haller
P.S. Return your Estimate of Giving card today!
Our Church Family; Prayer;
Thanks; Did You Know
2
Children and Students;
Parents Night Out
3
Outreach 4
First Things First Update;
Volunteers; Employment
5
New Members; Taize;
Fellowship
6
Calendar 7
Worship Summary 8
Inside this issue:
I am thankful for Pastor Suzanne’s sharing about Sabbath this
past Sunday. As we navigate the outcome of this week’s
voting, it is a good reminder to take time to pause and be in
prayer for our country and our leaders. No matter what the
results are, we must remember that we are united in Christ.
This week in Shine we are going to take time for something
different. Pastor Zack, Rev. Sarah Alexander, the director of
Motown Mission, and I will answer some of your questions
on the Bible. We have asked for a couple weeks about
questions you may have, and this week we will share some different perspectives
and faithful attempts to answer them. Come be part of the conversation.
Pastor Dan Hart
Prayers and Perspectives
Page 2
Our Church Family
Our Christian Caring and Concern are shared with the following persons, known to be in the hospital on Monday,
November 7: Phyllis Allshouse, Carol McClelland, Cornelia Schulz
Our Prayers for Good Health are shared with the following person, released from the hospital since Monday,
October 31: Joy Morris
Our Prayers of Sympathy and Support are shared with Jan Erichsen and family on the death of her sister, Phyllis
Hicks, on November 1.
….that this week’s Voice of Hope message is recorded by Andy McMillan, and next week’s
message is by Anita Barratt. To listen, call 248-646-6407 and press 2 when your call is
answered by our automated system.
….that if you want to check out the renovations at Berkley First, you are invited to attend an
Open House on Friday, November 11 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. We’ll have light snacks,
background music, and a chance to mingle and tour the building. The church is located at
2820 Twelve Mile Road, between Coolidge and Greenfield.
….that the Sanctuary is open for prayer and meditation during the week.
….that if you aren’t using the offering envelopes that come to your home, we can terminate your envelope
subscription. Please contact Holly Pisano ([email protected] or 646-6407 ext. 3133).
….that the state has made a Will for you if you have no Will yourself. These laws might not leave your property to the
people you wish, and they definitely don’t leave any property to the church or any other charity. Shouldn’t you prepare
a Will or Living Trust?
Did You Know
November 9, 2016
Intercessory Prayer
The Prayer Team would like to pray for you during times of need and also to praise the Lord
during times of celebration. In addition to your concerns, please let us know of any answered
prayers, family members in the military returning home, births, marriages and other special events.
Contact Elise Norwood ([email protected] or 248-646-6407 ext. 3127) or use a
Prayer Request Card, available in the Sanctuary pews and the church office. Cards may be dropped
off in the Prayer Request box across from the Welcome Center or in the church office.
Intercepted Notes of Thanks
We’d like to thank our Birmingham First family for your cards, calls and prayers during Fred’s recent hospitalization.
Your love and concern are much appreciated! —Fred and D’Ann Rohrbach
We would like to express our gratitude to an amazing church staff and a wonderful congregation who helped us raise
$1,780 for the children of Henderson Settlement and the Costa Rica Methodist Children’s Home. Some special young
people will benefit from your boxed lunch purchases. Thanks so much! —The Unfinished Christian Women Group
Page 3 First United Methodist Church
Children, Student and Family Ministries
For information about our Children’s Ministry activities (Crib through 5th Grade),
check out our website at www.fumcbirmingham.org, Facebook Birmingham First Kids,
or contact us at [email protected] to receive a monthly email newsletter.
Want to get the inside scoop on First Student Ministries?
“180Seconds” is our newsletter for middle school students.
“Make Your Mark” is our newsletter for high school students.
Get your free subscription today! Sign up under “E-News” on the church website.
Hungry for More Finals Breakfast will take place on Monday, November 21 from about 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in
our Fellowship Hall. Students from both Groves and Seaholm High Schools
will be provided pancakes and bacon in a relaxed environment before hitting
the books for another day of finals. This needed break for students will
provide High School Ministries staff the opportunity to connect with a larger
group of students in our church environment. Please contact Pam Davis
([email protected]) if you are interested in volunteering.
Bethlehem Marketplace….“About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the
Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral
hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s
town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was
pregnant.” ~Luke 2:1-5 (The Message)
All are summoned to travel
to Bethlehem Marketplace
Saturday, December 3
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Christian Life Center
Experience the bustling village of Bethlehem with friendly shopkeepers, the Holy Family, and live animals. Invite your
friends and neighbors to explore the village with you, and then stay for dinner at the Inn in Fellowship Hall beginning at
5:00 p.m.
On Saturday, December 10 from 5:00-8:30 p.m., children ages three and older are invited
to a Grinch-themed evening of pizza, games, crafts and a movie at Berkley First (2820
Twelve Mile Road, between Coolidge and Greenfield). Their adults can get some holiday
chores done or enjoy an evening out. Cost: $10 per child or $15 per family. Space is
limited, so contact Katie Kirkpatrick ([email protected] or 248-339-3698) if
you are interested.
Parents Night Out at Berkley First
Page 4 November 9, 2016
Opportunities for Outreach
Hunger Sunday….On November 13, the Home Foods Table in Fellowship Hall will have delicious goodies provided
by the Mixed Doubles group. All donations go to feed the hungry, so please drop by and
take a special treat home with you. Also, on this second Sunday of the month, all loose
change in the offering is designated for hunger relief. Please bring your containers of loose
change to add to the Hunger offering. For checks and bills, use an offering envelope and
mark the Hunger line. Our Hunger Ministry disperses funds to local food providers feeding
the hungry in our community. During this month of Thanksgiving, funding needs will be
higher as these programs put together holiday baskets in addition to providing regular food
help. Every little bit helps; thank you for your support.
SERRV Sale this Sunday….Come select items for everyone on your holiday shopping list after all worship services
on November 13. SERRV is an international program whose mission is to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by
providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide for the sale of their goods. Our once-a-year sale
offers jewelry, baskets, nativities, home decorations and much more. See you in Fellowship Hall!
Mission Fair….Birmingham First’s many-faceted missions field will be on full display during the coffee hours on
Sunday, November 13. You can understand who you are helping, have your questions answered, and learn more about
opportunities for you to get directly involved in mission work—locally, nationally or internationally.
Feed a Brightmoor Family for Thanksgiving! Your $20 donation will provide non-perishable food and a whole
turkey to families in the Brightmoor Community of Detroit. All cash and check donations (payable to Birmingham First)
will be accepted in the Children & Family Ministry office through November 18. The SPARK and 45C children will
prepare the bags before members deliver all the food the week before Thanksgiving.
Christmas Plant Delivery….We’re going to try something a little different this year, and it involves you! The Caring
Ministries office often receives calls asking for ideas of meaningful activities for members to do on their own or with
their families. Our Christmas Plant delivery is almost always the answer. This ministry is an incredible opportunity to
teach children the joy and meaning of caring for others and for adults to learn that there is a history of our church, in
the hearts and minds of long-time members. Visit our table during the coffee hours on Sundays, November 13 and 20
where we will help you choose one or more locations that make the deliveries most convenient for you. Can’t get to
the table? Call Elise Norwood (248-646-6407 ext. 3127) or Sue Anderson Dale (ext. 3160) to sign up over the phone.
The Hunger Ministry Cookie Walk is Sunday, December 4 in Fellowship Hall. Please consider baking cookies or
volunteering to work at the Cookie Walk. Sign up during the coffee hours.
Boy Scout Greens….Support the Boy Scouts by purchasing your Christmas wreath, evergreen roping, porch pots or
grave blankets from Troop 1032. Order forms are available in the worship bulletin on November 13 and in the church
office. Greens can be picked up at church on Sunday mornings, November 20, November 27 or December 4. Contact
Sandy Thornton ([email protected]) for more information.
Angel Tree is Back! Come to Fellowship Hall after worship on November 20 and choose your “Angel,” an innocent
child with one or both parents in prison. Buy a Christmas present for them and make them
smile; be their light in dark times. Prison Fellowship program asks that the gift be no more than
$50 and consist of a Christmas need such as clothing and a fun gift. Gifts are due Sunday,
December 4. Last year we served about 160 families with 310 “Angels” and about 150 of their
siblings. We joyfully made a difference in their lives. Join me to keep this amazing tradition going!
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Kirsten Layer (248-894-7438 or
[email protected]). Thank you for your service!
Page 5 First United Methodist Church
First Things First Stewardship Campaign Update
We are making progress in our annual stewardship campaign. As of November 6, we are
a little behind last year, but we have 155 increases for $128,000 and 53 new pledges for
$89,000. The pace of returns varies every year, so right now the focus is on everyone
returning their card! In this election week, we need a “Get Out the Vote!” effort for
our church, as we’re 50 responses behind last year. Our campaign goal of $2,392,500 is
very much within reach if everyone simply returns an estimate of their giving.
If you have not yet turned in your Estimate of Giving, please do so as soon as
possible. You can pick up an Estimate of Giving card in the church office and at the
Welcome Centers, call Holly Pisano in the Finance Office (248-646-6407 ext. 3133), or
complete an Estimate of Giving form via the church website through the Giving tab on the home page
(www.fumcbirmingham.org). You can also give directly through our website by credit card or bank transfer.
Employment Opportunities
Shine Worship Producer….A 20-hour-per-week position leading music in worship, developing, training and
equipping a worship team, and creating and implementing outreach opportunities in order to engage the community. A
job description and application are available in the church office. For more information, contact Pastor Dan Hart
The following openings are for positions at our Berkley location. All staff are expected to devote a portion of their work to be
spent out in the Berkley community, connecting with people, cultivating relationships and extending invitations to worship and
upcoming events. Job descriptions and applications are available in the Birmingham church office. Contact Pastor Zack Dunlap
([email protected]) for more information.
Administrative Assistant….A 20-hour-per-week position, much of the time being the first contact people have with
the church. Trouble shooter with very strong computer skills and a natural affinity to use grace when interacting with
others.
Children’s Ministry Coordinator….A 20-hour-per-week position coordinating age-appropriate programming,
including but not limited to Sunday school, child care and family-friendly events.
Music and Arts Leader….A 20-hour-per-week position leading our music team in worship and other events, and
working with our campus pastor to lead the congregation into a closer relationship with God.
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed for our annual Church Conference dinner on Monday, December 5 in
Fellowship Hall. We are looking for volunteers to help:
Set Tables 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Plate Pies 5:30-6:15 p.m.
Cashier 5:45-6:45 p.m.
Clean Up 7:20-7:50 p.m.
If interested, please contact Beckie Bower ([email protected] or 248-646-6407 ext. 3144).
Taizé Worship
Come worship in a quiet, contemplative and sacred way of communing with God, have a
private prayer with Pastor Suzanne Walls, or experience Reiki healing touch. Taizé worship
is Thursday, November 17 in the Runkel Chapel at 6:45 p.m.
Page 6 November 9, 2016
Merry Mates….Carl and Pat Price have taken many groups from this church on hiking trips. During this 100th year of
the National Park Service, he will share pictures of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, touch on Roosevelt’s time
there, and look at scenes of this rough and different landscape, the wildlife, flowers and some of the hiking trails. Please
join us on Friday, November 18 for a friendly social time at 6:00 p.m. and a catered dinner ($13) at 6:30. RSVP to
Sharon and Bob Pierce (248-364-4438 or [email protected]) by early evening on Sunday, November 13.
Merry Mates is a social group for those in their fifties and up.
Opportunity for Fellowship
Zack Zuchowski
New Members From October 23
We hope you will give a big welcome to each one!
Jason and Jessica Currie Matt and Michelle Riedesel
Steve, Hope and Jenny Still Thomas Faylor
First United Methodist Church Page 7
Happening This Week
Sunday, November 13
8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
1:00 p.m. Puppy Love (offsite)
5:00 p.m. Baptism Class
5:00 p.m. HS Youth Group
5:00 p.m. MS Bells
5:30 p.m. Genesis Choir
6:30 p.m. MS Youth Group
6:30 p.m. IXOYC Choir
6:30 p.m. Parenting Group
7:30 p.m. HS Bells
Monday, November 14
8:00 a.m. Cardio Weight Training
9:00 a.m. Chair Yoga (Berkley)
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
11:30 a.m. Stretch 4 Life
12:30 p.m. Tiny Tots Dance
12:45 p.m. Parents of HS/College
1:00 p.m. Front Porches
1:00 p.m. Senior Volleyball
5:30 p.m. Hip Hop Enrichment
6:30 p.m. Beg/Intermediate Ballet
6:30 p.m. Diamonds Are Forever
6:30 p.m. Purl Girls
7:00 p.m. Adult Karate
7:00 p.m. Advent by Candlelight
Rehearsal
7:00 p.m. Connecting/Hospitality
Ministry
7:00 p.m. Monday Adult Bible Study
Tuesday, November 15
6:30 a.m. Tuesday Men’s Bible Study
8:00 a.m. W.O.W. Leaders
9:00 a.m. Mat Pilates
9:00 a.m. Core Circuit (Berkley)
9:30 a.m. Tuesday Women’s Study
9:30 a.m. Women’s Handbells
10:00 a.m. Zumba (Berkley)
10:00 a.m. W.O.W. Bible Study
10:45 a.m. Talking Helps
11:00 a.m. Stretch 4 Life
1:00 p.m. Bridge on Tuesdays
1:00 p.m. Tiny Tots Dance
7:00 p.m. Church & Society Ministry
7:00 p.m. Companions in Christ
7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball
7:30 p.m. Worship Ministry
Wednesday, November 16
6:15 a.m. Arbon Dennis Men’s Group
(Stoner)
7:30 a.m. Word for Working Women
8:00 a.m. Cardio Weight Training
9:00 a.m. GRIP
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
10:00 a.m. Jeremie Haiti Meeting
11:00 a.m. Singing Bowls
12:30 p.m. Cards in the Afternoon
12:30 p.m. Sisters
1:00 p.m. Senior Volleyball
6:30 p.m. First Nurses
6:30 p.m. Young Adult Study (offsite)
7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Troop #1032
7:00 p.m. Cub Scout Den Meeting
7:00 p.m. UMW Unit Meeting
7:00 p.m. Zumba (Berkley)
8:00 p.m. Chancel Choir
8:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study
Thursday, November 17
9:00 a.m. Chair Yoga (Berkley)
9:00 a.m. Mother’s Study
9:30 a.m. Prelude: 24–36 Months
10:15 a.m. Prelude: Walkers–24 Months
11:00 a.m. Prelude: Newborns–Walkers
11:00 a.m. Stretch 4 Life
1:00 p.m. Caregiver’s Support Group
1:00 p.m. Duncan Mahjong
1:30 p.m. Tai Chi
4:00 p.m. SPARK
4:15 p.m. Covenant Choir
4:15 p.m. Disciple Choir
4:15 p.m. Sonshine Choir
5:00 p.m. Cherub Choir
5:00 p.m. Children’s Bells
6:30 p.m. Jr/Sr Youth Karate
6:45 p.m. Taize Worship Service
7:00 p.m. Adult Karate
7:00 p.m. Lay Leadership
7:00 p.m. Ushers Meeting
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir
7:30 p.m. Unfinished Christian Women
8:00 p.m. Pub Theology (Griffin Claw)
Wednesday, November 9
6:15 a.m. Arbon Dennis Men’s Group
7:30 a.m. Word for Working Women
8:00 a.m. Cardio Weight Training
9:00 a.m. GRIP
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
11:00 a.m. Aware!
12:30 p.m. Cards in the Afternoon
12:30 p.m. Sisters
1:00 p.m. Senior Volleyball
6:00 p.m. Boy Scout Troop #1032
7:00 p.m. Prayer Workshop
8:00 p.m. Chancel Choir
8:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study
Thursday, November 10
9:00 a.m. Chair Yoga (Berkley)
9:30 a.m. Prelude: 24–36 Months
10:15 a.m. Prelude: Walkers–24 Months
11:00 a.m. Prelude: Newborns–Walkers
11:00 a.m. Stretch 4 Life
1:30 p.m. Tai Chi
4:00 p.m. Spark
4:15 p.m. Covenant Choir
4:15 p.m. Disciple Choir
4:15 p.m. Sonshine Choir
5:00 p.m. Cherub Choir
5:00 p.m. Children’s Bells
6:30 p.m. Jr./Sr. Karate
7:00 p.m. Adult Karate
7:00 p.m. Faith Formation Ministry
7:00 p.m. Lay Leadership
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir
7:30 p.m. Unfinished Christian Women
Friday, November 11
8:00 a.m. Cardio Weight Training
9:00 a.m. Core Circuit (Berkley)
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
10:00 a.m. Zumba (Berkley)
6:00 p.m. Berkley First Open House
Saturday, November 12
9:00 a.m. PreBallet1w/Tap
10:00 a.m. Beginner Karate
10:30 a.m. Advanced Karate
11:00 a.m. Scouting for Food
Page 8
Traditional Worship 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Sacrament of Holy Communion
John 8:2-11
First Things First:
“First to Throw a Stone?”
Rev. Gary Haller
Hymns:
“O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”
“I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord”
“Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing”
Choirs:
Celebration Ringers, Disciple Choir,
Sonshine Choir, Chancel Choir
Shine Contemporary Worship 11:00 a.m. in the Christian Life Center
John 1:1-18
Question Panel
Rev. Dan Hart, Rev. Zack Dunlap, Rev. Sarah Alexander
November 9, 2016
The Liturgists are Rev. Zack Dunlap at 8:15, Mark
Swarthout at 9:30, Rev. Lindsey Hall at 11:00, and Rev.
Zack Dunlap at Shine.
The Altar Flowers are dedicated to the glory of God
and placed in loving memory of Carolyn Horiszny by John
and Sharon Horiszny and Debby and Charles Nicholas.
The Rosebud on the altar announces the birth of Ethan
John Fields, born October 12 to Brad and Christine
Fields.
The Missions Candle is lit by Church and Society
Ministry in honor of our Veterans.
Steeple Notes is published weekly by First United Methodist Church.
Notices should be in writing and submitted to Janet Smylie in the
church office by 5:00 p.m. on Monday.
Our Purpose:
To gather, nurture and equip disciples of Christ for
ministry and mission in the world.
Our Core Values:
Welcome All
Put Love Into Action
Honor God Through Excellence
Embrace Bold Vision
Encourage Lifelong Spiritual Growth
Support One Another
Sunday, November 13, 2016
1589 W. Maple Road • Birmingham, MI 48009
248-646-1200 • fumcbirmingham.org [email protected]
Gary Haller, Senior Pastor
Zack Dunlap, Lindsey Hall, Dan Hart and Suzanne Walls, Associate Pastors
John E. Harnish, William A. Ritter and Robert P. Ward, Pastors Emeriti
2820 12 Mile Road • Berkley, MI 48072
248-399-3698 • berkleyfirst.org
Zack Dunlap, Pastor
Sunday School
Nursery care is offered at 9:30 and 11:00.
9:30 a.m.
Children’s Sunday School, Middle School Sunday School,
Confirmation, High School Sunday School,
Faith Builders, Parents of Adolescents
11:00 a.m.
Children’s Sunday School
Sunday Scholar, Understand Our Neighbors