Alba United Methodist ChurchPO Box 1365991 Alba HighwayAlba, MI 49611Sunday Service @ 9:30am

Ad Board Meeting - 1st Wednesday of month

Mancelona United Methodist ChurchPO Box 301117 E. Hinman StreetMancelona, MI 49659231.587.8461Sunday Christian Education @ 9:30amSunday Service @ 11:00am

Ad Council Meeting - 2nd Monday of month

NON-PROFITBULK RATE

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDMANCELONA, MI

PERMIT NO. 9

Dated Material – Please Rush - - July/August 2012 Volume 14 #4

Join us for a fun afternoon adventure, canoeing and kayaking on the beautiful Jordan River just off M-66 in Mancelona. The Date: Sunday July 15th, The Place: Swiss Hideaway Canoe Rental, 1953 Graves Crossing Rd., Mancelona, The Time: 1:30pm sharp! If you have your own personal canoe or kayak, they will bring you back to your car at the start point with the rest of us, but they cannot transport your personal canoe or kayak for liability reasons, so you will have to get your vehicle and go back to fetch it. There is no fee for the ‘person’ transport. Also, if you a friend or relative who might be interested in in the outing, even if they do not come to our church, please give them the information, and get them signed up.

We will also have a potluck gathering, at a place to be announced, after the outing so if you do not wish to join us on the river but would like to join us for a cookout and fellowship afterword, you can meet us then. I will have more information on the cookout at a later date.

If it happens to rain that day, we will postpone until a later date.

It is going to be fun!

Isaiah 53:5 He was pierced because of our rebellions, and crushed because of our crimes. He bore the punishment that made us whole; by his wounds we are healed.

Serving in Spite of Our Own Struggles

It is clearly not true that we have to be perfect before we can help another person. This is so not only in the realm of the practical, but also in the spiritual. Ministry does not only flow from strength; it also comes from weakness.

It is also not true that we can only help another to the extent that we ourselves have been helped. It is not even true that we cannot “grow” another person beyond the point to which we ourselves have grown.

Frequently a “wounded healer” is used to bring hope and wellbeing to another, which results in growth well beyond that experienced by the giver. Sometimes the wounded healer can bring to the other the very blessing and healing for which the healer himself or herself is seeking.

(Dare To Journey With Henri Nouwnen – Charles Ringma)

Psalm 62:1-2 Only in God do I find rest; my salvation comes from him. Only God is my rock and my salvation—my stronghold! —I won’t be shaken anymore.

Brothers and sisters in Christ,

If you are anything like me, I’m sure most of your summer is booked with things to do. From graduation open houses, family reunions, boating, hiking, camping, and I’m sure you have a list of others. Before you know it, It is Labor Day weekend and the summer is over. Then comes the stress of “I didn’t get to do all that I wanted to do.” Now I am not telling you to stop doing all these things and filling up your calendars with stuff! What I’m telling you is to know that you can find rest in God. As the Psalmist said “Only God is my rock and my salvation-my stronghold! – I won’t be shaken anymore.” Put this scripture on your bathroom mirror or by your bed, and when you get up in the morning read this before you start your busy day, and spend time with God first. You may find that you won’t be as stressed.

In Christ,

Pastor Todd

Perhaps you thought the Knit Chicks had hung the washing out in the Sanctuary on June 3rd -10th?We were proud to display 38 sweaters, numerous prayer shawls and many baby hats for newborns. Ruth and Don sent the sweaters to Word Vision for distribution (UMW covered the expense), the baby hats go to Munson Medical Center, and the prayer shawls will be given to those in need. The Chicks met every Wednesday in the winter except when it was too snowy. Our policy is that if school is cancelled, we are too! Our Snowbirds were very productive as well. Ruth K. Sandy S. and Carol brought many beautiful sweaters upon their return. An average of ten to twelve “Chicks” gathered each week at the Mancelona UMC. We have such a grand time and there is a special invitation to anyone wanting to learn to knit or crochet, or want to bring any handwork that they are working on.

Want some good company for a few hours? We meet every Wednesday (except the second Wednesday which is the UMW meeting) during the school year. We’d welcome you there as well! We start at 1:00 at the Church until 3:30 or 4:00. We have tasty snacks during our gatherings as well. Thank you Brenda for making tags for the prayer shawls, and to all who donated yarn.

We’d love to have you join us September 5th when we start up again!!

Garage Sale!The Johnson’s will have a garage sale again this year at their house at 2033 E. State St., on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 5th, 6th and 7th. We welcome all good things – please don’t bring items that should go in the trash! We will be selling household items, sporting goods, dishes and silverware, toys, etc. - unfortunately we do not have room to display clothing. If you have sale items and cannot bring them to our house, let us or someone else in the church know, and we will arrange to pick up what you have. It would be a great help if you would price items before you bring them in.

We are in a good location with lots of traffic going by. We are always glad for help in setting up, taking down and working the sale days. Let us know when and if you can help.

Help save a life and receive a donation for your organization in the process!Protect your health by finding out your risk of having a stroke by participating in the Life Line Screening that will be at Mancelona United Methodist Church on Friday, August 31, 2012. Through ultrasound, the carotid arteries can be evaluated for the buildup of fatty plaque, which is the leading cause of stroke. Register today for the Stroke, Vascular & Heart Rhythm package by either calling the special Helping Hands registration number or by signing up thru the provided registration sheet. By signing up for this health event, not only will you be able to receive $10 off any package of $139 or more, but Mancelona United Methodist Church will also receive a $10 donation for every member who signs up and attends this Life Line Screening event. The Stroke, Vascular & Heart Rhythm Package includes four screenings: carotid artery, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease and atrial fibrillation. To schedule your appointment and to receive this special offer, please sign up on the sheet provided by Mancelona United Methodist Church or by calling the designated Helping Hands number at: 1-800-324-9458. Join in the fight against vascular disease!

The next Rada order will be placed on July 16th – catalogs are in the Mancelona Narthex. Pat Derror

Margaret Bock July 9Don Blasko July 14Bobbie Sue Marsh August 1Clinton Olds August 2Virginia Biehl August 6Derek Gates August 6Lyndee Zimpfer August 7Matthew Olds August 11Collin Olds August 28

UMWThe May meeting of the UMW was held on May 9, 2012 with thirteen members present. Treasurer Ruth Johnson opened the meeting with a devotion and prayer. The business of the meeting was conducted by Ruth Johnson in the absence of our President, Beth McKaig and Vice-President Sue Thomas. Jeanette Hayes gave a brief report on the success of our Community Meal taking place every Tuesday evening. We would like to give a special thanks to all of the volunteers who come to help in any way possible. Jeannette Hayes also presented the program about International Ministries and their work supported by the UMW organization. Thank you to Ellen Whitehead for welcoming us to their beautiful new retirement home on Little Twin Lake and for furnishing us with delicious refreshments.

Our June meeting was held at The Dockside on Clam River and was attended by seventeen members - a fun annual outing that is looked forward to by all members. No business is conducted at this meeting. We always look forward to this pleasant day outside on the deck with good conversation and sharing among friends.

Please join us for the July 11 meeting at 1pm at Rhonda Allen's home on Twin Lake and our August 8 meeting at 1:00 pm at Beth McKaig's home at Shanty Creek. Bring a brief devotion or inspirational message to share if you wish. There are no planned programs for these two summer meetings. Remember we will carpool from the church at 12:30 pm and it might be a good idea to contact our President, Beth McKaig (231.533.6314) if you need a ride and are coming for the first time. All are welcome!

Outdoor Worship at Mancelona Church Hear Ye, Hear Ye -- on July 22nd, we’ll be gathering outdoors at 11:00 a.m., behind the church, to worship our Lord. If it is raining or snowing we will meet inside. After a joyous worship service, we can all enjoy potluck in picnic style. There will also be a “white elephant” fundraiser, so bring your slightly used treasures. We can all laugh and scratch our heads while softly muttering, “what am I going to do with that?” Remember, it’s all in fun, and to help the church budget. It might be a good time to invite a friend to come along. We are still looking for someone to coordinate the Silent Auction – please let Pastor Todd know if you are willing to volunteer.

Cindy McCulloch July 1 Ruby Collins July 3Dave Fisher July 5Theresa Peterson July 6Lucile Sandeen July 6Ann Cole July 12Evan Shafer July 16Phyllis Starkey July 24Arlene Meeder July 25Phyllis LePard July 26

Don Derror July 27Jack Patterson August 1Ginny Moeke August 2Charlene Geer August 9Sandy Scholl August 10Jerry Cameron August 11Chad Rasor August 16Kathleen Rock August 21Cathy Kerr August 24Noah Felton August 25

MancelonaAlba

“Upcoming Attractions”

A new attitude in serving …

I prayerfully ask each of you to join us on Sunday, August 26th , at 12:00 in the Mancelona UMC Narthex.As we gather together for our coffee and fellowship time, you will have the opportunity to explore where it is God may be calling you to serve our church family.

Is God calling you to mentor and teach our children in Sunday School?Is God calling you to serve as an usher during service on Sunday?Is God calling you to lead/facilitate a small group in your home?

1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

Small Group Ministry Where Two or Three Are Gathered…

Alba United Methodist Church

Vacation Bible School –

Monday, August 20th – Thursday 23rd

5:30pm – 8:00pm

“The Pirates Who Can’t Do Anything”

A VeggieTales VBS

True heroes know God is with them.

God can make me a hero.

True heroes do the right thing.

True heroes reach out to Jesus.

True heroes share God’s love.

The Alba youth from Monday School started the summer off in grand fashion. They offered their gifts and witness for an entire morning worship. The congregation was truly blessed as they shared favorite songs and Bible lessons, and the older youth presented a skit with a powerful message. Spencer Olds, and Erin and Jordan Stevens played piano solos while Sydney Hogerheide sang a solo and shared the message. Leaders Michelle Jewell and Judy Zimpfer are both looking forward to next year already.

The Monday School youth enjoyed an end of year pool party at Darline and Terry Old’s home. Hot dogs and water balloons were highlights of the day. Later that evening the older youth enjoyed an overnight camping trip.

We are now working forward to vacation Bible school to be held August 20th through 23rd from 5:30pm to 8:00 pm. Supper will be served as well as the youth go on adventures with the Veggie Tale pirates who may initially do nothing but learn how to be heroes for God. If you would like to help in anyway, please contact Judy Zimpfer or Noreen Shafer.

COMMUNITY MEAL NEWS:

Tuesday, June 19, was a “red letter” day for the Community Meal program when the number of people attending took a huge leap. The number attending jumped from our usual 50’s to 80! Hats off to the Men’s Team which assessed the situation, brought out frozen hot dogs and quickly heated them and served the additional people streaming in.

I would like to share some comments from community people who attend our meal. “I eat alone night after night. It is so wonderful to be able to eat a meal with other people and have a chance to visit.” “We have such a good time.” “The music is wonderful.” “Thanks for doing this.” “How can I help?”

Thank you to all of our cooking teams, our greeters, serves and clean-up crews. We could not do this without you. God has called us to open our doors and share with our neighbors. “—I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes—Matthew 25, v. 35. We live in a world which is “hungry” to be fed in so many ways.

We are a part of a larger network of those who share our concerns. Through the Manna Food Project in Harbor Springs, we are able to purchase most meat products for .19/lb; (ground beef is $1.60/lb), canned goods and dry products such as crackers and cookies are also .19/lb.

We are now a part of the Food Rescue Network of Traverse City which is a part of Feeding America - a national food recovery effort. We will receive surplus baked goods, fresh vegetables, canned goods etc. DELIVERED to us weekly at no charge. Their truck will be at our church every Tuesday, as well as at the two food pantries in Mancelona. Beginning in July and through November, we will be eligible for a free weekly amount of fresh produce from an area farmer through the Fresh Food Partnership. The above resources are all part of the efforts of the Northwest Food Coalition, which meets monthly in Traverse City on the second Thursday of each month. We are asked to attend the monthly meeting and report the number of people we serve to them monthly.

One of the speakers at the West Michigan Annual Conference asked us to remember that the Holy Spirit is always at work in the world. Surely that is true through the many people who volunteer and the organizations whose mission is to feed the hungry.

Jeanette M. Hayes

Play Ball…Hot off the wire…the Beach Bums are currently in first place, 1 game ahead of Southern Illinois. This is the team we will be playing on August 3rd, the opening of a three-game series, that could determine the league winner. There are still a few tickets left. Please sign up and join us that Friday, at Wuerfel Park in Traverse City, at 7:05 pm, right behind 1st base, to see our Beach Bums beat the Southern Illinois Minors, and possibly become League Champions. Fabulous fireworks will close out the night.

???How did that get done???Do you ever wonder how things get done around the Church? When were the fans fixed, who put that banner up and why that one, where do the Sunday School teachers come from, who determines where our mission giving goes, who planned and prepared for the Outdoor Worship, how is this Church run anyway? I’m glad you asked.

Believe it or not the Church is run by committees, lots of committees, big committees (15-20 people) and small committees (1 person). The committees investigate, plan, and implement ideas in their area of responsibility all the time. Here I will discuss Mancelona Church’s Administrative Council.

The Administrative Council (AC) monitors activities of all church committees, coordinates activities between committees and decides on when and how to apply major church resources. Each of the committees of the church has a representative on the AC, this is usually the committee Chairperson. During a meeting each representative presents the actions of that committee and discusses their future plans. For example the Trustees could talk about who’s cutting the lawn, what needs repairing around the church and any new items need to be worked on (new media system??). The Worship committee may talk about who is filling the pulpit when Pastor Todd is away or when a special Sunday service will occur. We also get a report from the Finance Committee on the current status of the Churches finances. All of the committees get their chance and everyone on the AC can make comments and add suggestions.

If any decisions are to be made everyone gets their chance to comment and then a vote is taken (majority rules). Most decisions are made at the various Committees but major decisions are made by the Administrative Council, like when we voted on the proposal to open the Soup Kitchen (now called the Community Meal).

The AC usually meets on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 pm and everyone is welcome to sit in and listen to what’s going on in the church and find out who really fixed those fans.

Dean McCulloch Ad Council Chair

Every Sunday morning I worship with a different church (or two) in the Albion District. Every congregation is unique – and so is every pastor! I’ve been blessed to hear a wonderful variety of sermons and preaching styles. I’ve sung along with Fannie Crosby hymns accompanied by piano, Charles Wesley hymns accompanied by the

organ, and brand new hymns – including some I’ve never heard before – accompanied by a band. I’ve drunk a lot of coffee, chatted with many faithful people, eaten quite a few cookies, and thoroughly enjoyed every experience. But it wasn’t until I’d been visiting different churches for nine months that I realized on most Sunday mornings, I sit alone. I realized it on the morning that a young man named William moved out of his pew, introduced himself, and sat down next to me. As we chatted for a few short moments before the worship service started, I learned a number of important things about William – including the fact that it was his 17th birthday. But the thing I learned which amazed me most was the fact that William had lived in that community and been part of that church FOR ONLY ONE YEAR. It was a newcomer to that church – and a young one at that! -- who moved out of his pew and made me feel truly welcome.

Which made me wonder…

What if visitors to our churches on a Sunday morning didn’t end up sitting alone? What if long-timers made a commitment to move out of their pews – and their “comfort zones” – to let new-comers know they were truly welcome? What if greeters not only handed out bulletins, but offered to help visitors understand the order of worship, showed them where to hang their coats, explained the options available to children, and pointed out the location of the nearest restrooms? What if, in addition to liturgists and acolytes and other weekly worship leaders, volunteers were appointed and even listed in the bulletin to personally sit with visitors, and escort them to the refreshments afterwards? What if we all learned to follow the example of a friendly teen named William?

This past Sunday, a local Baptist Church in Albion had a special “Community Celebration” day, complete with pancake breakfast, worship, and the honoring of several citizens who are making a positive impact in the Albion community. It looked inspiring, so I decided to attend. From the very start, I WAS WELCOMED! I was invited by a family to sit at a table with them for the pancake breakfast. Many people stopped by while I sat there to introduce themselves and to connect with me. Later, when I entered the sanctuary for worship and sat down alone in a pew, the woman sitting in front of me turned around, introduced herself, said: “It doesn’t seem right to me for anyone to sit alone in church” – so she got up, moved back, sat down next to me, and carried on a friendly conversation until the worship service started. Did I feel welcomed? You bet I did! If I were looking for a Christian community to be part of, would I return to that church? You bet I would!

My friends in Christ, can you imagine what a powerful impact Christ could make through us if we consistently bent over backwards and gave our very best to welcome our Sunday morning visitors and guests? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we truly learned to welcome and connect with each and every one of our guests and visitors as if they were Jesus Christ himself?

By: Tamara Williams

Welcoming our visitors

We would like to thank everyone for the cards and for helping us to celebrate our 50th anniversary. It was very special to us as our family couldn't be here at this time. It is nice to have a church family and good friends.

Don & Pat Derror

Secret Friend!We will be drawing for our new secret friend for the next year on July 29th The program runs from Sept –Aug. The sign-up sheet will be in the Narthex at Mancelona UMC until the drawing.

Words from our DS Anita Hahn

Greetings All,

As we step into summer, in our home we are well aware that school is done and summer fun is here because we are packing for Church Camp. Summer in our home means figuring out when we will all eat together, again, in the midst of summer camp experiences and mission trips. Let’s face it, we are lucky if we don’t forget to pick someone up from camp—the quiet at home can be nice.

We were remembering last year, school ended on a Tuesday, we put our foreign exchange student on a plane on Thursday, packed the moving van on Friday, drove Wesley to Wesley Woods UMC Camp on Sunday and moved into our new home in Traverse City on Monday. Would you believe Wesley didn’t sleep in our new home until the next Saturday? Sigh, we do have our priorities straight! Are you going to one of our United Methodist Church Camps this summer? Who are you sending to camp? Did you know that there are kids who want to go to camp but are not able to go to camp because all of the conference scholarship money is gone? PLEASE…if you haven’t sent a donation for kids to go to camp this summer, send it to the West Michigan Conference Office…soon! Also, don’t forget, the life changing camp experience isn’t just for kids, but for adults and families, too! Check out “Camping” at our West Michigan Conference Web Site for all of the details!

Summer also means moving. This year in the Grand Traverse District we are saying, “Good-bye” to the following folks. Pastor Jerry Jaquish and Pastor Howard Seaver are retiring! Pastor Gary Step has accepted the new Conference position as “Director of New Church Development and Congregational Transformation.” Pastor Brian Bunch is heading to Delton Faith UMC and Pastor Harris Hoekwater is moving to St. Joseph First. Pastor Mona Kindel will be serving Elsie UMC. Pastor Karen Sorden (who was Ordained this year at Conference) is moving to Lake Odessa Central UMC and Jodie Flessner is off to Caledonia UMC.And we are welcoming to the Grand Traverse District, Pastor Dave Selleck to Manistee UMC and Pastor Mark Mitchell to Fife Lake Parish. We welcome Pastor Jeff Schrock to NE Missaukee Parish and Pastor Gary Bekofske to Pentwater Centenary UMC. We welcome Pastor DeAnn Dobbs (who was Ordained this year at Conference also) to Indian River UMC and Pastor Scott Loomis to the Pine River Parish. We welcome Pastor Beverley Williams to Mesick/Harrietta UMC’s and last but not least, we are welcoming Pastor James Richie to Baldwin and Luther UMC’s!

Please take time to pray for, send cards, and make calls to encourage and to welcome those who find themselves in transition this year. As many of us know, there is excitement in change as new opportunities unfold. There is also anxiety and sorrow as last good-byes are said and the fear of change threatens to set in.

The words of scripture that have nudged me the last few weeks come from Isaiah 43:18-19, “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

These words speak to me and lots that is happening in fresh ways. Is there anything that you want to let go of in order that a new start can happen? Do you know that we serve a God of new beginnings? Do you feel dry and weary? Do you feel like you are wondering in a wilderness? Do you know that our God is a God who provides water to quench our thirst even in the midst of the desert lands?I love new beginnings! I am thankful that we serve a God who does not hold our yesterdays against us but opens the door to fresh starts everyday! “This is a day of new beginning! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!”

As you walk into a new start, today, what is God calling you to let go of and what is God calling you to live into!

God Bless,

Anita K. Hahn AlbaChristian & Annette Marcus August 15Gary & Tina Tubbs August 16

MancelonaRichard & Kathleen Rock July 8David & Sharon Brooks July 15Dave & Ellen Whitehead July 18Terry & Darline Olds July 27Chris & Lori Derror July 30Barry & Ann Moeke July 30Brian & Denise Nixon August 8