New Life United Methodist Church6584 W. Howard City-Edmore Rd.Six Lakes, MI 48886

NOVEMBER 2013 www.newlifeunitedmethodist.com

It is the tithe and generous gifts of people like yourself who keep our doors open and fund the ministries we believe God calls us to carry out locally and around the world. I want to thank you for your generosity and faithful service this year as we go through our pledge drive to set our budget for next year. Just like the story above, when you give to the church, you don’t always get to see the effect your giving has on the lives of others…but, be assured of this, your generosity always has a positive effect on the growth of God’s Kingdom!

So we invite you give generously . We invite you to celebrate baptisms and communion with us on November 3rd. We invite you to laugh this month with Tony Wolf on November 9th and 10th! We invite you to celebrate Thanksgiving with us as we host the Community Thanksgiving Service here at New Life on Sunday evening at 6:00PM…oh, I heard there will be pie! See you soon!Pastor John

His Solitude

A November day is like a jewel that sparkles in the sunAutumn’s last solitaire inviting us to come .....

Come my children, play with Me and see the blended huesWhile the places of your heart in quietness renews.

Rake the leaves on the morrow this day we have is oursTo share the golden moments of November’s lingering hours.

© Leone Whittum

“I tell the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven”Matthew 18,3 NIV

Dear Friends,

In the last few weeks we have been going through a message series called, How To Be Rich. We talked about living thankfully, living expectantly, and finally living generously. Check out this wonderful story and see if you can find thanksgiving, expectation, and generosity:

Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, “God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!” Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby I heard a woman remark, “That’s what’s wrong with this country. Kids today don’t even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!” Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, ”Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?” As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, “I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer. “Really?” my son asked. “Cross my heart,” the man replied. Then in a theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), “Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes.” Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, “Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already.”

What a great story. The generosity of that young man was demonstrated in his giving of the ice cream to the woman who had caused his tears. The effects of his generosity were felt and acknowledged by more than just one person.

The same can be said of your generosity as you faithfully give to the ministries of New Life! The generous heart serves as a reminder that goodness and mercy still exist! Generosity flows out of a heart filled with love and an understanding that the Author of All Good and Perfect Gifts has an endless abundance.

Carol Enyart 11/01Colton Leppink 11/02Jennifer Large 11/03Nichole Commans 11/06Bryce Gunderman-Lake 11/06Kennedy Cogswell 11/10Sydnie Nielsen 11/12JohnShell 11/12Hazel Smith 11/12Melody Olin 11/15Marvin Fountain 11/16Tom Ammann 11/18Bonnie Selesky 11/18Pat Buskirk 11/20Emily Molitor 11/21Mary Kozler 11/26Sandra Winget 11/26Troy Andersen 11/27Brent Gunderman-Lake 11/27Kenadee Cordray 11/28Kelly Smith 11/29

Melvin & Linda Houck 11/04 46 yrsNick & Dawn Armock 11/17 40 yrsWalt & Carol Enyart 11/19 25 yrsNancy & Walter Bannen 11/23 50 yrsAudrey & Jerry Crane 11/23 56 yrs

Sewing Circle 11/07 - 2:00pmWomen’s Fellowship 11/12 - 1:30pmWidows Might 11/14 - 12:30pmKelsey Recreation 11/19 - 2:00pmCircle of Friends 11/25 - 7:00pm

Making the stuffing for Thanksgiving dinner helps restore my heart to gratefulness. First I cut bread into cubes to dry out. Has it really been a year since I thanked God for the simple things of life? Dear God, thank you for my daily bread. Next I boil giblets for the tasty broth. When did I last express thanks for my body - even the oft-forgotten parts? Thank you, , God, for creating and sustaining me. Then i dice onions and celery, adding them to the mixture. That reminds me to thank God for abundant harvests. Finally I measure raisins, nuts, sage and salt into the stuffing, as scents fill the air. Lord, help me not grow weary of the interesting “spices” that fill my life. As the stuffing goes into the oven, warm air wafting into the kitchen, I remember to thank God for providing my home. Here relatives and friends gather, often an odd combination. yet when we bow our heads in thankfulness, we’re an unbeatable mix.

- Mary Ann Sundby

God of all nations, you are our Strength and Shield. We give you thanks today for the devotion and courage of all those who have offered military

service for this country ... We ask today that you would lift up by your Spirit those who are now at war; encourage and heal those in hospitals or mending their wounds at home; guard those in any need or trouble; hold safely in your hands all military families and bring the returning troops to joyful reunion and tranquil life t home. Give to us, your people, grateful hearts and a united will to honor these men and women and hold them always in our love and our prayers until your world is perfected in peace and all wars cease. Through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen

- Rev. Dr. Jennifer Phillips

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Remember back late this summer when we all dropped a rock into the cross mold up front at the Church? Well, the cement has been poured into it, the rocks situated on top, its cured, and the forms have been removed. Recently it was wrestled down and placed into the edge of the rocks that are situated around the sign out in front of the Church. Here is the crew that made sure that this project was completed.Take a look at the cross when you get a chance and remember that it was all about the congregation coming together in unity and laying down our burdens, so that we could be as one for Christ.

“Faith walks simply, childlike, between the darkness of human life and the hope of what is to come.”

- Catherine de Hueck Doherty

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The Sewing Circle will meet Thursday, November 7th, at 2:00pm, in the Pathfinders classroom. If you wish to sew, bring a machine, fabric, and binding. We will make some pot holders. Contact Diana Jones (352.6957) or Nancy Bannen (365.3135) for additional information.

“Dinner & Comedy Night”Presented by: New Life UMC Fundraising Committee

~ SATURDAY ~ NOVEMBER 9TH ~

DINNER SERVED 6 PM ~ SHOW 7 PM

What’s for Dinner?

What’s the Show? “Tony Wolf”

How do we buy Tickets? -

“Comedy Crew” Volunteers Needed –

Any questions – Please call Anita Epolito at 517-282-3087

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

- John F. Kennedy

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110am Coffee Break

210am-3pm VCI@NL4:30pm Emmaus Gathering-Greenville 1st UMC

9 & 11am Worship10am Sunday School7:30pm AA&Al-Anon

41pm Care Group5:45pm TOPS6:30pm Hand Bells

510:30am Prayer Grp12pm LV Minst. Mtg6pm Boy Scouts7pm Emmaus 4th Day

68am Quest Men’s Bible Study9:30am TOPS1pm Staff Meeting5:30pm Gathering6:30pm VCI Talk Back / Q&A

78am Breakfast at Crystal Fountain2pm Sewing Circle

8No Coffee Break10-4 Craft Sale

98am Men’s Fellowship6pm Dinner7pm Comedy ShowTony Wolf

Tony Wolf preaching9 & 11am Worship10am Sunday School7pm AA Speaker

1pm Care Group5:45pm TOPS6:30pm Hand Bells

10:30am Prayer Grp1:30pm Women’s Fellowship6pm Boy Scouts6:15pm Leadership

8am Quest Men’s Bible Study9:30am TOPS1pm Staff Meeting5:30pm Gathering

12:30pm Widows Might4pm Free Food Truck-LV Free Meth.

1510am Coffee Break

179 & 11am Worship10am Sunday School12:15 Young at Heart7:30pm AA&Al-Anon

1pm Care Group5:45pm TOPS6:30pm Hand Bells

1910:30am Prayer Grp2pm Kelsey Recreation6pm Boy Scouts

8am Quest Men’s Bible Study9:30am TOPS1pmm Staff Meeting5:30pm Gathering

10am Coffee Break

9 & 11am Worship10am Sunday School6pm Community Thanksgiving Service7:30pm AA&Al-Anon

251pm Care Group5:45pm TOPS6:30pm Hand Bells7pm Circle of Friends

10:30am Prayer Grp6pm Boy Scouts7pm Trustees Mtg

8am Quest Men’s Bible Study9:30am TOPS1pm Staff Meeting5:30pm Gathering

Office Closed

Office Closed

It was brought to our attention that on on Fox News channel and other television or cable outlets there will be a special TV program that you may be interested in. It will be ‘My Hope American with Billy Graham’. It was suggested that you could arrange a shoe box packing party and invite a few friends over to watch this show and pack a few boxes. We are so happy to announce that we only have a few of the we put together left. If we run out, you can always wrap a regular shoe box or pick up a plastic box and pack it. Whatever you plan to do; pack a box, donate funds for a box, or say a prayer,

we are ever so grateful. Collection date is Thanks,Circle of Friends

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New Life United Methodist Church Administrative Board Sept. 10, 2013

The September meeting of the administrative board was called to order by Pastor John Scott. He shared a devotion and opened the meeting with prayer. Members present were: Barbara Ray, Meredith VanderHill, Bill Besemer, Kim, Molitor, Phill Seiter, MaryLou Botma, Linda Houck, Anita Epolito, Janet Johnson, Linda Andersen, and Pastor John. Janet moved with a second from Bill to accept the secretaryÕs report. Motion carried. Linda explained the treas. report. Phill moved that we accept the report as presented, second by Meredith. Motion carried. Phill reported that at the finance committee meeting it was decided to ask the congregation at the church conference for permission to use the money set aside for elevator and upstairs for other large financial necessities. This amount is about $10,000.00. Also they would like to open a line of credit with the bank in the amount of $20,000.00 to help get us caught up. A discussion was held on these two issues. Anita spoke on behalf of the fund raising committee about the upcoming dinner/show event to be held on Nov. 9th. The show will feature a Christian comedian. Pastor John announced that the PastorÕs appreciation dinner put on by the conference will be held at our church on Nov. 8th. Also the church conf. will be on Oct 22nd at 7:30.An endowment team has been put together to work on getting this program established in our church. A representative from the conf. will attend a meeting at our church to explain this endeavor. It was again brought up that we might want to have several of our meetings for different groups such as Ad. Board and trustees on the same night to eliminate having numerous nights attending meetings. Perhaps this would start next year. Committee reports were given as follows: Hospitality: Janet reported that they continue to do follow up on visitors.Worship: Meredith reported that we will need replacements for Linda Seiter as choir director and Chris Moore.Christian Ed.: We are very pleased to have childrenÕs church up and running and also a youth Bible study twice a month. The ÒgatheringÓstarts back up this week on Wednesdays. SPRC: Kim reported that the pastorÕs eval. is completed.Trustees: Barb reported for Andy that the security cameras for the church should be installed by the end of this month. The radon unit was installed today at the parsonage. The cost is $844.00 with 30 days to pay. The unit comes with a seven year warranty on the fan and a lifetime warranty on the system. The trustees will be evaluating the wish list presented at the Aug. ad. board meeting and putting the items in order by priority. Lay Leader: Bill reported that some people were offended by taking an impromptu offering (of $20.00) in church. The idea of this offering was to finish paying off the note on the parking lot. UMW: Mary Lou reported we will host the Heartland meeting on Sept. 19th and on Oct. 8th WomenÕs Night Out will be at St. Louis. PastorÕs report: no reportBeing no further business, the meeting was adjourned with prayer. Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Ray, Secretary

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Present: Mary Main, Ann Larson, Eugene Rentschler, Ron Harvey Arvin Selesky, Pastor Scott, Bill Besemer, Mel Houck, Nick Armock, Bonnie Reed, Marvin Fountain.Meeting called to order by Ron Harvey at 6:53 p.m., Pastor Scott opened with prayer.August minutes read, Motion by Mary Main to accept minutes, seconded by Marv Fountain all in favor motion carried.

:Parsonage, radon update: Andy checked with the DS and this is required to be done, system is installed, test are being run to make sure it is working, payment will not be due until test results are good. Cost $884.00, there is a fund raiser in process to pay for this expense.Security cameras: Marv reported the cameras have been purchased; installation plans are being made.Cement sealing: Mel reported that we need 4 more gallons of sealer @ $80.-$90.00 per gallon.The Cross that we place the rocks in will be filled in with cement and placed on the hill in front of the church facing in. This is to represent New Life is moving forward. Mel Houck, Mark Epolito, Pastor Scott will be doing the work. A motion was made By Ron Harvey, seconded by Eugene Rentschler, all in favor motion carried.Mary Main suggested that the trustee take a tour through the parsonage to see what we have, and to access any needs that need to be addressed. No action was taken.There was a discussion on finance: flustration at not having the money to finish projects that need to be addressed. There are some things that have been approved (floor cleaner, table and chair replacement), however there are no funds to proceed. Trustees decided to come up with individual wish list, which will be brought back to the next meeting. The lists will be combined and prioritized. We will decide on where to go from there.There is an Elevator fund of about $10,000, this money has been designated just for this fund. The financial committee has asked to have this transferred to the Maintenance/Capital Improvement funds. A motion was made by Arv seconded by Mary to leave the funds as designated; all in favor motion was carried.

: Administration would like to mount a monitor outside the office to place upcoming events and other announcements. Motion made by Gene to have this done, second by Ron all in favor motion carried.Nick reported on saf-t-y salt for the winter we have 5 bags left, Nick will check on the price of purchasing a skid. Mary Main reported on the budget: copier supplies are listed under Maintenance, they should be under operating expense. Trustees will continue to take care of the rental on the copier which is listed under Wells Fargo.Mary lead us through the budget for next year, we made some adjustments for next year, and budget is as followed. Changes are marked in bold.Item# Description 2013 201477 Custodial Supplies 1500.00 1500.00 78 Electric 8500.00 8500.0079 Gas 8000.00 9000.0080 Insurance 2850.00 2850.0081 Lawn and sidewalk 750.00 900.0082 Maintenance 5500.00 5500.0083 Major Repairs & Improvements 1500.00 1500.0084 Miscellaneous -0- -0-85 Snowplowing 1500.00 1500.0086 Telephone & internet 1400.00 1400.0087 Water 150.00 100.0089 Parsonage89 Capital improvements 1000.00 1000.0090 Electric 1600.00 1500.0091 Gas 2000.00 2000.0092 Maintenance 1000.00 1000.0093 Telephone, cell, internet 2820.00 2500.0094 Snowplowing 500.00 500.0095 Yard 250.00 250.0096 Wells Fargo 3780.00 3900.00

Total of $800.00 increase. Mary made a motion to accept budget with changes, Gene seconded. All were in favor; motion carried. Our next meeting will be held October 29 at 7:00 p.m.Motion made by Arv to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Second by Ron all in favor motion carried.

Recording secretary: Bonnie Reed

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New Life United Methodist Church 6584 W. Howard City-Edmore Rd. Six Lakes, MI 48886

Phone: 989.352.7788 Fax: 989.352.1101 E-mail: newlifeumc6584@gmail.com Web Site: www.newlifeunitedmethodist.com