Church Messenger October 2015

Moments with Mike

October 2015

John 17:11 “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father,

protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one.”

As I think of the churches I have known in my life, both those I have attended and those I have served, I wonder if it

would be possible to find a more diverse cast of characters in any other institution. Young radicals, uniformed in jeans,

share the pews with Republican bankers in three-piece suits. Bored teenagers tune out the sermon even as their eager

grandparents turn up their hearing aids. Some members gather as methodically as a school of fish, then quickly break

apart to return to their jobs and homes, never to think of church again until next week. Others want close communities

and migrate together like social amoebae, gathering at any and every opportunity that presents itself.

One could easily shake their head at the absurdity of the whole thing, and declare it doomed to fail. Jesus prayed that

we “may be one” as he and God the Father are one (John 17:11) We ask ourselves how can any body with as much

diversity as this ever survive let alone find unity and thrive?

Then a quiet voice within me says: “You have not chosen me, I have chosen you.” (John 15:16) The chuckle at the

craziness of the body sticks in my throat like cotton. For if anything is to be believed about the collection of people who

follow Christ, it is that we were called by him, to follow him. The word church, ekklesia, means “the called-out ones.”

Our crew of mis-matched comedians from central casting is the group God wants to do his work in this place.

During my life in the church I have seen my share of people seeking Jesus, both unlikely and obvious, and everything in

between; and I must admit that most of my worship in the last thirty years has not taken place among people who have

shard my taste in music, dress, literature, speech, or even thought. But over those years I have been profoundly and

humbly impressed that I find God in the face of my fellow worshipers by sharing with people who are shockingly

different from each other and from me, that which we all hold in common, a deep and abiding love in Christ. We must

never allow the diversity of the “body of Christ” to become a distraction; because this diversity is God’s plan and the

strength of His Kingdom on earth. ALL are called to share in God’s Grace and to share the Love of Christ…this unity of

receiving and sharing is our strength.

Blessings

Mike

October Sermons

October 4th

Message: “’Til Death do us Part”

Scripture: Mark 10:2-16

Focus: God takes marriage seriously…do We?

October 11th

Message: Salvation cannot be earned…But there is much to do!!!

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Focus: The difference between Eternal Life and Kingdom Living.

October 18th

Message: Seeking Security!!

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45

Focus: We are all seeking security; the question is where, in whom or in what do we place our trust.

October 25th

Message: A Template for Discipleship.

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52

Focus: Who are the true followers of Jesus? The disciples who try to silence Bartimaeus or the blind man who

throws away his most prized possession to come to Jesus?

Activities/Upcoming Events:

There will be no UMM breakfast for the month of October.

2015 LAUMC UMM Fishing Club Schedule:

o October 3rd 7 :00 am Green Lake

If you are interested in participating or have any questions please contact Michael Carr at 231-463-6502 or through email: mtownsendcarr@charter.net

Saturday October 3rd 4:00 – 7:00 pm Chicken BBQ in Burnett Park across the street

from the church. The menu is: BBQ Chicken Quarters, Coleslaw, Macaroni & Cheese, Dinner Roll, Dessert & Beverage. Suggested donation is $8.00 per adult or $5.00 per child 12 and under. Takeout meals are available. There will be live music by The Happy Banjo’s as well as Michael Carr & Friends so bring a camp chair, sit back and enjoy the evening. (In case of inclement weather the event will be held in the Fellowship Hall at the LAUMC.) Proceeds to benefit Burnett Park and the Lake Ann United Methodist Men’s Group. Thank you to the following sponsors: B & M Party Store; Lake Ann Brewery; Lake Ann Grocery; Lake View Realty; Red Door Coffee House; The Reel People; The Stone Oven and LAUMC.

Trunk or Treat: Friday, October 31st 5 – 9 pm the UMM will be serving hot dogs at the Almira Township Fire & EMS Department, come join the fun!

Save the Dates!!

The UMW ladies will be working on Bazaar Projects and we are in need of the following for our projects: pint & half-pint jars for our apple butter, nearly new items & craft items. If you can help out with these items please contact Julia Deemer at 275-7954 or Deb Schermerhorn at 409-0749.

This year’s Craft Show/Bazaar will be held on October 24th

November 18th: We will meet for lunch and a World Thank Offering.

Christmas luncheon is scheduled for December 16th.

Patriot Place

M&M Quilting Group

The “Blessing of the Quilts” service was held on Sunday, September 20th with 36 quilts being

blessed. Fifteen quilts were delivered to the Patriot Place in Gaylord and 21 quilts are to be

delivered to the Women’s Resource Center in Traverse City.

The ladies are thankful for new friends as well as many donations of material, patterns and even

a machine that they were blessed with this past month!

Quilters meet every Wednesday from 9am-4pm in the lower level of the church…come and join the ladies

for a day of fellowship and quilting. All skill levels welcome!

Missions outreach - Lane 5 for the months of September & October will be Native/Ethnic Churches:

Greensky Hill/Northport Indian Mission . Please denote giving envelopes “Lane 5” along with donation amount.

Mission Lane of Giving for 2015:

• June, Lane 3: International, Hearth to Hearth Ministries

• July and August, Lane 4: UMCOR/Hunger, CROP Walk and One Great Hour of Sharing

• September and October, Lane 5: Native/Ethnic Churches, Greensky Hill/Northport Indian Mission

• November and December, Lane 6: Local, Summer Games/Wesley

35th Annual Traverse City Area Crop Walk: Sunday, October 11th 2 pm

www.crophungerwalk.org/traversecitymi<http://crophungerwalk.org/traversecitymi>

Check it out. Any questions call Shelly or Emma VanderMeulen at 231 640-0911.

Adult Mission Trip September 2015

“Blessed To Be a Blessing”

Several members of our Adult Mission Team are currently at Lake Michigan Camp in Pentwater. They will be

there until Friday, October 2nd. Lake Michigan Camp is a Methodist camp in need of some repairs. Below is a

list of projects they will be tackling:

1- Walls up in northern pavilion which will include framing.

2- Upgrade five exhaust fans in south bath house

3- Organize and clean around tool shed

4- Significant repairs in middle bath house which includes reconfigure entrance and replace sill

plate and supports

5- Replace Health Officer roof

6- Cut dead trees and split wood (we have a nice splitter)

7- Build Dean's storage area

8- Small engine, golf carts

9- There are cleaning projects and other jobs available.

As you can see, there is a job for every skill level. If you find yourself with free time this week please

consider joining them even if it is just for the day. Contact: Dave Renfer at 231 409-1589.

CHILDREN’S EDUCATION PROGRAM EXPANDS!

Due to our steady rise in enrollment our 22 children have been divided into two groups, grades K-2 and

grades 3-5. Sue Agge will continue to lead our K-2 children in the same room downstairs. Kris Gray and

Jennifer Thomet will be sharing the leadership of our older group. Grades 3-5 will meet downstairs in

the room next to the church office. All elementary age children will leave the worship service following

the Children’s Sermon for their weekly Sunday School lesson. Come check us out!!

WE NEED YOU

Parents of K-5 children are being asked to volunteer as Sunday School helpers two or three times during

the school year. Per our Child Protection Policy we are required to have two people in each room at all

times. Every family should have received a letter with a tear-off form to sign up for particular week(s).

Forms may be placed in the offering plate.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

We will begin our pageant practices on Sunday 10/25 from 10 to 10:15 am in the K-2nd grade classroom.

All children are welcome and encouraged to participate.

‘SAFE SANCTUARIES’ TRAINING

Pastor Mike will conduct a child sexual abuse prevention training on Thursday, October 15th 6:30 – 7:30

pm in the church fellowship hall. This training is required by our church’s Child Protection Policy for all

people working with children or youth in any of our church related programs. Plan to come for an hour to

learn about this important subject. Its focus is to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse in the church.

5 TO ONE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER NEWS

October PLAYDATES FOR ALL LAKE ANN AREA PRESCHOOLERS & PARENTS ARE:

Friday, October 9th 10-11:30am at Community Center

Friday, October 30th 10-11:30am at Community Center

PLAY EQUIPMENT AT COMMUNITY CENTER

Our play equipment at the Community Center has been taken down because it was unsafe for children.

We are hoping to replace it. We are open to suggestions! Donations are accepted.

Talk to Pastor Mike or Barb Keelan.

Well summer’s gone (and what a great one it was) and Fall is here so you know what that means….. we’re going

to Jacob’s Corn Maze!! If you’d like to go we’ll be meeting at the church this Sunday 10/4 at 1:30 pm to carpool.

Come along and enjoy the challenge of the maze and some great fellowship. Our regular group time is on

Sundays at 4:00 pm usually in the Fellowship Hall.

Nursery and Sunday School Schedule for October:

Oct. 4th: Marla & Barb K. (Nursery) Sue A. & Susie H.(K-2nd) Kris G. & Amber P. (3rd – 5th)

Oct. 11th: Marla & Amanda D.(Nursery)Barb K, Emily W. & Thomas V. (K-2nd) Jennifer T. & Jen V. (3rd – 5th)

Oct. 18th: Marla & Jane K. (Nursery) Beth S. & Sue W. (K-2nd) Kris G. & Karen R. (3rd – 5th)

Oct. 25th: Marla & J/S Seymour (Nursery) Sue A., Jeri P., Caroline C. (K-2nd) Jennifer T. & Amy G. (3rd-5th)

Happy Birthday

(3rd) Pauline Rosa; (7th) Pat Hodges; (8th) Mike Skarupinski; (10th) Barb Emerick, Judy Gauld, Matt

Wetmore; (12th) Sam Perry; (13th) Nolan Deemer, Jim Schwind; (15th) Gil Rushlau, Chris Seybert; (16th)

Bonnie Kinnaman; (17th) Bill Carlone; (20th) Barb Keelan, Mark Roper; (23rd) Don Bridges;

(29th) Kathy Lawrence, Gary Perkins; (30th) Tim Lint

Happy Anniversary

(3rd) John & Eva Bauer; (11th) Jeff & Cindy Burns; (12th) Don & Dorothy Lint; (19th) John & Mary Thompson; (31st)

Church Office Hours:

Monday through Thursday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Food Pantry Hours:

Monday through Thursday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Your generous support is always greatly appreciated!!

Wednesday Night Dinners: Fellowship Hall - 5:30 – 6 pm

Suggested donation: $3.00 per person $10.00 per family of four or more.

Oct. 7th: Mexican Night

Oct. 14th: Soup & Salad

Oct. 21st: Chicken Pot Pie

Oct. 28th: Spaghetti

On Sunday, September 13th we celebrated four baptisms and five renewals. What a blessing!!

Baptized (l-r): Roxann Houghton, Kyle Renfer, Jacob Renfer & Nicholas Renfer

Renewed vows: Sue Agge, Gordon Houghton, Samantha Grant, Ryan Grant and

Samantha VanWingen

Thank you to the Wetmore’s for opening their home to us.

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Miller Pomper was happy to receive his bible from the United Methodist Women. The bibles

are given in memory of his Great Grandma, Eleanor Gray, a longtime member of the LAUMC

and the UMW.

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Tree Removal… Thank You Volunteers and Thank

You Cherryland Electric!!

Landscaping Team…Thank you Ladies & Gents for your hard work & your green thumbs!!

Painting Team: A great big thank you goes to Pastor Mike & Beth for all of the painting they

did throughout the church and to Al for painting the back door. Our church family is blessed

with many volunteers in many areas and we are thankful for each and every one.

7th ANNUAL

LAKE ANN

ARTS AND CRAFTS Saturday,

October 24, 2015 9:00am – 3:00 pm

Lake Ann United Methodist Church Community Center

Corner of First Street & Lake Ann Road in Lake Ann

From Traverse City: Take West Front Street to Cedar Run Road, turn right & drive approximately 11 miles. From South: Travel West on US-31, 3 miles past the traffic light

in Interlochen, turn right onto Lake Ann Road and travel north until you reach town. Turn right at the stop sign and go up the hill. Make a left onto Lake Ann Road,

the church will be on the left side approximately 1 block.

OFFERING: *Bake Sale * Concessions *

* Stained Glass * Wood Products * Jewelry * * Baby Bibs * Dish Rags * Bird Feeders * Books * Painted Signs *

* Quilts * Cards * Stone and Beaded Jewelry * Shopping Bag Caddies * *Aprons * Hats * Wool Mittens * Denim Pillows *

* Petoskey Stone Ornaments & Much More! *

October 4th at 2:00 pm the Advent Lutheran Church will host a “Blessing of the Animals”. The

community is invited & every pet is welcome. All animals must be on a lead or in a carrier. Bags for

waste clean-up and water will be provided. Donations of Pet Supplies for Cherryland Humane

Society will be collected.

There will be a PATH workshop series held at the Benzie Community Resource Center meeting on

Thursdays from 1 – 3:30 pm for six weeks (Oct. 8,15,22,29 and Nov. 5 & 12). The focus of the

workshops is Diabetes Self-Management. For more information &/or to register for these free

workshops call Sharon at 1 800 442-1713.

Thursday October 29th from 7 – 9:00 pm there will be Beers & Hymns at the Lake Ann Brewing

Company sponsored by Advent Lutheran Church and the Lake Ann Brewing Company.

Nonperishable food items will be collected at the door to benefit the Food Pantry at the Lake Ann

United Methodist Church.

Saturday October 31st the Almira Township Fire and EMS Department will be hosting a “Trunk or

Treat” from 5 – 9 pm. Bring your vehicle, decorations & candy! Vehicles will park in the parking lot

to give out candy; if the weather is bad we will move inside the fire station. The fire department will

be handing our candy, cotton candy and popcorn. The LAUMC will provide the hotdogs. There will

be games such as cake walk, donut eating contest, pumpkin decorating and of course a costume

contest.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3 11am-4pm Lay Servant Training – Fellowship Hall 4-7 pm BBQ Chicken Dinner by UMM in Burnett Park

4 10:20 am Music 10:30 am Worship 11:30 am Fellowship 1:30 pm Youth meet at the church to go to Jacobs Corn Maze 2pm Advent – Blessing of the Animals

5 10 am Bible Study @ Parsonage 5 pm Al Anon @ CC 7-9 pm Boy Scouts – Fellowship Hall

6 8:45am Walkers @ Almira Twp. Park 7 pm Trustees

7 9am-4pm Quilting 5:30-6pm Mexican 6:30pm Covenant

8

9 10-11:30 am Neighborhood Play Group @ CC

10

11

10:20 am Music 10:30 am Worship 11:30 am Fellowship 2 pm Crop Walk 4 pm Youth Pastor Appreciation Day

12 10 am Bible Study @ Parsonage 5 pm Al Anon @ CC 7-9 pm Boy Scouts – Fellowship Hall

13 8:45am Walkers @ Almira Twp. Park 3-7pm Blood Drive

14 9am-4pm Quilting 5:30-6pm Soup & Salad 6:30pm Covenant 6:30-8pm Boy Scouts-Conf Rm 1

15 6:30-7:30pm Safe Sanctuaries – Fellowship Hall

16 CMU will be using the CC thru the 18th

17 CMU

18 10:20 am Music 10:30 am Worship 11:30 am Fellowship 4 pm Youth

19 10 am Bible Study @ Parsonage 5 pm Al Anon @ CC 7-9 pm Boy Scouts – Fellowship Hall

20 8:45am Walkers @ Almira Twp. Park 7 pm Adm. Bd.

21 9am-4pmQuilting 5:30-6pm Chicken Pot Pie 6:30pm Covenant

22

23 Art & Craft Show setup @ CC 9am-12pm UMW @ Bazaar prep Fellowship Hall

24 Arts & Craft Show & UMW Bazaar @ CC 9am – 3:30pm

25

10 am Christmas Program Practice 10:20 am Music 10:30 am Worship 11:30 am Fellowship 4 pm Youth

26 10 am Bible Study @ Parsonage 5 pm Al Anon @ CC 7-9 pm Boy Scouts – Fellowship Hall

27 8:45am Walkers @ Almira Twp. Park

28 9am-4pm Quilting 5:30-6pm Spaghetti 6:30pm Covenant

29 7-9pm Brews & Hymns @ LA Brewing Co. to benefit Food Pantry

30 10-11:30 am Neighborhood Play Group @ CC

31