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First United Methodist Church Steeple Notes Volume 75, Issue 31 August 10, 2016 Integrity As I have sat at the supper table in Fellowship Hall and listened to the stories of our guests from South Oakland Shelter over the past four years, I have often lamented, “God, why are they going through such hard times? And how can they keep such a positive attitude?” I give thanks for the dozens of volunteers who provide hospitality for our guests at the same time as I wonder, “In light of the immense needs in our city and world, how is God calling me to be a positive change agent and person of integrity?” Periodically, I intentionally take time to assess who I am and where I am headed. It usually happens when I am in conversation with those who have come upon hard times or am facing an important decision or change in my own life. Like right now. “Make a fearless and searching moral inventory of yourself.” It’s Step Four of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s a necessary step in all of our journeys if we are to live whole and healthy lives. Coming face to face with my own fears and inadequacies, I realize anew how fortunate I have been in my life and also how very human and flawed I am. I am reminded of the poignant words of writer David Benner: “Spare me perfection. Give me instead the wholeness that comes from embracing the full reality of who I am, just as I am. Paradoxically, it is this whole self that is most perfect. As it turns out, wholeness, not perfection, is the route to the actualization of our deepest humanity.” What does it mean to be a whole, self-integrated person in today’s world? I hope you will join us this Sunday as we “wise up” about integrity. Bishop Laurie If you have been to our Shine contemporary service this summer, you have experienced our Summer Bounty series. We have been talking about the fruits of the Spirit and how they relate to our Christian life. We have heard about love, joy, peace, kindness, and Pastor Zack spoke about patience this past Sunday. This week we continue to explore the fruits of the Spirit as we encounter generosity. We will look to the Bible for examples of generosity, both good and bad, and we will talk about how we can give of our own spiritual gifts in a way that is pleasing to God. I can’t wait to see you there! Pastor Dan What Can I Bring? Our Church Family; Prayer; Did You Know 2 Maple Road Closed; Taize; Children, Students and Families 3 Stratford; Thanks; Employment 4 Berkley Update; Farewell Celebration 5 Berkley Events; Mixed Doubles; Visio Divina 6 Calendar; On Our Website 7 Worship Summary 8 Inside this issue:

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First United Methodist Church

Steeple Notes Volume 75, Issue 31 August 10, 2016

Integrity

As I have sat at the supper table in

Fellowship Hall and listened to the

stories of our guests from South

Oakland Shelter over the past four

years, I have often lamented, “God,

why are they going through such

hard times? And how can they

keep such a positive attitude?” I

give thanks for the dozens of

volunteers who provide hospitality

for our guests at the same time as I wonder, “In light of

the immense needs in our city and world, how is God

calling me to be a positive change agent and person of

integrity?”

Periodically, I intentionally take time to assess who I am

and where I am headed. It usually happens when I am in

conversation with those who have come upon hard times

or am facing an important decision or change in my own

life. Like right now.

“Make a fearless and searching moral inventory of

yourself.” It’s Step Four of the Twelve Steps of

Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s a necessary step in all of our

journeys if we are to live whole and healthy lives.

Coming face to face with my own fears and inadequacies,

I realize anew how fortunate I have been in my life and

also how very human and flawed I am.

I am reminded of the poignant words of writer David

Benner: “Spare me perfection. Give me instead the

wholeness that comes from embracing the full reality of

who I am, just as I am. Paradoxically, it is this whole self

that is most perfect. As it turns out, wholeness, not

perfection, is the route to the actualization of our

deepest humanity.”

What does it mean to be a whole, self-integrated person

in today’s world? I hope you will join us this Sunday as

we “wise up” about integrity.

Bishop Laurie

If you have been to our Shine contemporary service this

summer, you have experienced our Summer Bounty series. We

have been talking about the fruits of the Spirit and how they

relate to our Christian life. We have heard about love, joy,

peace, kindness, and Pastor Zack spoke about patience this

past Sunday.

This week we continue to explore the fruits of the Spirit as we

encounter generosity. We will look to the Bible for examples

of generosity, both good and bad, and we will talk about how

we can give of our own spiritual gifts in a way that is pleasing to God. I can’t wait

to see you there!

Pastor Dan

What Can I Bring?

Our Church Family; Prayer;

Did You Know

2

Maple Road Closed;

Taize; Children, Students

and Families

3

Stratford; Thanks;

Employment

4

Berkley Update; Farewell

Celebration

5

Berkley Events; Mixed

Doubles; Visio Divina

6

Calendar; On Our Website 7

Worship Summary 8

Inside this issue:

Page 2

Our Church Family Our Christian Caring and Concern are shared with the following person, known to be in the hospital on Monday,

August 8: Jim Bailey

Our Prayers for Good Health are shared with the following persons, released from the hospital since Monday,

August 1: David Van Deusen, Darrell White

Our Prayers of Sympathy and Support are shared with:

Shane and Anna Spradlin and family on the death of his mother, Carol Spradlin, on August 1.

The family and friends of Gini Sutherland, who died on August 6. A memorial service will be held in our Sanctuary

on August 22 at 2:00 p.m.

….that this week’s Voice of Hope message is recorded by Andy McMillan, and next week’s

message will be recorded by Anita Barratt. To listen, call 248-646-6407 and press 2 when

your call is answered by our automated system.

….that our three men’s softball teams all finished in the top four in the eight-team church

league again this year. In the playoff final, FUMC Red defeated FUMC Green by the score of

18-6, the 12th time in the last 14 years our church has won the title. Congratulations to Matt

Bedell, Andy Benson, Kevin Demorest, Matt Demorest, Mike Hayes, James Kornas, Jim

Kornas, Jeff Leduc, Brian MacMillan, Eric McComas, Jonathan Murray, Dave Pratt and Brian

Shekell, and to all our teams and players on a great season!

….that Oakland Hills will host the US Amateur Golf Tournament, August 15-21. One-day passes are still available in

the church office for a “free will” donation which will help us support the Urban Youth Alliance, a mission of our

Detroit Renaissance District. You may receive credit for a charitable donation if your gift is above the $10 face value.

….that the Altar Flowers ($50) are available on September 4. The Missions Candle ($30) is available on September 11

and 18. For more information or to reserve a date, please contact Janet Smylie ([email protected] or 248-

646-6407 ext. 3121).

….that our Detroit Renaissance District will hold Lay Servant Training on Sundays, September 11 through October 30

from 2:30-6:00 p.m. Registration kick-off will be held at Hope UMC (26275 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield) on Sunday,

August 28 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Registration cost is $40, payable to Detroit Renaissance District LSM. Contact the

church office for a registration form and more information.

Did You Know

August 10, 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.

Page 3 First United Methodist Church

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, August 18 in the Runkel Chapel at 6:45 p.m.

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 FUMC Birmingham Children and Family Ministries,

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.

Water Wars: Rising 6th, 7th and 8th grades….All rising middle school students are

invited to join us for pizza in the Pit followed by water fun on the front lawn on Sunday, August

14 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Contact Petrina Hone ([email protected]) to RSVP

or for more information.

High School End-of-Summer Celebration Pool Party….All high schoolers (including

rising freshmen) are invited to the Bouque’s house for a pool party, lunch and fun on Saturday, August 28 from noon to

2:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Beth Torrey ([email protected]) to get registered and for more information. You

must have a medical release on file to attend.

Our Baptism Class explains the biblical basis for why our church baptizes infants and children, the unique benefits of

baptism, and how God works in the lives of infants, children and their parents to produce spiritual growth and the

ongoing ministry of the church. Led by clergy and lay staff, the next class for parents will be Sunday, September 11 at

5:00 p.m. Baptisms will take place during worship on September18 (no baptisms in October). Please contact Janet

Smylie (248-646-6407 ext. 3121 or [email protected]) to register for the class or to schedule a baptism.

Maple Road Closed

Maple Road between Cranbook and Southfield Road remains closed for the

month of August. But you can still to get to the church—although you may

want to give yourself a few extra minutes to get here!

Take Lincoln from either Southfield or Cranbook, then turn north on Pleasant to

access our parking lot. (The city promises Lincoln will be open this week!) And so we

can be good neighbors, please watch your speed as you drive on Pleasant. There are

lots of families with small children on this street. The speed limit is 25. On Sunday

mornings, the city will strive to allow you to drive across Maple from Fairfax and Suffield into our parking lot.

Page 4 August 10, 2016

Employment Opportunities

Job descriptions and applications are available in the church office and on the church website.

Receptionists….Are you a great, welcoming representative of our church? Would

you like to make some extra money while getting to know not only the members of

our church, but the community as well? If so, we have a great opportunity for you.

We are looking for a few people who want to sing the praises of our church as

receptionists in the Christian Life Center and at the Main Entrance Welcome

Center. Schedules and shifts vary. Applications and job descriptions are available in

the church office or on the church website. If interested, please contact Beckie Bower

([email protected]).

Custodian, Part Time, Weekends Plus….We are looking for a custodian with janitorial experience for weekends

and time-off coverage. The church custodian is entrusted with the cleaning, maintenance, set up of the church building

and property, and assisting all members or visitors with logistic and A/V needs. If interested, contact Tony Kotwicki,

Director of Facilities ([email protected] or 248-646-6407 ext. 3145).

Berkley First Worship Leader….We are accepting applications for the position of Worship Leader at our new

Berkley location. We’re looking for someone with a passion for drawing people into deeper relationship with God

through worship. The Worship Leader must be able to excellently lead worship solo – if need be – with vocals and

piano or guitar, but is expected to build up a team of talented and godly musicians to join him/her in leading worship

for this new faith community. If you’re interested in being a part of this “new thing” and would like additional

information, contact Pastor Zack Dunlap ([email protected]).

Stratford Festival

You can still join us on Tuesday, August 16 as we travel to Stratford, Ontario to see

Shakespeare in Love. The cost is $85 and includes for coffee and bagels before departure,

transportation on the comfortable Endowment Express II, and theater ticket. We depart at

8:30 a.m., arriving in Stratford with time for shopping and lunch before the performance.

We return immediately following the play, stopping for dinner along the way and arriving

back at the church about 9:00 p.m. Ticket reservations can be made with Janet Smylie (248-

646-6407 ext. 3121 or [email protected]). Bring a friend! Passport required.

Intercepted Note of Thanks

Thank you to the wonderful members of Birmingham First UMC for your generous support of the Urban Methodist

Youth Camp and our district’s ministry with youth. Our young people are gathered this week at Judson Collins Camp.

Your contribution ($15,666 has been sent so far) is making a significant difference in this ministry. Please extend my

thanks and appreciation to the congregation.

Charles Boayue, Jr.

Detroit Renaissance District Superintendent

Page 5 August 10, 2016

You Are Invited

to a

Farewell Celebration for

Bishop Laurie Haller

Sunday, August 21

Final Sermon in our Pulpit

10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Farewell Celebration

11:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall

If you would like to contribute to a “love gift” for Bishop Laurie,

envelopes are available in the church office, or simply write “Love Gift”

on the memo line of your check or indicate it for your online giving.

If you are unable to be with us on August 21, another celebration of Laurie’s ministry

will be held on Saturday, August 13 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the

Michigan Area Ministry Center, 1011 Northcrest Road, Lansing, MI 48906.

Bishop Kiesey invites all to attend this open house that includes a brief program at 4:30.

Momentum is building at Berkley First! Even though we’re months away from regular weekly

worship, we are excitedly moving forward with small groups and special events. This Friday,

we’re offering free childcare for Parents’ Night Out at Berkley First from 5:00-8:00 p.m. On

Saturday from 5:30-7:30 p.m., come on over for the Berkley First Car Show.

Renovations are ongoing; it’s amazing what a difference a new sign and a fresh coat of paint

can make! Thank you to all who have given of their time and resources to bring the Berkley

First building into the 21st century. This will serve as a place of welcome and worship for

years to come!

Berkley Update from Pastor Zack Dunlap

Page 6 August 10, 2016

Mixed Doubles Dream Cruise Party

Come watch the Dream Cruise, enjoy some BBQ, fellowship, and maybe even play a game at Laura Buus’ Dream

Cruise Party. Guests are welcome!!

When: Saturday, August 20 at 1:00 p.m.

Where: 1820 Beverly Blvd., Berkley, MI

Wear weather-appropriate casual attire and bring a lawn chair for cruise viewing and $10 per person to cover food,

soft drinks and a donation to a Birmingham First mission. Laura’s house is two blocks west of Woodward and two

blocks south of 12 Mile Road. Please RSVP to Laura (248-546-5366) by Tuesday, August 16. Mixed Doubles is a social

group for singles and couples in their fifties and sixties. All are welcome!

Visio Divina Invites Us Into “Divine Seeing”

The Faith Formation committee is offering you an opportunity to exhibit a favorite photo, an image or a photo of a

work of art that either you or someone else (with permission) has created and that is pleasing to your eye. Please

provide a scripture, a verse or your own words to help the viewer see what you see.

Your entry should be presented to us for display in either a

black or white mat (not framed). Size should be at least 8 x 10”

and no larger than 10 x 14”, including the mat. Cards will be

prepared to accompany your entry. Think about what you

would like to share.

Entry forms are available in the church office or electronically

via our church website. Please provide an entry form to

express your interest. Send to Joan Duncan via email

([email protected]) or in member mail. Actual entries should be received in our church office no later than Friday,

September 23. The Visio Divina exhibit will be in Fellowship Hall October 2 through October 9.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please call Joan Duncan (248-225-0049) or Sue Csernits

(248-321-9362).

Parents’ Night Out….On Friday, August 12 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., drop off your children

ages 3 and older at Berkley First (2820 12 Mile Road) for an evening of crafts, games, snacks

and stories while you enjoy time to yourself. Free! You may wish to enjoy the delightful stores

and restaurants just doors away from the church along 12 Mile Road. If interested, contact

Katie Kirkpatrick ([email protected] or 248-496-2851).

Classic Car Show….Can’t wait for the Dream Cruise? Join us from 5:30-7:30

p.m. on Saturday August 13 at Berkley First. Face painting and games, free snow

cones and popcorn. Take selfies from the driver’s seat of some classic cars.

Carloads of fun!

Events at Berkley First

You can sign up on our website to receive periodic e-mails from Birmingham First. Go to

www.fumcbirmingham.org and click on the green “Sign up for ENews” button on the right-hand side of the home page

or through “E-News” at the top of the home page. It’s easy to sign up, and you can “unsubscribe” at any time. You can

sign up to receive:

Steeple Notes—Our weekly church newsletter

Here I Am, Lord Newsletter—Information on mission opportunities

Children and Family Ministries—Upcoming events and volunteer opportunities

Make Your Mark—High School newsletter

180Seconds—Middle School newsletter

Death and Funeral Notices—Notifications of member deaths and funeral arrangements

Shine—Updates on sermon series and activities at Shine, our contemporary service

On Our Website

Page 7 First United Methodist Church

This Week at Birmingham First Sunday, August 14

8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship

10:00 a.m. Traditional Worship

10:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship

5:00 a.m. SOS

11:00 a.m. MS Water Wars

Monday, August 15

9:00 a.m. Desert Sisters Planning

9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates

1:00 p.m. Front Porches

2:00 p.m. Prayer Committee

2:00 p.m. Senior Volleyball

7:00 p.m. Adult Karate

7:00 p.m. SPRC

Tuesday, August 16

6:30 a.m. Tuesday Men’s Bible Study

8:00 a.m. Stratford Gathering

9:00 a.m. Mat Pilates

9:30 a.m. Bridge

9:30 a.m. Mahjong

11:45 a.m. Duplicate Bridge

2:00 p.m. Unite Open Basketball

Building Closed @ 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 17

6:15 a.m. Arbon Dennis Men’s Group

(Shirley)

9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates

12:30 p.m. Cards in the Afternoon

2:00 p.m. Senior Volleyball

Thursday, August 18

10:00 a.m. Refugee Resettlement

Families Learning Program

1:00 p.m. Caregiver’s Support Group

1:30 p.m. Tai Chi

6:30 p.m. Adult/Jr. & Sr. Karate

6:45 p.m. Taize Worship Service

Friday, August 19

9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates

Building Closed @ 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 10

5:00 a.m. SOS

6:15 a.m. Arbon Dennis Men’s Group

10:00 a.m. Play Dates on the Playground

2:00 p.m. Security Task Force

7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Troop #1032

Christian Life Center Closed

Thursday, August 11

5:00 a.m. SOS

10:00 a.m. Play Dates on the Playground

10:00 a.m. Refugee Resettlement

Families Learning Program

Christian Life Center Closed

Friday, August 12

5:00 a.m. SOS

5:00 p.m. Parents Night Out (Berkley)

Christian Life Center Closed

Building Closed @ 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 13

5:00 a.m. SOS

5:30 p.m. Berkley First Car Show

Christian Life Center Closed

Page 8

Traditional Worship 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Proverbs 10:9, 16:11, 12:3, 19:1, 12:20

“Wise Up...About Integrity!”

Bishop Laurie Haller

Hymns:

Summer Hymn Sing: Pilgrim Hymns

“Breathe on Me, Breath of God”

“Grace Alone”

Solos:

“How Can I Keep From Singing”

“Deep River”

Russ Ives, Tenor

Shine Contemporary Worship 10:00 a.m. in the Christian Life Center

Acts 5:1-11

Summer Bounty:

“What Can I Bring?”

Rev. Dan Hart

August 10, 2016

The Liturgists are Rev. Gary Haller in the Sanctuary

and Rev. Suzanne Walls at Shine.

The Altar Flowers are dedicated to the glory of God

and placed by Tom and Rose-Marie Venier in memory of

Gini Sutherland.

The Rosebuds on the altar announce the births of Lucy

Jane Newingham, born August 4 to Justin and Beth

Newingham; and Georgia Kathleen Wren, born August 6

to Christopher and Chloe Wren (proud grandparents

are Dan and Beth Cooper; great-grandparents are Ken

and Bev Cooper).

The Missions Candle is lit by Geri Dunkle to honor

the mission work of her husband, Dan, and her sister,

Vande.

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

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

1589 W. Maple Road • Birmingham, MI 48009

248-646-1200 • [email protected]

www.fumcbirmingham.org

Gary Haller and Laurie Haller, Senior Pastors

Zack Dunlap, Lindsey Hall, Dan Hart and Suzanne Walls, Associate Pastors

John E. Harnish, William A. Ritter and Robert P. Ward, Pastors Emeriti

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Let’s Get Social!

Join our Facebook page

(www.facebook.com/fumcbirmingham)

Watch us on YouTube

(www.youtube.com/FirstUMCBirmingham)