of kalamazoo 24 2019.pdfentire room will be brightened up with new paint and lighting, which will...

July 24, 2019 Vol. 33, No. 7

We areFirst

United MethodistChurch

of Kalamazoo

The First Word July 24, 2019

FIRST CHURCH STAFFThe staff is here to empower and equip the congregation for ministry and mission. Email *staff by entering the first letter of their first name and the entire last name, and then: @umc-kzo.org. (i.e., [email protected]).

*Rev. Steve Charnley Senior Pastor*Rev. Julie Kline Associate Pastor*Rev. Shelly Wisdom-Long Interim Pastor of Children & Families Ministries*Rev. Keith Treman Pastor of Congregational Care*Rev. Mantu Joshi Pastor of Congregational Development and Innovation*Jacqueline Stilger Minister of Music *Bernie Foulk OrganistRich Peavler First Singers Director*Ruth LaMachia Church Business Administrator*Christi Landreville Administrative Partner in Ministry *Jennifer Stupica Communications Director*Thom Victor Office Assistant*Curt Flowers Bookkeeper*Amy Evans Contributions Assistant*Robin Entenman Office Assistant/Evening Security*Max Neeley Lead Audio-Video Technician/Security *Elizabeth Batten Social Justice Coordinator Summer Intern*Sara Miller Coffeehouse Worship Creative ConsultantKathy Purnell JFON AttorneyCoral Cervantes JFON Legal Assistant (269-743-2501, [email protected])Austen Rial Building Maintenance Pamala Roman Custodian Todd Bloomfield Evening Custodian Ernesto Escobedo Sunday Evening Security

IN RELATIONSHIP TO THE CHURCHJulie Meyers First Care Director ([email protected])Bishop David A. Bard Bishop of the Michigan Area Rev. Dwayne Bagley Greater Southwest District Superintendent

GLOBAL STAFFWill & Ella Faircloth Children's Home, Costa RicaDonna Chaat Pewo Clinton/El Reno Church & Community Ministry of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary ConferenceDesiree Sergua-April Children at Risk Ministries, Nicaragua

WELCOME to The First Word. Articles for the next issue are due no later than Wednesday, August 21, 2019. The next newsletter will be mailed August 28, 2019. Articles submitted to the newsletter should be sent

electronically by email to Jennifer Stupica at [email protected].

The First Word (USPS953900) is published monthly by First United Methodist Church, 212 S. Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Periodicals postage paid at Kalamazoo, MI. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to First United Methodist Church, 212 S. Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

Please keep these friends in your prayers

Fred Allen, Dana Anderson, Ann Ball, Dee Barkley, Betke family, Max & Ellen Brinkley, Dan & Jill Christian, Betty Cleland, Wayne Conner, Peg

Edmondson, Andrea Frew, Michael Fuller, Brenda Haan, Carl Hausermann, Jim Hilboldt, Nell Holland,

Lenora Holliday, Earl Hyde, Bela Lahner, Eleanor Lane, Doris Lee, Alan Lincoln, John McNaughton, Joan Rohs, Hamilton Scharff, Jan Search, Sinclair

family, Jim Treece, Arlene Triestram, Turner family, Lori Valkema, Fred Walker, Kathy Winchell,

Linda Winkelman

Our sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of

Dolores Horvat, mother of Christopher Horvat,

who died in June 20, 2019 in White Lake, MI.

Gloria Lett, a former member, who died July 15.

Food Pantry Needs

Do you have extra paper grocery bags you can donate to the food pantry? They are also in

need of boxes of cereal, laundry detergent, and travel-size hygiene products (soap, shampoo,

conditioner, toothpaste and lotions). Thank you!

Baptized in Worship

On June 30, 2019 we had the privilege of baptizing Theodore Erwin Harbaugh, son of Kent and Ruth Harbaugh. Siblings are Sam, Elise and

Audrey!

Schedule a Baptism

If you would like baptism for yourself or for a child, please contact Pastor Steve Charnley. We do not

have baptism dates set for the fall, but will contact you when those dates become available.


In2017,thechurchre-ceivedagiftfromtheestateofAllenandMargueriteBriggs.Becausethemoneywasundesignated,churchpolicysayshalfthemoneygoestothechurch’sEndowmentFundandhalfgoestotheBoardofTrustees.Eachreceived

roughly$190,000fromtheBriggsbequest. TheTrustees,knowingthatsomemajorbuild-ingcostswerecominginthenexttwoorthreeyears,decidedtoestablishaBuildingReserveFund(BRF)withtheBriggsmoney.Nowin2019,theTrusteeshavedecidedtousethatmoneytopayfor89%ofthecostoftheboilerthatwillbeinstalledinAugustandSeptember.Youwillfindmoreinformationabouttheboilerprojectinthearticlebelow. TheTrusteeswishtoexpresstheirgratitudeforthegiftthatmadethepurchaseoftheboilerpossible.It

maynotseemlikeanexcitingmemorialtotheBriggs,butitisaverynecessarypurchase.OnacoldSundaynextwinterwhenthechurchisniceandwarm,thinkofthegenerousgiftfromtheBriggsthatmadethatheatpossible! UndesignatedgiftsofanysizemakeitpossiblefortheTrusteestokeepthisbuildingingoodrepair,readytoserveourfamilyoffaithandthewidercommunitywellintothefuture.ThisbuildingisusedonSundaymorningsforworshipandSundaySchool,butitisalsousedfordifferentkindsofcommunityoutreachthroughouttheweek. TheTrustees,alongwiththeEndowmentCom-mittee,wanttomakesuretheBriggswillberemem-beredasacouplewhomadealastinginvestmentinthechurchthroughtheirgenerousgift.Ifyouareconsideringagiftinyourlifetimeorthroughyourwill,wehopeyouwillletusknowsowecanexpressourappreciation.Financialgifts,bothsmallandlarge,helpinunexpectedandimportantways.

A thoughtful bequest from Allen and Marguerite BriggsbyCarolHodges,Trusteee

Allen and Marguerite Briggs

Church boilers being replacedby the Building & Grounds Committee

Ad Hoc Boiler Team: Steve Hassevoort, Chuck Hubbard, Ruth LaMachia, Tom Schaberg, and Lyal Ward (Tower Pinkster)

Thecurrenttwoboilersthatheatmostofourchurchbuildingare32yearsold.Theyareoldtechnologyandareveryinefficientbytoday’sstandards.TheBoilerTeamhasworkedthisyearwithaconsultant,TowerPinkster,developingspecificationsforanewhighefficiencyboilersystemtoreplacetheoldboilers. Thenewsystemwilloperatefourboilersthatoperateatlowertemperatures,thusbeingmoreefficient.TheTrusteesapprovedtheboilerproposalfor$214,000onJuly9,2019.ThetargetdateforcompletionisOctober1,2019.ThecontractorfortheprojectisC.L.Mahoney. Theprojectisbeingfundedfromthe2017BuildingReserveFund(BRF).TheBRFwasestablishedwithmoneyfromseveralbequests,andwithmoneytransferredfromtheParsonageFund. Thenewboilersareexpectedtosave22%ongas,orabout$4,400peryear,andwillreducemaintenancecostbyathird.Also,emissionsofcarbondioxide,sulfuroxide,andnitrousoxide,willbereducedby3.2%.ConsumerEnergyCompanyisofferinga$2,100incentive.Theboilerlifeisconservativelyestimatedat25-30years. DemolitionoftheoldboilersisscheduledforAugust5-9,2019.Oncetheoldequipmentisremoved,theentireroomwillbebrightenedupwithnewpaintandlighting,whichwilltakeplaceAugust12-20.ThenewboilersandpumpswillbeinstalledAugust21-September11.Thefinalphaseoftheprojectwillbetodoastart-up,provideownertraining,andconnecttothecurrentcontrolsystem.ThiswillbecompletedbySeptember15.Ifthereareanyquestions,pleaseseeorcallamemberoftheBoilerTeam.


August 11, 201910 a.m. in the Sanctuary

"Living the Creative Life with God: Risk"

Led by Rev. Julie Kline

God’sactofcreatingallthatis,God’sactofenteringourlivesinthepersonofJesus,God’severydayactofcreatingnewlifeareallactsofbringingthatwhichisnotintobeing.Theseareactsoforiginality.Tocreateistoassertourselvesinawaythatisrisky—thatinvitessteppingintotheunknown.Jesustoldastoryaboutpeoplewhodiddifferentthingswiththe“talents”giventothem.Theonewhotookariskandutilizedthosetalentsmultipliedtheirgiftintheworld.WhatcanyoudotoriskwhatGodhasgivenyoutoexpandloveandgraceintheworld?CanweimaginebeingapartnerwithGod,co-creatingandinvestingintheworldasGodwouldinvestintheworld?Come,forCoffeehouseWorshipthatgathersusinfellowshipandbuildsaspiritofcommunitythatisreadytobeengaged.

"It’s also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner." Matthew25:14-30

WORSHIP

For our members and their spouses/partners ages 80+

InYourHonorFirstUnitedMethodistChurchinvitesyou

Four Score and MoreLuncheon

SAVE THE DATE!Thursday, September 26, 2019

Noon

First United Methodist ChurchWesley Hall

Join usforahome-cookedlunch,fellowship,andmusicalentertainmentbyFirstStrings.WatchforRSVPinformation

inAugustandearlySeptember.

ASP Team Address in Guyan Valley, West Virginia

Our30AppalachiaServiceProjectTeammemberswillbeattheGuyanValley,WVCenterfromJuly27-August3servingmultiplefamiliesintheareatomakehomessafer,warmer,anddrier. Youcanfollowthemonthechurch'sFacebookpageaswellastheFacebookpagefortheCenter.Searchfor"AppalachiaServiceProject:GuyanValley,WestVirginiaCenter."Youcanalsowritethemanoteorpostcardbysendingitto7595R.D.BaileyHighway,Brendon,WV24818.MakesureyousenditbyMonday,July29sotheyreceiveitintime!


Friends, Family, and the Dreamby the Dream Team

InJune,theDreamTeamsharedtheresultsofthecapitalcampaigntodatethatwillhelpthosestrugglingwithhomelessnessinKalamazoo.Wealsoannouncedourfirstproject,workingwiththeYWCAfortheconstructionofatransitionalhouseforwomenandchildrenwhohaveexperienceddomesticviolence.Sincethattime,wehavemadesignificantprogressinraisingfundsfortheYWCA. InJuly,theTeammetagaintodiscussotherprojectsthatwecanundertakeinthecomingyear.WehopetofinalizetheseplansoverthenextseveralweeksandcommunicatethemtoyouinAugust.

UptothistimeourchurchhasmaintainedaratherlowprofilerelatedtotheDream.However,thewordisspreadingthroughthecommunityandjustrecentlywereceivedtwoinquiriesfromotherorganizationsaskinghowtheycouldbecomeinvolvedandsupportourefforts. Haveyoutalkedwithyourfamilyandfriendsaboutwhatyourchurchisdoingtoprovideaffordablehousing?Ourexperiencehasbeenthatpeoplearesurprised,encouraged,andcurioustolearnmoreaboutthepotentialofbecominginvolvedinsomeway.Ifyouhavenothadthesediscussions,weencourage

youtothinkabouthavingthemandspreadingthewordofhowFirstUMCisworkingtoimproveKalamazoo. AdditionalcopiesoftheDreamFundtrifoldwillbeavailableoninformationtablesandattheWelcomeCenter.Pleasesharethistri-foldwithyourfriendsandfamilyintheweeksahead.Welookforwardtohearingyourstoriesandonceagain,wethankyouforyoureffortsinmakingtheDreamareality!

Readyornot,itistimetothinkaboutanewschoolyear!ProvidingschoolsuppliesforSpringValleyElementarywillagainbeourAugustMissionoftheMonth.DonationswillbedistributedtotheclassroomsbytheCommunityinSchoolsCoordinatoratSpringValley.Thesesuppliesareverymuchappreciatedbybothstudentsandteachers!PleaseleavedonationsinthebasketintheofficeduringthemonthofAugust.Thankyouforyoursupport!

Items needed are: (NO scissors needed)

August Mission of the Month: school supplies

Dryerasemarkers WideruledspiralnotebooksWashablecoloredmarkers 2pocketfoldersingroupsof30ofthesamecolorBoxof24crayonsNo.2pencilsGluesticks

HelpingChildrenPutTheirBestFootForward

ThankstothegeneroussupportofUMWandourcongregation,ourJuneMissionoftheMonthcontributed6pairsofshoesandover$2,000toFirstDayShoeFund.WediscoveredthatSpringValleyElementarywasalreadysponsored,sothemorethan$2,000giftwillsponsorshoesforALLqualifyingchildrenatEdisonElementaryintheKalamazooPublicSchools.TogetherasacongregationwecontinuetofindnewwaystosupportourneighboringchildrenontheirpathtothePromise.Thankyou,FirstUMC!- The Outreach Team


Financial Updateby Molly Williams, Chair Finance Committee

AsofJune30,halfwaythroughtheyear,operatingexpensesareinlinewithbudgetat48%oftheprojectedannualamount.Incomeis47%oftheanticipatedamount.Pledgedcontributionsarebeingreceivedasexpected,at49%ofannualbudget.However,unpledgedcontributionsareatonly29%oftheanticipatedamount.Thissituationisofsomeconcern,andwewillwatchitclosely. Eachyear,thischurch’sEndowmentFundprovidessupporttotheoperatingbudget.Ourendowmentisfundedprincipallythroughbequestsfrommemberswhohaveleftalegacytothischurch.Thisyear’samount,$34,433.37,representing5%oftheaveragebalanceoftheendowmentfundoverthepastthreeyears,wascreditedtowardtheoperatingbudgetinJune. ThemonthofMayshowedanoperatingdeficitof$41,373.InMay,wehadthreepayrolldates,significantlyincreasingtheoperatingexpensesforthatmonth.However,bytheendofJune,incomehadincreased,andexpensesweremoretypical,resultinginanetyear-to-dateoperatingdeficitof$7,509. Duetochangesinstaffing,wewereunabletoprepareIndividualgivingstatementsearlierthisyear.However,withanewContributionsAssistantnowhired,weexpectthatJune30givingstatementswillbeavailablesoon. Theoperationsofthischurcharefundedprimarilythroughgiftsfrommembers.Ourannualbudgetcoverscompensationforclergyandlaystaff;buildingandofficeexpenses;programsofworship,Christianeducationandcongregationalcare;andourcommitmenttotheUnitedMethodistChurch.Ourdedicated,capablestaffandawell-maintainedbuildingensurethatwecancarryoutourmanyprogramsofjusticeandoutreach.Thankyoutoallourmembersandfriendswhosupportthiscriticalfoundationforourchurch.

OPERATING BUDGET FOR MAY AND JUNE Month of May Year to Date 2019 Annual Budget % of Annual BudgetTotalIncome $54,639 $378,037 $1,001,481 37.7%TotalExpense 96,012 404,627 $1,001,481 40.4%NetIncome/Loss $ (41,373) $ (26,590)Note: Special offerings are not included.

Month of June Year to Date 2019 Annual Budget % of Annual BudgetTotalIncome $94,347 $472,383 $1,001,481 47.2%TotalExpense 75,266 479,893 $1,001,481 47.9%NetIncome/Loss $ 19,081 $ (7,509)Note: Special offerings are not included.

Two new Stephen Ministers commissionedOnSunday,June30wecommissionedtwonewStephenMinisters,Robin Entenman and Carolyn Mann.WecelebrateandprayforourStephenMinistryandwillprayforthosetrainedandcommissionedtoserveascaregiversastheyserveGod.StephenMinistersaremembersofourcongregationwhoreceivespecialtrainingtoprovideone-to-oneChristiancaretopeopleexperiencingchallengesinlife—grief,loneliness,divorce,hospitalization,disability,jobloss,andotherlifedifficulties.ToreceivecarefromaStephenMinister,contactanypastor.


FAITH FAMILY FUN NIGHTS

Bronson Park Churches Host

Wednesdays5:30-8:00pm

Dinner, Games, Bible, Crafts

JULY 24: FIRST PRESBYTERIAN

JULY 31: ST. LUKE'S EPISCOPAL

AUGUST 7: FIRST CONGREGATIONAL

AUGUST 14: FIRST UNITED METHODIST

Director of Children & Families Ministries position open

Wehaveanopenpart-timepositionforaDirectorofChildrenandFamilyMinistriesatFirstUnitedMethodistChurchinKalamazoo,MI.Wearelookingforsomeonewhodemonstratestheirloveofchildrenandiswarmandwelcoming.Wealsowantsomeonewhoisflexibleandinnovative,andwhocanhelpourprogramschangebasedontheneedsofcurrentandfuturefamilies.Wewantsomeonewithagrowthmindset,whocanhelpwelcomenewfamiliesintoourchurchandhelpthemmakeconnectionstoothers,aswellasgrowtheinvolvementofcurrentfamilieswhileunderstandingthemanydemandsontheirtime.Wealsovaluetheperspectiveofsomeonewhounderstandsthechallengesfacingfamilieswithyoungkidsandcanhelpsupportparentsthroughtheupsanddownsofthistimeoftheirlives.Wealsothinkhavingasenseofhumorisimportant,aswellasorganizationandefficiencywiththelogisticalaspectsoftheposition. QualificationsareaBachelor’sDegreepreferablyineducation,familylifeoraministry-relatedfield.SeminarytraininginChristianEducationorministryishelpful.OrdinationasDeaconorElderintheUnitedMethodistchurchaplus. CoverletterandresumecanbesenttoourChurchBusinessAdministratoratrlamachia@umc-kzo.orgortoouraddressatFirstUnitedMethodistChurch,212S.ParkStreet,Kalamazoo,MI49007ATTN:RuthLaMachia.Afulljobdescriptioncanbefoundonourwebsite,underthe"MoreInfo"tab.

2019 Special Sunday Offerings GIVENIN2019DATE OFFERINGDESCRIPTION 2019

January 20 Human Relations Sunday 1,009.00

March 31 UMCOR Sunday 972.00

April21 EasterOffering 7,705.00

May 5 Native American Sunday 572.00

June 16 Peace with Justice Sunday 415.00

July21 JusticeatFirstUMC982.00

September29 AppalachianServiceProjectSunday

October 6 World Communion Sunday

October21 UnitedMethodistWomenSunday

November10 YouAreNotAlone(YANA)

December24 ChristmasOffering


Summer KAP: Kids Adventure ProgramA Community Ministry of First United Methodist Church,byColleenTreman

KAPbeganJune24andmeetsthroughAugust1,9:30a.m.to3:00p.m.,MondaysthroughThursdays.TheKAPkidshavehadabusysummerwithavarietyofactivitiesincluding:aGodlyPlayBiblestoryeachday,artwithMrs.Douglas,learningukuleleandhandbellswithMissJackie,sewingwithMrs.GrantandtheladiesfromFirstStitchers,gamesandrecreation,learningaboutbaptismandcommunionwithPastorSteve,goingtotheCrescendoAcademy,goingtothedowntownKalamazooPublicLibrary,afieldtriptotheKalamazooBookArtsCenter,andmore.WatchfortheKAPkidsonthemonitorsinthehallwaytoseewhat'sbeengoingoninKAPthisweek!

Thank you to everyone who donated snacks and breakfast items for KAP. We have had lots of yummy snacks. Your donations are greatly appreciated.

Tammy Eaton

Reconciling Lending Library Book ReviewWe are so excited summer is here and to see so many people taking advantage of the Reconciling Lending Library! This month we talked with Tammy Eaton to see what she thought of the book White Fragility: Why it’s so Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo. Here’s what she had to say:

“IhavetoadmitthatIwashesitanttopickupthisbookbecauseIamawomanofcolorandIwasquitefranklytiredofhearingtalkaboutracismfromawhiteperson’spointofview.Itwasrecommendedtomebyagroupofmycolleagueswhoweregoingtohaveabooktalkonit,soIdecidedtogiveitago.

TomysurpriseIwasengagedfromthebeginning.ItisaveryrealandhonestperspectivethatIrememberfromtheERACCEworkshopsIattended.Thesamevocabularywasused,thesameideaswerereinforced.Itwasgoodformetoreadandrecognizesomeofmyshortcomingswhenitcomestovoicingmyviewstoagroupofpeopledoingtheirbesttocombatracismandbiasedsystems.DiAngelowasabletobringtolightthereasonsconversationsaboutracearedifficultfromaperspectivethatIdon’tusuallygivetimeto.

Ilikedhowthisbookchallengedmetoseebeyondmyownexperienceasawomanofcolorbyhighlightingthedifficultieswhitepeoplehaveinadmitting,accepting,andarticulatingtheirexperiencewhendealingoravoidingraceissues.WhetherIthinktheirreasonsarevalidornot,thosereasonsarevalidandrealtowhitepeople.WhileDiAngeloputswhitepeople on the spot, I felt compassion andunderstandingrisetothetopforme. Ihighlyrecommendthisbooktopeopleofallwalksoflife.Wecanalllearnfromeachotherifwejusttakethetimetounderstandtheotherperson’sorgroup’sperspective.Evenifwedon’tallagreeorwealldon’thavethesamebackground,thereisroomforrespectfuldialogue.Wehavetounderstandourownbaggageandbiasessoifsomeonecallsusoutorwecallothersout,it’snotasjarring.”- Tammy Eaton


Children & Families Ministriesby Rev. Shelly [email protected]

Faith Family Fun Nights begin! Wednesday,July24willbethefirstgatheringoffamiliesfromaroundKalamazootocometogetherforatimeoffood,fellowship,faith,andfun!It’snottoolateforyoutojoinin!Parents,grandparents,oranysignificantadult…grabyourkidsandcomeondowntotheFirstPresbyterianChurchonJuly24!Werotatetoadifferentchurcheachweek.AfterJuly24,wewillbeatSt.Luke'sEpiscopalChurchonJuly31,FirstCongregationalChurchonAugust7,andhereatFirstUnitedMethodistonAugust14.We’llbeginwithapreparedmealat5:30p.m.andendby8p.m.Rainorshine,you’llhaveagreattime!Noregistrationnecessary!Justcomeforfun! Godly PlayGodlyPlayisduringthe10a.m.worshipservicefollowingthe"TimefortheChildinAllofUs,"forchildrenages4through2ndgrade.Duringthesesummermonthswecontinuetomeet.Insteadofmeetingintworooms,wehaveonegroupmeetinginRoom203.Storiesandleaderscomingupare:

BIBLESTORY STORYTELLER GUIDE7-28 TheLeaven JuliaLibrizzi TBD 8-4 TheSower PastorShelly JoAnnIvey8-11TheTwoSons TimFaillo TBD 8-18 TheGoodSamaritan PastorShelly TBD 8-25 TheRichYoungRuler JoyceMoore DebWerner9-1 ANewHeaven&ANewEarth ColleenTreman TBD Third Graders Wanted!It’sthattimeofyearwhenthechurchisplanningforfall,andthatmeansgiftingournewthirdgraderswithaBibleoftheirveryown.IfyouareathirdgraderorknowathirdgraderwhowouldliketoreceiveaBible,pleaseletPastorShellyknowhowheorshewouldliketheirnameprintedintheirBiblethatwillbepresentedtotheminworshiponSeptember8.

Looking for a Few Good Leaders and Assistants!TheChildren’sSundaySchoolislookingforsomefolkswhoareinterestedinhelpingouryoungchildrengrowinfaitheachSundaymorninginthecomingschoolyear.Thisyearwewillcontinueusing“DeepBlueConnects”,withthethemeofLovingGod,LovingNeighbor.SundaySchoolleadersandassistantsserveeveryothermonth,alternatingwithanotherfaithfulteam.Allmaterialsareprovided,aswellastrainingandsupport!PleasecallPastorShellytofindoutmoreaboutthiswonderfulopportunity!

Fall Family Fun NightIt'snottooearly!MarkyourcalendartodayforthefirstFamilyFunNightofthenewschoolyear!EveryoneisinvitedtogatherattheOshtemoParkPavilion(aparklocatedbehindtheOshtemoTownshipHallat7275WestMainStreet)forapicnicandplaytimeonFriday,September20.Watchhereformoreinformation!


▶ Howdoesonereducetopaperanexperienceofpersecution?▶ WhoqualifiesforasylumintheUnitedStates?▶ Whywouldanamendmenttoanasylumfilingin

courtbeover400pages??(seephoto)▶ Iamnotanattorney,butIaminterestedintheprotectionofhumanrights.HowcanIhelp?

Asoneofmanyexpressionsofitscommitmenttoradicalhospitality,JFON-MI'sKalamazooofficeprocessesapplicationsandrepresentsasylumseekersandrefugeesincourtfromtheKalamazooservicearea(SouthwesternMichigan).Anewinitiativecalledthe"AsylumCrew"willlaunchinlateJuly.ThisgroupwillworkcloselywiththeJFON-Kalamazooofficetoconducthumanrightsresearchacrosstheglobetogathercountryconditionsinformationforcourtfilings.Ifyouareinterestedinlearningmoreaboutthisinitiative,[email protected]

Justice for Our Neighbors looking for volunteers to help with "Asylum Crew"by Kathy Purnell, JFON Staff Attorney, JFON-MI, Kalamazoo office

TheFirstUnitedMethodistChurchRampUpTeamisahands-onministry!ThisministryworkstogetheronprojectsinthecommunityofKalamazooCountyatthedirectionoftheSoutheastMichiganDisabilityNetwork.TheDisabilityNetworkreviewsapplicantswhohavefinancialdifficultiesandareinneedofdisabilityaccesstotheirdwellings.Theapplicantshomesareinspectedforthecompatibilityofadisabilityramp;andifqualified,measurementsaremadeandplansaredrawn.Constructionsoonensues.Itusuallytakestwodaystocompletetheproject. OnJuly17and18ththeRampUpTeampartneredwiththeYouthAppalachiaServiceProject2019TeamandbuiltarampforAustin,ayoungmanwithcerebralpalsywhowaslookingforwardtothenewramp.Itwasahotcoupleofdays!Everyoneworkedhardandtherampgotdoneefficiently.SeveralyouthwhohavenotbeenonASPneededtooltrainingandexperiencebeforetheydepartedfortheupcomingservicetriptoWestVirginia.ThegentlemenoftheRampUpTeamweregreataboutsharingtheirskillsandwisdom.Allwerehappytoshare God’s Loveinourcommunity!

If you have an interest in giving back to the community and want to assist in disability ramp build, email Jeff Monroe at [email protected] and he will contact you when we have a project scheduled.

ASP Team builds ramp as they prepare for mission tripby Rev. Julie Kline


We welcome Contributions Assistant Amy Evans to our staff!God is good!Because ofhim, I amblessed toserve as FirstUMC’s Con-tributions As-sistant. Thisposition, inyour welcom-ing, commu-n i ty-minded

congregation,fitsperfectlywithmymind for business, heart for help-ingpeople,apassionforaffordablehousing and community develop-ment,andelders. In 1992 I graduated with anAA in Business Administration/Ac-counting from Kellogg CommunityCollege. Iwenton toearnaBA inSociology/Social Psychology fromWesternMichiganUniversityin1996.

My husband Dan and I havebeen married nearly three years,after reconnecting over four yearsago at a high school reunion. Wehave three school-aged children,Nathan(17),Keira(13)andSerenity(11). I love reading,walking inna-ture,photography,traveling,homeorganizing,anddecorating. My more recent my work ex-periences include: supportingW.K.Kellogg Foundation staff, partnersandgranteesinonlinecommunitiescollaboration; assisting entrepre-neurs to start or grow their smallbusinesses through Generation EInstitute; caring for my Grandmawho had dementia and Grandpawho had mobility challenges; re-viewingMichiganCommunityRevi-talizationProgramApplicationsandBrownfield Redevelopment WorkPlans at the Michigan Economic

DevelopmentCorporation;workingwithnonprofits,localgovernments,and land banks providing afford-ablehousingopportunitiesthroughMSHDA’sCommunityDevelopmentprograms; andworkingwith prop-erty management companies andthemultifamilyandseniorresiden-tialdevelopmentsintheirportfoliosinMSHDA’sAssetManagementde-partment. When not working at FirstUMC,IvolunteerforShweManda-lay Burmese Cuisine at the BattleCreekFarmersMarketonWednes-days and help pack Sprout Boxeson Thursdays. I also serve on thePlanningCommissionand theEco-nomic Development Corporation/Tax Increment Finance Authority/BrownfieldRedevelopmentAuthor-ityBoardinSpringfield,MI,whereIlive.

Amy EvansContributionsAssistant

The JusticeTeam is not somuchagroupofpeopleasagroupofgroupsofpeople. Assuch,youmayknowthem individually as JFON, ISAAC,MOMS,orReconcilingMinistry;col-lectivelytheyarealltryingtocausesystemicchangeinourlawsandthewayswe organize our societywiththe goal of bringing about amorejust society. It is not unusual thatthey draw from a larger resourcethanjustFUMC. In ISAAC, the church is repre-sented by eight individuals on itstask forces and our congregationhas hosted several of their meet-ings. MOMS (forGunSenseLaws)hasfiveormoreindividualsfromthe

church,and theyroutinelymeet inourbuilding.JFONhasmanymore,someofwhomarededicatedtoad-vocacy.ReconcilingMinistryislargeand most of its members are tiedtoFirstUMC.Alliedtothesegroupsarethosewholargelyinvolvethem-selvesinthestudyofissuesinclud-ingUMW,theDawnPatrol,andtheoccasionalAcademyClass.Youhaveprobably seen posters throughoutthe church related to human traf-ficking and economic justice thataretheworkoftheYouthTribe. The Justice Team has somegaps, however. We are aware ofno one who is participating in ad-dressing climate change, and we

have no one to tiethe congregationtoMichiganUnited. Theremay bealso individuals in the congrega-tionwho are engaged in achievingamore just society in coalitionsofwhichweareunaware.Inthisvein,we thank thosewhohavebecomeelected topositionsof influence inourcity;they,too,areabletobringaboutthenecessarychangesinoursociety. Please contact Ray or AnnSweany, if any of these Justicegroupsinterestyou.Wearealwayslookingforthosewhowanttomakeadifferenceforabalancedandciviljusticesystem.

Is 2019 the year you feel a justice ministry pulling at your heart?byRaySweany,JusticeTeamCo-chair,[email protected]


Movie being offered this summer in the lower level movie lounge!

Thursday, August 15 at 6:30 p.m. viewing a talk given by the Dr. Rev. William J. Barber, titled "We Need a Moral Pentecost."Rev.BarberisthearchitectoftheForwardTogetherMoralMondayMovement,presidentoftheNorthCarolinaNAACP,andpastoroftheGreenleafChristianChurch(DisciplesofChrist)inGoldsboro.HeisalsopresidentofRepairersoftheBreach.Heisthe2015-2016recipientofthePuffin/NationPrizeforCreativeCitizenship.TheRev.Dr.WilliamJ.BarberIIisco-author,withJonathanWilson-Hartgrove,ofThe Third Reconstruction: How a Moral Movement Is Overcoming the Politics of Fear and Division.

FREE

Young Adults to go blueberry picking

AllyoungadultsareinvitedtogettogetherforblueberrypickingandfellowshiponFriday, July 26 at 6 p.m. at Schultz Fruitridge Farm in Mattawan (60139 County Road 652, Mattawan).ThegroupwillmeetatWesleyCampusMinistryat6p.m.Ifyouneedaride,youcanjoinacarpool.Ifyouhavequestions,contactElizabethBattenatemailingebatten@umc-kzo.orgortextingherat(269)816-0804.

Two Spiritual Formation Classes begin September 10by Jan Baker

Coming Tuesday, September 10, theSpiritualFormationGroupinvitesyoutojointhemonTuesdaymorningsfrom10-11:30a.m.inthechapel.ThegroupkicksofftheirnewbookstudyonSeptember10andconcludesonNovember26.Theywillbereadinganddiscussingthebook,Having a Mary Heart in a Martha WorldbyJoannaWeaver.FacilitatorsofthisbookstudyareNancyHyde,Miriam

Downey,andJanBaker.Booksareavailabletobeginyourreading.ContactJanBakerat(269342-4092topurchase. "The life of a woman today isn't really all that different from that of Mary and Martha in the New Testament. Like Mary, you long to sit at the Lord's feet... but the daily demands of a busy world just won't leave you alone. Like Martha, you love Jesus and really want to serve him... yet you struggle with weariness, resentment, and feelings of inadequacy. Then comes Jesus, into the midst of your busy life, to extend the same invitation he issued long ago to the the two sisters from Bethany. Tenderly, he invites you to choose the "better part" — a joyful life of intimacy with him that flows naturally into loving service. With her fresh aproach to the familiar Bible story, Joanna Weaver shows us how all of us—Marys and Marthas alike—can draw closer to our Lord: deepending our devotion, strengthening our service, and doing both with less stress and greater joy."(bookdescriptionfromgoodreads.com)

Also beginning Tuesday, September 10!TheSpiritualFormationGroupinvitesyoutojointhemforanotherbookstudyonTuesdayafternoonsfrom1-2:30p.m.inthechapel.TheywillbereadinganddiscussingSharonGarloughBrown'snewbook, Shades of Light. Thebookisasix-weekstudyandexplorationofdepression,anxiety,cargiving,andthehealingjourney.Withsimplespiritualpractices,thisbookoffersahealingbalmforthoseinthemidstofadifficultseason. PleasecallJanBakerat(269)342-4092toreserveaspotandtoorderabook.


Sunday Morning Partners in MinistryJuly 2810:00a.m

August 410:00a.m

August 1110:00a.m

August 1810:00a.m

August 2510:00a.m

September 110:00a.m

10:00Lay Reader Derek Wheaton need someone Jess Davenport Jan Schoenherr Carol Holms Lisa Coe

10:00 Greeters need someone need someone need someone need someone need someone need someone

10:00Acolytes

Open to any acolyte

Open to any acolyte

Open to any acolyte

Open to any acolyte

Open to any acolyte

Open to any acolyte

10:00 Audio/Lights Greg Anderson Thom Victor Bob Lane Drew Eaton Lukas Bolton Greg Anderson

Perks Host Trustees Reconciling Ministries

Children & Families Ministries

Building & Grounds

need a groupto sponsor

need a group to sponsor

Summer PerksABIGthankyoutoallthecommitteesandteamsthathavesigneduptohelphostSummerPerks!WehaveTWOSundaysstillopen:August25,andSept.1.

To sign up for an open Sunday or for more info, contact Robin Entenman at 381-6340 (church office) or email her at [email protected].

Summer Perks is fellowship and refreshments after the 10 a.m. worship service. Join us!

Threre are no UMW Circle meetings in August

Wednesday, August 28ExecutiveCommitteefollowedbyGeneralMeeting(bringasacklunch)9:30a.m.-2:30p.m.,churchparlor

Thursday, August 29CircleProgramPlanning9:30a.m.,churchparlor

Saturday, September 14GreaterSouthwestDistrictAnnualMeetingVicksburg,UMC(Moreinfocomingnextmonth)

BE A GREETER ON SUNDAY MORNING!

BE A LAY READERON SUNDAY MORNING!

ContactChristiLandrevilleinthechurchofficeifyouareinterestedinbeinga

greeter;[email protected]

269.381.6340

ContactJenniferStupicainthechurchofficeifyouare

interestedinbeingalayreader;

[email protected]


28 29 30 31 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

ASP Mission Trip10:00 AM Worship11:10 AM Immigration & Justicefor Our Neighbors3:00 PM Heritage CommunityWorship5:30 PM You Are Not Alone6:30 PM Worship at FriendshipVillage

ASP Mission Trip9:30 AM KidsAdventure Program1:30 PM JFONFund Development

ASP Mission Trip9:30 AM KidsAdventure Program5:30 PM Book ClubMovie Night7:00 PM NA

ASP Mission Trip7:30 AM DawnPatrol9:30 AM KidsAdventure Program5:30 PM FaithFamily Fun Nights

ASP Mission Trip9:30 AM FirstStitchers9:30 AM KidsAdventure Program10:00 AM HelpingOur Neighbors5:00 PM YACreative Spirituality6:15 PM Softball6:30 PM NA

ASP Mission Trip6:00 PM WeddingRehearsal

ASP Mission Trip5:00 PM Wedding

Blood Pressure ClinicHoly Communion10:00 AM Worship3:00 PM Heritage CommunityWorship5:30 PM You Are Not Alone6:30 PM Worship at FriendshipVillage

7:00 PM NA7:00 PM SPRC7:00 PMStewardship Team

7:30 AM DawnPatrol9:30 AMHospitality Team9:30 AM OLLICurriculumCommittee12:00 PM Yoga5:30 PM FaithFamily Fun Nights6:30 PM YACreative Spirituality7:00 PM Basketball

9:30 AM FirstStitchers10:00 AM HelpingOur Neighbors6:15 PM Softball6:30 PM NA

10:00 AM Coffeehouse Worship3:00 PM Heritage CommunityWorship5:30 PM You Are Not Alone6:30 PM Worship at FriendshipVillage

1:00 PM Building &Grounds7:00 PM DreamTeam

9:00 AMClergy/DirectorsPlanning Retreat4:00 PM JFONClinic5:30 PM YAMinistry Team7:00 PM NA

7:30 AM DawnPatrol10:30 AM MomsDemand Action12:00 PM Yoga1:30 PM StephenMinistry5:30 PM FaithFamily Fun Nights5:30 PM First CareBoard Meeting6:30 PM PerinatalMood DisordersSupport Group7:00 PM Basketball

9:30 AM FirstStitchers9:30 AM Trustees10:00 AM HelpingOur Neighbors5:30 PM OutreachTeam6:30 PM MovieNight6:30 PM NA7:45 PM Softball

Blood Pressure Clinic10:00 AM Worship3:00 PM Heritage CommunityWorship3:00 PM Ukulele Krush5:30 PM You Are Not Alone6:30 PM Worship at FriendshipVillage

6:45 PMReconciling/Anti-Racism Team

4:00 PM Center forTransformation5:15 PM FinanceTeam7:00 PMMembershipEngagement7:00 PM NA

7:30 AM DawnPatrol12:00 PM Yoga6:00 PM Wild OnesBoard Meeting7:00 PM Basketball

9:30 AM FirstStitchers10:00 AM HelpingOur Neighbors6:30 PM NA

10:00 AM Worship3:00 PM Heritage CommunityWorship5:30 PM You Are Not Alone6:30 PM Worship at FriendshipVillage

7:00 PM ChurchCouncil7:00 PM NA

7:30 AM DawnPatrol9:30 AM UMWExecutiveCommittee12:00 PM FirstWord Collating12:00 PM Yoga6:30 PM MomsDemand Action6:30 PM PerinatalMood DisordersSupport Group7:00 PM Basketball

9:30 AM FirstStitchers9:30 AM UMWCircle Planning10:00 AM HelpingOur Neighbors6:30 PM NA

AUGUST 2019


Rev. Steve CharnleySenior Pastor

OnthecoverofthisissueofThe First Word,JenniferStupica,ourCommunicationsDirector,

hasoutdoneherselfbypresentinganinspiringcollageofministriesofFirstUMC.Allowmetooffersomeannotations. Startingintheupperlefthandcorner(andgoingclockwise),wefindoneofournewestministries,JusticeforNeighbors,featuringourattorney,KathyPurnellandAnnSweanytalkingtopeopleabouthowtheministryhelpsimmigrantsandasylumseekersatourmonthlyfreelegalclinic. Continuingtotheright,wejoinPatElzerman,LoisSchmidt,andDonShilts,inthekitchenonSundayafternoonpreparingourYANA(YouAreNotAlone)dinner.NextisaphotofromCostaRicawhereourmissionteam,includingDonnaDunyak,DawnWheaton,andDennisPencearemuddingawallinthenewactivitybuildingattheorphanagewhereourmissionaries,theFaircloths,areassigned. Intheupperrighthandcorner,wefindCooperBetkeandEliseWarnickebuildingarampforaresidentinneedunderthedirectionofJeffMonroe,andinpreparationfortheirAppalachiaServiceProjectMissionJuly27-August3.Theyouthcontinuetoleadusinthenextphotointhisyear’sCROPWalk.Framedintheforegroundarethreeofthisyear’sconfirmands:TJMorris,DrewSkuza,andTomClark. SeatedatatableintheparlorinthenextphotoisDebWerner,oneofourdedicatedvolunteersofferingcompassionateassistancethroughourweeklyHelpingOurNeighbor(HON)ministry,whichpreventsevictionsandutilityshut-offs,alongwithofferingotheravenuesofhelp.BelowherisoneofthebusyFirstStitchers,ChrisCupper,providingblanketsfortheDomesticCrisisCenterattheYWCA.Inthelowerrighthandcornerareacollectionofteddy“prayer”bears(theirnameswerenotavailableatpresstime).They

sitpatientlyinourpews,waitingforworshipperstotakethemhomeforthemselvesorsomeoneinneedofcomfortandencouragement.(JenniferStupicalovinglyprovidesforthisministry.) Nextisapictureworthathousandwords:ourabundancebroughttothealtarandsharedforahunger-freeKalamazoothroughourBlessingBagsdistributedbythechildrenatThanksgivingtimeforourLoavesandFishesfoodpantry. Atthebottomofthepageisourchurchvandeckedoutappropriatelyonvotingdaytohelpprovidetransportationtothepolls,sponsoredbyRaySweanyandourJusticeTeam.Next,uponatallladder,isAndrewLehman,who,alongwithfellowDawnPatrolmemberDaveHamman,traveledtoHaititopaintaUMmedicalclinicandschoolaswellaslistentotheneedsofthepeopleforfuturemissionpartnerships. Inthelowerlefthandcorner,MinisterofMusicJackieStilgershowsthechildrenofKAP,Kid’sAdventureProgram,howtotuneaukeleleinoursummerartsandmusicministryforourneighbors.Goingupontheleftside,wemeetCarolHametandCarolHolmswhocoordinateourfoodpantry,withfoodpantryvolunteerCarolynManninthebackground,andafoodpantryguest. Abovethisisaphotofromoneofourtwosatelliteservices;thisoneistakenatHeritageCommunity.Here,aswellasatFriendshipVillage,worshippersgathereachSundaytoexperiencethemorning’sserviceandhavefellowshipwithoneanother. ThelastphotoinourcollagepicturesBronsonParklastfallwiththetentsofthosewithoutpermanentshelter.Superimposedonthephotoisourresponse:TheDreamFundandourgoaltoraiseamilliondollarstopartnerwithcommunityagenciestoprovideaffordablehousing. Throughthiscollageandtheannotatedjourneywe’vetakentogether,youcanseewhoweareatFirstUnitedMethodistChurchinKalamazoo.Webelieveinmakingadifference!Wehaveaplaceforeveryonetogetinvolvedinourcommunity.WearelivingoutwhatweprayeachSunday:“Thykingdomcome,thywillbedone,onearthasitisinheaven.”

Peace,

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID212 S. Park Street IN KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN Kalamazoo, MI 49007(269) 381-6340

Like us on Facebook Visit our web site at www.umc-kzo.org


WE ARE A RECONCILING CONGREGATION. First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo invites all persons to join us on our journey of faith. Jesus Christ calls us to be an inclusive church that exemplifies the kingdom of God. We strive to move toward reconciling relationships with all, affirming those who are marginalized for any

reason, including sexual orientation or gender identity. We welcome all with open hearts, open minds, open doors.

2019 First Word Schedule

The First Word isaONCEAMONTHpublication.Belowistheschedulefordeadlinesandmailingdatesfor2019.

2019 Deadline Mailing DateAugust21 August28September18 September25October16 October23November13 November20December11 December18

Articles are due on the deadline! Late submissions will only be

published if space permits. Please submit articles typed exactly as you want them to appear in the

newsletter. Articles may be edited for space and content.

“Kindwordscanbeshortandeasytospeak,buttheirechoesaretruly

endless.”

"Donotwaitforleaders;doitalone,persontoperson"

MOTHERTERESA

KLUMP SoftballKalamazoo League of

United Methodist Players

Thursday,July25at7:45p.m.CANCELLED/POSTPONEDThursday,August1at6:15p.m.vs.CherryCreek

Thursday,August8at6:15p.m.vs.WestwoodUMCThursday,August15at7:45p.m.vs.PortagePathfinder

The2019softballseasonhasbegun!Playersneedtobe13yearsofageorolder.GamesareonceaweekatPathfinder'sChurch

(PortageUMCat8740S.WestnedgeAve.,approximatelyonemilesouthofCentreAve.).Theonediamondislocatedbehindthe

church.Comeahalfhourearlytowarmup!JayGrossisourteam'[email protected]

382-0597withquestions.Belowistheremainderoftheseason'sschedule.

PICK UP BASKETBALL WITH PASTOR STEVERETURNS

BeginningonWednesday,August7,2019at7:00p.m.,PastorStevewillrolloutthebasketball

netforanyonethatwouldliketojoinhimforagameofpick-upbasketballinthechurchparkinglot.

of kalamazoo 24 2019.pdfentire room will be brightened up with new paint and lighting, which will...

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