praying without words...lowry’s hymn, “my life flows on,” ringing in my ears. the first stanza...
TRANSCRIPT
Volume 77, Issue 44 November 7, 2018
“O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to
the rock of our salvation! Let us come into God’s presence with
thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to God with songs of praise!”
(Psalm 95:1-2)
Some of the most meaningful moments in worship each week for me are those that
involve music. This week is Composer Sunday in our traditional services at
Birmingham First. Music has the ability to stir our souls and spirits in ways that
words alone cannot. Whether or not words accompany the notes on a page,
deeper feelings emerge within us as we hear those notes ring throughout our
sacred spaces and deep within our hearts.
There is an old saying that I’m told is quoted on the outside of a German opera house. It states: “Bach gave us God’s
Word, Mozart gave us God’s laughter, Beethoven gave us God’s fire. God gave us music that we might pray without
words.”
Music is “praying without words.” Perhaps this is why music is so key to our worship experiences. When we cannot
find the words to pray, music expresses our deepest hopes to God. I wonder if this is why a familiar rhythm or the
words of a song seem to come to us just when we need them most.
As I journey throughout this week and reflect upon the current struggles of our world, I find the words of Robert
Lowry’s hymn, “My Life Flows On,” ringing in my ears. The first stanza proclaims, “My life flows on in endless song,
above earth's lamentation. I hear the clear, though far-off hymn that hails a new creation. No storm can shake my
inmost calm while to that Rock I'm clinging. Since love is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?”
Could it be that music has the power to sing us into a new way of being; a new way of living; a new creation? May the
new creation be seen among us whenever the Church starts singing!
Blessings,
Elbert Dulworth
Senior Pastor
P.S. We sing our communities and our world into a new way of living through the many excellent ministries that are
supported by your generosity. Thank you for the amazing support that so many of you have shared so far in your
commitments for 2019. If you have not yet turned in your 2019 commitment card, please know that your gifts are
important to the seeds that we continue to plant and the fruit we will harvest for generations to come. Extra cards are
available in the church office, or you may fill out your commitment online at www.fumcbirmingham.org/giving.
Praying Without Words
Page 2 November 7, 2018
Our Church Family Our Christian Caring and Concern are shared with the following person, known to be in the hospital on Monday,
November 5: Fred Vici
Our Prayers of Sympathy and Support are shared with Kathryn Bartz and Susan Perry-Nolte and family on the
death of Kathryn’s father, Curtis D. Bartz, Sr., on November 2. His funeral will be held on Thursday, November 8 at
11:00 a.m. at Dearborn First United Methodist Church.
Our Prayers of Sympathy and Support are shared with Mark Colonese and family on the death of his mother,
Jean Colonese, on November 3. Arrangements for a memorial service are pending.
….that this week’s Voice of Hope message is recorded by Andy McMillan, and next week’s
message is by Anita Barratt. To listen, call 248-646-6407 and press 2 when your call is
answered by our automated system.
….that this Sunday, November 11, you are invited to a time of individual prayer with a
pastor. Share your joys and concerns privately with one of our pastors, and then share time
in prayer together. Prayer will take place in the Sanctuary transept for 15 minutes following
each worship service.
….that Christian Classic Book Club meets tonight (Wednesday, November 7) to discuss
Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton. All are welcome to join the discussion at 7:00 p.m. in the Wesley Room #214.
….that several of the Generosity Campaign signs are still available. Bid sheets can be found in the church office.
….that Bill Ritter’s new book, On Playing the Back Nine, has been published and will be available for distribution at a
book signing during the coffee hours on Sunday, November 11. Cost for the book is $14, of which Bill and Kris will
donate $7 for each book sold to Birmingham First. Stop by for a book and to say hello!
….that Chef Hollie will teach basic food handling/safety training on Tuesday, November 13 from 2:00-3:30 p.m.
We require that at least one trained individual be present whenever a group is using the kitchen. Registration is
required in the church office. A certificate of attendance will be given to those who participate.
….that Esther Circle will meet on Wednesday, November 14 at 10:30 a.m. in Thomas Parlor. Janet Smylie will be our
guest speaker. You are invited to bring Christmas wrapping paper for the Baldwin Christmas Store.
….that Shine Dinner and a Movie is Friday, November 16 in the Christian Life Center. Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m.
then two movies will be shown: The Incredibles 2 begins at 6:00 with Black Panther at 8:00. Free of charge. Everyone is
welcome!
….that you can support the Boy Scouts by purchasing your Christmas wreath, evergreen roping, porch pots or
grave blankets from Troop 1032. Order forms are available in the church office. Greens can be picked up on the plaza
on Sunday mornings, November 25 or December 2. Contact Sandy Thornton ([email protected]) for more
information.
….that the Cookie Walk is Sunday, December 2. Come to our table during the coffee hours on Sunday to sign up to
bake or volunteer to help. All proceeds are donated to local charities and food kitchens in the metro Detroit area.
….that we will decorate the church for Advent on Sunday, November 26 at 12:30 p.m. If you are interested in
helping, please contact Lisa Wells (248-646-6407 ext. 3137 or [email protected]).
Did You Know
First United Methodist Church Page 3
Children, Students and Families For information about our Children, Student and Family Ministry activities
(Crib through High School):
Check out our website at www.fumcbirmingham.org, Facebook Birmingham First , sign up under
“E-mail Subscriptions” on the church website for the First Kids Online Newsletter, the Middle School Online Newsletter
and the High School Online Newsletter, or contact us at [email protected].
Calling all Middle and High School Students looking for a super fun and rewarding way
to spend your winter Saturday mornings! Unite 3 on 3 Basketball is looking for refs to join
our 2019 team. The season runs January-March and the hours are flexible; work as many
weeks as you can during our 8-week season. Training included! Liking to hang out with kids
K-5th grade is a must! Also looking for registration desk help if “off the court” is more your
strength. You can earn money towards mission trips, a pay check, or community service
hours. Please contact Beth Torrey ([email protected]) for more details or to
interview.
Merry Mates Dr. Carl Price will present a program with pictures and music featuring Denali National Park and Autumn on the
Tundra. It will be beautiful and enjoyable to see. Arrive at 6:00 p.m., and at 6:30 enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner ($15)
with our friendly and welcoming group of all ages, singles and couples, on Friday, November 16. RSVP to Sharon and
Bob Pierce ([email protected] or 248-364-4438) by early evening on Sunday, November 11.
Advent by Candlelight 2018: #BeTheShe “Blessed is she who believes what the Lord has declared over her.” (Luke 1:45)
#BeTheShe is a reminder that we can be the women God has purposed us to be!
Advent by Candlelight is offered on Monday, November 26 and Tuesday, November 27
from 6:00-9:00 p.m. It is an evening of worship, music, dessert and fellowship shared with
the women of our church and community. To sign up to attend, come to our table during
the coffee hours on Sunday or contact Melinda Stone ([email protected] or
248-765-3909), or use SignUp Genius at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4ba8a729a64-twooptions.
Monday Night Bible Study For Advent, Monday Night Bible Study will begin a study of Adam Hamilton’s book Faithful: Christmas Through the Eyes
of Joseph on November 12. The class meets in Room 230 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Pick up a copy of the book in the church
office or at the Circuit Rider Bookstore and read Chapter 1 to prepare for class. Cost of the book is $10. New
members are always welcome! Please contact class leader Mike Barratt (248-977-9786 or [email protected])
to enroll.
Page 4 November 7, 2018
We are celebrating a strong start to this year’s generosity campaign. As of November 5, we
have received 433 Operating Budget commitments and 213 Home Fires commitments that
represent $1,736,117 and $194,062 respectively. Included in these numbers are 51 new
commitments in support of our Operating Budget and 28 new commitments in support of
our Home Fires fund. Seeds are being sown that will yield a harvest of compassion,
community, service, and lives transformed through the love of Jesus Christ.
We need every member and friend of Birmingham and Berkley First to be a part of this
season of planting. It is important that our 2019 generosity campaign finishes strong and that
we have a strong final two months of 2018 giving. Please complete and submit your 2019 commitment card as soon as
possible. We believe that God will use your 2018 giving and 2019 commitment to transform lives (including yours), our
community and, indeed, the world in ways beyond our imagining.
You can find 2019 commitment cards in the church office and throughout the building, or you can access the online
version at www.fumcbirmingham.org/giving. Please explore the Giving section of our website to learn more about
e-giving and other digital options for your generosity. You can also contact Holly Pisano, our Director of Finance,
([email protected] or 248-646-6407 ext. 3133) to make a commitment, renew an existing commitment, or
simply have a question answered. May God bless you as together we plant the seeds that God will use to make God’s
will be done here on earth as it is in heaven.
Forum on the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference The 2019 special session of the General Conference of the global United
Methodist Church will be held in St. Louis, Missouri from February 23-26.
Representative delegates from all over the world will gather to determine the
United Methodist Church’s stance on human sexuality.
On Friday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m., our Church and Society Ministry is
hosting a General Conference Forum in the Christian Life Center. Hear our
Michigan Area delegates talk about the history of our current beliefs, what the
issues are before the General Conference, and what potential outcomes may arise. Forum speakers include district
superintendent Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue and several General Conference delegates from the Detroit Annual
Conference. Bring your questions and come and learn.
Composer Festival Concert
Music that “soars with eloquence and integrity” is how the music of Elaine Hagenberg is
described by the Choral Journal. We are delighted that Ms. Hagenberg will join us as guest
composer for our annual Composer Festival. A festival chorus from around metro Detroit will
assemble for the day to explore Ms. Hagenberg’s music. You are invited to hear the fruits of the
chorus’ labor as we cap off the festival with an evening concert. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. this
Saturday, November 10, and is free to the public. The evening will conclude with a light cookie
reception. Click here for a sample of the music you will hear on Saturday.
Planting for God’s Harvest
Page 5 First United Methodist Church
This week in Shine we will continue our Experts series by talking about mental health. We will
hear from Dr. Barbara Lewis-Lakin, who is a retired Elder in the United Methodist Church,
having served as a pastor in local churches in the Detroit Annual Conference as well as a
pastoral psychotherapist at the Samaritan Counseling Center of SE Michigan. In the service we
will hear about our own health, helping others find health, and our spiritual connection to
mental health. Bill White, a licensed counselor and blogger on mental health issues, will also
be sharing.
Pastor Dan Hart
Shine Contemporary Worship: Health and Sacred Worth
This week at Berkley First we continue to examine What Jimmy Said with a look at two kinds
of wisdom: earthly wisdom and the wisdom that comes from heaven. Join us Sunday morning
at 10:00 a.m. or, for a different feel and flavor, come on out Thursday night for dinner,
worship, and discussion beginning at 6:00 p.m. God continues to be up to great things at the
Berkley campus!
Pastor Zack Dunlap
Berkley First: Two Kinds of Wisdom
Join Rev. Elbert Dulworth for Discover First, a one-session class that will provide
you with the knowledge, resources and relationships needed to take your next
steps at Birmingham and Berkley First. Associate clergy and ministry leaders will
also attend. The session will be relaxed and informative as you learn more about
the United Methodist Church and Birmingham and Berkley First. Near the end of
the session there will be a short joining ceremony for those who decide to
become members.
Join us on Sunday, November 11 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Birmingham Campus. We would love to be your church
family! There is a place for you at Birmingham and Berkley First! Contact Mary Feldmaier (248-646-6407 ext. 3142) for
more details.
Discover First
Job Posting Part-time Custodian for Birmingham Campus, approximately 15 hours per week. Job descriptions and
applications are available in the church office and on the church website. For more information, contact Tony Kotwicki
([email protected]) or Sue Dale ([email protected]).
Page 6 November 7, 2018
Hunger Sunday is November 11. Visit the Hunger Ministry’s Home Foods Table during
the coffee hours for delicious homemade goodies provided by Mixed Doubles. All donations
go to feed the hungry, so please drop by and take a special treat home with you. Also, all
loose change in the offering on the second Sunday of every month is designated for hunger
relief. Please bring your loose change to add to the Hunger offering. For checks and bills, use
an offering envelope and mark the Hunger line. November is the season of Thanksgiving with
extra demands on hunger relief agencies. Our Hunger Ministry disperses funds to help local
food providers feed those who are hungry in our community. Every little bit helps; thank you for your support.
Christmas Plant Delivery….Christmas is coming, and so are the beautiful plants! Visit
Fellowship Hall on Sundays, November 11 and 18, where Sue Dale and Lisa Marsh will help
you sign up for Christmas plant delivery. Our members of 50+ years, seniors age 90+, and
those who’ve lost a loved one in the last year have been identified on a map so you can
choose the deliveries that are easiest for you. It’s a wonderful way to make a new friend,
connect with members who are unable to get out, or introduce your children to the joy of
giving. You may also sign up in the church office or contact Lisa Marsh (248-646-6407 ext.
3127 or [email protected]).
Harvest with Thanksgiving: Feed a Brightmoor Family! Your $35 donation
will feed an entire Brightmoor family a full Thanksgiving meal, or a $20 donation will
help provide food. Included in their bag will be a turkey, pan, bag of potatoes and
many non-perishable foods for a healthy holiday meal. Cash or check donations
(payable to Birmingham First) will be accepted during the coffee hours on Sunday,
November 11, plus in the Children and Family Ministry office and at the Christian
Life Center desk through November 16. Volunteers are also needed on November
8 and 16 to pick up food and deliver to Brightmoor. Contact Kim Bowyer ([email protected]).
Monthly Missions Goes to Pontiac….Our next Monthly Missions opportunity will
take us to Pontiac, where we will volunteer for Micah6. Micah6’s vision is “Building the
neighborhood that Pontiac deserves.” On Saturday, November 17 from 9:00 a.m. to
12:30 p.m., we will help them work towards achieving that mission as we winterize
gardens (weather permitting), paint inside homes, hang doors and do other light
construction. They promise to put everyone to work! If you would like to volunteer or
with questions, please contact Carrie Morse ([email protected]).
Angel Tree Sunday….Join us on Sunday, November 18 to choose an angel to support this
Christmas season. Angels will be available in Thomas Parlor after all services, and we will
also be taking donations for food bags for the families of these angels. After choosing your
angel, you may also volunteer to help during preparation (December 3-7) and on delivery
day (December 8). Please prayerfully consider being part of this mission in any way you can,
as it will touch the lives of many children and families throughout the metro area. If you
have questions or would like more information, please contact Liz Rito (586-703-6495 or
Opportunities to Serve
Happening This Week
Wednesday, November 7
6:15 a.m. Arbon Dennis Men’s Group
7:30 a.m. Word for Working Women
8:00 a.m. Strength Training
9:00 a.m. GRIP
9:00 a.m. Parent Toddler Open Gym
9:30 a.m. Hatha Mat Yoga—Berkley
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
10:00 a.m. Canasta
12:30 p.m. Bridge in the Afternoon
12:30 p.m. Sisters
1:00 p.m. Post Rummage Committee
1:00 p.m. Senior Volleyball
2:00 p.m. Ruth Ellis Dinner Prep
2:00 p.m. West Wing Task Force
6:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Northern Tier
Planning
6:00 p.m. Food Handling/Safety Training
6:30 p.m. Cub Scout Pack 1032
7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Troop 1032
7:00 p.m. Celebration Ringers
7:00 p.m. Christian Classic Book Club
7:00 p.m. Men’s Study: Everybody
Always
8:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study
8:00 p.m. Chancel Choir
Thursday, November 8
9:00 a.m. GRIP
9:00 a.m. Mother’s Study
9:00 a.m. Parent Toddler Open Gym
9:30 a.m. Chair Yoga—Berkley
9:30 a.m. Prelude: 2 Year Olds
10:30 a.m. Sharing Our Stories
11:00 a.m. Stretch 4 Life
1:00 p.m. Purl Girls
2:30 p.m. High School Hang Out
4:15 p.m. Spark
4:15 p.m. Covenant Choir
4:15 p.m. Disciple Choir
4:15 p.m. Sonshine Choir
5:00 p.m. Cherub Choir
5:00 p.m. Children’s Bells
6:00 p.m. Compass
6:00 p.m. The Table Worship—Berkley
6:30 p.m. Jr./Sr. Karate
7:00 p.m. Faith Formation Ministry
7:30 p.m. Unfinished Christian Women
Friday, November 9
8:00 a.m. Strength Training
9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym
9:30 a.m. Bridge
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
11:00 a.m. Hatha Mat Yoga—Berkley
7:00 p.m. General Conference Forum
Saturday, November 10
7:00 a.m. Confirmation Mission Day
7:00 p.m. Composer Festival Concert
Sunday, November 11
8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:00 a.m. Worship—Berkley
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School: children/youth
9:30 a.m. Confirmation Class
9:30 a.m. Middle School Chapel
9:30 a.m. Faith Builders
9:30 a.m. Parents of Adolescents
10:00 a.m. Sunday School—Berkley
11:00 a.m. Sunday School: thru 5th grade
11:00 a.m. Fresh Insights
11:00 a.m. Sunday Scholar
11:30 a.m. Theology 101—Berkley
5:00 p.m. Discover First
5:00 p.m. High School Youth Group
5:00 p.m. Middle School Bells
5:30 p.m. Genesis Choir
6:30 p.m. IXOYC Choir
7:00 p.m. Middle School Youth Group
7:30 p.m. High School Bells
Monday, November 12
8:00 a.m. Strength Training
9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym
9:30 a.m. Chair Yoga—Berkley
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
10:00 a.m. Canasta
11:00 a.m. Mahjong
11:30 a.m. Stretch 4 Life
12:45 p.m. Parents of High School/College
1:00 p.m. Senior Volleyball
1:00 p.m. Mexican Train
4:00 p.m. JVS/Special Olympics
6:30 p.m. Steeple Stock
7:00 p.m. Hospitality/Connecting
Ministry
7:00 p.m. Monday Adult Bible Study
Tuesday, November 13
6:30 a.m. Tuesday Morning Men
9:00 a.m. Parent Toddler Open Gym
9:15 a.m. Preschool Pie Distribution
9:30 a.m. Bridge
9:30 a.m. Tuesday Women’s Study
9:45 a.m. C.O.W. Childcare
10:00 a.m. W.O.W. Bible Study
11:00 a.m. Stretch 4 Life
11:30 a.m. W.O.W. Coffee
12:00 p.m. GRIP Tweens & Teens
1:00 p.m. Women at One
2:00 p.m. Food Handling/Safety Training
2:30 p.m. High School Hang Out
6:00 p.m. Hatha Mat Yoga—Berkley
6:15 p.m. GRIP—Berkley
7:00 p.m. Finance Committee
7:00 p.m. Missions Ministry
7:00 p.m. Worship Ministry
7:00 p.m. Tuesday Evening Study—
Berkley
7:15 p.m. Berkley Women’s Journey
Group—Offsite
7:30 p.m. Adult Basketball
7:30 p.m. W.O.W. at Night
Wednesday, November 14
6:15 a.m. Arbon Dennis Men’s Group
7:30 a.m. Word for Working Women
8:00 a.m. Strength Training
9:00 a.m. GRIP
9:00 a.m. Parent Toddler Open Gym
9:30 a.m. Hatha Mat Yoga—Berkley
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
10:00 a.m. Canasta
10:30 a.m. Esther Circle
11:00 a.m. Aware!
12:30 p.m. Bridge in the Afternoon
12:30 p.m. Sisters
1:00 p.m. Senior Volleyball
6:30 p.m. Cub Scout Pack 1032
7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Court of Honor
7:00 p.m. Celebration Ringers
7:00 p.m. Giving Group
8:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study
8:00 p.m. Chancel Choir
Page 7 First United Methodist Church
The Liturgists are Rev. Shawn Lewis-Lakin at 8:15, Rev.
Suzanne Walls at 9:30, Rev. Lindsey Hall at 11:00, and
Rev. Shawn Lewis-Lakin at Shine.
The Altar Flowers are dedicated to the glory of God
and placed in loving memory of Carolyn Horiszny by John
and Sharon Horiszny and Debby and Charles Nicholas.
The Welcome Center Flowers are placed in loving
memory of Jean Colonese by her children and
grandchildren.
The Missions Candle is lit by Church and Society
Ministry in honor of our veterans.
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.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Traditional Worship 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Composer Sunday
Romans 12:14-19
“Where Do We Begin?”
Rev. Elbert Dulworth
Hymns
“Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above”
“Come Down, O Love Divine”
“When Words Alone Cannot Express”
Anthems
“O Love” - Chancel Choir, IXOYC Choir
“I Will Be a Child of Peace” - Chancel Choir
“This is My Father’s World” - IXOYC Choir
Shine Contemporary Worship 11:00 a.m. in the Christian Life Center
Romans 12:9-18
Experts: “The Church and Mental Health”
Barbara Lewis-Lakin and Bill White
1589 W. Maple Road • Birmingham, MI 48009
248-646-1200 • fumcbirmingham.org [email protected]
Elbert Dulworth, Senior Pastor
Shawn Lewis-Lakin, Senior Associate Pastor
Zack Dunlap, Lindsey Hall, Dan Hart and Suzanne Walls, Associate Pastors
John E. Harnish, William A. Ritter and Robert P. Ward, Pastors Emeriti
2820 12 Mile Road • Berkley, MI 48072
248-399-3698 • berkleyfirst.org
Zack Dunlap, Pastor
The Table Thursdays:
6:00 p.m. dinner, 6:30 worship, 7:00 discussion
in the Social Hall
James 3:13-18
What Jimmy Said: “Two Kinds of Wisdom”
Rev. Zack Dunlap
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
James 3:13-18
What Jimmy Said: “Two Kinds of Wisdom”
Rev. Zack Dunlap
Page 8 November 7, 2018