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The Link Auburn United Methodist Church, 207 S. Auburn Road, Auburn, MI 48611 989-662-6314

A passionate, Spirit-led community where people meet and serve Christ

Inside This Issue Cover… Note from Pastor Page 3… Jr. Master Gardener Page 4… Did You Know? Page 5… Sunday School Page 6… Family Fun Yoga Page 7… Got Talent? Summer JAM Page 8… Treasure Hunt Page 9… Day Camps Page 10… Information Page 11… Serving Center Page 12… Calendar & Schedules

Connecting people with the love and life of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World.

May 2017 Pay for someone’s order behind you in Drive Thru

Continued on next page

April 28, 2017 “Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’” (John 20:29) I listened this last week to a report about Cassini, the NASA spacecraft launched in October of 1997 to observe the planet Saturn which is 2.2 billion miles away from Earth. It took nearly 7 years before it reached its destination, and it has been sending back photographs and information on the ringed planet ever since. This week the spacecraft begins its final work as its fuel supply is soon to be depleted, and scientists decided that its final work will be to fly between the planet and its rings, making its final orbits until it will be led to its destruction as it descends to the planet’s core. As I listened to this fascinating report of amazing work being done by people who are fellow citizens of our country, I decided I needed to check NASA’s website for this project. There I found incredible photographs never before seen, photo-graphs of Saturn’s moons up close and detailed, images of the planets mysterious rings and one image in particular that really caught my attention. It was the photo of a bright star with the edge of Saturn’s ring in the foreground. It wasn’t a star at all but the sun shining on Earth. It was just a bright dot against the backdrop of dark space. Somehow Jesus’ words to Thomas came to mind as I pondered the Cassini mission: ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’ Thomas, of course, is the famous disciple made so by his insistence in John’s Gospel that he be able to touch the wounds of Jesus or else he would not believe. He had to see it to believe that Jesus was not bound in death but very much alive beyond the empty tomb. And when he finally does express his faith in the risen One, Jesus tells him that those who have not had the privilege of actually seeing him and yet still believe are blessed. I’ve never really seen Saturn or its rings or its moons. Never saw Cassini either. Yet, I do not doubt that the fascinating planet is part of our solar system and that collectively we have managed to send a craft out in space to see it up close. It’s tempting to think that because of all the negative proclamations, all the reporting we hear of the dark side of human life that Jesus is not here,

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Continued from front page… that the world is doomed. Even a lot of Christians even think so. And yet, I wonder what that says about Je-sus’ instruction to Thomas. What does Jesus mean in John’s Gospel when he tells him that those who believe without having seen are truly the blessed ones? Grace and Peace to You and Yours! Duane

A few messages of thanks received by the Car-

ing Ministry Team… (to share with you)

“Thank you so much for the lovely shawl (prayer).

When I look at it I’ll have fond memories of my sister

Carolyn. It is on my couch. Prayers to you’s - Sheila”

“Thank you for your kindness, friendship and

support. --Ellen” (Betty Beane’s daughter)

“Dear Prayer Shawl Ministry Team: How utterly sweet of you to remember me with the

lovely yellow prayer shawl. May God continue to watch over each one of you with His

love, care and protection. Love, Barb.”

NEW MISSION IN

THE AUBURN AREA

I often get phone calls from

people asking if there is a

local mission they can drop

clothing off for donation.

Grace Lutheran Church of

Auburn has opened such a

mission called “Grace Your

Closet”.

They have been working

in conjunction with our

holiday food basket

give-a-ways.

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Did you know…the Book of Acts is a testimony to how God can provide his people with the strength and gifts that they need? Acts, the continuation of Luke’s gospel, is the story of how the disciples moved forward after Jesus ascended into the Heavens. The focus of Acts is the church, its early life, the spread of the Good News, the struggles of the disciples and their experiences as they ministered to God’s people throughout that region of the world. These accounts are great insight to the struggles and political grief that came upon the early ministers of the church.

The men that were written about in Acts were the disciples of Jesus, minus Judas (due to his death at that point) with the addition of Judas’ replacement, Matthias. Though, earlier scriptures do not give a biographical rundown of every trait these men had, it’s safe to say that not all twelve were probably great public speakers. Not all twelve of them were miraculous healers or charlatans of the time period. Not all twelve of them would on their own face the high courts, the priests, the guards or others who threatened their lives. And most likely, none of the twelve knew that they would be journeying about God’s country preaching about a man named Jesus and the Good News. Isn’t it amazing how God’s plan and the Holy Spirit can shape the pathways that our lives take!?

The Book of Acts is a testimony to the strength and gifts that God gives these men, and their travelling companions (as noted in the earliest portions of the scripture) to endure, with stand and complete the tasks put before them. Here are some examples that you will find in Acts: the seven men who choose to serve, Philip in Samaria, Saul’s conversion, Peter healing Aeneas and raising Dorkus, James being murdered for being a believer, the imprisonment of Peter, Paul and Silas, Paul’s missionary journeys, the “circuit rider” ministry that began and the shipwreck of Paul. Find and read these stories and you will soon find that through the trials of ministry…the Good News made a difference in the lives of those who heard it and those who delivered it.

With the creature comforts of today, it’s hard to imagine what the early ministry looked like. The faith that these early ministers had in following the call to share Jesus’ preaching must have been awesome and scary simultaneously! The hope that these men had for radical change throughout a large portion of the land must have seemed impossible. The lack of feeling equipped in the beginning must have weighed heavy on these men as they understood the enormity of the task ahead. Yet, even with those struggles, God providing each of them with the gifts to serve and effect change. Yes, there was strife. Yes, there was triumph. Yes, there was waiting for God to move. Yes, there was danger. But these men, these gospel givers, pushed ahead with their eyes on the greater prize…a world filled with Jesus’ love.

Modern day ministries in the Tri-cities may “look” different, but the people certainly feel the same feelings that the early ministers of the church felt. The courage it takes to step forward and say “yes” to a call will be lifechanging. That lifechanging moment can be the beginning of a life path that we never knew existed. However, trusting that God will pave the way before you and provide you all your needs will eventually bring to life the closing words of Acts: “And no one tried to stop him.” (Acts 28: 31).

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SUNDAY SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES All classes are 10:15-11:00 am with nursery care available.

For Children & Youth:

Preschool - Kindergarten Rm. 11, downstairs Kim Weitzel & Lyndsay Morris

1st – 2

nd grades Rm. 10, downstairs Rob & Amy Samborn

3rd

– 5th grades Rm. 13, downstairs Linda Czyzewski & Arlene Erwin

6th – 9

th grades Rm. 9, Downstairs Fallon Wiles

High School Rm. 9, Downstairs Fallon Wiles

Substitutes Denise Horswill & Garnet Glazier

For Adults:

Covenant Class—The Covenant

Class is a mixture of men and

women of all ages. Everyone is

welcome to join at any time.

Downstairs

Rm. 5 Bud Stevens

“Girl Friends” Group—Women of

all ages are welcome! The goal is to

learn about living a Christian life of

faith, nurturing our Christian

girlfriends and building friendships in

a supportive environment while

having fun learning.

Downstairs

Rm. 7 Tamara Klida Janet Rahl

JOY Class—A mixture of men and

women of all ages. Everyone is

welcome to join at any time.

Downstairs

Rm. 6

Clayton Davis

Adult Sunday School - What are we working on?

Date Covenant Class Girl Friends Group Joy Class

May 7 I Sam. 28:1-25 Acts 8-11 TBA

May 14 I Sam. 29:1-11 Acts 12 - 15 Book of John

May 21 I Sam. 30:1-31 Acts 16 - 18 Book of John

May 28 I Sam. 31:1-13 Acts 19 - 21 Book of John

June 4 II Samuel... Acts 22 - 24 Book of John

June 11 II Samuel... Acts 25 - 28 Book of John

Last day of Children & youth Sunday School is May 21st will resume in September.

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AUMC’s 2nd Annual

May 7th, 2017 6:00 PM in the Sanctuary

June 19 – 20 – 21

5:30 pm – 8 pm

FREE. Dinner. Fun.

Fur friends.

Register Now at the

Serving Center in the

Fellowship Hall

or contact the church

office at

989-662-6314 or

office@auburnumc.org

Summer J.A.M. A.K.A. Vacation Bible School

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CHURCH WIDE COMMUNITY PROJECT & FUNDRAISER

Auburn UMC will be participating in the Auburn Treasure Hunt Days Sales.

What an awesome opportunity for us to get to know our neighbors and community!

We are hoping for 100% participation from our church family. All funds raised will help pay our

apportionments. In 2016 we were only able to pay 36%, 39% in 2015, of our apportionments. What can

you do to help? We have something available for everyone….

Rummage Sale set up: May require some lifting but could also be as easy as writing out price tags.

Rummage Sale attendants: Meet & greet customers, straighten sale items, etc.

Cashiers: Collect money. (A sitting job for those that don’t get around very well)

Bake Sale Set up: Big job on Wednesday, plate and price bake goods donated for the sale.

Bake Sale attendant: Keep bake sale items stocked on table for sale.

Greeters & Hostess: Easy job! Welcome those that enter our building, give directions, etc.

Luncheon Helpers: We will be hosting a Taco luncheon each day, will need volunteers to help.

We realized 4 days of volunteering in a little much for only a few people to handle so we are trying to break it up into 3 - 4 hours

shifts and get more volunteers involved. The more people we can get to help the better a success this project will be.

Please pick a shift you can help. There are sign up sheets at the Serving Center in the Fellowship Hall or in your bulletins.

If you come, we will find you something you can do according to your health restrictions.

If you can’t come please help by donating bake goods & rummage items.

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FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR

May 7 In Honor of Bud Steven’s Birthday on May 12th.

May 14 In Memory of our mothers, Rose Clarey & Ada Davis,

given by Clayton & Marilyn Davis

May 21 No floral dedications this week. If you would like to do a floral

dedication for this Sunday contact the church office by May 12th.

May 28 No floral dedications this week. If you would like to do a floral

dedication for this Sunday contact the church office by May 19th.

Was your birthday or anniversary

this month and you didn’t see it on

this list? Contact the church

office or write it in on your AUMC

Communication Card on Sunday.

Make sure you include the Month,

Day, and Year.

BIRTHDAYS 2

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8

9

9

10

11

12

13

14

14

15

16

17

19

21

22

23

25

25

27

Roger Plessner

Sheila Hoy

Sheila Berner

Liz Shephard

Janice Kuhlke

Jerry Mahl

Simon Klida

Bud Stevens

Brook Garcia

Marilyn Davis

Harley Martinez

Robby Samborn

Sam Samborn

Adriana Garcia

Gracia marsh

Carol Holiday

Gretchen Rodammer

Pam Gray

Ardis Juhala

Tamara Klida

Dave Flora

ANNIVERSARIES

2nd

3rd

30th

Larry & Janet Rahl

William & Sheila Gromaski

Chuck & Bev Witherspoon

Looking for someone interested in interviewing members of our church once a month for a new “Member Spotlight” article I would like to feature in the Link. Please contact, Jenn in the office if you are interested. 989-662-6314

AUMC ATTENDANCE REPORT

April 2 April 9 April 16 April 23 April 30

8:45 am service total 57 n/a 118 79 64

8:45 am Children & Youth 7 n/a 10 12 8

11:15 am service total 27 128 71 25 27

11:15 am Children & Youth 6 20 14 3 7

Sunday School Adults 39 28 n/a 32 35

Sunday School Children & Youth 16 19 n/a 10 13

Please don’t forget about our

Homebound Members who are not able to come to Church often.

If you need their address please contact the Church office

at 662-6314.

Roger & Rose Anderson Kay Pashak

Ron & Deanna Pischel Gloria Putnam

Sharon Dengel Dorothy Skyrme

Shirley Doll Miles Pike

Robert & Sharon Dengel Don Spaulding

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THE “SERVING CENTER” is located in the southwest corner of the Fellowship Hall. It is a One Stop Shop for you to drop off re-quested supplies, sign-up for activities/events, share used religious materials, donate to Harvest Table, sign-up to volunteer for an

activity/event and so much more. Please stop by and see all it has to offer.

Now appearing at the Serving Center…

Worship Service Survey Box - Haw you filled out a worship survey yet?

Donation collection boxes for Harvest Table and Box Tops for Education.

Used religious materials, free to share. There are lots of books, some music, and other items available. Someone has also put out a bunch of holiday gift bags that are free for the taking.

OWOS Collection Trash Can for empty plastic coffee cans.

UMW Cards to raise money for the Ganta Hospital. Cards are only $.50 a piece.

SIGN UP SHEETS:

COFFEE HOUR & VOLUNTEER SIGN UP GIFT BAG DONATION BOX for Caring Committee COLLECTION BIN BOTTLES & CANS FOR MISSION TRIP SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP - Applications & Camp Books CARING MINISTRY TEAM HELPERS - Sign up sheet. SUMMER JAM (VBS) - Sign up sheet DAY CAMPS - Sign up sheets JR. MASTER GARDENER - Sign up sheet FAMILY YOGA - Sign up sheet. TREASURE HUNT DAYS - Volunteer sign-up sheets. Did you know there is a RECYCLE box at the end of the Serving Center table that you can deposit your bulletin in at the end of service, if you don’t want to take it home. Every week we recycle the papers in the box. If it is an insert we will use again they are saved to reduce paper and copying costs. Paper that is not being reused goes into our paper recycling bin.

AUMC LIBRARY Have you ever used the church library? Maybe you didn’t even know we had one? We do! There are books for all ages, church record books, and study books. It is located in the hall way on the sanctuary level in the hallway that takes you to the elevator or bathrooms. All books are there for anyone from the church to barrow, on an honor system. There is currently no one “in charge” of the library but if you are passionate about books and have a spiritual gift for them, please contact the office. We are looking for someone who will monitor the library, keep it tidy, make sure books are appropriate, etc.

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SERVICE INFORMATION & VOLUNTEERS

Date Series Scripture Greeters Ushers Prayer Room

Welcome Center

Counters Coffee Hour

May 7 4th Sunday

of Easter

“Emerge - Coming Out:

Leaving Comfortable

Places”

Luke 1:26-38

Birt Etienne Pat Lyvere

Ted & Nancy Tiede

Sheila Hoy Roye Burr Sheila & Dennis

Need Volunteers

Jaye Reisinger Olivia Erwin

Lynn Harris Fallon Wiles

n/a Fallon Wiles Sheila & Dennis

May 14 5th Sunday Of Easter

“Emerge - Open: Into the Light”

Genesis 14:1-7; 15-27

Steve & Kelly Krueger

Bill Chambers

& Bud Stevens

Ann Davis Jaye

Reisinger Sheila & Dennis

Mission Ministry

Team Betty Stark

Sharon Senn

Olivia Erwin & Sam

Samborn n/a

Alrene Erwin

Sheila & Dennis

May 21 6th Sunday Of Easter

“Emerge - Claiming New Possibilities”

Sharing the story

of MMDC

Luke 1:5-25; 57-66

Larry & Patty Carr

Larry & Janet Rahl

Barb Doner

Janet Stevens

Bernie & Dennis

Need Volunteers

Arlene Erwin Birt Etienne Fallon Wiles

n/a Garnet Glaizer

Bernie & Dennis

May 28 Ascension

Sunday

“Emerge - Let Go: Leaving

Behind What We Don’t Need”

Exodus 16

Bill & Liz Shephard

Jim & Barb Cody

Marilyn Davie

Birt Etienne

Bernie & Dennis

Pat Lyvere Trudy

Pischel Sandy Burr Sandy

DeWaele

Sam Samborn &

Bill Chambers

n/a Brenda Sinicki

Bernie & Dennis

11:15 Service 8:45 Service

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207 S. Auburn Rd.

Auburn, MI 48611

(989) 662-6314

Church Office Hours:

Monday – Friday

9:00 am – 1:30 pm

Pastor’s Typical Office Hours:

Tuesday 9 am–12 pm & 1pm—4pm

Wednesday 9 am–12 pm & 2 pm–4 pm

Thursday 9am—12pm

Friday 9 am–12 pm

Website: auburnumc.org

Email: office@auburnumc.org

www.Facebook.com/AuburnUMC

Administrative Assistant ; Jennifer Williams

Bookkeeper: Patti Behmlander

Coordinator of Children & Family Ministries: Tina Karnath

Coordinator of Music: Pat McIlvenna

Worship Leader & Keyboardist: Gabrielle Meisel

Nursery: Ashley Stevens

Phyllis Roberts

Pastor: Rev. Duane Harris

Deacon: Rev. Jaye Reisinger

CHURCH STAFF

A U B U R N U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H

Our Vision: Creating a church where children and youth love to attend: 20/15; 30/16; 40/17 Our Mission: Connecting people with the love and life of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Our Core Values: 1. Prayer is a powerful means through which we relate to God. 2. The Bible is the authoritative source for knowing God. 3. Jesus is God's Son. He is the One who reveals in a way like no other that God loves us unconditionally with amazing grace. 4. Mission, local and distant, is a means to love our neighbor in real and relevant ways. 5. Imitating our Lord by practice, practice, practice realizing that none of us are perfect, but we are all on the faith journey together. 6. The Holy Spirit is God’s guiding Presence in whom “…we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).