Lake Ann United Methodist Church

+++ April 2015 Church Life and News+++

A Moment with Mike

“The Greatest April Fool!”

Mark 15:37 “Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last,” As Jesus breathed his last and the anguish spread through the small crowd of family and followers at the foot of the cross imagine with me the elation among Satan’s minions. “We have won, We have won…evil has triumphed over good. Turn the other cheek to that Jesus. So much for the Love of God…we win, we win. And the heartbreak at the foot of the cross deepens and surely Mary and John have to wonder and ask the timeless questions: “Why.” How will we go on? What will we do now? We have all been there; that place in time when nothing was right, when everything seemed to go as wrong as it could and there was no relief in sight. That place when it seems that whatever power is in control is anything and everything except loving and caring. That place where many people give up and give in to alcohol or drugs or pornography, or some other escape vehicle because we too believe that evil has triumphed.

However, then comes the first day of the week and… Surprise!!!!! “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here.” (Mark 16:6) Satan was the greatest April Fool. Jesus’ words were true, God’s promise is true, death, Satan’s greatest weapon, has been neutralized. Jesus is not dead, hate did not triumph, and sorrow is defeated. Love is supreme and Joy reigns: “He is Risen…He is Risen Indeed!” Hopelessness has been replaced by hope; sorrow has been replaced by laughter and joy, peace has replaced turmoil because Jesus is alive, our sins have been forgiven and “Because He lives I can face tomorrow!” We need never be alone; if we are in Christ we cannot be defeated. When we are in the darkness of despair, loss, hate, sorrow, or pain we are foolish if we do not turn to the light. In the most horrific times in our lives or when we simply feel bad, the light of life shines from the empty tomb. No

matter what the Evil one may throw against us; in Christ we can be, we are victorious. Love, Joy, Peace, and Hope the promised gifts of Christmas are opened into the hearts of believers this day because the stone is rolled back the tomb is empty, and He is Alive. Satan had his moment…what a fool to think evil could win. Love has triumphed, Love lives and reigns. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Jesus is Alive.

Blessings, Pastor Mike

April SermonsEaster Sunrise

April 5th at 7:00 amMessage: What do WE see at the tomb?

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8Focus: Do we avoid the empty tomb out of fear or do we embrace the empty tomb

as life?

Traditional Easter ServiceApril 5th at 10:30 am

Message: I have seen the Lord!Scripture: John 20-1:18

Focus: Where have we seen the Lord? It makes all the difference in how we respond to His call.

April 12thMessage: Guest Speaker from the Gideons

April 19thMessage: What Now?

Scripture: Luke 24:36b-48Focus: What are the locked doors of fear that we hide behind?

April 26thMessage: Sheep or Shepherd?

Scripture: John 10:11-18Focus: Are we being called to be sheep following Jesus; or shepherds leading

others?

++Volunteers are needed for providing cookies for Fellowship after Sunday worships. There is a calendar located on the welcome desk to sign up. Please contact Bev Felkey with any questions.++

Nursery and Sunday School Schedule for April:April 5th Gina Schwartzkopf (Nursery) Sue Agge/Nathan Buchanan (SS)

April 12th: Katia Skarupinski/Jane Karel (Nursery) Sue Agge/ Jerri Papazian (SS)

April 19th: Katia Skarupinski (Nursery) Sue Agge/Amy Grant (SS)

April 26th: Shelly Seymour (Nursery) Amy Grant/Pauline Rosa (SS)

Activities/Upcoming Events:

Men’s breakfast for the month of April will be held on the 4th and 18th at 8:00 am.

NEW Fishing Club: Because of the amount of interest expressed in forming a fishing club, we have decided to move forward with the organization of the first LAUMC Fishing Club! We are planning on gathering one Saturday morning per month, during the months of May through October. Each time we would pair up in two person teams and fish a different lake within our five county area. The plan would be to arrive at the launch by 7 am and off the water by 11 am. The goal is to enjoy God’s creation, develop camaraderie and win bragging rights. Our first organizational meeting will be after men’s breakfast on April 4th.

Following men’s breakfast on April 18th, we will take a day trip to Northwood’s Wholesale Outlet, located in Pinconning near Bay City. Northwood’s is advertised as being the largest dollar store and deep discount fishing and outdoors store in the country. Depending on time, we may also stop at Cabala’s in Saginaw and Jay’s in Clare. We plan to rent a 12 passenger van so we can all fit in one vehicle. The rental and fuel will cost around $20 per person, all are welcome!

Annual Canadian Fishing Trip: This year’s Canadian fishing excursion to White River, Ontario, will be held the week of June 14-20. We plan to depart on Saturday the 13th and return on Saturday the 20th. It is possible to be involved for a shorter period if these dates don’t all work out. Please see Chuck Cape (275-6811) or Gary Perkins (640-0377) for additional information.

The Freedom Builders Mission Week is set for July 21 – 25, 2015. This is a great opportunity to be God’s hands and feet here in this community. All skill levels are needed and encouraged to get involved. There is no better feeling than giving to those less fortunate! Please see Jean (640-0172) or Gary Perkins (640-0377) for additional information.

FIRST ANNUAL LAUMC SKIT NIGHT Hosted by our United Methodist Men

WHAT: DINNER AND ENTERTAINMENT WHEN: SATURDAY, April 11th starting at 6pm

o The meal will be served between 6 and 7 pm, with the skits following at7:15 and will last about an hour.

WHAT ARE THE SKITS: These are to be humorous, not talented. They should be designed to make people laugh.

SKIT RULES: One to five people may perform for a maximum of five minutes. This includes set up time. You may use props of any size, shape or color. They must be respectful and classy.

HOW WILL THEY BE JUDGED: They will be judged and the top 3 will be awarded appropriate acknowledgments. The audience is encouraged to bring either canned food or cash. At the end of the skits, everyone will vote for their favorite skit, using canned food or money. Cans will be counted as $1.00 each. The skit raising the most cans or money will be the winner. All proceeds will go to the food pantry.

WHAT IS THE MENU: A summer picnic meal of BBQ pork sandwiches, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw and chips will be served. There will be a suggested donation of $5.00 a meal to cover the cost of the food.

WILL THERE BE ADVANCED TICKET SALES: No, but there will be signup sheets and you are encouraged to sign up so we can plan the meal.

HOW CAN I HELP: Get with your friends and plan a skit. Sign up in the next 2 weeks with a name for your skit and how many will be involved.

You can also help plan, set up/clean up and prepare the meal. There will be a sign up sheet for this as well.

WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS: Bill Agge, Mark Roper or Gary Perkins

Save the Dates!! Our United Methodist Women will be meeting on Saturday, April 25th at

9:00 am for breakfast and a program entitled, “A Call to Prayer and Self Denial”.

Church Women United will meet here at Lake Ann UMC on May 7th at 11:00 am.

Our Annual Strawberry Social will be held this year on July 5th after worship to raise funds for Hearth to Hearth.

On July 25th we will meet for a summer picnic. Time to be announced. On August 22nd and September 26th, the ladies will be working on

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

November 18th: We will meet for lunch and a World Thank Offering. Christmas luncheon is scheduled for December 16th.

M&M Quilting Group: Quilters meet every Wednesday from 9am-4pm…come and join the ladies for a day of fellowship and quilting. All skill levels welcome!

Missions outreach will be Lane 3 for March and April, our “Adult Mission Trip”, both local and overseas. The local mission trip destination will be determined within the next few months. If you have photos available from past

mission trips please let Char Hodges know. We would like to place them on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hallway.

Interfaith Services to Latin America (ISLA)/Nicaragua Service/Learning Trip

Our overseas Mission Trip is scheduled for the week of July 10-22, 2015 to Nicaragua through ISLA. ISLA is a Minnesota-based non-profit that has been taking teams to Central America and operating medical, construction and education programs since 1993. The trip that our congregation will be participating is designed as a family-friendly sampler of public health programs in Jalapa, Nicaragua. Participants from all backgrounds will get a range of experiences working/learning in different community settings with a range of ages, but especially with children and adolescents.

The trip price of $1450 plus airfare includes all lodging (double), food and in-country transportation-as well as support for ISLA in-country programs. There is more information at their website, www.isla.cc. You may also obtain more information by calling 612-819-8877 or contacting Jennifer VanWingen at 632-2238.

Mission Lane of Giving for 2015: March and April, Lane 3: Adult Mission Trip, Local or Overseas May and June, Lane 2: International, Hearth to Hearth Ministries July and August, Lane 4: UMCOR/Hunger, CROP Walk and One Great

Hour of Sharing September and October, Lane 5: Native/Ethnic Churches, Greensky

Hill/Northport Indian Mission November and December, Lane 6: Local, Summer Games/Wesley

Thanks to everyone for their generous donation to “Buckets of Rain” missionaries Chris and Sue Skellenger. We collected $406.00 for their ministry! Way to go LAUMC!!

Michigan Blood will be here on Tuesday, April 7th from 3:00-7:00 pm. All blood types are needed! The gift of blood is the gift of life! Please call the office to schedule your appointment or visit www.miblood.org. Thank you LynAnne Mathews and Roxann Houghton for donating your time to assist MiBlood!

“For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink . . .” - Matthew 25:35

We are in need of your help to keep our shelves stocked so no one in our local community has to go hungry! For the month of April we are asking for donations of canned meats and toiletries. A few suggestions for canned meat are: beef stew, chicken, tuna, salmon, chili, ham, chicken and dumplings. As for toiletries, we can always use toothpaste, feminine products, shampoo, soap, and laundry detergent. Donated items can be placed in the box that is located at the top of the stairs in the Village Church. Your continued support of our pantry is greatly appreciated. A special note of thanks to our Boy Scout Troop for holding their annual food drive in support of our food pantry!

Medical Missionaries Presentation

Dr.’s Lester and Barbra Dornon are medical missionaries in Napal. They will be joining us for dinner on May 6th and will give a presentation on their experiences immediately following dinner. To see photo’s and stories of the Dornon’s work please check our blog: http://dornonnepalmission.wordpress.com

From the Desk of Tracy Tooley: Wycliffe Ministries

You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. 1Pet. 1:23

In her village in South Asia, “Padma” heard the Gospel of Mark in her language for the first time this year—and her heart responded.

Faithful supporters made it possible to complete an audio recording studio in Padma’s country in November 2013. By the early months of 2014, colleagues had recorded Scriptures, loaded them onto handheld audio players, and distributed them in her community.

And so it was that this young mother came to know Jesus. As her new life in Christ took root, Padma sensed God was calling her to give up her liquor business—the main source of income for her family. But how would they survive?

One Sunday during church Padma made her decision. She stood up and committed, “Whether my family lives or dies, from today on I’m going to give up my liquor business and follow Christ wholeheartedly.”

Within a week the church helped her open a small shop selling groceries and vegetables—a beautiful lesson for this new believer that God can be trusted and blesses his children’s faithfulness. This is why I stay committed to serving the cause of Bible translation. It’s also why I’m so grateful to all of you who’ve committed to stand with me in this work through prayer and financial support. God changes lives through His Word. I am excited to be involved in inviting more people to be engaged in this work. To that end, I am beginning to lay the ground work for outdoor programming that will invite individuals and churches into deeper understanding and involvement in the cause of fighting Bible poverty. Building the foundation for a sustainable new program is not part of my natural abilities. It involves detailed thinking through all the factors that are needed for a solid program. Nevertheless, the last five years have taught me necessary skills that are making it possible for me to do this work. Once the foundation is laid I will be able to dive into my natural gifting of running a vibrant learning environment. I am excited about the prospect of getting enough ground work laid this spring, so that we will be able to beta test programs this summer! Click this link to get a small glimpse of my enthusiasm for my new job and new location: http://youtu.be/g4fu1jPXStg

In the meantime, I’m soon bound for Michigan, leaving March 7th. I look forward to meeting with several of you, but still have lots of openings while up north. Check out when I’m available, and let me know if you’d like to catch up, or better, if

you’re able to host a gathering at your home of people who’d like to know more about what’s going on with Bible translation around the world.

In His grip,Tracy(Tracy can be reached at www.wycliffe.me/tooley or at 815-347-8060)

Are you in need of a night off from cooking family dinner after a long day at work? How about a simple and nutritious dinner out in the middle of your busy week? Come have dinner with your friends, visit and share together. All are welcome, come and bring your family and friends. During the month of April, Nolan Deemer will be cooking suppers on Wednesday’s for his Senior Project!

April 2nd (Thursday): Seder MealApril 8th: Ethiopian Chicken

April 15th: JambalayaApril 22nd: Chicken AlfredoApril 29th: Mexican Night

“The Table” Community MealAdvent Lutheran offers a free community meal providing food and fellowship the last Thursday of the month from 5:30-7 pm at the Historic Town Hall in downtown Lake Ann. All are invited to come and eat!

Every Monday morning from 10 am-Noon there is a bible study in the fellowship hall. All are welcome!

Consider staying after dinner on Wednesday nights for a growth group/bible study led by Pastor Mike at 6:30pm.

This summer, Pastor Mike will be holding a study on the Second Covenant. All are invited to join; participation in the First Covenant is not required. If you are interested in joining, please contact the office at 275-7236.

30 Hour Famine

The weekend of April 17th and 18th our youth group will go hungry to help hungry kids by participating in the 30 Hour Famine.

Our youth will grow closer to Christ and each other as they fast together for 30 hours and raise funds to fight hunger. The 30 Hour Famine challenges our youth to be part of something bigger than themselves: to take action for God’s kingdom, to help save the lives of hungry kids, to permanently change the way your students see the world. For more information, please visit: http://www.30hourfamine.org/learn-about-the-famine/#sthash.MkHm3e4Q.dpuf

This years’ Annual Youth Yard Sale is planned for the weekend of Friday, April 24th and Saturday, April 25th at the Community Center (Exact times will be announced in the coming weeks). We are now accepting donations of gently used items. Unfortunately, this year we will not be accepting T.V.’s or any item in unusable condition. Contact the church office at 275-7236 for questions.

The week of June 22, 2015……..Vacation Bible School is coming…….

VBS volunteers and parents of VBS children…Plan to be here the week of June 22nd.

Volunteer training is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2nd from 7:00-9:00 pm.

We can’t do VBS without YOU!!!

An all church clean-up has been scheduled for the Village Church and the CC. The Village Church will take place on April 11th and the Community Center on the 18th at 9:00 am. Lunch will be provided! Hope to see you there!!

If you were the CFO for God, how would you manage His money? How can managing your money be a vehicle for spiritual growth? Let's talk about it.

Financial Peace University is a class that focuses on learning how to manage God's money, God's way. It teaches proven tools and strategies for saving for the future, spending wisely and becoming the good and faithful stewards that God created us to be. You are invited to be a part of the conversation.

FPU will meet on Tuesdays, beginning April 7th, from 6-8pm at Advent Lutheran Church. You may visit http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/preview/ to see a preview of this life-changing class.

Call the church office at Advent at 275-8031 to sign up or with any questions.

Sara Carr (2nd), Amanda Wright (6th), Mary Thompson (7th), Christy Crawford (10th), West Lynch (11th)

Millie bean (12th), Dawn Potts (14th), Rory Brown (15th), Amanda Deemer (19th), Jeanne Kalchik (20th),

Craig Allen (21st), Corey Thayer (22nd), LynAnne Mathews (24th), Jeanne Skarupinski (24th), Chuck Cape (25th), Alan Gray (28th), Jeff Schermerhorn (29th)

Bulletin BitsNoah’s Ark

I am not afraid of tomorrow for I have seen yesterday and I love today.

Noah's Ark : Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark .. ONE: Don't miss the boat. TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat! THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to dosomething really big. FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to bedone. SIX: Build your future on high ground. SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs. EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with thecheetahs.NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile. TEN: Remember, the ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals. ELEVEN: No matter the storm, there's always a rainbow waiting. Most people walk in and out of your life, but FRIENDS leave footprints inyour heart.

Puzzle Corner

Scryptogram: Each letter in the passage is replaced with another. Solve the code and discover the verse(s). Solution on last page.

Knczc cghv zsbe lnd, H gf bln dnczddnobhes, gsv bln ahjn: ln blgb pnahnwnbl hs fn, blezml ln

yndn vngv, xnb clgaa ln ahwn:

Bible Incomplete: Fill in the missing letters to complete the passage. Solution on last page.R_j_i_e _v_r_o_e. _r_y w_t_o_t _e_s_n_. I_ e_e_y_h_n_ g_v_ t_a_k_: f_r _h_s _s

_h_ w_l_ o_ G_d _n _h_i_t _e_u_ c_n_e_n_n_ y_u.

◄ March ~ April 2015 ~ May ►

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat19am QuiltersNo Dinner

26:00pm Seder Meal

38:45am Walkers7:00pm Good Friday Service

48:00 am Men’s Breakfast with Fishing Club following

◄ March ~ April 2015 ~ May ►

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat5

Easter7:00am Sunrise9:00am Brunch10:30: Traditional Easter Service

610am Bible Study5pm Alanon CC6pm BSA Church7pm Rosa BBall

78:45am Walkers3-7:00pm Blood Drive7pm Trustee Mtg

89am Quilters5:30 Dinner6:30 Bible Study

96:30 Cub Scouts@ CC

108:45 Walkers CC10-11:30 Community Play Group @ CC

119:00am Village Church Clean Up

129am Adult SS10:20 Music10:30 Worship11:30 Fellowship4:00pm Youth

1310am Bible Study5pm Alanon CC6pm BSA Church7pm Rosa BBall

148:45am Walkers

159am Quilters5:30 Dinner6:30 Bible Study6:30-8pm Troop 27 @ CC Awards

166:30 Cub Scouts@ CC

178:45 Walkers CC10-11:30 Community Play Group @ CCYouth 30 Hour Famine Overnighter

188:00 am Men’s Breakfast and Daytrip to Northwood’s9:00am CC Clean Up Day6:00pm Skit Night

199am Adult SS10:20 Music10:30 Worship11:30 Fellowship4:00pm Youth

2010am Bible Study5pm Alanon CC6pm BSA Church7pm Rosa BBall

218:45am Walkers7pm Ad Board

229am Quilters5:30 Dinner6:30 Bible Study

236:30 Cub Scouts@ CC

248:45 am WalkersYouth Yard Sale

259:00am UMW Breakfast & “A Call to Self Denial”Youth Yard Sale

269am Adult SS10:20 Music10:30 Worship11:30 Fellowship4:00pm Youth

2710am Bible Study5pm Alanon CC6pm BSA Church7pm Rosa BBall

288:45am Walkers7pm SPRC

299am Quilters5:30 Dinner6:30 Bible Study

306:30 Cub Scouts@ CC

Notes:

Solution to Scryptogram:

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11:25

Solution to Bible Incomplete:

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18

More puzzles like this can be found on-line at www.bible-puzzles.com