Our Vision

By the time you read this newsletter, the Vision Leadership Team will have put finishing touches on the Vision and sent it off to Church Council for discussion and, hopefully, adoption. It will then be Church Council's task to work out concrete steps that will move us in the direction to which the Vision points. The process has been exciting, frustrating, and challenging all at once! Still, the Team and I have been led by the adage from the book of Proverbs that without vision, the people perish.

Here are three words that have begun to shape our image of vision:

-Grace-filled

-Passionate

-Striving

These words and our discernment invite me to offer a word picture of the vision for our church: I envision our congregation as body of grace-filled Jesus followers of all ages. The experience of grace is so real and so power-ful, that we move beyond merely welcoming people to befriending them, and inviting them into community, while honoring our differences. Our congregation has such a passion for God that we worship with joy on Sunday and then worship with our lives every day of the week. We are so in love with God that we have a passion for the least, the last and the lost. No pew sitters here. We are engaged in actions of mercy and justice. We

stretch ourselves to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ and to grow as people on a mission for God. We expect one another to grow and serve and we hold one another accountable.

Dear Friends, I am convinced that God is calling us to a deeper commitment to Christ, new and creative ways of reaching out in mission, and new challenges and joys in living as a Christian community. Is this a vision that speaks to your heart? If so, I rejoice. If not, will you let me know how you see it differently?

Seeking God's leading with you,

Stewardship

November brings a season of thanksgiv-ing and our annual Stewardship drive. The two are closely related. As we experience God's grace through the min-istries of our congregation, we are a thankful people. This year's theme is: Be Thou Our Vision: Investing in Ministry. Your financial commitment for 2013 is one means of participating in the mission and vision of our church. On Sunday, November 18, we will worship God and collect commitment cards and food for hungry people in our community. Join us for a celebration of thankfulness!

Worship Times and Topics for November Sunday Morning 8:30 and 10:45

Pastor Lynn Pier-Fitzgerald, preaching

SERIES: Investing in the Vision (Stewardship)

November 4 All Saints Sunday John 11: 32-44 Holy Communion

November 11 Extravagant Generosity Mark 12: 38-44

November 18 Generosity Begets Generosity 2 Corinthians 9:8 Ingathering of Commitment Cards and Pantry Food

Thursday, November 21 Thanksgiving Eve Service Joel 2: 21-27, Psalm 126

November 25 God Reigns: Why Worry? Matthew 6: 25-33

Church Events, Caring

Ministry, Birthdays

2 & 3

Nurture Ministry 4 & 5

Outreach Ministry, Bazaar,

UMW, Witness Ministry,

Finance, Kerstmarkt

6 & 7

JFON 8

Youth Ministry, calendar 9

Inside this issue:

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November 2012

Come join the Lunch Bunch on Sundays following the 10:45 a.m. service. We will gather at the Good Shepherd window to get a head count and head out to a local

restaurant. All ages are welcome to join including singles, couples, and families. Check the bulletin for the days’ location or contact David Newton.

Epsilon will not meet in November...watch for further dates.

will be meeting at the church on Novem-ber 1 for a program on “Neighborhood Connections” with Judy Van Dyke of Good Samaritan Ministries. Call Sharon Rocker at 392-1966 for more info. No

reservations or cost this month.

The Kids N Tow November event will be a service project on Saturday the 10th. Watch for the e-vite if you are on the list otherwise call Kendra Gerlach, who is the event

coordinator this month, at 616-834-1755.

The deadline for article submissions for the December Focus is November 19. Please email articles to mhaney@fumcholland.org by that date or earlier. If a hard copy must be used, please bring to main office by that date also. If you would prefer not receiving the Focus in the mail, please let Marj Haney know at mhaney@fumcholland.org.

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Happening this Month

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Book Club will meet Monday, November 12 at 6:30 in the Conference Room. We will be dis-cussing the book Mennonite In A Little Black Dress, by Rhoda Janzen. Written with a wry sense of humor, this memoir addresses faith, love, family and aging. This memoir, written by

a Hope professor, should connect to anyone who has ever had to look homeward in order to move ahead.

Did you know that the church keeps a supply of items that you may need after you have had surgery? The magic closet has such things as wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and canes. It’s a great reclining process that’s been ongoing for quite some time. Another hidden benefit: Medicare will pay for one appliance (such as a wheelchair) after surgery. By using an item the church has, you save all of our tax dollars!

Daylight Savings Time ends at 2:00 AM on Sunday, November 4. Be sure to set your clocks back an hour before going to bed on Saturday night so you’ll be on time for church!!

STEPHEN MINISTRY Christ Caring for People Through People

“It was a giant leap of faith.” Marsha Burnham

Marsha Burnham is one of our Stephen Ministers, and she brings to the position many of her own life experiences. She moved to Holland/ Grand Rapids area over 20 years ago, to be near her son. She had had a major upheaval in her life, and needed to make a fresh start in a new community. Her job at the Cancer Hematology Center of West Michigan eventually brought her to Holland. Because Holland was a smaller office, not only did she mix the chemotherapy compounds, but she also interacted with the patients themselves. She saw patients who met their diseases with strength and faith, and was moved by their abilities to face the course of their illnesses. She was a kind, caring, personable, professional, and upbeat person, able to keep confidences. She was using Stephen Ministry skills; she just didn't know that's what she was doing! When the opportunity for Stephen Ministry training

appeared, Marsha realized three things: a Stephen Minister of her own at the earlier time in her life would have made her upheaval much easier; she wanted to give back for all the loving friendship she found here; and, her work at the Cancer Center seemed to indicate she would be good at Stephen Ministry.

Marsha took the training and was commissioned. (Pastor Lynn's July 2008 sermon on Spiritual Gifts was a “God moment” for Marsha -- she realized compassion for others was one of her own spiritual gifts.)

Now Marsha has taken a leap of faith; she is co-chair of the Stephen Ministry Leadership Team with Ann Nieuwkoop. The co-chairs are responsible for coordinating all activities for the Stephen Ministry program. As the need arises, either may also become an active Stephen Minister.

If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact Marsha (395-0054; marcib70@yahoo.com), or Ann (399-7203; nieuwkoo@gmail.com)

Happy Birthday Wishes!

Please be in prayer for these congregation members and friends...

Sheryl Veldhoff; Marj Walcott; Joyce Buis; Marj Walcott; Jim Hayes; Lee Strebel; Terry and Joan Musgrave

Sympathy to Pat and Jim Beals and family on the death of their son Joel on Monday, October 22.

Note of appreciation received since the last Focus:

Dorothy Chamness wrote: Thank you for the many cheery, humorous, thoughtful cards you sent after my hip replacement surgery. I appreciate the many prayers, visits from church staff and the com-forting prayer shawl. What a blessing to be part of such a caring, loving congregation!

A note has been received from David Gladstone, the Executive Director of Lake Louise, thanking us and the work crew for our donation and sweat during the recent work project. Dorothea John wrote: I extend a sincere THANK YOU to everyone who sent cards and attended the open house for my 90th birthday. It is truly a blessing to have so many caring friends.

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Caring Ministry

Sharon Rocker, Director of Visitation Ministry (ext. 13)

These friends are celebrating at least their 85th birthday this month.

Please extend your well wishes!

The Memorial Committee announces the following continuing and new Memorial Projects given to our church in memory of loved ones by family and friends.

Music Fund Shirley Schumacher

The Upper Room Robert Jaehning

Portable Communion Server Jack Kirlin

November 23 David John 623 W. 29th St. Holland MI 49423 23 Albert Wiegerink 630 Hastings Ave. #312 Holland MI 49423

26 Harriet Faber Oak Crest Manor 11833 James St. #38B Holland MI 49424 (please note that Harriet was to move to FL after this Focus went to print. Call the church office to see if there is another address for her now)

Choirs for children in grades 1-8 continue to meet on Wednesday evening and we would love to have more kids join us!

Cherub choir for kids in 1st-4th grade meets from 6:30-7:15 in Room 304 on the 3rd floor of the education building. Junior choir for youth in 5th-8th grades meets from 7:15-8 in the same room. If we can get a few more kids to join us, we are looking at doing a little Christmas musical. Please see Marj Haney if you have questions or just come on Wednesday night to check it out.

Please note that due to Halloween and the bazaar, these choirs won’t meet on Oct. 31 or Nov. 7. But we look forward to you joining us on the 14th for fun singing!!

celebrate this Christmas season.

Worship Center

Have you ever wondered what this Worship Center is? How is it different from Sunday school or typical ‘children’s church’? What is its purpose and what happens during that 45 minutes? In February, you will have a chance to learn more about this program. Please watch announcements and the Focus for more information. In the meantime, if you would like to observe a Center, even if you don’t have a child in one, feel free to wander down with the kids and have a seat. The leaders will be glad to have you!

Spark Rotation

Our November theme will be The Lord is My Shepherd, looking at the 23rd Psalm. Leaders are needed each Sunday and there is a sign up sheet in the first floor hallway, as well as the lessons. It only requires a one week commitment so this is a good place to try your hand at serving in the church, especially if you love children! Please see Marj Haney with questions.

In December, we will be doing the children’s version of the all-church study “A Different Kind of Christmas”. We hope parents will join an adult small group during this time too so families can have discussions and make plans together for how you will

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Nurture Ministry Marj Haney, Director (ext. 15) Heidi De Moss, Director of Adult Ministry

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Small Groups

Coffee Klatz & Conversation Monday Morning in the lounge Led by David Newton Monday Night (every other) contact Bill & Sharon Rocker Young Adult’s Bible Study Tuesdays at 5:30 in the Conf. Room Led by Pastor Lynn Young Mom’s Bible Study Wednesday Evening in the lounge Led by Pastor Lynn “Almost Amish” simplify your life Ladies Only Thursday Morning (every other ) contact Lucy Larsen

All groups are open to new people at any time. Please contact the leader or Heidi DeMoss for more information on times and places. If you would like to begin another group, see Heidi as well. Tim and Marj Haney will begin hosting a small group at their house on November 12. We will do the five week study of the Mike Slaughter material and be done on December 17. Contact them for information or to say you would like to come.

Coming this Advent for small groups... A Different Kind of Christmas Based on Mike Slaughter’s popu-lar book Christmas Is Not Your Birthday, this five-week study will empower you, your family, and FUMCH to reclaim the missional meaning of Jesus’ birth and experience a Christmas season with more peace and joy than any toy or gadget could ever bring. Come experience the call of God to live generously to fulfill God’s mission in the world.

Adult Nurture Opportunities

Ongoing Classes Open Minds Class Where : Conference Room led by Heidi

DeMoss Outflow by Steve Sjogren and Dave Ping Let God's love fill you with joy that flows from you to your family, friends, neighbors, ... world. Written for every-day people, this study inspires joyful, outward-focused lives, powerfully con-nected with family and friends...to natu-rally share God's love. It's a simple, or-ganic strategy -- and Biblical. Outflow inspires a vision for living an outward focused life and provides practical tools to make that vision a reality: readings that support a five-week Outflow focus, and practical activities readers can do...with their family, community, friends, and the world at large. (Books available in class.) Oct. 21 & 28 ~ your community Nov. 4 & 11 ~ your world Nov. 18 ~ TBD A Different Kind of Christmas by Mike Slaughter Based on Slaughter’s popular book Christmas Is Not Your Birthday, this five-week study will empower you, your family, and FUMCH to reclaim the mis-sional meaning of Jesus’ birth and expe-rience a Christmas season with more peace and joy than any toy or gadget could ever bring. Come experience the call of God to live generously to fulfill God’s mission in the world. Nov. 25 ~ Expect a Miracle Dec. 2 ~ Giving Up on Perfect Faithlinks Class Where : Filling Station contact Kathy Herrick Immigration and the Bible: a guide for radical welcome by Joan Maruskin (2012)

This will be an opportunity to explore various Biblical passages which provide a background for the various ways in which the issue of immigration is pre-sent in many texts. The study seeks to provide a sound theology and biblical base for developing open, welcoming communities that embrace all of God's children without regard to their status The material is from a book and is one of the topics for the School of Christian Mission for United Methodist Women this year. The facilitator for this study is Mary De Ridder. Materials will be pro-vided. Oct. 28 ~ Immigration Story line led by Nikole Krueger, an intern for the Wel-coming Immigrant program. Bring a photo of your ancestors or an item rep-resenting their ethnicity. Otherwise there will be an opportunity to draw this. Nov. 4 ~ Migration Then and Now. Presentation of an "Immigration Issues" skit Nov. 11 ~ Migration in the Old and New Testament. You will join in a reading called Welcoming the Strangers, Refugees, Migrants, and Asylum Seek-ers. Nov. 18 ~ Embracing Radical Hospital-ity. We will watch a DVD called "Jasmine's Story" that was filmed in Michigan. Nov. 25 ~ TBD Pastor Lynn’s Class Where : Heritage Room Sermon based Discussions Pastor Lynn will lead group discussion on the lectionary text for the day. This will correspond with the worship for the day. Oct. 28 ~ John 3:16; John 10:10 Nov. 4 ~ John 11: 32-44 Nov. 11 ~ Mark 12: 38-44 Nov. 18 ~ 2 Corinthians 9:8 A Different Kind of Christmas by Mike Slaughter Based on Slaughter’s popular book Christmas Is Not Your Birthday, this five-week study will empower you, your family, and FUMCH to reclaim the mis-

sional meaning of Jesus’ birth and expe-rience a Christmas season with more peace and joy than any toy or gadget could ever bring. Come experience the call of God to live generously to fulfill God’s mission in the world. Nov. 25 ~ Expect a Miracle Dec. 2 ~ Giving Up on Perfect Lecture/Presentation Classes Short - Term Classes Where : Lounge What : Offerings lasting two or more weeks on a topic. Oct. 28 ~ Vision rollout presentation Nov. 18 ~ St. John of the Cross led by Rev. Jan Lancaster A Different Kind of Christmas by Mike Slaughter Based on Slaughter’s popular book Christmas Is Not Your Birthday, this five-week study will empower you, your family, and FUMCH to reclaim the mis-sional meaning of Jesus’ birth and expe-rience a Christmas season with more peace and joy than any toy or gadget could ever bring. Come experience the call of God to live generously to fulfill God’s mission in the world. Nov. 25 ~ Expect a Miracle Dec. 2 ~ Giving Up on Perfect Sunday Assortment Where : Lounge or Fellowship Hall (watch for posting) What : Offering on a topic of interest. Fellowship Space Coffee and Conversation Where : East end of Fellowship Hall What : A time to gather and visit with each other, or just relax and refresh. Copies of the newspaper are present, as well as coffee, tea, and often some light refreshments.

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Outreach Ministry Tracy Garrett, Director (ext. 11)

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God is Good!

Let’s give thanks in November!

Please prayerfully consider your ability to reach out to oth-ers through these great opportunities for service and giving.

Celebrate Thanksgiving the FUMC Holland way!

Throughout the year we support the basic needs our local community by partnering with Community Action House through volunteers at Community Kitchen and offering food and household supplies to the food pantries.

On Thanksgiving Sunday (November 18) we step up this partnership in a big way with a church-wide ingathering and offering.

We will give thanks to God for His many blessings by bringing non-perishable food, household cleaning products, and hygiene supplies to our worship services.

We will also have a special Bread Pan Offering to support the on-going work of Community Action House in addressing hunger and housing needs in our area.

Please start stocking up extra groceries and praying over your ability to share financial blessing on November 18.

Bread Pan Offering on Sunday, November 18, will support Community Action House.

Community Action House has been providing aid to our neighbors for over 40 years.

By providing food and household supplies, case management, transitional housing, foreclosure prevention, and a plethora of other vital services, CAH is working with individuals and families in need to create economic self-sufficiency and self-reliance.

Let’s share the gifts and blessings we have received for our good and gracious Lord with Community Action House and join in the fight against hunger, homelessness, and poverty.

Please prayerfully consider sharing your financial blessings on November 18.

We are no longer able to collect Styrofoam or batteries for recycling. Our sources for these recycling efforts are no longer available. Thank you for your willing-ness to participate in recycling efforts. However, please do not bring any more Styrofoam or batteries to the church as we will have to dispose of it in the trash.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You have gener-ously supported our special offerings in October.

Communion Offering (October 7) in support of World Communion Sunday (a Special Sunday of the Global UMC), your gifts totaled $383.76.

Bread Pan Offering (October 21) in support of Senior Meal Ministry, your gifts totaled $1,126.25.

Last Minute Instructions for the Bazaar

Cookies: Have you been stocking your freezer with your cookie spe-cialties? Bring them to the Cookie

Room on Wednesday, November 7, or EARLY on November 8. Include a 3 x 5 card with the name of each kind of cookie and a list of ingredients like nuts or berries that someone may be allergic to.

Attic Specials: Leave Attic Specials items by the elevator at the end of the main corridor on Monday, November 5: Housewares, dishes, linens, material and sewing notions, yarn and knitting supplies, toys, puzzles with all the pieces, luggage, small tables, lamps, Christmas and holiday items, books, purses, and jewelry, but not clothes.

Country Store: Deliver your canned produce, jams, jellies, and breads to the Country Store on Wednesday, November 7.

Handicrafts: The Handicrafts Room will be waiting to receive your handmade items on Tuesday, November 6, and Wednesday, November 7.

Card Tables: Do you have a sturdy card table or two that you could lend to the Bazaar? Please bring tables (marked with your name) to Fellowship Hall or leave by the coat rack there on Sunday, November 4, or Monday, November 5.

Wreaths and Greens: You can order Christmas wreaths and greens at the Bazaar, for arrival in a few weeks.

United Methodist Women

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Finance Update Liz Travis, Treasurer (ext. 12)

The new member class will continue with our last class on Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. in the conference room. We will discuss “spiritual gifts, expecta-tions, and belonging to Holland FUMC”. On October 7 Pastor Lynn and I met with ten people in-

terested in our class. We will welcome those choosing to join the church on Sunday, Novem-ber 18. The next series of classes will start in January. Please contact Liz Travis, 396-5205, ext. 12, or Pastor Lynn if you are interested in attending these classes.

Witness and Invitational Ministry Liz Travis, Director (ext. 12)

The 10th Street House Ministry commercial loan at this time is at $52,525. I am making extra payments as the funds are available while keeping a certain amount for any emergency that may arise. All three homes on 10th St. are rented along with the Plasman property at this time and the summer taxes were all paid on time.

The capital reserve account is gaining and at this time is at $48,875. We still need $7,339 to replace the money used for the new boilers. Thank you for all your contributions!

At the end of September our income totaled $419,077 which is 75% of the budgeted amount so we are right on track for the year. Our expenses were at $409,258 or 73% which is good. Now we just need to hope the snow does not come early!

Service Circle is Shalom Nov. 1 @ 9:30 Shalom Circle at Church @ 1pm, Joy Circle at Church Nov. 4 - 7, set up for the Bazaar Nov. 8, Bazaar, 9:30 - 7 pm Nov. 10, Second Chance Bazaar 8am to 11am, with breakfast provided by the youth.

United Methodist Women’s Christmas

Luncheon on Friday, December 7th The UMW is hosting a luncheon in Fellow-ship Hall on Friday, December 7th. Arrival

time should be around 11:45 and lunch will be served at noon.

Catering Concepts will be furnishing roasted turkey, roasted redskin potatoes and green beans plus a fresh roll and cranberry salad. We will be furnishing the beverages and choice of pie (10 pies have been donat-ed). Cost is $10 (any check should be made out to United Methodist Women). Our program features the Black River choir led by Rachel Searls and a presentation by Carol Myers on the History and Importance of Saint Nicholas. We hope many of you can come to this special event. You don’t have to be a member of a circle to come to this! Make reservations by Thanksgiving with Mary De Ridder at 616-399-2161 or Linda Vizithum at 616-399-6659.

FUMC of Holland at the Kerstmarkt!

Don’t miss the 15th Annual Holland Friends of Art Kerstmarkt at the 8th Street Marketplace (Civic Center) during the holiday season. Sixteen vendors offer unique gifts and food items from charming wooden booths under the canopies. Once again we will be offering our famous pigs-in-a-blanket as well as soups, hot dogs, mettwurst, hot choco-late, hot apple cider, desserts and other weekly specials.

Hours for the Kerstmarkt are: Sat., Nov. 17 9-3; Fri., Nov. 23, 9 am-8 pm; Sat., Nov. 24 9-5; Tue., Nov. 27 3-8 (Holiday Parade); Fridays, Nov. 30 & Dec. 7 3-8 and Saturdays Dec 1 & 8 9-5.

The United Methodist Women (Booth #13) will be offering

our famous Pigs-in-the-Blanket, authentic Dutch pea soup, Jane’s award-winning white chicken chili, hot dogs, Dutch style metwurst, hot chocolate and apple cider and other weekly specials. All proceeds will benefit mission projects throughout the year.

Our Youth Groups will be helping, again, this year and will also be in charge of the work schedule. They will be calling past Kerstmarkt volunteers but you may also call them to help support this church wide event. A percentage of the proceeds will be shared with the youth to fund their projects.

We’re looking for helpers, shoppers and eaters! Whatever you do best, join us for the fun! For more information or if you would like to help in the booth or in the kitchen, call Mary Jo Wiswedel (335-9522) or Carol Streur (399-9425).

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JFON Origins

Justice for our Neighbors (JFON) was created by Unit-ed Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and has 31

clinics operating in 12 states and the District of Columbia.

How JFON Works

This information has been prepared by our Justice for our Neighbors (JFON) Attorney, Liz Balck and Doug Dinkins to try to put the complicated legal issues into lay terms for our congregation. Liz is a licensed attorney operating in the same way as immigra-tion law practices found in communi-ties throughout our state and country. As an attorney with a non-profit minis-try, Liz can focus her attention on the less-lucrative humanitarian and family-based cases and serve the poor without charging fees for her service. JFON attorneys produce the same quality of work as other attorneys. JFON uses lay volunteers to conduct intake interviews to keep expenses down and to provide hospitality to those seeking our service. Because of complicated immigration laws, client consults and continued representation must be handled by the JFON attorney. While JFON volunteers may be growing in their knowledge of the law and issues, often they may not be savvy enough yet to answer pointed questions received from peers and members of the congrega-tion. Information for the articles on JFON in the two previous editions of Focus came from Liz and Doug.

Documentation or No Documentation

The term “illegal” has been used in an increasing way in recent years. It is commonly used to refer to people who

crossed the border without permission, but it could also be applied to people who came into the United States with documentation and then overstayed their visa (estimated to be 40% of un-documented persons). It can also in-clude victims of crime or trafficking or children brought here by their parents. Many don’t realize that our immigration laws allow remedies for many undocu-mented people. JFON provides a broad range of services. We do so much more work than the one-time consultation with an undocumented person who has no legal remedy. In 2011, our West Michigan JFON Pro-gram helped over 350 people, 46 of those at Holland First UMC. We assisted legal permanent residents apply for citizenship, we reunited families separated by borders, we helped battered women make a safer home for themselves and their children, and through a partnership with Bethany Christian Services and Lutheran Social Services we helped 150 refugees apply to become legal permanent residents at no cost to them. In our 8 years of service in West Michigan, we have served over 1,200 people from 60 nations. We also are invited to numerous United Methodist Churches, colleges and community gatherings to discuss immigration issues, provide information and dispel myths.

Advertising

Brochures are available in the church literature racks and JFON staff and volunteers hand them out when they speak at events or meetings. Word of mouth is another effective method. Many clients are directly referred to us from domestic violence shelters, social service agencies, schools, churches, and

U.S. Representative’s offices (specifically, Congressmen Huizinga and Amash).

Rate of Success for Clients

Sometimes contacts with those seeking our service ends with one consult. These contacts can be sorted into three groups: (1) We listen to the facts of their situation and determine there is no pathway to status available under the current immigration laws, (2) the attorney’s current caseload is too full to take on their case, or (3) the client’s case will require more than the limited resources that our ministry can provide. For the two latter situations, JFON provides information and education on the laws and gives the person a referral list of other immigration attorneys in West Michigan. For 2011, we declined on-going service to 4 of the 50 clients seen at our Holland Clinic. In the JFON chart from the July Focus this was listed under the category labeled “Advice and Counsel”.

Information Gathered Regarding Status

The JFON board can assure you that JFON’s work product, under the attor-ney’s supervision, meets all standards of practice for immigration law. Every case is unique and opportunities to adjust status depend on a multitude of conditions. Sometimes undocumented entry precludes our government to consider an application and sometimes it doesn’t. For this reason, an immigration attorney needs to collect all entry information and conduct a thorough review of the law. Clients are carefully instructed to give truthful information so that the attorney can ethically lead them through the complicated legal immigration process.

And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. (Genesis 2:9)

Earlier this fall, 6 trees were planted on the church grounds as a collaborative effort between the Memorial Committee and the Landscaping Team. Four Cleveland Select Pears were planted along 10th street and two dogwoods were planted by the peace pole at the west end of the church. Next spring it will be just beautiful with those trees

in blossom! Not to mention a beautiful tribute to the fami-lies that allocated their loved ones funds to the trees. Not only does planting these trees help to beautify our grounds and neighborhood, they help clean the air, reduce wastewater run-off, provide shade, and helps us fulfill the Great Commandment to love God and love our neighbors, including generations yet to come.

For times and locations of events and meetings each week, refer to the calendar available at our website, www.fumcholland.org on the right hand side of the page. Staff can be reached via the website by click-ing on Contact Us at the top. Check out our new website!

Youth Ministry LuAnne Stanley Hook, Director (ext. 19)

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Schedule of Events

November 13 Outreach Team 7:00 PM

November 13 FUN School board 7:00 PM

November 13 Staff Parish 7:30 PM

November 15 SM Supervision 7:00 PM

November 19 Trustees 7:00 PM

November 20 Finance 7:00 PM

November 27 Church Council 7:00 PM

Each week:

Tuesday noon: Senior Meal

Thursday 7:00: Volleyball

Fall is in the air, and the community garden has been put to bed. Last month, the senior highs helped Tim Haney get things ready in the garden for all of the snow that we will soon have. (wink) The youth have enjoyed some fun events as well, such as a great concert by FiveLight at First Presbyterian Church and instead of a corn maze, “Cranes (donuts) at the (bowling) lanes in the rain!” We are looking forward to a busy November as we “retreat” together to relax, bond, learn from God’s word and enjoy time in the woods. Thanks to the many church members who have donated items to the youth group recently and have been so encouraging and supportive of the youth program!

This month's events:

Friday through Sunday, November 2-4, Middle School Retreat at Wesley Woods. Cost is $80. Meet at church at 6:00 to leave for Wesley Woods. We'll be back by the end of second service on Sunday.

Sunday, November 4, Senior High youth group only, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 10, 8:00-11:00 a.m., Second Chance Bazaar and Pancake Breakfast. All senior highs who serve (7:30-9:30 a.m. or 9:30-11:30 a.m.) will receive a portion of the profits toward your South

Dakota trip deposit. Come and have some pancakes and get a great deal!

Sunday, November 11, Youth Group, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Friday through Sunday, November 16-18, Senior High Retreat at Wesley Woods. Cost is $80. Meet at church at 6:00 to leave for Wesley Woods. We'll be back by the end of second service on Sunday.

Sunday, November 18, Middle School youth group only, 5:30-7:30.

Sunday, November 25 No Youth Group--enjoy Thanksgiving weekend with your families!

Calling all youth! Please sign up to help at the 2012 Kerstmarkt in the UMW food booth! Any youth who helps will receive a portion of the proceeds toward their deposit for the 2012 youth mission trips. The Kerstmarkt dates for 2012 are: Saturday, November 17, 9 – 3; Friday, November 23, 9 – 8; Saturday, November 24, 9 – 5; Tuesday, November 27, 3 – 8 (Santa Parade 7 pm); Friday, November 30, 3 – 8; Saturday, December 1, 9 – 5; Friday, December 7, 3 – 8 and Saturday, December 8, 9 – 5.

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November 2012

Pastor Rev. J. Lynn Pier-Fitzgerald

Phone: 616-393-6242

Nonprofit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Holland, MI

Permit No. 445

57 W. 10th St.

Holland MI 49423

Return Service Requested

FI RST UNIT ED MET HODI ST CHURCH

Highlights for the Month

Phone: 616-396-5205

November 2012

We’re On the Web

www.fumcholland.org

Angels Flock to FUMC for 51st Annual Holiday Bazaar on Thursday, November 8

Just a few days are left before the 51st annual UMW Holiday Bazaar “Angels Around the World.” It takes place in our church on Thursday, November 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.* Please come, bring your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers; find special gifts, cookies, decorations, and other things for your holidays; enjoy a delicious snack, lunch, or dinner in Fellowship Hall or take a meal home. All proceeds go to missions.

--Morning snack, 9:30 to 11 a.m.: Coffee, tea, or lemonade, $1; coffee cake and muffins, $1.50; a baked pig in the blanket, $2.00. (A dozen frozen pigs for take-home are $8.50.)

--Lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: $7.50 for meatball hoagie, pasta salad, assorted desserts, and beverage. Eat in Fellowship Hall or buy to take home.

--Dinner, 5 to 6:30 p.m.: $9 for chicken alfredo, italian green beans, tossed salad, dinner roll, assorted desserts, and beverage. Eat in Fellowship Hall or take it home.

--Supper for kids, 5 to 6:30 p.m.: $3.50 for macaroni and cheese, fruit cup, dessert, and lemonade. Eat in Fellowship Hall or take it home.

*Note: The dinner meal service will end at 6:30 p.m. The Kids Marketplace also will end at 6:30 p.m.

Second Chance Sale and Pancake Breakfast: On Saturday, November 10, you can find extra-special-super bargains of items not sold at the Bazaar and enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast prepared by youth of the church. Come to Fellowship Hall between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.