MANISTEE UMC, page 1

“Make followers of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

AW

EL

CO

ME

WO

RD

JULY 2016

There are many things happening here at the church and I would like to take a few paragraphs to bring you up to date. First, let me take a moment to thank Rev. Dr. Bobbie Cabot for leading us this last week as we hosted the Healing School here at Manistee UMC. Those of us in attendance knew that the presence of Holy Spirit was with us throughout the week. We learned much about the work of the Holy Spirit and found a tremendous sense of community as we gathered with people from as far away as Georgia and folks from Indian River, Bear Lake, Traverse City, and here in Manistee. Many thanks to Andy Anderson, who led worship, and also to Betty Jo Riggs, Maralee Cook, Ruth Miller and all who helped with food and snacks. The Healing School was a transforma-tional time for many of those who attended and it will be interesting to hear about what may change in their respective churches be-cause of their participation. Here at Manistee UMC, we had 8-10 people who attended and they had a pretty awesome experience. I am looking forward to seeing how their experi-ence will play out in the days ahead. The Lounge/Connection Center is well underway. It will not be long and the space will be transformed into a place that will help make it easy to connect with one another and for new folks to discover how to connect in here at Manistee UMC. The Library has been moved down to room 103 and you will find that Tom and Marianne Blair have done a wonderful job of painting and overseeing

Many Things Happening!the project along with Shirley Harden. Clarence Sullivan, AL Elzinga, and others have helped with plastering, sanding, moving furniture and helping to set things up. MEGA Camp, our new VBS, is fast ap-proaching. Alli Anderson and Joy Smith are working hard to make it all come together. Be watching for an opportunity to serve and join in on the fun! MEGA Camp is scheduled for the week of July 18-22 and will include sports and other activities like soccer, volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, and painting. As the children participate in each their chosen activity, they will also learn biblical principles like honesty, team-work, integrity, sportsmanship, faith, etc. This year’s camp will be held at Kennedy Elementary. For more information contact Alli through the church office.

KITE DAY is coming soon! This year we are looking to give out 100 kites at the beach-es. This is a great opportunity to simply bless children and pass on an invitation to MEGA Camp. See Joy Smith, or contact her through the church office if you are interested in being part of this fun ministry.

On another note, the changes we are making here at Manistee UMC have been implement-ed for the sake of meeting the needs of youth and young families. These changes impact building use and design, worship design and

Continued on page 2.

MANISTEE UMC, page 2

practice, environmental quality and aesthetics, staffing, programming, discipleship, and pub-lic perception. All of which is needed as we work to grow the church we all love. Perhaps the hardest two pieces to change are attitudes and desires. Scripture tells us that our attitude should be the same as that of Christ, and that our desire should be to do the will of the Father…often we just want our own way. Change requires work, cooperation, like-mindedness, trust, and a willingness to give-up some of what has been so important to us so that we can make room for those God wants to bring. It requires more from us than work, cooperation and trust. It requires an in-vestment of our passion, attitudes, and desires. It has to be grounded in God’s will and God’s desire. We are continuing our research as we consider replacing our pews with seats. As we look at the new ministries we are developing and our effectiveness in the community we must consider all aspects of what we offer, and how we can better accommodate the greater community.

One of the developing ministries is The River City Music School. This is an exciting, new approach to doing ministry with the com-munity. The whole focus of The River City Music School is to “create community through music”. We are in the process of connecting with other organizations and the schools as

this develops. The school will offer pi-ano, guitar, drum, voice, song-writing, sacred music, group lessons, etc. If you would like more information or would like to be part of this please

contact Carrie Selbee through the church office.

As we look at our current ministries, as well as those that are beginning, the Leadership Team is also considering how we can Air Condition portions (or all) of our building. We are considering proposals as we look at the possibilities. This is an important hospitality piece and we do need to consider it as we look at moving forward. I know that we are talking about a lot of change here. But let me share an analogy. Personally, have spent the last few weeks strug-gling with change. You see I actually have gotten a little set in my ways. Becky and I had worked hard to get to where we are…we had invested our marriage and our lives into getting to a place where we had everything just the way we wanted it. Empty-nesting seemed to be a really good thing that I could get used to. Especially for a guy who is a closet introvert. Along comes Hayes William Gilger. Currently weighing in at just under 15 pounds. We had longed for, and hoped for, and even anticipated his arrival. He is, as I have said before, the most beautiful and otherwise perfect grandchild ever. I just happen to believe that the first word out of his mouth will be “Papa…” I could not be any prouder, or love him anymore. Becky knew what it would take for him to arrive at our home for the summer and it meant that I would have a very long “honey-do-list.” I was excited about him (and his parents) spending the summer with us, but Becky was literally busting with anticipation and kept adding to the list of things that needed to be done. She wanted her hands on that little guy in the worst of ways and each day would find her excitement growing (mine was too, but my list just kept growing). There was painting to do, floors to refinish, linens to buy, furniture to fix, a deck to paint, screens to be repaired, air conditioning to install, etc., etc., etc. I found myself at times rebelling and complaining about all the additional work that was now piled on my already busy schedule… and changes we were having to make to accommodate this new little one. The day arrived and there were tears of great joy!

Many Things HappeningContinued from page 1.

MANISTEE UMC, page 3

MUMC quilting group will meet 9:30 to noon and/or 6:30 to 8:30 on Wed., July 20th. The goal is to make quilts for charities, but new quilters are welcome to come and learn. For infor-mation, call Joyce Brenner at 398-9205.

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind ...

ROMANS 12:2

Mega Sports Camp is in need of the following:

- Volleyball net and balls- Portable Basketball hoops X2 and balls- Extra soccer balls- Tents for shade and to serve food under- Coaches and Huddle Coaches

Camp Dates: July 18 - 225:00-8:00 p.m.

For more information please either call (630.220.9934) or email (childrensministries-mumc@gmail.com)Allison Anderson.

Hayes is an incredible gift…and such a blessing to our family. I am so very thankful for this time with him, but I had forgotten that babies don’t sleep through the night, that they require attention, and focus, and adjusted schedules, they need help eating, drinking, and they need space for cribs, bouncy seats, toys, strollers… Would I be willing to make room for him? (stupid question) Yes, I have come to the realization that I have gotten set in my ways, and that change comes with a price. And I was willing to pay the price. In a heartbeat, I would trade my solitude, some sleep, and selfishness, for the smiles and tears of a little man named Hayes. Some-things are far too valuable and priceless in comparison to what we forfeit. Spending the summer with my new grandson is priceless (oh…his parents are kinda fun too). As a church, I wonder if we might have the same kind of passion and attitude toward the people of our community. Are we willing to do what needs to be done to love our neighbors as ourselves? Could we be a place that the Prodigals of our town could call home? Are we willing to give up some of our comforts and predictable routines and schedules for the sake of others? Hmmm…sounds like Jesus might be inviting us to pick up our crosses and follow him. Thanks for being a blessing!! Pastor John

MANISTEE UMC, page 4

Report from 2016 Michigan Area Annual Conference Just in case you’re wondering, there are 52 steps down from the entry level of Breslin Arena to the best seats for the Michigan Area Annual Con-ference—and there are 30 steps up to the dining area of Brody Hall at MSU. Multiply by 6 daily and then by 4 days to know why I won’t be using the Stairmaster for a while. But was it worth it? You bet! Last year, as our District Superintendent Anita Hahn said, the Detroit Conference and the West Michigan Conference began “dating”. This year we’re “going steady” as we joined together for worship, inspiration, and awe. It will still be a couple of years before we “marry.” But, in the meantime, resources are being shared, ideas mul-tiplied, and co-operative efforts made through the whole state. One highlight of the conference was the cel-ebration of Bishop Deb Kiesey’s retirement from the Episcopacy. Her courage and her guidance will be missed as she returns home to Iowa. Retired Bishop Donald Ott and Bishop Gregory Palmer also delivered outstanding messages. Worship services were spirit filled. Music was chosen to enhance each day’s theme, and we learned new tunes as well as new words to familiar hymns. The energetic song leader taught us new music by “lining out” as was done before hymnals were universal. How quietly a multitude can sing in reverence at a memorial service, but how joyfully it can belt it out as well. Echoes of Methodist voices are bound to stay in that arena for a long time. One entire day was given to missional oppor-tunities including time for 80 people to go into the Lansing community for hands-on work. And, yes, there was some business to take care of, but it was efficiently attended to and with little controversy. But the most inspiring service was Ordination

when the Bishop washed the feet of each being ordained as a symbol of her service. The procession of white-robed pastors into the arena demonstrated just how big this new Michigan Conference is and just how big a bishop’s job is to co-ordinate the work of the church. As joy-filled and inspiring as this conference was, the news from Orlando came to us from Bish-op Deb, and we realized the church has “miles to go” before the world can be what God calls it to be. Eight West Michigan churches were discon-tinued as our numbers dwindle. We have much work ahead of us to make new disciples for the transformation of the world. “Send” is our mission as it was for the theme of this conference. Betty Jo Riggs, Manistee UMC Delegate Ralph Riggs, Delegate from Grand Traverse District

July AnniversariesCarol & Rod Worch

June BirthdaysJanet FeenstraMary Jane BlakesleeWilma HaynesGerald SleemanBob BuzzellGeorge HuntJanice WitkowskiSheila HeiserJay RauppSally GancarzJoAn PehrsonLarry LarsonClarence Sullivan

Brent DanielsonBetty SullivanLiz LaskeyVickey StalmackVicki SheffieldJenna VincentMichael BlanchardJacob FitchEmma Witkowski

If your birthday or anniversary is not listed, please call the church office or email your dates to mumc@t-one.net.

MANISTEE UMC, page 5

Stephen Minister/Care Giving

The Vine and The Branches. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers, such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.”

John 15:5-7Praying with Conviction:1. We must pray according to His will – consis-tent with His plan and desire for our lives.2. Asking in faith – believing and expecting Him to answer.3. We must pray in Jesus Name – our almighty savior.4. Ask Him with a pure heart – God will forgive our sins.5. OPEN YOUR BIBLE TO PRAY…God de-sires and delights to answer our prayers. Our Heavenly Father loves to hear from us. He is working on our behalf. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart. And you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Do you need someone to listen to your story… Confidentially…? Please call us. Shirley – 723-6219 or Jeanne – 231-920-7511.

Thank you to all who have contributed time and money to this very worthwhile cause. Because of your efforts we were able to go from feeding 19 children in November to 87 in May. As many of you know we partnered with the national Blessings In A Backpack organization. They have reported that this past school year 88,000 children in 950 schools in 48 states and Washington D.C. were fed! That’s a lot of bags of food! Where do we go from here? We will begin raising funds to support the program for next school year. Children will still be hungry due to circumstances in their lives that they cannot con-trol. We, as a Christian community, have an ob-ligation to help those in need in and around our community. It is our hope that you will consider joining us by your prayers, gifts, and time. For more informa-tion on the program call Joyce Brenner 398-9205 or Sheryl Guenthardt 723-4047

MANISTEE UMC, page 6

The following is an article from MichiganUMC.org

Church is Back, but DifferentBy Laurie HallerSenior Pastor Birmingham 1st UMC Nervous energy oozed from every corner of the entryway to the church. Fifteen students from Baker College of Auburn Hills, a campus of Michigan’s largest not-for-profit university, were preparing to make a presentation to clergy and lay leaders at the former First United Methodist Church in Berkley. Eighteen months ago, the declining Berk-ley congregation voted to close and give their building and assets to Birmingham First UMC in order to start a new worshiping congregation. The appointed pastor, Zack Dunlap, and leaders at the Berkley First campus connected with the Interior Design program at Baker College for ideas about how to re-imagine an almost one-hundred-year-old building to be more welcoming to a community that was described by Money Magazine in 2015 as 28th among the top livable cities in the United States. The students were pumped. Accustomed to working with restaurants and businesses, this was their first church. After soliciting Pastor Zack for his ideas, they divided up areas of the building and worked feverishly for two weeks to dream, measure, consult and draw up plans. Dressed professionally and well coached by their teacher, each group was ready with floor plans, charts and sample building materials. As the presentations were about to begin, I glanced up at the wall behind the easels and charts and noticed another guest among us. Clinging to a corner of the wall and ceiling was a bat. Zack said this was the first time he’d ever seen one of these erratically flying mammals in the Berkley building. The wheels started churning as the phrase “bats in the belfry” came to mind. A belfry is the

top of a bell tower on a church where the actual bell is located. Belfries were often infested with bats, who enjoy the darkness and seclusion of such an isolated place. The Berkley building does not have a belfry, so at the same time as we wondered where the bat came from, we made no attempt to disturb it. I couldn’t help but note that “bats in the belfry” is also an outmoded term for insanity. Claiming that someone had “bats in the belfry” was an insinuation that they had crazy thoughts (i.e. bats flitting around their head) and were thus mentally unstable or even possessed by the devil. As the students presented their ideas and dreams for how this building might be reinvented, I envisioned a congregation that looked like them: diverse in ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity, background and belief. The students were very cognizant that they were designing a church, not a retail store, restaurant or commercial busi-ness. They also brought their own faith history with them, whether Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, Catholic or independent megachurch. One student said, “As I worked on this project and walked around the building, the hopes and dreams of this new church were palpable.” Their guiding question from the beginning was, “How do we convey the reality that something new is happening here at Berkley First?” In fact, the cards that Pastor Zack hands out as he meets people in the community say, “Church is back. But differ-ent.” Because Berkley First (the new name of the church) seeks to reach out to young families in the neighborhoods around the church, we listened carefully to the suggestions of the students, who represent the generation we want to target.• The sanctuary must be multi-functional – no pews!• More light in the sanctuary will create a cheerful atmosphere.• Very sensitive to what the church represents,

MANISTEE UMC, page 7

students included crosses in various places and spoke of the value of Christian symbols.• A coffee bar in the entry way is a must.• First floor restrooms need to be handicap-ac-cessible.• a custom piece of furniture that holds diaper bags for the nursery.• The lounge needs to be updated as a gathering place for young people. The students also talked about the WOW fac-tor. They asked, “Where do you want to splurge in your remodeling project to make the greatest impact?” Suggestions included beveled glass, a free-standing iron cross on the stage, a feature wall in the entryway using recycled pallet wood and innovative wallpaper on the back of the stage. I was totally engaged. The ideas were fresh and enthusiastic. Designed to be appealing to young people, their proposals intentionally retained some traditional elements as well. At times their teacher would provide gentle suggestions for how the designs might be improved. Other times she just let them go for it. One young woman admitted that she struggled with her drafting assignment and asked God to help her. She subsequently came up with a WOW idea for a unique panel on the screen in the Fellowship Hall. “Church is back. But different.” Maybe that’s why our bat friend was a quiet but palpable pres-ence among us that morning. In the past, bats have been a symbol of insanity, one definition of which is “Doing the same time over and over and expecting different results.” Berkley First will be back … but different. It will be different because if we do church the same way we’ve always done it for the past hundred years, we disregard the culture, values, hopes and dreams of the very people with whom we seek to share the love of Christ. The legacy of the original Berkley church is that when the remaining mem-bers realized the insanity of trying the same old

things that were no longer working in a different world, they closed the church before their financial resources were exhausted, left the building in great shape and gifted us with a bat. As we prepare for the launch of Berkley First, the bat has now become our teacher. The silent bat on the wall reminds us of the thousands of individuals and families in Berkley who are not practicing Christians. Whether they are unchurched, de-churched, nominally religious, disaffected, hurt, disillusioned or lapsed, our mis-sion is to simply share and model the love of Jesus and invite them into relationship with Christ. The silent bat on the wall reminds us that in order to be relevant to the needs of people today, our building must look fresh and inviting. More important, our programs must minister to the needs of our community as well as provide opportunities for spiritual growth, mission and outreach for all ages. The silent bat reminds us of the importance of including the voices of young people in all aspects of church life. How do we nurture our children, youth and young adults and encourage them to be in leadership at the same time as we humbly learn from them how to be church again, but different?The silent bat on the wall reminds us that we can’t wait for others to come to us. People who have been silenced for whatever reason and those whom the world may claim to have “bats in the belfry” will not walk through door of our church unless we proclaim and live out our desire to be an inclusive church. Come to think of it, the WOW factor may just be the bat, which we never saw again. Church is back. But different.http://news.michig-anumc.org/2016/06/church-back-different/

MANISTEE UMC, page 8

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5

Connect with God • Grow in Faith • Serve Others

A Welcome Wordis the newsletter of Manistee United Methodist Church

Deadline for articles is 9 a.m.on the 3rd Tuesday of each month to the church office.

The Editor reserves the right to edit for content and space.Pastor - Rev. John Scott

Director of Student Ministries - Andy Anderson Director of Children’s Ministries - Allie Anderson

Please join us for Sunday Worship Services:

Hymns 9:00 a.m. • Praise 11:00 a.m.Rotational Sunday School10-11:00 a.m. Sept.-May

Phone 231.723.6219 • Fax 231.723.5072Email: mumc@t-one.netwww.manisteeumc.org

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMANISTEE, MIPERMIT NO. 81

Manistee United Methodist Church387 First StreetManistee, Michigan 49660231.723.6219www.manisteeumc.org

Return Service Requested

Kite Day is coming, with 100 colorful kites for children at

Fifth Avenue Beach on Sunday, July 10 from 3-5pm.

This is a community connection event for our church, an opportunity to give of ourselves to pro-mote a great sense of neighborhood in our wonderful town ~ Come, enjoy and share! If you can donate to help cover the cost of the kites, that would be welcome. Just write “Kites” in the memo and drop it in the plate or at the office. Some help is needed, too, to hand out kites and refreshments. Can you donate a couple dozen cook-ies? Bring them to church that morning. Got a truck? We need to haul a few tables and chairs. Canopies are needed, too. Sign up in the entryway for a task, or just show up!

July 18-22

Kite DayJuly 10th