To gather, nurture and equip disciples for ministry and mission. JUNE 21, 2015

Our Purpose: To gather, nurture and equip disciples of Christ for

ministry and mission in the world.

Our Vision: Becoming a church that glorifies God,

serves Christ, loves others, and lives it out.

Traditional Worship

8:30 & 10:00 a.m.

Sanctuary

Hymns

“We Gather Together”

“This Is My Father’s World”

“For the Beauty of the Earth”

“Lead On, O Lord Eternal

Anthem

“We Are Surrounded”

Chancel Choir

Scripture

John 16:19-24

Sermon

Surrounded:

“Surprised by Joy: C. S. Lewis”

Rev. Gary Haller

Shine Contemporary Worship

10:00 a.m.

Christian Life Center

Scripture

Psalm 145:3

Sermon

“VBS For All Ages!”

Rev. Chad Oyer

Worship at Troy Campus

9:00 a.m.

Sanctuary

Sermon

Rev. Suzanne Walls

SUNDAY WORSHIP

June 21, 2015

The Liturgists are Rev. Laurie Haller and

Rev. Lindsey Hall in the Sanctuary and

Robert Bledsoe at Shine.

The Altar Flowers are dedicated to the

glory of God and placed in loving memory

of Karl and Bill Klipfel by their family.

The Rosebud on the altar announces the

birth of Arthur William Moore, born June

8, 2015 to Melissa and Scott More.

Grandparents are Jeanne and Glenn Moore.

Summer Sunday School

Nursery care is offered at 10:00.

10:00 a.m.

Birth - 2 years: Crib/Nursery

3 years - Kindergarten: Room 221-223

1st - 3rd Grade: Room 228 4th - 5th Grade: Room 230

(grade just completed)

10:30 a.m. Adult Sunday School (Troy Campus)

Sunday’s Usher Teams

8:30 a.m.

Head Usher: Jim Valiquett

Asst. Head Ushers: Duane Ralston, Imy Rouman

10:00 a.m.

Head Usher: John Cater Asst. Head Usher: John Miller

10:00 a.m. Shine Lead Usher: Steve Wells

Find Us On the Web!

Visit our website at

www.fumcbirmingham.org

or simply scan this code

with the QR App on

your smartphone.

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Our Christian Caring and Concern are shared with the following persons, known to be in

the hospital on Thursday, June 10: Sharon Edall, Pete Morse, Ann Windley, Tove Jackson

Our Prayers for Good Health are shared with the following persons, released from the

hospital since Thursday, June 4: Jim McRitchie, John Walls, Robert Evans

….that the Voice of Hope message for the week of June 21 will be recorded by Steve

Packard. To listen to this message, call 248-646-6407 and press 2 when your call is

answered by our automated system.

….that Fair Trade coffee will be available for purchase during the coffee hours on June 21.

This is the last sale for the summer. Sales will resume in September.

….that during the summer, the church office is staffed Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to

4:00 p.m. On Fridays, the office opens at 8:30 a.m. and the building closes (and the outside

doors will be locked) at 2:00 p.m.

….that you can help Church and Society Ministry promote reading by donating new or used

adult, youth and children’s books to stock our Little Free Libraries. Books may be dropped

off in the Little Library in the Christian Life Center.

….that we are looking for volunteer receptionists to answer the phones in the church office

during the Global Leadership Summit, August 6-7, so our receptionists can attend with the

rest of the staff. Training and much appreciation provided! If you would like to serve in this

way, please contact Janet Smylie (248-646-6407 ext. 3121).

DID YOU KNOW

We sincerely thank you for your thoughts, prayers and generous support following our fire

in March. We are looking forward to the future with much hope and are so grateful to the

congregation for your loving and kind hearts. —Bill, Shar and Chris Hammond

INTERCEPTED NOTE OF THANKS

Because of scheduling matters in November, Pastors Laurie and Gary have decided not to

lead the Wesley Heritage Tour to England from November 9-17, 2016. However, former

senior pastor Jack and Judy Harnish will still be hosting that trip and would welcome any of

you to join them. Brochures are in the church office.

WESLEY HERITAGE TRIP TO ENGLAND

The Prayer Team would like to pray for you during times of need and also to

praise the Lord during times of celebration. In addition to your concerns, please

let us know of any answered prayers, family members in the military returning

home, births, marriages and other special events. Contact Elise Norwood

(enorwood@fumcbirmingahm.org or 248-646-6407 ext. 3127).

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

For information about our Children’s Ministry activities (Crib through 5th Grade),

check out our website at www.fumcbirmingham.org, Facebook FUMC Birmingham

Children and Family Ministries, or contact us at sheilas@fumcbirmingham.org

to receive a monthly email newsletter.

Want to get the inside scoop on First Student Ministries? 180seconds is a weekly e-mail

newsletter with the most current news for middle school and high school students. Get your

free subscription today! Sign up under “E-mail Subscriptions” on our website.

Register for Steppin’ Out Summer Camps….These camps are a terrific opportunity for

girls ages 3-9 to “step out” into the wonderful world of dance. The camps incorporate God-

honoring values and principles while achieving excellence in the arts…and having a blast!

Daily features include dance class, crafts, devotions, games and snacks, plus a final day

performance. Crafts created for each camp serve as mementos of a fabulous summer spent

dancing. See the list of camp offerings at www.fumcbirmingham.org/steppin-out-summer-

dance-camps, or call Miss Jen (248-756-1970). No previous experience necessary!

CHILDREN, STUDENT, AND FAMILY MINISTRIES

Spirit Journey Work Mission….Are you good with a hammer? Love the sound of power

tools? Join us for a Spirit Journey work mission, June 26-28, in Northport, MI. We will

build cabins for the youth camp, clear debris and do whatever needs to be done while having

fun and making a difference in the lives of Native American youth. For more information,

contact Jeanne Fritz (217-621-9113) or Laura Dickerson (248-539-1925).

Nickels for Newborns in Nepal….We have an ongoing mission for Nepal over the next

two years assembling kits for newborns, for bedding, and for Health Kits. All monetary

donations will go to purchase items for the kits. You can also sew or knit newborn jackets

and nightgowns. If you have a youth, family, church or community group that would like to

help, contact any “First Nurse” or Shawn David (sdavid@fumcbirmingham.org or 248-688-

1782).

South Oakland Shelter (SOS), August 9-16….We have something for everyone!

Whatever your interest, there is a place for you. Late nighters can be part of a night security

team (shifts are from 10:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. and from 2:00–6:00 a.m.). Early risers whip up

some of the finest breakfast in town (from 5:30–7:30 a.m.). For those who yearn for the

open road, transportation duty (to Lathrup Village) is for you! Morning and early afternoon

shifts available. If a little early evening socializing interests you, why not be a host?

Volunteer sign-up will take place during the coffee hours. Contact Kathy Nauer (248-390-

2600) or Page Gorman (248-739-6263) with questions.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTREACH

Join Pastors Lindsey and Chad for ice cream at Sweet Earth! We will meet at church and

walk to Sweet Earth, hang out at Shain Park, and end the evening with a devotion and walk

back to church. All 6-12 graders are welcome!

7:00 to 9:00 pm on June 24, July 22 and August 26.

SUMMER SUNDAES

“Dear friends, the vote is Detroit Conference 718 yes and 75 no; West Michigan 551

yes and 83 no. We have discerned that now is the time for our two annual conferences

to become one!” So announced Bishop Deborah Kiesey in a live webcast from the Area

Ministry Center in Lansing. The Detroit and West Michigan Annual Conferences had voted

on the creation of a new unified conference at their respective meetings in May and June.

Only this week were the votes unsealed and counted.

This is the fruition of two decades of attempts to bring our Conferences back together. How

will this unifying be helpful? In the words of the Rev. Benton Heisler, Director of

Connectional Ministries for West Michigan: “There have been artificial obstacles of

redundancy and overlap that have diverted human and financial resources, hampering clarity

of vision and effective leadership. Now we can create new ministry models and be

strategically focused as a united Michigan Conference.”

This vote is an act of faith—and walking by faith and trust is what the church is called to do.

The hard work will come in the next few years as the specifics of the new conference will be

determined. Bishop Kiesey put it well: “It will take a great deal of prayer, a creative

spirit, many wise minds, and a willingness to ‘let go’ of some things we might hold

dear.” That’s all true. But the entire process will be filled with a sense of great anticipation

and excitement for God is doing a new thing in our midst!

Laurie and I begin summer worship with a new sermon series. We are calling it

“Surrounded!” recognizing that “since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of

witnesses… let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us!” (Hebrews 12:1)

Over the 2000 years of church history, there are many fascinating Christians whose lives are

inspiring and instructive for us today. We’ll look at such diverse witnesses as Mother

Teresa, J.S. Bach, Susanna Wesley and Nelson Mandela, among others.

We begin this Sunday by looking at the life of the great Christian author C. S. Lewis.

Join us at 8:30 or 10:00 a.m. as we find ourselves surrounded by great models of faith!

Gary Haller

NEW BEGINNINGS & SUMMER SERMONS!

VBS FOR ALL AGES!

Starting on Monday morning, June 15, kids and their parents will flood into the church for

one of the highlights of the year: VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL! For five solid days, 300

children will be having the time of their lives as they worship with one another, get

immersed into amazing Bible stories, and decide that living for

Christ is the greatest adventure EVER! On Sunday, June 21 at

Shine, with hundreds of kids and the VBS Praise Band, we are

going to continue to experience God’s greatness! VBS is for

ALL ages, so don’t miss this service.

Chad Oyer

Tickets are still available for you to join Rev. Gary Haller on our Endowment Express for

day trips to Stratford, Ontario for two of this season’s productions. We depart from the

church at 8:30 a.m. and return by 9:30 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend with

you! Contact Janet Smylie (office@fumcbirmingham.org or 248-646-6407 ext. 3121) for

more information and to reserve a ticket.

Wednesday, August 5: The Sound of Music $155 (3 tickets available)

Wednesday, September 23: Carousel $125 (6 tickets available)

STRATFORD THEATRE 2015

“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…

let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us!” Hebrews 12:1

Summer Sanctuary Sermon Series

June 21 “Surprised By Joy: C. S. Lewis” Rev. Gary Haller

John 16:19-24

June 28 “Come Be My Light: Mother Teresa” Rev. Laurie Haller

Luke 18:18-25

July 5 “Trailblazin’ Bishop: Francis Asbury” Rev. Gary Haller

Isaiah 6:1-10; Holy Communion

July 12 “To God Alone be the Glory: J. S. Bach” Rev. Laurie Haller

Colossians 3:12-17

July 19 “Just Keep Praying, Just Keep Praying: Robert Bledsoe

St. Teresa Avila” Duke Seminary Intern

July 26 “Rough and Ready Preacher: Peter Cartwright” Rev. Gary Haller

Luke 9:23-27

August 2 “Peace and Good: St. Francis” Rev. Laurie Haller

Deuteronomy 8:1-3; Choir Camp Sunday

August 9 “Joy in Believing: Susanna Wesley” Rev. Laurie Haller

Romans 15:13

August 16 “Theologian for the People: Georgia Harkness” Rev. Gary Haller

James 2:14-26

August 23 “What Does it Cost You?: Dietrich Bonhoeffer” Rev. Laurie Haller

Luke 9:57-62

August 30 “Knight of Faith: Soren Kierkegaard” Rev. Gary Haller

Philippians 2:12-18

September 4 “Let Us March On: Nelson Mandela” Rev. Gary Haller

Galatians 3:23-29

SURROUNDED!

The Global Leadership Summit will be broadcast live in the

Christian Life Center, August 6-7. Come to hear great

speakers like Ed Catmull, Co-founder of Pixar Animation

Studios and President of Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Mr. Catmull has been honored with five Academy Awards

including the Gordon E. Sawyer Award for a lifetime of

contributions and leadership in the field of computer graphics for the motion picture

industry. His book Creativity, Inc. is a distillation of the management principles he has used

to lead one of the world’s most creative cultures. This session will explore the nerve center

of Pixar—the meetings, postmortems and “Braintrust” sessions where some of the most

successful films in history have been made.

This year we will offer lunch onsite! Consider attending with your church or work group

then having lunch together to discuss the morning speakers. Register to attend and order

lunch at www.fumcbirmingham.org/gls. FUMC members and attenders, enter code

GLS15HOST to receive our special host site early bird rate of $89.

ED CATMULL, PRESIDENT OF WALT DISNEY ANIMATION

In just three short weeks, Steeple Notes will change to an electronic newsletter. The last

mailed Steeple Notes will be dated July 5, and on July 8 a newly redesigned Steeple Notes

will be emailed to all members and friends of First UMC for whom we have email

addresses. We do not want to leave anyone behind! Therefore...

FUMC members over the age of 80 will receive the mailed Steeple Notes free of

charge. Those over 80 who already receive the Steeple Notes by email will continue to

do so, and those who receive our monthly out-of-area mailing will continue to receive

that. If you wish to change the way you receive Steeple Notes, please contact Janet

Smylie in the church office.

If any members under 80 will experience a financial hardship by having to pay $50

to receive the Steeple Notes, please contact Holly Pisano in the Finance office. Pastors

Laurie and Gary have personally made funds available for this purpose.

Others who prefer to have a printed copy can receive it by mail for $50 a year,

which covers the cost and includes timely first-class mailing. Make a check payable to

First UMC and mail it to Janet Smylie in the church office.

The electronic newsletter will be emailed to FUMC members under the age of 80

and others currently on the Steeple Notes mailing list. Not sure if we have your email

address? Contact Karen Porter (kporter@fumcbirmingham.org).

Printed copies of Steeple Notes will be available at the church every week.

STEEPLE NOTES

The final worship service of the present congregation of the Troy Campus will be held on

Sunday, June 28 at 9:00 a.m. Members and friends will celebrate 45 years of witness and

ministry. Together there will be singing, praising, sharing the Word and giving thanks for

the incredible mission of Troy Fellowship. Brunch will follow worship. You are invited to

join the celebration.

TROY CAMPUS CELEBRATION SERVICE

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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Birmingham Campus: 1589 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, MI 48009

Church Office ............................ 248-646-1200 Office Hours ....................... 8:30-5:00, Monday-Friday

Voice Mail System .................... 248-646-6407 Email Address ............... Office@fumcbirmingham.org

Church Fax ................................ 248-646-2661 Website ............................. www.fumcbirmingham.org

Troy Campus: 4050 Coolidge Road, Troy, MI 48085

Church Office ............................ 248-643-8585

PASTORAL LEADERSHIP TEAM

Laurie Haller and Gary Haller, Senior Pastors Lindsey Hall, Chad Oyer and Suzanne Walls, Associate Pastors

John E. Harnish, William A. Ritter and Robert P. Ward, Pastors Emeriti

SENIOR STAFF

Mary Feldmaier ................................... Director of Membership and Congregational Care

Doris Hall ............................................ Organist

Tony Kotwicki..................................... Director of Facilities Holly Pisano ........................................ Director of Finance

Casey Proch ......................................... Director of Music

Janet Smylie ........................................ Executive Administrative Assistant Lisa Wells............................................ Director of Program

Kelly Willian ....................................... Director of Children and Family Ministries

Steeple Notes Editor: Janet Smylie. Notices for Steeple Notes should be in writing and in the main church

office by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday of the week preceding publication.