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Flowers,candy,redheartsandromance.That'swhatValentine'sDayisallabout,right?Well,maybenot.Let’slearnalittleaboutthepersonbehindthisspecialday.
Here’soneofthemosttraditionalstoriesaboutSt.Valentine.ValentinewasaRomanPriestatatimeofemperorClaudiuswhopersecutedthechurch.Claudiushadanedictprohibitingthemarriageofyoungpeoplebecausehebelievedunmarriedsoldiersfoughtbetterthanmarriedsoldiers.Claudiusfearedmarriedsoldiersmightbeafraidofwhatmighthappentothemortheirwivesorfamiliesiftheydied.
Ofcourse,thechurchbelievedmarriagewasverysacredbetweenonemanandonewomanfortheirlifeandthatitwastobeencouraged.Sotheedictimmediatelyposedaproblemforthechurch.TheideaofencouragingpeopletomarrywithintheChristianchurchwaswhatValentinepromotedandhesecretlymarriedcouplesinspiteoftheedict.WhenemperorClaudiusdiscoveredthatValentinewasperformingweddings,hesentValentinetojail.ValentineusedhistimeinjailtocontinuetoreachouttopeoplewiththelovehesaidJesusChristgavehimforothers.
WhileinprisononeofthemenwhowastojudgehimaccordingtotheRomanlawwasamannamedAsterius.WhilediscussingreligionandfaithwiththeJudge,ValentinewouldnotrenouncehisbeliefinJesus.TheJudgeimmediatelyputValentineandhisfaithtothetest.AsteriusbroughthisblinddaughtertoValentineandtoldhimtorestorehersight.Ifhesucceeded,theJudgevowedtodoanythingforValentine.Placinghishandsonhereyes,thegirlwashealedofherblindness.JudgeAsteriuswashumbledandobeyedValentine'srequests.Asteriusbrokealltheidolsaroundhishouse,fastedforthreedaysandbecamebaptized,alongwithhisfamilyandentire44-memberhousehold.ThenowfaithfulJudgethenfreedallofhisChristianinmates.
ValentinewaslaterarrestedagainforcontinuingtotrytoconvertpeopletoChristianity.HewassenttoRomeundertheemperorClaudius.Intheyear269ADonFebruary14,Valentinewassentencedtoathree-partexecutionofabeating,stoning,andfinallydecapitationbecauseofhisstandforChristianity.ThestorygoesthatthelastwordshewrotewereinanotetoAsterius'daughterwhowashealedofherblindness.Heinspiredtoday'sromanticcards,notesandlettersbysigningit,"fromyourValentine."
Legendsabound,buttheexampleofValentineshowsusthatasdisciplesofJesusChristwearecalledtostandfirminourfaithsharingGod’sloveandgraceeachday.ItisthroughthepoweroftheHolySpiritthatwehavethestrengthtodothatnomatterhowthedayunfolds.
ThisValentine’sDayisaspecialonebecauseitisAshWednesday.Wewillbegatheringwithothersinourcommunityforworshipat7:00pmatTheUnitedChurchonStateStreethereinBigRapids.ThisValentine’sDaymarksthebeginningofour40-dayLentenjourney(notcountingSundays)causingustorememberthegiftofloveandgraceofferedtousthroughJesusdeathandresurrection.ThisLentenjourneyoflovewillhopefully,bringeachoneofuscloserinourrelationshipwithChrist. MayGodstrengthenyourfaith,solidifyyourhopeinChristandsurroundyouwithHisloveafreshandanewasyoujourney.!Godblessyou,!!
Big Rapids First United Methodist Church
Our mission is to reach out to and bless every child of God.
GALLOPIN’ GRANNIES
FEBRUARY 7 RUBY TUESDAY
FEBRUARY 14 RUBY TUESDAY
FEBRUARY 21 SUBWAY (STATE STREET)
FEBRUARY 28 SUBWAY (STATE STREET)
Prayers!• Aging: Those suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other conditions associated with aging, and for
those who care for them.!• Students, Teachers, & Administrators: Support for all in education.!• In Nursing/Adult Care Homes: Genevieve Brown, Carroll Larrison, Gertie Pangborn, Bernie Randolph,
Dottie McMaster, Malcolm Lund, Roger Baker!• Mission: Mecosta County Jail Ministry, McCurdy School, Valerie Mossman-Celestin (HAPI)!• Military: Msgt. Jamie Sobers (Home); Captain Phillip Sobers (Kuwait); Sgt. Kyle Maneke (Poland);
Forrest Dorman (Beale AFB, California); River Dorman (Cannon AFB, NM)
Staff!
Rev. Becky Morrison — Pastor Barbara Erb — Office Manager Jen Morrison — Director of Christian Ed. Kaye Patton — Director of Music Shirley Jernstadt — Organist Kathy Bell — Accompanist Ruth Reeds — Accompanist Diane Parrish — Nursery Supervisor Nancy Parsons — Treasurer Gary Erb — Custodian
Email for Church Office/Barbara Erb: [email protected]!Email for Pastor Becky: [email protected]!Church Website: www.bigrapidsfumc.com!Church Address: !304 Elm Street Big Rapids, MI 49307!Phone Number: 231-796-7771!Fax Number: 231-796-0757!
Worship In
FEBRUARY 4 FEBRUARY 11 ! FEBRUARY 18 ! FEBRUARY 25 !Liturgist: Phil Keating
Liturgist: Bob Cervantes
Liturgist: Claudia Lenon !
Liturgist: Randy Hahn
Ushers: Ann Spagnuolo Joann Haist Ron Bongard Pat Williamson Daniels Family
Ushers: Colin & Roberta Cline Jim & Candy Huff Allan & Sharon Parker
Ushers: Doug & Jackie Fitzgerald Pete Jensen Herm McConnell Pisani Family
Ushers: Bob Cervantes Michael Gibson Carter Councilor Gary Lenon John & Sally Nelson
Greeters: Denise Jefts Claude & Jane Pepper
Greeters: Mike & Dawn Wyman Joann Haist Gary Fitch
Greeters: Barbara Ross Don Reed Bev Wesche
Greeters: Chris & Christine Berke Ed & Linda Owczarek
Acolytes: Katilyn Case
Acolytes: Liberty Beam
Acolytes: Chloe Councilor
Acolytes: Emma Kwant
Soundboard Tech: Ed Bobrowski
Soundboard Tech: Thomas Wheeler
Soundboard Tech: Ed Bobrowski
Soundboard Tech: Ken Draves
Nursery: Maureen Kubitskey Gayle Rhodes
Nursery: Jana Pisani Sadie Fate !
Nursery: Gayle Rhodes
Nursery: Jana Pisani
Children’s Worship: Jen Morrison Bev Wesche
Children’s Worship: Jen Morrison Training (Amanda, Ruth, Bev)
Children’s Worship: Claudia Lenon Hannah Hubbell
Children’s Worship: Pam Fleming Hannah Hubbell
Fellowship Hour: Need a Volunteer
Fellowship Hour: Ed & Linda Owczarek
Fellowship Hour: Brenda Miller
Fellowship Hour: Mary Nicholson Sue Smith Phyllis Yanick
Communion Helpers: John & Sally Nelson
Upcoming Church, District and Conference Events
Dates FebruaryEventsWednesday,February8 AdultSmallGroupbegins,6:00pm
Saturday,February10 DistrictAbusePreventionTraining,12:30-4:30pm
Sunday,February11 MissionMoment/HungerPotforWalkforWarmth
Monday,February12 ChurchinaCafe,6:00pmatThreeGirlsBakery
Sunday,February11 MissionMoment/HungerPotforWalkforWarmth
AdultSundaySchoolClassbegins,9:00am
Wednesday,February14 DriveThruAshes,7:00amto6:00pm
AshWednesdayServiceatTheUnitedChurch,7:00pm
Saturday,February17 YouthMovieNight,5:00pm
Sunday,February18 WesleyHouseCakeAuction,12:00pm
Monday,February26 RedCrossBloodDrive,12:00pm-5:45pm
Coffee/FellowshipTheCoffee/FellowshipHourisinneedofvolunteers.WecurrentlyhaveaSundayopenandwouldwelcomeanyhelpers.TheCoffee/FellowshipHourheldafterWorshipeachSundayisanotherwaytomeetothersandserveourchurchfamily.IfthisisaministrythatyoucanhelpwithpleasecontactLindaorEdOwczarekat796-3212.
Finance Committee
ThisisadraftpicturethatshowsthenewdigitalsignthatwillreplacetheoldbillboardlocatedonthecornerofWarren&ElmStreet.!Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorideas,pleaseseePatLittleontheFinanceCommitteewhoiscoordinatingthisproject.
February14willmarkthebeginningofLentwithAshWednesday.Againthisyear,ourchurchwillbeoffering“DriveThruAshes”from7:00amto6:00pmforthosewhodesiretoreceivetheimpositionofashes,atimeofprayerandsomeworshipresourcesfortheLentenseason.IfyouwouldliketohelppleasecontactPastorBecky.
Christian Education and Family News
Welcome to the month of Love…at least that is what Hallmark tells us. As Christians, EVERY month, day, moment is to be of LOVE! This church family has shown and given much love to the Christian Education Department. Thank you! We have had 5 new volunteers to Children’s Worship, a new adult Sunday School leader, and a music leader for children. We also have others who are discerning a call to Education ministry at BRFUMC. WOW! We are blessed. !
God is always nudging each of us to a ministry… what is your nudge?? Please do not wait to be asked…answer God in His strength He provides to you! ****************************************************************************************************** Bible Black Belts is our Wednesday evening program for children kindergarten through 5th grade. We are currently studying The Beatitudes as we learn how God wants to bless us. Bible Black Belts focus on a specific aspect of the Bible for a few weeks and teaches us love and respect for others and God’s Word. We are excited to welcome Kathy Bell to this ministry as she leads our children in a variety of musical outlets. ******************************************************************************
A new Adult Sunday School will begin on Sunday, February 11, 2018 at 9 am. Christine Berke will be leading Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge. The group will be focusing on keys to igniting your personal time with God. Books and Companion Guides are available from Jen Morrison. Come join this group and journey to an incredible joy as you pursue an intimate relationship with Christ.
******************************************************************************The Christian Education Committee is proud to announce that the Higher Education Scholarships have been awarded to three dynamic college students. Brigette Berke, a student of Biology at Kalamazoo College, will be using her scholarship towards a study abroad in the Galapagos Islands. Geoffrey Pisani is a student at University of Michigan majoring in Electrical Engineering. He will be using his scholarship for a university sponsored opportunity to Seattle over Spring Break this year. Gregory Woolen studies Sports Management and Business Administration at Bemidji State University in Minnesota. Gregory will be putting his scholarship towards expenses of college and lessening his job hours. We are blessed to have these three as part of our church family and pray for their continued success as they follow God’s leading. ******************************************************************************!!
VBS is coming soon!!!! Our theme this year is white water rafting!! Prepare to experience the ride of a lifetime with GOD! We have not set dates as of yet. Be on the look out for needs and PRAY for this awesome ministry! !!
************************************************************************* !
Saturday, February 10, 2018 12:30-4:30
Big Rapids First UMC - in the Basement
Anika Kasper, Trainer
All adults working with children and youth ages 0-16 are required to take Abuse Prevention Training. There will be others offered, yet the location may not be as convenient.
As you may have heard, the West Michigan and Detroit Annual Conferences have been in the process of merging into one Michigan Area Conference. With this change has come the uniting of Abuse Prevention Policies for Children and Vulnerable Adults.
As of January 1, 2018 ALL PREVIOUS ABUSE PREVENTION TRAINING ACQUIRED THROUGH THE CONFERENCE EXPIRED. Furthermore, any alternative Abuse Prevention Training (such as Safe Gatherings or Safe Sanctuary) will NOT be considered valid training for any District or Conference events (such as Thrive Leadership Academy, Spring Splash, Connect ’17, Michigan Area Camping, etc.). That training is often sufficient for your individual church but, as it is more general than the new conference policy, it will not be considered sufficient past your church walls OR if your church is asked to host a District or Conference Event. There is no cost for this training.
To be certified in this new policy you will need to:
1. Attend an Abuse Prevention Training
2. A background check (done through the Conference)
3. Three letters of recommendation (filed with the Conference)
Please take advantage of this great opportunity of having Training at our church. It is open to all UMC congregations. To register or ask questions, please contact Jen Morrison by February 3.
ABUSE PREVENTION TRAINING
Mission CommitteeThefollowingdatesin2018arescheduleforMissionMoment/HungerPotsandSpecialOfferingSunday’s:Sunday,February11-MissionMoment/HungerPot-WalkforWarmthSunday,March11-UMCORSunday,April15-NativeAmericanMinistriesSunday,May27-PeaceWithJusticeSunday,October7-WorldCommunionSunday,November25-UMStudentDay
Worship & Music CommitteeTheWorship&MusicCommitteeislookingforsomeonetorunthesoundboardoneSundayamonth.Ifyouareavailableforthisministry,[email protected].!TheCalendartosignupforaltarflowersthatyouwouldliketohaveplacedonthealtarforaspecificSundayinhonorofabirthday,anniversary,inmemoryorappreciationofalovedoneislocatedonthebulletinboardoutsideoftheoffice.Thecosttopurchasealtarflowersis$10.00perorder.
!!!!!!WeareworkingwithDHHSandotherorganizationsinthehopeofofferingHigherGroundtothecommunityagainthiscomingSpringonThursdaysfromMarch1–April12(NoHigherGroundonMaundyThursdayMarch,29).Volunteerswillbeneededtohelpinmanyareas.Moreinformationwillbesharedinthenewyear.
HereisabriefoverviewoftheHigherGroundprogram.HigherGroundisaneveningofactivitiesforthewholefamilydesignedtoofferencouragement,supportandanopportunitytomakenewfriends!Eachweek:
FamiliesenjoydinneratourCommunityMealTherearespecialprogramsforchildrenandteens,aswellasnurserycareforlittleones.Avarietyofclassesareoffered.Adultsselectoneclasstoattendduringthedurationoftheprogram.Possibleclasses:Parenting,Financialmanagement,EmergencyPreparednessorCooking.Theeveningendswithfamilies“shopping”attheHigherGroundStore,usingpointsearnedintheclasstheyattend.Childrenhavetheirownspecialareatoshopaswell.!WENEEDYOURHELP.TheHigherGroundStoreisinneedofhouseholditemsandpersonalcareproducts.Donationsareacceptedanytime.YourdonationscanbetakentotheHigherGroundStorelocatedinthebasementofthechurch.
Higher Ground Family Center
“Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2b
A Journey with Christ While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and walked with them. - Luke 24:15
The walk to Emmaus is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a three-day short course in Christianity. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as God’s grace and love is revealed to you through other believers.
The objective of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip the local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, communities and places of work. Emmaus lifts up a way for our grace-filled lives to be lived and shared with others.
If you are interested in attending a Walk to Emmaus please contact Pastor Becky. The Spring Walks in our area are:
!Men’s Emmaus Walk #99 Date: March 1-4, 2018 Location: St Louis UMC 116 S Franklin St.St. Louis, MI 48880Minimum Deadline: Feb 1 Application Deadline: Feb 15 !Women's Emmaus Walk #100 Date: March 15-18, 2018 Location: St Louis UMC 116 S Franklin St. St. Louis, MI 48880 Minimum Deadline: Feb 15 Application Deadline: March 1 !For those who have attended a Walk to Emmaus or Chrysalis Flight Gathering dates are below. There is always sponsorship training offered after a gathering. We gather for fellowship, then share a potluck meal followed by worship !Greenville Gathering (part of the Lansing Area Emmaus Community Gathering) 1st Saturday of the month at 4:30 PM Greenville First United Methodist Church 204 W Cass St. Greenville, MI 48838. !Lansing Area Emmaus Community Gathering 2nd Friday of the month at 6:00 PM at the Michigan Area Camping Central Office 2307 West Maple Rapids Rd., St. Johns MI 48879 !
Wesley HouseCake Auction
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