October 2014 Harvester Newsletter

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ORCHARDHARVESTERMonthly Newsletter of Orchard United Methodist Church

October 2014

COLORMEFAITHFULby Rev. Suzanne Goodwin

Polling results are inconclusive regarding the favorite-month status of October, but one thing is sure:October is a palette of treats for the senses. The cool snap in the air makes it impossible to denythat summer is truly over and its time to put away those shorts. On the other hand, the smell and tasteof hot apple cider, the sound of the marching band warming up for that footballgame, and the incredible beauty of the brilliant autumn colors against a deepblue sky are enough to remind you that God is an artist who loves us beyond

measure!

This is a God I want to get to know better, and I hope you do too! This monththere are so many opportunities to draw closer to God, grow in faith, and getmore deeply connected to others who are seeking to do the same. Several ofour offerings are brand new such as our new Current Events in the Caf;Samson a biweekly devotion for men of all ages; and October FunFest a full-congregation celebration of the harvest! And, of course, there are plenty oftraditional favorites such as Pumpkin Patch, the return of South OaklandShelter, and the continuation of many classes and studies.

Look inside for more information about all these offerings and more. Make plansto join us and get connected. And dont forget to invite a friend!

INTHISISSUEAll Saints Day............ 8

Bible Basics ................

College Students ........

Color Me Faithful ........

Current Events ........... 4

Drive Thru Nativity ..... 8

E-Connections ............

In the Life of Orchard .

Mark Your Calendar ....

MOO Events ............... 4

October FunFest ......... October Opportunities 4

Orchard in Mission ......

Orphan Train ..............

Prayer Concerns .........

Pumpkin Patch ...........

Rev. Carols Letter......

Social Media ............... 8

SOS ...........................

Spotlight Orchard .......

Transitions ................. 2

ORPHANTRAINA Special Presentation

Join us for an informative father-sonpresentation on the orphan trainsthat transported children to the Midwestduring the Depression when theirparents couldn't afford to keep them.For more information on this subject,check out The Orphan Train: A NovelbyChristine Baker Kline, which capturesthe harsh realities of this Depression-erapractice. Invite your friends to join us

for this fascinating presentation.

Thursday, October 23 beginning at 11:30 a.m.Contact JoAnn Cline at (248) 553-3686 for moreinformation on this presentation and our active

seniors group, the Funtastiks.

Autumn, the year's

last, loveliest smile.William Cullen Bryant


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SPOTLIGHTORCHARD

Each month we highlight a group, a friend, or member of Orchard to see how they are finding ways

to shine Gods light out in the world. Contact Deanna Kohl if you have a suggestion for a future Spotlight candidate!

DR. MARYFRANZENCLARK

E veryone knows Dr. Mary Clark. Shes thepolished, beautifully put-together woman whoserves as the Chair of our Adult EducationCommittee and the President of the Dr.Tom Clark Fan Club (!). She exudes anintelligent and competentprofessionalism that some might findintimidating until you have an

opportunity to meet her, and discoverthat she has a deep well of faith and alove for God that is her true source ofbeauty.

Dr. Mary and her husband, Tom, areboth doctors of psychologyat theforefront of their fields of expertise.Together, in 1983, they formed AlphaPsychological Services with the intent ofproviding professional excellence intherapy and counseling in a practicewhere faith is the basis of their value system.

Mary has always been a person of faith, but whenchallenged in grad school by an atheist professor torespond to the question, What do you live by andwhy? Mary went back to the gospels with the intent

to read them as a biography. This experience led

her to a profound rediscovery of the amazing personof Jesus, and in so doing, solidified her commitmentto walk with him throughout her life. She will tell

you that following Jesus is an adventurand the most exciting thing.

You might not have realized that Dr.Mary is an adventuress! Just ask herabout her travels and how many of our

national parks she has visited. You alsomight not know that Dr. Mary has apassion for cooking and entertaining.She is known for her soup ministrywhich allows her to indulge that passionfor creating in the kitchen and forvisiting with the people with whom sheshares it. While you might know thatshe is an expert in the field ofpsychology, you might not know thatshe is extremely gifted in sharing her

faith and inviting others to discover theirs through

the classes she leads on Sunday mornings.Orchard is a place of connection through whichGods blessings often flow in surprising ways. MeetDr. Mary and may God bless your connection withher!

Gods word is amazing and wonderful, uplifting and grounding.

The more we learn to love it, the more it becomes our rock of faith. Dr. Mary

TRANSITIONSAfter careful deliberation, JulieUpdyke, who has been serving as ourDirector of Childrens Ministry, hasdecided to resign her post. Julies lifeis action-packed with her three youngsons, and the adventures that seem tofollow them everywhere (broken arms,flooding basements...). Julie remains avalued and active member of ourcongregation and ministry team, butwill begin transitioning out of herofficial role later this month. Pleasejoin us in thanking her for her passionand service to our childrens ministry!

COLLEGESTUDENTADDRESSES

Did you know that in addition to oExam Week Care Packages, Orchaalso sends a monthly Harvester toeach of our beloved college studenPlease make sure that we have yostudents current address bycontacting Deanna Kohl in the offiat (248) 626-3620 [email protected].

The UpdykesBen, Julie, Linus,Henry, & Oscar.

SHININGGODSLIGHTINTOTHEWORLD!
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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TENDINGTHEORCHAR

O

ne of my favorite Sundayafternoon activities (afterLions football ) is

reading Mitch Alboms columnin the Detroit Free Press. LastSunday, his title caught myattention: When sorry seemsto be the hardest word.

Sorry has always been apowerful word with thepotential to open hearts toreconciliation, the extension

of grace, and even forgiveness. Maybe thats part of

the reason why corporations, politicians, and evenpolicemen in Ferguson, Missouri have started to use itmore often.

Some people struggle to say I am sorry in the midst

of their everyday lives. A persons willingness to takeresponsibility for their own choices and actions is notalways their first response. The urge to CYA or

point the finger at someone else is pretty strong inmost people. Yes, the blame game is alive and well inAmerica.

Seeking forgiveness is a major part of the Jewishhigh holidays that many of our neighbors are

celebrating. Last week it was Rosh Hashanah, theJewish new year. As part of a special meal, they ate apiece of apple dipped in honey to symbolize theirdesire for a sweet new year. Rosh Hashanah alsomarks the beginning of Ten Days of Repentancewhich culminates on Yom Kippur, October 3rd, theday of atonement.

As Mitch Albom wrote:

It is a lesser-known but integral part ofthe Jewish high holidays, going on right

now, in which people atone for their sinsnot only with God, but with one another.They must show remorse to everyone intheir circle. Not just the people they knowthey wronged. Everyone.

Will you forgive me if Ive done or said

anything this year that has hurt you?Thats how its supposed to go. Every

friend. Every neighbor. Every colleague.

We Protestants know a bit about celebrating thenew year and making resolutions that we try tokeep for at least one day or two. But MitchAlbom is talking about something different

something more profound. Maybe we ought totake a little direction from our Jewish neighbors asthey are getting ready for Yom Kippur, the day ofatonement. The question for us is not, who needs

our forgiveness, but who do we need to askforforgiveness.

At Orchard, we often think of repentance in termsof making things right with God. Atonement ismaking right those relationships that we havebroken. I suspect that most of us have one or twoof them.

The phrase Im sorry from a contrite heart can

breathe hope and life into damaged relationships.Extending yourself, receiving forgiveness, sets youfree to enter into a new daya new yearwithhope and possibilities.

Our Jewish neighbors have it right. Let us jointhem in reaching out. Grace given and gracereceived. Who knows how it might change thistroubled world we live in.

Blessings,

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ORCHARDSE-CONNECTIONSOrchard has many ways for people to connect through the internet, including Facebook, Twitter, and ourown webpage which is chock-full of information about our church and upcoming events.

Caring Connectionis our email distribution which keeps parishioners up to date onprayer concerns. In order to keep from overwhelming people with daily emails,we will make every effort to update this list twice a week with exceptions madefor serious and time-sensitive concerns.

Midweek Connection will be sent once a week and will provide reminders aboutwhats happening this week at Orchard.

Please contact DyAnn ([email protected]) or call the church office (248-626-3620) if you wish to

receive these emails.


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CURRENTEVENTSINTHECAFSecond Mondays at 7:00 pm beginning October 13th

Join us for a cup of coffee and some Christian dialog on the events of the daythat challenge our faith. This once-a-month class led by Dave Albery beginson Monday, October 13that 7:00 in the Caf. Bring your Bible and any newsitems youd like to share.

BIBLEBASICSTuesday, October 28that 7:00 pm

Does the Bible baffle you? Have you ever tried to read it and beenstumped before you made it through the first book? Join us for a funevening of Bible basics (led by Rev. Suzanne) and learn a little bitabout how to navigate this foundation of our faith!

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OCTOBEROPPORTUNITIESCheck out these calendar-friendly periodic and special programming opportunities

SAMSONA BIWEEKLYDEVOTIONFORMENBeginning Thursday, October 7that 7:00 pm

This four-week devotion series for men will meetevery other week and will use the story of Samsonas a platform for discussing places of opportunityfor men to grow in their faith. Nick Bonsky is takingthe lead on this study which will meet in the parlorbeginning on Thursday, October 9that 7:00. Formore information, contact Nick by calling(586) 944-3292 or at [email protected].

DARETOBEUNCOMMONA MENSRETREATOctober 10th12th

Be part of the gang going to Oscoda on theweekend of October 10-12. Plans are in the worksfor canoeing and kayaking on the Au Sable River,golfing, and lively discussions centered around theTony Dungy book Dare to Be Uncommon. ContactDoug Rick at [email protected] or by calling(248) 478-4065.

Men of Orchard (MOO) are sponsoring two events in October


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Saturday, October 4thLed by local United MethodistChurches, in partnership withGleaners Food Bank and other localsponsors, Hands4Detroit is a one-dayopportunity for service andcommunity building. Serving bothDetroit and Pontiac with over 40 sites,we will rake, clean, garden, replaceand build as we nurture new and oldrelationships with our neighbors

across the Metro-Detroit and Pontiac area. Join ourJunior and Senior High youth we truly need yourHands 4 Detroit! Sign up to volunteer atwww.hands4detroit.org.

Thank your for filling the donation basket full of neededitems for the people in these cities. If you would still liketo donate, please have your items in by Friday, October3rd.

Sunday, October 5th

Christians all over the world willcelebrate World CommunionSunday. Included with thisnewsletter is an envelope forthis special offering takenthroughout the United MethodistChurch on that day.

This year your generous giftswill support World CommunionScholarships, Ethnic Scholarshipand Ethnic In-Service Training

programs, and will help equipracial and ethnic students in theUnited States, as well as international students,to help transform their churches and communities.

Please remember to bring your envelope in on thatSunday, or mail it into the church office, attentionSuzanne Reddy.

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ORCHARDINMISSION

...faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove James 2:18

ORCHARDHOSTSGUESTSFROMSOSOctober 26th- November 2nd

Orchard will again host guests from the South Oakland Shelter (SOS) program from Sunday evening,October 26 - Sunday morning, November 2. SOS is a non-profit agency based in Lathrup Villagefocused on providing shelter, food, career building, counseling and housing assistance to men, women, andchildren. It is a transitional program designed for those trying to improve by removing themselves from thecycle of homelessness. Orchard participates in this valuable mission by hosting about 30 guests everynight. Our guests stay in the church overnight, receive dinner, breakfast and a packed lunch for the nextday, and are driven to jobs or to the SOS office every morning and taken back to the church in theevening. We will need about 200 volunteers to help during the week with daily activities such as driving,preparing meals and hosting at the church, as well as one time activities such as setup, laundry, Saturdaybreakfast and cleanup.

There are several ways to volunteer this year sign up at the SOS display in the narthex; scan the QRcode below; or contact Sara Ganser for the link to Sign-Up Genius for SOS volunteers. Sara can be reachedat (248) 910-7656 or [email protected].

Volunteer today to share Orchards

hospitality and to connect to the best partsof yourself!
http://www.hands4detroit.org/http://www.hands4detroit.org/


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There will be something for everyone at the October FunFeston Saturday, October 18th! Watch your email for our new Midweek Connection

with more details and remember to check your Sunday bulletin!

PUMPKINS& MISSION

Orchard has a unique reputation for linking pumpkins and mission. People in the community know usas the Pumpkin Church. But people in a variety of places all over the eastern half of the country

know our youth as a group of students who swoop in for a week and provide a concentrated dose ofhome rehab and repair, as well as a liberal sprinkling of Christian love andconcern for neighbors unknown.

Even as our youth (approximately 42 of them) are making plans to provideservice in a Native American community in June, pumpkins are beingharvested to arrive here at Orchard on Thursday, October 9th. Everypumpkin we sell helps us to enable our students to learn about ourneighbors in need, to grow in their faith, and experience the intrinsicblessing of serving others.

We invite you to join us for the festive unloading at 4:00 on October 9th.

Bring gloves and a wheel barrow if you have one. Well supply the donutsand cider!

We also encourage you to sign up to tend a shift in the patch sometimeduring the month of October. Youll find its nice to be out in the crisp

autumn air and an opportunity to meet people in the community and sharea little bit about Orchards passion for mission and ministry.

Finally, please help us to spread the word that the best pumpkins in townare available here at Orchard special pumpkins that help our youth to bethe hands and love of Jesus in a community that needs to receive them.

Pumpkin Patch is open daily from October 10 through October 31Sign up in the church office, or on the church website, go to the Youth page, then Fusion (Sr. High)
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=_dvP4id6pwCzQM&tbnid=NxOrATt9tOASjM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffreelanceswitch.com%2Ffinding%2Fpumpkin-patch-marketing-how-to-attract-a-blizzard-of-clients-with-no-b


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INTHELIFEOFORCHARD

Connecting people to God to each other and to the best parts of themselves!

In the life of Orchard, we believe in the power of prayer.Join us in intercession, thanksgiving, celebration, and remembrance.

WEPRAYFOR

Cathy Alberys friend,

Beverly Galligan ShermanThe family of Lesley Bonskys friend,Eileen Cicone

Frances ChildressNancy HaightMelissa Halls friend, Loretta MandelTracey Hammarens friends,

Laura Desilets and her fatherandElizabeth Schuch and her husband

Marcia Harmons cousin, Alan RainesVivian Henderhans cousin,

John GustinaSheri Hicks mother-in-law, Jane HicksThe Hubbs family friend,

Morgan Martin Davis

Rev. Carol JohnsKara (Lamson) KennyAnthony KosibaEsther Kulhavis mother, TrinityMorenoDebbie Lamsons neighbor, RenettaLynne Lehmanns friends,

Susan and Stephanie KallJim Lowes friend, RobertThe family of Hilary Mahons friend,

Bob LoveBarbara and Bob Marks grandson,

Nick MarkMissie McSweeneys sister, Millie SpeedTodd Morells brother-in-law, DougFlo Nauman

Karen Porters father, Cecil CollinsMarianne Rinkers mother, Ann GrahamMichelle Rosenblums aunt, Fritzi Rott,

and her brother, Paul RappaportRonald Ruckers friends, Ruth Siepney

and Felix GuyRob Rudnicks father, Robert RudnickBrad Snider and familyMelissa and Mike StafiejSusan Stones friend, Sandra StoneJohn Trenkles friends, the WittlingersMary Ann TrenkleBarb Van Harens friend, JoycePaul Wagners mother, and relatives

Rosalie and Harry KellyBetsy WatsonThe family of John Youngs friend,

Kenny KrausmanWEREMEMBER

Sue and Bill Youngs son-in-law,Tom Carr (August 26, 2014)

Gary Van Harens uncle,Dennis Millgard (August 30, 2014)

Sara Moores sister-in-law,Patricia Moore (August 31, 2014)

Barney Coon (September 2, 2014)Mari Anne Wilks grandfather,

Herb Judd (September 13, 2014)Mary Oliphints sister, Margaret

Rosenbalm (September 16, 2014)David Ballentine(September 26, 2014)

Verlin Tate (September 27, 2014)

WEARETHANKFULFOR...

Bob and I wish to thank our Orchard

family for the love and supportexpressed in so many AMAZING waysduring our recent nuptials. We werethrilled to see so many familiar facescelebrating our much-anticipatedwedding day with us, and to know thatothers, who could not be there in persowere upholding us in prayer. Wordsseem far too inadequate to fully expresour appreciation for EVERYTHING thatwas done to provide us with a perfectday we will NEVER forget! To besurrounded by such love, from bothfamily and friends, gives us a wonderfustart for the rest of this journey.

DyAnn and Bo

During this difficult time of hearing acancer diagnosis words cannot expresshow much I appreciate the support ofour Orchard family. The cards, phonecalls, and prayers have beenoverwhelming. They have meant morethan you will ever know and I can onlysay how very thankful I am.

Sue Darol

The Rev. Paul Webster (left), Missionary atMujila Falls Agricultural Centre in Zambia, andhis colleague, Andre Kanjimana (right), helpedlead worship on September 21. Cathy Albery

(center) is our Missions Chairperson.

Moments from our Worship in the Parkon September 7, 2014

Alex Hamilton says,Thats one BIG flower!


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Orchard United Methodist Church

30450 Farmington RoadFarmington Hills MI 48334-1939

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

The Orchard Harvesteris the newsletter of Orchard United Methodist Church.The November 2014 Harvester deadline is October 20th.

E-mail articles may be directed to Deanna Kohl at [email protected]

Pastors: Rev. Carol J. Johns and Rev. Suzanne K. GoodwinWorship Services @ 9:00 & 11:00 am with Christian Education @ 10:00 am

Phone 248 626-3620 Fax 248 626-6836 Web Site: www.orchardumc.org

Non-Profit Org

US Postage

PAID

Farmington, M

PERMIT No. 21

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Find us, like us, share with us, and shareus with others on Facebook, Twitter, andInstagram!

CONNECT US WITH TODAY!

Return to ethlehem

Drive Thru Living Nativity

Sunday evening, December 14th

Start saving those clean, rinsed out, and no caps milkjugs!

Talk to Suzanne Kosiba (248) 661-2461 and Julie Wright(248) 473-8433 about how you can get involved.

Think about all the friends youre going to invite and start

talking! :)

MARKYOURCALENDARS!

ALLSAINTSSUNDAYNovember 2, 2014 is All Saints Sunday, whenwe will remember those in our church and familymembers who have died since October 15, 2013.Please bring a photo of your loved one with yourname, relatives name, relationship, and date ofdeath. Please have your photos to the church office

by October 30th. If you have any questions, contacLinda Hall (248-626-3620, ext. 35).

Documents

October 2014 Harvester Newsletter