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Vision: Connect with God, Grow in Faith Together, Serve Others

1200 Atlantic St. Milford, MI 48381

(248) 684-2798 FAX (248) 684-9585

Office Email: churchoffice@milfordumc.net

Website: MilfordUMC.net

September 2019 Newsletter

Pastor’s Column:

Doug’s Discoveries

Upcoming Events

Sunday, September 1 (one service 10am) Holy Communion

Hymn Sing

Sunday, September 8 Two Service Schedule Begins 9:30 am Traditional Worship

11:00 am Contemporary Worship (see page 6)

Sunday, September 8

“You Matter to God”

Wednesday, September 11 Bible Study Resumes 10am

Sunday, September 15

“What God is Building in Us”

Sunday, September 22 “Life Repair Shop Open”

Sunday, September 29

“Building a Peaceful Village, House by House”

I’ve discovered a way to improve our church’s focus on our mission: making disciples. This September, our Church Council has a plan to help our leaders and our congregation focus more energy on small group discipleship by decreasing the person-hours we spend in committees. We will have a “Council Night” six times per year, with several committees meeting on

the same night. This calendar change will free-up more weeknights so we can participate in small group discipleship!

New Small Groups to Begin/Resume in September/October Check out this menu of 18 Small Group opportunities, all open to new participants. They all help us live as Christ-followers. To participate or learn more, please contact the leader listed or the church office. Would you like to start a new small group? Contact the clergy. Here are the small groups we currently offer: Small Group for All Adults This new small group, open to all, will meet at church on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, starting October 1, 7pm—8:30pm. Our discussion will launch from “The Book of Joy,” an interview between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, conducted by Jewish author, Douglas Abrams. We are excited to use this interfaith book to help us grow deeper in our faith and friendship. You are invited to purchase, “The Book of Joy,” beforehand, but you do not have to obtain the book to participate. The book is available at Amazon.com. Leader: Marianne McMunn, 248-875-3783; Apprentice, Linda Lutz.

New Sunday Worship Schedule Begins on September 8, 2019

9:30 a.m. Traditional Worship with 9:40am Children’s Church

10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour

11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship with 11:10am Children’s Church

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Small Group for Parents Generally meets every 1st and 3rd Sunday from 3-5pm at home of Brian and Heather Stevens in Milford, Sept 15, Oct 6, Oct 20, Nov 3, Nov 17, one chapter per meetup. On-site childcare is being planned. We will discuss the book, “Loving Our Kids on Purpose: Making a Heart to Heart Connection,” by Danny Silk. Participants get their own participant book. We will also do an “adopt-a-family” project this fall. Leader, Heather Stevens, 517-214-2562; Apprentice, Danielle Sherman. Small Group for Working Women Meets on the Second Thursday of each month at 7pm. Study focus: “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” Book is by Philip Yancy. See how grace affects our daily lives. First meeting at Julie Cohen’s house. Leader, Diane Prestridge, 214-762-3416; Apprentice, Julie Cohen. Wednesday Bible Study Meets each Wednesday at 10am at church. Open to all adults. Leader: Rev. Sherry; Apprentice: TBD. Small Group for Sr. High Youth We plan for a monthly fun activity, starting with Kayaking on Sunday, September 22, at 3pm. Please contact Tracy by September 15 to register and fill out a parental permission form. The event is free and local. Sr. highs will also be invited to meet for small group discipleship, twice a month. Schedule to be determined by participants. The Appalachia Service Project is a one-week, summer youth mission trip. Sr. High Youth are invited to sign-up now in preparation for ASP 2020, led by Cheryl Smith. Sr. High Small Group Leader: Tracy Bruletti, 248-760-1691; Apprentice: TBD. Small Group for Middle School Youth We plan a monthly fun activity, starting with Kayaking on Sunday, September 22, at 3pm. Please contact Niki by September 15 to register and fill out a parental permission form. The event is free and local. Middle School Youth will also be invited to meet for small group discipleship, twice a month. Schedule to be determined by participants. Confirmation Classes are available from Pastor Doug, on request. Middle School Youth Small Group Leader: Nikki Gurke, 248-214-3287; Apprentice: TBD. Silver Singles Group Social Activities for single adults age 60+. Leader: Sandy Thomann, 248-330-1905. Apprentice, Teresa Gierhart. United Methodist Women’s Circle: Clara’s Helping Hands The UMW meets as a chartered unit of this global connection of women, devoted to spiritual growth, social action, and service. Clara’s Helping Hands is a small group that meets monthly, on the Third Friday at 10am. Contacts: Carol Shaver 248-891-2494, and Linda Sturgeon, UMW President, 248-569-3294. UMW Circle: Mary Martha This UMW circle meets monthly on the Fourth Tuesday at 7pm. Contacts: Jan Olari, 248-887-2004, and Small Groups for Needle Arts “Stitching for Others” meets each Wednesday, 9am – 4pm at church. They make prayer quilts together. All skill levels welcome. Come and go as you like. Leader: Thesia Wolfe, 248-310-8798. Prayer Shawl Ministry participants work independently. Contact: Carol Cronk, 248-891-6631. MOPS: Mothers of Preschoolers MOPS meets every other Friday at church for fellowship, support, and inspiration. Childcare is provided. Contact: Rev. Sherry, 248-318-5613. Men’s Club Men’s Club meets on the second Saturday of each month at 8am at church for fellowship and service. Men’s Club Leader: John Olari, 248-202-1385.

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All the teams in the church are making great progress on our ministry plans,

and our new, two service worship schedule is just days away! I want to thank

all of you for your diligence, especially John Olari and the crew that completed

sanctuary platform project without disrupting worship on Sundays. Also thanks

to Al Worrell, Tim Bonnewell, and Linda Fraser for building a wall in the large

upstairs classroom. We are making phenomenal progress!!

I ask everyone to keep focused, and pray for the tasks yet to be done. There

are still ways you can help.

1. Spread the word about our new schedule and invite others to come. Try out both services

if you have time.

2. Be positive about our accomplishments and get involved in plans and tasks yet to come.

There are things for everyone to do, at any skill level.

3. Join a small group this fall. We’d love new faces at our Wednesday morning Bible Study-

starts Sept.10 – men and women!)

4. Join the Hospitality Team – led by Regina Olari. Greeters, Welcome Center assistants,

ushers, and coffee hour assistants are parts of this team that needs to grow to be

effective.

5. Join the Kitchen Team – led by Vicki Smith.

6. If you have other ideas, please let Pastor Doug or myself know so we can help you get

started!

We all know what a loving and caring church we are with a long history of serving the community.

Let's share it with others who need to know Christ and share God's love.

One last thing- a thank you for sharing my birthday cake with me on my 65th??? Birthday in July. I

feel so loved and really appreciate your support of my ministry as a Deacon. The card shower was

awesome and I love everyone of you!

Blessings,

Rev. Sherry

Our Deacon-Rev. Sherry

Men with Tools Men with Tools meets on one Thursday morning each month, from 9am to noon. They make basic repairs around the church facility. Leader: Gary Herwick, 248-830-3506. Music Ministry Small Groups Monday evenings Hand Bell Choir, Tuesday evenings Praise Band, Wednesday evenings Chancel Choir. Grief Support Group Meets on the third Monday of each month from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Support for anyone grieving a loss of a loved one, no matter the length of time from the loss. Leader: Pat Loder 248-396-4391. Saturday Crafters Small Group Meets on the 4th Saturday, 10am to 2pm. Devotions together, then work on your own crafts. Bring your own lunch. Leader: Barb Harris, 248-685-0289.

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Hello Friends,

We are starting our new worship schedule September 8th and we are in need of a few more hands to be

Greeters for both traditional and contemporary services. You don’t need a lot of time commitment, special

attire or special equipment; just a kind hand shake and a friendly smile. It requires a half hour of your time

once a month, or you can volunteer for more than once a month!

If we get enough volunteers, I’d like to have a list of substitute Greeters too so that when someone can’t greet

on their designated Sunday, we can call someone for a replacement.

Two Greeters per service is an ultimate goal, but I’d really be over-joyed by having at least one Greeter per

service! Please prayerfully consider volunteering to be a Greeter and the face at the front door of our church.

Call me at (248) 563-4347 or email me at cindaeverhart@yahoo.com if you would like to serve in this

capacity

Thank you! Cinda Everhart

Stitching for Others

Beautiful prayer quilts are made by

this wonderful fellowship group. The

group meets on Wednesdays from

10am to 4pm. All are invited to come

and help. There is a job for everyone!

No experience necessary. Needed:

knitters, crocheters, sewers, cutters,

ironers, etc. For more information call

Thesia Wolf, 248-310-8798

Kroger Community

Rewards

The money MUMC receives

from Kroger Community

Rewards has dramatically

decreased. We would

appreciate you visiting

www.krogercommunityrewards.com and designating

MUMC as your community rewards recipient. Our

Rewards number is VQ308. Designating MUMC as

your community rewards recipient does not affect any

Kroger rewards you receive.

Please click on the link. At the lower left, find the box labelled, “I’m a Customer.” Click on, “View details.” It will tell you if you are enrolled in Community Rewards or let you enroll or choose MUMC as your Community Rewards Recipient. Thank you.

Shawl Ministry

The shawl ministry is an ongoing project of our United Methodist Women. If you know of someone who is hospitalized, homebound, etc. and in need of a little TLC please contact Barb Harris or the church office.

Church Youth Participating in School Fundraiser

Andrea Bruletti and Nick Smith, who are on the Lakeland High School Soccer Team, are collecting any type of old shoes for a fundraiser for their soccer team. Shoes will be sent to third world countries. In the coat room by the Pepsi machine there is a Tupperware box with the Lakeland Soccer Program notice on it. If anyone in the church would like to help out, please bring any shoes to church and place them in the Tupperware.

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Stephen Ministers Are There to Care. . .

Stephen Ministers are trained care givers for people who are going through a

difficult time—emotionally, spiritually, or relationally. Are you lonely, experiencing

a crisis, or simply stressed by everyday life? You don’t have to suffer alone. Our

Stephen Ministers are ready to listen, care for and encourage you, pray with and

for you, and provide confidential one-to-one Christian care to help you through whatever it is that

you are facing. To find out more about Stephen Ministry, talk with one of the Stephen Leaders:

Linda Fraser 248-685-9308 or Pat Loder 248-396-4391.

United Methodist Women

September Schedule (all women are invited to any or all of the activities)

September 5 - 9:30 am Executive Board Meeting

September 20 - 10:00 am Clara’s Helping Hands, Church Parlor

September 24 - 6:00 pm Mary Martha Circle, Potluck at home of Lu Gierhart

September 28 - 9:30 am UMW District Celebration* at Howell UM Church

(for more information contact Jan Olari or Sue Shove)

*Each year for the District Celebration items are gathered for a nonprofit organization in the area. The nonprofit for this year is LACASA. They provide help and hope for victims of child abuse and interpersonal violence. The following items are needed for this ingathering: paper plates, paper napkins, paper towels, toilet paper and diapers (all infant and toddler sizes). A container will be available in the fellowship hall if anyone would like to contribute.

Community Sharing

How many of you walk past the red buckets in the

vestibule? They are for Community Sharing. We need to

fill them with non perishable food items, such as cereal,

canned milk, canned vegetables, canned fruit, etc. They

also can use items such as: tooth brushes, tooth paste,

deodorant, feminine products toilet paper, Kleenex, paper

towels, soap, etc. Pet food is also another item that is

needed. They also give a bag with a box cake mix,

frosting, candles and a small toy to recipients whose

children are having a birthday that month. So when your

shopping pick up an extra thing or two and drop in the

bucket.

Wednesday Bible Study

The Wednesday morning Bible study resumes meeting on September 11 at 10am. The group will be studying the book Messy People, Life Lessons from Imperfect Biblical Heroes, by Jennifer Cowart.

We look forward to seeing you then!

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Financial Peace University at MUMC!

Are you ready to take control of your money? Financial Peace University (FPU)

is a nine-lesson course designed to help you build a budget, dump debt, grow

your wealth, and leave money stress behind! Each lesson, taught by Dave

Ramsey and his team of financial experts, is based on biblical wisdom and

common sense. In your FPU group, you’ll be motivated and encouraged by

others just like you! When you sign up for FPU, you’ll get your member

workbook and one free year of Financial Peace Membership, with access to

exclusive online tools to help you on your journey. The course will take place

on Mondays, September 9—November 9, from 7-9pm, in the Parlor. The

Coordinators for the course will be Cheryl Damman and Katy Weeks. Reserve

those dates on your calendar and make plans to attend. For additional

information and to sign up for the course visit: https://www.fpu.com/1088994

Starting September 8!

You’ll have a choice!

On September 8

We will Begin Offering Two Sunday Services

9:30 am Traditional Worship*

11:00 am Contemporary Worship**

Children’s Church will be Offered During Both Services

*The traditional service offers all the moments that inspire and move you; prayer, hymns, the Chancel Choir,

and a message to help you connect with God in a traditional manner.

**The contemporary service will feature music as a centerpiece to the worship experience, along with visuals,

an inspiring message, and other creative elements to help you connect with God.

1200 Atlantic, Milford 248.684.2798 www.milfordumc.net

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9/4 Michael Rockwell

9/4 Juanita Rogers

9/5 Konnor Golden

9/5 Mike Bassett

9/9 Mike Shove

9/10 Joan Shawver

9/10 Don Fletcher

9/10 Nancy Weeks

9/12 Carolyn Graves

9/14 Kirsten (Strauss) Lincoln

9/17 Madison Holcomb

9/17 Lance Oberg

9/19 Karen Delaney

9/19 Dorothy Kellner

9/20 Sarah Smith

9/23 Florence Campbell

9/26 Roger Clemens

9/27 Audrey Fisher

9/28 Nancy Ebert

9/28 Joe Strauss

9/29 Scott Smith

9/14/63 Tom & Mary Ann O’Brien

9/20/00 Joe & Carol Strauss

9/22/62 Bob & Jan Olari

9/25/82 Cory & Julie Lupinacci

Do You Want to Know What’s

Happening at Church?

Please visit our website, www.milfordumc.net, and our

Facebook page. Also, you can contact our church

office to subscribe to our weekly emails from

churchoffice@milfordumc.net.

Pastor Doug has a video blog that is shared on both

the website and the Facebook page.

Also, there is a new section to our website to include

news and information. The area, along with all areas

of our website is a work in progress. If you have

something you would like added to the news and

information section please contact the church office.

New Church Photo

Directory!

Watch for news and information

coming your way about a new church

photo directory. Each family will have

an opportunity to have a professional

photo taken and receive a free 8x10!

Photo dates will be October 23, and 24

from 2-8pm.

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Members in College: David Bonhard, Alexandra Craig, Mitchell Craig, Grant Marquardt, Cole McKane, Breanna Miller, Benjamin Olari, Katja Olari, Jessica Rockwell, Mike Rockwell, Audrey Shoberg, Brendan Shove, Dana Shove, Ieasha Shufflebarger, Kayla Shufflebarger, Max Smith, Nathan Smith, Sarah Smith, Ben Weeks, Kelly Weeks, and Lauren Whitlock. Other church members in postsecondary education? Please notify

the church office.

**Newsletter Deadline**

The Deadline for the October Newsletter is September 15th

Those in the Military: Capt. Johnathon Seeley, USMC, Middle East; Lt. Col. Eric Harris, USMC, Japan; Lt. Col. Andy Apsey, Air Force; Sean Konczal, Navy, DC3, serving on the Abraham Lincoln. Others deployed? Please notify the church office.

New Prayers: Small Group Leaders, Financial Peace University, Our

witness as we invite people to worship and to small groups

Sympathies for: Families of Nancy Lankford, Herb Holstein

Continuing Prayers: Margie Butson, Don Fletcher, Patty Harvey, Margaret Leibler,

Nancy London, Rebecca Marquardt, Vicki Smith, Sue & Emil Tonello, Rebecca

Uribe, New Sawtrol UMC (sister church, Liberia).

Homebound, Rehabilitation Center & Nursing Care: Winnie Crawford, Bob

Campbell (Hospice Care), Elizabeth Gordinier, Barb Harrison, Carol Hawkinson,

Pat Heidt, Virginia Jeffers, Bill Lorenz, Ray Michaels, Patsy Patterson, Gary

Scholes, Barb Sheridan, Richard Skarritt, Bert & Norma Weening.

Carl’s Bible Trivia for September, 2019

1. Who said, “How long shall the words of your mouth be like a strong wind?” 2. What did Jesus tell the lepers to do after their healing? 3. Why did the Jews want the dead bodies taken down from the crosses before sunset? 4. Abdon, son of Hillel, was a judge of Israel. He had 40 sons and ______ grandsons. They rode on 70 donkeys. How many grandsons? 5. How did Jonah escape from the belly of the great fish? 6. Who told Jesus’ mother that she would give birth to a son? 7. At what age was Jesus baptized? 8. For how long did Jesus fast in the desert?

Answers below.

Answers to Trivia : 1. Bildad to Job; 2. Show yourselves to the priest; 3. The Sabbath Day begins on Friday at sunset; 4. 30, found in Judges 12:14; 5. The fish vomited him onto dry ground; 6. The angel Gabriel; 7. 30; 8. 40 days and 40 nights

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September 2019 Sermon Themes and Worship Features September 1 Holy Communion (One service at 10am) Hymn Sing Esther 4.10-16; Luke 14:1, 7-14 “Batter Up!” September 8-29 LAUNCH SERIES (Two Services, 9:30am Traditional and 11am Contemporary) “Lives Under Construction: We’re All a Work in Progress.” September 8 Luke 7:1-10 “You Matter to God” September 15 Luke 8: 1-8 What God is Building in Us September 22 Luke 8:40-48 Life Repair Shop Open September 29 Luke 10:1-9 Building a Peaceful Village, House by House

Kelley’s Korner

This year is interesting for sure!

Lots of changes here at MUMC. Small projects at home that have turned into large projects.

Parents with health struggles for both my husband and me. Kids trying to launch into adulthood after college but struggling to do so.

Wow the list could go on. I am very thankful that these things are not a surprise to God. He desires to be in constant conversation with me and it is for my benefit, not His.

Praise God with me that He knows all these things and Loves us completely and carries burdens for us and as the Footprints poem states, carries us when we need it!

Have a wonderful September and lift all things up in prayer.

Kelley

September 1 Greeter: Jan Page Ushers: Al Worrell, Linda Fraser, John Robinson, John Moore Liturgist: Barb Harris Counters: Juanita Rogers & TBD Children’s Church: Katie Thompson September 8 Greeter: Julie Cohen Ushers: Jeff Motschenbacher, Chris Smith, Doug Radeka Liturgist: Tracy Bruletti Counters: TBD Children’s Church: Stacy Atkeson September 15 Greeters: Karen Nelson Ushers: Roger Clemens, Carla Gorton, Lance Oberg, Ron Opfer Liturgist: Sue Shove Counters: Roger & Judy Clemens Children’s Church: Brian & Heather Stevens September 22 Greeter: TBD Ushers: Jan/Bob, Regina Olari, Carl Hawkinson Liturgist: TBD Counters: Larry & Carol Shaver Children’s Church: Barb Harris September 29 Greeter: Men’s Ministry Ushers: Men’s Ministry Liturgist: Men’s Ministry Counters: Scott & Vicki Smith Children’s Church: Regina Olari Noisy Offering: Community Sharing Gift Certifi-cates Fellowship Hour Hosts: Church Council

CHURCH STAFF

Ministers– All members of the church

Pastor– Rev. Douglas J. McMunn

Deacon - Rev. Sherry Foster

Worship Leader/Music Director– Keith Prestridge

Nursery Care Director– Audine Morris

Friends Preschool Director-Robin Fletcher

Office Manager-Kelley Cerny

Custodian-Margie Butson