Orchard HarvesterOrchard Harvester Monthly Newsletter of Orchard United Methodist Church

September 2015

D id you know that Michigan is the nation’s #1

producer of tart cherries and blueberries? Or that

we produce over 1 billion pounds of apples each year

as the nation’s third most productive apple growers?

We also rank in the top 5 for grapes, plums, and

peaches. Here in the state of Michigan, we know how

to cultivate and tend a healthy, fruitful orchard!

As summer moves into autumn, it’s time once again to

turn our thoughts to what it means to be a healthy

and fruitful Orchard. How are we helping each other to

grow in faith and to be fruitful in our ministries? How

are we providing for our new sprouts—of which there

seem to be many! Are we providing the spiritual

nutrients necessary to deepen our roots?

Just as a vital orchard takes intentional care and

tending, so, too, do our spiritual lives if we are to

continue to grow and deepen our roots of faith. This

edition of the Harvester highlights some exciting new

opportunities for you to get connected and explore

ways to grow in your faith. Look for information about

our new all-church Wednesday night program called

Wednesday Nights Together which will include fun

activities for the children and new classes for adults!

This fall, let Orchard be the place for deep roots,

vibrant growth, and fruitful ministry!

A FRUITFUL ORCHARD by Rev. Suzanne Goodwin

A Fruitful Orchard ....................... 1

Adult Studies/Groups .................. 5

Blessing of Backpacks ....... 4, insert

Children’s Ministry News ............. 4

Color Me Faithful ......................... 3

Coming Attractions ............... insert

Fall Choir Retreat ........................ 8

In the Life of Orchard .................. 6

Missions...................................... 7

New Members Class ................... 8

Pastor Amy’s Letter .................... 2

Prayer Concerns ......................... 7

Regular Worship Hours ............... 8

Sunday School for All Ages ..... 4, 5

Visitation Team ........................... 2

What’s Happening ................ insert

Word to the WHY?s .................... 2

Worship/Picnic in the Park ........... 1

Youth Ministry News ................... 4

IN THIS ISSUE

I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them will bear much fruit.

John 15:5

WORSHIP AND PICNIC IN THE PARK Sunday, September 13* @ 10:30 am

It’s one of the highlights of the fall—worship in the park, followed by a potluck picnic

and entertainment provided by — a professional Frisbee team!

Mark your calendar for Sunday, September 13, say a little prayer for good weather,

and bring your lawn chairs, a dish to pass, and a little sunscreen.

10:30 Worship at Heritage Park Pavilion led by Pastor Amy & friends—bring your lawn chairs.

11:45 Potluck lunch—bring a side dish or dessert to feed at least 12. Chicken will be provided by Congregational Life.

12:30 Entertainment for all ages as put on an exciting Frisbee show!

*A traditional worship service will be held at the church at 9:00 am

led by Rev. Suzanne.

Check out @ www.flyingaces.com/

TTENDINGENDING THETHE OORCHARDRCHARD

Family. That’s the word I keep

hearing as I get to know you all.

People have said that they come

to Orchard because it feels like

family. It’s people who love God

and each other, who are there for

each other, praying for each other

and supporting each other. It’s

inspiring and encouraging for me

to see the way you love each

other, and to feel that love

already myself. As we continue to grow as a family,

inviting others in and connecting to one another, I am

excited about three opportunities this fall that will

exemplify Orchard’s life as a family.

Thanks to the leadership of Marcia Harmon and

Suzanne Reddy, we have begun a new visitation

ministry. In this program, members of the church

who feel called to serve will visit and connect

regularly with one to three of our older and

homebound members. They will help ensure that

these important members of our family feel

connected and loved. I am thankful to those who

have volunteered to serve and for the ways we will

ensure that all of our members know they are a

valuable part of the Orchard family.

I’m also excited for Wednesday Nights Together

beginning on Wednesday, October 7. This program

will offer our church family the opportunity to come

together in fellowship and discipleship, in the middle

of the week. There will be something for everyone—a

mission program for children, a time for hangout and

connection for youth, and classes for adults. We are

going to have fun, learn and grow together and I

can’t wait!

Finally, beginning on September 24, I invite any who

are interested to join with me and the staff and

chairpersons of our church in a monthly time of

visioning and planning for our future as the Orchard

family. Together we will read books, learn about our

history, our community and opportunities for ministry

as we dream of what’s possible, as we seek to be the

Body of Christ here in Farmington Hills. Feel free to

contact me to learn more.

God has done wonderful things in the life of our

church. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve

with you as our family learns and grows and dreams.

It’s exciting to think of all God has yet to do with us!

Faithfully,

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CONNECTING WITH THE HOMEBOUND A new visitation ministry

A new visitation ministry is reaching out to connect

with our senior and homebound members and to share a little Orchard love and hospitality. Marcia Harmon and Suzanne Reddy have taken on the leadership of this group of Orchard volunteers who are going out to visit with our friends who need a little

extra TLC. Visitors may go bearing cards or gifts from ministry groups, holiday cookie plates, or even Holy

Communion—but always a smile and a listening ear. If you would like to be a part of this caring visitation ministry, please contact Marcia or Suzanne. If you are homebound and would like a visit, please call the church and we’d be happy to spend some time with you! These are some of the folks who may be trying

to reach out to you!

Cathy Albery, Teresa Bowers, Joyce Frazee, Marcia Harmon, Diane Holden, Linda Noble, Linda Paulson,

Suzanne Reddy, Carol Rice, Michelle Rosenblum, John Scott, Brian Truitt, and Karen Wagner.

WORD TO THE WHY?S A 4-Week Sermon Series starting on September 27

E ver wonder “Why?” We all have questions, and it’s

OK to ask them. Join us for worship Sunday,

September 27 as we kick off a 4-week sermon series

addressing these important questions:

September 27—“Why God?”

October 4—“Why Church?”

(and World Communion Sunday)

October 11—“Why Me?”

October 18—“Why This Church?”

So faith comes from what is heard,

and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 (NRSV)

Page 3 PAINT A VIVID RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD!

FFOROR SSHOOTSHOOTS ANDAND SSPROUTSPROUTS GGROWINGROWING ININ FFAITHAITH

FOR CHILDREN*…

WOW Worship Our Way is our exciting worship experience for children from preschool through 4th

grade. Children begin worship in the sanctuary with their parents, and then come to WOW after the

Children’s Message. Children will become familiar with worship rituals through experiential and age-

appropriate activities. Located in the Children’s Worship Center during regular worship hours.

Deep Blue For children from toddler through 6th grade, our new Sunday School curriculum is an

interactive bible-based program which engages children in the lessons of scripture. Students should

bring their bibles every Sunday!

WWJD What Would Jesus Do? is the children’s portion of our new Wednesday Nights Together

program. Children will have an opportunity to participate in the Children’s Choir,

eat dinner with their friends and families, and participate in activities,

conversations, and mission projects that challenge them to do what Jesus would

do! This program begins on October 7!

Special Family Programs such as our Touch-a-Truck event in October, movie

nights, and Breakfast with Santa will be offered periodically to provide fun family

fellowship.

*Further details, registration forms, and information about our new Safe Sanctuary policy will be arriving in the mail shortly.

If you do not receive your packet soon, please contact Meghann Snyder or Mari Anne Wilks.

FOR YOUTH**…

Breakfast Club is our new Sunday School offering for youth. We encourage students to attend the

9 am worship service. Immediately following the message, youth and their leaders will depart to go to

the café and enjoy some breakfast snacks while they discuss what they heard in the sermon as well

as relevant topics of the day.

Confirmation for ALL 7th & 8th Graders This year we will be offering a comprehensive Confirmation

program that will explore and express faith through discovery and mission. Mailings will go out soon

with further details. Classes begin Sunday, September 27.

JAM & Fusion JAM and Fusion, our youth fellowship programs, are getting ready to kick off the new

season with a bang on Sunday, September 20. JAM—our group for junior high students—will be

enjoying an evening of Bubble Ball, while Fusion gets fired up at a hotdog roast and bonfire at Multi-

Lakes Conservation Association. Watch your mail for your Fall Schedule and more information about

exciting upcoming youth events!

Lighthouse Rock! Calling all youth rockers—instrumentalists and vocalists! Be a part of our exciting

new Lighthouse Rock group! Beginning Sunday, September 27, you can be a part of bringing both

Christian and pop songs that rock your faith and share a positive message. Rockers will meet at 5:00

(before JAM and Fusion).

**There will be a parent meeting for Fusion Parents on Tuesday, September 1 at 7 pm in Fellowship Hall. This meeting is intended to provide two-way conversation about some of the opportunities and challenges for the upcoming year.

Your participation is important!

Page 4

Sunday School for all ages begins September 27 10:00—10:50 am

Page 5

FOR FAITH…

All New Christian Reality Show Join the disciples and early Christians in their post-resurrection

reality. How do they move forward, spread the gospel, and meet the challenges of an inhospitable

culture. Explore the culture, language, and the psychology of this All New Christian Reality Show with

Dr. Mary Clark. Sunday mornings 10-10:50 am in Room 202.

Finding Heaven Where is it? What is it? What will you do when you get there? Join Richard Lipka for

this video and discussion class exploring our beliefs about the after-life. Sunday mornings 10-10:50 am in

Room 200.

Current Events In the Café Led by David Albery, this coffee and conversation class will examine current

news events in light of Christian theology. This class will meet in the café on the 2nd Monday of each month beginning October 12. Bring your bible and any news articles or topics that challenge your Christian view of the

world.

Bible and Book Studies…

Tuesdays with Pastor Amy—Join Pastor Amy for a weekly bible study beginning on

October 6.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study—Join this group of women who use book studies to

advance their knowledge and use of the bible.

WNT—Wednesday Nights Together will offer at least two classes taught by our

pastors. One class will be a book-based faith discussion. The other class will be an

exploration of our Methodist beliefs and what it means to be Methodist.

Eve’s Girls—This women’s book study group meets first and third Monday evenings.

FOR FELLOWSHIP & FUN…

Our Life Groups are about connecting people to each other based on common life experiences. Although the groups are roughly defined by demographics such as age and family, it’s more about finding the group you relate to best. ALL groups are open and willing to make new friends!

Funtastiks* This active group of mature retirees gathers once a month to share a meal and an

interesting field trip or presentation. They live up to their name because they are funtastik! Contact

Jo Ann Cline for more information or watch your bulletin for the next funtastik event!

LAF* (Life After Fifty) is our group of empty nesters and nearly or newly retired. This group keeps a

brisk pace of fun and interesting gatherings and projects. Contact Donna Young for more information or

check out their page on our website to find out the full list of LAF-worthy events coming up!

Stuck in the Middle (and yet to be officially named) is our newest Life Group of 40 to 50

somethings who are in the later stages of raising families. Children may be in middle school, high

school or recently off to college. The first official event for this group is a Rambling Road Rally (October

24) which will lead the group to a place where everyone can talk about developing a fellowship plan and a

schedule—and a new spiffy name! Talk to Julie Wright or Kelly Sheckell for more information.

Soul Connection This group is going strong! They are made up of primarily young families with some

newlyweds and singles. Age demographic runs from around 30 to 45. This group gathers twice a month

for faith discussion and plans regular mission and fun events. Newcomers are very welcome!

Other Specialty Fellowship Opportunities include:

Fellowship Bridge—meets 2nd and 4th Tuesday afternoons

Men’s Basketball—begins in October and plays Tuesday nights

Knit and Crochet—meets 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoons

MOPS—Mothers of Preschoolers meets 1st and 3rd Thursday mornings

For more information about any of the ways you can get involved,

check out our Color Me Faithful catalog available at the ministry fair on Sunday, September 20. *Check for specific dates on the “Coming Attractions” insert!

FFOROR AADULTSDULTS

IINN THETHE LLIFEIFE OFOF OORCHARDRCHARD Connecting people to God… to each other… and to the best parts of themselves!

W hat a summer we’ve had here at Orchard! We welcomed Pastor Amy and her family, the Fusion Mission Team took a trip to Tahlequah, OK to work in steamy weather, we held an exciting week of VBS, our middle-school

youth did a week of mission at various spots in the community and surrounding areas as part of F.R.O.G. Week, and our Missions Committee hosted our annual Cass Community Picnic and a rousing game of BINGO!

Fusion Mission Team in Tahlequah, OK

June 20-28

Celebrating Communion

July 5, 2015

G-Force VBS

July 13-17, 2015

F.R.O.G. Week

August 10-14, 2015 Cass Picnic

August 13, 2015

EXCHANGING STUDENTS

E ven as we send Gabrielle Kosiba to Germany for a year as an exchange student, the Hales

have welcomed Stefanija Patrova from Macedonia into theirs. We were pleased to meet Stefanija for

the first time last Sunday. Please extend Orchard greetings to her and help her to feel at home. You might also consider sending Gabrielle a quick note to let her know we miss her!

Page 6

WE PRAY FOR…

Tricia Ahern Shauna Beller Sean Bradley Ryan Buckwalter Glenna Callaghan’s cousins, Kelli and Jim Edgar Jan Cashman Frances Childress’ son, Justin Nava Mary Clark’s brother, Jon Jennie Cross’ friend, Kara Barbara DeGrazia’s Uncle Val Jeannine Hales’ dad, Don Donigan

Tracey Hammaren and her mother, Jean Griffin Marcia Harmon’s nephew and his family, Geoff, Jeanne, and Andrea Vivian Henderhan’s cousin, John, and her friend, Carol Sheri Hicks Gabrielle Kosiba Lynne Lehmann’s friend’s daughter, Elyse Hilary Mahon’s neighbor, Joanne Brown

Lois Martin Missie McSweeney’s sister, Millie Speed The Morell family Nancy Passfield’s grandson, Taylor Janssen Diane Runyan Brenda Schultz’ cousin, Julie Boch Chris, Mya and Benjamin Scott Sue Shrosbree’s friend, Mary Brad Snider Susan Snider John Trenkle

Lynette and Brian Truitt’s granddaughter, Kim Barb Van Haren Karen Wagner’s friend, Jordan

Betty Walker Former Orchard member, Betsy Watson Rev. Paul Webster’s grandson, Aaron Wilks’ niece, Katelyn, and Mari Anne’s uncle, Dave Donald Wrench

WE REMEMBER…

Julie White’s father, Melvin White (6/26)

Bob Mark (7/2)

Art Christy (7/8)

Tammi Fincannon’s father, Carl Chipman (7/9)

Doug Carson’s mother, Patricia C. Carson (7/14)

Susan Young (7/19)

Cheryl Morell’s step-father,

Donald Fast (7/27)

Former Mayfair Co-op Director, Maxine Flagg (8/3)

Marcia Harmon’s nephew’s daughter, Jordan (8/14)

Gale Frazee’s mother, Agnes Frazee (8/21)

Lynn Hasley’s father, Thomas Maki (8/21)

Kay Raymond’s grandmother, Lois Raymond

WE CELEBRATE…

Gabriel Roger Gilliam, was baptized on July 12, 2015. Gabriel was born on January 2, 2015 and is the son of Elizabeth and Shama Gilliam. His grandparents are Mary and Roger

Lawson. Gabriel’s godparents are Holly and Jonathan Lawson.

Page 7

WE GIVE THANKS…

The family of Sue Young wants to thank everyone in our congregation for the support we have received these past years —prayers, phone calls, cards—the list is endless… especially the Intercessory Prayer Group and the “old gals club” who never forgot Sue when she could not join them. The staff at Orchard deserve much credit for all that they did—above and beyond their call of duty. God bless you all. Bill Young

Dear Friends,

I never knew that retirement celebrations could be as wonderful as those I experienced at Orchard.

Thank you doesn’t seem enough for those joyful occasions. The thoughtful gifts, wonderful notes, cards, and memory book

that you created have stayed with me. Your support, encouragement, and blessings continue to touch my life.

I also appreciated the leadership of Rev. Suzanne, Barbara DeGrazia, Joan Miller, the Orchard staff, Thom Parker,

the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, and so many others. All the events happened because of your leadership and faithfulness. My years at Orchard have enriched my life more than words can express. I thank God for each and every one of you and for the privilege of having been your pastor.

Blessings, Carol

New contact info:

37671 Burton Drive Farmington Hills, MI 48331 (H) 248-957-6572 (Union) 313-638-2390, Ext. 256

In the life of Orchard, we believe in the power of prayer.In the life of Orchard, we believe in the power of prayer.

Join us in intercession, thanksgiving, celebration, and remembrance. Join us in intercession, thanksgiving, celebration, and remembrance. Let us pray...Let us pray...

MMISSIONSISSIONS

T here are always plenty of ways for all ages at Orchard to get involved in serving others. Here are two that are coming up this fall!

HANDS 4 DETROIT Saturday, October 3

On Saturday, October 3 volunteers will gather to serve the Mt. Elliot neighborhood of Detroit. Be a part of making a difference during this 4th annual Hands 4 Detroit event! You can volunteer to help sort donated items, assist with local repair and beautification projects or community clean-up by

going to the Hands 4 Detroit website and signing up. There's

something for everyone… including kids!

Orchard will be collecting food as part of a church-wide donation to Gleaners which will, in turn, help supply various United Methodist food pantries in the area. For a complete list of specifically requested and needed donations, please ask at the Connection Point, and then bring your canned and boxed goods to

our collection box on September 20 and 27.

SOS — South Oakland Shelter October 25-November 1

Later in October, Orchard will be hosting South Oakland Shelter, a traveling homeless shelter dedicated to helping the homeless get back on their feet. ALL hands are needed to provide meals, transportation, and many other forms of basic care during the week our guests are with us. Please watch for the coming sign-up board and make plans to serve up a little

hospitality, Orchard style.

There is special need for those with gifts for organization to help serve on the leadership team for this major event. Please contact Sara Ganser if you can lend your leadership to this team.

Orchard United Methodist Church

30450 Farmington Road

Farmington Hills MI 48334-1939

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

The Orchard Harvester is the newsletter of Orchard United Methodist Church. The October 2015 Harvester deadline is September 14, 2015.

E-mail articles may be directed to Deanna Kohl at deannakohl@orchardumc.org.

Pastors: Rev. Amy Mayo-Moyle and Rev. Suzanne K. Goodwin Worship Services at 9 & 11 am start September 20!

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

Non-Profit Org.

US Postage

PAID

Farmington, MI

PERMIT No. 216

Page 8

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CONNECT US WITH TODAY!

REGULAR WORSHIP HOURS

RESUME

ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

9 AM AND 11 AM

Wednesday, September 30 at 6 pm

P lan to join us on Wednesday, September 30 to explore what it

means to be a member of Orchard, and what it means to be a United Methodist. We will gather for dinner at 6 pm in Room 200 and engage in an informal dialogue, led by Pastor Amy. We will end at 8 pm. Please let DyAnn St. Clair know if you plan to attend and if you need childcare. Email her at dyannstclair@aol.com or text/call 248-756-9643. Hope to see you there!

FALL CHOIR RETREAT Saturday, September 19 @ 11:30 am

J oin Jamie Reed, Director of Music, on Saturday, September 19 at 11:30 in

the Choir Room to learn new music,

give a listen to this year’s Christmas cantata, and spend some quality time together! Look for

more information to come from Jamie

soon!

A delicious meal prepared by Chef Randy

Choir and WWJD Mission & Fun for Children

Homework and Hangout for Youth

Classes led by Pastor Amy and Rev. Suzanne

Praise Band and Choir Rehearsals

begins on October 7.

Watch for further information!

Come and enjoy

A NEW MINISTRY OF FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP FOR ALL AGES!

from Sweet Fellowship by Acappella

SOME EXTRA SPECIAL EVENTS! You’ll not want to miss these...

First in our Concert Series We welcome the Michigan Flute Orchestra to our sanctuary on Sunday,

September 27 at 4 pm, performing Gems of the Old Masters. Shaul Ben-Meir, former flutist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, is the director and founder of MFO and writes the arrangements for the

symphonic repertoire of the flute orchestra. The instrumentation of the orchestra comprises the entire spectrum of the flute family: bass flute, alto flute, the conventional C flute, and piccolo. Next concert in our series

is the Farmington Community Chorus on December 18 and 19 in the MAC.

The Pumpkins Are Coming! Orchard is recognized in the community as being the “Pumpkin Church.” This annual fund raiser for our Fusion Mission Team attracts neighbors and church members to the brightly colored and covered front lawn. You can help in the Patch (sign up by going to the Orchard website at www.orchardumc.org, Youth/Fusion), and bring your friends and family to take

pictures and pick out the perfect pumpkin! Pumpkins arrive on October 8 (need help unloading). Pumpkin Patch is open daily from October 9 through October 31.

Touch-a-Truck is an unique family event that encourages children to explore large vehicles of all types, including public service, emergency, utility, construction, landscaping, transportation, delivery, and just plain cool—all in

one place! Coming to Orchard on Saturday, October 17. Watch for more exciting details!

September

1 Fusion Parent Meeting—Parents of students in 9th-12th grades are invited to a meeting to

find out the ins and outs of this year’s plans for Fusion.

6 Blessing of the Backpacks—Students and teachers, bring your backpacks, briefcases or tote

bags for a back-to-school blessing. The children will stay in the sanctuary for this family-

friendly worship service with communion. Nursery care will be provided.

10 Funtastiks—Join our lively seniors group here at Orchard as they have lunch and listen to

Raymond Randolph, a former Freedom Rider, share his reflections of life as Freedom Fighter

in the 1960s. Lunch begins at 11:30 am; speaker begins at 12:30 pm.

13 Worship and Picnic at Heritage Park at 10:30. There will also be a worship service at

9 am in the sanctuary.

18 Soul Connection Event—Hay Ride or Dinner—check bulletins for details

20 Color Me Faithful—Join us at either worship service for a celebration of the ministries and

opportunities here at Orchard. Children’s Ministry Kickoff at 10 am; JAM and Fusion Kickoffs

at 6 pm.

24 Leadership Meeting—Join Pastor Amy in Room 200 at 7 pm as we dream and vision

together for an exciting Orchard future.

27 LAF (Life After Fifty)—Brunch at George’s at 12:30

Michigan Flute Orchestra Concert at 4 pm in Sanctuary

30 New Members Class at 6 pm with dinner.

October

3 Hands 4 Detroit—Find out how you and your friends can be a part of this single day of

Motown Mission.

6 Tuesdays with Pastor Amy—Bible study begins in the parlor at 9:30 am

7 Wednesday Nights Together begins with Children’s Choirs at 5 pm; dinner at 5:30 pm;

other programs for all ages following dinner.

8 The Pumpkins Arrive – Join us for the annual unloading of the pumpkin truck! Snacks

provided. Patch is open from 10/9-31.

Funtastiks have lunch at Art School of Novi.

12 Current Events in the Café – Coffee, conversation, and a Christian perspective on world

events. (Meets monthly)

17 Touch-a-Truck—An afternoon with loads of trucks and great fun!

25 (through November 1) Orchard hosts South Oakland Shelter (SOS)—Be a part of the

Orchard hospitality and sign up to serve!

24 Rambling Road Rally (details to come!)

November

1 All Saints Sunday—Communion worship in celebration of the saints who have gone before.

7 Charge Conference—This annual “State of the Orchard” conference is open to all.

29 First Sunday of Advent—Join us in the evening for a Hanging of the Greens event.

December

5 Breakfast With Santa & Santa Holiday Shop—Come for an all-you-can eat pancake breakfast

and meet Santa, even have your picture taken with him! Kids have an opportunity to shop

and wrap their Christmas gifts at the Santa Shop down the hall!

9 Advent By Candlelight—For Orchard women and guests. Candlelight worship followed by a

tea and delicious desserts.

13 Fantasia Noel —Christmas cantata presented by the Chancel Choir & Friends

18-19 Farmington Community Chorus—Holiday concert in the MAC.

20 Christmas Painting with a Twist—Another awesome event planned by the Children’s Ministry

to help us hang up Christmas cheer in our hallways!

24 Christmas Eve—Join us for worship at 5:00 pm, 8:00 pm, or 10:00 pm.

27 PJs, Presents & Pancakes—Come in your PJs, bring a favorite present to be blessed, and

enjoy a pancake breakfast! One service at 10 am.

CCOMINGOMING AATTRACTIONSTTRACTIONS Visit our website for more information!