From the Pastor’s Desk…

“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old. Behold, I am about to do something new; even

now it is coming. Do you not see it?” – Isaiah 43:18-19

I feel like I have been away for such a long time. At the time I wrote this, it was only 2 weeks. I miss you all. Yet as I am finishing up final papers for my Course of Study Classes, I know you are “holding down the fort” so to speak. Everyone is stepping up, maybe doing something new, or something that maybe you haven’t done in a very long while. Maybe you have been asked to do something because everyone else is gone from town. Seems we always have ‘just enough’ hands to do the work God calls us to! As I sat in the back row of the sanctuary on July 21st (Yes, I am a fill-from-the-back United Methodist as well), I was in tears as I looked around. God has so blessed my life to overflowing with all of you. And as Stan spoke of “following God’ I continued to see around me all the servant-members who have answered His call. In this passage of scripture from Isaiah 43, Isaiah was writing to the children of Israel at a dark period of their history. They were in captivity, they had lost everything, and they were home sick for the land and the blessing God had promised them. They were ready for ‘a new thing.’ And Isaiah gave them God’s answer: change your focus; clarify what that focus is, and then commit yourself to the plan God has set for you. Simple right?!?

“For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future...”

Quit looking behind you, was Isaiah’s message, and start looking ahead! What can possibly be in store for Reading United Methodist Church. What ideas do we have? What group of people need us to step up as a church and serve? Can you think of any?

Once we name what needs to be done, Isaiah told his people to clarify it. What needs to be done within that group of people or animals. What is the need? It’s the whole: who, what, when, where, how and why of the subject. What is it that God wants you to do? We need to be ‘private eyes’ to figure it out but we can discover it.

Finally, we need to commit to following through. Put it into practice to see if it will be viable. We need to help one another to completion, with God’s help and blessings, because of course, we call on God first to guide us. I have so many ideas for ministries that were brought to me. Some were long term; others were just once in a while. I will be sharing them with you in the coming months. Right now, lets look ahead. School will start soon, blessing of the backpacks on August 18, worship at the water on September 8th and another year of sharing God’s message outside our sanctuary walls.

Be bold and follow God’s leading to a ‘new thing.’ I know for sure you will be blessed. Serving together, Pastor Deb

The Cross and Flame

Reading United Methodist Church

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Family of Elden Denning; Family of Angie Burger; Dan; Jay; Connie & Dave Schwabero and family;

Andy Barnhart and family; Jake Graber family; Jimmy; Darlene; Carolyn’s son in law; Brad & Lauren;

Scarlett (2yr old); Matthew (Eva’s son); Scott; Tally; Bill (Eva’s brother-in-law); Jessica’s mom; Kathy;

Dawn; Stephanie; Dianna; Cindy; Shelby; Frank & family; Nancy; Jason; Bob; Collin; Gage; Dalton;

David; Don; Jack; Jackie; Jerry; Jessica; Jen; Josh; Devin; Jeff; Charline; Brad; John; Judy; Kaden;

Kathleen’s mom; Ken; Leon; Linda; Arnold; Little D (Louise great-grandson); Margo; Mark; Martha;

Mary; Mike; Paul; Peg; Penny; Phyllis; Rita; Robert’s mother & father; Roy; Salome’s grandmother; Tim

& Sue(Michelle’s uncle & aunt);Tina; Tyler; W.R.; Communities affected by disasters; first responders;

Active Military, Veterans and their families; for unity; our farmers; peace in the world; our church.

Mary Wilson Hillsdale County Medical Care Facility – Room #2116 140 W. Mechanic Rd. Hillsdale, MI 49242

Leon Newell-lionheartleo77@hotmail 5190 Fowler Rd. Reading, MI 49274

Margaret Chester Drew’s Place Country Living #3 1133 N. Lake Pleasant Rd. Hillsdale, MI 49242

Carolyn Clingerman Drew’s Place 300 E. Bacon St., Room 3 Hillsdale, MI 49242

Betty Hamilton Medical Care #3 140 W. Mechanic Rd. Hillsdale, MI 49242

Lila Rubel c/o Thea & Troy Vaughn 9150 West OP Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Tina Church Laurels of Coldwater 90 N. Michigan St. Coldwater, MI 49036

Bob Ricker 5687 Paradise Dr. Reading, MI. 49274

Leland Wigent Drew’s Place Country Living #2 1133 N. Lake Pleasant Rd. Hillsdale, MI 49242

Dan Cole 317 First St. Reading, MI. 49274

KEEPING IN TOUCH...cards are always welcomed!!!

Please inform the church office of any addresses which should be added to this listing.

PRAYER REQUESTS If you are ill, going into the hospital, having surgery, or would like a visit by the Pastor, please contact the church office or Pastor Deb directly. The hospitals, due to HIPPA laws, are not allowed to give out information.

RUMC PRAYER CHAIN

❖ Are you aware that we have a working prayer chain as part of the ministry within our church? ❖ Are you a person who needs prayer for an upcoming surgery, loss of a loved one, healing from surgery

or an illness? If preferred, the request need not be informative- it can be stated as an “unspoken prayer.” ❖ If you are making a request for another person, please make sure the loved one we are praying for is

aware of your request. The prayer chain HIGHLY respects confidentially. ❖ When in need of a prayer, please call Jean Tift at 517-610-6001 or Louise Rutledge at 517-283-2233 any

time from 8 am through 8 pm. Those who pray to God are known by Him. Jean Tift & Louise Rutledge

Aug Sept 1 Randy Towers 2 Geri Guest 2 Brenda Brendel Ava Hyde 3 Annette Germain 3 Andy Hughes

4 Jay & Paula Radabaugh Danyelle Stalhood Mary Wilson 7 Riley Monahan

7 Jeremy & Dany Stalhood 8 Dustin Duba 9 Rick & Ann Headley 9 Jerry & Sharon Lane Nick Monahan 10 Stacie Irelan

10 Tara La Rue 13 Don Rodgers Henry Trapp 16 Deborah Clingerman

12 Danielle Elder Bob & Marcia Ricker Michelle Monahan 17 Kevin Newell

13 Kim Stockstiel 18 Roy McNinch 14 Nancy Ritchey Don & Sandy Rodgers 15 Brayden Holmquist 19 Kevin & Erica Magowan 16 Carolyn Clingerman 23 Jayson Radabaugh

Sharon Lane 25 Warren & Robin Bartels 17 Dennis & Stacie Irelan 27 Damon Newell

Clay Rodgers 30 Rick Headley 20 Chloe Stalhood Sue Jacoby 22 Nancy Briggs 23 Maggie Steele 25 Ollie & Mary Cole

Rob Elder Roger & Debbie Price

26 Nona Wellman 27 Nathan La Rue 30 Jacoby Hughes

Harriet Olaynick 31 Dave & Geri Guest

We are delighted to welcome the

following visitors and hope to see

you again!

Jan Hedgcock, JoAnn Marsh, Tony

West & Autumn, Terri Dobbins &

Beth Taylor, Pastor Marty & Barb

Culver, Jan Denning, 17 Town &

Country Chorus Singers, 5 ladies w/

Town & Country singers, 3 unknown

ladies, Mike, Jessica, Claudia and

Nora Carey, Austin Dilyard, Amy

Newell, Arianna & Shaianne Hoover,

Katherine Guest, Sue & Faye

LIFELINE DONATION: 126 South Main St, Reading MI 49274

There is a collection bin in the front entry of our church to place non-perishable

food items, household and personal care items. Proteins such as peanut butter and tuna,

and, any kind of canned soups, fruit and cereal are always needed.

Opened the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month, hours are from 8am-2pm.

If Reading community schools are closed, so are we.

If the schools are on a 2-hour delay, we will be opened from 11am-2pm

Thank You: To the congregation of Reading United Methodist, the members of the Town and Country Chorus of Hillsdale

Would like to thank you for inviting them to sing during the Church service on Sunday, July 14. Also, a heartfelt thank you for

your donation to the chorus and the time of fellowship and snacks after the service. The gentleman enjoy sharing their love of

music with others and fellowship it brings. Thanks again for inviting the Chorus to share in praising God though music.

Bonnie Meyer, Treasurer

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Dear Reading UMC, Thank you for your donation to Grace Children’s Hospital and Pediatric Clinic, The Advance Project #418520.

Your support allows us to provide care to those who would not be able to afford it otherwise and gives us hope that the children

of Haiti will live beyond their low-life expectancy. We hope to hear from you again! Sincerely, ICC USA Board & Staff

Turkey Supper Retirements Announced

The 2019 Turkey Supper is scheduled for Saturday, November 2.

Jen will be seeking TWO NEW CHAIRPERSONS to help her carry out 2020 turkey supper. It would be great to

have two “interns” sitting in on this year’s planning sessions to wetten their feet. Planning meetings will start in

September.

If you are interested in taking on a co-chairperson role for the turkey supper, please talk to Jen, Phyllis or Sue. We all

know Jen is superwoman in the kitchen, but she can’t do it alone!

Worship at the Water

Mark your calendars for September 8th at 9:30a.m.

We will move worship out of the church building into Gods sanctuary at

Jacoby’s pond. Bring a dish to share and a lawn chair if you have one.

Hope to see everyone there! We will have games and prizes for the kids

SAVE THE DATE Heritage District Lay Servant

Ministries Date: November 2 & 16 2019 At: Jackson First UMC and

Ypsilanti First UMC There will be a 5 week course

offered that will meet once a week. Final details will be available

at a later date.

SAVE THE DATE

October 17th Service Team mtg @ 6PM with Church Conference

following @ 7pm

We thank God for continuing to bless our mission at June’s Place. Special Sales – Half price clothing tag color for August is PINK. We currently have an excess of ladies’ warm-weather slacks, shorts, jeans, skirts, and dresses. They will remain 75 cents until Festival Days, when all clothes and shoes will be 25 cents for that weekend.

Thank-You Notes – Marcia reported that the family who lost three children and an

unborn baby as well as their horse and buggy in a tragic accident were overwhelmed

with our gift of $1,000 to them. They said they certainly hadn’t expected anything

like that. The RUMC member’s grandson and his wife sent a thank-you note

for the $500 we gifted them.

Signs – We are looking forward to the hanging of our new 48”x42” sign outside the front of our store and moving the

36”x30” sign to the rear entry of the store. We will also be getting signs “Sorry We’re Closed” and “Service Animals Only

Please” which were voted on and approved after church.

Refrigerator for Volunteers – The small under-counter refrigerator that we use for water and lunches died. It was moved,

seconded and approved to purchase a replacement. Jen Steele will do that.

Kids’ Corner – It was moved, seconded and approved to purchase two small 3-shelf and one 5-shelf bookcase to re-

organize the kids’ books and toys corner. Marcia Ricker will oversee this project.

July Missions Donations - Moved, seconded and approved to donate the following:

• $250 to the Reading High School Spanish Club for their 5K run

• $500 to Montgomery Fire Department for their backpacks program

• $500 to Reading Community Schools Music Boosters

• Regular monthly donations will go to the following:

$200 to Lifeline, $200 to RUMC ministry shares

$100 to RUMC Pastor’s Emergency Fund, $200 to RUMC United Methodist Women's Missions

· TOTAL JULY MONETARY MISSIONS DONATIONS: $1,950.

SAVE THE DATE Heritage District Training and

Conference Date: October 12, 2019

At: Marshall United Methodist Church Stay tuned for upcoming information!

June’s Place 119 &125 S. Main P.O. Box 143

Reading, MI. 49274 Phone: (517)-283-1888

GREETER’S SHEDULE FOR AUGUST

Front Door Side Door Bulletin Front Bulletin Side Aug 4 Frank/Jerry Louise R. Seth Maggie Aug 11 Jack/Dick Sue D. Nancy Macmillan Sandi F Aug 18 Elaine E. Dave G. Geri G. Aug25 Dave S. Connie S. Jessi L. Nathan L.

If you have any questions about what is expected for any of the responsibilities below, contact Michelle in the

church office. If you find you cannot work on the date you selected, please switch with someone and let the church

office know so the schedule can be kept up-to-date. THANK YOU!

CHILDREN’S CHURCH

PK-6th Grade each Sunday after Time with Pastor

PK-1st 2nd – 6th 8/4/2019 Elaine Etchey Sharon Lane 8/11/2019 Stacie Irelan Carrie Whinnie 8/18/2019 Jessica/Nathan LaRue Nancy Lemmon 8/25/2019 Sue Jacoby Pam Michael

Aug 4 Lana & Riley

Aug 11 Aleana & Caylee

Aug 18 Bella & Isaac

Aug 25 Carter & Chloe

Sept 1 Collin & Riley

Sept 8 Worship at the Water

Sept 15 Lana & Karcsi

Sept 22 Chloe & Aleana

Sept 29 Karcsi & Bella

COFFEE HOUR

ACOLYTE SCHEDULE- AUG - SEPT

Jan 6 Bella Leon Karcsi Lawson

Jan 13 Aleana

Monahan

Collin Williams

Jan 20 Isaac Hyde Caylee

Whinnie

Jan 27 Riley

Monahan

Will Elder

Feb 3 Carter Dumas Audrey

Dumas

Feb 10 Karcsi Lawson Caylee

Whinnie

Feb 17 Lana Leon Bella Leon

Feb 24 Collin Williams Riley Mona

Mar 3 Isaac Hyde Chloe

Stalhood

Mar 10 Collin Williams Riley

Monahan

Mar 17 Will Elder Aleana

Monahan

Mar 24 Aleana Carter

Mar 31 Bella Collin

We are still doing two-person teams and only twice per year, for the most part. If you would rather have a three-person team, feel free to ask someone to help you. Each person on the team brings 2 or 3 batches of goodies to share, for example: cookies, veggies & dip, fresh fruit, meat/cheese & crackers. Each person on the team helps set everything up for fellowship time and helps clean up after fellowship time is over.

8/4 Marcia Ricker & Wilma Studer 9/1 Deb & Stan Clingerman- Labor Day 8/11 Phyllis Newell & Sue Denning 9/8 Phyllis Weller & Connie Schwabero 8/18 Annie Russo & Stacie Irelan 9/15 Janet Marsh & Sharon Lane 8/25 Jessica La Rue & Amanda Rose 9/22 Sandi Foust & Rachel Hyde 9/29 Pastor Deb & Dan

Greeters & Bulletin Information

Please be at church at 8:45 am

Greeter Front Door of church, Open door with a smile on

your face, handshake and Good Morning, Welcome.

Greeter West Door by driveway of church, Open door with a

smile on your face, handshake and Good Morning, Welcome.

Pass out bulletins at back of church, Give them a bulletin,

handshake, and welcome all with a smile.

Pass out bulletins at West side of church. Give them a

bulletin, handshake, and welcome all with a smile.

LINGAP There is a nice article on the Church website if you

would like to read the website is… http://readingumc.webs.com

Reading United Methodist Church

312 E Michigan St. PO Box 457 Reading, MI 49274

ADULT BIBLE STUDY We have an evening Adult Bible study on

Monday nights at 6:30pm. We also have and Adult Bible study on Thursday mornings at 9:30am.

Stop in and check them out. For more information please contact Royal Denning.

Reading United Methodist Church Pastor Deb Cole

Worldwide UMC Mission: Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World Our Vision: Worshipping God- Loving Christ- Serving Community Our Mission: Caring for families in the community by being the hands and feet of Christ.

Church Secretary: Michelle Swan Phone: 517-283-2443 E-mail: office@readingumc.com Website: http://readingumc.webs.com

Church Office Hours: Tuesday – Thursday - 8:30 am – 1:00 pm

Sunday Worship 9:30 am Coffee & Fellowship 10:30 am Children’s Notes…Sunday School for all ages pre-K to 6th Grade, most Sunday’s during worship.