Plymouth First United Methodist Church - Message from Pastor Bob - Plymouth First United Methodist ...
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Plymouth First United Methodist Church
Message from Pastor Bob
B “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything
has become new!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NRSV)
E
There is surprise and delight when we just happen to stumble onto something of interest or value.
A But, there is a deeper sense of satisfaction when we find something we set off to find, or discover a
solution to a question or problem we intentionally were trying to answer.
C I think it works the same with tasks and accomplishments; and I know it works the same way with
O relationships and our interactions with areas of our faith. Acts of worship mean much more when
we are intentionally engaged with them. Fellowship with one another is much more satisfying when
N we intentionally focus on that interaction. I think this mindset is where such phrases as “be the ball”
or “be in the moment” come from; sometimes they are said in a spirit of humor, but that humor
makes them no less true.
When we are intentional—or “in the moment”—we are setting off to find what we are looking for,
discovering more of what we are meant to experience. We realize the greater value within all of our
activities and interactions. We taste the flavors of life so much more vividly. There is a newness in
the world, a brush with new creation, and we are able to see Christ present and at work in all the
events and endeavors we participate in … whether it be greeting someone, eating a meal, working,
playing, reading Scripture, praying, or participating in Holy Communion.
Being intentional also serves to steady our feet and make firm the ground on which we stand, for it
leads us to be more secure in why we are walking the path that we are. I think this may be particu-
larly important and valuable to us all especially during these continued times of uncertainty in so
many areas of life that are beyond our individual control. Still, being intentional identifies and
equips us for areas where we can intentionally choose and follow through. Perhaps this is the time to
intentionally choose to identify someone in your life to invite to join you in attending worship, either
in the church building or together watching live online. Perhaps this is the time to intentionally in-
quire on available short-term studies here at Plymouth First church and choose one to attend. Per-
haps this is the time to intentionally identify someone you have not connected with in a while and
give them a call or send them a card. Perhaps this is the time to choose to be intentional in all things.
Let us be fully intentional in all we do, say, think, and feel; opening us up to the grandeur that God
had intended for us. For I am convinced that God was intentional in creating this world, and remains
ever intentional in loving and blessing all of us.
May God’s intentional love, grace, and blessing always be upon you … Pastor Bob
1
Parenting with Purpose is designed to help parents with every-
day life stuff. We want to build strong families and eliminate
stress at home. We will be offering topical workshops to help
with this!
Save the Date: Thursday Evening September 16, 2021
Registered dietician Shauna C. Hill will present a workshop on
meal planning and mindful meals. More details to come.
July 31st, 6:30 pm—9 bring $5 for food and a $5 gift (think Five Below) for our gift ex-
change. Bring a friend, get a gift card. In-coming 7th graders welcome!
August 14th, 6:30—9 Food, Fun, and Games; bring $5 for food 2
Music Notes
NOTEworthy concerts are back!
We are pleased to partner with the Plymouth
Community Band, the Michigan Philhar-
monic, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and
the Plymouth Oratorio Society to present a
wonderful slate of concerts for the upcom-
ing season, in addition to hosting a Thanks-
giving Bell Festival with several neighboring
churches.
Save the dates on your calendar and
be sure to join us for great music!
Be a Concert Host!
Volunteers needed to be on hand for
one of our concerts to welcome and
greet people, and assist with small tasks
as needed.. Contact Marcia Van Oyen
for more information or to sign up.
Summer Choir
Summer is a great time to get acquainted with the Chancel Choir by joining us for one Wednesday
rehearsal—August 11th, 7:30—8:30 pm—and one Sunday worship service.—August 15th. We’ll be
working on easy music, to make it easy for newcomers to join in. If you’d like to come in with us,
please contact Marcia Van Oyen—marcia@pfumc.org or 734-435-5280, x115.
New Director for Festival Bells
We are pleased to welcome Barb Yeatermeyer to our staff as
the Director of Festival Bells starting in September. Barb
has been playing in the bell choir, singing in the Chancel
Choir, playing violin in the orchestra, helping out with the
bell choir, accompanying the Chancel Choir and playing for
worship on Sunday. She also teaches piano for the Mu-
sic@First Fine Arts Academy. Barb comes with a wealth of
experience as a music director at multiple churches. We’re
so glad to have her on board!
Many thanks to Carrick Secorski for leading the Festival
Bells for the past several years. Carrick will continue to sing
in the Chancel Choir and assist with other music duties.
3
Friends -
Worshipping with you in the sanctuary and online is an honor and a privilege. I am thankful for the many
relationships that have developed in my three years in Plymouth. Maybe it's Covid, or maybe it's our
study of Acts, or maybe it's just because the anniversary of my move to Plymouth recently passed; what-
ever the reason, I have been giving thanks for this faith community. It is clear, when we hear of the strug-
gles that each of us endured during our physical isolation, that we are social creatures. We need each oth-
er.
This is particularly apparent when we read the accounts of the Christian church. The early churches gath-
ered in homes, in synagogues, at city gates, at wells and innumerable other places. The church eventually
organized and structured itself around churches and cathedrals. One of my greatest joys is traveling to vis-
it these ancient well-loved places of worship that were part of many pilgrims' journeys from Europe to the
Holy Land. Unfortunately, many are now visited by far more tourists than by Christian worshippers. I
pray that the American church does not end up the same way.
Coming back from Covid isolation, we have an opportunity to reassess how we do church. I hope you
have been thinking about that. I hope that you have thought about why the church has struggled for dec-
ades to train people for discipleship in a manner that grows the Kingdom within and outside the walls. I
believe church is called to be both a place of refuge for those who are hungry, sick or struggling; and it is
to be a place for people to be equipped for the work of the great commission:.
Making disciples of Jesus Christ. For as long as I have been in the church, the challenge has been moving
people from refugees to disciples.
We get stuck in our gratitude for all that God has done for us, and we don't become the voice and the
hands that extend that same grace to others.
The word evangelism is burdened with so much baggage. I think of the guy in the 1980s standing in the
middle of MSU campus yelling at passersby that they were condemned to hell. I think of televangelists
who flagrantly and publicly humiliated God by proclaiming one thing with their mouths and living anoth-
er thing off camera. I think of people who lack Christ-like humility and talk more than they listen. Too
many bad examples to name. But sharing our faith does not have to be badgering other people. It abso-
lutely should never leave someone feeling inadequate, unloved or rejected.
This fall I will be teaching a class on how to grow the church through sharing our faith. We will gather
together and learn to tell our stories. We'll learn how our Wesleyan ancestors in the faith shared God's
love and created a great revival of Christianity. We'll learn that having a great worship experience, a nice
building, and a faithful team of greeters is not enough. We have to go, not wait for people to come.
If you are ready to take a chance on Plymouth First UMC consider
joining my group this fall.
Pastor Suzy
Read about how you can join this
short term small group on page 6.
4
Kids Kingdom Camp is in the books.
The first question everyone asks, which is a logical question, is always “how many kids did
you have?”; the answer to that question is 17. That number is not an earth shattering number
by any means. Out of the 17 we had, 7 have no tie to our church. That is 41%. With our 17
kids, I had 4 group leaders, 2 assistant group leaders, 1 science guru, 1 assistant director, and 1
check -in volunteer on-site, not to mention all of you who donated supplies and prayed for us.
Thank you for making this event a success. After a pandemic, not knowing if we’d be having
this event 3 months ago, and finding ourselves with an uncertain future in the midst of a re-
build, 17 kids, 7 with no tie to our church, is pretty good.
I am proud of what we did here July 6th, 7th, and 8th. I know some of you have memories of
Vacation Bible Schools with hundreds of kids and 17 kids probably seems pretty disappoint-
ing when you think back to those days and remember what was. Disappointing is the last word
I would use to describe what happened here last week. I saw kids of different ages and races
playing together, making things, laughing, hearing about Jesus. I saw kids having fun. I saw
kids being kids. It was beautiful.
There is a danger in putting too much stock in what used to be; it prevents you from seeing the
amazing things God has placed in your life in this moment. I sometimes do this with my kids.
I think of the times when they were little and I wish I could go back to those sweet moments.
Then I realize I’m missing the moment I am in. The present is just as important and valuable
as your most precious memory. Yet so often we’d rather look back than see what is right in
front of us.
I want us to be people that have a healthy relationship and respect for our pasts but are thriv-
ing in our present. I can say with complete confidence that the present moment is full of won-
der because God is in the midst of it. God is right here, right now, present with us, gifting us
this moment. Yes, good things happened here, but God isn’t done yet. Good things are hap-
pening right now. That is worth celebrating. Let’s be people that are aware of what God is do-
ing and are able to find joy in it. Sarah
5
PFUMC offers Help to Those Who Grieve
“For God will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them
and give joy for their sorrow.” Jeremiah 3:13
The death of a loved one is one of the most severe traumas we encounter. The sense of loss and grief which
follows is a natural and important part of life: each person who enters into his/her journey of grief experienc-
es a different response. Seldom does a person go into one side of grief and come out the other side the same
as before the loss. PFUMC is sponsoring a program to help you see this process through.
“GriefShare” a weekly support group, will look at many subjects of grief, such as: Is This Normal, Challeng-
es of Grief, Grief and Your Relationship, Why, Guilt and Anger, the lessons of Grief. Each session is “self-
contained” so you can attend at any point. We will meet Monday evenings from 7:00—9:00 pm in Room
306, Sept—November.
Cost is $20 for the workbook and other materials. Contact the church office at
(734) 453-5280 to register or contact Judy Pryor (734) 331-3989 with questions.
and nurtures, and speaks to both head
and heart. "Evangelism is about rela-
tionship, the authors write. "How we are
in relationship to God, who is able to
Because of the more aggressive and transform us into new beings. How we
confrontational tactics we hear about, are in relationship to our neighbor,
evangelism has developed a bad con- whom we must love like ourselves." As
notation. Doors are shut hurriedly, one reviewer says, "Knight and Powe”
phone calls end abruptly and emails have given us a relational book. They
left unanswered. After all, isn't this a describe the deep connection between
task better handled by the pastor? John Wesley's thoughts, Charles Wes-
Perhaps it's time to re-examine John ley's hymns, scholarly thinking about
Wesley's model of evangelism as a evangelism and biblical understandings
full, natural circle - where it's a com- of the gospel - all in relation to the
munal beginning point rather than a needs, concerns and hopes of everyday
solitary end. The central motive of au- people. "Learn on your own or as a con-
thentic evangelism is: Having received gregational group from this practical
a message that's made all the differ- study on living an evangelistic life that
ence in our lives, we desire to share demonstrates the transforming power of
that message with a loving God and neighbor.
Tuesday Nights others in the hope it EXPLORE the meaning of
will transform their evangelism.
@ 7:00 pm on Zoom lives as well. Wesley EXERCISE learning in the
presence of others in a
Sept. 7—Nov. 2 models an evange- small group.
with Pastor Suzy & Cathy Montgomery lism that reaches out 6
EXTEND your
and welcomes, invites witness to the world.
We are all on a journey. The path may look different for each of us but the destination for a Christian is a
transformed life in Jesus Christ. Each path contains mile markers and guideposts to help us along the way.
The Intentional Faith Development system outlined here is intended as a guide to help you take the next
step on your journey. Our prayer is that you encounter Jesus as you travel the path, sometimes alone and at
other times with fellow sojourners.
Exploration is a time of curiosity when we ask
questions. Who is God? What is the Church all
about? Why should I read the Bible? Where can I
find purpose? How will growing my faith improve ?
Exercising is a time of building our spiritual
muscles. We engage in activities that will
strengthen us and give us endurance for
the path ahead. As we gain momentum
we become intentional in setting aside our own personal wants
and needs for the love of God and neighbor.
Extending what we have learned on our journey to
those who are exploring and exercising is our call
as Christians to Disciple. We lead by example.
The membership vows We have been transformed through our experiences with Jesus and
serve as guideposts we long to share that experience with our neighbors and the world.
for our Journey.
10:00—11:00 AM
What does Christ-like hospitality look like
in the church?
Be challenged to look at our environment
from a guests perspective and ask ourselves,
‘What does our environment say and how are
we creating the feeling of welcome?’
Learn ‘what to say’ even during brief
conversations and most of all learn their name.
Focus on understanding how the little Who should attend?
details of every experience will create the Anyone who serves in a ‘first contact’
story—and the story is what is shared. role on Sunday morning.
7
Questions? Contact Cathy Montgomery @ 734-560-3498 In other words-EVERYONE!
cathym@pfumc.org
C
If you need help with Zoom,
A please contact small group leader.
L
E
N
D SEPT—BSF Men’s Prayer Breakfast
A AA
Contact Rich Hoy
richhoy@aol.com
R
Pastor’s Bible Study
6:00 pm on Zoom
O Contact Pastor Bob
pastorbob@pfumc.org God Chasers (Hebrews)
F 6:30 pm on Zoom
Contact Jeanne Martin
SEPT BSF Men’s Bible Study
6:30 pm jelmartin@hotmail.com
E SEPT—”SHARING” Contact Mike Hartke
Study, Coffee & Dessert
mike@xfer.com
V ZOOM WITH
PASTOR SUZY
6:45 pm on Zoom
Contact Mike Hartke
E Impact Band Rehearsal
7:00 pm mike@xfer.com
N Mom’s Zoom
Chancel Choir
T 8:00 pm
Contact Sarah Sutphin Rehearsal AUG 11
S christianed@pfumc.org
ALTAR FLOWERS If you ar e inter ested in giving flower s, in memor y
of or in honor of someone, please contact the church office. You are also
welcome to order flowers on your own to have them delivered to the church
on Thursday before the Sunday you designate, between the hours of 10 –
2pm.
Please call Pat in the church office Monday—Thursday 9—2 pm to check
the church calendar.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY—THURSDAY
9am—3 pm
NO OFFICE HOURS ON
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED
CLEAN UP THE KITCHEN—
A LARGE TASK SINCE IT HAS FRIDAY
8
BEEN SITTING EMPTY FOR 16
MONTHS.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
June 2021
Income $ 53,987
Expenses $ 55,123
YTD 2021
Income $ 360,615
Expenses $ 348,317
DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN DONATE YOUR IRA ASSETS TO THE
CHURCH ?
IRS rules mandate that individuals age 72 and older take a required minimum
distribution from their IRA each year. (This doesn’t apply to Roth IRAs which
has tax-free withdrawals and no required distributions). You are allowed to
make charitable contributions from your traditional IRA to a church or charity
at age 70 1/2. You can transfer up to $100,000 per year from your traditional
IRA to the Church or Charity. You can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that
you are contributing to a worthy cause while effectively lowering your tax bill.
Ask your IRA administrator or tax consultant what
steps you need to take.
HELP WANTED -Counting Ministry
The Counting Ministry counts all monies received by PFUMC and prepares a weekly bank
deposit. Counting is done at the end of Sunday services. With 6 teams, participation repeats
every 6 weeks or about 8 times a year. Counting teams must have at least 2 members.
In early 2020 (pre COVID) we had 24 counters (4 person teams) and 10 subs. Between
COVID, health issues, not ready to return, and moves; we are down to 12 confirmed counters
(2 person teams) and a couple of subs. More participation in the Counting Ministry is needed
as members do get sick, take vacations, have conflicts or family commitments.
Please carefully consider this request for volunteers, and contact Gene Kornegay,
‘gene@pfumc.org’ or call 734-455-5108 to volunteer or obtain
more info.
9
We are so proud of our 2020-2021 Confirmation Class. Please
help us in welcoming Aidan Brunzell, Bridget Brunzell, Lily
Hetzel, and Josh Walters as the newest members of our
church family. We are so proud of their commitment through
a very trying year and a half. Special thanks to Amy Brown
and Stacy Buster who served as leaders of the Confirmation
Class and to Breanna Anderson, Pam Fair, John Leeper, and
Dave Pruitt for taking time to talk with our Confirmands
about being a member of our church.
Prayer Requests for our childrens, youth, and family ministries:
Children, Youth and Families – Pray for our children, youth, and their fami-
lies; those in our church and the surrounding community
Volunteers – Pray for volunteers – I am extremely short handed due to the
pandemic. Currently I am only able to run a single class Sunday mornings. If
you are interested in teaching Sunday school, contact Sarah Sutphin in the
church office or email christianed@pfumc.org.
Wisdom – Pray for wisdom as I plan for the upcoming year
10PRAYER CONCERNS
Members Members Shut In
Jeff Berliner Louise James
Gene Best Lois Maiorana Cleo Pappin
Marge Brown & Vincent Maiorana John & Sydney Paul Missionaries
Tom Brown Dennis Piggott Jim Walk
Anna Fowler Lynne Reglein Hannah Kappler
Dave Rummel South Korea
Brian Howe Ruth Slade
Carol Lewis Florence Turner
Family & Friends
Rich Brown, friend of George Thompson
Matt Carter, family of Stella Smith
Military Clay Good, Dale Good’s son
Robert Nulty & Phyllis Nulty
Justin Atkinson Brian Krautler
Joey Cooney Mike Petri and family, friend of Dale Good
Michael Pagan Kristen Zander, Ken Zander’s sister
John Dickson Andrew D. Piggott
Linda Erickson Tyler Smith
Suzanne Gyde—Hall Tom Uhl
People on the Move—
Dale Good moved to Alabama
101 Overlook Ridge
Lincoln, AL 35096-3900
Pat & Marilyn Quinn moved to Grand
Rapids
2886 W. Sandrel Ct. NE
We extend sympathy to the family Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (temp.)
of Karen Truan who passed away
July 17th. No details at this time Dennis & Linda Piggott moving to
Indiana
We also extend our sympathy to the
family of Basil De Witt, who
passed away July 26th. Funeral Wm. & Mara Patterson—moving to Florida
was July 30th. Interim address: 1014 Tejon Trail
Brooklyn, MI 49230
11RETURN ADDRESS
First United Methodist Church
45201 North Territorial Road
Plymouth, MI 48170
www.pfumc.org
Phone (734) 453-5280
Fax (734) 453-0375
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY—THURSDAY 9 AM—3 PM PERIODICALS
NO OFFICE HOURS ON FRIDAY
Printed July 2021
8/1 Carol Kelly August BIRTHDAYS
Becky Styron
8/2 William Weber
Pat Quinn 8/16 Jason Trost
Michelle Davis Laurie Dan-Ladi
8/4 Lydia Haeske 8/17 Tim Joy
William Robertson Bill McCully
8/5 Ron Turner Suzy Hutchison
Barbara Werner Tom Nabozny
8/18 Lillian Bishop
Ava Knode
8/6 Jerry O’Shaughnessey Betty Madis
Mary McCully 8/19 Ella Lukasik
8/7 Diane Hanosh 8/20 Carol Bodenmiller
Jim Freeman 8/23 Abby Siddall
8/9 Tierney Uhl 8/26 Lista Person
8/10 Marilyn Massengill 8/27 Dave Barrett
Emily Underwood
Alex Westerberg
Keira Penney 8/28 Jill Leeper
8/11 Jane Aho Lisa Swales
Lorranie Daley 8/29 Deborah Soash
Charlotte Rodriguez Libby Janda
Haley Babij Emily Rodriguez
Josh Berliner 8/30
Ryan Christenson Vincent Maiorana
8/12 Linda Piggott
Cathy Montgomery
8/13 John Lewis
Don Blunden 12
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