January 1, 2015 - Plymouth Congregational Church

OUR CHURCH LIFE
Desired In-Home Delivery
Date of Dec. 27, 2014
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Plymouth Congregational Church
2001 East Grand River Avenue
Lansing, MI 48912-3286
Non-Profit
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LANSING, MI
___________________________________________________________
Newsletter of Plymouth Congregational Church
December 23, 2014
2001 E. Grand River Avenue, Lansing, MI 48912
(517) 484-9495
Vol. 101
Edition #1
OUR CHURCH LIFE
Website: www.plymouthchurch-lansing.org
February Articles Due
January 22
Email: secretary@plymouthlansing.org
Pastoral Emergency: (517) 512-8018
Publish January 27, 2015
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Administrative Staff
The Rev. Robert A. Higle, Senior Minister
John Dale Smith, Director of Music
Betty Briggs, Director of Religious Ed.
Stephanie Gewirtz, Organist
Charles Gabler, Chair of Deacons
Alina Tamborini, Director of Youth Choir
Debby Hoyt, NA Year Round Delegate
Joan Chandler, Administrative Assistant
Ronald Silky, Sexton
Theresa Milne, Financial Secretary
James J. Triantaflos, Assistant Sexton
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
REMEMBER IN PRAYER OUR PLYMOUTH CHURCH FAMILY
PHYLLIS AMMONS
Marian Manor, 5345 Marian Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
MARGARET BOURNE
30615 Old Stream St., Southfield, MI 48076
JOHN CROCKER
Bickford Sr. Living, 3830 Okemos Rd, Okemos 48864
VERN FESCO (JUDY MCQUEEN’S HUSBAND)
Grandhaven Living Ctr, The Boardwalk, Rm. 14, 3155 W. Mt. Hope Ave. Lansing
Sunday, January 4, 2015 ............................. 3
Don’t Triangulate ....................... 16-17
VIRGINIA GRIFFITHS
Clare Bridge of Delta, 7235 Delta Commerce Dr., Lansing, 48917
Sunday, January 11, 2015 ........................... 4
The Music Box ................................. 18
LAURA MILLER
Timber Ridge Senior Assisted Living, 16260 Park Lake Rd., East Lansing 48823
Sunday, January 18, 2015 ........................... 5
Some Deacons’ Musing .................. 19
Sunday, January 25, 2015 ........................... 6
Christmas Pageant Pictures ............ 20
New Year Eve’s Worship Service ............ 7
From the Board of Religious Ed ... 21
Movie Night ................................................. 7
Katie Hoffmaster Obituary ............ 22
JOYCE SCHROEDER
Timber Ridge Senior Assisted Living, 16260 Park Lake Rd., East Lansing 48823
Wood Street Parking Lot ........................... 7
Dr. Eleanor Berden Obituary ........ 23
MAXINE SCOTT
Emeritus of Brighton, 833 E. Grand River, Apt. 110, Brighton, MI 48116
Pastor’s Message ...................................... 8-9
Norm Robison Obituary .......... 24-25
Note from Moderator ........................ 10-11
Birthdays ............................................ 26
Moving Forward into the New Year .....11
Thank You ........................................ 26
The Meaning of the Advent Wreath 12-13
Potluck ............................................... 26
January 2015 Calendar ........................ 14-15
Remember in Prayer ........................ 27
DOROTHY RICE
4230 Del Monte Ave., San Diego, CA 92107
VIRGINIA SAVAGE
250 Smokerise Dr., #138, Wadsworth, OH 44281
BARBARA SMITH
Independence Village, 4775 Village Dr., Apt. 224, Grand Ledge, MI 48837
ELEANOR SMITH
Lifehouse Prestige Way, 4300 Keller Rd., Holt, MI 48842
PAT THOMAS
Covington Woods, Apt. 121, 1900 Redbud Ln., Lansing 48917
Kay Bongard
Jean Chamberlain
Margaretta Freburg
Dick Gleason
HOME
Katherine McDowell
Darlene Greenman Ross
Eleanor Thede (friend of Marilyn Hastings)
OTHER MILITARY SERVICE
John Chain, Jr. (nephew of David Chain) Coast Guard
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2015
SECOND SUNDAY IN CHRISTMAS
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
Lay Assistant .................................................................................. Charles Gabler
JANUARY 17—
FEBRUARY 15
1/17
1/19
1/21
1/22
1/23
1/25
1/29
1/30
1/31
2/2
2/4
2/4
2/6
2/7
2/7
2/8
2/13
2/14
2/15
Greeters .......................................................... Jen Joy Yocum and Tom Cornell
Many Thanks to the members of Plymouth for their kindness and concerns expressed in
their cards and calls I have received during my slow progress
of recovery. Hope that someday
soon I will be able to rejoin you.
Laurie Stein
Arleen Lampman
Ed Crouse
Roger Stuart
Alva Johnson
Kathy McDowell
Kyle Erickson
Alex Hunt
Katlyn Lindstrom
Carolyn Pratt
Brandon Bolley
Bailey Henrys
Charles Driver
John Hoyt
William Hoyt
Margaretta Freburg
Marcia Olds
Marie DeVries
Michael Losey
Sincerely,
Dick Gleason
Epiphany means “manifestation.” On this day we celebrate the
revelation of Christ to the Gentiles—that is, to all nations. Some
Christian traditions celebrate three great epiphanies on this day:
the Magi’s adoration of the Christ child, Jesus’ baptism in the
Jordan River, and his first miracle, in which he changes water into
wine. The word and sacraments are for us the great epiphany of
God’s grace and mercy. We go forth to witness to the light that
shines brightly in our midst.
THE FIRST LESSON: ISAIAH 60:1–6
Jerusalem is assured that nations will make a pilgrimage to her,
because the light of God's presence is in her midst. The bountiful
food of the sea and the profits of international trade will come
streaming to Jerusalem and thereby declare God's praise.
PSALM 72:1–7, 10–14
All kings shall bow down before him. (Ps. 72:11)
THE SECOND LESSON: EPHESIANS 3:1–12
Sunday,
January 11
Pastor Bob Higle
Following Worship
409 Farmstead Lane
Lansing, MI 48917
Office 484-9495
(Emergency) Cell 512-8018
pastor@plymouthlansing.org
PLEASE BRING A
DISH TO PASS
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What had been hidden from previous generations is now made
known through the gospel ministry of Paul and others. In Christ
both Jews and Gentiles participate in the richness of God's promised salvation.
THE GOOD NEWS: MATTHEW 2:1–12
God's promise shines bright in the night as magi follow a star to
honor a new king. Strangers from a faraway land, they welcome
the long-awaited messiah of Israel.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2015
BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
Lay Assistant................................................................................. Debby Hoyt
Our re-creation in baptism is an image of the Genesis creation,
where the Spirit/wind moved over the waters. Both Mark's gospel
and the story in Acts make clear that it is the Spirit's movement
that distinguishes Jesus’ baptism from John's. The Spirit has
come upon us as upon Jesus and the Ephesians, calling us God’s
beloved children and setting us on Jesus’ mission to re-create the
world in the image of God’s vision of justice and peace.
THE FIRST LESSON: GENESIS 1:1–5
Out of chaos, God brings order. Out of the primeval darkness,
God brings light. This familiar story was good news for the Israelites, who experienced much chaos in their history. It remains
good news for any person living in the chaos and darkness of despair. God created and continues to create new life.
PSALM 29: The voice of the LORD is upon the waters. (Ps. 29:3)
THE SECOND LESSON: ACTS 19:1–7
In Ephesus, Paul encounters people who had received John's baptism of repentance but had never heard of the Holy Spirit or of
baptism in the name of Jesus. After Paul baptized them, the
Holy Spirit came upon them and empowered them with gifts of
the Spirit.
Norman Lee Robison
(Continued from Page 22)
After retirement Norm volunteered at Mt. Hope School and at
Hospice House of Mid-Michigan where he made delicious meals and
desserts. In 2010, he and his wife both won gold medals (in the bench
press) in the Michigan Senior Olympics.
Norm and Mary loved to travel, went to weddings in Italy and
Japan, took cooking classes in Tuscany and Sicily, and visited many
European countries, Japan, and Korea. They also hosted many German students through the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp international
program and Japanese and Korean students studying English at MSU
through the home-stay program.
Norm loved his old farmhouse, built in 1847. He painted it 6
times (during summer breaks from teaching). He loved his gardens,
cooking, and the DeWitt Library (where he taught cooking classes 6
years).
Norm loved life, his dear wife, his children and grandchildren, and
his many friends. He leaves behind an Earth he hopes is a little better
for his having been here for the last 80 plus years. He was a blood
donor and he had hoped to donate his body to Gift of Life, but due
to his last infection he could not. In Norm's honor memorial contributions may be made to Gift of Life, Transplantation Society of
Michigan, 2203 Platt Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 or to the DeWitt
Public Library, 13101 Schavey Rd., DeWitt, MI 48820.
Norm will be cremated and some of his ashes strewn "on the
banks of the Red Cedar" to help MSU continue to "grow green"!
A memorial service will be held at Plymouth Congregational
Church, 2001 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing at 11:00 am Saturday,
December 27, 2014, with a luncheon following. Please feel free to
wear green and white!
THE GOOD NEWS: MARK 1:4–11
Mark's gospel reports the story of Jesus' baptism with some
irony: the one on whom the Spirit descends is himself the one
who will baptize others with the Holy Spirit.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015
NORMAN LEE ROBISON was
born at home in Lansing, September 15,
1934 (his mother's 34th birthday), to the
late Herbert and Mildred Lamb Robison.
He died in Lansing at Sparrow Hospital
December 19, 2014 at the age of 80. He
attended Millett School, West Junior, and
Sexton High School, class of 1952. The
next 4 years he attended MSC. This was a
very exciting time during which MSC became MSU, joined the Big Ten, and went
to 2 Rose Bowls, winning both. Norm
went to the first in 1953, winning 28-20
against UCLA on a blocked punt by Ellis Duckett.
After graduating from MSU in 1956, he worked for Dun and
Bradstreet and Washburne Travel Agency, before returning to MSU
to become a teacher in 1964. He taught 33 years (mostly 5th grade) at
Oak Park, Foster, and Mt. Hope Elementary schools. In 1969 he
earned his M.A. in Education, also from MSU.
On July 14, 1962 he married the love of his life, Mary Rachel
Bishop, and they enjoyed 52 ½ wonderful years together. They raised
4 children, Rand William, Jonathan James, Ethan Edwin, and Rachel
Lee. They were also blessed with 7 grandchildren, Nicolas, Nolan,
Jack, Macy, Lane, Logan, and Blake. Norm was a longtime member of
both Plymouth and Mayflower Congregational Churches. When he
asked about singing in the choir, Mr. Klausli suggested he become an
usher!
Norm was very active in his community, serving as longtime
chairman of DeWitt Parks and Recreation, and also serving on the
DeWitt Tree Commission.
Soccer became a passion for Norm after being introduced to
DeWitt in 1980. Knowing nothing about soccer, he was one of the
first coaches, coaching some of his kids' teams. He later took a team
of Lansing area players to a tournament in Vildbjerg, Denmark. He
also played on a men's team and coached a women's team. Norm and
Mary were 2 of the many parents who fought at a School Board meeting for the inclusion of soccer in the DeWitt athletic program and
won! For his many community activities he was recognized as the
DeWitt Citizen of the Year in 1994.
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SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
Lay Assistant ........................................................................... Debby Hoyt
All the baptized have a calling in God's world. God calls not just
the clergy but also the youngest child, like Samuel. The story of
the calling of Nathanael plays with the idea of place. Nathanael
initially dismisses Jesus because he comes from Nazareth. But
where we come from isn't important; it's where—or rather
whom—we come to. Jesus refers to the story of the vision of
Jacob, who called the place of his vision "the house of God,
and ... the gate of heaven" (Gen. 28:17). Jesus says he himself is
the place where Nathanael will meet God.
FIRST LESSON: 1 SAMUEL 3:1–10
At a time when visions are rare and unexpected, the Lord comes
to Samuel and calls him to speak the divine word. Though just a
boy, Samuel responds to God obediently, as Eli the priest has
taught him to respond. This marks the beginning of Samuel's
prophetic ministry.
PSALM 139:1–6, 13–18: You have searched me out and known me.
(Ps. 139:1)
SECOND LESSON: 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12–20
Paul is helping the Corinthians understand that God has claimed
the entirety of their lives through the death of Christ. Hence
Christian relationships and conduct, including areas of human
sexuality, are to reflect the reality that we belong to Christ and
that the Holy Spirit lives within us.
The Good News: John 1:43–51
In John's gospel, Jesus' ministry begins with the call of disciples,
who then bring others to Jesus. Philip's friend Nathanael moves
from skepticism to faith when he accepts the invitation to
"Come and see."
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
Worship Leader ...................................................................... Debby Hoyt
Stories of the call to discipleship continue as the Time after Epiphany plays out the implications of our baptismal calling to show
Christ to the world. Jesus begins proclaiming the good news and
calling people to repentance right after John the Baptist is arrested
for preaching in a similar way. Knowing that John was later executed, we see at the very outset the cost of discipleship. Still, the two
sets of fisherman brothers leave everything they have known and
worked for all their lives to follow Jesus and fish for people.
FIRST LESSON: JONAH 3:1–5, 10
The book of Jonah is a comedy starring a reluctant prophet who
is given a one-sentence message: Nineveh will be destroyed in
forty days. Much to Jonah's dismay, the people of Nineveh repent. The point of the story is to get the reader to wrestle with
the question "On whom should God have mercy?"
PSALM 62:5–12: God alone is my rock and my salvation. (Ps.
62:6)
SECOND LESSON: 1 CORINTHIANS 7:29–31
Paul does not disapprove of marriage or other human social institutions. He does, however, want Christians to live in the present in fervent anticipation of God's future, which even now has
dawned through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
THE GOOD NEWS: MARK 1:14–20
Before Jesus calls his first disciples, he proclaims a message that
becomes known as "the gospel" or good news from God. God is
ready to rule our lives. Those who realize this will respond with
repentance and faith.
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Eleanor A. Berden of
Lansing, MI and age 91, passed away
December 11, 2014. She was born
November 20, 1923, in Greenburg,
Delaware, daughter of the late
George and Clara Berden. Dr. Berden received her M.D. in 1953 from
Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania (now known as Medical College of Pennsylvania). She was a pathologist for Ingham Medical Hospital and Eaton Rapids Hospital as well as the chief medical consultant
for the state of Michigan’s Family Independence Agency and Social
Security Disability. She was also a cellist for the Lansing Symphony
Orchestra and was a lay minister for Plymouth Congregational
Church in Lansing. Eleanor was a compassionate person who cared
deeply for people and animals - she was willing to help all those in
need.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Kimberly MunyonTompkins (Calvin); grandchildren, Natalie Whitten (Doug), Nicole
Munyon, Josh Munyon (Chelsey), Stacie, Mark and Matthew Tompkins, and Cameron Colson; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Sawyer,
Logan and Zane; and many special friends. She was preceded in death
by her son, Michael Munyon.
The funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December
16, 2014, at the Plymouth Congregational Church, 2001 E. Grand
River Ave., Lansing. Interment followed in Deepdale Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Lansing
Food Bank or the Capital Area Humane Society. Arrangements by the
Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
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Kathryn (Katie) Hoffmaster passed peacefully November
PLEASE JOIN US FOR
NEW YEAR’S EVE WORSHIP
28, 2014, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing. Katie was born December 21,
1922, in Grand Rapids to Michael and
Edith (Brown) Klein. Following her
mother's death, Michael married Florence Taft and Katie was raised as their
daughter.
Kathryn graduated from South
High School in Grand Rapids in 1939
and from Grand Rapids Junior College
in 1941. She sang in the choirs at the
East Congregational Church and the
Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids for 25 years. On October 3, 1959,
she married Roger Hoffmaster and they enjoyed many years together
golfing and traveling. She retired in 1977 from Michigan Bell as a
Commercial Service Representative with 35 years of service. Katie was
a member of Plymouth Congregational Church, Great Lakes Lighthouse Association, and Telephone Pioneers of America.
Over the years she traveled to England, Wales, Germany, Italy,
France, Ireland, Scotland (golfing at St. Andrews), climbed the Great
Wall of China, rode a burro into the Grand Canyon, traveled the Panama Canal, and walked the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day 48 times.
Katie and her sister, Eleanor, enjoyed visiting historical Michigan
lighthouses together, and she had many good times with her golfing
and bowling friends. A life well lived!
She is survived by her sister, Eleanor K. Hastie, a nephew and
several nieces, caring cousins, and many friends. Predeceasing her
were her parents and husband Roger.
Per Katie's request, cremation has taken place and no services are
scheduled at this time. Memorial contributions may be sent to Plymouth Congregational Church, 2001 E. Grand River, Lansing, MI
48912. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing
Chapel.
In keeping with cost cutting measures enacted by our Board of
Trustees we will ONLY be plowing the Wood Street parking lot
throughout the winter months. So we will not be plowing the Fairview Street parking lot.
As you come to church, please make sure you enter our parking
lot by the Wood Street entrance.
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Counting our Blessings from 2014
as we embrace 2015
December 31, 2014 – 7:00 P.M.
Concluding with Auld Lang Syne and
Hot Mulled Cider in Fellowship
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16
6:30 PM
Join us for Pizza,
Popcorn and a Movie
WOOD STREET PARKING LOT
PASTOR’S MESSAGE
We just concluded our annual fall meeting a few weeks ago and last week we received
our youth in our annual Christmas pageant. If
you attended both, I hope you will agree both
times were strategic, and uplifting in their own
right provided we understand and receive the
message presented. As we embark on the rapThe Rev. Robert A. Higle idly approaching New Year together, I am starting my message exploring two familiar phrases.
“The Lord helps those who help themselves.”
and
“The Lord will provide.”
If you spend time with these phrases, you might feel one appears
to contradict the other and perhaps vice versa. When faced with serious decisions, most people prefer to have decisions made by ‘others.’
This allows ‘us’ to complain and criticize when such decisions appear
hard or difficult or do not merit ‘good fruit’ or easy ‘work’.
These two verses may sound like they come from Holy Scripture.
So, before you go scrambling for your own Bible, please be sure to
know that only one of these phrases is found indirectly within Holy
Scripture. None-the-less, people use phrases such as these to justify
decisions, and / or directions while at the same time elevating an idea
of ‘interesting’ piety.
There is a common misunderstanding about the first phrase.
While this phrase sounds like it definitely comes from Scripture, it
actually isn't recorded anywhere in the Bible. The phrase "God helps
those who help themselves" is credited to the Greek storyteller Aesop
(and Benjamin Franklin). It's been suggested the phrase is a favorite
among pickpockets and shoplifters in England at the time Charles
Dickens was writing. In a twitter post on April 16, 2013, Rick Warren
says “God doesn't help those who help themselves. God helps those
who turn to God.”
The second phrase is actually underneath the text found in Genesis 22:14. Abraham names the place where a ram was ‘made available’
for the sacrifice offered to Yahweh in the place of Isaac, Abraham’s
FROM THE BOARD OF
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Our Christmas Program was a great success to
say the very least!! Thanks begins with Kathy Farnum, Chair of our Board, who found the play that
would best fit our small group. Of course, we cannot
say enough about our Youth Choir Director, Alina Betty Briggs
Tamborini and Pianist, Stephanie Gewirtz who worked with the youth
tirelessly each Thursday and two Saturdays while the children learned
the carols. The children were diligent, and worked hard. It shows in
their faces what
choir brings to
each of them and
the friendships
they have developed during this
time. As one
member stated
after hearing the program, “they now have those carols imbedded in
their memory for all time”!!
The Board is looking forward to helping host the Michigan Pilgrim Fellowship Retreat which will be held at Plymouth Church January 23-25, 2015. This will be an exciting event since Plymouth hasn’t done
this for some time. We are expecting
between 50-60 participants, and look
forward to meeting those who have
put so much energy into providing positive paths for the youth that
attend. Our Gretta Delaney is on the Michigan Board, and she is
bringing good things back to Plymouth from other retreats attended.
Women’s Fellowship will be providing food for this event, and they
can as always use volunteers to help in the kitchen.
We are looking forward to a healthy and productive 2015!!
The Board of Religious Education
(Continued on Page 9)
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CHRISTMAS YOUTH PAGEANT
“SING A SONG OF CHRISTMAS”
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2014
PASTOR’S MESSAGE (Continued from Page 8)
‘only begotten son’ and that name is “Yahweh-Yireh.” The Hebrew
translation of that name is “The Lord will provide.” The Lord demanded of Abraham his son Isaac be offered as a sacrifice to ‘test’
Abraham’s faith and resolve in trusting in the Lord God. Abraham
passes the test as he remains obedient to the end and Isaac is spared.
Abraham was challenged by God on love and devotion as if to say
“what do you love more, this, that, them or me?”
As followers of ‘The Way” we need to be on constant alert as to
our journey, the path set before us, and those who desire to travel this
journey with us – the good Lord willing, leading, and able.
Our help is in the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 124:8)
Choose this day whom you will serve. As for me and my household, we will
serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)
Our solutions going forward has always been, is today, and will
always be centered on our realizing we ARE God’s called out ones,
called to embrace and care for the least of these, called to help bring
about the Kingdom of God.
I desire us to exercise and fully utilize all gifts God has endowed
to each and every one of us. This IS where the viability of our future
exists. Our focus and future must be centered on and in God. We
must resist the temptation of finding solutions outside ourselves with
partners who are not interested in the Lord’s work or who offer ‘short
-cuts.’ We must also be careful not to surrender God’s work by
“giving up” because in the end God’s work (and will) will be done. In
short, if we choose not to do the Lord’s work ‘someone’ else WILL
do it.
A friend of mine shared with me recently “God’s work done
God’s way gets God’s result.” I am reminded that doing the work
of our Lord involves making and exercising serious and intentional
decisions and choices as individuals and as the Body gathered in
Christ.
I have chosen. My family has chosen. Have you and yours?
In Christ!
Pastor Bob
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NOTE FROM THE MODERATOR
SOME DEACONS’ MUSING
On Sunday, December 7th, Plymouth Congregational Church held its fall meeting. The focus
of the meeting was to discuss finances and approve the 2015 operating budget prepared by the
Board of Trustees. We spent the majority of our
time discussing the final report of the special Adhoc Committee entitled, “’MOVING’ forward –
Marcia Cornell
3 Proposals/Options.”
As discussed during this meeting, the people are the church, not
the building. We need to all work together to stay together; no matter
what that looks like. It can’t just be the usual few volunteering to
“make it happen.” Everyone needs to step up their game and pitch in.
It’s up to all of us.
In summary, the three options reported by the Ad-hoc Committee
were:
Option One: The “Do Nothing Approach” Our 2015 pledge
drive resulted in a little over $90,000 of financial support for the
church. This barely makes a dent in the $400,000.00+ operating
budget. It was pointed out that a number of pledgers give as little as
$1/week. Everyone needs to search their hearts and decide what they
can do to help support Plymouth, and do it.
Option Two: Stay Here. This would require us to increase our
membership and pledging. More would need to volunteer their time
and talents to keep the church operating. Control spending.
Option Three: Sell and Move. We may have “undergrown” our
building (more space than we need). The questions here are who
would buy it, how would we go about marketing it, would we need to
have it rezoned to make it more attractive to an investor? So many
questions I’ve asked Roger Stewart to begin exploring some of these
questions because of his extensive background in commercial real estate. If you’re knowledgeable in this area, let me know.
Throughout Biblical times women have held
pivotal positions in the history of Faith. Who can forget the names of Eve, Miriam, Esther, Sarah, Rebecca,
Delilah and Naomi to name a few. In the N.T. we
Charles Gabler
have Mary, Mary Magdalene, Martha and so many
others.
Here at Plymouth we have a plethora of women who lead, work
and share their many talents with us. In fact I would dare to say this
church would not function without them.
Think of the office without Joan Chandler. We often joke about
her being the real power behind the throne. I think of her as sitting in
that seat itself! Then there are Betty Briggs and Debby Hoyt working,
pushing and urging things get done ….then they do it!
The kitchen!!...Evelyn Van Kirk is the master of the culinary arts
there. With her trusty side-kicks Debby and Betty she has been able to
whip up luncheons for 10 to dinner for over a 100.
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Louise Koster with the Trustees...
Marcia Cornell with the Council....
Helen Elliot in the Library....
Marian Korrock with the 150th celebration....
Sue Baldwin in the kitchen....
Betty Dunn in the kitchen....
Ginny Hoyt in the kitchen....
Katie Jackson in the kitchen....
Barbara and Debbie Stuart in the kitchen....
Wendy Sunstrum in the kitchen......
This list is not complete. There are equal numbers of men that will
be listed soon. There are also many names I've missed and I apologize
for that.
The time of Noel and Yule are upon us. We are so thankful for
this time together. Thank these people for helping us 'stay the church'
and bringing added JOY, PEACE and LOVE to this Season of
Hope!!
Charles Gabler, Chairman
THE MUSIC BOX
We have completed one semester with the
relationship between our church and the MSU scholarship students. Other than the unavoidable occasional conflicts with MSU performances and mandaJohn Dale Smith
tory rehearsals, this new concept has been successful. It has been exciting to have their talents, their vitality, and their
youthful attitude in and around our members. This was what we had
hoped would happen and it did. Thank you Scholarship Students for
all that you do for our congregation!
Four of the students are returning next semester. Schyler Sheltrown, a first year graduate student in voice, has decided that her
schedule is too complex to be able to continue with us. She has been
a great asset to the choir and we will miss her. I will be auditioning
other students in January to take over her position. Her last service
with us will be on Christmas Eve. I predict that she will be very successful in her career.
Alina Tamborini continues to impress all of us. Her enthusiasm
and patience, mixed with her talents and personality, enable her to be
an outstanding Youth Choir Director. I was very proud of the youth
choir last Sunday and we can attribute much of their success to
Alina’s rehearsal technique and nurturing ways.
Our anthem schedule for the month of January is as follows:
January 4th
“Go Tell It on the Mountain”
January 11th
“Shall We Gather at the River”
January 18th
“Guide My Feet, O Lord”
“Precious Lord, Take My Hand”
January 25th
“It Is Well with My Soul”
On behalf of the music program staff, have a great Christmas and
New Year!
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NOTE FROM THE MODERATOR
(Continued from page 16)
Please plan on attending the next Town Hall meeting scheduled for Sunday, December 28th, following worship where we will
continue to explore these options to build up the viability of Plymouth that will include your participation, support, and continued
prayers. Regardless of which option we choose, we will have a long
and difficult road to travel, but we need to be the ones setting our
own course and traveling that road together.
Remember, there are no bad ideas. Think outside the box and
share your thoughts. I’ve spoken with a few members already who
have had great ideas that we’re pursuing. At the end of February, we
will be holding another meeting of the congregation to continue our
discussion and hear reports from those who have volunteered or been
assigned research tasks.
To quote Henry Ford - “Coming together is a beginning; keeping
together is progress; working together is success.” I know we can be
successful – I believe in us!
Marcia Cornell, Moderator
MOVING FORWARD INTO THE NEW YEAR
At its meeting on December 21, the Board of
Deacons discussed two items concerning Communion. One concerned the whole "Living Within Our
Means" and the other the increasing need for gluten
free bread for the many people needing this. With the
use of Communion wafers there is a cost savings per
month and a time savings besides. These wafers are
also made gluten free.
Beginning with the January 4, 2015, first Sunday of the month Communion, it has been decided to move to the
use of wafers. Both kinds will be available at all Communion services
starting that Sunday. This was a unanimous Board decision.
Charles Gabler, Chairman, Board of Deacons
11
THE MEANING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
A question was recently posed about Advent and I thought it
good to share before all our Christmas decorations were put away. It
is uncertain the actual origins of the Advent wreath. There is evidence
pre-Christian Germanic peoples
used wreathes with lit candles during the cold and dark December
days as a sign of hope in the future warmth and extendedsunlight days of spring. In Scandinavia during winter, lighted candles were placed around a wheel,
and prayers were offered to the
‘god of light’ to turn “the wheel of the earth” back toward the sun to
lengthen the days and restore warmth.
By the Middle-Ages, Christians adapted this tradition and used
Advent wreathes as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas.
After all, Christ is “the Light that came into the world” to dispel the
darkness of sin and to radiate the truth and love of God (cf. John 3:19
-21). By 1600, most of the Christian communities had more formal
practices surrounding the Advent wreath.
For many Christians, Advent Wreaths are a favorite way to celebrate the month of December leading up to Christmas. Even though
Advent Wreaths are popular among Christians, many are not aware of
the rich meaning and symbolism embedded in the elements and tradition.
The circular shape of the wreath, without beginning or end, symbolizes God the Father and eternal life. The Advent Wreath traditionally holds four candles which are lit, one at a time, on each of the four
Sundays of the Advent season. Each candle represents 1,000
ONE SENTENCE PASTORS AND CHURCH STAFF
PREFER NOT TO HEAR
By Pastor Bob
(continued from page 16)
The motive of the ‘complainer’ becomes of concern. The moment the ministry leader hears those words, “People are saying .
. . “, he or she doubts the credibility and the heart of the complainer. The approach is cowardly; it thus is always seen
through the lens of doubt and frustration.
This approach is a double frustration for the ministry
leader. First, he or she has heard yet another criticism. Most
ministry leaders have to deal with criticisms too often. Second,
the ambiguity of the complaint and the source of the complaint
can leave a leader wondering if the problem is really bigger than
reality. He or she can waste a lot of emotional energy on something that really may not be such a big deal.
Indirect criticisms can be the most painful criticisms. Most
ministry leaders deal better with someone who is direct and
precise in his or her concerns. But indirect criticisms such as
“People are saying . . . “ or “I love you pastor, but . . . “ hurt
more because cowardly actions and duplicitous behavior are
added to the criticism itself.
You have heard me say in the past and I will continue to say politely “I am sorry, but I cannot listen to you further because you will
not give me the specific sources of the concerns. If you are willing to
name those people specifically or, even better, get them to speak to
me directly, I will be happy to hear the concerns.”
I have to move on to those who have positive and encouraging
solutions. Life is too short to deal with cowardly complainers.
(Continued on Page 13)
12
17
ONE SENTENCE PASTORS AND CHURCH STAFF
PREFER NOT TO HEAR
THE MEANING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
(Continued from Page 12)
By Pastor Bob
The moment we hear these words, we feel the “cringe factor”
throughout our body. Even as the first few words are spoken, the recipient feels his or her emotions plummeting. It is the one sentence
that is uniformly dreaded by pastors and church staff. It typically begins with these words:
“Have you heard just what people are saying?”
The full sentence could be said; “People are saying you don’t visit
enough.” Another example is: “People are saying our youth ministry
is not doing well.” Or another example is: “People are saying you are
not accessible.”
The sentence might specify a group while maintaining anonymity
for the individuals: “Some elders are not happy with you” or “A lot of
the staff are unhappy.”
You get the point. It could be phrased a number of ways, but the
meaning is still similar. “People” is never defined. The true complainer is never identified. It is one of the most frustrating and demoralizing sentences pastors and staff will hear. Here are some reasons
for the frustration:
The complainer lacks the courage to speak for himself or herself. So he or she hides behind the deceitful veil of “people are
saying.” Leaders in churches know that when complainers lack
courage to speak for themselves, or when they have to hide behind anonymous complainers, they are trouble in the making.
The leader is unable to take action. These complainers never
identify the source or sources. So the pastor or staff person
cannot follow up and speak directly to the dissidents. He or she
is left with a complaint that cannot be resolved due to anonymity.
(continued on page 17)
16
years. Added together, the four candles symbolize the 4,000 years
that humanity waited for the world’s Savior—from Adam and Eve to
Jesus, whose birth was foretold in the Old Testament.
A fifth white “Christ” candle centered in the wreath, symbolizing
purity, is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas day reminding us that
“new light” came into the world and split the darkness, redeemed all
humankind from despair, and gave grace, compassion, and mercy.
Advent is a time to remind us that just as Christ’s birth was fulfilled, Christ’s second coming will too be fulfilled but at what time no
one knows for sure, not even the saints or angels. Only the Father
knows. So be prepared and be ready.
Violet is a liturgical color that is used to signify a time of prayer,
penance, and sacrifice. Advent, also called “little Lent” is the season
where we wait in the “darkness” of sin with hopeful expectation for
our promised redemption, just as the whole world did before Christ’s
birth, and just as the whole world does as we wait for His return.
During the first two weeks of Advent we light the first two purple
candles. The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday taken from the early Latin translation that reads / sings “Rejoice,
the Lord is near!”
On this day we celebrate that our waiting for the birth of Jesus on
Christmas day is almost over. Rose is a liturgical color that is used to
signify joy, so we light the single pink candle on the third Sunday of
Advent.
Then on the fourth Sunday of Advent, the final purple candle is lit
to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait expectantly
for the birth of the King of Kings.
Pastor Bob
13
JANUARY 2015
SUNDAY
4
9:00
10:30
10:45
11:30
12:00
5
Bible Study
Worship Service
Sunday School
Social Hour
Board of Benevolences
11
9:00
10:30
10:45
11:30
12:00
MONDAY
6
18
9:00
10:30
10:45
11:30
12:00
12:30
25
9:00
10:30
10:45
11:30
11:30
12:30
19
Bible Study
Worship Service
Sunday School
Social Hour
Board of Deacons
PF and Pastor
PF Winter Retreat
Bible Study
Worship Service
Sunday School
Social Hour
Town Hall
Board of Religious Ed.
5:30 Board of Music
7:15 Bible Study (Lectio Divina)
13
7:00 Lansing Storytellers
7:00 LCC Scenes Class
14
9:30 Capital Area Music
Teachers
11:30 Women’s Fellowship
Board
4:30 Bylaws Committee
5:30 Bd. of Lay Ministry
20
12:30 Low Vision Support
5:00 We Came to Believe
(NA)
26
27
10:00 Staff Meeting
9:30
14
1
2
Church Office Closed
Church Office Closed
8
9
SATURDAY
3
10
Church Office Closed
15
16
17
Church Office Closed
6:30 Movie Night
6:00 Hearing Loss Association
7:15 Bible Study (Lectio Divina)
8:00
10:00
12:00
12:30
Men’s Morning Manna
Alzheimer Male Caregivers
Bible Study (Lectio Divina)
No Day But Today
28
Matinee Musicale
Chorus
6:30 Plymouth Bells
6:30 Youth Choir
7:30 Plymouth Choir
Clothing Closet
Bible Study (Lectio Divina)
No Day But Today
Alzheimer Support Group
5:30 Board of Trustees
7:15 Bible Study (Lectio Divina)
7:00 LCC Scenes Class
7:00 LCC Scenes Class
10:00
12:00
12:30
1:00
21
10:00 Staff Meeting
5:00 We Came to Believe
(NA)
FRIDAY
12:00 Bible Study (Lectio Divina)
12:30 No Day But Today
5:00 We Came to Believe
(NA)
5:00 We Came to Believe
(NA)
THURSDAY
8:00 Men’s Morning Manna
10:00 Staff Meeting
10:00 Staff Meeting
10:00 Church Women
United Board
WEDNESDAY
7
9:00 Matinee Musicale
Board
12
Bible Study
Worship Service
Sunday School
Social Hour
PF and Pastor
TUESDAY
6:30 Plymouth Bells
6:30 Youth Choir
7:30 Plymouth Choir
22
23
Articles are due for Feb.
Our Church Life
12:00 DAR Luncheon
Church Office Closed
PF Winter Retreat
PF Winter Retreat
30
31
6:30 Plymouth Bells
6:30 Youth Choir
7:30 Plymouth Choir
29
10:00 Clothing Closet
12:00 Bible Study (Lectio Divina)
12:30 No Day But Today
7:15 Bible Study (Lectio Divina)
24
Church Office Closed
6:30 Plymouth Bells
6:30 Youth Choir
7:30 Plymouth Choir
15