June 2016

Church Life
2016
ISSUE 6
Church Life
THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY?
is published monthly
I want you to know it’s difficult to write a final newsletter article to a
congregation that’s filled my life and Laura’s. Eight years of memories come flooding. Lists of experiences and learnings amass. How
can I express…everything?
Royal Oak First
United Methodist Church
320 West Seventh Street
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
Phone (248)541-4100
Fax (248)541-0192
E-mail: office@ROFUM.org
www.ROFUM.org
One of our very active members has encouraged me to not be so
wordy. “Just give us the executive summary,” he often says. Sage
advice. So here’s my attempt. For the love of Jesus, we have engaged life together: growing, challenging, changing each other, serving others for the
transformation of Royal Oak and the world:
FIRST
THOUGHTS
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Editor:
Sam Garrett
sgarrett@rofum.org
Webmaster:
Bob Demyanovich
Proofers:
Virginia Borts,
Kay LaCombe
Contributors:
The Congregation
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June 12
for
July Issue
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The 7th Street door opened with a smiling welcome to Laura and me as we were
introduced to the Staff Parish Relations Committee, February, 2008. Laura had just
received her first chemotherapy. A hard time to move.
We arrived and immediately nurtured by the healing love of ROFUM. You built a
new kitchen and lots of other improvements in the parsonage. You met us at coffees in several homes. You delivered hot meals, sustaining us.
Choir Camp drew us into our children’s lives (and just about everybody else’s).
Tuesday morning Bible/Book Study coaxed me to lead: it was exciting, sophisticated, and deeply spiritual.
MetroBridges – connected us to communities and congregations across racial and
cultural lines: especially our partners – Second Grace UMC.
Career Ministries – our turn-around ministry for those whose jobs ended in The
Great Recession.
First Adventures gave recreational ministries for adults: bicycling, climbing and
camping, cross country skiing...
You got me to rappel 4 stories down the brick wall of the church!
Worship was ever filled with the richness of your music and the depth of God’s
Word.
Dinner Concerts brought good food and laughter and opportunities to clown
around.
Fish Dinners – the best in town.
UMW – one of the strongest local church units around.
Continued on page 2...
Baptism Dates........................................ 10
Birthdays .................................................. 8
Calendar ................................................ 10
Homebound Members ............................. 7
Sponsors ................................................. 9
Worship Schedule ................................... 4
PAGE 2
FIRST THOUGHTS
CHURCH LIFE
(continued from page 1)
Bethlehem Marketplace – long beards and state-of-the
-art props involving lots of ROFUM members in improv
acting to reach hundreds with an experience of Christmas. Live animals…Gunther the camel!!
 Arts Beats & Eats ministry: turning a possible disruption into a sterling opportunity for ministry.
 Experiments in worship resulting in three distinct
styles.
 Welcoming visitors with mugs.
 What-a-Fellowship Saturday breakfasts and programs:
a men’s gathering, but we couldn’t keep the women
out.
 Strategic planning, a vision to be diverse, integrated,
inclusive, relevant, alive, engaged in a changing community.
 Compelling mission involvement.
 A Master Plan and the long road to the ROFUM Rebirth building renovation.
 Staff and leaders and members who have enriched
our lives and grown our faith.
Oh yes. The Executive Summary. The list could go on and

JUNE 2016
on: there’s seems no end to our experiences. Relationship
with you means so much to Laura and me. You have been
a place of healing and a people of love.
Our time together has been God’s time, meaning something very special. In God’s plan we all move on. I will become your missionary to the Crossroads District, bearing
what you’ve taught and how you’ve influenced me, endeavoring to bless churches and pastors to our north. Your
life together will continue as you complete a major building
renovation and continue to create ways to reach people
with the grace of Jesus Christ. The future for ROFUM
looks strong. You will enjoy Jeff Nelson’s engaging leadership, Bridgett’s creativity, and the lively and loveable presence of Casey and Sam.
And God’s love will hold us together. You will be in our
hearts. Thank you.
Carpe Diem! (Seize the day)
Rev. John H. Hice, Senior Pastor
CURSIVE, SHORTHAND,
AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT
Several months ago, I realized that I had forgotten
cursive. I learned in elementary school, but I never
used more than the letters
required for my signature so I forgot the rest. I don’t know
what happened to make me think about it, but it stuck with
me for a while. It wasn’t particularly difficult to re-learn it; I
simply started writing my daily To-Do List in cursive.
Last week, I decided I would repeat the process with an
alphabet I had never learned previously: Teeline Shorthand.
I know this seems silly, but the point is that small changes
and small accomplishments are still valid. They are still accomplishments. Congratulate yourself for the little things,
take pride in them, and you may wind up with more motivation to do/change/learn the big things.
~Sam Garrett
P.S. It says “Father’s Day is June 19. Don’t forget!” At least,
that is what I was going for...
PAGE 3
CHURCH LIFE
JUNE 2016
EXCITING EVENTS FOR YOUTH, FAMILIES, AND EVERYONE!
PARENTS’ NIGHT
OUT
The next Parents’ Night
Out is scheduled for Friday, June 3. Drop off your
children anytime after 6:00 pm. Then head out to dinner as
a couple or with other parents from ROFUM. We provide
dinner, watch a movie, and make a craft with your child in
a safe and loving environment at no cost. Pickup is 9:00
pm. Contact Heather Nowak at hnowak@rofum.org for
more information.
CHOIR CAMP IS COMING!
Choir Camp registrations will soon (late May) be in the
mail. If your child will be in grades 3-12 next fall, then he/
she is eligible for ROFUM’s very special Choir Camp,
scheduled for July 24 – July 30. If you have not received
one by May 31, pick one up in the church office. Friends
and relatives are encouraged to come and pay the same
rate ($330) as church members, so feel free to pick up an
extra registration from the church office (available June 1)
for someone you know. Come join us for swimming, boating, crafting, disc golfing, worshipping, laughing and of
course singing!
Our week begins at worship on Sunday, July 24 with a
very special commissioning of our staff and campers.
“Camp Sunday” happens on
July 31 and is the grand finale, where we share the experiences of the camp week with
our congregation. If you have
questions, please contact
Jennifer Tripoli (Camp
Dean) (248) 703-8805.
JOIN US FOR UMW BOOK CLUB
UMW Book Club will meet
Wednesday, June 15, at
9:30 am in the Fellowship
Hall
SPECIAL POTLUCK PICNIC!
Hold the Date! Please plan to join us for a potluck picnic at
VFW park in Royal Oak following services on Sunday,
June 19, celebrating the bountiful ministry of John and
Laura Hice at ROFUM.
Yes, it's Father's Day — so grab your dad and come along
for a fun-filled afternoon as we send John and Laura to
their new adventure with
much joy and love!
Be sure to watch
Happenings for more
details.
YOUTH CHOIR NEWS
So much is happening around
ROFUM that it is hard to keep
track of it all! Construction continues and is so exciting, but also will change the way we do
some things in our building. One very exciting thing for all
of us is performing in the new sanctuary. What an amazing
venue for music!! We will continue to find creative ways to
use our new and flexible space. Music Ministry Sunday on
May 15th was an amazing opportunity to put all of our performers together for the sole purpose of thanking God for
our blessings. And we have so many!!
A new opportunity for our youth to contribute to our musical heritage will begin at Choir Camp and continue
throughout this year. We are looking to create a youth
band(s) that will join in worship on a regular basis. We are
hoping to have a few rehearsals prior to camp to get this
program rolling. Middle School and High School students
who play an instrument - of any kind - are invited to get
involved. Singers will also be needed. Stay tuned for specific information on locations and times of rehearsals via email. And be sure to contact Jennifer Semivan if you know
of someone that needs to be included in this new ministry.
And don’t forget that camp is coming up fast!! Choir Camp
packets should be arriving in the mail soon if they haven’t
reached you already. Please consider inviting friends and
neighbors to be part of this incredible week. Extra registration material is always available. Be sure the dates are
on your calendar - July 24- 30, with Camp Sunday on July
31st!!
PAGE 4
CHURCH LIFE
THANK YOU...
I would like to take this opportunity to thank
you, my church family, for all of your support
these past three years. I am very blessed to
be able to say that after treatments, hospital
stays and surgery my lymphoma is in remission. I know I could not have gotten here without you. Whether it was words of encouragement, questions of concern or most importantly your prayers, I felt
your love and care surrounding me. I would like to give a
special thank you to Rev. Goudy and Rev. Hice for your
hospital visits. I especially appreciated Rev. Hice coming
to the hospital early in the morning on the day of my surgery. It gave me a great sense of peace.
God truly is good all the time!
Thank you!!
Cynthia Cline
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
SATURDAY
4:00 pm - Casual Worship
SUNDAY
9:00 am - Arise! Worship & Nursery Care
9:15 am - Bereans Adult Sunday School
11:00 am - Traditional Worship
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Nursery and Preschool - Level 4 Room #405
Grades 1-5 - Level 4 Room #403
Grades 6-12 - Level 4 Room #402
OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY-THURSDAY
9:00 am-3:00 pm
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
JUNE 2016
A MESSAGE FROM THE LEENHOUTS
FAMILY
We want to thank our “family” at ROFUM for
everything you did to help make Keith’s memorial service exactly what he wanted. Your
love over these many years has meant so
much to all of us. The special efforts that went
into the preparations for this memorial service were appreciated more than words could ever express. We are truly
blessed and so incredibly thankful to you all.
Love and God Bless,
The Keith Leenhouts Family
ROFUM SHAWL MINISTRY
We are continuing our tenth year together as we knit, crochet, and serve the community. We
meet on the second and fourth
Thursday of the month in the Fellowship Hall from 1-3 pm. Please join us!
You are invited to attend on
Thursday, June 30, 2016
11:00 am outside on the lawn
(if the weather permits)
AS WE GATHER
Hope/Faith/Testimony & Music Worship
Join us on the last Thursday of each month for this exciting
worship here at Royal Oak First United Methodist Church.
All are welcome!
Interested in seeing any past As We Gather Testimonies? Just go to youtube.com and search “As We Gather
Service.” You can watch and rejoice. Better yet, come to
our next Thursday service on May 26 at 11:00 am.
PAGE 5
CHURCH LIFE
JUNE 2016
UMW NEWS
JUNE 2 MEETING INFORMATION
You are invited to attend
Every Friday morning
9:30 — 10:30 am
June 3, 10, 17, & 24
AS WE GATHER
Join us every Friday, before Sack Lunch, to
WATCH, EXPLORE,
EXPERIENCE, & DISCUSS
The Bible here at Royal Oak First United Methodist
Church
All are welcome!
LUNCH PROGRAM NEEDS
Our move to Fellowship Hall has so far
proved successful. Our volunteers are
finding where everything is and the
guests are enjoying sitting at tables. We
of course continue to need items and
they need to be brought to the main
kitchen. Clothing items, like khaki's,
jeans, men's shoes, lightweight jackets, baseball caps,
underwear, socks, hygiene items, blankets, backpacks,
need to be brought the last weekend before the last Monday of the month. Items are being stored in the corner of
the Fellowship Hall. Please save winter type clothing until
October. If you have a timing problem please call me at
248-548-5670. Thank you to everyone who helped us
move to the main kitchen and for continuing to serve those
in need in our community.
Delores Grier, Lunch Coordinator (248-548-5679)
Our United Methodist Women will meet
Thursday, June 2, with the Executive Committee at 9:30 (probably also in Fellowship
Hall). This seasonable meeting is our annual potluck SALAD LUNCHEON and begins a little earlier at 12:00 o’clock.
Please bring a donation for the food table (to serve 8 to
10). The business meeting and program, “Notable Women
- Past and Present” will begin at 12:45.
Remember, you do not need to be a member of ROFUM
to attend, so ALL women, of all ages, are welcome and
we’d love to have you join us. Why not bring a friend?
We had a wonderful April field trip to the new location of
“World Medical Relief” and George Samson gave us a
great tour. We were amazed at all they accomplish and
are glad it is one of the missions to which ROFUM contributes (outdated medications, equipment, and clean - cleartype pill bottles).
PAGE 6
CHURCH LIFE
2016 PICTORIAL DIRECTORY THANKS
Thank you to everyone who helped in any way with our
new Pictorial Directory! It not only will be a wonderful way
to keep in touch and a way to learn names and faces, it
also will be a precious record of a slice of our history together!
Thanks to all I know and name and (sorry) all I may not
know and/or miss! Each person went beyond what was
asked, with dedication and skill. Each was flexible and
cheerful through all the mysteries and uncertainties as
both our project and our building renovation progressed.
Each held a larger vision of the “joy set before us.”
1) Layout & Design team: Trish Lambert (Coordinator);
Kip Garwood-Tull; Dick LaCombe; Mike Yarmy
2) Calling Team: Joyce Russel (Coordinator); Joan
Johnson (right-hand); Charlene Kondrat; Robin Richardson
3) Scheduling Team: Karla Ringeisen (Coordinator);
Bob Demyanovich; Caroline Scott (& more)
4) Host Team: Ann Brown (Coordinator); Audrey Fick;
Larry Brown; Bob Demyanovich (& more)
5) Roster: Lori Vickers (Coordinator); Laurie O’Donnell
6) Directory Distribution: Bob Demyanovich
(Coordinator); Karla Ringeisen; Sam Garrett. (Watch
for notices when directories arrive & will be distributed
after church, maybe late June or July. If you had your
portrait taken, there will be a directory with your name
on it. There will also be directories if you had your picture submitted. Otherwise, please check for availability.)
JUNE 2016
7) Fred Bowden & Ben Graham, who set up the Checkin, Studio, & Viewing areas, to be just what was needed.
8) Bob Prud’homme, who kept us up-to-date with renovation progress and what areas of the building were
available.
9) Our Lifetouch Representative, Scott Schell & office
staff who answered all our questions, and the photographers, who made us smile!
10) Everyone Pictured. Thanks for bringing food for our
lunch program and for Cass! And thanks so much for
taking the time to have your picture taken to make our
book as complete as possible!
Not only will this book be a great help to Rev. Nelson and
his family as they arrive, it will be a meaningful remembrance for John and me as we depart. We will carry you in
our hearts, and pack your picture in our box (to unpack in
Flint.)
In Christ’s faith, hope, and love, always,
Laura Hice (Pictorial Directory Coordinator)
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me”
PAGE 7
Clifford and Joan Anderson
Peter Bilovus
Betty Cairns
CHURCH LIFE
JUNE 2016
Amole Koscien
Charles White
Florence Martin
Charles Williams
Vera Miller
Marge Youngs
Joyce Nelson
Out of the Area
Royce Baum Jr
Goldie Chiti
Shirley Olsen
Joseph Gardner
Zenovia Courtney
Ruth Porkka
Gertrude Penney
Mary Louise Forester
Yvonne Quinn
Christina Smith
Dorothy Gates
Patricia Scott
Phone numbers & addresses will be
removed from the online version of
Church Life for security reasons.
Ruby Hawkins
Robert Solomon
Dan Lewis — Army (Stateside)
Nephew of Kris Simms
Aaron Mingle — Navy (Stateside)
Nephew of Jane Walbridge’s Husband
Thomas Morales — Navy (Italy)
Nephew of Anna Cline
Jody Holton — Army (Washington D.C)
Son of Polly & John, grandson of Ben & Ruth Forsythe
Bobby Huneycutt — (California)
Nephew of Anna Cline
Andrew Kostrzewa — Navy (California)
Grandson of Marion LeBeau
Mason Smith — ROTC: WMU/Army National Guard (MI)
Son of Ben Smith
Avery Gardner — Navy
Granddaughter of Joe Gardner
PAGE 8
CHURCH LIFE
7 — Nancy Low
Meghan McCarthy
Pete Peltier
18 — Laurie Marck
Jesse Nahhat
Madison Smith
9 — Georgia Boyse
Andrew Gibson
Becky Hetchler
Ashly Jurek
Myra Pollard
Nancy Ried
John Wagster
19 — Lynn Huber
Megan Walch
10 — Marguerite Horak
MacKenzie Pankopf
Hannah Scott
Don Seidler
Please note: If you don’t see your name on
our birthday list, please let us know! We may
not have your birthday in our database.
1 — Helen Misner
Kevin Richardson
2 — Phyllis Hassberger
Marilyn McCreedy
3 — Chris Christopher
Kimi Matsumoto
Beth Simms
Kim Stroud
Carolina Stroud-Rashid
4 — Finn Heckman
Madeline Longe
5 — Janice Marsh
Eugene Roberts
Eli Yarmy
Donna Yates
6 — Jon Cline
Tom Dunstan
JUNE 2016
11 — Kim Carlsen
Emily Reed
Donald Slowik
Colleen Smith
12 — Amelia Germana
Margaret Harris
13 — Carter Dresden
14 — Marie Evans
Joe Gardner
15 — Bruce Baker
Sandra Davis
Pansy Mick
Scott Skokos
Ken Stringer
Kenyon Zryd
16 — Sharon Cross
Matthew Kempf
Erica Limer
Larry Watkins
17 — Korinne Showers
Julia Wahl
20 — Julie Sleeman
21 — Jacob Ex
22 — Juliet Scott
23 — Dorothy Gates
Koltin Kristich
Christopher Samson
24 — Patricia DeTavernier
Steven Skokos
Abby Tripoli
25 — Alvin Ko
Linda Slowik
26 — Kasey O’Donnell
Sharon Verona
27 — John Crowe
Curt Odorizzi
Amelia Ozolins
Caroline Scott
Mike Yarmy
28 — Ken Burton
Elliot Nielander
Alayna Young
29 — Lily Hammond
Allyson McEwen
30 — Margaret Williams
PAGE 9
CHURCH LIFE
Thank you to our Church Life Sponsors
Dr. Nancy E. Hartrick - Family Dentistry, Kinsey-Garrett Funeral Home, Paul Kremer – Garage Doors,
Charlie’s - Haircuts for Men and Boys
Sponsorships:
 Single Issue $15.00
 Quarterly (3 issues) $45.00
 Yearly (12 issues) $180.00
Prices are based on a business card size space.
Individual Messages:
 Birthdays, Anniversaries, Greetings, etc. $5.00/issue
New sponsors are always welcome! Contact the church office (248-541-4100) to learn how you or your
organization can become a Church Life sponsor.
JUNE 2016
UPCOMING BAPTISM
SCHEDULE
We will celebrate the sacrament
of baptism on the following dates:
June 19
July 17
Aug 21
Sept 18
If you would like to schedule a baptism, please contact the
church office at 248-541-4100, Monday — Thursday
between 9 am and 3 pm.
Monday
Sunday
Tuesday
Wednesday
8:00
10:00
12:00
6:00
7:00
5
9:00 Arise! Worship
9:15 Bereans Class
11:00 Worship
9:00
9:15
10:00
11:00
12:30
12:30
6
9:30
7:00
7:00
8:00
9:00
9:15
10:00
11:00
Arise! Worship
Bereans Class
Angelus
Worship
20
9:30 Crafty Ladies
7:00 SS Yoga
7:00 BSA 1601
Noisy Bucket 26
Arise! Worship
9:30
Bereans Class
10:30
Angelus
Worship
7:00
7:00
27
Crafty Ladies
Lunch
Program
Clothing Day
SS Yoga
BSA 1601
7:00
7:20
8:25
14
SPRC
9:30
10:00
12:00
7:00
Charity Circle
Program Staff
Full Staff
SS Yoga
Knowledge
Circle
Friday
Saturday
2
3
4
8:00 OAR 4:00 Sat
9:30 AWG
Worship
Bible Study
6:00 PNO
9
10
11
9:30 AWG 4:00 Sat
Bible Study
Worship
8:00 OAR
9:30 UMW
12:15 UMW
Program
6:30 Carillon
7:30 Sanctus
8
9:30
10:00
12:00
7:00
7:00
12
13
Arise! Worship
9:30 Crafty Ladies
7:30
Bereans Class
7:00 SS Yoga
Angelus
7:00 BSA 1601
Worship
Baptism Meeting
Sanctus Choir
Council
19
9:00
9:15
10:00
11:00
1
Oak Apple Run
Program Staff
Full Staff
OAR Volunteers
SS Yoga
7
Crafty Ladies
SS Yoga
BSA 1601
Music Guild
Thursday
1:00 Shawl Mins
6:30 Carillon
7:30 Sanctus
15
16
17
18
UMW Book Dsc 1:00 Love &
9:30 AWG 4:00 Sat
Program Staff
Peace Circle Bible Study
Worship
Full Staff
6:30 Carillon
SS Yoga
7:30 Sanctus
21
22
23
24 Noisy Bucket 25
Pre-Work
10:00 Program Staff
1:00 Shawl Mins
9:30 AWG 4:00 Sat
Area Mtgs
12:00 Full Staff
6:30 Carillon
Bible Study
Worship
Comm Mtgs 7:00 SS Yoga
7:30 Sanctus
Ch Council
28
29
10:00 Program Staff
12:00 Full Staff
7:00 SS Yoga
30
11:00 As We
Gather
Service
6:30 Carillon
7:30 Sanctus