Shepherd`s Crook

Shepherd’s Crook
MARCH 2015
F ROM THE P ASTOR
Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes….
By now you have heard that, as of July 1, 2015, I will be appointed as the Lead Pastor of Grace UMC in Bay City,
Michigan. Many of you have asked me if I am excited. The answer is yes.
Grace Church is a new church start in the Detroit Annual Conference through the process of a vital merger of two
churches in Bay City: Christ UMC and First UMC. The merger has gone extremely well and they are growing rather
quickly.
So why have I been asked to be the pastor? From 2007-2009 I was asked to be part of the Detroit Annual Conference
Church Planters Academy. For two years I, along with my cohort group, studied and trained for church planting in
hopes that some new faith communities would be launched throughout Michigan. When the economy bottomed out in
2008, unfortunately, economically it was not a wise time to move forward planting churches. The Bishop and
Conference leadership believes that with my training and gifts, I will be a good fit to take Grace Church forward into
the future.
Daylight
Savings
Time
begins
March
8th
I am excited, but I am sad at the same time. I have truly come to love Good Shepherd and the Village of Roscommon.
I have enjoyed the ministry that we’ve done together and I will miss all of you.
So what do the next several months look like for us at Good Shepherd? We are not going to BEGIN anything new.
For example, leadership and I have talked about the possibility of launching a midweek alternative offsite service
somewhere in the Village of Roscommon. Although I think this would offer us an amazing opportunity to reach our
community, I think it’s best that we allow Rev. Noggle decide how to take the church forward in that respect.
The things that we do have in process now, we will continue to develop for the next few months in hopes of getting
them in place before July 1. What are those things?
First, Ad Council has been talking with me about an administrative structure change that I believe would be
life-giving to the ministries of GSUMC. We’re seeking to develop a Dream Team of nine people, who will be
identified by the Lay Leadership Development Committee that will serve as a “creative think-tank” if you will, that
will brainstorm new possible ministries, evaluate and resource existing ministries, and continue to help GSUMC look
to the future as a congregation that uses its gifts to make an impact for the Kingdom of God in Roscommon. The
Dream Team will work closely with Ad Council and have no administrative decision making power, yet it will have
the ability to help GSUMC cast and live into the vision that we’ve adopted to be a church that seeks to bring all
people to Jesus by being a friendly, Christ-centered community offering God's healing, help and hope.
Second, a team of people have come together to help craft an internal survey of our congregation. We are hoping to
glean some important information about the current state of our church; its hopes, desires, and dreams. This survey is
currently, in what we believe may be, in its final draft and we hope to introduce it to the congregation sometime in
mid to late May.
Finally, we are hoping to launch the first of what will become quarterly “Church Family Meetings.” These quarterly
meetings will be used to do several things. First, it will give the leadership of the church an opportunity to champion,
or make the church aware, of some of the important things we may need to address such as a variety of
announcements and other ministry initiatives. Second, it will provide the congregation an opportunity to provide
helpful feedback about how the church is doing, what we can celebrate and any needs we might address. Finally, it’s
my belief that it will help provide additional means of communication so we can all be on board with what God is
doing here at GSUMC.
Inside this issue:
Connect Student
Ministries
2
Who’s Who
3
Faith, Formation and
Fellowship
4
Let me invite you to continue to be in prayer for GSUMC. I believe God has some great things in store for us in 2015
and I for one cannot wait to see what the next chapter looks like for this amazing church!
Prayers/Anniversaries
& Birthdays
5
In Faith, Hope, & Love
Applying Biblical
Principals
6
Open Forum
7
Pastor Eric
John McKay
bigmacpastor@aol.com
821-0155
Cell (810)874-1933
The past month through the eyes of
Y.D.J
CONNECT
STUDENT
MINISTRIES
Greetings in Christ,
during lunch
Lunch A - Collins
Lunch B - Petrosky
MONDAYS
Middle School
I had the opportunity to watch a movie this week that really made
me think about the book of Revelation. The movie was “Left
Behind”. In a nut shell here is what the movie was about.... There
was a family and the mother was a follower of Christ and their
son, the husband and daughter were not. The husband was a pilot
on a jet and all the believers were taken to heaven with just a pile
of cloths left where all the believers were at last. Some of the
people were left with theft and break-ins going on just pure
insanity.
MEETS SUNDAYS
Jr High 5:00-6:30 pm
Sr High 5:30-7:00 pm
Senior High
I am sitting in my living room, -21 degrees outside, looking how
the beautiful sun shines while it’s very cold. I am hopeful that next
weekend it will be much warmer for our Jr high Springhill trip .
This movie made me think who will be going to heaven and who
will be left. I also shared this with the students at Jam the
following Monday and they were in a sense of shock also about
where they would be at when called home.
at the end of day
in the cafeteria
Funny how a simple movie can think of your relationship with
others and the almighty. Just something to think about.
Just a Reminder:
John
Leaders meeting
needed TBA to
plan events
March 27-April 5
Spring break
Sr. High Small
groups meet the 1st
and 3rd Sundays
5:30-7:30pm
I’m looking for some
winter schedules of
your
son/daughter
sports teams.
Baccalaureate is
May 17th at 7:00 pm
Page 2
S H E P HE R D ’ S CR O O K
Who’s Who at Good Shepherd
Mike and Judy Byers
each grew up in the
shadow of the automotive industry in Pontiac,
Michigan. Both attended Pontiac Northern High
School with Mike graduating in 1972 and Judy in
1975.
Mike spent some of his free time at the Pin Ball
Arcade on Perry Street, just down the road from
the Pontiac Motor Division. The best thing about
being there, Mike says, is that he met the cute little
Judy there and a serious relationship took hold.
Their courtship ended July 9, 1977 when the pair
said “I do” and they have been together since that
day.
Mike graduated from spending time at the arcade
to the nearby GM Truck & Bus Plant in Pontiac
where he took on a full time career. After a
succession of jobs at the automaker, he landed a
position in the Experimental Paint Shop where he
spent the rest of his work life, retiring in 2003 after
30 years of work involving show cars, new paints,
and a variety of paint-related tasks at the
Engineering building in Pontiac.
Judy’s career was a bit more varied and continues
to this day. After high school, she studied Graphic
Arts at Oakland University and began using her
new skills in making circuit boards at a local
manufacturer. Her career took an unexpected turn
when she developed a bunion on her foot and
went to a Pontiac area Podiatrist for surgery. The
short version of the story is that the surgery was
botched, forcing Judy to seek care at another
Podiatrist’s office. This time she took a special
interest in the treatment of her foot. Her concern
was sufficiently intense that the Podiatrist ultimately
hired her as his assistant.
Judy worked at the Commerce Township Lake’s
Foot Care for several years. She was also a
stay-at-home mom until her two children began
school and she worked as a teacher’s aid until she
began her podiatry work on a full-time basis.
Mike & Judy Byers
After Mike retired in 2003 and the pair moved to
Roscommon, Judy began working at the
Roscommon Ankle and Foot Associates of
Northern Michigan in the village of Roscommon.
She works there today serving as the Podiatry
Assistant for the two physicians on staff.
Mike and Judy said they were attracted to
Roscommon by its small town feel and by the
community’s caring sense evidenced by the
summer-time display of curbside flowers
throughout the downtown area. They said they first
came to Good Shepherd about five years ago after
being invited by Bev Emery and Judy Ebert.
Mike works as our Good Shepherd Facility
Manager, being the first responder whenever
building maintenance or repairs are needed. He
typically spends ten to twelve hours per week
keeping the building in tip-top shape.
Mike and Judy have two sons; 36 year-old Jason in
Howell, Mi. and 32 year-old Justin in North Wales,
Pennsylvania. Judy said they are delighted with
their two grandchildren, both girls, and they are
excited about the fact that two more are on the
way. “Who knows, maybe we’ll get a boy,” they
chimed.
Your Roving Reporter,
Bill Tudor
Page 3
S H E P HE R D ’ S CR O O K
FAITH FORMATION and FELLOWSHIP
Our Sunday Morning Study Group wrapped up our discussions on William Willimon’s book entitled
“Incarnation: the Surprising Overlap of Heaven and Earth” on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday - just in
time to begin a Lenten study! In his final chapter Willimon made a statement that had a great impact on
me. He said, “How sad that some Christians think they do not need to grow and learn.” This is so true.
We need each other in the Church and must be deliberate and disciplined to become more Christ-like and
develop our faith – to grow in our discipleship through worship, learning and service. A part of that
deliberate effort at Good Shepherd is the work of the Faith Formation and Fellowship Team.
It becomes a real challenge in the North Country for ministry teams to carry on and develop new ministry
venues during the Great Winter Exodus. However, within the rhythm and heartbeat of the Body of Christ
are unique periods in which we inventory our faith and our lives in order to make new commitments. In
these periods, namely Advent in preparation for celebrating Jesus’
birth and the 40 Days of Lent as we prepare for observing
Christ’s supreme sacrifice and victory, we focus on allowing
ourselves to be transformed by the Holy Spirit to new levels of
faith and relationships. Traditionally disciplines in learning have
become a large part of this process.
During Lent 2015 those who remain in North Country will be
blessed with great opportunities in worship, learning and service.
Following the Ash Wednesday Soup Supper and Worship
Service, Pastor Eric is
offering a wonderful faith-stretching
video series after a pot-luck each Wednesday evening of Lent.
These (the video series and discussion) will explore the meaning
of salvation. (Traditionally potlucks expand something else – but
the fellowship: invaluable). All kidding aside, this is a super
church-wide opportunity to grow and expand in our faith journeys
together. Also, the Sunday Morning Study Group will be
discussing Mike Slaughter’s book, “Renegade Gospel: The Rebel
Jesus.” Come, and see, how Jesus denied historical and our
pre-conceived notions about what God should look like. This is
another great opportunity to grow our faith together, to better
serve and find loving truth, peace, hope and joy!
It is such a joy to be an active part of GSUMC as it constantly
learns and grows in faith and discipleship through experiencing a healthy, dynamic balance of worship,
learning and service within and beyond its family and its walls. I am so grateful that God continues use us
as “growing incarnations” to reach out and touch hurting, seeking persons and families with God’s helping,
healing, freeing, life-changing love!
Jim Dibbet
Member of the Faith Formation and Fellowship Ministry Team
And Co-facilitator of the Sunday Morning Study Group
(On behalf of our Co-chairs and team members in the Great Winter Exodus)
Page 4
S H E P HE R D ’ S CR O O K
Prayers
A weekly bulletin is published and available at the welcome center
Updates are appreciated!! office@gsumc-roscommon.com or 275-5577
Our Church
Our Church Family
Robert Box
Bob Mowers
Our Pastor
Free Community Dinners
Alva & Roy Delleree
Suzanne Reeves
Sunday School
Bible Studies
Doug Demuth
Harold & Martha
VanVoorhis
Child Development Center
Small Groups
United Methodist Women
All ministry teams
United Methodist Men
College Students
Connect Student Ministries
Military Members & Families
Dean English
Bev Weed
Ott Knizner
Anne MacInally
Worship Services
Our Shut-Ins
Our Family & Friends
Craig Gibson
Larry Picket, Sr.
Rick Gibson
Madeline Rice
Ella Jackson
Michelle Ross
Tammy Miller
Rob Rudzki
Pat Anderson
The Brook, Room B-1
195 State Street
Roscommon, MI 48653
June Goss
Medilodge of Howell
1333 W. Grand River, Rm #209
Howell, MI 48843
Norma Nelson
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Hunter Eichorn
Nick Yatros
Kaeley Hahn
Julie Hill
Marti McConnell
Olivia Meadows
MJ Ewald
Jen Johnson
Kennedy Burkett
Tracy Baker
03/02
03/03
03/05
03/05
03/06
03/06
03/13
03/15
03/17
03/18
Butch Schneider
Emilie Gaberdiel
Cindy Edwards
Debbie Brown
Dean English
James Wojey
Morgan Smith
David Udy
Ed Messner
Ann Reeks
May the Good Lord
shower you with many
blessings on your
special day!
Page 5
03/20
03/21
03/22
03/23
03/23
03/25
03/26
03/30
03/31
03/31
Happy Anniversary
James & Michelle Wojey 03/21 28 years
David & Linda Udy
03/22 40 years
S H E P HE R D ’ S CR O O K
Applying Biblical Principals
What comes to mind when someone mentions “work”? Is your initial tendency to moan and groan,
wishing you could avoid work?
It might surprise you to learn that God described His creative acts as “work” and that He brought
“work” into being shortly after He created man. Adam worked in the Garden before and after his
fall due to his sin. Cain worked by raising vegetables. Abel worked by tending sheep. Throughout
Scripture, people worked. Even the Lord Jesus worked while He was on earth, and He described
God the Father as having worked. Work has always been part of God’s nature and eternal plan for
mankind.
Wait a minute — If God created and owns everything, why should we His children have to work?
Couldn’t He just provide for us in some supernatural way that would enable us not to have to work?
Surely, God could do that, but He doesn’t do so. According to the admonition in 1 Thessalonians
4:11-12, one of the primary benefits from working and providing for our needs is to be able to lead
lives marked by integrity and a healthy self respect. And God’s plan is that we are best able to
accomplish these worthy goals by working.
God also knows that by utilizing our talents and abilities through work, He will be able to minister
to others through us in an effective way. Work, then, is one of the primary avenues by which we can
demonstrate our Christian faith, particularly as we do our tasks to God’s glory. Work is also the
primary way through which we obtain money to give to God.
What should be the Christian’s response to work? First, thank God for work and for the ability to
work. As Solomon observed, this is a “gift of God.” Second, view your work as a means of bringing
glory to God. Third, whatever you do — no matter what your vocation or occupation — do it “with
all your might,” as unto the Lord. And finally, remember that by providing work for us to do, God
enables us to give to Him and to His ministry at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church of the
North.
GIVING IN SUPPORT OF OUR BUDGET & MORTGAGE
Thank you to our Financial Secretary, Marlyn Byrd, for these updates
Weekly average amount
required for our
Operating Budget $4,423
Amount given
Amount given
Amount given
Amount given
Page 6
02/01 $3,872
02/08 $4,596
02/15 $4,253
02/22 $2,303
Weekly average amount
required for our
Mortgage loan $1,375
Amount given 02/01 $ 987
Amount given 02/08 $1,291
Amount given 02/15 $ 777
Amount given 02/22 $1,573
Endowment Fund
$27,145
(January 31, 2015)
Could you add to this
amount?
Call Sharon Boushelle
989-275-6131
S H E P HE R D ’ S CR O O K
O p e n Fo r u m
Join us for some fun and contribute
to a great cause at the same time.
Saturday March 21st
Paint and Take
Two sessions: 9:00 am—12:30 pm or1:00 pm—4:30 pm
Lunch is served at 12:30 pm
Cost is $40.00
Register and prepay by March 7th
See flyer on Church bulletin board for more details.
Ple
CC
ord
pu
ou
to
oth
Hand-In-Hand
Together WE CAN Make a Difference
ONE PENNY at a Time!
=
Please help feed those who are hungry by bringing
in your loose change Sunday, March 29th for our
special PENNIES FOR POTATOES collection
GSUMC of the North will be hosting the
“World Day of Prayer”
12:00 pm on March 6th
Everyone is invited to join us in the
Annual World-Wide Program of celebration and prayer
Wednesdays up through Holy week there will
be a healthy choice pot luck at 6:00 pm
followed by an entertaining DVD series:
“FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD:
LETTERS TO THE EXILES”
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Christian child care for infants to school age children
Monday - Friday (7 am - 6 pm)
989-275-6971
Page 7
LARC Lenten Soup Luncheons
3/04 @ St. James Catholic
3/11 @ St. Elizabeth Episcopal
3/18 @ St. Hubert Catholic
3/25 @ Good Shepherd UMC
Lunches begin at 12:00 pm..Everyone is invited!
THE PERSONAL CARE PANTRY
Open the 2nd Thursday of each month
& during the Free Community Dinner
Please HELP by donating
Toilet paper, dish soap,
deodorant, laundry detergent,
shampoo, conditioner.
Pre-school classes
3-5 years of age
After school care
during the school year
BABY PANTRY
Open the 2nd
Thursday of each
month & during the Free
Community Dinner
S H E P HE R D ’ S CR O O K
GOOD SHEPHERD
United Methodist
Church of the North
Sunday Church Service
10:00 am Blended Service
“We seek to bring all people to Jesus
by being a friendly Christ-centered community
offering God’s healing, help and hope.”
149 W Robinson Lake Rd
Roscommon, MI 48653
(989) 275-5577
(989) 275-4413 facsimile
email: office@gsumc-roscommon.com
website: www.gsumc-roscommon.com
OFFICE HOURS
Mon—Thurs 9 am to 5 pm
Friday 9 am to 3 pm
(closed for lunch from 12—1 pm)