JOYS

OCTOBER 2014
ALLEGAN UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH
409 Trowbridge Street
Allegan Mi 49010
269-673-4236
Fax No. 269-673-8856
JOYS AND CONCERNS
Listed below are some of the Joys and Concerns heard during recent worship services. We
carry each other’s burdens and dance dances for all of God’s children. Reach out and touch
someone’s life as you pray for them.
Email-secretary@allumc.org
Website alleganumc.net
Sunday Morning Worship
9:30 a.m.
Sunday School
11:00 a.m.
All Ages
Robert K. Lynch
Pastor
269-673-2512
JOYS
Congratulations: Happy Birthday to Heather Weeks and Samantha Wood;
Rebeca Barber and Miles Burnley married September 13.
Thank You: A BIG thank you to Bob, Willard and Rod for scooping up
ice cream at the North Ward open house August 27 and thanks to Emmie for
the extra help; To all KH volunteers who helped greet returning students at
North Ward; Doug and Shirley Duryea are thankful for all your continued
prayers for their daughter and their family; Joan Rininger thanks everyone
for your continued prayers for her brother, Ken.
ALLEGAN UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH
is a caring, dynamic community of faith where all people
are invited to encounter God
and to celebrate a Risen Lord.
Through God’s Spirit we grow
spiritually, emphasize the
individual’s relationship
with Christ and others, and
change with and serve the
needs of the community.
Celebrations and Joys: Magen Dennis shared her blessing that her campus
ministry will be a paid internship; Barb Simpson celebrates family birthdays
and her sister, Colleen, got a job at AGH; Ellen Bierlein’s son and daughter
have found jobs; Pastor Bob wants us take time to reflect God’s love in our
lives!
Concerns on the following page….
Page 2
(Concerns on following page)
SEPTEMBER 2014
PRAYERS AND CONCERNS
Prayers for our military:
Those connected with this congregation: Ryan Balgoyen, Tanner Boysen, Steven Carroll, Thomas
DeBruyne, Matt Fullam, Stephanie Hadley, Isaiah Hadley, Dillon Hileski, Michael Hileski, Gregory
McIntire, Jason Star, Jeremy Thompson, Dai Wessman and Dan Wrobleski.
Continued prayers for those battling cancer or having treatment:
Jane Allen, Alice Armstrong, Dale Barber, Evelyn Bierlein, Bill Carr, Denise Cherry, Tom Comeau,
Jim Conlon, Andrew Cowen, Stacy Davis, Linda Evans, Ernie Hagerman, Angie Heckman, Dave
Hitchcock, Ryan Howrigan, Monica Kraai, Mary Jo Lange; Ken Milhiem, Villas Mohrland, John
Murphy, Philip Nicolai, June Nielsen, Chelsea Reed, Jerri Remynse, Dan Richardson, Phil Rose,
Denise Schmidt, Terri Stapleton, Deb Stutzman, Cessily Wotring Thackler, Naomi Watts, Jenny Walsh,
and those known but unnamed.
Sympathy: Jackie Thompson family on the death of her sister’s companion, Darrin Myers; Family and
friends of Sharon Fenner from Martin; Max Whisler and family on the death of JoAnn;
Health Concerns: Allen Wait at AGH; Chic Heckman to go to Ely Manor for rehabilitation after back
surgery; Doug and Shirley Duryea’s daughter is home and taking chemotherapy; Ken Milhiem’s
surgery went well and now facing chemo and radiation; PJ McQuaid in college in China and has the flu;
Dan Richardson lost hand to cancer; Lyn McQuaid shared that Rhonda is traveling back to Madison as her
kidney is failing; Bill Carr’s cancer not operable; Mary Anderson recovering from artery surgery;
Concerns: Middle East, civil unrest in our country.
Travel Mercies: Leonard and Susan Barnes as they travel to Washington DC and New York for
Leonard’s son’s marriage;
FROM THE HEART OF THE PASTOR
Rev. Bob Lynch
Youth and Children’s ministries are the toughest ministries within the Church.
It's not the young people that make this ministry so difficult. Young people are great!
It is tough because every young person finds themselves at different levels of their faith
development. They are at a special time of their lives when enthusiasm is high and the
possibilities are endless. The search for the young person's identity and purpose is one
of those special moments of being human. If it’s not the youth and children themselves, what then makes
youth and children’s ministry so difficult?
What I find most frustrating are the many activities and distractions that surround youth and their
parents. Activities that are organized are not bad in themselves. Many organizations present excellent
programs, which allow the youth to grow and mature in any given field. Yet, the current wisdom around
states that the more activities youth involve themselves the less chance of problems in the future. Added
to the multitude of activities, the pressure of succeeding can weigh a youth down with shame and remorse
in facing failure.
Sometimes, with the youth so committed to social activities, relationships to God and the Church
take a back seat. There just is no time for God and knowing Jesus as Savior. The greatest fear that I face
as a pastor is the returning college student who declares, "Why didn't I hear about Jesus when I was in
high school?"
Parents, students, teachers, coaches, and anyone working with youth must set priorities and create
a balanced approach to activities and young people's commitment to them. Leaders of youth often rely on
the need of communicating the importance of parental involvement. Parents must realize that there must
be time set apart for the youth to develop spiritually with the same dedication and intensity that is found
in sports and social activities.
We, at Allegan UMC, have tried to present a thorough Christian Education program providing
nurture and care to all.
Sunday School Elementary
Preschool/Kindergarten
1st/2nd/3rd
4th/5th
Brenda Cowell, Lisa Campeau
Nancy Armintrout
Tara Wheeler, Amy Wiley (helper)
Allegan UMC Youth Program
Sunday School:
Middle School (6th-8th)
High School(9th -12th)
JoAnne Giles, Nancy Brink, Magen Dennis (intern)
Hanford Brink and BethAnn Delaet
UMYF (United Methodist Youth Fellowship) Middle School and High School
Kristy Milbocker, Youth Ministry Leader
Magen Dennis will continue to be our Youth Ministry Intern from the Wesley Foundation at Western
Michigan University.
UMYF meets twice a month usually on Sunday afternoons. There is a schedule of activities on the
bulletin board outside the sanctuary.
Exciting things are happening with our youth in our church! Youth are inviting friends and the
word is getting out that something dynamic is happening at Allegan UMC. Our parents, volunteers and I
as the pastor of Allegan UMC are committed to providing the best possible program for our young
people. We are also calling for every church member to pray and support those who are committed to
finding that right person or persons who can direct our youth program and who can relate to our young
people’s needs and concerns. We give thanks that our youth are strong in God’s Spirit and can speak up
for themselves. We thank the parents of our youth who support them and assist them in communicating
their needs. When it comes down to it, the most important event of our life is not when we make the team
or achieve a prestigious award, it is when we discover that we are loved and cared for by God.
Let us continue to pray for those who offer guidance through leadership with our young people
through Sunday School Education, Worship and with our Youth Groups. Remember, a healthy church
recognizes that a vibrant church commits to its future! Our children and youth are the future of Allegan
UMC.
2014 Fall Sermon Series
The Worship Committee will be working hard to continue to be creative and diverse in
presenting worship that is meaningful and memorable!
Fall is already here and we are beginning at the beginning, when God created the heavens
and the earth. Almost the entire quarter will be taken up with considering many of the wonderful
stories in the Book of Genesis. After learning about Creation and Noah, children will hear about the
beginning of God’s people. The end of the quarter focuses on Hope for God’s People through the
stories of Joseph.
The September stories have focused on the first few chapters in Genesis. God’s creation of
everything, the creation of humans in God’s image, Noah’s escape from the flood, and the perfect
timing of God’s seasons are the lessons for the unit. God’s special relationship with his servant
Abraham and his wife Sarah takes up our October study. These two were chosen by God to start a
special family. The conflict between their twin grandsons shows us that even very early in the
history of God’s people, God worked within families to develop their faith. The story of Jacob’s
ladder shows that God’s promises last.
Part 1: In the Beginning
September 28: A Time for Everything Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Whether the current times are the worst of times or the best of times, they are the only times we have!
Part 2: Beginning of God’s People
October 5: Abraham and Sarah Genesis 12:1-9
Faith Trips; God may call us to go on a pilgrimage, but if it’s like Abram’s, it will be to go outside of our
comfort zone.
October 12: Isaac Is Born Genesis 15:1-6
Abram teaches us the value of aging in God’s Covenant
October 19: Twin Brothers Genesis 25:19-34
Family quarrels exist in all our families. The need for self-control, care and patience is essential for a
healthy family.
October 26: Jacob’s Ladder Genesis 28:10-19
In Jacob’s darkest moment God was still with him!
NEWS FROM THE PEWS
WHAT DO WE COLLECT?
CHECK OUT THE ROUND
TABLE OUTSIDE THE
OFFICE
Box Tops for Education for
North Ward Elementary
Lions Club - Glasses
Loose Change/Pennies Missions
Pop Tops from cans- Burn
Center in Chicago
Receipts from Village Market
for North Ward Elementary
THOSE WHO SERVE IN
OCTOBER 2014
ACOLYTES
5 - Ryan Brink, Audrey Brink
12 - Ireland Armintrout
Summer Morrison
19 - Aaron Salisbury
Kalyn Salisbury
26 - Allison Wiley
Bailey Weaver
LITURGIST
512 19 26 -
Tita Balgoyen
Tita Balgoyen
George Babcock
George Babcock
NURSERY
5 - Lisa Sebright
12 - Heather Weeks
19 - Amy Brink
26 - Kristy Milbocker
COMMUNION SERVERS
BIBLE STUDY
This group meets every
week starting on Thursday,
October 9, at 1:00 a.m.
at Chic Heckman’s home.
Come join us!
BRIARWOOD
SINGALONG
This group meets at Briarwood the first Friday of
every month. We sing with
the residence from 4:00 to
4:45 p.m. You are welcome
join us! Questions? Call
Sue Thiel 673-4467.
WALKING GROUP
Monday through Thursday
meets at the Sports Complex
at 9:00 a.m. (Come join us
and walk at your own pace.)
PRAYER SHAWLS
Our supply of prayer shawls
is sufficient at the moment.
If you know someone who
Would like one, please
contact Jackie Thompson.
5 - Cary and Pat Hamann
Corlee Harris
Joan Rininger
FELLOWSHIP TIME
PIANISTS
5 - Wende Wood
12 - Amanda Wood
19 - Ireland Armintrout
26 - Mackenzie Sturman
Sarah Circle
GREETERS
5 - Barb Brewster, Kathi Tice
Dawn Allen family
12 - Hanford and Eilene Brink
Dan and Lori Barber
family
19- Tom and Kathy Dunning
Bill and Tita Balgoyen
26 - Gene and Wende Wood
Nancy Brink
Lisa Campeau
JR. CHURCH
Leader - Lyn McQuaid
Helpers 12 - Barb Brewster
19 - Chris Jurkas
26 - Open
CARDS
Dan Richardson would love to
receive your cards. His address is
3445 115th St., Allegan, MI 49010
SOUND
5 - Tim Borgman
12 - Jon Brink
19 - Hanford Brink
26 - Ed Garvin
USHERS
5 - Hanford Brink
Tina Thiel
12- Laura Weaver
Bailey Weaver
19 - Ed Garvin
Tim Borgman
26 - George and Emmie
Babcock
VIDEO
512 19 26 -
Jon Brink
Leonard Barnes
Barb Gibson
Terry Skoglund
Sun
Mon
Tue
.
Note: Thursday Bible
Study will meet at the
home of Chic Heckman
5
9:30 am Worship
11 am Sunday School
12-4:30 pm UMYF
6
7
8 am - 12 pm Food Pantry
(FH/KT)
4:30 -7 pm Weight
Watchers (FH)
12 9:30 am Worship
UMW Meeting (LB)
11 am Sunday School
4:30 pm Scouts
13
14
8 am - 12 pm Food Pantry
(FH/KT)
10:30 am Vision Impaired
1 pm Mary Martha Circle
4:30 -7 pm Weight
Watchers (FH)
Pastor
Appreciation
Sunday
7 pm Chancel Bell Choir
19
9:30 am Worship
11 am Sunday School
20
21
8 am - 12 pm Food Pantry
(FH/KT)
4:30 -7 pm Weight
Watchers (FH)
7 pm SonShine Circle
(Flynn)
12-12:30 pm Joyful Noise
12-2 pm UMYF
2 pm CHURCH CONF.
5:30-6:30 pm Joyful Noise
7 pm Chancel Bell Choir
5:30-6:30 pm Joyful
6 - 8 pm Scouts (FH)
7 pm Chancel Bell Choir
Pastor Bob Out -of -Office
Wed
Thu
1
8:30 am TOPS (DS)
7 pm Chancel Choir
2
4 pm Cherub
8
8:30 am TOPS (DS)
7 pm Chancel Choir
9
1 pm Bible Study
4 pm Cherub
3:30-4:30 pm Joyful Noise
4:30 pm Colors ‘N Chorus
Fri
Sat
3
7 am KH Donuts
with Dad (North
Ward)
4-4:45 pm Briarwood
Singalong
4
1-3 pm FH/KT
(Thompson)
10
11
9-1 Rambadt (FH/KT)
4:30 pm Colors ‘N Chorus
16 1 pm Bible Study
15
8:30 am TOPS (DS)
6:30 pm Scouts (DS)
7 pm Chancel Choir
8 pm Lions Setup
17
18
4 pm Cherub (DS)
22
8:30 am TOPS (DS)
7 pm Chancel Choir
23
1 pm Bible Study
4 pm Cherub
24
25
12-4 pm FH/KT
(Heckman/Switzer)
CPR/AED Class (AGH)
Pastor Bob Out -of -Office
4:30 pm Colors ‘N Chorus
6:30 pm Ad Board (FH)
29
8:30 am TOPS (DS)
7 pm Chancel Choir
30
1 pm Bible Study
31
3:30-4:30 pm Joyful Noise
9 am Men’s Fellowship
(FH)
Location Key
DS - Downstairs
FH - Fellowship Hall
HS - High School Classroom
KT - Kitchen
LB - Library
MS - Music Room
SA - Sanctuary YR - Youth
3:30-4:30 pm Joyful Noise
4:30 pm Colors‘NChorus(DS)
7am-8pm Lions(FHKT)
7 pm Sarah (Switzer)
Pastor Bob Out -of -Office
4:30 pm Scouts (DS)
26 9:30 am Worship
Scouts-Popcorn Sale(FH)
11 am Sunday School
Noon-Magen Dennis
Mission Trip (FH/KT)
4:30 pm Scouts (DS)
Noon-Newsletter Deadline
27
28
8 am - 12 pm Food Pantry
(FH/KT)
7 pm Chancel Bell Choir
4:30 -7 pm Weight
Watchers (FH)
4 pm Cherub
4:30 pm Colors ‘N Chorus
5:30-9:30pm Hospice(SA/FH)
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
1- Nathan Lynch
2-Anita Dominique, Kyrel Hall, Joseph Thomsen
3-Keith Heckman, Leslie Lynch
4-Lois Giles, Tim Dickinson
7-Joy Masek
8-Jaime Spreitzer, William Thomsen, Wende Wood
9-Bill Johnson
10-Ashley Gauthier (Weaver)
13-Matt Creech
14-Jo Tibbitts, Nathan Weaver
15-Al LeMaire
18-Katie Anderson
27-Ryan Brink
28-Jimmy James
30-Nathan Parrish, Kim Leslie
31-Yvonne Reimink, Paul Griffin Sr.
OCTOBER
5-Jerry & Joy Masek
21-Bob & Sheryl Parrish, Jim & Vicki Sebright
24-Scott & Connie Dangremond, Jim & Deb Jennings
28-Marc & Mary Wilcox
A PRAYER FOR JOY
Grant to us, O Lord, the royalty of inward
happiness, and the serenity which comes from
living close to Thee.
Daily renew in us the sense of joy, and let the
eternal spirit of the Father dwell in our souls
and bodies,
filling every corner of our hearts with light
and grace;
so that, bearing with us the infection of good
courage,
we may be diffusers of life, and may meet all
ills and cross accidents with gallant and
high-hearted happiness, giving Thee thanks
always for all things.
- Robert Louis Stevenson
SECOND ANNUAL BRUNCH FOR BELLS
FUNDRAISER
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2
The handbell choirs will be hosting a brunch on Sunday, November 2, right
after church. We will have the food ready so you can eat and get to Sunday
School on time. The menu will include Breakfast Casseroles, Homemade
Waffles, Oatmeal Cake, Fruit Kabobs and Mimosas (non-alcoholic). The
fundraiser brunch that we held last year was very successful for many
reasons. We are hoping that you will be able to join us this year and enjoy
the good food and even better fellowship!
The financial goal for this fundraiser is to raise money to have the bells
serviced. The bells need to be professionally serviced every three years or
after 2,000 hours of playing time. Since we have a very active handbell
program, which includes 6 handbell choirs, we are well beyond the 2,000
hours of playing time. The cost to have the bells serviced is $2000. This is a
necessary project if we are to be good stewards of our five octaves of
handbells.
Please make plans now to attend the Second Annual Brunch for Bells
Fundraiser on November 2. Thank you for your support of the handbell
programs. We could not do what we do without the assistance and
encouragement from everyone at Allegan UMC.
BOY SCOUT POP CORN SALE!!
Come prepared!
You will be able to purchase
pop corn from Troop 91 scouts
on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, in
Fellowship Hall.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
SPRC to meet with Rev. Boley at 1:30 pm.
Conference will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
“HANDS OF GRACE” FOOD PANTRY
The food pantry is in great need of your gifts and your time. The panty’s finances are
very low, and the ability to purchase items is almost finished. Your gifts of cash and
needed food items would be greatly appreciated.
Also, there is a large need for volunteers to distribute items to clients Tuesday – Friday
(9:00 a.m. – noon). Can you volunteer one day a week or once (maybe even more) a month?
If you would rather purchase items, we are low on the following: Mixed Vegetables,
Cereal, Stuffing and Fruit Cocktail.
Communion and Project of the month is Ministry Shares.
Offering change and Penny Jar will continue to go towards Ministry Shares.
October 26 – Noon – Fellowship Hall
Magen Dennis would like to share with us some of her
mission trip from last summer. She will be bringing Middle Eastern fair for lunch and
would everyone is invited.
Dear Church Family,
I cannot begin to thank you for all the prayers, support and love that
has been given to me through this long difficult time of back pain. The
prayer shawl was given to me at the perfect time as I struggled with
the possibility of going to Grand Rapids for my surgery. Praise God all
was approved so I could remain with my surgeon and Bronson Hospital.
I am very humbled & grateful for my husband extraordinaire and sister that have had
increased workloads and transported me all over for a very long time without complaint.
God has truly blessed me.
Love,
Chic
(Chic is at Ely Manor for rehabilitation from her back surgery.)
UMYF
The youth group is also looking for one or two adults from the congregation to attend
our October events. They would know the destination and the discussion points prior to
the event. We just would like them to offer up some of their stories and experiences in
their own journey and struggles to follow Christ. Anyone interested can contact Magen at
by email at Magen.m.dennis@wmich.edu, or phone. (269)953-5116.
October UMYF Schedule
October 5 – 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. - Mystery Destination Youth Event
October 11 – 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. - Fall Fun Youth Event (Corn Maze & Bonfire)
October 19 – 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. - Mystery Destination Youth Event
Kalamazoo District Annual was held September 20th at Westwood UMC. Our Unit made a
pledge of $1,100 to Missions. Allegan is a 5-Channel giving unit. One member received a
Reading Program certificate level 3. During the memorial service, the names of Eleanor
Nielsen and JoAnn Whisler were lifted up. Allegan sent 67 pillow case dresses to the
Pillowcase Dress challenge but was beat out by Otsego with 85 dresses! Allegan had only
one woman who attended the event.
Check out Kalamazoo District UMW on Facebook for pictures ---and 'friend' to keep in the
know.
Are you interested in finding out more about our women’s circles here at AUMC? Here’s
some information for you.
Circle time consists of prayer, devotions, Bible studies,
fellowship and desserts!
Each circle has their own projects that they support. During
the Lenten season, each circle provides one of the Lenten dinners.
We have three circles at our church. We meet at various times and dates so just pick a
schedule that will work for you. There are ladies of all ages in each circle. Please feel
free to contact the chairperson of each circle for more information. You are certainly
welcome to join us!
Mary Martha Circle – Second Monday of the month - (Oct. 13)
Time: 1:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall
Jacque James, Chairperson – 673-8639
Sarah Circle – Third Thursday of the month – (Oct. 16)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Meet at members’ homes.
October meeting at Grace Switzer’s home – 619 Sherman St.
Barb Sanborn, Chairperson – 673-7425
SonShine Circle – Third Tuesday of the month – (Oct. 21)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Meet at members’ homes/church.
October meeting at Linda Flynn’s home – 604 Padgham Dr.
Linda Flynn, Chairperson – 673-3626 (or contact at church office)
Looking Ahead
Oct. 3, Donuts with Dad
Volunteers needed by 7 a.m. at
North Ward gym
Oct. 14, 16 Parent/Teacher
Conferences 3:30-7:15 pm.
Oct. 17, No School
Oct. 29, School dismisses 12:53
p.m. for teacher in-service
Oct. 31, Halloween parties/
parade at 1:00 p.m.
The 2014 school year has started. Thank you to the many KH volunteers who
were at North Ward the first day of school to greet and help students find their
classrooms. Our help is always appreciated by the NW staff. Our KH mentors who
have returning students are scheduled and have had their first mentoring session
with their students. We have had 3 students move out of the district and 6
students graduate out of the program last school year which leaves 9 openings for
new KH students.
The KH referral process begins when the teacher/principal identifies a student
that could benefit from a KH mentor, especially those who: are falling behind
academically but don’t qualify for special services, have low self-esteem and/or
difficulty making friends, have experienced loss or trauma, or have life
circumstances that make learning difficult. After a parent consent form is signed
and returned to school, we schedule and match the student with a KH mentor.
Students are always excited to meet their KH mentor for the first time and
receive a free KH t-shirt. Mentors who are waiting for students are looking
forward to greeting their new students this year.
Thank you families of Allegan UMC for supporting and praying for our KH
program for another year.
Karen Rambadt, Kids Hope USA Director
“Hands of Grace”
Food Pantry
2014 Report
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
TOTAL
2013 Visits
No. of People
49
45
47
77
68
67
68
81
79
100
79
72
832
175
165
152
273
232
227
256
279
273
349
270
273
2,924
Total Number of New Households YTD
2013
164
2014
2014 Visits
No. of People
91
74
105
119
96
103
125
115
65
297
243
347
431
307
345
417
370
221
(Thru 9/22)
893
2,978
242 (thru 9/22)
Check List
Food
____ Peanut Butter
____ Canned Meat/Tuna
____ Hamburger/Tuna/Chicken Helper
____ Spaghetti Sauce
____ Boxed Potatoes/Stuffing
____ Canned Pasta (Ravioli)
____ Macaroni and Cheese/Side Noodles
____ Mixed Vegetables
____ Fruit Cocktail
____ Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo
____ Crackers
____ Cereal
Personal Care
____Laundry Soap ____ Dish Soap ____Toilet Paper ____ Bar Soap
Bring in your empty shampoo and condition bottles.
Contributions of cash will help purchase items not received.
Thank you very much for your support. Your gifts of food and money have helped to keep
people in the Allegan area from being hungry.
Mission Committee
BOY SCOUT POP CORN SALE!!
Come prepared!
You will be able to purchase
pop corn from Troop 91 scouts
on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, in
Fellowship Hall.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
SPRC to meet with Rev. Boley at 1:30 pm.
Conference will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
“HANDS OF GRACE” FOOD PANTRY
The food pantry is in great need of your gifts and your time. The panty’s finances are
very low, and the ability to purchase items is almost finished. Your gifts of cash and
needed food items would be greatly appreciated.
Also, there is a large need for volunteers to distribute items to clients Tuesday – Friday
(9:00 a.m. – noon). Can you volunteer one day a week or once (maybe even more) a month?
If you would rather purchase items, we are low on the following: Mixed Vegetables,
Cereal, Stuffing and Fruit Cocktail.
Communion and Project of the month is Ministry Shares.
Offering change and Penny Jar will continue to go towards Ministry Shares.
October 26 – Noon – Fellowship Hall
Magen Dennis would like to share with us some of her
mission trip from last summer. She will be bringing Middle Eastern fair for lunch and
would everyone is invited.
Dear Church Family,
I cannot begin to thank you for all the prayers, support and love that
has been given to me through this long difficult time of back pain. The
prayer shawl was given to me at the perfect time as I struggled with
the possibility of going to Grand Rapids for my surgery. Praise God all
was approved so I could remain with my surgeon and Bronson Hospital.
I am very humbled & grateful for my husband extraordinaire and sister that have had
increased workloads and transported me all over for a very long time without complaint.
God has truly blessed me.
Love,
Chic
(Chic is at Ely Manor for rehabilitation from her back surgery.)
UMYF
The youth group is also looking for one or two adults from the congregation to attend
our October events. They would know the destination and the discussion points prior to
the event. We just would like them to offer up some of their stories and experiences in
their own journey and struggles to follow Christ. Anyone interested can contact Magen at
by email at Magen.m.dennis@wmich.edu, or phone. (269)953-5116.
October UMYF Schedule
October 5 – 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. - Mystery Destination Youth Event
October 11 – 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. - Fall Fun Youth Event (Corn Maze & Bonfire)
October 19 – 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. - Mystery Destination Youth Event
Kalamazoo District Annual was held September 20th at Westwood UMC. Our Unit made a
pledge of $1,100 to Missions. Allegan is a 5-Channel giving unit. One member received a
Reading Program certificate level 3. During the memorial service, the names of Eleanor
Nielsen and JoAnn Whisler were lifted up. Allegan sent 67 pillow case dresses to the
Pillowcase Dress challenge but was beat out by Otsego with 85 dresses! Allegan had only
one woman who attended the event.
Check out Kalamazoo District UMW on Facebook for pictures ---and 'friend' to keep in the
know.
Are you interested in finding out more about our women’s circles here at AUMC? Here’s
some information for you.
Circle time consists of prayer, devotions, Bible studies,
fellowship and desserts!
Each circle has their own projects that they support. During
the Lenten season, each circle provides one of the Lenten dinners.
We have three circles at our church. We meet at various times and dates so just pick a
schedule that will work for you. There are ladies of all ages in each circle. Please feel
free to contact the chairperson of each circle for more information. You are certainly
welcome to join us!
Mary Martha Circle – Second Monday of the month - (Oct. 13)
Time: 1:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall
Jacque James, Chairperson – 673-8639
Sarah Circle – Third Thursday of the month – (Oct. 16)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Meet at members’ homes.
October meeting at Grace Switzer’s home – 619 Sherman St.
Barb Sanborn, Chairperson – 673-7425
SonShine Circle – Third Tuesday of the month – (Oct. 21)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Meet at members’ homes/church.
October meeting at Linda Flynn’s home – 604 Padgham Dr.
Linda Flynn, Chairperson – 673-3626 (or contact at church office)