www.fentonumc.com Some of the things I hear from people who are disappointed with their faith, or with Christianity in general is: Where is the transformation? Why do I feel like I am the same person as I was before I began a relationship with Jesus Christ? I have been a Christian for decades, and I don’t feel any closer to God. My response begins with questions: How is your prayer life? Are you reading your Bible? Do you attend worship regularly and often? When folks are honest, they typically give less-than-enthusiastic re- sponses about their prayer, study, and worship life. Most of the time the reason is: “I’m too busy.” But, sometimes, when people are really honest, I hear, “I am just not that interested.” I appreciate the honest answers. But, it is a matter of passion over attraction. In other words, when will desire over-ride disinterest? The answer is: only when we make these things habits; and making things a habit is a matter of discipline. Ask anyone who is successful with a diet, or an exercise regimen. Ask anyone who has ever had a heart attack how they got to walking four miles a day since their open heart surgery. It is hard to experience growth in Christ-likeness if we are not practicing the things that enable the Holy Spirit to form Christ in us. Prayer, Bible reading/study, and worship are just three of the hab- its that help us grow in our faith and in Christ-likeness. John Wesley called them, “The ordinary means of grace.” By that he meant that these were the habits that God normally uses in our lives to help us grow more and more into the character of Jesus Christ. Just like practicing any habit shapes our thoughts, words and decisions, practicing the means of grace shapes us more into the likeness of Jesus. That is why we went through our latest series called, “Roots to Grow.” We want to reclaim and practice the habits that help us experience the transformation prom- ised for those who follow Jesus Christ. We talked about Bible study, prayer, worship, fasting and Holy Commun- ion. There are more, of course, and I want to lift one up: serving in the name of Jesus Christ. .continued on page 2 October/November 2019 Edition A Note from Pastor Jeff Fenton United Methodist Church Mainspring Join us for worship on Sunday morning as we seek to align our lives with God’s purposes. Traditional Worship 9:30 & 11:00 AM Sanctuary Contemporary Worship 11:05 AM Family Life Center Nursery provided at all three worship services.
Transcript
www.fentonumc.com
Some of the things I hear from people who are disappointed with their faith, or with Christianity in general is: Where is the transformation? Why do I feel like I am the same person as I was before I began a relationship with Jesus Christ? I have been a Christian for decades, and I don’t feel any closer to God.
My response begins with questions: How is your prayer life? Are you reading your Bible? Do you attend worship regularly and often?
When folks are honest, they typically give less-than-enthusiastic re-sponses about their prayer, study, and worship life. Most of the time
the reason is: “I’m too busy.” But, sometimes, when people are really honest, I hear, “I am just not that interested.”
I appreciate the honest answers. But, it is a matter of passion over attraction. In other words, when will desire over-ride disinterest? The answer is: only when we make these things habits; and making things a habit is a matter of discipline. Ask anyone who is successful with a diet, or an exercise regimen. Ask anyone who has ever had a heart attack how they got to walking four miles a day since their open heart surgery.
It is hard to experience growth in Christ-likeness if we are not practicing the things that enable the Holy Spirit to form Christ in us. Prayer, Bible reading/study, and worship are just three of the hab-its that help us grow in our faith and in Christ-likeness.
John Wesley called them, “The ordinary means of grace.” By that he meant that these were the habits that God normally uses in our lives to help us grow more and more into the character of Jesus Christ. Just like practicing any habit shapes our thoughts, words and decisions, practicing the means of grace shapes us more into the likeness of Jesus.
That is why we went through our latest series called, “Roots to Grow.” We want to reclaim and practice the habits that help us experience the transformation prom-ised for those who follow Jesus Christ. We talked about Bible study, prayer, worship, fasting and Holy Commun-ion. There are more, of course, and I want to lift one up: serving in the name of Jesus Christ.
3.continued on page 2
October/November 2019 Edition
A Note from Pastor Jeff
F e n t o n U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h
Mainspring
Join us for worship on Sunday morning as we seek to align our lives with God’s purposes.
Traditional Worship 9:30 & 11:00 AM
Sanctuary
Contemporary Worship 11:05 AM
Family Life Center
Nursery provided at all three worship services.
www.fentonumc.com
Page 2 Mainspring
A Note From Pastor Jeff 3. continued from page 1
If you seek a powerful transformative experience – serve in the name of Jesus Christ. Serve at the South Flint Soup Kitchen; go on a mission trip; volunteer at Carriagetown Ministries; become trained as a Stephen Minis-ter; be a coach for an Upward Basketball team; become a Kids Hope mentor. Few of the means of grace are as immediately and profoundly transformative as serving someone else in the name of Jesus Christ. I know from experience and observation that you cannot go on a mission trip and come back the same person as you were when you left. God does something in us and through us when we dedicate some time to serve oth-ers in the name of Jesus Christ.
That feeling of “victory in Jesus,” or experiencing God’s peace in a time of crisis, or God’s strength and pres-ence in a time of challenge comes, more often than not, as the fruit of regularly directing our thoughts and lives toward God, and choosing into the things that reflect God’s love, grace, and mercy. It takes time, and it takes effort; but if it is a formative and transformative experience that you seek – take time to serve someone else in the name of Jesus Christ.
As always, I am proud to be3
With you on the journey, Jeffrey L. Jaggers
Caring Ministry
Volunteers Rock!!! submitted by Susan Allen
A HUGE thank you to the food volunteers on the Caring Ministry team who prepared wonderful homemade meals for the Kromers in their time of need. They were SO very grateful and appreciate. Char asked “why are we getting all this good food”? I told her “because you and Bill have helped others all your lives and many people love you and want to help you with your need right now”. Char flashed that big smile!!! This is what Caring Ministry is all about… reaching in-ward to help each other in our congregation, in time of need, and following God’s command to “love one an-other”.
If you would like to join this ministry and volunteer for any of the four teams… food, transportation, visita-tion, or respite… please contact Susan Allen 810-629-3694.
Caring for Others The Stephen Ministry Way
submitted by Judy Dettre
In order to maintain the Stephen Ministry Program, it is necessary to consistently add newly trained Stephen Ministers. As
a person is trained in various skill sets, I believe it gives them the confidence needed to be able to listen to an-other person that is in a crisis situation.
From my own experience, I have received many bless-ings from my relationship as a Stephen Minister. As you listen, and pray for another person, you find yourself caring for them in a much deeper way than you would in a conventional friendship. You walk along with this individual as they are struggling with issues in their lives and it is natural to become close to them as they share their personal experiences with you.
A minimum of four people is required to offer a train-ing. So, let me know your interest so we can determine how soon the next class can be scheduled. Keep in mind that the training you receive can help you in other areas of your life, as well. So, if you have thought Ste-phen Ministry is something you would like to pursue… please call Judy Dettre, Stephen Leader, 810-208-7793.
Our mission to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan resumes Thursday, October 3.
Please call Cindy Collins (810-919-2306) for information and to volunteer.
THANK YOU! Many thanks for the prayers and many wonderful meals provided during the the time I was hos-pitalized and during recovery at home. You were the presence of Jesus when doing this. Most grateful, Bill Kromer
www.fentonumc.com
Page 3 October/November 2019 Edition
Operation Christmas Child
The Joy Circle will be sponsor-ing the collection of Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse. This is when
you fill a shoebox with a WOW toy or item, school supplies, grooming items, clothes, etc. These boxes will be sent around the world, spreading the story of salvation through Jesus Christ. Last year, we collect-ed 73 boxes!
We invite you to fill a box this year. We have 100 pre-printed boxes (you may use your own) that will be available on Sunday, October 13 & 20. Please return them to the church NO LATER than November 10.
No time to fill out a box? No problem. You can go online and “fill” a box from a list for a suggested do-nation of $25.00. Go to www.sarmaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/buildonline. Please inform us of your intent so we can include it in our count.
Such a simple and fun way to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ, and salvation through Him around the world! Thank you for your participation.
**SAVE THE DATE**
Fenton/Lake Fenton/Linden/Holly
Annual CROP Hunger Walk Sunday, October 6, 2019
It’s the 50th Anniversary of the Walks, so shine your saddle shoes, dig out your Fonzie jackets,
and tease up your bouffants!
Enjoy 50’s music, trivia, and classic cars!
(If you have a 1950’s car to share with us during the Walk, please see Don Isenberg or Kim Forsberg)
Joy Circle Needs Cookies! Once again, the Joy Circle will be sponsoring the cookie sale at Jinglefest this year and we need your help! Please prayerfully consider making 3-4 dozen Christmas or other cookies for our biggest fundrais-er of the year. 100% of the profits go right back into the local or outlying communities. Bring your cookies to the Family Life Center, lower level, by Thursday , December 5. Please label them “Jinglefest”. Thank you and blessing from the Joy Circle.
Give A Little - Share A Lot submitted by Sue Florida Our group has had the joy of blessing several families with our Outreach Program. The first was a couple who was evicted from their rental home that was condemned. They did not have the financial means to move, and we were able to help them. One of our local neighborhood families had unexpected car repairs. Our help enabled them to fix the car making it possible for them to attend necessary doctor ap-pointments.
Dear to our hearts is a young girl named Izzy, who is 12 years old. She survived a brain aneu-rism at the age of 4, and since then, has had numerous additional medical challenges includ-ing juvenile diabetes, celiac disease and seizures. She bears all of this with an amazing atti-tude, but as a Christian child, has struggled with why God is allowing this in her life. We do-nated money to her family asking that they use it for a family activity. We received thank you notes to the church office, as well as, on facebook (Isabelle’s Miracle). Please pray for Izzy and her family.
Thank you for your support in our outreach. God Bless!
www.fentonumc.com
Emergency Lockdown Door Locks submitted by Mike Williams, ERC Chairperson
Working with the Fenton Fire Department, our Emergency Response Committee has identified a number of rooms in our two buildings where we may need to take shelter in case of a hostile intruder. These include:
♦ North Building: sanctuary and balcony, restrooms, library, office complex, nursery, and rooms 117,118, 122 and 301.
♦ Family Life Center: Truran Hall, kitchen, lower level activity room, and all classrooms.
We are now starting to change the existing door hardware, or install new “lockout” hardware, on the doors in those shelter areas. In some cases, we will replace the existing door knobs with locksets, or install new deadbolts. In other cases, we will install TeacherLocks or NightLocks.
The TeacherLocks are used where possible in the larger rooms, or where the door leads outside or into a stairwell. They are mounted at about waist level for easy access. When we need to secure the door, a red activator pin (stored separately near the door) is pushed into the side of the door lock and a bolt engages into the locking plate. To un-lock the door lock, the red paddle is pressed and a spring quickly pulls the locking bolt out and the door can be opened.
The NightLocks are used in the smaller rooms, and where the Teach-erLocks cannot be used because of the door configuration. These NightLocks are identical to what is being used in the Fenton Public School classrooms. The NightLock slotted metal door plate is bolted to the bottom of the door, and a separate plate is bolted to the floor. When we need to secure the door, the red locking handle (stored sep-arately near the door) is dropped into the slot in the door plate and en-gages into the floor locking plate. To unlock the door lock, the red locking handle is removed.
Until all the locks are in place, we will not be mounting the plastic boxes/keys which engage the locks. We want to ensure we have an opportunity to talk to all of you first to explain the intruder shelter areas, the door locks, and the steps to take if we have a hostile intruder. We will be talking to you before/after church ser-vices and in your various groups and committees (Choir, Methodist Men, Finance Committee, etc.).
If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please speak to a member of ERC (Emergency Response Committee). Our committee members are: Morgan Cherry, Melanie Hein, Kelley Readman, Ron West, Vicki West, and Mike Williams.
Coffee & Conversation Sunday mornings 9:30 to 10:30 AM
FLC Youth Café
The Lakeshore Sunday evenings 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Family Life Center
Games & Hangout Night Wednesday evenings 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Family Life Center
Middle School & High School Fall Retreat November 1-2
Pastor Michelle’s House in Tawas!
We will leave on Friday at 5:00 PM and return Satur-day at 4:30 PM. This will be an awesome opportuni-ty for bonding and reflection, as we focus on our relationships with God and each other!
Meet a Student
Name: Marie Herzog Grade: 10 Favorite animal: Dogs! Favorite food: Cheese Favorite drink: La Croix Favorite TV shows: The Office or Brooklyn Nine-Nine Favorite Music: Folk- Pop Favorite Bible story: The Creation of the Earth Ask Me About: Marching Band or my dog, Bo!
www.fentonumc.com
Thursday
October 31
5:30 to 8:00 PM
Linden United
Methodist Church
201 S. Bridge St., Linden
Let us be a stop on your
Trick-or-Treat Trail!
tricks & treats
fun & games
all ages are
welcome!
Meet Joyce Vanderlip, FUMC Intern Joyce began her internship with us on September 1. Joyce comes to us most recently from Dallas, Texas where she is in her third year as a Master of Divin-ity student at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. This degree will be completed this year through her work as an intern at both the Fenton and Linden United Methodist Churches.
Joyce was born in Marquette, grew up in California, and moved to Texas at age fifteen. She completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas and received a Master of Music Education from SMU. In 2000, she moved to Michigan to be closer to family. At her home church charge, South Mundy and Halsey United Methodist Churches, God called her
into ministry and in 2017 she became a certified candidate on the elder track in the Michigan Annual Con-ference of the United Methodist Church. Recently, the East Winds District Committee on Ordained Ministry approved her request to begin the process of seeking provisional membership.
On a personal note, Joyce loves animals, especially dogs, cats, and horses. Currently, she has two cats: Eleanor and Benjamin. Joyce loves to garden, baking breads from scratch, and bike riding. She enjoys playing the flute, and singing – although that is a work in progress. Her motto is: EVERYONE can make a joyful noise unto the Lord!!! Favorite scriptures are Psalm 46:10 and Jeremiah 26:11-13. Her two lifelong interests are writing and/or performing music and writing poetry. Joyce is very excited to be here. She loves working with people, helping them through life’s challenges and seeing them learn and grow. She has a profound love of God, loves to tell people about Jesus, and is passionate about making disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world.
October/November 2019 Edit ion Page 6
www.fentonumc.com
Michigan Area United Methodist Camping https://umcamping.org/
Beautiful camps, campgrounds and retreat centers to help you Relax, Refresh and Revive your relationship with God.
From shore to shore and in between! Here are just a few ...
Singles/Single Again Retreat at Lake Michigan Camp & Retreat: October 11-13
We are all complete in Christ, and we can grow in faith by identifying barriers in our journey
and making steps to move forward.
Enjoy a weekend with other single adults relaxing on the beautiful dunes of Lake Michigan.
This sacred place has been a healing and rejuvenating space for generations. Retreat leaders
Rev. Tim Broyles and Rev. Mandy Baldwin, will guide the group through activities and Bible
study building hope and trust that God does work in our lives. During free time you are wel-
come to use the bikes, kayaks, waterfront, hiking trails, challenge course at Lake Michigan
Camp & Retreat or visit nearby Pentwater or Silver Lake. Accommodations are flexible
(retreat center, cabins, or bring your RV / tent). Fees are based on your choice of housing and
include three meals, snacks, programming and entertainment.
Family Fun Camp at Wesley Woods: November 1-3
Explore the camp, enjoy a relaxing fall weekend, and have some family fun Nov. 1-3! Enjoy go
karts, archery, canoeing, kayaking, playground, inside/outside games, campfires, crafts, and
you are welcome to bring your own games to share. (Of course some activities are weather
dependent.) Sunday morning, we will attend a local United Methodist Church for worship.
Come and spend a leisure weekend using our Retreat Center, share delicious meals prepared
for you and your family, all while under the November skies at Wesley Woods. Schedule is
flexible, so you can check out local attractions, shopping centers, or just spend quiet time as
a family at camp. Check-in is from 6-8pm on Friday, and check-out is Sunday by noon. Cost
includes lodging and four meals: $110 per adult (13 and over), $65 per child (3-11). Register
by Monday, October 28.
Craft & Relax at Judson Collins: November 8-10
Judson Collins Center is excited to host a fall retreat for women — the perfect combination:
uplifting worship, a beautiful setting, great company and plenty of time to craft and create!
You won’t be disappointed (unless you miss it!).
You deserve to relax and be spoiled on the shores of Wampler Lake in southeast Michigan’s
beautiful Irish Hills. Enjoy an entire weekend of crafts just in time for holiday gift-giving, deli-
cious food you don’t have to cook, and refreshing worship for your soul. Bring your own
projects and/or enjoy any of our free optional craft projects. Everyone welcome! You don’t
need to be a member of any church or group.
For more information about these or other UMC Camping Programs go to https://umcamping.org/
1st and 3rd Grade Bible Sunday Please register your child’s name and grade online at fentonumc.com to receive a Bible.
Decorating Party! November 3rd & 10th
Children will be decorating the grocery bags for the Thanksgiving baskets.
This year, our Halloween outreach will be a Trunk or Treat! We need your help to make it successful and fruitful! First, we need LOTS of candy. Please bring your individually wrapped candy to the church before October 22. Sec-ond, we need folks willing to come to the park-ing lot in front of the Family Life Center and pass out candy from 3-6 PM on October 31st. It would be a great if you dressed up and decorat-ed your car, but neither is necessary. This is a great opportunity to engage the families of our community and begin a relationship where we can draw them to Jesus Christ.
On Saturday, October 19th, 9:00 AM at the Lin-den United Methodist Church, we will have our first Spectacular Saturday. We will read What Was I Scared Of? by Dr. Seuss, and talk about things that scare us, too. We will make a craft to take home, eat snacks, play games, and sing songs. We will also learn how to conquer our fears, right before the scariest night of the year… HALLOWEEN!
www.fentonumc.com
Page 9 October/November 2019 Edition
Kids Hope USA One Child, One Hour, One Church, One School
A Child Needs You!
What is Kids Hope? A mentor from our church is matched up with a child who is considered at risk, for many different reasons. It builds caring relationships that can make a lasting impact on a child to know that someone cares enough to spend a half hour to one hour a week with just them. Every mentor/child team has a prayer partner.
Why do we need Kids Hope in our schools? Every child needs to know they are loved and valuable and that someone cares about them. The teachers and staff care and love their students, but there is not enough time in the day for them to spend extra, one-on-one time with those who need extra attention and help.
Fenton UMC/Tomek Eastern Elementary Our church became a Kids Hope church in 2011 in partnership with TEE (Tomek Eastern Ele-mentary), under the direction of Judy Leek (Director) and Laurie Isenberg (School Liaison/Student-Mentor Match Mak-er). The first year we had 25 students, 25 mentors, and 25 prayer partners. Last year we had 23 teams, but could have had more if we had more mentors. We are beginning our 9th year with Tomek and hope to have more teams. Teachers are already thinking of the kids who would benefit from having a Kids Hope mentor.
Will you pray about becoming a KIDS HOPE MENTOR?
If you would like more information about Kids Hope USA - go to www.kidshopeusa.org. Or you may contact Noreen Wood at 810-701-4046 or [email protected].
Prayer is the
backbone of
Kids Hope!
Dear Fenton UMC Family,
Thak you does not seem enough to express our gratitude for your prayer support and your generous financial support of our family. In 1999, Allen and I were married in the sanctuary. We continue to have very fond memories of our time there. We are pleased to say Allen continues to slowly improve as he spends time in OT, PT, and Speech each week. With the assistance of a brace his left foot and a cane, he is walking very slowly again. He has been able to learn to drive again, so has started back 1-2 days a week to work. He still has not received a diagnosis - when you stump the greatest neurologist at Mayo Clinic in MN - there is nothing to do but wait and see IF it happens again, and then a brain biopsy will be done after an emergency med flight to Mayo Clinic. Our prayer is that what ever has hap-pened is done and only healing will continue. When the doctors say “when it happens again” we say “IF it happens again”. Prayers are working! Thank you for everything… Carol & Allen Bouse
Dear United Methodist Church,
Thank you for aiding us several years ago when we had fallen on hard times. My husband and I were both recovering from back surgeries and we were off work. You gave us financial aid to put towards our heating bill in the dead of winter. Because of your kindness, we were able to keep our house warm for our two children. Because of your Good Samaritan Fund, they never had to experience going to bed in a freezing cold house… and for that, I am extremely grateful. Even though you expressed that this was a gift - not necessary for us to ever pay back - we felt we were given a blessing that winter, and we would like to return those funds (with a little interest) in hopes that you may bless another family in need. Respectfully, A Grateful Family in Fenton
Dear Fenton UMC, I would like to thank you for changing peoples lives! Every year and every scholarship will change lives more than you will ever know. Receiving the Good Samaritan Scholarship means so much to me. Over the years I’ve tried to make the community proud from every cheer competition to every picture taken for the yearbook and everything in be-tween. This scholarship is going to help me so-so much pursuing a career in psychology to help people struggling with mental illness. Thank you so much for everything you do for this community. I hope to make you proud. Love, Regina Wilson
www.fentonumc.com
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