April 17, 2022 – Easter Sunday

UMH 322 – Up from the Grave He Arose

Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior,
Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose;
with a mighty triumph o'er His foes;
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
and He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus my Savior,
Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose;
with a mighty triumph o'er His foes;
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
and He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;
He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose;
with a mighty triumph o'er His foes;
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
and He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Robert Lowry

April 16, 2022

The Power of Prayer

“Again I say to you, if two of you agree on Earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in Heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.” – Matthew 18:19-20

Many years ago, one of my favorite bosses came by to ask about some work that was to be done on the Air Conditioner just outside my office. I told him the guy had been there and had fixed it. He said, “You don’t know that; you only know he worked on it.” That message has stayed with me even to today.

From November 2020 to March 2021 practically every time I left home, it was to go to the E.R. or the nose and throat doctor for recurring nose bleeds. It was difficult to plan to do something, or to go any place because I might have a nose bleed with no warning. It was my practice to not go anywhere without a clamp for my nose. My boss’s old saying came back – since November a lot of people have worked on my nose, but no one fixed it.

As I write this, it seems we finally put the right person on the job! I had been praying for relief, but results came when Jacki, my daughter, asked the prayer circle at her church to include me in their prayers. Heidi’s sister did the same at her church. I also was put on the list at our church. (A trinity of prayer groups!) I don’t know if it was the sheer volume of prayers, or if God knew I was on the verge of doing something stupid. At my last doctor visit, he said “It looks like it is healed.” We all know who to thank for that!

Through all this difficulty, I never lost sight of how good I have it, and how blessed I am. Whenever I began to feel sorry for myself, I would be reminded of the struggles, disappointments and tragedies others have, or are enduring. I thank God every day for my many blessings.

Jack van Becelaere
(If you’re interested, you can ask Charlie what the “something stupid” was.)

April 15, 2022 – Good Friday

Living in the Light of Christ

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” – John 1:1-5

The word "Lent" means lengthening. During the Lenten season the days are getting longer – there is more light. So, for us Lent is a time to move toward the source of all light, Jesus.

Martin Luther once spent three days in a dark depression over something that had gone wrong. On the third day his wife came downstairs dressed in mourning clothes.

"Who's dead?" he asked her.
"God," she replied.

Luther rebuked her, saying, "What do you mean, God is dead? God is not dead!”
"Well," she replied, "the way you've been acting I was sure He had died!" (told by Ray C. Stedman in The Incredible Hope).

Church, sometimes we modern Christians fall into the same trap. We get stuck in the darkness and despair of abandonment, betrayal, and abuse. We get stuck on Good Friday. We get stuck there until we become uncomfortably comfortable there. We forget that yes, Jesus died, but he is alive again. The forces of sin, darkness and despair are defeated! Jesus went through a dark time, but he did not stay there. And neither should we. Because He lives, we can live also.

Rev. Will Wells, College Grove UMC

April 14, 2022 – Maundy Thursday

Hope of the World

Read UMH 178

“Hope of the world, thou Christ of great compassion, speak to our fearful hearts by conflict rent. Save us, thy people from consuming passion, who by our own false hopes and aims are spent." (Georgia Harkness, UMH 178, vs.1)

As I listen to the news stories of today, from local to international levels, I find myself deeply concerned about the state of affairs in the world we all share. The "bad” news stories far outweigh the “good” and inspiring ones. We are all too familiar with reports of hateful and fearful deeds, from glaring acts of violence and warring factions in human society to the many "hidden" and disguised attacks on people we simply don't like, or those who do not meet our personal needs and expectations. Of course, this same human drama has played out for as long as humankind has walked the face of the Earth. Any observant and caring person must wonder how long we will be content with this situation, disrupting meaningful life and making “peace on Earth, goodwill to all” seem to be but a fanciful dream. Thankfully and rejoicingly, a divine plan was sent to us in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

“Hope of the world, God's gift from highest Heaven, bringing to hungry souls the bread of life, still let thy spirit unto us be given, to heal Earth's wounds and end all bitter strife." (UMH 178, verse 2)

As I see it, the ills of the world revolve around the fundamental problem of relationship. How we relate to each other, our world in general (including the domain of plants and animals and Earth's ecosystems) and, most importantly, how we relate to our Creator-God is central to how we live in this shared realm. There is little point in trying to solve problems unless we get to the root cause. Treating the symptoms provides temporary relief, which is helpful. But until the root cause is dealt with, problems will only recur, in different forms perhaps, but forms can be deceiving. How many wars have been fought across millennia for material gain, or because the leader of a country or tribe is afflicted with egomania? Examples can be found throughout human history and in our time as well. The "Great War" (World War I) was thought to be the war to end all wars, yet within a mere two decades, seeds of a greater and far more costly conflict had already been sown. Just within our American society, the increase in violence (and threats thereof) and lack of acceptance of those who appear differently or have dissimilar viewpoints is alarming. We read in Luke that a house divided against itself cannot stand.

Jesus opened up the path of light, so that we might not long remain in darkness. He challenges us to discover our true spiritual nature, our essential selves. “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). "On the day when God created man he made him in the image and likeness of God” (Genesis 5:1) Perhaps, despite all worldly appearances of differentiation and of separation, we have been mistaken about our true identity, that there is a Oneness that unites us all. As an analogy, think for a moment of God as the ocean, and we are all ripples upon it. Some waves hail themselves as King of the ocean. How foolish. Key to how we ought to relate to one another is the fact that God is never absent from any part of His creation. If God were, that person could not even exist, for "we live and move and have our being in him" (Acts 17:28).

In Colossians we read: "The mystery, hidden through the ages and generations, has now been made known to his holy ones. To them God wanted to make known the wealth of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” If we see the face of Christ in everyone we meet or look upon, whether for an instant or time measured in years, we remember and honor God. This cannot but change our point of view, for what we offer another is the same gift we give to ourselves. And Spiritual gifts must be given if we are to know them as our own. To have peace, teach peace to learn it.

Living a truly Christian life is not easy. Jesus asks us to love one another as he loved us. He even asks us to love our enemies. The world would call this a radical idea. Every day, in myriad ways, each of us has the opportunity to re-think our relationships to one another (and thus to God), to think about what is real and what is illusory, to remove the obstacles to peace and end conflict – in short, to become modern-day disciples of Jesus Christ. For it is through us that peace will come. The question to human society is: "Do we want it?"

Sincerely, Doug Dykstra

April 13, 2022

Learning a New Language

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16

Throughout the majority of his life, my dad was not an emotionally expressive person. He was incredibly kind and funny, so people were drawn to him. In the last several years of his life he learned a new language – a language of expression – music. Learning a new language is a great way to keep your brain young – and his was!

Besides the joy it gave him – both listening and playing – it gave him a way to express his feelings, and a way to share his new joy with anyone who was willing to listen. Most of our conversations were spent discussing music. The stories behind the music, chords, lyrics, and most importantly the feeling connected to those lyrics. He began sharing his new musical language with his congregation. He found songs that inspired everyone. The inspiration didn’t just come from the music and lyrics, but from witnessing a man who believed that despite his age, he could still learn a new skill, as well as learn and grow spiritually and emotionally.

He was especially fond of classic country music and was a wealth of knowledge on singers and the origins of their songs. He often commented about Roger Miller and his habit of writing ideas on scraps of paper and storing them in a box to go back to later. My dad liked the idea of writing a song, and I found snippets of ideas on many notepads worthy of a Roger Miller box. He didn’t write a song, but he was a prolific writer of devotions. Sorting through his file cabinets, I discovered a folder labeled Roger Miller File! In it were his notes for devotions for the next Lenten devotion book. What a gift.

Sometimes the things we like to do don’t seem like a gift – just a joy. Those may very well be the things God puts on our hearts knowing the joy they will bring to others. Let’s all try to share our gifts/joys – it may just inspire someone else to share theirs.

Dear God, thank you for the many joys we find in this Earthly life. Help us share those joys and gifts so we can be an example to others who hesitate to share, or recognize, their own. Amen.

Jacki Rumpp

April 12, 2022

When I Needed You

“Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home.” – Romans 12:13

Since I recently moved to Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan from Rochester, NY during COVID, I have been looking for a church and found you, Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church. I’ve missed my former church and visited several, but virtual is not the same as attending and meeting people. When actual attendance was allowed I visited the churches I saw online and then I found this one.

I give thanks to you every day because you welcomed me and invited me in to participate. I have met people of all ages. I especially want to give a shout out to Vivian Anderson who greeted me and informed/invited me to some events where I’ve met more of you.

At my age I have been blessed with good health, loving and helpful family nearby, and now a new church family. Blessings to all of you. You have contributed to my needs at a time of my life when I needed you. Thank you!!

Claire Welch

April 11, 2022

Receiving Grace, One Penny at a Time

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God — not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” - Ephesians 2:8-9

After my mom died, I was responsible for cleaning out her home, making sure to distribute belongings to relatives and charities. Along the way, of course, there were lots of fun and quirky discoveries, as there always are when you are looking at someone else’s belongings.

At the bottom of her bathroom cabinet, I discovered a glass jar labeled “found money” and filled with coins. There was about $22 in the jar, mostly pennies but with occasional nickels, dimes, and quarters in the mix.

Mom had a habit of never passing by a coin that she spotted on the ground. “See a penny, pick it up, all day long, you’ll have good luck.” That was a refrain that I heard often as I grew up.

Both of my parents were the right combination of generous and frugal. I could tell many stories about both of them and the ways in which they reached out to help others, and I could balance those tales with just as many stories of their frugality. As children of the Depression, they took neither generosity nor frugality lightly.

So picking up those coins was a habit borne out of Mom’s lifetime of watching her pennies and counting her blessings. This “found money” was unearned so she treated it with care. Each coin was an expected gift, something that simply appeared on her path as she went about her life. That $22 in coins represented literally hundreds of moments when she recognized that she had been gifted with something of value. She did not just deposit those coins in her purse to blend in with other money.
She picked up each coin, reflected upon her luck, and set it aside in this special place.

Mom and her collection of coins makes me think about the gift of God’s grace. I am showered with that grace every day. I have done nothing to earn it, but I feel the gift of that love all around me. I am no more deserving of that grace, that love, than anyone else. But I am blessed every moment of every day to have it. Recognizing that I am the recipient of such grace emboldens me to live the life that God intended for me.

Prayer: As I absorb God’s grace every day, please help me to honor that gift by recognizing that I have received it and by ensuring that I do all that I can to live fully in the way that God intends me to live.

Joan Richardson

April 10, 2022 – Palm Sunday

UMH 60 – I'll Praise My Maker While I've Breath

I'll praise my Maker while I've breath;
and when my voice is lost in death,
praise shall employ my nobler powers.
My days of praise shall ne'er be past,
while life, and thought, and being last,
or immortality endures.

Happy are they whose hopes rely
on Israel's God, who made the sky
and earth and seas, with all their train;
whose truth for ever stands secure,
who saves th'oppressed and feeds the poor,
for none shall find God's promise vain.

The Lord pours eyesight on the blind;
the Lord supports the fainting mind
and sends the laboring conscience peace.
God helps the stranger in distress,
the widow and the fatherless,
and grants the prisoner sweet release.

I'll praise my God who lends me breath;
and when my voice is lost in death,
praise shall employ my nobler powers.
My days of praise shall ne'er be past,
while life, and thought, and being last,
or immortality endures.

John Wesley, 1737

April 9, 2022

Buried Treasure

Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17

I’ve been sorting, tossing, and donating from my dad’s house. He had quite a few winter coats that I was glad would get new homes with people who needed them. I searched all the pockets first. One of the coats, in an obscure closet behind the furnace, had an iPhone in an inside pocket. I remembered that my dad had to get a new phone because he lost his. When I told my brother, Charlie, I had found it, he mentioned that my dad had written a devotion about losing it. So – I looked it up. I found it in the 2019 GPUMC Lenten Devotion book. As part of Dad’s devotion, he said, “The loss of the phone was not a big concern – phones are easily replaced…The real loss was the information on the phone.”

As most of you know I recently lost my dad – but he is not easily replaced! But there is also a big loss of information in his head. As I dug through his files and desks, I found pieces of paper here and there with information about where certain pieces of furniture had come from, family lineages and birth and death dates. Bits and pieces contribute to a story, but can’t create the book(s) that could be written from the first-hand account of those who knew the answers to the questions still to be asked. I know Charlie has been putting together the ancestry puzzle – and there are several things written down. I am interested in the furniture and accessories that hold meaning for me and will compile whatever bits and pieces of writings I can find.

This brings me to my main point/or question. Where do we turn when we no longer have first-hand information available to us? (A secondary point is to ask all your questions of the living while they are with you!) Jesus is no longer walking around in the flesh answering our questions. Although his answers then were often no more concise than bits and pieces that had to be sorted out! But the answers are all there in the Bible. Thankfully there were people around who had the sense to write it all down for future generations – us.

Too often, I find myself wishing I could ask something, or know the right thing to do or say, when guidance is right there for the taking – if I would just open my Bible and look!

Dear God, thank you for being there with answers to my questions. Help me to remember to look for them and to recognize them. Amen

Jacki Rumpp

April 8, 2022

Focus

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” – Psalm 19:14

I decided to begin 2022 with picking a word. My word has been FOCUS. One of the things I have chosen to focus on is memorizing scripture. I have tried this in the past without much success. What has seemed to change this time is my FOCUS on God while finding the appropriate scripture to memorize. Every morning I read the Holy Bible app’s verse of the day and the devotional that goes along with it. While focusing on God I am led to which verses God is speaking to me personally. This seems to be working and as of today I have memorized 15 verses.

The one that especially came to mind while writing this devotional was “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

This particular verse has led me in my conversations with others lately and what I let my self think about. If the Lord would not be pleased with my words or what I am thinking then I shouldn’t be saying it or thinking it. When I realize I am dwelling on the negative and the words of my mouth sound like my negative attitude, this scripture points me in God’s direction.

Lisa Sicklesteel

April 7, 2022

Is It Time Yet?

Read: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

I hate Daylight Saving Time change. I suspect I'm not the only one, since every time it occurs there is a call to get rid of it, which never happens.

Our dog, Jax, is also not a fan. Jax's sense of time is the rhythm of his own body. He is also very “food focused.” As a result, when the clock changes, the following occurs. Jax finds me when he determines it is his dinner time (when his stomach says it should be). He gives me the “dog stare” (if you stare at the human long enough, you will get what you want). I tell Jax, “not yet, it's only 3:30, you eat at 4:30.” This sequence is repeated every 5 minutes until it is 4:30 or I give in, whichever comes first.

Our prayer life can be similar, when we keep “asking” God for something, and when it doesn't happen right away, misinterpreting the answer. God responds in His own time and way. Maybe the answer to our prayer is, “not yet.”

Prayer focus: dogs and what we can learn from them

Sue DeWitt

April 6, 2022

Purposeful Gratitude

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13-15 NIV

I can't remember exactly when I wrote my first devotion, but it was a long time ago and I think I've written at least one every year since.

Usually, they stem from some event that was disruptive and sticks in my mind and in hindsight reminds me of how God is working in our lives. Sometimes they are a reflection on a particularly difficult time that God helped me get through.

This past year I have certainly had ups and downs, highs and lows, trials and tribulations; but as I sit down to write this, all I can think of is that my life is good, my burden is light, and my blessings are many. It's almost like, I'm embarrassed to say, my life is so good that I've become complacent about it. My reflection on the disruptions of the past year is dull (if you know what I mean).

I have conversations with God every day and I feel his presence in my life and that brings me daily peace. But it’s almost like a good friend you know will always be there for you, so you start taking them for granted and don’t notice all they do for you.

Maybe I’m still on an artificial high from 5 weeks in Hawaii and that is why everything feels so good, LOL. I’m not sure but I but I am moved today to make this Lent one of gratitude. Of being purposeful each day in recognizing all the blessings in my life. All the people, experiences, and yes, things that bring me joy. Especially the peace that comes from God and the promise of eternal life.
 
Prayer intentions today for all whose cup overflows and even more so for those in need.

Cathy Lorenz

April 5, 2022

UNCERTAINTY – Listen for God’s Voice

“Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” –
Hebrews 11:1

Have you ever had not one, but two or three or more issues looming in your future to be handled all at once? You almost feel like telling God – “Hold off – I have enough to know the only way I can face and handle all issues at once is to trust You!” This conundrum feeling usually occurs during the middle of the night for me which compounds the confusion and angst interrupting restorative sleep.

The Upper Room has always been beside my bed to be read upon waking in the morning. Lately, I changed the practice and started to read the Upper Room in the middle of the night during those fear times. God speaks to us in many ways, through the voice of friends, the written word, the beauty of music, gorgeous sunsets, and on and on, but lately for me during reading of the Upper Room in the middle of the night I find some peace. The mediation for the day has been ‘spot on’ calming my mind allowing sleep to return.

The midnight conundrums still occur but listening to God speak through the Upper Room does make them less disturbing.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for giving us peace by speaking to us through the written words of others.

Thought: Listen for and to God’s voice speaking to you.

Carolyn Barth

April 4, 2022

Learning to Love Little Brown Birds

“I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.” – Psalm 50:11

Thanks to Judy Wilcox, I spend way too much money on bird feed every month. When Judy and I were part of a small group at church, she used to rhapsodize about how much she loved watching the birds in her yard. Honestly, she was just poetic when she described how they looked and the joy she felt at watching them cavort around her yard.

I was so inspired by her stories that I decided to try this myself. So I bought a bird feeder and a lot of bird seed, filled the bird bath, and sat back. I told the salesman at Wild Wings that I wanted to attract cardinals and other colorful bird, and he recommended some specific mixes to do that.

As soon as I filled the bird feeders, my yard was filled with sparrows and their ilk. Nothing colorful at all. I waited and waited and waited and still I had only pretty ordinary sparrows in my yard.

I wasn’t getting what I wanted so I quit feeding the birds.

It took me a while to realize I had the wrong attitude about this. What if my mother had refused to feed me because I wasn’t her prettiest child (and I wasn’t!)? Would Jesus refuse to love me because I wasn’t colorful enough for him? Would he deny me his love because I didn’t live up to some standard of perfection? I hardly think so.

So I’ve gone back to spending a ridiculous amount of money on bird feeders, bird seed, suet, and the like. And the sparrows have rewarded me by coming back.

With a new attitude, I am finding myself charmed by watching flocks of gray-brown birds twittering around my back yard, indulging in the nourishment they need to thrive. All of God’s feathered creatures are welcome at the RR backyard table, colorful or not. Just like all of us are welcome at Christ’s table.

Prayer: Help me to remember that all of God’s creatures deserve our love and care, not simply those who are pleasing to our sight. Help us to do what we can when we can to feed, clothe, and shelter all creatures who inhabit this Earth. All of them are worthy of our love.

Joan Richardson

April 3, 2022

It Was Jesus

Read Acts 20:34-35

I was listening to one of those “radiothons” on WJR for the Salvation Army. I normally give to them as well as several others near the end of the year.

As the “prattle” went on, I was responding to the radio with, “yeah, yeah” “oh sure” “of course” and many other non-responses; above it all with condescending comments.

I guess God had heard enough! All of a sudden I was taken over by a sense that I had to contribute. Not only contribute, but how much! I never had a feeling so strong or so directed and specific.

I was reminded of a thing that happened to country singer Roy Clark. He was on stage performing in a small town where 90% of the people worked for a large company in town. Unfortunately, the plant had just closed. Roy tells how he was between songs when he heard a voice say, “Don’t take the money.”
The voice wasn’t out loud, but he heard it. He looked up and said, “what?” The voice came again: “Don’t take the money.”
When it came time for them to pay him, Roy said no to the money – and to a specially engraved shotgun valued at $800. He said that in no uncertain terms, according to a young reporter who was taking notes. Roy told the reporter, “Don’t say it was Roy Clark; it was Jesus. Make sure you say that.”

In my case, I didn’t hear a voice, but I didn’t need one. The message was clear. The other day I was thumbing through my check register and noticed the donation. I started thinking of the Bible where it says “it is better to give than receive.” I had that pleasure, but it made me wonder about who had I helped, and probably how many. Whatever the answer to this is, they did not have the chance to give, but no doubt were grateful to receive.

Thank you, God, for directing me when I needed You.

Jack van Becelaere

There by the Grace of God go I!

April 2, 2022

His Loving Family

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” – John 1:12
“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:26

Many years ago, when our children were still young and we were new to the church, we were trying to decide whether to go to the church’s winter retreat at Lake Louise. We had been for a couple of years; however, it was getting harder for the five of us in the room provided. We decided to ask the children if they wanted to go. Our children spoke up immediately and said that they wanted to spend the weekend with our church family.

This delighted me to no end. My children felt that GPUMC and its members were a part of their extended family, and they were happy to get involved in the Christian based activities the church provided. We didn’t feel this close family-like tie with our previous church. It was nice that all of us have found a church where we felt that we belonged and still feel that way today.

We are delighted to have GPUMC as our church family, but more importantly, we are blessed that through faith in Christ Jesus we are all children of God and are members of his loving family.

Steve Sicklesteel

April 1, 2022

Youth in Mission

Read: 1 Timothy 4:12

For over twenty plus years Jack and I were fortunate to spend winters in Florida. We attended a church in St. Petersburg Beach. They had a junior and senior youth group, led by the same person, both very large and active.

Every year they went to a different city to do charity work. This year about 35-40 senior youth are going to Paris, Florida for a week.

One Sunday in the spring before they leave for their trip they are in charge of a Sunday worship service. It is always an enlightening service, and has some beautiful singing.

Our own youth group here is not as large by number, but every year (except in the pandemic) they go to Kentucky to help some less-fortunate families. Our youth are always so cheerful and excited to share their experiences with us.

Let us pray our trip this year will be able to go. And also a big thanks to the adults who have given up vacation time to chaperon their trip.

Sara Wooton

March 31, 2022

God Moments

“We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we will go.” – Proverbs 16:9 CEB

“You’re entering hospice. You know what that means, right?”
“In-hospital hospice is only an option if we have to support you medically, so you’ll need to leave soon, OK?”
“Do you want to go to a facility or home? At home you control your visitation policy.”
“Oh, by ‘leave soon’ we mean tomorrow would be great if you can… or the next day. Take your time, no rush.”

Now, these are not direct quotes. In fact, they only reflect how we were feeling, not what was said or how it was intended. Still, that’s where we were. Dad was going into hospice and we had to make arrangements – now.

Clearly God was in the timing: my company had just closed down for the week as an employee appreciation holiday. Jennifer Landin had just told us of a great home-care service. Priscilla van Horne had just reminded me that Greg Solecki had run the Henry Ford Hospice program. Pretty amazing timing. Or Serendipity. Or Providence.

It was the best of timing, it was the worst of timing (sorry, Mr. Dickens), but – as I’m coming to realize more and more – it was God’s time, and God’s timing.
As I’ve told many people, this was not something anyone wants to go through; but the support we got from family, church, hospice, and home care meant I couldn’t imagine its being a better experience for us, and mostly that went for Dad too. Right to the end he was still himself, trying to make those he loved feel better, be happy, know they were loved, but trying to come to grips with timing that was out of his hands.

We really don’t like not being in control, but the fact is that we aren’t. I need to work on accepting that things will happen in God’s timing, and that will always be better than my timing would have been. I need to work on that. I really do.

Father, keep us aware that You are the one directing our steps and days. We thank You for watching over us, for planning for our good, and for receiving us always in the name of Jesus. Amen

Charlie van Becelaere

March 30, 2022

Kindness to Others

From the time I was a young child, I heard my parents and teachers (nuns) tell about the importance of kindness to others. I believe I was a kind person but I know I didn’t necessarily go out of my way to truly help others in need. One day, when I was in my 40’s, my oldest brother told me about a great book he had read entitled “Random Acts of Kindness.” I was curious and bought the book. It fascinated me to learn of the things people did to be kind to others. These acts of kindness ranged from something as small as putting money in someone else’s parking meter to taking in a poor family for the night when their car broke down on the side of the highway and they had to wait until the next day to get it fixed.

Something changed within me and I decided I wanted to be one of those people that makes a difference in other people’s lives, even if it’s just a passing smile. Who doesn’t appreciate a smile? Well, actually, my children thought I smiled too much and that few people ever returned the smile. “Oh well,” I said, “I’m going to keep doing it anyway.” I started to be more aware of others I pass by in life and tried to help when I could. One of the best ways I have found to be helpful to others is to take off those blinders. The ones we put on when we don’t want to get involved in something such as a mother screaming at and/or hitting her child. Stay and make sure that child is not in harm’s way. There are so many things we can do in a day to be kind to others.

“Contribute to the needs of God’s people and welcome strangers into your home.” – Romans 12:13

“Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices.” – Hebrews 13:16

I wish you luck as you continue on your “kindness journey” and I know you will reap the rewards deep within your soul.

Sara Sessions

March 29, 2022

Patience

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: you must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” – James 1:19

The day before the big snow storm here in Grosse Pointe and Cleveland, I went to Cleveland to help out with my grandsons. Charlie, fifth grade, was in the Rocky River United Methodist Church basketball program and had a game. Patterned after Catholic Youth or CYO sports events, teams prayed before the game and then had a devotion at half-time. And guess who was asked to do the devotion. Mommy Janeece was the announcer, 8th grader Ethan was the time-keeper, and I did the devotion. A real family event.

As Garrison Keillor once said, Methodists would rather die than to pray in public. Well, that is a bit of an exaggeration but fortunately the director of Christian Education at Rocky River UMC had a script and a great visual for the devotion so the devotion went well and we went on with the second half of the game.

The devotion was about patience although the word patience was not in the scripture verse (see above). I’m not sure who listened carefully and took away from that devotion the huge value of patience when waiting for whatever life hands us. Kids and parents during half time at a ball game is a tough crowd to talk to, especially if you’re talking about patience. But I did my best.

As many of us know well, if you have to teach something to someone, you learn it well yourself. My cousin used to say, “I never really know what I think until I open my mouth.” So even if no one internalized the devotion, I learned and grew from the experience.

Vivian Anderson

March 28, 2022

Sending out Vitamin Cheer

“Don’t withhold good from someone who deserves it, when it is in your power to do so.” – Proverbs 3:27
“I tell you the truth whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
– Matthew 25:40
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” – Galatians 6:10
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others….” – 1 Peter 4:9-10

Many of you may not be aware of United Methodist Women’s Cheer Group ministry to shut-ins and nursing home residents. This ministry lets those who can no longer attend church regularly know that they are not forgotten and that they remain an important part of our church family. Each month we send them greeting cards and notes as well as cards for significant events like birthdays, anniversaries, condolences etc. All this is done by a small group of women who are heeding God’s call to show acts of kindness and sharing. Time and time again, the recipients or their family members let us know how much these cards are like a shot of ‘vitamin cheer’. In a small way this shot of vitamin cheer is counteracting the negative harmful effects of loneliness and social isolation.

The Cheer Group also has a complementary ministry known as Friendly Visitors. As the title would suggest, these individuals visit our shut-ins as they are able to receive visitors. During COVID, in-person visitation has been limited but we also visit though Cheer bags that deliver a variety of fun surprises to the recipients. These bags can include: notepads and pens, Kleenex, assorted sweet and savory snacks, hand lotion, activity books, small toys or games, Chapstick, adult coloring books, fun necklaces, seasonal room décor and the like. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love to get a treat bag like that! It’s another dose of ‘vitamin cheer.’

 John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim’s Progress, wrote: “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” While this ministry qualifies, I find I always receive more than I give. When I deliver the bags there is such joy and I not only hear words of thanks but I’m often told how special or beautiful I am. Now if that isn’t good for the ego, I don’t know what is!

We are always looking for people to join us and get in on the fun of ‘being a cheerleader.’ Perhaps you will consider this important job or know of someone who should be added to our Cheer list. Let me or any member of UMW know.

Pat Deck

March 27, 2022

The Gift of Forgetting

Alvin Dark, former major-league baseball manager, used to say, "There's no such thing as taking a pitcher out. There's only bringing another pitcher in." In other words, don't look back at the bad pitches, the walked runners, the mistakes and the errors of the past. Instead, focus on the next pitch and on how to get out the next batter. Until the last out of the final inning, the only thing that matters is that next pitch.

I've also heard a minor league manager say that the hardest thing to teach new players is how to lose: "To be a successful player you have to have a short memory." Forget going 0 for 4 today. Forget giving up the home run to the last batter. Forget striking out the last at bat . . .

This mindset is crucial not only to effective sports management but to living faithfully, as well.

The Apostle Paul said it this way “… this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14

Church, can you accept the gift of forgetting? Forgetting what lies behind so that we can focus on the gift that lies ahead?

Shalom!
Rev. Will Wells, College Grove UMC

March 26, 2022

Do Not Worry -

Read Matthew 6:25-34


With Faith, you can move mountains.
With Doubt, you create them.


As my close friends will tell you, I am a major worrier. This is something
I need to read every single day and give my worries to God.

 Nancy Kramer (Virtual Worshiper)

March 25, 2022

Role Models for Service – For all the Saints – Part Two

Read UMH 711 again

As I said in part one, the pandemic has affected us all in different ways, some good and some not so good. The not so good part that hit me hardest was not being able to gather as a community of faith on Sunday mornings – and other times through the weeks.
Several church members who have passed on during the past two years were role models to me for service to God, the church and the community. I want to celebrate these saints as I try to stand upon their shoulders. They have passed the baton, and I’ll acknowledge a few more who have had a lasting impact on my faith journey.

Jack & Shirley van Becelaere – Jack and Shirley might have written the book on service. I learned so much from them. They were always working on something for church. They both served on countless committees and took on a variety of leadership roles during their time at GPUMC. I really got to know them through working on the rummage sale. Jack would head up the electronics department with Jack Wooten and Denver Higley. Shirley was sorter extraordinaire and ran the cash box during the sale. She would call me each night to check in on me and see how we did sales wise. As it turned out they both made really great jello for the rummage sale workers. They both had a fabulous sense of humor. I remember Jack agreeing to be a live auction item at the Palooza fundraiser one year. He agreed to wear socks to church. Jack did not wear socks, so people bid quite a bit to see him show up to church wearing socks. Jack and Shirley took care of coffee hour for many years with Doug and Marybeth Cordier. After Shirley passed away, Jack found yet another way to serve his church and his soul. He offered us his gift of music at several church services and the Gospel Fest. He will never know how much that gift was needed and appreciated.

Charlotte Grose – My mom, Charlotte Grose, demonstrated the art of service to our family her whole life. She was always active in church. She and my dad were youth group counselors. Charlotte would be the one to organize the trips, fundraisers and retreats at Christ United Methodist Church. She participated in UMW at Christ Church and then at GPUMC. Charlotte participated in two church circles, one from Christ Church, and one from GPUMC. She was part of the boutique department at the rummage sale at GPUMC each year. She delighted in hosting her church circle meetings at our home. My mom was always in service to her friends and family. She was the first one to make a meal for someone who was ill or who had lost a loved one. She belonged to a Christian charitable organization, The King’s Daughters, for years that raised funds through rummage sales and card parties to support charitable causes. I think service for my mom was a tangible way to show her faith.

Donald Lakin – Don Lakin was most certainly a role model for service to me. I met Don through his daughter, my good friend Candy Lakin. We went to church together at Christ United Methodist church. Don and his family were leaders in our church. Don served in many capacities. He was a Sunday School teacher, a counselor for MYF, and held many other leadership positions. Don demonstrated service in professional life, his church life, and through community service. After establishing a successful Optometry practice in Southeast Michigan, he moved to Cadillac, where he taught at Ferris State University. He was very instrumental in establishing a YMCA in Cadillac, along with many other philanthropic endeavors. He and his wife Pat always welcomed me into their home and made me feel like family. His faith in God, love of life and his family will always be an inspiration to me.

“In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive.’” - Acts 20:35

Nancy Grose

March 24, 2022

Blessings in Disguise

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

How often do we pass through life assuming that everything that causes a delay or hiccup in our flow of the day or financial stability is bad luck, or at least an annoyance? While I know I shouldn't immediately come to these conclusions, I tend to do that. I have two stories to share to reflect on this.

The first was a blow to my confidence, as I found myself in an unemployment situation. With a house and two dependent sons, I feared for our future and my ability to 'correct' the situation before my savings ran out. I was disappointed that a path that I'd felt God led me to had not turned out as expected. I wondered why, with all the issues I'd already dealt with in my life, that I had yet another disappointment. I searched hard for a job, but just wasn't finding anything in my field that was within a reasonable driving distance. Plus, landing an interview was another challenge. I finally found one but the company was really dragging the process out longer than I'd ever imagined, while still keeping the position 'hot.'
During this time my youngest son was going through some changes in his plans and working full time while he re-figured his education strategy. He was working hard and at least I was there to make him breakfast, or a lunch to go, and spend a few minutes with him each day that we usually didn't have together. Finally the job really happened and back into the workforce I went. Being a Mom was the one consistent thing that I always wanted. You can see this in my "School Days" album as a repeated desire in my early years. So being able to spend that time with my almost independent 20-year-old son, truly brought joy and meaning to my life.
Six short weeks after I went back to work, I lost that son, Evan Gardner, in a tragic accident. While this is the most difficult thing anyone can go through, after the tears cleared enough I realized that those 4 months of unemployment were truly a blessing. God had led me down that path, knowing the outcome that I'd never dreamed. I'm still angry that my precious son is gone, as a result of someone else's mistake, but very thankful for those few months to reconnect with my boy, and be his Mom.

The second situation might be more familiar to you (plus it will give you a chance to clear your eyes). I was en route to my morning workout and had left the house a bit later than I like to. I had a short segment on the highway but other than that, I pretty much caught every light just as it was changing to red. Getting more frustrated with each one,

I was beginning to worry that I was going to be late. Of course the longest light on my route followed this pattern. As I was pulling up and stopping I noticed an unusual UHaul vehicle in the next lane. My son had worked for UHaul and I wasn't familiar with this truck so I continued to study it on my approach. Then I spotted the name on the side and it sparked my memory. This was the name of Evan's manager, but would he be driving it? I rolled down my window for a better view and was pretty sure it was him. I caught his attention and he opened his window also and we had a brief exchange (at that long light) that flooded my heart with joy, to reflect on happier times when Evan was with us. I drove away knowing I was right where I was supposed to be! And, I arrived to my destination with a few minutes to spare!

I still sigh when I catch a changing light, but always allow myself to believe that it could very well be leading to an unexpected blessing.

Debbie Smith

March 23, 2022

Role Models for Service – For all the Saints – Part One

Read UMH 711

The pandemic has affected us all in different ways, some good and some not so good. The not so good part for me has a great deal to do with not being able to gather as a community of faith in the ways we have come to know and love. We have lost several church members who have passed on during the past two years who were role models for service to God, the church, and the community. We have not always been able to celebrate these saints as we might have during non-pandemic times. Yet we stand upon their shoulders. They have passed the baton to us to keep the faith and nurture our youth so that they may know the blessings of being part of the church - the body of Christ. I would like to acknowledge a few of those who have passed on who have had a lasting impact on my faith journey.

Evelyn Montgomery was a long-time member of Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church. I met her through my participation in United Methodist Women’s activities, and she was a member with me of our Witness Committee for many years. Evelyn was always serving her church with a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone. She was always helping in the kitchen with Priscilla van Horne, cooking and serving for various functions. Evelyn was a wonderful member of our Witness team. Her wisdom and faith helped guide our efforts. I am forever grateful to her for her successful pitch to purchase an ice maker. It’s the little things.

Georgia Webber – Georgia was a fairly recent member of the church, moving to Michigan to be nearer to family. She jumped right in and was very active in church activities. Her smile and kindness could light up a room. Her faith was deep. She was as sweet as the baklava she made for auction at Palooza each year.

Jim Evans – Jim Evans taught me a lot about connecting with others and living your faith. He loved GPUMC and was very active in all aspects of the church programming. He and his wife Lucy worked tirelessly in the men’s department at many rummage sales. They loved the fellowship with other members and the people who showed up to shop. I remember one day I came into church and found Lucy and Jim cleaning the parlor. This is something they did regularly, though quietly. I remarked to Jim that I was
(continues)
really touched that he and Lucy would dedicate time to make sure things were just right
in the parlor before Sunday. Jim responded by saying “We live to serve!” That kind of says it all.

“In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35

Nancy Grose

March 22, 2022

Who, Me?

Read UMH 593

I hope this doesn’t come off as complaining when I really have so little reason to complain. It’s been a frustrating time and even I get tired of making the best of it sometimes.

COVID stinks. Lockdowns stink. Social distancing stinks. Masks stink. Being apart from my church family stinks. No choir? That really stinks. How can we worship without our music? (Yes, I know we can worship without music, but that’s what got me truly, deeply involved in worship and the life of the Body of Christ, so it’s very important to me.)

Well, we can do some of those virtual choirs, right? (Thanks to Bob Rossbach for his expertise and just plain tons of work on those.) And they were pretty good – no, they were good; and we were singing! But we weren’t together singing, were we?

Then – at last! – we can put the choir back together for real. And we did. And it was great. And then Patti died. And that stinks for us. She and Charles are together – I know that – and they’re happy in glory….

But, now what?

As the hymn doesn’t quite go (and as Isaiah almost said in Isaiah 6:8), “Here I am. Who, me?”

I don’t really know much about directing a choir. Heidi and I tried it many years ago and discovered that we knew how to be in a choir, but we didn’t really know how to be in front of a choir – it was going to take a lot more to figure out how to run one. Still, there was the need, and my Thursdays were still open, so I took a leap of faith and just said, “Here’s what we can do. Will you join me?” And join we all did.

I know we’re not as fabulous as we once were – but that’s not the point. The point is that we wanted to help lead worship by sharing the music that God put in us, and that’s what we’ve done and what we’re doing. Sure, it’s for us, but more than that, it’s for our church family, and it’s for the glory of God. It’s worship.

I feel a bit like the boy with the loaves and fishes that Jesus used to feed the multitude: I have a little to offer, but God can take that and make it enough, make it work.

As Paul told the Corinthians, the body is made of many members, and we each have a part to play. The question I need to ask myself is, how am I using the gifts that God has given me? Am I working for the whole body, or just for myself? I pray it’s the former.

Father, I know you can take whatever I offer to You and use it for the good of all Your children. I ask You to remind me of what You have given me so that I can remember to offer it back to You. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Charlie van Becelaere

March 21, 2022

Dear Friends

“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another,
for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is
a child of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7

We all believe that love is important, but love is usually thought of as a feeling. This last year I experienced love as an action and a choice. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 shows this meaning for love.

I was overwhelmed with all the get well cards I received as I recovered from back surgery. The marvelous meals that were cooked for me were wonderful in helping me heal. The love that was shown by visits, phone calls, and finished bulletin boards, helped me get through one of the most difficult times in my life.

I was reminded that God is the source of love. He loved us enough to sacrifice his son for us. We only need to look at scripture to see that Jesus shows us what it means to love. Everything Jesus did in life and death was loving.

When Jesus left the Earth, He gave us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to love; he lives in our heart and helps us become more like Jesus. God’s love always involves a choice and an action; so should ours.

 I am so grateful for the loving church family that you are. You displayed your love with a week of meals for people in Cass Community Shelters; giving your blood and working at our blood drive; raising money for the Children’s Home; buying groceries for the needy for the food pantry; supporting with money and action Cass Community Social Services through the year and many other charities.

Prayer: Dear God make us instruments of your love in this world. Help us to show love always to everyone. May the world know we are Christian by our love. Amen

Karen Bromley

March 20, 2022

Faith in a Nutshell

Read Isaiah 40:3-5

The soul of wit is brevity,
Whatever it is that’s going on,
If it weren’t for the Bumps in the Road
You wouldn’t appreciate the smooth pavement.

Ron Draper

March 19, 2022

Molting Season

"This is the greatest gift that spring offers our hearts and minds - it reminds us that we can begin again. Because every Spring is an original story, an invitation to nurture all the good that has already taken root.” – Joanna Gaines

I have a few chickens; they are very entertaining to watch and learn from. One of my feathered ladies I had noticed had no feathers on her rear. At first I thought that the others had picked off her feathers as they will do if they get bored or to show dominance. This was not the case. It looked so very painful, red, bumpy and bare. I felt sorry for her, so I would give her extra treats and for over two years I did research to see what could be the trouble with this poor, featherless, red-bottomed girl, but to no avail.

Chickens molt yearly during the Fall, losing older, dull and spent feathers. It’s similar to how reptiles shed their skin. The natural process of shedding feathers allows the growth of new and healthy feathers before cold winter days arrive. Old, dirty and broken feathers do a terrible job of providing insulation and protection. So, the chickens shed the old ones and grow new feathers to better protect themselves in cold weather. Your old worn sweatshirt won’t keep you as warm as a new one that hasn’t been through the wash 100 times, right? It’s the same for chickens’ feathers.

My ladies had been no different until this year. They did their yearly molt, but to my surprise, little bare bottom had feathers coming in this year! Her painful looking rear was full with tiny, healthy, beautiful black feathers. I was so proud for her, no longer will people ask, “Ooh, what’s wrong with that chicken?”

She taught me another lesson, or I should say God taught me yet another lesson through her. We have to go through shedding our old selves to be new again, ever growing and renewing in His spirit, which may take more than one “molting” season. So, this Lenten season I’m shedding my old, dull and spent “feathers” so that I can welcome more of the insulation, protection, and nurturing that only our Heavenly Father can offer.

“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Julie Battle, College Grove UMC

March 18, 2022

Pastor’s Ponderings

Read Matthew 28:16-20

Recently I was thinking about how this COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us, especially our school aged children – masks in classrooms, in-person learning or virtual, so many issues! I then found myself thinking back to my first day of school. It was early in the 1960’s; my family was living over on the east-side (near Shoemaker and Montclair). The school was only a block or two from our house and on bright, sunny fall day, my Dad walked me to my first day of Kindergarten.

I can still recall him walking with me, holding my hand until we arrived at the door to the classroom. As we got to the door, he stopped, gave my hand one final squeeze and then let go. As he did that, he told me to “be good” and that he would see me after school. Somewhat reluctantly, I walked into that classroom, got through the day and sure enough, my Dad was waiting for me on the sidewalk in front of the school building when the day was over! The next day was a repeat of the first day, but I found my fear and reluctance lessened until it was gone and I would run to school (probably to see my friends more than to engage in the learning experience, but that is another tale!!).

What’s the point to this? In this faith journey that we call “life,” we continue to walk and encounter events and situations that challenge us, scare us, or intimidate us. But just as my Dad’s comforting presence and reassurance helped me as I started school, our Father in Heaven offers His comfort and presence as we face life. As we live out our witness and as we serve Him in this world, remember what we find at the conclusion of Matthew’s Gospel – Jesus is preparing to ascend into Heaven, but he tells His disciples (including you and me) that we will be His witnesses throughout the whole Earth and that He “will be with us always, to the end of the age.” This passage calls us to be His witnesses and to find that comforting presence in all that we undertake for the furthering of His Kingdom.

My prayer for Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church is that each of us will experience our Father’s comforting presence as we continue to share Christ throughout the world.

Pastor Ray

March 17, 2022

Irregular People

“Make a joyful to the Lord all the Earth.” – Psalm 100

I had an unexpected extra week after Christmas since son-in-law got COVID on Christmas Eve and I needed to retreat to the safety of my house, so I did some serious decluttering. When I had finished some estate work and keeping in that mindset, I went on to read over the family archives and pare them down. Wow. What a hornet’s nest. Especially some of my mother’s journals. Some entries were profoundly disturbing. But at the same time these gave me an insight as to where she was coming from and why she was a really hard person to live with. No question she had some big demons to work around and inflexibility was how she managed those demons and in turn managed the lives of the people around her.

When I was a new church member, Bob Boley asked me to review a book for the newsletter: IRREGULAR PEOPLE by Joyce Landorf Heatherley, published in 1988. I think he asked me in response to a conversation I had had with him about my unusual mother. Wow. What a life changing book for me. The gist of the book is that there are people in this world whom you will never understand, so it is best to cultivate those friendships that are nurturing to yourself and don’t brood about those which are not. Even if one of those people is your mother!!!!! Definitely food for thought.

So as I continued my digging in the family memorabilia, I reveled in the joyful letters, yellowed newspaper clippings, diplomas and honors, and yes, obituaries about lives well lived. And, of course, there were pictures of the Simpson UMC in Pullman, Washington, which formed my life.

As was sung so poignantly sung at John Lewis’ memorial in the nation’s capital last year:

“When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.”

Vivian Anderson

March 16, 2022

What Is Courage?

Read: 2 Timothy 1:6-8

As I sat there and listened to the sermon on Sunday, January 21st, I thought that we must face these troubled times with all of the courage we can muster. A poem came to mind. One that I had submitted for the book some time ago. Maybe it’s time to jog our memories once again.

Courage
By Helen Frazee Bower

 You asked me, “What is courage?" And I took
 The dictionary down and spelled it out.
 For such a little boy, the heavy book
 Was ponderous. You twisted it about;

 You said, “It's being brave — and what is that?"
 You said, “It's not to fear — am I afraid?
 Does courage arch its back up like our cat,
 And spit at everything it meets?" you said.

 Perplexed, we closed the book and took a walk.
 And came where fire had worked untimely death;
 The woods were gone. But on a slender stalk
 A flower inched for life. I caught my breath.

 “Courage," I said, and took you by the hand,
 “IS ONE WHITE FLOWER IN A FIRE-SWEPT LAND.”

And so we must all try to be like that flower in these troubled times.

Glenn DeLodder

March 15, 2022

No Greater Joy

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” – 3 John 4

As I see more and more of my classmates losing their parents, it promotes reflection on the blessing of still having mine around.
They have shown guidance and abundant love to me and my five siblings for so many years.

Knowing the joy it brings me to have seen my own children follow God, it pleases me to know that we are giving a little back to our parents by being faithful followers of God also.

Debbie Smith

March 14, 2022

Unexpected Blessings

Read: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

My father, who passed away 5 years ago, was always a homebody. He never socialized much and was perfectly content to watch a movie on TV alone or order Saturday night dinner from a drive-through window. In the many years he cared for my mother (who had dementia), he spent most of his time with her at home and ventured out primarily to go to the market, go to the doctor, or perhaps just go a relaxing drive with no destination.

As a social person who always loves to be on the go, I never understood my father. For years I was frustrated with him, wondering why he didn’t try to make more friends and see his extended family more often. I thought of my dad’s ability to be perfectly happy at home as some sort of problem that kept him from living life to the fullest. As someone who has spent much of my life in an airplane or a hotel room, I couldn’t imagine spending 23 hours a day at home.

As we get older, God has a way of helping us better understand and more fully love the people who are important to us. I would never have imagined that a global pandemic could bring me closer to my father years after his death, but it has.

Since the start of the pandemic, I’ve now had far more time at home than ever before. Since Michele is an “essential” worker who ended up working way more out of the home than ever before, I was often home for the whole day with just the kids (and many times, just with myself). I’ve found it’s really not so bad. And I’ve also found that many of the things that annoyed me with my dad are now things I now identify with. Time seems to be moving slower and I don’t care as much about what other people think, and I’m not stressed all the time that I might be missing out on something. And I’ve started to be able to accept things I cannot change and appreciate the small wonders around me. I feel like I can now understand and empathize with my father in a way I never could in the past. The challenges God gives often provide us with unexpected blessings.

Craig Fowler

March 13, 2022

What Barriers?

“There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” 1 Corinthians 12:5-6

Shortly after I started at GM Engineering Staff, I witnessed yet another reason I really liked being there. We had a draftsman in the department named Harold. He had MS and had difficulty getting around. Our department (vehicle division) was on the 2nd floor and our boss, John Stafford, told Harold he was wanted down in the shop and to go right then. Harold struggled, but he made it.

Unknown to Harold, the department had purchased one of those three-wheeled electric scooters. One of the techs, Jack Ackerly, had installed a bicycle hand brake since Harold could not use the foot brake. When it was presented to Harold, he had tears in his eyes, and probably was not the only one. The scooter was like a new set of legs for Harold. He was free to check what was happening in the shop, and for a while he actually spent a few days there doing drawings.

As a side note, Harold would park the scooter in the garage and plug it in overnight. His wife would drop him off in the morning and pick him up after work. Interestingly, she had some problems too. However, Harold could do what she could not, and she could do what he could not. What a match!

God does work in mysterious ways.

Jack van Becelaere

March 12, 2022

A Multitude of Blessings

Read Acts 2:14, 41-42

Well Charlie, I’ve had quite a case of writer’s block for a while now. I’ve had all sorts of good thoughts for you, but I can’t seem to complete a coherent paragraph with any of it.

I could for instance, write about all the many blessings that have come our way, how we’re doing things that I’d have never believed possible a few short years ago. Every time I realize how the Lord has delivered us, for some reason, I’m having a hard time putting it to paper.

As I sit here writing this for instance, I’m dressed the same way I have every day for 3 years now, shorts, a t-shirt, and I’m barefoot, and I’m outside on a patio having just spent the afternoon in a warm pool with the Lovely & Gracious JeriLynn.

Last Friday we were chauffeured to our favorite weekly dance party by a guy who owns a mansion on a private island right on the Gulf. We sat with his buddy who flies his 14-passenger jet helicopter from place to place because the traffic in Florida is such a pain. I really don’t know how we landed here, but if you’d have told me about 5 years ago we’d be doing this, I’d have said you just fell out of a tree.

Then I was gonna write for you about the time I was praying and praying for a sign from the Lord. I had to make an excruciating medical decision that could save, or possibly lose Jeri’s life, and I had no idea what to do. I don’t remember the specifics, but I do remember there were varying opinions from the experts and they needed a decision. It was maybe the most intimidating and lonesome moment of my life. As I was praying next to Jeri’s bedside for some form of help I looked up and saw the faces of Dr. Jamie Martin and Dr. Rick Brammer coming to visit at the same time. I wouldn’t have been more relieved if J.C. Himself walked into the room, robe, sandals, and all; and in a way, He did. I don’t believe in coincidence, but I certainly do believe in the Lord sending us who and what we need, I can’t tell ya how, but I can tell ya, He does. The problem had nothing to do with ears or her heart, but I had 2 of the best doctors on this planet to help me figure it out, and that’s all I needed. Without them, the preceding 2 paragraphs might have been sadly very different.

Now as I sat to write this, I was pondering, “What IS a devotion??” It occurred to me that 30+ years of gathering and assembling these little tidbits of faith and then delivering them to a congregation for daily consumption during Lent takes a LOT of Devotion. GPUMC is so fortunate to have a Charlie to do these and so many other Charlie-like things, and like any busy man, you are so fortunate to have Heidi doing all the Heidi things. It makes me think, Charlie: You and Heidi Are the Devotion.

So there you have it, my lifelong friend, various unconnected thoughts, random acts of gratefulness for a multitude of blessings all wrapped up in a seemingly meaningless story, with a hidden underlying message, that all things are possible with the right attitude toward God.

Hope this helps,
Ron Draper

March 11, 2022

Role Model for Contentment

Read 1 Timothy 6:6-7

My father, Ralph, was a role model for me in so many ways. Some of the key attributes he demonstrated included hard work, patience, love of God, and love of family.

The one characteristic that I admire most about him is possibly the hardest one to emulate. That is being content. Ralph had the ability to be content with and find value in the basics. He liked a good meal, enjoyed being around family, reading, and making projects from wood. I remember at annual Christmas Eve gatherings he was always on the periphery of the present opening, observing with a grin and taking it all in with gratitude. The gift of us being together was all he really needed.

To be content is not to say one is without goals or aspirations. It seems to me that it is the ability to be true to oneself, accept who you are, not be envious of others, and do the best you can with what God has given you. My dad demonstrated those characteristics always.

Of course there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; For we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing we will be content with these.

Nancy Grose

March 10, 2022

Two Random Thoughts

1 Corinthians 15:54-58
 
My Mom died on February 9, 2021 of old age….yeah, 97 years old qualifies. My three older brothers and I were able to don PPE garments and were allowed to be with her just before she passed in the night. She and my Dad (who passed in 2013) got excellent care for decades at a facility in Oberlin, OH (just south of Cleveland) called Kendal, one of many locations with the same name around the country run by a Quaker-based organization. Years ago they started living there in an independent “cottage” and migrated at the end with 24/7 nursing attention. They moved there to be geographically centered between the mostly Midwestern homes of the four brothers.
 
Mom was comfortable with life, and always said she would be ready and at peace whenever the Lord called her name. She was a strong person who believed and lived daily in a Christian and loving manner. She tried as much as possible to pass that approach to her four boys, and generally successfully “made the mark” (yeah, I will not list our “bad” stories here). One of her life quotes was: “I was born happy and try to continue that throughout my life.” That mantra certainly would be good for anyone who listens to their own advice and admonishments. Note: She always enjoyed coming to Grosse Pointe, attending GPUMC and meeting all our church friends.
 
With many COVID-19 precautions, we were able to hold her interment service on October 2nd, outside on a gorgeous Autumn day, and all of her 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren were able to attend. The interment was held in a beautiful upper NY State town called Auburn (I was also born there) where her ashes were laid next to Dad’s in the family plot.
 
She was a great athlete (so was Dad) and excelled at skiing, sailing, tennis, ping pong, and enjoyed beating my brother Peter in cribbage. She was avid gardener, dog lover, and regularly sat down at the piano and played using various song books. At times in her life she was a bookkeeper, schoolteacher, church goer, traveler, active volunteer and always a strong family person.
 
I was lucky to have a loving mom like her.

My other random thought was to thank Pastor Ray for his service to GPUMC, at many levels, but particularly with our church’s Endowment. I had worked over the years with Joe Bromley and Carson Grunewald talking about how to make our methodology more successful. Ray’s background and expertise was crucial to assist and help direct our committees’ processes to the next appropriate stage (also thanks to former, now deceased, Endowment chair Larry Deck in the transition and for his years of faithful service). Ray also met regularly with Carson, and those personal meetings were helpful in encouraging Carson to follow through with an ongoing annual donation to GPUMC from his estate at the time of his passing. Thanks again on both accounts!

David DeWitt

March 9, 2022

God Answered His Prayer

“Jabez called out to the God of Israel, ‘If only you would greatly bless me and expand my territory. May your hand be with me! Keep me from harm so I might not endure pain.’ God answered his prayer.” – 1 Chronicles 4:10

Have you ever heard the term “Be careful what you wish for?” It might apply here!

For many years I was an active member of Bethany UMC in Liberty Township, OH. I was upset when my first and longtime pastor got re-appointed. I had served joyfully under him on our SPRC as well as a fund-raising campaign for our new fellowship hall plus numerous other committees. Our new pastor was not a fit for the church, and we were having issues with him and the whole situation which de-motivated me to serve. I then prayed that fateful Prayer of Jabez which changed the course of my servitude forever.

Being an active choir member, I had participated in weekly rehearsals which were a wonderful time of preparation and fellowship. Liberty Township, OH was growing, and we increased our outreach to our local community to grow the body of Christ at Bethany. At the time a small group put together a “folksy” type band and attempted to start a contemporary service. With the all the “noise” surrounding the new pastor, I needed something different, and the rest is history thanks to the Prayer of Jabez.

I am a marketing and sales guy. Through that prayer God energized me to take the basic framework of that “folksy” little band and take it to a new level. I was inspired to reach out and capitalize on the congregation’s spiritual gifts and people came forward offering to help.

We built a stage in the new fellowship hall, installed a huge overhead screen, recruited musicians from our youth, added a coffee bar, and shared some great upbeat Contemporary Christian Music.

That same year, the new pastor was replaced with one more suited for the demographics of the area. Our service thrived as our pastor made his rounds from two other services to preach the same Biblically based message and the body of Christ grew at Bethany UMC.

I was blessed as worship leader at Bethany UMC for 5 years until we moved to Toledo. Those final years will always hold a special place in my heart, and I grew personally and spiritually from the experience. All praise to Jesus and the answer to my offering up of the Prayer of Jabez.
 
Should you ever choose to pray that prayer, buckle up as your answer may be more than you have ever imagined!

Kenny Cameron

March 8, 2022

Decluttering

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on Earth, where moths and vermin destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven . . . For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21

Decluttering. Certainly the catch word for today, giving some of us huge guilt that we are getting rid of “useful” things. But is decluttering a catch word for everyone? To be honest lots of the world’s people would love to have the problem of “too much stuff.” For many, not having enough of the basics like plumbing and running water is the problem – it’s not having multiple televisions, winter coats, books, and linens. We bemoan the task of decluttering when in fact we should be thankful we even have this problem. Notice I didn’t say happy. But we should be at least grateful that we are comfortable and safe and educated – grateful every day – because the vast majority of people have none of these things

Actually, I’m preaching to myself as I tackle my stash of stuff - a sort of building up steam to accomplish the job - but decluttering is squarely a first world problem and a problem most of the world would love to have.

So troops – go clean those closets, attics, basements, and garages, and give that sock drawer another go over. Folks in the know say that when your life is materially simple, life is less stressful. Hum. Now that would be good. And, of course, have a stash for the rummage sale. We’ll all be glad you did.


Father: Let us be always grateful for our material blessings and actively seek to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Amen

Vivian Anderson

March 7, 2022

Home Again

Read: Hebrews 10:24-25

After the disruptions of the last two years, many of us have felt locked out of our houses of worship and disconnected from our faith's journey.

I am immensely grateful that Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church has remained "a place to worship, share and grow in Christian fellowship,” as the welcoming pew brochure states.

I have entered the back door of GPUMC on many occasions, from the early days of the mother's day out program, to my years as a preschool co-op parent, zumba dancer,
and as a close family friend with the Froggett and Kafarski families.

My family and some of our friends were welcomed at the beautiful garden services the Summer of 2020, and in the sanctuary when it grew chilly that Fall. And GPUMC has continued to welcome us and offer fellowship opportunities we had been missing in our faith life. Most recently I was able to work with a wonderful group of adults and children as a Bible school leader, enjoying fellowship and a beautiful summer under our "Amour of God" tent!

I was honored in late Fall to present a 3rd grader with her GPUMC Bible. When Emily said in her chancel chat, "I am sure we all remember when we got our first Bible," my heart filled with joy as I remember receiving mine from First Methodist Church in Troy. I went home that day and opened my Father's Bible which was given to him by Emmanuel Methodist Church in Eastpointe in 1947.

I knew that I was home again, and eager to see what 2022 will bring in a church that is still alive and rejoicing!

One of my great heroes of our Protestant faith is German theologian and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This quote is from his book "Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community."

"The church does not need brilliant personalities but faithful servants of Jesus and the bethren."

These past two years, virtual church or no church at all, has renewed the joy of worship with others and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Faith is not a solo project, it is a group project and one I am excited to be a part of in the year 2022 and beyond at GPUMC.

Amy Sanford

March 6, 2022

Post COVID, What's next for GPUMC?

Read Acts 10:34-43

As the COVID crisis wanes and the virus becomes endemic, What will our church look like in the future?

I am grateful for those times pre-COVID that we all remember. A full church, a wonderful choir, a time of sharing at coffee hour, great church dinners, and a full parking lot.

When will we get back to those times?
What does the future hold?

The future is now up to us as a congregation, as we progress from the down time of COVID, a time of church on the internet, and a return to church as we knew it pre-COVID.

I believe the future looks bright! When we think of those pre-COVID days, I am hopeful their return will come soon.

The other question about the future is where will GPUMC be 10 to 20 years from now? Will we be one service at 9:30 with an aging congregation, or will we expand our vision with a second service?

The purpose of expanding our vision is for the outreach of our church with emphasis on children, their parents, and young members of the wider Grosse Pointe community. I believe we can all agree we must be on our way to a younger, vibrant church in the future.

I am thankful for our church, and its support of our members, its outreach, and the good we do.

We, the congregation, with God’s help and guidance hold the future.

Which path will we take?

Doug Ross Sr.

March 5, 2022

Equipment

Some things we do in life take special equipment. For example, if we bake we need ingredients, measuring cups, bowls, pans or tins, and an oven; if we do woodworking, we need wood, saws, screwdrivers, sanders, drills, hammers, saw horses, etc. If we play sports, there are helmets, special shoes, balls, bats, pucks, and sticks required. If we garden, we need soil, seeds, bulbs, trowels, tilers, and so forth. You get the picture, and you can probably add other activities that require equipment.

In Hebrews 13: 20-21, Paul prays a benediction over this church saying:
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

This is Paul’s prayer and wish for the church and for us. May we also pray for God to equip us through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit so that we may do His will, what pleases Him, the work that moves the Kingdom. The Greek word kataritizo, translated in this passage as equip, means to complete thoroughly, to repair or to adjust. In this Lenten season, may we take a little time to examine ourselves and check out what equipment God is giving to us; to complete thoroughly, repair, and adjust ourselves so that we may be the people God is calling us to be as we seek to do His will.
Take some time to ponder these questions:
What equipment is God giving me?
What equipment is God giving all of us at CGUMC? (and GPUMC?)
Then,
Make a list of the ways God is equipping you and the church.
How will we use our equipment to do the will of God?

Pastor Pam Wells, College Grove UMC

March 4, 2022

Focusing on My Blessings

There is no one who has not been impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic that started here in 2020. What an obvious statement. I do not journal but found myself after the new year needing to write down the many thoughts that I had repetitively circling in my head. I was anxious about putting down in words all the negative things that had happened over the past year. Much to my surprise however, I discovered that my list of blessings and positive things was nearly double the lists of negative and mixed blessings! While family losses were sorrowful, paths stressful and health issues permeated there were also celebrations of solidifying career paths, new relationships building, and health issues resolved.

I not only reflected on personal events in my ponderings, but also GPUMC family happenings. Yes, we have been apart for nearly a year (other than small gatherings) and that is truly sad but consider the wonderful things we have done. In 2020 for the first time GPUMC hosted the Rotating Homeless Shelter and with modifications will host another week this season. The NOAH Project received 600 full bag lunches. The Scott Center of Cass received a luncheon for the homeless. The call for saving lives is greater than ever and many have helped or given blood at one of the three American Red Cross drives that GPUMC graciously hosted. There was also the call of the hungry. Immanuel UMC called out for increased support of their food pantry as the families with job losses suddenly grew. Since March of 2020, our church family (and some of them challenged their neighbors and friends too) has generously provided groceries and funds to help feed what is now up to 130 families. This call also has no end. See what can still be done while we are apart to help others in need as we care called to do.

I pray each of us has also taken moments to reflect on not just the losses we have suffered, but also the blessings and joys. Jesus suffered and sacrificed for us so that we might be saved. May we continue to not just focus on ourselves but continue to show in our actions compassion for others.

If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out, your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight. - Isaiah 58:10

Beth Blunden
(note – this devotion was intended for last year’s book, but it hid in my email until after the books were printed. Sorry about that, Beth!)

March 3, 2022

Psst! Are you listening?

Read: 1 Kings 19:11-13

God is always with us, even if we’re not paying attention. Two years ago we were staying distant from friends and family, including church family. Admittedly bored at having to follow COVID-19 protocols, I researched hymns we’ve sung at GPUMC since 2010. I learned, among other things, that we had sung 422 different hymns in that 10 year period.

Since then we’ve learned we can safely gather in person for worship. Thankfully, COVID-19 numbers indicate it is once again safe to have rehearsals and an in-person choir during worship. Unfortunately, the “Groundhog Day Blizzard” made it impossible to rehearse before our return to the choir loft on February 6. We had planned to share a wonderful communion hymn, “Here O My Lord, I See Thee.” It’s been six years since we’ve sung it and we could all have used a refresher. What to do?

Not all of us can practice at home with a piano or keyboard, but we CAN listen to music on our numerous digital devices. If only we could find a recording of “Here O My Lord, I see Thee.” Refer to the first paragraph. I easily found a recording of that hymn and provided a link for choir members to access it. By the time you read this, we’ll be able to ask “How’d we do?”

Did I think, in early 2020, that God moved me to do that research? Nope. It never crossed my mind, perhaps because I wasn’t paying attention. Maybe God was waiting to let me know when that work would prove useful, as it just did, and to make me more aware of His presence.

Fred Van de Putte

March 2, 2022 – Ash Wednesday

Seasons of Worship

“Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.” – John 16:22, New King James Version

Lent isn’t really a Baptist thing. Traditionally, we Baptists have prided ourselves on being “non-liturgical.” The result is that many Baptist churches don’t observe the liturgical calendar of the church year. Happily, for me, my Episcopalian classmates introduced me to the beauty and the rhythms of the church year, and I have observed the different seasons of worship ever since. Even Lent… especially Lent, that season of penitence and preparation for Easter, the most glorious day of the Christian calendar. For, how can we truly celebrate the joy of Easter if we cut short the preparation and, yes, the sorrow of Lent?

Sorrow is a real thing in our lives. Pain… loss… suffering… these are all the backdrop for the joyful times of life. In truth, without the shadows of life, there would be no need for the light. Our joy is joyful because we know what it is to live in sorrow. Without sorrow, joy would have no meaning. And please note, I didn’t say “happiness.” Happiness is based on our external circumstances, while joy is internal… connected with our faith and the sure knowledge that God is with us in the joy and the sorrow.

So let us not rush through Lent. Let us not rush to the empty tomb, but rather, let us take time to prepare ourselves and to linger in the shadow of the cross with Jesus. It may be a sorrowful time, but it will be well worth it, for the sorrow of Lent will give way to Easter joy, and no one will be able to take that joy away from us.

Prayer: Lord of Shadow and Light, slow us down as we journey toward the glory of Easter, that we may be truly prepared for the miracle of the Resurrection and the never-ending joy that you will bestow upon us in everlasting life. Amen.

The Rev. Jill Harvey
Niantic Baptist Church
Niantic, CT