March 23, 2008

Keep the Faith

Read: John 20

That dark Sunday morning, the women struggled toward the tomb with the spices and ointment they bore only a part of what weighed them down. They bore the grief and pain of having seen their Teacher and Master crucified like a common criminal, then buried in a borrowed tomb. At least they could keep faith with Him by completing the preparations for His burial for which there simply hadn't been time as the Sabbath bore down on them.

Of course, their spices weren't needed - remember, He had already been anointed at Bethany (and at His birth when the Magi brought myrrh!) The women were being faithful in small things - they hadn't abandoned their teacher, even in death. Still, they were missing the big step of faith; He had told them that the Son of Man had to die and rise again on the third day, what were they thinking? Nonetheless, "to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance" (Matthew 25:29), and they received the reward of their faithfulness in greater measure than anyone could ever have hoped or imagined. He was alive! He had risen, a conqueror after all, but not simply over the power of Rome, but as the conqueror of Sin and Death!

Now it is our turn to keep the faith, and to contend for the Faith. Where do we start? How about with the little things? "For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory...." (Luke 9:25 26)

I'd like to close this year's Devotions Book with this verse from the Gospel of John
"Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:30-31)

So go forth Alive, and rejoicing as you reach out to your community and beyond, living the Good News of Jesus Christ! Amen!

Charlie van Becelaere

March 22, 2008

It's All About Who You Know

Read: Matthew 7:21-23, Luke 18:15-17

As have many companies in our area, the company where I work has just gone through a painful round of layoffs. I survived the cuts, but many of my friends did not.

I was talking with one of my friends who's actually looking forward to moving on. He said that he sees it as a kick in the pants from God to go do what he's really supposed to be doing anyway. It's too comfortable to be able to simply keep going to the same place, doing the same things, for the same paycheck. Still, he knows that it's going to be tough out there, and I offered to help with any contacts he might need to make – as they say, it's all about who you know. As he was leaving my office, we said that we'll see each other around, and then Brian said that he knew he would see me in Heaven, anyway, and he's right. Because in that case too, it's all about Who you know:

A man dies. Of course, St. Peter meets him at the Pearly Gates.

St. Peter says, "Here's how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in."

"Okay," the man says, "I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart."

"That's wonderful," says St. Peter, "that's worth three points!"

"Three points?" he says. "Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service."

"Terrific!" says St. Peter. "That's certainly worth a point."

"One point!?!! I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans."

"Fantastic, that's good for two more points," he says.

"Two points!?!!" Exasperated, the man cries, "At this rate it'll just be by the grace of God that I ever get into heaven."

"Bingo, 100 points! Come on in!"

Amen!

Charlie van Becelaere

March 21, 2008

Final Moments

Read: Luke 23:33-46

November was a month with unexpected and unpleasant deaths for us. Two of Gary’s co-workers were gunned down in a parking lot. Sadly it wasn’t over as fast as one would hope. Every so often I think of that horrible moment. I imagine the terror they experienced and feel awful about the way they died. One of our dogs died in November too, so now I have two dogs in heaven. There are days when I think of them and can cry just thinking about how miserable their last day was. It’s easy to focus on the bad parts. It’s sad to lose someone you love, and when their death isn’t painless or easy, it’s hard to ignore the misery that went with it.

Then I remind myself that in the scheme of things the terror or misery that they felt was fleeting. I find myself physically shaking my head to make the upsetting thoughts leave. I force myself to think about what their life is like now. Gary’s co-workers were in love, and they died together. Their terror and pain vanished and now they are happy together for eternity. I imagine one of my dogs swimming any time he wants. I imagine him running without a limp. I imagine the other dog giving him a run for his money chasing the ball. They didn’t know each other in life, but I like to think they’ve found each other and become friends. I know their pain is gone.

That makes me think of Good Friday. I can get very upset by the horrible death Jesus suffered. I can’t help but project my feelings onto his situation. I imagine his pain, his sadness, his fear, his disappointment in those responsible. Each Good Friday I grieve for him. My grief, like his suffering, is fleeting though. Not only did his suffering end, but he rose to glory and great joy to be with his Father. Because of his suffering, we also will rise to glory and great joy to be with our Father.


Thought for the day: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

Prayer: Dear God, we are amazed and eternally grateful for the suffering Jesus endured for us. Help us remember that whether our own exit from this life is easy or difficult, we will enter into peace and joy in heaven with you. Amen.


Jacki Rumpp

March 20, 2008

Methodist Central Hall: London, England

Read Luke 10:29-37

I walked into the church, awkward and self-conscious, with a big red duffel bag on my back and a red and grey backpack covering my chest, looking every bit like the typical American-youth-back-packing-across-Europe. Loaded down with everything I might possibly need for a month of travel, I was tired, lonely, homesick, and bored of Catholicism. I was ready for something different, something less severe. I was ready to be uplifted, I was ready to be inspired.

The security guard graciously accepted my bag, and kindly directed me to the coffee room to wait until the service started. Finding a seat in the corner, I attempted to make myself inconspicuous while still taking note of the others gathered there, a difficult task in a room with few other people. Upon hearing of a communion service, I questioned the speaker and was led into a small chapel for the early morning service. Having only received communion once in the past five months, I was looking forward to the opportunity of taking the sacrament that had been otherwise denied to my un-Orthodox beliefs. Approaching the altar for the bread and wine was like coming home, finally something I could understand, an idea I believed in and an act I could participate in without feeling like an intruder. I was unprepared for the sense of relief and thanksgiving that came, and the tears began to flow, stemmed only by a fellow worshiper leaning over and holding my hand, offering me the human element which had been so lackluster in the other churches.

After the service, the same woman caught up with me, introduced herself as Mary, and asked if everything was alright, if she could pray for me. She took my hand and offered a small thanks to God for bringing me to the church that morning, praying that I would be safe and happy. She didn’t know anything about me, not my story, why I was there, where I was going. And she took my hand and prayed for me. As simple as that.

As I left the hall later that afternoon in order to catch a train to the next city on my list, I was overwhelmed by a sense of relief and healing. The service had been beautiful, and just as exciting, it had been in English. The words of the sermon had resounded, pressing humility on all who listened. The music had been uplifting and pure. And the congregation had welcomed me as one of their own, inviting me to worship in the future and gave me names and numbers to contact if ever I was back in the city.

I have never been so touched by the kindness of complete strangers. In a world that seems filled to the brim with devastation, disaster and mistrust, peace and love are sometimes hard to imagine, impossible to achieve. But a gentle hand touched mine and loneliness slipped away. I received a hug and I felt relief. And a prayer was lifted up and I saw hope.

Emily Richardson-Rossbach

March 19, 2008

Pitfalls in Life

Read Psalm 103, Luke 14:1-6

A man fell into a pit and couldn't get himself out...

A subjective person came along and said, "I feel for you down there."

An objective person walked by and said, "It's logical that someone would fall down there."

A Pharisee said, "Only bad people fall into pits."

A mathematician calculated how deep the pit was.

A news reporter wanted the exclusive story on the pit.

An IRS agent asked if he was paying taxes on the pit.

A self-pitying person said, "You haven't seen anything until you've seen my pit."

A fire-and-brimstone preacher said, "You deserve your pit."

A Christian Scientist observed, "The pit is just in your mind."

A psychologist noted, "Your mother and father are to blame for your being in that pit."

A self-esteem therapist said, "Believe in yourself and you can get out of that pit."

An optimist said, "Things could be worse."

A pessimist claimed, "Things will get worse."

Jesus, seeing the man, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit.



Thought for the Day:
Be ye fishers of men: You catch 'em; He'll clean 'em.

March 18, 2008

Walking in Heavy Rain

Read: Mark 9:35-37

A few years ago we planned a trip through Elderhostel to Costa Rica. We were told before we left home that we could visit a local small school, and if we chose, we could bring school supplies for the very poor school.

After we arrived in the small town near the Caribbean coast, a hurricane came through, very close to us – monsoon rains for several days.

The trip director told us we didn't have to walk the quarter of a mile to the school, but the children would be very disappointed if we didn't come.

Needless to say, all thirty of us grabbed rain hats and umbrellas and walked through knee-high wet grass fields, and across mud roads to make the trip.

Through their teacher's interpretation, they asked many questions, and we sang our National Anthem for them.

This is a very friendly, but poor country. Most homes have dirt floors and no indoor plumbing.

The reward for us – seeing the smiling faces and hearing “thank you for coming” – was well worth the wet walk.

Sarah and Jack Wooton


Thought for the day: Have faith – remember, it wasn't raining when Noah built the ark!

March 17, 2008

Prayer

Christ, be with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,

Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,

Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,

Christ where I lie,
Christ where I sit,
Christ where I arise,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me,

Salvation is of the Lord,

Salvation is of the Christ,

May your salvation, O Lord, be ever with us.

Amen.


St. Patrick

March 15, 2008

Why do you live There?

Read Psalm 84

Country Roads. I love driving them. We live on a paved road, but when I have time I love to take the back roads home for the last 7 miles or so. How would you like to drive the last 7 miles home without passing another car? It’s not uncommon to pass a herd of deer or other wildlife on the way home. Our nearest neighbor in the back yard is .9 miles away. That would be like living on Maumee and your backyard goes all the way to Mack Ave. We have a bonfire whenever we feel like it. The nearest streetlight is 1.2 miles away.

Our yard features a stocked fishing/swimming pond that covers ¾ acre. The pond alone is bigger than the yard I grew up in. Kids go nuts when they catch a 4 lb bass right here in the back yard. We entertain a lot and in summer and we have the space for baseball, football, badminton, Frisbees, kites, horseshoes, swimming, fishing, cards, fireworks, and any number of things kids dream up all going on at once. Our home is one of those places kids always whine about going to, then the parents can’t get them in the car to leave.

Our home is modest but includes all the modern conveniences and updates we want. Our classic Chris Craft 27’ Commander fishing boat spends her winter in a heated/air-conditioned barn on our property. We can visit and tinker whenever we like. Your barn isn’t heated and air-conditioned? Your boat is on some strangers place? How do you live?

Sometimes Jeri and I sit in the rockers on the back porch and use the .22 cal. rifle to shoot flies off the rocks in the back 40 about 130 yards away.

At Christmas a dozen farmers with their hay wagons loaded with kids go to see Santa on the edge of town. Santa flies in on a candy apple red helicopter, lands in a corn field then rides on an old pickup truck with antlers and a big red nose on the hood so the kids can come see Santa. You don’t get this in the ‘burbs.

It’s not all fun and games though; the local paper crime blotter can be pretty scary. One time the 4H cow got out, wandering and lurking in the shadows in the woods for a week until caught at the Bruno farm howling to the bull in the pen. Then there was the time someone stole a concrete goose statue from someone's front porch. The heinous part of the crime is that the perpetrator also took the Goose’s new holiday outfit and the poinsettia plant next to it. Yup this stuff makes the paper out here. If we do need the cops though they’re only a phone call away, 45 minutes to an hour later they’re here, and ready for anything.

12-year-old boys ride dirt bikes for miles on the back trails between the farms. They don’t ask for bee bee guns. They ask for and get real shotguns; youth hunting day is a rite of passage. The video game people don’t do very well around here. One of the farmers has a heated barn that’s so big the little league uses it as a batting cage in the winter. That can be a lot of fun to watch on a winter’s night.

The old farmer down the road, Big Daddy Tom is a great neighbor. His family’s been farming this area for over a hundred years. Sometimes I spend a day with him to go see the Amish. Amos the Amish makes windows, Jacob the Amish runs the lumber mill, and Elizabeth the Amish makes the cookies. Whatever you need, you can probably get it from the Amish. On the way back Big Daddy Tom knows every watering hole and hidden haunt from the Tip of the Thumb to Toledo. You’d be surprised how many there are and where some of them are. At least one is in an old root cellar that has served libations since prohibition. You can’t pay to get in; you have to bring a good story to tell. Drinks are still a buck. Take it from me, some of the beer lappin’, belly slappin’, broad beam baloombas can tell a pretty tall tale for a dollar drink.

Sometimes I feel inadequate in church because we live so far from Grosse Pointe, although we can make it to Church in 33 minutes. Nothing beats the Pointes in spring and fall and I do miss the area. We have to make a choice though. As the great 20th century philosopher Bob Seger once said, “You just can’t have it all”. We could never afford to have all we want in Grosse Pointe.

We once invited the entire congregation to our home for a picnic and many of you came. It was a lot of fun. We could probably be talked into doing that again.

Having all of you makes the drive to church worth it, and having open space makes the drive home worth it too.

For us, Country Roads isn’t just a song it’s a way of life. We don’t live fancy but we sure live free. No one has ever asked why we live here after having spent an afternoon with us. If you’re reading this I hope we’ll get to see you out here sometime.


Ron & Jeri Draper

March 14, 2008

Why do you come all the way here for church?

Read 1 Timothy 1:3-7

Jeri and I are asked this frequently, and I suppose it’s a logical question if you only drive a few minutes to get to church, although it’s never even occurred to me. We usually answer the second part with an invitation, bring your family to our home for an afternoon and you’ll understand. The answer to the first is a little harder to pin down.

I don’t remember it but I was baptized on the old altar where the piano now resides in the Great Hall.

I can remember swimming and fishing on the St. Mary’s River at Camp Conley when I was 3. The Frisbies, Pierrons, Heftys, Bantiens, Rev. Nixon, Dr. and Mrs. Schaffer, and others were there. It was 1962. We went there with the Church until I was 6.

I can remember Ginny Downs making nursery school fun. I remember Bert Prisk using a plumber’s torch to melt crayons on sandpaper drawings we made in 5th grade Sunday school, the coolest thing that ever happened in Sunday school, painting with fire.

So many times Perry Thomas tried to get me to straighten up and fly right. God rest his tired soul. I drilled the holes in the granite boulder to mount his bronze statue in the Memorial Garden. It’s still there. Must have done that right.

I helped Scott and Mary Frost organize the first church winter retreat. Mary couldn’t ski so I taught her. I snowplowed backward down the hill with her skis snowplowing between mine while I held her to keep her balance and she had the hang of it in no time. She loved it so much she and Scott moved to Florida, haven’t seen her since.

So many times I remember half the church coming to our house to play cards with my parents all night.

I remember sitting in the balcony of the old sanctuary watching the choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus of Handel’s Messiah. To this day it’s one of my fondest memories. If my life passes in front of my eyes when I die, I’m sure that sight will be in there. Now when I see Jan up there in the choir it’s 1974 again. We sit up front so fewer people suffer when I sing.

Before there was Charlie there was a man we called Doc. He worked tirelessly to make church a place where young people wanted to be. He was an important figure in my teen years. Many years later I found myself 1,200 miles off shore in the Atlantic on a dark moonless night full of stars and no other light. I was delivering a 42’ sailboat to the West Indies. On deck alone on watch with calm seas sailing at 5 knots, I couldn’t resist the temptation to take a dip. At 01:00 or so I tied a line to a deck cleat and jumped in. Holding the rope I towed behind the boat as I’d done hundreds of times near shore in daylight with friends running the boat. This time it was just me and the stars above. Then for some reason, it occurred to me how disappointed Doc would be if I died out here doing this. If I lost the rope, the boat would be miles away in the open ocean before anyone knew I was gone. Paying attention to my gut and Doc, I climbed out to dry off. As I did, the drag on my fishing pole’s reel gave out a grind for only a second. When I reeled in the line my bait was bitten in half. It was a wooden plug the size of a large broom handle. Something hungry with teeth as big as my thumb was in the water right behind me when I was towing myself behind the boat. Why do I drive so far to come to this church? Why was Doc there in the stars that night?

Even so, for several years I was CEO of this church. Yup I was. Christmas Easter Only. In those years I felt inadequate. I spent many lunch breaks eating my lunch in the parking lot. Then after a service I attended that included Charlie and Heidi singing a duet I remarked to Charlie how fortunate this church is to have them. He responded with the most astute observation, he said “This church is fortunate to have you too, Ron, we’d like you to come in more often.” So I did.

This led to me finding some of my most treasured friends, if you’re reading this you’re one of them. Even in the years I was not often in this church, there’s not been a time when this church wasn’t in me. This little church is firmly ensconced in my soul. Now I look forward to my Bob sermons, they’re like the lunch Jeri packs for me, I don’t remember the specific contents of them, I just know that each one keeps me going until the next one is consumed.

I can remember every Pastor since Rev. Nixon. I’ve been raised in, confirmed in, and counseled by this church for as long as I can remember. Over the years I’ve found myself in some compromising positions, and its only the teachings and connection to this church that have led me from the tempter. Over the years two people have died in my arms, and it’s only because of the things I’ve learned in this church that I knew what to do at those times.

From the first time I brought her, the lovely and gracious JeriLynn has commented how friendly and accommodating everyone is.

Even when driving 1 ½ hours through a foot of snow I don’t wonder why we drive so far to come to this church, for me it’s a question of “ Where else would I go?”

And besides I know it makes my mom happy.

Happy Birthday MOM!

Ron Draper

March 13, 2008

Growing in our Faith

Read Numbers 6:22-27, 1Corinthians 12:12-13, 26-31

I was at first a bit nervous when asked to reflect upon my faith and how the church has influenced my life. When we first started attending services at GPUMC I was feeling a bit guilty. Being brought up Catholic, I thought my Mother would be rolling in her grave. Then another member approached me during the fellowship hour and said that if it wasn't for the ex-Catholics this church wouldn't be so large. As the weeks passed I felt welcomed and fascinated at how the church family worked. The church was not run by the Pastors but by the people. The Pastors keep us centered and guided but we are in charge of all the wonderful things that are done here.

Over the past five years I have seen an amazing growth in faith in myself and my entire family! Steve, my husband and rock, has read the entire Bible twice! (Including the book of Numbers!) He glows when he talks of the senior high work camp mission trip. My 15 year old son, Mitch, has made some incredible friends and memories with the youth group thanks to Charlie and Heidi. And I continue to hope and pray that Lindsay, 12, will have the same wonderful memories of church as she continues her faith journey. My only memories of church when I was young was a long ride to 1PM mass at St. Mary's church. My Dad dropping us off in front, saying he would be in and he has heard enough sermons in his life. I love listening to our pastors' sermons; they bring the Bible to daily life and I especially love it when my kids comment on the sermon at brunch. Yes they get it!!!!

As I sit behind the altar with the choir each week, I look from my perch at all the wonderful people in our congregation. I know that these people make a big difference in the world. I know that one day very soon my kids will be off at college and I will have more time to be more involved with all the wonderful people and projects at GPUMC.

May the Lord Bless Us and Keep Us.


Gail Makos

March 12, 2008

The Journey to Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church

Read Galatians 6:1-10

My charming bride came home from Church one Sunday and said that Bill had asked her to talk to the congregation about her Church life. She said Bill would like you to say something too. That was the Sunday Bill had announced he had reluctantly accepted the mission position. My reaction that I participate was “no way!” Then I thought about what Bill had said that day in Church….how he had managed to dodge leadership positions, yet he worked in the Memorial Garden, picked up flats of flowers at Eastern Market, sang in the choir and smiled. WOW!! Those are major commitments.

My family lived some distance from Central Methodist Church in Lansing. Buses didn’t run on Sundays. We didn’t have a car. On some Sundays and Easter, my Mom and I would walk the mile to the Nazarene Church service where my Boy Scout Troop met. In High School, I witnessed for God at age 15 at the South Baptist Church. This meant a person didn’t dance, play cards, smoke or drink. You could kiss though. This fit right in with growing up. If you said, “holy cow” at my grandmother’s house, it was to the corner, nose to the cob webs.

I went into the Army at 19 expecting to go to Korea but was sent to France instead. My Mom wrote and told me that I had never been baptized. For some reason, I wanted “immersion”. The base chaplain found a town some 40 miles away that agreed to the baptism. My military life style didn’t change much. I read Bible “words” nightly and practiced what I perceived to be a good Christian. I still could go astray on any given day.

Upon return, Karen and I met at Ferris State College. We were immediately attracted and wed 3 years later. We married in the First Methodist Church in her hometown of Ypsilanti by the Reverend Robert Ward.

We spent the next 3 years in Ludington and attended the Methodist Church, sang in the choir and enjoyed Church family activities. When moving to the Detroit metropolitan area, the St. Clair Shores Methodist Church was recommended. For some reason, Karen and I didn’t feel comfortable nor accepted. We decided to look around. One Sunday, we came here and here became home. Our first Sunday, we were greeted when we came in and greeted when we left by lovely, smiling people, many of whom are still here and still greet. That was 1965.

Interestingly the narrow door and congested hallway we entered that day doesn’t exist anymore. Now there is a large Narthex that gets congested. However, the greeting and smiling faces still exist. I could or should do more for our Church….my home. I have contributed and served. I do think back to the years when the giving envelopes were white, yellow, pink, lavender, green, now blue and realize how fortunate the church is that we don’t have a half empty or full envelope box today. In the early years with a young family, it was difficult to always meet our pledge. We did what we could do at the time.

In closing, I must thank this congregation, Reverend Wright, Jenneth and Nancy Grose for the support you all gave Karen and me after the death of our daughter, Jami. Talk about the strength of God and belonging…this church is the place to be!!!


Maynard A. Leigh

March 11, 2008

Coventry Cathedral

Prayer Panels in the Ruins

In the ruins of the cathedral in Coventry, England – which adjoin the new cathedral, built after the original edifice had been destroyed by German bombs in World War II – are several panels of prayers. Where the altar once stood is a cross made of burnt beams of the old church, with a sign saying “Father, Forgive.” Around the rest of the former sanctuary are panels with the theme, Hallowed be Thy Name, asking God's presence in all our activities.


Hallowed be Thy Name

In Industry		God be in my hands and in my making.
In the Arts		God be in my senses and in my creating.
In the Home		God be in my heart and in my loving.
In Commerce		God be at my desk and in my trading.
In Suffering		God be in my pain and in my enduring.
In Government		God be in my plans and in my deciding.
In Education		God be in my mind and in my growing.
In Recreation		God be in my limbs and in my leisure.

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts Heaven and Earth are full of Thy glory

March 10, 2008

If a church is measured by prayers and kindness, then this house of God is, indeed, a cathedral.

Read 1 John 4:7-13

Our family has lived in a state of anxiety and concern since my husband, Bill, was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. It was exactly one yea ago this month that happened, and our church has been my harbor, a safe haven.

Everyone is such a comfort to me.... A hug, a special smile, phone calls, cinnamon applesauce and peanut brittle, soup, a complete dinner for two, cards, prayers and messages left on our machine. All of these have made us feel loved and important. "How's Bill doing today?" When asked this question, many times you hear from me more than you need to know, but it feels like family, and I tend to vent my frustrations and hopes onto your shoulders.

I wish there were something to give to all of you in return to show our appreciation.

Bill and I thank you for all that you've shared with us. We feel very special, and we send our love back to you.

Jean and Bill Buhler


"We are most like our Lord when our thoughts for ourselves are lost in our thoughts for others. There is no greater love than that." (from John 15:13)

March 8, 2008

A Mother's Challenge

Read Matthew 25:35 and 28:19-20

My daughter bought me a quote-of-the-day calendar about motherhood. Although I found all the quotes to be insightful and interesting, I was particularly inspired by the quotation from Rose Kennedy, about her role as a mother:

“Whenever I held my newborn baby in my arms, I used to think that what I said and did to him could have an influence not only on him but on all whom he met, not only for a day or a month or a year, but for all eternity—a very challenging and exciting thought for a mother.”

While thinking about what she said, I realized that she was also describing our roles as Christian disciples. We are called upon to spread the good news of Jesus Christ in our interactions with others. What we say or do can have a profound influence on someone’s life, and that person, in turn, can affect the lives of others in a very positive way. We should all be excited by the challenge!!

Matthew 25:35


Jan Versical

March 7, 2008

Pathways

Read Psalm 119:1-3, 105

I've traveled many pathways in
The years I've spent on Earth;
Some paths have led to heartache, but
More paths have led to mirth.

Some paths were far too steep to climb.
Yet with my silent prayer,
God sent an added touch of strength
And faith to get me there.

I've flown across Pacific seas
To fair Hawaiian isles,
Then found their beauty equaled by
My children's precious smiles.

I've wandered through ripe fields of wheat
That equaled treasured gold;
I've climbed to glaciered mountain peaks,
So splendid to behold.

I've gone through valleys of despair
In shadows dark and deep,
Yet God reached down to comfort me
Whenever I would weep.

I've strolled beside a beach where whales
Cavorted happily,
Inspiring, poetry in praise
Of God's great majesty!

Yes, I have traveled far and known
Both pain and happiness,
Yet found, as I look back on life,
A fact I must confess:

No matter where the paths have led,
The best one I have trod
Was when, as just a little child...
I chose the path of God!

Berniece Hearsch (Karen Bromley's friend from Bad Axe)

March 6, 2008

Follow Your Nose

Read: Isaiah 55: 8 - 11

A couple months after our much-loved dog, Tucker, died at age 14, we decided we needed another companion. We acquired a very energetic hunting dog, a Hungarian pointer named Toby. Toby is Tucker’s antithesis – full of energy, and goofy, but a bit of a wimp. Also, for the sake of our sanity, he needs to be walked everyday.

Toby’s walking habits are erratic to say the least. I hate to make him heel all the time, so usually give him the run of the leash. His nose is constantly to the ground as he runs back and forth across the sidewalk - to trees, telephone poles, mailboxes – a whirlwind of motion.

I thought he was just a crazy dog, until a few weeks ago when we walked after a fresh snowfall. What I noticed was that Toby was following the tracks of animals clearly visible in the new snow. He did have a purpose – his nose was telling him what path to follow; by using only my eyes, I had assumed that there was no intent to his behavior.

Likewise, in our Christian journey, we may not always follow a straight path. With our limited vision, we cannot presume to know the direction God has designed for us.

We must trust in His infinite knowledge, and use all our senses to discover the path He has chosen for us.


Sue DeWitt

March 5, 2008

Where have they gone?

Read Hebrews 11

Wouldn’t it be nice to have the giants of history still here? People you would like to sit down with like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abe Lincoln and more recently Walt Disney, Alfred Sloan and Pope John 23rd. You could even include some who are giants only to yourself like for me, Chet Atkins, Waylon Jennings or Johnny Cash.

These are “celebrity” or “famous” persons. Think about those who were closer to us whom we don’t have around now. Some have moved away – others have died. Don’t you wish you had asked family members all kinds of questions about things that have come up. Shirley never asked my mother how to make pie crust or gravy, but Charlie and Jacki know. We have a lot of old pictures, but we don’t know who the people are. Some families video tape older members of their family and have excellent histories.

Look around and realize now is the time to appreciate and/or get to know the giants of your life. Start with your family, your Church family, your co-workers and perhaps some persons you have always wanted to meet. It could be like the song about guitar picker Clayton Delaney “I remember the year that Clayton Delaney Died”. At the end there’s a line “Maybe the good Lord likes a little picking too”. Who knows when any of us will be called for what ever talent we have.


Jack Van Becelaere

March 4, 2008

My Journey of Faith

Read 1 Samuel 16:6-7, Acts 15:12-17

I am honored to be asked to write about what my faith and this congregation in particular mean to me since there is no doubt that both have played a huge part in who I am today.

From the outset I need to say that I am not a person who has unshakable, unquestioning faith. Rev. Giguere once said that one should always be open to questions to grow in faith. Well, I certainly have no problem with that. In fact, there have been times in my life when I have openly rejected the church and all that it stood for.

Furthermore, I have always tried to understand the beliefs of other religions. A Jewish proverb says that he who knows only his own religion knows no religion. In this search I have always been struck by the commonalities between other faiths and Christianity.

For example, last summer I attended a Sikh temple with one of my students. After the service, the priest asked me what I thought of his sermon, which was about the road to a closer relationship with God. He said that God is not so interested in the acts of a person. That is, God does not have a clipboard keeping track of those acts. Rather what is important is your fundamental attitude toward God and others. In response to the priest's question, I said that his sermon sounded very Christian; probably not exactly the right response, considering that I was a guest in his congregation. But I was grateful for and challenged by his message nonetheless.

In summary, I view faith as a journey. When you stop for too long on this journey, that is, when you stop questioning, you will never grow in your faith.

I have had a priceless opportunity to raise our children in this church and have been thankful for the nurture of this congregation. The church has been there for all of us for the rough as well as the joyful times in our lives.

I thank God daily for this congregation and its mission.

Gratefully,
Vivian Anderson

March 3, 2008

Casting Bread

Read Romans 12:1-21

Sometimes bread makes me cry . . .

One of the marks of being “married to the ministry” is that people outside our church doors talk to me about religion and what they want it to mean. They talk about faith and their problems with it. They tell me stories of leaving the church as young adults, stories of feeling abandoned, stories of being lost. They ask me what I think about organized religion, television evangelists, salvation for sinners. And, inevitably, they ask me, “Just what do you get out of going to church?”

I want to tell them it all started when I was a child; I went to church to feel the warmth and the responsiveness of the people I loved. Going to church was never an issue in my family; we went to church because everybody went to church. It was a small town, and that’s what people did on Sunday mornings. I sometimes went with my grandma and my Aunt Aurelie to sit in their glass-fronted-sanctuary in a nestled-in-the-woods United Methodist church. My grandma kept candy in her purse, buried under Kleenex and her glasses. I chewed the candy and always wondered how much longer the prayer or the sermon would last. My aunt would lean over from her aisle seat and whisper, “There’s a cardinal in the tree,” or would point to rabbits hiding under shrubs. Grandmothers love us unconditionally of course – mine still does – and Aunt Aurelie made me feel that I could do anything, that I was supremely special just for existing. I felt especially golden sitting between them in church, even as an adult.

My aunt was one of those people who turned ordinary occurrences into great moments of entertainment. I always knew we were on some kind of excursion to make memories anytime I was with her. She used to walk me to the corner store for bread. We walked to the river; we sat on the dock with our feet dangling over the water. We threw day-old bread to the river ducks under hot summer sun. I remember how the ducks would crowd in a circle and quack contentedly as they ate. They moved as a frenzied group and quacked louder as they half swam, half flew to the next bite of bread. Sometimes I fed them the crust and kept the middle section of the bread for myself, liking the way I could pinch it into a cube in my hand before throwing it in my mouth.

Just what do I get out of going to church?

I want to tell the people who ask about the connection I feel between being that loved little girl when I was with my aunt and being a loved adult when I walk through the sanctuary doors of a church. I want to tell them that sometimes when I take communion, the smell of the bread makes me cry. It reminds me of the ducks and those summer days with my aunt, the times of being small and safe and untouched by the storms of life. I am standing in church holding bread in my hands; I am sitting at the river’s edge with my head on my aunt’s shoulder; I am throwing bread on the water. I am feeling that inexpressible gift of knowing God’s Son, and that gives rise to this belief: there are times when eating bread is the only thing that matters because it means you’re safe. I want to tell them that even if there never was an Auntie in your life, there can always be a God, and he is found in every church where someone believes and waits and prepares a table for you.

I want to tell them that what I get out of going to church sometimes defies explanation. I am often without the right words when I try to talk about God, when I think about his gifts to me, when I hold that small bit of bread in my hands as communion begins. I think in some ways it comes down to this: that belonging to a church is receiving a gift every week of knowing that one person can make a difference; it is the gift of knowing that what you give comes back to you; it is the gift of understanding that even as a grownup, when you feel small and unsafe and ravaged by the storms of life, there is a God who gives you other people’s stories to teach you the best things he can. He throws the stories right in front of your face. He pulls at your sleeve with his great big hands and points his finger toward the guy in the pew behind you at church or nods his head toward the woman three feet to your left. God elbows you in the side like an annoying older brother and pulls your hair long enough that you finally twist your head to look in his direction and you see so many people who have overcome tremendous heartache or have survived seemingly insurmountable odds that you can’t help but try to put your life back together. Look around you, God says. You can do this. Life is still about living and they’ve already given you plans.

Just what do I get out of going to church?

I want to tell the people who ask that we throw bread to the world . . . and we wait . . and someday it will make a difference. I want to tell them you are always left with the hope that moments will continue to arrive where the people you love are free and running with their arms open wide . . . you are always waiting for that spirit of people being children again . . . you are willing that spirit to land in your lap to reward you; you are receiving the world and accepting a wonderful gift each time you open your heart to the warmth of God. You offer yourself; you cast your bread and your time and your talent on the water never knowing . . . and one day it comes back to you, and the world is a better place.

Just what do I get out of going to church?

I want to tell them everything I can . . . and that’s the answer.

Everything I can.

Jenneth Wright

March 1, 2008

Tang Gah!

Read James 1:17, Luke 12:22-34

“Hi Honey, Come In, Come In, Sit honey sit, you my son. You hungry? No? You just had lunch? Good, I make you some grape leap, meat pie, piece o rice or two. Fresh kibbie, eat honey eat. Ows you mudda? Ows you fadda? Good? Tang Gah! honey Tang Gah!.”
And so it’s gone for nearly 40 years when I see my friend “Bodian” at his mom’s house.

So many times I’ve heard people say “Thank God” for one thing or another, but I’ve never heard anyone say it, and mean it, like my friend’s mom.
You see, she was born and lived in the mountains of Lebanon. As a young girl her family made arrangements to send her to America so she would have a chance at a better life. In her early teens, she said goodbye to her parents, and all she knew, to land in a giant foreign place where she didn’t speak a word of the language. It would be a lifetime until she saw her mother again. She learned the language, made her way to Michigan, married Lou, a man of similar background, and together they built a family and raised them here in Grosse Pointe.

When she was a girl, when people were hungry they put some seeds in the dirt and waited a few months for some food to pop up. In the meantime they were hungry.
If they wanted water, they waited for rain, or took a hike to scoop some from the well or a stream and hoped it didn’t make anyone sick. If it made someone sick, it was a few days hard travel to a doctor. Imagine the trip to the doctor could be as deadly as the thing that made you want a doctor in the first place.

More than once, I woke up in Bon Secours hospital to see Madium pulling the curtain away and announcing to the world, “You my Son! I take care of you now! I make you kibbie, eat honey eat!” She worked as a nurse’s aid in that hospital for over 40 years. If you needed a nurse, you couldn’t do better than Madium.

The point is, the things most of us take for granted, she looks at as Gifts from God. She knows what it is to be without the basic necessities of life and how precious food, water, shelter, and health are. Where she comes from these four things are Everything.

In a moment, you’ll be done reading this, and maybe you’ll forget it just as fast. Or maybe, the next time you see your doctor, or turn up your thermostat on a cold winter night, or see aisle after aisle of food in a grocery store, or tap a glass of water from your faucet, you’ll think of my friend’s mom and say, “Tang Gah honey Tang Gah!!”

Ron Draper

February 29, 2008

A Lenten Devotion

Read Proverbs 31:10-31

When I was four years old, I decided that I didn't want to go to Sunday School any more. Since my family was not a church-going family, I was allowed to quit Sunday School.

When I married Evelyn Jean Crooker in her family's church, that was the first time I was in a church since I was four years old.

After we were married, church was never mentioned. She knew that I had not been going to church, so she never mentioned the subject. We had been married for about two years when we got into Square Dancing with some friends. One of the ladies happened to be a member of the Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church, and told us there was going to be a Square Dance there. We couldn't miss that, so we went. During one of the breaks, I went to get her a cup of tea. She was having a conversation with a man, and when I got to them, she introduced him. I knew I was in trouble because he was Pastor White. Nothing more was said that evening.

Tuesday evening we had a visit from Pastor White. He came into our home and we talked about what I don't remember, but when he left, Evelyn said that she would like us to join his church. Now I could not say no to anything she wanted to do. The next Sunday, we were members of the church.

It wasn't long before Evelyn was in the United Methodist Women, and seemed to be interested in what they were doing.

She became interested in what was going on in the church. When we joined, there were folding chairs in the sanctuary, and after a bit, they were asking for donations for pews. Soon there were pews in the church. I said to her one Sunday, “The new pews are nice.”

She then said, “We paid for two of them.” It was nice to know, even if it was after the fact.

Now Jack Mannschreck came to the church, and Evelyn and I became good friends with him. He was involved with the children in the church, and he had started a program for children and he asked me if I would help him with it. Once a week the children would gather at the church, and Jack and I would have some kind of activities for them (play games, build bird houses, build rockets and fire then off in the parking lot). After that, they had dinner. Jack needed table parents for that. Evelyn and I took one table. She always had something extra for the kids. There could e candy, gum, a little toy, but always something. When Jack left to get his church, the kids program was taken over by other people, and we were uncomfortable with it, so we gave it up. I will say that when we were at church on Sundays, one or two of the kids we had at our table would come up and hug Evelyn. It would now take two or three days for the smile to leave her face.

At about this time, there was a new office manager in the church. Evelyn wasn't happy with some of the things that were coming out of the office. She felt that Mary needed help, so she offered. She went into the office at eight and came home after five in the evening. Then, when Mary got sick, Evelyn took over the office until Mary got better. She was trying to save the job for Mary, but it didn't work out. Mary did not get better. She stayed until a new girl was hired, and she got her broken in.

I will say that I had a lot of interesting times in the church, and met a lot of nice people.

The time when the church was planning to have the elevator built, there were two or three people who were against it. That was one time when Evelyn had a lot to say, and she told some people off. People were getting older, and the elevator was needed.

Well,l that is enough of that. Anyone that knew Evelyn I feel was lucky. If you didn't know her, you missed knowing a wonderful person. The only bad part was the fact that to get Evelyn in the church, you had to put up with me.

Norman E. Abey

February 28, 2008

The Last Number Dialed

Read: UMH #395, Take Time to Be Holy

Around 9:30 pm Gary got a new voicemail message. From me. I didn’t call him, so we both looked at Faith expecting a telling smirk. Nope. It was the restaurant where we had dinner that night. They had found my cell phone, and Gary’s number was the last number I had called. They found me because of who I talked to last. In my case it’s also who I talk to the most (but I was grateful he happened to be the last call that day).

Our cell phones and e-mails all keep a record of who we talk to – and even what we say. I’m OK with that because mine are all pretty tame. (My mother told me at a very young age that you should never write anything down that you don’t want the whole world to read.) What if there were a record of how often we talked to God – and what we say. If there were records of my thoughts, would people know I was a Christian? Do I talk to God as often as I call Gary? I loved the idea that a restaurant could find me because I called my husband. I also love the idea that I can always be “found” by calling on God. Maybe I should add Him to my contact list in my cell phone.


Thought for the day: Who do you talk to last? Or most?

Prayer: Dear God, In these days of constant communication, help us remember that we don’t need a cell phone or e-mail to reach you. Thank you for being with us at all times and help us keep you first place in our hearts and minds. Amen.

Jacki Rumpp

February 27, 2008

... to sit around a Table ...

Read Matthew 18:20

Now that Ross and Ben are both at college, Greg and I are empty nesters. Since I was active at their schools, I expected to miss the concerts, musicals and many volunteer opportunities – and I have.

But I also knew that as much as going to college has been a growth experience for our sons, their transition could be a growth experience for me, too. I resolved to get involved in activities that I had put on the back burner during those hectic years when the kids were home. I wasn’t going to fill up my newly free time by spending it in front of the TV.

Developing friendships with other women was at the top of my list. I have two brothers – no sisters – and I’ve always felt I was missing out on that special bond sisters seem to have. So I decided to join the Doris White circle of the United Methodist Women, which was ideal because we meet at night and I work during the day. I also signed up for an evening UMW book study.

I’m always glad when I’ve gone to a circle meeting, even though I sometimes have to push myself to get there after a long day of work. The programs are always uplifting. For example, in January, Noelle Landin shared photos from the trip to Israel, and we also packed Valentine bags for the Friendly Visitors. And of course, being Methodists, the food is wonderful.

The book study has been a greater challenge, but in a positive way. If I don’t show up for circle, I can be confident that enough members will be there to enjoy the meeting. But if I don’t get to the Monday night book study, there’s a good chance it won’t go on, because it’s just the three of us: Karen Bromley, Anne Sullivan, and me.

We are small in number, but we’ve had some wonderful discussions, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Anne and Karen. In a world of so much divisiveness, it’s been extraordinarily comforting to sit around a table with other Methodist women and share our reflections.

“The Spirit of the Lord shall come upon you in power. . . and you will be changed into a different person.” 1 Samuel 10:6

Kathy Gardner

February 26, 2008

Promises, Promises

Read Deuteronomy 7:6-9, Hebrews 13:8, UM Hymnal #396

With the Political Season well under weigh, it's easy to think that promises are really nothing more than empty sales pitches.

• “Vote for me and everyone will have a job and a big raise!”
• “A chicken in every pot!”
• “Peace in our time!”

Pretty discouraging, isn't it?
Why do we put up with it? Why do we reward the next batch of soon-to-be-broken promises with our votes? Haven't we learned that people break promises?

Now consider this list of promises:

• Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.
• For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
• Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

What's the difference? Both promise the world and more, but these promises we can trust, because of Who it is making them.

After all, Jesus keeps His promises. The Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever – faithful and just to forgive and empower us through the Holy Spirit.

Hey, there's a huge added bonus. When we have the Holy Spirit in us, we now can live by Him – we can call upon the power of God to help us to keep the promises we make.

I'm thinking of the promises we make at a baptism, whether we're being baptized, bringing our children, or just in the congregation. Or the same kinds of promises we make at confirmation. Or the promises we make at our weddings.

Each time there's a baptism, we're reminded that we've promised to raise children, keeping them within the guidance of the church. We're reminded each time there's a confirmation that we also promised to renounce evil and to live for Jesus. Each wedding remindes us that we promised to forsake all others, to love one another in sickness and health, for richer for poorer, all that stuff.

In each of these promises, we haven't just promised God and each other that we'll keep them, we've asked God to help us to do so – to empower us, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, to keep the promises we have made. And He will. As long as we're willing to allow Him to help, He will. And He does.

You know, it's not always easy, living for God and keeping our promises,
but it's always a Joy.

Charlie van Becelaere

February 25, 2008

Celebration Time

Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you've sinned, you'll be forgiven – healed inside and out.
Make this your common practice: confess you sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.
- James 5:13-16 The Message

I long have wondered how people existed without a church family. Not, I am not sure that I would want to be anointed with oil, I am certain that I would have difficulty confessing my sins to my fellow church members. But I am very sure and certain that our church family has seen Ken and me through several difficult situations.

I firmly believe that prayers helped to bring our grandson safely home from Iraq in December (a very Merry Christmas for our family). Thank you for that support. Thank you for the support given to Ken and me during the Fall months following my extensive back surgery. With the help of an excellent surgeon, who acknowledges God's presence in the operating room, with your prayers, through Jesus, I literally have been put back on my feet. From our church family there were so many cards and notes of good wishes, visits, phone calls, gifts. The meals that were brought to the house helped to sustain us, body, mind, and soul. All were offered with love: the love that comes to us through others from the Father.

Returning to Sunday Worship after eight weeks absence was a renewing experience. Warm welcomes, hugs, further good wishes, made for a loving reunion. We see this family in action all during the year – giving, helping, crying, laughing, and of course praying. There are many different types of needs to which the response is quick and great. Some witnessed to this response during “Celebration Time” at the Annual Church Conference.

Sometimes the need is not easily known, but according to James, each person should reach out in need or reach out to help those in need.


Loving, Giving God, I thank you for the love that comes from you through my Church Family. Help me to respond to needs, returning a portion of that love. AMEN.

Carol Ann Maleitzke

February 23, 2008

Why Not Me, God?

Read Hebrews 10:19-25

When Bill asked me to present at the morning service as part of the Gift of Faith, I thought to myself, “Why Me God”…I don’t have a story.

Then I reconsidered and said to myself, “Why Not Me God” …I do have a story to tell about my faith, as all of you do.

I come from a long line of Methodists -- great grandparents, grandparents and parents. I have been a Methodist all my life…even though there was an 8-year period where I hardly ever attended Church. I realized after that absence from church, that part of believing in God is not only the way you live your life, but by attending Church and giving of yourself and your talents to fulfill God’s wishes to carry on his word and work. We have all sinned in one way or another, but God will always forgive us and take us under his guidance.

Recently I saw a sign outside a local Church that said, “Build a good foundation, so that you can endure the storms of life.” And I truly believe that.

Many of you remember a little over 6 years ago when our then 34-year-old daughter had given birth to her second son. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong and our daughter, Jami, passed away within five hours of giving birth. Our grandson, Cameron was born perfectly healthy. Someone said to me after it happened, “When God closes a door, he opens a window.” I firmly believe that if it had not been for my basic belief in God and strong faith, I never would have survived this tragedy. This was the worst storm of our life and we got through it. Our family, friends and Church made it possible for us to go on. The people of this Church are compassionate and still inquire about our daughter’s family…who by the way is doing very well.

All of us have had tragedy in our lives…some more than others. Often this makes us a stronger, more understanding person. I say all this, but without the guidance and help from God, I do not believe it is possible to mend mentally or physically. A child should never pass on before a parent!!

Because I firmly believe that we should all give of our resources, talents and skills to this Church, I would like to share a poem (author unknown) published in the UMW newsletter about a year ago. I have referred to this many times.

Karen Leigh

IT DOESN’T MATTER

It doesn’t matter
How much you have
But How Much You’ve
Shared
With Others

It doesn’t matter
What kind of house you have
But Whether Your
Love
Has made It A Home


It doesn’t matter
How many friends
You can count,
But How Many
Friends
You Can Count on

It doesn’t matter
How well you do in life,
But How Much
Good
You do.

It doesn’t matter
How much love you
Have gathered,
But How Much You’ve
Given
Away.

(Author Unknown)

February 22, 2008

Sign Says…

“Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.” Proverbs 8:33-34

We’ve all heard the one about the man who climbs to his roof in the flood and prays to God to be saved. He refuses mortal assistance three times while waiting for Divine intervention. After the man perishes he asks God why he didn’t save him, only to have God reply, “I sent you two boats and a helicopter….”

As Christians, our lives are devoted to faith in God, communicating through prayer and looking for ‘signs’ that are God’s responses, answers or direction. For years I too wondered what signs those were. How was God going to communicate to me? Would I recognize it when it came by? A burning bush would be nice and obvious, but I haven’t heard of any such occurrences lately.

My ‘a-ha’ moment came a number of years ago. Fresh out of college, figuring out life on my own, I was struggling with my confidence, my self-awareness, and my full independence. I was in the ‘real world’ for all of 9 months, and I felt alone and unsure of myself, as my friends were all moving away and I realized my strength had always been somewhat reliant on having them around. And for the first time in my life, I turned to prayer for strength and guidance.

That’s when the signs started to come. I was gaining the overwhelming sense that I needed to go out West. It was eerie how Seattle started showing up everywhere. I opened a book at a bookstore and the first word on the page that I saw was “Seattle”. I passed a U-Haul truck that had a picture of the famous Space Needle on it. Literature for the University of Washington showed up in my mailbox, without ever having been requested. I took the hint and I made the call.

EJ is an old family friend. He lived next door to us around the time I was transitioning out of rubber pants. He was in school at Notre Dame. We always stayed connected via Christmas and birthday cards. This time we connected via phone, as I called to see if he was available for a visit while I checked out the Northwest.

During my week visiting Seattle, EJ and I spent almost the entire week together and we talked about everything: life, religion, relationships, independence, family. To this day, it’s one of the single most important weeks of my personal journey. And above all, I had the realization that God wasn’t sending me somewhere new to start over, but was trying to give me a nudge to re-connect with a wise, old friend to help me get through a challenging part of my life. The experience strengthened both my faith and my awareness of God’s way of communicating and answering prayers for direction. Though we never truly know God’s plan for us, I believe He intentionally directed me to EJ, knowing the influence and comfort it would provide me.

Ever since, I strive to be mindful of the signs, trying to pay close attention to God’s direction and guidance. Jen and I talk often about how God is trying to help us prioritize our lives or direct our actions. We believe signs led us to each other and directed us to Michigan. And I’m committed to God and to myself to not be the man on the roof.

All of this comes to you thanks to another sign along my path. I have thought about writing a devotional for a couple years, but somehow life (that’s code for “work”) manages to get in the way. Then it happened. I got a sign from God again. Though it may not have seemed like a sign to most, it was for me. It was a personal conversation to me that it was time to put pen to paper, delivered via Charlie. Once again, God provided a gentle nudge to help me prioritize or resolve unmet opportunities.
Thanks, Charlie.

Lord, thank you for the prayers answered and the guidance and direction shared. Please continue to send signs to guide us and remind us of your presence and influence on our lives. Thank you for your patience as we try to read the signs along our journey and serve as ambassadors of your love and compassion. Amen

Reed Bingaman

February 21, 2008

A Devotion of Thanks

Read Psalms 23 and 91

On June 9, 1962, Bud and I transferred our church membership from St. Mark's to the friendly little Methodist Church in Grosse Pointe. We have enjoyed being a part of it, and watching it grow, but always maintaining its friendly and caring ways.

I have long believed that our Lord works through people, and I know that a lot of His workers are in our church family. I know this is true because of the care extended to Bud and me during the past year and a half.

Nothing prepares us for what lies ahead in our lives. Certainly Bud and I had no idea of what was ahead for us health wise. Through it all, however, we had you, our church family, to hold us up with your help in so many ways.

First, there were your prayers and the many phone calls to offer help and express your concerns. Then there were the visits that cheered us up. Also, the many cards and letters that we enjoyed, especially the hand-made one from the Logos kids. Then there was the gift of the beautiful Prayer Quilt that Pastor Bob delivered to us, and that we each wrap around ourselves. The delicious dinners and jars of soup were always enjoyed. We are grateful to the drivers who took us to our doctor's appointments and hospitals. We also appreciated very much the loan of a wheelchair that we each needed to use several times.

Bud and I are both humbled by your caring and generosity, and proud to be members of our friendly, little GPUMC. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God bless you all.


Marie Draper

February 20, 2008

New Phone

Read John 14: 15-23

One of my Christmas presents last year was a new cellular phone. The good news is that THIS one doesn’t have a rotary dial. I can just press buttons on this one. The bad news is that it has a multitude of menus - - and each menu has a multitude of sub menus. With all those paths I can’t remember which one leads to what. Each time I go through a pathway to find something, I can’t remember which path I took the last time! This is a Christmas present and Christmas is about Christ so it seems I should be able to find a pathway to God.

That pathway doesn’t exist of course, but I thought back to Christmas Eve at Jacki’s house and Christmas Day and New Years Day at our house - when the whole family was together, and I realized God was smiling on us.

We all realize how blessed we are to have everyone close by. We keep in touch by phone (cellular and otherwise) like families which are separated, but fortunately we see each other during the week and on Sundays in church.

Jack Van Becelaere

February 19, 2008

God’s Providence

Read Psalm 121

The word “providence” does not appear in the Bible, nor is it defined. Webster’s Dictionary defines providence as “divine guidance or care.” I have been examining my faith and trust in God and yet I find myself coming to the concept of providence. It seems that God’s part is to provide and all I have to do is trust – what a great deal for me!

Faith is hard, though. I find myself feeling alone and afraid at times. I am frustrated to feel this way and I feel ungrateful, because when I look at God’s continuous providence in my life, I am overwhelmed.

I know that there has not been a single moment in my life where I could not reach out to someone who genuinely loved me. Mark 16: 15 – 16 says that the purpose of God’s providence is the redemption of humanity and that God works through people who conform to the purpose or will of God. I have experienced this, happily, many times.

One example of God’s working through people in my life has been the presence of Karens and Kathys. Let me explain.

In junior high school, I had fallen in with a wild group of friends who were pushing limits in several areas. I had a sudden falling out with this group and found myself a little lonely. My mom stepped in and introduced me to her friend’s daughter. Delightedly, Karen Button and I became fast friends. She was a popular and wholesome girl. Her best friend was Kathy Klok and we were a happy trio. Those girls were so loving and fun loving – we had a great time through high school. They led me down a whole new track – including MYF and Girl Scouts.

At another point in my life, as a young mother, I repeatedly crossed paths with another Karen. We had so many connections and our kids were just the same ages. Through her, I met Cathie who also had been appearing in my life. Together we began years of fun, support and study, which continues. We camp, read books and practice yoga, and these women have channeled God’s love in so many ways. We were all Girl Scout leaders!

Once again, I found myself feeling a bit alone, at home and at church. Lo and behold, another Karen appears with a big loving heart, a Bible study book and prepared questions to answer! Who joins in our study but Kathy! So again, I am happily embraced and feeling God’s love and providence through the words, presence and actions of a Karen and a Kathy. My faith and trust are restored and my fear is quelled for another day.

Thank you, God, for your providence and your attention to my needs. Thank you for hearts and hands that do your work. Help me to be open to your purpose. Amen

Anne Sullivan

February 18, 2008

Delivering Soup

Read James 2:15-17

It seemed like a simple enough thing to do. "Let's take the left-over soup from the Soup Supper and deliver it to some folks who are shut-in, or just couldn't make it to church," and really, it was a simple enough thing to do.

Heidi and I gathered up the containers of soup, made a quick list of people we'd try, and off we went. Yes, it's a simple thing, delivering soup - until you actually do it.

When you actually make the deliveries; when you see the faces and hear the voices and touch the hands; when you get back in the car and realize that you haven't had so many people ask God's Blessings on you in a long time; that's when you realize.

You realize that when you get out of the car and walk up to the door with those containers, you're not just delivering soup - you're delivering Love.

Charlie van Becelaere


Thank you, Father, for allowing us to be your hands, carrying soup and love to our brothers and sisters in your name.
Amen.

February 16, 2008

Read: this handy little chart -

God has a positive answer for our worries:

You Say	God Says	Bible Verses
You say: “It's impossible.”	God says: All things are possible.	Luke 18:27
You say: “I'm too tired.”	God says: I will give you rest.	Matthew 11:28-30
You say: “Nobody really loves me.”	God says: I love you.	John 3:16, 3:34
You say: “I can't go on.”	God says: My grace is sufficient.	2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 91:15
You say: “I can't figure things out.”	God says: I will direct your steps.	Proverbs 3:5-6
You say: “I can't do it.”	God says: You can do all things.	Philippians 4:13
You say: “I'm not able.”	God says: I am able.	2 Corinthians 9:8
You say: “It's not worth it.”	God says: It will be worth it.	Romans 8:28
You say: “I can't forgive myself.”	God says: I forgive you.	1 John 1:9, Romans 8:1
You say: “I can't manage.”	God says: I will supply all your needs	Philippians 4:19
You say: “I'm afraid.”	God says: I have not give you a spirit of fear.	2 Timothy 1:7
You say: “I'm always worried and frustrated.”	God says: Cast all your cares on Me.	1 Peter 5:7
You say: “I'm not smart enough.”	God says: I give you wisdom.	1 Corinthians 1:30
You say: “I feel all alone.”	God says: I will never leave you or forsake you.	Hebrews 13:5

Carolyn Barth

February 15, 2008

Life throws you a curve, God helps keep you steady

Read Acts 2:42-47

For the last few months of 2007, Sue and I concentrated on various options with the direction of our small family-owned company, in-the-family since 1963. We had loyal clientele and good customer service, but the market was tough and changing, and the overhead too much for our existing business model. Cash flow was tight and while we still had a viable company, we had to look to a major change in our operation.

Merging with another company seemed like a logical solution, but some were too big and impersonal; others too steeped in our similar historic business model, yet one seemed just right (yup, just like the three bears). They were 3 times our size; the owners had future vision and thought our company could add value to their operation. As of this writing, it has been two weeks since Nancy Grose (yup, of the famous hardworking GPUMC Grose family) and I have been working with the new company (based in Livonia). Welcoming is a good word to describe their reception of us, and although the software and way of doing things is different, their approach is customer-centric and forward thinking.

How does this apply to GPUMC and a Lenten Devotional? The steadiness and solidness (yeah, it is not perfect, but pretty darn good) of our GPUMC “family” supported Sue and me (even though they did not realize it, you know confidentially is a key to successful mergers). Our various GPUMC connections gave us stability and strength: choir fun and quality; the wonderful members of the Nominating Committee (which I serve as a member and each member's only goal is the continuing betterment of GPUMC); Retreat camaraderie; VIM trip to New Orleans; and various other aspects of our church too numerous to mention.

As we give to God’s church, it gives back, in mysterious and indirect ways, but as genuine as anything in life. Thanks GPUMC for being there in hidden and real ways when we needed it!

Dave DeWitt

February 14, 2008

Strengthened in the Testing

Read: Philippians 4:11-13, Isaiah 40:28-31

I was born into a loving Christian family in Minneapolis, and we were all very active in Hennepin Avenue Methodist Church. I was surrounded by Christian believers who lived their Faith every day (one of whom was Betty Scherer), and they had a great influence on my life.

I continued my walk of Faith when I attended Northwestern University and met and married Pieter. We moved to Grosse Pointe in 1966 and joined Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church in 1967. Here, again, we were warmly welcomed and found ourselves surrounded by people with strong Faith who were dedicated to serving the church. We both became active. Pieter chaired and served on many church committees and taught senior high Sunday school. I taught first grade for 17 years and joined the United Methodist Women where I met many supportive women. We both were counselors for the senior high United Methodist Youth Fellowship (two of our “kids” were Heidi and Charlie Van Becelaere), and we served for five years.

Pieter was diagnosed with M.S. In 1981 and while he took the news valiantly, I had a real struggle with what I knew were the consequences of this disease. I thought that the path that lay ahead of us looked very dark. How would we manage, and would I be able to care for Pieter at home?

That was the beginning of God's testing my Faith. As Pieter's condition worsened and he lost the use of his legs, his ability to speak, and finally total paralysis, I learned that I needed to rely on God. I prayed for strength and the Holy Spirit answered me. The message came through loud and clear. You will manage one day at a time. Today you will have just enough strength for this day and tomorrow your strength will be renewed. And that is exactly what happened.

Our church family blessed us with their support. Prayers were offered, visits were made, readers came to read to Pieter, a physical therapist donated his services to help keep Pieter's limbs from atrophying, nurses volunteered their time and a stair glide and handicap van were given to us. For 20 years, the people of this church prayed for us, nurtured and cared for us and loved us and that made all the difference in our lives. My Faith has become so much stronger because of what I have experienced and because of the support of this church family.

Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church means everything to me and I shall continue to “Uphold it by my prayers, my presence, my gifts, and my service,” as long as I am able.

Priscilla van Horne