April 21, 2019 - Easter Sunday!!

Come, ye faithful, raise the strain – UMH #315

Come, ye faithful, raise the strain
of triumphant gladness;
God hath brought forth Israel
into joy from sadness;
loosed from Pharaoh's bitter yoke
Jacob's sons and daughters,
led them with unmoistened foot
through the Red Sea waters.

'Tis the spring of souls today;
Christ hath burst his prison,
and from three days' sleep in death
as a sun hath risen;
all the winter of our sins,
long and dark, is flying
from his light, to whom we give
laud and praise undying.

Now the queen of seasons, bright
with the day of splendor,
with the royal feast of feasts,
comes its joy to render;
comes to glad Jerusalem,
who with true affection
welcomes in unwearied strains
Jesus' resurrection.

Neither might the gates of death,
nor the tomb's dark portal,
nor the watchers, nor the seal
hold thee as a mortal;
but today amidst the twelve
thou didst stand, bestowing
that thy peace which evermore
passeth human knowing.

"Alleluia!" now we cry
to our King immortal,
who, triumphant, burst the bars
of the tomb's dark portal;
"Alleluia!" with the Son,
God the Father praising,
"Alleluia!" yet again
to the Spirit raising.

John of Damascus

April 20, 2019

Angels Among Us

Read: Hebrews 13:1-3

God's answers to prayers are not always like an "express" but rather a "local" where you change planes, etc.

In my struggles to remain disappointed and not become depressed (at not losing the fluid I was retaining), we (the family) thought it would be a good idea to get a second opinion.

An "angel" (some angels’ wings are invisible) suggested another cardiologist. He turned out to be the best thing that happened to me for months.

From a family gathering to an angel to another doctor to a short hospital stay to a new med came the answer to my prayer. Not the "express version" but God's answer just the same!

Thank you, God and the angels you have scattered among us!

Jack Van Becelaere

April 19, 2019 - Good Friday

Why Wait for Morning?

Psalm 30:5b Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

One night, I was woken up at 3 AM. I was so confused because what had woke me up were several birds chirping beautiful melodies outside my bedroom window. I checked my clock again and it really was 3 AM. Frustrated, I rolled over and did my best to go back to sleep. This not only happened one night but several nights in a row! I told a friend at the time about these annoying cheerful birds and my friend asked me if I had asked God what it was all about. I hadn’t even thought to do that. Later that night, 3 AM rolled around and those same birds woke me up again. I asked God why the birds were chirping even when it was still dark outside. To my amazement, I got my answer! God spoke so gently to my heart and said, “They are anticipating the morning.”

These small birds KNEW morning was coming even while it was still dark outside. They were anticipating the goodness of the morning and couldn’t wait to sing praises to our Lord!

Maybe there is something we can learn from these birds. Even though we may be going through a difficult time, we can anticipate what the Lord is doing in the midst of it and sing His praise. Joy will truly come in the morning. Why not experience it now?

Wendi Lenard

April 18, 2019 - Maundy Thursday

Olive Trees and the Garden of Gethsemane

John 18: 1-2 "When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.” (The olive grove mentioned is the Garden of Gethsemane)

Last November I visited the Holy Land with a wonderful group of people from our church and some other United Methodist churches in Michigan. It was an incredible experience and one I will never forget. To sail along the sea of Galilee where Jesus performed miracles, to visit the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized, walk the streets of Bethlehem and Jerusalem, (just to name a few), and to breathe the same air that Jesus breathed and walk where He walked was phenomenal.

A touching and heartfelt experience I had was when we visited the Garden of Gethsemane. It was a beautiful day with sunshine and blue skies. I was fascinated with the olive trees and was told that some trees in the garden may have been the same ones from the time of Jesus because olive trees can live for a few thousand years.

I thought about Jesus entering the garden the night before his crucifixion and his words to Peter, James and John. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. (Mark 14:34). Jesus was clearly suffering and wrestling with the pain of betrayal and heartbreak.

How many of us have felt that way during difficult times? We feel defeated, unable to cope, emotionally drained and wondering what to do. This is where I find a relationship between Jesus and his challenges, our own personal struggles and the olive tree.

The olive tree is a symbol of why our hearts must go through crushing times. First, in order to be fruitful, the trees must have both east wind and west wind. The east wind is the dry hot wind from the desert. This is a harsh wind. The west wind, on the other hand, comes from the Mediterranean. It brings rain and life. The olive tree needs both of these winds to produce fruit, and so do we! We need both the winds of hardship and the winds of relief to glide across our life if we are to be fruitful.

Another interesting fact about the olive is how naturally bitter it is and what it must go through to be useful. For the olive to be edible it goes through a lengthy process which includes, washing, breaking, soaking, and sometimes salting. It is a lengthy process to be cured of bitterness. Like an olive, we are to escape the natural bitterness of the human heart and we have to go through a long process as well in order to be cured.

The final thing to consider about the olive is not to focus on the bitterness, but to focus on how strong and hard it is when it is picked right off the tree. If you're harvesting olives for oil, you must hope for a soaking rain that lasts a good two to three hours so the water can make it all the way up the roots, through the tree and to the olives. Then the olives can be picked and preserved. The best way to preserve an olive is to crush it and extract the oil from it.

The same is true for us. In order for us to be preserved, we need to be pressed. And being pressed can certainly feel like being crushed.

2 Corinthians 4:8 says, "we are pressed but not crushed" verses 8 and 9 in the KJV says, "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed: we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed."

Crushing is the way of preservation for the olive. It is also the way to get what is most valuable, the oil, out of the olive. The same applies to our circumstances during troubled times. We may be pressed to the point of being crushed, but never crushed and destroyed.

I'll never forget my visit to the Garden of Gethsemane, and when I think back about my time among the olive trees, I must remember: When the sorrowful winds of the east blow, I need to know they are necessary. When I'm being processed, I must remember it is for the sake of getting rid of my bitterness. When I'm being crushed, I need to know it is for the sake of my preservation. Rev. McGee gave me a leaf from an olive tree in the Garden of Gethsemane and it is neatly pressed in my Bible. I cherish that little leaf! For me it is a perfect symbol of strength and preservation. Amen.

Cindy Rolka

April 17, 2019

True Wind Power

Read: Acts 2: 1-4

Suddenly a sound like the blowing of violent wind came from Heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. - Acts 2: 2

Wind is a source of power. Its power can be destructive, as the force of hurricanes and tornadoes can testify. Wind can tear shingles off roofs or scatter trash cans down the street.

But, properly harnessed wind can be the source of energy driving wind farm turbines which are a renewable source of power for our electrical energy needs.

In the Bible, wind can be the source of destruction as when God told Elijah to go out and stand on the mountain. “Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord.” (1 Kings 19:11)

But, the wind can also be the precursor to the delivery of God’s word or instructions as it was for Elijah (1 Kings 19:12). Or, wind can be the vehicle for announcement and sharing God’s Holy Spirit as it was for the disciples on Pentecost. (Acts 2: 2-4)

The next time you are aware of the blowing of the wind, think of it as a reminder of God’s power and listen for God’s voice.

Mike Bernhardt

Prayer: God of Power and Glory, energize us with the power of your Holy Spirit to follow your will and go out into the world and continue the work of making disciples for you.

Prayer Focus: Missionaries

April 16, 2019

Radical hospitality

Read 1 Peter 4:9

Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another.

The winter of 1981-82 was a rough one with big snows and lots of cold days. I moved into an apartment in Grosse Pointe fully expecting a nice place that would be safe and warm.

Well, it was safe. But it was not warm. Soon after the temperature began to drop, I discovered that the boiler did not operate properly. The landlord summoned a contractor who made numerous visits, always assuring the landlord that the problem was solved. It was not.

The contractor was clearly ripping off the landlord, but the landlord chose to believe the contractor rather than his tenants. Eventually, I consulted an attorney and arranged to place my rent in escrow until the heat returned. The landlord decided to take me to court. Much unpleasantness followed, but the judge ultimately ruled in my favor, released me from my lease, and I moved into a better (and warmer) apartment.

Soon after the court experience, Bob and I were searching for a church. We went to one in Grosse Pointe and, to our dismay, found ourselves sitting immediately behind the landlord. We decided that would be the wrong church for us.

The very next Sunday, we tried Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church and, to our chagrin, found ourselves sitting near the attorney for the landlord. It was almost funny that we couldn’t escape these two guys!

We were shaking our heads about this as we left the sanctuary when the attorney — Pieter van Horne — strode over to us, big smile on his face with his hand extended.

“Well, this is a little awkward,” he laughed.

Yes, we agreed, this is awkward.

Pieter grasped my hand warmly. “You are very welcome at this church. We would love to have you at this church,” he said.

We were wowed. Here was someone who could put aside something unpleasant and welcome us, an adversary, into his church.

This is “radical hospitality.” Radical hospitality means intentional invitation, reaching out to others, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when you know you might be rejected. Pieter van Horne didn’t stop to worry about how his gift of friendship would be greeted. He reached out, in faith, and welcomed two strangers into this church. I am forever grateful for his faith and his outstretched hand.

Joan Richardson

April 15, 2019

Thankfulness Series, Entry 5

Read: Philippians 1:3-6

I wrote the first 4 stories so I could write you this one. Tonight, I took two photographs, I wish this were a photo capable book so I could show them to you. The first is Jeri on a beach watching the sunset in the West over the Gulf of Mexico. The second, taken moments later, is her facing East watching the full moon rise over the Intercoastal Waterway. She can navigate a sand beach with my help, something that was only a pipe dream a few years ago. We go there to praise God and His many wondrous works. She can also run a twin-engine sport fishing boat with my eyes helping her.

She still needs help with pretty much all activities of daily living, but we’re living. The Lord made us all so we can adapt. And one day out of nowhere in particular we realized, things are better.

I don’t know if anyone’s ever been on the Church Prayer List for 6 years and then survived and recovered enough to be taken off it, but lately I’ve been thinking it’s time for us to move on and make room for others in difficult positions. Prayer is a funny thing, I can’t quantify it, but I know with every cell of my being that it works in ways nothing else can. There’s nowhere you can go in our home and not be under the watchful eye of the dozens of Angels that started showing up in various hospital rooms. We’ve been told many times how we help inspire people in pain or discomfort and so I put in our request to be removed from the Prayer List to make room for them. I hope you’re never on it, but if you ever need help, a Prayer List is the biggest tool in the box.

Ron Draper

April 14, 2019 - Palm Sunday

Psalms

Read: your favorite psalm

A book of hymns.
A book of prayers.
Why do we sing?
Why do we pray?
We sing for Joy – we sing from Joy.
We pray for Joy – we pray from despair.

We sing and pray to You, Lord, because
     You are Great, You are Good.
     You are Goodness and Power, You are God.

We sing and pray to You, Lord, because
     We are small, afraid, sinful, and oppressed.
     We are in need – we need You.

We pour out our Love and Need and Anguish
     and we seek to be filled with Your
     Love and Power and Joy.

We pray – not to change You, to use a magic spell to get our way.

No.

We pray that You would change us,
     that You would work Your Will in us,
     that You would dwell in us,
to make us more like Jesus.

Charlie van Becelaere

April 13, 2019

Prayer Lists

Read: 1 Corinthians 14:15

We read our prayer lists (personal and like the one in the bulletin every Sunday) and after, say our prayers for them. We also pray in general for the many who ought to be in those lists.

Many years ago, a friend of a friend went through the death of his son. Jim was devastated and continued to be. After a while people around him started saying things like "get over it," and "get on with your life.”

You can't understand what he was going through unless you've been there. Look around the congregation and you will find many more people to pray for who don't express their grief outwardly and haven't been for a long time

Jack Van Becelaere

April 12, 2019

PRAYER
RAY
PRAY

Read: Colossians 1:9-14

First, look at RAY, a 'little word, not a 'little man'. It is a noun and tells us something – yes, it is a name, but names also have meaning. Perhaps when we think of the noun, RAY, we think of the sun's rays. To feel the effect of the rays we have to be where they can hit us, not in a dark closet or hole. We need an area which allows RAYS to bathe us, but in addition, we need to be open to GOD'S RAYS, whether that is in church, PRAYER groups, or alone in your own solitude.

Now let's look at the word, PRAY. It is a verb, a word of action. It tells us to give thanks and give GOD glory. When we pray, it is said, we should go into our closet and shut the door (Hymn-"Have You Entered Your Closet to Pray Today?") I don't think He means this literally, but He does mean for us to shut out all things, distracting thoughts and confusion so we can feel the RAYS of His presence as we PRAY. Have you ever been so disturbed about things in your life that you were distraught? I have been, with ill health. One day things seemed particularly bad and I fell to the floor before my bed and said, "GOD, I don't know what to say, YOU know how I feel, please help me!" About an hour later, I took note of myself – I felt much, much better. I did not hear GOD'S voice, but I felt HIS presence. I caught the RAY! We don't need to PRAY formally, but we do need to pray in faith.

PRAYERS – now the big word – I have found the Psalms and hymns to be excellent sources of PRAYERS. Favorite hymns are "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind," "Lord speak to me.", "Teach Me O Lord," and "Open Now the Gates of Beauty".

*****************************************************

Being a singer, as a PRAYER, my Mother sang, the last hymn mentioned above to the group.

This devotion (her devotion) along with a program book was sent to me by one of Mother's friends in 1999, on October 30, my birthday. I often think this action was a RAY from GOD and my Mother as one of those wonderful reminders from above that PRAYER is so important.

PRAYER:

Loving Lord, we have so many examples of how simple it is to seek guidance and direction from you in PRAYER. We praise YOU for YOUR omnipresence in our lives. All we need to do is let the RAY of YOUR sunshine enter our lives as we PRAY in faith – you are always there even before we seek you. AMEN

Carolyn Barth

April 11, 2019

A Cup of Christiani-'tea'

Read: Romans 12:9-21, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Colossians 3:12-14,Galatians 5:22-23

I am a tea drinker and my day is not complete without several cups of tea. Many people feel the same way about coffee. Coffee or tea is a part of our day--a pleasant indulgence that is very satisfying as we get through the day. Knowing of my love of tea, I have a vast assortment of teas (including Scripture Tea) and a number of tea pots and tea accessories. One of my teapots is covered with an assortment of words that are a play on the sound of the word tea.

Today I'd like to convert all of you to celebrate a Christian cup of tea regardless of what else you drink. Just like tea or coffee drinking, it would be nice if we cultivated the following Christian qualities in a regular, habitual way. These 'teas' make us better persons, lead us closer to God, give us a joy in living and give others joy in life. These Christian habits are healthy and help spread God's love to those we share the Earth with. They don't cost money and yield results that can't be bought with money.

1. UNI-TEA: Where there is discord, do I try argue, stay quiet or try to be a healing presence?
2. SPIRITUALI-TEA: Am I active spiritually? Do I spend time feeding my spirit like I feed my body? Do I make a concerted effort to be in communication with the Lord or to study his word?
3. POSITIVI-TEA: Do I seek the positive? When things look glum do I see the glass half-full or half-empty? Do I stop to count my blessings or do I magnify obstacles? Am I uplifting or a' Debbie Downer'?
4. HOSPITALI-TEA: Am I waiting for someone to extend an invitation to me or do I extend that invitation to others? Have I invited others into my home or my church? Have I shown a welcoming spirit?
5. SIMPLICI-TEA: Am I so busy with work that there is no room for anything else? Am I so financially stretched that there is no money for charitable giving? What can I give up that will actually enrich my life instead of clutter my life?
6. OPPORTUNI-TEA: Are you open to opportunities to grow as a person or to serve as a Christian? Sometimes opportunity means sacrifice and commitment that you fear will put a damper on your lifestyle. Maybe that sacrifice will yield greater blessings that you can imagine.
7. GENEROSI-TEA: Do you believe that all that you are and have is a gift from God? What does it take to make you share your time, talent and treasure with others? Do you have to be asked or 'guilted' into sharing? Are you a wise steward of what you share? Most givers will tell you that from their experience, the more you give the more you receive.
8. INTEGRI-TEA: Are you honest in the way you live your life. Is what people see what they get or are you one person in private and another in public? Are you a person of strong moral principal? Will you speak up if you witness an injustice or will you stay quiet and leave it to someone else?
9, VITALI-TEA: The Bible teaches our bodies are like God's temple. Are you conscious of keeping your body healthy though diet and exercise? Are you training your mind for spiritual growth and godliness?
10. HUMILI-TEA: Do I serve others for my own glorification or for the glory of God? Do I only serve where I receive praise for my efforts? Am I conscious of my prideful efforts?

These are just a sampling of some 'teas' connected to Christianity. Others include: accountability, authenticity, creativity, curiosity, charity, inclusivity, loyalty, morality, sensibility, responsibility. Add to the list and explore how these qualities will help you in your Christian growth and life.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, just as a cup of tea gives me great pleasure, help me to cultivate good habits that bring you pleasure and keep me growing in my faith.

Pat Deck

April 10, 2019

The Journey of a Lifetime

Read: Philippians 3:12-15

Becoming a Christian at the age of 23, I felt like I was always playing catch-up with other Christians.

I realized that as I grew as a Christian I learned the Christian language, how to study the Bible, and to pray. Growing into Christian maturity is not a race against others, but is a race. The race is more of a marathon than a sprint. As I press on today, during this Lenten season, I think back to how far I have come.

Learning to let go of things that do not glorify God and harm others. These things encumbered and burdened. They are not light. It is easier to run a race when you do not have the weight. Reading my Bible and prayer have strengthened my race muscles. People who keep me accountable help me set a pace.

I do not know how long this journey will be, but I can promise you, I will keep running to the end. I hope you will strive for the finish line too!

Pastor Keith Lenard, Jr.

April 09, 2019

What Kind Is He?

Read: I Samuel 16:7 and Colossians 3:11

Our dog, Jax, is a stray. We got him from from Heidi at Grosse Pointe Animal Clinic after he was found by the police wandering the street on a bitter cold February day with no identification.

All our previous dogs had been “pure-bred” puppies, but because of my brain injury, we knew I didn't have the stamina for puppy-hood and decided to look for an older dog. So Jax came into our lives as our first rescue – the saying is true – who really “rescues” whom, since he has brought much joy to us.

He is a beautiful dog; much like a collie facially with one blue eye and one brown. He has a lovely brindle coat with the traditional white-haired collie collar around his neck; well, almost all around; four white paws and a cute turned up tail with a white tip and what Dave calls “Yoda-ears” because they're just a little floppy.

It always surprises me as I'm walking him how many people ask me, “What a beautiful dog! What kind is he?” What they're really asking is his breed. I usually answer that his background is unsure because he was a stray (Dave likes to call him a hybrid), but what I really want to say is, “this is the ‘kind’ of dog he is... a wonderful dog – sweet-tempered, funny, great with the grand-kids, and exuberant (though a bit noisy). He's just the right combination of many breeds.”

People are the same way. We are all human and a mixture of many different traits, cultures, and talents. It is our responsibility as Christians to remember the “human-ness” in each person; each created by God in His image and worthy of love and grace.

Sue DeWitt

April 08, 2019

Thankfulness Series, Entry 4

Read: Psalm 1:1-6

Not all that Glitters is Gold; Not all who Wander are Lost; the Old that is Strong does not Wither; Deep Roots are not touched by the Frost! Bilbo Baggins

There’s a lot of truth in that passage, so much so that I’ve kept it in the forefront of my fertile mind for more than 30 years. I think part of it is that human bonds have a way of enduring even if people may not interact for some time, even after years or decades pass an old friend may just show up when you need one most.

I have 2 such friends, Steve and Danny. After many years of growing up we lost the contact we had in school, then we reconnected at church. Funny, but it was as though time stood still. When I needed a helping hand, Steve came and fixed all number of things to help me around the house. Danny came and drove me many times and took me into their home and helped me cope.

People I hadn’t seen in years started showing up to help Jeri and me. It’s as though somehow the world wanted us to succeed and the Lord sent an army of Angels in the form of friends to make sure it happened.

Now when I say the Lord’s Prayer, I have a vision, or a dream, it plays on the back of my eyelids, you’re all in there and somehow the Lord’s hand is waving over all of us, it’s like a wave of approval. When I close my eyes and pray now, that’s what I see.

Ron Draper

April 07, 2019

The Following is an Edited Devotional from Eva Cobau. Eva was a member of the GPUMC who died sadly in November 2018. She visited Haiti on two mission trips representing GPUMC, once in 2014 and once in 2016.

Connecting with Music in Haiti

Read: Colossians 3:14-17

Going to Haiti for the first time in 2014, the poverty drove me to tears and tore at my heart strings. I was forever moved and became truly thankful for everything I had, clean water, food, my family, shelter, this church, and medical care. As a typical American, I took all those things for granted. That trip changed my life.

The second time I was in Haiti I was looking for a way to connect with the students at the school where we were working. This was challenging because of the language barrier. The students spoke creole and I only spoke English. One moment God blessed me and let me connect with someone in my age group-which had never before happened on this trip and is something I very much struggle with in my own life.

I was reading some of the desks that had been removed from the classrooms to be cleaned and have the student’s doodles removed. As I read the graffiti on the desks, I noticed lyrics to some of the songs I had loaded on my cell phone.

In the courtyard behind the school, I approached a group of boys and asked “Do you like music?’ They were confused so I asked our interpreter, Velencia, to help. One boy asked for Nicki Manaj and I played a song called “Check it Out”. I placed one head phone bud in his ear, one in my ear and we shared the music.

I asked him if he liked rap. He said he like Eminem. I got really excited and said “We’re from the same place, Detroit!!” Velencia and him looked very confused at me. Then I recalled French it’s called “De-Twah.” Once I said that the confusion disappeared and Velencia translated my words for him. We then jammed out to some Eminem. Velencia then translated that he wanted to show me his music! I was thrilled. The genre was Haitian-Wop, another type of hip hop. He shared his music and I liked it.

We had become friends through the universal language of music.

Eva Cobau - 11/09/1996 – 11/05/2018

April 06, 2019

Misdirected Anger ??

Read: Psalm 13:1-6

How long can you stay mad at God?

When a loved one is "on the way out" and all around know it and have accepted it – why is the loved one's "departure" held in abeyance for day after day. I don't mean any inconvenience on the parts of those gathered around, but rather the indignity and unfairness suffered by the "patient."

No way is it fair to have someone linger on unable to communicate, to have hospital employees or others check "vitals" when they know it doesn't matter and all the while "God knows!”

It makes me wonder if sometimes God's mysterious ways are malevolent ways. It makes no sense to me that this can go on in some instances for months or even years.

How long can you stay mad at God? I don't know yet but I'm slowly accepting "Thy will be done" even though this seems to be counter intuitive with the belief in a loving God. It's hard to know with our limited perspective but perhaps will be understood in the next life. As of now – I'm still mad.

The above was written about a year ago and since then I have come to appreciate the fact that plan A (God's) was the better one.

I still don't understand the "delay," but I am accepting rather than angry.

I debated submitting these thoughts from last year, but figured someone may take comfort knowing he or she was not alone in thoughts like these.

Jack Van Becelaere

April 05, 2019

Acts of Kindness

Read: Matthew 6:1-4

My daughter wrote in a letter that she had just come in after shoveling snow. She had also cleared the snow from her neighbors’ on either side of her house.

She said she found some relief from grieving her father’s death two years ago by doing random acts of kindness. She has continued the habit. It gives her life added contentment.

I think God reaches us in the darkness and guides us to light in many different ways.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for showing us ways to apply the golden Rule. Help us to notice when You nudge us toward a better path as we travel forward in life.

Sarah Frakes

April 04, 2019

Many Varieties of Service

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good"

Our church is fortunate to have so many loyal, faithful, and active members - each serving as their talents and interests dictate; the diverse body parts of the church that Paul alludes to above. These many parts enable our church to be the actively functioning body of Christ in our world. Two of these members have recently moved to Ann Arbor. Dennis and Vanessa Wulf were shining examples of what being a part of the body of the church means. As long-time members, they exemplified what Paul was saying. Faithful attendance in church on Sunday, raising their two daughters in the faith, active and supportive in so many ways. The two ways I was most aware of and appreciative of were:

Dennis as a member of the Worship and Music Committee. In the four years I was the chair, he attended meetings regularly, served as Head Usher, and actively supported all of our many tasks and projects such as new Bibles, new hymnals, Christmas decorations for the sanctuary, and having training sessions for ushers implementing input from the congregation.

Vanessa served as Sunday School Superintendent for several years where she developed up-to-date curriculum, did an informative newsletter for teachers, and filled in as needed as a teacher. As teacher of an adult Sunday School class of which she was a member, I appreciated her endless assistance, support, and encouragement.

As Dennis and Vanessa move to be closer to family and to downsize, they will enrich a new congregation with their talents and support. Just as others in our congregation have, do, and will come forward to be the body of Christ. I know our congregation joins me in saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant of Christ. God speed!"

Noelle Landin

April 03, 2019

Were You Comforted?

Read: Matthew 5:1-11

Last year my family lost our beloved daughter and sister, Eva Cobau, to mental illness. I have been told many times that this is the worst thing that can happen to a father. I have been to many support groups and spoken to many people who have suffered similar tragedies. I know now that it was not the worst thing that can happen to a parent.

During our time of grieving, countless people in the church approached me and said “I’m so sorry, I just don’t know what to say…” This is the perfect thing to say.

Many other people said “I know this is no comfort, but we’re praying for you and your family.” This is very comforting.

I went to a special church service at Christmas for people who were suffering a loss at Christmas time. I sat with a family I love who had lost a lovely mother and wife. I sat with two wonderful women who had lost their soul mate husbands. I sat with a woman who had lost a husband to the tragedy of substance abuse and mental illness.

During the service, the Pastors doubted that the service would comfort me and my family. It did.

I wrote earlier that losing a beautiful daughter is not the worst thing that can happen to a father. Losing a daughter and not having a loving, caring, comforting church would be much worse.

To everyone who reached out to me and the other members of the congregation who suffered tragedy this year: YES IT WORKED!! WE WERE COMFORTED!! Thank you. Thanks be to God for the love with which He has blessed this congregation.

Tom Cobau

April 02, 2019

Baby Jesus in My Pocket

Read: Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the Heavens are higher than the Earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

At last year’s Rummage Sale, a curious thing happened to me. While working at the pre-sale, I was approached by one of the ladies working in the holiday department. She told me that one of the ladies had found a small nativity set made of fabric with tiny stuffed figures. She wanted to purchase the set for her young children, but somehow during the day she had dropped the baby Jesus. Realizing it was missing, she called the church and it was found. The holiday department lady asked me to hold on to baby Jesus until he could be picked up on Saturday by the young family.

So I took the tiny stuffed and embroidered baby Jesus in the manger and tucked him into my apron pocket. All day I continued to work with baby Jesus in my pocket. It’s hard to describe the feelings that I experienced having that soft little figure in my apron pocket.

John Wesley talks of the moment one is being motivated wholly by love of God and neighbor. With baby Jesus in my pocket I found that I was thinking more about others, the person talking to me, listening more and being more thoughtful in my response. I also found that my words and actions were motivated by love of my neighbor. With baby Jesus in my pocket, I could be kinder, more compassionate, a better listener and I could speak with love.

After I gave baby Jesus to the young family, I thought about how fun it was going to be for the children to have the special nativity set in their home. But what I want to remember is the special feeling of knowing I have baby Jesus in my pocket.

Libby Van de Putte

April 01, 2019

Thankfulness Series, Entry 3

Read: Luke 14:12-14

When Jeri was still in various hospitals and I was still in a wheelchair all alone at home and trying to cope, the UMW put on their capes and came flying in through the window to save the day. Out of nowhere, food started showing up on my back porch, LOTS and LOTS of food, really good stuff too!! At times it was overwhelming, a single guy even of my stature can only eat so much.

Then one day it occurred to me that someday my wife, Jeri, will come home, and I’ll need to feed her. So, I started freezing as many of the dinners as I could. Then I had to start borrowing freezer space from neighbors. One day my neighbor Ronnie, came with his son, Ron, and he said to me, “Look, Ron! Enough is enough, someday Jeri’s gonna come home and you can’t be running around the neighborhood collecting up the dinners people made for you. You might as well just go to Kroger!” And with that, they brought in a new chest freezer and set it up in the basement for me. Then, all the neighbors who were storing dinners for me started showing up and putting them all in the new freezer for when Jeri would eventually come home.

When all of a sudden you can’t even get out of the house, eating becomes a real problem. When Jeri finally did come home after nearly 6 months in 3 hospitals it was pandemonium. We had nurses, aids, drivers, therapists of every persuasion, and some weeks as many as 30 appointments to keep; we were out 12 hours or more lots of days. I cooked as much as I could, but for most of a year, if the day was running too late, or we were just plain exhausted, we had dinners we could just heat and eat.

The ladies of the UMW have gotten us and many others through the hardest times of our lives and regardless of where we are, we don’t eat anything until we thank God for all of you.

Ron Draper

March 31, 2019

The widow as heroine

Read Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8
For everything, there is a season and a season for every matter under Heaven: a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to cast away; a time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silence and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

The annual UMW women’s retreat is a remarkable gathering of women of all ages. I have not been able to attend for several years, but I carry with me the lessons I’ve gleaned from each year I have attended.

2013 was the last time I was at the retreat. Of the 22 women who attended the women's retreat that year, seven were widows. You know all of them because they are at church almost every Sunday. They are the helpers, the faithful ones whom we all count on in so many ways.

They have confronted the hardest moment in any woman’s life, the loss of a beloved.

They don’t know it, but I have watched them closely since that retreat. These women are living a life they did not choose. Although this was not their choice, they have embraced life with an energy and confidence that inspires me. I marvel at their dignity, at their grace. I marvel at their faith.

During the retreat, I confessed to one of them that, as I looked toward retirement, I was wondering who I would be when I stop being a writer and an editor. What identity would I have when I no longer have a professional persona that had identified me for 40+ years?

She said she understood. When she stopped being someone's mother and then someone's wife, who was she?

She said she learned that she had a whole lifetime of experience, that she had had many more experiences than being just a wife and mother. I could choose to be whomever I wanted to be. I could discard some of the experiences. I could decide that they would not be part of who I would be going forward, she said.

You can do the same thing, she told me. You get to choose what kind of life you want to live. You get to choose what kind of person you want to be. You get to make that choice every day.

I know that the change in my life is nothing compared to the change in her life. I will get to choose the time when I make changes. That’s not a choice that she and the others had.

I am profoundly grateful to be in the company of so many women who have the courage to live new lives as the old ones they loved fade away. They are my heroines. Every. Day.

Joan Richardson

March 30, 2019

Just Do It

Read: 2Timothy 1:3-4

If God's going to take you – then Just Do It! No more lingering for days, weeks, or even years.

My aunt went shopping and while she was gone, my uncle was in "his chair" probably to take a nap. He did, but it turned out to be a "dirt nap." No lingering – no prolonged suffering, just do it. Way to go, Uncle Art!

Since there is no understanding here of God's plan, I can only surmise Uncle Art was in good to excellent standing or, perhaps, knew where the express line was. I would like to know about that too.

Does talking to someone who isn't there make any sense? Especially when you know that person isn't there and won't ever be there? Or is it a way to hang on to what sanity is left after that person has departed? Sometimes there are enough memories to make it seem that person never left. Thank Heaven for memories.

Jack Van Becelaere

March 29, 2019

Adversity

"My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything." - James 1 2-4

I picked this verse because it has to do with adversity which is something I just learned about this year and went through a period in which God was testing my strength. At the time, I did not understand, but now when I look back, I have come to realize that what I went through has made me stronger and a much better person wanting to help people come to realize why we are put through tribulations and trials like we all do. Every time I talk to someone in our church, they talk about hard times for themselves or for someone close to them. I found some prayers on Adversity posted on www.postivechristianatity.org/adversity.php which I want to share a few of here for people to say in times of trouble. There are many more at this site but in order to keep this short I will write a few of my favorites which helped me get through this horribly hard time.

“Dear God, I pray that I understand what is going on now in my life. May I have Your higher Mind come through my human mind to give me insight. My human mind, dear God, is confused, and does not understand. I do no comprehend the reasons for the happenings and, God, I need to ask You, why? I know that You have the answer God, and I pray that I am given that answer. I pray that I can see from a higher vantage point.”

“This event is now past. It has no power over me. It no longer exists in my life. Only You hold power over my life, and I know You love me. I realize, God, that through my free will I am the one that has to make the decision to walk towards a brighter tomorrow. Therefore I dust off my feet of this unwanted experience and I willingly walk forward. Dear God, I ask for You to empower me as I move in positive directions in mind and in body. I pray for the insight to know when, and how, to make my journey towards Your good. I pray that You will give me understanding so that I can utilize the best traits in myself from the knowledge of studying the good and bad in those that have been in my life in this experience. I know that I can learn from the bad as well as the good.”

In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
Judy Wilcox

March 28, 2019

Grandparenting and the Church

Read: Proverbs 17:6

It has been 4 years now that I have been a proud grandparent…….really fun, cool, and a realization that there is a REASON why parents of young children need to be young!

One set of two are in metropolitan New Orleans (thanks, Facetime) and the other is right here in the Grosse Pointes.

They are all really great and energetic and have very separate distinct personalities.

The respective parents of the grandchildren are loving, engaged, caring, smart, and focused on their offspring, but also have active successful careers. Their parenting styles respond appropriately to their child’s personality, and with each level of development, they adjust and mold to the new characteristics. As a grandparent, watching slightly from afar, it is quickly apparent that one, same, “management” style applied to the three would be a disaster, or a least not in the best interest of each distinct child.

Of course, as the grandparent (and happy Uncle Ben and Aunt Chris), we are allowed to have a more flexible and fun supportive influence (with some consideration of the parent’s wishes).

One commonality between the two parenting families, are their active church affiliations. Both are Methodist churches, with the two churches having approaches that are tuned into the characteristics of their individual communities. Both congregations are of moderate persuasions.

Regardless of the two Church’s methodology, the fact that the grandchildren are getting some deeply-rooted religious philosophical life guidance is the crucial consideration. Regularly seeing a community of all ages worshiping, learning together, and giving-back as a group will have huge positive influence on their entire lives. The face-to-face appropriate interactions (counterpoint to less face-to-face time in today’s world) will help make them comfortable with themselves, with other people, and more effective, caring, and productive citizens.

You never know, as a parishioner, the incidental, but potentially huge influence, you might have with a child just by being a part of Christ’s church.

Dave DeWitt

March 27, 2019

A School For Growing Souls

Read: Colossians 1:9-10

People I pray for often are church members. The love in the prayer for the other person is evident. Usually in my prayer, I ask that God would fulfill the needs of the person. After that supplication, I pray for the person’s spiritual growth.

Problems in life do not cease when you are walking with Jesus, but the problems that come up are easier to deal with. Going to worship on Sundays and small groups during the week when I first became a Christian made all the difference. Whether it was my work hours being cut, my bad luck with my vehicles, or just having a bad day, having a relationship with Jesus put everything into perspective.

I am grateful for those who prayed for me when I was going through the hard times. Church has always been about caring for the people in the community, helping one another to know and be filled with Godly wisdom. Then helping one another walk in a way that leads to bearing fruit and good works. As we grow in the faith, the basic building blocks stay the same: In a personal way know the trinity, walk in love like Jesus, and never stop growing.

Pastor Keith Lenard, Jr.

March 26, 2019

Holy Yoga

Read: Psalm 150: 6
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!

I have practiced yoga for 20 years, and have greatly enjoyed the physical and mental benefits. Yoga practice provides an opportunity for mind and body to be in unity through the breath. Be aware of your breath moving in and out of your body and calm your mind. I have also learned many lessons through my yoga practice, such as how to be patient, how to focus on myself and not compare with others, how to persevere, and how to recognize my own strength.

I believe yoga was developed a thousand years ago (?) to provide postures for people to be in, while they practiced meditation. The actual poses are secondary to calming and centering the mind. I have found the practice to be extremely restorative to my spirit, and it has enabled me to have stronger faith and greater will to do God's work.

Holy Yoga came to GPUMC recently, and we practice Saturday mornings at 10 am in the Great Hall, the old sanctuary to me, where I spent many happy hours in worship over many years. It feels so wonderful in that space, where I believe the walls and ceiling are "coated" with prayer, scripture and song. It's a perfect place to practice, where the leader can be up a carpeted step from the rest of us. The instructor leads us through a slow flow of poses with music, but begins with a scripture and a prayer. How powerful to have that scripture in mind through the practice! It's a focal point, a place to return with our breath, and something to take with us through the rest of our day. It's repeated at the end of class, before and after our final rest. It feels so good and right to praise God through this practice!

Holy Yoga Detroit is working with the under-served in the metro area, bringing the healing power of breath, stretch and scripture, to children and women who have been in abusive situations. They work in schools, shelters and centers to bring Jesus and yoga to people in need. What an awesome ministry! We are so lucky at GPUMC to be a part of it!

Dear God, thank you for opportunities to serve you and praise you. You are amazing! You surpass our expectations! Help us to appreciate our good health, and to help those in need. Amen

Anne Sullivan

March 25, 2019

Thankfulness Series, Entry 2

Read: 1 Corinthians 2:2

Birds of a Feather… A year or so before the Charlie episode in Entry 1, Heidi came and helped me through a similar day. Jeri was still in Intensive Care in an induced coma on a ventilator and was suffering from a bad infection in a recent leg amputation. She had already passed away twice and the Lord sent her back both times, but she was just barely alive.

Three teams of doctors were advising me to take her whole leg off to save her life. I was still in a wheelchair and going into the throes of a traumatic brain injury myself, and I had to make a decision. Something inside kept telling me not to agree. Then an Air Force Veteran Nurse overheard the conversations between me and the doctors. He brought another doctor with a new idea that could save her knee. Initially I was warned that the chances of her even surviving the procedure were as low as 20% and no optimism for keeping her knee. But deep inside something kept telling me to go with it, so I approved the new avenue.

Heidi came and spent the whole day with me in the waiting room. We prayed all day together. When the doctor came to us, survival wasn’t even an issue anymore and he gave us a 60% chance for success in the leg. In a matter of 3 hours we were up 80% on survival and 60% on keeping the knee.

I remember Delbert Schneider most for his beer-boiled Wisconsin Bratwurst. But I thank the Lord every day for Del and Betty who gave us Heidi. She helped me through the most grievous decision of my life. To my dying day, I’ll always thank God for you.

Ron Draper

March 24, 2019

Pirates and Jesus

Read: Luke 14:12-14

The College Students and Young Adults of the GPUMC were passionate about assisting the families in need. The team traveled to Myrtle Beach to offer assistance to two needy families.

One of the families we helped was Angie Howard, her daughter, Jasmine, and son, Jarell. Angie was homeless and living in a shelter until a short time ago. Jasmine is a sophomore in high school. She is an excellent salesperson, having won an award for outstanding sales from her high school. She is also enrolled in the ROTC program at her school and she's considering the military as a future career option. Jarell is an energetic 9 year old who loves video games, especially Minecraft. He is an excellent dancer and loved playing Uno and Trouble with the mission team.

One evening the team took the Howard family out to a dinner show. The family has no car and a limited income, so as a Christmas present, the team wanted them to have an exciting night out and a family photo from the show. The team hosted the family at the Pirates Voyage Show. Everyone was treated to a great meal while they watched a Pirate Show.

The Howards were so overjoyed during the performance that it was recognized not only by the team members but by some of the performers as well.

The show had an amazing set around a giant swimming pool. At each end a pirate ship was facing the center of the pool. In the center was a stage where the performers dazzled us with singing, dancing, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, relay racing, trampolines, high diving, sea lions, trained dogs, camels, and donkeys.

It was fitting that this was the Christmas Pirate show which had a number of scenes about the birth and love of Jesus.

This night with the Howards was key to the mission because it allowed us to show the love of Jesus to them.

Tom Cobau

March 23, 2019

Where’s Moses?

Read: Hosea 6:6

Is there a present day Moses? Does God talk to us the way He did to Moses? Are we on our own to "know right from wrong" based on the ten commandments?

We no longer bring unblemished cattle or sheep or goats as burnt offerings, so what is the modern equivalent? After all we still have the same God as the one who spoke to Moses and to whom all the burnt offerings were made! Are our tithes and offerings the modern day equivalent? Their purpose and ultimate use supported the clergy of old, ours go to support the ministry and ministries world wide. Is this our fulfillment?

Where is Moses when we need him?

Jack Van Becelaere

March 22, 2019

All Things Come of Thee

Read: James 1:16-18

As Americans we treasure our independence, our freedom, our CAN-DO attitude. We honor the self-made person, the high achiever, the successful person. We sometimes look down on or criticize people who seem to need help to survive.

Even as practicing Christians, we seem to embrace these feelings. Yet in them is the very denial of the God we profess to believe in. There are endless Bible verses telling is to trust in, depend on, follow, listen to God. An example: Jeremiah 17:7-8: "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit."

The Bible constantly reminds us that ALL we have comes from God. But the Bible also shows us that God's people kept forgetting this over and over. And we still do! Our society promotes the myth that we can and should do everything on our own. "But the reality of Christianity is that we are supported, protected, and sustained by the living God every moment of every day. Taking credit for our successes without reference to God is a denial of the truth of God's action in our lives. Maybe, even worse, if we deny God's action in our lives, we have no one to call on in the dark times" (Martha Mayer).

An offertory response I grew up singing at Christ Methodist Church was: "All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee."

Noelle Landin

March 21, 2019

Missing Mom
Read: John 14:1-4

As I sat down to this topic, I told myself that I needed to write this, even if it didn’t go into the devotions; and I was right, I really did need to get this down on paper (and it didn't get into the devotions book last year when I wrote it).

Lent feels strange to me this year. I’m soliciting and collecting devotions from the congregation, but I know I won’t be getting one from my Mom again this year.

One of the things folks have mentioned to me most about Mom is how much they liked her devotions – they were short, to the point, and memorable.

I think my favorite devotion of hers (and it's one that she didn't really like very much) was the one about a snowman at Christmas. He opens his present and finds coal. Then he puts them in his face and has eyes. “Sometimes you get coal. Sometimes it’s a blessing,” was the final line. That kind of picture – something that you know is true after you see it, but you wouldn't think of it beforehand – that kind of picture was in my mind the day after Mom died.

When she was first in the hospital, the doctors had told us that often people wait until they’re alone in their rooms to die – that it's almost as if they didn’t want anyone to see them go.

Picture this:
A woman lies in a hospital bed, teetering on the edge of life. Her family has stepped out of the room for a moment. She opens her eyes and sees Jesus standing at the foot of her bed, beckoning and whispering, “Hey! Shirley! Quick, come with Me before anybody sees!”

Prayer: Father, thank you for the comfort of the Holy Spirit as He reminds us that we're never alone; You are with us and in us – even to that moment when we can hold hands with Jesus and run home to be with You eternally. Amen.

Charlie van Becelaere

March 20, 2019

Q: What? Me a teacher? A: Yes, indeed you are!

Read: John 1:1-13

Education is an important subject for people the world over. It is thought to be the key to a brighter, happier, and more prosperous future. We begin to teach our children in their earliest years, and, for many, the stream of education continues into college and graduate school. For some, a mid-career change may necessitate re-training. Even in retirement many folks enhance their lives by taking a variety of enrichment classes. It seems there is always something new to learn in our complex, fast-paced, and ever-changing world. Yet all the value of the world’s learning comes to end. For it is temporal, and serves but in the time/space framework.

Beyond what the body’s senses perceive, beyond all the images we have made and all the familiar things of Earth, lies another world – not lit by lamp or Sun, but illumined with a perpetual, spiritual light. This is the light of Love Itself. Here a hymn of praise is sung from the created to the Creator. If in perfect stillness and quiet we momentarily forget the world the body’s eyes perceive, we may recall a wisp of this beautiful melody and catch a glimpse of the holy light that encompasses all that is there experienced. Its contrast with the darkness and density of the temporal realm could not be more striking. As we look about our world with honesty, we see one that is weary and worn. Strife, competition, pain, and hopelessness are found in every corner of the globe.

Into this world God sends His teachers. Who are they? Any and all who choose to become teachers of God. Somehow, somewhere they have made a deliberate choice to be part of God’s answer. They have not perceived their interests as apart from another’s. They have seen the light and responded to God’s call, choosing to serve not themselves alone, but the great Creator and Sustainer of all that is.

In both Matthew and Luke, Jesus tells us that we cannot serve two masters. We will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. We have but two choices: to serve God – or not. Let us not be tempted to believe there are alternatives from which to choose. If Jesus Christ appeared to us today in all his glory asking us to join the ministry he began some two thousand years ago, how would we respond? For Christ is here, and he is asking.

To teach is to demonstrate, and we accomplish this in everything we say or do, even in what we think. It is a process that goes on continually. Bearing in mind that there are only two thought systems, we commit to one or the other: the way of the world, or the path that leads back to God. It has also been said that to teach is to learn. We reinforce in our minds that which we teach, so that teacher and learner are actually the same. We need, then, to ask ourselves one very significant question: “What is it that we want to learn?,” remembering that this will determine what we teach. If we want to be forgiven, we must forgive. If we want to be loved, we must love. If we want to be blessed, we must bless. In Galatians we read: “God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, so shall one reap.”

We are all children of light. As the creations of God, how could our essential selves be otherwise? But first we must accept that the light is in us. Once we have accepted this fact, it makes no sense to “hide it under a bushel.” Letting our light shine forth is a sign that we have remembered our Creator and our relationship to Him. As it kindles the light in others, they, too, will remember their Creator and shine on us in gratitude for the gift we have given them. Thus does the light grow brighter still, becoming ever more attractive. The world’s meager offerings compare to it not at all. As Paul states in Ephesians: “For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light, for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.”

Summarizing the work of the Master Teacher: teach only love, for that is what you are.

Sincerely,
Doug Dykstra

March 19, 2019

Words are not all of my life

Read 2 Corinthians 4:18

We look not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

My family jokes that words are my life, and they’re not far off. I’m a professional writer and editor, and I’ve written thousands and thousands of words over a 44-year career and edited thousands and thousands of words written by others. I have high regard for the way words are used to share ideas and for the people who use them well.

That goes for church too. On Sunday mornings, hundreds and hundreds of words wash over me. The ministers speak words. The liturgist speaks words from the Bible, and I try to read along to ensure that I grasp the message of those words. The choir sings words, and I listen closely. All of us sing words and speak words. The words just overwhelm me.

And then Doug plays the organ, and the words go away, and I am grateful. I close my eyes, and my heart just listens. There is nothing that I have to try to understand or figure out. I only need to feel.

Without words, I’m on my own. I give myself up to the music as I give myself up to faith, to believe in what I cannot see. I cannot see the music, but I know it is there. I cannot see God, but I know He is there. I cannot see love, but I feel it all around me. And in those moments when my eyes are closed and Doug’s music drifts across the sanctuary, I am at peace.

Joan Richardson