February 28, 2009

Try Gratitude

Read: Psalm 30
"The mass of men [women] lead lives of quiet desperation." Henry David Thoreau, 1817
1862

Does the above quote send a chill down your spine, or does it actually ring true for you?
How does a person accept the daily gifts that flow from God and still live a life of "quiet
desperation?" Could it be possible that a lack of gratitude is supporting the despera-
tion?

I would like to suggest that gratitude can brighten any day and any life. In fact, I think
that desperation and gratitude are incompatible opposites. Gratitude opens one's heart
to the splendor of each little pleasure in life: a warm shower, a cool summer breeze, a
comfortable bed, good water to drink, sunrises, sunsets, a stranger's smile, a baby's fin-
gers and toes, good music, the five senses...I could go on indefinitely, and so could you.
None of those pleasures costs much money and yet they add immeasurably to our en-
joyment if we are conscious of them.

How, then, do we cultivate gratitude in our lives? Start with a quick "gratitude prayer" at
least once a day, thanking God for five simple pleasures that come to mind. After that,
you will find it difficult to feel desperate for at least a short while. And the more we de-
velop our consciousness of pleasures we're grateful for, the more we will leave despera-
tion behind, until one day we come to the realization that we feel grateful and happy a
lot more than we feel desperate and miserable.

If you have been on the wrong road, God allows U turns! Try gratitude.

Inspiration comes from the apostle Paul: "...for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to
be content." Philippians 4:11.

Joy Baker (from March 25, 2003)

February 27, 2009

God Is Faithful

Read Psalm 46

I am delighted to be included in this year's GPUMC Lenten book! I have such fond memories of spending 20 years in the church office. God blessed me with the most wonderful job of working with great ministers and making many friends. I have been retired now for 15 years (unbelievable!) but still enjoy reading the Pointers and keeping in touch with several at the Church. I enjoy being in touch with Carol Ann Maleitzke who always made my day when she came into the office. Doug Dykstra and I keep each other up to date, too. Doug outdid me though! He went ahead and took the Number One spot for working at GPUMC longer than me! I love keeping in touch with Jack and Ruth Mannschreck, they are very special. Some of you will remember Melba Drew who worked in the office a few years. She is one of my best friends and a special prayer partner. And it's great to keep in touch through E-mail with Sharon Haskell who was a member and worked with me many years in the office, too. There are more who stay in contact, including Rev. Mary Frost and my old bosses, those super ministers!

Since retiring a lot has happened in my life, mostly good, some not so good. But God is faithful and has been with me through it all and continues to be with me. He is my strength and power. Six years ago I fell and broke my leg, a very bad break that required four surgeries (ever hear of titanium plates breaking? I have the pieces I can show you!) I am still handicapped and using a walker. Thus I cannot drive but am blessed with a wonderful family who takes me to church and occasionally restaurants, does my shopping and laundry and much more. I cannot complain. Life is good! And I am thankful that I can still live in my cozy home of 55 years. I am truly blessed to have four terrific children, their great spouses and 11 grandchildren, plus two great-grandchildren. They are all active in the church and my son and son-in-law are both ministers. God has been very good to me!

Two years ago I lost my dear husband of 53 years after a battle with cancer. I know Archie is with the Lord he loves and God gave us His strength, comfort and perfect peace through those difficult days. I am convinced that God's grace is sufficient. Since then I have hit a milestone birthday of 75! Who me? How can that be!

Two of my favorite verses that have stayed with me all through the years:

Isaiah 40:31 - They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

May God continue to bless the important ministry and special people of GPUMC. I love you all!

Dorothy Yerke

February 26, 2009

The Lenten Jive

Read: Romans 5

If you know me, this probably comes as no surprise: I like coffee.
I like the way coffee tastes; I like the way coffee smells; I like the way coffee feels in my mouth.
I like coffee.

For several years, it was my practice to give up coffee for Lent. The big surprise, especially the first year, was to discover just how much of my time was spent making, drinking, pouring, cleaning up, or just walking to the pot to get: coffee. The reason for making a sacrifice at Lent is not just to give something up that I ought to avoid anyway. Rather it is to make real to me the Sacrifice made by my Lord on the Cross; to identify with Him through an act of self-denial, however small it might be.

I have found that this exercise has carried over for far longer than any season - long though Lent seems when I'm deprived of my coffee - right through the months and the years. In the second or third year of this Lenten discipline, I changed to giving up the caffeine rather than the coffee. This meant that I still had the taste and so forth (at least as much as that decaffeinated stuff has to offer), so it might seem that it couldn't have been as meaningful to me. In fact, this was when it really hit home.

Whenever I poured a cup of decaf (yuck) that Lent, I prayed over it: "Remember, Christ died for us when we were yet sinners. That is God's proof of His love for us." It's surprising how often that line comes to mind as I fill my cup.

I like coffee. I like the taste and smell and all of that, but I also like the fact that because of my Lenten ritual of years ago, coffee reminds me that Christ died for me.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for Your Love which was demonstrated in Your Son's Life, Death, and Resurrection. May I make each everyday occurrence an opportunity to remember and thank You for it. I ask this In Jesus' name. Amen.
Thought for the Day:
Any act can be an occasion for prayer and thanksgiving.


Charlie van Becelaere (from Feb 18, 1999)

February 25, 2009 - Ash Wednesday

He Sends The Snow In Winter

Read Methodist Hymnal #513 - We Plow the Fields (1964-66 Hymnal)

Over the past years I have tried to make a habit of beginning each day with a devotion and prayer. I began this practice many years ago using Charlie’s Lenten Devotional Booklet. The past couple of months I find myself beginning my day with snow shoveling followed by devotions.

I’m one of those strange folk who enjoys the snow. Maybe I like it because I grew up in the U.P. but more likely because it is a time for me to get exercise and fresh air. When I go out early, in the morning the beauty and quiet is a marvel to behold it is also a great time to chat with God. Today I was noticing that today’s snow was heavy, the perfect kind for snowmen. Much of the snow so far this season has been the light fluffy or grainy type. I was wondering why God sends us different kinds of snow and what about this “global warming stuff”. Two things occurred to me … 1 – the good packing snow is for play and I should do more of that and 2 – the light fluffy snow is to make the shoveling easier and save my back.

I know everyone (even some in my family) do not appreciate or even like snow but it is a beautiful, quiet way for God to water our earth. The snow covered ground is a time for the Earth to rest. Maybe we should take the cue and try to do the same for just a few minutes of our busy day. When Spring arrives our grass, flowers and leaves will burst forth new with renewed hope for a better world.

Dear Lord, we thank you for the snows you send. Help us to remember that you are sending the snow for play, rest, peace, beauty, and to renew the Earth. Remind us to take a moment to rest and enjoy your quiet beauty. Amen

Gretchen Brammer

Lent 2009 - Introduction

After last year, Lent could never seem to come early, to sneak up on us, could it?
Of course it could.

After all, we don’t live in eternity (yet), so silly things like time still manage to trip us up on a regular basis. Oh, and this year was quite regular in that respect.
Sadly, there wasn’t quite the creative “outreach” [you may prefer to think of it as “begging” or “badgering” if you prefer] of previous years. No endless harangues, no threats of “this page left blank courtesy of ,” nor even purple Lenten Stockings hung in the hallway with care.
This translated into not very many submissions for this year’s book.

Imagine that. We’ve done ten years of these already, and it’s looking like we won’t have enough to publish the book this year.
Wait a minute. Ten years of books? Already sitting there?
Well, if we can’t have all new devotions, we can certainly supplement them with some favourites from the past.

And so we did.

Even more than in past years, it seems perfectly appropriate to repeat the introduction from our congregation's first book of devotions of more than thirty years ago:

Keeping a true Lent requires us to be vigilant in many ways: in prayer, study, worship, sacrifice, giving, meditation, and fellowship.

One or all may take precedence, depending upon our daily commitments. From these devotions, lovingly prepared, may you find a well spring of faith to renew and sustain you, so that the Glorious Triumph that is Easter will remain with you always.

The Lenten Committee


Again, we can but say, “Amen.”

Charlie van Becelaere, Editor

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)