The Open Door

The Open Door

The Open Door is published monthly by the First Congregational Church of Stanton

June 2017

Stephanie Herzog, Editor

Howdy y’all and happy summer!

From the desk of Pastor Jamey

I love summer time with the warmer weather and the slower pace of life. I can be outside more and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. But even in the summer, God is working and moving and arranging His plans to bring glory to Himself and to draw His people to Him.

Can I Get An “Amen?”

I have become fond of reading old books. There’s something comforting I feel when King
Solomon’s statement “nothing new under the sun” rings true from the dank pages and was written by a long-past pastor or theologian. In a strange way, it feels like I’m building relationships with dead people. I look forward to meeting them in person one day to say, “Thank you for a ministry that persisted even to one who was yet unborn on the day of your interment. You have blessed lives beyond your own and mine is one of them.” I hope that ends up being true of my own ministry, as well.

I would like to encourage you to join one of our small groups this summer or even host one yourself.

This summer, the ladies small group will take a short break before beginning their next study - see Julie Terry for more details.
The Wednesday ladies’ prayer group and the Saturday men’s group will continue to meet - see Beverly Nichols and Tom Burge for details there. They are both doing a wonderful job, and I know they would love it if you joined them.
The Thursday 1 p.m. group will be starting a new series soon. Come join them for fellowship, fun, and a time of great Bible study.
Plus, we are still interested in starting a group this summer for couples with kids - see Kim Simpson or Stephanie Herzog for more details.
Also, we have the small group for young adults on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., come find out what that is all about!

In 1894, Jonas O. Peck published a book entitled, The Revival and the Pastor. He writes,
What mountains are to a landscape, great revivals are to the kingdom of God on earth. Such were the reformations and revivals under Luther, Wesley, Whitefield, Edwards, the Tennents, Nettleton, and Finney. It was a changed world after their lives and labors. There were new inspirations and outlooks in human society. There was an upward trend in morals; there was more religion in the world; there was purer social life; there was greater stimulation to intellectual growth; there was a sweeter domestic life; there was reformation in the manifold relations of man, and in the thousands on thousands there was aspiration awakened for the highest and noblest attainments of character. All this unspeakable good, and much that is not even hinted, resulted from these great revivals (p. 18).

I think it’s time for some new mountain vistas on Stanton’s landscape. Our community would benefit from “an upward trend in morals,” “more religion” in the county, “a purer social life,” and so on. However, before starting in on the way the world is “going to hell in a handbasket,” the honest curmudgeon must look in the mirror. After all, some of Jesus’ closest followers were in the crowd that day on the mountain when he asked, “Why do you look for the speck in your neighbor’s eye while ignoring the log sticking out of your own eye” (Matthew 7)? I think it’s time for some new vistas out my window and yours, too.

Jesus said - “I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.”

Proverbs 27:17 - Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens anothe r .

Joining a small group is one of the best ways you can experience abundant life, find help and encouragement for your journey, and share in the love of Christ.

If we’re going to see a moving of God’s Spirit among us, we must first look for the Spirit to move within us. Stimulation of one’s intellectual growth does not stop after formal education ends. Informal education is something we would all do well to continue. And, renewed attainments of noble character don’t just appear, they are first longed for in the heart of the individual, then the church community, then the wider community. In other words, as the church

That they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ ~ Colossians 2:2

Pastor Mark

goes, so goes the town; as the Christian goes, so goes the church.

Continued on next page

Pastor Jamey’s article continued…

The Flavor of Kindness

As we begin the life of David I beg you . . . please, please, please do not let this sermon series be a mere exercise in informational exchange. More than learning data about David the man, learn the ways of David the man-after-God’s-own-heart. Don’t permit the time spent examining his biography deter you from the most valuable lesson of adopting his spiritual passion. What I’m talking about is the difference between information and transformation. Invite God to take the information (facts and trivia) and translate them into formulas for your own transformation (spiritual growth). Let’s look to God together for renewal of heart and mind that is in keeping with the great revivals. Let’s aim toward our own revival. Begin personally, then pray for the fire of the Holy Spirit to spread across FCC and the surrounding community. I pray that this flock under my care be not conformed to the world, but transformed by the renewing of your minds (Rom. 12:2). Let’s look to God together for this reformation blessing across Stanton, but let’s begin by allowing Him free reign over FCC as a community and each one of us individually.

Talking to God

Thank God for giving you the ability to speak. Ask Him to show you how to use your words carefully.

Diving In

Have each family member write down six words on a piece of paper: three kind

words and three unkind words. Don’t share your lists just yet. Fill two bowls with

snacks. One bowl should have a sweet snack (candy-coated chocolate) and the other bowl a sour snack (lemon burst). Then, have each family member take a turn reading a word from his list. The others have to guess if it is a kind (sweet) or unkind (sour) word. When guessed correctly, everyone gets a candy-coated

chocolate or lemon burst to “taste” the word.

Many thanks from the
Trustees, to all of those who stayed after service on May 7 and helped clean up the church. Your assistance was so appreciated and

With the new season approaching, the choir is preparing to take their summer hiatus.
If you would be

Going Deeper

The words you use make a difference. Words can be sour, or they can be sweet. They can hurt feelings, or they can repair relationships. Words can build people up or tear people down. Because your words are powerful, you need to choose them

carefully. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, the apostle Paul urges believers to “encourage one another and build each other up.” When you choose kind words, you’re giving others a taste of God’s kindness, and that brings Him honor.

interested and willing to provide a

Sunday’s special music presentation,

please contact Stephanie Herzog. Special music opportunities are available all summer.

the church looks so much nicer for your efforts.

Talking to Each Other

• Is it easier for you to think of kind or unkind words?

Why?

Operation Christmas Child

• How does sharing kind words make you feel? How

does receiving kind words make you feel?

• What are some things you can do this week to

replace unkind words with kind words?

June’s donation items are: small toys, stuffed animals, and balls. Donations may be left in the OCC box on the table in the entryway.

— Bridgette Booth

First Congregational Church of Stanton Honors 2017 Graduates

Taylor Carey, graduated from Central High School, Traverse City, MI. Her par-
Breanna Merritt, graduating from Central Montcalm High School. Future plans

are undecided, but she has interests in the architectural field. Her parents are Chad Merritt, (Michelle Damaska), Angie Brooks. Grandparents are John and Carol Bookwalter. ents are Brandon and Michelle Cary and great grandmother is Janet Brundage. Katie Clemenshaw, graduated from Lowell High School. She is attending Grand Rapids Community College. Her future plans have not been determined. She is the daughter of David and Dohna Clemenshaw and granddaughter of Roger and Deborah Hinton.
Brookelyn Miller, graduating from Central Montcalm High School. Attending Central Michigan University to study athletic training. Her parents are Michelle Damaska, (Chad Merritt), Dale Miller. Grandparents are John and Carol Bookwalter.
Brennan DeRaad, graduated from Ferris State Univerisity with a bachelor of science degree in Welding Engineering Technology. He will be working in Battle Creek. He is the son of Jeri Ritter and grandson of Dooder and Sharon Ritter.
Mitchell Nichols, student at Central Montcalm High School. Plans to finish college studies at Central Montcalm and pursue studies in accounting at a four-year college. His parents are Jamey and Michelle Nichols and grandparents are Jerry and Beverly Nichols.
Devin Fike, graduating from Greenville High School. He will be attending Michigan State University to study business. His parents are Kevin and Delta Fike, and he is a brother to Jenny Fike.
Blake Ruffer, graduating from Allegan High School and plans to attend Oakland

University to study computer software engineering. Parents are Kyle Ruffer and Terri Hinton. Grandparents are Roger and Deborah Hinton.
Rachel Harmon, graduated with an R.N. degree from Carson-Newman University in Tennessee. She will be working as an R.N. at a hospital in Jefferson City, MO. Her parents are Robert and Terri Harmon (FCC sponsored missionaries) and grandparents are Ray and Pat Crouse of Carson City, MI.
David Allen Simpson, Ph.D., graduated from Michigan State University with a doctor of philosophy degree. He plans to continue his work in K-12 educational administration. His parents are Bill Simpson, Sr. and Loie Simpson. He is a brother to Andrea Sprague and family and Bill Simpson, Jr. and family.
Seth Harmon, will graduate from Camdenton High School, Camdenton, MO. He plans to attend Missouri State Technical College.His parents are Robert and Terri Harmon (FCC sponsored missionaries) and grandparents are Ray and Pat Crouse of Carson City, MI.
Jenna Switzer, graduating from Central Montcalm High School. She will pursue studies in accounting at Davenport University and has signed a letter of intent to play volleyball with the Davenport Panthers. Her parents are Andrew and Roxanne Switzer. She is sister to Paige and Todd Switzer. Twilah Flint is her grandmother, and Earl and Char Switzer are grandparents.
Tyler Helms, a graduate of Lake Superior State University where he obtained a bachelor of science degree in Engineering Management. Currently, he is a field engineer at Casair and a licensed drone pilot. His parents are David and Corby Helms.
Ben West, graduating from Central Montcalm High School. He will pursue studies

in business at Trine University and has been awarded scholarships to play baseball for their team. His parents are George and Cindy West. He is brother to Julia West.
Ashley Merritt, graduating from Central Montcalm High School. Will attend Montcalm Community College to study in the medical field. Her parents are Chad Merritt, (Michelle Damaska), Angie Brooks. Grandparents are John and Carol Bookwalter.

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. - Matthew
5:48

Love Talk Starters

 What is a specific way you support your spouse? (In other words, how do you show respect, provide a sense of security, encourage, comfort, or show acceptance?)

Seeking the aid of the Holy Spirit, let us aim at perfection. Let every day see some sin crucified, some battle fought, some good done, some victory won; let every fall be

 What is your number one emotional need right now, and how can your spouse meet it?

followed by a rise, and every step gained become, not a resting-place, but a new starting-point for

 Name a time when you made a mistake and your spouse was full or grace, expressing no criticism. Name a them when the roles were reversed.

further and higher progress.

When my wife gets a little upset, sometimes a simple “calm down” in a soothing voice is all it takes to

—Guthrie

Thoughts for the Quiet Hour
D. L. Moody, ed. (1900 )

 What expression of affection from your spouse makes you feel most deeply loved and understood?

From Love Talk Starters by Les & Leslie Parrott

get her a lot upset.—

PASSION FOR CHRIST * PERSEVERANCE * HUMILITY * SACRIFICE

@TheNardvark

“There is a fountain ꢀ yoꢁth : it is your mind, your talents, the crꢂativity you bring to your life and the livꢂs ꢀ pꢂople

you love. When you lꢂarn to tap this source, you will truly have dꢂfꢂatꢂd age.”

- Sophia Loren .

First Congregational Church of Stanton Worship Service: 10 a.m. Phone: 989.831.5240 Email address: [email protected] Website: www.fccstanton.org

June 2017

Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. - Matthew 24:32-33

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

04 Pat Buchholz 04 Ann-Marie Rolfe 05 Kevin Fike 06 Bree Muilenburg 07 Chad Jorgensen 08 Dorothy Gurecki 08 Stephanie Herzog 08 Fritz Strautz

1

2

3

1 - 2:30 pm
Small Group Bible Study

5:30- 6:30 pm
Young Adult Bible Study
RESERVED 6 pm
Sanctuary

10 Pat Miller 14 Dooder Ritter 15 Maria Davis

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

10-11 am

1 - 2:30 pm

9 am

16 Mary Jo Heinlen 20 Maddison Long 21 Tiffany Wright 22 Donald Wilson 24 Tom Koepke 24 Zach Wright

10 am - Morning Worship 4-6 pm - Teen Ministry

Women’s Prayer Group Small Group Bible Study

Chit Chat and Coffee

at FCC
1 pm - Ladies L.I.F.E.
5:30- 6:30 pm

25 Hyacinth Chavez

11 18
12 19

13

14

15

16

17

10-11 am

1 - 2:30 pm

10 am - Morning Worship

4-6 pm - Teen Ministry

11 a.m.

Noah’s Ark Trip
Departs
Noah’s Ark Trip
Returns

Memorial Service For Larry Lavery Luncheon following

5:30- 6:30 pm

6 pm - Diaconate Mtg

Father’s Day

20

21

22

23

30
24

Anniversaries

10-11 am

12:30 pm - Trustee Meeting

Women’s Prayer Group

1 - 2:30 pm

06 Steve/Christa Wilson 07 Jack/Donna Jorgensen 09 Josh/Stephanie Herzog 10 Gordon/Amy Cannon 12 Kevin/Dawn Wadle 16 Damon/Maria Davis 16 David/Barbara Engler 18 Jason/Hannelore Fishell 18 Ron/Marilyn Hoskins 22 Clif/Laura Sage

Small Group Bible Study

No Teen Ministry

5:30- 6:30 pm

Teens depart for Big Ticket Festival, Gaylord

25

26

27

28

29

Noisy Change Offering

10-11 am

1 - 2:30 pm