June 2019 Newsletter Vision: Connect with God, Grow in Faith Together, Serve Others 1200 Atlantic St

June 2019 Newsletter Vision: Connect with God, Grow in Faith Together, Serve Others 1200 Atlantic St. Milford, MI 48381 (248) 684-2798 FAX (248) 684-9585 Office Email: [email protected] Website: MilfordUMC.net

Pastor’s Column: Doug’s Discoveries

Sensory Rich Worship and Updating the Sanctuary

I’ve discovered that the church can learn a lot about creating a meaningful worship experience from the expertise of film makers. Film Upcoming Events makers pour thousands of hours of creative work into a two-hour movie experience that moves us with music, a story line, professional actors, Sunday, June 2 and tons of work behind the scenes. Do you ever notice the length of Ascension Day, Graduate the film credits? Hundreds of experts collaborate to create movie Recognition (pg 4), Teacher moments that move us to laughter and tears: costumers, lighting, Appreciation property managers, sound engineers, and the Assistant Grip– whatever that is. Sunday, June 9 Holy Communion, Pentecost Our Worship Design Team is learning from Dr. Marcia McFee’s book, (wear red) “Think Like a Filmmaker: Sensory-Rich Worship Design for Unforgettable Presentation of Floor Plans and Messages.” She says the whole church can collaborate to enhance the Cost Estimates for Church worship experiences you share together. The Bible is full of amazing Renovation (after worship) (pg 7) stories that deserve our creative efforts to bring them into our lives in Sunday, June 16 deeply meaningful ways. Moving worship results from prayerful Trinity Sunday, Fathers Day, preparations and authentic expressions of praise, love, and witness. We Peace with Justice Sunday (pg 7) use a mix of new, interesting elements along with familiar, repeated elements. Both inspire us and engage us, helping us connect with God. Saturday, June 22 UMW Garden Salad Luncheon When our own life experience intersects with the narratives of our faith, (pg 6) we engage in worship that is meaningful and memorable. Creative arts and the universal human love for story-telling combine to draw us more Sunday, June 23 fully into the gospel and lead us to encounter God. Great worship is a Church Conference after Worship gift we give to God, including intentional prayer, planning, and teamwork. Together, we form authentic worship experiences that are right for us Sunday, June 30 and for the community around us that we seek to serve. UMW Ushers and Greeters

Our Board of Trustees has approved a plan to make an open platform at the front of the sanctuary. This reconfiguration of worship space is designed to facilitate creative worship with a closer connection between the congregation and those who are leading in word, song, or other worship arts. I love you all, Pastor Doug

Our Deacon-Rev. Sherry

As you read this, I will most likely be at the Michigan UMC Annual Conference near Traverse City. I am anticipating this conference with mixed emotions, knowing that there will be many discussions (possibly heated discussions) and many different opinions on the future of The United Methodist Church. I am sad that our global church is in this position; we do so much good in the world and help so many people as a united organization, and we should not let that end. I am also sad that our delegates voted in such a harsh and one-sided plan for the future. One of the aspects of The United Methodist Church that I have always been proud of is our diversity. In many situations of conflict in culture, we have been able to move on together because we embraced each other’s worth as children of God, and remembered that Jesus told us to love God and love each other. Culture is constantly changing, but God and Jesus Christ are not. God is still the ultimate judge we will all face, it is not our job to judge others or to pontificate to them with a holier-than-thou-attitude, even when we think that they are wrong. Our goal should be to listen to others, love them as Jesus does, and work together in love to help others. This applies to both sides on any issue. I pray we can keep the love of God for us and our love for each other in the forefront of discussions and debates. We need to keep in mind that there are still questions around the constitutionality of some parts of the traditional plan that may affect the eventual outcome, and a regular General Conference meeting in May of 2020 that could reverse the decisions of GC2019 or chart a different course. In the words of our Bishop David Bard, we should try to be a “less anxious” presence in our churches to help those who tend to be more anxious or jump to conclusions. On a happier note, I am looking forward to the collegiality and fellowship at annual conference. It is a time of renewing friendships, gathering with other clergy and especially the order of deacons. We will bid a final farewell to those who have passed into the arms of God this past year, worship and commune together at the Lord’s Table, and celebrate the commissioning and ordination of new pastors, deacons, and local pastors. Then we will return home to share with our congregations, and some will be moving to a new place of service. This conference will also be a learning experience as we learn from teaching sessions and learn how to operate digital voting devices for the first time! May God help us! My prayer for all of us, in this country, this conference, this global church is to put aside seemingly insurmountable differences and remember to love God, and love each other. That’s it; that is all we need to do to work toward unity in the middle of diversity. May God bless each of you, Rev. Sherry P.S. It is not too late to sign up for camping this summer! See me for a brochure or see the camp schedule on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. There are lots of opportunities for all ages!!! P.P.S.S. We still have red church t-shirts available - $9 adults, $8 children (limited children’s sizes). We encourage you to wear one at community events like concerts in the park or Milford Memories. It can help our church become more visible in the community, and yes, hundreds of people are unaware that we exist. Please help us create positive awareness of our church! See Rev. Sherry

2 THANK YOU FROM THE JOYFUL NOISE BELL CHOIR

Joyful Noise performed at the May 5th service and afterwards, polished & put away the bells until next Fall. We wanted to thank everyone for purchasing the Easter flowers. The choir raises its own funds for music and supplies and the money earned from the flower sale will be used for the future purchase of new tables. Our existing tables were purchased about 40 years ago and are, literally, standing on their last legs:)

We will be back in the Fall with some new music and some old favorites - September marks the start of our 45th year as a choir. Thank you all for your support & encouragement over the years.

Stephen Ministers Are There to Care. . . Stephen Ministers are trained care givers for people who are going through a difficult time—emotionally, spiritually, or relationally. Are you lonely, experiencing a crisis, or simply stressed by everyday life? You don’t have to suffer alone. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to listen, care for and encourage you, pray with and for you, and provide confidential one-to-one Christian care to help you through whatever it is that you are facing. To find out more about Stephen Ministry, talk with one of the Stephen Leaders: Linda Fraser 248-685-9308 or Pat Loder 248-396-4391.

Stitching for Others Working Women's Small Beautiful prayer quilts are made by Group! this wonderful fellowship group. The If you are a busy working woman but group meets on Wednesdays from want to find a way to grow spiritually and 10am to 4pm. All are invited to come build closer relationships with other and help. There is a job for everyone! women, this small group is for you! No experience necessary. Needed: The group meets each month on the 2nd Thursday, 7 - knitters, crocheters, sewers, cutters, 8:30pm, led by Julia Lupinacci. Contact Julie Lupinacci ironers, etc. For more information call at [email protected] for more information. Thesia Wolf, 248-310-8798

Congratulations 2019 Graduates!

Stacy Atkeson Graduating from: Washtenaw Community College Degree: Associates in Photographic Technology Special Awards: Academic High Honors; Deans List; Deans Choice Award for “Bacteria Mat Yellowstone National Park” for the student art show Future Plans: Continue growing her photography business Other Information: Stacy is the daughter of Rev. Sherry Foster, she is also one of our Children’s Church teachers Brooke Bruletti Graduating from: International Academy West High School Degree: International Baccalaureate Special Honors: Summa Cum Laude; Spanish Departmental Award Future Plans: Attending Madonna University, studying International Business; playing goalie on the Women’s Soccer Team at Madonna University Other Information: Brooke is the daughter of Emanuele and Tracy Bruletti Danny Bem Graduating from: Royal Oak High School Degree: High School Diploma Special Honors: Summa Cum Laude, Michigan High School Football Coaches As- sociation First Team and the 2018 Individual Academic All State team for recognition of outstanding performance both on the field and in the classroom. Other Information: Danny is an accomplished musician and plays the oboe and clarinet. He played football eleven years, was center all four years with the Royal Oak Ravens, as well as the team captain his senior year. His mother Bonnie was the first baby baptized in the MUMC new building on Father’s Day, 1967. Danny is the grandson of Barb and Phil Harris. Katie Harris Graduating From: M.C. Perry High School, a Dept. of Defense school in Iwakuni, Japan Degree: High School Diploma Special Honors: Valedictorian, National Merit Scholar Future Plans: Attending the University of Florida Other Information: Katie has lived in Japan 5 of her 17 years, and while in the USA she has lived in Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, and California. Katie enjoys acting and played the role of Anne in her favorite play “The Diary of Anne Frank”. Her parents were married at MUMC and she was baptized here. She is the granddaughter of Barb and Phil Harris.

4 Makenzie Motschenbacher

Graduated from: Oral Roberts University, Class of 2019 College of Arts and Cultural Studies Degree: Bachelor of Science in Music Production, Minor in Business Special Honors: Magna Cum Laude, Outstanding Academic in Music Production, Provost List Future Plans: Presently she is working for Life Church in Tulsa, OK. She is also a fulltime personal trainer. Luke Olari Graduated from: Michigan Technological University Degree: BS Mechanical Engineering Special Honors: Cum Laude Future Plans: On the job hunt, seeking a position in the aerospace or manufacturing realms.

Ben Weeks Graduated from: Hillsdale College Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in History and Political Economy (double major) Special Honors: Shirley Herrick Scholarship, played Varsity NCAA Division II Football as a Defensive Lineman for the Hillsdale College Chargers who won the Greater Midwest Athletic Conference Championship (GMAC) in 2018. During his time at Hillsdale, he also volunteered as a math and reading tutor for 3rd and 4th graders at Gier Elementary School in Hillsdale. Future Plans: This summer, he will visit Israel on a ten-day trip funded through a partial scholarship and will continue to work at The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village, as he has for the last five years. In the fall, he plans to attend Central Michigan University (CMU) to study for his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in History. He has received the Erasmus Scholarship from CMU which will grant him full tuition to study at Bochum University in Germany from January through July of 2020.

ASP Mission Opportunities Our next Appalachia Service Project mission trip will be June 29-July 6, 2019. We will be traveling to Scott County, TN. We do have a few spots open on the trip. If you know of any youth or adults who would be interested, please contact Cheryl Smith. We are offering an opportunity to those who cannot accompany us to help support our project. We are having a Stock Sale on June 2nd and 9th. We will be in the fellowship hall to answer questions and accept any support you would like to give. In past years many of you have also helped ASP by donating homemade cookies. We enjoy the cookies as snacks for our work teams and we also pass them out to our families throughout the week we are there. If you want to donate cookies for our trip, please leave them in the kitchen labeled for ASP. Please include your name so we know who is supporting us during the trip. The ASP Team extends a hearty thank you to all who made our clothing sale a success during the UMW Rummage Sale in May. This will help us carry out our mission to Appalachia this summer! Thank you for donating, helping, or buying clothes. If you have any questions, call Cheryl Smith at 248.310.9370 or [email protected].

United Methodist Women June Schedule

June 6—9:30 am-Executive Board June 16—Father’s Day June 21—Salad Luncheon Set-Up June 22—11:30am - 2:30 pm Salad Luncheon, Fellowship Hall June 30—Ushers & Greeters

United Methodist Women Garden Salad Luncheon Milford United Methodist Women will be holding a Garden Salad Luncheon on Saturday, June 22 from 11:30am to 2:30pm. There will be a delicious greens salad bar with toppings, plus a variety of other salads, rolls, desserts and beverages. Price: Adults - $10, children (10 and under) - $6. Come and enjoy this delicious luncheon and support the UMW.

United Methodist Women Celebrate

The year was 1869. In Boston, MA, Clementina Butler and Lois Parker informed 6 members of the Methodist Episcopal Church about the desperate health care and educational needs of women in India. Their “Call To Action” raised funds to send Isabella Thoburn, a teacher, and Clara Swain, a doctor, to India. That meeting led to the formation of the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Organization to address the injustices imposed on women and girls. The United Methodist Women is their successor. We celebrate 150 years of changing the lives of women, youth and children. The United Methodist Women continues to build upon that foundation. Their focus is to heal, restore, teach and empower women, youth and children near and far. Imagine what is possible!! This all began 150 years ago with 8 women! We follow in their footsteps. Any questions, please contact Linda Sturgeon, President or Carol Shaver, Vice President of Milford UMW. Program books: Welcome Center.

Meet Up and Eat Up Kicks Off Soon By Katy Weeks Summer is coming soon and Meet Up and Eat Up, the summer lunch program for low-income kids at Commerce Meadows Mobile Home Park in Wixom, begins on June 17th. We already have 87 percent of the volunteer slots filled! Great work! To kick off this year’s program, I’d like to share a few statistics from 2018: Average kids served per day: 30; Most kids served in a day: 52; Total cash donations: $730; Total spent on food for snack bags and to supplement lunches: $390.39; Total spent on books, reading prizes, and school supplies: $456.54 Total Bibles and back-to-school backpacks distributed: 54; Total books distributed: Hundreds! As you may recall, Meet Up and Eat Up was created to ensure that children in low-income areas could continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations, when they do not have access to the National School Lunch Program. Western Oakland Meals on Wheels provides the food and our church coordinates all of the volunteers for one of the program sites. Last year, we enriched our site by not only feeding the children’s bodies, but also their minds by managing a summer reading program which gifted the children new and used books and provided prizes— gum, candy, toys, and additional books—every Friday for reading an hour or more. Many of these children have limited access to print materials and rare opportunities to visit the library because their parents are working and unable to take them. Studies show the amount of print materials in a home directly correlates to literacy. Our “Free Bookstore” Initiative gave each child at least one book that he/she can own and read again and again. I anticipated the program would be most popular among the elementary-aged children, but I was shocked to find the teenagers were the most active participants! I have several boxes of new and used books left over from last year that we will use to seed our reading program this year, but we could use more new books. You can buy a book for a child (ask Katy Weeks or in the church office for a list of requested titles) or give a dollar amount toward the purchase of books. Please make checks out to “Milford United Methodist Church” and write “Meet Up and Eat Up Books” on the memo line. New picture books cost $5-$15 each, and new chapter books cost $5-$10 each. Additionally, in 2018, we distributed 50 snack bags per day for the two days we were unable to serve lunches— July 4th and an election day in August when the dining room was used as a polling station. This year we will have no lunch service on July 5th as well as July 4th. This means it is even more important for us to distribute snack bags on July 3rd for the kids who will go without lunch service for the remainder of the week. We will be filling lunch sacks with shelf-stable milk, granola bars, chips, and other non-perishable foods that require no preparation. Please consider donating financially to this program. We prefer cash donations to foodstuffs because it allows us to standardize what goes in each bag (e.g., everyone gets one milk and one granola bar of the same type) and to prevent food allergies (e.g., nothing containing peanuts). To donate, please make out a check to MUMC and write “Meet Up and Eat Up” on the Memo Line. In August, the Men’s Club gave the families “tickets” they could redeem at the Milford Memories Corn and Lemonade Stand for one free corn and one free lemonade. About fifty tickets were redeemed last year. This was a blessing for the families because festivals are free entertainment as long as you don’t buy anything, but it’s difficult to bring five children to the fair and not buy anything to eat! It also allowed us to connect with the families outside of the meal service and get to know them. We plan to offer tickets again this year. If you are working the Corn and Lemonade Stand this summer, please keep an eye out for these “tickets” and warmly welcome the families. Lastly, at the end of the summer, we filled backpacks with Bibles and school supplies as a back-to- school send off for the children. This year, we hope to give away even more Bibles and backpacks. 7 Continued on page 8. . . Continued from page 7. . . Volunteer training will be held on Monday, June 3, 2019 at 7pm - 8pm in the Parlor at Milford United Methodist Church (1200 Atlantic Street; Milford, MI 48381). If you want to volunteer but are unable to attend the training, please contact the volunteer coordinator Katy Weeks at [email protected] for more information. If you would like to volunteer to serve food, please register online at Sign-Up Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f48aca62ea7f58-meet2 . Or, if you are unable to use the Sign- Up Genius system, you may email the volunteer coordinator Katy Weeks at [email protected] or call 248-624-2337 with dates when you are able to work. Thank you for your strong support of this program!

FACILITIES TASKFORCE UPDATE

As you are aware, we are nearing the completion of the design for the update on our sanctuary and other areas of the church. We will be meeting with the architects on Tuesday, May 28th, to finalize design and cost estimates. On June 9th, immediately after church, we will present the final floor plan and cost estimates to you followed by a Charge Conference on June 23rd, again after the church service, to vote for the renovation plans as presented. Please mark your calendars and try to be here on both of those dates. If you can’t be here, please talk to one of the committee members to make sure you have current & accurate information.

Committee members are as follows: Nancy Weeks, Dave Ebert, Bill Holcomb, John Heidt, Bette Knedgen, Debbie Bonnewell, Al Worrell, Tom Gorton, Julie Cohen, Todd Rockwell, Sherry Foster and Pastor Doug.

Peace with Justice Sunday, June 16

Gifts for this Church-wide offering fund programs that advocate for peace and justice in The United States and around the world. They empower United Methodists to speak out for removing structures and systems that harm God’s children globally. www.umcgiving.org

Milford UMC Scored High on Hospitality!

Early this spring, Milford UMC hosted a district-wide training course on Leading in Prayer. The participants came on two Saturdays and spent a full day here. Many thanks to the Stitching for Others group and the United Methodist Women for providing outstanding hospitality (100% of participants gave us the highest rating), as evaluated by our guests from around the Heritage District. Thank you!

- Pastor Doug and Marianne McMunn Class leaders

6/1/68 Larry & Carol Shaver 6/14/86 Bruce & Maureen Bonhard 6/14/68 Roger & Judy Clemens 6/1 Carla Gorton 6/14/75 Frank & Carol Cronk 6/1 Tyler Katchever 6/16/61 Norman & Gail Bourns 6/3 Ann Godwin 6/16/73 Gary & Linda Herwick 6/3 Grace Thomann 6/18/66 Bob & Sally Schiemann 6/4 Kimberly Golden 6/6 Elena Glinter 6/19/99 Bill & Karen Antrim 6/6 Luke Vickery 6/19/76 Wayne & Pat Loder 6/6 Katy Weeks 6/20/87 Todd & Christina Rockwell 6/7 Sue Shove 6/22/18 Tim & Katie (Loder) Jones 6/8 Karin Dee 6/22/13 Ron & Jessica Harris 6/9 Samuel Anderson 6/23/73 Leon & Mary Wenger 6/9 George Rogers 6/25/00 Mike & Nancy Bassett 6/11 Evelyn Rose Whitlock 6/26/99 Scott & Vickie Smith 6/12 Bill Lorenz 6/30/51 Bob & Margaret Leibler 6/12 Jeff Weeks 6/13 Winnie Crawford Do You Want to Know What’s 6/16 Logan Kirwin Happening at Church? 6/16 Doug Klingensmith Please visit our website, www.milfordumc.net, and our 6/16 Julie Lupinacci Facebook page. Also, you can contact our church 6/20 Melissa Vickery office to subscribe to our weekly emails from [email protected]. 6/21 Carson Kidd 6/26 Laurie Ashline Pastor Doug has a video blog that is shared on both 6/28 Maureen Bonhard the website and the Facebook page. 6/28 Laura Moffat-Shoberg

Also, there is a new section to our website to include 6/29 Marianne McMunn news and information. The area, along with all areas 6/30 Frank Cronk of our website is a work in progress. If you have something you would like added to the news and information section please contact the church office.

9 CARL’S BIBLE TRIVIA FOR JUNE, 2019

No time is ever wasted if you have a book as a companion. 1. The Bible is referred to as what? 2. A “chronology of the old testament” refers to what? 3. “Church” is the English translation of what Greek word? 4. How many copies of the Bible are sold each year? 5. How many languages has the Bible been translated? 6. What is the longest chapter in the Bible? 7. What is the longest word in the Bible?

Answers to trivia below.

Continuing Prayers: Facilities Upgrade Task Force with Architect, Carol Hawkinson, Patty Harvey, Ann Koss, Margaret Leibler, Nancy London, Rebecca Marquardt, Rachel McAuliffe, Ernie Morris, Katja Olari, John Robinson, Rebecca Uribe, New Sawtrol UMC (sister church, Liberia).

Homebound, Rehabilitation Center & Nursing Care: Winnie Crawford, Elizabeth Gordinier, Barb Harrison, Pat Heidt, Virginia Jeffers, Bill Lorenz, Ray Michaels, Patsy Patterson, Gary Scholes, Barb Sheridan, Richard Skarritt, Bert & Norma Weening.

Members in College: David Bonhard, Alexandra Craig, Mitchell Craig, Grant Marquardt, Cole McKane, Breanna Miller, Benjamin Olari, Luke Olari, Katja Olari, Jessica Rockwell, Mike Rockwell, Audrey Shoberg, Brendan Shove, Dana Shove, Ieasha Shufflebarger, Kayla Shufflebarger, Max Smith, Nathan Smith, Sarah Smith, Ben Weeks, Kelly Weeks, and Lauren Whitlock. Other church members in postsecondary education? Please notify the church office.

Those in the Military: Capt. Johnathon Seeley, USMC, Middle East; Lt. Col. Eric Harris, USMC, Japan; Lt. Col. Andy Apsey, Air Force. Others deployed? Please notify the church office. Thank you all for your service!!

Answers to trivia above: 1. “The pillar and ground of truth”; 2. the historical dating of persons and events of the old testament; 3. Ekklesia; 4. over 100 million; 5. 532 languages; 6. Psalm 119; 7. Mahershalalhashbaz

**Newsletter Deadline** The Deadline for the July Newsletter is June 15th

June 2019 Sermon Themes and Worship Features

June 2 Greeter: Juanita Rogers June 2 Ushers: Al Worrell, Linda Fraser, John Robinson, Ascension Day, Graduate Recognition, Teacher John Moore Appreciation Liturgist: Linda Lutz Daniel 1:3, 4 “Chosen Youth of Noble Counters: Linda Fraser & Al Worrell Character” Children’s Church: Katie Thompson

June 9 June 9 Greeter: Cinda Everhart Pentecost, Holy Communion Ushers: Jeff Motschenbacher, Chris Smith, Doug Wear Red Radeka John 14: 8-17 “Spirit-Filled You” Liturgist: Marianne McMunn Counters: Bette Knedgen & Deb Bonnewell June 16 Children’s Church: Stacy Atkeson Trinity Sunday, Fathers Day June 16 Peace with Justice Sunday Greeters: Larry & Carol Shaver I Samuel 16: 1-13 “Raising Up Leaders” Ushers: Roger Clemens, Carla Gorton, Lance Oberg, Ron Opfer June 23 Liturgist: Katherine Prestridge Church Conference after Worship Counters: Carla Gorton & Marilyn Stoner Children’s Church: Brian & Heather Stevens Luke 9:46-50 “Good Kingdom Partners”

June 23 June 30 Greeter: Jan Page Luke 9: 57-62 “When the Free Gift of the Ushers: Jan/Bob, Regina Olari, Carl Hawkinson Gospel Requires Our All” Liturgist: ASP Counters: Larry and Carol Shaver Kelley’s Korner Children’s Church: Barb Harris Woohoo! It is June! It is camping June 30 season! Greeters: UMW Ushers: UMW We have already been out with our Liturgist: Judy Culbertson camper and it was just a tad bit chilly Counters: John Olari & Doug Holloway and the ground was soggy from all the Children’s Church: Regina Olari rain we had in May.

Noisy Offering: Missionary Support We couldn’t have a fire in the fire pit Fellowship Hour Hosts: Trustees on our campsite because it was full of water, but we just used the one at the site next to us since it was empty. I am looking forward to more warmth and sunny days and weekend getaways! CHURCH STAFF It is crazy that we could have a fire in our fire pit at Ministers– All members of the church home, but, it just is more relaxing and fun at a campground. Pastor– Rev. Douglas J. McMunn Deacon - Rev. Sherry Foster Have a great month! Worship Leader/Music Director– Keith Prestridge Nursery Care Director– Audine Morris Kelley Friends Preschool Director-Robin Fletcher

Office Manager-Kelley Cerny Custodian-Margie Butson