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PLYMOUTH CHURCH LIFE

March 15, 2011

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LANSING, MI LANSING, Permit 739 No.

PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Lansing, MI 48912-3286 Phone: (517) 484-9495 – Fax: (517) 484-2588 E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Web Site: http://www.PlymouthLansing.org

SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2011 — 10:30 AM

REV. JOY A. BAUMGARTNER

"The Temptation"

Luke 4:1-13

3286 -

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2011 — 10:30 AM

HomeDelivery - REV. JOY A. BAUMGARTNER

―Cleaning House‖

DesiredIn Dateof March 17, 2011

ADDRESS REQUESTED SERVICE

2001Grand East River Avenue Lansing, 48912 MI PlymouthCongregational Church John 2:13-22 Psalm 19

20 1 THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT REMEMBER IN PRAYER OUR PLYMOUTH CHURCH FAMILY March 20, 2011 Ten-thirty O’clock SPARROW HOSPITAL Gary Beatty (roommate of Charles Gabler) Liturgist ...... Clyde Chamberlin UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HOSPITAL Greeters ...... Bill and Sue Baldwin Gary Thomas Social Hour Hostess ...... Plymouth Choir Members HOLT SENIOR CARE & REHAB CENTER, ROOM D7, 5091 WILLOUGHBY RD., HOLT Altar Guild ...... Jackie Stebbins Ruth Fransisco The flowers at the altar are provided by the Jack Russell BURCHAM HILLS Trust Fund. Erdine Phillips Marshall Ruhno

Catherine Stow THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT Tom Tabler March 27, 2011 Ten-thirty O’clock HOME Liturgist ...... Dorothy Rice Maritza Christle (Melynda Christle’s aunt) Allen Ropp (Clayton Ropp’s brother) Greeters ...... David and Marie DeVries Helen Draper Royal Snyder (Clayton Ropp’s cousin) Vern Fesco (Judy McQueen’s husband) Eleanor Thede (friend of Marilyn Hastings) Social Hour Host and Hostess . Rob Hunt and Lisa Bolton-Hunt Marilyn Hastings Ronald Thompson (Clayton Ropp’s nephew) Altar Guild ...... Bunny McComb Ursula Love-Yager Heather Weldon Barbara O’Neal (Lisa Bolton-Hunt’s aunt) (granddaughter of Marilyn Hastings) The flowers at the altar are in loving memory of Katherine F. Hawkins by her daughter Betty L. Hawkins. Marlene Patterson SERVING IN THE MILITARY IN AFGHANISTAN David Granger

SERVING IN THE MILITARY IN IRAQ Ray Underwood (nephew of Glen & Marcia Anderson)

OTHER MILITARY SERVICE John Chain, Jr. (nephew of David Chain) Coast Guard Adam Hedlund (grandson of David & Margaret Hedlund) U.S. Air Force, Langley, VA Noble Thomas, Fort Lee, VA LIVING THE QUESTIONS Sundays at 9:30 AM in the Parlor Each Session has an independent theme. Come any Sunday.

Rev. David Bandfield hosts these video ses- REV. JOY BAUMGARTNER, INTERIM MINISTER sions which include conversations with leading 2216 Wood Street, Lansing, MI 48912 theologians, church leaders, sociologists and Home Phone: (517) 721-1306 -- Cell (in emergency) (517) 899-6784 [email protected] [email protected] biblical scholars with ongoing themes. 2 19

hearing about a conversation We extend our sympathy to that was negative or hurtful, Norma Chamberlin on the death of her rather than taking some time to form a response. That too is son, Christopher Donovan, on Thursday, human nature, I suspect. March 10, 2011. Yet, if we were to take the REV. JOY BAUMGARTNER time to think about a comment or critique we are about to PASTOR’S PASSAGE make, we might actually have Joan Wilke is recovering from a broken leg. second thoughts about saying Her address is: Last week at the Town it in the first place. Could it be Freedom Village J-10 Meeting, someone mentioned that instead of editing after the 6501 17th Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34209-7843 that at times things are said fact, then trying to explain or Phone: 941-798-8000 and then as they are apologize, it might be more ―telephoned‖ down the line helpful and certainly more from person to person, misun- Christ centered if we edited prior to speaking? NEW ADDRESS derstandings develop. That’s certainly true I’m sure. How One member tells of com- SPC Noble Thomas many times have we been told posing a long letter on a par- Bravo Company, 266th QMBN 3rd Platoon about an issue or a conversa- ticular issue, saving it and 901 13th St. BLDG 3024, Fort Lee, VA 23801 tion that we later needed to then returning the next day to clarify to check the facts. It’s edit. She said many times she human nature. looks at it from the point of But as I listened later to view of knowing nothing about one of our more mature mem- the issue, and placing herself We are moving to Portland, Oregon in early April. It in the footsteps of a stranger has been a difficult decision as we are lifelong Lansing resi- bers, I heard a different and possibly much more important and asking how that person dents and have loved being a part of the community and the message: perhaps it’s the would receive the letter. She many dear friends here, especially at Plymouth church. It is things we say in the first place laughed and said, ―I often de- time, however, to be closer to family. Tom and Lisa with that should be edited! I think lete!‖ their girls have lived in Portland for the past ten years. Mary he makes an excellent point. As we enter this Lenten and Brian are moving there. Jean and Sam are off to Tucson One of our members spoke to time where we are invited to and retirement. me this past week about the look carefully at our lives, how Thank you for all the love and support you have given difference between reacting we follow Christ, how we care me through the years. Art joins me in sending our best and responding and I found for others, the attitude with wishes for the future of the church and our blessing on all of her insights to be so helpful. which we approach life, you. We sometimes do have a knee-jerk reaction when first Sally Nolen confronted by someone or (Continued on Page 4)

18 3 PASTOR’S PASSAGE CALENDAR (Continued from Page 3) SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2011 SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2011 the church and others, my prayer is that we will continue to 9:30 AM Living the Questions 9:30 AM Living the Questions work together with a sense of kindness, forgiveness and un- 9:45 AM Youth Group Discussion 9:45 AM Youth Group Discussion derstanding. That we might consider the feelings of others be- 10:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM Worship fore we speak. That Lent will offer us an opportunity to re- 10:30 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Sunday School spond to one another with Christ-like conversation, rather than 11:30 AM Social Hour 11:45 AM Social Hour to simply react. It’s an old and tired question, I suppose, but in 11:45 AM Board of Deacons 11:45 AM Jr. & Sr. High PF every situation, should we perhaps ask, ―What would Jesus 11:45 AM Bd. of Religious Ed 11:45 AM Board of Benevolences do?‖ A good Lenten question. 2:00 PM Matinee Musicale Concert MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2011 BE THE CHURCH MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2011 6:00 PM LCC Scenes Class 8:00 AM Ingham County Health Dept. 7:00 PM Lay Ministers My Blessings, 1:30 PM Interfaith Committee Joy 6:00 PM LCC Scenes Class TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2011 9:30 AM Matinee Musicale Chorus TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2011 8:00 AM Ingham County Health Dept. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2011 9:30 AM Matinee Musicale Chorus 8:00 AM Men’s Morning Manna 4:00 PM Camp Committee 12:30 PM No Day But Today (NA) 7:00 PM Lenten Book Discussion WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2011 BI-WEEKLY CLOTHING CLOSET 12:30 PM No Day But Today (NA) THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2011 5:00 PM Mid-Mich. Genealogical 4:00 PM Youth Music Gr.. K-5 MARCH 23—APRIL 6—APRIL 20 Society 4:45 PM Youth Music Gr. 6-12 Plymouth’s Clothing Closet located on the lower level 7:00 PM Lenten Book Discussion 5:30 PM Youth Music Gr. K-5 will be open Wednesdays, 6:30 PM Bell Choir March 23, April 6, and April THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011 7:30 PM Plymouth Choir 4:00 PM Youth Music Gr.. K-5 20 from 10 AM until 1 PM for 4:45 PM Youth Music Gr. 6-12 anyone needing gently used 5:30 PM Youth Music Gr. K-5 clothing. Please come help 6:30 PM Bell Choir yourself. Someone will be 7:30 PM Plymouth Choir there to assist you.

You may bring cloth- SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2011 ing to be given to the 10:30 AM Long Range Planning Clothes Closet on Sundays Committee or during regular church office hours—8 a.m.—5 p.m. Mon- days through Thursdays. There is a need of clothing for children and men.

4 17

Mayflower Congregational

Church’s Our Church Photography Dates: CORNED BEEF AND Thursday, April 14 2:30 to 9 p.m.

Friday, April 15 2:30 to 9 p.m. ABBAGE INNER C D Saturday, April 16 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. APRIL 1 - 15 On Wednesday, May 4 2:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 5 2:30 to 9 p.m. 4/2 Karen Hall Saturday, March 19th 4/2 Evelyn Van Kirk 5:30—6:30 p.m. 4/5 David Love-Yager 4/6 Daniel Clark Tickets: $8 Adults 4/6 India Fransisco HOW DO I REGISTER $4 for Children (10 & under) 4/7 Shawn Farnum FOR AN APPOINTMENT? Advanced Tickets Required! 4/7 Jennifer Williams Reserve your appointment soon by going to: 4/8 Kristy Campbell Call Mayflower Church www.plymouthlansing.org 4/9 Mary Farnum at 517/484-3139 Call the Church office at 517-484-9495 or 4/10 Marcia Anderson Sign up before or after Sunday services.

4/10 Stacey Bednarz Entertainment by The Vintage Quintet at 4/12 Yvonne Groak No sitting fees, no obligation. 4/13 Jed Delaney 6:15 p.m. Just great photography, lots of 4/14 Clarence Carlson choices for gifts or for yourself! 4/14 Lorenda Jonas And, you will be part of the new

4/15 Matthew Bierwagen church family album! 4/15 Scott Cornell 4/15 Bonnie Rose YOU’RE PART OF THE FAMILY! IT WON’T BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU! SIGN UP NOW TO BE PART OF OUR THE CHURCH STAFF______PICTORIAL DIRECTORY Rev. Joy A. Baumgartner, Interim Minister John Dale Smith, Dir. of Music/Comm./Events AND RECEIVE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY Rev. David Bandfield, Associate Minister Dr. Penny Draper, Ass’t Director of Music PORTRAIT AND FREE DIRECTORY! Lisa Bolton-Hunt, Assistant Minister Alayna Young, Organist Margaret Wallin, Assistant Minister Karen Gunter, Financial Secretary Betty Briggs, Director of Rel. Ed. Ronald L. Silky, Sexton Joan Chandler, Administrative Assistant James J. Triantaflos, Ass’t. Sexton 16 5

LENTEN BOOK DISCUSSION EASTER LILY FUND RAISER What a great Each Wednesday during Lent, March 16, 23, 30, and April 6, 13, and 20, Adorn the Centrum and opportunity! Members and friends will Support Our Youth gather at 7:00 p.m. in the parlor to discuss the book “The Emptiness of our Hands” (a lent lived on the The beautiful lilies will adorn the Communion Table streets) written by Phyllis Cole-Dai and Centrum on Easter Sunday. Your order must be received by April 11th. Proceeds from this sale and James Murray, who discovered support our youth ministries. the true meaning of sacrifice by spending six weeks of Lent living on the street. Reading and discussing this book can be a life-changing moment. We have ordered a number of books EASTER LILY ORDER FORM to be purchased from the church office for $18.00, or those of you with Kindle can down-load the book and read it there. I would like to order ______lily/lilies at $10.00 per plant.

Payment $______□ Check #______□ Cash CONFIRMATION PLANNED □ I plan to take my lily/lilies with me after the service on Easter Sunday. All youth who would like to begin the □ The Altar Guild may take my lily/lilies to a shut-in or hospital patient. process of preparing for Confirmation into Church membership are asked to please let The following information is needed for publication in the Easter order of service: Betty Briggs or Rev. Joy or Joan in the Church office know of your interest. We will Given in MEMORY of ______be setting the dates for the classes to begin and we will set a date for a coordinating ______meeting to establish days and times of meetings for the and/or six weeks of classes. We need your input. Given in HONOR of ______

______

Don’t forget your loose change for the offering place on Sundays. This loose change is for the Sun- Donor’s Name: ______

day School Missions outreach. Donor’s Phone: ______

6 15 A REMINDER FOR OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

Ministers of almost every denomination have been taught min- isterial protocol in terms of being invited to participate in a worship service in another church, such as a wedding, funeral or memorial service. If invited by a family, it is their responsibility to contact the Senior Minister of the Church or await an invitation. However, most members of the congregation do not have any idea of the steps to take in making those arrangements. It can be confusing if a guest FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 6:45 PM is invited by the family without first speaking with the Senior Minis- ter. Here are a few suggestions that will help you to plan a service TOY STORY 3 without complications: Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear Call Joan at the Church office first as soon as the need (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), Mr. arises, especially before meeting with a funeral director, if it is and Mrs. Potato Head (Don Rickles and for a funeral or memorial service. Explain your need and set the Estelle Harris), Ham (John Ratzenber- date with the Church Office. ger), Rex (Wallace Shawn), the aliens, Ask to speak to Rev. Joy, confirming that date and setting the and the rest of Andy's toys remain com- initial meeting. pletely devoted to Andy (John Morris) Meet with the Senior Minister, who will go over the order of ser- even as he's getting ready to pack vice and answer any questions, especially if you request that a up and leave for college. Woody guest minister be invited to participate. All services of worship scoffs at the other toys' worries that are led by our Senior Minister, with guests participating as re- they'll end up in the garbage, assur- quested. ing them that they've earned a spot of Because the Senior Minister of a Church issues the invitation to a honor in the attic, but guest, give the guest contact information to the Senior when the toys are mis- Minister, who will then invite that person to participate. To- takenly donated to Sun- gether, they then plan the various parts of the service. nyside Daycare, Woody is the only toy whose devo- Our organist is under contract to play for all worship ser- tion to Andy outweighs the promise of getting played vices. Because of the complexity of our instrument, if not avail- with each and every day. Woody sets able, the director of music assigns a substitute off toward home alone while the other If the family requests special music at the service, or if the toys settle in for some daycare fun, but family requests a guest soloist or musician from outside of the things don't turn out quite as expected at the daycare Church Family, the Director of Music and our organist are con- thanks to the scheming, strawberry-scented old-timer tacted for assistance. bear Lots-o'-Huggin' (Ned Beatty). Eventually, Woody The Senior Minister welcomes any guest ministers, assures rejoins his friends and they all attempt a daring es- comfort and hospitality and together they meet the family be- cape from the daycare, which could destroy them fore the service, have a prayer and lead the family into the ser- all. Pixar's 3-D computer animation is top-notch as vice. always and the voice talent in this film is tremen- It is important to remember that every service held in the dous, but in the end, it's Pixar's uncanny ability to Plymouth Church Centrum represents our style and theol- combine drama, action, and humor in a way that ogy of worship. The Senior Minister, therefore, ultimately irresistibly draws viewers into the world of the film approves any additions or changes to any service held at that makes Toy Story 3 such great family entertainment. this Church.

14 7 CREATION OF NEW WEBSITE TOWN MEETING WRAPUP FOR PLYMOUTH CHURCH HAS BEGUN! My thanks to all who stayed on March 6 for the town The website for the church is in the process of totally be- meeting and for the overwhelming support so many have ing re-configured. The new site will provide a complete over- view of information for congregants, interested community shown during my time with you. After one year as your In- members, families, and prospective members. Not only will it terim Pastor, it was a good opportu- be more comprehensive in scope, but it will have the ability to nity to point out some of the obsta- expand as the church moves in new directions. cles we have encountered and The current website, with supervision by Bill Draper, will officially be extinct sometime in the next few months. The deep rooted pathologies that have new website will be produced by John Dale Smith as an ele- plagued the congregation for a ment of his job involving communications. With all of the ad- number of years, how we are at- vances of technology at our disposal, the new website will be tempting to deal with those things, able to assist in so many varied and exciting ways. The following list contains examples of the new and and a time to celebrate the many accomplishments along the improved upgrades for our church’s website. way. I was encouraged by the many members of the congre- SITES FOR PLYMOUTH CHURCH HOME PAGE gation who used this forum to speak about celebrations and 1. Mission Statement/Organizational Chart concerns as well. Your views and suggestions are always so 2. Church Staff Directory welcome. And I celebrate as well the phone calls that have 3. Directions 4. Calendar of Events come to me following this meeting; calls with encouragement, 5. Adult Education information and suggestions. What a delight! Please keep 6. Youth Activities communicating. I am honored to serve you and always wel- 7. Church Fellowship 8. Music at Plymouth come your input. We will continue to meet. I will bring issues 9. Boards’ Activities that arise and ask for your help in finding solutions to prob- 10. Weddings lems. And I will also continue to bring celebrations and suc- 11. Outreach Ministry 12. Newsletter cesses to you, that you might feel a sense of pride and know 13. Online Registrations that Plymouth Congregational Church is preparing for a mag- 14. Sunday Morning Worship nificent future! 15. Weekly Sermons 16. Visual Tour of Plymouth Church This process of migrating information and creating links and pages is very complicated, and thanks to Joan Chandler, we hope to have this all set up by May. If you have questions or concerns, please contact John Dale.

8 13 WHY A NEW PICTORIAL DIRECTORY

The Deacons have met, the council approved, and a committee of wonderful volunteers has met, and yet someone asked a question about the timing of the directory. I realized that the congre-

gation as a whole may not really know what’s happening and why we are doing a new directory before a new pastor arrives if you have not attended these meetings! Actually, this is one of HAPPY ANNIVERSARY the first steps we take to prepare the church for a new pastor. When a new pastor arrives, he/she will need resources to help familiarize him/herself with the members of the Ground was broken March 17, 1974 church, especially our leaders and regular volunteers. An up- for the construction of our dated directory with names, addresses, phones and cell Plymouth Congregational Church building. phones, e mail addresses, etc. will be invaluable to a new pastor. Also, you probably don’t know that when the new pastor arrives, he/she will be photographed, and our producer will provide us with insert pages for all directories already existing with a picture, a message from the pastor and biographical information that can be attached to the directory until a new directory is produced in a year or two. So, don’t worry! Lifetouch has a wonderful representative who HOW WE SAVE MONEY lives right here in Lansing and will accommodate our every A member recently called to discuss various issues and need. We are truly blessed. spoke about Sacrifice – the subject of my sermon on March 6th. We talked about how we are trying to sacrifice and get back to ―bare bones‖ even Dear Rev. Baumgartner, in the church office. When I shared with this We thank you for hosting Interfaith person the many ways that we recycle, use Day this year and for allowing us to recycled products, how Joan researches meet monthly since September. costs and uses coupons and money-saving ideas to save the church money on our office budget, she We are most appreciative of your said, ―The congregation should know about that.‖ So here we custodian’s help and so many others are….. giving thanks that even in the church office, our staff that helped. is working hard to keep costs down so that our stewardship Many Blessings, goals can be met in serving people and reaching out into the Maxine B. Cleary community. Again…..we are truly blessed! And thanks for the For Interfaith Day idea of sharing!

12 9 OPPORTUNITY AND NEEDS

2010 CITY RESCUE MISSION SERVICE STATS: 37,000+ nights of PLYMOUTH OUTREACH 2010 shelter for men, women and children—96,000+ meals—-750+ counseling services—1100+ personal hygiene bags—380+ This is a synopsis of the things that we have accom- emergency food boxes. Amazing! And we helped! If the mis- plished this past year...we are back on the map! sion has helped you or someone you know, you can email your story to [email protected]. Westminster Presbyterian Personal Needs LOOKING FOR A GIFT FOR SOMEONE? Birthday, graduation anni- Closet**Greater Lansing Food Bank**Prison Minis- versary, holidays? They have everything that they need or try**Mobile Food Pantry**Thanksgiving Baskets**Mitten want but you want to show your love? Here are some ideas for Tree for Fairview School**Operation Santa**Tithe Baptist alternative gifting that shows your love and helps the world. Church Personal Needs Collection**Biweekly Clothing ARZU [ArzuStudioHope.org] employs women in Afghanistan to Closet**Souper Bowl of Caring Collection [youth]**Crop make carpets for export. The women get decent wages but Walk [youth]**LAAN Walk [youth]**Samaritan’s Purse must commit to sending their children to school and allow Shoebox Ministry**Mt. Hope UMC Small Household Items women to attend health and literacy classes. Closet**City Rescue Mission**Maplewood Women’s Res- FIRST BOOK [firstbook.org] addresses the need for poor chil- cue Mission**Back Pack Drive**Shop With A Cop**Coat dren to access books. A $100 gift will supply 50 books, $20 Drives**Grace UMC Christmas Share Store**7th Day Ad- supplies 10 books. ventist Clothing Bank**Judson Memorial Baptist Clothe A FONKOZE [fonkoze.org] is a terrific poverty-fighting organiza- Child For School**Hannah’s House**Shared Preg- tion in Haiti. $20 sends a rural child to school for 1 year. nancy**Loaves and Fishes**Book donation to Grand Partners in Health [pih.org] supplies health services in Haiti. Ledge Public Library**Pregnancy Services**Eastminster PANZI HOSPITAL [panzifoundation.org] treats victims of sexual Presbyterian Women’s Clothing Closet**Good Shepherd violence in eastern Congo, rape capital of the world. Lutheran Fabric Closet**Half Way House Blanket Drive CAMFED [camfed.org] Campaign for Female Education sends girls to school in Africa. Loaves and Fishes is in need of a skilled IT volunteer who can work with and evaluate their technology. Call Erma at 482 SOMALY MAM [somaly.org] fights sex slavery in Cambodia and -2099. around the world. EDNA HOSPITAL [ednahospital.org] is a dazzling maternity hos- HANNAH’S HOUSE is in need of a part-time housemother. pital in Somaliland, an area with one of the highest maternal They require a dedicated Christian woman who has a heart for mortality rates in the world. $50 pays for 4 pre-natal visits, hurting women. Call Stephanie K. Johnson at 517-482-5856 or $150 pays for a life-saving C-section for an obstructed birth. email her at [email protected]. THE NURSE FAMILY Partnership[nursefamilypartnership.org] is a stellar group in the US that works with 1st time mothers to try to break the cycle of poverty, linked to substance abuse.

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