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Open Hearts . Open Minds. Open Doors

It is appropriate that September begins with Labor Day as this reminds us that the normal work-a-day

routines are once again the norm of our daily lives. Summer vacations end, and we now have to start building

the time we took off during these last few hot months to enjoy ourselves. With the coming of September, it’s

back to school, normal work schedules, planning for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

One of the things I would like to share with you is my thanks for those persons who have helped out

around the church to prepare for the fall schedule. Thanks to Larry Bradley for painting the stairwells; thanks

to Betty Shafer and Lorraine deBaptiste for keeping the planters looking great; thanks to Sue Miller for

organizing two dinners and thanks to all the unnamed folks who provided pies and time and energy to help in

getting these projects off the ground. Thanks to Julianne Huss for her sense of beauty as she has provided

wonderful visuals for the altar; thanks to Chris Mortimer for her special music and her work on the power

point presentations; and thanks to Chuck Rumsey and Rich Neterer for all the unsung work they do to help

keep the building in working condition and repair. Thanks to Wealthy Willsea and Laurel Sherburn for getting

the communion elements around on the first Sunday of each month as well as counting the offering and

working the sound, and for giving a joyful, smiling greeting to all they meet that come through our doors.

There are lots of folks that are unsung heroes in our midst that also need to be thanked: Kim Hatfield,

Barb Ostrander, Bill and Doris Stembaugh, Diane Grimm, Bill and Sharon Lantz, Brian Rumsey, Leah

Humrich, Lee Johnson, Bev Reshman, Lyle and Morene Huggett, Dave and Margaret Millard, Nona

Spackman, Jim Allen, and Jen Munster. Thank you also goes to all the faithful folks who come on Sunday

morning for worship, Friday Breakfast Group, stop by to say hi during the week into the office, and those who

contribute to the financial needs of the ministry when they can and what they can.

As we begin another fall schedule, I give thanks to God for what lies in front of us. Our congregation

has suffered loss during the summer months as well. Some families have moved away, others have moved on

to congregations that have more children’s programming, others have ceased coming due to family situations.

But God through Christ has promised that if we remain faithful, great things will happen. In the late sixties

there was a phrase that went something like this, “Keep the faith, baby.” That is what we need to do now.

Keep the faith! That’s what keeps me excited for this new season of adventure in the Church. Looking for

what God will do if we are faithful.

Elijah thought he was the only one left who kept the faith after Jezebel and Ahab turned against him.

But God assured him that he was not alone in his faithfulness, there were many more like him who had not

“bent the knee to Baal.” The disciples were not left alone after the tragic crucifixion of Jesus, but were assured

by God through the women that in fact Jesus had been raised from the dead.

Jesus told his followers that if they remained faithful God would be there for them. God would provide

for their needs and would provide them with a shepherd to lead them. This promise is what excites me about

this new season of fall. I don’t have a clue as to what our fall will bring but I do know that if we remain

faithful, God will do marvelous things.

So, don’t get discouraged, have faith, God is on our side. Together we will have a great fall watching

and participating in plan that God has for us.

I hope you will join me each Sunday in September to see Christ alive in our lives as we keep the faith together.

Have a Great September, Pastor Joe

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Remember our Shut-ins with a card or visit:

Parker Assisted Living (Mattawan) - Kay Bush

Cass City Medical Facility (Cassopolis): Elsie Fleming

Those at home: Donna Hickok, Pat Cutshaw, Miriam Cronk, Norma Stull

Aaron Bloomfield Jonathan Goodrich Tim Reese Willard Wingate

Kyle & Joshua Earl Kurt Spackman Shane DeHuff Calvin Bright

Byron Blasky Juston Kuch David Kirby David Paul

Donald Meijer James Weingate Jeff Johnson Jeff Shilts

Rob Willsea Justin Grimm Rob Richard Baker Jason Shafer

Todd Christensen Tasha Shafer Keaton Nielsen Michael Gower Scott Wayman

Charlie & Leah Moses Rev. Gene & Tammy Moore Jackie Ploof

Leon & Becky Boone Kevin Linder Josh Neilsen

Sharon VanDam Gerry Tapper Jan Grimm

Buck Grimm Cindy Meeth Ed & Elaine Poole

Family & Friends of Rev. Ed Mohr Gobles & Kendall UMC

Hospitality Liturgy Greeters Ushers/

*Communion

Stewards

Nursery Date

9/16

9/23

9/30

10/ *

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9/02 - Mary Hassing

9/02 - Gaye Kelly

9/04 - Rita Brennan

9/05 - Ann Price

9/05 - Gabrielle Hummel

9/06 - Jackie Ploof

9/09 - Beverly Reshman

9/09 - Natalie Orange

9/11- Duane Dehuff

9/11 - Nathaniel Barr

9/12 - Mary Shilts

9/12 - Phil Gist

9/17 - Arnold Harvey

9/17 - Lisa Johnson

9/18 - Kathy Moerman

9/19 - Duane Baker

9/20 - Doug Lombard

9/21 - Shannon Shilts

9/23 - Jeani Boutell

9/25 - Allison Wilton

9/26 - Courtney Wilton

9/26 - Carolyn Cook

9/26 - Camille Huss

9/30 - Virginia Snell

9/30 - Casey Van Brussel

September Sermons September 16, 2012

Message: “Who is Jesus”

Scripture: Proverbs 1:20-33; Mark 8:27-38

Focus: in today's world 41% of the people say they are not religious. Of

this percentage many verbal Christians also say Jesus was a good man but

nothing more . There was no doubt in Peters mind who Jesus is. Today we

need to have a savior more than ever. Only Jesus can be our messiah. We

can affirm this by acting, speaking, and thinking about Gods son/ it is the

wisest thing we will ever do.

September 23, 2012

Message: “Whose First”

Scripture: James 3:13-4:3; Mark 9:30-37

Focus: Being first is a very early drive within each of us. Jesus came to

challenge that initial urge and channel it into a positive energy that strives

for the benefit of others. The Christian life is one in which we receive a

child like we would receive Jesus himself. Lets be Christian about our life.

September 30, 2012

Message: “Conservative or Liberal”

Scripture: Esther 7:1-6; 9-10; 9:20-22; Mark 9:38-50

Focus: Worshipping of God in Christ can be done in a variety of ways all

are valid as long as Christ is the focus.. Human lost sight of the importance

of some one who saves the Kings life. Jesus reminds us that Jesus is the

name that charms our fears and gives us unity.

The fall worship schedule

will resume on September 16

with worship service

beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School for

all ages at 9:30 a.m.

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~ Sound System~

The next step in upgrading our sound system for the sanctuary will cost $7,000. This involves the speakers

and microphones; and would make the audio portion of our worship service spectacular. This is not part of

the church’s yearly budget and at this time the church doesn’t have the funds for this. Therefore we are ask-

ing for donations for this wonderful project; please specify on your offering envelope “for the sound sys-

tem”. If you have any questions please speak to a member of trustees.

~Archives News~

Are you or have you been a committee or board chairperson of the church? Do you have church records in

your files-minutes, program, etc.?Anything you have been storing, saving? Would you like to clear them

out?

Please contact Bev Reshman at 657-4519 and I will arrange to gather up your “treasure”

United Methodist Men’s Group Our monthly breakfast meetings have begun.

The next meeting is October 6 at the American Legion Hall.

All men of any age are invited to join us.

We would love to have non UMM members to join us also.

Did you pick up a book from the coffee table in the lobby? Did you read it? -Great! Hope you enjoyed it.

Did you pass it on and share it with someone else?-Great!

When you are finished with it would you please return it to the church office.

Many thanks ,

Bev Reshman

657-4519

By all these lovely tokens

September days are here,

With summer's best of weather

And autumn's best of cheer.

—Helen Hunt Jackson

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Christian Education classes for all ages

will begin September 16, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.

There are classes planned for all ages.

All students will meet in the sanctuary at 9:30 a.m.

before going to individual classes.

We are now planning for the fall months.

Nursery & Jr Church volunteers are needed.

The sign-up sheet is in hallway between chapel and sanctuary.

Thank you to all who helped in the nursery over the summer.

Swiss Steak Dinner - September 28

4:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Everyone is invited for an evening of great food and fellowship.

Tickets are on sale ~ ask a member of the UMM or the church office.

We always appreciate the help of everyone in making this a great Community event.

We are always looking for new people willing to help prepared the food the morning of,

make desserts, help serve and help clean up.

Please contact the church office if you think you can help out for any part of the evening.

Any questions or if you are wanting to help call a member of the UMM Group.

We are looking for a volunteer or volunteers to assist at the center in the infant/toddler room

(rocking babies, assisting teachers, etc.) and

one for the school-age program from 4-5 p.m. to help with a special needs student.

Anyone interested can call the center for more details.

We have openings in our Preschool + program for fall. Ages 3-5 (potty trained).

The other rooms have limited openings (Infant/toddler and Bridging Rooms).

Our top 5 needs are: select-a-size paper towels, tissues, disinfecting wipes,

baby wipes, and Lysol spray.

Thanks!

Diane

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8

Paw Paw United Methodist Church

420 W. Michigan Ave.

Paw Paw, MI 49079

Paw Paw United Methodist Church

420 W. Michigan Avenue

Paw Paw, MI 49079

Phone: (269) 657-7727 Fax: (269) 657-7728

E-mail: admin@pawpawumc.com

Website: www.pawpawumc.com

Pastor: Rev. Joe Spackman

Organist/Pianist: Kim Hatfield

Chancel & Bell Choir Director: Chris Mortimer

Monthly Committee Meetings-

United Methodist Men-will meet Oct. 7th

Ad Council—Sept. 13th at 7:00 p.m.

Trustees– 2nd Tuesday of the month

UM Childcare Ministry– 1st Tuesday of the month

Please Join us on Sundays:

Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.

Worship at 11:00 a.m.