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Volume 77, Issue 24 June 13, 2018
Sacraments and Sacred Moments: Baptism
“Reach or throw, don’t go.”
Summers during high school and college, I worked teaching swimming lessons and life
guarding; after college, when I taught school, I was also a swim team coach. A critical water
safety lesson for swimmers and non-swimmers alike is this: reach or throw something to a
person in danger of drowning rather than going in after them—and risk drowning yourself.
“Reach or throw, don’t go” continues to be a core American Red Cross aquatics safety
lesson.
“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.”
(Mark 1:9)
What’s Jesus doing in the water? The Jordan river is not a pristine mountain stream, nor a sparkling Caribbean Bay. It is
a muddy mess, both literally and figuratively. According to a 2015 report in The Times of Israel, “the more than half a
million people who visit the Jordan River site of Jesus’ baptism each year may be dunking in effluent water and
subjecting themselves to serious health risks.” The environmental issues in the Jordan River ecosystem are
compounded by the political issues. The Jordan River is one of the most contested and militarized transboundary
rivers in world.
What’s Jesus doing in the water? Genesis begins with watery chaos. Then God’s spirit moves across the waters…
creation occurs, there is order and life, and it is all very good. When humanity finds itself in chaos once again, God
does not stand off to the side, God is not distant. God does not reach or throw. God goes. Jesus plunges into the
water, the chaos, of our world and our lives. And when Jesus comes up out of the waters, God’s voice of love and
affirmation is heard. It is all very good. Again.
What does this mean for us? What does Jesus’ baptism tell us about God? This Sunday we will explore Jesus’ baptism
and what baptism means for each one of us. And on this Father’s Day Sunday, we will also look at how the words of
God at Jesus’ baptism provide a critical parenting lesson for fathers, mothers, and all adults who desire to positively
impact the lives of children.
As you enjoy summer recreation, I pray you will do so safely. I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday.
Blessings,
Pastor Shawn Lewis-Lakin
Page 2 June 13, 2018
Our Church Family Our Christian Caring and Concern are shared with the following persons, known to be in the hospital on Monday,
June 11: Joan Balogh, Pam Budde, Craig Heichel, Vern Jones, Lynne Kreitz
Our Prayers of Sympathy and Support are shared with Dorothy Coon and family on the death of her husband,
Donald L. Coon, on June 5. His funeral was held on June 12.
Our Prayers of Sympathy and Support are shared with Elizabeth Watkins and family on the death of her father,
Carl D. Watkins, on June 7. His funeral was held on June 11.
….that this week’s Voice of Hope message is recorded by Anita Barratt, and next week’s
message is by Lisa Lyon. To listen, call 248-646-6407 and press 2 when your call is
answered by our automated system.
….that it’s not too late to join seminary intern Sandy Kim as she continues a study on
Rowan Williams’ book, Being Christian. Dive into the simple and recognizable practices
that are essential to Christian life: baptism, Bible, Eucharist, and prayer. What do these
practices say about the essence of Christian life? How do these shape us and the
community where they are done? The study continues on Monday, June 18 at 7:00 p.m. in
Thomas Parlor. Books ($8) are available in the church office.
….that the Fall Program Guide is a catalog of all our fall offerings, published every August. If you have a new group or
program starting this fall, now is the time to get staff approval, then submit your information to Janet Smylie in the
church office by Friday, June 29. If you have any questions or need the format for the catalog, please contact Janet at
248-646-6407 ext. 3121 or [email protected].
….that the Altar Flowers ($60) are available on July 22 and July 29, and the Missions Candle ($30) is available on
June 24, July 8, July 15 and July 22. Please contact Janet Smylie ([email protected] or 248-646-6407 ext.
3121) for more information or to reserve a date.
….that all are invited to come and sing with our Summer Choir in June and July. We rehearse 30 minutes before
each of our traditional services. All you have to do is show up in the Choir Room for rehearsal. It couldn’t be simpler!
All that is required is a willing spirit and an open heart. We hope you will come and sing with us!
Did You Know
Intercessory Prayer
The Prayer Team would like to pray for you during times of need and also to praise the Lord
during times of celebration. In addition to your concerns, please let us know of any answered
prayers, family members in the military returning home, births, marriages and other special events.
Contact Lisa Marsh ([email protected] or 248-646-6407 ext. 3127) or use a Prayer
Request Card, available in the Sanctuary pews and the church office. Cards may be dropped off in
the Prayer Request box across from the Welcome Center or in the church office.
Page 3 First United Methodist Church
Have you wanted to check out the worship music at Berkley without giving up a Sunday at
Birmingham First? Now’s your chance! Come on out to the Berkley Campus (2820 12 Mile
Road) this Thursday, June 14. We’ll have food beginning at 6:00 p.m., with a full hour of
worship music starting at 6:30.
Then, on Sunday, we continue our Playlist summer series with a look at the most famous
scripture of all time—John 3:16.
Pastor Zack Dunlap
This Sunday at Shine we will talk a little about Father’s Day and also all the ways that God
creates in the world. The Bible talks about God creating the world, but also about God
creating our inner being and knowing us fully.
This Sunday we will also be worshiping on the front lawn! We have an excellent opportunity
to be outside in God’s creation as we talk about God’s creation. We will also have two
baptisms connected to one of our great Shine families. Come out and show your love and
support!
Pastor Dan Hart
Shine Contemporary Worship: Creation
Berkley First: Playlist
Grab your friends and family, picnic blanket and favorite lawn game, and meet out on the
front lawn immediately following the 10:00 a.m. worship services on Sunday, June 24 for a
complementary picnic lunch. No reservations needed. Come as you are and enjoy a simple
and fun time of fellowship. Hope to see you there! Questions? Contact Mary Feldmaier
All Church Picnic
Job Opening Outreach and Connecting Coordinator….We are in search of a candidate for
a new position identified as the Outreach and Connecting Coordinator. This is a
ten-hour-per-week position working for the Outreach and Membership
Department. Complete job descriptions and applications are available on the church
website and in the church office. Please forward applications/resumes and any
inquiries to Mary Feldmaier, Director of Outreach and Membership ([email protected]).
For information about our Children, Student and Family Ministry activities
(Crib through High School):
Check out our website at www.fumcbirmingham.org, Facebook Birmingham First Kids, sign up under
“E-mail Subscriptions” on the church website for the First Kids Online Newsletter, the Middle School Online Newsletter
and the High School Online Newsletter, or contact us at [email protected].
Save the Date! Join us for a screening of Angst, a film about anxiety, truth and hope, on
Tuesday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Christian Life Center. This film is appropriate for
middle school and high school students and all adults. Following the film there will be a
panel discussion with mental health experts. For more information, contact Kelly Willian
(248-646-6407 ext. 3128 or [email protected]).
45 Christians Local Summer Mission Trip….All third, fourth and fifth graders (and friends)
are welcome to participate July 15 at Sunday School (9:30-11:30 a.m.) AND July 16-19. Each
morning we will serve God’s children in Detroit or Pontiac and then in the afternoon we will
enjoy fellowship in the city. Register online at www.fumcbirmingham.org/45c by June 27. Each
participant pays a $35 registration fee and $10 event fee. Parent volunteers are needed, and
siblings are welcome with a parent volunteer. Contact Kim Bowyer (248-646-6407 ext. 3134 or
Children, Student and Family Ministries
Volunteer Media Team….We have stories that need to be told! Do you enjoy
taking photos and videos? Do you have a knack for editing videos? Do you love to
talk with people and capture the many stories of the work we are doing in the
community? We would love to have you as a part of our Volunteer Media Team. Our
stories matter, so let’s tell them! Contact Patty Glass ([email protected]
or 248-646-6407 ext. 3130) for more information.
South Oakland Shelter….Be a part of this unique and rewarding experience! There are many way that you can
participate in S.O.S. at Birmingham First this year! We will host thirty homeless individuals from
August 5-12, providing evening shelter, dinner and breakfast, sack lunches, and transportation to
and from the shelter check-in located in Lathrup Village. We offer our workers friendship,
appreciation, and much more! Volunteer sign up takes place during the coffee hours on Sundays. If
you should have any questions, please call either Kathy Nauer (248-390-2600) or Page Gorman
(248-739-6263).
Calling all Gardeners! Whether you are new to gardening or a Master Gardener, our
Landscape Committee is looking for additional volunteers to help maintain the beauty of the
Birmingham Campus gardens. Come join our team at the next monthly meeting on Wednesday,
June 27 at 7:00 p.m. in Wright Parlor. Those interested may also reach out to the committee
chair, Jay Shell ([email protected]).
Opportunities for Service
Page 4 June 13, 2018
Intercepted Notes of Thanks We would like to express our thanks to the congregation for the cards, notes and emails
following the deaths of my brother in March and my sister in May. It has been tough time,
but it truly helps to know that so many care. With gratitude, Kris Kettering and family
Thank you to all who participated in the recent diaper drive for Redford Brightmoor
Initiative. Low-income mothers and grandmothers regularly attend our program knowing
they can receive free diapers for their little ones. We are blessed to be part of a caring
congregation that takes the biblical admonition to “care for the poor” in such a practical
way. —Birmingham First Volunteers of R.B.I.
Thank you for supporting the High School Student Ministry and their goal to raise $20,000 with the Flamingo Flocking
to build a Cass Tiny Home. The cute, pink birds helped us raise $26,000 this spring. But we are not yet to our total
goal. The high school students will be encouraging children at VBS to host a lemonade stand in their neighborhood to
help raise the final $14,000 needed to build their Cass Tiny Home. If you see a lemonade stand next week, please stop
and purchase a cup of lemonade to support Cass Tiny Homes and High School Student Ministry!
Happening This Week Saturday, June 16
9:30 a.m. Beginning Karate
10:00 a.m. Advanced Karate
1:30 p.m. Daisy Troop #6692—Berkley
7:00 p.m. VBS Workshop
Sunday, June 17
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:00 a.m. Worship—Berkley
10:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship
10:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:00 a.m. Sunday School: children/youth
10:00 a.m. Sunday School/Youth Group—
Berkley
11:00 a.m. Potluck Brunch—Berkley
7:00 p.m. VBS Workshop
7:00 p.m. VBS Rehearsal
Monday, June 18
9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School
9:30 a.m. Chair Yoga—Berkley
7:00 p.m. Being Christian Book Study
7:00 p.m. Giving Group
7:00 p.m. Steeple Stock
Wednesday, June 13
6:15 a.m. Arbon Dennis Men’s Group
8:00 a.m. Strength Training
9:00 a.m. Young Explorers Club—Berkley
9:30 a.m. Hatha Mat Yoga—Berkley
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
1:00 p.m. Senior Volleyball
7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Troop #1032
7:00 p.m. VBS Rehearsal
8:00 p.m. Wednesday Men’s Bible Study
Thursday, June 14
9:00 a.m. Young Explorers Club—Berkley
9:30 a.m. Chair Yoga—Berkley
11:00 a.m. Stretch 4 Life
6:00 p.m. Compass
6:00 p.m. A Night of Worship—Berkley
6:30 p.m. Jr./Sr. Karate
7:00 p.m. Adult Karate
Friday, June 15
8:00 a.m. Strength Training
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
11:00 a.m. Hatha Yoga—Berkley
Tuesday, June 19
6:30 a.m. Tuesday Men’s Bible Study
9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School
6:00 p.m. Hatha Yoga—Berkley
7:00 p.m. Church and Society Ministry
7:00 p.m. Tuesday Study Group—
Berkley
Wednesday, June 20
6:15 a.m. Arbon Dennis (Sundholm)
9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School
9:30 a.m. Hatha Mat Yoga—Berkley
10:00 a.m. Jeremie Haiti
2:30 p.m. Ruth Ellis Dinner Prep
7:00 p.m. Trustees
8:00 p.m. Wednesday Men’s Bible Study
Thursday, June 21
9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School
9:30 a.m. Chair Yoga—Berkley
5:00 p.m. Innovation Team #2
Friday, June 22
9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School
11:00 a.m. Hatha Yoga—Berkley
Page 5 First United Methodist Church
The Liturgists are Sandy Kim in the Sanctuary and Rev.
Suzanne Walls at Shine.
The Altar Flowers are dedicated to the glory of God
and placed in loving memory of Karl and Bill Klipfel by
Shirley, Rebecca, Katie, Dave and Doug.
The Rosebud announces the birth of Jay Plato Dilgard,
born June 6 to Lea and Rob Dilgard. Proud grandparents
are Susan and George Dilgard.
The Missions Candle is lit in loving memory of Kate
Hameister by her children, grandchildren and great-
grandchildren.
Steeple Notes is published weekly by First United Methodist Church. Notices should be in writing
and submitted to Janet Smylie in the church office by 5:00 p.m. on Monday.
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Traditional Worship 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Matthew 3:13-17
Sacraments and Sacred Moments:
“God’s Beloved (Baptism)”
Rev. Shawn Lewis-Lakin
Hymns
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
“Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters”
“Standing on the Promises”
Anthems
“I’ll Fly Away”
“Nearer, My God, to Thee”
Summer Choir
Shine Contemporary Worship 10:00 a.m. in the Christian Life Center
Psalm 139:13-14
“God the Builder”
Rev. Dan Hart
Our Purpose:
To gather, nurture and equip disciples of Jesus Christ
for ministry and mission in the world.
Our Core Values:
Welcome All
Put Love Into Action
Honor God Through Excellence
Embrace Bold Vision
Encourage Lifelong Spiritual Growth
Support One Another
1589 W. Maple Road • Birmingham, MI 48009
248-646-1200 • fumcbirmingham.org [email protected]
Elbert Dulworth, Senior Pastor
Shawn Lewis-Lakin, Senior Associate Pastor
Zack Dunlap, Lindsey Hall, Dan Hart and Suzanne Walls, Associate Pastors
John E. Harnish, William A. Ritter and Robert P. Ward, Pastors Emeriti
2820 12 Mile Road • Berkley, MI 48072
248-399-3698 • berkleyfirst.org
Zack Dunlap, Pastor
Weekly Worship 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
John 3:16-21
Playlist:
“John 3:16-21”
Rev. Zack Dunlap
Page 6 June 13, 2018
