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HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 35127 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI 48035
Church Office (586) 296-8760 Website: Hopeuccmi.com
Email: [email protected] Facebook Public Page: HopeUCCMacomb
The Hope Church Beacon
MARCH 2020
“I want to remind you to stir into flame the strength and boldness that is in you…”
Timothy 1:6 Lent requires that something in us be stirred up. The scriptures show us again and again how Jesus questioned the way the religious laws were being interpreted by the authorities. Jesus’ deepest desire was to have people encounter God’s love and to be transformed. Jesus refused to be confined by the established religious laws of the day. During Lent, we remember that he also refused to be confined by death and soon, we will once again celebrate the empty tomb. Lent is a time for us to re-connect, reconsider and rekindle everything we have allowed to become sedentary in our faith life. We are called to re-engage with Jesus, and to follow his example to reach beyond ourselves. We are called to allow God’s love to do something new within us and through us. If we have become bored or apathetic, we should search for ways to engage our faith and our church. If our hearts have hardened, add some softener and a dose of grace. If we have become distant, become connected. If we have become too busy to make time to refresh our souls. If we feel boxed in, to find ways to create space. If we have become discouraged, to embrace hope.
On the label of liquids, you may read these instructions: “Shake well before using.” It is presumed that everything you need in the liquid is already in the bottle. But without shaking the ingredients necessary to make the liquid effective, it will remain at the bottom, making the liquid at the top ineffective. Stirring up the ingredients from the bottom makes the entire liquid solution effective.
This is the season to disturb our attitudes and our long-held assumptions. After all, that is exactly what Christ did! This is a season to re-evaluate what it means to be Christian. As a congregation, we are called to examine, pray and create a faith-filled action plan. Together, we will live and share Christ’s vision. This is the season to stir up the gifts of faith that God has placed inside each of us. During Lent, we will explore this season of transformation. Together, we will embrace the reawakening of hope. I’m confident that we have necessary ingredients within ourselves, within our church, to fully embrace the joy of the resurrection message!
Blessings, Pastor Meg
Dear God, rekindle my faith each and every day. Allow me to use this season to stir up everything that I need to follow you. Amen.
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THE LEADERSHIP OF HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Rev. Meg Wilson, Pastor & Editor ~ Sue Robinson, Publisher & Editor
Church Office (586) 296-8760
BOARD OF TRUSTEES President - Nancy Burnham Donna Canu Rev. Meg Wilson (248) 890-3264 Vice-President - Nancy Fay Rick Cole Administrative Assistant: Sue Robinson Secretary - Janet Dolland Ida Eckert Organist: Patrick Baker Treasurer - Norm Nenninger Donna Lasecki Accompanist: Denise Kildea Linda Parsons Music Director: Deborah Frontczak Lori Sarnowski Jim Wilson Susan Winters
USHERS & COMMUNION SERVERS LITURGISTS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY
Communion Set Up ~ Linda Rehm & Elaine Ainsworth
MARCH 1, 2020
Steve Nielson, Linda Sandula, Jaden Miyamoto, Jordan Miyamoto
MARCH 8, 2020 Courtney Freeland, Erin Freeland,
Joe Holland, Linda Rehm
MARCH 15, 2020 Nancy Burnham, Tim Cole,
Ed & Sue Rogers
MARCH 22, 2019 Bob DeGryse, Frank Foss,
Dan Galligan, Suzanne Galligan
MARCH 29, 2019 Lori Sarnowski, Carl & Elaine Frank, Tim Cole
If you cannot Usher on your scheduled Sunday, please
find a substitute. If one cannot be found, please contact the church office so a replacement can be
found. (586) 296-8760
10:00 am MARCH 1 Ashley Welch MARCH 8 Frank Foss MARCH 15 Linda Rehm MARCH 22 Nancy DeGryse MARCH 29 Susan Winters
Do you have Used &
No Longer Needed
Eyeglasses? There is
a box to deposit them
in on the table
outside the church
office. Thanks.
VETERANS ARE IN NEED OF GENTLY USED
BOOKS!
If you have any
books that you
would like to donate and would be
of interest to the Veterans,
please place them in the box un-
der the table outside the church
office. PLEASE NOTE: ONLY
COLLECTING BOOKS AND
NEWER MAGAZINES; NOT
CD’S AND DVD’S. THANK YOU!
UPDATED DIRECTORIES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE
OFFICE
Due to confidentiality, they are
no longer left on the table
outside the church office. A
Reminder … if your directory information has
changed and the office does not have it, please
call or email the office.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO ORDER ALTAR FLOWERS?
Sign up sheets are posted in the
Fellowship Hall. Feel free to
sign up on a designated Sunday,
or contact the church office for the availability.
Cost is $20 per arrangement.
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NEW MEMBER CLASS
Pastor Meg will hold a New Member
Class Sunday, March 1 and March 8
following worship. If you wish to
attend, please call the office or
email at [email protected].
Hope to see you there!
New Music and Movement Program! Open for Parents/Grandparents with infants, toddlers and preschoolers! Hope is starting a music and movement class for families with little ones. Starting Thursday, March 5th from 11am to noon. We will meet weekly from 11-12. Come to Hope UCC and invite your friends for this hour of music and movement geared for parents and tots. Kristin
Miyamoto will be the lead teacher. We will meet in Hope’s Fellowship Hall. There is no cost, but a donation will gladly be received.
CORNED BEEF DINNER The Corned Beef Dinner will
be on March 15th after wor-
ship. Please sign up for a des-
sert. Hope you can attend!
BAKE SALE
A bake sale will be take place
Palm Sunday, April 5th, after
worship. We will use the
funds for the Camp Talahi weekend.
Thank you, Sandy Foss
HOPE CHURCH CURRENT NEWS
FAMILY GAME NIGHT
FRIDAY, MARCH 27th
What: Bring a Board
Game and find others
to join in. A few ice
breaker group games.
Nachos and drinks
provided. FUN FOR ALL AGES
When: Friday, March 27th
Where: Hope Church
Time: 7:00pm
SE MIGHIGAN DEAF COMMUNITY They will be joining us again on Sunday, March 1st, and numerous times during the year. Welcome!
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS: YOU DON’T WANT TO
MISS THESE GREAT EVENTS!!!!!!
• Coffee House, Friday, April 24th
• Mad Hatter Tea Party, Saturday, May 2nd
• Pasta with a Purpose at Vintage House ~ new closer location ~ Wednesday, May 13th
TABLES FOR SALE
We’ve purchased new 6’ plastic tables to replace the old long tables that are starting to
show their wear. The new tables were purchased with a portion of the funds generously do-
nated by the Rev. Gene McCornack Estate. They are much lighter and easier to maneuver than
the old ones. The Board of Trustees has decided to sell the old tables, offering them to mem-
bers and friends on an as-is, where-is basis. There are 8 tables that are 8’ long by 30” wide.
The price is $20 per table. If you are interested in purchasing one or some of the tables,
please contact the church office to arrange a day and time to pick up and to pay for them.
In addition, the Board has decided that the new tables will not be available to be
loaned, so if you have a need, you may want to consider purchasing an old table now.
THINK AHEAD TO GRAD PARTIES, REUNIONS, SHOWERS, ETC. BUY YOUR TABLE
TODAY!
HOPE CHURCH NEWS (CONT.)
CONGRATULATIONS To Tim and Nancy Cole on the birth of their grandson, Huxley Gryphon Rog-
ers, on 12/21/19, 8 1/2 lbs., 20” L, one week overdue, born in South Korea.
Congratulations to Elizabeth, Bill and the entire family!
_ _ _ _ _
To Kelsey Yousif and Mike Molson on the birth of Liam Joseph Molson on
2/19/20, 7 lbs., 14 oz., 20 in.; grandmother Susan Baronet. Congratulations
to the entire family!
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LENTEN/EASTER SCHEDULE
Ash Wednesday, February 26th: 10 a.m. Service with Ashes and Communion followed by Breakfast. Drop by be-tween 6 p.m.—7:30 p.m. to receive Ashes and Communion.
Blessing bags distributed 3/1~ return Easter Sunday
Lenten Music Series, beginning Wed. March 4th through Wed. 4/1, 7—8 p.m., refreshments to follow; freewill of-fering
Easter flower sale begins 3/15; Easter flower sale ends 4/5
Palm Sunday, 4/5 ~ Reception New Members
Maundy Thursday, April 9th, light dinner at 6 p.m. and service at 7 p.m.
Good Friday, April 10th, 1:00 p.m. Service of Tenebrae
Easter Sunday, April 12st; Easter Breakfast 8:00 a.m.; Worship and Communion at 10 a.m.
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LENTEN MUSIC SERIES
On Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m., light refreshments to follow, with a freewill offering.
PLEASE JOIN US!!!! MARCH 4TH ~ String Duo, Melody Wootton and Andrew Wu; watch your bulletins for all the details. MARCH 11TH ~ The Gentlemen Songsters began in 1931 as the Chevrolet Glee Club of De-troit. It was founded by Dave Redwood, a general foreman at the Chevrolet-Detroit Forge Plant who thought that men needed to do something more than work all day. We welcome this all-male chorus and their Director Peggy Bartz to Hope United Church of Christ on March 11. MARCH 18TH ~ Our very own accomplished organist and pianist Patrick Baker will be providing an evening of music. Once again, Patrick will be playing a variety of music to help lift our spirits and chase away the winter blues. MARCH 25TH ~ The North Oakland Dixieland Band is a musical group specializing in both "Traditional Jazz" and Swing music from the years 1900 to 1960. We are located in Lake Orion, Michigan and will travel throughout the state to perform. The band is composed of a four-horn front line consisting of Clarinet, Cornet, Tenor Sax and Trombone. Our rhythm Section includes Piano, Tuba, Banjo, Guitar and Drums. This combination of instruments, plus our musicians’ ability to double on various instruments gives us the opportunity to per-form various styles of music and vocals from the Traditional Jazz era. APRIL 1ST ~ The Taizé Community is an ecumenical Christian monastic fraternity in Taizé, France. It is composed of more than one hundred brothers from Catholic and Protestant traditions, who originate from about thirty countries across the world. It was founded in 1940 by Brother Roger Schütz, a Reformed Protestant. The community, though Western European in origin, has sought to include people and traditions worldwide. They have sought to demonstrate this in the music and prayers where songs are sung in many languages, and have included chants and icons from the Eastern Ortho-dox tradition. Earlier Taizé community music was conceived and composed by Jacques Berthier. Later Joseph Gelineau became a major contributor to the music. Taize music is a type of meditative prayer. “Nothing is more conducive to a communion with the living God than a meditative common prayer with, as its high point, singing that never ends and that continues in the silence of one’s heart when one is alone again.”
The Taize service was created by and will be led by our Music Director Deborah Frontczak in conjunction with the music ministry here at Hope UCC.
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TWO CAN, the Toucan, will be visiting us on Sunday, March
1st, and collecting “pop can money” for the UCC Women’s
project to help CWS (Church World Service) with shipping
costs. CWS is a nondenominational organization that does
humanitarian work all over our the world, and freight costs
to send aid is a big chunk of their budget. TWO CAN says
“If we all do a little bit, together we can make a Big differ-
ence”!
TWO CAN got his name from asking us to cash in our returnable cans, and if it
is only two cans, you have helped by contributing $0.25 = “TWO CANs and a
Little Bit”. ...
If you have collected lots of cans, Checks can be made out to UCC Women of
Michigan and designate it to the TWO CAN Project.
Thank you so much,
TWO CAN, the Toucan
UCC Women of Michigan
Detroit Zoo Senior Day
April 22nd, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free for seniors and one caregiver. Tri-county seniors 62 and older and one adult guest receive free admission and parking.
Senior citizens 65 and older residing in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties are invited to enjoy a special day at the Detroit Zoo. Senior Day features live entertainment, tram tours, bingo, zookeeper talks and a senior resource area. HOPE SENIORS, looking for others to carpool together to enjoy a day at the zoo. If you are interested, let the church office know.
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HOPE SPARKLES EXERCISE CLASS
Now is the time to have FUN and GET
FIT all at the same time! Come and
join the EXERCISE CLASS at Hope
Church which meets EVERY MONDAY
and WEDNESDAY from 3 to 4 pm.
Both men and women are welcome to
join this on-going class. Cost is $1.00 per person per class.
The instructor is from the Arthritis Foundation.
Benefits: Keep Joints Flexible & Muscles Strong
Sleep Better & Increase Energy
Exercises Include: Stretching,
Low Impact Cardiovascular &
Working On Your Balance.
REMEMBER, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS “SHOW UP” FOR
AN HOUR OF FUN & FITNESS WITH FRIENDS!
COFFEE HOUR FOLLOWING 10 a.m. WORSHIP, SET UP 9:45
We are looking for groups, councils,
committees, etc. to take it for a
month. The chairperson of that
group would coordinate within their group who would
take which Sunday and time slot. Feel free to
volunteer for a particular month that would work
the best for your group. Please sign up in FH, talk
to Ida or contact the church office at (586) 296
-8760. Thank you.
SENIORS (55+) GROUP
We have a short business meeting, a pot
luck lunch and an afternoon of games and
fellowship. We invite you to join us.
We will meet on March 16th. Please join
us!
GROUPS, ETC.
KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS
PROGRAM
We now have an opportunity to partici-
pate in the Kroger Community Rewards
Program. It's easy...all you need to participate is an
email address and a Kroger rewards card. Then all
you need do is shop at any Kroger store, swipe your
rewards card, and a percentage of your purchase will
be donated to the Hope Church Operating Account.
If you have access to a computer, you may enroll in
the program by entering http://www.kroger.com into
your browser and follow this path....Savings & Re-
wards....Kroger Community Rewards....I am a Custom-
er....Account Summary....Community Rewards....our
Kroger number (HS995). If you have questions or
concerns about this program, please call Susan Win-
ters.
TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
If you are interested in joining the
technology committee, please reach
out to Jim Wilson.
ROBO-CALLS / GROUP
VOICEMAIL
We’ve gone to a new system for
group voicemail that is virtually free and will save
Hope UCC almost $600 per year. As of now, we've
sent multiple Church-Wide messages using our new
Group Voice-Messaging service. If you haven't
received any messages (from 866-665-
4386) ,please contact the church office to update
your phone number of choice.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday school is for children
ages 3 thru 5th grade. The
children will learn bible sto-
ries and faith lessons in a
hands-on and kid-friendly
style.
PHUSION/ YOUTH SUNDAY
SCHOOL
We are designing a new youth
program for youth from 6th to
12th grade. We are accepting
applications for a youth leader
and hope to have that person within the next
few months. The Board of Trustees prefers
to hire individuals that are not church mem-
bers for paid positions. We are always looking
for volunteers that are committed and work
well with youth. Once we hire our new staff
person, the group will include faith discus-
sions along with special events. The youth of
Hope Church are a committed and welcoming
group of youth. Visitors are always welcomed!
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COUNCIL
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HOPE Food Pantry News & Volunteer Information…
HOPE Food Pantry is open the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10 - 12 pm to Macomb County residents in need to come and shop in our Grocery Store style Food Pantry. HOPE Food pantry relies solely on volunteers, donations placed in the cart at the front entryway, monetary donations marked for "FOOD Pantry" in Sunday offerings, and participation in fundraisers sponsored by the Christian Mission and Witness Council that benefit the successful operations of the Food Pantry. With this mission, there are volunteer opportunities for anyone interested in learning more about the food pantry and helping to serve those who come to us in need. Once a month, there is an opportunity to sign up and help our neighbors either on the day before distribution or day of distribution. On the day before distribution, volunteers are needed at 1 pm for about 1-½ hours to unload and stock and set up the “grocery store” for pantry day. We also prepare shopping bags and make sure HOPE Food Pantry is ready for operation the next day. On distribution day, volunteers are needed at 9:15 as “shoppers” or “runners”. Shoppers work directly with pantry clients and assist them in gathering needed items from the pantry. Runners also work with clients and load up the pantry items into wagons and wheel and take them into the parking lot for loading into cars in a designated area. These volunteer opportunities are sure to be a rewarding mission in helping those in our community. There is no ongoing commitment. You may sign up and volunteer as your time permits on the second Friday or Saturday of each month. We will provide all the necessary training and information needed to make your experience rewarding. A sign up sheet is posted each month in Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions about the food pantry, please see Tony Fortunato or Susan Winters. If you are not able to volunteer, you can still support the Food Pantry in several ways. Your donations of paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste, bar soap, shampoo, laundry and dish detergent and feminine hygiene products are very helpful and can be placed in the shopping cart in the front entryway. Tax receipts are also available in the office during regular business hours. Monetary donations are also a great way to help, as we are able to purchase items for our pantry at a reduced rate through our purchasing partnership with Gleaners. Please prayerfully consider ways in which you can help in this vital mission project that helps so many in our local community. Thank you for all your help and support!
CHRISTIAN MISSION AND WITNESS
NEWS FROM “HOPE" FOOD PANTRY... Do you know that your donations to “HOPE” Food Pantry are tax deductible?
HOPE UCC and "HOPE" Food Pantry holds a 501© 3 tax exemption status un-
der federal law, and our status is guaranteed under our participation in the
Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ. If you should require a
tax receipt, please see Susan Winters, Tony Fortunato, or Sue Robinson in the church office.
As always, thank you for your continued support. It means the world to us!
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CHRISTIAN MISSION AND WITNESS, cont.
PANTRY UPDATE FEBRUARY 2020… We provided for 153 individuals and distributed 1,929 lbs of food and supplies on distribu-tion day. Thank you, to all volunteers and CWMC members who helped make Pantry Day a success:
Christian Mission & Witness Council Volunteers: Judy Cole, Purchasing Agent, Lead Shopper, Lead Support Supervisor Tony Fortunato, Client Intake, Civil Rights Supervisor, Lead Support Supervisor Cindy Malinowski, Stock Room Supervisor, Lead Support Karen Miller, Set up, Lead Support Susan Winters, Check out Supervisor, Lead Support Supervisor
HOPE Volunteers for February 2020: Sue Rogers, Set Up Ed Rogers, Set Up Lily-Ann Gill, Set Up Eleanor Gurich, Set Up Nancy Fay, Shopper Rick Cole, Shopper Sue Grimshaw, Shopper Eleanor Gurich, Shopper Pamela Jennett, Shopper Denise Barc, Supervisor, Runners/Check Out Jon Zalweski, Client Organizer, Traffic Controller
HELP IS NEEDED FOR HOPE’S FOOD PANTRY We thank our members who are contributing plastic bags for our pantry shopping clients.
Please continue to bring them to church, we use them doubled for strength and need volun-
teers to double bags every 2nd. Friday or Saturday of the month. Some of our volunteers
take a supply from church and double them at home.
Also, our Hope Church volunteer “shoppers”, (who assist each client as they shop in our
pantry) would appreciate more volunteers. This will allow them to rotate and to take need-
ed breaks. Our once monthly pantry day volunteers have shared a joy in participating that
is hard to understand unless you have been a part of the action.
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CHRISTIAN MISSION AND WITNESS, cont.
BLESSING BAGS
Blessing Bags will once again be distribut-
ed on the first Sunday of Lent, March 1,
2020. Lent is one of the times in the
Church year when we count our many
blessings from God. Each time we identify
a blessing throughout Lent, we put some
money into the bag. This year's donations
will be distributed to two different organ-
izations: "Save the Animals in Australia"
and "Vietnam Veterans of America Chap-
ter 154" located in Clinton Twp. Blessing
Bags may be returned to church on Easter
Sunday or as soon thereafter as possible.
COMMUNITY LUNCHES AT ZION CHURCH
In 2020, the community lunches at Zion Church, 85
Market St., Mt. Clemens, will be:
March 22nd
Please look for sign-up sheets in Fellowship Hall.
We need eight volunteers for the kitchen, and sev-
eral folks to donate lasagna, coleslaw, milk and
cake.
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SPECIAL LENTEN OFFERING “ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING”,
MARCH 22ND
One Great Hour of Sharing® is the Lenten Offering of the United Church of Christ that
supports disaster, refugee, and development activities.
We sometimes think that “imagination” means something escapist or illusory. Yet, imagi-
nation is not something unreal or fake. No, it is essential to God’s hope for creation. Hear
how the Apostle Paul put it: “Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to
accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine….” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
And God imagines a world where all are safe, all are loved, all are fed.
You see, when we use our imaginations in the way that God does, we can begin to envi-
sion – and work for! – a world where no child goes unfed, un-housed, or unloved; where
no one ever fears abuse or violence; where clean water is not a dream but a reality for all;
where small farmers do their work with dignity and are paid a fair wage for their labors;
where agricultural practices enrich and renew the land rather than deplete it; where survi-
vors of natural disasters have the resources they need, now and for years to come; where
vulnerable immigrants are welcomed in Christ’s name.
Can YOU imagine these things? Through your gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing what
we can imagine becomes ever more a reality for more and more people. Please give gener-
ously!
14
HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST ON-LINE GIVING
More and more, the way we pay our bills is changing. Electronic payments are every-
where, from our monthly utility bills to on-line purchases. As a society, we are writing
fewer and fewer checks. We are introducing two new convenient ways to allow members
and friends make donations to Hope UCC.
On-Line – Visit the Hope UCC web site –www.hopeuccmi.com
Select the “Give a Gift” tab .
Select the “Give Here” button
Or from your cell phone
Text “HUCCF” to 45777. The site will respond with a link which you can use to route your donation to a specific fund. If you would like to donate to the “General Fund” you can simply text: “Gift Amount” followed by “HUCCF” to 45777. For instance to give $5 text “5 HUCCF” to 45777.
In both cases you will be directed to our secure payment processing center where you will be able to easily walk
through the steps to register and/or direct your donation (eg to the general fund or a specific mission).
Also:. (Hint – if using the text method, save this phone number in your “Contacts” list to make it easier to access)
You will be able to make donations from your bank account or debit/credit card. The donation can be a one time or
recurring (weekly, every 2 weeks, 1st & 15th, monthly) to make it more convenient. You will have the ability to desig-
nate where your donation is going (Regular offering, Hope for the Future, etc.). Once you have set up a giving profile,
you will be able to edit and change it at any time. You will receive email and text confirmation of your donation each
time it is made. Your on-line donations will be recorded on your Annual Giving Statement from Hope UCC for tax report-
ing.
There is no charge for the on-line giving service. However, there are processing fees associated with each transaction
that are deducted from the amount Hope receives. The fees are as follows:
Bank Account = $.40 + .5% of donation
Credit/Debit Card = $.30 + 2.9% of dona-
tion.
Example = $10 gift by bank account – fee is ($.40 + $ .05) = $.45 – Hope receives $9.55
= $10 gift by credit/debit card – fee is ($.30 + $.29) = $.59 – Hope receives $9.41
Your Giving Statement will reflect the total donation. You may consider increasing that donation to help offset the fees
being charged.
Any questions can be directed to Jan Nenninger.
15
HOPE HEALTH
Something new is coming to Hope United Church of Christ! We will be offering
MONTHLY BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS at no cost for everyone! These will be held on the first Sunday of each month after Worship Service. Everyone can benefit from this initiative. Regularly monitored blood pressure improves awareness in our health and treatment. Knowledge and self-care are key to achieving optimal health. Many of us in the community have medical needs that may have been neglected because they are un-
known to us or simply because life keeps us too busy. Monitoring blood pressure can help your physician with an earlier diagnosis, monitor your
current treatment health effectiveness, and alert you and your physician of potential complications.
A private room will be utilized for this monthly event. Everyone is free to attend. ADDITIONALLY, Hope United Church of Christ will now have a monthly article in the
Beacon newsletter and weekly updates on the website.
The articles will encompass various health topics. Examples of topics to come are high blood pressure, Diabetes, Exercise, Nutrition, Stress, etc. Understanding health risks, benefits, and positive practices improves your ability to make better health care choices and optimize your overall well being. Practicing good health effects all parts
of our life from our mental and physical condition to our quality of daily living. All are welcome to learn with us! There is more information to come, so keep reading!
16
INFLUENZA (FLU) Information and Prevention • What is Influenza? Influenza, also called the flu, is a very common illness caused by the influenza virus. Most people who contract the flu are sick for approximately 1-2 weeks, but the flu can become serious and even deadly if you have a health condition such as: heart disease, asthma, diabetes, or have a weakened immune sys-tem. The flu is very contagious. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that so far for the 2019-2020 flu season there have been at least 19 million flu illnesses, 210,000 hospitalizations, and 12,000 deaths from the flu. The CDC also reported that last week alone, there were 10 newly reported cases of pediatric (child) deaths associated with the flu bringing the current estimation for children related deaths to 78 thus far. What are the symptoms of the Flu?: You may have a fever, Chills, Tiredness (Fatigue), Headache, Body aches, Sneezing, Runny nose, Post-nasal drip, Sore throat, Cough, Decreased sense of smell, You may have a metallic taste in your mouth, Vomiting and diarrhea are common in children • How is the Flu spread? A person that has the flu coughs or sneezes out beads of moisture that contain the flu virus. These droplets in the air can travel up to 6 feet! You are exposed to the flu virus when you breathe the drop-lets in or when they land in your mouth, nose, or eyes. You also can become infected if you touch a place that those droplets land on (like a desk, chair, counter, door knob) and then touch your face….allowing entry into your mouth, nose, or eyes. The flu virus can live on hard surfaces up to 72 hours! A person infected with the flu virus can spread the virus 1 day before exhibiting symptoms of the flu until approximately 5-7 days later when all symptoms of the flu are gone. • How to protect yourself and prevent contracting the Flu? Get the Flu Shot Experts say the single best way to avoid the flu is to get a flu vaccine as soon as you can. The ideal time is early fall because flu season in the United States is during the fall and winter months from October to March. BUT…Anytime during the season is fine if you have not already done so. When you get a flu vaccination, your body releases antibodies that can protect you from the most common virus strains. You might still get other strains of the flu despite vaccination, although it's less likely to be severe, and you're less likely to develop pneumonia, be put on a ventilator, visit the intensive-care unit, or die from the flu after you've been vaccinated. Stay At Least 3 Feet Away From Anyone Coughing or Sneezing A person with the flu that is actively projecting droplets by coughing or sneezing can contaminate the air you breathe with the virus. Since it is not possible to decipher the difference between someone having a simple nose tickle, a cold, or the flu; it is best to keep your distance from anyone with suspi-cious symptoms. Wash Your Hands Whether you're in a public place or in your home, it's smart to wash your hands after handling any com-monly-touched surfaces using soap and water afterward. CDC's best practices suggests proper hand washing technique includes the following: Use soap and lather up for at least 20 seconds, then rinse un-der water, and air dry or pat dry with a clean towel. Another tip is to then use your towel to open the door upon exiting public restrooms, thereby avoiding potentially contaminating your clean hands. In the absence of a sink, a hand sanitizer is your next best bet. It is a good idea to carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you for those instances. Think about it…did you touch a door handle? A faucet? A chair? A cash machine checking out your gro-ceries? A restaurant table? A person who is showing symptoms of the flu..or who is infected but not exhibiting symptoms until tomorrow and is currently contagious? Practicing good hand hygiene is key to preventing the flu. CONTINUED…………….
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Keep Your Hands Away From Your Face – Especially Your Mouth, Nose, and Eyes You risk getting sick when you touch an infected surface and transfer the virus to your face. The vi-rus infects a person through mucosal membranes in your mouth, nose, or eyes. Therefore, between hand washing or hand sanitizing AVOID touching your face. If you need to cough or sneeze cover your mouth and nose with the inner aspect of your elbow. This prevents you from infecting yourself with whatever may be on your hands and also prevents you from possibly transferring your germs to others with your hands. Clean Communal Surfaces At Least Once a Day The flu virus can remain viable without a host for up to 72 hours. You may be living with someone who does not exhibit symptoms yet but who is still contagious. This is why you should wipe down commonly-touched surfaces in your home at least once a day using any standard household cleaner, regardless of whether anyone in your household is sick. Think about phone chargers, fridge handles, light switches, door knobs, and toilet handles, etc. Refrain From Kissing Partners or Others Who Are Infected The flu virus is carried in saliva, so kissing a flu carrier's mouth or face is risky during this time Be Stingy, Do Not Share Certain Items Try not to use the same pillows or towels as others in your home. Store your toothbrush out of sight versus a toothbrush holder with other’s or in open air. A communal toothbrush holder contaminated by an infected person's toothbrush could transfer germs to your toothbrush, or an infected person’s sneeze can contaminate your bristles with the flu virus, which can then be transferred to your mouth. It is also important to not share your food or eating utensils for the same rationale. Quit Smoking Evidence shows that smokers get the flu more often than people who do not smoke. When smokers get the flu they also tend to get a more severe infection and have a higher risk of dying from the flu. This is just one more reason to talk to your doctor about smoking cessation. Take Care of Yourself Self-care and good health practices play a huge role in staying healthy enough to fight off the flu and other germs. Having adequate sleep is a good habit for optimal immune system functioning and to pre-vent respiratory viruses like the flu. The average adult should get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Lastly, try to get exercise 4 times a week. • Can the Flu be Treated? Yes it can. It is important to see your physician as soon as you begin experiencing symptoms of the flu. There are medications that your doctor can prescribe called anti-viral drugs. There are currently 4 different anti-viral drugs that the Center for Disease Control recommend for treatment of the flu. The most common anti-viral prescribed is Tamiflu. Your physician will determine which one is best for you. Evidence has shown that anti-viral drugs are most effective when a person begins taking the medication within the first 48 hours of experiencing symptoms of the flu. Anti-viral drugs reduce fe-ver, lower the severity of flu symptoms, shorten the time of the illness, and also reduce the risk of complications associated with the flu. Therefore, it is imperative to seek out prompt treatment by your physician as soon as symptoms are present. This is especially true for people with asthma, diabe-tes, heart disease, and who have a compromised immune system. It is important to always take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor and complete the entire prescription given to you. • In Summation Actively participating in the prevention of spreading the flu is very important for yourself, your loved ones, and others. Possessing the basic knowledge of the flu and applying these practices will minimize your risk of contracting the flu. For further information on Influenza: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm
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COMMUNITY INTEREST
COMMUNITY DINNERS ST. PAUL UCC : Their dinners are on the first
Wednesday of the month. St. Paul is located at
31654 Mound Road, Warren 48092, ph. # (586)
264-4777.
ST. EPHREM CATHOLIC CHURCH: Hosts a com-
munity dinner the 2nd Thursday of each month from
5—6:30. They are located at 38900 Dodge Park,
Sterling Heights (17 & Dodge Park), #264-1230.
These dinners are year round.
COMMUNITY LUNCHES AT ZION CHURCH
In 2020, the community lunches at Zion Church, 85
Market St., Mt. Clemens, will be:
March 22nd
Please look for sign-up sheets in Fellowship Hall.
We need eight volunteers for the kitchen, and sev-
eral folks to donate lasagna, coleslaw, milk and cake.
Thanks! CMWC
FYI
Clinton Macomb Public
Main Library, corner of
Canal and Romeo Plank,
is showing the follow-
ing movies on Tuesday March 24 at
6:30pm: “The Secrets
of Spring Migration”, and on Wednes-
day March 25 at 6:30pm : “Land
Protection in our Local Headwaters Re-
gions”. These are shown at no charge.
Enjoy! Karen Miller
ST. MALACHY
MEN’S CLUB
FISH FRY
Starts Ash Wednesday, and then
each Friday during Lent, from 4 –
7 p.m. 14500 - 14 Mile (between
Schoenherr/Hayes). New this
year: improved fried cod and an
additional cash register = shorter
time in line. See the flier in FH
for all the details.
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PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS ...
Al Badertscher
Nicolas Carrow
Jim & Joyce Clifford
Nancy Cole
Sandy Felton
The Flaherty Family
Judith & David Fogel
The Frank Family
Mickey Johnston
Sandy Johnston
Linda Kaufman
Audrey Moore
Betty Showler
Shirley Winship
HOPE CHURCH PRAYER LIST
Our congregation knows that prayer is
our tool for connecting to God. Together,
we pray in worship and we pray at home.
Please check the prayer list in both the
newsletter and the bulletin to help us
keep our prayer requests current. You
may contact the church office to re-
move or add a name. We also have a
prayer sculpture in the church lobby and
you are welcome to write a prayer re-
quest on a heart and hang in on the sculp-
ture. When we lift our concerns in pray-
er, we will surely know the presence of
the Lord.
Please remember those on our Prayer List
… with a phone call, card, note and keep
them in your Thoughts & Prayers.
For those who are silent with your
concerns and needs, a special
prayer for ALL of you to have the
strength, courage and patience to
deal with your individual situation.
BRINKMAN SERVICE The memorial service for Shirley Brinkman will
be on Monday, March 23rd. VISITATION WILL
BE AT 9:30, SERVICE AT 10; RECEPTION
OF COOKIES AND COFFEE TO FOLLOW.
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If you are not listed in the birthdays/anniversaries,
please call the office and let me know or email me
at [email protected]. IN ORDER TO
ADD YOU TO THE CHURCH’S DATABASE,
I NEED THE MONTH, DAY AND YEAR.
Thanks ~ Sue
ALSO, DUE TO THE CHANGE IN
CHURCH DATABASE, WE’LL NO LONGER
BE PUBLISHING THE NUMBER OF
YEARS MARRIED. IF YOU HAVE A SPE-
CIAL ANNIVERSARY OR BIRTHDAY
COMING UP, PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH
OFFICE, SO THAT IT’S ACKNOWL-
EDGED. THANK YOU.
Birthdays for the Month of March
3 Eric Mackey Tim Prahl Piper Lasecki-Webb 5 Nancy Fay 6 Michael Butler 10 Daisy Katz 11 Mariann McCornack Keith Watson 12 Pam Flaherty 13 Hope Schop 15 Emily Flaherty Heather Horan 19 Emma Lasecki 20 Larry Frohriep Jan Nenninger Robert Rayment 22 Cindy Johnson 23 Kelly Zwierzchowski 25 Carolyn Plumb 29 Pam Anderson 31 Audrey Moore
March Anniversaries 17 Steve & Belinda Nielson
Birthdays for the Month of April
1 Evelyn Hethcote 4 Maya Green Helen Stovel Megan Young 7 Mark Watmore 9 Gail Reinhardt 10 Casey Lusk Tracy Magee Nina Watson 13 Lauren Yousif 14 Carol Brzoska 15 Marilyn Richards Bill Stewart 16 Marge Lentz 17 Kent Stonebreaker 18 Terri Flaherty 22 Mickey Johnston Ralph Moore 23 Dolores Cowper 24 Jerry Marr 26 Timothy Cole Thomas Fay 27 Sandi Nielson 29 Chris Alger
April Anniversaries 6 Josh & Chris Alger 8 Bob & Loretta Rayment 24 Bruce & Pam Anderson 28 Charlie & Bonnie Cacchione 28 Ken & Su Hess
21
22
March 2020 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 Worship 10 a.m. Sunday School
Toucan SE MI Deaf Community
BP screening New Member Class
Bowling 12:30
2
Exercise 3-4
AA 7:30
3
Parlor 7—9
4
Exercise 3-4 p.m.
Lenten Music Series, 7:00
p.m.
5 Music/Movement Toddler Class 11—
12 a.m.
Bells/Choir Prac-tice
6 7
AA 8 p.m.
8
Worship 10 a.m. Sunday School
New Member Class
9
Exercise 3-4
AA 7:30
10
Board Meeting 7 p.m.
11
Exercise 3-4 p.m.
Lenten Music Series, 7:00
p.m.
12 Music/Movement Toddler Class 11—
12 a.m.
Bells/Choir Prac-tice
13 14
Pantry 10—12
AA 8 p.m.
15
Worship 10 a.m. Sunday School
Corned Beef Dinner
After Worship Bowling 12:30
16
Seniors Group 11:30 a.m.
Exercise 3-4
AA 7:30
17
CMWC 6 p.m.
Spiritual Council
6:30 p.m.
18
Exercise 3-4 p.m.
Lenten Music Series, 7:00
p.m.
19 Music/Movement Toddler Class 11—
12 a.m.
Bells/Choir Prac-tice
20 21
Hall 11 a.m.—3 p.m.
AA 8 p.m.
22 Worship 10 a.m. Sunday School
One Great Hour Of Sharing
Community Lunch
@ Zion Church
23 Shirley
Brinkman Service, 10 am;
(visit. 9:30)
Exercise 3-4
AA 7:30
24
Hall 5:30—7:30
25
Exercise 3-4 p.m.
Lenten Music Series, 7:00
p.m.
26 Music/Movement Toddler Class 11—
12 a.m.
Bells/Choir Prac-tice
Hall 7—8:30
27 Family Game
Night 7:00 p.m.
28
AA 8 p.m.
29 Worship 10 a.m. Sunday School
Bowling 12:30
30
Exercise 3-4
AA 7:30
31
PFLAG 7-9 p.m.
