What’s happening in the
life of our church
October 17, 2024
A Note from Pastor Alice
Here is my report from our recently held annual Charge Conference. I have such gratitude for all of you and all the difference you make in God’s world!
See you at church on Sunday for our pledge / committment celebration, complete with brunch (bring nothing but your hunger for Chef Bryan’s cooking, assisted by the Seekers Sunday group, and love for all God’s people.)
On a snowy Saturday morning in early January of this year, we met in fellowship hall to review our story, both by the numbers and in words, and to pray our way into who we are meant to be in this year and the years to come. The outpouring of people present at that retreat, the energy and enthusiasm, spoke volumes to all that is possible for the people of Adrian FUMC.
It has been a busy year, filled with learning and growth opportunities, fellowship opportunities, prayer and worship opportunities. From meditation groups in the memorial garden to Blessing of the Animals, from the 1619 Project study to the “Not In It to Win It” study, we covered many bases.
We said goodbye to Sherry Stone and Pam Myers, thanking them for their faithful service. We said welcome back to Lainey Caldwell and hello to Ava Tocco, both of whom bring energy and enthusiasm as well as a professional spirit to all the many things they do.
You have shown up in force, in a positive, vibrant servant spirit. Most of all, you have shown up in joy. There is a hum in the church. A buzz of laughter, in meetings, in hallways. You speak of the hum of joy yourselves.
Several stories stand out for me in this year. One is the incredible outpouring of support you provided for office coverage during the summer. So many people came to cover hours in the office, bringing kindness and interest in the people and programs of the church. Another is the ongoing army of volunteers who do, well, everything! Visiting people, writing cards to people, working in the kitchen in the many ways we do so, maintaining the campus and all the things that need to be fixed along the way, teaching, watching children, singing in the choir, playing bells. The list of all you do is long and so appreciated.
One final story is around VBS. I knew I didn’t have the time and energy to be the VBS director, so I asked all the usual VBS leaders to meet and decide if they wanted to go forward with a volunteer coalition for VBS – to which there was a loud “Of Course!” And then, an army of volunteers did just that. Everyone doing the parts the know how to do so well. Add in Lainey’s leadership as the start day drew near, and VBS went better than ever.
And so, in January we will meet again and tell the story of who we are in numbers and words, seeking again to follow the Spirit into the year. May it be another year of joyful service for all!
In Christian love and fellowship,
Rev. Alice K. Ford
Hurricane Helene Help
We are planning to take relief supplies down to North Carolina. Reports are telling us the destruction and loss is significantly more than we see on the news.
NEEDED:
- Nonperishable food
- Paper products
- Clothing – all sizes
- Jackets, sweatshirts, sweaters
- Shoes, socks
- New or gently used blankets, sheets, towels, wash cloths
- Toiletries, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste
- Diapers
- First aid supplies, peroxide
- Wipes
- Cleaning supplies, white vinegar
- Containers to transport water
- Batteries
- Gas cans
- Pet food
Wally Bakko (Wally’s Grocery Store) is partnering with us. Food and other items will be purchased from Wally with cash donations. He is giving us a discount on all purchases.
Donations can be dropped off at church office.
Checks can be made out to either Tom or Susan Hadden. Questions – call Tom (810-841-8684) or Susan (841-841-8686). We are hoping to have everything collected bythis Friday, October 18th. We will be personally delivering all that is collected.
Thanking each and every person in advance!!! God Bless You!!!
Stewardship 2025
Stewardship commitment cards are on their way to you. These cards ask you to note both your financial and service commitments for the approaching year. We invite you to give as an act of faith. Please remember that there are many ways to give: through prayer, volunteer work, or financial contributions. Your generosity truly makes a difference.
“I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young will see visions. Your elders will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17)
Leadership Reports 2024
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
We have had two exciting projects take root this year in the music department….
After years of conversations and thoughtful consideration, the congregation has opted to have our Schantz organ fully updated. The instrument was built in 1964 when the current church was constructed. Our Schantz organ has been a faithful member of our church family for generations and will continue to enrich the music here at Adrian First. The project has been entrusted to Muller Organ Company of Ohio. It will cost approximately $350,000. Work is expected to begin in 2025.
This year, our choir has begun a Choral Scholar Program in partnership with Adrian College. Two Adrian College choir students, Mackenzie Sybert and Kady Stoddard, will receive a $50/week stipend to sing with our Wesley Chorale. In the short time these women have been with us, their voices and personalities have been a major benefit to our group.
Submitted by Laura Langley
OUTREACH TEAM
The Outreach Team has had many opportunities to share God’s love with our Adrian Community this year. We held Bingo at Adrian Inn and sponsored an Angel Tree benefitting the Adrian Community Preschool and Associated Charities. We made soup and served it at Empty Bowls and conducted a textile drive, to support Neighbors of Hope. We held an Easter Eggstravaganza that brought many local children to our church where they learned more about Easter and our church, including a tour of our sanctuary. We attended the PRIDE celebration in Tecumseh and passed out candy hugs, offering kindness and acceptance to many. We created a mural at Artilitious with the message that “God Loves Us All”. We also have ongoing programs including providing 2 meals a month to Share the Warmth, sponsoring Blood Drives, and partnerships with Lincoln and Michener schools.
Submitted by Sandra Harsh
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
We have had a great year on the Congregational Care Committee. We have a list of members who cannot attend church, but are important to the life of the church. We divide the list among us, so that everyone has someone who sends a card, writes a note or makes a visit. We also take a hot meal to those in our church community who could use the support. The funding for the meals comes from a quiche sale in November. Under the guidance of Chef Bryan and Sherry Stone, we made and sold the quiches in November before Thanksgiving. Church members outside of the committee helped with this large project.
In December we organized a Christmas carol sing. After getting the OK from them, we visited five members homes to bring some Christmas cheer. We had 13 people who not only enjoyed spreading cheer, but also had fun at the home of Steve and Connie Benz following the singing for some fellowship.
The New Year brought another project to reach out to our members. The committee gathered Valentines Cards, put return address stickers and address stickers for those we thought would like a card. These were made available to those in church to take home, write a note and send them on. Those sending the cards were as delighted as those who received the cards.
A member of our committee, Sally Glasser, started a flower ministry. Using the flowers provided for worship that are not taken home, she takes the flowers after the service and makes small bouquets to take to our at home members.
In May we honored all women who were in church on Mother’s Day with a flower after the church service. The men were honored on Father’s Day with a small bag of candy. Both activities were well received.
At this time we’re getting ready to send Halloween cards to our list of members. We continue to provide hot meals and keep connected with our at home members with cards, notes and visits. Our hope is to provide communion to these members in the near future.
Submitted by Connie Benz
SHARE THE WARMTH
Adrian FUMC continues to be generous in its support of providing meals to Share-the-Warmth. Our congregation has been involved in this valuable mission work for approximately 15 years. Twice a month a meal is prepared for 60 guests staying at the shelter. The meal on the second Monday of the month is supported by food donations provided by a group of about 15 congregation members. The meal provided for the third Thursday is prepared and taken to the shelter on the third Wednesday of the month. These preparations are part of the WOW meal. This is a recent change in the meal preparation schedule.
Submitted by Jan Murley
SEEKERS Sunday Learning Group
Seekers continues to meet on Sunday mornings at 10:45, September through May. Currently, there are 14 members with average attendance of about 10. Varied ideas through a variety of media were explored each Sunday. Some which we liked better than others but each a catalyst for thought and discussion. Some of our sources were;The Gospel of Mark- A Beginner’s Guide to the Good News by Amy–Jill Levine, Gifts of the Dark Wood by Eric Elnes, Me and We- God’s Social Gospel by Leomard Sweet, a short documentary on Centering Prayer and its impact on inmates of Folsom State Prison in California, listening to an On Being interview with Amanda Ripley, whose research focuses on conflict and viewing the film “My Octopus Teacher”. We have had some members step away and some new members step in. It’s all good.
Submitted by Jan Murley
FELLOWSHIP TEAM / HOSPITALITY
Fellowship‘s Dictionary description is a friendly association, especially with people who share one’s interest and vision. Good Fellowship is what we have with our Coffee Hour almost every single Sunday. The names below are called/emailed upon regularly to serve, bake, buy, bring and clean-up. This faithful group responds with delicious items enough for all to enjoy and there is something for any food sensitivity. With Dawn Matzkows kitchen management, time and efforts, things run smoothly. I also want to thank each and every Church Group, or individual, who has stepped up to take a Sunday is GREATLY appreciated.
Sincerely and Thankfully, Marty Schoonover
SEWING GROUP
This year the two sewing groups, “Little Dresses” and “Quilters” have much to report. Little Dresses which meets twice a month has worked on sewing pillowcases, dresses and boys shorts. Approximately 120 pillowcases were made and given to Susan Deemer who purchased a pillow for each pillowcase and distributed them at Project Connect held at the Lenawee County Fairgrounds, an event designed to link individuals, families, and veterans with immediate community resources. We have continued to sew Little Dresses and are hoping to send some on a mission trip in the New Year. A new project this year has been sewing small sized boys shorts. The shorts are cut from adult T-shirts. Our congregation was generous in donating T-shirts for our use. Shorts and donated child’s t-shirts have been given to the Adrian Community Nursery and the Clinton nursery school. Both groups were most appreciative.
The Quilters have seen much change in their membership over the year as two long time and talented members passed away. Two other members are no longer able to sew with us. But, we have still managed to make about ten quilts which will be distributed in November.
Submitted by Jan Murley
UNITED WOMEN OF FAITH
Several women from the congregation of Adrian First UMC met on August 14 to discuss the reorganization of women’s ministries at our church. Women’s ministries at the denominational level is now known as United Women of Faith, UWF. All those in attendance were eager to increase opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship among the women of Adrian First UMC.
Decisions were made to hold four events over the next several months. An auction which has a long tradition at Adrian FUMC will take place Monday, November 18th in the Fellowship Hall. Funds raised will go to Adrian Community Nursery to support special family events. Christine MacNaughton and Char Wilkins will chair this event. March 15, 2025 there will be a fundraiser in the fellowship hall. Jan Murley and Julie Shultz will chair this event. May 3, 2025 there will be a women’s half-day retreat at the church led by Celeste Jaimes. Chair of this event is Sally Powers. There is an effort to have a book study as well. Many more details will be shared in the coming months by each of the event chairs.
Submitted by Julie Shultz
VIDEO PRODUCTION
Producing videos for AFUMC is such a blessing. I look forward to taking the beautiful and powerful messages that our Pastor writes each week and putting them into a visual form to enhance our worship experience. After receiving the outline for worship, I take the time to look through high quality video and images to create pieces that flow well with the message for our Sunday morning. Our service each week is also live-streamed on our website so that anyone can watch whenever and wherever they are. We began offering online access to messages and services during Covid lockdowns and as we saw the benefits, we improved this experience to being live-streamed so that watchers at home can feel more connected than ever before.
To continue with the theme of more connection through our video production, we have put a focus on filming more events and groups to produce further personal touches to the videos you see in service and online. It’s immensely valuable for us and our community to see the wonderful people and services we have here. I hope you have had fun seeing more of yourselves on the big screen this year and we will continue this trend moving forward.
Submitted by Kristina Kidney
ADRIAN JR MAJORETTES
This summer, the Adrian Jr Majorettes once again held our program at Adrian First United Methodist Church. We are so thankful for the support AFUMC gives to our community program as our main mission is to break down the financial barriers that keep too many children from being able to participate in a performance sport. We serve between 80-100 students each summer as they take baton twirling and/or pom dance lessons for free. This year we had six main coaches and then several who helped by assisting when they could at practices. Our students performed at three local performances entertaining senior citizens at nursing homes and also taking the bandshell stage at the Lenawee County Fair. We all had a wonderful summer and we are so thankful for the snacks, waters, and the space that AFUMC provides to us. Without the church, we would not be able to do what we do, especially at the scale at which we currently can.
Submitted by Kristina Kidney
CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRIES
Our year is off to a great start! We wrapped up our VBS Camp Firelight with about 70 children! It was such a wonderful week of learning about God’s love in a camp setting, with lots of tents and campfires around. This year during Sunday Discovery, we have been exploring Old Testament stories and will continue to do so into the new year. We use several fun ways to learn our lesson such as drama, games, art, and service projects. We would love to have more help Sunday morning in our children’s ministry. We can always use Nursery Volunteers and Sunday Discovery teachers. If that is something that interests you please reach out to Lainey at: afumcfamilyministry@gmail.com
Our family events have been such a success! So far we have held a family picnic with games and activities to kick off the program year, a Parent’s Night Out, and our Family Fall picnic at Heritage Park that was so much fun for all. We are really enjoying bringing our families together for times of fun and fellowship. Be on the lookout for more fun events coming soon, be sure to follow us on social media to catch all the fun!
Submitted by Lainey Caldwell
ENDOWMENT FUND
Adrian First UMC continues to benefit from the foresight of those who established
our endowment fund in 1986. Recently $70,000.00 was provided by the
endowment to begin the rebuilding of our organ. Since 1986 the endowment has
provided $823,000.00. Much was expended to enhance our facilities, but
significant amounts started new programs, provided experiences or supported
missions outside our congregation. Since 1986 about $500,000.00 has been given
to the endowment. The funds are held and invested by professional managers
with oversight by our endowment committee. Part of the endowment is to be
held permanently and not available for distribution but by a formula more
becomes available each year. The total value of our endowment is now
$1,866,540. It will be available to help us pursue our mission long into the future.
Submitted by Norm Glasser
NOMINATIONS TEAM REPORT
With a full slate of creative, faithful, professionally-minded people, the nomination team took on the task this year of filling the first Leadership Board team. It was such a joy and privilege to do this work together, in part because of the people on the team and in part because of the incredible strengths and abilities of all of you. The list of potential candidates to serve was breathtakingly long. You can be sure that your name was on that list and will be in years to come.
The strategy of the nomination team was to prayerfully consider the needs of the congregation during this time of transition and listen for the leanings of the Holy Spirit as we invited people in for interviews. We prioritized people who have already been serving in the main administrative committees to ensure good history and overlap with the current structure. We also prioritized younger folks and people who are able to offer new and unique perspectives.
We are ever so grateful for this congregation and all the opportunities ahead.
Submitted by Rev. Alice Ford
SPRC ANNUAL CHURCH CELEBRATION REPORT
This year we have much to celebrate! In particular the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) was able to:
- Implemented newly revised Employee Handbook with presentation to all employees.
- Approved Rev. Alice Ford to serve in the Adrian College’s Chaplains Office one day per week since Adrian College has no permanent chaplain in order to connect AFUMC with the college students.
- Revised current employee job descriptions (most were at least six years old) with factual input from current job holders along with new input from new AFUMC goals. Three job descriptions remain to be completed.
- To meet new AFUMC goals, added new staff positions of Director of Communication, Children’s Music Director, and Summer Nursery Aid.
- Hired new staff members for Director of Children and Family Ministries, Children’s Music Director, Summer Nursery Aid, Administrative Assistant, and Director of Communication.
- Preparing for the October Charge Conference, the SPRC performed the pastoral evaluation, reviewed the Pastor’s self-evaluation, performed joint dialog and goal setting with the Pastor, and set 2025 pastoral salary.
- Asked for and received strong support for volunteers to staff church office during the summer while searching for a new administrative assistant. As always, the volunteer support from AFUMC was overwhelming. THANK YOU !!!
- Supported newly proposed AFUMC Choral Scholars Program for two Adrian College students to join the Wesley Chorale.
- In process of setting 2025 staff salaries, pending final job description updates.
Submitted by Bill Bachman
FINANCE SECRETARY REPORT
To date: in 2024 we have received $307,075 in donations for the general fund from 116 faithful givers.
The Memorial Fund has received $26,937 in 2024 (including a $20,000 donation in memory of Bessie Marks).
We have had donations of $4523 to the Organ Restoration Fund and we have received $825 toward Hurricane Relief since Hurricane Helene devastation.
We are blessed with an incredibly generous congregation!
Submitted by Stacey Munson
LAY LEADER REPORT
Adrian First is a good place to be these days! We have weathered Covid, the death of our Pastor, Eric Stone, staff turnover, and the welcoming of Pastor Alice Ford. We are still standing! The compassion and strength displayed by our congregation during all of these changes has been a blessing and is evidence of a strong spiritual foundation.
We continue forward building up our traditions and creating new plans that will enrich our church life. These are some of the highlights of the past year, under the leadership of Pastor Alice and her staff:
- Restoration of our beautiful pipe organ
- Initiation of a weekly meal with church members and the community
- Offerings of Bible studies and current event studies
- Outreach to Adrian College
- Opportunities to partner with Wellwise area on aging
- Making our beautiful building available for community events
And this is just the beginning for this vibrant and spirit filled congregation. Good things lie ahead. Praise God!
Submitted by Sally Powers
Pledge Celebration Brunch
Sunday, October 20 at 11:30am
Connection Cafe
For those things happening at the church in the name of the healing related work of God: Connection Cafe in our fellowship hall on Wednesday, October 23 at 11:30am
Come for food, fellowship, fun and learning with people in the community. Lunch provided. Topics led by Wellwise Area on Aging
Call Ahead To Reserve A Seat: Amanda Marsh @ Wellwise Services 517-592-1974
Trick or Trunk
Saturday, October 26 from 5-6pm
Sign up to be a trunk or bring donations of candy to help this joy-filled community event. Decorations and costumes not necessary, but encouraged!
Fall Harvest Dinner
Sunday, November 17 at 1pm
Holiday Auction: Help Support the Adrian Community Preschool!
WHAT? Holiday Auction for Adrian Community Preschool
WHEN? Monday, November 18th
WHAT TO EXPECT? Silent Auction, Bake Sale, and Limited Live Auction
WHAT IS NEEDED? Handmade items, Quality Antiques, Event Tickets, Themed Baskets, Seasonal Baked Goods, Men’s Items, New Seasonal Items. Things that cannot be accepted are used items, garage sale items and clothing.
WHAT MORE IS NEEDED? Volunteers to help set up and monitor the event
MORE DETAILS: Items are due to the church by Thursday, November 14th, Baked Goods due by noon on November 18th.
Questions? Christine MacNaughton: 517-366-8756 or Char Wilkens: 517-507-3327
Quiche Sale!
The annual Adrian First Quiche Sale to support the outreach of our Food Ministries is here!! House-made Ham & Cheese, Spinach & Mushroom, and Grilled Chicken & Broccoli quiche are available for $20 each. Order forms are available on the website, Narthex, and in the church office. Orders are due by noon on Sunday November 17th. Quiche will be available to pick up at the church near door 13 to Fellowship Hall from 10:40am to noon on the following Sunday, November 24th. The quiche make great holiday breakfast or brunch meals, or great gifts. Proceeds from this sale help fund our Food Ministries – Homebound Hot and Frozen Meal Program and Share the Warmth Meals for the year. What a delicious way to help fund an important ministry of our church.
We are looking for volunteers to help make the quiche and assemble the quiche boxes on Friday Nov. 22nd from 4pm to 8pm, and Saturday Nov. 23rd from 8:00am to 12:30pm
Prayer Gathering
You are invited to join in these upcoming opportunities for prayer and study. Where two or more are gathered, the Lord is there!
Prayer Opportunities:
When: Wednesdays after WOW @ 6:30pm
Where: Sanctuary
Why: To pray for the coming election
Prayer Study:
When: Thursdays @ 10-11am
Where: Room 3
Why: Eight week study on the Lord’s Prayer
Sign up to join our Sunday Morning Hospitality Team!
Looking for individuals, groups and teams to sign up for coffee hour now.
Remember, coffee hour is open to any person or group to host such an important fellowship time. The sign-up sheet is always available in the Narthex or the office.
Adult Sunday School
Seeker’s Sunday Morning Study Group
The Seekers Sunday morning study group will be discussing: Jesus’ Alternative Plan: The Sermon on the Mount by Richard Rohr. “When Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God, he was talking about an utterly different way of relating to human society as we know it…In this book, Richard Rohr goes through the teachings of the sermon, explaining the historical and cultural context of each verse and offering guidance for what it means for Christians today. “
Seekers meet in the lounge at 10:45 on Sunday mornings. Below is a link for information about the study. Purchase the book on your own in whatever format you choose.
Please let me know if you will be joining the group. I will add you to the contact list for the reading assignments.
Adult Sunday Bible Study
Join in our ongoing Adult Sunday Bible Study in room 5 on Sunday mornings after church.
This fall, our Bible lessons follow the theme “Claiming Identity.” They unpack and explore the concept of identity by examining the life and experiences of Esther, the factors that shape our identity, and how we find and claim our identity in Christ.
The writer of the student book is Dan Dick.
Information on our Wednesday Dinners:
Seeking cooks to manage one meal a month!
FYI: We have worked hard to keep the cost at $5/meal and find we can no longer faithfully sustain that price. Beginning in September, the dinners will be $7/meal or $25/family. As always, no one is turned away for any reason.
Also, our very best Chef Bryan agreed to cook for us until his busy season begins in November. If you would like to help step into this blessed ministry of creating meals for a community, please contact Rev. Alice.
RSVP (for planning purposes) by calling or emailing the church office or note on your connection card. Feel free to drop by last minute.
The Congregational Care Team
The Congregational Care Team invites the congregation to stop by Room 5 and share some joy. There are all kinds of wonderful cards available along with a church directory and return address labels. Stop by and brighten someone else’s day or brighten your own day by giving to someone else. All you have to do is add the stamp! Thank you to all who have donated cards.
Ongoing Ministries
Please check the on-line calendar (click here) for all information & current updates.
Handicrafters: meets 2nd and 4th Mondays at 6:30 pm
Gardening: in the Memorial Garden Tuesdays (weather permitting) at 9:30 am
Quilters: every Tuesday from 10 am – 2 pm in the Lounge
Men’s Breakfast: first Wednesdays of the month, 7:00 am at Family Kitchen
Prayer Gathering: meets 1st Thursday every month at 10:00 am in Room 3
W.O.W. (Wednesdays of Wonder): 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm weekly
Handbell choir: watch for fall details as they become available
Pub Theology: fourth Tuesday of every month at Aubree’s at 5:30 pm
Opportunities to Give
Little Free Pantry
Drop off in the red box outside of the nursery/preschool rooms or in the office. Take what you need and add as you are able.
St Mary’s Food Pantry
At Meijer checkout, purchase a Meijer Simply Give gift card. This $10 food-only Meijer gift card is donated directly to St Mary’s. The Meijer Simply Give Program is running until the end of December to keep providing fresh produce, eggs, milk, and bread to families in need. In September, St. Mary’s helped 163 families, 456 individuals, 174 of which were children. 27 new families came for food assistance. The need is greater every day and your continued support and donations are really appreciated. They also give toiletries and provide utility assistance with shut off notices.
Current needs: Peanut butter and jelly, cereals, fresh produce, and healthy snacks.
Share the Warmth of Lenawee
Donations of goods as well as volunteers are needed. Top needs are disinfectant, toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, printer paper, eggs, whole milk, breakfast bars, coffee/sugar/creamer, non-perishable food items, cereal, bottled water, frozen meat, Advil/Tylenol, cold/flu meds, blankets/pillows, twin size sheets, and bath towels/washcloths. Please contact Heather if you are able to help with any events at heather@stwlenawee.org or 734-625-0053.
For your Information
Prayer Requests & Updates
Please contact the church office with your prayer requests by phone, email or note on your connection card. Prayer requests will be shared with the congregation through the bulletins and Tidings. If the prayer request is private, please note at the time of request.
We also invite you to share your joys and celebrations. Just email the church office.
Please know that prayer is our foundation and everything we do is surrounded in prayer.
Please note that the next Tidings will be published on October 31. If you have an article to include, please send it to adrianfumc@adrianfumc.org by October 24.
On-Line Church Calendar can be found here.
Please sign up for coffee hour hosts and flower dedications at the Welcome Center or contact the office for open dates.