Newsletter March 2021

Spring Greetings Faith,

It is during this time of year that I am reminded of the power of creation. New life will slowly start popping up around us, days will lengthen, and the sun’s rays will turn our winter wonderland from slush to lush. In many accounts this time of year carries with it a promise and a hope that I think we need right now.

But this season (and this month in particular last year) holds with it some heartbreak for this nation and community as well. At the time of this writing we have now surpassed 500,000+ deaths in the US from COVID-19. How to mourn this loss… Throughout all this time I have been praying for your safety; that this community would not contribute to this massive total and have to suffer in this way. We remember and honor the lives lost to this virus, knowing the brokenness and pain held. In part we honor those lost by celebrating the life still in our lungs; that their work, their love, their purpose is now ours to collectively continue.

It was also in the late spring of this past year we watched with great concern as we saw our neighbor’s homes destroyed by a flood born of neglect and carelessness. We have spent our last year in this and many of us are passed tired. But here we stand, God as always has seen us through and walked with those who needed the creator. Like the 91st _{Psalm (3-6) assures us:}

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you

will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and

rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that

destroys at midday.”

Faith has found itself in the middle of this work as we usually do. Now that the immediate response to the flood has passed, our long-term flood relief committee has formed and held bi-monthly meetings since Jan. From these meetings and our work with Carla Long, in her role as Gladwin co. Disaster Case Manager, we have identified some projects for the church to take on. We have organized these into construction and non-construction tasks so as to invite our whole congregation to this work.

These lists are items we feel we can contribute to and have already done so for other homes. If you feel called to help with one or more of these action items please contact the church office so we can coordinate via a centrally posted Job Board at the church. While we know

United Methodist Church

Newsletter

CONSTRUCTION NON-CONSTRUCTION

1.Assisting moving construction supplies

to jobsites (Drywall, Insulation, etc)

1. Porch drop off of Water bottles

2. Assisting in delivery of “Home in a Box”

items to finished homes

2. Ride assistance for basic needs

3. Assisting in assembly of “Home in a Box”

items (think IKEA furniture)

3. Phoning flood survivors to check in

4. Drywall hanging, finishing, painting etc. 4. Being a Volunteer Coordinator

there is a reluctance to take on such work while currently still in a

pandemic, having our “ducks in a row” with willing volunteers for

each task will make this work easier when we begin to feel safer

again.

Lastly I wish to extend my personal thanks to all those who

have assisted in this work. In tithe, time, sweat and organizing we

have stepped up to the plate many times in many unique ways. I’m

so proud and grateful to pastor a congregation like ours, as our

young adults would say, our congregation is legit. : ) Thank you

Faith for your hard and heart work over this past year. As the writer

of James famously pens in the 2

_chapter:

“If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food,

_and

one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat

your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs,

what is the good of that?

17

_{So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.”}

Good Work Church,

An Open Invitation to

Join the Conversation

Jesus calls for us to love our neighbors. To do so calls for us to be willing to learn about our neighbors and understand their story. In November, the UMW invited everyone to join us in reading and discussion So You Want To Talk About Race. The discussion was inspiring. We explored our experiences, our feelings, and opened our eyes to seeing things from a different point of view.

WE INVITE YOU TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION by reading and discussing Rise! From Caged Bird to Poet of the People Maya Angelou written by Bethany Hegedus. This beautiful children’s book appeals to readers of all ages and will take only a small amount of time to read. (think 15 minutes) We will be discussing the book in the youth room on Wednesday, March 17th _{from 7pm to 8pm. It is our hope that}

you can gather with us and join in the journey we started in November to learn about our neighbors. This book and discussion lend itself to including some thoughtful youth.

We have copies of the book if you would like to borrow one. It can also be purchased on Amazon or found at the library. Contact Amy Hovey at 989-289-3286 if you have questions.

“Growing Young” by

Kara Powell. Facilitator Pastor Scott

“If you care about the next Generation this book is. For you” Brad Lomenick, Author

Dates and time to be announced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il1K MMwPDpI&t=2955s Book Discusstion all are welcome

Around the Community

Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt Volunteers needed.

The 4th _{Annual Coleman Community}

Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt is scheduled for Saturday, April 3rd _{in the Coleman Park. We will be starting at}

9:30 ending at 11:30 and will be limited to the first 125 youth.

We need volunteers to help with crafts, games, and handing out eggs at our church. We are doing everything we can to make this a safe activity this year by holding it outside, requiring masking, and avoiding the large groups of people by staggering start times. If you are able to help please let Amy Hovey 989-289-3286. P.S. We need someone to wear the Easter Bunny outfit

OFFERING ENVELOPES

If you would like / need Offering Envelopes to keep at home, please let Sandy Bauman know if you would like monthly or weekly.

(989) 465-1557

Offering can be mailed to: Faith Community Church 209 E. Jefferson

Box 476

Coleman MI 48618 Would you like to be a liturgist???

Back to in person!!! If you would like to be a Liturgist please call 989-465-6181

Thanks in advance! Some surprising Facts About St. Patrick's Day

• The Real St. Patrick Was Born in Britain.

• Leprechauns Are Likely Based on Celtic Fairies. ...

• The Shamrock Was Considered a Sacred Plant. ...

• The Irish Were Once Scorned in America. ...

PRAYER SHAW MINISTRY

Live feed Sunday is at 10:30

Finance Committee meeting

March 9th _{at 6:30 in the Conference Room.}

https://youtu.be/iY61vpoV-Sg

ADVISERY BOARD UPDATES

February 2021

Greetings Faith Church. By the time you read this we will be back to in-person worship after many weeks of gathering virtually. It is such a blessing to be able to be together during this season of Lent.

We will continue to follow safe regulations. Please be sure to wear a mask, social distance and wash your hands frequently. There are hand sanitizers in the narthex. Please feel free to use them as you enter the sanctuary.

During our long and cold winter our Long-Term Flood Relief group has been busy assisting those in need in Gladwin County. Carla Long has been working diligently as the Case Manager for UMCOR and has provided this group with projects and needs of the folks who are still struggling from the massive floods last May. In January, our group has donated 117 hours of volunteer time doing projects such as drywalling and insulation in homes in Gladwin County. More volunteers are welcome to assist with this mission. Some of the potential projects that are non- construction related include water bottle delivery, rides for basic needs, wellness checks, helping people with paperwork to get additional assistance and volunteers to welcome groups from various organizations who are helping those in need. Construction volunteers are needed to move

construction materials from one location to another, assemble furniture, and move construction materials to homes in Gladwin County.

In addition, our church continues to house volunteer groups from out of town who are working in Midland and Gladwin Counties.

Some members of the church will begin a study from the book “Growing Young”. Pastor Scott, Amy Hovey, and Shawn McFee will take the lead on this study. This study will be the catalyst for engaging more young families and growing the church with young people engaged in leadership.

Even though we have not met in person for several weeks we continue to be the hands and feet of Christ in our community. May God Bless you all and we pray you stay safe and healthy.

March 17th ~ Pastor Scott

March 1st ~ Teri Reed March 20th ~ Betty Hanchett

March 3rd ~ Roy Smith March 26th ~ Jeff Dana

March 4th ~ Dave Moore March 29th ~ Kapre Filhart

March 12th ~ Ellen Maynard March 30th ~ Jim Chambers

March 14th ~ Michael Hasenfratz March 31st ~ Phyllis Dickinson

HOUSE IN A BOX

Faith UMC was at it again being the hands and feet of Jesus! A group picked furniture up from the United Way warehouse in Midland on Thursday, a group delivered on Saturday and yet another group help assemble! Where two or more are gathered, my friends.

!

Faith United Methodist Church

What an awesome experience. God set the tone and put all the necessary people in

place to make this the most blessed day. For those that got to help you will know just

how wonderfully made God's perfect will is.. We had fun, we were a blessing, and

we were blessed. God was definitely in this “House in a box project” Thank you all!

Expense Report

Administrative 16,369.66 Ministries 0 Evangelism 0 Total General Expenses 16,369.66 Our Community

(Food pantry/Christmas) 417.00 Memorial

Moved to General fund 1,500.00. Building Enhancement (sign) 1,435.00

Our Love and Prayers are offered for:

Linda Morgan, Rev. Caroline Hart, Annie Covert Barager, Chris Penny, Barb Boyce, Dr. Chris Hena, Roxy Brandon, Terry Yancer, Hazel Kerr, Jim Jones, Richard Babcock, Barbara Thomson, JoEllen Gold (scoliosis) Ellen Maynard’s Son Rob, UMC Church Leadership, Leadership of our state and nation, Brian Herkel, Lisa Wilson, Nancy Lewis , Aunt Vinny (Lila Walter), Ron Fruchey, Joann Herkel, Norma Brownlee, Mary

Lewis, DonnaBelle Onweller, Dennis (Denise Long’s Dad), Denise Kilonsky (Nephew seizures), Nola Kennedy (Biopsy), Connie Arthur , Lila Walter (Aunt Karen Letts), Linda Stalely (Friend w/ Melanoma), Linda Stalely (Friend Cloe), , Kaye White, Terry Klouse Family, Leon Robinson tests, Jessica Zietz cancer, Devin (early Labor), Barb Barager (fall), Amy Barager, Rev Gerald Laing, Judy Relligner Havens, Rogers Mother (sickness), Sysek Family, Dick and Donna Clark (Dick home on Hospice), Ken Miner ( heart), Keith Hubble, Nola Kennedy, Lolita Colberg's (Sick), Rev. Michael Sawicki’s Family, Nola, Young man in our community with Covid- 19, Denise Kilonsky Father in Law, Linda Grant, Cheryl and Carl Mancier's daughter Kristy, Joey Bovee, Brandon Family, Ken Miner, Nick Genoff, Mary Geeck, Kathy, Ali

Prayer requests: 989-313-6576 989-465-6180

FINANCIALS

Served 0 Operating Expenses $ 6,546.00

Beginning Balance $ 21,331.79 Sunday School Donation $ 30.00 Fish Dinner Income $ - Bank Interest $ 0.75

Total $ 21,331.79 AA Rent $ 25.00

To General Fund $ - Copy Machine fee $ 21.50 Expenses $

-Dinner Canceled because of the Crona virus & stay at home order

Balance $ 21,331.79 INCOME FOR GENERAL FUND $ 6,623.25

Endow ment Fund (can not be spent) $ 68,517.60

Spendable interest * $ 8,226.35 TOTAL TO DESIGNATED FUNDS * $

-2020 interest $ 1,837.24 Missions

Endowment Fund Balance ** $ 78,581.19 Scholorship $ 200.00 New Sign Fund $ 2,043.86 Food Pantry $ 10.00 Sound system f und $ 10,660.83 Umcor $ 80.00 Scholarship Fund $ 5,698.41 Vim Support $ 40.00 Church Generator $ 22,714.72 Campers $ 80.00 Building Enhancement f und $ 34,978.70 Mission of the month $ 125.00 Emergency Fund $ 55.00 Total in Other Funds fund $ 76,096.52 TOTAL MISSIONS * $ 590.00

Contingency Fund $ 31,768.51 MYF Fund * $ 200.00

220 interest $ 760.54 Endow m ent Fund * $

-Total in Contingency Fund $ 32,529.05 Mem orial Fund Donation * Total in UM Foundation $ 187,206.76 Building Enhancem ent fund

Contingency Fund is money set aside incase an emergency comes up.From Envelopes $ 245.00 The goal is to have enough put aw ay to cover one month of expenses.Generator $ 65.00

General Fund $ 23,954.11 Build Enhancem ent fund Total* $ 310.00 Liabilities $ 5,026.65 Total Revenue ** $ 7,723.25 Less Designated Funds $ 13,985.45

Balance in General fund $ 4,942.01 Total Revenue $ 7,723.25 SUM OF THE Eight* EQUAL **

Federal Withholding $ 2,080.46 State Taxes Payable $ 2,512.26 Social Security w ithheld $ 396.99 Medicare With held $ 33.72 Health & Vision $ (8.03) Retirement Withheld $ 11.25

Total Liab. in Gen Fund $ 5,026.65

U.M. Foundation Investm ents as of 12-31-2020

General Fund Balance

Fund 01 Liability Balances

January 2021 FINANCIAL SECRETARIES REPORT

VBS Exp fund 992.21 VIM 2 $ 2,953.07 1,466.86

$ Mission Candle $ 240.00 02 fund 853.17 $ January Mission $ 125.00 $ 3,318.07 379.36 $ Coffee Table 7 $ 236.64 2,137.58 $ Our Community $ 2,301.03 1,787.34 $ Emergency Fund $ 944.61 6,368.93 $ Camping $ 286.65 13,985.45 $ Music Concerts $ 756.29 Food Pantry $ 10.00 For Needy Family $ 425.00 1,466.86

$ In church books Flood Relief $ 3,220.00 5,698.41

$ at Methodist foundation Internal Train/study fund $ 413.41 7,165.27

$ Total in Scholorship fund Love offering- Pastor $ 20.00 07 fund Love Offering - car $ 1,000.00 $ 9,613.63

12,931.70 $ Designated $ 4,460.00 Undesignated $ 905.00 family deciding $ 1,390.00 Total $ 6,755.00 Designated Kitchen $ 3,460.00 MYF $ 1,000.00 Total $ 4,460.00 Totals 8,091.43

$ Building Enh fund $ 40,978.70 $ 49,070.13 142.95 $ New sign $ 2,043.86 $ 2,186.81 842.00 $ generator $ 22,714.72 $ 23,556.72 2,635.11 $ Sound/video/lights $ 10,660.83 $ 13,295.94 11,711.49 $ Total 06 fund $ 76,398.11 $ 88,109.60 236.64

$ Kitchen table fund $ 1,000.00 $ 1,236.64 -$ Temp Holding $ 64,000.00 $ 64,000.00 2,301.03 $ Community Fund $ 11,500.00 $ 13,801.03 286.65 $ Camping Fund $ 5,000.00 $ 5,286.65 413.41 $ Internal Training/books $ 2,500.00 $ 2,913.41 1,466.86 $ Scholarship fund $ 5,698.41 $ 7,165.27 4,704.59

$ Other funds in foundation $ 89,698.41 $ 94,403.00 Community Fund

Camping Fund Internal /study books Scholarship fund

Total Other Funds Scholorship Fund

Memorial Fund Total Missions

Temp Holding

06 Building Enhancement Fund Invested in the Methodist Foundatio Undesignated B. E. Fund

New Sign

generator for church Sound system

Total in Church books

Other funds with some in the foundation Kitchen table fund

Church books Scholorahip Fund Music

Decorations Pre & Jr. Youth Pastorial Needs Temp holding

Total

January 2021 Designated funds Balances