BRANCHES
A Publication of Muskegon County Cooperating Churches
Convening the Community of Faith
To serve the needs of the people of Muskegon County for over 70 years.
Vol. 32, No. 6
November-December Issue
2013
BRANCHES is published 6 times a year by
Muskegon County Cooperating Churches (MCCC) 1095 Third St., Suite 10, Muskegon, MI 49441-1976
Phone: 231-727-6000
Fax: 231-727-0841 E-mail: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 12:30-3:30pm Friday 11:30-2:30pm
Hours may vary depending on the work load, please call first.
MCCC is a non-profit ecumenical organization serving all faith congregations in Muskegon County
MCCC Board for 2013
MCCC Board Members
Pastor Chris Anderson
Center for Holocaust & Genocide
Studies
Janie Brooks
Mt Zion Church of God in Christ
Minister Charles Carter
Community Wesleyan Church
Judy Clark-Ochs
First Congregational UCC
Cindy Curran - Secretary
Lakeshore Health Network
Rev. Phil Friedrick
Community United Methodist
Church
Deacon Lily Marx
St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church
Marian McDermod
Family Promises
Lynne Riehl - Treasurer
Forest Park Covenant Church
Rev. Diane Stark
Muskegon Unity Church
Rev. Tim VanderHaar
First Congregational UCC
Thomas Wagner - President
Church of the Brethren
Pastor Julie Winklepleck
Immanuel Lutheran Church
Doug Wood – Vice-President
Community United Methodist
Church
FACEBOOK
We have been trying to keep a Facebook page for
Muskegon County Cooperating Churches.
If you are
interested in learning more about what is happening, please
“like” us on your Facebook page. Our website is also being
updated with mobile pantry dates as they become available.
Our website is www.cooperatingchurches.com.
Mark your calendar for the Annual Meeting of Muskegon
County Cooperating Churches scheduled for January 27,
2014. It will be held at Community United Methodist Church,
1614 Ruddiman Drive in North Muskegon. Plans are being
developed and invitations will be forthcoming. This is your
opportunity to support the Muskegon County Cooperating
Churches organization.
As we continue to have many of our local pantries in need of
non-perishable food, it is important that we keep the food
mobile pantries operating. We try to have at least one food
mobile pantry each week, sometimes there are many more,
which provide fresh produce, bakery products, some dairy
products and even frozen meat. Requests have already
been submitted to Feeding America West Michigan for the
2014 calendar year for food mobile pantries. Any organization that would like to sponsor a food
mobile should contact our office for more information.
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"Gleanings" by Tom Wagner
PROMISE, LAUGHTER & SINGING
Charles Dickens opens his beloved holiday tale, A Christmas Carol, by bluntly
stating, “Marley was dead.” Furthermore, the author restates that fact in a variety of ways in his
first four paragraphs, before noting at the beginning of the fifth, “This must be distinctly understood
or nothing wonderful can come from the story I am going to relate.” As a child I found Jacob
Marley’s spectral appearance before Ebenezer Scrooge the most frightening scene of the story.
Though Scrooge expresses greater fear upon meeting, “the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come,” he
seems to approach the potentially tragic encounter with a sense of resignation. For me the grand
build up to Marley’s entrance—from the transfigured door knocker, to the ringing bells, to the
dragging chains—created a greater sense of dread. Also the howls used to puncture Scrooge’s
doubts helped raise the terror factor a few notches. I’ve sometimes thought of the book as
Dickens’ retelling Jesus’ story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). Only in this case, a
rich man (Marley) is personally permitted to go back and warn Scrooge of the consequences
awaiting him if he continues his current life path. Christmas morning finds the now reformed miser
rejoicing that the visits of Marley’s ghost and the other three spirits have given him a second
chance.
This fall I have been co-teaching a Bible survey course to a youth class outside of my own faith
tradition. As we worked through the Abraham and Sarah saga in Genesis 11:27-25:18 I was
reminded how important repetition can be to a story. The reference to Dickens came to mind as I
was explaining the literary function to our students. It’s a way for an author to get our attention
and tell us this is important to understanding where the plot is going. One of the first things we
learn about Abraham and Sarah is that they have no children (11:30), a fact that gets repeated as
a complaint in 14:2-3 and simply is noted in 16:1 before introducing Hagar. All the while, God
promises that Abraham will not only have an heir, but will be the father of a nation. The promises
begin in 12:2 and are repeated in 12:7, 15:4-5, 17:1-7, 15:19 and 18:9-15.
Too often we speak glibly about the grand biblical theme of promise and fulfillment. Abraham and
Sarah put human faces on the experience. Even a typical childbirth involves nine months of both
parental fear and anticipation. Yet from the onset we read that this couple is not only childless,
but also quite elderly. As we follow their adventures we may suspect that as the promises keep
coming, so do the disappointments. At one point Sarah attempts to take matters into her own
hands by giving her servant Hagar to her husband as a surrogate (Ch. 16). Still later, both
spouses understandably respond to the final birth announcements with skeptical laughter (17:16,
18:12-15). Even then the arrival is delayed by two more episodes. Nevertheless, when Isaac is
finally born, skepticism melts into joy filled laughter (21:6).
Reading further in scripture, we see that the distance between promise and fulfillment is not
always limited to the span of a single lifetime. Sometimes it stretches generations and even
centuries. There were very few moments in Israel’s history when the nation enjoyed full political
and cultural autonomy. Prophetic voices warned that disobedience and injustice would lead to
destruction, which it did. Yet, embedded in the judgment was a message of hope, restoration, and
yes, the promise of a child. During a much later era of foreign occupation, word came to a young
woman named Mary that she would give birth to a son who would fulfill the promise (Luke 1:2638). Though she acquiesced to the angelic announcement, there remained a sense that the news
wasn’t fully welcome. That mood changed during Mary’s hastily planned visit with her older
relative Elizabeth who was now six months into a pregnancy (vv. 39-56). It was Elizabeth’s
infectious joy that set the tone of their reunion. While Luke says nothing about laughter at this
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point, he does say that Mary was inspired to sing the praises of a God who was about to set the
world right-side-up (vv. 46-55)—a God who grants us all second chances.
Tom Wagner is a former pastor in the Church of the Brethren (Dunker) and serves MCCC as president and archivist.
Don't forget – A few copies of Tom Wagner's book, "Work and Hope" are still available at the
MCCC Office for a donation of $15 (pick up) or $17 mailed to you. Call us at 231-727-6000 for
more information.
Please remember that the “BRANCHES” is published bi-monthly. If you have an event coming up
in January or February, the information must be in our office by December 20th to be published in
that issue. Those of you receiving this edition by mail may have various colors of paper as we are
trying to use up the sheets we have already purchased before we get regular sized paper and
colors.
The 34th Annual Muskegon CROP Hunger Walk was held in late September and the harvest is
ongoing. Since 1980 Muskegon County has raise over a million dollars in the fight against hunger
in our city and in our world. Last year with the help of wonderful sponsors and hundreds of
walkers, we were able to distribute close to $45,000.00 in the fight against hunger. The steering
committee is asking for your help and consideration in making a donation in this CROP season to
ensure a bountiful harvest’ so we may continue to fight hunger in our city and in our world. Please
join his year’s sponsors: H&S Companies, RCP Marketing, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Sytsema
Funeral Homes, Inc., Nichols, and Lively Designs in support of The CROP Hunger Walk mission
to fight hunger. If you would like to know more information about how you can give to this fight
against hunger, please contact one of the members of the steering committee. They include:
Donna Lachniet [email protected]; Delphine Hogston [email protected]; Sarah RinsemaSybenga [email protected]; Sharon TerHaar [email protected]; Dan
Achterhoff [email protected]; or Diane Wright Stubbs [email protected].
SERVICIOS DE ESPERANZA – SERVICES OF HOPE
This new program provides a variety of services including: alcohol & drug counseling; couples
counseling/marriage counseling; family counseling; group therapy; individual psychotherapy;
parenting classes; and spiritual counseling. They specialize in areas of: ADD/ADHD – behavioral
interventions; bullying; depression; divorce and separation; domestic violence/trauma; eating
disorders; grief and loss issues; immigration/deportation; juvenile offenders; mood and anxiety
disorders; obsessive-compulsive disorder; parent-child conflict; self-esteem; and stress
management. They have non-traditional appointment times, flexible locations and bilingual
services. They accept most private and public insurances, have a sliding fee scale and
scholarships are available. They are located at 1061 Getty Street in Muskegon and can be
reached at 231-343-1360 or [email protected].
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The Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies apologizes for the confusion surrounding their
listing of events for the Holiday Bread Tasting that was sent to “BRANCHES” recipients during the
past couple of week. The correct dates are: NOVEMBER 9 TH – Deer Widows Weekend Craft
Bazaar, First Baptist Church, 1070 Quarterline Rd., Muskegon from 9am-3pm and NOVEMBER
16TH – Saint Luke’s Lutheran Church, 1655 W. Norton Ave., Muskegon (corner of Norton and
Roosevelt Rd.) from 9am-Noon.
This will be an opportunity for you to taste the breads which the center is making for the holiday
season. Holiday Breads is a fund raising event for the programs of the Center for Holocaust and
Genocide Studies. This year they have 16 students in the Journey program – a year-long study
which helps children understand hate and prejudice and what they can do as members of the
community.
Sweet breads-Coffee breads available for tasting include: Swedish Cardamon, Norwegian
Christmas Bread (Julekage), Dresden Stollen, Butter Stollen (no raisins), Mandelbrod (a biscotti
type cookie only softer-comes in a variety of flavors), Bohemian Christmas Bread flavored with
cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, anise, walnuts and raisins.
Table breads available for tasting include: Challah – egg bread or Sabbath Bread, Irv’s
Swedish Rye – a dark, dense loaf flavored with anise and fennel, Swedish Limpa – a rye bread
with the flavor of fennel and orange, Grandma Johnson’s Overnight Swedish Rye – a softer rye
with fennel, anise and caraway, Traditional Sourdough White Bread and Pretzel Bread Buns.
For more information contact the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies,
[email protected].
Medicare and Medicaid Issues with Vickie DeCheney, MMAP Regional Coordinator and Tax
Issues That Affect You with Willie Minor, MBA, E.A. Innovative Business Solutions seminar will be
held on Saturday, November 9th from 10am-12:30pm at the Louis A. McMurray Conference &
Transportation Center, 2624 Sixth Street and Sherman Blvd., Muskegon Heights. For more
information contact Stewards In Action (S.I.A.), Karen Cheathem at 231-728-5490 or
[email protected].
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A new program has been brought to Muskegon. It is the Michigan Legal Help Self-Help Center
of Muskegon County located in the Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice, 990 Terrace Street, 6 th Floor,
Law Library in Muskegon. The hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. It provides onsite
assistance and free access to the Michigan Legal Help website, which offers individuals
information to help them 1) learn about specific areas of law; 2) utilize toolkits to assist in
preparation of self-representation in court; 3) complete legal forms – some of which are completed
automatically after simple questions are answered; 4) become educated about their rights &
responsibilities under law; 5) navigate the court system when they must handle a legal problem
without a lawyer; and 6) find a lawyer or information on other services in the community. This is a
free service and can help you find out information that might save you the expense of a lawyer.
Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church and Harbor Hospice invite you to attend the
West Michigan Cancer Awareness Musical Concert on Saturday, November 2, 2013
at 6pm. A Community Choir will be joined by special guest Jessica Reedy. Jessica
Reedy got her musical start early. Although there have been trials & tribulations
since her high school years, she has now released her debut album, From the
Heart. She has worked with contemporary gospel greats like Mary Mary, BeBe
Winans, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Donald Lawrence, Kieara Sheard, Ricky
Dillard, and others. This event will include praise & worship groups, motivaltional
speaking and much more. All are welcome! The event will be held at Christ Temple
Apostolic Faith Church, 412 E. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon Hts., MI.
A Women’s Conference hosted by Prophetess Adele Gray will be held at River of
Life Assembly of God, 1520 E. Broadway Ave., Norton Shores on Saturday,
November 2nd from 1pm-5pm. This is the second time that Adele has come to the
area, if you missed it then, you will surely want to check it out this time. All women
are welcome to attend.
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We would not exist without your generous support. Contributions have been received during
the last 2 months from the following individuals and congregations:
Individuals: Lawrence & Julie Ayers, Lynn Gordon & Jack Kennedy, Alan & Patricia Groeneveld,
Don Holtrop, Don Mathews, Mary Payne, Mel & Carol Scherpenisse, Tom & Sandy Tuori, James
& Nancy Waters, Cyndy Witzke, Don Wood.
Congregations: First Congregational UCC, First Presbyterian Church, McGraft Memorial
Congregational Church, Muskegon Church of the Brethren, Sacred Heart.
We are especially grateful for the following grants & gifts: Sister Simone Courtade Grant to
furnish additional protein for the food mobiles; a grant from the Greater Muskegon Service League
for monies to add meat to many of our food mobile pantries and a gift from the Thomas &
Geraldine Seyferth Advised Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County to support
the food trucks through the Muskegon Food Depot Project.
November 2
1-5pm
Women’s Conference at River of Life Assembly of God (see pg. 5)
November 2
6pm
West Michigan Cancer Awareness Musical (see pg. 5)
November 9 9am-3pm
Deer Widows Weekend Craft Bazaar & Bread Tasting (see pg. 4)
November 9 10am-12:30pm Medicare & Medicaid Issues & Tax Issues That Affect You
(see pg. 4)
November 16 9am-Noon Bread Tasting at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church (see pg. 4)
November 21
5pm
MCCC Board of Directors’ Meeting at Mt. Zion COGIC
November 28
Thanksgiving Day
December 19
5pm
MCCC Board of Directors’ Meeting at the Muskegon Church
Of the Brethren
December 20
Final Day for Articles for “The Branches”
December 25
Christmas Day