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News & Events in Our Conference

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Student Day offers music for the spirit

Melissa Crawford has always wanted to work at something she loved. When she was in the eighth grade, she discovered what that was: playing the organ. Now the 19-year-old is an organ performance major at Furman University, Greenville, S.C. When she graduates, she will find herself where she feels called to be—in the local church.

“When you connect the words of hymns with the melody, the melody puts a lot of emotion and feeling behind the words,” the young organist said. “It sets the mood for the congregation and, quite often, it brings people closer to God.”

At Furman, Melissa is busy with classes in musical analysis and aural skills, but it is the organ lessons she looks forward to the most. “I feel drawn to music in every way,” she said. “Since it comes so easy to me, I think it’s what God wants me to do.”

Melissa says her Gift of Hope scholarship is one big reason she can offer others the gift of music. Donations by churchgoers on United Methodist Student Day make possible scholarships and loans to Melissa and other deserving students. “I definitely needed the scholarship because money was very tight,” Melissa explained. “I was so thrilled when I received it because it meant I could stop worrying about finances and concentrate on my music and my studies. I’m honored to receive it, and I’m honored to share my talents with the church.”

United Methodist Student Day is celebrated on Nov. 29 but it can be observed anytime. Open the doors to learning. Click here for more information.

Jan. 10 deadline to apply for Human Relations Day grant

Jan. 10 is the deadline to apply for a Human Relations Day Grant from the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS). The grants are to support ministries that respond to non-violent young offenders through education, advocacy or leadership training and development.

Grant funds are raised through The United Methodist Church’s Human Relations Day Special Sunday each year. Special Sundays are an opportunity for United Methodist churches to celebrate the denomination’s connectional work. This day of social action and raising awareness supports the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program.

Human Relations Day happens the Sunday immediately following the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday: Jan. 17 next year. The United Methodist Book of Discipline describes Human Relations Day as a call to "the Church to recognize the right of all God's children in realizing their potential as human beings in relationship with each other."

To qualify for a Human Relations Day grant, the applicant must be either:

? a United Methodist local church, district, annual conference or other affiliated group/organization; or

? an ecumenical group/organization working with and through at least one United Methodist agency or organization, whose program affects at least one United Methodist local church.

For complete criteria on funding consideration and to apply, grant applications are available at Human Relations Day Grant, or by contacting Marvlyn Scott, in the office of Education and Leadership Formation, (202) 488-5643. For more information, contact the Rev. Neal Christie , assistant general secretary, Education and Leadership Formation, General Board of Church & Society, (202) 488-5611.

Jan. 10 deadline to apply for Ethnic Local Church grant

Jan. 10 is the deadline to apply for an Ethnic Local Church Grant from the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS). The grants program is to strengthen ethnic minority local churches through education, advocacy or leadership training and development as they engage in social justice.

To qualify for grant consideration, applicants must be either:

? a United Methodist local church, district, annual conference, racial/ethnic caucus, or other affiliated ethnic group/organization; or

? an ecumenical group/organization working with and through at least one United Methodist agency or organization, whose program impacts at least one United Methodist ethnic local church.

Priority consideration shall be given to programs that are part of a Comprehensive Plan of an Annual Conference.

For complete criteria on funding consideration and to apply, grant applications may be downloaded at Ethnic Local Church Grants, or by contacting Marvlyn Scott, in the office of Education and Leadership Formation, (202) 488-5643. For more information, contact the Rev. Neal Christie , assistant general secretary, Education and Leadership Formation, General Board of Church & Society, (202) 488-5611.

H1N1 (Swine Flu) and Seasonal Flu Best Practices for Congregations

Brought to you by the National Council of Churches

Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health…3 John 1:2a NRSV

Pastors and congregational leaders can play an important role as we move more fully into flu season. Health officials advise extra precautions with the prospect of both seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu virus (swine flu) upon us. <<Read more>>

Michigan Area Resource Center (MARC) Revised Hours of Operation

The MARC office will be open only on Mondays and Tuesdays during the weeks of Nov. 16, Nov. 23, Nov. 30, and Dec. 7. Contact Rachel Rusticus, MARC assistant, with your needs!

2010 Special Sundays

Set your 2010 calendars! Churchwide Sundays appear in black and West Michigan Conference observed Special Sundays in red. Resources for Churchwide Special Sundays are available at www.umcgiving.com. Watch the Weekly News and the West MI Conference website homepage for additional information on Churchwide and WMC Special Sundays.

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Human Relations Day Sunday – January 17, 2010

Racial Ethnic Local Church (RELC) – February 2, 2010
One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday – March 14, 2010
Native American Ministries Sunday – April 18, 2010
Golden Cross Sunday – May 2, 2010

Peace With Justice Sunday – May 30, 2010

UM Volunteer in Mission Awareness Sunday – June 6, 2010

Rural Life Sunday – August 29, 2010

Christian Education Sunday – September 12, 2010

World Communion Sunday – October 3, 2010

Disability Awareness Sunday – October 17, 2010

United Methodist Student Day Sunday – November 28, 2010
Camp Sunday – Date determined by the local church

Sexual Ethics Website

An updated sexual ethics website for The United Methodist Church will offer resources for those accused of sexual misconduct in addition to information for victims and church leaders. Visit the new site at www.umsexualethics.org. The accused and those who may be confused about what constitutes inappropriate behavior are "a new intended audience" for the site, explained the Rev. Darryl Stephens, an executive with the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women. The Web site is a ministry of the United Methodist Inter-agency Sexual Ethics Task Force, which is convened by the commission.

Worship Music Director Sought for 2012 General Conference

The Commission on the General Conference is seeking a worship and music director for The United Methodist Church’s 2012 General Conference. The deadline for applying is Feb. 1, 2010.

The top legislative body for the 11.5 million-member denomination will meet April 24 – May 4, 2012 in Tampa, Fla. The worship and music director is responsible for the overall worship and music program management at General Conference and oversees liturgy and music throughout the assembly, including inviting choirs and worship groups from across the church to participate.

Applications should include a brief resume and a short audition video highlighting music leadership abilities in a variety of settings. The position description provides technical requirements for the audition video. Application materials should be sent by February 1, 2010 to Rev. Alan J. Morrison, Business Manager of General Conference, P.O. Box 340029, Nashville, TN, 37203-0029. www.umcevents.org

The General Conference, which meets every four years, is a two-week assembly of 1,000 delegates from around the world who gather to set church policies and make pronouncements on social and moral issues of the day. General Conference is the only organization that speaks for The United Methodist Church.

2009 West MI Conference Journal in the mail…almost

The Journal is printed and in the binding process. CD's are ordered. Spectrum Graphics, our printing and mailing service provider, expects both the bound and printed journal and the CD’s to be returned to Spectrum by Monday, November 9. Orders will be mailed the same week. Those who have moved to their winter address will have the journal sent to that warmer clime!

teachUM in Nicaragua

The Ohio River Valley UMC District is sponsoring a teachUM team to Nicaragua out of Mason UMC, Mason, Ohio, June 14-23, 2010, led by Bob and Regina Elgin.

The team will work with the children programs and preschools for the Nicaraguan Methodist Church, IGLEMEN and help build or do maintenance on a church building designated by the IGLEMEN Board. The team brochure and information page will be posted on the teachUM webpage (www.umvimncj.org click on the teachUM menu) no later than November 9, 2009.

Terrebonne Area Restoration Project (TARP)

a hurricane relief ministry

Last year, Louisiana Conference youth ministry partnered with UMCOR and Louisiana Conference Disaster Response to create Terrebonne Area Restoration Project, a hurricane recovery ministry. TARP provides an opportunity for youth ages 14 and older to rebuild hurricane-damaged homes in South Louisiana. This summer they hope to bring in 350 youth from around the country to take part in the restoration! There is still a great need for restoration. Please help in spread the word about this opportunity! Click here for flyer or contact Laurie Byland, Terrebonne Area Restoration Project, www.thebluetarp.com, 225-383-4777 x 235.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Interview Week for Elder Candidates
11/16/2009
Interview Week for the Elder Candidates will take place November 16-19^th, with Board Members arriving on November 15^th to prepare. The event will take place at the St. Francis Retreat Center (# 866-669-8321), 703 E. Main St, Dewitt, MI 48820.

Christmas through Lowell
11/21/2009

The United Methodist Women of the Lowell First UMC will host a Bazaar and Luncheon on Saturday, November 21, from 9 am to 3 pm - luncheon from 11 am to 1 pm. The old church building at 621 East Main Street (look for the steeple) in Lowell will be overflowing with food and craft items. This event is held in conjunction with "Christmas Through Lowell" where local businesses have event specials, and homes with gift and craft items for sale are opened to visitors. Information and a map will be in the Grand Rapids Press and posted at www.christmasthroughlowell.org.

Special Olympics 20th ANNIVERSARY OF FESTIVAL OF TREES
11/21/2009

Endorsed by the WMC Disability Concerns Committee

WHEN: November 21, 2009 – Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres begin at 6p.m. Live auction to begin at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Breton Village Mall - 1830 Breton Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI. 49506.

FEATURING: JULIET DRAGOS – WZZM CHANNEL 13 - EMCEE

TONY GATES – WLAV RADIO – AUCTIONEER

DETAIL: This annual benefit for Special Olympics Michigan Area 11 will include:

· Live auction of exquisitely decorated trees, wreaths and centerpieces

· Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar

· Silent auction

· Entertainment: Barb Bean, on piano and Dan Giacobassi, on flute

Tickets: $75.00 each. Black tie optional.

Click here for flyer.

Big Band Holiday Concert
12/1/2009

Clark Retirement Community's Samara Woods staff invites all UMC members to a special reception and traditional big band holiday concert on Tuesday, December 1, at DeVos Center for Arts and Worship, Grand Rapids Christian High School. The reception begins at 6:00 p.m.; the concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are limited, and may be reserved by calling the Samara Woods Welcome Center at 616-940-1713 by November 20.

Kalamazoo District Clergy Family Christmas Party
This is event is hosted by the:
Kalamazoo district
12/4/2009
KALAMAZOO DISTRICT CLERGY FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY Parchment UMC - 225 Glendale Boulevard, Parchment 49004 Friday, December 4, 2009 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Hospitality: the unopened gift
1/5/2010

Hospitality: the unopened gift is the theme of this year's January Event: Jan 5-7.... The North Central Jurisdiction of Urban Network and Town and Country invites you to join us as we explore ways of recognizing and receiving the gifts of all. The Rev Vance Ross, Deputy General Secretary of the General Board of Discipleship of the UMC will be the keynote speaker. Bishop Gregory Palmer will be the event's preacher. Together we will explore the best practices for/of Urban and Town and Country Ministries. Please see registration sheet.

Rethink Church Workshop (Part III)
1/16/2010
Next trainings to follow will be on November 14, 2009 & January 16, 2010. RETHINK CHURCH RETHINK CHURCH

What if you could be the means to reinvigorate your church?
What if you were empowered to open the doors to new faces for your ministry?
What if you led the way we RETHINK Church in your community?

West Michigan Conference invites you to RETHINK Church by registering for three dynamic training sessions; Saturday, October 17; Saturday, November 14 and Saturday, January 16 at Battle Creek First United Methodist Church. This program is open to the public. We strongly encourage you to bring others from your church to attend with you.

We’ll begin a chapter in the story of your church! Saturday, January 16, 2010

Welcome Saturday, October 17, 2009
In the ‘Welcome’ session...we’ll put ourselves in the place of a newcomer and introduce the idea of building a welcoming lifestyle in our churches –‘Outside in,’ ‘Inside out,’ and ‘Upside down.’
All training will be held at Battle Creek First United Methodist Church,111 E Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49014-4081 (269) 963-5567 Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. EST. Programs run 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST
To register, call toll free 888 217-1905 or email: reception@wmcumc.org.
Connect Saturday, November 14, 2009
In the ‘Connect’ track…we’ll consider how to help people ‘Connect’ with others and the church in ways that honor their interests, their spiritual journey, and their desire for connection with something – and someone – beyond themselves.

In the ‘Identify’ track...we’ll work our way through a three-step process to discover, design, and do ministry plans to ‘Identify’ our churches and build an effective ministry presence in our communities. These events are open to the public. Each training segment is designed to stand alone, but are most effective when combined together. We strongly encourage you to bring others from your church to attend, even if the groups are different for each segment of the training program.

YOU ARE INVITED!
Led by nationally certified RETHINK CHURCH trainers Naomi Garcia and Deanna Weaver, these three day-long programs bring Scriptures, ideas, and new ministry tools for your church to learn how to Welcome, Connect and Identify with new opportunities for growth in your community. Program cost is $20 per person/per segment or pay $35 and receive all three segments (a savings of $25!) Fee includes training materials and lunch. To register, call toll free 888 217-1905 or email: reception@wmcumc.org. West Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church Call toll free 888 217-1905 Contact Naomi Garcia naomi@wmcumc.org For the church to be relevant to future generations, young adults must find us doing more than dutifully sitting in our pews for worship. They must find us inspired and energized to go into our communities, neighborhoods, highways and byways as our uniquely powerful Wesleyan way of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. This year the United Methodist Church national advertising campaign will challenge 18-to-35-year-olds and other spiritual seekers in your community to "Rethink Church." This group will encounter 800-million internet and media messages! When they come looking, will they find your church active in your local community, doing tangible things to better the human condition as the United Methodist means of spreading the gospel? Will they see your church, not as a place to come to and be within but rather, as a base of operation to move out into your community and spread faith? Will they see proof of the United Methodist claim that we are a denomination "unbound, outbound and active"? RETHINK Church Training is the first step to being prepared to welcome new participants in your ministry.

Children's Ministry Forum ’10 – “Fill My Cup, Lord”
2/23/2010

Edenton St UMC, Raleigh, NC. February 23-25

Prepare for a life-changing experience in Raleigh, NC at the 2010 Children’s Ministry Forum. The image of pottery will shape us as we empty ourselves to be filled by God’s love and grace, give ourselvs to God despite our cracks and chips, and pour out God’s love to others.

Regular Registration: $275. Late Registration (after 1-31-2010): $335. Registration will soon be available on the web site. www.gbod.org/cmf. Click here for flyer.

BISHOP’S DAY 2010: Creating New Places For New Faces
3/13/2010

Save the date of Saturday, March 13, 2010 for Bishop’s Day for Evangelism. This is the 3rd Bishop’s Day in the past 4 years and will be the first major event held at the new Cornerstone UMC in aledonia. This Bishop’s Day will be a little different in that the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo Districts will hold the event together. It will also focus solely on evangelism.

Bishop’s Day is for clergy and laity alike, and there will be a youth component as well. You won’t want to miss our featured speaker, Scott Rigsby, who is a world class athlete with a testimony to share. On October 13, 2007, after enduring the elements for 16 hours and 43 minutes, Scott Rigsby became the first double-amputee in the world to finish an Ironman distance triathlon with prosthetics at the 140.6-mile World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Rigsby's unique story of success, failure and faith, all started with a decision and the desire to never quit, no matter what, no matter how long. Check out Scott’s story at: http://www.scottrigsby.com/scottrigsbystory.html.

Plan now to bring a large group from your church! Bishop’s Day for Evangelism, Saturday, March 13, 2010, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Cornerstone UMC.

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE
Make an offer on Ovenware
CONTACT:
Amber Fire King ovenware dishes--50 place setting of dinner & luncheon plates & cups, plus serving bowls & platters, cream & sugar. Make us an offer. Contact Linda at Hastings Hope UMC, 269-945-4995, Tues-Thurs 9:30am-3:30pm or leave a message.

FOR SALE
Organ available
CONTACT:
---Standard Church Organ ---Rodgers Organ ---Scarborough 110 ---2 Upper Keyboards and Full Pedal Keyboard ---Pre-sets ---Transposition ---Light Oak Cabinet $500 donation or negotiable. For more information, please contact Mary Burton, Church Secretary Farwell United Methodist Church, farwellumc@triton.net.

FOR SALE
Choir robes for sale
CONTACT:
Trinity United Methodist Church of Lansing has choir robes for sale. The 60 robes are cream colored with a dark blue yoke with dark blue panels hanging from the yoke and the Methodist cross and flame on one of the panels. The sleeves are trimmed in blue too. The length ranges from 46" to 61". The robes are priced at $40 a robe. Please call (517) 367-0476 or email Smithc2303@aol.com.

FREE ITEMS
Metal Office Desk Free
CONTACT:
The West MI Conference office has available a FREE metal office desk. If interested, please contact the Receptionist at reception@wmcumc.org or 1-888-217-1905.

FREE ITEMS
Free choir robes and communion set
CONTACT:
Union City UMC has 11 choir robes in used but good condition. Robes are blue in color and range from 45" to 53" in length. They also come with a set of reversible stoles in liturgical colors. These are free to any church or choir that can use them. They also have a grey earthenware intinction communion set which includes 2 cups, 2 candle holders, 1 flask/pitcher, 1 oval and 1 round plate. These are also free to any church that can use them. For more information contact the church office at 517-741-9041 or email UnionCityUMC@verizon.net.

FREE ITEMS
Hymnals and Toner Cartridge available
CONTACT:
Eagle United Methodist Church has 80 of the Red United Methodist Hymnals (1966) that we would like to donate. We also have toner cartridge XD100AL100 suitable for use in several Xerox or Sharp models. Please contact Ann at 517-490-1599 if interested.

FREE ITEMS
Warewash anybody?
CONTACT:
GFS Gordon Food Service donated several 5 gallon pails of Mechanical Warewash for automatic, commercial dishwashers. Stock # 280585......cost $94.00 a pail. If your church can use one of these pails, please contact Northlawn UMC and arrange to pick one up. We would be glad to share with you our blessing. Call 361-8503 or email Chuck VanLente at pastor@northlawnumc.org.

FREE ITEMS
UFOS-Useable Formerly Owned Supplies
CONTACT:
Coordinated by Pat O’Neill, RD, CDE If you are a medical provider, church or organization that is leaving on a mission trip soon and could take needed supplies, or, *you know of an uninsured person locally that needs these items, please e-mail me at puttputtpat@comcast.net or call me at (616)866-5131 or (616)776-2416. (* may need a prescription/signed letter from a doctor before a person can receive certain items) I have an extensive inventory list of supplies. I also have many medicines includinginsulins and supplements (i.e. calcium tablets, iron) - some are expired. If there are certain items you need, please contact me and I can email you the inventory list. I do NOT have any pain meds, antibiotics or blood thinners.

FREE ITEMS
FREE Wurlitzer Organ
CONTACT:
Lowrey Rhapsody organ free to a good church home. Offered by a Portage resident. Call Portage First UMC (269) 327-6761 if interested.

FREE ITEMS
Adult Choir Robes - Free
CONTACT:
27 Murphy choir robes, green with white trim, including matching two sided stoles and two director robes. Robes are washable, some minor mending needed on a few robes, but most in good condition. Please contact First UMC Lansing at (517) 321-5187. Robes can be picked up at the church.

HELP WANTED
Organist and Choir Accompanist/Pianist
CONTACT:
Hastings First UMC has opportunities available to join our Worship team. The following positions are open either individually or in combination. •Organist – to play our Reuters pipe organ for 11 AM Sunday service and special services. Optional - weddings, funerals, etc. •Choir Accompanist/Pianist – to accompany the Chancel Choir on our Schimmel grand piano for weekly 11 AM Sunday service and special music programs. This includes a Wednesday evening rehearsal. If you are qualified and have an interest in being part of our Worship Team, please provide a cover letter and experience and education history to the attention of Kathy Brown at Hastings First United Methodist Church, 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058 or email Kathy at kathyebrown935@gmail.com.

HELP WANTED
Grand Rapids Trinity UMC has two music positions available
CONTACT:
NOTE: there could be more than one person filling this job description. Part of what this job looks like depends on the skill set of the person chosen. Director of Children/Youth Vocal Music Choirs Partial listing of position requirements: -Rehearse the Carol Choir (children age 5 – grade 2), Wesley Singers (children grades 3-6) and Celebrations Singers (youth grades 7 – 12) weekly September – May. -Choose appropriate choral music repertoire for each ensemble in alignment with both the pastors, scripture and hymn selections and the liturgical year. -Rehearse with the choirs on the Sundays they sing. -Direct each choir during rehearsal and in morning worship (choirs sing at least once a month). Interim Organist Partial listing of position requirements: -Prepare weekly service music including: 3 – 4 Hymns, Prelude, Offertory, Postlude -Prepare other needed service music (such as extra music for communion Sundays) -Accompany the Chancel Choir during morning worship from September – May -Accompany “Special Music” musicians during morning worship from June – August -Play for funerals (without pay for church members) -Play for weddings that request an organist (with pay per service) -Play for additional services scheduled by the pastors (such as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, with additional pay). For a full listing of position requirements or to apply, interested persons should contact Trinity UMC at office@grtumc.org or 616-456-7168.

HELP WANTED
Nursery Supervisor
CONTACT:
Faith UMC (2600 7th St NW, Grand Rapids) is looking for a new NURSERY SUPERVISOR, for approximately 3 hours each Sunday. Requirements include experience with children, a current negative TB test, certification in child/infant CPR and First Aid, references and a background check. If you have questions or wish to apply, contact Linda Pearson at the church office, 453-0693, or by email at grfaithumc@att.net.

HELP WANTED
Holt UMC Openings: Chancel Choir Accompanist & Bell Choir Director
CONTACT:
Chancel Choir Accompanist Piano Accompanist to Chancel Choir at weekly Thursday night rehearsals, and Sunday 11:00 a.m. traditional worship service (September – May). Upon request, accompany special music and, in consultation with Organist, select and perform appropriate music for congregation worship and special events. Accompany larger choral work (seasonally based, additional rehearsals possible). The Tokai piano, purchased in 2002, is a Baby Grand with the same soundboard used in Steinway pianos. 4 hours per week. Compensation $3,000-4,000 annually. Prior church experience desired. Bell Choir Director Direct Bell Choir at weekly Thursday night rehearsal and monthly performances at traditional worship service (September – May). In collaboration with Pastor and Chancel Choir Director arrange for special music for both 8:30 a.m. Chapel and 11:00 a.m. traditional service. Compensation $3,000 annually. Prior church experience desired. Please send or fax a current resume to Holt United Methodist Church: Holt United Methodist Church 2321 North Aurelius Road Post Office Box 168 Holt, Michigan 48842-0168 Congregation Size: Contact: Rev. Dr. Glenn Wagner (Pastor) pastorglenn@acd.net Mrs. Eileen Hamilton (Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee) hamiltonef@hotmail.com Day Phone: 517/694-8168 Fax: 517/694-2319 Church E-mail: holtumc@acd.net Web Site: www.holtumc.org

ITEMS WANTED
Bring your kitchen chairs to campus
CONTACT:
Looking for a practical way to help your conference campus ministries? The Wesley Foundation at Ferris State University is looking for a gently used armoire and kitchen table chairs. If you can help us create a warm, inviting space, please contact Rev. Vaughn W. Thurston-Cox at ferris.wesley.house@gmail.com. Pick-up may be possible. (Visit our blog: www.ferriswesleyhouse.blogspot.com)

ITEMS WANTED
Old-fashioned Attendance Board
CONTACT:
Does your church have an old fashioned church sanctuary attendance board they would be willing to give to St. Paul’s UMC Church in Grand Rapids? Contact Tom Drake, 616-456-4204.

ITEMS WANTED
White Pastor Robes for Africa
CONTACT:
Zambia requests white pastor robes. The conference rules in Zambia say the pastors must wear white robes in any official capacity except for funerals. Consequently, there have been several requests for white pastor robes. If you could forward any used white robes to the United Methodist Church of Ludington addressed to Dave Hamman, Mission's Chairman, 5810 Bryant Road, Ludington, MI 49431, we will see that it gets to the proper destination in Zambia.

POSITIONS WANTED
Director of Spiritual Life
CONTACT:
Chelsea Retirement Community, a leader in senior living options for over 100 years is seeking a Director of Spiritual Life. Position is responsible for meeting the spiritual needs of the residents throughout all levels of care, collectively and individually acting as both Pastor and Chaplain in this ecumenical faith-based setting whose heritage is richly steeped in the Methodist tradition. Qualified candidates must have a Master of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary, be ordained and in good standing with one’s ecclesiastical body. Four units of Clinical Pastoral Education and certification with the Association of Professional Chaplains is preferred. A minimum of three years of pastoral experience with significant time spent in working with the elderly is recommended. Apply on site at: 805 W. Middle St, Chelsea, Michigan or fax resume to 734-475-2055 or email hr@umrc.com. EEO.

POSITIONS WANTED
Pianist / organist
CONTACT:
The U.M.C. of Manton is looking for a pianist/organist with the possibility of also directing the vocal choir. Candidate must be available Wed. evenings for rehearsal with vocal choir and Sunday worship. Pay negotiable. Call 231-824-3593.

POSITIONS WANTED
Worship Leader
CONTACT:
Worship Leader for “Oasis,” a three year old emergent style worship community at Mt. Hope United Methodist Church. Duties include but are not limited to: Leadership of the worship band, preparing, teaching and playing music for worship; Working with the pastor to develop weekly worship experiences including esthetics for worship setting, practical activities for congregation, and development of message themes. This is a part time position. Resumes can be sent to William Haggard 501 E. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing, MI 48910 or e-mailed to billh5955@comcast.net (subject line “Worship Leader”).

POSITIONS WANTED
Warehouse Supervisor
CONTACT:
POSITION OPEN for a full-time Warehouse Supervisor. Includes working with volunteers, ordering supplies, receiving and shipping duties and making deliveries. Salary includes housing on site as caretaker. Please submit resume and a cover letter to: Warehouse Supervisor Position, Midwest Mission Distribution Center, PO Box 56, Chatham, IL 62629.

POSITIONS WANTED
Director of Children/Youth Vocal Music Choirs
CONTACT:
Grand Rapids Trinity UMC position requires person to: * Rehearse the Carol Choir (children age 5 – grade 2), rehearse the Wesley Singers (children grades 3-6), and rehearse the Celebrations Singers (youth grades 7 – 12) weekly September – May. * Choose appropriate choral music repertoire for each ensemble in alignment with the pastors, scripture, hymn selections and the liturgical year. * Rehearse with the choirs on the Sundays they sing. * Accompany and Direct each choir during rehearsal and in morning worship (choirs sing at least once a month). * Rehearse and direct the annual Mother’s Day Musical * Attend meetings as scheduled by pastors to outline scheduling for the year. Interested persons should contact Trinity UMC at office@grtumc.org or 616-456-7168.

POSITIONS WANTED
Communications Internship Offered
CONTACT:
The West Michigan Conference Office is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2009/Spring 2010 Communication Internship Program. Interns will assist the Director of Communications and the Conference Staff to coordinate and improve communication ministries of The United Methodist Church in the West Michigan Conference and gain valuable hands-on experience in marketing, advertising, public relations and communications. Applicants are required to have Junior or Senior status at an accredited college or university and the ability to receive college credit for their internship. This is an unpaid internship. Interns need the ability to volunteer 20 hours per week at the Conference Office in Grand Rapids, have daily access to reliable transportation, email and the Web. Email a cover letter and resume to Mark Doyal, Director of Communications at MarkD@wmcumc.org.

POSITIONS WANTED
Choir Director
CONTACT:
Choir Director Position Opening: Part-time salaried position for adult choir. August–June 6 to 8 hours per week. Send resumes with experience, education and references to Paul Schulz, c/o Sparta United Methodist Church, 54 E. Division St., Sparta, MI 49345 or email to spartaumc@spartaumc.com.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Community House looking for Volunteer Arts & Crafts Instructor
CONTACT:
The United Methodist Community House of Grand Rapids is looking for a volunteer to instruct a weekly, one-hour arts and crafts class for participants in its Senior Development Department. For more information, please contact Anita Christopher, Manager of the Senior Development Department and Director of Community Relations at 616-452-3226 EXT. 3013 or at achristopher@umchousegr.org. Have a wonderful week!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Clark Retirement Community Opportunities
CONTACT:
Compassionate volunteers to assist residents in our Skilled Nursing Area, during the dining experience. Training is provided. Chatterbox Ice Cream Shop Substitutes Ice Cream Shop Attendants to serve residents and their guests. Training is provided. Contact: Geraldine Pringle, 616-452-1568, GeraldineP@clarkretirement.org.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Clark Retirement Community Volunteers Needed
CONTACT:
Clark is in need of Ice Cream Shop Attendants: Tuesday afternoons -Friday mornings - Saturday afternoons or sub's. Hours of operation - Mornings 9am - 11am - Afternoons - 1:30 - 4PM Training is provided - Great family opportunity or great way to spend quality time with your teen. We also are in need of a Wii Instructors for Saturday afternoons, bi/weekly. Contact Geraldine Pringle,Coordinator Volunteer Services, 616-452-1568 or GeraldineP@clarkretirement.org.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Worship Musician
CONTACT:
Lawrence UMC needs a musician to lead worship in many different styles of music. We are a small congregation that is growing and needs help in the music realm. We have a Yamaha Clavinova. For info and/or description. Call 269-674-8386 or email: lawumc@hotmail.com.

DEATH NOTICES (within the last month)

Sara Huston
DIED: 11/1/2009
Sara J. Huston, of Dimondale, MI died November 1, 2009. She was born December 29, 1948, in Mt. Pleasant, MI, and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1967. She obtained her bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University in 1971, and received her certification as a respiratory therapist from LCC in 1997. She was active in the United Methodist Women, attending many mission service trips, and in directing children and youth choirs. Sara loved crafts, knitting—especially needlework— playing the organ, piano and singing, but her family always took first place in her heart. Surviving are: her husband, Rev. Joseph D. Huston; 3 children, Joyanne D. (Jason) Huston-Swanson of Blanchard, Sherah J.H. (Benjamin) Eavey of Kentwood and Joseph W. Huston of Lansing; 9 grandchildren, Jana, Marissa, Maegan, Jillianne, Tyler, Jackson, Raegan, Victoria and Adrienne; father, Glenn "Bud" Stilgenbauer; and 2 sisters, Cheryl (Wayne "Skip") Malin of Waterford and Nina (Bob) Stilgenbauer-Desjarlais of Dagett, MI. She was preceded in death by her mother, Eileen Stilgenbauer. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2009, at Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing, MI with The Rev. James Tuttle and The Rev. David B. Nelson, Jr. officiating. Visitation will take place from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2009 and from 11:30 a.m. until service time on Saturday, November 7, 2009. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Children's Hospital in Haiti, (website: http://www.internationalchildcare.org/action_grace.php) or to Sparrow Hospice Services (1210 W. Saginaw, Lansing, Michigan 48915, 517.364.7218) in memory of Sara Huston. Arrangements by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.