Author: KVandermolen

First United Methodist Church

Sunday, January 1, 2023
Epiphany Sunday
Scripture: Revelation 21:1-6
Sermon: “He Is Born”
Sunday, January 8, 2023
Baptism of the Lord
Wesleyan Covenant Service
Communion and Remembering our Baptism
Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17
Sermon: “Let It Be So”
Sunday, January 15, 2023
2nd Sunday after the Epiphany
Sermon Series on The Lord’s Prayer, Week One
Scripture: Matthew 6:9
Sermon: “Abba”
Sunday, January, 22, 2023
3rd Sunday after the Epiphany
Sermon Series on The Lord’s Prayer, Week Two
Scripture: Matthew 6:10
Sermon: “On Earth”
Sunday, January 29, 2023
4th Sunday after the Epiphany
Sermon Series on The Lord’s Prayer, Week Three
Scripture: Matthew 6:11
Sermon: “Give Us This Day”

Church Staff
Rev. Dr. Mona Joslyn,
Pastor
Karin VanderMolen,
Admin. Asst. & Bookkeeper
Jon Carroll,
Building Supervisor
James Mullins,
Music & Audio/Visual
Coordinator
Mary Jo Pouillon,
Noah’s Ark Director

The MISSION of
Owosso First United
Methodist Church is to live out our faith in Jesus Christ through acts of love with honesty, integrity,
and respect.
The VISION of
Owosso First United
Methodist Church is to be Christ-centered, a welcome and loving environment,
service-oriented, and respectful of ALL creation.

Tower Tidings - January 2023
First United Methodist Church
1500 North Water Street
Owosso, MI 48867

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Owosso, MI 48867
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Tower Tidings January 2023

Pastor’s Page

Greetings!
Happy 2023! A New Year always brings about new hopes and fresh beginnings, I pray that your New Year does just that! I first want to take this opportunity to say Thank You for all the cards and gifts that you so graciously gave to me this Christmas, as well as the gifts each of you are all year long! Thank you!
Christmas Day has come and gone, and I hope that your celebrations of the birth of Jesus was filled with more than just baking, shopping, and gift-giving. I pray that your celebrations were filled with family and friends, peace and calm, laughter and joy, and experiences of God’s holiness that filled you with light.
We are now in the season of Epiphany. The twelve days between Jesus’ birth and his presentation at the Temple where God answers the prayers of Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-38), allowing them to see the Messiah, and the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12). All involved were committed to what they felt called to do. Simeon and Anna showed up at the Temple every day faithfully praying to see the Messiah. Not just so they could claim they saw the Messiah as a notch on their belt, but as a sign of hope. These two elderly people were witnesses to God keeping his promise for the redemption of the world. Neither were wealthy, neither were seeking fame, they were longing for hope and they were blessed to see the Hope of the world right before their very eyes. The Magi searched the heavens and saw a new star…a star provided by God that would lead them on a journey where a star rested over the place where Jesus was. They recognized the holiness of the moment when they laid their gifts before the Messiah. Simeon, Anna, and the Magi laid their eyes on the greatest gift ever given--Jesus Christ. How the starlight must have shone in each pair of eyes.
Jesus was born in a dark, tumultuous time, in a place where tyrannical rulers oppressed the people with their taxes and rules. Through the prophet Isaiah, God promised the light would come, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you” (Isaiah 60:1-2). The people were longing for the light of God to shine. And it did! Jesus is born, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5).
We still face many challenges today, COVID is still with us along with the flu and RSV inflicting our vulnerable older adults as well as the youngest of children. Social division, inflation, the possibility of a recession. The denominational issues as well as the financial challenges in the church, can feel like the darkness is trying to overtake us. But it cannot! For the Light shines, piercing the darkness and bringing light to us all.
That Light lives in us and tells us, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
I will close with these words from L. R. Knost:
Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world.
All things break. And all things can be mended.
Not with time, as they say, but with intention.
So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally.
The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.
May the new light born in you this Christmas shine the love and light of Jesus Christ in a world filled with darkness. Hear Jesus’ call to let your Light shine!
Happy New Year!
Shalom,
Pastor Mona

First United Methodist Church

January 2023

Sundays

10 am	Worship

Rev. Dr. Mona K. Joslyn
drmjoslyn@owossofumc.org
First United
Methodist Church
1500 N. Water Street
Owosso, MI 48867
firstumc@owossofumc.org
owossofumc.org

Newsletter
articles are due the 15th
of each month.

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Tower Tidings January 2023

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Noah’s Ark Children’s Center & Preschool

Women’s Group

Social skills are an obvious reason why social experience is important for children. We use our social skills on a daily basis throughout our entire lives. We need to learn how to interact with others and develop the skills to do this successfully. Through social interaction we can learn how to act and react to others. We figure out how to empathize with others and see things from their perspective.
This is important to do in all social interactions we have, which is why it is important to develop this skill at a young age. Kids will learn how to show respect to others and how others expect them to act, and they will be able to develop different skills from these lessons. Social cues are important for everyone to learn, including our youngsters.
Interacting and playing with other children will allow children to see the world from another person’s perspective. While many adults still struggle with this, children will learn the basics as they listen to other kids’ ideas and what their imagination can come up with. Two kids playing pretend can be a pretty magical thing. Next thing you know they will be battling dragons on top of the world’s tallest tree while they wait for the help of the noble unicorns.
You never know, maybe adults can learn a thing or two about perspective and imagination from kids. As children gain the ability to see things through a different person’s point of view they are more likely to be able to understand their responses and respond better themselves in different situations.
https://www.ybrecdc.org/child-care-maple-grove/why-social-interaction-is-important-for-young-children/
Early Childhood Fun Fact: Social interaction increases the speed and
accuracy of learning in all ages, including babies.
Staff Birthdays: Jan. 10--Ms. Heather & Jan. 24--Ms. MaryJo
Wish List: White Paper Towel Rolls, Ribbon (crafting), Stickers (any kind),
Bulk chocolate (for staff)
Our classroom and center Amazon wish lists can be found on our website: www.naccpreschool.com/lists
Mary Jo Pouillon, Director -
Noah's Ark Children's Center
989-725-2202 Work
989-666-1352 Cell
989-729-1721 Fax
www.naccpreschool.com
"Imagination is more
Important
than knowledge."
~Albert Einstein

Save the dates for the Women’s Retreat: March 10-12, 2023, at Lake Huron Retreat Center on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan! More information (costs, scholarships) is posted in the foyer. A planning meeting for any women interested in helping will be held on Wed. Jan. 4 in the Café at 6:30 p.m.
The Women's Circle was able to support many ministries in 2022:
Financial support to the United Methodist Community House, Angels' Hands Outreach, Hospice House of Shiawassee, Safe Center, Salvation Army, Shiawassee Goodfellows, Shiawassee HoPE, Owosso Trinity UMC Food Pantry, and our FUMC Local Mission Fund.
Love gift in support of member Bonnie Cohoon and family
Adopted a family for Christmas (2 parents & 2 small children)
Presented our local schools with $25 gift cards to help students with limited resources (6 Lincoln High, 5 @ OHS & OMS; 4@ Bryant, Central and Emerson Elementary Schools)
15 Christmas gift bags filled and delivered to our home-bound members
Sent 100 colored Bible verse cards to Anchored Hope street ministry (Detroit)
Delivered Mitten tree donations to the Salvation Army: 38 hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, socks. Thank you, Donors!
Donated to the SUV-load of wish list items for Safe Center from the October Methodist Women's Luncheon (43 attendees!)
Rummage sale items donated to Catholic Charities, Angels' Hands Outreach and Volunteers of America.
Rummage sale books were traded at JellyBeans for credit to purchase books for our church library.
Donated 2 tables and 8 chairs for the new Café.
Gifts large and small add up!! And many hands make light work! Thank you to everyone who contributed time, talent, money, items and prayers!
Our support to ministries in our community and elsewhere in 2022 exceeded $5,000!!

Larry Alpert	3
Ryan Weaver	3
Scott Clarke	10
Kelly Hollister	16
Diane Allen	19
Elaine Doan	20
Zach Downing	21
Judy Helmker	22
Emily Lobb	24
Marsha Lyttle	24
Mary Jo Pouillon	24
Paul Herron	25
Tim Allen	28
Ken Ardelean	29
Dale Aurand	29
Kim Kuhlman	29
Grace Lobb	29
Sandy Horton	31

Disaffiliation Discernment Small Groups
On November 13, 2022, an informational meeting was held regarding disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church. A sign-up sheet was passed around for anyone who wanted to be part of a Discernment group that would meet to pray, discuss, and discern the issue for themselves and for the church. We have two groups, the Wednesday Afternoon group will be lead by Tony Moore and the Wednesday Evening group will be lead by Josh Fagan. Conversation with both leaders led us to set the first meeting of the groups on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. If you have already signed up, you will receive an email regarding location of your group’s meeting. If you did not sign up for a discernment group, you have until January 11, 2023, to do so. After the first meeting of each group, the group will be closed to new members in order to provide the opportunity for members to get to know each other better and feel safe in what they contribute to the conversation.

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Prayer Requests

Funny Fellowship

Stephen Ministry

Our Church Family & Friends
Kencil Barnes, back surgery Dec. 30, pray for Carolyn too, as his caregiver
Rev. Terry Euper, surgery Dec. 14
Don Horton, radiation, cancer lymph nodes
Scott Hancock, disabled Veteran, undetermined sudden health problems (nephew of Larry & Janet Wilt)
Tracy VanRiper, no more treatments, stage 4 cancer, mom Bonnie Cohoon
Todd Cohoon, end stage ALS, bedridden, respirator, KY (son - Bonnie Cohoon)
Peggy Gulick fell brain bleed, surgery, hospitalized, recovering at Hazel Findlay
Family of Donald W. Graves who passed away Nov. 12 (son-in-law of Marsh’s)
Kole Scarrow, 5 yrs, brain tumor, surgery
Dick Burroughs, inoperable lung cancer (father of Bill & Laura Archer)
Ken & Pat Beebe, Ken diagnosed with rare & terminal disease (friends of Wilts)
Ruth Tucker, emergency surgery this week (sister of James Mullins)
Cody Wheeler, Hurley, critical car accident (Bob & Sharon Marsh’s nephew)
Brian Mote & family (husband of Alperts niece in Tucson)
Gene Goodson, multiple medical problems, blood cancer (J.Goodson’s brother)
Michael Warren, elbow injury, infection (Cheryll Warren’s son)
Chad Bucsi, released from hospital, still needs rehab
Bill Hutchinson, cancer spread (friend of Alperts)
Sergio Louks, chemo working, pray for remission
Kaiser Wyllys, 4 yr. old with leukemia

Our Military
T Sgt Tyler Ardelean, Misawa AB, Japan
Staff Sergeant Audrey, DC
SFC David Santana, DC
Todd Hofacker, California
Kory Alliton, Marine, Camp LaJune, NC
Yuka Peters, Ft. Bliss, TX
Corp. Jonathan Clarke, Marines, CA
SPC Brady Watts, Ft. Campbell, KY
Cody Rozell, Syria
Kamerin DeWulf, Air Force
Corp. Jonathan Heath, Ft. Wainwright, AK
SGT Joseph Heath, Wahiawa, HI
John Schlaud, Marines, 5th
Joel Agle
Ryan Weaver, Army Reserve
MSG Jason Cassing

Shut-Ins
Peggy Gulick, Hazel Findlay Manor, 1101 S. Scott Rd., St. Johns, MI 48879
Gail Rheaume, The Meadows, 245 Caledonia Dr., Owosso (989-720-8823)
Ellen Goldbeck, 1850 Babcock, Apt. 11, Owosso (989-413-2470)
Helen Stanton, Owl’s Nest, 3037 S. M52, Owosso (989-723-6378)
Judy Helmker, 1694 N M52 #221, Owosso (989-723-1044)
Genny Jennings, The Meadows, 245 Caledonia Dr. #110, Owosso (989-277-3695)
Billie Sisson, c/o Peggy Johnson, 37054 Millstone Tr. Lenox Twp, MI 48048
Sandy Horton, Pleasant View, 275 Caledonia Dr., Harbors Wing #371, (989-743-3491)
Gail Passmore, Kiwanis Village 1464 N. M52, Apt #7, Owosso (989-472-3676)
Ann Ferden, The Woodlands, 910 Woodlands Dr. DeWitt, MI 48820 (517-668-6559)
Linda Harris, Oliver Woods, 1330 W. Oliver St. #416, Owosso (989-279-0227)
Terry Gulick, Oliver Woods, 1330 W. Oliver, Owosso (989-277-3838)

Tuesday, January 10
1:30 & 6:30 pm
Join us in the Café for Funny Fellowship as we laugh with the late humorist Jeannie Robertson sharing her Southern Style. Jeannie’s style provokes laughter at the funny things that happen in everyday life. Bring a friend, and enjoy cookies and coffee while we “grin and giggle” together!
-- Family Ministry, Outreach/Membercare

A sincere thank you to the many hands that made the Holiday Dinner a success.
Your help was so appreciated.
~~ Family Ministries

Stephen Ministry is celebrating 2022 as the year a new Stephen Leader was selected and commissioned, Josh Fagan. Josh is functioning as Leader and doing a great job. We are grateful for him.
The rest of the Stephen Ministry team are faithfully meeting with their care receivers. It is a blessing to participate with them in the team support meetings. We are looking forward to 2023 and continuing to faithfully serve Jesus and his children.

Thirteenth Annual
United Methodist
Men's Coat Drive
The United Methodist Men thank you for your generosity and support to the annual coat drive. So far this year, 28 coats have been delivered to the Salvation Army. As a result, many people have been kept warm.
We will continue to collect new and gently used adult and children’s coats through March. Thanks again.

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Sponsored by Outreach / Family Ministries / Membercare for our members and friends ...
Pickleball is coming! Join Cindy Schluckebier in Fellowship Hall for instruction sessions on Mon. Jan.2 at 10:00 a.m. or Thursday, Jan. 5 at 1:00 p.m. Court setup, basic rules and techniques will be covered.
Additional sessions TBA. Sign up for sessions each week at these times: Mondays 10-11a.m. or 11-12; Thursdays 1-2 or 2-3 p.m.
In partnership with the YMCA, classes will be offered in Fellowship Hall on Tuesdays at 10:00 -10:45 a.m. Suggested donation is $2 / session (to cover Y costs). 1st & 3rd Tuesdays (Jan. 3 & 17) - Cardio Drumming! 2nd & 4th Tues. (Jan. 10 & 24) - Moving For Better Balance, based on principles of Tai Chi, focuses on improving balance, strength, flexibility and mobility. Wear comfortable clothes; flat-soled tennies, non-skid socks or barefoot for Balance class. Please RSVP to church office by Mon. Jan. 2 for Cardio Drumming so enough equipment is available. Additional time for fellowship and activities will be available until 11:30 these days.

Trustees Corner
The new commercial refrigerator for the kitchen has arrived! As before, this divided fridge will be shared by Noah’s Ark and the church. Thank you, Noah’s Ark, for this purchase to replace the retired fridge.

There will be a
Men's Breakfast
Sat., Jan. 7th @ 8:30 am
in Fellowship Hall.
The cost is $10.
Please RSVP to the church office along with your $10 for the breakfast by Wednesday, Jan. 4th
if you plan on attending.
All men are encouraged and welcome to attend.

Singles Over 60
Noon
Tuesday, Jan.3
It’s A Deli Thing

SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI	SAT
Epiphany Sunday / Happy New Year / 10 am Worship / In Sanctuary	2 / Church Office Closed / 10-12 Pickleball in Fellowship Hall / FH Reserved / NO School	3 / 10 am Cardio / Drumming - FH / 12 - Singles over Sixty at It’s a Deli Thing / 6:30 Stephen / Ministry - Zoom / FH Reserved / NO School	4 / 6:30 pm Retreat Planning Mtg / 7-8 pm / Narc. Anon. / ~ Zoom	5 / 1-3 Pickleball - FH	6	7 / 8:30 am Men’s / Breakfast
Baptism of the Lord / Communion / 10 am Worship / In Sanctuary	9 / 10-12 Pickleball in Fellowship Hall / 1 JOYful / Beginnings / 3:15 pm Bell Choir / 6:30 Family Min/Membercare/Outreach	10 / 10 am Moving For Better Balance - FH / 1:30 & 6:30 / Funny Fellowship-Cafe	11 / 10 am - Noah’s Ark Chapel Time / 2 & 7 Disaffiliation Discernment Groups / 7-8 pm / Narc. Anon. / ~ Zoom	12 / 10 am Older Adult Min. / 1-3 Pickleball - FH	13	14
15 2nd Sunday after Epiphany / 10 am Worship in Sanctuary	16 MLK Jr. Day / 10-12 Pickleball in Fellowship Hall / 3:15 pm Bell Choir / 7 pm Trustees	17 / 10 am Cardio / Drumming - FH / 6:30 Stephen / Ministry - Zoom	18 / 7-8 pm / Narc. Anon. / ~ Zoom	19 / 1-3 Pickleball - FH / 7 pm SPRC	20	21
22 3rd Sunday after Epiphany / 10 am Worship in Sanctuary	23 / 10-12 Pickleball in Fellowship Hall / 3:15 pm Bell Choir / 6:00 pm Noah’s Ark Board	24 / 10 am Moving For Better Balance - FH / 6:15 pm Finance	25 / 10 am - Noah’s Ark Chapel Time / 7-8 pm / Narc. Anon. / ~ Zoom	26 / 1-3 Pickleball - FH / 7 pm Ad. Council	27	28
29 4th Sunday after Epiphany / 10 am Worship / In Sanctuary	30 / 10-12 Pickleball in Fellowship Hall / 3:15 pm Bell Choir	31

FINANCIAL UPDATE
Jan-
Thank you for your donations!
If you are interested in details: income, expenses, budget, you may contact
Finance Committee Chair Tricia Alderman at 989-277-2146.

Income
Expenses
Positive / Balance

The VISION of First United Methodist Church, Owosso, is to be Christ-centered,
a welcome and loving environment,
service-oriented, and respectful of ALL creation.

The MISSION of Owosso First United
Methodist Church is to live out our faith in
Jesus Christ through acts of love
with honesty, integrity, and respect.

Please save your VG’s
receipts for missions.
We need the whole receipt.
We cannot use receipts from the pharmacy.
Please place in shoebox in the grocery cart in foyer.