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Haiti Relief Donations Qualify for Immediate Tax Relief



West Michigan Conference UMC raises nearly $100,000 for Haiti



Flexible Housing task force releases the �Final Report�



UPCOMING EVENTS

Wesley Woods Winter Blast 2010
1/8/2010


Taiz� Sung Prayer Service
2/3/2010


Celebration of the Arts � 37th ANNIVERSARY
2/5/2010


Jazz Vespers � featuring Max Colley
2/20/2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010                                          

Children's Ministry Forum �10 � �Fill My Cup, Lord�
2/23/2010


Powerful Tools for Caregivers
3/9/2010
 

CCOYM invites Jr. and Sr. High Youth to Spring Splash
4/17/2010


CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE
18� Christmas Tree!
CONTACT:
For sale - 18' tall, 7' dia Springfield Fir artificial Christmas tree for $500. Purchased in 1999 for $1545. Contact Saint Joseph First United Methodist Church at 269-983-3929 or stjoefumc2@juno.com for picture and more details. Buyer will arrange transportation.

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
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
Choir Robes
CONTACT:
Hart UMC has 30 Choir robes with collar, tan with brown in good condition that are available at no cost to you other than to come and pick them up. They have been used up until December when we got new robes. Call 231-873-3516 or Email robes@hartumc.org and leave a message for Ginny and she will get back to you.

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
Office Manager Needed
CONTACT:
East Lansing University United Methodist Church is currently seeking an experienced office manager to work 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. We are searching for a candidate with excellent written and verbal communications skills as well as excellent organizational and administrative skills. Knowledge of church office management is a plus. We will take applications until January 22. Please send a letter of interest and resume to Steve Smucker at UUMC, 1120 S. Harrison Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823. Interviews will be held January 26 & 27. A full job description has been posted on the website at www.uumc-msu.org

HELP WANTED
Music Director
CONTACT:
First United Methodist Church, Albion, is seeking a music director for its non-traditional weekly worship service. Applicants must be able to learn songs from sheet music, have strong skills on guitar or piano, have an open-minded faith that is at home in the United Methodist Church, and have the skills to lead a small group of musicians in a variety of styles including contemporary Christian music. For a full description, visit the church's website www.albionfumc.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Send applications or questions to Phil Hostetler, SPRC Chair (jhostetler@albion.edu), or Jeremy Williams (pastorjeremywilliams@gmail.com).

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
Seeking Hymnals
CONTACT:
Wanted by small rural church: Faith We Sing Hymnal, Pew Editions. Please contact Pastor Sheila at northwestumc@gmail.com

ITEMS WANTED
Children�s Choir Surplices Needed NOW
CONTACT:
Holt United Methodist Church is in need of 25 Children�s choir surplices (white pleated choir robes) to borrow for it�s Christmas Eve performance of an original musical �Christmas with Auntie McFickle.� If your church has these and is willing to loan them please contact Holt UMC by phone at 517-694-8168 or by email at holtumc@acd.net.

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
United Methodist Community House Looking for Volunteers
CONTACT:
The United Methodist Community House is looking for volunteers! The UMCH Senior Literacy Program and the YET Program (Youth Education for Tomorrow) need immediate help to fill some service staffing gaps. Of course, UMCH has other volunteer opportunities available, as well. Contact Joanne McKenzie, UMCH Volunteer Manager, at 616-452-3226 EXT. 3026, or at jmckenzie@umchousegr.org. Visit our website for more volunteer opportunity information, www.umchousegr.org. The United Methodist Community House thanks you and wishes you the happiest of holidays!

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)