United Methodist Church of Swartz Creek

Dr. Reverend J.D. Landis, Pastor

September, 2010
Come join us for Sunday Worship 8:30 am & 11:00 am/Sunday School 9:45 am
Wednesday Worship 6:30 pm

Dear Friends in Christ,

Is it just me, or what ever happened to the lazy days of summer? If you were able to capture them, let me
know, because I want the secret! Between visits with the children of the church, Vacation Bible School, planning
for the Fall, Vacation Bible School, Family Camp, Vacation Bible School, Summer Sunday School…you get the
idea…this beautiful Michigan summer seems to have slipped away (despite my very best efforts for that not to hap-
pen since it is the first summer in recent memory I’ve not spent in the blazing, humid heat of North Carolina!).
To be honest, I feel worn out as the summer comes to a close, though I hope that for most of you, that isn’t
the case for you at all! I hope that instead this summer has provided you with lots of rest and renewal.
I think, though, whether we’re worn out and need a remedy, or whether we’re energized and are ready to hit
the ground running, I have an idea of what we really need this Fall.
We need community – relationships that provide us encouragement and fellowship.
We need to live into a rhythm of rest – Godly time devoted to restoring our minds, souls, and bodies.
We need spiritual nurture – ways to explore God’s Word and practically apply our faith in our lives.
While the secret of the lazy days of summer is looking awfully tempting at the moment, I have to admit that I long
for these gifts of community, rest, and spiritual nurture even more. It is our prayer that our Fall Ministries of Sun-
day School, Bible Studies, Children & Youth Ministries, and Mission will be fruitful opportunities where you can
find and experience these gifts all year long. To learn more, flip through the pages of this newsletter, read your bul-
letin in the coming weeks, or feel free to contact me for ways to be involved (810-635-4555, ext. 204 or rben-
ton@umc-sc.org).

Seeking community, rest, and nurture in the Lord,

Rachel D. Benton, Minister of Discipleship

Corner-Copia Where To Find It

Do all the good you can, Greetings from……………. pg1

In all the ways you can, Corner-copia……………… pg 1
In all the places you can, New News……………….. pg 2/3
Through the Lens………… pg 4/5
At all the times you can,
Around the Congregation… pg 6
To all people you can,
Birthdays…………………. pg 7
As long as you ever can.
Military List………………. pg 7
- John Wesley
Thank you’s………………. pg 7
Staff Listing………………. backcover

United Methodist Church of Swartz Creek

Box268 * 7400 Miller Rd. Swartz Creek MI 48473* 810-635-4555
Our Mission Statement:
To be a nurturing community of Christians committed to serving Jesus Christ, help-
ing others find Him and grow as His disciples.
 New News...
Don’t Miss our Sunday School Kickoff on
Sunday, September 12th at 9:45am!
Growing Fruit of the Spirit
Together we’ll explore how Sunday School
helps to cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit in our
lives, share what Sunday School classes we of-
fer, and celebrate the Fruit of the Spirit among
us! It’ll promise to be a time of fellowship,
learning, and fun. Whether you are a long-time
Sunday School member, a first-timer, or simply
want to try something new, this is a great time to
join us.
Gather in the Sanctuary at 9:45am, and after
some group activities, we’ll send everyone off
to a shortened version of a Sunday School class.
Feel free to bring an offering of canned fruit
that Sunday for our Food Pantry as we seek to
share the Fruit of the Spirit with others, too!
Questions? Contact Rachel D. Benton, Minister
of Discipleship at 810-635-4555, ext. 204
or at rbenton@umc-sc.org.
A Little More about Sunday School…
Our vibrant Sunday School ministry meets each
Sunday from 9:45-10:45am (September -
June). Our classes range in topic and style, so
we encourage you to learn more from the class
descriptions and then come join us and discover
the Fruit of the Spirit that may be awaiting you
here! (Please see next page for a complete list-
ing of classes offered)
Why Sunday School, you might ask??

It’s a time to explore and live into the
bible stories, for we are to dwell in
God’s Word.

It is a means of nourishment for our
minds, hearts, and souls.

It is a place of fellowship and commu-
nity where we are encouraged, held
accountable, and in prayer for one
another.

It offers space for discernment, dis-
cussion, and practical application of faith
in our own lives.
Desire to know God’s Word? Interested in deepening
your walk with Christ?
Consider joining one of our Bible Studies this Fall!
* All studies will begin the week of September 13th unless
noted otherwise. Please sign up in the narthex or contact
Rachel D. Benton, Minister of Discipleship (635-4555, ext.
204 or rbenton@umc-sc.org). Disciple Study books are
available for purchase at the welcome center. *
TOPICAL STUDIES
Bible Study – Mondays at 7pm – Facilitator: Lucinda
Brier—Meets weekly throughout the school year, addresses
a variety of topics. First study will be on Max Lucado’s
Fearless. This book and video-based study by an engaging,
well-known author imagines what a life without fear would
look like.
Passport to Prayer – Tuesdays at 10am - Facilitator:
Sharon Cummings—8 week study that begins September
28th and ends the week before Thanksgiving. Each session
involves learning about the needs of people throughout the
world, praying for them, reading scripture, and considering
ways we can be compassionate followers of Jesus Christ.
John Wesley’s Free Grace – Time TBA - Facilitator: Lee
Sayer—6-7 week study that begins the first week of Novem-
ber. Together we’ll explore God’s free gift for our everyday
lives and how to live in it.
DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDIES
Whether you are a new believer or have been a Christian for
many, many years, the DISCIPLE Bible Study ministry is
designed for all who want to grow in their understanding of
Scripture and of what it means to be a Disciple of Jesus
Christ. This series of four in-depth, high commitment stud-
ies will take participants from Genesis through Revelation
twice, once in an overview during Disciple I, and then more
in depth through the subsequent three phases. The subse-
quent phases do not need to be taken in any particular order,
but Disciple I is a pre-requisite to all other studies.
Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study –
Weekday Evening TBA - Facilitator: TBA—34 week
study that provides an overview of the Old & New Testa-
ments. This is the pre-requisite to all other Disciple courses.
Disciple II: Into the Word Into the World – Mon.10am –
Facilitator: Lucinda Brier - 32 week study that focuses on
Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts.
Disciple III: Remember Who You Are – Mon. at TBA -
Facilitator: Barbara Benjamin—32 week study that cen-
ters on the Old Testament prophets and the writings of Paul.
Disciple IV: Under the Tree of Life – Tues. at 6:30pm -
Facilitator: Richard Moreland—32 week study that ex-
plores the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament and the
writings of John (including the Gospel, the letters and Reve-
lation).
Jesus & the Gospels – Mondays at 7:00pm – Facilitator:
Pete Plum & Dennis Thorpe—30 week study that focuses
on the identity of Jesus as presented from the perspective
from each Gospel writer.
 Sunday School Classes for All Ages at SCUMC
Class Name General Description Room Leaders
For Adults:
Come As You Are Formerly The 30 Somethings’ Class; an excellent place to grow in faith and Lounge Jerry & Dannett Rice
develop new friendships. Through fellowship and Bible study with peers,
we will learn and grow, sharing life experiences, encouraging and support-
ing each other through prayer. We are a young and lively group taking a
focus on Jesus this year for study. Current Study Topic: Images of Christ

Connecting with The Connecting with Others Class is open to both men and women. Our Room Lesa McKeon
Others goal is to connect with each other and God. Current Study Topic: Rick 205 & Ann Brimley
Warren’s 40 Days of Love
Essential Christi- The Essential Christianity Class is open to all adults – men and women. Johnson Carolyn Landis
anity Our class incorporates care, share, and prayer on a weekly basis. Our stud- Center
ies involve growing in our faith, gaining knowledge of god’s Word, and
becoming a faithful witness in the world. Current Study Topic: Becoming
a Good Samaritan

Fellowship The Fellowship Class treats each other like family. It is a place where no Room To Be Determined
Class one is afraid to speak up, and we find the class to be very helpful when ask- 207
ing questions about the Bible.

Journey Journey Through the Bible participants review and discuss scriptures and Room Dennis Thorpe
Through how God’s word is guiding each of us. Current Study Topic: “Trusting 203
The Bible God” – looking at specific scriptures about relationships, fears, finances,
obedience, grief, success, gifts, and spirituality.

Men’s Bible Study The Men’s Bible Study Class is a group of 20-30 men from all walks of Room Pete Plum
life and ages with varying degrees of spiritual maturity and biblical knowl- 302
edge – all with a common focus: to learn and grow together as Christian
men one Scripture Verse at a time. We especially enjoy lively discussion
from a Christian perspective about topics that are relevant to our lives. Cur-
rent Study Topic: Isaiah, Trusting God in Troubled Times

Women’s The Women’s Bible Study Class seeks to grow in God’s love through Room Amy Gawthrop & TBA
Bible Study sharing, prayer, study, and fellowship in a small-group setting. Current 206
Class Study Topic: Beth Moore’s Fruit of the Spirit

For Youth:
Senior High The Senior High Sunday School is a discussion based class where we look Room Brian Kelley
(grades 9-12) into the Bible and gain an understanding of the insights that God is trying to 202/204 & David & Abbie Orr
teach us and apply them to our everyday lives.

Junior High The Junior High Sunday School Class is open to all 6th, 7th and 8th grade Room Kim Edwards, Dave Goff,
(grades 6-8) students. We address everyday issues facing our kids – music, movies, 107/109 Laurie Graves
sexuality, decision-making, bullying, parent & sibling issues, as well as
many others, all from a Christian perspective. Our class also participates in
services projects through the year.

For Children:
Nursery A nursery with warm, experienced staff is provided for children under age Nursery Suzie Waddell & Leigh Savage
2.

Preschool Room 101 Barbara Johnson & TBA

Each Sunday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. children ages 2-5th grade
K-1st Grade gather in age appropriate classes as they explore god’s love in a Room 108 Kim Grant & TBA
2nd—3rd Grade caring environment. After a time of special music, children par- Room 102 Susan Goff & Tracy Reed
ticipate in bible stores, crafts, games, and other creative activi-
4th—5th Grade ties. Room 105 Brenda Seapanak
& Michelle Stoutjesdyk
 Around The Congregation….
We need to update our Military list.
Please drop off addresses (even if
you already have) and/or photos
to the office by the end of this
month. Every year care pack-
ages and cards are sent and we
want all to be remembered! If
anyone needs to be removed or added,
now is the time! Thank you!
Coming soon… a new Military Display —
watch for it!
Why not eat & shop???
Don’t forget the UMM
Annual Chicken BBQ!
Join us September 11th
from 4:00p-6:30p. When
you’re done eating,
walk around and take
advantage of some
great buys during the UMW’s Silent
Auction!
Alive begins Wednesday, September
15th!
Alive! is an after-school program offered on
Wednesdays, 4:00-6:30pm, from Mid-
September through April. Through fun and
learning, kids are able to experience the love of
Christ in a safe environment. Activities In-
clude: Snack, Children’s Choir, Recreation,
Bible Study, Mission Projects, and a nourishing
meal.
All children and youth, Kindergarten through
Grade 12, are invited!
To register your child/youth, complete the Alive
Registration & Parent Forms, located at the In-
formation Center outside the Sanctuary or at
http://umc-sc.org. Any questions may be di-
rected to Rachel D. Benton, Minister of Disci-
pleship, at 810-635-4555, ext. 204 or at rben-
ton@umc-sc.org.
NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY—It won’t be
complete without YOU!
We’re teaming up with Olin Mills to get
our directory up-to-date! When you sign
up you get a free 8X10 family photo of
your choice and a free directory! There are many
dates available and 3 ways to schedule—check the
church website & click on New Directory Sign Up,
call 1-800-866-2263, or sign up at church every Sun-
day until September 19th. Schedule your appointment
today!
Looking to strengthen your faith?
Why not participate in the upcoming Emmaus Walk!
Women’s walk dates are October 21st-24th
Men’s walk dates are October 7th-10th
Both will be held at
Big Beaver UMC
3753 John R Road, Troy, MI
248-689-1932
Log onto emsem.org to watch a video that explains
how this walk can benefit you.
Please see Lee Sayer for more information.
Children in Worship
As United Methodists, we believe
that children of all ages are full
participants in the life of the
church and therefore are always welcome and
appreciated in worship. Developmentally, young
children primarily learn through experience and
mimic, and so their participation in worship is central
to their spiritual growth. Although children may not
comprehend all the components of worship, they are
able to encounter God through worship in ways that
they and we may not entirely understand. In the
coming months, we will be offering suggestions and
special tips for how to engage your child in worship.
For those who choose, however, we offer nursery
care for infants through pre-kindergarten children
during both worship services. Beginning September
12th, following Children’s Time in 11 o’clock
worship, we will also offer Sonshine for
Kindergarten through 3rd graders. Sonshine is a
time of bible stories, crafts, snacks, and games.
 Thanks be to God Those in Military
Vacation Bible School – God’s Good Service
Green Earth
From Sunday, August 8th through Thursday, Au- STC Jeff Arnold
gust 12th, over 65 kids had an amazing time learn- Alan Lloyd
ing about God’s Good Green Earth. Our activities Lawrence Battiste, Jr. Matt Makillom
spanned from singing the Manna Rap, to decorating reusable Richard Brill Kenny Middaugh
bags, to collecting items for our food pantry, to hearing the bi- Joe & Missy Caldwell
ble story about a boy who shared his lunch with 5,000 people, AIC Kevin Miceli
to learning our bible verses in sign language, to playing games
Christopher Campbell Michael Packer
like Tree Tending, to eating yummy dirt pudding and fish in the Bob Churchill Michael Quinn
sea jello, to making dog biscuits for a local animal shelter to Sean Crisp Ryan Rolfe
much, much more. Through them all, we remembered God’s CW3 Rodney Crow
love for the world and how we are called to love it, too! Joshua Sepanak
Jessica Faith Michael Sepanak
Thanks to all of the parents and grandparents for sharing your Ian Gohlke Avry Spigner
kids with us this week! We pray that it has been fun and faith- Paul Gregg SRA Brandon Squires
filled time for all of you. We can’t wait for you to join us for Trevor B. Hicks
our children’s ministries this Fall! Steven Tanous
And, special thanks to the 93+ adult leaders and youth helpers John Leach Dr. Brad Taylor
who have served VBS in some way – what a testimony you are William Lengyel
to this being a community-wide ministry and what a blessing Kyle Leonard
you have been to our children! Thank you for your commit-
ment to teaching and sharing God’s love with these kids.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
Delaney Graves 1 Ashley Brimley 11 Jeremy Rudland 20
Patty Hatmaker 1 Dawn Clark 11 Dora Ives 21
Ed Hayes 1 Jessie Grant 11 Laura Rak 21
Elouise Kilmer 1 Steve Jordan 11 Ronel Sands 21
David Nemer 1 Michael Packer 11 Keith Thorpe 21
Leslie Rivard 1 Sydney Sturgeon 11 Gerald Steel 23
Ruth Dye 2 Stacey Rourke 13 Tammy Parenteau 24
Kyla Ford 2 Elizabeth Thompson 14 Kelly Brown 25
Amy Kelley 2 Tony Blower 15 Candace Curtis 25
Kathleen Mueller 2 Stacie Kraysovic 15 Shelby Dunlap 25
Ruth Striler 2 Joe Kudwa 15 Laura Freeman 25
Jerry Perry 3 Patricia Wagner 15 Cheryl Tucker 25
David Smith 3 Robert Brown 16 Denise Diller 26
Marilyn Battiste 4 Abby Lindsey 16 Eric Rolfe 26
Kim Edwards 4 Parker Oosterhof 16 Ruth Walder 26
Maxine Owens 4 Jason Webber 16 Jordan Adams 27
Rolly Anderson 5 Martica Thompson 17 Natalie Landis 28
Burt Gross 6 Robert Gaines 18 Cal Meyers 28
Glenn Gundry 6 Marissa Mulnix 18 Stephanie Waddell 28
Shaun Henry 7 Katherine Museus 18 Michelle Bauserman 29
Ashley Bigelow 8 Ryann Adams 19 Michael D’Aigle 30
Jack Ammerman 9 Tim Anderson 19 Dan Millon 30
Wayne Anderson 10 JoAnne Anderson 19 Emma Skinner 30
Swartz Creek United Methodist Church The Good Word
Box 268, Swartz Creek, MI 48473

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

This newsletter is sent with blessings

and prayers to:
We’re on the web! Check out sermons, daily
devotions, upcoming special events and
more at www.umc-sc.org

STAFF LISTING
Office hours: M-F 8:30a-12:00p & 1:00p-4:30p

Pastor
Rev. Dr. J.D. Landis
Phone: 635-4555, ext. 201
Email: office@umc-sc.org

Minister of Discipleship Financial Secretary Nursery & Sonshine Director

Rachel D. Benton Donna Smith Susan Waddell
Phone: 635-4555, ext. 204 Phone: 635-4555, ext. 202 Phone: 635-4555
Email: rbenton@umc-sc.org Email: dsmith@umc-sc.org

Youth Director Main Office Building Manager

Brian Kelley Kim Edwards Dan Parks
Phone: 635-4555, ext. 210 Phone: 635-4555 Phone: 635-4555
Email: bkelley@umc-sc.org Email: office@umc-sc.org

Administrative Assistant Music Director

Barbara Mulnix Richard Moreland
Phone: 635-4555, ext. 201 Phone: 635-4555, ext. 208
Email: bmulnix@umc-sc.org Email: rmoreland@umc-sc.org