September 2016

Orchard Harvester
Monthly Newsletter of Orchard United Methodist Church

Tending the Orchard

found myself wandering in

the Back to School aisle of
Target the other day. Much to
my childrens chagrin, I
brought home some school
supplies. They accused me of
trying to shorten their
summer. Quicker than we
realize, fall will be upon us
with all the wonderful
opportunities for ministry
that the fall brings! As we
delve into Sunday School and
Wednesday Nights Together
and the Pumpkin Patch, we
also begin a time of exploration of who we are as a
church and what we value most.
In September 2015, I issued an invitation to the
chairpersons of our various committees and life
groups as well as to any others who might be
interested, to be a part of a visioning process for
our church. Over the past year, over 25 people have
engaged in reflecting on who we are, our history,
our present, and our future. Weve discussed what
matters most to us, what we treasure about our
church, and what hopes we have. Out of this
process, the team has developed a new mission
statement and a set of core values which have been
reviewed by the Church Council and will be brought
to our Church Conference on November 7, 2016 for
a vote.
Beginning Sunday, September 11, we will explore
these core values through a sermon series entitled:
Tending the Orchard. Each Sunday you will
receive a devotion on the core value to take home
with you and use in your personal devotional time
that week. I am excited for this time together and I
hope you will be too.

Why are we doing this? Stating a mission

statement and having a set of core values helps us
remember who we are and why we are here. They
make a statement to others about who we are.
And they help us to shape our ministries, set our
priorities, and work together as a church.
The mission statement being recommended is:
Orchard United Methodist Church:

Transforming the world by growing in faith,

serving others, and sharing Jesus.
The core values being recommended are:

Inclusivity, Hospitality, Discipleship, Mission,

Worship, and Stewardship.
I hope to see you this fall as we kick off a great year
and spend time growing together!
Fall Sermon Series: Tending the Orchard
Sept. 11 The Shared Harvest

Matthew 25: 31-40

Sept. 18 Apples and Oranges

Galatians 3:25-28

Core Value: Mission

Core Value: Inclusivity

Sept. 25

Learning to Farm

Oct. 2

The Apple of My Eye

Oct. 9

My Mothers Apple Pie

Oct. 16

Whose Apples are They? James 1:17-18

Faithfully,

Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Core Value: Discipleship
Core Value: Worship

Core Value: Hospitality

Core Value: Stewardship

Psalm 100 & 150

Hebrews 13:1-2

GROWING IN FAITH, STRONGER IN DISCIPLESHIP

herever you are on your faith journey, theres always room to grow and depth
to cultivate. Our fall offerings are meant to give you an opportunity to go one
step further than you are today. We challenge you to learn more, grow more, share
more, and live into the discipleship to which God has called you!
Sunday morning offerings meet at 10am (between services) and will begin on
September 11. Details on midweek times and start dates are contained in the
individual descriptions.
If you want to know more about the Bible
The Bible led by Richard Lipka is an informative exploration of the Bible from
Genesis to Revelation. Class content includes video presentation, content notes,
and well-researched contextual information about each book of the Bible.
Sundays, Room 200

If youre looking for a deeper exploration of faith

Amazing Grace led by Dr. Mary Clark looks at the meaning, history, theology,
psychology, and everyday role that grace plays in our lives. Come and
experience the amazing side of grace! Sundays, Room 202

If youre looking for fellowship for the journey

This fall we will be offering two parent forum classes on Sunday mornings designed
to engage in thoughtful discussion about faith perspectives on parenting.
A Good Start, for parents of children birth through elementary school, will focus
on the particular challenges of parenting young children and maintaining balance
in life and marriage. This class will be facilitated by Gretchyn and Jim Edwards.
Chapel (in the Childrens Wing)

Parenting Teens, parents of 7th-12th graders, youre not alone! Led by Rev.
Suzanne, this discussion-based class will provide a forum for the age-specific
challenges of parenting teenagers, while also encouraging attentiveness to your
own life balance challenges. Fellowship Hall (lower level)

If youre looking to discuss current events with a Biblical bent...

Current Events In the Caf Led by David Albery, this coffee and conversation
class will examine current news events in light of Christian theology. Because
of Labor Day, Septembers class will be the held the third Monday, September
19, at 7. Thereafter, this class meets in the caf on the 2nd Monday of each
month. Bring your Bible and any news articles or topics that challenge your
Christian view of the world.

If youre looking for a mid-week Bible Study

Tuesdays with Pastor Amy Beginning October 11 at 9:30am, the Tuesday
Morning Bible Study, led by Pastor Amy, will be studying the book of Job.
Using the Book Job from Immersion Bible Studies, we will spend six weeks
on this book of the Bible that can often have us perplexed. We will wrestle with
questions about Gods faithfulness, Gods intervention, and the plight of
suffering. If you would like to be a part of this class, sign up in the narthex
to order your book ($10).

If youre looking for a support ministry for people with chronic illness...
Living and Thriving Orchard is pleased to announce the beginning of a new
ministry fellowship for people who struggle with chronic illness, and for their
family and caregivers. This ministry is in the early stages of organization,
but if you or someone you know would like to be a part of this essential caring
ministry, please contact Teresa Bowers (248.478.4779) or Dr. Mary Clark
(734.453.5601) for further information.

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Watch for additional class offerings as part of our

Wednesday Nights Together program beginning
Wednesday, October 5.

wo years ago I went

through a major career
change shortly after our
daughter, Emma Grace,
was born. It was a change
I/we (Kristen and I) had
been longing for, for quite
some time, which allowed
more time together as a
family. It was a blessing
and Im 100% convinced it
was God at work in my life.
I decided to give some of
my time back to God by
volunteering and getting
involved at Orchard. I
joined the Praise Band to
sing at the 9am service,
and also started
volunteering at Youth
Group. I was able to be a
youth leader on two
mission trips so far! Let me
tell you, those trips bring
about a whole new
perspective on life. Being
involved in the livelihood of
Orchard is awesome, and I
hope more people can step
out in faith and experience
it. My faith has grown
tremendously over the past
two years here at Orchard,
and the experiences Ive
had have absolutely
changed my life.
Mike Tesauro

Spotlight on Missions
Its probably not biblically appropriate to say that Orchard takes pride in its
commitment to mission. Perhaps its more accurate to say that we
understand mission as an expression of our faiththe realization of our love
for God, and for Gods people. The scope of our giving and doing is diverse
as we reach out in as many directions as we can to make a difference in the
world. We walk, we build, we donate, we write checks, we lend tools, we
bake cookies and casseroles, and toss our loose change into the offering
plate. But do we really understand how all of those things touch lives and
make a difference?
Welcome to this new article series called Spotlight on Missions which will
feature information about the missions that Orchard is supporting. The
purpose of this series is not just to invite participation in these missions, but
to raise awareness so that we can, in turn, share our story and raise
awareness with others. Giving is one way to make a difference, but shining
a light on need is an essential movement towards innovating solutions.

Giving is one way to

make a difference,
but shining a light on
need is an essential
movement towards
innovating solutions.

Spotlight on Missions: Tiny HousesLife-Changing Homes

he Tiny House movementefficiently designed and

established regular payments, the person will then
often stylish little dwellings of 180-400 square
own the home and have an established payment
feethas grown as people seek to minimalize their
practice that will allow them to take over the payment
lifestyle, or simply desire
of their own utilities.
affordable housing in expensive
Most importantly, these houses
areas of the country. But Rev.
will be homeshomes which
Faith Fowler, pastor and leader
provide independence, security,
of Cass Community Social
privacy, personal expression
Services, sees tremendous
and pride of ownership, and
potential for new community
even a legacy to someday leave
and life-changing stability for
to a family member. Rev. Faith
those who could not otherwise
reminds people that these
qualify for the purchase of a
homes will allow people to own
home.
a pet and hang pictures and
Plans are currently underway
choose a color for their bedroom
for the construction of 25
wall. And these homes will be a
energy-efficient tiny houses just Proposed Tiny Houses neighborhoodCass Community Social Services
lovely reclamation of community
north of the Cass Community
in Detroit, springing up new life
campus on a 2-1/2 block plot of
where old abandoned homes
land. These homes will then be made available to
once stood. See Pastor Amys article below on how we,
low-income people who are ready to take on a small
together as the family of Orchard, can be part of
rent-to-own monthly payment. After seven years of
making homes for the homeless!

Dinner, Dreaming, and Conversation

by Pastor Amy Mayo-Moyle

erhaps you have heard me talk about it in worship or at a

church council meeting. I want us to build a tiny house.
Cass Community Social Services has embarked on a project
with a dream of building 25 houses for homeless people to
rent to own. These houses are a step in helping them to have
agency and assets as they climb out of the cycle of poverty.
The cost of a tiny house has been estimated at $50,000. I
believe we can raise that money over the course of the 20162017 year. In a few years, I hope that we will be able to
make a last great push to pay off our mortgage allowing us to
expand ministry and program. But first, Id like us to
prayerfully consider doing this for otherscaring for others
before we care for ourselves. I think we can do it!
I hope you will join me on September 11. At 6pm that
evening, we will enjoy a good dinner and then hear from Rev.
Faith Fowler, Executive Director at Cass Community Social
Services. We will hear her dreams and begin to dream

Dinner, Dreaming,
& Conversation
A Tiny Houses Presentation
with Rev. Faith Fowler
September 11, 2016
6pm
Sign up on the Opportunities
Board in the narthex!

ourselves. Invite your friends and neighbors, because

this is going to be something big! Dinner will be by
donation, but there will be a sign up for count ahead
of time. I look forward to seeing you then!
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All That Is Music at Orchard

Music tunes our hearts, opening us to the Word and the Grace of God. Through congregational singing, anthems
both reflective and inspirational, major choral works with orchestral accompaniment, spirited contemporary song,
and stirring instrumentals, the Ministry of Music at Orchard is truly a gift. This vibrant ministry provides ample
and varied opportunities for musicians of all ages, all backgrounds, and all abilities.

All About Soul

Contemporary Group for 9am Service. Meets Wednesdays from 6:15-7:30pm in the
sanctuary, starting September 14.
Chancel Choir
Adult Choir Singing at the 11am Service. From Classical to Gospel, and everything
in between. Meets Wednesdays from 7:30-9pm in the choir room, starting
September 14.
Lighthouse Rock
Calling all musicians and singers 7th-12th grade! We collaborate to create a
contemporary rock experience for all! New meeting time will be Wednesdays from
5:30-6pm, in the sanctuary.
Cherub Choir
Little kiddos ages 4 to 1st grade! Singing, dancing, games! Come join Miss Kristen
on Wednesdays from 5-5:30pm in the WOW Room, starting September 21.
Childrens Choir
2nd-6th Grade! Latest and greatest music, skits, and fun! Meets Wednesdays from
5-5:30pm in the choir room, starting September 21.
Mark these special music dates in your calendar now for Cherub & Childrens Choirs!

Sunday, November 13 at both Services

Sunday, December 4 at 9am Service
Saturday, December 24 at 5pm Service
Childrens Musical (to be announced) on Saturday, March 18
and Sunday, March 19

Mens Chorus
Calling all men! We will meet once a month on Wednesday evenings! Look for
details to be coming shortly. Please contact Jamie Reed @ JamieRB326@aol.com
for more information.
Chancel Ringers
Calling handbell ringers of all experience levels! We will have 4-week commitments
starting late fall, to ring during the special seasons of the church year. Please
contact Jamie Reed @ JamieRB326@aol.com for more information.

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Opportunities at Orchard
We have many opportunities to get together with one anotherfor growing in faith, growing our friendships, and
supporting each other through all things that life has to offer. Here youll find some of the opportunities we have to
be with each other! Dont let titles limit you from finding something that fits your interestsour Life Groups are about
connecting people to each other based on common life experiences. Although the groups are roughly defined by
demographics such as age and family, its more about finding the group you relate to best.
ALL groups are open and willing to make new friends!

Funtastiks
This active group of mature retirees gathers once a
month to share a meal and an interesting field trip or
presentation. Here are their plans for the next few
months. Look for more details as the dates draw
closer.

Soup and a Movie Watch Local Hero on

September 14 at 11:30am, here at Orchard. Bring
a sandwich if you wish and join us in Room 200.
Guest speaker, Dr. Subba Reddy, will be here
on October 13 at 12:30pm to tell us of his and
Suzannes adventures to Honduras on their medical
mission trips. Dessert will be served after the
presentation.
Games Day with Lunch is always a favorite!
November 9 at 11:30am.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is playing
at the Farmington Players Barn on December 4 at
2pm. Let Jo Ann Cline (248.859.3384) know if
youre interestedthe quicker she gets a head
count for this event, the quicker she can get
information out about ticket prices.

Calling All Men!

en of Orchard (MOO) invites all men to join

them for their annual retreat in Oscoda, MI on
September 30-October 2. This great break-away
weekend will include relaxation, relationship
building, and a presentation by the Rev. Mike
Mayo-Moyle. Using the book, Momentum of Life,
the men will look at how to sustain personal
health, integrity, and focus throughout their lives
while striving to answer Gods call as faithful
disciples. There will be plenty of time for outside
activities such as golf, kayaking/canoeing, hiking,
and more by the AuSable River. The cost of the
retreat will be determined by the number of
registrants, plus activities, and dinner on Friday
and Saturday. Contact John Young (248.489.0881)
for more information and to register!

Save the Date! September 19, 2016 is the Cass Community Services 11th Annual

Charity Golf Scramble at Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center in Plymouth. Contact Sue Pethoud
at spethoud@casscommnunity.org or call 313.883.2277, ext. 203, for more information.

LAF (Life After Fifty)

Sunday, September 18Lunch at Georges

Saturday
Sept. 17, 2016

9am-Noon

ur fifth Mini-Olympics will be held on

Saturday, September 17, from 9am to
Noon in the MAC. You don't need to be an
athlete to be involvedthe only thing official
about this Olympics is the title of the event!
Be prepared to have a lot of Free Family
Fun! Pre-registration is required. Pick up that
form and a flyer with all the fun details from
the desk outside the WOW Room (Childrens
Wing)! Volunteers are needed to help run the
games, judge the baking, etc. Contact Donna
Young at jdmskyoung@sbcglobal.net or
248.489.0881 to let her know youll help!
Start creating your own Family Crest
or Coat of Arms for the opening parade
into the MAC!

LAF is our group of empty nesters and nearly or newly

retired. Every September they meet at Georges
Restaurant to hear ideas and plan the next year of
activities. Join them on Sunday, September 18, after
the second service. Find Barbara DeGrazia or Donna
Young and let them know youre interested in going.
Check out the LAF page on Orchards website
(www.orchardumc.org) to find out the full list of
LAF-worthy events coming up!

Other Fellowship Opportunities

Fellowship Bridgemeets 2nd and 4th Tuesday
afternoons @ 1pm
Mens Basketballbegins the first week in October
on its new nightThursday @ 7!
Knit and Crochetmeets 1st and 3rd Thursday
afternoons @ 1pm
MOPSMothers of Preschoolers meets 1st and 3rd
Thursday mornings @ 9:30. NOTE: Because of Labor
Day and school starting, the September meeting
dates are September 8 and 22.
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Children & Youth

September at Orchard is the time for all our programs to start back.
Take a look below to see what the Children and Youth Ministries are up to!

For Children*

WOW Worship Our Way is our exciting worship experience for children from
preschool through 4th grade. Children begin worship in the sanctuary with their
parents, and then come to WOW after the Childrens Message. Children will become
familiar with worship rituals through experiential and age-appropriate activities.
Children in 5th grade and higher are encouraged to stay in the sanctuary for the
entire worship service. WOW is located in the Childrens Worship Center during regular worship hours. WOW will not meet
on September 4 for Blessing of the Backpack Sunday (see below).

Deep Blue For children from toddler through 6th grade, we are continuing our Sunday School
curriculum of Deep Blue. Sunday School meets at 10am. This interactive Bible-based program
engages children in the lessons of scripture; children will be placed where we feel they will learn most
about God. Students are encouraged to bring their Bibles every Sunday (in their Bible bags if they
have them!)
WWJD What Would Jesus Do? is the childrens portion of our new Wednesday Nights Together
program. Children will have an opportunity to participate in the Cherubs or Childrens Choir, eat
dinner with their friends and families, and participate in activities, conversations, and mission projects
that challenge them to do what Jesus would do! This program begins on October 5!
Special Family Programs such as our Touch-a-Truck event in October, and Breakfast with Santa will
be offered periodically to provide fun family fellowship.

*Further details, registration forms, and information about our Safe Sanctuary policy will be arriving in the mail shortly. If you do
not receive your packet soon, please contact Meghann Synder.

For Youth**

JAM & Fusion JAM (for 7th and 8th grades) and Fusion (9th through 12th grades), our youth
fellowship programs, are getting ready to kick off the new season with an Olympic-sized bang on
Sunday, September 18 at 6pm!
NEW meeting time for Sunday youth group meetings Programming will run 6-7:30, and will no
longer include dinner. Snacks for the kidsfrom veggies and fruit, to chips, granola bars, etc.will be
available during youth group. Parents are encouraged to supply snacks, if youre able. You can sign up
for a specific night, or drop off a snack that can be stored and used at a later time. From 7:30 to 8pm
we will leave the youth wing open for the teens to just hang out and relax in a safe environment.
Lighthouse Rock Calling all musicians and singers7th-12th grades! We collaborate to create a
contemporary rock experience for all. NEW meeting time is Wednesdays from 5:30-6pm in the
sanctuary, starting September 21.
**Watch your mail/email for more information about exciting upcoming youth events!

Celebrating youth
mission and service with
F.R.O.G. Week
participants (foreground)
and Fusion Mission Team
(background)

Page 6

In the Life of Orchard

Cass Picnic
August 11, 2016

Thanks to all who helped with bingo,

cooking, planning and serving,
and clean-up!

In the life of Orchard, we believe in the power of prayer.

Join us in intercession, thanksgiving, celebration, and remembrance.
Let us pray...
We Pray for
Pastor Amys friends,
the family of Paul Ogg
Nick Bonskys father, Bill Bonsky
Ryan Buckwalter
Frances Childress
Mary Clarks cousin, Greg
Cogsdills daughter-in-law and the
residents of San Bernandino County
Valerie Costellos friends, the family of
Bill Newton, especially his son
Betsy Daniels and family
Betsy Daniels uncle, Dick,
and Betsys cousins
Morgan Drossos
Christy Edwards friends,
the family of Shelley Trainor
Diane Holdens daughter, Linda Glaser
Peggy Knuttilas dad, Paul Knuttila,
her cousin, Connie, and her friends,
Kathy Perry and family
Anthony Kosibas father, Frank Sobecki
Hilary Mahons son-in-law,
Jake Klienmahon
Mary Manier
Sara Moores infant cousin,
Shepherd Maddox
Thom Parkers brother, Jim Parker
Nancy Passfields son-in-law,
Mark Janssen and his family,
and her grandson, Taylor Janssen
Stefanija Petrovas friend,
Ljupka Kostova
Fran Pouch
Tom Pouchs sister-in-law, Jane
Pam Proctor
Beverly Rucker
Ron Ruckers friends,
Velma and Ralph Williams
Rob Rudnick, his father, Robert,
and his sister, Rena

The Tim Salley familys friends,

Melissa, Sean, and
Dominic Gallagher
Brenda Schultz cousin,
Julie Delong-Boch
Marion Seeber
Brad Snider
Andrew Stones uncle, Mike Laroque,
and his family and friends
Gloria Ann Thomas friend, Walter Lee
Mary Ann Trenkle
Mary Ann Trenkles friends,
Mary Frances Asta and Kay Norton
Members of Lynette Truitts
daughters church
Barb Van Harens niece, Tara,
and Barbs friend, Rev. John Seaman
Bob Vine
Ellen Voss friend, Karen
Karen Wagners friends, Del Rundell
and Jordan
Former Orchard member, Betsy Watson
Courtney Wrights friends, Dhara Shah
and family
Barbara Yuhas

We Celebrate
Dominik Michael Stafiej, born July 28,
2016 to Melissa and Mike Stafiej.
Dominiks grandparents are Cindy and
Mike Portis, Sue and John Perkins, and
Kathleen and Michael Stafiej.

We Remember
Judy Bayer (August 3)
Betsy Daniels father,
Roger Struck (August 9)
Sue Kluges brother,
Bob McGuigan (August 18)

We Give Thanks
On August 11, a group of Orchard people from
sixth graders to mature adults provided lunch
and fun for some very special people. We call
it the Cass picnic and, in providing this
event, our Missions Committee continues a
tradition that is over 30 years old!
Approximately 80 developmentally disabled
adults and their helpersCass Community
Social Services staffhad a lunch made and
served by about ten adult volunteers and ten
F.R.O.G. Week middle schoolers. They then
played a rousing game of bingo in our MAC!
Every person got back on the bus with a bingo
prize and a goodie bag with some hygiene i
and other personal care items. Thanks to all
who worked on this big event! Special thanks
to Peggy Knuttila for organizing prizes and
goodie bags, Sue and John Scott for food
purchasing and set-up, Dan Harmon for great
bingo leadership, and Kelly Sheckell for
organizing all the FROG Week helpers to do
prep work and for picnic help.

Cathy Albery, Missions Committee Chair

Many thanks to
Marianne Rinker, who
has been lining up our
Sunday Coffee Hour
treats for the last few
years!
As Marianne steps down
from a job well done,
we are looking for a
new volunteer willing to make phone calls to
line up our weekly treats from a list of
available bakers. If this is a role that is your
cup of teaor coffeeplease call/text DyAnn
St.Clair at 248.756.9643 or email at
dyannstclair@aol.com.

Page 7

The Orchard Harvester is the newsletter of Orchard United Methodist Church.

The October 2016 Harvester deadline is September 14, 2016.
E-mail articles may be directed to Linda Hall, Editor, at lindahall@orchardumc.org
or Deanna Kohl at deannakohl@orchardumc.org.
Pastors: Rev. Amy Mayo-Moyle and Rev. Suzanne K. Goodwin
Worship Services at 9 & 11 am start September 11!
Phone 248.626.3620

Non-Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Farmington, MI
PERMIT No. 216

Web Site: www.orchardumc.org

Samaritan Counseling Center 248.474.4701

Orchard United Methodist Church

30450 Farmington Road
Farmington Hills MI 48334-1939
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Mark Your Calendars!

Look for details for these exciting eventsand morein upcoming publications and online!

Sunday, October 2 at 6pm

eady to take the next step in your faith

journey and explore the possibility of
membership at Orchard? If so, reserve the
evening of Sunday, October 2 for an
informal dialogue with Pastor Amy and Rev.
Suzanne regarding church history and
Orchard membership requirements. Youll
find them in the Parlor at 6pm where the
evening will begin with coffee and dessert,
then wrap up by 8. Childcare is available
upon request. Let DyAnn St.Clair
(dyannstclair@aol.com or 248.756.9643)
or the church office (248.626.3620) know
if youre coming and/or need childcare. Hope
to see you there!

Regular Worship
Hours Resume
Sunday
September 11
9am and 11am
with
Sunday School
for all ages
at 10am

10/1
10/5
10/6
10/13
10/14
10/15
10/30
11/5
11/6
11/20
11/27
12/2
12/3
12/11
12/13
12/18
12/24
12/25

Hands 4 Detroit
Wednesday Nights Together begins
Mens Drop-In Basketball @ 7pm
Pumpkins arrive
Pumpkin Patch opens (to 10/31)
Touch-A-Truck @ noon
SOS guests (to 11/6)
Family Clean-Up Day
All Saints Sunday
House & Home Bazaar
Hanging of the Greens
with soup/salad lunch
Christmas Brunch &
Ornament Exchange
Breakfast with Santa and
Santas Workshop
Living Nativity
Advent by Candlelight
Christmas Cantata
Christmas Eve Services @ 5, 8, 10
Christmas Day worship @ 10am

Find us, like us, share with us, and share

us with others on Facebook, Twitter, and
Instagram!
Page 8

Connect us with today!