A gift From a Trailblazer

Last night we had company over for dinner. Conversation was great, laughter was ringing, and all enjoyed the food. Then came time for dessert.
I spied the jar of "Chocolate Chip Cookies" in a jar that was given to me by Evelyn, one of the Trailblazers. We mixed and made the cookies in no time... best yet, we ate them while they were still hot!
Thank you Wanda and Pam for the work that you do with these kids. THEY love it! (So do I) :)

Pioneer Club Hats Off!

Games: they are truly for all ages, and all props! We played a game of pass the hat. These games can really get the kids moving. Everyone needs some smiles, giggles and laughs - and we have them every week! Do you know of any children in your neighborhood who should be in this picture too? Invite them to come out on Wednesday night at 6:30. Be there or be square :)

Pioneer Club: Trailblazer Act! Not pretend, but get into action.

The Trailblazer Club took action and volunteered last Thursday.

They left the comforts of home, the routine of school and went forward and saw the needs of others and joined the community based volunteer organization and worked on putting together lunches for those who need this support. Thank you members of our church, our town, our community.


The leaders have opened the eyes of our youngsters. Hopefully we as adults will see the need to volunteer in our community, where we see need too!


Please see the pictures on the Middleville Wesleyan Church facebook page. Leave your comments too! Interaction is always welcome.

Wonderful Wordless Wednesday

Pioneer Club. Welcome to our great group of young people... leaders included. There is so much to say... but this time, I will let the pictures speak for themselves. Hope you enjoy them, as we certainly do! Here is a glimpse of a Wednesday night at Middleville Wesleyan Church. Starting with the Pathfinders: *K* and *I* went to the prize bucket to take thier choice for saying the books of the New Testament in perfect order... they are Pathfinders you know! :)

Thank a Veteran

Our veterans are honored with a special day. Odd that it follows right after Halloween: a day of playful make believe. A day when our chocolate high exceeds our ability to be sensible. Whoops, I guess you can tell my mindset!

Just as the candy bowls are emptying and we can no longer reward ourselves for clever disguises or cute children, just as this happens the calendar announces that it is November, the 11th month, and zoom here is the 11th day. A day set aside to honor those who have left home, picked up a weapon, learned how to live without comforts of home... and yearned for the voices of home: our Veterans.

So, besides buying paper poppies, besides reading the words on a calendar... step outside the normal day. Have you seen a licence plate that announces a member of a particular service: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard? If so, take that step and verbally thank them for their service. Let them know that the trials that they faced are still regarded as worthy.

Have you seen someone walking around with a service ball cap... take that step, and say thanks. They might be a proud parent of someone serving. Let them know that it is great to have a strong America.

David was a mighty warrior. Jonathan knew how to use a bow and arrow. Our Biblical history stresses the strength of a nation is important. Isaiah writes "He (the Lord) put on righteousness as his breastplate and the helmet of salvation on his head he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak." (Isaiah 59:17)

Our pastor is a great veteran... he served and his stories relate lessons learned through his being stationed outside of his comfort zone, stretched with new technology, and held accountable in a leadership role. I thank him for all that he did.. and all that he brings to us.

Thank every veteran you see. Not many will tell you they wished they didn't go, or do what they were assigned to learn, or see areas of the world outside their hometown, or experience and grow with the almost overnight recognition that they had a mission. Make it your mission to show your appreciation!

Happy Veterans Day!

Pioneer Clubs

We did it!
The new year has officially been kicked off! Not kicked off the bus, or kicked off the team... Quite the opposite!
Fireworks could have been going off at Middleville Wesleyan Church on October 7, 2009. Clubs were a hopping, songs were shouted out with joy... the rooms were vibrating with youth. Even the leaders who haven't been called youths for some time were recognizing that youthfulness is catchy.

I have first hand experience with the Pathfinders... nine 3rd and 4th graders who were ready to have some good ole fellowship. Meaning ready to play some games, laugh out loud, win in the sword drill, and know that God loves them more than anything they can or ever will imagine.
It was a new club: last year's second graders were now in third and therefore in Pathfinders. New leader: Mrs. Jo jumped in and gave her warm smiles to all. AND we have a new classroom. WOW. The room is ours.
Want to be part of this experience? There is always room for more volunteers, and MORE Clubbers! Bring the kids, bring the neighbors! Let's stretch the walls a bit further.

Book Club has a new Selection

The first Thursday in October, the book club at Middleville Wesleyan Church will be meeting. We picked another great book. Everyone puts a suggestion in the *hat* and a winner is chosen for us all to read. Some of them stretch our minds... hearts... and reason. But the discussions are so good - the Bible backed reason, the inspired Scriptures are our blueprint for reason.
We have learned so much, shared views, laughed and really thought about concepts, characters and historic figures.
This month we will be reading "Unveiled" by Francine Rivers. The Old Testament character Tamara will come alive and open that period of history for us to sift through.
Bring a box lunch, come sit and enjoy lots of intelligent conversation! We welcome you!

Pioneer Clubs Dinner

We are ready to set the year in motion! Pioneer Clubs is exactly the vehicle to get us moving. Clubs alive and well with our church and local children. The ministry of Pioneer Clubs cannot be measured with any simple gauge that I know of!

On September 25, 2009 Middleville Wesleyan Church will be hosting a kick off dinner. All proceeds will go toward the costs that are associated with the different clubs.

Please come out and support these youngsters as they grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord. And don't forget the leaders... we grow too. I didn't know my heart could get this big.

Psalms 119:105 Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path...

No better map for life than the Word of God!

Community Activity

"1st Annual Barry County Pumpkin Trot 5K Run/Walk is an event which is raising funds to bring Girls on the Run to Barry County.Girls on the Run is a prevention program for pre-teen girls. This after school program focuses on providing healthy development in areas of social, mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well being.
Using running as an anchor for the program, girls learn to have positive body image, self respect and self esteem; while training for a 5k. The goals of this event are to raise funds to bring Girls on the Run to the Barry County communities, as well as provide awareness to the potential of at risk behaviors in pre-teen girls.
The event will be held on Saturday October 24th at 8:00am. The course follows the beautiful Paul Henry trail in Downtown Middleville, Michigan.
This is a fun, family oriented event. We encourage participants to dress in family friendly Halloween Costumes. Participants can participate in the 5k run or walk. Registrations are being accepted online and by mail. Race Day Details:
• 5K Walk/Run
• $20 per participant, $25 race-day registration
*• Registration includes t-shirt (to be picked up on race day)
• Sign-in begins at 6:30am, Race begins at 8:00am
• Course follows the Paul Henry Trail in downtown Middleville, MI
• All proceeds donated to benefit bringing Girls on the Run to Barry County
• Participants are encouraged to wear family friendly Halloween costumes *those registering on race day are not guaranteed a t-shirt

Go to http://barrygotr.blogspot.com/ to actually register.
We are an elect people!

Pioneer Club Getting Ready to Set the Place Jumping!

Dear Middleville Wesleyan Family,

Church family - October is our month to start! The Kick-off of another year of Pioneer club. We have a great team assembled once again who are getting excited about having the opportunity to teach our children ages 2 through high school about the Word of God.

We will be registering Pioneer Clubs members at the end of September before and after our 11 :00 service, as well as at the first club meeting.

There is a fee per child to help offset the costs of supplies that will be collected at the time of registration. It our desire that each child desiring this experience be able to participate so please contact Pastor Patchett if there is a concern about the costs involved.

Please let us know if there are any questions!

Book Club: Fellowship Time

September 10 means Book Club at Middleville Wesleyan. Come out and enjoy some time with others who enjoy reading, discoveries and sharing together. Your input into next month's selection is desired!
Please let us know if you have any questions!
Bring a box lunch and stay for an hour or two.

Quilting Time!

Quilting: has to be great for the mind! It is puzzle working, fabric feeling, fun times with friends and just all around good for you! That is why we have a great group coming together to work on projects. Sher Argo has lead this group and the gifts that have come are heart warming, memory making and just plain wonderful.

There is no need to be a master quilter, or knowledgeable in applique or fancy hand work. Come and learn as we go. Come and share your experiences. Come and have a good time!

Times and meeting place to be announced.... keep you eye out for this one!

Hastings Summerfest Anticipation

The annual Summerfest in Hastings, MI sets the youth of Middleville Wesleyan Church into action. Help them get their booth ready for this fun function!

August 28 and August 29

Find any rarely used games on the shelf? Any glasses that don't match your decor? Prize worthy items? How about outdoor carpet? Scrap lumber? AND/OR golf putters?
All of these treasures will come to life as the mini golf course draws folks in the booth!

Please bring donation s to church prior to August 23, 2009.
This will be a fun time for all: those strolling the area and those working the booth. Hope to see you there, and thank you in advance for your donations!

Here is a list of preferred items:

Small toys, Stuffed Animals, Games, Colorful Decorative Glasses and Cups, Candy bars big or snack size (must be new packaged"), Ball Caps, Match box cares in good shape, and Bead Bracelets.

Book Club

Our August choice ripe for discussion is The Red Tent. Pack a lunch and enjoy some time of discussion, fellowship Christian friendship and an excellent chance to get to know more about the Middleville Wesleyan Church. We meet the first Thursday of each month. Now, as soon as I write that... let me throw in an amendment! September will be the second Thursday due to Labor Day weekend activities.
Hope to see you there!

Ladies' Bible Study

Thursday mornings at 9:30 come join as we start a new study. The book of James will be the focus. Just having finished Isaiah we are off to the New Testament!

Pack a lunch and stay for the Book Club (This Thursday) . The book club will be discussing The Red Tent. We choose a new book each month.

VBS

Today is the day that VBS explodes into action, laughter, fellowship and praises to our Lord! Come and be a part of this activity!
So, whether it is playing games, learning new memorable songs, feeling like they are part of the Bible stories, or making new friends, your child will have an unforgettable time with us at V.B.S.
Grades (2009-2010): K-6
Dates: July 27 to July 31
Times: 6:30 - 8:00
Friday is our short night. We meet for about a half hour inside with the parents and then the ice cream social to wrap things up!
Don't forget to tell your family, friends and neighbors.
Hope to see you there!

Book Club

We are starting up an interactive book club. Julie Tagg has taken the reins and will be announcing our first book. Fellowship with other Christian women is a vital part of our growth. Join us as we select novels, chat about them and relax in our thoughts. Friendships are made and strengthened with these types of gatherings. Be a part of that, give yourself the gift of encouragement and stretch your mind as you read and discuss literary works.

First meeting is scheduled for August 6, 2009. We would love to see you at Middleville Wesleyan Church.

Convention/Mini Retreat: Guest speaker Sandie Morgan

Come and Enjoy the Day! Only $15 per person! June 27, 2009 @ Faith Church, Lansing, MI 48912

9am sing-in (light refreshments)

9:30 to 3:15 Lincludes a Buffet lunch @12:15

Register 517-331-1415

Sandie Morgan is Administrator of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force where she is working to build a team that will educate and enlist our local community against the modern slave trade. Sandie is a Registered Nurse and has served on the board of the International Nurses Association in Athens, Greece where she lived for ten years. IT was there that she discovered human trafficking while doing a story for Lydia Living Magazine. She recently served as Coordinator for Vanguard University's Center for Women's Studies and continues to serve as Director of the Lydia Today Foundation. (Lydiatoday.com) Sandie also served as Human Trafficking Dialogue Facilitator at the National Association of Evangelicals Global Leaders Forum in Washington D.D. and was invited to the first White house Roundtable on Human Trafficking. Recently, she hosted the Senior Director for Global Projects from the US State Department for the first Economic Roundtable on Human Trafficking. As an advocate for victims of human trafficking, Sandie guest lectures in universities, community groups, and churches. Since accepting the leadership of OC Human Trafficking Task Force, Sandie has been interviewed by the LA Times and other media forms.

Youth Garage Sale and Car Wash

What could be better than getting a cleaned out garage and a cleaned up car?

Simple answer... the Middleville Wesleyan Youth Garage Sale and Car Wash.

Saturday July 11, 2009 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Sign up for a booth if you would like to sell your items. There is a $10 fee per spot. You will have as much room as you need. If you need for us to provide tables, they will be available for use @ $2.00 each. This sale will be advertised in the local papers - we are right up there with the local news!

Sign up now.

Hastings Summerfest

Hastings Summerfest 2009: coming soon! The Middleville Wesleyan Church's Youth group will have a Game Booth this year. Action time! This is an Outreach of the Youth group, a great event. Sign up to help and take part of this fun event.

August 28 and 29, 2009 11 a.m until 7 p.m.
See you there!

Pot Luck Sunday

Potluck Sunday, all the great chefs, cooks, can openners or just plain fast food orderers will meet next Sunday, June 7th for the June Potluck. Come and sit leisurely with folks from church, get to know your church family better. Dishes will be served immediately after morning service.

Bring a dish the size of your family, and some to share.

Elections

Our church is a family that is organized and coherent because we have the same goals: a Christ filled life, family ministries and fellowship. We are organized because we have a great leader in our Pastor, Mark Patchett and our elected members.
Our governing boards are not comprised of appointed positions, but are elected by the church membership. May 31, the last Sunday in May at 6p.m. elections and the local church conference will occur.
Make it a point to be there!

Crocodile Dock Vacation Bible School 2009

Just a reminder to all the parents that Vacation Bible School (V.B.S.) is coming your way and we want you to join us for an exciting bayou adventure this summer!

Where Fearless Kids Shine God's Light

V.B.S. is a time for you child to learn about God's love and goodness and how we can share that with others.

Your child will get to sing and dance to new bayou tunes that will rock your dock! They also get to become a part of the Bible stories. Plus, we have fun crafts, exciting new games and, everyone's favorite: snacks!

Each day your child will receive a"Bible Point" memory verse so that they can take the learning beyond the bayou and into their daily lives; share with others what they have learned here at V.B.S.

So, whether it is playing games, learning new memorable songs, feeling like they are part of the Bible stories, or making new friends, your child will have an unforgettable time with us at V.B.S.

Grades (2009-2010): K-6

Dates: July 27 to July 31

Times: 6:30 - 8:00

Friday is our short night. We meet for about a half hour inside with the parents and then the ice cream social to wrap things up!

Don't forget to tell your family, friends and neighbors.

Hope to see you there!

Vacation Bible School Set Up 2009

This year is a bayou theme and we welcome all the help we can get! Everything on this list is for decoration or adult use only. If you think you might be able to donate or lend 1 or more items for the week of VBS please let Alicia Russel know ASAP. Thank you for your help in advance!

* Fishing Vests (khaki cargo)
* Straw Hats (preferably Tom Sawyer style but, I will take what I can get!)
* Artificial plants
* Fishing Gear (poles, life jackets, tackle boxes, etc)
* Fishing Nets
* Wicker Fishing Creels
* Alligator, raccoon, opossum, turtle, lobster toys (Large and small)
* Lanterns - any size will do (we'll need about 6)
* Camping string lights
* Rope
* Blue sheets
*Spanish Moss
*Cardboard (All sizes but, the bigger the better)
*Oatmeal cartons
*Outdoor bug zapper

Don't Forget:
With nice weather comes garage sales, so... for all of you who enjoy the 'art' of a bargain hunting trip, here is a great opportunity to help us out!!

Pioneer Club Leader Wrap Up

Fun Food and Fellowship have always been a part of my church experience. And the Pioneer Club leader wrap up fit right into that tradition. Our joy in working with the kids from each club was highlighted during the evening's discussions.
Each leader filled out a list of questions relating to 'bests' of the year.
* Going to TK for a special day and having all the Pathfinders from 4th grade yelling 'hi' to us!
* A child's heartfelt prayer: a witness that the Lord loves the little children.
* Voyagers class was asked to bring in school supplies for EGO (International Fun Badge). One student remembered just before heading off to club. He went through his own 'supplies' and came in with a bag full of crayons, pencils and erasers.
* The 'Best Friend' pictures at them all when we took only the 6th graders.
* Watching the kids enter church each week: full of smiles and energy!
* Watching one child during opening songs and at the Sunday award ceremony.
* One leader was given a special pendant so the he would not forget that God loved him and so did the student!
* On young boy revelling in the dress up time as he wore a suit coat and tie and announced: I'm Pastor Mark!"

Absolute Fun Times
* Chariot Races in the sanctuary and Human Bowling!
* Club interaction: Friends are friends forever when teh Lord is the Lord of them.
* Voyager club was invited to their leader's house to cook. The kids were so cute at preparing the food - and they ate and ate and ate!
* The Puppet Show
* Making S'Mores and the sudden look of " I know" on their faces during discussion time.
* Each openning night during song time.

These are just a few chosen times... there were so many it was hard to pick a best!

Softball Schedule

Softball Team is having a great time! Be sure to attend their games to cheer them on and I am sure they can always use a few extra players as well!

May 18 6:10 South

June 1 6:10 North

June 8 7:10 North

June 15 7:10 South

June 22 6:10 South

June 29 7:10 North

Summer Calendar Events

We have several great events coming up this summer and kicking off after Memorial Day with the Local Church Conference on Sunday, the 31st of May at 6 PM!

Here are some more "must attend" times!

June 7th-Potluck Dinner after Morning Services!

Sunday Evening Worship Services begin in June at 6 PM

July 27-July 31 Vacation Bible School! Great time if interested in helping please contact Alicia

August 16-20 Youth Camp

Also, do not forget the Mother's Day Banquet this Friday, May 15th at 6 PM! A great time for all including the "kitchen help" in black and white! Guys, let Ron know if you can help!

Finally, we will be having a baptismal service on Sunday, May 17th at 6 PM at Windsor Woods in Wayland! Need directions? Ask Pastor, Ron or Gwen on Sunday morning or give Pastor a call!

If you have any calendar inputs please forward to dalekissinger@aol.com or simply provide a comment to this blog.

Note from the pastor

Just a reminder that on May 17th we will be having baptism servies at the Wayland Pool in the evening at 6:oo p.m. In addition we will be accepting new members into the congregation in the month of June. Thank You. Pastor.

Extraordinary Women Conference: Fall Schedule

Free to be Real "The Lord and the Spirit are one and the same, and the Lord's Spirit sets us free."

II Corinthians 3:17

This year's Extraordinary Women tour is about getting real with who you are in Christ so you can live the extraordinary, authentic life God dreams for you. No checklists. No false guilt. Just you, God and tens of thousands of women joining together to face your struggles, find your strengths, and grow in Him. Together we can encourage each other through His Spirit to be the women God has called us to be.
Join fabulous speakers, artists, authors and tens of thousands of women in 2009 for insightful messages, inspiring worship, and authentic life. Because living God's dream is about your heart being free - Free to be Real.
Blessings,
Julie
President of Extraordinary Women

Fall 2009 Conference Schedule
October 2-3 2009
Fort Wayne, IN
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Super Early Bird Special through 7/10/2009 Individual tickets: $49/ Groups of 10+: $49
Early Bird Special through 8/28/2009 Individual tickets: $59/ Groups of 10+: $49
October 9-10 2009
Ypsilanti, MI
EMU Convocation Center
Super Early Bird Special through 7/17/2009 Individual tickets: $49/ Groups of 10+: $49
Early Bird Special through 9/4/2009 Individual tickets: $59/ Groups of 10+: $49
All group orders of 10 or more receive 1 free registration!
Here is how to register...
Online: www.ewomen.net
Phone: 1-800-526-8673

May Events

May 3 Sunday Pioneer Club Awards during morning service
May 9 Saturday Pioneer Club End of Year Barbecue 5 PM
May 15 Friday Mother Daughter Banquet
May 17 Sunday Baptismal Service
May 26-30 Spring Clean Up Week

Weather Warning Policy

Church policy for bad weather is:

Services will be canceled if National Weather Service has issued a Weather Warning. It will then be broadcast on WOOD TV8.

Pioneer Club Brings out the "Kid" in Everyone

Wednesday night will soon be here. It is a highlight of our week. Some look at it as hump day - half way in between weekends. Dale and I look at it as 'time to smile and laugh out loud! We lead the 3rd and 4th graders at Middleville Wesleyan Church. We range from 12 to 16 'clubbers' each week. Third and fourth grade young people do not like to sit still. They do not like to have a lesson plan read to them. They LIKE interaction. They LOVE participation. They ARE fantastic.

Our children come from as many different backgrounds and home life situations as can be imagined - in Club life is good. In club, we all listen. In club, we play games, and pray and sing and KNOW that God loves us individually. We also have a responsibility to God to listen to and interact with our families. There are no accidents or 'whoops' with God. He knows, and cares.

Thank you for sending your children to us each Wednesday. It would be a quiet night without them!

Misunderstood Parents

Misunderstood Parents

You thought you were happily smiling at your child from a hard stadium seat or a hot packed auditorium.
But your child looked at your face and saw approval of him and joy in what he was doing.

You thought that you were just patting him on the back or on the head, or just ruffling his hair.
But your child cherished the warm loving touch and his heart was brightened.

You thought you were reading a bedtime story with all the funny and scary voices.
But your child enjoyed the fact you read every word even though he had heard them a hundred times before.

You thought you were letting your child help paint the house even though the paint got kind of runny and drippy in places.
But your child knew that you were working together as a family and felt a sense of accomplishment as a family.

You thought you were singing silly songs or counting the cows on a long boring trip.
But your child learned that it was fun being together no matter where you were.

You thought you were spending a few minutes of your time by throwing a ball in the back yard or baking some cookies.
But your child, who realized that your time is precious, knew you were investing it in him.

You thought that you asked your child's opinion about something that wasn't too important.
But your child thought you asked because his opinions and thoughts were important.
You thought you were being a good host by inviting your child's friends in for a cool snack on a warm summer day.

But your child knew that his friends were important to you and always welcome in your home.
You thought the tears in you eyes went unnoticed when your child accomplished an important goal in his life.
But your child knew that he was deeply embedded in your heart and you sensed his accomplishment.

You thought that the refrigerator was as good of a place as any for hanging all the art work and "well done" papers that came home from school.
But your child felt important when he came home from school each day with something to show you and tack up in his personal hall of fame.

You thought you gave your child some simple chore or job to do and told him, "Well done," with a smile when he did it.
But your child learned responsibility and began to realize he could tackle even tougher things.

You thought you were helping a troubled restless child get some sleep by fixing a cup of hot cocoa.
But your child felt that you were opening your heart around a kitchen table and making all the problems a lot smaller.

You thought the vacation wasn't much of a success because the fish didn't bite and the sun didn't shine.
But your child still remembers everything that happened and he still laughs at all of the funny parts.

You thought you were just pointing out the words in the church hymn book with your child's finger as he tried to sing along.
But your child learned that singing praises to God in worship was important.

You thought you were just giving him a quick hug at a special moment or "just because."
But your child carried it with him for a long time, because what you really said was, "I'm proud of you!", or "I love you!"

You thought you were just giving him a little kiss on the cheek to tell him good bye as he left for school.
But your child felt warm and loved because he knew there would be another one waiting for him when he got home.

Come to think of it, there are a lot of times when parents really are misunderstood!

April 2009 Calendar of Events

April 29 - Last Pioneer Club of the season