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!