First United Methodist Church: Port Huron: 175th Anniversary Celebration

175th Celebration Events 2009
Sunday, January 4, 9:30 a.m. Anniversary Banner Unveiling We thank the Greater Blue Water Quilt Guild for the beautiful banner that will be on display in the sanctuary for our anniversary year. This meaningful work of art will be formally recognized in the 9:30 service. Saturday, January 24, 7:30 p.m. Anniversary Festival Concert, Dave Bennett Quartet The Dave Bennett Quartet will delight you with the music of Benny Goodman and Dixieland. You may remember Dave as the entertaining and youthful star clarinetist of the New Reformation Band. You won’t want to miss this extraordinary performance. Sunday, February 8, 9:30 a.m. Celebration Kick-off Day Our “official kick-off” celebration with Bishop Judith Craig preaching. Worship will include liturgical dance, a special birthday cake and the initiation of our Mission 175 project. A potluck follows the service. Check out the historic display in the gathering space. Saturday, February 14, 7:30 p.m. Anniversary Festival Concert Join us for a special Valentine’s Day Concert. Organist Kelly Hale and pianist Tony Patterson will delight you with classic love songs and a special sing-along. Bring your valentine, wear your red, and celebrate with us. Sunday, February 15, 9:30 a.m. Guest Organist, Kelly Hale It will be a special treat to welcome Dr. Kelly Hale as guest organist at the 9:30 service. He recently retired from teaching at the College-Conservatory of the University of Cincinnati. He is an Episcopal Minister of Music, a church music composer and an extremely gifted organist. Sunday, February 22, 9:30 a.m. Consecration Service for Threshold to the Future Project The Threshold to the Future Project has blessed our church with many improvements. In song, prayer and sermon we will give to God all our building improvements and look to the future better equipped to be the Presence of God in our world. Wednesday, March 4, 6:15 p.m. Lenten Meal and Service Preacher, Paul Blomquist (Senior Pastor, 1979-1985) As we continue the journey to the cross and resurrection we invite you to join us for a traditional Lenten meal. It will be wonderful to welcome former Senior Pastor Paul Blomquist as our guest speaker. His ministry among us was deeply enriching. If you are too young to remember Dr. Blomquist you are in for a real treat. Saturday, March 7, 7:30 p.m. Anniversary Festival Concert Our second Festival Concert will feature Measure for Measure a superb men’s choral ensemble. This most impressive chorus incorporates selections from many different styles and periods. They have earned praise for their lively musical excellence in performances throughout America and Europe. An evening not to miss! Wednesday, March 18, 6:15 p.m. Lenten Meal and Service Preacher Rev. Ralph Pieper (Senior Pastor, 1996-2003) It will bring our congregation great joy to share a second traditional meal together and especially have the Bread of Life broken for us by former pastor Rev. Ralph Pieper. Ralph presently is Senior Pastor at Lapeer Trinity UMC. Wednesday, April 1, 6:15 p.m. Lenten Meal and Service Preacher Rev. Amy Terhune (Associate Pastor, 1999 - 2002) We will conclude our Lenten meals with former associate pastor Rev. Amy Terhune. We were always inspired and challenged by Amy’s sermons. Amy is currently pastor at Columbiaville UMC. Sunday, May 24, 9:30 a.m. Heritage Sunday A highlight of this worship service will be a congregational walk to the special stone that marks the spot of the first Methodist Church in Port Huron. It will be a memorable day for all ages. If May showers are around be sure to pack your umbrella. It is our hope to see Lucile Ogden leading the congregation. June 22-26 Vacation Bible School “Camp E.D.G.E.” Sunday, July 12, 9:30 a.m. Jazz Worship Service This worship service will feature New Orleans style music as we enjoy the sounds of the Deep South lead by the New Reformation Band. It will be a wonderful new experience for us. A great day to bring some neighbors and visiting friends! Sunday, July 12, 5:00 p.m. Outdoor Festival Concert and Ice Cream Social Won’t this be fun! Our very first new parking lot concert. The New Reformation Band will be on stage to perform for us and our neighbors. It will be “sweet New Orleans sounds” and lots of free ice cream. Bring your lawn chairs and don’t forget those friends and neighbors. Wednesday, July 15 Youth Float This is an opportunity to support our youth as they build a float and participate in the annual Blue Water Parade. The theme this year is children’s stories. Come, cheer them on, and help make this a wonderful event. Everyone loves a parade! Sunday, August 23, 9:30 a.m. 50 year Member Recognition A special worship service and catered brunch will be given to honor all those people who have been members of our congregation for 50 or more years. We encourage our whole congregation to make reservations and enjoy this event honoring our long term members. Sunday, September 13, 9:30 a.m. Rally Day/ Planting Commemorative Tree Our annual Rally Day will have a special 175 celebratory tree planting. Our rally day crowd will participate in the planting. Our youth will have a lifetime to watch it grow and remember the day they helped plant it. Saturday, September 26 Music Reunion If you have ever been a part of the music program of First United Methodist Church you are encouraged to attend our music reunion. After the 4:00 social hour we will meet to rehearse a new commissioned anthem, a gift to celebrate our 175 anniversary. The evening will conclude with a beautiful catered meal. What a great time to look forward to. Sunday, September 27, 9:30 a.m. Homecoming Sunday This will definitely be a “Big Sunday” day. Worship will include liturgical dance, our new commissioned anthem and a special sermon by Pastor Gladstone. An all-church potluck dinner will follow with a special presentation by Susan Pellowe, a professional actress who grew up in the parsonage when her father was pastor here during the l940s. Our history book will be available for purchase. Saturday, October 3, Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Concert for Community Youth This concert will feature the band "Nailpoint". Sunday, November 22, 9:30 a.m. Closing Celebration Special Video Presentation This will be a time to give thanks and remember the highlights of our 175 celebration.

175th Celebration Events 2009

Sunday, January 4, 9:30 a.m.
Anniversary Banner Unveiling
We thank the Greater Blue Water Quilt Guild for the beautiful banner that will be on display in the sanctuary for our anniversary year. This meaningful work of art will be formally recognized in the 9:30 service.

Saturday, January 24, 7:30 p.m.
Anniversary Festival Concert, Dave Bennett Quartet
The Dave Bennett Quartet will delight you with the music of Benny Goodman and Dixieland. You may remember Dave as the entertaining and youthful star clarinetist of the New Reformation Band. You won’t want to miss this extraordinary performance.

Sunday, February 8, 9:30 a.m.
Celebration Kick-off Day
Our “official kick-off” celebration with Bishop Judith Craig preaching. Worship will include liturgical dance, a special birthday cake and the initiation of our Mission 175 project. A potluck follows the service. Check out the historic display in the gathering space.

Saturday, February 14, 7:30 p.m.
Anniversary Festival Concert
Join us for a special Valentine’s Day Concert. Organist Kelly Hale and pianist Tony Patterson will delight you with classic love songs and a special sing-along. Bring your valentine, wear your red, and celebrate with us.

Sunday, February 15, 9:30 a.m.
Guest Organist, Kelly Hale
It will be a special treat to welcome Dr. Kelly Hale as guest organist at the 9:30 service. He recently retired from teaching at the College-Conservatory of the University of Cincinnati. He is an Episcopal Minister of Music, a church music composer and an extremely gifted organist.

Sunday, February 22, 9:30 a.m.
Consecration Service for Threshold to the Future Project
The Threshold to the Future Project has blessed our church with many improvements. In song, prayer and sermon we will give to God all our building improvements and look to the future better equipped to be the Presence of God in our world.

Wednesday, March 4, 6:15 p.m.
Lenten Meal and Service
Preacher, Paul Blomquist
(Senior Pastor, 1979-1985)
As we continue the journey to the cross and resurrection we invite you to join us for a traditional Lenten meal. It will be wonderful to welcome former Senior Pastor Paul Blomquist as our guest speaker. His ministry among us was deeply enriching. If you are too young to remember Dr. Blomquist you are in for a real treat.

Saturday, March 7, 7:30 p.m.
Anniversary Festival Concert
Our second Festival Concert will feature Measure for Measure a superb men’s choral ensemble. This most impressive chorus incorporates selections from many different styles and periods. They have earned praise for their lively musical excellence in performances throughout America and Europe. An evening not to miss!

Wednesday, March 18, 6:15 p.m.
Lenten Meal and Service
Preacher Rev. Ralph Pieper
(Senior Pastor, 1996-2003)
It will bring our congregation great joy to share a second traditional meal together and especially have the Bread of Life broken for us by former pastor Rev. Ralph Pieper. Ralph presently is Senior Pastor at Lapeer Trinity UMC.

Wednesday, April 1, 6:15 p.m.
Lenten Meal and Service
Preacher Rev. Amy Terhune
(Associate Pastor, 1999 - 2002)
We will conclude our Lenten meals with former associate pastor Rev. Amy Terhune. We were always inspired and challenged by Amy’s sermons. Amy is currently pastor at Columbiaville UMC.

Sunday, May 24, 9:30 a.m.
Heritage Sunday
A highlight of this worship service will be a congregational walk to the special stone that marks the spot of the first Methodist Church in Port Huron. It will be a memorable day for all ages. If May showers are around be sure to pack your umbrella. It is our hope to see Lucile Ogden leading the congregation.

June 22-26
Vacation Bible School
“Camp E.D.G.E.”

Sunday, July 12, 9:30 a.m.
Jazz Worship Service
This worship service will feature New Orleans style music as we enjoy the sounds of the Deep South lead by the New Reformation Band. It will be a wonderful new experience for us. A great day to bring some neighbors and visiting friends!

Sunday, July 12, 5:00 p.m.
Outdoor Festival Concert and Ice Cream Social
Won’t this be fun! Our very first new parking lot concert. The New Reformation Band will be on stage to perform for us and our neighbors. It will be “sweet New Orleans sounds” and lots of free ice cream. Bring your lawn chairs and don’t forget those friends and neighbors.

Wednesday, July 15
Youth Float
This is an opportunity to support our youth as they build a float and participate in the annual Blue Water Parade. The theme this year is children’s stories. Come, cheer them on, and help make this a wonderful event. Everyone loves a parade!

Sunday, August 23, 9:30 a.m.
50 year Member Recognition
A special worship service and catered brunch will be given to honor all those people who have been members of our congregation for 50 or more years. We encourage our whole congregation to make reservations and enjoy this event honoring our long term members.

Sunday, September 13, 9:30 a.m.
Rally Day/ Planting Commemorative Tree
Our annual Rally Day will have a special 175 celebratory tree planting. Our rally day crowd will participate in the planting. Our youth will have a lifetime to watch it grow and remember the day they helped plant it.

Saturday, September 26
Music Reunion
If you have ever been a part of the music program of First United Methodist Church you are encouraged to attend our music reunion. After the 4:00 social hour we will meet to rehearse a new commissioned anthem, a gift to celebrate our 175 anniversary. The evening will conclude with a beautiful catered meal. What a great time to look forward to.

Sunday, September 27, 9:30 a.m.
Homecoming Sunday
This will definitely be a “Big Sunday” day. Worship will include liturgical dance, our new commissioned anthem and a special sermon by Pastor Gladstone. An all-church potluck dinner will follow with a special presentation by Susan Pellowe, a professional actress who grew up in the parsonage when her father was pastor here during the l940s. Our history book will be available for purchase.

Saturday, October 3, Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Concert for Community Youth
This concert will feature the band "Nailpoint".

Sunday, November 22, 9:30 a.m.
Closing Celebration
Special Video Presentation
This will be a time to give thanks and remember the highlights of our 175 celebration.