Dear Friends,
KEN CHRISTLER
Word came from Ken Christler's family yesterday afternoon that the decision had been made to remove Ken from life support. Around 6:00 PM I received a call from Betty Christler that Ken had died from the injuries he received in a fall off a ladder last week. We continue to hold Betty, Ken's mother, Bonnie, Ken's wife and their entire family in our prayers. Ken's Christian witness, his passion for mission and his pastoral heart have been a blessing in the Detroit Annual Conference. He will be greatly missed.
Arrangements have been set for Ken's funeral. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, November 25 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Birmingham First United Methodist Church. The funeral is being planned for 10:00 AM Wednesday also at Birmingham FUMC. Bishop Keaton will lead the service. Birmingham FUMC is located at: 1589 West Maple, Birmingham, MI 48009.
THANKSGIVING SERVICE
The ecumenical community Thanksgiving service will take place tomorrow evening at 7:30 at the Marysville United Methodist Church. Our participation in this service has long been a tradition. This is a wonderful way to ease our hearts toward Thanksgiving on Thursday. I hope to see you there.
PASTORAL LETTER FOR THE CORNERSTONE CAPSULE
Bob Sult is busy collecting items to be included in the cornerstone capsule in our new south entrance. I have composed a pastoral letter, and thought you might be interested in my message our Christian brothers and sisters of the future.
Rev. David G. Gladstone
First United Methodist Church
Haprock@aol.com
810-985-8107
November 20, 2008
Dear Sisters and Brothers of the Future in Christ,
It is a week before Thanksgiving 2008. Anxiety and uncertainty trouble the hearts of our church members, our community and our nation. We stand in the midst of the worst economic crisis we have faced since the Great Depression of the 1930's. No one knows what the future may hold. This crisis came upon us just as work began on this new addition. What began as a project to enhance the hospitality of our building has been transformed by circumstances into a bold statement of faith in the future. We believe that God has important work and ministry for the people of this congregation and we put our trust in a God who will see us through this troubled moment.
If you are reading this, we trust it is because you have embarked upon your own project of renewal and hope. We actually pray that you will have found need to move something of us out of your way in order that you may live your own Christian witness. This is the way Christian disciples connect with one another over the years. We stand in a flowing stream of faithful Christian witness. We honor the past. We celebrate the present, and we anticipate the future.
As we prepare for Thanksgiving, I am grateful for those who, beginning in 1834, put down roots of Christian faithfulness that have brought us to this day 175 years later. I am confident that our witness will thrive in the future under the stewardship of others. The chorus of the song on the opposite side of this letter says it well.
As waters roll
and ships drift by
the bridges lift but recombine.
Through endless days and seamless nights,
we journey by the light of Christ.
Yours in Christ's Service
Rev. David G. Gladstone
Built and Beckoned By the Light
a song for Pt. Huron First UMC's 175th Anniversary
by Carl Thomas Gladstone
Honor the stones
that hold us still,
the pillars of our lives -
who built by founders'
faith and skill
a dwelling for the light of Christ.
[chorus]
As waters roll
and ships drift by
the bridges lift but recombine.
Through endless days and seamless nights,
we journey by the light of Christ.
Celebrate how we've aspired
to share the boundless love of God
beyond our walls,
beyond ourselves,
this ray of hope this light of Christ.
Anticipate the years to come
where children all and new friends too
will take the torch in warm tribute -
the light of Christ burning anew!
One-hundred seventy five and more
we'll witness here
and on other shores
Now may the Spirit lift us toward