November 2015

ORCHARD HARVESTER

GIVING THANKS FOR ORCHARD

IN THIS ISSUE
All Saints Day............. 5
Charge Conference .... 3
Childrens Ministry ...... 4
College Care Pkgs ...... 6
Fall Back .................... 1
Funtastiks .................. 5
Fusion Mission Team .. 6
Gift & Kroger Cards .... 6
Giving Thanks ............ 1
Hanging Greens ......... 5
Help Wanted.............. 3
In the Life of Orchard . 7
LAF............................ 5
Lighthouse Rock......... 4
Mark Your Calendar.... 8
Nov. Opportunities ..... 5
Nut Sales ................... 6
Outrageous................ 6
Pastor Amys Letter .... 3
Praise Report ............. 4
Prayer Concerns......... 7
Santas Workshop ...... 4
Social Media............... 8
Spotlight Orchard ....... 2
WWJD/WNT............... 4
Young Adults ............. 5

Monthly Newsletter of Orchard United Methodist Church

by Rev. Suzanne Goodwin

hat is the role of the church, and what

happens when we do church well?

Almost eleven years ago, Jim and Cody and I

came to Orchard for the first timenot by
invitation, but simply by wandering in.
However, what happened from the
moment the front doors swung
open was all about invitation and
connection and discipleship. We
were greeted warmly (and by
name!), we were introduced to
others with whom we might
connect, and we were invited to
be a part of ministries to help us
grow in faith.
Shortly after we arrived, Cody was
ensconced in the youth ministry,
Jim and I were signed up for a
Lenten Study and had filled out
our applications to serve with Rebuilding
Together, Jim had agreed to join an usher
team, and I was ringing with the handbell
choir. We were new to the community, but we
were immediately home and among friends.
Then came the invitation from Rev. Carol for
me to consider serving as the Youth Pastor.
Even those who have answered the call to
ordained ministry must continue to grow in

faith and to stretch their understanding of

discipleship and their willingness to serve.
Orchards invitation for me to serve the youth
was a challenge to my faith and to my
understanding of what it means to trust God to
put you in the right place, for the
good of your own discipleship as
well as for the good of the
Kingdom. By accepting the
invitation to grow and stretch and
serve in an entirely new way, I
was exceedingly blessed by the
relationships I built with our
youth, and with the young adults
of the church who were also
answering their calls to be
mentors to the youth ministry.
As we head into the season of
Thanksgiving, I am exceedingly
grateful for Orchards commitment to
hospitality, connection, mission and service,
and growth in discipleship. Jim and Cody and I
have each grown and stretched and connected
through the ministries that happen here. And
even as I give thanks to God for this
community of faith, I pray that each and every
person who walks through our doors will
experience the same.

DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Remember to turn back your clocks the night of Saturday, October 31!

SPOTLIGHT ORCHARD
SHINING GODS LIGHT

INTO THE

WORLD!

Each month we highlight a group, a friend, or member of Orchard to see how they are finding ways
to shine Gods light out in the world. Contact Deanna Kohl if you have a suggestion for a future Spotlight candidate!

hats the difference between a chef and a cook?

Although there isnt a formal definition, the
characteristics that separate the two have a lot to do with
creativity, training, attention to fresh ingredients,
preparation from scratch, and knowledge of food chemistry.
The word Chef is also derived from Chief of
the kitchen. But if you know Randy Hall, you
know that Randys gift is much more about
heart than authority!

Sadly, the pending deal to open in Detroit fell through, and it

would be another ten years before a Wolfgang Puck
restaurant actually opened in Detroit. In the meantime,
Randy was offered the opportunity to stay with the company
but work elsewhere in the country. Randys family obligations
prevented him from accepting that offer,
and he returned to the area to continue
working for high end restaurants.

Randy grew up working in his uncles family

restaurant where quality and fresh
ingredients were valued and prepared not
just for consumption, but for family dining
experience. As Randy trained through the
transition from cook to chef, he developed a
love and appreciation for well-prepared food.
But when it came time to financially support
himself, and later his family, the restaurant
business simply could not compete with the
paycheck offered by the automotive and
steel industries.

In 2001 Linda came to work for Orchard,

and with her came Chef Randy. Since that
time, Randy has been sharing his passion
for delicious, well-prepared food as his gift
and his ministry here at Orchard. He has
worked with the youth, coaching them to
prepare a gourmet dinner for their parents.
And he has cooked and created for
brunches and dinners, funerals and
auctions, and desserts for Advent by
Candlelight. He also helped to plan the new
kitchen in the MAC when the addition was
built. Now Randy is preparing fellowship
dinners for Orchards Wednesday Nights
Together program. Comfort food never
tasted so good!

Randy worked for GM building Cadillacs

Full MAC+empty pans = full bellies at the first
before moving over to the steel industry.
Wednesday Nights Together dinner!
There he worked in a number of jobs,
qualifying to operate the trains that moved
Randy has called Orchard home for a long
product and fuels within the plant, and
time, and appreciates the incredible
studying Systems Administration in order to
relationships that he has experienced over
become a Systems Supervisor. But throughout this time,
the years. He gets misty-eyed at the thought that his
Randy never let go of his desire to create good food for
grandchildren are all growing up at Orchard and learning
people to enjoy. So together, Randy and his wife, Linda,
what it means to be church here. Most particularly, Randy is
created Destiny Catering and The Main Squeeze as outlets
grateful for the support he and his family have received
for their creativity.
through difficult times of loss, and most recently, Randys
heart attack and stroke.
In the early 90s when the steel industry was drying up and
systems technology was advancing faster than training could Whether its Bread Pudding, Rare Tenderloin-wrapped
keep up, Randy decided to turn his hand to the restaurant
Asparagus, or Randys Cajun Salmon, you always get
business once again. Over the years Randy advanced
amazing flavor and a little extra something special in Chef
through training and management levels at places like Steak Randys creations! We are so grateful for Randys friendship
and Ale and Macaroni Grill, rising to the level of Executive
and his food ministry!
Chef and even taking on management positions overseeing
the front of the house.
There are some who may have the impression that Randy is paid

RANDY HALL

But Randys big break came when a recruiter called him one
day to begin screening him for the possibility of being a Chef
for a new Wolfgang Puck restaurant planning to open in the
Detroit area. Randy was hired and soon left for Santa Monica
to begin training with the Wolfgang Puck chefs. The highlight
of Randys experience came when one evening a line chef
called in sick, and Randy found himself working shoulder to
shoulder with Wolfgang, himself!

Page 2

for all of the meals he prepares at Orchard. In fact, in most

cases, Randy is simply reimbursed for the food he purchases.
His time for planning, shopping, slicing, dicing, prepping,
cooking, and serving are all part of his gift and ministry.
Part of our gracious response needs to be a willingness to
provide support when clean-up is needed. Our kitchen has a
wonderful, user-friendly dishwasherit simply needs hands
to load it and run it!

TENDING

THE

ORCHARD

TENDING THE ORCHARD

our financesfor helping ensure we are good
stewards and using our gifts to the fullest. Thank you
to those who care for our buildingwho change light
bulbs and make repairs, who clean the sanctuary
and care for our grounds. You ensure that our
building is a space that honors and glorifies God as it
allows ministry to happen. Thank you to those who
lead small groups and life groups, who help with
funeral dinners and special events, who volunteer in
the nursery and prepare the Harvester for mailing.
Thank you for making church fun and ensuring
everyone is connected. Thank you to those who
serve in big and little waysall of you make Orchard
a Church. Thank you for answering Gods calling on
your life, and for living your faith.

am feeling especially thankful this year. When I

was ordained I took a vow to be itinerantto go
where the bishop sends me. Many Januarys since
taking those vows, Ive spent keeping my head low,
in hopes that I wouldnt have to move. And yet,
every time Ive gotten a call and been offered a
move, I have been blessed. God knows what Gods
doing in using the appointment process. So, I offer
God my thanksgiving for sending me here, for the
blessings of ministry at Orchard, and for all of you.
And I thank you.
Thank you for being the body of Christ. Thank you
for sharing your gifts and graces with the church
you make ministry happen. Thank you for embracing
new ideas and taking risks. Thank you for supporting
a wonderful music ministry that makes worship so
powerfulthank you to the choir and to the band
and to all those who offer themselves in this way.
Thank you to all those who volunteer their time to
teach Sunday School and WOW and WWJD and work
with our youth on Wednesday and Sunday Nights.
Thank you for ensuring our children are safe, and
loved and growing in faith. Thank you to the ushers
and greeters and cookie bakers and all those who
extend our hospitality, ensuring that all are welcome
in this space. Thank you to those who care for our
staff, for supporting each one and for helping them
to be in ministry. Thank you to those who care for

HELP WANTED:
BULLETIN BOARD ARTISTE
Were seeking a colorful and creative
person to keep the Orchard bulletin
boards up-to-date with photos,
current information, and seasonal
themes. If you love telling others
about the great things going on at
Orchard, this could be your
opportunity for ministry! Contact
Linda Hall or Rev. Suzanne Goodwin
for more information.

Finally, a note of personal thanks. Thank you for

welcoming and loving my family. Thank you for your
offers of help when Mike is out of town. Thank you
for caring for usemotionally, spiritually and
financially. Thank you for providing us with health
care and enabling us to prepare for our future. Thank
you for caring for the parsonage and taking pride in
it, as it has become our home. Thank you to the
teachers and youth workers who are sharing your
faith with my children.
Thank you to everyone
for being the Churchto
my family, to each other
and to the world.

Faithfully,

ANNUAL CHARGE CONFERENCE

Thursday, November 5 at 7 p.m.

his annual meeting will be held in the sanctuary

on Thursday, November 5 at 7 p.m. This is a
review of the previous year of function and ministry
at Orchard, and a look ahead at goals and plans.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this
celebration of ministry led by our new District
Superintendent, the Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue.

Page 3

CHILDREN & YOUTH

TOUCH-A-TRUCK PRAISE REPORT!

n the brisk Saturday afternoon of October 17, Orchard held its first Touch-a-Truck
event! Under the leadership of Meghann Snyder, Childrens Director, this free event was
a HUGE success! We counted 317 people who came through the entrancemost of them
from the communityand strolled through the parking lotexperiencing the thrill of seeing,
climbing in and on, and honking the horns of big trucks from all over the area. The truck
drivers were just as excited to show off their trucks as the kidsbig and littlewere to find
out about them! Over 250 of our guests also came into the MAC to warm up and enjoy the
free hotdog lunch and warm beverages.
Many thanks to the various companies and community organizations who shared their time
with us, and who have all expressed an interest to come and do it again next year! Thanks
to all the volunteers who were on hand to show off our Orchard hospitality and who helped the community see what a
great place Orchard is! Take a look at some of the fun on page 7!

** Childrens Ministry team meeting on Monday, November 9 at 6:30 pm in the Childrens Wing **

WWJD

AT

WNT

FIRST SUNDAY

IN

ADVENT

November 4 and 11 at 6:15 pm

Sunday, November 29

Weve have a wonderful time sharing Wednesday Nights

Together and doing mission projects with the kids. During
our WWJD kids programming at 6:15 well be hearing
from speakers from two local agenciesHelping Hands
Helping Hearts on November 4 and the Michigan Humane
Society on November 11.

We begin preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ

during the Advent season, starting on Sunday, November
29. We start by worshiping together as a family (no WOW
that morning), and then coming back together as the
church family in our Hanging of the Greens celebration
(see more information on page 5). Were looking for any
Christmas decoration donations to make the Childrens
Wing festive! Join us!

PAINTING

WITH A

KID TWIST

Date Change from December 20 to November 18

LOOKING AHEAD: SANTAS WORKSHOP

Painting with a Kid Twist will be happening on Wednesday

Breakfast with Santa & Santas WorkshopDec. 5, 8-11
November 18 during our last WWJD. We will be doing a
Donation deadlineNovember 29
Christmas themed picture to hang in the Sanctuary for
Our first Santas Workshop was such a success, were
Hanging of the Greens Sunday (see article on page 5)!
Cant wait to see what Ms. Sara has in store for us again! doing it again this year! The kids loved being able to shop
(WITHOUT their parents!) for Christmas gifts for their
loved ones, wrap, make tags and bows, listen to fun
Christmas music, and then go home with their shopping
Wed love to share Wednesday Nights
of little treasures all done. We are again asking for
Together with youremember to make your
donations of new or gently used items that would be
dinner reservations by Tuesdays at noon!
suitable for this event. Donations can be dropped off in
the Childrens Education office up until November 29.

Sundays at 5 pm

he Lighthouse Rock group has been working hard these past couple of weeks. They've come up with a great list
of songs from requests to pop music of today. Jamie would like to extend an invitation to all who are interested
in joining us on Sunday evenings at 5. Right now, theyre working on "Stairway to Heaven" with the guitars, bass,
drummers, and keyboard players. The singers are working on the Beatles "Let It Be" as well as a little Coldplay and
Katy Perry. Theyre having a great time coming up with ideas and exciting ways to branch today's pop music and
our Sunday services. Contact Jamie Reed (jamierb326@aol.com) for information or with any questions!
Open to all 7th-12th grade studentsCome join in the fun!
Page 4

NOVEMBER

OPPORTUNITIES
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
November 1 at both worship services

Join us on All Saints Sunday for a special communion service honoring our loved ones who have gone before us.

LAF

LIFE GROUP
FOR YOUNG ADULTS!

Life After Fifty

Would you like to add a little magic to your night? Join

LAF for a musical, magical evening of Abba Cadabra at
the Farmington Players Barn on Friday, November 6, at
7:30. Tickets are $28. Contact Donna Young at (248)
489-0881 as soon as possible so ticket orders can be
placed!
LAF is planning some holiday fun that requires
reservations:

Celebrate the Advent season together on the

evening of Tuesday, December 1 at Ginopolis for
great dinner and fellowship time. Reservations are
due by November 23.

Listen to the holiday sounds of the Farmington

Community Chorus on Friday, December 18 at 8 pm.
Group tickets are $10 per person (10 or more) and
must be reserved by the end of November.

Friday, November 20 at 7 pm

Recently graduated from college, new career, singles

and newly marrieds are invited to be a part of our new
yet-to-be-named life group for Young Adults! Orchards
life groups are about sharing and supporting each other
through common life experiences in a bond of Christian
community. Some of our life groups are simply social
groups, and others include topical discussion, mission
projects, and Bible study.
Our new Young Adults group will meet for the first time
on Friday, November 20 to get acquainted, talk about
what format and schedule might best suit the new
group, and, of course, select a name! For more
information, contact Heather Lawrence (248) 331-7678.

FUNTASTIKS
Tipping Point on Sunday, November 22 at 2 pm

Full details for all these events can be found at

orchardumc.org, click on the Adults tab,
then the LAF tab.

The Funtastiks, our active Seniors group, is heading to

see Kalamazoo at the Tipping Point in Northville on
Sunday, November 22 at 2 pm. This play is about two
older folks who find each other through senior online
dating, after being encouraged to do so by their kids!
Sign up in the church office by November 6. Call Jo Ann
Cline (248-859-3384) for more information.
Looking ahead The Funtastiks will once again dine at
Schoolcraft College on Thursday, December 10 for their
annual delicious holiday luncheon! Look for more
information coming soon!

NEW THIS YEAR! HANGING

OF THE

GREENS

Sunday, November 29 at 4 pm

ights and trees, candles and nativity scenesthe decorations we put up are more than just
Christmas commercialism. They are symbolic of our preparations to receive the long awaited
Christ child. This year, Orchard will celebrate the beginning of the Advent Season with a
Hanging of the Greens celebration for all ages.
On Sunday, November 29, well gather to decorate the church, share in a potluck dinner, and
conclude our time together with a short family-friendly Advent celebrationcomplete with
Christmas carols!
Please mark your calendar for this special Advent program, and look for more details to come!
Over the next several weeks, we will be pleased to accept donations of new and gently used
Christmas decorations that can be used in our childrens wing, caf, and other locations around
the building. Please leave donations in the church office.
Page 5

TWO MORE WAYS

TO

HELP SUPPORT OUR YOUTH MISSION TRIP

Thinking About Holiday Shopping Yet?? Support the youth mission trip by shopping
the way you always do! Have every gift card you buy automatically pay a percentage to
the youth group without you having to pay a dime. Thats exactly what our SCRIP GIFT
CARD PROGRAM does. With hundreds of participating stores, services and restaurants,
you can exchange your cash for an equal value in gift cards, shop and dine as you always
do, and our youth group retains 2-15% of the value of every card you purchase. Great for
holiday shopping; also great for all year round!
Not Thinking About Holiday Shopping Yet?? You can also
support the youth mission trip year-round just by going grocery
shopping at Kroger. You can signup online at krogercommunityrewards.com, using the NPO
number of 52185. Instructions are available at the Connection Point. Now every time you
swipe your Kroger card, you help our youth! (And, you get to keep your own accumulated
Kroger fuel points!) Turn your Kroger Plus Shoppers Card into a big plus for our youth! (If
you dont have a Kroger Plus card, you can get one at the service desk of your local Kroger.)
Contact Deanna Kohl (248-626-3620) for more information on both of the cards.

NUTS

ABOUT

MISSIONS!

COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES

One pound bags of cashews, pecans, walnuts,

pralines, or mixed nuts available soon!

The annual missions holiday Nut Sale will begin on

November 15. Look for the table with the nuts in the
narthex! All proceeds will be used to support Orchards
mission projects.

DeadlineSunday, November 29

Orchard will be sending a box of goodies to our out of

town college students for exam time. Please bring 30
individually wrapped treats (cookies, crackers, candy, nuts,
popcorn, etc.) to the church office by November 29.
Parents, please be sure we have your college students current
address. Mail addresses to: suzannereddy@orchardumc.org.

FUSION MISSION TEAM MEMPHIS BOUND!

his coming June, our Senior High Youth Mission Team (Fusion) is headed for Memphis,
Tennessee to do urban mission workprimarily home repair, and possibly some urban
gardening. Our host agency, City Connexx, looks to connect volunteers with agencies in at-risk
communities with an holistic approach to recovery. Our team will be staying at a local
community center (sleeping on the floor) and meals are provided by a group of local residents
who are learning the food service and business skills necessary to start their own catering
company. Students will attend various churches to worship with local residents. They will even
be attending a hip-hop service.
Although we have not finalized numbers for this years trip, we expect that we will send
somewhere in the neighborhood of 35 students accompanied by 5 adults. Please pray for the
Fusion Mission Team as they work to prepare for this important experience.

opefully by now youve received your

first introduction to our outrageous
stewardship campaign in the mail. Why
outrageous? Because when we take stock of
what is happening at Orchard and how God
is at work, we cant help but realize that we
have been outrageously blessed. Such
Page 6

blessings should stir us to effusive

expressions of thanksgiving, and inspire us
to have extravagant expectations of what
God can do with our willing hearts in the
future!
As Gods people, we are called to give
generously and fearlessly, knowing that
Gods outrageous and steadfast blessing will
continue to be upon the work being done
here at Orchard.

IN THE LIFE OF ORCHARD

Connecting people to God to each other and to the best parts of themselves!

Beautiful music by the Michigan Flute Orchestra

at the first concert of our 2015-16 series

Happy faces
at Touch-a-Truck!

Wednesday Nights Togethera great place to be!

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

Join us in intercession, thanksgiving, celebration, and remembrance.
WE PRAY FOR
Patrick Aherns father, Brian Ahern
Abby Arseneaus fianc, Ben
Glenna Callaghans cousin, Kelli Edgar
and her children, and Glennas
sister-in-law, Pat
Frances Childress friend, Connie
Tom Clark
Ron Cole
Betsy Daniels dad, Roger Struck
Barbara and Don DeGrazias friend,
Jim Karoub
Tracy Hammarens mom, Jean Griffin
Melissa Harrisons grandmother,
Norma Robinson
Barbara Hayter
Sheri Hicks friends, Bridgette Hauser
and Kurt Larson
Chris Hubers mom, Mary Ann Huber
James Kirbys mom, Joanne Kirby
Peggy Knuttilas nephew-in-law,
Bobby Bond
Cheryl Love
Joan Miller
Sara Moore
Cheryl Morells mom
Todd Morells father,
MJ and his friend, Donna
Thom Parkers brother,
James A. Parker
Linda Paulsons friend, Kathy Bradley
Michelle Rosenblums mom, Carol Rott

James Rowleys parents,

Marylou and Lou
Marion Seeber and her friend, Janelle
Brad Snider
Susan and Gary Snider
Susan Stones friend, Robbin Outlaw
Tesauros friends,
Elizabeth and Frank Schaller
Former Orchard member,
Betsy Watson

WE CELEBRATE

WE GIVE THANKS...

Bob Vine

Tom and I want to thank everyone at

OUMC for their outpouring of love and
concern in response to my brothers
death. Your concern and support over
the last four months during his illness
has touched our hearts. Each card of
sympathy has ministered to our hearts
in a special way and the prayers seemed
to blanket us with great comfort. We
heard many comments after the
memorial service from folks who do not
attend Orchard about how OUMC seems
like a friendly, warm, welcoming place,
and we want to express our thanks to
everyone who participated in making
sure Orchards hospitality was loud and
clear. It took many people to make
Jonathans service wonderful and
memorable and we want to
express our deepest thanks to each one
who contributed. Blessings to all of you.

Hugo Paul-Emile Chipot, born April 28,

2015, was baptized on September 27,
2015. Hugo is the son of Natalie and
Julien Chipot. His grandparents are Gayle
and Fredrick Reynolds, and Annick and
Jean-Francois Chipot. Hugos godparents
are Emilie Chipot and Troy Kilgus.

WE WELCOME OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

Shama and Elizabeth Gilliam and family

WE REMEMBER
Michelle Rosenblums aunt, Tanta-Mama
Fritzi Rott (9/29)
Abdallah and Adamowski families aunt,
Jayne Abdallah (10/8)
Thom Parkers father, James T. Parker
(10/10)

Tom and Mary Clark

Page 7

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

The December 2015 Harvester deadline is November 9.
E-mail articles may be directed to Deanna Kohl at deannakohl@orchardumc.org

Non-Profit Org.

Pastors: Rev. Amy Mayo-Moyle and Rev. Suzanne K. Goodwin

Worship Services @ 9:00 & 11:00 am with Sunday School @ 10:00 am

Farmington, MI

Phone 248 626-3620

Fax 248 626-6836

Web Site: www.orchardumc.org

US Postage
PAID
PERMIT No. 216

Orchard United Methodist Church

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

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Nov. 1
Nov. 4 & 11
Nov. 9
Nov. 18
Nov. 20
Nov. 26
Nov. 27
Nov. 29
Dec. 1
Dec. 4
Dec. 5
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.

8
10
13
24
27

All Saints SundayDaylight Saving Time Ends

Wednesday Nights Together
Current Events in the Caf
Painting with a Kid Twist for Christmas @ WNT!
NEW Young Adults Life Group Meeting
Thanksgiving Day
Church Office Closed
Hanging of the Greens
LAF to Ginopolis
Cookie & Ornament Exchange
50th Annual Breakfast with Santa
& Santas Workshop
Advent by Candlelight
Funtastiks Holiday Luncheon
Christmas Cantata in Worship
Christmas Eve Services (5:00, 8:00, and 10:00)
PJs., Presents & Pancakesone service at 10 am

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

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

CONNECT

US WITH TODAY!