Pastor Steve Lindeman

Cedar Springs United Methodist Church

140 S. Main St.

Cedar Springs, MI  49319

“Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God …” Isaiah 40:3 (NLT)

We have entered into the season of Advent and the four weeks of preparation for the coming of the Christ child. During these days, we hear from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke—those books that express the events surrounding Jesus’ birth—of how God entered into the world. But the first baby that we encounter is not Jesus; it is John. The opening verses of Luke tell us the story of how Gabriel appeared to Zachariah in the Temple to announce that his wife, Elizabeth, would give birth to John the Baptizer—the man who would prepare the way for the coming of our Lord.

In a way, our season of preparation for Christmas mirrors the Gospel story. God was moving before the birth of Jesus to make preparations for his coming. But the preparations hadn’t begun there.

We often hear about the prophesies of the Old Testament telling us about the coming Messiah; the Holy Scripture found in Isaiah are often read during this time of the year. But there is also a time between the Old and the New Testament that we don’t often talk about when God was also moving to make preparations for the Messiah. They are often referred to as the Silent Years. The Word of God was not present with the people from the time of the words of the last prophet until the opening verses of the Gospels. The Silent Years span about 400 years. However, just because God was silent doesn’t mean that he wasn’t moving the pieces in place to achieve his plan to send his son, Jesus Christ into the world. Characters that are familiar to us from the life of Jesus, never mentioned in the Old Testament, are ushered onto the scene. The Pharisees and Sadducees and the leadership structures of the Temple are brought into form. The Roman Empire, a significant force in the life of Jesus, invades Israel. Even during a time when it seems that God is not present, he is moving the pieces on “the chessboard” as he prepares us for the birth of Jesus.

The four weeks of preparation throughout Advent is only a small piece of what God has designed for us. We need to know that even when God seems silent, he has been preparing us for the coming of the Christ child, long before we were ever aware of his actions. God has been working through all of history to prepare us for that moment in time—the time that Jesus would enter into the world and bring salvation for each and every one of us. So, during this season, let us prepare, let us truly prepare—prepare our hearts, prepare our minds and prepare him room—by praying, reading the Holy Scripture, participating in worship, loving God and loving one another. This is what this season is for.

Carol Lee Kidder, 78 of Cedar Springs, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2016 at her home. Mrs. Kidder was born January 13, 1938 in Lansing, Michigan the daughter of Roy and Carol (Lankton) Dudley. She graduated from nursing school in 1958 as a Registered Nurse and worked at Edward W. Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She was an avid Michigan State Fan and enjoyed golfing, traveling and trips with friends. Surviving are her children, Sharon (Todd) Freeland, Steven (Lisa) Kidder, Wilma Brown, Clare (Constance) Kidder, Carol (James) McInnis; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard and a sister, Judy Rosenberger. The family will greet friends Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service will be held Monday 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Cedar Springs. Pastor Steve Lindeman officiating. Private interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding Avenue, Ada, MI 49301.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home

Sandra J. Raymond, 73 of Cedar Springs, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus. Sandra was born July 13, 1943 in Grand Rapids, MI. She loved working in her flower gardens and cooking big meals. She was faithful in reading her Bible, praying for others and sending birthday and get well cards. Surviving are her husband, Darcey Raymond, Sr.; sons, Bruce (Colette) Benton, Lanny Benton, John (Monica) Benton; stepdaughter, Darla (Ricki) Myers, Shannon (Billy) Beck; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers, Donald (Pam) Sharpe, Tommy (Shirley) Sharpe; mother-in-law, Wanda Raymond; cousin, Ida Prill; close friend, Joyce Tompkins. She was preceded in death by mother, Neva Sharpe; father-in-law, Farrand Raymond; stepson, Darcey Raymond, Jr. The family will greet friends Saturday, November 19 from 10:00 am until time of memorial service at 11:00 am at the United Methodist Church, 140 S. Main St., Cedar Springs. Pastor Steve Lindeman officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to help with expenses. Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Judith Ann Tysse age 65, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2016.  Judy was born at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Clarence and Kathleen (Prater) Tysse of Cedar Springs.  She spent her childhood in Cedar Springs, graduating from Cedar Springs High School in 1969.  She went on to receive her BA in Education from Western Michigan University in 1973 and taught Emotionally Impaired (EI) children at Wyoming Public Schools for almost four decades, during which time she received awards for her extraordinary work.  Judy enjoyed people of all ages, had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh, and had a way of positively affecting those around her—whether family, friends, colleagues, or students.  She will be dearly missed by her brothers, John (Wilma) of Boyne City, Paul (Della) of La Crosse, Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Michele of Grand Rapids, dear friend and companion, Mary Hanson of Grand Rapids, and many, many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her partner of many years, Vonce Reed; father and mother; brothers, Thomas and James.  The family will greet friends and celebrate her life on Monday, September 26 from 5 – 7 pm at the Bliss-Witters and Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. A private family graveside will be held at Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs where she will be laid to rest by her parents. Pastor Steve Lindeman officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

Arrangements by  Bliss-Witters and Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Gwendolyn Claire Perry, 88, of Cedar Springs, passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2016 and went to be with her Lord and Savior. Mrs. Perry was born November 5, 1927 in Hamilton, Canada the eldest daughter of Rev. Alfred Clare and Edna (Jefferson) Motyer. She was preceded in death by a brother and his wife, Derwin (Imogene) Motyer; son, Lee Perry; granddaughter, Emily Perry; brother-in-law, Douglas Ehman. Surviving are her husband, Lyle Perry Jr. whom she married in 1949; children, Lyle III (Ellen) Perry, Lizabeth (Dennis) Boe, Lenn Perry, and Lonn (Ruth) Perry; grandchildren, Jessamine (Dustin) Spulak, Max and Chace Perry, Johannes (Elizabeth) Boe, Nicholas (Desi) Boe and Suzy (Jared) Goulart, Aaron (Rachael) Perry, Joseph Perry, and Nathaniel Perry; great-grandchildren, Kalysta and Jaiden Vorase, Ailie Biddle, Braxton Perry, Ole and Thorren Boe, Dodger Boe, Lilija and Annika Goulart; sister, Shirley Ehman; several cousins, nieces nephews and friends. Mrs. Perry graduated from Howard City H.S. and from Bronson Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Kalamazoo, Michigan. As a Registered Nurse she practiced her profession at the State Hospital in Kalamazoo and in hospitals in Plainwell, Lakeview, Greenville, and Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was a member of the Howard City Methodist Church, later attended St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Trufant, Michigan and then became a member of the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church. She was formerly a Brownie Scout Leader, President of the Cedar Springs Women’s Club, and a President of the Cedar Springs H.S. Band Boosters. She regularly attended the alumni reunions of the Howard City H.S. and of Bronson Methodist Hospital School of Nursing. She enjoyed attending meetings of the Cedar Springs City Council, and often contributed comments and opinions during council meetings. She enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She took occasional trips to Canada to visit a favorite uncle, Selby Douglas Jefferson and to greet relatives and friends there. Being born in Canada, she had warm feelings toward anything English or British. She became a citizen of the USA in September 1941. The family will greet friends Friday from 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service will be Saturday 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Cedar Springs. Pastor Steve Lindeman officiating. Interment Reynolds Township Cemetery, Howard City. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home

Pastor Steve Lindeman

Cedar Springs United Methodist Church

140 S. Main St. • Cedar Springs, MI  49319

“1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.” (Acts 2:1-3 NIV)

This past Sunday, Churches in this community, and around the world celebrated Pentecost—the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the twelve Disciples and others who had gathered with them. Pentecost is considered by many to be the birthday of the church. The gift of this celebration, which is the Holy Spirit, is most often represented by a flame because the souls of those gathered were lit “afire” with its power.

I think the use of fire to symbolize the power of the Holy Spirit is very appropriate. Not because it brings light and heat, but instead, because of how it spreads. Let me explain. Picture in your mind a bottle of water and several cups. If I were to pour water from the bottle into each of the cups, each would receive a smaller portion of the whole. Each time that I pour out water, it is not replaced; as each cup receives water, there is less in the original bottle. Think of the water as humanity’s power and strength and resources. If we rely only upon ourselves, the water, like that in the bottle, will eventually run out.

But, that is not how it works with God. Now, instead of water, picture in your mind several candles. If I had just one candle lit, and passed the flame from wick to wick, the first flame is not diminished or reduced as the fire spreads to the next candle. This is how it is with the power and strength and resources of God. As the fire is spread among those who seek to be disciples of Jesus Christ, the original flame remains, and the fire becomes stronger.

Just as the Spirit spread among those who gathered almost 2,000 years ago, may it also spread through us today. Let the power of the Holy Spirit, burn like a fire within each of us, so that we know the love and the grace and the wisdom of God, which passes our understanding, and is infinite.

Pastor Steve Lindeman

Cedar Springs United Methodist Church

140 S. Main St.

Cedar Springs, MI  49319

We’ve been seeing advertisements for the past few weeks—“It’s almost paczki time!” If it seems to you that the pictures of the traditional Polish pastries are showing up early, you’re right—Shrove Tuesday comes early this year. Also known as Fat Tuesday, this is the day that some people celebrate by indulging in rich foods. Making paczki’s is the tradition designed to use up any fat, or other rich foods that are in the home, prior to the fasting that is supposed to take place in the days after.

It is also on Fat Tuesday that the celebration of Mardi Gras culminates in a night of parties and revelry. The reason for these holidays is basically to get out our desires to eat, drink and be merry out of the way prior to the season of Lent.

You may not observe Lent in your faith tradition, but you may have acquaintances or coworkers who give something up for Lent. This is done in observation of the 40 days that Christ spent in the wilderness fasting. We seek to give up something in our lives—something that is not helpful to our spiritual or physical wellbeing. Some might give up chocolate or soda; others might give up fatty foods. We give up to deny a physical desire in our lives, so that we might focus upon the spiritual aspects. We give up in recognition that God has created each of us, not only as creatures that inhabit a physical world but as beings created with a spirit that will continue on into eternity.

This year, Lent will begin on February 10, which is Ash Wednesday. With the placing of the ashes on our foreheads, we are reminded of the words found in Genesis 3:19, “… for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

As we begin our Lenten journey this year, let us give up to help us prepare ourselves for the promise of spring, and the even greater promise held in Easter. Let us remember that, although we are in this world, we are not of this world. During Lent, let us focus upon the spiritual aspects of our lives as we walk this path together. Jesus set aside the temporary physical nature of the world through his time of trials—let us do the same.

Janet J. Olmsted, 84 of Cedar Springs, died Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at Clark Retirement Community. Janet was born December 10, 1931 in Imlay City, Michigan, the daughter of Clifford and Luella (Davis) Call. She and her husband, Carl owned and operated the Cedar Springs Oil Company, and she later worked as the Solon Township Treasurer and at Pioneer Pharmacy. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, writing poetry and loved being a mom and gram. She was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church, Cedar Springs. Surviving are her children, Scott (Joni) Olmsted, Shari (Phil) Wesche; grandchildren, Kari Olmsted, Dana (Jason) Smith, Andy and Eric Wesche; great grandchildren, Brynna, Memphis, Boston, Aria, and Lena; brothers, Gerald Call, Steve (Barb) Harris, Doug (Susan Warwick) Call; sisters, Donna (David Reynolds) Call, Dawn Call; sister-in-law, Carol (John) Alexander; brother-in-law, Tom Pearce; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl in 1987; brothers, Tip (Jeanne) Call, Dennis Call, Don Call, Eugene Harris; sister, Faith Pearce; sister-in-law, Eileen Call. The family will greet friends Friday, January 8, 4-7pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The funeral service will be held Saturday 11:00 am at the United Methodist Church, 140 S. Main St, Cedar Springs. Pastor Steve Lindeman officiating. Interment Solon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Clark Retirement Community or the United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Russell J. Durst 80 of Cedar Springs, died Friday, December 25, 2015 at his home. Russ was born October 6, 1935 in Cedar Springs, MI the son of Cardwell and Lola (Sipple) Durst. He was well known as a drywall installer and finisher for over 60 years. He was a very giving and generous person and was very involved in the Cedar Springs Education Foundation and the Kent County Youth Fair. He was a member of the Lions Club and the Cedar Springs Rod & Gun Club. He enjoyed his antique car, wintering in New Mexico and hunting and fishing. Surviving are his children, Debra Paskewicz, Doug (Cheri) Durst; daughter-in-law, JoEllen Yokum; grandchildren, Stephanie Torres, Michael Paskewicz, Heather (Brian) Henning, Brooke (Jeremy) Wong, Beth (Tony) Avink, Kent Yokum; great grandchildren, Tristan, Arryanna, Deyani, Allison, Brielle; sister, Phyllis Ball; brother-in-law, Archie McKenzie. He was preceded in death by his son, Mike; sister, Dorothy McKenzie; brother-in-law, Gene Ball. The family will greet friends Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Wednesday 2:00 pm. Pastor Steve Lindeman officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Springs Education Foundation.

E. Ray Gordon, 89, of Cedar Springs, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 6, 2015. E. Ray Gordon was born on January 17, 1926 in Sand Lake, Michigan, the son of Fay and Cora Gordon. After graduating valedictorian from Cedar Springs High School he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He then married his high school sweetheart, Janet Gunnell on December 29, 1945. He went on to graduate from the University of Michigan with a degree in civil engineering. He was a founding partner in WBDC, Inc. He was a past president of the Exchange Club of Grand Rapids and a past officer of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers. He had been a scout master for Boy Scout Troop #222. Ray enjoyed fishing, golfing, traveling and attending Cedar Springs School athletic events. He was a member of the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church and the Cedar Springs School Board for 29 years. Surviving are his children, Susie (Ken) Parker, Doug Gordon, Pam (Tim) Covell, Joel Gordon; 16 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; brother, Murry (Eva) Gordon; brothers and sisters-in-law, Cliff Snyder, Fred (Carollee) Gunnell, John (Mayda) Gunnell, Nancy (Ed) Bremmer, Shirley (Charlie) Gumina, Cam (John) Teusink, Maxine Gordon, Suzanne Gordon; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet (Gunnell) Gordon; son, Tom Gordon; brothers, Ken Gordon, Don Gordon, Fay Gordon; sister, Lillian Snyder; brother-in-law, Tom Gunnell; sisters-in-law, Helen Gordon and Lorraine Gordon. The family received friends Monday, Nov. 9 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service was held Tuesday 11:00 am at the United Methodist Church, Cedar Springs. Pastor Steve Lindeman officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church, 140 S. Main St., Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

In honor of Veteran’s Day, the American Legion Glen Hill Post 287 will present a flag ceremony at Metron of Cedar Springs, located at 400 Jeffrey, on November 11, at 2 p.m. Opening prayer will be presented by Pastor Steve Lindeman, of Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, and music will be provided by the Cedar Springs High School Band. Everyone is welcome to stay immediately following the ceremony for refreshments and musical entertainment.

Pastor Steve Lindeman

Cedar Springs United Methodist Church

140 S. Main St.

Cedar Springs, MI  49319

We learn in Scripture that Christ often spent time in prayer. We don’t always know what he prayed for, but we are told that Jesus would go to quiet places—to escape the crowds that followed him and go to the Father in prayer. What would he do then? After his spirit was revived during these quiet times, he set out, once again, to minister to the people. Jesus taught, healed the sick, fed the hungry and cast out demons. And he did all of these things with the power and authority that he had as the Son of God and with the power of prayer. Today, I think that we, as Christians, can sometimes get caught in a trap. We read the Bible and find teachings on prayer, like the words found in Matthew 21:22, “You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” When we read this verse outside of the context of rest of the Bible, we might think that prayer is a test of faith, and if we don’t receive what we pray for, our faith must be suspect. Not true. When we examine Scripture closely, we find that prayers are not always answered in the way that we might expect. Jesus didn’t always get what he prayed for. When he asked for the cup to be taken from him (Luke 22:42), we know that it was not. Paul prayed for the thorn to be removed from his side (2^nd Corinthians 12:7-9), but it was not. God heard these prayers but did not answer them how we might have expected him to. He did, however, transform them into something even greater.

We can learn something from the unanswered prayers of Jesus and Paul. They didn’t pray and then just sit and wait for an answer.  They prayed–going to God in faith–and then they continued their work. Their prayer was followed up with action. And though, sometimes, their specific prayers were not answered in the way we might have expected, we know that God responded to their requests by continuing to work through them so that his plan for history might be worked out.

It is the same for us today; we might not always get specifically what we ask for in our times of prayer. We might not understand why the answers to our prayers are not what we expect. Our response needs to be to keep praying. We must also continue to do good work, and to reach out to others with the love of Christ. For when we are faithful, God will work through us as he did with Jesus and Paul, and transform our lives, into something new and into something even better than we expected.