"Celebrating God's Presence, Serving All People"
United Church News September 20th, 2019
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A friend of mine in ministry has a favorite saying---When you run into a challenge, don't ask, "How big is this problem?" Instead ask, "How big is my God?" At times in our lives, we are tempted to minimize God's bigness and power. Too often, we "put God in a box" and we approach God in prayer with preconceived ideas about what God can and can't do. Jesus's parable of the friend at midnight teaches us to pray with a spirit of boldness that honors God's remarkable power. I look forward to saying more about this on Sunday in a sermon entitled: "Pray What Is Not On the Menu" from Luke 11: 5-13. See you Sunday!

In Christ,

Pastor Mark
This Sunday's Sermon Title and Scripture Reading
Worship Sunday at 10am
Sunday, September 22nd
"Pray What Is Not On the Menu"

Scripture :
Luke 11: 5-13

Reader : Dave Yates
Deacons : Dave and Joanie Fuller
Ushers : Marie Dowling and Mary Jane Irvine
Greeters: Dave and Deanna Yates

Music this Sunday will be performed by our guest musician, Natalie Marsalli!
If you are interested in making a gift to help those impacted by Dorian in the Bahamas, simply write "Dorian" on the for line of your check and drop it in the offering plate on any Sunday between now and September 29th.
Music Director Search Committee
Don't forget- Our committee kindly asks that all members of the congregation provide us input by responding to two questions by Sunday, September 29th at 11:15AM. Please submit your responses to Rev. Dr. Mark Williams at  ucmiminister@comcast.net or fill out the back page of the worship bulletin and submit it to the Music Director Search Committee feedback box in the Narthex.

1. What do you perceive to be the purpose of United Church's music ministry and programs?

2. What hopes and dreams do you have for United Church's music ministry in future years to come?

We look forward to hearing from all of you. What a bright future God has in store for our music ministry at United Church!
Prayer Study
Pastor Kathy's Prayer School begins again on October 1st in the UCMI Sanctuary and will continue through April 2020.

The focus for prayer study through 2019 will be Psalm 23.

Following Prayer School, join Pastor Mark Williams in the Sunset Conference Room for Bible Study at 10am!
Bible Study
Pastor Mark's Fall Bible Study:
I John, II John, III John

Beginning Tuesday October 1st at 10AM, Pastor Mark will begin his 12-week fall Bible Study on John's letters in the New Testament. In his letters, John expresses delight at believers who are "walking in the truth" and behaving with the integrity that reflects the gospel. This involved not just correct doctrine but living and embodying love for God and neighbor. It's this love, John argued, that shows the truth of the gospel really being grasped. All are invited to attend! Simply bring your Bible and an open mind!

Up north? No problem. You can call and participate: Dial 1-866-866-2244 Access code: 5218829
Children's Church
Children's Church will continue learning the lessons on Paul and the Apostles. This week students will learn that young people really can make a difference!

Lesson: The Secret Plot
Teacher: Cheryl Axelson
Bargain Basket Update
An entire month of savings!

Stop by the Bargain Basket every day to see what's on sale in our continuation of September Sizzling Sales!

Also be sure to join us this Tuesday, September 24th for our Fall 50% off EVERYTHING sale!
Susanne Golden
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On Sunday during fellowship hour, we will say goodbye to our children's coordinator Susanne Golden who is retiring this month. Susanne has been a great blessing to all of us. We plan to celebrate her ministry with a cake in her honor. If you are a children's church teacher or parent, kindly join us on Sunday as we send Susanne off with an appreciative farewell!

In Christ,

Pastor Mark
Online Giving
To all those who would like to use our Online Giving Program, while up North for the summer or for the convenience, please click on the link below to see how you can do so.
This Week at UCMI
Thursday, September 26th
  • 9:30 AM - Board of Church Life and Growth Meeting (SSCR)
Upcoming Birthdays
9/23 - Ava Tonney
9/24 - Sue Elsasser
9/24 - Faith Squires

We hope your special day is filled with fun surrounded by the ones you love most!
We're sorry we missed your birthday! If you do not see your birthday listed in the e-news please check with the church office to see if we have all of your info!