Happy New Year, Dear Friends,
As I look back at 2018 it is powerful to see the places that God has connected our gifts with our community as we make disciples for Jesus Christ. Together, we strive to be Christ focused, Spirit filled, and Mission driven. There are so many things to praise God for this year as I reflect on our ministry together. What would you put on the list? I would list thankfulness for those who provided funds for a new dishwasher for the church, for the amazing Cool Yule event and float in the parade, going on my first Mountain TOP trip, for an outdoor Son Rise service on Easter morning, for a gifted staff to work with each day, for Trustees and volunteers who care for our building, for a Calm and Bright Advent worship experience, for children who took over our building for VBS, and for other shared ministry and missions projects. I am personally thankful to be healthy enough to enjoy it all and participate in ministries that God calls me into each day.
Now I wonder about 2019. Do you? While there will be many things that will happen in our lives that we could never anticipate, I look into the possibilities. I will not have fear, but I choose faith. I believe completely, that as we move through this year we will not be alone. God will surround us and guide us always, at home, in school, in our workplaces, in our community, and in the world. I encourage you to breathe in, to breathe out, and trust that God is with you on this journey. I pray that all of our journeys will draw us closer to God and to one another, as we center our lives on Christ, and live out our callings.
I am inviting all church leaders to a special event that will allow us all to start off this next year together. All chairpersons and team members are invited to a
Leadership Equipping Day on Sunday, January 13 from 12:15 – 3:00 p.m
. There will be a lunch provided, a time of learning about the ins and outs of being on a team, revisiting our vision statement, and our short and long term goals. There will be a built in time for each team to meet to welcome new members, set your meeting times, take new team pictures, dream about your future ministry together, and have your first meeting of the year. We will end our time together with Holy Communion. For this to be a successful start to the new year, we need you all present. Please mark your calendars and make this special event a priority for the start of this new year.
With God as our Guide, may we be prepared to live another year under His care and direction. Happy New Year! Rev. Mary
Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the day approaching.”
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Advent Worship Thanks and Praise
Special thank you for the entire Worship Design Team, office staff, and worship volunteers that made Advent and Christmas so special. Putting together Calm and Bright took a lot of effort and coordination. Aynsley, David, and all our musicians outdid themselves making each service more powerful because they shared their talents. Lynnette and Kristin created visual theology that drew us deeper into the worship themes each week with all the stars, candles, and beautiful altars. The liturgist, third grade scripture readers, and Advent families made each service special. The ushers, soundboard techs, and multimedia teams made sure all the behind the scenes details happened flawlessly. None of our worship would have went as smoothly without Michelle and Jen. They put in all kinds of extra time on the bulletins, worship scripts, and slide show projections. There are amazing. This has been a beautiful and deeply meaningful series for so many people. Silent Night, Holy Night has drawn us closer to fully embracing the power of the birth of the Christ child. Jesus born into our world to bring hope, peace, love, joy, and light to us all.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Rev. Mary
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January Women's Book Club
Our January women’s book club will take place on Tuesday, January 22. We will gather in the Chapel at 6:30 p.m. This month we will discuss, “Southern Discomfort” by Tena Clark. A review of the book states, “a riveting and profoundly moving memoir set in rural Mississippi during the Civil Rights era about a white girl coming of age in a repressive society and the woman who gave her the strength to forge her own path—the black nanny who cared for her.” I am looking forward to our 2019 book discussions and am looking for a few book recommendations, so send them my way.
Praying for all who will be gathering in our circle this year. Rev. Mary
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Mission of the Month:
Youth and Adults in Mission
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Because we are a mission-driven congregation, January’s Mission of the Month is Youth and Adults in Mission. Our church participates in a number of missions for youth and adults who feel called to spread God’s love and goodwill. These missions serve people in our neighborhoods, state and throughout the rest of the world.
The mission team has already been made aware of a few mission trips happening this year, as well as our epic, biennial, church outreach, The Church has Left the Building. (SAVE THE DATE! This event is scheduled for Sunday May 5, 2019. Instead of a traditional worship service, everyone is encouraged to participate in a mission morning where we will work as part of a team that will be working on several projects serving our South Lyon neighbors. More details will follow at a later date.)
One of the mission trips we are supporting this year is a team heading to the Upper Peninsula to serve at God’s Country Cooperative Parish in July. The team will be helping people who need assistance to perform routine maintenance on their homes. This group has been going for years, and our financial support has helped them to build porches, paint rooms, fix roofing, and provide many other wonderful services.
Also this year, one of our young adults will be traveling to spread the word of God in Australia. We will also be offering our support for the youth and adults traveling to Tennessee this summer where they will again serve with the Mountain T.O.P. community with love while fixing, painting, roofing, and building homes for families needing help.
We have named just a couple of the current and visible missions that will be happening in 2019. We anticipate more people and groups will come to our team asking for our financial support. The team encourages any and all youth and adults contemplating a mission trip to know we are here to help support them financially, as well as spiritually. Please contact Jessica Mytty or Jackie Dobson as far in advance of your mission trip as possible, and we will discuss the process in detail.
Isaiah 6:8 says, I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
To be able to support all who are called to serve others in mission work, the mission team is asking for your financial support. Please consider supporting our Youth and Adults in Mission as they answer God’s calling. Checks can be made out to FUMC and designated on the offering envelope to Youth and Adults in Mission. During the month of January, your prayers and financial support will make a difference to those we serve.
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Upcoming Opportunities for Men
Monthly breakfast
7:30am – 9:00am in the Friendship Room on Saturday, January 5
th
:
Join us for a hearty breakfast followed by a pictorial look back at our 2018 activities and a sneak preview of 2019. Following the breakfast we will swing by Heather Fazio’s to view the finishing touches she and Olivia have put on their house following our work there.
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New Men’s Bible Study:
Learn “Life Lessons from Acts” when our Tuesday night study resumes in January. Sign up on the kiosk or Ignite bulletin board to participate in this study authored by Max Lucado. For more information contact Darren Klemens
djksapper@aol.com
.
Thank You for Your Support!
The United Methodist Men report over $2200 was raised at the BBQ Bonanza to benefit Active Faith. Well done good and faithful servants!
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Blood Drive – December 30
Our youth mission trip participants are hosting a blood drive on Sunday, December 30
th
from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm in the Friendship Room. Every day, Michigan Blood needs more than 560 blood products to meet our local hospital demand. Our goal is to fill up all available donation time slots. To donate, sign up on the kiosk or at
https://donate.miblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/109987
. For more information contact Jennifer Poiner (
Jennifer_poiner@comcast.net
).
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Unhanging of the Greens – December 30
Once the holidays are over, we need to take down our Christmas decorations from around the church and put them away. The Unhanging of the Greens will take place on Sunday, December 30. Please meet in the lobby at noon. Everyone is welcome – many hands make light work!
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Women’s Prayer Opportunities
When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action.
Matthew 18:20 (MSG)
Our women’s ministry is seeking transition and opening ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s direction as a new ministry is birthed. During this next year, will you please pray for this ministry? We are offering several opportunities for us to gather in the church to pray. This will be an open prayer time where you can come and go as you please. You may pray silently or out loud. Prayer cards will be available at prayer sessions & on the kiosk. For more information contact Deanna Coppoc (248-974-4959).
Opportunities beginning in January:
Every 2
nd
Tuesday of the month at 1:30 pm in room 116
Every Wednesday at 9:00 am in parlor (beginning 1/9)
Every Wednesday at 5:00 pm in room 116 (beginning 1/9)
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Intro to Bible Journaling
Start this new year with a new spiritual discipline, Bible journaling. Bible journaling is a creative way to document your personal study of the Bible. We are all called to study The Word, and journaling in our Bible is one way to record our journey as we build a stronger relationship with God. A journaling Bible allows us to be creative as we study and deepen our connection to Jesus. What supplies do I need for Bible journaling? All you need to start is a Bible, a journaling Bible, a p
raise book
, a regular notebook, or journal. A pen, colored pencils, or fancy markers will also help with this study. That’s it. You can choose to use a
regular Bible
, or select one made specifically for Bible journaling. A journaling Bible includes blank or lined spaces in the margins for you to make notes and to illustrate your faith, and some include blank pages so you can really let your faith shine through. Come to an introduction class on January 8
th
at 1 p.m. or 7 p.m. We will study a piece of scripture and start some creative journaling. Please sign up to hold a spot to learn something new. If you have any questions see Rev. Mary.
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Holy Conversations
Continuing our Living Faithfully Conversations...
Thank you to all our facilitators that guided over 125 people who participated in our all-church study of “Living Faithfully.” We were thankful for the respectful conversations that centered around a difficult topic. One thing I heard many of you say was that we needed to continue our conversations. So, in January, February, and March we will gather to answer questions from the book, pray for the General Conference in February, learn more about the three plans being voted on, and discuss the results of the General Conference. I have picked times during the day or at night before meeting times.
January 10 – 9:00 am or 6:00 p.m.
February 14 - 9:00 am or 6:00 p.m.
March 14 - 9:00 am or 6:00 p.m.
As we continue our conversation about homosexuality and the United Methodist Church our goal is to grow in appreciating how all sides in the debate might faithfully understand scripture, tradition, reason, and experience, and to better understand how the unique structure and reach of our denomination makes this issue so challenging. Together we will listen and discern, in prayer and conversation, how we can respond faithfully in the love of God and neighbor. Blessings, Rev. Mary
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Women's Wednesday Bible Study
The women's Wednesday morning Bible study will be going back to the Bible starting January 9! We will be taking a closer look at the minor prophets that we heard about last summer. Class starts at 9:30 am and we meet in the Jr. High classroom (room 116). All are welcome. If you have any questions, contact Jill Woodward at 517-304-8791.
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Leadership Equipping Day – January 13
Attention all team (committee) members! Our annual Leadership Equipping Day will be on Sunday, January 13
th
from 12:15 – 3:00 pm in the Friendship Room. We will talk about team information, office policies, how to best use our CCB software, how to review our budgets, and even get a few minutes with our teams. Lunch will be provided. Sign up on the kiosk or on the Ignite bulletin board to participate. Let us know if you need child care. For more information, contact Rev. Mary (
revmarymcinnes@att.net
).
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Winter Euchre Tournament Fundraiser
All adults are invited to play in our Youth Mission Trip Fundraiser euchre tournament on Friday, January 25
th
in the Friendship Room. The entry fee is $25 per person and includes dinner, snacks, drinks, and entry into the tournament. Dinner starts at 6:00 p.m. and euchre starts sharply at 7:00 p.m. Bring a friend! Please sign up on the kiosk or Ignite bulletin board by January 19
th
. There will be a trophy for this year’s winner. Contact Mary McInnes with any questions.
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Save the Date:
Chili Cook-Off & Trivia Night - February 9th
Please come taste the amazing chili in the chili cook-off on February 9
th
in the Fellowship Hall from 5:00-7:30 PM. This year we will also have trivia games. Bring a team of up to 8 players or come on your own and join the fun! Proceeds for this event will be applied to kitchen upgrades. Check out the weekly Sunday announcement page for details. For more information, contact Dan Noble at
namder04@yahoo.com
or 248-982-0108.
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Attention Snowbirds!
If you are traveling south for the winter, please provide the office with your winter address and travel dates before you go. We’d like to keep in touch with you during the winter and the class of mail that we use does not forward mail. Document your information on the sign-up sheet on the kiosk or the Ignite bulletin board. If you have questions, contact Jen Denny in the church office (248-437-0760 or
jendenny@att.net
).
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Cass Community Social Services -
Serving Hot Lunch February 2nd -
Save the Date!
We will be preparing and serving a hot lunch for Cass Community Social Services on Saturday, February 2
nd
. Lunch will be served from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm in downtown Detroit, plus time to set up and clean up. Please watch for a sign-up sheet to help with preparing the meal, supplying tableware, drinks and desserts, and serving opportunities. We will need a minimum of 25 volunteers onsite and there are no age restrictions to serving but please use discretion in bringing your children.
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Empty Bowls Painting for Cass – January 4
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Love with a ShoveL - Shovelers Needed!
The United Methodist Men and the Mission Team have a shoveling program for those in our community who are unable to shovel after large snowfalls. We are currently in need of a few more people who are willing to shovel. If you sign up, you don’t have to be available for every large snowfall. If you would like to join the ShoveL team, contact Scott Ries at
msu_ries@sbcglobal.net
. If you live in the South Lyon area and are in need of shoveling help, please sign up on the kiosk or the Ignite bulletin board.
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Amazon Smile Rewards Program
Do you shop on Amazon? If you begin your shopping on the website
https://smile.amazon.com
(bookmark it!), you will earn kick-backs for our youth mission trip. Choose the charity “First United Methodist Church of South Lyon” and shop as usual. Support our youth for shopping you already do!
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The Church has Left the Building
May 5 - Save the Date!
On May 5, 2019 the church will not hold service inside the church, but will perform acts of God’s love outside the building. There will be projects and services available for all ages and abilities. If you are interested in working on a team to organize this wonderful mission please contact Lori Carey at
careylori@hotmail.com
or (248) 446-3061 or Jessica Mytty at
SLFUMCMissionTeam@gmail.com
or 517-294-1777.
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Let's Get Moving!
The Walking Club will resume again this winter, starting on January 3, 2019. Join this group who walk the hallways of the church building from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Some walk fast, some walk slowly – everyone is welcome. One lap around the building is between 1/10 and 2/10 of a mile. Bring walking shoes to change into to help keep the carpets clean. We are looking for walkers to volunteer to coordinate the start and end of each period. If you have any questions call Lindy Juergens at the church office (248) 437-0760.
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The church office will be closed from December 24
th
- January 1
st
. If you have a pastoral emergency during this time, contact Rev. Mary (586-515-0013) or Rev. Kenny (248-361-6658). All other voicemail and email will be monitored and returned as needed.
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New Member
Please welcome Linda Williams who joined the South Lyon First membership on December 9
th
.
Linda Williams
enjoys reading, quilting, painting, knitting, and traveling. She is retired and actively searching for ways to serve others. Linda’s fellowship friend is Peg Berry. You can reach Linda at 11771 Shenandoah Drive, South Lyon, MI 48178. 248-719-3002.
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Click the link below to see
this month's birthdays!
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Worship Schedule
8:15 am Daybreak in Sanctuary
9:30 am Sunday School
10:45 am Ignite in Fellowship Hall
11:00 am Cornerstone in Sanctuary
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for more information about our church or any of these programs!
Do you prefer a printed copy of our newsletter? Hard copies are available on the kiosk in the lobby!
Newsletter is edited by Lori Penndorf
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