Prayers for the United Methodist Church are needed as the special General Conference begins on February 23, 2019.
My original plan was to travel and be there for this historic event. I love the United Methodist Church and I believe that we are better together in our mission and ministry to make disciples for Jesus Christ and transform the world. But as of now, I plan to stay local. I will be live- streaming the events of the conference, praying, and waiting to see what happens. I have made the stance of remaining calm in these anxious times, to not stress and waste time on so many what ifs… I have tried to lead with grace and keep us at South Lyon First UMC focused on the mission that we are called to in our community and around the world. I have a quote on my desk, “perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created.” Esther 4:14. It has given me great strength during this time when so many are arguing and hating. I choose love, to share as much love of God with as many as I possibly can each day.
This fall we participated in an all-church study using the book,
Living Faithfully
. We wrestled with conversations that were sometimes hard to have, but did so with Christ at the center, and because of that, we as a church poured out grace and love for one another and sometimes agreed to disagree. Even in disagreement, at South Lyon First UMC we worship together in love and serve our community as the Holy Spirit guides us. You give me hope for the future.
We know that in 1972, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church voted to add language to the Book of Discipline stating that the practice of homosexuality is “incompatible with Christian teaching”. Over the next several decades, as the General Conference met every four years, rules were enacted prohibiting practicing self-avowed homosexuals from being ordained and prohibiting ordained pastors from officiating at same-sex weddings. In 2016, the Council appointed a Commission on the Way Forward, consisting of bishops, clergy, and lay members. The Commission met nine times over a seventeen-month period in 2017 and 2018 and developed two proposals for consideration by a special session of the General Conference to be held in St. Louis in February of 2019. Another proposal has been added, all to help us find a way forward on the issues surrounding LGBTQ persons.
This is a brief summary of the plans being presented:
Connectional Conference Plan
• create three values-based connectional conferences
• each annual conference would choose their connectional conference
• local churches could vote to join a different annual conference
One Church Plan
• remove the current Book of Discipline language regarding homosexuality
• each conference decides whether or not to ordain LGBTQ persons
• clergy decide whether or not to perform same-sex weddings
• local churches decide whether or not to host same-sex weddings
Traditionalist Plan
• strengthen the current Book of Discipline language regarding homosexuality
• strengthen enforcement of penalties for violation of rules prohibiting LGBTQ clergy and barring all clergy from performing same-sex weddings
We will continue our information/discussion Holy Conversations over the next couple of months:
•
Thursday, February 14, 9:00 AM or 6:00 PM
•
Thursday, March 14, 9:00 AM or 6:00 PM
These are very stressful times for the United Methodist Church, but I believe that God is present in the midst of these times. I also believe completely that God has great things for us to do here at South Lyon First UMC regardless of what happens at this General Conference and we need to stay focused as a church and be obedient to the Holy Spirit. Breathe in and breathe out, and remember that we are not alone.
Thankful to serve a church that is Christ focused, Spirit filled, and Mission driven,
Rev. Mary
|
|
Bible Journaling:
Living the Creative Life with God
We started the new year learning about a new spiritual discipline, Bible journaling. Everyone enjoyed it so much that we have decided to meet weekly in the Friendship Room on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. 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,
Praise Book
, a regular notebook, or journal. A pen, colored pencils, or fancy makers 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 space 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. I am personally using the Bible that I used in seminary. I no longer use it for research so I am giving it new purpose. Stop in anytime on Tuesday during February. We will study a piece of scripture and start some creative journaling. Feel free to bring your friends. If you have any questions, see Rev. Mary.
|
|
February Women's Book Club
Our February women’s book club will take place on Tuesday, February 19, 2019. We will be gathering in the Chapel at 6:30 p.m. This month we will discuss a book off of the United Methodist Women’s list,
The White Umbrella
, by Mary Frances Bowley.
Stories of survivors of sex-trafficking. We hear about it on the nightly news and in special interest stories from around the world, but it occurs daily in communities all around us. Every year, thousands of young women are forced into sexual exploitation. Most are under the age of 18. The damage this causes to their emotions and souls is immeasurable. But they are not without hope.
The White Umbrella
tells stories of survivors as well as those who came alongside to help them to recovery. It describes the pain and the strength of these young women and those who held the "white umbrella" of protection and purity over them on the road to restoration. This book offers principles and guidance to anyone with a heart for these hurting young women and a desire to help. It is an ideal resource for individuals or organizations seeking to learn what they can do to assist these victims in becoming whole again.
Since March is National Women’s Month, I thought it would be perfect timing to read
50 Women Every Christian Should Know: Learning from Heroines of the Faith
by Michelle DeRusha. Please bring other book ideas as we make plans for the following months.
Praying for all that will be gathering in our circle this year. Please feel free to bring your friends. Rev. Mary
|
|
Mission of the Month:
Cass Community Social Services
|
|
Cass Community Social Services is a Detroit-based agency dedicated to providing food, jobs, health services and housing.
• FOOD: One million meals served a year, with food coming from volunteer donations, a community garden, food banks, and meat from hunters in Northern Michigan.
• HOUSING: Multiple warming centers, emergency shelters, rotating shelters hosted by churches and permanent supported housing (where individuals can stay in an apartment indefinitely) are made available to those in need.
• JOBS: Green Industries was created for those with significant barriers to traditional jobs and links employment with sustainability. Currently 85 adults produce
m
ud mats and flip-flops from tires that were illegally dumped in the city, coaster sets using repurposed wood from demolished houses and glass scraps from Guardian Glass, and shredded materials through a document destruction program.
• HEALTH: A free medical clinic is operated by volunteer doctors and Wayne State medical students, offering health screenings, simple medications, and arrangements for pro bono procedures.
• TINY HOMES: 25 different homes (250-400sq ft) are planned for this project (13 are completed or near completion). The residents are formerly homeless, senior citizens, or college students who all qualify as low-income. For seven years the residents will rent the homes for $1/sq. ft. after which time they will be given the opportunity to own the home and property.
|
|
Upcoming Opportunities for Men
• Monthly breakfast Saturday, February 2
nd
7:30 – 9:00 in the Friendship Room. Several of our men will report on work we have been doing in Detroit for Cass Community Social Services and Cass Community UMC. See before and after photos, learn about their ministries, and explore if you are feeling led to help, too!
|
|
• Every Tuesday morning devotion, prayer and breakfast 6:30am in the Parlor
• The Tuesday night weekly study group meets 7:30 – 8:30 pm in the Parlor. We are currently studying “Life Lessons from Acts” by Max Lucado. Each weekly session stands on its own. Drop in and check it out!
• Quarterly Euchre Tournament Friday, February 22
nd
6:45 – 10:00 pm in the Friendship Room. Sign up on the kiosk or Ignite bulletin board for a fun evening of laughs, snacks and cheap prizes! $5/person.
|
|
Next Step Exploring Membership Class - February 7th
Are you considering membership here at SLFUMC? Join Rev. Kenny and Jen Denny for an informational membership class on Thursday, February 7th from 7:00 – 9:00 PM in the church library. Sign up on the kiosk or Ignite bulletin board. Let us know if you need childcare. For more information, contact Jen Denny (jendenny@att.net)
|
|
New Short Term Sunday School Class Offering
The Apocrypha – Writings between the old and new testament
A new 8-week study will be offered from Sunday, February 24 – Sunday, April 14.
Have you ever wondered what may have been written after Nehemiah (the last book of the old testament) and shortly before Jesus’ birth? A series of books were written that although some Catholic bibles include, protestant bibles do not. That is because there are some doubts about the origins, authorship and authenticity of these books. Despite these concerns,
Focus on the Family
and other Christian websites have shared that the basic premise of these books discuss core Christian topics. We will discuss many of these writings and how they may speak to us today.
Topics will include:
•
What is the Apocrypha and why should we care?
•
Tobit
•
Second and fourth Maccabees
•
Prayers of Repentance
•
Sirach
•
Wisdom of Solomon
•
Judith
Dave Fanning and Amy Randall-Ray will lead the study. The study will take place from 9:30 – 10:30 am in Room 110. Study books will be made available during the first class and will be $10. Please contact Dave at
dwfanning@sbcglobal.net
should you have any questions. We are looking forward to studying with you.
|
|
Testament to Being Mission Driven
We focus on being a mission driven congregation every week. We talk and do a variety of work – financially, spiritually and physically. The Mission Team would like to share the monies that have made all this work possible. In 2018 we followed The Spotlight Church Program, which guides Detroit Conference congregations in their missional giving. It encourages congregations to give generously to and build relationship with mission and ministry projects in their District, Conference, and across the world-wide United Methodist Church. Congregations that meet the eight steps outlined by the program are recognized as Spotlight Churches. We thank you for your generosity in giving us The Spotlight.
|
|
Holy Conversations
Continuing our Living Faithfully Conversations...
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
|
|
Secret Pal 2019
Thank you to everyone who signed up for Secret Pal this year! Your secret pal info was delivered the week of Jan 12th. We are looking forward to a year filled with surprises, prayers, and fellowship! Secret Pal has always been a good way of getting to know someone in the church that you may not have met before or getting to know someone even better! If you have any questions throughout the year please contact Linda Dowsett
(via text or phone call 517-375-3032) or Colleen Gesler (734-353-9517 or
cmgggesler@gmail.com).
|
|
Taste of Chili & Trivia Night - February 9th 5:00-7:30pm, Fellowship Hall
Do you think you have the best chili recipe, or do you just like to taste great chili and desserts? If you can answer yes to one or both of those questions, come to this year's annual chili cook-off on February 9th. If you wish to enter your chili to win or to help in other ways, please sign up on the kiosk or on the Ignite sign-up board. Free to all (free will donations accepted)
This year there will also be a trivia game with a prize for first place! Come and display your knowledge of random facts while tasting the delicious chili. Sign up your team (8 players/team maximum, no minimum) on the kiosk or on the Ignite sign-up board, or register at the door. There is a registration fee of $5/player payable at the door.
Haven't had time to shop for your Valentine? No worries bring your checkbook and bid on one of the Valentine's Day themed baskets at the silent auction.
All proceeds from this event will benefit future kitchen upgrades. If you have any questions, please contact Jen Denny (
jendenny@att.net
).
|
|
God's Country Mission Trip Planning Meeting
Join us Sunday, February 24th 12:15 – 1:00pm in the Friendship Room to learn details of our church’s mission trip to the Upper Peninsula in July. We will share details of the 2019 trip and answer your questions. This event is for those exploring first-time participation as well as those veterans who go every year. Snacks will be provided. Find out why this trip has become such an important and meaningful part of our outreach ministry!
|
|
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.
|
|
Let's Get Moving!
The Walking Club has resumed this winter! Walk the hallways of the church building 4:00 – 5:30 pm Tuesday and Thursday. 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. If you have any questions call Lindy Juergens at the church office (248) 437-0760.
|
|
Church News
Deaths
Marilyn Cech February 9, 2019
|
|
|
Click the link below to see
this month's birthdays!
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|