"Celebrating God's Presence, Serving All People"
United Church News May 3rd, 2019
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In Proverbs 6:8, Solomon imparts wisdom when it comes to the summer season:  “Go to the ant you slug, consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”  During the season of summer, God provides food for our soul. One key way our souls are fed during the summer is in and through study and reading. Included in this email are the numerous opportunities/programs for your soul to be fed this summer at United Church: Bible Study, book discussions, a member care study on limiting anxiety, and a focused prayer initiative. Put these summer dates on your calendar and come deepen your faith at United Church!

In Christ, 

Pastor Mark
This Sunday's Sermon Title and Scripture Reading
Worship Sunday at 10am
Sunday, May 5th
"You Will Have Enough"

Scripture :
John 21: 1-14
Reader : Dennis Eckels
Deacons : Russ and Linda Howald
Ushers : Judy Hattendorf, John Foster, Brad and Paula Carlson
Greeter : Carol Meles
Music
Music this Sunday will be performed by LuWayne Arnold and the Chancel Choir.

Don't miss a special performance by Rev. Kathy Sprague, Randall Sprague, and LuWayne Arnold!
Summer Programs 2019
Member Care - Summer Series

Join Pastor Kathy Sprague for two great summer member care series!

The first, beginning June 4th, will be a book discussion on Max Lucado's "Anxious for Nothing, Finding Calm in a Chaotic World."
Max Lucado leads participants to reflect on the promises of Philippians 4:4-8. This passage from Paul’s epistle contains an antidote to anxiety that will help you develop a mindset of resilience. 

This will be a 5-session discussion, which will include DVD references. Each discussion will take place on Tuesday mornings at 10am in the Sunset Conference Room.
The next summer series, beginning July 16th, will be a focused prayer summer study, led by Pastor Kathy Sprague, on The Lord's Prayer.

This 8-week study will also take place on Tuesdays at 10am in the Sunset Conference Room.

Come experience a deeper, refreshing way to pray “The Lord’s Prayer” through a “Focused Prayer” technique and come expecting to receive a fresh touch from Heaven!

Click on the flyers for more information on both summer sessions!
Summer Book Review

Pastor Mark Williams' annual summer book review will begin in June with "Everything Happens For a Reason: And Other Lies I’ve Loved" by Kate Bowler. The review for that first book will take place on Wednesday, June 12th. The book discussions will take place at 10am on the second Wednesday of each month through September.

Attend a few or attend them all, Pastor Mark has selected a group of books that can appeal to different interests! Click on the flyer for more information.

Some books are available at the local library. All books are available used and new on Amazon. United Church’s office will also loan out copies of books. Call in will be available for these book discussions.

Vacation Bible School

VBS is coming to UCMI this Summer, Monday June 3rd- Friday, June 7th from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Click on the flyer to learn more!

Our 2019 VBS curriculum will lead children deeply into Bible stories focused on God's care and compassion for neighbors close at hand and around the world. Join us as we discover neighbors near and far!

If you are interested in volunteering during the week of Vacation Bible School, please sign up in the narthex on Sunday or anytime next week.

A volunteer organizational meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, May 12th at 11AM in the Sunset Conference Room. If you would like to volunteer, but cannot attend the meeting, sign up in the narthex anyway, and we'll be sure to plug you in!
Bible Study Spring 2019
Bible study continues this spring! Come join Pastor Mark on Tuesdays for a Bible Study on Mark’s gospel! Bible Study will meet at 10AM in the Sunset Conference Room. All are invited to participate. Come whatever day you can or for any topic that may be interesting to you.

Simply bring your Bible and an open mind… 
Up North? No problem! Call in using the instructions below:

Dial 1-866-866-2244 – When prompted dial the following access code followed by the #sign
Access code: 5218829
Children's Church

Lesson:
Apostles Witness Jesus' Ascension

Teacher:
Pam Shudes

Assistant Teachers:
Judy Daye
Cindy Nold
Children's Church is in need of teachers and assistant teachers throughout May and June.
Susanne Golden makes volunteering very easy! If you are interested in teaching Children's Church, please email Susanne at susannegolden304@gmail.com.
Bargain Basket Update

Join us every Thursday for our Thrifty Thursday special of the week!

Happy Mother's Day!
This Thursday, May 9th, buy Mom the perfect Mother's Day gift - all jewelry will be 50% off!
Special Event

Congratulations to Jena Verbance Schmitz and Mike Schmitz who were married by Rev. Dr. Mark Williams in a beautiful ceremony at United Church last Saturday.

Pictured is the bride, Jena, Rev. Mark Williams, and the two flower girls before the ceremony.
In The Coming Week at UCMI

Today, Friday May 3rd
  • 9:30 AM Music Committee Meeting (SSC)

Monday, May 6th
  • 1 PM Social Events Committee Meeting (SRC)

Tuesday, May 7th
  • 10 AM Bible Study (SSCR)

Click on the link below to see what the next few months have to offer at UCMI!
Upcoming Birthdays
5/5- Dave Tschantz
5/6- Dave Yates
5/6- Kim Porter
5/9- Margo Bach
5/9- Marge Koch
5/10- Samantha Kopren

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!