A Church on the Move!
January 2021


A Note from Pastor Kenny...
2021 Focus on Missions


As we head into 2021, we do so with the hope of Advent and Christmas guided by the light of Christ. We have a renewed focus as a church-on-the-move, guided by the desire to show compassion in our community by shining the light and love of Christ.

The most obvious way to show Christ's love and light is through missions. In 2021 you'll see an increased emphasis on missions at WLUMC, including participation in the EngageMI program. EngageMI is the mission program for the Michigan Conference of the UMC. It challenges its congregations to comprehensive missional learning, giving, and action with the goal of encouraging congregations to shift from transactional â€śministry to” models to relational â€śministry with” vulnerable people and communities. Our church's Mission Team has identified 12 missions that will relate to this goal, one for each month of the year. We will also be supporting the six UMC “Giving Sundays” and have set a goal for one hands-on mission project each quarter in 2021. 
 
To go along with our mission program, we have budgeted to attain our 2021 Ministry Shares commitment goal. Ministry Shares are our portion of ministry & mission support to the Michigan Conference. 
 
When we complete the EngageMI program, we will commit to ministry in the following areas and be classified as an EngageMI Congregation (formerly known as Spotlight Church): 
1. 100% of Ministry Shares
2. Michigan
3. National
4. International
5. Mission Personnel
6. United Methodist Committee on Relief
 
I am excited to move into the new year with a renewed focus on mission and Ministry Shares. It is my hope that you share that same excitement. Here’s to 2021!
 
Pastor Kenny
Upcoming Worship Series: Follow Me!
January 10 - February 14

There’s nothing ordinary about Ordinary Time anymore. But then it was never really “ordinary.” The season of Epiphany has always been about seeing the light that is Jesus the Christ breaking forth into the world in which we live. Seeing is only the first step, however. We don’t see the light of Christ the same way we see the beauty of the Grand Canyon, for example, or a particularly beautiful sunset. While there is beauty in the presence of Christ, it is a beauty that calls forth a response. There are many ways to respond to the presence of Christ. In this series, we focus on the invitation to follow. It is the mission of the church to make disciples, even as we are being made disciples. It is an ongoing process to follow Jesus; a transformation that continues through every stage of our lives.

December 27 Led by Luke Wolfe New Beginnings, John 21:4-17
January 3 Living the Celebration, John 1:(1-9), 10-18

January 10 FOLLOW ME: Tearing Apart the Heavens, Mark 1:4-11
January 17 FOLLOW ME: Anything Good, John 1:43-51
January 24 FOLLOW ME: Follow Me, Mark 1:14-20
January 31 FOLLOW ME: What Have You to Do With Us? Mark 1:21-28
Online Worship

We are currently worshiping ONLINE. You can participate in worship live or at a later time on either of these sites. The content on each will be exactly the same, we are just providing different options for people who don’t use Facebook.


 
Sunday School Classes
Our Sunday School classes have been a great way to grow and stay involved with a small group during the pandemic. You'll find Zoom links for each of our Sunday School classes below. If you don't currently attend one of our classes, consider joining now! The Zoom links will remain the same from week to week. If you would like help setting up Zoom, contact Michelle Walkup.


8:30 am Craig Shaw's Adult Sunday School Class: via Zoom
(by phone: 646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 865 6413 2100, Passcode: 844455)

10:30 am Middle & High School Sunday School w/ Luke: via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84427285726?pwd=eTUwQUVHUGg4S2Z0bjZyMThxZlZyUT09
(by phone: 646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 844 2728 5726, Passcode: 119518)
 
11:30 am Rod Ames' Adult Sunday School Class:(note new time!) via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87174493326?pwd=SHN5OE9iMEZxZE5YanR1d21CUHdxUT09
(by phone: 646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 871 7449 3326, Passcode: 574064)
 
*Pastor Kenny's Sunday School class will be on hiatus until we are back in-person.


January Mission of Month
UMRC Foundation


Our January Mission Focus is the United Methodist Retirement Communities (UMRC) Foundation. Help the UMRC keep their promise to their residents – that they will always have a home, even if they run out of resources. Chelsea Retirement Community's apartment homes and Towsley Village are supported by the UMRC Foundation, as are locations in Dexter, Detroit, Ypsilanti, Jackson, & Lansing. Your donations make a difference in the lives of their residents. UMRC Foundation Website Link
UMRC Letter Writing Campaign
Becoming hands of hope for those in isolation

We’ve all seen the news stories about how residents of senior living centers have been experiencing isolation due to the pandemic. You may have visited a loved one while standing outside their window during this time. Tina Zimmerman, a Chaplain at Chelsea Retirement Community, recently shared "I’m not sure what is worse at this point, our residents coming down with COVID or them experiencing prolonged isolation."

We have been given a wonderful opportunity to use our hands to help these residents! During the month of January, you and your family members can send cards, write letters, or draw pictures for the residents of the Chelsea Retirement Community. Residents are of every age and race. They are in their care because of rehabilitation, daily care, and/or memory care needs. Tina shared it would be wonderful if our congregation would send some cards, draw pictures or write generic letters of encouragement to the people they serve. Letters do not have to be long, they can start with the kind words of “Dear friend.” She said the team would share these gifts during their care opportunities.

If you are interested in becoming a hand of hope, please draw a picture or write a letter and drop it off at the church between January 1– 31. A clear plastic bin will be placed outside the east door of the church. Gifts will be delivered on Monday, February 1. For more information contact Heather Fazio.

Hospitality House

All year long we support Hospitality House, our local food pantry. Food donations are appreciated, especially now during the pandemic. During the month of January we are requesting contributions of peanut butter & jelly. If possible during this time, please deliver donations directly to Hospitality House. 2075 E. West Maple Rd, Ste B204, Commerce Twp, MI 48390

Lydia Circle & Men's Group

Out of an abundance of caution, the Lydia Circle and the Men's Group will not meet in the month of January. Stay tuned for further schedule updates!
Super Volunteers

A huge “thank you” to all of the volunteers who were in the church office September and October. These people answered the phone and fielded questions until Michelle Walkup could start as the new administrative assistant on November 1. This group included Mary Beth Manning, Rod Ames, Sharon Waymire, Don Waymire, Patti Swarthout, David Hultgren, Larry Beale, Dorothy Christopher, Helen Bingham, Cyndy Campion, Peggy Hawke, and Colleen Beale. Thank you from the Staff Parish Relations Committee!
Christmas Gifts for the Staff

The congregation will be thrilled to know that, in spite of the pandemic, we were able to give the staff Christmas gifts. With input from finance and the treasurer it was revealed that there was enough money in the general fund to continue this holiday custom of appreciation to our wonderful and hard working support team. This includes Pastor Walkup, Michelle Walkup, Luke Wolfe, Rod Ames, Sarah Hamilton and Karen Bird. We were also able to give thank you gifts to Alex Miller, who has provided us with beautiful and inspiring music all through the pandemic and Jeff Poiner who provided the audio for our outdoor services and has been instrumental in organizing and improving our technology throughout the building. All of these people have been an answer to prayer!!

Colleen Beale
Staff Parish Relations Committee Co-Chair
Prayer Requests
Please help us keep this list up-to-date!


Recent Requests:
~Cheryl Wieber (requested by Sandi and Ken Gresh)
~Lisa Goff (co-worker/friend of Sandi Gresh)
~Helen Currie (requested by Reg and Audrey Crawford)
~Ruth Parra
~Hunter Strick (friend of Larry & Marilyn Gawne)
~Meredith (sister of Marilyn Gawne)
~Brian Piper (son of Laurie & Chuck Piper)
~Bob & Lynne Hall (requested by Peggy Hawke)
~For our nation’s leaders
~For all students and teachers
~Sue Minna, Sally, & Maureen (requested by Larry & Colleen Beale)
~Ruth (sister of Helen Bingham)
~Family of Claudia Witkowski (cousin of Patti Swarthout)
~For COVID to be eliminated all over the world
~Neva Callahan (friend of Gordon Ackerman)
~Glen (cousin of Gordon Ackerman)
~Jan Croll
~Andrusiak family (requested by Peggy Hawke)
~Gary & Trudy Johnson (requested by Peggy Hawke)
~Chantal Cheesbro (boss of Vicki Thuer)
~VanProyen family (requested by Vicki Thuer)
~Family of Micki Eckley (requested by Peggy Hawke)
~Sheryl Stucky (daughter of Josie Neumann)
~Lorrie McVey recovery from surgery (requested by Bill Bird)
~Employees of Laurel Tree Academy (requested by Christy Ross)
~Tom Fazio (requested by Heather Fazio)
~Alex Miller - extended migraine
~Hal Potts - cancer treatments (requested by Val Potts)
~Louise Wyman - COVID-19 (requested by Joan Rousseaux)
~Neal Anderson & Jane Lawrence (requested by Nick Anthony)
~Timothy Webb - injured police officer (nephew of Karen & Bill Bird)
~Ed Ryne - foot surgery (friend of Linda & Peggy Hathaway)
~For safe travel & distribution of the COVID vaccine (requested by Peggy Hawke)
~Samantha Versham - surgery complications (sister of Denise Yapp)
~Family of Nick Anthony
~Lyle Ames - COVID-19 (father of Rod Ames)









Long-Term Requests:
~Dorothy Christopher
~Janet Croll
~Marian Curl
~Dorothy Erickson
~Dale Fox
~Jo Heinke
~Harry & Myrtle Long
~Ruth Parra
~Diane Schramm
~Emily Cleveland (daughter of Gregg & Peggy Cleveland)
~Jackie Gawne (sister-in-law of Larry & Marilyn Gawne)
~Rob & Wendy Lewis (friends of Larry & Marilyn Gawne)
~Chris Davis (daughter of Linda Fox)
~Wendy Gosney (friend of Peggy Hawke)
~Bill & Nancy Wienkler (friends of Larry & Marilyn Gawne)
~Raymond Brough (father of Sandi Gresh)
~Kenneth Skoczylas (neighbor of Cliff & Marj Johnson)
~Andy Branham (father of Linda Nielsen)
~Gene & Erla Wilson (parents of Tammy Zavitz)
~Baby Darby Rinke (Grandchild of friends of the Swarthouts)
~Eric Bielecki (nephew of Ellen Demray)

WE CONTINUE PRAYING FOR ALL OUR TROOPS!







*Please remember to call the church office if you or a family member are hospitalized or are going to have surgery. We want to remember you in prayer and provide the best pastoral care we can.* 



Thank Yous!

Church Family,
Thank you very much for the generous Christmas gift. It was the perfect size and color and will be put to good use. - Rod


Friends,
Thank you so much for the kind and generous Christmas gifts! We know exactly what to do with the chocolates and sweets and the donation will be appreciated during our upcoming vacation. We feel very blessed to be in ministry with you all! - Pastor Kenny and Michelle
January Birthdays
3 Jordan Johnson
11 Patricia Mitts
15 Connie Parra
16 Andrew Briskey
16 Chuck Piper
16 Susan Thompson
17 Tristan William Hallett
27 Harry Long
27 Rebecca Noeske
28 Taylor Zavitz
30 Cliff Johnson
31 Alexandria Clark Miller
31 David Johnson
31 Evan Link

If we are missing your special day, please let the office know. We want to celebrate with you!
January Anniversaries

8 David & Lydia Hultgren
Staff Contact Info

Pastor: Rev. Kenny Walkup
Email: See website

Youth Coordinator: Luke Wolfe
Email: See website

Choir Director: Rod Ames
Email: See website

Pianist: Sarah Hamilton
Email: See website

Treasurer: Karen Bird
Email: See website

Administrative Assistant: Michelle Walkup
Email: See website
Advertisers

During these times, our advertisers could use your business more than ever.
Thank you in advance for your patronage!
1. PAINTING FOR FAMILY & FRIEND
(248) 991-4478
Residential Specialist-Interior & Exterior
Home Repair, OSHA Certified
Experienced/Accurate Estimates

2. ROUSSEAUX’S EXCAVATING, INC.
(248) 624-6241
Mark Rousseaux, Cell: 248-755-7919
Fax: 248-669-6065

3. PENNY LAKE MARKET
(248) 624-5445
Liquor/Fine Wines/Choice Meats/Produce/
Catering Needs/Deli/Grocery/Lottery/
Hot Food/Dairy/Frozen
1270 S. Commerce Road, Walled Lake 48390
Fax: 248-624-5448

4. SPENCER ROOFING
(248) 360-PROS
Spencer Knish Construction

5. TUFFY AUTO SERVICE CENTERS
(248) 624-4440
Your complete Auto Repair Center
784 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake 48390
Art Rott

6. MURRAY’S PARTS CITY (AUTO PARTS)
(248) 669-PART
Auto Parts Express/Commercial Delivery
707 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake 48390
Steven G. Blair 
1.855.4.MURRAY

7. FRESHWAY MARKET
(Formerly- Walled Lake Save A Lot)
Mon - Sat 9AM - 7PM, Sun 9AM - 6PM
(248) 668-1555
1192 E. West Maple Road,
Walled Lake 48390

8. LAKESIDE CONEY ISLAND FAMILY DINER
(248) 859-2954
Home Style Cooking
Monday-Sunday 7:00 AM-3:00 PM
602 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake 48390
9. DAVE & AMY’S
(248) 956-8622
A Great Place to Eat & Drink!
800 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake 48390

10. STONEBRIDGE KITCHEN & BATH
(248) 912-1900
28317 Beck Road, Suite E1, Wixom 48393
Fax: 248.499.1931
Dawn Smith Bluga

11. G.E.B. COLLISION, INC.
(248) 926-9373
Complete Collision Repair and Refinishing
Geoff Bennett-Owner
1625 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake 48390
Fax: 248.926.0550

12. ERIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
(248) 669-2050
Prototype & Production Tube 
Fabrication 1/8” thru 6”
Steve Atwell, Sr.-President
902 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake 48390
Fax: 248.669.5950
ISO-9001:2008 Certified

13. MODERN FLOORS
(248) 624-0333
Carpet One Floor & Home
Carpet/Hardwood/Tile/Laminate/Luxury Vinyl/
Area Rugs
Residential & Commercial
1145 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake 48390
Fax: 248.624.8843

14. LINKOUS CLEANING SERVICE, INC.
(248) 343-6517
Dependable & Professional Office Cleaning
Serving the Lakes Area for over 20 years!
Roger Linkous-President
2501 Tampa Drive, Wolverine Lake 48390
313 E Northport St
Walled Lake, MI 48390
Phone: 248-624-2405