Showing COMPASSION in our
COMMUNITY by sharing the
light & love of CHRIST
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A Note from Pastor Kenny...
I just finished Course of Study 423-Mission, a class in the seminary program I am enrolled in at the Methodist Theological School of Ohio. You can tell from the name that the focus, theological and otherwise, was on how we engage in mission, local and beyond.
The course was taught by Dr. David Scott who is the current Director of Mission Theology for the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Needless to say, he had lots of great information. From the selected readings for the class was a book he authored titled Crossing Boundaries, Sharing God’s Good News through Mission. If you have any desire to expand your knowledge of mission, I highly recommend his book.
You have heard a lot about outreach, mission, and mission work over the past several months. That is something that is not going to change. For us to truly live into our vision we must engage in mission. “Showing compassion in our community by sharing the light and love of Christ” requires action on our part. To show and to share will continue to move us into new and for some, uncomfortable places and spaces.
The definition of mission from Dr. Scott’s book read like this: “cultivating relationships across boundaries for the sake of fostering conversation in word and deed about God’s good news”. You will notice the focus is on relationships to share the good news. Good news of what? The good news of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God.
All mission starts with God and God’s grace for all people. When we cease to define mission as helping people and start to reframe our own definition to see others as God sees them, we allow for relationships to begin that will transform lives. That’s good news. Good news worth sharing.
Pastor Kenny
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Worship Options Sundays 9:30 am
1) In-Person Worship
We are again offering in-person worship in the sanctuary. We will be following all recommended safety protocols, including social distancing and wearing masks.
2) Online Worship
You can participate in online worship live (or later!) on either of these sites. The content on each will be the same.
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Holy Week Worship
- Palm Sunday March 28
- 9:30 am Sunday worship
- Parade of palms
- Handbell anthem
- Holy Thursday April 1
- 7:00 pm worship
- Mime communion
- Good Friday April 2
- 7:00 pm service (not online)
- Prayer station worship

- Easter Sunday April 4
- 7:00 am SonRise worship at the lake (not online)
- Acoustic music
- Bring SonRise light into church
- 9:30 am Sunday worship
- Music from choir
- Holy Communion
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Easter on the Block
Saturday, April 10 @ 1:00 pm
WLUMC will be hosting a community-wide event called “Easter on the Block” on Saturday, April 10 at 1:00 pm. We will start off the event with a 1:00 Easter egg hunt, then continue afterwards with other family-friendly activities such as a petting zoo, games, crafts, & food, all of which will make for a fun day! Sign up your children here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0848AAAD23A75-easter Contact Luke Wolfe if you would like to volunteer at the event.
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Living the Resurrection Worship Series:
April 4 - May 16
Of all the high holy days on the calendar of faith, Easter is by far the highest and the holiest. There is no exuberance that is too loud, no expression of joy that is over the top, no exercise of new life that can be shut down. Easter calls for excess. Don’t let it slip in silently. And not just on one day. Easter is a season. That is why our worship series grabs hold of Easter and runs all the way to Pentecost, breathless and panting for the Spirit to come and breathe new life into our lungs so that we can endure the journey through the long season after Pentecost. The joy of Easter needs to sustain us until the Spirit can launch us into the next phase of experiencing the kingdom of God.
April 4 Easter Sunday Terror and Amazement, John 20:1-18
April 11 Unless I See, John 20:19-31
April 18 WLUMC's 163rd Birthday! Touch and See, Luke 24-36-48
April 25 Listen to My Voice, John 10:11-18
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April Mission of the Month
UMCOR Disaster Relief
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UMCOR responds to natural or civil disasters of such magnitude that they overwhelm a community’s ability to recover on its own. Through UMCOR, United Methodists extend loving care to people within the United States. When disaster strikes, it is local churches that provide the first response to their communities. This basic understanding—that disaster response is local—forms the foundation for UMCOR’s US disaster training and response. When responding to a disaster in the United States, UMCOR provides training, financial assistance, expertise, community collaboration to churches and partners helping them become a auditing these natural emergencies. Our April mission dollars will support this “ boots on the ground in emergencies “ program. |
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Men's Breakfast - April 3
All men of the church are invited to our Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, April 3. We will meet at 8:00 am in the parlor. If you would like to volunteer to help with breakfast, please contact Bill Bird or Gordon Ackerman. If you are not yet comfortable meeting in the building, we understand and hope you will join us down the road!
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Lydia Circle - April 12
Lydia Circle is back! We will gather Monday, April 12 at 7:00 pm in the church parlor for treats & fellowship. After a long hiatus, we are excited to spend time together again as a group. Our host will be Cyndy Campion. For more information contact Sharon Waymire.
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Adopt-A-Road Clean-Up Day - April 17
Our first road clean-up of the year is Saturday, April 17 (Rain date April 24). We will meet in the Richardson Senior Center parking lot (1485 E Oakley Park Rd, Commerce) at 9:00 am and we will help beautify Oakley Park Road from M-5 to South Commerce Rd. Sign up at the table in the parlor. For more information contact Tim Nielsen.
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Choir - A Gift for God!
The choir is back after a year and we are so excited to be singing again. It is great to be back, but we need more singers. We have a lot of new people in the church (YEA!), but that means I don't know which of you can sing, as well as you long-time church members who can sing but are not in the choir. Yes, I know who you are. Old-time members or new members, if you like to sing, join us on Wednesday evenings at 7:00. I can hear many of you saying, "Oh not me, my singing is not that great." Well your singing doesn't need to be that great! If you join your voice with lots of other not so great singers, you end up with a wonderful choir that will add so much to the worship experience for all. The talent you have been given (your singing voice) is a gift from God. When you use your voice to sing to the glory of God, that is your gift to God. Give your God and your church a gift. Join the choir!
See you Wednesday,
Rod Ames
Choir Director
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CROP Hunger Walk
Saturday, May 8 @ 11:00 am
Please join us as we walk to end hunger, both locally and globally! The walk will be on the rail trail from Pontiac Trail to the Commerce bridge. Of course you may walk as far as you’d like. We will start from the church at 11:00 am and meet back at the church for a light lunch. Donations will be collected prior to May 8. If you wish to donate, cash, check, and electronic giving will be appreciated. If you write a check, please write the check to WLUMC and mark Crop Walk on the envelope.
To sign up to walk:
· Hard Copy: There will be sign-up packets in the lobby.
PLEASE NOTE: We fall under the umbrella of the Farmington CROP Walk, but their walk is virtual-only on May 2. We are doing our own in-person walk with masks & social distancing on May 8. You may note this while registering. Please feel to contact Laurie Piper if you have any questions.
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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 April we are requesting contributions of crackers. Items may be placed in the donation bin in the church or taken directly to Hospitality House. 2075 E. West Maple Rd, Ste B204, Commerce Twp, MI 48390. For more information contact Peggy Hawke.
Thanks to your generosity, we have donated 442 pounds of food to Hospitality House this year!
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God's Country Mission Trip Donation Needs
This coming July (25-31) a team of adults from our church will be traveling to the Upper Peninsula for a home repair and outreach mission which includes 7 towns and the surrounding communities. We are very excited to be involved in this ministry in our own state and want to be fully prepared when we leave.
God’s Country Cooperative Parish has purchased an elementary school and repurposed it to fit the needs of the mission. There are sleeping dorms, bathroom facilities, a food pantry, a clothes closet, and a furniture and appliance room. The U.P., especially this last year, has been very economically challenged and their needs are great. It is not uncommon for a family to be burned out of their house and to lose everything that they own. Donations of all kinds are badly needed.
For everyone who cannot be a part of the traveling team, you can help by donating any of the following items:
- Clothes - all sizes, seasons, men, women, children. They must be clean, no stains or rips, not on hangers but they can use plastic clothes hangers.
- Yard and landscaping supplies - mowers, edgers, hedge trimmers, chain saws. They must be in working order (if you still have the booklet that came with it, attach it to the machine), shovels, rakes, hoes, pruners, and saws.
- Bedding of all kinds - bedspreads, sheets and pillowcases, blankets, mattress pads (regular and waterproof) bathroom and kitchen linens - towels, wash clothes, dish clothes, baby linens for cribs and bath time.
- Pots and pans, dishes, small appliances, all kitchen items.
- Non-perishable foods of all kinds.
- Furniture of all kinds - tables, chairs, sofas, rocking chairs, baby furniture, baby pads and mattresses. Decorative home decor - pictures, vases, etc.
- Washers & dryers
- Books for all ages, craft supplies, games, puzzles, toys, sports equipment, bicycles, tricycles, scooters.
- All paper products - paper towels, TP, napkins, paper plates, diapers, baby wipes
- All cleaning products
- Medical supplies - Depends, alcohol pads, bandaids and bandages, over the counter medications that have not been opened.
- NO AEROSOL CANS
- NO PILLOWS
- NO NEEDLES
- NO STEREO CABINETS, ELECTRONICS, OR TVs
There will be a large box in the hall labeled “God’s Country” to place donations in. As you are doing spring cleaning please bring all usable goods to church. If you can’t get to church or if you have large items, call Colleen Beale or Larry Beale and we will pick those items up.
We seriously plan to collect so many things that we are prepared to rent a moving van to deliver all of the donations to the U.P. Thanks for all the help you can give!!
Colleen and Larry Beale
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God's Country Mission Trip Fundraiser
As Colleen mentioned, we have a team of adults traveling to the U.P. this summer for a mission trip! The team will be holding one fundraiser to help offset our participation fees. From April 4th -18th, we will be taking orders for original Upper Peninsula pasties made by the Pasty Oven. Most of you are familiar with pasties, but if not, they are a delicious baked pastry filled with (usually) meat & potatoes. Each pasty is $5.50 and there are multiple flavors from which to choose (including vegetarian and pizza). We will receive the pasties the middle of May straight from the U.P. and will distribute them to you at that time. To order, visit our table in the parlor on Sunday April 4, 11, or 18 or contact Michelle Walkup. Thank you for your support of our trip!
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Sunday School Classes

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8:30 am Encounters Adult Sunday School Class, In-Person, Fellowship Hall
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10:30 am Reflections Adult Sunday School Class, In-Person, Fellowship Hall

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Prayer Requests
Please help us keep this list up-to-date!
Requests Since Last Tower Notes:
~Baby Sawyer - in NICU, surgery (requested by Sandi Brough-Gresh)
~Family of Betty Robinson (mother-in-law of Gigi Robinson)
~Bruno Borin - COVID-19 (friend of Larry & Marilyn Gawne)
~Jane Mayer - recovering from double knee replacement surgery (friend of Alex Miller)
~Bill - Lou Gehrig’s Disease (friend of Patti & Mike Swarthout)
~Erla Wilson - knee replacement surgery (mother of Tammy Zavitz)
~Carol - recovery from knee replacement surgery (sister of Ellen Demray)
~Prayers for vaccines for all soon (requested by Cliff & Marj Johnson)
~Tiger Woods - recovery from car accident & surgery (requested by Juanita Yoshida)
~Bill Bird - travel mercies while driving to Omaha and back
~Marion McLean - hospitalized (mother of Bob McLean)
~Susan Dawson - broken wrist & torn shoulder (sister-in-law of Peggy Hawke)
~That the COVID vaccine will be complete for the elders soon (requested by Juanita Yoshida)
~For all who still need their inoculations (requested by Cyndy Campion)
~Lindsay - loved one who died by suicide & her grandfather diagnosed with colon cancer (friend of Heather Fazio)
~Christy Ross - she and mother-in-law received first COVID vaccine
~Family of Norman Milley (father of Ellen Demray)
Lisa Jones on the passing of her dad (friend of Denise Yapp)
~For safe environment, free from COVID (requested by Juanita Yoshida)
~Storm victims in the west (requested by Vicki Thuer)
~Janet Croll - healing of foot (sister of Fran Ames)
~Michael Dibenedetto - seizures, unknown cause (requested by Bill & Karen Bird)
~Family of Bill Crawford - passed after a 3 year battle with cancer (requested by Larry Gawne)
~Dan Bushey - hospitalized with complications from COVID (brother-in-law of Bobbie Bushey)
~Praise to God for answered prayers regarding our 6 year legal battle (requested by Leanne Link)
~Christy Ross - for successful upcoming medical procedures
~Olivia Fazio - prayers for a good week
~Heather Fazio - praise for the most beautiful sunshine
~Kim Clark - double mastectomy March 22 (mother of Alex Miller)
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Long-Term Requests:
~Dorothy Christopher
~Jan Croll
~Marian Curl
~Dorothy Erickson
~Dale Fox
~Jo Heinke
~Harry & Myrtle Long
~Ruth Parra
~Diane Schramm
~Sheryl Stuky
~Emily Cleveland (daughter of Gregg & Peggy Cleveland)
~Kenneth Skoczylas (neighbor of Cliff & Marj Johnson)
~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)
~Eric Bielecki (nephew of Ellen Demray) ~Gene & Erla Wilson (parents of Tammy Zavitz)
~Baby Darby Rinke (Grandchild of friends of the Swarthouts)
WE CONTINUE PRAYING FOR ALL OUR TROOPS!
*Please remember to contact 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.*
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April Birthdays
1 Luke Wolfe
9 Matyja Link
16 Lauren Dye
17 Ethan Gresh
17 Christy Ross
21 Alex Bonnen
23 Michelle Walkup
27 Fran Ames
If we are missing your special day, please let the office know. We want to celebrate with you!
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April Anniversaries
15 David & Denise Yapp
27 Carol Croll & Owen Oberry
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Staff Contact Info
Pastor: Rev. Kenny Walkup
Cell:
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
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Advertisers
During these times, our advertisers could use your business more than ever.
Thank you in advance for your patronage!
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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
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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
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313 E Northport St
Walled Lake, MI 48390
Phone: 248-624-2405
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