October 2020 Newsletter
Note from the Pastor


A Prayer for Autumn Days
By Joyce Rupp
Taken from May I Have This Dance?




God of the seasons,
there is a time for everything;
there is a time for dying and a time for rising.
We need courage to enter into
the transformation process.
God of autumn,
the trees are saying goodbye to their green,
letting go of what has been.
We, too, have our moments of surrender,
with all their insecurity and risk.
Help us to let go when we need to do so.
God of fallen leaves
lying in colored patterns on the ground,
our lives have their own patterns.
As we see the patterns of our own growth,
may we learn from them.
God of misty days and harvest moon nights,
there is always the dimension of mystery
and wonder in our lives.
We always need to recognize your power-filled presence.
May we gain strength from this.
God of harvest wagons and fields of ripened grain,
many gifts of growth lie within the season of our surrender.
We must wait for harvest in faith and hope.
Grant us patience when we do not see the blessings.
God of geese going south
for another season, your wisdom enables us
to know what needs to be left behind
and what needs to be carried into the future.
We yearn for insight and vision.
God of flowers
touched with frost and windows wearing white designs,
may your love keep our hearts
from growing cold in the empty seasons.
God of life,
you believe in us, you enrich us,
you entrust us with the freedom to choose life.
For all this, we are grateful.
Amen.
Worship Options
Sundays at 10:00am
  • Indoor worship in sanctuary

Fall Weekly Facebook Ministries

Monday     
Reflection, 9AM

Tuesday 
Weekly Prayer Focus, 9AM

Wednesday
Java with Jesus, 7AM

Thursday 
YouTube Playlist

Friday
Musical Devotion
Mission of the Month – Active Faith

Active Faith has been a part of our community for over 30 years, since nine local pastors came together to create Active Faith Community Services.

Active Faith’s Mission: 
Our Mission is to provide long term and temporary assistance to those who have fallen on difficult times in hopes of returning them to the independent pursuit of their life’s goals.

Active Faith is constantly changing to meet the needs of the community by distributing 195,605 pounds of food, counseling, clothing, children’s tutoring, access and knowledge of outside resources, and The THAW fund site for utility help for over 600 families. 
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Active faith provides so many opportunities to help our community; Grow a Row, Strike Out Hunger, Postal Food Drive, golf outings, Sponsor a Shelf, and other donor opportunities. There are over 100 companies who support Active Faith. Many of the volunteers belong to the First United Methodist Church. Please visit their website at: www.activefaithcs.org to learn more.

Please consider supporting Active Faith, because together we can help those who have fallen and lift them up through our prayers, support, and actions.

Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. -Hebrews 13:16

The Mission Team

Christian Education Information


Here is what is happening. If you’d like more info about any of these things, please contact me unless a specific person is listed, 816-665-9387.
 
Hey Friends!
Fall is here, and the colors are beginning to pop! The transition of summer to fall reminds me that this pandemic is also just a season. It feels like it is dragging on, but it too will eventually end. While we’re waiting it’s easy to get lost in the minutia of life and miss the big picture. Even now God is doing something great – have you taken the time be still and know it? 

I’ve recently been reminded of the importance of stepping back to consider the big picture – of taking the time (ha!) to be still and listen and look. And God reminded me of the greatest two commandments: Love God, Love Others. Each day is a new opportunity to just that. So, I’ve made that my daily goal: Love God, Love Others. Each day has purpose and no matter what doesn’t get done any given day, if I do this, it’s enough. What will you do today to Love God and Love Others?

Grace & Peace,
Kendi
 
Community Connection – NEW outdoor, in-person, gathering for all ages! Wednesday nights, 5:30-6:45PM.
5:30-6:10 Socially distanced activity or act of kindness
6:15-6:45 Intergenerational small group conversation centering on the previous Sunday’s worship scripture.
10/7   Sidewalk Chalk encouragement
10/14  Kickball Challenge
10/21  Lawn Games
10/28  Scavenger Hunt
 
Pre-K – 1st Graders
Donut Drive-bys with Kendi! Kendi would like to visit with you and your kiddo in your driveway for 20-30 minutes, at your convenience, sometime this month. She will bring her own chair, conversation, donuts, a story or two, and a goody bag. Signup here.
2nd - 5th Graders
Families will be provided weekly resources including an online playlist.
In-person outdoor gatherings for 2nd -5th grades begin Sunday, October 11, 6-7:15PM. This time will include a bible lesson, recreation, and connection. Kids will need to bring their own seat, water, and mask.
Youth Group (6th - 12th graders):
Sunday Night Youth (Recreation & Small Groups), outdoor in-person, 6-7:15PM
Daily posts on slfumc_youth Instagram
 
Annual Bonfire & Hayride @ the Stieneker’s.
Saturday, October 17, 6-9PM. Raindate: October 18.
Friends are welcome! Watch for signup information.
Other Connection opportunities:
Creative Connection Online, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7PM
Parent Wind Down online, 2nd Thursday of month, 9PM

Pub Theology meets ay 7:30PM on Wednesday evenings beginning September 9
You are invited to join in the clubhouse at Cattails Gold club, on 9 Mile east of Griswold. We enjoy libations and lively discussion covering a variety of topics. Each week’s prompts are emailed out before Wednesday.  Contact Jim Melvin to receive weekly emails or for more information.

Men’s Bible Study
Join us for a Zoom study 7:30 – 8:30 every Tuesday evening beginning Sept. 15th. We will be studying Phillip Yancey’s, “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” Darren Klemens continues as our fearless leader! There is both a book and study guide available in hard-copy or via Kindle. Contact Darren to let him know you plan to participate and if you would like the hard-copy versions ordered for you.
 
Adult Sunday School Classes:
Sunday to Monday
To participate via email, contact class lead Scott Ries. msu_ries@sbcglobal.net
The class explores 3 questions about Sunday’s scripture:
1) What does it say? 2) What does it mean? 3) What is our response?
Join us as we get into the nitty gritty of the morning scripture passage as we figure out how to apply it in our daily lives. 
 
Seekers will meet at 8:30AM on Sunday mornings beginning September 13. 
To participate via Zoom, contact class lead Cherie Trembath. 248-207-3071.

We welcome anyone to join us! For the next 8 weeks they will be studying Proverbs: Pathways to Wisdom by Dominick Hernandez. A brief video will be shown at the start of each of the 4 sections of the book. 

The book is available on Cokesbury or Amazon. If you search for the kindle version from Amazon, be sure to state ‘kindle’ at the end of the title or it will not show up in your search.
 
Encounters will meet at 8:30AM on Sunday mornings beginning September 13
To participate via Zoom, contact class lead Lindy Juergens.

You are invited to join us as we study Adam Hamilton’s Peter: Flawed but Faithful Disciple. He left everything to follow his teacher and possessed a passion that would change the world. That's one way to describe Peter. Here's another: poor, uneducated, quick-tempered, and full of doubts and fears. 
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The book is available on Cokesbury or Amazon. The Kindle version or audio version is also available on Amazon.
Fall Work Day – October 24

The Trustees will be hosting a fall clean-up day for the church grounds on Saturday, October 24 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Workers are needed to help clean up gardens & grounds for the approaching winter. To volunteer go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0848AAAD23A75-slfumc. Contact Jim Elliott for more information.  
Music Ministry Notes

Our music ministries are off to a great start! It looks different than it has in past years, but we are excited to be making music in whatever capacity we can at this time while still remaining safe.

I am looking for people of all ages who are interested in joining our music ministries! As we navigate through this time, it is a great time to join us and see where there is a place for you in our music ministries. If you have any past musical experiences or even if you have never been part of a musical ensemble, if this sounds like something you might like to be a part of, please feel free to contact me. As always, I invite anyone with musical abilities to participate in worship.  

Most of our musical offerings will still be performed virtually at this time and will NOT require Sunday in-person attendance. You do not need to have advanced technical skills to participate. If you have an idea of something you would like to share or if you would like to do something but need assistance in selecting music, please contact me.

On Wednesdays from 6:45 - 7:30, I will be available to help with recording for virtual musical offerings. I will be sharing specific information with members of the chancel choir, youth, and children. If you are interested in being a part of these larger virtual ensembles and have not been receiving emails from me, please contact me so I can add you to the email list.
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The handbell choir will be rehearsing this fall on Wednesdays from 7:30 - 8:30. We will spend time preparing larger works and smaller ensembles. All of the handbell music we use at this time will be chosen with the ability to keep 6 foot distance and will not require any bell sharing. Some of our music will be recorded on Wednesday evenings for later use in services to accommodate ringers who are not comfortable attending Sunday morning services. If you are interested in joining the handbell choir, please contact me. We are always welcoming new ringers! Music reading ability is helpful, but not required.

Wednesday night music schedule:
6:45 - 7:30 Music time that will be used flexibly (mostly will include individual virtual choir/youth/children/etc recording)
7:30 - 8:30 Handbell choir rehearsal

If you are interested in participating in any of our music ministry opportunities, please contact me. We look forward to continuing sharing music as we continue to navigate these uncertain times.

David Bassin
Director of Music Ministries
Men's Ministries

Our first Saturday breakfasts are resuming (virtually)!
·        Saturday, October 3 from 7:30 – 9:00: Join us via ZOOM for “breakfast” and a program. Take your coffee and a bowl of cereal to your favorite easy chair and settle in for a great time of fellowship and fun. (If your cereal is crunchy, mute your mic while you chew!) We will be recognizing five individuals with Men in Ministry Awards. Contact Dave Smith if you need joining instructions.
·        Saturday, Nov 7 from 7:30 – 9:00: God’s Country mission trip report
 
Tuesday night weekly Bible Study 7:30 – 8:30 on Zoom: Join us for a resumption of our virtual Bible study every Tuesday night. Enjoy a video-based study called “What’s So Amazing About Grace” by Phillip Yancey. Contact Darren Klemens if you need joining instructions.
Stay the Course

Our Stewardship/Generosity Team gives thanks for your support this year. In the midst of a pandemic and an ever-changing world, you have been faithful and generous. Together we have found amazing ways to create ministry and change lives. The Stewardship/Generosity Team has opted to NOT do a formal stewardship campaign this fall. Instead we are asking you to “stay the course” and if possible, maintain current giving in 2021. This month we will be sending out estimate of giving cards, a tool that we will use to guide us in planning ministries for 2021. We are better together. Although we can’t change everything we’d like to, we can direct our efforts where they’ll do the most good. Let’s stay the course together!
Pastor Appreciation Day - October 11
We want to let Rev. Mary know how much she is loved and appreciated! Although we can do this all year long, we are going to highlight Rev. Mary during worship on Pastor Appreciation Day on Sunday, October 11th. In order to be COVID-friendly, consider sending our pastor a card in the mail or dropping off a small gift in the tote on her front porch during the month of October. Thank you!
Your Giving Creates Ministry
Our goal in Finance is to be good stewards of the resources God has given us. During these challenging times, we have been blessed with options that have afforded us to continue to upkeep our property, pay salaries and continue faithful ministry. These blessings have come by way of loans, grants, mortgage relief and lowered expenses. You also continue to give faithfully and abundantly by mailing checks or through one of our many safe and user friendly online giving options. Regular and consistent giving is very important for the ministry of our church and I would encourage each one of us to think about taking the next step in our online giving journey. This may be moving from check to electronic funds transfer or by making your online gift reoccurring. Our office staff is ready to assist you. Thank you for embracing this journey in an ever changing environment. 
The Finance Team would also like to recognize Lynnette Connor and Phil Woodward for their willingness to be our money counters during the pandemic. They have faithfully committed to coming in every other week to get the job done. Lynnette also went above and beyond by volunteering her time to help Marci Ries with the church audit. Well done – good and faithful stewards!
Check out your generous giving hard at work!
·        One full Ministry Shares payment
·        New computer for live-streaming the in-person service
·        Food for God’s Country Trip and Cass
·        Vacation Bible School supplies
·        Summer Lunch Program food and coordinator salary
·        Conference pension payment
Offering Options
·        Credit Card or ACH options:
·        Via our website https://www.southlyonfirstumc.org/giving
·        Text 855-947-0586 with the dollar amount in the message
·        Make a credit card donation over the phone through our financial vendor, Vanco, by calling 1-800-675-7430
·        Mail checks to SLFUMC, 640 S. Lafayette St., South Lyon, MI
Church News

Deaths:
  • John Gibson, Rev. Mary's father, 9/7/20
  • Virginia Paillon, 9/17/20

Births:
  • Seth Diesbourg, 9/7/20, son of Justin & Bethany Diesbourg
Click the link below to see
this month's birthdays!
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Worship Schedule Sundays 10:00 am
  • Indoor worship in sanctuary
  • Online worship

Office Hours
  • Mondays 9:00am - 12:00pm
  • Wednesdays 9:00am - 12:00pm


Check out our website or our live calendar
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