Lent

Soulful Saturday - A Morning Retreat
Saturday, February 29, 10 am - 12 noon at  Green Wood

On the last day of Black History Month join us in celebrating the contributions of people of color to our faith. We'll explore stories in the Bible, sing a few spirituals, and hear poetry inspired by present realities. 
Special thanks to poet Mikhaella Norword and pianist David Vaughn for
David Vaughn
Green Wood
Music Director
sharing their gifts with us!



Vespers
"Cultivating Calm....Letting go of Tumult"
Wednesday evenings March 4- April 1
6:30 pm Green Wood Sanctuary

Join us on Wednesday evenings during Lent for a 30-minute Vesper service of prayer, song, scripture, meditation and readings - a meaningful way to observe this spirit-filled season. Each Vesper (or "evening") service will begin at 6:30 pm.

SNAP Challenge
FUMC's Mind the Gap group invites you to take the "SNAP Challenge" sometime during Lent. To participate you can choose one week during Lent, February 26-April 11, to follow SNAP Challenge guidelines for your food and beverage budget. This challenge will give you the  opportunity to understand the choices and sacrifices that many families are forced to make all the time. Do you think you are able to feed your family on $4.11 per person per day? Countless Americans who receive funding through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including many in Washtenaw County, must do this daily.  L earn more about how you can participate at Connections on Sunday, March 1; or find information about the challenge anytime online at the Mind the Gap group document: http://tinyurl.com/MindTheGap-FUMC   Everyone is invited to join us on Sunday, April 19 at 11 am in the Wesley Lounge for a discussion about the challenge and SNAP. 

Adult Faith Formation Sunday Sessions 
All sessions meet at 11 am in Calkins Hall, Downtown

Centering Practices - First Sunday - March 1
Honor Me This Way
with Adele Roy
How would you prefer to have your life celebrated?
If you were to pass away, would your family know your final wishes? 
Often, we don't discuss these requests, thinking conversations that begin with "When I die..." are morbid. And yet, families are often grateful to have clear guidelines of how best to honor their loved ones.  Come and explore a roadmap for planning a memorial service t o celebrate your life.

Conversations About Science and Religion - Second Sunday - March 8
What should a just society provide for its citizens?
We welcome back Edward B. Goldman, J.D., Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Head of the Program in Sexual Rights and Reproductive Justice, and Adj. Professor, University of Michigan Law School. He will lead our discussion of this very important topic in the pursuit of understanding of our role in society. 

Vital Conversations - Third Sunday - March 15
Why do schools, churches, universities and businesses who claim to value diversity, still fall so short of their words? 
Join Shonagh Taruza and the Vital Conversations group this spring as we ponder and discuss Austin Channing Brown's book, "I'm Still Here" on Sundays March 15, April 19 and May 17. Austin Channing Brown tells us of her journey in stories of her experience with the complexity of our American social fabric, and invites us to confront our own beliefs and discover how Blackness may save us all.  Her book,  "I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness," is also available on Audible, read by the author. For more information about Austin Channing Brown and access to some of her podcast, go to this link:  

Disability Awareness Talks - Fourth Sunday - March 22    
WE ARE ALS OF MICHIGAN 
& WE ARE ON A MISSION
ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a life changing challenge for both the person diagnosed with it and their supporting family and friends. Disability Awareness Talks welcomes the community educators from ALS of Michigan to share with us how to be informed and supportive of our neighbors who live with this disease.

Fifth Sunday, March 29
Earthkeepers presents film "Paris to Pittsburgh"
FUMC's Earthkeepers group presents the film "Paris to Pittsburgh." This film brings to life the impassioned efforts of individuals who are battling the most severe threats of climate change in their own backyards. Set against the national debate over United States' energy future - and the current administration's decision to exit the Paris Climate Agreement - the film captures what's at stake for the communities around the country, and the inspiring ways Americans are responding.

***Child care on Sunday Mornings*** 
Would you attend the Sunday adult faith formation offerings if we could provide child care?  We want to make it possible for all who wish to come to be able to participate! If you have child care needs for the adult classes on Sunday, please contact Debbie Houghton at [email protected]
A Discussion with Robin DiAngelo about White Fragility
March 13, 3-4:40 pm at the U-M Michigan League Ballroom

Come and hear an armchair conversation with Robin DiAngelo, author and Affiliate Associate Professor at the University of Washington, and Elizabeth Moje, Dean of the University of Michigan School of Education.  Free and open to the public; reception and book signing afterward. 
Additional details available at this link:  
http://fordschool.umich.edu/events/2020/discussion-robin-diangelo
Brown Bag Bible Study
Tuesdays, 12 - 1 pm
Downtown Chapel

Join us for a mid-day Bible study on Tuesdays in the Chapel; Brown Bag Bible is from 12-1 pm and is a drop-in study -  no advance reading is needed.   We will be studying the book of Matthew through April 21st . Bring your lunch!
Way Forward Learning Sessions :
"Telling our Stories -- why inclusion in the United Methodist Church matters."
Sunday, March 22 at 4 pm in Calkins Hall, Downtown

Join us for a conversation around the importance of sharing our own stories to help others understand why inclusion in the United Methodist Church matters. This session is part of a monthly series to inform our way forward in the United Methodist Church as General Conference 2020 approaches in May. Way Forward learning sessions will continue on April 26 ("What to expect at GC2020"). 
Earthkeepers
Meets on Third Mondays at 7:30 pm  Downtown Asbury Room

The  Earthkeepers Group typically meets on the third Monday of the month. Upcoming meetings will be on Mondays March 16 and April 20. All are welcome! We discuss issues of the environment and climate change, social justice related to those issues,  and what we can do to help.   
Contact person: Marilee Woodworth,  [email protected]
First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor | 734.662.4536 | www.fumc-a2.org
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