Happy Spring, Church!
Spring is a beautiful time to live in Michigan and the Easter season is a glorious season to be a Christian. Our Lenten season and Easter created places to lean into Jesus as we carved time out of our Busy schedules to Rest, Relax, and Reflect as we purposely Reconnected with an Unhurried God. Matthew 11:28, “Come to me all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, I will give you rest.” was the perfect scripture to give me comfort and strength. Many of you shared your own stories of finding a “prayer chair” and spending some extra time with God and what this has meant to your faith journey during Lent. But now we have celebrated Easter. We move into this Easter season and continue to work on our faith journey. During your quiet time with God, what did you discover? I know I want to live a life that is patterned after Jesus'. I want to figure out how to see other humans the way that God does and I want to be sensitive enough to feel the Holy Spirit nudging and guiding my life. These things I want for my personal life, for South Lyon First United Methodist Church, and for the entire United Methodist Church.
I am thankful that I serve a church that continues to look to our community and see what the needs are and to figure out what gifts we have to make a difference. Our Mission Team leads us so well. Each month we are given opportunities to learn and support different ministries. We have a relationship with our sister church in Liberia and a covenant relationship with Liberia missionary, Helen Roberts-Evans. The Church Has Left the Building takes place on May 5, our youth are planning a mission trips this summer, and our adults are headed back to God’s Country for two different mission trips. How are you feeling post Easter? There is a lot in the news... issues with our denomination, natural disasters, violence in communities, and as I write this Notre Dame is on fire. While I am a positive thinker, I know I cannot change the world on my own. I do, however, serve One who can change it all, especially when we all work together. All people, of all races, religions, and political views. Together, we have to want a better world and be willing to put aside our agendas to help others when they are in need, to let justice flow, and to bring peace to this world. John 20: 21-22 "Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit." When I get scared or fear starts to take hold of my thoughts and heart, this is a text that I remember. I close my eyes, breathe in and out, and read these words. They remind me that it will be ok, God is with us, peace is possible, and part of my job is just to breathe in the Holy Spirit and let God do the work. As signs of new life bud up all around us, may we let God spring forth in our minds, hearts, and actions. May we continue to be the church that God calls us to be at South Lyon First UMC… Christ Focused, Spirit Filled, and Mission Driven. During this season of Easter, which reminds us of Jesus’ resurrection and new life, I am thankful for our shared ministry, and hope in Jesus Christ for whatever tomorrow brings.
Blessings, Rev. Mary

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Our Next Worship Series
Forgiveness: Finding Peace Through Letting Go
"If your enemies are starving, feed them some bread; if they are thirsty, give them water to drink." Proverbs 24:17
There is nothing more damaging to our spirit and crippling to our relationships than holding on to anger. Anger, more than any other emotion, has the power to consume all aspects of our lives, distort our sense of purpose, and destroy our relationship with God. When we choose to carry anger around with us, it weighs us down from being the people that God calls us to be in this world.
This sermon series will be based on "Forgiveness: Finding Peace Through Letting Go" by Rev. Adam Hamilton. We will be wrestling with the revelation that comes when we realize that forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves rather than to someone else.
April 28 “The Gospel of Forgiveness” Psalm 32:1-5
May 5 The Church Has Left the Building 9:30 am Send-off
May 12 “Grace for the Sinner” Colossians 3:12-15
May 19 “Letting Go” Matthew 18:21-22
Special Music Gospel Magnificat
Graduation Sunday
May 26 “They Wept” Genesis 50:15-21
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Sundays Beginning May 26!
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8:15 am Daybreak Traditional
9:45 am Ignite Contemporary
10:00 am Cornerstone Traditional
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The Church Has Left the Building
On May 5, 2019 the church will not hold worship inside the church, but will perform acts of God’s love outside the building around the community. There will be projects and services available for all ages and abilities. Meet at the church at 9:30 am for a quick send-off and project information. We will meet back at the church for lunch at 1:00 pm. Please sign up ahead of time using the registration forms in the lobby and at Ignite. Contact Lori Carey at
careylori@hotmail.com
or (248) 446-3061 or Jessica Mytty at
SLFUMCMissionTeam@gmail.com
or 517-294-1777 for more information.
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Spring Clean-Up!
Please join the Trustees for our annual Spring Clean-Up on Saturday, May 18
from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Help us show pride in our property and give it some welcoming touches! Sign-up on the kiosk or at Ignite. Contact Jim Elliott for more information (
jimrelliott1939@gmail.com
).
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Mission of the Month: Samaritan Counseling Centers of Michigan
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The mission statement of The Samaritan Counseling Center is as follows:
To provide professional therapeutic counseling and educational services to all God’s people seeking wholeness through emotional and spiritual growth
.
There are currently 15 Samaritan Counseling Centers located throughout southeast Michigan (the most recent addition is at Cass Community Services in downtown Detroit). The centers provide faith-based counseling and are staffed with trained psychologists and therapists.
Along with private counseling, the centers also host marriage counseling workshops throughout the year as well as private marriage counseling sessions. Last year, the Samaritan Counseling Centers supported 701 active clients, providing 7,859 hours of therapy. Additionally, there were 25 couples that participated in the Preparation for Marriage workshop.
Samaritan Counseling is able to provide these faith-based counseling services because of their Client Assistance Fund (CAF). This fund allows the centers to provide services on a sliding fee based on income. Additionally, Samaritan Counseling not only accepts traditional insurance coverage, they also accept Medicaid coverage.
This past year, while Samaritan Counseling Center provided over 7,000 hours of counseling services, also found that many more people were asking for help from our Client
Assistance Fund. The Client Assistance Fund, or CAF, makes high-quality therapeutic care accessible for clients who would otherwise not be able to afford it. The CAF is fully funded by private contributors and SCC fundraising. The CAF has a finite amount of money and is based solely on donations received. When the funding runs out it is done for the year. Unfortunately last year the CAF ran out of funding a couple months before the end of the year, so Samaritan counseling was unable to offer financial assistance to any clients until it replenished in January of 2019.
To ensure all who require financial assistance are able to receive counseling and therapy, please consider supporting the May Mission of the month, Samaritan Counseling. With our assistance, we can help to make sure the Client Assistance Fund does not run out of funding in 2019. For further information on their mission and services, please visit their website:
http://samaritancounselingmichigan.com/newsite/
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Upcoming Opportunities for Men
•
“First Saturday Breakfast” 7:30 - 9:00 on May 4
th
in the Friendship Room. Patti Yerke will share about the wonderful work being done at the Gretta Moffatt School in Liberia and future needs there.
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• Every Tuesday morning: devotion, prayer and breakfast 6:30 am in the Parlor
•
The Tuesday night weekly study group meets 7:30 – 8:30 pm in the Parlor. On April 23
rd
we begin a new study titled “Love Does” by Bob Goff. Read and discuss paradigm shifts, musings, and stories from one of the world’s most delightfully engaging and winsome people. Learn how Bob’s love takes action. Stop by and check it out!
•
Quarterly Euchre Tournament: Friday, May 3
rd
6:45 – 10:00 p.m. in the Friendship Room. Sign up on the kiosk or Ignite bulletin board for a fun evening of laughs, prizes, and snacks.
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Exploring Membership Class
Are you considering membership here at SLFUMC? Join Rev. Kenny for an informational membership class on Sunday, May 19 from noon – 2:00 pm in the Friendship Room. Lunch will be provided & childcare is available if needed. Sign up on the kiosk or at Ignite. For more information contact Rev. Kenny (
kennywalkup@gmail.com
).
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Youth Ministry Updates
Cochren & Co.
Thank You! Thank you, to all our wonderful volunteers who helped make the Cochren & Co. concert a huge success on March 23. Special thanks to all the youth volunteers who sold tickets, sold refreshments, set up and cleaned up for the event. Thank you to the almost 200 people who bought tickets! The concert was a wonderful event for our church and our community. We will definitely have to do this again!
Youth Group
Our Sunday night Youth Group for the 2018-2019 session is nearing the end. Only 2 left for May, May 12 (5:00 middle school & 6:00 high school) and May 19 starting at 5:00 pm. Be sure not to miss May 19th as we will have our year-end celebration and special graduating senior youth group recognition. On May 5th please plan to join the church in our “Church Has Left The Building” community mission work day.

It has been an amazing and wonderful year and I have been honored to spend my Sunday evenings with our kind, talented, and awesome youth! I want to thank all of our volunteers that have provided food this year for our hungry youth. There is no YG without food and without the awesome volunteers who make it and serve it. Also, I want to thank
Erin Petricca for all her amazing help running Sunday night YG and Amy Randall-Ray for flawlessly organizing all of our food volunteers. “There’s no buffet without Amy Ray and no YG without Erin P.! “ Thank you, friends, for making our youth group nights awesome and possible!
Cass Community Social Services Senior High/College Mission Trip
We have set a date for our exciting new Summer Mission opportunity to work and learn at Cass Community this summer in Detroit. The dates are July 18, 19, 20. A sign-up will be posted soon. We will have an organizational/informational meeting at the church on May 14th at 7pm. Come find out more about the trip and get all your questions answered. Any 9-12 graders (Fall 2019) and any college-age students are welcome to join us on the trip. Cost will be minimal (less than $100) and include all food and housing. Also, funds are available to assist students with the costs of the trip if needed. Contact Brian Stieneker with questions or to sign up: bvstieneker@aol.com.
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S’more for Cass Community Social Services
Plans are underway to flourish and grow a green space on the Cass Community Social Services campus in Detroit called Taylor Park. This park will include new trees, a memorial garden with a water feature, and an outdoor stage that will be used to host events. South Lyon First United Methodist Church remains dedicated to supporting and growing this relationship and has committed to the donation of a fire pit in Cass’s Taylor Park that will provide a worship space for a variety of groups, including those doing overnight mission projects in Detroit. Watch for ways you can support this growing mission. Kumbaya!
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Summer Lunch Program
Have you ever gone into the kitchen, maybe out of boredom or because there was a little tingle in your tummy, opened the refrigerator door and just stared at the contents? What to choose? So many options.
What if you were genuinely hungry – but there was little or nothing inside?
Food security is a real issue for some of our South Lyon neighbors, and that’s a greater concern in the summer for children who receive free or reduced-price lunches during the school year.
For the 11
th
year, FUMC is the host church for a summer lunch program that provides midday meals for children in economically challenged neighborhoods. Last year, with support from several local churches and businesses, about 2,600 lunches were served over the 11-week school recess. Most were distributed to children, but a few adults and seniors took part, too.
The program is seeking support for this summer, in the form of gift cards to local groceries – Gordon’s, Busch’s, Meijer, Kroger and Walmart – and multi-pack fruit cups. You can drop gift cards into the offering plate or at the church office, and fruit cups can be left in a marked box in the lobby. There is no deadline. Contributions and donations are welcome throughout the summer, although the program will end Aug. 26.
Volunteers also are sought. Sign up on the kiosk and someone will get back to you. Or just show up Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:45 am, starting June 18. We usually are done with food prep by noon, but some volunteers are asked to stay until 2 to help serve.
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Spring Fling Thank You!
A HUGE THANK YOU from the Event Planning Team:
Words cannot express how thankful and grateful we are for all of the help and the many donations for the Spring Fling! The event was a giant success because of all of your help and your prayers. It is such a blessing to be part of such a giving church and we had the opportunity to show that to our community at the Spring Fling with over 250 people in attendance. Thank you! God bless!
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Fundraiser for Capernaum Health Clinic at The Whitney
Join us for a very special brunch in support of Capernaum on Saturday, May 18 at 10:00 am at The Whitney restaurant in Detroit. Capernaum is a unique ministry of several South Lyon churches which offers free medical and dental care to the uninsured and under-insured in our area three times a year. This fundraiser will be used to support Capernaum’s ministry to those who might not otherwise have access to medical and dental care. The Whitney is a historic location, and this event promises to be a meaningful time of fellowship as people from all over our community gather together to break bread in support of Capernaum.
Tickets for the brunch cost $50 person. Or if you prefer, you can become a Friend of Capernuam for $75 per person which includes a ticket to the Whitney, special clinic communications throughout the year, and an invitation to our annual meeting and luncheon. Tickets can be purchased through the church or online using PayPal at
www.capernaumhealthclinic.org
. Please contact Rev. Katy Doyle-Hohf, Capernaum Exectuive Director, at
k.doylehohf@gmail.com
or (248) 535 6776 if you have any questions.
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End of Year Sunday School Celebration
On May 19
th
we will celebrate the end of another wonderful year of Sunday School. Did you know that we have a nursery program, 3 elementary classes, 2 middle school classes, a high school class, and 4 adult regular classes, plus short term classes each Sunday morning? We also have two youth programs, one children’s program, and over 6 other adult midweek learning opportunities. South Lyon First UMC is blessed to have so many opportunities for people of all ages to learn more about God’s Word, to grow closer to Jesus and to let the Holy Spirit be part of their daily lives.
A special thanks to everyone that gives of their gifts and time to our Christian Education Ministry:
Sunday School Teachers:
Sharon Hole, Marguerite Cox, Johnna Scheffer, Kim Formella, Marci Ries, Janet Kaiser, Shelley Lecrone, Joy Choiniere, Kelley Panoff, Colleen Gesler, Rev. Kenny Walkup, Mike Job, Jeff Poiner, Erin Petricca, Tina Sain, Mark Wolfe, Lindy Juergens, Cherie Trembath, Scott Ries, Dave Fanning, Amy Randall-Ray, and Rev. Mary McInnes.
Children’s Church Teachers:
Paula Beck, Andy Petricca, Lynn Kneisel, Sue Noble, Jennifer Klapper, Cathy Altenberger, Talon Harvey, Jennifer Poiner, Marguerite Cox, and Marci Ries.
Nursery Volunteers:
Lori Carey, Kirk Sain, Tina Sain, Amy Randall-Ray, Will Ray, Ada Ray, Sophie Ray, Lynn Kneisel, Paula Beck, Lori Penndorf, Laura Weakland, Scott Ries, Jennifer Klapper, Rachelle DeVos, and Jennifer Poiner.
Youth Group Lite Leaders:
Bobbie Bushey, Johnna Scheffer, Scott Ries, and Jessica Mytty.
Bible Study Leaders:
Darren Klemens, Rev. Mary McInnes, Rev. Kenny Walkup, and Jill Woodward. Thank you also to our Education Team and Youth Council that helps to coordinate all these efforts.
If your name was left off this list, we apologize. Please contact Rev. Mary so we have an updated list of all of our teachers.
So please come on May 19
th
and celebrate and if you see any of these educators, thank them for their time and passion for Christian Education. While our regular classes will take some time off, nursery care will continue, Vacation Bible School will happen this summer, special events will happen this summer, and of course we all are encouraged to study God’s Word at home. All Christian Education classes will begin again after Labor Day.
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2019 Graduates
Graduates: On May 19
th
we will be celebrating your achievements. Please send in a graduation picture, baby picture, the name of your High School, any special awards or achievements, and your plans for the fall. You are all in our prayers and we celebrate this milestone in your life. Please email pictures and info to the church office:
jendenny@att.net
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Church Travel Opportunity (Meeting Rescheduled)
Have you ever wanted to travel to Israel and walk where Jesus walked, or tour England where John Wesley preached and Methodism began, or see the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, visit Ireland, or maybe experience the beauty of God’s creation in Alaska? Come and join me on Sunday, May 7th at 6:30 pm in Rev. Mary’s office as we talk about possibilities. I have always wanted to travel with church friends to discover the world. I sat with one of our church members, Ed McKenna who works for Collette Travel. He works with churches and groups all over our state helping to design organized, fun, safe, and great tours. This is just an informational gathering to see if there is any interest in planning a trip together. So if you have any interest in traveling with other Christians, come and let’s dream together. If you have any questions contact Rev. Mary (
revmarymcinnes@att.net
).
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2
nd
Annual Golf Outing to Benefit God’s Country Mission Trip
Join us for golf and/or dinner on Sunday, June 23
rd
as we have great fun while raising money for a great mission project! Last year’s inaugural tournament was a rousing success and this year we plan to build on that.
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May 19 Last day of Sunday School
May 26 First day of Summer Worship Schedule
June 7 S'More for Cass
June 14 & 15 Rummage Sale
June 18 Summer Lunch Program Begins
June 23 Golf Fundraiser for GCCP Mission Trip
July 14 Outdoor Worship Service
July 29-August 1 Vacation Bible School
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Church News
Births
Nadia Paquin (3/24/19), the granddaughter of Cathy and Brian Altenberger and the daughter of Kristen and Thomas Paquin.
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We welcome these persons into membership:
Ella Danielle Aikens:
Ella is an 8
th
grade student at Millennium Middle School. In school Ella is involved in swim, art, track, and Spanish. In her free time she enjoys her dogs, friends, swimming, and exploring. Her mentor is Kim Ascher.
Emma Marie Aikens:
Emma is in 8
th
grade at Millennium Middle School. In school Emma is involved in PEERS and Spanish. In her free time she enjoys time playing with her dogs, photography, and tubing on the lake. Her mentor is Michelle Walkup.
Isabella Paige Barrett:
Bella is in 8
th
grade at Millennium Middle School. In school Bella is involved in student council, Junior Honor Society, and pom. Her hobbies include reading, pom, painting, and tennis. Her mentor is Lynn Kneisel.
Suzanne Elizabeth Beck:
Suzie is in 8
th
grade at Centennial Middle School. In school Suzie is involved in Spanish class. In her spare time she enjoys bowling. Her mentor is Vanessa Stieneker.
Rosalie Ariel Beckwith-Weeks:
Rosalie is in 8
th
grade at Millennium Middle School. In school Rosalie is involved in choir, golf, and art. In her spare time she enjoys hanging out with friends. Her mentor is Heidi Grimes.
Andrew Michael Berg:
Andrew is an 8
th
grade student at Centennial Middle School. In school, Andrew is involved in Spanish class. His hobbies include football, soccer, baseball, RC cars, and drones. His mentor is David Ascher.
MacGregor Victor Carey:
Mac is in 8
th
grade at Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy. In school Mac is active in robotics. His hobbies include Tae Kwan Do, Boy Scouts, and soccer. His mentor is Jeff Poiner
.
Jack David Harvey:
Jack is an 8
th
grade student at Centennial Middle School. This year, Jack is enjoying Chinese class and playing saxophone in the symphonic band. Jack is a Boy Scout and enjoys drawing, science fiction and fantasy media, playing soccer, playing D&D with his friends, and studying and reading about natural sciences, geography, and cultures. His mentor is Dan Noble.
McKenna Ann Lundy:
McKenna is in 8
th
grade at Millennium Middle School. She participates in South Lyon percussion and band. McKenna enjoys running, swimming, old music, and learning new things. Her mentor is Jennifer Liskey.
Aaron Robert Manriquez:
Aaron is in 8
th
grade at Millennium Middle School. In school Aaron is involved in Spanish and art. His hobbies are football, basketball, track, and video games. His mentor is Mark Wolfe.
Ella Mae Penndorf:
Ella is an 8
th
grade student at Millennium Middle School. In school Ella is involved in band, marching band, physical education, and technology. In her spare time she enjoys kayaking, paddle boarding, and going to summer camp. Her mentor is Kelley Panoff.
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Click the link below to see
this month's birthdays!

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Worship Schedule
8:15 am Daybreak in Sanctuary
9:30 am Sunday School
10:45 am Ignite in Fellowship Hall
11:00 am Cornerstone in Sanctuary
Summer Worship Schedule
(begins 5/26)
8:15 am Daybreak in Sanctuary
9:45 am Ignite in Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Cornerstone in Sanctuary
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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
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