 |
|
Sister Helen Prejean, social justice activist and author of
Dead Man Walking,
at FUMC Wednesday, September 11!
As part of our ongoing partnership with Literati Bookstore, we are happy to announce that Sister Helen Prejean, author of
Dead Man Walking, and longtime social justice activist, will be presenting her latest book,
River of Fire, in our sanctuary on Wednesday, September 11 at
7 p.m.
River of Fire is an intimate memoir of Sister Helen's life and spiritual evolution, from her childhood in Baton Rouge to her work with the poor and imprisoned of Louisiana. This is a story of faith and spirituality, doubt and belief, addressed to believers, agnostics, and "nones" alike, and tells us how Sister Helen "caught on fire" to find purpose and passion in her work.
This is a ticketed event with two options:
1. Each Book Bundle registration ticket ($28.62 +$2.42 processing fee) includes one hardbound copy of
River of Fire, to be picked up at First United Methodist Church the evening of the event, reserved seating, and priority access to the signing line. Literati Bookstore will have additional copies of Sister Mary Prejean's titles available for sale.
2. Free Registration is also available. Copies of
River of Fire will be available for purchase and free registrants may join the signing line following Book Bundle guests.
All tickets (Book Bundle or Free) are available through Literati Bookstore (via a link at FUMC Web Site):
https://www.fumc-a2.org/coming-up/literati-sister-mary-prejean/
Are you a fan of Sister Helen? Form your own Pop Up book club to discuss River of Fire, Sister Helen Prejean's new autobiography or her classic, Dead Man Walking!
|
FUMC AA Reads -
Where Do We Go From Here?
The General Conference of 2019 is now five months past -- what is the direction of the United Methodist denomination? Here is an opportunity to discuss and think about that question. This fall, you are invited to join a congregational read of
Where Do We Go From Here?, a collection of essays from 24 UM leaders, who respond to the outcome of the General Conference and the adoption of the Traditional Plan, which excludes the LBGTQ+ community from ordination and marriage in the church.
Why a congregational read? FUMC considers itself to be a thinking and learning community, and this book can help us to have thoughtful conversations about the controversial decision of the 2019 General Conference. We are in a time when we need to listen and respond to each other, with respect and compassion. This congregational read may give us an opening to practice compassionate listening.
You are invited to use
Where Do We Go From Here? with your small groups as a fall study, or join us in a discussion group of this book (time and place TBA).
|
|
Adult Faith Formation Sunday Sessions
continue on summer break in August, but here's some early information about sessions in September and October. All sessions meet at 11 am in Calkins Hall, Downtown.
Watch the bulletin and Salt & Light for future details.
Centering Practices - First Sunday - October 6
Join us for First Sunday Centering Practices on October 6, when Shonagh Taruza will explore how practicing forgiveness can help us grow closer to God.
Forgiving those who hurt us can be one of the most difficult things we ever have to do. It can also be the one of the most spiritually rewarding exercises. Join us as we explore what true forgiveness really looks like, and some of the practices that can help us on the journey.
Conversations about Science and Religion - Second Sunday - October 13
Join us as we begin our fourth year of monthly conversations about Science and Religion. This year will include discussions to identify scientific and religious values and an ecumenical essence of God to meet the challenges of science, technology, and our large civilization. Watch the bulletin and Salt & Light for the topic of our October 13 conversation.
Vital Conversations - Third Sunday - September 15
Elaine Shaw begins Vital Conversations this year with a study of
White Fragility:Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo. Vital Conversations will be reading and discussing this book in the October and November meeting times as well.
Disability Awareness Talks - Fourth Sunday - September 22
"Limited Mobility: How to get around"
Whether you use a cane, crutches, wheelchair, scooter, walker or other device, everyday obstacles can become a problem the general population may not notice but can stop you from getting where you want to go.
Come hear from a panel of folks with limited mobility what obstacles are most limiting and become aware of simple things others can do to make navigating easier and more welcoming and accessible.
|
All Church Fall Festival!
Sunday, September 8 at 10:30 am on the Wesley Lawn
Welcome back from your summer travels! The students have returned, classes are starting, and the weather is turning cooler. It's the perfect time to gather, catch up with good friends and kick off the Fall church programs.
Sunday September 8, following the 9:30 a.m. service, we will gather on the Wesley Lawn to celebrate the ministries of the church. There will be opportunities to meet the people involved in being hands on in making a difference in our church, and in the world.
Please join us! Have a snack, play a game, catch up with old friends, and make some new ones. This is the perfect day to bring a friend to worship!
|
Fall Offerings beginning in September
Living the Questions - September 22 - November 10
Are you new to FUMC? Do you have questions about Christian practices and beliefs? This class, Living the Questions, may be for you -- join us for eight weeks as we discuss topics like Lives of Jesus, A Kingdom Without Walls, Evil, Suffering, and a God of Love. Living the Questions has been called a curriculum that "does not aim to spell out a new doctrine, but to encourage people to have a lifelong conversation about the mysteries of faith and life."
The first session of this class will begin September 22 and run through November 10, 11am - 12:15 pm on Sunday mornings. (Room TBA)
Brown Bag Bible Study - Jeremiah
Tuesdays, 12 - 1 pm
Beginning September 10 in Downtown Chapel
Join this friendly and open group as we begin a study of the book of Jeremiah. Brown Bag is a drop in Bible study on Tuesday noons, from 12-1 pm. No reading ahead needed and e
veryone is welcome!
|
|
Earthkeepers
Third Mondays at 7:30 pm Downtown Asbury Room
The
Earthkeepers Group meets on the third Monday of the month. The group will meet on August 19. 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,
marileewoodworth@ameritech.net
|
|
|
First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor | 734.662.4536 | www.fumc-a2.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
