A Church on the Move!
February 2021

A Note from Pastor Kenny...

The church calendar calls the period of time between Christmas and Lent "Ordinary Time" although there seems to be nothing ordinary about it. COVID remains with us, new strains have emerged, and vaccines are being distributed as fast as they can. The church Leadership Team has been evaluating the restart of some of our in-person activities. (See details below.) At least that would feel ordinary!

"New Year. New Start" was a line from a sermon in January. For us that new start is a renewed commitment to Christian education, mission, our community, and discovering how we can be a beacon of light in a dark world.  

Our Mission Team has committed to a mission for each month, as well as a quarterly hands-on mission project, & honoring the six Special Sundays of giving. I hope you were able to participate in the letter writing mission project for the first quarter. For the second quarter we will be participating in the CROP Hunger Walk in May. More information about that will be coming soon.

It is my hope that you find that exciting. Here's to 2021!

Pastor Kenny
Worship Options Sundays 9:30 am

1) In-Person Worship Beginning January 31
Beginning January 31 we will again offer in-person worship in the sanctuary. We will be following all recommended safety protocols, including social distancing and wearing masks. *If you will be participating in in-person worship and are willing to serve as a greeter or usher on Sundays, please contact the office (michelle@walledlakeumc.org).
 
2) Online Worship
We are indefinitely continuing are online worship! (Thank you, Media Ministry Team!) You can participate in worship live or at a later time on either of these sites. The content on each will be exactly the same, we are just providing different options for people who don’t use Facebook.
Building Use & Event Update
We are slowly and gradually launching in-person activities in the church. Our next phase begins January 31 and includes:
 
Opening:
  1. In-person worship option (online continues)
  2. In-person youth Sunday School option, Sundays @ 10:30 am (online continues)
  3. Office open Mondays - Thursdays 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  4. Sanctuary open for prayer or to meet with Pastor Kenny Mondays 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
 
Not Opening Yet:
  1. Adult Sunday School classes
  2. Lydia Circle & Men’s Group gatherings
  3. Coffee Hour
  4. Committee Meetings

The Leadership Team will continue to monitor the COVID situation and will roll out more activities over time.
Current Worship Series:
Follow Me
January 10 - February 14

As we complete this series, our focus is on the invitation to follow. It is the mission of the church to make disciples, even as we are being made disciples. It is an ongoing process to follow Jesus; a transformation that continues through every stage of our lives.

February 7 She Began to Serve, Mark 1:29-39
February 14 But Only Jesus, Mark 9:2-9
Ash Wednesday - February 17

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17. We will offer worship that night at 7:00 pm, both in-person and online. Pastor Kenny will also be offering drive-thru ashes that day from 10:00 - 11:00 am & 3:30 - 5:30 pm. Just pull your car up into one of the parking spaces outside of the office on the east side of the building during these hours. (The preschool is closed that week.)
Lent Worship Series:
Claiming the Promise
February 17 - April 2

Lent doesn’t have to be a somber time; but to be effective, it needs to be intense. It needs to be taken seriously and rigorously, and we can bring our full selves to the table. It is worth the strenuous effort, however, as we are enabled to embrace the fullness of the promise of Resurrection and live as disciples of Jesus Christ; disciples who make disciples. So, despite feeling as though we have been in a yearlong season of Lent, we need the season; we need the observance to open us to all God has in store for us. Rend your hearts, so together we can claim the promise.

February 17 Ash Wednesday @ 7pm Yet Even Now, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
February 21 Yet Even Now, Genesis 9:8-17
February 28 Walk Before Me, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Sunday School Classes
As we continue the rollout of in-person activities at the church, all Sunday School classes will remain online in the near future except for the Youth Sunday School Class which will be in-person beginning January 31 (and online).

You'll find Zoom links for each of our Sunday School classes below. The links will remain the same from week to week. If you need help with Zoom, contact Michelle Walkup.


8:30 am Craig Shaw's Adult Sunday School Class: via Zoom
(by phone: 646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 865 6413 2100, Passcode: 844455)

10:30 am Middle & High School Sunday School w/ Luke: In-Person OR via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84427285726?pwd=eTUwQUVHUGg4S2Z0bjZyMThxZlZyUT09
(by phone: 646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 844 2728 5726, Passcode: 119518)
 
11:30 am Rod Ames' Adult Sunday School Class: via Zoom
(by phone: 646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 871 7449 3326, Passcode: 574064)
 
*Pastor Kenny's Sunday School class will be on hiatus until we are back in-person.


February Mission of Month

Baldwin Center
& Seat Cover Project
This month will actually have two separate focuses "The Seat Cover Project" and monetary donations to support the Baldwin Center. 
  
For the Seat Cover Project, we lovingly cover bottoms with our donations! There will be a box in the lobby to drop off your packages of new underwear. There are many "Buy one Get one sales" on underwear during February so pick up any size, children to adult. Let's see lots of designs and colors fill this basket. The packages will be delivered to the Baldwin Center in Pontiac.

Our money donations will help to fund the Center. The Baldwin Center provides a clean, safe environment to allow men, women, and children to eat, get their basic needs, and learn free from fear and violence in Pontiac. This center's mission is to " feed, clothe, educate, and empower these individuals so they can become personally and economically self-sufficient.  

Please consider giving to this worthwhile cause. For more information contact Peggy Hawke.
Adult Mission Trip
Informational Meeting
Wed, Feb 3rd @ 7pm

As part of our commitment to increase our hands-on mission experiences, we are offering an adult mission trip in late summer of this year to God’s Country Cooperative Parish (GCCP). God’s Country Cooperative Parish (GCCP) consists of seven churches spread over 250 square miles in the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The seven churches combine their resources, share their faith, and actively work to bring self-esteem, hope, and the love of God to all throughout the Parish. GCCP hosts mission teams in the summer to do home repairs and improvements in their communities and coordinates food and clothing distribution. Michelle Walkup’s father, Dave Smith, leads teams to GCCP every summer and has offered to share with us what a trip entails and how we can make a difference in the lives of the U.P. residents when we serve in this way. Please join us for an informational meeting on Wednesday, February 3rd at 7:00 pm via Zoom. There is no commitment required when attending the meeting. Mission trip attendees must be 18 or older. There are jobs for everyone, young or old, male or female. For more information contact Michelle Walkup.  
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 February we are requesting contributions of spaghetti sauce &/or personal hygiene products (shampoo, soap, hand sanitizer, etc). 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.

Lydia Circle & Men's Group
Out of an abundance of caution, the Lydia Circle and the Men's Group will not meet in the month of February. Stay tuned for further schedule updates!


Thank You to the Lydia Circle!
Thank you for the amazing Christmas you provided for our family. I cried tears of joy watching the boys unwrap the carefully selected presents. It was apparent that a lot of thought and love went into it. Your kindness will not be forgotten.

-Nicole and Family
Media Ministry Update from Jeff Poiner

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
 
Over the past 6 months the Media Ministry Team has been on a mission, to enable technology to support WLUMC ministry. Since July we’ve been on a journey of learning and making changes each week to allow you to experience service during this challenging year. Our journey started in the parking lot with a generator, cell phones and iPads. Knowing we would be inside someday we were began making the necessary upgrades inside. Our church received a grant that allowed us to purchase a camera ($1,200) and a generous donation to help with the streaming software, audio interfaces, wireless network, and new wireless microphones ($3,500). While it’s hard to see these upgrades, we get to experience these in our office, youth area, and each Sunday as we watch online via Facebook or YouTube.
 
I’m happy to share that Bill Bird, Nicole Yapp and Tim Nielsen have been instrumental in allowing you to experience services on Sunday. It is nice to have multiple people available to help with our services each Sunday. We are always looking for more people to help our team and you don’t have to know anything about technology, just have a learning attitude. Everyone will be trained, and we will make sure you are paired with someone to help guide you through what is needed for each service. The only prerequisite to volunteering is a willingness to learn. We are a church on the move and it’s a blessing to see the sharing of gift and talents being used.
 
If you have any issues accessing our services or have a question or suggestion as to how we can improve, please feel free to reach out to us at mediaministry@walledlakeumc.org.
Save the Date for These Upcoming Events!

April 1 - Holy Thursday
April 2 - Good Friday
April 4 - Easter Sunday
April 10 - Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza
May 2 - CROP Hunger Walk
Prayer Requests
Please help us keep this list up-to-date!


Requests Since Last Tower Notes:

~Ely Brady - recovery from surgery (cousin of Jo Bonasso)
~Niece of Bonnie Bailey - COVID-19
~Friend of Bonnie Bailey - diagnosed with breast cancer
~Barb Sprunk and family on the passing of her dad (Requested by Peggy Hawke)
~Prayers our legislators to get relief to the many families that are suffering
~Sarah Lewis (requested by Larry Gawne)
~Sam Clark Yamil’s dog Sasha has cancer (sister of Alex Miller)
~Lowell Black - seizures and in ICU (uncle of Michelle Walkup)
~Sarah & family - 8 members with COVID (niece of Leanne Link)
~Sue Wright - cancer diagnosis (friend of Patti Swarthout)
~Adeline & Linden Magee - ear tube surgery
~Rod & Fran Ames’ 47th wedding anniversary
~Whisper Andrusiak - hospitalized with pneumonia (requested by Peggy Hawke)
~Family of Mike Love (friend of Ken Gresh)
~Family of Ricky Bayne (friend of Leanne Link)
~Ed - diagnosed with COVID-19 (brother of Leanne Link)
~Family of Marie McKenna (aunt of Karen Bird)
~Don Waymire - diagnosed with COVID-19
Family of Ida Perry
~Jerrica Dominique - hospitalized (niece of Linda & Tim Nielsen)
~For our highschoolers preparing to take exams this week (requested by Denise Yapp)
~Kenneth Skoczylas - hospitalized for aspirational pneumonia (requested by Cliff Johnson) 
~Praise that Jeff & Jenny Poiner are going to be first time grandparents
~Family of Jim Mindling (former neighbor of Jeff Poiner)
~Margaret - tests for potential spread of cancer (friend of Joy Choinere)
~Neva Callihan - entering hospice (requested by Gordon Ackerman)
~Louise Wyman - undergoing tests (requested by Sharon Waymire)
~Robert Wilson - in ICU with COVID (friend of Gawnes)
~Sandy & Gene - COVID (friends of Laurie Piper)
~Rick Spring - recovering from heart attack (brother-in-law of Rob Sweigard)
~Bill Crawford - fighting cancer (requested by Larry Gawne)
~For students & school staff beginning in-person instruction this week (requested by Sandi Gresh)
~Bruno Borin – COVID-19 (friend of Larry & Marilyn Gawne)
~Andrea Apel – diagnosed with cancer (friend of Alex Miller)
~Nick – attempted suicide (friend of Jordan Johnson)
~Father George – diagnosed with leukemia (requested by Luke Wolfe)
~John Jones – returned cancer (requested by Audrey Crawford)
~David – daughter died by suicide (requested by Patti Swarthout)
~Thankful for those who have received their first vaccine; praying for those still waiting (requested by Larry Gawne)
~Ellington Magee – sick with an upset stomach









Long-Term Requests:
~Dorothy Christopher
~Janet Croll
~Marian Curl
~Dorothy Erickson
~Dale Fox
~Jo Heinke
~Harry & Myrtle Long
~Ruth Parra
~Diane Schramm

~Eric Bielecki (nephew of Ellen Demray)
~Raymond Brough (father of Sandi Gresh)
~Emily Cleveland (daughter of Gregg & Peggy Cleveland)
~Chris Davis (daughter of Linda Fox)
~Wendy Gosney (friend of Peggy Hawke)
~Rob & Wendy Lewis (friends of Larry & Marilyn Gawne)
~Baby Darby Rinke (Grandchild of friends of the Swarthouts)
~Kenneth Skoczylas (neighbor of Cliff & Marj Johnson)
~Bill & Nancy Wienkler (friends of Larry & Marilyn Gawne)
~Gene & Erla Wilson (parents of Tammy Zavitz)


WE CONTINUE PRAYING FOR ALL OUR TROOPS!







*Please remember to call 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.* 
Thank Yous!

I would like to say thank you to the church for the generous Christmas gift. I appreciate all the support since we've been online and look forward to seeing you all in person soon! - Sarah


Thank you so much for your thoughtful Christmas gift. You helped make the holiday very special. I feel very blessed and it is an honor to serve you. Sincerely, Karen Bird
February Birthdays
1 Craig Shaw
14 Bonnie Bailey
18 Carol Croll
28 Heather Fazio

If we are missing your special day, please let the office know. We want to celebrate with you!
February Anniversaries

None
Staff Contact Info

Pastor: Rev. Kenny Walkup
Cell: 248-361-6658
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
Advertisers

During these times, our advertisers could use your business more than ever.
Thank you in advance for your patronage!
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
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
313 E Northport St
Walled Lake, MI 48390
Phone: 248-624-2405