Worship

Sundays at 8:30am & 11am

• In-person in the Sanctuary

• Livestream Worship at 11AM on YouTube

http://bit.ly/3k7Z3Eu

The church office will be closed on Thursday, Nov 24. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

This past spring, Kendi and I were blessed to learn and create under the leadership of Marcia McFee who is a worship creator. While we were there, we prayerfully started planning for the final worship series for 2022. We found this quote that spoke to our hearts and I thought it would be perfect for South Lyon First UMC this Advent and Christmas season.

She writes, “As I was discerning the direction for the end of the year, I was mindful of the ways in which messages are carelessly tossed about in the form of tweets and hashtags in this digital age. And I thought...

The angels that appear in the story of Jesus’ birth would have been very comfortable in our world of tweets and hashtags. Their messages were often short and to the point–their favorite line being:

#DoNotBeAfraid. 

I started wondering if we could join with the angels in offering this world messages of

#morehope

#morepeace

#morejoy

#morelove

...and ultimately #morelife.

I believe we are called to be messengers of Good News. The stories of the angel visits to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds at Jesus' birth will offer us inspiration to incorporate less fear and more goodness into our own lives and therefore, in the lives of all we touch. I think there will be some profound opportunities in this series to deal with our own propensity for fear, get some perspective, and be empowered for new life in the new year”

So this week as we start a new sermon series, you are invited to hear the messages from the scriptures that the angels brought to earth and to ponder how God is calling each of us to be “angels,” to be “messengers” in this day and time, so that through us, the world experiences more hope, peace, joy, and love. We will be hanging the greens during the service this Sunday, there is a surprise photo opportunity set up, and we will start the Advent season as we prepare our hearts to welcome the birth of the Christ child. 

This is our own opportunity to center on our spirit as the busyness of this season unfolds around us, not only the usual Christmas chaos, family time, work demands, financial situations, grief; but, within this month, violence has erupted in our country multiple times. 

• Early this month at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville – a 22-year-old student allegedly opened fire on fellow students, killing three of them on a bus returning to campus from a field trip to Washington, DC. 
• Last weekend, a 22-year-old shot and killed five people at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and 19 others were injured, authorities said.
• Last night in Virginia at a Walmart, 6 people were killed and others injured by a store manager. 

We need #morehope, #morepeace, #morejoy, and #morelove. May we never lose hope and give up on humanity. Let us do our part, to pray, but also to be part of Jesus’ reign and to be the disciples of Jesus Christ that this world needs so that the world is transformed.

Peace my friends, Mary

ANGELS AMONG US

A New Sermon Series for Advent beginning November 27th

“Do not be afraid.” — The Angels

Nov 27 – #MoreHope Luke 1: 5-25, 57-80

Dec 4 – #MorePeace 1 Luke 1: 26-56

Dec 11 – #MoreJoy Matthew 1: 18-25

Dec 18 – #MoreLove Luke 2: 1-20

Dec 24 – #DoNotBeAfraid Luke 2:14

We Hope You Join Us For Worship

Love and Peace in Christ,

Rev Mary

WINTER RETREAT: 6th-12th GRADE

Friday night, January 27, through Sunday afternoon, January 29, we’re retreating to Wesley Woods Camp in Dowling, Michigan. Our Winter Retreat is a time to get to know each other better, play hard, and take some time to (re)connect spiritually and seek the Lord together. Friends are always welcome. Please sign up here by December 1.

Wesley Woods offers outdoor activities like snow painting, sledding, and broomball. And indoor fun, including a dedicated game room, fireplace (for s’mores) and so much MORE. The retreat fee is $100 person and due by December 15, 2022. However, there are scholarship funds available if the fee is a hardship for your family. Please do not hesitate to contact Kendi for details - confidential arrangements will be made. 

YOUTH NEWS

Sunday, November 27, No Youth Group

Youth Christmas Party for 4^th – 12^th grades Sunday, December 18, 6-7:30PM.

We’ll celebrate with Hot Cocoa, Christmas Scavenger Hunt & White Elephant Gift Exchange (please bring a new or gently used gift, valued at no more than $10). Friends are welcome. Contact Kendi if you have questions.

PUB THEOLOGY

We will not be meeting this week as we prepare to Give Thanks :-)

MISSION OF THE MONTH

Ministry Shares (formerly known as apportionments) are assigned by the Conference as the church’s fair share of the common ministry. Together we support the work of the United Methodist Church in mission and ministry. These gifts provide vital support to a wide range in ministry and mission in Michigan and around the world. Please prayerfully consider giving to the November Mission of the Month.

Women’s Bible Study will not meet Wednesday, November 23.

We’ll resume November 30.

Thanks, Kendi

AN INVITATION TO A GENEROUS LIFE

During our Invitation to a Generous Life campaign, we spent time reflecting on the fact that we are all created in the image of a Generous God, that Generosity is grounded in gratitude, revealed in prayer, and sealed by faith. If you were not present to respond with your Estimate of Giving card, you may find extras at church or using a link on our website. Thank you for the ways that you spiritually connect with God as you ask and answer the question “God how do you want me to live?”



CHRISTMAS EVE POINSETTIAS ORDER

To give visual praise to Christ's birth, we are offering the opportunity to order poinsettias for Christmas Eve. If you wish to order one or more in honor or in memory of a loved one, please indicate that information. Order deadline is November 27th. Please place a check in an envelope with "Poinsettias" noted in the memo section of your check and on the envelope. Please place the envelope in the offering box or in the drop box next to door #4 or mail it to the church at 640 S. Lafayette St.

BLUE CHRISTMAS WORSHIP

This is a worship service for those for whom the Christmas season is a reminder of loss and difficult times. All are welcome on Nov 30^th at 7PM.

COOL YULE FAMILY FUN EVENT

Join us for music, food, crafts, games, prizes, and holiday spirit at this free fun family event from 3-5PM on Dec 3 (just before the South Lyon Holiday Spectacular parade). Bring friends ... the more, the merrier! If you wish to help, sign up on the kiosk or email Jen Denny.

MEDICAL SUPPLIES LOAN CLOSET

Are you in need of medical equipment? We may have what you need! We are now serving as an extension of the Center for Active Adults' Medical Loan Closet. Inventory will vary, but all equipment is available on loan to residents of South Lyon and their families.

Email Jen Denny for more information.

COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY

If you are – or have – a college student, would you please email Molly Klemens with their current address and the school they are attending? We reach out from time to time to our college students. 

If your student has graduated in the last year or is no longer on campus,

please let us know that as well. Thank you!