Showing COMPASSION in our COMMUNITY by Sharing the Light & Love of CHRIST
March 2021

A Note from Pastor Kenny...

I remember standing there, squinting, trying to bring the top of the mountain into focus. It seemed so far away. So out of reach. But the more I looked the more my eyes adjusted and the more the complete picture came into focus. Then with a clear vision, we began the trek up the mountain.  

Back in November our congregation met with our Local Church Assessment coach, Rev. Rod Kalajainen, who led us in an overview of what a vision statement was and how it would function for our church. This vision would direct all we do and all we do would be compared against this vision.  

As a result of that meeting, I led a three-week sermon series in which I cast my vision for WLUMC. This vision revolved around three components which were covered in three separate sermons: compassion, community, and Christ. It was my hope that WLUMC become a beacon of hope and light in a dark world, and we do so by beginning right here in our back yard.  

Also at that time our Leadership Team began the task of taking Rev. Rod’s meeting and my vision series and mold them into a clear vision statement for our church. We were aided in this process by Rev. Amy Triebwasser from Flat Rock First UMC. Rev. Amy met with our Leadership Team in January and February. In those two meetings we discussed the United Methodist Church’s mission statement, established WLUMC’s core values, and ultimately affirmed a vision statement for WLUMC.  

The core values identified were:
Church is a family, a place of love, care, & acceptance; relationship, take care of each other, generations of families
Preaching & teaching scripture
Place high value on worship, music, etc.
Place high value on cooperation

The United Methodist Church mission statement is: â€śTo make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” This is the overarching mission statement for all United Methodist churches. How we put that into motion becomes WLUMC's vision.

The vision statement adopted by the Leadership Team at the February meeting was: â€śShowing compassion in our community by sharing the light and love of Christ.”  I draw your attention to a couple of things from this statement. First, the elements from that original sermon series remain intact: compassion, community and Christ. Second, this statement is active. Showing compassion and sharing the light and love are both functions that require us to do. The recipient of our actions is our community, both near and far.

I am grateful for the Leadership Team’s work in this area and am excited to begin putting this vision into action. It is my hope that you will squint, look up to the top of the mountain, and allow the vision to come into focus. Then I hope that you will share in the excitement and join together to show compassion in our community by sharing the light and love of Christ.

Pastor Kenny
Worship Options Sundays 9:30 am

1) In-Person Worship
We are again offering in-person worship in the sanctuary. We will be following all recommended safety protocols, including social distancing and wearing masks. 
 
2) Online Worship
We are indefinitely continuing our online worship! 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 moving on to the next phase of building use based on the current COVID numbers in Oakland County.
 
Our Choir is Returning!
After a year’s hiatus, our choir is getting back in the saddle! Rehearsals will begin on Wednesday, February 24 at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary. We will wear special singer’s masks that have been generously donated to us and we will social distance while singing. Since we aren’t quite ready to sing into the congregation yet, all songs will be recorded on Wednesday nights and played on Sunday mornings. All are invited to join the choir, whether you have sung with us before or not! For more information contact Rod Ames.
 
Our Praise Band is Beginning!
We are in the process of forming a praise band for WLUMC. If you or someone you know plays keyboard, bass guitar, or rhythm guitar, please consider joining the band! Rehearsals are going to be Sunday afternoons. For more information contact Todd Goyt or Pastor Kenny. 

Men’s Breakfast - March 6
Our Men’s Group is also back in action! All men of the church are invited to our Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, March 6. We will meet at 8:00 am in the parlor. If you would like to volunteer to help with breakfast, please contact Bill Bird. If you are not yet comfortable meeting in the building, we understand and hope you will participate down the road!

Lydia Circle - Begins in April
Lydia Circle will start back up in April. Stay tuned for more info!

Sunday School Classes
Some of our Sunday School classes are coming back into the building! For those still on Zoom, the links are below and will remain the same from week to week.  

  • 8:30 am Encounters Adult Sunday School Class, In-Person, Fellowship Hall


Congratulations, Confirmands!

We are very proud of our two confirmation students, Colin Harper and Nicole Yapp, for all they have accomplished over the past several months. Their commitment to our church and most importantly Jesus Christ was exemplified through our weekly class sessions, local mission projects, and ongoing involvement at Walled Lake UMC. They have set a great example for many future classes to follow in their footsteps. 
Colin Harper & Nicole Yapp,
2021 Confirmands
Luke Wolfe (Youth Ministry Coord.), Colin Harper, Nicole Yapp, & Rev. Kenny Walkup
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.

March 7 All These Words, Exodus 20:1-17
March 14 Look Up and Live, John 3:14-21
March 21 Written on the Heart, Jeremiah 31:31-34
March 28 The One Who Comes, Mark 11:1-11 Palm Sunday
Holy Week Worship

  • Palm Sunday March 28
  • 9:30 am Sunday worship
  • Parade of palms
  • Handbell anthem

  • Holy Thursday April 1
  • 7:00 pm worship
  • Mime communion

  • Good Friday April 2
  • 7:00 pm service
  • Prayer station worship

  • Easter Sunday April 4
  • 7:00 am SonRise worship at the lake
  • Acoustic music
  • Bring SonRise light into church
  • 9:30 am Sunday worship
  • Special music
  • Holy Communion
March Mission of the Month
Water for Life, Liberia
The Water for Life program constructs wells to provide clean water and toilets to improve the living standards in communities in Liberia. Clean and safe drinking water and sanitation are human rights issues that need urgent attention in post-war Liberia. Few wells still exist, but most are contaminated, broken, or overused. As a result, water-borne diseases are common. Funding for this project provides for the construction of wells/hand pumps and toilet facilities within communities. (https://advance.umcor.org/p-394-water-for-life.aspx)
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 March we are requesting contributions of canned vegetables. 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.

Thanks to your generosity, we have donated 219 pounds of food to Hospitality House this year!
Easter on the Block
Saturday, April 10 @ 1:00 pm

WLUMC will be hosting a community-wide event called “Easter on the Block” on Saturday, April 10 at 1:00 pm. We will start off the event with a 1:00 Easter egg hunt, then continue afterwards with other family-friendly activities such as a petting zoo, games, crafts, & food, all of which will make for a fun day! Sign up your children here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0848AAAD23A75-easter Contact Luke Wolfe if you would like to volunteer at the event.  
CROP Hunger Walk
Saturday, May 8 @ 11:00 am

Join us for our next 2021 hands-on mission opportunity, the CROP Hunger Walk! On Saturday, May 8 at 11:00 am we will fight hunger both locally and around the world. We will walk from the church to the rail trail and stroll however far you are comfortable, up to 4 miles. We need both walkers and sponsors! Enjoy walking & talking with friends, getting some fresh air & exercise, AND changing the world! Registration details will be announced soon. Contact Laurie Piper for more information.
Thank You

Dear Pastor Kenny & Congregation,
Thank you so much for your prayers, card, and especially the prayer quilt. Nick loved coming to church and singing in the choir. I hope to see you all soon.

Love,
Pat Anthony
Prayer Requests
Please help us keep this list up-to-date!

Requests Since Last Tower Notes:
~Family of Robert Wilson - lost his fight against COVID (friend of Larry & Marilyn Gawne)
~Ernie & Jen - had to put dog down (brother & sister-in-law of Ken Gresh)
~Family of Mike Burns (Co-worker of Alex Ross) 
~Angela and her family (Co-worker of Christy Ross)
~Dan and the safety of all teachers (son of Larry & Marilyn Gawne)
~Samantha - not feeling well (Niece of Heather Fazio)
~For discernment & wisdom about big decisions (requested by Alex Miller)
~Wes Jackson - hospitalized with infected foot (son of Vicki Thuer)
~Kenneth Skoczylas - back in hospital with double pneumonia (neighbor of Cliff & Marj Johnson)
~Harry Campion (son of Cyndy Campion)
~Sheryl Stuky - continuing rehab
~Sandie - going through chemo
~Doug - recovering from long hospitalization
~Ken Gresh - back issues
~Carol Plessinger – having eye surgery (sister of Dave Johnson) 
~Genie - Family friend struggling w loss of her husband
~Family of Clarke Macy (co-founder of Mobility Worldwide Saline)
~Law enforcement (requested by Peggy Hawke)
~For new jobs (from Alex Miller)
~Kim Clark - diagnosed with breast cancer (mother of Alex Miller)
~Family of Jim Trouteaud (requested by Bobbie Bushey)
~Diane Evans - concussion & broken orbital socket (friend of Larry & Marilyn Gawne)
~Prayers of thanks for receiving 2nd vaccine (from Larry & Marilyn Gawne)
~Sue Wright - cancer treatment & surgery (friend of Patti Swarthout)
~Scott - medical issues (nephew of Patti Swarthout)
~Patrick, following the loss of his dad (co-worker of Sandi Brough-Gresh)
~Bob Cella - head injury following bike accident (cousin of Michael Link)
~Laughrey family - traveling mercies (requested by Heather Fazio)
~Kay - prayers of healing (requested by Heather Fazio)
~Prayers of thanksgiving for Garrett being accepted into Elementary Education Program this fall (from Ken Gresh)
~Alex Ross - dealing with job stress (husband of Christy Ames Ross)
~Jordan Johnson & Julayne Magee - prayers of safety following vaccine administration
~Gale - lung cancer treatment (friend of Rob Sweigard)
~For those in Texas without power
~For our fractured nation to be made whole (requested by Cliff & Marj Johnson)
~Lyle Ames - starting radiation for cancer on lip (father of Rod Ames)
~Jordyn Barnes - MRI on knee
~Baby Sawyer - in NICU (requested by Sandi Brough-Gresh)
~Bill Crawford - final fight against cancer (requested by Larry Gawne)
~For those who have been able to get their COVID vaccines
~Phoebe - strep throat (friend of Olivia Fazio)
~Family of Bob Wettergren (uncle of Michelle Walkup)
~Eva Sabolick - has Covid-19 (girlfriend of Brent Ames)










Long-Term Requests:
~Dorothy Christopher
~Janet Croll
~Marian Curl
~Dorothy Erickson
~Dale Fox
~Jo Heinke
~Harry & Myrtle Long
~Ruth Parra
~Diane Schramm
~Sheryl Stuky
~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)
~Bill McKenzie (friend of Larry & Colleen Beale).
~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.* 
March Birthdays
8 Allison Nielsen
9 Sandi Brough-Gresh
9 Ruth Parra
12 David Nielsen
17 Kathleen Latimer
17 Scott Ries
18 Vicki Thuer
24 Nick Cundiff
26 Val Dye
26 Marilyn Gawne
26 Abby Menzies
30 Brent Ames
30 Linda Fox
30 Kenny Walkup
30 Colton Zavitz

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

29 Cliff & Marj Johnson
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