Dearest Church Family, Praying that you are all warm and well. As March begins so does the season of Lent, that purposeful time of preparing for Easter. The season of Lent has often been a time when we think about “giving something up” – a holdover from its penitential flavor in the medieval church. I was raised to think about what spiritual discipline to work on or try anew. But this year, what if we thought less about “giving up” and more about “making room?”
Today we all lead busy lives, right? How many times does someone ask how we are doing and we respond, “I am really busy.” And when we find ourselves really busy, it can be even harder to make time to be with God to focus on our spiritual disciplines.
In this Lent season, during our worship series we will find out what it really costs to be so busy. We will find ways to "Rest, Relax, and Reflect as we Reconnect to an Unhurried God". How are you spending your time, where are you finding joy and connection to God? South Lyon First UMC has amazing opportunities each week. Of course everyone knows about our worship services on Sunday. But did you know:
· Yoga is offered on Monday nights with free babysitting
· Knitting happens in the lobby on Tuesday afternoons
· Bible Journaling occurs on Tuesday nights
· Men’s Bible study also occurs Tuesday nights
· Women’s Bible study takes place Wednesday mornings
· Pub Theology on Wednesday nights
· Choir and bells on Wednesday nights
· Quilting and sewing Thursday afternoons
· The Upper Room devotionals issue a monthly edition that you can pick up in the lobby
· The sanctuary cross light is on and open for prayer and reflect during office hours
These are just a few of the things that have been happening that allow us to "Rest, Relax, and Reflect as we Reconnect with our Unhurried God". What do you need to make room for during this Lenten season? If you are not sure, or if you want to really start this season out strong, come to the Ash Wednesday Retreat. It is designed for all ages. A meal will be provided and we will end with an Ash Wednesday worship service. Sign up soon so we are prepared for you and so that you make it a priority in your faith journey.
This is not any easy practice for me personally, but as I read our focus scripture from Matthew 11:28, “Come to me all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, I will give you rest.” , I know that I need to make room for rest and that I need to give up some of the hurry and the worry so that I can
"Rest, Relax, and Reflect as we Reconnect with our Unhurried God".
Will you join me? Will you be brave enough to fast from the hurry and worry that world tries to dump on us? Let us all enter this Lent season in a purposeful way. Read this blessing written by Marcia McFee for our Lent series.
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Blessing for the Unhurried Life
May the weeks that stretch out before you
contain surprising and blessed opportunities
for taking a breather from being so busy,
for taking note of what’s important,
for taking care of yourself so you can care for others,
and for taking the message out to the world
that “you are enough.”
And may you be reacquainted each day
with an unhurried God
who is calling you to dive deeply into love.
And as you turn your technology back on,
let us commit to letting this time of awareness
change the ways we use our technology,
rather than our technology using us.
Go in peace!
Ready, set, go!
Love and Peace in Christ, Rev. Mary
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Lent Worship Series
"Rest, Relax, Reflect: Reconnecting with an Unhurried God
Ash Wednesday “Busy” Matthew 6:1-6
In this 21st century world, many of us have come to believe, however subconsciously, that being “busy” is what is required of us and ultimately what makes us a good person. But perhaps we’ve forgotten that God isn’t looking for humans to “perform” as if we must earn God’s love (or anyone’s love) through succumbing to a faster pace for more productivity in order to be “worthy." How can we be “simply and honestly” present in this Lent season? We begin by repenting or “turning around” from unrealistic expectations and false beliefs.
March 10 “The Right Tempo” Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus never promised that the yoke would literally be "easy." This is a mistranslation. In this context of yoking oxen, the translation means "well fitting." As we begin our "Busy" series, we discover that each of us has a tempo that fits well, that energizes us. What tempo gives you life and energy? What tempo of life feels toxic to you? What is the cost?
March 17 “Preparing a Table” Psalm 23
The Twenty-third Psalm is a great comfort to us as we imagine the green pastures and still waters. It also recalls the dark valleys and calls us into the not-so-easy practice of sitting down at the table with our enemies. An unhurried God is present with us in the good times AND in the difficult times and invites us to be radically present to each other in the same way. Have we been too busy to be really present to one another? Especially in the difficult times, is it really working HARDER (which can isolate us) that will bring us out of our discomfort?
March 24 “Tuning In” Luke 10:38-42
Children and Youth Music Sunday
Martha was busy. Mary chose to be still, to tune in to Jesus. The lesson here is not that it is bad to work, but that we also need times of connection to God. Tuning in to the holy may mean just taking time to notice things that are beckoning to dwell with us a while. What contemplative practices can feed and nourish our active lives and help us be more in tune to the present moment? What distractions/addictions consume our attention?
March 31 “Living Light” Luke 12:29-34
Many of us live with the tyranny of measuring-up that keeps us weighed down. Lightening the load of expectations and "shoulds" is one way to lighten up as well as to literally lighten the clutter that crowds out our serenity. How do we create space to flourish in the ways God intends? How can we “minimalize” our possessions so that they do not possess us?
April 7 “A Time for Every Matter” Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
For many of us in this modern, industrial, tech-savvy world, we have lost touch with the seasonality of life. We want what we want, when we want it. We come to believe that no time is off limits and the lines between busy and rest, work and play, have become increasingly blurred. How far are we from the rhythms and "pleasure of our toil?" What cost to ourselves, to our relationships, and to our planet is this frantic pace? How has our denial of the passage of time and seasons of our lives created an anti-aging sentiment as well as the worship of everything “fast” and the sense that immediate gratification is “normal?”
April 14 “Give it a Rest” Mark 2:21-28
Confirmation Sunday and Palm Sunday
The commandment to keep the sabbath is one that might not seem as important as the one about not murdering. But what, and who, suffers in our society when we value economic security over well-being? As we give witness yet again to the story of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem, proclaiming justice for the oppressed, we must also proclaim justice and peace... and rest... for the weary of this world. What systems of our time (“old wineskins”) need to “give it a rest” or be “put to rest” that are harming and oppressing “the least“ among us? At the end of this series, what “Sabbath” practices have we experienced that made a difference in our quality of life, the quality of the planet, the quality of our time with, and love for, one another? Might we claim them as our “new wineskins” for not just Lent?
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Ash Wednesday Retreat
This year we are trying something new--a mini retreat to begin the Lenten season. This retreat will create a space for us to
make time in our busy lives to reconnect with God
by unplugging for the evening
and spending time in worship together. The evening will begin at 5pm with a simple dinner (subs, chips, and cookies) and then time for yoga, Bible journaling, and crafts. All activities are appropriate for all ages! At 7pm we will move to the sanctuary to end our retreat with the Ash Wednesday service. We hope you can join us. For more information contact Hattie Maguire (
[email protected]
).
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Ash Wednesday Worship – March 6
We begin the holy season of Lent on Wednesday, March 6
th
. Join us in the sanctuary for worship at 7:00 pm. We will receive the sign of the cross in ashes and begin our Lenten worship series “Rest, Relax, Reflect: Reconnecting with an Unhurried God”.
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Church Travel Opportunity
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, March 24th at 12:30 pm in the church library 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 (
[email protected]).
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Mission of the Month: Camp Scholarships
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The Mission of the Month for March is Camp Scholarships. Attending a United Methodist Camp is an exciting and unforgettable adventure for a child. Children are given a chance to grow closer to God as they experience fun activities such as swimming, playing games, fishing, and many more. With a week-long camp costing anywhere from $399 and up, it can be difficult for some families to allow their children to experience this opportunity, especially if there is more than one child in the family. By contributing to the March Mission of the Month, you will be helping children grow closer to God. And since the decision has been made this year to keep the funds at SLFUMC, it could very well be a child that you know that is able to attend camp because of your generosity. Thank you for your prayers and gifts.
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Upcoming Opportunities for Men
•
Monthly breakfast Saturday, March 2
nd
7:30 – 9:00 in the Friendship Room. Scott Parzuchowski (Scotty P) will be speaking about how he finds God in nature while hunting and fishing. (The Gretta Moffatt program with Patti Yerke has been postponed until May.)
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• Every Tuesday morning devotion, prayer and breakfast 6:30am in the Parlor
•
The Tuesday night weekly Bible study group meets 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Parlor. We are currently studying “Life Lessons from Acts” by Max Lucado. Each weekly session stands on its own. Drop in and check it out!
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“Extending Christ’s Love Beyond Borders” with Marge Lewis and Judith Gunnett 8:30 – 9:30 am, Saturday, April 6
th
Our Mission Team and Men’s Ministries are joining forces to host two remarkable women who recently completed six weeks of service at a refugee camp in Lesbos, Greece. Marge and Judith are sisters and lifelong friends of Dave Smith. They are committed Christians who have spent their lives serving others.
Join us in the sanctuary on April 6
th
to learn about their experiences on the island of Lesbos as volunteers with Beyond Borders. See and hear stories of how education services are provided to displaced and marginalized children. You won’t want to miss this eye-opening and touching story of how God’s love is being shared with these refugee families. For more information contact Dave Smith (
[email protected]).
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Summer Camp Sunday March 3rd
Camp Sunday is coming March 3
rd
! If you love the outdoors and would like to raise your kids to enjoy it while learning about God this summer, our church will help with 50% of the cost up to $200 for tuition. It’s part of the Methodist Church’s tradition and practice to encourage our faith growth through experience like summer camp. There are a number of United Methodist Church Camps in Michigan that offer fun programs like Camp Kinawind, Judson Collins, and Wesley Woods that have exciting programs for different age groups, during different weeks of the summer. On Camp Sunday we will have brochures for you to find one that might work for your kids. We will also have a visitor from Camp Wesley Woods – Director Eric Hoffman who can tell us about the fun ways kids are growing closer to God in a healthy environment. If you can’t wait you can also get information on line at http://umcamping.org or search for @umcamping.org on Facebook.
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Holy Conversations
Continuing our Living Faithfully Conversations...
March 14 - 9:00 am or 6:00 pm
As we continue our conversation about homosexuality and the United Methodist Church, our goal is to grow in appreciating how all sides in the debate might faithfully understand scripture, tradition, reason, and experience, and to better understand how the unique structure and reach of our denomination makes this issue so challenging. Together we will listen and discern, in prayer and conversation, how we can respond faithfully in the love of God and neighbor. Blessings, Rev. Mary
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Cochren & Co. Live Concert At SLFUMC
On March 23 the middle and high school youth will host a live concert at the church featuring the band Cochren & Co. Michael Cochren is a fast rising young Christian artist who recently signed with Toby Mac’s record label, Gotee Records. Cochren & Co. released two singles in 2018 with the first single, “Take Me Back To Church”, quickly hitting the Christian Billboard top 30 and continues to climb.
The concert will start at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. Net proceeds from the concert will go to fund youth mission projects. Please support our church youth missions with your advanced ticket purchase at $15 for adults and $10 for students. Get yours fast as we are expecting a sell out for this very special event which is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased from our youth in the church parlor after services on Sundays or at the church office during regular office hours.
See link below for Cochren & Co website for more information and videos.
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Capernaum Health Clinic
March 4-8
Our church will be the host of the next free Capernaum Health Clinic. It will be held March 4
th
-8
th
. Dental hygienists, medical doctors & nurses, a mobile mammogram unit, and an optometrist, audiologist, & dermatologist will be available on various days during the week. See the schedule on the kiosk or Ignite bulletin board for more details.
If you or someone you know needs free medical care please call 248-225-4581 for an appointment.
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Help Wanted: Event Planning
Remember the excitement of searching for brightly colored eggs, the thrill of playing tossing a ball threw a hoop at a fall festival, or the comfort of decorating homemade cookies with Mrs. Claus? The Christian Outreach Team needs your help bringing memories like these to the children and families in our community. We are forming a group willing to plan and execute seasonal events like an egg hunt, a Pumpkin-fest fall carnival, and Cool Yule family fun event. With many hands we know we can turn these events into light work and fun gatherings. Please sign up on the kiosk or the bulletin board in Ignite to help, or contact Alison McKenna at
[email protected]
or Jen Denny at
[email protected]
.
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Chili Cook Off - Thank You from Trustees!
Thank you for supporting this year’s Chili Cook-off and Trivia Night! Together we consumed a ton of chili & cornbread, learned many new trivial facts & figures, and raised almost $1500 for future upgrades to our kitchen. Thank you!
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Thank you for Bee Kind Donations
A huge thank you to everyone who donated craft supplies for the "Bee Kind" mission benefiting children of Cass UMC! A group of youth are working with the mission team and Cass Community UMC to remodel a children's Sunday school and children's church room in Detroit. They are painting, putting in new flooring, and stocking the room with lots of goodies for the kids to play with and enjoy. This mission would not be possible without all of the generous donations made by congregation members! Thank you!
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The Church has Left the Building
On May 5 the church will not hold service inside the church, but will perform acts of God’s love outside the building. There will be projects and services available for all ages and abilities. If you are interested in working on a team to organize this wonderful mission please contact Lori Carey at
[email protected]
or (248) 446-3061 or Jessica Mytty at
[email protected]
or 517-294-1777.
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Let's Get Moving!
The Walking Club has resumed this winter! Walk the hallways of the church building 4:00 – 5:30 pm Tuesday and Thursday. Some walk fast, some walk slowly – everyone is welcome. One lap around the building is between 1/10 and 2/10 of a mile. Bring walking shoes to change into to help keep the carpets clean. If you have any questions call Lindy Juergens at the church office (248) 437-0760.
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What are the Benefits of an IRA Rollover Gift?
If you are 70 ½ or older, a Charitable Rollover Gift satisfies your annual required minimum distribution (RMD) and offers several significant tax advantages. It allows you to give from pre-tax assets. If you do not itemize or are subject to charitable deduction limits, the IRA rollover still allows you to give while receiving tax benefits. An IRA rollover gift could also help you avoid income that could push you into a higher tax bracket. Contact your financial advisor for more information.
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Church News
Baptisms
Leeland Patrick LaCava on February 10, 2019
New Church Member - Mary Lou Longeway
Mary Lou joined our membership on February 10
th
. She is a retired RN. She and her husband, Herbert, have four grandchildren and she loves to spend her time attending their sporting events. Mary Lou lives in South Lyon. Supporting her is her fellowship friend, Cherie Trembath.
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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
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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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