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DEC 4

VISIT: southlyonfirstumc.org

for more information

December has arrived and we are in the second week of Advent. Our advent theme is The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem. How are you doing at preparing your heart for the birth of the Christ child in Bethlehem? Are you ready? What do you think of when I ask that question?

When I asked this question, my mind jumped to a long list of things like: finish the service for December 15, plan my Cool Yule Family event outfit, buy Christmas cards (I forgot), find the gifts I purchased throughout the year, get ready for tonight's Worship Design meeting, bake cookies, etc... But this morning as I asked myself,  “Am I ready?" I stopped halfway through my list making. I stopped, lit a candle, closed my eyes, and just slowly breathed in and out a few times. As I sat there with my eyes closed, I took a few deep breaths and recognized that sometimes my busyness detours me from time with God. My list is important, there are things that need to be done, but what if I went to thinking of Jesus first?

As I reflected on slowing down, I instantly remembered the slowed pace I embraced during my Spiritual Renewal. A journey with God so that I could slow down, breathe, and connect in deeper ways with God. This is also what our Advent Journey is to be about as we move towards celebrating the birth of our Savior. 

So I ask the question again, “Are we ready for Christmas?” It is never too late to prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. Each year the invitation is extended to celebrate, remember, and worship Jesus as we remember his birth and all the possibilities that it brings to humanity. The promise of hope, peace, joy, and love. We acknowledge that God loves us so much that God came to earth as a baby who we call Jesus. This great moment is the reason we celebrate Christmas. 

Have you marked your calendar? Are you making time? Yes, December is a busy time, with family commitments, work to do, school exams, and maybe we are just exhausted. But I pray that we all take some moments this month to just breathe and connect with God, to reflect on Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and prepare our hearts for the greatest gift ever given. I am thankful to be on this faith filled journey alongside each of you. 

Love and Peace in Christ, Mary

How is your reading going? Maybe an App for your phone or an audio reading of the Bible would be a helpful tool for this year.

 This App is my favorite Bible App. It has everything in one place for me. There are many free options, and also audio and research tools for purchase

that I have used for study and sermon prep for years.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bible-app-read-study-daily/id332615624

 Here is a free Audio Bible App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bible-audio-video-bibles/id378075859

FAMILY FUN EVENT DEC 7 (3-5PM)

Invite your friends to this free spirit-filled event with Christmas music, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, balloon animals, cookie decorating, games, food, and crafts from 3-5PM on Dec 7th!

NURSERY HELP NEEDED

We need your help to make our little ones and their families feel welcome and comfortable during worship! Please sign up to help our nursery coordinator, Heather Shipley, on Sunday mornings in the church nursery.

DECEMBER MISSION OF THE MONTH

December’s Mission of the Month is The Angel Tree fund. The Angel Tree fund gives The Mission Outreach Team the ability to provide other needs to our families that aren’t what we would traditionally consider “gifts” during the holidays. Please prayerfully consider donating to the December Mission of the Month.



ANGEL TREE GIFT DONATIONS

The angel tree is in the parlor and it is decorated with gift ideas for the families that we are sponsoring this year. If you would like to donate a gift, please remove a tag and wrap and return your gift by Dec 18th. Please contact Tina Sain with any questions.

REVISED SOCIAL PRINCIPLES CLASS

Join us for an engaging Sunday School series as we explore the newly adopted Social Principles of the United Methodist Church. This class offers a meaningful opportunity to deepen your faith by understanding the church's positions on critical social issues. Together, we will examine each focus area: *The Natural World*, exploring our call to environmental stewardship; *The Nurturing Community*, promoting inclusivity and support within the church family; *The Social Community*, addressing issues of human rights, justice, and equity; *The Economic Community*, examining ethical practices in finance and business; *The Political Community*, engaging with civic responsibility and peacebuilding; and *The World Community*, encouraging global cooperation and sustainable development. Come and join us to learn how these principles can inspire us to live out our faith in ways that bring love and justice to our world. Contact David Ascher or the church office for more information. Classes will meet in Room 112 during the Sunday School hour, 9:45-10:45. The first session is January 6th. All are welcome.

MINISTRY SHARES UPDATE

2024 SLFUMC ministry shares obligation = $43,000

2024 plan from operations budget = 23%

Current % before fundraiser = 26%

Raised $5,000 from the fund raiser

Puts us at close to 40% of our 2024 obligation

Thanksgiving Special & Advent offerings will go to Ministry shares

SHOP AND SUPPORT THE SLCP

Fundraiser #1: BuffCity Soap 11/25-12/8

• Details: Similar to a Girl Scout-style fundraiser where participants will choose from a list of products and fill out an order form.
• Preview: A box with two soap scents will be available at the school, so participants can smell the scents before deciding.
• Order Forms: Will be available at the school.

This is a great opportunity to purchase high-quality handmade soaps while supporting SLCP, with orders arriving before Christmas.

How to Order: Visit the soap display at school to grab a form.

• Complete and submit your form to karagrech@gmail.com

Fundraiser #2: Kendra Scott Jewelry

• Event Date: Sunday, 12/15, from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the Kendra Scott store

in 12 Oaks Mall, Novi.

• Online Ordering: Available from 12/15 - 12/16 using the code GIVEBACK-ICDUV.
• See flyer above

MEDICAL CLOSET NEEDS

There are a few items that we need donated to continue to adequately meet the needs of the community. If you have any of these items and would like to donate them, please email medicalcloset@southlyonfirstumc.org or call the church office.

Transport Wheelchair

Knee Scooter

Giving Options

·       Use WebGive at our website by clicking here or by using the our QR code :            

·       Use our giving app on your phone, VancoMobile

·       Dropoff a check in our drop -box at door #4 at the church

·       Mail a check to SLFUMC, 640 S. Lafayette, South Lyon, MI 48178

·       Explore other options on the Giving page of our website by clicking here here

Please be aware that we will never ask for your financial, account, or payment information by email. If there is a question, you will be contacted by phone or in person by a staff member.

Staff members will never ask for gift cards or financial help by email.

BUILDING USE REQUEST

Yes! The church has space available for your group or event! Spaces fill up quickly and there is an approval process, so please allow as much time as possible between your request and the date of your meeting or event to ensure that we can

accommodate your needs.

Office Hours

• Mon, Tues, Thurs 10am - 1pm
• Wed 10am - 3pm
• Fri closed

Check out our website or our live calendar

for more information about our church or any of these programs!

Do you prefer a printed copy of our Midweek Messenger? Hard copies are available in the tote outside the main doors to the church and on the kiosk.