APR 1

VISIT: southlyonfirstumc.org

for more information

Worship in the sanctuary at 8:30 & 11AM

Sunday School Hour for all ages at 9:45AM

Livestream Worship at 11AM on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3k7Z3Eu

Dear Friends,

As we arrive at the final steps of our Lenten journey, I find myself returning to one simple truth: Love is what has been leading us all along. From the quiet moments of reflection… to the courage of letting go… to the call to serve and follow…We have been walking with Jesus on the road. And now, that road brings us to Holy Week. This is not just a week we remember. It is a week we experience.

One meaningful way to enter this sacred time is through our Prayer Labyrinth. You are invited to come and walk at your own pace, in silence, allowing your steps to become prayer. For those who find walking a challenge, there will be a few chairs set up so that you can still “walk” in your mind's eye while you move through the guided prayers.

Thursday (Maundy Thursday): 1:00–7:00 PM

Friday (Good Friday): 1:00–5:00 PM

This is a powerful opportunity to:

• Release what you are carrying
• Sit in the presence of Christ
• Prepare your heart for the cross and the hope to come

Whether you stay for a few minutes or a longer time, this experience offers a space of peace, reflection, and connection with God. I strongly encourage you to come. In a busy and often noisy world, this sacred pause can be deeply meaningful.

On Good Friday at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary, we gather at the cross. We remember a love that did not turn away. A love that stayed. A love that carried suffering—not to glorify pain, but to redeem it. This service is quiet, honest, and sacred. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments… God is present.

And then—Easter morning: The Gift of Love.

Easter Sunday Worship 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM. This is a beautiful time to come—and to invite someone to come with you. There are people in all of our lives who are searching: For hope, For peace, For connection, For love. This is the season to reach out. There is a place for them here. As we take these final steps together, I invite you to fully enter this journey:

Walk the labyrinth.

Stand at the cross.

Come to the table.

Celebrate the resurrection.

Because this story is not just something we remember. It is something we live. And it is a story of love. A love that stays. A love that heals. A love that rises.

With love and peace in Christ,

Rev. Mary 

INTRODUCING OUR NEW STAFF MEMBERS!

Katy Luce has joined the staff as the Nursery Coordinator. Katy grew up in our church, and has been active in youth programs and volunteered at VBS in recent years. She graduated from Spring Arbor University with a Bachelor's degree in Biology this past summer and will be beginning her studies in Nursing at Madonna University in the fall.

Chad Stuckey is our new Office Administrator, responsible for Membership, Building Usage, and the first face our visitors will see during the church’s office hours. Chad is a recently retired math teacher, having spent 25 years at Birmingham Groves High School. He has also coached many youth sports in South Lyon and coached HS football at South Lyon East High School for 7 years and is a small business owner. Chad resides in South Lyon with his wife Kelly, son Owen (Adrian College), daughter Venna (WMU), and their dog Brooks. Chad and Kelly are members of SLFUMC. Chad enjoys playing pickleball, golf, and loves spending time at his seasonal camping spot at Haas Lake. 

We are very excited that Katy and Chad are sharing their skills and talents with us through their new roles. Please help us welcome them!

FROM THE STAFF-PARISH RELATIONS TEAM

We currently have job openings for the positions listed below. If you or someone you know is interested in obtaining further information, please use the SPRT email: staffparish@southlyonfirstumc.org.  We appreciate your assistance in helping spread awareness of these wonderful opportunities to be a part of our church staff!

MUSIC MINISTRIES LEADER (part-time, 15 hrs/week)

Position responsibilities include coordinating and preparing worship music for services and events, being the principal worship leader and accompanist, leading, coordinating, and recruiting volunteer musicians, working in partnership with the Band Leader, and communicating regularly with church staff.

YOUTH COORDINATOR (part-time, 8-10 hrs/week)

Position responsibilities include cultivating faith formation of the congregation's youth, collaboratively working to develop a Youth Group Plan, recruiting, training, and coordinating volunteers, and attending Youth Ministries events and other church events and meetings as requested.

KENTUCKY DERBY RACE FUNDRAISER

YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THIS FUN NIGHT! Come and watch the Kentucky Derby and our LIVE "Big Trot" race on May 2nd. Doors open at 6PM, when dinner will be served and the hat contest will begin. Entry and dinner at this Kentucky Derby Fundraiser are free (free will donation accepted), with plenty of fun opportunities to support the Tiny Homes initiative, including a raffle and a pool noodle horse race.



Kentucky Derby Post Time is at 6:57 PM and our “Big Trot” (Pool Noodle Horse Race) will begin after the real race (around 7:15PM). If you wish to own a horse in the “Big Trot”, you may purchase a pool noodle horse for $35 now or for $50 at the door on May 2nd. There are 36 Spaces available in the "Big Trot" (first come first serve).

You may also wish to indulge in the VIP EXPERIENCE. The VIP experience is limited to 24 seats. It is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. It includes front-row seating for the "Big Trot", full table service, and a special VIP gift.



All proceeds benefit the Tiny Home initiative.

ALL-CHURCH MEETING: Thursday, April 16th

Our next All-Church Meeting will be held at 6pm on Thursday, April 16th in the Friendship Room. We will provide an update on our financial status and spending plans based on the priorities provided during our January meeting. We will also be reviewing the volunteer teams that are the driver of all our missions and ministries and providing information on ways everyone can get involved and continue to support our church through your time, your gifts, your talents, and your prayers. We look forward to seeing all of you on the 16th.

A Zoom link will be provided as we get closer to the meeting.

MUSIC MINISTRY NEEDS

Calling all people with musical interest! We would love to have you join our Bell Choir and/or Chancel Choir. We are in particular need for singers now through Easter Sunday. Feel free to try out either group for a period of time to see if it’s a good fit for you. We always enjoy having new members join us.

Choir practice for singers is held on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 and lasts approximately 1 hour. On occasion practice may be cancelled, so you are welcome to call and check regarding dates. Contact: Jen Liskey.

Bell choir also practices on Wednesday evenings, starting at 6:30. If you are interested it would be best to call and discuss the schedule, as we choose our music based on the number of ringers available for a particular Sunday. Contact: Vera Burns

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. 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 10am-3pm
• Wed 10am-3pm
• Tues, Thurs, & 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 door #4 at the church and on the kiosk.