APR 15

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,

Grace and peace to you from across the world.

As I write this, I find myself still holding the beauty of Ha Long Bay in my heart—the towering limestone cliffs rising out of the water, the quiet stillness of the morning mist, the beautiful sunsets, and the sense that creation itself is singing praise to God. It is one of those places where words fall short, and all you can do is breathe deeply and whisper, “Thank you, God.”

This time in Vietnam has been a gift beyond measure.

It has been a season of rest and adventure—of stepping away from the familiar rhythms of ministry and stepping into the sacred rhythm of simply being Mom. Sharing this journey with my daughters in a new country has been holy in ways I didn’t fully expect. We have laughed, explored, tried new foods, gotten lost and found our way again, and created memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.

And through it all, I have been reminded of the vastness and beauty of God’s creation—not just in landscapes, but in people.

Scripture tells us: “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

And again: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language…” (Revelation 7:9)

Here, surrounded by a different language, culture, and way of life, I have felt the truth of that promise more deeply than ever. God’s creation is beautifully diverse—and so are God’s people. All people. Every face I see, every interaction I have, reminds me that we are all part of the same sacred story.

It is humbling. It is grounding. It is holy.

And yet… even as I soak in this beauty and this time with my daughters, I am aware that another season is drawing near.

When I say goodbye to them this week, they will continue their Southeast Asia adventures for another 10 months. They are thriving and travel wise. I am so proud of them. But my momma heart will also be sad saying goodbye. When I dropped them off at the airport for the beginning of their journey, I knew I would see them in 6 weeks….this time is very different. I know they will be fine and I actually like being an empty nester. Huge life stage changes for us all.

When I return to South Lyon, the reality of saying goodbye to all of you will begin to take shape. Together, we will begin the sacred work of honoring what has been, celebrating all that God has done among us, and preparing the way for what comes next.

As I prepare my heart for that transition, I hold onto these words: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19)

God is already at work—here, there, and among us.

There will be time for goodbyes. There will be time for reflection, gratitude, and even grief. But there will also be time to look forward with hope, to trust that the same God who has been faithful in our shared ministry will continue to guide South Lyon First UMC into its next chapter.

And yes, to begin preparing the way for your next pastor, Pastor Nick—someone God is already calling, equipping, and sending to walk with you in the days ahead.

For now, I carry you with me.

In the quiet of Ha Long Bay.

In the bustling streets of Hanoi.

In the sacred moments of laughter with Eleanor and Heather.

With love, gratitude, and hope,

Rev. Mary

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.

Or join us using this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86370838411?pwd=TyafeK5THBBbff31M5snfSe8f6EhDq.1 .

GRADUATION SUNDAY MAY 17

Please contact Katy if you are or if you have a graduate. Email Katy.

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 donations to our Tiny Home Initiative will be accepted), with plenty of fun opportunities to support the Tiny Homes initiative, including a drawing 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.

GAME NIGHT MAY 8TH

You won’t want to miss a night of games and fellowship on May 8th at 6:45PM.

All ages welcome!

GOLF OUTING JUN 14

Register today for our 8th Annual Golf Outing at Riverbank Golf Course on June 14th to benefit the South Lyon First United Methodist Church's adult mission trip to God's Country. Use the QR code or the form located on the kiosk to register.

REV. MARY FAREWELL OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATION

Save the date! Rev. Mary's last Sunday at South Lyon First UMC is June 21st. We will send her off with a farewell open house celebration on June 20th from 3-5PM in the Fellowship Hall. Details will be shared in the next Midweek Messenger.

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.