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FEB 12

VISIT: southlyonfirstumc.org

for more information

I believe that God sends people into our lives to help, guide, nurture, and encourage us. When we allow it, these people can really make an impact and imprint on our lives. Can you name some of those people who have helped shape you? I would list, my mom, my grandmother, a few friends, and a few colleagues. This week I received word that one of those people died, The Rev. Dr. Jack Giguere. He made a difference in my life. You may know Jack because he was the Ann Arbor District Superintendent over South Lyon UMC back in the late 80’s and early 90’s. I know him because he was the lead pastor I worked with in my first appointment at Grosse Pointe UMC in 1996.  

I will forever be grateful for Jack saying yes to working with me fresh out of seminary. Over the last couple of days I have reflected on the impact Jack had on my ministry. I learned so much. Recently, I actually found a copy of his weekly schedule that he shared with me in 1996. He was always looking for ways to help lay a strong beginning to my ministry. Here are a few of his words of wisdom that shaped his time and philosophy as pastor:

• If I can stay in touch with the love of God found in Jesus Christ, I find I am less fearful and more patient with myself and others.
• Ministry arises from the whole person. Therefore, I must be sure that I get adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise. 
• Preaching weekly and writing articles, I find I am producing 150,000 to 200,000 words a year. That is equal to or more than any full-time author ... I must always be reading and studying, so that I am growing.
• The Senior Pastor has to give quality time to working with multiple staff. Building relationships and helping them use their gifts in ministry is an important part of my work. 
• Since my ministry draws on my personal life, my ministry can be said to pass thru the parsonage on its way to the church. Therefore, I take great care to nurture my relationship with my wife and keep it in good working order.
• The ministry can be all consuming. Rhythm to life is needed. Therefore, I have sought to develop personal interests outside of my work life by taking a day off each week to focus on these interests.
• I give high priority to preaching, worship, and administration. However, there are many people demands placed on my time too. I will always prioritize people which means I had to learn to be comfortable going home at night with administrative work undone.

Many of Jack’s wise words can apply to many professions. I also did not fully understand how successful Jack was in shaping me as pastor. I give thanks to God for all of the Jacks in our lives: those people who have helped shape us and grow us into stronger faithful people. 

I encourage you to name your people, and if they are alive, call them and let them know how they made a difference in your life. If they have passed on, then maybe reach out to their family. I know I will be doing that later this week!

Peace, Rev. Mary

Isaiah 41:13  “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

South Lyon First UMC is part of the Heritage District. The districts around our state are known as the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. Just as I am the appointed pastor of our church, Rev. David Bard is the appointed Bishop of our entire Michigan Conference. A bishop has the responsibility to see that the rules and regulations developed by the General Conference are carried out. A bishop also sets all clergy appointments and serves as the shepherd of the entire conference, providing a prophetic witness for justice and unity. Our bishop often writes letters to the conference and we often share them in our midweek messenger. 

He recently wrote an article called "Doing the work of Christ: Hospitality, welcome, and neighborliness." Below is a link to this article, where he speaks to the core biblical values reflected in Scripture, calling us to do the work that Christ has called us to do. I encourage you to sign up to receive these articles on a regular bases if this would enhance your faith walk.

We are blessed with a bishop who has a heart for loving and caring for people. 

SACRED RESISTANCE BOOK STUDY

Join Us for a Virtual Book Study on Sacred Resistance by Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli

Looking for thoughtful conversation and spiritual inspiration? Come explore Sacred Resistance: A Practical Guide to Christian Witness and Dissent with us! We’ll meet online every Thursday in February from 9:00–10:00 AM. Our discussions will be facilitated by David Ascher, who will guide us through the book’s call to faithful action in the face of injustice.

Sacred Resistance addresses these questions, among others:

• When Christians see that something is wrong in our nation or community, how and when should we respond?

• When we see multiple instances of 'wrong', how do we choose which ones to address?

• How can pastors and other leaders faithfully take risks without violating relationships with the congregation or denomination?

• What historical, biblical, and theological safety nets can be relied on?

• How can we take care of ourselves and one another, so that our ministries and lives are sustained?

About the Author

Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli is the Senior Pastor of Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C., known for her passion for inclusive ministry and social justice. She has served in various leadership capacities within the United Methodist Church and was honored as the guest speaker at the Michigan United Methodist Church’s Annual Conference in 2024.

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your faith and practice through shared learning and reflection. We hope to see you there!

Please email David at dascher for a meeting link. Published in 2018, the book is available through all booksellers.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

FUMC currently has four adult Sunday School classes. The classes meet at 9:45 on Sunday morning during the same time period as the children’s classes.

The Encounters – The Encounters class is currently studying the book, Bible Stories for Grown-Ups by Josh Scott. This class meets in person in the Friendship Room and via Zoom.

The Seekers – The Seekers are currently studying Year of the Bible. The class meets in person in the Chapel and via Zoom.

The Welcoming Wanderers – The Welcoming Wanderers are studying the Social Principles of the United Methodist church. The class meets in person in Room 112.

Sunday to Monday – Sunday to Monday class studies Sunday’s scripture reading and how it

applies to our daily lives. This year we are following the scriptures of the Year of the Bible. The

class meets in person in the library.

Contact the church office if you would like more information on the classes or if you would like to be contacted with Zoom information to join a class.  

LEGO MY EGGO

Come and bring friends for the Lego My Eggo Night. It is open to ALL ages. Please sign up today using the link below or on the website and join us at 5:30PM on Feb 28th in the fellowship hall for a waffle bar, Lego gallery on display, Lego play stations, and Lego challenges.

MISSION OF THE MONTH: LIBERIA

Gretta Moffat Student Support and Hope Scholarship Fund

We have been in ministry partnership with Liberia since 2005. We have provided financial support to rebuild our sister church Bethlehem Temple, funded many life-saving clean water wells, supported a traditional birth attendant (TBA) program to reduce infant and mother mortality, and made a difference in the lives of many rural Liberian children through school support scholarships. We have established and nurtured a personal relationship with our Liberian brothers and sisters, through regular contact, mission trips, mutual prayer, love, and support. What a wonderful, God-filled relationship this has been. It is now time to continue our support for Liberia through our very important student fees and scholarship program for the 2025/2026 school year.

Gretta Moffat Student Support -The direct student scholarship support that we have been sending since 2017 has been very beneficial for these rural children. Our financial support allows students to get an education through the 8 th grade. The families in this rural area do not have the money to pay the small tuition fee for their children, and there are no free government schools in the area. Our donations are used to cover student enrollment fees, uniforms, school supplies, and tuition. Principal Jerry Giah reported that for the 2023/24 school year, there were 151 students initially enrolled and 136 completed the year, 87 boys and 49 girls. Fifteen did stop attending, primarily due to the long and difficult journey they have to travel to get to the school. It is a continued hope and prayer that a dormitory will be built

on the John Dean Town campus so that students can be housed there safely.

Hope Scholarships for High School Students - In addition to our support for Pre-K to 8 th grade students at Gretta Moffat, we currently provide full tuition scholarship funding for three Gretta Moffat graduates to attend High School in Buchanan, Liberia. There are no High Schools in the rural area, so the students must move to the city to attend high school. There are many school costs associated with this, as well as the logistics of finding a place to live while attending high school in the city. This past year we celebrated as the first two High School students that we supported, Peter Teedoe and Decontee Gray, graduated from High School. Our current supported students are in the 11th and 9th grades and need our continued prayers and support.

February 2025 Mission Trip - We also have the exciting news that Eleanor Shipley and Rebecca Lundy travelled to Liberia on February 3rd as part of a large conference mission team to visit the many projects that we support. They will be visiting Gretta Moffat School in John Dean Town, continuing to build on this wonderful connectional relationship. They will also be hand delivering school supplies and hopefully getting to meet some of the high school students whom we have supported. South Lyon FUMC is doing amazing work across the world by helping rural Liberian children get an education and your support is greatly appreciated! Supporting one student at Gretta Moffat is about $50.00, and one year of high school tuition runs abouts $325.00. If you would like to donate specifically to the Hope Scholarship Fund for high school, please add that notation to your giving. Please keep our mission trip team members, and our Liberian brothers and sisters in your daily prayers and may they feel the love and hope of God through our relationship with them.

Blessings, The Mission Team.

MICHIGAN CONFERENCE ADVOCACY DAY

Mark your calendars for the Michigan Conference Advocacy Day on March 12, 2025, in Lansing. This year’s theme addresses the crisis in care resulting from the 2019 auto no-fault insurance changes in Michigan. Because of these changes, available care for survivors has become drastically reduced and is often unavailable. As a result, seriously injured Michiganders are having their inherent worth and dignity stripped away—and many are even losing their lives. Faith leaders across the state continue to urge policymakers to resolve this humanitarian crisis, echoing the concerns of medical professionals.

Our priority legislation will (1) provide sustainable reimbursement rates for medical providers and (2) increase the number of reimbursable hours for family caregivers. This is a bipartisan and moral issue that demands our collective voice. Although the facts are clear, new legislation to correct the 2019 laws has yet to pass. By coming together as people of faith, we hope to shine a brighter light on this crisis and push for urgent action.



For more information on how you can join this important event, visit the Michigan Conference website or contact David Ascher. Let us stand together, advocate for justice, and help protect our neighbors in need.

CONGRATULATIONS, REBECCA LUNDY & ELEANOR SHIPLEY!

This month the SLFUMC youth have chosen Rebecca Lundy and Eleanor Shiplely to be the congregants of the month. The reasoning for the nomination was: They are taking a lot of stuff to help the Liberians, having a willingness to go to another country and be the hands and feet of God. Congratulations, Rebecca & Eleanor!

WE ARE HIRING

Lindy Juergens, our Administrator for Generosity, is transitioning into retirement. Luckily she is not leaving our pews and she is planning on helping our next Administrator for Generosity learn their job. We appreciate all that Lindy has given as part of our staff. Please be in prayer for this exciting next step for her and for our SPRT to find the right replacement.

SLFUMC seeks an Administrator For Generosity, part-time (6-10 hrs/week), to manage contributions and donations and maintain records of giving. Being a good communicator in person and in writing, as well as prioritizing confidentiality, are important attributes to possess. Position responsibilities include processing all methods of giving, entering all contribution information into the church database, preparing giving and other related reports, and assisting church office staff and providing office coverage as needed. Proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint (or similar software) is expected. Resumes should be sent to staffparishslfumc@att.net. 

KOH SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP

The application period for the 2025 scholarship is open until March 31. For information about the program, including application criteria, look for the program information document and application form on the church website. 

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

There are always opportunities to serve in many ways. If you find yourself called to help, please call the church office. We receive calls for assistance in all kinds of ways. Here are a couple of immediate needs:

DRIVING MENTOR NEEDED

Do you consider yourself an awesome driver, teacher, or mentor? If so, I have a great opportunity for you. We have a person in their 30’s who has never had a drivers license and desires to have one. This person has reached out to see if there is anyone in our church family who might be willing to be a mentor in the process. The first step would be studying and passing the written test. Please pray about whether God is nudging you to help this person reach their goal. If so, contact Rev. Mary for more information.  

HOMEOUND MINISTRY

We are in the process of improving our Homebound Ministry. We are looking for ideas to improve this ministry as well as individuals who would be willing to do home visits or make calls. If you have time and would like to help please contact Laura Hatch or Rev. Mary so that you can be part of our next planning session. 

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.