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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
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Dear Church Family,
For Christmas this year I gave Johnny a trip to Disney World. He had never been there, and something told me that my baby brother would love it. It is a short trip, we are only doing a couple of parks, and we will go at his pace. We arrived yesterday. We went from -14 degrees to 68 degrees in just 2 ½ hours. This alone felt so good. He has not stopped smiling the whole time. To see the joy and amazement through his eyes has been such a gift to me.
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As you drive into the area, there is a sign that says, “The most magical place on earth.” When we drove under those words, I smiled and thought, “Actually last week, when our church hosted the Cass Rotational Shelter, a truly magical week, a holy sacred week was created for all who entered our building.” Thank you again for Kim Ascher who brought this opportunity to our church and organized the week; for Jen Denny who organized the meals; and for every volunteer, prayer, and donation. Together with God, a beloved community was created.
A Beloved Community, this is what I feel Jesus calls us towards through our worship, prayers, and actions.
After spending only 24 hours at Disney, I am struck by how the employees treat all of their guests. Johnny has been treated like royalty, even the caretaker for our floor calls him King John each time he sees him - and you should see Johnny smile, greet him, and walk a little taller as they pass one another. Johnny feels seen, valued, and welcomed, just like our guests from last week.
As I woke up this morning and began my devotion time, all of these thoughts, and the events in Minnesota were all tumbling in my brain and heart together. Why can some places and people treat other humans with dignity and love while others cannot? Will we, not just our country, but all of humanity, ever do better?
The world just feels so heavy. I am outraged as I watch, by accident, a second video of an American citizen gunned down due to protesting. This is wrong, when will our leaders guide and find ways to turn down the temperatures? What can we do? Yes, of course pray, but also find ways to name the inhumane treatment happening. Our United Methodist Council of Bishops released a statement this week and I appreciated this quote: “And we ask that we work together with our communities so that we can create a world where the sword is turned into plowshares, and the lion lays down with the lamb.” May it be so. If Disney can create training programs for helping their employees see the needs of their customers and to be ambassadors of radical hospitality, and if our church can pour out love and dignity, surely our government could do a little of the same? To look at one another as valued humans, to listen and creatively problem solve in ways that do not involve fear and violence, and just maybe they could look around with more compassion.
These are just the ramblings in my heart this week. I do not even have all the words to describe all the emotions deep in my soul. I also have no clear plan of how to address such big issues in our country. I just want to have hope for a better world for all.
My heart aches but I will not stop having hope, and doing my best to love others just like Jesus does. Peace, Rev. Mary
I have included our bishops’ statement for those who are interested in reading it.
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SCOUT SUNDAY FEB 8TH
Come and support our scouts as they participate and serve during the services. If you are currently a scout or have been a scout, wear your uniform to church on Sunday.
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FAITHFUL & INCLUSIVE CLASS
Twice a month, Rev. Mary will host a study after the 11AM service to help us gain an understanding of how we can be both obedient to God’s Word and fully welcoming to LGBTQ persons in our church.
Faithful & Inclusive allows you to gain an understanding of how United Methodists can be both obedient to God’s Word and fully welcoming to LGBTQ persons in the church. This six-session resource will be meant to create a safe space to navigate through this thorny issue, relying on the biblical-interpretation approach of Methodism’s founder, John Wesley. Each video session also features the faith journeys of members of the LGBTQ community and their families.
The six 50-minute video sessions cover these subjects:
1: How United Methodists Interpret Scripture
2: Old Testament Passages
3: The Influence of Culture on How We Read the Bible
4: New Testament Passages
5: The Jesus Ethic: What Did Christ Say?
6: Where Does the South Lyon First UMC Go From Here?
Feel free to reach out to Rev. Mary if you want more information.
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WALKING CLUB HELP
The Walking Club resumes again this winter, starting this week. The signup sheet to volunteer is on the kiosk. As a walker, you will walk the hallways of the church building from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. 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.
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LADIES' GAME NIGHT FEB 13
You won’t want to miss a night of games and fellowship on Feb 13th at 6:45PM. All ages welcome! Bring a friend and your own beverage.
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BOOK CLUB WITH THE PASTOR
I have missed our book discussions. Mark your calendar for February 17th at 7 pm. Our first book of 2026 will be Cultivating Christlikeness: Loving as Jesus Loved by Paul W. Chilcote. I have had this book on my shelf for a while and I am always looking for ways to live a life that reflects Jesus' love in this world. Men, women, and people of all ages are welcome.
“Our communities and the world are crying out for empathy, authenticity, and integrity. This book helps us choose ways of living that are grace-filled and redeeming. Cultivating Christlikeness is about the bold adventure of United Methodists celebrating and living into a grand vision that includes everyone in God’s extravagant embrace. Jesus invites us to partner in the work of transformation, new birth, and resurrection in every aspect of our lives. Together we can step into a future showered by God’s multiplying love.”
Mark your calendars for future Book Club with the Pastor dates: March 24th, April 28th, and May 19th. What books would you like to read together next? I also have Freeing Jesus by Diana Butler Bass, Unraveling by Rebecca Wilson, Mere Christians, Sermon on the Mount by Any-Jill Levine, Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann, Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown, What Makes you Come Alive by Lerita Brown, and The Color of Compromise all sitting waiting to be read, (yes, I have many books to read).
So bring your book ideas to our February discussion and we will pick the next 3 together. If you have any questions, reach out to me. Peace, Rev. Mary
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SIP & DIP TINY HOME FUNDRAISER
Date: Saturday, January 31st
Time: 6:00–9:00 pm
Location: Amy Randall-Ray’s Home
1001 Birchway Court, South Lyon
Cost: $35 per person
Includes all painting supplies – instructor led (beginner skill level!)
Sign Up: Click on the QR code to sign up by paying online
What to Bring: A “sip” (your favorite drink) or a “dip” (a snack to share) to add to the fun!
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EXPLORING NEW MEMBERSHIP CLASS FEB 8
Have you been engaging in worship and ministry for a bit and are you ready to take next steps into claiming South Lyon First UMC as your church family? Then please reserve a spot for your family in this class, lunch will be provided. Rev. Mary will be sharing about this church’s history, the United Methodist Church, our church’s vision and goals, as well as details about what it means to be a member and about ways your gifts can impact our church and community. Lunch will be provided as well as a sitter if needed.
Contact Rev. Mary for any extra information needed.
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LEGO MY EGGO MAR 13
Join us at 5:30 PM on Mar 13th in the fellowship hall and enjoy a waffle bar, Lego gallery on display, and Lego challenges. $5/person, or $20/family.
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KOH SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP
Applications are now being accepted!
Apply by March 31. For information about the program & application criteria, please check the church website.
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Stand Up for Justice: Join Us at the Michigan Conference Advocacy Day — March 18!
As people of faith called to love our neighbors and seek the common good, The United Methodist Church invites you to take part in Advocacy Day 2026 at the Michigan State Capitol on Wednesday, March 18. Advocacy is a powerful way we live out our Wesleyan heritage—not only serving those in need but also addressing the systems and policies that shape their lives.
At its heart, advocacy is an expression of Christian discipleship. We are called to speak truth in love and work for justice, compassion, and mercy in our communities. Advocacy Day gives us the training, tools, and fellowship to meet with state lawmakers, share our stories, and encourage policies that reflect our faith’s commitment to dignity and thriving for all people.
This year’s Advocacy Day focuses on food insecurity, a pressing issue affecting many in Michigan. Too many families struggle to put nutritious meals on the table, including children, older adults, and working households. Through education, relationship-building with legislators, and faithful witness, United Methodists will help lift up the voices of those who experience hunger and advocate for lasting solutions.
Whether you have participated in advocacy before or want to learn how your faith can shape public life, Advocacy Day is for you. Join other United Methodists from around the state for a day of prayer, conversation, witness, and worship.
Learn more, read the full article, and register here:
https://michiganumc.org/advocacy-day-to-address-food-insecurity/
Together, let’s turn our faith into action and be a voice for those who are hungry—not only for food but for justice.
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GENEROSITY UPDATE
Why do we need everyone to turn in an estimate of giving card?
We all need to pray, and reflect, on what financial gift God is calling us to give to SLFUMC to fulfill our local and global Ministries & Missions.
The Finance Team, and Church Council, use the estimate of giving cards to determine what Ministries & Missions we can financially support.
Please submit your Estimate of giving card at church or online.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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