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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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Welcome to November Dear Friends,
This November, we find ourselves in a difficult season. The government has shut down, food assistance is shrinking, and even the sunlight seems scarce. The days are growing shorter, and many hearts feel heavy. I do not know about you, but I feel like I need some more light, figuratively and literally. Light is needed for the longer times and for this season.
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But I remember that we are people of faith. We remember that when the nights are long, God is not absent—God draws near. May we look and see flickers of hope around us. Maybe we could even light a candle and allow the flickering light to remind us of God’s presence, naming the needs of others who are trying to fill bare cupboards, who are afraid, who are in pain, who are separated from a loved one, who are in war torn spaces, who are seeking justice, who are awaiting test results, who are mourning, ...
May our candle flames be the sparks that keep hope alive. Let us be the ones who refuse despair—who light the way for each other, who trust that even now, God’s light will find us.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
— John 1:5
In hope, Rev. Mary
P.S. I encourage you to remember Active Faith when you are out grocery shopping. Their business has increased by 25% and they are expecting that number to rise this month. Food scarcity is a concern in our community and alongside of our community partner we can help our brothers and sisters.
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GENEROUS LIVING: ROOTED IN GRATITUDE & TRUST
Our 2025 Generosity Campaign Has Begun!
At South Lyon First UMC, we are excited to launch our 2025 generosity campaign: Generous Living: Rooted in Gratitude and Trust. This year’s theme reflects our belief that generosity is more than what we give—it’s how we live, grounded in gratitude for God’s blessings and trust in God’s provision.
This campaign ties directly to the new vision statement of The United Methodist Church, which calls us to:
“love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.”
At South Lyon First, this vision comes to life through our core values:
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Welcoming: Embracing all in a safe and inclusive space.
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Relationships: Connecting across generations through shared experiences.
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Growth: Learning and deepening our faith together.
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Community: Serving and advocating with heartfelt compassion.
Thanks to your faithful giving, our ministries thrive locally and globally. From worship and outreach in South Lyon to disaster relief and global missions through United Methodist connectional giving, we are United in Impact.
Estimate of Giving cards will arrive in your mailbox soon. Please prayerfully consider your commitment to Generous Living in 2025.
We will be blessing these commitments at service on November 16th
Watch these powerful videos about the impact of giving across the denomination and in our local church:
Generous Living - Use the button below to watch now
UNITED IN IMPACT – Watch Now
Let’s continue living generously—with open hands, open hearts, and deep trust in God.
—The Generosity Team
South Lyon First United Methodist Church
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SOUTH LYON COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE NOV 6
Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood
and or platelets. Donating blood takes about an hour
and has the potential to impact up to three lives. Please sign up to give blood on Nov 6th between 1-6:30pm.
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CHURCH-WIDE DIALOGUE NOV 17
As an affirming denomination, we are called to treat everyone with dignity, respect, and the love and peace of Jesus Christ. With that calling as our foundation, we recognize that we should be engaging church-wide in open dialogue on a regular basis.
On November 17th at 7:00 pm, we would like to build on the conversation we began in June to live into our welcome statement and core values. At this gathering, we will review the feedback collected in June and the progress made by the workgroup created as a result of that event.
Using small breakout groups, we will discuss different ways we can extend hospitality to all - not just through signage, but also through our policies, weddings, our online presence, and our small group learning and connection opportunities.
Early in 2026, we plan to focus the conversations on church priorities: examining how we allocate the church’s resources to best align with our core values.
This will allow us to continue the conversation and to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit.
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HANGING OF THE GREENS NOV 23
As Advent draws near, all are invited to join us for our annual Hanging of the Greens immediately following the second service on Sunday, November 23.
This beloved tradition is a joyful way to kick off the Christmas season as we work together to transform our church with the sights and symbols of Advent—evergreens, candles, and bows that remind us of God’s everlasting love.
There will be projects for all ages, including special tasks for youth and families, so everyone can take part. Whether you can stay for a few minutes or a bit longer, your help will make a difference—after all, many hands make light work!
Come lend a hand, share some laughter, and help us prepare our church home to welcome the Christ Child once again. Contact David Ascher for more information.
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ANGEL TREE
There are many moving parts to making the Angel Tree successful and many hands are needed. Please look at the Sign Up Genius to see where you can assist.
Please contact Tina Sain with any questions.
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CHRISTMAS LETTERS: A MUSICAL
The church Christmas pageant will be here before we know it and we need lots of children and youth participants. Rehearsals will be held during the Sunday School hour (9:45-10:45) from Nov 2-Dec 14 with no rehearsal on Thanksgiving weekend (Nov 30).
The performance will be on December 14 during the 11am service. Children do not need to be a regular Sunday School attendee to participate, but we are asking that they make as many rehearsals as possible so everyone can learn all the songs!
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CHRISTMAS EVE POINSETTIAS
We are decorating our sanctuary with beautiful poinsettias on Christmas Eve. The flowers may be dedicated in “honor” or “memory” of special people in our lives. The cost is $14.00 per plant. Place your order with your offering, drop it off at the church office, or use the QR code to order online. Orders with payment must be received by Dec 4th. Poinsettias may be taken home after the worship services on Christmas Eve or on Dec 28th. After Dec 28th, any plants remaining will be gifted.
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GLASS ART & HOLLY-DAY LUNCH
Bobby Bushey and the Tiny Home Initiative Team are hosting a glass art and holly-day lunch in support of the Tiny Home Initiative. Sign up today using the QR Code or the link below: $50 includes all of the materials needed for your make-your-own glass art and a special holly-day lunch on Nov 16th at 12:15 in the Fellowship Hall.
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NOVEMBER MISSION OF THE MONTH: CASS ROTATIONAL SHELTER
This month we are supporting the Cass Community & Social Services Rotational Shelter, which provides food, housing, and care for those experiencing homelessness in Detroit.
From Jan. 17–24, 2026, South Lyon FUMC will host 20 guests from Cass each evening, offering dinner, fellowship, overnight supervision, breakfast, and packed lunches before they return to Cass each morning.
How you can help this November:
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Volunteer for a 6-hour overnight shift or to help prepare/serve meals (Sign up below)
- Donate funds toward transportation and food costs
- Contribute supplies in the parlor collection box:
- Pre-packaged chips & cookies
- Bottled water & lemonade mix
- Ground coffee
- New or gently used carry-on suitcases (clients often only have garbage bags)
Questions? Contact Kim Ascher.
Let’s show God’s love in action—your time, donations, and prayers make a difference!
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SLFUMC FINANCIAL UPDATE: SEPTEMBER YTD
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Income/Giving = $283,814
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Expenses = $298,637
- Ministry Shares
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SLFUMC 2025 Ministry Shares Responsibility = $42,071
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2025 goal is to pay 35% from Operating budget = $14,725
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Through September we have paid 32% of our 2025 responsibility = $13,886
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Remaining to meet our 2025 responsibility = $28,185
As you have experienced the generosity of God’s love in your life through Jesus Christ, may you share from your hearts in order that ministry may be accomplished in the name of our Risen Lord.
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Living Our Faith in Today’s World
As United Methodists, we believe faith is active—not passive. It shapes how we live, work, and care for others every day. Our denomination, through the General Board of Church and Society, helps us put faith into action by addressing many of today’s pressing social issues—from climate change and economic justice to immigration and peacebuilding.
One helpful resource is the Faith & Facts cards, concise two-sided guides that summarize:
- What Scripture says on a topic
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What the United Methodist Church teaches through its Social Principles
- Key facts and faithful actions we can take
These cards bridge faith and real-world understanding, helping individuals and small groups discuss issues prayerfully and act compassionately. Topics in the 2025 series include Climate Justice, Gun Violence, Worker Justice, Immigration, and more.
You can explore and download the full set here:
https://www.umcjustice.org/latest/2025-faith-facts-cards-1540
To learn more about how our church engages with social issues grounded in faith, visit UMCJustice.org. Together, may we live out our calling to “love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.”
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Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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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 the main doors to the church and on the kiosk.
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