MAY 22

VISIT: southlyonfirstumc.org

for more information

Dear Church Family,

As I write to you, I am in the middle of two different types of weekends. The in between is filled with trying to get work done at church and in the garden, to care for my spirit, and to deal with any surprises that come my way. In my life, there are always surprises. My goal is to try not to be anxious in the midst of the change/crisis/surprise. 

Last weekend, along with Stuart and Nora Baker, I traveled to Texas for a church training opportunity (thanks to the Texas Foundation of the UMC and the Michigan Foundation of the UMC). This was the final cohort event, part of the C3 Learning, which you have been hearing about and the expenses were cared for through grants! We will continue to share what we have learned as a way for us to be courageous with our imagination as we see how we can do ministry next. I have been to more workshops, training events, and conferences than I can count, and many have not been memorable, but our time in Texas was more than I could have imagined. Even though we arrived within hours of a deadly tornado that went through Houston, the organizers created a flawless event that poured out hospitality on all 48 of us at every moment. We had our imaginations for ministry expanded in exciting ways. I am coming home filled with the Holy Spirit and exhausted.  

This next weekend I will be away on vacation for a couple of days. Several months ago, due to pastoral surprise situations, a planned vacation week was cut short, so this is the make-up weekend. This weekend also happens to be the weekend that we change our worship schedule to one service. So if you are in town, at 9:45 am, David Ascher will be the preacher for the day. Please come and be a support to him and worship God.

This weekend contains Memorial Day. Has your family lost a loved one during service in the United States of America? Mine has not; I have no idea what that feels like, but my heart breaks for those who know this as their reality. I will pause this weekend to think about and give thanks for their ultimate service and sacrifice. 

This week, I also am thinking about those who are currently serving their country and their families. I have no idea what it would be like to be caring for a family while a spouse is away serving their country. Nor do I know what it would be like to be serving their country and be away missing the daily events of family life. 

These are just a few rambling thoughts in your pastor's prayers and heart this week. Will you join me sometime this weekend lifting in prayer those who have died while serving our country? Will you also pray for peace, so that no more families will lose a family member because of war and violence? As I watch the little parade in the community that I will be visiting this weekend, this is what I will be praying.  

Peace and Love, Rev. Mary

MISSION OF THE MONTH – FEEDING HUNGRY CHILDREN

During the summer months, we host and coordinate the Summer Lunch Program with the help of other churches, businesses, and organizations. We provide lunch to food insecure students and their families twice a week. This year we will also be providing weekend meal bags to families, so we are collecting canned chicken, and ravioli in the parlor. Please prayerfully consider donating to this mission of the month to support the Summer Lunch Program.

Also, please consider helping to spread love and care by decorating lunch bags. There are lunch bags available in a basket in the church parlor. After decorating, please return them to the same basket. Some of our Sunday School classes have already sharing God's love!

SIGN UP FOR BLOOD DRIVE

Date: Thursday, May 30th, 2024

Location: Fellowship Evangelical Presbyterian Church – Multi-Purpose Room

Time: 1:00pm-6:30pm

GOD'S COUNTRY MISSION TRIP GOLF OUTING

Register and pay (using the QR Code) for our 6th Annual Golf Outing on June 9th to benefit the South Lyon First United Methodist Church's mission trip to God's Country.

Please see Holly Schlusler for more information. 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2024

Register for a Summer Camp Adventure with God!

Use the QR Code to register or to volunteer!

SUMMER YOUTH MISSIONS

It’s time to sign up for our 2024 Summer Youth Missions:

Follow this link for more information and to sign up for the Senior High Mission Trip,

July 21-27. Open to completed 9^th graders through completed 12^th graders.



To volunteer to help chaperone either trip, or for more information, please contact Kendi

Dear Members and Friends of the South Lyon United Methodist Church,

As Chairperson of the Staff Parish Relations Committee of South Lyon United Methodist Church, I have the responsibility to announce the appointment of Kendi Holcomb-Densmore, to Laingsburg United Methodist Church, effective July 1, 2024. This appointment has been made by our Bishop David Bard, in consultation with the Michigan Conference Cabinet of The United Methodist Church. The decision to appoint Kendi to Laingsburg United Methodist Church occurred after considerable discernment, prayer, and discussion. Kendi has agreed to accept the appointment.

In the coming weeks, we will have the opportunity to express our appreciation for Kendi’s ministry in our midst. There will be time to say our good-byes and time to begin planning for the person whom God will send as her replacement. (The send-off reception for Kendi will be held on Sunday, June 16, 2024, following the regularly scheduled worship service.)

As United Methodists, we affirm with faithful understanding that we, the Church, are the body of Christ. It is Christ’s sustaining Spirit that will guide us in the days ahead. Let us remember to claim our faith in Christ’s presence during this time of transition.

 In Christ’s Service,

Robin Fanning, SPRT Chair

FAREWELL CELEBRATION FOR DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION

KENDI HOLCOMB-DENSMORE

  Church friends, please join us for a celebration honoring Kendi as she prepares to leave for her assignment as pastor of Laingsburg UMC. This will be held on Sunday, June 16, in the parlor immediately following worship. Continental breakfast items will be served.

  As we are Kendi’s home church, we wish to gift her some special items that she will need in her ministry. We would like to purchase a pastoral robe for her and some worship aid materials. A Love Offering will be collected for this. If you wish to contribute to this gift, please do so by donating at the church office, in the offering plate, or online. Be sure to indicate that your donation is to be applied to this gift.

  Please feel free to have cards for Kendi, and you will also have the opportunity on June 16 to give a personal message to her. 

  Thank you and we look forward to wishing Kendi the best at this event.

Staff Parish Relations Team 

WE ARE HIRING

Friends - it is an exciting time at SLFUMC, and we will be hiring two new staff people. Networking will lead to our best successes in obtaining candidates.

Please share these job descriptions with those you know and encourage friends to apply. Thank you! - SLFUMC SPRT.

Band Leader, part-time (15-18 hours per week, currently, with possibility of additional hours in future) to lead the band during worship services and events with a modern style of Christian music. Position responsibilities include selecting appropriate music, coordinating volunteer musicians and conducting rehearsals, and collaborating and assisting with worship planning. Resumes should be sent to staffparishslfumc@att.net. For further information contact Cathy Altenberger.

Director of Faith Formation, part-time (30 hours per week, with possibility of growth to a full-time position) Seeking a Director of Faith Formation for 570-member mission driven church in family-oriented community. This staff member would cultivate faith formation for all ages: Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, youth group, youth mission trips, and adult ministries. We are looking for a dynamic person of faith and creativity who can inspire children, youth and engage/manage adult volunteers while serving as a mentor and role model. Must be able to teach and model beliefs consistent with the United Methodist Church. Willingness to engage in community relations, enact excellent communication skills, and effectively use social media are requirements.  Salary commensurate with experience. Theological training is preferred. See our church website at SouthLyonFirstUMC.org. Please send your resume and salary requirements by June 3, 2024 to staffparishslfumc@att.net.

COURAGEOUS, COLLABORATIVE CONGREGATION

“Muscle” #3 Walking Alongside People

The third muscle we learned about in the “C3” discernment process was “Walking Alongside

People.” (Muscle #1 was “Grieving Well” and Muscle #2 was “Discerning Our Purpose”).

Walking alongside people means shifting our thinking from programs to relationships,

focusing on the gifts and assets that can be found in our neighboring community. This takes

knowing our neighbors and talking to them, not just to find out what needs exist but to find

out what gifts and talents exist and where God may be already working.

An example of walking alongside our neighbors is our Summer Lunch Program, where we

partner with people in our community to provide free lunches for those that need them.

Instead of saying, we don't have the people or resources to do something, we might say,

there may be people in our neighborhood who are already doing that, and we can join them!

By partnering with others, we expand our reach and are able to connect with even more of our

community to see where God is working and to see how we can be a part of that work.

What can you learn from your neighbors and share with us at South Lyon UMC?

RUMMAGE SALE

Donations drop-off will begin on Aug 12 through Aug 15. Please talk to Jeanette Russel if you are willing to volunteer. The Rummage Sale starts on Aug 16 (9AM - 3PM) and continues Aug 17 (9 AM -1 PM). All proceeds will be split between Trustee and Christian Outreach projects.

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

·       Use Text-To-Give on your phone, send #oper or #mom to 844-418-2873

·       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.