What’s happening in the
life of our church
November 14, 2024
A note from Pastor Alice
Dear friends in Christ,
First the reminders of all the fellowship opportunities in the next days:
- Sunday is our Fall Harvest Dinner at 1pm. Bryan will make smoked turkey, stuffing and gravy; you bring the sides. We have invited Bethel AME to join us. We are all excited for this celebration of abundance.
- The Adrian Community Preschool Auction is on Monday — well before you are out of funds from Black Friday shopping. Come and get all your shopping done at the friendliest place in town!
- Mr. Todd Warner will bring the message on Sunday, November 24th while I travel to Alabama to winterize the farmhouse. It will be a blessed day!
- Greening of the Church will happen on Sunday, December 1 after church. We would love everyone’s help in this joyful time of decorating and cheer.
Updates on a couple of other items of note:
- Muller Organ came this past week to tune the organ and assess/measure parts needed so they can place the order for the parts. That’s exciting!
- 2025 Pledge Update: Last year, we received 83 pledge cards totalling $330,600 in pledges. To date, we have have received 79 pledge cards totalling $336,700. You are all so generous in all you do and all you bring and we are all grateful for the opporutnities God provides through and wth you. If you have not yet turned in your pledge card, we would still love to receive them. It helps our planning for the next year.
And our newest opportunity for discernment: BRIO P.A.C.E.
Last Sunday, Mr. Steve Fetyko, President and C.E.O. of BRIO (the umbrella company that oversees our United Methodist Reitrement and Aging communities) met with a group of around 90 church attenders to talk about our P.A.C.E. program and the possibility of entering a long term lease agreement with them utilizing a good portion of our west wing. It was a really helpful conversation starter, and now the work is in our hands to discern how we feel the Holy Spirit’s guidance in this potential ministry.
To continue this conversation and to gather our questions and concerns, we will meet in Fellowship Hall this Wednesday, 11/20, at 6:30pm (after the prayer time in the sanctuary at 6:15pm). Please bring your questions/concerns and be part of these conversations — or write them down and get them to me. There is much to consider before we make our decision at the end of January.
We are in exciting times, to be sure! May we follow the wind of the Spirit.
Faithfully,
Rev. Alice
When the Deer Come to Worship
Just as we were beginning the replacement work of the windows in the lounge and the Soul Cafe, Norm Glasser came by to inspect the progress just in time to hear from neighbors walking dogs that a deer just broke into our church. Not knowing for sure what to expect, he came in watching out for a trapped, wild dear — only to find that the faithful creature was only passing through. In through the front plate glass window and immediately out through the back.
Let’s all say thank you to Norm Glasser, Gerry Burg and Rich Wilkins for their hard work in cleaning up and securing the building in short notice.
And that said, take a walk down through Soul Cafe to see the newly replaced windows. They were required as the old ones were no longer able to stay in their frames and were a safetfy risk. Thank you to Dan Deline and the work of all the Trustees!
Advent Study & Sermon Series
The Advent study this season is guided by the book, Calling All Angels, by Erin Wathen. With busy, stressful lives, why should we take time out to read and discuss this book? We should, precisely, because we are busy, distracted, and perhaps fearful of our world’s future. This book reminds us of four stories where people in stressful situations were visited by angels, and were each told: “Do not be afraid.” The book’s author asks us what we would do if we were not afraid. She urges us to use Advent to claim courage and fearless faith to transform the world.
Any amount of reflection on our familiar Bible verses and stories can lead to unexpected benefits – what a gift for our faith journeys!
You can purchase the book and use it for personal study. Or even better, you could experience the wisdom of group discussions either with the Seekers Sunday School class Sundays after church, or join me at 4:30 pm on Wednesdays before the Wednesday meal in the Heritage Room. There will be four sessions in this study, looking at one chapter per week of Advent. For each chapter, the study provides a short introductory video, a Bible story, questions for personal reflection/discussion, activity suggestions, daily reflection topics, and a prayer.
Advent begins on December 1st. Contact me if you have questions for me: jsalzwedel@comcast.net or call or text to 517-673-7383.
– Janet Salzwedel
Service Opportunities
We have various service events this season. Please sign up by clicking on a link below or in the Welcome Center.
Altar Flowers
Coffee Hour
Quiche Project
Sunday Mornings
WOW After Dinner Activities
Stewardship 2025
You should have received a stewardship card in the mail. These cards ask you to note both your financial and service commitments for the approaching year. We invite you to give as an act of faith. Please remember that there are many ways to give: through prayer, volunteer work, or financial contributions. Your generosity truly makes a difference.
“I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young will see visions. Your elders will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17)
Help support the Adrian Community Preschool
WHAT? Holiday Auction for Adrian Community Preschool
WHEN? Monday, November 18th
WHAT TO EXPECT? Silent Auction, Bake Sale, and Limited Live Auction
WHAT IS NEEDED? Handmade items, Quality Antiques, Event Tickets, Themed Baskets, Seasonal Baked Goods, Men’s Items, New Seasonal Items. ((Things that cannot be accepted are used items, garage sale items and clothing))
WHAT MORE IS NEEDED? Volunteers to help set up and monitor the event
MORE DETAILS: Items are due to the church by Thursday, November 14th, baked goods due by noon on November 18th.
Questions?
Christine MacNaughton, 517-366-8756 or Char Wilkens, 517-507-3327
Quiche Sale to support the outreach of our Food Minitstries
The annual Adrian First Quiche Sale to support the outreach of our Food Ministries is here!! House-made Ham & Cheese, Spinach & Mushroom, and Grilled Chicken & Broccoli quiche are available for $20 each. Order forms are available on the website, Narthex, and in the church office. Orders are due by noon on Sunday November 17th. Quiche will be available to pick up at the church near door 13 to Fellowship Hall from 10:40am to noon on the following Sunday, November 24th. The quiche make great holiday breakfast or brunch meals, or great gifts. Proceeds from this sale help fund our Food Ministries – Homebound Hot and Frozen Meal Program and Share the Warmth Meals for the year. What a delicious way to help fund an important ministry of our church.
We are looking for volunteers to help make the quiche and assemble the quiche boxes on Friday Nov. 22nd from 4pm to 8pm, and Saturday Nov. 23rd from 8:00am to 12:30pm
Click HERE to volunteer for the Quiche Sale.
Community Christmas Carol Sing at Adrian FUMC
Looking for an opportunity to begin the holiday season with joy? Come join members of the Lenawee Community Chorus for a Community Christmas Carol Sing. Nothing complicated, just a chance to gather, be in community with each other and… sing! All are invited-you, family, friends and neighbors.
The carol sing will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7th 3 pm- 4 pm in our sanctuary. There is no cost and reservations are not required.
Coffee and hot cocoa, generously donated by Musgrove Coffee & Company, will be available in our fellowship hall afterwards.
Questions? Contact Jan Murley
Spread the word and see you on Dec. 7th!
Hurricane Response
Donation to Hurricane Relief in North Carolina: You responded so quickly and gave so generously to help provide a direct donation into area’s of need in North Carolina. Partnering with Port Huron FUMC and others, you made a big difference. Thank you!
Prayer Gathering
You are invited to join in these upcoming opportunities for prayer and study. Where two or more are gathered, the Lord is there!
Prayer Opportunities
When: Wednesdays after WOW @ 6:30pm
Where: Sanctuary
Why: To pray for the coming election
Prayer Study
When: Thursdays @ 10-11am
Where: Room 3
Why: Eight week study on the Lord’s Prayer
The Congregational Care Team
The Congregational Care Team invites the congregation to stop by Room 5 and share some joy. There are all kinds of wonderful cards available along with a church directory and return address labels. Stop by and brighten someone else’s day or brighten your own day by giving to someone else. All you have to do is add the stamp! Thank you to all who have donated cards.
Adult Sunday School
Seeker’s Sunday Morning Study Group
The Seekers Sunday morning study group will be discussing: Jesus’ AlternativePlan: The Sermon on the Mount by Richard Rohr. “When Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God, he was talking about an utterly different way of relating to human society as we know it…In this book, Richard Rohr goes through the teachings of the sermon, explaining the historical and cultural context of each verse and offering guidance for what it means for Christians today. “
Seekers meet in the lounge at 10:45 on Sunday mornings. Below is a link for information about the study. Purchase the book on your own in whatever format you choose.
Please let me know if you will be joining the group. I will add you to the contact list for the reading assignments.
Adult Sunday Bible Study
Join in our ongoing Adult Sunday Bible Study in room 5 on Sunday mornings after church.
This fall, our Bible lessons follow the theme “Claiming Identity.” They unpack and explore the concept of identity by examining the life and experiences of Esther, the factors that shape our identity, and how we find and claim our identity in Christ.
The writer of the student book is Dan Dick.
Information on our Wednesday Dinners:
Seeking cooks to manage one meal a month.
FYI: We have worked hard to keep the cost at $5/meal and find we can no longer faithfully sustain that price. Dinners are $7/meal or $25/family. As always, no one is turned away for any reason.
Also, our very best Chef Bryan agreed to cook for us until his busy season begins in November. If you would like to help step into this blessed ministry of creating meals for a community, please contact Rev. Alice.
RSVP (for planning purposes) by calling or emailing the church office or note on your connection card. Feel free to drop by last minute.
Opportunities to Give
Little Free Pantry
Drop off in the red box outside of the nursery/preschool rooms or in the office. Take what you need and add as you are able.
St Mary’s Food Pantry
At Meijer checkout, purchase a Meijer Simply Give gift card. This $10 food-only Meijer gift card is donated directly to St Mary’s. The Meijer Simply Give Program is running until the end of December to keep providing fresh produce, eggs, milk, and bread to families in need. In September, St. Mary’s helped 163 families, 456 individuals, 174 of which were children. 27 new families came for food assistance. The need is greater every day and your continued support and donations are really appreciated. They also give toiletries and provide utility assistance with shut off notices.
Current needs: Peanut butter and jelly, cereals, fresh produce, and healthy snacks.
Share the Warmth of Lenawee
Donations of goods as well as volunteers are needed. Top needs are disinfectant, toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, printer paper, eggs, whole milk, breakfast bars, coffee/sugar/creamer, non-perishable food items, cereal, bottled water, frozen meat, Advil/Tylenol, cold/flu meds, blankets/pillows, twin size sheets, and bath towels/washcloths. Please contact Heather if you are able to help with any events at heather@stwlenawee.org or 734-625-0053.
Ongoing Ministries
Please check the on-line calendar (click here) for all information & current updates.
Handicrafters
6:30 pm, 2nd and 4th Mondays
Gardening
In the Memorial Garden Tuesdays (weather permitting) at 9:30 am
Quilters
Tuesdays from 10 am-2 pm in the Lounge
Men’s Breakfast
7:00 am, first Wednesday of month at Family Kitchen
W.O.W. (Wednesdays of Wonder)
5:30-7:30 pm weekly
Prayer Gathering
10:00 am, first Thursdays in Room 3
Handbell Choir
Watch for fall details as they become available.
Little Dresses
2nd & 4th Thursdays from 1-3 pm
Pub Theology
The 4th Thursday of each month at Aubree’s @ 5:30 pm
Chorale
Every Sunday at 8:15 am in Room 18
Community Events
For your information
Prayer Requests
Please contact the church office with your prayer requests by phone, email or note on your connection card. Prayer requests will be shared with the congregation through the bulletins and Tidings. If the prayer request is private, please note at the time of request.
We also invite you to share your joys and celebrations. Just email the church office!
Please know that prayer is our foundation and everything we do is surrounded in prayer.
Next bi-weekly Tidings will be published on November 28th. Please send articles to the office by October 26th. Contact the church office at (517) 265-5689 x402 or email at adrianfumc@adrianfumc.org.
On-Line Church Calendar can be found here.
Please sign up for coffee hour hosts and flower dedications at the Welcome Center or contact the office for open dates.