What’s happening in the
life of our church
April 17, 2024
A Message from Rev. Alice
Dear AFUMC family and friends,
The Lord is Risen! Spring has arrived! Summer comes quickly! Excitement is in the air and in the church!
In the next couple weeks, I will unfold our spring/summer programming and am always looking for your input and feedback. Particularly, your thoughts on anything you feel led to lead or help lead. Let me know what activities you are interested in over the summer and I will help rally the people and volunteers. You are all so generous in sharing your time and talents in so many ways.
Wednesday dinners will continue throughout the summer. Come and join in Chef Bryan prepared meals every Wednesday at 530pm.
VBS will be held August 5-9, 9-noon. Registration will be available in the next week or two.
Also, I want to be sure everyone is aware that the leadership of AFUMC is considering changing the structure of the administrative committees. Along with many other United Methodist churches in the United States, we are looking into following the Single Accountable Structure Model. Please be sure to become as informed as you can as we will vote on this as a church at a called church conference sometime in the next couple months. If you have any questions at all, ask any of the committee leaders in the church or come and see me.
From the Michigan Conference website:
What is SAS?
Single Accountable Structure (SAS) redefines how churches make decisions by simplifying the process. Unlike traditional boards, SAS brings all members, including clergy and laity, together in a single accountable structure. This means everyone shares responsibility and contributes to decision-making. SAS encourages open communication and values diverse perspectives, creating a sense of shared leadership.
In SAS, decisions are made collectively, ensuring that each member’s input is considered. The structure eliminates unnecessary complexities, making it easy for everyone to understand and participate. This simplicity fosters trust and a stronger sense of community among the congregation.
CSAS operates on the principles of transparency and inclusivity, empowering every member to play a role in shaping the church’s direction. By streamlining decision-making and promoting a culture of shared responsibility, CSAS represents a more accessible and effective model of church governance, fostering unity and collaboration within the community.
- Fewer meetings
- Less reporting
- Faster decision making
- Greater innovation
- Grace-filled accountability
- Shared goals
- Fosters unity
I usually remind people that the Leadership Board is the handlebars of a bicycle. They steer the direction of the church for its mission and ministries. The ministry teams such as mission/outreach, membership care, and campus care provide the pedaling of the bicycle.
Here are a few links for you to review if you want to learn more.
https://kaykotan.com/sas-overview-2/
https://michiganumc.org/sas-single-accountability-structure/
Warmly,
Rev. Alice
Upcoming
Graduation Sunday May 19
We will be recognizing our graduates on Sunday, May 19th (Pentecost). If you or your children are graduating from high school, college or graduate school, please contact Rev. Alice Ford at pastor@adrianfumc.org
VBS August 5-9th
Registration beginning next week! Opportunities to Serve Rev. Alice is looking for those who love children to help with VBS. It will be a time of adult creativity and fellowship while we help the children learn about Jesus. Contact Rev. Alice. Rev. Alice is also looking for those who enjoy fellowship in the kitchen to help with our Wednesday dinners. Come and cook with Chef Bryan and enjoy the company of others in the kitchen. Contact Rev. Alice.
In the News
Textile Drive
The Outreach Team is sponsoring a textile drive to benefit Neighbors of Hope. From May 19 until June 2, we will be collecting various textiles that Neighbors of Hope will bind and sell to a recycler. Please bring in old clothing with stains or holes, old sheets, curtains, towels, etc. This is a chance to do some Spring cleaning and help out your community in the process.
Adrian Jr. Majorettes 2024 Summer Program
Registration begins on-line starting Saturday, May 4 at 9 am via their Facebook page. Lessons are free. Only costs are $10 for a team t-shirt (past one can be used) and $25 for a baton (if taking baton lessons). Note that a used baton also works. T-shirt and baton orders will be taken at the first two practices. Please bring cash. Financial assistance is also available. Practices are every Monday from June 3 – August 2 at Adrian First UMC, 1245 W Maple Ave, Adrian on the front lawn.
Baton classes 5:15 pm – 6:00 pm
Coach Kim ages 5-7
Coach Kris ages 8-10
Coach Jordan ages 11+
Pom Dance Classes 6:00 – 6:30 pm
Coach Julie ages 4-7
Pom Dance Classes 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Coach Nicci ages 8+
Any questions, contact Kristina Kidney at (517) 442-3423 or email at kristina.kidney@gmail.com.
Congratulations to Dr. James (Jim) Leonard
Congratulations to Dr. James (Jim) Leonard on his retirement, after meeting his goal of 50 years practicing veterinary medicine. Dr. Jim graduated from vet school in 1973 and opened the Blissfield Veterinary Service in 1976. In 1986, the first ultrasound for breeding horses was purchased, which was Jim’s specialty until December of 2015. Jim served on the faculty at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine from 1995-2016 and became certified in 2001 by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. Sounds like there were many animals that were blessed by Jim’s talents and probably a journal full of interesting stories. Best wishes Jim in all you do in your retirement.
W.O.W. Wednesdays of Wonder
Open to all in the community – join us for one or all events.
5:30 pm: WOW Dinner
Upcoming menu & events
Apr 24
Lasagna, garlic bread, Caesar salad, chocolate pudding.
Salad is always available!
Dinners are $5 each or $20 max per family. Anyone is free to come at no cost. Bring a coupon or share it with a friend or stranger in need. RSVP by calling or emailing the office or on your connection card for planning purposes. Feel free to drop by last minute for one or all events.
Opportunity to be Present
Worship
Wesley Chorale: practices at 8:15 am Sunday mornings
Adult Seekers Study of Mark: every Sunday @ 10:45 am in the Lounge
Adult Bible Study: every Sunday @ 10:45 am in Room 5
Engage: meets 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays after Story for All Ages and is a Sunday Discovery Program for children and youth
Fellowship
Youth Group: meets 1st and 3rd Sunday evenings from 6-8 pm
Handicrafters: meets 2nd and 4th Mondays at 6:30 pm
Men’s Breakfast: first Wednesdays of the month, 7:00 am at Family Kitchen
Prayer Gathering: meets 1st Thursday every month at 10:00 am in Room 3
Pub Theology: meets 3rd Thursdays of the month, 5:30 pm at Aubree’s
W.O.W. (Wednesdays of Wonder): 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM weekly
Please check the on-line calendar for all information & current updates.
Opportunities to Give
St. Mary’s Food 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.
Opportunities to Serve
Help needed: Wednesday dinners
Rev. Alice is also looking for those who enjoy fellowship in the kitchen to help with our Wednesday dinners. Come and cook with Chef Bryan and enjoy the company of others in the kitchen. Contact Rev. Alice.
Community Activities
And Joy is Everywhere
Sunday, April 21, 2021 at 4:00 pm, held at Herrick Chapel of Adrian College. Tickets are $15. Scan the QR code or go to lenaweecommunitychorus.com to learn more.
Drug Take-Back Day Drive Thru
Visit Promedica Hickman Hospital April 27, 2024 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm for their drug take-back drive through event. Safely dispose of your unused, unwanted or expired medications, sharps, and liquids. Learn more at drugpreventionlenawee.com.
Rite of Spring
Adrian Symphony Orchestra is performing ‘Rite of Spring’ May 3, 2024 at 7:30 pm in Dawson Auditorium at Adrian College. Scan the QR code to learn more.
District/Conference Information
Hold onto Enduring Hope
Reflecting on Easter, Faith Timmons encourages us to trust in the resurrection hope we find in Jesus Christ when we experience fear and uncertainty. Read more…
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.
Please note that the next Tidings will be published on May 1. If you have an article to include, please send it to adrianfumc@adrianfumc.org by 4:00 pm Tuesday, April 30. As always, thanks so much!
On-Line Church Calendar is on the website.
Sign Ups are available at the Welcome Center or contact the office.