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life of our church
December 19, 2024
A Note from Pastor Alice
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Warm Advent blessings to you, this mid-December day,
The moment of the celebration of the birth of God into the world is nigh. We are all busy in the many ways we work our way through the season. For many, there is great anticipation and joy (looking at you, children of the congregation!); and for others, there is an emphasis of concern of health or loss.
In ways that are always true to the Divine, it matters not our weariness or readiness when Holy moments are about to be made manifest. The moment when God took residence in flesh, to be one with us, to live in the neighborhood with us, it was a moment filled with agony and blood of childbirth, along with the swell of miraculous and joyful. God intends for the presence of the Holy to be part of our weariness, fear and joy.
Know that I hold all of you in prayer during this season – as I know you also commit to holding one another in prayer. If you are traveling, be safe, and may you return to us soon.
For those staying home, I hope we see you at one of the wonderful Christmas Eve services. Such joy and mystery, perhaps even “magical,” will unfold Tuesday evening. Come and bring neighbors and friends, help those who don’t have a place to be to know they are welcome to be in worship with you.
Our family service will be at 4:30pm. It will be filled with wiggles and squeaks of children with short carols and the Christmas story told in pageant form. The brass and strings concert will begin at 7pm and will be the musical entry to the primary 730pm service. This service will be in lessons and carols format, ending with candle-lit “Silent Night.” Our Wesley Chorale will sing and Ms. Jillienne Bowers will play violin. Then our 11pm service will wrap up the evening with talented singer, Xavier Sarabia, sharing several pieces with us. That service will include communion and will end with candle-lit “Silent Night,” also.
As we conclude this calendar year, it has been busy, productive, filled with joy and growth and possibility. I am so grateful for the wonderful staff and for all of you. You are incredibly generous in your financial giving and in the giving of your time and talents. SO much has been accomplished this past year.
To celebrate this, we will hold a Celebration Town Hall on Saturday, January 18 from 10-noon. We will launch the Building Campaign on that date, bring you up to date on all the good news of our “numbers,” update you on our ongoing work with BRIO, and celebrate the incredible service work of the congregation. I hope you will all make a point to be there.
It’s not quite yet time to say “Merry Christmas.” So, instead, blessed waiting to you and yours. May there be times of serenity and peace in your days ahead.
In Christian love and persistent hope,
Rev. Alice
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.
Contact me if you have questions for me: jsalzwedel@comcast.net or call or text to 517-673-7383—Janet Salzwedel
Christmas Season Services
December 21
6:30 PM: Service of the Longest Night
Join us for a contemplative community worship service.
December 24
4:30 PM: Family Service
Join us for our children’s pageant and rainbow bells. Family friendly!
6:45 PM: Brass and Strings
7:30 PM: Candlelight and Communion Worship
With Wesley Chorale, featuring Jillienne Bowers
11:00 PM: Candlelight and Communion Worship
Featuring Xavier Sarabia, soloist
December 29
9:30 AM: Sunday Worship
Join us for stories and Carol Sing
In Reflection of 2024
What is in a year if not the sum of our moments? Let us reflect on the events that brought joy and touched the lives of our community during this 365 day race around the sun. Here are some highlights of 2024!
“Our Children and Family Ministry has had quite an eventful month! We kicked off the month preparing for our musical “One Starry Night” performed on December 15th during worship. Ms. Lainey would like to let everyone know how proud she is of all the hard work they did during Sunday Discovery and on their own! You all did fabulous! We also brought back a crowd favorite with a crafting night and dinner, Christmas for Everyone. It was a night of fun and some really unique, beautiful crafts! We also had a very energetic and fun Parents Night Out! We are looking forward to making more family memories in the new year! Wrapping up our December we invite all families to attend our Christmas Eve service at 4:30pm, December 24th where we will have a short pick up pageant, no practice needed!” -Lainey Caldwell
2024 Quiche Fundraiser
“This year’s Quiche Sale to raise money for our Food Ministries was a HUGE success. We made 160 quiches, sold 149 of them, for a total receipt of $2,980. Our expenses were $1,380, so the program netted $1,600 to be used for the Food Ministry in 2025. Of the 11 unsold quiches, we used 5 for the SAS Training and still have 6 left. A big “THANK YOU” goes out to our volunteers, Marty, Barb F., Margaret, Dave, Shelly, Luana, Von, David, Jerry, Barb R., Jan, Janet, Sally W., Jean, Julie, Carolyn, Cheryl and Sally G. It was a magnificent team effort for a great cause. Finally, Thank You to all of you who purchased quiche to make this success possible”. – Bryan Bowers
“One of the highlights of the year, for me, is always Vacation Bible School. As I stand in front of the kids with my ukulele, it fills my heart to see the children and adults sing together songs like “Father Abraham” and “Do Lord Remember Me.” These are songs I grew up with. Passing them on to a new generation is a privilege”. -Laura Langley
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)
Connection Cafe
Monday, December 23 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
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 @ 6:15pm
Where: Sanctuary
Why: To pray for the January transition and beyond
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.
Ongoing Ministries
Please check the on-line calendar (click here) for all information & current updates.
Handicrafters: meets 2nd and 4th Mondays at 6:30 pm
Gardening: in the Memorial Garden Tuesdays (weather permitting) at 9:30 am
Quilters: every Tuesday from 10 am – 2 pm in the Lounge
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
W.O.W. (Wednesdays of Wonder): 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm weekly
Handbell choir: every Wednesday at 6:45 pm in Room 13
Pub Theology: fourth Tuesday of every month at Aubree’s at 5:30 pm
Chorale: every Sunday at 8:15 am in Room 18
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.
For your Information
Prayer Requests & Updates
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.
Tidings is a biweekly publication. Please get your information to the office, by the Wednesday most convenient.
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.