What’s happening in the
life of our church
May 29, 2024
A note from Pastor Alice
This weekend marks the gathering of the people of The Michigan United Methodist Church Annual Conference. Each year, this event is held in Traverse City, which, apparently, is the only place with conference accommodations large enough to hold all the delegates in the state of Michigan. How lovely it would be to meet once again at Adrian College and welcome our brothers and sisters into our fellowship hall.
Annual Conference is a good and holy time, a time of food and fellowship, of song and praise, of listening for the Holy Spirit, of administration and voting. This year, during the memorial service remembering clergy who have died in the past year, we will remember and celebrate Rev. Eric Stone. You will all be near in heart at that time.
This year, the theme is “Fearless: Embracing a New Future.”
Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when Christ is revealed, we will be like Christ, for we will see Christ as Christ is. – 1 John 3:2 The Inclusive Bible
In the words of Bishop Bard:
“It is time to boldly turn a page and welcome exciting new chapters in our conference journey. A return to the critical missional and ministry needs of the world that surround us. A time to ask how Christ is working in us to be open, innovative, creative, disciplined, and faithful in how we go about creating new and energizing disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. That is what is at the heart of this quadrennial theme, “Fearless.”
Let us look at places where we are opening our doors and walking out to embrace the world around us. We will highlight innovative ways of welcoming as well as how we go forth into the world to see, hear, affirm, engage, and create new communities. We will look how we are accountable to God’s call for hospitality and how to assess our progress.”
As we move joyfully forward in ministry this summer, may we look fearlessly at the places where we are opening our doors and walking out to embrace the world. May we also look deeply at places where we are not doing so and invite the love of God to lead and guide us.
It is a privilege and joy to be the clergy leader walking alongside you during these exciting days of growth.
In Christian love,
Rev. Alice
August 5-9: Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Join us at Adrian FUMC for our Camp Firelight VBS! Camp Firelight VBS is based on Psalm 56:3: “Whenever I’m afraid, I put my trust in you.” This verse reminds us that we can trust God no matter what challenges we face! Our VBS Campers will explore timeless Bible stories that show how Old and New Testament “campers” trusted God in the face of their own fears, and went on to do great things in God’s name!
Registration is open through July 22nd and registration can be found here.
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.
Upcoming
NOTE: Pub Theology is canceled for May
Watch for future dates.
June 3: Celebration of Lives Well Lived
The Celebration of Life service for Ray and Mary Maxe will take place on Monday, June 3rd at Wagley Funeral Home. Visitation is scheduled for 10:00 am – 11:00 am with the Celebration of Life service beginning at 11:00 am. The service will not be live streamed.
June 5: WOW (Wednesdays of Wonder)
Open to ALL in the community! Join us for one or all events!
4:30 pm: Devotion & meditation in the Wesley Room
5:30 pm: Dinner is open faced turkey sandwiches, stuffing, fixing & dessert
6:30 pm: Last handbell choir practice as they prepare to play for June 9 worship
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 (for planning purposes) by calling or emailing the office or on your connection card for planning purposes. Feel free to drop by last minute.
June 9: Beginning of Summer Church Potluck Picnic
Mark your calendars for an All Church Potluck Picnic on June 9 at 10:45 am following worship. The church will be providing pulled pork and Chef Bryan’s chicken salad. Please bring your favorite dish to share. Outdoor games and activities will be provided by the Family Ministry Team.
June 23: Single Accountability Structure (SAS) VOTE
Our District Superintendent, Rev. Luann Rourke, has granted her consent to a specially called church conference to be held at Adrian FUMC on Sunday, June 23 at 10:45 AM. She has granted permission for Rev. Faye McKinstry and/or Rev. Dave McKinstry to preside in her place. Per a letter sent by Rev. Rourke: “The purpose of the special church conference is to secure a vote to implement a Simplified Accountable Structure (SAS) model of leadership at Adrian: First UMC. This is not a debatable vote. Only items of business in harmony with this stated call may be transacted (¶246.7). The vote will be taken using paper ballots. Absentee ballots are not permitted in The United Methodist Church. Only those members attending in-person may vote. Please give ten days notice, including two Sundays, of the special church conference in order to be in compliance with The Book of Discipline (¶246.8). Please announce that church members have voice and vote at this special church conference.” If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Alice prior to the June 23rd vote.
Opportunities to Serve
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.
Memorial Garden
Will begin meeting Tuesdays (weather permitting) at 9:30 am to work in the Memorial Garden. They are looking for a few more gardeners to help provide care for this lovely and blessed space. Show up or contact JoAnne Mourer or the church office if you are interested.
Wednesday Cooks & Volunteers
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.
Opportunities to be Present
Devotional & Meditation Opportunity
Starting on Wednesday, June 5 at 4:30 pm, our church will be offering an opportunity to gather for devotional and meditation prior to the WOW dinner. We will meet in the Wesley Room. We will utilize a booklet titled Prayers of Illumination by Jeff Munnis. He offers a blending of reading prayers and meditating on an artform called mandalas.
The author describes the booklet as follows: “This beautiful book of prayers and mandalas can be used as part of your daily spiritual practice to provide comfort and guidance on your path. Prayers to help you open up your being for the presence of God are included, as well as prayers to help with kindness, strength, guidance, self-realization, love, loss, relationships, and mercy.”
Wesley Chorale
Practices at 8:15 am Sunday mornings
Sunday Discovery
Adult Seekers Study
Last class is June 2 and will resume in the fall
Adult Bible Study
Last class is June 2 and will resume in the fall
Engage
Meets 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays after Story for All
Ages and is a Sunday Discovery Program for children and youth
Youth Group
1st & 3rd Sundays from 6-8 pm
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
will meet on June 5 at 6:30 pm to practice for June 9 service,
then will take the summer off
Little Dresses
2nd & 4th Thursdays from 1-3 pm
Pub Theology
Watch for these events
Please check the online calendar for all information & current updates.
Opportunities to Give
Textile Drive
The Outreach Team is sponsoring a textile drive to benefit Neighbors of Hope. Final collections through June 2 (and probably morning of Monday, June 3). 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.
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
Current needs: Cereal for kids, fresh produce from your garden and cake mixes for families to celebrate birthdays together.
Community Activities
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.
Adrian City Band
It must be summer! Adrian City Band is back in action with the first concert scheduled for Thursday, June 6 at 7:30 pm at the Adrian Farmer’s Market. If you would like to play in the band, please contact Howard Stukey.
District/Conference Information
From MIFaith May 24, 2024 MIUMC 20
Building bridges in Michigan
Retired pastor John E. Harnish hopes the new United Methodist Church will emerge from the pain of disaffiliation and the vibrant energy of the recent General Conference as a bridge-building church that brings us closer together. To read the entire article, click here.
Michigan Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
Note that the 2024 Michigan Annual Conference is scheduled to begin May 29 in Traverse City MI. For more information on what’s going on, click here.
To subscribe to the weekly MIConnect, a publication from the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church, click here or call the office.
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 June 12. Please send articles to the office by 4pm on June 11. Contact the church office assistant Pam Myers at (517) 265-5689 x402 or email at adrianfumc@adrianfumc.org.
On-Line Church Calendar is on the website.
Please sign up for coffee hour hosts and flower dedications at the Welcome Center or contact the office for open dates.