CJ's Communiqué for October 2011

Can you identify the person in the picture?

(Hint: He was a former Catholic Priest, had a heart transformation by studying the book of Romans, and vehemently opposed the corruption of the Catholic Church with the historical document called the 95 Theses). If you guessed Martin Luther, you are correct. His theological and political “savvy” impassioned a whole continent to seek renewal for the Church. In 1517, we had the beginnings of the Reformation. We celebrate this significant time of the church on Sunday, October 30.

Reformation is a continuing process of growth for all believers and we Wesleyans call this process sanctification, or moving toward Christian perfection (not perfectionism, but Christlikeness). It begins with a decision to believe in Jesus, followed by choosing to live for Christ as his disciple, and wholly surrendering to Christ by being “sanctified” by the Holy Spirit. A reformation of the heart (sanctification) can become the reformation of a home, a neighborhood, a culture, and a world. Reformation is really a Wesleyan concept translated into loving God and loving neighbor. Has the sanctification of your life become a reformation that changes your world? Who knows, maybe you could be the next Martin Luther!

World Communion Sunday is Sunday, October 2. Please join us in worship to share the body and blood of Christ with believers all over the world!

Wednesday Bible Studies at 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM. At 4 PM is the study of Romans, chapters 9-16 in Kresge Hall. At 7:30 PM, we are delving into the disciples of Jesus and what stage of spiritual growth they were when Jesus met them. Come and share in this Bible adventure. All are welcome to participate no matter what your biblical understanding. We hope to see you there. (New location for 7:30 PM Study: room 210).

Kids’ Corner: Children’s Sunday coming October 9. We want this to be an inter-generational service. If you want to participate in the service contact Rev. Miles or Andrew Galuska for more information.

Journey to Bethlehem (J2B) planning meeting on Sunday, October 9 at 12:30pm in the Methodist Union Office. We need your ideas, help, and preparation for this exciting event in December. All are welcome to join us in the fun and start of the Advent
season.

Reformation Sunday is Sunday, October 30.

Emmaus Community Fall Walks are coming. The Men’s Walk is October 13th-16th and the Women’s Walk is November 3rd-6th at Aldersgate UMC in Redford. Let us come together and support our community of faith through loving actions and attendance. Do we want to do a Metro Emmaus preparation? For more information and updates go to the Southeast Michigan Emmaus website at: www.emsem.org.

High 5 Alive is after-school gym and activity time from children on Tuesdays at 4:00 PM . Please pray for the children of our community who attend.

Wesley Prayer Watch is the first Thursday and Friday of each month. We are asking that you give specific time to pray from sundown Thursday evening through 1pm on Friday afternoon. If you need prayer helps, there are many resources in our prayer room to the northwest corner at the back of the sanctuary. You are welcome to come there and spend time in prayer also during open church hours. Let us make prayer a priority for MUMC.

What is Young Disciples Ministry? It is time for learning about God, worship, and growth as disciples of Jesus Christ. We invite children ages 4 through 2nd grade to be dismissed up to the YDM room during the 2nd half of worship. Special appreciation is extended to Laura Gazda, Cathy Webster, and Johnnye Robinson for their commitment of teaching. We are in need of more teachers and volunteers. Contact Rev. Miles if you are interested.

Thanks also to Mary Mims who diligently assists and takes care of our little ones in the nursery. Nursery care is available to children from infant age to 4 years old.

Thank you to the servants who helped make Welcome Back to Sunday School an exciting event. A BIG THANKS goes to Sammye VanDiver for all the “extra” work put in.

Hearts Strangely Warmed is coming Saturday November 5 at Swartz Creek UMC. As part of your reformation experience be renewed in a worship and evangelism workshop sponsored by the Conference Board of Discipleship. Special guest speaker is Bishop Robert Schnase, author of 5 Practices of Fruitful Living. You may register online at www.detroitconference.org/hsw2011 or by mail. Registration forms available on the kiosk. Payment due by October 29. This is a great opportunity to grow in your discipleship.

Testimony Time: If you have learned something new in Sunday school, or had an “epiphany” (a “aha” experience) and would love to share it with others, contact Rev. Miles and we will publish it in the next CJ’s Communiqué. It is always encouraging to hear that learning never stops!

Be blessed and enjoy the autumn colors of reformation!

Rev. Cathee Miles
Minister of Discipleship and Spiritual Formation

Note on Image:
This is a faithful photographic reproduction of an original two-dimensional work of art. The work of art itself is in the public domain because its copyright has expired.