Spring/Summer Sermon Series
There is a danger for all of us to substitute religious thoughts and activities for genuine Christian teaching and behaviors. We try to DO Christianity rather than BE a Christian. This spring and summer we are going to consider how we can be a Christian without being religious as we look at the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome. Paul’s letter to the Romans is perhaps the most complete and clear statement in the Bible of what it means to be a Christian.
But as we look at the book of Romans with our intellect and try to get God’s thoughts into our heads, let’s allow His great love and grace to soak into our souls, as well. Try to understand the truth – but hear the music of God's power, enjoy the fragrance of God's love, feel the rich texture of His grace for you, and dance to the rhythm of God's joyful presence. Don’t be religious, be a Christian.
There is a danger for all of us to substitute religious thoughts and activities for genuine Christian teaching and behaviors. We try to DO Christianity rather than BE a Christian. This spring and summer we are going to consider how we can be a Christian without being religious as we look at the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome. Paul’s letter to the Romans is perhaps the most complete and clear statement in the Bible of what it means to be a Christian.
But as we look at the book of Romans with our intellect and try to get God’s thoughts into our heads, let’s allow His great love and grace to soak into our souls, as well. Try to understand the truth – but hear the music of God's power, enjoy the fragrance of God's love, feel the rich texture of His grace for you, and dance to the rhythm of God's joyful presence. Don’t be religious, be a Christian.
Love INC Events
Love INC, Love In the Name of Christ, will be hosting an introduction meeting explaining how they work and why they are different from other charity organizations. The meeting is planned for the evening of Monday, April 19th, at 7:00 PM in our sanctuary to accommodate folks and allow for some distancing. If you would like to attend and learn more about how you can volunteer for this excellent local ministry, please call or e-mail Mark Monroe at (989) 506-7996 or markmonroe1717@gmail.com. It's important to call or e-mail ahead of time so Love INC will know how many to plan for.
The next opportunity to donate or purchase items in Love INC's Shop for a Cause event is coming soon at 520 Olive Street in St. Louis, MI. Donations will be accepted April 14th and 21st from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, April 17th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, or by appointment by calling 989-681-8223. The event will be held April 29th and 30th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and May 1st from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Donated clothing must be folded and clean. No electronics please.
Love INC, Love In the Name of Christ, will be hosting an introduction meeting explaining how they work and why they are different from other charity organizations. The meeting is planned for the evening of Monday, April 19th, at 7:00 PM in our sanctuary to accommodate folks and allow for some distancing. If you would like to attend and learn more about how you can volunteer for this excellent local ministry, please call or e-mail Mark Monroe at (989) 506-7996 or markmonroe1717@gmail.com. It's important to call or e-mail ahead of time so Love INC will know how many to plan for.
The next opportunity to donate or purchase items in Love INC's Shop for a Cause event is coming soon at 520 Olive Street in St. Louis, MI. Donations will be accepted April 14th and 21st from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, April 17th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, or by appointment by calling 989-681-8223. The event will be held April 29th and 30th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and May 1st from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Donated clothing must be folded and clean. No electronics please.
Scholarships Are Available
Applications for the Shaw-Passenger, Sanderson, and Flegel scholarships are available in the church lobby and are due April 15th.
You may also contact Karen Weller at (989) 330-5270 or ksweller@yahoo.com for an application.
Applications for the Shaw-Passenger, Sanderson, and Flegel scholarships are available in the church lobby and are due April 15th.
You may also contact Karen Weller at (989) 330-5270 or ksweller@yahoo.com for an application.
Your Impact on the Community
Dear Ithaca UMC saints,
Once again I stand in admiration of your continued generosity to to those in need in our community. Over the course of the last few weeks you have graciously given $1,910 to our Good Samaritan Fund ministry.
And because of these gifts we will start 2021 with a very healthy balance to show our neighbors the love and compassion of Jesus. And as Pastor Gary indicated this past Sunday, your continued giving is appreciated throughout the year. So give as the Lord leads and know that your offerings to this ministry are fulfilling the words of Jesus at the end of His parable of the Good Samaritan:
"You go, and do likewise."
Gratefully yours,
Mark Monroe & The Ithaca UMC Good Samaritan Team.
Returning to Live Sunday Services
"For God is not a God of disorder but of peace – as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people."
-1 Corinthians 14:33
We have begun to carefully reopen our worship services here at Ithaca UMC. We are hoping to slowly increase the number of people who gather together, evaluating the local health situation one week at a time. We recognize that we are responsible to God, to our community and to one another to make safe and wise decisions regarding worshiping together until the coronavirus pandemic is completely contained. Read more about the steps that we are taking here.
COVID-19 Response Statement
(Updated June 8, 2020)
Our website is one of the many outlets that you can rely upon to join our community without physically entering the church building. While the coronavirus pandemic remains uncontained, we will keep on live-streaming our worship services.
Although we have reopened our building on Sunday mornings, our live-streaming crew will continue to bring a worship service to you on Facebook and YouTube where you can chat with other worshipers in attendance. So, get another cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy worshiping from the comfort of your home.
While open on Sunday mornings, our building continues to remain closed to the public during the weekdays. We have a few individuals who will be coming and going during the week to bring in the mail, check the answering machine, and complete a few other tasks, but the doors will remain locked. The Church, however – which is you and me – is still very much alive.
While you enjoy worship services online, please remember to continue supporting your church financially. We are still in need your generous support to meet our obligations.
You have a few options:
1. You can write a check and simply mail it to:
Ithaca United Methodist Church
327 E. Center Street
Ithaca, MI 48847
Or if you have one of our envelopes, you can mail it in that envelope.
2. You can call and ask us to arrange a time when someone can pick up a check from you at your home. Call and leave a message for us on the church voicemail. The number is 989-875-4313.
3. If you want to set up a debit card payment or a regular automated payment through your checking account, again give us a call and someone will get back to you to help you set that up as soon as we can. Or if you have one of our envelopes you can fill out that information on the inside flap and simply mail it to us.
4. Finally, you can text to give. You simply text the number "84321" and select: “Ithaca United Methodist Church.” Then follow the prompts for your debit card information and you can immediately deposit your donation into the church’s account.
Thank you for supporting the ministry of Ithaca United Methodist Church.
Dear Ithaca UMC saints,
Once again I stand in admiration of your continued generosity to to those in need in our community. Over the course of the last few weeks you have graciously given $1,910 to our Good Samaritan Fund ministry.
And because of these gifts we will start 2021 with a very healthy balance to show our neighbors the love and compassion of Jesus. And as Pastor Gary indicated this past Sunday, your continued giving is appreciated throughout the year. So give as the Lord leads and know that your offerings to this ministry are fulfilling the words of Jesus at the end of His parable of the Good Samaritan:
"You go, and do likewise."
Gratefully yours,
Mark Monroe & The Ithaca UMC Good Samaritan Team.
Returning to Live Sunday Services
"For God is not a God of disorder but of peace – as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people."
-1 Corinthians 14:33
We have begun to carefully reopen our worship services here at Ithaca UMC. We are hoping to slowly increase the number of people who gather together, evaluating the local health situation one week at a time. We recognize that we are responsible to God, to our community and to one another to make safe and wise decisions regarding worshiping together until the coronavirus pandemic is completely contained. Read more about the steps that we are taking here.
COVID-19 Response Statement
(Updated June 8, 2020)
Our website is one of the many outlets that you can rely upon to join our community without physically entering the church building. While the coronavirus pandemic remains uncontained, we will keep on live-streaming our worship services.
Although we have reopened our building on Sunday mornings, our live-streaming crew will continue to bring a worship service to you on Facebook and YouTube where you can chat with other worshipers in attendance. So, get another cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy worshiping from the comfort of your home.
While open on Sunday mornings, our building continues to remain closed to the public during the weekdays. We have a few individuals who will be coming and going during the week to bring in the mail, check the answering machine, and complete a few other tasks, but the doors will remain locked. The Church, however – which is you and me – is still very much alive.
While you enjoy worship services online, please remember to continue supporting your church financially. We are still in need your generous support to meet our obligations.
You have a few options:
1. You can write a check and simply mail it to:
Ithaca United Methodist Church
327 E. Center Street
Ithaca, MI 48847
Or if you have one of our envelopes, you can mail it in that envelope.
2. You can call and ask us to arrange a time when someone can pick up a check from you at your home. Call and leave a message for us on the church voicemail. The number is 989-875-4313.
3. If you want to set up a debit card payment or a regular automated payment through your checking account, again give us a call and someone will get back to you to help you set that up as soon as we can. Or if you have one of our envelopes you can fill out that information on the inside flap and simply mail it to us.
4. Finally, you can text to give. You simply text the number "84321" and select: “Ithaca United Methodist Church.” Then follow the prompts for your debit card information and you can immediately deposit your donation into the church’s account.
Thank you for supporting the ministry of Ithaca United Methodist Church.
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Regular (Non-COVID) Office Hours
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Monday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Saturday: Closed |
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