“Embracing Possibility”
is our April theme
For a New Beginning
by John O’Donahue
In out of the way places of the heart
Where your thoughts never think to wander
This beginning has been quietly forming
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.
For a long time it has watched your desire
Feeling the emptiness grow inside you
Noticing how you willed yourself on
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.
It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the grey promises that sameness whispered
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent
Wondered would you always live like this.
Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream
A path of plenitude opening before you.
Though your destination is not clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is one with your life’s desire.
Awaken your spirit to adventure
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.
Next Service
April 12 at 11:00am
“What If…?” – Led by: Rev. Dan Miyake
In person or live on Facebook.
What if…? It’s a question that can open doors—or close them just as quickly. This Sunday, we’ll explore how our “what ifs” shape our lives, and how a small shift in perspective might open the door to possibility—and maybe even a little joy. This is one of the sermons that was won at last year’s auction.
Announcements
Attention Auction Fans and Newcomers! Elissa and Debbie will be at the schoolhouse this Saturday, April 11 from 10:00 am-12:00 and in the afternoon from 1:30-4:30 to accept your items for the silent auction. Please remember: limit of 5 items each, and no books, puzzles or videos at this time. A separate sale for those will be at a later date.
Silent Auction: It’s that time again: AUCTION preparation!! Think about what you might wish to donate for bidding. Food items and experiences such as parties are the most popular. Please let Ann Green, Elissa Alden or Debbie Hartsuff know as soon as you can what you can offer (silent and/or live auction). Live auction will be Friday evening , May 1 beginning at 6:00 pm with yummy boxed lunches available starting at 5:00 pm in social hall ( courtesy of Fred and Debbie Marshall).
Annual Pledge Campaign: If you haven’t turned in your pledge form yet, please do so as soon as you can so we can prepare the budget for board approval and the annual meeting.
Lunch with the minister: Rev. Dan has been hosting regular monthly small group discussions over lunch. These discussions are not structured and don’t require any outside work. Come and enjoy casual conversation, good food, and a well-deserved break! The next gathering will be Friday, April 17 at 11:30 at the West End Farm to Table in Jackson.
Mother’s Day Service: Sunday, May 10th is Mother’s Day. Do you have a story to share about your mother, or perhaps a story about someone who was like a mother to you? Maybe you have a story to share about being a mom. Maybe you are a dog or cat mom! If you have a story, we would love to hear it. Photos would be an amazing addition. Please let Patty Brue know if you would like to participate at bruecrew@sbcglobal.net or 517-740-1684.
Worship Committee seeks speakers: Do you have an idea for a service, or a willingness to take us on your spiritual journey? Or do you know someone in the community who would? Please contact Darrin Palmer or another member of the Worship Committee. They are happy to help create a Sunday Service!
The church phone number is 517-295-3290.
Social Mission Designee:
The Social Mission Designee for the 4th quarter is Partial to Girls/Women Taking Action. PTG is a diverse group of women working together and taking action in our community to help underserved women and children. Please give by using the donate button on our website or by contributing with a check with Partial to Girls/Women Taking Action in the memo.
Minister’s Schedule:
- April 8 – Off
- April 9-10 – UUCEL
- April 11 – UUA Regional Assembly
- April 12-14 – UUCEL
- April 15 – Off
Rev. Dan is available for 1:1 emergency pastoral care regardless of his days off. If you are in need of immediate pastoral care, please contact him right away. Please refrain from texting Rev. Dan after normal work hours unless it is a critical issue that needs immediate attention; if not, email him the next workday. If you need an immediate response to an email on a day off, type “URGENT’ in the subject line.
Please submit items for this weekly email by Tuesday afternoon at WednesdayChimes@gmail.com Please include the date(s) you would like the announcement published in the subject line of your email.
Sunday Announcements
Please submit items to be announced on Sunday to the Worship Committee at uuliberty@gmail.com
Joys and Sorrows
Please submit items for inclusion in our Sunday service to the Worship Committee at uuliberty@gmail.com