Author: Ionia Easton UMC

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy….. I have included a Zoom recording of Worship Service, a Prayer Update, and an email update.    Thank you and God Bless!!!!!

Zoom Worship Recording – Please click on the below link to watch Worship Service from Sunday, April 5  – scripture, special music, and Pastor’s message.
Topic: Worship Service
Date: Apr 5, 2020 10:02 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Share recording with viewers:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/_PxHdIj07GZIeq_r0lj7XqEHGtvueaa8hyhI_PsOyRu0ZTACEoRYKm6iExbB8ULu

April 3, 2020

Greetings to All in the Name of Christ Jesus

I hope this letter finds you safe and staying connected to each other through your phone calls, cards, emails, Facebook and much more.  I appreciate you keeping in connection with me also. 

Let us begin in prayer.  Dear God, our one and only Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.  Thank you for water, for running water, for fresh clean drinking water.  Thank you for sunshine, for electricity, for heat and for the air we breathe.  Thank you for farms, for gardens, for stores to buy food and the necessities for our sustenance.  We pray fervently for the safety and security of our first responders and all who are working to keep our lives on track, and those who have been and are at risk of being infected with the COVID-19 virus.  We lift up to those who have lost loved ones during this time that they may find peace and comfort knowing that you were with their loved one as you received them into your loving arms embracing them so as to not be alone. We pray for all to remember your promise to provide and deliver us from this and all which threatens your creation.  Let us hear your words of assurance from Isaiah 41:10, So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Amen.

On Sunday, March 29^th 2020 we shared together our first Zoom on-line worship.  We had a joyous time together with many joining in from different places and stations.  It was our first time ever so we will continue to work on sound and lighting to improve our experience.  One of the most connected moments was signing together We Are the Church in various keys, timing, voices and words as it came across due to the time lag in technology. John Wesley didn’t have to contend with technology in 1761, but here is one of his directions for singing in our hymnal which rang true, “Sing lustily and with good courage.  Beware of singing as if your half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength.”  There was not a worry in the world that each us, alone together, lifted our voice in praise to the Lord our God when we sang this song.

Today, I invite you to join with us for the month of April in worship.  You may find the date, scripture, message title and summary below for each week.

4/5/2020 The Right-and-the Left-Side of Power     Matthew 26: 14-27:66   NRSV   Palm Sunday

Jesus invites us to use what power and privilege we have to say “no” to dominant and oppressive systems.

4/12/20 Easter Through Two Sets of Eyes   John 20: 1-18     NRSV    Easter

Peter and the beloved disciple both see the same empty tomb, but they seem to have different responses. The beloved disciple believes, but the Gospel of John does not say that Peter does. In the same way, some who come to Easter service believe and others don’t. Peter serves as an example of those who do not yet believe, but who continue on the path to believe nonetheless.

4/19/20 From Frightened Disciples to World Changers   John 20:  19-31    NRSV

Jesus appears to his disciples, and later to Thomas, but there are questions: Why didn’t the disciples go looking for Jesus? Why did they lock themselves in this room? How did this band of frightened disciples change the world?

4/26/20 Handling Great Sorrow      Luke 24:13–35    NRSV

Losing by death a dear relative or good friend is cause for great sorrow. The two men who were disciples of Christ walking on the road to Emmaus were “looking sad.” They had lost their best friend, Jesus. The hopes and dreams seemed to be crushed. They did three things that helped: They took action, they shared their grief and they invited Jesus to stay with them.

Please join in by telephone using the member ID below, or by clicking on the link below.  These are the same ones we used on March 29^th 2020, and they will be used for the entire month of April.  Remember to invite friends, family and strangers to join in.

Pastor Donna Sperry is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Worship Service from our Living Room with George Sperry and Chris Moore from his home.  On Sunday, April 5^th, we welcome special music by Greg and Val VanderMark and Cory Smith.

Date/Time: Sundays – April 5^th, 12^th, 19^th and 26^th, 2020 @ 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/482619745
Meeting ID: 482 619 745

One tap mobile
+17207072699,482619745# US (Denver)
+13462487799,482619745# US (Houston)

Dial by your location (land line)
        +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
        +1 253 215 8782 US
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 482 619 745

Here are some announcements to keep us up to date and share with others. 

Belding United Methodist Church.  No community dinner April 14^th.  Community dinners will resume May 12^th.   Cal’s place remains open as a non-profit organization providing the necessities of life including but not limited to food and clothing to the economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals. 

Turk Lake United Methodist Church. April’s mission giving is for the No More Malaria campaign.  We are hoping be able to give our Easter boxes to the children at Eight Cap as a May Day gift.  Along with grass and candy, perhaps each person could buy one or two cans of play dough. Children always like to play with it, and they can play together with their family. Remember, to save a can of food for the local food pantry.

Easton United Methodist Church.  1^st Sunday mission speaker scheduled for April 5^th, Tammy McCracken, from RAVE (Relief from Violent Encounters) is rescheduled for May 5^th.   If you become aware of someone who is unable to procure toilet paper or hand soap, please call the office at (616) 527-6529. 

Everyone is encouraged to reach out to a friend you have not heard from in a while, call someone you know who lives out of state, write a note, send a card or check in on Facebook.  As always, please let us know of any and all prayer requests.  Let’s stay together, caring for the world, loving one another with the vim and vigor in which He first loved us.

As we join together united in Christ Jesus.  Looking forward to seeing or hearing you soon, and for your continued support.

Pastor Donna Sperry

It is with great joy that I am sending this information to all of our congregation tomorrow who have email and posting it to FB. Also, I please call those who do not have access to the internet so they can join in the audio part of worship this Sunday, March 29th at 11 am.
If you have internet access and also an I pad, I Phone, Laptop, etc.  you will be able to join both the video and audio portion of worship, just click on the link below and follow the instructions (make sure both your audio and video are on).  If you don’t, you may still join the audio portion of worship by calling one of the listed phone numbers below.   This is my very first time hosting a worship meeting so please be patient as we help each other through the process and learn as we go along.  
Dear God, our Creator, give us grace that we might breathe in the breath of eternal life during this time of stepping away from our normal life, of its means and ways, so as to more fully follow in your Son, Christ Jesus’ footsteps and return even more a faithful follower.    Amen

DONNA SPERRY is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Worship Service from our Living Room with George Sperry and Chris Moore from his home
Time: Mar 29, 2020 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/482619745
Meeting ID: 482 619 745

One tap mobile

+17207072699,,482619745# US (Denver)

+13462487799,,482619745# US (Houston)

Dial by your location       

+1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)       

+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)       

+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)       

+1 253 215 8782 US       

+1 301 715 8592 US       

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 482 619 745

Find your local number: https://us04web.zoom.us/u/fiJRRhGoC

Fairgrounds:  Food truck every Tuesday though April.  
Zion United MethodistChurch: Food pantry every Wed 2-4 pm.
Nazarene Church Ionia. Food pantry every  Monday from 3-4 pm.

Contact Pastor Donna Sperry at her email for any questions, pastordonnasperry@gmail.com

Safe community drive up service this Sunday

When: Sunday 3/22/2020 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Where: Parking lot of Easton United Methodist church at the corners of Johnson & Potters Rds. Ionia, MI, 48846 (4970 Potters Rd).

Who: All are welcome!

What: Because most churches are closed but many still want some semblance of a worship service and are not equipped to join services electronically.

How:
Drive into the parking lot.
Park your car. (you can leave your car running and heater on)
Roll down your windows just a crack.

Led by: Chris Moore (Worship Leader/ Lay Speaker).

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus

On Sunday, March 15^th your leadership team and I met together to discuss and discern our response in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. First and foremost, our concern is for the health and safety of all, especially the most vulnerable, the elderly, those with medical conditions and our community.  The Bishop of the United Methodist Church, Rev. David Bard, has recommended and asked us to refrain from in person gatherings until April 1^st 2020.  The steps we are taking are done so with much prayer and love.  These steps are guided by our call-in ministry for social justice and to live out the footsteps of Jesus in his ministry.  They are also governed by the best guidance readily available by reputable health organizations. Additionally, the State of Michigan has now mandated that gatherings of 50 or more be avoided, and that we implement social distancing of at least 6 feet from one another.   We value everyone in this process and the steps below are being taken out of an abundance of caution for the wellbeing of all and to honor Bishop Bard’s recommendation that we suspend in person gatherings through March 31^st 2020.  Belding UMC will remain open to outside gatherings of 50 or less as scheduled and CAL’s Place will follow the government guidelines for small businesses, at this time they remain open.  We will update this if changes should happen.

Through March 31st, all in-person gatherings for worship, Bible study and meetings at Turk Lake, Belding and Easton United Methodist Church will be cancelled. However, we will remain connected as a faith community.  For those churches with Facebook and/or a website, including phone and email Pastor Donna and your leadership team will provide periodic updates, offer prayers. devotions and provide a place for you to share your thoughts and feelings and remain connected.

Information for Turk Lake United Methodist Church:  please email us at pastordonnasperry@gmail.com or call (586) 255-6228. 

Information for Belding United Methodist Church:   please email us at pastordonnasperry@gmail.com or call (586) 255-6228.  Find us on Facebook at Belding United Methodist Church.

Information for Easton United Methodist Church:  please email us at eastonoffice@gmail.com, find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/IoniaEUMC/ or our website at https://www.eastonumc.com, or call (616) 527-6529.

Our leadership team recognizes that there are many out there facing difficulty due to the need to stay at home to care for children, loved ones or who may be sick themselves and missing work.  In addition, many who work are no longer able to work due to mandated restrictions by our government.  Our church’s leadership recognizes the importance of reaching out to others needing help during this unprecedented time in our nation’s history.  We are reaching out in the following ways:  1) sharing our abundance, if you have extra essentials such as toilet paper, paper towels, soap, disinfectant, canned goods, peanut butter, jelly etc. please contact us through one of the communication means above and let us know so we can share with others who don’t,  2) we are asking you contact one another and check in from time to time especially those you may not know with cards, mail and prayers, 3) if you can support restaurants and business that are affected by such means as  carrying out meals or having them delivered etc. 4) find ways to support and nurture our health care workers through prayers and possibly offering a place of respite.

As we can imagine, a number of others are likely to face economic challenges during this down time. Let us especially pray for and support those who are hourly workers, in the tourism and travel related field, financial field, and others financially impacted in this moment.

For those who are blessed to still have jobs or where income has not been impacted, we ask that you remain faithful in your regular giving while we are away from one another. We ask that  you use one of the following options  to share your tithe and offering:  Mail your offering to the church: Turk Lake UMC, 8900 Colby Rd. Greenville, MI  48838, Belding UMC at 301 Pleasant Street, Belding MI 48809, or Easton UMC, 4970 Potters Rd. Ionia MI 48846 or at Easton UMC you can go to our website and click the Donate button if you have a PayPal account.

Again, while giving is important as our financial responsibility continues, we value the needs of our faith community and your safety most. Should you have a pressing financial need during this time, you may discreetly leave a message for Pastor Donna at (586) 255-6228. We cannot promise to do all that is asked, but we promise to do our best with what we have.

Should you or a family member require emergency attention by the clergy, please leave a message for Pastor Donna at (586) 255-6228. Until things return to normal, we cannot visit in person any of our older members or shut in’s including assisted living, nursing home and hospital visits who comprise the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus.

We are looking forward to a joyous in house gathering on Palm Sunday, April 5^th as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and with special guest at Turk Lake UMC, Greg Vandermark.  Until then, God guide, bless and keep you safe.

Take with you the words of the psalmist in Psalm 46:  God is our refuge and strength,

A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed,

And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. 4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. 6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.  8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, who has made desolations in the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. 10 Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth! 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.

In faith,

Pastor Donna and your Leadership Team

Greetings to All in the Name of Jesus our Lord and Savior
I am forwarding a message from our Michigan Bishop David Bard with his response to the COVID-19 virus. Please take the time to review both our personal and church response.   I will be engaging in daily prayer for all as He continues to guide our world during this crisis. 
In consideration of his message, we will observe the following precautions during our worship services until he advises us otherwise: 1) We will defer from hugging, shaking or holding hands during worship service2) I ask the usher/s who are collecting the offering to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer prior to and after collecting the offering, and to not pass the plate down any of the pews but instead to go both sides of the pew as needed to collect our offering, thus minimizing our contact with the offering plate and 3) I ask when serving snacks/food following worship that we consider one person be responsible (washing hands or using sanitizer before and after)  for gathering of all the snacks/food and wrapping each piece individually so as to minimize the number of people who come in contact with the food we are eating. 
 In addition, hand sanitizer will be available in the back of the sanctuary, welcome area, and soap and water in all bathrooms for your convenience.  I am also asking the cleaning teams to sanitize door handles, bathrooms, kitchens and other items frequency touched before and after each event.  
I thank you for your patience and faith in this very difficult and trying situation which is affecting our daily lives in real and significant ways.  Please advise me or the office of anyone who we may need to reach out to during this time.  Looking forward. 
Always In Him
Pastor Donna

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Contemporary Christian Artist                              

Come on out and meet Marty and his wife, Janet, and enjoy a musical concert of acoustic, encouraging, original songs…. mixed with an easy blend of well-known songs and worship music. Let the Father’s Spirit use the music and lyrics to open your hearts to a deeper walk with Jesus, and to step a little beyond our comfort zones into an opportunity to grow and give praise!

Place:  Easton United Methodist Church

              4970 Potters Rd.  Ionia

Date & Time:  Sat. Nov. 2^nd 5:30 pm Potluck

6 pm worship with free will offering.

http://www.MartyMillerMusic.com

Will not have Worship Service on 2/10/2019 due to power outage. Please join us at Belding UMC for Worship Service at 9:45am.