Volume 79, Issue 15 April 15, 2020

Christ is Risen, Indeed! It is an understatement to say that Easter Sunday was different this year. Barbara and I “went

to church,” streaming the 9:30 a.m. Sanctuary service, listening to the voices of choir

members, hearing the Word proclaimed by Pastor Elbert. Then we went to church again, as

we joined Bishop Bard in worship. And again, as we watched the archived Christian Life

Center service. And again, as later in the day we watched the archived Berkley Easter

service. And again, and again, as we virtually dropped in on other services offered by clergy

colleagues and congregations nearby and far away.

We did a lot of Easter worshipping last Sunday. And yet, on Monday, this week, it feels as if

not much has changed. Except for now, in addition to a pandemic, we also have high winds

and power outages. (Can the swarms of locusts be far behind?)

Easter has come. Surely, things should be different now. After all, we’ve celebrated Easter, not just once, but multiple

times. How long, O Lord, how long will we be here, at home? How long, O Lord, will it feel as if a virus is holding us

captive, keeping us from the ones we love, from gathering as family, as friends, as church?

In the gospel according to John, in the scene that follows Mary Magdalene’s Easter proclamation to the disciples, we

read that “the doors of the house where the disciples met were locked out of fear...” (John 20:19). Easter came. And

yet, the disciples were still fearful. And into their fear, Jesus enters. The fear of the disciples does not deny Easter. The

fear of the disciples is real. So, too, is their exhaustion and doubt. It is authentic. It is genuine. The Risen Christ does

not deny it. Rather, the Risen One enters it. With them. With us.

And then, as we read a bit more, Thomas—aka doubting Thomas—appears (John 20:24). Jesus does not ask Thomas to

suppress or deny his doubt. Rather, Thomas, in his doubt, is invited by Jesus to experience his Risen Presence (John

20:27). That good news is this: Where we are. As we are. The Risen Christ comes to us, inviting us to experience and

know that He is risen. He is risen, indeed. Wherever we may be. We are not alone. God is with us. Always.

I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. as I lead our livestreamed Sanctuary service.

Blessings,

Pastor Shawn Lewis-Lakin

Page 2 April 15, 2020

Our Church Family Our Christian Caring and Concern are shared with the following persons, known to be in the hospital on

Tuesday, April 14: Ken Cooper, Brad Hubert

Our Prayers for Good Health are shared with the following person, released from the hospital since Tuesday,

April 7: Alexander Currie

Our Prayers of Sympathy and Support are shared with:

….the family and friends of Ronald Petrella, who died on April 9.

….the family and friends of John Horiszny, who died on April 10.

….Mary Schulman and family on the death of her mother, Betty Ann Schulman, on April 10.

Our Congratulations are shared with Ryan and Maddy Deegan on a new addition to their family. Carsten Ryan

Deegan was born on April 1.

Easter Basket Joy No virus is going to stop two Journey Groups from their annual

Easter Basket prep tradition. Both the “Sisters” group and the

“Unfinished Christian Women” group found ways to provide

Easter baskets for children who weren’t going to receive one.

The Sisters group created 12 baskets for 7 girls and 5 boys at

the Methodist Children’s Home Society. Twenty members of the

group contributed items, either dropping them off at member Sue

Smith’s house or shipping them directly to Sue from Amazon or

Target.

Assisted by her daughter Emily, they assembled and wrapped the

baskets with proper protection and cleaning. Each basket included

a Dove chocolate bunny donated in memory of Pauline Porter by her family. Her family explained that Pauline had a

very special place in her heart for the Methodist Children’s Home and had a sweet tooth herself, so the chocolate

bunnies were the perfect gift to add in her memory. The baskets were delivered to the Methodist Children’s Home in

Redford to be presented to the children on Easter morning.

The ladies of Unfinished Christian Women made 30 Easter baskets for the children at Redford Brightmoor Initiative

(RBI). This is the second year they have made the baskets. Some of the members contributed cash for the larger items,

but most of the women purchased candy and other items to place in the baskets. The members dropped their

purchases on the porch of the Kettering home, where Kris and her daughter Lissa filled and wrapped the baskets in

clear cellophane. Practicing social distancing, all the baskets and leftover items were placed in the back of Kris’s open

SUV in the garage where the interim director of RBI picked them up on April 3. The baskets were distributed on April

5 and appreciated by all.

“A big THANK YOU to Unfinished Christian Women of Birmingham First UMC for putting together the most adorable and

cheerful Easter Baskets.” – RBI

Thank you to both Journey Groups for spreading the love of Jesus and being the church.

Page 3 First United Methodist Church

Feeding the Hungry

We are continuing to collect food and supplies. A collection box

has been placed outside the main entrance door. You may drop off your

food and supplies donations at any time. Suggested items include: non-

perishable food such as canned goods, cereal, mac n’ cheese, peanut

butter, soup, Goldfish; bottled water; chips and cookies; cleaning supplies

such as disinfecting wipes and solutions, hand/dish/laundry soap, shampoo;

paper products like towels and tissues (yes, including TP), brown paper

bags, wax paper; protective gear like face masks, gloves, gowns; diapers.

All persons participating in the drive must adhere to social distancing guidelines (keeping at least 6 feet

between yourself and others) and no one should come to the church who is experiencing any symptoms of ill health.

This is a drive-by, drop and go event. Only one person may be out of their car at a time. No one is allowed to gather

at the drop off location.

Kroger Community Rewards….If you are a Kroger shopper, signing up for

Kroger Community Rewards can benefit the Hunger Ministry of Birmingham and

Berkley First, which in turn feeds people locally and globally. To register, go to

www.krogercommunity rewards.com and when asked for an organization, put in

"First United Methodist Church of Birmingham DH313.” Already registered? Check your receipts at the bottom to

make sure your contribution is going to Birmingham First. If so, you will automatically be re-enrolled for this year!

Living Hope….On Easter morning, Mary journeyed to the tomb to discover that

it was empty. Jesus had resurrected, overcoming death and bringing new life! We

shouted, “Christ has risen!” And we rejoiced, “Christ has risen, indeed!” But in

the days following Jesus’ death and resurrection, the disciples were afraid. They

hid in the upper room. They were not quite sure what might happen to them as

followers of Jesus. Then something amazing happened once again. Jesus came to

them, reassuring the disciples of his resurrection and his presence with them.

Through Jesus, we experience Living Hope. Join us in Christian Life Center worship

online at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings, as we encounter Jesus, the resurrected Christ.

Kingdom Disposition…..At Berkley First, we’re starting a new series this Sunday

called Kingdom Disposition. This series is all about orienting our view of ourselves

and the world around us in light of the present and coming reign of God in Jesus

Christ. It is universal in application, but of particular importance now since the

current pandemic has provided an opportunity for us to assess our values,

perspectives and priorities, and live into a new normal now and in the

future. Together, we are inviting people to live into the Kingdom sayings of Jesus.

Join us in worship on Facebook Live at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings.

New Sermon Series

We Are Continuing in Ministry!

Worship:

Watch the livestream at www.fumcbirmingham.org/watch-livestream

Watch archived worship services www.fumcbirmingham.org/resources/sermon-archives

Give:

Mail your donation to the church

or give online at www.fumcbirmingham.org/giving

Caring Ministries:

Contact Lisa at lmarsh@fumcbirmingham.org or leave a message at 248-646-6407 ext. 3160

Submit prayer requests at www.fumcbirmingham.org/pray

Adult Small Groups and Children and Family Ministries:

Contact Pastor Susie at shierholzer@fumcbirmingham.org

Youth and Young Adult Ministries:

Contact Deacon Sarah at salexander@fumcbirmingham.org

Page 4 April 15, 2020

Amplify Media is a new streaming content service Birmingham and Berkley First is

making available to members and friends. Bible studies, videos featuring leading

authors, content for children—Amplify Media puts a wealth of faith formation

resources at your fingertips! And it is free to you through our congregation’s

channel. Sign up today to begin deepening your faith, individually and as families, by

following these easy steps:

• Go to: https://my.amplifymedia.com/birminghamandberkleyfirstbir/welcome

• Click on the purple box that says “click here to enter code.” Access code: DKNBHM

• Complete the registration form and then enjoy! For assistance or with questions, contact Pastor Shawn.

Amplify Media Resources

Happy? Bible Study A new opportunity to connect and grow in faith began on Monday, April 13 from 7:00-8:15 p.m. via

Zoom. It’s not too late to join our group! We are exploring the book Happy? by Matt Miofsky. He

connects the existential question, “Am I happy?”, with basic theology and unexpected biblical texts.

Starting with the book of Ecclesiastes, considering if any “thing” can make us happy, he explores the

value of relationships, a forgiving lifestyle, living in the present, feeling gratitude, and learning to

release control—timely, considering what our world is going through right now. Books may be

purchased online from several retailers. We will meet every Monday through May 18 and all are

welcome! You may join the group via Video Conferencing or Audio-Only:

• To participate via video using your desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile device,

download Zoom from your device’s app store or go to https://zoom.us/j/351931896. Meeting ID: 351 931 896.

• If you would like to call in on your phone (audio only, no video), dial either 312-626-6799 or 929-205-6099

and, when prompted, enter the Meeting ID: 351 931 896.