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Bethany United Methodist Church

United Methodist Church serving Clio, Michigan

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Home/From the Pastor/Letter from Pastor LuAnn – October 2015
Ephesians 4:15 - From the Pastor

Letter from Pastor LuAnn – October 2015

Ephesians 4 says Jesus “gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, so that we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of God’s Son. God’s goal is for us to become mature adults—to be fully grown, measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ.  As a result, we aren’t supposed to be infants any longer who can be tossed and blown around by every wind that comes from teaching with deceitful scheming and the tricks people play to deliberately mislead others.  Instead, by speaking the truth with love, let’s grow in every way into Christ, who is the head. The whole body grows from him, as it is joined and held together by all the supporting ligaments. The body makes itself grow in that it builds itself up with love as each one does its part.”

As I read this text I think of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers and I realize what they (pastors and church leaders) are supposed to do is equip the body to do the work.  The pastors and church leaders probably ought to think of themselves as the ligaments, doing the supporting as the body builds itself up and each learns to do his or her part.

Searching the gospels shows Jesus doing exactly that.  Jesus said I have come not to be served, but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

Church leaders, have you ever found yourself saying, “We need to get someone to volunteer to …?” I wonder what difference it would make if we stopped looking for someone to volunteer, and started thinking about equipping people to serve.

Generally, a volunteer will do what needs to be done, if no one else will, and a good volunteer will fulfill the task to the letter of the law.  A person with a servant heart doesn’t wait to be asked, they just see the need and do it because it needs to be done, and they do more than just phone it in, surpassing the requirements and getting to the heart of the matter.

A volunteer often counts the days until their time of service is over.  A servant counts each day a blessing and seeks opportunities to invest in someone who will take over when their time is complete.

A volunteer talks a lot about the hardships and the cost of their task, and wants to receive credit for what they are doing.  A servant understands that the Master gets the credit and the glory for all that might be accomplished, counting it all joy, seeing the growth opportunities in the struggles, and relying more and more on the grace of God.

Let’s stop asking for volunteers.  Let’s begin to do the greater work, the more difficult work, of equipping the saints for the work of ministry.  It’s not easy, but by God’s grace in the power of the Spirit by the example of the Son, we can!

Where is there a need?  What can you do to meet the need, or to help someone else meet the need?

What passion burns in your spirit?  What have you experienced in your life that nearly brings you to tears every time you remember it?  How does God want to use you today?

We are the body of Christ.  And to each of us is given unique gifts.  Only when we come together with a unified purpose – only when we are empowered by the breath of God’s Spirit – only then will God’s kingdom be established on earth, as it is in heaven.

We are the body of Christ.  I will do my very best to be a good and strong ligament to support growth as we come together bone to bone; as tendons and flesh appear, and skin comes to cover us and prepare us to receive the breath of God which empowers our mission:  to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Peace, Pastor LuAnn

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September 28, 2015 By ClioBethany

Filed Under: From the Pastor

Primary Sidebar

Events Calendar

35 events found.
  • May 2025

Calendar of Events

S Sun

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

3 events, 27

9:00 am - 10:00 am Event Series

Choir Rehearsal

April 27 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Choir Rehearsal

Our Agape choir practices choral pieces for worship and other special services. All voices are welcome in our choir. Our choir director is Rachel Deshone and the choir is accompanied […]

9:30 am - 10:00 am Event Series

Sunday School & Breakfast

April 27 @ 9:30 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Sunday School & Breakfast

On Sunday mornings we will gather before worship and enjoy a light meal alongside bible study for all ages. Adults will gather around the tables in the fellowship hall for […]

10:30 am - 11:30 am Event Series

Worship – Online or In-Person

April 27 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am EDT Event Series

Worship – Online or In-Person

We will gather in person at 10:30am or online on Facebook, YouTube and Vimeo for worship. Our live stream will begin at 10:15am with a prelude and countdown and an […]

1 event, 28

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Event Series

Ad Board

Bethany United Methodist Church - Clio, MI
April 28 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm UTC-4 Event Series

Ad Board

A meeting for anyone in the church and all members of the Ad Board

2 events, 29

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Event Series

Bible Study with Pastor Sarah

April 29 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT Event Series

Bible Study with Pastor Sarah

Pastor Sarah leads a bible study & discussion on Tuesdays at 5:00pm. For Advent - this group will work on the book "On the Way to Bethlehem" All are welcome […]

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Event Series

Men’s Night Out

April 29 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EDT Event Series

Men’s Night Out

Every Tuesday evening at 6pm we gather together for a Men's group. Each person can bring a dish to pass and we'll enjoy a meal together. TWe'll enjoy food, fun […]

2 events, 30

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Event Series

Community Night

April 30 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm EST Event Series

Community Night

Wednesdays are Community Night in Clio!Every Wednesday:4:30pm to 5:30pm - Time for Family - All Ages enjoy Games, Crafts, Music & FUN together 5:30pm - Community Dinner! - Wonderful family […]

5:30 pm - 6:00 pm Event Series

FREE Community Dinner

April 30 @ 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm EDT Event Series

FREE Community Dinner

We serve a free community meal for everyone on Wednesdays at 5:30pm. Meals are homemade in our kitchen and the menu varies every week. Stop by the office and see […]

5 events, 1

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Event Series

Band Rehearsal

May 1 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT Event Series

Band Rehearsal

Do you play an instrument? We'd love to have you join the Bethany Band! The Bethany Band plays in worship about 4 times a year. We gather on Thursdays to […]

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal

May 1 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT Event Series

Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal

We would love to have you join our hand bell choir! The hand bell choir plays during worship about 4 times a year and we welcome new ringers of any […]

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Grounds Clean Up

May 1 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT Event Series

Grounds Clean Up

Volunteers gather to care for the flower beds and church grounds. If you have an interest in learning about gardening, there's a lot of old timers here willing to answer […]

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Event Series

Grief Support Group

May 1 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm EDT Event Series

Grief Support Group

Grief Support Group led by Carmen Berlin meets the first and third Thursdays in the Fireplace Room at 6:30pm. All in our community are welcome. This is a time where […]

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Event Series

AA

May 1 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EDT Event Series

AA

A local meeting of the AA Chapter

0 events, 2

0 events, 3

3 events, 4

9:00 am - 10:00 am Event Series

Choir Rehearsal

May 4 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Choir Rehearsal

Our Agape choir practices choral pieces for worship and other special services. All voices are welcome in our choir. Our choir director is Rachel Deshone and the choir is accompanied […]

9:30 am - 10:00 am Event Series

Sunday School & Breakfast

May 4 @ 9:30 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Sunday School & Breakfast

On Sunday mornings we will gather before worship and enjoy a light meal alongside bible study for all ages. Adults will gather around the tables in the fellowship hall for […]

10:30 am - 11:30 am Event Series

Worship – Online or In-Person

May 4 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am EDT Event Series

Worship – Online or In-Person

We will gather in person at 10:30am or online on Facebook, YouTube and Vimeo for worship. Our live stream will begin at 10:15am with a prelude and countdown and an […]

1 event, 5

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Event Series

Trustees

May 5 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm UTC-4 Event Series

Trustees

A meeting of the Trustees

2 events, 6

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Event Series

Bible Study with Pastor Sarah

May 6 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT Event Series

Bible Study with Pastor Sarah

Pastor Sarah leads a bible study & discussion on Tuesdays at 5:00pm. For Advent - this group will work on the book "On the Way to Bethlehem" All are welcome […]

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Event Series

Men’s Night Out

May 6 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EDT Event Series

Men’s Night Out

Every Tuesday evening at 6pm we gather together for a Men's group. Each person can bring a dish to pass and we'll enjoy a meal together. TWe'll enjoy food, fun […]

2 events, 7

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Event Series

Community Night

May 7 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm EST Event Series

Community Night

Wednesdays are Community Night in Clio!Every Wednesday:4:30pm to 5:30pm - Time for Family - All Ages enjoy Games, Crafts, Music & FUN together 5:30pm - Community Dinner! - Wonderful family […]

5:30 pm - 6:00 pm Event Series

FREE Community Dinner

May 7 @ 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm EDT Event Series

FREE Community Dinner

We serve a free community meal for everyone on Wednesdays at 5:30pm. Meals are homemade in our kitchen and the menu varies every week. Stop by the office and see […]

4 events, 8

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Event Series

Band Rehearsal

May 8 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT Event Series

Band Rehearsal

Do you play an instrument? We'd love to have you join the Bethany Band! The Bethany Band plays in worship about 4 times a year. We gather on Thursdays to […]

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal

May 8 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT Event Series

Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal

We would love to have you join our hand bell choir! The hand bell choir plays during worship about 4 times a year and we welcome new ringers of any […]

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Grounds Clean Up

May 8 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT Event Series

Grounds Clean Up

Volunteers gather to care for the flower beds and church grounds. If you have an interest in learning about gardening, there's a lot of old timers here willing to answer […]

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Event Series

AA

May 8 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EDT Event Series

AA

A local meeting of the AA Chapter

0 events, 9

0 events, 10

3 events, 11

9:00 am - 10:00 am Event Series

Choir Rehearsal

May 11 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Choir Rehearsal

Our Agape choir practices choral pieces for worship and other special services. All voices are welcome in our choir. Our choir director is Rachel Deshone and the choir is accompanied […]

9:30 am - 10:00 am Event Series

Sunday School

May 11 @ 9:30 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Sunday School

On Sunday mornings children gather before worship for a study time. Children of all ages will be led by teachers in a bible lesson and activity. Come & grow in […]

10:30 am - 11:30 am Event Series

Worship – Online or In-Person

May 11 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am EDT Event Series

Worship – Online or In-Person

We will gather in person at 10:30am or online on Facebook, YouTube and Vimeo for worship. Our live stream will begin at 10:15am with a prelude and countdown and an […]

1 event, 12

11:00 am - 12:00 pm Event Series

Commission on Education

May 12 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT Event Series

Commission on Education

A meeting for the Commission on Education. This group supports our youth ministry and various small group studies.

0 events, 13

2 events, 14

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Event Series

Community Night

May 14 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm EST Event Series

Community Night

Wednesdays are Community Night in Clio!Every Wednesday:4:30pm to 5:30pm - Time for Family - All Ages enjoy Games, Crafts, Music & FUN together 5:30pm - Community Dinner! - Wonderful family […]

5:30 pm - 6:00 pm Event Series

FREE Community Dinner

May 14 @ 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm EDT Event Series

FREE Community Dinner

We serve a free community meal for everyone on Wednesdays at 5:30pm. Meals are homemade in our kitchen and the menu varies every week. Stop by the office and see […]

3 events, 15

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Grounds Clean Up

May 15 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT Event Series

Grounds Clean Up

Volunteers gather to care for the flower beds and church grounds. If you have an interest in learning about gardening, there's a lot of old timers here willing to answer […]

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Event Series

Grief Support Group

May 15 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm EDT Event Series

Grief Support Group

Grief Support Group led by Carmen Berlin meets the first and third Thursdays in the Fireplace Room at 6:30pm. All in our community are welcome. This is a time where […]

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Event Series

AA

May 15 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EDT Event Series

AA

A local meeting of the AA Chapter

0 events, 16

0 events, 17

3 events, 18

9:00 am - 10:00 am Event Series

Choir Rehearsal

May 18 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Choir Rehearsal

Our Agape choir practices choral pieces for worship and other special services. All voices are welcome in our choir. Our choir director is Rachel Deshone and the choir is accompanied […]

9:30 am - 10:00 am Event Series

Sunday School

May 18 @ 9:30 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Sunday School

On Sunday mornings children gather before worship for a study time. Children of all ages will be led by teachers in a bible lesson and activity. Come & grow in […]

10:30 am - 11:30 am Event Series

Worship – Online or In-Person

May 18 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am EDT Event Series

Worship – Online or In-Person

We will gather in person at 10:30am or online on Facebook, YouTube and Vimeo for worship. Our live stream will begin at 10:15am with a prelude and countdown and an […]

0 events, 19

1 event, 20

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Event Series

UMW Ruth Circle

United Methodist Women
May 20 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST Event Series

UMW Ruth Circle

UMW Ruth Circle meets for fellowship

1 event, 21

10:00 am - 11:00 am Event Series

UMW Tabitha Circle

United Methodist Women
May 21 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am EST Event Series

UMW Tabitha Circle

The UMW Tabitha Circle gathers for fellowship

2 events, 22

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Grounds Clean Up

May 22 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT Event Series

Grounds Clean Up

Volunteers gather to care for the flower beds and church grounds. If you have an interest in learning about gardening, there's a lot of old timers here willing to answer […]

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Event Series

AA

May 22 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EDT Event Series

AA

A local meeting of the AA Chapter

0 events, 23

0 events, 24

1 event, 25

10:30 am - 11:30 am Event Series

Worship – Online or In-Person

May 25 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am EDT Event Series

Worship – Online or In-Person

We will gather in person at 10:30am or online on Facebook, YouTube and Vimeo for worship. Our live stream will begin at 10:15am with a prelude and countdown and an […]

0 events, 26

2 events, 27

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Church Clean Up Day

May 27 @ 10:00 am - 3:00 pm EDT

Church Clean Up Day

Keeping the church clean: MAY 27TH AT 10:00 AM we will be vacuuming and mopping all the floors. We need as much help as we can get. Please see Bill […]

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Event Series

Ad Board

Bethany United Methodist Church - Clio, MI
May 27 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm UTC-4 Event Series

Ad Board

A meeting for anyone in the church and all members of the Ad Board

0 events, 28

2 events, 29

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Grounds Clean Up

May 29 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT Event Series

Grounds Clean Up

Volunteers gather to care for the flower beds and church grounds. If you have an interest in learning about gardening, there's a lot of old timers here willing to answer […]

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Event Series

AA

May 29 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EDT Event Series

AA

A local meeting of the AA Chapter

0 events, 30

0 events, 31

April 27
April 27 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Choir Rehearsal

April 27 @ 9:30 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Sunday School & Breakfast

April 27 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am EDT Event Series

Worship – Online or In-Person

April 28
April 28 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm UTC-4 Event Series

Ad Board

April 29
April 29 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT Event Series

Bible Study with Pastor Sarah

April 29 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EDT Event Series

Men’s Night Out

April 30
April 30 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm EST Event Series

Community Night

April 30 @ 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm EDT Event Series

FREE Community Dinner

May 1
May 1 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT Event Series

Band Rehearsal

May 1 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT Event Series

Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal

May 1 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT Event Series

Grounds Clean Up

May 1 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm EDT Event Series

Grief Support Group

May 1 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EDT Event Series

AA

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
May 4
May 4 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Choir Rehearsal

May 4 @ 9:30 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Sunday School & Breakfast

May 4 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am EDT Event Series

Worship – Online or In-Person

May 5
May 5 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm UTC-4 Event Series

Trustees

May 6
May 6 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT Event Series

Bible Study with Pastor Sarah

May 6 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EDT Event Series

Men’s Night Out

May 7
May 7 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm EST Event Series

Community Night

May 7 @ 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm EDT Event Series

FREE Community Dinner

May 8
May 8 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT Event Series

Band Rehearsal

May 8 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT Event Series

Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal

May 8 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT Event Series

Grounds Clean Up

May 8 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EDT Event Series

AA

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
May 11
May 11 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Choir Rehearsal

May 11 @ 9:30 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Sunday School

May 11 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am EDT Event Series

Worship – Online or In-Person

May 12
May 12 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT Event Series

Commission on Education

May 14
May 14 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm EST Event Series

Community Night

May 14 @ 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm EDT Event Series

FREE Community Dinner

May 15
May 15 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT Event Series

Grounds Clean Up

May 15 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm EDT Event Series

Grief Support Group

May 15 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EDT Event Series

AA

May 18
May 18 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Choir Rehearsal

May 18 @ 9:30 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Sunday School

May 14
May 14 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm EST Event Series

Community Night

May 14 @ 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm EDT Event Series

FREE Community Dinner

May 15
May 15 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT Event Series

Grounds Clean Up

May 15 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm EDT Event Series

Grief Support Group

May 15 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EDT Event Series

AA

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
May 18
May 18 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Choir Rehearsal

May 18 @ 9:30 am - 10:00 am EDT Event Series

Sunday School

May 18 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am EDT Event Series

Worship – Online or In-Person

  • There are no events on this day.
May 20
May 20 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST Event Series

UMW Ruth Circle

May 21
May 21 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am EST Event Series

UMW Tabitha Circle

May 22
May 22 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT Event Series

Grounds Clean Up

May 22 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EDT Event Series

AA

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
May 25
May 25 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am EDT Event Series

Worship – Online or In-Person

  • There are no events on this day.
May 27
May 27 @ 10:00 am - 3:00 pm EDT

Church Clean Up Day

May 27 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm UTC-4 Event Series

Ad Board

  • There are no events on this day.
May 29
May 29 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT Event Series

Grounds Clean Up

May 29 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EDT Event Series

AA

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
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Bethany United Methodist Church - Clio, MI

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Praise God through Bible study, music, and fellowship. Youth & Children activities and groups on Wednesday afternoons.

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Copyright © 2025 · Bethany United Methodist Church | Clio, Michigan

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353 E. Vienna St.
Clio, MI 48420
1-810-686-5151
bethanyumcclio@gmail.com
Office Hours: 9am - 2pm
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