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Bethany United Methodist Church

United Methodist Church serving Clio, Michigan

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Home/From the Pastor/September 2016 – Letter from Pastor LuAnn
Letter from Pastor LuAnn September 2016

September 2016 – Letter from Pastor LuAnn

Pastor’s Page

 

Vision is essential to a church.  Vision informs the way in which we live out our common mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  A church’s vision gives a snapshot moment in the broad scope and span of the unchanging mission of the Church.  The vision will need to be renewed, adapted, and adjusted to the cultural context in which the congregation lives.  Take for instance, an urban church that used to have lots of folks come to worship from the surrounding community.  As the years pass, more and more people move out to the suburbs, but still want to drive in to their beautiful church.  The worshippers no longer live in the community, and too often those who do live in the community don’t feel welcome within the walls of the church.  The mission is still to make disciples, but the vision of how that mission is realized in the community where God has planted the church must be adapted to the changing neighborhood.

God-given visions guide congregations.  We find guiding visions sprinkled throughout scripture.  God caught Abraham’s attention with his vision for him in Genesis 12:1-3.  God used Moses to communicate the vision for his people in Exodus 3:7-8 and Deuteronomy 8:7-10.  It is possible that the “joy” set before Jesus while enduring the cross was the vision of his reunion with the Father in Heaven, or the picture of the joy of the redeemed as we enter salvation in Jesus name (Hebrews 12:2).

Vision gives us purpose and unifies our focus, encouraging us to work together toward a greater cause.  If we aim at Christ is all and is in allnothing, we will hit that target every time!  We need to work together with a focus that keeps our energy flowing in the same direction if we are to accomplish anything good for Jesus Christ.  “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.  For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:16).

Not much happens when there is no vision.  Not much was happening in Nehemiah’s day.  Jerusalem lay in ruins, and no one was motivated to do anything about it.  The people had no vision.  (Nehemiah 1:3).  Then along came Nehemiah with a vision from God to rebuild the gates and the walls of the city.  The people caught Nehemiah’s excitement; they were energized and their spirits ignited!  Understanding our purpose gives meaning to life and supplies the fuel that lights the fire in our hearts.

Nehemiah’s vison reminded the people of who they were, and reconnected them with God who had called them to be a light to the nations.  We too are called to be a light – to demonstrate that being a part of Bethany Church means we are making a difference and are impacting the lives of people in our community and our world.  We should be attempting and accomplishing great things for God!   It is Jesus who said, “I assure you that whoever believes in me will do the works that I do. They will do even greater works than these because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).

 

On October 1st we will gather for an all-church planning day as we begin to vision together and to seek God’s purpose for the people and ministries of Bethany Church.  Mark your calendars!

 

Grace and Peace be with you.

Pastor LuAnn

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August 31, 2016 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

  • There are no events on this day.
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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Copyright © 2025 · Bethany United Methodist Church | Clio, Michigan

Location & Info

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