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

Letter from Pastor LuAnn – November 2016

(Luke 17:11-19)   Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.  As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”  When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”  And as they went, they were cleansed.  One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.  He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?   Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”  Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

Every year as we come to the Thanksgiving season I become aware that I do not thank God nearly enough.  I am quick to lament, to complain, to ask, to (if I am honest) tell God what God ought to do.  But aside from a quick, “Thank you for today God.” I don’t get really down into the things I am grateful to God for.  As I read about these lepers who were healed, I realize that it is often tricky to just cut loose and praise God.  We get really excited and worked up about bad stuff, but what about the good?  Have you ever heard at prayer group “not a single school shooting in America this week. Praise God.” Or “The Nation is grateful this week for all the successful cancer treatments that have left thousands of people with a clean bill of health.”  No, that’s not as exciting as belaboring the negative.  So bear with me for a few moments as I take some time to reflect on the ten lepers and how, through their story, I am reminded to be grateful to God.

 

Thank you Jesus for walking the “borders” – the places in life where the edgy people are.  Thank you for going out of your way to connect with people who are pressed to the edges of our society.  Thank you for stopping to listen as the ‘least of these’ call out for pity.  Thank you for hearing the prayers of the outcast and the ones who are in need of cleansing.  Thank you for being approachable, so that even a wretch like me can come to you with my every burden and fall at your feet.

 

Thank you for seeing the edgy parts of me.  Thank you for going out of your way to connect with me.  Thank you for leaving your throne in heaven and coming to earth to meet me where I am.  Thank you for hearing me call out to you, and for healing the brokenness in me.

 

Praise you, God for all who turn back to offer praise.  Thank you for all the people in my life who speak your name without hesitation; who bravely point to you as the source of all good things; who dare to recognize you as GOD and remind me that you are real and you are actively at work in the world redeeming what has been done and shepherding us all toward the day when you will return in glory like we’ve never seen before.

 

Praise you God for loving me too much to allow me to stay comfortable for too long.  Thank you for interrupting my pride and refusing to leave me as I am, even it makes me uncomfortable.  Thank you for walking with me through the valley of the shadow of death toward a more abundant life.

 

Thank you for this community where I have been called to lead and to love your people.  Thank you for my crazy kids and delightful granddaughters.  Thank you for my life partner who loves you enough to love me well.  Thank you for music.  Thank you for bread.  Thank you for your Word which is alive and living in me.  Thank you for peace that passes understanding when I just don’t understand.

 

Thank you for coming to us when we could not find our way to you.  Thank you for the celebration of Thanksgiving, and the weeks of Advent when we are reminded to be prepare our hearts for your coming, and to be like that one leper out of ten who, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.

 

Thank you, Father, Son, Holy Spirit.  Maranatha.  Amen.

 

Pastor LuAnn

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October 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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353 E. Vienna St.
Clio, MI 48420
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