Friday, March 6, 2026

Tenacious Mission (It is in our "genetics")

“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16

Even if you did not attend the book study "Knowing Who We Are: The Wesleyan Way of Life," you may still want to consider reading the book. I find our church book studies give me the opportunity to learn more about God's Word and plan for us, the Bible, Christianity, and what it means to be a Methodist in ways that I have challenges doing on my own. I do have to admit the first few chapters did not inspire me much with interest. Then came Chapter 4 "Tenacious Mission."

All the mission and connectional activities that the United Methodist Church is active in today all started with intention in the 1700s! Our roots were not just about a new way to worship. News to me in part! John Wesley and the early Methodists created focused initiatives not only for spiritual growth, but access to healthcare, education, and even microfinance. They started free medical clinics that expanded over time to establish hospitals. They supported educating those who were poor and had no access that expanded to establishing universities. They had a lending system to help support folks starting a business. Starting decades ago Methodists advocated for women, the enslaved, and others who were considered outcasts such as the incarcerated and those with certain illnesses. Does this sound familiar?

The many diverse services that organizations such as Cass Community Social Services, the NOAH Project Detroit, UMCOR, and Methodist Home Society Family of Services all developed from the visions of our forebears nearly 200 years ago. The heritage of the Methodist church IS alive and well today.

Within our local church we continue to advocate for people and positions that intend to support the humanity of all. A few examples that come to mind are participation in the Grosse Pointe Pride Parade, educating our congregation on Gun Violence issues and Mental Health support. We are connectional in our missions with the Gift of Reading, the Rummage Sale, supporting the Immanuel Food Pantry, and the Methodist Children's Home Society. We intentionally try to support not only local (the Wave Project, funding school lunches), but national (Henderson Settlement, UMC Hawaii) and international (Haiti, Liberia, Ukraine, etc) missions either directly or through UMCOR.

The United Methodist Church is so much more than attending Sunday Worship and listening to inspiring sermons. During that precious time we are motivated to "Live and Love Like Jesus," and...we also do a pretty nice job of supporting one another.

Elizabeth Blunden

“The poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore, I command you, saying, ‘you shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor in the land.’" – Deuteronomy 15:11

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Buy Nothing

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices, God is pleased. – Hebrews 13:16

When I volunteered to coordinate the activities area of this year’s Shelter Week, we thought we were expecting about 20 women. “Why don’t you set up a manicure table? They’ll love that,” someone on Outreach suggested.

So I added an appeal in the Tuesday Newsletter for manicure supplies, puzzle books and coloring supplies to the long list of items needed. And of course, church members were generous. But wanting to leave nothing to chance, I also reached out to my local Buy Nothing Facebook group and was deluged with responses. In most cases, because this is how Buy Nothing works, I made the rounds picking things up and also enlisted Greg.

If you don’t know about this grassroots organization and are on Facebook, you might want to search “Buy Nothing” followed by your community. The concept is simple: Members either have something to give, have a request for something, or are looking to borrow something.

I am always mindful of the UMW rummage sale, which raises money for our missions, so I’m pretty frugal with what I post to give away. One time, someone asked for a hula hoop, and I had a fancy one from yoga that was gathering dust. We gave a weightlifting set that came with our house to the father of a teenager who was just getting into weights.

During the pandemic, you might see a mom home with young kids ask if anyone was going to Costco and could pick up a few things. I once surprised a friend who was about to buy a spare walker for her mother with a new-like walker from someone’s garage. People are always ready to lend their services, such as help with a resume.

I hear the national organization has launched an app, which makes me a bit sad. But I still appreciate the founding principle: “We exist to build resilient communities where our true wealth is the connections forged between neighbors.”

As you know by now, we didn’t get the 20 women we were expecting for Shelter Week. But that is another Lenten devotion that someone else may offer.

Prayer: Lord, make us cheerful, generous givers, and give us great joy in the privilege of giving. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Kathy Gardner

April 7, 2023 – Good Friday

For the Man Upstairs

At the end of each rummage sale, the challenge is to pack everything that is not sold, and stage it so that local charities can pick it up to support other missions. This past Fall, Matrix Human Services took all the unsold clothing, as they have done in the past, right after the sale on Saturday. We love to see them coming, because they bring extra help and a truck! Matrix started a new program to help people find housing, and to help them furnish their homes. Several items of furniture were marked for pick up to be used in this new program. The Matrix staff was to pick up the furniture the Monday after the sale, the same day that Goodwill picks up unsold items. The Matrix staff was unable to pick up the furniture on Monday, and asked if I could meet them the following Saturday. I agreed, and we set a time.

I must admit I was a little concerned, as I would have to figure an alternative to move several items of furniture if they didn’t show. True to their word, the Matrix representative showed up with a jeep and a van and two men. It is unclear to me how they managed to put all of the items in those two vehicles, but they did. As is the custom, we typically provide a tip to the drivers who pick up and haul away our rummage. The gentlemen, refused the tip, pointing heavenward. We do this for others and the man upstairs. Their kindness really touched me.

They taught me a valuable lesson that day. Keep the faith. There are so many who are generous of heart and spirit in this world.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Galatians 5:22

Nancy Grose

March 30, 2022

Kindness to Others

From the time I was a young child, I heard my parents and teachers (nuns) tell about the importance of kindness to others. I believe I was a kind person but I know I didn’t necessarily go out of my way to truly help others in need. One day, when I was in my 40’s, my oldest brother told me about a great book he had read entitled “Random Acts of Kindness.” I was curious and bought the book. It fascinated me to learn of the things people did to be kind to others. These acts of kindness ranged from something as small as putting money in someone else’s parking meter to taking in a poor family for the night when their car broke down on the side of the highway and they had to wait until the next day to get it fixed.

Something changed within me and I decided I wanted to be one of those people that makes a difference in other people’s lives, even if it’s just a passing smile. Who doesn’t appreciate a smile? Well, actually, my children thought I smiled too much and that few people ever returned the smile. “Oh well,” I said, “I’m going to keep doing it anyway.” I started to be more aware of others I pass by in life and tried to help when I could. One of the best ways I have found to be helpful to others is to take off those blinders. The ones we put on when we don’t want to get involved in something such as a mother screaming at and/or hitting her child. Stay and make sure that child is not in harm’s way. There are so many things we can do in a day to be kind to others.

“Contribute to the needs of God’s people and welcome strangers into your home.” – Romans 12:13

“Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices.” – Hebrews 13:16

I wish you luck as you continue on your “kindness journey” and I know you will reap the rewards deep within your soul.

Sara Sessions