Dear Friends,
Last Sunday was special. We gathered to celebrate the culmination of nearly two decades of visioning and the nearly four years of construction to open our renovated building. It was a day full of joy and possibility. We gave thanks for the 177 years of history of being “Downtown for Good.”
One of the most important things we did last week was to reaffirm our commitment to sharing this space with our community. Our doors are open and all are invited to us in mission and service. In order to help us share our space with our friends and neighbors, we have created an entire month of events that you can invite someone to experience with you. Let me take just a minute to highlight the four “big” events.
Monday, September 16, 7:00 pm Be Bold: An Evening with Pastor Rachel Billups. Rachel is an amazing preacher and teacher and at 39 became the leader of one of the United Methodist Church’s largest and most innovative churches, Ginghamsburg UMC in Tipp City, Ohio.
Sunday, September 22, 4:00 pm One Voice: ChoirFest Benefit Concert. Our Minister of Music Caleb Williams is bringing three amazing choirs together, including our own Sanctus, for an afternoon of beautiful, fun, and inspiring music. The event is free with a Good Will offering supporting the Ruth Ellis Center, Detroit’s leading LGBTQ+ teen and young adult resource center.
Saturday, September 28, 9:00 am Men’s Prayer Breakfast. We are proud to welcome Detroit’s own Luis Sharpe to be our speaker. Luis graduated from Southwestern High School and was signed to play offensive tackle for UCLA. The two-time All-American was later drafted in the first round by the St. Louis Cardinals, playing 10 seasons and being named to the NFC All-Pro Team three consecutive years. In his post-NFL career, Luis struggled with addiction and was incarcerated on multiple occasions. In prison, he got clean and found faith, and now is spending his life giving back.
Sunday, September 29, 5:30 Potluck and 6:30 Show Join us for a night of laughs, as Ferndale’s own Comedy Sportz will bring their family-friendly show to our sanctuary. This is a can’t-miss evening of fun. $10 per person or $20 per family.
Each of these events will give us the chance to extend the blessing of our space and our spirit to others.
Doing All the Good We Can!
Grace and Peace,
