March 2023
Another month of 2023 is now behind us. Our public name has been set as “Somerville Methodist Church” for after disaffiliation, which should be effective June 1, 2023. This name was voted on at a Church Conference held after morning service on Sunday, February 26, 2023. We sold well over 120 gallons of stew, not to mention having at least 100 people join us lunch with us on Friday February 24th. Thanks to everyone that participated and to all of those who helped make this a wonderful success. Even the weather cooperated!
On March 1, 2023, we are having a Drug Awareness Forum in Davis Hall. This meeting will take the place of our Bible Study (starting at 6 pm). Representatives from the State Attorney General’s office and local law enforcement will be here to update us about the Opioid epidemic in our community. This event may have already taken place when you get this publication, but know that your church is constantly attempting to keep our community informed and safe.
Just a heads up on the “Disaffiliation Status”. As of Sunday February 26th, donations toward our Disaffiliation Fund equaled $96,854 leaving $28,585 needed to pay to the conference prior to April 2, 2023. Thank you to all who have been able to contribute to this fund. Behind the scenes we are working to make the change to the new church as smooth as possible. We are looking toward adopting a new Charter, new Bylaws, updating our signage and looking at all the accounts that the church must update prior to June 1, 2023.
As we consider all of this be fully aware that your church continues to function. We continue to have meaningful Sunday Morning Services and Sunday School. We have increased the number of our adult Sunday School Classes to 4. (Stone Soup, Pairs and Spares, Alabaster Box, and Wesley Class) We enjoyed a special service on Ash Wednesday with our Presbyterian friends, in their sanctuary, with our choir, our Youth Ministry group and many of our members in attendance. Efforts are underway for this year’s VBS, Bazaar Craft Booth activity is just about to start, just to mention a few of the on-going activities of the church. And, yes, Easter is just on the horizon! Along with Holy Week Luncheons, Easter Egg Hunt/Pancake Breakfast/Bake Sale, and our special celebration of Resurrection Day – EASTER! Please make all these events even more special by being present and joining with us to celebrate a gracious and loving God, in all that we do.
Grace and Peace to All:
Bro Don VanVoorhis
