Paris United Methodist Church

11/30/2025

As we step into Advent, we begin our Dare to Dream journey with Vigilant Hope—the kind of hope that stays awake to God’s presence and looks for light even in seasons that feel uncertain or heavy.

I recorded a short video for you today reflecting on this theme and inviting you into the first week of Advent with intention and expectation. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch it and sit with the Scriptures that guide us this week.

Below you’ll find the full passages from Isaiah and Mark. I encourage you to read them slowly—maybe even aloud—and let their imagery, honesty, and promise shape your heart as we begin this season.

And if you haven’t already, you can download or read our full Dare to Dream Advent & Epiphany Daily Devotional at ummecosta.org

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📖 Isaiah 2:1–5 (NRSVUE)
"The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it.

Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.”

For out of Zion shall go forth instruction and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!

📖 Mark 13:24–37 (NRSVUE)
“But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.”

“Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.”

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert, for you do not know when the time will come.”

“It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with their work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

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As you read these words and begin this season, may hope take root in you—not as wishful thinking, but as the courageous belief that God is not finished with us yet. Let’s dare to dream together.

11/30/2025

First Sunday of Advent – The Mountain of the Lord

Isaiah 2:1–5 (NRSVUE) – “The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths. “For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!”

Isaiah’s dream is breathtaking in its simplicity—nations streaming to a mountain not for conquest, but for communion. A future where we unlearn the habits of harm. A world where power bends toward peace.

This vision doesn’t ignore the world’s pain; it faces it with holy imagination. Isaiah dares to say, “What if?” What if we lived as though God’s ways were already shaping us? What if light could reach even the places that feel unchangeable?

Advent begins not with answers, but with imagination. Before the manger, before the angel’s song, there’s this mountain—steady, luminous, calling us to come and see what could be. Vigilant hope begins there: believing that the dream of peace is not naïve, but necessary.

Practice:
Spend five quiet minutes picturing Isaiah’s mountain. What would it look like for your community to “walk in the light of the Lord”? Write one concrete image or word that comes to mind.

Questions for Reflection:
1. Where do you see signs of peace already emerging in small ways?
2. What “swords” in your own life might God be inviting you to reshape into tools for healing?
3. How can imagination become a spiritual discipline for you this Advent?

Prayer:
Holy Dreamer, lift my eyes toward your mountain of peace. When the world feels heavy, teach me to look for your light. Shape my heart into an instrument of your hope. Amen.

(To download or print your own copy of the Dare To Dream: Advent and Epiphany Devotional Companion, visit us at ummecosta.org and click on the "Date to Dream Devotional" link at the top of the page.)

11/29/2025

After spending considerable time monitoring the winter storm moving into our area — and with a Winter Storm Warning in effect through tomorrow morning — we’ve made the decision to cancel in-person worship for Sunday.

While conditions inside the city may vary, many in our congregations live on rural and secondary roads that may not be plowed or treated in time for safe travel. With heavy snow, slick roads, and poor visibility expected overnight and early tomorrow, your safety is our priority.

Here’s the plan for tomorrow:.. No in-person worship at any campus... Instead of a live service, a message will be posted on Facebook and YouTube on Sunday afternoon, available for you to watch whenever is safest and most convenient... Please take care of yourselves, check on neighbors, and stay warm.

If you have a need during the storm — whether it’s help with food, heat, transportation, or checking in — please reach out. Many in our community may need additional support at this time. If you’re able to help someone else, this is a wonderful moment to embody that care.


If you would like to submit a prayer request or check in, you can do that here: www.bigrapidsfirst.org/checkin

If you would like to give electronically, you can do so at: www.ummecosta.org/give

Be are the announcements (beginning with a TL;DR snapshot) from this week’s newsletter.

If you’re staying inside tomorrow, I hope it offers a moment of reflection, hope, and grounding as we enter this holy season together.

Thank you for your flexibility and understanding. Weather may change our plans, but it does not change who we are as a community — connected, caring, and committed to one another.

If you need anything or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out by calling the church at 231-796-7771.

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TL;DR – This Week at UMMMC
.. Adopt-A-Family – Gift tags available at the First Church Fellowship Hall board; unwrapped gifts due Dec. 14; wrapping party Dec. 16. Paris Campus and mobility-friendly participation options available.
.. Adult Christmas Party (Dec 13 @ 5:30 PM) – Lasagna dinner, childcare provided, White Elephant Gift Exchange; RSVP by Dec. 7.
.. Christmas Eve Services – 5 PM at Paris (Candlelight) & 7 PM at First Church (Candlelight with Communion). Volunteers needed.
.. Monthly Men’s Breakfast (Starting January) – Pastor Jeremy is gauging interest for a new discipleship and service focused men’s ministry.
.. 2026 Volunteer Opportunities – Fellowship Hosts, Communion Stewards, Greeters, and Ushers needed for the new year.
.. Think About It: Week One – Reflection on Vigilant Hope with questions, prayer, and a weekly practice.
.. Year-End Giving – 2025 contributions must be received by Sunday, Dec. 28 to count toward this year.

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FAMILY NEWS - Week of November 30 - December 6, 2025

HAPPENING THIS WEEK
Monday, December 1
12PM - Alcoholics Anonymous @ Third Ave

Tuesday, December 2
9AM - Ministry Staff Meeting
10AM - Gift Wrapping @ Angels Of Action
12PM - Alcoholics Anonymous @ Third Ave
6:30PM - SOUL Circle @ First
7PM - Alcoholics Anonymous @ Paris

Wednesday, December 3
10AM - SOUL Circle @ First
11:30AM - Community Lunch @ Third Ave
4PM - Christmas Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, December 4
5:30PM - Community Dinner @ First
7PM - Alcoholics Anonymous @ Paris

Friday, December 5
12PM - Alcoholics Anonymous @ Third Ave

Saturday, December 6
11AM - Alcoholics Anonymous @ Paris
11:30AM - Community Lunch @ Third Ave

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Adopt-A-Family Christmas Outreach
This year, UMMMC is sponsoring two local families who could use a little extra care and support during the Christmas season. Together, we have the opportunity to surround them with love, generosity, and the joy of knowing they’re not alone.

Family One: A single mother raising two young daughters.

Family Two: A single father caring for his son who has special needs.

Beginning Sunday, November 30, you’ll find detailed gift information posted on the Adopt-A-Family bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall at the Downtown Campus (First Church). If you feel led to participate, simply choose an item, write your name beside it, and return the UNWRAPPED gift to First Church no later than Sunday, December 14.

If you worship at the Paris Campus—or if mobility or transportation makes participation difficult—there are still several ways to join in! You can sign up by calling Larisa, Jackie, or Barb in the church office (who can check the board for you), shop online and have items shipped directly to the church, drop off gifts at the Paris Campus for volunteer pickup, or give financially so that volunteers can shop on your behalf. However you participate, we are grateful.

We will wrap all gifts together on Tuesday, December 16, from 2–4PM in the Fellowship Hall at the Downtown Campus (First Church). Whether you’re a seasoned gift-wrapper or someone who simply enjoys being part of something meaningful, join us!

If you have any questions, please contact Barb in the church office and she will help you get in touch with the organizers.

Thank you for helping us make Christmas brighter for these families. Your kindness truly makes a difference.

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Adult Christmas Party - December 13 @ 5:30PM
Everyone from all UMMMC campuses is invited to our Adult Christmas Party on Saturday, December 13, at 5:30PM at the First Church Campus. This event is designed for adults to relax and enjoy an evening together; childcare will be provided on-site.

We’ll share a lasagna dinner (beef, seafood, and vegetable options). Please bring a salad or dessert to add to the meal, if you are able.

We’ll also have a White Elephant Gift Exchange - just bring one wrapped gift (new, used, or regifted). If bringing a gift is a burden for any reason, please let Pastor Jeremy know and we will have a wrapped gift ready for you so that everyone can participate. If you need a ride to the event, please let us know. We want everyone to be able to join us.

Please RSVP by Sunday, December 7 by emailing or calling Barb in the church office or by signing up on the Fellowship Hall bulletin board. Volunteers are also needed for set-up on December 12.

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Christmas Eve Worship Services
We will offer two Christmas Eve services this year as we celebrate the wonder of Christ’s birth and the light that breaks into our world.

5:00PM - Paris Campus, Candlelight Service

7:00PM - First Church Campus, Candlelight with Communion

If you’d like to volunteer to serve on Christmas Eve at either campus, please contact Pastor Jeremy or Barb in the church office.

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Interested in a Monthly Men’s Breakfast?
As we look ahead to the new year, Pastor Jeremy is exploring the idea of launching a monthly Men’s Breakfast beginning in January. Pastor Jeremy says, "My hope is to create a relaxed, welcoming space where the men of UMMMC and our community can share a meal, build relationships, and also spend intentional time in discipleship, conversation, and serving together."

Before moving forward, we'd love to hear from you. Would you be interested in attending a monthly Men’s Breakfast? Your feedback will help determine the best schedule and format.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy—or if you have ideas you’d like to share—please reach out to Pastor Jeremy or contact Barb in the church office. We look forward to exploring this opportunity for fellowship and spiritual growth together!

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Volunteer Opportunities for 2026
As we prepare for the new year, we’re building teams to help create a warm, welcoming Sunday experience at UMMMC.
.. Fellowship Hosts – Provide simple refreshments after worship at First Church. Individuals, families, or groups welcome.
.. Communion Stewards – Prepare the bread and cup before worship (about one hour, once a month).
.. Greeters – Offer a warm welcome and help people feel at home when they arrive.
.. Ushers – Distribute bulletins, assist with seating, and help keep our worship space ready.

If you’re interested or want to learn more, please contact Barb Erb in the church office or Pastor Jeremy. Thank you for helping us build a welcoming, vibrant community!

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Think About It – Week One: Vigilant Hope

Hope is not something we drift into—it’s something we practice. In a world that constantly pulls our attention toward fear, division, and exhaustion, hope can feel like a luxury or a distraction. But biblically, hope is neither wishful thinking nor naïve optimism. It is the courageous decision to stay awake to the possibility that God is already at work, even when we can’t yet see the full picture.

Isaiah invites us to imagine a world where weapons become tools for growth and nations choose peace over violence—an impossible dream unless we believe God is not finished remaking the world. And Jesus, speaking into the uncertainty of his time, doesn’t say “figure it all out,” but instead, “stay awake.” Vigilance, in Jesus’ hands, is not anxiety; it’s attention. A posture of looking for God’s nearness in the ordinary, the small, the unexpected.

As you move through this first week of Advent, consider how hope invites you to pay attention, to soften your spirit, and to turn toward God’s dream with intentionality and courage.

Reflection Questions.. Where in your life do you feel spiritually tired or numb—and how might hope be inviting you to “stay awake” in that place?
.. What “weapons” (habits, responses, assumptions, defenses) is God inviting you to reshape into something life-giving?
.. What signs—small or large—have reminded you this week that God is near?
.. When you imagine the world Isaiah describes, what emotions rise up in you: longing, skepticism, curiosity, resistance, hope? Why?
.. How might you practice “vigilant hope” in one concrete way this week?

Prayer for the Week
Holy One, in the places where we feel weary, awaken us. Where despair whispers, speak your promise. Where we’ve grown numb, touch us with your light. Teach us to hope with our eyes open, to watch for signs of your presence, and to trust that you are still shaping the world toward peace, justice, and wholeness. Let hope take root in us this week—not as optimism, but as courage. Amen.

Putting It into Practice
Take one small step toward hope this week. It doesn’t need to be dramatic or complicated. It might be:.. Choosing a slower pace for one morning... Reaching out to someone you’ve been meaning to encourage.
Practicing a moment of silence each day to breathe and pay attention... Refusing to participate in a cycle of negativity or complaint.
Naming one thing you see that reflects God’s presence in the world.

Whatever you choose, let it be a step toward the light—a gentle but intentional act of defiance against despair, and a way of walking in the direction of God’s dream. Remember: hope doesn’t ask you to have everything figured out, it simply asks you to stay awake.

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All financial contributions intended for 2025 must be received no later than Sunday, December 28. Gifts received after that date will be recorded in the 2026 giving year.

10/13/2025

An Important Update from United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County

After much prayer, conversation, and discernment, the Leadership Team of United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County has made the difficult decision to discontinue worship services at our Third Avenue Campus, effective at the end of October. The final worship service will take place on Sunday, October 26, followed by a potluck luncheon as we gather to celebrate the years of faithful ministry and the many lives touched through this congregation.

This decision was not made lightly, nor was it ever part of a plan to reduce the number of campuses within UMMMC. Our hope has always been for three vital worshiping communities, but our greater promise has been to live faithfully into our mission, vision, and core values. As we’ve continued to grow and discern together, it became clear that change was necessary for us to live out those commitments with integrity and care.

We give thanks for the many years of worship, service, and community that have taken place at Third Avenue — for the prayers lifted, friendships formed, and love shared within these walls and beyond.

It is our hope that the building itself will continue to serve the neighborhood and in a way that allows us to expand outreach and resourcing for seniors, families, youth, and children in the Third Avenue neighborhood.

UMMMC remains committed to the mission of The United Methodist Church: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. That mission continues through the ministries of United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County as we worship, serve, and grow together at our North (Paris) and Downtown (First) campuses. Wherever you join us, you will find a community of faith that welcomes, affirms, and walks together in love.

05/10/2025

WILD WEDNESDAY IS BACK…AND IT’S CHAOTIC, ON PURPOSE!

"​Camp Chaos: Jesus Meets Us in the Chaos of Life" is our summer 2025 Wednesday night program for kids—and it’s exactly what it sounds like: loud, joyful, beautiful chaos, where kids experience the love of Jesus in real, hands-on ways. This summer experience is for children who will be in Kindergarten through Sixth Grade in September 2025.
​
Wednesdays | June 11 – July 16
@ First Church Campus
304 Elm Street, Big Rapids
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NIGHTLY SCHEDULE:
5:30PM - Dinner
6:00PM - Programming Begins!
7:15PM - Wrap Up with Music and Celebration!
7:30PM - Kids Released to Their Adults!​​
​
TO REGISTER YOUR CHILD / CHILDREN, CLICK THE LINK BELOW:
www.ummecosta.org/campchaos

(Please note that EACH CHILD MUST BE REGISTERED SEPERATELY!)

05/06/2025

The United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County (UMMMC) Office, located at the First Church Campus, is closed today, May 6, 2025. Staff remain available and may be reached via phone or email as needed.

05/05/2025

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: JANE PEDELTY
At United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County, our volunteers are the heartbeat of our ministry. Each month, we’re taking time to lift up one of the many people who make a difference in the life of our churches. This month, we are grateful to celebrate Jane Pedelty.

Jane has been a steady, faithful presence at Paris United Methodist Church for decades. Over the years, she has generously shared her time, her talents, and her deep love for the church in countless ways - serving as secretary on the Big Rapids Parish board, coordinating printing for newsletters, flyers, and bookmarks, and helping organize nearly every mission effort. If there was work to be done, Jane was there, often quietly and without fanfare.

Today, Jane serves on the UMMMC Leadership Team, carrying the hopes of the Paris campus into this new chapter of ministry. She doesn't see her responsibilities as a burden, but as a privilege - a calling to use the spiritual gifts God has given her to strengthen the church she loves.

We give thanks for Jane’s faithful heart, her willing hands, and her enduring commitment to Christ’s work among us. Her leadership and dedication continue to bless the Paris campus and the entire UMMMC community.

Thank you, Jane, for being a living example of faith in action!

05/01/2025

“This is a Kairos moment in the life of The United Methodist Church. This … is a vision that will help the Church embrace the divine opportunities before us, to follow where God is leading us, and to more fully engage in our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

New vision a catalyst for transformation

04/26/2025

This week is National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we couldn’t let it pass without celebrating the incredible volunteers who make ministry happen.

Every act of kindness, every meal served, every chair set up, every smile shared - it’s all part of how our volunteers live out the love of Christ in real, tangible ways.

Today was a perfect example: at our First Church Campus, a wonderful group of volunteers came together to prepare and serve a funeral luncheon for the family of a beloved member of our church. Their compassion, teamwork, and quiet service reminded us once again that ministry is about people showing up for one another with love.

To all our volunteers: thank you.

Thank you for showing up.

Thank you for saying yes.

Thank you for making a difference.

You are the heart of UMMMC, and we are grateful beyond words.

04/23/2025

📖✨ NEW SERMON SERIES BEGINS APRIL 27! ✨📖
Not in the Bible: Debunking Myths and Discovering the Truth

We’ve all heard things like “Everything happens for a reason” or “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” But what if some of the most popular “biblical” sayings…aren’t actually in the Bible?

Join us for a six-week series as we dig into common Christian clichés and uncover what Scripture really teaches. It's time to let go of the myths—and discover the truth.

Series Lineup:
April 27 – Left Behind? The Truth About the Rapture
May 4 – Heaven Gained an Angel? Misunderstanding the Afterlife
May 11 – God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle?
May 18 – God Helps Those Who Help Themselves?
May 25 – Hellfire and Brimstone? What the Bible Really Says About Hell
June 1 – Everything Happens for a Reason?

Come with your questions. Leave with hope, and maybe a few holy surprises.

04/19/2025

He is risen—and you’re invited to celebrate with us!

Join us this Easter Sunday as we gather to remember the best surprise ever! The tomb is empty. Love has won. And the story isn’t over.

Whether you’re full of faith or full of questions, there’s a place for you here.

Come, as you are, to celebrate resurrection, hope, and new beginnings.

Easter Services
7AM - Sunrise Meditation @ Hemlock Park
9AM - Worship Service

04/16/2025

🌿 Join Us for Holy Week at UMMMC 🌿

Holy Week invites us to slow down, reflect, and walk with Jesus through the final days of his life—the pain, the love, the sacrifice, and ultimately, the hope of resurrection.

We’d love for you to journey with us:

✝️ Holy Thursday – April 17
5:30 PM • Community Dinner @ First
6:30 PM • Worship Service @ First

🙏 Good Friday – April 18
12:00 PM • Worship @ Immanuel Lutheran Church, Big Rapids MI

🌅 Easter Sunday – April 20
7:00 AM • Sunrise Service @ Hemlock Park
9:00 AM • Worship @ Paris
9:00AM • Easter Breakfast @ First
10:00 AM • Worship @ First
11:00 AM • Worship @ Third Avenue

Wherever you are on your journey, there's a place for you here. Come walk the story with us. 💜