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Welcome the Strangers Among Us
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me . . .” (Matt. 25:35)
There are many images in scripture for the life of faith: the body of Christ (I Cor. 12), the household of God (I Peter), and the vine (John 15). While John Wesley taught that our life of faith entails personal holiness, he also helped us understand that our life together is one of social holiness. A pastoral letter from the United Methodist Council of Bishops, “Beloved Community: An Antidote to Extremism” (Sept. 19, 2024), reminds us that love of God inevitably leads to love of neighbor. It is that love that causes me to seek your prayers and faithfulness.
While I support the legitimate efforts of law enforcement to protect the safety and security of our communities, I also support ordinances and statutes that protect the rights of immigrants in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Paragraph 163 of The 2020/2024 Book of Discipline says that “we affirm that every form of government stands under God's judgment and must therefore be held accountable for protecting the innocent, guaranteeing basic freedoms and liberties, protecting the natural world, and establishing just, equitable, and sustainable economies.”
Insofar as the scripture calls us more than 35 times to love the stranger, I call us to stand with nonviolent migrants, immigrants, and refugees in this country, who live in the shadows of society in a state of perpetual fear. I prayerfully ask us to reject the measure of mass deportations and consider families that include citizens and noncitizens, parents and children, who must not be separated from each other. A recent Council of Bishops letter, “Addressing the Plight of Migrants, Immigrants, and Refugees” (Dec. 18, 2024), states that “they are our neighbors, our friends, and members and pastors of our churches.”
I reject the needless provocation of Chicago as a stated ground zero for a mass deportation effort. I call on federal and state governments to work out bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform that will solve our issues and provide healing for the nation.
At other times in our history, whether it be the Trail of Tears, the Japanese detention centers, or the legacy of slavery, when the United States government has moved or restricted a mass of people, a tragic loss of life and generational cycles of harm result. The tool of mass deportation is not necessary and is abhorrent to followers of a nonviolent Jesus.
Once again, please pray for the migrants, immigrants, and refugees among us and welcome them with the fullness of Christian love, remembering that as we welcome these our brothers and sisters, we welcome Jesus our Lord.
Thank you.
Peace,
Daniel W. Schwerin, Bishop
Northern Illinois-Wisconsin Area
The United Methodist Church
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me . . .” (Matt. 25:35)
There are many images in scripture for the life of faith: the body of Christ (I Cor. 12), the household of God (I Peter), and the vine (John 15). While John Wesley taught that our life of faith entails personal holiness, he also helped us understand that our life together is one of social holiness. A pastoral letter from the United Methodist Council of Bishops, “Beloved Community: An Antidote to Extremism” (Sept. 19, 2024), reminds us that love of God inevitably leads to love of neighbor. It is that love that causes me to seek your prayers and faithfulness.
While I support the legitimate efforts of law enforcement to protect the safety and security of our communities, I also support ordinances and statutes that protect the rights of immigrants in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Paragraph 163 of The 2020/2024 Book of Discipline says that “we affirm that every form of government stands under God's judgment and must therefore be held accountable for protecting the innocent, guaranteeing basic freedoms and liberties, protecting the natural world, and establishing just, equitable, and sustainable economies.”
Insofar as the scripture calls us more than 35 times to love the stranger, I call us to stand with nonviolent migrants, immigrants, and refugees in this country, who live in the shadows of society in a state of perpetual fear. I prayerfully ask us to reject the measure of mass deportations and consider families that include citizens and noncitizens, parents and children, who must not be separated from each other. A recent Council of Bishops letter, “Addressing the Plight of Migrants, Immigrants, and Refugees” (Dec. 18, 2024), states that “they are our neighbors, our friends, and members and pastors of our churches.”
I reject the needless provocation of Chicago as a stated ground zero for a mass deportation effort. I call on federal and state governments to work out bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform that will solve our issues and provide healing for the nation.
At other times in our history, whether it be the Trail of Tears, the Japanese detention centers, or the legacy of slavery, when the United States government has moved or restricted a mass of people, a tragic loss of life and generational cycles of harm result. The tool of mass deportation is not necessary and is abhorrent to followers of a nonviolent Jesus.
Once again, please pray for the migrants, immigrants, and refugees among us and welcome them with the fullness of Christian love, remembering that as we welcome these our brothers and sisters, we welcome Jesus our Lord.
Thank you.
Peace,
Daniel W. Schwerin, Bishop
Northern Illinois-Wisconsin Area
The United Methodist Church
Our Mission:
Connecting People to Jesus Christ and to One Another.
Our Vision:
To be THE bridge to community connection, collaboration
and common ground through Jesus Christ.
Connecting People to Jesus Christ and to One Another.
Our Vision:
To be THE bridge to community connection, collaboration
and common ground through Jesus Christ.
Learn more about the
mequon united methodist church
welcome visitorsInterested in learning more about the Mequon United Methodist Church? Learn more.
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join us for worshipWorship 9:30-10:30 AM every Sunday
First Sundays of the month include the Sacrament of Communion Fellowship Time 10:30 AM Children & Youth Sunday School Classes 9:45-10:30 AM Attend in-person worship or via livestream via YouTube. View previously Recorded Worship Services.
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meet whiskers!Meet Miss Gayle and Whiskers, our very own church mouse! Whiskers is so popular, he has his own Whiskers YouTube channel. "Wait a minute" and take a look!
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A GREETING from our pastorFebruary, 2025
Dear MUMC Family and Friends, Max Lucado, the author of the book of Unshakable Hope (which the MUMC weekly growth group, Lunch Bunch is studying now), wrote the following in the book: The heroes in the Bible came from all walks of life… Yet one common denominator united them; they built their lives on the promises of God. Because of God’s promises, Noah believed in rain before rain was a word. Because of God’s promises, Abraham left a good home for one he’d never seen. Because of God’s promises, David conked a giant, Peter rose from the ashes of regret, and Paul found a grace worth dying for. The speedy changes in our world can give us a sense of uncertainty and anxiety. We can be thrown off balance by the sufferings we experience in our own lives and the world, the evolving innovation that outpaces our ability to absorb it, and the daily rise and fall of the financial markets. As problems and challenges mount, we can become discouraged and lose heart. But our Lord, Jesus Christ said that, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!” (John 16:33) And he also gave us the promise of the Holy Spirit and His peace in our hearts: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27) No matter how much life challenges us, we can have the peace and hope that passes all human understanding, for we are anchored to a firm foundation that will never be shaken. The foundation is the triune God– Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As we continue to navigate the uncharted territory of 2025 with many changes and challenges in our lives, this nation and the world, let us remember, our hope and peace rest in God as the people of God who are in this world but not of the world. May we trust and have hope and peace in God who works in all things for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Peace and Hope in Christ, Sue Sermons in February 2/2 Mark 9:14-29 “Help me overcome my unbelief!” 2/9 Isaiah 6:1-10 In God’s Presence 2/16 Luke 4:1-13 “It is written” 2/23 Children’s Service |
CURRENT CALENDAR OF EVENTS
How Do we CONNECT PEOPLE
TO JESUS CHRIST AND TO ONE ANOTHER?
By meeting the needs of individuals, church, community and world.
Join us in making a difference.
Join us in making a difference.
Meeting the needs of individuals |
meeting the needs of the church |
meeting the needs of the community |
meeting the needs of the world |
And much more! Contact our church office for more information.
upcoming events
calendar
Lunch Bunch
Study Group - Every Tuesday
11:00 a.m. in the Parlor
Lunch and fellowship follow,
in Fellowship Hall
All are welcome!
Lunch Bunch Study
Unshakable Hope:
Building our Lives on
the Promises of God
12-week study based on
the book by Max Lucado,
every Tuesday, 11 am in the Parlor
Mission Outreach
Leadership Dinner and Fundraiser
Love takes the stranger in
Saturday, February 8, 5 p.m.
Remington's River Inn, Thiensville
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Sunday, February 9
Before and after worship, in the Parlor
Family Sharing Food Sorting
Tuesday, February 11, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
at the Ozaukee Family Sharing Facility
Childrens' Service
Sunday, February 23, 9:30 a.m.
Youth Mission Trip
Information Session
Sunday, February 23, 10:45 a.m., Parlor
Learn about the trip, the youth service
and a possible spring fundraiser.
Kids' Connection
LOVE!
Sunday, February 23, 11-1 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
Food, crafts, games, activities and FUN!
Study Group - Every Tuesday
11:00 a.m. in the Parlor
Lunch and fellowship follow,
in Fellowship Hall
All are welcome!
Lunch Bunch Study
Unshakable Hope:
Building our Lives on
the Promises of God
12-week study based on
the book by Max Lucado,
every Tuesday, 11 am in the Parlor
Mission Outreach
Leadership Dinner and Fundraiser
Love takes the stranger in
Saturday, February 8, 5 p.m.
Remington's River Inn, Thiensville
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Sunday, February 9
Before and after worship, in the Parlor
Family Sharing Food Sorting
Tuesday, February 11, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
at the Ozaukee Family Sharing Facility
Childrens' Service
Sunday, February 23, 9:30 a.m.
Youth Mission Trip
Information Session
Sunday, February 23, 10:45 a.m., Parlor
Learn about the trip, the youth service
and a possible spring fundraiser.
Kids' Connection
LOVE!
Sunday, February 23, 11-1 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
Food, crafts, games, activities and FUN!
WORSHIP
Upcoming Sermons
Feb. 9 Isaiah 6:1-10 In God’s Presence
Feb. 16 Luke 4:1-13 “It is written”
Feb. 23 Children’s Service
Feb. 9 Isaiah 6:1-10 In God’s Presence
Feb. 16 Luke 4:1-13 “It is written”
Feb. 23 Children’s Service
worship music
Feb. 9 Allison Tinsley-Fuller, soprano
JP Horcasitas, piano
Feb. 16 Praise Ensemble
Feb. 23 Children's Service
JP Horcasitas, piano
Feb. 16 Praise Ensemble
Feb. 23 Children's Service