In the Love of Christ we Continue our Heritage…
By Marilyn Nash
This is a theme that has been used on past occasions when the Methodist Episcopal Church now known as Ionia First United Methodist Church has honored specific milestones in its church history.
In honor of the 175 years of Methodist in Ionia (1834-2009), we plan to kick off our anniversary year with three events in May. The Ionia County Historical Society is sponsoring a Church Tour on May 16th. Ionia First will participate in this community event from 10:00 – 2:00.
Much of the documentation on our church history notes the faithfulness and commitment of the congregation during very difficult times such as the Panic of 1873 and the Great Depression. It was during the most difficult of economic times that each of the three Methodist church buildings were constructed.
Now in 2009 we find ourselves experiencing another time of great economic challenge. In honor of our long history of caring and serving the needs of our community, we have launched a May Day, May Day, May Day project (a WWII code call for HELP) -- being coordinated by the United Methodist Women -- to provide a funds to help families in our community with critical needs.
On May 17th a Congregation Celebration was held with a day
filled with “fun history related” activities for our Church family.
Here is a copy of the invitation:
You are invited to join us for a
celebration of the 175th Anniversary
of the founding of our Church
Sunday * May 17th * 2009
Coffee Hour … 9:30 – 10:00 am
St. Johns Episcopal Church Parish House
(Washington Street next to Court House)
Combined Worship Service…11:00 am
Ionia First United Methodist Church Sanctuary
(Traditional and Contemporary Service Congregations)
Luncheon …12:00 noon –1:00pm
Fellowship Hall
Fellowship … 1:00 - 3:00pm
Church Facilities
A series of “fun” activities planned for the young and old … and in between to enjoy together.
Lots of family fun! Lots of games!
Dessert … A Pie Party
