Scroll down for our latest video and info. Click Archive for previous services.
Scroll down for our latest video and info. Click Archive for previous services.
"For the Long Haul: Fruit of the Kindom" features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, Time for Children with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on Exodus 20 & Matthew 21 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, and a video, "Running for the Light" by The Work of the People (inspired by Psalm 80/music by Wilder Atkins).
UMC Discipleship Ministries offers a new perspective on the "commandments" listed in Exodus 20, "...you can have a rhythm, you can have a pattern, and worship and rest will be woven into that pattern. The pattern will be there to help you be who you were created to be. The pattern will keep you close to the Presence, who is with you always."
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"For the Long Haul: Stiff-Necked People" features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, a reflection on Exodus 32 & Matthew 22 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, and a video, "Let Us Love," by Elsa Anders Cook and The Work of the People.
UMC Discipleship Ministries wrote, "The theme this week might seem harsh. It might also lead us to point fingers at those out there or over there who are stiff-necked. Rarely will we realize that we are the ones in need of a neck massage. Perhaps worship this week begins with confession."
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"The End in Sight: The Things that are God's" features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, Time for Children with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on Exodus 33 & Matthew 22 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, and a video, "Soul Womb," by John Philip Newel and The Work of the People.
UMC Discipleship Ministries notes,
"The invitation this week in worship is to adjust our vision. We are called to see God in the world in which we live. We are called to identify the things that are God’s, including ourselves and the people around us. Even the surprising ones."
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"The End in Sight: Face to Face" features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, Time for Children with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on Deuteronomy 34 & Matthew 22 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, and a video, "Patterns of Self Love" with Jacqui Lewis, by The Work of the People.
UMC Discipleship Ministries notes,
"We continue to envision what it would be like to live in the kin-dom of God as a community of faith. But this week, we focus on the doing."
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"From Every Tribe" features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with the Drum Voices of Greensky Hill and worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, a meditation on The Beatitudes in Matthew 5, 1 John 3, & Revelation 7 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, a video by The Work of the People, and open table Communion. All are welcome!
"Today, we celebrate not just those we miss, those who died since the last All Saints celebration, but we celebrate what they taught us and what they showed us. Today, we celebrate how the community was enriched by their presence, as it is enriched by those who are still here with us."
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"Our Hymn of Grateful Praise: Enter the Gates" features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, a conversation about decolonizing and indigenizing Thanksgiving (with wisdom from Living Resistance by Kaitlin B. Curtice), a meditation on Psalm 100 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, and a video, "Be Still," by The Work of the People.
"We are being invited to consider our common humanity, our shared experience of living in a world that has heartache and struggle, but also profound joy and satisfaction that is deep and true and binding of heart to heart. And it all grows out of an awareness of the interconnectedness of life, which opens us up to living in gratitude. That’s what we celebrate this week as we worship."
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"Our Hymn of Grateful Praise: In Everything" features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, a conversation about decolonizing and indigenizing Thanksgiving (with wisdom from Living Resistance by Kaitlin B. Curtice), a meditation on Philippians 4:4-13 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, and a video, "Creative Joy" by Christine Valters Paintner and The Work of the People.
As we tell the truth about the Thanksgiving holiday and reflect on a familiar passage about 'rejoicing always," UMC Discipleship Ministries reminds us, "This is not to say, even here on the threshold of Thanksgiving, that there isn’t room for grief or sadness. Suffering strikes even during the holiday season. Some might be dreading gathering with family, knowing there is pain there...We don’t ask to accept the brokenness or endure abuse, but note that we see beyond the pain of the moment to a wholeness that is offered. We give thanks for the promises of God, even when we can’t feel them at the moment."
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"Our Hymn of Grateful Praise: After Giving Thanks" features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, a conversation about decolonizing and indigenizing Thanksgiving (with wisdom from Living Resistance by Kaitlin B. Curtice), and a meditation on John 6:5-23 with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, and a video, "The Great Reversal," an adapted prayer from Isaiah 60 by Kelly Ann Hall and The Work of the People.
"If the Sunday before Thanksgiving invited us to look at the community and the family that surrounds us, this Sunday encourages us to look up to the Christ as we give thanks for the kin-dom he asks us to see and to lean into."
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"The Gift of Being Present: Being Present with Hope" features Advent Candle Lighting, carols, songs, and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with the Drum Voices of Greensky Hill, worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, and others, a reflection on the First Nations Version of Mark 13:24-37 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, a video, “The Slow Work of God,” by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and The Work of the People, and open table Communion. All are welcome!
"Advent can be filled with worry about finding the perfect Christmas gifts. Deep down we want people in our lives to know they are special and that we love them. But sometimes we overlook the greatest gift of all… our very presence. The 19th century poet, Christina Rosetti, wrote 'In the Bleak Midwinter' that became a popular Christmas carol. Modern composer, Mark Hayes, set the last verse of that poem to music as our theme song for our Advent/Christmas series. It reminds us that even if we are feeling poor — in resources, in body or spirit — we can simply be a gift of presence, we can give our hearts."
© worshipdesignstudio.com/present
CCLI 20391192
"The Gift of Being Present: Being Present with Peace" features Advent Candle Lighting, carols, songs, and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, and a meditation on Mark 1:1-8 with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, and a video, "I Rest in Peace," a psalm 4 prayer by Silvia Purdie and The Work of the People.
"In our Advent series, we are celebrating the gift of being truly present — to each other and to the call of God to make this world a better place. We can be the gift of presence with those who are experiencing life as less-than-peaceful. But this might also be true of how we are personally feeling in this moment. Our lives can feel a bit chaotic."
© worshipdesignstudio.com/present
CCLI 20391192
"The Gift of Being Present: Being Present with Joy" features Advent Candle Lighting, carols, songs, and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, a video, "Drawing Nearer," by Christopher Grundy, and a reflection on the First Nations Version of Luke 1:41-55 by the Rev. Tim Wright.
"Today we will read the words of Isaiah offering a prophetic vision that Jesus then claims for his ministry. Likewise, we are called to claim the gift of being fully present with all people — those who mourn, those who grieve, those who have suffered indignity and oppression. Mary’s Magnificat is prophetic as well. She claims the overturning of injustice even before it has come to pass. In the difficulty of her situation, she 'sings' with joy about the very real presence of God growing within her."
© worshipdesignstudio.com/present
CCLI 20391192
"The Gift of Being Present: Being Present with Love" features Advent Candle Lighting, carols, songs, and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, a reflection on the First Nations Version of Luke 1:26-38 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, and a video, “Birth Blessing” by Kate McIlhagga and The Work of the People.
"The faith narrative is careful to show us a lineage from King David to Jesus. It is no ordinary lineage; it is one that began in the shepherding of sheep, of leading and delivering the people in search of a home. Mary’s womb becomes part of that lineage of love, offering the world the gift of God’s presence 'in the flesh.' As we enter the story of the birth of Love Among Us, we are invited to be present with love. We may think the perfect gift is outside our reach to give, but in reality we have all that we need… the heart’s love and presence."
© worshipdesignstudio.com/present
CCLI 20391192
In celebration of Greensky Hill's 190th anniversary, the community is invited to an evening presentation,
"The Personal Real," by Potawatomi author Kaitlin Curtice from her book, Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day.
"Personal Realm: This realm's color is red, to represent our lifeblood, the connection to our de (heart center). It is the season of winter, the time when we go inward to understand, ask questions, rest, and process."
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & © Kaitlin B. Curtice, 2023. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
In celebration of Greensky Hill's 190th anniversary, the community is invited to a Thursday afternoon presentation featuring Potawatomi author Kaitlin Curtice's second talk, "The Communal Realm,", from her book, Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day.
"Communal Realm: This realm's color is brown, to represent aki -- dirt or earth. It is the time to honor our connection to the land and each other, and the time to plant seeds and make changes on the communal level. It is spring, the time of planting and waiting." (p. 15)
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & © Kaitlin B. Curtice, 2023. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
In celebration of Greensky Hill's 190th anniversary, the community is invited to a Thursday evening presentation featuring Potawatomi author Kaitlin Curtice's third talk, "The Ancestral Realm," from her book, Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day.
"Ancestral Realm: This realm's color is blue, to represent mbish (water), fluidity, movement, and the space we inhabit as we interact with our ancestors. Resistance is fluid, moving work. It is the season of summer, when we notice what grows and blooms for future generations, what comes out of the hard work of planting that we did in the Communal Realm." (p. 15)
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & © Kaitlin B. Curtice, 2023. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
In celebration of Greensky Hill's 190th anniversary, the community is invited to an extended Sunday morning gathering, 10-11:30 AM, followed by a community picnic, 11:30 AM-1 PM. The morning gathering features Potawatomi author Kaitlin Curtice's fourth and final talk, "The Integral Realm" from her book, Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day, immediately following a brief worship service including greetings from Bishop David Alan Bard, A Native American Celebration of Holy Communion, a children's presentation at the conclusion of Kid's Camp 2023, songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, and thoughts on the First Nations Version of John 10:10 and the Seven Grandfather Teachings by Rev. Jonathan Mays.
"Integral Realm: This realm's color is yellow, and it is at the very center of who we are, our shkode (fire). In this realm, we integrate all the embodiment, presence, and work of the other realms. The Intergral Reaml, the season of autumn, is the time to harvest, to gather in all that we've learned, unlearned, and embodied in the other realms.
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & © Kaitlin B. Curtice, 2023. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"The Path of the Disciple," Part IV, Week 1, "Searching for the Face of God: Wrestling with Our Hunger," features a story and prayer song from Taoyewakanwi (Her Ways Are Sacred), songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, and a brief reflection on the First Nations Version of Matthew 14:13-21 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays.
"Worship this week can be a reminder that we are seeking the face of God when we gather but also when we scatter. Our hunger for God is not only met when we gather for worship but also when we are at work, when we are in fellowship, when we engage in conversations and build relationships, when we serve and love as we are sent to do."
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"The Path of the Disciple," Part IV, Week 2, "Searching for the Face of God: What Are You Seeking?," features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, Time for Children with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 and the First Nations Version of Matthew 14:22-33 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, and a video, "Invitation to the Thirsty," by The Work of the People.
"When we ask, 'What are you seeking?' we are talking about kin-dom living. We are talking about the community of faith representing the body of Christ. As we worship this week, we celebrate the signs of God’s presence among us."
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Greensky Hill concludes the "The Path of the Disciple" worship series with Part IV, Week 3, "Searching for the Face of God: Is It Fair?," featuring songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, Time for Children with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on the First Nations Version of Matthew 15:10-28 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, and a video, "Unstoppable Love," by The Work of the People.
"When we are truly seeking the face of God, we go beyond fair and move into grace manifested in love in all our relationships."
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Greensky Hill kicks off the fall season with a 5-week worship series titled "Come to the Table." Week 1, "The Table of Hospitality" features The Drum Voices of Greensky Hill, songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, The Children Gather with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on the First Nations Version of Romans 12:9-21 & Matthew 16:21-28 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, a video, "Stranger," by The Work of the People, and open table Communion.
"Jesus’ lesson at the last supper was clear: the meal of the kin-dom of God is for ALL. Saints, strangers, those who persecute and betray you, those who are joyful and those who weep. The author of the epistle letter to the Romans reminds us and invites us to do as Jesus did — 'do not be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good.' In the words of Jesus, 'take up your cross and follow me.' This requires that we follow God’s way in offering a good meal at God’s table for all of God’s guests.'
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"The Table of Love" features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, The Children Gather and a reflection on the First Nations Version of Romans 13:8-14 & Matthew 18:15-20 by family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, and a video, "It Is Love that Matters," by Ilia Delio and The Work of the People.
"Jesus often confounded those for whom acceptance was conditional — those who required specific laws be followed 'or else.' The litmus test for Jesus was simply love. He chose time and again to seek out the intention of someone’s heart — to gather together and engage in conversation as a way of moving toward right relationship. What happens when we seek to 'do no wrong' to our neighbor, moving beyond boundaries into reciprocal understanding?"
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"The Table of Peace" features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, The Children Gather with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on the First Nations Version of Romans 14:1-12 & Matthew 18:21-35 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, and a video, "Lord, Lord, Open Unto Me," by Howard Thurman and The Work of the People.
"We welcome each other at the table even when we disagree. Coming to tables of peacemaking is hard work. We must be willing to suspend our propensity for making ourselves the judge of others. Accountability AND forgiveness are on the menu at God’s table and we are called to sit down and find merciful ways to deal with one another despite our differences."
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"The Table of Grace" features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, The Children Gather with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on the First Nations Version of Philippians 1:21-30 & Matthew 20:1-16 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, and a video, "The Merton Prayer," by Thomas Merton and by The Work of the People.
"God’s table is one of plenty! God decides how much to give and gives more than we can ever imagine; more grace than we expect. God even gives more than we would give ourselves. In the face of such abundance, we are called to be generous as God is generous. Indeed, at God’s pot-luck of grace, even the last in line have more than enough to eat!"
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"The Table of Joy" features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, The Children Gather with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on the First Nations Version of Philippians 2:1-13 & Matthew 21:23-32 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, a video, "A Prayer for the Church," from The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and The Work of the People, and open table Communion.
"We celebrate our common communion table with people all over the world. Through Jesus, we are brought together and no matter how we got there, believing in the host of this Table makes our joy complete! Let us share our stories, our compassion, our sympathy as part of one human family that shares the love of Christ in the breaking of the bread!"
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
In Part I of our new series, "The Path of the Disciple," Pastor Sarah Sheaffer leads the congregation in "The Weight of the Call: Trusting the Unknown," with a focus on the starting point, hearing and responding to the call. Even when it scares us, or challenges us, or asks a lot of us.
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Our worship theme today is JOY! Pastor Tim Wright and worship leader, Sharon Osterhouse, lead this service featuring storytelling, poetry, Scripture, song, and art representing JOY.
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Part II of "The Path of the Disciple," week 1, "Learning to Grow: Tell in the Light," features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, Time for Children with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a dip into the shallows with an invitation to a deeper swim into Genesis 21, Psalm 86, Romans 6, and Matthew 10 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, and a video, "Embracing the Otherness" by The Work of the People.
“What you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops” (Matthew 10:27). This week, we’ve got whispers and we’ve got shouts. That seems like a common human experience, doesn’t it?"
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Week 2, "Quenching a Thirst," features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with The Drum Voices of Greensky Hill, Sharon Osterhouse, and others, Time for Children, a reflection on Matthew 10:40-42 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, open table Communion, and a video by Spencer LaJoye.
"We’re about hospitality this week. That sounds like a casual, or maybe even an extra kind of thing. 'It’s not something essential,' we might think. It’s part of the social niceties that make us look good. But, in fact, we would be wrong, if that was our position. Jesus sees hospitality as central to our discipleship."
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Week 3, 'Taking the Yoke,' features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with Sharon Osterhouse and others, Time for Children with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on the First Nations Version of Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays and a video, "Community," by The Work of the People.
'Come unto me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest' (Matt. 11:28). There’s more to it than pulling a comforter over your head and dozing off. Especially since the next line is 'Take my yoke' (11:29)... The offer has to be for something other than a good night’s sleep. It must have something to do with working alongside of or being guided by Jesus. But working. Moving. Being. All that stuff, all those action words. It is, yet again, not about checking out, but about diving in. It’s about going deeper. About living. Jesus invites us to restful living. Restful working."
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Part III, "The Path of the Disciple," week 1, "Imagining a New Reality: Seeds in the Dirt," features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with Sharon Osterhouse and others, Time for Children with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on the First Nations Version of Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, and a video, "The Sower," by The Work of the People.
"The theme for this part of the series invites us to look at potential. We are asked to imagine fruitfulness and then to work for that in the whole ministry of the church."
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"The Path of the Disciple," Part III, Week 2, "Imagining a New Reality: Shine Like the Sun," features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, Time for Children with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on Psalm 86:11-17 and the First Nations Version of Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, and a video, "Wait With Patience," by The Work of the People.
"Jesus’ story of the weeds and wheat tells us that what may appear to be a lost cause to us isn’t necessarily lost to grace. Let our prayers overflow for our own healing but also for the healing of the world. We might be— no, we are continually surprised at what God’s grace can do and for whom. We never know who we might see shining like the sun."
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"The Path of the Disciple," Part III, Week 3, "Imagining a New Reality: Hidden & Mixed In," features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, Time for Children with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on the First Nations Version of Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, and a video, "Mustard Seed," by The Work of the People.
"We prefer the obvious. We like to be sure. But trusting Creator is something else indeed. Hebrews 11:1 (FNV) reminds us that trust 'means we can be sure of the things we do not see.' Not see? Like a treasure hidden in a field, or like yeast mixed in the flour, hidden and mixed in. That’s how grace works."
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC & Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Greensky Hill invites the community to a new 7-week worship series, "Emerge: A Metamorphosis Moment," with week 1: "Tombs and Cocoons: Trusting the Dark," featuring songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music by worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, Time for Children with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection by the Rev. Jonathan Mays on the First Nations Version of Luke 1:26-38 and John 19:38-20:1, and a video, "Psalm 31" by The Work of the People.
"The butterfly has long been a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus, as well as our own resurrection as we emerge from the power of fear and death. In this series, we will consider the process of metamorphosis as a guide to examine our own transformations from cocoons and tombs to the unfurled beauty of all God calls us to be. During this season, we will consider what it means to be a people who believe that transformation is possible — that we can move beyond the leaves we find ourselves on and turn into beautiful beings that can fly to new heights and see and experience the world in the sweetest of ways, tasting and perpetuating the nectar of goodness."
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"Emerge" week 2: "Coming Out: Leaving Comfortable Places," features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music by worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, Time for Children with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection by the Rev. Jonathan Mays on the First Nations Version of Hebrews 11:1-3, and a video, "Creative Scripture Engagement" by Pete Enns and The Work of the People.
"'And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.' This quote by writer Anaïs Nin speaks profoundly to our current theme in worship, 'Emerge.' A caterpillar forms a chrysalis and stays inside for a time while the magical process of metamorphosis occurs. And a day comes when that protective shell is too constricting — the butterfly within must break free! Today we gather to encourage one another out of our comfortable places so that we may truly bloom."
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"Emerge" week 3: "Open: Into the Light," features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music by worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, Time for Children and a reflection on Luke 24:28-49 by family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, and a video, "Open Unto Me," by Howard Thurman and The Work of the People.
"There are times in our lives when we must learn to see the world differently. Caterpillars have limited vision and are only able to sense changes in the intensity of light. When they become butterflies, they are gifted with a completely new eye structure that allows them to form images and take in a huge range of colors — even more than the human eye! Let we who have limited vision in this life be reassured by God’s presence, even when we cannot know what lies ahead. Today, we open ourselves to the light of enduring hope."
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"Emerge" week 4,"Unwrap: Waking Up," features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music by worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, Time for Children with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection from John 11 & 12 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, a video, "The Partier," by Rachel Held Evans and The Work of the People, and open table Communion. All are welcome!
"In the opening of the tomb of Lazarus, in the unwrapping of his funeral clothes, the community had to face their unknowing — and perhaps disbelief — and trust that the resurrection Jesus had facilitated was real. The range of emotions was vast. As the butterfly’s cozy environment cracks further open still, it is the effort of the process of emerging that makes change possible — waking up, rolling away the stone, unwrapping what will be."
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"Emerge" week 5, "Unfold: Claiming New Possibilities," features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music by worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, Time for Children with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on Matthew 16:13-20 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, and a video, "Look and Listen" from Isaiah 51 by The Work of the People.
"We all come into this world as seeds of potential. Just as mighty oak trees grow from tiny acorns and beautiful butterflies grow from humble caterpillars, each one of us is gifted with unique potential for growth and transformation. Today as we continue our journey through the “Emerge” series, we dare to imagine unfolding our wings and claiming our space in this beloved community."
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"Emerge" week 6, "Let Go: Leaving Behind What We Don't Need," features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music by worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, Time for Children with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on Exodus 16 by the Rev. Jonathan Mays, and a video, "Equality" featuring Aaron Strumphill by The Work of the People.
"Just as butterflies leave behind their chrysalises, baby birds break out of their shells, and snakes shed their skin, we too discard old parts of ourselves in order to keep growing. We go through changes in work, in family structures, in friendships, in our own beliefs and values, all throughout our lives. When we give ourselves permission to say ‘yes’ to new experiences and ways of being, that often means letting go of old habits and patterns, a kind of decluttering the mind, body, and spirit. Today in worship, we will ponder what it means to release what is no longer necessary so that we might make room for positive changes."
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"Emerge" week 7, Pentecost Sunday, "Journey: The Places We Will Go," features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music by worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, Time for Children and a reflection on Acts 2:1-4 & 10:34-36 with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, and a video by The Work of the People.
"Friends, we gather today for a special occasion in the life of the church: Pentecost! This week is the culmination of our journey through the “Emerge” series where we have focused on metamorphosis and resurrection through the metaphor of the butterfly. We celebrate the life of this beloved community by honoring our traditions and looking to the future with hope, faith, and joy."
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Greensky Hill invites all people to celebrate and reconnect with Creator and each other in worship. We are created to be in community with each other and Creator. We are incomplete when we become “Dis-Membered” from community. We gather to Re-Member ourselves into community featuring songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, celebration of Creator’s Sacred Meal: Communion, music by worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, Time for Children and a reflection on Acts 2:42-47 & 1 Corinthians 1:23-26 by Tim Wright.
© Greensky Hill Indian UMC.
Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
"Spiritual Affective Disorder," Week 6: “Walk This Way,” features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music by worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, "Time for Children" with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on Psalm 119:1-8 and the First Nations Version of Acts 17:27b-28 by the Rev. Jonathan David Mays, and a video, "Love, Justice, & Mercy," by William Barber & The Work of the People.
"Research shows that one of the most effective mood-boosters is moving our bodies. Stretching, walking, and dancing can send feel-good endorphins coursing through us and the change can feel like a light coming on. The Hebrew authors of our scriptures used the metaphor of 'walking' in God’s ways to help us see the benefits to our spiritual lives of moving toward the goodness of God. During our worship series, we are looking at the ordinary activities of our lives with a new perspective, seeing the potential for deep spiritual connection and nourishment in our everyday rhythms. This week our spiritual practice will help us see our walking (or any kind of movement) as a blessed gift of God’s love in action in the world!”
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Greensky Hill concludes "Spiritual Affective Disorder" with week 7: “Save Room for Dessert” featuring songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music by worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, "Time for Children" with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 by the Rev. Jonathan David Mays, and a video, "Very Good News," by Lisa Sharon Harper and The Work of the People.
"During this worship series, we are exploring how our everyday activities can become spiritual practices that bring more light and meaning to our lives, and provide sustenance to those around us. The server at your favorite restaurant might regularly say to you, 'leave room for dessert!' In other words, don’t eat to excess — leave some room. This is a good spiritual practice, says the author of Leviticus. Gleaning is the practice of gathering food for those who need it out of the abundance of what is available. What awareness can we bring to the food we buy, cook and throw away as part of our spiritual mandate to care for the human family? Whether it is cooking more than enough and sharing with someone who needs it, buying extra at the grocery storeto donate to the food bank, or getting involved in a gleaning network’s efforts, our everyday use of foods is our spiritual practice this week.”
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Greensky Hill begins the Lenten series, "Lookin' for Love," with a brief imposition of ashes ceremony for those who want to start their 2023 season of Lent with that Ash Wednesday tradition that we had to cancel because of the weather this year and with Week 1, "Look for the Resister," featuring songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music by worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, Children's Time with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on Psalm 32 & the First Nations Version of Matthew 4:1-11, and a video, "Dust We Are and Shall Return," by The Work of the People.
"Lent is a wonderfully reflective time to reassess where we are searching for meaning and purpose. A question for us this year is: don’t we often look for wholeness and happiness in places that offer only temporary ‘good feelings’ and satisfaction? We will discover that the stories of Jesus show us how to truly love. This week we hear how Jesus resists evil in the desert. We see the futility of looking for love in empty highs, in tempting fate, and in mindless adoration. Rather, as Jesus demonstrates, it is in our resistance to evil that we find true communion with God. Resistance to evil starts with our own confession of complicit acts that move us further from love. Our groaning can turn to 'glad cries of deliverance' as we choose good over evil time after time — even and especially if it isn’t the 'popular' thing to do."
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Week 2 features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music by The Drum Voices of Greensky Hill and worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, Children's Time with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection by the Rev. Jonathan Mays on Psalm 121 and the First Nations Version of John 3:1-17, Communion, and a video, "Dust We Are and Shall Return," by The Work of the People.
"Oftentimes we believe that we must 'deserve' the love we receive. We work, work, work to get approval and to feel like our life is justified — pulling our own weight, thinking that whatever life we create, and love we get, is only what we ourselves can conjure up. But the scriptures offer the image of God as our 'keeper' — always helping, always present. Nicodemus has followed all the rules and done everything he can do, and yet he is still looking for love — for tangible connection with God. Jesus says that he must be born 'of the Spirit.' It’s not all up to simply 'doing the right thing!' It is about allowing the Spirit to help birth love in our lives."
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Week 3 features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music by Hadassah Greensky and worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, Children's Time with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection by the Rev. Jonathan Mays on Exodus 7:1-7 and the First Nations Version of John 4:5-42, and a video, "Story Like This," by Shellee Layne Coley and Kelly Ann Hall and The Work of the People.
"Our worship series for Lent continues as we contemplate the ways we have looked for satisfaction in things that cannot satisfy. The Samaritan woman at the well in our scripture today found out that the water she came for was not really the water she needed so desperately. This woman had looked for love in many places, in many faces. When she was finally offered a soul-quenching love by Jesus, she became a powerful messenger of Good News. Just as the water given by God that flowed in the desert for the Israelites offered new life, the desert of our lives can be refreshed if we look for love regularly at the well of living water and offer life-giving water to others."
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Week 4 features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music by worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, Children's Time with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection by the Rev. Jonathan Mays on Psalm 23 and the First Nations Version of John 4:42; 46-54; 9:33-39; & 10:10-11a, and a video, "Leaving Ourselves at the Altar," by The Work of the People featuring Phuc Luu.
"We have been focusing on where love is to really be found during this season of Lent. We too often look for love in the security of powerful figures, sure that they can 'fix' things for us. It was no different for the people of the First and Second Testaments. They were looking for Kings, Saviors, Liberators who would offer peace and security in uncertain times. And they often looked 'in all the wrong places.' The Pharisees just can’t believe that this trouble-maker, rule-breaker named Jesus is the One, the Son of God and Savior. Time and again Jesus uses the unlikely metaphor of a Shepherd to teach us how we ought to love and care for each other. No wonder, the Shepherd does what is needed, when it is needed, regardless of the 'rules.'"
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Week 5 features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music by worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, Children's Time, a reflection by the Rev. Jonathan Mays on Psalm 130 and the First Nations Version of John 11:1-45, and a video, "Watering Dry Bones," by The Work of the People.
"Sometimes the things we think offer love actually seek to bind us, preventing us from being full and whole and offering our best love to the world. This season of Lent, we continue our look at our faith narratives that show us about true love. The story of Lazarus, whose funeral shrouds trail him out of the tomb, offers us a metaphor of new life as we recognize that true love is that which unbinds us, that wants for us more, not less, freedom and life. Jesus says to us, 'Come out! Walk! Live! Love! Shed your funeral clothes and offer your deepest self, your deepest love, for the world.' Of course this kind of love can be dangerous, as we will see as the events of Holy Week loom closer. But the price of continuing to look for love in the wrong places is higher than the blessing of life lived boldly."
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Week 5 features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music by worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, Children's Time, a reflection by the Rev. Jonathan Mays on Psalm 130 and the First Nations Version of John 11:1-45, and a video, "Watering Dry Bones," by The Work of the People.
"The disciples must have been excited and terrified all at once. The entrance into Jerusalem for Passover week had turned into a big deal. How would Jesus be received — by the people and by the authorities? And an entrance can define perception! Surely they would make as big a splash of confidence as possible. And then Jesus asks for a donkey. 'A…donkey?!' Once again, Jesus demonstrates a love for peace and a love for common people by creating an entrance that proclaimed the power of God’s 'kin-dom of heaven,' not Herod’s kingdom of oppression. Looking for love? Keep your eyes out for it in unexpected places."
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Greensky Hill Indian United Methodist Church invites the community to take 12-15 minutes to connect together apart for an online Maundy Thursday service. If you can, have a little bit of olive oil nearby and set your space for a contemplative experience, e.g. quiet, candlelit, and comfortable. Dr. Marcia McFee at Worship Design Studio, wrote, "Along with my collaborators, Ted Lyddon Hatten and Chuck Bell, this Holy Week Ritual of Three Anointings is timeless in its message and rich in its symbolism (especially around the brokenness of our world)."
"Holy Week Meditation
and Rituals of Anointing"
© www.worshipdesignstudio.com.
Used with permission.
Greensky Hill celebrates Easter with "Love Wins," featuring songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music by worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, Children's Time with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection by the Rev. Jonathan Mays on the First Nations Version of John 21:1-18, and a video, “Act as if You Were Free,” by Ilia Delio and The Work of the People. All are welcome.
"During the season of Lent leading up to this moment, we have been asking ourselves if we are lookin’ for love in all the wrong places, if we are giving our attention to the things that do not really sustain our lives and add to love in this world. This day is the culminating message from the Gospel. In the end (or is it the beginning?), we find out that love always wins! All things of this world pale in comparison to what resurrection looks like in our lives. New-found meaning, purpose, attention, wholeheartedness, wellbeing, peace: these are the things that matter – the things the Teacher shows us. And no matter how many 'wrong places' we've looked for love, the graves give way to the light of a new day as we learn to love as Christ loves us."
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Our First Sunday after Christmas service: “Sacred Doing,” features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, "Time for Children" and Sunday School with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection with the Rev. Jonathan Mays based on Isaiah 63:7-9 and the First Nations Version of Matthew 2:13-23, and Richard's Rohr's "Universal Christ," and a video, "Make Room," by The Work of the People, and Communion.
"We’ve looked through the lens of the sacred and have experienced time, people, places, others, and ourselves as God’s holy love reflected and incarnate in the world. Because of the experience of God’s action of love toward us, we are called also to act, the 'sacred doing' of alleviating suffering wherever it is found. We dedicate ourselves in this New Year to sacred acts of justice and mercy, bringing grace to a hurting world, reflecting the sacred in all we do."
Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Week 1: “Flip The Switch,” featuring songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, "Time for Children" and a reflection from family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, based on Isaiah 60:1-6.
"Seasonal Affective Disorder happens when a lack of sunlight affects our moods and ability to cope effectively. Spiritual Affective Disorder can also be a condition when we’ve had prolonged stress and life is disturbingly uncertain. What is our faithful response to our strained mental health? What if everyday life activities could become spiritual practices — deepening our experience of a meaningful life and helping us shine a light on the 'blahs?'”
Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Week 2: “To Soothe the Soul,” features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, "Time for Children" and a reflection from family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, based Psalm 40:1-11.
"This week we will explore how music can become a powerful healing agent in our everyday spiritual practice."
Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Week 3: “Lighten Up,” features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music with worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse, "Time for Children" and a reflection from family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, based on Isaiah 9:1-4.
"Life can be serious business. Certainly watching the daily news can give the impression that there is little good to find in the world. This week we choose to lighten up–to 'spin' life in a little different way as we look for the delight and especially, humor, in life...perhaps laughter is the best medicine.”
Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Week 4: “Make My Day,” features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, "Time for Children" with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on the connection between Anishinaabek Grandfather Teachings and Micah 6:1-8 by Rev. Jonathan David Mays, and a video, "O Divine Healer," by The Work of the People.
"The prophet Micah offered up a vision for life lived from a different perspective. Rather than see doing good as 'obligatory sacrifice,' he said that when we live our lives with a love for kindness for all God’s people, we are fulfilling God’s desire to spread justice and love throughout the land. This week, what if we lived each day on the lookout for ways to make someone’s day through a kind and unexpected gesture? It might just make our day as well!”
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
Week 5: “Little Altars Everywhere,” features songs and prayers in Anishinaabemowin and English, music by worship pastor Sharon Osterhouse and others, "Time for Children" with family pastor Sarah Sheaffer, a reflection on Psalms 84 & 112 and the First Nations Version of Acts 17:24-28 by Rev. Jonathan David Mays, a video, "Everybody's Table," by Juanita Rasmus & The Work of the People, and open table Communion.
"Where do you think God’s 'dwelling place' is? The Psalmist speaks of longing to be in God’s 'house.' Indeed, being in what feels like a sacred place can transform and inspire us. Instead of thinking that finding God requires us to go to a designated place like our church, what if we created spaces that reminded us of the sacred wherever we are? Our worship series this season is designed to help us see our ordinary surroundings as sacred containers for spiritual connection. This week you are invited to create an 'altar' in your home that can remind you that God dwells in all places.”
Series Design/Original Liturgy © Worship Design Studio. Used with permission.
CCLI 20391192
All are welcome for in-person and online worship services at 10 AM every Sunday. After each broadcast, the service will be available on this Home page and previous services are available on our Archive page. Stay tuned for updates on Greensky Hill Anishinaabe Conservancy ("Land Back"), our Sacred Spaces Clean Energy grant and partnership with Solar Faithful, and our new accessible Community Garden! Chi Miigwech for your ongoing support.