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Livonia Methodists dedicate new building

Written: 12/1/2007

by Terry Proctor

A journey of faith that began several years ago was completed on October 28 as the United Methodist Church of Livonia formally dedicated their new building with two historic services. Members and friends of the church, located at 21 Summers Street in the village, held a brief service there on October 21 as the culmination of a parade from their 147 year-old building on Spring Street.

With 293 persons in attendance the regular 10:00 a.m. worship service saw Dr. J. David Woodruff, Chairman of the church's Administrative Council, present Rev. Dan Finch, UMCL pastor, a commemorative plaque that will be permanently mounted in the foyer. Then Rev. Finch dedicated the new building with a responsive reading conforming with the Discipline of the United Methodist Church.

Following the service a luncheon was held in the spacious new Fellowship Hall. During the informal lunch guests could take a tour of the entire building.

The highlight of the day was a Celebratory Service at 2:00 p.m. The ecumenical service was held in front of 346 worshipers from throughout the area. After being welcomed by Rev. Finch inspirational music by the Praise Band from the Bergen UMC kicked off the service.
Letters of congratulations from former UMCL pastors were read by Rev. Finch. Responding were Rev. Walter Barger (1962-65), Rev. Wayne Ostrander (1991-96) and Rev. Garry McCaffery (2004-06). Former pastors in attendance then delivered remembrances of their time in Livonia. Speaking were former pastors Rev. David Phelps (1965-69), Rev. Dr. William Grossman (1979-91), Rev. Dr. Tim Hazlett (1996-2004) and Rev. David Geer (2004, 2007).

A letter of greeting from Bishop Violet Fisher was read followed by brief remarks from District Superintendent Rev. Ruthellen Hoyle.

Pastors from several area churches delivered appropriate readings from the Holy Scriptures throughout the service. Participating  were Rev. Sue Seldon from East Bloomfield UMC, Rev. Meg Morin of Ionia UMC, Rev. Deborah Roof from Lakeville UCC and Father John Hayes of Saint Matthew Roman Catholic Church in Livonia. The Youth and Senior Choirs from the UMCL, a Mass Choir from several area churches each did an anthem.
A collage of photos of construction of the new building appeared in the centerfold of the November Spectrum.

The United Methodist Church of Livonia will now be back to their regular Sunday schedule. Worship services are at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. with Sunday School at 8:45 a.m. The 8:00 a.m. service can be heard on WYSL-AM 1040 or at www.wysl1040.com

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