Willow United Methodist Church
Menu
  • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Home
    • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Contact Us
      • External link opens in new tab or window Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Community Outreach
        • External link opens in new tab or window734-654-9020
        • External link opens in new tab or windowpastorannbirchmeier@gmail.com
        • External link opens in new tab or window36925 E Willow Rd New Boston, MI 48164-Mail to: PO Box 281
        • External link opens in new tab or windowFacebook

        Chris Butson, Pastor

        A NOTE FROM PASTOR CHRIS:


        I spent most of my childhood in the Downriver area, primarily Flat Rock and Trenton, and graduated from Summit Academy High School (in Romulus) in 2007. I married my wife Cathy on July 2, 2011. We lived in Monroe until 2019, when I was appointed pastor at Lincoln Community UMC in Ypsilanti. We are the proud parents of three cats.


        I was ordained at last year’s annual conference. Before becoming a pastor, I was a custodian and director of the youth group at our home church, St. Paul’s UMC in Monroe. Cathy currently works at St. Paul’s as a part-time office manager. I was appointed to the Azalia/London Charge (in Milan) from January 2014 until July 2019 and have served at Lincoln since then. I also teach philosophy at Monroe County Community College as an adjunct member of the Humanities and Social Sciences faculty.


        I studied philosophy at Wayne State University and then went to Methodist Theological School in Ohio (or MTSO/“Methesco” in Delaware, OH). There, I studied for a Master of Divinity (with a specialization in Ecology and Justice) and a Master of Theological Studies (with a concentration in Ethics). For the latter, I wrote a thesis on the influence of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s philosophy in the moral theology of Stanley Hauerwas. I maintained a strong academic record throughout my university and seminary studies. In 2019, I received the Hoyt Hickman Award for excellence in liturgical scholarship and practice from the Order of St. Luke and MTSO.


        My research interests include ethics, philosophy of language (especially religious language), systematic theology, theological aesthetics, liturgy, peace studies, labor history, and ecology. In recent years, I have presented research to the Midwest Chapter of the American Academy of Religion.


        I love spending time with Cathy; taking walks; playing guitar; baking bread; and appreciating art, music, and film. I am always reading— this usually involves theology, philosophy, poetry, and literature, but I also read every Superman comic book I can get my hands on.








        WILLOW CHURCH FOOD PANTRY! We will be open the first Thursday of every month, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM




        Invalid Form properties detected


        Send Us a Message



         


         


         




        If you or a loved one are in need of food, please contact our Church at (734)-654-9020,

        to arrange a pickup of some groceries.   No questions asked, no strings attached.


        For further needs, please see our list of resources.


        Other Methodist Resources:

        External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://emsem.org/
        External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://www.foundationforevangelism.org
        External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://www.umc.org
        External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/
        External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://www.detroitconference.org/


        Additional Resources:

        External link opens in new tab or windowwww.annarborshelter.org
        External link opens in new tab or windowwww.arborweb.com/cg/t0114.html
        External link opens in new tab or windowwww.foodgatherers.org
        External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://www.ci.detroit.mi.us/legislative/resourcecenter/HomelessShelters.htm
        External link opens in new tab or windowwww.gleaners.org
        External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://www.familyplace.org/Page.aspx?pid=191

         

        If you would like us to keep someone close in prayer, please contact our Church at (734) 654-9020.

        "Prayer isn't the least of what you can do, but the most."

        Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors



        Column

        If you have enjoyed our virtual sermons and feel inclined to leave a donation, please use the QR code below or go to:  External link opens in new tab or windowhttps://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=BMLCASAAJM95A




        We thank you for your support and welcome your visit!


        Contact Us


        Willow United Methodist Church (for Service)

        External link opens in new tab or window36925 E Willow Rd
        New Boston, MI 48164

        (734) 654-9020

        pastorchrisbutson@gmail.com


        Mailing address:

        PO Box 281
        New Boston, MI 48164


        Column

        Working hours: 

        Sundays - Willow UMC begins worship at 9:00am.

        Mask recommend if not vaccinated, optional if vaccinated - social distancing recommended.


        Pastoral appointments available as requested.




        • Home
        • Contact Us
        close lightbox