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Michigan Conference
United Church of Christ
www.michucc.org
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1006
East Lansing MI 48826-1006
Physical Address:
5945 Park Lake Road
East Lansing MI 48823
Office Hours: Monday thru Friday 8:30a-4:30p
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Email Bulletin
August 10, 2012
Next issue scheduled for: August 24, 2012
Content Deadline: August 22, 2012
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Conference Staff
Conference Minister
Rev. Dr. S. C. Campbell Lovett
Associate Conference Minister
Rev. Cheryl Burke
Acting Associate Conference Minister
Rev. Dr. Deborah Kohler
Acting Associate Conference Minister
Rev. Sameerah Shareef
Business Manager
Bob Heisler
Executive Administrative Assistant
to the Conference Minister
Lisa Soulliere
Administrative Assistants to the
Associate Conference Ministers
Merrilyn Vaughn-Hoffman
Search & Call
Barb Paff
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Whoever you are, where ever you are on life's journey, you are welcome here!
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Brought to you by your generous contributions to
Our Church's Wider Missions
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Michigan Conference
"Connecting Our Blessings"
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Words from Conference Minister
the Rev. Dr. Campbell Lovett
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep
(Romans 12:15)
Okay, so I have been on the job less than two months; what can I possibly know, right? Let me at least tell you what I am sensing. When I speak with leaders of our Michigan Conference churches, each one will speak about some part of church vitality that is missing in their particular setting - lower attendance, stagnant growth, fewer youth and young adults, reluctance of people to serve on boards and committees, aging membership, dwindling resources. Consider these sobering statistics:
- Each year for the past few years at least one UCC church closes its doors in Michigan.
- Almost all of our UCC churches have shown a decrease in membership in the last decade.
- With the exception of a few churches, the amount of money shared with the wider-church through Our Churches Wider Mission has gone down every year since 2000.
Despite these statistics, every church leader with whom I have spoken has shared with me both a story about a great program at their church and a longing for increased church vitality. They rejoice that they are a part of such wonderful communities of faith, and they want to share that good news with others. Church vitality sounds like it should be a Conference-wide priority.
The other thing I am sensing is that Michigan is still in a very fragile condition following the economic recession of the last five years, and a general economic decline over the last ten - twelve years. I was startled to read about the increase in poverty in a posting from the Michigan League for Human Services, http://www.milhs.org/reminder-we-have-a-long-way-to-go . Some of the numbers reported here are startling:
- The Michigan poverty rate has grown almost 25% over the past decade.
- Michigan has the 16th highest poverty rate in the nation,
- One in every six Michiganders lives in poverty, including one in every four children.
The theme for our October Annual Meeting comes from Esther 4:14 - For Just Such a Time as This. It seems to me that this is a perfect theme for the Michigan Conference as we seek to respond to such a time as this - focusing on church vitality and issues of poverty.
These are some of the items on which the Conference Board of Directors and staff will be working. The Conference has signed a contract with the Center for Progressive Renewal to help guide us in offering programs for revitalizing churches. CPR will assist us with two new church starts; they will work with us to strengthen churches that can, in turn, help strengthen other churches; and we will be assisted in the creation of coaching groups that will allow the incredible resources of CPR to be utilized by as many local church pastors as want to participate. In addition, we will be offering programs to foster spiritual development, design stewardship campaigns, energize our youth and young adults, create budgets, and assist churches in transition. Church vitality will be a priority.
However, we cannot forget our contexts for ministry that include many, many people who are living in poverty or who are suffering from the hollowing out of the middle class. We must challenge one another to work for creative solutions to this seemingly intractable problem of poverty. Jesus just may have said, 'You will always have the poor with you,' because he knew of the human condition that can tolerate misery for others as long as we are doing alright ourselves. Therefore, I will encourage every one of our churches to have at least one community partner with whom they can work to help lessen the effects of poverty in our communities and in our state.
Okay, so I have been on the job less than two months now, what can I possibly know? I know that we need to rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, and be the people of faith God needs us to be - for just such a time as this.
Hopefully, this is simply the beginning of a dialogue. I look forward to hearing from you about working to increase vitality and decrease poverty.
O Holy One, in Christ you are among us as one who serves. Help us to live out that same service in our churches and in our communities; and in that service, may we find the true vitality that You intend. Amen.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Michigan Conference UCC
Annual Meeting
Date:
October 5th & 6th, 2012
Theme:
"For such a time as this."
(Esther 4:14)
Location: Battle Creek, Michigan
Special features:
The Installation of our Conference Minister, the Rev. Dr. S. C. Campbell Lovett will take place on Friday evening at 7:30p in the sanctuary of the First Congregational UCC. A reception will take place immediately following the installation.
Keynote Speaker, Dr. Diana Butler Bass is the author of eight (8) books including the bestselling Christianity After Religion. Diana would greatly appreciate folks reading her latest book Christianity After Religion prior to attending the meeting. The Conference office has copies of Christianity After Religion for sale; please see information below.
Important Hotel Information:
SITE MAP
Please secure your hotel reservations early - the McCamly Plaza Hotel has reserved a block of rooms for our Annual Meeting at a discounted rate of $88 plus tax per night. When calling to reserve a room ask for the "Michigan Conference Annual Meeting" block (888-622-2659). This rate is only good through September 10th; afterward the rate increases to $110-$149 plus tax per night.
Hotel Parking:
- Limited free self parking
- Valet Parking available for $8 per night
- City Parking Ramp connected to the Hotel and Kellogg Arena - CASH only
Registering for the Annual Meeting:
REGISTRATION FORM
Information will also be available on the Conference website (www.michucc.org).
Please register for Annual Meeting prior to the deadline of September 21st, 2012.
Please register early so we can plan for you! We want you to have a wonderful experience in every way possible and truly appreciate your help!
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 Diana Butler Bass: Three titles available at the Conference office
We are very excited for the opportunity to offer three (3) of Diana's books available for sale here at the Michigan Conference office!
Diana shared with us, her desire for folks to have read her latest book Christianity After Religion, prior to the Conference Annual Meeting. Now you have the opportunity to read that, as well as, two (2) other popular titles!
Book pricing: Pick-up Shipped
Christianity After Religion (hardcopy) $16 $22 Christianity for the Rest of Us (paperback) $10 $15.50 People's History of Christianity(paperback) $10 $15.50 If you are interested in purchasing a book by credit card, please fill out the order form and submit via fax: 517-339-2621 or scan and email to lisa@michucc.org
Books can also be purchased by check payable to: Michigan Conference UCC Mailed to : P.O. Box 1006 East Lansing MI 48826-1006
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Annual Meeting 2012:
Registration form 'corrections'
As you can imagine there are many, many things that go into planning our Annual Meeting; sometimes the rough edges need to be 'smoothed out'!
It was brought to our attention that a few things on the Registration Form needed to be corrected.
- The address for First Congregational United Church of Christ in Battle Creek is: 145 Capital Avenue, NE (North East - NOT South East).
- The deadline to register for the Annual Meeting is September 21st, 2012.
We have corrected these items in an updated Registration Form - you are welcome to use the original form but please make note of the changed information.
We thank those who informed us of these issues, along with you - for your patience. We continue to work very hard to bring you a most wonderful meeting in October!
Updated Registration Form
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Workshops:
2012 Annual Meeting of the
Michigan Conference UCC
The Michigan Conference United Church of Christ will be holding its Annual Meeting at the McCamly Plaza Hotel (http://www.mccamlyplaza.com) in Battle Creek, Michigan on October 5-6, 2012. Highlights will include the installation of our Conference Minister, The Rev. Dr. S.C. Campbell Lovett and a number of educational sessions and keynote address by Dr. Diana Butler Bass.
The theme for the annual meeting is: For Such a Time as This. If you would be interested in presenting a workshop at our annual meeting consistent with this theme, please fill out the application below. This application must be returned no later than September 1, 2012. Space is limited this year, so please send your request as soon as possible. Applications can be emailed to Cheryl@michucc.org.
I believe that this year's meeting will be extraordinary. We look forward to your leadership and participation.
The Rev. Cheryl Burke
WORKSHOP APPLICATION
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It's Time for COOKIES!!
To all of you who love to bake - we would love to have you share your talents once again by baking cookies to share at this year's Annual Meeting, October 5th & 6th in Battle Creek.
We are asking each church to bring four (4) dozen cookies to share. Our theme is "For such a time as this"(and my feelings are - there is always time for a cookie!).
IMPORTANT Please do not make any cookies containing nuts of any kind. If you have a new recipe you have been wanting to try, maybe a specialty cookie (sugar-free) or dessert bar ~ we welcome it all! Please remember to omit the nuts!
Because we are having our meeting in a hotel setting, we needed to change our cookie project just a bit. Please place 3 or 4 cookies into a snack size bag; these cookie treats will then be added to our 'Welcome Bags' passed out to everyone when they arrive and check-in at the Registration Table.
Please contact Lisa at the Conference office if you can help with cookies: lisa@michucc.org. Cookies can brought to the Registration Table when you arrive.
We thank you very much for your baking efforts and look forward to the sampling!!
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Calling All Bands & Church Musicians to the Michigan Conference Annual Meeting!
Join in the fun by sharing a couple of songs with other church bands and musicians and a gathering of enthusiastic church folks - young and old.
Where: First Congregational Church UCC, Battle Creek
Date: Friday, October 5th, 2012
Time: 10:00PM - Midnight
If you are interested, please contact Lisa at: lisa@michucc.org and let her know that you want a slot for the evening. The Battle Creek folks will assist with arrangements and try to meet your needs for sound equipment. If you have questions, contact Tom Ryberg at: tom.ryberg@gmail.com.
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"Install-Versary"
St. Stephens Community UCC, Lansing
"God trained us first and passed us like silver through refining fires."
Psalm 66:10, The Message
If ever there was a time when that scripture was appropriate it is now. God has blessed us with Dr. Pamelajune Banks-Anderson as our Senior Pastor, as well as, 25 years of uninterrupted service. To acknowledge this momentous occasion, it has been affectionately named an "Install-Versary".
We cordially invite you to the Install-Versary Weekend beginning with the Youth Anniversary Celebration and meal on Saturday, September 15, 2012. Our guests are the Reverend Julian DeShazier, the Hip Hop preacher and pastor of the University Church, UCC near Hyde Park, IL, Rapper Dante' Dorsey of Channel 25, Rapper DeMarco Woodard of St. Stephen's, and others; and continuing with Sunday Worship Service at 10:00a. The preacher is Dr. Yvonne Delk of Norfolk, VA. We will conclude The Install-Versary Weekend with the Installation of Dr. Banks-Anderson at 3:30p. Rev. Geoffrey Black, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, is the Installation Preacher and Dr. Yvette A. Flunder is the Installation Pray-er.
We also invite you to purchase ads for the Souvenir Booklet that will simultaneously commemorate the Installation of Pastor Banks-Anderson and the 25th Anniversary of St. Stephen's Community Church, United Church of Christ. The Ad-Booklet will allow you to advertise your business, share expressions of love and support of our mutual service to the community, and/or give honors. You will find an Ad-Booklet Form below. Please return the completed form with a check or money order made payable to St. Stephen's Community Church, UCC by August 30, 2012.
We truly appreciate your generous donation and are convinced that God has great things in store for our work together.
Sincerely,
Rev. Charles J. Corley, Ph.D.
Rev. Sameerah L. Shareef, M.Div.
Sister LaVelle G. Tansil
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P.R.A.Y. 2012
Purposely Redeemed Anointed Youth
Saturday, September 15th, 2012 6:00p-9:00p
St. Stephen's Community Church UCC
1007 Kimberly Drive, Lansing MI 48912
(517)484-2180
Featuring:
- Jammin 4 Jesus
- L.I.V. (Gospel Hip Hop)
- Total Praise Dance Ministry
- Verbal Quest, Chicago, IL
- Donte', Flint (Gospel Hip Hop)
- NyShell Imari (Spoken word) plus many more awesome youth and young adult performers and groups!
Tickets and/or Information: Advance Ticket Prices:
Church: (517)484-2180 Youth (under 17) - $5.00
Onnette: (517)575-0272 Adults - $12.00
Anitra: (517)420-2191
At the Door Prices:
Youth (under 17) - $7.00
Adults - $15.00
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Embarking on their 50th Anniversary Celebration:
Portage UCC, in Portage Michigan
Portage UCC in Portage, Michigan is embarking on their 50 year Anniversary celebration. The festivities will begin on kick off Sunday, September 9, with their first minister, Rev. Arthur Zillgitt, delivering the sermon. In the afternoon a picnic highlighting the 1960's will be held for all members and friends of the church. It was on September 9, 1962 that Portage UCC held its first service in a nearby elementary school.
There will be various other special activities and services during the year, culminating in a special celebration service on April 21, 2013, which is the exact date when the church charter was signed 50 years ago. The church has come a long way and grown enormously since then.
Please visit their website (www.portageucc.org) for updates on various activities and events that will take place; helping to mark this exciting time in the life of Portage United Church of Christ.
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 CAMP TALAHI Retreat & Nature Center NEWS & INFORMATION
 Camp Talahi Retreat and Nature Center needs a pickup truck. If equipment or a sheet of plywood is needed, they don't have a way to pick it up! If you or someone you know can donate a reliable service vehicle - preferably a 1998-2003 Silverado or F-150 (easiest models to get parts for) - please contact them right away. This is an immediate need and is tax deductable. Info@camptalahi.org; (810)844-1499.
The Camp Talahi Retreat and Nature Center is happy to announce the return of the annual Golf Scramble to benefit the Camp Talahi Retreat and Nature Center. It will be held September 29th at the beautiful Ironwood Golf Course in Howell, MI starting at 8:30a. $80 per player entry fee includes 18 holes of golf, use of cart, lunch at the turn and dinner after. Hole sponsorships are available. Have fun while supporting the outdoor ministries of Camp Talahi. Send fee and registration information to 6458 Richardson Rd., Howell MI 48843 or email us: info@camptalahi.org. |
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NYE 2012 Highlights
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July 10-14, 2012
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Clergy Peer Groups in the Michigan Conference
Fall is fast approaching which means it is time to form SING (Spiritual Insight, Nurture and Growth) Groups. Last year we had several groups of clergy gather monthly for two hours in various locations around the conference to offer each other support in ministry as well as a focused time for discernment prayer. Many of those folks are looking forward to reconnecting in groups this fall. Those who have not participated in the past may want to join in this process as well.
This year we are adding new options. We encourage all clergy who are serving in their first call to be part of a First Call group; clergy who have recently or are anticipating retirement are invited to groups to support and guide you through that process. Our intention is to offer opportunities for clergy to connect with each other in ways that are meaningful to you. Possible options are clergy in long-term pastorates, senior ministers in multi-staff churches, associates and/or youth pastors, etc.
The purpose of the groups is to provide a safe outlet to share the ups and downs of ministry and receive peer guidance and support. Readings or other resources could be used as a supplement but these groups are not intended to be primarily for study. Data shows that clergy who are in peer groups of this nature are better able to hold boundaries, maintain self-care and keep their perspective when things get difficult and therefore, less likely to burnout or otherwise self-destruct under the pressures of ministry.
If you are interested in being part of a group, email Deborah Kohler, Acting Associate Conference Minister, at deborah@michucc.org. Please include your church or ministry setting and location, the association in which you have your standing, what kind of group you're interested in and any questions you have about peer groups. After Labor Day the input will be collated and groups will be scheduled to begin by late Sept or early Oct. |
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Five Fantastic Events - Five Outstanding Opportunities
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Our Whole Lives Training (OWL)
Training is limited to 20 people.
Registration Deadline: September 11, 2012
Our Whole Lives is a comprehensive, kindergarten through adult sexuality education curriculum series. It provides youth with accurate information on sexual health, human development, sexual behavior, relationships, and personal skills in the supportive setting of their faith community. This workshop trains teachers in how to teach participants about sexuality in age-appropriate ways. The workshop will focus on the curricula for grades 7-9 and 10-12.
For more information about Our Whole Lives:
Note: This training has an evaluation component. Trainers will be evaluating participants on facilitation skills, comfort with the materials and behavioral appropriateness. Any concerns will be brought up with the individual. At the end of the training, you will be approved (or not) as an OWL leader.
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 UCC Women of Metro Detroit: Fall Event
"The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." Luke 18:19
Mrs. Darlene Walmer portrays Fanny Crosby, blind hymn writer of many of our well-known hymns.
You are invited to attend the UCC Women of Metro Detroit Fall Event on Tuesday, September 25, 2012.
Please join us at Hope UCC 35127 Garfield, Clinton Twp. MI 48035. Questions? (586)296-8760.
The cost is $10.00. Registration begins at 9:45a; program starts at 10:30a.
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Concerned About The Global Ecological Crisis?
Does the Bible have anything to say about it?
Where is the HOPE?
Come to Edgewood United Church UCC in East Lansing
October 27-28, 2012
Speaker will be Dr. Ellen Davis
Ellen Davis is Professor of Bible and Practical Theology at Duke University Divinity School and the author of eight (8) books. Her research interest focuses on how biblical interpretation affects the life of faith communities and their response to urgent public issues particularly the environmental crisis.
Saturday, October 27: Reserve your seat for a noon luncheon and lecture Cost: $10 Deadline for reservations: October 14th, 2012 Call: 517-332-8693
7:00p Open to the public & free of charge
Sunday, October 28: Preaching at the 10:00AM Service Sponsored by the Truman A. Morrison Memorial Lecture Series
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Evangelical Homes of Michigan: Newly established President's Circle honors Charter Members
Evangelical Homes of Michigan is proud to honor 31 individuals and organizations as Charter Members of our newly established President's Circle. They are honored for the level of leadership and service to the organization represented by continuous annual giving over the previous 10 years.
We are very grateful to these loyal and committed supporters of our mission: Mrs. Bertha Booker, Mr. & Mrs. Warren Crouch, Dr. & Mrs. Richard Darnell, Mrs. Donna Debney, Mr. Stephen Haass, Mrs. Virginia Fielder, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Groen, Ms. Lois Haeussler, Hart Congregational UCC, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Heller, Mr. Russell Hieber, Mrs. Marilyn Homeister, Mr. Orville Homeister, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Jahnke, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Lentz, Mr. Gerald Marker, Mrs. Mary Jane Masinick, Mr. Robert Mast, Mr. & Mrs. Walter McCoskey, Mr. & Mrs. William Nill, Ms. Denise Rabidoux, Mr. Robert D. Redies, Mr. & Mrs. Erwin Regier, Salem UCC (Farmington), Mr. Roy Schlick, St. John UCC (Wyandotte), Mrs. Kathryn Steinaway, Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Stevens, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Thibault, Mrs. Marie Ann Van Heusden, the Women's Fellowship of St. Paul's UCC (Taylor).
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Joys & Concerns ~
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 | | Happy Birthday Elizabeth! |
Congratulations to Katie Nix (Associate Pastor, First Cong'l UCC, St. Joseph)and her husband Eric on the birth of their daughter Elizabeth Joy Nix. Elizabeth was born on Saturday, July 28th, weighing in at 7lb 11oz.
Please keep in your prayers our sister-Conference across Lake Michigan, the Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ; upon the recent tragedy in the Sikh Temple in Milwaukee. Please read a message from Conference Minister, the Rev. David Moyer. MESSAGE
Please keep in your thoughts and prayers the family of William Wyss of Armada, who passed away August 7th, 2012, at the age of 76. Bill is survived by his wife Pennye; daughters - Tammye, Sherrye, and Lorrye; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arrangements are with the Hauss Family Funeral Home 47477 Romeo Plank, Macomb Michigan 48044. A viewing will take place Friday, August 10th from 3p-9p. The funeral is planned for Saturday, August 11th at 11:00a. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to St. Jude Children's Hospital, American Heart Association, or Armada PAL Camp.
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A Step Forward:
Michigan State Housing Development Authority
(MSHDA) Program to help homeowners
In coordination with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, information is being sent to Michigan Conference churches regarding a program entitled "A Step Forward". This information is being shared in the hope that homeowners who are at high risk of default or foreclosure may find assistance. To learn more, go to:
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MI Conf Office
Associations
S.T.E.M.
Mission Area Teams
SING Groups
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Association News
Covenant:
COV Fall Meeting
Saturday, November 10th
Location: TBD
Detroit Metropolitan:
Ecclesiastical Council for:
Coni Simon
Sunday, August 26, 2012 @ 3p
Fellowship Chapel
Detroit
UCC Women of Metro Detroit
Fall Event
Event Flyer
Tuesday, September 25th
Hope UCC
Clinton Twp.
DMA/EA Joint Fall Meeting
Saturday, September 29th
Zion UCC, Mt Clemens
Eastern:
See Detroit Metropolitan above
for Fall Meeting Information
Grand West:
GWA Fall Meeting
Sunday, October 28th
First Congregational UCC
Lowell
Southwest:
Ecclesiastical Council for:
Greg Briggs
Sunday, August 26, 2012 @ 3p
Congregational UCC
Galesburg
SWA Fall Meeting
Saturday, October 6th
McCamly Plaza Hotel
Battle Creek
During lunch @ the
MI Conf Annual Meeting
United Northern:
Pilgrimage Retreat
August 24-25, 2012
Lake Louise Retreat Center
For more info/questions
please call (989)785-5164
UNA Fall Meeting
"Creative Worship"
September 21-22, 2012
Atlanta Congregational UCC
RE-MEMBER Adult Mission Trip
October 12-20, 2012
Traveling to the Crow Creek Reservation in South Dakota
Cost: $550
For more info/questions
please call (989)785-5164
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
>Organist/Accompanist position available
The First Congregational Church in New Baltimore, Michigan is seeking a full-time qualified church organist/accompanist. A resume and audition is required; candidate must have own reliable transportation. If interested please send your resume to:
First Congregational Church, UCC
Attention: Music Committee
36223 Alfred Street
New Baltimore MI 48047
Questions: Contact the church office (586)725-0909.
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"Keys To Growing A Small Church"
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CLASSIFIED
FOR SALE
Church Pews for Sale
Oak Wood
2 pews: 9 ft long
1 pew: 7 ft - 9 in long
Contact: Bethel UCC, Waterford
Office: (248)682-9240
Well maintained Kimball Baby Grand Piano. Excellent for a home, school or church. Click link above to see pictures.
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Disaster Recovery Volunteers |
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Consider a Gift
(click on logo) |
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