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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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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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Email Bulletin:
September 28, 2012
Next issue scheduled for: October 12, 2012 Content Deadline: Oct. 10, 2012 |
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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
UCC
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The mission of The Center for Progressive Renewal is to renew Progressive Christianity by training new entrepreneurial leaders, supporting the birth of new liberal/progressive congregations, and by renewing and strengthening existing progressive churches.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Michigan Conference Annual Meeting
If you are planning to attend the Michigan Conference Annual Meeting in Battle Creek, October 5 & 6, 2012 - you must register by 9:00a Monday morning, October 1st.
If you have placed your registration in the mail today (Friday, Sept. 28) - you must contact the Conference office(517.332.3511) to make sure your food choices are reported in case your form does not arrive in the mail Monday morning.
Meals at the hotel are plated; an accurate meal count will be reported to the hotel by 9:00a Monday, October 1st. We will not be padding our meal count numbers so that extra meals are available because the Conference office would be responsible to pay for any meals that were not sold.
If you are not pre-registered for the Annual Meeting, you will not be able to eat in the dining area with other meeting guests. The hotel has a restaurant in house.
Questions? You may contact the Conference office: 517.332.3511. Fax registration forms: 517.339.2621
DEADLINE: Monday, October 1st @ 9:00a |
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Michigan Conference UCC
2012 Annual Meeting
October 5th & 6th
"For such a time as this"
(Esther 4:14)
Battle Creek, Michigan
A great addition to our Annual Meeting: The Rev. Dr. Ben Guess, the Executive Minister for Local Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ will be our Installation Preacher on Friday evening at 7:30p. Ben is an inspirational speaker and a visionary leader! All Authorized Ministers are invited to process in the Service of Installation. Clergy may robe and wear a brightly colored stole. Please meet in The Chapel at First Congregational UCC, Battle Creek by 7:10 p.m.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Diana Butler Bass
Expanded Opportunity at Annual Meeting
Due to popular demand, we are offering a Friday ONLY Continuing Education registration (without lunch, workshops, or hearings) to take part in the program with Dr. Diana Butler Bass for $25. As mentioned, this will give you access to the Continuing Education program ONLY; lunch, workshops, hearings, and other activities will not be available. Please fill out the Friday-ONLY Continuing Education registration form and return with payment as soon as possible - space is limited!
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Words from Conference Minister
the Rev. Dr. Campbell Lovett
For just such a time as this
If you have time to read the book of Esther this week, you will be well prepared to experience the theme of this year's Annual Meeting in Battle Creek. And, if you have time to read the book, "Christianity After Religion" by Diana Butler Bass, you will be doubly prepared! I want to highlight some of the events of our two days together in Battle Creek:
- Diana Butler Bass, the noted writer about American religious dynamics and trends, will be our keynote speaker on Saturday morning. She will also present two workshops on Friday about her most recent book: Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening. We are incredibly fortunate to have her helping us to understand the changing religious landscape of our state and nation.
- I am excited about the Service of Installation on Friday evening at 7:30 primarily because Ben Guess will be preaching, and First Congregational Church, UCC musicians will be offering their ministry of music. Ben Guess is the Executive for Local Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ. He is a visionary about the future of our denomination - and a dynamic preacher. He will be the perfect complement to Diana Butler Bass. Battle Creek is becoming well known for its varied music program. The Installation promises to be a happening due to the music, the many participants, and maybe even a little pageantry!
- We will be honored to have one of our mission partners in attendance for Annual Meeting. Bishop Hans-Jurgen Abromeit of the Nordkirche in Germany will be with us on Friday and Saturday.
- There are many workshops that will be offered on Friday and Saturday. It will be good to build up and encourage one another for the cost and joy of discipleship!
- Yes, there will also be work to do: nominations, budgets, resolutions, hearings, and voting will be lively and important parts of our gathering.
- For many of you, Annual Meeting is a reunion with friends and colleagues. For me, this will be an important time to meet new people and continue to learn from them about the many things that make our local churches and Associations such great places for mission and ministry. I look forward to many conversations as I continue to get a clearer sense of our shared vision for the Conference.
If you are coming to Annual Meeting, safe travels! If you are not able to join in the festivities, please pray for our Conference during this important time of discussion and deliberation. May we all emerge with a clearer sense of what we must accomplish - in just such a time as this.
O Merciful God, bless the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ in this upcoming time of learning, deliberating, and growing. Amen.
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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 be 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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MUCCY (Michigan United Church of Christ Youth)
GOES WEST: AT THE MICHIGAN CONFERENCE ANNUAL MEETING
To: ALL Michigan Conference United Church of Christ Youth
You are cordially invited and encouraged to attend the Michigan Conference UCC 2012 Annual Meeting October 5-6, 2012 in Battle Creek, Michigan. Come and meet our NEW Conference Minister, the Rev. Dr. Campbell Lovett; meet and listen to author and educator, Dr. Diana Butler Bass; and MOST importantly share YOUR thoughts and ideas. You are called "For such a time as this" - a time to participate in changing the world!
Michigan Conference 2012 Annual Meeting
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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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SING Groups: Meetings scheduled
SING :(Spiritual Insight, Nurture, & Growth)
SING Groups are meeting again! Please see the attached schedule for a SING Group in your area.
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 CAMP TALAHI Retreat & Nature Center The Golf fundraising event for Camp Talahi has been cancelled.
Please open the Fall Fun Flyer for upcoming events planned at Camp Talahi and Halloween event in nearby Brighton.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Updated: Sept. 28, 2012
Please click on the position title for a job description and information on how to apply.
Administrative Program Coordinator:
Full Time
Church World Service, Lansing
Organizer: Full Time
Action of Greater Lansing - Lansing, MI
Administrator: Part Time
Action of Greater Lansing - Lansing, MI
Communications Specialist:
Part Time
The People's Church - East Lansing, MI
Organist/Accompanist: Full Time
First Congregational Church, UCC - New Baltimore, MI
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OPEN HOUSE: Ecumenical Theological Seminary
October 18, 2012 6:30p - 8:00p
Charles Edward Clark, Jr., DMin Director of Recruitment Ecumneical Theological Seminary 2930 Woodward Ave. Detroit MI 48201 313-831-5200 ext 224
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 Higher Education
Sunday:
October 28th
October 28 is Higher Education Sunday on the UCC Calendar. Higher Education Sunday is an opportunity to lift up the work of UCC-affiliated colleges and universities. It can also be a time to celebrate and pray for the UCC-affiliated seminaries in our region. Liturgical resources are available on the website for CUE (Chicago, United, Eden) Seminaries. Your congregation can also request bulletin inserts, posters, offering envelopes, or a five-minute DVD about the seminaries. Visit www.cueseminaries.org today!
Kiely Todd Roska Director, CUE Seminaries P.O. Box 120357 St. Paul MN 55112
Celebrate Theological Education! Seminary Sunday: February 24, 2013
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7-week biblical interpretation class:
"What the Bible Really Says About Gay Christians"
First Congregational Church, Cadillac is pleased to share information about a 7-week biblical interpretation class, "What the Bible Really Says About Gay Christians", beginning on Tuesday, October 2. RSVP by October 1st:
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Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy
Opens gates to Pilgrim Haven
Saturday, October 27
10:00a - 5:00p
Get involved in the Fireplace Preservation Fund - see flyer for details - the target goal is $1000
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 Covenant Association
Fall Meeting
Saturday, November 10th 9:00a - 4:30p Registration: 8:00 - 9a
First Congregational Church 403 S. Jefferson Ave.| Saginaw MI 989.754.6565
Please download the flyer for more details!!
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"Life is the best gift. Everything else is extra"
An African Proverb says "Life is the best gift. Everything else is extra". By hosting a Church World Service Alternate Gift Fair this holiday season you will be changing lives. You will be supporting the transformational work of Church World Service (CWS) around the world. Thanks to congregations like yours, CWS has been a beacon of hope for people in need for more than 65 years.
Order you Alternative Gift Fair Packet today. In it you will find resources to help you organize an engaging and successful event that can bring together all facets of your community. In the packet you will find:
- How to host an alternative gift fair that involves everyone in your congregation.
- A poster to help promote your event.
- A copy of the new CWS "Best Gift" catalog.
- A sample gift card.
- An order form for extra posters, catalogs and other materials.
- Information on additional resources available online.
- An envelope to send your donation to CWS.
Alternative gift fairs provide an opportunity to honor those we love with a gift that recognizes their generosity and reflects their compassion. Through alternative giving, your congregation can open a dialogue around the true meaning and purpose of gift giving - and explore a new dimension of faithfulness. All while assisting those who struggle not for material goods but for their very survival.
To order a CWS Alternate Gift Fair Packet or for more information please call Pam Folkers at 888-297-2767 or email pfolkers@churchworldservice.org
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Joys & Concerns:
Please hold in your heart and in your prayers, the family of the Rev. Daniel Boxwell. Rev. Daniel Boxwell, 96 of Gaylord passed away on Friday, September 21 at Aspen Ridge Retirement Center. Family and friends will be received on Friday, September 28 at First Congregational Church, 218 W. 2nd St. Gaylord, MI from 2-4 PM and then again on Saturday from 1 -2 PM. Memorial service will be held Saturday September 29, 2 PM at the church. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Michigan or Southern Poverty Law Center through the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O Box 1548 Gaylord, MI 49734. Words of Condolence can be left for the family at the Nelson Funeral Home (www.nelsonsfuneralhome.com).
Please hold in your heart and in your prayers, the family and friends of Margaret Hutcheon, beloved wife of the late Rev. Dr. Roy R. Hutcheon. Mrs. Hutcheon passed away on September 12, 2012 at the ate of 80. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Please hold in your heart and in your prayers, the family of Ralph Cram, (former member of COV Church & Ministry Comm.) whose wife, Mary Cram, has passed away. Mary passed on September 16, 2012 at the age of 82 yr. Assistance with Memorial Contributions to Salem United Church of Christ, Albion Community Foundation or Albion District Library is available at the funeral home.
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MI Conf Office
Associations
S.T.E.M.
Mission Area Teams
SING Groups
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Association News
Covenant:
Ecclesiastical Councils for:
Darcy Crain-Polly & Diane White
Sunday, October 21 @ 3p
Community Cong'l UCC
Pinckney
COV Fall Meeting
Feature topic:
"Arts in Social Justice"
Saturday, November 10th
Registration begins @ 8:00a
Devotions & Orientation - 9:00a
COV Fall Meeting Flyer
First Congregational UCC
Saginaw
Detroit Metropolitan:
DMA/EA Joint Fall Meeting
Theme:
"Working Together As People of Faith"
Ecclesiastical Council for:
Coni Simon
DMA/EA Joint Fall Meeting
Saturday, Sept. 29
Zion UCC
Mt. Clemens
Installation Service for:
Rev. Dr. Renee Jackson
Sunday, October 21@ 3p
First Congregational UCC
Imlay City
Eastern:
See Detroit Metropolitan above
for Fall Meeting Information
Grand West:
GWA Fall Meeting
Sunday, October 28th @
First Congregational UCC
Lowell
Southwest:
SWA Fall Meeting
Saturday, October 6th
McCamly Plaza Hotel
Battle Creek
During lunch @ the
MI Conf Annual Meeting
Ordination of:
Greg Briggs
Sunday, November 11 @ 4p
First Congregational UCC
Coloma
Ecclesiastical Council for:
Beth Code
Sunday, Nov. 18th @3p
Host: Phoenix Comm Church
Meeting held at:
Christian Church - DOC
2208 Winchell Ave.
Kalamazoo MI 49008
United Northern:
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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Five Fantastic Events - Five Outstanding Opportunities
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Winter-Fest Continues
FUN, FELLOWSHIP, WORSHIP, HIGH ENERGY RECREATION!
February 8 - 10, 2013 Reserve your group's space NOW!!
For registration materials call Wayne McKay at 231.250.3691 or email at: www.wemcckay@charter.net or United Church at 231.796.7124.
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CLASSIFIED
Revised August 23, 2012
1950's Hammond Organ
Available as a donation; in top condition with a top-of-the-line case. Full pedals, full stops and keyboard. It needs only oil and tuning. Now in a residence in Bay City; it would take two men and a truck to move.
Estimated value: $2000 - $3500.
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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| Are there people in your Congregation that are worried about foreclosure?
Check out this You Tube video about ways that people of faith are reaching out to help those in need in Michigan:
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Disaster Recovery Volunteers |
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Consider a Gift
(click on logo) |
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Shadows of Life:
Everyone is welcome - All ages!
A seminar for End of Life Issues facilitated by
Rev. Whitney Brown
Wednesday's | 7:00-9:00p
$25 for series
Held at:
Phoenix Community Church
2208 Winchell Ave. (DOC building)
Kalamazoo MI 49008
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Your Local Church
The Rob Mills Family will worship & perform at
Congregational UCC, Armada
Sunday, Sept 30 @ 10a
The Rob Mills Family will participate in the worship service and provide outstanding Christian music and entertainment. A potluck is scheduled after; if possible, please bring two dishes to pass.
Contact the church office with questions:
586-784-5901
Organ Concert
Featuring: Mr. Joseph Palazzolo
Sunday, Oct 14 @ 3p - Free will offering
St. John - St. Luke Evangelical UCC
2120 Russell St.|Detroit MI 313.393.8168
2012-13 Second Season at the
125 E. Unadilla St. |Pinckney MI 734.878.3140
Acoustic Open-Mic 5:30-7:15p; followed by Special Guests 7:30-9
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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.
Please download the flyer for details! Sponsored by the Truman A. Morrison Memorial Lecture Series
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