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A bi-weekly newsletter to keep you up-to-date and informed.
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Prelude to An Invitation
Rev. Dr. Campbell Lovett, Conference Minister
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Friends:
Michigan has been in the national news a lot lately - perhaps for all the wrong reasons. The "Right to Work" law generated heated opposition from labor groups and divided our communities; women's health priorities have been threatened and many women are fearful about their future care; legislative efforts to allow concealed weapons in churches and schools move ahead - even after the horrors of Sandy Hook - while far too many live in the shadow of gun violence; and an emergency manager may soon be placed in Detroit joining emergency managers in other Michigan cities that are primarily populated by African Americans highlighting the racial and economic disenfranchisement that is far too prevalent in our state.
In the face of these issues, where is the righteous indignation among people of faith? Our passions may be stirred, but, too often we are unable to do anything except feel powerless. Fortunately, we serve a God who continually calls us, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to, 'Stand up for justice. Stand up for righteousness. Stand up for truth.'
To that end, the Advocacy Day planned for April 6th should be a great opportunity to meet other people of faith, learn about current budget and legislative priorities in our state, and discern how best to stand up and speak out - together. So, let us gather together and get Michigan in the national news - for all the right reasons: because it's a great place to live and work and raise a family, and because all people are treated equitably - with dignity and respect. 'Let justice roll down like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream!'
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Dear Friends,
We are writing to invite you to the first Michigan Conference Prophetic Advocacy Day on April 6th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Michigan Conference office in East Lansing.
Understanding that we are called to work for justice for all of God's children and knowing that means changing government policies and laws, this workshop is designed to help clergy and faith leaders engage in the legislative process.
We will start the day reflecting on the theological basis for our call to do justice work. Timely legislative issues that relate to our priorities in the UCC will be discussed. Participants will receive specific information and tools to be used in talking about legislative issues with policy decision makers. There will be time to talk in small groups about justice work being done in our churches, as well as the challenges of this work.
We anticipate this being the first of other workshops that will help us embrace our call to justice work in the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ. Whether this is new to you or whether you have been engaged in justice work for years, we hope you will join us on April 6th. There is much work to be done!
The cost of $10/person or $25 for a group of up to 4 from the same church covers the pizza and salad lunch.
Please fill out a registration form and return it with payment, to the Michigan Conference office - P.O. Box 1006, East Lansing MI 48823.
Questions? Contact Barb Paff at barb@michucc.org or 517.332.3511 x209.
Blessings-
Prophetic Integrity Mission Area Team
REGISTRATION FORM
Advocacy Day Flyer
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One Conference: One Mission
March 31 - May 19, 2013
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For the fifty days between Easter and Pentecost:
One Conference, One Mission - Michigan 2 x 2
The Conference Office has been hearing from many churches regarding their community mission partnerships . Once your church has decided upon their outreach partner for
Michigan 2 x 2, please email the Conference at 2x2@michucc.org.
Information and updates are available on the Conference website: www.michucc.org .
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VITALITY DAY! NEW Information!
With David Plunkett & Michael Piazza
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Saturday, April 20, 2013 10:00 - 3:00 p.m.
125 S. Pennsylvania Ave.
Lansing MI 48912
Join David Plunkett & Mike Piazza from the
Bring a group from your church for
hands on learning for your ministry setting!
- Learn about: Social Network Marketing; Welcoming; Data Base Management; Assimilation of New Members; and Small Groups
- Meet with other from your congregation to envision practical ways to implement what you have learned (lunch is included)
- Learn more about: Spiritual Formation / Practices and an Intro to 21st Century Worship
Please register soon!
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SAVE THE DATE!
Michigan Conference Annual Meeting
October 4th & 5th, 2013
Lodging:
Keynote Speaker:
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"What Leadership Style Works"
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Money & Your Ministry:
Program Offered from Sustaining Pastoral Excellence
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April 15, 2013
9 - 2:30 p.m.
Money and Your Ministry - by author Margaret Marcuson:
Balance the Books While Keeping Your Balance
Cost: $75 before April 1st $95 April 1-8
Limited space available
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Join the Nationwide Prayer Campaign!
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On March 26 & 27 the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in two (2) cases that challenge laws limiting our freedom to marry; Proposition 8 (the California law overturning a state court decision allowing same-sex marriages) and DOMA (the federal Defense of Marriage Act). 
Will your congregation join thousands throughout the country who will be praying for the Court and for the many whose freedom to marry is still denied by state and federal law?
Please read the article below for all of the details!
JOIN THE NATIONWIDE PRAYER CAMPAIGN |
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WINTER FEST 2013: A SUCCESS!
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INCLUSIVE JUSTICE PRESENTS:
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 A Soulforce Training in Non-Violent Resistance
Saturday, April 13, 2013 1 PM - 7:30 PM
(Registration begins at noon)
Eastern Michigan University Student Center
900 Oakwood Street | Ypsilanti, MI 48197
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Congregational Church of Birmingham Teens
Mission Trip 2013 - Boston Urban Outreach
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The Congregational Church of Birmingham (CCB) in Bloomfield Hills, MI will be taking a group of high school youth and adults to Boston for their mission trip. They have eight (8) openings on their roster for girls and boys, and at least one male chaperone.
"In the past five years, Boston Urban Outreach (BUO) has conducted hundreds of mission experiences with over 5,000 participants. These service projects have impacted almost 100,000 individual lives."
If you are interested in making the trip, please read the event flyer below for more information.
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| Michigan Religious Leaders meet in Rare Summit |
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Dewitt, MI January 24, 2013 - St. Francis Retreat Center
An ecumenical meeting of religious leaders from throughout Michigan was held on Friday, January 18 at the St. Francis Retreat Center in Dewitt, Michigan. Please read about this historic summit.
PRESS RELEASE |
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Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath
March 9 & 10 and March 16 & 17
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Congregations all over the country are praying for changes in our culture toward a more peaceful way of relating to one another. This concern has been the focus of national attention since the shootings in Sandy Hook, CT. The churches of MI Prophetic Voices (MPV) invite all of us to join in prayer in a Sabbath against gun-violence beginning this Sunday. If you are in Detroit, Flint, Saginaw, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo watch for information about what is being done locally in an ecumenical prayer vigil some time this week. Consider joining the effort by reading the attached information and joining the effort during the upcoming week.
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Our Whole Lives (O.W.L.) Training - April 26 & 27, 2013
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The Midland United Church of Christ will be hosting a K-1/4-6 grade Our Whole Lives (O.W.L.) Training on April 26 and 27, 2013 and they would love for individuals from other Michigan Conference Churches to join them. They have a few spots left; those spaces will be filled on a first come first serve basis with a paid registration.
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Prophetic Integrity MAT News:
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The Prophetic Integrity Mission Area Team (PIMAT) is supporting efforts to restore the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit, a credit for low-income working families that was cut 70%, beginning with the 2012 tax year. PIMAT has joined "Save Our EITC" and encourages churches to do the same.
The proposal to expand Medicaid in Michigan to reach more people is supported by PIMAT, as well as, efforts to engage churches in helping those that would then become eligible for Medicaid.
PIMAT is also supportive of work being done to raise the minimum wage here in Michigan. The PIMAT is working with the Unitarian Universalist Reproductive Justice Team on an upcoming workshop.
Also, please join us for our first Prophetic Advocacy Day! (See information above)
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Boundary Training Session offered: October 16, 2013
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The next Boundary Training Session offered by the Michigan Conference United Church of Christ will take place on Wednesday, October 16th, 2013. The training session will take place at the Michigan Conference Office - 5945 Park Lake Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823. The instructor for this training is the Rev. Cheryl Burke.
Cost: $35 (includes materials and lunch)
Space is limited - Early registration is encouraged!
Deadline to register is October 1, 2013
BOUNDARY TRAINING REGISTRATION FORM |
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The S.T.E.M. (Systematic Training for Effective Ministry) Program is announcing exciting upcoming events:
S.T.E.M. MISSION EMERSION EVENT - April 27, 2013 To all STEM students; past, present, graduates, non-graduates, All STEM instructors, All STEM Advisors and friends of STEM; members of Mission Area Teams; Members of the Detroit Metropolitan Association and other non-profit organizations - you are invited to a Mission Outreach Workshop Day! Please see the Event Flyer for more details.
S.T.E.M. announces NEW Lay Leadership Development Classes Lay Leadership Development workshops are designed for church members and lay leaders who are interested in exploring their faith and in gaining new skills for leadership within the church. Please see the Event Flyer for more information. |
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2013 School for Pastoral Ministry
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Mark your calendars and get ready for an inspiring week of fellowship, learning and relaxation as we gather together for 2013 School of Pastoral Ministry. The School for Pastoral Ministry is excited about this year's speakers.
Introduction letter from Pastor Greg Buchner (The United Church of Ovid)
2013 School for Pastoral Ministry Flyer |
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Immanuel Scholarship: Apply TODAY!
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Scholarship funds are available through an endowment provided by Immanuel United Church of Christ - Detroit. As the congregation was disbanding it was their desire to leave their legacy to support seminary students preparing for Ordination and Service in the United Church of Christ. The scholarship granting process is administered by the Faith Formation (Spiritual Discernment) Mission Area Team in accordance with the policies of the Michigan Conference. We encourage Members in Discernment who are Seminary students to apply for this Scholarship, and for renewal(s) if eligible! Click IMMANUEL SCHOLARSHIP INFO for more information, requirements, and to download the application.
The deadline for submitting applications or renewal requests is April 15th each year. Awards are granted during the summer so that funds can be disbursed at the beginning of the fall seminary semester.
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The Grand West Association Church & Ministry Committee invites the Michigan Conference to....
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Supporting Pastoral Excellence
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
9:30 - 3:00 p.m.
First (Park) Congregational UCC
10 East Park Place, NE | Grand Rapids MI 49503
Featuring:
The Rev. J. Bennett Guess, Executive Minister, Local Church Ministries
The Rev. Holly MillerShank, Local Church Ministries Team Leader for Ministerial Excellence, Support, and Authorization
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Open Enrollment: UCC Vision Benefits Plan
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Open enrollment for the UCC Vision Benefits Plan is now available through March 31, 2013. Coverage is effective at 12:01 a.m. on April 1, 2013 following receipt of a completed enrollment application along with a check for the annual premium.
The Vision Plan is offered on a stand-alone basis, regardless of participation in the UCC (Non-Medicare) Health Plan or UCC Medicare Supplement Plan. The Plan offers access to a nationwide network of eye care providers through VSP. Plan benefits include annual eye exams, prescription glasses or contact lenses as well as discounts on lens options, additional glasses and sunglasses.
More information about the VSP Vision Benefit Plan
Vision Benefit Plan Application
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CAMP TALAHI: Registration is open!
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Eastern Association NEWS...
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SPRING MEETING...Save the dates of Satruday, April 13, and Sunday, April 14. We will have a concert on Saturday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 pm with Christian singer songwriter Bryan Sircho ( www.sirchio.com), a worship service Sunday morning at 10:30 am, followed by lunch (noon to 1 pm) and a workshop (1:00 to 3:00 pm) with Bryan Sirchio on Worship Music. All events will take place at First Congregational Church UCC in Romeo. An online registration form is being created, and promotional material will be sent to Eastern Association churches.
COORDINATING COMMITTEE POSITIONS...The EA Coordinating Committee (formerly Council) is looking for 2 people who would be interested in serving as Vice-Moderator and Secretary. Both positions are two-year terms, with an opportunity to be re-elected for one consecutive term. The Vice-Moderator's primary responsibility is to coordinate work of EA "resource sharing and service," and the Secretary records and distributes minutes of all meetings. The Coordinating Committee meets 5 times per year. Please contact the EA Moderator, Pastor Rob Hunter, with any suggestions/nominations ( bluewaterpastor@gmail.com).
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Sr. High Youth Director: 1/4 Time (10-12 hours per week)
Second Congregational UCC, Grand Rapids |
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The Edgewood United Church, UCC in East Lansing has six (6) wood communion cup trays and a bunch of plastic communion cups - FREE to anyone who can use them.
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News from CUE Seminaries: April 19 & 20, 2013
Spring for our Worship Conference
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The conference will run from 8:30a on Friday, April 19 through noon on Saturday, April 20th.
Please see the event flyer for more information. EVENT FLYER
Registration is available on their NEW website www.ctschicago.edu in the Continuing Education section of the site. Please contact Joe Burt, Manager - Alumni Relations & Special Events at jburt@ctschicago.edu. |
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Salem UCC, Albion: Presents "A Musical Journey Through Holy Week"
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Live rock opera is a dramatization of the last few weeks of Jesus Christ's Life, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. This is a special presentation containing favorite music from "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Godspell", Eric Clapton, and other favorites.
Saturday, March 30th - 12:00noon to 1:15 p.m. Easter Sunday, March 31st - 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
Salem United Church of Christ 113 Pine Street, Albion MI 49224
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Please keep in your prayers....
Please keep in your prayers the Walter Scott family; Walter Scott, former pastor of the United Church of Christ in Newaygo, Michigan - passed away on Tuesday, February 26 in Bimidji, Minnesota. He was ordained into ministry by the United Church of Christ and was a former pastor of the United Church of Christ in Newaygo, Michigan. A memorial and celebration service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 16th at the United Methodist Church in Bemidji, MN. Obituary
Please keep in your prayers the family of Rev. Chris Schwab (pastor, First Cong'l, Lowell); Chris's mother Julia Edge Bowers passed away on February 19, 2013, surrounded by her loving family, after a period of declining health. Prior to retirement, Julia worked as a freelance artist and writer for many years. She enjoyed painting writing, traveling and caring for animals. In her younger years Julia was an accomplished athlete who excelled at tennis, paddle tennis, and skiing. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and sister who cherished the time spent with her family. A memorial mass will be celebrated at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 7 North Mast St., Goffstown, NH on Saturday, March 16, at 11:00 a.m. Donations may be made in her memory to the Manchester Animal Shelter, 410 Dunbarton Road, Manchester NH 03102. Condolences can be mailed to Rev. Chris Schwab, 423 Howard St., Lowell MI 49331 or emailed to kahuchris@hotmail.com.
Please keep in your prayers the family of the Rev. Grafton (Mac) Thomas who passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at the age of 97. He held ordained ministerial standing with the United Church of Christ and was a member of the United Northern Association; ordained in June 1948. He is survived by a son and three (3) daughters. Expressions of care may be sent to his son Andy Thomas, P.O. Box 265, Northport MI 49670. A memorial service will be held during the summer; date to be determined.
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5945 Park Lake Road | P.O. Box 1006 | East Lansing, MI 48826-1006
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