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A bi-weekly newsletter to keep you up-to-date and informed.
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Rev. Dr. Campbell Lovett, Conference Minister
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If then God gave them the same gift that God gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ,
who was I that I could hinder God? (Acts 11:17)
Years ago I played a lot of basketball, and more recently, I coached a church league basketball team. I was "old school": stress the fundamentals, use the backboard, hands up on defense, box out, follow your shot, help out, and always remember that there is no "I" in TEAM! I know from experience, for instance, that the key to rebounding is all about being in position and boxing out - literally blocking with your hind quarters (i.e. hindering) to keep another player from getting to the ball.
After reading this passage from Acts 11, I began to wonder how much we inadvertently use our positioning in the church to hinder God from reaching someone. It is clear that Peter had a transformation in his thinking. He originally believed that the gift of Jesus was only for certain people - people who believed a certain way, lived in a certain way, and even ate a certain way. But then he had a vision where God made it plain that Peter was not to stand in the way of others who were coming to Jesus Christ. He could no longer hinder God.
What a time we shared with Mike Piazza and David Plunkett at the Vitality Day in East Lansing last Saturday. These two "evangelists" shared wonderful resources with us about being more inviting, more welcoming, and more hospitable to those who have not been a part of our churches. If God has given us all the same gift of Jesus Christ, who are we to hinder God?
As our Michigan churches seek to revitalize, I hope that we will all spend more time contemplating Peter's transformation and what it means to cast the net wide in our settings for ministry and mission. Perhaps our 'March Madness' will be that we are truly working toward being a united and uniting, multiracial, multicultural, open and affirming, accessible to all and just peace church.
With you on the journey,
Campbell
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For the fifty days between Easter and Pentecost:
One Conference, One Mission - Michigan 2 x 2
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We are half way through our Michigan 2x2 campaign season, and we are just now gaining momentum. Check out the Tally Boxes at the Michigan Conference website - www.michucc.org. One-third of our Conference churches are formally participating and most of those have been sending in weekly updates. The results are impressive. Even if your church did not sign up, you can still send in results of a mission partnership you have with a community organization at home or abroad. The Conference has sent out press releases about the initiative and articles have appeared in many local papers. You can send your results to: 2x2@michucc.org
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SAVE THE DATES!
Michigan Conference 2013 Annual Meeting
"Thriving Churches - Thriving Communities"
October 4th & 5th, 2013
Be inspired, energized and equipped with tools to strengthen relationships and renew the spirit of your church and communities.
Hosted by:
Lodging:
Make your reservations today: (313)873-3000
Block name: "Michigan Conference United Church of Christ"
Special Room rates: $85/Single (plus tax) $90/Double (plus tax)
$10 Valet parking - overnight
Keynote Speakers:
Mike S. Piazza, Co-Executive Director AND
Cameron Trimble, Co-Executive Director & CEO of
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Small Church Ministry & Growth: Online Classes through the Center for Progressive Renewal
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Small Church Ministry and Growth
Five-week online course: (Tuesday's) May 21 - June 18
Our partnership with CPR gives you access to a 10% discount - use code michigan10 when you register. An individual registration is $249 ($225 w/discount). Also check with your Association or the conference for matching fund grants toward this work. The most cost effective and productive way to participate is with a group from your church $399 ($360 with discount) for a group of three (3) from the same church.
This online course will be offered specifically focused on small church ministry and growth. Topics include: Vital worship, Rooting your mission with your identity, Right sizing your governance, Focusing on relationships not numbers, Celebrating who you are, Networking with like sized churches.
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Vitality Day - A GREAT success!
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Over 200 people gathered at Edgewood United Church UCC on Saturday, April 20th. Michael Piazza and David Plunkett presented practical ways to increase vitality in our churches.
Rev. Henry Brinker summed up the event this way: READ Henry's thoughts
Michael Piazza and Cameron Trimble with both join us for annual meeting at Fellowship Chapel UCC in Detroit on October 4-5, 2013. You don't want to miss it!
The winner drawn to receive a FREE webinar from the Center for Progressive Renewal was Laurie LaFramboise from Midland UCC - Congratulations Laurie!
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The Daily News delves into the meaning of "2 x 2"
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"Two by two - no it's not the size of a board, but the name of an initiative taken on by the Michigan United Church of Christ churches", writes Cindy Warrick for The Midland Daily News.
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On Thursday, June 13 - from 10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., The Michigan Conference and the Chaplain's Office at Albion College will host a Day Away for all UCC chaplains serving in Michigan. All of our part-time, full-time and volunteer college, hospice, hospital, military, CPE, prison, and nursing home chaplains are cordially invited. The event will be held at Albion College, 611 E. Porter St., Albion, Michigan.
Chaplain Dan McQuown of Albion College will be the worship leader and host for the day. Refreshments and lunch are being graciously provided by the college. The special guest presenter will be Rev. Stephen Boyd, Minister for Government and Professional Chaplaincies, Local Church Ministries of the UCC. He will share updates about how The Marks of Faithful and Effective Ministries relate to the work of all chaplains, and about new standards for professional credentialing. Conference Minister, Campbell Lovett will lead a conversation about how the Conference can better support our many chaplains.
This will be a great opportunity to meet other chaplains, share in fellowship, and be refreshed for the tasks at hand. Please RSVP to Lisa Soulliere at the Conference Office (lisa@michucc.org) by May 30th.
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The Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ is seeking a Half-Time Area Minister for the Southeast Area and a Half-Time Area Minister for the Southwest Area.
- Do you have a heart for the United Church of Christ?
- Do you enjoy team-building and surfacing best practices from diverse churches?
- Can you assure the smooth functioning of the Search and Call process to churches in transition?
- Can you seek out and provide resources to local churches from a variety of traditional and non-traditional sources?
- Are you able to utilize technology and social media as ways to provide a link between congregations and the Conference?
- Are you entrepreneurial and collaborative in your approach to ministry?
If you can answer "yes" to these questions, or would like to nominate someone you believe would be excellent in this position, we'd like to speak with you.
For more information about these positions as well as an application form, please view more details at the Conference website - www.michucc.org. For additional information, please contact the Michigan Conference Minister, Campbell Lovett (scclovett@michucc.org)
Application deadline for this position is May 15, 2013.
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With concern for our Philippine Partners
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As you may be aware, the Senate Appropriations Committee has begun meeting regarding the budget for the fiscal year 2014.
The Ecumenical Advocacy Network for the Philippines has developed a letter that will be delivered to Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Sub-Committee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs. The most recent draft of that letter is attached. It makes a strong case for U.S. funding of the Philippine military being contingent upon progress by the Philippine government in the area of human rights.
Faith-based groups concerned with human rights violations in the Philippines are encouraged to sign on to this letter. If there is a social justice committee, partnership group, fellowship group, executive group, governing group, or PAAM in your local church, Association, Conference, or educational setting that would want to support this effort, please have the chair of that group notify Paul Blum of the EANP at prb@umn.edu before April 30.
For reference: The State Department's 2012 report on human rights in the Philippines has just been released and can be accessed at:
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S.T.E.M. Leadership Training Event: Saturday, April 27!
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S.T.E.M. LEADERSHIP TRAINING EVENT - Saturday, 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.
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A Romeo tree was saved thanks to people making noise
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 | Judy Lopus (aka "Mother Nature")
photo by John Carlisle, Detroit Free Press |
"It's just a tree, and it was standing in the way of a new road project. So who would care if it got cut down?
Except this tall white oak might be about 300 years old. It has survived years of weather that took down lesser trees nearby, including a direct lightning strike not long ago that seemed to actually reinvigorate it. Weddings have been performed underneath its long, twirling branches over the decades. It has worn yellow ribbons in remembrance of missing soldiers during several wars.
And word got out that it was doomed." (John Carlisle, Detroit Free Press Columnist)
Local resident and former Camp Talahi, Camp Dean, Judy Lopus (better known to fellow campers as "Mother Nature") sprang into action, making a sign "Don't cut me down!!" and added the local MDOT phone number for like-minded passersby to express their thoughts.
Follow the link and read more on their efforts to save this piece of Romeo history.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013304140105
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Boundary Training Session:
NEW INFORMATION & CLASS LOCATION
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NEW INFORMATION
The next Boundary Training Session offered by the Michigan Conference United Church of Christ will take place on Thursday, October 17th, 2013. The training session will take place at the St. Francis Retreat Center - 703 E. Main St., Dewitt 48820.
The instructor for this training is the Rev. Cheryl Burke.
More information to come!
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MUCCY (Michigan UCC Youth) Event
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A Scavenger Hunt and Survivor's Week-End At Camp Talahi
May 17 - 19, 2013
Come to a weekend of fun and adventure at the beautiful Camp Talahi! Join us for a scavenger hunt, learn survivor skills and participate in a bit of woodland sport. Join youth and young adults from across the state in this fun, fellowship event!
Visit MUCCY on Facebook: 
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"Oral Communication"
"Conversation Sand Traps"
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Attention Pastors and Youth Leaders:
Michigan Leaders of Youth & Young Adults Retreat
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UCC Church Staff and Volunteers are invited to attend an awesome opportunity!
May 1 - 4, 2013 come to a retreat for Michigan Leaders of Youth and Young Adults. We will have hands on introduction to the various resources, have an opportunity to share experiences, tips and ideas; fellowship and worship together! We will also be discussing the opportunities for statewide involvement and MUCCY (Michigan United Church of Christ Youth) activities. Please come participate in this formative work! Together we can make a difference!
We are meeting at Bluegreen Resort at Mountain Run at Boyne Mountain
Cost: $125 (scholarships available)
Call ASAP if you are interested in coming! We currently have 10 beds; we can get more but need to request them soon!
Angie Noah, Director of Christian Education and Youth
First Congregational Church, Saginaw
(989)754-6565 x230
fcc.angienoah@gmail.com |
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The Center for Progressive Renewal: On Campus
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CPR goes to Seminary!
CPR is going on the road to seminaries across the country teaching practical skills in starting and renewing churches. If you are the pastor or lay leader of a church, this course is for you! Join other seasoned practitioners as we explore best-practices in growing churches.
Cameron Trimble and Michael Piazza will be teaching 1.5 and 3 hour courses that includes understanding organizational life cycles, transformational mission, networking in the 21st century, using social media to grow your church, transformational worship and ad-MINISTRY-ation.
The course is designed to include a one week intensive on campus.
Chicago Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL: May 20-24, 2013 Cost: $549 REGISTER
Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA: July 29-Aug 2, 2013 Cost: $549 REGISTER
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In order to establish a perpetual memorial for her beloved son, John C. Dayton, his mother Bertha C. Dayton entrusted funds to the Congregational Home Missionary Society at her death. The will stipulated that income shall be used in aiding and assisting rural, small town or village churches in the state of Michigan and in the support of their pastors and families.
Grants are awarded by the Vital Growth Mission Area Team of the Michigan Conference United Church of Christ. Applications will be accepted in 2014. |
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Our Pride, Your Pity: Why Disability Identity Matters
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Due to society's pressure, stereotypes, stigma, oppression, and discrimination, people with disabilities are encouraged to assimilate and "overcome" their disabilities. Many hope that this process will help achieve higher self-esteem when in fact, this process leaves people with disabilities denying part of their identities ultimately lowering self-esteem and quality of life. We believe that understanding disability history and culture while embracing our disabilities as part of our identities leads to self-empowerment and a sense of belonging. Please share the information/registration form with support staff and leaders.
Join us for "Our Pride, Your Pity: Why Disability Identity Matters"
Monday, June 3rd, 2013 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
125 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Lansing MI 48912
Cost: $50/person (limited scholarship funds available) Space limited - Registration deadline is May 20th.
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Bradly House Theatre:
A Unique Theatre Event with International Taste
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What does the circus performer, Adriel Ruben, freshly in from Moscow, Todd Farley, a three year master-student to the French Marcel Marceau, and Equinox, Irish folk musicians, have to do with Saginaw? They are all performing in Saginaw on the stage of the Bradley House Theatre, on Friday, May 10, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. What they will bring to the stage realizes a unique combination of mime, dance, circus, music, and physical theatre.
Farley, Ruben, and Equinox unite with local student performers from Heritage High School, Delta College, SASA, and SVSU to present a Dinner Theatre of Mimes, Masks and Miracles. The event costs $35 per person and offers a fine meal, music, and theatre. There is also a silent auction with items ranging from art to vacations and the proceeds of this fundraiser event will go toward supporting the socially-concerned programs of the Bradley House Theatre Film and Arts Series, which offer a public forum for discussion on issues that face our greater community: such as homelessness, violence, healthcare, and beyond. See flyer for more information!
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Church World Service (CWS): Give the Gift of Warmth
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As Mother's Day approaches what mother wouldn't want her child to be given the gift of warmth? This Mother's Day join with many other congregations who are honoring all moms with compassion and action by organizing a Blankets+ offering. Your action through the CWS Blankets+ Program gives hope in times of need and crisis.
In 2012, Blankets+ contributions allowed CWS to quickly respond to the victims of Hurricane Sandy by supplying over 10,400 blankets. Disasters can occur in a split second without warning. Through a Blankets+ Sunday your congregation or group shows crisis victims they matter.
Mother's Day, Father's Day or any day is a good day to plan a Blankets+ offering. We at the CWS Michigan regional office are eager to assist you in your efforts for a Blankets+ offering.
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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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CAMP TALAHI: News & Events
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 NEW - Job Opportunity & Events!
Job Opening:
Camp Talahi 5K Trail Run & Adventure Dash
Camp Talahi Open House
May 4 @ 12:30 p.m. Tour the property, meet counselors, play games and reminisce about the Talahi of the past!
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Please keep in your hearts and in your prayers the Noffke Family; Rev Walter Noffke and Rev Chris Noffke (pastor, Zion UCC, Baroda) on the death of their wife and mother Evelyn "Evie" Noffke on March 30th, 2013. She and Rev. Walter Noffke (retired UCC minister) were married for 71 years. A memorial service was held at Hart Congregational UCC on April 6th, 2013. Evelyn was a member of the Hart church, as is Walter. Evelyn and Walter have three children: the Rev. Chris Noffke of Baroda, MI; Rev. Matthew Noffke of Wyoming, IL; and Paulette Brundage of Centennial, OH.
Evelyn (Evie) Noffke was dearly loved by all who knew her, especially her church family. She had a heart of hospitality, and she was sincerely interested in everyone she met. In spite of her blindness, due to macular degeneration in her last years, she did not complain. Instead, she faced each day with grace and kindness.
(kind words supplied by the Rev. Lorraine Boucon, pastor of Hart Congregational UCC.)
Please keep in your hearts and in your prayers the family of the Rev. Lee Tyler (Detroit Metropolitan Association) who passed away on Sunday, April 14th, 2013. Rev. Tyler served as pastor at Salem UCC in Farmington and Faith-Trinity UCC in Warren. Beloved husband of Jean. Loving father of Daniel (Amanda) Tyler, Mark (Pam) Tyler, Sally Tyler-Whitworth and Carrie (Chris) Oakwood. Cherished grandfather of seven. Dear brother of the late Ernest Tyler, Elliot (Dawn) Tyler and the late Richard Tyler.
A memorial is planned for Sunday, May 5th at 3:00 p.m. at the Congregational Church of Birmingham 1000 Cranbrook Rd. Bloomfield Hills, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Talahi Retreat and Nature Center, C/O St. Paul UCC, 26550 Cherry Hill, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127 or www.camptalahi.org. Obituary
Please keep in your hearts and in your prayers Mary DuBuis and her family along with the Arnold Family, on the death of Mary's sister Shirley Arnold, who passed away at the age of 62 on Saturday, April 20th, 2013 at her daughter's home in Midland. Surviving are her daughter Lori (Michael) Briggs of Midland; son, William "Eric" Arnold of Burton, MI; three grandchildren, as well as sisters and brothers - Bob (Mary) DuBuis, Howard DuBuis, Mary DuBuis and Pat Kelley, Joanne DuBuis and Ann Seaman. A funeral was held on Wednesday, April 24th at the Swartz Funeral Home in Flint. Obituary
Please keep in your hearts and in your prayers Gladys Kapenga and her family (UCC Women, Grand West Association). Gladys is a resident of Pilgrim Manor and is in poor health. She has taken a couple of falls recently and is confined to her bed. Cards of support and well wishes would be greatly appreciated by Gladys and her family. Please send to: Pilgrim Manor 2000 Leonard, NE Grand Rapids MI 49505.
Please keep in your hearts and in your prayers the Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Drutchas (St. Paul UCC, Taylor, Detroit Metropolitan Association) who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Surgery was performed on April 17 at Henry Ford Hospital where doctors feel he will make a healthy recovery. He has a lengthy recuperation period of six (6) weeks ahead of him and would greatly appreciate your good thoughts, prayers and support. Cards and letters of encouragement can be mailed to St. Paul UCC P.O. Box 190 Taylor MI 48180-0190.
Please keep in your hearts and in your prayers the family of Paul Tomshany (former pastor of St. Andrew's UCC, Dexter) who passed away on Saturday, April 20th at the age of 86. He is preceded in death by his wife, Gale Tomshany and son, Paul Tomshany, Jr. (Tim). A funeral was held Wednesday, April 24th at St. Andrew's UCC in Dexter, MI. Obituary
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5945 Park Lake Road | P.O. Box 1006 | East Lansing, MI 48826-1006
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