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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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I.....applied my mind to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven; it is an unhappy business that God has given to human beings to be busy with. I saw all the deeds that are done under the sun; and see, all is vanity and a chasing after wind. (Ecclesiastes 1: 12 - 14)
Unfortunately, we have added many new names and locations to our lexicon this year: Newtown, Sandy, Navy Yards, Westgate Mall, Sanford Florida, municipal bankruptcy, mass incarceration. Each, in its own way, conveys a tragedy of human origin confirming again our human frailty and the presence of evil in our midst. Efforts and strategies to prevent, understand, reverse and cope are often futile. It becomes easy for us to concur with the writer of Ecclesiastes that 'all is vanity and a chasing after wind.'
And yet, and yet, we are a people of hope. Hope is in our spiritual DNA. Even in the midst of senseless tragedies we are called upon to embody hope in our ongoing efforts on behalf of peace and justice - for even in the land of deep shadows, a light has shined! Thus, to counter Qoheleth, I turn to Paul: "Let love be genuine, hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve God. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer"(Romans 12:9 - 12).
I give thanks for the many churches of the Michigan Conference United Church of Christ that sustain our spirits in these challenging times and encourage us to be a people of hope at all times.
O God of many names, in the midst of human tragedy restore in us an enduring hope. May that hope encourage us to be people of justice, love, and peace in thought, word, and deed. Amen.
With you on the journey,
Campbell Lovett
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Youth Faith Formation In Action:
Michigan Conference UCC - Annual Meeting
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 Youth Faith Formation in ACTION Michigan Conference Annual Meeting 2013
Friday Evening,
October 4th: You Are the Emergent Church
Friday we will travel from Fellowship Chapel UCC, Detroit to Higher Grounds Ministries - 15324 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Park (if you live closer to Grosse Pointe Park feel free to meet us there). We will share in opening worship, a meal of pizza & pop and join in group discussions about what Your work will be to the transforming church. A presentation from the MUCCY Leadership team and three (3) workshops to attend before closing prayer.
Saturday, October 5th: Faith Formation Kicked Up A Notch
Breakfast is served at Fellowship Chapel UCC beginning at 7:30a. We will travel to First Congregational Church and take a tour of the Underground Railroad. Enjoy a boxed-lunch before walking to the Charles H. Wright Museum to learn, process and discuss.
We are in need of chaperones as well; all of the necessary forms to register are listed below. Download your forms and get signed up today!! Help us make the most of Youth Faith Formation in Action!!
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2013 - Michigan Conference Annual Meeting
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 WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!
Michigan Conference
United Church of Christ
Annual Meeting
October 4th & 5th, 2013
Leave feeling inspired, energized and equipped with tools to strengthen relationships and renew the spirit of your church and communities!
Hosted by three (3) UCC Churches: Shrine of the Black Madonna Pan-African Orthodox Church, Detroit 7707 Outer Drive Detroit MI 48235 Keynote Speaker:
Other highlights: Continuing Education, Worship, Workshops, Youth Programs and workshops, Special Meals, Cookies, Bookstore, Displays, Hearings, resolutions, and much more! More information on the Conference website (www.michucc.org).
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There is still time!! Please let Lisa know ASAP if you will be bringing COOKIES!
Each church represented at the Michigan Conference United Church of Christ Annual Meeting is invited to provide 4 dozen cookies for snacking; Cookies will be placed all around Fellowship Chapel for folks to snack on throughout the course of our Annual Meeting.
You are welcome to use your imagination - if you have a new recipe that you are wanting to try - go right ahead, we don't mind being guinea pigs! We welcome cookies, brownies, cookie bars, dessert bars; the more the merrier!
We do ask that if your cookies contain nuts or fruit of any kind, please be sure to label your container accordingly. Thank you!
If you are interested in being part of the cookie project, please contact Lisa Soulliere (lisa@michucc.org). Please bring all cookies to the registration desk and check in when you arrive. We thank you for your help!! |
Annual Meeting Keynote Speaker:
Four (4) books available prior to Annual Meeting |
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Four (4) titles from Keynote Speaker, Michael Piazza from the Center for Progressive Renewal, will be available for purchase prior to our Annual Meeting in October. All prices include shipping.
(We will be bringing any remaining books to the Annual Meeting for purchase on site.)
Titles include:
- Liberating Hope: Daring to Renew the Mainline Church - $18.05 (written by Michael Piazza and Cameron Trimble)
- Liberating the Gospel: A Daily Reflection for Liberals - $20.05
- Prophetic Renewal: Hope for the Liberal Church - $14.35
- Gay By God: How to be Lesbian or Gay and Christian - $15.35
ANNUAL MEETING BOOK ORDER FORM
Form can be scanned and emailed to Lisa (lisa@michucc.org) or faxed to 517/339-2621.
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Plan to Join Us: A day at former Pilgrim Haven - October 13th!
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Sunday, October 13, 2013
Gates open at 3:00 p.m.
The event at Pilgrim Haven on October 13 from 3-7pm is geared towards middle and senior high youth. The team is working hard on planning activities and games for middle and senior high youth and we are highly encouraging all of the area UCC churches to come out and attend our mini-regional youth event!
Adults from the community are welcome to attend the Vespers service at 6pm and the land conservancy will be open to anyone during the day.
Middle and Senior High Youth Activities and Bonfire
in the former Dining Hall Opening
3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Vespers:
Ecumenical Service - All are welcome!
6:00 - 7:00p
The service will incorporate elements from traditional vesper services during the camp years (prayer and song).
- Refreshments will be provided
- Weather permitting - we will continue in light rain; services and activities cancelled in the case of heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning
- Bring your own lawn chairs for the event
- Sweatshirts, umbrellas, and raincoats are recommended
Directions: www.SWMLC.org
All are welcome to enjoy Pilgrim Haven!
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Boundary Training Session planned for October 17
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"Boundary Tending and Border Crossing"
October 17, 2013 9:15 - 3:30 p.m.
St. Francis Retreat Center - 703 E. Main St. | Dewitt, MI 48820
Especially designed for pastors, lay staff and volunteer leaders, this one-day workshop reivews essential information and strategies for creating and maintaining a safe environment for vital ministry in today's changing world.
Cost: $75 (includes materials and lunch)
$25 deposit required with registration
Registration deadline: October 9, 2013
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 If your church is looking for the right loan to finance a building repair, improvement or expansion project, it's time to talk to the Cornerstone Fund! In addition to good rates and a range of terms designed with churches in mind, the Cornerstone Fund is now offering up to $1,500 toward its already low closing costs.
Find out more!
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Spiritual Insight Nurture and Growth (SING) groups are starting up again this fall. Please let me know if you would like to participate in a group and we will try to get you connected. More information can be found at www.michucc.org under the resource tab.
The Rev. Cheryl Burke Associate Conference Minister Michigan Conference United Church of Christ 517/332-3511 x211
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Saturday, October 12th
The First Congregational United Church of Christ in Coloma is celebrating a successful first-year community garden project by hosting an all-day Fall Festival beginning at noon on Saturday, October 12 at 182 South Church Street in Coloma. Free pony rides for children begin at noon and the festival concludes with a spaghetti dinner @ 5 pm. The festival also features free pumpkins for children and a benefit concert to support the North Berrien Food Pantry.
According to Pastor Brenda Clark, "Our church mission is to work for an end to hunger in our community. That is why we launched the Community Garden Project this year and that is why we are proud to help support the North Berrien Food Pantry. We are asking the community to join us on Saturday, October 12 to help celebrate a successful year."
More than a dozen community volunteers helped create a small community garden on the lawn of the 1st Congregational UCC earlier this spring. Since then the community garden has produced over 200 pounds of fresh vegetables for distribution by the North Berrien Food Pantry.
Fall Festival Schedule
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Noon - Free Pony Rides
1:30 pm - Recognition of Community Garden Supporters
2:00 pm - Benefit Concert featuring Two Choices band
Free pumpkins for children
5:00 pm - Spaghetti Dinner
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Grand West Association Fall Meeting
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St. Peter's Church to have final worship service
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St. Peter's Church of St. Joseph, MI, is having their final worship service in their present building on Sunday, October 6th at 10:30 am. I would urge each congregation (as a show of solidarity from the UCC Southwest Association) to have several persons attend this service. They are planning that this day be a celebration of the life of this congregation. They are planning a catered lunch for which they as asking for advance reservations. The church's phone number is 269-983-5821. As you make a reservation, please indicate which congregation you are representing.
Thanks to all as you share this information with your congregations. Sincerely yours in Christ,
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Employment Opportunities:
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Shelby Congregational UCC, Shelby
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"Disaster Relief"
"Key Questions About Worship Attendance"
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Please hold in your hearts and in your continued prayers, the Rev. Sherry Schacht and her family (Eastern Association; pastor of First Congregational UCC, Romeo). Continue to lift her up in your prayers for strength and courage; determination and faith; and for LOVE and comfort.
Please hold in your hearts and prayers, the family of Dorothy Dunn
(EA; First Cong'l, Port Huron). Long time member and friend of the Easter Association, Dorothy Dunn, passed away on Friday, September 13. She was 97 years old. A memorial service will be held in the spring. Condolences may be sent to Dorothy's daughter, Kathy Bock at 12895 Dundee Dr., Grand Ledge, MI 48837. We celebrate Dorothy's life and are thankful for all she shared with us.
Please hold in your hearts and prayers, the Rev. Lowell Schrupp (DMA - Retired pastor) on the passing of his brother Clifford C. Schrupp, age 74.
Please hold in your hearts and prayers, the Rev. Ken Gadd and his family (EA - St. James UCC, Casco) on the passing of his mother. |
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SING Groups
(GWA (north sector) and UNA SING Group set to hold their first gathering)
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5945 Park Lake Road | P.O. Box 1006 | East Lansing, MI 48826-1006
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