Thriving Communities, Thriving Churches Annual Meeting Reflection

Last year when the Conference announced that the 2013 Annual Meeting would be held in Detroit, there were more than a few comments that not many people would attend. I was told that people from outside of metropolitan Detroit just would not travel to the city. I am proud of our Board of Directors that voted to hold the meeting in Detroit as a sign of solidarity with the city and our seven churches within the city limits; and I am delighted to write that over 325 delegates and visitors attended the meeting - far more than any meeting in the last twenty years! Our delegates stepped up and came to Detroit and were shown extravagant hospitality by the clergy and staff at Fellowship Chapel, Plymouth UCC, and Shrine of the Black Madonna. I want to offer extra special thanks to these churches and the other Detroit churches that joined together in helping host this wonderful gathering!

Mike Piazza was the busiest keynote speaker I have ever seen presenting two continuing education sessions, a keynote address, and two workshops. His colleague from Center for Progressive Renewal (CPR), Glenna Shepherd, also offered two workshops and preached for the Friday evening service of worship. Their message encouraging congregational vitality was very well received and I look forward to hearing from our churches that implement some of what they learned in Detroit.

In our business sessions, delegates passed a 2014 budget, affirmed three resolutions of witness, empowered the Board to begin a bylaw revision process, and elected new members to the Board. In a very powerful presentation, Rev. Baye Landy from Shrine of the Black Madonna made presentations on behalf of the Conference and the Detroit Metropolitan Association to Mrs. Mamie Chalmers. Mrs. Chalmers was recognized not only for her participation in civil rights demonstrations in Birmingham, Alabama fifty years ago, but also for her tireless efforts on behalf of civil rights in the many years since.

The Annual Meeting was an opportunity for folks to visit with old friends and make some new friends. In addition to the twenty workshops, twenty-four display tables, and six vendors, the meeting also was a time to recognize many staffing changes within the life of the Conference. New Pastors to Michigan were recognized, retiring pastors were cheered along, and the names of our clergy who have died since our last meeting were remembered. In addition, the Conference welcomed aboard our two new Area Ministers: Rev. Dr. Renee Jackson and Rev Nicole Havelka!

Worship was a meaningful part of our time together. On Friday night the service featured Glenna Shepherd's sermon and the sacrament of Holy Communion. Saturday's service included an energetic mime/dance number by forty young people (who participated in the special weekend youth programming), the STEM graduation, and a powerful sermon and commissioning by the host pastor, Rev. Wendell Anthony.

I am hearing very positive reactions to the meeting. I think this is a testament to our great speakers from CPR, two powerful sermons during worship, and a great team of many folks from the Conference and host churches that worked hard to plan, host, and lead this event. Plans are already being made for an equally great meeting next year. So, save the dates: October 10th and 11th at Peoples Church in East Lansing - and look for information in this newsletter to share your Annual Meeting reflections via an online survey.

The Mission Statement of the Michigan Conference states, "For Christ's sake, equip the churches and the clergy of the Michigan Conference United Church of Christ for faithful leadership and effective ministries...." I truly believe we took a huge step in that direction as we gathered in Detroit. I hope and pray that as the Michigan Conference gains momentum in its equipping of Associations and local churches, that the City of Detroit may also realize its motto: "We hope for better things; it will arise from the ashes." It is good that we were together as people of faith!

With you on the journey,

Campbell Lovett

Recently, the Rev. Dr. Bob Braman from First Congregational United Church of Christ in St. Joseph offered the prayer at the beginning of a legislative session at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. Here is his powerful prayer which leaves us simply saying, "May it be so!"

Holy God,

We gather under the umbrella of a power that is greater than ourselves.

And what power!  It is a power best sensed when we are humble,

but humility is not always our strong suit.  And for good reason!

Humility sometimes suggests vulnerability, and countless people and forces

are always ready to take advantage of us

if they sense weakness.

READ MORE

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!