|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
A bi-weekly newsletter to keep you up-to-date and informed.
|
|
|
FEATURED ARTICLE
by Rev. Dr. Campbell Lovett
|
|
The churches of the Michigan Conference, United Church of Christ will once again have the opportunity to join together in Michigan 2 x 2 - this time in partnership with our sisters and brothers in the Michigan Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Jesus sent out his disciples two by two into every town and place to which he was about to go. The United Church of Christ has a deep commitment to serving in every town and place in which we are located. The Michigan 2 x 2 campaign will honor our community mission partnerships and celebrate the work we do together - as one Conference and one Region working 2 x 2.
Your church is invited to develop a community mission partnership - it might be with a food bank, a shelter, or a school. The partnership could be with Habitat for Humanity or another service organization in your region. Certainly, your partnership might involve your own food pantry, transitional housing program or clothing ministry. Your partnership could be with a group with which you are already working, or it could be with a new group. The partnership could be an advocacy opportunity addressing issues of racial justice, childhood poverty, gun violence, or bullying; or it could be organizing a CROP Walk, assembling CWS hygiene kits, or joining with Truth and Justice Tuesdays at the State Capitol. As you can see, there are many possibilities!
Once you have identified your partner and designated a mission project with them, then, for the days between April 26 and June 7, keep track of your partnership statistics. Depending upon the partnership, this could be items donated, volunteer hours, guests served, dollars raised, letters written, prayers prayed, phone calls made, or lives changed. The Conference Office will gather these statistics and list them on our website.
With your participation, this initiative will demonstrate that we are one Conference engaged with ecumenical and mission partners. Together, we can create the solidarity that is necessary for a renewed sense of purpose and hope within the State of Michigan.
The kick-off for Michigan 2x2 will take place at the conclusion of the Festival of Faith in East Lansing on April 26th and conclude during a joint mission project with the Disciples of Christ in Detroit on June 7th. Look for more information and updates in the Conference-wide E-Bulletin, on our website: www.michucc.org, or on the Conference Facebook page, Michigan Conference UCC.
Thank you for your consideration of this special project as together - 2 x 2 - we share the good news of Jesus Christ and the United Church of Christ in every town and place in Michigan!
With you on the journey,
Campbell Lovett
|
|
Festival of Faith - Worship for the 21st Century
|
|
Saturday, April 26, 2014 10:00a - 3:00p
469 N. Hagadorn Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823
Cost to attend: $25 per person (includes lunch)
Featuring Keynote Speaker:
Bring a worship team from your church and experience a spirit of celebration with great preaching, music and good humor! You will discover resources for use in your home church.
Childcare will be provided at this event.
Deadline to register is April 14th, 2014
|
|
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
|
|
Hey, Michigan Conference congregations:
Can we get 100% participation in the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering? The suggested offering date is Sunday, March 30, 2014.
|
|
SAVE THE DATES:
Association Spring Meetings!
|
|
Covenant Association Spring Meeting
Saturday, May 17, 2014 9:00 - 3:00 p.m.
"WHO ARE WE FOR GOD'S SAKE?: Exploring our identity as the United Church of Christ and reflecting on Where we are going in the 21st Century."
Detroit Metropolitan Associaton Spring Meeting Sunday, April 6, 2014 9:00 - 2:00 p.m.
"JUSTICE ANYWHERE AND EVERYWHERE" "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." - The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Call Letter
Registration
Eastern Association Spring Meeting Saturday, May 31, 2014 9:00 - 1:00 p.m. Hosted by: St. Matthew UCC - 8052 Chapin Avenue, Casco, MI 48064
More information to come! Grand West and Southwest Associations Spring Meeting Sunday, April 27, 2014 3:00 - 6:30 (Dinner included)
"FAMILY FAITH DAY" An introduction to the principles, practices and resources from Vibrant Faith Ministries.
United Northern Association Spring Meeting Saturday, April 26, 2014
"Faith Practices - Exercises for Spiritual Fitness"
Contact Penny Phelps, Registrar (231)775-4069 |
|
Understanding and Respecting Our Diversity:
Recognizing and Overcoming Racism
March 28 & 29, 2014
|
|
This Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation national workshop is offered by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for individuals and churches that want to better understand issues of racism and how to work together toward reconciliation. The Detroit Metropolitan Association and the Eastern Association will work jointly with the Michigan Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to sponsor this training as a pilot project between our two denominations. The Michigan Conference is supporting this effort by paying the cost of the two trainers for this event. This workshop is especially recommended for clergy, church lay leaders, and members who are engaged in mission in the community.
Trainers:
Reverend Yvonne Gilmore, Associate Dean, Disciples Divinity House of the University of Chicago; Rev. Gilmore is the founding pastor of New Song Community Church, a diverse urban congregation in Northeast Columbus, Ohio, that is dually aligned with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ.
Reverend Dr. Chris Hobgood, Former General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and author of Born Apart, Becoming One: Disciples Defeating Racism, Rev. Hobgood engages individuals and congregations in their initiative to dismantle institutional racism.
Dates: Friday evening, March 28 at 6:30p w/light supper, introductions & overview of training. Saturday, March 29 the group will re-gather from 9:30a - 4:30p
Cost: $15 registration fee will cover the additional cost of Friday supper, continental breakfast & lunch on Saturday.
Please reserve your spot by mailing your name, address and phone number to the above address along with a check for $15 (per person). You may also email your information to stpauluccwarren@gmail.com and pay at the door. If there are any questions regarding the event, contact Reverend Terri Bracy at 586/264-4777 or at the aforementioned email address.
|
|
Pilgrim Haven Natural Area:
Hopes for Barrier-free access to Lake Michigan
|
During the past year, the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC) has been working to develop a partnership with the South Haven Area Recreation Authority (SHARA) to make Pilgrim Haven Natural Area accessible to the public. With our assistance, SHARA is in the process of applying for funding to develop infrastructure for barrier-free access to Lake Michigan. SWMLC and SHARA invite you to a public hearing on Wednesday, March 26th at 7:00 p.m. at the South Haven Township Hall to learn and comment on this accessibility project and application for funding entitled Pilgrim Haven Phase I Development Project to be submitted by SHARA to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF). We also invite you to write a letter of support for this project. READ MORE
Best Regards,
Kristin Schinske
Program Assistant
Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy
www.swmlc.org
Site Plan
Draft Letter Template |
|
Truth and Justice Tuesdays: Off to a Good Start
|
"We pray for a more compassionate and just Michigan State Budget for children and families and cities." - Rev. Ira Edwards (Co-chair Tubman Statewide Steering Committee)
Mar. 5, 2013 - Lansing, MI - Yesterday over 90 clergy and lay people of faith gathered at the state capitol to make their voices and their prayers heard at our first of four Truth and Justice Tuesdays. We gathered at the steps of the capitol and entered the Capitol rotunda to pray for our legislators. We spoke with eight members of the state legislature and prayed for all of the members to pass legislation that is fair and just - that benefits everyday Michigan residents.
Presently our issues are to:
Fund Operation CEASEFIRE - We have the tools to save countless lives in Michigan's most violent neighborhoods; We just need to fund it. Help bring the proven violence prevention program to seven cities in Michigan.
Modify Zero Tolerance - Michigan needs one unified bill that defines how to enforce Zero Tolerance in our schools. Too many good students are being treated as collateral damage and fed into the School-to-Prison Pipeline.
Also, we formed our statewide steering committees with representatives from six metropolitan regions in Michigan (Battle Creek, Detroit, Suburban Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Flint). These regional steering committees will build strong local connections while furthering and advancing our collective statewide work. If you would like to get involved with our local steering committees please contact:
Battle Creek: Ginger Dowdle
Flint: Rick Carter
Lansing: Pete DaSilva
Rev. Tom Jones
Grand Rapids: Luke Allen
Suburban Detroit: Justin Erickson
Reflection from Pastor David Galbraith (Co-chair Statewide Steering Committee) on the great success of our first Truth and Justice Tuesday and how you can support us at future events.
Please see the documents below for more information.
Future gatherings (March 18, and 25) beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Michigan State Capitol Rotunda.
Truth and Justice Tuesdays
Truth and Justice Flyer |
|
Canales Academy presents: A Lenten Reflection
|
|
Please join us for a Benefit Concert
Friday, April 4th, 2014 @ 6:00 p.m.
This benefit concert will feature both traditional Lenten selections and original compositions suitable for the Lenten season. A variety of musical genres will be presented.
St. John-St. Luke United Church of Christ 2120 Russell St. Detroit, MI 48207
Tickets: $15 100% of the proceeds will benefit St. John-St. Luke UCC
|
|
Annual Ecumenical Lenten Carbon Fast
|
 The Ecumenical Lenten Carbon Fast is a great daily devotional linked to a practical environmental practice. |
|
Boundary Tending and Border Crossing
|
|
Strategies for Sustaining Healthy, Effective Ministry
May 1, 2014
9:15 - 3:30p
St. Francis Retreat Center
703 E. Main St.
Dewitt, MI 48820
866/669-8321
www.spe-stfrancis.org
Facilitator:
The Reverend Cheryl Burke, Associate Conference Minister, Michigan Conference United Church of Christ.
Cost: $75 (includes materials & lunch)
REGISTER ONLINE
Brochure/Registration Form
|
|
Evangelical Homes - 2014 Scholarship Winners Announced
|
The Denise B. Rabidoux Scholarship is generously funded through an annual gift by Lauralee A. Lutz. The scholarships are awarded to students who are working towards a degree or certification in the field of nursing. The 2014 recipients of the Denise B. Rabidoux Scholarship are:
Benjamin Morhan, Licensed Practical Nurse at Evangelical Homes - Saline
Elizabeth Figueroa, Certified Nursing Assistant at Evangelical Homes - Saline
Aubrey LaVasseur, parishioner at First United Methodist Church - Saline
The Crim Family Endowment Fund for Dementia Education was established by the Crim family in honor of their beloved mother, Dottie Crim. Dottie was a registered nurse and a nurse educator who was passionate about providing education and learning opportunities to others. The 2014 recipients of the Crim Family Scholarship are:
Grace Buzas, Wellness Associate at Brecon Village
Janet Kurei, Certified Nurse Assistant at Evangelical Homes - Sterling Heights
Alayna Strand, Certified Nursing Assistant at Evangelical Homes - Saline
Due to the thoughtfulness of donors, EHM is able to provide these six individuals with financial assistance as they seek to acquire new knowledge. Scholarship dollars are always needed, and it is an excellent way to recognize the loving care and service that a resident or client received. If you are interested in helping an EHM employee further their education or to support our mission, please contact Dennis Purdy, Vice President of Philanthropy, at 248.871.5010 or purdyd@evangelicalhomes.org.
|
|
Ecumenical Theological Seminary Open House
|
|
You are cordially invited to an open house at ETS on March 20, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. I hope you will take this opportunity to explore the only protestant seminary in the city of Detroit. If you are contemplating a call into ministry or want to take your ministry to the next level, you should come to this open house to see what God has for you here.
Please read the attached flyer and RSVP.
Blessings,
Charles Edward Clark, Jr., DMin
Assistant Professor and Director of Recruitment
Ecumenical Theological Seminary
Email: cclark@etseminary.edu
(313)831-5200 ext 224
|
|
Lesbian Author Angela Eden
to Speak at Grand Rapids Church
|
Lesbian author Angela Eden will speak Sunday, March 23 during the 10:00 a.m. worship service at Plymouth United Church of Christ, in Grand Rapids - 4010 Kalamazoo Avenue SE.
During her talk Eden will share her insights and the wisdom she gained from her experiences of nearly having her two children taken away from her because she is lesbian. "With that weekend marking the official start of spring, I will draw on the analogy of the changing seasons and the ever-changing soulscape of our spiritual lives," says Eden.
In her self-published book, If You Were Me: The Memoir of a Mother Torn Between What's Right and What's Easy, Eden takes readers on through her childhood in conservative Indiana, all the way to that moment in the courtroom when she is essentially put on trial for being lesbian.
READ MORE
|
|
Edgewood United Church, UCC in East Lansing, Michigan has 110 plastic communion cups and six (6) wooden cup holders (35 slots in each).
|
|
Gently Used Choir Robes For Sale
|
St. James United Church of Christ in Casco Michigan has 20 used Choir robes that they no longer can use - ALL are in great shape. They are Seafoam Green in color; includes a directors robe as well. Price is very negotiable.
Please contact Kim LaDuke at (586)727-3651 for more information.
|
|
We have 110 New Century Hymnals that are like new for sale at $10 a book or best offer. You can buy the whole set or each book individually.
Please contact:
Kimberly Eve, Bethel United Church of Christ
248-682-9240
Monday - Friday, 9a - noon
|
Camp Talahi is currently seeking someone to fill the position of
If you are interested please click on "Site Manager" above for a detailed job description and information on how to apply.
|
|
Employment Opportunities:
|
|
"Clergy Turnover Consequences"
|
Please keep in your hearts and in your prayers, the family of Pastor Charles Corley (President, Michigan Conference UCC Board of Directors and Associate Pastor, St. Stephen's Community Church, UCC, Lansing) on the death of his mother, Artie Bell Corley. A funeral will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at the Greenview First Baptist Church - 101 Isaac Street, Columbia, SC 29203. Cards and letters of condolence can be mailed to St. Stephen's Community Church, UCC - 1007 Kimberly Dr., Lansing, MI 48912.
Please keep in your prayers the family of Pastor William Jones
(former licensed Associate Pastor, St. John-St. Luke's United Church of Christ, Detroit) who passed away February 9, 2014. A service was held on February 12, 2014. He was an Army veteran of WWII in the Corps of Engineers and a former Chaplain for the Masons. He was married for 63 years to Doris and the father of two children - grandfather of seven.
Please hold in your hearts and in your continued prayers, the Rev. Sherry Schacht and her family (Eastern Association; retired pastor). Please continue to lift her up in your prayers of strength and courage -determination and faith - and for LOVE and comfort.
|
|
|
|
5945 Park Lake Road | P.O. Box 1006 | East Lansing, MI 48826-1006
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
