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A bi-weekly newsletter to keep you up-to-date and informed.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
by Rev. Dr. Campbell Lovett
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A Prayer for Churches and Clergy
Gracious God, God of new beginnings and never ending life: our prayers are humbly offered to You this day for the ministers and churches of the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ. On this "eve" of Holy Week and Easter, we pray that this week of remembrance, renewal and rejoicing will help us all to better understand Your great love for us - and for this world.
May we joyfully lift our palm fronds and shout, "Hosanna!" as we re-create Jesus' entry into Jerusalem; may we "do this in remembrance" as we gather for the Tenebrae service, a Seder or the Lord's Supper; may the Seven Last Words of Jesus pierce our souls just as the hymn," Were You There?", convicts us yet again; may the Light, Water, Word, and Eucharist of the Great Easter Vigil remind us of God's mighty acts of deliverance in history; and may the blessed assurance at the tomb, "He is not here; for he has been raised," provoke us to an unsurpassed joy.
Almighty God, be with the members and friends of our many congregations as they experience the transformation from death to new life. Bless our choirs and praise teams, our altar guilds and worship planners, and all the greeters, ushers and deacons that they may know of Your guidance in the important ministries they perform. Be with our ministers as they work hard to help us experience the ancient rituals of this coming week; inspire them for their sermons as they seek just the right illustrations to make the "old, old story" new and the Easter message reverberate. May we, one and all, be prepared to warmly greet visitors and guests, neighbors and strangers, who may be coming to rekindle the spark of faith not felt since childhood, or because of custom, or simply to see what all the fuss is about.
Finally, in Your mercy, O God, may all of our preparation and participation be to Your glory; and may this ritual energy be directed into ongoing lives of loving service, of justice and of peace; we pray in the name of the One who was among us as one who served - even Jesus Christ our Risen Savior. Amen.
Campbell Lovett
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The Conference Office has begun hearing from churches regarding their community mission partnerships. Once your church has decided upon its 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. For the six weeks between April 26 and June 8th: One Conference, One Mission - Michigan 2 x 2!
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REGISTER TODAY!
Festival of Faith - Worship for the 21st Century
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This is a very special event on behalf of our congregations and clergy. There will be great preaching, fabulous music, holy humor, and time to re-charge your batteries after a busy Lent and Easter. So, come and find renewal in this Easter season celebration - a real Festival of Faith!!
Saturday, April 26, 2014 10:00a - 3:00p
469 N. Hagadorn Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823
Cost to attend: $25 per person (includes lunch)
Attention Church Worship Committee and Praise Teams!
Festival of Faith "group sing". One component of the Festival of Faith on April 26th will be joining together in a shared anthem. If you are interested in singing, check out the anthem, "Jesus, Our Lord, Is Risen." Copies of the anthem will be available at the church. If you would like to see the score and hear the music, go to:
Featuring Keynote Speaker:
Childcare will be provided at this event.
Deadline to register is April 14th, 2014
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Enrichment Program for Couples
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Same-sex and opposite sex, married and un-married....Such a program has long existed in Marriage Encounter; however, Marriage Encounter is not inclusive. Discuss options for an open-and-affirming version in Michigan! Tuesday, April 15, 5:30p at Edgewood United Church, UCC - 469 N. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing, MI.
Questions?
Contact:
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Immanuel UCC Scholarships: Deadline to apply April 30th
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We encourage Members in Discernment who are Seminary students to apply for the Immanuael Scholarship, and for renewal(s) if eligible! The deadline for submitting applications (or renewal requests) is April 30th (this year). Awards are granted during the summer so that funds can be disbursed at the beginning of the Fall seminary schedules.
It was the desire of Immanuel United Church of Christ - Detroit, as it was disbanding, to award scholarships for seminary students preparing for Ordination and Service in the United Church of Christ. Scholarship funds are available through an endowment fund provided by Immanuel United Church of Christ - Detroit by a resolution adopted at a Special Congregational Meeting held on November 14, 1999. The fund will be disbursed in accordance with the policies and practices of the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ. The Spiritual Discernment Mission Area Team is currently responsible for selecting recipients.
Visit Immanuel Scholarship on the Michigan Conference UCC website for more information and an application.
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Salem UCC, Albion is proud to present:
Easter Rock Opera
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For the third year, Salem UCC in Albion will be presenting an Easter Rock Opera. It was so popular the first year that we added a Saturday performance last year, and will be doing both Saturday and Sunday this year. It is a very moving program that includes music from Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, Eric Clapton and the Doobie Brothers. All are welcome!
Saturday, April 19th 1:00 p.m.
113 W. Pine Street Albion, MI 49224 |
Camp Talahi Updates!
Saturday, May 3, 2014 5K Trail Run & Adventure Dash Summer Camp Open House 1 - 4p Join us for the 3rd Annual Talahi Trail Run and Adventure Dash! Register before April 15, 2014 - save $5 and receive a free t-shirt!
Stay after the races for lunch and the Camp Talahi Summer Camp Open House! Camp Staff will be on hand to provide tours, play games and answer any of your camp questions! Questions? Contact Ashley (810)844-1499 or info@camptalahi.org
Camp Talahi Retreat and Nature Center 6458 Richardson Road Howell, MI 48843
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Employment Opportunities:
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Bertha Dayton Fund: Deadline to apply - April 15
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The Michigan Conference Vital Growth Mission Area Team awards this grant each year for aiding and assisting rural, small town or village churches in the state of Michigan and in the support of their pastors and families.
The deadline to apply is April 15, 2014.
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SAVE THE DATE!
A Workshop
The Dream of Justice: From Rhetoric to Reality
(Formerly "Proclaim Release to the Captives")
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Saturday, May 10, 2014
12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
125 S. Pennsylvania Ave.
Lansing, MI
A workshop for churches of the Michigan Conference UCC; hosted by the Michigan Conference United Church of Christ Prophetic Integrity Mission Area Team.
(A free will offering will be taken to offset costs.)
This is a workshop to:
- Allow each of us to glimpse and to talk about the Racism in the Criminal Justice system and its harmful impact on our whole culture.
- Get useful information on what is broken in our Criminal Justice system and how WE can be advocates for reform.
- Help us RENEW ourselves and our churches by opening our hearts and the hearts of others ... to care, to stop Racism, and to truly follow Jesus' guide. One step at a time.
A free will offering will be taken to offset costs.
Watch For Registration Materials Coming Soon!
Pre-registration and/or questions to:
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Church World Service (CWS): Kit Ingathering 2014
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CWS School Kits are in great need: 
School Kits continue to be our most needed kit. Some 52,000 CWS School Kits have recently been requested by one of our partner agencies to meet program needs in 2014. We do not have enough kits at this time to fill their full request. We are in great need of school kits to fill both international and domestic requests. For this reason we are asking that the focus of this ingathering be on CWS School Kits. School Kit contents may be found atcwsglobal.org/kits.
This year the collection of completed CWS Kits will take place June 23-27, 2014.
Drop off times are 8:30am. to 4pm.
Locations for drop off are:
CWS Lansing Office located at 809 Center St Ste 7 Lansing 48906, or
Reformed Church in America Michigan Regional Office located at 4500 60th St SE
Grand Rapids 49512.
For more information or a brochure call Heather Willson at 888-297-2767.
Michigan - CWS School Kit Flyer
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150th Anniversary of
First Congregational UCC, Grand Ledge
Celebrations to include Pastor Emeritus Installation
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You are cordially invited...
The First Congregational United Church of Christ, Grand Ledge will be celebrating their 150th Anniversary this year. As part of this celebration they will honor their longest serving pastor in a
Service of Installation for
The Rev. John Baumgartner
as Pastor Emeritus
Sunday, May 4, 2014 3:00 p.m.
A reception to follow
210 West Saginaw Hwy (1/2 mile west of M-100)
Grand Ledge, MI 48837
Clergy are invited to process wearing robes and red stoles.
The offering will support the Grand Ledge Emergency Assistance Program (GLEAP), which Rev. John helped create during his ministry, & the 150th Anniversary Celebration.
Pictures, letters, and other remembrances may be submitted on letter-sized paper to the above address to be included in a gift to Rev. John.
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Save the Date! Great Lakes Regional Youth Event
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SAVE THE DATE!
Great Lakes Regional Youth Event
July 10-13, 2014
Workshops * Fellowship
Music * Worship
Open to All Youth: Grades 6 - 12 (2014)
Does your church have youth who plan to attend?
The GLRYE Planning Team is gearing up for the big event ~
Would your group be interested in traveling by bus
with other Michigan Youth?
Please contact Rev. Erin Heisler if you have youth planning to attend and also interested in traveling by bus with other Michigan youth:
erin.heisler@att.net
(517)230-8713
Great Lakes Regional Youth Event Flyer
Please visit the MUCCY Facebook page for updates!
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Get Registered!
Association Spring Meetings!
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Covenant Association Spring Meeting
Saturday, May 17, 2014 9:00 - 3:00 p.m.
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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
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Grand West and Southwest Associations Spring Meeting
Sunday, April 27, 2014 3:00 - 6:30 (Dinner included)
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United Northern Association Spring Meeting
Saturday, April 26, 2014 8:30a Registration 9:00a Worship 9:30a Workshop
"Faith Practices - Exercises for Spiritual Fitness"
Questions? Contact Penny Phelps, Registrar (231)775-4069
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Church World Service (CWS) - Mother's Day
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Honor Mothers with the Gift of a Blanket
 A mother's touch is warm, loving, kind. Through the CWS Blankets program, your congregation can provide that same feeling of safety and warmth to someone in need.
Last year over 4500 blankets were distributed across the U.S. in response to wildfires, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes, as well as to those seeking warmth in overnight shelters. Just $10 provides invaluable warmth and comfort in the form of a blanket.
Please plan your Blankets Sunday offering now for Mother's Day or any day! Order beautiful new CWS Blankets materials at www.cwsglobal.org/blankets or by calling 888 297-2767.
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Special Events at First Congregational Church, Saginaw
to benefit the Great Lakes Bay Region
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Exultate Deo Chamber Choir, Robert Sabourin, Conductor, Nicholas Schmelter, Organist
The Exultate Deo Chamber Choir will present "Music of Holy Week" at historic sites in Bay City and Saginaw to commemorate the focal point of the Christian liturgical year.
Historic First Congregational Church of Saginaw, MI announces the first events of its symphonic organ rededication season.
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St. Stephens Community Church
2014 Good Friday Service sponsored by
the Lansing Chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council
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"I Surrender!"
Friday, April 18th, 2014
7:00 p.m.
You are invited to attend the annual Good Friday Service sponsored by the Lansing Chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. This annual service allows the members of the Black Fraternities and Sororities of the Greater Lansing area to express themselves spiritually and to raise money for community organizations that need support.
This year, the service will be held at St. Stephen's Community Church and the free will offering will go to support the Greer Center, named after the one and only Carol Greer. Committed to the education and support of children and their families, Carol Greer was a noted entrepreneur and TV personality in the greater Lansing area. Through her diligence and compassion, she earned the respect of community leaders and citizens alike. The Greer Center offers free After-School Classes in Lego Robotics, Game Design, Scratch (computer animation), and Digital Media (film making and editing); Computer Classes for Mature Adults, including seniors; and Introduction to Sewing (for adults). Proceeds from the 2014 Good Friday Service will help assure that the Greer legacy, this family-oriented resource for learning and growth, will continue for years to come. Our goal this year is to raise $5,000.
Please come out and support! A flyer is attached below for your distribution.
Haywood J. Edwards, Sr.
Chaplain
Lansing National Pan-Hellenic Council
shabazzdad@yahoo.com
"Almost always, it has been the creative, dedicated minority that has made the world better." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. '48
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"eGiving: It's About More Than Money"
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UCC Women of MI "The Gathering"
Registration Deadline: May 10th
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Women of Michigan, don't miss The Gathering on June 6,7,8! Our theme is, "Sing a New Song" with Keynote speaker the Reverend Penny Lowes and a special musical treat with the Rob Mills Family singing group. Make a note of what's to come by viewing Rob and the family on YouTube, at the Macomb Performing Arts Centre, or visit their website: www.robmillsfamilly.com. Be sure to check out the attached registration form for details about the various enriched workshops offered, and reserve your spot NOW for the weekend!!
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Boundary Tending and Border Crossing
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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
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Save the Date! GLAUCE ~ GLAPCE Event
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October 14 - 16, 2014
"God In A Digital World"
Keynote Speaker: Bruce Reyes-Chow
Pastor, writer, consultant and coach who focuses on issues of faith, politics, technology and parenting. Author of the eBook, "The Definitive-ish Guide for Using Social Media in the Church".
Workshops to include: Bible Study using Media, Staff Nurture, special needs kids and teens in our programs, Pinterest for church staff, Anti-Bullying and more.
Watch for registration information coming in April.
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FREE - The Congregational UCC in Lewiston, Michigan has 32 Adult size - Navy Blue Choir Robes free to a good home. Please call 989-786-4764 or by mail @ P. O. Box 282, Lewiston 49756
Bethel UCC in Waterford, Michigan has 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 at 248-682-9240
Monday - Friday, 9a - noon
Edgewood United Church, UCC in East Lansing, Michigan has 110 plastic communion cups and six (6) wooden cup holders (35 slots in each).
St. James United Church of Christ in Casco Michigan has 20 Seafoam Green used Choir robes that they no longer can use - includes directors robe also - ALL are in great shape. Price is very negotiable. Please contact Kim LaDuke at (586)727-3651 for more information.
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Please keep in your prayers, Karen Schneider and her family on the passing of her husband the Rev. (Delano) Douglas Schneider (retired pastor; Covenant Association), who passed away on Friday, April 4, 2014. We will share more information as it becomes available.
Please keep in your prayers, the Schwab Family (Rev. Chris Schwab, Pastor, First Cong'l UCC, Lowell) and their son Noah who has been ill.
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.
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5945 Park Lake Road | P.O. Box 1006 | East Lansing, MI 48826-1006
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