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Faith For Thought
December 19, 2014
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Faith for Thought is a bi-weekly offering of the Michigan Conference United Church of Christ.
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A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled because they are no more. (Mt 2:18)
Friends in Christ:
We are challenged this Christmas. Children are dying every day in the streets of our country. Recent news from Pakistan about the massacre of children at a school reminds us that we now share a grim solidarity because of Columbine and Sandy Hook and, and, and...... My Faith for Thought this week is, in some ways, about the innocence of children. But, I wonder if that innocence has long ago faded due to evil, racism, greed, militarism, violence, fear, suspicion, and, and, and..... Can we please resolve that as churches of the Michigan Conference, we will begin a new emphasis on behalf of children in 2015? Can we rally together to begin, in our own small way, an effort to support and care for and love all children? Look for more information in the New Year about "For the Love of Children" (FLOC). In the meantime, please let me know if you or your church would like to be a part of a children's initiative. Together, we can make a difference.
And a little child shall lead them (Is 11:6)
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The reason for the season often becomes apparent in our Christmas Pageants. Campbell Lovett shares about one such pageant that invites us to a renewed sense of hospitality and love. Merry Christmas!
 | | Holiday Hospitality |
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In Sadness...
Please lift up in your prayers the Rev. Christopher Noffke (Pastor, Zion UCC, Baroda) and his family on the passing of his father, the Rev. Walter Noffke, age 100, who died on Saturday, December 13, 2014. Walter was predeceased by his wife of 71 years, Evelyne. He is survived by his children Christopher (Cinda), Matthew (Nancy), and Paulette (David). Rev. Noffke served pastorates at Park Manor Congregational Church in Chicago (1945-48), St. Matthew's UCC in Evansville, Indiana (1948-57), St. Peter's UCC in Champaign, Illinois (1957-79) and Hart Congregational UCC in Hart, Michigan (1981-91). He retired from ministry in 1991.
A memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday, January 10th, 2015 with Rev. Ruth Fitzgerald officiating. The service will be held at Hart Congregational UCC - 408 State St. Hart, MI; the time of the service has yet to be determined. The obituary, when complete, can be found by following the link below.
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Prophetic Faith at Justice For All Rally in Washington D.C.
A motor coach from Ann Arbor, MI joined with thousands of others in a peaceful Justice For All march and protest against police violence on Saturday, December 13th in our nations capital. Please click on Justice For All Rally below to read more and see pictures from Saturday's march.
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Celebrating Kwanzaa
Friday, December 26, 2014
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
A celebration of Umoja (Unity) featuring a gathering of community leaders, clergy, and all who want to strengthen our community by living the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles).
St. Stephen's Community Church, UCC
Rev. Sameerah L. Shareef, M.Div., Pastor
1007 Kimberly Drive
Lansing, MI 48912
517/484-2180
FREE! All Are Welcome!
For more information please contact
Nana Maxine Cain: 517/580-2165
Sister Sasha Gaskin at sashak.gaskin@gmail.com
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Save $ - Register Early!
General Synod 30
June 26 - 30, 2015
Cleveland, Ohio
If you are planning to attend General Synod 30 - "UNEXPECTED Places" as a visitor, the earlier you register the more of a discount you will receive!
Registration Rates (per person):
Before December 31st, 2014
$225.00
Before March 31st, 2015
$236.50
After March 31st, 2015
$247.50
If you are a General Synod Delegate please DO NOT register yourself for the event - the Michigan Conference office will be registering our delegates. Spouses or guests attending General Synod with one of our delegates will need to register themselves.
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Equipping
Clergy and churches for more faithful and effective ministry
That is the mission of the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ - 145 churches in Michigan each seeing to be a community of hope and extravagant welcome in their home settings.
2014 Friends of the Conference Letter
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A Light Is Drawing Near
2014 The Christmas Fund
for Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund
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Wishing you peace, comfort & joy
from the Michigan Conference UCC Staff!
The Michigan Conference office staff wishes you a wonderful time with family and friends as you come together for the holidays.
As a reminder, our office will be closed for the holidays beginning December 22nd through January 1st, 2015. We will re-open with regular business hours on
Friday, January 2nd, 2015.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
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Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
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