The 2015 Michigan Conference Annual Meeting theme is a short verse from Psalm 126. In the CEV it reads, "We are overjoyed." It is a good verse for us. In the midst of concerns about aging congregations, dwindling financial resources, the "nones" who don't attend church and the "dones" who are so done with it, we need to remember the many blessings of faith, hope and love that sustain us.

 

The psalm reminds us of other joyous exhortations. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians, "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice."  I like the way that Paul has to repeat the phrase in case we did not get it the first time: "Rejoice!" An annual meeting is a good time to be reminded to rejoice, for too often we focus on marching ever onward rather than reflecting upon actions and accomplishments of the past year. For the Conference. in this past year, there is a lot about which we can rejoice.

 

Four developments of the past year have, in my estimation, been a joy in the life of this Conference:

 

 

While these are positive developments for our life together as a Conference, I also want to share why I am overjoyed about significant ministries in our local churches. I am overjoyed because the local churches of the Michigan Conference are representatives of the United Church of Christ in their settings. Local church members are living out "the cost and joy of discipleship" and representing the United Church of Christ across the height, depth and breadth of Michigan. This means that:

 

 

Ecumenical, interfaith, outreach-oriented, community-minded, committed to social justice and radically inclusive - this is what it means to be UCC. I am overjoyed that this spirit is present in 145 cities, towns and villages throughout Michigan.

 

Therefore, with joy in my heart for the great work of Conference staff, the Board of Directors, and the Mission Area Teams, I commend to your attention each report that follows. As you read, I invite you to rejoice about the good things that are happening in our midst - to the glory of God! Again, I will say rejoice!

With you on the journey,

Campbell Lovett

First Park Congregational Church

10 East Park Place, NE

Grand Rapids, MI 

L.V. Eberhard Center

301 Fulton St. West

Please remember that this Annual Meeting is "paperless" - All meeting material will be available on the Conference website (www.michucc.org) prior to Annual Meeting. We encourage all churches to print materials for their delegates attending the meeting. Thank you!

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