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Michigan Conference UCC:
E-Bulletin
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What the World Needs Now......
Karen Armstrong in her book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, reflects upon how the sacred scriptures of every world religion have some variation of The Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." She shares this on her way to encouraging individuals to journey through various steps in order to help make our troubled world more compassionate for all. As we are overwhelmed by religious persecution, fear of foreigners, gun violence, and terrorist attacks let us commit ourselves anew to being people of compassion - and to living out the Golden Rule.
The National Settings of the United Church of Christ and the Disciples of Christ have issued this joint statement in support of our Muslim neighbors who have been singled out for suspicion and denigration:
Closer to home, this editorial in the Detroit Free Press illustrates the strong connections Michigan has had with immigrants and refugees - especially those from the Middle East:
With you on the journey,
Campbell Lovett |
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 Important Reminder
All of your church's 2015 contributions must be received in the Michigan Conference office by Friday, January 15, 2016.
All contributions received after that date will be credited to the year 2016. Please be sure to your remittance forms are clearly marked.
Thank You!
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 The Christmas Fund
Our joy at Christmas is a response to God's promise of new life through the birth of Jesus. It is a joy we are called to share widely, through our witness and gifts, both to loved ones and to distant neighbors. RI UCC churches have the opportunity annually to give gifts that will care for active and retired clergy as well as lay employees of the UCC through participation in the Christmas Fund Offering. Gifts to the Christmas Fund provide for the Supplementation of Small Annuities, Supplementation of Health Premiums, Emergency Grants, as well as Christmas "Thank You" Gift checks for low-income retirees.
Gifts are needed - more than ever - to help the growing number of retirees whose low-income annuities make it difficult to meet increasing living costs. Participate in God's promise of renewal by enabling this ministry of compassion and care. Congregations are encouraged to receive the Christmas Fund offering annually - perhaps on Christmas Sunday - December 20th. For more information go to www.pbucc.org and search for Christmas Fund. Offering envelopes and posters may be ordered from United Church Resources: (800) 537-3394.
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BELIEVE - National Youth Event 2016
National Youth Event is in July 26 - 30, 2016. The Michigan Conference is encouraging youth groups and individuals to seriously consider attending this life-changing event. Check out this website for more details:
Rev. Greg Larsen from First Congregational Church in Rochester is helping to lead a Michigan contingent. Please contact Pastor Greg for more information about travel plans, Conference scholarships, and group activities. Rev.greg.larsen@gmail.com. 248-651-6225.
Registration opens in mid-January!
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 Joys & Concerns
Thank you for your ministry in the United Church of Christ Michigan Conference!
Release of Vows
December 27, 2015:
The Rev. William (Bill) Lyons
St. John's UCC, Grand Rapids
The Rev. Emily Joye McGaughy-Reynolds
First Congregational Church, Battle Creek
Pastor Don Wood
Fruitport Congregational UCC, Fruitport
```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Please hold in your hearts and keep in your prayers the Rev. Rosemary (Romi) Chaffee and her family. Please lift up prayers filled with support, strength and spiritual comfort and healing for both Romi and her family.
As reported in a previous email - please keep in your thoughts and prayers, the family of the Rev. Edwin Gray "Ed" Mendenhall, (former Michigan Conference UCC Interim Pastor at Trinity-St. Mark's UCC, Detroit) who passed away on October 27, 2015. His obituary is attached; a service will be held at a later date. OBITUARY
The Michigan Conference asks for continued prayers for Rev. Deborah Dean Ware, Pastor at Church of the Good Shepherd in Ann Arbor. Deborah is blogging about her experience at:
Please continue to lift up the Rev. Sherry Schacht (Eastern Association; retired pastor) and her family with prayers filled with strength and courage - determination and faith - love and comfort.
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 Poverty & Partnership
Urban Spirit welcomes the Michigan Conference UCC
January 15-17, 2016 Louisville, Kentucky
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Unique Pastoral Opportunity on Mackinac Island
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Are you looking for employment?
Check out our list of available positions!
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Items for Sale or Donation
You never know, you just might find something you have been looking for! Check out our list of items for sale or donation from local churches.
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The Parish Paper
"Improving Church Communication"
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| Contact Us: | |
Michigan Conference
United Church of Christ
P.O. Box 1006 | East Lansing, MI 48826-1006
517-332-3511
conference@michucc.org
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