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Michigan Conference UCC:
E-Bulletin
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From Conference Minister, Campbell Lovett:
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GMP's in the UCC and DOC
I was honored to travel to the Middle East with a delegation of leaders from the United Church of Christ and our Disciples of Christ counterparts. During the first two weeks of March, we visited many of our global mission partners in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Israel-Palestine (see www.globalministries for full listing of Middle East partners). Funding for these partners comes from your contributions to One Great Hour of Sharing and Our Church's Wider Mission. Thank you for your support of these offerings. You are supporting amazing people and projects in some very challenging contexts. Our delegation included both the UCC's and the DOC's General Minister and President, Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer and Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins. As April will be a month for us to interact with both of these leaders, I want to highlight their writings about our Middle East trip, and invite you to be with them at two very important occasions.
Here is a wonderful article by Dr. Dorhauer about our visit with a significant religious leader in Cairo, Egypt: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-dr-john-c-dorhauer/my-visit-with-the-mufti-a_b_9390344.html.You can hear more about this visit at the Service of Installation of our General Minister and President at Trinity UCC in Chicago, April 16 at 4:00 p.m. (CST). If you are not able to attend, you can watch a live-stream of any one of the three Installation services that weekend in New York, Chicago and Seattle. Check out www.ucc.org for more information! READ MORE
With you on the journey,
Campbell Lovett
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2016 Easter Resource Letter for Clergy
Here is an electronic version of the Easter Resource Letter mailed to all churches. This electronic copy will help you to access the many links much more easily.
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Your Input is Requested
The Michigan Conference is an Open and Affirming Conference. Conference resolutions and actions affirm that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and adults should be afforded equal rights not only in our churches but also in our society. The Michigan State Board of Education has released a draft document outlining policies for the protection and support of LGBTQ individuals in Michigan public schools. The Board is seeking public comment on the document until May 11th. The document may be found at this address:
Campbell Lovett
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If you are planning to attend
Festival of Faith/Vitality Day
PLEASE REGISTER TODAY!
Deadline to register
& receive lunch: April 18th
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Saturday, April 23, 2016
Festival of Faith - Vitality Day!
Edgewood United Church, UCC, East Lansing
The Festival of Faith is a shared day of celebration and encouragement for church members of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) here in Michigan! This year's theme is: Being Church: 21st Century Landscape for Mission. The morning begins with a time of worship. Rev. Dr. Richard Lowery will be the preacher. Dr. Lowery is a Biblical scholar and professor at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. Worship is followed by a "musical buffet" which features a variety of church musicians introducing us to new expressions of music. Following lunch, an inspirational keynote address will be delivered by Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, the General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Dr. Watkins is a renowned church leader and speaker. You and members of your church will be blessed by this festival day of celebration, encouragement and challenge.
A paper registration is available on the Conference website (www.michucc.org).
SAVE THE DATES!
Friday & Saturday, October 14 - 15, 2016
Michigan Conference UCC Annual Meeting
Woodside Church, Flint
Be sure and mark your calendars! We are in the planning stages; stay tuned!
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Mission work trip to Nicaragua
Edgewood United Church, UCC, East Lansing and Webster United Church of Christ in Dexter are traveling to Nicaragua on a mission work trip. The trip is planned for June 20 - June 30. There is still space available for those who would like to travel to Nicaragua and experience first hand, the country's life and work. Participants will visit rural communities, learn about Nicaraguan history and politics, and learn about sustainable development. They will sleep and eat with families and participate in community projects and activities. For more information contact Kris Wisniewski at zkw319@gmail.com or 517-775-9520.
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Do you qualify for an Immanuel UCC Scholarship?
Members in Discernment who are seminary students are encouraged to apply for this scholarship, and for renewal(s) if eligible! Find out if you qualify - more information about the Immanuel UCC Scholarship HERE. The deadline for submitting applications (or renewal requests) is May 1st - look into it today! |
 
UCC History, Polity & Theology Class offered Summer 2016
The Center for Progressive Renewal is offering a summer semester online UCC History, Polity & Theology class from June 1 - August 31st for folks seeking Privilege of Call, Ordination, Commissioning, and Licensing.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Interfaith Reproductive Justice Conference
For Faith Activists and Professionals
Friday, May 20, 2016 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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The Chidester Lecture Series Continues
The Chidester Lecture Series at Sylvania United Church of Christ continues April 30-May 1, with Jan Linn. Linn served at Lynchburg College in VA and Lexington Theological Seminary in Kentucky before giving up tenure to join his wife, Joy, in establishing a progressive-minded congregation in Minnesota. He is the author of 14 books, including A Different Jesus and How to Be an Open-Minded Christian Without Losing Your Faith . Read his blog at http://linnposts.com.
Linn's Saturday, April 30 lecture "What if Jesus Didn't Die for Your Sins?" ($15 ticket) will be from 4-5:30 p.m. including 30 minutes of Q&A. Sylvania United Church of Christ is located at 7240 Erie St., Sylvania OH 43560, 419-882-0048, www.sylvaniaucc.org
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2016 UCC HIV Ministries Survey
The 2016 UCC HIV Ministries Survey is your opportunity to share with the Leadership Team of the UCC HIV & AIDS Network (aka, UCAN) about the HIV ministries happening in and through your local church. You will also have the opportunity to tell us how you think UCAN is doing and what you need from us to better serve you.
Your input is very important to us as we make plans and work in partnership with you and others in response to the HIV epidemic.
This survey is for UCC local churches - one survey per church, please!
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Chicago Theological Seminary Announces RIOTcon 2016!
CHICAGO, IL- Chicago Theological Seminary is proud to announce RIOTcon 2016: Mapping A Movement, its annual spring conference, which will address pressing issues in the areas of diversity, activism, and social justice with speakers and interactive workshops in order to map a brighter future.
Taking place on April 15 and 16, RIOTcon (Raging Issues of Today) brings together a multi-generational caucus - activists, artists, community organizers, philanthropists, religious leaders, scholars, engaged citizens, and students - to confront the familiar rhetoric of demonizing the other while, at the same time, engaging with strategies for conscious and informed action to transform our world.
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 ¡Missionworks!
August 26-28, 2016
The Marten House,
Indianapolis, Indiana
Cost: $100 (early bird registration until May 31)
$125 (after May 31) ¡Missionworks! is an experience for pastors, mission board members, and anyone interested in global mission to connect with the global work of the church. Over the weekend you will find out how to build on your congregation's existing passion for mission and receive tools for sharing about God's mission in the world.
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UCC Women of Michigan:
The Gathering June 10, 11, 12, 2016
The Gathering is a weekend of retreat, renewal, relaxation, and recharging. It is a time to greet old friends, and make new ones. It offers workshops, music, singing, and this year lots of laughter and joy. There will be Friday evening entertainment and vespers. Saturday's activities give you many opportunities to either stay busy or simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Kettunen Center. Sunday offers a Sunday school class and a very meaningful worship service. Of course, we must add a business meeting somewhere in all the activity. Kettunen Center is located in the woods on a beautiful lake in Tustin, Michigan. The accommodations are "luxury in the woods" and the food is scrumptious and abundant. In short, it's your weekend. Come and enjoy!
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 Church Views:
News and updates about a variety of churches in the Michigan Conference
Church Views: |
Joys & Concerns
Upcoming Events
Southwest Association
Ecclesiastical Council: Eric Stricklin
April 10th @ 4:00p
First Congregational UCC, Kalamazoo
345 W. Michigan Ave.
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United Northern Association
Installation: Rev. Elizabeth "Liz" Hoy
April 24th @ 4:00p
First Congregational UCC, Manistee
412 Fourth St.
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A Memorial "Celebration of Life" Service to honor Rosemary "Romi" Chaffee has been scheduled for Saturday, April 16th at 11:00a at the Haslett Community Church at 1427 Haslett Rd., Haslett, MI. A luncheon will be served following the service for those who wish to stay and visit with family and friends. Hopefully it will be a wonderful spring day to remind us of her love of the outdoors! If you would like more information you may contact Romi's daughter, Gigi at giane50@aol.com.
Please follow the link to Romi's obituary and sign the guest book. OBITUARY
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The Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer Installation Services
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Chaplain's Day Away!
On May 13, the Conference will host the Third Annual Chaplains' Day Away. The event will be held at the Conference Office in East Lansing from 10:00 - 3:00. Our guest is Rev. Stephen Boyd from Ministerial Excellence Support and Authorization (MESA) in Cleveland. Rev. Boyd is Minister for Chaplains and Ministers in Specialized Settings. The theme for the day is Ministering to Millennials and the Non-Churched. The day will include worship, lunch, sharing and presentations by Rev. Boyd. Please register by emailing lisa@michucc.org. While there is no cost for this event, a donation basket will be put out at lunchtime! CEU's are available. |
Transgender Youth & Family Retreat
June 17 - 18, 2016
$75 per person
Includes all meals/lodging and activities
See Flyer for more information & registration!
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 Bertha Dayton Fund
The Bertha Dayton Fund is available for aiding and assisting rural, small town or village churches in the state of Michigan and in the support of their pastors and families.
for an application. |
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Save The Date!
Boundary Training 2016!
May 5th, 2016 9:30a - 3:30p
Paw Paw Presbyterian Church
120 Pine Street
Paw Paw, MI
Early registration fee by April 5th - $75
Includes materials & lunch
Regular registration fee $85 - due by April 25th.
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 Association Spring Meetings
Covenant Spring Meeting April 23, 2016 @ 2:30p Edgewood United Church, UCC, East Lansing
Detroit Metropolitan Spring Meeting
April 16, 2016 @ 9:00a Mayflower Congregational UCC, Detroit
Grand West Spring Meeting April 17, 2016 @ 3:00p (registration begins at 2:30p) Nueva Vida UCC, Wyoming
Ecclesiastical Council: Andy DeBraber @ 6p
Southwest Spring Meeting April 16, 2016 (Time to be determined) Transformations Spirituality Center, Kalamazoo No cost to attend. Lunch can be purchased for $12. Registration is necessary to attend. You must have a working email to register. For help with registration contact Sasha Gaskin at the Michigan Conference UCC at 517-332-3511 ext 209 or sasha@michucc.org.
United Northern Spring Meeting
April 30, 2016
8:30-9:00 Registration/Continental Breakfast
First Congregational UCC, Harrison
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Congratulations to Grosse Pointe Congregational UCC in Grosse Pointe Farms!
Photo courtesy of the Grosse Pointe Cong'l UCC website
The Michigan Conference United Church of Christ wishes to extend a big "Congratulations" to Grosse Pointe Congregational UCC, Grosse Pointe Farms, on becoming an Open and Affirming Congregation.
"On March 13, 2016 the congregation voted at our Annual Meeting to become an Open and Affirming congregation. We made a covenant to include all people into the life of the congregation adding to our Church By-laws, Article III. "Covenantal Relationships" the following language: We are banded together as a Christian Church to promote the worship of God, to proclaim the Gospel of Christ, to develop in people a consciousness of their relations and duties to God and one another, and to inspire them with love for truth, passion for righteousness, and enthusiasm for service. This community of faith is an open and affirming congregation which seeks to welcome all persons, including those of all races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, family structures, faith backgrounds, abilities and economic circumstances. We pledge our loyalty to Christ and covenant with each other to strive to express His spirit in our individual and corporate life; to live together as Christians and to submit ourselves to the government of this church, working, giving, praying for its increase, its purity, its peace and seeking in every way to make it a power for the building up of the Kingdom of God."
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Woodside Church, Flint
WATER: Keep up with info, needs and actions HERE |
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Zach Wolgemuth, Executive, UCC Disaster Ministries, with Marcia & Harold Beer - Michigan Conference Disaster Co-Coordinator's
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Harold & Marcia Beer
Disaster Co-Coordinators' Corner
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Alternative Spring Break
in Louisville
Help is needed in March & April.
Calling all skilled and unskilled workers! Your help is needed!
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Are you looking for employment?
Check out our list of available positions!
Updated: February 17, 2016
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Items for Sale or Donation
Updated: March 11, 2016
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
"How to Deal with Church Conflict"
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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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