Faith for Thought

Faith for Thought is a bi-weekly offering of the

Michigan Conference United Church of Christ

April 22, 2016

We Are All Linked Together

The Apostle Paul compared the church to the Body of Christ - one body, many members. In today's Faith for Thought, Rev. Dr. Renee Jackson helps us to see what those linkages might look like in our local churches and Associations. This is a timely topic in this week when we celebrate our Full Communion with the United Church of Canada during a special service at Trinity St. Mark's in Detroit - Sunday, April 24th at 3:00 p.m.

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:

http://everyvoicecountsmi.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/SBE-Statement-on-LGBTQ-Youth-2-9-2016-v2.pdf

Add your public comment by following this link:

http://everyvoicecountsmi.org/136/public-comment-on-the-state-board-of-education-draft-statement-and-guidance-on-safe-and-supportive-learning-environments-for-lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-and-questioning-lgbtq-students

Gently Used Bibles & Hymnals

Gerry Levina from the Philippine American Ecumenical USA UCC in Ferndale is looking for gently used bibles and hymnals to donate to a church in the Philippines. If your church is doing any spring cleaning and has one or more of these items for donation, please contact Gerry Levina at 586-944-7291. Thank You!

National Youth Event 2016 Disney Bound!

July 26 - 30, 2016

"Faith is the confidence that what we believe will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."

Hebrews 11:1

Please Read PRIOR to Registration

Informational Letter

NYE Participants Register Today!

NYE Family Registration begins May 1st

on a first come/first serve basis.

Learn More!

Ecuador, Japan Suffer Massive Earthquakes

Building An Inclusive Church:
April 29 & 30, 2016

First Congregational Church, UCC

1315 North Pine Street, Rochester, MI 48307

"Building an Inclusive Church" (BIC) is an intensive workshop for lay and ordained leaders. Whether your congregation is just beginning its ONA journey, or is already ONA and seeking ways to strengthen and deepen your ONA commitment, BIC is for you! Co-sponsored by the ONA Coalition, the UCC's Michigan Conference, Inclusive Justice and the National LGBTQ Task Force.

Learn More & Register!

Wishing you a blessed day and wonderful weekend!