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Michigan Conference UCC:
E-Bulletin
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A Pentecost Endeavor
God is Stillspeaking 2.0
Next week, every local church in the Michigan Conference will be receiving a special Tool Kit that is a part of the new God is Stillspeaking campaign. It is a national campaign with a local flair.
Ten years ago, as you may recall, the United Church of Christ ran a number of television ads about our unique denominational identity (Ejector, Bouncer). The message was one of extravagant welcome. This was a national campaign that many local churches highlighted; In God is Stillspeaking 2.0, this dynamic will shift toward an emphasis on local settings creating their own campaigns.
Your 2.0 Tool Kit will include 36 graphics to communicate UCC identity and messaging. Each church can decide what material it wants to use and how to use it. It will be in a format that will be easily configured for social media, worship bulletins, posters, postcards, banners, etc. Not every church will find that every graphic represents them and their identity within the community they serve. Some of you may even be offended by a few of the messages. However, we are a diverse denomination, and the hope is that every local church will find at least one graphic that will be useful for sharing!
God is Stillspeaking 2.0 empowers local churches to share with others more about their unique identity and presence. The Tool Kit includes state of the art materials to share in very appealing and engaging ways. I am encouraging each of our churches to explore the Tool Kit carefully, engage members who are passionate about sharing our UCC identity more widely, and then have some fun designing ways to reach out into your community.
With you on the journey,
Campbell Lovett
Conference Minister
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Interfaith Reproductive Justice Conference
Everyone is invited to attend an INTERFAITH REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE CONFERENCE on Friday, May 20, 2016, beginning at 9am at the Woodside Church, 1509 Court Street, Flint.
This Conference offers a Panel Discussion on the views of mainline Protestants, Unitarians, Roman Catholics, Jews and Muslims with our UCC Michigan Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Campbell Lovett, on the panel. Workshops will be offered to strengthen the knowledge and skills needed to become effective advocates for Reproductive Rights for All including the LGBTQ community. State Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright will give a Legislative Update.
To register for this full day event, go to: www.uujustice.org. The $20 registration fee includes breakfast, lunch and child care (if reserved in advance).
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SAVE THE DATE!
VITALITY DAY 2017!
Two dynamic speakers will transform our ability to expand our ministries and make a difference in our communities.
Keynote Speakers: Dr. Diane JohnsonStrategic Development, Center for Progressive Renewal
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UCC History, Theology & Polity
Central Seminary Ann Arbor and the Michigan Conference UCC are offering the UCC History, Theology and Polity class this summer at the Michigan Conference office - 5945 Park Lake Road, East Lansing.
The class meets: Saturdays - 9 am - 3 pm on May 21, June 11, 18, July 16 and 23rd. The class will also be traveling to Cleveland to the United Church of Christ Church House on Tuesday, July 19th.
Students can register to receive a certificate of completion ($400) or register for seminary credit (3 credits for $1200).
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Under Construction:
Building Our Faith Together
You are invited to an experiential learning event sponsored by the Faith Formation team of the United Church of Christ. Discussions about intergenerational ministry abound in our churches today and studies show the importance of positive intergenerational relationships on the faith formation of our children and youth. Yet churches are finding that building these intergenerational relationships is easier said than done. This event, Under Construction: Building Our Faith Together, helps you to see and experience how one church does it. READ MORE
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Global Ministries: Missionworks Event 
ĦMissionworks!
August 26-28
This Global Ministries event is an opportunity for pastors, mission committees, and all who are passionate about God's mission in the world to Pray, Engage, and Celebrate the exciting work being done by partner organizations around the world through Global Ministries.
Our special guests are: Bishop Munib Younan of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and Rev. Johnson Mbillah of the Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa. Learn more HERE.
For more information and to register visit:
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Operating at the Intersection of Faith & Finance
LEARN about the new Policy for Faith and Finance, unanimously adopted by the Board of Trustees. This policy describes faith and finance as the major differentiator between the Pension Boards and other benefits plan providers, and also discusses the development of a "faith and finance filter" for new and existing products and services. Learn more HERE. |
 Association Spring Meeting
Eastern Spring Meeting May 22, 2016
First Congregational UCC, Imlay City
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 Church Views:
News and updates about a variety of churches in the Michigan Conference
Church Views: |
Joys & Concerns
Upcoming Events
United Northern Association
Installation: Rev. Phil Garrison
May 22 @ 4:00p
Trinity UCC, Northport
103 Warren Street
Detroit Metropolitan Association
Installation: Rev. Carrie Orlando
June 26 @ 3:00p
First Congregational UCC, Wyandotte
United Northern Association
Ordination: Vaughn Peterson
June 26 @ 4:00p
First Congregational UCC, Harrison
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Prayers
Please keep Rev. Dr. David Wheeler (DMA, Retired Pastor) and his family in your prayers; David's brother Charles Wheeler, of Potomac Maryland, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2016. Cards may be sent to David at 150 Mead Rd., Rochester Hills, MI 48306.
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Are you looking for employment?
Check out our list of available positions!
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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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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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Next Boundary Training Opportunity:
September 22, 2016
703 E. Main Street, Dewitt MI 48820
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Woodside Church, Flint
WATER: Keep up with info, needs and actions HERE |
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| | Disaster Coordinators in Texas |
Harold & Marcia Beer
Disaster Co-Coordinators' Corner
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The Dream of Justice is a group within the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ working to end mass incarceration.
May Newsletter
UCC JC Implementation Framework
Sign the Resolution:
Proclaim Release to the Captives
This resolution was passed by the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ, and then sparked a broader resolution that was submitted and adopted by the UCC General Synod in June, 2015. Sign this resolution to show your support and to get involved.
http://tinyurl.com/signreleasetothecaptives
Contact Emily (emilyhamstra@gmail.com) to have email addresses added to or removed from the Dream of Justice Newsletter list.
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Items for Sale or Donation
Updated: April 18, 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 Do New People Hear about Your Church?"
"Making Congregations Greener"
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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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