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Michigan Conference UCC:
E-Bulletin
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A Straw Poll?
"Go and get straw yourselves, wherever you can find it;
but your work will not be lessened in the least." (Exodus 5:11)
For a few years, I have been reflecting on the image of "making bricks without straw" as a metaphor for conference ministry. In my mind, this metaphor has meant that since we don't have the same resources we once had, we were making sub-standard bricks - our ministry was less substantial. Then I read the Bible, again.....
Exodus 5 begins the great story of the pre-plague jousting between Moses and Pharaoh. Moses is on a mission, from Yahweh; Pharaoh is living out his anxious scarcity narrative. Moses asks Pharaoh to let Yahweh's people go; Pharaoh responds that the Israelite slaves are lazy. Thus, Pharaoh instructs the taskmasters to no longer supply straw for brick-making. The Israelites will have to collect their own straw, and continue making the same number of bricks. Ah, this is where my metaphor (or memory) went astray. You see, I remembered the Israelites making the bricks without straw in them. However, the Israelites still needed to make the bricks with straw, except now they had to gather the straw themselves. So, in actuality, "making bricks without straw" means that the Israelites will be twice as busy producing the same number of bricks. Pharaoh assumes that the frantic pace will rid them of their ridiculous notion of worshiping Yahweh in the wilderness.
This is where I update my use of the metaphor! There is a tug toward spending a lot of time on the frantic-ness of administration (collecting straw), rather than focusing on the final product: equipping and encouraging churches and clergy for more effective ministry in the name of Jesus Christ (making bricks). Work with me now. Sure the straw is important, but only insofar as it contributes to the end result. Enter the 2020 Vision!
The 2020 Vision helps to focus the work of the Conference on our primary ministries. This is still a work in progress, but I hope you will take time to read through the 2020 Vision, and in particular, the Action Steps. Please prayerfully discern if there is an area where your church might want to engage more fully. This Vision helps to center us so that we are not only gathering straw, but concentrating on the joyful work of equipping and commissioning disciples of Christ for the "facing of this hour." I look forward to hearing from you about how this metaphor applies to your unique setting for ministry!
Coming Soon - Pentecost Voices! Look to this column - beginning in June - for essays of encouragement from six authorized ministers, one from each Association.
With you on the journey,
Campbell Lovett
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June 7 - 9, 2016
St. Joseph, Minnesota
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Upcoming Free Webinars about reVision
Friends:
The Center for Progressive Renewal has rolled out a great new opportunity for congregational Vitality. It is called reVision this is a year long journey that begins with a period of focused worship, intentional small groups and spiritual practices designed to get congregations into their hearts for real discernment. This is followed by a Convergence Summit to bring everyone together to determine what God is saying to this church about what it can do in this community today. Proposal teams then take these dreams and ideas and prototype initiatives for the congregation to give feedback before implementation.
You can have an opportunity to learn more and ask questions at two upcoming free webinars, both will feature the same content so choose the one that works best for you.
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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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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
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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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 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
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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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
REGISTER TODAY!
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Items for Sale or Donation
Updated: May 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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Woodside Church, Flint
WATER: Keep up with info, needs and actions HERE |
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Next Boundary Training Opportunity:
September 22, 2016
703 E. Main Street, Dewitt MI 48820
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 Strengthen the Church Special Offering: Invest in the Vision
Strengthen The Church (STC) is a special mission offering to reimagine and build the future of the UCC. Shared at the conference and national levels, STC largely supports youth ministries and full-time leaders for new churches in parts of the country where the UCC voice has not been heard.
As God calls our congregations to be the "church" in new ways, your generosity will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults. STC funds will also be used to award grants to help congregations communicate the "God is still speaking," message.
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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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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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