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Faith for Thought is a bi-weekly offering of the
Michigan Conference United Church of Christ
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July 1, 2016
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Written by: Liz Hoy
I have read that Hildegard of Bingen wrote that The Holy Spirit was the greening power of God. The Holy Spirit is this strange and mystical being that weaves in and out of our lives. At times she is nothing more than a waiting hope, lying quietly in our dreams until the time is right. At other times she is a gentle whisper that calls to us in the dark of night, gently guiding us towards something new. And then at times she is a force to be reckoned with, blowing doors of churches, breaking down walls, flipping our lives upside down and pushing us towards something big and wonderful and sometimes even scary. When I imagine the Holy Spirit as the greening power of God, I can't help but wonder if Hildegard had this thought while looking at trees in spring time, right as the signs of life begin to take over the barren branches. This greening power of God, this wonderful life giving, life affirming Holy Spirit , moves through our lives with a rhythm just like we find in nature. Sometimes it is dormant and hidden from our sight, and at other times , an undeniable, visible force of life. To me it is no wonder that as a church we celebrate Pentecost in the season of spring. We, the church , like the earth, get to shake off the weight of winter, making room for new life to spring forth, opening our senses and spirits to new possibilities. READ MORE
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Global Ministries leaders condemn Turkish airport attack
BY MIDDLE EAST & EUROPE - GLOBAL MINISTRIES ON JUNE 29, 2016
Written by Connie Larkman, UCNews
After another terrorist attack at an international airport in Europe left 41 people dead and more than 200 injured, saddened executives of Global Ministries of the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the World Council of Churches, are calling for additional efforts to bring peace to the region and offering prayers for the victims and their families.
On Tuesday evening, June 28, three suicide bombers fired shots into the crowd outside Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul before blowing themselves up near the entrance. No organization has yet claimed responsibility for the incident, one of deadliest suicide bombings recently in Turkey.
"The terrorist attack at the Istanbul Airport yesterday is another heinous attack on innocent lives," said Peter Makari, Global Ministries executive for the Middle East and Europe. "We are saddened by this act, which we deplore and condemn. We pray for the victims and their families in this time. Neither the perpetrators nor the motives are known, but we know the possible motivations could be multiple and complex. We pray for all those who are victims of violence in the Middle East." READ MORE
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 UCC offering assistance to West Virginia flood victims
United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries is looking for assistance to help the people in West Virginia recover from historic floods. Thousands are facing a prolonged cleanup effort following deadly and devastating storms that swamped much of the state last week, and the UCC will be there to help long-term. READ MORE
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Sponsor a child from Woodside Church, Flint, to attend camp at Camp Talahi!
The Michigan Conference has been working closely with Woodside Church in Flint in responding to the water crisis. The newest collaboration includes Camp Talahi as we send kids from Woodside Church to a camp session at Talahi. Woodside has identified nine (9) children and families to attend a regular camp session or the Family Camp. If your church, or a group in your church, would like to sponsor a young person - a full scholarship is $395, or you may make a donation of any amount towards a partial scholarship. Please make your check payable to the Michigan Conference - designated for "Flint/Talahi".
Mail to the Michigan Conference, P.O. Box 1006, East Lansing, MI 48826-1006. Any funds received over the full scholarship total will go to Woodside's water filtration project.
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NEW - Boundary Training opportunity
in JULY 2016!
July 28th has just been added to the calendar for a summer Boundary Training session here at the Michigan Conference office. If you are in need of updating your boundary training requirements this year - take advantage of this additional opportunity.
Find out all of the details on the attached flyer below or by clicking "REGISTER NOW". The training is $75 and includes materials and lunch.
Deadline to register: July 22, 2016
(Firm for food count)
This training event is sponsored by:
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Wishing you a blessed day and wonderful holiday weekend! Stay cool and be safe!
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Michigan Conference
Conference Minister
Associate
Conference Minister
Southeast Area Minister
Interim Southwest Area
Minister
Business Manager
Executive
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Search & Call
Administrative Assistant
Assoc. Conf Minister
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SAVE THE DATES!
October 14 & 15, 2016
Michigan Conference UCC
Annual Meeting
Woodside Church
1509 East Court Street
Flint, MI 48503
Featuring Keynote Speaker: Jennifer Harvey
Jennifer Harvey is Professor of Religion at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She received her Ph.D. in Christian Social Ethics from Union Theological Seminary.
More information available next week!
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Michigan Conference
United Church of Christ
P.O. Box 1006
East Lansing, MI 48826-1006
517.332.3511
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