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Michigan Conference UCC:
E-Bulletin
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A Sower Went Out To Sow...
The Michigan Conference tries to share as much information as possible with local churches and authorized ministers through electronic communications - such as this electronic newsletter. Here you will find news about upcoming events and resource information to assist you and your church in a variety of ways.
I like to think of these efforts as sowing seed; some of it may take root in your setting - and some of it may not. Either way, we share this information prayerfully and hopefully!
From time to time we share updates about how your church and members can respond to natural disasters. Prayer is always on the agenda, as is sharing of money and materials. Presently, there are terrible floods occurring in Louisiana. Upwards of 40,000 homes have been flooded or destroyed. The UCC's Emergency USA Fund is already responding. Here is a link where you can find more information about the flood and the follow-up:
Most electronic newsletters also have information about the work of the Michigan Conference. In this newsletter you find specific information about our four Mission Area Teams. There are many resources listed in each Mission Area Team section that are available to local churches. And, of course, there is information about how you might sign on to one of these Teams if you feel so moved. We need your wisdom and passion!!
This communication also has news of upcoming events in Michigan. There will be many web links to follow for Annual Meeting registration, for a workshop regarding being an ally for Trans Lives, and a section devoted to prayers. This week, we pray especially for Rev. David Williams, Pastor at Emanuel UCC in Manchester. David was involved in a multi-car accident on the Ohio Turnpike last Sunday. A tractor-trailer truck ran into nine vehicles -including David's. Sadly, a teenager in one of the cars was killed. A traumatic experience such as this is difficult to deal with, so we pray for David as he recovers, for the family that lost a child, and for all who were struck. God, in your mercy; hear our prayers.
If there is information you would like to share, or news you think should be included in Conference communications, please convey it to our communications editor, Lisa Soulliere at lisa@michucc.org.
The Conference exists to serve Jesus Christ through resourcing local churches and authorized ministers, and being a channel to the wider church. Please know that Conference staff are with you on the journey. Please keep us posted - and we will do the same for you!!
Peace,
Campbell Lovett
Conference Minister
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SAVE THE DATE!
Retired Clergy (Spouse and/or Partner)
Boundary Training
available October 22, 2016!
Watch for more information coming soon!
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Covenant Association Higher Education Grants now being accepted!
The Covenant Association of the Michigan Conference United Church of Christ invites applications for grants that advocate for the support of students in higher education settings. Please submit a 1 - 2 page description of the plans for ministry in a specific setting. How will the funds be used? Be sure to include the ways outreach includes ecumenical diversity and specific UCC involvement of students, faculty and staff.
Grant applications must be submitted to the Higher Education Advocate, Rev. Dr. Julie J. Kilmer at jj_kilmer@msn.com by September 15, 2016. Please note that grants are limited to one gift per setting per year. Recipients of grants are required to submit a report indicating how the funds have impacted ministry at that setting by April 15, 2017. Amounts of each grant will vary, depending upon number of applications, need and previous funding patterns. Amounts generally range from $500 - $2,500. |
Celebrating Hope Conference Sept 28th and the Resource Institute on Mental Health
See for links to both the Upcoming Events
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REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Michigan Conference UCC
Annual Meeting
October 14 & 15, 2016
Theme: A New Covenant
1509 East Court Street
Flint, MI 48503
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Call for Workshops!
Annual Meeting
October 14-15, 2016
Michigan Conference United Church of Christ
Woodside Church, Flint
Theme: A New Covenant
"The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people..."
Jeremiah 31:31
God is still speaking in the Michigan Conference UCC.
- What resources, training, possibilities, or opportunities have helped you move in new directions, initiated new covenants or new relationships?
- Is God called you to offer a workshop on this topic for the Annual Meeting?
If so, please return the application form below to Lisa Soulliere (lisa@michucc.org)
by August 31, 2016 - Deadline extended.
We are looking forward to exploring all of the ways that God's new covenant with us opens us to new relationships and ways of being/acting in the world.
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Conference and Training Event
The Michigan Conference is a co-sponsor of a September 17 conference and training event: Faith Allies for Trans Lives. If your church wants to consider being a part of wider network of faith communities dedicated to justice for all, please check out this link: |
 Annual Meeting COOKIES!
Calling ALL baker's and baking enthusiasts! Our cookie tradition continues at the 2016 Annual Meeting! We would love for you to share your favorite cookies, dessert bars or other special treat with this year's Annual Meeting participants! During our afternoon break on Friday, October 14th, we will serve up all of the delicious treats donated by the wonderful folks of the Michigan Conference UCC. Please bring your yummy treats to the registration table upon arrival! [Mark your plastic container of 3 dozen treats (or more!) with your name and kind of treat. Containers will be returned to the registration area at the end of the day for pick-up.
If you can help with our cookie tradition please contact Lisa Soulliere (lisa@michucc.org) (517)332-3511 X204
Thank you in advance, for your sweet treat donations!
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Applications for Innovation Awards Now Accepted!
Innovation. Think - new, invention, advancement, creation, design, imagination, ingenuity, original, inspirational, resourceful, revitalizing, energizing!
What innovative ministry, worship, outreach, mission or other program would you initiate if money was not a barrier, but an opportunity for meeting a profound need in your community? What if you used this money as matching funds for your congregation and doubled the impact? What if you applied for other grants and added this award to accomplish your hopes for a world transformed by God's love?
We are inviting you to dream and to listen and to imagine what God is doing in your midst. Put that dream into an innovation plan and you are ready to apply for this award. For more information and how you can apply - READ MORE.
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 We Stand With Love
Launching in response to the hateful rhetoric and violent acts that have dominated this political season, the "We Stand With Love" campaign invites people to "overcome evil with good" by equipping people with courageous, constructive, and creative responses, rooted in love, to overcome divisive and destructive messages.
It is a multi-faceted, multi-faith messaging campaign that aims to speak wisdom and unity during and after an election season fraught with tension and hostility. We Stand With Love helps people stand up for love in word, in deed, in symbol, online, in person, and in public. For more information visit: www.westandwithlove.org |
Joys & Concerns
Upcoming Events
Sunday, September 25, 2016 @ 4:00 PM
Installation: Rev. Sameerah Shareef
St. Stephen's Community Church, UCC
1007 Kimberly Drive, Lansing, MI 48912
Prayers
Please hold in your hearts and in your prayers the family of the Reverends Keith and Pam Koebel (co-pastors of White Lake Congregational UCC); Keith's father Elwood Koebel, passed away on Monday, August 15th, at the age of 89. A memorial service is planned for Friday, August 26th at 11:00 AM at the White Lake Congregational UCC - 1809 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall, MI. OBITUARY
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Mission Area Teams
Compassionate Generosity
Faith Formation Congratulations to those who have been awarded Immanuel Scholarships. These scholarships are available for seminarians, thanks to a generous bequest from the former Immanuel Church in Detroit. This year's recipients are: READ MORE
Prophetic Integrity This Mission Area Team coordinates the Conference social justice actions. This happens through the resolution process at annual meeting and in collaboration with ecumenical partners in mission. This Team also interfaces with Dream of Justice, a newer group helping to implement the Conference resolution concerning the New Jim Crow. READ MORE
Vital Growth Currently the Conference is supporting six new ministry starts. These efforts are located in Benton Harbor, Holland, Traverse City, Wyoming (Grand Rapids), Lansing and Detroit. In addition, Vital Growth is planning a Vitality Day for April 29, 2017, training Guides to help resource local churches around revitalization efforts, and coordinating clergy coaching through the Center for Progressive Renewal. READ MORE
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We know your church is doing amazing things to live out the
"Be the Church" values. . .
Protect the environment. * Care for the poor. * Forgive often. *Reject racism. *Fight for the powerless. *Share earthly and spiritual resources. * Embrace diversity. * Love God. * Enjoy this life.
So share them with us-and you could Be the Church of the Month!
Congratulations to Ebenezer United Church of Christ in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, this month's "Be the Church of the Month" winner! Click here to see what amazing things they're doing to "Care for the poor," which was the statement for July's contest.
August's "Be the Church" statement is: "Forgive often." Send us information, photos, or video of what you're doing to Forgive often Winner will receive a special prize and "Be the Church of the Month" for September! |
 Free LED Lighting with installation for churches in some parts of Michigan
Michigan Interfaith Power & Light (MiIPL) is a non-profit that works with religious congregations across Michigan to save energy and to inspire and equip people of faith to love and care for Creation. They are cooperating with Consumers Energy in 2016 to offer free energy efficiency upgrades to congregations in the areas of Flint, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Muskegon, and Saginaw. If your congregation is in one of these areas, and is a Consumers customer for electricity and/or gas, learn more about this free program and see what upgrades are available here . To ask questions or sign up, you can contact Michigan Interfaith Power & Light at 248-537-9175 or projectmanager@miipl.org.
Rev. Peggy Garrigues
Sustainability Programs Coordinator
Michigan Interfaith Power & Light
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Boundary Training Opportunity:
September 22, 2016 9:30 - 3:30 PM
St. Francis Retreat Center
703 E. Main St., Dewitt, MI 48820
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| | photo courtesy of USCG New Orleans - Baton Rouge flooding. |
Harold & Marcia Beer
Disaster Co-Coordinators' Corner
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 Why the United Church of Christ?
Please take a moment to complete this survey. . . . deadline August 22, 2016
Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer, General Minister and President (GMP), asked in declaring a Purpose, a Mission, and a Vision that is consistent with our historic commitments and our current calling that is large enough to inspire our covenant partners at every level to give themselves fully over to a gospel that changes lives; and that is particular enough to answer the question, "Why the United Church of Christ?"
Thank you! |
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The Parish Paper
"Multiple Roads to a Multicultural Congregation"
"What Keeps Congregations from Implementing New Ideas"
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Are you looking for employment?
Check out our list of available positions!
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Items for Sale or Donation
Updated: August 8, 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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| 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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