To equip, empower, encourage and connect the churches of the Michigan Conference | |
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If you have registered previously, you will automatically receive a copy of your unique Zoom link via email on the first Wednesday of the month
HOPE TO SEE YOU TOMORROW ON ZOOM!!
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OCWM 2023 Fall Appeal for Basic Support
A personalized letter and copy of local church Eleven Year Report were sent to all Michigan UCC Churches in October. This information is meant to be shared and discussed with all those in Church Leadership. Be on the lookout in your Church Office, and contact lisa@michucc.org with any questions you may have about what you have received. Thank you for prayerfully considering what your local church will share with the Michigan Conference in 2023 and 2024 as together we serve God and neighbor.
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2023 Michigan Conference Annual Meeting | | |
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Annual Meeting October 28, 2023
Plymouth United Church of Christ, Grand Rapids, MI
151 registered participants, plus children, youth, and volunteers were present at the in-person Annual Meeting of the Michigan Conference UCC.
Fun and fellowship took place on Friday Night 10/27 at the Drury Inn & Suites where the agenda was simply to BE with one another.
Saturday morning, all were welcomed by Pastor Jo Bahr and the day began with inspiring worship led by Conference Minister Lillian Daniel. Music included a pick-up choir and a special Celtic instrument ensemble. Associate Conference Minister Cheryl Burke led those gathered in Prayer, and newly hired Associate Conference Minister Lawrence Richardson shared the scripture reading.
Business was conducted under the leadership of Conference Moderator Diane Baker, and the Prophetic Integrity Mission Area Team recommended passage of a Resolution of Witness In Support of Second Look Sentencing Legislation. The gathered body voted in support of the resolution and accepted a 2024 Budget presented by Board Vice President and President-Elect Rev. Liz Larrivee. Current Board President Judith Booker was thanked for her service under three Conference Ministers and offered blessings for her new place of ministry on the Board of Directors at the National Setting.
Lunch was catered by 40 Acres Soul Kitchen and the afternoon was filled with conversation. Vitality and church growth Keynote Rev. Claire Bamberg inspired much discussion while youth served together to support Hand2Hand.
Mark your calendars for the 2024 destination Annual Meeting at Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville, MI with special guest and Keynote UCC General Minister and President Karen Georgia Thompson, Nov 1-2, 2024.
Recordings of the in-person 2023 gathering can be watched on Facebook, Vimeo, and YouTube.
Please share your feedback about the 2023 Annual Meeting HERE
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Follow up to passage of Resolution of Witness In Support of Second Look Sentencing Legislation
On October 28, 2023, the Michigan Conference Annual Gathering voted to approve a resolution
in Support of Second Look Sentencing Legislation. The full resolution, a copy of this communication, and a sample advocacy letter can be found HERE
The action items from this resolution follow, with some ideas from the Prophetic Integrity Mission Area Team about how to participate.
Therefore, be it Resolved that the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Michigan Conference United
Church of Christ supports House Bills 4556 – 4560 and Senate Bills 0321-0325.
Be it further resolved, that the clergy and lay people of the Michigan Conference UCC engage
in education around Second Look Sentencing legislation.
Some Resources for study:
https://famm.org/wp-content/uploads/Second-Look-Infographic.pdf
https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2023/04/giving-michigan-prisoners-a-second-
look-could-earn-them-another-chance-at-life.html
https://www.nacdl.org/Content/Second-Look
https://youtu.be/gjcymPVAeVc
www.sentencingproject.org
Be it further resolved, that the clergy and lay people of the Michigan Conference UCC contact
their legislators in support of Second Look Sentencing legislation.
House Bills 4556-4560 have been referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice.
Senate Bills 0321-0325 have been referred to the Committees on Civil Rights, Judiciary
and Public Safety.
Supporting these bills can be done by writing or calling your legislators to voice your
support of the bills. (see sample letter)
You may find your legislators at: https://www.house.mi.gov/#findarepresentative
and https://senate.michigan.gov/FindYourSenator/
Learn, decide, act.
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Association and Mission Area Team News | |
Funding Available for Antiracism Discussions in Michigan UCC Churches
The Prophetic Integrity Mission Area team is offering $200.00 to help purchase books for study in Local UCC Churches. See full list of books and contact information HERE
Funds are available until December 31, 2023
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Joint Fall Association Meeting: Dismantling White Supremacy
A recording of the program offered at the online, joint Fall meeting for Covenant, Eastern, and United Northern is available on the Conference YouTube Channel.
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New Waves UCC Breaks Ground
According to Associate Conference Minister Rev. Cheryl Burke, on October 10, 2023 "The rain clouds couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of those gathered for the New Waves / Habitat for Humanity low income housing community groundbreaking. New Waves UCC has followed the Spirit's lead in finding a ministry that is greatly needed in the community. Building for others before building their own sanctuary has created energy for this growing congregation."
New Waves UCC began envisioning housing for low income families over six years ago. Included in the 3 houses being built this winter, one will serve as a home for the church and the pastor they are searching for. The congregation is thrilled to know that New Waves will have a physical location from which all its community ministries can take place. If you would like additional information about how to support New Waves UCC you can connect with Betsy Dole, Moderator
P.O. Box 5152
Traverse City, MI 49696
Watch TV 7&4 News story HERE
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We Want to Hear from YOU!
Use THIS FORM to share news with the Michigan Conference UCC!
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The Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniel, Michigan Conference Minister
2023 Preaching Schedule & Worship Visits
Nov 5, 2023 Preach - First Congregational Church of Rockford, Rockford, MI
Nov 12, 2023 Preach - St. Paul UCC, Taylor, MI
Nov 19, 2023 Preach - First Congregational UCC, Alpena, MI
Nov 26, 2023 OFF
Dec 3, 2023 Preach - St. Paul’s UCC, Grand Haven, MI
Dec 10, 2023 Preach - Ada Congregational UCC, Ada, MI
Dec 17, 2023 Preach - Plymouth UCC, Grand Rapids, MI
LINK TO ALL 2023-2024 DATES
Contact Lisa@michucc.org to schedule a visit
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Conference Transitions
The Conference Transitions feature will now appear in the monthly Michigan Conference Newsletter. Please share your transition information, including church anniversaries, with commmunications@michucc.org
Searching Churches
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First Congregational Church, UCC in New Baltimore is searching for a part time pastor. Details
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First Congregational UCC in Onekama is searching for a full time pastor. Details
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Clinton UCC and Saline St. Paul UCC are searching together for a full time pastor to serve both churches. Details
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For a complete list of searching UCC churches in Michigan click here
Church Closing on Sunday Nov 5, at 3:00pm the Congregational United Church of Christ of Hart, MI will host their final community worship celebrating 155 years of ministry.
New Calls
- The Rev. Korderro Brown was called as Pastor at St. Paul's UCC, Warren on October 29
Upcoming Ecclesiastical Councils
- Sun Nov. 12, 2023 3:00pm Nina Trump St. Paul UCC/DOC, Dearborn Heights
- Sun Dec 3, 2023 3:00pm Kristen Metcalf Salem UCC, Farmington
- Sun Jan 21, 2023 3:00pm Selma Massey Grosse Pointe Congregational Church, Grosse Pointe Farms
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Apply now as a Distant Scholar Fee: $3,306 The CTS audit fee is $321
Individuals that are not CTS students who are taking the UCC History and Polity class for ordination may audit the course and have the professor write a recommendation letter.
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National UCC News, Events, and Resources | |
Retired Clergy Boundary Training
November 6, 2023
5:30pm - 8:30pm ET
Led by Rev. Tara Barber, Rev. Melanie Oommen, and Rev. Anissa Glaser-Bacon of the MESA Team.
REGISTER HERE
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Laying on of Hands during the Historic Installation of UCC General Minister and President
Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson was installed as UCC General Minister and President of the denomination on Friday October 20, 2023.
You can watch the Worship Service HERE
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UCC Creation Justice Webinar
Wednesday November 8, 2023
1:00pm - 2:00pm ET
Panelists will provide a critical assessment of the greenwashing and corporate capture of UN Climate Conference, and they will also cast an alternative vision and pathway forward
REGISTER HERE
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Government Incentives for Churches to Lower Electrical Bills and Reduce Fossil Fuel Use
Churches can reduce fossil fuel use by making the most of government incentives. Churches receive federal money for the purchase of solar panels or heat pumps. Check out the UCC’s new solar resource page which explains why almost every church would save money by going solar.
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Online Learning Resources
The Damascus Project offers online professional development opportunities for UCC clergy and theological study and leadership training for lay people.
As well as searchable resources for children, youth, family, and multi-generational faith formation.
Click to learn more about course offerings and to register
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Native/Indigenous American and Alaska Native Heritage Month Resources for 2023
Building Faith has compiled a list of resources to support churches as they uplift Indigenous American and Alaska Native histories in November.
Please utilize the books, podcasts, videos, articles, spiritual practices, and church resources to support the continued learning of your congregation to amplify these voices from historically silenced communities.
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With much gratitude for the abundance of talent, treasure, and time that those reading this continue to share with God and neighbor. The Michigan Conference UCC is blessed beyond measure to be your ministry partner, and it is our hope that you and your families and your local churches will find hope in the ways that we are connected and in covenant with one another. Wishing you and yours a peace and joy filled November. Thanks be to God. | |
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