Meet Our Team
Conference Minister
The Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniel
(517) 332-3511 Ext. 204
lillian@michucc.org
The Conference Minister is responsible for the spiritual care of our clergy and 146 congregations. Since starting July 1, 2022, Dr. Daniel has focused on encouraging, equipping and connecting our Michigan churches in Christ's love and justice. Learn how the pandemic shaped her sense of call in this article and contact Lisa@michucc.org to schedule an event.
Associate Conference Minister
Rev. Cheryl Burke
Staff Person to: Vital Growth MAT
(517) 332-3511 Ext. 210
cheryl@michucc.org
The Associate Conference Minister has a primary responsibility with the Vital Growth Mission Area Team: including church vitality and new church start efforts. She assists Local Churches in the Search and Call process and serves as a representative to Covenant Association, Eastern Association and United Northern Association Committees on Ministry and Executive committees.
Grand West Association Minister
Rev. Ruth Fitzgerald
(517) 332-3511 Ext. 207
ruth@michucc.org
Rev. Ruth Fitzgerald has served as Area Conference Minister for the Grand West Association since 2019. The ACM provides support and resources to churches and clergy in the association. Currently that includes search and call, giving representation to the association council and committee on ministry, and facilitating collegiality between clergy. Ruth works part-time (quarter-time) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Southwest Association Minister
Rev. Calandra Nevenzel
(517)332-3511 Ext. 209
swaminister@michucc.org
The Southwest Association Minister's role is to serve in guidance and leadership of the 18 churches and Authorized Clergy of the Southwest Association. Her primary responsibilities are to work with the SWA Church and Ministry Committee and Council to build relationships between local churches and the wider church, and to serve them as a resource person and representative from the Michigan Conference UCC.
Acting Finance Director
Karen Wheeler
Conference Administrator & Registrar
Lisa Soulliere
(517) 332-3511
Ext. 204
As Conference Administrator, Lisa assists the Conference Minister with her calendar - scheduling preaching and meeting requests. She also serves as Conference Registrar and assists all six (6) Michigan Conference UCC Associations with administrative work in the UCC National Data Hub, Clergy Training Compliance, ordination/installation announcements, etc. She assists the Michigan Conference UCC Board of Directors, Mission Area Teams, and is a member of the Annual Gathering Planning Team. Lisa works in the business office and with outside sources on property management; both in-office and building concerns. She has been a full-time employee of the Michigan Conference UCC for over 25 years and enjoys working with our Churches, Clergy, and Lay Volunteers.
Search & Call
Merrilyn Vaughn-Hoffman
(517) 332-3511 Ext. 208
merrilyn@michucc.org
The Search and Call Coordinator receives ministerial profiles, sends as requested to search committees, lists pastoral vacancies with the national office and assists the Area Ministers in implementing the Search and Call process. I work 18.5 hours/week, working in the office on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:30-4:00.
Program Associate for Youth Ministries
Jenn Ringgold
(989) 631-1136
jenn@uccmidland.org