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Jul 01, 2026

 

“Re: July 4 Prayers of Preparation” by Lillian Daniel

This month’s issue of the Monthly Conference Newsletter holds details on Leadership Lunch, Rev. Daniel’s preaching schedule for the summer, and an important message from Associate Conference Minister Rev. Cheryl Burke. July’s issue also shares details of the upcoming annual meeting for the Michigan Conference. Registration begins July 1st, with early bird pricing ending on August 1st. Register today for Annual Meeting.

 

Jun 17, 2026

 

Pastor and Leader Resources for the 250th Anniversary of the USA & Mitten Project Summer Event Details

Read June 2026 Faith Formation Newsletter for information about the Summer Event for the Mitten Project, get book recommendations about Pride month, and more faith formation resources for your ministry!  Also included is a free downloadable resources for pastor and leaders over the Fourth of July holiday, including ways to celebrate the 250th Anniversary.

 

Jun 03, 2026

 

The Future of Open And Affirming, Call to Annual Meeting 2026, and a Recap of the Clergy Retreat

June’s issue of the Monthly Conference Newsletter has resources from the Open and Affirming Coalition, a recap on the Clergy Retreat, and information on upcoming trainings, webinars, scholarships, and the official “call to meeting” for the Annual Meeting of the Michigan Conference. 

 

Jun 03, 2026

 

Mitten Project, Damascus Project, and Networking Opportunities for Families

The May 2026 Faith Formation Newsletter has exciting updates for the Mitten Project, faith formation resources for the whole family,  and information regarding upcoming networking opportunities for parents and CYF leaders. 

 

May 11, 2026

Disaster Readiness and Response Among Michigan Congregations: Resources Available

Springtime in Michigan is known for bringing four different kinds of weather in one day, but this year, spring has brought volatile weather patterns, severe storms, and rising waters around much of Michigan. The May  2026 Conference Newsletter focuses on disaster readiness and response planning for clergy and congregations specifically. Read this issue for free resources, clear instructions in emergencies, and contact information for the Michigan Conference Disaster Response Coordinator. Learn more about resources for clergy care and formation, such as the Clergy Retreat being held May 27-29 at Tower Hill Camp and Retreat Center. 

 

Apr 22, 2026

 

Eastertide and Spiritual Renewal: Stepping Into Spring with the Michigan Conference

The April 2026 Conference Newsletter shares the exciting news of the upcoming Clergy Retreat May 27-29th at Tower Hill Camp and Retreat Center. This year’s theme is “Rage, Release, and Being Real” and is led by UCC clergy and Michigan Conference Staff. Registration discounts for MIDs (members in discernment), new pastors, and clergy new to Michigan along with support scholarships are available. Free Webinars regarding fundraising and stewardship are available as well; an upcoming boundary training event hosted by Associate Conference Minister Cheryl Burke is scheduled for June. 

 

Mar 25, 2026

 

Mitten Project: April’s In-Person Spring Event & Easter Resources For the Family

The March 2026 Faith Formation Newsletter shares Easter resources for the whole family, as well as important details for upcoming trainings and the first in-person event coming in the Spring of 2026 for the Mitten Project. Information regarding upcoming youth trips for the summer of 2026 include an important announcement about the German partnership and trip details. 

 

Mar 06, 2026

Lent In Time of War

This month’s newsletter shares a reflection from Conference Minister Lillian Daniel on the response of the church in the wake of unprovoked violence. Palm Sunday Path is unfolding in Michigan as an event of public witness and nonviolent resistance.  Congregational resources for your ministry are abundant; learn more about upcoming Mitten Project trainings, upcoming Association Spring Meeting information, new grants available to support clergy education, stewardship webinars, and details on the upcoming Women of Michigan UCC retreat event.

Feb 27, 2026

Lenten Resources Courtesy of the Mitten Project And Details on April’s In-Person Spring Event

The February 2026 edition of the Faith Formation Newsletter shares Lenten Resources from the Mitten Project, as well as important details for upcoming trainings and the first in-person event coming in the Spring of 2026 for the Mitten Project. Jenn Ringgold also provides a wonderful recap of the Michigan Conference Winter Youth Retreat, hosted by Haslett Community Church. Also in this month’s issue is information about the Leadership Fellows Program, designed for students entering undergraduate education, which includes a scholarship, annual retreat, and an international cross-cultural experience.

 

Feb 05, 2026

Tools, Books and More Books – For Your Ministry

This month’s newsletter featured two exciting reads for your ministry. One has been around for some time and was featured in February’s Leadership Lunch. The Black Utopians by Aaron Robertson is a reflection “on a diverse array of Black utopian visions, from the Reconstruction era through the countercultural fervor of the 1960s and 1970s and into the present day.” This novel showcases, among other things, a well-known and highly regarded UCC Congregation known as the Shrine of the Black Madonna. While diving into the journeys of several individuals, Robertson shows the power of the enduring fight against systemic racism.

Among an array of congregational resources, upcoming Mitten Project trainings, and new grants available to support clergy education,

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