517-258-0038 | To care for UCC clergy and churches in Michigan.
517-258-0038 | To care for UCC clergy and churches in Michigan.
Church News You Can Use
Dear Colleagues,
Our 2026 Annual Meeting is just around the corner. Our Annual Meeting of the Michigan Conference United Church of Christ will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 2nd and 3rd, 2026 with a focus on justice and vitality. It will be held at First Congregational Church UCC of Grand Blanc.
Our Annual Meeting will kick off on Friday morning with workshops. In the afternoon, more workshops will be offered, along with a plenary session by the Colossian Forum. Friday evening will feature an ecumenical panel discussion facilitated by our Conference Minister, Rev Dr Lillian Daniel. Saturday will include hearings for resolutions, worship, and a session with our keynote speaker, Rev. Michael Neuroth from the UCC Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington DC. Rev Neuroth will also take part in the panel discussion on Friday evening.
For those arriving on Thursday, we will have a mixer at the People’s Church of Flint from 6-8 pm. Like last year, our two days together will be full and will include vendor tables, childcare, and time for relaxation and fun. Registration forms will be available soon. Be sure to note the early bird rate. Several lodging options will be available.
We hope you will find time to connect, share stories, and inspire one another. As we come together, I hope you will be reminded once again how important our covenant is to one another. Our hope is that the information and energy shared will help you grasp the power ofGod within our communities to drive change, even in the face of uncertainty, injustice, and conflict. We’re sure you will be encouraged, enlivened, and strengthened for the challenging journey of ministry that lies ahead.
“Some trust in chariots, some trust in horses, but we trust in the Lord our God.”
(Psalm 20:7)
See you in October!
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Diane Baker
Moderator, Michigan Conference UCC
Senior Pastor, Bethel UCC Waterford
Antoinette McGarvin
Secretary, Board of Directors
Michigan Conference UCC
Registration will be available soon!
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.
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.
Hello Dear Colleagues,
SAVE THE DATE! The 2026 Annual Meeting will be located in central Michigan and will be held on October 2-3, 2026. Details will be announced as they become available.
Yours in Christ,
The Michigan Conference Annual Meeting Planning Team
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.
As we journey through holy week, a special Holy Week newsletter is now available, featuring an article from our Conference Minister, Lillian Daniel.
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
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.
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.
Sign up to receive our newsletter.
