517-258-0038 | Thank you for your support as we care for the UCC clergy and churches in Michigan.
517-258-0038 | Thank you for your support as we care for the UCC clergy and churches in Michigan.
Church News You Can Use
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.
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,
A Letter of Response To the Events Occurring in Minnesota
Michigan Conference Leaders Lillian Daniel, Lawrence Richardson, and Cheryl Burke share the grief and frustration voiced by clergy and faith leaders across the notion in this month’s Conference Minister newsletter.
As stated by the National platform:
“The United Church of Christ joins the faith community in strongly condemning the on-going actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement as it continues to bring death and violence to the streets of Minneapolis. The use of lethal force on unarmed and non-threatening individuals continues to result in loss of life and injury…”
Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson
General Minister and President/CEO, UCC
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