News & Events in Our Conference

Mini-grants for the West Michigan United Methodists from the Shalom Center for Justice and Peace are still available. They are offering eight competitive mini-grants of up to $250 to local churches to develop projects to further the causes of justice and peace at the local level. For complete information, visit the Shalom Center here or submit request via email to peacemaker@shalomlansing.org.  

The Shalom Center for Justice and Peace, a United Methodist ministry located in the Lansing District, offers opportunities for education, action and spiritual fellowship concerning justice and peace at all levels: the person, church, community, nation and globe.

Columbian Methodist Church VIM Teams

The Colombian Methodist Church of South America is seeking teams to assist them in responding to needs in Colombia. There will be an Exploratory/Work UMVIM team led by Rev. Nick Elliott of the Southeastern Jurisdiction, September 23-30, 2008.  We will be working on a project to house teams that will be working at the Brisas de Mar Clinic and the next two projects are Sincelejo and Cali Churches. This 10 person work team will be among the very first to work in this new initiative with the Colombia Methodist Church, the General Board of Global Ministries and UMVIM.  The three- prong response includes water for the community, health care and building structures.  If you are interested, please contact Nick Elliott (sejinfo@umvim.org, 404-377-7424). Since this is a quick priority costs are incomplete, but will be ready soon. This area is on the other side of Colombia that FARC has been operating and Bishop Cordona assures security will not be an issue.

Helping Hand Scholarship 2008

The Helping Hand Scholarship has been established for local church and foreign communicators. The United Methodist Association of Communicators Officers and Members fund the scholarship. It will aid the recipients in broadening their exposure by allowing them to network and work closely with industry experts. This relationship will foster training and exposure to cutting edge technological advances unique to the field of communications.  The recipients will experience an up close and personal look at theological and practical perspectives of convergent communications. Each Scholarship Recipient will have an assigned mentor for the duration of the annual meeting.

For more online information and begin the application process, please go to the General Board of Discipleship’s website at www.GBOD.org/UMAC-Helping Hand Scholarship, E-mail information: cdandridge@gbod.org ; or, to receive an application packet, contact:

United Methodist Association of Communicators

Scholarships Committee Chairperson

Mrs. Carolyn W. Dandridge

General Board of Discipleship

Communications & Branding Strategy

P.O. Box 340003

Nashville, TN  37203-0003

UPCOMING EVENTS

Family Systems
5/22/2008

A new family systems peer group begins in Grand Rapids for four monthly meetings, May through August. The 1^st session is May 22^nd, 9 am to 1 pm. Bring your own lunch (BYOL). The group will focus on learning and applying family systems theory to participant’s own faith and lives. For more information and to sign up contact Naomi García at naomi@wmcumc.org or 888 217 1905 ext. 322.

NC Jurisdictional Conference
7/16/2008
 

CURRENTLY SHOWING…Works by Robyn J. Bomhof
7/17/2008
in the Grand Rapids First Church Art Gallery until July 31, 2008. Please stop by during the following business hours: Monday, Wednesday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Tuesday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm, and Sunday 8:30 am - 10:00 am. Located at First United Methodist Church – 227 East Fulton St, Grand Rapids.

 For more information on UMCOR – Haiti Hot Lunch visit the Michigan Area Haiti task force website (click photo for web link).

Save the Date: The United Methodist Community House will host "Crowns", July 27, 2008, 5:00 PM @ Circle Theater (Aquinas College Campus). "Crowns" is a moving and celebratory musical play in which hats become a springboard for exploration of black history and identity, as told through the experience of a young black girl who has moved south. Characters use their "crowns" to tell tales about everything from the etiquette of wearing hats to their historical and contemporary social function. Gospel music underscores and supports the rich, engaging narratives.

Please join us for a reception, silent auction and this very inspirational performance. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds will benefit the United Methodist Community House.  For more information, please call Anita Christopher, (616) 452-3226.

"Expressions of Grace"
7/30/2008

The School of Congregational Development sponsored by the Joint Committee on Congregational Development will be offered Thursday, July 31 to Tuesday, August 5, 2008, at two dynamic congregations: St. Luke’s UMC in Orlando, FL and Cornerstone UMC, in Grand Rapids, MI. Using a satellite feed, Plenary Sessions will be simulcast to participants at both sites. An interactive website will allow participants to connect to each other.

Multiple tracks include

v      Turn-Around

v      Emerging Worship

v      Congregational Developer Think-Tank

v      …and more!

The United Methodist School of Congregational Development is an annual event aimed at helping annual conferences and congregations "grow the church" through new congregational starts and the strengthening of existing congregations. Go online at www.scdumc.org to sign up for this exciting experience or contact Registrar Deborah Carvin toll-free, 877-899-2780 Ext. 7051, or dcarvin@gbod.org.

Local Disciple Bible Study Training Seminars
8/8/2008

August 25, 2008, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Castleton UMC, 7160 Shadeland Ave., Indianapolis, IN.

Join editor and compiler Elise Eslinger and your colleagues in worship ministries for a singing, dancing, praying journey through the new Upper Room resource which is helping to enliven, deepen and transform worship in congregations, small groups and gatherings of all kinds.

Registration fee $60. Includes the Upper Room Worshipbook, lunch and other materials. Questions? Email Sharon White at swhite@sicumc.org or click registration form and hotel list.

Sustaining Pastoral Excellence
9/18/2008

Clergy Leadership Training Program ? Fall 2008 - Spring 2010

Facilitating Healthy Pastor-Congregation Relations, Richard Blackburn, September 18, 2008, St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt, MI, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Currently the church is experiencing something of a crisis in the pastorate system. Clergy morale is at an all-time low, with pastors under attack like never before. The net result is an increasing incidence of involuntary pastoral terminations, which leave a lasting legacy of pain in congregations. Such a trend can only be reversed if the church is willing to reexamine some of the ways that the pastorate system has functioned in recent years. Click here for additional information and registration form. Or, registrations also available on-line at: www.spe-stfrancis.org.

Conference to build connections for health ministries
9/21/2008

Sunday, September 28, 2008 from 2:30-5:00 P.M. at University United Methodist Church, 1120 S. Harrison Rd. in East Lansing.

This great FREE training event for Christians has relocated to the Lansing District and is bigger and better than ever!  Our theme this year is "Breath of Fresh Air. Blowing open the doors of ministry."

On tap this year will be a fabulous 20 minute keynote presentation by dynamic David McKnight from McKnight Leadership Associates from St. Paul, Minnesota followed by 16 simultaneous 90 minute workshops led by world class leaders on subjects guaranteed to equip you for more effective Christian ministry and service.

Bring a van-load or a bus-load from your church.  Invite your friends.  Energize your service for Christ.  You won't want to miss this!  If you come early, enjoy the awesome praise music led by the Praise Team from Holt UMC in the University UMC sanctuary beginning at 2:00 P.M.

Click here for complete information. Questions? Contact Glenn Wagner at pastorglenn@acd.net or 517 694-8168, or Holt UMC, 2321 N. Aurelius Rd. P.O. Box 168, Holt, MI 48842

Grand Traverse District "Main Event"
10/4/2008
Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations with Bishop Robert Schnase, bishop of the Missouri Area of The United Methodist Church. While he was Senior Pastor of First UMC of McAllen, TX, it was recognized for congregational growth, bi-cultural ministry, young adult ministry and committment to mission. Previously, while pastor of Wesley UMC in Harlingen, he received the Circuit Rider Award for Church Growth and the Denman Evangelism Award.

"All God's People"
10/13/2008

 a faith formation event hosted by General Board of Discipleship, Family, Life-Span, and Latino Ministries Team at the GBOD, October 13-15, 2008. Click here for details or for more information contact Melanie Gordon, Director, Younger Children's Ministries, Family, Life-Span, and Latino Ministries Team, Discipleship Ministries Division GBOD - The United Methodist Church at www.gbod.org/ministries/children, 877.899.2780 - ext.1762.

3-day workshop to help church find voice on immigration
10/13/2008

2008-2011

Laity and Clergy of the Ecumenical Community are invited

The Community

A community of 50-60 persons covenant together to encourage their spiritual growth. It is an intentional community for deepening the spiritual life, opening us to the Spirit and offering a variety of spiritual paths and specific practices for the journey. It provides a space apart for silence and solitude to experience the divine alone and in the presence of community. Mealtimes, presentation discussions, free time, and browsing in the gift shop allow time for conversation, recreation, and deepening relationships. Speakers are drawn from a variety of denominational backgrounds and chosen because of their proven effectiveness in presenting the various topics.

Retreat Dates for 2008: October 24-26

Cost

The sixth Covenant Community will be meeting at The Retreat Center at St. John's at 44011 Five Mile Road in Plymouth, MI. On the site there are several gardens, a labyrinth, a chapel, meditation rooms, exceptional food service and air-conditioned private rooms with private baths. Check out The Retreat Center at www.TheRetreatCenter.org. For further information or to have a brochure mailed directly to you, please feel free to contact Martha Martin at 313-885-3974 or marthamartin25@msn.com. We would like everyone to be able to attend. If finances are a problem we will assist you in seeking scholarship resources. Other financial options are available on a limited basis.

Blessed to Be a Blessing
10/24/2008

Registration has opened for "Blessed to Be a Blessing: Christian Education for the 7th Generation with Preaching from the Center," a conference of Christian Educators Fellowship (CEF) and Preaching from the Center (PFC). The conference will take place October 24-27, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Albuqerque Convention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico . Entire ministry teams are encouraged to attend together, as the conference is designed for both clergy and laity, professionals and volunteers, preachers and those involved in any kind of educational ministry. Full conference details are available at http://www.cef2008.org

Web Site Workshop
11/1/2008

First United Methodist Church, 400 S. Main, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

Saturday, November 1, 2008, 9:00 - 3:00 p.m., $40 per person (includes lunch)

Learn how to begin a Web Site, how to maintain the Site, and the do's and don'ts of creating the Web Site. Cheryl Hemerle, General Conference UM Communications and workshop instructor,  would like to receive our questions and concerns now so that she can prepare her seminar to Michigan Area needs. Please direct any questions to one of the following: Mary Fox at mlquig@yahoo.com, Jim Searls at jrs@macatawa.org, Pat Helmer at PatriciaHelmer@aol.com, Felicia Reevers at fd_reevers@yahoo.com, or Ellen Johnson at quincyumc@charterinternet.com , subject line: Website Workshop. Click here for additional information and registration.

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE
Christian Education Material for Sale
CONTACT:
Cornerstone Church has an assortment of Christian Education study guides, books and cassette tapes available on a first come, first served basis. A table of the available resources is available on the Weekly News attachment, or contact Bonnie Anderson at Cornerstone, 698-3170 ext. 1028 if you’re interested.

FOR SALE
Roll Top Sound System Cabinet for Sale
CONTACT:
Millville United Methodist Church has a ‘HSA’ Rolltop Sound Cabinet that was used for only two years. It is made of oak and is in mint condition. A picture and description can be seen at www.hsarolltops.com under gallery. The model is Roll Top Custom Sound Desk. We are asking $2000. For information please call Millville UMC 517-851-8853.

FREE ITEMS
Color Toner for Magicolor 2200
CONTACT:
Minolta brand color toner cartridges for QMS Magicolor 2200/2210 printer. One each C,Y,K. Free. Please e-mail locumc@centralchurchisalive.org if you are interested.

HELP WANTED
Chaplain for the 2010 Boy Scout of America National Scout Jamboree
CONTACT:
Clergy interested in serving as a Chaplain for the 2010 Boy Scout of America National Scout Jamboree contact Ray Marshall, rayandrosanne@verizon.net or 269-496-7993. 2010 will be the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Primary qualifications include being a UMC pastor active or retired. Candidates need to be in Excellent Physical Condition and have an interest in the spiritual well being of Scouting youth and Scout Leaders in an outdoor setting. Ethnic minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

HELP WANTED
Youth Minister Position
CONTACT:
Spirit-filled and energized person with youth ministry training or experience who will coordinate and lead our active youth program at Community United Methodist Church of North Muskegon. Please contact the office (231-744-4491) or email (blynch4199@aol.com) for a complete job description and application. Salary & Hours negotiable!

HELP WANTED
Director of Lending Library
CONTACT:
Director of Michigan Area Resource Center (MARC), an audio-visual and music lending library to United Methodist churches and affiliated agencies in Michigan, http://marc-web.org/ . The director will be responsible for maintaining a system for local UM churches to utilize resources in ministry including: research and selection of resources, cataloging, circulation, publicity, membership development, financial management, newsletter publication, and website updates. The ideal candidate will have excellent customer service and organizational skills with ability to function well independently and within a team environment. Please send cover letter and resume by August 1 to: West MI Conference United Methodist Church, Attn: Valerie Mossman-Celestin, P.O. Box 6247, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6247 or post electronically to valeriem@wmcumc.org.

HELP WANTED
Part-time Administrative Assistant
CONTACT:
Christian ministry near Ferris State University in Big Rapids is looking for a part time administrative assistant. Ten hours a week. $7.15 per hour. Applicants should possess a vibrant Christian faith and strong computer skills. Please send resumes listing references and programs with which you are familiar to Rev. Vaughn W. Thurston-Cox, ferris.wesley.house@gmail.com not later than July 25.

HELP WANTED
Part-time Administrative Assistant, Schoolcraft UMC
CONTACT:
Administrative Assistant for Schoolcraft United Methodist Church located 8 miles south of Kalamazoo. Part time position, approximately 16 hours per week. For job description, please call the church office, 269-679-4845, Monday - Thursday, 9 am-Noon. To request an interview, email Bruce Vincent, SPRC chair, bruceavincent@aol.com.

HELP WANTED
Ministry Coordinator
CONTACT:
WILLMAR UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (MN) Recruit, equip, train and support volunteers in a variety of ministry areas. Position requires the ability to vision, motivate, lead, organize, and communicate. Excellent interpersonal relations skills and a strong commitment to the Christian faith in the United Methodist tradition are essential. 40 hours/week. Call 320-235-5403 or e-mail office@willmarumc.org for full job description; cover letter and resume (with references) can be e-mailed to the church. http://www.wumcpublic.org/

HELP WANTED
Youth Coordinator
CONTACT: Mike Melcher sumcoffice@sbcglobal.net (269) 429-5911 5506 Ridge Road
Looking for a part time Youth Ministries Coordinator working with middle school and high school youth. Flexible schedule - 20 hours per week. Salary is negotiable.

HELP WANTED
Conference Director of the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church
CONTACT:
The Conference Director shall: 1) Interpret the vision and mission of the West Michigan Conference; 2) Link administrative and program ministries; 3) Supervise Conference Council on Ministries staff and link full-time and part-time Conference staff, with emphasis on enhancing the ministry of local congregations; 4) Coordinate the ministry of the Conference Council on Ministries and provide linage among the various entities of the Conference 5) Serve, in consultation with the Bishop, as the Conference communicator to public media and other entities within and beyond the Conference; 6) Promote area, jurisdictional and general church ministry; 7) Serve as a member of the Cabinet; 8) Any other duties given by the Book of Discipline to a Conference Director or equivalent position. ***Clergy and laity are encouraged to apply*** Deadline: July 21, 2008. Mail resumes with cover letter (introducing yourself and stating your reason for applying for this position) to: Rev. Gerald F. Hagans, P.O. Box 6247, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6247. For more information, please contact Rev. Gerald F. Hagans, Chairperson of Conference Personnel Committee, 231-755-1767. Email: francis1491@aol.com.

HELP WANTED
Genesis UMC Youth Minister
CONTACT:
Genesis UMC has an opening for a paid, part-time Youth Minister @ 10-12 hours per week. Youth Minister will be responsible for designing and presenting content for weekly Sunday youth group meetings for adolescents in grades 7-12. Please respond to Martha York at Genesis UMC: myork@genesisumc.org 616-974-0400. www.genesisumc.org.

ITEMS WANTED
Housing needed
CONTACT:
Needed immediately: clean, safe, low-cost housing preferably in the area of General Hospital in Muskegon, MI for a third year medical student, son of Rev. David McBride of the Leighton UMC, Caledonia, MI.  The student would be willing to do groundskeeping work as part of his rent.  Non-smoker, quiet, industrious young man.  Please contact Rev. or Mrs. David McBride at 616-891-1646.

DEATH NOTICES (within the last month)

Dale G Beck
DIED: 7/13/2008 BORN: 2/9/1931
Dale G. Beck, father of Rev. Eric Beck, pastor at Central UMC, Lake Odessa died on Sunday, July 13, 2008.(ebeck@centralchurchisalive.org)   A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 2 pm at the Estes Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel, 2121 N. Cedar, Holt, MI. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 16 from 6-8:00 pm and 1-2:00 pm Thursday, July 17, at the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Lansing and Ionia in memory of Dale Beck.

Jack Fitzgerald
DIED: 7/6/2008
Rev. Tom Pier-Fitzgerald's father, Jack Fitzgerald, died early Sunday morning. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday at the Cadillac United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Thomas Ball and Parish Assistant Judy Coffey. Internment will be at West Union Cemetery near Big Rapids. Visitation will be 6–8 PM Tuesday at the Hitesman–Holdship Funeral Home Cadillac. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity or United Methodist Church.   Cards may be sent to Rev. Pier-Fitzgerald and family at 83 W. 18th St. Holland MI 49423  

Robert Dennis Burr
DIED: 7/3/2008
Prayers for the family of Robert Dennis Burr, who passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2008.  He was the son-in-law of Reverend Don and Florence Vuurens and the husband of Diana (Vuurens) Burr.  He leaves a son, Alex and his mother, June Burr. Funeral Services will be held 3:00 pm on Tuesday, July 8, at the Mona Shores Baptist Church (3800 Lake Harbor Rd). Visitation is on Monday, 5:00 -8:00 pm at the Walburn Chapel Sytsema Funeral Home (1547 W. Sherman Blvd. in Muskegon).   Condolences can be sent to Rev. Don Vuurens and family at 4125 Wilson Beach, Twin Lake, Michigan 49457