Gary Step to join Conference Staff

On January 22 Bishop Jonathan Keaton announced the appointment of the Rev. Gary Step to the position of Director of New Church Development and Congregational Transformation for the West Michigan Conference. ...

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Church invites neighbors to "Dump on Us"

Trinity United Methodist Church in Battle Creek thought they had a problem. Then they became part of the Vital Congregations Initiative and discovered what they really had was an opportunity for ministry....

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Bishop Day focus is global health

Bishop Keaton tells us, "Three words sum up the focus for Bishop’s Day 2012. IMPROVE HEALTH GLOBALLY." Just as John Wesley played a vital role in improving health in 17th century England, we can be healers today....

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Think Summer! Sign up for camp!

Camp changes lives! Churches received the 2012 camp booklets in the mail last week. So sign up now for fun and faith in the outdoors at a United Methodist Camp. Scholarships and first-time camper rebates are available....

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A small church with a big heart

White Pines UMC participated in an Advent Conspiracy. The effort raised enough money to bring four food trucks to their neighborhood. Fifty members producing 20,000 pounds of food. That's a gift on a loaves-and-fishes scale! ...

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Health the focus of Conference

The theme of the 2012 Annual Conference has been announced. "A Healthy World: Mind • Body • Spirit" will be held Wednesday, June 6 through Saturday June 9 at Calvin College. Preachers include Dr. Tony Compolo....

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New global health leader coming to Grand Rapids

Shannon Trilli, organizer of the denomination's Imagine No Malaria Campaign, has been named the director of Global Health by The United Methodist Committee on Relief. She will speak at the Grand Rapids District Bishop's Day, March 10....

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Unlocking the status quo

Don't underestimate resistance to change. This month's Parish Paper provides clues to why people dig in during change efforts and how to overcome such opposition....

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