News & Events in Our Conference

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.

German Youth Choir Visits Grand Rapids
7/13/2008

 

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

 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
2000 Chevrolet Extended Passenger Van
CONTACT:
Extended 13 Passenger van with a raised roof in very good condition. 57,000 Miles - $9999. Church owned and dealer maintained. Excellent van for church, school, or camp. Power windows and locks, cassette, rear heat, trailer receiver hitch, very good tires. Ask for Joe: First United Methodist Church Kalamazoo, MI 269-381-6340 or jkonrad@umc-kzo.org.

FREE ITEMS
Magnetic Whiteboard Free
CONTACT:
Oakdale UMC is looking for a new home for their large magnetic whiteboard. Please call MaryLou Fassett at (616)285-4795.

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.

HELP WANTED
Vicksburg UMC seeking Youth and Christian Education Director
CONTACT:
Enthusiastic person to supervise the church's youth and educational ministries - to foster Christian community by building relationships with youth & their families, strengthening their commitment to the church and their growth in faith in Jesus Christ. 30+ hours possible. For further information contact Lisa Beams c/o VUMC, 217 S. Main St. Vicksburg, MI, 49097 or email reception@vicksburgumc.org.

HELP WANTED
Sycamore Creek Worship Leader
CONTACT:
Sycamore Creek UMC is looking for a part-time to full-time Worship Leader who can orchestrate an engaging and creative worship experience for two Sunday morning services.  The Worship Leader will work with a design team to plan the services each week.  Primary responsibilities include:  lead the congregation in worship, lead vocal and band rehearsals, coordinating volunteer musicians, assisting band members in developing their musical gifts.  The position might be full-time if the person has gifts in other areas, such as: media, youth ministry, small groups, and web design.  If leading worship at Sycamore Creek Church sounds like the place God has for you, please contact Pastor Barb Flory at barbflory@sycamorecreekchurch.org.

HELP WANTED
Council of Bishops' 'In Defense of Creation' project manager sought
CONTACT:
The General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) of The United Methodist Church has an opening for a project manager for the “In Defense of Creation” Task Force of the United Methodist Council of Bishops. The project manager will plan, coordinate and provide supportive services to assist in completing hearings across the denomination to provide input for a pastoral letter and foundation document in the defense of creation. The position will be located in Washington, D.C. It requires considerable creativity and initiative to successfully coordinate work across multiple layers of the denomination in the production of an important document and resource that speaks to the whole world. “In Defense of Creation” project is expected to encompass a 36-month period. Target date to fill the position is Aug. 1. The project manager will report to GBCS’s General Secretary. Deadline to submit an application is June 16. The project manager’s primary job functions are as follows: · Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Council of Bishops Task Force on “In Defense of Creation”; Coordinate hearings in episcopal areas across The United Methodist Church to energize the denomination around the issues of pandemic poverty, environmental degradation, and the arms trade; Collect and organize input from hearings held in annual conference, seminaries and congregations across the church; Assist in the production of the “In Defense of Creation” foundation document and pastoral letter; Coordinate with other denomination agencies to develop plans for document release including media strategy, resource production and distribution; and Set and meet goals and deadlines for each portion of the project. The position requires a person capable of managing her/his time wisely and carefully to accomplish a great deal of work. The project manager should have the ability to effectively communicate information and ideas orally and in writing. A minimum 5-7 years experience writing and project management desired. Proficiency in Microsoft applications, data base systems and Internet research is needed. Salary is $72,500. To apply, send a letter of application, resume, two writing samples, three professional and three personal references and a cover letter including your thoughts about The United Methodist Church’s ministry and values by Monday, June 16, to: General Board of Church & Society, Attn: Frances Roberts, 100 Maryland Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002 or send e-mail to froberts@umc-gbcs.org.

HELP WANTED
Director of Children’s Ministries
CONTACT:
Chelsea First is looking for a part time, 15-20 hours a week, Christian Educator. Experience and/or appropriate education in Christian education and leadership. Knowledge and acceptance of the theology of the United Methodist Church. Contact Patricia Helmer at PatriciaHelmer@aol.com.

HELP WANTED
Organist
CONTACT:
300 member United Methodist congregation in Albion, Michigan seeks organist for traditional worship service. Compensation based upon experience. Complete job description available by calling the church office at 517-629-9425 or online at www.albionfumc.org. Send resumes and 2 reference letters to: First United Methodist Church, 600 E. Michigan Ave. Albion, MI 49224. Accepting resumes until position is filled.

HELP WANTED
Director of Student Ministries
CONTACT:
Opening for fulltime Director of Student Ministries at Marshall United Methodist Church. Send resumes and questions to: MUMC 14711 Old US 27 North, Marshall, Michigan 49068, or Rah@umcmarshall.org or check the website for full job description. www.umcmarshall.org.

ITEMS WANTED
‘DEVELOPED’ seeks used digital cameras
CONTACT:
Haitian Artisans for Peace International (HAPI), a ministry of the West Michigan Conference, is seeking donations of used digital cameras, preferably at least 4 megapixels. The cameras will be used by ‘DEVELOPED.’ DEVELOPED is a Youth Photo Club in Mizak Haiti where developing film means developing lives. The youth feel that cameras and training in photography give them hope to develop their own lives, develop their skills and their knowledge, develop their creativity and relationships with other people and with nature, and to ultimately develop the future of their community and country. Net proceeds from the sale of bookmarks and other items created from the photos will go to support the education and basic needs of the youth. If you are upgrading your digital and wish to recycle your old one, please contact Valerie Mossman-Celestin, valeriem@wmcumc.org, or 1-888-217-1905 (w), 1-616-446-9558 (c

ITEMS WANTED
Looking for lake side cottage rental
CONTACT:
Clergy couple seeks to rent lake side cabin (reasonable price) for renewal leave, for month of July 2009. Please contact Joyce Detoni-Hill, former West Michigan clergy, revsdh@kci.net.

POSITIONS WANTED
Need a Choir Director?
CONTACT:
Is your church in need of a gifted Choir Director? Mr. Gary Gardner (2831 Beebe Rd., Niles, MI 49120-9436, 1-269-684-5729) has been Bourbon First United Methodist Church's Choir Director for four years. He has greatly blessed our congregation and our choir with his expertise. He is very personable and skilled. We are sorry to see him go. He lives in Niles, MI and would be interested in working for a church in the South West Michigan area. I can very highly recommend Mr. Gardner to any church. Feel free to contact Mr. Gardner, or myself, Rev. Mark Day, (1-574-342-5765) for further information.

DEATH NOTICES (within the last month)

James Birdsall
DIED: 6/19/2008
Rev. James Birdsall, 2030 Wesley Way, died Thursday, June 19, 2008.   Jim and his wife Ilene, who died in 2006, were long-time residents at Clark Retirement Community since December 1993. Jim was the oldest living United Methodist Pastor in the West Michigan Conference, holding the honorary “Conference Cane”.   A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 28, 1pm, at the Clark Retirement Chapel, with fellowship to follow in the BK Room.   Memorial contributions may be made to the Clark Foundation, 1551 Franklin St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, in memory of James.   Condolences may be sent to his son:   Phil Birdsall 352 A West Columbia St. Mason, MI  48854  

Kenneth Wendell Karlzen
DIED: 6/14/2008
Retired clergy, Rev. Kenneth Wendell Karlzen died on June 14, 2008.  He is survived by his wife, Jane.  Rev. Karlzen served the West Michigan Conference between the years of 1966-2000 retiring from East Lansing Aldersgate UMC in 2000.  He continued to serve at Munith/Pleasant Lake UMC from  December 2005 until July 2006. A memorial service will be held at the Eaton Rapids UMC on Saturday, June 21, 2008 at noon.  Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 AM.  Pastor Daniel Hoffman will officiate with Revs. Willian A. Hertel, Ronald L. Keller, Robert L. Kersten, Richard L. Matson and Douglas L. Pedersen participating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Eaton Community  Hospice or Wet Cell Lung Cancer Research, Dr. Pister, MD, Anderson Hospital, Baylor University, Houston, TX. Condolences may be sent to the family via www.prayfuneral.com His wife, Jane, and their family appreciate your prayers through these two years of struggle with lung cancer.