West Michigan Conference Weekly News.  Church Office: Please print and post for your members without email. Email content for Weekly News here no later than 5:00PM on the Friday prior to publication.  Story ideas and comments may  be emailed to Markd@wmcumc.org.  Events and classifieds may be directed to valeriemcelestin@gmail.com.
UMCOR ready as Sandy strikes 

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, UMCOR is helping people cope with their loss and fear. You can help with gifts to U.S. Disaster Response/Hurricanes 2012, Advance #901670. Or text the word RESPONSE to 80888 to give an immediate $10 donation.... READ MORE 

Appointment guarantee upheld

The 2012 General Conference acted to eliminate guaranteed appointment for elders. On Oct. 27 the denomination's top court struck down that decision and reasserted job security for clergy.... READ MORE


Dollars for camp make disciples

Many churches are in the final weeks of building a budget for 2013. Have you included a line item for camp scholarships?... READ MORE

West Michigan receives e-news award
The West Michigan Conference was recognized last week for Excellence in Communications at the Annual Meeting of the UM Association of Communicators in Arlington, VA. ... READ MORE.

Student Day benefits Adrian student
Every year The United Methodist Church supports many students’ education through gifts to United United Methodist Student Day offering. Student Day recipient Emily Hoffman is a student at Adrian College. ... READ MORE

All voices needed for healthy dialogue
"I am acquainted with sexism in the church," says the Rev. Laurie Haller in her most recent blog. She reflects on a newspaper article that carried her picture but not her words. "My picture was there, but I was invisible,"... READ MORE
  
A Night of Family-Friendly Fun
Georgetown UMC (2766 Baldwin Street in Jenison) welcomes River City Improv (RCI) on Sunday, November 11 with a dinner at 5pm followed by the show. RCI weaves skits, games and songs with audience suggestions to create a unique experience. Admission is free but RSVP is required by calling the church office at 616.669.0730, responding on the church Facebook page  or by email to Scott at Scot@GUMonline.org. Click here for flyer.

Super Sunday features vital worship
Super Sunday 16, the free open to the Public Christian leadership training event sponsored by the Lansing District from 2:30-5:00 PM at Holt United Methodist Church on Sunday, November 11 is focused this year on growing vital churches. READ MORE

Save the date: Walter Brueggemann
Georgetown United Methodist Church in Jenison will host Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann and United Methodist Bishop William Willimon on January 25 and 26 2013. More details to follow! For more information, email Scot Miller at scot@gumonline.org READ MORE

Explore Jubilee living
Kim Tan, Ph.D., a venture capitalist who attempts to live out Jubilee economics, will be the featured presenter at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary’s Pastors Week, January 28–31, 2013, in Elkhart, Ind. Details are available at www.ambs.edu/pastorsweek or by calling 574.296.6269. READ MORE

A retreat for clergywomen with  Bishop  Keisey
West Michigan and Detroit Conference Elders, Deacons and Local Pastors are invited to register for a time away with Bishop Kiesey at Lake Louise Retreat Center, Boyne Falls, MI, February 4 - 5, 2013. Time will include worship, getting to know Bishop Kiesey, and sharing our dreams for women in ministry. Register at www.lakelouisecommunity.org. Questions? Contact Rev. Deb Johnson, debjohn386@aol.com. READ MORE
Two advocacy agencies chart new course
New bridges of hope may be built as two general agencies--the Commission on Religion and Race and the Commission on the Status and Role of Women--begin conversations about aligning their work. ... READ MORE

Click and support a farmer's family 
10-Fold is an interactive global gathering. This week the focus is on Fair Trade. Your buying choices affect the lives of people living in poverty. Visitors can trigger a $1 donation to the week’s project, simply by... READ MORE
Get plugged in!
MyCom
Intentional relational efforts and constant communication can prevent new members from becoming idle and re-engage those people who have become inactive. ... READ MORE

Parish Paper shares healthy habits 
How to maintain health in a declining population country  READ MORE
 How to How
Loan fund announces lower rates
The Michigan Area Loan Fund of the UMC announces new lower rates for church loans. Effective immediately your church can borrow up to $1,500,000.00 with mortgage rates of only 5.24.... READ MORE or Visit MALF website!
Preschooler enrollment
United Methodist Community House is enrolling preschoolers! We have openings for 3 and 4 year-olds. It’s NOT too late and scholarships are available! For more information, call UMCH at (616) 452-3226.

Organist/Accompanist
Montague United Methodist Church is seeking an organist/accompanist. For a complete job description and application, go to www.montagueumc.com or READ MORE.

Music Director
Concord UMC (south of Jackson) is searching for the next person who will lead their music program. Weekly worship with full band that rocks current Christian music, ancient hymns reinterpreted, and secular classics that speak to our faith story. Please contact Melany at pastormelany@gmail.com. READ MORE
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