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.
We can all offer hope and healing 

"One of our greatest strengths as a United Methodist Church, is our connectionalism," says Bishop Deborah Kiesey. She calls churches to take an offering on Nov. 11 for UMCOR Advance #901670.... READ MORE 

Meet Jesus in the corner booth

Sycamore Creek United Methodist Church now has a satellite campus. Pastor Tom Arthur describes the start-up of church in Grumpy's Diner. "I'm like an old-world Methodist circuit rider," the pastor says.... READ MORE

Hospitality shared inside and out
"Jesus goes to the door and knocks," says Grand Traverse District Superintendent Anita Hahn. She considers ways to be “radically hospitable ... when God opens up the door."... READ MORE


Top ten ways to love neighbors
West Michigan is one of seven conferences participating in the Immigrant Welcoming Congregation program of the General Board of Church and Society. Learn how you can come face to face with justice.... READ MORE
  
Confirmation a Super Sunday focus
Super Sunday leadership training event sponsored by the Lansing District from 2:30-5:00 PM at Holt United Methodist Church, November 11, is focused this year on growing vital churches. An important key to vital congregations is life changing ministry with youth. ... READ MORE

Church Planting 101
This two day workshop is intended for pastors and laity who are exploring their call as a new church pastor. Nov 12 - 13, DeWitt, MI. READ MORE and REGISTER

Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner
We invite you and your membership to come and share the annual Thanksgiving Day Community Dinner held on November 22nd from noon to 2 p.m. at Washington Heights UMC in Battle Creek. ... READ MORE
Lake Michigan Camp Site Director
The West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church is taking applications for year-round part-time Site Director for Lake Michigan Camp near Pentwater, Michigan on Lake Michigan. (www.lakemichigancamp.org). Resumes with references due December 1st to Naomi García, naomi@wmcumc.org or by post Camp Search, PO Box 6247, Grand Rapids, MI 49516. READ MORE

Organist and/or Choir Director Position
Marshall UMC is seeking January - June interim positions for Choir Director and Church Organist. Resume deadline is November 15. Email to marshes2@sbcglobal.net or mail to MUMC Staff Parish Relations Committee, 721 Old U.S. 27 N., Marshall, MI 49068.

Handbell ringers
Schoolcraft United Methodist Church is looking for a few good handbell ringers! We have a 3+ octave set of handbells and handchimes, but not enough people to ring them all. We are putting together a Community Handbell Choir to play special music at churches in the Schoolcraft/Kalamazoo area. If you have an interest, please call Vince Wheat, Director of Handbell Music at Schoolcraft United Methodist Church at 269-679-4501.
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What we can all do right now
Volunteer for recovery efforts in New York and New Jersey. Pack cleaning buckets for the UMCOR Depots. Here are ways to love your neighbor as the northeast continues to clean-up following Super Storm Sandy.... READ MORE

What would John Wesley say?
Pastor Andy Bryan reflects on the recent Judicial Council ruling on guaranteed appointment. He believes that true change will begin locally, "even as old systems and unchanging structures are drowning in the flood."... READ MORE

Cokesbury to close retail stores
After years of declining revenue, the United Methodist Publishing House announces the closing of 57 stores across the country. Cokesbury will live on with enhanced internet and call center sales.... READ MORE

New leader for Connectional Table
The Rev. Amy Valdez Barker has been named executive secretary of the Connectional Table, providing administrative leadership for the body that coordinates the mission, ministry and resources of The United Methodist Church. ... READ MORE
Gratitude expressed for welcome 
On behalf of the Michigan Area Episcopacy Committee and the Area Office staff, we want to thank every one of the more than 800 people who attended one of the Welcome Events....  READ MOREHow to How
A young adult reflects on VCI
Good things are happening at Lake City United Methodist Church. One young woman tells how she is involved in her church's efforts at transformation, with mission trips to South Dakota to a Bicycle Rodeo back home. ... READ MORE
Global ideas for Advent
Advent Wreath Lighting Devotion 2012 ... READ MORE


Chuck Knows Church
A fun and informative weekly series about stuff in church ... READ MORE

Field guide network
Young People’s Ministries (YPM/GBOD) is initiating the Field Guide Network – an online community (www.fieldguideumc.org) that will allow youth and young adult ministers to connect and mentor each other; supporting each other in wisdom and love. ... READ MORE.
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