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.
Are we making a dent in Haiti? 

Two storms, one named Sandy and the other named Poverty, have ravaged Haiti. Returned from a mission trip to the region, West Michigan's Communication Director, Mark Doyal, offers words of hope.... READ MORE 


Bishop Deb's Advent blessing

With word,song and poetry, Bishop Deb encourages Michigan United Methodists to proclaim with enthusiasm and assurance, "God is with us!"... READ MORE

Michigan team joins relief efforts 
The Michigan Area Disaster Response is deploying an Early Response Team (ERT) to the east coast the week of December 26-30. If you are interested and available, please contact the Rev. Bob Freysinger. ... READ MORE

Give a child hope
Methodist Children’s Home Society has been successfully helping children for 95 years, but now foster children are in dire straits. ... READ MORE
 

Join Primetimers Jamaican jazz tour
They will join voices and instruments, making beautiful music in and around the Browns Town and Stewart Town Circuits of the MCCA in Northern Jamaica. World Beat Connection Jamaica will be held February 12-18. READ MORE
What lies ahead? 
The second of two CALL FORWARD events takes place Dec. 15. Register now and determine the future course for Conference and District Youth Ministries in West Michigan. Help develop young leaders.... READ MORE.

Radical Hospitality Seminar
Dr. Walter Brueggemann and Bishop Will Willimon dialog on Radical Hospitality: Israel, the Church and the other. Friday – Sunday, January 25-27 at Georgetown UMC.  Click here for brochure/registration form. Click here to view and print the poster for your congregation. For more information contact Scot Miller at Georgetown UMC 616.669.0730 or scot@gumonline.org.

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Now he's keeping order in heaven
A faithful pastor, extraordinary parliamentarian, and wonderful friend of the West Michigan Conference, the Rev. Ward Pierce went home to God on December 2. He is remembered with respect and love.... READ MORE 

The Ubuntu spirit is alive at AU
A
s ground was broken for the Ubuntu Center at Africa University on Nov. 28, the Grand Rapids and West Michigan Conference were lifted up as examples of how 'connectionalism' works.... READ MORE

Taking steps to get "unstuck"

What does revitalization require? Craig Schroeder, member of the Kalamazoo District Development Team, urges daily commitment to "a more Spirit-led life inside and outside the church."... READ MORE
 
Parish Paper: A season for all five senses
Advent is a time to help worshipers be present to life and to God in new ways. This month's Parish Paper offers tips on taking Christmas into our souls.... Click here for PP pdf download.

The United Methodist Women 'HIGHLIGHTS'
Winter '12 - '13 issue
Click here to read the newsletter online. 


Make giving statements IRS friendly

Please read this important notice about your church's "giving statement" from David Bell, President and Executive Director of the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan. “I want to highlight the importance of making certain that your church giving statements reflect the required language of the Internal Revenue Service. ... READ MORE
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