Peacemaking at Haslett Community Church: Jan 31 - Feb 1, 2026
Wider-church youth ministry is a beautiful exploration of autonomy and covenant, the epitome of peacemaking. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" ~ Matthew 5:9
When young people come together from churches that are as unique and different as they are, it is lived experience for how much we need each other across our communities, associations, and this beloved Michigan Conference. It is in moments like this that we see our connections unite us across our differences within the entire United Church of Christ.
34 middle and high school youth and 13 adults leaders participated in the 2026 Michigan Conference UCC Winter Youth Retreat at Haslett Community Church. I am extremely grateful for the hospitality of HCC, who allowed us to inhabit their space for a full 24 hours, sleep in every available space downstairs, fed us extremely well, and welcomed us to worship with them on Sunday morning.
It is always the goal (and the challenge) to make new friends at wider-church events, and while one overnight is not very much time, many fast friendships were formed. It is extremely brave for young people to trust the adults in their lives when they say let's drive to a strange place, meet strange people, and do strange things (Noodle Ninja??), in the name of church. It never ceases to amaze me how much fun we have when they share their courage and time to do so!!
A morning of introductions, games, and a quick activity of coloring outside the lines, was followed by an afternoon of service, contemplative, and creative stations. We made 40 birthday kits for the onsite Food Pantry at HCC, brainstormed ideas for ways our churches might "hatch" new ministries, and shared priorities for faith advocacy. Exploring Psalms of Wonder, Lectio Divina with the Sunday morning scripture, and free writing set us up for time to color mandalas, snow paint, play with playdoh, and make diamond art stickers.
Our evening activities designed to wear us out fully were two hours of Rollerskating followed by collective bonding over generous encouragement for three pizza delivery folks racing to bring us our evening snack. Everyone wins GOLD during the Pizza Olympics!! We were all thankful to not be sleeping on a gym floor this year, and woke up ready for a group picture with our personalized banner and a worship service that tied everything from our time together so beautifully, including our art gallery of imperfection and thinking outside of the box.
While adult leaders reminded youth that they "can try anything for 15 minutes" and to "seek discomfort" the youth boldly proclaimed that they were up for the challenge simply by showing up. Our Michigan Conference UCC is overwhelming blessed by the young people who attend our churches. May we remember to keep them at the center of our ministries and help them build the peaceful world they seek.
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