Mitten Project Spring Event

Saturday April 18, 2026

10:00am - 3:00pm

Tower Hill Camp and Retreat Center

A full day of activities to build relationships and work together as pastors, parents, caregivers, children, youth and Children, Youth and Family ministry leaders to nurture children in worship and prayer. This event is themed around The Gift of Baptism. We will spend time in nature storytelling, orienteering, exploring vernal pools, and experiencing God along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Lunch is included. Event is free, but registration is required by April 3, 2026

2026 Michigan Conference Mitten Project Lenten Resource

“A psalm is a song that we sing to God”

Psalms of Wonder can be used all year long, but by using the Free Resource Kit for churches, we will highlight a weekly Lenten Psalm on social media each Monday for your reflection.

02.16 - Psalm 51

02.23 - Psalm 121

03.02 - Psalm 95

03.09 - Psalm 23

03.16 - Psalm 46

03.23 - Psalm 118

03.30 - Psalm 36

If Teaching Kids About Easter Feels Awkward, Read This Blog post by Meredith Miller - Kids + Faith Substack

This is the Mystery of Easter Children's Book by Amelia Richardson Dress

Details I Won't Skip When it Comes to the Easter Story Blog post by Sarah Swartzendruber - Zippee Kids Substack

Youth Ambassadors Trip to Germany Cancelled for 2026

Applicants and their families have been notified, and we are sharing with the Michigan Conference the disappointing news that our plans for a Summer Youth Ambassador trip to Germany in summer 2026 have been cancelled. 

This decision was made with much discernment and prayer from our German Partners in Greifswald and the leadership of the Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche in Norddeutschland. 

Due to many factors, including resource allocation and politics impacting the region of Germany where our partners live, upcoming elections in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern have absorbed local resources more than expected this year, and we have been asked to shift planning for this trip for the next couple of years.

While it is sad and disappointing that the world economy and events have impacted our planning, this decision was made with care and deep reflection. It is so important that we all use our time, energy, and resources in ways that have been prayerfully discerned for this moment.

We are grateful for the efforts of our German Partners to uplift the humanity and dignity of all who live in their states. You are invited to pray for the leaders and members of the Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche in Norddeutschland and their pursuit of a just world for all​ through faith advocacy.

Last Chance to Apply for a Summer of Advocacy Trip to D.C.

Apply now to be part of a UCC Youth-Centered Week of Advocacy in Washington D.C.  

https://www.ucc.org/youth-voices-bold-faith/

Who: High school students who will complete 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade Summer 2026

Where: Washington D.C.

When: June 14 - June 19, 2026

Registration Cost: $250 (includes lodging, ground transportation, meals, and programming)

Travel logistics and cost to get to and from Washington D.C. are the responsibility of accepted applicants. The Network of Wider Church Youth Ministries (NOWCYM) will work with accepted applicants to connect with their local church, association, and conference to support the cost of attendance.