Make sure to "View Entire Message" to see all the March News! | | bringing Michigan Conference UCC pastors and churches closer together and closer to God | |
Lent In A Time of War
By Lillian Daniel
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When I tell people that I grew up moving around the world as a child, they often ask if I was a military brat or a missionary kid. I was neither, but given my father’s career and my own behavior at times, I will own the title of “journalist’s brat.” My father’s own professional titles included “foreign correspondent,” “war reporter,” and “international editor,” but he always referred to himself as “just a reporter,” meaning one who shows up and then simply reports on what happened, just the facts. Younger generations of journalists would question my father’s ideal of objectivity, and as he moved toward his retirement years, he began to see why, as news outlets stopped trying to even pretend to be objective or even honest, creating what my dad called “yeller journalism,” a phrase he would then find himself yelling in outrage to his own television screen, or to me, whenever he watched the news.
Once retired, he was offered and he accepted a chance to openly give his own point of view in print. His last published piece before his death was an editorial in the Chicago Tribune on the brutality of war, for he had covered so many in his lifetime. With my father’s constant back and forth trips to combat zones from Asia to the Middle East, my childhood was a lot like the military brats and missionary kids who worried about their parent’s safety. Before our family ever had enough time to move from fear to relief, it seemed like my dad would already be packing for his next trip, putting himself back in harm’s way, which is exactly what happened after 1979, when the hostages were taken in Iran.
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Had my father’s travel schedule been slightly different, he could have been one of the Americans who was captured, as his journalist friend and colleague was. Perhaps it was some kind of survivor’s guilt that haunted him into wanting to be there himself in Iran to cover the story, to be one among the throng of faceless and faithful reporters pressing at the gates of the embassy, to seek the truth and be a witness.
Today, we don’t need to leave our homes to be a witness. We can see things we are not present for and speak to people who are not sitting in front of us, through the gift of technology. There is so much power in this relatively new human ability to learn and see what is happening around the world, in real time. And sometimes that same power feels like a curse of saturation, sucking our segmented society dry of any independent thought, crushing creativity in the name of keeping up with the news as told by those with whom we probably already agree, or at least can tolerate.
The good news is we are all connected like never before to enormous amounts of content that anyone can share. And the bad news is like unto it. No wonder we are fatigued by the news. No wonder we measure out our reactions of horror, lest we sit staring in despair at our screens with no energy left to simply be in each other’s company. No wonder we wonder which issue of the day deserves a witness, a repost, a letter, a protest, a silent prayer or all of the above, on this, our Palm Sunday path.
For followers of Jesus, war is always a cause for grief, repentance and prayer. Every single person in the world is a child of God. Violence at the hands of other humans is always to be both grieved and cursed. Violence at the hands of drones and machines is still death and loss for those being attacked. Violence that we did not choose or vote for is to be cursed even more, even when, and perhaps especially when, it pits us against others in the Christian church. Beware the blasphemers who try to make the Christian Church the captive of any one nation, race, regime or ruler. They have not read the Bible.
In the holy season of Lent, I long to see the hope of Easter ahead, while standing seriously against the suffering of the world right now. Lent leans toward Easter every year but Lent will also be back. The seasons of the church calendar come around year after year for a reason. We are cyclical creatures, but we do not have to be cynical ones.
Our ability to feel pain, suffering, anger and compassion is a gift from God that can feel like a burden, only if we forget that Jesus did it before us. When we really recall his suffering and sacrifice, it puts our own fears and failings into perspective. Like Jesus, we are called to live the Lenten reality of resistance to death all the way to the cross, while seeking the signs of new life in the many acts of love, humanitarian aid, diplomacy, peacemaking, protest and protection that continue, often quietly, beneath the headlines, in the Easter victory that Christ has already won.
May the Peace of Christ be with you,
Lillian Daniel
Michigan Conference Minister,
United Church of Christ
| | Learn more at our March 4th Leadership Lunch | |
| A Call to Action: Palm Sunday Path (March 29th @3pm) | |
Palm Sunday Path Resources
A broad coalition of clergy, congregations, denominational leaders, and faith-based organizations has launched the ""Palm Sunday Path"" initiative. As Christians, we stand for healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and welcoming the stranger. We stand for telling the truth and honoring the dignity and worth of every child of God. We will meet on Palm Sunday at Pilgrim UCC (Lansing) to process to the Capitol building for an ecumenical service with guest speakers, song, and prayer.
Register to attend the March 29th procession.
Informational Meeting: March 4th @ 6pm
This online-only informational meeting will cover logistics for the event on Palm Sunday. Please be advised that the online meeting may be recorded for instructional purposes; participants can keep their camera off throughout the meeting, if desired.
Register for the online Informational meeting on March 4th.
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Immanuel Scholarship Application
The Michigan Conference UCC funds seminary and multiple path opportunities for Members-in-Discernment through the Immanuel UCC-Detroit Scholarship Fund. Apply now for 2026-2027 funding. NEW in 2026 - ONLINE APPLICATION and scholarship details.
Application Deadline for MIDs and Continuing Education Applications is May 1, 2026 at 5:00pm
ONLINE 2026 APPLICATION
| | | Faith Formation & The Mitten Project | | |
Calling High School Students! Apply now to be part of a UCC Youth-Centered Week of Advocacy in Washington D.C. June 14-19, 2026.
Application deadline EXTENDED to Sunday March 8, 2026 at 9:00pm.
Learn more and Apply here
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Mitten Project Spring Event
April 18th, 2026 10:00AM ET
FREE, Full-Day event from 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lunch is included for all participants registered by Friday April 3, 2026.
Programming will be designed for people of all ages to engage in worship and prayer with children in nature. Intergenerational group activities in the morning include orienteering and vernal pool exploration. The afternoon includes lunch, storytelling, and a collective afternoon worship experience centered around baptism on the shore of Lake Michigan.
We will be outdoors for all activities except lunch, please dress for the weather!
Tower Hill Camp and Retreat Center 12173 Tower Hill Rd, Sawyer, MI 49125
Onsite lodging is available on Friday and/or Saturday night for those who indicated a desire for lodging and are registered by Friday April 3, 2026. Lodging costs are covered for 2026 Cohort Church participants.
| | Your congregation is invited to participate in all remaining FREE, 2026 Mitten Project Events. | | This 5-year program invites congregations to engage children and families in ways that deeply connect faith practices and community so that all of us, in each generation, can leave church more deeply connected with the spiritual and ready to find the sacred in our everyday lives. | | |
The Michigan Conference has received a grant of $1,250,000.00 from Lilly Endowment Inc. for the Michigan Conference Mitten Project.
If you have questions about funding or programming related to the Mitten Project, contact Program Director, Jenn Ringgold. jenn@michucc.org 517.258.2165
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Stewardship: "Understanding Your Why” March 25th, 7:30p
Being able to effectively communicate your purpose as a congregation is a vital step in animating generosity.
Join Rev. Kent Siladi and Rev. Wendy Vander Hart to explore why your “why” connects to giving and processes to help you discover and effectively communicate it.
| | Additional Conference News | |
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The Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniel, Michigan Conference Minister
Upcoming Schedule & Worship Visits
March
8th: Cleveland, OH Council of Conference Ministers
15th: Seattle, WA Pacific Northwest Conference UCC Keynote
22nd: Preach - First Congregational UCC, Harrison
29th (Palm Sunday) Preach - St. James UCC, Saline
LINK TO 2025 - 2026 DATES
Contact lisa@michucc.org to schedule a visit
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Conference Transitions
The Conference Transitions feature appears in the monthly Michigan Conference Newsletter. Please share your transition information with commmunications@michucc.org
Searching Churches
- St. John's United Church of Christ in Grand Rapids is searching for a part-time pastor Details
- First Congregational Church of Muskegon is searching for a full-time senior pastor Details
- First Congregational Church of St. Joseph is searching for a full time Children, Youth and Family Director. Details
For a complete list of searching UCC churches in Michigan, click here
Installations
- Union Church will celebrate the Ordination and Installation Service for Melanie Johnson on April 19th, 2026 at 3pm, located at 206 W Randall St Tekonsha, MI 49092
In Memorium
- The Rev. Reginald Lancaster died on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the age of 84. He was ordained into ministry with the United Church of Christ in 1967 and served congregations in New Jersey, Maine, Connecticut, and Flint, Michigan during his extensive time of ministry. Additional details about his life and ministry can be found here.
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Yearbook Due April 10th
Learn more about what is needed for the Yearbook HERE. The last day for churches to report their yearbook information is April 10th. Please submit your data as early as possible to avoid delays if you need assistance.
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General Synod Delegates:
Save the Date
All General Synod Delegates, please mark your calendars and save the date for a Special General Synod Meeting to be held on May 9th. Information and details are forthcoming. Thank you!
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Maintaining healthy boundaries is challenging at any stage in ministry and it is particularly tender and difficult attending to boundaries as we transition out of our last call, and while in retirement. "A Sure Foundation", "The Ministerial Code" and Rev. Dr. Bruce Epperly's new book, "The Jubilee Years" along with case studies, will provide the content of this training. Rev. Tara Barber and Rev. Melanie Oommen will offer this focused Boundary Awareness Training for those entering and living in retirement.
Note - This training completes individual requirements for boundary training ONLY WHEN authorized by a local Committee on Ministry. Participants must be able to use zoom chat and breakout room functions and have their camera turned on throughout the training. Register today.
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Tax Exempt Status Questions For Churches
As churches navigate the responsibility for answering questions about tax-exempt status, please see the letter from Heather Kimmel, General Counsel at the National Setting of the UCC, and reach out to MC staff for questions.
| | | | | Local Church, Mission Area Team, and Association News | |
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March 22nd @ 2pm - The Southwest Association will meet for its Spring Meeting at Portage UCC, 2731 W Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49024.
April 12th, 3-5pm - The United Northern Association will be held at First Congregational Church, 218 W. 2nd St. Gaylord, MI 49375.
April 25th, 9am-1pm- The Detroit Metro Association will meet for its Spring Meeting at Hope United Church of Christ, 35127 Garfield Rd. Clinton Township, MI 48035.
April 26th @ 3pm - The Grand West association will hold its Spring meeting at First Congregational Church, 301 W Washington St, Belding, MI 48809.
May 2nd @ 9:30am - The Covenant Association will hold its spring meeting on Zoom.
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Vital Growth Ministry Area Team
Are you interested in church vitality? Has your church done innovative things to connect with the people in and around your community? The Vital Growth Mission Area Team would like to connect with you. We are looking for people interested in sharing time, resources, and ideas with Michigan Conference UCC churches.
Shared resources include: Grant funds, Faithful and Welcoming, Open and Affirming, New Church Development, and Lay Leadership Development.
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If this is something you or someone you know would be interested in, please contact Rev. Greg Watling (920-472-9172) — chair of the Vital Growth Mission Area Team or Rev. Dr. Lawrence T. Richardson — Associate Conference Minister for Church Vitality and Transitions, for more information.
“The Vital Growth Mission Area Team is directed to strengthening and revitalizing local congregations and clergy. It will assist local congregations and clergy in social networking, evangelism, marketing, and promotion of the U.C.C. identity. It will assist congregations in addressing growth issues. The Vital Growth Mission Area Team will initiate new church starts.” -Michigan Conference UCC Bylaws, Article VIII, Section D
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Douglas UCC Retreat House Available for Clergy for the 2026 Season
Whether for a quiet, personal retreat or as a cozy space to connect with loved ones, DUCC’s Retreat House is waiting for your visit this summer. This historic 19th century parsonage has been updated for your comfort with three bedrooms (one Queen/4 Twins) and 1.5 baths, plus a modern kitchen and washer/dryer.
Centrally located, Retreat House is walking distance to both Douglas and Saugatuck, as well as the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan. Delightful shopping and dining await!
| | All donations welcome. For more information or to reserve your stay, Email DouglasUCCRetreatHouse@gmail.com | | |
LGBTQ Stories is an event on Monday evening, March 9 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at The Corner (280 W. Muskegon Ave. Muskegon). The panel discussion will be telling stories of their experiences within local congregations and synagogues. The "Faith Allies" Committee's goal is to widen the community's understandings of the very real joys and tensions and traumas of living and being true to their authentic and God created selves within faith communities. See the LGBTQ Stories Event Flyer for more information.
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We Want to Hear from YOU!
Use THIS FORM to share your
joys, concerns, news, events, and resources
with the Michigan Conference UCC!
| | | | Wider-Church UCC News, Events, and Resources | | Park Church Offers Scholarships for UCC Pastors | Anyone involved in ministry or church leadership is eligible to apply. This may be a pastor serving a congregation, a hospital chaplain working on a certificate, a church musician or a religious educator participating in professional development or continuing education. In the ecumenical spirit of the Fetty’s, the scholarship is open to people across Christian traditions to apply. The submission Deadline for a 2026 Grant is May 31, 2026. | | Brown Endowment Scholarship for Prepared and UCC Pastors | |
The Brown Endowment Scholarship is now independent of the Common Application beginning with the 2026-2027 application cycle. Exciting times!
Applications for the Richard and Helen Brown Endowment for Church Leadership will open on December 1, 2025, for the 2026–2027 academic year.
The submission deadline is March 2, 2026.
| | The United Church of Christ Musicians Association has been serving UCC church musicians for over 30 years, and they aim to expand services to as many churches as possible over the next few years. For more information, visit the UCCMA website, and Read the letter from the UCCMA. | |
UCC Webinar: Leaves of Healing (Only for Some)—Trees, Churches, and Redlined Neighborhoods
Creation Justice Ministries has released a new downloadable resource for churches just in time for Earth Month. The new resource is entitled "The Canopy of Creation: Trees, Faith, and the Work of Justice." The resource invites us to consider the following truth: in many cities, tree canopy follows the same fault lines as historic redlining. Neighborhoods that were denied investment generations ago are often the same neighborhoods with fewer trees today; neighborhoods experiencing higher temperatures, poorer air quality, and greater vulnerability to flooding. Learn more about this issue and the new resource available to churches in this webinar in which we will hear from Derrick Weston, the Director of Theological Education and Formation at Creation Justice Ministries. Even if you cannot make the live event on Wednesday, March 18th at 1 pm ET/10 am PT, still register, and we will send you a recording. Register today!
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Does your church need a website? Or maybe you have one, but it’s outdated?
UCC Everywhere (UCCE) is a program at the national setting of the United Church of Christ that builds easy-to-use, affordable, and modern websites for local churches. Their team helps you get everything set up so there’s no hunting for the tools and programs you need. Knowing that many churches have tech-savvy members, you can either put in the content yourself or work with our team for an additional fee to finish the setup. They also have tutorial videos to teach you how to make changes and offer ongoing customer support.
Check out the UCCE website for First Congregational UCC of Onekama then visit ucceverywhere.org to learn more or reach out to Customer Support Specialist, Aidan Spencer, via email at ucceverywhere@ucc.org or phone at 216.736.2185
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Planned Giving: A FREE Resource To Create A Will
Through our partner FreeWill, you can create or update your will in about 20 minutes, completely free and fully
secure.
You'll also have the option to include a legacy gift to your congregation, Michigan Conference UCC, or another charity as a lasting act of love that ensures your faith continues to shape lives long after your lifetime.
Your gift costs nothing today, but creates a legacy of compassion, justice, and hope for future generations.
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