Weekly Information & Resources
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Families First Coronavirus Response Act & CARES Act Response
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Please visit the
Michigan Conference UCC website
for the latest information on the FFCRA and CARES Act Response, along with information on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and other resources.
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May 19, 2020
Zoom Cafe:
Children, Youth & At-Home Faith Formation During COVID-19
May 12, 2020
Zoom Cafe with Rev. John Dorhauer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uWwVMZLTfs77YX8_he9gKbw4QyUn3hy1/view?usp=sharing
April 29, 2020
Zoom Training with Conference Staff - Rev. Cheryl Burke & Rev. Calandra Nevenzel
Password: 4R=GR$76
April 21, 2020
Federal Grants/programs with Rev. Phil Hart & Rev. Charles Kuchenbrod
https://zoom.us/rec/share/_5RpCI6u81hIeafhtlvZdvM_N9jFX6a8hyUfq6ZezEDbZc7R6gbMjM1xwaJ_So0
March 26, 2020
Zoom with Dr. Lisa Withrow
https://drive.google.com/file/d/153tFl6t6eRswz7af0pqXeSswlRl24hq-/view
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An Important Message from
Transitional Conference Minister, Rev. Phil Hart
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An Important Update:
Flooding Due to Dam Failures in Midland
and surrounding towns
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Flooding of the Tittabawassee River, including dam failures that emptied Sanford and Wixom lakes on Tuesday May 19 and Wednesday May 20, caused destruction and devastation of many homes, businesses, and properties in Midland County and surrounding areas.
The United Church of Christ, Midland building and structure were not affected by the flood waters, but our congregation had 11 individual families with substantial water damage. Countless members of the church served throughout the community in various ways to help provide housing, donations, relief and clean-up for thousands in the aftermath. The effects of this will be with our community for many months to come.
The church staff has been overwhelmed by the care and support shared already from Michigan churches throughout the Conference. We are grateful to know that we are not alone.
As our entire region continues to assess damages and move forward, we appreciate your continued support and prayers. Human resource and supply donation needs are being generously met within the community, and to continue to keep people safe, we ask that physical distancing be taken seriously during this disaster amidst the ongoing pandemic. The best way to offer help, and for us to accept it, is through your prayers and financial contributions to help those individuals and families in need. If you or your local church would like to contribute to our efforts please contact
janet@uccmidland.org
.
Continued prayers are appreciated.
In God’s peace,
The United Church of Christ, Midland
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GATHER WITH US ONLINE FOR "LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR IN QUARANTINE"
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Even though our ability to gather in person has been delayed, we are able to continue the work of Jesus during these times. In looking to the beautiful example of resilience and wisdom exhibited through the migrant experience,
we will gather together on Sunday, May 31 at 4 pm EST / 1 pm PST.
We will be led by Natalia Serna, Foundations of Faith and Jesus, and Rev. Rhina Ramos. Join us in this commitment to the love of neighbor both in quarantine and at all times as we engage in the conversation in real-time.
This video premiere and conversation will take place on Facebook, but you do not need a Facebook account to watch the video. Simply
click on the link
to watch live or after it airs.
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Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020
12:30 p.m.
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Friends,
Please mark your calendars - we have a Zoom Cafe planned with Dion Williams, Director of Faith Based Affairs, Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, State of Michigan - for Tuesday, June 2nd @ 12:30 p.m.
A Zoom Invite has been sent via email to all churches & authorized clergy. If you did not receive a Zoom Invite and you are interested in taking part in the Zoom - please email Lisa at
lisa@michucc.org
.
Thank you!
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Rebuilding Roots
World Refugee Day: An Evening of Music and Storytelling
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Dear Friends,
Please join us on
June 21st
as we honor
World Refugee Day
with an evening of music, poetry, and storytelling. To ensure your safety and to help stop the spread of COVID-19, we will come together via an online platform to celebrate our refugee and immigrant neighbors.
Performers will share stories and music that touches on the concept of Rebuilding Roots and how it relates to those who seek refuge and safety in new lands. The event is free to attend, and donations will go towards supporting the work of
CWS Jersey City
.
If you are an artist or have a story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Please
sign up here
!
What: Rebuild Roots: A World Refugee Day Evening of Music and Storytelling
Where: Online - Link to be shared!
When: Sunday, June 21st 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Tickets: Free event! Suggested donations.
Unable to come to the event but want to show your support?
Donate now
!
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“I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God
while I have being.”
These words from Psalm 104 may challenge us in these
anxious and uncertain times.
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And yet, why not?
There is lots to lament in the restricted lives we are leading. There are things we won’t be able to do this summer. Kids will miss on the experiences of overnight camps and canoe trips. Plans for family trips have been set aside. We haven’t even been to a restaurant for weeks and weeks.
And these are the concerns of the fortunate ones of us who are healthy, who have not lost dear ones to COVID-19, and who don’t take our lives in our hands by risk of exposure in our daily work. These are the concerns of those of us who have homes to sequester in.
Lots to lament, and lamenting certainly has its place. There is plenty of lament in the psalms, but it comes alongside these expressions of gratefulness and praise. Lamenting by itself doesn’t do much to lift our spirits.
There are two things that I love about this line from the psalm. One is that it calls us to the positive. The other is that it turns our attention to God… reminds us that there is a presence greater than ourselves that we can turn to.
And there are many positives in these times.
Beginning, in a world where we are unable to look to distant places or events for our fun, with being forced to notice the blessings right at hand. A family meal can feel special when no one is rushing off. Neighbours have more time to stop and chat – from a distance of course. I know I am not the only one improving my bread making skills, and so far I have spent three Sunday evenings baking delicious treats with a Zoom group from church.
Even though most of us complained when it snowed in Toronto in the middle of May, the magnolias, the crab apples, and now the lilacs have been so lovely this spring. I am not sure if they are truly more lovely than usual, or if they just seem that way because it is such a relief to see the beauty of the season unfolding in a time when so much feels different. Either way, (why analyze it?), they bring joy.
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Yesterday my neighbour called to tell me that there was a fawn in her flower garden right at the front of the house. Of course I went right over, and there was a tiny creature, maybe just a day or two old, a sweet, tender symbol of the renewal of life. It brought to mind for me the line from a beloved hymn that tells us that God sees even a little sparrow that falls. (The fawn was there all day, but later when I went over in the dark to check, it was gone. Its mother, who had left it in that safe place all day, had come back and led it somewhere else for the night.)
We had another simple joy in our family yesterday when my niece shared her son’s excitement at losing his first tooth!
Yes, I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. Or at least I will do my best!
Blessings,
Nora
Nora Sanders is General Secretary of The United Church of Canada.
Subscribe
to the General Secretary's letter, "Note from Nora."
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WORLD PREMIERE DEBUT -
"TOGETHER WE'RE STRONG"
An original song, written for NYE
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We may not be able to gather in person this year, but we know without a doubt that God's love for us remains and we are stronger than we have ever been.
This original song, written for NYE, is an uplifting symbol of unity in these extraordinary times. In it, we are reminded:
we have wisdom, purpose, and youth
. We are here for a time such as this.
This amazing video features the faces of youth and young adults who were volunteering and helping to plan
NYE2020,
as well as some of the adult volunteers and staff from Justice and Local Church Ministries. You might even see another face or two that you recognize!
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"Together We're Strong" is written and performed by Tracy Howe Wispelwey. Instrumental performance and production are by Aaron Strumpel. It is mastered by David Wilton.
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Have you checked out the Spotify
playlist yet?
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Your NYE team has spent weeks curating the perfect playlist for NYE Unite! event – including featured artists and tunes from some of the most beloved artists today. This working repertoire is the ideal way for you to connect during the pandemic and elicit in yourself a renewed sense of
resilience
,
courage
and
faith
.
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Listen today and share with your community.
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Social Media for Social Distancing & Virtual Worship
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As society begins opening up again, many of us still face uncertainty. The prospect of remaining distant from those in our social circles, especially with many churches not returning to regular, in-person worship services yet, is a source of great anxiety for some.
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That's why we have developed a series of free digital resources, including images and social post content for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This is our fourth and final edition of this content collection. We hope you found these content assets helpful as more and more ministry is done online. The United Church of Christ regularly shares helpful content, information and resources through our social media channels. Follow or subscribe to the UCC wherever you are active!
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Is Your Church Confronting the Sin of Racism?
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by Rev. Anna Golladay
In less than one month, we have watched the lives of black men and women be violently taken by others who perceive themselves to be in authority. We have watch a white woman call the police on a man who kindly asked her to leash her dog in an area where it was required. We have been humbled by the lament of black and brown voices who are crying out "how much more, Lord?" We have experienced marches, sit-ins, and protests – many in this new time of physical distancing. We have taken to our social media accounts to share our pains and seek resolution.
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Are you, as a person of faith, doing more than watching and responding from your keyboard? Is your congregation, as a living, breathing manifestation of Jesus, confronting the sin of racism and white supremacy in real and tangible ways? If not –or just not yet – then Convergence would like to offer some practical ways that you might engage in this work.
This list is not comprehensive, nor is it enough. But it's a start for you, and for the many who are struggling to figure out what to do, how to do it and more importantly, why you should.
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Create a book study in small groups
– There are resources in the world that are ideal for you and your congregation as you engage in conversations around race. Have more than one small group reading at the same time – that way the groups are small enough for honest conversation, but your entire community is engaged in the same work. Here are some of my personal favorites:
- How to Be an Antiracist –Ibram X. Kendi
- White Fragility: Why It’s so Hard for White People to Talk About Racism – Robin DiAngelo
- I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness – Austin Channing Brown
- Between the World and Me – Ta-Nehisi Coates
- Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor – Layla F. Saad
- Anxious to Talk about It: Helping White Christians Talk Faithfully about Racism – Carolyn B. Helsel
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Commit to preaching on racism more than at times when the world seems to be talking about it
– Your role as leaders of faith calls on you to engage in difficult conversations at all times, not just when the media is blaring it. It may be uncomfortable for you and your congregation, but the more you discuss hard things, the more you will be expected to. It might sound trite, but if Jesus were to preach in your congregation on a consistent basis, would he allow his message to lose its punch or be worried that he was saying things that were hard to hear?
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Provide a list of important voices that your congregations should be following on social media
– With as much time as folks spend on social media, encourage...
READ MORE
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Space For Grace WithoutWalls UCC, Lansing
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VETERANS IN TOUCH WITH VETERANS
For LGBTQ+ VETERANS AND VETERAN ALLIES
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Lyrics created for Memorial Services & Veterans Day in response to
Desert Shield and Desert Storm Experience 1990-1991.
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Please join us in common mission, vision, and purpose by taking up the Strengthen the Church offering on May 31, 2020
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Dear Poor People's Campaign Faith Leader,
We write to invite you to our final Prophetic Council call before the June 20, 2020 Digital Mass Poor People's Assembly and Moral March on Washington. On our call Bishop Barber, Rev. Theoharis, and Campaign leaders from across the nation will share updates on the program and plan for June 20 and ground us spiritually for the struggle ahead.
We will meet over Zoom June 4th at 7:30pm ET.
Please register for the call here:
In the spirit of love and justice,
Rev. Dr. Alvin O'Neal Jackson (Executive Director Mass Poor People's Assembly and Moral March on Washington, June 20, 2020)
Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner & Dr. Adam Barnes (Co-coordinators PPC National Faith Team)
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Citizens for Prison Reform
has been proud to participate in
National Prisoner Family Month
in honor of all those who have been impacted by incarceration.
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Our final National Prisoner Family Month event is on
Sunday, May 31st.
We invite you to join us for a live screening of our documentary, Locked Out: The Impact of Prison on Families. There will be a Q & A featuring families in the film following the screening. Attendees on Zoom can participate in the live Q & A!
You can view the event details below or click
here
.
CPR is currently conducting a survey on solitary confinement. If you or your loved one has experienced solitary confinement we ask that you please consider taking the appropriate survey below. We want to hear from those who have experienced solitary confinement firsthand and their families!
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Just a reminder, you can find important Covid-19 updates on our website
here
. We have also listed events and movements below to help those impacted by incarceration and their families during the Covid-19 pandemic that you can support by simply signing a letter or petition online.
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Thursday, April 23, 2020
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Thursday, January 9, 2020
September 18, 2019
April 22, 2019
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Courageous Faith Summit:
FREE
Lifetime Access
from the
Michigan Conference UCC
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a virtual gathering
of people of faith
and moral conscience
- 10 days
- 40 dynamic presenters
- 25+ hours of content
- 100% online
The Michigan Conference UCC has purchased a Lifetime Access; please use the link below to your own virtual gathering of people, of faith and moral conscience:
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Important Instructions:
- Follow the link
- Scroll to the bottom of the page
- Click "Enroll in Course for FREE"
- Fill out Form
- EnterCode: 2020SUMMIT4EVER
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UCC Disaster Ministries
https://www.ucc.org/disaster
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- https://www.ucc.org/coronavirus
- https://www.ucc.org/daily_covid_19_brief
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