Equipping, empowering, connecting, and celebrating the churches of the Michigan Conference

One year ago, the moving truck delivered my belongings to Grand Rapids, where we accidentally bought a historic home. Thus began the unpacking and preparation for my new role as Michigan Conference Minister. That first summer, everything in my new garden was a surprise, as I reaped the benefits of gardeners who came before me, both at home and in my ministry. I survived my first Michigan winter, which felt longer than it probably was, since snow followed me to every church I visited. Eventually, I was rewarded with my first Michigan Spring, which was a spectacular way to spend a weekend. 

What a difference a year makes. The horrors of moving feel like a distant memory, unless you look at my basement, where I have hidden a few boxes I have yet to unpack. Still, I consider myself to be properly moved in, because these same boxes remained unpacked at my old house. It feels good to be settled. 

Today, on the first day of my second summer in my Michigan garden, I have the thrill of seeing shoots of green growth from seeds that I may have planted. Although my neighbor informs me that some of these may be weeds, at least they are now my weeds, in the gloriously green landscape I now call my home. Next week, when the national church gathers for General Synod in Indianapolis, I will be proud to invite others, as you all invited me, to consider a call to serve in the Michigan Conference, where the grass really is greener.

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Thank you to donors for offsetting the cost of Youth@Synod 2023

Six youth and two chaperones will have the opportunity to participate in General Synod, Youth@Synod programming with the Northeastern Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH), AND attend special events with Ibram Kendi, Bryan Stevenson, Nadia Bolz-Weber, and UCC National Staff members. Designated funding came from Covenant Association, Prophetic Integrity Mission Area Team, and individual donors. Please keep our youth, delegates, staff, and other attendees from Michigan in your prayers as they travel to and from Synod in Indianapolis.

Meet your General Synod Delegates and Staff attending Synod 34

June 29 - July 5, 2023, Indianapolis

generalsynod.org

Rev. Jo Bahr, GWA

Rev. Dan Barnum-Steggerda, GWA

PL Cross, SWA

Abbie Goerg, DMA

Vita Green, EA

Rev. Dr. Susan Greenwood, SWA

Rev. Patty Higgins, UNA

Stephen Johnson, DMA

Rev. Jacoba Koppert, COV

Rev. Liz Larrivee, COV

Angela McCarroll, DMA

Rev. Dr. Laura Miller Purrenhage, COV

Pastor Aaron Rieder, UNA

Rev. Salvatore Sapienza, GWA

Ralph Sims, COV

Sandy Swayman, GWA

Rev. Lily Tinker-Fortel, COV

Pastor Danielle (Dani) Veenstra, SWA

Dr. Paul von Oeyen, DMA

Lisa Young, DMA

Rev. Cheryl Burke

Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniel

Rev. Calandra Nevenzel

Jenn Ringgold