To equip, empower, encourage and connect the churches of the Michigan Conference

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War Hurts The Poor

by Lillian Daniel

Michigan Conference Minister

War always hurts the poor. War is not the great democratizer. It is the great demolisher. 


The Bible records and describes it all. There is no great violence in which economic forces do not wield their generational power to fortify their own palaces first.


Yes, there are countries that claim that all their people share and experience the same war-carrying burden. But in the USA, our wise elders remember that long ago, in the Vietnam War, our draft was dodge-able, by Republicans and Democrats alike. Who told me that? It was my father, Leon Daniel, who was a journalist, an international war correspondent, and a marine who received a Purple Heart. 


Who else told me that war hurts the poor? I heard it from Israelis and Palestinians in 2017 when last I visited that land, to study and to learn. Today I hear it from faithful UCC veterans in the Midwest, who want a better and more imaginative scholarship program for their own grandchildren - one that will not leave the deep scars that their middle-aged elders carry on their heavy war-torn shoulders and psyches. 


Individuals hurt and cry out in pain. Crowds hurt and cry out in pain. Some voices are heard louder than others. From Biblical times to now, the powerful party-planners use shinier wrapping paper, and better technology. Yet somehow, the subversive words of Jesus slipped through the centuries, from the agony of the cross to the mystery of a heavenly banquet where friends and enemies will have an equal seat at the table.


War always hurts the people who have the least to lose, but who among us has anything we can afford to lose when it comes to human life? 


So, consider this: War always hurts someone else more than it hurts you. 

If you are still alive, you know this to be true. 

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy Peace. 


Feel free to use or share this message to serve and uplift the church.

Register for Annual Meeting BEFORE 10/22/23 5:00pm

Join over 130 members of the Michigan Conference at our 2023 Annual Meeting


Saturday October 28

9:00am-3:00pm

Plymouth UCC, Grand Rapids


Worship with Conference Minister Lillian Daniel


Keynote: Church Vitality and Revitalization with Claire Bamberg


REGISTRATION DEADLINE

SUNDAY OCTOBER 22 5:00PM ET

Lunch included with registration


Hotel Block for attendees who are traveling

Michigan Conference United Church of Christ

Drury Inn and Suites Grand Rapids

5175 28th Street SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49512

616-942-8511

Advent Scriptures and Sermons

Nov 1 12noon - 12:45 PM


Nov 1 Advent Scriptures and Sermons with Bishop Will Willimon, author of Heaven and Earth: Advent and Incarnation


Dec 6 Gifts Money Can't Buy with Quinn Caldwell, author of All I Really Want


Jan 3 New Year Blessings


Leadership Lunch is a monthly Zoom opportunity for clergy, volunteers, and church leaders of the Michigan Conference. Join us on the first Wednesday of every month to discuss important issues facing the church today

If you have registered previously, you will automatically receive a copy of your unique Zoom link via email on the first Wednesday of the month

Register for Leadership Lunch 

Upcoming Preaching Schedule & Worship Visits

Lillian Daniel, Michigan Conference Minister 



Oct 1, 2023 Preach - First Congregational UCC - Manistee, MI

Oct 8, 2023 Preach - Congregational Church of Birmingham - Bloomfield Hills, MI

Oct 15, 2023 Preach - First Congregational Church - Rochester, MI

Oct 20, 2023 Installation of General Minister and President - Cleveland, OH

Oct 21-22, 2023 Chidester Lecture and Worship - Sylvania, OH

Oct 27-28, 2023 Michigan Conference UCC Annual Gathering - Grand Rapids, MI


Nov 5, 2023   Preach - First Congregational Church of Rockford - Rockford, MI

Nov 12, 2023 Preach - St. Paul UCC - Taylor, MI

Nov 19, 2023 Preach - First Congregational UCC - Alpena MI

Nov 26, 2023 OFF


LINK TO ALL 2023-2024 DATES

Local churches should contact Lisa@michucc.org 

to schedule a visit with the Conference Minister

Michigan Conference Minister's Assistance Fund


The Michigan Conference has a small fund to provide financial support to clergy in need who have unexpected medical concerns or expenses. The list of recipients is confidential, and each one time gift is specifically for clergy and their own needs.


If you, or clergy you know, would benefit from this type of financial assistance in 2023, to apply please email conferenceminister@michucc.org with a short description of current situation.


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