Mustard Seed Migration Grant Program

The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Mustard Seed Migration Grant Program, a ministry initiative supported by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). While this grant is offered nationwide through UMCOR, churches in the Michigan Conference apply through the Foundation as part of a pilot initiative to locally receive, review, and award grants.

“We are honored to serve as the Michigan Conference hub for this powerful ministry opportunity,” said Rev. Dr. David S. Bell, Foundation President and Executive Director. “These grants offer an entry point for congregations to deepen their compassion for the most vulnerable among us. These small acts of welcome can grow into transformative mission.”

Local United Methodist churches in the Michigan Conference are invited to apply for grants of up to $2,000 to spark community-based ministries and service projects focused on refugees and migrants living in their communities. The program encourages congregations to live out the call to “welcome the stranger” by engaging directly with their local migrant and refugee neighbors through practical, compassionate ministry.

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Application

Discerning Purpose

Rev. Joel Fitzgerald

Do you know how many types of fishing hooks there are? A couple of years ago my father-in-law asked for a very specific lure and hook for Christmas. I was traveling near a Bass Pro Shop in between meetings, so I thought I had just run in and grab it. First mistake, one does not just “pop in” to a Bass Pro Shop. After 15 minutes trying to find the fishing section, I finally turned down the lure aisle. Or should I say “aisles.” Before I stood row upon row every type of lure and hook imaginable. After 45 minutes, I still had not found him the right lure, and decided it would be easier to just get him one of the actual fish from the big fish tank at the front.

I tell this story because we live in a world oversaturated with choices. Not just in lures and hooks, but in every area of life we are bombarded with so many options that it is hard to know what to do. There is so much information coming at us, that it can be impossible to know what is the “right” decision.

We face this in the church as well. Unlike previous eras when the decisions facing churches were anodyne, now churches need to make numerous weighty decisions. What style of music, technology, and liturgy do we use? How do we position ourselves in our local and national contexts? How do we decide what programs to keep and which to let go of given limited resources? It can all be overwhelming.

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New Lending Rates Announced

Michigan Area Loan Fund

The Michigan Area Loan Fund is announcing new lending rates for churches and ministry organizations across the state. Current rates are as low as 5.25% for loan projects ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000. Congregations of all sizes now have access to affordable, mission-focused capital. These rates are intended to support a wide range of ministry needs, including building and renovation projects, major maintenance and roof repairs, new ministry initiatives, and the refinancing of existing commercial loans.

“Churches often contact us when they are ready to move forward with a project but are still in the process of raising funds,” said Karen Thompson, Senior Director of Loan Services. “The Loan Fund can provide the interim financing needed to begin construction or improvements, as well as assist congregations seeking to refinance higher-interest debt. Our goal is to offer competitive rates while supporting the long-term vitality of local churches.

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Rev. Dr. Jennie Browne to Join Staff

as Sr. Director of Connectional Engagement

The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan is pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Browne will join its staff as Senior Director of Connectional Engagement, effective August 1, 2026.

In this role, Dr. Browne will work closely with clergy and church leaders across the Michigan Conference, serving as one of the primary staff liaisons between the Foundation and the Conference. Through this connectional capacity, her ministry will include consulting with churches during times of transition and resourcing pastors as they onboard to a new ministry setting. She will also focus on equipping pastors for innovative and adaptive leadership in a changing ministry landscape.

Reflecting on the collaboration that led to this appointment, Rev. Dr. David S. Bell, President and Executive Director, noted that the process was deeply rooted in prayer and partnership. “Jennie’s joining the Foundation staff is the result of thoughtful collaboration with Bishop Bard and a shared commitment to serving the Church faithfully,” he exclaimed. “From the beginning, we have seen clear evidence of the movement of the Holy Spirit.”

Dr. Browne will focus on strengthening congregational vitality and assisting congregations as they clarify and live into their mission, vision, and leadership capacity. She will also preach and consult in local churches.