West Michigan Conference Weekly News.  Church Office: Please print and post for your members without email. Email content for Weekly News here no later than 5:00PM on the Friday prior to publication.  Story ideas and comments may  be emailed to Markd@wmcumc.org.  Events and classifieds may be directed to valeriemcelestin@gmail.com.
A New Generation of Missionary
There's a fresh face on Global Ministries for the 21st century. Five young people from West Michigan are among United Methodist mission personnel serving from Washington D.C. to Northern Japan. ... READ MORE



Rebirth in this Plainfield garden
The congregation of Plainfield UMC will worship for the last time June 9. "Within a year," reports Laurie Haller, "a pastor will be appointed to a new church start in the building with new name and brand."... READ MORE
Equip yourself for ministry today
Randy Coller is an Airport Inspector, a saxophone player and a Certified Lay Minister in The United Methodist Church. He encourages everyone to use God's gifts to the fullest.... READ MORE.

Adrian students fight slavery
Adrian College has an active anti-trafficking ministry. Their "One Dress Initiative" was featured on WDIV-Detroit on March 27. ... READ MORE
Celebration of ministry
Lansing District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Robert L. Hundley, will become Pastor of Grand Rapids First UMC on July 1, 2013. We have accomplished much in the Lansing District under Bob's leadership and want to celebrate our shared ministry together on Sunday, May 5, 2013, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Mason First UMC. 

Red Bird Mission craft show  
Appalachian crafts are coming to Manistee UMC, 387 First Street, April 20 from 10am - 2pm. A visit to the craft show is a good opportunity to learn more about opportunities to serve at the mission as well as purchasing unique gift items. ... READ MORE.

Retired Clergy and Spouses Dinner
May 30, Clark Retirement Community Dining Room, 1551 Franklin St. Grand Rapids. Make your reservation by May 22. Send a check payable to Clark Retirement Community, $9.00 per person. Cut out the Registration form and send it with your check to Keith Laidler, 3335 Starboard Dr., Holland, MI 49424. Questions?  Ask Keith or Judy by email at kj11290@att.net, or call, 616-786-2774. READ MORE.
 

United Theological Seminary luncheon
Join staff, students and alumni/ae from United Theological Seminary for an exciting update and lunch during annual conference on Friday, May 31 in the Commons Uppercrust dining area. Go through the regular serving line then join us in our private dining area. Contact Karen Seiter for more information: Office 937-529-2281 or kqseiter@united.edu.
 
Bobby Cabot keynotes at Aldersgate
July 10 - 14, 2013. Every session is designed to equip participants to radiate the character and power of Christ as we each learn to live, love, and serve in the power of the Holy Spirit. DOWNLOAD PDF 

Clergy Coaching
Professional Coach Training Monday August 26 - Thursday August 29, 2013 Wesley Foundation / University Church, East Lansing, MI. Get 50% OFF COUPON from Naomi García before July 14th, naomi@wumcumc.org. Register for this Professional Coach Training (PCT) Module 1 here. READ MORE
E-readers change lives in Liberia
Professors and students at the Gbarnga School of Theology in Liberia spend time and money copying passages the students need for study because they don’t have enough books. But that could change once a pilot project using e-readers gets underway. ... READ MORE
Preaching with great expectations
Neither furious winds nor lame horses could keep John Wesley from preaching with zeal. Out of that legacy, retired United Methodist pastor, Stan Purdum, asserts that a sermon should be more than "something to think about."... READ MORE.
Grow your responsive listening skills
A congregation’s clergy and members will find that the best way to improve communication is by perfecting their responsive listening skills. ... DOWNLOAD PARISH PAPERS PDF
Cabin Counselor Volunteers
Counselors seeded to supervise children at Camp New Day July 7-12, 2013 in Reed City. Anyone interested in being a cabin counselor are encouraged to contact Marion or Larry Fitch, volunteer coordinators by phone: 616/296-0844 or email: larrymarionfitch@att.net. ... READ MORE

Organizing Program Coordinator
General Board of Church & Society The OPC will assist the Director of Organizing. Full description available here. Send a cover letter and resume to: General Board of Church and Society, Attn: Ms. Frances J. Roberts, froberts@umc-gbcs.org. Deadline April 24, 2013.

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