Author: James Deaton
Grants help churches expand their welcome
Churches and United Methodist-affiliated organizations can request up to $2,000 for accessibility projects through a new Michigan Conference grant, with applications open Oct. 19 to Nov. 19. The grant launches… Continue Reading Grants help churches expand their welcome
Answering the call: Meet Dwanda Hayton
Connected in Ministry: A Staff Spotlight Series continues with Dwanda Hayton, Executive Administrative Assistant for the Greater Detroit District. Her 19 years of service, belief that administrative work is sacred,… Continue Reading Answering the call: Meet Dwanda Hayton
Grounded in love, one muffin at a time
Laurie Kaufman de la Garza, Northern Skies District Lay Leader, recalls how her parents’ quiet generosity shaped her faith. How will you honor the laypeople in your church on Laity… Continue Reading Grounded in love, one muffin at a time
Teacher, prophet, apostle . . . pastor
When his Bible study group named spiritual gifts he’d never claimed, Rev. Larry French heard God’s call and found a clear path to ministry.
Zachary Betthauser
From: New appointment … To: Greater Detroit District — Ann Arbor: Living Grace Ministries. This quarter-time appointment begins September 1, 2026.
Rodney Gasaway
From: Greater Detroit District — Chelsea: First and Livonia: Newburg UMCs … To: Greater Detroit District — Livonia: Newburg UMC and VETTED Veteran Care. This full-time appointment begins October 5,… Continue Reading Rodney Gasaway
Michael Kelley
From: Central Bay District — Gordonville UMC … To: Central Bay District — Midland: First and Gordonville UMCs. This half-time appointment begins August 1, 2026.
Lisa Kelley
From: Retirement … To: Central Bay District — Midland: First UMC. This quarter-time appointment begins August 1, 2026.
Joy Moore
From: Wheaton College (Wheaton, Illinois), Visiting Scholar … To: Friends University (Wichita, Kansas), Professor of Theology and Biblical Interpretation. This full-time appointment begins September 1, 2026.
From farm to ministry: Meet Lisa Batten
Introducing Connected in Ministry: A Staff Spotlight Series. First up is Lisa Batten, Associate Director of Intercultural Resourcing, Leadership, and Fund Development. Her farm upbringing, love of grant writing, and… Continue Reading From farm to ministry: Meet Lisa Batten