Author: James Deaton
See children transforming worship
The Making Meaning Together initiative is impacting how churches create spaces for meaningful worship for children. Read about the transformation underway in Michigan and apply by October 12 to become… Continue Reading See children transforming worship
Living into a new conference structure
As the freshly reorganized Michigan Conference moves beyond its first month, Rev. Dean Prentiss, superintendent of the Greater Southwest District, reminds us that new life often begins in seasons of… Continue Reading Living into a new conference structure
Going beyond preservation in ministry
Rev. Dr. David Bell explains that true sustainability is not about maintaining the status quo but about creating the financial conditions that enable mission to continue, so that God’s work… Continue Reading Going beyond preservation in ministry
Restoring an aircraft and a story
Two United Methodist pastors rallied to honor the life of a World War II Navy pilot who died in a plane crash in Lake Michigan and never received a proper… Continue Reading Restoring an aircraft and a story
A resurrection story
Centro Familiar Cristiano UMC in Melvindale was recently awarded the inaugural Resilient Church Award at SCD 2026, recognizing churches that persevere through adversity.
Michigan UMs take lead in NCJ summit
Rev. Alice Fleming Townley, Audra Hudson Stone, and Jacob Stone, justice and advocacy experts from the Michigan Conference, co-led the recent NCJ Justice Summit in Chicago to build bridges among… Continue Reading Michigan UMs take lead in NCJ summit
Prepare for Laity Sunday
Read how Detroit: Trinity Faith UMC honored one of its lay members this year, and find inspiration as you prepare for Laity Sunday on October 18. What will you do… Continue Reading Prepare for Laity Sunday
Our loyalty to God, not to Caesar
Continuing our “America at 250” series of op-eds, Joy Moore speaks to the primacy of our allegiance to God above all earthly empires and lords and explains why this matters… Continue Reading Our loyalty to God, not to Caesar
Poetry and song as means of grace
In this month’s blog, Bishop David Bard celebrates two things that help him deepen his connection with himself, others, the world, and God — music and poetry… “When the morning… Continue Reading Poetry and song as means of grace
God’s love melts ICE
With compassion, Clarice McKenzie has befriended a woman detained at the immigration detention facility in Baldwin, Michigan, and regularly visits her and prays for her release.