The Michigan Conference Connectional Ministries Team - comprising Laura Witkowski, Kathy Pittenger, Lisa Batten and Naomi García - has been developing conference-wide offerings that align with the strategic priorities and goals of the Conference Leadership Council. The Team's commitment to the life and mission of Jesus is reflected in the initiatives of Innovation & Incubation, Communities of Belonging, and Faith Formation, all of which are grounded in a foundational relationship with God.
The CM Team aims to create initiatives that generate momentum to meet the priorities of the Michigan Conference, and Conference Leadership Council, as well as resonate with our United Methodist faith communities and leaders, nurturing spiritual growth and belonging.
For more information about any upcoming initiatives or offerings, contact any team member.
Laura Witkowski | Kathy Pittenger | Lisa Batten | Naomi García
The Connectional Ministries Team will be launching several cohorts, workshops and resources this fall, 2024. Here is a sneak peek of what's to come.
Seed to Harvest
Join us for a ministry incubation event and active workshop where participants will grow a new or existing ministry idea. This event is designed for small teams from faith communities and non-profits, or individual passion projects. The cost is $25, and lunch is provided. The same content will be offered in 3 locations to offer more accessibility, September 25, 10 AM to 4 PM ET at Marshall UMC; October 15, 4 to 8:30 PM ET on Zoom; or October 26, 10 AM to 4 PM ET at Wesley at CMU. Registration is open now.
Transitions Happen
Utilizing the book "Managing Transitions" by William Bridges, this 4-part series will help participants navigate the transition well while moving from one reality to another. "Transitions Happen" focuses on recognizing the difference between change and transition, understanding the three phases of transition, navigating the grief cycle, and determining your next steps. This is held online through Zoom, with both daytime and evening sessions available on September 3, 24, October 1 and 22. Registration is open now.
Lifelong Faith Cohorts and Resources
We offer a variety of cohorts, with new ones always on the horizon. Cohorts provide community, learning, networking, resources, and “a space where I don’t feel so alone.” Lifelong Faith resources also include training, continuing education, and exploration of current trends in Faith Formation to equip and empower leaders. More information can be found at LifelongFaith.org/cohorts and LifelongFaith.org.
Young Adult Discernment Facilitator Training
Laity and pastors will gain the tools and resources needed to facilitate young adult discernment practices in their local settings. Drawing on decades of research and learning from the Foundation of Theological Exploration, participants can engage younger adults in life-giving faith formation and vocational discernment. Attendees who implement their learnings locally may be eligible for mini-grant opportunities. This workshop will be held on Zoom, on September 18, 4 to 8:30 PM EST. Cost is $15 and registration is open now.
Fall Celtic Retreat
“Sacred Rhythm,” a retreat inspired by Celtic Christianity, embracing the belief that all belong, both scripture and creation are sacred, and life transitions are honored. The retreat includes teaching sessions, personal and group reflections, and times of rest and renewal. Drawing from books such as “Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul” and “Christ of the Celts” by John Phillip Newell, facilitators will hold space where participants can learn and engage in Celtic Christian teaching and practices. This retreat is held at Lake Louise, October 17-19 and registration is open now.
Intercultural Development Inventory
The Michigan Conference employs the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) as an assessment of cultural understanding and intercultural competence. Intercultural competence refers to the ability to adapt behavior and perspectives in response to cultural diversity. There is no grade or perfect score, only a greater understanding of oneself, our organizations, and the necessary work ahead. This resource is available to Michigan United Methodists and serves as a valuable aid in building relationships across diverse cultures. To learn more and utilize this tool, contact Naomi García.
Additional ways the CM Team can help
PROTECTION POLICY AND SEXUAL ETHICS
Our responsibility is to care for, protect, and care for all God's Children. Protection Policies (also known as Safe Sanctuaries or Abuse Prevention) and Sexual Ethics Policies are designed to protect and care for the children, youth, and adults in our churches and communities.
COACHING SUPPORT FOR FAITH COMMUNITIES AND MINISTRY LEADERS
Coaches provide just-in-time support by asking questions and challenging the one being coached to set and reach their goals. Using deep listening, coaches ask questions to trigger deeper contemplation, providing a sounding board that allows the coachee to think more deeply and profoundly than they would without coaching.
GRANT WRITING 101 WORKSHOP
Grants are sources of funding for existing or new ministry ideas, facility repairs, or new builds. Knowing where to look and how to write a grant can be challenging and even intimidating. Participants in this FREE Grant Writing 101 Workshop will learn the basics and create a case for support for grant writing purposes. Anyone and everyone can bring ideas and curiosities and tap into the grant writing world. Both dates and times are online and have the same content. September 17, from 6 to 7:30 PM ET or October 10, from 9:30 to 11 AM ET. Registration is coming soon.
ADDRESSING CONFLICT WELL
Focusing on your relationship systems, consider what’s happening and what options you have can heal your important relationships. 1-on-1, interpersonal and group mediation services are available.
FAMILY SYSTEMS PEER GROUPS
Family Systems peer groups are forming for the fall of 2024. In this short-term series participants will learn how to create and interpret genograms or family diagrams. Knowing about generations who came before can inform how to take care of yourself while staying connected to your important someones. Registration and more information coming soon.
Connectional Ministries Team Members
Associate Directors for Connectional Ministries - Read more about their work here.
Laura Witkowski
she | her | hers
Kathy Pittenger
she | her | hers
Lisa Batten
she | her | hers
Naomi García
she | her | hers | ella
Called to the work of the laity, Laura is passionate about ministry leaders using their God-given gifts in ways that can transform the world around them. Encouraging others to lead authentically from who they are, who God has shaped them to be, is important in her work. Laura and her family are active at Grand Rapids Aldersgate UMC, where she has been a member most of her life.
Asking questions, thinking outside the box, looking at a challenge from several different perspectives, and being creative are all gifts Kathy brings to her work. Kathy loves it when children discover something new and the way it makes their face light up, especially when it is in relationship to Jesus and faith. She is excited for opportunities to encourage, equip, and be a resource for the leaders who are planting seeds and making a difference in their churches, communities, and world.
New ministry with new people excites Lisa. She is guided by her own sense of call and vocation and by the vision to create a culture where all, especially young adults, are valued.
Her life’s one ‘yes’-at-a-time-journey brought Naomi from the south Rio Grande Valley to Michigan. The fun and drama of dancing in the present is mostly informed by where she’s been and lit up by God-sized aspirations. Being and doing this in the presence of others doing the same keeps her coming back for more.
Last Updated on July 2, 2024