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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260928T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260928T194500
DTSTAMP:20260709T180357Z
CREATED:20260505T212620Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T180357Z
UID:10001890-1790620200-1790624700@michiganumc.org
SUMMARY:Roles for Social Change
DESCRIPTION:In a time of political and social upheaval\, many are fighting fear\, hopelessness\, and despair. Claim your role in social change movements and find out how you can most effectively collaborate with others to engage in social justice ministries. The Roles for Social Change online group is for those who want to deepen their understanding of their role in change-making work and how they show up in pursuit of equity\, shared liberation\, inclusion\, and justice. \nJoin members of the Michigan Conference Board of Justice and the Connectional Ministries Team in collaboration with the Building Movement Project. \nFour Mondays\, beginning September 14\, 2026. Suggested fee is $25\, but pay what you can. Register by September 7.
URL:https://michiganumc.org/event/roles-for-social-change/2026-09-28/
LOCATION:Via Zoom
CATEGORIES:Area Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/social_change1.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260929T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260929T130000
DTSTAMP:20260828T193038Z
CREATED:20260828T190950Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260828T193038Z
UID:10002027-1790683200-1790686800@michiganumc.org
SUMMARY:Protection Policy Basics Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Every church should have a clear\, current Protection Policy to help create a safe environment for children\, youth\, and vulnerable people. But where do you start—and what should your policy include? \nJoin Rev. Kathy Pittenger\, Associate Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development for the Michigan Conference\, for a free\, 60-minute Protection Policy Basics Workshop. This workshop provides an overview of the fundamentals of a Protection Policy\, also known as a Safe Sanctuaries or Child/Youth Safety Policy\, and is designed to help church leaders feel equipped to write or revise their church’s current policy. \nThe workshop will explore: \n\nWhat is a Protection Policy?\nWhy is a Protection Policy important?\nWho should be involved in creating the policy?\nWhat should a Protection Policy include?\nScreening and training resources\nBest practices for churches\nWhat to do if an incident occurs\n\nWho should attend?\nThis workshop is appropriate for clergy\, trustees\, Staff-Parish Relations Committee members\, children\, youth and family ministry leaders\, Sunday school coordinators\, and anyone responsible for\, or interested in\, abuse prevention policies at their church. \nWhen: September 29\, 2026\, at 12 p.m. or 7 p.m. (Eastern)\nWhere: Zoom\nCost: Free\nPresenter: Rev. Kathy Pittenger \nThe same content will be presented at both sessions\, so choose the time that works best for you. The Zoom link will be provided after registration. \nThis workshop is not a training event. Instead\, it is an opportunity to gain a foundational understanding of Protection Policies and the key elements churches should consider when developing or updating their policies. Register now!
URL:https://michiganumc.org/event/policy-protection-basics-workshop/2026-09-29/1/
LOCATION:Via Zoom
CATEGORIES:Area Event,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Protection-Policy.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260929T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260929T193000
DTSTAMP:20260831T165638Z
CREATED:20260831T164647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T165638Z
UID:10002029-1790706600-1790710200@michiganumc.org
SUMMARY:How healthy is your church structure?
DESCRIPTION:Give Your Church’s Governance Structure an Annual Check-Up \nAs the year comes to a close\, churches naturally begin reviewing budgets\, celebrating ministry accomplishments\, evaluating goals\, and planning for the future. These annual practices help congregations remain healthy and focused on their mission. But there’s one important area that often gets overlooked: \nYour church’s governance structure. \nThe end of the year is the perfect time to evaluate how well it is serving your ministry. \nThink about it this way. Most of us schedule an annual physical\, not because something is wrong\, but because we want to stay healthy. We catch small concerns before they become larger problems and make adjustments that improve our long-term well-being. \nThe same principle applies to church governance. \nIf your church uses the SAS (Simplified Accountable Structure) model\, then an Annual Review should be part of your yearly calendar. But whatever your structure\, this webinar provides an opportunity to ask important questions: \n\nAre our meetings focused on mission and vision?\nIs accountability clear and healthy?\nAre board members fulfilling the responsibilities?\nAre we empowering ministry or unintentionally creating bottlenecks?\nWhat adjustments would help us lead more effectively in the coming year?\n\nTo help churches answer these questions\, we invite pastors\, board members\, and church leaders to participate. This practical webinar will explore proven practices from churches using SAS and traditional church structures across our conference. Together we’ll examine common challenges\, celebrate what works well\, and identify simple improvements that can strengthen governance without adding unnecessary complexity. \nWhether your church adopted SAS or is using a traditional model\, this webinar serves as a valuable annual “wellness visit” for your leadership structure. \nHealthy governance doesn’t exist for its own sake—it creates the conditions for effective ministry\, stronger discipleship\, and greater faithfulness to Christ’s mission. As you prepare for another year of ministry\, we invite you to give your governance model the same thoughtful attention you give your finances\, facilities\, and ministry plans. \nA healthy church deserves healthy governance. \nRegister now!
URL:https://michiganumc.org/event/sas-checkup/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Greater Southwest District,Leadership,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SAS-Checkup-e1788195200912.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Greater Southwest District":MAILTO:mnordbrock@michiganumc.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260929T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260929T200000
DTSTAMP:20260828T193038Z
CREATED:20260828T190950Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260828T193038Z
UID:10002028-1790708400-1790712000@michiganumc.org
SUMMARY:Protection Policy Basics Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Every church should have a clear\, current Protection Policy to help create a safe environment for children\, youth\, and vulnerable people. But where do you start—and what should your policy include? \nJoin Rev. Kathy Pittenger\, Associate Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development for the Michigan Conference\, for a free\, 60-minute Protection Policy Basics Workshop. This workshop provides an overview of the fundamentals of a Protection Policy\, also known as a Safe Sanctuaries or Child/Youth Safety Policy\, and is designed to help church leaders feel equipped to write or revise their church’s current policy. \nThe workshop will explore: \n\nWhat is a Protection Policy?\nWhy is a Protection Policy important?\nWho should be involved in creating the policy?\nWhat should a Protection Policy include?\nScreening and training resources\nBest practices for churches\nWhat to do if an incident occurs\n\nWho should attend?\nThis workshop is appropriate for clergy\, trustees\, Staff-Parish Relations Committee members\, children\, youth and family ministry leaders\, Sunday school coordinators\, and anyone responsible for\, or interested in\, abuse prevention policies at their church. \nWhen: September 29\, 2026\, at 12 p.m. or 7 p.m. (Eastern)\nWhere: Zoom\nCost: Free\nPresenter: Rev. Kathy Pittenger \nThe same content will be presented at both sessions\, so choose the time that works best for you. The Zoom link will be provided after registration. \nThis workshop is not a training event. Instead\, it is an opportunity to gain a foundational understanding of Protection Policies and the key elements churches should consider when developing or updating their policies. Register now!
URL:https://michiganumc.org/event/policy-protection-basics-workshop/2026-09-29/2/
LOCATION:Via Zoom
CATEGORIES:Area Event,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Protection-Policy.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T130000
DTSTAMP:20260610T142808Z
CREATED:20260610T142543Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T142808Z
UID:10001866-1790856000-1790859600@michiganumc.org
SUMMARY:Seed to Harvest: Information Sessions
DESCRIPTION:Participants will learn about the process of incubating a ministry idea to launch. There will be time for fun\, interactive activities\, questions\, and sharing ideas with the Seed to Harvest Team. There is no fee to participate. Join us on September 15\, 2026\, at Noon and 6 pm\, and on October 1 at Noon and 6 pm via Zoom. Register now! \nClick here to learn more.
URL:https://michiganumc.org/event/seed-to-harvest-information-sessions-2/2026-10-01/1/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Area Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Seed-to-Harvest-Idea-Launching-Pathway.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Connectional Ministires Team":MAILTO:LWitkowski@michiganumc.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261001T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261001T143000
DTSTAMP:20260903T230211Z
CREATED:20260903T210942Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T230211Z
UID:10002030-1790859600-1790865000@michiganumc.org
SUMMARY:Fall Book Club: Growing in Skills to Support Neurodiverse Children
DESCRIPTION:Join us this fall for a meaningful weekly conversation about how we can better welcome\, understand\, and support neurodiverse and marginalized children in our ministries. \nThis Fall Book Club is designed for Ministry Leaders who want to deepen their understanding and build practical skills for helping neurodiverse children thrive — both in the classroom\, in worship\, and throughout congregational life. Together\, we’ll read\, reflect\, and learn from one another as we explore what it truly means to create welcoming\, inclusive spaces for all children. \nWHO: Ministry Leaders interested in learning and practicing skills for supporting neurodiverse children \nWHAT: A weekly book club\, meeting via Zoom \nWHY: To grow in understanding and equip yourself with practical tools for working with neurodiverse and marginalized children \nWHEN: Thursdays\, 1:00–2:30 pm (Eastern)\, October 1 – November 19\, 2026 \nWHERE: Online via Zoom (link provided upon registration) \nFACILITATED BY: Andrea Trantham and Rev. Kathy Pittenger \nCost & Registration\nThanks to the generosity of the Michigan Conference\, the costs of this Book Study — including facilitator honoraria and book scholarships — are covered through Ministry Shares and Christian Education Sunday offerings. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own copy of the book or may request a book scholarship. An optional free-will donation is welcome at the time of registration. \nRegister here: michigan-reg.brtapp.com/Fall2026BookClub\n*Registration ends on September 30th. Please contact Kathy Pittenger after this date. \nQuestions? Contact Kathy Pittenger at kpittenger@michiganumc.org \nWhether you’re a Sunday School teacher\, youth leader\, or pastor\, this book club offers a supportive space to learn together and walk away with practical\, faith-informed tools for ministry with neurodiverse children. We hope you’ll join the conversation!
URL:https://michiganumc.org/event/fall-book-club-growing-in-skills-to-support-neurodiverse-children/
LOCATION:Via Zoom
CATEGORIES:Area Event,Leadership
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Faith-Formation-Leaders-Fall-26-Book-Club.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Kathy Pittenger":MAILTO:kpittenger@michiganumc.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T190000
DTSTAMP:20260610T142808Z
CREATED:20260610T142543Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T142808Z
UID:10001867-1790877600-1790881200@michiganumc.org
SUMMARY:Seed to Harvest: Information Sessions
DESCRIPTION:Participants will learn about the process of incubating a ministry idea to launch. There will be time for fun\, interactive activities\, questions\, and sharing ideas with the Seed to Harvest Team. There is no fee to participate. Join us on September 15\, 2026\, at Noon and 6 pm\, and on October 1 at Noon and 6 pm via Zoom. Register now! \nClick here to learn more.
URL:https://michiganumc.org/event/seed-to-harvest-information-sessions-2/2026-10-01/2/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Area Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Seed-to-Harvest-Idea-Launching-Pathway.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Connectional Ministires Team":MAILTO:LWitkowski@michiganumc.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261001T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261001T193000
DTSTAMP:20260615T203734Z
CREATED:20260615T202246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260615T203734Z
UID:10001874-1790877600-1790883000@michiganumc.org
SUMMARY:IDI Together
DESCRIPTION:A three-part online small group designed to build capacity to shift cultural perspectives and adapt behavior to differences and commonalities. Using the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI)\, learn why intercultural competency is important\, how to use tools for meaningful interactions across cultures\, and how to create a plan for continued growth and learning\, all within a supportive community. Each participant will complete the IDI assessment and debrief with a qualified administrator. Learn more and register now! \nFacilitators: Rev. Cora Glass and Lisa Batten \nThursdays\, Sept 24th\, Oct 1st\, and Oct 15th \n6:00 – 7:30 PM ET \nFee is on a sliding scale; pay what you can: \n\nFull Fee: $175\nPartial Scholarship: $25 – $150\nFull Scholarship: $0\nFull Price and contribute to the scholarship fund: $200
URL:https://michiganumc.org/event/idi-together/2026-10-01/
LOCATION:Via Zoom
CATEGORIES:Area Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IDI.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261002T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261004T140000
DTSTAMP:20260731T204209Z
CREATED:20260731T202656Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T204209Z
UID:10001962-1790946000-1791122400@michiganumc.org
SUMMARY:MI-AIM Educational Conference & Retreat
DESCRIPTION:2026 MI-AIM Educational Conference & Retreat \nHoly No! & The Red Letters \nAdministrative assistants serving in all churches across Michigan are invited to a weekend of learning\, renewal\, and connection at the 2026 MI-AIM Educational Conference & Retreat. \nThis year’s theme\, “Holy No! & The Red Letters\,” will explore the importance of healthy boundaries while grounding our work and ministry in the words and teachings of Christ. Through inspiring keynote presentations\, interactive workshops\, worship\, and fellowship\, attendees will leave refreshed\, equipped\, and encouraged for the ministry they do every day. \nConference Highlights \n\nInspiring guest speakers:\n\nRev. Joel Walther\nRev. Taylor Burton-Edwards\nLaura Witkowski\nRev. Carol Freeland\n\n\nEducational workshops\, including “Holy No” and “Creating Boundaries” sessions\nWorship\, communion\, and devotional experiences\nTeam-building activities and fellowship\nInsight Market\nMI-AIM Business Meeting\n\nEvent Details\n\nDates: October 2–4\, 2026\nLocation: St. Francis Retreat Center\n703 E. Main Street\nDeWitt\, MI 48820 \nRegistration \n\nRetreat Cost: $350\nCommuter Rate: $175\nRegistration deadline: September 6\, 2026\n\nWhether you’re new to church administration or a seasoned professional\, this retreat offers practical education\, spiritual renewal\, and meaningful connections with colleagues from across the conference. \nRegister today and join us for a weekend of learning\, encouragement\, and renewal!\n \nDownload the schedule \nDownload the flyer
URL:https://michiganumc.org/event/mi-aim-educational-conference-retreat/
LOCATION:St. Francis Retreat Center\, 703 E. Main Street\, DeWitt\, MI\, 48820\, United States
CATEGORIES:Area Event,Central Shores District,Greater Detroit District,Greater Southwest District,Northern Skies District,Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/MI-Aim-Holy-No.png
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X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=St. Francis Retreat Center 703 E. Main Street DeWitt MI 48820 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=703 E. Main Street:geo:-84.5630089,42.8454961
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261003T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261003T130000
DTSTAMP:20260330T190632Z
CREATED:20260330T190208Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T190632Z
UID:10001835-1791018000-1791032400@michiganumc.org
SUMMARY:Ministry Mechanics: The Nuts & Bolts of HR
DESCRIPTION:Are you curious about navigating staff and volunteer management? Ready to learn alongside other church leaders? Looking for best practices for human resources? Need a Staff Handbook? Learn the basics of staff and volunteer human resources for churches\, including general policies\, employee handbook\, crisis management\, and employee/volunteer lifecycle. This two-hour workshop includes training\, best practices\, scenarios\, and Q&A with lunch following. \nFour dates and locations: \n\n\n\n\n\n10/3 – Escanaba: Central UMC\n10/10 – Brighton: First UMC\n10/17 – Grand Rapids: Aldersgate UMC\n10/24 – Midland: First UMC \nTime: 9:30am – 1:00pm (Eastern) \n\nVisit the Ministry Mechanics webpage to learn more.  \nRegister now! \n*Childcare will be available for those who register at least 2 weeks prior to the event\, space may be limited.
URL:https://michiganumc.org/event/ministry-mechanics-the-nuts-bolts-of-hr/
LOCATION:ESCANABA: CENTRAL UMC\, South Lincoln Road\, Escanaba\, Michigan\, 49829\, United States
CATEGORIES:Area Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2-1.png
GEO:45.7430882;-87.0805592
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=ESCANABA: CENTRAL UMC South Lincoln Road Escanaba Michigan 49829 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=South Lincoln Road:geo:-87.0805592,45.7430882
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261003T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261003T140000
DTSTAMP:20260806T193017Z
CREATED:20260806T193017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T193017Z
UID:10001972-1791025200-1791036000@michiganumc.org
SUMMARY:Peace is a Practice
DESCRIPTION:PIAP_Workshop_Flyer 2026
URL:https://michiganumc.org/event/peace-is-a-practice/2026-10-03/
LOCATION:FLINT: CALVARY UMC\, Flushing Road\, Flint\, Michigan\, 48504\, United States
CATEGORIES:Central Shores District,Workshop,Youth
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Peace-is-a-Practice-2026.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Flint%3A Calvary UMC":MAILTO:info.storystrong@gmail.com
GEO:43.0200711;-83.7178263
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=FLINT: CALVARY UMC Flushing Road Flint Michigan 48504 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Flushing Road:geo:-83.7178263,43.0200711
END:VEVENT
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