Do you think your church is too small to make a difference? Come to the Starting and Sustaining Event in Mt. Pleasant on September 27 to discover new ways to connect in mission.
KAY DEMOSS
Michigan Conference Communications
We all know about Waldo, but today we ask, “Where’s George?” George is likely at his desk at Waterford: Four Towns UMC. But if you wonder where George was six months ago, the answer would be Liberia. George Marck was one of 18 Michigan United Methodists from six different congregations who traveled to Africa last February to celebrate the completion of the Readers to Leaders campaign. Read this article to learn more about their journey.
This experience gave George a strong sense of connection and partnership. He also came home with a passion for organizing mission trips in a spirit of togetherness.
George, on behalf of the Michigan Conference Board of Global Ministries, brings that passion to the planning of the Starting and Sustaining Event set for Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Mt. Pleasant: First UMC, 400 S. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858.
He reports, “Two of our keynote speakers will be involved in a conversation about envisioning a new model of cooperation between our churches for mission trips.” George continues, “Did you know that the word ‘new’ is mentioned in scriptures over 300 times? God is always pushing the envelope for us to try new things and to do new things!”
George invites others to “hear God’s call to try the new and to collaborate and cooperate as much as possible with each other.”
“Together in Ministries of Compassion, Justice, and Inclusion” is the theme of the September 27 gathering. This is an opportunity to gather with innovators, community organizers, and changemakers. Hear stories from mission trip leaders and local ministry experts about how they started and restarted their efforts. Ask questions, reflect, and imagine what might be next in your setting.
A pre-event get-together the evening before, on Friday, September 26, will be held for those arriving early. Come for the mixer and then stay to share your experiences of mission trips and local ministry projects.
On Saturday, the day will begin with two plenary sessions:
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- A conversation with Rev. Jon Reynolds (Brighton: First UMC and Whitmore Lake) and Rev. Jefferson Boye Knight (Liberia Conference) on a new model for working together on mission trips based on the recent trip to Liberia.
- A conversation with Lydie Kadibwa Ngoie from Motown Mission on how to do local missions based on the Wesley model of “Do No Harm, Do Good, and Stay in Love with God.”
Then, choose from four workshops:
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- Jody Pratt on the recent UMVIM jurisdictional conference and a UMVIM mission journey to Peru, which included several from Michigan.
- Valerie Mossman-Celestin on recent developments in Haiti.
- Corrina Olesen, youth minister at Troy: First UMC, on her recent trip to Liberia.
- Next steps with Seed to Harvest, a ministry incubation program of the Michigan Conference.
The day begins at 9 am ET and will conclude with worship at 2 pm ET. Register by September 1 to get the early-bird registration rate: individual $35; group of three or more $30/person. After September 1, the fee goes up: individual $45, group of three or more $40/person. Walk-ins on the day of the event: individual $55, group of 3 or more $50/person.
Portions of the event will be streamed live on the Michigan Conference’s Facebook page on Saturday, September 27. Join online from 9 to 11 am ET / 8 am to 10 am CT to watch the opening welcome, music with Wesley Foundation students, a devotion from Rev. Dr. Jennifer Browne, Clergy Assistant to the Bishop, followed by real-life stories about starting, sustaining, and pivoting ministries from mission trip leaders and local experts.
Register now to join this day with others in the Michigan Conference passionate about mission and ministry and finding new ways to do it. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hampton Inn in Mt. Pleasant for those wanting overnight accommodations. Reserve your room today.
Where’s George on September 27? In Mt. Pleasant! He hopes you will be, too. He reminds us of the story in Romans 16, “where Paul admonishes the church to just support the ministry of Phoebe and give her any help she may need. That is a call to mission to give others any help they may need from us now.”
Last Updated on August 20, 2025