At the 2023 Annual Conference, the Michigan Conference was recognized as giving more to mission than any other annual conference.
KAY DEMOSS
Michigan Conference Communications
Generosity took center stage on Sunday, June 4, in a series of presentations during the morning plenary session showcasing “Christ-Centered Mission and Ministry.” Alex Plum, chair of the Conference Board of Global Ministries, commented, “Global is local. And CBGM is about empowering you and the local church to make the Word of God present and the peace of Christ embodied in the world.”
This local-to-global spectrum came alive in four reports. Rev. Alice Townley, Mission and Justice Coordinator, led a conversation about Advocacy Day at the State Capitol on March 22, 2023. This “Methodist Miracle” began at the 2022 Annual Conference and continues with an invitation to churches to help implement gun safety legislation in Michigan.
Rev. Paul Perez called on leaders of After the Storm to report on this conference-related nonprofit’s work in disaster recovery. Since its formation in 2022, After the Storm has done case management with hundreds of families in Detroit and Gaylord. A $600,000 fundraising effort aims to ensure this life-changing ministry’s sustainable future.
Jack Amick, Director of Global Migration for UMCOR, celebrated the connectional power of The UMC. “United Methodists are involved in prevenient mission,” he said. “But that is not good enough in Michigan. In 2022 you gave $2,141,377.50 to The Advance, more than any other annual conference in the denomination. You have supported 28 missionaries,” again leading the UMC.
Deacon Alex Plum returned attention to the grassroots introducing persons in ministry with neighbors in their communities. Pastor James Noggle shared how The Gathering feeds hungry families in Harrison.
The Pawating Native American Senior Meals program hosted at Grand Rapids: Aldersgate UMC was described by Rhonda Loonsfoot. She asked for prayer, saying, “We have never been gone, but people don’t know we are here.”
Rev. Barry Petrucci, Portage Chapel Hill, reminded members, “Entertaining angels is hard work. A lot goes into welcoming these friends.” He encouraged congregations to take on the teamwork of refugee resettlement.
Bishop Bard encouraged Michigan’s United Methodists to “continue to do good work in the name of Jesus Christ.”
Last Updated on June 13, 2023