Virtual Michigan AC gets the job done

The 2020 Virtual Michigan Annual Conference took place on screens across the state on July 26-28. Bishop David Bard presided from a studio in Lansing. The essential mission was accomplished.

Names and faces of AC 2020

Every annual conference session celebrates the achievements and the service of people. Here are some of the names and faces of honor at the 2020 Virtual Michigan Annual Conference.

Voices from virtual plenary hall

Monday’s agenda for the 2020 Michigan Annual Conference included a series of voices sharing lessons and reports with invitations, challenges, and encouragement.

Michigan thanks lay leaders

Conference leaders join in celebrating the faithful service of Anne Soles and John Wharton, who served together as Lay Leaders of The Michigan Conference since 2016.

Lay leader praises adaptive change

“We bicycle forward. Nothing is standing still,” says Michigan Lay Leader Anne Soles. She surveys the changes taking place in the church and the nation.

Let’s organize a search party

The church, says Lay Leader Anne Soles, must make an intentional search for those “not there” as churches use electronic outreach during the pandemic. What other tools must we use?

Living in bittersweet days

The Michigan Conference Board of Laity met and Lay Leader Anne Soles described it as bittersweet. “Bitter that we talk of uncertainty. Sweet in the pulse of new ideas for… Continue Reading Living in bittersweet days

Fall wind brings new beginnings

The Michigan Conference Lay Leader reflects on the life of trees and the life of churches. She encourages congregations in transition to consider The New Beginnings program.

Faith among the fences

In our laity blog, Power in the Pew, Conference Lay Leader Anne Soles gives counsel from the gospel and a classic poem about navigating the walls and fences of life.

Power in the pew

  Michigan Conference Lay Leader Anne Soles explores the complexities of how The United Methodist Church can make connections with today’s seekers.