Acting as the Body of Christ

Laura Witkowski, celebrates the way churches are adapting creatively to the challenges of the pandemic and calls for strengthening connection as the Body of Christ.

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

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.

The dandelion lesson

On a cross-country train trip, Anne Soles learns that ministry and Annual Conference are related to planting, one seed at a time, with a dandelion or two along the way. 

2020 delegate nominees introduced

Thirty-nine persons (20 clergy and 19 laity) have been nominated as delegates to the 2020 General Conference. Meet them here.

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.

Power in the pew

Michigan Conference Lay Leader Anne Soles, uses concepts from ‘This Old House’ to talk about the remodel necessary to move to a Single Board Governance model for more administrative power.

Recruit some virtual volunteers

Even when they can’t be physically present, there are people who would love to lend a hand in cyber service. Make a plan and start recruiting virtual volunteers today.

Profile in leadership

Meet Laura Witkowski, who began leadership as an Associate Director of Lay Leadership Development for The Michigan Conference on July 1, 2018. She is ready to partner with local church… Continue Reading Profile in leadership