Tag: Legislation

‘The Plan’ … our leaders comment

Four Michigan Conference leaders — Bishop David Bard, Rev. Benton Heisler, Laura Witkowski, and Rev. Kennetha Bigham-Tsai — offer their initial responses to the separation plan announced on January 3rd.

Take a deep breath

“If I was still a local church pastor,” says Rev. Jack Harnish, “I would tell my congregation something like this from the pulpit this morning. ‘Take a deep breath.’”

Court rules on exit plan and more

Legislation setting special exit provisions for any United Methodist churches that want to leave the denomination took effect last February, the church’s top court has ruled.

What’s ahead for GC2020 petitions?

General Conference is now eight months ahead. The deadline for legislation is past and petitions are being translated and prepared for action in May of 2020.

CT backs U.S. Regional Conference

The denomination’s Connectional Table proposes major legislation with the goals of easing the burden of U.S. business on General Conference, and giving U.S. churches parity with those in central conferences.

UMCNext suggests ‘respectful separation’

The UMCNext coalition has just released a plan that would remove restrictions against same-sex weddings and ordination of LGBTQ clergy. The plan also would let local churches vote to leave the denomination. 

General Conference now 285 days away

The 2020 General Conference convenes in Minneapolis on May 5. Updates and resources to help you follow this historic event are available at gc.michiganumc.org.

AC 2019 is ‘greenhouse for leadership’

The Michigan Annual Conference celebrated Bold and Effective Leadership, and now moves forward — with wisdom, courage, and heart — for mission and ministry in a changing world.

Hey! Where’s my pastor?

Your pastor not in the church office? He or she is up north in Acme, Michigan participating in The Michigan Annual Conference. 

Have you registered for Annual Conference?

The Michigan Annual Conference takes place May 30 – June 2, 2019 at Grand Traverse Resort. Go now to 2019.michiganumc.org for all the details.