Your happy place and sacred space

Retired pastor Jack Harnish has felt what research has proven, that spending time outdoors is good for the body and soul.

Churches respond to Oxford, one year later

On the anniversaries of the Oxford and Sandy Hook school shootings, Michigan United Methodist congregations created spaces for prayer and fellowship as a means of caring for their communities.

Finding relational sanctuary

Faced with increased ministry burnout, pastors need to discover places of sanctuary and creative spaces for discernment, and clergy leadership cohorts may be a helpful resource.

Detroit church doors open for Ded

“I can now breathe fresh air!” Ded Rranxburgaj declares with joy as he is able to leave Detroit Central United Methodist Church after three and a half years in sanctuary.

The past is a present … open it!

With the pandemic in mind, Juanita Joiner shares memories of the past and kind words in the present. She believes the most important gift is connecting with friends, family, and… Continue Reading The past is a present … open it!

Three years and counting in Detroit

When he and his wife, Flora, went through the doors into Central United Methodist Church in Detroit in January 2018, little did they know they would still live there three… Continue Reading Three years and counting in Detroit

Closed on Friday, connected on Sunday

On Friday, March 13, Bishop David Bard asked all Michigan churches in his care to be closed to in-person events. On Sunday, less than 48 hours later, congregations came together… Continue Reading Closed on Friday, connected on Sunday

Ded continues in sanctuary in Detroit

A judge dismissed Ded Rranxburgaj’s suit against the government. The “Let Ded Stay” effort continues in the face of deportation.

Poet shares psalm about sanctuary

Jack Amick considers what it might be like to live inside the four walls of a church in search of safety and hope as Texas bishops call for a solution… Continue Reading Poet shares psalm about sanctuary

They call Detroit Central UMC home

When Ded and Flora walked through the doors of Central UMC in Detroit in January 2018, little did they know they would still call the church home 18 months later.