The Michigan Conference’s communications team reviews the top news stories from last year.
JAMES DEATON
Content Editor
What topics were on the hearts and minds of Michigan United Methodists in 2023?
Disaffiliation loomed large over local and churchwide news, but there were hope-filled stories that showed United Methodists living out their Christian faith in powerful ways.
We heard stories highlighting congregations with big, generous hearts, faithful servant leaders thinking outside the box and reimagining ministry for a new season, and the beautiful connectional spirit found in Methodism.
God was ever-present. Jesus’ name was lifted up and glorified. Hearts were changed, and the fruits of the Spirit were evidenced in the lives of the people of God.
It was a wild, busy year for the Michigan Conference. So, as we turn the corner and begin a new year resting in the assurance of God’s presence, take a few moments to review the most popular news stories published by the Michigan Conference last year.
Leading up to the Michigan Annual Conference, the Conference Board of Trustees reported that 60 of Michigan’s 721 United Methodist churches — about 8% — were expected to be approved for disaffiliation during the annual meeting. Only 58 churches fulfilled the disaffiliation requirements by the July 1 deadline.
This article previewed Annual Conference legislation and various business items, including the proposed 2024 budget, which reflected a $2 million reduction from the previous year, and the Board of Trustees’ motion to approve the disaffiliation of 60 churches leaving The United Methodist Church.
The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan honored four churches as Wayne C. Barrett Steward Leaders for the way they exemplified good stewardship and cultivated a culture of generosity: Crystal Falls: Christ UMC in the western Upper Peninsula, Green Street UMC in Hastings, Milwood UMC in Kalamazoo, and Central UMC in Traverse City.
Despite challenging business matters, messages of assurance and hope for renewal shaped the 2023 Michigan Annual Conference, held June 2-4 in Acme, MI. This article summarized daily news coverage.
The Michigan Conference held a Special Session of Annual Conference on November 30 via Zoom to address final disaffiliation requests. Clergy and lay members prepared to vote to approve the disaffiliation of 63 churches from The United Methodist Church. The churches had until December 15 to complete the necessary disaffiliation requirements.
On March 19, Cornerstone Church, the Michigan Conference’s largest worshiping congregation, voted to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church and become nondenominational. Still, congregational leaders noted that they do not plan to sever all ties with The United Methodist Church.
A timely Christmas card and creative partnership led to a blessing for Wyoming Park UMC and its community. Family Promise of West Michigan purchased the church’s aging building and worked with the congregation on a plan for transforming the church into transitional housing. The arrangement allowed Wyoming Park to continue worshiping in the space where it had been for over 100 years while also meeting a significant community need.
A ruling by The United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops impacted a previously planned special election of four reserve delegates to serve at the 2024 North Central Jurisdictional (NCJ) Conference. The election, scheduled for the 2023 Michigan Annual Conference, was canceled.
Through a string of United Methodist connections, a young refugee found his way from Ukraine to Michigan’s United Methodist-affiliated Adrian College to begin a new life out of the ashes of war and destruction.
A group of United Methodists from Michigan traveled to England to learn more about their Wesleyan heritage and how it continues to shape beliefs and inspire future mission. The trip had members from several United Methodist congregations, including Cass Community, Birmingham: First, and Ann Arbor: First UMCs.
Last Updated on January 18, 2024