Rev. Jodie Flessner, superintendent of the Western Waters District, sees new life and purpose emerging in many places in the newly formed district.

JODIE FLESSNER
Superintendent, Western Waters District

While all the districts in the Michigan Conference changed shape last summer, parts of the Northern Waters and Midwest Districts merged and received a new name as well – Western Waters District. We encompass the twelve most western counties in the Lower Peninsula, from Traverse City in the north to the Holland and Grand Rapids areas in the south. As I toured churches new to me and then met with people from all 76 churches at our fall church conferences, I was delighted to experience renewed life and purpose emerging as we embrace a new future.

One of the most exciting things is how churches are using their buildings. As congregations spend more time engaged in ministry in the community, outside buildings larger than what is currently needed, they often find themselves with unused space.

• • I have witnessed churches opening their buildings for short-term and seasonal uses: a Christmas light show; sensory-sensitive Christmas and Easter events; school music concerts, recitals, and banquets; pizza parties after ball games, and centers for youth activities that open on early release days.
  • There are some long-term uses as well: opening transitional housing, creating pickleball courts, putting in a boxing ring, designating space for childcare, autism centers, and community office space.
  • Churches are also using their parking lots as a safe place for school bus drop-offs and easy 24-7 access to basic food pantry items.
  • A number of churches are creatively designing their outdoor spaces as community gathering spaces, with picnic shelters, gardens, labyrinths, walking trails, and playgrounds.

All this is happening while many people have continued to be blessed by joining online worship and study groups. People have joined churches in the Western Waters District from as far away as Montana. In an area with many seasonal residents and retirees, several of our churches have targeted programs for lifelong learning, including vacation Bible school for grown-ups.

We have all been hit by divisiveness within the larger culture and pain from disaffiliation, but I continue to be in awe of churches bravely venturing into courageous conversations. Some are claiming their identity as theologically traditional churches with a commitment to The United Methodist Church, while others are claiming their identity as open and affirming congregations. Some churches are discovering in these conversations that their commitment is to be a place where people can respectfully engage in difficult issues, appreciate differing viewpoints within the congregation, yet remain committed to being in worship, ministry, and mission together. My experience has been that the churches that have engaged in these challenging conversations and decisions and kept their focus on the mission and ministry of the church do well before, during, and after having these courageous conversations.

My prayer is that the people and churches of the Western Waters District acknowledge the weariness and heartaches of the last few years, giving breathing space to name our loss and grief. And that we also claim those places where God is doing a new thing. We have much to celebrate. Churches are acknowledging that life isn’t what it used to be, and they are finding creative ways to embrace God’s dreams for their future. I was asked to share one new ministry in this blog, and I found I couldn’t do it, for there is new life all over the place. And if any of this has piqued your curiosity, I’d be happy to put you in touch with the people who developed and are engaged in these ministries. Please email me at [email protected].