Events:
The Church Has Left The Building
The Church Has Left the Building returns on Sunday, September 27. Gather your congregation and spend the day serving your community through a mission project of your choosing. Whether it’s caring for neighbors, beautifying public spaces, or meeting a local need, every act of service makes a difference. Click the button for more information on how your church can get involved.
United Methodist Union 107th Annual Meeting & Reception
Register for the United Methodist Union of Greater Detroit’s 107th Annual Meeting & Reception on Thursday, October 22 at Northville UMC. This year’s gathering will feature a new format, beginning with a Festival of Desserts from 6:45–7:15 p.m., followed by the program from 7:30–8:30 p.m. Please note that dinner will not be served this year.
We are pleased to welcome Rev. Tim Ward of the Virginia Conference as our guest speaker. Rev. Ward brings extensive experience in church planting, congregational growth and revitalization, and helping churches discover new ways to serve the needs of their communities.
There is no cost to attend.
Conflict Resolution Workshop: Putting Christ’s Teaching into Practice
Learn practical ways to approach conflict with grace and understanding at a Conflict Resolution Workshop on Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Commerce United Methodist Church, 1155 N. Commerce Road, Commerce Township. Led by Lisa Batten, Associate Director for Connectional Ministries, the workshop will explore Christ’s directive to first go directly to the person who has caused harm and how this teaching can be put into practice in churches, ministries, and relationships. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. Registration is required by September 19.
MLK Scholarship & Beloved Community Grant Applications Open Now
Grants Available for Equipping Laity
Do lay members at your church or United Methodist-affiliated ministry partner lack funding for resources and leadership training? If so, apply for a Michigan Conference Board of Laity grant of up to $500 by October 1. More information and the application can be found by clicking here.
Announcements:
Resisting the Grind: Young Adult Retreat at Lake Louise
Young adults and college students are invited to “Resisting the Grind: The Do-Nothing Retreat,” October 24–25 at Lake Louise Camp in Boyne Falls. Participants from U-M, WMU, GVSU, and other campuses will gather for a weekend focused on rest, Sabbath, and building practices that support deeper discipleship. The retreat is offered on a sliding scale of $0, $25, or $50, based on each participant’s financial situation, and Motor City Campus Ministry will provide transportation to and from Lake Louise. For questions, call or text Rev. Carl Gladstone at 586-295-3055. Registration and additional information by clicking here.
Greater Detroit District Lay Servant Ministries Training
The Greater Detroit District Lay Servant Ministries is offering a new schedule of training opportunities for 2026–2027, with courses designed to equip laity for leadership, service, worship, teaching, and ministry. Classes include Basic Lay Servant Ministries, Lead Public Worship, Spiritual Gifts, Preaching, Biblical Storytelling, Leading Adult Bible Study, Lead Public Prayer, Ministry with the Forgotten: Dementia, Transforming Evangelism, and more. A Certified Lay Minister Academy is also available. Courses are offered virtually via Zoom, with several in-person options at First UMC of Hazel Park. Registration is $30 per course, and participants should register at least two weeks before their class begins. See the full schedule and registration information for dates, requirements, and course options. Click here for a schedule of classes and more information.
Greater Detroit District United Women in Faith Annual Meeting
Save the date for the Greater Detroit District United Women in Faith Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 10, at First United Methodist Church of Northville, 777 8 Mile Road, Northville. The gathering will include fellowship, a continental breakfast, and lunch. Attendees are also invited to support this year’s ingathering project by bringing new children’s underwear in all sizes for boys and girls to benefit Brightmoor Connection. Click here for a fillable/printable Word Doc flyer & registration form.
Book Talk: Rooted in Faith and Justice
The Task Force on Promoting Justice in the Middle East invites you to a book discussion of Rooted in Faith and Justice: Christian Calls to Conscience & Cries for Peace in Palestine on Tuesday, November 17, at 7 p.m. ET. Led by Rene Johnson, a member of the Michigan Conference Board of Justice and United Women in Faith Social Action Coordinator, the conversation will explore perspectives from Palestinian Christians on the history, faith, and complex issues surrounding Israel and Palestine, as well as perspectives on moving forward. Participants are encouraged to purchase the book from their preferred bookseller or check their local library for a copy. Contact Ranie Clawson to sign up for the Zoom link, [email protected].
Fulfill the Dream: A Night to Support ChristNet
ChristNet invites the community to Fulfill the Dream, an adults-only evening of hope, celebration, and support on Friday, September 25, at 6:30 p.m. at One Nine Event Venue in New Boston. The evening will feature a buffet dinner, cash bar, raffles, silent auction, music and dancing, with guest speaker Rev. Faith Fowler, Senior Pastor of Cass Community United Methodist Church and Executive Director of Cass Community Social Services. Proceeds will help ChristNet work toward restoring its services to 9 a.m.–5 p.m., seven days a week, providing essential support to neighbors in need. Tickets are $65 per person. Click here for a flyer, more information, and registration form.
Local Church News:
North Lake UMC Celebrates 190 Years
North Lake United Methodist Church in Chelsea is celebrating 190 years of faith, ministry, and service with a special anniversary celebration on Sunday, September 20. Worship begins at 10 a.m. and will feature guest speaker Bishop David Bard, followed by a presentation and celebration with founding families, former pastors, and state and local leaders. Founded in 1836, North Lake UMC will honor generations of ministry while looking ahead to the future God is calling the congregation to build. For more information, visit northlakeumc.org or call 734-475-7569. Click here for a flyer.
You Are Not Alone: Understanding and Easing Loneliness
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Rochester invites the community to You Are Not Alone, a workshop exploring loneliness and how we can create meaningful connections in our lives. Held Tuesday, September 29, from 7–9 p.m. in Hickey Hall, the program will examine the health and behavioral effects of loneliness and offer practical skills, resources, and an action plan for building connection. Featured speakers are Dr. Cassidy Azzow, PsyD, MAAT, DLLP, and Iklas Bashi, MA, LPC. The workshop is open to the community and will be held at St. Paul’s UMC, 620 Romeo Street, Rochester, MI 48307. For questions, call 248-651-9361. Click here for more information.
Workshop to Tackle HR Headaches: Hosted by Brighton First UMC
Ministry Mechanics is to help church leaders with the nuts and bolts of the business side of ministry. Participants will learn alongside peers about best practices in human resources and in managing staff and volunteers. This event will be especially helpful for members of Staff-Parish Relations Committees, but anyone responsible for human resources or volunteer management will also benefit. Register now to attend.
Praise & Worship Day at French UMC
French United Methodist Church invites everyone to a special Praise & Worship Day in African style on Sunday, October 25, from 3–5 p.m. Come together for an uplifting afternoon of powerful praise, heartfelt worship, and fellowship as the community celebrates God through music and faith. African food will be served following worship, and all are welcome to join the celebration at French UMC, 1803 W. 14 Mile Road, Birmingham, MI. Click here for a printable flyer.
Harmony in the Hills Presents Duo Clarion
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Rochester opens the fall season of its Harmony in the Hills Concert Series with an evening of chamber music featuring Duo Clarion on Friday, September 25, at 7 p.m. Clarinetist Chad Burrow and pianist Amy I-Lin Cheng are award-winning musicians and professors at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance who have performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. The concert will be held in the St. Paul’s Sanctuary, 620 Romeo Street, Rochester. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. For information, contact [email protected] or 248-651-9361.
NOW HIRING
- South Lyon First is hiring a Traditional Music Teacher and Youth Group Leader. You can find more information on their website by clicking here.
- Warren First UMC is hiring a part-time Christian Education Director. Click here for a full job description.
Michigan Conference:
Thoughts on Renwal Start with Prayer
n this month’s blog, Bishop David Bard returns from summer leave with reflections on discipleship and renewal, drawing on daily prayer to ask how our churches can love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. Read the full blog.
UM team returns to Peru, March 2027
The deadline to apply for an intergenerational Volunteers in Mission team from Michigan and Wisconsin traveling to Peru next year is Oct. 1. A few spots remain for young adults interested in VBS, health care, or light construction. Read Matthew Bowman’s story about this year’s trip, then consider joining. Read more.
On Human Dignity: People Are Ends in Themselves
Michigan United Methodist pastor the Rev. Dr. Chris Momany, an historian and writer serving First United Methodist Church in Dowagiac, reflects on the inherent dignity and worth of every person in a recent article for UM News. In On Human Dignity: People Are Ends in Themselves, Momany considers what our faith calls us to recognize in one another and why human beings must never be treated merely as a means to an end. Read his reflection from UM News.
Connectional Ministries Coming Attractions
The Connectional Ministries Staff has developed a lineup of engaging programs designed to spark enthusiasm, deepen spiritual growth, and foster belonging across Michigan’s United Methodist faith communities and leaders. Take a look at what’s coming up!
Ministry Shares Information
Thank you! To the 350 churches met 100% of their Ministry Share goal in 2025! See what percentage your church has contributed so far in 2026 by clicking here.
Greater Detroit District Mailing Address: P.O. Box 350, Newport, MI 48166-9998
313-481-1045