Invitation to bid Farewell to the Ulery's
(Reservation Form)
Friday, June 20 at the Michigan UCC Conference office there will be an opportunity to bid farewell to Meg and Kent Ulery as they prepare to move to Bangor, Maine where, beginning in July, he will serve as President of the Theological Seminary. Starting at 6 p.m. there will be a catered picnic to provide fellowship and fare. Then at 7 p.m. Kent's good friend and colleague the Rev. Dr. David Reese will lead us in bidding our friends and leaders a graceful transition.
Honorary monetary gifts in their names are welcome and to be designated for General Synod expenses. A memory book will be available to record best wishes and memorable experiences for them to read after they settle. Those who are not able to attend are encouraged to send a letter or e-mail that will be read on the 20th and included in the memory book.
Since the meal will be catered we are asking a $15 cover charge per person. Please RSVP by June 9. Send letters and/or RSVP to Karen McPherson at: karen@michucc.org or 5945 Park Lake Rd. P.O. Box 1006 East Lansing, MI 48826. Please get your reservations in ASAP. Please click HERE for the registration form.
NOTE: if you do not RSVP and you attend the farewell, you WILL BE charged the $15 cover.
Parish House
Please note that the Parish House will be unavailable June 1 – June 30. We are sorry for the inconvenience. It will reopen for people to use July 1, 2008. Thank you for your cooperation – - Conference Office.
Race, Diversity, Christian Faith in the 21st Century – (Click here for a downloadable brochure.)
Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Serenity Christian Church 24120 N. Chrysler Dr., Hazel Park MI 48030.
Cost: $20 includes continental breakfast and lunch.
This event is sponsored by the Reconciliation Committee of the Christian Church Michigan Region (Disciples of Christ). This Committee is committed to a pro-reconciliation/anti-racist church, who affirm true community, deep Christian spirituality and passion for justice. This seminar will explore current ideas surrounding race, diversity, and Christian faith. For more information please contact the church at 248-547-2121 or email contact_us@serenitychristianchurch.org.
In Our Prayers
It is with great sadness that we are forwarding news about the death of Rev. Telfer Mook (Benzonia). Please, keep his family in your prayers.
Dates To Remember
June 20 – “Thank you” gathering for Kent Ulery’s ministry in the Michigan Conference UCC
June 21 – Board of Directors Meeting @ Conference Office
VISION Events – www.camptalahi.org UPDATES
WEB SITE
The VISION and Camp Talahi Web Site is www.camptalahi.org. The web site is up and running. On it you will find information about Camp Talahi and our outdoor ministry program, as well as, information about upcoming VISION Events. There is a link to our on line registration. This is a great site for campers, parents, volunteers, pastors, and anyone who wants to know what VISION is doing. Recently added to the web site are congregational resources to aid local congregations in promoting VISION Events and for Camp Talahi. You will find flyers for events, as well as, bulletin inserts, and outdoor litany, and fundraising ideas.
Camp Talahi
It’s not to late to give of your time and talents at our outdoor ministry program at Camp Talahi. Volunteer Application forms are available at www.camptalahi.org. Pastors, Sunday school teachers and youth advisors make great camp counselors and chaplains. Each year over 50 volunteers make a Camp Talahi experience possible. We have a position for you!
Bicycle Odyssey July 10-13, 2008
Join with other bicycle enthusiasts to experience the beauty of God’s creation as we bike together in the northern Lower Peninsula. In addition to great biking, the basecamp is located close to hiking trails and a lake. As we explore the beauty, we will have fellowship with others who love to bike and camp. We will share devotions in the morning and evening and gather around the campfire at the end of the day.
Adults, families, teens, (limit of 3 without parents participating) are invited to join the ride. Bicycle Odyssey begins on Thursday evening, July 10 and continues through Sunday afternoon, July 13, 2008. This year’s base camp will be at Camp Petosega on Pickerel Lake. The address is 11000 Camp Petosega Rd., Alanson, MI 49706
Several day trips of at least 35 miles are planned, with the possibility of a century ride if requested To make this an enjoyable experience participants are encouraged to condition prior to the event to be able to bike about 150 miles for the weekend. Bountiful biker breakfasts are prepared at camp along with snacks, fruits and veggies, sandwiches and cookies for lunch on the road. Evening meals will be at restaurants or provided in camp.
Bring your tent, mattress, and sleeping bag. Required equipment for the ride are bicycle and helmet, and 2 water bottles. We also recommend basic bicycle tools, spare tires and for repair kit and a small first aid kit.
The cost before June 15th—$70 each - includes food, program fees and campsite. Children under 12, $40. By signing up ahead of time you allow time for planning for the group. Registrations received after June 16th will be an additional $30 per person. To register go to www.camptalahi.org and click on register now! If you have any questions or need further information please contact Brad or Barb Barnes, trip organizers, at 248 651 9097 or e-mail babarnes@comcast.net or Marcia Beer, VISION Program Director, at 517 332-3511 ext 209 or e-mail marcia@michucc.org
Golf Outing
The Camp Talahi Golf Outing is August 8, 2008. We will be returning to Whispering Pines Golf Club in Pinckney. To make this event a success we need 4-5 volunteers to work on the committee soliciting sponsors, gifts, and helping to organize the event. This year’s outing will be held in memory of Church Bridges a long time Camp Talahi Golf Outing supporter. Please contact Marcia Beer if you can help Marcia@michucc.org or (517) 332-3511.
Youth Events
Back Bay Mission Service/Learning Trip June 15-20
This trip is for youth 14 years and older who have completed one year of high school. Cost $300 (Includes transportation). Departing Michigan, June 14 returning to Michigan, June 22 Sponsored by VISION and Covenant Association. Contact Marcia Beer to learn more about or sign up for this service opportunity marcia@michucc.org or 517-332-3511.
Experiencing Urban Ministry June 12 – 16 in Detroit
Cost: $250. Come to the city of Detroit and explore urban ministry with Rev. Steven Archer. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about issues of unemployment, poverty, injustice, and homelessness. Register online at www.camptalahi.org.
UCC National Youth Event (NYE), July 24-28, 2008 Every four years, the UCC National Youth Event (NYE) provides an opportunity for over 3000 youth (ages 13 to 18) to gather for worship, workshops, faith, fun and fellowship. The next NYE will be held this summer at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville from July 24 – 28, 2008. If you have not already received the preregistration letter and form in the national offices’ all-church mailing, they are downloadable at www.ucc.org/youth. You can also more about the event at www.ucc.org/youth/nye. We encourage you to consider bringing your youth to this exciting and faith-feeding event!
MCUCC, VISION is arranging for transportation to and from the NYE for youth and adult chaperones on Deluxe Motor Coach.
Transportation to National Youth Event for youth/chaperones of the Michigan Conference. You must reserve your seat on the bus! Cost is $100 per person. There are many ways to reserve your seat on the bus.
1. E-mail a list to marcia@michucc.org of adult contact with complete contact information and names of other adults/youth needing a seat and follow up by sending a check to the address below.
2. You may call Marcia with the information 517 332-3511 ext 209 or fax the info 517 339 2621 or smail mail no later than June 2 to MCUCC, PO Box 1006, East Lansing, MI 48826-1006
3. individuals may sign up on line at the web site at www.camptalahi.org
No registration is final until full payment is received.
Deadline to register is June 1. After June 5 additional busses will be canceled and NYE participants will need to arrange their own transportation.
Further information can be found on the web site www.camptalahi.org under VISION - National Youth Event.