Newsletter Here
July certainly seemed to be a literal hot mess. Scorching heat, ash-filled air that burned
eyes and forced us to stay indoors, and don’t forget explosive diarrhea. Fortunately, I
haven’t eaten at a Taco Bell in a few years and we don’t even have one in Hart!
Additionally, the Michigan UMC is in the messiness of redistricting, restructure, and
rebuilding all of our churches from the inside out.
I would encourage everyone to please read the article in this newsletter from our new
District Superintendent Rev. John Kasper as he gives a better explanation of what is going
on. However, I will give you some basics here. The Michigan Conference overwhelmingly
voted to go from 7 districts to 4. We are now in the Central Shores District which covers a
wide swath of area from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. We will retain the same churches
that were in our “Hub” as in our newly named “Connexion Zones”. Mears UMC as well as
Hart, Pentwater, Crystal Valley/Walkerville. Churches that have been added to our group
are: Freesoil/Fountain, Ludington, Sitka, White Cloud/Newaygo, Fremont, Hesperia-
Ferry and Lake Michigan “Grace Outside” Campground.
Previously, our Hub groups simply determined where our churches would meet for our
annual church conferences. This will change as well. DS John is now requiring all clergy to
meet minimally once per month, not just as a clergy group, but to discuss shared ministry
opportunities. This will require additional participation from you, the laity as well. Our
former clergy group began something new a few years back with a successful Confirmation
Camp. Imagine what 10 churches can do when we all work together!
Yes, we will still all be gathering for annual church conferences and those who have had to
do reports will still have to do reports – even me (sigh). They are still a necessity. I will
keep you posted as I receive information. For today, enjoy what sunshine and warm
weather we have while we have it and “Do all the good you can as long as ever you can”.
Blessings,
Pastor Bev
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