Stewardship and Generosity: Let’s Talk About It (part 2)
Stewardship and Generosity: Let's Talk About It (part 2) "Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the...
Christ’s Mission in Our Community – Week of February 12, 2017
“Christ’s Mission is Our Mission” – If we truly believe this, then one of the most important questions to ask is, “What is Christ’s mission?” If we look back at what the Gospels tell us, we see that his priority was to bring the peace and love of God ("kingdom of...
Conversation: Essential to Christ’s Mission – Week of January 16, 2017
We’re back with “Leading Mission Tips” -- designed to help congregations find avenues for pursuing Christ’s mission in their own community. The past few weeks have been for many a swirl of activity as well as upheaval. As many congregations face conflict of one type...
Stewardship and Generosity: Let’s Talk About It (part 1)
A few weeks ago, we talked about all the choices we make everyday in our lives. And how those choices are what really define who we are as a person, and how it's a direct reflection of our stewardship. I also mentioned that it seems like we rarely talk about...
Creating Safe Space through Listening – Week of December 5, 2016
In the present divisive climate in the United States, we have been hearing hurtful words. Perhaps we need to address this at its roots, in our own hearts. Jesus said, “… what comes out of one’s mouth, that is what makes one unclean…. The things that come out of the...
Sharing in the Round – Week of November 21, 2016
Many congregations periodically have dinners, so this week’s Leading Mission Tip may be particularly welcomed. It’s called “Sharing in the Round,” which can include not only eating, but also reflection and conversation about how the congregation can engage further in...
Mission is a Long Journey in the Same Direction – Week of November 14, 2016
Now we come to the last (No. 8) of the foundational principles of mission, in which we recognize that changing the culture (the collective perspective and traditions) of our congregation takes time. But every step taken in the direction toward mission will help. Let’s...
2016 Fall Conference Recap
The 2016 Fall Mission Center Conference was once again held at Saginaw Valley State University. On Friday, Nov. 4 registration opened and a worship experience helped the nearly 100 people gathered to focus on the theme "A Future of Hope" and center on Community of...
Giftedness and Calling – Week of October 24, 2016
“No. 7: Mission is a unique expression of giftedness and calling. Mission emerges from our collective and unique giftedness and when we use our gifts for the sake of creating communities of peace and justice.” What does this mean, and how does this impact how our...
Mission is Contextual* – Week of Oct. 10
Leading Mission Tip -- After a few weeks involving travel and enjoying grandchildren and grandnephews/nieces, I’m back with another Leading Mission Tip! I hope mission center folks are finding these useful; if not, let me know what I can do to clarify how...
Reunion/Family Camp Director Application
Applications are now being accepted for the following events: Reunion @ Sanford Campground - June 22-27, 2018 Reunion @ Park of the Pines - July 13-20, 2018 The Michigan Mission Center sponsors reunions/family camps for all ages at four campgrounds owned and operated...
Are We Ever Satisfied?
I recently read a comical illustration about how most of us are never satisfied with what we have. In this story, a married couple, George and Marlene, had been married for 40 years. George had just turned 60 years old a few months earlier and they were celebrating...