District News

JOIN US FOR MISSION U IN 2025

Thursdays: 6:30-9:00 p.m.
January 9, 16, 23, 30, 2025
Couldn’t attend the Mission u in July? Now is your chance to participate virtually on your own or gather a small group of people from your church as we discuss the 2024 theme of ‘Welcome Home’.  Together, we will explore how we can know God as an intimate friend who welcomes us while we discover what it means to live in the kin-dom of God and how this helps us develop practices for healthier communities.  This inspiring study will be led by Steve Taylor, an active Home Missioner from the North Carolina Conference. Enroll yourself or a small group of up to five people for $30 plus the cost of your book. Registration deadline is January 3. For more information or to register, visit this link or contact Mission u Registrar Sally Messner at [email protected]. This class has been approved by the Michigan Conference Lay Servant Ministries Team as a renewal class for Certified Lay Speakers and Certified Lay Ministers.

MISSION U WEEKEND FOR ALL AGES
July 17-19, 2025
First UMC of Mt. Pleasant
“Hope as Resurrection People” is the 2025 theme and we will explore the hope that emerged with a small community of followers after the resurrection of Jesus that changed the world.  Out of so much confusion and fear following the crucifixion of Jesus, grew a “Resurrection People” steepled in hope who began living out their faith in powerful ways.  Plan now to attend and watch for registration to open next spring.

Bishop David Bard announced a listening tour to meet with United Methodists as he begins his final term as resident bishop of the Michigan Conference. The tour will start in Marquette on November 23. This is the first of four stops, concluding on January 11 in Grandville. The sessions will not be live-streamed or recorded.

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Two powerful hurricanes have devastated the southeastern United States in a short time. Here are ways you can join our United Methodist response to these disasters.

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2024 Ministry Shares can be found by clicking HERE.
2025 Ministry Shares >>>

Emerging Ministries Grant provides seed money for new ministries which will be on going (as opposed to one-time) projects. An Emerging Ministries Project can receive support for up to three years. Possible uses might include program and or material resources, staff funding, administrative expenses. Maximum grant available per project shall be $1500. This grant is funded through the Northern Skies District Conference. Download a grant application.

Creative Ministry Grant provides incentive to encourage new creative ministries of outreach and program development which might otherwise not be possible because of local budgetary consideration. This grant is funded by the Northern Skies District Conference. Download a grant application.

Capital Improvement/Project Grant is available to assist churches in completing capital projects or improvements that are beyond the reach of the local church. The amount of the grant will be determined by the District Leadership Team. This grant is funded by the Northern Skies District Conference. Download a grant application.

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Loans from District Leadership Team:

 One of the functions of the  Northern Skies District Leadership Team is “to operate as a lending agency for the financing of church property” (By-laws: article III, section 3). Presently the board has a maximum loan request cap of $20,000. The board wants to be in ministry to all United Methodist churches in the Northern Skies District and to help meet needs and emergencies. Download a loan application.