www.umc.org l Michigan Area of the United Methodist Church News and Information l July 2013

From Ann Arbor to Washington with loveWAYNE RHODESCommunications Director, Board of Church and Society

Heather and Jonathan Jue-Wong are among twelve persons, ages 19 to 23, who began work in Washington, D.C. in June in the Ethnic Minority Young Adult (EYA) Summer Internship program of the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS). They are working in non-profit and non-governmental social-justice organizations in the U.S. capital for two months.

Heather and Jonathan, both 19, are active at First United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor. Their mother, the Rev. Jennifer Jue, is an elder in the West Michigan Conference currently serving as the pastor of Wayne First UMC.

Heather attends Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa., majoring in Global Studies. Her placement is with Jubilee USA, an alliance of more than 75 organizations, 250 faith communities and 50 Jubilee global partners building an economy that serves, protects and promotes participation of the most vulnerable.

Jonathan attends Oberlin (Ohio) College majoring in History. His placement is with Churches for Middle East Peace, a coalition working to encourage U.S. policies that actively promote a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ensuring security, human

rights and religious freedom for all in the region.

“The EYA interns truly embrace what it means to live in Christian community day in and day out,” said the Rev. Neal Christie, director of the program. “They know that this summer is more than professional stair stepping or positioning to pack a resume. It’s about witnessing to the Gospel.”

These young hearts are full of loveYoung disciples from across the Michigan Area are living out the Gospel in awesome and transforming ways. Meet Heather and Jonathan Jue-Wong, Ethnic interns assigned to the nation’s capital ... Brandon Powell, a US2 serving in Detroit, p.2 ... and an eight-member team who recently returned from Haiti, p.3.

Larry Hollon, head of United Methodist Communications, says that despite concerns raised by a BBC story “Bed Nets for Malaria? Losing the Arms Race?” United Methodists should redouble efforts as they close in on raising $75 million for the Imagine No Malaria Campaign. “The fight against this disease is challenging, but what is at stake

are human lives. We must continue the fight, keeping our eyes wide open to the challenges the BBC has accurately identified,” said Hollon. The 2013 sessions of the Detroit and West Michigan conferences approved a $1.5 million joint campaign for Imagine No Malaria to be led by an Area Task Force chaired by the Rev. Molly Turner.

United Methodists double down on malaria

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The real people behind the headlinesREV. KAY DEMOSSSenior Editor/Writer Michigan Area Communications

Detroit. A city in bankruptcy ... of purse, maybe, but not of spirit. Since the filing on July 18 of the largest municipal bankruptcy in history, media reports have sent comments by Governor Rick Snyder and the state-appointed Emergency Manager, Kevyn Orr, around the globe.

As courts weigh in and next steps remain uncertain, perhaps it’s time to hear a word from the faith community. A city in the abstract ... real people on the streets. People like those served and serving at N.O.A.H Project out of Central United Methodist Church in downtown Detroit.

Central UMC began offering bag lunches in 1976. In 1999, Central partnered with Family Service Inc. to create The N.O.A.H. Project (Networking, Organizing, and

Advocating for the Homeless) to better address the needs of the community. N . O . A . H . ’ s mission, as stated on their website: “we are committed to developing relationships that promote healthy change in the lives of individuals who are homeless, especially those for whom it is a chronic struggle.” Before last week’s bankruptcy news was announced, MIConnect was already in conversation with Brandon Powell, a young adult in mission. Brandon has been serving at N.O.A.H. as a US2 since fall of 2012. US2s (ages 20-30) are trained by the General Board of Global Ministries and then serve for 24 months in partner organizations in the U.S.

With regard to the Chapter 9 protection for Detroit, Brandon says, “I think I am in the same boat as everyone else in the city wondering ‘how exactly is this going to affect me?’ I believe N.O.A.H. is asking the same thing. There are lots of unknowns.” While few know what to expect only one week after the initial action was taken, Brandon is well aware of how vulnerable some are feeling. “We have some clients who worked for the city and who are attempting to live off benefits,” he notes. “With pensions possibly on

the chopping block some are VERY worried and frustrated.” Brandon serves as the Case Manager for N.O.A.H. “On one hand it is a very painful moment seeing how bad the damage really is,” he remarks.”There are a lot of question marks and people are fearful.” But he continues, “The bankruptcy filing has brought national attention to a city with some large mismanagement and social justice issues. There is hope that bankruptcy may shine a light on some of these hurting areas.”

He talked recently with a woman, waiting for the bag lunch to start. “She said the streets have been bankrupt for years now and said it’s funny that what has now happened to Detroit is a surprise for some.” Brandon believes that greater visibility of the plight of hurting people may convict others to help. In the midst of a time when little seems clear, Brandon finds assurance in his faith.

continued on page 10/People in Detroit

“... the streets have been bankrupt

for years now and she said it’s funny

that what has now happened to Detroit

is a surprise for some.”

Photo courtesy of N.O.A.H. Facebook.

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Young leaders have HAPI surprisesREV. TAMARA WILLIAMSSuperintendent Albion DistrictFrom the moment I transferred into the West Michigan Conference 20 years ago, I’ve heard about Haiti. The local congregations I served have supported the Haiti Hot Lunch program, and have sponsored pastors and missionaries in Haiti. The districts I’ve been part of have brought in speakers from Haiti telling us their stories of struggle and hope. Both the West Michigan and Detroit Conferences responded to the earthquake of 2010 with an incredible generosity of money and prayer.

All of this is to say that Haiti has been a focus of my life and ministry for a long time. I never really thought I’d get to go there… but apparently God thought otherwise: “Can you be a chaperone for the Conference Youth Ministries trip to Haiti in June?” And suddenly, I was part of a team of 13 – eight youth and young adults between the ages of 16 and 20, and five adults – who met, planned, prepared, and spent ten extraordinary days together in Haiti!

The purpose of this trip was not simply to be in mission in Haiti. In keeping with the “Four Areas of Focus” of our denomination, we went to Haiti specifically to “develop principled Christian leaders for the church and the world” (those eight youth and young adults from Michigan) by “engaging in ministry with the poor” (the residents of Mizak, Haiti) and “combating the diseases of poverty by improving health globally” (which we did as we helped construct a new maternity center, assisted the nurse who runs the local medical clinic, and delivered both baby layettes and prayer to new moms and soon-to-be-moms in their homes.) I have many, many stories to tell! However, I’m going to focus in on how those eight youth and young adults were stretched, challenged, and impacted by their experiences as they reflected them to me.

continued on next page/Young Leaders

Gwen Bagley Gwen is a 16-year-old from the congregation at Mason UMC. She says being in this team of “many strong leaders” reaffirmed for her that even a strong leader like herself can “choose to step back” to allow others to lead, while still stepping forward and “being the voice of reason when necessary.” She also realized in a new way how “the little things I do for others can impact their day” – such as the simple act of painting the little girls’ fingernails or teaching a clapping game.

Kyrstin George Kyrstin attends Valley Family Church in Kalamazoo, which officially made us an ecumenical group! She was struck hard by the personal difference between seeing photos of people in poverty and seeing real people in poverty. It brought her to tears as we drove through Port-au-Prince because there was no getting away from the fact that it was real. Kyrstin believes that God doesn’t go “poof!” and instantly make you

a leader, but gives you opportunities to stretch and grow. These 12 days changed her. “I’m coming back as a new Kyrstin!” she said.

Quinton Jeschke Quinton is a 16-year-old from the Genesis congregation in Grand Rapids. He didn’t understand until he came to Haiti that you can live in such poverty and still have happiness. “Even though they’re

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/Young Leadersstruggling,” he said, “they have hope and soldier on.” Quinton recognizes that he feels closer to God because he left the “distractions” at home – “the commercialism and the technology and being told that in order to be better you have to own certain stuff.” He is returning home to all of those things determined to be “more aware” of his own ability to choose whether or not they will distract him in the future.

Emma Kreuzer Emma is a 19-year-old student at Western Michigan University, and a member of Gull Lake UMC, the only youth member of the team who was also on last year’s trip. What she saw last year was painful and awful. “It opened my eyes to all we have and how we are such a spoiled country.” This year she realized that God was showing her the potential for the future of Haiti – the more self-sustaining place that Haiti could become. Emma saw God was challenging her to figure that out for herself. “I live in this zone,” said Emma, “where God provides all the answers. This time I was challenged by God to think more deeply and more critically.”

Tiffany NewsomTiffany, is a 21-year-old student at Albion College, and a member of St. John UMC.Tiffany will be leading a return trip to Mizak for young adults in December. T i f f a n y came to the conclusion that people in Haiti care more about their education than we do in the USA. For us, if we fall behind, we tend to drop out. Among the people of Mizak it’s “a privilege.” “They will persevere, just like the 21-year-old girl we met just finishing sixth grade. Who would do that back home?”

Kara Smith Kara is a 17-year-old member of Genesis UMC. Kara senses that God used this trip to confirm her future direction. “I’ve always wanted to work with kids,” she said, “and being here with the children confirmed that I do love working with children, and people of all cultures and races. It was a confirmation from God!”

Helen Watrous Helen is 17 years old and a member of Genesis UMC. She was surprised by the friendliness of the people, and how happy they seem even when they don’t have much. She felt she grew most by spending time with the local children. “We don’t speak the same language,” she said, “so I had to be patient and find creative ways to communicate.”

Courtney Wilton Courtney is a 17-year-old and a member of Paw Paw UMC. Courtney was impressed by the Haitians resiliency. Courtney insists that other youth should go to Haiti. “Go!” she exclaimed. “I’ll go with you! Living in the U.S. we are very blind to the rest of the world, their processes and how they do things. We are very, very sheltered. Everyone needs the chance to experience a culture that is different from ours. If we don’t, we remain ignorant.”

Photos courtesy of Dave Morton

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Summer rest for a very active BishopREV. DR. WILLIAM DOBBSAdministrative Assistant to the Bishop

I pray your summer respite is just that and you are finding time to be refreshed and renewed for your discipleship. The summer season has not seen the flood of questions that we often experience, but there has been one frequent burning question: “Where’s the Bishop?” It will come as no surprise to most of you when I say that the job of a bishop is a never-ending series of problems and challenges, most of which are never seen by the average member of a church. In fact, I have met lay people who didn’t even know that we had a bishop. They never see them or hear from them and have no idea about what they may do with their time. And I have met others who think that bishops have all kinds of power and are able to “fix” any problem by just speaking a word. Neither of these pictures is accurate. Bishops do have responsibilities and duties generally; they include: providing leadership and oversight for the spiritual and temporal affairs of The United Methodist Church, to strengthen the local church by giving spiritual leadership to both laity and clergy, to “guard, transmit, teach and proclaim, corporately and individually, the apostolic faith as it is expressed in Scripture and tradition,” to travel throughout the Church “to implement strategy for the concerns of the Church,” and to “discharge such other duties as the Discipline may direct.” (¶414) In addition, each bishop has presidential duties to

preside in the several conferences and to “provide general oversight for the fiscal and program operations of the annual conference(s).” (¶415) And finally, they are to work with Ordained, Licensed, Consecrated, and Commissioned personnel by making and fixing appointments and to create, divide or unite circuits, stations or charges “as judged necessary for missional strategy.” (¶416) This is hardly an exhaustive list of all their responsibilities, but it does give you a general idea of what each bishop is expected to do for the General Church and for the specific Area to which they have been assigned. It is important to understand that these two things – General Church and Episcopal Area – are not the same thing. When Bishop Kiesey was elected, it was to the episcopacy of the General Church. As such, she joined with the other active and retired bishops as part of the Council of Bishops. “As all ordained ministers are first elected into membership of an annual conference and subsequently appointed to pastoral charges, so bishops become through their election members first of the Council of bishops before they are subsequently assigned to areas of service.” (¶422) Bishop Deb has responsibilities as part of the Council of Bishops (the collegial expression of episcopal leadership in the Church and through the Church into the world), the College of Bishops

(for the North Central Jurisdiction – comprised of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin), and, at the same time, as the assigned episcopal leader for the 846 churches, with their 150,000 members, and the 1,288 active and retired clergy of the Michigan Area. All of which is to say the job of being a General Superintendent in The United Methodist Church is a huge responsibility and it can be exhausting, to say the least. To preserve the physical health and spiritual well-being of the persons we have set apart for these ministries of servant leadership, general oversight and supervision (¶401), every active bishop is required by the General Church to take up to three months’ leave from his or her normal episcopal responsibilities

continued on next page/Bishop Rests

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A journey from Ypsilanti to Qaxaca and backREV. KAY DEMOSSSenior Editor/Writer Michigan Area Communications

/Bishop Restsfor purposes of reflection, study, and self-renewal during each quadrennium (¶410.2). Bishop Deb is currently somewhere in the wilds of northern Minnesota allowing God to renew her spiritual well-being and physical strength. She is there with the blessing of the Area Episcopal Committee and the strong support of her Cabinet and those who work in the Area Office. We want her rested and renewed for her work among us. On a personal note, I watched this bishop throw herself into the work in Michigan and marveled daily at her energy and spirit as she moved between the two conferences and the “double” responsibilities of this two-point charge that is the Michigan Area. She attended meetings and visited churches all across the state – North to South and East to West! We have had a busy summer and I have missed her wise counsel. But I do

not begrudge her one moment of this time away! She has earned it and deserves it and we will all be better for it. So, please, pray for Bishop Kiesey. Pray for her renewal! A second burning question that often gets asked when the first one is answered: “Then who is in charge if the bishop’s away?” Well, the short answer is that Bishop Donald Ott has volunteered to cover for Bishop Deb while she is away – if he is needed! The good news is that I have not found it necessary to call him for much, besides encouragement, so far. The 12 District Superintendents, as extensions of the Bishop’s task of superintending, have done excellent work in her absence. (Please pray for them as well!) And the Administrative Assistants who work in the 12 district offices as well as the two conference offices and the area office and carry so much of the burden for this work have all given outstanding second-mile effort on your behalf. My personal thanks to every one of them!

It’s a long way from Ypsilanti to Qaxaca but both are part of Sonya Luna’s journey. Sonya grew up in Michigan. She helped with Camp Amigo, coordinated English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and helped start a Spanish Language

worship service at her home church, Ypsilanti First UMC.

While living in Mexico for two years, her call to mission service deepened. She returned to her home state and has now served for 5 ½ years as a National Hispanic/Latino Plan missionary. First assigned by the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) to the Detroit Conference Committee on Hispanic-Latino Ministries, as of July 1 Sonya’s gifts are available to the entire Michigan Area.

A growing needTwenty years ago The United Methodist Church dreamed of a community of faith that wouldinclude all God’s children and with

this vision the National Plan was born. Since 1992, General Conference, in cooperation with four General Church boards and numerous annual

continued on page 10/Journey to Qaxaca

The headlines are blaring the bankruptcy news and still we rise. To preach the word, to live the gospel good news, to witness to a God who in Christ promises that we will not fall farther than God can catch us and that no bankruptcy, nor death, nor anything in all creation

can separate us or our beloved city from the love and new life in Christ Jesus our Lord! And Still we Rise!

Resurrection begins with God’s power to raise us from what seems like death and despair to new life and Hope. This is the very essence of our faith. And Still we Rise!

This morning, Michigan Area Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey expressed her deep concern and prayers, “My heart has been broken for the people of Detroit once again, but as a Resurrection People, we have great hope,” she said. “This is the time when I believe we are truly called to ‘be the church’. This isn’t just an issue for the people of Detroit, but for all of us ‘in the connection’ - to be a ‘resurrection people’ and to reach out and offer ourselves, our hands, our faith and our words of hope for the future.This has been a difficult stretch for the city and the people of Detroit, but the United Methodist Church stands ready to walk alongside them as together we seek a new future.”

In the wake of this sad news, now more than ever we, and everyone across the connection of United Methodists in Michigan must redouble our efforts to stand with our city and especially with those for whom pensions and lifelines are threatened to be cut. We must redouble our efforts to stand together city and suburb to offer hope and create opportunity for the Renaissance of our region. We are all woven together and so what happens in Detroit also touches our state and our nation.

We can “Be the Church!” Call and connect with our 18 City of Detroit and Pontiac local churches and ask what you can do to help strengthen our beloved community.

Listen for what is requested and then offer to help. We are 139 square miles of amazing people. And Still we Rise.

All of us are called to be in prayer. Put our city in our prayers this Sunday and every Sunday. We must pray for our beloved Motown, home of so much goodness and yes, also very hard times. And yet, this is the very place where God is present and active and bringing true Renaissance. And still we rise.

Note: Pray for Detroit is a Facebook Group established by the Michigan Area of The United Methodist Church for individuals to share their prayers and concerns for the people of Detroit. We invite everyone to share their positive comments and prayers. Detroit Skyline Wiki Photo/Shawn Wilson 2004.

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And still we rise!REV. MELANIE LEE CAREYSuperintendent Detroit Renaissance District

Welcome to MIConnect, a monthly printable edition of the top news

from the online MIConnect Weekly, serving theDetroit and West Michigan Conferences.

Find the “rest of the story” online here:www.umc.org l www.detroitconference.org

www.westmichiganconference.or

Bishop Deborah L. KieseyPublisher Mark Doyal l Editor M. Kay DeMoss

Direct comments and stories to Mark Doyal,mark@miareaumc.org.

Read the Gospel…Be the Gospel.

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Innovative back to school outreachFamilies in your city will soon be in back-to-school mode. Many churches sponsor drives for supplies and clothes to outfit students. Find stories, resources and videos that show school spirit at UMC.org/schools. Try a new focus on partnerships that go beyond meeting a single need. When volunteers develop relationships with teachers and children,

the outreachaccomplishes more thanbuying boxes of crayons. Suggestions include “pizza missionaries” and staffing “bully-free zones” at church and at school.

Connectional

Digest

New leader for UMC’s “Justice League”The General Board of Church and Society has elected a new leader, the Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe. She will assume the post of General Secretary in February 2014. For the past 22 years she has served as the Dean of the Chapel and Religious Life at Emory University in Atlanta GA. Henry-Crowe said

she is committed to the long-established ministry of Church and Society through advocacy, education and justice-seeking. “The opportunity to support the communities and lives of real people around the world in their struggles for justice is the call of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” she said.

Bishop Greg Palmer shares thoughts on “neighbor”The episcopal leader of the Ohio West Area was one among many United Methodists who shared reflections on the verdict in the George Zimmerman trial. Considering the parable of the Good Samaritan, Palmer offers some questions to shape the future: 1) pray for the two families and for Sanford, FL; 2) study Luke 10:25-37 with others and find yourself

in the story; 3) “Seek peace and pursue it” in every relationship; 4) engage with your neighborhood; 5) risk starting a serious conversation about race and culture; and 6) take a step that closes the generational (mis)understanding gap. “Don’t let perceptions and stereotypes be an obstacle to beloved community.”

United Methodist clergy survey reveals job stressorsClose to 50 percent of United Methodist clergy who answered a survey conducted by the United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits said their jobs stressed them out. Five percent suffer from depression, 26 percent report at least some functional difficulty from depressive symptoms and 47 percent experienced hostility in their congregations. To show some perspective, for matched U.S.

adults used as a benchmark, only three percent suffer from depression and 12 percent report difficulty working, taking care of things or getting along with others. The Rev. Sheri Ferguson, director of the North Alabama UM Pastoral Care and Counseling Center, says clergy can do specific things to prevent compassion burnout and mental health problems. “Clergy need support systems where they can talk

about the demandsof ministry in a confidential environment,” shesaid. Other tipsinclude hobbies, nurturing humor and working to keep a balance between work and family. She also suggests pastors should occasionally worship in settings where they do not have to lead.

DetroitNews

Walking together on Vision PathwaysREV. KAY DEMOSSSenior Editor/Writer Michigan Area Communications

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Recently a team of youth from the Dixboro United Methodist Church engaged in a joint project with the Motown Mission Experience and Joy Southfield Development Project. The team is shown here taking a break from installing a raised-bed garden labyrinth. This image provides an interesting metaphor for a process currently underway in the Detroit Conference.

Anyone who has taken a stroll with his or her soul on a labyrinth knows that to journey on a spiritual pathway produces new relationships, new direction, and renewed faith. Both Motown Mission Experience and Joy Southfield Development Project are part of the Ministry Jubilee, now in its 13th year of providing guidance for involvement of local churches and ministries across the Detroit Conference. Motown, Joy and similar projects are now being

offered a new route to encourage and enable partnership with disciples of all ages across eastern Michigan and the U.P.

And it all started back in August 2011 when the Conference Leadership Team (CLT) adopted Three Vision Pathways. Two years ago lay and clergy leaders intentionally explored new ways to achieve the Detroit Conference Vision to “create and nurture dynamic and fruitful congregations that make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” That’s when Three Pathways were adopted and significant thought was given to how to travel them faithfully. The pathways are:

1. Creating new places for new faces and revitalizing existing congregations;2. developing effective Christian

leaders for the church and the world;3. engaging local churches in mission partnerships and community transformation.

At that point the CLT revisited the Jubilee model and determined to put increased focus on the third aspect of it—direct ministry partnerships. The Ministry and Mission approach was born in the hope of encouraging pastors and people to take some new risks for discipleship and transformation.

Detroit Conference Director of Connectional Ministries, the Rev. Dr. Jerome (Jerry) DeVine, noted, “When the Three Pathways emerged,they were an answer to what we wanted the Conference to look like in five years.”

continued on next page/Pathways

/PathwaysAt that point in the dialog, a travel plan emerged that would shift focus from boards and agencies to ministry on the ground. At the present time Jubilee projects number 130, with varying degrees of connection to the United Methodist Church and with support bases varying from single-point to regional. “So we are screening in order to more effectively promote and support the projects with the broader interest capacity and wider impact,” says DeVine.

This summer a Mission and Ministry Task Force of CLT began communication with agencies and ministries. The Conference Leadership Team will make the final decision on Mission and Ministry Projects at their September meeting. Local churches will receive promotional material on November 1, 2013. The launch of this new season of stewardship will take place January 2014.

What are the hoped for outcomes? Paul Perez, who has been active on CLT, says, “The goal of this transition is to identify the most creative and vital ministries that clearly align with the Conference’s Three Vision Pathways,” Perez adds. “Ministries must demonstrate reasonable sustainability and present the most potential for engaging local churches in direct mission partnerships.”

The Rev. Amy Mayo-Moyle, pastor of Clarkston UMC and chair of the Conference Leadership Team, is excited about the tools being developed. “It’s past time for this type of giving and partnering to have a web-based vehicle to tell the story and to receive contributions,” she said.

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/People in Detroit“The provision that God allots is not contingent on a governmental decision,” he says. “I feel that as a church we are as open and working as hard as ever to understand and to respond to this situation.” He has his sights on the future. “There’s hope if people now look at Detroit and see not a city that once was great but instead see a city that is awakening and emerging from a rocky and painful past.” He is encouraged as he sees people “ready to blast their extreme pride in the city as they rally together to better understand what is happening around them.”

Brandon Powell is the Case Manager for N.O.A.H. in downtown Detroit. Joni Vasquez is a Jesuit volunteer coordinating the Bag Lunch program. Photo courtesy of N.O.A.H. Facebook.

Brandon comes to the city of Detroit from a small town near Charlotte, NC. He plans to go back to school when his stint as a US2 is done. “I became a missionary,” he recalls, “because I felt I needed to gain experience before going into seminary. It’s easy to think about theology but sometimes one simply needs a space to act it out.” N.O.A.H. will continue to provide such space for the year to come.” Every day is a learning experience whether it is heart-wrenching, frustrating or heartwarming, Brandon explains. “I am learning what it’s like to dive into the compassion Jesus showed on a daily basis.”

/Journey to Qaxacaconferences has continued to dream and set goals in four vital areas: 1) congregational development; 2) immigration; 3) annual conference and local church strategy; and 4) new leadership formation. Today more Annual conferences are involved in Hispanic/Latino ministry than ever before. Hispanic/Latinos are the largest ethnic group in United States, 15% of the population according to the 2010 census.

Right here in Michigan the Hispanic population has grown from 327,052 to 436,358 over the past ten years; 4.4% of Michigan’s total population up from 3.2%. Sonya’s new position will help congregations across the state meet the challenges that current demographics and local realities present.