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Posted June 15, 2008 Report on the West Michigan Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church Held June 5-8 2008 by Ken Cool, Delegate At the annual conference, I came to more fully realize that the United Methodist Church is very much concerned with “Social Justice” which includes social injustices such as racism, sexism, poverty and the rights of exploited workers. This fuller understanding makes me proud to be a United Methodist. As just one example of social justice, the United Methodist Church fights hunger and poverty throughout the world using contributions from local churches like LAUMC. A prime example is UMCOR, (UMCOR is the humanitarian relief and development agency of the United Methodist Church). Concerning the legislative agenda of items decided at the annual conference, one interesting debate concerned immigration reform. The Item states (in part) ; that Immigration reform should include, “Earned pathways to citizenship, protecting the rights of workers through safe, orderly and legal avenues to enter this country, reuniting families separated by migration, and effective and humanitarian border protection”. There were many speakers concerning this item, both pro and con. Immigration reform is a contentious issue, and the debate was lively, in the end a resolution was passed. Immigration reform is another example of the larger UMC addressing social injustice problems. Members and friends of LAUMC might be interested to note that the business agenda at annual conference is operated very democratically and with Roberts Rules of Order. During floor debates, delegates are allowed 3 minutes to speak either for or against an issue. The other delegates are not allowed to clap when they like something the speaker says, or to express displeasure if they do not agree with the speaker. You might remember that on April 5, 2008 the West Michigan Conference voted to not unite with the Detroit Conference. The attitude of leaders at the West Michigan Annual Conference that I just attended seemed to be resignation and regret. Some West Michigan Conference leaders worked many, many hours on the proposed unification, but they seemed to gracefully accept the vote of the delegates. Attendance at annual conference is a learning experience and heightens ones awareness of the larger Church in action.
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New Church Directory Announcement 100 % participation is the goal! We are excited to announce that we are going to create a new pictorial family album for our church! The directory will not only help us to connect names with faces, but will serve as an ideal ministry tool that will capture the history of our church congregation and showcase the active ministries our church. Please participate! All we ask is that you have your picture taken by the professional photographer and meet with a Portrait Consultant at the church. For the next several weeks, we encourage you to stop by the sign up table and make an appointment before and after each service or any meetings taking place at the church. Please sign up as soon as possible to get the best appointment to fit your schedule. Olan Mills will be calling all families who have not signed up by Monday, July 28, 2008. They will also be making reminder calls for your appointment. ● Every participating family/household that selects a pose for the directory will receive a free directory and a complimentary 8 x 10 Custom Natural Portrait in the pose of their choice.● You will come to the church only once for photography and for portrait viewing.● The program is available at no cost to the church budget.● You will have the opportunity to order additional portraits during your scheduled appointment time. There will be additional portrait products available for purchase If you wish to purchase extras, the portraits come with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.● Seniors ages 60 and older will receive an additional 10% discount on all portraiture.● The more participation we have the more bonus pages we earn that can showcase the positive programs of ministry our congregation participates in (childrens’ Sunday school, childrens choir, bell choirs, praise team, youth group, summer camps, UMW, work-camp are just a few examples) .● On-line sign-up will be available through a link from the LAUMC website (www.laumc.us)The Scheduled Dates for Photography and Portrait Viewing Are: Thursday, August 7, 3:00 to 9:30, Friday August 8, 3:00 to 9:30, Saturday August 9, 10:00 to 5:00, Tuesday, September 2, 3:00 to 9:30, Wednesday, September 3, 3:00 to 9:30 If you have questions, please contact John and Rhonda Van Asperen 543-0633, or Jeff and Denise Davis 543-4174. Our new pictorial directory just won't be complete without you! Sincerely, Your Directory Committee
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