Category: Uncategorized
Congregational Support Director
When our Parchment United Methodist Church celebrated its 100th Birthday in September of 2024, I was so glad that our then new District Superintendent, Dean Prentiss, could be part of that event. Some years ago, both Dean and I and the churches we were pastoring were part of a process called VCI (Vital Church Initiative).… Continue Reading Congregational Support Director
District becomes even greater
Please join us in welcoming new churches and ministries to the expanded Greater Southwest District as of July 1, 2026! Albion: First Allegan Allendale: Valley Church Almena Augusta: Fellowship Bangor: Simpson Barry County: Woodland Bath Battle Creek: Chapel Hill Battle Creek: First Battle Creek: Newton Battle Creek: Washington Heights Berrien County: Lakeside Bowne Center Bradley:… Continue Reading District becomes even greater
Courageous Communities Project
The Courageous Communities Project started as a Solidarity Grant from UMCOR. The name comes from the courage that Ruth had as an immigrant to provide for her family and the courageous community that formed to welcome her and support her. The goal of the project is to resource church leaders wanting to support immigrants now.… Continue Reading Courageous Communities Project
2026 District Ministry Shares
ALBION: FIRST $ 743 ALLEGAN $ 771 ALMENA $ 249 AUGUSTA: FELLOWSHIP $ 191 BANGOR: SIMPSON $ 370 BARRY COUNTY: WOODLAND $ 153 BATTLE CREEK: CHAPEL HILL $ 1,886 BATTLE CREEK: CHRIST $ 433 BATTLE CREEK: CONVIS UNION $ 292 BATTLE CREEK: FIRST $ 1,220 BATTLE CREEK: NEWTON $ 149 BATTLE CREEK: WASHINGTON HTS $… Continue Reading 2026 District Ministry Shares
Semilla launches worship services
We are excited to announce a new and inspiring collaboration between Hartford United Methodist Church and Semilla United Methodist Church! Together, we’re building a new community of faith in 425 E. Main St. Hartford, MI 49057 guided by our mission to “bring hope to every heart and purpose to every life.” We are also incredibly… Continue Reading Semilla launches worship services
Branches
District Superintendent Dean Prentiss has divided the District churches into 12 groups he is calling “Branches.” Check out the Google map BRANCH CHURCH 1 CASCO 1 FENNVILLE / PEARL 1 GANGES 1 GLENN 1 LACOTA 1 SAUGATUCK 1 SOUTH HAVEN: FIRST 2 ALLEGAN 2 BRADLEY INDIAN MISSION 2 BURNIPS / MONTEREY CENTER 2 DORR: CROSSWIND… Continue Reading Branches
Reading Program
United Women in Faith’s Reading Program is designed to help women of faith to achieve five key goals: lean into our spiritual growth, strengthen our leadership skills, equip ourselves for local and global mission, take faithful action for the common good, and build community in ways large and small. The books are current and cover… Continue Reading Reading Program
New District Treasurer
The Greater Southwest District welcomes Sara Wolfsen as its Treasurer. Sara has over 25 years of finance and office administration experience with non-profit organizations and also serves as the Treasurer for the Western Waters District. Sara is a Certified Lay Speaker and is active in district and conference leadership roles for Lay Servant Ministries and… Continue Reading New District Treasurer
2025 District Ministry Shares
Dear Greater Southwest District, I write with a spirit of thanksgiving as I witness what God is doing through you to bless your neighbors near and far. Here are the Greater Southwest District Ministry Shares for 2025, which will be lower this year. I recognize that you are doing your best to grow in love.… Continue Reading 2025 District Ministry Shares
Semilla Introduction
Visit semillacentro.org to learn more about this new church plant in Van Buren County.