District News

Remember to visit the District Job Postings and Classifieds page to find new opportunities across the District.

The 2026 Michigan Annual Conference will take place May 29-31.

Visit the 2026 Annual Conference website for the latest details and information.

Join us on June 13 for a Heritage District Celebration. This will be a final time together as the Heritage District with an outdoor worship service followed by a picnic style meal. Everyone is invited.

Contact Sarah at the District Office if you have any questions.

Is God calling you “for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12)? Explore Lay Servant Ministry opportunities today.

Lay Servant Ministry classes provide laity with:

• Opportunities for personal growth; knowledge about the United Methodist Church
• Leadership skills for beginning a new ministry; enhancing a ministry at your church

Anyone can take a Lay Servant Ministry class!

Zoom only class:

Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century: Do you know the “Top 10 Fears of Aging?” (Loss of independence, health, money, driving, being isolated, etc.) In this course, explore the aging process and ways to develop an intentional and comprehensive ministry by, with, and for older adults.
Class Sessions: Saturdays; April 25 & May 9 (9am-3pm)
Registration Deadline: April 15
Class Facilitators: Pastor Christopher Butson & Colleen Croxall

In-Person and Zoom Classes:

Introduction to Lay Ministry (Basic)
Embark on an adventure of service! Discover and develop gifts of caring, leading, and communicating ministries; putting faith into action in daily life to love God and neighbors. It is a required class for those seeking to become Certified Lay Servants.
Class Sessions: Saturdays; April 18 & May 2 (9:30am-3pm)
Location: Clinton UMC; 10990 Tecumseh Clinton Road, Clinton 49236 or by zoom
Registration Deadline: April 8
Class Facilitators: Pastor Michelle McCalla & Anne Hanna

Called to Preach 
In a safe and supportive environment, affirm your call to preach, assess and use sermon resources to prepare and present a sermon to the other class participants. “The greatest act of love we can ever perform for people is to tell about God’s love for them in Christ.” -Billy Graham. It is a required class for those seeking to become Certified Lay Speakers.
Class Sessions: Saturdays; April 11 & April 25 (9am-2:30pm)
Location: North Lake UMC; 14111 North Territorial Road, Chelsea 48118 or by zoom
Registration Deadline: April 1
Class Facilitators: Pastor Trisha Farrell & To Be Determined

Leading Public Prayer – Let the Whole Church Say Amen
We believe prayer changes things, so come train to be a change agent when leading prayer. Learn the elements of prayer, expansive language for God and people, and how word usage matters. John Wesley said, “Prayer is where the action is.” Come be in the center of it! It is a required class for those seeking to become Certified Lay Speakers.
Class Sessions: Saturdays; March 14 & March 28 (9am-2:30pm)
Location: Howell: First UMC; 1230 Bower Street, Howell 48843 or by zoom
Registration Deadline: March 4
Class Facilitators: Pastor Bob Fuchs & Loretta Job

A key goal of the Courageous Communities Project is to change the narrative around immigration. Loving our neighbor is a biblical mandate. Providing hospitality, love, and community to the sojourner is a way to live that out.

Leviticus 19:33-34 says: “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”

Read more >>>

2026 Lay Equalization Application (pdf) >>>
2026 Lay Equalization Application (Word) >>>

The 2026 Michigan Annual Conference Lay Equalization selection process is open for consideration. Be a part of the decision-making process that will determine the future course of the Michigan Conference UMC. If you are interested in participating in the 2026 conference, please download the attached application form and return it to:

Rick Gorham, 13539 S Rainbow Drive, Gregory, MI 48137
[email protected]

The Heritage District Finance Committee, under the leadership of District Superintendent Rev. LuAnn Rourke, uses district ministry shares to offer financial assistance and grants.  For questions or assistance contact Rick Gorham at [email protected].  Submit completed forms to Rick Gorham via postal mail: Rick Gorham, 13539 S. Rainbow Drive, Gregory, MI  48137, or email [email protected]

Application for Financial Assistance (Word) >>>
Application for Financial Assistance (pdf) >>>
Application for Connectional Church Grant (Word) >>>
Application for Connectional Church Grant (pdf) >>>

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Heritage District Youth Ministry Discipleship Grants

Youth Ministry Grant Application >>>

The Heritage District is pleased to offer grants for local United Methodist Churches in Michigan in the Heritage District. This grant is intended to provide support to local churches as they re-imagine faith formation with youth. Each church may receive one grant of up to $300. Grants may be used for supplies, curriculum, Lent/Easter/Summer programming, service projects, etc. that support or enhance creative faith formation. Contact Rev. Mary Hagley [email protected] for more information.

These grants are different from the Michigan Conference Discipleship Grants, which are still available here: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/4c54bc3d/tn9-d5wGXkudUdlLT5DqAA?u=https://michiganumc.org/resources/childrens-ministry-tool-box/

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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CREATING LEADERS THROUGH EDUCATION

At the 2022 Michigan Annual Conference, the body voted overwhelmingly to support the   “Readers to Leaders” fundraising campaign.  That goal was modified to $400,000 to reflect disaffiliation and closures of local churches. The campaign runs from September  10, 2022, to May 1, 2024 and has the goal of raising $400,000. These funds will support two ministries focused on education and we are asking local churches to create their own ministry relationship with a school in their community.

Questions can be directed to campaign co-leaders Lisa Batten, [email protected], and Jon Reynolds, [email protected]. 

Read more >>>

All appointed clergy must complete at least one Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism Education & Training module per calendar year, beginning in 2023. Click HERE to read more and to register.