This week marks an important time in the life of the United Methodist Church as delegates from around the world gather in Charlotte, NC, for the General Conference, the top policymaking body for the church.

The General Conference meets once every four years and can revise church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy, and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for churchwide programs. General Conferences are generally held in years divisible by four, such as 2008, 2012, 2016, etc., with the exception of special sessions, as was the case in 2019 and subsequent COVID-related postponements. There has also been serious consideration of another General Conference in 2026.

This General Conference is actually the COVID-delayed 2020 General Conference, so its work will follow the special session of General Conference that occurred in St. Louis, MO, in 2019. Delegates for this General Conference were elected for the originally scheduled 2020 General Conference.

Key areas of deliberation and discernment will include proposed regionalization changes for the UMC, LGBTQ inclusion, and budget reductions.

Please keep the delegates, Bishops, and all United Methodists in your prayers as we seek to be a denomination inspired to love God completely and love our neighbors as ourselves (John Wesley’s definition of a Methodist). 

Learn more about the GC here.

Watch the livestream at this link. The web page will provide details about times for upcoming sessions, as they vary from day to day.

GPUMC has supported Hands with Detroit since its inauguration in 2012. Last year, the event was moved to the spring to better fit church calendars. This year we have committed to be a “Heartbeat Church, “ one that challenges us to send at least 10 volunteers and do one collection. Outreach wants volunteers from ages 10+ to join together from 9 am to noon and noon to 4 pm on Saturday, April 27.

Hands with Detroit offers SIX different opportunities to help around the Cass Community Social Services campus. GPUMC has already registered and committed to collecting twin size pillows and sets of twin sheets (collection boxes will be in the narthex).

You can learn more about the available projects and sign up after church.

Contact Beth Blunden with questions or to add to our team list to register.

GPUMC is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive from noon to 6 pm on Wednesday, May 16.

You can sign up now for an appointment at this link.

Beth Blunden is seeking volunteers to help with registration and provide snacks to donors. Email her if you are able to provide support that day.

Surrounded by water, trees, and rolling hills, Camp Firelight is the perfect location for every camper’s favorite summer activities! Campers join Counselor Sam and Lou, the lightning bug puppet, who invite us to put our trust in God in every situation, including during times when we might be afraid. 

Children from preschool through 4th grade are invited to join us July 29-Aug. 2 from 9 am to 11:30 am for crafts, science experiments, music, games, and more! On Friday, Aug 2, after VBS, we will close with a party from 11:30 am to 1 pm.

The registration fee is $20 per child, with a maximum of $40 for a family. See details below about payment.

Volunteers are needed. Both youth and adults can register now. 5th graders and up make excellent Junior Helpers. If your child is interested, please register them as a volunteer!

GPUMC members also are invited to:

• Donate snacks to feed the children during VBS week. 
• Help set up for VBS on Sunday, July 28 after worship
• Tear down VBS after 1 pm on Friday, Aug. 2

Join us this August! Please reach out to Emily Bianchi with any questions. We hope to see you this summer!

There are two ways to pay the registration fee:

You can pay online through the church’s giving portal. On that page, select one-time payment, VBS Fund.

OR

You can send payments to 211 Moross, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236. Please mark envelope with names and “VBS registration”. 

*Registration is not complete until payment is collected.* A confirmation email will be sent when payment is received.

A memorial service for Jane Spaulding, a longtime former member of GPUMC, will be at 10 am Saturday, May 4, at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. Jane died unexpectedly on Nov. 16, 2023, while preparing a move back to Michigan from Arizona. You can read more about her life in this obituary.