Mission Spotlight August 2026: Love Thy Neighbor Grand Traverse Region The mission of Love Thy Neighbor is to empower change with love and dignity by helping our neighbors overcome today’s challenges and build better tomorrows. By Zeke Fleet, CUMC Missions Committee The Gospel message of unconditional love and grace is the foundation from which Love Thy… Read More »

Central & Safe Harbor Series: Part Two – Volunteer Needs Safe Harbor opens daily at 6:00 p.m.  After the guests check in, they have access to dinner, showers, laundry, and a bed for the night.  There are two or three shelter staff on duty at all times.  How is it possible to offer these services… Read More »

Central & Safe Harbor Series: Part One – The History Before Safe Harbor formally incorporated as a non-profit and raised funds to establish a central building, the organization began as a coalition of area churches operating a rotating shelter, opening their doors from week to week to provide individuals experiencing homelessness a place to escape… Read More »

Acme Christian Thrift Store & Food Pantry Our Mission is to assist the poor, hungry, and homeless in Antrim, Kalkaska and Grand Traverse Counties. For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore, I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in… Read More »

Mission Spotlight June 2026: Immigration Law and Justice (ILJ-MI)   Immigration Law and Justice (ILJ-MI) provides free or low-cost legal services, advocating for people of every race, nationality, religion, age, gender, and sexual orientation who have come to the U.S seeking freedom, safety and opportunity.   “Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how… Read More »

  Northport Indian United Methodist Church   Joining Hands in Support of Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ   By Zeke Fleet, CUMC Mission Committee Central’s deep relationship with the Northport Indian UMC Former Methodist pastor and Central UMC member, Bob Grigereit, passed away in 2024. His legacy lives on. Following retirement, Bob’s ministry continued through… Read More »

New Life School in Mizak, Haiti New Life School is here to give all children the opportunity to discover their own talents and knowledge within a positive environment with innovative teaching methods.                                                        By Zeke Fleet and Ellen Kamischke – CUMC Mission Committee Central’s merger with Traverse Bay UMC has opened the door for a… Read More »

Congregation Approves Contract for Construction; Renovation to Begin The Central United Methodist Church congregation again has demonstrated full support for the “Central to Our Future” renovations to make our building more accessible and welcoming to all. At a Church Conference on Sunday, March 22, the congregation voted unanimously to approve a contract with Cunningham-Limp to… Read More »

Membership to Vote on Accessible Building Project Vote will determine whether we are ready to begin construction in May. Volunteer leaders of Central United Methodist Church have been working diligently for years on a building project that will help us worship without limits! The goal is to have our building reflect our values of welcome… Read More »