Building Study and Campaign Expansion Update: Next Steps for Central’s Plans to Make Church More Accessible to All As you may know, our congregation has a vision to make our building more accessible to all, so that we can continue to fulfill our mission, “Together in Christ…Reaching beyond our doors.”  That vision for a more… Read More »

BDAI: Before, During, and After Incarceration      “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners.”  – Isaiah 61:1    … Read More »

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3  By Zeke Fleet, CUMC Missions Committee   Founded in 2001 by Chris Dennos, Michael’s Place has served the bereavement needs of the greater community through support, advocacy, and education. Located in Traverse City, Michael’s Place offers grief support services for people in 18 northern… Read More »

Traverse Bay and Central UMC Merger Update & Community Discussions WHAT: Traverse Bay UMC (TBUMC) is seeking to merge with Central UMC to form a new, combined body in Christ.  A team of leaders and lay persons from both congregations have been prayerfully discussing this possibility, and recommend moving forward. Traverse Bay and Central UMC… Read More »

A path forward for lawful status for people who came to the U.S. on humanitarian parole & how you can get involved at Central!   We want to celebrate! Last Sunday, our congregation had the opportunity to send letters to lawmakers advocating for the creation of a path forward for lawful status for people who… Read More »

Greetings, Central Church! We are so grateful to be in ministry together in this special time in the life of Central United Methodist Church. As we enter this Lenten season, thank you for the ways you contribute all year! As a congregation, we are committed to offering radical hospitality to all people. Through careful study… Read More »

About the Kyle Sonnemann Memorial Dinner on March 19 …  Prepared and served by the CUMC Mission Committee, other volunteers, and Central’s youth group, serving begins at 5:00 p.m. at the church Fellowship Hall. This ever-popular family meal will help fund Central’s Youth Mission Team as our high school students make plans for their summer… Read More »

By Zeke Fleet, CUMC Missions Committee      According to the US Centers for Disease Control’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, approximately 41% of women and 26% of men are subject of domestic violence and abuse during their lifetime. These painful and traumatic experiences have a profound impact on the lives of individuals and families,… Read More »

  “Learn to do right; seek justice, defend the oppressed, take up the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.”    Proverbs 31:8 The Grand Traverse Region SALT Coalition By Zeke Fleet and SALT Leadership Team Member Jessica Forster   Mission Statement SALT (Spiritual Activists Leading Together) is an interfaith coalition of… Read More »

January 2025 Missions Spotlight Series: Goodwill Street Outreach of Northern Michigan & Safe Harbor __________________________________________________________________________  Goodwill Street Outreach Reaching out to end homelessness and guide people home since 2003    By Zeke Fleet and Ryan Hannon, CUMC Missions Committee  “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to… Read More »