Central Bay District United Women in Faith
Central Bay District Update June 2025
From Caroline Diaz and Sandra Dewaele: Co-presidents of Central Bay District:
Our last CBD event was Spiritual Growth Retreat at the Springs in Gladwin, Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, 2025. The speaker was Rev. Kim Bos, Campus Minister and Executive Director of the Wesley House at Ferris State University. Her message “Better Together” talked about the need for us to be and have friends. God did not place us on this earth to be alone.
Mission u is a Michigan conference event held July 17, 18. and 19, 2025 in Mt. Pleasant. The adult curriculum is Practicing Hope lead by Shannon Priddy. It explores hope, particularly when hope seems hard to find. The study’s purpose is to allow all our communities to cultivate hope that is honest about our current conditions, hope that it is restorative when everything feels urgent and hope that is possible even when we transgress. Registration flyers are available online. We hope to see a lot of you at Mission u.
Central Bay District Annual Celebration will be held at Alma UMC on Saturday, October 4,2025. Our speaker will be Rev. Dr. April Gutierrez. Her topic will be “Carrying our Faith Forward”. Registration flyer and other info will be in the CENTRAL BAY WOMEN IN ACTION NEWSLETTER coming in July. Alma is very excited to be hosting this event. Let’s have a good turn out!
IMPORTANT: SAVE THE DATE: Michigan Conference Annual Celebration in Clio October 17-18, 2025. Why is It so important? Because Sally Vonner, current General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of United Women in Faith, will be our Keynote Speaker. Sally oversees the implementation of the organization’s vision, mission and strategic plan to positively impact the lives of women, children and youth around the world. Her message on October 18, 2025 is entitled “Embracing New Challenges”. Plus the night before, October 17,2025 Jacob Stone and Pastor Audra Hudson Stone, co-conveners of the Environmental Justice Taskforce of the Michigan UMC, will share a comprehensive introduction to the issues. Their presentation “Environmental Justice: A Call to Hope & Action” will include information on the realities of environmental injustice, a Biblical framework for creation care and suggestions for prophetic action. Registration info included in this site.
Finally, the Assembly website is up and running- Dream it! Believe it! Do it! Start planning now to attend our Assembly in May 2026 in Indianapolis.
Shalom,
Carrie & Sandy
Mission U Weekend for All Ages
July 17-19, 2025
First UMC of Mt. Pleasant
Registration is open! Mission u will be held July 17-19, 2025 at Mt. Pleasant First UMC. Early Bird pricing is $80 until June 15 ($90 through July 10) with lodging on your own. This year’s theme is Practicing Hope Together and we are thrilled that the adult class will be led by UWF National Fundraising Executive Shannon Priddy. Youth and children attend for free with a paid adult, and we have excellent trained leaders for age-appropriate classes. Youth will be led by Rev. Paul Reissmann (Central First UMC, Lake Odessa) and Pastor Jess (Davenport) Joyce (Co-Pastor, Portage Chapel Hill). Children will be led by Adrienne Struck (Director of Family Ministries, Milwood UMC, Kalamazoo) and Pam Udeagwu (Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator, Metropolitan UMC, Detroit).
Caroline Diaz
[email protected]
Sandy DeWaele
[email protected]
Calendar Event, Flyer, and Registration
Central Bay District UWF Annual Celebration
Central Bay District UWF will celebrate at Alma UMC on Saturday, October 4,2025. Our speaker will be Rev. Dr. April Gutierrez. Her topic will be “Carrying our Faith Forward.” Registration flyer and other info will be in the CENTRAL BAY WOMEN IN ACTION NEWSLETTER coming in July. Alma is very excited to be hosting this event. Let’s have a good turn out!
UWF MI Conference Annual Celebration
Michigan Conference Annual Celebration in Clio October 17-18, 2025. Why is It so important? Because Sally Vonner, current General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of United Women in Faith, will be our Keynote Speaker. Sally oversees the implementation of the organization’s vision, mission and strategic plan to positively impact the lives of women, children and youth around the world. Her message on October 18, 2025 is entitled “Embracing New Challenges”. Plus the night before, October 17,2025 Jacob Stone and Pastor Audra Hudson Stone, co-conveners of the Environmental Justice Taskforce of the Michigan UMC, will share a comprehensive introduction to the issues. Their presentation “Environmental Justice: A Call to Hope & Action” will include information on the realities of environmental injustice, a Biblical framework for creation care and suggestions for prophetic action.
Calendar Event and Registration Flyer
Assembly 2026
May 15-17
Assembly 2026 is a once-every-four-years gathering of women committed to faith, empowerment, and making a difference. Picture a weekend that uplifts your soul, strengthens your faith, and brings you together with an unstoppable sisterhood.