Greater Detroit District

06/09/2026

The Greater Detroit District is pleased to welcome Olivia Cato as our new Congregational Support Coordinator.

As we enter a new season of connectional ministry, Olivia will help strengthen relationships across the expanding Greater Detroit District by serving as a welcoming presence for churches, clergy, and lay leaders. Her work will focus on helping congregations stay informed, connected, and supported while building relationships throughout the district.

Olivia brings extensive experience in United Methodist communications and ministry. She has served on the Greater Detroit District Marketing & Communications Team for the past five years and has been active in The United Methodist Church for more than 14 years. Throughout that time, she has supported ministry and communications efforts at West Bloomfield United Methodist Church, Saint Paul United Methodist Church, and numerous district-wide events. Olivia is currently a member of Grace Community United Methodist Church in Detroit.

In her new role, Olivia will visit congregations, assist churches with district resources and communication tools, support district initiatives, and help foster collaboration among ministry leaders.

She will also support the district's "Who's Your Neighbor?" emphasis, encouraging connection, hospitality, and partnership as churches discover new opportunities for shared ministry together.

Please join us in welcoming Olivia to the Greater Detroit District. We look forward to the relationships she will help build and the ways her work will strengthen our ministry across this region.

You can read more about Olivia, here: https://greaterdetroit.michiganumc.org/newcallingstakeroot/

06/09/2026

Magnify: A Free Youth Concert at Grace Community UMC

Join Grace Community United Methodist Church for Magnify, a free evening of music, worship, and fellowship on Wednesday, June 17, at 7 p.m. This special concert features the youth of St. Mark UMC of Birmingham, Alabama, in collaboration with the youth of Grace Community UMC. Families and community members are invited to enjoy an inspiring night of worship and musical celebration as these talented young people share their gifts and faith through song. The concert will be held at Grace Community UMC, 15888 Archdale Street, Detroit.

06/09/2026

Join us for an evening of patriotic music at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Rochester as the Harmony in the Hills concert series welcomes Winthrop Winds on Wednesday, July 1 at 7 p.m. in the beautiful Garden of Hope (or in the Sanctuary in case of inclement weather).

This special Independence Day-themed performance will feature favorites including The American Suite, Colonial Days, America, Gershwin’s Walking the Dog, Stars & Stripes Forever, and more. Bring a lawn chair, invite a friend, and enjoy a summer evening of outstanding music in a beautiful outdoor setting.

St Paul's United Methodist Church-Rochester
620 Romeo Street, Rochester, MI 48307
stpaulsrochester.org | 248-651-9361

Donations to support the Harmony in the Hills concert series are welcome.

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

Michigan BMCR Annual Meeting, Juneteenth Celebration & Laity Luncheon

The Michigan Area Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR) invites clergy and laity to its 4th Annual Meeting, Juneteenth Celebration, and Laity Luncheon on Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Scott Memorial United Methodist Church (15361 Plymouth Road, Detroit). Join others from across Michigan for a time of fellowship, celebration, and connection as we honor Juneteenth and the ongoing work of Black Methodists in the church and community. For information or to RSVP, contact Rev. Cornelius Davis Jr. at [email protected] or Cecelia Tolliver at [email protected].

06/06/2026

LET'S GOLF! Join the fun on Saturday, July 18!
Register or sign up to be a sponsor for the Greater Detroit District 3rd Annual Golf Outing in support of Shades of Pink Foundation and Henry Ford Health Webber Cancer Center.

Register as an individual or as a foursome: https://greaterdetroit.michiganumc.org/golf/

06/04/2026

The Greater Detroit District is exploring how emerging technology, including Artificial Intelligence, may support ministry, communication, outreach, administration, and discipleship in practical and thoughtful ways.

As part of this effort, the district has partnered with Nilda G. Thomas from Business AI Consulting, a Detroit-area United Methodist and certified AI consultant, to help guide conversation, learning, and resource development for our churches and ministry leaders.

Before developing trainings or resources, we want to hear directly from the people serving in ministry across our district. This short survey will help us better understand how churches are currently using technology, what opportunities or concerns exist, and what support would be most helpful moving forward.

The survey contains 10 brief questions and takes approximately 3 minutes to complete. Responses will remain confidential and will help shape future district planning, training opportunities, and ministry resources.

Please complete the survey before June 15 and feel free to share it with church staff, ministry leaders, and others involved in the life of your congregation.

Take the survey: https://greaterdetroitdistrictumc.formstack.com/forms/pathsurvey

06/02/2026

An overview of the 2025 finances of the Michigan Conference and how ministry shares were utilized to advance shared ministry and mission in our state. Read the full report at https://michiganumc.org/ministry-shares/

06/02/2026

The Greater Detroit District represented well at the Michigan Annual Conference this past weekend! It was so great to see everyone, connect with clergy and lay delegates from across the district and conference.

Thank you to Jeanette Harris for the photos!