Michigan MFSA traditionally meets over a meal each year at Annual Conference, so after over a year of being unable to meet in person, the board decided that the work must go on and organized a virtual gathering to bring people together to worship and to hear about the work MI MFSA has begun in new ways.  With over 30 people participating in planning and/or leading worship and presentations, on March 27, over 65 people gathered on Zoom for a Worship Service of Lament, Healing, and Call to Action. The virtual worship was followed with video presentations from focus groups for Anti-Racism work and the LGBTQIA+ Justice Group.  The virtual gathering also included updates on pending legislation for Michigan’s 2021 Annual Conference and news about General Conference.  After these presentations, the larger group was broken into smaller breakout rooms focusing on each area.  This gave attendance an opportunity to learn more about ways to become involved moving forward.  Though the pandemic continues to present new challenges, it also offers opportunities to consider new ways to connect to advocate for social justice.

So, though virtual gatherings will never replace gathering in person for fellowship, education, support, and worship, they provide a wonderful way of connection.  This virtual gathering allowed fellow friends throughout Michigan to get connected and wonder ways to work together.  MI MFSA is hopeful other conferences are also finding ways to gather to collaborate in this important work and pray that all are feeling God’s Peace surround us in this action.