By BJ Neuenfeldt
In the fall of 2023 at the October meeting of the Michigan Association, armed with the knowledge that Convention 2024 already booked at Michigan State University (go Spartans!) and the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, the group was getting excited about welcoming other Swedenborgians to our great state.
were ready to welcome in-person Convention attendees
with their full spread of everything Michigan.
The budget was set to encourage members of the Michigan Association to attend and provide welcoming help and supplies. Swag bags were designed by Marjie Leas, including note pads from the Church of the Holy City in Royal Oak, and pens from Almont New Church Assembly recognizing that 2024 is the 125th anniversary of Almont Summer School. Being proud of the great products made in Michigan, Marjie and B.J. went shopping and got treats for the welcome bags—from corn muffins by Jiffy, to “pop” such as Faygo and Vernors, Sanders Chocolates, Kellogg Rice Krispie treats, trail mix by Kars Nut Co., and rocks gathered off the shore of Lake Huron.
The Michigan Association also planned the afternoon outing on the Michigan Princess, a 110-foot-long riverboat, on the Grand River in Lansing, Michigan. We were able to have the whole boat for our group of 100 and it holds up to 500. There were delicious appetizers available, and we had the privilege of a strolling violinist from the Lansing area that is a regular attendee at Almont.
On the final evening of Convention, live music by local band Betty B. and the Rope Walkers was provided by the Michigan Association to entertain us all at the closing banquet. The banquet tables got pushed back and the dancers came out in force. All ages got in on the action! We hope you all felt welcomed in the mitten state and come visit us again!
Read the full issue of the July/August 2024 Messenger
Meet BJ Neuenfeldt
BJ (Betty Jean) is a retired elementary ad special education teacher. She is very active in Almont New Church Assembly and the Swedenborgian Church of North America serving on the Nominating Committee and the Committee on Admission to the Ministry.
