About
We started Extraordinary Connection with a simple premise; many people from our churches are looking for ways to receive daily encouragement and be immersed in God's word during these most unusual times we currently find ourselves in. Our hope is to collaborate as Clergy serving churches throughout the United Methodist Connection in Michigan. We hope this content can bless those we serve in our congregations and anyone who may come across our daily reflections and devotions.
Meet our contributors...
Serving: Romeo UMC
Bio: Devin is a lifelong United Methodist and prior to answering his call served in Youth ministry for 10+ years. As of July 2020 he has been appointed to Romeo UMC and is looking forward to serving alongside the wonderful people of the church. He and his wife Brittany are blessed to be raising 5 amazing children. Devin received his undergraduate degree from Grand Valley State University and completed his Seminary work at United Theological Seminary. |
Serving: Manchester UMC
Bio: Dillon has served as the pastor at Manchester United Methodist since 2017. Though a Michigan native, he came to Manchester after several years in Texas where he received a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Christian University and a Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology. He married his wife, Jennifer, in the summer of 2015. As pastor, Dillon is passionate about creating opportunities for all people to experience the transforming love and grace of Jesus Christ. |
Serving: Traverse Bay UMC
Bio: Hi, I am Rev. Matthew Chapman. I am currently serving Traverse Bay UMC along the western shore of Grand Traverse Bay. I am excited to work through our United Methodist connection to share in devotionals, and I hope that this has be a respite from the constant anxiety from news and social media. I look forward to seeing how the Extraordinary Connection devotionals grow and evolve in our ever changing world. Blessings to you all! |
Serving: Vassar First UMC
Bio: Raised a Protestant nomad, Scott fell in love with the United Methodist’s dual emphasis of social holiness and personal piety while a student at Michigan Tech. After a career in IT, Scott answered God’s next call on his life and was ordained an Elder in the UMC in 2019. He currently serves as the pastor of Vassar First United Methodist Church. He loves all things Disney, all things bacon and has a growing interest in cryptocurrency. |
Serving: Lansing First UMC
Bio: I found my calling into ministry due to a passion to see the world become a more just and compassionate place. I graduated from Methodist Theological School in Ohio in 2018 with a Master’s of Divinity specializing in Biblical Languages and Texts as well as a Masters of Theological Studies specializing in in Church History. As a pastor it has been a joy to help people ask good questions about their faith that have made us all better disciples. I have been married to my wife Keri since 2012 and we have one dog named Loki. |
Serving: New Baltimore Grace UMC
Bio: Husband. Uncle. Son. Brother. Star Wars, Disney, Marvel Harry Potter and DC aficionado. Animal lover. Reality TV fan. Michigan adoptee from Florida by way of Kentucky. Enthusiastic supporter of the Orlando Magic, Gonzaga Bulldogs, Florida Gators, and, yes, now the Michigan State Spartans all Detroit teams (ugh). Weird pastor who is unwilling to accept the status quo of the thing we call "church." Seeking to become an active participant in the new kin-dom that God is building through radical inclusivity, justice and liberation for all. |
We have been blessed to have many others share of their time and talents with us over the course of this journey. You can see their bio's on the Previous Contributors Page.