Each year, the Festival proves to be a wonderful opportunity for our church community to gather and enjoy the afternoon together. This year will be no exception. There are many activities to enjoy during the Festival: the 5k run/walk  gym games cake walk raffles face painting outdoor games the popular dunk tank Live Music   There will be delicious food and desserts. Closing out the Festival, you can enjoy some fun and fellowship in the entertainment tent and listen to some live music. The Festival cannot happen without the help of the many volunteers. Whether you want to serve up some fast food, operate a children’s game or be part of the clean-up crew, we have a place for you. Your help and participation is needed and will be greatly appreciated.

Citizens for Prison Reform (CPR) is pleased to invite the public, advocates, community members, and policymakers to its 14th Annual Legislative Education Day, themed "A Better Way for Michigan," on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Central United Methodist Church, located at 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing, MI 489331.   For the past 14 years, CPR's Legislative Education Day has served as a vital platform for discussing pressing issues surrounding rehabilitative justice. This year's theme, "A Better Way for Michigan," will specifically focus on the critical need for Transparency, Accountability, Culture change, and Oversight (TACO) within Michigan's jails and prisons.   To further engagement and discussion around these crucial topics, this year's event will feature a "Taco Tuesday" theme, offering additional opportunities for networking and providing a complimentary taco lunch.    Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a distinguished panel of special guest speakers:   Brian Dawe, National Director of One Voice United, will share his vision for creating safer prison environments for both corrections staff and the incarcerated population, drawing on his over 40 years of experience in corrections and emphasizing the need for culture and practice change. One Voice United aims to amplify the voices of corrections professionals.    Deputized Percy Glover (Formerly Incarcerated) from IGNITE will speak about alternatives to solitary confinement. Having spent over a decade incarcerated, Percy now serves as the Executive Director of Community Engagement at the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and is a driving force behind IGNITE. He is a passionate advocate for rehabilitation over punishment and believes in the transformative power of education and opportunity. He will share insights on creating real change by empowering successful reentries for safer communities.   Major Gould of the Genesee County Jail, also representing IGNITE (Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education), will share insights on programming, the Meritocracy model, and a human-centered approach. Regarding the potential within the incarcerated population and the impact of IGNITE, Major Gould has stated, "Some of the most advanced, creative people I've ever met in my life have been in jail. So if you channel that, and make different decisions, it helps us all. That, in a nutshell, is what I.G.N.I.T.E. is". He also emphasizes that IGNITE is about more than just providing education; it's about giving people hope.   The event will also feature a model solitary cell exhibit, available both indoors and outdoors, to provide a powerful understanding of the impact of isolation.    In addition, attendees can experience a powerful model solitary cell exhibit, available both indoors and outdoors, offering a visceral understanding of the profound impact of isolation within the correctional system.    CPR staff will also be available to provide assistance in scheduling meetings with legislators, empowering attendees to directly advocate for change.    Join us as we work collaboratively towards "A Better Way for Michigan" for incarcerated individuals and their families.    RSVP to Legislative Education Day: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/cprs-legislative-education-day

Few crimes are as universally distressing as child abuse. Each case provides a concentrated dose of heartbreak — and a correspondingly strong desire to prevent it from ever happening again. On Tuesday, May 13, Michigan State University’s Breslin Center will serve as the focal point of efforts to make this dream a reality as Children Trust Michigan (CTM) hosts the 23rd annual Pam Posthumus Signature Auction. A nonprofit housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), CTM is the only statewide agency solely dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect — and its efforts are working. Since 2017, the number of confirmed victims of child abuse or neglect has fallen each year — down from nearly 42,000 to around 24,000. CTM pursues its mission by providing funding and educational materials to its broad network of local Prevention Partners covering each of Michigan’s 83 counties. The Pam Posthumus Signature Auction is CTM’s single-biggest fundraiser — and the largest annual fundraiser for child abuse prevention in the state. It was brought to life by Pam Posthumus, the late wife of former Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus and named in her honor following her passing in August 2010. Over the years, it has generated over $8 million in funding for crucial prevention programming across the state, ranging from body safety instruction for elementary students to concrete supports such as food and clothing for families.

11th annual Breakfast of Champions event on May 20th at The MTG Space (4039 Legacy Pkwy #200, Lansing, MI 48911) at 9am. Breakfast of Champions is a community networking event, where MCAH recognizes leaders in housing work.

Join us for Miles for Moms ~  a 5K Run/Walk fundraiser for Hannah's House, a shelter for homeless pregnant women and their babies.  This year's race venue is Hawk Island Park, 1601 Cavanaugh Rd. Lansing, MI 48910.  It's Monday May 26 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.  

The Capitol City Old Car Club / Lansing Community College (LCC) Benefit Car Show will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 9 am – 3 pm at the LCC West Campus, 5708 Cornerstone Drive, Lansing.     This is a benefit for the LCC Foundation, with proceeds to be donated to the CCOCC Scholarship for LCC students enrolled in the Automotive Technology Program. A $15 registration fee for show cars is payable at the gate.   There will be food trucks on site including Mobile Munchies, Grumpy’s (stuffed baked potatoes), 2 Guys Nomadic Grill and others as well as the Quality Dairy ice cream cart.  Music is provided by TNT Music and there will be door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, Model T rides and tours of the LCC Automotive Lab. The show will be held rain or shine.  The public is invited with free admission for spectators, so tell your friends!

Lace up your sneakers and hit the River Trail with Mayor Andy Schor! Join us at Potter Park on June 7 at 9 AM for a fun and scenic 5K loop along the river. Walkers and runners of all ages are welcome! Sponsored in part by Jackson National Life, AF Group, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Metronet and Granger. Registration for the competitive run is $20 until May 18th for runners and includes a Mayor's River Walk T-Shirt, finisher medal and Matching socks with prizes for the top three finishers in each age group. (May 19-28, $25, May 29-31, $30) . Registration is free to walkers and includes Mayor's River Walk T-Shirt and finisher medal! Packet pickup: June 4th and 5th from 3-6pm at the Foster Center (200 N Foster Ave, Lansing) Race day starting at 8:00 am at Potter Park.   Be sure to preregister! Registration for the run event ends at 1:30 pm on June 6th. There will be no race day registration available. Walkers can register on site. Proceeds and donations from this event go to support the Friends of the Lansing Regional Trails. The competitive run will be professionally timed by the Michigan Running Foundation. Results will be posted during the race on this web site.

With Special Guests: Chase Matthew, Alana Springsteen and Karley Scott Collins.

“Teal There’s a Cure” Songwriters Concert to Raise Awareness for Ovarian Cancer Lansing, MI – July 26, 2025 – The Hope Sports Complex will come alive with music, purpose, and community as the Barbara Leatherwood Fight for the Cure Foundation and Hope Sports Complex to host “Teal There’s a Cure: A Songwriters Charity Concert.” This special event aims to raise awareness for ovarian and gynecologic cancer, the deadliest gynecologic cancer affecting women and children, while also supporting Michigan State University’s Gynecologic Research Department. Despite the severity of ovarian cancer, Lansing has had no awareness surrounding the deadliest gynecologic cancer, which currently has No early detection test. This event seeks to change that by educating the community and funding critical research efforts. The concert will feature an impressive lineup of seven artists, including: Bernie Nelson – Michigan native & Nashville-renowned platinum record songwriter. The Calamity Janes – Award-winning sister duo from Texas Ron St. Germain Band Jamison Livingston Gwen Doerfler Rollin Brummette In Season featuring Yanice Yvette & Henry Walker The event begins at 3:00 PM with opening remarks and a prayer, followed by live music, silent auctions, and educational opportunities to help attendees learn more about ovarian cancer and the urgent need for research funding.