Genesis of Ann Arbor

09/16/2026

One of the most concrete manifestations of the Genesis partnership is seen every year during the Jewish High Holy Days when volunteers from St. Clare’s Church join those from TBE to help direct parking and provide an added layer of security.

Every year, TBE congregants are always deeply grateful for the generous support shown by friends from the church.

Church lay leaders Ann Putallaz and Kathy Daly offer their personal reflections on what it means to them to volunteer.

https://www.genesisa2.org/post/standing-watch-standing-together

09/10/2026

Every two years, Genesis recognizes an individual or organization whose service reflects the values at the heart of our partnership. Nominations are now open for the 2026 Genesis Humanitarian Award, which will be presented at this year's Erev Thanksgiving Service.

The award honors those whose actions embody the Genesis vision: embracing mutual trust, respect, and appreciation of all people while living the ideals of faith and inclusiveness to help heal a broken world. Past recipients have included leaders within our congregations, community organizations, and individuals whose dedication to service has strengthened both Genesis and the wider Ann Arbor community.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Genesis Humanitarian Award, which will be presented at this year's Erev Thanksgiving Service.

09/01/2026

Security projects rarely receive compliments for their appearance. But our newly-installed electromagnetic lock (maglock) system secures our sanctuary while preserving its character as a place of worship. Designed with careful attention to both safety and aesthetics, it completes the final project funded through the FEMA security grant awarded to Genesis in 2023.

New maglock system concludes Genesis's multi-year FEMA security grantThe last significant project funded through the FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program award to Genesis in 2023 is now complete.Installation of the new sanctuary electromagnetic lock (maglock) system marks the conclusion of a multi-...

07/19/2026

As Genesis’s work has become more complex—with more sophisticated long-term planning, expanded staff oversight, renewed community programming, and new communications initiatives—the board recognized the need for more people to share the work. Following approval by Temple Beth Emeth and St. Clare’s, the board has expanded from eight to ten voting members. Meet the three new members of the Genesis Board.

The Genesis Board is beginning this new 2026-20267 fiscal year with a larger leadership team.Following approval by Temple Beth Emeth and St. Clare’s, the board has expanded from eight to ten voting members. The change reflects the growing scope of Genesis’s work and brings additional experience ...

06/22/2026

After more than two years of study, discussion, and planning, the Genesis Board, the Temple Beth Emeth Board, and St. Clare’s Vestry have agreed on the Reserve Investment Plan and the process for implementing it. Together, they create a roadmap for caring for our shared building, prioritizing major projects, and preparing for its future needs.

After more than two years of development, study, and discussion, the Genesis Board, the Temple Beth Emeth Board, and St. Clare's Vestry have agreed on how Genesis will plan and fund major building projects in the decades ahead.The decision implements the Reserve Investment Plan (RIP), a long-range p...

06/09/2026

Last Sunday’s first annual Genesis Picnic brought members of Temple Beth Emeth and St. Clare's together for food and conversation before the 2026 Genesis Annual Meeting.

At the meeting, Genesis reported progress toward implementing our long-term reserve plan, announced the expansion of the board from 8 to 10 members, and honored Jim Downward for his decades of leadership.

Last Sunday’s first annual Genesis Picnic brought members of Temple Beth Emeth and St. Clare's together for food and conversation before the 2026 Genesis Annual Meeting.On that hot and muggy day, attendees opted to enjoy hot dogs, potluck salads, and even tastier conversation in the air-conditione...

05/11/2026

Genesis has been recognized by the Washtenaw 2030 District for its progress toward carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability. In its 2025 Impact Report, Genesis is featured as one of four local houses of worship highlighted as case studies and has also been named to the District’s Honor Roll for meeting targets in energy, water, and greenhouse gas reduction.

Genesis has received two notable recognitions from the Washtenaw 2030 District for our ongoing efforts to reduce energy use, conserve water, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.In the District’s 2025 Impact Report, Genesis is featured along with 3 other houses of worship as a best practice case stu...

05/05/2026

Our new Wednesday Garden Crew will gather on Wednesday mornings twice a month for a couple of hours, helping shape the grounds as the season unfolds. We’ll build on the work from the Spring Awakening, continue a few ongoing projects, and enjoy the outdoors together.

Thanks to everyone who came out for the Spring Awakening and Plant-Forward Potluck a couple of weeks ago. The event got us off to a terrific start maintaining and improving our grounds for the season.It was a spectacular, fragrant spring day. Each breath was a tonic.Among the things we accomplished:...