Michigan Humanists

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) - 2025: The Year in Science
2026-02-08 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Detroit) | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Every year seems to see rapid progress in almost all areas of science, and 2025 was no exception. Here at Café Inquiry, it has become a tradition to devote at least one meeting to exploring a few of the exciting advances and their implications for the future. Join us as we take our annual look back at the year in science. This 10-minute YouTube video from Science and this one from Sideprojects highlight just a few of the important advances. See you there!
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. (There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of the west hallway.
Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Living Without Religion Support Group (Grand Rapids)
2026-02-08 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-08 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-12 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Living Without Religion is a support group for those who are recovering or have recovered from religion. These people know your struggles, and can offer support. We will share experiences, resources, and solidarity to help deal with all the problems related to leaving religion and moving onward in your life.
If you have left your religion, are thinking of leaving, or would like to support others in similar situations — this is the space for you. You are not alone in your search for a secular lifestyle. Questions and stories will be shared, friends will be made, and discussions will be had.
Living Without Religion is always free and open to anyone who meets the above criteria.
To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. (There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of a main hallway.
Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.
Living Without Religion (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the second Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/
Contact: Randy Kuipers, livingwithoutreligion-grandrapids@michiganhumanists.org

Skeptics in the Pub (Detroit)
2026-02-11 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-11 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-08 18:00 - 20:00 | The Brakeman, 22 John R Street, Detroit, MI, 48226, United States
This month’s Skeptics in the Pub (Detroit) will be held at The Brakeman.
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for nontheists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
_____
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Annual Darwin Day Lecture
2026-02-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Fountain Street Church – Chapel, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, 49503
Please join us for a lecture, Today’s Junk, Tomorrow’s Triumph: Lessons on Evolutionary Contingency, Inertia, and Innovation from the Long-Term Evolution Experiment with E. coli presented by Evolutionary Biologist, Dr. Zachary Blount.

Dr. Zachary Blount, Evolutionary Biologist at Michigan State University, is a principal researcher on the longest running evolutionary experiment in history. Dr. Blount has been a part of the experiment for over 20 years, while the experiment, began by Dr. Richard Lenski, has been ongoing for almost 38 years.
The venue for this month’s lecture is the Fountain Street Church – Chapel.
Join us after the lecture for food and conversation! We will reconvene at Palace of India: 138 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Parking Information
Metered street parking is free after 7 PM.
The nearby GRCC Parking structure is available to the public.
________________________
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Skeptics in the Pub (Grand Rapids)
2026-02-20 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-20 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-17 18:00 - 21:00 | Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits, Kentwood, 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd SE, Kentwood, 49512
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for nontheists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
Skeptics in the Pub (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the third Friday.
__________________
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Café Inquiry (ONLINE) - Fear of a Round Planet
2026-02-22 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
Join us ONLINE for a Special Guest Presentation by Glenn Branch!

When Charles K. Johnson, the president of the International Flat Earth Research Society, died in 2001, he seemed at the time to be the last apostle of his unusual creed. Twenty-four years on, however, the flat earth is alive and well, especially, but not exclusively, on the internet. In his talk, Glenn Branch of the National Center for Science Education will sketch the history of the flat-earth movement, from its source in the ancient Near East through its coalescence in Victorian Britain to its modern rebirth on the Internet, and discuss current scholarly research on the prevalence, causes, and consequences of modern flat-earthery.
Glenn Branch is Deputy Director of the National Center for Science Education, a nonprofit organization that defends the integrity of American science education against ideological interference. He is the author of numerous articles on evolution education and climate education, and the co-editor, with Eugenie C. Scott, of Not in Our Classrooms: Why Intelligent Design is Wrong for Our Schools (2006). He received the Evolution Education Award for 2020 from the National Association of Biology Teachers. He studies the flat-earth movement avocationally.
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
—
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Skeptics in the Pub (Flint)
2026-02-27 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-03-27 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Grand Blanc Tap Bar & Grill, 3021 E. Grand Blanc Road, Grand Blanc, 48439, United States
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for nontheists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.
Skeptics in the Pub (Flint) meets each month on the fourth Friday.
__________________
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Sci-Fi Book Club (Grand Rapids)
2026-02-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Wealthy Street Bakery, 610 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, 49503
Science Fiction has long been a genre which has explored Humanist values. Join us as we read and discuss everything from classic sci-fi to newly published works. We will be reading Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut for our February meeting.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanist table signs.
Sci-fi Book club (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the fourth Friday.
_____
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) - Immigration and the Economy
2026-03-08 11:00 - 12:30 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME IS BACK! DON’T FORGET TO SET YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD SATURDAY NIGHT MARCH 7!!!
Certain segments of our population and many members of our government espouse the view that immigrants are ruining our country and are a drain on resources and the economy. But is any of that true? Join us at our next Café Inquiry Grand Rapids as we explore what a recent Cato Institute white paper has to say about this. Here is a link to the white paper. It will be helpful for the discussion if you at least skim through the main points. Here is a summary of the paper if you can’t make it through the whole thing. This paper, also from the Cato Institute, looks at immigrants’ consumption of entitlement benefits compared to native born citizens. As a bonus, this paper looks at murder rates in Texas comparing immigrant and native populations. Hope to see you there at 11AM Eastern DAYLIGHT time!
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. (There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of the west hallway.
Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
—
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon)
2026-03-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Liquid Assets Cocktail and Wine Bar, 221 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon, 49440, United States
This month’s Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) will be held at Liquid Assets. By popular request we’ll have suggested topics for discussion each month, to be posted here a few days before the event. Tentative discussion topics for this month are, “Finding Life Elsewhere” and “Butt Breathing”.
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for nontheists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.

Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.
Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.

Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) meets each month on the second Thursday.
_____
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Café Inquiry (ONLINE) - The Philosophy of Absurdism
2026-03-22 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
As a follow-up to our recent discussion of Stoicism, Steve Andersen leads a discussion of Absurdism. Absurdism is a philosophical perspective that explores the conflict between humanity’s persistent search for meaning and the universe’s apparent indifference or lack of inherent purpose. Rooted in the ideas of thinkers like Albert Camus, Søren Kierkegaard, and Friedrich Nietzsche, absurdism confronts the human desire for order and understanding against the chaotic, irrational nature of existence. In a discussion of absurdism, we might explore how individuals respond to this tension — through despair, denial, or acceptance. Camus, for instance, argues that recognizing the absurd does not necessitate despair; instead, it calls for a “revolt” — living fully and authentically without illusions of ultimate meaning. This perspective emphasizes freedom and personal responsibility: since the universe offers no inherent direction, individuals must create their own values. We have a couple of short YouTube videos for your perusal. First, GUIDE TO ABSURDISM: The Philosophy For Living Fully. And second, Absurdism | How to Party at the End of Meaning. Steve always has an interesting take on things, so this should be fun. Join us!!
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
—
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Sci-Fi Book Club (Grand Rapids)
2026-03-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Wealthy Street Bakery, 610 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, 49503
Science Fiction has long been a genre which has explored Humanist values. Join us as we read and discuss everything from classic sci-fi to newly published works. We will be reading The Spare Man by Mary Robinette Kowal for our March 27th meeting.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanist table signs.
Sci-fi Book club (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the fourth Friday.
_____
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon)
2026-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Liquid Assets Cocktail and Wine Bar, 221 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon, 49440, United States
This month’s Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) will be held at Liquid Assets. By popular request we’ll have suggested topics for discussion each month, to be posted here a few days before the event. This month we’ll discuss NASA’s Artemis program, along with whatever else comes up in the course of the evening. See you there!
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for non-theists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.

Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.

You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.

Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) meets each month on the second Thursday.
_____
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) - Recent Environmental Rollbacks (Part 1?)
2026-04-12 11:00 - 12:30 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
It’s Earth Month! The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, and a little over 7 months later the Environmental Protection Agency was established as an independent body to handle environmental issues. Good times! Since then, we have made mostly steady progress toward cleaning and continuing to protect our environment. Sadly, that progress has come to a screeching halt and is in jeopardy of being thrown into reverse – ever since the current administration came into power. At the next Café Inquiry, we’ll take a look at some of the recent policy changes that have the potential to cause major harm to our environment and the health of our population – from regulatory rollbacks and budget cuts to outright attacks on environmentally friendly policies. This Brookings institute article looks at the EPA’s repeal of the endangerment finding that allows the regulation of greenhouse gases. This Time article discusses the repeal of stricter limits on mercury and other toxic emissions from power plants. See you there!
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. (There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of the west hallway.
Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
—
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Sci-Fi Book Club (Grand Rapids)
2026-04-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Wealthy Street Bakery, 610 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, 49503
Science Fiction has long been a genre which has explored Humanist values. Join us as we read and discuss everything from classic sci-fi to newly published works. We will be reading Lightbreakers by Aja Gabel for April 24th.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated.
You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanist table signs.
Sci-fi Book club (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the fourth Friday.
_____
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Long Lake Work Day
2026-04-25 09:30 - 16:30 | Long Lake Outdoor Center, 10370 Gun Lake Rd, Middleville, MI, United States
Please RSVP to Cindy at volunteers@michiganhumanists.org if you are able to help at our annual Long Lake Workday on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Michigan Humanists members will be at the Long Lake Outdoor Center from 9:30 am-4:30 pm, or until projects are completed. When you RSVP to Cindy let her know when you might arrive, and how long you think you may be able to stay. This helps us plan the projects we can get finished, and utilizes everyone’s time wisely.
We will spruce up the campground for summer use, including by us for our Secular Summer Retreat July 10-12, 2026!
___________________________________
Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Café Inquiry (ONLINE) - Higher Education in Crisis?
2026-04-26 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Meeting – Link in Event Details
This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)
How University Presidents Set the Tone for Institutional Culture and Why That Matters to Students
Is there a crisis in higher education? Does higher education still have value? Why do some universities struggle while others seem to thrive? Join us at the next Café Inquiry Online as Dr. Figen Mekik, Professor of Geology in the Physics Department of Grand Valley State University, discusses these issues along with how the quality of senior institutional leadership is the key to a thriving university – affecting both tuition costs and the quality of education and support. Dr. Mekik will also touch on recent decisions at the University of Michigan (hiring a new President) and at GVSU (cutting some retirement benefits) and their potential impacts. This promises to be a very topical and lively discussion. See you there!
Dr. Figen Mekik became the public face of an open letter to the Board of Trustees of GVSU signed by (now) over 250 faculty, students, and staff concerned about the new direction of the Institution set by its senior leadership. Figen has authored several articles about the fallacies of crisis in higher education, students being the most important people on campus, and the qualities senior leadership must have to successfully steward their institution for the benefit of all its students.
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.
Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids)
2026-05-10 11:00 - 12:30 | Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.
To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of the west hallway.
Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.
Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon)
2026-05-14 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Liquid Assets Cocktail and Wine Bar, 221 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon, 49440, United States
This month’s Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) will be held at Liquid Assets. By popular request we’ll have suggested topics for discussion each month, to be posted here a few days before the event.
Skeptics in the Pub, “Critical Thinking with a Pint,” is an opportunity for non-theists to converse in a casual, fun atmosphere.
Learn more about the international Skeptics in the Pub movement at skepticsinthepub.org. (We don’t invite speakers, but rather follow our conversations wherever they take us. For a more structured discussion, look for Café Inquiry events on our calendar.)
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.
Don’t drink? That’s okay! Many famous skeptics were teetotalers, and there is no problem with that.

Drinking skeptically means drinking responsibly. Science teaches us what alcohol does to the human body.

You will find the group at a table with little Michigan Humanists table signs.

Skeptics in the Pub (Muskegon) meets each month on the second Thursday.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/

May Lecture - The Changing Funeral Home Industry - Alternative End of Life Choices
2026-05-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Fountain Street Church – Chapel, 24 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, 49503
Join us for our May lecture: The Changing Funeral Home Industry – Alternative End of Life Choices, presented by Daniel Holland (Founder & President, Boundless Family of Companies) and Mike Mitchell (Operations Manager of Mitchell Funeral Homes).

Dan, age 65, has been involved in banking and the credit union industry, mortgage lending, real estate appraisal, brokerage, development, construction, property management and property tax administration. Holland is currently the Field Operations Section Manager for the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Holland is also active for his own and family interests in real estate development, management, sales, brokerage and construction. Dan has been licensed as a Certified Residential Appraiser, Real Estate Broker, Residential Builder, Michigan Advanced Assessing Officer, and Personal Property Examiner. Dan holds two associate degrees from Grand Rapids Community College and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Western Michigan University.
Dan is the founder and First Metropolitan Curate of The Conscious Church (a secular church) and is a Certified Grief Support Specialist (NMU) and a Certified Crematory Operator (NFDA).
Dan is a parent of three and resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dan has founded several companies and has served as president, treasurer, secretary and board member of several for-profit, non-profit, and ecclesiastical organizations.
Dan’s newest venture, Boundless, is in the relatively new area of Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) within the death care industry. NOR, also known as human composting or Microbial CremationTM, is the natural, gentle, process that turns human mortalities into earth friendly soil. NOR started approximately 7 years ago in the state of Washington. Boundless is not yet open for business to the public and is working to make NOR legal in Michigan, as it is in 15 other states. Dan considers himself a generalist in that he seeks education at every opportunity and is continuously striving to learn more about more.
Dan considers NOR to be among the best death care options and wants to see the movement and the community grow and spread so that we each can leave the smallest possible footprint in remembrance of our life in this great world.

For the past 20 years, Mike Mitchell has been directing and managing the operations of Mitchell Funeral Homes, which include overseeing the daily activities of staff and ensuring that each family receives the exceptional funeral and cremation services Mitchell Funeral Homes are known for. Additionally, He is responsible for the planning services, developing and maintaining standard operating procedures. During this time Mitchell has become an industry leader in Green Burial and in-home vigils. He is considered a resource to many cemeteries around the state and country that wish to conduct Green Burial.
Mitchell is a past board member of the Green Burial Council and was recently named to the Global Green Burial Alliance Advisory Committee. Prior to his work at Mitchell Funeral Homes, he worked as an Environmental Resource Specialist at SmithGroup JJR, and conducted environmental field studies, wrote Environmental Impact Studies, and created a wetland mitigation site selection protocol using GIS. He also specialized in Soil Bioengineering and was certified in MDEQ Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control.
Mitchell gained valuable experience as a Deputy Water Resource Commissioner in Ingham County, Michigan, assisting in the management of various watershed projects throughout the county and oversaw the Tollgate Storm Water Project.
Mitchell also gained valuable experience at the Old Faithful Ranger Station as a Naturalist Assistant for the U.S. National Park Service at Yellowstone National Park. He worked with the visitors and educated them with information related to the Wolf Reintroduction Program and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Mitchell has a degree in Mortuary Science from The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, Inc., as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Policy from Michigan State University.
Mitchell and his wife, Stacey, currently reside in Chelsea, Michigan where they have raised two sons who are now out adulting in the world. He is passionate about fly fishing, floating rivers in his drift boat, upland bird hunting with his black lab Lily as well as hiking and camping.
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The venue for this month’s lecture is the Fountain Street Church – Chapel.
Join us after the lecture for food and conversation! We will reconvene at Palace of India: 138 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Parking Information
Metered street parking is free after 7 PM.
The nearby GRCC Parking structure is available to the public.
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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.
Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.
Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/
