LANSING, MI — St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, located at 6500 Amwood Dr., Lansing, MI 48911, is preparing for its fifth annual Gun Buyback event, scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026, as organizers build on years of advocacy that have contributed to significant changes in Michigan’s gun safety policies.
According to church leaders, St. Michael’s Advocacy Team, alongside Spirit of Peace Church of the Brethren and other gun safety advocates, has spent years meeting with local state representatives to push for stronger gun safety laws and improved procedures surrounding the destruction of firearms collected during buyback events.
That advocacy recently resulted in a major policy shift by the Michigan State Police. Organizers say that after months of pressure from multiple constituencies, MSP changed the company responsible for firearm disposal. For the past two years, weapons collected through gun buybacks have been completely destroyed in their entirety, ensuring they can never be reused or returned to circulation.
Supporters describe the policy as a major step forward for public safety, particularly for communities working to reduce accidental shootings, gun violence, and the presence of unwanted firearms on local streets.
St. Michael’s leaders are now seeking community donations to support the 2026 event. Their 2025 Gun Buyback marked the church’s most successful effort to date, raising $20,000 and collecting more than 170 unwanted weapons.
Organizers hope to exceed those numbers this year and are encouraging sponsors of all levels to contribute. Donations can be made to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church with “gun buyback” included in the memo line.
Church leaders said early fundraising is necessary to ensure the October event can continue expanding its reach and impact throughout the Lansing area.
Rev. Dr. Timothy Flynn, rector of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, along with members of St. Michael’s Advocacy Team — Barb Burns-Briggs, Andrés Gilabert, Dr. Ramona Kime, Rev. Deacon Marcia Tyriver, and Sandy Wriggelsworth — expressed gratitude to past supporters and emphasized that every contribution helps advance the mission of making Lansing’s streets safer and more peaceful for all residents.
