“Gather UP!” is the theme of the 2017 Michigan Area Conference at Grand Traverse Resort.
Members of the Detroit and West Michigan Annual Conferences will gather together again for the 2017 Michigan Area Annual Conference at the Grand Traverse Resort June 1-4.
“Gather UP!” will bring together these two annual conferences for the first time in Northern Michigan for a time of worship, fellowship and the continued work of creating a new annual conference in the state. Gather UP! the theme for the week is based on the miracle story of Jesus feeding the 5000. (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15) and takes us on a discipleship journey from feelings of scarcity to joyful abundance.
The Michigan Area will welcome Bishop David Alan Bard to leadership of his first annual conference. He is slated to preach at opening worship on Thursday, June 1 and Ordination, Sunday, June 4. Other preachers will be announced soon.
Writer, consultant, coach, and spiritual director Rev. Susan Beaumont will be the lead teacher for Annual Conference. She is an Alban author, and former Senior Consultant with the Alban Institute. Rev. Beaumont is the author of, “When Moses Meets Aaron” and is known for her engaging discernment and decision making through the lens of careful theological reflection.
The Annual Conference Program Committee also announce the final negotiated rates for attending the four-day event. According to program committee leaders, significant reductions were negotiated down from the projected rates announced earlier this summer. A typical member to conference can expect a $125 Registration fee, $95 in meals (4 lunches and 2 dinners), $34 per night for lodging (based on quadruple occupancy and lodging tax; single or double occupancy available) for a $356 anticipated total.
“We are so pleased with the welcoming and cooperative nature of the Grand Traverse Resort,” commented Program Chair Nichea Ver Veer Guy. “This is a superb venue that meets our very specific needs and will also bring support to the Native American and northern Michigan area.”
The Grand Traverse Resort was selected following a two-year venue search. The 24-member Michigan Area Program Committee sent out a state-wide request for possibilities. The sites were narrowed down to those facilities able to accommodate 2,500 members and guests and meet stringent criteria for selection including; cost, options for housing, support of Native American relationships, fair labor practices, “green” environment impact, accessibility for handicapped and limited mobility individuals, plenary and break-out spaces; informal gathering spaces, child care options and more. Three finalists received on-site visits and following a discernment process the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City was selected for 2017.
According to Program Committee members, another key reason the Grand Traverse Resort was selected was their focus on conference events versus the seasonal tourism trade that drives up hotel costs in June. The Michigan Area is the resort’s largest client allowing the negotiation of deeply discounted rates, free meeting and break-out space, free conference area Wifi, meal discounts and extensions of the low conference rates to include May 29 (Memorial Day), May 31, June 4, 5, 6, 7 for those wishing to extend vacation time at the resort.
Additional housing information will be released soon. Room reservations will be made through the annual conferences and will begin in early January.
Last Updated on October 18, 2016