Michigan United Methodists will gather next week in Acme for worship and fellowship and to conduct conference business.
JAMES DEATON
Content Editor
Clergy and lay members will meet at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme for worship and fellowship and to conduct business at the seventh session of the Michigan Annual Conference from Friday, May 30, to Sunday, June 1, 2025. The clergy session and clergy retirement celebration will be held a day earlier on Thursday, May 29.
It isn’t too late to register, although all on-site housing is sold out. Online registration reopens on May 22, with a $50 late fee not covered for equalization members or retirees. Program and meal options will also be limited. Click here to register.
The basic schedule is posted on this web page. Please note one major change to the schedule from previous years. The Service of Recognition, Commissioning, and Ordination will be held on Sunday, June 1, at 11 am ET. It will be live-streamed (watch here), so local church leaders are welcome to broadcast it.
One urgent need is for more volunteers to usher, especially during opening worship on Friday afternoon and voting for the constitutional amendments on Saturday morning. Email Nancy Arnold, Conference Events Planner, at [email protected] if you can help.
The 2025 Michigan Annual Conference website has many details and resources, including the program guide with the full schedule and the video reports, budget, and legislation that will be presented to conference members. There is also information about the four proposed amendments to the United Methodist Constitution that will be voted on for ratification. Click the button below to access the website.
“Unfinished: Growing Up and Into Christ,” based on Ephesians 4:15-16, is this year’s theme, and Rev. Dr. Jasmine Rose Smothers is our keynote speaker. A dynamic preacher, teacher, and leadership coach, Rev. Smothers is the lead pastor of the historic Atlanta First United Methodist Church, where she is the first woman, first person of color, and youngest leader in the church’s 177-year history. She will lead a teaching session on Saturday morning, from 9 to 10 am ET. Click here to read a detailed bio.
Another highlight is the Laity Perspective event, which is open to all lay and clergy members, on Friday evening at 5 pm ET. Rev. Jeremy Peters and lay members of Flint: Court Street United Methodist Church will share how their tangible, community-building ministries have brought the love of Jesus to this community that has experienced significant challenges in recent years. Come be inspired by their lay-led ministries that have impacted many lives in the city of Flint.
Opening Worship and Offering Recipients
Watch all the worship services, teaching sessions, and business sessions on Facebook (click to watch), beginning with the opening worship service with Bishop David Bard on Friday, May 30, at 1 pm ET. Bishop Bard’s sermon, “Unfinished and Undaunted,” will touch on the theme, which invites us to explore a faith that expands beyond our limits and welcomes transformation.
The offering received during the opening worship service will benefit our covenant partners in Haiti and Liberia through the support of Haitian Assets for Peace International (HAPI) and the Bishop Judith Craig Children’s Village.
Bishop Bard has designated a 10% tithe to go to UMCOR US Disaster Response and Recovery, most recently addressing devastation from Hurricane Helene on the East Coast and the California wildfires. Click to learn more.
Haitian Assets for Peace International (Advance #3020490) will receive 45% of the total offering. HAPI empowers people living in rural areas of Haiti by providing medical care, health resources, and training. The Bishop Judith Craig Children’s Village in Liberia (Advance #11820A) will receive 45% of the total offering. The funds will provide basic needs, education, counseling, and health care to orphaned and financially vulnerable children. Both HAPI and the Bishop Craig Children’s Village are international EngageMI Ministry Partners of the Michigan Conference.
For those donating by check, please make your check payable to “Michigan Conference,” noting “AC Offering” in the memo line. Bring your check to the opening worship service or mail your check directly to: Michigan Conference, Attn: Accounts Receivable, 1011 Northcrest Rd., Lansing, MI 48906. You can also give online via this secure link.
Business and Constitutional Amendments
Lay and clergy members are encouraged to review all the legislative and business materials that will be presented and voted on. Read and download all voting materials, the constitutional amendments to be presented for ratification, and the proposed 2026 budget from this web page. The Legislative Report, which includes the consent calendar and reports from each legislative committee, will be available on May 27.
Printed copies of the legislation, the constitutional amendments, and other materials, except for the program guide, will not be available for you at conference. Please print legislative materials ahead of time or access them digitally.
Video reports from key leaders of the Michigan Annual Conference have been posted for viewing. Please watch these video reports prior to conference starting. These reports may involve legislative action and will not be played during plenary sessions. Only questions regarding the reports will be received.
Missional Opportunities and Activities
Michigan Conference leadership has put together several missional activities for conference members to engage in. Click to read more about these events.
Here are a few highlights happening on Thursday and Friday:
Golf Scramble and Mini Golf to Benefit Campus Ministries (click to register) — The annual Golf Scramble returns on Friday, May 30. All proceeds will go directly to our United Methodist campus ministry sites to be used for the benefit of the students. Over $6,000 has been raised since the event’s inception in 2017. The Golf Scramble rate is $75 for ten holes. People can also register on the day of the event. Download the flyer for more details.
In addition to the 9-hole Golf Scramble on Friday, a miniature golf fundraiser supporting campus ministries will be held on Thursday, May 29, at Pirate’s Cove in Traverse City from 4:30 to 5:30 pm ET. Click to learn more and register for this event.
Zero-K — Move to End Child Hunger (click to donate) — This fundraiser provides the opportunity for everyone — regardless of fitness level — to participate and support this important effort to help end child hunger in Michigan. With a Zero-K, you choose how to move your body at a pace that works for you. For those interested, an on-site 5K will be held on Friday, May 30, at 10:30 am. Read more and learn how to participate.
Rice Meal Pack and Kit/Donation Collection with Midwest Mission (click to volunteer) — This hands-on event is hosted by veteran ministry partner Midwest Mission on Friday, May 30. The event will be held from 9 am to noon, and 250 volunteers are needed for assembly. Standing and sitting jobs are available, and you can stay as long as you can. It’s also not too late to buy supplies for the event. They’re $2 each and provide six meals. Our friends at Traverse City Tourism just donated $500, providing 3,000 meals. Read more about this event and how to donate and volunteer.
The Midwest Mission truck will also be present to collect various assembled kits and gently used/new items. Please bring all donations to the collection truck, which will be parked on-site all day Thursday, May 29, through noon on Saturday, May 31. Read more about this collection and the Rice Meal Pack.
Mission Festival with EngageMI Ministry Partners (click to learn more) — This meet-and-greet will be held on Friday, May 30, from 7 to 9 pm. Much like a community fair, the festival will feature exhibits for local, national, and international mission opportunities available through our EngageMI mission engagement program.
Over 40 missions will be present, eager to introduce you to their causes and discuss how you can help. Desserts, music, and a welcome back to Bishop David and Julie Bard will take place in and around the white Plaza tent. Read more about this event.
This year, the Mission Festival is sponsored by the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan. Through their generosity, you will receive five $1 Mission Bucks with your conference registration to spend at the Mission Festival. Give back by supporting the missions you’ve connected with. If you wish to do more, the foundation will match your personal $5 donation with another $5 to spend at the Mission Festival. To buy Mission Bucks ahead of time and earn matching funds, click this secure link.
Last Updated on June 4, 2025