The 2026 Michigan Annual Conference begins next week, as United Methodists gather for worship, fellowship, and business.
JAMES DEATON
Content Editor
Clergy and lay members will gather at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme for worship, fellowship, and business during the eighth session of the Michigan Annual Conference, held Friday, May 29, through Sunday, May 31, 2026. The clergy session will be held a day earlier, on Thursday, May 28.
“Love Boldly,” drawn from The United Methodist Church’s new vision statement and rooted in the Greatest Commandment in Matthew 22:37-39, is this year’s theme. A focus on United Methodist identity and beliefs will be highlighted throughout this year’s gathering, including a session that will provide space for attendees to engage in powerful conversations centered on our Social Principles. That session will be held on Saturday at 10:45 am. Learn more.
Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives & History, will serve as the guest speaker, leading us through parts of our history, from John Wesley’s day to now, that show us how we have loved boldly. Dr. Boggan will speak twice: Saturday evening from 7:30 to 8:30 pm, followed by a book signing at 9 pm, and then on Sunday morning from 8:30 to 9:20 am. Read this interview to learn more.
It isn’t too late to register, though all on-site housing is sold out. Late online registration opens on Thursday, May 21, with a $50 late fee not covered for equalization members or retirees. Program and meal options will also be limited. Register now. On-site registration opens on Thursday, May 28, in the resort’s main lobby at 9 am and continues each day. Check hours.
The full schedule is on pages 14-21 in the Program Guide. Conferencegoers will receive a hard copy at registration, but you can also download a digital copy for your electronic devices. Remember, printed copies of legislation will not be available at Annual Conference. Please print your own or access them digitally while on-site. Find conference materials and reports.
New this year is the free Annual Conference app, Go Attend. It will give you quick access to conference event information, along with real-time updates and announcements. Download it through the App Store (Apple) or Google Play, or scan the QR code below, then use your registration email address to log in. A link will then be sent to your email to log you in quickly.
All business and teaching sessions, the opening worship service on Friday at 1 pm, and the Service of Recognition, Commissioning, and Ordination on Sunday at 11 am will be live-streamed on the Annual Conference website (view here) and on the Michigan Conference Facebook page (view here). Check the schedule for streaming times.
Explore the 2026 Michigan Annual Conference website for additional details and resources, including the program guide with a detailed schedule and the video reports, proposed budget, and legislation to be presented to conference members.
Opening Worship and Offering Recipients
Watch all the worship services and teaching sessions on the Annual Conference website (view here) or on the Michigan Conference Facebook page (view here), beginning with the opening worship service with Bishop David Bard on Friday, May 29, at 1 pm. Bishop Bard’s sermon, “Confessions of an Accidental Methodist,” will touch on the conference theme, inviting us to explore growth in love, which is at the heart of what it means to be a United Methodist.
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 for the Miracle Sunday initiative. The United Methodist Church is raising vital support for 500 clergy a year through the Endowment for Theological Education outside the United States.
Haitian Assets for Peace International (Advance #3020490) will receive 45% of the total offering. HAPI empowers the 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 Children’s Village are international EngageMI mission partners of the Michigan Conference.
For those donating by check, please make your check payable to “Michigan Conference” and note “AC Offering” in the memo line. Bring your check to the opening worship service, or mail it directly to: Michigan Conference, Attn: Accounts Receivable, 1011 Northcrest Rd., Lansing, MI 48906. You can also give online via this secure link.
Business and Budget
Lay and clergy members are encouraged to review all legislative and business materials that will be presented and voted on. Read and download all voting materials, legislation, and the proposed 2027 budget from this web page. The Legislative Report, including the consent calendar and reports from each legislative committee, will be available before our gathering.
One voting item to note: Resolution #5, which proposes a reduction in the number of districts, will have an impact on the conference structure. Watching the recorded listening session on redistricting with Bishop Bard may be beneficial before voting.
Video reports from key leaders of the Michigan 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. Learn more about these events.
Here are a few highlights happening on Friday:
Golf Scramble to Benefit Campus Ministries (register now) — The annual Golf Scramble returns on Friday, May 29. All proceeds will go directly to campus ministry sites to benefit students. Over $6,000 has been raised since the event’s inception in 2017. The Golf Scramble rate is $80 for nine holes. Registration is also available on the day of the event. Download the flyer for more details.
Zero K — Move to End Child Hunger (register now) — This fundraiser offers everyone — regardless of fitness level — the opportunity 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 29, at 10:30 am. Read more and learn how to participate.
Rice Meal Pack and Kit / Donation Collection with Midwest Mission (donate and volunteer) — This hands-on event is hosted by ministry partner Midwest Mission on Friday, May 29. DJ Rush will be there to keep the volunteers dancing while meals are packed for hunger relief worldwide. 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. We’ve received 69% of last year’s donations and are grateful for the large donations from churches that have come in recently. The meals are just $2 each and provide six meals. Read more about this event and how to donate and volunteer.
The Midwest Mission truck will also be collecting assembled kits and gently used items. Download this flyer for a list of the relief kits and items requested. There is a great need for orthopedic medical supplies, such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers, and crutches, as well as new and gently used hand tools, brooms, and metal garden implements. Midwest Mission is also collecting gently used and new school supplies for students in Honduras. Those items can also be brought to the truck for delivery. Learn more.
Please bring all donations to the Midwest Mission collection truck, which will be present on Friday, May 29, from noon to 4 pm, and on Saturday, May 30, from 7 am to noon. The truck will be parked in the Clubhouse / Pro Shop parking lot, right across from the white tent (Plaza tent, where the Mission Festival will be held). Find the exact location on this map.
Mission Festival with EngageMI Ministry Partners (learn more) — This meet-and-greet will be held on Friday, May 29, from 7:30 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.
Close to 40 missions will be present, eager to introduce you to their causes and discuss how you can help. Old-fashioned strawberry shortcake will be served, and guests will enjoy music from Rev. Sari Brown. Read more about this event.
The Mission Festival is sponsored again this year by the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan. Through their generosity, conference attendees will receive five $1 Mission Bucks with their annual conference registration to spend like cash. Each “buck” donated will go toward the missions you support. 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.
Much of the planning and production of our Annual Conference each year is made possible thanks to generous financial gifts from local United Methodist churches in Michigan through Ministry Shares. Thank you! Learn about the impact of Ministry Shares on mission and ministry in Michigan and around the world.
Last Updated on June 1, 2026