Those attending the 2026 Michigan Annual Conference should review the voting materials, the proposed 2027 budget, and these updates.
Early Registration Ends April 30
Lay and clergy members of the Michigan Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church will meet for business, fellowship, and worship from May 29 to 31, 2026, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, just west of Traverse City.
If you are an eligible lay or clergy member and wish to vote in online legislative committees on May 19-20, you must register by Thursday, April 30, at 5 pm ET. Register now. There are no refunds for cancellations after April 30. A $50 fee applies for cancellations.
Late registration opens on Thursday, May 21, with a $50 fee not covered for retired clergy or equalization members. Meals will not be available for purchase through the registration system. Check with Registrar Sarah Vollmer in person to see if meals are available from cancellations.
Schedule, Voting Items, Budget
A block schedule is now available, subject to revision. Review the schedule. The full program guide in a downloadable format will be available soon.
The booklet of voting items, which includes the proposed resolutions, is now posted on the website. Review this web page for the booklet, other voting materials, and the proposed 2027 budget. Legislation and print materials will not be available on-site except for the program guide. Please print your own legislative materials in advance or access them digitally.
Some reports from conference leadership will be recorded ahead of time. They will be available soon on this web page. These reports may involve legislative action and will not be played during conference plenary sessions. Attendees should watch them in advance.
Conference Theme
“Love Boldly” is this year’s theme, and the guiding scripture is Matthew 22:37-39. This theme is drawn from the Michigan Conference’s three-year focus, shaped by the Council of Bishops’ vision to Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously. Throughout Annual Conference, there will be opportunities to celebrate our identity as United Methodists, Christians always poised and ready to love boldly in the name of Jesus Christ.
To help conferencegoers better understand our United Methodist DNA, Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, will be the guest conference speaker. She will help guide conversation around what sets United Methodists apart from other Christians. Learn more about Dr. Boggan and her experience.
Opening Worship Offering
The offering taken during the opening worship service on Friday afternoon supports two long-standing ministry partners: The Bishop Judith Craig Children’s Village in Liberia and Haitian Assets for Peace International (HAPI) in Haiti.
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. Checks can be brought to the opening worship service, mailed to the conference office, or given through an online link. An envelope will be mailed to registrants and churches in May.
Mission and Giving Opportunities
Zero-K for Child Hunger Relief in Michigan
With generous support from the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits, a healthy fundraiser is happening on Friday, May 29, at 10:30 am. The Zero-K – Moving to End Child Hunger provides the opportunity for everyone, regardless of fitness level, to participate and support this important effort to aid child hunger relief in Michigan. Register now.
You can also plan an event at your church or in your community. Walk, run, ride, or wag any distance at any time, and 100% of donations will be shared with existing hunger-relief organizations in every county in Michigan. Learn more.
Rice Meal Packing
Rice Meal Packing, hosted by long-time ministry partner Midwest Mission, will return for a fourth year on Friday, May 29. The intergenerational, sensory-friendly activity will run from 9 am to noon, and 250 volunteers are needed for assembly. There’s a job for everyone, and sitting is fine, whether measuring cups of rice or sealing bags. Sign up now.
Another way to participate, even if you won’t be there in person, is to donate funds for meal supplies. Midwest Mission is providing all the necessary supplies for the event, including ingredients, equipment, gloves, and hairnets — all they need are generous hearts to make it happen.
The deadline to donate dollars for meal packing supplies is May 21. Why not organize a fundraiser at your local church, receive a special offering, or give yourself? Donate when you register for Annual Conference or use this separate link to donate now. Your $2 — or more, as you’re able to give — will multiply quickly since each $2 pack contains enough ingredients for six meals.
EngageMI Mission Festival
The Mission Festival on Friday evening is sponsored by the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan. More than 30 missions will be present, eager to share their cause and how you can get involved. Music by Rev. Sari Brown, desserts, and games round out the night. Learn more.
Each registered attendee will receive five $1 Mission Bucks at registration to spend like cash at the Mission Festival. Leave your Mission Bucks in the collection box of the missions you’d like to support. You can purchase additional Mission Bucks, and the foundation will match your donation up to $5. If you’re registered and donate $5, you’ll have $15 to spend at the Mission Festival, seeding and supporting missions! Buy Mission Bucks and earn matching funds.
Golf Fundraiser to Benefit Students
The annual Golf Scramble date is Friday, May 29. All proceeds will go directly to the Michigan United Methodist campus ministry sites to benefit our students. Over $6,000 has been raised since the event’s inception in 2017. Learn more.
The rate to play is $80 for nine holes. There is a limit of 78 participants, so register early. You can register at any time, including on the day of the event. Register now.
Last Updated on May 5, 2026