Ministry leaders are invited to Rooted: Reclaim, a day-away retreat on October 20 in Okemos, offering worship, connection, and renewal for those who give so much of themselves to others.
JAMES DEATON
Senior Content Editor
Ministry all too often takes hold of one’s energy, and leaders often spend so much time caring for others that they forget to pause and care for themselves. Have you experienced that? If so, the upcoming Rooted: Reclaim event on October 20 may be for you.
Faith formation leaders often wear many hats and manage responsibilities across multiple age groups. Some may be the sole ministry leader in their setting, and challenges arise that they’d welcome another’s perspective on. Would you enjoy a casual space to meet others doing what you do and ask questions? If so, attending the in-person Rooted: Reclaim event sponsored by the Michigan Conference would be a great investment for you.
Learn more about Rooted: Reclaim.
Ministry leaders engaged in faith formation at any age level are invited to attend Rooted: Reclaim on Tuesday, October 20, from 9:30 am to 4 pm at Okemos Community Church in Okemos. This day-away event is designed for ministry leaders and offers space for worship, connection, learning, quiet, and play. Lay persons, clergy, staff, and volunteers are welcome.
The “Reclaim” tag refers specifically to reconnecting with our Wesleyan roots and exploring what it means to be United Methodist today. Guest speaker Rev. Jeremy Peters, pastor at Flint: Court Street UMC, will present on what it means to be United Methodist today. Reconnecting with our Wesleyan roots has been a focus for the Michigan Conference this year.
On Monday, October 19, optional pre-event co-working time will be available for those who want extra time with colleagues. Event leaders have also reserved a block of rooms at a local hotel for those who plan to stay overnight in the Lansing area. Over both days, you will worship, learn, play, and connect with other faith formation leaders during this time of renewal.
Registration fees are based on a sliding scale to ensure that all who wish to participate can attend. Select the option that works best for you. Rooted: Reclaim is made possible at a reduced cost to you through Ministry Shares from generous local churches and the Christian Education Sunday offering.
Register now for Rooted: Reclaim in Okemos.
Following the success of last year’s Rooted event at University UMC in East Lansing, conference leaders listened to feedback and heard that ministry leaders are yearning for a place to connect with God and with others. Event leaders say, “Rooted is designed around worship and connection points in workshops, quiet spaces, and community. We hope the Rooted experience offers a time to connect, renew, and belong.”
Laurie Reed, Director of Family Ministries at Mason: First UMC, expressed her appreciation for these types of events organized by the Michigan Conference.
“Last year was my first Rooted event,” says Reed. “I have been to a couple of the Kids Min Zooms. I always find these events very inspiring and a great time of renewal. There’s something to be said for meeting with other people whose jobs are similar. We ‘get’ each other. Besides getting fresh ideas, it’s nice to feel that you are doing some things well. There’s always room for improvement, but the affirmation that what we are doing is making a difference is really nice.”
Last year’s Rooted event was also the first for Kendall Farnum, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at Northville: First UMC. She especially felt the rest and renewal aspects were meaningful.
Farnum notes, “Worship at Rooted was heartfelt and inspiring. Multiple people expressed gratitude for the blessing of being in worship without responsibilities. I think this was the greatest benefit for many attendees, including me. The chair massage provided care with a different focus and was a delight; we can forget the body needs support and renewal too!”
She goes on to encourage those needing a time away from the busyness of life and ministry to come to Rooted: Reclaim: “I encourage faith formation leaders in all areas to join us for Rooted in October. Too often, we focus so much on providing spiritual formation for others that we neglect our own. I came away refreshed and eager for the continued ministry. As one ministry leader used to say, we must ‘sharpen the saw’ to be effective. Rooted was a blessed means of doing that.”
In addition to worship, there will be opportunities for chair massages, time for informal conversations with others, and space for prayer and reflection, as well as a workshop on neurodiversity in faith formation ministries and one focused on practical ideas and resources for successful ministry with volunteers. Learn more about the workshops.
Amy Heitman, Director of Children’s Ministry at Rochester: St. Paul’s UMC, invites ministry leaders to come experience Rooted: Reclaim with her this year.
“It is good to get out of the office and have time with my colleagues,” says Heitman. “Honestly, the car ride to and from an event is a gift! Being able to share resources is also very helpful. An event like this gives a weary ministry leader a chance to recharge for the work ahead with new ideas in a supportive environment.”
Come to Rooted: Reclaim on October 19-20 in Okemos.
Questions? Email Rev. Kathy Pittenger at [email protected].
Rooted: Reclaim is made possible at a reduced cost for participants, thanks in part to Ministry Shares from generous United Methodist local churches in Michigan. Learn about the impact of Ministry Shares on mission and ministry in Michigan and worldwide.
Last Updated on September 29, 2026