Karen Hand was recently hired to lead Lake Huron Retreat Center as their new director beginning January 2024.
Lake Huron Retreat Center will have a new director starting in January. Karen Hand comes highly recommended to Lake Huron from the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church, where she served first as camp manager and, more recently, as manager of program and guest services at Epworth Forest Conference Center and Camp Adventure.
“We welcome Karen back to Michigan and look forward to her using her leadership experience as the new director at Lake Huron Retreat Center,” said Rev. David Berkey, Executive Director of Michigan Area United Methodist Camping, which operates Lake Huron Retreat Center along with two other ministry sites — Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat and Lake Michigan Camp & Retreat. Lake Huron is primarily an adult retreat center that offers outstanding hospitality to guest groups as well as several retreats a year.
“Karen shared with me that as a retreat guest at Lake Huron a few years back, she felt moved by the beauty and ministry of the site and felt the call to come back and serve as director someday,” David said. “So, she brings her personal connection to serve this amazing place on the lakeshore.” In addition, her experience leading conference camps for people with developmental challenges makes her an excellent resource for God’s Treasures camps hosted annually at Lake Huron.
“This Great Lakes lovin’ girl is excited to come back to the state of her birth, to be a part of a long legacy of outstanding hospitality and incredible experiences in God’s presence at Lake Huron Retreat Center,” said Karen. “I am so happy to serve at Lake Huron as the next step in my service in camping and retreat ministries. I can’t wait to help create life-changing experiences in which people come to know God’s love and grace.”
Rev. Ann Emerson, the current director of the retreat center, retires at the end of the year after 25 years in the position. An open house in her honor is being held on December 2, 2023, at Kresge Dining Hall, Lake Huron Retreat Center, from 2 to 4 pm. RSVP by November 27 by phone at 810-327-6272 or email at [email protected]. Contact the office if you need overnight accommodations.
Last Updated on January 31, 2024