The Michigan Conference invites all faith formation leaders, especially laity, to come to the Rooted: Reconnect daylong event for a time of rest and renewal.
JAMES DEATON
Content Editor
Fall is an extremely busy time for church leaders, especially those involved in discipleship and faith formation programming. There’s a lot to plan through the end of the year, and it’s hard not to get caught up in the liturgical stream that carries us all the way to Christmas.
Why not pause and take a day just for you to recharge! The Rooted Design Team, with the support of the Michigan Conference’s Connectional Ministries Team, has planned Rooted: Reconnect, an in-person event on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at University UMC in East Lansing for all those involved in faith formation ministries.
Think of this as a day when you can worship and pray without any responsibilities. Space will be given for you to connect with God and others in grace-filled ways. You’ll also have opportunities to learn from peers and grow through workshops and other activities.
Rooted: Reconnect will be held from 9:30 am to 4 pm ET. Lunch will be provided. The deadline to register is October 10.
A tiered fee structure — $25 to $75 — makes this affordable, so choose what’s best for your budget. This reduced cost is made possible thanks to Ministry Shares from generous Michigan United Methodist churches and the Christian Education Sunday offering.
The Rooted Design Team, comprised of local church leaders in the Michigan Conference, chose the name “Rooted” based on the desire to have the event provide grounding, both in God’s grace and in community. A similar event was held in 2022 called Rhythms of Grace. That event was well-received, and there were requests to have another one. The design team landed on the “Reconnect” tagline for this year, hoping there will be future Rooted events.
Rev. Kathy Pittenger, Associate Director for Connectional Ministries, who is the conference staff person assisting the design team, explains that one of the main goals of Rooted: Reconnect is to address the gap in opportunities for faith formation leaders, especially lay church staff and volunteers, to find accessible, affordable, in-person renewal opportunities.
The event is also a great opportunity for those who lead from the “second chair,” meaning those individuals who have leadership responsibilities but are not the primary person in charge.
“We wanted to offer an event where leaders can gather to worship, learn, play, and connect,” says Pittenger. “This will be a place where people can meet others who are in similar ministry, make connections, and be seen. We also acknowledge there is a lot of burnout, and we hope this day away can offer a space for renewal and restoration.”
The day’s schedule has a few anchor components, such as worship, but there is a lot of flexibility for participants to make it their own.
Design team member Laura Johns, who serves as Director of Discipleship at Grand Rapids: Trinity UMC, describes Rooted: Reconnect as “a wonderful blend of work conference and spiritual retreat, with just enough fellowship and fun thrown in to keep you on your toes.”
She continues, “The wonderful part is that there are many different opportunities, and you get to decide how to use your time and what you need. Maybe it’s professional development, maybe it’s faith development, or maybe it’s just a quiet working space with plenty of coffee and snacks. No matter what you need, even if it’s a chair massage, you are welcome at Rooted!”
Optional ten-minute chair massages from a licensed massage therapist will be available for those attending.
Rooted: Reconnect begins with worship. This year’s event will focus on remembering our baptism as beloved children of God. Baptism grounds our calling as people gifted by the Holy Spirit with teaching, administration, evangelism, and discernment, among others.
Three workshops will be offered: Rhythms of Grace, exploring simple, life-giving spiritual practices for self-care; Reconnecting with Your Purpose, a time to explore and remember your purpose; and Leading When You’re Not the Boss, which will be led by a staff person and a pastor from the same church to share ways to lead when you’re not in charge. The same workshops will be held in the morning and afternoon to allow attendees to join as many as possible.
Laura Johns is excited about the workshop topics and leaders. “This year,” she notes, “we have some amazing workshop leaders who are ready to share about their experiences. I’m really excited to hear from Jill DeJonge in Rhythms of Grace about making time for rest and renewal, Rev. Tina Zimmerman about reconnecting with our purpose, and Rev. Christy Miller and Rev. Amy Mayo-Moyle about leading from the ‘second chair.’” Read the detailed bio for each workshop presenter.
Other activities will be made available during flex periods throughout the day, including prayer stations, guided meditations, and even quiet space to work with plenty of snacks to sustain you.
The design team hopes that attendees will take advantage of the wisdom and experience of seasoned leaders who are focused on faith formation and discipleship in their congregations.
Space will be made during Rooted: Reconnect for these holy conversations with peers to spring up, leading to greater understanding and growth. You’ll be able to connect, share stories from the trenches, and ask questions.
Laura Johns finds great value in these Holy Spirit-led connections: “Whenever faith formation leaders from across the Michigan Conference gather, you get the feeling that you’ve found ‘your people.’ These are folks who understand the joys and the struggles. They can answer questions and give advice.” The workshops and meeting with leaders afterward can provide such connections, as well as hallway conversations and honest chats over a meal.
Rooted: Reconnect is for those in ministry with any age group, so all are welcome to University UMC in East Lansing on Thursday, October 16. Learn more and register by October 10.
There is no virtual option, but for those who would like an overnight stay, there is a SpringHill Suites by Marriott within walking distance to the church. Several other hotels are in the East Lansing/Okemos area. If you have questions about these lodging options or about the event, please reach out to Rev. Kathy Pittenger at [email protected].
Last Updated on September 24, 2025