October 18 – 21, 2026
Mackinaw City, MI
We brought together rostered leaders from Northern Great Lakes, North/West Lower Michigan and Southeast Michigan Synods for an opportunity to explore where God is calling us next, hear from inspiring speakers, and engage in a variety of workshops designed to encourage conversation, creativity, and learning.
What you can look forward to:
- Inspiring speakers and thoughtful conversation
- A variety of workshops and learning opportunities
- Time to connect with others from across the synod
- Opportunities to share ideas, ask questions, and be encouraged
- Good food, fellowship, and a chance to spend time together
Workshops
Discerning Your Congregation’s Vocation
Rev. Jen Keifer
Like individuals, congregations also have personalities and vocations. Through storytelling and hymns, we can help our congregations identify who God has called them to be as a part of the Body of Christ.
Every Body and Every Mind: Making Belonging Visible in Worship
Rev. Travis Wilson
“All are welcome” is easy to say. What would it mean for our worship itself to reflect the belonging God has already given us? Growing out of sabbatical time at Koinonia Farm, this workshop will explore “A Liturgy for Every Body and Every Mind,” a worship resource shaped by questions about what our liturgy assumes about the bodies, minds, senses, and ways of participating among us. Together we’ll consider language, posture, participation, pacing, and liturgical structure, and imagine practices that more fully reflect the truth that every body and every mind already belongs in the Body of Christ.
What Gets in the Way of Generosity?
Rev. Paul Walter
Before asking, “Why aren’t people giving?” ask: “What might be getting in the way?” In this workshop, explore five practical steps toward an invitation to give that connects generosity with God’s mission, respects people’s circumstances, and nurtures grateful participation in ministry.
Paul Walters has served as pastor of Lutheran Church of the Master in Troy, MI, since 2010. Alongside his congregational ministry, he is a consultant with GSB Fundraising, working with churches and nonprofits to strengthen leadership, nurture generosity, and develop resources for their missions. He is the author of books on church leadership, most recently Clear, Calm, and Connected: Reflections for Church Leaders. Paul brings a pastor’s perspective and practical experience to helping congregations connect generosity with God’s mission. He and his wife, Brandy, have three adult sons, and he enjoys cycling.
You can learn more at paulewalters.com.
Global Refuge: Welcoming Immigrants Today
Rev. Dan Beirne
Join Global Refuge Director of Mobilization and Faith Relations, Pastor Dan Beirne, in a workshop on how ELCA congregations have been – and can be! – supporting immigrants during a season of such divisive and harmful rhetoric surrounding immigrants. The session will cover three main themes: 1) A brief overview and update about immigration policy and where it stands in the United States today, as well as how Global Refuge, your Lutheran resettlement agency, has adapted to continue serving those in our care. 2) An introduction to Faith Alliance, a new training for faith communities who desire to learn more about welcoming immigrants in their context (think RIC, but for immigrants). 3) An open forum idea-share where participants have the opportunity to share what welcome has looked like in their setting. Dan will also provide resources, and opportunities for further engagement for those who are interested.
Links from presentation:
- Faith Alliance: a training for congregations looking to deepen their commitment (or start their commitment) to immigrants
- Ambassadors
- Advocacy Alerts
- Support Global Refuge
Here We Are Now; Entertain Us (Or, Actually, Don’t)
Rev. Elizabeth Friedman
Inviting young adults into a faith community is hard. Their schedules are often weird and unpredictable. They have big questions. They’re idealistic and they’ve got opinions. They might even want to change how things are done. And often, they come with baggage.
Rachel Held Evans argued that young people are not looking for a change in style, but a change in substance. Campus ministry practitioners have strategies for developing relationships and faithful community among young adults, some of whom are around for years, and some of whom are only passing through.
In this session, we will discuss practical ways to reach out to young adults and to offer them the life-giving, grace-filled theology that is so central to our Lutheran experience.
Books referenced:
- Neil Postman: Amusing Ourselves To Death
- Cole Arthur Riley: This Here Flesh
- Jonathan Haidt: The Anxious Generation