Registration for our Autumn Leadership Event is now open! Rostered leaders are invited to join us for days of learning, connection, conversation, and fellowship in Mackinaw City, October 18-21 at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall!
We’re bringing 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. While we’re still putting the finishing touches on the workshop details, we’re excited about what’s taking shape and we’ll continue adding workshop descriptions and additional information as they become available.
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
Registration is now open! Workshop descriptions and additional details will be added as they are finalized, so check in here for updates! Registration closes on October 1, 2026.
Recommended Hotels:
We have a block secured at one hotel, Baymont by Wyndham. There is limited availability, so please reserve as soon as you are able. If you are notified that the block is full, please reach out to communication@mittensynod.org.
Baymont by Wyndham:
- 109 S Nicolet St, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
- (231) 436-7737
Holiday Inn Express:
- 364 Louvingney Dr, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
- (231) 436-7100
Schedule:
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez
We are delighted to welcome Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez as our keynote speaker for ALE.
Kristin Kobes Du Mez is a New York Times bestselling author and Professor of History at Calvin University. She is a Senior Democracy Fellow with the Public Religion Research Institute. Her research focuses on the intersection of gender, religion, and politics. She has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, NBC News, Religion News Service, and Christianity Today, and has been interviewed on NPR, CBS, and the BBC, among other outlets. Her most recent books include Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation (2020) and Live Laugh Love: The Secret History of White Christian Women and the World They Made (September 2026).
She is a Distinguished Associate at the Institute for Christian Studies (Toronto) and recently served as a Fellow at the University of Notre Dame’s Center for Philosophy of Religion (2024-2025).
She previously taught at Calvin Theological Seminary, Williams College, and the University of Notre Dame. She holds a PhD from the University of Notre Dame.
For more information On Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez, click here!
