This year our Annual Conference gathering, we take time to honor and remember clergy and clergy spouses who have passed away since the formation of the Great Lakes Annual Conference. This sacred time of remembrance allows us to celebrate the lives and ministries of those who faithfully served our churches and communities. We need your help to ensure all are remembered. If you are a family member of a clergy person or clergy spouse who has passed away since the inception of the Great Lakes Annual Conference, we kindly ask you to complete our memorial information questionnaire. The information you provide will help us properly honor your loved one at this year's Annual Conference. Use the link below to access the form. We understand that our communication networks are not perfect, and some families may not receive this important information. Please share this announcement with any clergy families you know who have experienced a loss, so that all our faithful servants can be properly remembered and honored. Thank you for your assistance in helping us create a meaningful tribute to those who made such a difference in our lives.
The Great Lakes Annual Conference is excited to announce a new initiative aimed at strengthening and expanding women’s ministries across our conference. As part of a broader vision to empower and support women in every new Global Methodist Church, Carol Cox, the new Conference Coordinator for Global Methodist Women’s Ministries in the Great Lakes Conference, is seeking dedicated women to join a newly formed Task Force for Women’s Ministries. This Task Force will play a vital role in developing, implementing, and encouraging women’s ministries within local congregations, creating meaningful connections, and providing the resources needed to nurture women’s faith and leadership. By joining this Task Force, women from across the conference will have the opportunity to collaborate, strategize, and make a lasting impact on their communities. The opportunity is now open for women who feel called to be part of this important work. If you are passionate about fostering women’s ministries, building a supportive network, and reaching out to local congregations, this is your chance to get involved. To learn more about the Task Force and how you can participate, reach out to Carol Cox, the Great Lakes Annual Conference Coordinator for Global Methodist Women’s Ministries, at globalwomensministries@greatlakesgmc.org and (217) 454-5004. Additionally, here is a new Global Methodist Women's Ministries (Great Lakes) group page women can join at the link below. Also, be sure to visit the Great Lakes Global Methodist Women’s Ministries display table at the upcoming Annual Conference in June at Spring Arbor, where more information will be available. This is an exciting time to be part of a movement that empowers women, builds strong communities, and advances the mission of the church. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this incredible journey!
As we continue our mission to grow and multiply God's Kingdom throughout the Great Lakes region, we're excited to share several upcoming opportunities for those interested in church planting and multiplication. Building on the foundation laid at our previous events, these training sessions and networking opportunities are designed to equip you with the tools and connections needed for effective ministry. Pre-Conference Training - June 9-10, 2025 (9:00 am - 4:30 pm) The GLAC Church Planting team is proud to sponsor two concurrent training tracks at Spring Arbor University just before our Annual Conference. On-campus lodging for these opportunities is available via annual conference registration, but separate registration for the event itself is required using the links below. These valuable seminars, led by The River Network, provide specialized training based on your experience level: Track 1: Planting Healthy Churches Training Ideal for those considering church planting or in the early stages of launching a new congregation, this two-day workshop covers essential principles of church planting with practical applications for your specific context. Whether you're just beginning to hear the call or have already started the journey, this training will provide valuable tools to help you succeed.
