The Great Lakes Annual Conference (GLAC) of the Global Methodist Church is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Methodist Foundation of Mississippi (MFM) for investment management and stewardship education services. The partnership, approved by the GLAC Leadership Council, establishes two new funds aimed at supporting local churches and clergy needs across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. “This partnership represents our commitment to responsible stewardship of conference resources while creating sustainable support systems for our local churches and clergy," said Conference Superintendent Scott Pattison. “We aspire to be an annual conference that effectively discovers, develops, and deploys clergy to serve and lead our local churches and other ministry opportunities as they carry out the mission of the Global Methodist Church. These funds are a next step in pursuing this goal.” After an extensive evaluation process, the GLAC Finance & Administration Team unanimously recommended MFM over competing organizations. While other entities expressed interest in increasing Global Methodist representation, MFM already demonstrated this commitment with half of their board already consisting of Global Methodist clergy and laity. Additionally, MFM's no-fee short term fund—currently offering a 5.35% return rate—outperformed competitors whose offerings included various fee structures that diminished returns. The Foundation's investment approach through Charles Schwab with management by Gerber/Taylor Associates, Inc., rather than Wespath, also aligned better with the conference's values. The two established funds include: Ministerial Scholarship Fund : Initially funded with $25,000, this fund will assist those experiencing a call into ministry as clergy with seminary and alternative pathway educational expenses. The application and disbursement process for this scholarship program is currently in development. Fundraising opportunities for this fund are ongoing and more information regarding possible matching gifts are forthcoming. Clergy Health Support Fund : Seeded with $100,000, this fund will provide bridge funding for clergy who are unable to continue service at their current appointment due to significant health limitations but still require health insurance while awaiting long-term disability or other healthcare options. This funding will alleviate the financial burden on local churches, enabling congregations who qualify to maintain fiscal stability during an important leadership transition. Other investment funds are under consideration and will be shared when established. The partnership also provides GLAC churches access to generosity and stewardship education offered by MFM, whether directly to local churches, through annual conference breakouts, or separate planned events. To provide input on possible topics to be covered in the future, please complete this survey . More information about stewardship events will be available at a later date. In the meantime, local church leaders are encouraged to reach out to MFM for their investment management and stewardship education needs. For more information, reach out to Dr. Todd D. Marion, CPA, MFM Associate Director/CFO at todd@methodistfm.org or Michelle Veazey, MFM Executive Administrative Assistant, at michelle@methodistfm.org . They can also be reached at (601) 948-8845. Donations to the above mentioned funds can be made at methodistfm.org/donate . Please be sure to select “Deposit to endowment” and add a note indicating which fund (GLAC Clergy Health Support or GLAC Ministerial Scholarship) the gift is to benefit. Donors may also call the MFM for instructions on where to mail a donation check. Learn more at methodistfm.org .
There are several areas throughout the MidSouth Conference where extensive flooding took place in February. The MidSouth Conference encompasses Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, parts of West Virginia, and a few counties in North Georgia. Support for past disaster relief has been overwhelmingly positive. Unfortunately, the need for help once again occurs throughout their conference. Local GMC churches in the Great Lakes AC are invited to help those in need. You can donate securely online with 100% of donations received to be used within the MidSouth for disaster relief. Please check out these fliers for the most recent flood relief needs , as well as continued efforts following Hurricane Helene , to learn of the ways you & your congregation may be of service to these communities. There is a need for work teams to assist with the relief as well. For more information about these opportunities, reach out to Rev. Rick Pressel, Disaster Relief Coordinator for the Great Lakes AC at disaster.relief@greatlakesgmc.org .
As we continue our shared journey of ministry and service, the Great Lakes Annual Conference Nominations Team is actively seeking individuals who feel called to contribute their gifts, talents, and time to our various teams and committees. We extend this invitation to both those who have previously expressed interest and those who may be considering service for the first time. A Renewed Call to Serve Even if you submitted a Willingness to Serve form last year, we ask that you submit a new form for the coming year. Our conference's needs have grown, and your areas of interest or availability may have changed as well. Your renewed expression of interest helps our Nominations Team make the most informed decisions possible. Nominate Others This year, we're expanding our invitation to include nominations of others within your local church or personal network. Do you know someone whose gifts could help our conference work and advance the Kingdom? Perhaps there's an individual whose perspective would be valuable but who might not consider volunteering without encouragement. You can help by submitting their name for consideration. How the Process Works The Nominations Team will carefully review all submissions and discern together the makeup of each ministry area going forward. This prayerful process ensures that our teams represent diverse locations, experiences, and skills while matching people's interests with areas where they can best contribute. Next Steps To express your interest or nominate someone else, please complete the Conference Team Nomination form available at the link below. The form allows you to indicate specific areas of interest or skills that you or your nominee could bring to our conference work. We believe that when we each contribute according to our gifts and callings, our ministry together flourishes. Thank you for prayerfully considering how you might serve, or how you might encourage others to share their gifts with our Great Lakes Annual Conference family. "Let each of you use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10
