The Church as a Disciple-Making Movement: 2026 Annual Conference Pre-Conference Training

As we continue forward in 2026, the Great Lakes Annual Conference Nominations Team invites you to prayerfully consider how you might share your gifts, talents, and time in service. We are seeking individuals to serve across our various teams and committees whether you have expressed interest in the past or are feeling called to step in for the very first time. A Fresh Invitation to Serve If you completed a Willingness to Serve form last year, we encourage you to submit a new form for 2026. As our conference continues to grow, so do the needs and opportunities for service. Your interests, availability, or sense of calling may have shifted, and an updated form helps the Nominations Team thoughtfully discern where each person can best serve. Nominate Someone Else We also invite you to prayerfully consider others who may be a great fit for conference leadership. Is there someone in your church or network whose gifts could strengthen our shared ministry? Sometimes people need a simple invitation or encouragement to step forward, and you can be part of that by submitting their name for consideration. How the Process Works The Nominations Team carefully reviews each submission and engages in a prayerful process of discernment to shape our ministry teams. Our goal is to build teams that reflect a variety of perspectives, experiences, and locations, while aligning individuals’ gifts with meaningful opportunities to serve. Next Steps To express your interest or to nominate someone else, please complete the Conference Team Nomination form at the link below. The form provides space to share areas of interest and skills that can support the work of our conference. We believe that when each person offers their unique gifts, our shared ministry becomes stronger and more impactful. Thank you for considering how you might serve, or how you might encourage someone else to step into their calling within the Great Lakes Annual Conference. "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10

Join us on April 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM Central Time at Faithbridge Church for a special evening gathering for laity hosted by Global Methodist Church Bishop Mark Webb and Great Lakes Annual Conference Superintendent Scott Pattison. This gathering is centered on the theme "Being the Church – Living our Identity & Purpose" and is designed to encourage and equip laity as we live out our calling together. The evening is designed for laity, as clergy will already be gathered at Faithbridge that day for the Activate Clergy Conference and will hear from Bishop Webb. Come ready to connect with others, engage with meaningful teaching, and be inspired in your walk of faith. Attendance is free, but advance registration is requested to help with planning. Register online at REGISTER NOW . Faithbridge Church 10402 Northwestern Ave, Franksville, WI 53126 Wednesday, April 8, 2026 6:30-8:30 pm CT

On March 6, 2026, confirmed tornadoes hit communities served by Global Methodist churches in Edwardsburg and Union City, Michigan. The Great Lakes Annual Conference is collecting funds to be sent directly to these churches to assist with response efforts. Use the link below to donate or send a check made out to: Great Lakes Annual Conference 3100 W Stones Crossing Rd. Greenwood, IN 46143 Note: please add “Michigan Tornado Relief” in the memo. While much work still lies ahead, our churches in Edwardsburg and Union City are already actively engaged in the initial phase of Disaster Response Ministry. As donations come into the conference, the Disaster Response Ministry has been able to provide gift cards to impacted individuals and families to help meet essential needs on a case-by-case basis. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus during this challenging time. More updates will follow, as future rebuilding efforts will create opportunities for project teams to offer additional support.

Housing at Green Lake Conference Center for this year’s Annual Conference has officially reached capacity, and we are so grateful for the incredible response! If you were unable to secure on-site accommodations, don’t worry! We’ve gathered a list of nearby off-site housing options to help make your planning as smooth as possible. Below, you’ll find a wide variety of off-site housing options including some larger hotel chains in regional cities. In addition, consider using Google, Airbnb, or Vrbo for bed and breakfast and other local lodging options near Green Lake, Wisconsin. Please note that the options below are provided for your information only. The Great Lakes Annual Conference is not specifically partnering or recommending any of the options listed. Green Lake (6 miles): McConnell Inn Heidel House Hotel & Conference Center Ripon (12 miles) : Cobblestone Suites Boarders Inn & Suites by Cobblestone Hotels Mapes Hotel Berlin (14 miles): Super 8 by Wyndham Oshkosh (30 miles): Cobblestone Suites Oshkosh Baymont Inn and Suites Oshkosh Comfort Suites Oshkosh West Wingate by Wyndham Oshkosh Hilton Garden Inn Oshkosh Fond du Lac (30 miles): Hampton Inn Fond du Lac Days Inn by Wyndham Fond du Lac Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Fond du Lac Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fond du Lac Comfort Inn Fond du Lac Radisson Hotel and Conference Center Fond du Lac

Scouting ministry is one way the Global Methodist Church (GM Church) walks alongside children, youth, and families as they grow in character, leadership, faith, and service. Through partnerships with scouting-type organizations, churches help create spaces where young people can experience adventure, build meaningful relationships with caring adults, and explore how faith connects with everyday life. Scouting ministry welcomes families from the community and offers opportunities for both youth and adults to grow spiritually while serving together.  Many congregations partner with scouting-type organizations as part of their ministry with children and youth. Here are a few of the organizations they may work with: Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America) offers programs for children and youths from kindergarten through young adulthood: Cubs; Scouts; Venturers. Girl Scouts of the USA provides programs for girls from kindergarten through high school: Daisies; Brownies; Juniors; Cadettes; Seniors. American Heritage Girls provides programs for girls from kindergarten through high school: Pathfinders; Tenderhearts; Explorers; Pioneers; Patriots. Trail Life provides programs for boys from kindergarten through high school: The Woodlands Trail; Navigators; Adventurers. These organizations emphasize personal growth through outdoor adventure, achievement recognition, uniforms, adult role models, and more. These organizations share a common heritage in the youth movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In England, this was shaped by Muscular Christianity; in the United States, by Theodore Roosevelt’s idea of The Strenuous Life ; and in Germany, by the Wandervogel movement. The GM Church works with children, youth, and families involved in these programs to support their adventures. Congregations of the GM Church may sponsor units of these and similar organizations (e.g., 4-H, Camp Fire), and these units are part of our congregations’ portfolio of ministries. This means that all members and volunteers connected to these units, whether or not they belong to our church, are part of our ministry. GM Church congregations in other countries are connected to different scouting associations. As partners in ministry, we support their work with youth in their local contexts. Additionally, we subscribe to PRAY Publishing programs, which provide five short-term studies for children and youth: Jesus & Me (K–1st Grade); God & Me (2nd–3rd Grade); God & Family (4th–5th Grade); God & Church (middle school); God & Life (high school/young adult). These church-based recognition programs are available to all children and youth of the congregation; students do not need to be registered in a scouting-type organization. PRAY also recognizes adults who minister through scouting volunteering with the God & Service Award. Each organization has its own special days of observance, but churches may choose how to observe and recognize ministries. The GM Church encourages lifting up the accomplishments of youth involved in these programs and recognizing volunteers for their ministry. The Great Lakes Annual Conference offers a recognition program for adults who minister through any scouting-type organization. The Witness Award requires the candidate to have both a scouting mentor and a church mentor. The Great Lakes Conference School of Lay Ministry also offers a Specialty Course in Scouting Ministry. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ, and scouting-type programs serve as a means toward that end. The GLAC Discipleship Team is responsible for resourcing scouting as ministry in our area. If you would like more information, reach out to Art Collins, Discipleship Team Leader, who can be reached at art.collins@greatlakesgmc.org .

It has been nine months since the Great Lakes Annual Conference elected its delegates, alternates, and reserves for General Conference — the highest governing body of the Global Methodist Church. When it meets, delegates from around the world will represent more than 7,000 churches, including the Great Lakes Annual Conference. Although General Conference does not meet until August 30, the delegation has already begun its work on several decisions regarding the episcopacy. Bishop Nominations Each delegation could nominate up to one candidate from within its conference and one from outside. The Great Lakes delegation nominated Scott Pattison (Great Lakes) and Gabriella Kopas (Central Europe). Area Episcopacy Committee Representatives Each delegation elected one clergy and one lay member to serve on the Area Episcopacy Committee. The Great Lakes delegation elected Jen Wilson (clergy) and Mike Womack (lay). This committee will begin meeting in June to determine episcopal areas, assess what the Great Lakes Conference needs in a bishop, interview nominees, and make recommendations to the delegation. Episcopal Area Partnerships Delegations were asked to rank up to ten annual conferences as potential partners in sharing a bishop. The Great Lakes list, in order: Allegheny West, Oasis, Upper Midwest, MidSouth, Heartland, Ethiopia Nazrawiyan, Western Europe, Central Europe, North Georgia, and Virginia. The Global Episcopacy Committee and Area Episcopacy Committee will use these rankings to form episcopal areas of six to eight conferences, each led by a single bishop. Commissions, Councils, and Committees In January, the delegation invited your input to help identify potential members for various Global Methodist Church bodies. Those suggestions are under review, and the delegation plans to finalize its recommendations at its next meeting. Looking Ahead Because this is a brand-new process, these decisions have required significant discussion and prayerful consideration. All four were due March 15, and the delegation is grateful to report that it expects to meet that deadline. General Conference will meet August 30–September 5 in Johannesburg, South Africa . Four hundred twenty-two delegates will gather to confirm structural decisions, elect bishops, and elect members to the church's commissions, councils, and committees, among other legislative responsibilities. More information about the episcopal election process is available at beautyofholiness2026.org/preliminary-documents. Much challenging work remains ahead, and the delegation deeply covets your prayers. Your Great Lakes Delegation (in order of election) Clergy Delegates (9): Scott Pattison [Chair]; Samuel Padgett; Beth Ann Cook; Sarah Wanck; Chris Ritter; Chris Gadlage [Secretary]; Jeff Buck; Michael T. Sawicki; Megan Alamo Clergy Alternates (2): Stan Pegram; RC Muhlbaier Clergy Reserves (7): Matt Hook; Curtis Banker; Arun Paul; Jason Rice; Nate Cravillion; Jeanne Winter; Clifford Schroeder Lay Delegates (9): Mike Womack [Vice Chair]; Melissa Padgett; Joy Hook; Jill Davis; Daniel Buck; Ellen Harbin; Bridget Douglas; Kathleen Engelman; Lily Johnson Lay Alternates (2): John Cooper; Janice Hansen Lay Reserves (7): Patricia Sawicki; Steve Hill; Kevin Macy; Thomas Finley; David Dunn; David Doty; Kirsten Mains

Something incredible happens every year at the Great Lakes Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church—hundreds of pastors and lay leaders gather to worship, learn, and chart the course for the year ahead. But while all of that Kingdom-building work unfolds in the main sessions, there's another vital ministry happening just down the hall: our children's ministry. Every child who comes to Annual Conference deserves an experience that is safe, fun, and filled with the love of Jesus. That's where you come in. A SPECIAL INVITATION We're looking for caring, energetic, and faithful people to serve on our Annual Conference children's ministry team. Whether you love leading worship with little ones, crafting Bible stories into adventures, or simply being a steady and joyful presence in a room full of kids, there is a place for you on this team. This ministry matters more than you might think. When parents and guardians know their children are loved and cared for, they are free to be fully present in worship, business sessions, and the work God is calling our Conference to do. You are not just watching kids—you are making space for the Holy Spirit to move across our entire gathering. WHAT YOU RECEIVE As a thank-you for your service, every children's ministry team member receives complimentary meals and registration for Annual Conference. You'll have the chance to be part of the Conference experience while making a real difference in the lives of the youngest members of our community. THE SCREENING PROCESS Because the safety of every child is an absolute priority, all children's ministry team members complete a thorough screening process. Here's what to expect: Application — A brief form to help us learn about your background and experience with children's ministry. Background check — A standard screening to ensure a safe environment for every child in our care. Child protection training — Equipping you with the tools and knowledge to create the safest possible space for kids. Reference calls — A few quick conversations with people who can speak to your character and heart for ministry. We know this process takes a little time, but it reflects our deep commitment to the wellbeing of every child entrusted to us. We believe it's worth it—and we think you will too. READY TO SERVE? We would love to have you on the team. If God is stirring your heart toward this ministry, get started by filling out the Youth, Children, and Vulnerable Adult Volunteer Application linked below. Have questions? Reach out to Kathleen Engelman at kathleen.engelman@greatlakesgmc.org—she would be happy to help. Together, we can make Annual Conference a place where every generation encounters the love of Christ. God is at work in this Conference, and He is inviting you to be part of it.

Transforming World Missions: 2026 Annual Conference Pre-Conference Training June 9, 2026 | 12 PM to 5 PM (CT) Green Lake, WI What does it truly mean to be a Great Commission church in today’s world? Join us for an inspiring and practical afternoon as we explore how God is transforming world missions through faithful, globally connected churches. Together, we’ll reflect on what it means to live as an Acts 1:8 church while deepening our understanding of the Church’s global call. You’ll hear from dynamic leaders, including Olivia Watkins of the Global Methodist Church Kingdom Advancement Mission Mobilization Team; Dan Miller , Superintendent of the Oasis Conference; and Anbessu Tolla Feyissa , Superintendent of the Ethiopian Nazrawiyan Conference, both of whose conferences are missional partners with the Great Lakes Annual Conference. During this training, participants will explore: What “missions” really means in a Great Commission church The urgency of reaching Unreached People Groups and the 10/40 Window Our growing global partnerships What it looks like to live as an Acts 1:8 church An engaging Q&A panel with global leaders What You Need to Know Open to all Great Lakes Annual Conference participants Free of charge (registration required) Registration costs are fully covered by the Great Lakes Annual Conference Lunch and dinner are included for all registered participants Registration is completed through your Annual Conference registration Ready to think bigger about God’s global work? Whether you’re a missions leader, pastor, or passionate church member, this pre-conference will challenge and equip you to think bigger about God’s global work. Be sure to select the Transforming World Missions Pre-Conference Training when you complete your Annual Conference registration . Registration for the annual conference voting clergy and lay members will open on February 20, 2026, via a unique link sent by email to these individuals. General registration for non-voting registrants (guests, inactive clergy, ordinand family members, exhibitors, youth workers, etc) will open soon after. For additional information, contact David & Darlene Schaffer, Great Lakes Annual Conference Missions Team Co-Leads, at darlene.schaffer@greatlakesgmc.org

Global Methodist Church Bishop Mark Webb will return to the Great Lakes Annual Conference in February for his second tour, once again traveling with Conference Superintendent Scott Pattison to lead special gatherings designed for both clergy and laity. These continuing events will center on the theme "The Heart of a Leader" for clergy and "Being the Church – Living our Identity & Purpose" for laity. "The response to Bishop Webb's first visit was tremendous," said Conference Superintendent Pattison. "We're excited to welcome him back and extend this opportunity to additional areas of our conference. His commitment to investing in our pastors and laity continues to bear fruit, and I encourage everyone who hasn't yet had the chance to attend to make this a priority." Each host congregation will welcome participants with time set aside for fellowship and teaching. Building on the success of the initial tour, additional host sites representing different areas of the Great Lakes region have been selected. Host churches for this second round include those listed below. Clergy and laity from all surrounding communities are warmly invited to attend. Attendance is free, but advance registration is requested to assist with event planning. Light refreshments will be served for each gathering. Register online using the link below. Everyone is welcome!