Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church

06/03/2026

At the 2026 Michigan Annual Conference, United Methodists reclaimed their heritage and identity and put into practice Christ’s command to love boldly.

JAMES DEATON
Content Editor

ACME, Mich. — More than 1,300 people attended the eighth session of the Michigan Annual Conference. United Methodist clergy and laity, along with staff and guests, gathered for worship and business at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa near Traverse City from May 29-31, 2026.

“Love Boldly,” drawn from The United Methodist Church’s new vision statement and rooted in Christ’s commandment to love one another and to show the world that we are his disciples, was this year’s theme. The conference centered on reclaiming our United Methodist identity and beliefs in light of changes made at the historic 2020/2024 General Conference, which put the denomination on a path toward a new future.

Read more: https://michiganumc.org/bold-in-faith-and-love/

06/02/2026

How are Ministry Shares making a difference across Michigan and around the world?

Link to, or download the video to share: https://vimeo.com/1193376329?fl=pl&fe=sh

An overview of the 2025 finances of the Michigan Conference and how ministry shares were utilized to advance shared ministry and mission in our state.

Read the full report: https://michiganumc.org/ministry-shares/

An overview of the 2025 finances of the Michigan Conference and how ministry shares were utilized to advance shared ministry and mission in our state. Read the full report at https://michiganumc.org/ministry-shares/

06/01/2026

The 2026 Michigan Annual Conference has come to a close, but the experience continues.

Watch the slideshow: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/urj7rmt7q3mledihfb09p/Photo-Slideshow.mp4?rlkey=k3lsy9sq69itqpkh9g5ooyfuw&e=1&st=e9c40tms&dl=0

Take a look through this year's Annual Conference slideshow and relive moments of worship, learning, mission, celebration, ordination, and holy conferencing from across the weekend. From inspiring speakers and meaningful conversations to joyful reunions and powerful worship, Love Boldly brought United Methodists from across Michigan together in faith and purpose.

Looking for more resources? Visit 2026.MichiganUMC.org to watch recorded sessions, view daily news editions, access photos and videos, and find tools to share the Annual Conference experience with your congregation.

05/31/2026

What does it mean to be a United Methodist in today's world?

The final Daily News from the 2026 Michigan Annual Conference reflects on Dr. Ashley Boggan's powerful teaching sessions, which challenged United Methodists to reconnect with their Wesleyan roots, embrace holy disruption, and put mission ahead of comfort. The issue also recaps key actions of the conference, including approval of the 2027 budget, the announcement of Michigan's four new districts, celebrations of mission giving and ministry impact, and the recognition, commissioning, and ordination of clergy leaders.

Read more about the conversations, decisions, and moments that shaped this year's Love Boldly Annual Conference: https://mailchi.mp/michiganumc.org/your-2026-ac-daily-news-wrap-up-9719595?e=6e5b2cc709

05/31/2026

Love Boldly: Service of Recognition, Commissioning & Ordination

Welcome to this Service of Recognition, Commissioning, and Ordination at the 2026 Michigan Annual Conference, Love Boldly.

Today we celebrate God's call upon the lives of those who have answered the invitation to serve through ordained and commissioned ministry in The United Methodist Church. This sacred service recognizes years of preparation, discernment, study, and faithful commitment as individuals take the next step in their ministry journey.

Bishop David Bard will preach and lead this special time of worship, prayer, and covenant as the Michigan Conference gathers to affirm, commission, and ordain those called to serve Christ and the Church.

05/31/2026

Love Boldly: Sunday Morning Session

Welcome to the closing day of the 2026 Michigan Annual Conference, Love Boldly.

As we gather for our final session together, we continue a weekend of worship, learning, discernment, and holy conferencing. This morning's gathering includes a teaching session with Dr. Ashley Boggan, whose insights into Methodist history and theology have inspired conversations throughout the conference.

Conference members will also consider and vote on the proposed conference budget, celebrate the generosity and mission impact of this year's Annual Conference Offering and Mission Festival, and participate in the Setting of Appointments, recognizing clergy who are beginning new ministry assignments across Michigan.

Today's session concludes with the adjournment of the 2026 Michigan Annual Conference.

05/31/2026

As the 2026 Michigan Annual Conference comes to a close, important decisions and meaningful conversations continue to shape the future of our conference. Saturday's plenary session included the approval of a plan to reduce the number of districts from seven to four beginning in 2026, along with discussion about how best to support clergy, churches, and conference ministries moving forward.

You'll also find updates on anti-bias and anti-racism initiatives, Wisdom and Witness conversations exploring the United Methodist Social Principles, and the ongoing Gardens of Hope campaign supporting ministry partners in Haiti. Read the full Daily News for a closer look at the discussions, decisions, and ministry highlights from Annual Conference: https://mailchi.mp/michiganumc.org/your-2026-ac-daily-news-sunday-5-31-26-9719592?e=6e5b2cc709

05/30/2026

Love Boldly: Saturday Evening Teaching Session & Historic Questions

Welcome to the Saturday Evening Teaching Session of the 2026 Michigan Annual Conference, Love Boldly.

This evening's gathering combines opportunities for learning, reflection, and holy conferencing as members continue the work of Annual Conference together. The session includes teaching and conversation designed to inspire faithful leadership and strengthen our shared ministry across Michigan.

05/30/2026

Welcome to the Saturday Afternoon Plenary Session of the 2026 Michigan Annual Conference, Love Boldly.

Today's plenary includes a report from the Conference Artificial Intelligence Task Force, offering insights and recommendations as the church explores the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies in ministry. Members will also continue consideration of legislation and other conference business.

05/30/2026

Love Boldly – Saturday Morning Session

Good morning and welcome to the livestream of Love Boldly, the 2026 Michigan Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Today’s morning gathering includes worship and music, corporate business sessions, and conference programming as clergy and lay members continue the work of the Annual Conference together.