This event is free for all pastors appointed to our SMC Churches; all Mission Igniter church planters; and all Lay Delegates elected from our SMC Churches along with their spouses, as their cost has already been covered by their local church ministry share. For all other staff (such as local hires) and adult attendees, the cost is only $30. Children's programming will be provided for the children of Appointed Pastors and Delegates only. Click the button below to learn more and get registered!
—Update—
As you are aware, we had originally planned to gather in Jackson, Michigan, at the Jackson Free Methodist Church on June 24th & 25th. As we have monitored the increasing COVID surge across our state, we have grown increasingly uncomfortable with this date and have been in dialogue with our Bishop regarding a postponement. Annual conference is now scheduled as a one-day event on Saturday, October 16th at Jackson Free Methodist Church.
Our primary rationale in making this decision is the safety of our clergy and lay delegates. On numerous occasions this past year, we have witnessed the life-threatening, life-altering impact of COVID upon some of our leaders throughout the church. Due to the current surge in cases, and the reality that some of our leaders have pre-existing conditions that create additional personal concern, we recognize that hosting an annual conference in the current COVID climate poses an unnecessary risk to our people. We feel strongly that the nature of this event requires in-person participation for maximum kingdom impact. Therefore, we feel it is in the best interest of our delegation to postpone our gathering allowing us more time for the ongoing vaccination process which is underway and to distance ourselves from the current infection rate uptick in recent weeks.
We thank you in advance for your understanding response to our concerns. We recognize this decision creates an unknown wake to your lives but we feel it is the best decision we can make in the light that we have. We long to be together soon and look forward to the ways Jesus will meet with us when we gather later this fall.