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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250924T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250924T200000
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UID:7669-1758740400-1758744000@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:Webinar: Why don’t they come back?
DESCRIPTION:Why don’t they come back? First impressions matter to visitors to your church starting with the website\, how the property looks\, how people are welcomed and what the pastor says. Join Rob Hall\, VP of Real Estate Services\, National Covenant Properties and Peg Cichon\, Great Lakes Conference’s Vitality Liaison to reflect on best practices and then reflect on what your church might change. \nContact Jody Eidnes at jody@greatlakes.cc or 248-595-8098 to sign up and get the Zoom link.
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/webinar-why-dont-they-come-back/
LOCATION:NY
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250929
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251002
DTSTAMP:20250923T161701Z
CREATED:20250624T152430Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T161701Z
UID:7592-1759104000-1759363199@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:Fall Pastors Retreat 2025
DESCRIPTION:Location: Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center\, 1750 State Park Road #2\, Oregon\, OH 43616 \nRegistration: You can now register for the Fall Pastors Retreat – be an EARLY BIRD! This is a wonderful time for us to be together\, be encouraged\, and be equipped. \n\nClick Here to Register Online\nBrochure & Register by Mail: TBD (Please watch your email and regular mail for a brochure.)\n\nCost: \nWe recognize the cost is significantly more than in previous years and acknowledge this as one of the concerns many of you expressed in the survey following our 2024 retreat. These costs reflect the substantial increase in the costs charged to us by Maumee Bay (food costs at the retreat center increased over 33% compared to 2024 and the room rates went up by 12%). \nThe amount you are asked to pay does not reflect the full cost of the retreat. The actual costs quoted by the Lodge are $370 per person (double occupancy) for the room and meals. But our GLC Staff is committed to raising funds to reduce the cost by $50 per person to $320. Costs for the speaker\, musicians\, and other miscellaneous costs are paid for out of GLCMA funds from your dues. We are looking at additional ways to reduce these costs and will notify you if there are any changes. \nAdditionally\, there are scholarships available. Please contact one of us if you are in need of a scholarship. OUR GOAL is that finances would not prevent anyone from attending. \nWe have looked for other venues to try and reduce the costs. However we have not been able to find any that are of sufficient size and “somewhat centrally located” for our geographically diverse conference. If you have any suggestions for future years\, please feel free to forward them to any of us on the Executive Committee. \nThe Speaker: \nOur speaker for this year is Dr Gary Burge. Gary is s a scholar in New Testament studies specializing in the gospels and the cultural context of first century Judea. In particular\, Gary has written extensively on the Gospel of John and this will be the primary focus of his time with us (details to be provided in the forthcoming brochure) In addition to sharing with us on the Gospel of John\, we expect that Gary will be providing an optional workshop on the Middle East\, particularly the Promised Land\, another one of his focused areas of expertise. \nOriginally from Southern California\, Gary was an undergraduate at the University of California\, Riverside\, and The American University of Beirut\, Lebanon. He attended Fuller Theological Seminary and King’s College\, The University of Aberdeen\, Scotland. In Scotland he studied with I. Howard Marshall and earned a Ph.D. in New Testament. He served on the faculties of King College (Tennessee)\, North Park University (Illinois) and after 25 years at Wheaton College (Illinois) he joined the faculty of Calvin Theological Seminary (Michigan) in 2017 as Visiting Professor of New Testament. He moved from regular faculty to adjunct in July 2023. Gary is currently attending Thornapple Covenant Church in Grand Rapids on a fairly regular basis. \nWe look forward to seeing you in September\,\nThe GLCMA Executive Committee\nKendall Churchill\, Chair \nEmail: kendallchurchill@gmail.com\nPhone: (425) 635-8572
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/fall-pastors-retreat-2025/
LOCATION:Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center\, 1750 State Park Rd #2\, Oregon\, OH\, 43616
CATEGORIES:GLC
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260126
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260131
DTSTAMP:20251119T174018Z
CREATED:20251024T145234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T174018Z
UID:7741-1769385600-1769817599@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:Midwinter 2026
DESCRIPTION:Location: Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk Hotel\, Chicago\, IL \nInfo: covchurch.org/midwinter \nRegister online: Click Here \nRegister soon! 2026 Registration Rates:\nEarly registration through November 21 / Regular registration after November 21\, 2025 \n\nPrimary Registrant | $395/$440 (early/regular)\nAdditional Registrant | $365/$410 (early/regular)\nRetiree\, Spouse\, Bivocational | $225/$275 (early/regular)\nNPTS/CHET Student | $225/$275 (early/regular)\n\nMidwinter Intro Video (click image to open link) \nIn 1939\, a simple idea took root in Chicago: pastors need one another. That small gathering became a legacy—renewing Covenant leaders for generations. For eighty-seven years\, Covenant pastors and ministry leaders have gathered for a sacred pause called Midwinter—a space to reconnect\, recharge\, and remember that they’re not alone. \nMidwinter is more than a conference—it’s a sanctuary. A place to worship\, learn\, and be restored. Together pastors and leaders are renewed in Christ’s love and strengthened for the sacred work of leading and serving—side by side\, with one another. \nThis year the theme is – One Another \nThis January\, they are centering a timeless New Testament refrain: “One Another.” Love one another. Forgive one another. Bear one another’s burdens. These words shaped the early church and continue to guide us as we nurture disciples who love deeply\, give generously\, and grow continually. \nThere will be worship time\, break-out sessions and relationship building. If you have never been to a Midwinter\, this will be a time to meet colleagues and develop vital relationships. We know we need one another because we are better together. We look to build connections and faith in each other as we work side by side in ministry together. \nIn addition to the Midwinter conference programming\, explore the host city\, Chicago\, and all that it has to offer.
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/midwinter-2026/
LOCATION:NY
CATEGORIES:ECC
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260206
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260209
DTSTAMP:20251120T190321Z
CREATED:20251120T155252Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T190321Z
UID:7816-1770336000-1770595199@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:Exploring Your Call Retreat
DESCRIPTION:Location: Weber Retreat and Conference Center\, 1257 E Siena Heights Dr\, Adrian\, MI 49221 \nRegistration: Click Here to Register Online \n \n\nDownload Brochure [pdf] \nAre you sensing a pull towards ministry\, yet feeling uncertain about what it means or how to move forward? This upcoming February\, the GLC invites you to step away from the busyness of daily life and join us for an “Exploring Your Call” retreat. We’re gathering individuals who are considering a call to ministry\, whether you’ve been wrestling with this question for years or are just beginning to wonder what a “call” even means. This retreat will be held from February 6-8\, 2026 on the peaceful grounds of The Weber Retreat and Conference Center in Adrian\, Michigan. This retreat is crafted especially for those who are considering whether God might be calling them to ministry\, of any kind. \nThis retreat is more than an event; it’s a sacred space set aside for listening deeply\, to God’s voice and to the wisdom of community. You’ll have opportunities to discern whether God is inviting you into ministry\, gain clarity about your next steps and timing\, and build a strong support system with fellow seekers who understand the journey ahead. You’ll find encouragement at the retreat where guided conversations and quiet reflection will help illuminate what God might be calling you to do. \nMinistry is not a solitary journey. At this retreat\, you’ll connect with others who share similar questions and aspirations; building relationships that will support you long after the weekend together ends. You don’t need all the answers\, just the courage to explore. Come ready to ask questions\, reflect honestly about your sense of purpose\, and discover new possibilities surrounded by people who care deeply about your journey. We encourage you to register early\, this retreat is only allowing 20 participants\, so that everyone receives the personal attention they deserve. \nIf curiosity or uncertainty is stirring within you right now—even if you’re not sure what comes next\, we invite you to take this brave step. And if any questions remain\, please reach out to the GLC office at 248-595-8098 or info@greatlakes.cc. We are always happy to chat!
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/exploring-your-call-retreat/
LOCATION:Weber Retreat and Conference Center\, Adrian\, Michigan\, 1257 E Siena Heights Dr\, Adrian\, MI\, 49221\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260424
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260426
DTSTAMP:20260220T232813Z
CREATED:20250915T205632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T232813Z
UID:7673-1776988800-1777161599@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:GLC Annual Celebration 2026
DESCRIPTION:Where:\nLifeChurch Canton\n7001 N Haggerty Rd\,\nCanton Twp.\, MI 48187 \n\nRegistration & Brochure:\nRegister Online \nRegister by Mail [pdf] \nDownload the full 2025 Brochure\, including Schedule\, Workshops\, Places to Stay\, and More [pdf] \n\nSchedule:\nnote: Times are subject to change. \nFriday April 24 \n8:00am – Open Registration \n9:00am-12:00pm – Ministerial Association Annual Meeting – no online participation\, can stream \n12:00-1:15pm – Lunch \n1:30-3:00pm – Workshop A (6 workshops) \n3:15-4:45pm – Workshop B (6 workshops) \n5:15-6:45pm – Dinner \n7:00-8:30pm – Worship Service \nSaturday April 25 \n8:00am – Registration if not already registered \n8:30am-12:30pm – GLC Annual Meeting – no online participation\, can stream \n12:00pm – Boxed Lunch to go (Meeting may take until 12:30\, but it might be done as early as noon.) \n\n\nPlaces to Stay:\n\nLife Church Canton has secured special Annual Celebration rates at these nearby hotels. If calling to book\, please let them know you are with the GLC Annual Celebration group.  \nCountry Inn & Suites by Radisson\n21625 Haggerty Rd.\nNovi\, MI 48375\n248-504-0808\n$91/night (rate expires April 8) \nTru by Hilton Novi\n40255 West 13 Mile\nNovi\, MI 48377\n248-973-6306\n$109/night (rate expires April 14) \nHoliday Inn Express & Suites Detroit\n39675 W 12 Mile Rd\nNovi\, MI 48377\n248-344-8204\n$124/night (rate expires April 14) \nDoubleTree by Hilton Detroit\n42100 Crescent Blvd.\nNovi\, MI 48375\n248-344-8800\nfrom $130/night (rate expires April 18) \n\n\nDelegate Selection:\nMember congregations shall be entitled to representation as follows: congregations up to 100 members\, two delegates; congregations with 101 to 200 members\, three delegates; congregations with 201 to 300 members\, four delegates; congregations with 301 or more members\, five delegates. \n\nQuestions?\nPlease contact Angela Daniels at angela@greatlakes.cc\, 248-327-0623. \n\n\n\n \n\n \n\n\n\nGLC Ministerium\n\n \nGLC Ministerial Annual Meeting\n\nWhen: Friday April 24\, 9:00am-12:00pm \n\nWhere: Life Covenant Church\, 7001 N Haggerty Rd.\, Canton Twp.\, MI 48187 \n\n \nMinisterial Association Dues\n\n\n\n \n\nPay Dues Online \n\n \n \n\nDownload Paper Dues Form [pdf] \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n  \n 
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/glc-annual-celebration-2026/
LOCATION:LifeChurch Canton\,\, 7001 North Haggerty Road\, Canton\, MI\, 48187
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260520T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260520T160000
DTSTAMP:20260517T015740Z
CREATED:20251024T155407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260517T015740Z
UID:7760-1779267600-1779292800@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:2026 Hope of the Gospel Evangelism Conference
DESCRIPTION:Date: Wed\, May 20 \nTime: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Central Time \nLocation: Virtual Summit (link provided after registration) \nConference Host: Ieisha Hawley\, director of Evangelism\, Serve Locally | Make & Deepen Disciples\n\nFREE Registration: Info & Registration here \nThe “Hope of the Gospel” virtual summit on May 20 will help strengthen the culture of evangelism in your church and equip individual participants to share hope in everyday moments—with family\, coworkers\, neighbors\, and even strangers God places in their path. The summit will run from 10am – 5pm Eastern Time. A schedule of speakers and breakout sessions is provided on the registration page for those who can only access the event at limited times. Church leaders and anyone in your church who is motivated to see people come to faith and begin to follow Jesus is encouraged to participate. Details about the “Hope of the Gospel” Evangelism Conference on May 20 can be accessed here: https://covchurch.org/hope-of-the-gospel. Related resources for intentional evangelism in the ECC here: https://covchurch.org/make-and-deepen-disciples/intentional-evangelism.
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/2026-hope-of-the-gospel-evangelism-conference/
LOCATION:NY
CATEGORIES:ECC
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260521T184500
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260521T203000
DTSTAMP:20260517T020029Z
CREATED:20260517T020029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260517T020029Z
UID:8098-1779389100-1779395400@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:Succession Planning for Lay Leadership Workshop
DESCRIPTION:6:45 p.m.  — Meet and Greet\n7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. — Training Session\nZoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85699532441\n \nHave you ever been nominated to serve in a position for which you have had no education or training? Have you ever served in a position of leadership and found yourself wondering “who are they going to find to replace me when my term expires?”  Because of these common experiences\, the importance of intentional leadership development and succession planning in the local church cannot be overstated! \nIn this session\, Garth McGrath (Superintendent) and Peg Cichon (Missional Vitality Liaison) with the Great Lakes Conference will discuss how to develop pools of potential leaders through preaching and intentional discipleship strategies. They will also share practical steps for spotting talent\, recruiting\, teaching\, equipping\, encouraging and empowering talented people to serve effectively in church leadership. \nEach church is encouraged to have at least two people from the Leadership Team or Church Council attend the session. Participation of the Chair of the church’s Nominating Committee would be particularly helpful. After the session\, we can set up time with you to discuss how your church can use particular resources identified in the session. \nOne of the best things about being in the Covenant is sharing in fellowship with “Mission Friends” in other Covenant churches.  Join us at 6:45 p.m. to meet and greet other Covenant Church leaders from around the Great Lakes Conference. The session will officially begin at 7:00pm.
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/succession-planning-for-lay-leadership-workshop/
LOCATION:NY
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260917T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260917T203000
DTSTAMP:20260813T235340Z
CREATED:20260813T235340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T235340Z
UID:8162-1789669800-1789677000@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:Church Security Webinar
DESCRIPTION:The Great Lakes Conference is offering a 90-minute webinar featuring four approaches to church security from different sized churches in different locations. The webinar will be September 17. The zoom room will open at 6:30 p.m. for those who want to meet their colleagues from other churches. The speakers will begin at 7:00 p.m. and they are: Pastor Jay Fast from Harbert Community Church\, a town and country church\, in southwest Michigan\, Pastor Mike Rice from Faith Covenant Church in Farmington Hills\, MI\, a suburb of Detroit\, and Jerry Ricks\, Director of Logistics for Life Church Southfield\, near Detroit. Rob Hall\, Vice President of Real Estate Services for National Covenant Properties has included resources in the resource list that will be provided to those who sign up for webinar. After the three presentations\, Pastor Peg Cichon will moderate the panel. \nPlease email Jani Gustafson to sign up – jani@greatlakes.cc
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/church-security-webinar/
LOCATION:NY
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261005
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261008
DTSTAMP:20260702T141637Z
CREATED:20260403T140113Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T141637Z
UID:8053-1791158400-1791417599@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:GLC Pastor-Spouse Fall Retreat 2026
DESCRIPTION:Register by Mail: Click here to download the Brochure\, and mail the registration form with your payment. \nRegister Online: https://www.covchurchgiving.com/p-123-fall-ministers-retreat.aspx \nRequest a Scholarship: https://tinyurl.com/glcmaretreat \nOur fall retreat this year is October 5-7 at Maumee Bay Lodge\, 1750 State Park Road\, #2\, Oregon\, OH 43616 \nThis year’s retreat will be led by a team from the Ministry Rooted Pastors. They exist to help pastors\, church leaders\, and their spouses be rooted in the love of God for the flourishing of the church and the healing of our broken world. Leading our retreat from Rooted Pastors include Pam Pangborn\, Kevin Butcher\, William Mack\, and Matt Ness. Our worship leader from Rooted Pastors will be David Simmons. For more information on their ministry\, go to rootedpastors.org. \nLearning to walk and not faint is centered upon Isaiah 40:28-31 and focuses on nurturing resilience in pastoral ministry in life. What it means to truly hope in the Lord while renewing our strength\, and continuing to walk\, even when weary and faint\, will be the focus of our time together. We will also explore the importance of being rooted in the love of God\, and how that impacts our relationships with others. Bring your spouse and join us for this time of encouragement and renewal.\nThis retreat will be a balance of worship\, teachings\, and reflective time with Jesus. \nWe look forward to seeing you there! \n– The GLCMA Officers
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/glc-pastor-spouse-fall-retreat-2026/
LOCATION:Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center\, 1750 State Park Rd #2\, Oregon\, OH\, 43616
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261015T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261015T200000
DTSTAMP:20260917T193125Z
CREATED:20260917T191110Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T193125Z
UID:8254-1792089000-1792094400@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:Simple Facility Updates Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Online Webinar \nEmail jani@greatlakes.cc to sign up\nAs facilities age and the needs of a congregation change\, it can feel overwhelming to think about how to keep your building aligned with your ministry. Major renovations can be expensive and\, for many churches\, simply out of reach right now. Yet there are meaningful\, affordable upgrades that can refresh your space\, support your ministry goals\, and better serve your people. \nIn this session\, Rob Hall from National Covenant Properties Real Estate Services and Peg Cichon from the Great Lakes Conference will share practical examples of simple facility updates that churches have already made. You’ll hear real stories of modest changes—often done on limited budgets—that have had a significant impact on ministry\, hospitality\, accessibility\, and overall effectiveness. These use cases are meant to spark ideas\, not add pressure\, so you can see what’s possible in your own context. \nParticipants are encouraged to bring a team of at least three people involved in both building maintenance and church leadership. Viewing the session together will make it easier to begin an honest discussion about what needs attention in your facility and which upgrades could make the biggest difference for your congregation and community. After the session\, your team can continue the conversation\, prioritize needs\, and begin to plan next steps that are realistic and faithful. \nTo make the most of this opportunity\, participants are invited to join the webinar on Thursday\, Oct 15 at 6:30 p.m. This early time will allow you to connect with other church leaders\, share experiences\, and identify areas that need changing in your church. You are not alone in facing aging buildings and evolving ministry needs; learning from others can bring both encouragement and clarity. \nThe session will be recorded and sent out afterward so that more people in your congregation can access it. This will allow you to include additional voices in the discernment process\, build support for potential projects\, and help your whole church see facility updates not just as building fixes\, but as ministry investments.
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/simple-facility-updates-online-workshop/
LOCATION:NY
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T160000
DTSTAMP:20261027T235923Z
CREATED:20261027T235923Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261027T235923Z
UID:8268-1794495600-1794499200@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:Book Launch Event at North Park Seminary
DESCRIPTION:Do You Want to Study the Bible More Deeply?\nNovember 12 | 3:00 pm CT | Nyvall Hall at North Park Seminary and livestreamed \nClick Here to Register\nJoin Dr. Sophia A. Magallanes-Tsang for the launch of her new book\, Scripture\, Our Comadre: A Relational Approach to Inductive Exegesis. Based on nearly two decades of teaching biblical interpretation in universities\, seminaries\, and churches\, this book shows that the skills needed for biblical exegesis are often the very same skills we use to sustain meaningful relationships. Designed for classrooms\, small groups\, church leaders\, and individual readers\, it offers a practical and accessible guide to deeper engagement with Scripture through a relational approach to inductive Bible study. Dr. Magallanes-Tsang is associate professor of Old Testament at North Park Theological Seminary.
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/book-launch-event-at-north-park-seminary/
LOCATION:Nyvall Hall\, North Park Seminary\, 5110 North Spaulding Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60625\, United States
CATEGORIES:ECC
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261207T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261207T133000
DTSTAMP:20261103T164034Z
CREATED:20261027T235258Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261103T164034Z
UID:8275-1796644800-1796650200@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:Women’s Ordination\, Covenant Polity\, and Cultural Change: A 50-Year Retrospective
DESCRIPTION:In 1976\, Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) delegates voted to open ordination to women\, marking a historic moment for the denomination. Fifty years later\, North Park Theological Seminary invites pastors\, students\, scholars\, and church leaders to a two-part conversation as we learn from the past\, examine the present\, and consider together how the ECC can faithfully nurture and receive the leadership gifts of future generations. \nThrough historical analysis and practical reflection\, participants will consider both the progress made and the challenges that remain as the church continues to discern the gifts and callings of all whom God raises up for ministry. \n  \nFive Decades of Women’s Ordination in the Covenant\nNovember 2 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. CT | Virtual \nRegister here\nThis panel brings together the researchers and authors of the decadal studies published in the Covenant Quarterly\, which examined the experience of Covenant clergywomen. Each panelist will highlight key developments\, challenges\, and insights from the decade of their study\, creating a broad narrative of change over time. Participants will gain a richer understanding of both the advances and the enduring tensions that have characterized the journey since 1976. \n  \nHow Change Happens: Covenant Polity\, Culture\, and Leadership\nDecember 7 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. CT | Virtual \nRegister here\nThe second session turns from historical analysis to organizational reflection. Representatives from denominational\, conference\, congregational\, and pastoral contexts will examine how change occurs within the ECC’s distinctive polity and culture. Building on themes emerging from the first panel\, participants will consider the ways different levels of Covenant leadership have encouraged\, complicated\, or slowed the broader reception of women’s pastoral gifts and leadership. \n 
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/womens-ordination-covenant-polity-and-cultural-change-a-50-year-retrospective/
LOCATION:NY
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270116
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270119
DTSTAMP:20261027T225709Z
CREATED:20261027T225709Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261027T225709Z
UID:8281-1800057600-1800316799@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:NextGen Conference 2027
DESCRIPTION:Location: Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront\, Jacksonville\, FL \nTime: Registration opens Saturday\, January 16 at 2:00 pm and the opening session is at 7:00 pm (Eastern). The standard package ends Monday\, January 18 at noon. \nRegister online: Click Here \nInfo: covchurch.org/nextgen \nThe NextGen Conference is for everyone who leads children\, youth\, and young adult ministries\, whether you have been at it for twenty years or just started. Expect teaching you can use in your own context\, worship you do not have to plan\, and breakout sessions led by experienced leaders. This year’s gathering is centered on two words from Jesus: “Take heart.”
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/nextgen-conference-2027/
LOCATION:Hyatt Regency Jacksonville\, 225 E Coastline Dr\, Jacksonville\, FL\, 32202
CATEGORIES:ECC
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270118
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270123
DTSTAMP:20261027T225959Z
CREATED:20261027T225959Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261027T225959Z
UID:8280-1800230400-1800662399@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:Midwinter 2027
DESCRIPTION:Location: Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront\, Jacksonville\, FL \nTime: Opens with evening worship on Monday\, January 18 at 7:00 pm (Eastern) and runs through Friday\, January 22 \nRegister online: Click Here \nInfo: covchurch.org/midwinter \nMidwinter is the Evangelical Covenant Church’s gathering for pastors and ministry leaders. It is a time to worship\, learn in breakout sessions\, and build friendships with colleagues who know this work from the inside. If you have never been to a Midwinter\, this is a good time to meet colleagues and build connections\, because we are better together. \nThe week begins on Monday evening\, January 18\, with a worship service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Willie James Jennings will be preaching. In addition to the conference programming\, you can explore the host city of Jacksonville\, Florida.
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/midwinter-2027/
LOCATION:Hyatt Regency Jacksonville\, 225 E Coastline Dr\, Jacksonville\, FL\, 32202
CATEGORIES:ECC
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270124
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270125
DTSTAMP:20261027T231033Z
CREATED:20261027T231033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261027T231033Z
UID:8282-1800748800-1800835199@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:BLESS Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Info: BLESS: Intentional Evangelism \nBLESS Sunday has a new date! The Covenant is beginning the year with a focus on evangelism\, seeking to share the love of Jesus with our communities. \nBLESS is an approach to prayer and evangelism that is less about memorizing scripts and more about authentically loving our neighbors. It is built on five practices: Begin with prayer\, Listen with care\, Eat together\, Serve in love\, and Share your story.
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/bless-sunday/
LOCATION:NY
CATEGORIES:ECC
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270305
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270308
DTSTAMP:20261030T143356Z
CREATED:20261029T161104Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261030T143356Z
UID:8218-1804204800-1804463999@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:Exploring Your Call (PLCBC)
DESCRIPTION:Save the Date for Exploring Your Call – March 5-7\, 2027 at Portage Lake Bible Camp \nLocation: Portage Lake Bible Camp\, 4158 Camp Delight Road\, Onekama\, MI 49675\nRegistration: Click here to register\nContact: Peg Kohring Cichon\, pegc@greatlakes.cc \nThe research is in – The most effective way to develop new pastors\, lay leaders\, chaplains\, missionaries\, and spiritual directors is for you to prayerfully ask the Lord to give you the gift of identifying and mentoring people. In the next couple months\, will you pray and talk to people whom you think are called and gifted? \nThe Exploring Your Call Retreat is a space to slow down\, listen\, reflect\, and explore God’s unique call on your life\, whether in a church\, nonprofit\, camp\, the marketplace\, or somewhere in between. This is for anyone post-high school and beyond\, both men and women who are curious about vocational ministry in all its forms. \nThe Great Lakes Conference is planning an Exploring Your Call retreat the weekend of March 5th-7th at Portage Lake Bible Camp and one at Mission Meadows the weekend of May 21st-23rd for those interested in pastoral and lay ministry. Participants will have an opportunity to slow down and discern whether God is calling to ministry in one of its many forms. It will be an opportunity to clarify the next steps and to build a support system to help on the journey.
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/exploring-your-call/
LOCATION:Portage Lake Bible Camp\, 4158 Camp Delight Road\, Onekama\, MI\, 49675
CATEGORIES:GLC
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270423
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270425
DTSTAMP:20261029T023121Z
CREATED:20261029T023055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261029T023121Z
UID:8134-1808438400-1808611199@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:GLC Annual Celebration 2027
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/glc-annual-celebration-2027/
LOCATION:NY
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270521
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270524
DTSTAMP:20261029T161117Z
CREATED:20261029T161117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261029T161117Z
UID:8351-1810857600-1811116799@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:Exploring Your Call (MM)
DESCRIPTION:Save the Date for Exploring Your Call – May 21-23\, 2027 at Mission Meadows Camp \nLocation: Camp Mission Meadows\, 5201 NY-430\, Dewittville\, NY 14728Registration: Info to comeContact: Peg Kohring Cichon\, pegc@greatlakes.cc \nThe research is in – The most effective way to develop new pastors\, lay leaders\, chaplains\, missionaries\, and spiritual directors is for you to prayerfully ask the Lord to give you the gift of identifying and mentoring people. In the next couple months\, will you pray and talk to people whom you think are called and gifted? \nThe Exploring Your Call Retreat is a space to slow down\, listen\, reflect\, and explore God’s unique call on your life\, whether in a church\, nonprofit\, camp\, the marketplace\, or somewhere in between. This is for anyone post-high school and beyond\, both men and women who are curious about vocational ministry in all its forms. \nThe Great Lakes Conference is planning an Exploring Your Call retreat the weekend of March 5th-7th at Portage Lake Bible Camp and one at Mission Meadows the weekend of May 21st-23rd for those interested in pastoral and lay ministry. Participants will have an opportunity to slow down and discern whether God is calling to ministry in one of its many forms. It will be an opportunity to clarify the next steps and to build a support system to help on the journey.
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/exploring-your-call-at-mission-meadows/
LOCATION:Camp Mission Meadows\, 5201 NY-430\, Dewittville\, NY\, 14728
CATEGORIES:GLC
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270718
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270724
DTSTAMP:20261027T231013Z
CREATED:20261027T231013Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261027T231013Z
UID:8223-1815868800-1816387199@greatlakes.cc
SUMMARY:Unite 2027
DESCRIPTION:Location: University of Nebraska\, Lincoln\, NE \nTime: July 18–23\, 2027 \nRegister online: Click Here \nInfo: covchurch.org/unite \nUnite is the triennial youth conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church — a formative gathering that invites students into deeper faith\, shared life\, and God’s work in the world. Rooted in Scripture and shaped by the life of the church\, Unite creates space for teaching\, prayer\, service\, and joy. Students are called not only to belong — but to be sent.
URL:https://greatlakes.cc/event/unite-2027/
LOCATION:University of Nebraska–Lincoln\, 1400 R St\, Lincoln\, NE\, 68588\, United States
CATEGORIES:ECC
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR