2026 Theme: A Foundation of Steadfast Love
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Two years in, we are no longer a brand-new diocese. We are moving beyond the foundational work of juncture to chart our path forward, fully recognizing that we are already blessed with a firm foundation – Jesus Christ and the steadfast love of our Triune God.
We the people of the Diocese of the Great Lakes will come together this year, in part, to elect a new leadership team – our first Bishop Diocesan, as well as new members of the Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, Treasurer, and Secretary of Convention. Exercising a shared episcope, these leaders will live into their particular roles, building upon our foundation and, guided by the Spirit, leading us into this new chapter of mission and ministry.
As we come together for our third convention, we will celebrate the successes of the last year, tell the stories of steadfast love worked out in our local communities, and look to find ways to build each other up, sharing our gifts with one another as the earliest Christians did so well. We lift up this theme to remind ourselves of all we have accomplished together, of the foundations we have laid and are building upon, and of God’s steadfast love, a love that thankfully never ceases. May this theme become a part of your prayers for each other leading up to and during our convention.
Convention Book
Our Convention Book contains all the information you need to attend and engage with our third annual convention onsite and online. Click the cover image to view it as a flipbook or the button below to download it as a PDF.
We recommend downloading this interactive book and having it available on a device during Convention.
If you prefer to have a printed copy of the book, be aware that it is more than 200 pages long. Please be mindful of resource stewardship and consider printing only the specific pages you’ll need onsite.
The book does contain worship programs for both Friday Evening Prayer and Saturday Eucharist, but for your convenience they are also available for download below in separate files.
Schedule
Friday
8:30 a.m.
Check In Opens
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
Workshop Block 1
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Workshop Block 2
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch on Your Own
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Business Session
6:00 p.m.
Dinner
7:30 p.m.
Evening Session: Discernment Conversation & Evening Prayer
Saturday
8:30 a.m.
Liturgy Rehearsal
9:15 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal,
Processional Line Up
9:45 a.m.
Doors Open for Eucharist
10:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist
11:45 a.m.
Boxed Lunch for Registered Convention Attendees
12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Business Session
(completion of any unfinished business, bishop election)
Worship
The heart of our gatherings together is always liturgy, “the work of the people” in which we pray and worship together; our diocesan convention is no different. The Diocese of the Great Lakes is most fully embodied when we gather for convention; therefore, we bookend our convention in prayer and gather together around Christ’s table. Through worship, we are shaped into the people and community we are called to be. We are formed by the prayers we offer and the bread and wine we share.
As we prepare to meet together for convention and as you anticipate plenary presentations, motions, amendments (and amendments to the amendments), elections of officers, and the election of our first bishop diocesan, prepare also for worship. Remind yourself that through the work of the people, the Spirit is at work, guiding us to perceive what is right and giving us the courage and grace to pursue it.
Saturday Eucharist
On Saturday, before we gather to elect our first bishop diocesan, we will gather in the great prayer of the church, Holy Eucharist. We anticipate that a number of people in addition to our Convention delegates and registered convention guests will wish to come worship on-site with us. Our Holy Eucharist will be held at the convention center so that we can accomodate all who are able and wish to attend on-site. Doors will open at 9:45 a.m. for the 10:00 a.m. service.
The service will be live-streamed.
Important notes about our Celebration of Holy Eucharist
- On-site attendance at Eucharist is not limited to registered convention attendees and delegates. All are welcome, but space is limited. More details will be available in the second call to convention in September.
- There will be no banner processional or water ingathering for the Eucharist. Space will not allow for such an involved processional.
- Clergy are invited to vest and process. Alb or cassock with surplice with red stole.
Diocesan Choir
Back by popular demand, our diocesan choir will make a return appearance this year. All are welcome to join in singing. When you sign up, you will receive music ahead of time so that you are prepared for the 9:15 a.m. rehearsal on Saturday of convention.
Location
On Site
Our third Diocesan Convention will be held at Vandyk Mortgage Convention Center located at 460 W Western Avenue in Muskegon.
VMCC encompasses the latest trends in meeting and convention venues with a sophisticated design, open concept, easy connectivity, and stunning views of Muskegon Lake and Downtown Muskegon.
All workshops, worship services, and plenary sessions (including convention business and the bishop election) will be held in this space. Ample on-site parking is available and all convention offerings apart from the children’s space will be located on the same, fully accessible floor which also includes an all-gender restroom.
Online
We know that travel to different areas of the state is prohibitive for many in our diocese and that, particularly this year, people beyond convention delegates will desire to participate in convention worship services and observe our bishop election. Our aim is to inclusively foster equity between online and on-site experiences, giving every member of our diocese access to the work and worship of our diocesan convention.
Plenary Sessions
All plenary sessions, including those on Friday afternoon and evening and the bishop election session on Saturday afternoon, will be live-streamed. Direct links to the streams and timing will be made available in the second call to convention in September.
Workshops
Workshops will not be livestreamed.
Worship
Saturday’s service of Holy Eucharist will be livestreamed. Direct links to the stream will be made available in the second call to convention in September.
Pre-Convention Meetings
Earlier in October, our convention team hosted three pre-convention meetings. If you were unable to attend one of the meetings, you can watch the recording of the final meeting below. Delegates are especially encouraged to attend so that they are familiar with the business of convention before arriving on site.
Bishop Election
Our third diocesan convention will be the electing convention for the first bishop diocesan of The Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes.
Youth Delegates
At its September meeting, the Standing Committee approved the following youth members of the diocese to serve as youth delegates to convention. These young people have all the rights to seat, voice, and vote as other delegates. We give thanks to God for their prayerful and thoughtful commitment to the present and future of our church. Please remember them in your prayers as they prepare for Convention.
Liv Y.
11th grade, St. Mark’s, Grand RapidsSophia R.
10th grade, Grace, HollandMadeleine B.
12th grade, Grace, HollandAlvin P.
10th grade, Holy Trinity, WyomingBrookelynn S.
12th grade, St. John’s, Grand HavenAchol A.
10th grade, Sudanese Grace, Grand RapidsAlex G.
10th grade, St. Mark’s, Grand RapidsAvery S.
12th grade, Emmanuel, Petoskey
Workshops
Workshop Block 1 | 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Bishop Election Discernment
The election of our first bishop diocesan is, at its heart, an act of discernment at individual, congregational, and diocesan levels. In this workshop, members of the Bishop Transition Committee will share the resources available to support your work of discerning between our four candidates, answer questions about the election and transition processes, and support your work of discernment. This workshop will be especially helpful for voting lay and clergy delegates.
Academy for Vocational Leadership
For over 12 years now, the Academy for Vocational Leadership has been a ministry of the diocese. That doesn’t mean that the Academy has been running the same way throughout that time. We have adjusted and grown with the needs of the church, the needs of congregations and the needs of those in formation.
We are now in the second year of our 5-year micro-grant from the Iona Collaborative as we share in their project resulting from their $5 million Lilly grant. The first year of that grant was all about listening across the diocese. Through a survey reported on last year, to a stakeholder meeting that invited people across leadership bodies to share their dreams, to an Asset Based Community Development tool used with students and the Academy Advisory Board, we were able to draft a vision statement for the Academy’s grant work and detail the specific tasks to help us live into that vision. As a part of our grant participation, we are using a newly updated curriculum from Iona.
This workshop will accomplish three main tasks:
- We will share with the diocese how the new curriculum differs from the old. What benefits do we see?
- We will share some information on new lay classes available now and some that are coming soon.
- We will share the rhythm of our grant responsibilities, where we are now and where we are headed.
We look forward to learning together at this workshop!
Meet the Presenters
The Rev. Cn. Dr. Tracie Little: As Director for Vocational Discernment and Equipping, I provide opportunities for all people to listen to how God is calling them to live into their baptismal vows. I also provide learning opportunities equip people to live into that discernment. Together, these elements of my role on Diocesan staff help to support congregations as they live into their vision and mission. As a member of the Congregational Support Team, I come alongside congregations to coach, encourage, and equip in the areas of congregational development as assigned through weekly meetings of the Congregational Support Team. Specifically, I help congregations listen to God as they discern how God is inviting them to participate with God in God’s mission and vision for their particular context. I also serve as the Dean and Co-Director of The Academy for Vocational Leadership which provides formation for those discerning a call to ordained ministry as priest/presbyter or deacon.
The Rev. Liz Kinsey:
Liz lives in Sturgis, Michigan, and serves as a deacon at St. John’s, Sturgis. She is also on the faculty of the Academy for Vocational Leadership, where she serves as Fieldwork Director and teaches Fieldwork, Pedagogy for Clergy, and Pastoral Care for Laity. Liz retired after a 45-year career in K–12 public education, teaching and serving at the elementary, middle school, high school, and district levels. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Western Michigan University and is a 2020 graduate of the Academy for Vocational Leadership. Her Gallup CliftonStrengths include Connectedness, Positivity, Input, and Woo. Liz enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time with her family and pets.
Stewarding Tomorrow: Endowments 101 for Church Leaders
This workshop will offer a practical introduction to endowments and endowment management for local church leaders. Participants will explore what an endowment is, why purpose and policy matter, how spending and investment decisions fit together, and how churches can invite legacy and endowment gifts in ways that support both current and future ministry.
Meet the Presenter
Josh Anderson serves on the Endowment Management team at the Episcopal Church Foundation, where he works with Episcopal congregations, dioceses, schools, and other faith-based organizations on endowment structure, investment oversight, and endowment growth. He helps church leaders think practically and faithfully about how long-term financial resources can support ministry across generations. Josh lives in Midland, Michigan, where his wife, Alissa, serves as Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Disaster Resilience: Preparedness and Response
What does it mean for a congregation to be prepared before disaster strikes—and ready to serve when its community is disrupted? In this interactive workshop, Dr. Jess Kidder, Program Manager for Holy Ground for Whole Communities and an active firefighter and state-licensed EMT, will introduce the foundations of disaster resilience, preparedness, response, and recovery. Participants will identify Michigan-relevant hazards and consider how their people, buildings, land, equipment, and community relationships can support both congregational safety and the wider community. The workshop will offer practical next steps for strengthening emergency plans, building relationships with local first responders and emergency-management agencies, and discerning an appropriate role during a crisis. Together, participants will begin imagining a more connected and resilient diocesan network prepared to serve whole communities.
Workshop Block 2 | 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Bishop Election Discernment
The election of our first bishop diocesan is, at its heart, an act of discernment at individual, congregational, and diocesan levels. In this workshop, members of the Bishop Transition Committee will share the resources available to support your work of discerning between our four candidates, answer questions about the election and transition processes, and support your work of discernment. This workshop will be especially helpful for voting lay and clergy delegates.
The Body Speaks: AI & Incarnational Theology
From chat bots and AI summaries to fake videos and images, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its tools and content have quickly become ubiquitous online and in the physical world. In this workshop, the Rev. John Wakefield, rector of Church of the Epiphany in South Haven, and Rachel Rose, Director for Communication for our diocese, explore the rise of AI through the lens of Anglican incarnational theology.
Participants will leave with a basic understanding of what Artificial Intelligence is, how it’s being used, and how to engage critically and faithfully with it in their local congregations and in everyday life as members of the body of Christ.
Stepping Faithfully Into the Public Square
In the midst of a tense midterm election season, we turn again to election engagement as an act of Christian stewardship and a tangible way to love our neighbors. Our mandate to care for God’s world and people compels us, morally and spiritually, to vote—and to help ensure voting access for others. This moment is part of an ongoing cycle of engagement in the public square. From Vote Faithfully to advocating to our elected officials, the church is stepping faithfully into the public square through a variety of strategies. Come learn how to enhance your own public witness ministry, including inspiration from our LEAPS framework of Litigation, Education, Advocacy, Prayer and Service.
Meet the Presenter
Lindsey Delks is the domestic policy advisor in The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations, where he oversees all the church’s domestic policy initiatives, including domestic anti-poverty, gun reform, and healthcare. He is a graduate of Kennesaw State University in his home state of Georgia and is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Policy program at George Mason University.
Ask the CFO: Filings, Deadlines, and Q&A
Join CFO Sara Philo for an informative session on financial, administrative, and benefit annual filing/update requirements and timelines and an open question and answer session. We will focus on upcoming year-end and first of year requirements and then walk through the remainder of the year. We will also have time for open answers and questions. Bring any questions or issues for our in person time together.
Music in the Small Church: Vibrant Music with Limited Resources
This workshop offers practical, affordable strategies for building congregational singing, working with volunteer musicians, and staying legally and canonically compliant.
Kevin Simons, DMA, is the Editor and Owner of St. James Music Press, which publishes music used by thousands of churches worldwide. He is also the Assistant for Music and Liturgy at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Saginaw, Co-Chair of the Liturgy Team for the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes, and Director of the Sewanee Church Music Conference.
Nominees for Diocesan Office & Governing Bodies
At our third convention, we expect to elect:
- A Secretary of Convention (either clergy or lay)
- A Treasurer of the Diocese (either clergy or lay)
- Three members of Standing Committee (one clergy, one lay, and one at-large)
- Four members of Diocesan Council (two clergy, two lay)
We are pleased to report that all nominees have met diocesan Safe Church, Safe Communities and Dismantling Racism training requirements.
Secretary of Convention
Mr. Mark Sullivan
Lay Order | Grace, Grand Rapids
What experiences, gifts, and/or perspectives can the Nominee offer in the service of our Lord in this office?
I have extensive experience with the Episcopal Church (confirmed in the Diocese of New York in 2012) both as an active member of local parishes and for the past two years as a staff member in this diocese’s Grand Rapids office. My diverse educational, work, and life experiences that have equipped me for this role and will be an asset in my service as Secretary of Convention, if elected.
Please list the Nominee’s most recent Congregation Level ministries and offices (that is, any activity in a local faith community, regardless of its formal structure).
Current: vestry member, lay eucharistic minister.
Former: rector search committee co-chair, local discernment committee member.
Please list the Nominee’s most recent diocesan or churchwide ministries and offices.
Diocesan Administrator (diocesan staff). Secretary pro tem for Diocesan Council (2025). Secretary of Convention (elected 2025).
Please list the Nominee’s most recent community engagement and/or service. Please list any relevant service beyond church settings.
Bishop Whittemore Foundation, trustee. Campaign volunteer for a congressional candidate.
Treasurer of the Diocese
The Very Rev. Dr. Derek J. Quinn
Clergy Order | St. Paul’s, Elk Rapids
What experiences, gifts, and/or perspectives can the Nominee offer in the service of our Lord in this office?
Since 2023, I have served on the Diocesan Finance Committee. This year, I have served as Assistant Treasurer and have facilitated the Finance Committee during the sabbatical of the Treasurer. Prior to Ordination, I served as parish Treasurer for St. Barnabas, Portage and as manager and bookkeeper for my family’s small business pharmacy. Currently, I serve in two parishes — one smaller, one larger — and this continues to enhance my understanding of parishes of different sizes and both their different concerns and needs.
Please list the Nominee’s most recent Congregation Level ministries and offices (that is, any activity in a local faith community, regardless of its formal structure).
It is my joy to serve as the Rector for St. Paul’s, Elk Rapids as well as being the Assistant Priest for Outreach at Grace, Traverse City.
Please list the Nominee’s most recent diocesan or churchwide ministries and offices.
Serving as the co-President of the Standing Committee has been a rewarding challenge this year as we have prepared for our first Bishop Diocesan. During this time, serving as both Assistant Treasurer and Dean of the Northwest Mission Region has allowed me to gain perspective on the needs of the Diocese.
Please list the Nominee’s most recent community engagement and/or service. Please list any relevant service beyond church settings.
While my position at Grace, Traverse City involves coordinating the efforts of our food pantry, community meal, Afghan migrant ministry project, and Jubilee House (Traverse City’s only drop-in day shelter), my service to the community this year has focused on the Diocese.
Standing Committee
Ms. Mary E. Seely
Lay Order | Grace, Port Huron
What experiences, gifts, and/or perspectives can the Nominee offer in the service of our Lord in this office?
I offer a deep commitment to my faith and to the mission of the Episcopal Church, along with a sincere desire to serve our Lord and the people of our Diocese. I bring many years of professional and community experience that have taught me the importance of integrity, careful listening, sound judgement, confidentiality and thoughtful decision making. I believe that one of my greatest gifts is the ability to listen to different perspectives with an open mind, ask thoughtful questions and work collaboratively toward decisions that serve the greater good. My professional experience has also given me an understanding of real estate, property matters, and the importance of responsible stewardship – experience that I believe would be particularly valuable in some of the responsibilities entrusted to the Standing Committee. Most importantly, I would approach this ministry prayerfully and humbly. I believe that serving on the Standing committee is not simply a position of governance, but an opportunity to discern where God is leading our Church and to help strengthen its ministry of the future. I would be honored to offer my experience, judgement, faith, and love for the Church in service to our Lord and our Diocese.
Please list the Nominee’s most recent Congregation Level ministries and offices (that is, any activity in a local faith community, regardless of its formal structure).
I have been on the Vestry at St. Paul’s, and traveled through the entire journey before closing. It included saying good-bye to our priest and forming a Mutual Ministry Team. I have lived through difficult times and have learned how to manage stress in the church and remain diplomatic. I was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Paul’s and served at the alter. I have attended several Cursillo weekends and served on Cursillo Teams. They were profound experiences for me, which deepened my faith and commitment to the church, humanity and Christ. I am a delegate for convention and am open to hearing the ideas and concerns of this church and aiding in conflict resolution. I was fortunate enough to have an Episcopalian Priest as my Grandfather, and my Mother!
Please list the Nominee’s most recent diocesan or churchwide ministries and offices.
Convention Delegate, Vestry Member, LEM
Please list the Nominee’s most recent community engagement and/or service. Please list any relevant service beyond church settings.
I work at ATA National Title Group, and have since bringing the company to St. Clair County 15 years ago. I have been working in the business over 20 years. I am an Account Representative, which means I am very involved in the community and attend countless fundraisers and benefits. I was a volunteer for the March of Dimes from the time I was a young girl, until they left St. Clair County. I organize training meetings, holiday parties and other company events for my clients. I am involved in the Blue Water Chamber of Commerce, am on their golf committee and am always eager to help where I can. I regularly work at our soup kitchen and assist with our Grace Church food truck distribution. I enjoy serving others, which reflects in the success ATA has had since coming to this county. I am not afraid of learning and I am a self-motivator, happy to jump in and help when needed.
The Rev. Pamela Lenartowicz
Clergy Order | St. Andrew’s, Gaylord
What experiences, gifts, and/or perspectives can the Nominee offer in the service of our Lord in this office?
I am passionate about church polity. Some would call me a “church nerd!” I have a strong understanding of church polity and I enjoy being a part of the administration of the diocese. I am gifted with listening skills and am willing to listen to multiple perspectives on any given issue. I also am organized and I like to see things completed in an orderly and timely manner.
Please list the Nominee’s most recent Congregation Level ministries and offices (that is, any activity in a local faith community, regardless of its formal structure).
I am currently serving as Rector at St. Andrew in Gaylord and Priest-in-charge at St. Mark’s, Atlanta. I hold all the ministries associated with these two congregational responsibilitles.
Please list the Nominee’s most recent diocesan or churchwide ministries and offices.
My most recent Diocesan activities include serving on the Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, and Commission on Ministry. I am a Board member of the AuSable Inclusion Center. I am a team member of Thriving in Ministry. I am also a coach and have recently completed two years of coaching for new clergy in the diocese of West Virginia.
Churchwide, next year I will serve as a deputy to General Convention for the fifth time.
Please list the Nominee’s most recent community engagement and/or service. Please list any relevant service beyond church settings.
I am an active participant in our local Food Pantry and Patriot Place which is a temporary housing community for homeless veterans in Gaylord. I am also the President of the Board of Directors for our local Habitat for Humanity.
The Rev. Matthew Roney
Clergy Order | Trinity, Alpena
What experiences, gifts, and/or perspectives can the Nominee offer in the service of our Lord in this office?
I have been blessed to serve on a number of governing bodies and committees, both inside and outside the Church. As a result, I have learned the importance of deliberation, and the necessity of discernment in community. Apart from my practical experience, I bring the perspective of a new priest leading a congregation far in the northeast, physically distant from the population centers of our diocese. My relative newness as a member of clergy means that I have recent experience of the ordination process, and my time outside of this diocese—in the Diocese of Olympia from 2016-2018 and in seminary in Sewanee, TN from 2022-2025—gives me a broad perspective on The Episcopal Church as a whole. Perhaps most importantly, though, I am extremely optimistic and passionate about the future of our tradition, and the unique charisms it offers to the body of Christ and the world. As a native of Michigan, I am beyond excited to see what our fledgling diocese is becoming. It would be a privilege to serve alongside our new bishop as a member of the Standing Committee.
Please list the Nominee’s most recent Congregation Level ministries and offices (that is, any activity in a local faith community, regardless of its formal structure).
August 2025-present – Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church, Alpena
August-December 2024 – Seminarian, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Scottsboro, AL
August 2023-May 2024 – Seminarian, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Chattanooga, TN
January 2020-January 2022 – Junior Warden, Grace Episcopal Church, Traverse City
January 2019-January 2022 – Vestry Member, Grace Episcopal Church, Traverse City
Please list the Nominee’s most recent diocesan or churchwide ministries and offices.
August 2023-May 2024 – Seminarian, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Chattanooga, TN
January 2020-January 2022 – Junior Warden, Grace Episcopal Church, Traverse City
January 2019-January 2022 – Vestry Member, Grace Episcopal Church, Traverse City
2025-2026 – EDGL Bishop Search Committee
2024 – Alternate Lay Deputy to General Convention from Western Michigan
2022 – Lay Deputy to General Convention from Western Michigan
2019-2022 – Member, Bi-diocesan Taskforce for Evangelism
Please list the Nominee’s most recent community engagement and/or service. Please list any relevant service beyond church settings.
Member, Besser Male Chorus of Alpena – 2025-present
Vice President and Senior Class Representative, St. Luke’s Community (School of Theology at the University of the South student body) – 2024-2025
Member, School of Theology at the University of the South ATS Reaccreditation Subcommittee for Governance, Administration, and Institutional Resources – 2023-2025
Evening Host and Volunteer Lead, Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse – 2019-2022
Diocesan Council
Mr. Don DeWalt
Lay Order | St. Paul’s, Elk Rapids
What experiences, gifts, and/or perspectives can the Nominee offer in the service of our Lord in this office?
Don is a natural communicator, who gets to the point, He is capable of strategic and long-term planning.
Please list the Nominee’s most recent Congregation Level ministries and offices (that is, any activity in a local faith community, regardless of its formal structure).
Don is the current Parish Administrator at St. Paul’s Elk Rapids.
Please list the Nominee’s most recent diocesan or churchwide ministries and offices.
Don is a member of the Bishop Search Committee.
Please list the Nominee’s most recent community engagement and/or service. Please list any relevant service beyond church settings.
Don is an actor in the “Elk Rapids Players” community theater troupe. He is currently in rehearsals for a production of the musical Oliver! in November and will be playing the villain “Bill Sikes.”
Mr. Jason Smith
Lay Order | St. John the Apostle, Ionia
What experiences, gifts, and/or perspectives can the Nominee offer in the service of our Lord in this office?
My true love for the Episcopal church inspires my willingness to serve. I am a lifelong educator serving as a teacher, coach, principal, and currently in my 10th year as Superintendent of Saranac Community Schools. My experiences working with budgets, Human Resources, and constant change in the education system I believe have prepared me to offer my experiences for the growth of the church. My career has been centered around helping all walks people.
Please list the Nominee’s most recent Congregation Level ministries and offices (that is, any activity in a local faith community, regardless of its formal structure).
I have been serving as the senior warden of St John’s Ionia for the past 8 years. I have served on our strategic plan committees, audit committee, as well as the vestry. I am the president of BT4S (Better Together for Saranac) where we have church leaders and community leaders come together to offer supports, programs, and services for a variety of community needs.
Please list the Nominee’s most recent diocesan or churchwide ministries and offices.
I have been serving as the senior warden of St John’s Ionia for the past 8 years. I have served on the Companion Ministries Committee and Apportionment Reduction Request Review Committee the last two years
Please list the Nominee’s most recent community engagement and/or service. Please list any relevant service beyond church settings.
I currently serve on our local Lions Club, Historical Society, Athletic Booster group, Saranac Promise Scholarship committee, and many education groups
I am also president of Ionia County Hope and Recovery, we oversee programs for kids and adults need recovery help from any number of hardships.
The Rev. J. Barrett Lee, oblate of the Order of St. Benedict
Clergy Order | St. Mark’s, Coldwater
What experiences, gifts, and/or perspectives can the Nominee offer in the service of our Lord in this office?
I bring an emotionally intelligent and collaborative style of leadership that values curiosity and honesty. My focus will be on empowering local congregations as the primary communities of discernment where Episcopalians pursue our mission of being the hands and feet of Jesus in this world.
My past experience of congregational and denominational leadership in the Presbyterian Church (USA) gives me a unique perspective on how our fellow Christians have pursued this same mission in other ways. During my years of ordained ministry in that denomination, I served on a task force of the national General Assembly, chaired the Church & Society Committee of the Presbytery of Utica, and served on the Leadership Team (Diocesan Council equivalent) of the Presbytery of Lake Michigan.
Please list the Nominee’s most recent Congregation Level ministries and offices (that is, any activity in a local faith community, regardless of its formal structure).
Rector of St. Mark’s, Coldwater
Please list the Nominee’s most recent diocesan or churchwide ministries and offices.
Clergy Delegate to Provincial Synod
Please list the Nominee’s most recent community engagement and/or service. Please list any relevant service beyond church settings.
Board Member of Tommy’s House, women’s sober living residence
The Rev. John Wakefield
Clergy Order | Epiphany, South Haven
What experiences, gifts, and/or perspectives can the Nominee offer in the service of our Lord in this office?
I come to Convention this year with quite a grab bag of experiences, gifts, and perspectives thanks to 20+ years of ministry, both inside and outside the church. From working with children and the homeless in Seattle to the truly needy around East and Central Africa, from growing up evangelical Nazarene in the Midwest and joining the Episcopal Church in adulthood in the South, I have seen faithful, loving people from a variety of backgrounds stand up and offer whatever they may have, playing the roles they need to play to make the world a better place, what I would call building the Kingdom of God. Since my confirmation with Bishop Anne in North Carolina and my subsequent discernment and seminary study in Sewanee, TN, I have observed and participated in forms of leadership throughout the church in multiple dioceses. I would be privileged to do so again on this Diocesan Council, and I am eager to work with our new Bishop and the Council to steward our resources and help us grow as a strong diocese together.
Please list the Nominee’s most recent Congregation Level ministries and offices (that is, any activity in a local faith community, regardless of its formal structure).
Rector, Church of the Epiphany, South Haven, MI (2024-present)
Please list the Nominee’s most recent diocesan or churchwide ministries and offices.
Chaplain, Bishop Transition Committee (2025-present)
Member, Finance Committee (2025)
Please list the Nominee’s most recent community engagement and/or service. Please list any relevant service beyond church settings.
Member, Finance Committee (2025)
Vice President, We Care Community Resource Center, South Haven, MI (2025-present)
Member, South Haven Area Ministers Alliance (2024-present)
Proposed Resolution
From An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church:
A [resolution is a] proposed action or decision that is to be considered by a legislative body such as… a diocesan convention… The legislative vote is taken only on the substance of the resolution, which follows the word ‘Resolved’ in the working of the resolution. Reasons, intentions, and justifications for resolutions may be included in a statement of explanation that follows the resolution. This information provides legislative history for future interpretation, but it is not included in the formal resolution.
The Co-Chairs of the Resolutions Committee are the Revs. Kay Houck and Nancy Mayhew.
Resolutions may be proposed by four clergy and four laypeople. We received one resolution by the deadline for submissions for this year. The name of the proposed resolution is, “Use of AI in the Diocese of the Great Lakes.”
FAQs
We anticipate that there will be a lot of questions about diocesan convention this year! If you don’t see your question addressed below, please contact our Diocesan Office.
Great question! Our Bishop Transition and Standing Committees are finalizing the election rules now. We will communicate those standards (and update this page) when the slate of candidates is released, if not sooner.
Anyone is welcome to attend the election of our first bishop diocesan at the Van Dyk Mortgage Convention Center on Saturday, October 24, 2026. However, seating will prioritize lay and clergy delegates first, then registered convention guests, and then election visitors. The election (and our Friday business session) will also be streamed on our diocesan YouTube page.
Registration and hotel information will be included in the first call to convention which will be sent to all clergy, parish leaders, and lay convention delegates by the end of June.
Absolutely! Our site is fully accessible. We recommend entering the convention center through the lobby of the Delta Hotel and following signs for the convention center. There are no stairs between the Delta Hotel lobby and the convention spaces which include meeting rooms in the Delta Hotel and the Van Dyk Convention Center. There are 200 parking spaces on site at the Delta, with plenty more public parking within one block of it. With the exception of the children’s programming space and one of the two all-gender restrooms, all on-site events are on the same floor.
Children are more than welcome! Our diocesan convention is more than just a canonically-required gathering. It is a time for people all across our diocese to come together in one place. Our children and youth are not merely tag-alongs to diocesan events; they are as much an embodiment of the diocese as any other human!
Director for Formation and Camping, McKenzie Bade-Knill, is arranging a robust on-site children’s program. For more information about that program or to volunteer to help, please contact McKenzie.
You do not! Our prayer service on Friday night and convention Eucharist on Saturday morning are open events. In addition, both worship services will be streamed to our diocesan YouTube page.
Registration is required for:
- All lay and clergy delegates (only registered delegates will be given a voting device and voting credentials).
- All meals included with convention registration.
- Convention workshops
- The Children’s Program
Convention III Planning Team
Director for Formation and Camping, Diocesan Staff
Interim Executive Officer, Diocesan Staff
Standing Committee, Grace, Traverse City
Kevin Simons
Liturgy Committee, St. John’s, Saginaw
Diocesan Administrator, Diocesan Staff
Bishop Transition Committee, Epiphany, South Haven
Liturgy Committee, St. Luke’s, Kalamazoo