Katie Conference 2026

The Katie, a Michigan District conference for pastors’, deacons’ and vicars’ wives and widows, is designed with prayer and love for this unique group of women. God has blessed the District with an amazing collection of highly creative and deeply committed leaders who have a passion for these women who stand beside their husbands.

Join us in April as together we hear from our speaker, Shelly Schwalm, on the theme “A Curious Hope,” based on 1 Peter 3:15. We will talk about living a life that makes others curious about Jesus and how to share our stories of hope. We will also look at being curious and asking loving questions of others.

In support of the Michigan District Critical Targets, specifically Great Compassion Ministry, The Katie 2026 has partnered with Redeemer, Interlochen's Baby Pantry.

We will be doing a diaper drive for their organization. There will be a donation table in the Grand Foyer to place items. All sizes are welcome!

Free Time Options

There are many free time options this year! You can participate in one of these or go walking, take a nap, go shopping, hang out by the pool, etc. Please sign up during your registration for any of the organized activities so that we can be prepared with materials.

Cardio Drumming - 45-minute class - This has only 30 spots available. Please indicate on your online registration submission if you’d like to participate.

River Walk - take a stroll along the river walk with Deaconess Christie Hansard.

Pebble Art - This has only 20 spots available. You will have your choice of a cross or a lighthouse, similar to the photos. You will learn to make the picture, and we will then put it in a frame with a mat. Please indicate on your online registration submission if you’d like to participate.

VFM Mixed Media Activities -

We will be making a 4 x 4 or 5x5 canvas. We will be painting the background with acrylic paint and then gluing images and words. Then we’ll top it off with some paint splatter and mark making. You can bring some of your own images or use what I have to share. Paint, canvases, and collage images will be supplied.

Crafting for Missions: Bracelet Making / Mat Making

Make beaded gospel bracelets for MOST Ministries.

Cut plastic bags, make "plarn," and/or crochet sleeping mats for the homeless.

Materials will be out and available to use throughout the weekend. If you already know how to do it, just grab some to work on during sessions or wherever you are comfortable. If you are new to these, stop by during free time to learn how.

Hope Signs Craft

We will work on creating “Hope” signs!

Available throughout the Conference

Counseling: Counseling appointments (45 minutes each) will be available during the conference by licensed counselor Cheryl Spaulding. Sign up here.

Massage: Massages will be available on Friday night only. You can sign up here.

Scholarships Available

We are pleased to offer scholarships again this year! If you are in need of scholarship assistance, please contact Debbie Cameron at the District Office.

ALL first-time attendees will receive a $50 scholarship if registered by March 17, 2026.

Widows will receive $50 off if registered by March 17, 2026.

Dining Options:

• Doubletree -  Riverfront Grille and Lounge
  
  Lunch/Dinner Menu
  Located on the first floor across from hotel lobby
• Lunch/Dinner Menu
• Located on the first floor across from hotel lobby
• Downtown Bay City Dining Options

Sponsors

Church Extension Fund
Michigan District, LCMS
Concordia University Chicago
Tri Star Trust

The Katie Goals and Objectives

• Provide a safe, comfortable time of refreshment and encouragement that encompasses laughter and enjoyment with one another.
• Foster spiritual growth through intentional Bible study and relevant speakers.
• Provide a rich atmosphere for relationship development and support using relational strategies, games, and opportunities for interaction.
• Identify the tensions and challenges that are unique to the role of a pastor’s wife by providing opportunities for conversation and individual support.

Registration is now open.

Deadline to register is March 17, 2026.

Conference Costs
2 Night Conference Rate (Two nights lodging, four meals)

• Single Occupancy $350
  
• Double Occupancy $250
  
• Triple Occupancy $200
  
• Quad Occupancy $180
  

1 Night Conference Rate - available for either Friday or Saturday (One night lodging, three meals)

• Single Occupancy $220
  
• Double Occupancy $160
  
• Triple Occupancy $140
  
• Quad Occupancy $130
  

Commuter Rate

• $130 All Meals
  
• $80 Saturday Lunch and Dinner
  
• $30 Saturday Lunch only

Free Time Activity -
We are offering several free-time activities this year. Sign-up will be included on the registration form. For additional information, see above in the Additional Information section.

- Cardio Drumming - limited to 30 people
- Pebble Art - limited to 20 people
- Visual Faith - Mixed Media Art
- Bracelet Making/Mat Making - no limit
- Hope Sign Craft - no limit
- River Walk - no limit

Throughout the conference this year we are also offering counseling and chair massage. Please see below for more information and sign-ups.