You are invited to attend the Retired Pastors, Wives, and Widows Conference this September at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth. Our theme is “You Are Not Alone: Elijah Under the Broom Tree.” Our main speaker, Dr. Michael Williams, will help us to biblically negotiate challenging times with great hope like Elijah. Additional speakers are Mark and Karen Brandt (“When Prayer Doesn’t Work”) and Stephanie Rummel (“And if Not, God is Still Good”).
When & Where
Frankenmuth
September 2 - September 3
Bavarian Inn Lodge1 Covered Bridge Lane
Frankenmuth, MI, 48734
Presenters
Speaker
Dr. Michael R. Williams
Michael R. Williams currently serves as Chancellor of the University of North Texas System. He previously served as President of the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth (HSC). Before entering higher education leadership, Dr. Williams practiced anesthesiology and critical care medicine in Texas for more than two decades. He completed his clinical training in anesthesiology and critical care medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and the Texas Heart Institute in Houston. From 2008 to 2013, he served as CEO of Hill Country Memorial Hospital. Dr. Williams is also a successful business executive and entrepreneur. He holds an MBA from Duke University and a master’s in health care management from Harvard University. He has founded and led companies across several industries and has served on numerous boards in the private and public sectors.
Speaker
Stephanie Rummel
Stephanie Rummel was born and raised in Frankenmuth. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, majoring in occupational therapy. In addition to working as an OT, Stephanie has coached at St. Lorenz school or Frankenmuth High for over 20 years. She is currently the Athletic Director Secretary at Frankenmuth High School, in addition to being an assistant volleyball and basketball coach. She was married to Greg for over 25 years before he went home to heaven. They have two adult children.
Speaker
Rev. Mark and Karen Brandt
Rev. Mark and Karen Brandt have been married for 50 years. They met at Concordia Lutheran Junior College of Ann Arbor. Karen continued her studies at Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Ill. to become a Lutheran school teacher. Mark served congregations in Nebraska and southwestern Michigan before coming to Frankenmuth in 1990, where he served as senior pastor until his retirement in 2020. He currently serves the District part-time as a District Facilitator and also enjoys helping area pastors by substitute preaching. Karen taught in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Glendora, Saginaw, and Frankenmuth, Mich. She is now retired. The Brandts have five children and seven grandchildren, all of whom live in the state of Michigan.
Registration
Registration will open in June.
Deadline to register is August 3, 2025.
Registration Costs:
Emeriti Pastors: $50/person
Wives & Widows of pastors: $0
Additional costs: Hotel room: $50
Compassion Ministry
In support of the Michigan District Critical Targets, specifically Great Compassion Ministry, the Emeriti Pastors Conference has partnered with Orphan Grain Train.
Wish List:
New underwear and socks for men, women, and children.
Additional Information
Sponsors
Church Extension Fund
Frankenmuth Credit Union
Minnie Miracle Fund
Michigan District, LCMS
Goals
- Provide a 2-day conference for retired pastors, wives, and widows to be informed on various subjects to help them to grow spiritually, socially, and emotionally.
- Help retired pastors, wives, and widows to gather and to enjoy much needed fellowship and to spiritually and emotionally build up and renew one another in Christ.
- Provide a setting for retired pastors, wives, and widows to gather to share life experiences and support one another in Christ.