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.
When & Where
Bay City
April 17 - April 19
DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City – RiverfrontOne Wenonah Park Place
Bay City, MI, 48708
Presenters
Keynote Speaker
Shelly Schwalm
Professor Shelly Schwalm, DCE, MFA, is an assistant professor of Christian Ministry at Concordia St. Paul and is the director of their DCE program. Before becoming a professor, Shelly served as a parish DCE and also served for 9 years in campus ministry. Shelly has been a Bible study leader and part of the theological development team for previous LCMS Youth Gatherings. Shelly is also a songwriter. She enjoys the outdoors and being an auntie and godmother.
Free-Time - Mixed Media Art
Ann Gillaspie
Ann is an artist and coach for Visual Faith Ministry. She contributes to VFM through the Visual Church Year Project, speaking at gatherings, and creating art for Bible journaling and bookmarks, etc. She also enjoys teaching “Praying the Stitches.” This is a meditative form of art using slow stitch methods. As Ann stitches, she prays for whatever or whomever God puts on her heart. She frequently will give the small pieces to those she has prayed over. Ann resides in Frankenmuth with her husband Wes and attends St. Michael’s, Richville.
Free Time - River Walk
Deaconess Christie Hansard, RN, P.N., C.M.
Deaconess Christie Hansard, RN, P.N., C.M. has a BSN from Oakland University, an M.A. in Deaconess Studies from Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and a Post Graduate Certification in Bioethics from Concordia University Wisconsin. As a Deaconess Parish Nurse, she serves Faith, Grand Blanc while also serving as the Michigan District Parish Nurse Representative. Part of her responsibility is being an RN Case Manager for Mental Health resources for Commissioned and Ordained Church Workers. Christie currently serves as the chair of the LCMS Parish Nurse Council and on the LCMS MC2 (Commission for Church Worker Care).
Free Time - Pebble Art Craft
Lynné Johnson
Lynné is married to Rev. Randy Johnson and they have 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and a new arrival due in March. Lynné, now retired, worked for 25 years in restaurant management. She learned rock hounding from her maternal grandmother, who loved to collect rocks, glass, and drift woods. Creating Pebble Art is how Lynné shares what she sees when she looks at a rock. Her husband has also asked her to find something to do with all her rocks, since they are out of fruit jars.
Free Time - HOPE Project
Shawn Klingbeil
Shawn has been into crafts since college, muddling with cross stitch, paper crafting, and scrapbooking. She hosts Pinterest Parties for her friends, and crafts when she has time away from her reception job at H&R Block. Shawn has been on the Katie committee for two years with her service of Table Swag and creative favors. She is married to Rev. Kurt Klingbeil and they have three sons and six grandchildren.
Free Time - Bracelet & Mat Making
Pam Warsinski
Pam is a retired RN, pastor’s wife, mother of five and grandmother of two. She has enjoyed serving on the Katie committee for many years. Pam learned about making mats for the homeless while at an LWML event many years ago.
Free Time - Cardio Drumming
Ms. Kheila Knight
Kheila’s Cardio Drumming was established in 2016 and serves the Great Lakes Bay Region. Kheila’s Cardio Drumming is a fun 45-minute workout for all ages and fitness levels. Drum to the beat of the music and burn calories while having FUN!
Counseling
Mrs. Cheryl Spaulding
Cheryl Spaulding, L.M.S.W. has an M.A. in Counseling and certification in Spiritual Direction under Newway Ministries. She provides individual and marriage counseling through Morning Star Ministries. She also leads day retreats for women, an annual women’s weekend retreat, and facilitates support and discipleship groups. She has been in private practice for over 25 years.
Massage Therapist
Trent Bellamy
Trent Bellamy is a skilled massage therapist with a deep passion for sports massage therapy. His expertise in techniques such as deep tissue massage, stretching, and myofascial release allows him to effectively alleviate muscle tension, improve flexibility, and enhance performance. Trent is presently a graduate student instructor on the path to becoming a licensed massage therapy educator.
Massage Therapist
Kerri Gallenbeck
Kerri Gallenbeck is a seasoned licensed massage therapist with six years of expertise in the field. Her journey began with a deep passion for holistic wellness, driving her to help individuals achieve optimal health and well-being. With a diverse skill set and a compassionate approach to healing, Kerri continues to positively impact the lives of her clients. Kerri has spent the past five years instructing at the prestigious Flint School of Therapeutic Massage.
Registration
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 below 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.
Registration
$Various
Pricing based on housing options.
Compassion Ministry
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!
Additional Information
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 5×5 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
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
- 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.