Lutheran Adult Gathering FAQ’s3 min read

What is the Lutheran Adult Gathering?

The Lutheran Adult Gathering (LAG) is a weekend retreat with brothers and sisters of faith who come together from around the region to experience worship, encouragement, education, and time together. It is a chance to see old friends and meet new ones, a chance to be intentional about our faith development, and a chance to step out of the normal busy routines to be refreshed and equipped for daily life.

Who can go to the Gathering?

The Gathering is for adults of any age—whether you are in your twenties, thirties, forties, or older, you are welcome to come!

When is the Gathering in 2024?

The Lutheran Adult Gathering will be held Friday–Sunday, October 11–13, 2024, at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

What is the schedule like?

The schedule of the Gathering varies a little bit each time but begins Friday evening with a short program, a multi-course dinner, fun entertainment, and time to mingle. After a world-class breakfast Saturday morning, attendees enjoy short devotions, worship led by the band, and sessions by our keynote speakers. The afternoon includes free time to enjoy the hotel and activities on Mackinac Island. Saturday evening closes with another multi-course dinner followed by devotion, singing, and entertainment. After breakfast on Sunday, attendees gather for Bible study and worship before it’s time to check out and depart for home.

Why is it held at the Grand Hotel?

The Michigan District’s Lutheran Adult Gathering has a long relationship with the Grand Hotel (almost 40 years!), and we are thankful for the hotel’s willingness to work with the Gathering to keep the cost at a discounted rate. Michiganders know that Mackinac Island is a true gem, and that the Grand Hotel is a world-class destination often out of reach for many vacationers. It is an incredible blessing and opportunity to gather at such a beautiful place.

Do I have to dress up?

Yes and No. Conference attire during the day is business casual, but the Grand Hotel has a dress code for the evenings which includes suit jackets and ties for men and dressy attire for women.

What is included in the cost?

The registration fee and room reservation cost include the following:

-Ferry to and from the Island

-Room for Friday and Saturday nights at the Grand Hotel

-Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and dinner, Sunday breakfast at the Grand Hotel

-Gathering activities and speakers

What is not included in the cost?

-Ferry parking

-Transportation between the docks and the Grand Hotel (if desired)

-Lunch on Saturday

-Souvenirs and fudge

Why should I attend the Lutheran Adult Gathering?

That is a great question! Do you need a break? Do you need encouragement from fellow Christians? Do you like Mackinac Island? Would you like to stay at the Grand Hotel while the Michigan colors are in their full glory? Could you benefit from great times of worship and Bible study? Do you need an evening of laughter? If you answered yes to even a couple of these questions, then the Gathering is a great fit for you. The cost can seem daunting, but the sacrifice of $20–25 a week until the Gathering will be enough to attend. Encourage other friends to attend with you! Maybe this weekend could be a great catalyst for Adult Ministry at your church. What a great celebration it will be when we Gather for “New Beginnings in His Presence” in October 2024!

_{Featured image © sstevens3/iStock; Grand Hotel porch image courtesy of Chad Woltemath}