Lutheran Adult Gathering 2026

God’s people are constantly gathering in and going out. When we gather in His presence, He blesses us with the Gospel and sends us out into the world as His disciples who make disciples. Whether this is your first time attending the Gathering or a tradition for your family, we want to ensure that you’ll have a time of rest, relaxation, and renewal on Mackinac Island. There’s no place like it! We’ve compiled some useful information for you to prepare for your getaway, including the Grand Hotel dress code, atmosphere, and accommodations, as well as restaurants and attractions to explore on the island during your free time. Sit back, relax, and enjoy every moment. We’re here for you!

Rev. Bill and Kristin Wangelin <><
LAG Planning Committee Co-Chairs

DRIVING TO SHEPLER’S FERRY SERVICE
Since a Shepler’s Ferry Ticket is included in your registration, the following is written for guests arriving via Shepler’s.

Please make your travel plans according to the schedule online:
www.sheplersferry.com/mackinaw-city-schedule/. You may use either the Mackinaw City or St. Ignace ports.

Guests departing Mackinaw City should proceed directly to Shepler’s gateway for luggage handling and parking information. We suggest targeting a ferry no later than 2:30 p.m.

FERRY TICKETS:
Upon arrival, please inform the Shepler’s attendant of your name and that you are with the Lutheran Adult Gathering group. They will have a list of names! Please note: bike tags are $21 round trip per bike.

LUGGAGE:
Upon checking your luggage with the ferry service en route to the island, your luggage will be tagged and delivered right to your hotel room at the Grand Hotel. However, it can take up to three hours before your luggage is delivered, so pack accordingly if you plan on arriving close to 6 p.m. (dress options). Upon check-in, you’ll present your luggage tags to the front desk. Please follow the in-room instructions provided for luggage on your return to the mainland.

Please note that an added fee of $16 per person applies for the round-trip transfer of luggage (paid to the Grand Hotel through your lodging bill).

PARKING AT SHEPLER’S:
Overnight guests have two options for parking in both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. On-site Premium Parking at the ferry dock is $50/night [SUN-WED] and $75/night [TH-SAT] and based on availability at time of arrival. Off-site Standard Parking is $25/night and is a few blocks down the street, with complimentary shuttle service to and from the lot. All parking lots are gated and require you to pull a time-stamped gate ticket upon entry. This gate ticket needs to be paid in full prior to exiting the lot. Payment can be done via QR code, from a pay station, or at the ticket office. If paying at the ticket office, you must present your physical gate pass or a photo of it in order for it to be validated for you.

GETTING TO THE GRAND HOTEL FROM THE BOAT DOCK:
The Grand Hotel is a 15–20 minute walk from the ferry docks, so many Gathering attendees may prefer to travel by horse-drawn taxi service. The fare is $9 (cash only) per person from the dock to the Grand Hotel. For walking, hiking, and biking maps of the island, please see the island maps.

CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT:
Check-in time at the Grand Hotel is 4 p.m. and check-out time is 11 a.m.

Before You Go Zoom Meeting - Sept 20, 2026

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DRESS CODE:
Since Grand Hotel is a resort, management wants all guests to feel at ease and dress comfortably. During the day, casual resort clothing is appropriate. Prior to 6:30 p.m., please no midriff-baring tops, sweatpants, or cut-off shorts for ladies. For gentlemen, no sleeveless shirts, sweatpants, or cut-off shorts.
Every evening at Grand Hotel is a special occasion. After 6:30 p.m. dresses, skirts, blouses, dress sweaters, and dress slacks for ladies are preferred, while gentlemen are required to wear a suit or sport coat, necktie, and dress pants (no denim or shorts). This applies for all areas inside the hotel with the exception of the Cupola Bar.

PREPARING FOR THE WEATHER:
Lutheran Adult Gathering attendees have experienced temperatures on Mackinac Island from 30° to 70° F. Please check the weather and pack suitable clothing and footwear for activities on and around the island.

GATHERING ATMOSPHERE & WHAT TO EXPECT:
The Gathering is meant to inspire a sense of fellowship and faith-building among fellow Christians. The Grand Hotel adds relaxation, serenity, and a sense of rejuvenation that is unparalleled. Don’t be intimidated by the sophistication the Grand’s reputation brings; the atmosphere is very warm, welcoming, and inviting to newcomers.

Questions?
About the Grand Hotel? Please feel free to go to www.grandhotel.com, especially the FAQs at www.grandhotel.com/our-story/faq/

About Mackinac Island? Visit www.mackinacisland.org/

About the gathering? Contact Debbie Cameron at debra.cameron@michigandistrict.org or 734.213.3234.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026

3–5 p.m. | Registration / Check-in | Hotel Lobby

6 p.m. | Dinner Service Opens | Main Dining Room

8:15 p.m. | Pre-Assembly Music – 100 White Flags | Theatre

8:30 p.m. | Opening Devotion – Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti with 100 White Flags | Theatre

8:45 p.m. | Keynote Speaker – Rev. Greg Finke | Theatre

9:45 p.m. | Closing Prayer

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026

7:30 a.m. | Breakfast Service Opens | Main Dining Room

9:30 a.m. | Opening Devotion – Rev. Bill Wangelin with 100 White Flags | Theatre

9:40 a.m. | Keynote Speaker – Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti | Theatre

10:40 a.m. | Sponsor - Concordia University, St. Paul – Rev. Dr. Mark Koschmann | Theatre

10:45 a.m. | Break

11 a.m. | Sponsor - Church Extension Fund | Theatre

11:30 a.m. | Keynote Speaker - Rev. Greg Finke | Theatre

12:30 p.m. | Announcements - Lunch on own / afternoon free

Saturday Optional activities

Enjoy the Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island On Your Own!

Or Participate in Grand Hotel Activities

6 a.m.–10 p.m. | Fitness Center at Esthers | Esther Williams Swimming Pool

7 a.m.–Dusk | Grand Nine Golf ($30 with Cart) | The Jewel

8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Woods Nine Golf ($30 with Cart) | The Jewel

8 a.m.–6 p.m. | Mackinac Market

9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Retail

9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Spa (by Appointment)

9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Carriage Museum | Grand Hotel Stables & Antique Carriage Museum

9 a.m.–7 p.m. | Bicycle Rental ($) | Woodlands Activity Center

9 a.m.–8 p.m. | The Gem Mini Golf ($) | Woodlands Activity Center

10 a.m. | Lecture with Grand Hotel Resident Historian | West Front Porch

10 a.m.–6 p.m. | Lawn & Court Games | Tea Garden

10 a.m.–8 p.m. | Poolside | Esther Williams Swimming Pool

1 p.m. | Hole in 1 Challenge at the Gem | Woodlands Activity Center

2 p.m. | Lecture/Tour with Grand Hotel Resident Historian ($) sign-up required | Concierge Desk

3 p.m. | Meet the Grand Hotel Horses & Coachman | Front Steps

3:30 p.m. | Afternoon Tea with the Resident Musician ($) | Parlor

3:30 p.m. | Walk to the Stables | Pro Shop

4 p.m. | Grand Hotel Kitchen Tour & Wine Experience ($) sign-up required | | Concierge Desk

4:30 p.m. | Trivia | Geranium Bar

Various times | College Football | Gate House

Saturday Evening Activities

5–6 p.m. | Reception | Terrace Room

6 p.m. | Dinner Service Opens | Main Dining Room

8:30 p.m. | Entertainment – Tanner Olson with 100 White Flags | Theatre

Closing Prayer | Theatre

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026

7:30 a.m. | Breakfast Service Opens | Main Dining Room

9 a.m. | Bible Study – Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti | Theatre

10 a.m. | Closing Worship – President David A. Davis, preacher | Theatre

11 a.m. | Hotel Check-out

Gathering Speakers

Rev. Greg Finke

Rev. Greg Finke is the founder and Executive Director of Dwelling 1:14 and author of the “Joining Jesus” series Joining Jesus on His Mission, Joining Jesus—Show Me How, Joining Jesus as a Family. Dwelling 1:14 is a non-profit which offers training experiences for congregations to become more effective in mission, discipleship, and multiplication. Before founding Dwelling 1:14 in 2011, Greg had been the senior pastor of Messiah in Midland, Mich. and Gloria Dei in Houston, Texas. Greg and his wife, Susan, currently enjoy life as neighborhood missionaries in St. Paul, Minn.

Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti | Speaker

Ryan Tinetti is assistant professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He is the author of the books The Quiet Ambition and Preaching by Heart, and writes regularly on his blog, News From Across the Seas (ryantinetti.substack.com). He and his wife, Anne, live with their four children on the campus of the seminary.

Mr. Tanner Olson | Entertainment

Tanner Olson is an author, spoken word poet, and speaker. He travels across the country sharing poetry and telling stories of grace and hope. His work has been described as “hopefully unique and inviting” as it blends faith, humor, and curiosity. Tanner is the author of multiple books. He lives in Nashville, Tenn., with his wife, Sarah, their son, Judah, and their dog, Pancake. You can find him on Instagram (@writtentospeak), on Substack, or at writtentospeak.com.

100 White Flags | Music Leaders

100 White Flags was forged, 17 years ago, in the belly of a one-car garage in Minneapolis, Minn. Paul, Beth, and Jeromy had all served in ministry bands with Youth Encounter dating back to the late 20th Century. Since then, Paul and Beth separately have been worship leaders for churches and camps. After coming together, 100 White Flags has traveled across the United States leading worship and performing for weekend youth events, Christian Festivals, retreats, coffee houses, and special concerts. Stylistically, they have ranged between folk campfire acoustic ballads to alternative rock. For the band, it’s about sharing the hope and love of Christ on and off stage.

There are many island activities and attractions for your free time.

Afternoon Tea
A timeless tradition for more than 100 years, Afternoon Tea takes place every day in the hotel’s Parlor. In the 1840s, Afternoon Tea became popular as an activity to break up the day and provide a snack between lunch and dinner. Today at Grand Hotel, you can take part in this tradition each day between 3:30 and 5:00 pm. Tea is accompanied by live music. ($65 / adult)

Astor’s Salon
A full-service Aveda Salon & Spa for anyone in need of a little pampering. Located in the Grand Hotel. Please call for an appointment.

Bike Rentals
Bicycles can be rented at the Woodlands Activity Center near the pool house at the Grand Hotel for $18/hour. For trail maps view Map 2.

Carriage Tours
Please see the hotel concierge to arrange group or private carriage tours. $64 for four hours.

Fort Mackinac
Exhibiting remnants from the very first babble on American soil of the War of 1812, Fort Mackinac has conserved 14 original buildings. Exhibits and demonstrations by guides dressed in period costumes are an added measure of fun. Admission is $17.50/adult. Located on the bluff above Marquette Park.

Golf
Gathering participants staying at the Grand Hotel can enjoy $30 green fees per nine holes at The Jewel, including cart. In addition to The Jewel at the Grand Hotel, Mission Pointe Resort also holds a unique set of links. The Greens of Mackinac is a fun and laid-back 18-hole putting course complete with real bent grass greens. With the cost at just $17/adult, get your beverage “to go” and putt your way through the course while taking in the serene views of the Straits of Mackinac. Call 906.847.3007 for hours and information.

Grand Stables
A short distance from the Grand Hotel are the Grand Hotel Stables. Explore the 8,700 sq. ft. stable with 12 horses.

Lawn Games
The Grand Hotel Tea Garden is the perfect setting for croquet and bocce ball. All equipment is provided free of charge for guests, and can be obtained at the playing area near the swimming pool.

Live Music
There are several locations throughout the hotel offering live music on a daily basis. See the Grand Hotel’s complete schedule here. Includes harp, piano, the Grand Hotel orchestra, and more. www.grandhotel.com/activities/live-music/#modal-popup

Mackinac Island State Park
Established originally as America’s second National Park in 1875 (Yellowstone was established in 1872), Mackinac Island State Park was reorganized under the state’s control in 1895. It encompasses 80% of the land on the island and is free of charge. Miles of trails, paths, and scenic treasures lie ahead of your adventure.

Miniature Golf
Enjoy The Gem, an 18-hole miniature golf course designed to blend in with the natural surroundings of the grounds of Grand Hotel. $16/adult at the Woodlands Activity Center.

It would be far too excessive to list all of the excellent restaurant options God has blessed Mackinac Island with, so here are the top ten favorites among the island goers. Please note that the dollar signs coincide with the particular restaurant’s prices. ($ = very affordable; $$$ = more expensive)

The Gate House: American Cuisine
$$ - 1547 Grand Avenue

The Grand Hotel Luncheon Buffet: American Cuisine, Gluten-free options
$$ - Inside the Grand Hotel

Cupola Bar: American Cuisine, Bar
$ - Located on the 4th floor of the Grand Hotel

1852 Grill Room: American Cuisine, Gluten-Free options
$$$$ - 6966 Main St. (Part of Island House—Sunday is last day of season)

Seabiscuit Café: American Cuisine, Sandwiches/Subs
$$$ - 7337 Main St.

Horn’s Gaslight Bar: Southwestern & American Fare
$$ - 7300 Main St.

Millie’s On Main: American Cuisine (Open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
$$ - 7294 Main St.

Pink Pony: American, Modern Cuisine, Waterfront
$$$ - 7221 Main St. (Part of Chippewa Hotel)

Yankee Rebel Tavern: American Cuisine
$$$ - 1493 Astor St.

Doud’s Market: American Cuisine, Delicatessen
$$ - 7200 Main St.

The Chuck Wagon: Burgers, Breakfast/Brunch
$ - 7400 Main St.

If nothing above strikes your fancy, consider one of these top-rated eateries on Mackinac Island:

Fort Mackinac Tea Room: Exceptional view;
Admission to the Fort is required
$$ - Open for lunch only; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.;
Located on the patio of the Officers Stone Quarters; 7127 Huron Rd.

Cannonball Drive Inn:
Casual, American Cuisine, Roadside stop, Outdoor seating
$$ - 7641 British Landing Rd.

Original Murdick’s Fudge:
Homemade fudge
$ - 7363 Main St.

Joann’s Fudge Shop:
Dessert shop, Homemade fudge
$ - 7309 Main St.

Our worship offering this year will support CrossPointe Center for the Trades.