Sometime in the past few weeks, you may have received an invitation to the upcoming Glocal Mission Summit, scheduled for April 30-May 2 in Grand Rapids, MI.  Resonate values this gathering of missional leaders as a place where we can learn together about what others are doing to live into God’s mission and to imagine innovative ways to engage and embrace our local communities that are becoming increasingly diverse and global.
 
This gathering includes leaders from across North America, including some places that are now considered hotspots for COVID-19.  Experts expect that coronavirus cases will worsen and spread. The fear and anxiety of this virus are also genuine in our communities.  Therefore, after much prayer and discernment, we have reluctantly decided to POSTPONE the Glocal Mission Summit.  We believe that this is the best decision to protect the health of travelers, speakers, our host church, and the families of all those involved.
 
Please mark the new dates for Glocal on your calendar now: November 19-21, 2020, at inSpirit Church (Byron Center, MI).  Our theme, “Every One A Sent One,” will include conversations about prayer and the Holy Spirit, encouraging youth and lay leaders, and working with the Diaspora in our communities.  You won’t want to miss the inspirational dialogue you’ll find here with missional leaders like yourself. 
 
We are praying for the places that are affected by this virus, and for the health care professionals, as they deal with the added stress and workload it brings.  We are also praying for the church in these unsettling times, that they may be bearers of shalom in their communities.  May God bring healing and peace.
 
Blessings,
 
Amy Schenkel (Great Lakes Regional Mission Leader)
And the Glocal Mission Summit planning team (Moses Chung, Ruth Padilla-DeBorst, Joel VanDyke, Charles Kim, and Audrey Kinder)