About us
Welcome to Lake Ann United Methodist Church! We have a long history in the small village of Lake Ann, MI. Did you know that Lake Ann used to be the hub of action? Before Traverse City grew, Lake Ann was a happening place for sawmill activity. If you want to know more you should come to the village and stop by our museum, it's pretty fascinating.
Our church began in a pretty grass-roots way, as folks gathered to discuss their desire for a church. A few strong wills and ideas led to the building of the first church. We now worship in the second building, which was renovated in the 80's. In the late 1990's, after the church experienced quick growth, it was clear that a bigger building was necessary. Our Community Center was finished in 2001 which is now used in many ways.
Our hopes for The Community Center are many and we have started to rent the facility for weddings, receptions, banquets, local groups, and retreats. The Neighborhood Play Group meets there on the 2nd & 4th Friday from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. We also use it for community open-gym, movie nights, and family fun days.
Lake Ann UMC is a place filled with people from all walks of life. We know that being the Body of Christ is about being real with each other. We are people of all ages who work hard and love to play. We'd love to meet you - come on by!
our STAFF:
Pastor Ishmael Kithinji
Pastor Ishmael Kithinji Mathiu, his wife Mercy, son Matt, and daughter Joy, come to us from Meru, Kenya. Ishmael met his wife Mercy as he was studying to become a Methodist Pastor, and she was serving as a Sunday school teacher….it was love at first sight and they married a couple of years after meeting.
In 2018, Ishmael graduated with a Master’s degree in Theological Studies. He served in the North Texas Conference until June of 2021 when he received an appointment to serve in Lake Ann, Michigan at LAUMC. After much prayer and thoughtful consideration, Ishmael and his family made the journey to their new home. We are feeling so blessed to have them as a part of our LAUMC family.
Ishmael loves traveling, meeting new people, listening to various genres of music, and sharing the word of God.
Mercy enjoys singing, painting, walking and looks forward to serving the church community in various roles.
Matt (18) likes swimming, listening to music and exploring the IT/tech world, and he looks forward to serving the church in those capacities.
Joy (14) enjoys acting, dancing, and rock painting, and she is excited to see all of the sights that Northern Michigan has to offer.
LAUMC is blessed and excited to have Pastor Ishmael and his family.
Aaron McBride
Administrative Assistant
Aaron is a lifelong member of the Methodist Church! "To serve this Christ centered, welcoming and genuine Congregation, is truly a blessing!", he says. Make sure you stop and say hi to him in the office. After hours you can find him enjoying the wonderful outdoor bounty the area provides; biking, golfing, kayaking and bowhunting!
