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.
Jon Zawodny
Director of Youth and Children's Ministries
My name is Jon Zawodny, and I am thrilled to be the new Director of Children and Youth Ministry! I am excited to join your community and begin caring for the children, youth, and families here. As I step into this role, I want to share a bit about myself and my journey.
I was born in Toledo, OH, and raised in Columbus, OH, where I grew up in a Lutheran Church. My faith journey was shaped by several mentors, including a Sunday School Volunteer, a Youth Pastor, and various youth group volunteers. I served in numerous ministries, such as Vacation Bible School and Middle School Youth Group, which ignited my passion for working with young people. Initially pursuing engineering in college, I soon realized my calling was to support children and youth in their faith journeys.
After interning at my home church and studying Biblical Studies online, I became the Director of High School Ministry at my childhood church. This role provided both growth opportunities and obstacles to overcome. In 2020, I moved to Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Indiana to rebuild their youth program. My wife, Abby, and I later started a non-profit to support youth leaders. Now, I am excited for this new chapter and what God has in store for us. Outside of ministry, I enjoy cooking, reading, video games, and spending time with my wife and our two pitbulls, Rex and Luna.
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!
