When the world feels confusing, heavy, and loud, where do you find something solid to stand on? Rooted by the River is a one-day pro-life, Christian conference designed to anchor you in God’s Word and equip you to face some of today’s hardest issues. Don’t miss presentations on coping, sexual shame, AI, and better conversations about abortion. Plus a powerful interview with an abortion survivor! You’ll be strengthened to live and speak with courageous, Christ-centered hope right where God has placed you.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:3)

NOTE: The virtual experience for this event will be available after the event date. This is NOT a live viewing.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Rooted by the River is a one-day pro-life Christian conference in Saginaw, Michigan, created to anchor people in God’s Word and equip them to face difficult life and family issues with Christ-centered hope. The event will include biblical teaching, practical ministry encouragement, fellowship, and a Friday evening Center Leadership Event. Your sponsorship helps people stand on the solid hope of Christ in a confusing world.

This conference is designed to:

• Equip Christians to respond faithfully to today’s life issues.
• Encourage pregnancy center staff, volunteers, and ministry leaders.
• Provide practical, gospel-centered teaching for service in church and community.

Sponsors may choose one or more concrete opportunities to support.

• Lunch Sponsor ($1,200) Help provide lunch for approximately 100 attendees.
• Speaker Sponsor ($900) Help cover speaker honoraria, travel, and lodging for conference presenters and the Center Leadership Event speaker.
• Facilities Sponsor ($770) Help underwrite the cost of using the Michigan Lutheran Seminary campus, including facility fees and custodial support.
• AV Sponsor ($600) Help provide the audio-visual support needed for worship, presentations, and teaching throughout the day. The conference will be available after via recordings.
• Center Leadership Event Sponsor ($500) Help support the Friday evening gathering for center and ministry leaders, including snacks, speaker fee, and travel.
• Hospitality Sponsor ($400) Help provide coffee, water, and light refreshments during check-in and breaks.
• Scholarship Sponsor ($250) Help make it possible for individuals or ministry volunteers to attend who may need financial assistance.

Sponsors will be thanked in event materials, during the conference, and on the Christian Life Resources Facebook page. Anonymous sponsorship is also welcome if preferred. To sponsor Rooted by the River, please use the form on the right or contact Michelle with your desired sponsorship opportunity.

Pastor Robert Fleischmann

Pastor Mike Helwig

Joshua Campbell

Claire Culwell

Afternoon Pregnancy Center Affiliate Track

• Safe Support in Difficult Situations: Many women seeking support during pregnancy & after are also navigating domestic abuse, often in ways that are hidden or misunderstood. This session will help volunteers identify red flags, respond safely, and avoid common pitfalls that can unintentionally cause harm. Attendees will leave with simple, practical ways to offer support that reflects God’s heart for the oppressed with greater confidence and care.
• Expert advice from an insurance professional
• Tips for serving clients from a pro-life lawyer
• Pastor Mike Helwig: MDiv, LPC
• Laura Brown: How to have better conversations with those who’ve had an abortion

Rooted by the River Conference Schedule

Friday

• 7:00–8:15 p.m. – Center Leadership Event

Saturday

Morning – General Sessions

• 8:30–9:00 a.m. – Check-In & Coffee
• 9:00–9:30 a.m. – Opening Worship & Pro-Life Message
• 9:30–10:15 a.m. – General Session 1
• 10:15–10:30 a.m. – Morning Break
• 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – General Sessions

Morning general sessions will include a range of presentations and testimonies connected to life issues, Christian care, and ministry encouragement.

Midday

• 12:00–1:00 p.m. – Lunch & Fellowship
• 1:00–1:20 p.m. – Service Project

Afternoon – Two Tracks

• 1:20–1:35 p.m. – Transition to Afternoon Tracks
• 1:35–2:20 p.m. – Afternoon Tracks (Block 1)
  • General Sessions Track – General-audience sessions and discussion opportunities.
  • Affiliate Track – This is for those involved with our affiliated ministries.
• 2:20–2:35 p.m. – Afternoon Break
• 2:35–3:10 p.m. – Afternoon Tracks (Block 2)
  • General Sessions Track – General-audience sessions and discussion opportunities.
  • Affiliate Track – This is for those involved with our affiliated ministries.
• 3:10–3:15 p.m. – Transition to Closing

Afternoon general sessions will include “Life Issues 2026.”

Closing

• 3:15–3:30 p.m. – Additional Announcements, Closing Worship, & Sending

Things to Do

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Spaces

• Hoyt Park – Historic city park with walking areas and ball fields, right by the zoo and Japanese Cultural Center.
• Roethke Park – 75‑acre park with short trails, pond, pool, and picnic areas.
• Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge – Large refuge with nature trails and seasonal wildlife viewing.
• Ojibway Island – Island park near downtown, good for walking and picnics.

Museums and Cultural Stops

• Castle Museum of Saginaw County History – Local history museum in a distinctive “castle” building.
• Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum – Sculpture museum and garden on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University.
• Saginaw Art Museum – Art museum in a historic mansion with gardens.
• Japanese Cultural Center & Tea House – Authentic Japanese garden and tea house near the zoo.

Light Fun and Social Activities

• Stardust Lanes – Bowling, arcade, and laser tag; good for relaxed group outings.
• Saginaw Escape – Escape‑room venue, great for team‑building.
• Dow Event Center – Arena and event venue for concerts, games, and special events.
• Temple Theatre – Restored historic theatre hosting concerts, films, and performances.

Downtown / Food / Coffee Areas

• SVRC Marketplace & Downtown Saginaw Farmers Market – Indoor marketplace with local food and retail vendors; seasonal farmers market outside.
• Saginaw attractions overview (restaurants, bars, and activities in Old Town/downtown) – Regional guide to the main things to do in Saginaw.
• GoGreat Saginaw city page – Visitor guide with attractions, dining, and event info for Saginaw.
• Local coffee shop recommendations (searchable list, e.g., Creation Coffee, Red Eye, etc.) – Good starting point if you want specific shop names.

Quick Photo / Visual Stop

• “Shine Bright Saginaw” Mural – Colorful outdoor mural, easy to access and great for group photos. Shine Bright Saginaw Mural, 105 Lyon St, Saginaw, MI 48602 (Map search: “Shine Bright Saginaw Mural, 105 Lyon St, Saginaw, MI 48602”)

Flyer

Bulletin

Presentation (16:9)