Pakistan Reunion 2024 is history. What about Reunion 2026?
Photo of our dressed-up tribe before the Pakistan Khana on the last evening. (Unfortunately, some people had to leave early.) [Photo credit: Neil Das]
The committee recommends Pakistan Reunion 2026 is in the same location -- Maranatha, Norton Shores, Michigan. The experience at Maranatha was very positive and it will improve the planning process if we don't have to spend 6-9 months researching other options. Instead, we can begin now to plan and improve Reunion 2026 in the same location.
If you wish to weigh-in on this decision and/or if you wish to help, please let me know. pietschsusie@gmail.com
In the meantime, please mark your calendar for Sept 10-14, 2026.
Sharing from Reunion 2024.
MEMORIAL
COMMUNION
COMMUNION
Link to Dropbox folder with recording of memorial service led by Ruthie Nygren Keller.
Link to Dropbox folder with
video of presentation
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nsat8ac2pdkxbwbxica6u/Memorials-
Link to Dropbox folder with recording of memorial service led by Ruthie Nygren Keller.
Link to Dropbox folder with
video of presentation
COMMUNION
COMMUNION
COMMUNION
Link to Dropbox folder with video and audio recordings of meditation by Jon Philbrick.
Link to Dropbox folder with the live recording of the taking of communion together.
Link to Dropbox folder with video and audio recordings of meditation by Jon Philbrick.
Link to Dropbox folder with the live recording of the taking of communion together.
WORSHIP
COMMUNION
WORSHIP
The Sunday morning worship service as led by Derek Tovey.
Link to Dropbox folder with video of Derek introducing himself and preaching the Sunday service. There is also a written version of his sermon.
PHOTOS
COMMUNION
WORSHIP
Many photos have been shared on our Pakistan Fellowship International Facebook group page. Please view there.
We will also invite those who took photographs to share them in a common online platform and then make those available for viewing
I am sure we will also use photos from Reunion 2024 to promote Reunion 2026!.
FEES & CHARGES WILL BE UPDATED FOR 2026
REGISTER
ONSITE: ROOM, MEAL CHARGES & SITE FEE
BASIC REUNION FEE
STEP #1:
REGISTER TO ATTEND, AND CALCULATE FEES/CHARGES.
ONSITE ATTENDEES:
All attendees >4 yrs, staying ONSITE, pay the Reunion Fee and applicable Room/Meal Charge. Onsite boarders do NOT pay the Site Activity Fee. It is included in Room/Meals Charge.
OFFSITE ATTENDEES:
All attendees >4 yrs, staying OFFSITE, pay Reunion Fee + Site Fee + Ch
STEP #1:
REGISTER TO ATTEND, AND CALCULATE FEES/CHARGES.
ONSITE ATTENDEES:
All attendees >4 yrs, staying ONSITE, pay the Reunion Fee and applicable Room/Meal Charge. Onsite boarders do NOT pay the Site Activity Fee. It is included in Room/Meals Charge.
OFFSITE ATTENDEES:
All attendees >4 yrs, staying OFFSITE, pay Reunion Fee + Site Fee + Charges for applicable Meal Tickets.
Registration Form will be here:
STEP #2:
CONFIRM & PAY APPLICABLE FEES AND CHARGES FOR
ROOM/MEALS.
Fees and Room/Meal Charges can be PAID all at once or in two installments.
NOTES:
1) ALL Fees and Charges are paid to "Pakistan Fellowship Int'l" and we are responsible to pay Maranatha. You do not pay Maranatha directly.
2) If you have any questions about Fees/Charges, complete form as best as possible and SUBMIT, and we will contact you to confirm Amount Due.
3) Make your total or first payment right after you register in order to ensure "your spot."
4) Deadline for Registrations and Payment(s) is Aug 16, 2024, or when FULL, whichever is first.
5) Contact us to discuss any other proposed payment plan.
OPTIONS TO PAY:
By Check (ask me for address)
Zelle,
Venmo (+3%),
PayPal (+3%)
STEP #3:
CONFIRM WITH ORGANIZERS
The Reunion Organizers have to confirm final payments and turn-in headcount for meals and assign room/housing, so we will likely need to talk to you.
CONTACT
BASIC REUNION FEE
ONSITE: ROOM, MEAL CHARGES & SITE FEE
BASIC REUNION FEE
BASIC REUNION FEE IS PAID BY ALL ONSITE AND OFFSITE PARTICIPANTS AND VISITORS.
The Reunion Fee is paid by everyone >4 yrs, whether you are staying onsite or offsite or visiting. This fee helps cover costs for Reunion organizing and supplies and the ongoing work of the PFI.
REUNION FEE:
US$70 pp (>4 yrs)
Regular Reunion Fee for registrants
BASIC REUNION FEE IS PAID BY ALL ONSITE AND OFFSITE PARTICIPANTS AND VISITORS.
The Reunion Fee is paid by everyone >4 yrs, whether you are staying onsite or offsite or visiting. This fee helps cover costs for Reunion organizing and supplies and the ongoing work of the PFI.
REUNION FEE:
US$70 pp (>4 yrs)
Regular Reunion Fee for registrants who missed the 'Early Bird' special, but submit and pay before August 16.
LATE REUNION FEE:
The Reunion Fee will likely increase after August 16
IF there is space available.
DAY RATE REUNION FEE:
Those only attending only 1 to 3 days can opt to pay the prorated rate per day per person.
FEES FOR OFFSITE ATTENDEES:
Those who choose to stay offsite or need to stay offsite because we are at capacity still need to pay the Reunion Fee and Site Activity Fee.
(See Offsite Attendees)
* VISITORS ONLY *
Those joining us for any period of time to "visit" must also pay the Reunion Fee and Site Fee for that day. All persons who come onsite are required to Register and Check-in and pay the related Fees, because PFI will be required to pay fees for visitors.
ONSITE: ROOM, MEAL CHARGES & SITE FEE
ONSITE: ROOM, MEAL CHARGES & SITE FEE
ONSITE: ROOM, MEAL CHARGES & SITE FEE
ONSITE ROOM & MEAL CHARGES & SITE FEE ARE COMBINED IN ONE CHARGE FOR ONSITE PARTICIPANTS.
The following charges for the 4-night Reunion include
(a) Site Activity Fee, (b) Room Accommodations, and (c) 10 Meals: Thursday/1 meal, Friday/3 meals, Saturday/3 meals, Sunday/2 meals, Monday/1 meal
[*Prices are updated to 2024 rates and include taxe
ONSITE ROOM & MEAL CHARGES & SITE FEE ARE COMBINED IN ONE CHARGE FOR ONSITE PARTICIPANTS.
The following charges for the 4-night Reunion include
(a) Site Activity Fee, (b) Room Accommodations, and (c) 10 Meals: Thursday/1 meal, Friday/3 meals, Saturday/3 meals, Sunday/2 meals, Monday/1 meal
[*Prices are updated to 2024 rates and include taxes]
[Note: In addition, each person >4 yrs pays the PFI Reunion Fee.]
Single Occupancy Price (Per Adult) for entire Reunion
$491.00
Double Occupancy Price (Per Adult) for entire Reunion
$442
3 or More Occupancy Price (Per Adult) for entire Reunion
$394
Other: Add Teens 15-18 yrs
(Per Teen) for entire Reunion
$394
Add Children Ages 10-14 yrs
(Per Child) for entire Reunion
$356
Add Children Ages 5-9 yrs
(Per Child) for entire Reunion
$287
Children Ages <5 yrs
$0
OFFSITE: SITE FEE & MEALS TICKETS
ONSITE: ROOM, MEAL CHARGES & SITE FEE
ONSITE: ROOM, MEAL CHARGES & SITE FEE
What are the fees and meal charges for Offsite Participants and Visitors?
Offsite Participants should pay the Reunion Fee, Site Activity Fee, and Charges for Meal Tickets for the days they are joining us onsite. Even "Visitors" are required to pay both the Reunion Fee and Site Fee.
DAILY FEE RATE:
Reunion Fee + Site Fees:
$25 per day x 4 da
What are the fees and meal charges for Offsite Participants and Visitors?
Offsite Participants should pay the Reunion Fee, Site Activity Fee, and Charges for Meal Tickets for the days they are joining us onsite. Even "Visitors" are required to pay both the Reunion Fee and Site Fee.
DAILY FEE RATE:
Reunion Fee + Site Fees:
$25 per day x 4 days,
per person >4 yrs
MEAL CHARGES
(per person >4 yrs)
Thursday Meal:
Dinner: $20.95
Friday Meals:
B'fast: $13.75
Lunch: $16.50
Dinner: $20.95
Saturday Meals:
B'fast: $13.75
Lunch: $16.50
Dinner: $20.95
Sunday Meals:
B'fast: $13.75
Lunch: $16.50
[Pakistani Khana Ticket $38.00]
Monday Meal:
Bfast: $13.75
REUNION 5-DAY PACKAGE
Reunion and Site Fee and All Meal Charges can be calculated and provided
(PK Khana Ticket separate)
Questions? Contact:
GETTING THERE, LOGISTICS, AND COMMITTEES
GETTING HERE: AIRPORTS
GETTING HERE: AIRPORTS
GETTING HERE: AIRPORTS
The Muskegon County Airport (MKG) is closest.
Below are other small and major airports near MKG and the distance:
Grand Rapids, MI
(GRR / KGRR)
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Int'l Airport
(AZO / KAZO)
Manistee County-Blacker Airport
(MBL / KMBL)
(LAN / KLAN)
The Muskegon County Airport (MKG) is closest.
Below are other small and major airports near MKG and the distance:
Grand Rapids, MI
(GRR / KGRR)
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Int'l Airport
(AZO / KAZO)
Manistee County-Blacker Airport
(MBL / KMBL)
(LAN / KLAN)
Flint, MI
(FNT / KFNT)
Green Bay, WI
(GRB / KGRB)
Chicago, IL
(MDW / KMDW)
Detroit, MI
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
(DTW / KDTW)
GETTING HERE: DRIVING
GETTING HERE: AIRPORTS
GETTING HERE: AIRPORTS
DRIVING:
We realize many will be driving from within Michigan and from surrounding states and from Canada.
RIDE SHARE:
Please let us know if you are driving and have 1 to 3 empty seats that you are willing to share with other(s) -- in your area OR who live between you and the Reunion OR are arriving at an airport near you.
RENTAL CARS:
Please
DRIVING:
We realize many will be driving from within Michigan and from surrounding states and from Canada.
RIDE SHARE:
Please let us know if you are driving and have 1 to 3 empty seats that you are willing to share with other(s) -- in your area OR who live between you and the Reunion OR are arriving at an airport near you.
RENTAL CARS:
Please let us know if you are renting a car at a nearby airport and are willing to add passenger(s) arriving about the same time.
OTHER:
The organizers will try to set-up a mechanism for Registrants to communicate directly regarding Ride-Sharing.
If necessary, we may arrange a rental car to pick-up Registrants from airports.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
GETTING HERE: AIRPORTS
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Maranatha:
See God’s glory in a stunning Lake Michigan sunset, praying in the prayer tower looking out on the lake, and walking miles of scenic trails are only a few of the things you can see and do at Maranatha during your reunion. Maranatha boasts of 88 acres of recreation that includes an amazing adventure area, access to kayaks, paddle
Maranatha:
See God’s glory in a stunning Lake Michigan sunset, praying in the prayer tower looking out on the lake, and walking miles of scenic trails are only a few of the things you can see and do at Maranatha during your reunion. Maranatha boasts of 88 acres of recreation that includes an amazing adventure area, access to kayaks, paddleboards, tennis and pickleball, mini golf and so much more! Here are just some of the fun things that await you…there is something here for everybody!
Link to Maranatha Map
https://maranathamichigan.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Maranatha-Grounds-Map-with-Directions.pdf
For all things Michigan and other state attractions, visit:
WORK GROUPS
GETTING HERE: AIRPORTS
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
To give input or volunteer for a work group in 2026, please contact pietschsusie@gmail.com
Reunion Core Comm:
Amanda Bagnato, Tom Brown, Eunice Hill, Don Lotze, Susie Pietsch, Deb Rupe, Jon Salmon, Carolyn Stent
Reunion Work Groups:
Others participate on work groups for specific activities.
Forum Advisors,
Speakers & Discussants
and Hosts:
Ja
To give input or volunteer for a work group in 2026, please contact pietschsusie@gmail.com
Reunion Core Comm:
Amanda Bagnato, Tom Brown, Eunice Hill, Don Lotze, Susie Pietsch, Deb Rupe, Jon Salmon, Carolyn Stent
Reunion Work Groups:
Others participate on work groups for specific activities.
Forum Advisors,
Speakers & Discussants
and Hosts:
Jason P, Jonathan M, Rod B.
Speakers: Joanna Beeler, Luke & Nancy Cutherell, Ken Lotze, Paul & Pat Stock;
Hosts: Tom Brown and Don Lotze
Music:
Janet Pittman Wachter, Carol Patzold Berg, and Paul Stock,
with help from
Flute (Rene Valencourt),
Guitar (Glenn Hamm)
Piano (Joyce Bavington)
Worship:
Rod Black, Deb Rupe;
Sunday Service (Derek Tovey), Communion (Jon Philbrick),
Paul Stock (music), and various ones read scripture and led music
Creative:
Sarah DeHart Raiter
Finance:
John Lotze
Promotion:
Carolyn Stent, Susie, Sarah DeHart Raiter (all of us)
Tech/AV:
Brant Meier, Jodie Stock,
with help from others
Registration:
Susie, Amanda (onsite)
PK Treasures Sell & Swap:
Carolyn Stent,
Ruthie Nygren Keller
Memorials:
Ruthie Nygren Keller
Writing Workshop:
Marilyn Brown Gardner
Creative Bazaar:
Sarah DeHart Raiter,
Jodie Stock
Game Night - Icebreakers:
Marg Tebbe Spoelman &
Bruce Spoelman
Fun Night:
Carolyn Stent, Jason P.
Tamasha Variety Show:
Bruce Bagwell, MC
Marg Tebbe Spoelman
PK Khana:
Amanda Hammerlee Bagnato and Gary Bagnato,
Sarah DeHart Raiter
Deb Rupe
Small Groups:
Marty Christy Cosgrove,
Pat Stock
Jodie Stock
Chai Making Contest:
Chai Makers: Neil Das, Tim DeHart, Sarah DeHart Raiter, Deb Whitmer;
Chai Judges: Stan Friesen &
Leslie Christy Valencourt
PFI Director &
Reunion Director
Susie Pietsch-Escueta
ACTIVITIES WE ANTICIPATE WILL CONTINUE IN REUNION 2026.
Chai Making Contest. Taste it!
Please sign-up in advance and prepare if you want to be a Chai Maker or a Taster-Judge. Chai Makers bring their own supplies. We also welcome encouragers and observers. We will use this event for Chai & Biscuits Gathering and Chat over Chai. The most important is to have fun!
Sign-Up: PietschSusie@gmail.com
Pakistani Treasures. Sale & Swap!
Do you have items from Pakistan (or Afghanistan) you’d like to pass on to someone who will appreciate them? Most of us do. That’s why we created the Pakistan Treasures Sale & Swap! (A little like the barter sale but without hours of sewing on labels.)
How it works: Donated items will be priced and displayed at the Reunion. A percentage of the money collected will go to the Pakistan Fellowship International. The rest will go to a project in Pakistan.
Tamasha Variety Show. Stage it!
A range of funny and serious, the Tamasha Variety Show will be divided into two parts:
(Part 1) Teams will compete for "Best at ... [a secret list of activities and memories we share], with an esteemed panel of judges.
(Part 2) Individuals and groups sharing stories, talents, and memories.
Master of Ceremonies: Bruce Bagwell
Creative Bazaar. Display it! Enjoy it!
The Creative Bazaar will feature and offer different booths and handicrafts during the Reunion. The Creative Bazaar will also feature things that you can share and help others create onsite and/or things that you have created before and want to bring to share with others. Do you want to host and help with a craft? Do you want to bring and share a handicraft that you made or a book you wrote? The Creative Bazaar will give priority to items related to or inspired by Pakistan or Afghanistan and handicrafts and hobbies of attending members who want to give-back to Pakistan, but other handicrafts can be featured with approval.
Email the Creative Workgroup to let them know what you want to bring or do for the Creative Bazaar. More information will be provided.
Creative Bazaar Organizers:
Led by Sarah DeHart Raiter
Memorial Service. Remember them!
The Memorial Service on Sunday during the Reunion is the time when we remember those who have passed since our last in-person Reunion.
If you know someone who has passed, please provide this information -- the person's full name, photo, date of birth and date of death, half-page description of their connection to Pakistan and about their life, as well as your name and contact information.
Memorial Service Organizer:
Led by: Ruthie Nygren Keller
Pakistani Khana. Savor it!
The Pakistani Khana on Sunday evening is the closing event of Reunion. -- besides Monday's breakfast and final goodbyes. The food will be provided by the 'Curry House' and the Khana will take place in a theme-decorated room at Maranatha. All attendees are strongly encouraged to wear a full Pakistani or Afghani outfit or at least wear some theme related item(s), e.g., hat or jewelry or shawl. There will be items in Pakistani Treasures or Creative Bazaar to help you prepare for the Pakistan Khana, so don't stress if you don't have something at home to bring.
Khana Organizers:
Amanda Hammerlee Bagnato and Gary Bagnato (Food, Service, Set-up)
Sarah DeHart Raiter and others (Theme Decor)
Deb Rupe (Khana Programme)
Curry Kitchen take-out