Lay Courses - Lay Preaching Part One (Start April 9th) On Thursday evenings, April 9th through May 14th, 2026, at 6pm CT, St. Paul Lutheran Seminary will be offering an online course on preaching taught by Rev. Randy Freund. This six class session, part one of two lay preaching courses, is designed for people who may be interested in occasional pulpit supply, as well as those who may be sensing a call to ministry and want to explore a bit. Indeed, this class may be just the thing for those who may sense a call into the ministry. In addition to the sessions, students are invited to attend a weekly online text study. Classes will be recorded so making up a missed class will be easy. Contact Jon at jjensen@semlc.org for more info! | |
 | 1517 Regional Conference (May 1-2) Now is the time to get your tickets for this two-day conference in beautiful downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. Featuring rich teaching, music, and fellowship, this conference will reorient you to the limitless grace of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Watch this short video to learn more about 1517 and its mission. |
Theologians of the Cross (May 18-20) 2026 St. Paul Lutheran Seminary Theological Conference May 18-20, 2026, Salisbury, NC This year's presenters are:
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Pastor Pre-Retirement Retreat (August 18) This year's Pre-Retirement Retreat begins Tuesday August 18 at 4 p.m. running through Friday August 21st at 11 a.m.. It will be held at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp in NW Iowa. 1203 Inwan Street, Milford, IA to be exact.
The #1 thing people say each year after they attend the retreat is, "I should have come to this retreat years ago." Pastors after they retired have said, "The Pre-Retirement Retreat helped me so much, it really helped retirement be a smoother transition."
The topics of the retreat are based upon what retired LCMC Pastors have said they wished they knew earlier. Our primary teachers this year are Pastor Steve Abend who specializes in leading Pastors and churches through times of transition. Additionally, we will have two Certified Financial Planners in Tom Luing and Alex Penngelly, both of Capital Management Associates, Inc. Dan Antoine, Rod Quanbeck, Sue and Dave Gunderson, and Martha and John Nelson will also be there to assist.
While it is not required that your spouse be present, we do encourage it so that you can discuss these important matters in a casual setting.
Okoboji Camp provides us with an incredible deal. So we are able to offer the retreat for Pastors at $250, and spouses at $120. In the case of a clergy couple, one comes for $120. This includes 8 meals and 3 nights lodging. If you prefer an individual cabin, that is an additional $125 for the retreat per household. Linens are included for all. Many of the costs are covered by the generosity of the Caring for Pastors Ministry.
Register contact Sue Gunderson. (920) 421-1944 | sue.gunderson61@gmail.com
Other questions or those seeking financial assistance for the retreat, contact John Nelson |
(630) 650-0905 | pastorjpn@gmail.com | |
LCMC Annual Gathering (October 4-7) Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ’s Annual Gathering is a four-day event featuring keynote speakers, worship and Bible study, breakout sessions, vendors and plenty of opportunities for fellowship and networking. Whether you’re new to LCMC, just checking us out for the first time, or a long-time member looking to make new friends and reunite with old ones, the Annual Gathering is the place to be if you're looking to get inspired, get informed, get trained & equipped and get connected with other LCMC-ers! Location: Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines, IA More information forthcoming. Follow the LCMC Gathering website |
