Southeastern Iowa Women of the ELCA Gathering
All women are invited to take part in the 38th Annual Gathering of the Southeastern Iowa Women of the ELCA on Saturday, September 26, from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Church in Iowa City. It will be a full day of worship, learning, fellowship, and inspiration centered on the theme I AM WORTHY. This gathering offers a meaningful chance to connect with women from across the region and reflect on the deep worth and belovedness each person carries.
To register, download the registration form using the button below, print it, and mail it in by Friday, September 11.
The day will include a silent auction. You’re invited to bring an item to contribute—crafts, books, theme baskets, or other creative offerings are all welcome.
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Register for the Fall Gathering
The Southeastern Iowa Synod will gather for worship, learning, fellowship, and connection at the 2026 Synod Fall Gathering, held September 27–30, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport. Registration is open now.
The gathering will officially begin with dinner at 5:00 PM on Sunday, September 27, and conclude at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, September 29. Centered on the theme of Storytelling and Story Sharing, participants will explore stories from Scripture and their own lives of faith. The event will feature keynote leaders Rolf Jacobson (Luther Seminary) and Melissa Wiginton (Austin Presbyterian Seminary), along with musical fellowship from The Fleshpots of Egypt.
This gathering is open to all pastors and deacons who are serving in calls, SAMs, interns, and lay ministry professionals.
A block of 25 guest rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn & Suites Davenport (4215 Elmore Avenue) and will be available until Tuesday, September 8. To reserve a room, please contact the hotel directly at 563-344-2900.
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Boundaries Education Registration Open
Synods in Region 5 of the ELCA are collaborating on this year’s Boundaries Education focusing on racial justice on Thursday, November 5, from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, with lunch provided. Sessions will be held simultaneously in various locations in synods throughout the region. This training is required for rostered ministers in a call or interim call, but is also open to interns, SAMs, professional ministry staff, and faith formation staff.
In the Southeastern Iowa Synod, locations for the sessions include:
Bethesda Lutheran Church, Ames
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clinton
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Iowa City
Click the button below to learn more about the day's facilitator and register to attend by Thursday, October 22, at 12:00 PM.
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Ordination Anniversary
On September 5, Pastor Terese TouVelle celebrates the 10th anniversary of her ordination. Pastor Terese has served the Footbridge Nonprofit organization in Bettendorf since 2016. We give God thanks for Pastor Terese's service to and care for those in need.
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Job Opening: Part-Time Visitation Pastor
Windsor Heights Lutheran Church is searching for a part-time Visitation Pastor to join their staff. View the job description by clicking the button below.
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Text Studies for Narrative & Revised Common Lectionaries
Resurrection Lutheran in Ankeny is hosting a weekly text study for both the Narrative and Revised Common Lectionaries, starting tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1. The text study is open to all area preachers and meets each Tuesday to discuss the Revised Common Lectionary texts from 9:30–10:00 AM and the Narrative Lectionary texts from 10:30–11:00 AM. Between the discussions, participants are welcome to enjoy coffee and conversation.
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JUSTmove Learning Cohort for Faith Leaders
Introducing an 8-week program beginning on Tuesday, September 8, designed to connect and equip faith leaders with tools and resources to catalyze transformation in their congregations by looking at how to “work for peace and justice in all the earth” and proclaim God’s welcome for ALL people without tearing congregations apart or being accused of being “too political”?
During this engaging 8-week learning cohort, participants will...
CONNECT with other pastors who are willing to share best practices
UNPACK our own real issues as they arise in real time with real people
EXPLORE topics of Culture, Power, and Race (CPR) with a biblical lens
LEARN developmentally appropriate frameworks for leading social change
IDENTIFY goals and next steps for ourselves and our organizations
Click below to learn more and register.
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St. Catherine Dialogue Series
St. Catherine of Siena Church and Student Center at Drake University in Des Moines will kick off its third Dialogue Series on Sunday, September 20, at 2:00 PM with keynote speaker Dr. Diana Butler Bass in the Sheslow Auditorium. Her free public talk, “God and Caesar: A Different Path,” explores how Americans can navigate today’s political and religious tensions with clarity and hope. Register through the button below.
Dr. Butler Bass is a nationally recognized author and commentator on spirituality, culture, and public life, with work featured in major media outlets. All are welcome to attend.
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More Resources for Care for Creation Sunday
The ELCA has published additional resources for the new festival, Care for Creation Sunday. Click below to view them.
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For the People
- For Pastor Nancy Pick and her spouse, Warren
- For Pastor Clark Olson-Smith
- For Pastor Kathleen Wohlers
- For Pastor Melissa Waterman
- For Pastor Mike Massa's spouse, Kathy
- For Pastor Barbara Hayden
- For Deacon Heidi Larson's daughter, Maggie
- For Pastor Andrea Myers
- For Pastor Eliezer Ortiz's spouse, Rebecca
- For an end to conflicts and violence in the world, including in our own communities
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For the Grieving
- For Pastor Robin Coughennower at the death of her spouse, Steve
- For the family of Bishop-Emeritus Steven Ullestad, former bishop of the Northeastern Iowa Synod, at his death
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