Our 2026 Fall Theological Conference theme is For Such a Time as This.
We will be talking about some basic skills of community organizing and how they can help us better encounter and understand our communities.
Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone of Ahavath Achim Congregation, Wichita, KS, will lead a discussion on the Book of Esther. Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone's rabbinate is devoted to:
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meeting people where they are
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collaborating with partners
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balancing tradition and innovation
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cultivating many of pathways into Jewish learning and living
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centering on our relationships with each other, Torah, and God
This is going to be an interactive experience. We’ll learn the art of the one-to-one meeting, how to map a community, and how to tell the story of what you learn.
We will also have an optional additional day of workshops to allow for more group discussion, hands-on learning, and practical experience.
Workshops I - (9:30 - 10:30 am)
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Companion Synod: Time with Bishop Scheiermann
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Know Your Rights: Accompanying our Immigrant Neighbors
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The Ethics and Efficacy of Artificial Intelligence
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Why Your Church Should be Involved in Community Organizing
Workshops II - (11:00 - Noon)
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PMA & SAM time with Rev. Chad Langdon
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Know Your Rights: Accompanying our Immigrant Neighbors
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The Ethics and Efficacy of Artificial Intelligence
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Why Your Church Should be Involved in Community Organizing
Sept 30 - Oct 2, 2026
Founders Hall
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral
415 W 13th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
(at the Synod Office)
Conference Schedule
Wednesday Sept 30 -
1:00 p.m. - Session I
5:00 p.m. - Dinner
6:00 p.m. - Social and Fellowship
Thursday Oct. 1 -
9:00 a.m. - Worship
10:30 a.m. - Session II
Noon - Lunch
1:00 p.m. - Session III
2:30 p.m. - Closing
Workshop Schedule
Optional
Thursday Oct 1 -
3:30-5:30 p.m. - Use of AI & the Church
6:00 p.m. - Dinner
7:00 p.m. - Social and Fellowship
Friday Oct. 2 -
9:00 a.m. - Morning Prayer
9:30 a.m. - Workshops I
10:30 a.m. - Break
11:00 a.m. - Workshops II
12:10 p.m. - Closing
Companion Synod: Time with Bishop Scheiermann
Three partners from our companion synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Urals, Siberia, and the Far East (ELCUSFE) in Russia, will be with us to share what it has been like to be the church in a time of war, currently relocated to Germany.
Know Your Rights: Accompanying Our Immigrant Neighbors
The Synod Immigration Mission Table will help participants navigate the current immigration crackdown, know what rights we all possess, and walk with immigrants in their communities.
The Ethics and Efficacy of Artificial Intelligence
Bethany College has invested time and resources into understanding the world of Artificial Intelligence and the potential it presents for all of us. Leaders from the college will help us understand how to use AI and the ethical challenges inherent in its use.
Why Your Church Should be Involved in Community Organizing—the power of advocacy
We’ve talked about the tools of organizing—let’s talk about how it can change the world. Join Rabbi Moti Rieber for a look at the ways people of faith are advocating for their neighbors, grounded in their values.
PMA and SAM time with Rev. Chad Langdon
Our parish ministry associates and synod-authorized lay ministers will meet with Bishop’s Associate Chad Langdon and our companion synod partners to talk about ministry in changing times.
Hotel Information: This year, we have arranged a group rate at Aloft by Marriott, North Kansas City. ($149 - $159/night)
While none of the Conference events will take place at the hotel, we encourage you to take advantage of this rate and the opportunity for continued fellowship.
