The 2026 Fall Theological Conference will take place in Founder’s Hall on the Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral grounds. [415 W 13th St. Kansas City, MO 64105] There is ample parking at the cathedral. We are also a short walk from the KC Streetcar (Power & Light Stop). The entrance to Founder’s Hall is on the North (13th Street) side of the grounds through the courtyard gate.
Registration/Check-In and Display tables open at 12:30 PM
We are excited to have The Bridge Fair Trade Market back with us this year.
The Conference begins Wednesday Sept. 30 at 1:00 PM
We will have dinner at 5:00 PM followed by time for fellowship.
You are invited to bring a favorite card or board game and stay in Founder’s Hall for conversation and games, head back to the hotel and enjoy the amenities of Aloft, North Kansas City or venture out and explore some of what Kansas City has to offer.
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The Dead Ladies Show (storytelling) $
Thursday morning begins at 9:00 AM with worship.
The worship offering is designated to ministries supporting and caring for our immigrant neighbors.
At 10:00 AM we will examine some of the surrounding Kansas City neighborhoods.
Please wear your walking shoes and dress for the weather! Currently rain is forecast, but it should be ending as we head out and the temperatures should be cool and comfortable.
We will return to Founder’s Hall for lunch and our final session of the conference.
The Conference portion of the gathering concludes at 3:00 PM.
At 3:30 PM we begin the workshop portion of our agenda.
Those who registered for the conference and workshops can join Brittany Torres, Bethany College’s Director of Learning Systems and AI Initiative, for a presentation on artificial intelligence.
Dinner will be at 6:00 PM once again followed by an evening of fellowship, conversation and games. There are already some plans in the works for a group to enjoy trivia night at the Iron District NKC, an outdoor food court and bar built from repurposed shipping containers.
Our final day, Friday, Oct. 1 we will begin at 9:00. The day will include a brief morning prayer and two workshop sessions before everyone heads home.
Everyone will be on their way home by 12:30 PM.
Workshop Descriptions
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.
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
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