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October 12-14, 2025

+ Add-On Retreat Time:
Friday-Sunday, October 11-13

Location: Stoney Creek Hotel in La Crosse, WI

Featuring Bishop Leila Ortiz
Bishop of the Metro D.C. Synod, ELCA

Registration

  • Registration will be available online by mid-August.
  • Active pastors and deacons are expected to attend. If you are an active rostered minister in this synod and cannot attend, please contact Bishop Hassanally between September 1 and 15 to discuss. Other synod ministry leaders* and retired rostered ministers are welcome to attend. (*Ministry leaders can include SAMs, TEEMs, and worship and faith formation professionals.)

Lodging

  • You are responsible for lodging, which is not included in event registration.
  • There will be rooms reserved for this event at Stoney Creek Hotel.
  • The hotel has a 24-hour cancellation policy.

Stoney Creek Hotel

  • Located in the La Crosse area of Wisconsin
  • Amenities include: a fitness center, indoor/outdoor pool, and outdoor walking trails
  • Visit their website to learn more: stoneycreekhotels.com/hotel/la-crosse

Schedule

  • Sunday (Oct. 12)
    Registration will open around 4 PM, with dinner and worship provided in the evening.
  • Monday (Oct. 13)
    The day will include speaker sessions, lunch, worship, and workshops.
  • Tuesday (Oct. 14)
    The final day will include speaker sessions and closing worship. We will be done by noon.

Add-On Retreat Time: Friday-Sunday, October 10-12

  • This is optional unstructured time. For those who are looking for some extra time to retreat away from everyday life. This could be on your own, with colleagues/friends, family or not,... this is a chance for you to do what you need.
  • This portion is NOT part of the expectations of rostered ministers. That's why we are calling it an "Add-On"!

What to Bring

While it is up to you to bring what you need, here are a few things that you may not have considered:

  • Reusable drinking vessel(s) for water, coffee, tea, etc.
  • An offering will be received, so plan to bring whatever you may want to participate.
  • Outdoor walking shoes.
  • Layers! The indoor temperatures can fluctuate, so plan accordingly.
  • Note-taking supplies.
Featuring Bishop Leila Ortiz
Keynote Speaker — Bishop of the Metro D.C. Synod, ELCA

Together, we will explore how the Spirit is boldly drawing us into a pneumatological estuary of death and resurrection — a font of muddy, transformative material where what no longer serves us is submerged and new life emerges.

Drawing from Scripture, Lutheran theology, and contemplative practice, we will discover a refreshing opportunity to reclaim our baptismal identity as a source of courage and renewal. We will engage in vital conversations that will invite us to deepen our spiritual leadership and inspire new vision for navigating today's complex ministry challenges. Come eager to be renewed, emboldened, and sent forth with greater clarity about how our baptismal calling empowers truly transformational ministries and speaks life directly into our fractured world. 

Office of the Bishop Contact Person: