2026 Fall Theological Retreat

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We Love: Public Theology in the Ecozoic Age

October 11-13, 2026

+ Add-On Retreat Time:
Friday-Sunday, October 9-11

Location: Stoney Creek Hotel in La Crosse, WI

Resources For Congregations And Leaders

Rostered Minister Commitments

Rev. Dr. Chad Rimmer

Keynote Speaker

The Rev. Dr. Chad Rimmer joined Lenoir-Rhyne as rector and dean of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS) in April 2023. Rimmer is rostered in the ELCA North Carolina Synod, the land and peoples that formed him. In the U.S., he has been an adjunct lecturer at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, United Lutheran Seminary, and served congregations in York, Pennsylvania, and Copenhagen, Denmark. His research interests include the intersection of theology and natural sciences, social ethics, climate justice and aesthetics. At LTSS, Rimmer teaches in the areas of eco-theology and ethics, constructive theology, liturgy and worship. He has authored many books and journal articles.

Rimmer is the parent of two humans and one dog, Lucy. Away from seminary, he is likely backpacking in the mountains, playing guitar, climbing a tree, growing, cooking or running. You are welcome to come hike, jam, climb, till, eat or run… if you can keep up.

Full Biography

Add-On Retreat Time: Friday-Sunday, October 9-11

This is an 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"!

Schedule

A detailed schedule will be made available closer to the event.

Sunday: Registration typically opens around 4 PM, with the program and dinner starting around 6 PM.
Tuesday: Event typically concludes around noon.

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.

Workshops

Will be shared closer to the event.

The 2026 Offering Recipient: IELCO

This year’s Fall Theological Retreat offering will be directed to acute needs among our global companions in the Lutheran Church of Colombia (IELCO). Recent earthquakes have created immediate and serious challenges for displaced families and remote rural communities already facing hardship. In response, IELCO has deployed pastors and lay leaders to provide for emergent humanitarian (food, fresh water, emergency shelter) and spiritual needs of those impacted. Through this offering, we are able to stand alongside our siblings in Christ, sharing resources that will provide tangible support amid these urgent needs.

Give Online Here

Each year, a specific focus for the Fall Theological offering is determined through careful and intentional discernment. As you prepare for this year’s retreat, we invite you to keep this opportunity for generosity and accompaniment in mind.

Registration

Register online now!
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 are rooms reserved for this event at Stoney Creek Hotel at a special rate of $106 per night. (Available through Sep. 15.)
Booking code: SEMNSYNOD26
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