Bishops' Theological Conference

September 25-27, 2011, Heartwood Conference Center and Retreat, Trego, Wisconsin

For Rostered Leaders in the Saint Paul Area and Minneapolis Area Synods

The bishops’ theological conference moves to a new venue this year and involves a new format as well.  After six years at Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria, we move to Heartwood Resort and Conference Center. Located about two and one-half hours northeast of the Twin Cities near Trego, Wis., Heartwood served as the retreat campus for Bethany College until several years ago, when it was purchased by an affiliate of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The conference center is nestled in the Northwoods near the Namekagon River, a nationally protected waterway, and provides many of the same amenities as Arrowwood, but in a secluded and quiet setting.

In addition, several options are available for accommodations—in the hotel or, for those who want to be housed in groups, in several duplexes a short distance from the hotel and convention center. Because of the change in venue and other arrangements, we are no longer able to offer options for partial conference or conference only registration. The registration fees will cover the cost of your lodging, the facility fee, and meals.

Because of support from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, the registration fees for this year’s conference are reduced from previous years, and we are hopeful that more of our rostered leaders will take advantage of some time away to build collegial relationships with others and to take advantage of the short courses on Sunday night and hear Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson provide two keynotes on “A Distinctively Lutheran Witness in a Culture of Mistrust.”

Bishop Peter Rogness and Bishop Craig Johnson will host a hospitality hour on Sunday night, and Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson will be available for informal conversation on Monday afternoon. Worship and free time on Monday afternoon for recreational activities around the conference. For more information, check out the schedule and session details>

We encourage you to see this as an important time to both break away from the rushed and the routine and to spend time renewing relationships or becoming acquainted with those with whom you share leadership in our church. Many of you know Mark Hanson from his ministry in both metro synods, and for all this conference provides an occasion to spend prolonged time with our presiding bishop. Plan to participate, to be carried by the strength of the whole, and to be inspired, challenged, stimulated and affirmed by time apart with colleagues. 

Watch the e-newsletter for information on registration later in May.