Fall theological conference

The Southeast Minnesota Synod recently held its annual fall theological conference for pastors and other church leaders.

We gathered in Bloomington and attended four presentations on theological topics ranging from how we relate to scripture to how ministry is changing from decades past. We worshiped each day, with evening prayer on Sunday, remembrance of saints on Monday, and Holy Communion on Tuesday. Here is Bishop Harold Usgaard leading worship on Tuesday morning.





We had time just to socialize, which is always a delight. It was nice to see familiar faces from text study and conference meetings, and to meet new people from around the synod. And it's always great to spend time with fellow interns. We (the interns, that is) even enjoyed breakfast with the bishop one morning.

As a result of that breakfast with the bishop, we interns all got to opening worship just before it started that day, so there wasn't much seating left. We ended up clustered in the front corner. It was like a kiddie table at Thanksgiving but at least we were in good company. Here's my friend and fellow intern, Mat, and the rest of the room from our vantage point.





It was a great chance to gather, and the worship was especially refreshing. As the bishop said at our breakfast, it can be difficult to really worship when you're the one up front having to pay attention to what comes next and where you need to be. So worship opportunities like this are a nice change of pace.