Iowa District West-LCMS

09/06/2026

09/05/2026

Registration Deadlines Are Approaching!

Iowa District West youth events are right around the corner, and now is the time to get signed up!

Senior High Youth Gathering 📅 October 3-4, 2026 (Optional early arrival October 2) 📍 Camp Okoboji ✨ Theme: Unshakable Light (John 8:12) 🎤 Featuring Pastor Ryan Roehrig & DCE Hailey Jo Miller 👥 Grades 9-12 💲 $90 (1 night) | $120 (2 nights) ***REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 15!
https://iowadistrictwestlcms.regfox.com/2026-iowa-district-west-senior-high-youth-gathering-

Junior Youth Gathering 📅 October 24-25, 2026 📍 Sheraton Hotel, West Des Moines 🎤 Keynote Speaker: Pastor Andrew Noble ✨ Grades 6-8 - Theme: Love God + Love People ***REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 22!
https://iowadistrictwestlcms.regfox.com/2026-iowa-district-west-junior-youth-gathering-

These events are incredible opportunities for youth to grow in faith, build friendships, and connect with fellow believers from across Iowa District West.

✅ Check with your church youth leader or pastor ✅ Complete your registration soon ✅ Don't miss out!

09/04/2026

Join us for the Conflict & Difficult Conversations Workshop on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Iowa District West Office in Fort Dodge.

This FREE workshop will equip church workers and laity with practical, research-based communication tools and Biblical principles to:

✅ Navigate conflict constructively
✅ Address difficult conversations calmly and effectively
✅ Strengthen relationships in families, workplaces, and congregations
✅ Apply Christ-centered approaches to communication

🎙 Presenter: Rev. Dr. Todd Jenks Pastor, educator, and communication expert with more than 30 years of experience.

📍 Iowa District West Office 409 Kenyon Rd., Suite B, Fort Dodge

09/04/2026

Save the Date!

The Iowa District West Swaddling Clothes Convocation is coming to Sac City!

October 18
3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
St. Paul's Lutheran Church

An afternoon of prayer, learning, networking, and encouragement for everyone involved in or interested in the Swaddling Clothes Ministry. Meal provided

RSVP: 651-295-7590 | [email protected]

09/03/2026

The 2026 Administrative Assistants Conference is designed to encourage and equip those who faithfully serve behind the scenes in ministry every day.

📅 September 29, 2026 📍 St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fort Dodge

Join us for: ☕ Breakfast, lunch, and snacks 🤝 Networking with ministry professionals 🎵 Special music 🎁 Door prizes 🛍️ Vendors and resources 📖 Faith-filled encouragement

Early registration is just $40 through September 8.

We can't wait to spend the day with you as we celebrate God's work through ministry assistants and administrative professionals.

09/02/2026

Join the SoCal Mission Trip from December 28 to January 3 and experience a week filled with service, fellowship, faith, and fun!

You'll help decorate a Rose Parade float, spend time with LOT318 youth, enjoy daily devotions, visit Concordia Irvine, and have a front-row seat for one of the nation's most iconic parades.

✅ Flight, hotel, transportation, and most meals included.

💲 Cost: $2,000 per person 📅 Deposit due October 2

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to make a difference and create lasting memories!

📧 Contact: [email protected]

09/02/2026

Pastor Wives Retreat 2026: Health, Healing & Hope

Take a break from the demands of ministry and join us for a refreshing weekend focused on spiritual, emotional, and mental wellness.

📖 "For we are His workmanship..." – Ephesians 2:10

✨ Guest Speaker: Diane Bahn
📅 October 9-11, 2026
📍 Camp Okoboji, Milford, IA
💲 Cost: $75

Enjoy: • Encouraging fellowship with other pastor wives
• Guided painting activities
• Relaxation and personal reflection time
• Counseling support throughout the weekend
• Delicious meals and meaningful conversations

Come discover renewed hope, healing, and a deeper understanding of God's purpose for your life.

⏰ Registration Deadline: September 8

08/27/2026

You keep the office running, support ministry leaders, solve problems, and serve faithfully behind the scenes every day.

Now it's your turn to be encouraged.

Join ministry assistant professionals from across Iowa District West for the 2026 Administrative Assistants Conference, featuring keynote speaker Shannon Zetterlund and inspiring sessions focused on:

❤️ Rejoicing in Hope
🙏 Patient in Tribulation
✨ Continuing Steadfastly in Prayer

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11

📅 September 29, 2026
📍 Fort Dodge, Iowa

Register by September 8 for discounted pricing!

08/26/2026

Are you a pastor's wife?

Join us October 9-11 at beautiful Camp Okoboji for a retreat centered on faith, fellowship, and renewal. Throughout the weekend, you'll enjoy:

✅ Inspiring sessions with Diane Bahn
✅ Optional counseling support from licensed counselor Angela Kolbaum
✅ Guided painting activity
✅ Fellowship and games
✅ Quiet spaces for reflection and relaxation
✅ Delicious meals and snacks

Whether you're seeking rest, friendship, renewed purpose, or simply time away, this retreat is designed especially for you.

📍 Camp Okoboji, Milford, IA
📅 October 9-11
💲 $75 Registration Fee
⏳ Registration Deadline: September 8

Come experience a weekend of restoration for your body and soul.

08/25/2026

Join us for Engaged in Mission: Congregation and Community!

Pastors and lay leaders are invited to gather for two days of learning, discussion, and encouragement as we explore how God calls us to engage our communities with the Gospel.

September 18-19
St. Paul Lutheran Church
1844 Highland Dr., Carroll, IA 51401

Featuring: • Rev. Dr. Quintin Cundiff, LCMS Director of Church Planting
• Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe, LCMS Director of Discipleship