Join us for our synod’s annual learning gathering of pastors, deacons and lay leaders from across Southeast Wisconsin! Together we’ll worship, celebrate our partnership in the Gospel, and attend workshops on a variety of ministry topics.
2026 will be the year of Collaboration in the synod, focusing on the fourth of our synod’s core values. One of the ways we will be exploring this theme is through the design and production of a synod mural. This process will be led by Tia Richardson, who will introduce the design process during the opening presentation at Together in Mission, which will include viewing a documentary film about a similar project she led in Rockford, IL. All TiM participants have the opportunity to register for one of two design workshops that will take place that morning and afternoon. Additional opportunities to help design and produce the mural will be announced on February 7.
New this year!
Our worship service will be a Lunch Church service led by Rev. Sarah Stumme and Rev. Jaime Larson McLoone. We’ve set aside time for you to find your box lunch and then join in this worship service scheduled for 11:30 am.
Lunch Church (or Dinner Church) is a table-centered expression of church where community, hospitality, and the story of Jesus come together over a shared meal. Rooted in the practices of Jesus and the early church, it creates sacred space for strangers to become friends, stories to be shared, and lives to be transformed. More than a potluck, Lunch Church reimagines the meal as mission—forming new faith communities around the table, not the stage. (From the Fresh Expressions website)
Featured Speaker: Tia Richardson
Tia Richardson
Tia Richardson is an integrative community artist, focusing her efforts as an artist-in-residence for schools, community organizations, places of worship, and nonprofits. As an integrated community artist, she facilitates holistic visual arts programs (e.g. book-making, illustration, story-writing, community-led murals) for youth and adults using a team-building framework. She often incorporates therapeutic techniques such as group rhythm, son, movement, and visual arts; as well as restorative practices like talking circles.
Tia has a certification in Trauma-Informed Care from First Aid Arts and has worked with and in a variety of settings, including public schools, social services agencies, neighborhood organizations, the juvenile justice system, after-care centers, and grassroots collectives. Her project themes have ranged from creative community empowerment to positive self-esteem to environmental awareness and academics.
Agenda
8:00 am – Registration opens
8:30 am – Opening Presentation
9:30 am – Announcements
9:45 am – Break
10:00 am – Morning Workshops
11:15 am – Transition to Lunch
11:30 am – Lunch Church
12:45 pm – Conference Gatherings*
1:15 pm – Break
1:30 pm – Afternoon Workshops
2:45 pm – Sending
