Theme: Abiding, Belonging, Creative, Collaborative Congregations (A/B/C3)
June 6, 2026 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Whoever loves a brother or sister abides in the light, and in it there is no cause for stumbling. -1 John 2:10
Engaged members who attend the A/B/C3 will come away with a focused picture of what is actually happening in your context and ignite imaginations in your congregation for community ministry.
What does it mean to belong to an ELCA congregation in Northeastern Iowa? The answer probably depends on which of the 138 congregations you belong to. Each one has a unique story, is uniquely called, uniquely gifted, and differently challenged.
But there are some things we share in common:
Almost 70% of Iowa’s incorporated towns, villages, and counties are currently experiencing significant population decline. This affects people beyond our congregations, encompassing everyone in the community. As communities contract around us, how are we called to be places of abiding and belonging?
The 2026 Northeastern Iowa C3 (Creative Collaborative Congregations) will assist your congregation in locating itself in the realities of our current context and provide resources that will assist in creating communities of belonging. Dr. Megan O’Toole from Iowa Shrink Smart (at ISU) will share demographic trends and ways in which contracting communities are working together to care for one another and make life better for all. We’ll also spend time learning about current trends in ELCA congregations and how we in the Northeastern Iowa Synod are faring.
Our time together will conclude with worship and the recognition of the first cohort to complete the lay-training program.
What: Abiding, Belonging, Creative, Collaborative Congregations (A/B/C3)
When: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday, June 6, 2026
Where: St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, Waverly, IA
Address: 301 1st St NW, Waverly, IA 50677
Who: ELCA congregation members and rostered leaders
Cost: $50. Payment needed at the time of registration. Registration deadline is May 22, 2026. No late registrations or walk ins due to the food order.
