Witnessing the Unseen
The theme for the South Dakota Synod’s Spring Theological Retreat, 2022 is “Witnessing the Unseen.” What is happening all around us that we cannot or do not see? For instance, scientists know that trillions of neutrinos from the sun are streaming through your body every second—yet, we are unable to see or detect them. Some things escape our attention because we do not have the capacity to see them.
As leaders in the ELCA, we want to be tuned into the world around us. We want to see what is hidden, having our eyes open to become a witness to the unseen. Jesus said to Thomas, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (John 20:29).
The breakout sessions offered during the Spring Theological are designed to open eyes, ears, and hearts to that which is often “unseen” around us. Sessions will focus on topics including missing and indigenous women, human trafficking, mental health support, grief recovery, those experiencing homelessness, vulnerable youth, environmental concerns, and more. Come ready to be challenged! At the Spring Theological, we will be “Witnessing the Unseen”—from the tiniest known particles in the universe to the most pressing societal challenges of our day.
Spring Theological Conference
April 19 – 21, 2022 at the Deadwood Mountain Grand
Deadwood, SD
Hosted by the Bear Butte Conference
About the Conference
The 2022 Spring Theological Conference will be held in Deadwood, SD, and is hosted by the Bear Butte Conference.
Lodging
(605) 578-3330
Surface Tour at the Sanford Underground Research Facility
Sign up for this event is closed.
Sign up for a surface tour of the Yates Hoist Room by special arrangement with the Sanford Underground Research Facility scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, April 20th.
Wear sturdy walking shoes and be ready to put on a hardhat and safety goggles for a chance to see some of the surface operations at SURF, along with the hoistroom that transports people and equipment to the underground lab spaces!
Tour participants will also spend some time at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center with opportunities to discover even more about how scientists are “witnessing the unseen” through the world-class experiments at SURF. This is a unique opportunity with limited capacity.
Sign-up is now closed.
Schedule
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Event Registration at Deadwood Mountain Grand
5:30 pm Dinner Church at Deadwood Mountain Grand
Followed by time with Bishop Hagmaier and Associates
Beer and Hymns Sing with Wake Up Eutychus (Our very own BBC band) at Deadwood Mountain Grand
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Breakfast on your own
9:00 am: Morning Devotions
9:15 – 10:00 am: Keynote Speaker – Mike Headley, Executive Director of the Sanford Underground Research Facility. Deep underground, scientists at Sanford Underground Research Facility search for answers to the most fundamental questions about the universe.
10:15 – 11:00 am: Breakout Session #1 (Multiple choices at Deadwood Mountain Grand)
11:15 am – 12:00 pm: Breakout Session #2 (Multiple choices at Deadwood Mountain Grand)
12:00 pm: Lunch
Wednesday (continued)
Afternoon Open Time – some will require sign up or may have additional costs – Places will vary
- Sanford Underground Research Facility: hoistroom tour, surface tour, and science brief
- Hiking or Biking
- Other possibilities to be announced
5:30 pm: Social Time at Deadwood Mountain Grand
6:30 pm: Dinner with Eliza Blue performing. Eliza is a shepherd, writer and folk singer.
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Breakfast on your own
9:00 – 9:45 am Breakout Session #3 (Multiple choices at Deadwood Mountain Grand)
10:00 – 10:45 am Breakout Session #4 (Multiple choices at Deadwood Mountain Grand)
11:00 – 11:45 am Closing Worship at Deadwood Mountain Grand
Safe travels home
Online Registration
Cost: $100
Registration closes April 4, 2022
