Cornucopia! 2025 Fall Theological Conference
Preaching Christ Crucified in Year A and These Times
September 14, 2025 – September 16, 2025
Mitchell, SD
The 2025 Fall Theological Conference will be held September 14-16 in Mitchell, SD. The featured speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Troy Troftgruben, Associate Professor of New Testament and the William A. & John E. Wagner Professor in Biblical Theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary. Professor Troftgruben will speak on the theme “Preaching Christ Crucified in Year A and These Times.“
About the Rev. Dr. Troy Troftgruben
Before joining the faculty at Wartburg in 2013, Troy served for five years as a pastor in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He also served as adjunct instructor of religion at the University of North Dakota. Troy enjoys teaching with technology, whether online, residentially, or in hybrid formats. His areas of interest are Luke and Acts, early church communities, and Matthew. By vocation, Troy sees himself as a pastor, just one with a specialized call: the formation of church leaders through Wartburg Seminary. He is married to Maria, and together they have two children. Outside of work, Troy enjoys playing music, biking, being outdoors, cooking, and practicing the discipline of hope by following Minnesota sports teams and the Chicago Cubs.
Check out his professional website at troytroftgruben.com. His academia website can be found at https://troytroftgruben.academia.edu.
Speaker:
Rev. Dr. Troy Troftgruben
Associate Professor of New Testament
The William A. & John E. Wagner Professor in Biblical Theology
About the Conference
The 2025 Fall Theological Conference will be held in person at Lutheran Memorial Church in Mitchell, SD.
Lodging
Each registrant is responsible for making lodging arrangements. There are blocks of rooms available for the Conference at three hotels in Mitchell. First, there is a block of rooms available at the Hampton Inn (1920 Highland Way, Mitchell, SD 57301) held under “SD Synod Lutheran Conf.” The cost for a Single or Double occupancy Standard Room is $144.00 plus tax. Room reservations must be made by August 14th. Each registrant is responsible for making lodging arrangements. Call 605-995-1575.
Another block of rooms is available at the Comfort Inn & Suites (2020 Highland Way, Mitchell, SD 57301) under “Fall Theological.” The cost for a 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Bed room is $125. Room reservations must be made by August 14th. Call 605-990-2400.
Finally, there is a discounted room rate available at My Place Hotel (618 E Spruce St, Mitchell, SD 57301). You can receive a 15% discount using the following booking link: SD Synod ELCA/Fall – My Place Hotels. Call 605-597-7757.
Optional Activities
There are optional activities you can participate in on Monday, September 15, in the afternoon, including:
- Golfing at Lakeview Golf Course
- Lake Hike at Lake Mitchell
- Group Spiritual Direction/Meditation and Centering Time led by Pastor Emily Munger
Schedule
Sunday, Sept. 14th
- We will also recognize Rostered Ministers/SAMs/Seminarians new to the SD Synod.
7:00 PM Casual Gathering at Palace City Brewing Co., 227 W Railroad Ave, Mitchell, SD 57301
- Food/Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.
Monday, Sept. 15th:
9:00 AM Opening Prayer/State of the Synod – Gathering Place
- Bishop Constanze Hagmaier
- Pr. Renee Splichal Larson, Associate to the Bishop
- Pr. Jonathan Vehar, DEM/Associate to the Bishop
9:30 AM Session I: Rev. Dr. Troy Troftgruben – Gathering Place
10:30 AM Coffee Break – Fellowship Hall
11:00 AM Session II: Rev. Dr. Troy Troftgruben – Gathering Place
Monday, Sept. 16th (continued):
12:15 PM – Lutherans Outdoors in SD Update – Jim Jacobsen, Executive Director
12:30 PM Lunch (Subway) – Fellowship Hall
1:00 PM Free Time
- Some options for on-your-own activities are listed above
5:30 PM Social Hour at Highland Conference Center, 2000 Highland Way, Mitchell, SD 57301
6:30 PM Meal at Highland Conference Center
- State of the Synod (continued)
- Pr. Joel Pakan, Director for Rural Ministry
- Pr. Kari Webb, Director of Digital Community and Learning/Project Director, Journeying Together in Christ (Pasque Learning Community)
- Kathy McHenry, Lutheran Planned Generosity
- Pr. Renae Boehmer, Director for the Holy Playground Initiative
Tuesday, Sept. 16th:
9:00 AM Devotions, Announcements, Introductions
9:15 AM Session III: Rev. Dr. Troy Troftgruben – Gathering Place
10:15 AM Coffee Break – Fellowship Hall
10:45 AM Sending Worship – Sanctuary
Online Registration
- General Registration Fee – $125
- Interns/Seminarians/Retired/SAMs/Neighbors in Solidarity – $75
Please select the registration options to the right. Scholarships are available, especially for Neighbors in Solidarity, to cover registration and travel costs.
Registration closes Friday, August 29th.
