Schedule at a glance

2026 Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering
“I Am Worthy”
July 16–19, 2026 | Des Moines, Iowa

Thursday, July 16

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Registration Opens
• Explore Des Moines (Do It Yourself Walking Tour)

11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Exhibit Hall Open
  • Silent Auction

• Food Court Open

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

• Opening Worship
  • Bishop Amy Current (SE Iowa Synod), Preaching
  • The Rev. Minna Bothwell, Presiding

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

• Opening Reception
• Donor Reception

Evening

9:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

• Late‑Night Boldcafé & Dance Party

Friday, July 17

All Day (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

• Exhibit Hall and Food Court Open

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

• Executive Board Meet & Greet / New Board & First‑Time Attendee Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• Morning Plenary Session 1

• Bible Study: The Rev. Sara Olson Smith
• Speakers:
  • Dr. Elyssa Salinas-Lazarski
  • Elise Seyfried
• Silent Auction Winners announced

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Blood Drive

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Campus Ambassadors: Girls Space

2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

• Learning Opportunities & Workshops (Session 1)

3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

• Learning Opportunities & Workshops (Session 2)

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

• Discernment Reception (Hosted by ELCA Seminaries)

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• Donor Reception with International Guests (Invite Only)

8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Evening Film Screening: The Voice of Hind Rajab

Saturday, July 18

All Day (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

• Exhibit Hall and Food Court Open

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

• Run, Walk & Roll 5K

9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• Morning Plenary Session 2

• Bible Study: The Rev. Sara Olson Smith
• Speakers:
  • The Rev. Martha Anbarangu
  • Elise Seyfried
  • International Guests
  • Campus Ambassadors Girls Space
  • Quilt Challenge & Auction Announcements

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Campus Ambassadors:

2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

• Learning Opportunities & Workshops (Session 3)

3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

• Learning Opportunities & Workshops (Session 4)

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• SWO Leaders Reception (Off‑site)

Sunday, July 19

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• Closing Worship
• Sending & Celebration

Times and details are subject to change. A full detailed schedule with session, locations will be available closer to the event.