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.
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.
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.
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.
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.