Rostered ministers—pastors and deacons—from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) gathered in Indianapolis, July 6–9, for the 2026 ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering. Centered on the theme “Woven Together,” the event offered worship, keynote presentations, workshops, fellowship, and time for renewal as pastors and deacons reflected on God’s call to ministry together.

Each day participants were invited to explore a different thread of the gathering’s theme—being woven together with God, for creation, as community, and as rostered ministers. Worship and keynote speakers reminded participants that, even amid uncertainty and change, Christ continues to hold the church together.

“Our ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry reminded us that we are held together in Christ, sustained by the Spirit, and led by God—even when we can’t see the way,” shared the Rev. Jennifer Shimota (Coble’s, Julian). She also reflected on the keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood’s powerful reminder: “You don’t just look like God, you breathe like God.”

One of the gathering’s most memorable symbols was a weaving created throughout the week by artist-in-residence the Rev. Lori Kochanski. Using fabric pieces contributed by rostered ministers, Kochanski listened as participants shared their joys, fears, hopes, and prayers before incorporating each thread into a growing tapestry.

“She sits and listens and chooses a thread,” Shimota wrote. “She told us she tests each thread for strength before weaving with it. She hears our worries and fears and praises…and weaves us into the fabric.”

Participants also took part in workshops covering topics ranging from biblical interpretation and immigration to congregational leadership and spiritual care. Pastor Eric Jensen (St. John’s, Preston, Iowa) described a day filled with meaningful worship, thoughtful learning, and collegial connection, highlighting presentations by the Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood and the Rev. Leila Ortiz, along with a workshop led by the Rev. Dr. Mark Allan Powell on immigration and borders in the Old Testament.

North Carolina was well represented throughout the gathering. The Rev. CeCee Mills, recently elected ELCA Secretary, preached during the closing worship, a welcome sight for many from this synod who were delighted to reconnect with her. Several NC Synod leaders also helped shape the event as members of the planning team, including Assistant to the Bishop the Rev. Cassie Overcash and the Rev. Sara Cutter of the ELCA churchwide staff.

As the gathering concluded, participants were sent home with words of encouragement from the Rev. Dr. Kevin L. Strickland, bishop of the Southeastern Synod.

“When the fabric of the Church feels stretched, may you remember that God is still weaving,” he prayed. “When the threads of community seem frayed, may you become instruments of reconciliation.”

His blessing echoed the gathering’s central message: that no rostered minister serves alone. Together, the church’s diverse gifts, experiences, and callings are woven into Christ’s enduring work in the world. He concluded, “Woven together by grace. Strengthened by the Spirit. Sent with courage. Serving Christ today, and trusting God with tomorrow.”

As pastors and deacons returned to the places where they serve—congregations, campuses, hospitals, and communities all across the ELCA—they carried with them the reminder that every sermon preached, every bedside prayer offered, every child baptized, every act of justice, and every shared meal becomes another thread in God’s ongoing tapestry of grace.

The ELCA’s Rostered Ministers Gathering is not just a time of continuing education, but rather, a holy opportunity for pastors and deacons of this church to gather for renewal, to be reminded that they are not alone, and to be encouraged for the work ahead. Thanks be to God!