An annual gathering of congregational leaders interested in developing a sustainable ministry to young people. This year's symposium will be devoted to networking and the sharing of ''Best Practices'' on topics chosen by the participants. Breakout sessions will also be offered. We are excited to be building on what we began last year in Denver.

Join women of the NALC gathered from across North America for a day of fellowship, Bible study, and business. The Rev. Leslie Haines, Executive Director of the Lutheran Military Veterans & Families Ministries (LMVFM) will be leading us in study of our theme verse, ''And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.'' –Hebrews 12:1b. There will be time to engage and share ideas with women from other churches and mission districts. Our time together will also include: selection of the Mission Bank recipients for 2019-2020, selection of new members for the WNALC Council, and approval of the WNALC budget. A visit from Bishop John Bradosky is also planned to share his wisdom with us. Join in this day-long annual gathering to be filled with strength and hope to bring back to your congregation and women's groups.

The Carl E. Braaten-Robert D. Benne Lectures in Theology have been an integral part of Lutheran Week since 2009. The event originated as the Lutheran CORE Theological Conference, and came under additional sponsorship from the North American Lutheran Church in 2010. In 2015, it was renamed in honor of Carl E. Braaten and Robert Benne, prominent Lutheran theologians who organized and conducted the theological lectures for their first five years (2010-2014). The Lectures reflect a commitment on the part of the North American Lutheran Church, the organizers of Lutheran Week, and the series steering committee to the significance of theology for the future of North American Lutheranism. Each year the series brings together leading theologians, biblical scholars and ethicists from across confessional and ecumenical boundaries to address key issues of Christian faith and practice. While the papers are scholarly in nature, presenters are asked to keep the local Church in mind. Each paper is followed by a question and answer session, with audience members determining the course of the discussion. One of the highlights of the annual event is the roundtable panel session at the close of the lectures. This yearly event gathers an audience composed of laypersons, students, pastors, professional scholars and denominational leaders.

The NALC is committed to the renewal of all our congregations, working to develop and deliver resources that challenge and open the NALC to the work of the Holy Spirit in our ministry and mission. During Lutheran Week in Indianapolis, the Mission Festival is designed to inspire and serve as a resource to congregations for mission and discipleship. Key components include plenary sessions, worship, Bible study, panel Q & A, mission district meetings and breakout sessions focusing on specific areas of mission and discipleship relating to our theme.

Join us at this banquet in honor of Bishop John. Music and meditation provided by Steve Bell and Malcolm Guite.