fall theological conference


2025 fall theological conference

September 7-10, 2025


Gather with your colleagues for a time of renewal and fellowship at the Eastern North Dakota Synod Fall Theological Conference at Fair Hills Resort in Detroit Lakes, MN. All rostered ministers are expected to attend this annual event, and lay ministers are welcome to attend (Synod Lay Ministers, youth directors, and other lay ministry professionals). This year's speakers will be Deacon Colleen Bernu and Pastor Beth Pottratz. (Bios & presentation descriptions below.) 


We are also excited to welcome Rev. Sonja Kjar as this year's retreat chaplain. Pr. Sonja will be available for conversation, pastoral care, and connecting about ministry or personal matters.


Please note that there are two parts to the registration process. 1. Register online, and 2. Call Fair Hills (218-847-7638) to reserve your lodging and meals. 


Registration has closed. Please contact Dn. Alex Benson-Tuff with questions.


About This Year's Theme & Speakers

Living Interconnected: Theology of the Cross in this Time of Disconnect
Session 1: Interconnectedness: Divine Invitation
Session 2: Falling Short: Barriers to Interconnection
Session 3: Living Interconnected in a Disconnected World

God created the seas and the sky, vegetation and living creatures, and humankind to live in reciprocity (fully integrated, nontransactional interconnectedness). What does this mean for people of faith living in a seemingly disconnected world? Join us to explore the answer to this question. Gathering in retreat for renewal, we will dive into how God reveals interconnection through scripture, creation, and culture. We will explore some of the barriers that tend to prevent us from freely experiencing the beauty of God‘s fully integrated world as well as ways we, as God‘s people, are invited to live interconnected in the midst of disconnect. Our time together will be grounded in story, reflection, and discernment as to how God equips us to be hope in action through the promise of resurrection and new life for a hurting world.

Speaker Bios: 
Deacon Colleen Bernu (Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) grew up on her family’s dairy farm in northwestern Wisconsin and now lives on the Fond Du Lac Indian Reservation. Before answering God’s call into the Ministry of Word and Service, Deacon Colleen worked as a teacher in rural districts of northeastern Minnesota, utilizing her degrees in Biology and Mathematics education. Colleen is dedicated to using her training and experience as a teacher and a deacon to bridge diverse communities through increased understanding, shared language, and mutual dialog. In the ELCA, Deacon Colleen has served as mission developer for Together Here Ministries and later DEM and Minister for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Northeastern Minnesota Synod. In her home community, she continues to stand as a youth mentor and cultural resource for those working to reclaim traditional understanding of what it means to live in reciprocity in this world. Her professional experiences combined with her experiences as an Ojibwe woman offers her a unique perspective through which to interpret and articulate living interconnected in a divided world.

Rev. Beth Pottratz lives outside of Motley, MN with her husband and 4 children, 3 dogs, and two dozen chickens. She is currently a stay-at-home mom and the EcoFaith Network Communication Coordinator for the Northeastern MN and St. Paul Area synods creation care ministries.  Before her call to ministry, Beth was a YAGM in Uruguay and Spanish teacher in Minneapolis.  Since her graduation from Luther Seminary in 2016, Beth has served as a called pastor, contracted pastor, pulpit supply, and as a hospice chaplain.  In 2019, Beth completed a two-year Rural Ministry fellowship for clergy at the Collegeville Ecumenical Institute, St. Joseph, MN.  Since January 2025, as the EcoFaith Communication Coordinator, Beth has first-hand experience at living out care of Creation work at the congregational, synodical and regional levels.


Event Contact: Deacon Alex Benson-Tuff

2024 Fall Theological conference

September 8-11, 2024

Fair Hills Resort (Detroit Lakes, MN) 


Thank you for joining us for Fall Theological Conference 2024! Our guest presenter was Rev. Dr. Matthew Skinner, Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary. His presentations focused on the 2024-2025 lectionary readings (book of Luke.) We look forward to seeing you next year! 

2023 Fall Theological Conference

Thank you for joining us for Fall Theological  Conference 2023! Our guest presenter was the Rev. Dr. Ray Pickett, Rector at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. He focused on the book of Acts and the Early Church during his presentations.


We hope to see you next year at Fair Hills! 

The 2024 Fall Theological Conference will take place September 8-11, 2024 at Fair Hills Resort. 

2022 Fall Theological Conference

Thank you for gathering for 2022 Fall Theological Conference at Fair Hills Resort for a time of fellowship, learning, and renewal. Our guest presenter was Dr. Deanna Thompson from St. Olaf College, Director of the Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community; Martin E. Marty Regents Chair in Religion and the Academy.