Registration is OPEN for this year's Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA Conference for Rostered leaders, SAMs, TEEMS and guests. Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni invites you to get ready to be "Baptized in Muddy Waters", recognizing Jesus in times of change.
- Cost: $150 per participant
- Location: Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church is located at 4051 UT-224, Park City, UT 84098
Scroll down for information about accommodations, transportation and the draft conference agenda.
Baptized in Muddy Waters
Recognizing Jesus in Times of Change
Guiding Scripture Readings: 1 Kings 19:1-18, 2 Kings 5:1-14, Matthew 14:22-33
Churches and their leaders can be likened to tributaries in a river system. Each local church follows its own path, shaped by its community, context, and leaders, yet all flow into a larger river of shared faith and mission. Leaders help tend the health and direction of these tributaries, recognizing that what happens in one part of the river system affects the whole.
Together, participants will explore what it means to know and recognize Jesus in the midst of change, loss, uncertainty, and transformation. Drawing on the movement from death to resurrection, they will wonder together about the in-between space where old forms break down and new life has not yet fully emerged. Like the grain of wheat that falls into the earth and dies in order to bear fruit, participants will consider how God’s transforming work takes shape in discipleship, leadership, and the life of the church.
Through keynote sessions, Bible study, worship, reflection, and small-group conversation, participants will engage questions such as: What is being broken down or released in us? What new life might God be preparing? How are disciples, leaders, and congregations invited to participate faithfully in this holy process of transformation?
Keynote Speaker
Rev. Leila M. Ortiz
Rev. Ortiz is a pastor and theologian in The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and served as the bishop of The Metropolitan Washington D.C. Synod from September of 2019 to August of 2025. She works alongside pastors, councils, and church members as they discern their call in the church for the sake of the world.
Learn more about Rev. Leila M. Ortiz
Preacher | Teacher | Speaker
Accommodations
4377 N HWY 224, PARK CITY, UT 84098, USA
Below you will find the link you can use to receive 10% off the bestselling rate online. Dates are editable by clicking ‘Edit Stay Details’ at the top of the page. This rate is open to be booked based on our occupancy, so we recommend you book early! The reservations are held to a 48hr change or cancellation policy so you can always make edits later if needed.
Ways to save on lodging expenses:
- Share and split the cost of a room with a colleague.
- Consider signing up to be with a host family. (email Deacon Mary for more information at mstoneback@rmselca.org)
- It is about 0.3 miles from Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church to Hyatt Place Park City.
- It’s likely around a 5–8 minute walk.
- A car, Lyft/Uber, or local taxi would be very quick — likely just a couple of minutes.
Transportation
The Hyatt Place does not provide an airport shuttle to Salt Lake City International (SLC).
The fastest and easiest way to get from Salt Lake City International Airport to Hyatt Place Park City is to book a direct shuttle, private transfer, Uber/Lyft, or taxi. Park City is about 35 minutes from SLC Airport, and Visit Park City recommends rideshare, shuttle, or private transfer from the airport.
Recommended transportation from SLC Airport to either the Hyatt Place Hotel or Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church in Park City, Utah, include:
Canyon Transportation — A strong option for shared shuttle, van service, private SUV, and group transportation between SLC and Park City. They specifically serve airport transfers and Park City resorts.
Uber or Lyft — SLC Airport confirms that Uber and Lyft are licensed to operate at the airport, with designated pickup areas on the ground level. This is often the simplest option for individuals or small groups, though pricing can vary.
Ways to save on transportation expenses:
- Road trip it with friends or your Conference colleagues.
Conference Agenda (Draft)
Monday September 28
12:30–2:00 p.m. | Arrival, Check-In, Hospitality
Participants arrive, check in, and settle into the space.
2:00–2:20 p.m. | Welcome + Conference Orientation
Opening remarks, overview of the schedule, introductions, and housekeeping.
2:20–3:35 p.m. | Keynote Session 1
Framing for the week
3:35–4:20 p.m. | Contemplative Worship
A 45-minute contemplative worship experience that serves as the closing movement of the first keynote session.
4:20–4:50 p.m. | Break
4:50–5:30 p.m. | Small Group Conversation
Initial small group time to reflect on the keynote and contemplative worship.
5:30–6:45 p.m. | Dinner Onsite at Shepherd of the Mountains
Meal provided at church by Silver Moon Food Truck
7:00–8:00 p.m. | Opening Worship
Formal opening worship for the conference. Included in this worship service will be a Renewal of Ordination Vows service.
8:00–9:30 p.m. | Opening Reception
Time for informal fellowship following worship.
Tuesday September 29
Hospitality Table available with coffee, water, sodas
9:00–10:15 a.m. | Bible Study 1
First 1 hour 15-minute Bible study session.
10:15–10:45 a.m. | Break
10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Bishop Meghan's Session
Second 1 hour 15-minute keynote session.
12:00–1:00 p.m. | Lunch
Provided on site at SOM
1:00–2:00 p.m. | Small Group Conversation
Guided reflection connected to the morning Bible study and keynote.
2:00–2:30 p.m. | Break
2:30–3:45 p.m. | One-on-One opportunities with Synod Staff, Coaches & Spiritual Directors
3:45–4:15 p.m. | Break
4:15–5:00 p.m. | Small Group / Large Group Reflection
Space to gather themes, questions, and takeaways from the day.
Evening | Dinner on Your Own
Participants are invited to enjoy dinner in Park City.
7:30–10:00 p.m. | Game Night at Hyatt Place Hotel
Casual evening fellowship for those who wish to participate.
Wednesday September 30
7:30–8:45 a.m. | Early Morning Hospitality + Breakfast Reception
Coffee, light breakfast, and informal gathering space.
9:00–10:15 a.m. | Bible Study 2
Second 1 hour 15-minute Bible study session.
10:15–10:45 a.m. | Break
10:45–11:45 a.m. | Small Group Conversation + Theoasis Orientation
Small group reflection followed by instructions for the afternoon options.
12:00–1:00 p.m. | Lunch Provided onsite at SOM
Afternoon + Evening | Theoasis
An intentional afternoon of rest, renewal, exploration, and connection. Possible options may include hiking, fly fishing, golfing, shopping, coffee groups, scenic outings, quiet reflection, or other local activities.
Participants may choose structured group options or use the time independently. Some activities may include an extra cost.
Dinner on Your Own
Thursday October 1
7:30–8:45 a.m. | Early Morning Hospitality + Breakfast Reception
Coffee, light breakfast, and informal gathering space.
9:00–10:30 a.m. | Panel Discussion & Q&A with Rev. Leila
Closing reflections, takeaways, and next steps.
10:00–10:15 a.m. | Break
10:30–10:55 a.m. | Closing Small Groups
A time to share take-aways from the week.
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Closing Worship& Sending
12:00 p.m. | Conference Concludes
Conference Questions?
Deacon Mary Stoneback | Synod Minister for Strategic Communications & Events
mstoneback@rmselca.org
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