First Call Theological Education

First Call Theological Education is a four-day retreat for rostered leaders in their first call, set in the beauty of Seabeck Conference Center on Hood Canal. Together we’ll explore the practices, tools, and habits that support healthy, thriving congregations and sustainable ministry, with time for worship, learning, rest, and conversation with colleagues.

Event Details

Dates
Monday, November 2 – Thursday, November 5, 2026

Location
Seabeck Conference Center
Seabeck, Washington

Audience
Rostered ministers in their first call within the Southwestern Washington Synod (and other eligible first call leaders as directed by the synod).

Presenter

Rev. Sara Cutter
Senior Director of Operations, ELCA Churchwide Organization

Rev. Sara Cutter is the Senior Director of Operations for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Churchwide Organization. She previously served as pastor at the Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Savannah, Georgia; Zion Lutheran Church in Middleton, Ohio; and Epiphany Lutheran Church in Dayton, Ohio.

Sara earned her MDiv from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in 2008. Before seminary, she completed an MBA at Xavier University and worked as an engineer. She believes that solid administration is the key to healthy and thriving congregations, and she loves sharing practical tools that support faithful, effective ministry. Her love of this work is closely matched by her love for her daughter, her dogs, and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Cost & What’s Included

• Registration: $600
• Includes: Housing and meals for the duration of the event
• Travel Support: Travel costs up to $200 per person are covered by the Southwestern Washington Synod.

Housing Information

• Linens are provided.
• Room types available:
  • 20 single rooms
  • 4 triple rooms (with private baths in Piens)
  • All remaining rooms are double occupancy
• Please consider your housing preferences and possible roommates when you register.

Housing priority:
Room assignments are made after your registration form is complete and payment has been received in the synod office. If housing placement is a priority for you, please register and pay as soon as possible.

Registration

Registration is now open.

• Room assignments will be made after:
  • Your registration form is complete, and
  • Payment has been received in the synod office.
• Payment may be mailed at any time during the registration period.

Payment information:
Please mail your payment to the Southwestern Washington Synod office.
(Insert full mailing address and online registration link here.)

Join Us

• Register now to secure your spot and housing preferences.
• Arrange your travel, knowing that up to $200 of your travel costs will be covered by the synod.

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