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For deacons and pastors in the first three years of call:

First Call Theological Education 2026 at Seabeck Conference Center

  • Monday, November 2: Check-in begins at 3 pm
  • Thursday, November 5: Event concludes at 12pm
Our Theme: The Spiritual Gift of Administration - Meet our presenter: Rev. Sara Cutter

Rev. Sara Cutter is the Senior Director of Operations for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Churchwide Organization. She previously worked as a pastor for 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 the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in 2008. Before that, she earned an MBA from Xavier University and worked as an engineer. Sara believes that solid administration is the key to healthy and thriving congregations. “My love to share these tools with others is closely matched with my love for my daughter, my dogs, and the Ohio State Buckeyes.”

 

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

Registering is a two-step process:

1) Online registration is open! Link to register: https://forms.gle/gLqkdCFH8jGfuLfw6

2) Registration cost is $600 which includes housing and meals

  • You may send that payment into your synod office at any time – even before registration opens!
  • (mail a check – or use your synod’s online giving platform if available)
  • Congregations/Ministry sites are expected to cover the first $200 of travel expenses.
  • A voucher for reimbursement for mileage/airfare exceeding $200 will be available.
  • Please consider making travel plans early to take advantage of airfare sales and carpool planning.
Housing Information
  • Room assignments will be made once your online registration form is complete AND payment is received in your synod office.
  • All meals and linens are provided.
  • Begin considering roommate options now. We have 20 single rooms available; 4 triple rooms (with private baths in Pines); the remaining rooms are double occupancy
  • IF HOUSING PLACEMENT IS A PRIORITY FOR YOU – please plan to register and pay ASAP when registration opens on July 27, 2026
  • For more information about Seabeck: https://www.seabeck.org/