2026 LCMC Intermountain West District Gathering

Join us May 30 for the 2026 Intermountain West District Gathering hosted at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sandy, UT. This year’s Gathering theme is “Where Does Our Help Come From”. The LCMC Intermountain West District wants you to know there is not only hope, but opportunities for you and your church’s Christian ministry in these unique times and setting. Come join us for a time of fellowship, worship, and learning from several Christian leaders “out there in the trenches.”

““I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”” (Psalm 121:1-2 NIV)

• 10:00-10:30 AM: Registration
• 10:30-11:00 AM: Morning Worship with Devotional
• 11:00-11:50 AM: Keynote Session (Julie Smith - LCMC Service Coordinator)
• 11:50 AM-12:50 PM: Lunch and IWD Business Meeting
• 1:00-1:50 PM: Breakout Session #1
• 2:00-2:50 PM: Breakout Session #2
• 3:00-3:30 PM: Closing Worship with Holy Communion

Julie Smith is the service coordinator of LCMC. After participating in LCMC’s constituting convention, she has served as a pastor in LCMC congregations, invested in the work of her own district, helped to start and lead a seminary, and served on the LCMC Board of Trustees before joining the LCMC staff as the coordinator for districts and fellowships.

Julie is a life-long Lutheran and became a pastor in 1998. She has served congregations in Clarkfield, Bock, and Springfield (all in Minnesota). In addition, she served for several years as a Bible camp director. She is also a co-founder of St. Paul Lutheran Seminary.

Julie is a sports fan, and while high school football is a favorite, NBA games featuring any former Minnesota Timberwolves are a close second. Like all Minnesotans, Julie believes as many summer days as possible should be spent at the lake, with the Twins on the radio. Please don't ask her about the Vikings.

Julie is a graduate of Luther Seminary and loves any opportunity to teach, whether that's leading silly Bible skits with first graders or giving seminary students some pointers in preaching. She has previously served on the LCMC Board of Trustees and has worked with the Augustana and Epiphany Districts of LCMC.Pre-Conference Service Project

“When Our Own Words Fail Us: The Catechism and the Language of Faith."- Pastor Julie Smith

A breakout session focused on uderstanding and teaching the Small Catechism.

Spiritual Practice To Spirit-Led Life - Pastor Neil Arnold

What does it mean to be led by the Spirit of God? St. Paul tells us: we believers are a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit and proclaiming “Jesus is Lord” requires that Spirit. Yet the Spirit comes to us as God’s gift, in God’s time. God’s Spirit is not our possession. It belongs to God, whose sovereignty requires us to learn to wait upon him. Thus, for our purposes, spiritual practice is a collection of deliberate acts to train our hearts to trust and wait upon God. This breakout is a practical invitation to spiritual practice that better prepares us to see and respond to the lordship of Christ in our congregations and in our daily lives.

Keeping Christ in Anxious Times - Pastor Traci Hardell

It's hard to watch TV, read the newspaper or scroll through social media and not feel a bit anxious. Regardless of your political persuasion, so much is happening in the world. As a Christian, how can we keep Christ during these times? What does Scripture have for us? Are there any practical steps we can take to stay grounded in the Lord? What is at the root of our anxiety? What can we expect from the Lord? Let's talk about these important questions.

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