Rostered Ministers, spouses, interns, and collaborative learning students currently serving in a ministry setting, and retired Rostered Ministers of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin are invited to join us for our annual theological event. Bishop’s Convocation will gather under the theme Building, Rebuilding. This year, we are pleased to come together in the southern region of our synod at the Ironworks Hotel located on the beautiful Rock River in Downtown Beloit.
We are honored to welcome Dr. Rajkumar Boaz Johnson, professor of Hebrew, Bible and Theological Studies at Chicago’s North Park University as our keynote presenter.
Growing up in the slums of New Delhi, Dr. Rajkumar Boaz Johnson’s search for the meaning of life began early. When he walked to Hindu grammar school, Dr. Johnson faced a dilemma. “I encountered two different realities,” he says. “One was the reality of poverty and injustice. The other was that of high-caste Hindu learning.” He wrestled with this dichotomy, and expanded his spiritual search.
“The philosophy of life taught and espoused by Jesus the Messiah, as seen in the Gospels, captured my mind and imagination,” Dr. Johnson says, “I realized that in this person lay the answers to the questions that plagued my mind.” Decades later, that initial encounter with Jesus continues to fascinate Dr. Johnson, and informs his life and work as an expert on the relationship of evangelical Christianity to world religions.
Today, Dr. Johnson walks with students at North Park grappling with their own big questions as part of the diverse biblical and theological studies department. “It is a joy to mentor students and see them develop their own skills, which incorporate their faith journey with their academic learning,” he says.
Since it’s inception, Beloit has seen nearly 180 years of American history unfold. The town played a role as a way station on the Underground Railroad and actively participated during the Industrial Revolution, thanks to the ingenuity of its citizens. Fast-forward a century to find Beloit’s workforce helping to meet production demands during WWII. During this time, the invention of Korn Kurls made big waves in the food industry.
Innovation is still thriving in Beloit; only now, there’s a little more fun involved. Tech-savvy, forward-thinking businesses are building their enterprises in the little town that could. Take a look at the historical timeline to view some of Beloit’s rich history and learn more about Beloit at https://visitbeloit.com/.
On Monday afternoon we will have time for relaxation and rejuvenation. In addition to exploring Downtown Beloit or the surrounding area on your own there are several options you may choose from that we ask you to make a reservation for when registering:
Some of these options do have capacity limits and registration will be handled on a first-come-first-serve basis. We will be making adjustments to the online registration form as options become filled and our registrar will reach out if an option you chose becomes unavailable. The costs listed are per person and should be added to your advance payment in full. Participants will need to provide their own transportation (or arrange to carpool) to these destinations.
Except for our Sunday evening worship and keynote presentation, we will gather for our general sessions, networking, and meals at the Ironworks Hotel. A luxury boutique hotel located on the banks of the Rock River, in historic downtown Beloit, the Ironworks Hotel is inspired by America’s industrial heritage. The hotel’s name, style, and décor are traced to 1858, 22 years after the founding of Beloit, when Orson E. Merrill came to Beloit from Vermont and started a foundry at 637 Third Street. Within a year, he took in a partner, George Houston, and the firm became known as the Merrill & Houston Ironworks. Its principal product was a water wheel developed by George Houston, but the firm could also supply horseshoe nails, iron and steel castings, saws, augurs, spokes, and a variety of iron products.
All those attending Bishop’s Convocation are encouraged to spend the nights in Beloit. We are partnering with several hotels to offer accommodations to meet the needs of all of our leaders. Hotel reservations and assignments will be made by the synod on your behalf, please do not contact the hotels but if you have a preference based on hotel amenities or brand you may indicate that in your registration.
Host Hotels (Downtown Beloit):
Our two host hotels are located in the heart of Beloit and offer rooms with either one king or one queen bed. Both hotels offer a light continental breakfast each morning for all guests. All of our Monday & Tuesday programming will take place at the Ironworks Hotel.
Beloit Area Hotels (3.5 Miles from Host Hotels)
These three hotels come from two respected hospitality leaders. Each offer rooms with either one king bed and the Hampton Inn and Fairfield Inn offer rooms with two beds. All three of these properties offer a hot breakfast each morning according to their respective brand standards.
The agenda for our time together is a work in progress as we finalize programming details but here is a rough outline for your planning purposes:
Sunday, October 16 @ St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Beloit)
Monday, October 17 @ Ironworks Hotel
*You are asked NOT to arrive to our meeting space at the Ironworks Hotel before 9:00 a.m. so that we may complete final set-up and arrangements for our time together.
Tuesday, October 18 @ Ironworks Hotel
Registration has now closed. If you have questions about your registration please contact Rev. Jason Poole-Xiong, Contract Staff, via email at jasonx@scsw-elca.org. All payments were due received to the synod office (via check or credit card) by 12:00 p.m. (CT) on Tuesday, September 13, 2022.
Registration Fees
Registration fees cover the cost of the program, materials, and all meals. Registration rates are per person.
Notes About Registration
Rev. Jason Poole-Xiong
Contract Staff – Bishop’s Convocation Registrar
jasonx@scsw-elca.org
Cover Image: Tiffany Stone Bridge, built in 1869, crossing over Turtle Creek in rural Rock County. Photo courtesy Visit Beloit.