Gather with other Episcopalians in Iowa as we explore together what nurtures us and grows us more and more into the body of Christ.
With our annual diocesan Summer Ministry School & Retreat no longer serving our needs, we are carrying forward the most valued aspect of that event - being together - into a new phase of experimental gatherings. We will explore new, sustainable ways to gather, connect, worship, learn, and grow together during this phase. These experimental gatherings will vary in location but have a common structure and purpose, and we hope you are able to join us at an upcoming gathering.
Core purpose + Structure of Gatherings
Each event will be organized around these core reasons for gathering.
We want to:
be together, in person
learn more about where we live in Iowa and more about who we are, individually and as Episcopalians
worship together
see different parts of Iowa and what is interesting and unique there
gather all ages and abilities together
travel to folks that might not normally get a chance to be in fellowship with other Episcopalians in our state
The Dreaming Team
Rev. Catherine Schroeder
Rev. Abigail Livingood
Amy Mellies
Elizabeth Adams
Rev. John Greve
Donna Martin
If you are interested in helping plan a future event near you, let us know!
Upcoming Event(s):
Join Us in Boone, Iowa: May 9 & 10, 2026
Host: Grace Episcopal Church in Boone
THIS IS A FLEXIBLE, INTERGENERATIONAL EVENT
Our hope is that folks will join us from 9:30 am Saturday until Sunday after brunch. But, we are planning so that you and your family and friends can join in any or all parts of this that your schedule allows. Just sign up in the registration form for the parts of the day(s) you can be there and that you’d prefer to join in on so we’ll know about how many to plan for.
Main attraction:
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
We’ve reserved a departure time (10:30am Saturday) just for us to enjoy a 2 hour ride in an authentic Wolf Train 1950’s railcar with tables like a dining car. These refurbished 1950’s passenger cars were used on the streamliners that traveled between Chicago and the west coast. The rear of the train features a large observation platform, providing unparalleled views of the river valley as the train crosses the 156′ tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge and Des Moines River Bridge, on its journey through the Des Moines River valley. Your friendly conductor will be a familiar face: the Rev. Catherine Schroeder!
Please note: The train is not ADA accessible due to it’s age and layout.
JUMP TO:
Weekend Itinerary | Main Locations | Saturday Afternoon Options | Meals | Lodging | Items to Bring | Registration
Weekend Itinerary:
SATURDAY MAY 9:
9:30am Gather at the Boone Train depot
pick up your pre-ordered box lunch or bring your own
10:30am-approx. 12:30pm Des Moines River Valley Train Ride
12:30pm Noonday Prayer together at the depot
1:00-4:00pm Breakout for Afternoon Activities
see “Saturday Afternoon Options” below
4:30pm Eucharist at Grace Episcopal Church, Boone; Bishop Monnot presiding
6:00pm Dinner (at Grace Church)
7:00-9:00pm Social Time (at Grace Church)
9:00pm Compline (at Grace Church)
SUNDAY MAY 10:
9:30pm Worship with Grace Episcopal Church in Boone
After worship: brunch at the church (lower level/undercroft)
Main Locations:
Boone Train Station/Depot + Museum
225 10th Street, Boone, Iowa 50036
Grace Episcopal Church
707 8th St, Boone, IA 50036
Picnic area at the depot where we plan to gather for worship (weather permitting)
(image used with permission from Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum)
Saturday Afternoon Options:
we think there will be only time to do one or two of these things so we'll likely be separating into smaller groups; or plan to explore or enjoy free time on your own
Rail Explorers
(image used with permission from Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum)
Rail Explorers:
Departs at 1:30pm; 2 hour excursion on manually propelled 4 person rail cars –you can be either be a peddler or a passenger.
It’s the same 12.5 miles of rail lines as the Wolf Train, but you’ll travel on a pedal powered open air vehicle that rides on the railroad tracks. They have 4 steel wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, pedals for each seat, and are comfortable, fun and easy to ride. Although the rail explorers require pedaling, the magic of steel wheels on steel rails makes the experience very different from riding a regular bicycle. There is no need to carefully watch the road ahead, there is no need to steer and riding is hands free. We’ll ask if you plan to be a pedaler or passenger so we can all have a good time but know that the pedaler’s job is very easy because it’s motor assisted! Learn more
Cost: we have a special discounted rate of $25 per person
Rail Museum
(image used with permission from Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum)
Explore the James H. Andrew Rail Museum
This museum is at the train depot and houses artifacts and displays telling the fascinating history of railroads in Iowa. You can comfortably tour this space in 60-90 min.
Cost: admission is included with the cost of our main attraction, the Boone Train Ride; or if you can’t get to Boone in time for the train ride, the museum only ticket costs: Adults: $8 Ages 3-12: $3 Under age 3: Free
Youth playing in the stream at Ledges State Park
Photo by A. Mellies
Outdoor fun at Ledges State Park
One of the very first state parks in Iowa, Ledges has been a must-see Iowa attraction for decades. In addition to distinctive geological features, natural beauty, several structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps are a must see – from an arch stone bridge to a shelter in Oak Woods, stone trail steps and a shelter in Lower Ledges.
Streamwalk: Peas Creek along the Canyon Road is typically ankle deep and offers a unique way for kids and families to streamwalk and enjoy the outdoors.
Scenic Drive: The main attraction at Ledges is the canyon drive. This winding one-way road along Pea’s Creek offers motorists breathtaking views of the canyon and Des Moines River valley. Sandstone ledges rise nearly 100 feet above the floor of the stream bed.
Hike: Four and a half miles of hiking trails lead up and down steep slopes to scenic overlooks, and provide access to spectacular views of the Pea’s Creek canyon. Popular overlook locations include Inspiration Point, Crow’s Nest and Table Rock. While most of the trails include steep portions, a universally accessible trail surfaced in crushed rock, leads visitors to the serene Lost Lake area in the southern area of the park.
Learn More & see a map here
Guided Tour of Boone County History museum
The Boone County History Center (museum) is about six blocks southeast of the church. A human guide will help put all the neat artifacts into perspective to help tell the story of this part of Iowa. Discover something new about Boone County.
Cost: $5.00 entrance fee payable at the door.
Service Project: Prairie Planters at the library with the Boone County Naturalist
We will spend some time with the Boone County Naturalist learning which plants are invasive and which are native. Learn about what our County Naturalists in Iowa do (and can help with) in your context, and get inspired with ways to help out our native pollinators in your yard or church grounds.
Bring gardening gloves and trowels - we’ll help the native plants thrive by pulling out invasive plants in the library’s raised garden beds.
OR if moderate stooping (or more active crawling in the dirt) are not your thing, you’re still very welcome to come and listen
Free Time with my friends or on my own
If none of the above options appeal to you, we’d be happy to provide other recommendations based on your needs.
You might also consider:
getting a coffee at Blissful Brew
visiting The Stone Path ice cream shop
satisfying your sweet tooth with a treat from Dutch Oven Bakery
playing outside on the playground and swings at McHose Park
Or, feel free to enjoy some down time and rest on your own.
Meals:
Saturday Lunch:
OPTION 1: Lunch Box of Charcuterie
We’ll pre-order these boxes from Lettereats by B, a caterer in Boone, to take on the train with us; just check on your registration form to let us know you’d like one
What’s in the box? Variety of Salami, Cheese, Fruit, Veggies, topped with a Salted Caramel Chocolate.
YES, you can request a GF or Vegan option.
Cost: $12
If you want to pre-order a protein packed pasta cup or a cheeseball to take home you are welcome to contact Britt at lettereatsbyb@gmail.com to let her know to prepare that for you. See her website.
OPTION 2: Bring your own
Chana Puri meal
Photo by C. Schroeder
Saturday Dinner:
April Burch, who worships at Grace Episcopal Church, is going to prepare for us a Chana Puri meal. It’s a plant based mostly chickpea curry served with fried bread and raita sauce. There is no cost to you, but free-will offering will be accepted to help cover cost of groceries (you can donate on as part of your registration, if you choose).
Sunday Breakfast:
On your own. Some nearby hotels, like the Baymont Hotel, have breakfast included with your room rate.
Sunday Brunch:
Grace Church invites you to linger for baked goods and egg casserole following Eucharist service.
You can, of course, bring your own food, snacks and beverages for any of the weekend.
Lodging:
NOT INCLUDED - you must arrange your own room if staying overnight.
Some nearby options in Boone (all roughly 3 miles from the church):
Baymont Hotel:
This hotel is offering us a $130.00 + 12% tax per room rate if you call 515-432-8165, ask for the Episco-PALS rate and book before Mar 21. After Mar 21, the rate will likely climb by about 10%, but will probably still have availability.
Offers free breakfast (coffee, juice, cereal, toast, muffins, yogurts, donuts), ample adjacent parking, indoor pool, in room refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers and Cable TV.
Other Boone Hotels:
Super 8; Cobblestone Inn (complimentary breakfast); American Inn
Ames Hotels:
Variety of other hotel options in nearby Ames, Iowa, approx. 20 minutes away.
Items to Bring:
Saturday lunch if you’re not pre-ordering a charcuterie box
For Noonday Prayer: a pillow (to add comfort to park benches/chairs) + Book of Common Prayer
If you plan to do the Prairie Planters Service Project: gardening gloves, trowels, clothes that may get dirty
For Social Time: a favorite game or craft; BYOB and a treat to share if you like
Cash, if you plan to visit the history museum
Registration:
Please register by April 15 so we can be prepared to be good hosts.