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:
Join Us in Sioux City, Iowa: August 29-30, 2026
Registration Deadline august 17, 2026
Host: st. thomas’, sioux city and st. paul’s indian mission
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.
REGISTER BY AUGUST 17
Hotel Discount Available Until August 7 (see below)
Main attraction:
sioux city explorers baseball game
Join us Saturday evening for a Sioux City Explorers baseball game at Lewis & Clark Park. The Explorers are part of the American Association of Professional Baseball, a MLB Partner League.
We'll gather at 4:30 pm for a tailgate party and evening prayer before the 6:00 pm game. Bishop Betsey has been invited to throw out the first pitch!
Thanks to a generous donor, the cost of game tickets will be covered for Episco-PALS attendees.
JUMP TO:
Weekend Itinerary | Main Locations | Saturday Afternoon Options | Meals | Lodging | Items to Bring | Registration | Worship
Weekend Itinerary:
SATURDAY august 29:
9:30 am Gather and worship at Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center
10:30 am-noon Explore the Nature Center
Noon Lunch and Noon Prayer at St. Paul’s Indian Mission
1:30-4:30 pm Breakout for Afternoon Activities
see “Saturday Afternoon Options” below
4:30 pm Tailgate party and Evening Prayer
6:00 pm Sioux City Explorers baseball game
SUNDAY august 30:
9:00 am Social Time at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church
10:00 am Eucharist (The Rev. Stephen Benitz presiding)
After worship: Brunch and Closing Circle
Locations:
Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center
4500 Sioux River Road, Sioux City, Iowa
st. paul’s indian mission
524 Center St, Sioux City, IA
security national bank field at lewis & clark park (sioux city explorers) field
3400 Line Dr., Sioux City, IA
st. thomas’ episcopal church
1200 Douglas St, Sioux City, IA
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
st. paul’s indian mission history and culture:
An afternoon of hospitality at St Paul’s Indian Mission, with congregation members sharing the church’s history and current ministries, music by the Dakota Hymn Group, and a Native Cultural Presentation of dancing and drumming. Refreshments and a silent auction of indigenous crafts will be available throughout the afternoon. “‘Mitakuye Owasiŋ” means “all my relatives.” In that spirit, God guides our relationships this afternoon as St. Paul’s welcomes the Diocese Retreat into our church home in a good and respectful way.
Labyrinth
labyrinth walk at st. thomas’
Labyrinth walk with singing bowls at St. Thomas, 1200 Douglas St., Sioux City. Will include opportunities for reflection, journaling, and expressive art. Finger labyrinths are available for those with limited mobility.
Our labyrinth was a GILEAD Grant project.
The Orpheum Theater, photo by S. Errickson
sioux city walking tour
Sioux City history video at the Sioux City Public Museum followed by a walking tour of the immediate downtown, including a tour of our splendid Orpheum Theater at 3 p.m.. Sioux City has several public buildings in the Art Deco and Prairie styles, as well as a Grant Wood exhibit at the Sioux City Art Center, all within 5 or 6 blocks. There’s also a Family Scavenger hunt for the walking tour.
Sgt Floyd Museum & Welcome Center, photo by S. Errickson
War Eagle Monument, photo by S. Errickson
self-guided driving tours - three options available
The Lewis & Clark Self-Guided Driving Tour features stops at the Sgt. Floyd Monument, the Sgt. Floyd Museum & Welcome Center, and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center.
The Tri-State Highlights Self-Guided Driving Tour features War Eagle Monument in Sioux City with its beautiful view of the three states; Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve in North Sioux City, South Dakota; and the Vietnam War Memorial in South Sioux City, Nebraska (part of Siouxland Freedom Park and the only exact half-scale replica of the memorial in Washington, D.C.).
Sioux City mural, photo by S. Errickson
The Tour of Murals - a brief excursion to see the growing number of public art murals across central Sioux City. There will be plenty of time to stop at the Sioux City Art Center to see the famous Grant Wood Corn Room Murals within the Pastures to Present exhibition.
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
Or, feel free to enjoy some down time and rest on your own.
Tailgate party, evening prayer, and baseball
Join us Saturday evening for a Sioux City Explorers baseball game at Lewis & Clark Park. The Explorers are part of the American Association of Professional Baseball, a MLB Partner League.
We'll gather at 4:30 pm for a tailgate party and evening prayer before the 6:00 pm game. Bishop Betsey has been invited to throw out the first pitch!
Thanks to a generous donor, the cost of game tickets will be covered for Episco-PALS attendees.
Meals:
Saturday Lunch:
A lunch of Indian Tacos, loving prepared and served by your hosts at St. Paul’s. A vegetarian option will be available.
Saturday Dinner:
Tailgate party before the game (Additional information coming soon.)
Sunday Breakfast:
On your own.
Sunday Brunch:
St. Thomas’ invites you to stay for brunch following the Sunday worship. (Additional information coming soon.)
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.
Recommended option in Sioux City:
The Historic warrior hotel:
This hotel is offering us a $115.00 + tax per room rate. Call (712) 317-1011 to request the Episco-PALS rate or book online. Reservations must be made by August 7.
Items to Bring:
Coming soon!
Registration:
Registration Deadline
August 17, 2026
Worship Materials:
Coming soon
Questions?
Registration - contact Elizabeth Adams
Event - contact Sue Errickson though the diocesan office: diocese@iowaepiscopal.org