
Oct. 12 - 14, 2025
Embassy Suites by Hilton, 101 McInnis Pkwy
San Rafael, CA 94903
Pricing:
$229 – General Admission
$99 – Spouse and Guest
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Good news! The Embassy Suites hotel for our pastors’ conference has allowed us to extend our early registration fee ($229.00) through September 15, 2025. Therefore, pastors who register from now through September 15 will pay the early fee of $229.00. Emeritus pastors will be able to receive their registration as a free gift from the conference. (You will need to use the code to get the free registration.) After September 15 the registration fee will be $279.00 for all pastors, including the emeritus pastors.) We are grateful to the hotel to allow us this flexibility. By the way, if you registered within the last few days and paid $279.00, you will receive a refund. Just a reminder, you are personally responsible for reserve and pay for the hotel room.
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Hotel Information
We have a room block reserved at Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael Marin County for October 11, 2025 through October 15, 2025.
1 King Bed Suite: $169/night + Tax and fees
2 Queen Beds Suite: $179/night + tax and fees
Please book by Saturday, September 20 — rooms are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Registration Fee Cover?
Speaker(s), ballroom rental, coffee, tea, water, and snacks, one meal (usually a lunch) and the evening hors d'oeuvres. Registration also includes a $5.00 fee to District to help cover the cost of emeriti attending the All Workers Conference. All other expenses are the responsibility of the attendee.
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Can I attend for just part of the time?
Yes, but there is not a discounted rate.
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Can I get a refund?
If you cancel by August 28, 2025, you will receive a refund. After that date, there are no refunds. Substitutions are allowed, but it is your responsibility to find a substitute and notify the registrar.
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Who makes the hotel reservation?
All hotel reservations are the responsibility of the attendee. This includes all fees and costs associated with the hotel. Please note the cutoff date (September 20, 2025) for the special rate. Rooms are limited, so please book early.
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Can I arrive early or stay late?
The special rates are available for the night before and after the conference, subject to availability. Additional dates are noted on the hotel reservation page, or you can check with the hotel if you wish to arrive earlier or stay even later.
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Can I bring my spouse?
Yes. There are two options:
1) Your spouse can be part of the conference, but there is an additional fee (which includes the sessions, snacks, and meals).
2) If your spouse does not attend any of the conference or meals and there is no additional fee.
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Can I bring my children?
Yes, but they cannot be in the sessions or partake of the snacks, drinks or meals.
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Do you reimburse for travel?
No. That program ended in the 1990’s.
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Is there financial assistance?
You can apply to the District President for possible financial assistance. E-mail the Registrar, Mitchell Gowen, for instructions.
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Where will the Worship Service be?
The service will be held at the hotel.
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How do I participate as a Vendor/Exhibitor?
A limited number of tables are provided as part of the contract. You can apply for one of these through the Conference Chair Ron Youngdale. A registration fee is required.
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Can I talk about my Organization/Activity?
There are a limited number of five-minute spots available for approved ministries and organizations to speak to the pastors. These must be approved in advance by the Conference Chair, Ron Youngdale. Any media must be submitted one week in advance. E-mail.
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What is the Evening Reception?
This year we will have two evenings of fellowship and informal discussions with the speaker(s) on Sunday and Monday in the Atrium.
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Will there be any special activities like golf?
Circuits and other special interest groups may organize activities, but they are not part of the conference and are the responsibility of those groups.
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What about sessions for the spouses?
Kristi Lange will be hosting a session for the wives (check the schedule for exact times).
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What if I have special needs?
Please contact the registrar, Mitch Gowen. We will do our best to accommodate you within the abilities of the hotel and conference.
Conference Speakers

Matt Barrasso
A pastor for over ten years, Matthew Borrasso lives in Southern Maryland with his wife and four children. He holds a PhD in Theology and Religion from the University of Birmingham (UK) and graduate degrees from Northern Seminary, Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and United Lutheran Seminary. He currently serves as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington Park, MD, as adjunct faculty at Concordia University St. Paul and Concordia University Texas, and as the Associate Editor of the Forum Letter.

Sarah Salzberg
Sarah is a teacher of the Old Testament to the juniors at Orange Lutheran High School in Orange County, CA. In addition, she has served as a planner and theological advisor for the LCMS Youth Gathering as well as a speaker for youth and women's retreats and educators' conferences. She earned her Masters in Theology from Concordia University in Irvine.
Conference Schedule
SUNDAY (October 12)
5:30-7:30 PM Meet & Greet with our speakers during Happy Hour provided by hotel.
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MONDAY (October 13)
9:00 AM Registration Opens/Breakfast Provided for Hotel Guests
10:30-11:30 AM Opening Worship
11:30 AM-12:00 PM Lunch (Boxed Lunch)
12:00-12:15 PM Call to order
12:15-1:15 PM President's Address
1:15-1:30 PM Break (Coffee, No Food)
1:30-2:45 PM Session #1 Presentation with Q&A
2:45-3:15 PM Break (Coffee, No Food)
3:15-4:30 PM Session #2 Presentation with Q&A
4:30-4:45 PM Devotion/Conference Business
4:45-5:15 PM Years of Service
5:15-7:00 PM Dinner (On Your Own)
5:30-7:30 PM Happy Hour provided by Hotel
7:30 PM Meet & Greet (Atrium)
TUESDAY (October 14)
9:00-9:15 AM Devotions
9:15-10:30 AM Session #3 Presentation with Q&A
10:30-10:45 AM Break (Coffee, No Food)
10:30 AM-12:00 PM Pastors' Wives
10:45-11:30 AM District Staff
11:30 AM-12:30 PM Conference Business
12:30-2:30 PM President's Lunch (Buffet Lunch Provided)
2:30-3:30 PM Break (Coffee, No Food)
3:00-4:15 PM Session #4 Presentation with Q&A
4:15-5:15 PM Conference Business
5:15-5:30 PM Closing Devotion