Western Iowa Synod

2023 SYNOD ASSEMBLY HIGHLIGHTS

Friday evening:

Opening worship at 6:00 pm
Land Acknowledgement presented by Mitch McCartney, St Paul Lutheran Church, Missouri Valley and member of Churchwide Council
Bishop Lorna presented the Synod Assembly theme “A Place for You” around the table
The Credentials and Elections Committee reported registrations of 191 voters and 17 visitors for a total of 208 attendees
Rev Dr Troy Troftgruben, Associate Professor of New Testament, Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA, lead a study “Practicing Church in a Divided World” based on his latest book Rooted and Renewing:Imagining the Church’s Future in Light of Its New Testament Origins
Around the Table Discussions with Western Iowa Synod Staff and Western Iowa Synod Council Executive Committee
Recognition of 3 church anniversaries and 34 ordination anniversaries

Saturday morning:

Community breakfast of waffles and sausage was served
Judy Riemersma, American Lutheran, Melvin IA, led the Litany of Praise for Creation for Earth Day
Rev Dr Troy Troftgruben lead a study “Practicing What Matters” based on his latest book
Around the Table Discusion - Ministry Partners
Secretary Sue Rothmeyer, ELCA Churchwide representative, detailed the many local, national and worldwide projects that are funded by our Mission Support giving ending with a video greeting by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

Saturday afternoon:

Elected 12 persons to synod committee positions*:
Passed resolutions*:
- #1 2024 Compensation and Care Guidelines
- #2 Adopt the 2023 Revised Budget and the 2024 Proposed Budget
Defeated resolutions*:
- #3 Western Iowa Synod Assembly date
- #4 Revisions proposed to the Social Statement on Abortion of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
Assembly offering for Living Faith Lutheran Church, LeMars, totaled $6,537.00
Pr Steven Smith led the closing worship service