Synod Assembly was held this year from June 11-14 in Kissimmee. Pastor Olga-Maria, Tom Hager, Mary Flekke, and Marty Lewis attended from Grace.
The 2025 Synod Assembly gathered rostered ministers, lay leaders, and ministry partners for three days of worship, reflection, learning, and decision-making. Centered on the theme from "There is a Time for Everything," from Ecclesiastes 3, the Assembly invited reflection on the seasons of ministry and faithful leadership in changing times.The 2025 Synod Assembly gathered rostered ministers, lay leaders, and ministry partners for three days of worship, reflection, learning, and decision-making. Centered on the theme from "There is a Time for Everything," from Ecclesiastes 3, the Assembly invited reflection on the seasons of ministry and faithful leadership in changing times.
Along with the usual reports and voting we received presentations from our synod partners, most notably Lutheran Services of Florida talking about their work with refugees. Some of the presentations were Ministry Moments videos which we plan to share over the summer.
Bishop Suárez recognized Pastor Cruz as one of the newly installed pastors in our synod this year.
He also recognized Grace for meeting our pledge for Synod support.
The keynote speaker this year was Rev. Emily Harkins, founder and pastor of The Dwelling, a vibrant and growing community of faith in downtown Winston-Salem, N.C., working with justice issues.
Saturday afternoon was spent in various workshops, learning new ways to enhance our mission at Grace.
Our annual Synod Assembly Service Project was with Hope Partnership in Kissimmee, which serves families and children experiencing poverty and homelessness.
As is our custom, we began and ended with impressive Eucharist Services, a wonderfully uplifing way to return home.