Report of the 2024 Synod Assembly

The 2024 Synod Assembly of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America gathered May 17-18th at the Oshkosh Waterfront Convention Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In attendance, 240 voting members registered for the assembly, 63% of whom were lay and 37% were pastors and deacons. There were 15 ministry partner tables and 20 visitors to the assembly. 

Gathered under one of the promises made in baptism, the Assembly theme was, “To Proclaim the Good News of God in Christ through Word and Deed.” Several “proclamation moments” were shared throughout the assembly from people of all ages and vocations. The assembly processed to Peace Lutheran Church in Oshkosh for a celebration eucharist. The Rev. Dr. Niveen Ibrahim Sarras was the preacher of the day, sharing words of proclamation based on the Pentecost texts. A dancer and assembly choir enriched worship. 

The Rev. Kerri Parker, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches shared with us reflections on the intersection of proclamation and public faith. The ELCA churchwide representative to the Assembly was The Rev. Dr. Phil Hirsch, Executive Director, Christian Community and Leadership at Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The service project was designated for Crossways Camping Ministries and the Assembly Offering was designated toward ELCA World Hunger and the Bishop’s Resource Fund. 

Business of the Assembly included: 

• Approval of 2025 Compensation Guidelines

• Adoption of the 2025 Budget

• Election of Synod Council: Adam Clifford and The Rev. Maggie Westaby 

• Election of Consultation Committee: Mary Vandenberg and Bob Wiederfoeft

• Election of Committee on Discipline: Natasha Beestman

• Election of 2025 Churchwide Voting Members and Alternates

• The passing of five resolutions: 

  • East Central Synod Members “50 Committed to $50”

  • Resolution to Encourage Participation in “Now is the Time” Study to Further the Work of Racial Equity 

  • Action Encouraging the ECSW to Promote Education and Advocacy for Peace in the Holy Land

  • T.E.E.M Candidate Voting Status at the ECSW Synod Assembly

  • Resolution to Support a U.S. Constitution Amendment to Limit Money in Politics

Next year’s one day synod assembly will gather at Calvary Lutheran Church in Green Bay on June 7th, 2025 under the theme of the baptismal promise, “To Serve All People Following the Example of Jesus."