With Gratitude for Our 2025 Assembly
Our Synod Assembly would not be possible without the dedication, time, and faithful service of so many. To the volunteers, committees, task forces, and all who worked behind the scenes—thank you for your tireless efforts in making this gathering a place of connection, discernment, and shared mission.
A special word of appreciation to our voting members: your commitment to showing up, engaging in the work of the church, and lending your voices to important decisions is invaluable. Your presence and participation shape the future of our ministry together.
To everyone who played a role—whether seen or unseen—thank you for making this Assembly a meaningful and Spirit-filled time for our synod.
SPECIAL GUESTS
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For a smooth flow of our plenary sessions, we thank Ms. Barbara B. Carl, your Synod Vice President and Chair of the Synod Council; Rev. Stephen Springer, Synod Secretary; Mr. Erik Rehms, Synod Treasurer; and Rev. David Brandfass, our parliamentarian for this assembly.
PLANNING TEAM
Kathye Hamm, chair
Pastor Ben Bergren
Pastor Mari Larson
Pastor Jason Adams
Dennis Allen
Marissa Metevelis
Mark Meyers
Bishop Deborah Hutterer
Barbara Carl, Synod Vice President
Theresa Thornburgh, Director for Administration and Events
Brian Flatgard, Director of Communications
A photographic record of the assembly was captured by Pastor Lars Hammar of Lord of Grace Lutheran Church in Tucson.
Childcare: Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University sponsored childcare services, making it possible for all members, including parents and guardians, to participate fully in the assembly. Read more here.
Thanks to Roger Bailey, Chair of the Nominating Committee, as well as Glenn Austad, Lynn Davis, Janis Richert, and Myrna Wells-Ulland who served on the committee.
Our Bishop Election team planned for every contingency: Deacon John Weit, Mark Meyers, Pastor Amalia Vagts, Pastor John Biggs, Casey Goslin, Wendy Weiske, and Martin Jimenez. Barbara Carl also attended many meetings.
Thanks to Anabel Estrada, our Spanish translator.
Thanks to our stage managers, Pastor Jacqui Pagel and Pastor John Maroni.
VOLUNTEERS
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LOVE OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH
Intro text and list pastors.
Set up team:
Hospitality team:
Workshop Volunteers (direct people to rooms):
Other Volunteers:
MUSICIANS
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OUR EXHIBITORs
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All who participated in our art project and who gave to our service project.
“…to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.”