The 2025 Synod Assembly for the Southeastern Iowa Synod will take place on Saturday, May 17, at the Henning Student Center at Grand View University. Join Bishop Amy Current, synod staff, and leaders from across the synod for a meaningful day of celebration, fellowship, and important synod business. This year’s assembly will be centered around the theme Spirit, Open Our Hearts, inviting all participants to deepen their faith and commitment to serving God and one another.

Synod Assembly Worship & Bible Study Resources

Use the links below to access the documents used for Bible study and Worship at the Synod Assembly, a guided reading for continued study, and the resources offered to use in your congregations for Synod-wide worship on the Sunday following the assembly.

Voting Member Materials

Iglesia Camino de Emaús

Two years ago, Pr. Jose Pilar Alvarez Cabrera, the former bishop of Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala (ILUGUA) arrived in the Quad Cities and began gathering people into the Iglesia Camino de Emaús (Road to Emaus Church).

As Jesus walked with disciples on the road to Emaus in Luke 24, bringing them hope, this  Synod Authorized Worshipping Community walks with the Latine community in Davenport around Word, Sacrament, relationships, and community.

The Southeastern Iowa Synod has partnered with the Northern Illinois Synod and the ELCA to bring this ministry to fruition. Now, we invite individuals and congregations from across the synod to join in this exciting venture.

Our goals is to raise $45,000 through the 2025 Synod Assembly Offering and continued fundraising efforts through June. By raising $35,000 we can provide critical support for Pastor Pilar to build a vibrant new congregation, laying a strong foundation for worship, outreach, and community engagement. Reaching $45,000 will empower the congregation to invest in impactful community events and programming to foster connections, extend Christ’s love, and expand their ministry in life-changing ways.

FAQs

  • The deadline to submit a Resolution or Memorial for the 2025 Synod Assembly was Wednesday, April 2.

    For future use, the Reference and Counsel Committee offers the following resources to help in crafting a resolution or memorial:

  • Please submit reports to be included in Voting Member materials by Friday, March 21. Reports may be emailed to Deacon Jodi Schuman or mailed to the Southeastern Iowa Synod, 2635 Northgate Dr., Iowa City 52245.

  • In accordance with S7.21 of the synod constitution, voting members to the Assembly are the following: 

    1. All rostered ministers under call in the synod. 

    2. The formula for congregational representation for the synod assembly is: Two voting members elected by each congregation plus an additional lay voting member for every 500 baptized members over 750 (ie: 1250=1 additional, 2250=3 additional, etc). 

    3. Members of the Synod Council 

    *All assembly voting members must be voting members of their congregations. 

    *For broader representation, only one member per household is preferred. 

    *The total lay voting members from any congregation must be, as nearly as possible, 45% male and 45% female. 

    The representation principles are for the voting members to be 60% lay members and 40% rostered ministers (pastors and deacons). Rostered ministers who are retired, on disability status, or on leave from call may be granted voting status to the assembly as long as representation principles are maintained. If not granted vote, all rostered ministers registered for assembly would be granted voice.

  • Due to the condensed nature of this year’s assembly, there will not be time nor space for assembly participants to engage with ministries, agencies, or institutions. Please submit a written report by Friday, March 21, that will be added to the Voting Member materials.

  • The venue and agenda for this assembly do not allow for a hospitable guest experience. Unless you need to attend as a guest to assist a voting member with travel or special needs, we ask that you refrain from attending this year. As such, guests will be welcomed on a case by case basis. Please request attending as a guest by contacting Samantha Fash in the synod office at fash@seiasynod.org or 319-338-1273.