On Saturday, May 17, 2025, leaders and voting members from across the Southeastern Iowa Synod gathered at Grand View University for the 2025 Synod Assembly under the theme “Spirit, Open Our Hearts.” The day was filled with vibrant worship, thoughtful Bible study, and meaningful conversations around the mission and ministry we share. We celebrated congregational milestones, engaged in essential synod business, and gave generously to support local ministry through the Appeal Offering. Thank you to all who participated and helped make this Spirit-led day possible.
Highlights from Synod Leadership
An important part of the Synod Assembly is hearing reports that highlight the many ways the Spirit is at work through ministries across the synod. This year’s assembly included updates from the Synod Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, as well as a report from Bishop Amy Current, which featured a video greeting from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. Pastor José Pilar also shared an update on the ministry of Iglesia Camino de Emaús, reminding us of the vibrant and faithful work happening in our local communities.
Actions Taken by the 2025 Synod Assembly
The Synod Assembly conducted key business that will shape our synod in the years ahead, including approving the 2026 budget and compensation guidelines, passing a memorial and resolution in support of churchwide and local ministries, and adopting a bylaw amendment establishing term limits for synod officers. Details can be found through the links below.
Resolution, “Support of Iglesia Camino de Emaús and its Pastor José Pilar*, Davenport, Iowa”
Amendment to Synod Bylaw S.8.51.01 to include term limits for the bishop and the treasurer to align with the vice president and the secretary limit of two consecutive terms
Iglesia Camino de Emaús
The Southeastern Iowa Synod came together in a shared expression of ministry and generosity through the Assembly Offering, raising more than $27,000! Iglesia Camino de Emaús in Davenport—an emerging Latino ministry grounded in faith, hope, and the transformative work of the Gospel—is growing through meaningful worship, community presence, and a commitment to sharing Christ’s love. The Assembly Offering will help sustain and expand this ministry and support Pastor José Pilar Álvarez Cabrera.
The synod remains committed to reaching the $45,000 goal, and gifts will be welcomed throughout the month of June. More information about the ministry and the offering can be found at seiasynod.org/2025-offering.
Spirit-Led Study Beyond the Assembly
The time spent in the Word at the 2025 Synod Assembly deepened our connection to the gospel—and that journey doesn’t end with the close of the assembly. We invite you to continue exploring scripture with Old Story, New Story, a Bible study that invites reflection on your own life stories alongside those in scripture, and Dwelling in the Word, which offers guided readings through Easter 2026 rooted in the assembly theme Spirit, Open Our Hearts, helping us notice how God is transforming us. These resources can be used on your own or with others in your congregation, at council or committee meetings, Bible studies, confirmation, youth meetings, and more.
Anniversary Celebrations
Ten Years
Pastor Kimberly Belken
Pastor Gemechisa Mosa
Pastor Wade Reddy
Pastor Beth Wartick
Pastor Stephanie Wood
Fifty-five Years
Pastor Ron Mohr
Pastor Ken Ahntholz
Sixty Years
Pastor Glenn Kappelmann
Fifty Years
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Marshalltown
Rostered Ministers
Twenty-five Years
Deacon Nancy Boehme
Pastor Rhea Evanson
Pastor Fayonne Tooman
Thirty-five Years
Pastor Michael Brewer
Pastor Leighton Carlson
Pastor Gary Kinkel
Pastor Jack Mithelman
Pastor Donnita Moelle
Pastor Peter Pettit
Pastor Ken Sundet Jones
Pastor Mark Youngquist
Sixty-five Years
Pastor Charles Colberg
Pastor Craig Ause
Fifty Years
Pastor Leroy Bradway
Pastor William Flemr
Pastor Lou Hoger
Pastor Mark Pries
Pastor Fritz Wehrenberg
Congregation Anniversaries
Seventy-five Years
Faith Lutheran Church, Calamus
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Ankeny
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Des Moines
Our Redeemer, West Liberty
One Hundred Years
First Lutheran Church, Maquoketa
Thank You, Volunteers!
A huge thank you to the 35 volunteers who made the 2025 Synod Assembly possible! Whether you welcomed participants at registration, served as greeters, tallied votes, interpreted in Spanish, offered your musical talents, served on committees, or assisted with communion, your gifts are deeply appreciated. Your willingness to serve embodies the best of who we are as church together. Thank you!
Explore 2025 Synod Assembly Resources
All supporting documents and resources from the 2025 Synod Assembly are still available for your review. Whether you want to revisit reports from the synod, community organizations, and ministry partners, or simply learn more about this year’s gathering, you can find everything you need by clicking the button below.
