On May 15–16, voting members and synod leaders from across the Southeastern Iowa Synod gathered at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids under the theme “Peace Be With You.” Throughout the weekend, the assembly was grounded in worship, storytelling, reports, important synod business, and the election of our bishop and other synod leaders. Participants also gave generously through the assembly offering to support our Companion Synods in Tanzania. Thank you to all who participated, served, and helped make this Spirit-led gathering possible.
Peace Be With You: A Bible Study
The theme of the 2026 Synod Assembly was “Peace be with you,” the words that the resurrected Christ uses to greet the disciples on the evening of the fi rst day.
Our Synod is the network of congregations in Southeastern Iowa that proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ together. This Bible Study has been prepared with your congregations and ministries in mind for practice in doing just that.
Click the buttons below to view and download the Bible Study and corresponding videos.
Congratulations, Bishop Amy Current!
On Friday, May 15, 2026, Bishop Amy Current was re-elected for a second six-year term as Bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod.
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 Yehiel Curry. The bishop election process was guided by Deacon John Weit, Executive for Worship. Bishop Current was reelected on the first ballot, with 240 votes out of 297 legal votes cast.
Actions Taken by the 2026 Synod Assembly
The Synod Assembly conducted key business that will shape our synod in the years ahead, including general elections, the bishop election, approving the 2027 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. The draft Assembly Minutes will be presented for approval to Synod Council in July.
All supporting documents and resources from the 2026 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.
Over $19,200 Raised to Support the
Tanzania Companion Synod Program
The generosity of the Southeastern Iowa Synod continues to make a meaningful impact around the globe. We are delighted to share that the 2026 Synod Assembly Offering has now surpassed $19,200 in support of our Tanzania Companion Synod Program.
These gifts will be shared equally between our companion synods, the Pare and Mwanga Dioceses in Tanzania, strengthening our longstanding relationship of faith, mutual encouragement, and shared ministry. Through this partnership, we continue to walk together in Christ, supporting one another's mission and ministry across continents.
We give thanks to every congregation and individual who contributed to this special offering. Your generosity is a powerful witness to God's abundant grace. Together, we are making a difference and living out our calling to accompany our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.
More information about the ministry can be found through the “learn more” button below.
Celebrating Ordination Anniversaries
Rostered Ministers
Ten Years
Deacon Heidi M. Larson
Pastor Sonja M. Gerstenberger
Deacon Jodi S. Schuman
Pastor Aleese M. Kenitzer
Pastor Timothy M. Jacobsen
Pastor Dianne L. Prichard
Deacon Terese A. TouVelle
Twenty-five Years
Pastor William H. Bernau
Deacon Gayla H. Crosmer
Pastor Sarah E. Goettsch
Pastor Neil P. Harrison
Deacon Barbara Jo Tobiason
Thirty-five Years
Pastor Philip M. Jorgensen
Pastor Jennifer L. Andreas
Fifty Years
Pastor Leslie W. Walck
Pastor Matthew R. Martens
Pastor David A. Aanonson
Pastor Douglas L. Holmgren
Fifty-five Years
Pastor Paul R. Axness
Pastor Thomas W. Reuss
Sixty Years
Pastor Wendell R. Debner
Pastor Marvin E. Robeck
Sixty-five Years
Pastor Ralph D. Andersen
Thank You, Volunteers!
A huge thank you to the volunteers who made the 2026 Synod Assembly possible! Whether you welcomed participants at registration, served as greeters, tallied votes, offered your musical talents, served on committees, or assisted with communion, your gifts are deeply appreciated. Your willingness to serve is appreciated.
