Synod Events
2025 Tri-Synod Fall Gathering
You are invited to join colleagues in ministry for the 2025 Tri-Synod Fall Gathering at Faith Lutheran Church in Clive, Iowa. From 1:00 PM on Monday, September 29, through 3:00 PM on Tuesday, September 30, this time together will include worship, learning, fellowship, and connection with ministry partners across the three Iowa synods. There will be an optional pre-gathering on Sunday, September 28, for those who wish to come early.
This gathering is for active rostered ministers, Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs), interns, and lay professionals. Please help spread the word to lay professionals serving in your ministry context. Participants are encouraged to secure hotel accommodations nearby. Register to attend through the button below.
Keynote Speaker Rev. Dr. Tamas Fabiny
Bishop Tamas is a world-renowned New Testament scholar with 8 published books, the Vice President for Central & Eastern Europe of the Lutheran World Federation, and a bishop and pastor with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary, a country with a rich and complex history. Bishop Fabiny has lived, pastored, and boldly led in these interesting times. He is committed to engaging God's global Church. Bishop Fabiny is a leader who sees, listens to, and accompanies the most vulnerable in his country, the world, and the Church. All this, plus he is a warm and generous person with a lively sense of humor.
Governance for the Small Congregation
On Tuesday, August 26, Synod staff and the Constitution Committee will offer a Governance for the Small Congregation workshop from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM. Designed especially for congregations with fewer than 50 active members, you’ll explore how your congregation can effectively use the ELCA Model Constitution and adapt it to fit your unique context. A light lunch will be provided.
Individuals are welcome, or bring a team from your congregation to engage in this practical and supportive learning opportunity! Please register by Friday, August 22, to attend through the button below.
Bishops' One-Day Ride Against Hunger
Bishop Current, Bishop Jones, and Bishop Halaas are teaming up once again to ride RAGBRAI (the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) on Thursday, July 24, from Iowa Falls to Cedar Falls. They rode the full RAGBRAI in 2023 for ELCA World Hunger and raised $92K!
Why a reprise this year?
Three things:
1.) The 2023 route went through Western and Southeastern Iowa. Now in 2025, the route goes through Northeastern Iowa.
2.) Bishop Halaas will complete her term this summer so Bishops Current and Jones will ride along with her to celebrate their partnership as bishops and synods.
3.) Why not raise some dollars for local anti-hunger ministries again?
You can be a part of the ride by making a donation to support anti-hunger work in our communities!!
Women in Ministry Retreat
NEW LOCATION! The retreat will take place at St. Stephen's in Cedar Rapids.
The Southeastern Iowa Synod is honored to welcome Dr. Karoline Lewis, a nationally respected theologian, author, and speaker, for a day of encouragement, connection, and renewal for women and those who identify as women in ministry.
The retreat is open to Rostered Ministers (RMs), Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs), Deacons, Candidates, Interns, and professional lay ministry leaders in youth, music, education, administration, and beyond. Made possible through the ELCA Quality of Call Initiative grant this opportunity affirms the synod’s commitment to supporting the well-being of our leaders.
Lunch will be provided, with all dietary needs accommodated. Register by Wednesday, June 4, through the button below.
Learn more about Dr. Karoline Lewis, and the book, She: Five Keys to Unlock the Power of Women in Ministry, featured at the retreat, at www.karolinelewis.com.
Synod Worship Materials
Pre-recorded gospel reading and sermon by Bishop Amy Current for use during worship based on the lectionary text. See all the materials at https://www.seiasynod.org/synod-worship
Synod Assembly
Please visit the synod assembly page to learn more!
Information about the Assembly Offering supporting Iglesia Camino de Emaús can be found at seiasynod.org/2025-offering.
Mission Investment Fund Info Session
ELCA Mission Investment Fund Info Session
Attention congregation treasurers, finance committees, and rostered leaders! Are you aware of the services offered through the Mission Investment Fund (MIF) of the ELCA? MIF provides both investments for individuals, congregations, and social ministry organizations, and loans for church and ministry building projects, land purchases, and refinancing. Come meet Amelia Dawkins, Vice President of Lending, and Carolyn Gergits, Director of Lending, while learning about the services MIF provides on Friday, May 16, from 5:00-6:30 PM, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Des Moines. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP appreciated (but not required) to Joe Nolte, MIF Board Member from Southeastern Iowa Synod.
Synod Assembly - PreAssembly Session: Budget and Compensation Guidelines
Pre-Assembly Informational Meetings:
To help voting members have more time to learn about and discuss business items at the synod assembly, there are several preassembly Zoom sessions about topics that will be covered during the event. These sessions will also be recorded for viewing before the assembly. It is strongly recommended that first-time voting members attend or watch the orientation and parliamentary procedure meeting before arriving at assembly.
Synod Assembly - PreAssembly Session: Resolutions and Constitution
Pre-Assembly Informational Meetings:
To help voting members have more time to learn about and discuss business items at the synod assembly, there are several preassembly Zoom sessions about topics that will be covered during the event. These sessions will also be recorded for viewing before the assembly. It is strongly recommended that first-time voting members attend or watch the orientation and parliamentary procedure meeting before arriving at assembly.
Synod Assembly - PreAssembly Session: Orientation
Pre-Assembly Informational Meetings:
To help voting members have more time to learn about and discuss business items at the synod assembly, there are several preassembly Zoom sessions about topics that will be covered during the event. These sessions will also be recorded for viewing before the assembly. It is strongly recommended that first-time voting members attend or watch the orientation and parliamentary procedure meeting before arriving at assembly.
Synod Worship Materials
Pre-recorded gospel reading and sermon by Bishop Amy Current for use during worship based on the lectionary text. See all the materials at https://www.seiasynod.org/synod-worship
Retired Servants Gathering in Lisbon, IA
All retired pastors, deacons and spouses are invited to worship, conversation and lunch Bishop Amy Current.
Retired Servants Gathering - Des Moines
All retired pastors, deacons and spouses are invited to worship, conversation and lunch Bishop Amy Current.
Lenten Renewal Events with Bishop Current
Bishop Current invites actively rostered ministers, professional ministry staff, interns, and seminarians are invited to join Bishop Current for Lenten Renewal events. Choose the date and location that works best for you. Please RSVP at least one week before your chosen event for lunch.
Lenten Renewal Events with Bishop Current
Bishop Current invites actively rostered ministers, professional ministry staff, interns, and seminarians are invited to join Bishop Current for Lenten Renewal events. Choose the date and location that works best for you. Please RSVP at least one week before your chosen event for lunch.
Lenten Renewal Events with Bishop Current
Bishop Current invites actively rostered ministers, professional ministry staff, interns, and seminarians are invited to join Bishop Current for Lenten Renewal events. Choose the date and location that works best for you. Please RSVP at least one week before your chosen event for lunch.
Portico Workshop for EmployerLink Users
As the benefits administrator for your organization, your pastors, deacons, and lay employees rely on you to help them navigate their ELCA benefits. In this online session on Thursday, March 13, from 6:30—7:15 PM, discover the resources available to help you effectively sponsor and understand the fullness of the benefits and retirement through Portico Benefit Services. Join Regional Representative, Jennifer Prinz, as she leads this interactive session.
Topics include:
Our Partnership in Ministry
EmployerLink Overview
Billing
Employment Events
Annual Action Items
Time for Q & A
Register to attend through the button below.
Lenten Renewal Events with Bishop Current
Bishop Current invites actively rostered ministers, professional ministry staff, interns, and seminarians are invited to join Bishop Current for Lenten Renewal events. Choose the date and location that works best for you. Please RSVP at least one week before your chosen event for lunch.
Lutheran Day on the Hill
Join other Lutherans from across Iowa and Lutheran Services in Iowa to learn more about advocacy and talk to Iowa lawmakers.
Writing a Resolution or Memorial for the 2025 Synod Assembly
Join Pastor Eric Carlson, Chair of the Reference and Counsel Committee, Pastor Mike Schmidt, Synod Assembly Parliamentarian, and Deacon Jodi Schuman, Assistant to the Bishop, for an online presentation on Monday, March 10, at 7:30 PM on writing and submitting a Resolution or Memorial for the 2025 Synod Assembly.
They will answer the following questions:
What are resolutions and memorials?
What is the role of the reference and counsel committee?
Who can submit a resolution or memorial and what is the deadline?
What is needed for a well-crafted resolution or memorial and what resources are available to help?
How do you submit a resolution or memorial?
How are resolutions and memorials adopted at assembly?
What happens after a resolution or memorial is adopted?
Register to attend through the button below.
SUMUD: Voices From the Holy Land
Voices From the Holy Land: Loss, Steadfastness, Resilience, and Hope.
You are invited on Saturday, March 8, for a hybrid conference from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, presented through the SEIA Synod Working Group with input also from Rev. Peter Pettit. This conference is in response to a resolution passed at the 2024 Synod Assembly in which a multi-vocal educational event was requested. You may attend in person at Zion Lutheran Church in Iowa City, or, attend by Zoom.
Please register whether you will join in person or by Zoom.
This is an exciting event. In the morning we will hear from Christian and Jewish leaders in Israel and West Bank. The afternoon will feature local Palestinian voices from here in Iowa. We hope to see you there!
For in-person attendees, morning snacks, coffee, tea, and water will be provided. Please bring a lunch or plan to order in your lunch from a local vendor. A half hour lunch break will be included in the schedule.
In-Person: Zion Lutheran Church, 310 N Johnson St. Iowa City, IA 52245-2834
Online: Zoom
Lenten Renewal Events with Bishop Current
Bishop Current invites actively rostered ministers, professional ministry staff, interns, and seminarians are invited to join Bishop Current for Lenten Renewal events. Choose the date and location that works best for you. Please RSVP at least one week before your chosen event for lunch.
Loving our Global Neighbors: Partnership with Pare and Mwanga Dioceses of the Lutheran Church in Tanzania
Join Bishop Amy Current and leaders from across the synod for a short presentation and discussion about how best to love and care for our global neighbors. This is the last session in the series so join RSVP today!
New Treasurer Orientation
Amy Van Dyke, Associate for Finance, and Deacon Jodi Schuman, Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy and Operations, invite new and seasoned congregation treasurers to a workshop via Zoom. The workshop will cover best practices for budgeting, accounts receivable and payable, and reporting.
Loving our Global Neighbors: Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation & Opportunities (AMMPARO)
Join Bishop Amy Current and leaders from across the synod for a short presentation and discussion about how best to love and care for our global neighbors. Multiple sessions will be offered with different topics being discussed at each session. RSVP Today!
Loving our Global Neighbors: Preaching and Teaching with Love and Respect for the Jewish People
Join Bishop Amy Current and leaders from across the synod for a short presentation and discussion about how best to love and care for our global neighbors. Multiple sessions will be offered with different topics being discussed at each session. RSVP Today!
Loving our Global Neighbors: Palestine, Israel and the Middle East
Join Bishop Amy Current and leaders from across the synod for a short presentation and discussion about how best to love and care for our global neighbors. Multiple sessions will be offered with different topics being discussed at each session. RSVP Today!
Synod Worship Materials
Pre-recorded gospel reading and sermon by Bishop Amy Current for use during worship based on the lectionary text. See all the materials at https://www.seiasynod.org/synod-worship
Evenings of Gratitude - with Bishop Current
Join Bishop Current and others for a light dinner and an evening of fellowship, conversation, and gratitude for the ministry we share in our synod. All are welcome.
All events are 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 3
Peace Lutheran Church
Pella
Sunday, Nov. 10
Christ the King Lutheran Church
Iowa City
Sunday, Nov. 17
Trinity Lutheran Church
Bettendorf
Sunday, Nov. 24
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Des Moines
Pre-Retirement Workshop
Prepare for retirement with information from Portico and the Office of the Bishop.
November 19
Synod Center for Ministry, Iowa City
10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Lunch included
For rostered ministers 50+
Evenings of Gratitude - with Bishop Current
Join Bishop Current and others for a light dinner and an evening of fellowship, conversation, and gratitude for the ministry we share in our synod. All are welcome.
All events are 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 3
Peace Lutheran Church
Pella
Sunday, Nov. 10
Christ the King Lutheran Church
Iowa City
Sunday, Nov. 17
Trinity Lutheran Church
Bettendorf
Sunday, Nov. 24
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Des Moines