ASSEMBLY2023-11-07T11:31:13-08:00

2023 Assembly

2023 Assembly focused on sacred encounter: engaging God, self, neighbor and the biosphere, not as object to control or profit from, but as Life, full of dignity and worthy of reverence, love and wonder. This is our first step toward becoming communion in our communities and strengthening this wild web of relationship for the sake of the life of God’s beloved world.

“I do not call you servants…but I have called you friends.” – John 15:15

Watch 2023 Assembly!

Time links

54:34 Bishop Laurie Larson Caesar’s report

1:55:46 Rev. Amy Reumann, ELCA senior director for witness in society

2:30:00 Treasurer Mark Dickman’s report

3:34:21 Bishop’s Associates’ report, Rev. Melissa Reed & Juan Carlos La Puente

2023 Assembly Agenda

2023 Synod Assembly Agenda

Voting Member Handbook

2023 Oregon Synod Assembly Voting Member Handbook

2024 Budget

FY February 1, 2024-January 31, 2025.

2024 budget

2024 Budget Review – slides

2023 Constitution Updates

The three motions to make changes to the Oregon Synod constitution and bylaws all passed.
  1. Motion to adopt the proposed constitution changes from the 2022 Churchwide Assembly.
  2. Motion to remove the requirement to accept nominations from the floor during assembly. (Last minute nominations have been a logistical burden for synod staff.)
  3. Motion to alter the membership composition of the candidacy committee (at the request of the Candidacy Committee) to a structure that will better represent the demographics of the Oregon Synod and allow an option for more than one deacon.
You can find more information about these changes by watching the Assembly livestream or by looking at the 2023 Assembly Voting Member Handbook.

Assembly Offering

The Assembly offering raised over $1200 for the Oregon Synod Racial Equity & Repair Fund. This fund acknowledges that the congregational land we’ve been inhabiting here in Oregon was once occupied by thriving indigenous communities and, in some areas, other marginalized populations. This fund will build capacity for the necessary work of reconciliation and repair with our neighbors who are Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.

Ordination Anniversaries

Presiding Bishop Eaton

Pictures from 2022 Assembly in Sunriver!

2024 assembly will be online after the resolution Type of Assembly Meetings was passed at our 2022 assembly.

Our next in-person Assembly will be in Portland in 2025.

What is Synod Assembly?

The Synod Assembly—made up of voting members from all synod congregations—is the governing body of the Oregon Synod. Through a democratic voting process the Synod Assembly establishes synod ministry priorities, approves the synod budget, and elects members to synod positions. This annual gathering of clergy and lay people represents the synod’s highest legislative authority.

The Assembly

  • receives information and reports
  • elects nominees to leadership positions in the church
  • reaches decisions on matters brought before the Assembly
  • votes on proposed memorials and resolutions
  • sets priorities for the synod’s ministry
  • equips and educates those who attend to interpret the mission of the synod in local ministry settings
  • celebrates the community that is the Oregon Synod through development of relationships and worship

Voting Members

Each synod congregation elects voting members and additional voting members. Congregations can have up to 8 lay voting members in the following categories:

  • Regular voting members: Up to 2
  • Additional voting members:
    • Up to 2 people who identify LGBTQIA+
    • Up to 2 members who are people of color and/or whose first language isn’t English
    • Up to 2 youth or young adult voting members

2023 Guide to Voting members

Nominations

Elections for individuals to serve on Synod Council and other synod committees will be held during assembly.

Memorials and Resolutions

Action items to be presented to the Synod Assembly are one way this church addresses broad policy issues or important issues for God’s mission in the world. Check out these resources: