Assembly

Created to Create

Scripture: Ephesians 2:10

For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we may walk in them.

For our 2026 South Carolina Synod Assembly, we’re excited to introduce our theme of “Created to Create”.

This theme is rooted in the powerful message of Ephesians 2:10, where Paul writes, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” The Greek word for “workmanship” is poiēma, from which we get our English word “poem.” We are God’s masterpiece, His poem, created to perform good works. Our good deeds and creativity aren’t random; they are a direct reflection of our Creator and a fundamental part of our identity.

Scripture shows that God creates, and then makes humanity in His image to be fellow creators. From the command to tend the Garden in Genesis to the call to good works in Ephesians, the message is clear: we are “Created to Create”—to build, innovate, and steward the world in a way that truly brings glory to God. This is core to our purpose.

Mark your calendars! The 2026 South Carolina Synod Assembly will be held June 11-13, 2026, in Columbia, SC. We will announce the exact location after the November Synod Council meeting. Look for more news and information coming soon!

Created to Create

South Carolina Synod Assembly Art Exhibition

June 12, 2026

Calling all artists in South Carolina Synod congregations, institutions, and partnerships!

We’re inviting artists (ages 16 and up) from across the Synod to share their creativity in a special art exhibit to be featured during the 2026 South Carolina Synod Assembly in Columbia.

Accepting applications now!

Why is the Synod planning an art exhibit?

The 2026 Synod Assembly theme is “Created to Create,” based on Ephesians 2:10.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

The Greek word for “workmanship” is poiēma, from which we get the English word “poem.” This verse beautifully illustrates that we are God’s masterpiece, His poem, created to perform good works. Our creativity and good deeds are not just random acts; they are a direct result of our creation and a reflection of our creator.

We want to celebrate our gifts of artistic expression as we recognize the 37 years of creative ministry of the Rev. Ginny Aebischer, Bishop of the South Carolina Synod, ELCA.  A reception in the Bishop’s honor will feature the creations of artists from across the South Carolina Synod.

How will this work?

Artists may submit up to three pieces of original two- or three-dimensional art for consideration (paintings, drawings, photography, fiber art, sculpture, ceramics, etc.).

Accepted artwork will be exhibited during an evening reception honoring Bishop Ginny Aebischer on Friday, June 12, 2026.  Artists will be invited to attend the reception, enjoy conversation with guests about their work, and offer their art for sale. (Transactions are the responsibility of the artist.)

How do I submit artwork?

• Let us know you’re interested in participating by December 1, 2025 by completing the online application form below. Please include a photo or scan of each piece of art or a description of the piece(s) you plan to submit.
• Artists will be notified by January 20, 2026, if artwork has been accepted for submission. (The South Carolina Synod reserves the right to refuse any work that is not properly prepared for exhibit or is deemed inappropriate. Artists may submit up to three pieces of art for consideration, but depending on the number of submissions and space available, we may not be able to display all submissions.)

All submissions must meet the following requirements:

• Art must be labeled (somewhere hidden, such as on the back) with the artist’s name and phone number.
• 2-D art must be ready to hang with securely attached hardware.
• Artists must send an artist’s statement about themselves and their work, 150 words or less, to deborahslice@scsynod.com by April 1, 2026. The name of the artist, title of each piece of art, artist’s contact information, and artist statements will be displayed with each piece of art.
• Artwork selected for exhibition is to be delivered to the South Carolina Synod office, 1003 Richland Street, Columbia, before May 1, 2026.

Important dates:

• Submit application form by December 1, 2025.
• Artists will be notified by January 20, 2026, if their work has been accepted.
• Artist statements must be received by April 1, 2026.
• Deliver art to the Synod office before May 1, 2026.
• The Created to Create art exhibition reception is the evening of Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Marriott Hotel on Main Street, Columbia. Artists and their guests will be invited to attend the reception.

Questions? Call Deborah Slice at 803-509-8321 or email deborahslice@scsynod.com.

Call for Nominations

Every year the South Carolina Synod Assembly Nominating Committee extends to the congregations and members of the synod the opportunity to participate in the process of identifying nominees to fill vacancies on the Synod Council, Discipline Committee, Consultation Committee, and the Mission Endowment Grant Committee. The Nominating Committee of this nominates two persons for each vacancy to be filled by election. You are invited to submit the names of nominees for the places to be filled in the elections at the 2026 South Carolina Synod Assembly.  You do not have to ask these nominees in advance. After gathering names of persons, the committee will ask those whose names are to be placed on the ballot.  If you would like to participate in this process, complete the form provided. The form calls for the category to be filled and additional information such as congregation and city. The person nominated must meet the specific criteria applicable to each category. The persons nominated for these positions need to be voting members of a congregation. If you have questions about the vacancies to be filled, please contact us. To assure your nominees are given to the Nominating Committee for consideration, reply by Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 12 o’clock Noon. Send names to Rev. Ozzie Herlong at ovherlong@aol.com or telephone (803) 360-1877 and to Wendy Davidson at wendy@scsyod.com.

Vacancies on Synod Council and Constitution Committees to be Filled as the 2026 Assembly

Consultation Committee – Six-Year Terms
Incumbents are ineligible for re-election

Term Ending 2032

Minister of Word and Sacrament
Minister of Word and Service
Lay Man
Lay Woman

Mission Endowment Fund Grant Committee
Incumbents are eligible for re-election
Three-year terms

Term Ending 2029

Lay Man
Lay Woman