Assembly
June 11-13, 2026
The 2026 South Carolina Synod Assembly will be held June 11-13, 2026 at the Brookland Baptist Banquet and Conference Center, West Columbia, SC.
Lodging, fellowship opportunities and Bishop’s Art Show will be at the Marriott Columbia, Columbia, SC.
Assembly Home
Documents
Schedule
Guests & Speakers
Media & News
Bishop's Election
The Rev. Wade Thomas Roof III elected Bishop of the ELCA South Carolina Synod
WEST COLUMBIA, SC — The Rev. Wade Thomas Roof, III, currently serving as Senior Pastor at Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, West Columbia, S. C., was elected June 13 as bishop-elect of the South Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
The election took place during the annual Synod Assembly, meeting June 11-13 at the Brookland Baptist Banquet and Conference Center in West Columbia. Guided by the assembly theme, “Created to Create” (Ephesians 2:10), voting members cast their ballots on Saturday morning.
Roof was elected on the fifth ballot, receiving 190 votes. The Rev. Rick Carter received 178 votes. A total of 368 votes were cast, with 185 needed for election.
“I hope we will find a whole lot of joy as we walk together. This call is about the Church, and we are called to move forward together as the Church of Christ. We will serve each other and move forward. Glory be to God!” Roof told the assembly shortly after the election was announced.
The bishop serves as the synod’s pastor and is called to administer sacraments, preach, provide pastoral care, advise, ordain, advocate, interpret, and serve as the ecumenical officer.
Playlist
About Our 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.
eNews
Assembly News
The Rev. Wade Thomas Roof III Elected Bishop of the ELCA South Carolina Synod
WEST COLUMBIA, SC — The Rev. Wade Thomas Roof, III, currently serving as Senior Pastor at Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, West Columbia, S. C., was elected June 13 as bishop-elect of the South Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The...
2026 Assembly: South Carolina Synod of the ELCA Elects a new Bishop
by Deacon Kathleen Cartledge Since current Bishop Virginia Aebischer will retire at the end of August, this Assembly with electing the next Bishop. Deacon John Weit, ELCA Executive for Worship, serving as the ELCA Representative, guided the election process. This...
2026 Assembly: Worship with Necrology Report
by Pastor Rebecca Wicker https://www.youtube.com/live/USy9bb6O8H0?si=W6ZevgdB9Wit3H1y&t=3682 Saturday morning’s Worship and Necrology service echoed Jesus’ words from John 14, “Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled: A service of comfort and healing.” Led by Pastor...
2026 Assembly: Session Four
by Pastor Lisa Isenhower https://www.youtube.com/live/USy9bb6O8H0?si=a5WqgYYOBxZYJ5Lo&t=922 Session four began with a motion from the floor to suspend the rules in order to allow both Rev. Rick Carter and Rev. Wade Roof, the final two candidates for bishop, to...
2026 Assembly: Report on Reference and Counsel
by Pastor Matt Titus The 2026 SC Synod Assembly considered and voted on a resolution brought by pastors from the Saxe Gotha Conference. The Revs. Gregory Brown, Jason Antley, Stephen Mims, Wade Roof, Ralph Hill, and Rebekah Boatwright asked the Assembly to consider a...
2026 Assembly: Art Show and Bishop’s Remarks
by Pastor Heather Apel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJBPx3AvsMQ Friday evening’s “Created to Create” art show honoring Bishop Ginny Aebischer was a highlight of this year’s Assembly, featuring works from 26 artists from the SC Synod. There were paintings, quilts...
2026 Assembly: General Elections
by Beth Trump With 394 voting members and 40 visitors present, the first ballot for general elections was conducted. The results were as follows: Synod Council Lay Woman Eastern Area - Silke PyrlikSynod Council Lay Woman At Large - Beth TrumpSynod Council Lay Woman...
2026 Assembly: Bishop and Director for Evangelical Mission Report
by Nancy Appel Addressing the Assembly, Bishop Ginny Aebischer emphasized joy for the Assembly's theme, "Created to Create," which calls us to weave together our talents to bring the church to people in all places and in all ways. She shared examples of the joys of...
2026 Assembly: What the Incarnation Looks Like, A Keynote Address
By Pastor Kris Litman-Koon The keynote speaker of the 2026 South Carolina Synod Assembly was The Rev. Dr. Chad Rimmer. Doctor Rimmer is the rector and dean of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS) at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC. In this capacity,...
preassembly q&a sessions
Proposed Compensation Guidelines Presentation
Mission Funding / Spending Plan Highlights
about this year’s assembly offering
Establishing the Bishop Ginny Aebischer Fund for Faith Formation for Youth and Family Ministry
The 2026 Assembly offering will open a new fund, the Bishop Ginny Aebischer Fund, which honors the lifelong ministry of Bishop Aebischer. Her own faith formation in the Lutheran church began at a young age, rooted in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Youth Ministry. Beginning in Middle School, her leadership gifts were identified and nurtured, serving every office of Youth Cabinet of youth ministry. As a young adult, she was chosen as one of only 21 Youth Staffers for the Lutheran Church in America, where she worked with the Southeastern Synod, LCA. It was during this time that she sensed a call to seminary and ordained ministry.
While attending Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, she led Youth and Family Formation Ministries at Mt. Tabor, West Columbia, First Lutheran Church, Gladstone, Michigan, and Incarnation, Columbia. After receiving her Master of Divinity and her ordination in 1989, she served at The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Charleston, and Mt. Tabor, West Columbia, where youth and families of both congregations were a highlight of her pastoral ministries. Bishop Aebischer states, “Seeing the Spirit at work in the lives of our young people and their families is an amazing blessing. Being able to walk in faith with children, youth and families of our communities is simply a humbling honor. I am grateful for all the faith experiences that shaped my life and for all the children, youth and families that are living the gospel of Jesus every day.”
This fund honors her lifelong connection to youth and family ministries, and her 37 years of ministry as an ordained pastor and servant leader in the South Carolina Synod, including 18 years in Synodical Service as Bishop and Assistant to the Bishop. This new fund is established by the Synod Council to receive this Assembly offering and to encourage future contributions by those who share Bishop Aebischer’s passion for advancing youth and family faith formation in the South Carolina Synod.
Give
Use the QR code to give or click the link at the top of this page.
orientation slides
Celebrations
Celebrating 50 years of Ordination
Rev. Herbert L Wood, Jr.
Rev. Jeffrey K Lageman
Rev. Dr. Mark A Scott
Rev. Dr. Beth S. Neubauer
South Carolina Synod Congregational Special Anniversaries
150 years – St. Thomas, Chapin
125 years – Enon, Leesville
100 years – Faith, Batesburg-Leesville
100 years – Reformation, Columbia
75 years – St. Timothy, Clemson
75 years – University, Clemson
50 Years – King of Glory, North Myrtle Beach
Schedule
Thursday, June 11, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Foyer / Registration
Display Table Check In and Set Up
11:00 a.m.
Foyer / Registration
Registration Opens
11:00 a.m.
Foyer / Registration
Sound Check – Bishop
11:15 a.m.
Foyer / Registration
Sound Check – Instrumentalists
1:00 p.m.
Meeting Space
Orientation for Voting Members
1:30 p.m.
Meeting Space
Streaming on YouTube
Assembly Session One
Order for Opening of Assembly and Worship
Snack Break
Welcome and Announcements
Introduction and Practice of Voting Procedure
Organization of Assembly
Reference and Counsel Part 1
Report of Synod Council Part 1
Preparation for Bishop Election
Ecclesiastical Ballot for Bishop
*Nominating Committee Report
* Nominations from the floor of this Assembly must include a completed biographical information form. This form is available at the Secretary’s desk. Please see Secretary Ozzie Herlong. We ask anyone bringing a nomination from the floor complete this form and turn in to Secretary Herlong. He will need to receive this completed form by no later than 5:30 p.m. or the close of the first session.
Ministry Report
Introduction of New Leaders to Synod
Ministry Story
Report of Treasurer
Report of Synod Council Part 2
Ministry Story
Announcements
Prayer
End of Session
Dinner on Own
7:00 PM Beer and Hymns – Dessert Bar at the Marriott
5:45 p.m.
Dinner on Your Own
7:00 p.m.
Marriott
Beer & Hymns with Dessert Bar
Friday, June 12, 2026
8:00 a.m.
Foyer / Registration
Check-in Opens
9:00 a.m.
Meeting Space
Streaming on YouTube
Assembly Session Two
Gathering Music
Opening Prayer
Ministry Story
Celebrating Church Anniversaries
Results of Ecclesiastical Ballot for Bishop Election
Reference and Counsel Part 2
Ministry Story
Report of Synod Council Part 3
Ministry Story
First Ballot General Elections
Ministry Story
Stretch Break
Second Ballot for Bishop Election
Results of Second Ballot for Bishop Election
Celebrating 50th Anniversaries of Ordination
Ministry Story
Ministry Story
Centering Prayer as a Spiritual Practice
Announcements
Prayer for Lunch
12:00 p.m.
Meeting Space
Lunch
1:00 p.m.
Meeting Space
Streaming on YouTube
Assembly Session Three
Gathering Music
Ministry Story
Ministry Story
Presentation of Candidates for Bishop Election
Third Ballot for Bishop Election
Results of Third Ballot for Bishop Election
Second Ballot General Elections
Ministry Story
Report of Vice President
Report of ELCA
Ministry Story
Report of Synod Council Part 4
Ministry Story
Snack Break
Ministry Story
Keynote Address
Report of Bishop, DEM and Congregational Vitality
Stretch Break
Presentation of Top 3 Candidates: Q&A Bishop Election
Fourth Ballot for Bishop Election
Ministry Story
Results of Fourth Ballot for Bishop Election
Announcements
End of Session
Dinner on Own
7:00 PM Art Show and Bishop’s Celebration with heavy hors d’oeuvres and bar at the Marriott
5:00 p.m.
Dinner on Your Own
7:00 p.m.
Marriott
Art Show & Bishop’s Celebration
With heavy hors d’oeuvres and bar
Saturday, June 13, 2026
8:00 a.m.
Foyer / Registration
Check-in Opens
9:00 a.m.
Meeting Space
Streaming on YouTube
Assembly Session Four
Gathering Music
Opening Prayer
Ministry Story
Reference and Counsel Part 3
Worship with Necrology
Ministry Story
Fifth Ballot for Bishop Election
Results of Fifth Ballot for Bishop Election
Bishop-Elect Address
Mission Support Video
Ministry Story
Third Ballot General Elections
Reference and Counsel Part 4
Unfinished Business
Reference and Counsel Part 5
Announcements
Worship with Installation of Synod Council
Closing of Assembly
Guests, Leaders, & Speakers
We give thanks to these wonderful guests, leaders, and speakers. More will be listed soon.
Deacon John Weit
ELCA Representative
Deacon John Weit serves as Executive for Worship of the ELCA. In this role, John oversees the work of the worship team within the churchwide organization and provides leadership on behalf of the presiding bishop in matters related to worship. This includes developing and implementing strategies and resources that support worship in synods, congregations and other local worship assemblies across the ELCA as well as planning and worship leadership for churchwide events. Prior to his call to the churchwide organization in 2016, John served as musician for congregations in Pennsylvania and most recently as cantor to Trinity Lutheran Church in Worcester, Mass. John earned a Master of Arts in religion with a concentration in liturgy and music from The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, now United Lutheran Seminary. As part of his work with the ELCA, John works closely with the board of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians.
The Rev. Dr. Chad Rimmer
Keynote Speaker
The Rev. Dr. Chad Rimmer joined Lenoir-Rhyne as rector and dean of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS) in April 2023. In this role, Rimmer serves as the lead academic and church administrator for LTSS and works to further develop the seminary to an exemplary status within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
Rimmer is rostered in the ELCA North Carolina Synod, which is the land and peoples that formed him. In the U.S., he has been an adjunct lecturer at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, the United Lutheran Seminary and served congregations in York, Pennsylvania and Copenhagen, Denmark. His vocation as a teaching theologian led him on a global, ecumenical path of theological education in Scotland, France and Senegal with people of diverse contexts, cultures and bio-regions across the Lutheran communion. Most recently, Rimmer served as program executive for theology and practice at the Lutheran World Federation Department of Theology, Mission and Justice in Geneva, Switzerland. This role included teaching across the seven regions of the Global Network for Theological Education and Formation.
His research interests include the intersection of theology and natural sciences, social ethics, climate justice and aesthetics. At LTSS, Rimmer teaches in the areas of eco-theology and ethics, constructive theology, liturgy and worship.
He is the author of many books and journal articles, including co-author of “Contemporary ecotheology, climate justice and environmental stewardship in world religions” (Ecothee volume 6, Orthodox Academy of Crete Publications), “Religion, Sustainability and Education pedagogy, perspectives, and praxis towards ecological sustainability,” “We Believe in the Holy Spirit, Global Perspectives on Lutheran Identities” (Evangelische Verlagsanstalt Leipzig/Lutheran World Federation) and “Greening the children of God ‐ Thomas Traherne and nature’s role in the ecological formation of children” (Pickwick Publications, reprinted in 2021 by Lutterworth Press).
Rimmer is the parent of two humans and one dog, Lucy.
The Rev. Megan Lineberger
Co-Chaplain
The Rev. Megan Lineberger
Reverend Megan Lineberger serves at Bethel Lutheran in White Rock, SC. Her first call was at Lutheran Church of Redeemer in Charleston. She graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne College in 2008 and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary with a Master of Divinity in 2017. Megan enjoys working with communities to share God’s love with those who need to hear this good news. She is married to Will, and a bonus mom to a 20 year old daughter and numerous foster children through LSC. She enjoys her dogs, gardening, and sewing.
The Rev. Ginger Litman-Koon
Co-Chaplain
The Rev. Ginger Litman-Koon
Reverend Ginger currently serves at All Saints in Mt. Pleasant, along with her husband Pastor Kris Litman-Koon. Ginger is a child of the SC Synod and spent her childhood years at St. Matthews in Charleston. After spending her college summers working at Lutheridge, Ginger went on to Southern Seminary, where she received her Masters of Divinity in 2012. Ginger spent her internship year at Redeemer, Irmo and subsequently served as Associate Pastor at Mt. Horeb, Chapin. Ginger, Kris and their twin daughters live in Mt. Pleasant and enjoy getting outside in the Lowcountry, spending time at Lutheridge, and undertaking DIY projects at home.
Deacon Andrew More
Necrologist
Deacon Andrew More
Deacon Andrew serves in his new call as the Deacon for Youth, Children and Family Ministries at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Charleston. A 2002 graduate of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, he has served congregations in the South Carolina, Southwestern Texas, and North Carolina Synods. Deacon Andrew seeks to make faith accessible and tangible, emphasizing faith in the home, everyday discipleship and biblical fluency. He and his wife Grace have two adult sons, Zachary and Kento. Deacon Andrew enjoys travelling, playing guitar, spending time in nature, and learning about other cultures and faith traditions.