By The Rev. Michele C. Fischer
At this year’s 2025 South Carolina Synod Assembly, we marked the end of Deacon Lexanne Graves’ remarkable tenure as Synod Vice President. Lexanne has faithfully served in this role since 2014, and on Wednesday afternoon, just before the close of business, the Synod Council brought a “Resolution of Thanks” to the floor in her honor.
After the resolution was read, Bishop Ginny Aebischer invited the assembly to rise in appreciation. What followed was nearly a full minute of sustained applause, cheers, and joyful calls of “woo-hoo!” as the assembly expressed deep gratitude for Lexanne’s service.
As the clapping subsided, Bishop Ginny presented Lexanne with a thoughtful gift: a meditation singing bowl, often used for centering and prayer. Lexanne smiled warmly and shared how meaningful the gift was, noting how well the bishop and council understood her spirit and practices.
The celebration continued with a reception just outside the assembly hall. Hugs, kind words, and fond memories flowed freely. Many remembered how Lexanne used to get us dancing during past assemblies—something she did with enthusiasm and joy. Laughing, she recalled that while not everyone joined in the dancing, some people simply left the room—”but at least I got them moving!” she joked.
Later, Lexanne took the microphone to offer some heartfelt final remarks. She began by reflecting on the words of Jesus:
“I came to serve, not to be served.”
“That,” she said, “was how I attempted to go about my own leadership. Whether in moments of challenge or joy, I saw each decision as an opportunity to serve, to discern, and to listen.”
She offered special thanks to her husband, Scott, who supported her behind the scenes—often staying home to care for their family while she served the church. And with visible emotion, she honored her parents, especially her mother, who passed away just one week earlier.
“When I was elected in 2014, she held my hand. She heard my doubts, my insecurities. She was one of my biggest cheerleaders, along with my husband.”
Lexanne remarked about how her mother’s faith and love of the church made her the ‘church nerd’ she is today.
Lexanne closed her remarks with a powerful reminder of the Spirit’s movement among us:
“This has been one of the most exciting and challenging opportunities of my life. And the Holy Spirit—she will fiercely blow into your next vice president, just as she continues to blow through each of you, your congregations, and your communities. It is with that that I say goodbye.”
Thank you, Deacon Lexanne, for your years of faithful, joyful, and Spirit-filled service to Christ and to our church.
