Registration Closes on July 13, 2020. There is NO registration on the day of Assembly.
PLEASE REGISTER in ADVANCE. Registration fee is $65 per person.
All registrations from the May dates have been cancelled and refunded.
To participate in the July Assembly, you must register again.
Assembly Offering
Documents
Media and News Page
Guests and Speakers
Schedule
Assembly Update by The Rev. Ginny Aebischer for April 20, 2020
Easter Greetings, dear Friends! “Listen! God is calling!” God continually calls us in all circumstances to pray, to praise and to proclaim our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
Thank you for your patience with me in getting details for the 2020 South Carolina Synod Assembly sorted out, and allowing time for the Synod Council and Office of the Bishop to make the best decisions possible under the unusual circumstances we are all experiencing this spring season with COVID19.
The 2020 SC Synod Assembly will be postponed until Saturday, July 25, 2020.
We are blessed to have the opportunity to meet at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church (119 North Church Street) Lexington. We are very grateful to Pastor Pat Riddle and Pastor Jason Antley and the congregation of St. Stephen’s for working with us and welcoming us for this event. I have learned that this will be the 7th time St. Stephen’s has served as the host location for a South Carolina Synod Assembly. We look forward to being there in July.
All information about the assembly can be found on our website, including the link to the new registration. We regret that we have to ask you all to register a second time, but we know the change in dates can mean a change in availability for some to participate, and it also means different fees. We felt that the easiest way to handle these changes is to refund all fees to those of you who registered for the May Assembly and start with a clean slate by asking everyone to register for the July event. Our Synod Staff have been faithfully working with me to update the details for this event so that you can have the smoothest transition possible with the changes, but if you have questions please feel free to reach out to us for assistance. I have been told that all reservations for the May assembly at the Spring Hill Suites are cancelled. However, if you wish you may call to cancel your own reservation just to be sure.
There are a couple of things that I feel may be helpful for you to know about this assembly:
- The focus of agenda items will be on the election of Bishop and General Elections.
- The process for the Election of our Bishop is the same as what we have historically done for both Bishop and Vice President with an Ecclesiastical Ballot, however the time frame in between agenda items has been collapsed.
- We encourage everyone to review the Orientation to Assembly Power Point on our website so that you are familiar with the election process and what to expect at this Assembly.
- During the time allotted for ballot counters to do their work we will continue with other items of business on our agenda.
- In addition to elections we look forward to worship, lunch, dinner and special presentations.
- We are postponing the celebration of Bishop Yoos’ retirement until a later date (TBA) this fall.
- All registration is done online. Please register in advance. Registration closes July 13th.
Finally, as a special treat we are asking each congregation to bring one plate of one dozen homemade cookies to be shared during our afternoon snack time. You can drop these off in the Social Hall when you arrive.
We continue to pray for each of you; for your health and wellbeing and for the powerful presence of the Risen Christ Jesus to be made known to you and through you each day. Please look at our website for all the details.
Pastor Ginny Aebischer, Assistant to the Bishop and Assembly Manager
Listen, God is Calling!
“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” – Matthew 7:7
About Our Assembly
Saturday, July 25, 2020
2020 is the Thirty-Third Assembly of the South Carolina Synod – ELCA and the 195th meeting of the Lutheran Church in South Carolina. The 2020 Assembly will include several items of business for our consideration, including the election of a Bishop using the Ecclesiastical Ballot and the presentation of Nominations for other various offices and committees. We plan to share together in Worship, Bible Conversations, and a Keynote Presentation.
This spring the Covid19 virus pandemic brought many changes to our lives and the way we do ministry, including the plans we had for our assembly to be held in May. When we gather we will celebrate the presence and the hope we have in Jesus, and we will rejoice that, once again, we are able to be with one another.
We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with this Agenda plan. We recognize that it is a packed Agenda with lots of work to do together in a short time. This agenda includes the items required by our constitution, as well as a few of our traditional agenda items which will happen while our Elections Committee is counting ballots. We will not be able to celebrate Bishop Yoos’ Retirement at this Assembly, but we are planning to hold that celebration later in the fall.
In preparation for this Assembly we ask each of you to review the Orientation PowerPoint that is on our Synod Website so that you are familiar with the voting processes and especially the election of Bishop. We are asking that each person plan for very limited access to internet and prepare in advance. If you choose to use the Guidebook App, please download the whole thing and all documents in advance of coming to assembly. Everyone will have the opportunity on Registration to request a paper packet and we are happy to provide those for you.
We look forward to gathering, listening for the Spirit of God and doing the work of ministry together.
The number of voting members is determined from the most recent Congregational Report Form. Congregations are added to this list after we receive their Form A.
Orientation Information
Location
St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church
119 North Church Street + Lexington, SC
St. Stephen's Lutheran Church
Lodging
Quality Inn & Suites
328 W. Main Street – Lexington, SC
803-636-8283
The ELCA South Carolina Synod has worked with Quality Inn & Suites in Lexington to bring you special group rates. The prices below include tax. Book online by clicking the button below. If calling, use the code “SC Lutheran Assembly.”
- Double Queen – $83.25/night
- King – $77.70 / night
- King Suite – $88.80 / night (Includes pull out bed only, no kitchenette)
The reservation deadline is July 10, 2020.
Guests, Leaders, & Speakers
We give thanks to these wonderful guests, leaders, and speakers. More will be listed soon.
Dr. Andy Root
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Andrew Root is...
Andrew Root, PhD (Princeton Theological Seminary) is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary.
He is most recently the author of The Pastor in a Secular Age: Ministry to People Who No Longer Need God (Baker, 2019), Exploding Stars, Dead Dinosaurs, and Zombies: Youth Ministry in the Age of Science (Fortress Press, 2018), Faith Formation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2017), and The Grace of Dogs: A Boy a Black Lab and Father’s Search for the Canine Soul (Convergent, 2017).
He has also authored Christopraxis: A Practical Theology of the Cross (Fortress, 2014) and Bonhoeffer as Youth Worker (Baker, 2014). Root puts together theology and storytelling to explore how ministry leads us into encounter with divine action. His book The Relational Pastor (IVP, 2013) as well as a four book series with Zondervan called A Theological Journey Through Youth Ministry (titles include Taking Theology to Youth Ministry, Taking the Cross to Youth Ministry, Unpacking Scripture in Youth Ministry, and Unlocking Mission and Eschatology in Youth Ministry) break new ground in this direction.
In 2012 his book The Theological Turn in Youth Ministry (with Kenda Creasy Dean, IVP, 2011) was Christianity Today Book of Merit. He has written a number of other books on ministry and theology such as The Children of Divorce: The Loss of Family as the Loss of Being (Baker Academic, 2010), The Promise of Despair (Abingdon, 2010), Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry: From a Strategy of Influence to a Theology of Incarnation (IVP, 2007) and Relationships Unfiltered (Zondervan/YS, 2009).
Andy has worked in congregations, parachurch ministries, and social service programs. He lives in St. Paul with his wife Kara, two children, Owen and Maisy, and their dog. When not reading, writing, or teaching, Andy spends far too much time watching TV and movies.
The Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla
ELCA Representative
The Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla serves...
The Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla serves as Executive Director of the Global Mission program unit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). In this capacity, he oversees the ELCA’s worldwide program, which gives expression to the accompaniment model for mission through the deepening of relationships and cooperation with Lutheran churches in approximately 90 countries. ELCA Global Mission expends about $35 million annually, including grants to companions, international scholarships, and financial and programmatic support for the work of over 166 missionaries, including Young Adults in Global Mission and volunteers in other countries and 35 Chicago-based staff (two staff members working in the Lutheran Office for World Community located in New York).
Prior to becoming ELCA Global Mission’s Executive Director in 2003, Pastor Malpica Padilla served the Division for Global Mission in several positions from 1993 to 2003. Before being called to churchwide service in the ELCA, Pastor Malpica Padilla served as bishop of the ELCA’s Caribbean Synod from 1987-1993 and as a parish pastor in Puerto Rico following his ordination in 1981. Pastor Malpica Padilla holds a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Puerto Rico (1977 Cum Laude) and a Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (1981). He has been awarded honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees by Newberry College in South Carolina in 1989, the Academy of Ecumenical Indian Theology and Church Administration in India in 2006, Trinity Lutheran Seminary in 2010, and The Serampore College (University) in India in 2019. In 2013, the Caribbean Synod Council awarded him the title Bishop Emeritus of the ELCA Caribbean Synod. Pastor Malpica Padilla’s extensive international and ecumenical experience includes serving as an election observer with the US Congregational Delegation in Haiti and El Salvador, member of the executive committee of Church World Service, member of the board of directors of Lutheran World Relief, advisor to the Council of Lutheran World Federation, and member of the Lutheran World Federation team that negotiated with the State of Israel for the tax case of Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem.
Working with companion churches in Latin America and the Caribbean Pr. Malpica Padilla developed Accompaniment as the theology for mission guiding the work with churches in the region. This theological approach was adopted by the Division for Global Mission in 1998, and subsequently became the preferred mode for missional engagement in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Pastor Malpica Padilla is married to Luz D. Malpica, an occupational therapist who works with children with learning disabilities.
The Reverend Jacqueline Utley
Bible Conversation Leader
The Reverend Jacqueline Utley is...
The Rev. Dr. Mary Anderson
Bible Conversations Leader
The Rev. Dr. Mary W. Anderson is...
The Rev. Rachel Hoffman
Bible Conversations Leader
The Rev. Rachel Hoffman is...
The Rev. Maria Miller
Assembly Chaplain
The Rev. Maria Miller is...
The Rev. Joanna Gragg
Necrologist
The Rev. Joanna Gragg is...
David Turner
Chief Musician
David Turner is...
David Turner is the Minister of Music and Worship at Ebenezer where he is the primary service musician and accompanist and director for the adult, children’s, and handbell choirs. Recent performances include a recital at the Columbia Trinity Cathedral series in Columbia, SC, a benefit recital at the Roswell Presbyterian Church in Roswell, GA and an extended music education residency in Solidad, Mexico and Cange Haiti with the Lila Duo through which he co-founded The Haiti Music Project.
David has presented workshops and sessions throughout the southeast on service playing and improvisation to organists and other instrumentalists including The Fellowship of United Methodist Musicians of South Carolina, The Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities, and the Greenville, SC chapter of the AGO. As a member of the Association of Anglican Musicians he played host to the national convention in 2010. He is also an active member of the American Guild of Organists and has served in many leadership capacities within the organization. David has served as the President of the Downtown Symphony Club and sat on the board for the Greenville Symphony Association.
Ashton Roberts
Worship and Music Team
Ashton Roberts is...
James M Colwell
Music Team
James M. Colwell has...
The Rev. Angela Jennings
Nominating Chair
The Rev. Dr. Angela Ryan Jennings serves...
The Rev. Jason Schafer
Reference and Counsel
The Rev. Jason Schafer serves...
The Rev. Gina Metze
Elections Chairperson
The Rev. Gina Metze is...
She lives in Lexington with her husband, Dion. They have one daughter, Breanna.
The Rev. Mike Watson
Elections Chairperson
The Rev. Mike Watson is...
The Rev. Alejandro Mejia
Spanish Language Translator
The Rev. Alejandro Mejia Porras is...
Pastor Alejandro Mejia Porras is a fourth generation Lutheran from Colombia South America, currently serving as the Pastor Developer of Parroquia Nuestro Salvador.
He studied theology at the Lutheran School of Theology in his home country, and through the ELCA Teem Program at Pacific Lutheran Seminary, Pastor Alejandro has college degrees in administration and in Music.
In Colombia, Pastor Mejia worked as a music educator at school and college. He also served San Marcos Lutheran Church. He has worked extensively in programs for children and youth living in communities at risk, and programs designed for the benefit and wellbeing of single mothers, victims of the violence, refugees, development of leadership, among others.
In his spare time, Alejandro loves to spend time with his two-years-old dog Tomas, or doing yoga, working out, or traveling.
TBA
Spanish Language Interpreter
The Spanish Language Interpreter...
Celebrations
In addition to honoring Bishop Yoos upon his retirement, we are pleased to honor the following.
Celebrating 50 years of Ordination
The Rev. James W. Addy & Mrs. Celie
Ordained June 1, 1970 – Retired March 1, 2005
Pastor Addy has served: South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers, St. John (Clinton), Orangeburg Lutheran, Faith (Batesburg-Leesville), St. Andrew’s (Charleston), Redeemer (Greer)
The Rev. William C. Ebener & Mrs. Margaret
Ordained June 1, 1970 – Retired July 1, 2006
Pastor Ebener has served: Corinth & St. Mark (Prosperity), Lutheran Homes of SC , SC Christian Action Council, Union (Leesville), Batesburg/Leesville Senior Center, Transfiguration (Cayce), Redeemer (Atlanta), Faith (Batesburg), St. Mark’s (Charlotte), St. Paul’s (Mt. Pleasant) and interims
The Rev. Al Potter & The Rev. Timothea Sharpe
Ordained June 1, 1970 Retired June 1, 2000
Pastor Potter has served: Mt. Hebron (Leesville), Lutheran Homes of SC, Bethel (White Rock), Resurrection (Augusta, GA), St. James (Graniteville), Peachtree Road Lutheran (Atlanta), Jerusalem (Rincon, GA) and various interims
The Rev. Dennis L. Setzer, Jr. & Mrs. Jeanne
Ordained June 7, 1970 – Retired September 1, 2010
Pastor Setzer has served: St. Philip (Myrtle Beach)
The Rev. Gerald W. Smith & Mrs. Christy
Ordained June 1, 1970 – Retired April 1, 2009
Pastor Smith has served: Our Saviour (Greenville), Beaver Lake Lutheran (St. Paul, MN), Mt. Calvary (Excelisor, MN) and Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran (St. Paul, MN)
The Rev. Dr. William Trexler & Mrs. Karla
Ordained June 1, 1970 – Retired August 1, 2009
Pastor Trexler has served: First Lutheran (Norfolk, VA), Florida-Bahamas Synod Bishop, St. Mark’s (Jacksonville, FL), Immanuel (Greenwood), Division for Parish Svcs (LCA), St. Peter’s (Miami, FL) and various interims including Holy Trinity (Hickory)
South Carolina Synod Congregational Special Anniversaries
275 Years – Zion Lutheran Church in Lexington Organized in 1745
175 Years – St. David Lutheran Church in West Columbia Organized in 1845
175 Years – Colony Lutheran Church in Newberry Organized in 1845
150 Years – Wittenberg Lutheran Church in Batesburg-Leesville Organized in 1870
100 Years – St. John Lutheran Church in Clinton Organized in 1920
75 Years – Atonement Lutheran Church in Laurens Organized in 1945
75 Years – Trinity Lutheran Church in Georgetown Organized in 1945
South Carolina Synod Assembly App
Download this valuable tool
Download the ELCA Organizations and Events App to have the latest information in the palm of your hand.
We will be able to send push notifications with important updates for you.
All of the documents will be available for download there.
Bringing Your Laptop?
The page you are one right now has all the information needed. That said, the website version of the App may suit your needs as well.
About Internet Access
Internet access will be extremely limited at St. Stephen’s during the assembly. Will are still offering the ELCA Events and Organizations App for assembly. With that in mind, please download all of the documents ahead of time or be prepared to use your own mobile data. If storage on your device is limited, you may prefer a paper packet.
Schedule
Important Notes:
Please Note: Proposed amendments to the budget may be submitted to the secretary of this synod in writing no later than Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 12:00 noon. For details please see Budget Procedure notes from Synod Council at the end of this agenda.
Please Note: Any Additional Resolutions may be given to the Committee of Reference and Counsel no later than Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 12:00 noon. For details please see the notes from Synod Council at the end of this agenda.
*Please note: The results of the Ecclesiastical/1st Ballot for Bishop will be announced and posted as soon as it is available. Our goal is 1:00 pm. Each Pastor who is nominated is asked to complete either a Biographical Form or a Withdrawal Form and turn it in to the Secretary’s desk No Later than 1:30 pm, Saturday, July 25, 2020. The blank forms are available from the Desk of the Secretary.
Report of Committee on Agenda and Program
Saturday, July 25, 2020
8:00 a.m.
Registration Desk Opens
Please note...
Please note: The Registration Desk will be open each day throughout the Assembly with the exception of breaks for meals, worship and times during voting when the staff will need to prepare the Report of Registration. The registration desk will reopen after each ballot is completed.
Voting members must have checked in at the registration desk and obtained a voting member’s name tag and Qwizdom Voting device in order to cast a legal ballot during the plenary sessions. Voting members are required to be seated within the “bar of the synod” during times of voting. The Registration Desk will be closed during posted times of assembly for the purpose of preparing the Registration report and allowing time for balloting. All assembly participants including visitors are asked to refrain from movement within the arena during voting times. No one will be allowed to enter or leave the plenary meeting room until the ballot is closed. Please respect our staff and volunteers who assist with monitoring movement during balloting to give all voting members the opportunity to concentrate.
Displays Set Up
8:30 a.m.
By Invitation - AS NEEDED
Committee of Reference and Counsel
Committee on Conduct of Elections
9:15 a.m.
Social Hall
Welcome Breakfast Snacks and Coffee
9:45 a.m.
Gym
Gathering Songs
10:00 a.m.
Gym
Session
(As a courtesy, please leave cell phones in silent mode during all sessions.)
This session's schedule is...
Organization of Assembly
Report: Reference & Counsel Introduction of Special Guests
Report of Synod Council (Part 1) Procedural matters affecting this Assembly
Report of Registration and prayer
Ecclesiastical/1st Ballot for Bishop (Standard Procedure to Allow 2 hours for Ballot Counting)
11:00 a.m.
Sanctuary
Worship
12:00 p.m.
Gym
Lunch and Celebration of those Ordained for 50 Years
This lunch menu is...
Boxed Lunch will include:
*Sandwich (ham, turkey or roast beef sandwiches will be available)
Chips
Pickle
45 Sauce
Cookie
Sodas / tea / water
*Vegetarian Option will include:
Sandwich with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, cheese, Italian dressing
*Gluten Free Option: gluten free bun for those that request
12:45 a.m.
Gym
Session
(As a courtesy, please leave cell phones in silent mode during all sessions.)
This session's schedule is...
Greetings: Youth Gathering Coordinator
Greetings: South Carolina Women of the ELCA
COE Report: Results of the Ecclesiastical Ballot (Allowing 30 minutes to complete Biographical form or Withdrawal Form) (Allowing 30 minutes for Preparations of 2nd Ballot for Bishop)
Report: Committee on Nominations
Note: Nominations from the floor must include a completed biographical information form. Copies of this form will be available on the Synod webpage prior to assembly and on desk of the Secretary during the Assembly. These forms will need to be turned in 2:00 p.m.
Report: The Life and Work of the South Carolina Synod – Bishop Herman Yoos
Report: Reference and Counsel AS NEEDED
Greetings: South Carolina Lutheran Men in Mission
Institution Video: South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers
Greetings: SCLCY
Bible Conversations 1
Report: Conduct of Elections Committee nominees for 2nd Ballot for Bishop
Report of Registration and Prayer
2nd Ballot for Bishop (Allowing 60 minutes to count ballots)
Report: Committee of Reference and Counsel (AS NEEDED)
Institution Video: Lutheran Homes
Institution Video: Lutheran Services Carolina
Report: Secretary
Qwizdom Voting System Introduced
Report of Registration and Prayer
First Ballot: General Elections
Keynote Video Presentation (Snacks will be at the tables during this time)
Report: Conduct of Elections Results of 2nd Ballot for Bishop
Presentation: 7 Candidates for Bishop Introductions
Report of Registration and Prayer
3rd Ballot for Bishop (Allowing 60 minutes to count ballots)
Report of Registration AS NEEDED
Second Ballot: General Elections AS NEEDED
Institution Video: NovusWay
Institution Video: Newberry College
Greetings: Mission Investment Fund
Greetings: South Carolina Lutheran Campus Ministry Video
Bible Conversations 2
Report: The Work of the ELCA (The Rev. Rafael Malpica)
Report of Synod Council (Part 3)
Recommendations on Comp Guidelines
Report: Conduct of Elections Results of 3rd Ballot for Bishop
Presentation: Q&A with 3 Candidates for Bishop
Report of Registration and Prayer
4th Ballot for Bishop
6:00 p.m.
Gym
Dinner – Including Introduction of New Leaders to the Synod
This dinner menu is...
Buffet Style meal will include:
Hunters Chicken and Mushroom Gravy
Country Pot Roast
Stuffed Zucchini (Vegetarian Option)
Brown Rice (prepared vegetarian style)
Grilled Asparagus
Roasted Root Vegetables
Garden Salad
Rolls
Dessert
Sweet Tea/ Unsweet Tea
7:00 p.m.
Gym
Session
(As a courtesy, please leave cell phones in silent mode during all sessions.)
This session's schedule is...
Third Ballot: General Elections AS NEEDED
Institution Video: Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
Bible Conversations 3
Report of Synod Council (Part 4) Votes: Compensation Guidelines & Budget
Report: Vice President
Report of Registration and Prayer
5th Ballot for Bishop
Unfinished Business
Report: Committee of Reference and Counsel
Closing of Assembly with Installation of Synod Council
We are over half way to our goal! Join the effort to launch Latino ministry to new levels in South Carolina. Make your gift today.
And, help us reach the $50,000 challenge if at least half of our congregations participate. Click here for more information about how congregations can share this story with your members.
Mission Partners
Get In Touch
This is Christ’s Church. There is a place for you here.
We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person–questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the life of the world.
Contact Information
ELCA South Carolina Synod
1003 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Telephone 803-765-0590
Fax 803-252-5558
Looking for Something?
Related Organizations
James R. Crumley, Jr., Archives (ELCA Archives)
Lutheran Homes of South Carolina
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
NovusWay (Lutheridge+Lutherock+Luther Springs+Lutheranch)
South Carolina Lutheran Church Youth
South Carolina Lutheran Men in Mission