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 her work:
- Conversations and connections; collaborations and hope; the large and small work being done in our communities.
- Being a part of the Call process, watching as the discernment leads to a call.
- Partnerships between congregations and ministries; more than 12 congregations have formed new partnerships in recent years, supporting growth and stability and addressing community needs.
- Our synod’s Global Mission partnerships, all different, each yielding great gifts. Seeing the Holy Spirit moving within our three companion synods in Tanzania, Japan and Colombia.
- Communication; a mass media effort in 2025 to bring Christmas Eve to people around the state achieved great outcomes. In addition, several videos have been created about our Lutheran faith, heritage and identity. All are available online, for use whenever they are needed.
Bishop Ginny described efforts around Children, Youth and Family ministry, thanking Deacon Deborah Poole for her work in this area. She also shared appreciation for her staff who work on ordination and first call, as congregations are eager and new pastors are energized for the work of the church.
Deacon Kimberly Heindl, Assistant to the Bishop, shared some of her own joys, including the upcoming Civil Rights Tour and cultural awareness workshops. Living and working with our neighbors is an important way for us to demonstrate our faith.
Pastor Rick Carter, Director of Evangelical Mission, thanked many at Assembly who are building mission congregations across the state. He shared examples of how congregations can use grants to build their outreach, highlighting a mental health outreach ministry with Pilgrim Lutheran in Lexington. A member of the Congregational Vitality Team told about “Fresh Expressions,” an effort to bring Jesus to people in our communities who will never enter our church buildings.
Pastor Ashley Twitchell told of the official opening of the ReCenter in Greenville. This ministry, born out of a holy closure, works through a partnership with the Presbyterian church, allowing for new expressions of faith outside the traditional church structure.
Bishop Ginny thanked the assembly for their support over the years, especially during her journey with cancer. Her prognosis is positive.
The Bishop invited all staff to stand as she appreciated them. She especially thanked Deacon Kimberly and Pastor Rick for their work and support. She also shared thanks for the Synod Council and Vice President Boozer. Bishop Ginny thanked her colleagues in the larger church, for former Bishop Eaton and current Bishop Curry. She recognized the nine other bishops who began in 2020 during unprecedented times. She shared her appreciation for her family and invited her husband, Pastor Paul Aebischer, to join her on stage to thank him for his support. Lastly, she thanked the congregations of the Synod and provided a blessing for the future.
