by Pastor Lisa Isenhower
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 each speak to the assembly for four minutes prior to voting. The motion, which required a two-thirds majority vote, passed.
The assembly also heard a heartfelt report from Restoration Chapel, a ministry that serves women recovering from addiction.
A representative of the Committee on Reference and Counsel reported on the motion passed yesterday to require in-person assemblies. A motion from the floor by Rev. Maria Miller asked that Synod Council consider one-day, business-only assemblies as an option. Reference and Counsel approved bringing this motion to the floor for a vote. The motion passed.
Dr. Susan McArver, President of the Board of Trustees of the Crumley Archives, gave an update on the archives, which provides genealogical and preservative services to congregations. The archives is in a new chapter in its history, having just moved from the Columbia campus to the campus of Newberry College. She expressed gratitude for the hospitality and generosity of Newberry College in making this move possible and shared an informative video about the archives and its plans for a permanent new home, specifically designed to protect the irreplaceable items stored there.
Following the report, the Assembly worshiped, remembering rostered leaders and spouses who died since the last assembly.
Pastor Andrea Bates shared information about the HoSEA Program—Housing Stability and Eviction Avoidance. This collaborative effort of St. Michael, Greenville, and other congregations aims to keep people in their homes by offering up to $1500 in rent assistance to a qualifying applicant. In 2025, the program raised over $100,000 and assisted over 50 families.
A Mission Support video from the SC Synod lifted up the food ministry of Shepherd of the Sea Lutheran Church in Murrells Inlet and Trinity Lutheran Church in Georgetown, helping to feed hungry people in both communities. The video also detailed the ecumenical partnership between St. Barnabas Lutheran Church and the Presbyterian Church-USA to form Parkside at Historic St. Barnabas Church. Instead of simply renting space at St. Barnabas, the two groups decided to form one worshiping community. Finally, the video celebrated children, youth, and family ministry, led by Deacon Deborah Poole. The video celebrated intergenerational ministry, which is an emerging trend in the South Carolina Synod.
Pastor Ray Sipe and Kelli Fulmer offered a report on the work of LDR-Carolinas. LDR helps with disaster preparedness for congregations, network development, and disaster response (including volunteer management and debris cleanup). Since Hurricane Helene, LDR continues to build (or rebuild) bridges destroyed by the hurricane.
A video from Lutheran Homes of South Carolina highlighted the varied work of Lutheran Homes. Lutheran Homes offers independent, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities. Lutheran Hospice also provides care for families at the end of life, and Be Well at Home offers care for people who are aging at home.
Just after 11 AM, the assembly held the fifth vote for bishop. Rev. Wade Roof was elected bishop by a narrow margin.
Linda Shealy, chair of Reference and Counsel, shared a resolution of thanks.
Synod Vice President Andrew Boozer encouraged voting members to return home and share with joy the stories of what we learned and experienced at Synod Assembly this year.
Bishop Aebischer installed the members of the South Carolina Synod Council for the coming year. Finally, she prayed for safe travel for all those leaving the assembly.
