by Pastor Gary Loadholdt
Following opening worship, Session One began with an undercurrent of energy and excitement as people greeted one another and anticipated the election of a new bishop. As the meeting was about to begin, Bishop Aebischer commented, “I expect this assembly will be like all our others: marked by God’s Spirit, a strong sense of joy, and the excitement and joy of fellowship together.”
After the process of organizing the Assembly and covering voting procedures, Secretary Ozzie Herlong spoke about gifts to the Ginny Aebischer Fund specifically directed toward youth and family ministries. A first report by the Synod Council pointed to the Mission Funding and Spending Plan, reminding the assembly that changes leading to an increase needed to be offset be a corresponding decrease elsewhere.
Deacon John Weit, representative from the ELCA then took the podium to lead the assembly through the initial stages of the election of a new bishop, describing the role of bishop as one of pastor, servant, symbol of unity, CEO of the synod, and public leader speaking to the world on behalf of the Church. He further commented that the bishop is accountable to both congregational and churchwide partners as one Church. After scripture highlighting the call of Samuel and his response , “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening,’ and prayer, the first ballot for bishop was taken.
Ted Goins, President and CEO of Lutheran Services Carolinas, reported next, describing LSC’s work as “people showing up for one another.”
SC Lutheran Women reported on ministries including a growing endowment for nursing education at Newberry College.
Treasurer Raymond Hendrix highlighted the 2027-2028 Mission Funding and Spending plan with elaboration of significant changes from the current plan explained by Finance Committee chair Cindy Davis, who called the new plan both faithful and reasonable. Synodical institutions received increases along with ministries for new starts and race relations. Anticipating an online Assembly next year, Assembly costs are greatly reduced in the plan.
Synod Council reported again, introducing the Synod Compensation Guidelines, which will be voted on later in the assembly. The ELCA Foundation shared a video encouraging planned giving, highlighting the greater work that can be realized by working together.
