by Pastor Matt Titus
After a Spirit-filled first day of the South Carolina Assembly, the second day began at 9:00 AM on Friday, June 12, at Brookland Baptist Church.
During this second session of the assembly, after hearing the results of the first ballot for Bishop, we celebrated ministry anniversaries of the following congregations:
Joy Lutheran, Moore, SC – 25 years
King of Glory Lutheran, Myrtle Beach, SC – 50 Years
University Lutheran, Clemson, SC – 75 years
St. Timothy Lutheran, Camden, SC – 75 years
Reformation Lutheran, Columbia, SC – 100 years
Faith Lutheran, Batesburg-Leesville, SC – 100 years
Enon Lutheran Church, Leesville, SC – 125 years
St. Thomas Lutheran, Chapin, SC – 150 years
Those rostered ministers of word and sacrament celebrating 50 years of ordination were celebrated as well. We gave thanks for these blessed servants in the Church, and were inspired by their remarks.
Rev. Jeffrey Lageman
Rev. Dr. Beth Newbauer
Rev. Herbert Wood
Rev. Mark Scott
Pastors from the Saxe Gotha Conference brought forth a resolution that would commit the synod to holding in-person Synod Assemblies beginning in 2027. Following a brief period of discussion, the assembly voted on the resolution, with 241 votes in favor and 130 opposed. The resolution passed.
Following that vote, a motion was brought from the floor requesting that Synod Council consider the hosting a one-day, business-only Synod Assembly on a rotating basis as needed. By a vote of the assembly, this motion was referred to the Committee on Reference and Council for further consideration.
A significant portion of the session was dedicated to recommendations presented by Synod Secretary Rev. Ozzie Herlong. The assembly approved each recommendation brought forward by the Office of the Secretary, including placing the minutes of the 2025 South Carolina Synod Assembly into the Crumley Archives and adopting recommended changes to the synod bylaws, along with other actions stemming from the 2025 Churchwide Assembly.
Following the Secretary’s report, the assembly paused to express its gratitude to Rev. Herlong for his faithful service and ministry to both the Office of the Secretary and the South Carolina Synod. That appreciation was shared through a standing ovation from those gathered.
The final round of voting was for our general elections, to choose individuals to serve in various positions on Synod Council and in other ministries across the synod.
During the remainder of the session we heard updates from several of our synod ministry partners. Reports were shared by the South Carolina Lutheran Men in Mission and Newberry College, along with introductions and updates from the new CEOs serving at the South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Center, Lori Bode, and NovusWay Ministries, Lauri SoJourner.
Our second session concluded on a spirit-filled note as all in attendance were invited into a time of centering prayer led by Bishop Emeritus Rev. Dr. Herman Yoos and Rev. Andres Leone.
