2024 Synod Assembly

May 3-4, 2024 | Franconia Mennonite Church

Assembly LiveStream

You can view the assembly live right here or on our YouTube channel.

The 2024 Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly will be held Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4 at Franconia Mennonite Church, 613 Harleysville Pike (Route 113), Telford, PA 18969. The 2024 theme is “Chosen. Called. Sent.” Together we will explore what we as SEPA are chosen, called and sent to do in 2024 and beyond. The agenda includes the election of our next bishop, as well as Synod Council, committees and the 2025 Churchwide Assembly. The assembly begins with check in for registered attendees beginning at 8:15 a.m. Friday, May 3, and is in session until 6:15 p.m. Saturday’s session opens with check-in at 8 a.m. and is expected to adjourn by 5:30 p.m.

Updates & News LIVE from the Assembly

Results of the Second Ballot!

The top seven candidates will participate in a live forum at 9 AM on Saturday morning immediately prior to the third ballot.

View Results of the Second Ballot

Results of the First Ballot are in!

“And now, after taking a deep breath, we are ready to turn our attention to the first ballot.”

Deacon Sue E. Rothman, ELCA Secretary, introduced the procedures for the election of a synodical bishop.

She invited the assembly to center “ourselves in prayer,” reminding the assembly that the election process is both an election and a call process that require prayer, study, and reflection. She shared with the assembly that there are people all across the ELCA holding us and this election in prayer.

“The election of a bishop is one of the most important responsibilities entrusted to a synod assembly,” she said.

“A bishop is first a pastor. A bishop is a servant. A bishop is a symbol of our unity in Christ’s church. A bishop is a CEO,” she said, “And will need ongoing prayer and support” as a unique public leader who provides guidance and hope.

The first ballot, a nominating or ecclesiastical ballot, is open to any ordained ELCA rostered Minister of Word and Sacrament. Following the first ballot, and if there is no election, anyone nominated will be included in the second ballot unless they remove their names (in writing by a special form available for an hour after the results of the first ballot are shared), the one and only chance one nominated may remove their name.

Deacon Rothmeyer offered a prayer, inviting the Spirit’s presence in the assembly’s discernment.

View Results of the First Ballot

Bishop Davenport’s Address

“Chosen, Called and Sent to do more in 2024. I am so grateful; we all have the privilege of drawing others into a deeper relationship with Jesus through acts of love.”

Watch Bishop Davenport’s Address

Opening Worship: “An anchor and a launching pad”

Watch Bishop Curry’s Sermon

“Notwithstanding age, there are no signs of decline. A pampered and sheltered life has probably contributed to the longevity of one of the oldest grapevines.”

The Rev. Yehiel Curry, Bishop of the Metro Chicago Synod and Chair of the Conference of Bishops, began his sermon at the opening service of Holy Communion at the SEPA Synod Assembly with a stunning description of the 250-year-old Hampton Court grapevine. A new synodical bishop will be elected during the assembly following the retirement of the Rev. Dr. Patricia Ann Davenport.

The root of the grapevine, “acts as an anchor and also a launching pad” for the branches that cascade along the walls and ceiling of the see-through-structure. 

In case you hadn’t realized it, “I’m talking about you,” Bishop Curry said.

The sermon illuminated the last of the “I am” statements in John’s gospel, and highlighted the connecting, cleansing, and transforming work of the Word of God among the first and current disciples – chosen, called, sent.   

“Even when the future seems uncertain, stay connected…Jesus says the Word is already cleansing us…you’re already fruitful, you only have to stay connected, you already got it…so let’s stay connected.” — Bishop Yehiel Curry, Metropolitan Chicago Synod, ELCA

Resources

Download Proposed Program

Friday Worship Bulletin

Friday Large Print Bulletin

Saturday Worship Bulletin

News and Updates

Assembly Offering

Give Now
You don’t have to be at the assembly in person to contribute to our offering, which will benefit our companion synod, the North Eastern Diocese in Tanzania. Learn more here.

For more information contact:

Ms. Carrie Schwab, assembly coordinator,

Ms. Cynta Outterbridge, registrar,

MinistryLink