Watch a recap of the main events of the assembly in the highlights video (above).
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“Beloved, I trust that six years ago, you elected me because you saw me as a woman of faith, my deep relationship with Jesus Christ, reflected in my words and my deeds, as our Lutheran baptismal promises suggests that we do,” Bishop Patricia A. Davenport said during her address to the assembly. She also acknowledged that in addition to the challenges, she has seen many positive changes throughout the synod which have been a blessing.
”Today’s address is bittersweet filled with gratitude, inspiration, hope, challenge, and farewell. Truly, together, we have come a long way,” she said. “But we know the Lord has made the way. We are not alone on our journey. God has been faithful through it all! The Holy Spirit has been at work, showing up giving us strength for the day and hope for tomorrow.”
The Rev. Bryan Penman, pastor of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Conshohocken and co-Director for Evangelical Mission in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, was elected Saturday as the synod’s next bishop. Bishop-elect Penman received 203 votes on the fifth and final ballot for bishop. The Rev. Karl Richard, pastor of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Springfield and synod Secretary, received 122 votes.
“I am so humbled that you believe in the work that we do together. This is not me, this is us…we are SEPA synod,” Penman told the assembly following his election. “This is the work that we do together…to continue to practice radical grace. To make sure that the world knows there is a place for them at the table.”
“The election of a bishop is one of the most important responsibilities entrusted to a synod assembly,” ELCA Secretary Deacon Sue E. Rothmeyer told the assembly.
“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.
In his sermon at the opening worship, Bishop Yehiel Curry of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod shared good news about the pruning Jesus refers to in John — that it is God’s work. Jesus’ message about our work takes off the pressure, “You just get to stay together.” God “opens us up so we can see what’s going on underneath.” It can remove “some old thinking, lifting up new ideas.”
“You’re already fruitful. All we have to do is stay together. The community has already got it, so let’s continue to stay connected.”
What does a young preacher have to say to an assembly poised at the edge of electing a bishop?
College Sophomore Kendyll Ward, member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Havertown, received a loving embrace from Bishop Davenport as joyful laughter replaced powerful words of proclamation following her sermon as part of Saturday morning assembly worship led by the synod’s youth.
“Let us move forward as branches entangled with the vine, intertwined with one another attached by a deeply rooted love.”
Ms. Ward began her sermon with a story about a life-changing mission trip to Appalachia during which she learned the power of meeting people in open-hearted love while doing the practical work of helping build homes. She ended the sermon with an invitation to imagine new possibilities for the synod and an invitation to build ourselves into a beloved community rooted in love.
Vice President Beasley’s Report: “Once again, SEPA has made history”
Opening Worship: Youth sharing Love for God
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
Bishop Davenport’s Address
Watch Bishop Davenport’s Address
Opening Worship: “An anchor and a launching pad” 
“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
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“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.”