05/17/2026
Easter and Ascension blessings to you.
Today is the absolute last day for Emmanuel to register voting members to the 2026 Central States Synod Assembly on Saturday, June 6, 2026. The assembly this year is online from 9 am to 3 pm. We need two active and confirmed members to be voting members of the assembly for Emmanuel. American, St. John, and Zion already have registered their two voting members along with pastors Kathy and Lee. Voting members may participate through their home computers and cell phones. However, we are also planning to provide the option of having the voting members from our parish gather at Zion for fellowship as we participate in the assembly together using Zoom and the media equipment that Zion has.
The Central States Synod comprises all Evangelical Lutheran Church in America congregations in Kansas and Missouri. As our parish has experienced, the synod walks along side congregations during pastoral transitions or disability. But they also help with congregational grants for ministries providing food through pantries or making free community meals. The synod responds to congregations in crisis and in support for the mission of our congregations. We have experienced this as the synod bishop has been present with us at our last two parish mission festivals. And assistants to the bishop have been physically present with us during my leave of absence and before to administer our parish mission survey. The synod also supports Camp Tomah Shinga and campus ministries at K-State and Bethany. The synod also guides seminarians through the candidacy process and provides the training for Pastoral Ministry Associates who have become more and more a vital part of our pastoral leadership and that allow smaller congregations to continue their ministries. Our own Andrea Keesee and Ryan Bose are supported and guided by the synod as they complete their education. The synod also provides grants to help reduce the debt load of graduating seminarians, possibly freeing them to take calls in smaller or rural congregations that have lower salaries.
And specifically in the Central States Synod, the synod has worked to significantly reduce its staff and expenses in the face of lower support, while still maintaining its goal of sharing 50% of synod support to the wider ELCA for support of such programs as Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran Disaster Response, along with continuing to make seminary education possible. The Central States Synod has also relocated to a shared location with the Episcopal Diocese to drastically reduce administrative costs.
And, unlike most other denominations, congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are not required to provide any set amount of financial support to their synod. While the synods may ask or suggest a certain amount or increased funding, congregations can choose not to give anything and still remain part of the synod.
And one way we can support our synod beyond financial means is through participation in synod assemblies, which are the primary legislative bodies of synods that set budgets, mission statements, memorials to the ELCA, electing bishops and members of synod councils and committees. Most synod assemblies are two or three days. But in an effort to save resources, this and other assemblies when possible will now often be one day and virtual.
Therefore, if you are curious or feel called to be a voting member, please respond and let Pastor Lee know as soon as possible so that he can register you before the deadline passes tonight. ([email protected])
Thank you!
