synod assembly 2024
June 3-4, 2024
Bethany Baptist Church
Syracuse, NY
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34)
“New environments and new dreams demand new strategies and abilities, as well as the leadership to mobilize them. As in evolution, these new combinations and variations help organizations thrive under challenging circumstances rather than perish, regress, or contract…Adaptive leadership is specifically about change that enables the capacity to thrive.” )Ronald Heifetz, The Practice of Adaptive Leadership)
Learn more about Adaptive Leadership with keynote speaker Rahel Mwitula Williams Entrepreneur, Founder, Designer, Fundraiser, and ELCA Director of Innovation and Ideas. We will also hear from a panel of leaders from congregations participating in the ELCA Congregations Lead Initiativ
Registration: $160. Non-voting Guests can register to attend either day for a fee of $50.
It is difficult for our Synod to meet a quorum that maintains the constitutionally mandated minimum ratio of 60% lay to 40% rostered voters. If your congregation is NOT sending ONE Rostered Leader and TWO Lay Voting Members, please notify the Synod by completing this form. This will help us recalibrate the quorum numbers.
Please direct any questions to: Julie Grindle, jgrindle@upstatenysynod.org or Lisa Frauens, admin@upstatenysynod.org. A FAQ has also been prepared if you missed any of the more recent Upstate Update emails.
Schedule of Events
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS/AGENDA - Tentative
The following is a schedule of events for the Upstate New York Synod Assembly. All events (except the outdoor reception) will take place at Bethany Baptist, 149 Beattie St, Syracuse, NY 13224. The dessert reception will take place at the Doubletree, Carrier Circle, 6301 NY-298, East Syracuse, NY 13057
All times are estimated times. The Bishop and the Synod Vice-President reserve the privilege to make schedule and time adjustments as needed.
Monday, June 3
10:30-1 pm Check-in for Assembly – Bethany Fellowship Hall
Note: Lunch is not provided on Monday, but you may bring lunch to Bethany and eat in the fellowship hall, (Bethany is the site of registration and the Ministry Fair.)
11-12:45 pm Ministry Fair Open; Eucharist Rehearsal TBD
12:50 pm – Hymn-sing/Gathering
PLENARY 1 – 1:00-2:30 pm
Bishop declares Assembly open
Report on Registration
Establishment of a quorum
Adoption of Rules of Procedure and Agenda
Introductions of hosts and guests
Appointment of Committees
Report of Nomination Committee
Nomination/Election process
Nominations from floor protocol
Nominations from floor
Introduction of Memorials and Resolutions
Treasurer’s Report and Introduction of Mission Proposal 2025
World Hunger Report #1
Partner Ministry Reports (as there is time)
ELCA Churchwide Representative Report
2:30-3:00 pm Break
3:00–4:00 pm Adaptive Leadership: LEAD Innovation Program Panel moderated by Pr. Imani Olear
4:00 pm - Recognition of Anniversaries; Discipleship Award
4:30 pm – Eucharist
6:00 pm Dinner on own and check-in at hotel
7:00-8:00 pm Bishop’s Reception (invited guests) – Superior Room @ Doubletree
7:30-10:00 pm - Fresh Air Fellowship w/Cash Bar, Sundae Bar and Pretzels @Doubletree
Tuesday, June 4
6:30-8:30 am – Complimentary continental breakfast at the hotel for hotel guests only
Superior/Erie Rooms, Doubletree Carrier Circle
8:45 am – Morning Prayer @Bethany Baptist
PLENARY 2, 9:15 am
World Hunger Report #2
(Elections held throughout the day)
Bishop’s Report
Break (Coffee and tea in fellowship hall with ministry fair)
PLENARY 2, continued
Reports from Associates with the Bishop
Task Force reports
Partner Ministry Reports cont.
Synod Council Report and vote on resolutions
Reference and Counsel Report
12:00 pm-1:15 pm Box Lunches and Ministry Fair Open (Fellowship Hall)
Plenary 3, 1:30 pm
Unfinished morning business
2025 Mission Proposal Vote
Report of Election Results
World Hunger Report #3
Worship/Closing of the Assembly and Godspeed
BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM
DOUBLE TREE IS SOLD OUT AT THE DISCOUNTED RATE