The Central/Southern Illinois Synod met on June 5-7 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington, where God dwelled with us as we conducted business, listened to what God is doing across the synod, and joined together in fellowship.
The Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile of Luther Seminary provided three keynote presentations on adapting the church to serve in the 21st century, titled “Church in a Perfect Storm,” “Following Jesus in Community,” and “Searching for Lydia: Joining God’s Mission in Your Context.” These sessions were accompanied by three “Spirit Lab” breakout sessions: “Listening to God,” “Listening to Each Other,” and “Listening to Our Neighbors.”
Business: The assembly elected the Rev. Dr. Pete Hinrich to the Consultation Committee; the Rev. Kathi Boland, Cynthia Davis, the Rev. David Glesne, Brian Moulton, and the Rev. Linda Strader to the Committee on Discipline; Cory Newman to Synod Council as member at large; and Victor Harling to Synod Council as young adult member. Marilyn Dichsen and Mark Harms were reelected to Synod Council as youth member and member at large, respectively.
The assembly adopted the proposed budget for 2026 and approved a memorial to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly for a national day of remembrance for Indian boarding schools and a resolution on our synod’s financial support plan for our companion synods in Madagascar.
Worship: The assembly Festival Worship was held on the evening of June 5 in the sanctuary of St. John’s. Bishop Busboom and his staff were presented with custom stoles and a banner, which were made from pieces of fabric that had been provided by our discipleship communities for the bishop’s installation. Liturgical music for the service was written by Pastor Patrick Jenkins; rostered ministers and discipleship communities celebrating anniversary milestones were recognized; and the worship offering brought in more than $14,000 for our companion synods in Madagascar!
Pedal for a Purpose: Led by the Rev. Adam Dichsen, Pedal for a Purpose raised more than $5,000 for campus ministry. In addition to a very wet bike ride on June 4 and a short ride on June 5, an exercise bike was available for people to “ride” for donations.
Fellowship: As always, there was plenty of food and time for fellowship at the assembly. Friday started with a National Donut Day celebration, with donuts generously provided by one of our rostered leaders and his wife in celebration of their 55th wedding anniversary. Boxed lunches were provided as each conference ate together between Spirit Labs. Friday evening featured an “Oktoberfest celebration” of brats, pork chops, sauerkraut, potato salad, and more, followed by a “brat toss” (like a water balloon toss) and accompanied by Al’s Pals polka band.
Next year: The 2026 Synod Assembly will be an experimental one, with an online-only business session in June and “Synod days” of learning, worship, and fellowship in each conference in the fall. The assembly will be an in-person event in 2027.
A heartfelt thank you goes to St. John’s, Bloomington, for welcoming us into their space and the lavish hospitality of their staff and volunteers!