Being Lutheran in Southern California
Reflections from the Southwest California Synod Assembly
May 30-31, 2025 in Burbank CA
Bookended each day by worship, the 2025 Assembly of the SW California Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was inspirational, informative and inclusive.
Inspiration greeted us by the bowlful, as seen above. In the center of each round table in the assembly hall was a bowl of sand and soil combined from the beaches and mountains of Malibu following the Palisades Fire, and a cleared lot in Altadena after the Eaton Fire, representing the ground of the synod's rich and diverse landscape. Collectively we celebrated being on Holy Ground. We remembered the people who occupied the synod lands before us and committed on our part to recover, restore and repair the recent devastation.
We were inspired by keynote speaker Maryn Olson, Director of Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA as she spoke not only of work being done in southern California, but also around the world including Ukraine. And we were inspired by the work of Dr. Mary Ann Horton, recipient of the Synod's Clarence E. Anderson Peace and Justice award. We learned how one person really can make a difference.
Bishop Bos inspired the 300+ in attendance to consider a Both/And approach to accomplishing much going forward. Not black and white, not either or. Consider rather: Already and Not Yet.
Information abounded during the two-day assembly. Bishop Bos introduced and presented synod reports on disaster recovery and immigration, budget and staffing. In particular, she called out the "holy experimentation" of hiring Rev. Amy Beveridge, formerly of Bethel Lutheran Church Templeton, and Laura Salazar Kreuger, former Hope intern, as Directors for Evangelical Mission (DEM). This new position on synod staff serves to work individually with synod congregations, both established and forming.
The treasurer's report presented the status of synod investments, reserves and expenses. The complete budget can be found in the attachment to this article on our website (button below).
Two self-selected workshop sessions allowed participants to learn from one another and share best practices. Topics covered the gamut from planned giving to evangelism in your neighborhood to crisis management to maximizing church property for ministry.
Synod assembly is an incredibly inclusive event. Ad hoc round table discussions occurred over meals and in hallways. The 100+ congregations in attendance represented urban Los Angeles northward through SLO county. Ideas were exchanged and accepted, likewise were handshakes and hugs. Curiosity regarding others' approaches to common issues overcame any logistical or demographic differences.
Synod resolutions were brought forward for discussion and put to a vote by the entire assembly. As with the budget, these resolutions can be found in their entirety in the attachment to this article on our website (button below). One resolution of particular interest is #2507, which unanimously passed, making the Southwest California Synod the first ever Global Refuge synod to support immigrant and refugee ministries. The overall atmosphere of these voting sessions was consistently harmonious without rancor or faction among voters. Clarifying questions were asked, answers given and consensus reached. How refreshing!
Hope can be proud of its reputation within the synod in terms of accomplishments, leadership, generosity to community and synod support. Our congregation was referenced more than once in workshops where speakers were aware of grass roots activities that were effective. Hope's financial support of the synod is recognized and appreciated. As a congregation, we well define "Being Lutheran in Southern California".
2025 Assembly Delegates
Mark and Jen Koegler
Agenda | Workshops | Reports
https://www.socalsynod.org/
Please click the button below to download and view the 2025 Southwest California Synod Assembly documents including the assembly agenda, workshop offerings and reports.