Northern IL Synod Assembly

2026

As you know, we (the ELCA) are a church in three expressions; the churchwide organization, synods, and congregations. Shepherd of the Prairie is part of the Northern Illinois Synod of the ELCA. The business of our Synod is conducted by our synod staff and synod council, as well as numerous committees and subcommittees. The synod council gathers four times each year for an all-day Saturday meeting and handle year-round support for the pastors and congregations of the synod along with the agencies and institutions which provide ministry on behalf of the Synod.

Annually, in June, the Synod calls together a Synod Assembly, at Augustana College in Rock Island, for the purpose of fostering cooperation and communication within the Synod and providing direction for Synod officers, councils, committees, boards, and other organizations. Resolutions are proposed and voted on, budgets are passed, elections are held, and reports are made. Educational and community components are also a benefit of the Assembly. Congregations send voting members to the Assembly, the number of which is based on the baptized membership of the congregation. SOTP is allowed four adult voting members and one youth (under 18) or young adult (18-30) voting member. All current and retired Rostered Ministers (pastors and deacons) are required to attend as voting members as well.

This year, SOTP was represented by myself, Harrison Bradstreet, Allison Dirks, Judy Rooney (as a retired Rostered Minister), Donna Sorensen, Elaina Spencer (youth), and Jordan Wildermuth. Donna Kelly and Laura Crissman were also in attendance as visitors. Pastor Mark had to miss it this year due to a hectic combination of two funerals and a wedding, but he was with us in spirit.

The major business of this year’s Assembly involved the passing of a resolution establishing a pattern for the Synod and its congregations to celebrate an annual season and festival of creation. With the assistance and resources of the Synod and its Creation Care subcommittee, each congregation is encouraged to engage in an annual Creation care focused worship service as well as a Creation care focused project or program.

We also approved a new Northern Illinois Synod constitution, elected people to the Synod Council and committees. We worshipped, we prayed, we heard stories of faith in action, and we grew as a community.

Next year, for the first time since 1987, the Assembly will take place in a different location. On June 11-12, 2027, the Assembly will be held at the Radisson in Rockford.

I always leave the Assembly feeling refreshed, recharged, and excited about doing ministry in and among the people of SOTP, the Synod, and the ELCA, and I find that nearly everyone who serves as a voting member leaves feeling the same way. I asked this year’s voting members to share their thoughts on what they experienced. Here is what they said:

“Something that I really loved about the Assembly was the overall vibe of the place and the people around me. Everyone was very welcoming and being there made me feel a deeper connection to God. My favorite part was starting with a worship service. I felt like I belonged in a big Christian community. I also liked that we kept standing up and sitting down so we could stay focused! One thing I learned from my experience at the Assembly is to see others the way God sees us. I struggle with seeing people in only my view and being around people I’ve never met before. I have been inspired to keep my mind open and feel more welcoming to others. I enjoyed my experience and I thank everyone who let me be part of it.”  -Elaina Spencer

“I was so blessed to be a part of this year’s Synod Assembly. Seeing friends I don’t get to be with often and getting to know others from SOTP better. One highlight for me was the breakout session with ELCA Secretary CeCee Mills who shared her journey of being still and listening to the Spirit. She reminded me that in my busy days, it is essential to stop and be still to hear the spirit guiding and communing with me. She also shared the story of a monk who, wherever he went, would say, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place!’ What a wonderful practice and one I am trying to learn. What a joy to be where we were constantly reminded that all, every one of us, is a beloved child of God; no conditions, no qualifiers, no rules. There was just simple and abundant inclusion, welcome and love.” -Donna Kelly

“I continue reflecting on a statement by one of the pastors interviewed as part of the ‘Forward Thinking Church’ keynote about how we can’t be a church of programs. I feel challenged in a good way by the conversations around being a part of the community and not just providing things for the community. How are we embedded in our neighborhood and not just checking boxes? I was also energized by how diverse the Northern Illinois Synod is and how SOTP could benefit by being a closer part of synod activities and learning about truly ministering to and teaching diverse neighbors.” -Jordan Wildermuth

“I was very moved by the theme ‘Going Deeper.’ One of the highlights from the weekend for me was ELCA Secretary CeCee Mill’s breakout group presentation where she led us into quiet time using our breath. She also talked about her own journey of faith and how she risked following the Holy Spirit’s leading, bringing others to her for support and prayer and being alert to the needs around her. She walked step by step seeing how the Spirit was preparing her for life today as Secretary of the ELCA.

I was also amazed and taken with the stories told during the ‘Mission Moments.’ A couple from Venezuela shared an amazing story that we are never too old or it is never too late to do something great.” -Judy Rooney

“Something that really resonated with me, from Bishop Fidlar, is how being stuck in a certain way does not help to keep the church alive. To be alive is to be ever growing and ever changing. Some people are fearful of change and think it will ‘ruin things,’ but it’s actually exactly the opposite when done correctly.” -Allison Dirks 

“My time at the Synod Assembly was an interesting experience, with good guest speakers, a positive atmosphere, and engaging discussions on constitutional topics. My personal highlight was the opportunity to learn more about the structure of our Church and how we tie together with the Synod.” -Harrison Bradstreet

“I was so happy to return to Synod Assembly. To be refreshed by Bishop Fidlar’s encouraging words of Mission Together. I am always uplifted during the worship services, all those Lutheran voices singing and praising God in assembly. The ‘Mission Moments’ along with Bishop Stacie’s reports of planting a mustard seed, strong words of faith, hope, and encouragement were uplifting. ‘Going deeper: Walking Together’ was experienced.” -Donna Sorensen

I offer my sincerest thanks and appreciation for these faithful servants. And I give thanks for you, the person reading this report, and for all you do for the life of God’s church.

-Pastor Ryan

October Excitement

& Small Groups Kickoff

We have an exciting celebration awaiting us this October as we honor our Lutheran heritage with several fun and educational activities.

• We begin our month-long celebration with an all-congregation book read of “The Book of Harmony”, written by Dr. Martin J. Lohrmann. This book is a great commentary on “The Book of Concord” which is the basis of our Lutheran Confessions. All are invited to join in this book read and books will be available through SOTP for a donation. This four-week study will kickoff our Small Group Ministry for this fall. Our 7’s Discipleship groups are encouraged to use this study, and other small groups will be formed to discuss the book and what it means to us as Lutherans. Please contact Pastor Mark, Pastor Ryan, or Donna Kelly to obtain a book.
• Our celebrations will continue on Saturday October 5, with Pastor Bill leading Lutheranism 101. This is an excellent way to find out more about Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformation and our Lutheran Heritage.
• On Sunday, October 13 from 3-5pm we will have the opportunity to come together and watch the most recent Luther Movie, “Luther”,  which was critically acclaimed.
• Our Month-long celebration will culminate on Reformation weekend, Saturday and Sunday October 26 & 27. On Saturday the 26th, we are all invited to be part of the Celebration Dinner with Dr. Martin J. Lohrmann (author of our book) as our guest speaker. A great chance to get your book signed by the author!
• The celebration dinner will be followed by a gathering at Sew Hop’d Brewery here in Huntley where we will enjoy fellowship and listen to The Guttenberg German Band.
• Then on Sunday the 27th, Dr. Lohrmann will be preaching at both services and there will be special music including a brass quartet and the great hymns of the Lutheran Church.

Watch your email and the Friday Flourish for more information.

Donna Kelly, Director of Connection Ministries

donna@sotpmail.com

Memory Garden

Niches Available

Have you seen our Memory Garden on the West end of the Church building.

There are still 21 Niches available that will hold one or two Urns. For more information, contact the Church office, Stan Crissman, or Ralph Wehnes.                       

Contact: Ralph Wehnes at ralphwehnes@sbcglobal.net

A Note From

From Your Stewardship Team

Dear Partner in Ministry:

Generosity is all around us, but sometimes we have to look for it. In the feeding of the 5,000 story in the Bible, significant generosity happened once the child shared (John 6:9).  That is how it is here.  Once we begin to share, we will see God has blessed us with plenty. 

“507 – (Re)Forming our Faith, (Re)Membering Who We Are, (Re)Acting to God’s Call is the theme of our fall stewardship appeal.  This theme points us to the generosity we have witnessed around our church over the last year, but also reminds us of our rich heritage and our responsibility to continue to make Christ known.

There are always reasons to worry there might not be enough. As people of faith we plan, prepare, and trust in the abundance of God in all things.

Our grateful response in generosity helps to demonstrate to us and to the world around us God has provided us everything. We have enough, even enough to share.

In the weeks ahead, you will be hearing more about generosity and thankfulness along with celebrating our rich heritage as Lutherans. Newsletter articles, mission moments, emails and more will be used to share this story and our hopes for an even more robust ministry next year.  In Christ, we believe the best is yet to come!

In the coming weeks, please engage the materials.  Pray about how you can become more generous.  Then, on All Saint’s Weekend, November 2-3, please bring your intent card with you to declare the generosity you intend to share with this congregation.

Thanks be to God, you are part of this exciting congregation.  Pray for our common work together as we continue to reach out with the Gospel.

Sincerely in Christ,

Mike McCann

Stewardship Team Leader

Sermon Series

Jesus never simply invited people to believe in Him—He invited them to follow Him. This fall, we’ll explore what it means to move from believing in Jesus to becoming more like Jesus in the ordinary rhythms of everyday life. Discipleship isn’t about perfection; it’s about practice. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, God forms us through holy habits that shape our hearts, deepen our faith, and transform the way we live.

Beginning August 30, each week will focus on a simple invitation from Jesus: Follow Me. Trust Me. Love Like Me. Learn From Me. Love God With Everything. Together, we’ll discover how surrender, faith in action, compassion and forgiveness, learning from Jesus, and wholehearted love for God can become practices that shape who we are.

Come this fall ready not simply to learn more about Jesus, but to become more like Jesus.

Pastor Mark