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.