2023 Synod Assembly

Thank you to all who participated in our 2023 Synod Assembly, held May 12-13 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi. Here are a few of the highlights:

  • Representatives were elected to the Synod Council and committees.
  • The 2024 budget was approved
  • The assembly approved amendments to the synod constitution, along with resolutions related to a position for a person of color on Synod Council and support for sacred tiny house communities. You’ll find the wording for the amendments and resolutions in the assembly booklet (click on the link)
  • The synod presented a check for $1 million to Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. As part of the synod’s Planting Hope Campaign, this gift will provide funding to renovate the ground level of Grace Lutheran Church as the site for a Families Together therapeutic preschool on the East Side of St. Paul. Contributions are continuing to come in from generous congregations and individuals to fulfill our financial goal for this project. Thank you to all who have contributed and who will still contribute!

 

Photo Album
Assembly Booklet

Under the assembly theme of “Living in Hope,” featured speaker the Rev. Dr. Barbara Rossing shared as fast-moving presentation called “Seven Things That Give Me Hope for the Climate Crisis.”

View Dr. Rossing’s PowerPoint slides

The Rev. Louise Johnson from the ELCA shared an overview of the activities of the churchwide organization.

View Rev. Johnson’s slides

Elections

2023 Synod Assembly

Congratulations to the following people who were elected to positions during our 2023 Synod Assembly:

  • Synod Council, At-Large, Lay: Toya Dragseth – St. Anthony Park, St. Paul
  • Synod Council, Youth: Lovetta Kamara – Redeemer, White Bear Lake
  • Synod Council, Young Adult: William Siong, Jr. – Eternal Flame, Vadnais Heights
  • Committee on Discipline, Clergy: The Rev. Sue Gravelle – Newport, Newport; The Rev. Rich Larson – Trinity, Stillwater; The Rev. Wendy Steger – All Saints, Eagan
  • Committee on Discipline, Lay: Russ Carlson – Grace, St. Paul
  • Consultation Committee, Clergy: The Rev. Tammy Wilkinson – Beaver Lake, Maplewood; The Rev. Jon Yurk – Christ the Servant, Vadnais Heights
  • Consultation Committee, Lay: Jeff Murray – Resurrection, Woodbury

We look forward to your participation on the synod council and committees!

Conference Assemblies

The following persons were elected to positions during Conference Assemblies on Feb. 25:

Conference Dean – 3-year term

  • The Rev. Kirsten Fryer – Bethlehem in the Midway, St. Paul (City Conference)
  • The Rev. Patrick Joiner – Luther Memorial, South St. Paul (Southeast Conference)

Synod Council – 3-year term

  • George Mickelsen (second term) – Zion, Chisago City (North Conference)
  • The Rev. Peter Christ – Prince of Peace, Roseville (North Central Conference)
  • The Rev. Caroline Harthun-Wooldridge (second term) – Faith, St. Paul (City Conference)
  • The Rev. Tim Maybee – Amazing Grace, Inver Grove Heights (Southeast Conference)
  • Melissa Taphorn (second term) – Shepherd of the Valley, Apple Valley (South Conference)

Nominating Committee – 3-year term

  • Linda Born – Trinity, North Branch (North Conference)
  • The Rev. Marty Wyatt – Roseville, Roseville (North Central Conference)
  • Marybeth Stoltz – Augustana, West St. Paul (Southeast Conference)
  • Birdie Olson – St. James, Burnsville (South Conference)

Observances

Each year, the Saint Paul Area Synod takes time at its assembly to:

  • recognize milestone anniversaries of rostered ministers and congregations
  • honor those who have retired during the past year
  • remember those who have passed away
  • and welcome rostered ministers who are new to the synod

Watch the “Observances” video here and/or check out the list below:

Roster Anniversaries

25 Years55 Years
The Rev. Luther DaleThe Rev. Robert Albers
The Rev. Darin EaslerThe Rev. Gary Anderson
The Rev. David KilleenThe Rev. Eldon DeWeerth
Deacon Krista LindThe Rev. William Eisenmann
The Rev. John MarboeThe Rev. Gary Langness
The Rev. Steven PannkukThe Rev. Erik Saxvik
The Rev. Donald RasmussenThe Rev. James Sbertoli
The Rev. Diane SponheimThe Rev. George Weinman
The Rev. Lauren Wrightsman
60 Years
40 YearsThe Rev. John Degelau
Deacon Miriam CampbellThe Rev. Perry Hanson
The Rev. Lisa Richardson EngenThe Rev. James Jenson
Deacon Ina Mae GlommenThe Rev. Daniel Johns
The Rev. David PersonThe Rev. Robert Johnson
The Rev. John SniderThe Rev. Keith Lentz
The Rev. Gregory Wilcox
65 Years
50 YearsThe Rev. Thomas Schultz
The Rev. James Barsch
The Rev. Mark Becker70 Years
The Rev. Brian BerginThe Rev. Gehard Vorland
The Rev. Paul Bjorklund
The Rev. James Borgschatz
The Rev. Paul Larsen
The Rev. Jerome Malak
The Rev. Peter Rogness

Roster Anniversaries, Churches

25 Years125 Years
Resurrection, WoodburySt. Mark, St. Paul

Retirements

The Rev. Karri AndersonThe Rev. Shen Yen Lin
The Rev. Randy BrandtThe Rev. Jennifer Mason
The Rev. Allen DundekThe Rev. Terry Nordheim
The Rev. Mary FroilandThe Rev. Lisa Richardson
The Rev. Janet Karvonen-MontgomeryThe Rev. Sandra Rothschiller
The Rev. Richard Larson

In Remembrance

The Rev. Ramona Anderson - May 10, 2022The Rev. Edward Novak - June 24, 2022
The Rev. Norman Belland - July 19, 2022The Rev. Beverly Anne Robinson - January 15, 2023
The Rev. Don Fultz - October 2, 2022The Rev. Roger D. Schwartz - March 8, 2023
The Rev. Glen Hanggi - November 16, 2022The Rev. Cynthia Senarighi - March 4, 2023
The Rev. Philip Heide - October 30, 2022The Rev. James Shiell - January 31, 2023
The Rev. William Larson - August 30, 2022The Rev. William Strom - July 19, 2022
The Rev. Paul Martinson - August 19, 2022The Rev. Morris Vaagenes - May 8, 2023
The Rev. Richard Nelson - October 21, 2022The Rev. Daniel Zielske - October 30, 2022

Welcome to the Synod

The Rev. David W. Anderson - RetiredThe Rev. Susan Modrow - Our Savior’s, Circle Pines
The Rev. Ana Becerra - Cristo Rey, New BrightonThe Rev. Dennis Ormseth - Retired
The Rev. Nancy Nord Bence - Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, St. PaulThe Rev. Steve Pannkuk - Optage Presbyterian Homes, St. Paul
The Rev. Kevin Bergeson - Easter, EaganThe Rev. Seth Perry - Elim, Scandia
The Rev. Terri Elton - Lutheran Church of Peace, MaplewoodThe Rev. Beverly Robinson - Retired (now deceased)
The Rev. A. Joseph Everson - RetiredThe Rev. Sarah Rohde - Grace, Apple Valley
The Rev. Justin Fenger - Immanuel, AlmelundThe Rev. Kristin Ross - On Leave From Call
The Rev. Jua Jay Her - Eternal Flame, Vadnais HeightsThe Rev. Dorothy Sandahl - Retired
The Rev. Amy Johnson - Highview Christiania, FarmingtonThe Rev. Joyce Sandberg - Retired
The Rev. Brian King - Chisago Lake, Center CityThe Rev. Irving Sandberg - Retired
The Rev. Victoria Kraus - Roseville, RosevilleThe Rev. Erik Sevig - Easter, Eagan
Deacon Shirley Lee - RetiredThe Rev. Karen Treat - Memorial, Afton
The Rev. Eric Lesher - Bethlehem, BayportThe Rev. Thomas Tsen - Minnesota Faith Chinese, Roseville
The Rev. Jennifer Luong - St. Mark, St. Paul

Worship

With preaching on the gift of creation by Bishop Lull, music by the North Shore Brass and the Synod Assembly Choir under the direction of Karen Wilkerson and organist/pianist Tom Bartsch, Holy Communion, our worship service was a festive kick-off to Synod Assembly! This year’s assembly worship offering was designated for the synod’s Planting Hope Campaign, particularly for the Family Together therapeutic preschool on the East Side of St. Paul through Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.

 

Mission Fair

The Saint Paul Area Synod Assembly is a great time to make connections with people from congregations around the synod, as well as affiliate organizations! Our 2023 Mission Fair featured two dozen displays of ministries, programs and events of synod work groups, ELCA partners and others. Participating organizations included:

 

Acknowledgments

The Synod Assembly would not be possible but for the contributions of many! We offer a heartfelt thanks to:

Our Host:

  • St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church: pastors and staff, especially Mark Jackson and the A/V tech team and the facilities crew

Worship Planning Committee:

  • Karen Wilkerson and Thomas Bartsch and co-lead planners and musicians – St. Michael’s, Roseville
  • Deacon Nina Joygaard – Faith, Forest Lake
  • Pastor Lue Moua – St. Mark’s, Randolph
  • Pastor Kirsten Fryer – Bethlehem in the Midway, St. Paul
  • Pastor Jacqueline Belzer – Gustavus Adolphus, St. Paul
  • Pastor Jason Bryan-Wegner – Augustana, West St. Paul
  • Bill Chouinard – liaison from St. Andrew’s, Mahtomedi
  • Bishop Patricia Lull – staff liaison

Musicians:

  • Karen Wilkerson – St. Michael’s, Roseville
  • Thomas Bartsch – St. Michael’s, Roseville
  • North Shore Brass
  • Joe Englund, cello
  • Synod Assembly Choir

Credentials Committee:

  • Pastor Sarah Anderson – Christ the King, New Brighton
  • Deacon Stephanie Anderson – Augustana, West St. Paul
  • Sister Tashina Good, Synod Council representative – Shepherd of the Hills, Shoreview
  • Katie Hendrikson
  • Pastor Patrick Joiner – Luther Memorial, South St. Paul
  • Deacon Nina Joygaard – Faith, Forest Lake
  • Pastor Karna Moskalik – Our Savior’s, Stillwater
  • Pastor Bristol Reading – St. Luke, St. Paul
  • Pastor Daniel Ruen – St. Anthony Park, St. Paul
  • Pastor Patrick Shebeck – St. Paul-Reformation, St. Paul
  • Pastor John Swanson – St. Andrew’s, Mahtomedi
  • Pastor Andrew Tengwell – Trinity, Lindstrom
  • Pastor Peter Weston Miller – Trinity, Stillwater

Elections Committee:

  • Helen Yotter (chair), Synod Council representative – Amazing Grace, Inver Grove Heights
  • Pastor David Bjorklund – St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, North St. Paul
  • Pastor Amy Johnson – Highview Christiania Lutheran Church, Farmington
  • Pastor Jenn Luong – St. Mark, St. Paul
  • Deacon Brad Mills – Crossroads Parish (Cross of Glory and Atonement), Mounds View and New Brighton
  • Pastor Seth Perry – Elim Lutheran Church, Scandia
  • Wendy Szczepanski – First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Taylor’s Falls
  • Bonnie Pottraz – St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, North St. Paul
  • Rick Schmidt – Highview Christiania Lutheran Church, Farmington
  • Pastor Dwight Rudquist (alternate) – First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Taylor’s Falls
  • Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer – Synod staff

Assembly Planning Team and Logistics (staff):

  • Rachel Holsten
  • Leslie Ortiz
  • Mary Smith

Others:

  • Dan Nyberg, Electric Picture Company, Roseville – Assembly Photographer
  • Randy Smith – Assembly Secretary
  • Mary Nosek, St. Michael’s, Roseville – Worship Bulletin Designer
  • Marie Wiegert MAN, BSN, RN, CPAN, CAPA, on-site first responder

Bulletin of Reports

The Bulletin of Reports contains reports from the synod’s public witness work groups, ministry partners, and agencies and institutions affiliated with the Saint Paul Area Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. These reports reflect the array of work we undertake together and as part of the whole church as we carry out global ministries, seek to become more inclusive and loving to all, develop resources and equip leaders, advocate for justice and the common good, serve the needs of the poor and marginalized, and find new collaborative and effective ways to work together as the body of Christ in the world.

Please click the links below to read the reports of the following organizations and work groups:

Synod Work Groups:

Other Organizations: