global missions through music, worship, workshops, learning and conversation. Bishop Jacob Mameo from the Morogoro Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania was a special guest. —Laura Bunch


Pacifica, May 5-7, Irvine, Calif. (pacificasynod.org). With the theme “Called for Such a Time as This,” the assembly elected a new bishop and reflected on where God is calling them to be today and as they look ahead to the future. With the help of ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Bible study leader Shauna Hannan of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, Calif., participants were challenged, inspired and sent forth in mission. —Terri Robertson


Ethan Huff, New Life Lutheran Church, Dripping Springs, Texas, adds coins for the “Long-Drop Latrine Coin Drop” at the Southwestern Texas Synod Assembly.


Southwestern Texas, April 29- May 1, San Marcos, Texas (swtsynod.org/assembly2016). Assembly offerings for ELCA World Hunger were a focus, the first of the synod’s three-year emphasis in support of Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA. The synod will share $115,053 to help feed refugees, strengthen family farms, provide microloans, stock medical clinics through ELCA Good Gifts. Participants brought 2,183 pounds of food for a local pantry and coins totaling $533 to fund long-drop latrines. —John Dellis


Arkansas-Oklahoma, April 29-May 1, Tulsa, Okla. (aokelca. org/2016-synod-assembly). With the help of an ELCA Glocal Mission Team, participants explored the connections and intersections between local and


Minneapolis Area,May 6-7, Eden Prairie, Minn.Under the theme “Can I Get a Witness?” storyteller Michael Mann described the power of stories by explaining how the human brain responds. ELCA pastor Barbara Lundblad contributed to the theme by retelling biblical narratives as stories. Worship opened with a dozen synodical leaders pouring water from their local watershed into the baptismal font as a reminder of our connection to creation. —Bob Hulteen


Southeastern Minnesota,May 6-7, Rochester, Minn. (semnsynod. org/assembly2016). The theme was “We are Church Together for the Sake of the World.” Bishop Steven Delzer introduced a new mission statement: The synod “is equipping congregations and leaders to follow Jesus into a changing world.” He also emphasized the synod’s top three priorities: developing leaders, equipping congregations and accompanying global partners. —Emily Carson


Southeastern Iowa,May 6-7, Coralville, Iowa (seiasynod. org/assembly). Under the theme “Drawn to the Light of God,” participants were joined by Ruben Duran, churchwide representative, and Jason Chesnut, who performed biblical storytelling from the book of John. Keynote speakers from area ministries included Joel Nau on hunger and poverty, Lee Schott on ministry with those incarcerated, and A.J. Houseman on leadership and calling in ministry. —Valerie Harlynn


Southeast Michigan, May 13-14, Pinckney, Mich. (semisynod.com/cms/index. php/informationfind-out- morehome/synod-assembly). Highlights included a barbecue dinner with bluegrass music under the big top, as well as the successful adoption of two churchwide memorials: African Descent Lutheran Lives Matter and Increased Advocacy for a Just Peace in the Holy Land. —Robin J. McCants


Northern Great Lakes,May 13-14, Marquette, Mich. Participants met in conference mission meetings to discuss needs for their communities. Responses included the impact of a mine closing, and drug and mental health issues. Jim Duehring, coordinator of the experience, said, “People seemed to respond well to this opportunity and realized that there are many needs in our communities, and our churches can be a stronger and more effective witness by working together.” —Sue Shallow


North/West Lower Michigan, May 15-17, Grand Rapids, Mich. Meeting under the theme “For the Life of the World,” highlights included a “Service for the Healing of the Nations”;


RELIGIOUS NEWS & SOCIAL ISSUES • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG 39


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