Synod Assembly 2025
Synod Assembly takes place each spring and brings together voting members from congregations to discuss and vote on resolutions, elect synod council and committee representatives, consider finances, and other business.
Pre-registration for Synod Assembly closed on Wednesday night, May 14th. If you missed the registration deadline, you can still register at the door on May 30th (meals are not guaranteed for walk-in registrants.)
The cancellation deadline has passed. If you can no longer attend Assembly, your congregation can choose to substitute another voting member – please call our offices at 414-671-1212. Registrations can no longer be refunded.
Join us for the pre-Assembly Zoom meetings. Details can be found in the “detailed agenda” section found below.
-
- Rev. Khader El-Yateem
-
- Tyra Dennis
Friday Evening Events
On Friday evening, we will welcome Rev. Khader El-Yateem as our keynote dinner speaker. Synod Assembly registrants will receive a dinner ticket when they arrive. Non-registrants may purchase a ticket here.
After dinner, Tyra Dennis will lead an energetic and contemporary-style worship; this service is open to all, and it is not necessary to register to attend worship.
-
- Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Calling All Youth!
Friday Evening Worship Volunteers: We’d love for youth to serve as readers, ushers, communion assistants, and more.
WhirlyBall Social: After worship, we’re inviting youth and chaperones/leaders to gather at WhirlyBall in Brookfield Square. Bishop Erickson and Tyra Dennis have promised to WhirlyBall, too!
Learn more and sign up here.
Important Dates
April 30, 2025: Final day of early bird pricing
May 1, 2025: Registration prices increase
May 14, 2025: Cancellation deadline
May 14, 2025 – Advance registration closes (including registrations with childcare)
2025 Registration Fees
Voting Members/Non-voting members: $245 (early bird pricing – register by April 30)/$270 (standard pricing – register May 1 or later)
Retired Rostered Ministers, Youth, Young Adults: $145 (early bird pricing – register by April 30)/$170 (standard pricing – register May 1 or later)
Helpful Information
Worship and Offering
One of the most important things we do at synod assembly work is to worship together. This is a time to ground us in the word of God, bring us together as the body of Christ, and help us prayerfully reflect and prepare for the work ahead.
Our Synod Assembly worship service is scheduled for Friday, May 30, 2025 at 7:00 pm.
This year’s worship will be energetic and contemporary, in the style of the ELCA Youth Gathering. We encourage congregations to invite their youth and young adult members to attend!
This service is open to all. It is not necessary to register to attend worship. You do not need to be a voting member of the assembly to attend worship.
Opportunities for High School Youth
Worship Volunteers: We’d love for youth to serve as readers, ushers, communion assistants, and more.
WhirlyBall Social: After worship, we’re inviting youth and chaperones/leaders to gather at WhirlyBall in Brookfield Square. Bishop Erickson and our worship leader, Tyra Dennis, have promised to WhirlyBall, too!
Tyra Dennis, Worship Leader
Tyra Dennis, better known as “Tyralucia,” was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and has always been drawn to the stage by her talents: singing, composing music, playing the piano (as well as 11 other various instruments), acting and writing. The singer, songwriter and musician has accomplished so much and continues to excel beyond expectations, from performing with the greats such as Chaka Kahn, Stevie Wonder, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Jackson Browne, Ray Charles and Slash from Guns and Roses while still being in high school to having a key role in developing and starring in the first Apple iPod commercial. Tyra’s work spans across all music genres and audiences. Tyra has also always made it important to share her blessings with others and does so, among other music and philanthropic efforts, with Music Mayhem; a full service entertainment company specializing in music production, artist development, talent management and event curation which she founded in 2012. She has also opened for Grammy winner Eric Bellinger during 2014’s Stand Against Autism Benefit Concert, which was one of her philanthropic efforts. She has worked with the likes of Ike Turner, YoYo, Herbie Hancock, Izzy The Kidd, Symbolyc One, Andre Merrit, First Born, Soaky Siren, Kevin McCall and more. Not only did she perform with those acclaimed musical masterminds, she also recorded an upbeat swinging version of “Let The Good Times Roll” with Ray Charles and Slash from Guns and Roses.
Since 2016, Tyra has been able to show her passion for worship and love for Christ by becoming a worship leader within the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) when answering the call to serve at Another Level Ministries. She has led the music for many events, including but not limited to Western States Youth Gathering (WYLE), Theoasis (SYC Synod), Synod Assembly (SWC Synod), ELCA Gathering, Extravaganza and more. She is honored to use her gift in a way that elevates God’s kingdom and gives back to the one that has given her everything.
Assembly Offering
This year’s offering will go to support the work of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). Our keynote speaker, the Rev. Khader El-Yateem, is a native of Bethlehem, Palestine, and he is one of the many gifts that comes from the Lutheran Church in that fractured part of the world. The ELCJHL has six congregations and operates four K-12 schools in Ramallah, Beit Jala, Bethlehem and Beit Sahour. Each year, the ELCJHL schools serve more than 3,000 students. The ELCJHL also has four additional ministries; the Gender Justice Ministry, the office of which is housed in the main offices of the Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem, the Environmental Education Center located on the Talitha Kumi campus in Beit Jala, the Diaconal Ministry, which is housed in the offices of Beit Ibrahim, and a Youth Ministry. Their congregations and communities have suffered greatly during the Israel-Hamas war, and our gift will be a sign of solidarity and support.
Dinner Tickets and Keynote Speaker
Our Synod Assembly dinner is scheduled for Friday, May 30, 2025 at 5:00 pm.
Dinner tickets are included for all registered members. If you would like to attend the dinner, but are not registering for the entire assembly, use the button below to purchase dinner tickets.
Dinner guests are also invited to attend the worship service that follows. (No registration is necessary to attend worship.)
Rev. Khader El-Yateem, Keynote Speaker
The Rev. Khader El-Yateem is the Executive Director of the Service and Justice home area of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Pastor El-Yateem has served as Assistant to the Bishop and Director for Evangelical Mission with the ELCA Florida-Bahamas Synod. Prior to joining the synod staff, he served as pastor of Salam Arabic Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., a congregation he started as a mission developer in 1995. El-Yateem also worked in patient relations at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn from 2010 to 2017 and was chief financial officer at Bethlehem Bible College in Bethlehem from 1990 to 1992.
Born and raised in Bethlehem, El-Yateem received his Bachelor of Theology from Bethlehem Bible College in 1989 and his Bachelor of Theology and World Religions from the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo in 1991. He received his Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (now United Seminary) in 1996.
Transportation, Meals, and Facility Information
Brookfield Conference Center
The Brookfield Conference Center, 325 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005, is the location of our annual assembly in 2025. This conference facility is located just off 1-94 near Brookfield Square Mall. Ample parking is available right outside the venue.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is available from Milwaukee. Learn more about the bus route and transfers here.
Additional Information
Dress in Layers: Conference facilities can vary greatly in temperature and you will be more comfortable if you dress in layers.
Wi-Fi: BCC Guest (no password needed)
Friday Dinner: You will find a dinner ticket tucked in the middle of the name badge holder that notes your dinner choice. Place your meal ticket on the table in front of after the conclusion of Plenary 1. If you shared information about an allergy or dietary restriction that requires a special meal, you will have a red colored ticket. Be sure to confirm with the server that you are receiving the correct meal.
Saturday Meals: We have a light continental breakfast buffet featuring juice, house-made pastries, sliced breakfast breads, muffins, coffee, tea, and water scheduled for 7:30 am. Lunch is a southwest buffet featuring garden chopped salad, chicken street tacos, cheese enchiladas, black beans, Spanish rice and more.
Restrooms: The primary set of restrooms is located past the display tables on the west end of the building. An all-gender restroom is available on the east end of the building. There is also a private space for nursing mothers.
Childcare: Our childcare room is staffed by a paid and background-checked team of adults. Children must be pre-registered for childcare; we are unable to accommodate children that are not pre-registered. We hire providers based on the number and ages of registered children. Children will have Friday dinner and Saturday lunch in the childcare room. Parents should plan to send their own snacks, diapers, comfort items, and shareable toys with their child.
Electronic Devices: You are encouraged and welcome to bring your electronic devices along to access documents needed for the assembly. Please do not bring extension cords with you. We will have a charging station near the back of the room if you need to charge your device. Extension cords are a tripping hazard and will be removed.
Resources for Assembly
Agenda
Tuesday, May 27 (pre-Assembly)
6:30 pm – Assembly Orientation via zoom
7:30 pm – Resolutions Hearing via zoom
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89303550254?pwd=ARXGuL8wABYCcbJG52BcKmSzmuOeui.1
Meeting ID: 893 0355 0254 Passcode: 327080
Wednesday, May 28 (pre-Assembly)
6:30 pm – Budget Hearing via zoom
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89303550254?pwd=ARXGuL8wABYCcbJG52BcKmSzmuOeui.1
Meeting ID: 893 0355 0254 Passcode: 327080
Friday, May 30 (Assembly, Day 1)
2:00 pm – Registration opens
4:00 pm – Plenary 1
Welcome & Land Acknowledgement
Opening of the Assembly
Orientation and Welcome Special Guests
Interfaith Greetings
Devotion
Report of the Credentials Committee
Assembly Appointments
Adoption of Agenda
Approval of Rules and Procedures
Nominations Report
Reference and Counsel Report
5:15 pm – Dinner and Keynote with Rev. Khader El-Yateem
7:00 pm – Worship with Tyra Dennis
8:15 pm – Dessert Reception
Saturday, May 31 (Assembly, Day 2)
7:30 am – Registration opens/Breakfast available
8:30 am – Plenary 2
Gathering Hymn
Orientation/Review
Devotion
Song
Budget Presentation
Report of the Bishop
WELCA Welcome
Devotion
Song
Break
Song
Report of the Credentials Committee
First Ballot for Open Positions
Report of the Vice President
Action on Changes to Synod, Mission, Values & Practices
Action on the Budget
Resolutions & Memorials
LSS Welcome
12pm – Lunch
1:15 pm – Plenary 3
Song
Devotion
Song
Report of the Credentials Committee
Report of the First Ballot for Open Positions
Second Ballot for Open Positions
ELCA Representative Report
Devotion
Song
Break
Song
Report of the Second Ballot
Third Ballot for Open Positions (if needed)
Resolutions
Install Elected persons
Closing of the Assembly
Song
Assembly Adjourns
Please note: This agenda is not finalized and may change prior to the opening of assembly.
Assembly Appointments
Assembly Elections Committee
Central: Winona Grieger (Great Spirit, Milwaukee)
Central: Erik Nelson (Good Shepherd Trinity, Milwaukee)
North: Corey Schoofs (Faith, Cedarburg)
North: Chuck Stalzer (St. Luke, Sheboygan Falls)
South: Rev. Matt James (Redeemer, Racine)
South: Steve Ketterhagen (Lord of Life, Kenosha)
South Central: Todd Laszewski (Mount Carmel, Milwaukee)
South Central: Rev. Viviane Thomas-Breitfeld (Luther
Memorial, Milwaukee)
West: Rev. Amanda Applehans (Galilee, Pewaukee)
West: Mary Koepke (St. Olaf, Rubicon)
West Central: Rev. Gene Talley (Atonement, Muskego)
West Central: Stephanie Truckenmiller (Holy Cross, Menomonee Falls)
Reference and Counsel Committee
Central: Alexander Pechauer-Bates (Hephatha, Milwaukee)
North: Aaron Prohuska (Advent, Cedarburg)
South: Rev. Beth Ann Lechtenberger-Stone (Mount
Pleasant, Racine)
South Central: Rev Myron Crawford (Prince of Peace,
Milwaukee) – Chair
West: Vicki Jaeger (Christ the King, Delafield)
West Central: Candy Nemke (Atonement, Muskego)
Credentials Committee
Loretta Brockmeier
Monica Gramling (Good Shepherd/Trinity, Milwaukee)
Rev. Carol Hegland
Shari Higgins (Vernon, Mukwonago)
Sue Johnson (Vernon, Mukwonago)
Tom Johnson (Vernon, Mukwonago)
Karla
Amanda McVann (All Peoples, Milwaukee)
Laura McVann
Robin Nehring Brodie (St. Luke’s, Greendale)
Penny Schwid (Ascension, Milwaukee)
Vickie Stretz (St. Olaf, Rubicon)
Phil Smith (Holy Cross, Menomonee Falls)
Rev. Chuck Turbin (Grace, Grafton)
Rev. Vicki Watkins (Village, Milwaukee)
Lani Ziller (Hephatha, Milwaukee)
Assembly Rules
2025 Rules and Procedures
The Greater Milwaukee Synod Council recommends to the Synod Assembly the following Rules and Procedures for 2025. These will be formalized by the Assembly at the First Plenary Session of the Assembly, but will be followed prior to that action.
Bylaw Amendment
| Title | Download |
|---|---|
| Recommended Bylaw Amendment | DownloadPreview |
Financial Reports
Financial reports for Synod Assembly
Nominations and Open Positions
Open positions for nominations are listed below. Use this fillable pdf or our online form to submit a nomination form.
Please note: Gender non-binary or gender non-conforming people can be nominated to serve in any roles designated for gendered representation.
Consultation Committee
The role of the consultation committee is spelled out in detail in chapter 20 of the ELCA’s constitution, focusing on working to resolve conflicts within the synod and in congregations. The term of service is six years and members may not be elected to consecutive terms.
At Large – Lay Male (full term: 9/1/2025 – 8/31/2031)
At Large – Lay Female (full term: 9/1/2025 – 8/31/2031)
At Large – Rostered Minister (full term: 9/1/2025 – 8/31/2031)
At Large – Rostered Minister (full term: 9/1/2025 – 8/31/2031)
Synod Council
The role of the Synod Council is to be the board of directors of this synod and to serve as its interim legislative authority between meetings of the Synod Assembly.
At Large – Lay Male (full term: 9/1/2025 – 8/31/2029)
At Large – Lay Female (full term: 9/1/2025 – 8/31/2029)
At Large – Rostered Minister (full term: 9/1/2025 – 8/31/2029)
At Large – Youth/Young Adult aged 30 or under when elected (full term 9/1/2025 – 8/31/2029)
At Large – Youth aged 18 or under when elected (full term 9/1/2025 – 8/31/2027)
Vice President – Layperson (full term: 9/1/2025 – 8/31/2029)
Treasurer – Layperson or Rostered Minister (full term: 9/1/2025 – 8/31/2029)
Central Conference – Lay Female (full term: 9/1/2025 – 8/31/2029)
North Conference – Rostered Minister (full term: 9/1/2025 – 8/31/2029)
South Conference– Lay Male (full term: 9/1/2025 – 8/31/2029)
Resolutions
Revisions to Vision, Mission, Values, and Practices Statement
At a recent retreat, our Synod Council reviewed the statement of our Vision, Mission, Values, and Practices adopted at our 2019 Synod Assembly, and identified two areas in which the language needed to be updated. The Council then solicited and reviewed public input and feedback on the proposed revisions. This document is the Council’s final recommendation for consideration at this year’s Synod Assembly.
