Synod Events
New Treasurer Orientation
Amy Van Dyke, Associate for Finance, and Deacon Jodi Schuman, Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy and Operations, invite new and seasoned congregation treasurers to a workshop via Zoom. The workshop will cover best practices for budgeting, accounts receivable and payable, and reporting.
Loving our Global Neighbors: Partnership with Pare and Mwanga Dioceses of the Lutheran Church in Tanzania
Join Bishop Amy Current and leaders from across the synod for a short presentation and discussion about how best to love and care for our global neighbors. This is the last session in the series so join RSVP today!
Lenten Renewal Events with Bishop Current
Bishop Current invites actively rostered ministers, professional ministry staff, interns, and seminarians are invited to join Bishop Current for Lenten Renewal events. Choose the date and location that works best for you. Please RSVP at least one week before your chosen event for lunch.
SUMUD: Voices From the Holy Land
Voices From the Holy Land: Loss, Steadfastness, Resilience, and Hope.
You are invited on Saturday, March 8, for a hybrid conference from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, presented through the SEIA Synod Working Group with input also from Rev. Peter Pettit. This conference is in response to a resolution passed at the 2024 Synod Assembly in which a multi-vocal educational event was requested. You may attend in person at Zion Lutheran Church in Iowa City, or, attend by Zoom.
Please register whether you will join in person or by Zoom.
This is an exciting event. In the morning we will hear from Christian and Jewish leaders in Israel and West Bank. The afternoon will feature local Palestinian voices from here in Iowa. We hope to see you there!
For in-person attendees, morning snacks, coffee, tea, and water will be provided. Please bring a lunch or plan to order in your lunch from a local vendor. A half hour lunch break will be included in the schedule.
In-Person: Zion Lutheran Church, 310 N Johnson St. Iowa City, IA 52245-2834
Online: Zoom
Lutheran Day on the Hill
Join other Lutherans from across Iowa and Lutheran Services in Iowa to learn more about advocacy and talk to Iowa lawmakers.
Lenten Renewal Events with Bishop Current
Bishop Current invites actively rostered ministers, professional ministry staff, interns, and seminarians are invited to join Bishop Current for Lenten Renewal events. Choose the date and location that works best for you. Please RSVP at least one week before your chosen event for lunch.
Lenten Renewal Events with Bishop Current
Bishop Current invites actively rostered ministers, professional ministry staff, interns, and seminarians are invited to join Bishop Current for Lenten Renewal events. Choose the date and location that works best for you. Please RSVP at least one week before your chosen event for lunch.
Lenten Renewal Events with Bishop Current
Bishop Current invites actively rostered ministers, professional ministry staff, interns, and seminarians are invited to join Bishop Current for Lenten Renewal events. Choose the date and location that works best for you. Please RSVP at least one week before your chosen event for lunch.
Lenten Renewal Events with Bishop Current
Bishop Current invites actively rostered ministers, professional ministry staff, interns, and seminarians are invited to join Bishop Current for Lenten Renewal events. Choose the date and location that works best for you. Please RSVP at least one week before your chosen event for lunch.
Retired Servants Gathering - Des Moines
All retired pastors, deacons and spouses are invited to worship, conversation and lunch Bishop Amy Current.
Retired Servants Gathering in Lisbon, IA
All retired pastors, deacons and spouses are invited to worship, conversation and lunch Bishop Amy Current.
Synod Worship Materials
Pre-recorded gospel reading and sermon by Bishop Amy Current for use during worship based on the lectionary text. See all the materials at https://www.seiasynod.org/synod-worship
Synod Assembly - PreAssembly Session Orientation
Pre-Assembly Informational Meetings:
To help voting members have more time to learn about and discuss business items at the synod assembly, there are several preassembly Zoom sessions about topics that will be covered during the event. These sessions will also be recorded for viewing before the assembly. It is strongly recommended that first-time voting members attend or watch the orientation and parliamentary procedure meeting before arriving at assembly.
Synod Assembly - PreAssembly Session Budget and Compensation Guidelines
Pre-Assembly Informational Meetings:
To help voting members have more time to learn about and discuss business items at the synod assembly, there are several preassembly Zoom sessions about topics that will be covered during the event. These sessions will also be recorded for viewing before the assembly. It is strongly recommended that first-time voting members attend or watch the orientation and parliamentary procedure meeting before arriving at assembly.
Synod Assembly - PreAssembly Session Resolutions
Pre-Assembly Informational Meetings:
To help voting members have more time to learn about and discuss business items at the synod assembly, there are several preassembly Zoom sessions about topics that will be covered during the event. These sessions will also be recorded for viewing before the assembly. It is strongly recommended that first-time voting members attend or watch the orientation and parliamentary procedure meeting before arriving at assembly.
Synod Worship Materials
Pre-recorded gospel reading and sermon by Bishop Amy Current for use during worship based on the lectionary text. See all the materials at https://www.seiasynod.org/synod-worship
Synod Assembly
Registration will open in early February. More information can be found on the synod assembly page.
Loving our Global Neighbors: Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation & Opportunities (AMMPARO)
Join Bishop Amy Current and leaders from across the synod for a short presentation and discussion about how best to love and care for our global neighbors. Multiple sessions will be offered with different topics being discussed at each session. RSVP Today!
Loving our Global Neighbors: Preaching and Teaching with Love and Respect for the Jewish People
Join Bishop Amy Current and leaders from across the synod for a short presentation and discussion about how best to love and care for our global neighbors. Multiple sessions will be offered with different topics being discussed at each session. RSVP Today!
Loving our Global Neighbors: Palestine, Israel and the Middle East
Join Bishop Amy Current and leaders from across the synod for a short presentation and discussion about how best to love and care for our global neighbors. Multiple sessions will be offered with different topics being discussed at each session. RSVP Today!
Synod Worship Materials
Pre-recorded gospel reading and sermon by Bishop Amy Current for use during worship based on the lectionary text. See all the materials at https://www.seiasynod.org/synod-worship
Evenings of Gratitude - with Bishop Current
Join Bishop Current and others for a light dinner and an evening of fellowship, conversation, and gratitude for the ministry we share in our synod. All are welcome.
All events are 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 3
Peace Lutheran Church
Pella
Sunday, Nov. 10
Christ the King Lutheran Church
Iowa City
Sunday, Nov. 17
Trinity Lutheran Church
Bettendorf
Sunday, Nov. 24
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Des Moines
Pre-Retirement Workshop
Prepare for retirement with information from Portico and the Office of the Bishop.
November 19
Synod Center for Ministry, Iowa City
10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Lunch included
For rostered ministers 50+
Evenings of Gratitude - with Bishop Current
Join Bishop Current and others for a light dinner and an evening of fellowship, conversation, and gratitude for the ministry we share in our synod. All are welcome.
All events are 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 3
Peace Lutheran Church
Pella
Sunday, Nov. 10
Christ the King Lutheran Church
Iowa City
Sunday, Nov. 17
Trinity Lutheran Church
Bettendorf
Sunday, Nov. 24
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Des Moines
Risk Management Workshop
Risk Management for Congregations
Thursday, November 14: 1:00-2:00pm
This practical workshop introduces congregations to the concept, processes, and application of risk management. Discover key strategies and best practices for managing risk in your congregation. You will hear about the current insurance landscape from a fellow Lutheran in the Southeastern Iowa Synod who is an insurance industry representative.
This meeting will be held via Zoom
Evenings of Gratitude - with Bishop Current
Join Bishop Current and others for a light dinner and an evening of fellowship, conversation, and gratitude for the ministry we share in our synod. All are welcome.
All events are 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 3
Peace Lutheran Church
Pella
Sunday, Nov. 10
Christ the King Lutheran Church
Iowa City
Sunday, Nov. 17
Trinity Lutheran Church
Bettendorf
Sunday, Nov. 24
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Des Moines
Region 5 Boundaries Training
ELCA Region 5 (the synods of Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and the Nothern Great Lakes Synod) will gather in satellite locations for a combined boundaries education day for rostered ministers on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (lunch will be provided).
Boundaries education encourages professional ministry leaders to:
Engage in critical thinking on power/vulnerability as professional religious leaders
Define expectations for professional ethics and conduct
Gain tools for implementation of professional ethics and boundaries in daily life and ministry
This annual regional event will focus on professional development around gender justice, professional boundaries, and racial justice. The desired outcome is that region-wide professional development offerings will allow for higher-quality events and adherence to best practices. Rostered ministers are expected to complete professional development around boundaries in the Southeastern Iowa Synod.
This training will be held in person in multiple locations and is intended for rostered ministers, interns, professional ministry staff, faith formation staff, and SAMs.
Locations:
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
West Des Moines
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection
Marion
Shepherd of the Cross Lutheran Church
Muscatine
Register Online Now
Registration $50 - includes lunch
Evenings of Gratitude - with Bishop Current
Join Bishop Current and others for a light dinner and an evening of fellowship, conversation, and gratitude for the ministry we share in our synod. All are welcome.
All events are 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 3
Peace Lutheran Church
Pella
Sunday, Nov. 10
Christ the King Lutheran Church
Iowa City
Sunday, Nov. 17
Trinity Lutheran Church
Bettendorf
Sunday, Nov. 24
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Des Moines
Synod Worship Materials - Service of Lamentation and Remembrance- Israel Hamas Conflict
Materials for Service of Lamentation and Remembrance - praying for Peace in the Holy Land
Following a resolution passed at the 2024 Synod Assembly the Southeastern Iowa Synod Sumud working group and Pastor Peter Petit have developed a liturgy for congregations to use for a service of lamentation and remembrance to be used on or near Sunday, October 6, 2024. Bishop Current has provided a pre-recorded sermon to use as part of this service to be used in your worshipping community.
Additionally, the pre-recorded PowerPoint introduction to the Israel-Hamas war, including history of the area, the current conflict, and some ministry perspectives. These are great to use as an accompanying adult forum or study in your congregation.
Worship Resources
Service of Lamentation and Remembrance Sermon (video, streaming link)
Service of Lamentation and Remembrance Sermon (video, download link)
Education Sessions
This presentation, in two parts for ease of congregational use, was initially developed to help congregation members understand how we got to the point of the horrific Gaza war that began on October 7, 2023, and continues. We encourage congregations to view this resource to learn more about the situation in general and the war in Gaza in particular. View the recorded presentations (2 sessions just over an hour each session)
Compensation Guidelines Workshop (Copy)
Deacon Jodi Schuman, Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy and Operations offers a workshop to help lay leaders and rostered ministers understand compensation guidelines materials, and some best practices, and answer your questions about the compensation process in your congregation. The meeting will last about 60 minutes and is offered at two times.
Compensation Guidelines Workshop
Deacon Jodi Schuman, Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy and Operations offers a workshop to help lay leaders and rostered ministers understand compensation guidelines materials, and some best practices, and answer your questions about the compensation process in your congregation. The meeting will last about 60 minutes and is offered at two times.
Synod Worship - Online Materials
Pre-recorded gospel reading and sermon by Bishop Amy Current for use during worship based on the lectionary text. See all the materials at https://www.seiasynod.org/synod-worship
Fall Gathering
Connect with other leaders in the synod for worship, and fellowship and to learn from Rev. Angela Denker, author of Red State Christians. Rev. Denker will discuss Christian Nationalism's theological and cultural roots and some practical ways to engage those you serve in this conversation.
September 22 -23
Hyatt Regency, Coralville
For rostered ministers, interns, professional ministry staff, SAMs
Hearing on the draft Social Statement on Civic Life and Faith
Come to a Hearing on the Draft of the Social Statement on Civic Life and Faith!
The Southeastern Iowa Synod is hosting a hearing on the text of the “Draft Social Statement on Civic Life and Faith” on September 17 at 6:30-8:00 PM at via Zoom. No registration is needed. Click here to join the meeting.
This hearing is a special opportunity to respond to the text of the draft statement and to hear the perspectives of others, as well. Bishop Current will help facilitate the meeting. It is important that attendees have read the Social Statement, if they plan to attend the hearing.
An appointed recorder will keep track of everything said (without names) and submit a report to the task force. Members of the task force will read all the reports as they prepare to revise the text in the late fall of 2024. The task force will conclude its work by issuing a revised statement in February 2025 which will go to the ELCA Church Council and then the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in 2025.
Bishop Current says of this event "I had the opportunity to attend a hearing for the Civic Faith and LIfe Social Statement and found it really interesting. I hope that members of congregations, staff, candidates, SAMS, deacons, and pastors will engage this latest Social Statement draft and provide feedback."
About the draft social statement: How should Lutherans understand their relationship to civic life — including government — as individuals and as a church? After three years of study a task force has posted a draft social statement on civic life and faith. Between now and Sept. 30 you are invited to study the draft and provide feedback by filling out a survey. That statement is available in English and Spanish. Access the draft and survey at ELCA.org/civicsandfaith.
Important Topics with Bishop Current - For Rostered Ministers
This year the Bishop will be hosting regular meetings with rostered ministers highlighting important topics. These topics do not come as a result of particular issues, but instead out of a desire to equip all of us as leaders as we lead in our congregations, ministries, the synod, and the ELCA.
Bishop Amy Current will host the meetings and will often have other synod leaders join, sharing their experiences.
Leavetaking of Rostered Ministers
June 11
1:30-3:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
No RSVP or registration is required
Council Presidents Check-in with Bishop Current (Copy)
Council/Congregational Presidents are invited to join Bishop Current for important leadership topics.
Leavetaking of Rostered Ministers
June 10
6:30-8:00 pm
Synod Assembly Nominations and Elections
Pre-Assembly Informational Meetings:
To help voting members have more time to learn about and discuss business items at the synod assembly, there are several preassembly Zoom sessions about topics that will be covered during the event. These sessions will also be recorded for viewing before the assembly. It is strongly recommended that first-time voting members attend or watch the orientation and parliamentary procedure meeting before arriving at assembly.
Nominations and Elections
Monday, May 13
7:30 PM
Sign up to attend via Zoom
Synod Assembly Budget and Comp. Guidelines
Pre-Assembly Informational Meetings:
To help voting members have more time to learn about and discuss business items at the synod assembly, there are several preassembly Zoom sessions about topics that will be covered during the event. These sessions will also be recorded for viewing before the assembly. It is strongly recommended that first-time voting members attend or watch the orientation and parliamentary procedure meeting before arriving at assembly.
Synod Budget and Minimum Compensation Guidelines
Monday, May 13
6:00 PM
Sign up to attend via Zoom
Synod Assembly Resolutions
Pre-Assembly Informational Meetings:
To help voting members have more time to learn about and discuss business items at the synod assembly, there are several preassembly Zoom sessions about topics that will be covered during the event. These sessions will also be recorded for viewing before the assembly. It is strongly recommended that first-time voting members attend or watch the orientation and parliamentary procedure meeting before arriving at assembly.
Resolutions
Sunday, May 12, 2024
7:30 PM
Sign up to attend via Zoom
Synod Assembly - Orientation
Pre-Assembly Informational Meetings:
To help voting members have more time to learn about and discuss business items at the synod assembly, there are several preassembly Zoom sessions about topics that will be covered during the event. These sessions will also be recorded for viewing before the assembly. It is strongly recommended that first-time voting members attend or watch the orientation and parliamentary procedure meeting before arriving at assembly.
Orientation and Parliamentary Procedures
Sunday, May 12
6:00 PM
Sign up to attend via Zoom
Retired Rostered Ministers’ Gathering - West Branch
Join Bishop Current and retired pastor deacons, spouses, widows, and widowers. This is the same event at both locations, please choose the date or location that best fits your schedule.
Tuesday, April 9
Grace Lutheran Church, Des Moines
Tuesday, April 16
Bethany Lutheran Church, West Branch
Both events begin at 10:00 AM
Please RSVP by April 2nd to Trinity Christy by email or phone, christy@seiasynod.org or call 319-338-1273
New Treasurer Orientation 6:30 pm
Amy Van Dyke, Associate for Finance, and Deacon Jodi Schuman, Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy and Operations, invite new and seasoned congregation treasurers to a workshop on Thursday, February 8 via Zoom. The workshop will cover best practices for budgeting, accounts receivable and payable, and reporting. The ninety-minute workshop will be offered at two different times to accommodate schedules. Please register at the link below for the workshop that works for you.
Thursday, April 11 at 9:30 am
Thursday, April 11 at 6:30 pm
New Treasurer Orientation 9:30 am
Amy Van Dyke, Associate for Finance, and Deacon Jodi Schuman, Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy and Operations, invite new and seasoned congregation treasurers to a workshop on Thursday, February 8 via Zoom. The workshop will cover best practices for budgeting, accounts receivable and payable, and reporting. The ninety-minute workshop will be offered at two different times to accommodate schedules. Please register at the link below for the workshop that works for you.
Thursday, April 11 at 9:30 am
Thursday, April 11 at 6:30 pm