The assembly convened on Monday, May 15th, this session included the adoption of the agenda and standing rules for the meeting. The 2024 Synod Budget and the Compensations Guidelines were also adopted. Several amendments to the Synod Constitution were adopted. A report from the ELCA churchwide organization was delivered by Kristin Opalinski, Manager, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, who highlighted the ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the connections with the synod.

The assembly reconvened Tuesday, May 16. A report was delivered by Bishop Amy Current which included updates about the work and witness of the Office of the Bishop and several updates about ministry in the synod’s context in southeastern Iowa. Tuesday’s sessions also included the celebration of anniversaries of ordination for rostered ministers and several congregational anniversaries. One resolution regarding gun violence was received from the floor and was recommended by the Reference and Counsel Committee to be referred to the Synod Council. The Assembly voted to affirm that recommendation. Further conversation on the resolution and the topic of gun violence will be considered in a future 2023 Synod Council meeting for wider synod conversation. Additionally, a courtesy resolution of thanksgiving for the assembly and ministries of the Southeastern Iowa Synod was adopted.

Annual Report

• Annual Report of the Bishop (text)

Section 1 – General Information

• Welcome Letter from Bishop Current

• Orientation

• Proposed Standing Rules

• Assembly Schedule

• Information about Churchwide Representative

• Letter From Bishop Eaton

• Roster Changes

Section 2 – Officer Reports and Financial Information

• Vice President’s Report

• Treasurer’s Report

• Proposed 2024 Synod Budget

• 2022 Mission Spending Annual Report

• 2022 Audit Report

Section 3 – Proposed Synod Constitution Changes 

• Report of the Constitution Committee

• Proposed Changes to the Synod Constitution

Section 4 – Resolutions

• Report of the Reference and Counsel Committee

• Resolution 1: Gun Violence (referred to Synod Council) 

Section 5 – Proposed Changes to Compensation Guidelines

• Summary

• Proposed 2024 Compensation Guidelines

Section 6 – Organizational Reports

• Reports submitted from synod networks and partner ministries or organizations