It’s hard to believe that the last time we gathered for an in-person assembly was 2019—four years ago for the election of Bishop Egensteiner.
Who could have imagined the global crisis that was looming and the unfathomable impact it would have on the way we view our world—how we live together in community—and why we must hold on to God and one another for dear life!
I come to this Synod Assembly filled with deep gratitude and a new appreciation for the opportunity AND privilege to be together—trusting that God gathers us for God’s good purpose of continuing the mission and ministry of Jesus in this broken, hurting, traumatized and beautiful world.
I’d like to publicly commend our Bishop and my colleagues in the Office of the Bishop for their dedication and determination to navigate with flexibility and adaptivity the challenges (many unprecedented—at least in my 16-year tenure) that presented themselves on a daily basis during the pandemic, and continue to emerge in our post-pandemic church. In response to the cultural, societal and institutional impact of the pandemic on our communities, Bishop Egensteiner clearly defined priorities for the staff in the Office of the Bishop to include the care and recovery of our leaders and congregations, with an emphasis on reparative justice and social equity.
Since his election in 2019, our Bishop has reflected a leadership style that is pastoral and relational with mutual and communal accountability.
My role, as his executive assistant, is to be the administrative arm that supports his priorities and leadership style—including the management and coordination of Bishop Egensteiner’s calendar, travel, ecumenical and interfaith engagements, as well as his working partnerships with the ELCA Conference of Bishops, our Synod Council, our synod Deans, the Bishop’s Vision Team, various synod committees, and other Lutheran organizations.
By now, we are all too familiar with Zoom as the communications software that connected us over the past three years. Zoom provided a firsthand experience of virtual community—enabling us to worship, work, study and visit with family and friends for a significant celebration or an occasional “happy hour.”
It may not have been the preferred method of gathering, but it provided an alternative that was a lifeline for many, and continues to be a beneficial tool in our digital culture.
A highlight of 2022 – 2023 was the release from isolation that brought about the societal “re-opening” of our churches, schools, businesses, and entertainment venues. Once again, Bishop Egensteiner and the staff were able to visit congregations almost every weekend—celebrating milestone anniversaries and meeting with congregation councils and leaders during the week.
The Bishop and his assistants have been meeting regularly with our Quadrant Deans, who have a finger on the pulse of the congregations in their local territories and keep the Office of the Bishop apprised of issues, concerns, and exciting ministry developments.
Roberto Lara and the events team have resumed the coordination of in-person retreats and events for our lay and rostered leaders—including the Bishop’s retreat, our annual Chrism Mass, ordinations, and the setting apart of synodical deacons—in addition to the massive effort of the coordination of a synod assembly!
I’m sure you agree there is a genuine JOY in coming together—the buzz and the hugs will once again fill the hallways outside the ballroom—and like you, I look forward to more opportunities to gather in the future.
It continues to be an honor to serve in the Office of the Bishop, and to be in ministry partnership with each of you.
May God grant us courage, wisdom and grace to walk together—in synod—in the days ahead. Thank you!