Synod Assembly

June 5-8, 2026

What is Synod Assembly?

Synod Assembly is an annual gathering of elected congregation voting members, leaders, pastors/staff, and volunteers from all 72 congregations in the La Crosse Area. It is a time where we intentionally walk together, to cultivate life-giving relationships rooted in God's love through times of worship, prayer, learning, conversation, offering, meals, service and highlighting our interdependent ministry relationship as we support mission partners, carry out synodical and churchwide initiatives, work to end hunger, respond to disaster and emergency needs, and heed the call to be a church engaged in all the world.

Voting Members

Voting members are usually elected at a congregation’s annual meeting and gather at Synod Assembly to make decisions about the synod’s governance, mission and finances. They may elect members of Synod Council or other committees, as well as voting members for Churchwide Assembly. Voting members have voice and vote, which means they are able to vote as well as address the assembly during proceedings. Voting members can either be a rostered minister or a lay voter.

  • Rostered ministers are pastors (also known as Ministers of Word & Sacrament) and deacons (also known as Ministers of Word & Service) who are currently called to/within the La Crosse Area Synod. This includes both ministers who serve a congregation, are retired and those who work in specialized ministry. It does not include interns or seminary students).

  • Lay Voters are voters who are not pastors or deacons. This number is based on the congregation’s baptized membership. The voter allocation chart tells you how many voting members your congregation can send to Synod Assembly. Click Here to access the chart. Lay voting members must be members of the church, not simply attendees or employees. Persons who have been ordained may not be counted as Lay Voters. This includes retired pastors who are members of a congregation.

  • Advisors have voice but not vote. They are allowed to address the assembly during proceedings, but may not cast a vote. These include: lay synod staff, lay members of synod assembly committees, representatives of synod partners in ministry, representatives from ELCA synodical and churchwide offices.

  • Guests are not voting members. They do not have vote or voice.

Prayer in Preparation for Assembly Prayer

For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies. Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.

(ELW 879, vs. 1)

Gracious Creator, as we journey toward gathering in our assembly next year, our hymn of thanks begins with praise of your majestic creating work in the world around us. We are part of your creation, and celebrate the sturdy yet fragile beauty of our earth and of the wonders beyond. Help and guide us to learn and live out ways to honor and sustain all of your creation as we seek life-giving relationships rooted in your creating love. Amen.