The 2025 North Carolina Synod Assembly took place at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. Pastor Jonathan Conrad, Pastor Mark Opgrand, Deacon Susan Jackson, and delegates Bob Trapp and Jennifer Behun gathered with around 600 other rostered ministers, delegates, and visitors for 3 days full of worship, church business, and elections.

This year’s assembly theme was “God is calling.” We listened to how God is calling us to worship together, to be the church together, and to serve God together. We prayed, we voted, we ate, we laughed, and we rejoiced.

One of the major highlights was the election of a new synod bishop. Bishop Timothy Smith announced his retirement this year, ending his second term early. A synod bishop election process is called an eccelestical ballot. On the first ballot, any member of Word and Sacrament ministry can be nominated. Rostered Ministers have the chance to remove their names before the second ballot, in which the top seven candidates move forward until an election occurs.

Some 541 voting members elected the Rev. Emily Hartner, 43, on the fifth and final ballot Saturday afternoon. Reverend Hartner is the first female bishop elected in the North Carolina Synod.

Reverend Hartner will take office on August 01. She will be installed at Christ Lutheran Church, Charlotte on November 15, 2025. The Salisbury post has more information about the election process and Reverend Hartner.

Other Assembly highlights included:

• the election of Cameron McCall, Synod Vice President and Jill Nelson, Synod Secretary along with new synod council members of Sylvia Black, Megan Bollinger, Brooke Watson-Summerour, John Lineberger, Brinkley Sugg, the Rev. Rachael Theisen, and the Rev. Matt Hansen.
• the welcoming of Emmaus at the newest NC Synod Congregation.
• greetings from our many churchwide and synod ministries
• celebrating the ministry & longevity of both congregations and rostered ministers; including our own Rev. Robert Weeks for 65 yrs of pastoral ministry
• listening to God’s call and what it means for us as disciples of Christ and congregations who collaborate and partner together in ministry.

I am thankful and joyful for our ministry and participation in the North Carolina Synod. As Past Vice President Diana Haywood always ended her reports “North Carolina Synod is the place to be.” I firmly believe that God is with us, no matter where are located, but the North Carolina Synod has a special place in my heart as I continue to serve here at St. Paul’s and watch us grow together.

For a complete update of the 2025 Assembly, read the Assembly Recap.

• Deacon Susan