Synod Assembly is set for June 6-7 in Cedar Falls

Some 240 people have registered for the 2025 Northeastern Synod Iowa Assembly, set for June 6-7 in Cedar Falls.

This year’s theme, Created To Be Connected, emphasizes the ways we are all one in Christ and ties in with the Bible verse John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”

ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE

Friday, June 6
Everyone is invited to the 7 p.m. worship service on Friday at Fredsville Lutheran, located seven miles west of Cedar Falls at 32756 150th St. Pastor Lee Gable will preach, and a reception with refreshments will follow. Registration is not required to attend.

The Fredsville congregation invites those attending to view displays about their 150-year history and ministry, learn about their new solar energy system and explore the grounds. Youth are encouraged to join in fellowship after the worship.

Fredsville Lutheran Church

Saturday, June 7
Check-in on Saturday starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Bien VenU Event Center at 7400 Hudson Rd., Cedar Falls. Opening worship is at 8:30 a.m. The day will include three plenary sessions, ministry exhibits, lunch and closing worship with Bishop Kevin Jones preaching. Voting members will elect members for synod committees and the Synod Council, including a secretary and vice president. The assembly will conclude by 5 p.m.

Scroll down for the complete schedule and other resources.

Pastor Lee Gable

BISHOP’S VIRTUAL SERMON

A video of Bishop Jones’ sermon will be available for congregations to use in their worship services on Sunday, June 8, if they wish. The video sermon, based on John 15:5 and the assembly’s connection theme, is being offered to give rostered ministers and worship leaders a week of respite following the Synod Assembly. The video will be available to download from the synod’s Video Library and on the synod’s YouTube page. Links to both pages can be found on the synod’s Worship Resources & Video Sermons web page.

Bishop Kevin Jones

GUEST SPEAKERS

Keynote speaker Pastor Emily Harkins will present about “Connections on the Edge.” Harkins is a graduate of Wartburg College in Waverly and Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque and is lead pastor and founding developer of The Dwelling, a mission congregation that builds community with the housing insecure in Winston-Salem, N.C. In addition, Harkins is a nationally recognized speaker known for her storytelling, humor and theological insights. She was a featured speaker on the main stage at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans.

Aaron Shoppa, program director for ELCA Youth Ministry, will attend the assembly as the churchwide representative. He earned a Master of Theological Studies from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and has more than 15 years experience in youth, family and young adult ministries. Originally from Muscatine, Iowa, Shoppa says he came into faith as a 20-year-old while attending the University of Northern Iowa and finding a home at the Lutheran Student Center during his undergraduate years.

Pastor Emily Harkins

Aaron Shoppa

ASSEMBLY OFFERING

This year’s assembly offering will support two ministries: The Dwelling ministry in North Carolina and the Dwelling in Faith Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community in Mitchell, Iowa.

Offering gifts can be made at the Assembly, online through the donate button below or by sending a check to: Northeastern Iowa Synod, 201 20th St. SW, P.O. Box 804 Waverly, IA 50677-0804.

Download bulletin insert.