Thanks to all who made our 2024 Assembly possible!

We are deeply grateful to the many individuals who have embodied the Word in their contributions to this year’s Synod Assembly. From committees and task forces to volunteers on the ground, your dedication and hard work have been instrumental in bringing our vision to life.

A special thank you goes to our voting members. Your commitment to travel, engage, and participate in the complex business of the church is invaluable, especially in this year of a Bishop election. Your willingness to serve, your discerning voices, and your passion for our mission have been vital in shaping the direction of our church. This Assembly’s success is a testament to your meaningful contributions and active participation. Y’all truly embody the Word!

Our thanks to everyone behind the scenes or anyone we missed who helped make this Assembly amazing!

SPECIAL GUESTS

We are also grateful for the presence of Bishop Jim Gonia of the Rocky Mountain Synod.

For a smooth flow of our plenary sessions and Bishop voting elections, we thank Ms. Barbara B. Carl, your Synod Vice President and Chair of the Synod Council; Rev. Stephen Springer, Synod Secretary; Mr. Erik Rehms, Synod Treasurer; and Rev. David Brandfass, our parliamentarian for this assembly.

ASSEMBLY PLANNING TEAM

A hearty thank you goes out to our dedicated assembly planning team. Your hard work transformed our collective vision into a reality, crafting an enriching and inspiring experience for all attendees.

  • Kathye Hamm, chair

  • Laura Musfeldt

  • Pastor Nanette Christoffersen

  • Deacon Laura Book

  • Andrea Arey

  • Pastor David Brandfass

  • Patti Delaney

  • Roger Bailey

  • Mary Beth Baron, Reference and Counsel Chair

  • Dick Beckman (Love of Christ)

  • Dianne Oien (Love of Christ)

  • Supported by Theresa Thornburgh and Brian Flatgard

  • Advised by Bishop Hutterer and Barbara Carl

  • We thank our stage managers: Pastor Dan Potaznick and Pastor Tim Perlick and Andrea Arey

  • Pastor Verónica Alvarez led our worship committee and planning

  • Deacon Lorraine Brugh and Deacon Kate Adelman organized our inspiring Wild Life Hymn Festival

A photographic record of the assembly was captured by Pastor Lars Hammar of Lord of Grace Lutheran Church in Tucson.

Childcare: Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University sponsored childcare services, making it possible for all members, including parents and guardians, to participate fully in the assembly. Read more here.

Thanks to Roger Bailey, Chair of the Nominating Committee, as well as Glenn Austad, Lynn Davis, Janis Richert, and Myrna Wells-Ulland who served on the committee.

Thanks to Deacon Sarah Bjornebo of the Rocky Mountain Synod for sharing their script and tips and tricks from their most recent synod assembly.

Our Bishop Election team planned for every contingency: Deacon John Weit, Mark Meyers, Pastor Amalia Vagts, Pastor John Biggs, Casey Goslin, Wendy Weiske, and Martin Jimenez. Barbara Carl also attended many meetings.

Volunteers

  • Rev. Lowell Almen

  • Rev. Kaila Armbruster

  • Mary Beth Baron

  • Rev. Doug Dill

  • Anabel Estrada

  • Rev. Alan Field

  • Suki Kusling

  • Laura Musfeldt

  • Jeff Musfeldt

  • Alma Siqueiros

  • Gail Turner

  • Karen Austad

Our First Call "Shepherds" for Bishop Candidates

  • Pr. Katie Langston

  • Pr. Judi Tyler

  • Pr. Lourdes Olson

  • Pr. Wyatt Linde

  • Pr.  Beth Gallen

  • Pr. Luis Ochoa

Love of Christ LUTHERAN CHURCH

Our deepest appreciation is extended to Love of Christ, our gracious host for this year’s assembly and our assembly home in the Valley. Your great hospitality and campus embodies the spirit of the Word, creating a warm and welcoming environment for worship, fellowship, and meaningful dialogue. Thank you taking the time to creatively help us utilize the full campus, and for your invaluable contributions to the success of this event.

  • Pastor Steve Talmage and Pastor Nanette Christofferson

  • Dick Beckman, Operations Manager

Set up team:

  • Larry Dray

  • Larry Kaler

  • Chris Norden

  • Jerry & Julie Sanders

  • Jen & Gary Boehnke

  • Don Barenz

Hospitality team:

  • Cindy Wallin

  • Patti DeLaney

  • Beth Hesse

  • Agnes Weaver

  • Dianne Oien

Workshop Volunteers (direct people to rooms):

  • Lisa Frost

  • Al Gjersvig

  • Mark Christofferson

  • Denise Smith 

Other Volunteers:

  • Bobbie Daack

  • Karen & Darrell Reinhart

  • Donna Johnson

  • Ginger Sarver

  • Jim Oberhoffer

  • Barb Oberhoffer

Musicians

  • Deacon Lorraine Brugh

  • Deacon Kate Adleman

  • Jerry Gunderson

  • Karin Gunderson

Our Exhibitors

We give thanks for our synod council who made a successful assembly and Bishop election one of their top priorities this year.

Cathedral Rock in Ruby Violet, by Melanie Chambers Hartman

We thank Melanie Chambers Hartman, who kindly let us use her painting, “Cathedral Rock in Ruby Violet,” as the image on our gift tiles for our special guests and departing synod council members.

“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:12