2004 Synod Assembly: "Called Into God's Marvelous Light"

Live update added 9:45 a.m., Friday, April 23, 2004

Participants Line Up to Register, Prepare for the Assembly

About 765 people are expected to attend the 17th annual Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly today and tomorrow.

The assembly, themed "Called Into God's Marvelous Light," had about 675 pre-registrants. Registration coordinator Carolyn Goulet said about 90 additional people registered Friday morning at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.

Cynthia McLaren from Good Shepard Lutheran in Rochester said she was looking forward to this, her 15th synod assembly.

"I think it's just good to get updated on what the synod is doing," she said. "It's just a good chance to connect."

This year's assembly includes several reports, topic discussions and a talk from keynote speaker Rev. Carmala Aderman, who serves as an Assistant to the Bishop in the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin. She will talk about evangelism.

The Rev. Joel Xavier from Community Lutheran in Geneva said he was most looking forward to experiencing the fellowship and worship that assembly provides.

"The important thing is always the gathering," he said. "It's about coming and being the church together."

The Rev. Troy Stack-Nelson from Luther Seminary in St. Paul said he enjoys this particular assembly because the two days allow for more than just business.

"We spend more time in worship and prayer," he said. "The unity and continuity we have comes from worshiping together."

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