Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5 that faith is meant to be shared and lived openly. Our witness is offered so others may find hope and see God’s love at work.

This year’s theme invites us to notice and celebrate the many ways God’s presence is already shining through our communities. In acts of care, justice, welcome, and creativity, vibrant faith takes shape in everyday ministry.

As we gather, may we be encouraged by one another’s witness and renewed in our calling to reflect God’s grace together.

 
 

FRIDAY, JUNE 12 & SATURDAY, JUNE 13

In-Person Only at
PennWest California: 250 University Ave, California, PA 15419

Directions to PennWest California >>

Voting members from your congregation have an important responsibility on behalf of all the members of our synod. This assembly is the highest legislative authority of our synod; they will be making decisions that impact 140 congregations covering 10 counties in southwest PA.

 
Register for Assembly
Register for Youth Convo
 
 

REGISTRATION

  • Registration will be open March 15 - May 15

  • Who can register? See the Lay Voter Formula & Letter from the Secretary >> to determine how many voting members your congregation may send.

  • Voting members are required to have a smartphone or tablet to use Vevox as your voting device.

  • Registration Fee: $125 per Voting Member
    + Double-Occupancy Rooms: $40
    + Single-Occupancy Rooms: $60

  • Some attendees qualify for a discount code when registering.

    • Rostered Minister who are retired: retired

    • Rostered Minister who are on leave from call: onleave

    • Seminarians and Interns: student

GUESTS

  • In-person guests are welcome. All guests joining us on site MUST register. In-person guest fees for registration and/or housing will be at the same rate as voting members.

  • Online guests may view the assembly live on the synod’s facebook page.

 

Youth Convocation

Youth Convo is a unique event for confirmed youth (up to 12th grade) designed to explore how the church works, empower young voices, and provide a meaningful seat at the table during the Synod Assembly. Youth may be voting members from congregations, but are not required to be voting members to attend.

It’s a safe, affirming space to explore how your faith intersects with today’s world and exploring the work of the larger church. We support youth in finding find their voice in the larger church while learning more about what Synod Assembly is all about. Youth Convo explores together how the church equips and empowers congregations and individuals through Assembly to live out their faith.

ALL YOUTH SHOULD REGISTER THROUGH THE YOUTH CONVO PAGE:

Youth Convocation
 

ELECTIONS

At Synod Assembly we will elect leaders who help guide the shared ministry of our synod. As they serve on Synod Council and other committees, their leadership helps reflect God’s work through our congregations. Please consider whether you or someone you know may be called to serve and submit a nomination.

  • Synod Council

    • Conference 5 Clergy Representative

    • Youth Representative (Age 18 or Under)
       

  • Committee on Discipline

    • Clergy (Term Expiring in 2027)

    • Clergy (Term Expiring in 2031)

Nomination Form

CONFERENCE CAUCUS MEETINGS

Pre-meeting business will prepare voting members prior to attending the assembly. Caucus meetings are also where memorials—action items that address broad policy issues in the synod or churchwide organization—are sent on to be adopted by the Synod Assembly and then passed on to the Churchwide Assembly.

  • Dates Will be Announced Soon

 

CHURCHWIDE REPRESENTATIVE

Pastor Norma Malfatti serves as the Senior Director for Director for Evangelical Mission Relationships in the Christian Community and Leadership Home Area of the ELCA’s churchwide organization.

In this role, she accompanies and equips the nearly 75 Directors for Evangelical Mission (DEMs) across the United States and Caribbean. Leaning into her passions for evangelism and sharing God’s love for all people, Pastor Norma serves alongside the New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team as they equip both DEMs and rostered and lay leaders across the ELCA to be more effective and confident evangelists, as well as serving on the Churchwide organization’s Synod Engagement Team.