Synod Assembly

IMPORTANT DATES:
April 7, 2026 - Resolution Deadline
April 10, 2026 - Early Registration Closes
April 24, 2026 - Shared Ministries Video and Display Request Deadline
May 27, 2026 - Assembly Registration Closes
May 27, 2026 - Assembly Refund Deadline

Assembly Pre-Events:
May 12, 2026 - Resolutions Hearing - Zoom @ 6:30pm
May 18, 2026 - Assembly Orientation - Zoom @ 6:30pm
May 19, 2026 - Compensation Guidelines Hearing - Zoom @ 6:30pm
May 21, 2026 - Budget Hearing - Zoom @ 6:30pm

ELIGIBLE SWMN VOTING MEMBERS:

• Rostered ministers under call in SWMN Synod.
• Retired and On Leave rostered ministers who are members of a congregation in this synod.
• Lay members elected by congregations of this synod.
• Lay members of the Synod Council who are not primarily elected by their congregation to serve as voting members.
• Lay conference chairpersons not primarily elected by their congregation to serve as voting members.
• Retired rostered ministers serving a congregation of this during this synod during Assembly.
• Persons serving a Synod Authorized Ministry Site of this synod during Assembly. (SAMs are in addition to the lay numbers below.)

*The number of lay voting members to which each congregation is entitled shall be determined according to the guidelines set forth below. Congregations shall use the numerical data reported on their 2024 Congregational Report for this purpose. Congregations shall ensure equitable representation between male and female voting members, to the best of their ability. For example, three voting members shall include at least one male and one female member.

• A youth voting member is defined as an individual who will be under 18 years of age on May 31, 2026.
• A young adult voting member is defined as an individual who will be between 18 and 30 years of age on May 31, 2026.

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

• Voting members will have the option of registering to attend in person or online via Zoom.
• On site attendance is limited so register early to secure your spot.
• Only voting members registering to attend online will need to register in Zoom after completing the initial registration.
• Voting members MUST attend Assembly Orientation to practice new voting!! It’s EASY!!!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO REGISTER:

• Full name: first and last.
• Home address.
• Email address of each voting member.
• Cell phone number of each voting member.
• Attending online or on site?
• Housing selection, if staying on site.
• NEW* - register to attend the pre-assembly hearings!!
• Payment is required to finalize the registration.
• Visitors registering to attend on site will be placed in a “watch” room separate from the Plenary Floor.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN REGISTRATION FEE?

• Friday afternoon snacks, beverages.
• Speaker fees, transportation, housing, etc.
• Assembly technology (AV, table, linens, & space rental, GAC Staff, etc.)
• Saturday morning coffee, water, breakfast rolls.
• Saturday lunch.
• Saturday afternoon beverages, snacks.
• All assembly materials.
• Assembly Apps – Guidebook, VPoll, Zoom Webinar, etc.

OPTIONAL CAMPUS HOUSING:
Campus housing may be reserved for Friday night, which also then includes Saturday breakfast.
*All dorm rooms have a/c:
-Single room (twin bed) $60
-Double room (two twin beds) $45 (must include roommate’s name).

A NOTE ABOUT DORM LIVING:
Dorms offer communal-style accommodations that are different from hotel stays. Rooms are simple, furnished with a TWIN bed, and bathrooms ARE SHARED, either by floor or within a suite. However, they are more affordable than a hotel, making them a budget-friendly option for the assembly while keeping you close to meals and events.

All rooms are also equipped with air conditioning for added comfort. Remember LINENS ARE NOT INCLUDED. You will need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, towel, and personal toiletries. (do NOT bring sheets unless you have TWIN XL). For older adults who may be unfamiliar with dorm life, the experience can feel simple, communal, and close to the heart of campus activities. Bringing a few comforts from home can help make the stay more enjoyable.

HOTELS IN ST PETER:

• AmericInn by Wyndham, St Peter (507) 931-6554.
• Best Western Plus, St Peter (507) 519-1234.
• Konsbruck Hotel (507) 381-1089.

There are three (3) hearings for this assembly; resolution, budget, and compensation guidelines. There will also be an assembly orientation where you will learn about voting, the keynote speaker, tips & tricks, etc.

It is strongly recommended that voting members participate in the pre-assembly Zoom events so you are fully informed. You will also receive separate email invitations for each hearing, which will include the Zoom links and any necessary documents.

Resolution Hearing
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 via Zoom from 6:30pm to 7:30pm
In accordance with †S18.13. of the Synod Constitution, notice was hereby given that the Southwestern Minnesota Synod Council had approved forwarding proposed amendments to the Synod Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions to the congregations of this synod. This Zoom meeting will cover these changes. Required changes approved by the ELCA Churchwide Assembly do not need approval. However, all other changes will be brought before the synod assembly for discussion and approval. Click here for more information.

Assembly Orientation
Monday, May 18, 2026 via Zoom from 6:30pm to 7:30pm

• I'm attending online, where are the links?
• I'm attending on site, where do I park?
• Where do I find the assembly reports?
• What time does the assembly begin?
• Where is the agenda?
• How do I download Guidebook?
• How do we vote?
• I'm staying on campus, where is my dorm?
• All of these questions will be answered and yours will too!!

2027 Comp Guidelines
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 via Zoom from 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Receive an overview of the proposed 2027 Compensation Guidelines prior to their presentation to the Assembly for discussion and approval. The committee will report on its work, outline the recommended changes, and explain the rationale supporting those recommendations.

FY2028 Budget Hearing
Thursday, May 21, 2026 via Zoom from 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Receive an overview of the proposed FY2028 Budget from Synod Treasurer, Bob Haines, prior to his presentation to the Assembly for discussion and approval. Mr. Haines will discuss the work of the committee, outline the recommended changes, and explain the rationale supporting those recommendations.