24th Assembly

Our 24th assembly concluded on June 27th, upon arrival in New York. The event took place aboard a cruise by Carnival that departed from New York, NY and docked in Saint John, NB. Plenary sessions for conduct of business were held in the Golden Dining Room, which had been reconfigured for theatre seating, and included multiple enrichment sessions and bible studies that engaged those attending in conversation about the needs of the church today, and the wellness of its leaders.

When meetings were not in session, participants were encouraged to enjoy the various features and highlights the cruise had to offer. The 2011 Assembly had offered a venue that not only provided for a completely remodeled “casual fellowship” to take root in participants, but also an event that was cheaper per person and more cost effective than traditional meetings at conference and retreat centers.

Among those in attendance were Rev. Bob and Roxie Berg who represented the ELCA Churchwide expression to this assembly as well as the ELCA Board of Pensions. This was in addition to many new and young faces that we welcomed aboard, as well as some familiar faces whom we have come to know over the years. In addition to many orders of business and elections, enrichment took place which centered around wellness and self-care, including “Healthy Leaders Enhance Lives,” and “Healthy Leaders. Saints and Sinners on a Journey,” both of which are available in media and resource formats.