As I write this, we are in the process of preparing for our first-ever digital synod assembly! There are a lot of logistics to work out. In some respects, a digital assembly is easier than an in-person assembly. In others: there are added layers of complication. How do we allow for fair conversation when we don’t have numbered microphone & red, green, and white cards? Do we allow nominations from the floor? How do we make sure that any debate that takes place takes place fairly? What do we do in the event of technical difficulties?

It’s easy to lose track of the why in the midst of the how.

At our most elemental level, we gather because we need to pass a budget to assure the functioning of the synod in the coming fiscal years. We gather to hear, debate, & make decisions on resolutions pertaining to how we live out our baptismal callings in the world.

We gather to worship together, to celebrate the Sacraments—we always have the baptismal font prominently placed in our gathering space, we open and close our assembly with communion services. We hear God’s word proclaimed to us from a variety of different voices, in a variety of different ways.

There will be hiccups. There will be glitches. There will be snafus. Not because of the platform we are using to facilitate our gathering, but because there are always hiccups, glitches, and snafus. There will be times when things don’t go according to plan, because there are always times when things don’t go according to plan. If you’ve ever served on a synod assembly planning team, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Just like in an in-person assembly: we will adapt, adjust, and move on.

Ultimately, the value of our gathering in Assembly is being reminded of how we are connected to one another and to God. And while gathering digitally may feel disconnected, I believe that God will meet us at our digital Assembly as much as God has ever met us in our in-person Assemblies. While this is not our preferred way to gather, there is no doubt in my mind that we will be surprised by holy moments. The Spirit will help us make connections with one another, just as she does when we are face-to-face. I have every confidence that when we close the assembly on Saturday afternoon, we will be as certain of God’s presence with us as we ever have been.

May God’s peace be with you in this season of Resurrection & Rebirth! See you at Assembly!

Bishop Kristen Kuempel