Dear people of the Northwest Intermountain Synod,
We’ll be gathering as a Synod April 24-26 at Kennewick First Lutheran Church for the 2026 Synod Assembly. We are living into a new rhythm with our Synod Assembly gatherings. Every three years we’ll gather in person with two years of online Assemblies in between. So, this is your chance to be fully embodied with your siblings from across the Northwest Intermountain Synod. Registration will open in the next few weeks. The cost is $150 per person. This cost includes 3 meals (Friday dinner, Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner) but does not include lodging.
The theme for this year’s Assembly is Peace at the Now with John 14:25-31 as our principal scripture passage. In this part of the gospel of John, Jesus is gathered with his disciples after sharing their last meal. Judas has left to betray Jesus. Yet even in the midst of those difficult hours, Jesus promises his followers the enduring presence of the Holy Spirit, offers them peace, and says, “Do not let your hearts be trouble, and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). This profoundly demonstrates that the peace Jesus offers isn’t only for tranquil times. It is peace in every moment. It is peace at the now. I look forward to seeing many of you in Kennewick and experiencing this promise of peace together.
I hope your congregation is able to send voting members to this critical and exciting gathering as a Synod. Congregations with 1-500 baptized members are able to send two (2) lay Assembly voting members; congregations with 501-1000 baptized members are able to send three (3) voting members; and those over 1000 members are able to send four (4) lay voting members. Additionally, each rostered leader on the active or retired roster are able to be voting members of the NWIM Synod Assembly.
A few important notes:
Registration for this year’s Synod Assembly does not include lodging. You’ll need to make those arrangements separately. We do have room blocks available at several local hotels. More information will be sent out with registration. You can also make reservations outside of the room block as well at another hotel, a campground, or even a VRBO or Airbnb.
We will be using Election Runner. It is important that every voting member have a way to access their email at Synod Assembly. Additionally, each voting member needs to have their own email address.
Here is a preliminary schedule. Note this schedule is subject to change and all times listed are Pacific Daylight Time:
Friday, April 24
10:00am – Optional Pre-Assembly event for those who arrive early
12:00pm – Registration/check-in opens at Kennewick First Lutheran Church
1:00-2:30pm – Opening Worship
2:30pm-4:30pm – Hotel check-in
4:30-5:30pm – Hospitality Time at Kennewick First Lutheran Church
5:30-6:30pm -- Dinner
6:30-7:30pm – Business/Plenary Session 1
Saturday, April 25
9:00-10:30am – Business/Plenary Session 2
10:40-11:30am – Workshop Session 1
11:40am-12:00pm – Midday Prayer
12:00-1:00pm – Lunch
1:00-2:30pm – Business/Plenary Session 3
2:40-3:30pm – Workshop Session 2
3:40-4:30pm – Workshop Session 3
4:40-5:30pm – business/plenary session 4
5:30-7:30pm – dinner/evening activities
Sunday, April 26
9:00-10:30am – Worship with Kennewick First Lutheran Church
10:30am – Sending
Looking forward to seeing you in Kennewick!
Pastor Phil Misner