June 11-14, 2025 | Embassy Suites, Kissimmee
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Keynote Speaker
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Rev. Emily Harkins
Rev. Emily Harkins is a nationally recognized speaker, pastor, and leader with a passion for Jesus, justice, and radical love. As the founding developer and pastor of The Dwelling, a vibrant and growing community of faith in downtown Winston-Salem, N.C., she works daily to reclaim the identity of brokenness and recast it as beautiful, beloved, and holy. Originally from Colorado, Emily is a proud graduate of Wartburg College (2008) with degrees in history education and history, as well as a certificate in leadership. In 2020, she earned her Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary, with a concentration in mission development. Now a Southern transplant, she has fully embraced southern charm, the word “y’all,” and the rhythm of life in her Winston-Salem community. To learn more about Rev. Harkins and her ministry, click here. |
Churchwide Rep
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Pr. Kevin Jacobson, Director of Global Personnel
Pastor Kevin Jacobson earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Viterbo University in 1978 and began his career teaching in Wisconsin. His passion for service led him to the Peace Corps in Liberia, where he was inspired by Lutheran missionaries to pursue theological studies and ordination in the ELCA. His global ministry included serving as an ELCA missionary in Papua New Guinea, first at Balob Teachers College and later as chair of the Religious Education program at the University of Papua New Guinea. From 1997 to 2007, he was Director for Global Mission Education in the ELCA’s Global Mission unit, championing the accompaniment model and deepening congregational engagement in mission. In 2007, he became a congregational pastor with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Suriname, focusing on leadership development. He later served as Assistant Director for Outreach at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service before returning to the ELCA Global Mission unit in 2017. He now serves as Director for Global Personnel, continuing his lifelong commitment to mission and leadership development. |
Ecumenical Partner
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Rev. Dr. Sharon Austin, Florida Conference, UMC
In her role as the Superintendent of the East Central District and Director of Justice Ministries, Rev. Dr. Sharon G. Austin is responsible for serving as steward of the vision of The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church. In 1981 Dr. Austin made history as the first woman ordained in the 95-year history of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA, home church and former pastorate of The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1984 she became the first woman to serve on the pastoral staff of that church with the late senior pastor, the Rev. Dr. Joseph L. Roberts, Jr. A day was named in her honor in Atlanta, GA, for her work with women and children. She moved to Florida and transferred her clergy orders to The United Methodist Church in 1997 where she has served as a pastor and District Superintendent prior to her current role. Dr. Austin and her husband and are the proud parents of four adult children and the grandparents of three grandchildren! She is a teacher, preacher, and courageous leader. |
Agenda
Click the button below to download a PDF version of the Assembly agenda.
- 1 - 9 PM - First-Call Theological Education (Cypress 5)
- 1 - 5 PM - Sacristy (Palms G) / Chapel (Palms E) open for setup
- 1 - 5 PM - Synod Council Meeting (Cypress 2)
- 2 - 8 PM - Connection Cafe available for setup (Magnolia A-B)
- 8 AM - Registration Opens
- 8 AM - Music Rehearsal & Sound Check (Palms Ballroom)
- 9 - 11:30 AM - First-Call Theological Education-FCTE (Cypress 5)
- 10 - 10:30 AM - Worship Rehearsal & Sound Check
- 10 AM - 5 PM - Service Project Collection
- 11 AM - Connection Café Opens (Magnolia Ball Room)
- 11 AM - Procession/Lectors Rehearsal (Palms Ballroom)
- 11 AM - Chapel Opens (Palms E)
- 11 - 11:30 AM - New Member Orientation (Cypress 1)
- Noon - Communion Assistants Rehearsal
1 - 6 PM - Plenary Meeting #1
- Opening Eucharist
- Opening of Assembly
- Welcome
- Credentials Report
- Nominations Report / Practice Vote
- Keynote Address
- ELCA Churchwide Report
- Bishop's Report
- Vote on General Election Ballot #1
- Announcements & Adjournment
- 5:30 - 7 PM - Hotel's Reception
- 7:30 PM - Bishop’s Desert Reception to honor the Candidates for Ministry and newly ordained ministers. (Open to all)
- 8 - 10 PM - Youth voting members gather in hospitality space for snacks/discussion/games
- 8:30 AM - Registration Opens | Information Desk Opens | Connection Café Opens
9 AM - NOON - Plenary Meeting #2
- Opening Prayer
- Credentials Report
- Vote on General Ballot #2
- Keynote Presentation
- Vote on General Ballot #3
- Congregation Anniversaries
- Recognition of Ordination Anniversaries
- Announcements
- Adjournment
- 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM - Lunch Break on your own (hotel or nearby restaurants)
- 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM - Youth voting members gather for lunch
1:30 - 2:30 PM - Workshops Session A
1:30 - 3:30 PM - Service Project at Hope Partnership (2420 Old Vineland Rd)
3 - 4 PM - Workshops Session B
4:15 - 6 PM - Plenary Meeting #3
- Opening of Plenary
- Credentials Report
- Vote on General Ballot #4
- Keynote Presentation
- Reference and Counsel Report
- Vote on General Ballot #5
- Vote on General Ballot #6
- Announcements
- Adjournment
- 5:30 - 7 PM - Hotel's Reception
- 6:30 PM - Rehearsal for Saturday Eucharist
- 7:30 PM - Evening Prayer - Just Love Team (Palms Ballroom)
- 8 - 10 PM - Youth voting gather by pool for snacks/swim/games
8:30 AM - 12 PM - Plenary Meeting #4
End of 2025 Florida-Bahamas Synod Assembly
AMEN! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
1:00 PM - Synod Council Meeting Post-Assembly (Cypress 2)
- Opening of Plenary
- Credentials Report
- Vote on General Ballot #7
- Treasurer's Report
- Vote on Budget Resolution
- Recognition of Youth Voting Members
- Report on Service Project
- Report of the VP
- Adjournment
- 10:30 AM - Closing Eucharist with installations and closing of Assembly
End of 2025 Florida-Bahamas Synod Assembly
AMEN! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
1:00 PM - Synod Council Meeting Post-Assembly (Cypress 2)
Registration is Closed. |
Registration closed on May 20.
No refunds will be issued after this date. |
