This was our first in person assembly in three years! The the good pictures in this post are by our awesome photographer Larry Bose. Most of the rest are mine. A few weeks elected from various voting members’ Facebook pages.

Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for the one who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds,
not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some,
but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23-25

Pregame: THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

Galveston is not an unpleasant place to hold an assembly in May.
Our host congregation was First in Galveston, the oldest congregation in our synod (1850). The Lyceum, where they first worshipped was built in 1840.
We are grateful for our friends at First in Galveston for opening up their space to us this weekend.
First is still recovering from the hurricane, in the midst of installing floors and working on paint, but nevertheless they welcomed congregants from all over the synod with open arms.
Synod Staff gleefully prepared for the arrival of the troops.
SimpleMan productions ran sound and video.
The night before assembly we held a reception at Zion Retreat Center, soon to be Lutherhill Galveston, from 5-7 pm, followed by a meeting of the Synod Council and Deans 7-9 pm.

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022

The former and current pastor of First Galveston. Left: Retired Pastor Doug Guthier. Right: Current Pastor Richard Rhoades.
Opening worship at 9:00 am was a festive traditional worship service with Presiding Bishop Eaton preaching.
Becky Brite, Grace in Conroe
Pastor Anthony Chatman, Hosanna in Houston
First Call Pastor Sergio Rodriguez was invited to be celebrant.

We moved into the Lyceum for plenary sessions

Pastor Emmanuel Jackson, Living Word in Katy.
Deacon Jess and Pastor Joe Liles of Bentonville, Arkansas were our presenters.
Tom Wildrick, St. John in Waller, Texas serves as the Treasurer of the Gulf Coast Synod.
Wade Wallinger, Holy Comforter in Kingwood, was chair of Reference and Counsel

Evening Shrimp Boil

Chef Marshall prepared the feast while the band played.
Th first group was from Fanfare Lutheran music School at First.
First, the corn…
After the corn, then the potatoes.
Corn, potatoes, asparagus, shrimp, sausage, watermelon, French bread…
Then The Hilltop Ramblers

SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2022

Affirmation of Baptism at the Beach

Morning devotions with Pastor Jen Kindsvatter
Lutherhill Board President Meredith Massey.
Matt Kindsvatter, Lutherhill Executive Director
The Hilltop Ramblers played during our breaks.
Pastor Gabriel Marcano, Kinsmen Sagrada Familia in Houston
Pastor Violeta Siguenza and Pastor Anthony Chatman
S

Closing Worship

Postgame: Oh the glory…

Have you ever seen a keynote presenter stay and help with load out to the last item?