Saskatchewan Synod Council 
March 17-18, 2026
Luther College, Regina

Pastor Munye Mtata led opening worship and holy communion in the Luther College chapel.  He shared a meaningful message based on 1 Corinthians 3:5-7.

From the chapel, we moved to a meeting room beginning with a check-in and welcoming Yvonne Rowe, executive assistant to the Bishop.  Meeting Chaplain, Rev. Ronald Shumba, opened with prayer and Cindy brought the meeting to order and provided the Treaty Land Acknowledgement. We approved minutes from the previous in-person and electronic meetings.

Bishop Ali presented his written report, highlighting one point in each section.  These included some of his research on declining churches, looking forward to the visit from 16 youth and two or more adult supervisors from Argentina in the fall, and a short discussion on a strategic plan update (2025 – 2030), and Implementation Handbook of the SK Synod Children, Youth, and Young Adult Strategy.

Roster changes included: Ron Bestvater and Bob Lewis from active to retired; and removal of deceased members Ed Hedlin and Robert Langdon; and St. Mark Lutheran Church, Markinch, closed.

As we proceeded through the other reports, we spent some time on the following topics.
-	Discussion about the ministry and property related to Lutheran Campus Ministry.
-	Dreaming for the Future operations will resume with a different team and plan.  We will be hearing from National Bishop Larry. 
-	ELCIC Day of Action (May 31) – 40th Anniversary of the ELCIC Celebration.
-	Appointment of Karen Stepko, Eastern ministry assistant to the Bishop, to the board of St. Paul Lutheran Home, Melville, as the Bishop’s designate.
-	Kinasao AGM to be held on April 26, 3pm, Redeemer, Saskatoon followed by a pot luck supper.
-	Discussion about synod representation on various boards. 
-	Luther College is celebrating 100 years this year (August 8, 2026).

We express gratitude to the Synod Committees and our Partners in ministry for comprehensive and helpful reports. 

Drafts of the Diaconal Transition to Ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament (Pastor) policy; and Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) Terms of Reference, were provided by the Bishop with further discussion and consideration tabled to a future meeting.

Synod council will meet again by Zoom on June 23, and in person in Saskatoon, September 15 – 17.

Ron Shumba led the closing prayer.