Around 325 voting members and visitors arrived at Roanoke College to be part of the 2006 Metro D.C. Synod Assembly -- many partaking of dorm life!

Many pitched in behind-the-scenes (thank you!), like Pr. Chris Miller, who here unwinds in the registration area before business began.

Sunny, fresh spring days (with one cloudburst - at registration time, naturally) were the backdrop of our time together.

Bishop Schneider presented awards for anniversaries in ministry Thursday. Here, Pr. Craig Endicott is recognized for 25 years of ordained ministry.

Emmanuel Lutheran in Vienna chose to gift money to celebrfate their 50th anniversary, including this check to the synod for a mission congregation.

We elected several leaders to service, including the Rev. Mark Olsen to the position of synod secretary (succeeding the retiring Rev. Ivan Ives).

The Opening Eucharist of the Synod Assembly was held at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in the green hills of Roanoke (luxury bus transport included).

Volunteer choristers led us thorugh a worship setting found in Evangelical Lutheran Worship, a sampler developed in the Renewing Worship process.

The majestic interior of St. Andrew's reverberated with our united voices.

Dr.Sabine U. O'Hara, president of Roanoke College, led us in a scholarly reflection on Lutheran higher education for our keynote address.

Newly elected synod leaders were installed in a final act of the Synod Assembly, just before we sang together, "A Mighty Fortress."

Between business sessions, participants took a break on the lovely Roanoke College grounds.

An afternoon of workshops allowed participants to hear in-depth information about synod ministries and present their questions and ideas.

Synod exhibitors were on site, including this display of artwork by students in Langley Park facilitated partly by UMD Campus Ministry.

The art of hospitality was demonstrated by Roanoke College with this delicious BBQ feast preceding an evening worship service.