Check in ran smoothly thanks to the efforts of Kari Olsen (right), our first-time Synod Assembly Coordinator.

Our newest synod staffer, Amy Aacland (blue t-shirt on right) assisted with check-in and much more.

The hall was transformed with colorful banners and more in preparation for worship.

Bishop Graham pitched in with preparing Assembly materials.

New on the dais this year was our Assistant to the Bishop, the Rev. Amy Thompson Sevimli (right).

Hanging out on the "back porch" of Roanoke College.

Taking a break on a lovely summer day.

The quad of the campus was a nice gathering place.

Breaktime on the quad.

Breaktime on the quad.

Breaktime on the quad.

Breaktime on the quad.

Breaktime on the quad.

Looking out over the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Musicians from Resurrection in Kensinging lead singing of "De Colores."

We were serenaded during dinner one evening.

Displays of synod ministries available for perusal.

Checking out the displays.

Checking out a display.

Augsburg Fortress set up an onsite bookstore.

Many resources could be found from Augsburg Fortress.

Free moments in the assembly hall.

From the assembly hall.

From the assembly hall.

From the assembly hall.

Our churchwide representative, Kenneth Inskeep, is direcgtor of ELCA Research and Evaluation.

Mr. Inskeep shared insights advancing a vision for a "new, American, Lutheran reformation."

Those elected to positions of leadership were installed during the Sending Eucharist.

Persons elected included synod council members, voting members to the Churchwide Assembly and members of the synod Consultation Committee.

This photo taken by Harriet Latta is a good view of the installation of rostered synod leaders who joined the staff since Bishop Graham took office.

Both the Rev. Amy Thompson Sevimli and Mr. Harold Sargeant, Associate in Ministry, were installed to new positions on the synod staff.

Behind the scenes, Debbie Streicher kept assembly audio and visual components moving.

The Rev. Robert Driver-Bishop used many audio/visual components to enhance his Bible Study presentations.

The Rev. William Wegener served as Chaplain at our Assembly.

Workshops were held at various spots on campus to inform and hear from participants on various topics.

At this workshop, participants took a look at the ELCA's Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality.

The "Brass 5" brass quintet enhanced our Opening Eucharist Celebration.

Each worship service had a theme, including "Hands that Bless," "Hands that Serve," "Hands that Heal" and "Hands that Scatter Seeds."

Our times of worship featured rich prayer, preaching, music and Eucharistic celebration.

"Rhythm and Good News," a praise team from Good Shepherd Luthearn Church in Gaithersburg, elevated our spirits.

Worshippers clapped and sang with vigor during the Sending Eucharist.

Reaching streamers whipped through the large space during the Opening Eucharist Celebration.

Liturgical dancers helped express praise during the Opening Eucharist Celebration.

Dancers gracefully moved from aisles to the altar area in the large assembly hall during worship.

A gurgling fountain became our font during worship.

Our voices boomed in unison during song and liturgy.

Deans from each conference of the synod participated in worship leadership during the Opening Eucharist Celebration.

The theme of this service was "Hands that Bless."

Streamers moving through the worship space.