This year's assembly theme builds upon two recent events – the 2023 Synod Assembly and Bishop Jeff's installation.  Last year's assembly theme (“Broken Yet Whole”) addressed the dichotomy of our fractured relationships and our experience of being made whole by Christ.  It is precisely within the enduring context of individual, collective, and systemic brokenness that we must claim the hope we have in Christ.  The assembly planning team also revisited the Gospel reading at Bishop Jeff's installation, the story of Jesus on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32).  In this story, the Risen Christ met his followers where they were – broken yet whole – and offered them hope.  On this occasion just as throughout his public ministry, Jesus practiced the art of storytelling.  He is known for telling powerful stories that continue to engage, inspire, and transform people.  Storytelling is an important, albeit under-utilized item in our own ministry toolbox, too.  To help us refine that tool, the assembly planning team has engaged a keynote speaker who effectively utilizes storytelling in her worship services and ministry – Rev. Rebecca Anderson who serves at Gilead Church in Chicago.  Over several sessions, Pr. Anderson will show us ways to utilize storytelling in our respective ministry settings.  Her time with us will also include opportunities for us to consider our own stories and hear the stories of others.  The assembly theme of hope also sets the framework for the workshops we will offer.  All of the workshop presenters, each in their own way, will focus on finding and claiming hope within our own lives and proclaiming that hope to a world in need.