Keynote Speakers & Musician at Synod Assembly 2022
Pam Rocker
Keynote Speaker
Pam Rocker is an American/Canadian, atypical activist, consultant, speaker, and musician. From Pride to politics, she has worked for over a decade for the full inclusion of LGBTQ2S+ people in faith communities and beyond. She is the playwright of heterophobia, was chosen as one of the Top 40 Under 40 in Calgary, and as one of the top 30 activists in Canada. She is currently the Director of Affirming Connections and resides with her uber talented wife, two teens, and scraggly dog in Southern California.
Pam Rocker will be leading the LGBTQ+ 101 Educational Pre-Event on June 2nd,
a workshop, as well as host the LGBTQ+ Sober Reception on June 3rd.
Pr. Christian Chavarria
Keynote Speaker
Pastor Christian Chavarría Ayala is an Artist, Mission Developer, and Pastor from El Salvador. He spent his childhood fleeing the 1980s Civil War, spending time as a refugee in Honduras and Sweden. When he returned to El Salvador, he joined the Lutheran Church and became involved in every element of the church. In 2012, Pr. Christian started a new Lutheran Mission in San Vicente, just one hour away from San Salvador. In 2018, he graduated from the Salvadoran Lutheran University and was ordained as a Pastor in August of 2019. Pr. Christian now serves as Pastor of the Salvadoran Lutheran Church and Assistant to the Bishop. He is also an avid Painter and shares that his paintings are often inspired by how the Holy Spirit works among us. His paintings are often done on wood crosses and have led him all over the world to teach workshops and share his art with others.
Pr. Christian Chavarria will be leading a keynote speaking session on June 3rd, will preach at Closing Worship on June 4th, and will offer a workshop.
Rachel Kurtz
Keynote Musician
"Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter Rachel Kurtz is poised for a breakthrough with her 2018 album, Love, Rachel Kurtz. A remarkable vocalist and magnetic stage presence, Kurtz has released a new 13-song collection of original soul, Americana, and blues tracks backed by some of Minneapolis’ finest session musicians. Following an unconventional career path, Rachel Kurtz has found acclaim and a national audience of thousands due to her appearances at a series of community service events held in sports arenas across the country. Raising awareness for world hunger, hurricane relief, and multi-cultural reconciliation, Kurtz’s powerhouse voice and heartfelt performances have been electrifying crowds in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, New Orleans’ Superdome, Texas’ Alamo Dome, and hundreds of other concert venues from coast to coast."
Rachel Kurtz will be leading a concert in the evening of June 1st, lead musical elements of worship, and help lead the Beer & Hymnsing on June 3rd.