Minutes of the 21st Annual Assembly
of the Eastern North Dakota Synod of the ELCA
Fargo Civic Memorial Auditorium - Fargo, ND
April 5 & 6, 2008
Theme: “Let Mutual Love Continue: Living as God’s Abundant Gifts”
Saturday, April 5, 2008 - 8:30 a.m.
Opening Worship:
Bishop Rick Foss led our opening worship. He preached on the text from Colossians 1:15-20. Bishop Foss’s remarks were centered on the words, “In Christ Jesus all things hold together!”
Opening of the Assembly - 9:30 a.m
The opening of this Assembly was called by Bishop Rick Foss.
Introductions:
Bishop Foss introduced the Synod officers, Shar Gumke, VP; John Leininger, Sec.; and Dave Molmen, Treasurer. He also introduced our parliamentarian Howard Swanson. Also introduced briefly were, Dr. Rollie Martinson and Dr. Diane Jacobson of Luther Seminary and David Swartling, our ELCA Secretary.
Report of the Secretary:
SA.08.04.01
John Leininger, Secretary to the Synod, presented the certified minutes from the 2007 Synod Assembly and moved for approval as the official minutes of the Assembly. Seconded by David Miller. MOTION CARRIED.
Adoption of the Agenda:
SA.08.04.02
Moved by Virginia Olson, seconded by David Eppelsheimer, to adopt the agenda as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
Adoption of the Rules of Procedure:
SA.08.04.03
Moved by Alice Senechal and seconded by Chris Hogstad, to adopt the 2008 Rules of Procedures. MOTION CARRIED.
Bishop Foss reviewed the bishop election procedures and introduced David Swartling, Secretary for the ELCA Synod who will assist with oversight regarding the bishop election. Mr. Swartling reviewed the responsibilities of the synod bishop. He also reminded our lay and our pastors of our responsibilities to the bishop.
Bishop’s State of the Synod Address:
Bishop Foss, “Let mutual love continue as we…” Read Bishop’s State of the Synod Address…
State of the Synod - Shar Gumke, Vice President:
VP Shar Gumpke, “We are at a time of Spring and newness in our Synod. We look forward to our new Bishop. We are in a season of change and transition. We are a healthy Synod. ”
Refreshment Break
Close Nominations:
Rev. Randall Schlecht was introduced as the Chairman of the Bishop Nominating Committee. He read the names of the eight nominees for Bishop of the EaND Synod, namely; Andrea F. DeGroot-Nesdahl, Naomi C. Garber, Harold “Chris” Hallanger, Philip L. Larson, William “Bill” Rindy, Jeff Sandgren, Bruce A. Vold and Stephen A. Wold. Chairman Schlecht then called for further nominations from the floor. There were no further nominations, thus the nominations were closed.
State of the ELCA Address:
David Swartling, Secretary of the ELCA Churchwide, shared his transition story which meant the closing of his law practice in Seattle. He and his wife, Barbara, moved to Chicago to his new office at our ELCA headquarters. He also shared experiences of his first year as secretary of our ELCA Churchwide. He brought greetings from our ELCA Presiding Bishop, Mark Hanson. A letter from Bishop Hanson is attached to these minutes. David Swartling also challenged the members of our EaND Synod to become a “Book of Faith” Synod and challenged each of our congregations to become a “Book of Faith” congregation. Swartling sited another new initiative that is beginning to take place in the ELCA. The ELCA - together with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and Lutheran World Relief - were approached by and are cooperating with the United Nations Foundation to undertake a significant campaign to help eradicate malaria and other diseases of poverty in the world.
First Credentials Report:
Rev. Peter Coen-Tuff, chairperson of the Credentials Committee, gave the first report of the Credentials Committee as follows:
Voting Members:
Clergy/AiMs: 136
Lay: 453
Synodical Officers: 3
Total voting members: 592
Guests and Visitors: 98
Total Registered: 690
Ballot #1:
Bishop Foss introduced the Chairman of the Bishop Elections Committee, Warren Jonasson. Mr. Jonasson read the names of the bishop candidates. David Swartling, Secretary of the ELCA Churchwide, at this time, reviewed the election procedures. The procedures are attached to these minutes. Mr. Swartling then asked the candidates to please stand and be recognized as their names were read. Ballots were distributed to the delegates. The ballots were then collected to be tallied by the elections committee. The balloting of #1 was then declared closed by David Swartling.
Lunch
Results of Ballot #1:
Warren Jonasson, Chairperson of the Bishop Elections Committee reported the following results regarding the first ballot of the bishop election:
Total legal votes cast: 583
Total invalid votes cast: 1
Total votes needed for election on this ballot (75%): 438
Total votes cast for each nominee:
Jeff Sandgren: 119
Bill Rindy: 93
Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl: 83
Bruce Vold: 82
Naomi Garber: 71
H. Chris Hallanger: 52
Steve Wold: 46
Philip Larson: 37
Warren Jonasson, Chairperson of the Bishop Elections Committee reported that no nominee received 75% of the total votes cast, thus the top seven vote getters will go on to Ballot #2.
Dr. Rollie Martinson Address:
Bishop Rick Foss very eloquently and appreciatively introduced Dr. Rollie Martinson from Luther Seminary as our keynote speaker. First of all, Rollie reflected on his home roots by highlighting his formal education in North Dakota and the nurturing of a deep rooted love for Jesus Christ that he experienced throughout the years he spent on the Eastern North Dakota Prairies. Quoting Dr. Martinson, “Justification by faith - struggles on the Prairies throughout our lives - struggles with markets, with floods, with droughts and with tornadoes. These are in the midst of all our trials and tribulations, but we know we can always look to Jesus Christ and only Him for answers, for redemption and for our salvation. What can your faith community look like in 5-10 years? How can you be involved and make a positive difference in your church and in your community? Only you can make a difference.”
Workshop #1
Workshop #2
Second Credentials Report:
Rev. Peter Coen-Tuff, chairperson of the Credentials Committee, gave the second report of the Credentials Committee as follows:
Clergy/Aims: 137
Lay Voting Members: 456
Synodical Officers: 3
Total voting Members: 596
Guests and Visitors: 124
Total Registered: 720
Bishop Candidate Forum #1:
The seven remaining bishop candidates were asked to reflect on several questions posed to them by David Swartling, Secretary of the ELCA.
Dinner Buffet
Milestones in Ministry / Ministry Celebrations
Those celebrating Milestones in Ministry were recognized:
Congregations celebrating anniversaries:
125th: Immanuel Lutheran, Milnor
Skjeberg Lutheran, Drayton
Ostervold Lutheran, Finley
St. Petri Lutheran, Nome
100th: St. Luke Lutheran, Streeter
75th: Trinity Lutheran, Carrington
50th: Hope Lutheran, Fargo
Constituting Year - Living Waters Lutheran, Fargo
Clergy Anniversaries of Ordination:
60th: Rev. Alvin L. Stenberg
55th: Rev. Leslie G. Wassberg
Rev. Carrol A. Tollefson
Rev. Harvey O. Gilbertson
Rev. Gordon N. Berntson
Rev. Arlyn M. Anfinrud
50th: Rev. Dale M. Vitalis
Rev. Elwood Skarpness
Rev. Orville J. Sunde
Rev. Ernest Stadum
Rev. Lyle A. Rich
Rev. Marvin L. Hartmann
25th: Rev. Scottie R. Lloyd
Rev. Jeffrey L. Johnson
Rev. Phillip L. Larson
Ballot #2:
The second bishop ballot was distributed to the delegates by the pages. The pages gathered the ballots and will report the results during the Plenary #1 session.
Second Credentials Report:
Rev. Peter Coen-Tuff, chairperson of the Credentials Committee, gave the second report of the Credentials Committee as follows:
Clergy/Aims: 137
Lay Voting Members: 456
Synodical Officers: 3
Total Voting Members: 596
Guests and Visitors:124
Total Registered: 720
Plenary #1:
Elections and resolutions
Election:
Rev. Randy Schlecht, Chairperson of the Elections Committee, presented the following Nominees to serve on the synod council:
Secretary to the Synod Council: John Leininger
Unanimously elected.
Synod Council:
Rev. Jerry Rosin, Carrington Conference
Rev. Richard Budd, Devils Lake Conference
Orville Kjelland, Grafton Conference
Rev. Karen Trenne, Grand Forks Conference
Lee Miller, Jamestown Conference
Roger Miller, Wahpeton Conference
Multi-Cultural Representative to the Synod:
Darla Thiele, Dacotah O’yate
All unanimously elected.
Churchwide voting members and alternates to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly:
Multicultural Voting Members to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly
Darla Thiele, Dacotah O’Yate Lutheran, Tokio
Larry Thiele, Dacotah O’Yate Lutheran, Tokio
Robert Turner, United Lutheran, Grand Forks
Carrington Conference: Rev. Bruce Vold, Eldo Haugen
Alternates: Rev. Russ Christiansen, Vern Anderson
Devils Lake Conference: Rev. Rafe Allison, Dave Olson
Alternates: Don Reynolds, Dan Nybo
Fargo Conference: Rev. Mike Toomey, Craig Johnson, Julie Johnson
Alternates: Rev. Corey Fuhrman, Duane Rindy
Grafton Conference: Rev. Stacey Nalean-Carlson, Linda Schauer
Alternates: Rev. Jolene Knudson-Hanse, Marian Hove
Grand Forks Conference: Rev. Paul Trenne, Harold Randall, Eunice Vold
Alternates: Rev. Tom Colenso, Paul Mathiason, Seanne Voracek
Jamestown Conference: Rev. Mark Ostgarden, Dianne Billey
Alternates: Rev. Rich Fitzer, Susan Fitzer
Mayville Conference: Rev. Janna Kontz, John Pederson
Alternates: Rev. Julie Johnson, Allan Kville
Wahpeton Conference: Rev. Ken Kirchenwitz, Linda Brastrup
Alternates: Rev. Norm Anderson, Millie Dick
All unanimously elected.
Resolutions:
Rev. Beth Peterson, chairperson of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented Resolution #1.
Resolution #1 - Rural Revitalization in America
WHEREAS, population in rural areas of the United States has been declining since the 1930’s and ‘40’s; and
WHEREAS, the rural communities have not only experienced a decline in population and school enrollment, but also are experiencing a loss of their high school graduates, as their young people who earn degrees find it difficult to remain in those communities due to lack of career opportunities and other social and economic factors; and
WHEREAS, the number of farmers and ranchers at one time was sufficient to keep the economy alive in our small rural towns, especially those with populations of 5,000 and under and;
WHEREAS, the decline of our family farmers and ranchers has had a great impact on the small town businesses, schools and churches; and
WHEREAS, rural America has an adequate infrastructure in place to support business growth and bring young families back to rural America; and
WHEREAS, the loss of rural businesses, schools and churches will continue unless new ways are found to revitalize rural America; and
WHEREAS, more than 80% of congregations in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) serve rural communities; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the 2008 Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly request the ELCA Rural Desk to review the rural revitalization plan that is in place in rural Australia (1) www.refa.edu.au (external link) (a similar example is taking place in New Mexico (2) www.ped.state.nm.us (external link) ) where we find the community and the school working closely together in the area of economic development and community revitalization; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the 2008 Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly request the ELCA Rural Desk work with other organizations in America, such as the National Community Education Association (NCEA) (3) www.ncea.com (external link) and the Organization Concerned with Rural Education (OCRE) (4) www.ruralschools.org (external link) that are making a concerted effort to revitalize rural America. We also request that the ELCA Rural Desk report their progress to the delegates at the 2009 EaND Synod Assembly; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly memorialize the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly for their consideration and adoption.
Submitted by Tri-County Ministry Council, Cooperstown, North Dakota
Additional information:
(1) Rural Education Forum Australia (REFA) - Mission is to work with its member groups and departments of education in all states and territories and the Commonwealth, to identify and progress issues that will improve opportunities for rural children and families. REFA has policies aimed at improving education and allied services for rural and remote communities. They cover a broad range of issues associated with the preparation and support of teachers, leaders and community, integrating human services, ICT, resourcing and sustainability. Full details are available by contacting the secretariat - www.refa.edu.au (external link)
(2) New Mexico Rural Education Partners in Learning (PIL) mission is to create 21st Century economic engines for rural communities fueled by innovation and informed career, academic, and educational choices for all students and their families. The state will establish a model for engaging communities in strategic alliances that result in engagement of economic engines to create jobs in the community and shifts in the school culture, curriculum, and instruction that ready students for 21st Century jobs in their local communities and beyond.
(3) The mission of NCEA is to provide leadership to those who build learning communities in response to individual and community needs. NCEA recently organized the National Center for Rural Revitalization and is preparing to host a National Rural Summit.
(4) The mission of OCRE, a coalition of more than two dozen national organizations, is dedicated to the improvement of public education and economic development in rural America.
SC.08.04.04
The Committee of Reference and Council moved Resolution #1, seconded by Ray Pollard. MOTION CARRIED.
Results of Ballot #2:
Warren Jonasson, Chairperson of the Bishop Elections Committee reported the following results regarding the second ballot of the bishop election:
Total legal votes cast: 567
Total needed for election (2/3): 378
Total votes cast for each nominee:
Jeff Sandgren: 164
Bill Rindy: 124
Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl: 78
Bruce Vold: 60
Naomi Garber: 51
H. Chris Hallanger: 46
Steve Wold: 44
Warren Jonasson, Chairperson of the Bishop Elections Committee, reported that no candidate received 2/3 of the votes cast, thus the top three vote getters will go on to Ballot #3.
Resolution #2 - 2009 Compensation and Benefits Guidelines for Pastors and Associates in Ministry
WHEREAS, congregations of the Eastern North Dakota Synod request and appreciate the aid and council of their companion congregations in this synod and synod leadership in ascertaining fair, equitable, and adequate compensation and benefits for pastors and professional staff; and
WHEREAS, the Eastern North Dakota Executive Committee has discussed and approved these guidelines and commends them to the 2008 Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly and to the congregations of this synod for deliberation and use; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the 2008 Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly adopt and commend to the congregations of this synod these guidelines; and be it further
RESOLVED, that this assembly approve the publication and distribution of these “Guidelines” to congregations of this synod through the usual and appropriate means employed by the synod office.
Submitted by the Eastern North Dakota Synod Council Executive Committee.
SC.08.04.05
The Committee of Reference and Council moved Resolution #2, seconded by David Miller. MOTION CARRIED.
Vespers - Prayer Around the Cross:
Our Saturday evening vespers was led by Pastor Peter Schmidt and the Faith Lutheran Worship Team.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Celebration Worship:
Dr. Rollie Martinson of Luther Seminary preached on the text from Hebrews 13:1-8.
Offering:
The special offering gathered at our Celebration Worship is designated 1/3 for C.A.R. Village Education Program, 1/3 for Lutheran Disaster Response (external link) and 1/3 for Northwood Community Recovery (external link).
Workshop of the Whole - Book of Faith:
Dr. Diane Jacobson, professor at Luther Seminary, outlined and introduced the “Book of Faith” Initiative (external link) for our Synod, our congregations and our members. Dr. Jacobson is our ELCA director of this “Book of Faith” Initiative. The vision of the initiative is this: That the whole church become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture, in order that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, empowered, and sent by the Word. The “Book of Faith” is an initiative not a program. Immersing ourselves in the Bible is our calling from God. We are to be engaged in the Bible daily throughout our lives. We need to ask, “if we want to be a “Book of Faith” church council, what must we do different?” If our family wants to be a “Book of Faith” family, what must we do different?
Bishop Candidate Forum:
The three remaining bishop candidates were asked to reflect on several questions that were posed to them by David Swartling, Secretary of the ELCA.
Bishop Election Ballot #3:
The third bishop election ballot was distributed to the delegates by the pages. The pages gathered the ballots and will report the results following the lunch break.
Final Credentials Report:
Rev. Peter Coen-Tuff, chairperson of the Credentials Committee, gave the final report of the Credentials Committee as follows:
Clergy/AiMS: 137
Lay Voting Members: 462
Synodical Officers : 3
Total Voting Members.: 602
Visitors : 134
Grand Total: 736
Lunch
Results of Ballot #3:
Warren Jonasson, Chairperson of the Bishop Elections Committee reported the following results regarding the third ballot of the bishop election:
Total number of legal votes cast: 558
Number of legal votes needed for election on this ballot (60%): 335
Total votes cast for each nominee:
Bill Rindy: 272
Jeff Sandgren: 179
Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl: 107
Warren Jonasson, Chairperson of the Bishop Elections Committee stated that no candidate received 60% of the total votes cast, thus the top two vote getters will go on to Ballot #4.
Plenary #2:
Budget and Resolutions
Resolution #3 - 2007 Amendments to the Constitution for Synod
WHEREAS, the following changes were approved by the 2007 Churchwide Assembly for required provisions in the Constitution for Synods and are incorporated into the synod’s constitution under +S18.11; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the 2008 Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly adopt the following amendments:
+S8.12.e.
Attest letters of call for persons called to serve congregations in the synod, letters of call for persons called by the Synod Council, and letters of call for persons on the rosters of this synod called by the Church Council on the rosters of this synod.
+S10.01.a.
(First part unchanged) ……A member of the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America from this synod, unless otherwise elected as a voting member of the Synod Council, may serve as an advisory member of the Synod Council with voice but not vote.
Submitted by the Eastern North Dakota Synod Executive Committee
SC.08.04.06
The Committee of Reference and Council moved Resolution #3, seconded by Stan Franek. MOTION CARRIED.
Resolution #5 - Candidacy Committee Terms
WHEREAS, The Synod Council and the Synod Candidacy Committee desire continuity of leadership and relationship with candidates being shepherded through the candidacy process; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the by-law S11.06.01 be changed:
The Candidacy Committee shall consist of one person from each conference elected at the Conference Assembly plus three persons appointed by the Synod Council for a term of six years, (strike not) eligible for one consecutive
re-election.
Submitted by the Eastern North Dakota Synod Council
SC.08.04.07
The Committee of Reference and Council moved Resolution #5, seconded by Ray Pollard. MOTION CARRIED.
Presentation of the 2007-08 Financial Report and Adoption of the 2009 Fiscal Budget:
Dave Molmen, Treasurer for the Synod, presented the 2007-08 financial report and the 2009 proposed budget.
SC.08.04.08
David Molmen, Treasurer, moved for the adoption of the 2009 proposed budget, seconded by Orville Kjelland. MOTION CARRIED AS AMENDED.
SC.08.04.09
Motion by Erik Heskin, seconded by Orville Kjelland to increase the budget amount on line items, namely; the Red Willow Bible Camp and the Park River Bible Camp from the proposed amount of $3,500.00 each to $5,000.00 each. MOTION CARRIED. Appropriate adjustments on expected revenue will be made to maintain the amount of change in Net Assets line.
Bishop Candidate Forum:
The two remaining bishop candidates, Jeff Sandgren and Bill Rindy were called forward by David Swartling, Secretary of the ELCA, and asked, once again, to reflect on their candidacy for the Bishop of the EaND Synod.
Bishop Election Ballot #4:
The fourth bishop election ballot was distributed to the delegates by the pages. The pages gathered the ballots and will report the results as soon as they are officially tallied.
Resolution #6 - Book of Faith Initiative - Synod Assembly model resolution
WHEREAS, all the baptized when they affirm their baptism promise “to hear the Word of God” and “to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed”; and
WHEREAS, all parents and sponsors covenant to place the holy scriptures in the hands of their children and nurture them in faith and prayer; and
WHEREAS, pastors at their ordination vow to be diligent in their study of the Holy Scriptures; and
WHEREAS, the ELCA has begun a Book of Faith Initiative inviting everyone to join the conversation, to make a commitment, and to become part of the initiative (see http://www.elca.org/bookoffaith (external link)); therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we become a “Book of Faith” synod, committing ourselves to live in and from the Word of God in all our meetings, assemblies and events, so that as we regularly and increasingly hear, read , study, share and are engaged by God’s Word, we lead by example in faithful service and holy living; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the bishop of the synod, who “as it’s pastor, shall be a teacher of the faith of this church and shall provide leadership for the life and witness of this church” - in coordination with the synod advocate, lead this initiative personally, and through collaborative programmatic work with congregations of the synod; and be it further
RESOLVED, that all voting members of this synod assembly covenant together to begin a regular practice of Bible study and prayer, gathering with others in their congregation and/or community to speak and hear the Word from one another; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we celebrate and continue to support and strengthen those places where Scripture is already taught and engaged, such as Women of the ELCA Bible studies, camping and campus ministries, Discipleship on the Prairie, congregational councils, Sunday School and other congregational groups; be it further
RESOLVED, that we encourage all congregations to become a “Book of Faith” congregation, which will find expression by
- exploring new opportunities for engaging the Bible,
- sending sufficient numbers of members to Synod events for training as Bible study leaders,
- including biblical study as an integral part of all meetings and groups,
in order to become more fluent in the first language of faith - the language of Scripture - that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, empowered, and sent by the Word.
Submitted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Vocation and Education
SC.08.04.10
The Committee of Reference and Council moved to adopt Resolution #6, seconded by Christopher Miller. CARRIED.
Resolution #4 - In Thanks and Celebration for Bishop Rick Foss
WHEREAS, Bishop Rick Foss has served as the bishop of the Eastern North Dakota Synod for sixteen years, from July 1992 to July 2008; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Rick Foss has served more than two full terms and therefore by the Constitution is not permitted to serve a third term; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Rick Foss has bequeathed to us his heart and soul, his power and love, his faith in Christ; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we follow his example of life giving service to our church and synod; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we continue the legacy of Bishop Foss to listen, encourage, inspire, love, pray, laugh, challenge, nurture, motivate and visit; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we have hopes and aims that motivate, uplift and excite us about ministry; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we continue to raise up and develop resources like the Endowment Fund, Resource Center, healthy congregations and motivated pastors; and be it father
RESOLVED, that we thank Rick for his talented, hospitable and serving staff; his keeping us connected even in our conflicts and crises; his reassuring presence in floods and tornadoes; his broadening our vision with C.A.R. and the Alaska Synod (external link); his thousands of e-mails and phone calls; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we thank Rick for the gift of his person, his faith in the Lord, his love for us, his hope for our future. And so we say in unison: THANK YOU, BISHOP RICK FOSS, FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE.
Submitted by the Transition Team, Eastern North Dakota Synod
SC.08.04.11
The Committee of Reference and Council moved to adopt Resolution #4, seconded by Beth Peterson. MOTION CARRIED.
Offering:
Shar Gumke, Synod Vice President, announced the Sunday Assembly offering of $11,571.34. These dollars will be divided one-third to C.A.R. Village Education Program, one-third to Lutheran Disaster Response and one-third to Northwood Community Recovery.
Announcement of the 2009 EaND Synod Assembly:
John Leininger, Secretary of the Synod, reported that the 2009 EaND Synod Assembly will be held in Grand Forks at the Alerus Center May 2-3, 2009.
Bishop Candidates Ballot #4:
Warren Jonasson, Chairperson of the Bishop Elections Committee reported the following results:
Total of legal votes cast: 558
Total of legal votes needed for Election on this ballot (majority): 275
Total votes cast for each nominee:
Bill Rindy: 372
Jeff Sandgren: 177
Bill Rindy was declared the new Bishop of the EaND Synod.
Greetings from Bishop-Elect:
Rev. Bill Rindy, Bishop Elect, graciously greeted and thanked the Assembly for their support and prayers. He asked they continue to keep him in their prayers and to also pray for all the congregations and their members in the EaND Synod. He sincerely thanked the other bishop candidates and asked for their support as he accepts the Call as the Bishop of the EaND Synod.
Blessing and Sending:
Dr. Rollie Martinson congratulated Bishop Elect, Rev. Bill Rindy, and bestowed his blessing on all in attendance at the EaND Synod Assembly.
Order for the Closing of the Assembly:
Bishop Rick Foss profoundly expressed his grace and gratitude to the EaND Synod Staff, the Synod Council members, and the EaND Synod Congregations for their prayers and support over the past 16 years that he has served as our Bishop. God Bless All!
The 2008 EaND Synod Assembly adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Leininger, Secretary to the EaND Synod