April 17-18, 2010
Jamestown Civic Center – Jamestown, ND
Theme: “God’s Work. Our Hands: Together in Mission”
» Download: 2010 Synod Assembly Minutes (download .pdf file)
Saturday, April 17 – 8:30 a.m
OPENING WORSHIP:
The offering was designated 1/3 to Lutheran Malaria Initiative, 1/3 to Lutheran Disaster Relief, and 1/3 to the Sudanese Worship Community.
PLENARY ONE
OPENING OF THE ASSEMBLY:
The opening of this Assembly was called by Bishop Bill Rindy.
GREETINGS from Clarice Liechty, Jamestown Mayor, who welcomed everyone to Jamestown
INTRODUCTIONS:
Bishop Rindy introduced the Synod officers: Shar Gumke, Vice President; John Leininger, Secretrary; and Dave Molmen, Treasurer. He also introduced our parliamentarian, Ken Dalsted and our special guest – Rev. Gemechis Desta Buba, Director for African National Ministries, ELCA.
GREETINGS from Lacey Bartosh, President of the EaND Synod Lutheran Youth Organization
GREETINGS and report from Joy Vaagene, President of the EaND WELCA
FIRST CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE REPORT:
Terry Anderson, Chairperson of the Credentials Committee, gave the first report of the Credentials Committee as follows:
Voting Members:
Clergy/AiMs . . . . . . . . . . 91
Lay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Synodical Officers . . . . . . 3
Total voting members. . . . 422
Guests and Visitors . . 56
Total Registered . . . . . . . . 478
Bishop Rindy declared a quorum present for our Assembly.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA:
SA.10.04.01 Moved by John Pederson, second by Jerry Rosin, to adopt the agenda as amended with 3 additions or corrections: (1) 6:30 p.m. Saturday is the deadline for submission of resolutions; (2) Correction to change the budget to be approved from 2010 to 2011 and (3) Add the secretaries report following the Adoption of the Rules of Procedure. MOTION CARRIED.
ADOPTION OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE:
SA.10.04.02 Moved by Mel Erdmann, second by Bob Scheurer to adopt the 2010 Rules of Procedures. MOTION CARRIED.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY:
SA.10.04.03 John Leininger, Secretary to the Synod, presented the certified minutes from the 2009 Synod Assembly and moved for approval as the official minutes of the Assembly, second by John Fick. MOTION CARRIED.
Rev. Dr. Gemechis Desta Buba – Greetings from Gemechis and from Bishop Hanson. The video from Bishop Hanson was not viewed due to technical difficulties. Gemechis pointed out the fact that ELCA Lutherans are one of the largest church denominations in the world. Our companion Synod, Central African Republic, continues to grow at a rapid pace. We must continue to share the good news of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ with the world.
Bishop Bill Rindy began his remarks by pointing out the disaster that continues to devastate the Devils Lake Region. He mentioned the great work the Synod Endowment Fund is doing in assisting our seminary students to pay school expenditures and our pastors who are working to pay down their previous student loans. Bishop Rindy pointed out the financial challenges we continue to face in our synod. In 1989, the synod budget was $1.6 million, which was $500,000 more than our current budget. He emphasized and asked “what will the state of the synod be in 2010-2011?” There is a “God Sized” vision for us as individuals, congregations, synod and ELCA Churchwide. How will we get to where we need to be? How can we shape the vision of our synod? Bill reminded the voting members that this afternoon we will go out into the Jamestown community as “Laborers of the Lord.” We must continue to keep our Synod Ministries alive. He pointed out the challenge of “going the extra mile” around the synod as follows: Oak Grove from $1,000 to $10,000; Red Willow Bible Camp from $1,000 to $10,000; Park River Bible Camp from $1,000 to $10,000; Luther Seminary from $60,000 to $100,000; Lutheran Campus Ministry from $123,000 to $175,000; Native American Ministry from $6,000 to $16,000; Dacotah O?Yate Lutheran from $62,000 to $80,000; Congregational Grants from $0 to $50,000; and Lutheran Disaster Response from $0 to $40,000. C.A.R. currently has over 70,000 members in 400 congregations. We need to add a budget item for our companion synod, C.A.R. including additional Village School Support to $200,000; a Lutheran High School – $200,000; Immunization and Birth Room at Gallo Clinic – $150,000; Books and Instructors for Seminary – $200,000; 32 motorcycles and ambulances – $64,000; and church roofs – $200,000. The “Extra Mile” budget would also enhance our churchwide ministries as follows: ELCA Global Missions for Missionary Sponsorships – $250,000; ELCA World Hunger – additional $250,000; and ELCA Lutheran Malaria Initiative – $250,000. EaND Synod has102,000 members – if each worshiper gave $6 per month or $72 a year X the 30,000 worshipers per month it would equal $2,160,000 – more than enough to accomplish the entire Extra Mile for Mission. What is the state of the synod? Bishop Rindy pointed out that “you, the voting members and our members will decide!”
SYNOD ENDOWMENT FUND:
Craig and Julie Johnson spoke briefly about the Synod Endowment Fund. We were the first Synod to establish an endowment, which is now 10 years old. Other synods are now following our lead. There is currently $2.6 million in our Endowment Fund. Last year we supported 27 seminarians. We supported 40-50 pastors by assisting them in paying debt relief AND pension equity payments.
LUNCH: 11:45 a.m.
PLENARY TWO
REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
Scott Block, Chairperson of the Synod Nominating Committee, presented the following nominees to serve on the Synod Council:
Rev. Jerry Rosin – Carrington Conference (2nd term)
Rev. Allen Campbell – Devils Lake Conference (1st term)
Rev. Corey Fuhrman – Fargo Conference (1st term)
Mr. Mark Drevecky – Grafton Conference (1st term)
Rev. Jon Nelson – Grand Forks Conference (1st term)
Mr. Lee Miller – Jamestown Conference (2nd term)
Mr. Richard Jacobson – Wahpeton Conference (1st term)
Ms. Charlene Burthold – Multicultural Member to the Synod Council (1st term)
The following are the nominees for voting members to the 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, Aug. 14-20:
Rev. Jessica Merchant – Carrington Conference
Ms. Paula K. Myhre – Carrington Conference
Rev. Don Reynolds – Devils Lake Conference
Ms. Michelle Reynolds – Devils Lake Conference
Rev. Sonja Kjar – Fargo Conference
Mr. Aaron Bye – Fargo Conference
Ms. Natalie Carlson – Fargo Conference
Rev. Ryan Fischer – Grafton Conference
Ms. Marlene Arneson – Grafton Conference
Rev. Chad Brucklacher – Grand Forks Conference
Mr. Christopher Gjesfjeld – Grand Forks Conference
Dr. Sharon C. Wilsnack – Grand Forks Conference
Rev. Chris Hogstad – Jamestown Conference
Dr. James Buhr – Jamestown Conference
Rev. Erik Heskin – Mayville Conference
Ms. Merle Freije – Mayville Conference
Rev. Chris Gaule – Wahpeton Conference
Mr. Curtis Larson – Wahpeton Conference
Mr. Robert Turner – Multicultural Representative
Ms. Prairie Rose Seminole – Multicultural Representative
Mr. Noel Tade – Multicultural Representative
The following are the nominees for alternate voting members to the 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, Aug. 14-20:
Rev. Jerry Rosin – Carrington Conference
Ms. Becky Goetz – Carrington Conference
Rev. Jeff Nicla – Devils Lake Conference
Ms. Veronica Nicla – Devils Lake Conference
Rev. Mark Strobel – Fargo Conference
Mr. Wayne Reitz – Fargo Conference
Ms. Jean Zimmerman – Fargo Conference
Rev. Rebecca Miller – Grafton Conference
Ms. Amanda Schultz – Grafton Conference
Rev. Tom Colenso – Grand Forks Conference
Dr. Harold Randall – Grand Forks Conference
Ms. Karen Retzlaff – Grand Forks Conference
Rev. Leon Zavadil – Jamestown Conference
Mr. Dale Hildebrant – Jamestown Conference
Rev. Denise Parrello – Mayville Conference
Ms. Vanessa A. Bring – Mayville Conference
Rev. Roger Reinhart – Wahpeton Conference
Mr. Richard Jacobson – Wahpeton Conference
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Dave Molmen, Treasurer for the Synod, presented the financial report and the proposed 2011 Mission Plan (budget). Dave also reported that our morning offering was $5,729.09, which will be equally divided between the Lutheran Malaria Initiative, Sudanese Worship Community and Lutheran Disaster Relief. The financial reports are attached to these minutes.
Pastor Beth Peterson, member of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented the following resolution for consideration and adoption:
RESOLUTION #1 - TO REMOVE THE SOCIAL STATEMENT “HUMAN SEXUALITY: GIFT AND TRUST”*
WHEREAS, the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, in accordance with ELCA bylaw 12.12.01, adopted a social statement “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” by exactly a two-thirds vote; and
WHEREAS, the social statement has generated substantial disagreement and debate among faithful members of the ELCA; and
WHEREAS, members of the Eastern North Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America believe that the social statement “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” should be reconsidered and removed [revised]; and
WHEREAS, “Policies and Procedures of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for Addressing Social Concerns” expressly provides for reconsideration of a social statement by the Churchwide Assembly following its adoption and its removal or revision; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly direct the Eastern North Dakota Synod Council to request the Church Council to request the Churchwide Assembly to reconsider and remove [revise] the social statement “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” in accordance with “Policies and Procedures of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for Addressing Social Concerns.”.
* The “Policies and Procedures of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for Addressing Social Concerns” provides a process for reconsideration of a social statement. This process applies in lieu of the motion to rescind/amend something previously adopted as addressed in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (10th ed.), section 35. The relevant provision of the ELCA policy on p. 17 states as follows:
Churchwide Assemblies may reconsider previously adopted social statements. Such reconsideration may involve either a revision or removal of the statement. This may be done in two ways:
- A Churchwide Assembly, by a two-thirds vote, may call for the reconsideration of a social statement at the next assembly. Subsequent to such a vote, the social statement shall be referred to the Church in Society unit for re-study. The proposed change and the reasons for it shall be made available to this church with an official notice of such proposed action to be sent to the synods by the secretary of this church at least three months prior to the Churchwide Assembly at which it will be considered. A two-thirds vote of the assembly shall be required to revise or remove the social statement.
- The Church Council by a two-thirds vote of its voting members may ask the Churchwide Assembly to reconsider a social statement. Such Church Council action must be taken no later than at the Church Council meeting in the autumn prior to the assembly. The proposed change and the reasons for it shall then be made available to this church with an official notice of such proposed action to be sent to the synods by the secretary of this church at least three months prior to the Churchwide Assembly.
A two-thirds vote of the assembly shall be required to reconsider the statement and also to revise or remove it. Both actions may occur at the same assembly.
Submitted by Arlene Lillestol, Duane Lillestol, Jeanette Johnson, James Martinson, Tammy Martinson, Rosamond Hogness, Orvin Hogness, Marlene Hogness, Donald Wehlander, Rev. G.O. Elwood & Elsie Skarpness, Amy J. Erickson, Melinda Mund, Arlin Mund, Ken Quam, Tom Hogness, Wanda Hogness, Ryan Hogness, Harlan Hogness, Sandy Hogness, Raymond Martinson, Karen Krause,
Allison Halmrast, Joel Halvorson, Loran Hudson, Mona Hudson, Annette Hudson, Mack Hudson, Trevor Martinson, Vickie Berndt, Helga G. Hogness, Justine Gibbon, Jean Gion, Mary Alice Mund, Daniel Mund, Dawn Mund, Stephen Mund, Paul Mund, congregational president. Members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Milnor, ND, Our Savior’ Lutheran Church Council, Hillsboro, ND, and Emmanuel Lutheran Church Council, Gackle, ND.
SA.10.04.04 Motion by Jessica Arneson, second by Dan Forsberg to adopt Resolution #1.
SA.10.04.05 Motion by Bob Bekkerus, second by Jon Nelson to end debate and vote on motion #SA.10.04.04 (above). Motion Carried.
Motion SA.10.04.04 (Resolution #1) Failed 179 yes, 249 no.
Joel Kangas, member of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented the following resolution:
RESOLUTION #2 – 2011 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS GUIDELINES FOR PASTORS AND ASSOCIATES IN MINISTRY
WHEREAS, congregations of the Eastern North Dakota Synod request and appreciate the aid and counsel 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 2010 Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly and to the congregations of this synod for deliberation and use; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the 2010 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.
SA.10.04.06 Motion by Joel Kangas, second by Nancy Rader to adopt resolution # 2. Motion Carried. Guidelines are attached to these minutes.
BIBLE STUDY:
Rev. Dr. Gemechis Desta Buba led our Bible study based on Jeremiah 6:16. Our church is built on unmovable rock. Our church will stand, it will not die. The church will continue when we stand on the Rock, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The future is open and full of possibilities. The future is forward, move your church forward. We have to go to the mountain with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Each of us has this responsibility. The future of the Church is the second coming of Jesus Christ. The Holy Word of our Lord, is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow – it will never change. The promises of our Lord will never change.
Many things, countries, resolutions will come and go, but the word of truth in the Bible will never change. Our Church must move forward, we must walk into the future. Rely on our Lord to walk with you as you go and tell others of the Lord’s promises in the New Testament. Tell them of the Good News. Who is paying for our future? JESUS CHRIST. The action of the church is the life of the church. Without a mission, there is no church. Focus on the mission of Jesus Christ. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. We, the EaND Synod, are at a crossroads – we either move forward by taking our ministry to the mountain top, or we will continue to struggle with our ministry.
MISSION BLITZ
Delegates were dispersed to do mission work in and around the Jamestown area.
TOGETHER IN MISSION CELEBRATION BUFFET: 6:30 pm
MILESTONES IN MINISTRY/MINISTRY CELEBRATIONS:
Terry Brandt, Associate with the Bishop, introduced our new seminarians and their families: Jacob Anderson, Zack Bey, Tessa Hansen Mitzel, and Natasha Woitzel-Kolles.
Pastors and AiM anniversaries:
25th Michael Olson, AiM 50th Rev. Ray Heidtke
25th Rev. Rich Budd 50th Rev. Nels Lillejord
50th Rev. Dan Faust 55th Rev. Harold Vold
50th Rev. James Alger
Congregations celebrating anniversaries:
125th Milnor Lutheran, Milnor 100th St. Mark’s Lutheran, Grand Forks
Grandfield Lutheran, rural Sheyenne St. Paul’s Lutheran, Tower City
Big Pembina Lutheran, Langdon 75th Faith Lutheran, West Fargo
Sarnia United Lutheran, Whitman Zion Lutheran, Harwood
Nordland Lutheran, Rutland 50th Messiah Lutheran, Fingal
Ottawa Lutheran, Aneta 25th Peace Lutheran, Devils Lake
Sundahl Lutheran, Aneta New Congregation New Hope Lutheran, Leonard
Evanger Lutheran, Grand Forks
Eidfjord Lutheran, Hannaford
Willow Creek Lutheran, Overly
St. Olaf Lutheran, Walum
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Global Mission Breakfast
Trinity Lutheran, Jamestown
WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION
PLENARY THREE
Rev. David Eppelsheimer, lifted up the “Book of Faith” , encouraging all of us to adopt the “Book of Faith Initiative” for ourselves and in our congregations. This initiative is a 5-year initiative, meaning special emphasis is placed on Biblical engagement by all members of the ELCA during this time. He encouraged engagement in the “Book of Faith” so that it becomes our most cherished daily reading.
SECOND REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE:
Don Reynolds, member of the Credentials Committee, gave the second report of the Credentials Committee as follows:
Voting Members:
Clergy/AiMs . . . . . . . . . . 103
Lay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Synodical Officers . . . . . . 3
Total voting members. . . . 453
Guests and Visitors . . 60
Total Registered . . . . . . . . 513
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT – SHAR GUMKE
What is God calling this Church to be and to do? Our council decided we are going to lead the EaND Synod with the Bible and not with the binder. What if every baptized member in our congregations was a missionary for Christ? What if everyone had the vision and the goal of, “I love to tell the story of Jesus”? What if we all focused on mission and not the care of our church buildings and grounds? What if we all focused on helping others grow in their faith with Jesus Christ? The future of our church is in your hands. There is no magic formula, all you need is hope and faith – “our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ”!
REPORT OF THE ELECTIONS COMMITTEE:
Scott Block, member of the Elections Committee, stated that the slate of candidates for positions on the Synod Council and as voting members to the Churchwide Assembly presented to the assembly yesterday will stand as presented, since no additional nominations were received.
SA.10.04.07 Motion by Jerry Rosin, second by Bob Bekkerus to have the secretary cast a unanimous ballot for all nominees. Motion Carried.
ADOPTION OF THE 2011 MISSION PLAN:
Dave Molmen, Synod Treasurer, reported that our Sunday morning offering was $6,534.05. This amount is designated to be divided equally between the Lutheran Malaria Initiative, Sudanese Worship Community and Lutheran Disaster Relief. He also reported that the Extra Mile Fund to date is $8,103.00, which includes motorcycles for C.A.R. at $333.00.
SA.10.04.08 Motion by Dave Molmen, second by Megan Hogstad to adopt the 2011 Plan of Mission, asking God’s help in accomplishing it, further committing that every member of this assembly should carry it back to their congregation with enthusiasm and conviction of God’s big mission for us. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION #3 – MEMORIAL TO RESCIND ACTIONS ON MINISTRY POLICIES
WHEREAS, the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America adopted resolutions on ministry policies that included a commitment to “finding ways for people in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, samegender relationships to serve as rostered leaders of this church” [CA09.05.26] and also included a process of “structured flexibility” that would eliminate the prohibition on rostered service by individuals in such relationships while not imposing such service on any expression of this church [CA09.05.27]; and
WHEREAS, in compliance with and in order to implement the actions of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly, the ELCA Church Council has amended the policy on reinstatement to the roster and has considered amendments to “Visions and Expectations,” “Definition and Guidelines for Discipline,” the “Candidacy Manual,” and other documents; and
WHEREAS, members of the Eastern North Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America seek the rescission [amendment] of the actions of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly on ministry policies and of the actions adopted by the Church Council to implement them and desire the restoration of ministry policies that authorize sexual intimacy for rostered persons only in the context of heterosexual marriage; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly memorialize the 2011 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as follows:
- To rescind actions CA09.05.26 and CA09.05.27 of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly; and
- To direct the appropriate churchwide units and offices to prepare, the Committee on Appeals to make, and the ELCA Church Council to approve and adopt, appropriate amendments to the policy documents, which were revised in response to those prior actions, in order to re-establish the prohibition of rostered service by non-celibate homosexual persons and to restore the requirement for rostered persons that sexual intimacy take place only in the context of heterosexual marriage.
Submitted by Arlene Lillestol, Duane Lillestol, Jeanette Johnson, James Martinson, Tammy Martinson, Rosamond Hogness, Orvin Hogness, Marlene Hogness, Donald Wehlander, Rev. G.O. Elwood & Elsie Skarpness, Amy J. Erickson, Melinda Mund, Arlin Mund, Ken Quam, Tom Hogness, Wanda Hogness, Ryan Hogness, Harlan Hogness, Sandy Hogness, Raymond Martinson, Karen Krause, Allison Halmrast, Joel Halvorson, Loran Hudson, Mona Hudson, Annette Hudson, Mack Hudson, Trevor Martinson, Vickie Berndt, Helga G. Hogness, Justine Gibbon, Jean Gion, Mary Alice Mund, Daniel Mund, Dawn Mund, Stephen Mund, Paul Mund, congregational president. Members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Milnor, ND; Bethany Lutheran Church, Hatton, ND; St. John Lutheran Church, Hatton, ND; Emmanuel Lutheran Church Council, Gackle, ND; Zion Lutheran Church Council, Harwood; Pastor Russell Christiansen, First Lutheran Church, New Rockford, ND; Pastor David Killeen, Trinity Lutheran, Lisbon, ND.
SA.10.04.09 Motion by Denise Parello, second by Terry Monson to amend resolution #3, by striking the word heterosexual where it appears in resolution 3. Motion Failed
SA.10.04.10 Motion by Ken Iverson, second by Rollie Blixt to adopt resolution number 3. Motion Failed
Division of the house found yes – 190; no – 213
RESOLUTION #4 – REGARDING RATIFICATION BY INDIVIDUAL CONGREGATIONS
WHEREAS, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly considers statements, resolutions, and policies that have a major impact on congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and
WHEREAS, these statements, resolutions, and policies are adopted by duly elected, voting members who are a small cross section of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and
WHEREAS, in the past, independent groups have sought to influence voting members at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly to vote in ways favorable to their causes; and
WHEREAS, individuals and congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America may have differing convictions on social statements, resolutions, and policies that are adopted by the voting members of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly; and
WHEREAS, congregations of the Eastern North Dakota Synod, along with congregations in many synods of the ELCA, have a strong desire to participate in the shaping of this church by having the opportunity to either ratify or reject major decisions, (similar to the system used by the Presbyterian Church, USA); and
WHEREAS, amending the current ELCA Constitution to adopt such a comprehensive change would be cumbersome, if not impossible, and unavailable for consideration until the 2013 Churchwide Assembly; and
WHEREAS, the ELCA is currently engaged in a comprehensive study exploring and reevaluating our life together in mission as a church body (Living Into The Future Together, “LIFT” task force, www.LIFTELCA.org); and
WHEREAS, the ELCA LIFT task force will be making recommendations regarding the way in which major decisions are made in this church to the Conference of Bishops, the ELCA Church Council, and the 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly for possible action; therefore be it RESOLVED, that the ELCA LIFT task force be urged to consider recommending the implementation of a congregational ratification process whereby all statements, resolutions, and policy changes passed by the ELCA Churchwide Assembly that define matters of doctrine and the teachings of this church must be ratified by a two-thirds majority of the member congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly direct the Synod Council to forward this resolution to the Church Council’s Executive Committee for referral to the Living Into the Future Together (LIFT) Task Force in accordance with the bylaws and continuing resolutions of this church.
Submitted by Melvin A. Stark, member of United Lutheran Church, Cavalier, ND and Our Savior Lutheran Church Council, Hillsboro.
SA.10.04.11 Motion by Melvin Stark, second by Bob Caranicas to adopt resolution #4. Motion Failed.
RESOLUTION #5 – ESTABLISHING A THEME FOR THE 2011 EaND SYNOD ASSEMBLY
WHEREAS, the Eastern North Dakota (EaND) Synod of the ELCA has gathered together at this 2010 assembly under the theme, “God’s Work. Our Hands. Together in Mission”; and
WHEREAS, Matthew, Chapter 25, verses 35, 40 read: brothers and sisters, 35 “for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…” 40 “And the king will answer them, „Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me?”; and
WHEREAS, the ELCA’s constitution states the church shall serve in response to God’ love to meet the human needs of those in our world who are hungry and thirsty and in need of dignity and justice; and
WHEREAS, the number of hungry people in the world, during the past two years, has grown from 840 million to slightly over one billion; and
WHEREAS, the current yearly giving for our Eastern North Dakota (EaND) Synod, as of year-end 2009 is $2.21/baptized member; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that each congregation in the Eastern North Dakota Synod, the heart of the Bread Basket of the World, challenge their membership to raise their annual Giving to the world hunger program of the ELCA, meeting or exceeding the current giving level of $2.21/baptized member; and be if further
RESOLVED, this 2010 Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly expand the mission emphasis of this assembly by challenging us to come together at our 2011 Synod Assembly under the theme, “God’s Work. Our Hands. Meeting the Needs of a Hungry World.”
Submitted by Rev. Elwood N. Rieke on behalf of the Eastern North Dakota Synod Hunger and Justice Committee
SA.10.04.12 Motion by Carl Cooper, second by Megan Hogstad to adopt resolution #5. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION #6 – 25th ANNIVERSARY OF FAITHFUL SERVICE TO EaND SYNOD
WHEREAS, 25 years ago she began working for the Synod with a mission for equipping leaders for Ministry; and
WHEREAS, for those 25 years she has worked faithfully, tirelessly, and “resourcefully” to further our knowledge, understanding, and creativity; and
WHEREAS, she loves the Lord and desires strong leaders for the Gospel; and
WHEREAS, she has the determination of a detective to find just the right thing for each request; and
WHEREAS, she is our human “google” …. with much more personalized and caring service; and
WHEREAS, she has blessed us with her ministry; and
WHEREAS, she has served with purpose, care, and professionalism; and
WHEREAS, as Director of the Eastern North Dakota Synod Resource Center, she has built a magnificent Resource Center that is recognized all over the ELCA, and beyond, as the model Resource Center; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that September 14, 2010 be declared Julie Aageson Day in the Synod to celebrate and thank her for 25 years of faithful, creative, “resourceful” ministry and her continued commitment to acquiring and maintaining resources which improve our understanding of God, self and world; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we begin showing our appreciation today with a round of applause.
SA.10.04.13 The resolution was unanimously approved by our Assembly Delegates. Motion Carried.
CLOSING OF THE ASSEMBLY
Bishop Rindy led the closing of the Assembly with prayer and song followed by official adjournment of the 2009 EaND Synod Assembly.
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