Eastern North Dakota Synod

24th Annual EaND Synod Assembly

May 14-15, 2011
Ramada Plaza – Fargo, ND

Theme: “God’s Work. Our Hands: Meeting the Needs of a Hungry World”

» Download:

• 2011 Synod Assembly Minutes (with resolutions) (download .pdf file)
• 2011 Synod Assembly Resolutions (download .pdf file)

Saturday, May 14 – 8:30 a.m.

Opening Worship

Worship leaders were Bishop Bill Rindy and Rev. Paula Mehmel from Martin Lutheran in Casselton. Bishop Rindy focused his message on Matthew 28, 25 and 22. The Shoebox offering this morning totaled $15,485.02 and will be faithfully donated to ELCA World Hunger.

Plenary One

OPENING OF THE ASSEMBLY:

The opening of this Assembly was called by Bishop Bill Rindy. Dakota Road provided the music for our worship service. The offering was designated as follows: 1?2 for Central African Republic Water Project, and 1?2 for Great Plains Food Bank.

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS:

Mayor Dennis Walaker welcomed and thanked our EaND Synod voting members for coming to Fargo with our Assembly.

Bishop Rindy introduced Rev. Stephen Bouman, Director of Congregational and Synodical Mission, also the ELCA Churchwide representative to our Assembly. Rev. Bouman was serving as the Metro New York Synod Bishop during 911.

Bishop Rindy introduced Dr. Paul Baglyos, our ELCA Region 3 Coordinator.

Bishop Rindy introduced the Synod officers, Ms. Shar Gumke, Vice President; Mr. John Leininger, Secretary; Mr. Dave Molmen, Treasurer; and our parliamentarian, Mr. Howard Swanson from Grand Forks.

Bishop Rindy introduced our Assembly planning committee and our Synod Staff. Also thanked Mr. Aaron Bye and Ms. Genesis Gaule who are responsible for all of the AV activities during our assembly.

FIRST CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE REPORT:

Rev. Peter Schmidt , Chairperson of the Credentials Committee, gave the first report of the Credentials Committee as follows:

Voting Members:
Clergy/AiMs. . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Lay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Synodical Officers . . . . . . . . 3
Total voting members. . . . 418
Guests and Visitors . . . . . . .78
Total Registered . . . . . . . . .491

Bishop Rindy declared a quorum present for our assembly.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA AND THE RULES OF PROCEDURE:

SA.11.05.01 Moved by Rev. Peter Coen-Tuff, second by Rev. Bob Bekkerus, to adopt the Agenda and

the Rules of Procedure. MOTION CARRIED.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY:

SA.11.05.02 Mr. John Leininger, Secretary to the Synod, presented the certified minutes from the 2010

Synod Assembly and moved for approval as the official minutes of the Assembly. Second by Mr. Harmon Abrahamson. MOTION CARRIED.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Rev. Terry Brandt and Rev. Mark Strobel presented, very creatively, the special announcements.

BIBLE STUDY l:

Rev. Stephen Bouman, ELCA Director of Congregational and Synodical Mission, led our Bible study based on “The World God Loves” and “How We Are Engaging in Mission Together.” Bouman’s Bible study focused on Luke 22 and also chapters 5 – 10.

STATE OF THE SYNOD ADDRESS:

Bishop Bill Rindy focused on our people. From one perspective: We are wetter than we want to be; we are older than we want to be; we adjusted our Mission to our funding; most of the communities in our EaND Synod are experiencing a declining population; have we forgotten who we are? “Remember who we are and ask – who is God calling us to be.” We all are ambassadors for Christ! We have a responsibility to share the “Good News” with our neighbors. Remember, the Great Commission compels us to baptize and teach – make disciples. The Great Commandment compels us to love. This fall, the Synod Endowment Fund will surpass over $1 million in grants. Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in your Holy Baptism?

Rev. Kari Bahe reported that throughout the ELCA a special program, the Congregational Leadership Academy, will be available to our lay people beginning in June 2011.

LUNCH: 11:45 a.m.

Plenary Two

STATE OF THE ELCA:

Rev. Stephen Bouman, ELCA Director of Congregational and Synodical Mission, brought us greetings from Bishop Hanson and the offices at ELCA Churchwide. Bouman thanked all of us and said we should be proud of the part we played through Lutheran Disaster Relief in assisting the families who were affected by the 911 disaster. He pointed out that because of funding challenges for ELCA Churchwide, we have had to cut Churchwide staff by one-third. Churchwide is now undergoing reorganization via determination of “who are we?”, and “what is our mission?” Bouman pointed out our need to continue to be centered in Holy Scripture. Congregational Centers for mission will be organized. We need to develop a table for new missions, a table for the renewal of every congregation, and a table for mission support. We have had 472 ELCA congregations vote to leave the ELCA; we have, in the past two years, 345 new congregations in development stages and 250 congregations in renewal. We are not lacking for missions that need the support of you/ELCA. What will your personal mission be? What mission will be part of your home congregation? What is God calling you to do? It is possible for every congregation to connect! With Christ all things are possible!

REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT:

Ms. Shar Gumke, Synod VP, began her remarks by thanking Bishop Rindy, the Synod Staff and the Synod Council for their untiring work for our synod, especially during this past year at which time we were faced with many financial challenges. Let us all share the message, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so!” Sometimes we are not always sure where God is in the midst of our challenges. We live in a hungry world. You know the message, meet the needs of our people where they are at and go with God. He is always in our midst.

SECOND REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE:

Rev. Peter Schmidt, Chairperson of the Credentials Committee, gave the second report of the Credentials Committee as follows:

Voting Members:
Clergy/AiMs. . . . . . . . . . . .96
Lay. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .335
Synodical Officers. . . . . . . . .3
Total voting members. . . . 437
Guests and Visitors. . . . . . . 97
Total Registered. . . . . . . . .534

REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE:

Rev. Kris Gordon, Chairperson of the Synod Nominating Committee, presented the following nominees to serve on the Synod Council:

Ms. Shar Gumke – Vice President (2nd term) Rev. Michael Jacobson – Carrington Conference (1st term) Ms. Becky Goetz – Carrington Conference (3rd term) Ms. Patricia Freiji – Devils Lake Conference (1st term) Mr. Wade Bloom – Fargo Conference (2nd term) Rev. Beth Peterson – Grafton Conference (1st term) Ms. Seanne Voracek – Grand Forks Conference (2nd term) Rev. Rich Fitzer – Jamestown Conference (2nd term) Rev. Liz Davis – Mayville Conference (1st term) Rev. Terry Monson – Wahpeton Conference (1st term) Mr. Robert Turner – Multicultural Member to the Synod Council (2nd term) Ms. Kayla Karlsbraaten – Youth Representative (1st term) Rev. Bill Boelter – Consultation Committee (1st term) Rev. Rich Budd – Discipline Committee (1st term) Rev. Kristen Larsen-Schmidt – Discipline Committee (1st term) Mr. Roger Monson – Discipline Committee (1st term) Mr. Ken Storm – Discipline Committee (1st term) Dr. Joel Kangas – Churchwide Council (1st term) Dr. John Pederson – Churchwide Council (1st term)

RESOLUTIONS:

Resolution #1
Increase Our Giving to ELCA World Hunger

Dr. Joel Kangas, member of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented the following resolution for consideration and adoption:

WHEREAS, the Eastern North Dakota (EaND) Synod has gathered together at this 2011 assembly under the theme “God’s work. Our hands. Meeting the Needs of a Hungry World”; and

WHEREAS, II Corinthians, Chapter 8, verses 13 and 14a reads: “I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need”; and

WHEREAS, the ELCA’s constitution states the church shall serve in response to God’s 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 three years, has grown from 840 million to slightly less than one billion; and

WHEREAS, the current yearly giving for our EaND Synod to ELCA World Hunger, as of year-end 2010 is $1.45/baptized member, a decrease of 76 cents/baptized member from the previous year’s giving; and

WHEREAS, 38%, 84 of the 223 congregations of our EaND Synod, made a contribution to ELCA World Hunger during 2010; therefore be it

RESOLVED that each congregation in the EaND Synod challenge their membership to raise their annual giving to the world hunger program of the ELCA, exceeding the current giving level of $1.45/baptized member; and be it further

RESOLVED this 2011 EaND Synod Assembly, using the inspiration, resources, and encouragement provided by this assembly, be a stimulus for every congregation to address the tremendous needs of an impoverished and hungry world.

Submitted by the Hunger and Justice Committee of the EaND Synod.

SA.11.05.03 Motion by Dr. Joel Kangas, second by Rev. Jon Nelson to adopt resolution #1. Motion Carried.

Resolution #2
A Memorial Calling the Church to Speak and Act to Prevent Bullying, Harassment and Related Violence

Rev. Julie Johnson, member of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented the following resolution for consideration and adoption:

WHEREAS, “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice with it” (I Cor 12:26); and

WHEREAS, in the ELCA Social Statement on Education (2007) we declared, “The ELCA expects communities of learning and teaching to be safe places. We recognize that school safety is an issue for all students, staff and teachers. Unfortunately, incidents of bullying, intimidation, and other forms of violence are not unusual. We affirm that personal safety and security are essential for optimal teaching and learning”;and

WHEREAS, research indicates children with disabilities or special needs are at a higher risk of being bullied than others (Rigby, K.2002, New Perspectives on Bullying) and has concluded that bullying around issues of sexual orientation, non-conforming gender behaviors, and dress was the most common form of bullying, second only to issues of appearance (e.g. body size and disability–The National School Climate Survey 2005);and

WHEREAS, The ELCA Social Statement “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” (2009) states, “[The church] will atte3nd to the particular needs of children and the families of those with actual or perceived differences in sexual orientation or gender identity because they are especially vulnerable to verbal, physical, emotional, spiritual, psychological, and sexual abuse”; and

WHEREAS, increased media attention has made us acutely aware of tragic consequences (including youth suicide) if steps are not taken to prevent bullying, harassment, and other related forms of violence; and

WHEREAS, the voice of the church addressing the intersection of race, economic stus, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and physical ability is a powerful witness to the healing and life affirming Gospel promise; therefore be it

RESOLVED that the Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly of the ELCA encourages new partnerships among our congregations, the synods, the churchwide organization, outdoor ministries, campus ministries, Lutheran School Association, Lutheran social service organizations, public schools, Lutherans Concerned/North America, counseling centers and governmental organizations in order to support and offer preventative programs addressing bullying, harassment, and other related violence, especially with higher risk populations; and be it further

RESOLVED that these partnerships be encouraged to create or join with existing preventative programs which

a) utilize positive, inclusive, empowering and developmentally appropriate materials,
b) raise participants’ awareness about the issue,
c) focus on prevention,
d) seek to change bystander behavior into ally behavior,
e) create partnerships between youth and adults;

and be it further

RESOLVED that these partnerships seek funding for these efforts from a combination of funding sources not otherwise accessible individually, such as foundation grants, synod and Lutheran organizational grants (for example, Thrivent, Wheat Ridge Ministries, Women of the ELCA, etc.), private and governmental funding sources; and be it further

RESOLVED that the Eastern North Dakota Synod of the ELCA memorialize the 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly to encourage, support and publicize new partnerships in ministry that emerge in our church addressing the prevention of bullying, harassment, and related forms of violence, especially with higher risk populations.

Submitted by St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND

SA.11.05.04 Motion by Rev. Julie Johnson, second by Dr. John Pederson to adopt resolution #2. Motion Carried.

HUNGER PANEL:

Rev. Stephen Bouman, Executive Director for Congregational and Synodical Mission, ELCA; Rev. Dan Rift, ELCA World Hunger; Ms. Tammy Walhof, Regional Representative, Bread for the World; Dr. Lisa Bonds, Vice President for External Relations (not able to attend), Lutheran World Relief; and Mr. Steve Sellent, Director, Great Plains Food Bank, served as our panelists.

BREAK: 3:15 p.m.

Plenary Three

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Mr. Dave Molmen, Treasurer for the Synod, presented the 2010 actual, the 2011 revised budget and the 2012 proposed budget. Dave reported that 2010 was a challenging year financially, but in the final hour we achieved income of over 90% of the budget that was established at the 2009 Assembly. He also reported, very positively, that the Extra Mile fund in 2010 received $59,653, which was distributed to the Central African Republic and our local Synod outreach missions. The current budget is half of the budget one decade ago (adjusted for inflation). Dave pointed out that the Synod Council has been working on a budget that would look at paying the fixed expenses first and proportionately expend the dollars to those accounts designated in the proportional giving category as funds allow.

RESOLUTIONS:

Resolution #3
Fair Trade Coffee and Tea

Ms. Faye Bubach, member of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented the following resolution for consideration and adoption:

WHEREAS, churches and organizations in our society are high consumers of coffee and tea; and

WHEREAS, the growing and marketing of these products has developed a system that is grossly unjust toward the growers and producers in developing nations, which are the only nations that produce these products; and

WHEREAS, the Fair Trade movement has become a leading voice in addressing the issue of this injustice; and WHEREAS, the Fair Trade movement as promoted by the Lutheran World Relief Coffee Project: Equal Exchange has become a leading voice in addressing this issue of injustice; and

WHEREAS, the greening of the globe is an issue in our world; and

WHEREAS, in affirmation of our Baptismal covenants (confirmation) we make a commitment to ”strive for justice and peace in all the earth and to serve people following the example of Jesus”; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the EaND Synod St. John Lutheran Church (Fargo) Green Committee memorialize the EaND Synod to commend all congregations who have been using Fair Trade coffee and tea, and to encourage all congregations of our synod to use these products for their congregational use.

Submitted by James T. Alger, member, St John Lutheran Church, Fargo and Rev. Aanen D. Gjovik, interim pastor, St. John Lutheran Church, Fargo.

SA.11.05.05 Motion by Ms. Faye Bubach, second by Rev. Jim Alger to adopt resolution #3. Motion Carried as Amended.

SA.11.05.06 Motion byRev. Roger Dykstra, second by Rev. Jim Alger to amend the resolution by striking the words in the resolved “St. John Lutheran Church (Fargo) Green Committee memorialize the EaND Synod” – strike “to” in line two and line three and replace with the following: “that the EaND Synod commend”, etc Motion Carried.

SA.11.05.07 Motion by Mr. Bob Hetler, second by Rev. John Andreasen to strike the third whereas clause.

SA.11.05.08 Motion by Rev. Rich Fitzer to direct the Assembly to the order of the day. (no second necessary) Motion Carried.

Together in Mission Celebration Supper & Program – 6:30

MILESTONES IN MINISTRY/MINISTRY CELEBRATIONS:

Rev. Kari Bahe, Associate with the Bishop, introduced our new interns: Roberta Pierce, Nicole Fielder, Scott Fielder and Katie Jerabek.

Rev. Terry Brandt, Associate with the Bishop, introduced our ELCA Region 3 Coordinator, Dr. Paul Baglyos, who, in turn, introduced our new seminarians and their families. Prior to their introduction, Paul recognized those folks in EaND Synod involved in fostering new candidates for ministry and members of the candidacy committee. New candidates are: Kara Wiechmann, Trichelle Kirchenwitz, Nathan Strong, Peter Horn, Becky Horn, Justin Fenger, Tina Mills and Joe Johnson.

Pastors and AiM anniversaries:

• 25th Ms. Audrey L. Bueide, AiM
• 25th Ms. Lola Ruff, AiM
• 25th Rev. Bruce A. Vold
• 25th Rev. Daniel P. Forsberg
• 25th Rev. Gary J. Bertsch
• 50th Rev. John E. Swensen
• 50th Rev. Robert J. Weber
• 50th Rev. Roger O. Livdahl
• 50th Rev. James L. Hilde
• 60th Rev. Marvin R. Schoenfish
• 60th Rev. Ralph W. Hofrenning
• 60th Rev. Thor A. Rykken

Congregations celebrating anniversaries:

125th

• Adams Mountain Lutheran Church, Adams
• West Union Lutheran Church, Northwood
• Martin Lutheran Church, Casselton
• Beaver Creek Lutheran Church, Sharon
• Our Savior Lutheran Church, McVille
• Leeds Lutheran Church, Leeds
• Petersburg Lutheran Church, Petersburg
• St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Reynolds

100th

• Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamestown

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (EaND Companion Synod)

Representatives from the EaND Synod who recently traveled to the Central African Republic were Ms. Diane Billey, Rev. Randy Schlecht and Rev. Chad Brucklacher. They shared a video taken at the Republic and also shared several positive stories about their mission visit. They brought a thank you back with them for us, the people of the EaND Synod,from the folks who live in the Central African Republic.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Global Missions breakfast – 7:00 am

Worship with Holy Communion

Worship leader was Rev. Dan Forsberg and the special message for the day was given to us by Rev. Stephen Bouman. During the service, Bishop Rindy installed Rev. Adam Copeland as the mission developer with The Project FM, whose ministry is housed on the NDSU Campus. We received greetings and a special message from our ELCA Churchwide Bishop Mark Hanson. Bishop Hanson brought these greetings via video messenger.

Plenary Four

Second Report of the Credentials Committee:

Rev. Peter Schmidt, member of the Credentials Committee, gave the second report of the Credentials

Committee as follows:

Voting Members:
Clergy/AiMs. . . . . . . . . . . .100
Lay. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .339
Synodical Officers. . . . . . . . . 3
Total voting members. . . . .432
Guests and Visitors. . . . . . . 121
Total Registered . . . . . . . . . 563

Report of the Elections Committee:

Rev. Daniel Carlson presented the nominees for the offices of the EaND Synod.

SA.11.05.09 Motion by Rev. Bob Bekkerus, second by Ms. Nancy Farnham to accept and cast a unanimous ballot for all nominees to the EaND Synod positions. Motion Carried.

Adoption of the 2012 Mission Plan:

Mr. Dave Molmen, Synod Treasurer, announced that our Sunday morning offering was $11,617.00 which will be equally shared with CAR and the Great Plains Food Bank. Dave also reported that the Synod Council is considering the relocation of the EaND Synod offices, location to be determined, for the purpose of saving dollars for the Synod.

SA.11.05.10 Reverend Bishop, members of the Assembly I, Dave Molmen as your Synod Treasurer, move the adoption of the 2012 Mission Plan, committing that we will faithfully work to carry out the mission God has charged to us. Second by Rev. Bob Bekkerus. The budget was adopted as amended. Motion Carried.

SA.11.05.11 Motion by Rev. Randy Schlecht, second by Rev. Peter Coen-Tuff to amend the proposed budget as follows:

ND Campus Ministry: 2011 = $111,000;  2012 = $101,000
Luther Seminary: 2011 = $50,000; 2012 = $42,000
Oak Grove Lutheran School, Red Willow Bible Camp and Park River Bible Camp: 2011= $800 (to each ministry); 2012 = $800 (to each ministry)

This would be an increase in the 2011 budget to $50,400.00. Motion Failed.

SA.11.05.12 Motion by Ms. Becky Goetz, second by Rev. Bob Bekkerus to amend the amendment to take the proposed dollars designated for Red Willow and Park River Bible Camps and add these dollars to Campus Ministry. Motion Failed.

SA.11.05.13 Motion by Rev. Roger Dykstra, second by Mr. Lyle Lere to create an Extra Mile fund to the budget for the regional ministries, namely: Lutheran Campus Ministries, Oak Grove Lutheran School, Luther Seminary, Lutheran Colleges, Red Willow Bible Camp, and Park River Bible Camp. Designated funds would be distributed as named. Undesignated funds would be apportioned so that prior commitments can be honored; once all commitments are honored, all ministries are supported proportionately. Motion Carried.

BIBLE STUDY 2

Rev. Stephen Bouman, Director of Congregational and Synodical Mission in the ELCA, led our second Bible study. Rev. Bouman reminded us, “Let us not forget the abundance of God and that God can fill our empty vessels. What have you got in your house? What can you share with others?” “Jesus will absorb our troubles, our illnesses, our challenges – take your problems to your Lord Jesus, for He is our Savior, our Redeemer, our Salvation.” “Put your faith in your Lord and risen Savior, Jesus Christ.” “Jesus will lift you up and be gracious unto you.” “To feed a hungry world, we can only do this together.”

RESOLUTIONS:

SA.11.05.07 withdrawn by the authors

SA.11.05.14 Motion by Rev. Jim Alger, second by Mr. Harmon Abrahamson to amend Resolution #3, the third whereas as follows: WHEREAS, The Fair Trade movement as promoted by the Lutheran World Relief Coffee Project: Equal Exchange has become a leading voice in addressing this issue of injustice; and Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION #4
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Thrivent Choice Program

Rev. Beth Peterson, member of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented the following resolution for consideration and adoption:

WHEREAS, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and the predecessor fraternal organizations, Lutheran Brotherhood and Aid Association for Lutherans have been strong supporters of our Lutheran congregations; and

WHEREAS, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has given direct financial support to our congregation in recent years of $1,000 to $1,300 per year; and

WHEREAS, this past year our congregation received $276 from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans through the new Thrivent Choice Program; therefore be it

RESOLVED the Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly request Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to return to the former system of allocating monies to congregations; and be it further

RESOLVED the Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly direct the Eastern North Dakota Synod Bishop and the Eastern North Dakota Synod Council to convey our wishes to the management and the board of directors of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Submitted by Christ the King Lutheran Church Council, Ellendale, ND and Pastor Gaylen Sylvester

SA.11.05.15 Motion by Rev. Beth Peterson, second by Mr. Eugene Elhard to adopt resolution #4. Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION #5
To Memorialize the ELCA Churchwide Assembly to withdraw the proposed Social Statement: Genetics, Faith, and Responsibility from consideration.

Rev. Julie Johnson, member of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented the following resolution for consideration and adoption:

WHEREAS, the proposed Social Statement: Genetics, Faith, and Responsibility has not had a positive effect on some of our members; and

WHEREAS, some feel that this statement could be used to advocate for positions that have the potential to negatively impact the lives of congregation members, and

WHEREAS, for some, the statement does not directly relate to the spreading of the Gospel; therefore be it

RESOLVED that the Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly memorialize the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA to withdraw the proposed Social Statement: Genetics, Faith, and Responsibility from consideration.

Submitted by the following ELCA members: 16 individual members of Grace Lutheran Church, Sheyenne, ND; 9 individual members of Calvary Lutheran Church, Oberon, ND; 12 individual members of First Lutheran Church, Sheyenne, ND; 20 individual members of Grandfield Lutheran Church, Sheyenne, ND; and Pastor Natasha Woitzel-Kolles

SA.11.05.16 Motion by Rev. Natasha Woitzel-Kolles, second by Ms. Jan Loe to adopt resolution #5. Motion Failed.

SA.11.05.17 Motion by Ms. Sarah Lovas to suspend the rules and allow 2 1/2 minutes to read a statement regarding the social statement referring to GMOs. Delegates Allowed.

RESOLUTION #6
To rescind the roster policy change adopted by the 2009 Churchwide Assembly.

Rev. Beth Peterson, member of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented the following resolution for consideration and adoption:

WHEREAS, the 2009 Churchwide Assembly adopted the following resolved*: that the ELCA commit itself to finding a way for people in such publically accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships to serve as rostered leaders of this church.

WHEREAS, for many in the EaND Synod there is still strong objection to allowing leaders living in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same gender relationship to be rostered.

WHEREAS, we wish to affirm this church’s prior practice of allowing for the rostering of chaste/celibate gay or lesbian leaders to be ordained and serve in this church, therefore be it

RESOLVED that the EaND Synod Assembly memorialize the 2011 Churchwide Assembly to direct the proper channels within the ELCA to revert the document of “Vision and Expectations”and the policies governing rostering leaders to its pre-2009 Churchwide Assembly content.

Submitted by Perry Ostmo, Trinity Lutheran Church, Sharon, ND

*CA09.05.26, page 366, “Reports and Records: Assembly Minutes”:

SA.11.05.18 Motion by Mr. Perry Ostmo, second by Mr. Jim Ostlie to adopt resolution #6.
An objection to consideration brought to the assembly floor by Rev. Jerry Rosin, second by Ms. Jessica Arneson. Objection to consideration was sustained by the voting members by a vote of 289 to 65.

RESOLUTION #7
To revise the current rostering policies of the ELCA.

Rev. Beth Peterson, member of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented the following resolution for consideration and adoption:

WHEREAS, Martin Luther says: Marriage should be treated with honor; from it we all originate, because it is a nursery not only for the state but also for the church and the kingdom of Christ until the end of the world (Luther’s Lectures on Genesis 1-5) and;

WHEREAS, Jesus also addressed the sanctity of marriage as a union that God alone forms between two people in Mark 10: “But from the beginning of creation, ?God made them male and female.” For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” ; and

WHEREAS, traditional understanding of marriage is at risk of eroding as more and more public policies and societal norms recognize a state of living together as equivalent to marriage; be it therefore

RESOLVED that the Eastern North Dakota Synod in assembly memorialize the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in 2011 to revise the standards in ?Vision and Expectations? and governing policies to uphold that all rostered leaders* limit sexual intercourse to the confines of marriage, as defined by the state in which the rostered leader is officially rostered.

Submitted by Finley Evangelical Lutheran Church, Finley, ND Signed by Tor Bergstrom, Council President and Rev. Denise Parrello, Pastor

*rostered leaders include: pastors, associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers

SA.11.05.19 Motion by Mr. Tor Bergstrom, second by Rev. Denise Parrello to adopt resolution #7. Motion Failed.

RESOLUTION #8
Maximize Food Production

Ms. Faye Bubach, member of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented the following resolution for consideration and adoption:

WHEREAS, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization predicts food production will need to double by 2050; and

WHEREAS, converting additional land to agricultural production could negatively impact environmentally sensitive regions; and

WHEREAS, the poor of the world are most vulnerable during times of food shortages; therefore be it

RESOLVED that the Eastern North Dakota Synod of the ELCA, for the sake of the poor and the environment, encourage farmers to adopt technologies that maximize food production in a sustainable manner on land currently utilized for agricultural production; and be it further

RESOLVED that the Eastern North Dakota Synod of the ELCA memorialize the ELCA at its Churchwide Assembly to encourage the same.

Submitted by Paul Mathiason, Keith Johnson, and Beau Bateman, members of Calvary Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND; and Pastor Roger Dykstra, Calvary Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND.

SA.11.05.20 Motion by Mr. Keith Johnson, second by Rev. Roger Dykstra to adopt resolution #8. Motion Failed.

SA.11.05.21 Motion by Mr. Perry Ostmo, second by Mr. Craig Carlson to amend resolution #8 by striking the words in line two of the first resolved “adopt technologies that”. Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION #9
2012 Compensation and Benefits Guidelines for Pastors and Associates in Ministry

Dr. Joel Kangas, member of the Committee of Reference and Council, presented the following resolution or consideration and adoption:

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 2011 Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly and to the congregations of this synod for deliberation and use; therefore be it

RESOLVED that the 2011 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.11.05.22 Motion by Dr. Joel Kangas, second by Ms. Sarah Lovas to adopt resolution #9. Motion Carried.

Bishop Rindy thanked the Committee of Reference and Council members for a job well done. He also applauded the Synod Planning Committee.

Rev. Kari Bahe, Associate with the Bishop, announced that the 2012 Synod Assembly will be held April 21-22, 2012. Location to be announced at a later date.

SA.11.05.23 Motion by Rev. Paul Trenne, second by Ms. Sarah Lovas that the 2012 Synod Assembly focus on youth ministry and offerings collected during the assembly be directed to youth ministries in our synod budget and we challenge the Western North Dakota Synod to do the same. Motion Carried.

Rev. Peter Schmidt led a special closing devotion by advocating the feeding of the hungry people in the World. He called on each of our congregations to name a hunger advocate as a contact person in their congregation to assist with raising funds, food and ways of assisting to eliminate hunger in the world.

CLOSING OF THE ASSEMBLY

Bishop Rindy led the closing of the assembly with prayer followed by official adjournment of the 2011 EaND Synod Assembly.

Respectfully submitted,
Mr. John Leininger, Secretary, EaND Synod