Eastern North Dakota Synod

25th Annual Synod Assembly of the Eastern North Dakota Synod of the ELCA

 April 21-22, 2012
Holiday Inn – Fargo, ND

Theme: “Raising Up Children of God… growing beyond adolescence”

» Download:

• 2012 Synod Assembly Minutes
• 2012 Synod Assembly Resolutions

Minutes

Saturday, April 21

8:15 a.m. Gathering Music

OPENING WORSHIP:

Worship leaders were Rev. Emmy Isaackson, Our Savior’s in Valley City and Rev. Chris Gaule, Grafton Lutheran in Grafton. Rev. Isaackson’s sermon was based on Luke 22.

PLENARY ONE

OPENING OF THE ASSEMBLY:

The opening of this Assembly was called by Bishop Bill Rindy.

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS:

Bishop Rindy introduced our special guests: Rev. Dr. Nathan C.P. Frambach from Wartburg Seminary; Christina Jackson-Skelton, Executive Director of Mission Advancement for ELCA Churchwide; musicians; and many others that contribute to the success of our assembly. Bishop Rindy introduced this year’s assembly planning team and the synod staff. He also pointed out and highlighted the youth involved in our assembly this year.

Bishop Rindy introduced the synod officers: Shar Gumke, Vice President; John Leininger, Secretary; Dave Molmen, Treasurer; and our parliamentarian, Alice Senechal.

FIRST CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE REPORT:

Rev. Mark Kolbo, Chairperson of the Credentials Committee, gave the first report of the Credentials Committee as follows:

VOTING MEMBERS:

Clergy/AiMs …………99
Lay …………294
Synodical Officers …………3
Total Voting Members …………396
Guests and Visitors …………51
Total Registered …………447

Bishop Rindy declared a quorum present for our Assembly.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA AND THE RULES OF PROCEDURE:

SA.12.04.01 Moved by Rich Fitzer, second by Jon Nelson, to adopt the Agenda.

MOTION CARRIED.

SA.12.04.02 Motion by Nancy Farnum, second by Beth Johnson, to adopt the Rules of Procedure.

MOTION CARRIED

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY:

SA.12.04.03 John Leininger, Secretary to the Synod, presented the certified minutes from the 2011 Synod Assembly and moved for approval as the official minutes of the Assembly. Second by Tom Colenso.

MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTIONS:

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

RESOLUTION #1 - 2013 Compensation and Benefits Guidelines for Pastors and Associates in Ministry

WHEREAS, congregations of the Eastern North Dakota Synod request and appreciate the aid 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 2012 Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly and to the congregations of this synod for deliberation and use; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the 2012 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.12.04.04 Motion by Joel Kangas, second by JoAnne Moeller to adopt resolution #1.

MOTION CARRIED

ELCA DVD:

Malaria Crisis. Bishop Rindy introduced Marlene Arneson from Walhalla, who is the EaND Synod malaria fund raising coordinator.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Rev. Terry Brandt, assembly manager, highlighted several activities and events that are or will be taking place throughout the Assembly.

BREAK

ELCA DVD:

Chaplains in the ELCA military ministry.

KEYNOTE:

Rev. Dr. Nathan C.P. Frambach, Wartburg Seminary What does it mean “to be church”? Research says that our youth today are drifting away from their church background. Young adults are very present in God’s World, but not so in our churches. Remember, that these are our youth and we need to minister to them. This calls for bold leadership in our church and it must come from the whole church – the laity. Rev. Frambach said he will focus this message on how to welcome and extend hospitality to our youth. This is a calling from God. We must reach out to all of our youth, regardless of their demeanor today. We must remind them of God’s promise through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. We must provide hospitality, whether friend, family or stranger. We must provide Gospel hospitality. It is the manner in which we relate God’s promise to each young adult we approach. We must be good listeners and also be willing to share the opportunities available at God’s Table. We are called to meet the young adults at their place, which may be a place uncomfortable for us. Ministering to our young adults is the responsibility of us all. Some of us are gifted to become involved in this ministry; if you feel the calling, please go into God’s World and minister to our young adults.

RECOGNITION OF ANNIVERSARIES

Congregations celebrating anniversaries:

125th

• St. Mark Lutheran, Fargo
• St. Olaf Lutheran, Esmond
• St. Olaf Lutheran, Devils Lake
• Trinity Lutheran, Forman
• Bethany Lutheran, Hatton
• St. John Lutheran, Jamestown
• Kindred Evangelical Lutheran, Kindred
• High Prairie Lutheran, Lamoure
• St. Peter Lutheran, Leonard
• Viking Lutheran, Maddock

100th

• Redeemer Lutheran, Hope

50th

• Emmanuel Lutheran, Gackle
• Faith Lutheran, Inkster

MISSION MINUTE:

The Project FM – a place for young adults

STATE OF THE SYNOD ADDRESS:

Bishop Bill Rindy – How does one measure the State of the Synod? Demographics? In some cases we see declining populations, but increased population in church attendance. Or, an area may be growing, but attendance is down in the congregation. What are the demographics of your church and community? Do we define the State of the Synod and our congregations by our budgets? We must be on the road together! Our vision must be centered on Christ and the Holy Spirit. Bishop Rindy shared his “95 Gratitudes” with our Assembly. Bishop Rindy highlighted the following ministries:

• Keith Zeh, director of the Congregational Leadership Academy, handed out certificates to the graduates of Focus 1: Evangelism. Congratulations to each of these Evangelists.
• Julie & Craig Johnson from the EaND Endowment Fund announced that in the past 10 years the fund has received over $3 million. More than $1 million has been disbursed to our seminary students and graduates.
• Portico Health Assessment – Bishop Rindy encouraged our pastors and rostered leaders to complete the health assessment. This could save all of our congregations health premium dollars.
• Bishop Rindy announced that our M&Ms in the CAR raised $53,000 for special projects in CAR. This was a very successful fund raiser. He asked what does this mean? It means that we are alive and are willing to go the extra mile for our special ministries.
• Bishop Rindy announced that our EaND Synod offices will soon be relocated to the NDSU Lutheran Campus Center.

In closing, Bishop Rindy is very encouraged by what he sees happening in our synod. He sees our churches moving forward to the Glory of God. Our strength comes from God. We can have renewed faith every day. Each day is a New Day in our life and in our life with God. We must take every advantage in our daily lives to minister to the people of God. Bishop shared the story of the loss of the Lutheran Church in Oriska by fire and the rebuilding of their church with help from the Blanchard Lutheran Congregation as they had recently closed their church. He also shared his belief that his sustainability this past year has come from Jesus Christ. Without Christ where would you be today? Bishop Rindy closed by asking each delegate to ponder and be ready to answer the following questions:

1. Why in God’s name does your congregation exist?
2. What is God calling you to do for Christ’s sake?
3. How is the Holy Spirit equipping you for His sake?

MISSION MINUTE:

Christus Rex Campus Ministry at UND

LUNCH: Noon

Marlene Arneson, campaign chairperson, reported on the Malaria Campaign. She mentioned that three or four congregations are going to engage in a special fund raising campaign for this effort. Christus Rex has committed to raising $15,000 for the purpose of educating people regarding the perils of malaria. April 29 is Malaria Day. Marlene challenged each congregation to have a special offering that day for the Malaria Campaign.

STATE OF THE ELCA:

Christina Jackson-Skelton, Executive Director of Mission Advancement Christina thanked the EaND Synod for our financial support for ELCA Churchwide. 2.9 cents of every dollar we contribute at the local, congregational level goes to support Churchwide Ministries. Christina pointed out the resources that are available to our ELCA members. She shared a video message with us from Bishop Hanson which included highlights of the Santa Marie congregation and other missions of the ELCA. Churchwide continues to support new start-up congregations in the USA and abroad. We also continue to support other congregations as their needs arise. Second goal of the ELCA is building capacity in the world. One of these callings is assisting in relieving World Hunger around the world. This only happens through our partnerships with our congregations in the ELCA. Disaster relief distributed over $10 million to those communities in the USA and the world that suffered from tornadoes, floods, etc. Our EaND Synod contributed more than $10,000 to the Disaster Relief fund. Christina also complimented the EaND Synod for our emphasis on youth and young adults. In 2013 the Churchwide Assembly will be held in Pittsburg, PA. We, the ELCA, must continue to help our neighbors at home and around the world and do this work in the name of Jesus Christ.

PLENARY TWO

REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT:

Shar Gumke, Synod VP, addressed our voting members and thanked them for being a part of our renewal. Renewal is when we meet Jesus and decide to follow him. Renewal starts in our heart. We must focus on discipleship by working together. We need to be a church engaged in the world. Members of a Bible Congregation. Look for opportunities to minister in our homes, our communities and the world. Congregations, are you willing to equip your people to go out and witness for Christ?

SECOND REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE:

Mark Kolbo, Chairperson of the Credentials Committee, gave the second report of the Credentials Committee as follows:

VOTING MEMBERS:

Clergy/AiMs …………………… 113
Lay…………………………………. 317
Synodical Officers …………… 3
Total voting members ………. 433
Guests and Visitors ………….. 69
Total Registered ………………. 502

REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE:

Rev. Kris Gordon, Chairperson of the Nominating Committee, presented the election slate:

Nominee for SECRETARY to the SYNOD (four-year term):

• Ms. Meridee Erickson-Stowman, St. Paul’s Lutheran / Tower City
• Rev. Jeff Nicla, St. Olaf Lutheran / Devils Lake

Nominees for EAND SYNOD COUNCIL (two-year term):

• Devils Lake Rev. Allen Campbell, North Viking & Viking Lutheran / Maddock
• Conference (2nd term-2014) re-nominated
• Fargo Rev. Corey Fuhrman, Living Waters Lutheran / Fargo
• Conference (2nd term – 2014) re-nominated
• Grafton Mr. Mark Drevecky, Adams Mountain Lutheran / Adams
• Conference (2nd term – 2014) re-nominated
• Grand Forks Rev. Jon Nelson, Northwood Evangelical & Washington Lutheran /
• Conference Northwood (2nd term-2014) re-nominated
• Jamestown Mr. Lee Miller, Montpelier Lutheran / Montpelier
• Conference (2nd term-2014) re-nominated
• Wahpeton Mr. Richard Jacobson, Gustaf Adolf, Gwinner
• Conference (2nd term-2014) re-nominated

Nominee for multicultural member to SYNOD COUNCIL (two year term):

• Ms. Charlene Burthold, Our Savior’s Lutheran / Devils Lake (2nd term-2014) re-nominated

Nominee for youth representative to SYNOD COUNCIL (one year term):

• Ms. Kayla Karlsbraaten, Immanuel Lutheran / Esmond (2nd term-2014) re-nominated 

Nominees for the 2013 ELCA CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY Voting Members:

Carrington

• Rev. Michael Jacobson, Trinity Lutheran / Cooperstown
• Ms. Jennifer Jacobson, Trinity Lutheran / Cooperstown

Devils Lake

• Rev. Bonnie Weaver, Cando & Bisbee Lutheran / Cando, Bisbee
• Mr. Tom Weaver, Cando Lutheran / Cando

Fargo

• Rev. Sue Koesterman, Elim Lutheran / Fargo
• Mr. Stan Franek, St. Mark’s Lutheran / Fargo
• Ms. Meridee Erickson-Stowman, St. Paul’s Lutheran / Tower City

Grafton

• Rev. Chris Gaule, Grafton Lutheran / Grafton
• Mr. Michael Haukass, Adams Mountain & Hoff Lutheran / Adams

Grand Forks

• Rev. Tom Colenso, University Lutheran / Grand Forks
• Ms. Kathy Fick, Sharon Lutheran / Grand Forks
• Mr. Harmon Abrahamson, St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran / Grand Forks

Jamestown

• Rev. Bradley Edin, Messiah/Fingal; St. Petri & Zion/Nome; St. Pauls’ & Waldheim/Kathryn
• Ms. Faye Bubach, Trinity Lutheran / Litchville

Mayville

• Rev. Liz Davis, Trinity/Ayr; Our Savior/Page; Redeemer/Hope
• Ms. Carley Ward, First Lutheran / Hunter

Wahpeton

• Rev. John R. “Bob” Caranicas, Prairie Rivers Parish / Wyndmere, Lidgerwood, Hankinson
• Ms. Ivy Schulz, Bethel Lutheran / Wahpeton
• Multi-Cultural Mr. Larry Thiele, Dacotah O`Yate / Tokio
• Mr. Noel Tade, Shepherd of the Prairie / Walcott

Nominees for the Consultation Committee:

• Rev. Karla Coen-Tuff, United/Grand Forks
• Rev. Julie Johnson, Elm River & Stordahl/Galesburg; Norman/Clifford
• Ms. Deb Elhard, Christ the King/Ellendale

Nominees for the Discipline Committee:

• Rev. Tom Colenso, University/Grand Forks
• Rev. Lynn Ronsberg, Sharon/Grand Forks
• Ms. Beth Christianson-Melby, Our Savior’s/Hillsboro

Nominees for the 2013 ELCA CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLYAlternate Voting Members:

Carrington

• Rev. Jerry Rosin, Trinity Lutheran Parish / Cooperstown
• Ms. Candice Rosin, Trinity Lutheran Parish / Cooperstown

Devils Lake

• Rev. Jamie Desai, Our Savior’s Lutheran / Devils Lake
• Mr. Russell Pearson, St. Olaf Lutheran / Devils Lake

Fargo

• Rev. Rich Kramer, Faith/Journey in Faith Lutheran / West Fargo
• Ms. Tonya Omdahl, Faith/Journey in Faith Lutheran / West Fargo
• Mr. Gary Gonser, Olivet Lutheran / Fargo

Grafton

• Rev. Susan Haukass, Adams Mountain & Hoff Lutheran / Adams
• Mr. Harry Iverson, Grafton Lutheran / Grafton

Grand Forks

• Rev. Kristen Larsen-Schmidt, Calvary Lutheran / Grand Forks
• Mr. Warren Jensen, Calvary Lutheran / Grand Forks
• Ms. Kathy Sukalski, St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran / Grand Forks

Jamestown

• Rev. Linda Schauer, Emmanuel Lutheran / Gackle
• Ms. Marge Lange, St. John’s Lutheran / Jamestown

Mayville

• Rev. Tessa Hansen Mitzel, Immanuel / Buxton; Highland / Cummings
• Ms. Inez Olson, Norman Lutheran / Clifford

Wahpeton

• Rev. Trichelle Kirchenwitz, Trinity Lutheran / Forman
• Ms. Deb Carter, Trinity Lutheran / Lisbon

RESOLUTIONS: (continued)

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

RESOLUTION #2 – ELCA World Hunger

WHEREAS, in 2011 the Eastern North Dakota (EaND) Synod gathered in assembly under the theme, “God’s Work. Our Hands. Meeting the Needs of a Hungry World”; and

WHEREAS, we heard the challenge of II Corinthians, Chapter 8, verses 13 and 14a: “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, we were reminded that the ELCA 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 continues to rise at an alarming rate to nearly one billion people; and

WHEREAS, the Eastern North Dakota Synod giving to ELCA World Hunger as of year-end 2011 is $180,136* $185,118 ($1.78 $1.83/baptized member), an increase of 33 cents/baptized member from the previous year’s giving; and

WHEREAS, members of the Eastern North Dakota Synod as individuals, families and congregations support local food drives, the Great Plains Food Bank which is our ministry through Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, and other worthy, hunger-based organizations; and

WHEREAS, 52%, 115 of the 219 congregations of our synod, made a contribution to ELCA World Hunger during 2011; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that each congregation in the Eastern North Dakota Synod continue to challenge their membership to raise their annual giving through our world hunger program of the ELCA, exceeding our current average giving level of $1.78 $1.83/baptized member; and be it further

RESOLVED, that each congregation make use of the many resources of the ELCA World Hunger program to address the tremendous needs of an impoverished and hungry world.

*Total amount given to ELCA World Hunger through the EaND Synod and directly to the ELCA.

Submitted by the Hunger and Justice Committee of the Eastern North Dakota Synod

SA.12.04.05 Motion by Liz Davis, second by Chris Gaule to adopt resolution #2.

Motion Carried as amended

SA.12.04.06 - Motion by Liz Davis, second by Jon Nelson to amend the 5th whereas and the 1st resolve as follows:

revise the total dollars to $185,118 and the average donation to $1.83, an increase of 38 cents per member donation.
Motion Carried

Larry Theile, member of the Committee on Reference and Council, presented the following resolution for consideration and adoption:

RESOLUTION #3 – Peace Pole

WHEREAS, Jesus calls us to live as people of peace with the words, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9);

and

WHEREAS, our baptismal covenant binds and calls us to “care for others and the world

God made, and work for justice and peace” (ELW, Baptismal Order of Service); and

WHEREAS, the 2008 Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly passed a resolution in support of the Creation of a Department of Peace in the United States Government as a strong

statement about our continued calling to make peace in the world a priority; and WHEREAS, a world-wide movement is taking place to make our global family more aware of the need to act and focus on the ways of peace, rather than focusing on war as a way of settling disagreements and conflicts; and

WHEREAS, this movement initially began in Nagasaki, Japan, site of devastating effects of an atomic bomb dropped during World War II, which continues to claim lives from destructive long term radiation fallout; and

WHEREAS, the movement invites people around the world to erect Peace Poles in different languages at prominent public and private sites on all continents of the world as reminders to work and pray for peace in our relationships with our fellow human beings, so atrocities like Nagasaki will stop; and

WHEREAS, the office of the Eastern North Dakota Synod is relocating to shared space with Lutheran Campus Ministry near the North Dakota State University Campus; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that members of the Eastern North Dakota Synod Hunger and Justice committee invite the University Lutheran Center Board and students to jointly place a Peace Pole in a prominent location at the shared space of the Eastern North Dakota Synod and Lutheran Campus Ministry site, and that these two groups together decide on appropriate placement as well as the selections of languages to be placed on the pole that proclaims, “Let Peace Prevail on Earth”, making a clear witness to the community about our continued efforts to live out Christ’s mandate to be peacemakers; and be it further

RESOLVED, that congregations of the Eastern North Dakota Synod consider placing a Peace Pole at their site of worship, further proclaiming a central core of Christ’s preaching in the community, to live out our lives as people of peace.

Submitted by the Hunger and Justice Committee of the Eastern North Dakota Synod (for more information on the Peace Pole Project – www.peacepoles.com, or contact a member of the synod Hunger and Justice Committee)

SA.12.04.07 Motion by Liz Davis, second by Nancy Fahrnum to adopt resolution #3. Motion

Carried as Amended

SA.12.04.08 Motion by Peter Coen-Tuff, second by Mark Cutshaw to remove paragraph 5 and 6 from the resolution.

SA.12.04.09 Motion by Joel Bey, second by Jon Nelson to amend the amendment to leave paragraph 5 as is and strike the following words in paragraph 6, “so atrocities like Nagasaki will stop”.

Motion Carried

SA.12.04.10 Motion by Margo Burthhold, second by to amend the amendment to the amendment by just striking the words “like Nagasaki”. Motion failed by lack of a

second

SA.12.04.11 Motion by Ken Gudgel, second by Christy Maley to amend #3 by deleting paragraph 3,4,5, and 6 and in paragraph 8 line 3 replace the words a Peace Pole with the word Cross and strike the word pole in line 8 and replace with the word Cross and in paragraph 9 line 2 replace the words Peace Pole with the word Cross. Motion Failed

YOUTH IN THE C.A.R.

Diane Billey, Chairperson of the Global Missions Committee appealed to the delegates for donations that will assist in financing two CAR youth to the National Youth Gathering July 6-14.

BREAK

MISSION MINUTE: Park River Bible Camp

RECOGNITION OF ANNIVERSARIES:

Anniversaries of Ordination:

25th

• Douglas W. Stave
• Jeffery L. Sandgren
• Paul M. Trenne
• William E. Boelter

PLENARY THREE

REPORT OF THE TREASURER:

Dave Molmen, Treasurer of the Synod, presented the financial reports of the EaND Synod. He reviewed the 2011 Synod Mission Plan’s final numbers, presented the 2012 revised mission plan, and presented the proposed 2013 Synod Mission Plan.

BREAKOUT Session 1 at 4:00 pm

BREAKOUT Session 2 at 5:00 pm

6:00 p.m. (Dinner on your own)

Sunday, April 22, 2012

7:00 a.m. Global Missions Breakfast

Lutheran Church of the Cross, West Fargo

WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION

8:45 A.M. – Bishop Bill Rindy, Preacher

Theme: “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God. (and that is what we are)!”

Offering total given at our worship service was $10,943. The first $5,000 will be given to the Heart River Lutheran Church to assist with their special youth program which is ministering to the youth at the Heart River Detention Center. The balance will be divided 1/2 to CAR, 1/4 to Red Willow Bible Camp and 1/4 to the Park River Bible Camp.

BREAK

MISSION MINUTE: World Hunger

HEART RIVER REPORT:

Shera Nesheim reported on work being done with youth at the Heart River Detention Center by opening their church and inviting these at risk youth to worship with them at Heart River Lutheran Church. Community of Hope, a pilot program at the Bismarck YMCA, will begin this summer for these youth in detention at Heart River. Bishop Rindy reported that the EaND Synod, the Western ND Synod, and the Council of Churches are each planning to give $5,000 to this ministry at the Heart River Lutheran Church. He reported that the EaND Synod Council committed to give the first $5,000 of the morning Assembly offering to this ministry.

RECOGNITION OF ANNIVERSARIES:

Anniversaries of Ordination:

50th

• Arlington T. Mitskog
• Kenneth V. Peterson
• Martin J. Simmons
• Roger A. Domyahn

55th

• Albert J. Sandness Jr
• James R. Bjorge
• Wesley N. Haugen

60th

• Darrell K. Schultz
• Donald J. Thorp

In memorandum – March 28, 1925-April 20, 2012

• John C. Mehl
• Otto W. Schmitt
• Ralph S. Rusley

PLENARY FOUR:

THIRD REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE:

Mark Kolbo, Chairperson of the Credentials Committee, gave the third report of the Credentials

Committee as follows:

VOTING MEMBERS:

Clergy/AiMs …………………… 113
Lay…………………………………. 317
Synodical Officers …………… 3
Total voting members ………. 433
Guests and Visitors ………….. 76
Total Registered ………………. 509

ELECTIONS COMMITTEE:

Dan Carlson from the Elections Committee reported there were no further nominations for any positions. The only contest will be for the position of Secretary of the Synod. Ballots were cast for the position of secretary. Results will be announced during Plenary Session Five.

SC.12.04.12 Motion by Chad Brucklacher, second by Susan Haukaas to cast a unanimous ballet for all of the nominees to Synod positions with the exception of the secretary position.
Motion Carried

ADOPTION OF THE 2013 MISSION PLAN:

SC.12.04.13 Motion by Dave Molmen, second by John Leininger to move for the adoption of the 2013 Mission Plan, with the commitment that we will FAITHFULLY carry it back to our

congregations and join together to fulfill it. Motion Carried

KEYNOTE ADDRESS:

Rev. Dr. Nathan C.P. Frambach – Focus this morning will be on a very significant and crucial action - MENTORING! Who we mentor to and how we mentor is very significant and crucial. We are all continuously dealing with change in our lives. How we deal with change is very significant. Multi-media technology has brought many changes to our lives, especially to our youth. What does it mean to be church today? Today we must take a risk and not just rely on our old models to tell the story of Christ. Not all are in the same place in their walk with Christ. How can we effectively minister to others? By what means? Do we have the right tools in our “tool chest for Christ” that we can effectively use to meet individual needs? Most of us want and need to be mentored. We are never too young or too old to be a mentor or to be mentored. A challenge for each of us is to be a mentor for the Lord. The “Whole People of God” have been called to be mentors for Christ. We can and must be a servant for the Lord. Follow God’s call, be a leader for Christ.

LUNCH

PLENARY FIVE:

REPORT OF THE ELECTIONS COMMITTEE:

Dan Carlson, from the Elections Committee, reported that 350 ballots were cast for the secretary position. Results: Ms. Meridee Erickson-Stowman 271 and Rev. Jeff Nicla 79. Elected as the new Secretary of the Eand Synod is Meridee Erickson-Stowman.

MISSION MINUTE: Lutheran Social Services (LSS)

RESOLUTIONS: (continued discussion and adoption of resolution #3; see previous)

RESOLUTION #4: Thank you John Leininger for faithful service to the EaND Synod.

WHEREAS, in 2004 John was elected secretary of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, John has faithfully recorded the life of our synod, signing the minutes “respectfully submitted”; and

WHEREAS, John has blessed the EaND Synod with his time and gifts; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that we say in unison, THANK YOU JOHN FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE

Resolution unanimously carried by acclamation.

INSTALLATION OF SECRETARY OF THE SYNOD:

Bishop Rindy introduced Meridee Erickson-Stowman and installed Meridee as Secretary of the EaND Synod.

CLOSING OF THE ASSEMBLY: Bishop Bill Rindy led the closing of the Synod Assembly.

Respectfully submitted,
John Leininger, Secretary of the Synod