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.

STATE OF THE ELCA:

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.

STATE OF THE SYNOD ADDRESS:

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.

RESOLUTIONS:

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:

1. 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.
2. 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’s 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.

RESOLUTIONS:

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:

1. To rescind actions CA09.05.26 and CA09.05.27 of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly; and
2. 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‘s 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’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 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.

Bishop Rindy outlines the current state of our synod and the need for significant changes in our mission. He also passionately outlines the “Extra Mile for Mission” challenge, a charge to each of us to be active witnesses in our congregations, synod, and world.  Video and PowerPoint resources attached.

To watch the State of the Synod Address from the beginning, select “01″ and click the play button

What is the state of our synod? If we look solely at our budget, the outlook isn’t positive. The 2011 proposed Mission plan budget is about 38% of the 1989 Mission plan, when adjusted for inflation. Because of this, there is not much left in our dwindling budget to inspire exciting evangelical imagination. I was talking to someone just the other day, he was looking at the support of our ministry partners and commented “That’s pathetic.” I replied, “Yeah it is.” And so, I thought we need to look at our mission and support a little differently.

What would it look like if our church met our previous giving 2009 goal? What would the state of the synod be if we were to get back to 1989 giving and generosity? What unites in passionate mission? God has a vision for us as individuals, as congregations, as a synod, and as a churchwide ELCA, using our gifts and talents to make a difference in God’s world. Let’s look to Jesus and heed is commission to be witnesses and bear fruit in this world. Together we are shaping the future: to go the extra mile; to do the work God has set before us!

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More information:

Extra Mile for Mission

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April 17-18, 2010
Jamestown, ND

We are everyday evangelists – each of us. Congregations are re-rooting the church in their communities, listening and responding to the Spirit’s command to re-root the church. The video below shares some of these stories of everyday evangelists living out their faith in word and deed.

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“Here I am, Lord.  Send me!”

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Last year, we made a bold commitment as a synod to increase our financial support of ministries we do together, about which we care deeply. Multiple events of the past year have contributed to our falling short of that goal. As your synod council once again was charged with the task of reducing expenditures/cutting ministries, it proved to be a painful event once more.

I began reflecting on the expectations of this synod when I was elected two years ago to serve you in this capacity. Over the past 20 years, our synod has seen a reduction of over 60% support when adjusted for inflation. Reflecting on the resolution passed last year caused me to wonder, “What would our synod mission plan (budget) look like if we achieved the 10% goal?” So I started dreaming with our mission partners in mind.

They have been experiencing reduced funding for years. What would a step forward look like? Realizing that there is a need for the people of God to pull together around the mission of God we do together, I wondered what it might look like to go the “extra mile” for the sake of mission…

I put together a draft to share with our synod council. I didn’t know if they would excitedly embrace this vision or move to have me removed from office. :) I saw excitement in their eyes. One council member stated, “Now that’s the church I want to be a part of!”

As this vision was shared with more people, it took on a life of its own. Realizing that it might actually come to life and wanting to be a good partner with our Churchwide ministries, I had a great visit with Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson and ELCA Treasurer Christina Jackson-Skelton. They both thought it well worth doing as a pilot program for our synod and for the whole ELCA. More tweaking and shaping took place as we lived with this exciting possibility where all members of our synod could feel good about supporting.

It’s quite simple. Each worshipper is encouraged/challenged to commit and give a minimum of $6/month or $72 for the year to make all of the changes on the other side of this sheet happen.

What am I asking you to do? Take this information to share with the people of your congregation. It’s contagious! When I shared this with a group out at Herby Lutheran, one young father said, “Make sure our congregation gets to be a part of this. I want my family to help this happen.”

Until the day when our shared mission support through the synod reaches 10%, this “Extra Mile for Mission” will help us to make these ministries happen. I look forward to next year’s assembly, when we announce all that happened because we faithfully went the “Extra Mile for Mission.”

The only question remaining is: Will you go the extra mile and encourage others to do the same?

Your co-worker in the Kingdom of God,

Pr. Bill Rindy Bishop, EaND Synod, ELCA

» Download: Going the “Extra Mile” Congregation Insert (download .pdf file)
To support the “Extra Mile for Mission,” simply write on your check’s memo line: EaND Synod – Extra Mile

Watch the website for more resources, information, and stories about the “Exta Mile for Mission!”

Watch Bishop Rindy’s State of the Synod Address for more information on the “Extra Mile”

» Download: 2010 Synod Assembly Resolutions (download .pdf file)

Recap:

Resolution #1

To Remove The Social Statement “Human Sexuality: Gift And Trust”

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.
Resolution #1 Failed. Yes – 179; No – 249

Resolution #2

2011 Compensation And Benefits Guidelines For Pastors And Associates In Ministry

SA.10.04.06 Motion by Joel Kangas, second by Nancy Rader to adopt Resolution #2.
Motion Carried.
Proposed 2011 Compensation and Benefits Guidelines (download .pdf file)

Resolution #3

Memorial To Rescind Actions On Ministry Policies

SA.10.04.09 Motion by Ken Iverson, second by Rollie Blick to adopt Resolution #3. Motion Failed. Division of the House found: Yes – 190; No – 213
SA.10.04.10Motion by Denise Parrello, second by Terry Monson to amend Resolution #3, by striking the word heterosexual where it appears in Resolution #3. Motion Failed.

Resolution #4

Regarding Ratification By Individual Congregations

SA.10.04.10 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

SA.10.04.11 Motion by Carl Cooper, second by Megan Hogstad to adopt Resolution #5.
Motion Carried.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your synod vice-president. It’s been an interesting year; a time filled with mixed emotions and conflicting opinions. Yet, in the midst of it all, I also think this is a critical time to ask, “What is God calling this church to do and to be?”

Your synod council did not spend a great deal of time looking at our differences and disagreements. Instead, we decided to lead with the Bible and Not the binder. We focused our attention on the mission of this church and we asked ourselves: What if the EaND Synod experienced a grassroots mobilization of passionate Jesus-communities who are witnesses of the Resurrection for the sake of the world? What would happen if Bishop Rindy could spend most of his time looking for new mission opportunities? What if every pastor was a mission developer, every congregation a mission outpost, and every baptized member a missionary? What if they would say about us like they said of Peter and John; “And they were amazed at the boldness of their speech, for they were uneducated men?” What if we, like Peter and John as recorded in the 4th Chapter of Acts, would say, “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard?” We love to tell the story of Jesus and His love.

Our first step in looking at this vision was to identify what passionate Jesus-communities might look like and to ask ourselves about our own passionate Christianity. Perhaps the best biblical description of passionate Christianity is recorded in the Gospel of Luke, when the disciples were on the road to Emmaus. As you recall this post-resurrection story, on this 7 mile journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus, the disciples unknowingly encounter Jesus who asks what they’re talking about. So they tell Jesus about their ditched hopes; they’d been hoping for a redeemer of Israel but he’d been crucified and now, some of the women were telling them that the tomb was empty, that angels had told them He was alive, and although they verified the tomb was empty, they didn’t find him. Now it was late when they got to Emmaus and they ask this stranger to stay with them, to share a meal together. And when Jesus took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, they recognized Him and He vanished from their sight. But they were so excited about this Jesus-sighting that they got up and returned at once to Jerusalem; a 7- mile run in the middle of the night without the advantages of streetlights, at a time of day when danger was probably at its highest. They didn’t wait until the time was “right”, they didn’t have multiple committee meetings to make the decision, they didn’t ask if there was enough money in the budget. They got up and AT ONCE returned. They couldn’t wait to tell the story. Now that’s passionate Christianity.

So what would a passionate Jesus-community look like?

• It would be a church that focused on its mission rather than the maintenance of the building.
• It would be a Book of Faith church with active bible study.
• It would be a church where the primary teachers of the faith would be the parents.
• It would be a group of people regularly gathered together actively engaged in worship.
• It would be a church more concerned with discipleship than membership.
• It would be a church where hospitality and invitation abounds.
• It would be a church where the goal of stewardship is not about raising enough money to pay the bills, but whose stewardship ministry is focused on helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus through the use of the time, talents, and finances that God entrusted to them; a direct quote from Chick Lane’s book, Ask, Thank, Tell.

Is your church a passionate Jesus-community? Are you a passionate follower of Christ?

We looked at the strengths and weakness of this synod which might help or hinder our ability to pursue this vision and came up with the following:

Under the strength column, we listed strong leadership. Bishop Bill and his associates Terry and, since September, Kari, have done a superb job of keeping us focused on mission in the midst of mixed emotions regarding decisions made at the 2009 Churchwide assembly. We also have excellent synod staff in Jean, Kristi, Pat, Julie and Julie. There is a sense of hospitality and helpfulness in the synod office. We have a well-stocked and well managed resource center. We have 2 strong Bible camps, active Campus ministries, Oak Grove High School and the readiness of Lutheran Social Services in any type of disaster. Another strength was in being Lutheran; a denomination that allows for and encourages both male and female clergy and lay involvement. We are a synod with 230 congregations already positioned throughout our defined territory. The list continued with comments about the Synod’s endowment fund, its scholarships, loan repayment program, its pastor’s pension equity program, rural internships and leadership development. Many council members identified the tagline of the ELCA “God’s Work our Hands” as a constant reminder that we are here for mission. Finally, we have the promise of Christ to be with us always. It’s easy to talk about our strengths.

Weaknesses were not difficult to identify but harder to admit. We often have survival mentality; the church is often identified by the building and the building becomes an end rather than a means. We have an aging membership and live in an area of declining rural population. The people in the pews are not well connected and frequently uninformed about the work of the synod or the greater church. Many of our members give less than 2% of their income. Conversations regarding tithing and financial stewardship are often non-existent. Sometimes our traditionalism gets in the way of progress. And when our worship is dull and attendance and giving are down, we want to blame somebody…and we point the finger at the pastor in stead of ourselves.

We looked at those things that seem to threaten our vision of mobilizing passionate Jesus communities. Fear of change, uncertainty of our future, lack of trust and a general suspiciousness of church-wide activity seemed to top the list. We tend to hold on to things we don’t like about the ELCA and don’t often talk about the impact the ELCA has around the world. We recognized that church attendance and church involvement are not seen as a priority in our culture. Time availability for volunteerism is limited.

We could stop there and get buried in our hopelessness for this church…sort of like the disciples on that road to Emmaus who thought their hope for Israel’s redemption died with Jesus on the cross. But then they had a Jesus sighting and a renewal of spirit. We have Jesus sightings too; those ah-ha moments when you recognize God’s presence; that He had a hand in it. Maybe it was through the hands of one someone else; maybe it was through your own hands. You might have been a Jesus-sighting for someone yesterday in the middle of our Mission Blitz.

It’s time to focus on the opportunities on the horizon. This is the time to develop strong lay leadership and re-develop our sense of what it means to be a missionary in your own community. It’s time to develop your own sense of passionate Christianity. How do you do that?

Pastor William Shield suggests that there is no magic formula. Hope and faith are needed. And in the words of that well-loved hymn, our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. Our hope is in Christ and his promise. And our faith begins with the Word of God. Faith is strengthened by being disciplined in Word and prayer; it strengthens our relationship with Christ. It’s time to build up the discipleship, to rekindle our own passionate spirit. It’s time to tell the story; to the young, to the old, to those who’ve never heard it before and to those who know it best.

God bless you on your journey.

Char Gumke, Eastern North Dakota Synod Council Vice President

» Download: 2010 Vice President Synod Address (download .pdf file)

More than 500 voting members and visitors gathered April 17-18 in Jamestown to focus on mission. From recycling to working in a “safe shelter” to assisting at the Salvation Army, rolling bandages and sewing bags for Lutheran World Relief (external link) health and school kits, assembly attendees spent Saturday afternoon “blitzing” surrounding communities and working together to make a difference. It truly was a “mission blitz” about God’s work, our hands. In addition, Nothing But Nets (external link), an opportunity to give to the Lutheran Malaria Initiative (external link), was highlighted.

Plenary sessions dealt with five resolutions, three of which were related to the decisions of the Churchwide Assembly in August, 2009. Resolution 1 called for reconsideration and removal of the social statement, “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust.” (external link) With 179 yes votes and 249 no votes, it was defeated. Resolution 3 asked to rescind actions on the ministry policies adopted last August. Voting members voted 190 for and 213 against, defeating this resolution. The assembly also rejected a third resolution recommending a policy that would require some Churchwide Assembly decisions to be approved by two- thirds of ELCA churches.

Bishop William Rindy asked the assembly to participate in a “God-sized” vision for the church reminding voting members that “we are more than what we have become.” He encouraged members of the synod to give a minimum of $6 a month for a year as part of the “Extra Mile for Mission” challenge.

The Rev. Gemechis Buba, director for African National Ministries (external link), spoke on behalf of the Churchwide expression of the ELCA. Buba emphasized the global church and the ELCA as a church that focuses on mission, discipleship, and justice.

The spirit of this gathering of people from across the Eastern North Dakota Synod can best be shared in a number of stories:

• Synod council member Orville Kjelland from Park River joined a group going to the Anne Carlsen School, a residential center in Jamestown for children and others with disabilities. Their assignment was to help spade a garden plot. Several conversations followed among the group about their own lives, their children, and the work they were doing together.    Just then, Kjelland’s twin grandsons came around a corner with their mother. When little Sander, who came to the Anne Carlsen Center just a few weeks ago, spotted his grandfather working in the garden, it was hard to know who—grandchild or grandfather—was most overjoyed! Orville Kjelland described the mission projects and the spirit of the assembly as tangible examples of “God at work.”
• Back at the Civic Center, a group of basketball players from Jamestown College helped with the Lutheran Malaria Initiative. Their eagerness and willingness to help contributors shoot hoops resulted in nearly $1000 for the purchase of malaria nets to help eradicate malaria. LMI is an unprecedented collaborative effort among the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod and Lutheran World Relief to mobilize nearly 8 million Lutherans in the United States to join the battle against malaria—a preventable and treatable disease that kills more than one million people a year.
• Coming next: two young cousins from Tokio who give their savings . . .

Mission Blitz!

• Baby hats crocheted – 36
• Baby blankets made – 220
• School bags sewn – 27
• Bandages rolled – 200
• Trash bags filled – 100+
• Dogs washed & walked – 8
• Red Cross vehicles stocked – 3
• Food baskets filled – many
• People who visited the elderly and hospitalized – 115
• Homes improved – 3
• Shelving unit constructed – 1
• Gardens prepared at Anne Carlsen Center – 6
• Justice letters written – dozens
• Other service projects – many more
• Prayers offered – too many to count
• Number of people’s lives touched by the EaND Synod Assembly’s Mission Blitz – priceless!

Julie Aageson, EaND Synod Resource Center Director

» Download: Report for the 2010 Synod Assembly (download .pdf file)

• 2011 Proposed Compensation and Benefits added
• Synod Assembly 2010 Election Bios updated
• Synod Assembly 2010 Resolutions updated

Updated April 6, 2010:

• Updated Synod Assembly Files:
  • Synod Assembly 2010 Election Bios
  • Synod Assembly 2010 Resolutions
• LIFT added to Churchwide Ministries page

• Business Materials for Voting Members
• Letters from Bishop Hanson, Bishop Rindy, and Vice President Gumke
• Mission Blitz Opportunities

Update April 1, 2010: The 2010 Resolutions for the Synod Assembly are now available.

The Pulpit Supply List has also been updated.