Sask Synod Council Meeting Minutes October 4-6, 2015 St. Michael s Retreat, Lumsden, Saskatchewan

Transcription

1 Sask Synod Council Meeting Minutes October 4-6, 2015 St. Michael s Retreat, Lumsden, Saskatchewan Roll Call: Officers: Bishop - Rev. Dr. Sid Haugen Chairperson - Rev. Lori James (Yorkton Conf.) (excused Mon/Tues) Secretary - Cheryl Bauer Hyde Treasurer - Diane Mossing Yorkton Conference - Arlene Tangjerd Saskatoon Conference - Kathy Pelletier, Rev. Dr. Ali Tote Prince Albert Conference - Merv Bender, Rev. Sheldon Gattinger Weyburn Conference- Tami Halvorson, Rev. Doug Miner (excused Tues) Regina Conference - Valerie Davis, Rev. Sean Bell Excused: Swift Current Conference - Barb Weiss; Clergy vacant; Guests: NCC Member - Vanessa Bergeron (Sunday and Monday morning) Synod Council Reviewer Rev. Dennis Serfas Synod Administrator - Joan Meyer Office Manager - Lindsay Tomtene Finance Manager Howie Wall (Monday) LTS Acting President Rev. Dr. Michael Nel (Monday) Sunday, October 4, 2015 Council gathered for dinner at St. Michaels. This was followed by an opportunity to gather, introduce ourselves and welcome new members and guests to the Synod Council meeting. An opening communion service was led by Bishop Sid. Business Session #1 Synod Council Processes 1.1 Call to Order Chairperson Rev. Lori James called the meeting to order at 7:45 pm. 1.2 Approval of Agenda SC MSC that the proposed agenda be approved for the conduct of this meeting.

2 1.3 Granting Seat and Voice SC MSC that the following guests be granted seat and voice for this meeting: Vanessa Bergeron, NCC; Rev. Dennis Serfas, Council Reviewer; Rev. Dr. Michael Nel, LTS; Staff - Lindsay Tomtene, Office Manager; Howie Wall, Finance Manager; and Joan Meyer, Project Manager. 1.4 Review of docket and handouts The chair explained the structure of the meeting docket as it relates to the agenda for the meeting. Those who had requested hard copies of the docket received their copy. 1.5 Approval of Council Minutes SC MSC that the minutes of the March 2015 Synod Council meeting be approved as distributed. SC MSC that the minutes of the June 2015 Synod Council Conference call meeting be approved as distributed. SC MSC that the minutes of the July 2015 Electronic meeting minutes be approved as distributed. SC MSC that the minutes of the September 2015 Electronic meeting minutes be approved as read. 1.6 Correspondence Letter from Rev. John Dut re resignation from Synod Council Letter from Rev. David Hunter re resignation from Synod Council Election of the Synod Council Vice-Chairperson Chairperson Lori explained the ecclesiastical ballot process for the election of a Vice-Chairperson. Merv Bender, serving as meeting Chaplain, lead in prayer before the process of voting started. Ballots were distributed. Results of the first ballot: Rev. Sean Bell 1; Merv Bender 2; (3/4 to elect = 9) Tami Halvorson 3; Rev. Sheldon Gattinger 6 Results of second ballot: Rev. Sean Bell 0; Merv Bender 1; (2/3 to elect = 8) Tami Halvorson 3; Rev. Sheldon Gattinger 8 SC MSC that Rev. Sheldon Gattinger be declared elected as Vice-Chair of the Synod Council. Pastor Sheldon accepted the position. 2

3 SC MSC that the ballots be destroyed. 1.7 Review of Dates for Synod Council meetings: January 11, 2016 Conference Call at 7:00 pm February 25-26, 2016; Queen s House Saskatoon June 2, 2016 Saskatoon June 3-4, 2016 Synod Convention - Saskatoon October 27-29, 2016; (St. Michael s Lumsden) TBD 2. Strategic Plan Secretary Cheryl led the Council in a review of the draft Strategic Plan. The Council broke into three groups and with each group reviewing one of the three identified (Outcomes/Goals) and offering suggested edits. SC MSC that the Strategic Plan be approved. Recess the meeting recessed at 9:15 pm with Merv Bender leading in an evening prayer. The Council enjoyed the balance of the evening in fellowship. Monday, October 5, 2015 Morning Devotions Merv Bender lead the morning devotions. Opening with the singing of Great is thy Faithfulness; reading from Luke 17:11-19; meditation from a book by Carl Beach The Grateful Man. He closed with prayer. Business Session #2 Vice-chair Pastor Sheldon called the meeting to order at 9:00 and called on Bishop Sid for his report. (Chairperson, Pastor Lori James, was excused from the meeting due to illness.) 3. Delegating Authority and Responsibility to the Bishop 3.1 Bishop s Report Bishop Sid shared a portion of the report he presented at the Regina Conference this past weekend. He developed the presentation on the Strategic Plan and delivered it as a report of looking forward rather than dwelling on the past. The report put forward a picture of some of the challenges congregations and the Synod have to address to Strengthen Faith Communities. 3

4 One of the new initiatives is developing a Lay Academy that the four western Bishops have been working on since the passing of the motion at the national convention this summer. The presentation was followed by a discussion period between the Council and the Bishop. It was suggested that the presentation should be made into a video that can be shared with congregations. Also suggested to make a regular insert piece for congregations to use in their bulletins or share as a video with their congregation. The congregations are wanting more information about the Synod share material already being developed i.e. Bishop s report, Synod Council reports, etc. Broaden the circulation system so that the load is not solely on the Rostered Ministers. The Council and lay leaders need to be engaged more. Is there a role for Synod Ambassadors to spread the word and work of the Synod? How can we encourage ecumenical relationships in communities? The Prairie Centre for Ecumenism is willing to assist us if we have pilot projects we want to initiate. Aboriginal Relationships how do we keep this on the agenda and how can we do this work in a more focused manner? How can we address racism and other culturally diverse relationships? Can a Task Force be put in place that could relate to individual congregations so that initiatives are happening within communities? Can we involve youth in changing the attitudes in congregations/communities? SC MSC that the development of an Aboriginal strategy be referred to the Officers Committee with a report back for the February meeting Recommendations arising from the Bishop s Report October 2015 Roster Changes SC MSC that the following be approved: a) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council receive onto the Roster of Ordained Ministers Rev. Zsófi Schmiedge by Ordination on October 3, b) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council transfer Rev. Cynthia Halmarson to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America effective April 21, c) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council transfer Rev. Dr. Kevin Ogilvie to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America effective June 30, d) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council transfer Rev. David Hunter to the B.C. Synod of the ELCIC effective October 13, e) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council receive onto the Roster of Ordained Ministers Rev. Dr. Michael Nel by transfer from the Northwest Washington Synod effective July 15, f) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council receive onto the Roster of Ordained Minsters Rev. Vivian Roberts (retired) from the Eastern Synod of the ELCIC effective September 1, g) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council recognize that United Church minister Rev. Brock Shaver is called to serve Partners in Faith, Spiritwood effective July 1,

5 h) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council recognize that Anglican priest Rev. Wendell Brock is called to serve Good Shepherd, Meadow Lake effective August 1, i) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council recognize that United Church minister Rev. Karl Shin is called to serve Christ Lutheran, Young effective August 1, j) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council recognize that Anglican priest, Rev. Nancy Yee is called to serve Redeemer Lutheran, Watrous, effective August 1, k) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council recognize the resignation of Rev. Brian Woods (ACC) from the Anglican Lutheran Ecumenical Community in Wapella, Whitewood, New Finland) effective June 30, l) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council recognize the retirement of Rev. David Jensen effective July 31, m) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council approve parental on leave from call year 1 status for Rev. Melissa Brooks through October 31, n) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council remove from the Roster of Ordained Ministers Rev. Dr. William Hordern by his death on November 9, o) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council remove from the Roster of Ordained Ministers Rev. Rey Dahlen by his death on April 22, p) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council remove from the Roster of Ordained Ministers Rev. Art Solheim by his death on May 24, q) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council remove from the Roster of Ordained Ministers Rev. Arild Borch by his death on June 19, r) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council approve on leave from call year 2 status for Rev. Michael Diegel through to October 31, SC MS that the Saskatchewan Synod Council accept the retirement of Rev. Roger Haugen effective October 5, MSC that this action be tabled until a discussion is had with Pastor Roger. 3.2 Report of the National Church National Church Council member Vanessa Bergeron Vanessa is a lay representative from Saskatchewan on NCC and she brought a verbal report to the meeting. NCC met at the National Convention in July. The next meeting is going to be in Toronto jointly with the Anglicans in November. She noted the energy she sees and feels at the National Board table. They will be receiving a report from the Faith Order and Doctrine Committee regarding the Orders of Ministry at the November meeting. The Reformation Challenge that was approved at the National Convention will provide exciting opportunities for the recognizing of the 500 th anniversary of Reformation. The theme for is Liberated by God s Grace Salvation not for sale; Humans not for sale; Creation not for sale. Vanessa was thanked for her report and for representing us on National Church Council. What is the relationship and role with the National Church Council representatives and the Synod they represent? 5

6 3.2.1 National Global Mission Task Force Cheryl Bauer-Hyde Cheryl is the Saskatchewan representative on this Task Force. She reviewed her written report to Synod Council. This relates to the role of Companion Synods, the ELCIC Synods, the National Church and CLWR. She asked three questions in her report and asked for feedback: 1. How might you define global missions? 2. If you were to design a global mission program for our whole church, what might it look like it? What components would it include? 3. If you could create a companion synod program from scratch, wat might it look like? Responses included: The word Global seems to be distant and out there. What is the division between Canadian and Global missions? A global mission can be seen on the streets of our communities. This mission is within our own ministries in our faith communities. While Global may be thought of as out there it is really next door. What framework is being considered for this is it a with thing or a for thing? An analogy to the Global Health project was made and the Ebola crisis in working together to help all of us not just the three countries encountering the situation. A global mission program cannot be a handout but a relationship builder and recognize each other on equal ground. This can t be a program in a box. Education has to be a strong component to understand other partners experience and work with them. Don t recreate another program, tap into resources already in existence. This has to have meaning within our Faith communities. It has to be ecumenical in nature. Don t use the word mission. We have to learn from others. Synod Companionship has a sense of colonization about it. We need a new description and structure to build relationships with churches in the south. The partners have to be involved in the determining and discussion of projects. Is it possible for more congregations to be connected to each other in the congregations in other countries/churches? 1. Synod Council Processes (continued) 1.8 Outstanding from the Minutes: Stewardship Mandate; SC MSC that a Committee be set up to establish a mandate for a Stewardship Committee for the Synod. They are to report to Synod Council October This hasn t happened to date. Committee Member, Diane, addressed the issue and suggested new members need to be appointed to this committee. This is a point in the Strategic Plan. Does the term stewardship need to be changed? 6

7 SC MSC that Merv Bender, Tami Halvorson and Diane Mossing (Funding Allocation Committee) be appointed as the Council committee to address this topic and report back at the February Council meeting. 1.9 Synod Council Committees Officers Committee Secretary Cheryl led the Council through the Officers written report. Recommendations from the Officers were: SC MSC that a working group of three people be put together to develop a performance review tool for congregations to use. A tool to evaluate of the Bishop s performance should also be designed plus consideration for a follow-up process after the review is done. SC MSC that a Call to Special Service be issued by Synod Council to rostered ministers who are serving within the Synod providing services such as supply pastor, vice-pastor or variations of interim ministry. This is to be a one-year term call to be reviewed annually by the Bishop. Such calls to Special Service are to be recommended by the Bishop and approved by the Synod Council. SC MSC that the use of the special CECF Funds be approved by Synod Council for projects such as: Funding for the development of area ministries Funding for Lay Leadership training Funding for part-time assistants to the Bishop in North and South Saskatchewan to assist with congregations and the development of areas. SC MSC that the Governance Committee, in consultation with the Future with Hope Task Force, develop a process for the election of synodical delegates to the National Convention. The draft is to be presented to the February 2016 Synod Council meeting to go to the 2016 convention. SC MSC that an addition to made to the Strategic Plan that an initiative be added to Outcome #3 Community Involvement to develop relationships with our aboriginal neighbours Finance and Audit Committee 1.9.2a Financial Statements Treasurer Diane reviewed her report to Synod, including the Financial Statements. Finance Manager, Howie Wall, addressed the development of a new Synod Investment Committee and their role. 7

8 SC MSC that Synod Council remove the restrictions from the Internally Restricted Surplus of $8,754 and transfer it to unrestricted surplus. SC MSC that the Synod Council requests that the Synod Investment of $15,000 in St. Michael s Retreat Centre be returned to the Synod. SC MSC that Synod Council approve the application for two corporate credit cards from the TD Bank. The cards would be given to Bishop Sid Haugen and Office Manager Lindsay Tomtene. The total credit limit is to be set at $10,000 and split between the Bishop and Office Manager. The Bishop s Discretionary Endowment Fund - $123,000 The Bishop and the Officers will develop a policy for the use of the Bishop s Discretionary Fund. This policy will be shared with Synod council for approval before the end of this fiscal year. Signing Authority SC MSC that Rev. David Hunter be removed as a signing authority for the Synod and Rev. Ali Tote (Hubert Tote Alimezelli) be added as a signing authority for the Synod Governance Committee Secretary Cheryl Bauer Hyde presented the report for the Committee. Committee Appointments: SC MSC that Cole Guenter, Brittany Schlosser and Rev. Mark Hedlin be appointed to the Lutheran Campus Ministry Committee; terms SC MSC that Rev. Greg Kiel be appointed to the Companion Synod Committee, term to start SC MSC that Rev. Dr. Lois Knudson Mulholland be appointed to CTEL; term SC MSC that Rev. Sheldon Gattinger be appointed to the Governance Committee. SC MSC that Rev. Doug Miner be appointed to the Compensation Review Committee. 8

9 Policy Revisions Relationship Review Forms SC MSC that the changes to Relationship Reviews forms be approved; and that Synod Council Member Relationship Review be removed from the Governance Document. Conflict Resolution SC MSC that the revised Conflict Resolution document be accepted. Review Schedule SC MSC that the schedule for review be approved as recommended. Relationship Description Revisions SC MSC that the revised Relationship Descriptions be approved. Monitoring Synod Policies SC MSC that the revised Monitoring Synod Policies be approved. Personnel Policy Handbook SC MSC that the Personnel Policy Handbook be approved. Synod Council Members Role in Conferences A document is in the works and will be brought to Synod Council at a future meeting describing the relationship and role of Synod Council members and the conference Convention Planning Task Force Joan Meyer, Convention Manager, presented the Committee s Report. SC MSC that the following be approved for the conduct of the 2016 Synod convention: i. That the convention budget be approved with expenditures of $56,800 ii. That the 2016 convention levy be set at $3.50/confirmed member (based on 15,000) iii. Early bird registration by May 1, 2016 no charge iv. Registration fee after May 1, $25.00 v. Visitor fee set at $100 (to cover meals) vi. Bulletin of report will be available on the website; a hardcopy will be $20 plus postage vii. Display fees be: $150 for business; $50 for not-for-profits 9

10 1.9.5 Compensation Review Committee Committee chair, Rev. Sheldon Gattinger reported on items the Committee will be discussing at their upcoming meeting. a) "Vice" pastor compensation (this amount has not been changed for at least 8 years) b) Pulpit Supply/Confirmation/Pastoral Acts compensation (also has not changed for over a decade) c) General Compensation rate of increase (currently at 2%; relates to CoL rates) d) Cell Phones (currently there is no expectation that cell phones/data plans are to be provided by the congregation- should we make a recommendation?) e) "Compassionate Leave" (Do we want to increase the number of days allowed?) f) Sabbatical Leave Fund CEP is paid by both congregations and clergy and is portable; this policy has to be reviewed referred to Call Manual Review committee Congregational Constitution Committee Kathy Pelletier reported that the Committee has reviewed four Congregational Constitutions and sent them back suggested revisions. The backlog is getting shorter. Kathy asked for clarity between Interim Pastor and Vice-Pastor. An Interim Pastor has special training for a two to three year term contract and is not available to be issued a Letter of Call by the congregation. A vice-pastor assists the congregation during the period they are vacant and assists with pulpit supply and providing services as contracted or available Funding Allocation Committee Committee Chairperson Merv Bender reported on behalf of the Committee. SC MSC that the following funds be repurposed because they are not being used on a regular base Canadian Mission Rural Ministry Fund; Rural Internship Endowment Fund; and the Seminary Student Support Fund/First Call. The Committee will bring a report to Synod Council for the February Council meeting. SC MSC that the application from Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Regina for $1,500 from the Aboriginal Fund be approved. Special Item: Report from the Lutheran Theological Seminary Rev. Dr. Michael Nel Dr. Nel was welcomed to the Synod Council meeting. He is serving as the Acting President of LTS. He reported on the changes taking place at LTS. There are three faculty members who are covering both faculty and administrative work. Pamela Giles and Joe Stolee are the Resource Development team. 10

11 Much work has been done by the maintenance staff to improve the look of the building and grounds. This has resulted in a major donation to assist with the cost of this rejuvenation. Dr. Nel has been doing bridge-building by attending worship in local congregations. He has been extending invitations to faculty and past faculty, and meeting Bishops and Synod Councils. He intends to use the next two years of his term as Acting President of LTS to reconnect the Seminary and the Church. They are both about doing God s mission. The Seminary is a critical part of the Synod being able to attain God s mission. The development of a Lay Academy is an exciting new venture that the Seminary is going to be assisting the Synods with its development. He shared the current enrollment numbers with Council. There are currently 3 Sask DMin Students; 5 MDiv Students; 2 Diaconal Students and 3 Occasional Students. The area of finances is headed up by Vince Gaudet. He has been reviewing the Endowment Funds and the minutes of the Board to make sure the funds have been appropriated properly. The Auditors are working with the Board to clarify the financial statements. They had a small surplus last year. He shared a copy of an Income Analysis spreadsheet from A major revenue increase is required to keep the Seminary viable. This will include approaching the National Church to fund a chair at the Seminary for $2M from CECF funds and approaching board members and past members to pledge funding to the Seminary. His goal is to raise $120,000/year. He wants to have the Seminary on a stable financial footing by the time his successor is named. Major repairs and maintenance have to be done to the Seminary building envelop. With God s grace, the challenges can be met and the Seminary can become a vital place in the life of the Synods. Dr. Nel was thanked by the Council for attending and reporting to Council and for his enthusiasm in taking up this new challenge. Merv Bender led the Council in prayer and the Council recessed to dinner. Business Session #3 2. Strategic Plan (Continued) 11

12 2.2 Future with Hope Task Force Task Force members Cheryl and Joan led the Synod Council through the Future with Hope Task Force report. The Task Force Discussion Paper had been circulated in advance. The Council was divided into three working groups to discuss the questions presented by the Task Force. When the groups reconvened they debriefed by sharing a highlight of their discussion. These included: Why are we, the clergy, getting together because we are church; why should lay people go to these events; how do discover the sense of Mission; congregations have to be willing to accept lay leadership; we needs evangelists to work with pastors; do we believe in conversion if not, why a Future with Hope. Congregations have to be convinced to have worship at times other than 11:00 Sunday morning; what are the expectations of lay leadership; benefits of gathering together is for mutual support and sharing of ideas; the conference isn t being considered as a source of support; clergy will need to be trained to be coaches to encourage people to participate; areas smaller than current conferences would be more workable; make use of the Synod Map as a tool; Delegate selection has to cover the demographics of the entire Synod. Cheryl thanked Council members for sharing their thoughts in the process. The Task Force will keep Council apprised of its progress. 2.3 Conference Representative Reports The Council representatives shared highlights from each of their Conferences: Weyburn trying to include congregations that are vacant and/or closed in special services; they have a camp Metochos Camp in the Conference; their Conference Convention is to be held in Assiniboia this fall. Yorkton Yorkton congregation is sponsoring a large community supper; the Wapella New Finland ecumenical partnership has been dissolved. The Yorkton cluster meets on a regular basis. Swift Current no one was able to attend Regina Pastor Amber was installed at Our Saviours; Pastor Zsofi was ordained and installed at Strasbourg/Bulyea; Pastor Sean has been installed as Chaplain at Luther College University Campus and Pastor David Peterson at the High School; they continue to meet as clergy clusters. A parish worker, Wanda Walter, has been installed at Christ Lutheran to work with the two clergy. 12

13 Saskatoon the new ministry in the Kairos Lutheran Faith Community is developing well; two long term ministers have left congregations Augustana and Redeemer; the conference is doing well and clusters are well attended; the congregations in Saskatoon work well together for confirmation and are looking at expanding the partnership to include youth ministry; three congregations meet monthly to explore mission opportunities on the west side of Saskatoon; Good Shepherd/Hanley partnership has dissolved; Hanley has a ½ time rostered minister; Good Shepherd celebrated Pastor Harley s 25 anniversary with the congregation; the City of Saskatoon lacks women clergy leadership within the city; Pastor Colette has retired in Lanigan, Melissa Brooks has left Jansen on parental leave; Watrous Lutheran is in partnership with Young Anglican; Young Lutheran is in partnership with Watrous United. Prince Albert Messiah has a great youth program; have a vibrant ministry with Bible Study, women s ministry and men s ministry; David Jensen retired from Shell Lake but will remain in the community; Brock Shaver is in Spiritwood; Trent Felstrom is in Shellbrook; Dan Haugen is in Birch Hills ½ time; Kragbe Legre has accepted the call to Naicam Five Oaks; Wendell Brock is in Meadow Lake; Sheldon Gattinger is in North Battleford; Beryl St. Germain is at Porcupine/Crooked River; Dawn Myrfield is at Beatty, Fairy Glen, Ratner; and Lisa Skogsrud is at Tisdale. Kinasao has been approved for an addition to their campground adding more sites. Recess - Merv Bender closed the meeting for the day with a reading from Psalm 4. The Council recessed for the evening and fellowship. Tuesday, October 6, 2015 Business Session #4 Morning Devotions Merv Bender started the session with devotions We sang Hymn #759 from WOV Accept O Lord, the Gifts We Bring. The scripture reading was Ecclesiastes 5: and he read a small portion of a book entitled The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn, which focuses on the question of stewardship. We closed the devotions in prayer. 4. Reporting, Monitoring and Measuring 4.1 Canadian Missions The Committee s minutes of their September 11, 2015 meeting were shared with Council. Motion being recommended by the Committee: SC MSC that Rev. Fran Schmidt s call to Special Service to the Kairos Lutheran Faith Community be increased to a full-time call effective August 1, 2015 August 31, The funds for this call will be from CECF funds through the Canadian Mission Committee. 13

14 4.1.1 Warman, Martensville, Osler Ministry A report from Kairos Lutheran Faith Community was shared with Council for their information. 4.2 Committee for Theological Education and Leadership A report from the Committee was reviewed by Council. They are looking at the area of recruitment How are we recruiting new leadership? Should there be a registration facilitator in each conference? Who do they go to? Using their local pastor as a mentor for those that are working at a distance from the seminary CTEL Sept. Minutes the minutes were shared for information 4.3 Lutheran Campus Ministry Lutheran Campus Ministry is still looking for a couple of board members. At this time they have not met. Synod Finance Manager, Howie Wall has taken over the accounting at LCM. LCM holds their own charitable status and is being run as its own separate operation. While they are a committee of the synod they have special status. The Governance committee will have to look at the LCM and Synod Council documents to bring them into alignment. 4.4 Companion Synod Bishop Susan requested that Bishop Sid join her in a trip to Argentina this winter. Bishop Sid decided he could not accommodate a trip at this time but that he would look at a trip in the future. 4.5 LutherCare Communities There is a vacancy after the resignation of Rev. David Hunter. At this time no one has been appointed to replace this position. Bishop Sid will bring this back at the January conference call or for an e-vote at an earlier date for an appointment. 4.6 St. Paul Lutheran Home Council member, Arlene Tangjerd, reported for St. Paul Lutheran Home in Melville. Kim Bucsis is now the new administrator. Upgrades have been done to their building. They continue to struggle with staff sick time and overtime needs. A new medical clinic is working with St. Paul Lutheran Home to build on the property. 4.7 St. Michael s Retreats and Ministries Due to the change in ownership, in the foreseeable future there will no longer need to be a need to appoint board members. The expectation is that there will be significant changes to the cost of our holding Synod Council meetings at St. Michaels. Will wait until we know the new rates are before confirming the meeting there October of

15 4.8 Canadian Lutheran World Relief CLWR Board member, Cheryl Bauer Hyde reported on the Board meeting held the previous weekend. There are seven ELCIC and 4 LCC members on the Board. Cheryl now serves as Treasurer of the Board for CLWR. Now that the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) no longer exists, all funding partnerships with the federal government have to be done through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development. This has added increased complexity to joint projects between CLWR and the Canadian Government. Refugee Sponsorship CLWR assists congregations willing to sponsor refugees. A promotion of the assistance they can offer as posted on their website and should be highlighted in a newsletter to our congregations. Pastor Ali spoke of the family refugee settlement Resurrection Lutheran is doing in Saskatoon. 4.9 Office Relocation - Synod Administrator Joan gave a verbal update on the Office Relocation project. It has had a few challenges in getting the permitting required, but with the assistance of the Seminary and their architect, most of the issues have been addressed and the project should be back in the works shortly Relationship Reviews Council members were reminded that Relationship Review Reports are due for the February Council meeting Meeting Evaluation - Timing the timing of this meeting on a Sunday Tuesday was discussed. Council meetings held on Thursday evening, Friday and Saturday are much more preferred. With mid-term conference call meetings and committees working efficiently, is it necessary to have Council meeting over three days? Is it possible to adequately do our job starting late Friday morning and finishing Saturday by noon? Business covered comments included that there was adequate time allowed for discussion and council members felt they had been heard; there was a sense of accomplishment with the work done at this meeting; good work has been done by the committees in preparation for the meeting; great to have outside guests invited to Council and appreciated their presentations and participation in the meeting and discussions. Role and Participation council members expressed that they felt they could speak openly on issues; it is easy to share and members are respectful of each other. 15

16 Areas for improvement develop a template for standardization of Committee reports the Governance Committee will look at this. Have the Synod Office coordinate the collection of reports for Conference Conventions to send to Conference Deans. Take Aways exciting new era for the Seminary; Bishop Sid s report in looking forward rather than at what has passed; the reviewing and work of the Strategic Plan; the inviting and attendance of NCC members to be part of Synod Council. Consider possibly asking Seminary Board members to attend Other Items: Cultural Diversity within the Synod there are challenges for those of minority status working in our Synod; this is not easy to share with others; this can range from challenges to racism; consider accompanying those from other countries who are clergy in our Synod; develop a sense of belonging to the majority within the Synod. Closing Merv lead in closing the meeting with devotions. The Hymn Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God was sung followed with the Lord s Prayer. Merv was thanked for serving as meeting Chaplain. Adjournment the meeting was declared adjourned at 11:35 a.m. Minutes taken by Joan Meyer, Synod Administrator, Lindsay Tomtene, Office Manager For Cheryl Bauer Hyde, Synod Secretary 16