2014 Western Iowa Synod Assembly Minutes

Transcription

1 2014 Western Iowa Synod Assembly Minutes May 2-4, 2014 Sioux City Convention Center, Sioux City, IA Theme: God's Work. Our Hands. The Church's Voice. Friday May 2 nd, 2014 The assembly began with an opening worship at 5:00 pm led by the Global Mission Musicians: Peter Mack, Jaron Cheung, Aisea Taimani, Solvei STenslie, Regina Doss-Rhymes, Diakonda Gurning, Alejandro Mejia, and Sara Trumm Bishop Rodger Prois led the opening synod assembly litany at 7:00 PM and declared the assembly in session. Bishop Prois introduced the following guests and assembly leaders: The Western Iowa Synod Council and Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel members for their work in preparing for the assembly: Brian Campbell; Becky Hill; Karen Post; Dillon Bathke; Gary Boschee; Gail Bauler; Pr. Trudy Peterson; Pr. Jay Denne; Caleb Gayer; Susan Hett; Randy Popkes; Pr. Jim Mossman; Pr. Paul Johnston; Daniel Holste; Denise Kramer Tolzmann; Pr. Chris Lang; Marty Koefed; Judy Lang; Pr. Ben McIntire; Corey Munson; Rae Jean Nuehring; and Julie Sievers Rev. Robert Smith, Area Program Director for the Middle East and North Africa in ELCA Global Missions Rev. Stacy Martin, ELCA Advocacy and Policy Director Tara Mulder, Director of Marketing and Communications for Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) Carolina Catalan Cuevas, Chilean visitor Rev. Carla Johnsen, Church Council from Western Iowa Synod Jacob Natwich, parliamentarian (Friday PM) Lance Ehmcke, parliamentarian (Saturday and Sunday) Brian Campbell, synod vice-president Karen Post, synod secretary Rev. Trudy Peterson chair of Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel (ABC) Julie Sievers, timing light Jacob Wood, Trade Show Coordinator, Qwizdom, Inc., Puyallup, Washington SA A motion and second was made by to grant privilege of voice on the floor of the assembly to Rev. Robert Smith (guest and presenter) and Jacob Natwick (parliamentarian). Voice vote: PASSED The Credentials and Elections Committee chair, Rev. Craig Miller, reported the following registration data: Credentials Report #1 05/2/14 7:00 PM Clergy 85 Lay males 80 Lay females 98 Total voting 263

2 Visitors 65 Total registered 328 Jacob Wood led a demonstration on electronic voting machines. SA A motion and second to adopt the Standing Rules. Voice vote: PASSED SA A motion and second to adopt the agenda. Voice vote: PASSED SA Motion and second to approve the 2013 assembly minutes. Vote: 232 2; PASSED The 2014 Minutes Committee was introduced: Tracy Gayer, Rev. Lynn Noel, Joan Turner Rev. John Wolf presented the following nominations report: Synod council secretary: Karen Post (Immanuel, Titonka) At Large position: ABC committee Clergy (2 nd of 2 year term) Pastor Jon Syvertson (St. Luke Home, Spencer) Winds of Hope conference: Nominating committee: VACANT (1 year lay male) ABC Committee: VACANT (lay female 2 year term) Discipline committee: Keith Zylstra (Trinity, Sibley) (Lay Male 2 nd year of 3 year term) Synod Council Clergy: Pastor Barbara Kopperud (Trinity Sibley) (2 nd year of 3 year term) Synod Council Lay Male: Tracy Gayer (Bethlehem, Inwood) (Lay Male 3 year term) Hands of Hope Conference: Nominating Committee: Susan Julifs (1 year term lay member) Synod Council: John Smith (Lay Male 3 year term) Synod Council: Pastor Ahriana Shek (Clergy 2 nd year of 3 year term) Living Waters Conference: Nominating committee: Pr. David Halaas (St. Mark, Sioux City) (Clergy 1 year term) Consultation committee: Verna Bennett (St. Luke, Sioux City) (lay female 2 year term) Synod Council: Pastor Del Olivier (Augustana, Sioux City) (Clergy 3 year term) Discipline: Pastor Joel Gueningsman (Faith, Onawa/ Soldier, Soldier) (Clergy 2 nd year of 3 year term) Seeds of Faith Nominating Committee: Rev. Dr. Martin Lucin (Grace Lutheran, Spirit Lake) (Clergy 1 year term) ABC Committee: VACANT (Lay male 2 year term) Consultation: Becky Hill (Thompson); Kris Rowley (First Lutheran, Milford) (Lay female 2 nd year of 2 year term) Discipline: Pr. Peter Morlock (Bethany, Emmetsburg/Lost Island, Ruthven); Pr. Marsha Smith (First Lutheran, Algona) (3 year term Clergy) Discipline: VACANT (Lay male 3 year term) Synod Council: Barb Brennan (Bethel Lutheran, Graettinger) (Lay female 3 year term) Synod Council: Marge Tindall (Wallingford Lutheran, Wallingford) (Lay female 3 rd year of 3 year term) Rivers of Grace Nominating Committee: VACANT (1 year term - Lay female) ABC Committee: Pr. Roger Claxton (Ebenezer Lutheran, Audubon) (2 year term Clergy) Consultation: VACANT (2 year term Lay male) 25

3 Discipline: Pr. Steve Frock (Hamlin, Brayton, Exira Lutheran) (3 year term Clergy) Discipline: Denise Wilson (St. Paul Lutheran, Treynor) (3 year term Lay female) Synod Council: Katia Frock (Hamlin, Brayton, Exira Lutheran) (2 nd year of 3 year term Lay female) Abundant Fields ABC Committee: VACANT (Lay female 2 nd year of 2 year term) Consultation committee: Pr. Steve Hetzel (St. Paul, Northboro/Emmanuel, Shenandoah) (Clergy - 2 Year term) Discipline committee: VACANT (3 rd year of 3 year term Clergy) Discipline committee: Linda Huffman (Salem Lutheran, Creston) (3rd year of 3 year term) The Global Mission Network presented a vignette. Bishop Prois offered a written report and also addressed the assembly with the theme : YOUR KINGDOM COME : in local congregations, in the Western Iowa Synod, and in the world. Bishop Prois introduced the Team members: Kay Broich, Lynn Egesdal, Rev Lorna Halaas, Ann Onnen, Cindy Wells, Rev Jeff Ungs The Global Mission Network presented a vignette. Rev Rod Hopp and Cindy Wells (Global Missions Network) gave an explanation of assembly events and outlined many opportunities (speakers, forums, and an assembly resolution) throughout the weekend. Lynn Egesdal gave announcements. The assembly was recessed until 8:00 AM Saturday. The Global Missions Musicians closed the plenary session with song. Saturday May 3 rd, 2014 Global Mission musicians led music beginning at 8:00 AM. Bishop Prois called the meeting to order. Global Ministry Network presented a vignette. Treasurer Jay Denne requested that questions regarding the financial reports and budgets be submitted in the appropriate box. SA A motion and second was made by to grant privilege of voice on the floor of the assembly to Lance Ehmcke, parliamentarian. Voice vote: PASSED Rev. Craig Miller reported the following registration data: 26

4 Credentials Report #2 05/3/14 8:10 AM Clergy 89 Lay males 81 Lay females 104 Total voting 274 Visitors 69 Total registered 343 With 274 registered voters, simple majority votes need 138 to pass; two-thirds votes need 183 votes to pass. Rev. John Wolf reported that two additional names had been received for nomination. Final nominations were: Synod council secretary: Karen Post (Immanuel, Titonka) At Large position: ABC committee Clergy (2 nd of 2 year term) Pastor Jon Syvertson (St. Luke Home, Spencer) Winds of Hope conference: Nominating Committee: Randy Bridgford (1 year lay male) ABC Committee: Kim Gayer (lay female 2 year term) Discipline Committee: Keith Zylstra (Trinity, Sibley) (Lay Male 2 nd year of 3 year term) Synod Council Clergy: Pastor Barbara Kopperud (Trinity Sibley) (2 nd year of 3 year term) Synod Council Lay Male: Tracy Gayer (Bethlehem, Inwood) (Lay Male 3 year term) Hands of Hope Conference: Nominating Committee: Susan Julifs (1 year term lay member) Synod Council: John Smith (Lay Male 3 year term) Synod Council: Pastor Ahriana Shek (Clergy 2 nd year of 3 year term) Living Waters conference: Nominating Committee: Pr. David Halaas (St. Mark, Sioux City) (Clergy 1 year term) Consultation Committee: Verna Bennett (St. Luke, Sioux City) (lay female 2 year term) Synod Council Pastor Del Olivier (Augustana, Sioux City) (Clergy 3 year term) Discipline Committee: Pastor Joel Gueningsman (Faith, Onawa/ Soldier, Soldier) (Clergy 2 nd year of 3 year term) Seeds of Faith Conference Nominating Committee: Rev. Dr. Martin Lucin (Grace Lutheran, Spirit Lake) (Clergy 1 year term) ABC Committee: VACANT (Lay male 2 year term) Consultation Committee: Becky Hill (Thompson); Kris Rowley (First Lutheran, Milford) (Lay female 2 nd year of 2 year term) Discipline Committee: Pr. Peter Morlock (Bethany, Emmetsburg/Lost Island, Ruthven); Pr. Marsha Smith (First Lutheran, Algona) (3 year term Clergy) Discipline Committee: VACANT (Lay male 3 year term) Synod Council: Barb Brennan (Bethel Lutheran, Graettinger) (Lay female 3 year term) Synod Council: Marge Tindall (Wallingford Lutheran, Wallingford) (Lay female 3 rd year of 3 year term) Rivers of Grace Conference Nominating Committee: VACANT (1 year term - Lay female) ABC Committee: Pr. Roger Claxton (Ebenezer Lutheran, Audubon) (2 year term Clergy) Consultation Committee: VACANT (2 year term Lay male) Discipline Committee: Pr. Steve Frock (Hamlin, Brayton, Exira Lutheran) (3 year term Clergy) Discipline Committee: Denise Wilson (St. Paul Lutheran, Treynor) (3 year term Lay female) Synod Council: Katia Frock (Brayton Lutheran, Brayton) (2 nd year of 3 year term Lay female) Abundant Fields Conference ABC Committee: VACANT (Lay female 2 nd year of 2 year term) 27

5 Consultation committee: Pr. Steve Hetzel (St. Paul, Northboro/Emmanuel, Shenandoah) (Clergy - 2 Year term) Discipline Committee: VACANT (3 rd year of 3 year term Clergy) Discipline Committee: Linda Huffman (Salem Lutheran, Creston) (3rd year of 3 year term) SA Motion and second to cast a unaminous ballot for uncontested positions (those elected shown in bold). Voice vote: PASSED SA Contested positions were voted with the following results (those elected shown in bold): Consultation Committee Seeds of Faith - Becky Hill; Kris Rowley; Discipline Committee - Seeds of Faith Rev Peter Morlock; Rev Marsha Smith; The Global Missions Network presented a vignette. Rev. Robert Smith gave the keynote address. The assembly engaged in Indaba (small group conversation) discussing the following questions: What is your perspective of a Palestinian? What is your perspective of an Israeli? Follow up questions for the assembly: How are perspectives most informed by? Can our perspectives change? Bishop Prois introduce the following persons (brief tent talks for later forums): Rev. Stacy Martin Washington DC ELCA Advocacy and Policy Director Tara Mulder Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) (Baltimore, MD) Carolina Catalan Cuevas Companion Synod (Chile) - Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile (IELCH) Chris Cowan (SE IA Synod) & Khaloud Kouray (Palestinian visitor) Peace Not Walls Augusta Victoria Hospital Sam Eisele Youth And Global Missions (YAGM) adult missionaries sent throughout the world Michael Johnson - Lutheran World Relief and Food Resource Bank Pastor Mike Kroona & Pastor Bob Vaage - Companion Synods of Tanzania and Chile Dr. Murray Haar, professor of religion and Jewish studies at Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD, gave a Bible study and answered questions from the floor. Indaba group questions: Are there some situations that cannot be resolved? Should the struggle for justice involve compromise on both sides? If one side wants to compromise and the other does not, who gets to decide? Rev. Jeff Ungs announced the winner for the book, Not Your Parent's Offering Plate. SA A motion and second to recess until 3:30 PM, Voice vote; PASSED. 1:15 PM forums included: Rev. Robert Smith: Lutheran Engagement in the Middle East/Christian Zionism ELCA Global Musicians: Global Music and Congregational Life Caroline Catalan Cuevas: Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile (IELCH) Samuel Eisele, Gail Bauler, youth travelers: Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) Tara Mulder: The Voice of Welcome (Lutheran Immigration Refugee Service) Rev. Stacy Martin (Washington DC Advocate): Advocacy and Discipleship: Church in the Public Sphere 28

6 2:15 PM forums included: Rev. Robert Smith: Being Together in the ELCA Rev. Stacy Martin (Washington DC Advocate): Church in the Public Sphere Rev. Mike and Shelby Kroona, Rev. Bob Vaage: Companion Synod Overview and Updates Chris Cowan and Kholoud Khoury: Palestinian Life Under Occupation Michael Johnson and Ron DeWeerd: Lutheran World Relief and Foods Resource Bank: Growing lasting solutions to end global hunger The plenary resumed at 3:30 PM. Rev. Craig Miller reported the following registration data: Credentials Report #2 05/3/14 3:10 PM Clergy 93 Lay males 83 Lay females 106 Total voting 282 Visitors 73 Total registered 355 With 282 registered voters, simple majority votes need 142 to pass; two-thirds votes need 189 votes to pass. Motion and second to amend the agenda to consider Resolution #2 at this time; PASSED Resolution #2. Bishop Emeritus Submitted by: Synod Council therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Church in America does commend and honor the ministry of Rev. Michael Last; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America does bestow upon the Rev. Michael Last the honorary title of Bishop Emeritus, to become effective immediately. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. SA A motion and second to grant bishop emeritus status Rev. Michael Last. VOTE: ; PASSED The Churchwide report was given by Rev. Robert Smith, including: a video narrated by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton; ELCA Service Sunday; Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA ; accomplishments during 2013; Malaria Campaign; Mission Investment Fund; projects within the WIS; missionaries supported by WIS congregations. The Global Missions Network presented a vignette. Resolution #3. Amend the Western Iowa Synod ELCA Constitution as approved by the 2013 Churchwide Assembly Amendments that are not required may be adopted by the Synod Assembly on a majority vote at one assembly under +S

7 Therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Constitution of the Western Iowa Synod be amended in the following way: S7.23 The presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and such other official representatives of this church as may be designated from time to time by the Church Council shall also have voice but not vote in the meetings of the Synod Assembly. Like privileges shall be accorded to those additional persons whom the Synod Assembly or the Synod Council shall from time to time designate. S7.26 This synod may establish processes through the Synod Council that permit representatives of mission settings formed with the intent of becoming recognized congregations under development and authorized worshiping communities of the synod, which have been authorized under ELCA bylaw , to serve as voting members of the Synod Assembly, consistent with +S7.21. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. Resolution #4. Amend the Western Iowa Synod ELCA Constitution as approved by the 2011 Churchwide Assembly Presented by Synod Council [this amendment was before the 2013 Western Iowa Synod ELCA assembly as Resolution #1 and is brought forward for adoption according to *S18.13 of the Western Iowa Synod ELCA Constitution] WHEREAS, the Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has conveyed to the synods of the ELCA several recommended amendments to the Constitutions for Synods; and WHEREAS, the Western Iowa Synod Council has recommended that these changes be incorporated into the Constitution of the Western Iowa Synod; therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Constitution of the Western Iowa Synod be amended in the following way: S7.12. Special meetings of the Synod Assembly may be called by the bishop with the consent of the Synod Council, and shall be called by the bishop at the request of one-fifth of the voting members of the Synod Assembly. a. The notice of each special meeting shall define the purpose for which it is to be held. The scope of actions to be taken at such a special meeting shall be limited to the subject matter(s) described in the notice. b. If the special meeting of the Synod Assembly is required for the purpose of electing a successor bishop because of death, resignation, or inability to serve, the special meeting shall be called by the Synod Council after consultation with the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in cooperation with the Synod Council. S8.23. In the event of the death, resignation, or disability of the bishop, the vice president, after consultation with the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, shall convene the Synod Council to arrange for the conduct of the duties of the bishop until a new bishop shall be elected or, in the case of temporary disability, until the bishop resumes full performance of the duties of the office. S8.52. The terms of the officers shall begin on the first day of the third month following election or, in special circumstances, at a time designated by the Synod Council. S9.05. The Nominating Committee shall nominate at least one two persons for vice president; additional nominations may be made from the floor. S9.06. The Synod Council shall nominate at least one two persons for secretary; additional nominations may be made from the floor. 30

8 S9.07. If the treasurer is elected, the The Synod Council shall nominate at least one two persons for treasurer; additional nominations may be made from the floor. [A new required provision allows for the appointment of the treasurer by the Synod Council.] S If a member of the Synod Council ceases to meet the requirements of the position to which she or he was elected be a member in good standing on a roster of this synod, if an ordained minister, or to be a voting member of a congregation of this synod, if a layperson, the office filled by such member shall at once become vacant. S The composition of the Synod Council, the number of its members, and the manner of their selection, as well as the organization of the Synod Council, its additional duties and responsibilities, and the number of meetings to be held each year shall be as set forth in the bylaws. S To the extent permitted by state law, meetings of the Synod Council and its committees may be held electronically or by telephone conference, and notice of all meetings may be provided electronically. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. Resolution #5. Amend the Western Iowa Synod ELCA Constitution for the formation of Ministry Networks WHEREAS, the Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has conveyed to the synods of the ELCA several recommended amendments to the Constitutions for Synods; and WHEREAS, the Western Iowa Synod Council has recommended that these changes be incorporated into the Constitution of the Western Iowa Synod; therefore be it Resolved the Western Iowa Synod Constitution be amended to delete the following lined through items. S The assistants to the bishop and chairpersons of the Boards of Ministry, Congregational Life and Mission may be accorded seat and voice at the meetings of the Synod Council except when it shall declare itself in executive session. S There will be three Synod Boards responsible to the Synod Council to fulfill the mission and function of the Synod. 1. These three Boards shall be: a. The Board for Ministry b. The Board for Congregational Life c. The Board of Mission 2. The three boards shall each have one member from each conference elected by the conference and two members at large appointed by the Synod Council. Each board shall also include a member of the Synod Council who shall be elected by the Synod Council to the board. Each Board shall also include up to two youth representatives appointed by the Synod Council in consultation with the LYO Council. The Synod Council shall ensure that inclusiveness principles are followed in the election to the boards. 3. The terms of office for a board member shall be four (4) years and no person may serve on any board for more than one term from one conference. The term of office of youth members shall be a maximum of two years. S The chairperson of each of the three boards shall be elected from the respective boards. The boards shall form their own organizational structure. S Ex officio members of boards shall have the privilege of voice and vote in boards but in counting a quorum, the ex officio member shall not be considered a member. 31

9 S The boards shall normally meet three times a year but other meetings may be called by the chairperson and the bishop of the synod. S The Synod Council upon recommendation by the Bishop of the Synod shall assign a professional staff person to each board who will work under the direction of and report to the bishop of the synod. S The committees and boards of the synod shall come into being after the first meeting of the Synod Council each year. The Synod Council shall frame and adopt basic regulations governing committees of the synod. S The members of the Boards of Ministry, Congregational Life and Mission and the conference coordinator, conference chaplain, and the conference Synod Council member shall report on activities to the congregations of their conference. They shall report to the boards the concerns of the congregations. S If a member of any board or committee of the synod whose election is dependent in part on membership in good standing of the Western Iowa Synod or one of its congregations ceases to be a member in good standing or if any member of a board or committee of the synod is absent without proper excuse from two successive regular meetings, that office shall at once become vacant and shall be so declared by the Synod Council. S Non member resource persons may be invited to meetings of boards and committees as consultants. The provisions of the constitution which assign to the Synod Council responsibility for coordinating the activities of the committees or b0ards shall not be construed as forbidding staff officials to confer informally on any matter. S The Board for Ministry shall be responsible for: 1) The programs and organizations of the synod which affirm, develop and support the ministries of the whole people of God including recognition and support of the ministry of lay persons, ordained persons and associates in ministry. 2) Assisting this church in reflecting on the ministry of the whole people of God and providing counsel and support to congregations in their work to support the ministry of the laity in daily life including the development of forums for reflections and study of theology, other disciplines and society. 3) Advocating the ministry of all people of God among the committees and institutions related to the synod and shall relate to other movements which empower the ministry of the lairy. 4) Developing programs for the recruitment, registration, preparation and e3valuation of candidates for the ordained ministry. 5) Developing a program for the recruitment, registration, preparation and evaluation of candidates for associates in ministry, deaconesses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and diaconal ministers in this synod. 6) Making recommendations to the synod bishop and the Synod Council relating to ordained persons, associates in ministry, deaconesses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, diaconal ministers and their families in such areas as pastoral care, expectations, continuing education, compensation, call review, evaluation, guidance, mobility, intervention, rehabilitation and spiritual growth. 7) Planning, developing, initiating, evaluating and reporting those activities and programs which fulfill the responsibilities assigned. It shall appoint such work groups as are essential to fulfilling those responsibilities. It shall also cooperate with, relate to and interpret the function and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its agencies. 32

10 S The Board for Congregational Life shall be responsible for: a. Working with congregations to identify needs and develop or assist in the development of programs to fulfill the needs in the following areas of congregational ministry: worship, witness, evangelism, stewardship, education and service. It may also develop programs in the areas of outdoor ministries, family life, congregational planning, community involvement, ministry among older person, ministry among men and women and ministry among youth and children. b. Planning, developing, initiating, evaluating and reporting those activities and programs which fulfill the responsibilities assigned. It shall appoint such work groups as are essential to fulfilling those responsibilities. It shall also cooperate with, relate to and interpret the function and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its agencies. S The Board of Mission shall be responsible for. a. Engaging the members and resources of this synod and its congregations in mission inside and outside the USA through involvement in evangelism, witness, justice, service, relief and development. b. Establishing relationships and cooperating in mission with Lutheran and other Christian churches, agencies, institutions and movements for mission. c. Assisting in the development and use of interpretation and education resources for mission. d. Planning, developing, initiating, evaluating and reporting those activities and programs which fulfill the responsibilities assigned. It shall appoint such work groups as are essential function and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its agencies. And be it further Resolved the Western Iowa Synod Constitution be amended to insert the following underscored items. S Committees and Ministry Networks will be formed in response to mission and ministry concerns of the Synod Council, the Bishop or interested groups or individuals. S Committees not otherwise mandated by this constitution will be formed in response to specific mission emphases of this synod, (e.g. Candidacy,) at the direction of the bishop. The bishop will charter committees and determine how members will be chosen. S Networks may develop spontaneously as individuals or groups who have a passion for particular missions and ministries connect with one another. There is no limit to such informal gatherings. S Any such gathering may become a recognized network of the synod by following these steps: a. Notify the synod bishop of the network s interest and purpose. b. Submit a written charter reflecting the values, purpose and likely activities of the network to the bishop c. Attend at least one Fall Leadership Event with the Synod Council. d. Send copies of network meeting minutes of at least one year s worth of meetings to the bishop. e. A network that forms out of a former synod committee, team, or task force in the first year following implementation will be grandfathered in as a network of the synod. f. Only networks of the synod will have access to possible budget funding, to synod communication systems (web site/espirit/newsletter) and conference phone/web meetings. S Any officially recognized network of the synod must reflect the values and purpose of the synod mission statement. S Official recognition of a network as an official network of the synod will be at the discretion 33

11 of the bishop in consultation with the Synod Council. If a network is not officially recognized, it may continue to meet without official status. Charters will be reviewed by the bishop on an annual basis. S Once officially recognized, a network of the synod will be assigned a Synod Council liaison. Members of the network will commit to attend the annual Fall Leadership Event. And be it further Resolved the Western Iowa Synod council be authorized to implement the formation of ministry networks pending final adoption of constitutional provisions at the 2014 synod assembly. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. Resolution #6. Amend the Western Iowa Synod ELCA Constitution to delete the position of Conference Chaplain Whereas the 2011 Western Iowa Synod Assembly approved a resolution authorizing the formation of an advisory committee to review the work and mission of the Western Iowa Synod and to recommend appropriate restructuring; and Whereas the WiLIFT Advisory Committee is comprised of Pr. Lauri Boysen, Brian Campbell, Larry Hill, Pr. Mike Kroona, Maxine Lampe, Pr. Matthew Martens and Pr. John Wolf with Bishop Last and Cynthia Johnson as resource persons; and Whereas the WiLIFT Advisory Committee through investigation, survey, discussion and prayer proposed a conference structure to take the Western Iowa Synod into the future; and Whereas the proposed structure approved by the Synod Council does not include a Conference Chaplain; and Whereas the Western Iowa Synod Constitution requires Synod Assembly approval to delete the position of Conference Chaplain; be it Resolved, the Western Iowa Synod Constitution shall be amended to delete Section S , There shall be an ordained Conference Chaplain who would have advisor functions and who would assist the bishop as required with pastoral care on the conference levels. This may include responsibilities such as meetings with call committees, convening support groups and encouraging study groups. And be it further Resolved the Western Iowa Synod council be authorized to implement the deletion of the position of Conference Chaplain pending final adoption of constitutional provisions at the 2014 synod assembly. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. SA Motion and second to act on Resolutions #3 #6 en bloc. Voice vote; PASSED SA Motion and second to approve Resolutions #3 #6 (striking 3 s in Res # 4); VOTE: ; PASSED. Chris Andersen, the Vice President of Advancement and Church Relations from Lutheran Services of Iowa presented a report and video. Other Partners in ministry gave brief addresses: 1) Cassie John - Lutheran Lakeside Camp 2) Ron Quanbeck, Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp

12 3) Tammy Devine, Portico, ELCA Wellness Mgr 4) Paula Kent, Mission Investment Fund 5) Dr. Troy Troftgruben - Wartburg Seminary 6) Rev Dale Nettin Lutheran School of Theology Lynn Egesdal gave announcements. Rev Jeff Ungs had a drawing for the book Not Your Parent's Offering Plate. Rev Jeff Ungs offered the table prayer; prayed in multiple languages. The Global Missions musicians played. The assembly was recessed at 5:10 PM. The banquet was held at 6:00 PM. The Global Missions Networked showed the movie Five Broken Cameras and had a group discussion in the plenary hall after the banquet. Sunday May 4 th, 2014 Worship was held at 9:00 AM The plenary reconvened at 10:50 AM. Rev. Craig Miller reported the following registration data: Credentials Report #2 05/4/14 10:30 AM Clergy 93 Lay males 83 Lay females 106 Total voting 282 Visitors 73 Total registered 355 The Global Missions Network presented a vignette. Rev. Jeff Ungs, Director of Evangelical Missions, gave the following Mission Support recognitions: Congregations recognized for increasing Mission Support in 2013: Our Savior s, Albert City First, Milford First, Clarion St. Paul, Northboro

13 St. John, Council Bluffs St. Peter, Pocahontas Salem, Creston Our Saviour s, Rock Valley Emanuel, Dayton Augustana, Sioux City Grace, Fort Dodge Trinity, Sioux City Zion, Gowrie St. John, Sioux City St. Paul, Holstein Strand, Villisca Christ, Jefferson Wallingford, Wallingford Christ, LeMars Trinity, Webster City Congregations recognized for increasing Mission Support by 10% or more in 2013: Good Shepherd, Adair Bethel, Graettinger Immanuel, Akron Faith, Harcourt Trinity, Akron American, Haywarden Trinity, Alta St. John s, LeMars Ebenezer, Audobon St. Paul, Missouri Valley St. Peter, Brunsville Trinity, Moville St. John, Carroll Faith, Onawa Our Savior s, Council Bluffs St. Paul, Remsen St. John s, Craig Trinity, Sibley St. John, Dunlap Immanuel, Sioux City Estherville, Estherville Bethany, Spencer St. Olaf, Fort Dodge St. Mark, Storm Lake Church of the Damascus Road, Fort Dodge South Enes, Vincent Nancy Peters and Eunice Acker, Planned Giving Plan Coordinator, gave the following Mission Endowment presentations: a. Ascension Lutheran in Coon Rapids was granted $1,000 to start a day care center in their town. b. Faith Lutheran Church in Onawa was awarded $500 for its community meal and food giveaway program. c. Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City on behalf of Lutheran Campus Ministry Waldorf College received $1,500 for their faith-centered ministry on the Waldorf Campus. d. Emmanuel Lutheran in Shenandoah was granted $200 to help feed the hungry in their community. e. The Food4Kids organization is granted $700 for the Whittier Elementary School in Sioux City, which provides food for school children in need. f. And a $1,600 grant was presented to Wartburg Seminary, targeted to aid people preparing to be pastors in the ELCA. A Global Mission vignette was presented. The Youth Report began with song that they and the Global Mission Musicians led. Pr Carla Johnsen and several youth representatives gave short reports on their activities in the past year and at the assembly. Rev. Jay Denne presented the Treasurer s report for In summary: 1) Mission Support from congregations decreased approximately $36,000 from ) 40%, or $335,883 was sent on to Churchwide. This was approximately $31,000 less than 2012, but above the 38.1% budgeted. 3) Income and expenses pertaining to mission partners (Companion Synods, etc) are now included in operating financial statements. 4) $54,600 was distributed to Lutheran Campus Ministries 5) In 2013, Synod employees effectively received a raise for the first time in 4 years. 6) We received a clean audit from our outside audit firm, Hunzelman, Putzier & Co. Rev. Jay Denne presented the 2014 Revised Budget and the 2015 Proposed Budget. The 2014 Revised Budget includes Mission Support of $880,000 to be received from congregations and approximately $344,000, 36

14 or 39.1% to be forwarded to Churchwide. Rev. Jay Denne thanked the Finance Committee members, synod team members, Bishops Last and Prois. Rev. Jay Denne reported that there were no questions submitted. Resolution #8. Adopt the Budget Submitted by: Synod Council RESOLVED, that the Assembly of the Western Iowa Synod ELCA adopt the revised budget for the fiscal year beginning February 1, 2014, and the proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning February 1, The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. SA Motion and second to amend the 2014 Revised Budget to restore $10,000 to Lutheran Campus Ministries. VOTE: ; DEFEATED SA Motion and second to adopt the 2014 Revised Budget and the 2015 Proposed Budget: VOTE: ; PASSED Resolution #7. Western Iowa Synod 2015 Compensation Guidelines Submitted by: Synod Council THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Assembly of the Western Iowa Synod ELCA adopt the proposed guidelines and urge that congregations compensate rostered leaders at the recommended levels. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. SA Motion and second to adopt the 2015 Compensation Guidelines with changes noted: VOTE: ; PASSED Resolution #1. ACCOMPANIMENT, AWARENESS-RAISING, & ADVOCACY FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE HOLY LAND Submitted by: Pastor Rod E. Hopp Global Mission/Hunger Network WHEREAS the prolonged Israeli occupation of and illegal Israeli settlement building in the West Bank and East Jerusalem remain obstacles to peace and cause a great deal of suffering for Palestinians as well as Israelis; and WHEREAS the ELCA gives thanks for our special relationship with the Evangelical Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), which is marked by mutual love and concern for lasting peace with justice; and WHEREAS the ELCA Peace Not Walls campaign focuses on accompaniment, awareness-raising and advocacy as three aspects of engagement in response to the Israel-Palestinian situation; and WHEREAS Palestinian Christians have challenged the world wide Christian community to respond to their 37

15 tragic suffering under the Israeli occupation through the document titled Kairos Palestine: A Moment of Truth; and WHEREAS Palestinian Christians have called the continued occupation of Palestinian lands by the current Israeli government a sin and, in the Kairos Palestine document, detail both the realities on the ground and the theological reflections which bring them to this conclusion; and WHEREAS, in the Kairos Palestine document, Palestinian Christians have asked the Church to resist Biblical interpretations which attempt to legitimize this current occupation and oppression; and WHEREAS the 2013 Churchwide Assembly, with a vote of 812 to 45 vote, approved a memorial designed to continue this church's awareness-building, accompaniment and advocacy on behalf of peaceful resolutions in the Middle East; commit this church to learning more about the experiences of both Palestinians and Israelis and their mutual fears, aspirations and hopes; work to convey the concerns and perspectives of Israelis and Palestinians that dispel stereotypes and caricatures and promote better understanding; lift up the voices within both communities, especially those of victims of violence, that seek peace with justice through nonviolent responses to the conflict; continue to help alleviate the humanitarian needs; support U.S. funding that promotes peace and cooperation for all parties; to continue to pray for brothers and sisters in the Middle East and for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land; and calls for evaluating possibilities for investing in specific Palestinian economic endeavors and other projects that would promote peace and cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians; and WHEREAS the 1995 ELCA social statement, For Peace in God's World, reminds us that seeking peace with justice is the church's proper work, and recognizes that in pursuing just policital structures the responsible use of [economic] sanctions may on occasion be the most effective and least harmful measure to lead states to stop [oppressive behavior] ; therefore BE IT RESOLVED that the congregations of the Western Iowa Synod continue the ELCA's awareness-building accompaniment, and advocacy on behalf of peace and justice for all people of Israel and Palestine; and further, that the WIS congregations be asked to remember this concern often in the Prayers of the Church, and to write to Lutheran congregations in Israel and Palestine, congregation to congregation, assuring them that they are not forgotten, and that the Western Iowa Synod supports and encourages the non-violent witness conducted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. SA Motion and second to refer the resolution to the Synod Council for study and to recommend action at the 2015 synod assembly; VOTE: ; DEFEATED SA Motion and second to call the question (end discussion) on the amendment to the amendment of Resolution #1; VOTE: ; PASSED SA Motion and second to amend the amendment of Resolution #1; VOTE: ; PASSED SA Motion and second to call the question (end discussion) on the amendment of Resolution #1; VOTE: ; PASSED SA Motion and second to amend Resolution #1; VOTE: ; PASSED SA Motion and second to call the question (end discussion) on Resolution #1; VOTE: ; PASSED SA Motion and second to adopt Resolution #1 as amended (shown above); VOTE: ; PASSED 38

16 Bishop Prois announced that assembly offerings total $22, Rev. Lorna Halaas presented Lay School of Ministry Graduate recognitions: Terry Mogensen John Kitch Tim Johnson Bruce Radkte Lu Ann Bohnet John Glant Bill Enke Ramsey Steen Josh Peterson Bishop Prois recognized the outgoing Synod Council and installed the new Synod Council. SA Bishop Prois called for a motion and a second to adjourn the assembly. Voice vote: PASSED Bishop Prois led the closing assembly litany. The assembly ended at 1:15 PM. Respectfully submitted, Karen Post Western Iowa Synod Secretary 39