Western Iowa Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Transcription

1 Western Iowa Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 2018 Synod Assembly June 8 th 10 th 1

2 Table of Contents Pg. 3 Pg. 4-6 Pg. 6 Pg. 6 Pg. 7-8 Pg Pg Pg Pg. 22 Pg Pg. 25 Pg Pg Pg Pg Pg Pg. 57 Pg. 58 Pg Pg. 61 Preliminary Agenda Standing Rules for the 2018 Synod Assembly Policy on Distribution of Materials at the Synod Assembly Report from 2018 Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel Policy for Handling Resolutions at the Synod Assembly 2018 Resolutions 2018 Report of Nominations Report of the Bishop Report of the Vice-President 2018 Assembly Roster Update 2018 Assembly Ordination and Congregation Anniversaries Report of the Secretary Minutes of 2017 Synod Assembly Report of the Treasurer Financial Reports 2017 Mission Support Report Report from Rev. Jeff Ungs, Director of Evangelical Mission/Assistant to the Bishop Report from Rev. Lorna Halaas, Director of Missional Development/Assistant to the Bishop Report from Cindy Wells Director for Global Missions Report from Lynn Egesdal, Deacon Admin Assistant to the Bishop/Faith Formation Coordinator/Communication Coordinator 2

3 Western Iowa Synod ELCA 2018 Synod Assembly Preliminary Agenda June 8th - 10th, 2018 Theme: We Are Church For the Sake of the World Friday, June 8th 9:30 am Pre-Assembly Trinity/Sioux City (Rostered/TEEM Leaders) Sioux City Convention Center th Street, Sioux City, Iowa :30-3:00 pm ALICE/Active Shooter Training - optional, open to anyone 2:00 pm Assembly check-in opens 3:00 pm New Voting Member Orientation 4:00 pm Opening Worship - Gallery AB 5:30 pm Evening Meal - Gallery C 6:30 pm Plenary 1 - Gallery AB 9:00 pm Optional Activities Saturday, June 9th 6:30 am 5k Walk/run 8:30 am Opening devotions Plenary 2 - Gallery AB 10:15 am Break w/morning snacks 12:15 pm Lunch & Displays 1:00 pm Forum 1 - breakout rooms 2:00 pm Forum 2 - breakout rooms 2:45 pm Break 3:00 pm Plenary 3 - Gallery AB 5:30 pm Evening Vespers - Gall AB 6:00 pm Light meal & Ministry Fair - Gallery AB 7:30 pm Music Fest w/glocal Musicians - Gallery AB Sunday, June 10th 8:45 am Opening Devotion/ Plenary 4 - Gallery AB 9:35 am Break w/morning snack 10:00 am Closing worship-galleryab 11:30 pm On our way rejoicing 3

4 Western Iowa Synod ELCA Standing Rules for the 2018 Synod Assembly 1. Sessions. All sessions of the Synod Assembly shall begin promptly at the place and hour specified. 2. Registration. Everyone attending the Synod Assembly must register. Early bird (by May 1) registration fees are: Voting Members $195; non-voting visitor $170; retired, not serving a congregation $100. After the specified date the amount will go up $30 per person. Paid registration for the assembly and one night in hotel for Anniversary Pastor Retired & not serving a congregation to include spouse. Walk in cost for everyone $240. This entitles each registrant to a Synod Assembly agenda and assembly nametag marked to include assembly meals. Vendor/display $75 (no meals included) - please register as a visitor if you'd like meals - before May 1 st ; Vendor/display $95 (no meals included) - please register as a visitor if you'd like meals - after May 1st 3. Assembly Voting Members. Voting Members of the Synod Assembly shall be designated by congregations and otherwise determined in accord with Chapter 7 of the Constitution of the Western Iowa Synod, ELCA. Any individual otherwise qualified to be a Voting Member of the Assembly, shall not be permitted seat, vote or voice until after completing registration. 3.1 Authorize Synodically Authorized Ministers and full-communion partner rostered persons serving ELCA congregations voice and vote privileges. Congregations with SAMS or TEEM (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) candidates are afforded an additional lay voting member to account for the SAM or TEEM candidate, who is considered a lay voting member. 4. Voting Member Credentialing. All Voting Members of the Synod Assembly must also present themselves to the check-in table for Voting Members, and receive a registration packet, before being seated at the Assembly. This registration step entitles each Voting Member to an electronic voting remote. 5. Registration Closes. Registration for each session of the assembly shall close at the scheduled time for the session to begin. 6. Order of Business. The adoption of the Synod Assembly agenda, with necessary changes, shall become the order of business for the Assembly. 7. Quorum. One half of the registered voting members of the Synod Assembly shall constitute a quorum. 8. Decorum and Etiquette. Respect, dignity, civility and courtesy shall be guidelines for the tone and content of all Assembly discussion. Behavior outside these guidelines and which continues after warning shall be grounds for the assembly chair to restrict any further privilege of the floor. 9. Privilege of the Floor. Privilege of the floor shall be granted only in accord with Chapter 7 of the Constitution of the Western Iowa Synod, ELCA. Privilege of the floor for Voting Members shall include seat, voice and vote. Privilege of the floor for non-voting members or guests shall include seat only, unless otherwise designated by the Synod Assembly or the Synod Council in accordance with S7.24. No Voting Member shall speak more than three (3) times on the same subject during a session, nor longer than two (2) minutes at one time. A second or third time to speak on one subject may be granted only after all other Voting Members desiring to speak on the subject have had the opportunity to do so. Any 4

5 Voting Member desiring the floor shall rise, approach one of the authorized microphones, and when recognized by the Assembly Chair, state his/her name and the name and location of her/his congregation. A Voting Member must move to one of the authorized microphones to move to end debate. 10. Voting Procedure. To be eligible to vote, a Voting Member must be seated in the assembly. No proxy or absentee voting is permitted. A two-thirds vote of voting members present and voting is required for adoption of amendments to the constitution and by-laws of the Western Iowa Synod, to add an item of new business to the agenda, and to appropriate funds, whether by amendment to the budget or otherwise, without the approval of the Synod Council (WIS Constitution S ). A majority vote of voting members present and voting is required for approval of the Western Iowa Synod budget, resolutions, and other actions as specified in Robert s Rules of Order. Votes will be taken by electronic vote and/or with green and red voting cards. 11. Elections. All elections shall be by electronic vote and/or written vote. A person making a nomination from the floor must be certain that the nominee will accept the position if elected and be prepared to provide the biographical information. The wearing of promotional buttons or slogans, the distribution of material or the carrying of placards to promote one nominee over another is not permitted at any time. 12. Motions and Resolutions. The following procedure applies to all motions or resolutions offered to the Assembly. a. Any voting member of the Synod Assembly desiring to add an item of new business to the agenda of the Synod Assembly shall present such an item to the chair no later than one-half hour following the close of the first plenary session of the Assembly. The Assembly Chair shall immediately refer it to the Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel. (WIS Constitution, Section S ) b. Every motion or resolution submitted to the Synod Assembly and its Committee for Assembly Business and Counsel shall be presented to the Assembly in whole or part or by reference to the published reports. In presenting motions or resolutions, the Committee for Assembly Business and Counsel shall take one of the following actions: To report a resolution or motion and recommend its adoption. To report a resolution or motion and recommend its adoption with amendment. To report a resolution or motion and recommend its defeat. To report a resolution or motion and offer a substitute resolution. To report a resolution or motion and recommend that the matter be referred by the bishop to an appropriate council, board or committee. To report a resolution as information (A two-thirds vote of the Synod Assembly shall be required to consider a resolution reported as information.) (WIS Constitution S e). c. Any motion to amend a motion or resolution properly before the Assembly and recognized by the Assembly Chair as part of the order of business, is subject to an initial determination by the Assembly Chair as to whether said motion to amend is germane to the specific subject matter of the motion or resolution then under consideration by the Assembly, before any discussion of that motion to amend shall proceed after it is seconded. If the ruling of the Assembly Chair is that the motion to amend is germane, further discussion and action by the Assembly on that motion to amend shall proceed. If the ruling of the Assembly Chair is that the motion to amend is not germane, the motion to amend will be referred immediately and without further discussion to the Committee for Assembly Business and Counsel, which shall take one of the actions described in Rule 11b, in connection with reporting the motion to amend back to the Assembly at a later time consistent with the order of business. 5

6 d. All actions taken by the Assembly shall be consistent with the Constitution, By-laws and documents of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Western Iowa Synod, ELCA. 13. Reports. All Synod committee or other reports to the Assembly shall be written. They shall be computer produced, type written or legibly handwritten on 8½ x 11 inch white bond paper, and presented to the Assembly Chair before any oral presentation of the report is given to the Assembly. The reporting person and/or committee shall be identified at the beginning of the report. The committee chair or other responsible person for the report shall sign it. The reporting speaker giving the oral report may present the entire report or highlights from it, at her/his option or at the discretion of the Assembly Chair. Except by prearrangement as a part of the Synod Assembly agenda or by additional time granted by the Assembly Chair, no oral report to the Assembly should exceed fifteen (15) minutes in length. In the interest of time anyone giving a report shall address the Assembly Chair only. 14. Governing Parliamentary Law. In matters pertaining to Parliamentary Law or procedure, Robert s Rules of Order Newly Revised, latest edition, shall govern, except where inconsistent with the Constitution and By-laws of the Western Iowa Synod, ELCA or these Standing Rules of the Assembly. 15. Distribution of Materials. Distribution of materials at the Assembly shall be in accordance with the Policy on Distribution of Materials at the Synod Assembly as adopted by the Synod Council. POLICY ON DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS AT THE SYNOD ASSEMBLY. Materials produced by the synod staff, networks and committees may be distributed to voting members and visitors at the synod assembly convention center as long as such materials are relevant to the overall work of the synod. Synod staff, networks and committees may distribute materials produced by other organizations as long as such materials are directly related to the work of the synod or its boards, committees or networks. Agencies and institutions that are directly related to the Western Iowa Synod may, with the approval of the Assembly Business and Counsel committee, distribute materials at the assembly convention center that interpret their work and their relationship with the synod. Other organizations or individuals who want to distribute materials at the assembly convention center must receive advance approval from the Assembly Business and Counsel Committee. Such materials must be submitted to the ABC Committee for review prior to distribution. Approval will be granted on a case-by-case basis. Material approved for distribution shall further the mission of the Western Iowa synod and its congregations. The purpose of this policy is to foster the effective working of the voting members of the assembly in conducting the work of the synod, to encourage support of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and to insure fairness in response to a variety of requests Report of the Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel Committee Members: Pr. Erma Wolf, Chr; Gail Schilmoeller, sec, Synod Council; Bishop Rodger Prois, ex officio; Karen Post, ex officio; Kim Gayer, Ann Goebel, Pr. Katherine Russell, Pr. Eric Alm, Linda Clarke, Brian Campbell, Synod Council; Pr. Tom Hagen, Lynn Egesdal, Team member. 6

7 The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel (ABC Committee) is described in the Synod Constitution, Section S Two constitutional provisions govern assembly business and parliamentary procedure: S Any voting member of the Synod Assembly desiring to add an item of new business to the agenda of the Synod Assembly shall present such an item to the chair no later than one-half hour following the close of the first plenary session of the Assembly. The chair shall immediately refer it to the Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel. S e. Every motion or resolution submitted to the Synod Assembly and its Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel shall be presented to the Assembly in whole or part or by reference to the published reports. In presenting motions or resolutions, the Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel shall take one of the following actions: 1) to report a resolution or motion and recommend its adoption 2) to report a resolution or motion and recommend its adoption with amendment 3) to report a resolution or motion and recommend its defeat 4) to report a resolution or motion and offer a substitute resolution 5) to report a resolution or motion and recommend that the matter be referred by the bishop to an appropriate council, board, or committee 6) to report a resolution as information (A two-thirds vote of the Synod Assembly shall be required to consider a resolution reported as information.) Policy for Handling Resolutions at the Synod Assembly At its meeting on September 15, 2001, the Western Iowa Synod Council took the following action: SC TO AFFIRM the ABC Committee recommendation that any resolution not submitted prior to February 20, 2002 or through the synod council for consideration at the 2002 assembly will be referred to the appropriate committee or reported as information to the assembly. In future years, resolutions should be submitted 60 days prior to the start of the assembly to be considered at the assembly. The Assembly Business and Council committee had asked the synod council for this affirmation. The ABC committee is instituting this change in procedure for two reasons. First, they are responding to complaints that assembly members have made in the past. Many members have been frustrated at not having enough time to consider resolutions that are not available to assembly members until the assembly has already begun to meet. They have noted that most of these last minute resolutions are not addressed to issues that have just surfaced and that they could easily have been submitted much earlier. Secondly, at the last assembly the ABC committee itself struggled to deal with such last minute resolutions. Frequently the language needed to be reworked to communicate the intent of the authors while still making sense to assembly members. Several resolutions addressed the same issue and needed to be combined. The committee had to wrestle with the recommendations they should make to the assembly concerning these last minute resolutions. The committee believes that trying to do this on the first evening of the assembly does not allow them to do their work effectively. Accordingly, the ABC committee is setting April 6 th, 2018 as the cutoff date for submitting resolutions for consideration at the 2018 assembly. This will allow these resolutions to appear in the pre-assembly report along with a recommendation from the ABC committee. Any resolutions received after that date will 7

8 either be referred to the appropriate committee or submitted to the assembly as information. The only exception will be for resolutions coming to the committee from the synod council. This change in policy is not intended to stifle the consideration of important issues at the assembly. Rather, its intent is that resolutions be handled in an orderly manner and that assembly members should have adequate time for discussion and deliberation. The committee wants to stress that the assembly still has the final say concerning resolutions it wants to consider. Any resolution that is reported as information can still be brought to the floor for consideration by a 2/3 vote of the assembly. Since recent assemblies have made changes in the agenda by a similar vote, it is not unreasonable to expect that the members could take up a resolution if they chose to do so. 8

9 RESOLUTIONS 1. Amend the Western Iowa Synod Constitution Presented by Synod Council this amendment was before the 2017 Western Iowa Synod Assembly as Resolution #2 and is brought forward for adoption according to S18.13.a. of the Western Iowa Synod ELCA Constitution. WHEREAS the Western Iowa Synod Constitution is the governing document for the synod, the following constitutional changes are noted as additions and deletions: Chapter 3. TERRITORY S3.01. The territory of this synod, as determined by the Churchwide Assembly, shall be: the counties of Adair, Adams, Audubon, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Cherokee, Clay, Crawford, Dickinson, Emmet, Fremont, Greene, Guthrie, Hamilton (west), Hancock (west), Harrison, Humboldt, Ida, Kossuth, Lyon, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, O'Brien, Osceola, Page, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Sac, Shelby, Sioux, Taylor, Union, Webster, Winnebago (west), Woodbury, Wright (west) in the state of Iowa. Chapter 7. SYNOD ASSEMBLY S The regular meeting of the Synod Assembly shall be called annually by the Synod Council. The time and place of the Western Iowa Synod Assembly shall be determined by the Synod Council. The time and place of the next regular Synod Assembly shall be announced at each assembly, or at least ninety days prior to the Synod Aassembly. S7.27. This synod may establish processes through the Synod Council to grant a minister of Word and Sacrament from a church body with which a relationship of full communion has been declared and established by the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America the privilege of both voice and vote in the Synod Assembly during the period of that minister s service in a congregation of this church. S All elections shall be by written ballot.elections shall be held by written or electronic ballot, with the exception of uncontested elections, which may be by voice. In preparing the ballot, the Credentials and Elections Committee shall identify on the ballot those eligible and nominated for reelection. Additional nominations for assembly elections may be made for any position if supported by ten voting members of the Synod Assembly. The voting member presenting the nomination shall secure from the nominee assurance of her/his willingness to serve if elected. The nominee shall have all of the requirements of the position (in order to meet the criteria of S6.04.) 9

10 Additional nominations, including biographical information, shall be made to the secretary no later than one-half hour following the close of the first plenary session of the Synod Assembly. S The Credentials and Elections Committee shall f. (when written ballots are used,) prepare printed ballots, supervise the voting and counting of ballots, and report to the Synod Assembly and to the Secretary. When electronic ballots are used, review the ballot prior to voting, supervise the voting, report to the Synod Assembly and to the Secretary. Chapter 8. OFFICERS S8.52. S8.55. The terms of the officers shall begin as follows: a. Bishop: on the first day of the third month following election; b. Vice President and Secretary: on the first day of the next month following election; c. Treasurer: on the first day of the fiscal year following the Synod Assembly., or, inunder special circumstances, the Synod Council may designate different beginning dates, as deemed necessary.at a time designated by the Synod Council, with the exception of the treasurer, who shall begin on the first day of the fiscal year following the Synod Assembly Should the vice president, secretary, or treasurer die, resign, or be unable to serve, the bishop, with the approval of the Executive Committee of the Synod Council, shall arrange for the appropriate care of the responsibilities of the officer until an election of a new officer can be held or, in the case of temporary disability, until the officer is able to serve again. The successor officers will finish out the term of the original officer. The term of the successor officer, elected by the next Synod Assembly, shall be four years. If the treasurer is appointed by the Synod Council, the Synod Council shall appoint a new treasurer to a four-year term. Chapter 9. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS S9.03. There shall be a Nominating Committee consisting of five to seven members to serve for each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. Persons placed on the ballot for the Nominating Committee should represent different conferences and comply with criteria of S6.04. Additional nominations may be made from the floor for all elections for which the nominations are made by the Nominating Committee. From the twelve conferences, the Synod Council shall designate, on a rotating basis, five conferences, each of which shall submit two or more names to be placed on the ballot for election of the Nominating Committee. The Synod Assembly shall then elect five persons to serve the next regular Synod Assembly as the Nominating Committee. A sixth member may be appointed by the Synod Council to serve on the committee at the next regular Synod Assembly to meet the criteria of *S

11 S9.05.a. The Nominating Committee shall nominate at least four persons at large from within the synod, at least four youth, and at least four persons of color or language other than English to the Synod Council. S9.11. The Synod Council shall elect or appoint representatives to the steering committee of its region. Chapter 10. SYNOD COUNCIL Of the other members of the Synod Council, in addition to positions for synod officers and one youth representative designated in S10.01, there shall be one position reserved for a representative of each conference, twofour positions reserved for at-large representation, two positions reserved for persons of color and/or persons whose primary language is other than English, and one position reserved for an additional youth representative young adult. S If a member of the Synod Council ceases to meet the requirements of the position to which she or he was elected, the office filled by such member shall at once become vacant. If a Synod Council member misses 3 consecutive meetings without notice, the office will be considered vacant and a replacement may be appointed by the Synod Council immediately, or elected at the next Synod Assembly to finish the term. Chapter 11. COMMITTEES S The required Audit Committee is known in the Western Iowa Synod as the Finance Committee. Refer to S11.11.C98. S11.01.A96The Executive Committee shall: d. perform an annual evaluation of the bishop or review the evaluation of another party such as a Mutual Ministry Committee; e. prepare approve a recommendation of staff salaries for Council approval; S Official notices of the synod shall be published both in THE LUTHERAN and in the synod periodical, and items of synodical interest shall be published regularly in the synod periodical. Chapter 12. CONFERENCES, CLUSTERS, COALITIONS, OR OTHER AREA SUBDIVISIONS S The Synod Council shall determine the structure and organization of the conferences. Refer to Appendix A for a list of conferences and congregations. 11

12 Chapter 13. CONGREGATIONS S Congregations of this synod are to provide costs of lodging, meals, and transportation to the Synod Assembly for their voting members. The provisions for reimbursing expenses of ministers of Word and Sacrament and ministers of Word and Service attending the Synod Assembly shall be embodied in all calls issued. This synod shall provide a per diem for retired ministers of Word and Sacrament attending the Synod Assembly. Chapter 14. ROSTERED MINISTERS S Ministers of Word and Service S The minister of Word and Service shall become a member of the congregation upon receipt and acceptance of the letter of call. In a parish of multiple congregations, the minister of Word and Service shall hold membership in one of the congregations. S S S Each minister of Word and Service on the roster of this synod shall submit a report of his or her ministry to the bishop of the synod at least 90 days prior to each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. Ministers of Word and Service shall confer with the bishop of this synod before accepting a call within this synod.no minister of Word and Service shall accept a call without first conferring with the bishop of this synod. A minister of Word and Service shall respond with an answer of acceptance or declination to a letter of call within 30 days of receipt of such call. In exceptional circumstances with the approval of the bishop of this synod and the chair of the Congregation Council of the congregation issuing the call, an additional 15 days may be granted to respond to a letter of call. All ministers of Word and Service under a call shall attend meetings of the Synod Assembly, and ministers of Word and Service of congregations shall also attend meetings of the conference, cluster, coalition, or other area subdivision to which the congregation belongs. Chapter 15. FINANCIAL MATTERS S The Synod Assembly shall determine in each budget, when funds are available, an amount of money to be equally divided among the conferences. Each conference shall use the money for its own purposes. S In preparing each budget of the synod, the Synod Council shall hold hearings at which the committees, boards and other organizations receiving stated support through the synod budget shall be invited to consult with the 12

13 Synod Council or its appointees to present full statements of their operations, the financial needs of their current work, and the budgetary implications of advance programs which they have in view for the year under consideration. There shall also be a hearing for any member of the synod to address the preparation of the synod budget. S The Synod Council shall be responsible for developing guidelines for congregations for determining the congregations' "proportionate share" of this synod's budget and shall consult with congregational leaders to assist each congregation in making its determination of offerings and gifts to this synod. S A reserve shall be established (of not less than two months nor more than four months) to cover operating expenses in case of catastrophic conditions. ### APPENDIX A WESTERN IOWA SYNOD CONFERENCES S12.01.B12.There shall bethe six (6) conferences in the synod. They shall be are listed below and include the following congregations: Winds of Hope Conference In Lyon County 1. Immanuel (George) 2. Bethlehem (Inwood) 3. Immanuel (Rock Rapids) In Osceola County 1. American (Melvin) 2. Trinity (Sibley) In Sioux County 1. American (Hawarden) 2. Our Savior s (Rock Valley) 3. Hope (Sioux Center) In O'Brien County 1. Siloam (Paullina) 2. Grace (Primghar) In Clay County 1. Bethany (Spencer) 2. Trinity (Spencer) In Plymouth County 1. Immanuel (Akron) 2. St. John (Akron) 3. Trinity (Akron) 4. St. Peter (Brunsville) 5. St. John (Craig) 6. Christ (Le Mars) 7. St. John (Le Mars) 8. St. John (Merrill) 9. St. Paul (Merrill) 10. St. Paul (Remsen) In Cherokee County 1. Bethlehem (Cherokee) 2. Faith (Marcus) In Buena Vista County 1. Our Savior s (Albert City) 2. St. John (Albert City) 3. Immanuel (Alta) 4. Trinity (Alta) 5. Trinity (Linn Grove) 6. Grace (Marathon) 7. Nain (Newell) 8. Our Saviors (Rembrandt) 9. First (Sioux Rapids) 10. St. Mark (Storm Lake) ****************************************************************************** 13

14 Seeds of Faith Conference In Dickinson County 1. First (Milford) 2. Grace (Spirit Lake) In Emmet County 1. Nazareth (Armstrong) 2. Estherville (Estherville) 3. Trinity (Estherville) 4. United (Ringsted) 5. Wallingford, (Wallingford) In Palo Alto County 1. St. John (Cylinder) 2. Bethany (Emmetsburg) 3. Bethel (Graettinger) 4. Lost Island (Ruthven) In Kossuth County 1. First (Algona) 2. St. Paul (Lakota) 3. Good Hope (Titonka) 4. Immanuel (Titonka) In Winnebago County 1. Bethlehem (Buffalo Center) 1. Immanuel (Forest City) 2. Zion (Rake) 3. Bethany (Thompson) In Hancock County 1. First (Britt) 2. St. John (Corwith) 3. Kanawha (Kanawha) 4. St. John s (Woden) ****************************************************************************** Living Waters Conference In Woodbury County 1. Salem (Correctionville) 2. St. John (Cushing) 3. Trinity (Moville) 4. New Life (Sergeant Bluff) 5. Augustana (Sioux City) 6. First (Sioux City) 7. Immanuel (Sioux City) 8. Riverside (Sioux City) 9. St. John (Sioux City) 10. St. Luke (Sioux City) 11. St. Mark (Sioux City) 12. Trinity (Sioux City) In Monona County 1. Faith (Onawa) 2. Soldier (Soldier) In Ida County 1. St. Paul Evangelical (Holstein) In Crawford County 1. Bethel (Kiron) In Sac County 1. Faith (Odebolt) ****************************************************************************** Hands of Hope Conference In Pocahontas County 1. St. Paul (Palmer) 2. St. Peter (Pocahontas) In Calhoun County 1. Augustana Evangelical (Manson) 2. St. Paul Evangelical (Manson) 3. Elfsborg (Pomeroy) 4. St. John (Pomeroy) 5. St. Paul's (Rockwell City) In Humboldt County - 1. Our Saviour's (Humboldt) 2. Trinity (Ottosen) 3. St. Paul (Renwick) 4. Trinity (Rutland) In Webster County 1. Immanuel (Burnside) 2. Emanuel (Dayton) 3. Washington (Duncombe) 4. Christ (Fort Dodge) 5. Grace (Fort Dodge) 6. St. Olaf (Fort Dodge) 7. The Church of the Damascus Road (Fort Dodge) 14

15 8. Zion (Gowrie) 9. Faith (Harcourt) 10. Fulton (Moorland) 11. South Enes (Vincent) In Wright County 1. First (Clarion) (none) In Hamilton County 2.1. Trinity (Webster City) In Boone County 1. Trinity (Boxholm) In Sac County 1. Emanuel-St. John (Lytton) ****************************************************************************** Rivers of Grace Conference In Monona County 1. Bethesda (Moorhead) In Harrison County 1. St. John (Dunlap) 2. St. Paul (Missouri Valley) In Pottawattamie County 1. Emanuel (Council Bluffs) 2. Our Savior's (Council Bluffs) 3. St. John (Council Bluffs) 4. St. Paul (Treynor) 5. Underwood (Underwood) In Carroll County 1. St. John (Carroll) 2. Ascension (Coon Rapids) In Audubon County 1. Ebenezer (Audubon) 2. Brayton (Brayton) 3. Exira (Exira) 4. Bethany (Kimballton) 5. Immanuel (Kimballton) In Cass County 1. St. Paul's (Atlantic) 2. Faith (Griswold) In Greene County 1. Christ (Jefferson) In Adair County 1. Good Shepherd (Adair) (none) ****************************************************************************** Abundant Fields Conference In Mills County 1. St. John (Mineola) In Fremont County 1. St. Paul (Northboro) In Montgomery County 1. Bethlehem (Red Oak) 2. Mamrelund (Stanton) 3. Tabor (Stanton) 4. Strand (Villisca) In Page County 1. Bethesda (Clarinda) 2. St. John s (Essex) 3. Fremont (Red Oak) 4. Emmanuel (Shenandoah) In Union County 1. Salem (Creston) ****************************************************************************** RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod Constitution be amended. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. 15

16 2. Western Iowa Synod 2019 Compensation Guidelines Submitted by: Western Iowa Synod Council WHEREAS, congregations call rostered leaders to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ ; and WHEREAS, congregations desire to provide for the financial, spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of those called to serve them; and WHEREAS, the compensation guidelines have been developed by the Synod Council for congregational use; 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. 3. Adopt the Budget Submitted by: Western Iowa Synod Council RESOLVED, that the Assembly of the Western Iowa Synod ELCA adopt the revised budget for the fiscal year beginning February 1, 2018, 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. 16

17 Sample Ballot for 2018 Synod Assembly AT LARGE: Officer/Executive Committee Synod Secretary 4 year term (Vote for 1) Rev. Jim Mossman St. Paul s, Rockwell City (Hands of Hope Conference) Dagna Simmons St. Mark, Sioux City (Living Waters Conference) Youth Synod council (Vote for 1) Kaylynne Patterson Trinity, Sioux City (Living Waters Conference) KayLynn Ridgely St. Paul s, Rockwell City (Hands of Hope Conference) 2019 Churchwide assembly voting members: (vote by category) Lay female (Vote for 3) Janis Campbell Bethany, Emmetsburg (Seeds of Faith Conference) Lisa Franco St. Luke, Sioux City (Living Waters Conference) Laurel Pierson - St. John, Carroll (Rivers of Grace Conference) Diane Vavek St. Paul s, Rockwell City (Hands of Hope Conference) Lay Male (Vote for 2) Daniel Holste Our Saviour s, Humboldt (Hands of Hope Conference) Carl Norquist Immanuel, Sioux City (Living Waters Conference) Bill Peters Hope, Sioux Center (Winds of Hope Conference) Jim Post Immanuel, Titonka (Seeds of Faith Conference) Youth/Young adult (Vote for 1) Jenee Eden Immanuel, Titonka (Seeds of Faith Conference) Person of Color/Language other than English (Vote for 1) Pastor James Rut Thanksgiving South Sudanese, Council Bluffs (Rivers of Grace Conference) Clergy (Vote for 4) Rev. Shawn Brooks Christ, Le Mars; St. Peter, Brunsville (Winds of Hope Conference) Rev. Lorna Halaas St. Mark, Sioux City (Living Waters Conference) Rev. Rod Hopp Immanuel, Forest City (Seeds of Faith Conference) Rev. Cindy Johnson St. John, Carroll (Rivers of Grace Conference) Rev. Lissa Kahl On leave of call (Hands of Hope Conference) SYNOD COMMITTEES: NOMINATING COMMITTEE: 1 year term (5 to be elected Vote for 3 lay persons and 2 clergy) Lay person Male or Female Karen Post Immanuel, Titonka (Seeds of Faith Conference) Lay Female OPEN (Rivers of Grace Conference) Lay Male OPEN (Abundant Fields Conference) Clergy OPEN (Winds of Hope Conference) OPEN (Hands of Hope Conference) 17

18 ABC COMMITTEE 2 year term (3 to be elected Vote for 1 in each category.) Lay female OPEN (Rivers of Grace) Lay Male Randy Popkes Immanuel, George (Winds of Hope Conference) Clergy Rev. Willie Rosin First, Britt (Seeds of Faith Conference) CONSULTATION COMMITTEE: 4 YEAR TERM (3 to be elected Vote for 1 in each category) Lay Female OPEN (Abundant Fields Conference) Lay Male OPEN (Living Waters Conference) Clergy OPEN (Rivers of Grace Conference) DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE: 6 YEAR TERM (7 to be elected Vote for 3 lay persons and 4 clergy) Lay Female: 5 year term to fill vacancy OPEN (Winds of Hope Conference) Lay Male: 4 year term OPEN (Abundant Fields Conference) 6 year term OPEN (Rivers of Grace Conference) Clergy : 3 year term to fill vacancy OPEN (Hands of Hope Conference) 4 year term to fill vacancy Rev. Jay Denne St. Luke, Sioux City (Living waters Conference) 5 year term to fill vacancy OPEN (Abundant Fields Conference) 6 year term Rev. Cindy Johnson St. John, Carroll (Rivers of Grace Conference) SYNOD COUNCIL: 3 YEAR TERM (4 to be elected Vote for 2 lay female, 1 lay male, and 1 clergy) Lay female: Kathy McEnelly Immanuel, Forest City (Seeds of Faith Conference) Nancy Peters Hope, Sioux Center (Winds of Hope Conference) Lay Male: OPEN (Abundant Fields Conference) Clergy: OPEN (Rivers of Grace) 18

19 Bishop s Report to the Synod Reverend Rodger C. Prois June 8, 2018 Most of us go regularly for a health check-up with our doctors, we take our cars to a mechanic for oil changes and check-ups, we get energy audits from utility companies, and we periodically have our computers scanned and cleaned up, to name just a few similar activities. I submit to you, with this report, a brief check-up on the health of the Western Iowa Synod, (a.k.a. The Lutheran Church of Western Iowa, ELCA). I have used the following text from Isaiah 58 to guide my thoughts: 11 The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. NRSV There is a list of laments offered earlier in this chapter of Isaiah, then the author reminds them of their turned inward behavior and what they could be doing, and here in verse 11 is a restatement of what God has promised and turns the negative to positive. Throughout 2017 we remembered the work and teachings of Martin Luther as we commemorated the 500 th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation. Last June the theme of our assembly was We are Lutheran: Opening Doors. We lifted the idea that the Reformation was about opening doors to new possibilities with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Reformation was essentially an attempt to change the trends of a church that had lost its focus on Christ and the Cross. Changing the prevailing trends in the synod has been the work of my team and I since taking office in 2013, with the primary goal of strengthening intra-synodical relations, while allowing our companion relationships in Tanzania and Chile to mature. Essentially, turning the negative to positive. A synod check-up is, by its very nature, multifaceted and complex. I will attempt to keep this report on track using the Wholeness Wheel that Portico Benefits has been holding up for many years. There are six areas to examine; Social Interpersonal, Emotional, Physical, Financial, Vocational, and Intellectual. These are centered on our baptism in Christ and surrounded by Spiritual Wellbeing. Social Interpersonal When talking with congregational leadership I will often state that it is my firm belief that God started the congregations in our area so that the people in the community where the churches are planted could hear the Gospel and have access to our unique Lutheran witness. The assumption that God has bigger plans for the church pushes us to move outside the walls and engage those who are our neighbors. Today many of our neighbors are significantly different than us. I am encouraging, no pleading, that every member of the synod consider what it might mean to redefine our concept of neighbor. To give us a platform for conversation I have initiated Changing Hearts in the Heartland. This is an attempt to explore the difference of cultures and celebrate that difference with the hope of learning from, rather than changing, those different from us. Also on the Social/Interpersonal area of interest it is good to note that over 50% of the congregations in the WIS are in shared ministry agreements. While some have entered into these arrangements so that they could afford half of pastor s compensation package, others are now finding that their partner congregations have interesting people who share similar values and have common interests. I have heard of partnerships meeting for pot-lucks, picnics, and joint youth groups. Two of the conferences in the synod have regular gathering for Ministers that have an educational component, but mostly for support and socializing. 19

20 Emotional When I came into the area 8 years ago many of the pastors I met were more like Eeyore than Tigger. I have encouraged them to find talk therapists, like Pr. Judith Johnson, who deal with issues of church leaders that can drive a person into the doldrums. It is still my hope that we can develop a Mental Health Network for long term support and learning. Physical This is an area of growth for many of us. Portico tells us that the pool of those in the ELCA plan are less healthy than other groups with many indicators of stress and bad habits. There are some who are working to change this reality. Deacon Lynn Egesdal, and others, are intentionally changing their life style choices and have great stories to tell of renewed energy, greater mental acuity, and smaller clothes. We should also consider the physical plants that are the congregations of the synod. The roster of congregations in the WIS remained at 130 with no closures or moves to disaffiliate. There are 49,700 baptised members in those congregations, with 1508 of them new by baptism, affirmation of faith, or transfer in. There were 579 deaths, 469 transfers out, and 1459 statistical adjustments, for a net loss in baptized membership of 1, % are white. 57% of our congregations have worship numbers of 75 or less and 50% have fewer than 350 members. Financial Last summer s drought conditions were very concerning for many who grow the food so the world can eat. I am told that once the crops were in the situation wasn t as dire as feared. High yields were experience in many areas, almost making up for low grain prices. Some congregations report that offerings were at least up to the previous year with a few reporting receipts over their budget. I am thankful for all congregations who support our joint work in the Western Iowa Synod and am elated to report that we Mission Support receipts were on budget and ahead of Pr. Jeff Ungs and I have prepared a new narrative budget that graphically demonstrates where the synod revenues are realized and distributed. An important fact to consider is that nearly ½ of those monies we send on to ELCA Churchwide are returned to us in grants or Pr. Ungs position support. Total giving to congregations was $19.3 million, of which $881,000 was shared with WIS. Mission Support dollars submitted to day in 2018 are lagging behind last year. We have not been able to determine causes for this and hope we might hear from Treasurers in congregations with local conditions. Vocational In this category I need to speak of our candidacy process and how we are preparing people to be Ministers of Word and Service, or Ministers of Word and Sacrament. Early in my service as Bishop I became aware that not everyone wanted to serve in this territory, not all congregations could afford a traditionally educated pastor, and some situations required adaptive solutions. The WIS has become one of the leading synods in the use of Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) candidates. There are currently 15 in candidacy in the TEEM program, and we have another 4 who are seeking a Masters of Divinity degree. As I have said before, The church is not dying, it is merely changing. I am currently examining the possibilities of using Synodically Authorized Ministers in congregations were that will be the most reasonable way to provide regular leadership. A sub-committee of the Synod Council has been formed to establish guidelines and give shape to this new effort. We are also exploring other modifications to the candidacy requirements that would encourage more to consider a ministry vocation. There are 157 Word and Sacrament leaders on the roster of the WIS. 65 are retired, 89 are serving congregation. 47% of those serving congregations are over 60 years old. There are 7 Word and Service leaders with 1 serving a congregation, and 4 retired. Intellectual A major focus of our work together must be providing solid Continuing Education opportunities for all rostered people and have the elected leaders of congregations urge their pastors and deacons to avail themselves of that education. The church is one of the few, if not the only, professional organization that does not require those who lead to engage in intellectual pursuits. I am pleased with the events that have been offered like Boundaries Workshops, Theological Convocations, Discipleship Academy, Fort Dodge Forum, and now the 20

21 Sioux City Forum. I am thankful for the leadership of many of the Mission Center Team, and others who serve on networks, committees, and task forces that make these educational offerings possible. Spiritual We could stop with the above 6 areas and feel we have a well-balanced view of our work together, however any service organization could claim those same segments. It is important to remember that this is the Church and we carry an understanding that we are led by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel, Baptize, and teach all the Jesus taught us. The WIS Spirituality network now has 6 trained spiritual directors who are available to lay or clergy for guidance and encouragement leading to spiritual growth. Anyone interested in learning more about this opportunity should contact Pr. Lorna Hallas. I speak from personal testimony in that I have been working with a Spiritual Director for nearly a year and that time helps me to stay focused on the most significant work of the church, the proclamation of the Gospel. Summary Conclusion With great thanks to all who help make it so, I feel the synod is in relatively good health and we are headed in a good direction. I know that there remain areas we need to work on, but with help from the Holy Spirit we can continue to do God s mission in this territory. In this new year we will focus on being Church for the sake of the World. 21

22 Psalm 46: 1. God is our shelter and strength. VICE-PRESIDENT REPORT 2018 SYNOD ASSEMBLY A quick summary of the year may simply be joy and frustration. Joy at the continued realization and proof of God s love. Love that has no end or limits. And that God forgives our sins. Love as you are loved and forgive as you are forgiven. It has been a joy to see the growth of the Western Iowa Synod this year. Both spiritual growth and physical growth. The willingness of people to contribute to committees, boards, councils and networks is growing yearly. A sure sign of growth and confidence in the ELCA and Western Iowa Synod. As a result of that participation, the efforts and effectiveness of the Western Iowa Synod mission and vision has grown. The Synod Council has initiated some new activities in the past year. For the first time since Bishop Prois was elected, a formal review of the Bishop was conducted. The Executive Committee interviewed the synod team using a series of topics. Their responses were discussed and compiled and shared with the Bishop. Questions and responses were both constructive and acknowledged positive development. Committee members also completed the survey. The intent being to provide a direction for continuing improvement and reference positive aspects of leadership. Hopefully this will become a model for future reviews. The Executive Committee has taken some initial steps to reviewing and updating the Western Iowa Synod mission statement into a vision statement. Progress will continue throughout the year. Although it is a year away, the Bishop election is scheduled for the 2019 Synod Assembly. Some preliminary planning has begun. We have the advantage of being able to draw upon the experience of some of the planners from six years ago. The pace of planning will pick up in the near future as more people are called upon to play key roles. As many of you know, I am a graduate of the Western Iowa Synod Lay School of Ministry, as it was called at that time, and have provided pulpit supply for several congregations. It is a joy to share my faith with these congregations and also to experience their faith. For much of the last year I have filled the vacant pulpit for a congregation. I have come to better know and witness the faith of these people. I had hoped to travel with them as they determined the future of their congregation and moved towards a more complete leadership. It has been a challenge and faith building experience to be involved in a continuing position. It was frustrating to witness as forces within and outside of the congregation led them to consider withdrawing from the ELCA. They recently voted to approve withdrawal. This, of course, made it ethically impossible for me to continue pulpit supply for them. The Synod Council will continue to conduct the business of the Western Iowa Synod in the upcoming year. We will constantly appraise the focus and operation of the Synod and suggest programs and direction. As a synod, you can support and pray for these people in the next year. The next year will be exciting and challenging to the Western Iowa Synod and all members. Together we will grow in our personal faith and spread the good news of God s love and forgiveness. Brian Campbell, Western Iowa Synod Vice-president. 22

23 Roster Update June 1, 2017 May 1, 2018 Pastors New to the Western Iowa Synod: Name From To Rev. Kristine Stedje NW Synod of Wisconsin First, Sioux City Rev. Ann Albert TEEM Candidate to Ordained SWIM Deacon Lisa Johnson Northern Great Lakes Synod St John, Council Bluffs Western Iowa Synod Pastors Accepting Calls Within Synod: Name From To Rev. Brian Jack Salem, Creston First, West Okoboji Rev. David Grindberg St Olaf, Ft. Dodge First, Algona New Synodically Authorized Ministers: Name Scott Essing Shari Schwedhelm To Nain, Newell Soldier, Soldier/Faith, Onawa Seminary Graduates Accepting Western Iowa Synod Calls: Name To Western Iowa Synod Pastors Accepting Calls in Other Synods: Name From To Rev. Russell Crouthamel Emmanuel, Dayton Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod Rev. Ron Yarnell Interim Specialized Ministry Interns Serving in the Western Iowa Synod: Name Sarah Deutsch Sarah Schilcher Site Immanuel, George Lost Island/Ruthven, Bethany/Emmetsburg 23

24 Western Iowa Synod Rostered Leaders Retiring/Disability: Name Rev. Tess Panamarrow Rev. Gene Broughton Rev. Barb Chapman Rev. David Moore Rev. Jane Johnston From Immanuel, Sioux City Our Saviour s, Humboldt St John, Corwith St John, Cylinder Interim Ministry Western Iowa Synod Rostered Leaders on Leave From Call: Name Rev. Renee Tecklenberg Rev. Sherry VanLishout Rev. Matthew Manz Rev. Joy Gonnerman Rev. Marsha Smith Rev. Ben McIntire Rev. Sarah Aasheim Rev. Lissa Kahl Western Iowa Synod Rostered Leaders Removed from the Roster: Western Iowa Synod Congregations Voting to Leave ELCA St John, Cylinder Death of Rostered Leaders Rev. Noel Kropp 24

25 Rostered Leader Anniversary Report 2018 Word and Sacrament: 5 Years: Rev. Scott Dalen Rev. Sherry Van Lishout 10 Years: Rev. Beverly Wolff Rev. Janelle Siffring Rev. Joy Gonnerman Rev. Kelly Heide Rev. Lauri Boysen Rev. Troy Troftgruben 15 Years: Rev. Brian Palmer Rev. Eric Alm Rev. John Syvertson 20 Years: Rev. Jennifer Henry Rev. Kelley Pedersen 25 Years: Rev. Patricia Underberg Rev. Wayne Pfannkuch 30 Years: Rev. Barbara Kopperud Rev. Edward Ward Rev. Judith Wozniak Rev. Michael Kroona Rev. Stephen Pera 35 Years: Rev. Charles Wolff Rev. E Jon Benson Rev. Eric Kutzli Rev. Gary Landsness Rev. Jeffery Alvestad Rev. Martin Lucin Rev. Trudy Peterson 40 Years: Rev. Gene Broughton Rev. Jerry Crow Rev. Susan Stone 45 Years: Rev. Robert Kruempel Rev. Tom Dettmer 50 Years: Rev. Carlton Shaw Rev. James Little Rev. Mark Holmer Rev. Paul Bengtson Rev. Terry Hudson 55 Years: Rev. Donald Nelson Rev. Eberhard Hering Rev. Marvin Dooley Rev. Ron Spears 65 Years: Rev. Virgil Anderson Word and Service: 10 Years: Deacon Marcia Young 20 Years: Deacon Robert Burwell Jr 30 Years: Deacon Denise Lindemann Deacon Gerald Iversen Congregational Anniversaries 50 Years: Faith, Onawa 125 Years: Immanuel, George Trinity, Moville Immanuel, Rock Rapids 150 Years: Emanuel, Dayton Our Saviors, Rembrandt Wallingford, Wallingford Please let the Mission Center know ( or Julie.cook@wisynod.org) of any omissions in this list. Thank you! 25

26 Western Iowa Synod ELCA 2018 Secretary s Report The purpose of the Synod Council is to conduct synod business between assemblies SYNOD COUNCIL OFFICERS AND MEMBERS: TERM: ENDS: Bishop Pr. Rodger Prois 6 yrs 2019 Vice President Brian Campbell 4 yrs 2021 Treasurer Michael Jacobson 4 yrs 1/31/2021 Secretary Karen Post 4 yrs 2018 Conference - Abundant Fields (clergy) Pr. Brian Jack 3 yrs 2018 Conference - Hands of Hope (clergy) Pr. Jim Mossman 3 yrs 2019 Conference - Hands of Hope (lay female) Judy Lang 3 yrs 2020 Conference - Living Water (lay female) Maja Knutson 3 yrs 2019 Conference - Living Water (lay male) Blake Straton 3 yrs 2020 Conference - Rivers of Grace (lay male) (open) 3 yrs 2019 Conference - Rivers of Grace (lay female) Sandy Smith 3 yrs 2018 Conference - Seeds of Faith (clergy) Pr. Cole McCormick 3 yrs 2020 Conference - Seeds of Faith (lay male) Bruce Radtke 3 yrs 2018 Conference - Winds of Hope (clergy) Pr. Erma Wolf 3 yrs 2019 Conference - Winds of Hope (lay male) Brian Underwood 3 yrs 2020 Conference - Winds of Hope (lay female) Susan Juilfs 3 yrs 2018 At-large (lay female) Julie Sievers 3 yrs 2019 At-large (clergy) Pr. Barb Kopperud 3 yrs 2019 At-large person of color or language Antoine Cummins 3 yrs 2019 At-large young adult Gail Schilmoeller 3 yrs 2020 At-large youth (male or female) Kaylynn Ridgely 2 yrs 2018 ADVISORY MEMBERS WIS Women's Organization Lutheran Men in Mission Marlyce Hauge Dave Bohnet SYNOD COUNCIL MEETINGS July 7-8, 2017 September 22, 2017 December 9, 2017 February 6, 2018 ( ) March 17, 2018 May, 2017 ( ) THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (4 officers plus 4 Synod Council members) PROVIDES OVERSIGHT BETWEEN SYNOD COUNCIL MEETINGS Analysis of revenues and expenses 26

27 Designate assembly offerings Companion Synod program Staff compensation Synod budget with the Finance Committee Annual audit Congregation and pastoral updates Bishop evaluation Other EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS July 8, 2017 March 17, 2018 SYNOD COUNCIL BUSINESS ITEMS: ELECTED/APPOINTED SYNOD COUNCIL MEMBERS TO SERVE ON SYNOD COMMITTEES Gail Schilmoeller to the Executive Committee Julie Sievers to the Executive Committee Pr Barb Kopperud to the Executive Committee Pr Jim Mossman to the Executive Committee Gail Schilmoeller to the Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel Brian Campbell to the Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel Pr Cole McCormick to the Finance Committee Julie Sievers to the Finance Committee ITEMS FORWARDED TO ELCA CHURCH COUNCIL (none) RECEIVED REPORTS Bishop Prois Staff/team members (Pr. Halaas, Pr. Ungs, Deacon Lynn Egesdal, Cindy Wells) Vice President Treasurer Secretary 2017 Assembly evaluations Auditor s Report for 2017 from Hunzelman, Putzier & Co. Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) Western Iowa Synod Women s Organization (WISWO) CONSIDERED VARIOUS ITEMS Financial status of WIS throughout the year Companion Synod activities worldwide 2018 synod assembly activities and responsibilities Other APPOINTED SYNOD REPRESENTATIVES Jim Mohn to the Wartburg Theological Seminary Board of Directors (6 years) Dr. Jessica Pleus and Rev. Chris Meyer to the LSI Board of Directors 27

28 RECEIVED PRESENTATIONS LSI (Lutheran Service of Iowa) by Jason Lee ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate) training by the Storm Lake Police Dept Rev. Nordphrey Philip Mlangali (senior at Luther Seminary) from Southern Diocese of Tanzania APPROVED 2017 Synod Assembly minutes 2017 Mission Support to Churchwide of approx. $308,000 or 34% Scheduling the 2018 synod assembly in Sioux City on June 8-10, 2018 (Theme: We are Church for the sake of the world ) Scheduling the 2019 synod assembly in Sioux City on May 3-5, 2019 bishop election Report of 2018 assembly nominations Nomination process for the 2019 Churchwide Assembly Persons to serve on the assembly Election and Credentials Committee Designating 2018 assembly offerings to be divided between 1) the Campaign of the ECLA, 2) the WIS Fund for Leaders/Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) scholarships, and 3) the Tanzanian Center for Agriculture Development Savings and Credit Co-Operative Societies (CAD SACCOS) Collection of an in kind offering of books at the 2018 synod assembly for the 2018 Youth Gathering Standing Rules for the 2018 synod assembly Adoption of housing allowances for Bishop Rodger Prois and Pr. Lorna Halaas Established a Bishop Election Task Force RECOMMENDED for synod assembly adoption 2018 Revised WIS Budget 2019 Proposed WIS Budget 2018 Compensation Guidelines Constitutional amendment resolution (final vote) RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING PASTOR AND CONGREGATION CHANGES: ON LEAVE FROM CALL Rev. Ben McIntire Rev. Sherry Van LIshout Rev. Renee Tecklenburg Rev. Sarah Aasheim DISABILITY (none) RETIRED Rev. Barb Chapman Rev. Tess Panamarow Rev. David Moore Rev. Gene Broughton Rev. Jane Johnston REMOVED ROSTERED LEADERS (none) 28

29 ISSUED SYNOD COUNCIL LETTERS OF CALL: Rev. Lil Johnston (Sept 2015) interim ministry Rev. Jennifer Osheim-Owen specialized ministry Rev. Kelley Pederson REPORT NEW CONGREGATION (none) REPORT TERMINATION OF RELATIONSHIP WITH ELCA (none) REPORT CLOSING OF CONGREGATION (none) In closing, I would like to thank Bishop Prois, synod staff, the various officers, Synod Council members, and the many others who have worked beside me in my years as synod secretary. It has been an enriching experience that has blessed me many times over. Karen Post Synodical Secretary Western Iowa Synod ELCA 29

30 2017 Western Iowa Synod Assembly Minutes 30 th Assembly June 9-11, 2017 Sioux City Convention Center, Sioux City, IA Theme: We Are Lutheran: Opening Doors Friday June 9, 2017 The assembly began with opening worship at 4:00 PM. Bishop Rodger Prois led the opening synod assembly litany at 5:20 PM and declared the assembly in session. The assembly had a break for the evening meal. The first plenary session began at 6:30 PM. Bishop noted that the worship offerings will be split between the South Sudanese ministry of Thanksgiving Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs and the Latino ministry of Señor de la Misericordia in Denison. Bishop Prois introduced the following guests and assembly leaders: Dr. Kenneth Inskeep, director for Research and Evaluation in the Office of the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Nick Wuertz Lutheran Services in Iowa's Director of Refugee Community Services Rev. David defreese - Vice President of church relations for Mosaic Father Tim Friedrichsen- Priest at St Mary s Catholic Church in Storm Lake, Representing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux City Linda Hartke CEO and President of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service John Scheck from Global Health Ministries where he is the warehouse manager and volunteer coordinator The Western Iowa Synod Council and Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel (ABC): Brian Campbell, Antoine Cummins, Kim Gayer, Tracy Gayer, Ann Goebel, Daniel Holste, Michael Jacobson, Pr. Paul Johnston (ABC Chair), Susan Juilfs, Maja Knutson, Pr Barb Kopperud, Pr. Jim Mossman, Pr Del Olivier, Shelley Phillips, Karen Post; Richard Pridie, Bp Rodger Prois, Bruce Radtke, Pr. Katie Russell, Sandy Smith, John Smith, Julie Sievers, Pr, Erma Wolf, Lynn Egesdal Bruce Radtke and Jim Post, floor managers Emily Johnson, tech support Brian Campbell, vice president Tanya DeMots, Trade Show Coordinator, Qwizdom, Inc., Puyallup, Washington Lance Emhke, parliamentarian Michael Jacobson, synod treasurer Karen Post, synod secretary Julie Sievers, timing light 30

31 SA A motion and second were made by to grant privilege of voice on the floor of the assembly to Dr. Kenneth Inskeep (guest and presenter) and Lance Emhke (parliamentarian). Voice vote; PASSED Dan Moore, Sioux City mayor pro-tem, welcomed the Western Iowa Assembly to Sioux City. The Credentials and Elections Committee (Rev. Barb Kopperud, Rev. Jeff Ungs, Jim Mossman, Rev. Craig Miller, Barb Brennan, Maja Knutson, Gail Schilmoeller, Grant Brehmer and Jane Olivier) was introduced. Rev. Barb Kopperud, the committee chair, reported the following registration data: Credentials Report #1 06/09/17 6:15 PM Clergy 91 Lay males 75 Lay females 121 Total voting 287 Visitors 53 Total registered 340 Tanya DeMots led a demonstration on electronic voting machines. SA A motion and second were made to adopt the Standing Rules. Voice vote; PASSED SA A motion and second were made to adopt the agenda. Voice vote; PASSED SA A motion and second were made to approve the 2016 assembly minutes. Voice vote; PASSED The Minutes Committee (Ken Hansen, Jim and Connie Mohn, Marcia Young, Karen Post) was introduced. Pr. John Wolf, Chair of the Nominations Committee, reported on the nominations for general election and gave instructions on procedures for additional nominations. He noted 2 nomination changes: Winds of Hope Conference: Ken Swanson withdrew his name from the Synod Council ballot; Rivers of Grace Conference: Megan Sorensen should have been nominated for the Consultation Committee rather than the Nominating Committee. Pastor Bev Rautenberg-Panko and Pastor Gary Panko, representatives from the Lutheran School of Theology Chicago, greeted the assembly. Michael Jacobson, Synod Treasurer, presented the Treasurer's Report, the Budget Presentation, and the Compensation Guidelines. Questions were invited for time to research answers and a report back to the assembly on Sunday. Michael noted that any Mission Support given by congregations in excess of the $865,000 (2017 Revised Budget) will go to Churchwide until the 49% target has been achieved. There is a 3% staff compensation increase in the 2018 Proposed Budget. The 2018 Compensation Guidelines have a 0.3% increase per Social Security COLA guidelines. 31

32 SA A motion and second were made to vote on the budget and compensation guidelines at a later time in the assembly. Voice vote; PASSED Rev. Filemon Diaz (Señor de la Misericordia from the Latino ministry in Denison) and James Rut (Thanksgiving Lutheran Church, the South Sudanese ministry in Council Bluffs) greeted the assembly. These ministries are the recipients of the 2017 assembly offerings. Rev. Jeff Ungs announced that Rev. Diaz and James Rut will present a forum on Saturday about these ministries. Bishop Rodger Prois addressed the assembly and presented the bishop's report. We Are Lutheran: Opening Doors - doors of Prayer, Action and Hope. Bishop introduced the synod team members (Pr Lorna Halaas, Pr Jeff Ungs, Lynn Egesdal, Cindy Wells, Kay Broich, Julie Cook). John Scheck (Global Heath Ministries) and Pastor Mike and Shelby Kroona thanked the assembly for the collection of medical supplies and invited the assembly to the forum Saturday afternoon. Brooks Rankin, a Financial Planning manager for Portico, greeted the assembly and showed a brief video. Rev. David defreese, the Vice President of Church Relations for MOSAIC, greeted the assembly and invited the assembly to the Opening Doors to People with Intellectual/Physical Disabilities. Pr Katie Russell introduced the 95 Theses (assembly doors) project. Lynn Egesdal announced final nomination instructions and gave closing announcements. Bishop Prois recessed the assembly at 8:30 PM until Saturday at 8:30 AM. The evening ended with the Common Prayer service at 9:00 PM. Saturday June 10, 2017 Tami Groth led opening devotions began at 8:30 AM. The plenary session resumed. Rev. Don Rothweiler and his wife were introduced to the assembly. Rev. Rothweiler led a presentation/bible study about Martin Luther. 32

33 The Credentials and Elections Committee chair, Rev. Barb Kopperud, reported the following registration data: Credentials Report #2 06/10/17 8:30 AM Clergy 86 Lay males 71 Lay females 118 Total voting 275 Visitors 47 Total registered 322 (Secretary s note: The decrease in the registration count was due to Credential Report #1 including all registrations, not persons who had checked in as of 6:15 PM on 6/9/17. No voted items on 6/9/17 would have been affected.) Rev. John Wolf presented the final nominations report, noting the following additions: Hands of Hope - Judith L. Lang (Synod Council lay female), Thomas R. Hagen - Hands of Hope (ABC clergy) and Gail M. Schilmoeller (Synod Council at large, young adult). SA A motion and second were made to cast a unanimous ballot for uncontested positions. Votes for: 221, Against: 3; PASSED SA Vote for contested positions: Winds of Hope - Synod Council (lay male) The vote was: Brian Underwood (113 votes), Terry VanMaanen (110 votes). Brian Underwood was elected. Dr Kenneth Inskeep, director for Research and Evaluation in the Office of the Presiding Bishop, presented a Churchwide report. His message included The 1% Principle (Opening Doors): the population of the Western Iowa Synod is expected to increase by 1% by Our challenge: open our doors in the Western Iowa Synod to match or exceed a 1% membership increase by A video from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton was shown. Daniel Holste read the RESOLVEDs from Resolution #1. A motion and second were made. Assembly discussion followed. A motion and second to amend Resolution #1 by striking the RESOLVES 5 and 6: RESOLVED, that each congregation of the Western Iowa Synod engage in a historical study of the Lutheran Church to caring for immigrants, and how they could continue that ministry by becoming a Welcoming Congregation ; and be it further RESOLVED, that at least 65 Western Iowa Synod congregations vote to be designated as a Welcoming Congregation. SA There was a call the question to end debate: Voice vote; PASSED SA A motion and second to amend the motion to amend: Do not strike RESOLVES 5 and 6 and add to the sixth RESOLVE ( Voice vote; PASSED SA Voice vote to end debate; PASSED 33

34 SA Voice vote on the amendment as amended; PASSED A Division of the House was called (use ballot voting instead of voice voting). SA Vote to amend to change Sunday Assembly to Worship Assembly in RESOLVE #4. Votes: For: 210, Against: 19; PASSED SA Move the question to end debate (needed 2/3). Votes: For: 206, Against: 21; PASSED SA Vote on the Resolution #2 as amended. Votes: For: 193, Against: 34; PASSED RESOLUTION #1: ENCOURAGING A CULTURE OF DIVERSITY (as approved) Submitted by: Winds of Hope Conference WHEREAS, the ELCA has spoken in its Social Statement on Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture about its commitment for the effort to start and to support ministry in African American, Asian, Hispanic, Native American, or multicultural settings; the effort to recognize and to empower pastoral leaders while honoring their cultures; the effort to provide resources in languages other than English and to engage in public policy advocacy at state, federal, and international levels that seeks to eliminate racial or ethnic discrimination; and WHEREAS, the ELCA Social Message on Immigration for this church to strengthen its ministry with the most vulnerable, particularly in the ministry that resettles refugees, counsel to persons without legal status, aides persons with the citizenship process, and helps newcomers learn to live in a new country, and reminds us that hospitality for the uprooted is a way to live out the biblical call to love the neighbor in response to God s love in Jesus Christ, and WHEREAS, the ELCA Presiding Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton, has recently written of the ELCA s commitment to continuing ministries of welcome that support and build communities around the country and stand firmly against any policies that result in scaling back the refugee resettlement program, and WHEREAS, the Western Iowa Synod has two ethnic specific worshiping centers within its boundaries, Thanksgiving Lutheran South Sudanese Ministry in Council Bluffs with Pastor James Rut, and Senor de la Misericordia (Lord of Mercy) Ministry in Denison, with Pastor Filemon Diaz (in conjunction with Trinity Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa), along with other multicultural outreach ministries taking place in congregations in this synod; and WHEREAS, this church, with all Christians everywhere live in a time of crisis (Romans 2:1ff.), which is spiritual as we are challenged in continuing in our commitments to follow Christ and to serve neighbor, and live up to our specific commitments according to the Social Statement Freed in Christ Section Facing God A Time of Spiritual Crisis; therefore, let be it RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod recommit to persevering in its partnership with Thanksgiving Lutheran South Sudanese Ministry and Senor de la Misericordia Ministry, and with the Sudanese and Hispanic communities in those locations, calling for prayer, and to consider financial support, throughout its congregations for these two ministries in particular and for the Sudanese and Hispanic communities within this synod; and be it further RESOLVED, that all congregations in the Western Iowa Synod be encouraged to reach out to those of ethnic and/or racial minorities in their own communities, seeking to increase mutual understanding and learning how to both welcome and offer appropriate support to and advocate for those who are most vulnerable; and be it further RESOLVED, that a link be provided on the website of the Western Iowa Synod for further information to the ELCA Social Message on Immigration, the AMMPARO strategy (working with unaccompanied minors), and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service resources; and be it further RESOLVED, that each congregation be strongly urged to offer prayers in the Worship assembly for those local ethnic and/or racial minorities, on a regular and ongoing basis, as a way to lift up the presence of these brothers and sisters among us, people whom it is otherwise too easy to overlook; and be it further 34

35 RESOLVED, that each congregation of the Western Iowa Synod engage in a historical study of the Lutheran Church to caring for immigrants, and how they could continue that ministry by becoming a Welcoming Congregation ; and be it further RESOLVED, that at least 65 Western Iowa Synod congregations vote to be designated as a Welcoming Congregation as defined at The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. The assembly took a break from 10:58 to 11:15 AM. The Credentials and Elections Committee chair, Rev. Barb Kopperud, reported the following registration data: Credentials Report #3 06/10/17 10:45 AM Clergy 86 Lay males 71 Lay females 119 Total voting 276 Visitors 47 Total registered 323 Several of our partner agencies, synod advocates, and forum leaders were introduced and greeted the assembly: Pr Jeff Ungs, 2015 World Hunger iniative Pr Barb Kopperud, synod pastor/bread for the World letters Pat Friedrichsen, WIS Hunger Advocate Ann Johnson, WIS Hunger Advocate Pastor Paul Stone, Church of the Damascus Road, gave a brief report. Brian Underwood and Jeff Swearingen also greeted the assembly. Rev. Rod Hopp, Peace Not Walls, introduced a video; Antoine Cummins and Joy Gunnerman presented a drama demonstrating advocacy for people and justice for Palestinians in the Holy Land forum invitation Reid Christopherson, our region s Churchwide Council Representative from Garretson, SD Linda Hartke, Lutheran Immigrations and Refugee Service forum invitation Kevin Grieme and Pastor David Halaas from St Mark in Sioux City Welcoming Congregations Nick Wuertz, the director of LSI s Refugee Community Services in Des Moines Dr. Tracy Gayer - the LYO gathering in June of forum invitation Dr David Paulsrud, the Medical Director at Jackson Recovery Centers - forum invitation SACCOS, Pastor Perry Aalgaard - forum invitation Lynn Egesdal gave announcements. The assembly was recessed at 12:15 PM until 3:00 PM. The following forums were held at 1:00 and 2:00 PM: 35

36 Lutherans, Faith and Change in a Society of Unbelief (Dr. Kenneth Inskeep) Opening Doors to Refugees & Immigrants (Nicholas Wuertz and Linda Hartke Lutheran 101: What Does This Mean? (Rev Katie Russell) Declaration on the Way: Opening Ecumenical Doors (Rev Luke Kuenzli and Rev Del Olivier) SACCOS: Opening Doors to Dignified Livelihood in Tanzania (Rev Perry Aalgaard) Opening Doors to People with Intellectual/Physical Disabilities (Rev David defreese, Pr. Kelley Pederson, Rev Peter Morlock) Discipleship Academy (Rev Barb Spaulding and Rev Lorna Halaas) Opening the Door to Houston (Drs. Tracy and Kim Gayer) Opening Doors to Congregational Vitality (Rev Jeff Ungs and Vitality Team) Jackson Recovery: Opening Doors to Understanding Addiction (Dr. David Paulsrud) Opening Doors to Health Care in Tanzania and the World (John Scheck, Rev Mike and Shelby Kroona) Peace Not Walls: Opening Doors to Liberation (Rev Rod Hopp and Antoine Cummins) Opening Doors to New Ministries (Rev James Rut and Rev Filimon Dias) Opening Doors to Sioux City (Pr Lorna Halaas) The plenary reconvened at 3:00 PM. The Credentials and Elections Committee chair, Rev. Barb Kopperud, reported the following registration data: Credentials Report #4 06/10/17 2:30 PM Clergy 86 Lay males 71 Lay females 119 Total voting 276 Visitors 47 Total registered 323 Rev. Deb Mechler, gave an update on the Spirituality Network. Pr. Mark Holmer, chair of the Western Iowa Synod Foundation Committee, introduced the committee members and announced the Mission Endowment grant recipients: 1. St. Mark s Lutheran Church of Sioux City for shoe collection ministry. $ Faith Lutheran Church of Onawa for the community meal ministry. $ St. John s Lutheran Church of Sioux City for rummage sale & meal $ New Roads Reentry ministry of Le Mars.. $ Food for Kids of Sioux City ministry.. $ St. John s Lutheran Church of Carroll for community meal monthly. $ For Daughters of Swea City for Haiti ministry and mission trip. $ St. Luke s Lutheran Church of Sioux City for Blessing Box ministry. $ Church of Damascus Road ministry of Rockwell City.... $ 800 TOTAL $4,300 36

37 Rev. Jeff Ungs gave a report of congregational 2016 Mission Support. The first recognition was given to congregations who increased their financial mission support by any amount over the previous year, up to 9%: Ebenezer, Audubon; St. John, Carroll; Ascension, Coon Rapids; Emanuel, Council Bluffs; Salem, Creston; Bethany, Emmetsburg; Estherville, Estherville; Grace, Fort Dodge; Immanuel, Kimballton; St. John, LeMars; Augustana, Manson; American, Melvin; St. John, Minneola; Bethesda, Moorhead; Our Saviors, Rembrandt; St. Paul, Remsen; St. Paul s, Rockwell City; Augustana, Sioux City; St. Mark, Storm Lake; Immanuel, Titonka; St. Paul, Treynor; Strand, Villisca; South Enes, Vincent. The following congregations were acknowledged and thanked who increased Mission Support giving by 10% or more over last year; 10 of these congregations increased mission support over last year by 50% or more. Trinity, Akron; First, Algona; Immanuel, Alta; Nazareth, Armstrong; St. Paul, Atlantic; Trinity, Boxholm; First, Britt; St. Peter, Brunsville; Salem, Correctionville; St. John, Corwith; Our Savior s, Council Bluffs; St. John s, Craig; St. John, Cylinder; Church of the Damascus Road, Fort Dodge; Immanuel, George; Bethel, Graettinger; St. Paul, Holstein; Bethlehem, Inwood; St. Paul Evangelical, Manson; First, Milford; Trinity, Moville; Siloam, Paulina; United, Ringsted; Immanuel, Rock Rapids; Lost Island, Ruthven; Trinity, Rutland; Trinity, Sibley; Riverside, Sioux City; St. John, Sioux City; First, Sioux City; First, Sioux Rapids; Mamrelund, Stanton; Good Hope, Titonka; and St. John s, Woden. He was thrilled to report that these two groups of congregations (57 congregations) represent a growth in Mission Support giving of $82, Lynn Egesdal gave an update on the Faith Formation Network. Michael Jacobson read and responded to the budget questions submitted earlier in the assembly. Daniel Holste read Resolution #4: Resolution #4 Adopt the Budget Submitted by: Synod Council RESOLVED, that the Assembly of the Western Iowa Synod adopt the revised budget for the fiscal year beginning February 1, 2017, 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 A motion and second were made to approve Resolution #4. Votes: For: 198, Against: 4; PASSED. The following leaders lost in the past year were held in remembrance: Rev. Gary Boen (served at First in Clarion) Rev. Steve Ellerbusch (served at Bethany in Emmetsburg) Rev. Ray Holmquist (served at Good Shepherd, Adair) Rev. Jack Kahle (served at St Peter, Pocahontas) Rev. Duane Olson (served at Trinity in Alta) Rev. Bob Vaage (served at First in West Okoboji) Reports were given from the following Ministry Partners: Marlyce Hauge Western Iowa Synod Women s Organization Brian Underwood Lutheran Men in Mission Barb Brennan Mission Interpreters 37

38 Daniel Holste read the WHEREAS statement and RESOLVE from Resolution #2. A motion and second was made to approve Resolution #2. Brian Campbell asked Karen Post, Synod Secretary, to offer background of each amendment item. Assembly discussion followed. SA Motion and second call for the question: (2/3 vote needed) voice vote; PASSED A motion was made and seconded to amend Appendix A to include Strand Lutheran Church, Villisca in the Abundant Fields Conference in Montgomery County (administrative oversight). SA Amendment voice vote: PASSED A motion was made and seconded to amend Appendix A to include Salem Lutheran, Creston in the Abundant Fields Conference in Union County (administrative oversight). SA Amendment voice vote: PASSED SA Motion and second to amend keep S11.01.A96.d. and to read perform an annual evaluation of the bishop or review the evaluation of another party such as a Mutual Ministry Committee. Vote: for: 112 against 99, PASSED SA Adopt the constitutional amendments as amended: Vote for: 192 against 24; PASSED RESOLUTION #2 - AMEND THE WESTERN IOWA SYNOD CONSTITUTION (as approved) Submitted by: Synod Council WHEREAS the Western Iowa Synod Constitution is the governing document for the synod, the following constitutional changes are noted as additions and deletions: Chapter 3. TERRITORY S3.01. The territory of this synod, as determined by the Churchwide Assembly, shall be: the counties of Adair, Adams, Audubon, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Cherokee, Clay, Crawford, Dickinson, Emmet, Fremont, Greene, Guthrie, Hamilton (west), Hancock (west), Harrison, Humboldt, Ida, Kossuth, Lyon, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, O'Brien, Osceola, Page, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Sac, Shelby, Sioux, Taylor, Union, Webster, Winnebago (west), Woodbury, Wright (west) in the state of Iowa. Chapter 7. SYNOD ASSEMBLY S The regular meeting of the Synod Assembly shall be called annually by the Synod Council. The time and place of the Western Iowa Synod Assembly shall be determined by the Synod Council. The time and place of the next regular Synod Assembly shall be announced at each assembly, or at least ninety days prior to the Synod Aassembly. S7.27. This synod may establish processes through the Synod Council to grant a minister of Word and Sacrament from a church body with which a relationship of full communion has been declared and established by the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America the privilege of both voice and vote in the Synod Assembly during the period of that minister s service in a congregation of this church. 38

39 S All elections shall be by written ballot.elections shall be held by written or electronic ballot, with the exception of uncontested elections, which may be by voice. In preparing the ballot, the Credentials and Elections Committee shall identify on the ballot those eligible and nominated for reelection. Additional nominations for assembly elections may be made for any position if supported by ten voting members of the Synod Assembly. The voting member presenting the nomination shall secure from the nominee assurance of her/his willingness to serve if elected. The nominee shall have all of the requirements of the position (in order to meet the criteria of S6.04.) Additional nominations, including biographical information, shall be made to the secretary no later than one-half hour following the close of the first plenary session of the Synod Assembly. S The Credentials and Elections Committee shall f. (when written ballots are used,) prepare printed ballots, supervise the voting and counting of ballots, and report to the Synod Assembly and to the Secretary. When electronic ballots are used, review the ballot prior to voting, supervise the voting, report to the Synod Assembly and to the Secretary. Chapter 8. OFFICERS S8.52. The terms of the officers shall begin as follows: Bishop: on the first day of the third month following election; Vice President and Secretary: on the first day of the next month following election; Treasurer: on the first day of the fiscal year following the Synod Assembly., or, inunder special circumstances, the Synod Council may designate different beginning dates, as deemed necessary.at a time designated by the Synod Council, with the exception of the treasurer, who shall begin on the first day of the fiscal year following the Synod Assembly S8.55. Should the vice president, secretary, or treasurer die, resign, or be unable to serve, the bishop, with the approval of the Executive Committee of the Synod Council, shall arrange for the appropriate care of the responsibilities of the officer until an election of a new officer can be held or, in the case of temporary disability, until the officer is able to serve again. The successor officers will finish out the term of the original officer. The term of the successor officer, elected by the next Synod Assembly, shall be four years. If the treasurer is appointed by the Synod Council, the Synod Council shall appoint a new treasurer to a four-year term. Chapter 9. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS S9.03. There shall be a Nominating Committee consisting of five to seven members to serve for each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. Persons placed on the ballot for the Nominating Committee should represent different conferences and comply with criteria of S6.04. Additional nominations may be made from the floor for all elections for which the nominations are made by the Nominating Committee. From the twelve conferences, the Synod Council shall designate, on a rotating basis, five conferences, each of which shall submit two or more names to be placed on the ballot for election of the Nominating Committee. The Synod Assembly shall then elect five persons to serve the next regular Synod Assembly as the Nominating Committee. A sixth member may be appointed by the Synod Council to serve on the committee at the next regular Synod Assembly to meet the criteria of *S6.04. S9.05.a. The Nominating Committee shall nominate at least four persons at large from within the synod, at least four youth, and at least four persons of color or language other than English to the Synod Council. S9.11. The Synod Council shall elect or appoint representatives to the steering committee of its region. 39

40 Chapter 10. SYNOD COUNCIL Of the other members of the Synod Council, in addition to positions for synod officers and one youth representative designated in S10.01, there shall be one position reserved for a representative of each conference, twofour positions reserved for at-large representation, two positions reserved for persons of color and/or persons whose primary language is other than English, and one position reserved for an additional youth representative young adult. S If a member of the Synod Council ceases to meet the requirements of the position to which she or he was elected, the office filled by such member shall at once become vacant. If a Synod Council member misses 3 consecutive meetings without notice, the office will be considered vacant and a replacement may be appointed by the Synod Council immediately, or elected at the next Synod Assembly to finish the term. Chapter 11. COMMITTEES S The required Audit Committee is known in the Western Iowa Synod as the Finance Committee. Refer to S11.11.C98. S11.01.A96The Executive Committee shall: perform an annual evaluation of the bishop or review the evaluation of another party such as a Mutual Ministry Committee prepare approve a recommendation of staff salaries for Council approval; S Official notices of the synod shall be published both in THE LUTHERAN and in the synod periodical, and items of synodical interest shall be published regularly in the synod periodical. Chapter 12. CONFERENCES, CLUSTERS, COALITIONS, OR OTHER AREA SUBDIVISIONS S The Synod Council shall determine the structure and organization of the conferences. Refer to Appendix A for a list of conferences and congregations. Chapter 13. CONGREGATIONS S Congregations of this synod are to provide costs of lodging, meals, and transportation to the Synod Assembly for their voting members. The provisions for reimbursing expenses of ministers of Word and Sacrament and ministers of Word and Service attending the Synod Assembly shall be embodied in all calls issued. This synod shall provide a per diem for retired ministers of Word and Sacrament attending the Synod Assembly. Chapter 14. ROSTERED MINISTERS S Ministers of Word and Service S The minister of Word and Service shall become a member of the congregation upon receipt and acceptance of the letter of call. In a parish of multiple congregations, the minister of Word and Service shall hold membership in one of the congregations. S Each minister of Word and Service on the roster of this synod shall submit a report of his or her ministry to the bishop of the synod at least 90 days prior to each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. 40

41 S Ministers of Word and Service shall confer with the bishop of this synod before accepting a call within this synod.no minister of Word and Service shall accept a call without first conferring with the bishop of this synod. A minister of Word and Service shall respond with an answer of acceptance or declination to a letter of call within 30 days of receipt of such call. In exceptional circumstances with the approval of the bishop of this synod and the chair of the Congregation Council of the congregation issuing the call, an additional 15 days may be granted to respond to a letter of call. S All ministers of Word and Service under a call shall attend meetings of the Synod Assembly, and ministers of Word and Service of congregations shall also attend meetings of the conference, cluster, coalition, or other area subdivision to which the congregation belongs. Chapter 15. FINANCIAL MATTERS S The Synod Assembly shall determine in each budget, when funds are available, an amount of money to be equally divided among the conferences. Each conference shall use the money for its own purposes. S In preparing each budget of the synod, the Synod Council shall hold hearings at which the committees, boards and other organizations receiving stated support through the synod budget shall be invited to consult with the Synod Council or its appointees to present full statements of their operations, the financial needs of their current work, and the budgetary implications of advance programs which they have in view for the year under consideration. There shall also be a hearing for any member of the synod to address the preparation of the synod budget. S The Synod Council shall be responsible for developing guidelines for congregations for determining the congregations' "proportionate share" of this synod's budget and shall consult with congregational leaders to assist each congregation in making its determination of offerings and gifts to this synod. S A reserve shall be established (of not less than two months nor more than four months) to cover operating expenses in case of catastrophic conditions. ### APPENDIX A WESTERN IOWA SYNOD CONFERENCES S12.01.B12.There shall bethe six (6) conferences in the synod. They shall be are listed below and include the following congregations: Winds of Hope Conference In Lyon County Immanuel (George) Bethlehem (Inwood) Immanuel (Rock Rapids) In Osceola County American (Melvin) Trinity (Sibley) In Sioux County American (Hawarden) Our Savior s (Rock Valley) Hope (Sioux Center) In O'Brien County Siloam (Paullina) Grace (Primghar) In Clay County 41 Bethany (Spencer) Trinity (Spencer) In Plymouth County Immanuel (Akron) St. John (Akron) Trinity (Akron) St. Peter (Brunsville) St. John (Craig) Christ (Le Mars) St. John (Le Mars) St. John (Merrill) St. Paul (Merrill) St. Paul (Remsen) In Cherokee County Bethlehem (Cherokee)

42 Faith (Marcus) In Buena Vista County Our Savior s (Albert City) St. John (Albert City) Immanuel (Alta) Trinity (Alta) Trinity (Linn Grove) Grace (Marathon) Nain (Newell) Our Saviors (Rembrandt) First (Sioux Rapids) St. Mark (Storm Lake) Seeds of Faith Conference In Dickinson County First (Milford) Grace (Spirit Lake) In Emmet County Nazareth (Armstrong) Estherville (Estherville) Trinity (Estherville) United (Ringsted) Wallingford, (Wallingford) In Palo Alto County St. John (Cylinder) Bethany (Emmetsburg) Bethel (Graettinger) Lost Island (Ruthven) In Kossuth County First (Algona) St. Paul (Lakota) Good Hope (Titonka) Immanuel (Titonka), In Winnebago County 3. Bethlehem (Buffalo Center) Immanuel (Forest City) Zion (Rake) Bethany (Thompson) In Hancock County First (Britt) St. John (Corwith) Kanawha (Kanawha) St. John s (Woden) Living Waters Conference In Woodbury County Salem (Correctionville) St. John (Cushing) Trinity (Moville) New Life (Sergeant Bluff) Augustana (Sioux City) First (Sioux City) Immanuel (Sioux City) Riverside (Sioux City) St. John (Sioux City) St. Luke (Sioux City) St. Mark (Sioux City) Trinity (Sioux City) In Monona County Faith (Onawa) Soldier (Soldier) In Ida County St. Paul Evangelical (Holstein) In Crawford County Bethel (Kiron) In Sac County Faith (Odebolt) Hands of Hope Conference In Pocahontas County St. Paul (Palmer) St. Peter (Pocahontas) In Calhoun County Augustana Evangelical (Manson) St. Paul Evangelical (Manson) Elfsborg (Pomeroy) St. John (Pomeroy) St. Paul's (Rockwell City) In Humboldt County - Our Saviour's (Humboldt) Trinity (Ottosen) St. Paul (Renwick) 42 Trinity (Rutland) In Webster County Immanuel (Burnside) Emanuel (Dayton) Washington (Duncombe) Christ (Fort Dodge) Grace (Fort Dodge) St. Olaf (Fort Dodge) The Church of the Damascus Road (Fort Dodge) Zion (Gowrie) Faith (Harcourt) Fulton (Moorland) South Enes (Vincent)

43 In Wright County First (Clarion) (none) In Hamilton County Trinity (Webster City) In Boone County Trinity (Boxholm) In Sac County Emanuel-St. John (Lytton) Rivers of Grace Conference In Monona County Bethesda (Moorhead) In Harrison County St. John (Dunlap) St. Paul (Missouri Valley) In Pottawattamie Co. Emanuel (Council Bluffs) Our Savior's (Council Bluffs) St. John (Council Bluffs) St. Paul (Treynor) Underwood (Underwood) In Carroll County St. John (Carroll) Ascension (Coon Rapids) In Audubon County Ebenezer (Audubon) Brayton (Brayton) Exira (Exira) Bethany (Kimballton) Immanuel (Kimballton) In Cass County St. Paul's (Atlantic) Faith (Griswold) In Greene County Christ (Jefferson) In Adair County Good Shepherd (Adair) (none) Abundant Fields Conference In Mills County St. John (Mineola) In Fremont County St. Paul (Northboro) In Montgomery County Bethlehem (Red Oak) Mamrelund (Stanton) Strand (Villisca) Tabor (Stanton) In Page County Bethesda (Clarinda) St. John s (Essex) Fremont (Red Oak) Emmanuel (Shenandoah) In Union County Salem (Creston) RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod Constitution be amended. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. Heidi Skadeland, gave an overview of the Youth Report. Janee Eden, Kylie Mongan, Adrian Blocker gave personal perspectives of their 2016 trip to Tanzania. Josh Gayer talked about his experience at the 2016 National Youth Gathering and the upcoming 2018 Gathering. Reports were given from additional Partners in Ministry: Ron Quanbach - Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camps Amanda Adam - Lutheran Lakeside Dr. Troy Truftgruben - Wartburg Seminary 43

44 Pr. Chris Lang, Candidacy Committee, introduced the following seminary candidates as of May 1, 2017: TEEM Theological Education for Emerging Ministries Ann Albert Chad Duffy Gary Zeman James Rut Jim McColley John Jorgensen Kandi Anderson Marietta Bittle Nelson Rhonda Wykoff Sam Jacobs Susan Julifs Terry Mogensen Tim Johnson Denise Lindeman Tami Groth Deacon Kathy Stelzer Masters of Divinity Elizabeth Lippke From another denomination Alan Cummins The Candidacy Committee members were recognized and thanked: Pr. Chris Lang Pr Lorna Halaas Pr. Craig Miller Pr. Roger Claxton Pr. Jean Morse Pr. Jennifer Henry Jane Olivier Sandy Crowth Pr. Don Rothweiler shared thoughts about practical uses about using Luther s Small Catechism in homes, confirmation classes, worship, etc. Lynn Egesdal gave closing announcements. Bishop Prois recessed the assembly at 5:00 PM until Sunday at 8:45 AM. The banquet program included recognizing congregational anniversaries. Holden Evening Prayer service was the Saturday evening closing devotion. 44

45 Sunday June 12, 2016 The Worship Committee lead opening devotions at 9:00 AM with a tribute to ELCA songwriter and musician, John Ylvisaker. The fourth plenary session resumed at 9:10 AM. The Credentials and Elections Committee chair, Daniel Holste, reported the following registration data: Credentials Report #5 06/11/17 8:45 AM Clergy 86 Lay males 71 Lay females 119 Total voting 276 Visitors 47 Total registered 323 Daniel Holste read Resolution #3: Western Iowa Synod 2017 Compensation Guidelines Resolution #3 Western Iowa Synod 2017 Compensation Guidelines Submitted by: Western Iowa Synod Council WHEREAS, congregations call rostered leaders to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ ; and WHEREAS, congregations desire to provide for the financial, spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of those called to serve them; and WHEREAS, the compensation guidelines have been developed by the Synod Council for congregational use; 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. SA17.21 A motion and second were made to approve Resolution #3. Vote: For: 147, Against: 36; PASSED. The following reports from Partners in Ministry were given: John Twardos - president and CEO of Lutheran Services in Iowa Global Health Ministry - Pr Mike Kroona, Shelby Kroona, John Schek gave an updated on the assembly Tanzania medical supply initiative. Bishop Prois offered a blessing for the supplies. ELCA Credit Union - video 45

46 Bishop Prois installed the Synod Council: Current members: Dave Bohnet Pr. Jim Mossman Antoine Cummins Karen Post, Secretary Marlyce Hauge Bruce Radtke Pr. Brian Jack KayLynn Ridgely Michael Jacobson Julie Sievers Susan Juilfs Sandy Smith Maja Knutson Pr. Erma Wolf Pr. Barb Kopperud Newly-elected members: Brian Campbell Vice President Brian Underwood Winds of Hope, lay male Pr. Cole McCormick Seeds of Faith, clergy Judith Lang Hands of Hope, lay female Blake Straton Living Waters, lay male Gail Schilmoeller at large, lay person Out-going council members John Smith, Pr. Del Olivier, Barb Brennan and Tracy Gayer were thanked for their service. Open mic Where can you open doors in your community and/or world? Lynn Egesdal gave announcements. Bishop Prois offered the assembly closing litany. The plenary session ended at 10:00 AM. The assembly concluded with closing worship at 10:30 AM, including communion and recognition of ordination anniversaries. It was reported that the weekend offerings exceeded $8,000. (Secretary s note: final assembly offerings totaled $13,532.95, which was divided between the South Sudanese ministry of Thanksgiving Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs and the Latino ministry of Señor de la Misericordia in Denison.) Respectfully submitted Karen Post Western Iowa Synod Secretary 46

47 Western Iowa Synod ELCA Treasurer s Report Report of Fiscal Year 2017 Income The primary source of receipts for the Western Iowa Synod, ELCA is mission support from its congregations. During fiscal year 2017, congregations of the Western Iowa Synod, ELCA gave $881,038 in mission support: which is $32,075 more than was received from congregations in the prior fiscal year. As noted on the year end reports, event registrations, administrative reimbursements, interest income, equity transfers, and other miscellaneous income provided additional operating funds. Expenses The Synod used the congregational mission support income received in 2017 to support the wider mission of the church by sending $305,006 to the ELCA churchwide organization (this amount is 34.6% of mission support), $20,000 to Iowa Lutheran Campus Ministries, and $10,000 to seminaries (Wartburg and LSTC). Mission support also supported programs and events $190,203, Synod team member salaries and benefits ($468,463) and office resources ($95,371) to the Synod. The 34.6% of congregational mission support sent to the churchwide organization was less than the budgeted goal of 37%. Summary Mission support from Western Iowa Synod, ELCA congregations was approximately $32,000 more than the previous fiscal year. Of the mission support income received from congregations, as authorized by the synod council, 34.6%, or $305,006, was distributed to the ELCA churchwide organization. Income and expenses pertaining to mission partners, such as companion synods, are included in our operating budget reports due to our auditor s recommendation. In addition, $20,000 was distributed to Iowa Lutheran Campus Ministries and $10,000 to the seminaries in our region (Wartburg and LSTC). Spending Plan for Fiscal Year 2018 The Western Iowa Synod, ELCA Council has reviewed the proposed budget approved at the 2017 Synod Assembly for the fiscal year beginning February 1, 2018, and, with recommendations from the synod finance committee and executive committee, has developed a revised budget and recommends its adoption by the 2018 Synod Assembly. As part of the 2018 revised budget, mission support income from congregations is estimated to be $900,000. Of the mission support income, 34.2% (308,000) will be distributed to the ELCA churchwide organization. The budgeted amount to send to Iowa Lutheran Campus Ministries ($20,000) and the seminaries ($10,000) was not changed in the revised budget. It is recommended that any additional mission support (above $885,000 level) be distributed to the ELCA churchwide organization until the total amount distributed would reach a level of 49.75% of total mission support income received from Western Iowa Synod, ELCA congregations. At that point, if there would be any additional mission support, it would be shared between the ELCA churchwide organization and other agencies and institutions. The balance of expenses in the 2018 revised budget are based on historical patterns, as well as estimates provided by Synod team members and Networks of the Synod. Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2019 The proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning February 1, 2018 projects an estimated $950,000 in mission support. Of that amount, 36% is recommended to be distributed to the ELCA churchwide organization. Mission support above the budgeted amount of $950,000 would be passed on to the churchwide organization. 47

48 Independent Auditor s Report The certified public accounting firm of Hunzelman, Putzier & Co., PLC, Storm Lake, Iowa audited the Synod s statement of assets, liabilities and net assets cash basis, and the related statements of receipts, disbursements, and changes in net assets cash basis and cash flows cash basis for the years ended January 31, 2018 and The audit was conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and, in the opinion of the firm, the financial statements presented fairly, in all material respects, the assets, liabilities and net assets of the Western Iowa Synod, ELCA as of January 31, 2018 and 2017, and its receipts, disbursements, and changes in net assets and cash flows for the years ended on a modified cash basis of accounting. The audit report is available in the synod office. Finance Committee Synod finance committee members during the past year were Rev. Cole McCormick, Estherville; Julie Sievers, Storm Lake, and Michael Jacobson, Emmetsburg. The finance committee oversees the financial soundness of the Synod and invests a great deal of time and energy in the budget planning process. A big thank you is extended to all of the members for their efforts and assistance. In particular, I thank all of the Synod team members, especially Bishop Rodger Prois and Kay Broich, for their outstanding stewardship of the finances of the Synod. Michael Jacobson, Treasurer 48

49 WESTERN IOWA SYNOD ELCA STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS-CASH BASIS January 31, 2018 & January 31, 2017 UNAUDITED 1 ASSETS 1/31/2018 1/31/ Cash and Cash Equivalents 351, ,063 4 Western Iowa Synod Funds 5 PACE Funds 6 Investments 7 Certificates of deposit 33,500 33,500 8 ELCA Mission Investment Fund 28,462 28,462 9 Long-term Investment 10 Building & Land (Regional Church Center), Net of Depreciation 245, , Furniture & Equipment, Net of Depreciation 10,690 10, WIS Mission Endowment 13 Cash and Cash Equivalents 6,915 6, ELCA Endowment Fund A 130, , Farmland 492, , TOTAL ASSETS 1,300,670 1,274, LIABILITIES Deposited Agency Funds - PACE 21 Payroll Tax and Benefits Withholdings Payable 3,128 2, Deferred Revenue 23 Note Payable 138, , TOTAL LIABILITIES 141, , OPERATING FUND EQUITY NET ASSETS Unrestricted 31 Designated by Synod Council 132, , Undesignated 8,548 7, Temporary Restricted 388, , Permanent Restricted 630, , TOTAL NET ASSETS 1,159,442 1,129, TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS 1,300,670 1,274,543 49

50 Statement of Net Assets (unaudited) UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS 1/31/2018 1/31/2017 1/31/2018 1/31/2017 Designated by Synod Council Principal payment Ingham- Okoboji $ $ Discovering Hope Equity $ $ ELCA Mission Investment Fund $28, $28, Education & Family Ministry Equity $2, $2, Building Equity $93, $96, Evangelism Equity $5, $5, Furniture and Equipment $0.00 $1, Gift Planner Fund for WIS $ $ Advisory Committee $ $ Good Samaritan Fund Equity $1, $ Assembly Equity 2015 $4, $7, Hunger Equity - Donor Designated $ $ Companion Synod $1, $1, Discipleship Academy $20, $22, Equipment Replacement $ Leadership Program for Musicians Equity $ $ Hunger Equity - Synod Designated $ $ Leadership Academy $3, $3, Mediation Consultation Equity $ $ New Congregations Equity $2, $3, Reserve for Admin $2, $2, Pre-Retirement Seminar Equity $1, $1, Stewardship Resources Rostered Leader Development 50 equity $ $ Equity $45, $55, Transition Fund 77 Rural Immersion Equity $3, $3, Total Designated by 52 Synod Council $132, $140, Social Ministry Equity $ $ Undesignated 79 Spirituality Retreat Equity $ $ Bishop's Discretionary Fund $2, $1, Spouses Retreat Equity $ $ Undesignated Gifts $6, $6, Stewardship Equity $6, $6, Total Undesignated $8, $7, WIS Leadership Development Fund Equity $1, $5, Donor Designated/Temporary Restricted 83 WIS Mission Equity $12, $11, Area Strategy Equity $2, $2, Youth Equity $7, $7, Barnabas Uplift Equity $0.00 $ Total Donor Designated/Temporary Restricted $388, $402, Book of Faith $1, $1, Total Unrestricted and Temporary Restricted Net Assets $528, $549, Capital Campaign Synod Renewal $26, $13, PERMANENT RESTRICTED NET ASSETS 62 Companion Synod Equity $204, $219, Endowment Fund Principal $630, $579, Total Permanent Restricted Net 63 Continuing education $8, $9, Assets 64 Disaster Equity $26, $23, TOTAL NET ASSETS $1,159, $1,129,

51 Western Iowa Synod ELCA Analysis of Revenues and Expenses Fiscal Year Beginning February 1 Revised Actual Proposed Revised Proposed 91 INCOME 92 Mission support income $865, $881, $875, $900, $950, Interest income $2, $3, $2, $3, $3, Other income $5, $7, $5, $5, $5, Sub-total $872, $891, $882, $908, $958, Synod Council 97 Assembly income $55, $53, $55, $66, $71, Candidacy income $9, $4, $10, $10, $10, Education & Family Ministry events $1, $1, $1, $ $ Fall Convo income $11, $11, $12, Leadership Event $15, $15, First Call Retreat Income $1, $1, $1, $1, Discipleship Academy 104 Misc. registrations income $4, $2, $5, $5, Pastor to Pastor 106 Spirituality retreat income $ $ $1, $1, Stewardship events 108 Thankfulness Event 109 Youth events income $1, $1, $2, $2, Sub-total $88, $59, $99, $99, $105, Administrative Income 112 Other reimbursements $1, $ $ Salaries reimbursements $11, $10, $11, $10, $10, Travel reimbursements $1, $ $1, $1, $1, Sub-total $12, $11, $12, $11, $11, Transfers from Comp Synod Equity Accounts $279, $112, $223, $321, $183, Transfers from Misc. Equity $119, $54, $140, $122, $95, Depreciation expense transfer $10, $10, $10, $10, $10, Sub-total $408, $177, $373, $453, $289, TOTAL $1,382, $1,141, $1,368, $1,472, $1,364,

52 Fiscal Year Beginning February 1 Revised Actual Proposed Revised Proposed 121 EXPENSES 122 Support to ELCA Ministries 123 Churchwide mission support $323, $305, $339, $308, $342, IA Lutheran Campus Ministry $20, $20, $20, $20, $20, Seminaries (LSTC & Wartburg) $10, $10, $10, $10, $10, Support to ELCA Ministries $353, $335, $369, $338, $372, Programs, Events & Boards 128 Synod Council 129 Meetings expense $1, $2, $1, $2, $2, Fall Leadership Event/Interculturality $0.00 $1, $1, Thankfulness Event $0.00 $ $ Conf. Deans $ $ $ $ $ Disaster Preparedness Team $ $ $ $ Intentional Interim Ministry $ $ $ $ Committee resources $ $ Finance Committee $ $ $ $ Bishop's Charity Golf Outing $2, $2, $2, $2, Transition Expense $10, Assembly expense $55, $59, $55, $66, $71, Synod Council Total $60, $62, $60, $73, $88, Disaster equity expense $5, $2, $5, $5, $5, Leadership Development Equity $1, $1, $1, Disability resource team expense $ $ $ $ Education & Family Ministry expense $ $0.00 $ $ Worship team expense $1, $38.01 $1, $ $ Youth expense $3, $ $ $2, $3, Faith Formation $2, $2, $1, $1, Book of Faith 149 Leadership Academy $2, $1, $2, $2, $2, Lutheran Resource Center $ Candidacy expense $11, $5, $12, $10, $10, Bishop Discretionary Equity 153 Spirituality $1, $1, Rostered Leader Hospitality 52

53 Fiscal Year Beginning February 1 Revised Actual Proposed Revised Proposed 155 Care of rostered expense $3, $27, $3, $17, $17, Compensation guidelines $50.00 $9.68 $50.00 $50.00 $ Fall Convo expense $1, $1, $11, $11, $12, st call theological education $1, $80.00 $1, $1, $1, Discipleship Academy expense $21, $7, $22, $19, $19, WIS Mission Fund Equity 161 Mission Support Table $1, $1, $1, $1, Rural Immersion $1, $ New and Renewing Congregations Mission Table/capital camp. $30, $4, $30, $7, $7, Agencies/institutions expense 165 Companion Synod TZ and Chile $278, $113, $185, $317, $183, Global Mission/Hunger $9, $3, $48, $40, $8, Domestic Hunger 168 Programs and Events Total $436, $231, $390, $513, $363, Administration 170 Region 5 expense $3, $3, $3, $3, $3, Salaries/wages expense $298, $304, $307, $313, $329, Pension and other benefits expense $152, $143, $157, $159, $169, Other staff expense $19, $20, $21, $21, $22, Equipment expense $14, $6, $14, $12, $13, Synod insurance expense $5, $5, $6, $6, $6, Occupancy expense $29, $29, $30, $22, $22, Office supplies expense $14, $10, $13, $13, $13, Professional services expense $9, $7, $9, $9, $9, Telephone expense $5, $6, $5, $6, $6, Travel expense $41, $36, $37, $36, $32, Administration Total $593, $574, $607, $606, $628, Transfers to equity accounts 183 TOTAL $1,382, $1,141, $1,368, $1,457, $1,364, Net Total $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $14, $

54 Western Iowa Synod ELCA Mission Partners Contributions 1/31/2018 1/31/ Assembly offering expense $14, $15, Bible camps expense $1, $3, Church of the Damascus Road expense $4, $8, ELCA disaster expense $31, $9, ELCA global missions expense $43, $37, ELCA Lutheran World Relief expense $9, $10, ELCA world hunger expense $62, $69, Multicultural Ministry $0.00 $ Fall convo offering expense $0.00 $ LSI general expense $13, $20, Special giving agencies expense + $8, $10, New Life Lutheran Church $0.00 $ Waldorf Foundation $ $ Youth Event Offering expense $0.00 $ Total Mission Partners Contributions $190, $184, Assembly offering was designated to South Sudanese Thanksgiving Lutheran and Senor de la Misericordia + Special Giving Fund for Leaders General ELCA church wide synod support Iowa Campus Ministries Lutheran School of Theology Malaria Midwest Christian Home Mission Builders Mosaic 54

55 Mission Support Report Akron Immanuel $7, Fort Dodge Christ $ Akron Trinity $3, Fort Dodge St. Olaf $2, Akron St. John $1, Fort Dodge Church of the Damascus Road $1, Albert City Our Savior's $7, George Immanuel $4, Albert City St. John $2, Gowrie Zion $13, Algona First $20, Graettinger Bethel $1, Alta Trinity $3, Griswold Faith $6, Alta Immanuel $0.00 Harcourt Faith $0.00 Armstrong Nazareth $3, Hawarden American $4, Atlantic St. Paul's $29, Holstein St. Paul $14, Audubon Ebenezer $10, Humboldt Our Saviour's $21, Boxholm Trinity $0.00 Inwood Bethlehem $3, Brayton Brayton $0.00 Jefferson Christ $6, Britt First $5, Kanawha Kanawha $3, Brunsville St. Peter $ Kimballton Immanuel $2, Burnside Immanuel $0.00 Kimballton Bethany $ Carroll St. John $13, Kiron Bethel $8, Cherokee Bethlehem $20, Lakota St. Paul $3, Clarinda Bethesda $5, Le Mars Christ $14, Coon Rapids Ascension $1, Le Mars St. John's $27, Correctionville Salem $3, Linn Grove Trinity $ Corwith St. John $3, Lytton Emanuel-St John $16, Council Bluffs Emanuel $7, Manson Augustana $12, Council Bluffs St. John $16, Manson St. Paul Evangelical $9, Council Bluffs Our Savior's $19, Marathon Grace $1, Craig St. John's $5, Marcus Faith $1, Creston Salem $7, Melvin American $ Cushing St John $5, Merrill St. John $ Cylinder St John $40.00 Merrill St. Paul $0.00 Dayton Emanuel $6, Milford First $33, Duncombe Washington $7, Mineola St. John $12, Dunlap St. John $6, Missouri Valley St. Paul $2, Emmetsburg Bethany $4, Moorhead Bethesda $8, Essex St. John's $1, Moorland Fulton $1, Estherville Trinity $6, Moville Trinity $3, Estherville Estherville $11, Newell Nain $3, Exira Exira $5, Northboro St. Paul $2, Forest City Immanuel $40, Odebolt Faith $9, Fort Dodge Grace $21, Onawa Faith $2,

56 Mission Support Report Ottosen Trinity $0.00 Sioux City St. Luke $5, Palmer St. Paul $0.00 Sioux City St. Mark $34, Paullina Siloam $0.00 Sioux City Trinity $0.00 Pocahontas St. Peter $10, Sioux City First $9, Pomeroy Elfsborg $0.00 Sioux City Riverside $1, Pomeroy St John $0.00 Sioux City St. John $11, Primghar Grace $1, Sioux Rapids First $3, Rake Zion $4, Soldier Soldier $4, Red Oak Bethlehem $2, Spencer Trinity $1, Red Oak Fremont $1, Spencer Bethany $10, Rembrandt Our Saviors $2, Spirit Lake Grace $1, Remsen St. Paul $1, Stanton Mamrelund $9, Renwick St. Paul $3, Stanton Tabor $1, Ringsted United $3, Storm Lake St Mark $30, Rock Rapids Immanuel $2, Thompson Bethany $3, Rock Valley Our Savior's $3, Titonka Good Hope $9, Rockwell City St. Paul's $12, Titonka Immanuel $7, Ruthven Lost Island $ Treynor St. Paul $26, Rutland Trinity $ Underwood Underwood $5, Sergeant Bluff New Life $4, Villisca Strand $1, Shenandoah Emmanuel $2, Vincent South Enes $5, Sibley Trinity $7, Wallingford Wallingford $4, Sioux Center Hope $14, Webster City Trinity $26, Sioux City Augustana $7, Woden St. John's $2, Sioux City Immanuel $2,

57 Report to Synod Assembly 2017 Pastor Jeff Ungs Asst. to Bishop/ Director for Evangelical Mission We are Church for the sake of the world! Thank you for being faithful partners in the ministry we are called to share together as the Western Iowa Synod. The Lutheran Church of Western Iowa, ELCA again exceeded our budget goals in 2017! By giving to God through the Church, you have demonstrated that you believe in the power of being Church together. God has provided more than enough resources to accomplish the mission Christ calls the Church to live out. Can you imagine what God can do for the sake of the world as we continue a positive trend in mission support giving and an increased awareness that God is a God of abundance? Thanks be to God, and thank you for your mission support and the way you live out the great commission and the great commandment by giving to God through the Church. Here are some of the ways your giving to mission support has been stewarded in the past year through the ministry we share. *Preached when invited and available *Conducted congregation and council workshops for stewardship, evangelism, and or renewal *Organized and participated in day of advocacy Iowa Lutheran Day on the Hill 2017 *Attended WIS Conference meetings *Provided support for: Domestic Hunger Network; Differently Abled Network (formerly Handicapped Network); Good News Network (Mission Interpreters); Mission Support Network; New and Renewing Congregations Network ( Now known as the Congregation Vitality network); Mission Support table network, Disaster Response Network, Lutheran Men in Mission network *Participated in: Church of the Damascus Road (CoDR) prison congregation as outside board member and preached at both churches; CoDR Reentry/Reintegration meetings; Thanksgiving Lutheran South Sudanese congregation meetings, Episcopal Diocese of Iowa & Western Iowa Synod meetings regarding Senor de la Misericordia ministry *Organized and participated in WIS Thankfulness Events (Sharing stories of the three expressions of the church and how we are living out our calling to be Church together for the sake of the world). *Facilitated monthly meetings with the Western Iowa Synod Congregation Vitality team *Organized and facilitated 2 retreats with eight congregations and 58 persons participating in the congregation vitality ministry. Come to the ministry fair table for the congregation vitality ministry to learn more. *Area ministry strategy conversations in various places. *Supported rostered leaders and congregations through attendance and participation in ordinations, installations, funerals, Chrism Mass for rostered leaders, conference deans meetings, anniversary celebrations, congregation vote to call Pastor, constitution reviews and updates *Participation with WIS Lutheran Men in Mission. Western Iowa Synod Men in Mission meet quarterly, and have an annual retreat. Men in Mission also helped plan the father and child free fishing weekend at Ingham Okoboji Camp. Please contact me if you want to grow or start a men s ministry in your congregation. *Attended ELCA staff meetings and Region 5 events for Directors for Evangelical Mission and assistant to the Bishop *Performed other administrative duties and responsibilities as assigned As always, I welcome any invitations to preach or conduct workshops in the various ministries listed above. You set the parameters for my visit! Mission interpreters are also available to come to your congregation free of charge. Mission interpreters are lay members of churches in our Synod who will come to your church and thank you for your mission support and share stories of faith in action. They will not ask for money or financial support during their visit. The congregation vitality ministry process remains open to congregations who are ready to be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in your congregation and community. If you want more information about any of the ministries listed above, please call me at x449 or Thank you for walking the talk of faith and being partners in the Gospel. Your fellow servant in Christ, Pastor Jeff Ungs Director for Evangelical Mission/Assistant to the Bishop 57

58 Western Iowa Synod Assembly Report 2018 Rev. Lorna H. Halaas Director of Missional Leadership/Assistant to the Bishop We are Church For the Sake of the World For the sake of the world Jesus invites the church to say Yes! Something new! rather than we have never done it this way let go of church buildings that may be idols preventing new life value the needs of the community more than any one individual demands an attitude of gracious sharing of resources for God s work in the world speak to the injustice and isms of the world around us with bold and gracious faithfulness practice radical hospitality where all are welcome. Theologian Frederick Buechner writes The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world s deep hunger meet. In Western Iowa we gather in community; as congregations, committees, leadership events and networks to listen, learn, and discern our gifts, the needs of the world and where God is leading. Call Process Welcome to Western Iowa Rev. Ann Albert Southwest Iowa Ministries (TEEM candidate ordained 9/24/2017) Rev. Kristine Stedje First, Sioux City Deacon Lisa Johnson St. John, Council Bluffs Candidacy Committee walking with those called to rostered leadership in the church now attending seminary. Thank you to the many congregations providing financial support to these 14 candidates. Seminary Interns serving in Western Iowa Sarah Deutsch Immanuel, George Sarah Schilcher Bethany, Emmetsburg Leadership events for all the baptized Fall Theological Convocation, Leadership Academy, Siouxland Forum Women Clergy Gatherings, Chrism Mass, First Call Theological Education Western Iowa Synod Networks Discipleship Academy, Interim Pastors, Parish Nurses, Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls, Rural Ministry, Spirituality, Spiritual Direction, and Worship Women of the ELCA Being church is about community, partnerships, and neighbors together. It is about being in relationship with one another and our Creator God. It is about following Jesus and trusting the power of the Holy Spirit for the sake of the world! For the sake of the world we look for new ways of doing ministry. For the sake of the world we look for new ways of being church. Thank you for the joy and privilege of walking with you in ministry as together we go forward in faith! 58

59 Assembly Report 2018 by Cynthia Wells WIS Director for Global Mission We Are Church for the Sake of the World! I am pleased to showcase the many ways this theme manifests itself in our synodical global mission and peace and justice endeavors! I joyfully give thanks to God for the many relationships, projects, network/board members, and time/talent/resources offered by oh so many wonderful, faithful people, both here and across the world, that enable everything within this report to be! Companion Synods: The 2018 foci for the Companion Synods Network involve the following: Southern Diocese Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (SD) Center for Agricultural Development: continued training of smallholder farmer and 4H groups, along with base funding support for SACCOS (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations i.e., micro financing) allowing for much needed access to credit to implement the training practices learned. Start up for a SACCOS cost is $8,000 USD, after which a SACCOS becomes self sustaining. SACCOS also allow for farmer skin in the game, so to speak, resulting in dignified participation in their goals and outcomes. Microfinancing typically leads to double or triple income profits for the year, resulting in enhanced health and nutrition, education, community employment and tithing! It is a WIN WIN for all and the WIS hopes to develop many, many more of these life giving units in the future! Well drilling continues nicely in 2018 with many successful village wells drilled, supplying safe, clean water for thousands! This clean water impacts many arenas of life: health, educational opportunities (for girls in particular) and greater economic capacity. We are pleased to say our local drilling team is proving to be very effective and that the cost/well is relatively low compared to reports of many other drilling outfitters in the region! The girls school funding has depleted. That said, the school itself is solid enough with good national ratings, qualified and dedicated teachers, and enough demand to be at capacity. What results when our scholarship funding ends is the question of who attends. Our scholarships have provided opportunity for the most needy orphans and area Masaai girls. Now, only girls from those families who can afford to pay the approximate $750/year tuition, will attend. Regardless, we rejoice in all that we have been able to accomplish thus far and give thanks! Medical equipment and supplies collected at last year s assembly were delivered to the Ilembula Lutheran Hospital and Kidugala Medical Center in the Southern Diocese and were most gratefully received! Additionally, 6 much needed oxygenators were purchased and supplied. A small delegation of 6 will be visiting the Southern Diocese this summer as well as attending an ELCA/ELCT Summit to celebrate companion synod relationships and discuss future engagement possibilities. Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile (IELCH) A group of 12 visited the whole of the IELCH in Nov Relationships were deepened, mutual and sustainable projects were discussed, wonderful worship was embraced, and meaningful sharing and conversations of our future endeavors permeated our time together. We are now mutually supporting leadership development objectives. In 2018, that includes scholarships for women laity to be trained in popular education programming. They will thereafter return to their home communities to teach, encourage, share, and empower one another to tackle their local challenges. A powerful impact is expected. Asante sana! Thank you very much! Muchísimas gracias! 59

60 Global Mission/Hunger Network: Peace Not Walls: continues to strive to bring peace and justice and security to ALL peoples in the Holy Land. Opportunities to learn and have open dialog and to advocate on the issues in the Holy Land are possible. The Western Iowa Synod invites you to invite us in to do just that! Significant issues continue to arise in this region of the world, with the USA a major player. Our knowledge of the issues and events, as well as our willingness to advocate on behalf of the above stated goal, can make an impact. Let us join together in that impact. World/Hunger Network: Julie Cook, WIS Administrative Assistant, and Pr. Jen Henry of Bethany Lutheran, Spencer attended the ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering in Washington, DC themed around the upcoming congressional discussions on the Farm Bill (which is 80% nutrition), plus advocacy efforts with Iowa representatives and senators along issues of hunger. The gathering s theme was Esther 4:14, For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Since then, they have been working diligently on synod plans to address hunger. A revitalized Hunger Network is emerging. As we begin to develop this network, we must acknowledge that hunger is not just a third world problem, but a problem within our country, state and communities, and that hunger has many faces. At some point in 2016 (the most recent year available), more than 41.2 million people in the United States were unsure where their next meal might come from (ELCA Hunger Facts data from USDA). It is our hope that hearts will be opened to walk together to combat hunger and to become part of the network. Join us at assembly go to our forum, visit the Hunger table, and discern if this is your passion. We are working with the ELCA Hunger Team and have received a grant that will be used for a training retreat this fall. Prayerfully consider being a part of this work! The Malaria Campaign & HIV/AIDS: the ELCA continues to make inroads to prevent and treat both malaria and HIV/AIDS, greatly reducing the deaths rate of these diseases. Learn more at the assembly. Peace and Justice: AMMPARO: Welcoming Congregations/Guardian Angels: migrant minors are leaving their countries violence and extreme poverty and crossing our borders, often alone and having faced perilous conditions along the way. The synod is increasingly responding to the 2017 passed resolution to establish 65 official Welcoming Congregations willing to receive and serve those minors and guardians in our midst needing support and love. Racism/Bias/Privilege: pressing dynamics of our time. The ELCA and the synod are delving into greater learning, awareness raising, and programming strategies to address these topics in our synod in the days ahead. Be watchful and plan to engage! LET US REJOICE as we see clearly how We Are Church for the Sake of the World! in our synodical global mission endeavors! Anyone seeking more information or answers to questions is invited to contact Cindy Wells, WIS Director for Global Mission at cindy.wells@wisynod.org; Ext

61 Assembly Report Lynn Egesdal Admin Asst to the Bishop/Faith Formation Coordinator/Communication Coordinator 1 Cor. 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered but, God gave the growth. Cultivating change in the Heartland for the sake of the world! The Western Iowa Synod will be represented by 350+ youth and adults at the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, TX at the end of June. A big Thank You to Kim and Tracy Gayer who are the synod s gathering coordinators and Rev. Katie Russell and Kandi Anderson who are the synod day coordinators. Please continue to pray for those attending, those planning ConFest Last Fall two ConFest (Confirmation Festivals) were held. One at Our Saviour s in Humboldt and one at St Mark in Sioux City. Approximately 130 youth and adults attended each event. At the event in Humboldt we learned about the Reformation with a visit from Martin Luther. At the event in Sioux City the focus was on All Saint s Day. For future events we are looking towards our conference leaders to assist us in hosting and the planning. Thank you to all leaders who support these events. Watch for upcoming dates and details!! Youth Leader Network Monthly, throughout the past year, youth leaders from various congregations in the synod have gathered together for a time of learning, networking and support. Some of the topics covered were fundraisers, volunteers, communicating with parents and youth and boundaries. These meetings were also shared via Facebook Live for those who could not attend in person! These meetings will start again in the Fall. Faith Formation is all about relationships. We were created for and are wired for relationships from cradle to coffin. First and foremost a relationship with Jesus Christ and relationships with one another. A few questions to reflect on: 1. What does it mean to be known by God? 2. Who knows you and loves you in spite of what they know about you? 3. How deeply do the people in your church know one another? 4. What do you do to help others develop multiple deeper relationships? Remember, Faith is Caught far more than it is Taught! If you re interested in serving on a Faith Formation Network please let me know! Communications espirit, e mail, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, text, phone call.. so many ways to communicate has become both the good news and the bad news!! As we look towards future communications we will be evaluating the best ways to communicate with our different networks and age groups. Feel free to share the information you receive from the WIS (Western Iowa Synod) to other congregational members, especially the espirit. If you have any ideas or suggestions regarding communication I am always open to them!! It is with a joyful and grateful heart that I serve on the WIS Ministry team as we work together to change Hearts in the Heartland for the sake of the World! Working and serving together for Christ, Lynn Egesdal, Deacon 61