LIFTING OUR EYES BEHOLD, THE KING IS COMING! - JOHN 12 CHURCH OF THE LUTHERAN BRETHREN BUSINESS & BIENNIAL CONVENTION 2014 CLB

Transcription

1 LIFTING OUR EYES BEHOLD, THE KING IS COMING! - JOHN 12 CHURCH OF THE LUTHERAN BRETHREN BUSINESS & I N F O R M AT I O N BIENNIAL CONVENTION 2014 CLB

2 CONVENTION BUSINESS & INFORMATION SEMINARS & TRAINING p. 1 CONVENTION MAPS p. 4 CONVENTION AGENDA p. 7 COD NOMINATIONS p. 8 PROPOSED AMENDMENTS p. 12 CLB YOUTH WORKERS p. 14 CHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAMMING p. 15 WOMEN S MINISTRIES p. 16 FAITH & FELLOWSHIP p. 17 CONVENTION MEDIA & RESOURCES p. 17

3 CHURCH OF THE LUTHERAN BRETHREN SEMINARS & TRAINING CONTINUING EDUCATION: WEDNESDAY, JULY 30th Pastors Continuing Education: Crisis Pastoring 1:30-4:30 PM (Presenters: Pastors Kevin Foss and Ed Nugent and others) Tragedies are a sad fact of life and ministry, and they are unavoidable. If you spend enough time in professional ministry eventually you will find yourself working with someone in crisis. Ministry during these times can be difficult and overwhelming. Pastors know the anxiety of trying to say appropriate things from God s Word that will comfort and strengthen people when emotions and faith are stretched thin. Crisis Pastoring will cover the need for pastoral care during and after a crisis, and the importance of preaching the Word with sensitivity and care while your parishioners and community deal with pain and loss. Youth Workers Continuing Education: A presentation on Sticky Faith by Chap Clark 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM (Presenter: Chap Clark) Sticky Faith is a book that came out five years ago that speaks to the question of retaining students in the life of the church and their faith after high school. The statistics suggest that up to 70% of graduates leave their faith or the church after high school. Chap Clark has been a part of the Fuller Youth Institute s work addressing this. Following the release of Sticky Faith came several follow up resources. This fall, they added the Launch Kit. It is a resource for churches to strengthen their stickiness and includes the book Can I ask that? which deals with the hard questions students have but churches have not dealt with well. Chap Clark will stick around for a Q&A session in the afternoon. Lay-leadership Training: The Key to Understanding the Bible 1:30-4:30 PM (Presenters: Professors Mark Erickson and Brad Pribbenow) You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me John 5:39 (NIV) Jesus affirmed that the Jewish leaders had the right source for having eternal life the Scriptures. However, they did not have the key to access that truth and life: Jesus. We cannot understand Scripture or have eternal life unless and until we realize that all of Scripture is about Christ! As a result of this 2-hour seminar, attendees will learn the importance of a Christ-centered focus in both Old and New Testament and learn basic principles for understanding the Bible correctly. 1

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5 Seminars offered by Women s Ministries (Open to all convention attendees) (For women only) 3

6 CHURCH OF THE LUTHERAN BRETHREN 2014 CONVENTION MAPS MAPS OF CLB CAMPUS & BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH NORTH Ottertail River Lutheran Brethren Seminary Hillcrest Dorms Hillcrest Jr. High W. Vernon Ave. Student Parking WEST Student Activities Center Hillcrest EAST W. Vasa Ave. CLB Synod Offices Hillcrest Football Field Hillcrest Soccer Field Bethel Parking Bethel Church W. Alcott Ave. Exit 55 1 Mile INTERSTATE 94 Westside Dr. Martin St. S. S. Arthur St. Fremont St. SOUTH 4

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8 Hillcrest Lutheran Academy (2nd floor classrooms)

9 CHURCH OF THE LUTHERAN BRETHREN CONVENTION AGENDA Wednesday, July 30 Registration opens at 4:00 PM - Bethel Church Western Region Meeting: 4:30-5:30 PM - Good Shepherd LBC Continuing Education Ministers of the Gospel Appreciation Dinner - 5:00 PM - Bethel Church Central Region Meeting - 6:30 PM - Bethel Church Music Room Prayer Gathering at 6:50 PM - HLA Student Activity Center (SAC) Worship - 7:30 PM - SAC Refreshments and conversation following the worship service Thursday, July 31 Registration open 7:30 AM - Bethel Church Orientation of new CLB delegates: 7:30 AM Bethel - Rm Worship and Holy Communion: 8:30 AM - Bethel Sanctuary Opening Business Session: 9:00-10:40 AM - Bethel Sanctuary Opening Prayer Report of the Credentials Committee Call to Order Adoption of the Schedule and Agenda Consideration of Speaking Rights Recognition of Missionaries, Military Chaplains, and Convention Guests Present Welcome of Trinity Lutheran Church, Torquay, SK into CLB membership Nomination of Candidates: Presidential, Council of Director, and Resolutions Committee Presentation of the Financial and Parochial Reports Presentation of 2015 Ministry Plans and Budget Business Session - 11:00 AM-Noon Action on the President Transition Plan recommended by the Council of Directors Election of the CLB President, Members of the Council of Directors, Resolutions Committee Action on proposed Amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws Election of Convention Committees Announcement of Election Results Noon: Area restaurants; Pastor s Wives Luncheon hosted by WMCLB in Bethel Fellowship Hall; Eastern Region Lunch meeting in Bethel - Lower level classroom/stillpoint Cafe Seminars, Session 1: 1:30-2:30 PM Business: Convention Committee Meetings 3:00-4:30 PM Reporting Order: Finance and Administration - Bethel Church - Music Room Communication - Bethel Church - Rm International Mission - Bethel Church - Rm North American Mission - Bethel Church - Rm Theological Issues & Preparation for Mission (LBS) - LBS Recognition Dinner - 5:00-7:00 PM (Bigwood Conference Center-advance tickets required) Prayer Gathering 6:50 PM -SAC Worship at HLA Student Activity Center - 7:30 PM Reception honoring President Egge and Barbara at Bethel Church Fellowship Hall following the service. Friday, August 1, 2014 Lutheran Brethren Homes Annual Meeting - 7:00 AM (Bethel Fellowship Hall) Convention Registration Open -7:00 AM Bethel Church Plenary Session: Advancing our Mission (Five-year ministry focus) 8:30 AM Bethel Sanctuary Business Session: 9:30 AM Bethel Sanctuary Committee Reports and Recommendations HLA Report Bible Hour: 11:00 AM Bethel Sanctuary Noon: Area restaurants; Pension participant luncheon for pastors and spouses in Bethel Fellowship Hall Business Session: 1:30 3:00 PM Reading of Proposed Amendments Other Business Report from the Resolutions Committee (Tributes) Disposition of Final Minutes Adjournment and Benediction Seminars, Session 2: 3:30-4:30 PM Regional Meetings: 4:30 PM (at the call of the Regional Chair) Prayer Gathering: 6:30 PM - SAC Worship and Installation of the President: 7:00 PM - SAC Reception in honor of the incoming President at Bethel Fellowship Hall 7

10 CHURCH OF THE LUTHERAN BRETHREN 2014 COD NOMINATIONS COUNCIL OF DIRECTORS Council of Directors President Joel Egge 2014 Synodical Secretary Paul Larson 2016 CLB Canada Roger Olson 2016 * Larry Blades 2016 ** Greg Butler 2014 Central Region Rich Iverson 2016 Roberg McElfatrick 2016 (Open) 2014 Eastern Region Ryan Nilsen 2014 Roy Heggland 2016 Matthew DeKok 2014 Pacific Region Jim Erickson 2014 Mike Berry 2014 Larry Fransson 2016 Western Region Ron Erickson 2016 Dan Bundy 2016 Marvin Nelson 2014 * Called as Regional Pastor ** Resigned Nominees for 2014 Election more information on following pages Paul Larson and Jeffrey Seaver (see special insert) Nominees provided if needed Jon Overland *** Greg Butler **** *** *** Matthew DeKok **** Jim Erickson **** Warren Hall Marvin Nelson and Brian Johnson *** Nominee to be announced **** Incumbent 8

11 CLB CANADA NOMINATIONS JON OVERLAND / Nominee for Pastor (One to be elected) Status: Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Okotoks, AB President of the CLB Canada Family: Married to Debbie Heart for Ministry: My heart for ministry is that people may come in contact with God, who calls us in His grace, who has redeemed us in Christ, and sustains us as we live in His care. It is my prayer that we develop and grow as a church body, so that others may hear the wonderful message of the Gospel. GREG BUTLER / Nominee for Layperson (One to be elected) Status: Lawyer Member of Peace Lutheran Church, Calgary, AB Family: Married to Pamella Two children, four grandchildren Heart for Ministry: It is remarkable to me that, despite the small size of the CLB, there is a demonstrable intimacy among our congregations. This intimacy, in my view, is vital. My sense is that the COD provides a method of maintaining the contact among the congregations through the regional representatives. Most important, this intimacy also provides for the continuity in preaching of the Word of God to all of our congregations, as well as to the mission field overseas. With the prospects of new doors being opened to mission fields in North America, it is exciting to think of where the Lord may lead us and what He has in store. EASTERN REGION NOMINATION MATTHEW DeKOK / Nominee for Lay Person (One to be elected) Status: Manager, Rutgers University Member of Bunker Hill LB Church, Princeton, NJ Family: Married to Marit Children: Nicole (15), Amanda (12), Sean (8) Heart for Ministry: As someone who has grown up (and continues to worship) in a smaller Lutheran Brethren congregation, I have always appreciated the ministry of the synod, since it would be so difficult for us to do things on our own. It s great to be a part of a body of churches that are concerned with people outside their own walls and desire to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations. This is especially true now, as we now embark on the Lifting Our Eyes campaign to plant new churches, send new missionaries, and increase access to our Seminary offerings. To serve on the COD again, to help plan and coordinate these efforts and others in the future, would be a humbling opportunity. 9

12 PACIFIC REGION NOMINATIONS JIM ERICKSON / Nominee for Pastor (One to be elected) Status: Pastor of Calvary Community Church, Fullerton, CA Family: Married to Marilyn Four sons, five grandchildren Heart for Ministry: My heart for ministry is to help and serve those who are in need and to see them become grounded in their faith and live their lives in a way that will make Jesus look good in the community of which they are a part. I have done this by helping needy people in Africa and America, providing Scriptures for people in Africa and America, and by encouraging people on both of these continents. My gift and heart for ministry has been to come alongside all of them and point them to the One who alone is able to satisfy our needs. I want those who know me to know that Jesus is my Lord and that no one can satisfy the needy soul like Jesus. Those who are needy and recognize their need will see that Jesus is the way to peace with God, the truth about God, and the Life that is eternal. WARREN HALL / Nominee for Layperson (One to be elected) Status: Employed in Sales, Wolfkill Fertilizer Corp. Member of Hope Silver Lake, Everett, WA Family: Married to Sarah Children: Greta, Nelson and Emma Heart for Ministry: I have a passion for working with kids and youth. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a young person realizing the Holy Spirit s leading as they recognize the need for Christ in their lives. To see someone take their first steps as a young Christian and later see them mature as a person who lives their lives in response to God s grace is truly a blessing and privilege to witness. CENTRAL REGION NOMINATIONS N/A (Nominee will be announced) / Nominee for Layperson (One to be elected) 10

13 WESTERN REGION NOMINATIONS MARVIN NELSON / Nominee for Layperson (One to be elected) Status: Agricultural Consultant and State Representative in the ND House Member of Ebenezer LB Church, Rolette, ND Family: Married to Susan Children: Jessica and Carl Heart for Ministry: I wasn t born into a Lutheran Brethren household. I grew up in an ALC church in Rugby, ND. It merged into the ELCA with many others. I left the church, or looking back, I often feel it left me. While in college, I attended many different churches, met and married my wife at Community Baptist in Fargo. We were living in Rolla, ND and hunting for a home when another Baptist invited us to Ebenezer. While attending, I decided to study Martin Luther to see where he was wrong, and so today, I am a Lutheran. It has been my pleasure to be called to serve as an elder at Ebenezer. It has also been a pleasure to be given the responsibility to serve on the Council of Directors of the CLB. BRIAN JOHNSON / Nominee for Layperson (One to be elected) Status: Employed as CFO of a private company Member of Community in Christ, Arvada, CO Family: Married with three children and six grandchildren Heart for Ministry: A major challenge our congregation has recently addressed is to fully identify and utilize the spiritual gifts of our members. In that spirit, I feel that serving the Western Region would use and expand my capabilities for the overall benefit of the region. Serving on the COD would be a privilege as well as an opportunity for my personal growth in faith and understanding. 11

14 CHURCH OF THE LUTHERAN BRETHREN PROPOSED AMENDMENTS to the CLB Constitution and Bylaws to be considered at the 2012 Biennial Convention Four amendment proposals will come before this Biennial Convention, two to the body of the Constitution and two related to the By-Laws. Notice, as required by the Constitution and By-Laws have been given to the body the following will come before the 2014 delegation for decisions. The COD has considered these amendments and recommends their adoption. They will come to the Convention Floor through Convention Committee reports. Proposed Amendments to the CLB Constitution These proposed Amendments to the CLB Constitution, read at the 2012 Biennial Convention, are presented to the 2014 Biennial Convention for action. Passage requires ⅔ majority. #1 Resolved that Article V, Amendments, be amended by the following: 1. The existing paragraph under Article V Amendments be given the letter A. A. Except for changes adopted by the Council of Directors regarding the number and size of the Regions, this Constitution can be amended only at the Biennial Convention. Such amendments shall be proposed in writing by petition of a member congregation or by ten delegates at the previous Biennial Convention. The amendment requires a two-thirds majority vote. 2. The proposed addition would be given the letter B. and add: B. A proposed amendment may be formulated and signed by 10 confessing members of the CLB congregations and submitted for reading at each Regional Convention. It will then be discussed and voted on at the next synodical Biennial Convention. The amendment requires a two-thirds majority vote. To read: Article V Amendments A. Except for changes adopted by the Council of Directors regarding the number and size of the Regions, this Constitution can be amended only at the Biennial Convention. Such amendments shall be proposed in writing by petition of a member congregation or by ten delegates at the previous Biennial Convention. The amendment requires a two-thirds majority vote. B. A proposed amendment may be formulated and signed by 10 confessing members of the CLB congregations and submitted for reading at each Regional Convention. It will then be discussed and voted on at the next synodical Biennial Convention. The amendment requires a two-thirds majority vote. 12

15 #2 Resolved that Article III.E.1.a. be amended by adding the following underlined text to the existing paragraph: If any voting member of the COD is unable to complete his/her term (the Retiring Member ), the Executive Committee of the region which the Retiring Member represents, shall appoint a qualified person to replace the Retiring Member. The replacement member shall serve the COD until the next CLB Biennial Convention. To read: Article III.E.1.a The voting members of the Council of Directors will be the Synodical President, two laypersons (at least one ordained) and one pastor from each of the Regions. These members are nominated by their Region and elected by the Church of the Lutheran Brethren Biennial Convention for a four year term. If any voting member of the COD is unable to complete his/her term (the Retiring Member ), the Executive Committee of the region which the Retiring Member represents, shall appoint a qualified person to replace the Retiring Member. The replacement member shall serve on the COD until the next CLB Biennial Convention. Proposed By-Law Amendments: Note: Bylaws may be amended at any synodical convention if the proposed amendments are presented in writing to the President prior to the opening of the Convention. Amendments to the By-Laws require a 2/3 majority vote. #3 The Council of Directors recommends the 2014 Biennial Convention amend the Church of the Lutheran Brethren By-Laws, Article III.C.4 by adding the underlined text to the sentence: The Region shall recommend new congregations to the Synod whose constitutions have been approved by the Theological Council. To read: The Region shall recommend new congregations to the Synod whose constitutions have been approved by the Theological Council. #4 The Council of Directors recommends the 2014 Biennial Convention amend the Church of the Lutheran Brethren By-Laws, Article III Regional Management, B., Executive Committee, by deleting the strikethrough text and inserting the underlined text as follows: B. Executive Committee. 1. Regional Pastor. He shall preside at meeting of the Executive Committee. 2. Regional Chairman. He shall moderate the Regional Biennial Convention. 3. Regional Vice Chairman. He shall assume the position and duties of the Chairman in the absence of that official Secretary/Treasurer. He This person shall assume such duties as are stipulated in the Regional Constitution. To read: B. Executive Committee. 1. Regional Pastor. He shall preside at meeting of the Executive Committee. 2. Regional Chairman. He shall moderate the Regional Biennial Convention. 3. Regional Vice Chairman. He shall assume the position and duties of the Chairman in the absence of that official. 4. Secretary/Treasurer. This person shall assume such duties as are stipulated in the Regional Constitution. 13

16 CHURCH OF THE LUTHERAN BRETHREN CLB YOUTH WORKERS Youth are the future of our churches and youth are the present of our churches. I m guessing your hope for your church is that you are as effective as possible in reaching out to teens. The Church of the Lutheran Brethren wants to come along side each of you to encourage and resource you in your calling. Mark Johannesen is coordinating communication for our Youth Workers, and invites you to join the network through Facebook and the CLB Network website. Mark blogs and shares news on the CLB Network and connects with the Youth Workers through the private Facebook group. Mark Johannesen pastormark@wordoflifelbc.org / YW Facebook Group Lutheran Brethren Youth Convention 14 LEARN MORE AT YC15.ORG July 28 Aug

17 CHURCH OF THE LUTHERAN BRETHREN CHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAMMING The Church of the Lutheran Brethren is providing childcare and youth programming throughout the convention. Nursery Care - Infants through preschool-aged children Location: Bethel Nursery Times: During evening worship services Kids Camp - K-6th grade / Cost: $25 per camper Location: Hillcrest Lutheran Academy (Lunch will be provided for day campers on Thursday and Friday) Day Camp is comprised of games, skits, Bible study, singing, crafts and so much more! Wednesday, July 30: Thursday, July 31: Friday, August 1: 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 15

18 CHURCH OF THE LUTHERAN BRETHREN WOMEN S MINISTRIES What is Women s Ministries? Ministry BY women Ministry THROUGH women Ministry TO women Director of Women s Ministries: Ruth Vallevik Chairman: Rachel Patterson Secretary and Information Coordinator: Cheryl Olsen Treasurer: Lori Christopherson Presidents of the Regions: Pacific Region North: Sue Olson Pacific Region South: Cheryl Johnson Western Region: Linda Vallevik Central Region: LeShel Solberg Eastern Region: Jo-Ann Tellefsen Canada: Jean Wilsdon Learn more at 16

19 CHURCH OF THE LUTHERAN BRETHREN FAITH & FELLOWSHIP A bookstore is set up in the Fellowship Hall of Bethel Lutheran Church. A display, including many of the books published by Faith & Fellowship are available for you to browse. Order forms are available for you to fill out and drop in a box and we will ship your order to you after the convention. Ask for Troy Tysdal or Tim Mathiesen if you have any questions. Biennial Convention Resources Worship Services / Seminars / Photographs / News Updates / Business Session Minutes Following the convention, all of the video, audio and other material will be edited, organized and posted on the CLB Convention website. You can follow the progress and any other news on the website in the coming weeks as information and resources become available. 17

20 Church of the Lutheran Brethren 2014 Biennial Convention Wednesday, July 30 Friday, August 1 Fergus Falls, MN Wednesday, July 30, :30 AM 4:00 PM Pre-convention Training and Continuing Education Youth Workers Lunch (pre-registration required at nam@clba.org) 4:00-6:30 PM Delegate Registration at Bethel Lutheran Church 6:50 Prayer Gathering HLA Activity Center 7:30 Evening Worship HLA Activity Center The Anointed King, President Joel Egge Refreshments at HLA Activity Center Thursday, July 31, :30-8:30AM Delegate Registration Bethel LC New Delegate Orientation Bethel Room :30 Morning Worship and Holy Communion Bethel LC The Heralded King, Rev. Jim Erickson 9:30 Business Session Opening, Call to order, Reports to the Church 10:30 Refreshments 11:00 Business Session Elections 12:00 Noon Pastors Wives Luncheon Bethel Fellowship Hall 1:30 PM Seminar Session 1 2:30 Refreshments 3:00 Business Session - Convention Committees Meet (locations to be announced) 4:30 7 PM Dinner Hour Recognition Banquet for President Joel & Barbara Egge Bigwood Event Center For details contact the Synod Office 6:50 Prayer Gathering HLA Activity Center 7:30 Evening Worship HLA Activity Center The Glorified King, Professor Brad Pribbenow 8:45 Refreshments / Reception for Pres. Joel & Barbara Egge Bethel Fellowship Hall Friday, August 1, :00 AM Lutheran Brethren Homes Annual Meeting Breakfast Bethel Fellowship Hall 7:00 Delegate Registration Bethel Lutheran Church 8:30 Plenary: Lifting Our Eyes Session, Bethel Lutheran Church 9:30 Business Session Committee Reports 10:30 Refreshments 11:00 Bible Hour Bethel Sanctuary The Lifted-Up King, Rev. John Juhl 12:00 Noon Pension Luncheon, Bethel Fellowship Hall Pension Participants & Spouses invited 1:30 PM Business Session Committee Reports (cont), Resolutions, and Tributes 3:00 Refreshments 3:30 Seminar Session 2 4:30 Regional Networking Clusters if called by the Regional Chair 6:30 Prayer Gathering HLA Activity Center 7:00 Evening Worship HLA Activity Center The Messenger King, Rev. Mark Jarvinen Installation of new CLB President 8:30 Refreshments / President s Reception - Bethel Fellowship Hall Saturday, August 2, :00 AM COD Organizational Meeting CLB Office Conference Room 9:00 AM WMCLB Women s Event Bethel Lutheran Church Church of the Lutheran Brethren Canada: United States: International Mission: Lutheran Brethren Seminary: