SYNOD COUNCIL REPORT. September 9-10, As followers who love Jesus, we equip leaders and congregations for healthy ministry.

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1 As followers who love Jesus, we equip leaders and congregations for healthy ministry. SYNOD COUNCIL REPORT September 9-10, 2016 Nebraska Synod, ELCA 6757 Newport Avenue, Suite 200 Omaha, NE

2 Table of Contents AGENDA...3 REPORT OF THE BISHOP...5 EN BLOC...8 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY...9 TREASURER S REPORTS...12 STAFF REPORTS...15 ORGANIZATIONAL REPORTS...33 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING...35 MOTIONS...40 ATTACHMENTS...45

3 AGENDA NEBRASKA SYNOD EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA SYNOD COUNCIL AGENDA September 9-10, 2016 Our Savior Lutheran Church, 421 Pearl Street, Wayne, NE Friday, September 9 10:00 am Executive Committee 10:30 am Gathering 10:45 Orientation - new council members (all members are welcome to attend orientation) 12:00 pm Lunch 1:00-2:15 Orientation continued 2:30 Call to Order and Welcome -- ALL Roll Call and Introductions Setting Agenda Approval of Minutes of June :45 Devotions/Spiritual Practice Deb Hammer Certified Spiritual Director 3:15 Conflict of Interest Presentation Bill Biggs, Synod legal counsel Synod Constitution Update 3:30 Bishop s Report Additions to Bishop s Report Update on Synodically Authorized Worshiping Communities (SAWCS) 4:15 Break 4:30 Elections/Appointments Executive Committee Nominating Ballot: 3 At-large SC members elected for 1-year term) Immanuel Vision Fund Review nominations Synod Constitution Update Team-2-3 Council members to be appointed 4:45 Staff Reports 5:30 Ted Asay Director of Development 5:45 Dinner 6:30 Eucharist 7:00 Recess until 8:30 AM 3

4 Saturday, September 10 8:30 AM Continental Breakfast 9:00 Spiritual Practice Deb Hammer, Certified Spiritual Director 9:30 Report of Officers and Organizations Vice-President s Report Secretary s Report Treasurer s Report Lutheran Men in Mission Nebraska Synodical Women's Organization Strategic Ministry Vision Oversight Team Report Dara Troutman Karen Melang Dan Friedlund Tom Olson Nancy Johnson Bishop Maas 10:00 Churchwide Assembly Report 10:15 Action on Motions MOTION 1: Designation of Funds for Life Insurance Policy from Agnes Johnson MOTION 2: Audit Approval MOTION 3: Corrected Designation of LMM Funds MOTION 4: Authorization to Negotiate Facilities Contracts 2019 & 2020 Synod Assemblies MOTION 5: Mission Field Nebraska 2017 approvals MOTION 6: Conflict of Interest Policy Approval 10:30 New Business Elections: At-large Executive Committee members; Immanuel Vision Fund Review 10:45 Feedback.. Questions, concerns, reflections 11:00 Closing Prayer & Adjournment Travel Safely! 2016 MEETING DATES One or two days - to be determined prior to each meeting Please add these dates to your calendar! September 9-10 December 2-3 Our Savior s Lutheran Church, Wayne American Lutheran Church, Ashland 2017 MEETING DATES March June 1 September 8-9 December 1-2 St. Thomas, Omaha Younes Conference Center, Kearney TBA host needed Mosaic Offices, Omaha 4

5 REPORT OF THE BISHOP BISHOP S REPORT TO NEBRASKA SYNOD COUNCIL Greetings and welcome to our newest members! If you re a fan of world-changing ministries, hard work and fun, you ve found a good place to be (and if not, don t pop my bubble ). Don t be worried about being a little bit overwhelmed. There s a lot of information in these reports and in each of our meetings, but we ll help you get on board. You have joined a committed, gifted group, and I m grateful you ve been open to the Spirit s call to serve here. Again, welcome! Our primary focus in this meeting will be on thorough orientation (and review) so that everyone can feel prepared and on the same page for our work. There will be some fundamental action items, but little that is radically different or new. A quick snapshot of the Synod from my perspective: Mission Share Experiment: referred to at CWA (Churchwide Assembly) as a Pilot; still causing concern among Churchwide staff, but welcomed here and encouraged by other leaders. We had some hiccups relative to MIF (see below) but we have those mostly ironed out. Initial observations: quicker, more flexible interactions with local grant-supported ministries; increased Mission Share giving to-date (probably not a direct result of the experiment, but an observation to share) Mission Investment Fund (MIF) Synod Financial Services pilot: we discussed and acted on this in June. The transition has been made, but we continue to work on complete reconciliations. Stephanie Lusienski, the accounting staff at LFS, and Dan Friedlund have been doing excellent work. Mobility: we continue to complete call processes at a good rate, but are losing pastors to retirement and new calls faster than we can replace them. We need to do more to produce pastors, as well as continuing our efforts to recruit them. CWA: an excellent national gathering with a very positive spirit. Observation much passion in floor debate, yet civility and common sense prevailed. We elected a new Vice President, Bill Horne; did our required work (budget, elections); approved a new Word & Service Roster for Deacons; accepted (and celebrated) Declaration on the Way to Communion as a report of continuing ecumenical progress with the Roman Catholic Church; endorsed continuing efforts to combat racism and connect more intentionally with historic Black churches; and took efforts aimed at fostering ministry among veterans and others affected by war, urging peace in Israel/Palestine, and impacting energy usage and climate change. We also had glorious worship, great fellowship and about 40 involved (and ultimately tired) participants from the Nebraska Synod 24 of them Voting Members, the others Visitors or participants in the Grace Gathering. Finances: see Treasurer s report. More details at the meeting. Staffing: no changes, except that Director for Stewardship Timothy Siburg hopes to be living in Nebraska and serving full-time by October 1 (a month later than anticipated). Candidacy Coordinator Rex Rogers is assisting with Mobility in one congregation. His help is appreciated. Connecting: members of the Nebraska Synod staff will be in retreat with counterparts from South Dakota, Western Iowa and Central States (Kansas-Missouri) Synods, August These four synods are parts of three different regions, so historically have virtually no connection, in spite of obvious similarities. At a minimum, we ll develop new relationships with colleagues. However, we believe there may be ways we can forge new connections to increase our ability to do our work in several areas. This will need to happen more, and in other places, as the ELCA continues into the future. The Journey: see Lisa Kramme s report for details. This was an excellent if challenging experience and had a significant impact on me. I was grateful to participate. 5

6 Combating racism: this has been a year of tragedy and passion around matters of race. It s a challenging subject to address, but it s essential that we talk about racism, and decide how we re going to address it in Nebraska and beyond. To be frank, we ve got real problems in our state and our church. Consequently, a new Anti-Racism Team (ART) is being formed. The staff will be engaging the topic at a mini-retreat in September. We ll be looking for resources and opportunities for conversation. Partnering: staff members from the Synod and Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM) met to discuss ways to partner on developing and presenting resources for leadership in the Synod. This was a preliminary conversation, but there is potential. This is one effort to respond to the Strategic Vision directive to find ways to shift staff responsibilities when possible. We will have similar conversations on other topics with other partners whenever we identify potential. Overall, things remain stable in the Nebraska Synod, with ample reason to be grateful and hopeful. I look forward to conversation and action when we meet in Wayne. With gratitude to you for your leadership, to an outstanding staff for their efforts, and to the Synod for the privilege of this position, Brian Maas Bishop 6

7 ADDITIONS TO BISHOP S REPORT RECOMMENDED: That the following rostered persons be approved for On Leave From Call status for one year: Casey Lieneman Janice Heidlberger Heather Grell 8/1/2016 (Family leave-6 years) 11/10/2015, nd yr 09/26/2007, nd yr, rd yr (family leave-6 yrs) 2010, 4 th yr, 2011, 5 th yr, th yr (12/12 approved by SC for 1 addl.yr, 12/13 approved by SC for 1 addl yr, Spring 2014 COB approved 2-yr ext. 2014, 1 st yr of 2 nd extension which ends 9/26/2015; Spring 2015 COB-approved ext. to expire 9/26/ st year of 2 nd extension RECOMMENDED: That a Synod Council Call to Transitional/Interim Ministries for a period of three years, renewable, be issued to the following rostered leaders: Pr. Frank Kerkemeyer, effective September 10, Pr. Paul Moessner, effective September 10, 2016 RECOMMENDED: That the retirement of the following rostered leaders be confirmed: Steven Tjarks effective 8/1/2016 Connie Raess effective 10/1/2016 **See additional motions approved by the Executive Committee on July 19, Minutes of that meeting are included in this packet. Rev. Jeffery Alvestad, On Leave From Call, effective 5/24/16 Rev. Frank Kerkemeyer, On Leave From Call, effective 8/1/16 Rev. Dr. Scott Frederickson/First Lutheran, Blair, waiver for availability for call Rev. Frank Kerkemeyer/St. Timothy Lutheran, Omaha, waiver for availability for call 7

8 EN BLOC ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN EN BLOC 1. CONGREGATIONS RECOMMENDED: That the constitution, bylaws and continuing resolutions for Zion Lutheran, Albion, be approved. RECOMMENDED: That the constitution and bylaws for First Lutheran, Kearney, be approved. 2. COMMITTEES RECOMMENDED: RECOMMENDED: That Rhonda Bostrom be appointed to the World Hunger Committee To fill the unexpired term of John Backus. This is a two-year term, expiring June That Jenny Sharrick be appointed as chair of the World Hunger Committee. 3. AGENCIES AND INSTITUTIONS RECOMMENDED: To approve the request of the Immanuel Board of Directors to appoint the following for their first four-year terms on the board, effective January 1, 2017: Dr. Jeff Akerson Dr. Kristen Hoffman Ms. Jane Tonniges RECOMMENDED: To approve the following request of the Immanuel Board of Directors: That the Amendment to the Second Restated Bylaws of Immanuel be approved. The purposes for the Bylaws revisions are as follows: To make the person serving as Chair of the Affordable Boards an exofficio board member, with vote. To separate the Secretary/Treasurer Board Officer position into two positions. **Please note additional motion approved at the July 19 Executive Committee, minutes included in this packet: RECOMMENDED:: to appoint the Rev. Eric Spruth Janssen to the Discipline Committee to fill the unexpired term of AiM Sunni Richardson (term ends 2017). 8

9 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY (Synod Council ) (As of September 2, 2016) A. Installations Martha Atkins Immanuel, Coleridge 7/10/16 (Betty Heier installing) Miles & Sarah Ruch Messiah, Aurora 8/7/16 (Steve Meysing installing) Miles Ruch United, Hampton 8/7/16 (Steve Meysing installing) Sarah Flatt St. Paul s, Omaha(Millard) Associate Pastor 9/10-11/16 (Juliet Hampton installing) Commissioning Consecrations B. Calls (Associates in Ministry) C. Transfers Jim Holtus from Northwestern Minnesota Synod Michael Kern to Central States Synod Jon Bustard from Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod Justin Eller from North Carolina Synod Sarah Flatt from Southeast Michigan Synod Karen Rupp from South Dakota Synod Derrick Fallon to New England Synod Eric Alm to Western Iowa Synod Elvin Crosby to Central States Synod Paul Moessner from Central States Synod Carolyn Hellerich to Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod John Backus to Central States Synod Elizabeth Backus to Central States Synod Gary Harris from Southeastern Minnesota Synod D. Deaths Irvin Briese, 8/4/16 E. Resigned from Roster F. Removed from Roster G. Retired Beverly Rautenberg-Panko, April 1, 2016 H. Disability 9

10 I. Ordination Steven Lee Lindley August 6, New Heights Lutheran Church, 1705 Center St., Black Earth, WI, Bishop Mary Froiland (call to serve as Pastor, American Lutheran Church, Ashland, NE, start date August 22, 2016) J. Pastoral Changes/Congregations Seeking Pastor ALBION, Immanuel Zion effective August 2016 ALLEN, First/CONCORD, Concordia effective August 2016 BEATRICE, St. John (Associate) (Pr. Myron Meyer) effective March 2014 BLAIR, First effective July 2014 (Pr. Scott Frederickson) BLOOMFIELD, St. Mark s effective March 2016 (Pr. Deb Valentine, UCC) CREIGHTON, Zion effective Sept 2014 (Richard Bloomquist, PMA) DAKOTA CITY, Salem effective Oct 2013 (Pr. Karen Tjarks) ELKHORN, Bethany - called Pr. Jon Bustard, Co-Lead Pastor, effective 8/1/16 FALLS CITY, St. Peter s effective May 2015 (Wanda Biel, PMA) FONTANELLE, Salem effective August 2015 (Pr. Randall Herman) GRETNA, Resurrection effective October 2014 (Pr. Chip Borgstadt) JOHNSON, St. Matthew s, St. John s (Auburn)-effective October 2015 (Bill Shaner) KEARNEY, First effective July 2015 (Pr. Sylvia Karlsson) LINCOLN, First (Associate) called Pr. Justin Eller effective 9/1/16 LINCOLN, Friedens called Katherine Woolf effective 9/17/16 NORFOLK, St. John s effective September 2013 (Pr. David Cox) OMAHA, Lord of Love effective Feb 2014 (Pr. Glenn Schacht) OMAHA, St. Timothy s effective June 2015 (Pr. Frank Kerkemeyer) OMAHA, Trinity effective August 2016 PENDER, St. Mark s effective August 2016 (Pr. Bev Rautenberg-Panko) PENDER, St. Peter s effective August 2016 PIERCE, Christ effective August 2016 PILGER, St. Peter effective December 2015 RANDOLPH, St. John s effective August 2016 SOUTH SIOUX CITY, First effective February called Pr. Douglas Dill, effective 10/15/16 STANTON, St. Luke s called Pr. Robert Schlismann, Episcopal, effective 9/1/16 SUTTON, Zion effective July 2015 (Pr. Kristine Schroeder) VALLEY, St. Mark s effective November - call extended WAKEFIELD, Salem effective October 2014 (Pr. Barbara Hansen) WAUSA, Thabor effective July 2014 (Pr. Ron Youngerman) WAYNE, Our Savior (Associate) WEST POINT, Grace effective August 2015 (Pr. Jean Vargo) WYMORE, Our Savior s/immanuel effective December 2015 (Pr. Ken Kramer) YORK, First effective date June 2014 (Pr. Bud Christenson) 10

11 K. Congregations Served by Ministry Leaders BROADWATER, Messiah - effective Feb, 2001 (Ann Bairn, PMA) BROKEN BOW, Our Savior s - effective Aug, 2004 (Kathy Salts, PMA) CALLAWAY, Callaway - effective Aug, 2004 (Fred Werkmeister, PMA) CERESCO Immanuel effective Oct 2010 (Pr. John Sievers) CLAY CENTER, Zion effective July 2009 (Pr. Judy Nuss) HAY SPRINGS, St. Peter s effective Jan 2009 (Pam Anderson, PMA) HOMER, St. Paul s/hubbard, Trinity effective Jan 2013 (David Hawkins, TEEM) JOHNSON, Zion (John Kisling) LEWELLEN, Grace, effective April 2008 (Vonnie Brown, PMA student) MADISON, Immanuel effective Sept 2010 (Susan Urbanec, PMA) OMAHA, Fontenelle Community (Miriam Blair, TEEM Candidate) OMAHA, Nile (John Badeng, TEEM) PAXTON, Trinity effective Oct 2010 (JA Welsh, TEEM) POLK, Trinity effective July 2013 (Pr. Benjamin Erzkus) RALSTON, Messiah (David Mayen, TEEM) RISING CITY, First English - (Ron Lau, PMA) ROSALIE, Immanuel effective June 2013 (Pr. Bob Johnson) RUSHVILLE, Immanuel effective August 2014 (Patrick Runkle, PMA) SCRIBNER, St. John s County Line/UEHLING, St. Paul s effective August 2015 (Mr. Bob Ball) SPENCER, Our Saviour s/bristow, Trinity - effective September, 2004 (Glen Stahlecker, PMA) WINSIDE, Trinity (Glenn Kietzmann, PMA) L. Congregations Organized M. Received as a Congregation of the Nebraska Synod ELCA N. Congregations Withdrawing from the ELCA O. Congregations Closed 11

12 TREASURER S REPORTS Further financial update information to be presented at Synod Council meeting. 12

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15 STAFF REPORTS Report to the Synod Council Ted Asay Philanthropy is the mystical mingling of a joyous giver, an artful asker and a grateful recipient. I continue to give thanks for the opportunity to partner with you to serve the congregations and members of the Nebraska Synod ELCA. My immediate challenges for this position continue as follows: Explore new sources and means for support for the Nebraska Synod Lead and coordinate the above efforts Build a culture of generosity and excitement through philanthropy within the Nebraska Synod Over the last fourteen weeks I have: Purchased, converted data, implemented and trained myself and Michele in our new donor database software program called Bloomerang! This program now gives us the ability to track donors and their gifts, cultivate and steward our current and future donors and communicate with donors in a timely manner. It also gives us important data metrics that will help us keep donor s interest longer and increase donations in the future. Implemented an aggressive program to thank donors in a timely and personal manner that I believe is already paying off in more and larger donations. Spoken by phone with over 30 pastors regarding church giving and support for Mission Field Nebraska Ministries. Began attending churches on Sunday morning to share about Mission Share giving and Synod ministries. Developed an implementation plan for a Synod-wide Fall Resource Development Campaign. Continued to familiarized myself with and visit many of the Nebraska Synod ministries. Joined and attended several meetings of the Association of Lutheran Development Executives. Visited personally with many pastors and donors about their giving needs in order to build relationships. Ongoing and future work includes: Continue to contact and visit current donors Cultivate/steward current donors Seek new prospective donors Work closely with Timothy Siburg to create a close partnership between the Development and Stewardship programs. Lead successful Fall giving campaign I continue to hope that you, as Synod council members, will be available to introduce me to current and prospective donors in your sphere of influence, share names of prospective donors that you may know and keep me in your prayers. Ted Asay Director of Development Nebraska Synod, ELCA 15

16 Report to the Synod Council Juliet Hampton, Assistant to the Bishop Nebraska Synod Systems Proposal Overview: This is a proposal for a three tiered plan of a program to bring Systems thinking into the Nebraska Synod. The three step plan is as follows: 1. Introduction to the clergy at fall TheoCon. (Theological Education) 2. A focused Systems study group, intentionally aimed toward the First Call pastors who have already completed FCTE (First Call Theological Education) but not limited to this group. This section will be focused in two parts. The pastors that are currently in FCTE and the pastors who have already completed their time. 3. A Synod-wide transformational listening group, directed and lead by the Systems Study Group. 1) Objective 2) Support All three focusing on bringing greater awareness of a Systems style of thinking into their own lives and family systems. 3) Fall TheoCon a) Objective b) Resources c) Format 4) Systems Study group a) Current First Call Events- Introduction i. Objective ii. Format iii. Individual Implementation b) Breakout Systems focused Group i. Objective ii. Format (how often, where, what, why?) iii. Resources c) Requirements d) Lesson plans 5) Synod Listening Group a) Objective b) Format c) Resources 6) Follow-up, review, implementation I look forward to talking with you about this more at the next Synod Council meeting. Thank you for letting me do this work. Juliet Hampton Assistant to the Bishop 16

17 Report from Lisa Kramme, Director of Faith Formation I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you (Ephesians 1:17-18a) Year at a Glance Planning teams are focusing on the following ministry events scheduled for our synod in : Lutheran Youth of Nebraska (LYON) Assembly: November 18-20, 2016, at Carol Joy Holling near Ashland. (Note the new location. We hope to consider CJH as a location every other year for LYON Assembly, with the other years location(s) being in central Nebraska.) Middle School Gathering: January 14-15, 2017, at St. Pauls Lutheran Church-Grand Island. (We will use the ELCA World Hunger resource Act 2Day 4Tomorrow as the curriculum for the MSG.) The Journey: June 11-16, 2017 in Omaha. (For the first time this will be a cross+generational event for people of any age and held within our synod s borders. We ll partner with ELCA ministries for service learning opportunities and focus on cross-cultural relationship building and social justice issues as well.) Journey to Kansas City Nearly 200 high school youth and their adult leaders traveled to Kansas City for this year s Journey on June Some of the service learning partners included Children s Memorial and St. Mark Hope & Peace Lutheran Churches, Metro Lutheran Ministries and Communities Creating Opportunity. On Wednesday, an organization called More 2 led us in large and small group discussions on racism and privilege. Those conversations were challenging for many. Bishop Brian s message at closing worship helped sort out what we d experienced and learned that week so there could be more clarity about the work still to do in the areas of social and racial justice. Youth and adult leaders shared their reflections on the week during closing worship as well. I am so grateful to those who attended and those who helped plan. Please let me know if you d like to hear more stories. I m looking forward to Visiting the Panhandle Cluster in September. Letting people know about Practice Discipleship webinars and resources throughout the fall. Our synod s PD Coach, Courtney Geibert, moved to California for seminary, so I m working on putting together a team that could help get the word out on these resources. Having intentional conversations with people throughout the synod on cross+generational and adult faith formation possibilities. While this isn t the start of a new year on the liturgical calendar, September always feels like the start to a new year of focusing or re-focusing on ministry events and other faith formation offerings. I would welcome your prayers for wisdom and revelation for all of us who listen for the Spirit s call. Thank you! 17

18 SYNOD COUNCIL REPORT Mitch McCartney Communications and Technology NebraskaSynod.org The summer has mostly been spent completing the migration from our current web host to Firespring. The process has been a lengthy one, as it has involved a document-by-document migration. Part of this phase of the project has also involved the deployment of a new online giving system to replace Vanco. Vanco, while reliable, is less than ideal for mobile giving. In all, the new NebraskaSynod.org will provide a better experience for users, particularly mobile users and prospective donors. The new site is tentatively scheduled to launch Labor Day weekend. The next two phases of this project will involve migrating our event registration and mail marketing systems from our current vendors to the Firespring platform. This will allow us to integrate the major online communications functions under one centralized platform, creating both financial and human resource efficiencies while adding functionality in some areas. Synod Assembly Planning 2016 The 2016 Synod Assembly went well. In all, 783 registered participants attended. Post-Assembly feedback was very positive. The Ministry Fair received some of the highest marks from participants. Both attendees and exhibitors have reported very positive interactions and meaningful engagement. Many of the organizations and agencies who participated are using experiences they gained from the Ministry Fair in their work moving forward, and have expressed interest in repeating this type of format. Logistically speaking, the Assembly ran as smoothly as we could have imagined. The facilities and hospitality were once again first-rate. It is my intention to begin conversations with the Younes Conference Center about the potential of extending our current contract for hosting the Assembly. I am, therefore, seeking Synod Council authorization to negotiate a deal extension through the 2020 Assembly, with the final contract subject to ratification by the Executive Committee The 2017 Synod Assembly Planning Team has met and chosen Grace to Us, Grace Through Us as the assembly theme. Speakers at the 2017 Assembly will include Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and St. Olaf s religion professor Anthony Bateeza. Jonathan Rundman will be the Assembly music leader. Preliminary plans for the Assembly call for a Ministry Fair-style event similar to the one held this year, pre-assembly events, and offering alternative formats for our speakers and presenters. 18

19 World Hunger Buck the Trend Work was done by volunteers over the summer to develop curriculum and resources for use by congregations and youth programs in tying their hunger relief efforts more closely to ELCA World Hunger. That project is now in the review phase, with production and distribution to follow. One Another Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2016 round of One Another hunger grants. We Do Mission Scholarships Four scholarships were awarded for this past summer s Youth Mission Journey in Kansas City. The committee also awarded a scholarship for the upcoming Argentina Accompaniment Trip and one for the Holy Land Accompaniment Trip. (The Holy Land trip was eventually cancelled.) Finally, the committee is in the process of selecting one applicant to receive a scholarship for the Tanzania Vision Trip next February. Respectfully submitted, Mitch McCartney Director of Communications 19

20 Report of Pastor Steve Meysing, Assistant to the Bishop For September 9-10, 2016 Call Processes Installation: Our Savior s/mccook. Preparing to interview or reviewing staffing options: Zion/Sutton, First/Kearney. Call process orientation completed: Parish of the Plains (United Church of the Plains/Dalton, Immanuel, Lodgepole); Sonrise Parish (St. John s/cozad, American/Cozad, St. John s/eustis); St. Mark s/st. Paul. Beginning transition process: First/North Platte. Reasons pastors sought new calls outside Nebraska: be closer to family; call opportunities for spouse (Deacon candidate). In response to unique circumstances, three-year term calls are being used at two congregations. Visits for annual goal setting and review of progress on previous goals are working well at one site. At the other site, the first year includes quarterly visits, accompanied by my Episcopal counterpart, to review progress on extensive goals for the congregations and pastor written into the terms of the call; this was effective and appreciated by the council, vestry, and pastor. In the PMA Program, the annual renewal of certification process, assisted by PMA Administrator, planning Convocations for 2017 and 2018, and student recruitment were central. Rural Ministry Task Force had a rare in-person meeting to work on priorities for the coming years and consider opportunities for collaboration with other synod committees and tables. Also working on: Synod trip to Luther-land in July 2017; transitional ministry training event at Alliance in September; recruiting for synod ministries assessment team, per SVMP; recruiting coaches and trainers for transformational ministry; researching council/good governance resources, and resources for conflict mediation training across our synod. With the people: trail ride and worship at Immanuel/Rushville; First/Kearney council; Sullivan Hills Advisory Board/Sidney; staff meetings (2 in Omaha, 1 digital); St. Paul s Episcopal/Ogallala & Trinity/Paxton; council vision retreat at St. Paul s/grand Island; Calvary/Grand Island; UCP/Dalton board; Lakota/Scottsbluff; Immanuel/Lodgepole council; United/Hampton & Messiah/Aurora; St. Mark s/st. Paul (2); Calvary/Scottsbluff council; Our Savior s/mccook; Zion/Clay Center; Panhandle Cluster retreat/sullivan Hills; First/North Platte council; Zion/Sutton council. Video/audio conferences: transformational ministry (2); rural ministry task force, boundaries team; NLOM Executive Committee (2). Self-care: vacation taken in June-July, including Benedictine Oblates weekend at Schuyler; sabbatical flights and lodging booked for January-March so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. Colossians 1.28b 20

21 Report to Synod Council Pastor Megan Morrow, Assistant to the Bishop The Best Laid Plans In May, my spiritual director and I talked about my making plans for an intentional time away for prayer, reflection, and discernment about how best to balance life and ministry. And then life happened. My dad fell over Memorial Day weekend, fractured his femur and was hospitalized for a week, spent 2 months at Tabitha for healing and rehab, and one month on Home Health rehab. It was a long summer for him. Since I live with my 87-year-old father, it wasn t the summer I had planned either. Faith and walking with Christ never happens in a vacuum or in a perfect, peaceful, balanced way. That s true for us as individuals, congregations, ministry leaders, synod staff. This summer was a reminder that it isn t realistic to expect my life to be balanced, but that I can certainly trust Christ to be balanced, present, steady, full of peace, patience, strength and wisdom, ready to challenge me, comfort me, lift me, prod me, forgive me when I need it in order to get me out of myself and into the ministry to which God calls us. Examples of Christ s faithfulness and life-giving hope this summer: +New pastors called to Friedens & First Lutheran in Lincoln, and Friedens entering the new Nebraska Synod Transformation Ministry process +Witnessing the joy of how God uses our ministries to touch the lives of those most in need of the Gospel of hope and new life through Bridges to Hope, the grand opening of LFS Health 360 Clinic in Lincoln, and the ELCA Churchwide Assembly which raised up all that we do together in Christ around the globe! +The exciting agenda & workshops the planning team put together this summer for TheoCon 2016 in October We Are Church based on Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Registration is available online. +Celebrating the progress we ve made through the Essential Boundaries for Wise Leaders training in its first year. Please see the attached summary of the Boundary Team s work! +At the same time, we ve walked with congregations and leaders through two examples of inappropriate boundary crossings by rostered leaders. This has taken a great deal of time and energy and prayer on the part of all involved especially Bishop Maas. Yet, Christ is faithful, and there is potential for life-giving hope to come even out of this. +Though the Nebraska Synod Holy Land Accompaniment trip to the Holy Land in October was cancelled due to not enough participants, NSHLA will be meeting in September to prepare to be available to congregations as a resource to discuss the significant decisions of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly related to Israel and Palestine. Christ can use us whether we are traveling abroad or here at home! Thank you for the opportunity to serve Christ and to proclaim his life-giving hope through what we do together as the Nebraska Synod! Megan Morrow 21

22 June 1, 2016 August 31, 2016 Call Process & Transitional Ministry -Work with congregations on Ministry Site Profiles -Contacting candidates to potentially interview with congregations -Joint Councils of St. Matthew s/johnson & St. John/Auburn, 6/8 -Trained Joint Call Committee for Our Savior s/wymore & Immanuel State Line/Wymore -Exit Interview & Council Training for Daykin/Gilead, 8/4, Sonrise Parish Eustis/Cozad, 8/24 -Transitional Minister council interview, Daykin/Gilead, 8/18 Challenges -Follow up to financial boundary violation, mtgs. 6/6, 6/16, 7/15, 7/20 -Meetings to deal with inappropriate interpersonal boundaries, 8/22 Cluster Gatherings/Events -Rode in the Bridges to Hope Bike-a-thon 6/11 -Amazing Grays luncheon in Lincoln, 7/15 -Nebraska Journey of Hope speakers regarding the Death Penalty, 7/22 -Grand Opening Open House for LFS Health 360 in Lincoln Congregational Leader Support -Friedens/Lincoln council regarding Transformational Ministry possibility 6/9 -Calls and s with council and call committee leaders regarding Transitional Ministry, Call Process, Discipline concerns, Ecumenical Leadership Development -TheoCon 2016 Planning Team, 6/23, 7/25 -TheoCon 2016 Worship Planning Team, 6/30 -Synod Boundaries Team mtg. 7/21 -Facilitated Essential Boundaries for Wise Leaders Training, 8/6 -Lining up future Boundaries trainings, prep for training Pastoral Care Hospital/care home visits 3 Visits with pastors/rostered leaders - 8 Candidate visits (in person) - 3 Discipline - 3 Funeral/Visitation - 2 Staff Staff Mtg. in Omaha 6/15, Staff Mtg. online 7/12 Staff Mtg. in Omaha 8/16 Quad Synod Staff Retreat 8/29-31 Synod Mission/Meetings -Synod Assembly, 6/2-4 -Nebraska Synod Holy Land Accompaniment event with Archbishop Chacour, 6/5, & fall 2016 trip planning (trip cancelled July 31 due to not enough participants) Worship/Preaching/Adult Forums -Preached for Spirit of Hope/Lincoln s 5 th Anniversary! 6/19 -Preached at Grace/Lincoln 6/ Preached at Our Saviour s/lincoln to welcome Pastor Tobi White back from sabbatical 7/9-10 -Preached at the 150 th Anniversary of St. John Lutheran Old Stone Church, rural Auburn, 8/7 -Preached at Luther Memorial/Syracuse over Pastor Sarah Cordray s sabbatical, 8/21 22

23 Continuing Education 8/8-13 ELCA Churchwide Assembly & Grace Gathering, New Orleans - Workshops on: 1) the Declaration on The Way regarding Lutheran-Roman Catholic dialogues, 2) The Doctrine of Discovery to Black Lives Matter, 3) Lutheran-Muslim dialogue, 4) Lutherans- Interfaith dialogue, 4) Heard Leymah Gbowee speak (Nobel winner, 2011), 5) Attended the CWA sessions and worship as a visitor Vacation & Renewal 8/25-28 Vacation 6/8, 7/13, 8/17 Spiritual Direction Report of the Nebraska Synod Essential Boundaries for Wise Leaders Program As of 7/18/16 March 2015 = Identified a training team made up of synod staff members Pastor Juliet Hampton, Pastor Steve Meysing, and Pastor Megan Morrow (Team Leader, aka The Boundaries Czarina), as well as others: Pastor Paula Lawhead (NLOM), and Pastor Anna Speiser (chaplain in Souix City). We began by attending a Train the Trainers event in Lincoln with the FaithTrust Institute through the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church. Juliet also did an online training Keeping Sacred Trust ( - UMC resource) to see how that compared. Spring-Summer 2015 = The Boundaries Team met, chose to use FaithTrust Institute s materials ( named our NE Synod program (Essential Boundaries for Wise Leaders), and set the program parameters August 2015 = Trial run by training the Synod staff Pooled our curriculum notes Held the following trainings: - Mon., 9/14/15 Grace Lutheran, Lincoln - Mon., 11/2/15 American Lutheran, Cozad - Sat., 1/16/16 Shepherd of the Hills, Omaha - Thurs., 1/21/16, Our Savior, Wayne - Sat., 2/6/16, Luth. Church of the Good Shepherd, Hastings - Sat., 2/13/16 Berea Lutheran, Chappell - Fri., 4/22/16 Sheridan Lutheran, Lincoln - Sat., 4/23/16 St. John, Bennington - Thurs., 6/2/16 Family of Christ, Kearney - Sat., 8/6/16 New Hope UMC, Lincoln (STSW & Open) Spring 2016 = Brought on new team members: Pr. John Gosswein & Carol Bosshardt of Kearney. Both have been trained, shadowed others, and served as co-faciliators. Summer 2016 = Brought on new team member: Pr. Kim McSheehy of Omaha who has been through training, and shadowed the training on 8/6. Boundaries Stats as of 7/18/16 Total Rostered Leaders & PMAs, plus a few lay staff eligible for training ~ 470 Have received Training: *FaithTrust Institute through Essential Boundaries = 212 = 45% *Other = 12 = 3% (Other synods, NE Counseling Assoc., Presbytery, TEEM, Safeguarding God s Children) WE RE ALMOST AT 50% AFTER ONE YEAR! Way to go Team!! July 2016 = The team met to assess the program, tweak and adjust things, and line up trainings for the program year. Four trainings are scheduled thus far across the synod beginning in September. Please see the attached brochure for a summary of the program purpose and content. 23

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26 REPORT TO THE SYNOD COUNCIL From Pastor Gary Panko Bishop s Associate for Mobility and Pastoral Care for Northeast Nebraska Greetings in the Name of our Lord, Jesus. Here s what s happening in the call process in Northeast, Nebraska. I am working with the following congregations to call a pastor: St. Mark s in Bloomfield is in self-study. Zion in Creighton is seeking candidates. St. John s in Randolph is seeking a transitional Pastor Thabor in Wasau is interviewing candidates. Salem in Dakota City: seeking candidates First, in South Sioux City has issued a Letter of Call. Start Date to be determined Salem in Wakefield is interviewing candidates. Our Savior s in Wayne is moving forward with a candidate for Associate Pastor. Grace in West Point is in self-study. The Allen/Concord Parish will be interviewing a Transitional minister soon. St. Mark s in Pender has a transitional minister who began September 6. St. Peter s in Pender is seeking a transitional pastor. I am working on creative ways to provide Worship to congregations who are not finding supply persons within reasonable driving distance. I am providing the sermon when needed for Lay Persons to lead worship. I am trying to balance Sundays between Allen/Concord and South Sioux City. Allen/Concord has agreed to twice a month having a Saturday night service so that I can serve another congregation on Sunday. Until St. John s in Randolph has a transitional pastor, I will try to cover that Parish as well. The Archive Project is stalled due to the amount of work as Associate. I am almost finished cataloguing the materials that are on the shelving unit. Then I will be working on the filing cabinets. 26

27 Synod Council Report Rich & Rebecca Sheridan, DEMS/Synod Evangelists Rebecca: - Outreach Table: The majority of my work with the synod this summer has revolved around recruiting congregations to participate in Transformational Ministry and planning our first two trainings, one at Redeemer Lutheran in Hooper on August 27 (31 registered participants) and another at St. John s in Alliance September (we hope for similar registration numbers, 5 congregations participating for sure). About half of our Outreach Table is involved in facilitating the training along with other local lay and clergy leaders. There is a lot more involved than I can include here regarding Transformational Ministry feel free to talk to me more about this! The Outreach Table will be facilitating a social media workshop at TheoCon again this year as well as hosting a retreat for mission developers in January Justice Committee: We continue to encourage all congregations to be studying the ELCA death penalty social statement in preparation for the November election. We met with Nebraska Synod members of Gambling with the Good Life to see how we might assist them, but expanding gambling in Nebraska will not be on the ballot in November. We continue to curate and promote resources for congregations on immigration and refugees in Nebraska. - Iglesia Luterana San Andres, Omaha: Sergio was able to travel to El Salvador to be with his family this June and I preached and presided at San Andres one weekend while he was away. I also met with Sergio for a 6-month check-in. The ministry is averaging 92 people in worship and Sergio has conducted 27 adult and infant baptisms so far this year. The ministry continues to grow in financial sustainability as well. Sergio has completed his internship and all classes, so approval for ordination is just pending on candidacy and CPE. - Spirit of Grace, Holdrege: I preached and presided at Spirit of Grace in July while Ted was on vacation. The ministry continues to grow, and I will be doing a ministry review with Rev. Dr. Ruben Duran, director of new start ministries in the ELCA, in October, as grant funding will end for Spirit of Grace this year. - Mission Field Nebraska ministries: remain on track for completing outlined synod council guidelines by September. The Welcome Center continues to search for a replacement for Ana Casteneda and discern what kind of work they might do in Lexington moving forward. I will visit All the Children of God in October with Ted Asay (the ministry is inactive in the summer). Table Grace in Omaha continues to move forward with strategic planning with a strong board, and I meet with Matt & Simone quarterly. - We Are Church Working Group: A curriculum-writing group for Lent 2017 met several times this summer to finalize curriculum in preparation for TheoCon. Monday night will be the first week of the curriculum using the dinner church worship format, so leaders can experience it first -hand. In addition, we are promoting God s Work Our Hands Sunday as an opportunity to be the church together. - Other: Travel to Friedens/Lincoln (worship & congregational meeting), Messiah/Grand Island (council meeting), St. Timothy/Fremont (Evangelism workshop) 27

28 Rich: - Nile Lutheran Chapel, Omaha: In July, I met with John face-to-face per his request. One of John's primary concerns is finding a supervisor so that he may begin his TEEM internship, so I've provided several suggestions for potential supervisors, encouraging him to extend the invitation. I have then provided information to interested individuals in coordination with Candidacy (several have expressed interest though we continue to seek a supervisor). I continue to work with Synod Attorney, Bill Biggs, to facilitate the ministry's legal incorporation in Nebraska (in part in the interest of opening up a bank account); as this report is being prepared, Bill has shared plans to meet with John and finalize the details of this action. John and I have discussed recent violence in South Sudan and its impact on the community at Nile. I have also done my best to resource John in the area of stewardship in response to requests for resourcing and ideas to provide stewardship education/formation in his context. I continue to attend to property-related concerns at this synod-owned facility. - Fontenelle Community Church, Omaha: In June, I attended a Pastors' Anniversary Service at Fontenelle, representing the Nebraska Synod among other community pastors and ministry partners of the Blairs. I also met with Bishop Maas and Miriam for a general check-in meeting regarding her process and the ministry at FCC. As this report is being prepared, I am attending Part 1 of ELCA Mission Developer Training with Melvin and Miriam Blair, per the recommendation of Churchwide (the Blairs completed Part 1 of the training around the year 2008 and never received Part 2, so we are repeating the cycle in an effort to renew the ministry there). I continue to attend to property-related concerns at this synod-owned facility. - United Asian Ministry, Dakota City: In mid-august, I met with Pr. Soriya, Pr. Karen (Salem, Dakota City) and Terry Erikson (Salem Council President). This meeting was scheduled with the intention of following up on discussion that happened as part of a ministry consultation/review in January. At that consultation, several points of a sustainability plan for the future had been identified, though little action follow-up had occurred since. At this meeting, Pr. Soriya reiterates his to retire in approximately 2-3 years, possibly continuing to serve as a non-stipendiary pastor at that point. He has made some effort to recruit potential leaders to train as PMAs, but has not had anyone commit to doing this. These plans had been discussed in an effort to address financial and leadership concerns so that the ministry can continue into the future (currently, pastor-centeredness and lack of lay leadership is a primary challenge). The group agreed upon a congregational meeting on October 9 to discuss these challenges openly, honestly, and directly with all participants in order to facilitate discernment regarding future directions and plans. - Sudanese Messiah SAWC, Ralston: In early July, I was able to attend worship at Sudanese, Messiah (Ted Asay, Synod Development Director, accompanied me for this visit). I also briefly met with David, several Sudanese lay leaders, and Pr. Greg (Messiah, Ralston) for a brief check-in meeting prior to the service. As I prepare this report, I am on my way to ELCA Mission Developer Training, where I will accompany David and two lay leaders he has identified as they undergo the second and final part of that training. - Lakota Lutheran Center & Chapel, Scottsbluff: As I prepare this report, I just returned from a visit to the Lakota Center (Ted Asay, Synod Development Director, accompanied me on this visit). That morning, I also attended worship at Rejoice, Gering, a nearby congregation. At Lakota, I was able to worship and assist Pr. Will in leading the service. I was present for the weekly fellowship meal and was able to catch up with Will about things that are happening at the Center. I then accompanied him, along with other Panhandle Cluster pastors, to their annual cluster retreat at Sullivan Hills campground. - Followers of Christ Prison Ministry, Lincoln: In early June, I was able to have dinner with Pr. Bob and check in. That evening, I participated with several female inmates at the Community Correctional Center of Lincoln in a Financial Peace University class he led. - Nebraska Synod Stewardship Table: The past few months have been a transitional time for me with Timothy Siburg, our new Synod Stewardship Director, beginning to take responsibility for much of this area of ministry. During that time, I have made an effort to be available as a resource to 28

29 help give Timothy a sense of where things stand where stewardship in the Nebraska Synod is concerned. The Stewardship Table took some time away from regular meetings during the summer, but did meet in August to discuss plans for Fall Discipleship Days. We also discussed stewardship as part of First Call Theological Education and follow-up with participants in the June Pre-Assembly stewardship workshops. For more, see Timothy's report. - Nebraska Synod Leadership Development Table: The Leadership Development Table took some time away from regular meetings during the summer, but did meet in August. Due to scheduling conflicts, I was unable to be present. Per minutes from that meeting, they acclimated to new members and are looking at ways their work may fit into the Strategic Mission Vision Plan. They also discussed Assembly Ministry Fair follow-up, "Fall Discipleship Days" events, and TheoCon Other: I was able to meet with several Mission Developers at Synod Assembly to check in; at that time, we discussed the possibility of having a retreat together early next year, so this retreat is currently being planned. We also implemented a new quarterly check-in (reporting) paradigm for Mission Developers earlier this year, though compliance with the new system has thus far been somewhat of a challenge. Rebecca and I have also taken the bulk of our vacation and continuing ed. time this summer. 29

30 Nebraska Synod Council Report Prepared by the Director for Stewardship Timothy Siburg August 24, 2016 Greetings Nebraska Synod Council! I hope that you have had a wonderful summer. As the summer is coming to a close I will soon be transitioning to full time on the ground in Nebraska. In fact, all of my wife Allison s and my stuff is hopefully sitting in a ABF/U-Pack Trailer somewhere in Omaha as you read this, waiting for us to direct the trailer where to be delivered. It is an exciting time, and I can t wait to be on the ground going full time as part of the synod team. Over the past few months, I attended, tabled, and co-presented a workshop at the Synod Assembly. I met all (or at least most of you) for about three minutes at your meeting in June, and look forward to being able to be with you for the entirety of an upcoming meeting. I regret that I will be unable to be present for your September meeting. However, it is for a good reason. My brother Thomas is getting married in Washington, and as the best man, that would probably be a good thing to be there for. Due to vacation schedules in July, Bishop Maas and I decided for me not to visit for my July week, and rather work remotely. In place of that, I will be traveling out for an August week, August 26 th - September 2 nd. This will allow me the opportunity to attend the multi-synod staff retreat, as well as have some time in the office prior to moving out to Nebraska later in September. Perhaps the biggest projects that I have been working on recently are helping coordinate and plan elements of Discipleship Days, as well as stewardship portions of the September First Call Education gathering and TheoCon for October. I expect the announcement about Discipleship Days to go out next week, but as of now, here is the plan, and I hope to see you at the days that are geographically convenient for you: Sunday October 2 nd - Grace Lutheran, Central City at 7pm Monday October 3 rd - Peace Lutheran, Plymouth at 7pm Tuesday October 4 th - United Lutheran, Lincoln at 7pm Tuesday October 11 th - Salem Lutheran, Wakefield at 7pm Thursday October 13 th - United Lutheran, Scribner at 7pm Sunday October 23 rd - Calvary Lutheran, Scottsbluff at probably 2pm Monday October 24 th - Messiah Lutheran, North Platte at 7pm Tuesday November 1st St. Paul Lutheran, DeWitt at 7pm Thursday November 3 rd St. Paul s Lutheran, Omaha (Millard) at 7pm A couple of weeks ago, letters were sent out to congregations thanking them for their mission share participation, and/or encouraging them to participate and continue to participate through the rest of the year. Since those letters were sent, I have received a number of inquiries and invitations to preach and/or visit congregations across the synod, especially as part of congregational stewardship pushes this fall. I am excited about this, but for the most part I have had to either say no or to wait to reply until I know when I will be on the ground full-time exactly. As you are aware, my wife Allison will hopefully soon begin serving a first call as a pastor in the synod, and as her spouse and with the support of Bishop Maas I would like to be present with her and at her congregation at least half of the weekends per month. Because of this, our goal for me, at least initially is 30

31 to be preaching or visiting other congregations throughout the synod a maximum of two weekends per month. We ll see how this rhythm will work, but as I am planning to be at all of the Discipleship Days, that should help get me out and meeting people and congregations around the synod. I am looking forward to getting on the ground and going full-time very soon. I am excited to hear of all of the stories I will be gifted to hear by individuals and congregations, about ministry and identity related to stewardship, and I am excited to be able to share these stories going forward. I hope that you all have an enjoyable conclusion to summer, and a wonderful Synod Council meeting to start off the fall. Thank you for your ministry and blessings, Timothy Timothy Siburg Director for Stewardship Nebraska Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America timothy@nebraskasynod.org 31

32 SYNOD COUNCIL REPORT September, 2016 Deacon Connie R Stover Director, Seeking the Spirit Within Cohort Fourteen individuals have been accepted into the fifth cohort and begin their two- year formation program on August 25, There are twelve women and three men in this group; six pastors; one who recently graduated with a MA in diaconal ministry from Wartburg Seminary; eight who are members of ELCA congregations; three of them live in the Nebraska panhandle; and one person is from western Iowa. Reflective Practices A road trip to the West is scheduled for the next meeting of those directors in Reflective Practices. We are planning to meet in North Platte at Messiah Lutheran Church on Sept. 24. One of our directors, who was a member of the initial cohort, has been traveling east to the Omaha/Lincoln area for many years to participate. This time we will travel west for an overnight stay in North Platte, a visit to the Golden Spike, and meet for Reflective Practices the next day. Spiritual Direction Resources for Congregations in Transition A list of certified spiritual directors who are making themselves available to work with our congregations in transition has been created and distributed to the Assistants to the Bishop. We hope to pilot the congregational prayer event this fall in an Omaha congregation in transition. Copies of the book Spiritual Exercises for Church Committees have been purchased to give to church councils and/or call committees of congregations in transition. Spiritual directors will meet with them to introduce the resource, encourage its use, and facilitate an initial exercise with them. Pre-TheoCon Spiritual Retreat Lisa Kramme and I will be facilitating a spiritual retreat to be held on Sunday night and Monday morning before TheoCon begins on Oct. 17. The retreat will be focused on the theme of Wholeness and Holiness. Spiritual Formation for Adults Five certified spiritual directors have agreed to work on developing a program/project for the spiritual formation of adults of the Nebraska Synod. The purpose of this project is to provide a structured program and process for adults who desire to know God more intimately, experience God s love more fully, and trust God more completely. The desired outcomes are as follows: Increase awareness, recognition, and articulation of God s presence, power, and activity in daily life. Learn a variety of ways to be in prayer and become more open and responsive to God s direction. Experience the invitation, encouragement and energy of the Holy Spirit and express how God is guiding them towards greater wholeness, freedom, and peace. 32

33 ORGANIZATIONAL REPORTS NEBRASKA SYNODICAL WOMEN S ORGANIZATION SYNOD REPORT I was so impressed with the Nebraska Synod Assembly. I was a first-timer voting member from Rejoice! Lutheran Church in Omaha, and I thought it was very well organized and very inspirational. I learned a lot about the operation of the Nebraska Synod through the business sessions. The music was wonderful. It was great to see many ladies I had met at some of the NSWO events. At one point during the assembly we were asked to join in conversation and then write and submit a response to this question: What does it men to be God s church? This was very thought-provoking and made me search my faith life. What would your answer be? The Ministry Fair was very informative to the many who attended. Our Human Trafficking booth provided information and answered many questions. Elizabeth Barrios (a human trafficking specialist) from the Grand Island Salvation Army was so pleased with all the personal hygiene items brought for them. A big thank you to all the churches who supported this gathering of supplies for the kits to be given to those wanting to get out of the human trafficking. The items were shared with the North Platte (Leeann Nielsen) and Omaha (Christine Spangrud) Salvation Army sights. Don t forget Elizabeth ( x5) or one of the other human trafficking specialists are always available to answer question and to provide help for those needing help. They will also provide workshops or programs for your church units or other groups. Check out their website or In June Elysia McGill (VP of NSWO) and I attended the Rockin Region 4 President/Vice President Retreat at the Cabins at Green Mountain in Branson, MO. Two Women of the ELCA Churchwide Executive Board Members were also there, Gwen Edwards (Nebraska) and Jackie Wilson (Arkansas-Oklahoma). We attended the performance of Moses at the Sights and Sound Theater, tasted wine at the Mount Pleasant Winery, shared synodical information about what was happening, made a couple of neat inspirational craft ideas, shopped, ate delicious food, and got to know each other better. We are all looking forward to seeing each other again at the Tenth Triennial Gathering next July 11-13, 2017, in Minneapolis, MN, with the theme All Anew. Since the Tenth Triennial Gathering falls during the observance of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in 2017, the theme resonates with reformation and transformation images. At the Gathering, participants will explore ways the Holy Spirit changes us, acknowledge that reformation and transformation have happened and continues to happen within the community of women known as Women of the ELCA. We were so excited to be sponsoring Pastor Sarah and Pastor Adam Erickson from Nebraska through the ELCA Global Church Sponsorship. We are sorry to hear they are no longer in the Missionary program but pleased to wish them God s Blessings in the new adventure of their life. We will be looking for another person to sponsor in the future. A Saved to Serve Opportunity was held August 5-7 at the MOSAIC Home in Minden, Nebraska. Participants stayed at the Retreat Center at Bethphage Mission and got acquainted, learned about MOSAIC and how it started at Axtell on Friday evening. Then on Saturday they had activities to make memories, like bowling, having a song fest with bell ringing, visiting, sharing games with the residents. The participants did a little gardening and sprucing up for fall, made figit quilts and enjoyed a picnic dinner. The participants attended worship and coffee hour at Bethany Lutheran Church on Sunday before returning home. 33

34 We are trying something new by having only Autumn Renewal this year at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Hastings on October 9, We are calling all Fashionista s and Divas of the Lutheran Women to a fun filled day. The theme for the day will focus on the many generations of women in the Lutheran Churches of Nebraska. A fashion show is planned with mother-daughter duos, grandmother-granddaughter duos, antique styles, sport themes, cultural dress, vintage clothes, etc. We have a mother/daughter doing the Bible study. Our Bible verse is Isaiah 58 12a ESV, Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt, you shall raise up the foundations of many generations. There will be singing and inspiring activities as we remember our many generations. We are adding a third Saved to Serve Opportunity on November 4-6, 2016 at the Nebraska Correctional Center at York. This project will bring together Saved to Serve participants and the 300 women inmates to package meals for Chapter 25, a non-profit organization with the mission to feed starving children in Nebraska, those in disasters, and the hungry throughout the world using volunteers to package highly nutritious food. This event was prompted by a letter written by one of the inmates to Pastor Bob Bryan, Followers of Christ, wanting to give back to the community. An estimated 150,000 meals will be packed during the day! The rewarding undertaking does come at a cost of $37,500. Numerous grants have been applied for and others including the community of York are being asked to support this effort. A $15,000 matching grant has been received from the Abbott Foundation, so we are seeking donations. We are also asking for prayers from the community for the success of this event as we think of its impact on the women in prison feeling useful, having renewed purpose, and helping innocent children, while the participants feel as they are doing God s work. Our Human Trafficking Task Force is busy trying to inform the Nebraska Synodical Women of some general information about trafficking and trying to find new ways to help the children and women in Nebraska that are being trafficked. The Salvation Army s Fight to End Human trafficking Program (SAFE-T) is associated with the Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force which is coordinated by Stephen Patrick O Meara. This Task Force is also in the process of educating a statewide network of law enforcement, prosecutors, social service agencies, doctors and nurses, and industries that are merely to encounter prostitutes. Ask your youth that attended the National Youth Gathering in Detroit what they learned about Human Trafficking from the Women of the ELCA. The Nebraska Women of the ELCA Human Trafficking Task Force includes: Barb Fanning (bfann7@msn.com), Phyllis Eriksen (jperiksen14@yahoo.com), Mary Mayfield (mayfiledim@cox.net), Chrissy Garton (chrissylovescake@gmail.com), and Nancy Johnson (nancy.johnson5@cox.net). If you need additional information on human trafficking, please contact any of the task force members. God has blessed us in many ways and we will bless others each and every day. President Nancy Johnson, NSWO 34

35 Nebraska Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Synod Council Minutes June 2, 2016 Voting members present: Bp. Brian Maas Dara Troutman Dan Friedlund Karen Melang Judy Batterman Pr. Greg Berger Joni Bruhn Dennis Byars Terry Christensen Pr. Sarah Cordray Patrick Gregory Pr. Jon Mapa Pr. Nicki McIntyre Pr. Nathan Metzger Pr. Steven Peeler Pr. Jan Peterson Pr. Sarah Ruch Francisco Salazar Cindy Settje Pr. Eric Spruth-Janssen Emilie Wilson Staff and Organizational Presidents present: Bill Biggs Pr. Juliet Hampton Diane Harpster Nancy Johnson NSWO) Mitch McCartney Pr. Steve Meysing Pr. Megan Morrow Pr. Gary Panko Pr. Rebecca Sheridan Timothy Siburg Connie Stover Absent: Ted Asay Lisa Kramme Bol Ngok Tom Olson (LMM) Pr. Richard Sheridan Guest: Mikka McCracken, Director of Planning and Engagement, ELCA World Hunger (and our ELCA Assembly representative) Vice-president Dara Troutman called the meeting to order, the roll was called, and a quorum was present. Dara mentioned that it would be the last meeting for several council members whose terms are ending. The agenda of the meeting was accepted as presented. Pr. Steven Peeler led the group in an opening prayerful practice. Dara noted a correction in the April Synod Council minutes (pg. 36 of the Synod Council June 2 report). SC did not show a motion and a second. With those added as a friendly amendment, the April minutes were moved, seconded and approved. Staff Reports: Written reports were available for all staffers. Steve Meysing reported that the rural immersion event was outstanding and that seminarians are very environmentally-aware. He said this made for interesting and sometimes difficult, but rich conversations in rural Nebraska. Good call processes are happening. Juliet Hampton said she has 17 churches in the call process, that she has been tweaking education for first call pastors, and that limiting night meetings to two a week has greatly enhanced her life. Megan Morrow is planning Theo Con and working with boundaries training. She referenced Archbishop Elias Chacour s upcoming visit to Lincoln, and the next Holy Land visit. Gary Panko is working on call processes. He is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel in archiving documents and hoping for a successor. Connie Stover reported that another cohort of spiritual directors will be certified very soon. She is working on call process materials. Seeking the Spirit Within is becoming more diverse by denomination, but more cultural diversity would be welcome. Rebecca Sheridan has been working on transformational ministry with special attention to groups of congregations in Alliance in the west and Hooper in the east, developing processes for personal spiritual transformation which changes congregational behavior. She and Rich are streamlining paperwork for SAWC. A curriculum 35

36 team is working on We Are Church materials for next Lent. Bill Biggs is working with churches on constitutions and domesticating some congregations incorporated in other states. Timothy Siburg (he ll join us briefly if he can) and Rich Sheridan are conducting pre-assembly workshops today, and Ted Asay is filling a commitment he made prior to taking his new position. Lisa Kramme is with Youth Convo. Bishop s Report: A written report was available. Experiment: We have ended the Mission Investment financial services experiment. It was worth doing, and we and they learned a lot, but their current capabilities do not fit our needs at this time. LFS will again provide our financial services. Thanks to Dan Friedlund and Stephanie Lusienski for working so hard on this issue. Staffing: A new part-time receptionist, Michele Herrick, will come on board soon. Strategic Vision plan is working and meeting deadlines well. Thanks to those whose terms are ending: Judy Batterman, Terry Christensen, Nathan Metzger, Eric Spruth-Janssen, and Emilie Wilson. Orientation for new members will be at the September meeting. All council members are invited to this refresher. Keep your eyes and ears open at Assembly to gather intelligence for the Synod. The bishop introduced Mikka McCracken, World Hunger Appeal and our ELCA rep. Mikka related that she had been at churchwide seven years and with Hunger Appeal for five years. She reported that the Nebraska Synod is the 6 th overall in the ELCA in giving to world hunger. She is going to five assemblies this year and, in fact, is leaving us to go to South Dakota s assembly. She will be addressing the assembly on Friday. SC16.6.1: ADDITIONS TO BISHOP S REPORT RECOMMENDED: That the following rostered persons be approved for On Leave From Call status for one year: Carl Rick Strong 4/16/2015, nd yr Nicholas Cordray 06/04/2015 (family leave-6 yrs), nd yr Rita Borgstadt 6/1/2014, nd yr, rd yr (Dates in bold were missing from the approval of these names at the March meeting of the Synod Council.) Kristine Schroeder 3/11/15, nd yr Kelley Pedersen 6/9/2016 RECOMMENDED: That the retirement of the following rostered leader be confirmed: Beverly Rautenberg-Panko, effective 4/1/2016 MOVED SECONDED APPROVED Strategic Mission Vision (SMV) Update: Pr. Sarah Cordray reported that it is a joy to watch the plan unfold. The team is requesting several minor adjustments to the plan: SC : RECOMMENDED: to approve the following timeline adjustments to the Strategic Mission Vision: B.5 Forming Intentional Conversations from Quarter to Quarter C.3.2 Seniors Working Group from Quarter to Quarter and to approve the appointments of Pr. Jan Peterson and Pr. Sarah Ruch and one other person to A.1.2 Working Group Cong. Vitality, Nebraska Synod Ministry Assessment Team. MOVED SECONDED APPROVED 36

37 SC : En Bloc 1. CONGREGATIONS RECOMMENDED: That the constitution, bylaws and continuing resolutions for Augustana Lutheran, Omaha, be approved. 2. COMMITTEES RECOMMENDED: That Pr. Marcia Dorn be appointed as chair of the Outreach table. RECOMMENDED: That Megan Moslander be appointed as chair of the Justice Committee. RECOMMENDED: That Pr. Ellen Stelzle be reappointed as chair of the Candidacy Committee. 3. AGENCIES AND INSTITUTIONS RECOMMENDED: To approve the request of the Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Board of Directors to appoint the following people to their Board of Directors effective June 1, 2016: Ms. Jessica Brummer (Rejoice!/Omaha) To First Full Term expiring 2019 Mr. Bob Sall (St. Thomas/Omaha) To first Full Term expiring 2019 Rev. Marty Tollefson (First/Fremont) To First Full Term expiring 2019 SC : RECOMMENDED: To approve the following rostered synod staff housing allowance request, effective June 15, 2016, until changed by future action of the Synod Council: Robert Bryan $30,000 MOVED SECONDED APPROVED with one abstention for conflict of interest SC : RECOMMENDED: That the following individuals be appointed as members of the 2017 Synod Assembly Planning Team: Tanny Akerson, Immanuel/Bellevue Rev. Marcia Dorn, Trinity/Wolbach Timm Lindeman, Holy Trinity/Sidney Rev. Nathan Metzger, American/Adams Elysia McGill, St. Paul s/falls City Chris Michener, First/Omaha Jordan Grummert Rasmussen, Bethlehem/Wahoo Rev. Miles Ruch, St. Mark s/pender MOVED SECONDED APPROVED with one abstention for conflict of interest SC16.6.6: RECOMMENDED: to approve the sabbatical leave proposed by Assistant to the Bishop Steve Meysing for the period January 15 through March 16, 2017, and to grant up to $1500 in reimbursements for expenses related to the sabbatical. BACKGROUND: The Employee Handbook of the Nebraska Synod provides for sabbatical leave of two months for the Bishop and Assistants after four years of continuing service (see full section of Handbook quoted in supporting materials included in packet), as well as up to $1500 for sabbatical-related expenses. Rev. Steve Meysing joined staff in October He is requesting a two-month sabbatical, Jan 15-Mar 16, Steve plans to travel with an eye to renewing a sense of community in congregations, use Benediction connections and spirituality to learn new spiritual rhythms, and read Christian classics. The bishop supports this proposal and feels certain that Steve s work can be covered temporarily by other staff. MOVED SECONDED APPROVED SC16.6.7: RECOMMENDED: To extend a Synod Council call to AiM Candidate Timothy Siburg to serve as Director for Stewardship of the Nebraska Synod 37

38 BACKGROUND: Timothy Siburg was hired to serve as the Nebraska Synod Director for Stewardship on May 1, As an Approved Candidate to be Commissioned as an Associate in Ministry of the ELCA, he is eligible to be called to this position. His position would continue as defined, with his call beginning the date of his Commissioning. It is anticipated that his Commissioning will occur in the same timeframe as his wife Allison s Ordination. Timothy s call would be coterminous with that of the current Bishop. MOVED SECONDED APPROVED SC16.6.8: RECOMMENDED: To affirm the Nebraska Synod s 1997 Statement of Policy Regarding Sexual Misconduct by Members of the Clergy and Rostered Lay Persons and approve a model Policy on Sexual Harassment and Misconduct for use by congregations of the Nebraska Synod. BACKGROUND: Congregations are increasingly attending not only to policies regarding appropriate sexual boundaries among staff, leaders and members, but specifically to policies regarding sexual harassment. The model congregational policy attached to this motion was obtained from the ELCA. It makes internal reference to the Synod s policy on harassment. MOVED SECONDED APPROVED SC16.6.9: RECOMMENDED: To approve a 2% increase in defined compensation (base salary, housing allowance, and Social Security tax [SECA] allowance); and cost increases for benefits elected by Bishop Maas, exclusive of health insurance; and an increase in lieu of health insurance benefits to $19,500 for a total of $135,687 for , retroactive to February 1, BACKGROUND: Bishop Maas has received only one increase in his compensation during his tenure. The Executive Committee unanimously recommended this package in recognition of Bishop s work leading a large and complex synod. The bishop absented himself from the discussion pursuant to this recommendation but returned to vote. MOVED SECONDED APPROVED with the bishop s abstention New Director of Stewardship Timothy Siburg joined the meeting briefly. He has been conducting pre-assembly workshops today. He has been working remotely fromwashington while his wife completes her seminary internship. He is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University and is eager to learn about and work with members of the Nebraska Synod. Election for Synod Committee Members A slate was presented, and Dara called for additional nominees of which there were none. Thus, the nominations were closed. In three categories, there were two nominees for one position. In all of the other categories, the number of nominees matched the number of positions. It was moved and seconded to cast a unanimous ballot for all committee members, with the exception of Nomination Committee members from Central Southern Prairie and Prairie Clusters, Rolling Hills Cluster, and Panhandle Cluster. The motion passed. Elected were: Budget & Finance Committee: Bill Biggs, Martin Malley, Kevin Karas Candidacy Committee: Faye Koehn, Pr. Keith Brozek, Mike Unverferth Global Mission Committee: Becky Hansmeier, Pr. Melody Brink Justice Committee: Julie Rother, Pr. Chris Alexander, Pr. Mark Liscom Leadership Support Committee: Bill Schwarten, Leon Schiermeyer, Pr. Brian Julin-McCleary Lutheran Metro Ministries: Debra Lund Committee for Outreach: Pr. Lance Ferguson, Pr. Andreas Stein, Sharon Josoff World Hunger Committee: Pr. John Backus, Susan Vanhessche 38

39 Nominating Committee Loup-Platte & Two Rivers Clusters: Susan Jewell Homestead Cluster: Kim Metzger Lewis & Clark Cluster: Bruce Pfeil Midland & Logan Creek: Pr. Stephanie Tollefson Metro West Cluster: Pr. Darrell Anderson The election continued with balloting for contested positions on the Nominating Committee. The following are the results: Nominating Committee Central Southern Prairie & Prairie Clusters: Corinne Johnson with 12 votes Rolling Hills Cluster: Pr. Andrew Chavanak with 15 votes Panhandle Cluster: Pam Anderson with 14 votes Dara reported on the action of the Executive Committee to stop purchasing financial services from the Mission Investment Fund (MIF) at the present time and return this function to Lutheran Family Services as previously done. This action is highlighted more completely in the Bishop s Report. The Secretary s Report was accepted as presented. The Treasurer s Report was presented. Dan Friedlund commented that he had enjoyed getting to know staffers as he worked on issues related to financial reporting from the MIF. He said that the Financial Statements April 30, 2016 are directionally correct numbers, representative of where we stand today. Adjustments are needed, but nothing is out of order. This will change as he gets reports and information from LFS. There was a discussion regarding the unrestricted fund totaling $1,908,033, which represents 28 years of assets from the closing and sale of buildings for the most part. The bishop related that these funds are traditionally earmarked for new congregations. More information about this fund will be forthcoming. The treasurer s report was accepted as presented. Organizations: Lutheran Men in Mission: No report was available. Youth: Emilie reported that the middle school gathering was outstanding. There was a great concert and lock-in, and the youth convo is in process presently. Nebraska Synod Women s Organization: Nancy Johnson reported on successful spring gatherings, where the bishop appeared on video to each gathering. 550 women participated, with offerings of $10,441. NSWO is helping women at the prison in York prepare hunger kits for kids. There will be one Autumn Renewal at Church of the Good Shepherd in Hastings. NSWO continues calling attention to the issue of human trafficking in Nebraska. The bishop expressed deep appreciation to those for whom this is their last meeting. He also presented them with gifts. They are: Judy Batterman, Terry Christensen, Nathan Metzger, Eric Spruth-Janssen, and Emilie Wilson. Pat Gregory offered the closing prayer. Respectfully submitted, Karen Melang Secretary 39

40 MOTIONS MEETING DATE: September 9-10, 2016 MOTION 1 Nebraska Synod Council SUBJECT: Designation of funds from life insurance policy for Agnes Johnson PROPOSED ACTION: That the proceeds from the life insurance policy for Agnes Johnson be designated to the UNL Campus Ministry Cross as the Heart Campaign, per the request of her family. BACKGROUND: The Nebraska Synod, ELCA, was named as one of the beneficiaries of a life insurance policy for Agnes Johnson from Holdrege, Nebraska. As a result, a very generous gift was received by the Synod upon her recent death. While the payment received from the life insurance company identified no specific restrictions as to the use of the funds, the family has requested that the gift be used to support the UNL Campus Ministry s Cross at the Heart campaign. In order to adhere to the family s wishes, we hereby request the Council s approval, that the proceeds from the insurance policy be designated as a direct pass-through to the UNL Campus Ministry, Cross at the Heart Campaign. Therefore, the full amount received will be forwarded to UNL Campus Ministry. SPONSORED BY: Dan Friedlund, Synod Treasurer MEETING DATE: September 9-10, 2016 SUBJECT: Audit Approval MOTION 2 Nebraska Synod Council PROPOSED ACTION: to approve the Seim Johnson audit report of the fiscal year of the Nebraska Synod BACKGROUND: the Budget & Finance Committee received the audit results and met with representatives of Seim Johnson, the audit firm. It was a clean audit. The Committee and staff have reviewed its recommendations, and will act on them as needed and as feasible. SPONSORED BY: Budget & Finance Committee 40

41 MEETING DATE: September 9-10, 2016 SUBJECT: Corrected designation of LMM funds MOTION 3 Nebraska Synod Council PROPOSED ACTION: to designate $102,058 of net assets of Lutheran Metro Ministries as Council Designated fund. BACKGROUND: During Fiscal Year 2014 (year ended January 31, 2015), the accounting for and the administration of the net assets of Lutheran Metro Ministries (LMM) were assumed by the Nebraska Synod office. The net assets were segregated in the books and records of the Synod and as of January 31, 2015, the net assets of LMM totaled $246,711. Of this amount, $144,653 was donor restricted for the purpose of the Pantry, Dayhouse, Urban Center and Dial Scholarship Funds, as reflected in the audited financial statement as Temporarily Restricted Net Assets. The remaining $102,058, while segregated in the books and records of the Synod, had not been formally designated and, therefore, were included in the undesignated, unrestricted net assets of the Organization in the January 31, 2015 audit. Based on the intent and the internal accounting and reporting of LMM funds in the Synod s periodic financial statements, the $102,058 has been reclassified and is included in Council Designated Net Asset in the audited financial statements as of January 31, The Budget and Finance Committee of the Synod has approved the designation of the $102,058 as Council Designated because of the intent to utilize these funds specifically for the purposes of the LMM. We seek the formal designation to reflect the intent and use of the $102,058 for the benefit of LMM. SPONSORED BY: Budget & Finance Committee MEETING DATE: September 9-10, 2016 MOTION 4 Nebraska Synod Council SUBJECT: Authorization to negotiate facilities contract for the 2019 and 2020 Nebraska Synod Assemblies PROPOSED ACTION: That Synod Assembly planning staff be authorized to negotiate an extension of the existing facilities contract with the Younes Conference Center in Kearney, Nebraska for the 2019 and 2020 Nebraska Synod Assemblies, with the final contract subject to approval by the Executive Committee. SPONSORED BY: Bishop Brian Maas 41

42 MOTION 5 Nebraska Synod Council MEETING DATE: September 9, 2016 SUBJECT: Authorizing Mission Field Nebraska ministry designation PROPOSED ACTION: to authorize the following as Mission Field Nebraska ministries through March 2017: Followers of Christ Prison Ministries Fontenelle Community Church Iglesia Luterana San Andres Lakota Lutheran Center and Chapel Sudanese Messiah Worshipping Community Nile Lutheran Chapel Sudanese First Lutheran Worshipping Community Sudanese Lutheran Fellowship United Asian Evangelical Lutheran Ministry Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church Seeking the Spirit Within Table Grace Café Todos los Hijos de Dios The Welcome Center BACKGROUND: Mission Field Nebraska ministries were designated under guidelines adopted at the September 11, 2015 Synod Council meeting. Similar to Synodically Authorized Worshiping Communities (SAWCs), which are to be reauthorized annually by Assembly action, these ministries are to be authorized annually by the Nebraska Synod Council. As their initial authorization was effective September 2015, they are due to be reauthorized in. This motion will effect reauthorization through March 2017, at which time authorizations will be renewed on an annual basis each March, concurrent with the annual SAWC authorizations. SPONSORED BY: Bishop Brian Maas 42

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44 MEETING DATE: September 9-10, 2016 SUBJECT: Adoption of Conflict of Interest Policy MOTION 6 Nebraska Synod Council PROPOSED ACTION: to adopt the proposed Conflict of Interest Policy for the Nebraska Synod BACKGROUND: The Nebraska Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ( Nebraska Synod ) is part of a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. Maintenance of its tax-exempt status is important both for its continued financial stability and for public support. Therefore, the IRS as well as state regulatory and tax officials view the operations of the Nebraska Synod as a public trust, which is subject to scrutiny by and accountable to such governmental authorities as well as to members of the public. Consequently, there exists between the Nebraska Synod and the Synod Council, officers, and employees and the public a fiduciary duty, which carries with it a broad and unbending duty of loyalty and fidelity. The officers and employees have the responsibility of administering the affairs of the Nebraska Synod honestly and prudently, and of exercising their best care, skill, and judgment for the sole benefit of the Nebraska Synod. Those persons shall exercise the utmost good faith in all transactions involved in their duties, and they shall not use their positions with the Nebraska Synod or knowledge gained therefrom for their personal benefit. The interests of the organization must be the first priority in all decisions and actions. A declaration of any conflicts of interest by members of the Council and Staff is one element of carrying out this fiduciary duty. SPONSORED BY: Bishop Brian Maas 44

45 ATTACHMENTS Memorandum ATTACHMENT 1 To: Synod Bishops, Vice Presidents and Secretaries From: Wm Chris Boerger Date: August 19, 2016 RE: Amendments to the Constitution for Synods Attached you will find the amendments to the Constitution for Synods which were adopted by the 2016 Churchwide Assembly. With this certification, all of the required sections of your constitution need to be changed to match those adopted by the assembly. The non-required sections will need action at your next synod assembly to be adopted. These amendments can be adopted as described in S The Office of the Secretary will prepare a complete list of the non-required amendments and distribute them in advance of the Conference of Bishops meeting this fall. It is important to note that the required sections of the Constitution for Synods are now in force in accordance with S I would ask that as you amend your constitution with these changes that you send an electronic version of your constitution to Frank Imhoff, frank.imhoff@elca.org. We will then file your current constitution in our files. The amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations will be published soon. I will also be sending a memorandum that I hope you will share with your congregations on how to amend their constitutions. We have significantly more amendments this year. It is important that congregations consider these amendments in a timely manner. The Office of the Secretary is happy to assist in whatever ways we can with these changes. Thank you for your work with these amendments. It is my goal that our governing documents assist our congregations and synods in providing the needed structure for the important work we have been called to do. Wm Chris Boerger Secretary Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 8765 W Higgins Road Chicago, IL (o) (cell) 45

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55 S S 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. a. The call of a congregation, when accepted by a minister of Word and Service, shall constitute a continuing mutual relationship and commitment which shall be terminated only by death or, following consultation with the synodical bishop, for the following reasons: 1) mutual agreement to terminate the call or the completion of a call for a specific term; 2) resignation of the minister of Word and Service, which shall become effective, unless otherwise agreed, no later than 30 days after the date on which it was submitted; 3) inability to conduct the office effectively in that congregation in view of local conditions; 4) physical disability or mental incapacity of the minister of Word and Service; 5) suspension of the minister of Word and Service through discipline for more than three months; 6) resignation or removal of the minister of Word and Service from the roster of ministers of Word and Service of this church; 7) termination of the relationship between this church and the congregation; 8) dissolution of the congregation or the termination of a parish arrangement; or 9) suspension of the congregation through discipline for more than six months. b. When allegations of physical disability or mental incapacity of the minister of Word and Service under paragraph a.4) above, or ineffective conduct of the ministry of Word and Service under paragraph a.3) above, have come to the attention of the bishop of this synod, 1) the bishop in his or her sole discretion may investigate such conditions personally together with a committee of two rostered ministers and one layperson, or 2) when such allegations have been brought to the synod s attention by an official recital of allegations by the Congregation Council or by a petition signed by at least one-third of the voting members of the congregation, the bishop personally shall investigate such conditions together with a committee of two rostered ministers and one layperson. c. In case of alleged physical disability or mental incapacity under paragraph a.4) above, the bishop s committee shall obtain and document competent medical opinion concerning the minister of Word and Service s condition. When a disability or incapacity is evident to the committee, the bishop of this synod may declare the position vacant and the minister of Word and Service shall be listed on the roster of ministers of Word and Service as disabled. Upon removal of the disability and restoration of the minister of Word and Service to health, the bishop shall take steps to enable the minister of Word and Service to resume the ministry, either in the congregation last served or in another appropriate call. d. In the case of alleged local difficulties that imperil the effective functioning of the congregation under paragraph a.3) above, the bishop s committee shall endeavor to hear from all concerned persons, after which the bishop together with the committee shall present their recommendations first to the minister of Word and Service and then to the congregation. The recommendations of the bishop s committee address whether the minister of Word and Service s call should come to an end and, if so, may suggest appropriate severance arrangements. The committee may also propose other actions that should be undertaken by the congregation and by the minister of Word and Service, if appropriate. If the minister of Word and Service and congregation agree to carry out such recommendations, no further action need be taken by the synod. e. If either party fails to assent to the recommendations of the bishop s committee concerning the minister of Word and Service s call, the congregation may dismiss the minister of Word and Service only at a legally called meeting after consultation with the bishop, either (a) by a two-thirds vote of the voting members present and voting where the bishop and the committee did not recommend termination of the call, or (b) by a majority vote of the voting members present and voting where the bishop and the committee recommended termination of the call. f. If, in the course of proceedings described in paragraph c. or paragraph d. above, the bishop s committee concludes that there may be grounds for disciplinary action, the committee shall make recommendations concerning disciplinary action in accordance with the provisions of this church s constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions. Ministers of Word and Service shall respect the integrity of the ministry of congregations which they do not serve and shall not exercise ministerial functions therein unless invited to do so by the Congregation Council. 55

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57 To the Council Nebraska Synod of the Independent Auditor s Report Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Omaha, Nebraska: Report on the Financial Statements ATTACHMENT 2 We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the Nebraska Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (the Synod), which comprise the statements of financial position as of January 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related statements of activities and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements. Management s Responsibility for the Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Auditor s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. These standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. Opinion In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Synod as of January 31, 2016 and 2015, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Other Matter Our audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements as a whole. The accompanying supplementary information in Exhibits 1 and 2 is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the financial statements. Such information is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements. The supplementary information in Exhibits 1 and 2 has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements or to the financial statements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. In our opinion, the supplementary information is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the financial statements as a whole. Seim Johnson, LLP Omaha, Nebraska, August 15,

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60 CURRICULUM VITAE NAME: ADDRESS: BIRTH: Jeffrey D. Akerson, M.D Lynnwood Drive Bellevue, NE March 2, 1958, Kearney, NE EDUCATION: 1976 Diploma, Holdrege Senior High School Class Valedictorian, Holdrege, NE 1978 A.S.N. with High Distinction, University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Nursing, Lincoln, NE 1984 B.S., M.D. University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Medicine, Omaha, NE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 06/ /1987 Resident, Lincoln Medical Education Foundation Family Practice Residency Program, Lincoln, NE 05/ /1987 Vacation and Relocating to Sidney, NE 07/ /1995 Jeffrey D. Akerson M.D.P.C. Sidney, NE 01/ /2010 Sidney Medical Associates 07/ /2010 Medical Staff, Sidney Memorial Health Center Vice Chief of Staff 2010 Chief of Emergency Room Services Chief of Obstetrics Chief of Staff 1993, 1999, / /2010 Vacation and Relocating to Bellevue, NE 11/2010-9/2014 Physician, Bellevue Family Practice 10/2014-present Physician, Nebraska Medicine Primary Care Bellevue 01/ Deputy CMO, Nebraska Medicine and CMO Nebraska Medicine - Bellevue Medical Director Emergency Response Care, Ambulance Service Medical Director, Golden Living Center Medical Director, Sidney Medical Associates Medical Director, Memorial Extended Care 01/ /2013 Medical Staff President-Elect, Bellevue Medical Center 01/ /2015 Medical Staff President, Nebraska Medicine - Bellevue 60

61 BOARD CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE Diplomat, American Board of Family Medicine (1987, Recertified 1993, 1999, 2005, and 2015) Nebraska State Medical License (No ) ATLS Certified (Expires 08/01/2017) PALS Certified (Expires 03/25/2017) ACLS Certified (Expires 08/12/2016) ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Family Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES Nebraska Family Physician of the Year 2005 Fellow, American Academy of Family Physicians Member, Nebraska Academy of Family Physicians Delegate to AAFP ( ) Alternate Delegate to AAFP ( ) Immediate Past President of NAFP ( ) President NAFP ( ) President-Elect NAFP ( ) Vice President NAFP ( ) Board of Directors NAFP ( ) Chairman, Finance Committee NAFP ( ) Chairman, Long-Range Planning Committee NAFP ( ) Chairman, Chapter Affairs Committee NAFP ( ) Rural Health Committee NAFP (1990- ) Nominating Committee NAFP (1990- ) Chairman, Scientific Sessions Committee NAFP ( ) Chairman, Task Force on Western Nebraska NAFP ( ) Resident Representative to Board of Directors NAFP ( ) Student Representative to Board of Directors NAFP (1984) Nebraska Academy of Family Physicians Foundation President ( ) Vice President ( ) Board of Directors ( ) Member, American Medical Association Member, Nebraska Medical Association Ad-Hoc Committee on Young Physicians ( ) Member, American Medical Directors Association Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Member, Nebraska State Board of Health ( ) Chairman, Western Advisory Committee, Cervical & Breast Cancer Screening Maternal and Child Health Advisory Committee Advisor, Section on Family Health The above information is a true and honest reflection of my training and experience. 61

62 Kristen Engdahl Hoffman, MD, FACOG 133 S. 126th Avenue Omaha, NE T: 1 (402) M: 1 (402) E: klehoffman@gmail.com Education University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics Ob-Gyn Residency University of Nebraska Medical Center M.D. St. Olaf College B.A., Magna cum Laude (Biology) Benson High School High School Diploma Experience Vocational Women s Center Methodist Physicians Clinic Physician Iowa City, IA Omaha, NE Northfield, MN Omaha, NE Omaha, NE Joined The Ob-Gyn Group in 1986 and began private practice The Group was subsequently acquired by Methodist Physicians Clinic When the Methodist Women s Center was built at 192nd and Dodge, a majority of us moved to that location under the designation The Women s Center Methodist Physicians Clinic University of Nebraska Medical Center Assistant Professor Cared for private Ob-Gyn patients Lectured medical students on Ob-Gyn topics Mentored Ob-Gyn residents in labor and delivery, operating room, and clinic settings Managed Ob-Gyn residency program United States Army Captain, Medical Corps Omaha,NE Ft. Belvoir, VA Cared for Ob-Gyn patients in labor and delivery, operating room, and clinic settings Mentored Family Practice residents who rotated through labor and delivery and post-partum wards Leadership Nebraska Methodist Health System Omaha, NE Director Served as a member of the board of directors having oversight of Nebraska Methodist Hospital, the Nebraska Methodist Women s Hospital, Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital, Nebraska Methodist College, and Methodist Physicians Clinic Chairman, Ob-Gyn/Pediatrics Dept., Nebraska Methodist Hospital Ran monthly department meetings Setup monthly education programs Served on credentials committee Service on Executive Committee of Medical Staff Methodist Physicians Clinic Member, Executive Committee, Methodist Physicians Clinic

63 Liased between administration and physicians on multiple issues, including meaningful use, becoming partners in clinical and insurance issues with University of Nebraska Medical Center, and risk management of physicians Member, Executive Committee, Women s Center Methodist Physician Clinic Chairman ( ) Started process of SCOPE accreditation of in-office procedures by American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Reviewed capital needs for clinic Brought forward Ob-Gyn issues to Executive Committee Nebraska Methodist Women s Hospital Member, Operations Committee Addressed ongoing operations of the hospital, including quality control of care, economic issues, and all functions of the new facility Member, Feasibility Committee Performed initial due diligence and economic analysis for Nebraska s first women s hospital Liased with architects, designers, and administration to the aesthetics and maximize functionality for each ward Interviewed and selected key nursing personnel for each ward Church Affiliations St Michael Lutheran Church Omaha, NE Member 1984 present Member of the call committees for Pastor Donna Durette and Pastor Mark Grorud Traveled to, and raised funds for, The Koutiala Women s and Children s Hospital, Koutiala, Mali, West Africa Member Campanile Bell Ringers St Mark s Lutheran Church Member Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Member Springfield, VA Iowa City, IA Bishop Dennis Anderson 9752 S 175th Circle Omaha, NE Dear Bishop Anderson: Kristen Engdahl Hoffman, MD, FACOG 133 S. 126th Avenue Omaha, NE T: 1 (402) M: 1 (402) E: klehoffman@gmail.com November 28, 2015 I would like to thank you for considering me to serve on one of the Immanuel Boards of Directors. As I said at church, my retirement begins January 1. My first priority is family obligations; but, I knew God would call me to do something for the church community if I only listened. As an Engdahl, Immanuel has been in our blood. My grandfather, John S. Engdahl, was on the board during the middle of the last century. My father, Donald W. Engdahl, led the board of directors as they built the current building at 72nd and Redick. My uncle, Dr. Wallace Engdahl, was as member of the medical staff and as the chief of staff. Both my grandmother, Olga, and my mother, Trill, were active on the auxillary. Growing up, we even lived across the street from Pastor Fogelstrom s grandson. Lastly, Hans Link and his wife, Jo, sit in church with us every Sunday at St Michael s. I look forward to chatting with you and Eric Gurley over a meal. Thank you again for your consideration. Yours faithfully, Kristen Engdahl Hoffman, MD, FACOG Attached: curriculum vitæ 63

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