Commission for Rostered Leadership Support

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1 Commission for Rostered Leadership Support Pr. Nate Liedtke, Chairperson The Commission for Rostered Leadership Support is dedicated to fostering connections among the rostered leaders of this synod, while addressing issues related to continuing education and enrichment, compensation for ministry, vocational affirmation. (Synod Constitution) Since the 2014 Synod Assembly, this commission has sought to fulfill this charge in the following ways: First Call Theological Education A standing committee chaired by Pr. Jen Henry, and including Pr. Ron Barnett, Pr. Linda Livingston, and Pastor Shane Koepke: Works with rostered leaders for the first three years in their first call; Hosted a spring gathering on the topic of stewardship; Hosted a fall gathering following the fall Theological Conference in Davenport; Facilitates the pairing of mentors with each new leader; Makes site visits to each leader in their second year. Spirituality A working group was formed to assist the commission regarding spiritual growth among rostered leaders. This group has met and is formulating a report to the commission. Fall Theological Conference Through an appointed task force, the commission planned the September 28-30, 2014, annual Fall Theological Conference at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport. The speakers who focused on the Letter to the Philippians were Dr. James Niemann and Pastor Susan Briehl. Excellent hospitality was extended by the people of St. Paul. Began preparations for the September 27-29, 2015, Fall Theological Conference to be held at Bethesda Lutheran Church, Ames, with Rozella White and Jeremy Myers as the speakers. Minimum Compensation Guidelines This commission is charged with bringing recommendations regarding minimum compensation for rostered leaders to the synod assembly. A working group is looking at possible long-term revisions to this document. Boundaries Workshop Sacred Trust boundaries workshops were held at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, Windsor Heights and Faith Lutheran Church, Eldridge on January 22 and 23, These were led by Barbara Keller, a consultant from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 88 leaders from this synod attended a workshop. Commission Members: Ruth Blom (AIM), Zion Lutheran Church, Clinton Janine Johnson, Zion Lutheran Church, Davenport Pr. Nate Liedtke, New Life Lutheran Church, Norwalk Pr. Tim Olson, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Ankeny Pr. Lisa Parker, Resurrection Lutheran Church, Ankeny Pr. Erick Swanson, First Lutheran Church, Maquoketa Staff Liaisons Pr. Gloria Dovre and Pr. Paul Ostrem Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

2 Commission for Vocation and Faith Formation This commission is dedicated to enhancing the ministries of congregations, leaders, and individual members of every age throughout the Southeastern Iowa Synod. Wholeness, renewal, and faith development are dominant themes that shape the work of this commission, paying special attention to youth and young adults. Ministry with Children The Youth Ministry Network has now expanded to include those who work with children. Ministry with Youth Practice Discipleship Project: The goal is to provide training resources for congregations in their faith formation work with young people; fostering faithful, thoughtful and intentional leaders in congregations who follow Jesus in their daily lives. Anne Williams serves as the Synod Coach for the project. Practice Discipleship: 2014 Anne provided six synod-wide trainings focusing on biblical, theological and practical frames that give intentionality to how we prioritize our ministries and respond to the gospel in our daily lives. She also provided local trainings in over 8 congregations. Practice Discipleship: 2015 Anne just completed training for the 2015 curriculum. More information can be found at Confirmation/Middle School Ministry Four events took place on February 8 & 9, 2014 and February 7 & 8, 2015 for confirmation-aged youth centered around God s Story and wider church connections. Over 110 youth and adults participated each year. Synod High School Gathering Love Like Jesus. A service leadership event for high school youth was held June 19-22, 2014 at Grand View University in Des Moines. 70 youth and adults participated. ELCA Youth Gathering Plans are already underway for the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering. We have two positions that directly relate the Gathering on the synodical level. Gathering Coordinator (Ellen Rothweiler, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Ames) and Gathering Synod Day Director (Daniel Stone, Faith Lutheran Church, Marion). The Children & Youth Ministry Network Over 40 adults who work with children and youth regularly attend a biannual event for the purpose of networking and continuing education. Vocation & Faith Formation The commission is currently developing educational materials that will help individuals and congregations connect with faith practices grounded in the baptismal covenant language. Members of the Commission: Stephanie Johnson: Grace Lutheran Church, Des Moines (Chair) Marissa Letscher: First Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids Pastor Eric Clapp: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Camanche Pastor Amy Waelchli: Faith Lutheran Church, Marion Mary Merulla: Zion Lutheran Church, Iowa City Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

3 Commission for Global Relations This commission is committed to this synod s engagement in God s mission throughout the world. Raising awareness of accompaniment and companion synod ministries are dominant themes. Current priorities of the commission include: Synod Companion Relationships in Pare, Tanzania and The Grand Canyon Synod World Disaster Relief Global Advocacy ELCA Malaria Campaign Malaria Campaign The ELCA Malaria Campaign concludes at the end of the Goal of the campaign is to have 100% congregational participation. As of February 1, 2014, 119 of the 139 congregations have participated in educational programing or fundraising efforts for the campaign. As of February 1, 2015, $764,805 has been raised by congregations in the Southeastern Iowa Synod. Companion Relationship The Companion Synod Committee assisted in organizing the Synod Vision Trip to the Pare Diocese, June 23-July 4, The committee will assist in the development of promotional materials for the Pare Diocese Guest House Project. The committee has developed a Companionship Handbook for congregations. The committee will assist in preparing for the visit of Bishop and Pastor Mjema in April A Companions In Christ Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 18 in Clive, IA. The commission continues to assist Bishop Burk and Bishop Mjema live out our commitment of accompaniment; specifically in building up the synod/diocese relationship and envisioning an approach to parish/parish relationships. Peace Not Walls Peace Not Walls Campaign. The task force has been meeting in 2014, and is focusing its efforts on education opportunities for congregations. Missionary Sponsorship/Young Adults in Global Mission The commission continues to develop communication strategies to education congregations about the ELCA Missionary Sponsorship program, including Young Adults in Global Mission. Members of the Commission Gus Gustafson: Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines Ron Heideman: Redeemer Lutheran Church, Indianola Pastor Karen Ullestad: Zion Lutheran Church, Davenport Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

4 Commission for Evangelical Mission The commission meets four times per year as the visioning group for Evangelical Mission in this synod. Their responsibilities include providing vision and support for the following ministries: New and Renewing Congregations: The commission oversees the churchwide granting for new and renewing congregations. We have three congregations in redevelopment. In 2014 we completed 'first steps' to beginning a prison congregation at one of the state penitentiaries on the territory of the Southeastern Iowa Synod. Stewardship/Mission Support: Sharing resources, workshops and retreats continue to support the work of stewardship and mission support. We get to help share the story of what this church gets to do - in the name of Jesus - through the generosity of the congregations in this synod as they forward financial offerings for Mission Support. In 2014, the First Call Rostered Leaders attended a three day gathering on stewardship and mission support. Gift Planning: 2014 was the last year in our joint gift planning program with Lutheran Services in Iowa. Volunteers led presentations and workshops on wills and estate planning, charitable giving and congregational endowments. CTIM: The 2Yd annual CTIM (Called Together in Mission), was held Saturday, March 14th, 2015, at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. The theme was "People of the Spirit". The keynote speaker was Dr. Troy Troftgruben, Assistant Professor, Wartburg Seminary. Racial Justice: This team provides awareness and training events for congregations and community organizations toward the goal of dismantling institutional racism. Some of the work they accomplished in 2014: Held an Anti-Racism Workshop in Iowa City on Martin Luther King Day, 2014; recruited and trained two new facilitators; developed a new resource -Historical timeline of Oppression and Resistance in the United States; held a Task Force Retreat; and provided support in the Ames and Marshalltown communities Commission Members: Tamara Borland, Chair; Ellen Wonderlin, Rev. Craig Brown, Rev. Sarah Kretzmann, Jolene Jebsen and Rev. Travis Borkosky. The staff liaison to this commission is Rev. Gloria Dovre. Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

5 Report to the 2015 Synod Assembly Commission for Church in Society According to the governing documents of this synod, the Commission for Church in Society attends to the intersections between the church s mission and the world s needs. In order to achieve these purposes, this commission met quarterly to focus on the following areas of ministry: Hunger: In cooperation with the synod s Hunger Team the Commission has: Advocacy: Purchased several copies of the DVD and supporting resource Hunger in the Heartland to be used by hunger teams and social ministry committees in local congregations; Sent Pastor Ryan Cosgrove and Pastor Pat Fish to the ELCA Hunger Leaders Gathering in San Francisco. Over 100 synodical hunger leaders from across this church as well as hunger staff from the churchwide office gathered for this training and resourcing event. Minda Davison, this synod s Director of Communication helped plan and also attended the event; Participated in the Regional Global Ministries gathering at Wartburg Seminary through the presence of Pastor Kathleen Wohlers; Prepared for a hunger leaders workshop at CTIM on March 14, using Hunger in the Heartland and ELCA hunger resources; Encouraged and supported a group from Marshalltown in sponsoring A Framework for Ending Poverty workshop on April 18. The Commission sees the task of encouraging greater advocacy in our synod as an emerging key need. In our efforts toward this goal the commission has: Posted several articles on the synod s weekly E-News regarding various issues, especially related to immigration and hunger; Assisted Lutheran Services in Iowa in making preparations for Lutheran Day on the Hill, March 9, with Dan Rift of ELCA Hunger present. Helped sponsor a bus for participants stopping in Iowa City and Newton; Renewed our commitment to be a partner with Bread for the World. In Other Areas of our job description, the Commission has: Discussed concerns for the elderly and aging, asking the question: What does it mean to be an aging-friendly church? ; Continued membership in Iowa Interfaith Power and Light; Encouraged the exploration of a prison ministry on the territory of the synod.

6 Pastor Joan Swander and Deanna Mlynarszyk will complete their terms of service in June. We thank them for giving of themselves and their talents in this important work. Members of the Commission include: Pr. Ray Cosgrove, Trinity Lutheran Church, Burlington Sue Erickson, Fjeldberg Lutheran Church, Huxley Julie Honsey, Grace Lutheran Church, Des Moines Pr. Russ Melby, Bethesda Lutheran Church, Ames Deanna Mlynarczyk, Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church, Lisbon Pr. Joel Nau, Chair, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Winterset Lynn Peterson, Gilbert Lutheran Church, Gilbert Pr. Joan Swander, St. Paul Lutheran Church, State Center Pr. Paul Ostrem, Synod Staff

7 Conference 1 Northwest Conference Report pending Conference 2 Good Earth Conference All of the congregations in Conference 2, the Good Earth Conference, work to end hunger in their communities. Each congregation is working to reach out with the Good News of Jesus. Trinity, Elim, and Our Savior of Marshalltown and St Paul of State Center have been formed a shared ministry to address hunger in our communities. They hosted a Bridges out of Poverty Workshop in April and have been exploring ways to better serve those in need. St Andrew in Sully has been busy reaching out to families in the area and working on building improvements. They are planning their 2 nd community outreach VBS and will be raising funds to help orphaned children due to AIDS. Youth and adults at St Paul, State Center are busy planning a community garden to provide fresh vegetables with their summer backpack program. St John, Grinnell bid farewell and Godspeed to their Associate in Ministry, Muriel Johannessen. St Paul in Tama was served during their interim by Pastor Phil Borleske. They welcomed Pastor Warren Riley in January. St John, Tama and Trinity Malcom were served by Pastor Allan Thoreson in the first part of their vacancy and are currently served in their interim by Pastor Ed Breed. Each congregation strives to do God s Work with Our Hands. We are blessed with many faithful members who love God and their neighbor. Conference 3 Cedar River Conference Comprised of fifteen congregations located in three counties Benton, Linn and Iowa the Cedar River Conference is centrally located within the Southeastern Iowa Synod. The fifteen congregations include seven in Cedar Rapids, (First, Gloria Dei, Holy Redeemer, Hope, Our Savior s, St. Andrew and St. Stephen s), three in Marion (Ascension, Faith, Resurrection), Bethlehem in Vinton, First in Conroy, St. John in Ely, Seeds of Faith in Lisbon, and Trinity in Walford. We are partnered in the gospel proclamation that Jesus is Lord. Our Conference gathers three times a year (January, May, September) to connect and grow together. Rostered (clergy and lay professiona), retired and lay leaders from our congregations share updates on life in our individual congregations/communities and we invite speakers from Synod and Church-wide organizations to help lift our eyes above the horizons of local mission and ministry to imagine together how we can better partner to impact the world with the love of Jesus. Gatherings We met May 1, 2014 at Hope Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. Paula Kitt, Regional Manager of the Mission Investment Fund, joined us from Kansas City and shared information about loans the MIF makes available to congregations. She also made us aware of the free consultation the MIF provides to congregations that are building or expanding Paul Johnson, a Wartburg Theological Seminary student, who was completing his internship at St. Steven s shared an over view of his year and thanked us for the support the Conference provided to help make his internship possible. Paul Ostrem, Assistant to Bishop Michael Burk was present to give us updates from the Synod Ministry Center. On September 11, 2014, at the request of Bishop Burk, our Conference met with other conferences at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Iowa City to participate in conversations around the year long theme Led by the Spirit. Bishop Burk facilitated those conversations. At the conclusion of that portion of the evening we held our own business meeting, electing those individuals who would be our nominees to fill open Synod positions. We also elected Rev. Pat Fish (clergy) and Marta Bauer (lay person) to be our nominees as Voting Members for the churchwide Assembly to be held in New Orleans in Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

8 Our Annual Business Meeting was held January 11, 2015 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. Lois Rude, Executive Director of Helping Hands Ministry, was present to thank us for our past support of the important ministries provided by Helping Hands and to introduce us to Jessica Stamper who will replace Lois when she retires later this year. The Conference voted to continue our support for Helping Hands through the designation of funds from the Alice Tolkeim Fund. Rev. Cindy Ford Breed, Lutheran Chaplaincy Outreach Chaplain at University of Iowa Hospital, shared information about her ministry. Phil Borleske, LCO Board member talked about the importance of our support. Al Runau (Our Savior s member) continues to serve as Cedar River Conference treasurer and we are currently seeking a conference lay person to serve as conference secretary. We are fortunate to have two Wartburg Seminary Interns serving in our conference during the year. Aleese Baldwin is serving a split internship, at St. Stephen s Lutheran Church and St. Luke s Hospital and her husband, Dan Baldwin is serving an internship at First Lutheran Church. They bring enthusiasm and dedication to our midst as they prepare for their call to ministry. News to Share. Rev. Pat Fish accepted a call and is serving as pastor at Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. Rev. Tom Reuss served as interim and Rev. Zach Johnson accepted a call and is now serving as pastor at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids (where Rev. T. Edwards Breed retired in May 2014) Rev. Amy Waelchli accepted a call and is serving as Associate Pastor at Faith in Marion. Rev. Kevin Jones accepted a call to serve a congregation in Mason City and resigned his position as Associate Pastor at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Marion. Rev. Jim Adix is serving as Interim Associate Pastor at Resurrection during a period of congregational self study. Respectfully submitted in grace, peace and love, Pastor Linda Livingston, Conference Dean Conference 4 Hope Conference Bethlehem, Lost Nation and St Mark, Oxford Junction: Pr Keith Larson secretary@bethlehemmin.commembers at Saint Mark Lutheran have worked with the community to set up a food pantry located in St. Mark's lower level. It is open on alternating Saturdays. Bethlehem continues to be active in the Lost Nation ecumenical community by being part of the Lost Nation Food Pantry (housed at Union Presbyterian), Community Parish Nurse program (office at Bethlehem), the community vacation Bible school (rotating between 3 congregations) and the hosting the community quilters (from January 1 until Holy Week at Bethlehem). Bethlehem became the meeting place for the Midland area Girl Scouts. Faith and Our Savior s, Calamus: clparish@fbcom.net Pastor David Aanonson from Coralville has served as our Interim pastor after Pastor Sarah Goettsch, accept a call to campus ministry at the University of Iowa. The Call Committee is in the process of interviewing candidates with potential pastors to serve our two congregations in our cooperative ministry. St. John, Ground Mound: Intern Mark Walker mpwalker@netins.net St. Matthew, Monticello: Pr Darryl Larson dlarson@smlcm.org St. Matthew Congregation under the leadership of the church council has invited the pastors from Monticello and Anamosa to meet on a monthly basis for prayer, encouragement and discernment. The congregations are sharing ministry schedules as well as looking for ways to lift one another up in mission. Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

9 St. Paul, Anamosa: Pr Katie Lowe Lancaster Spring 2014 St. Paul conducted a church survey including personal interviews. Over 220 individuals shared their joys and challenges of congregational life. The goal was to provide short and long range direction for a vision/mission as well as assisting in future staffing. In November the congregation extended a call to former Associate Pr Katie Lowe Lancaster, and she accepted, to serve as pastor of St. Paul. The congregation continues to worship in a variety of settings and styles throughout the week. Mid-week ministry continues to grow including children, teenagers and adults in small groups as well as large group teaching and worship. SS Peter-Paul, Rural Monticello and St. John, Hopkinton: Pr Paul Finger pfinger@netins.net These two congregations demonstrate that size is not a measure of all. St. John s and SS. Peter & Paul continue to make worship and education central to what it means to be part of God s church while also supporting ministries beyond the congregation especially including ELCA benevolences, the local food pantry and the Malaria Campaign. Wayne-Zion, Rural Monticello: Pr Wade Reedy waynezion@yousq.net Along with the members of Wayne-Zion, the Hope Conference welcome Pr Wade Reedy in January Pr Wade had served a multi-site ministry in another synod while awaiting his First Call. We look forward to many opportunities we will gather, grow and serve together. Zion, Wyoming and St. John, Olin: Pr Ginger Anderson-Larson gal1213@gmail.com The congregations and communities continue to be energized with SPARKS, a ministry for children. We are offering new times and days for families to engage in discipleship. In Olin the congregation is expanding its involvement in the community food pantry. Conference 5 The Great River Conference An Anti-Hunger Conference in an Anti-Hunger Synod Greetings from the northeast corner of our Southeast Iowa synod! From families of faith in St. Donatus and La Motte south through Clinton and Comanche and from the eastern Island City of Sabula to Maquoketa, our 16 congregations continue to focus on the mission of Jesus Christ in Clinton and Jackson counties and around the world. The rolling hills and valleys of our conference continue to be beautiful places to live and serve and witness. After recently asking my awesome colleagues if there was anything they were excited about, (aside from serving in the most beautiful part of our synod,) they were quick to respond and a common theme emerged. The folks at Elvira Zion are opening their food pantry twice a month to serve families in need. Meanwhile Zion Lutheran in Clinton has started a free monthly meal for the community. They join the long tradition that St. Paul Lutheran in Clinton has had in providing a meal one Sunday a month. These two opportunities provide both food for physical nourishment and welcoming time of fellowship for spiritual sustenance. This last year First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa helped spearhead an ecumenical community wide fund raiser for the Community Cupboard Food Pantry. Together with neighboring congregations and area businesses, over $49, was raised to help this ministry serve neighbors in need. St. John s Lutheran Church in Preston is part of an ecumenical Foods Resource Bank Project working with members from the area Presbyterian, Methodist and Catholic churches. Since beginning in 2006, this Sharing the Harvest ministry has raised over $190, to help poor communities around the world become self-sufficient. Although every congregation in our conference works to fight hunger both locally and globally, from CROP Walks, Kid s Against Hunger, ELCA Global Barnyards and World Hunger Appeal, Food Drives and more, there are many other wonderful ministries in the Great River Conference. Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

10 St. Paul s Lutheran Church in LaMotte, averaging 25 folks in weekly worship, has an annual event that provides pumpkins, baked goods and crafts. Everything is sold through Free-Will offerings! Everyone pitches in one way or another, and this past year they raised over $3, which was donated to the Jackson County Hospice ministry. The folks at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clinton are excited about a new ministry called First Circle of Friends. This ministry, with support from Lutheran Services in Iowa and a grant from the United Way, provides respite care twice a month for caregivers of adults with early to mid-stage memory loss. One time each month St. Paul s shares their facilities, and there are volunteers from around our conference who share of their time to be trained and serve in this ministry. Our rostered leaders in Jackson County continue to rotate our twice monthly gatherings around the northernmost parishes for the sharing of ideas and mutual encouragement and fellowship. And many colleagues gather in Clinton for a time of fellowship and text study. As a conference, we continue to look for new opportunities to support one another and work together in sharing the Gospel and witnessing the love of Jesus Christ in the ELCA s Southeastern Iowa Synod Great River Conference and beyond. Pastor Gregory Geier, Conference Dean Conference 6 River Bend Conference The River Bend conference is comprised chiefly of congregations in Scott County, in and around the Quad Cities. In partnership with congregations on both sides of the Mississippi and the student ministry of Augustana College, a junior and senior high youth program, Ignite, provides shared events and encouragement for adult youth leaders. The rostered leaders of the River Bend conference meet monthly for a lunch gathering. The purpose of this gathering is to encourage one another in life and ministry. Similarly, conference clergy meet weekly for a text study at All Saints Lutheran Church in Davenport. Congregations of the conference joined together for the ELCA special emphasis, God s Work. Our Hands. Stations were set up at local grocery stores to receive gifts for area food pantries. In addition several congregations united in working on Habitat for Humanity housing. The River Bend conference experienced several changes of call in As of this writing, Trinity Lutheran, Pleasant Valley is in the call process process. We welcomed two pastors, Cindy McKenzie, who has a term call at St. James, Bettendorf and Shannon Witt who has been called to serve St. Matthew, Davenport. Pastor John Grebner, Conference Dean Conference 7 Iowa Conference Zion in Atalissa welcomed Rev. Britt Vickstrom as their interim pastor. Gloria Dei in Iowa City welcomed Rev. Rob Dotzel as their new senior pastor. Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Iowa welcomed Rev. Sarah Goettsch as interim pastor. Holy Trinity in North Liberty celebrated their assuming the mortgage on their building, the completion of a needed parking expansion, and a major website revision. Led by their youth, they also managed to welcome 500 volunteers in April to pack over 65,000 meals for Kids Against Hunger. A very encouraging stewardship campaign in the fall means that they are now poised to add multiple staff persons this year. A pastoral sabbatical is also planned. Bethany in West Branch, packed meals, repaired a handicap accessible ramp, cleaned a city park, and helped clean the exterior of an elderly member s home for God s work. Our hands. Sunday. Also, they began serving monthly meals on Sunday evenings that are free to anyone in the community and have committed to continuing this in Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

11 Trinity in Tipton continues to coordinate the Backpack Buddy program for the schools in Tipton and Bennett. Food is received from HACAAP. Community volunteers help pack the backpacks and donations are given by church members, the community and grants. Pastor Donnita Moeller will retire this year and a call committee has begun the discernment process of calling the next pastor. In Muscatine, the four ELCA churches collected items for Muscatine Center for Social Action as part of God s Work. Our Hands. Sunday. Collection locations were set up at area stores, staffed by members from the churches. In addition, these congregations partner for confirmation retreats and have been instrumental in the development of a community-wide ecumenical high school youth group. Shepherd of the Cross, Muscatine, provided the Food Pantry with nearly enough turkeys for every patron at Thanksgiving with funds raised by the sale of Products of the Flock, handcrafted items. The Sunday School children bought a barnyard full of animals through God s Global Barnyard. Christ the King, Iowa City welcomes Amy Wenzel as youth director. Amy is in candidacy for an Associate in Ministry. Her field placement is focusing on being a welcoming community for all differently abled and we are also welcoming our neighbors with a community garden and a new prayer labyrinth. If you are in the area, stop by and walk the labyrinth Zion in Muscatine installed a new sound system and state-of-the-art hearing assist program and hosted a retirement celebration for Associate in Ministry, Cheryl Hollich who retired from full-time ministry in August The rostered leaders of the conference continue to gather monthly to build relationships and partnerships to help the further spread of the gospel. Respectfully submitted, Pastor Jodi Hinrichs, Conference Dean Conference 8 Heritage Conference Conference 8 sits in the southeast corner of the synod between Swedesburg and Keokuk and Fairfield and Burlington. The conference includes eleven congregations that serve their communities. Since our last assembly, we said good-bye to Rev. Wayne Weissenbuehler, who retired from Faith and Rev. Rick Biedermann who served Bethany both in Burlington. We also have welcomed Rev. Kathleen Wohlers to Peace, West Burlington and Rev. Pete Hagglund to a joint ministry with St. Paul, Fort Madison and Christ, Nauvoo, IL. We still continue to have most of the pastors in the conference gather for text study weekly. Serving the congregations of Heritage Conference are Pastor Susanne Smith of Messiah, Ryan Cosgrove of Trinity, all in Burlington; Pastor Stacy Grau of First in Fairfield, Pastor Rodney Underwood of First in Keokuk, Pastor Jerleen Schlesser of Immanuel in Mediapolis; Pastor Mark Youngquist of Swedesburg Evangelical in Swedesburg, Pastor Gloria Foster of First Augustana in Lockridge, Pastor Kathleen Wohlers of Peace West Burlington and Pastor Paul Hagglund of St. Paul, Fort Madison. Faith in Burling is between pastors at the time of the writing of this report. We, the people of this conference, continue to let our light shine before others in order to give glory to our Father in heaven. Pr. Stacy Grau, Conference Dean Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

12 Conference 9-- Streams in the Desert Conference 9 is located in the south central part of the synod and includes the towns of Albia, Centerville, Queens City, MO, Pella, Knoxville, Ottumwa, Munterville, Chariton, Corydon, and Bloomfield. Many of our congregations are experiencing transitions: some are in the call process; Munterville Lutheran Church had their last worship service Sunday, April 12th; St. Paul's Lutheran in Albia is going through an intentional process of self-discovery in ministry, etc. But in all these places the Gospel continues to be proclaimed and ministry continues to happen through food pantries, emergency assistance offices, helping the homeless and people in crisis. The clergy continue to meet monthly in worship and support. God is alive and stirring things up in this neck of the woods! Nancy Reed, Conference Dean Conference 10 Conference 10 is basically the western half of the Des Moines area churches. This includes, Grace Adel, Faith Clive, Grace Des Moines, St. John in downtown Des Moines, Windsor Heights (in Windsor Heights), Peace Earlham (Adel), St. Peter Grimes, St. James Johnston, St. Stephen Urbandale, Hope West Des Moines, and last but not the least St. Paul Winterset. We have been about a wonderful transformation over the last few years; we are growing more collegial. Years ago this was not the case. Pastor s mid-week text studies continue to happen. Small groups are trying to share lunch times. There is even a gathering of conference 10 & 11 clergy and professional staff that is happening 2-3 times a year. Good stuff as we work at the Good News of Christ together. I hope we continue to find ways to work together. Thank you, Drew Gangle, Pastor Peace Lutheran Church, Earlham Conference 11 Our conference covers the eastside of the Des Moines metro area and neighboring communities to the north and south. The Fall Conference was held in September in conjunction with a time to Meet the Bishop. The event was held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ankeny and attendees gathered from congregations and ministries from Conference 1, 10 & 11. Following, each conference met to address Conference needs including elections. Pr. R. Keith Lingwall, resigned from his role of Conference Dean. We thank him for his service and leadership. Pastor Pam Schroeder will complete the remaining time of this term. Conference 10 & 11 pastors have met for times of worship and community twice this year. Gatherings of this type will continue. Respectfully Submitted, Pastor Pamela Schroeder, Conference Dean Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

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15 2015 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SYNODS Seeking'Truth,'Building'Strength,'Inspiring'Service Together.!!These!seven,!simple!words!are!the!Carthage! mission!statement.!they!serve!as!the!foundation!for!everything!we!do!here!as!we!seek!to!educate!young!men!and! women.!we!proudly!embrace!our!lutheran!heritage,!even!as!we!welcome!all!to!our!beautiful,!lakefront!campus.! We!challenge!students,!faculty,!and!staff!to!seek!excellence!in!every!endeavor,!and!we!affirm!that!the!privilege!of! an!education!carries!with!it!the!responsibilities!of!social!awareness.!we!are,!in!short,!your!college.!! But!what!is!your!college?!Physically,!Carthage!comprises!an!80Dacre!campus!on!the!shore!of!Lake!Michigan.!The! campus!is!in!kenosha,!a!city!of!100,000!in!southeastern!wisconsin an!hour!from!downtown!chicago,!a!halfdhour! from!downtown!milwaukee.!intellectually,!carthage!is!more!than!150!fulldtime!faculty no!graduate!assistants! teach!our!students with!degrees!from!some!of!the!most!prestigious!universities!in!the!world.!91%!of!the!fulldtime! faculty!have!the!terminal!degree!in!their!field.!the!average!class!size!is!18;!there!simply!are!no!large!lecture!halls! on!campus.!carthage!was!named!a!best%midwestern%college!by!the*princeton*review!(2014),!and!a!tier%1%national% Liberal%Arts%Institution!by!U.S.*News*&*World*Report!(2014).!! Your!college!has!enjoyed!a!spectacular!year,!which!simply!challenges!us!to!reach!ever!higher.!Here!are!a!few!of!the! highlights!of!our!work!this!year:!! When!the!present!school!year!opened!in!September!2014,!Carthage!set!an!allDtime!record!enrollment! with!2,599!fulldtime!undergraduate!students.!thanks!to!the!very!hard!work!of!our!admissions!officers,!we! were!among!the!13%!of!colleges!nationally!that!reached!their!enrollment!targets!this!year.! Each!year,!some!800!adult!learners!enroll!in!undergraduate,!graduate,!or!professional!development! classes!at!carthage.! We!are!good!stewards!of!our!resources.!The!College!is!on!track!to!end!this!fiscal!year!with!its!27 th! consecutive!balanced!budget.! The!endowment!fund!was!at!an!allDtime!high!of!some!$82!million!as!of!December!31.!Still,!this!is!well! below!the!average!of!colleges!our!size,!and!well!below!what!we!need!in!order!to!truly!support!student! financial!aid!and!innovative!academic!projects.! Phase!I!of!the!$43!million!renovation!of!our!science!facilities!was!completed!in!January!2015,!and!faculty! and!staff!have!moved!back!in!to!their!new!offices,!classrooms,!and!labs.!phase!ii!began!even!before!phase! I!was!formally!complete,!and!should!be!completed!by!June!1,!2015.!Phase!III!takes!place!this!summer,!and! will!be!completed!by!september!1,!2015.!the!project!includes!a!major!renovation!of!the!70,000dsquared foot!david!a.!straz,!jr.!center!for!the!natural!and!social!sciences,!and!creation!of!a!new!35,000dsquared foot!wing!to!the!south!and!east,!embracing!the!center s!lakeside!location.!this!will!increase!classroom!and! laboratory!space!by!more!than!40%,!which!is!essential,!given!that!more!than!25%!of!carthage!students! major!in!the!natural!sciences.! As!part!of!this!renovation!project,!Carthage!received!the!second!largest!gift!in!its!history,!a!$10!million! grant!from!the!tarble!family!foundation!of!los!angeles.! Carthage!is!the!new!home!for!NASA!in!Wisconsin.!Carthage!was!named!the!lead!institution!for!the! Wisconsin!Space!Grant!Consortium,!which!funds!education,!research,!and!informal!education!projects! through!a!national!network!of!universitydbased!space!grant!consortia.!! Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

16 !! After!a!lengthy!process!of!research!and!preparation,!Carthage!launched!a!Bachelor!of!Science!in!Nursing! program.!the!founding!director!of!the!program!is!working!to!satisfy!all!educational,!regulatory,!and! accreditation!requirements.!we!hope!to!welcome!our!first!students!this!september.! The!American!Institute!of!Physics!(AIP)!recently!selected!Carthage s!department!of!physics!and! Astronomy!for!its!new!study!on!effective!undergraduate!physics!programs.!Carthage!is!among!the!best!in! the!country!at!preparing!undergraduate!physics!students!for!careers!in!stem!fields science,!technology,! engineering!and!mathematics according!to!the!aip.!carthage!is!one!of!six!colleges!and!universities! nationwide!selected!for!the!project.! Over!the!past!fifteen!years,!Carthage!has!invested!close!to!$200!million!in!new!campus!facilities.!There!is! no!deferred!maintenance.! The!Higher!Learning!Commission!of!the!North!Central!Association!of!Colleges!and!Schools!has!given! Carthage!high!marks!and!granted!reaccreditation!without!condition.! The!latest!strategic!plan!is!nearly!complete.!More!than!125!faculty!and!staff!members,!and!some!75!or!so! members!of!the!greater!community,!have!been!working!in!conjunction!with!the!board!of!trustees,!which! is!fashioning!its!next!fived!and!tendyear!strategic!plan!for!the!college.!the!board!will!approve!the!plan!later! this!year.! When!it!comes!to!critical!thinking,!problem!solving,!and!written!communication,!Carthage!seniors!are!in! the!top!11!percent!nationwide!among!colleges!and!universities!using!the!collegiate!learning!assessment,! a!national!tool!administered!at!institutions!across!the!country!to!assess!their!impact!on!student!learning.! Carthage!is!ranked!seventh!nationally!for!student!participation!in!shortDterm!study!abroad!by!the!Institute! of!international!education!(open!doors!2013!report).! Carthage!students!studied!on!five!different!continents!during!the!2015!January!Term.!The!Carthage!Choir! went!to!spain,!and!the!women s!ensemble!sang!in!china.!students!studied!economics!and!business!in! South!Africa;!the!tropical!ecology!of!Costa!Rica;!religion!and!society!in!India;!the!economics!and!science!of! rural!development!in!guatemala;!business!and!marketing!in!sweden;!and!biology!and!geography!in! Nicaragua,!among!other!JDTerm!trips.! Carthage!students!volunteered!their!time!and!effort!in!thriving!partnerships!with!the!United!Way! campaigns!in!both!kenosha!and!racine!counties,!as!well!as!kenosha s!boys!and!girls!club,!women!and! Children s!horizons,!shalom!center,!and!other!nondprofit!agencies.!students!also!supported!national! efforts!such!as!the!als! Ice!Bucket!Challenge!(more!than!75%!of!the!incoming!freshman!class! participated!),!the!relay!for!life,!and!walk!a!mile!in!her!shoes.! Finally,!and!most!importantly,!within!six!months!of!graduation,!95!percent!of!graduates!report!landing!a! satisfying!career!position!or!enrollment!in!graduate!school.!! The!Lutheran!concept!that!God!gives!us!our!vocations,!that!we!strengthen!them!through!the!attainment!of!skills! and!knowledge,!and!that!we!use!these!strengths!in!the!service!of!others,!is!essential!to!our!mission,!inspiring!and! leading!students!to!find!their!own!particular!way!in!this!complex!world.!carthage!is!proud!to!be!a!college!of!the! church,!and!proud!to!provide!a!challenging!and!rewarding!liberal!arts!education!in!a!lutheran!context.!thank!you! for!your!partnership!with!us!!!!!! Gregory!S.!Woodward! Paul!R.!Hegland! President! Executive!Director,!Church!and!Professional!Relations Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

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18 EWALU CAMP & RETREAT CENTER Alpha Avenue; Strawberry Point, IA (563) ; Annual Report for the Southeast Iowa Synod (ELCA) Assembly The 2014 summer theme was Living to Celebrate based on scripture from Ecclesiastes 3:1, For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Each day of the week was devoted to learning about the seasons of the church and its relevance for our daily lives as Christians. Two program highlights from the summer include camper donations and Hearts & Stars. Campers and their families had the opportunity to donate to the Fayette County Food Shelf. We began the summer with a lofty goal of $7,500 and incredibly, we raised $7, Then, following the summer camp season, we partnered with Saint Jude Hospice and offered a new program called Hearts & Stars. Nine campers who had experienced loss in their lives came to bravely share and to heal with summer staff members who could relate to their experiences. The camp s Pool Our Resources Appeal, launched in 2013, was extended through the end of December This special appeal was initiated to generate enough funds to afford renovation of the camp s swimming pool, along with a variety of other projects that exceeded Ewalu s operating budget. By the end of the year, the appeal raised $168, towards $220,000 goal with the remainder of the goal to be received in pledges. Thank you for your support! Statistics for 2014 Summer Camp Programs (8 Weeks) 49 staff, 18 LT s 969 campers Day Camp Program 21 churches 971 campers Ewalu Sponsored Events & Retreats 11 Retreats/Events 285 participants Retreats at Ewalu s Main Site 45 Retreats 1,476 people Retreats at Stone Center 27 Retreats 667 people High Ropes Course 1,670 people Low Ropes Course 2,100 people In an ever changing world, with updates and changes in technology, many aspects of the camp operations were reviewed in 2014, namely the camp s marketing efforts and our office technological capacitates. Funds generated from the Fall Festival were used to update essential software and acquire additional administrative technologies. These updates help us to evaluate the effectiveness of the camp s marketing efforts and ways to improve. This has manifested most clearly in our campaigns; we are now regularly publishing a well-regarded newsletter called The Rhythm with over 1,200 subscribers. In summary, the more people who visit camp, the more opportunity we have to share Christ s love in this special place apart. That is the purpose of all this building, renovating, renewing and new programming. It is to keep Ewalu a vital and spirit nourishing place apart where people can have their spirit s fed by the word of God in the world of God. Joyfully in Christ, Daniel Grainger Marketing & Relations Director community@ewalu.org Ewalu Mission Statement: In the rhythm of Christian life, Ewalu serves as a place apart, to connect the Word of God to the world of God. Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

19 Dear Friends, Warm greetings on behalf of President Kent Henning, our faculty, staff, students and alumni! Here are some highlights of recent additions or enhancements to the campus: Under Construction: Student Center Construction began last spring on the renovation and addition of the new Student Center, set for completion in July. The Student Center is the hub of the student experience beyond the classroom. It houses the Bookstore, Student Life, offices (including student government, clubs, and organizations), counseling services, multicultural programs, the Career Center, academic advising, the Academic Enrichment Center, and Campus Services. The first floor will also house offices and workspace for the speech and theatre program, the Viking Theatre, classrooms, studios, and offices for the Communication Department. There will also be student lounges and recreation areas. The second floor will be devoted to dining services, with a lounge area adjacent to the skywalk, which will connect the Student Center to the Rasmussen Center across the street. Transforming Lives: Celebrate Vocation Week: March 23-27, 2015 Grand View received a grant to develop a week to celebrate our gifts. This week is a time to celebrate who we are and what we all do to serve others, promote the common good and/or care for creation. The week will include many celebrations and activities as well as the Gifted Vikings auction. This auction is designed to showcase the gifts that we all have, and the variety of ways that we use those gifts for the benefit of others. Vikings Four-Peat as National Wrestling Champions, Mitchell Named Coach of the Year History was made March 7 in the final session of the 2015 NAIA Wrestling National Championships as Grand View won its fourth-straight team title. The Vikings cruised to the team title with points 38.5 points better than second-place Southern Oregon. Head Coach Nick Mitchell was named Coach of the Year. Both of the Viking finalists accomplished their mission of repeating as national champion. Ryak Finch at 125 pounds ended a stellar two-year career with Grand View by beating Aaron LaFarge of Oklahoma City, Brandon Wright at 141 pounds was Grand View's other champion. Wright's title bout against Kyle Wilson of Great Falls (Mont.) came down to an extra point for riding time, 4-3. Grand View to Partner with IBA of Kolding, Denmark Grand View is pleased to announce another international partnership that will be of great benefit to both visiting international students and Grand View students interested in studying abroad. On Monday, February 23, Grand View agreed to a bilateral exchange program with the International Business Academy (IBA) of Kolding Denmark. This exchange will allow GV art and business students to take major level classes in English in Kolding as well as bring Danish IBA students to our campus, enriching and internationalizing both institutions. Financial Empowerment Nearly 130 incoming freshmen and their families took a plunge last fall when they volunteered to be part of a pilot of Grand View s new Financial Empowerment Plan (FEP), an innovative whole degree planning program that is designed to make a Grand View degree more affordable and predictable, as well as reduce student debt, encourage four-year graduation, and improve financial literacy. The FEP promotes a partnership among the students, their parents, and the university at a time when students are overwhelmed by all their activities and life changes. In addition to all of its other benefits, the FEP may accelerate the movement toward independence that is so crucial for young adults. The Financial Empowerment Plan will be the standard for all incoming freshmen in the fall of 2015, thanks to the participation of those in the pilot. God s Peace and Joy, The Grand View University Campus Community 1200 Grandview Avenue / Des Moines, IA / Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

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21 Lutheran Campus Ministry of the ELCA invites people in academic settings more deeply into Jesus Christ and the community that bears his name, so that they can discover and fulfill their vocation as disciples. At the University of Iowa, this mission is rooted in the proclamation of God's Word and celebration of the Sacraments. Believing boldly in God's grace, we engage one another in love and service for the life of the world. Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Iowa is a vibrant and active student-based ministry that attracts undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and other adults who have not connected meaningfully with a parish ministry. It is truly a seeker community, where people are nurtured in faith and encouraged to ask big questions. This ministry is strongly supported by congregations as an outreach and mission to the university campus. Local and synodical resources are used to staff this ministry and provide age-appropriate programming that helps young adults develop their own spiritual resources, understand God s call, and respond in faith through worship, learning, and service. Informed by the Lutheran tradition, this ministry welcomes and encourages the participation of those from non-lutheran and non-traditional backgrounds. Its scope is ecumenical in the spirit of becoming the body of Christ where all are welcomed and belong. This ministry is a microcosm and vision of the future church, which transcends denominational identities and grounds itself anew in the triune life of God. A typical week at Lutheran Campus Ministry might include student appointments for prayer or counseling, association meetings with other campus chaplains, text study groups with area clergy, invitations to participate in pilot programs at the university, staff and faculty support, participation in any number of vigils/demonstrations/petitions, dance parties, movies, dinner, participation in various student and volunteer organization fairs, grad student events and outings, book clubs, Bible studies, worship, attendance at lectures, performances, competitions plus much, much more. On average, ¾ of our student participants are estranged from organized religion. Half are not baptized. Two are headed to Lutheran seminaries. We give God thanks for giving us this interim year as a precious opportunity to intentionally contemplate the future of this campus ministry. We pray for you continued partnership in this deliberation. Peace be with you. Pastor Sarah Goettsch, interim campus chaplain Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

22 Lutheran Campus Ministry at Iowa State University 2015 I am pleased to report that God is at work on the Iowa State campus. By reading this report you will see the way that campus ministry serves the church by engaging students at a critical and formative juncture, raising them up to offer leadership in the church and the world. There are four main emphases that make up the communal life of campus ministry at Iowa State University. 1. Peer Ministry Program. The Peer Ministry Program trains 6-10 new students each year how to be a good listener, how to welcome people, and where and when to seek outside sources to help students in need. There is also a Peer Ministry Program 2 for those who have completed the initial training. In this training students learn specific ways to talk with people who are unlike themselves, how to talk about campus ministry and God with their peers, and how it feels to be an outsider. The training that students have in the Peer Ministry program is something that they will take with them as they leave Iowa State and join other faith communities. 2. Outreach. Lutheran Campus Ministry students engage in several ways with the Ames community and the world at large. This year students have participated in Random Acts Friday, which is a time set aside to do simple acts of appreciation in the Ames community such as bringing goodies and thank you cards to the Ames Fire Department and ISU campus police, feeding parking meters for shoppers, as well as other fun things. Students are making fleece tie blankets for the Beloit home. 3. Worship. Lutheran Campus Ministry holds worship every Sunday morning and every Wednesday evening. Students lead worship on Sunday mornings by assisting, reading, greeting, and providing music. Wednesday evening Holden Evening Prayer is led by students as well, including sharing a message. It is great to see how many students want to be a part of worship and to see their confidence in their ability to lead grow over time. Lutheran Campus Ministry shares its Sunday morning worship service with Lord of Life Lutheran Church, a small but mighty congregation that now fully shares in Lutheran Campus Ministry, providing financial backing and shared staff. The mixing of the two organizations has been a blessing to all of us. 4. Fellowship. Like any good Lutheran congregation, we like to eat! After Sunday morning worship there is a free meal for all. Students take turns making the food and periodically congregations have sponsored meals. Every Wednesday night worship ends with Go serve the Lord, but first we feast on pizza to fortify us to do that service. It is not unusual for students to stay at the University Lutheran Center until midnight talking or playing games (Magic, Risk, and Poker seem to be favorites). Throughout the year I make a point to meet with students for conversations over coffee or lunch. The topics of these conversations are wide ranging. The one commonality, though, is that they want to be a part of something bigger than themselves and they can find that in Lutheran Campus Ministry. Everyone has a place and everyone has a ministry. Listening to their stories gives me goosebumps sometimes when I realize that these young people are already in their young lives following Jesus. Peace and power to you all! Pastor Jen Andreas Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

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24 Greetings from the campus of Luther College. As the new president of Luther College, I am pleased to submit this synod assembly report for the college. At Luther, students discern their vocations and prepare for their careers in a college community committed to the life of faith and learning. We value your partnership in this important work. During the academic year, Luther s Office of College Ministries is engaged in a Year of Listening with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the college. The ideas and insights gathered in our listening process will shape our future vision for serving college students in the contemporary changing landscapes of congregations, faith communities, and ministry with young adults. In January, we wished godspeed to the Rev. Dr. David Vasquez, a college pastor at Luther who accepted a call to serve as president of the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. Pastor Vasquez served as college pastor at Luther for thirteen years. We are grateful for his ministry with Luther students, faculty, and staff. We are pleased to welcome the Rev. Judd Larson (Luther class of 1974), Interim College Pastor, to Luther for the spring term Pastor Larson joins college pastors Michael Blair and Amy Zalk Larson on the college ministry staff this semester. Every year, nearly 300 Luther students receive EPIC (Education Partners in Covenant) grants from their congregations a wonderful affirmation of a young person s decision to attend Luther College. In 2014, these grants totaled $260,000. Beginning next year, Luther s match of EPIC grants will increase 30 percent, to $1,000 per year in support of a current student. If your congregation participates in the EPIC program, thank you for your vital support. More information can be found at This year our campus pastors and several faculty members have served as resource persons at synod events and assemblies on topics such as spiritual practices and contemplative leadership, men s spirituality, church music, and greening congregations. In February 2015, Luther partnered with Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Arizona to offer a Blessed to be a Blessing retreat focused on vocational discernment in the third chapter of life. We invite you to visit us on our beautiful campus in Decorah, Iowa and to learn more about Luther College at college/ Thank you for your prayers for the college, for sending students to Luther, and for your financial gifts in support of the college s mission. Sincerely, Paula J. Carlson, Ph.D. President Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

25 Report to the 2015 Southeastern Iowa Synod of the ELCA LCO is your partner in ministry at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics! Lutheran Chaplaincy Outreach (LCO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing spiritual care to patients, relatives and hospital staff at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) as well as consultation for UIHC staff, ELCA pastors and congregations. Chaplain Cindy Breed has served as ELCA chaplain at UIHC for 18 years, a position supported solely through LCO since our inception in Thirty to eighty-five identified Lutherans are hospitalized daily at UIHC. In 2014, Chaplain Cindy touched the lives of nearly 900 patients with her care and compassion, as well as providing spiritual care to their families and friends. As a designated ELCA chaplain she serves as a partner in ministry with all ELCA congregations, keeping patients connected with their pastors and faith communities while they are at UIHC. In 2014 she was in communication with 107 pastors and 155 congregations over five synods including Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Our partners and other supporters are essential to the ongoing ministry of LCO. One hundred percent of funding for this ministry comes from the donations of congregations, organizations and individuals. In 2014 we received over $70,000 in gifts from our donors. Unfortunately, this is down considerably compared to past years. ½ of 1% of congregation budgets designated for LCO could support this ministry indefinitely. Current funding supports our chaplain in 30 hours of service a week. The LCO Board of Directors and committee members have diligently given of their time and resource administrating the business of the ministry and supporting our chaplain. We published three newsletters filled with updates on current activities, fundraising and donors, and reflections from the chaplain and others. We also visited several synod assemblies, women s gatherings, and congregational events spreading awareness and sharing the message of this ministry. LCO is also administrator of a scholarship fund designated for Iowa-associated rostered leaders seeking Clinical Pastoral Education residencies. Funds are currently available to qualified candidates. The application requirements are available on our web site. Donations to LCO can be sent to the above address or securely through PayPal on our website: Support can also be given when shopping on AmazonSmiles by designating Lutheran Chaplaincy Outreach in Iowa City to receive ½ of 1% of each purchase total. To learn more about LCO check out our website or come visit us on Facebook! Rev. Lynn T. Thiede President, LCO Board of Directors lcopresident@lcoiowa.org Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

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27 Annual Report to Southeast Iowa Synod One of Lakeside's major strategies is to form collaborative relationships with other ELCA ministries and community groups throughout the state. During 2014 a partnership was formed between LSI (Lutheran Service in Iowa) and Lakeside to offer Kamp for All Kids through sponsorships by congregations that no longer have children. Twenty four foster children served by LSI foster care workers attended a week and sometimes two weeks of camp last summer. The excitement of serving children in this way delighted the donors and their gifts allowed seed money to expand a camp experience that would enable children and youth to "know Jesus" in Christian community will invite 50 foster kids to camp in A youth development program in Rock Valley, Iowa, "Justice for All" will bring youth from northwest Iowa to Lakeside this summer. It is our hope that a partnership will develop that will support and enhance the lives of the youth we might serve together. Lakeside has a presence at the "Siouxland Table" collaborative of congregations as and the community that seeks to rejuvenate the faith of people in an Area Ministry Strategy; renew ministry and call ministries into partnership to have a collective impact that will re-root ministries in their communities. Lakeside will bring the energy of Outdoor Ministry to the city as a resource to ministry already in place and act as a resource to all congregations. Conversations have taken place about bringing Outdoor Ministry from Lakeside to the Midtown Family Community Center. The Camp will then collaborate with the ISU Extension Service to provide a congregational funded boost for week long Day Camp for all children. Serving with mercy and justice in Jesus name has long been the hallmark of Lakeside since Lakeside is a "camp on wheels." Inclusivity is a mission of responding to the call of the Gospel to love God and to love our neighbor regardless of labels imposed by others. We welcome all people in name of Jesus. The gift of two houses a year and a half ago allowed Lakeside to expand its retreat and conference accommodations. Shalom House on the Lake and the Holmen Welcome Center provide high comfort rooms for guests. Great rooms, fireplaces, full kitchens and beautiful views now serve a variety of synod needs, retreats, fisherman and solo spiritual time. The Camp House will now serve over 30 guests back in the woods and the Lodge is totally rejuvenated. Lakeside is an Outdoor Ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America serving all three Iowa synods. Each summer children of all ages and families attend from congregations throughout the state. Sincerely in Christ Jesus, Carolyn and Jerry Fritsch, Co-Executive Directors Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

28 PRESIDENT S REPORT Greeting my sisters and brothers in Christ, The Southeastern Iowa Synodical Women of the ELCA have been busy again this past year. Our work in Women of the ELCA surrounds the issues of Discipleship, Justice and Stewardship. The work we do vary depending on our church unit and the area we live in. For example: ladies may be active in creating pillowcases for LSI, Dresses for Africa, making the various kits for Global Missions and for Lutheran World Relief. But all the ladies this year participated in prayer shawls and fleece blankets for the hospital and clinics in Iowa City. Besides, the various work in their own units and churches. And of course the ladies do the funeral lunches, altar guild and in every church you will find prayer warriors. The Women of the ELCA are always behind the scenes doing their work. On June 20 and 21, 2014 our 27 th annual Gathering/Convention was held at Bethesda Lutheran Church, Ames Iowa. Our theme was Come and See with the Bible verse from John 1:39 being the theme verse. We were honored to have our WELCA Church wide Representative Gwen Edwards attending. Pastor Valerie Anne Strickert led us in a Bible study. We honored Lutheran Service of Iowa (LSI) for their 150 th Anniversary, they spoke to us on their work and we toured Beloit. Our love gifts and part of the offering went to LSI. Our fiscal love gift donations in 2014 with a total of $2, were given to the following: Global $ to Binta Mama in Pare Diocese, Tanzania; National $ to Polaris Project-Human Trafficking, and locally $ to Lutheran Chaplaincy Outreach at the University Clinics and Hospital, Iowa City. Iowa. The winter retreat meet February 6-7 at Quakerdale Life Enrichment, Marshalltown, Iowa. The movie Miss Representation was viewed and a discussion followed. The ladies enjoyed fellowship with each other. June 19 & 20 the Women of the Southeastern Iowa synod will meet for the All-Iowa/Tri-State Convention Gathering at Iowa Community College, Fort Dodge, Iowa. The theme for the event is Generations of Faith ; the Bible verse for the Gathering is Psalm 100:5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. The 9 th Triennial Convention and Gathering was held in Charlotte, North Carolina July 22-27, Myself, and 5 delegates represented the Southeastern Iowa Synodical Women at the Convention. For the Gathering we had 37 ladies attend. The women in attendance had a wonderful time sharing with all the Women of ELCA. On August 16, 2014 Carol LaHurd author of the Gather Bible Study Transforming Life and Faith came to Des Moines. The one day event was held in cooperation with Grand View University in the Krumm Center, Grand View University. This event is an overview of the upcoming Bible Study for the year. The Women of the ELCA of Southeastern Iowa is for any women who is a member of the ELCA church in our synod, if you would like more information on the organization it can be found at At the synod website, where you can go to Who we are and find us or go to Publications and find Directions. Check us out on our Facebook page Southeastern Iowa Women of ELCA. Blessings in Christ, Sandy Chandonia President SEIA Synodical Women s Organization Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

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