29 th Annual Synod Assembly Church for the Sake of the World April 29-May 1, 2016 Doubletree Hotel, Tulsa, OK

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1 The Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod 29 th Annual Synod Assembly Church for the Sake of the World April 29-May 1, 2016 Doubletree Hotel, Tulsa, OK REPORTS The Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod Of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 7030 S Yale Ave Ste 404 Tulsa OK Fax: Bishop - Michael K. Girlinghouse bishopmike@arokoffice.org Assistant to the Bishop/DEM Liz Albertson - liz.albertson@elca.org Office Manager Laura Bunch lbunch@arokoffice.org Bookkeeper-Ida McAllister ida@arokoffice.org Call Process Administrator-Carl Hoffman carlhoffman7@gmail.com

2 Executive Committee: The Rev. Michael K. Girlinghouse Peter Kumpe, Vice President Holly Lantagne, Secretary Bishop Kent Butcher Treasurer Staff: Rev. Liz Albertson Laura Bunch Ida McAllister, Rev. Carl Hoffman Asst. to Bishop/DEM Office Mgr/Communication Dir. Bookkeeper Call Process Administrator

3 Table of Contents: Title Page Number Conferences... 5 Ministries Bios of Speakers... 8 Roster Report... 9 Congregations in Transition Ordination/Commissioning Anniversaries Congregation Anniversaries Presiding Bishop s Report Synod Bishop s Report Reports Treasurer s Report and Budget Report are separate handouts.

4 Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod 29 th Annual Synod Assembly April 29-May 1, 2016 Doubletree Hotel, Tulsa, OK you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. --Acts 1:8b A glocal mission reflects both local and global considerations. Because of the vast changes in technology, commerce and communication, things happening across the world impact and effect what is happening across the street from the local mission center. The ends of the earth are accessible on demand with a click of a mouse, a few taps on a keyboard or the push of a button on the TV remote. Because of these changes, it is no longer easy to tease out what is Global Mission and what is Local Mission the way our fore-bearers did. This year, with the help of an ELCA Glocal Mission Team, we will be exploring the connections and intersections between local and global missions through music, worship, workshops, learning and conversation. We are glad you are here!

5 Conferences in the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod Conference 1 Western Conference Anadarko, OK St. Thomas PO Box 397 Darrouzett, TX St. Paul PO Box 327 Bessie, OK Peace PO Box 97 Hobart, OK First 1725 E Iris Ave Clinton, OK Trinity 440 S 13th St Lawton, OK Emmanuel 1022NW 67th St Cyril, OK Peace PO Box 441 Weatherford, OK Grace 120 E Proctor Conference 2 Central Oklahoma Conference Chickasha, OK Christ Our Savior PO Box 785 Del City, OK Ascension 3617 S E 29th St Edmond, OK Lord of Life N Western Ave Midwest City, OK St. Mark s 7501 SE Reno Ave Norman, OK University 914 Elm Ave Oklahoma City, OK Our Lord s 2900 W Hefner Oklahoma City, OK Redeemer 1524 N E Gran Oklahoma City, OK St. Paul s N Council Oklahoma City, OK Trinity 5701 S May Ave Shawnee, OK St. John 3610 N Union St Yukon, OK Resurrection 675 W Vandament Conference 3 Eastern Oklahoma Conference Bartlesville, OK Our Savior 300 NE Madison Blvd Tulsa, OK Ascension 4803 S Lewis Ave Cushing, OK Immanuel RR 1 Box 1750 Tulsa, OK Fellowship 6727 S Sheridan Rd Enid, OK Faith PO Box Tulsa, OK First 1244 S Utica Ave Perry, OK Zion PO Box 169 Tulsa, OK Joy 9940 S Yale Ponca City, OK Prince of Peace 2800 Turner Rd Tulsa, OK Prince of Peace PO Box 6006 Sand Springs, OK St. Andrew 3210 S 113th Ave Stillwater, OK Salem 101 S duck Street Conference 4 Western Arkansas Conference or Ozark Conference Bella Vista, AR United 100 Cooper Rd Fayetteville, AR Good Shepherd 2925 Old Missouri RD Bentonville, AR Christ the King-406 W Central Ft. Smith, AR St. Luke 5401 Free Ferry Rd Bentonville, AR The Neighborhood 2003 SW Regional Blvd #9 Booneville, AR Faith PO Box 268 Mt. Home, AR Holy Cross 48 Carnation Bull Shoals,AR Christ by the Lake-PO Box 568 Oaks, OK Eben Ezer PO Box 157 Diamond City, Lead Hill AR Lord of the Lake Rogers, AR Peace 805 W Olrich St 319 W Larchwood Conference 5 Mid-Arkansas Conference Cherokee Village AR Cherokee Village-PO Box 985 Jonesboro,AR Our Savior-2926 Wood St Edgemont, AR Peace Edgemont Rd Little Rock, AR Faith-7525 W Markham St Heber Springs, AR Hope Eden Isle Pike N Little Rock, AR Shepherd of the Hills, Hot Springs, AR Prince of Peace-109 Hobson 5900 JF Kennedy Blvd Hot Springs Village, AR Community Of Joy Stuttgart, AR Emanuel-209 S Grand Ave -110 Balboa Rd Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities Tulsa, OK- Comunidad de Esperanza 1244 S Utica Ave Tulsa, OK- Servant s Table S Yale Ave Ste 404

6 Augsburg Fortress Publishing Minneapolis MN Bethany College Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 421 N 1st St Lindsborg KS W Higgins Rd Chicago IL Portico Health Benefits 800 Marquette Ave Ste 1050 Minneapolis MN ELCA Deployed Staff: The Rev Herb Palmer Region 4 Representative River Plantation Dr Austin, TX herbpalmer@sbcglobal.net Rev. Pamela Dorman Mission Investment Fund Paula Kitt Mission Investment Fund 236 Kreutzberg Rd., Bouerne, TX Greenwood Ln Lenexa, KS Pam.dorman@elca.org Paula.kitt@elca.org Stephen Phelps Planned Giving Partnership Region Ridgeview Dr St. Louis MO Stephen.phelps@elca.org Good Samaritan Centers/Homes Hot Springs Village AR Mt. Home, AR Cortez Rd, 3031 Turnage Dr Campus Ministry Sites Grace Lutheran Salem Lutheran 120 E Proctor Ave Weatherford, OK 730* S Duck St Stillwater, OK University Lutheran Global Mission Chair: Cindy Pennie Seminaries 914 Elm Ave Norman, OK E Rogers Dr Stillwater, OK pennie@brightok.net Lutheran School of Theology At Chicago 1100 E 55th St Chicago, Il

7 Lutheran Seminary Program SW Wartburg Theological Seminary Oaks Indian Mission Exec Dir. Vance Blackfox Lutheran Supplement Editor Laura Bunch PO Box 4790 Austin TX PO Box 5004 Dubuque IA PO Box 130 Oaks, OK S Yale Ave Ste 404 Tulsa, OK Vance.blackfox@oaksindianmission.org lbunch@arokoffice.org Via de Cristo-AOK Lutheran Secretariat Lay Director Dorothy Bambrick Women of the ELCA Penny Budzein, President Bonny Castle Dr Yukon, OK ldir@aokviadecristo.org embudz1@aol.com Book of Faith Advocate The Rev. Clint Schnekloth Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Fayetteville, AR N Old Missouri Rd perichoresis2002@mac.com

8 Sunitha Mortha Director for Mission Formation Rev. Sunitha Mortha, ordained through the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church in India, serves as Director for Mission Formation at the ELCA churchwide offices in Chicago, IL. Mission Formation is the primary vehicle for education and interpretation of Mission in the ELCA Global Mission Unit. In her work, she has created programs and systems that help develop competencies to critically explore worldviews, meta-narratives and cultures to motivate better practices of mission, globally and locally. She is committed to community-building, mobilizing, and providing safe environments for difficult, complex conversations. The Glocal Mission Gatherings ( and Accompaniment resources reflect her work. In her free time, she loves to fellowship, cook, dance, read and sing. Glocal Musicians Executive Director Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry Description Music and worship leadership is provided by the Glocal Musicians. The musicians were formed by the Mission Formation Team in ELCA Global Mission to provide musical leadership for the Glocal Gatherings. Through the team s intentional diversity including representation from many countries, denominations, and several cultures the group embodies ways to stand in mutual solidarity while amplifying marginalized voices. In addition to offering worship that includes global voices, the musicians are committed to forming local leaders seeking to introduce global themes in their communities. The songs they teach are grounded in the community stories that raise awareness and inspire advocacy. The musicians embody what it means to be Glocal simultaneously global and local so we can accompany one another across cultures, even in our own neighborhoods. Please click on the link for a video: Amt Promo link:

9 Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod Roster Report April 2014-April 2015 Transfers Out: Rev. Nathan Allen Rev. Rob Spicer Rev. Lynne O Shea Transfers In: Rev. Liz Albertson, Assistant to the Bishop/DEM Rev. Sherman Gordius, Christ by the Lake, AR Installed: Rev. Dawn Donato, Christ the King, Bentonville, AR Rev. Josh Johnson, Faith, Little Rock, AR Diaconal Minister Shannon Johnson, Faith, Little Rock, AR Rev. Sherman Gordius, Christ by the Lake, AR Rev. Jerry Lamb, Western Oklahoma Parishes (Clinton, Bessie, Weatherford) Ordination: Candidate Josh Johnson, called to Faith, Little Rock, AR Candidate David Viles, called to Faith, Booneville, AR Consecration: Candidate Shannon Johnson, Diaconal Minister at Faith, Little Rock, AR Change in Call: On Leave from Call: Rev. Marilyn Robinson Rev. Janai Robinson Retired: Rev. Don Brewer Rev. Ross Worch Deceased: Rev. Dave Mattson Rev. Leland Lochaas

10 Congregations in Transitions Served by Interims: Holy Cross Lutheran, Mt. Home, AR., Rev. Richard Jebsen United Lutheran, Bella Vista, AR, Rev. Fred Nelson Prince of Peace, Hot Springs, AR, Rev Ross Worch Peace, Rogers, AR Rev. Dale Jirousek Community of Joy, Hot Springs Village, AR, Rev. Bill Sappenfield Joy, Tulsa, OK, Rev. Carl Hoffman Ascension, Del City, Redeemer, OKC, St Mark, Midwest City, Rev Marilyn Robinson Served by Appointment: St. Andrew, Sand Springs, OK., Rev. Don Marshall Christ Our Savior, Chickasha, OK, Rev. Joel Flugstad Prince of Peace, Hot Springs, AR, Rev. Ross Worch Served by Supply: Hope, Heber Springs, AR Our Saviour, Jonesboro, AR Prince of Peace, Ponca City, OK Peace, Edgemont, AR Zion, Perry, & Faith, Enid, OK Cherokee Village, AR St. Luke, Ft. Smith, AR Our Savior, Bartlesville, OK Served by Synodically Authorized Ministers: Emanuel, Stuttgart, AR., Pr. Glenn Larson Lord of the Lake, Diamond City, AR

11 Pastor Ordination, AIMS Commissioning and Congregation Anniversaries Pastor Ordination Anniversaries 2012 Rev. Stanley Eyberg Retired Burnsville, MN 60 th Rev. Stanley Padgett St Thomas & Peacy Apache, OK 55 th Rev. Floyd Schoenhals Bishop Emeritus Tulsa, OK 50 th Rev. Dean Maas Retired Tulsa, OK 50 th Rev. Jerry Hanson Retired Heber Springs, AR 45 th Rev. Carol Weist St Paul s Darrouzett, TX 25 th Rev. James Weist Retired Darrouzett, TX 20 th Rev. Dawn Enderwood Lord of Life, Edmond Edmond, OK 15 th Rev. Liz Albertson Assistant to Tulsa, OK 10 th Bishop/DEM Rev. Cheryll Armstrong-Kaukis Immanuel, Cushing Stillwater, OK 10 th Rev. Joe Liles The Neighborhood, Bentonville Bentonville, AR 2016 Congregation Anniversaries Congregation Year Organized Total Years St Paul s, Darrouzett, TX th Salem, Stillwater, OK th Hope, Heber Springs, AR th Christ, Hot Springs Village th Fellowship, Tulsa th Holy Cross, Mountain Home, AR th 5 th

12 Report to the 2016 AR-OK Synod Assembly Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16 John 3:16, perhaps one of the most quoted passages in the New Testament, hangs on bed sheets in football stadiums; it is almost ubiquitous. It is also true. If God so loves the world, we should too. Lutherans show up as Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and as The Lutheran World Federation (LWF). We are church for the sake of the world. In our congregations we address hunger and poverty through food pantries and community gardens, in health care clinics and job training programs. We foster unity among the children of God in relationship with our ecumenical and inter-religious partners. Together, with our companions in Central America, we are working with unaccompanied minors and the conditions in their countries of origin that force these children to flee. Through LWF, we support Syrian refugees in Jordan who are living in Za atari camp, provide education and child protection assistance to Sudanese refugees, and offer specialty care at the Augusta Victoria Hospital for Palestinians. We have surpassed our fundraising commitment to eradicate malaria and bring about lasting change. Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA will emphasize ELCA World Hunger this year to support our comprehensive approach to solve challenges that perpetuate hunger and poverty. All of this good and hard, sometimes dangerous, work is the work we are able to do because we are church abiding in Christ God s beloved people gathered around word and sacrament. We are church for the sake of the world. In preparation for the 500th anniversary observance of the Reformation, I encourage you to visit ELCA500.org for more information and resources. One of the featured events for the 500th anniversary is the Grace Gathering in conjunction with the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Come experience a churchwide assembly, be centered in God s word, participate in experiential learning, hear Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee, attend workshops to equip you in observing the 500 th anniversary in your local ministry setting and much more! You can register today at ELCA.org/GraceGathering. On Sept. 11, our country will be remembering the lives lost and the lives forever changed by the tragic events 15 years ago. The events affected all of us, and it will be an important moment for us to be together as a church and with all people of faith. Part of our God s work. Our hands. Sunday on Sept. 11 is a chance for us to show up as Lutherans, freed and renewed in Christ, to serve and love our neighbor. We are church for the sake of the world. As we gather in our assemblies, let us be a faithful witness to God s work in our local communities, across the country and around the world. I am hopeful that our time together in assembly will be an opportunity for us to get to know each other and come together as a church. This is a good time for us to talk about the priorities and future directions of the ELCA.

13 I will be leading a process endorsed by the ELCA Church Council and the Conference of Bishops to discern in faith the future of the ELCA. Through an initiative titled Called Forward Together in Christ, we ll be assessing where we are as God s people and working to understand what God has in store for us. I am inviting you to take part in a conversation about the future of this church. For more information or to get involved, visit ELCA.org/future. Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement. As I am out and about in my travels, I am reminded that no one of us does God s work alone, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a partner with you in that service. Thank you for your leadership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. God s blessings to you as you gather as the living body of Christ. May you be guided by the Spirit as you do God s will for God s people. With gratitude, Elizabeth A. Eaton Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

14 Report to the 2016 AR-OK Synod Assembly Bishop Michael K. Girlinghouse Sing to the LORD, a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth! --Psalm 96:1 I have been a musician pretty much my whole life. I started singing in choirs at a very young age. I took up the trombone at age 10. More recently, I learned to play the Djembe drum. For me, starting to work on a new piece of music is always a challenge. The first time through, it always sounds terrible. Mistakes abound. It feels awkward and difficult. But, eventually, with practice and repetition, the notes and rhythms fall into place. Some of the pieces of music I hated most when I started them, in time, became my favorites. Starting to work on new music is also exciting. Playing the same thing over and over again eventually becomes boring and lifeless. But, a new piece of music brings new adventures, new melodies and rhythms to discover. Every new piece of music teaches me, pushes me, stretches me and makes me a better musician. Change can be like that too. Change can be challenging. Doing things in a new way can feel awkward and difficult. When it doesn t work the first time, it is easy to dismiss it as fruitless. Change has to be lived into as surely as a new piece of music needs to be practiced. But change can also be exciting. Change can push us into new places, teach us new things, and help us discover aspects of ourselves and of our creative God we never dreamed possible. Once again, it is time, I think, for God s people to sing a new song and to invite the earth to join us in the harmony. Where we have been. I generally don t like starting my conversations and reports by rehearsing the woeful state of the church. All we have to do is look at our empty pews and stretched budgets to know things aren t what they used to be. Pining for past glory days is a waste of time. Worshipping at the altar of nostalgia is idolatry. The fullness of God s Reign revealed to us in Jesus Christ lies in the future, not in the past. However, in January of 2016, Kenneth Inskeep, head of Research and Evaluation for the Evangelical Lutheran Church, presented a paper on sustainability and membership growth for the ELCA s Future Directions Table that was as stunning as it was sobering. I think it is worth noting some of his key points as we think together about where we are going as a Synod. On the decline of membership in the ELCA, Inskeep writes, In the 1950s, ELCA congregations experienced phenomenal membership growth. In the predecessor bodies of the ELCA, baptized membership climbed 28 percent from 3.1 million in 1940 to 4.0 million in Between 1950 and 1960, membership increased another 33 percent from 4.0 million to 5.3 million. Membership peaked in 1965 at 5.9 million. (Inskeep, p. 3) Similar growth can be seen in other religious and non-religious institutions of that time. This growth was fueled by cultural and social factors unique to that period. It is important to note that many of the congregations of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod were planted during those years of phenomenal membership growth. The assumption was that the rapid growth rates would continue, and that congregations would continue to thrive well into the future. That assumption proved wrong. Sadly, since 1965, membership has been in steady decline. Again, much of this has been fueled by dramatic changes in the culture and world around us. By 2014, the ELCA had declined to 3.8

15 million members, just slightly higher than the 3.1 million members that belonged to the predecessor bodies prior to the growth spurt of the 1950s. On the question of financial sustainability, Inskeep writes this: Over the last 10 years, undesignated giving to congregations in the ELCA has declined from 1.85 billion to 1.75 billion ( 5%). Adjusted for inflation, the decline is 22 percent. Mission support, which is the money given for the support of synods and the churchwide organization, has declined from $130 million in 2005 to $99 million ( 24%). Adjusted for inflation, the decline is 37 percent. (Inskeep, p. 1) The reality is that we have fewer and fewer people giving more and more. Unfortunately, the increase in personal giving has not been enough to make up for the loss in giving units. Because of this, congregations tend to keep more for themselves and share less beyond their own walls, but even that is often not enough to sustain the local ministry. Is it any wonder so many of our congregations are struggling? Where we are right now. On the one hand, we could just accept the ongoing decline of our churches as inevitable, and simply hold on to what we can until we can t anymore. We can keep doing what we ve always done, until there is no one left to do it. In my opinion, this approach is neither faithful nor God-pleasing. I see no warrant for it in scripture, or in the teachings of Jesus. On the other hand, we could simply jettison everything from the past and embrace a whatever seems successful at the moment approach to ministry. We can try to emulate the mega-churches around us who seem to be drawing huge crowds. We can tailor our messages and theology to whatever it is that people want to hear. I am pretty sure that is not the answer either. While I believe we can learn from our brothers and sisters who seem to be successful in reaching people, there is also a richness and depth to our Lutheran theology and traditions that would be foolhardy to abandon. Jesus didn t just tell people what they wanted to hear. Quite the opposite. For many, his teachings were so difficult and so challenging that they ultimately put him to death. So, where do we go from here? How can we sing a new song in the new world where we find ourselves, and invite the earth to join us in the song? I spend a lot of my time thinking about, reading about, discussing and looking for the answers to that question! A lot of staff time in the Office of the Bishop is devoted to working with congregations who are struggling to find answers too. As I have considered and worked with these challenges, I have come to believe three things: First, as a church, we need to adapt to the world without being coopted by it. Second, we need to change how we think about and do church probably dramatically without losing our roots in the Gospel and Way of Jesus Christ. Third, we can only do this together experimenting with new ways of doing things, learning from one another, supporting one another and encouraging one another. There is a new piece of music on the music stand. The band sounds terrible. But, the director (God) knows we will get it in time! We just need to keep playing and practicing under the director s wise guidance!

16 Where we are going Over the past six or seven years, we have been working together as a Synod (gathering) of congregations and ministries to discern where God is leading us and how we can work together in new ways to do God s work in Arkansas, Oklahoma and the panhandle of Texas. We have shaped a mission plan together, designed a new structure for doing ministry together, and launched a campaign to provide the financial resources to undergird the emerging vision. People are trying new things. Change, albeit slow, is happening. There have been many set-backs and mistakes and miscues along the way. But, we keep learning and God keeps leading us into God s future. When I start working on a new song, there comes a point where I can play or sing most of the notes most of the time. More or less, I have the rhythms figured out. But, I am still a long way from really making beautiful music. More work needs to be done to refine the notes and rhythms so that I not only play them, but also interpret them so they come alive for the listener. I think that s about where we are as a Synod. At this year s Synod Assembly, we will consider the new Synod constitution for a second time. If the vote is positive, we will continue our process of transitioning into a new Synod structure. Learning how to use this structure to do mission and ministry together is going to be awkward for a while. But, I am convinced it will help us function more effectively as a church if we commit ourselves to actually live into it. Not long ago, someone asked me if the new Synod Structure was just moving deck chairs around on the Titanic. I thought that was a good question. It is one I have asked myself. The truth is, a structure, any structure, is only as effective as the people who are a part of that structure. If we continue to function as if we were all independent of one another, as if we really don t need each other to do effective ministry, and stay focused on our own concerns, anxieties, fears and survival, then no structure will change the decline of our churches. As long as we focus on ourselves -- we will lose the very lives of the congregations we hope to sustain and congregations will continue to close until most are gone. (See Luke 9:24). The new Synod Structure is predicated on the principle that we are stronger if we work together. The new clusters are intended to make cooperation and collaboration between congregations easier by reducing the distance between congregations. These geographic networks are just the foundation of what I hope will be a variety of networks that connect congregations and groups within congregations around affinity, ministry context, and ministry roles and responsibilities. Already, some of these nongeographic networks are starting to emerge. The new Synod Council will function as a hub and clearinghouse for these various networks as the Mission Cluster Coordinators work together to share information, ideas and stories to strengthen ministry across the Synod. The Synod Council will also set and oversee the direction of the Synod as the Coordinators bring the concerns, hopes and dreams of local ministries to the table for the sake of planning and goal setting. As we begin to sing this new song together it will need to be supported in a variety of ways. Living God s Abundance, the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod Capital Campaign, is one of those ways. Generosity is a biblical principle throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Paul lifts up the generosity of the poor and persecuted congregations of Macedonia as an example for how Christians should think about giving. (See 2 Corinthians 8-9). God is a God of abundance, not scarcity. That was demonstrated in the Wilderness as the people made their way from Egypt to the Promised Land. That was demonstrated in the Exile, as the Jews survived and even thrived among the Babylonians, and found their way back home. That was demonstrated in the Feeding of the 5000 and in the raising of Jesus from the dead. It has been demonstrated time and again throughout the history of the church, right down to the

17 present day. God can and does take whatever we offer, whether that is two pennies or our whole lives, and does wonders with them. That being said, it is important to remind everyone that both congregations and individuals are invited to contribute to Living God s Abundance. As we will hear throughout the Assembly, many congregations have already committed to and have been very creative in thinking about how to support this campaign. A number of individuals have already pledged generously to the campaign, some directly and others through their congregations. I pray that as we combine our resources in this way, we will be able to strengthen existing congregations and ministries, plant new ministries, support and encourage our leaders, and expand our ability to connect with one another for the sake of the Gospel ministry we all share. If you have not done so I invite you to make a pledge to Living God s Abundance and to get others in your congregation involved! Working together and combining our resources, we truly can sing a new song and invite the whole earth to sing along! Growing the Ministry Some say that the end of the mainline church is inevitable. Some have suggested that we begin planning for the dissolution of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod now. I refuse to believe the first and refuse to do the second! I refuse because THERE IS TOO MUCH MINISTRY TO BE DONE in Arkansas, Oklahoma and the panhandle of Texas to quit now!!! If someone were to convince me that there is no one left in our territory who needs to hear and experience the Good News of God s love in Jesus Christ, then I might consider shutting down our ministry. Until then, we will continue to strive to do God s work in this territory to the best of our abilities. But, how we do that work must change, and change dramatically. Sure, it s going to move forward in fits and starts, with mistakes and miscues, falls and failures but, with God s help and the Spirit s guidance, it will move forward. Through us, God can and will turn the decline in our Churches around. Our goal of at least 60 growing, thriving congregations and mission centers in the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod by 2025 is possible with God who makes all things possible. I am excited by what I see happening in our churches. In many places we are talking about renewal, and renewed mission. Congregations are being creative and thinking about ministry in new ways. New ministries are starting, and thriving. God is at work among us. I am privileged to see it every day. A new song to the LORD IS being sung, and the song will go on until that day when Christ comes to make all things new and the whole earth rejoices. Peace, Rev. Michael K. Girlinghouse Bishop

18 Report to the 2016 AR-OK Synod Assembly Rev. Liz Albertson, Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM) & Assistant to the Bishop for Youth and Family Ministry Introduction Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. 1 Peter 4:10 Thank you for calling me to serve with you as your director for evangelical mission (DEM) and assistant to the bishop for youth and family ministry. These roles were previously filled by Pastor Jean DeVoll-Donaldson and Annette Kezbers. Both served with excellence and creativity, it is a joy to learn from their work and to begin to build on it. The way I see it, you have called me to help ministry thrive in Arkansas and Oklahoma. That can mean focusing on deepening faith through studying, praying, worshipping, serving, managing and organizing individual and congregational life around Jesus, and caring for each other. It can also mean focusing on expanding faith though making connections in your community, sharing skills, getting the word out, and thinking together about what God s job for your congregation is today. Call or me to set up a retreat, workshop, Sunday school class, consultation, or with any of the ideas you have. My joy is drawing out the wisdom already present in your congregation. Responsibilities New Ministries, Formal Renewal Process & Partnership Support. I work along with developers, redevelopers, emerging and redeveloping mission centers and any ministry receiving partnership support. Partnership support is money and resources that come through our ELCA church wide connection. Your mission support/benevolence to the synod makes this assistance and my work as your DEM possible thank you! There is a formal process for receiving these grants. I connect resources, funnel paperwork, and coach (help focus, keep goals center, encourage, etc.). Currently you (the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod) have two new starts: Comunidad de Esperanza (Community of Hope) and Servant s Table. You have three congregations receiving partnership support for formal renewal (transformational ministry): Eben Ezer, Oaks; Redeemer, Oklahoma City; and First, Tulsa. Finally, you have one congregation receiving partnership support for ministry adjustment (they are growing so fast they need help with increasing staff): The Neighborhood, Bentonville. In 2016/2017 we will be looking for partnership support for one more growing congregation and to begin the groundwork for a new start in Conway, AR. Teams. I am the staff support for three of our five synod ministry teams: Community Outreach, Discipleship, and Youth and Family. Community Outreach Team. Team leader: Lance Miller. Winter/Spring 2016 has been focused the governance and administrative aspects of partnership support. In the Fall we are meeting to work on expanding our work as a team.

19 Discipleship Team. Team Leader: Pr. David Viles. Currently stewardship is our main focus. This Fall we will meet for a goal setting retreat led by Bp. Mike. Youth and Family Team. Team Leader: Jona Burnett. Under the umbrella of this team, there are two groups that meet. One is the Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO), this is a youth leadership development ministry where our high school youth lead, organize and provide ministry opportunities for other youth in our synod. Currently there is a core group of youth from over 7 congregations who are participating in the LYO leadership. The other group is a newly formed (or re-formed) Youth Leadership Network for adult who work with youth. This group is still forming (so if you or someone you know would like to be part of the group let Pr. Liz know). Currently the network meets monthly for mutual support, Bible study, and shared learning. A goal for 2016 is to develop a similar network for our campus ministries. Racial Justice. I get to serve with this group as we look to promote racial justice in our synod. At this 2016 Synod Assembly there is both a workshop and an invitation to engage in racial justice through a resolution. HELP! Preaching. Please help me beat Bishop Mike. He was able to worship in all our congregations in 18 months. Please invite me to preach/worship in your congregation (be sure to check with your pastor or person who schedules preachers). There is a sign up sheet at the Synod assembly or call me anytime. Conway Prayer Team. I am assembling a prayer team for whatever ministry center might emerge in Conway. Will you be part of this team? While we may meet in Conway at some point, you can also join this effort where you live. Discipleship Team. Managing life with Jesus at the center isn t always easy and the path is not always clear. This team encourages and supports ministry centers (congregations) in this effort. We are currently looking for new team members. We meet through go-to meeting (through the internet) and in person. The next meeting is July 28 from 10-3pm in Fort Smith, AR. Contact Pr. David Viles or Pr. Liz Albertson if you are interested. Thank you for reading this report and for the opportunity to serve God with you! Respectfully submitted, Pastor Liz Albertson

20 CANDIDACY COMMITTEE REPORT 2016 Synod Assembly Discernment is not just another word for deciding. God has already decided. God has chosen life for the world. God has chosen you, with your unique gifts and abilities, and given you the freedom to match them up with the needs you see around you. Discernment isn t just about what you re going to do; it s not what you re going to do with your life; it s not deciding which school you re going to attend or what job you re going to have. Discernment is about being open, curious and attuned to what God is up to with you and with your community. And it s being confident that you have a part to play in the story of God s love for the world. Discernment is considering what God has given you. What are you good at? What are you passionate about? What brings you joy? What experiences, circumstances and challenges have formed and prepared you for a new thing God may be doing with you? Discernment is noticing what God is doing in the world. What are the needs of your community? Where is the good news of Jesus being lived out and proclaimed? Where else does it need to be? What is the part you ve been given to play in this story of God s love for the world? By now you ve realized that discernment isn t about a decision. It s about always being ready to ask the questions and then being engaged in living the answers! ( Vocation) Candidacy in the ELCA is a process of discernment which invites a partnership between candidates, their home congregations, the synod at large, seminary communities and churchwide representatives. Each synod works through a Candidacy Committee in order to provide leadership for the church. Our Committee met several times this last year, including a retreat in Oklahoma City with our candidates. Our thanks to Pastor Liz Albertson, who lead our time together during the retreat. And our thanks to Pastor David Viles for serving as our chaplain. Once again, we are pleased to share: Our Synod has incredible candidates for rostering! As of this report, we have 14 candidates in process and several other names of potential candidates. Those who have received a positive Entrance Decision, and are therefore in the candidacy process are as follows: For Ordained Ministry: Nat Bothwell, Paul Francel, Brian Henning, Susan Kleps, Chris Lee, Kristin Lee, Richard Little, Alvaro Nova Ochoa, Peter Olson, Grant Ragsdale, Alicia Urban. For Diaconal Minister: Kara Farrow, Donna Summerville, Bonnie Wells. Nat Bothwell and Peter Olson are both finishing up their seminary education, awaiting calls and Ordination to Word and Sacrament ministry.

21 Your prayers are requested specifically for all our candidates, and all other individuals who are in process. Please consider sending anyone of them (or each of them) a note of encouragement and grace. Laura in the Synod office can provide you with the addresses. This would be a terrific Pentecost project for your Sunday School, Women s or Men s group,... We continue to receive incredible notes from our seminarians thanking you for your generosity and support. Our synod sends approximately $2,000. per year in scholarship support to our candidates. The average seminary education exceeds $30,000. per year. The committee strives to encourage hospitality, evaluation and formation for all those in the discernment process of Candidacy for rostered ministry in the ELCA. Candidate Update: We welcomed several of our Candidates to the ELCA Roster since last year: Rev. Liesebet Gravley was Ordained to Word and Sacrament, serving as pastoral residents at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa. The two-year program is based on the model for medical school graduates who hone their skills as residents. Pastoral Residents are full staff members at St. Paul, with a full set of responsibilities. What s different than being on internship is the level of responsibility, the length of time spent in the congregation, and the weekly reflection they do with their supervising pastor, Peter W. Marty. Rev. Joshua Johnson was Ordained to Word and Sacrament, serving Faith Lutheran, Little Rock, Arkansas. Rev. David Viles was Ordained to Word and Sacrament, serving Faith Lutheran, Booneville, Arkansas. And, the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod welcomes our second called diaconal minister, Deacon Shannon Johnson, who was consecrated to Word and Service, serving Faith Lutheran, Little Rock, Arkansas. With joy and thanksgiving: The committee wishes to thank Rev. Fred Nelson, who has served on the committee for the past several years. Pastor Nelson has retired in order to have a little more free time to enjoy his retirement. Serving in this ministry in Arkansas/Oklahoma are: Rev. Karen Fowler-Lindemulder (Conference 2) Jenny Geib (Conference 2) Jess Yandell (Conference 2) Vernetta Wilson (Conference 3) Rev. Charles Gilmore (Conference 5) Marlene Zenker (Conference 5) Rev. Nate Frambach (Seminary Representative) Rev. Herb Palmer (ELCA Regional Representative) Bishop Michael Girlinghouse Support Staff: Laura Bunch and Ida McAllister Thank you for this tremendous opportunity to serve the church on your behalf. We have some extraordinary candidates and it is a privilege to walk with them through this process. Finally: Do you know someone in your congregation that God is calling to serve? There is continuing concern within the ELCA for the recruitment of qualified candidates to meet the anticipated need for ministry in the coming years. Congregations are urged to encourage interested and qualified senior high and college students to explore church careers. Please note that each Candidate for rostered ministry needs to be in contact with the committee for approximately one year before an Entrance Decision can be considered. If you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact any of our committee members. Respectfully Submitted, Rev. Karen Fowler-Lindemulder, Candidacy Committee Chair

22 Rev. Liesebet Gravley Deacon Shannon Johnson/Rev. Josh Johnson, Bishop Rev. David Viles 2015 Arkansas-Oklahoma Candidates (and spouses), Committee members, Churchwide/ Seminary representatives, and Chaplain Communication Report Why would anyone come to your church? This is the question I posed at a Technology and Communication presentation I had at one of our congregations. Why come here? On my way to your church, I saw at least 5 or 6 other churches. I saw a diner full of people eating what was probably a delicious breakfast and having good fellowship. Because the doors are open every week does not work anymore. So why would someone drive to your church on a Sunday morning? Think about it. Talk about it with fellow members. Make a list. Or invite me to your church and we can talk about it together. Create your elevator speech or bullet points as to why someone would want to make the effort to come to your church on Sunday. Then tell people about the exciting things happening at your church. Weekly attendance at a worship service is definitely not the norm any more. Especially for those under a certain age. Call the synod office and let s talk about it. Communication within the synod Weekly e-news: We send out the weekly news to over 400 members and friends of the AR-OK Synod. As an Assembly Delegate, your will be added to the list unless you ask me not to. Keep up to date with synod activities, which will be more exciting after we move into the new Ministry Center! New and Improved Website: Check out the new website. It was updated at the beginning of the year.

23 Arkansas-Oklahoma 29th Annual Synod Assembly 2016 Facebook and Twitter: watch for occasional updates, information, articles, humor, staff photos, synod photos and more. Join us and LIKE us at GoToMeetings: This has been one of the most cost-effective way to meet across the many miles of the synod without all that travel for Bishop Mike, Pastor Liz and the synod committees, groups, tables, etc. Stories I still need your stories. I love to be able to share stories and photos from the congregations. Who knows, maybe your story could inspire another congregation with a new way to reach into the community, worship, have faith formation, or just have fun together! me your stories and photos!! If your congregation would like to have a consultation about communication or technology, or learn how to share your story with others, please call or me at the synod office. (There is no charge for this.) Submitted in Peace, Love and Joy, Laura Bunch AR-OK Office Manager/Communications Director lbunch@arokoffice.org 23 Call Process Administrator Report Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod of the ELCA Synod Assembly 2016 Congregation Location Status Christ by the Lake Bull Shoals Called pastor Faith Little Rock Called pastor & deacon Western OK Shared Ministry of Northern OK Grace Weatherford Trinity Clinton Peace - Bessie Faith Enid Zion Perry St. Paul (UCC) Marshall Called multi-point pastor United Bella Vista Interviewing Lord of the Lake Diamond City Profile active Holy Cross Mountain Home Profile active Peace Rogers Interviewing Awaiting call through assignment process

24 Arkansas-Oklahoma 29th Annual Synod Assembly 2016 Peace Edgemont Profile active Community of Joy Hot Springs Village MSP in process Joy Tulsa Call committee active St. Luke OKC Partnership Ft. Smith Redeemer OKC Ascension Del City St. Mark Midwest City Following retirement of Pastor Brewer & death of Pastor Mattson search for interim pastor in progress Pastor Adrian Brown accepted call out of synod Comments: Recently, there have not been many pastor profiles that would be good matches for our congregations. We hope more profiles will become active as we approach the traditional moving time of the summer months. Congregations indicate their ability to compensate their pastors as defined compensation on their site profiles. Total compensation (including health and retirement benefits) has created sticker shock for our congregations. We have been seeking to determine the total amount they can afford in compensation and take that into consideration in the call process. Yours in Christ, Pastor Carl Hoffman Implementation Task Force Report Members: Bishop Mike, Lance Miller, LaTesa Williams, Ralph Hooks, Alvaro Novo, Carl Hoffman, Cindy Perkins, Susy Jorgenson, Cheryll Armstrong-Kaukis We began as the Structured Task Force in response to the Strategic Plan of 2012 and the feedback of the people of the synod in Listening Posts and Retreats with the Bishop. The Structured Task Force created an Implementation Task Force who have been working together in the last year and now are finalizing the steps needs before handing over the responsibilities to the Synod Council in August of Our goals aligned with those in Living God s Abundance: Growing Ministries, Inspired Leadership, Vibrant Connections and Sharing Abundance with the primary focus being on Communication among the Congregations, with one another across the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod to be supportive of one another and to be living, thriving church together as the Body of Christ! 1. The conference meetings took place before year end to review the new structure and take care of financial business for any conference that has some monies to be disbursed. The Cluster meetings were scheduled before the end of the year for January and February of 2016, and an agenda set up. All the Clusters met as of February

25 Arkansas-Oklahoma 29th Annual Synod Assembly 2016 a. Overall there was positive energy at the Cluster meetings and most have had a good turnout. Cluster 4 does not have a Mission Cluster Coordinator so we will take nominations from the floor at the Synod Assembly. b. The Mission Cluster Coordinators and the Dean that is nominated by the Deans to be on Synod Council will need to submit Bio for the Synod Assembly in April. b. We have Ministry Group Team Leaders and most groups will not be officially formed until after the Synod Assembly. The team leaders will be organizing their own groups. 2. The Implementation Task Force will follow up with the clusters until the first meeting of the Synod Council meets in August, to see how they are forming and what is working. After the first Synod Council meeting in August, follow-up and evaluation of the structure, will be the responsibility of Synod Council with the Mission Cluster Coordinators and Dean representative. 3. The Leadership Team workshop led by Tammy Divine is May 20 and 21 and there will be information sent out by Laura Bunch. The Implementation Task Force follows up with the assigned clusters so the designated people (the Synod council including the Mission Cluster Coordinators, Ministry Team Leaders, all the Deans, and the Synod Staff) know about it and have it on their calendar. My thankfulness for the efforts, insights, work and grace flowing in the whole team. Prayerfully Submitted Cheryll Armstrong-Kaukis Pastor Mark Borseth Evangelism Chair As of right now, Evangelism at the Synod level is more of a position on Synod Council than it is a committee. As Evangelism Chair, I have joined in the meetings of the Outreach Committee, but would like to more fully move off in a more intentional strategy for evangelism. Some plans for the coming year: *Invite those who want to be part of the evangelism discussion in the Synod to connect via a resource we have at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Yukon. It is called RightNow Media. It is sort of like a NetFlix of Christian Bible studies, Christian living resources and Christian Children s videos. But, in addition to having access to resources, there is also a way to stay connected for trainings, etc. If you would like to have free access to RightNow Media and would like to be part of an online study/resource group, please give your address to me (prmark@rlcok.org). *I also want to work on new initiatives for prayer within the synod. If you would like to be part of that initiative, please contact me at prmark@rlcok.org. Thank you for the privilege of serving. God s blessings! Pastor Mark Borseth 25

26 Arkansas-Oklahoma 29th Annual Synod Assembly Conference Reports CENTRAL OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE- Conference 3 Report This is an exciting conference I think. We said goodbye to a phenomenal dean Nathan Allen in October as he accepted a call to Michigan and to his wife Laura Mazzeo, who led us with Pastor Marilyn Robinson with Racial Justice. There are three congregations as part of a Shared Ministry seeking a pastor (Zion Lutheran in Perry, Faith Lutheran in Enid). Joy Lutheran be served by Interim Pastor Carl Hoffman after Pastor Nathan moved to Michigan). Comunidad De Esperanza, is a new faith community/ mission start developed by Alvaro Nova and is growing. Servant s Table Church, developed by Laura and Blaine Bunch, with the Tulsa pastors sharing in pastoral leadership, began this year as a new worshipping community. Almost all the congregations have a website. There are ideas to gain by seeing other congregations websites, activities of a congregation and website design. The pericope study with the pastors in the conference meet monthly and plan to continue to do so even though we are soon officially in separate clusters. As we move into clusters, Pastor Allan Fox is Dean of Mission Cluster 5 (Ascension Lutheran, Comunidad de Esperanza, Fellowship Lutheran, First Lutheran, Joy Lutheran, Prince of Peace, Servant s Table, and St. Andrews) and Pastor Cheryll Armstrong-Kaukis is Dean of Mission Cluster 4 (Faith Lutheran, Immanuel Lutheran, Our Savior Lutheran, Prince of Peace-Ponca City, Salem Lutheran, Zion Lutheran). There are wonderful relationships building such as Salem Lutheran in Stillwater. They have service projects and share fellowship with the Islamic Society, as well as work with the congregations of Stillwater in developing shared worship experience to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr s life and work. First Lutheran welcomes House Church into their Building and Comunidad de Esperanza for worship and in partnership. First also continues to coordinate a musical choir for the whole Lutheran community in the Tulsa area. Fellowship and Joy have ongoing learning and service opportunities and special community events. Other congregations offer a variety of service and fellowship opportunities. There is more and to keep the larger church of the A-OK Synod informed we must remember to give our stories and information of events to Laura Bunch, Communications Director of the Synod and Office Manager. As part of effective communication and relationship building we have been using GoToMeetings (web meetings) for Dean's Meetings, some Racial Justice, and Mission and Outreach Meetings. This has been helpful to get together when we cannot in person and still stay in touch. This is an outgrowth of Living God's Abundance and a benefit for us all. We have wonderful pastors and congregations in this Conference, soon to be Cluster 4 and 5, and a good working relationship. And there is more to come. As Christ journeyed to the Cross and the Cross became empty in His Resurrection because there is more to come as we say yes to God! Thank God for the people and leadership in the Conference and these Clusters. Blessings of Peace and Renewal led by the Holy Spirit! Your Sister in Christ Cheryll Armstrong-Kaukis

27 Arkansas-Oklahoma 29th Annual Synod Assembly 2016 Conference 4 Report Conference Five had three meetings over the past year. On October 25th, we met at Prince of Peace, Hot Springs, for our Fall Assembly. On November 22nd, many of us gathered at Faith, Little Rock, for the installation of Shannon and Josh Johnson. On February 14th, 2016, we met again at Faith, Little Rock, to discuss the new Cluster formation. At that meeting we elected Shannon Johnson as our choice for Dean, and Jackie Wilson as the Cluster Coordinator (pending approval by Bishop Mike). We look forward to the formation of the new clusters. Pastor Ross Worch, Dean of Conference Five Lutheran Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Representatives Network (LEIRN) Report Here are some resources to be aware for future dialogue and engagement. Harvard Online Religious Literacy Class Harvard University has been hosting a free religious literacy class online, starting March 1 st. The first course focuses on the way in which different religions interact historically and contemporarily. Then, there are five separate courses on each of the following religions: Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism. You can pay $50 to receive credit for the course. Register here: Declaration on Climate Change The Parliament of the World s Religions gathered in October of 2015 in Paris to unite as people of faith to protect the creation that we have been gifted with by our God. There is a petition available to sign here: EAPPI Scholarships There are several full scholarships available for candidates who might be interested in serving in the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI), a program of the World Council of Churches to work for peace and justice in the Middle East. More information on the program can be found here: ELCA500 The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the Catholic Church will hold a joint ecumenical commemoration of the Reformation on October 31 st, 2016, in Lund, Sweden. Part of the gathering will include a workshop on the Common Prayer: From Conflict to Commemoration, which is a practical guide to a process of worship for a joint Catholic-Lutheran commemoration of 500 years of Reformation. It is structured around the themes of thanksgiving, repentance and commitment to common witness. The aim is to express the gifts of the Reformation and ask forgiveness for the division perpetuated by Christians from the two traditions. More information and the resource can be found here: 27

28 Arkansas-Oklahoma 29th Annual Synod Assembly 2016 Further comment: I would like to commend the various individuals and congregations for their commitment to ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue. It is through the personal relationships that you form with your neighbor that allows the love of Christ to spill out of you. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Meredith E. Harber, Eben Ezer Lutheran Church and Oaks Indian Mission President of Women of the ELCA AR/OK Synod Assembly Report Our Women have been busy with their Unit Projects from Women s shelters, Abuse Centers, Soup Kitchens, Reading programs/tutoring, Health Clinics, Clothing Closets, Hope for you bags, Malaria Campaigns, Food pantries, counseling, Nourishment dinners, Thanksgiving/Christmas food baskets to adopted families, Shoes for Souls, Shoebox ministries, Lutheran World relief quilts, education kits, layettes kits. In kind Gifts for Oaks, Disaster Relief, Kiva, Household furniture for adopted families, Heifer Project, Single parents outreach, Project for Tomorrow, etc. Our Women are busy carrying out our Mission Statement and Purpose Statement. We looking forward to our Fall Convention, the theme is All New Day by Day based on the Bible verse 2 Corinthians 4:16, September at Joy Lutheran in Tulsa, AR Conference III Hosting. After the Spring Gatherings we feel our lives have been filled to overflowing by God s Love and a great need to share his Love by spreading the good news of our Lord and living out our baptism as children of God. Rockin Region 4 has issued a challenge we want to get a jumpstart on the 500 th anniversary of the reformation which will take place in The challenge is to raise at our conventions in We look forward to an exciting year filled with continuing works as God s hand in service to Church Units, Our Communities and the World. We also want to grow, affirm, encourage, support, engage, and promote healing and wholeness, and rejoice in our discipleship in Jesus Christ as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Praise the Lord for the presence in our lives and rejoice in the Spirit who leads and guides our ministry in Christ Jesus. Respectfully Submitted, Penny Budzien, President AR/OK Synodical Women s Organization 28

29 Arkansas-Oklahoma 29th Annual Synod Assembly 2016 About the Mission Investment Fund The Mission Investment Fund (MIF), a financial ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, makes low-interest loans to established ELCA congregation, new-start congregation and ELCArelated ministries for building project. Established congregation use MIF loans to renovate, expand or relocate. New-start congregations rely on MIF loans to buy land and construct their first church buildings. ELCA-related ministries use MIF loans for a variety of capital projects. At year-end 2015, MIF had 830 loans outstanding, totaling $492 million. To fund these loans, MIF offers a portfolio of investments for congregations, their members, synods and ELCA-related ministries to purchase. MIF investments offer adjustable- or fixed-rate terms and earn interest at competitive rates. At year-end 2015, MIF investments by congregations, their members, synods and ELCA-related ministries totaled $464 million. The Mission Investment Fund is a financially strong and stable organization, with a record of steady, controlled growth. With a total assets of $663 million and net assets of $194 million at year-end 2015, MIF maintains a capital ratio of 29 percent-positioning MIF in the top tier of well-capitalized church extension funds. Investments and Loans in the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod As of December : 5 Mission Investments Fund loans, with a balance of $1,252,603, are at work throughout the synod. Investments in the Mission Investment Fund by 51 individuals, 25 congregations, 2 ministries and the synod totaled $3,380,297 MIF representative for the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod: The Rev. Pamela E. Dorman, Regional Manager: Tel (224) ; pam.dorman@elca.org Mission Investment Fund 8765 West Higgins Road Chicago, Illinois Tel: Web: mif.elca.org 29

30 Arkansas-Oklahoma 29th Annual Synod Assembly 2016 Bethany College 2016 Annual Report to the Assembly of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod This is a year when Bethany College has reached out to many for prayer and financial support. The response has been astonishing. The College is grateful. It is critical that the Church sustain its agencies and institutions. Bethany is the Church in mission in higher education. Lutherans bring a very distinctive gift to the world of higher education our strong emphasis on vocation, helping students discover and claim their callings in life. At our best we help students put it all together : what they bring from family, community and church, their faith and values. Putting that together with new experiences and new learnings. Helping them discover more about themselves, their interests and passions. Challenging them to match their passions with something that needs done in this world. Preparing them to provide leadership and service in church and community. Also, the College is a laboratory for the Church s efforts to connect meaningfully with a new generation of young people. At a time when our Church is challenged to retain its youth, Bethany is committed to helping students hold faith and learning together, claiming for themselves that firm foundation in faith that gives meaning and purpose in life. We cherish the partnership we share in this mission. God bless all of you and God bless those who serve you at Bethany College. Dr. Robert Vogel Interim President, Bethany College 30