Creation Not for Sale Salvation Not for Sale Human Beings Not for Sale

Transcription

1 Creation Not for Sale Salvation Not for Sale Human Beings Not for Sale The Sixteenth Biennial Convention of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories June 16-18, 2016 University of Alberta Augustana Campus; Camrose, Alberta

2 CONTENTS Section A GENERAL CONVENTION INFORMATION... 4 Agenda... 4 Anniversaries... 6 Greetings... 7 Nominees for Election Synod Council and Lutheran Theological Seminary Board of Governors Nominees for Election 2017 National Convention Delegates Process of Election: Synod Chairperson Nomination Form Motion Slip Section B WORKING TOGETHER AT CONVENTION Summary of Bourinot s Rules of Order Bourinot s Rules at a Glance Petitions Committee for Reference and Counsel Convention Committees Biographical Data on Nominees ABT Synod Positions Northern Conference - Lay East Central Conference - Rostered West Central Conference - Lay West Central Conference - Rostered South West Conference - Lay Southern Conference - Lay Lutheran Theological Seminary Board of Governors Biographical Data on Nominees - ABT Delegates to National Convention At Large - Youth Northern Conference West Central Conference East Central Conference South West Conference Southern Conference Synod of Alberta and the Territories Constitution Synod of Alberta and the Territories Bylaws Section C THE BISHOP S OFFICE Bishop s Report Abiding in Right Relations (AiRR) Ministry Team Congregational Action and Response for Mental Health (CARE) Ministry Team Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

3 Leadership Development Ministry Team Missional Formation Ministry Team Study Conference Planning Ministry Team Synod Campus Ministry Team Synod Youth Ministry Team World Mission Ministry Team Worship and the Arts Ministry Team Section D REPORTS OF THE OFFICERS AND COUNCIL COMMITTEES Chairperson s Report Secretary s Report Treasurer s Report Summary of Significant Changes by Synod Related to Harmonization of Compensation Guidelines Proposed Operating Budget Financial Statements - Synod of Alberta and the Territories Synod of Alberta and the Territories - DRAFT Constitution Synod of Alberta and the Territories - DRAFT Bylaws Report of Archivist Report of Necrologist Congregation Constitutional Review Committee Synod Examining Committee Synod Committee for Theological Education and Leadership (CTEL) Report of the Deans Roster of Synod Council Section E REPORTS OF OTHER MINISTRIES Report of the National Bishop The Bethany Group Camps Canadian Lutheran World Relief Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute Lutheran Hospital Ministries-Southern Alberta Lutheran Institutional Ministry Edmonton Lutheran Theological Seminary On Eagle s Wings Ecumenical Ministries Inc Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

4 SECTION A GENERAL CONVENTION INFORMATION Throughout our Convention: as you worship, listen, pray, discern, share stories you are invited to write your thoughts to the following statements on sticky notes and post them to the large print paper in the assembly hall: I am hearing God say to us, and, I sense that one of the places the Spirit is inviting our Synod to join with God in God s work is. Agenda Liberated by God s Grace For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God not the result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 Thursday, June 16 9:00 am Synod Council meets 10:30 am Registration check-in 11:00 am Committee for Reference and Counsel meets 12:30 pm Opening Worship Rehearsal - Chapel 1:00 pm Orientation for first time Delegates Assembly Hall 2:00 pm Opening Worship Hymn Festival and Eucharist Liberated by God s Grace Chapel. Opening of Convention and Dedication of Processional Cross. Hymn Festival sponsored by Canadian Lutheran World Relief. (Offering designated to be divided between the ELCIC s Reformation Challenge LWF Endowment Fund, and the ABT Synod Bishop s Discretionary Fund) First Sitting 3:30 pm Greetings Recognition of Guests and Leaders of the Convention Seating of new congregations, rostered leaders and those retired since :50 pm Reflection: Expectations of our time together 4:05 pm Orientation of all Delegates Report from the Committee on Registration and Attendance 4:15 pm Nominations and Elections for 2017 National Convention Delegates - Bylaw 4:30 pm First Ballot for Chair 4:45 pm Greetings/Report from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada National Bishop Susan Johnson - Presented by Sheila Hamilton, Vice- Chair, National Church Council 5:10 pm Greetings from ELCIC Group Services Inc. - Lisa Thiessen, Executive Director 5:30 pm Dinner Evening Worship Rehearsal Chapel Second Sitting 7:00 pm Second Ballot for Chair 7:15 pm Report of the Bishop abounding in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit Rom.15:13 7:45 pm Video: Spirit-led Leadership 7:50 pm Reflection 8:15 pm Evening Worship Prayer and Healing around the Cross - in Chapel, with remembrance of those who have died. Friday, June 17 Following Worship Welcome Reception sponsored by Good Samaritan Society 7:30 am Breakfast 7:45 am Morning Worship Rehearsal Assembly Hall Third Sitting 8:15 am Morning Eucharist and Gathering with Song Salvation Not for Sale: From Death to Life 9:00 am Report from the Committee on Registration and Attendance 9:05 am Third Ballot for Chair 9:15 am Dwelling in the Word Refreshments will be available between 9:30 and 11:00 am. 9:40 am Video Hope-filled Discipleship 9:45 am Reflection Wellness Fair offered between 10:00 am and 5:30 pm by ELCIC Group Services. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

5 10:00 am Committee on Report of the Minutes Report #1 Report from the Nominating Committee (further nominations) Committee for Reference and Counsel Report #1 10:25 am Greetings from The Rev. Dr. Brian Rude En Misión con El Salvador: In Mission with El Salvador. 10:45 am Keynote Presentation Salvation Not for Sale, The Rev. Dr. Gordon Jensen (Sponsored by The Bethany Group, Camrose) 11:15 am Presentation Conversation: What are we hearing God say to us? What does this mean for us? 11:45 am Greetings from Lutheran Theological Seminary - The Rev. Dr. Michael Nel, Acting President 12:05 pm Celebration of Rostered Leaders - 25 years 12:15 pm Lunch Closing Worship Rehearsal - Chapel Fourth Sitting 1:30 pm Gathering with Song 1:35 pm Report from the Committee on Registration and Attendance Fourth Ballot for Chair (if necessary) 1:45 pm Verbal Report from Synod Council Significant Actions of Synod Council Questions related to Ministry Team (Program Committee) Reports Mission Priorities and Outcomes 2:15 pm Adoption of Audited Statements Presentation of Budget 2:25 pm Fifth Ballot for Chair (if necessary) First Ballot for Synod Council and Lutheran Theological Seminary Board of Governors ABT Synod Representatives Refreshments will be available between 2:30 and 4:00 pm. Wellness Fair by ELCIC Group Services continues. 2:40 pm Keynote Presentation Human Beings Not for Sale, National Bishop Susan Johnson 3:10 pm Presentation Conversation: What are we hearing God say to us? What does this mean for us? 3:40 pm Committee on the Report of the Minutes Report #2 3:45 pm Constitution and Draft Bylaw Amendments Synod Council 4:15 pm Elections for 2017 National Convention Delegates 4:35 pm Greetings from Canadian Lutheran World Relief Marcus Busch, President, Board of Directors 4:55pm Video: Innovative Tradition 5:00 pm Reflections 5:15 pm Celebration of Rostered Leaders 40 years 6:30 pm Festival Banquet at the Norsemen Inn; Celebration of Rostered Leaders 50 and 60 years. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Sponsored by Canadian Lutheran World Relief 10:00 pm Late Night Convention Spot: The Wild Boar Pub, till hosted by the Synod Campus Ministry Team midnight at the Camrose Railway Museum, Ave (walking distance from Augustana). Beer from the Troubled Monk Brewery of Red Deer will be offered with grace (free!). In response to this grace, attendees will be encouraged to make generous contributions to the ELCIC Reformation Challenge. Saturday, June 18 7:30 am Breakfast 7:45 am Morning Worship Rehearsal Assembly Hall Fifth Sitting 8:15 am Morning Prayer and Gathering with Song - Creation Not for Sale: From Groaning to Hope 9:00 am Report from Committee on Registration and Attendance 9:05 am Dwelling in the Word Refreshments will be available between 9:30 and 11:00 am. 9:30 am Video: Collaborative Partnerships 9:35 am Reflections 9:50 am Budget Approval 10:00 am Report from Elections Committee (second ballot if necessary) 10:15 am Greetings from Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute, Outlook, SK - Wayne Hove, President 10:35 am Report of the Necrologist / Archivist 10:45 am Committee for Reference and Counsel Report #2 11:30 am Report from the Committee Examining the Report of the Bishop 11:45 am Approval of Mission Priorities and Outcomes ( ) 12:00 pm Lunch Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

6 Sixth Sitting 1:15 pm Gathering with Song 1:20 pm Keynote Presentation Creation Not for Sale, The Rt. Rev. Mark MacDonald, National Indigenous Anglican Bishop 1:50 pm Presentation Conversation: What are we hearing God say to us? What does this mean for us? 2:20 pm Report from Elections Committee (if necessary) 2:25 pm Committee on the Report of the Minutes Report #3 2:30 pm Gifting of Resources Reflections Take Homes 2:45 pm Unfinished Business 3:00 pm Sending Worship with Eucharist (ELW Setting 7) Human Beings Not for Sale: From Captivity to Freedom Installation of Synod Council members and Closing of Convention. (Offering designated to be divided between the ELCIC s Reformation Challenge LWF Endowment Fund, and the ABT Synod Bishop s Discretionary Fund) 4:30 pm Synod Council meets (current and newly installed) Anniversaries Anniversary Celebrants for this two-year period are: 25 Years ( ) Rev. David Friesen Rev. Kim Wong Rev. Peter Chau Rev. Sigmar Reichel Rev. Fred Schneider 40 Years ( ) Rev. Thomas Peterson Rev. Lee Woolery Rev. Ken Grambo Rev. Erland Nord 50 Years ( ) Rev. Richard Hanson Rev. Robert Breitwieser Rev. Glen Carlson Rev. Donald Rasmussen 60 Years ( ) Rev. Edwin Bowen Rev. Emil Krause Rev. Harold Martin Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

7 Greetings Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

8 Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

9 Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

10 Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

11 Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

12 Nominees for Election Synod Council and Lutheran Theological Seminary Board of Governors Synod Council OFFICERS Chair for a four-year term, ending 2020 (Ecclesiastical ballot) COUNCILORS Northern Conference lay 1. Mike Harmon (e)* East Central Conference rostered 1. Charlotte Strecker-Baseler Deborah Ann Taylor West Central Conference lay 1. Mark Ree (e)* West Central Conference rostered 1. John Lentz Art Weiss Southwest Conference lay 1. Terrie Coombs (e)* Southern Conference lay 1. Walter Alksne Wendy Kalkan Full Communion Partner rostered (This is by appointment of Synod Council as per Synod Bylaws Part VII, Section 1 and will be announced to the convention during report of the Synod Council.) * eligible for re-election (Election process outlined in synod bylaws Part V. Section b.1.) LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY BOARD OF GOVERNORS lay 1. Dianne Keiren 2. Laureen Wray Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

13 Nominees for Election 2017 National Convention Delegates At Large Youth 1. Chad Garson 2. Nyajuok Kulang Northern Conference lay 1. Sheryl Dubois 2. Mike Harmon 3. Nancy Kadatz 4. Minna Peever 5. Margaret Sadler 6. Gretta Smith Northern Conference rostered 1. Barbara Groote 2. James Hendricksen 3. Aaron Schnell 4. Heidi Wachowiak West Central Conference lay 1. Gail Berg 2. Sharon Besler 3. Ebeline Zee-Hawtin West Central Conference rostered 1. Scott Brown 2. Marc Jerry 3. John Lentz East Central Conference lay 1. Vivian Baier 2. Ruth Jensen East Central Conference rostered 1. Paul McCormick Southwest Conference lay 1. Terrie Coombs 2. Garry Mihaichuk 3. Betty Pollock Southwest Conference rostered 1. Kayko Driedger Hesslein 2. Laura Holck 3. Kristian Wold 4. Tim Wray Southern Conference lay 1. Arnold Follinglo 2. Gerda Lewke 3. Colin Millang 4. Adena Skanderup Southern Conference rostered 1. Jeff Decelle 2. Thomas Peterson Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

14 Process of Election: Synod Chairperson The process of electing a chairperson is set out in the Bylaws (Part V). This chart is designed to illustrate those bylaws in a schematic form for easy reference. The election of a chairperson proceeds without oral nominations. If the first ballot does not result in election, it is considered a nominating ballot. At no point during the election is any eligible person permitted to withdraw his or her name from any ballot. Ballot Names on Ballot Information Provided Votes Needed to Elect 1 (or nominating) Blank The chairperson may be a lay person or a rostered leader. (Synod Constitution - Article XIII, Section 1) 3/4 majority of votes cast. 2 All names written on the first ballot 2/3 majority of votes cast. 3 The four persons who received the highest vote on the second ballot. Majority of votes cast. 4 The three persons who received the highest vote on the third ballot. Majority of votes cast. 5 The two persons who received the highest vote on the fourth ballot. Majority of votes cast. The result of each ballot in every election shall be announced to the convention. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

15 Nomination for: Nomination Form BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION FOR NOMINEES in the Synod of Alberta and the Territories Conference: Lay Clergy Name: Address: P.C. Phone: Cell/Res. Bus. Home Congregation (and city/town): Occupation (current and/or past): Describe your participation in the church (include service in your local congregation, in the larger church, service in the community, and how you share the gifts God has given you.): Why are you interested in serving in this capacity? Share your concerns and hopes for the Synod of Alberta and the Territories: Additional comments you wish to share: Nominated by Congregation: Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

16 Motion Slip Synod of Alberta and the Territories Number: (for office use only) Moved by: Seconded by: THAT CARRIED: Date: Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

17 SECTION B WORKING TOGETHER AT CONVENTION This section is primarily background reference for various aspects of our work together. For example, it offers examples of how to use Bourinot s Rules of Order; provides membership lists for the convention committees who are appointed to oversee such things as the accuracy of the minutes, the validity of resolutions, or the attendance figures; and sites the articles of the Synod Constitution and parts of the Synod Bylaws which will be useful when discussing the amendments proposed. Summary of Bourinot s Rules of Order GENERAL PRINCIPLES 1. Proper opportunity is afforded to all concerned for an expression of opinion. 2. Rights of a minority are respected. 3. Clear decisions are reached. 4. Proceedings are governed by an assessment of the issues rather than by personality factors. MOTIONS 1. When properly presented before the meeting a motion may be withdrawn by its mover and seconder only with the assent of the meeting as a whole. 2. A question once decided cannot be brought up again at the same sitting. If it should be necessary to rescind a motion that has been passed, notice of intention in writing can be given at one sitting and dealt with at the next sitting. In the case of a motion that has been defeated, a motion to reconsider, requiring a two-thirds majority vote, can be introduced by giving notice in writing at one sitting for decision at a later sitting. Alternatively, another motion similar to the defeated motion but differing in some particulars may be introduced at the discretion of the chair. AMENDMENTS 1. An amending motion must be strictly relevant to the main motion. It must not alter in a material way the principle embodied in the main motion, but should merely vary its terms in one or more particulars. 2. An amendment may be moved to the amendment. It must not materially alter the underlying intent of either the original amendment or the main motion. 3. If a member wishes to make an amendment, but it is not in order at the time in view of the fact that two amendments are already before the meeting, notice of the amendment may be given, as this proposal might affect the vote on the amendments awaiting decision. SPECIAL MOTIONS 1. Motion to adjourn debate or sitting must be seconded and voted immediately. It is not debatable. 2. Proceeding to next business must be seconded and voted immediately. It is not debatable. 3. A motion that the debate be closed and a vote be taken on the motion : i. must be moved by someone who has not spoken in the debate; ii. must be seconded; iii. is not debatable; iv. and requires a two-thirds majority of votes cast. This motion should be used in place of motions to call for the question or move the previous question. The latter wordings cause confusion because they have different meanings and consequences in Canadian and U.S. usage, and although we follow Canadian rules of order (Bourinot), the common understanding of the latter wordings tends to follow U.S. usage. 4. Deferment. Motions to postpone to a specified time or indefinitely must be seconded and are not debatable nor amendable. The use of the phrase to table is not recommended as it has different meanings and consequences in Canadian and U.S. rules of order and is not understood the same way by everyone. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

18 5. Reference or Committal. A motion to refer to a standing or special committee must be seconded, may be amended and debated, but only with respect to the reference or committal, not on the main subject at issue. 6. Debatable and Non-Debatable Motions. Generally, the distinction is made that substantive issues on which there will obviously be varying opinions are open to debate, while those of a procedural nature are not. 7. Substitute Motion. A substitute motion cannot be made. If a delegate wishes, notice of motion may be given. This means that if the current question being debated is defeated, a different motion may then be introduced. POINT OF ORDER A point of order should be raised when the alleged irregularity occurs; it is not acceptable if other proceedings have intervened. DEBATE If you wish to speak to a question before the house, proceed to a microphone and wait to be recognized by the chair. Upon recognition please state your name and the congregation you represent before addressing the question. If you are making a motion, please also prepare it in writing using the motion slip form in Section A. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

19 Bourinot s Rules at a Glance To get an exact count after a close vote: You say: Interrupt? Seconded? Debatable? Amendable? Vote Needed: I call for a recount Yes No No No -- To object to a procedure: You say: Interrupt? Seconded? Debatable? Amendable? Vote Needed: Point of order Yes No No No Chair decides To request info: You say: Interrupt? Seconded? Debatable? Amendable? Vote Needed: I want to request info/ No No -- clarification To find out when you can make a motion: You say: Interrupt? Seconded? Debatable? Amendable? Vote Needed: When would it be in order No No No for me to move that... To challenge ruling of the chair: You say: Interrupt? Seconded? Debatable? Amendable? Vote Needed: I appeal the chair s decision No Yes No No Majority To make a motion: You say: Interrupt? Seconded? Debatable? Amendable? Vote Needed: I move that. No Yes Yes Yes Majority - withdraw by mover and seconder only with the assent of the meeting - reintroduced only at following sittings - Rescindable only at subsequent sittings For reconsideration of a motion: You say: Interrupt? Seconded? Debatable? Amendable? Vote Needed: I must give in writing that I No Yes Yes Yes 2/3 Majority move at the next sitting that a question be reconsidered. To amend a motion: You say: Interrupt? Seconded? Debatable? Amendable? Vote Needed: I move to amend the motion No Yes Yes Yes (once) Majority by substituting (deleting/adding) the words To make a motion to adjourn the meeting: You say: Interrupt? Seconded? Debatable? Amendable? Vote Needed: I move that this meeting No Yes No No Majority be adjourned. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

20 Petitions Petitions not directly related to matters on the agenda, may be considered by the convention. The petition should have an action component and be duly seconded before being referred to the elected secretary of the synod. The secretary will forward the petition to the Committee for Reference and Counsel. (See Section B, page 13 for a description of the role of Reference and Counsel.) If a petition is submitted to the Committee for Reference and Counsel during the Convention, then it must be delivered to that Committee before 9:00 a.m. on the Friday (last full day of business) of the Convention. After the motion has been read to the convention, it becomes part of the minutes and is subject to debate. When a motion (original or amended) is adopted, it becomes a resolution; that is to say, it becomes the decision or determination of the assembly with the matter under consideration. Committee for Reference and Counsel The Committee for Reference and Counsel is the impartial, discerning mind of the Convention, who acts inclusively and pastorally to:. facilitate the orderly presentation of petitions so that the voice of petitioners is heard;. clarify petitions so that the intent of the petition is complete, accurate and properly worded;. support the chair by assessing the petition for compliance with constitutions, bylaws, decisions of previous conventions. Six people, three lay and three rostered, (four of whom shall be delegates), are appointed by the Bishop to receive and study petitions submitted to the Secretary of the Synod by congregations, conferences, Synod Council, committees, or delegates. Some of the petitions will have been submitted early enough to be included in the Bulletin of Reports; those received after publishing deadline will be forwarded by the Secretary of the Synod to the Reference and Counsel as they are received. The petitions, which come to Reference and Counsel properly moved and seconded, will be presented to the Assembly with one of the options outlined here. The Committee for Reference and Counsel will present the petition: a. without recommendation, for decision by the assembly; or b. without recommendation (but amended with the consent of the petitioners, for additional information to add clarity; or c. with recommendation to the chairperson that the petition be ruled out of order for stated reasons (for example, what is being proposed is already in place, or is contrary to unalterable parts of the constitution); or d. refer to a specified committee or office for consideration or e. with a dilatory motion (that is, a housekeeping motion that is not debatable or amendable) to: i. defer to a specified later time; or ii. defer indefinitely, if the petition is one that the assembly would want neither to pass nor to defeat; or f. with recommendation that the petition be referred to Synod Council if the petition was received too late during the convention for the Committee to complete its deliberations. Committee for Reference and Counsel will also:. recommend special orders for the hearing of representatives who are not on the approved agenda;. grant or deny permission to distribute printed matter or other items to the Assembly; and. assist the chairperson as the chairperson may request during the course of the convention. Use of a standard petition form is required. It is designed to give focus and helpful direction in the development of a petition. This will be distributed to all congregations prior to Convention. Petitions must be submitted to Reference and Counsel by 9:00 a.m. on Friday of Convention. Those submitted after this deadline will not be brought before the assembly for consideration. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

21 Convention Committees Committee for Reference and Counsel Kevin Bolstad Allyn Langager Laureen Wray Rev. Dr. Kayko Driedger Hesslein Rev. Dr. James Hendricksen Rev. Charlotte Strecker-Baseler Committee on Registration and Attendance Glen Kneller Sonja Myroon Rev. Jeff Decelle Committee on the Report of the Bishop Greg Linglebach Caleb Sorenson Leanne Walton Diaconal Minister Lorraine Schrader Rev. David Larsen Rev. Trish Schmermund Elections Committee Colin Millang Marjorie Zelent Rev. Dennis Aicken Rev. Janice Whitelock Committee on the Report of the Minutes Nancy Kadatz Robin Niebergall Rev. Howard Mastin Rev. Prema Samuel Nominating Committee Deans: Rev. Trish Schmermund Rev. Kathy Calkins Rev. Eleanor Ness Rev. Kristian Wold Rev. Reg Berg Synod Staff: Rev. Dr. Julianne Barlow Parliamentarian Rev. Calvin Skriver Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

22 Nomination for: Name: Mike Harmon Synod Council - LAY Northern Conference Address: Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 3R6 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: Mt. Zion Lutheran, Edmonton Occupation (current or past): student Service in the church/community: Have served the past four years on Synod council, the three years on Northern Conference Council. I have been on our church council the past two years. Just finished being on the Board of Directors for Serenity Funeral Services. I share God's gifts through the opportunities the arise from being on these various councils. Why you are interested in this position: Enjoy working with a variety of others. Also an opportunity to hear what others are doing and how God is shaping their lives. Also to see how the Spirit of God is moving amongst us and how we are each called in various ways. Your concerns and hopes for the Synod: My hope for the Synod is we embrace our calling as missional peoples. To see where God is working within our communities and response to that call. To be a prayerful people, seeking God in midst of our lives and our calling. Biographical Data on Nominees ABT Synod Positions Northern Conference - Lay Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

23 Nomination for: East Central Conference - Rostered Synod Council - ROSTERED East Central Conference Name: Rev. Charlotte Strecker-Baseler Nomination for: Synod Council - ROSTERED East Central Conference Name: Rev. Dr. Deborah Ann Taylor Address: P.O. Box 15 Armena, AB T0B 0G0 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: Armena Lutheran Parish (Scandia Lutheran, Armena and St. Joseph s, Hay Lakes) Occupation (current or past): Pastor Service in the church/community: Pastor of the Armena Lutheran Parish: Scandia / Armena & St. Joseph / Hay Lakes. Support activities in both of my congregations & in the communities they serve. Why you are interested in this position: Having served on Synod Council for 6 years in the Central States Synod, ELCA, I know & understand the importance of this ministry. Your concerns and hopes for the Synod: There are many congregations that are disconnected to the Synod. My hope is that they and all of us can become connected as we journey together. Address: Ave, Camrose, AB T4V 2S9 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: Bethel Lutheran Church, Camrose Occupation (current or past): Pastor Service in the church/community: I serve as pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in Camrose, where in addition to the activities of a parish pastor, I am active in the Camrose Ministerial Association, PLURA (an ecumenical network of Pentecostal, Lutheran, United, Anglican, and Roman Catholic congregations), and serve on the Chaplaincy Council at the University of Alberta, Augustana Campus. My gifts as a freelance writer are shared with CLWR (Partnership Magazine), the Canada Lutheran, and misc. church based publications. Prior to call to the Alberta Synod, I served as my conference council secretary, initiated cooperative ventures among area pastors and congregations, participated in Jewish/Christian dialogue and interfaith associations, worked in emergency shelter, refugee services, community organizing and housing ventures, and volunteered as the National Rescue Coordinator for an animal rescue association. Why you are interested in this position: I believe that we are far more effective (and have a lot more fun!) when we work together, rather than in isolation. Both my professional experience and my faith are deeply rooted in building connections: with other Christians, community organizations, social service agencies, and interfaith communities. I've appreciated the intentionality with which the Synod of Alberta and the Territories has sought to form cooperative partnerships and desire to support those efforts. Your concerns and hopes for the Synod: I have tremendous hope for our synod! Although the challenges we face are significant, so also are the opportunities. It is exciting to see emerging partnerships unfold and to "think together" as we shake the dust from tradition, reclaim its value, and give it form and expression in new and innovative ways. My concern is that we seize the opportunities before us, and that we be undaunted, as we live out our faith in a present that is very different from our past. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

24 Nomination for: Name: Mark Ree Synod Council - LAY West Central Conference West Central Conference - Lay Address: R.R. #1, Bentley, AB T0C 0J0 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Grace Lutheran, Bentley Occupation (current or past): Utility Operator Service in the church/community: I have served in almost all capacities on church council at Grace, except treasurer. I have served one term on Synod Council. I have participated as a delegate in Conference and Synod Conventions. Why you are interested in this position: I have become interested and involved in the larger church through Synod Council and feel I have some grassroots insights to offer at the Synod level. I feel my rural roots are an asset in planning the direction of the future church. Your concerns and hopes for the Synod: I have concern for the diminishing attendance numbers in smaller churches, particularly rural congregations. I have a desire to determine how best to serve the people involved at this level and feel the need to determine what God has planned for the future. The lack of clergy is definitely a challenge. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

25 Nomination for: West Central Conference - Rostered Synod Council - ROSTERED West Central Conference Name: Rev. John Lentz Nomination for: Name: Rev. Art Weiss Synod Council - ROSTERED West Central Conference Address: Street, Olds, AB T4H 1G9 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: St. Paul s Lutheran Church, Olds Occupation (current or past): Pastor Service in the church/community: Pastor, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Olds for 18 years; LCBI Board of Regents; volunteer Chaplain for local RCMP; involved in local Ministerial Assoc.; Intern Supervisor, 2 consecutive years Why you are interested in this position: My years of experience, the skills gained over those years of ministry, and a desire to help in some small way, the church beyond the boundaries of this parish. Your concerns and hopes for the Synod: Biggest concern: for the Synod to continue moving on the path that has been set these past few years in becoming more mission minded and focused. Address: Site 8, Box 18, RR1 Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 1X6 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Grace Lutheran, Bentley Occupation (current or past): Executive Director, Camp Kuriakos Service in the church/community: Served as Pastoral leader in Congregations and Administrator of church organizations. Why you are interested in this position: Provide Leadership to the Synodical Mission Your concerns and hopes for the Synod It is my hope that the ABT Synod can continue to grow together in mission, direction, worship, prayer, education, leadership development, and fellowship. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

26 Nomination for: Name: Terrie Coombs Synod Council - LAY South West Conference Address: ST NW, Calgary, AB T3B 2R1 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Advent Lutheran, Calgary Occupation (current or past): Spiritual Care Director Service in the church/community: I offer Spiritual Direction in my congregation, privately, and also at the FCJ Christian Life Retreat Centre, where I also host retreat/mediation sessions. I am a member of the international Companions in Mission Ministry in partnership with the Faithful Companions of Jesus Order. My involvement in the community I am a member of our local Planning Committee, and a Fifth Step Listener for Simon House, a treatment centre for men recovering from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Why you are interested in this position: I have been a member of Synod Council for the last four years, and it has been a wonderful experience. It is a privilege to work with a diverse group of people, with different gifts, talents, and opinions, but united in one common goal, listening, to the Holy Spirit, to each other, and to all people in our Synod; discerning where God is leading us. Your concerns and hopes for the Synod: Jeremiah 29:11: For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Matthew 7:7: Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. These two verses reflect my hope; God has a plan; He is "in control". We are on the threshold of the door, asking, seeking, searching, and the door of our new future is opening. South West Conference - Lay Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

27 Nomination for: Name: Walter Alksne Synod Council - LAY Southern Conference Address: P.O. Box 1142, Hanna, AB T0J 1P0 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Redeemer Lutheran, Hanna Occupation (current or past): Retired Service in the church/community: Served numerous terms on church council as: -Chairperson, -Co-chair, -Elder, -Deacon -Sunday School Superintendent -Active on numerous Call Committees -Sing in the choir (when we have a choir) -Attend Bible Studies when they are offered -Assist with the serving of the sacraments when requested -Assist with church property maintenance -Attended Conference and Synod Conventions -Have participated in various community ventures i.e. C.O.P., Ecumenical Community Church Choir, etc. -Currently VP of the Hanna Roundhouse Society (restoration of local railroad facility) Note: I do not belong to any service clubs or other organizations Why you are interested in this position: Over the past 40 or so years I have served the church in a number of areas (primarily on a local basis). I feel this is an opportunity serve our Church in a broader capacity trusting I have skills to facilitate any required expectations related to the position on Synod Council. Your concerns and hopes for the Synod: My concerns are: - declining church attendance - low enrollment in our seminary - congregations leaving the ELCIC My hope is that the church grows and prosper in its mission to serve in spreading word, and that its membership adapts to a changing society, as difficult as that may be for some. Southern Conference - Lay Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

28 Nomination for: Name: Wendy Kalkan Synod Council - LAY Southern Conference Address: Street N, Lethbridge, AB T1H 3M1 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Christ Trinity Lutheran Church, Lethbridge Occupation (current or past): Land Use Planning & Community Economic Development Service in the church/community: Numerous terms on church council including recording secretary Other church congregation positions include worship leader, communion assistant, Sunday School teacher, local social justice initiatives Numerous terms as Southern Conference Council Secretary Founding member of Kairos Lethbridge Committee Co-Coordinator of Kairos Prairies North Regional Committee including the duties of secretary-treasurer Past member Synod Campus Ministry Committee Past Board Director, Secretary and Governance Committee Chair of the Good Samaritan Society Current Board Director and Chair of Lethbridge Family Services - a community-based non-profit agency providing Home Care, Immigrant Services, Program's for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, FASD Clinic, and Counselling, Outreach and Education programs and services throughout Southwestern Alberta. Secretary-Treasurer Lethbridge Lifelong Learning Association - responsible for collaborative programming and funding of Adult Literacy and Foundation Learning opportunities with educational institutions and community-based agencies in Lethbridge. Past Commissioner with Alberta Multi-Culturalism Commission Past Board member of Alberta Press Council Past Board member and mediator of the Medication Society of Southern Alberta operating Community Conflict Resolution Services (Lethbridge) - including facilitation of mediation, restorative justice, peace circles, extrajudicial sanctions and alternative measures. Why you are interested in this position: An opportunity to share my faith experiences and skills in a new way, as well as learn from and contribute to the development of the same. The opportunity to represent the Southern Conference and build community. Your concerns and hopes for the Synod: To further ABT synod support of congregation's and individual's faith experience, meaning and connectedness. To contribute to the human and community capacity building that comes from God's grace and inherent in the traditions the Lutheran faith. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

29 Nomination for: Name: Laureen Wray Lutheran Theological Seminary Board of Governors Lutheran Theological Seminary, Board of Governors - LAY South West Conference Address: 351 Doverview Cres. SE Calgary AB T2B 1Y7 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: Lutheran Church of the Master, Airdrie Occupation (current or past): Office Administrator, Solas Energy Consulting Inc. Service in the church/community: Served as Assistant and Executive Director of Camp Kuriakos over 12 years. I have participated in several Synod events and provided leadership for the LOMAN and LOMIC committees. I enjoy volunteering in my community with a variety of organizations. Why you are interested in this position: I found my experience working with the Board of Camp Kuriakos through a decade of great change to be a rewarding challenge. Serving with the Board of the Alberta Camping Association, including three years as President, also provided many lessons and insights in leadership and governance. I believe that LTS is a vital resource for our church which needs to be cared for diligently and challenged constantly to provide the training opportunities needed by our church now and moving forward. Your concerns and hopes for the Synod: My hope is that the Synod of Alberta and the Territories is prepared to pursue God's calling. In joyous victories and difficult decisions, I hope we seek to reflect God's grace in all we do. Nominated by: Synod Council Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

30 Nomination for: Name: Dianne Kieren Lutheran Theological Seminary, Board of Governors - LAY Northern Conference Address: 134 Rabbit Hill Court NW Edmonton, AB T6R2R3 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: Hosanna Lutheran, Edmonton Occupation (current or past): Professor Emeritus of the University of Alberta to involve more people who see themselves as servant leaders - we need to provide our lay persons with knowledge and skill to be part of the ministry team that reaches out to others. I am hopeful that we can be a light to others. Nominated by: Synod Council Service in the church/community: Past Chair, Synod Campus Ministry Board; organist for Augustana 40 y ears, Chair of Council Augustana, Augustana University College Board- 13 years; Author: 25 Years of Women's Ordained Ministry; Family life education leadership with Rev. Ken Kuhn; Current: Refugee Task Force Hosanna, Rethinking Welcome Committee, Synod Congregational Action and Response for Mental Illness; I have served on many boards: University of Alberta, Augustana university College, Persons with Developmental Disability, Glenrose Hospital, Good Samaritan Society, Family Life Education Council, Vanier Institute of the Family, various day care boards, Professional Home Economics Association boards, National Council on Family Relations Board, Chaired the Private Colleges Accreditation board and member of Campus Alberta Quality Council and currently serve on the Province of Ontario Post Secondary Quality Assurance Board. I received a Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for my work in the family field. I delight in serving my local and wider community by sharing the leadership skills that God has given me. Why you are interested in this position: My knowledge and work in various capacities in the church as well as in higher education and as a member of many different boards are assets to such a role on the LTS board. I care deeply about how our pastors and laypersons are prepared for ministry in this challenging time. I know I will learn as much as I will contribute should I serve in this capacity. Your concerns and hopes for the Synod: The Synod has great potential for ministry but we live in a challenging time as well. We need to reach the diverse needs and at the same time stretch the understanding and capacity of our people to the new needs for openness as well as bringing Christ's message of hope to situations of despair. We need Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

31 Biographical Data on Nominees - ABT Delegates to National Convention At Large - Youth Nomination for: Name: Chad Garson National Convention Delegate Youth At Large Nomination for: Name: Nyajuok Kulang National Convention Delegate Youth At Large Address: th Ave., Edson, AB T7E 1E6 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: Grace Lutheran and St. Catherine's Anglican Church, Edson Occupation (current or past): Student Service in the church/community: I am the youth member of our church's Council/Vestry and on the roster of readers at church. As an Indigenous youth, I am a spokesperson in the congregation and in the community for abiding in right relations with Indigenous peoples. At school, I am a spokesperson for TRC Call to Action #62. I accompanied my pastor and other members of my congregation to deliver a copy of the KAIROS Winds of Change petition to our local MLA. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I think it is important to have Indigenous youth present at the National Convention. As a member of an Anglican/Lutheran congregation I will bring a different voice to the national convention What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Through our Synod's Abiding in Right Relations Committee, we join the national church in its commitment to the rights of Indigenous peoples. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: I hope that the ELCIC will remain totally committed to the rights of Indigenous peoples. I also hope that the ELCIC will continue to encourage Anglican/Lutheran congregations like mine. Address: Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2V0Z3 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Lutheran Church of the Cross, Calgary Occupation (current or past): Student Service in the church/community: As a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Cross, I have been involved with activities such as helping run the VBS summer program, helping operate the power point system for the service, along with the sound system to help with worship. And also i have been involved with the Missional network team at my church, to try and expand the involvement of the church and try to perpetuate a change with the paradigm shift from how the church is involved in the community. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I am interesting to be a delegate so that I may represent the interest of the youth at our congregation and be a voice for them. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Primarily the synod brings motions which need to be passed by the convention and ask the national church to consider Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: I hope that ELCIC can keep up with the times and adapt as needed to continue growing with the generations and also maybe have more youth ministry in the local churches. Additional Comments: Additional Comments: Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

32 Nomination for: Name: Sheryl Dubois National Convention Delegate LAY Northern Conference Address: Avenue, Edson, AB T7E 1B6 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: Grace Lutheran Church, Edson Occupation (current or past): Piano Teacher Service in the church/community: I have been a church musician since I was in high school, being the regular pianist at Grace for 38 years, and participating in various church choirs. I have taught Sunday school and VBS through the years, and served on the executive, including president, of whatever women's group was happening in our congregation. In recent years, I have been on church council, served as its chairperson for 5 years, have been on call committee, constitution committee and stewardship committees. I have been involved in many Bible studies. I usually take part in whatever activities are going on in my congregation, including helping with Kate's Kitchen (free monthly community meal) and the Thrift Store (a store operated by several community churches). I have been honoured to serve as delegate from our congregation at several Northern conference conventions and synod conferences. I attended the Joint Assembly of Lutherans and Anglicans in Ottawa. Currently I am a member of the Synod Missional Formation Team. I was a Guiding Team member in our congregation's participation in the Missional Network. As I result of that, I have become involved with volunteering on a weekly basis with Reflections, an organization which provides a drop-in facility, free meals and other program activities for people with brain injuries and other mental health issues. Why you are interested in being a delegate: I think it is important to know what is going on in the larger church. Our local congregation is only one small member of the body of Christ. All parts of the body must be aware of each other and aim to work together for the good of the total body. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Synod reflects concerns, issues and possible solutions/resources to problems that are of a more local Northern Conference level. The work that the Synod does contributes to the national church's understanding of the total body. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: Our Synod must interact with churches from both large cities and small communities. We seem to be consistently blessed with strong, faithful leadership that faces a wide range of problems to overcome in our daily task of showing God's love to our congregations and communities. I feel our Synod leaders can share how we have dealt with problems of waning church membership, being an inclusive, loving and inviting church to all members of our communities, and a Synod willing to work with other Synods and the National Church in achieving common goals. Additional Comments: Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

33 Nomination for: Name: Mike Harmon National Convention Delegate LAY Northern Conference Address: Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 3R6 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Edmonton Occupation (current or past): Student Service in the church/community: Have served the past four years on Synod council, the three years on Northern Conference Council. I have been on our church council the past two years. Just finished being on the Board of Directors for Serenity Funeral Services. I share God's gifts through the opportunities the arise from being on these various councils. Why you are interested in being a delegate: My interest in being a delegate is my interest in the church as a place of hope. Our national church does that with many initiatives and leadership. And enjoy meeting and hearing what others in our church body are doing. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Our Synod brings hope. We bring hope in our future, through our leadership, and through our congregations. We are a group which is seeking God and discerning whereas a church God is leading us. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: Hope for the ELCIC is that we continue to be a place which inspires hope. To be mediators, to bring peace to those whose lives are in need of it. My hope is that we continue to seek God in our larger communities and work together with others to bring hope to all. Additional Comments: Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

34 Nomination for: Name: Nancy Kadatz National Convention Delegate LAY Northern Conference Address: C Hwy 814 Leduc County, AB T4X 0K4 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: St Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church Ellerslie, Edmonton Occupation (current or past): Retired Teacher/Farmer Service in the church/community: During the last 40+years at St. Paul's, I have served God and our congregation in the following areas and ways: Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, VBS teacher and Leader; Church council member: secretary, and Chair; Call committee Chair and member (for the last two Pastors); Education Liaison for Council; Choir member; Adult Forum Leader; Visitor Welcome Committee; Communion Assistant; Reader; Pastoral Assistant; Mutual Ministry Committee; Lay Pastoral Assistant Participant and other duties where needed. have dealt with problems of waning church membership, being an inclusive, loving and inviting church to all members of our communities, and a Synod willing to work with other Synods and the National Church in achieving common goals. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: My hopes for the ELCIC are that in all things we try to accomplish, others would see God working through us to help those in need and to spread the Good News of God's amazing Grace. I truly believe that as long as we see that as our main task, concerns will be dealt with by God through prayer and waiting on Him to Guide us in any problem or concern we have. Then we must step out in faith to do His will. Additional Comments: It would again be a privilege to serve as delegate from St. Paul's to the National Convention. Synod activities: Delegate to Synod Conventions 3 times National Activities: Delegate to Vancouver National Convention and Lay Pastoral Assistant to Bishop Susan last Summer in Edmonton for the opening of the Convention. Community Service: My community service relates to my teaching position with Elk Island Public Schools as a Logos Teacher (Christian Education in the Public School System). Coached girls Junior High Basketball team for two seasons. Why you are interested in being a delegate: Being a delegate to the Vancouver National Convention brought a new understanding of how the national Church works with each Synod. It was inspiring and gave me the chance to meet many people from diverse communities and church sizes. Through it all I learned so very much that was relevant to church and community life and new approaches to spreading the Good News of God's Grace. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Our Synod must interact with churches from both large cities and small communities. We seem to be consistently blessed with strong, faithful leadership that faces a wide range of problems to overcome in our daily task of showing God's love to our congregations and communities. I feel our Synod leaders can share how we Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

35 Nomination for: Name: Minna Peever National Convention Delegate LAY Northern Conference Address: Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5Y 1V3 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: Glory Lutheran Church, Sherwood Park Occupation (current or past): Retired RN Service in the church/community: "I have been actively involved in church - choir, organist, reader, greeter, organized and participate in our church's prayer ministry, help plan worship services and have served on church council (chair for 3 years). I have supported the ""Truth and Reconciliation"" process, contribute to our church outreach programs (clothing and food bank) as well as the annual CLWR ""We Care"" project and have participated with our choir in ecumenical events and community activities." Why you are interested in being a delegate? Church has always been a part of my life - my father was a pastor. It still remains a fortress for me. For many years I was working so was unable to participate in convention activity. As the church grows and changes, I want to be an active and informed participant in this process. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? The ABT synod is a large synod body shepherded by a caring and supportive Bishop. We lost the largest number of congregations across the country as a result of the national same sex stance. We have come through this experience gaining valuable insights which can be used as learning tools in the future. We recognize and support mission work in Central/South America (Brian Rude) as well as Canada's north land (LAMP) Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: The Triune God remains our main focus. Financial stability. Continue with the following - Involvement with the Aboriginal Communities - Ongoing ecumenical dialogue - Continue developing "ministry and discipleship" process Additional Comments: Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

36 Nomination for: Name: Margaret Sadler National Convention Delegate LAY Northern Conference Address: Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6H 5C1 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: Hosanna Lutheran Church, Edmonton Occupation (current or past): Editor, Writer, Instructional Designer Service in the church/community: Within my local congregation, I have participated in various ministries (church council, the El Salvador Support Group, Community Kitchen, Stewardship, and Worship and Music) and am currently chair of an actively committed Worship and Music Committee and the newly formed Refugee Sponsorship Working Group. Worship is a passion of mine and I regularly participate as worship assistant, communion assistant, and reader, and occasionally as a musician. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I enjoy participating in the work of the church and gatherings of the church body. I look for opportunities to share my creative and my analytical skills to further the reign of God. I anticipate the work of the Spirit in the gathered people of God. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? The Synod of Alberta and the Territories brings both a careful, respectful concern for the breadth of views in the church and a creative energy to take a new look at how we might be the church. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: I hope we can focus on hope; that we can be confident that the church will live on (in spite of us) and therefore we should continue to put our energy, our hope, and our prayers into being In Mission for Others. Additional Comments: For several years, I served on the Synod Communications Committee. For one term I represented the ELCIC on the Anglican Church of Canada s Partners in Mission committee. For the broader ELCIC, I was chair of the workshop planning team for the National Worship Conference, Edmonton, The following year, I used my organizational skills to chair the local arrangements team for the National Church Convention in Edmonton. I currently represent the ELCIC/Anglican Church of Canada on (and am the chair of) KAIROS s Ecumenical Global Partnerships Circle. For three years, my husband and I have volunteered our services overseas twice as communications practitioners with Lutheran World Federation, of which we are very proud. From , we volunteered with the Department for World Service LWF in Nouakchott, Mauritania, and in with DWS LWF in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. We were both volunteers for the LWF Assembly in Winnipeg in 2003 and I was one of two lay delegates from the ELCIC to the LWF Assembly in Stuttgart in In preparation for the Stuttgart Assembly, I represented Bishop Susan at a Women s Pre-Assembly in Geneva in October Equally proud of Canadian Lutheran World Relief, I have participated in two CLWR Global Encounters first to the Holy Land (2014) and more recently to Ethiopia (January 2016). Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

37 Nomination for: Name: Gretta Smith National Convention Delegate LAY Northern Conference Address: Box 8 Site 220 RR 2, Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1X2 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: St. Matthew s Lutheran Church, Spruce Grove Occupation (current or past): Retired Registered Nurse Service in the church/community: Serve on church council, assisting minister, share faith in community with friends and neighbours. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I have found that going to conventions makes you realize you are not an island unto yourself. It is good to meet other Christian people in our country. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? not sure. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: Biggest concern is that we endeavour to share God's Word though out the world, regardless of the situation in our local or global community. Additional Comments: Remember God is in control. God has the last word. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

38 Nomination for: Name: Rev. Barbara Groote National Convention Delegate ROSTERED Northern Conference Address: Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 2Z2 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: Ascension Lutheran Church, Edmonton Occupation (current or past): Clergy time we are reaching out to others in collaboration. God is breathing new life into the Church in so many ways, and I hope that we will continue to be opened and grow in this breath of life, and explore faithfully what that looks like specifically within our congregations and, even more so, how we can journey alongside those around us as God's hands and feet. Additional Comments: Service in the church/community: I am the pastor at Ascension Lutheran Church in Edmonton. I am quite interested in building interdenominational and interfaith connections with our neighbours. One of my passions is worship, and I have been part of a few worship planning groups for different events here in Edmonton, e.g. the National Worship Conference, the National Convention, and others. Once a month I volunteer at a Community Dinner that is hosted at Trinity Lutheran Church. Several church communities come together regularly to feed the hungry with a hearty meal and fellowship. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I am interested in being a delegate because participating in conventions and study conferences gives me a sense of belonging to something bigger than just my congregation. We are part of the One Body. This becomes tangible as we join together in convention, as together as God s people we share our stories, our hopes, and dreams for the church and for God s world. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Our Synod s missional focus through Missional Church and other directives and opportunities within our Synod encourages and brings about changes within congregations, and promotes a positive attitude, energy and participation in the larger community. I see hope in our Synod. I see more collaboration and collegiality between the synods, bishops, and the national church, that, in the past was difficult to see. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: I find that times have become more hopeful in the ELCIC overall. Sure, there are challenges but those will always be there. We have shrunk as many congregations have left the ELCIC (here in AB). Yet we have shrunk to health, and I find that beneficial. We are moving closer together and at the same Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

39 Nomination for: National Convention Delegate ROSTERED Northern Conference Name: Rev. Dr. James Hendricksen Additional Comments: Address: Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 0C1 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: Hosanna Lutheran Church, Edmonton Occupation (current or past): Senior Pastor Service in the church/community: I am the senior pastor of Hosanna Lutheran Church in Edmonton. I have served on the Global Mission Task Force and the Program Committee for Youth Ministry, both of the ELCIC. On a synodical level I have been a part of the Passing on the faith committee, the Study Conference planning committee, the Missional Formation Team and involved in Outdoor Ministry at a number of levels. I have also taught a few courses in practical ministry at LTS in Saskatoon. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I am interested in working to shape the ministry priorities and directions of the church at all three levels (National, Synodical and Congregational). I have a passion for Mission and ministry and continue to work towards a hope filed future for the church, in whatever form that eventually takes. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? The ABT synod has many gifts to offer the national church. In particular, we have a good track record for participation, at multiple levels, in Global mission and ministry. Our synod has also shown some good leadership in working towards a more missionally focused future for our congregations and synod. We also have many talented people in our synod who have, and continue to offer their time and resources for the ministry of the wider church. This truly is a great gift. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: There are many challenges facing the church today, however, there have always been challenges of one sort or another. We certainly are working to redefine ourselves for ministry in our present context. While this does mean there will be struggles, it also means there are opportunities, if we choose to accept them. My prayer is that we can work together to discern God's will for our church and how we might live out our call to discipleship. For me this includes a significant emphasis on relationships and community. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

40 Nomination for: Name: Rev. Aaron Schnell National Convention Delegate ROSTERED Northern Conference Address: 105 Meridian Loop, Stony Plain, AB T7Z 0B9 Phone: (587) Home Congregation: St. Matthew s Lutheran Church, Spruce Grove Occupation (current or past): Pastor Service in the church/community: Served as Pastor at St. Matthew's for 2.5 years, recently elected chairperson of Northern Conference Council, convener of South Edmonton Ministerial, Parkland Area Lutheran Network committee. In leadership, I seek to be a permission giver and equipper for grass roots ministry. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I have been unable to participate in a national convention previously. I wish to participate in the life of the broader church. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Having felt a significant impact to congregations leaving the synod, I believe our synod is in a place of hope, optimism and gratitude for opportunities to serve. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: I believe the ELCIC is uniquely situated to be a faithful, missional and progressive church body. Additional Comments: Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

41 Nomination for: Name: Rev. Heidi Wachowiak National Convention Delegate ROSTERED Northern Conference levels - from how we interact with our members, to our partnerships in Canada, and our international presence in the world. Additional Comments: Address: 5104 Ellerslie Road SW Edmonton, AB T6X 1A4 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: St Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church Ellerslie, Edmonton Occupation (current or past): Pastor Service in the church/community: I have participated in church all of my life including involvement in the wider church since my youth. I have served the church as a youth staffer, youth and education worker then eventually went to seminar. I have been ordained over 10 years. I have also served as national staff, volunteered on synodical and national committees - such as Parish Life and youth ministry, planned youth gatherings on all levels. i have participated in an international Lutheran World Federation event and volunteer as I am able in my community primarily through community league needs and most recently as chaplain for evacuees from Fort McMurray. I am trying to listen for where God is already at work and join in. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I have been interested in the way the church functions on a larger level since my youth. I know sometimes it can be frustrating because it can take longer to get things done, but it is important for the church to work well at this level. I believe my varied experience in the church and having lived in a number of synods helps my understanding and provides valuable insight. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Our synod brings a wide variety of gifts and perspective- because of our size and varied geography we encompass communities from large cities to remote places. We also have engaged intentionally in being missional - joining where God is already at work. I understand that other synods are in this process as well. I do believe that this is one of the ways forward during this exciting and challenging time to be the church. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: One concern I have for the ELCIC is that with our smaller size of convention we find good ways to function and make decisions that take into account all aspects of who we are. One hope is that we be a church that exudes grace on all Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

42 Nomination for: Name: Gail Berg National Convention Delegate LAY West Central Conference Address: Box 418, Eckville, AB, T0M 0X0 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Grace Lutheran Church, Bentley Occupation (current or past): Music Teacher Service in the church/community: Local congregation: Involved with worship & music planning for 20+ years, including pianist, arranging special music and assisting with bulletins and PowerPoints. Treasurer for our council for 10+ years, as well as for the ELW served as a deacon on church council Synod served eight years on the Synod Leadership Development committee, served on the steering & planning committee for the Lay Pastoral Assistants program Participated in the LPA program, and completed in served 4 years on Synod council National - member of Discipleship working group, which provided a real learning and growing experience for me, as I was involved in the ministry of the church body at large. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I feel encouraged, challenged and motivated, as I hear about the work of the church, and how lay people can be involved. I enjoy the fellowship and connecting with other committed and engaging Christians within our church family. I have also served on the Local Arrangements committee for 3 conventions, so see firsthand all the energy and commitment that goes into planning these events. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Our synod has been very supportive of world missions, both financially and through personal contact and involvement. It is also very supportive of collaborative partnerships, both with the Anglican and Catholic churches, as well as with other organizations and agencies that support our national church s challenge to reach out with compassion, sharing God s grace and love. Congregational West Central Conference life events, mental health workshops, missional events, Lay Pastoral Assistant courses, and the Study conference all provide opportunities to enable leaders to cultivate a passion for their call and use the gifts entrusted to them by the Holy Spirit as we seek ways to live as a church in Mission for Others. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: The ELCIC needs to continue to be involved with ecumenical relations, & missions, through LWF, World Council of Churches, and CLWR. It is so important for our church to have a voice, and be seen as an active & caring partner involved in compassionate justice, and joining in solidarity with those who are marginalized. I feel that it would be beneficial for each synod (bishop, staff & congregational members) to share in more of the global commitments and responsibilities, so there is involvement & commitment all across the country. Additional Comments: Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

43 Nomination for: Name: Sharon Besler National Convention Delegate LAY West Central Conference Address: Site 8 Box 6 RR 1, Leduc, AB T9E 2X1 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: Peace Lutheran Church, Leduc Occupation (current or past): Food Services Service in the church/community: I currently am a member of our church council, a lay worker, and serve on our witness committee. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I attended the national convention in 2015 and found it an amazing experience. I learned so much, and would like the opportunity to attend again. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? They provide financial support, and have many people serving on various boards, and volunteering. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: To see our local and national churches grow. We have seen a decline in our congregation and need to work to rebuild the church as a whole. Additional Comments: I feel what I would learn at convention, would enable me to bring new ideas forward to my own congregation, to help our church grow. Nomination for: Name: Ebeline Zee-Hawtin National Convention Delegate LAY West Central Conference Address: St. NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 1T6 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: St. Matthew s Lutheran Church, Thorsby Occupation (current or past): Service in the church/community: Current participation in St. Matthew's: Church Council Sec., Chair of Membership and Education committees, co-ordinator of Sunday School, V. P. of St. Matthew's Lutheran Women; in the past, Parish Nurse at St. Matthew's, President of West Central Conference ELW. In the community participated in ecumenical activities, World Day of Prayer, Seniors' Educational Planning Comm. I share my organizational and leadership skills in many of the above and my personal relationship skills through pastoral visiting in the church and community, endeavouring to share my faith through action. Why you are interested in being a delegate? Wish to be more informed and inspired about ELCIC at a national level, experience the fellowship of such a gathering, bring back ideas to local level What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Involved in national committees, international contact, eg. Bishop Larry visiting Colombia, support through awareness, prayer, financial contribution Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: Church membership at both local and national levels seem to be decreasing especially of younger families; how can we be relevant to those we serve and those who are still seeking; how do we as Christians live in a changing society in terms of standards and policies Additional Comments: My upbringing was not Lutheran but Christian Reformed so there is much history I have not experienced and being involved at this level would expand my knowledge and appreciation. Please note that my mailing address is in Edmonton but I live at Pigeon Lake, therefore membership in Thorsby as my husband and I wished to be part of the community where we spend most of our time. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

44 Nomination for: Name: Rev. Scott Brown National Convention Delegate ROSTERED West Central Conference Address: Box 511, Thorsby, AB T0C 2P0 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: St. Matthew s Lutheran Church, Thorsby Occupation (current or past): Pastor Service in the church/community: I have been pastor in Thorsby for the past 8 years. I am chair of the World Missions Ministry in the Synod. I am Legion chaplain here in Thorsby and have done that for the past 8 years. I have served as Dean for a total of 12 years in three different conferences in two synods of the church. I also have mentored and continue to mentor several fellow clergy. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I was at the National Convention that was held right after the 1988 decision by the United Church to allow same sex clergy. We are at another watershed moment like that one was. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? We bring a sense of the Holy Spirit in that we still have a World Mission ministry and support a missionary in a foreign country. We bring a strong sense of the word being central in the life and work of the church. We bring a willingness to explore where the Spirit will take us. Examples such as Advent and Lenten VBS, Area Confirmation classes and a willingness to be involved in our communities are some examples. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: We need to know each other better locally and support each other s explorations in the Holy Spirit. We need to be more adventuresome in our witness. We need to have a vision and purpose to engage those around us as the early church did. Additional Comments: I am passionately concerned about our church and joyfully expectant of where God is leading us in the Holy Spirit. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

45 Nomination for: Name: Rev. Dr. Marc Jerry National Convention Delegate ROSTERED West Central Conference Address: 39 Issard Close, Red Deer, AB T4R 0C1 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Red Deer Occupation (current or past): Pastor Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: The ELCIC continues to be a place where the Holy Spirit is indeed active and present in this expression of the Body of Christ. I pray that we will continue to hear God's call to us to serve the greater church and the world beyond our own walls. Additional Comments: This upcoming National Convention will include an important commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the reformation. Service in the church/community: Member, National Church Council: Chair, NCC Faith, Order, and Doctrine Committee: (Responsible for Chairing Word and Sacrament Study Guide team and process; I am now working on the Orders of Ministry Study Guide with the FOD team.) West Central Conference Council: (Secretary ) Ecumenical: Local Anglican Clergy Examining Committee Ecumenical: Shared Ministries with Local Anglican Congregations Strong supporter of CLWR Current Call: Pastor - Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd - Red Deer Why you are interested in being a delegate? I am keenly interested in serving the church at a National Level: I believe that our National Church IS the way in which we can do more for the world that we ever could as individual conversations as we are In Mission with others, and attending and actively participating in the National Convention is an important part of supporting that work. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Our Synod is a part of the National Expression of the church, and as demographics (and ideologies) vary significantly across the country, it is important that our Synodical Expression of the church is represented at the national table. Also, our Synod financially supports the National Church, and it is important for elected delegates to ask important questions and hold to account as to how our funds are being spent. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

46 Nomination for: Name: Rev. John Lentz National Convention Delegate LAY West Central Conference Address: Street, Olds, AB T4H 1G9 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: St. Paul s Lutheran Church, Olds Occupation (current or past): Pastor Service in the church/community: Pastor at St. Paul's, Olds, Alberta; Volunteer Chaplain, RCMP, Olds Detachment; Intern Supervisor for Intern Pastor in Hanna, AB.; Member of Board of Regents, Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute (LCBI), Outlook, Sask. Why you are interested in being a delegate? It's not that I don't have enough to do already! The work of the Church at large, both Synod and nationally, are of vital importance and of great benefit to each congregation of the ELCIC. I believe I have something to offer to the Synod, and will be willing to give it. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? This Synod has always been a key part of the national ELCIC picture, and has also been a key leader in that national context! I have no doubt that the direction that our Synod is moving at present (proactive, rather than reactive), is also keeping us fully in that leadership position. This, along with the very talented, inspired and willing people that I see in this Synod, inspire me to continue being active in a forward thinking Synod; may it inspire the national context as well! Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: I am deeply concerned with aging of many of our churches and the affects that has on us as a whole. I am proud of our Synod's insistence in maintaining as much as possible, our ministry to our children, youth and young adults through such things as our Camps, Campus Ministry, Synod Youth gatherings and so on. We do need more of this kind of thinking, without omitting our concern for and ministry to that aging part of our church. They are valuable. I am delighted in the CARE Initiative. Additional Comments: We have a Synod that is moving in many right directions. May we continue to move in the direction the Spirit leads us! Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

47 Nomination for: Name: Vivian Baier National Convention Delegate LAY East Central Conference East Central Conference Additional Comments: It would be a privilege to represent my Congregation at the National Convention. Address: PO Box 1031, Provost, AB T0B 3S0 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: Central Lutheran Church, Provost Occupation (current or past): Massage Therapist Service in the church/community: I have served on Church Council for two separate terms. I actively attend church. I act as a Servant several Sundays per year. This involves, reading scripture, greeter, serve coffee, communion etc. I help count the offering. In the past I have played the organ for church. I taught Sunday School when my children were of that age. I am on the Hastings Lake Lutheran Bible Camp Board. Camp has always been a part of my life and I continue to attend and be involved in the program committee. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I think it is important to be informed as to what is going on in the church at large. If we don't know what is going on, we won't know how we can help to strengthen our church as a whole. Conventions are an opportunity to network with other churches and meet up with friends from our past and reconnect with Pastors and meet other Pastor's in our church family. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? My knowledge of this is limited. That is one of the reasons I was willing to attend the Synod Convention. I did attend the National Convention in Ottawa. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think it takes a few conventions to get the hang of how things work. I would like to learn more as to what role our Synod plays in the National Church. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: The ELCIC has had some rough years. Concerns: Many churches have left the ELCIC. There has been division in the churches, causing hardship among members of churches. When I attended the Ottawa Convention, I sensed that people were ready to move on. It was time for growth. My hopes for the ELCIC is that there is healing from difficult times and growth in our future. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

48 Nomination for: Name: Ruth Jensen National Convention Delegate LAY East Central Conference Address: 6008 Marler Drive, Apt. 101, Camrose, AB T4V 3C3 Regular visits from the National office to congregations would help to congregations across the church to recognize this factor. Without a National office my concern is that the Lutheran church as we know it, could splinter. This would not be good for our overall witness as Church. Additional Comments: I would be honoured to serve as a delegate to the National Convention. Phone: (780) Home Congregation: Messiah Lutheran Church, Camrose Occupation (current or past): International development administrator; currently semi-retired Service in the church/community: At Messiah I volunteer in the office, also hold a part-time paid position in admin.; have served on the Witnessing Committee; involved with the single seniors group; I am on the Synod Roster for pulpit supply and do so as called, served at a two point parish for 3 months; write devotions for Eternity for Today for ELCIC;I am a former executive director for CLWR where I served , in that capacity have spoken and preached in congregations from Lunenburg, NS to Victoria, B.C. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I have a lifelong interest in the life and witness of the broader church. While at the helm of CLWR I attended church conventions and appreciated the opportunity to hear the discussion and dialogue as it provided greater understanding of what and why things were as they were. I look forward to sharing this with my congregation. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? When one is based in a national office one is blessed if we can be rooted in local realities. Synods do this for the national church. It is my experience that each Synod has its own dynamism and reality. The AB Synod has a heart for missions and that is born out in our support for Brian Rude. The Synod organized a tour to El Salvador to expose people to the work and witness in that place. This brings a riches to the Synod that in turn blesses the National body. We also have solid, long-term support for CLWR and are currently waiting for refugees to come through this network this also enhances the witness of the National church as we are all part of this body. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: We really need a National Church office as it brings all our various Synods together into one whole. To that end we require adequate and appropriate financial support for the National office. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

49 Nomination for: Name: Rev. Paul McCormick National Convention Delegate ROSTERED East Central Conference Address: PO Box 818, Provost, AB T0B 3S0 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: Central Lutheran Church, Provost Occupation (current or past): Pastor Service in the church/community: Rostered minister since 2006 Member of ABT Synod Council Volunteer Provost & District Ministerial Food Bank since 2006 Why you are interested in being a delegate? Keen interest in the trajectory of our church, need to question everything we do in terms of God's mission and Word. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Resources, energy, wisdom, pragmatism... Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: Hope: that we can witness to the world what a saving relationship with Jesus Christ looks like. Concern: that we are jumping on activist bandwagons best led by others. Additional Comments: Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

50 Nomination for: Name: Terrie Coombs National Convention Delegate LAY South West Conference Address: ST NW Calgary, AB T3B 2R1 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Advent Lutheran, Calgary Occupation (current or past): Spiritual Care Director Service in the church/community: I offer Spiritual Direction in my congregation, privately, and also at the FCJ Christian Life Retreat Centre, where I also host retreat/mediation sessions. I am a member of the international Companions in Mission Ministry in partnership with the Faithful Companions of Jesus Order. My involvement in the community I am a member of our local Planning Committee, and a Fifth Step Listener for Simon House, a treatment centre for men recovering from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Why you are interested in being a delegate? It is such a wonderful experience to connect with Lutherans from across Canada, sharing our joys, concerns, and hopes. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? The national church is very broad and sees the "forest" of our church, the synods are the voice of the trees" in that great forest. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: I know people say the church is in transition. Isn't that wonderful! God is continually in transition and new creation, that is the string attached to our kite. So we can soar in faith, learn different ways, cherish traditions, make mistakes because we will never become adrift. Additional Comments: South West Conference Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

51 Nomination for: Name: Garry Mihaichuk National Convention Delegate LAY South West Conference to leave the ELCIC. Where are we going and how do we attract congregations back? Address: 421 Pinnacle Ridge Place, Calgary, AB T3Z 3N8 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, Calgary Occupation (current or past): Retired CEO Service in the church/community: I am currently the Chair for the LCOS Board. As well I am the co-chair of the refugee sponsorship committee for LCOS and a member of the SW Conference Refugee Committee. We are in the process of trying to sponsor 8-10 refugees in I am also a member of the funding board for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Having been on 30 boards over the years I share in my experience in my service to the LCOS Board. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I believe that we need to have input into the activities and focus of the national church. After the last national convention, the decisions resulted in a loss of 33% of the Alberta Synod Lutheran congregations. This is unacceptable! What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? We have been involved with the Alberta Synod on the Mission Shaped Ministries and the SW Conference of the Alberta Synod on refugee sponsorship. The Synod also promotes and champions the priorities of the National Church including the 2017 Reformation Challenge. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: I have concerns for the existence and viability of the ELCIC. With the decline in the congregations there is an increased contribution expectation from the remaining congregations. Most of these (in Alberta) are suffering their own financial problems with the increasing problem of job loss. There will be a push from the congregations to lower their Synod and National contributions and also a continued questioning on the value the congregations are receiving from the National Church and the Alberta Synod (less so). Additional Comments: There is real concern that the National Church is much more focused on eastern Canada then western Canada. If this continues with the 2017 convention there will be a continued move for congregations Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

52 Nomination for: Name: Betty Pollock National Convention Delegate LAY South West Conference Address: Box 13 Site 16 RR7, Calgary, AB T2P 2G7 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Emmanuel Community Church, Calgary Occupation (current or past): Office Administrator Service in the church/community: I have been an employee at Emmanuel for 17 years, as Office Administrator. And I've also volunteered in Sunday School, with VBS, on the Audio Visual team, and the Future Planning Committee. I'm also involved in my local community on the High School Alumni committee, and the High School Scholarship committee. In all these capacities, I use the gift of administration that God has given me. Why you are interested in being a delegate? After 40 years as a member at Emmanuel, I decided it's about time I volunteer as a Convention delegate! What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? I feel that Bishop Larry, and staff at the AB Synod, have a lot of good insight into what our greater church should evolve into. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: I hope the ELCIC can flourish, in spite of many changes seen in the past few years. Additional Comments: Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

53 Nomination for: National Convention Delegate ROSTERED South West Conference Name: Rev. Dr. Kayko Driedger Hesslein Additional Comments: Address: 3277 Cedarille Dr., Calgary, AB T2W 2N2 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: St John Lutheran Church, Calgary Occupation (current or past): Pastor Service in the church/community: I am the part-time pastor at St. John Lutheran Church, I serve as the Lutheran representative on the Calgary Council of Christians and Jews, I am on the executive of the Southwest Conference of the ABT Synod, I am a sessional instructor at both LTS and WLS, I write articles on theology for Canada Lutheran, and I teach on Lutherans and World Religions in adult bible study as a guest at other churches. My gifts include teaching and theological reflection, and so I share that as widely as I can. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I am particularly interested in ensuring that a diversity of voices are represented at the National Convention. From personal and professional experience, I am committed to creating spaces where the voices of the marginalized can be heard, and to examining issues from the perspectives of as many as possible. I believe this is critical at a Convention where there are a smaller number of delegates. I am interested in being a delegate because I want to be able to carry the voices of the less-heard to a wider venue. God speaks in diverse ways and particularly among those on the margins - I want to be sure we hear God's voice in those places. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? The ABT Synod brings a particular voice to the work of the national church, and its own gifts, that combine with the other Synods to deepen the witness of the national church. As Lutherans in Alberta and the Territories, we have our own unique perspectives on the elderly, employment and vocation, the environment, indigenous relationships. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: My concern is that we might spend too much time focused on what we can do to keep surviving, but my hope is that God brings new life in death, even if we don't always recognize that new life. My concern is that the ELCIC continues to focus too much on traditional forms of church, but my hope comes from being rooted in a theology of grace that allows us to risk all trusting that God will work all things for good. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

54 Nomination for: Name: Rev. Dr. Laura Holck National Convention Delegate ROSTERED South West Conference Address: 111 Queen Anne Way SE, Calgary, AB T2J 4R3 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Lutheran Church of the Cross, Calgary Occupation (current or past): Pastor Service in the church/community: Since 1993 I have been working for the renewal of the Church in various capacities: as a volunteer in youth detention, parish pastor, youth mentor and coach, retreat leader, preaching coach, and congregational transformation Why you are interested in being a delegate? I believe the broader expressions of the church (synodical and national) have the power, potential, and global reach to inspire us personally on a bigger scale. These connections and opportunities help us to focus on God's call and impact society in more effective ways. That's important to me as a congregational, synodical & seminary leader. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? We are creative, excited about, and open to transformation. We have energy for mission and a heart for the world, as well as a deep sense that God loves the world and empowers every day people to join God in re-creative work. We are spiritually grounded and super clear that we are blessed to be of service for the sake of the life of the world. We seem to dig in and get to work, whatever faces us. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: I see the potential for our church tone at the heart of the renewal of communal life, inspiring our towns and cities to value one another and the life we share and to dream big about our future together. I am concerned about the ways we get side tracked by small thinking and arguments that don't make a difference for anyone but derail us from vibrant communal life. Additional Comments: Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

55 Nomination for: Name: Rev. Kristian Wold National Convention Delegate ROSTERED South West Conference Address: 6 Glenhill Court, Cochrane, AB, T4C 1G9 Phone: (587) Home Congregation: Hope Lutheran Church, Calgary Occupation (current or past): Pastor Service in the church/community: As a pastor, the things that give me most joy in ministry are worship leadership and education. It is wonderful to work with church members to create a vibrant and faithful worship experience, and I love the discussions that result from Bible and theological study groups, especially confirmation students. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: My concerns are smaller than my present joys and hopes for the ELCIC. As a small church grounded very firmly in the gospel of grace, peace, and reconciliation, we have the possibility of responding flexibly and speedily to a changing Canadian society. I hope the ELCIC will continue to be the vibrant and faithful community it is. Additional Comments: What I enjoy most about my work as Dean of the SW Conference is building community and strengthening relationships between colleagues in ministry. I also get to help create learning opportunities for many in the Synod through my work with the Leadership Development Group. My community activities (outside the church) are mostly limited to being a parent-helper in my child's activity groups, which is (almost) always a joy. It is also a pleasure to extend my interest in Nonviolent Communication by being a participant and helper in regional events for that movement. Why you are interested in being a delegate? Two things I have always loved about National Conventions are 1) the social opportunity of getting to know other Lutherans from across the country - I come to appreciate again how rich and diverse a people we are; and 2) the chance to deliberate, discuss, and debate policies, statements, and other things of national and international concern. There is a joy in contributing to the work of the church at this level. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Most of what I relate to as "church" beyond the congregation happens through the Synod. I love the immediate community of colleagues and leaders in the Synod, who pool their resources of time and talent to benefit the people of Alberta and the Territories. I like the leadership this Synod has offered in the national church, especially with regards to global mission. The ABT Synod encompasses a diverse territory and population, and for that reason is a valuable voice at the national table. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

56 Nomination for: Name: Rev. Dr. Tim Wray National Convention Delegate ROSTERED South West Conference Address: Box 495 Irricana, AB T0M 1B0 Phone: (780) Home Congregation: Lutheran Church of the Master, Airdrie Occupation (current or past): Pastor/Farmer Service in the church/community: 8 years of ordained parish ministry. Involvement with camps, LTS and CircleM. Why you are interested in being a delegate? For the opportunity to gather with the ELCIC body, to pray, worship and discern. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? I believe that our Synod has a growing sense of mission ("missional") that does not require big budgets, extensive policies or central planning. ABT remains a strong supporter of CTEL candidates and the seminary. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: I pray for another generation of rostered leaders to step forward, seek training and lead with discerning hearts. I pray that my children will be able to find supportive congregations that will root them in a theology of the cross as they grow and raise their families one day. I pray for a variety of creative ministries that will be recognized and supported by our denomination, and that what will continue to unite us across the ELCIC will be more of a theological movement than a particular polity or culture. Additional Comments: Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

57 Nomination for: Name: Arnold Follinglo National Convention Delegate LAY Southern Conference Address: 205 Jerry Potts Blvd W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 6G8 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Lethbridge Occupation (current or past): CPA, CA, ICD.D Service in the church/community: I am currently the Treasurer of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. In prior years, I served on Council as a Deacon, Treasurer and Chair Person. I was confirmed at Good Shepherd, and attended there except for a 2-year period when we lived in Kelowna (attended Grace Lutheran), and for 12 years when we lived in Edmonton. We were members there at Hosanna, and both my wife and I served on Council there. After leaving Hosanna, we worshipped at Holy Spirit in Edmonton for several years, before returning to Lethbridge in retirement. I was fortunate to attend two Synod Conventions, one in Camrose a number of years ago as a delegate from Good Shepherd, and once in Edmonton as a delegate from Hosanna. I am a member of the University of Lethbridge Senate, a member and Treasurer for The Sons of Norway Lodge in Lethbridge, and serve on the Complaints Enquiry Committee of Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta. I am also a member of the Board of Riverwalk Park Community Association. I am a past President of the Lethbridge JayCees, and a past member of the Kiwanis Club of Lethbridge. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I have never been a delegate at a National Church Convention, and would very much like to participate in this event. A number of years ago, my father was a delegate to a National Convention, and he spoke about the experience for years after the event. To have the experience and sense of belonging to something larger than our local congregation, and to have the responsibility of representing fellow Lutherans in decision making at Convention is something that really appeals to me. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Our Synod has always had people involved in the Southern Conference workings of the national church, both lay and rostered. Our Synod represents both large urban, mid-sized urban and rural congregations, so a good cross-section or our national church membership Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: A hope that we can at some point in the future, welcome back pastors and congregations that have left the ELCIC. A hope that we can work together with other Lutherans in Canada and local, provincial, national and international issues. A concern for the aging membership of our ELCIC and the potential impact that will have. A concern that we can encourage enough willing people to become ordained pastors, to deal with pending and future retirements. Additional Comments: Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

58 Nomination for: Name: Gerda Lewke National Convention Delegate LAY Southern Conference Address: # Temple Blvd W., Lethbridge, AB T1K 5M2 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Lethbridge Occupation (current or past): Occupational Therapist Service in the church/community: Served on church council nominating committee Active in Church Services ie reading lessons Active in supporting many church activities Active in our ladies quilting group (Creative Fingers) Make layettes for CLWR Member of church choir Why you are interested in being a delegate? I am a good listener and am able to formulate questions to get a better understanding of spoken topics. I have a good grasp on the different levels and functions of the church structure Interested in the ongoing workings of the church Willing to share what I learn from the convention Nomination for: Name: Colin Millang National Convention Delegate LAY Southern Conference Address: PO Box 1101, Hanna, AB T0J 1P0 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hanna Occupation (current or past): Intern Pastor Service in the church/community: For the last 25 years I have been "working" toward ordination. I am now an intern pastor at Redeemer in Hanna and will be ordained in My primary giftedness is my voice and I use it to proclaim the Good News. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I am very positive about the direction the ELCIC is going and want to be a part of our mission. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Expertise from our leaders. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: My hope is in our faith in our Lord as being the head of our church, nationally and locally. Additional Comments: What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Active participation Contribute financially Provide members for various national and synodical committees Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: Concern I have is for the exaggerated focus on same sex blessing. While it is important it should not be the most important issue in the church. My hope is for a focus on making the church more dynamic and appealing to a wider audience which will increase church membership. Additional Comments: I have been involved with the Lutheran Church my entire life and feel strongly that I can continue to contribute to the growth of the church. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

59 Nomination for: Name: Adena Skanderup National Convention Delegate LAY Southern Conference Address: PO Box 29, Tilley, AB T0J 3K0 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Bethany Lutheran Church, Tilley Occupation (current or past): Dental Receptionist Service in the church/community: I have been a member of Bethany for 20 years. Right now I am the treasurer of the church. In the past I have held different council positions: deacon, vice-chair, Sunday School superintendent. I have been Sunday School teacher and youth leaders. I organize any funeral lunch served at our church and volunteer at any event we sponsor for the community, i.e. Shrove Tuesday or Beef on a Bun on Heritage Day. Why you are interested in being a delegate? Yes, I have attended before and appreciate the services, meeting others from congregations and sharing what some of our difference can because we are a small country church. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? I feel our Synod brings a more rural voice to our national church. There is so much diversity within our national church and that's important to recognize. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: My concerns revolve around the brokenness in our national church. I would like to see love and repair, not judgement and fear mongering. God's will be done Additional Comments: Nomination for: Name: Rev. Jeff Decelle National Convention Delegate ROSTERED Southern Conference Address: 8 Palliser Pl NE, Medicine Hat, AB T0B 3L0 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Unity Lutheran Church, Medicine Hat Occupation (current or past): Pastor Service in the church/community: Parish Pastor, Unity Lutheran Church Synod Canadian Missions Committee / Missional Formation Team, 2012-present. Medicine Hat Area Refugee Team (MHART) - Executive Member Medicine Hat Ministerial Association Why you are interested in being a delegate? I believe the gathering of the church in convention is important, and I'm honoured to be nominated. It's good to have a chance be among our church gathered from across the country. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Because of the turmoil and loss our synod experienced in the last number of years, I sense the Holy Spirit's renewal over this last while bringing new life and hope to us again, and a renewed sense of mission. I think it's this hope that we have to share with the national church at this time. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: My concern is that we often seem so focussed on numbers and dwindling resources, and less on how God is calling us to be the church today, with the gifts we have been given. My hope is that even if we may not know what the shape of the church will be in the future (both our National Church and congregations) that we trust that God is still at work and active in our churches and neighbourhoods. Additional Comments: Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

60 Nomination for: Name: Rev. Thomas Peterson National Convention Delegate ROSTERED Southern Conference Address: 54 Heritage Road W. Lethbridge, AB T1K 6T8 Phone: (403) Home Congregation: Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Lethbridge Occupation (current or past): Pastor Service in the church/community: Over the years I have served on our synod's Worship and Music Committee, also on its World Missions Committee. I have served as a bilingual pastor (German and English), which gave me a view of some of the roots of our church, and I helped establish and sustain a mission congregation during its building program. Why you are interested in being a delegate? I am happy to reflect on the church's future and help make decisions about the general direction of its future ministry, weighing what it wants to accomplish and what it can in reality and modesty undertake with success. What does our Synod bring to the work of the national church? Our synod and its pastors bring what I would describe a unique and wholesome complement of professionalism (formality) and informality to ministry. We are not shy when sharing our view of what works in our Albertan context. Among other strengths, we have respect for the environment and rural ministry. Your concerns and hopes for the ELCIC: I have great hopes for the future of the ELCIC and its message of reconciliation and encouragement. We want to make our voice heard and respected in spite of being a rather small church relative to other church bodies. I want us to focus on our message and not persist in worrying about our tangible resources (money). Yes, we need resources, but first things first - our voice and message! Additional Comments: Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

61 Synod of Alberta and the Territories Constitution Amended June, 2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS ARTICLE I Name and Incorporation Article I Article II Article III NAME and INCORPORATION TERRITORY CONFESSION of FAITH Section 1. The name of the synod functioning under this constitution shall be The Alberta Synod whose operating name shall be The Synod of Alberta and the Territories of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. Article IV Article V MISSION MEMBERSHIP Section 2. The synod shall be incorporated under the laws of Alberta. Article VI Article VII Article VIII CONGREGATIONS ORDAINED MINISTERS DIACONAL MINISTERS Section 3. The seal of the synod shall consist of a cross encircled by the words The Alberta Synod - Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. The bishop shall have custody of the seal. Article IX Article X Article XI Article XII Article XIII Article XIV Article XV Article XVI Article XVII Article XVIII Article XIX FULL COMMUNION PROVISIONS CONFERENCES CONVENTIONS SYNOD COUNCIL SYNOD OFFICERS THE OFFICE of the BISHOP COMMITTEES THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS AUXILIARIES BYLAWS AMENDMENTS ARTICLE II ARTICLE III Territory The Territory of this synod shall be the province of Alberta plus the Yukon Territory, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Confession of Faith Section 1. This synod confesses the Triune God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - as the one true God. It proclaims the Father as Creator and Preserver; His Son, Jesus Christ, as Redeemer and Lord; and the Holy Spirit as Regenerator and Sanctifier. Section 2. This synod confesses that the Gospel is the revelation of God s saving will and grace in Jesus Christ, which He imparts through Word and Sacrament. Through these means of grace, the Holy Spirit creates believers and unites them with their Lord and with one another in the fellowship of the Holy Christian Church. Section 3. This synod confesses the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God, through which God still speaks, and as the only source of the Church s doctrine and the authoritative standard for the faith and life of the Church. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

62 Section 4. ARTICLE IV Section 1. Section 2. ARTICLE V Section 1. This synod confesses the following symbols, comprising the Book of Concord of 1580, which it subscribes specifically as witnesses to the way in which the Holy Scriptures have been correctly understood and explained and confessed for the sake of the Gospel, namely a. the Apostles, the Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds as the chief confessions of the Christian faith; b. the Unaltered Augsburg Confession as its basic formulation of Christian doctrine; c. Luther s Small Catechism as a clear summary of Christian doctrine; d. the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Luther s Large Catechism, the Smalcald Articles with the Treatise, and the Formula of Concord as further witnesses to the Unaltered Augsburg Confession. Mission As the regional expression of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, in faithfulness to the Lord of the Church, this synod shall facilitate and advance the mission of this church within its territory. Guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, it shall carry out this mission by shepherding its congregations and ordained ministers, and by engaging in other forms of ministry which proclaim God s Word and serve to bring reconciliation to the world. The mission of this church, as an expression of the universal church and as an instrument of the Holy Spirit, is to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people in Canada and around the world through the proclamation of the Word and the administration of the Sacraments and through service in Christ s name. Membership The membership of the synod consists of member congregations. Baptized individuals who are members of a congregation ( baptized members ) shall exercise their privileges and responsibilities through participation in the congregation in which they are members. Section 2. The synod shall recognize those congregations on its territory that are recognized by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and certified to it by the secretary of the church. Section 3. Additional congregations may be recognized by the synod acting on behalf of this church in the manner described in the constitution and bylaws of this church. Section 4. ARTICLE VI The synod may revoke its recognition of any congregation in the manner described in the constitution and bylaws of this Church. Congregations Section 1. Constitutions Every congregation which is recognized by this synod shall have a constitution which, in the judgment of the Synod Council, is in harmony with the constitution and bylaws of this Church and of the synod. Section 2. Section 3. Section 4. Representation to ELCIC Conventions Every parish not represented by an ordained minister shall elect a lay delegate to the convention of this Church. If a parish has more than eight hundred (800) baptized members two lay delegates shall be elected, unless a pastor of the parish has been chosen by the conference, in which case one lay delegate shall be elected. Representation to the Synod and Conference Conventions Every congregation of the synod shall choose a delegate or delegates to represent it at conventions of the synod and at meetings of the conference to which the congregation is assigned in accordance with procedures as defined in the bylaws of the synod. An alternate or alternates may act in the stead of the delegate or delegates in the event of their absence. Relation to Synod The alignment of congregations in pastoral charges shall be subject to approval of Synod Council. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

63 Section 5. Section 6. Section 7. Section 8. Section 9. Petitions Congregations shall have the right to petition this synod, according to procedures set forth in the bylaws. Solicitation of Funds The approval of this Church or a convention of the synod or of its council shall be required for the solicitation of funds from congregations for institutions, agencies and causes of this Church. Provision of Pastors When a pastor resigns, the congregational council shall receive the resignation, report it to the congregation and notify the bishop of the synod. Advice of the Bishop In case of strife and division in a congregation, the congregational council shall seek the advice of the bishop of the synod. Appeals from Discipline A lay member of any congregation, who is under discipline, may appeal to the synod. All such appeals must be in writing to the bishop within thirty (30) days after the disciplinary action has been taken. Copies of said appeal shall be transmitted by the appellant to the pastor and to the secretary of the congregation. The bishop shall appoint a special committee to investigate the appeal. The decision of the committee shall be final and reported to the appropriate parties. Section 10. Procedures for Withdrawing A congregation desiring to withdraw from this church shall notify the synod bishop. Decision to withdraw must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote at a legally called and conducted meeting and immediately reported to the synod bishop. Decision to withdraw shall not be effective until action has been ratified by a two- thirds majority vote of those who were members at the time of the first vote. This subsequently legally called and conducted meeting held not less than 90 days and not more than 180 days after the first vote to withdraw. Section 11. Congregation Becoming Defunct A congregation which has ceased to exist or whose membership has so diminished in numbers as to render it impossible or impractical for the congregation to function according to its constitution and bylaws shall, after consultation with any remaining members, be deemed by the synod of which it was a part to be defunct. The synod through the Synod Council shall appoint trustees, including where feasible former members of the congregation, who shall take charge and control of the property of said congregation to hold, manage and convey the same on behalf of this synod. ARTICLE VII Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. ARTICLE VIII Section 1. Section 2. Ordained Ministers The synod shall have a roster of ordained ministers. The standards of acceptance and continuance on the roster of ordained ministers shall be defined in the bylaws of the synod. An ordained minister shall preach the Word, administer the Sacraments and conduct public worship in harmony with the faith and practices of the Church; shall baptize, confirm and marry in accordance with the teaching of the Church and with the laws of the province; shall visit the sick and distressed and bury the dead; shall inculcate piety in individual and family life and provide pastoral leadership to all schools and auxiliary organizations of the congregation; shall install members of the congregational council and, with the council, administer discipline; shall seek out and encourage qualified persons to prepare for the ministry of the Gospel and strive to extend the Kingdom of God in the community, at home and abroad; and shall encourage the members to be generous in support of the ministry of the congregation, the synod and the church. Diaconal Ministers The synod shall have a roster of diaconal ministers. The standards of acceptance and continuance Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

64 on the roster of diaconal ministers shall be defined in the bylaws of this synod. Section 4. The bishop shall be an ex officio member of Synod Council. ARTICLE IX Section 1. ARTICLE X Section 1. Section 2. ARTICLE XI Section 1. Section 2. ARTICLE XII Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. Full Communion Provisions Ordered ministers of churches with which this church has a full communion agreement, who are serving in this church under the provisions of that full communion agreement, shall have the same rights and privileges as the equivalent order of ministry in this church. Conferences The synod shall be organized regionally into conferences whose members and boundaries shall be determined by the synod in convention upon the recommendation of the Synod Council. The role of the conferences shall be defined in the bylaws of the synod. Conventions The convention of the synod shall be its highest legislative authority. Conventions of this synod shall be held according to times, policies, and procedures as described in the bylaws of the synod. Synod Council Synod Council is the governing body of the synod and shall carry out all normal functions and responsibilities on behalf of the synod in accordance with the constitution, the bylaws and resolutions of the synod in convention. Synod Council shall consist of the officers of the synod, and members elected and appointed according to procedures defined in the bylaws of the synod. Synod Council may appoint a replacement member to fill a vacancy between conventions. The terms of the elected members shall begin the first day of the third month following election. ARTICLE XIII Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. Section 4. Section 5. Section 6. Officers The officers of the synod shall be the chairperson, the secretary and the treasurer. Two of the three officers shall be lay members of the synod. The duties of the officers shall be defined in the bylaws of the synod. The officers shall be elected by the synod convention according to procedures defined in the bylaws of the synod. All officers shall serve until their successors assume office. Synod Council may appoint a replacement officer to fill a vacancy between conventions. The terms of officers shall begin no later than the first day of the third full month following election. The recall or dismissal of an officer of the synod shall follow the procedure set out in the constitution and bylaws of this church. Section 7. Synod Council may extend a call to an assistant to an officer in accordance with procedures defined in the bylaws of the synod. Such persons shall be ineligible for membership on Synod Council. ARTICLE XIV The Office of the Bishop Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. The bishop shall be a pastor and counsellor to all pastors and lay members of the synod, and with the Synod Council, shall be the guardian of the procedures relating to the good standing in the faith, and the welfare of congregations, pastors and institutions of the synod. The bishop shall be the chief executive officer of the synod, and an ex officio member of all committees of the synod. The bishop, as the chief executive officer of the synod, has full authority, responsibility and accountability to discharge all duties and Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

65 obligations of that office as mandated in the constitution, the bylaws and by resolution of Synod Council. Section 4. The authority to elect and call a bishop shall rest with the synod at a regular convention or a special convention called for this purpose. Synod Council shall seek the advice and counsel of the bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada in the call process. Section 5. ARTICLE XV Section 1. All synod staff and staff committees shall be accountable to the bishop. The bishop may delegate responsibility to other staff as deemed appropriate. Committees Synod Council shall have authority to establish such committees deemed necessary for the mission of the synod. ARTICLE XVI Theological Institutions Section 1. This synod acknowledges its responsibility to maintain a theological seminary within the guidelines provided by this church, to strengthen this seminary spiritually and academically, and to provide for its financial support. Section 2. a. The Board of Governors of Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, shall control and manage the seminary and determine its academic and administrative affairs. The property of the seminary, both real and personal, shall be held by the Board of Governors in trust for and under the guidance of the British Columbia Synod, Alberta Synod, Saskatchewan Synod and Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod. b. The board may, in consultation with the church, propose to the synod(s) an increase in the number of its members, such increase to include an equal number of ordained ministers and lay persons. Any proposal for increase in the number of members of the board must have the approval of the synod(s). c. The term of office for each member of the board shall be four years except in the following cases: i. Where a member is appointed to fill a vacancy, such appointment shall be by the Synod Council and shall be for the remainder of the term of the predecessor. ii. In the case of the first of any new elections in connection with increasing the number of the said board, the terms of office shall be for two or four years, so spaced that onehalf of the membership of the board shall be elected each biennium. d. Members of the board shall be eligible to serve for not more than two consecutive terms. e. Financial support for the seminary shall be determined by a process of consultation between the Board of Governors, this Church and the Synod Council. f. The board shall make an annual report to the regular convention of the synod. ARTICLE XVII Auxiliaries There shall be synodical units of the official auxiliaries of this church. Such units shall report to the Synod Council and conventions. The bishop, or an appointee, shall have seat and voice at synodical unit conventions and board meetings. ARTICLE XVIII Bylaws Section 1. Section 2. This synod may adopt such bylaws, not in conflict with this constitution, as may be necessary. Such bylaws may be amended at any convention by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present and voting. At least one day shall elapse between first presentation and convention action unless unanimous consent to amend is given. Bylaws relating to convention procedure may be suspended by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present and voting. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

66 ARTICLE XIX Amendments Section 1. The Confession of Faith as stated in Article III shall be that of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, and is not amendable. Section 2. Section 3. Amendments to this constitution shall be in writing and may be proposed by either a. the National Church Council b. the Synod Council, c. a congregation of the synod, or d. ten delegates All proposed amendments must be reported to the convention no later than the first full day of business. The Synod Council shall make a report and recommendation during that convention on all proposed amendments. Adoption of an amendment shall require passage at this and the next regular convention by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present and voting. Notice of the full text thereof shall be sent to the pastors and congregations of the synod at least one month prior to the second reading. Further amendment at the second reading shall require unanimous consent. Such amendments shall be effective upon ratification by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada in convention or by its National Church Council. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Bylaws Amended June, 2014 Part I Headquarters (Constitution, Article II) Section 1. The headquarters of this synod shall be located in Edmonton. Section 2. All executive offices shall be located at the headquarters of the synod unless otherwise approved by the synod council. Part II Organizational Relationships Section 1. Congregation (Constitution, Article VI) a. In relating to congregations within its territory, the synod shall organize, recognize, receive, release and exclude congregations, and approve or disapprove of the relocation or the merger of congregations. b. Congregations may petition the synod according to the procedures set forth in these bylaws, Part V, Section 8. conferences as follows: East Central, Northern, Southern, Southwestern and West Central. a. All members of the congregations are encouraged to attend conference meetings. The voting membership shall be all ordained ministers and diaconal ministers residing within the territory of the conference, and three lay delegates from each congregation, the third of whom shall be a confirmed member under the age of twenty-five. Congregations having more than three hundred baptized members shall be entitled to an additional lay member for each additional two hundred baptized members or major fraction thereof. b. The bishop of the synod or the bishop s appointee shall attend the conference meetings. Section 2. Conferences (Constitution, Article IX) The synod shall be divided into five Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

67 c. The purpose of the conferences shall be to: i. Assist its congregations and the synod in planning, promoting and implementing the mission of this Church; ii. Encourage fellowship among ordained and diaconal ministers and congregations; iii. Arrange opportunities for the study of the Bible and Lutheran confessions; iv. Respond in consultation with the synod to particular needs within its territory; v. Elect the required number of rostered ministers as delegates to the conventions of this Church; and vi. Elect representatives to synodical positions as determined in these bylaws. d. A conference may adopt for itself any rules and regulations not in conflict with the constitution and bylaws of the synod. e. Each conference shall meet at least once a year at a time and place set by the conference. Conferences shall designate their own quorums. f. Each conference shall have the right to petition the synod according to procedures set forth in these bylaws, Part V, Section 8. g. Each conference shall elect from its membership a dean, a chairperson, a secretary or secretary/treasurer, and at least one other person who shall constitute a conference council. The conference may elect a treasurer who shall be a member of the council, or the council may appoint a treasurer who shall not be a member of the council. h. The conference council shall appoint persons to fill all vacancies in the council membership until the next meeting of the conference. In the event of the resignation of a conference dean, an interim dean shall be appointed by the conference council in consultation with the Section 3. bishop. Time of service completed in fulfilment of vacant conference council positions shall not be included for the purposes of determining eligibility for further election. i. The conference council shall be authorized to receive and hold funds from its member congregations for the purpose of defraying reasonable administrative or program expenses related to the work of the conference. A printed financial report shall be presented at all regular meetings of the conference. j. The dean of each conference shall report to the synod through the bishop. k. The deans of the conferences and the bishop shall meet at least once a year for spiritual renewal and for general discussion of programs, plans and problems affecting conferences and the synod. Except where otherwise provided in this constitution and its bylaws, the function of such a meeting shall be consultative and advisory. l. The bishop may call upon the deans of the conferences to assist in the duties of installations and pastoral care of the ministers and congregations in their conferences. Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (Constitution, Article V) In relating to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the synod shall: a. Recognize where operating within the territory of the synod, all organizations recognized by the ELCIC, as provided for in the ELCIC Constitution, Article XVII, Section 3. Section 4. Theological Institutions (Constitution, Article XV) a. The Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon is owned by the Synods of Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Territories, Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

68 and British Columbia. Its Board of Governors is made up of the bishops of those synods, a lay and clergy representative from each of those synods, and one clergy and two lay representatives appointed by this Church. Advisory members are the president of the Lutheran Theological Seminary and the national staff person assigned to relate to theological institutions. b. In relating to Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, the synod in convention shall elect two members to the Lutheran Theological Seminary Board of Governors, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, one clergy and one lay, according to the terms determined by the seminary. Part III Ordained Minister/Congregation Relationship (Constitution, Article VII) Section 5. bishop in order that a mediation counsellor or other person with special expertise may be called in for the purpose of resolution and reconciliation. This process may be requested by the minister(s), the congregational council, or one quarter of the members in good standing of the congregation. Recommendations from the mediator shall be dealt with at a meeting of the congregation called for this purpose. If the conflict cannot be resolved satisfactorily by this process, the bishop shall be advised for follow up action. When no term is specified, a regular call accepted by an ordained minister to a congregation shall constitute a relationship which may be terminated only for the following causes: a. The resignation of the minister b. The disqualification of the minister as a result of discipline Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. Section 4. Ordination of approved candidates shall take place at a time and place designated by the bishop. The synod shall have a call process manual approved by the synod council. A congregation wishing to extend a call shall follow the general procedures set out in the call process manual unless otherwise advised by the bishop due to unusual circumstances. A minister shall inform the congregational council and the bishop immediately upon receipt of a call to another ministry, and shall inform the calling agency and the bishop of any decision made within thirty days unless an extension is granted by mutual consent of all the parties involved. A minister shall terminate an existing call within two months of accepting another call, unless an extension is granted by mutual consent of all the parties involved. If a conflict arises within a congregation that cannot be resolved internally, the pastor or the council chairperson shall notify the dean or the c. The division of the pastoral charge d. The physical or mental incapacity of the minister e. The continued neglect of ministry by the minister f. The inability to conduct the ministerial office satisfactorily in a congregation in view of local conditions, without reflection on the moral and spiritual character of the minister. i. In the last three contingencies, the bishop may, following consultation with the conference dean, appoint an advisory committee of two rostered ministers and two lay members to investigate. Upon the request of the congregational council or the rostered minister; or on receipt of a petition signed by at least one-third of the voting members of a congregation, the bishop shall appoint an advisory committee to investigate. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

69 ii. The bishop may, with the concurrence of the congregational council, suspend the minister from ministerial duties pending the outcome of the formal proceedings when circumstances warrant. iii. An advisory committee appointed to investigate an allegation of physical or mental disability shall secure medical testimony to confirm or refute such allegation. If incapacity is confirmed, the bishop may, on the advice of the committee and with the concurrence of the congregational council, declare the pastorate vacant. Should the minister be restored to health, the bishop shall take steps to enable the minister to resume ministry in the congregation last served or in another ministry. iv. An advisory committee appointed to investigate an allegation of neglect of ministry or of local conditions that imperil the well-being of a congregation shall provide an opportunity for all concerned parties to be heard. At the conclusion of the investigation, the bishop, in company with the committee, shall bring recommendations to the minister and the congregation for consideration and action. Such counsel shall be offered in Christian love and is not to be regarded as a disciplinary measure. If the situation cannot be resolved amicably, the pastor may resign, or the congregation may terminate the call by a majority vote at a properly called congregational meeting. v. The foregoing procedure shall not be invoked when questions of doctrine or morality are involved. Such cases shall be treated as disciplinary matters. Section 6. Between called ministers an interim minister shall be appointed by the bishop in consultation with the congregational council in accordance with procedures set forth in the call process manual. An interim minister shall have the rights and duties of a regularly called minister. An interim minister shall not be eligible for call to the congregation he or she is serving as interim. Interim or ministers providing occasional pulpit supply during an interim shall refrain from exerting influence in the call process. Section 7. A minister shall not preach or perform any ministerial act within the parish of another minister except at the latter s request or consent, or visit or perform ministerial acts in a time of a ministerial vacancy, except by invitation of the interim minister or congregational council. Section 8. The minister shall ensure that the congregation keeps accurate records of membership, baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials and communicants, and shall report such statistics annually to the secretary of the Synod on the forms prescribed by the Church. These records shall be certified as being correct by the congregational secretary on the same forms. The congregational records shall be kept in a separate book which shall remain the property of the congregation. Section 9. When members move, the minister shall commend them to the ministerial care of the parish in which their new home is located. Section 10. All rostered ministers serving under call are expected to attend all conventions of the synod and the meetings of the conferences to which they belong. Part IV Diaconal Ministers (Constitution, Article VIII) (As defined by this Church) Part V Conventions (Constitution, Article X) Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

70 Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. Section 4. Section 5. Section 6. The regular conventions of the synod shall be held biennially between national conventions. The secretary shall publish the time and place of each regular convention at least six months in advance. The secretary shall send out a bulletin of reports to all voting members at least thirty (30) days before each regular convention. The voting membership of conventions shall consist of: a. One lay delegate from each congregation and, from congregations having more than three hundred (300) baptized members, one lay delegate for each additional two hundred (200) baptized members. A congregation is entitled to one extra voting delegate if that person is between the ages of 16 and 22 years as of December 31 of the convention year. b. Ordained ministers on the roster of the synod; c. Diaconal ministers on the roster of the synod; and d. All lay members of synod council. At least sixty days prior to the opening day of the convention, a. Each congregation shall submit the name(s) and address(es) of its lay delegates to the synod secretary, and b. Each ordained and diaconal minister, active, non-parish, and retired, shall submit his/her name and address to the synod secretary. One-third of the voting members shall constitute a quorum. Seat and voice at conventions shall be granted to: a. The bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and such other official representatives of this Church as may be designated by the national church council, Section 7. Section 8. Section 9. b. Chairpersons of synodical committees in connection with their reports, c. Representatives of institutions and agencies related to or officially recognized by the synod, and d. The presidents of the synodical units of the official auxiliaries of this Church. All arrangements for worship services or public meetings shall be made in consultation with the bishop. Congregations and conferences may petition the synod in convention by submitting the petition in writing to the secretary of the synod for inclusion in the bulletin of reports. If the petition is too late for inclusion in the bulletin of reports, the secretary shall deliver the petition to the appropriate committee for presentation to the convention. The synod council shall approve the convention budget which will include the participation of all delegates - lay, ordained and diaconal. Convention costs shall be shared among the congregations by dividing the total convention costs by the total number of confirmed members in the synod times the number of confirmed members last reported by each congregation. Section 10. Special Conventions a. Special conventions for specified purposes shall be called by the chairperson of the synod within ninety days of receiving in writing a request for such a convention from: i. The synod council by at least a two-thirds majority vote, or ii. One-fifth of the congregations of the synod and one-fifth of the ordained ministers under call on its roster. b. The secretary shall give written notice of a special convention to each congregation, each ordained minister, Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

71 and each diaconal minister, and shall publish the same at least thirty days prior to the opening date of the convention. c. The voting members at a special convention shall consist of: i. The lay delegates who were seated in the preceding regular convention provided that they have not been disqualified by termination of membership in the congregation they represented. Vacancies in the lay delegates shall be filled by the congregations affected at a regular or specially called congregational meeting. Vacancies thus filled shall be reported to the secretary of the synod not less than five days before the special convention. ii. Ordained ministers on the roster of the synod at the time of the special convention; and iii. Diaconal ministers on the roster of the synod at the time of the special convention. Section 11. Nominations and Elections (Constitution, Articles XI-XIV) a. The convention shall elect synod council members, officers of the synod, and the bishop in the following manner: i. The committee on nominations shall nominate at least two persons for each synod council position. ii. iii. Additional nominations may be made from the floor for all positions except that of the bishop and the chairperson, with the prior consent of the person being nominated. Synod council shall nominate the secretary and the treasurer. Nominations for chairperson shall be made by secret ballot without oral iv. nomination. Nominations for two of the three synod officer positions shall be limited to lay persons. Nomination for bishop shall be made by secret ballot without oral nomination, and shall be limited to those who are qualified to be on the roster of ordained ministers of this Church. v. All elections shall be by secret ballot. vi. In all elections, except for the offices of the bishop and chairperson, a majority of the votes cast shall elect. vii. The election of the bishop and the chairperson shall be held on alternate convention years. viii. If an election does not occur on a first ballot for any position except that of the bishop and the chairperson, voting on a second ballot shall be limited to the two persons receiving the highest number of votes cast on the first ballot. ix. The election of the bishop and the chairperson shall be by secret ballot without oral nomination, and shall proceed in the following manner: 1. On the first ballot, three-fourths of the votes cast shall elect. If the first ballot does not result in an election, it shall be considered a nominating ballot. Thereafter, voting shall be limited to those persons named on the first ballot. 2. On the second ballot, two-thirds of the votes cast shall elect. If the second ballot does not result in an election, voting shall be limited to the four persons receiving the highest number of votes cast. 3. On the third ballot, a majority of the votes cast shall elect. If the third Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

72 ballot does not result in an election, voting shall be limited to the three persons receiving the highest number of votes cast. 4. On the fourth ballot, a majority of the votes cast shall elect. If the fourth ballot does not result in an election, voting shall be limited to the two persons receiving the highest number of votes cast. 5. On the fifth ballot, a majority of the votes cast shall elect. x. The result of each ballot in every election shall be announced to the convention. church bodies in shared ministry within the Synod with whom the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is in full communion. Section 12. The convention procedures shall be published in a convention manual approved by the synod council. Part VI Elections of Delegates to the National Church Convention (Constitution, Article VI, Sec. 2) Section 1. The synod secretary shall inform each of the conferences of the number of ordained delegates to be elected to the national church convention as determined by the secretary of this Church. b. Election of synodical representatives to the Lutheran Theological Seminary shall proceed as follows: 1. The synod council, in consultation with the seminary, shall nominate one or more persons for each position for which election is required. 2. Nominations may be made from the floor with the consent of those nominated. 3. Normally, nominations will be presented in such a way that representation alternates between male and female at the completion of an individual s term or terms. 4. A majority of the votes cast shall elect. If an election does not occur on a first ballot, voting on a second ballot shall be limited to the two persons receiving the highest number of votes cast on the first ballot. Section 2. Section 3. Rostered delegates and alternates shall be elected at least seven months before the national church convention, after which the synod secretary shall inform those parishes eligible to elect lay delegate(s). Conferences are encouraged to consider those rostered ministers who have not previously attended a national church convention. Lay delegates and alternates shall be elected not earlier than twelve (12) months and not later than four (4) months before a convention by each member congregation which is not represented by a delegate who is a rostered minister elected by a conference. Where more than one rostered delegate is elected from a congregation or a multiplecongregational parish, the additional rostered delegate must secure the written consent of the congregation or parish to pay the additional fee or make other arrangements for payment. (ELCIC Bylaws, Part V, Section 5) c. Eligibility for positions as synod officers, synod council members and synod representatives to the Lutheran Theological Seminary Board of Governors shall be limited to the confirmed membership of the member congregations of the synod and of those Part VII Synod Council (Constitution, Article XI) Section 1. The elected membership of Synod Council shall consist of one ordained and one lay representative from each conference in the Synod. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

73 Section 2. Appointed membership shall consist of one representative of a full communion partner who is actively serving in that partner Church. This person shall have seat, voice and vote. Members shall serve for four-year terms, with half of the terms expiring each biennium. No elected member is eligible to serve for more than two consecutive terms. The synod council shall: a. Plan, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the activities of the synod in carrying out its mission and ministry, including development of appropriate policies for synod council; Section 3. k. Make and enforce its own policies, including the discipline of its members; and l. Perform such additional duties as prescribed in the constitution, the bylaws, or by resolutions of the synod in convention. The synod council shall appoint an ordained minister to assume the duties and responsibilities of the bishop in the event of the resignation, incapacity, or death of the bishop, pending the election of a new bishop at the next regular or specially called synod convention. b. Be the directors of the corporation and trustees for the synod; c. Elect executive staff if and when such positions are created by the synod in convention; d. Issue letters of call to rostered ministers who are full-time officers or staff officials of the synod, or who are called to special service; e. Fill vacancies until the next convention except as otherwise provided; f. Determine the fact of the incapacity of an officer of the synod according to the procedures in the constitution and bylaws of this Church; g. Approve candidates for call, ordination and admission to the rosters of ordained and diaconal ministers; h. Appoint all committees for which there is no other provision; i. Carry out duties in good faith with a reasonable degree of diligence, care, and skill; j. Expect the same standard of conduct from lay and rostered members; Section 4. Section 5. Section 6. The synod council shall hold at least two meetings annually. Special meetings of the synod council may be called by the bishop or chairperson of the synod when circumstances warrant. A majority of the members of the synod council shall constitute a quorum. Part VIII Synod Officers (Constitution, Article XII) Section 1. Section 2. Officers of the Synod shall serve for a term of four years, without limitation. The chairperson of the synod shall: a. Convene and preside over conventions of the synod and meetings of the synod council, and b. Perform additional duties as prescribed in the synod council governance and policy manuals. Section 3. The secretary shall oversee all secretarial and record keeping duties on behalf of the synod as prescribed in these bylaws and in the synod council governance and policy manuals. Section 4. The treasurer shall: a. Oversee all financial affairs and accounts of Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

74 the synod, including deeds, mortgages, contracts, trust funds, investments, etc., b. Be bonded under the fidelity coverage provided by the synod, and c. Perform additional duties as prescribed in the synod council governance and policy manuals. Part IX Duties of the Bishop (Constitution, Article XIII) Section 1. The bishop shall: a. Provide spiritual leadership and counsel to the synod, its conventions, and conferences; b. Ordain or consecrate approved candidates for rostered ministry; c. Oversee the call process as outlined in the call process manual; d. Attest to all official documents of the synod as may be required; e. Appoint the synod archivist/necrologist to maintain historical records on behalf of the synod; f. Discipline staff and program committee members in keeping with Biblical principles; g. Report to the synod council and the synod convention all significant matters affecting the mission and ministry of the synod; and h. Perform other duties as prescribed in the constitutions and bylaws of this Church and the synod, and the synod council governance and policy manuals. Part X Synod Council Committees (Constitution, Article XIV) Section 1. This synod shall participate in an Examining Committee serving the Synods of British Columbia, Alberta and the Territories, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba/Northwestern Section 2. Ontario. a. The Synod Council of each synod shall appoint two lay persons and two rostered persons. Of the eight rostered persons appointed, at least one rostered person shall be a diaconal minister, with that position assigned to one of the synods by agreement of the synod bishops. Members shall be appointed to serve for a term of four years, with a limit of two consecutive terms, staggered so that no more than half are replaced at any one time. b. The President of Lutheran Theological Seminary shall annually appoint two faculty members. c. The synod bishops shall serve ex officio on the Examining Committee. d. It shall be the duty of this Committee to examine candidates for ordained and diaconal ministry and candidates for reception from other Lutheran churches with whom mutual recognition of ministry has not been established. The committee shall report its recommendations to the Synod Council of the Synod where the candidate is registered. e. Each examination shall be conducted by a sub-committee of the Examining Committee comprised of one faculty, two lay persons, two rostered persons, and the bishop of the candidate s synod. When a diaconal candidate is being examined, the subcommittee shall include a diaconal minister. f. Further terms of reference for, and procedures of, the Examining Committee shall be defined in the Candidacy Manual of this Church. The Committee for Theological Education and Leadership (Candidacy) shall be a standing committee of the synod council. a. The Committee for Theological Education and Leadership shall consist of eight Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

75 Section 3. members. Five of the members shall represent the conferences of the synod, and shall be appointed by the synod council upon nomination by the conference councils. The other three members will be appointed by the synod council at large. Four of the committee members shall be lay persons, four shall be rostered. The synod bishop shall be an ex officio member. The committee will name its own chairperson and secretary. b. The appointed members shall serve for four year terms with a two consecutive term limit, staggered so that no more than half are replaced at any one time. c. It shall be the duty of this committee to select and endorse candidates for the ordained and diaconal ministry; review applications to the ministries of the synod by persons seeking readmission to the rosters of the synod; receive applications from candidates who come from Lutheran churches with whom mutual recognition of ministry has not yet been established, or who come from other churches; and refer candidates to the Examining Committee for colloquy according to the policies and procedures established by this Church. d. This committee shall receive applications for financial aid from ministry candidates, and authorize the disbursement of synod funds designated for this purpose. The Congregation Constitutional Review Committee shall be a standing committee of the synod council. a. The Congregation Constitutional Review Committee shall consist of not less than three members and not more than five members appointed by the Synod Council, including the administrative coordinator from the synod office and one person from Synod Council who will serve as the chair. b. The appointed members shall serve for twoyear terms with a two consecutive term limit, staggered so that no more than onehalf are replaced at any one time. c. The purpose of the Committee shall be to: i. review congregations constitutions and proposed amendments to ensure: ii.. They do not conflict with the ELCIC or Alberta Synod Constitution or Bylaws;. They are based on the model constitution for congregations provided by the ELCIC for the guidance and practice of congregations within the ELCIC;. They provide consistency and clarity for congregational members in carrying out their ministerial and administrative duties and obligations including editing.. That differences in congregations and practices are recognized as acceptable in certain circumstances provided they do not conflict with the national and synodical governing documents. be available to confer and/or meet with a congregation or its representatives to discuss proposed amendments and assist in helping the congregation make the amendments acceptable to Council examination. iii. make recommendations to Synod Council regarding the Model Constitution for Congregations, its procedures and other related matters. d. The following principles will guide the work of the Committee: i. Most reviews may be handled by mail ( ) without the need for a face-to-face meeting. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

76 ii. Committee members responses should be forwarded to the synod office to the attention of the administrative coordinator. iii. When there is a lack of consensus from the first round of Committee responses, then further communication will be solicited from the Committee. iv. If a proposed amendment from a congregation is unacceptable, and an understanding cannot be resolved by mail/phone call and negotiation, a real time meeting will be arranged that is mutually agreeable to the congregation and to most of the Committee members (this should occur infrequently). v. The Committee will then make recommendation to Synod Council through the appointed Council member, for approval or modification as deemed necessary. e. Approval, amendment or rejection must be based on the review criteria as stated above. The Committee only recommends - the Synod Council approves, amends, or rejects. Section 3. Committees shall be accountable to the Synod Council through the office of bishop. Section 4. Synod council may appoint other ad hoc committees for a specific purpose and duration as deemed necessary. Part XI Ministry Committees (Constitution, Article XIV) Section 1. Section 2. Synod Council may appoint ministry committees to help the synod meet its stated priorities. Committee terms of reference and membership shall be determined by the Synod Council, with due attention given to clergy/lay, male/female, and regional representation. No person shall be a member of more than one committee, or a member of a committee and the Synod Council, at the same time. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

77 SECTION C THE BISHOP S OFFICE The Bishop, as chief executive officer, has responsibility for the ministry and mission of this synod through the authority assigned to him/her in the Constitution (Article XIII); the Bylaws (Part IX) and the Synod Council governance policies. This section informs the Convention of these actions and outcomes. Bishop s Report I am pleased to welcome you to the Sixteenth Biennial Convention of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories: Liberated by God s Grace. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God not the result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Liberated by God s Grace. Those words are at the heart of our faith. It is classic language; grounded in a declaration of God s essence. God is a God of grace, and God s grace liberates. This is the theme selected by the Lutheran World Federation for the years and the Commemoration of the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation. Synod Conventions offer delegates, guests and visitors a larger view of what it is to be church together. Along with the business sessions that necessarily require our attention we will share in worship; we will explore the Scriptures together; we will grow in our wisdom and understanding of the missio dei (mission of God); we will explore our convention theme through the three keynote addresses and table conversation: The Rev. Dr. Gordon Jensen Salvation Not For Sale; National Bishop Susan Johnson Human Beings Not for Sale (via recording from the MNO Synod Convention); and National Indigenous Anglican Bishop Mark MacDonald Creation Not For Sale; and there will be many opportunities to meet and engage in conversation with sisters and brothers in Christ from across the Synod. We will welcome to our Convention The Rev. Canon Travis Enright and his mother, Donna Enright, who will together welcome us to Treaty 6 land; National Church Council Vice- Chair Sheila Hamilton and National Church staff Trina Gallop Blank, Director of Communications and Stewardship; Lisa Thiessen, Executive Director, ELCIC Group Services Inc.; The Rev. Dr. Brian Rude, En Misión con El Salvador: In Mission with El Salvador; The Rev. Dr. Michael Nel, Acting President, Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon; Marcus Busch, President, Board of Directors and Tom Brook, Director, Community Relations Team from Canadian Lutheran World Relief; and, Wayne Hove, President of Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute, Outlook, SK. We will also welcome the newest congregation of our Synod from Saskatchewan. St. Paul s, Burstall, requested of the SASK Synod a transfer to our Synod since it is geographically closer to the Lutheran congregations in Medicine Hat than to congregations in the SASK Synod. The transfer was approved by respective Synod Councils and by the National Church Council. I believe that there will not be a delegate present from the congregation, however, we will acknowledge that they are a new congregation of our Synod. Our Convention begins with a Hymn Festival created around the Convention theme and sub-themes by Dr. Joy Berg, Diaconal Minister Dr. Faith Nostbakken and The Rev. Ann Salmon. It is my intent in commissioning the Hymn Festival that it be available for use throughout our Synod over the next year and particularly in 2017 as we Commemorate the 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation. See further in this report for more Reformation Commemoration information. In addition to the Hymn Festival each delegate/congregation will receive a DVD and brief study guide which includes interviews with Synod leaders regarding each of our Synod s Four Mission Priorities. You will see on our Convention Agenda that these will be viewed throughout the Convention and that time is provided for table conversation related to each. I encourage you to share this resource as you are able in your own context. Throughout our Convention, delegates will be assigned seating so that the conversations begun in the sixteen Participating in Hope geographical gatherings in 2015 and 2016 might continue. I invite you throughout our Convention: as you worship, listen, pray, discern, share stories to write your thoughts to the following statements on sticky notes and post them to the large print paper in the assembly hall: I am hearing God say to us, and, I sense that one of the places the Spirit is inviting our Synod to join with God in God s work is. During the Closing Eucharist these notes will be gathered and presented during the Installation of Synod Council members to Synod Council for their review and reflection; as well, they will shape the crafting of the Prayers of the People for the worship. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

78 Thank you to our Convention Manager, Wendy Christensen-Grosfield, members of the Local Arrangements Committee and of each team, Synod Staff, our Convention Chaplain, The Rev. Daranne Harris, and all who are serving during our Convention. As we gather it is my prayer that together we would be open to the Spirit s work among us... shaping... transforming... reworking and that we would know the reality of the words of Paul to the church in Rome (15:13): "The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Synod Staff With Gratitude It is a privilege to work with and among gifted and committed staff. Thank you to each for your ministry with and among us. The Rev. Dr. Julianne Barlow was called to serve as Assistant to the Bishop for Mission and began August 1, Julianne s primary focus, and passion, is missional formation. She continues to facilitate and model for us all a culture of discernment, experimentation, discovery, wondering and reflecting. Serving from the southern area of our Synod has been a wonderful addition to Synod leadership. Darla Wildfang, Executive Assistant, is the voice you hear when you contact the Synod Office. Her administrative abilities and a passion for discovering and experimenting has led to significant contributions in use of technology, for example, jot forms for registration purposes and the creation of our weekly Wednesday s Word e-list correspondence. The hours of the Executive Assistant were increased to fulltime as of September 1, Sharon Villetard, Assistant to the Bishop for Programming, concluded her service on August 14, 2014 after thirty years of ministry. Sharon served diligently, and her long experience and many gifts are missed by our Office and by the entire Synod. Trudy Davis, following twenty plus years of service, retired from her position as Synod Bookkeeper March 31, Trudy served with great commitment and with great humor often bringing levity to our Synod Office. Sheryl Burry has been contracted to serve as Synod Bookkeeper and began on April 1, Already Sheryl has learned much about this new position and about our Synod and I believe that she is an ideal addition to our Synod Staff. Colleen McGinnis, who faithfully served as the editor of our Synod s Celebrations and Canada Lutheran insert for several years, concluded her ministry with among us all in 2015 in order to focus on other passions including her artwork. I am pleased that Wendy Christensen-Grosfield agreed to serve as editor and she has served very well in this role. The Rev. Dr. Brian Rude serves as program staff through our Synod s En Misión con El Salvador: In Mission with El Salvador sharing gifts of hospitality, community and grace. The Rev. Gary Nickel continues to serve as Synod Necrologist and Archivist enabling him to share his gifts of attention to detail, and conscientiousness. Gary is available as a resource to your congregation regarding any matters related to archival materials and documents. Bishop Don Sjoberg (ret.) continues to assist the Synod Office as Consultant Related to Church Property and Dissolution of Congregations. Ministry as Consultant includes that of accompaniment and guidance to those congregations who are anticipating closure and matters related to their church properties. Don shares many years of experience, wisdom and grace with and among us all, and all as a gift to our Synod. Over the past biennium Bishop Sjoberg has worked with three communities of faith who have closed as a congregation: Augustana, Edmonton (2015); Trinity, Warburg (2016); and Bethania, Sedgwick (2016). Together, with you, I am thankful for the faithful witness of these communities of faith over many years. The Synod Office continues to be challenged by request, questions, documentation and management surrounding the ownership and care of cemeteries, particularly where congregations are closed. Carl Sorenson has agreed to serve as a Cemetery Consultant Historical for our Synod. He will be reviewing historical files, updating contact information, and collecting the materials into a database so that they are more easily accessible. I appreciate Carl s willingness to free give of his time and energy. His particular passion for history, exploration, and people are a valuable asset in this position. In 2015 I named Ecumenical Officers in Edmonton and in Calgary to continue and to expand the Synod of Alberta and the Territories ecumenical relationships and partnerships. For some time now I have desired to appoint Ecumenical Officers as I am committed to joint ecumenical efforts and action, including the observance of Reformation 500; to relationship building, and to a raising up and encouraging of those among us gifted and passionate in the area of ecumenical ministry. It is my hope that in appointing the Ecumenical Officers there will be a greater promotion of Christian unity across our vast Synod as the Officers participate cooperatively and collaboratively with, but not Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

79 limited to, the Edmonton and District Council of Churches and the Calgary Council of Churches. The Ecumenical Officer South is The Rev. Daranne Harris who serves as the VP & Chief Mission Officer for the Bethany Care Society, Calgary. She is passionate about creating community and equipping people to live out their faith in ways that shape their everyday. The Ecumenical Officer North is Diaconal Minister Dr. Faith Nostbakken. As a practicing spiritual director since 2006, she loves the opportunity to help people listen for, express, and discover the sacredness in their own stories shared in prayerful conversation. In 2014, she was consecrated as a Diaconal Minister, called by the Synod to the specialized ministry of spiritual direction. Synod Leadership With Gratitude Synod Council is moving to a regular practice of meeting in a retreat-like setting which provides for additional agenda time as well as relationship-building. We have appreciated the space and setting at Camp Kuriakos, Sylvan Lake and Mulhurst Lutheran Bible Camp, Pigeon Lake most recently. Thanks to The Rev. David Holmes who completed his term as Anglican representative to our Synod Council. The Rev. Canon Erin Phillips was appointed in 2015 to serve in this capacity following conversation with Archbishop Greg Kerr- Wilson, and at the same time, The Rev. Dr. Christine Nojonen was appointed Lutheran representative on the Anglican Diocese of Calgary Diocesan Council. It has become a common practice for Conference Deans and National Church Council members from our Synod to participate at meetings of Synod Council as advisory members. Agenda time is given for a verbal report by NCC members and they provide a written report as well. Following each meeting of our Synod Council Highlights have been prepared and distributed through the weekly Wednesday s Word. These are also available on our Synod website. Our National Bishop, Susan Johnson, regularly meets with our Synod Council and did so again in the spring of 2015 and This provides an on-going connection and opportunity for conversation with the national expression of our church. Following the sharing of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Report I committed to a time of education and learning once each year, for the next three years, for our Synod Council. At the March 2016 Meeting/Retreat The Rev. Ann Salmon and Carl Rausch, co-chairs of our Synod s Abiding in Right Relations Ministry Team led council members, senior staff and advisory members through the KAIROS Blanket Exercise. I am thankful for the gifts of time, commitment and prayer shared by each councilor and advisory member. Missional Formation We are on a journey as a synod. It is life-long. That is why we have been insistent that our missional renewal process is not some program nor something you complete in a few months. This is about discerning God s activity among us and within our neighbourhoods and communities. This is about living out our faith for the love of the world. This is about acting and living our way into new habits and practices. God calls. God goes before us. I am reminded of the resurrection stories of holy visitors at the empty tomb saying to the disciples: He has been raised; he is not here But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you (Mk 16:6-7). Christ is going ahead of you to Galilee a place that was home for the disciples; a place where it all began. So, too, does the risen Christ calls us back to our homes, our neighbourhoods, our communities. The Risen Christ invites us to join what God is already up to ahead of us. As you will read further in this report (Spirit-Led Leadership), a significant number of rostered leaders and congregational members are now participating in this missional renewal process. Immersed in the Word, learning how to listen, discerning what God is up to, engaging in the neighbourhood, shifting built-in defaults and habits these are some of the basic things we are delving into. We are learning a lot during this process. Based on an action-learning model, congregations are engaging in experiments, trying this and that, reflecting on what they have learned from their experiments and what they have learned about God. They continually ask the questions What is God up to in our neighbourhood and community? and What is God calling us to? We typically are very good at thinking in terms of meeting needs or of wanting to invite people to come and join us at our church and sit in our pews (and contribute to the finances). But the missional process raises different types of questions and invites different ways of thinking about God s activity in the world. Synod Ministry Teams Included within the Synod Convention materials are the reports of each Synod Ministry Team. I commend their reports and their ministry with and among us all to you. In addition to these reports I will highlight in what follows our Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

80 Synod s ministry via our Synod Mission Priorities without, I hope, repeating too much from the Ministry Team reports. Synod Mission Priorities: Spirit-Led Leadership Forming Missional Shaped Ministries. Our Synod is intentionally working to explore, develop, and support skills and capacities to move into God s planned future following the leading of the Holy Spirit. Congregations and ministries are invited to join in God s work in our local contexts. Throughout the Synod, congregational leaders, both lay and rostered, have participated in the first iteration of the Missional Network s process, under the direction of The Rev. Dr. Alan Roxburgh and his team The Missional Network (TMN). On the journey of listening, attending, discerning and experimenting, these leaders gained new skills and began to cultivate a learning community culture within their congregations. Facilitated by the Assistant to the Bishop for Mission a cohort of rostered leaders continues to meet regularly in Edmonton and in Calgary and Lay Guiding Teams also continue to meet. These meetings are a time to discern and share what participants are learning as they continue to experiment new ways of building relationships in their neighbourhoods. A second iteration began in the fall of 2015 in the Southern Conference. Eight pastors and six congregations are participating. This iteration is facilitated by Julianne who shadowed TMN staff during the first iteration. The rostered leaders meet monthly and the Guiding Teams (lay) will gather in Brooks five times in Conversation has begun regarding a third iteration with facilitation provided by those lay and rostered leaders who have been through the process and who are continuing to listen, attend, discern, experiment and reflect. An introductory gathering met April 30, 2016 at Scandia Lutheran, Armena. Please contact Julianne for further information. Annual Study Conference. We welcomed to the 2015 Study Conference, February 2-5, 2015, The Gospel in Four Directions: The Horizon of Christian Faith in North America (with an Indigenous perspective), our plenary speaker, National Indigenous Anglican Bishop, The Right Rev. Mark Macdonald; guest Bishop, our National Bishop Susan Johnson; and our Thursday morning speakers, The Rev. Dr. Laura Holck and The Rev. Dr. Phil Holck (Lutheran Church of the Cross, Calgary), who explored the possibilities of Telling the Text by Heart and preaching from a virtual manuscript. Afternoon options included: Sharing Stories of God at Work through the Missional Network Journey with Assistant to the Bishop for Mission Julianne Barlow and cohort participants; and, conversation with myself and those rostered leaders who have served 12 years or less where do you see God at work in your ministry context/our Synod/our National Church? The 2016 Study Conference was "outstanding." We were richly blessed by our keynote presenter The Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen from OMG - Center for Theological Conversation ( who spoke on the theme "Liberated by God's Grace"; Christian Chavarria, our Synod's guest from El Salvador who shared una vida, una historia, un testimonio (his life, story and testimony) and who painted a gift of a processional cross for our Synod; guest Bishop from the MNO, The Rev. Elaine Sauer, who shared of her learnings as Bishop and current events within the MNO Synod; Thursday presenter, Dr. Sharon Smith, Executive Director of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries ( who spoke on the theme: "The Lived Experience of Mental Health Recovery and the Gifts of a Christian Community. Conference of Deans. Twice each year the Deans meet with the Assistant to the Bishop for Mission and myself. This is a time for reflection on the Scriptures, Eucharist, prayer, conversation and planning for the fall conference gatherings. Internship Placements. I am very excited that several internships have or are currently being provided within our Synod. In some cases, financial support has been provided by our Synod through our Synod Reserve Fund. This financial support significantly contributes to the capacity of the congregations in serving as internship placements. My thanks to those who have provided pastoral mentorship and to each congregation who has journeyed with our interns. Erik Sorenson completed his required one-year internship at St. Paul s, Olds with The Rev. John Lentz in Lindsey Skakum completed a two-year placement at Holy Spirit, Edmonton with The Rev. Trish Schmermund. Jailyn Corbin has begun a two-year placement at Peace, Leduc with The Rev. Matt Lyseng. Sarah Mowat has begun a two-year placement at Grace Lutheran and St. Catherine s Anglican, Edson with The Rev. Ann Salmon. Colin Millang, supervised by the Rev. John Lentz, continues his course work to complete an M.Div. while licensed to serve in a pastoral capacity at Redeemer, Hanna. Diaconal Ministers Gathering. In 2015 and again in 2016 I invited the Diaconal Ministers from across our Synod to gather at the Synod Office for a day of worship, prayer, reflection, conversation, support and encouragement. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

81 These have been gatherings with great energy, passion and commitment to service. Annual Synod Retired Rostered Leaders and Spouses Gathering. Each year I have gathered our retired rostered leaders and spouses to a day together at Camp Kuriakos, Sylvan Lake was our 4 th Annual Gathering. I always look forward to a wonderful day of conversation, food, and worship. In 2015 I shared of our Synod Delegations journey to El Salvador and in 2016 The Rev. Art Weiss, Director of Camp Kuriakos, shared with us about Outdoor Ministry. Annual Open House. Cathy and I love to share the gift of hospitality and began in 2014 an annual Open House for rostered leaders and their families. The weather does not always cooperate but we love to welcome you to our home. Planned Giving/Endowment Team. I am determined to establish a Planned Giving/Endowment Committee and have asked Synod Treasurer Stephen Wildfang to work with a couple of other individuals to draw up Terms of Reference and a process for this team. Congregational Life Events. In April 2015 our Synod s Leadership Development Ministry Team planned a Congregational Life Event (previously called the Church Council Workshop) at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Red Deer. Just Relationships was the theme with keynote presenter, The Rev. Ryan Andersen. Several of the workshops focused on the theme. In April 2016, together with the Synod s CARE Ministry Team, the event at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Red Deer focused on the theme, Walking Together: Mental Health Through our Lifetime with keynote presenter, Dr. Sharon Smith, Executive Director, Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries. Again, several workshops focused on the theme. The Leadership Development Ministry Team also planned two continuing education opportunities: The Rev. Lee Woolery offered, The Messiness of Missional Church, October 2014 at Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, Calgary. The Rev. Dr. Gordon Jensen (Professor Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon) offered, The Priesthood of All Believers January 2015 at Peace, Leduc. Synod Mission Priorities: Hope-Filled Discipleship Conference Conventions. We continue to gather in the fall of each in three locations with opportunity for separate Conference work. In 2014 we gathered under the theme: Fed and Nourished, Filled and Refreshed, based on a portion of the hymn text, Baptized and Set Free. Together we explored, considered, discussed and provided feedback to the Study Guide on Word and Sacrament Ministry. Thank you to The Rev. Marc Jerry who facilitated our learning and sharing at two of the events, and to Wayne Street who provided the same leadership at the Southern and South West gatherings. Much thanks to those congregations who hosted our gatherings: Lakeland Lutheran, Cold Lake; Bethel and Messiah Lutheran, Camrose; and Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Lethbridge. In 2015 we gathering under the theme: Living Well with the Land: touch the earth lightly (ELW 739). Presenters at the Northern Conference were: The Revs. Kathy Calkins and Ann Salmon. The Rev. Dr. Cam Harder, Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon presented at the West and East Central and Southern and South West Conferences. Much thanks to those congregations who hosted our gatherings: Church of our Saviour, Edmonton; St. Peter s, Millet; and Lutheran Church of the Cross, Calgary. El Salvadoran guest, Christian Chavarria. "In Canada you are born, you live, you die. In El Salvador you are born, you survive, you die." These were the words I heard spoken often by our El Salvadoran guest, Christian Chavarria, as he shared throughout our Synod (January 13- February 1, 2016) at congregations, cluster gatherings, campus ministries, Young Adults retreat, Annual Study Conference, and so on. His story of violence, death, living as a refugee in Honduras and later in Sweden, undergirded by great hope in the promise of God, impacted all those who heard him. It was a gift to welcome him and to host him in our Synod. Many purchased his art, primarily painted crosses, and some (such as those at the Young Adults Retreat) sought to paint in his unique style. "The civil war was a turning point in my life. My brother's death at 18 changed the course of my life and my mind about wanting to be actively involved in fighting in the war. As a child I wanted revenge for my family's deaths. As I grew older, I learned to know what is just and what is unjust. I learned how to face life without guns and how to respect life. Suffering taught me to be thankful to God for everything God gives us every day." While at the Annual Study Conference Christian painted a cross as a gift to our Synod which will be used as a processional cross. You can find more information about Christian and his personal story of horror and violence in El Salvador, Afflicted with Hope, here: I am thankful for funds from the Lutheran Triune Educational and Benevolent Society of Calgary to host Christian in our Synod. Monthly Synod Messages for Congregations, and Lay and Rostered Leaders. Throughout 2014, I prepared Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

82 monthly messages focusing for congregational use on several Marks of a Missional Congregation based significantly on Stephen P. Bouman s, The Mission Table: Renewing Congregation & Community ( 2013 Augsburg Fortress). In 2015 I invited reflection on portions Philippians, Paul s letter, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi (1:1b). During 2016, I am preparing monthly messages focusing on the theme of Practicing Our Faith. My intent is that these writings offer a time to engage in learning, discernment and reflection together. I encourage their use, as you gather for church council, adult study, youth group, coffee group, or choir rehearsal. Each article has included a Scripture reference, thematic reflection, questions for consideration, and a prayer. The Monthly Messages are distributed through Wednesday s Word and are available on our Synod website. Easter Pastoral Letter. In the Season of Easter, 2016, I prepared a pastoral letter which was distributed to the synod. This letter is available on the synod website. ( Compassion Justice Initiative. Annually, our Synod office invites applications for Compassionate Justice funds. Recently funds have supported, for example: Mulhurst Camp (enabling those with limited resources to attend camp); Mom s Canada (providing emergency essentials to young, single mothers); and ICPM, Edmonton (accompaniment provided to inner city clients). Synod Mission Priorities: Innovative Tradition Synod Communications. Due to increasing costs and significant staff time, Synod mailings are no longer being produced and distributed. Instead, a weekly beginning January 2016, Wednesday s Word, has been developed and continues to be re-fined. Each edition is archived on our synod website. Please see our synod website to subscribe to Wednesday s Word. The synod e- list will continue to be used in a reduced capacity and particularly for items of urgency such as prayer requests. All Ministry Team Gathering. Members of our Synod s Ministry Teams gathered in September 2014 and 2015, and in May 2016 at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Red Deer to worship, reflect on Scripture, pray, listen, consider our Synod s mission priorities, and collaborate with other ministry teams active in our Synod. Time was set aside for each ministry team to explore their own individual agendas and then to share with the whole gathering. As well, each Ministry Team shares the following with those gathered: a story of where/how you see God at work in your ministry area; how will we, as a ministry team of our Synod, seek to fulfil the Synod s Mission Priorities of Spirit-led leadership, Hope-filled discipleship, Innovative Tradition and Collaborative partnerships; and, relevant sharing of ongoing ministry team work. This annual gathering has been welcomed and has been instrumental in sharing and in hearing of the ministry of each of the teams. Thank you to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd who graciously welcomes us to host our gathering in Red Deer, as well as many other Synod events and meetings. Participating in Hope and We are supporting congregations and ministries in becoming learning communities where listening, attending, discerning, experimenting, and reflecting are the norm for decision making and planning. Modelling this rhythm, the Synod Council s Participating in Hope work of listening to the stories of God at work in and through the congregations across the Synod is a first step of discerning next steps for the Synod. Following preparation, participation and training at our September 2014 Synod Council retreat, and further preparation at our March 2015 Synod Council meeting, sixteen Conversations were facilitated across the Synod in the weeks following Easter Sunday Synod Council and Executive members, and Conference Deans, gathered geographically close church councils (as identified by the Deans) for the purpose of: listening to their stories of mission - of God at work; fostering the faith and ministry of the congregational leaders; thanking them for their past partnership in ministry; and inviting them to participate in God s hope-filled future, in partnership with the Synod and each other. The September 2015 meeting of our Synod Council meeting included time to listen to the sharing of experiences and learnings which were collated and distributed via mail to rostered leaders and congregations. One of the significant pieces heard was a desire to repeat this listening and learning exercise again in Sixteen Conversations were facilitated early in 2016 with our Synod Council listening to and reflecting on what was heard at its March 2016 Meeting/Retreat. The learnings were gathered and distributed through Wednesday s Word and are available on our Synod website. The Participating in Hope conversations were a very important and valuable opportunity for congregational leadership and synod leadership to listen and to learn. Thank you to all who participated. The listening and the collated materials provide significant direction and information to our Synod Council. Alan Roxburgh s, Joining God, Remaking Church, Changing the World: The New Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

83 Shape of the Church in Our Time, recently published has also informed our Synod Council s conversation and discernment. It is also being used as a book study by several congregational church councils within our Synod. Transitional Ministry Training. Our Synod hosted a transitional ministry training event in Edmonton with The Rev. Dr. Cam Harder, Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon, June Within our Synod there is a very small number of trained interim ministers and we have had several congregations who do not have an interim pastor. The training and participation was excellent. Creating Healthy Relationships. Our Synod worked in partnership with ELCIC Group Services in June 2015 to facilitate a presentation and conversation with rostered leaders regarding issues of social isolation and pastoral identity. A good number of rostered leaders participated in this event held in Calgary. Synod Mission Priorities: Collaborative Partnerships Ecumenical Officers (North and South). One of the fruits of naming Ecumenical Officers was the coordination of a joint Roman Catholic-Lutheran study in Lent 2016 in Edmonton. Each evening began with a presentation, followed by a fellowship break, table dialogue, and concludes with evening prayer. Archbishop Richard Smith and I each lead in evening prayer service once during the five weeks. Presentations and presenters were: Reformation 500 What is There to Celebrate? with The Rev. Dr. Gordon Jensen; Contemporary Contexts with Ecumenical Officers Dr. Julien Hammond and Diaconal Minister Dr. Faith Nostbakken; Theological Consideration #1 Sola Scriptura with Dr. David Norman and Bishop Don Sjoberg (ret.); Theological Consideration #2 Sola Fide/Gratia with Dr. David Goa and Dr. Stephen Martin; and Catholics and Lutherans Today with Dr. Bob McKeon and The Rev. Ingrid Doerschel. Commemoration of Reformation 500. Many significant events and opportunities within our Synod to mark the 500 th anniversary of the reformation will take place in 2016 leading up to and including With the assistance of the Ecumenical Officers conversation has begun regarding joint viewing in our Synod with Roman Catholic sisters and brothers of the Common Prayer worship, October 31, 2016 in Lund, Sweden which will include leadership by the Lutheran World Federation and Pope Francis I. The Hymn Festival commissioned for our Synod Convention will be used as our Synod hosts and invites Lutherans, ecumenical and interfaith partners for worship: March 17, 2017 at Hope, Calgary, and March 18, 2017 at Hosanna, Edmonton. We are anticipating that the Common Prayer worship will be lead by me and Bishop Henry in Calgary, October 29, 2017 and with Archbishop Smith in Edmonton, October 30, A lecture series has been planned in Calgary for the fall of Bishop Henry, Archbishop Greg Kerr-Wilson and I will be presenting September 19 in Calgary at the first of the lecture series. Watch for further details and do consider welcoming your neighbors to a worship service in your community using our Synod Convention Hymn Festival. Synod Youth Gatherings. In collaboration with our Lutheran Bible Camps, a Synod Youth Gathering took place May 29-31, 2015 at Mulhurst Lutheran Camp Called to Be with keynote speaker: The Rev. Dr. Tim Wray. I was able to be present for much of the weekend and am thankful for the hard work in preparing and implementing the gathering by Tammy Kirkwood, Marg Daly, Mark Kuntz, Sarah Rudd, camp staff, and Tim Wray. A Synod youth gathering is being collaboratively planned by our Synod and camp staff for May 5-7, 2017 at Camp Kuriakos. CLAY Youth Gathering and Pre-Gathering Trip. Thanks to Tammy Kirkwood, St. Paul s, Ellerslie and The Rev. Anna Thede, Hosanna, Edmonton who have been working to coordinate an ABT Synod Pre-Gathering Trip, August 13-17, 2016 through Nova Scotia prior to the CLAY Gathering in Charlottetown. Cathy and are I looking forward to being with our Synod youth and leaders during the pre-gathering journey and at the Gathering itself. Joint Camp Staff Ministry Training. Hastings Lake Bible Camp hosted joint camp staff training in June Staff from Hastings Lake, Mulhurst and Kuriakos gathered for a multitude of learning pieces, worship, and prayer, as well as Bible study with The Rev. Dr. James Hendricksen (Hosanna, Edmonton). I was able to gather with the staff for most of one day and led worship and presided at the Eucharist the next day. These young adults are diversely gifted, passionate about ministry, and a gift to us all. Synod Delegation - En Misión con El Salvador: In Mission with El Salvador. A six-member Synod Delegation journeyed to El Salvador March 17-30, 2015 in a partnership between our Synod and Hosanna, Edmonton. Thank you for your prayers as we journeyed. Participants in Daunting Challenges Wellsprings of Hope: A Synod Journey to El Salvador experienced, embraced and engaged the contexts and ministries of the church in El Salvador including prison and congregational ministries; built relationships with our sisters and brothers in Christ including the celebration of 25 years of partnership between Hosanna Lutheran, Edmonton and Redeemer Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

84 Lutheran, San Miguel; and sought an expanding global understanding of faithful discipleship through the Lutheran El Salvadoran context. The journey included many opportunities to meet our Lutheran sisters and brothers in Christ and to experience a variety of ministry contexts in El Salvador including the ministry of The Rev. Dr. Brian Rude. Following our journey, I prepared and distributed a diarylike report of the delegation s journey and experience. It is available on our Synod s website and participants shared of the journey at Hosanna, Edmonton. En Misión con El Salvador: In Mission with El Salvador. In the fall of 2015 The Rev. Dr. Brian Rude was invited to share in Saskatoon through the Micah Project of his work in restorative justice. Bishop Sid Haugen also gave his blessing for Brian to share (In Misión con El Salvador: In Mission with El Salvador) throughout the SASK Synod while he was there. Previously in 2015 Brian shared in several locations throughout our Synod. Each year our Synod has prepared an annual report, including financial and budget information, and forwarded these with a cover letter to individual and congregational contributors. This information was also distributed through Wednesday s Word and is available on our Synod website. Companion Synod The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia (IELCO). Our Synod continues to be in companion relationship with IELCO. February 2016 a new Bishop-President was elected, Benjamin Ojeda. Many of you will remember welcoming our Colombian guests to our 2012 Synod Convention and to your congregations. One of those whom we welcomed was Zulma Ojeda, at that time a principal at one of the Lutheran schools. She is the daughter of Benjamin Ojeda. Conversation continues on a regular basis with the two ELCA Synods, national ELCA staff and our Synod regarding IELCO projects, delegation journeys, and so on. I hope that we might welcome Bishop- President Ojeda to our 2018 Synod Convention and plan for a Synod Delegation to journey to Colombia in a partnership between our Synod and Ascension, Edmonton the same year. Abiding in Right Relations Ministry Team (AIRR). Following my participation with many others in the Truth and Reconciliation Alberta National Event in Edmonton on March 2014, and with our National Church s motion relative to right relations in mind, I have been determined to move forward in building right relations, particularly through education and relationship building. You will find the Ministry Team s report included in our Synod Convention Docket. A highlight for me was the November 2015 gathering on Treaty 7 Land in Airdrie of 69 people for a time of listening and learning, talking and experiencing ways of abiding in right relations as Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples: Abiding in Right Relations: Laying the Foundation. ELCA Montana Bishop Jessica Christ and I are intending that a similar event take place in Montana, October 2017, with participants and leaders again from Canada and the United States; Anglicans and Episcopalians, Lutherans, United Church and Presbyterians; Indigenous people and non- Indigenous people. Walking Together: In the Spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Co-sponsored by Lutheran Campus Ministry Edmonton and our Synod, "Walking Together" brought Dr. Terry LeBlanc, founder and chair of the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies, to Edmonton in March 2015 for lectures, worship and the annual Lutheran Campus Ministry banquet. A screening of the film "Gently Whispering the Circle Back" was also part of the event followed by discussion with Elder Charles Wood and Filmmaker Beth Wishart MacKenzie. Augustana Lutheran, Edmonton. Through funding from the sale of Augustana Lutheran, Edmonton s building our Synod received $100,000 to assist in the design of a Mental Health Awareness initiative within our Synod (see the CARE Congregational Action and Response for Mental Health Ministry Report), support of our National Church and of Lutheran Theological Seminary, funds to the Lutheran Campus Ministries Drive for Five campaign; and other recipients included charitable groups that had received support from Augustana in the past or who represent the vision that the congregation had for ongoing ministry in a particular area. The congregation also established an Augustana Heritage gift which will provide in-perpetuity gifts to Lutheran Campus Ministry, to En Misión con El Salvador: In Mission with El Salvador and any subsequent international missions that follow this mission; and to a third charity which reflects the past and present vision that the congregation has for ongoing ministry. Ecumenical Partnerships. Relationships continue to grow with those in similar leadership, particularly in the Anglican Church of Canada, the Roman Catholic Church, Ukrainian Catholic Church, the United Church of Canada, and the Presbyterian Church. On a regular basis those in Edmonton and in Calgary meet for conversation, reflection and to share common concerns. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

85 Refugee Sponsorships. Many ABT Synod congregations have become refugee sponsors or have explored becoming one. Some congregations have committed to sponsoring one or more families; some are still deciding. Many congregations are working collaboratively with other Lutheran congregations or church denominations. It is wonderful to hear so many stories of interest and commitment. Thank you, all, for exploring this important and life-changing ministry Mission Priorities and Outcomes The Synod Council will be bringing for your review and affirmation Mission Priorities and Outcomes for the biennium As we gather in Convention we will be reviewing and reflection on each Mission Priority through the prepared videos. The Priorities are the same as the previous two years, however you will notice that there are two additional outcomes, e. and f., within Collaborative Partnerships. Recommendation from Synod Council: Reflecting our mission statement, our vision and the Evangelical Declaration, our mission priorities and outcomes for the biennium are as follows: 1. SPIRIT-LED LEADERSHIP is characterized by trust in the Holy Spirit who calls us through the Gospel, enlightens us with gifts, sanctifies and keeps us in true faith. a. Listening and discernment is modeled throughout the Synod enabling leaders to cultivate a passion for their call and use the gifts entrusted to them by the Holy Spirit. b. Lay and rostered leaders are equipped and empowered to practice the disciplines of Biblical engagement, prayer and spiritual direction. c. Faithful, accountable and wise disciples mentor, encourage, and mutually equip the body of Christ. d. Innovative organizational structures, governance models, and approaches to conflict resolution will reflect the incarnational presence of Jesus. e. Candidates for rostered ministry who hear the call to serve God in the church, are identified, mentored and provided with support and information. 2. HOPE-FILLED DISCIPLESHIP is expressed through ministries which embrace the diversity of all participants and the unity of the body of Christ working together for the glory of God. a. Together in Christ we live with discernment and spiritual practices modeled and taught for faith formation. a. All people, with the uniqueness of their gifts, are welcomed as valued partners in ministry with clear expectations of service. b. Ministries are encouraged to equip, support and inspire one another. c. A life of stewardship that strengthens the body of Christ is practiced. 3. INNOVATIVE TRADITION is embraced and uplifted as an expression of God at work in and through the Synod in Jesus name. a. Formative worship that proclaims the Gospel, shapes the living of our baptismal vocation and prepares the way for openness to change. b. Creative approaches to ministry, focused on the centrality of Christ, are supported with respect and interest. c. Experimentation and risk is encouraged, allowing for flexibility, possible failure and exciting possibilities. 4. COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS reflect the communion of saints and the interconnected nature of the Triune God as witness to the restoration, redemption and reconciliation of the world. a. Seeking justice and mercy, ministries collaborate in ventures of service with other groups and agencies to express God s grace and love. b. Serving with the Anglican Church of Canada whenever possible, and strengthening connections to other ecumenical partnerships, witnessing mutual respect and good stewardship. c. A culture of caring conversations, encouragement, hopeful opportunity and accountability is expressed and developed. d. Collaborative and co-operative experiments are initiated and supported throughout the Synod. e. We work with Synod, with the ELCIC and, through the ELCIC with International partners. f. We will focus on abiding in right relations with Indigenous Peoples. Western Synods Development of Lay Academy. The four western Synods and the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, are working together in the development of a Lay Academy. A working group has been formed to explore the rationale, values, needs and timelines. (Ron Schlegelmilch and I represent the ABT Synod). We also have begun a conversation as to the type of curriculum required and have noted that the Lay Academy also could accommodate some of the requirements outlined in the ELCIC Policy Regarding Authorized Lay Ministry. The working group has generated Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

86 a resource database of prospective teachers/facilitators for the Lay Academy. A needs assessment questionnaire was distributed to a number of congregations spring 2016 to define the curriculum even further. The establishment of the Lay Academy is in response to the leadership needs of congregations and to the interest expressed by lay people for a comprehensive program of study. I believe that the development of the Lay Academy is vitally important as the church undergoes a shift in its human resources over the coming decades. Congregations are becoming smaller, which means that fewer of them will be able to support financially a full-time pastor. As a result, more pastors likely will be serving multi-point parishes. The means that there will be a shift in the role of pastor and the way in which congregations relate to one another. As a result, there needs to be an increased emphasis on lay education and training, so that these lay leaders may work in consort with the pastor in such a system. Such a shift also provides us with another opportunity to imagine, frame and implement another way of being church. Lutheran Theological Seminary. I am very pleased with the work of Acting President Michael Nel as he leads our seminary through this very important transition time. His training and expertise in Bowen Systems Theory and in working as a consultant with synods and rostered ministers enables him to bring an experienced eye to some of the challenges facing the seminary. As this is only a two-year appointment, the Board of Governors has begun the formal process of a presidential search and a full review of its governance structure. National Church Because of our identity within our Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, our Synod enjoys a missional reach far beyond the boundaries of our region. Through our national church we are linked laterally with four other synods; nationally with the ELCA, the Anglican Church of Canada, the Canadian Council of Churches and Kairos; and globally with the Lutheran World Federation and World Council of Churches. Our Companion Synod relationship with The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia and our ministry, En Misión Con El Salvador: In Mission with El Salvador, is an expression of our global connections. The 2013 ELCIC National Convention made decisions that require changes to Synod constitutions and bylaws in a coordinated way. Here is the timeline that will lead to triennial conventions for your information: 2016 Synod Conventions elect delegates for 2017 National Convention National Convention meets in MNO Synod Synod Conventions elect delegates for 2019 National Convention. Synod bishop elections are for 6-year terms National Convention meets in Joint Assembly with Anglican Church of Canada in British Colombia. National Bishop election is for a 6-year term Synod Conventions first ones in the triennial schedule National Convention first one in the triennial schedule. Our Synod was privileged to host three ELCIC national events in 2014 and Thank you to the great multitude of volunteers who prepared for these OUTSTANDING events: National Diaconal Formation Event, July 13-20, 2014, Edmonton; National Lutheran and Anglican Worship Conference, July 20-23, 2014, Edmonton; and the ELCIC National Convention, July 9-12, 2015, Edmonton. What a marvelous job of planning, hosting, welcoming and serving. Much thanks to all! Companion of the Worship Arts. During the 2014 National Anglican and Lutheran Worship Conference Dr. Joy Berg was awarded the Companion of the Worship Arts. For the first time the Anglican Church of Canada awarded the Companion of the Worship Arts to an Anglican, The Rev. Dr. Graham Cotter. Retirement Education Sessions. In November 2015 two retirement education sessions in Edmonton and in Calgary were offered through our ELCIC Group Services Inc. and were very well attended and very informative. Reformation The Lutheran World Federation invites us to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation during the years I encourage you to make use of the many resources found on the ELCIC and the Lutheran World Federation websites. There you will find study documents, theological reflections and, of course, the Reformation Challenge. As a Church, we have committed ourselves to an ELCIC Reformation Challenge that involves: 1. Sponsoring 500 Refugees to Canada; 2. Planting 500,000 trees; 3. Providing 500 Scholarships for ELCJHL Schools (Jordan and the Holy Land); and, 4. Giving $500,000 to the LWF Endowment Fund. Additional Information is available on the ELCIC national church website, including the opportunity to register your Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

87 commitment as individuals, congregations, conferences, etc.. ( The offerings received at the opening and closing worship services of our 2016 Synod Convention have been designated by our Synod Council to be divided between the LWF Endowment Fund portion of the Reformation Challenge and the ABT Synod Bishop s Discretionary Fund. I encourage delegates to invite people from their congregations to send financial gifts with each delegate for these very important ministries. Other Ministry Bishop Self-Care and Spiritual Renewal. As per Synod Council policy, Bishop Self-Care and Spiritual Renewal, I continue to take a one-day personal retreat each month and twice a year take a two-day personal retreat. Each retreat period also provides the opportunity to see a Spiritual Director. I am thankful for this care and support from our Synod. I continue to meet on a regular basis with a committee of two retired rostered and two lay leaders. Continuing Education. I participate along with my ELCIC Bishop Colleagues at the annual Bishop s Academy with the ELCA Bishops. Informative in 2016 were four presentations and facilitated conversations around topics pertinent to the calling of Bishop. Keynote presenter was the Rev. Dr. William Willimon. Lutheran Theological Seminary Course. I taught a senior-level course at LTS fall 2015: Liturgical Practices in Praxis. September 14-15; November 7, 9 and 10, This was life-giving for me and provided an opportunity to be with students, staff and faculty at our Seminary. Joint Anglican Lutheran Commission. I welcome the opportunity to continue serving as an appointed member of the Joint Anglican Lutheran Commission (JALC). The work of this commission is energizing, informative and reflects well our own mission priority of Collaborative Partnerships. House of Bishops and Conference of Bishops. Yearly the Anglican and Lutheran Bishops gather for learning, encouragement, relationship building and worship. Together with Bishop Greg Mohr I am part of a small group of Bishops planning for our gatherings. Faith, Order and Doctrine. At the September 2014 meeting of National Church Council I was appointed to complete the term (December 2015) of Bishop Cindy Halmarson on the National Church Council s Faith, Order and Doctrine committee. I was subsequently appointed by National Church Council to serve beyond December Our current focus has been the direction from National Church Council regarding Orders of Ministry. Advisory group Authorized Lay Ministries. I was appointed by NCC to a three-member advisory group to develop guidelines for Authorized Lay Ministries. Appointments of one member from The Program Committee for Leadership Ministry and from The Program Committee for Worship have been made and our work has just begun. Delegate to LWF Assembly. National Church Council recently appointed delegates to the Lutheran World Federation s 12 th Assembly which will take place in May 2017 in Namibia, with a pre-assembly gathering in Suriname, South America in August I am honored (and excited!) to be one of the delegates journeying with National Bishop Susan Johnson, Rev. Katherine Altenburg (Eastern Synod) and Dan LeBlanc (SASK Synod). I continue to seek to minister with the Core Values of: affirmation, involvement and servant-leadership. My personal mission is: to engage, empower and equip for ministry. With Gratitude In conclusion, I wish to offer my thanks to God for so many people: + for my wife, Cathy, and our children, for their support and encouragement; + again, for Synod staff who have served over the past biennium and who form a wonderful synod staff team without whom I simply would not be able to function; + for the synod officers, Chairperson Tim Posyluzny, who has given of himself generously in service to the Synod and who has discerned not to seek re-election; Treasurer Stephen Wildfang who has gone above the call of duty in his service to the Synod; and Secretary Marilyn Murray who so capably serves; + for the members of the Synod Council for their dedication and service, especially those who are no longer eligible to serve another term, The Rev. Paul McCormick and Wayne Street, and The Rev. Gary Aicken who has discerned not to let his name stand for re-election; The Rev. David Holmes who completed his term as the Anglican Church of Canada`s representative; + for members of the Standing Committees of Synod Council the Examining Committee, the Committee for Theological Education and Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

88 Leadership, and the Constitutional Review Committee; + for all the ministry team members who work on your behalf in support of the ministries of the synod; + for my Bishop colleagues who provide an unparalleled support group for my ministry; + for the conference deans currently serving and those who completed this calling during the biennium, their families and congregations who give of their time and energy beyond their full-time ministries to serve the needs of the conferences The Rev. Kathy Calkins and The Rev. John Lentz, The Rev. Kristian Wold and The Rev. Dennis Aicken, The Rev. Reg Berg, The Rev, Eleanor Ness, and The Rev. Trish Schmermund and The Rev. Markus Wilhelm; + for all lay and rostered leaders with whom I have enjoyed a wonderful working relationship; + and to all the members of our congregations and specialized ministries who work and pray and support the work of the church in so many ways. It is a privilege to serve as your Bishop. I believe there is a growing renewed focus and vision in our Synod. I believe this will also be our experience at our Convention: Liberated by God s Grace. There is a commitment, I believe, to moving forward in mission together. Discerning where God is at work. And joining God in God`s mission. This is a time for prayer, conversation and discernment together. This is a time for shaping, for transformation guided by the Holy Spirit, and confident in the nurturing, healing, forgiving, life-giving water and Word of our baptism into Christ. Thank you for your partnership in mission. God s richest blessings as you gather for worship and work together at the Synod Convention. "The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). In Christ Jesus Shalom, + Larry Kochendorfer Abiding in Right Relations (AiRR) Ministry Team During the past 18 months a wide and rich variety of steps have occurred as the Abiding in Right Relations (AIRR) Ministry Team sought to implement Bishop Kochendorfer s vision and mandate; One of my desires as Bishop of the ABT Synod is to gather like-minded, passionate people for conversation, consideration and discernment related to "moving forward in promoting right and renewed relationships between indigenous and nonindigenous peoples and in tangible action both in our local contexts and in the larger reality. For me one important event and exchange was the final National Truth & Reconciliation Commission event which took place here in Edmonton in March 2014 Following 2 internal sessions that encompassed the Treaties 6, 7 and 8 areas there were 2 further significant steps forward made during the 2015 Synod Study Conference for Rostered Workers. In addition to the presence and some input from indigenous members congregations in the northern Conference, there were also insights from the Anglican National Indigenous Bishop, Mark MacDonald, in his keynote speaker role during the Conference itself. A significant and focused discussion also took place on the Wednesday night of that 2015 Study Conference. As volunteers during their own time, 21 people gathered with Anglican Indigenous Bishop Mark McDonald for a working dinner to discuss ways to move this important ministry forward as a priority in our Synod. In addition to this collaborative and consultative work done before, and especially at, the Synod Study Conference in Feb we: dealt briefly with Indigenous Rights issues during the April 2015 Congregational Life learning event held in Red Deer in a workshop that focused on natural resource extraction ; in the Spring of 2015 encouraged the planting of Heart Gardens in our Conferences right before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) issued their report in June. We know that at least two Heart Gardens were planted as a concrete expression of solidarity with both the past (residential schools) and into the future (First Nations Child and Family Services) with a focus Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

89 on children, their families and communities; met with KAIROS Executive Director Jennifer Henry in July 2015 as she prepared to address the ELCIC National Church Convention in Edmonton regarding the repudiation of Doctrine of Discovery. The motion was passed by the ELCIC; and, organized a cross border ELCIC and ELCA (Montana Synod), interdenominational (mainly Anglicans and Episcopalians), indigenous and non-indigenous learning event in Airdrie on Nov 20th and 21st. 69 people attended this Abiding in Right Relations Laying the Foundation event (30 Anglicans/Episcopalians; 29 Lutherans (ELCIC and ELCA); and 10 others). Event participants and panelists were from Canada and the United States. They were Indigenous and non-indigenous, young adults and not-so-young adults. Canadian participants were from Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 Land. facilitated the KAIROS Blanket Exercise with the Synod Council during their March 2016 Mulhurst retreat. Also present for this part of the agenda was National Bishop Susan Johnson who, like everyone else, willingly and fully participated in the exercise, and then the subsequent debrief. Moving Forward: Between Aug. 17th and 21st, 2015 the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples (ACIP) held their 8th triennial Sacred Circle. At the Sacred Circle session, National Bishop Susan Johnson invited Circle participants to enter into more formal working relationships. (Please see this video: ). After an informal start it will bring you up to date about our ongoing working relationship with the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, a major partner within the Anglican Church of Canada. We will certainly hear more about this through the National ELCIC Bishop s Office. Our ongoing commitment to the vision and work of ACIP and Bishop Mark MacDonald, National Anglican Indigenous Bishop, is clear. Into the future we will continue to work with our Anglican partners as we strive to build better relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. KAIROS is a major resource for our ecumenical work. Our ecumenical partnership with KAIROS has been ongoing for over 40 years, starting with Project North and its focus on the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline proposal. In 2015 we encouraged all congregation and individuals within our Synod to sign the Winds of Change petition in support of the TRC Call to Actin #62. Copies of the petition are available for signing at the Convention, and more information is available on line. ( We have worked towards the creation of material and actions for the June 2016 Synod Convention in Camrose. The latest motion by our National Church, at the July 2015 Convention, to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery will assist us in our work. The March 2016 statement by the ELCIC National Church Council (NCC), as a follow-up to the TRC call to action #48, will also guide our ongoing work. This NCC action follows the ELCIC s 2011 and 2015 National Convention motions; the June 2015 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; and, our National Bishop s commitment to the implementation, at all levels, of the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We have begun to utilize the AiRR link on the Synod s webpage. ( This links leads to other resources that address advocacy/issue, service and educational needs. Leading up to an event, with a Montana venue, likely in October 2017, we look forward to work again with the Montana Synod [ELCA], Calgary Diocese of the Anglican Church of Canada, and the Episcopal Diocese of Montana. This work will be very cognizant of the Blackfoot Confederacy which has always been within what is now Northern Montana and Southern Alberta. The lead on this work will be taken by a group established and led by Bishop Jessica Crist of the ELCA Montana Synod. In conclusion: We give thanks for our growing working relationship with the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples [ACIP]. We give thanks for the personal relationships that were either established or deepened at the November Airdrie event in the Treaty 7 area. We look forward to working with our indigenous, cross-border and ecumenical partners within the Blackfoot Confederacy area. We know that abiding in right relations means that we listen and act, and study and learn by doing; remembering our covenant relationships as reflected in Treaties and Church statements for over 30 years. Abiding in right relations means being in relationship Indigenous Peoples Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

90 while constantly working with Indigenous Peoples as they assist us to implement both the June 2015 TRC Calls to Action and the 2007 UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Submitted by co-chairs, Carl Rausch and Rev. Ann Salmon on behalf of the Abiding in Right Relations Ministry Team. Congregational Action and Response for Mental Health (CARE) Ministry Team God calls us, through the Gospel, to serve all people as we are able. Mental wellness and health issues are a serious concern in our society and our congregations. It is estimated that one in five Canadians is living with a mental health issue. Individuals and their families, and our communities, are affected significantly. The people of the Church and our congregations have a special role to play in supporting all persons to achieve mental health. But often we do not have the information or the skills to do that effectively. The CARE Ministry Team is a Synod initiative to promote mental wellness and health in our congregations and in our communities. CARE is supported by a grant from the former Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church in Edmonton. Augustana s own 85-year ministry had made it aware of mental health and wellness issues in its neighbourhood. One way the congregation chose to leave a legacy was through a gift of $100, to the Synod of Alberta and the Territories to be used for a Mental Health Awareness Initiative. Bishop Kochendorfer established a Synod Ministry Team to guide the work. CARE has a number of goals, one of which is to assist congregations to become more informed of mental health issues in society and the church; a second is to share resources and ideas within the Synod. CARE focuses on the following priorities: raising awareness of the reality of mental health issues in congregations; educating and training lay people and rostered leaders about mental illness, and helpful responses; identifying and providing resources available to congregations; and encouraging the development of local responses by congregations. There are clearly organizations and agencies which are already addressing these issues. There are initiatives within church bodies related to mental health issues that can inform our work. We are blessed with many community resources; many which we might call secular. That in no way makes them resources we should avoid or ignore, as they are good resources. CARE melds these resources with a faith perspective; that is a very intentional goal. Our Lutheran theology speaks very much to mental well-being. The CARE Ministry Team is actively engaged in how best to bring these resources to the people and congregations of the Synod, and how best to work with congregations so that they can support and minister to people, families, and communities wherever and in whatever way mental health is an issue. The ABT Synod website has a page which focuses on CARE; it provides information and resources which congregations are encouraged to be aware of and use. In February, 2016, the CARE Team and Synod leaders participated in a two-day workshop of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). MHFA workshops are provided by trained facilitators in many places across the Synod s territory, and have varying focuses. CARE provides financial support to congregations through $ scholarships provided to every ABT Synod congregation in support of members enrolling in MHFA workshops up to three per congregation. The Synod Study Conference in January, 2016, with its presenter Dr. Sharon Smith of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries, was a means of raising awareness and discussing the Initiative. The April 23 Congregational Life Event in Red Deer focused on mental health and wellness, again with Dr. Sharon Smith as main presenter, and a variety of workshops focused on mental health care. The CARE Ministry Team met at the All Ministry Team meetings in Red Deer on May 7, to develop further ways congregations and their members can be assisted in this import ministry. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

91 CARE aims to do more than talk about the issue we want to make a difference. Submitted by Carl Sorensen (Chair) On behalf of the CARE Ministry Team: Marcus Busch, Al Johnson, Dianne Kieren, Bishop Larry Kochendorfer, Rev. Keith Loewen, Rev. Mike Lynch (Anglican Church), Rev. Richard Reimer, Rev. Kathie Schmitke, Barb Stolee, and Rev. Marty Tuer Leadership Development Ministry Team The Leadership Development Ministry Team is responsible to plan and provide opportunities to enhance skills in leadership for laypeople and rostered personnel in the Synod of Alberta and the Territories. Accountable to the Bishop s Office, it helps to fulfill the Synod Mission Priorities for of Spirit-led Leadership, (equipping and empowering to practice the disciplines of Biblical engagement, prayer and spiritual direction), and Hope-filled Discipleship (encouraging, equipping, supporting, and inspiring ministries within the Synod). For many years the Leadership Development Committee has organized a day-long workshop in the spring intended for church councils to enhance their skills at leadership within their congregations. In 2015 the annual Church Council workshop was re-named the Congregational Life Workshop to reflect a wider scope for the intended participants. Not only for church council members, this workshop is valuable for any interested congregation member and potential leader in the community. The 2015 workshop was titled, Justice, Love, Faith and the Renewal of the Church with the keynote speaker Rev. Ryan Andersen. In 2016 the Leadership Development committee collaborated with the Synod s Congregational Action and Response (CARE) Ministry Team to bring Dr. Sharon Smith of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries to speak on Walking Together: Mental Health Through Our Lifetime. For several years the Lay Pastoral Assistant program met a need in the Synod to offer in-depth training for those who wish to take leadership roles in the parish. Since the program was originally established, a variety of educational opportunities have become available in the Synod, including the annual Retreat of Our Own, courses offered by the Ronning Centre in Edmonton/Camrose, lectures from the Wisdom Centre in Calgary, and new initiatives from the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon. In light of the many educational events now available, the committee decided to re-focus its efforts on advertising the existing opportunities to Synod members rather than organizing events under the umbrella of the LPA program. The last LPA seminar was held in January 2015 with the Rev. Dr. Gordon Jensen. In a changing church context, the Leadership Development Committee is seeking new ways to fulfil its mandate to train and grow leaders, lay and rostered, in our Synod. We look forward to increasing our collaboration with other educational partners in the church. Since 2014, long-serving members of the Leadership Development Committee have retired; many thanks go to Janet Charlton, Anne Lyseng, and Sharon Villetard. Current members are Brenda Bohmer, Madeleine Staub Odegard, Rev. Kristian Wold, and Rev. Lee Woolery. Respectfully Submitted, Rev. Kristian Wold Missional Formation Ministry Team The Missional Formation team includes members of the former Canadian Missions Committee, members of the Missional Network Synodical team, as well as people interested in the future God has for congregations and ministries across the Synod. The practices and attitudes gained in missional formation encourage and support the Synod s Mission Priorities of Spirit-led Leadership, Hopefilled Discipleship, Innovative Tradition and Collaborative Partnerships. The team focusses on three areas: 1. Encourage experiments and opportunities which support missional formation. Across the synod, congregations have been wondering how we can faithfully be following God s leading (using spiritual practices of listening to God, each other and the neighbourhood; discernment; followed by experiments and reflections). This open ended journey of discovery with no end point or goal in Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

92 mind, is one of simply wondering together what joining in God s activity in the neighbourhoods and communities around each congregation might look like. 2. Encourage and support mission congregations financially. Partnership support from Synodical Canadian Missions funding for congregations and leaders was distributed to congregations (two in 2015 and two in 2016). The ELCIC Canadian Extension and Capital Fund (CECF) monies were granted for support to mission congregations, ethnic specific ministries, and congregational re-development. In both 2015 and 2016, four congregations in the Synod received financial support. These grants also provide funds for Synod training and equipping of pastors and laity for mission. Historically, the CECF funds supported the development of new mission starts, particularly the cost of pastoral leadership. This national committee is reviewing the use and criteria for this fund and has initiated an ELCIC Creative Initiatives experiment. 3. Grant funding for ELCIC Creative Initiatives CECF experiment. At the February 2015 meeting of the National Church Extension and Capital Fund (CECF), the following challenge was articulated: Despite our desire to use the CECF fund faithfully, creatively and effectively, we are unsure how to participate in God s mission today in our changing local contexts. Hence we do not know how to best steward the use of the CECF resources (formerly used to buy land and mortgage new buildings). This ELCIC, CECF fund provided a total of 200K for use in in support of activities in this Synod which are experimental in spirit and genuinely seek to explore what it means to participate in God s mission in the world today. Funding has been allocated to the following experiments: Lenten Art worship in a local mall; developing a missional cohort for ABT Synod interns; synodical leadership of second The Missional Network (TMN) iteration; and missional lay leadership development in a congregational setting. More funding is available. Other experiments include hearing stories about budding relationships with refugees across the Synod and providing a Church council experience to explore missional attitudes and practices. Members of the committee are: Gerda Windiate, Sheryl Dubois, Penny Johnson, Rev. Jeff Decelle, Rev. Dr. Tim Wray and Rev. Dr. James Hendricksen Respectfully submitted, Rev. Dr. Julianne Barlow, Chair, Assistant to the Bishop for Mission Study Conference Planning Ministry Team The Study Conference Planning Committee has a single mandate: to plan and oversee the annual Study Conference for Rostered Clergy and Church workers, held for more than 20 years at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, Canmore, the first Monday to Thursday of February. The 2016 conference was held January because of a World Cup ski event held the first week in February, which meant that all hotel accommodations were filled. Our plans always include a keynote speaker on some current topic of theological and pastoral interest, and many opportunities for outdoor recreation, rest and socializing among colleagues. The keynote speaker this year was the Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen, who operates the OMG Center for Theological Conversation in Sioux Falls, SD. Her topic for the presentations in Canmore used the LWF theme for the 500th anniversary celebrations in 2017: Liberated by God s Grace: Creation Not for Sale, Human Beings Not for Sale, Salvation Not for Sale. For our Thursday morning presentation, usually a more hands-on topic, we heard Dr. Sharon Smith, of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries, Vancouver, speaking about The Lived Experience of Mental Health Recovery and the Gifts of a Christian Community. Her presentation was funded by our Synod s CARE Ministry Team, formed to help congregations address mental health issues as a community. Next year s speaker is the Rev. Dr. Dirk Lange, Associate Professor of Worship at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN. One of the most interesting facts in his biography is his experience as a brother of the Taize Community in France, which no doubt was an influence in his becoming a Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

93 professor of worship. Because it will be 2017, his presentations will likely be a further exploration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation theme. Members of the committee are the Rev. Faith Brace, Cochrane; Cathy Kochendorfer, Edmonton; the Rev. Kevin Powell, Calgary; and the Rev. Dr. Tim Wray, Airdrie. Rev. Faith Brace, Chair Synod Campus Ministry Team The Synod Campus Ministry Team (SCMT) provides assistance to chaplains and local campus ministry councils to provide a Lutheran and Christian witness at postsecondary institutions in five communities across Alberta and is partially funded from Synod benevolence. Following conversation and decision-making at our Synod s September 2014 All Ministry Team Meeting, it was determined that the composition, Operational Guidelines and Terms of Reference of SCMT would be changed, edited and/or newly drafted to meet a need for participation on the SCMT by those most closely connected: chaplains and local councils. Meetings now include the chaplains, a representative (usually the chair) of each local campus council, and the Bishop. We give thanks to those conference representatives who have served previously on SCMT: South West Rep.: Laverne Rude, Calgary; East Central Rep.: Rev. Bonnie Arends, Camrose; West Central Rep.: Diaconal Minister Virginia Burke, Clive; Northern Rep.: Rev. Aaron Schnell, Spruce Grove; Southern Rep: Les Pearson, Medicine Hat - appointed by Synod Office. We give thanks to those who serve on Local Campus Ministries and to our Chaplains: Rev. Richard Reimer - LCM U of A Chaplain Rev. Jason Anderson NAIT Chaplain Rev. Margaret Propp - LCM U of C Chaplain Rev. Canon Erin Phillips - ECM Lethbridge Chaplain Lisa Waites - ECM Medicine Hat College Rev. Craig Wentland - Augustana Chaplaincy Chaplain Robyn Simpson Mohr - Augustana Assistant for Chaplaincy (retired 2015) Sarah Smith Augustana, Assistant for Chaplaincy We give thanks to God for the financial gifts given to Synod Campus Ministries from the Augustana Lutheran, Edmonton congregation upon the sale of its property and for the legacy funding to Lutheran Campus Ministry in our Synod. We are excited to share that a grant from the Lutheran Triune Educational and Benevolent Society, Calgary enabled Lutheran Campus Ministry-Edmonton to initiate a new chaplaincy at NAIT! Rev. Jason Anderson s two-year contract began in February of With gratitude we give thanks for a grant from the Lutheran Triune Educational and Benevolent Society, Calgary for El Salvadoran Lutheran artist, Christian Chavarria, to journey through the Synod, including presenting at the January 2016 Young Adults retreat at Camp Kuriakos. The chaplains from each local Campus Ministry have provided the following reports: Augustana Chaplaincy, Camrose Rev. Craig Wentland Augustana Chaplaincy is marking a year of transition with the retirement of Robyn Simpson Mohr in the spring and the hiring of a new Assistant for Chaplaincy, Sarah Smith. Sarah is an alumna of Augustana, served as a student chaplain for three years and last spring completed a MDiv degree at Ambrose Seminary in Calgary. We are pleased to have a former student who has a passion for Augustana and campus ministry in this position. We are confident that we trained her up well. Last fall Augustana Chaplaincy initiated a new fundraising event called The Good Wine First. This was a seven course, farm-to-table, gourmet meal prepared by chefs who volunteered their time, served by students, and accompanied with a partial pairing of local wines. It was a well-received event that provided exposure for local producers and support for Chaplaincy. Finally, Augustana Chaplaincy has articulated a new overarching theme and vision for our ministry outlined in a witty little booklet entitled Table Manners 101. It is the communion table which provides the shape for our ministry and primary formation for the students in their vocations. The booklet will be available at the convention. Ecumenical Campus Ministry, Lethbridge Rev. Canon Erin Phillips 2015 was an exciting one for ECM-Lethbridge as we celebrated 20 years of ministry at Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge! In October 2014 we began a year of celebrations with a service in Markin Hall at the Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

94 university. Over a hundred people from both campuses and the community attended and our student group providing rocking music! In October of 2015 we concluded the celebrations with a potluck for ECM volunteers and board members from the past 20 years. Our focus on food and thought continues. We held two very successful end of term dinners at the college, handed out over 700 bags of groceries at the university and fed our student group supper every week. Our student group, the Theology Reading Group, thrived with great turn out and lively discussion every week. This year s Cade Community lecture series also went very well with four lively weeks looking at place and identity. This year we began two new big projects: a study of postsecondary poverty and a refugee sponsorship group. A research group of individuals from both campuses has been working all year on a major series of focus groups and surveys to take place next year on issues concerning poverty for our students. And a group made up of university people, three Anglican churches and a group from the community joined together to sponsor four Syrian families. Out of that initiative a group of students have also formed a World University Service of Canada (WUSC) club and have raised enough money to sponsor a refugee student this coming fall. We are truly blessed to be involved in this ministry! Ecumenical Campus Ministry, Medicine Hat Chaplain Lisa Waites The past two Academic years at Medicine Hat College were filled with new opportunities for the MHECM to deepen existing relationships with on-campus and community partners, and to establish new connections, too. As your Chaplain, I was invited to act as a facilitator for a weekly stress reduction program that the college initiated for staff, students, and faculty alike. The responses from the campus community toward MHECM are overwhelmingly positive. Thanks be to God! Chaplaincy continues to be a ministry full of crisis counselling and pastoral care for students experiencing a wide range of typical young adult challenges, and, quite often, additional concerns of a more serious nature. Hospitality continues to be an important theme for MHECHM. Our weekly soup and a bun free lunch was very popular with the students from October-April. Other popular food ministries included our Christmas Hamper program (150 hampers delivered last December 2015, many to students who are also single parents) and our spring Snack Pack initiative, which was held for two weeks in April, during final exams. This year, more than 12,000 individually packaged snacks (granola and protein bars, nuts and dried fruit, and juice boxes) along with 500+ pounds of fresh bananas, apples, and oranges were distributed to students. Christian programming included weekly Campus Alpha sessions in the fall semester, and Life Tree Café in the winter and spring terms. A weekly drop-in Bible Study and prayer group was also offered, along with connections to on and off-campus opportunities for Christian worship and discipleship. I was the staff advisor for a student church group called Encounter Church. I also invited a United Church Overseas Personnel staffer to talk about her work in South Korea; on the day of her presentation, the room overflowed with international students. Outreach events included a 5km Walk for Justice on behalf of the International Justice Mission in the fall, the Coldest Night anti-homelessness initiative in the winter term, an anti-slavery movie night and letter-writing campaign, and prayer walks around the campus on a monthly basis, weather-permitting. I have also been asked to sit on the newly formed Medicine Hat College Circle on Indigenous Peoples, a committee that seeks to decolonize the college and implement the list of Truth and Reconciliation recommendations. I hope to offer the Kairos Blanket Exercise on campus next year. We hope to hold several cultural events next year. My future hopes for the ministry include further development of church partners. I dream of having representation from every Christian church and ministry as members of our society, and a diverse board of directors filled with the wisdom of our city and region. I pray for continued stable funding and for the financial viability to increase this position further during the academic year, so that all students at Medicine Hat College would have access to the MHECM, and through our ministry, to the compassion and hope that Jesus Christ freely offers to every living soul. The beginning of the academic year marked the fifth year of Chaplaincy services at Medicine Hat College. I thank God for the continued ability to share the love of God with students in this college community. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

95 Lutheran Campus Ministry, Calgary Rev. Margaret Propp The Lutheran Campus Ministry-Calgary has implemented a new leadership programme called the Peer Partnership Programme (PPP). In partnership with the United and Presbyterian chaplaincies, Campus Ministry has partnered with two Calgary congregations (Hope Lutheran and Advent Lutheran) in this pilot programme, which we hope to expand to other congregations. Student leaders while receiving cocurricular credit from the University of Calgary and an honorarium from the congregations will participate and facilitate in theological learning, leadership, and outreach. The Women of Faith Grant from the ELCIC has made implementing this programme possible. The University of Calgary chaplaincy continues to operate at a 40% position and hope to increase the Lutheran presence to full time. In 2015, our fundraising dinner involved a Sushi Making Night followed by Holden Evening Prayer; and in 2016, our fundraising dinner involved a Taco Night followed by Holden Evening Prayer. With many people participating, including students, each dinner was a celebration. In September I am involved with other Christian chaplains for the medical school internment held at Queens park cemetery. This service is held to honor the bodies donated and now interned after their time with the medical school. I had the honor to participate and help host a Blackfoot sweat lodge ceremony with the United/Presbyterian chaplaincy and Elder Casey Eagle Speaker. This event was held in the fall with approximately 20 students in attendance. This unique and powerful experience was new to me, and challenged some of my misconceptions of Aboriginal spirituality. I was approached by the University to assist in a new cocurricular course offered through the Faith and Spirituality Centre called the Kaleidoscope project. This project invites students to engage in learning, conversation and action with others who may have a different background or viewpoint in order to build a more engaged and diverse community on campus and in Calgary a community that works together, regardless of religious tradition, spirituality, culture, identity, sexual orientation, gender, and personal or political views. This course with over 20 students spent reading week at the FJC Centre (Catholic Retreat Centre) in Calgary and used it as the home base to visit different sacred spaces of the Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jewish faith. We had guest speakers present, and also looked at case studies of real life events where the secular and religious sphere intersected and required intentional conversation and action. As the chaplain, my role was to facilitate reflection and debriefing of the students experiences. The 2016 annual young adults retreat at Kuriakos was a fabulous weekend with approximately 60 students in attendance. Christian Chavarria from El Salvador was our guest speaker and provided a powerful and grace filled weekend with his sharing of story, artistic abilities, and presence. Calgary was able to bring 12 people in total to the retreat, which was a real highlight (with almost a third of the people not coming from a Christian background and being interested in participating!) Lutheran campus ministry continues to be a joyous and exciting ministry, which I feel, truly blessed to be called to. I hope this ministry continues to be a priority to the wider church as we struggle to support it financially. Lutheran Campus Ministry, Edmonton Rev. Richard Reimer Celebrating a Double Anniversary: this year's Friends of Lutheran Campus Ministry-Edmonton Annual Banquet celebrated a remarkable 60 years of ministry! The banquet also celebrated the 25th year of Rev. Richard Reimer's call through the Synod of Alberta and the Territories to serve as Lutheran Chaplain at the University of Alberta. Richard reflected on the unique contribution of campus ministry to the calling of the church and the university in his presentation, God in the Quad (posted online at: We are excited and grateful for the momentum God has given us in our 60th year, particularly as we grow with a new part time ministry to NAIT by Chaplain Jason Anderson while continuing Richard's full time ministry at the University of Alberta. Developing Student Leadership: this year, under the theme, Creating Hope Shaped Community, the Lutheran Student Movement (LSM) raised over $2,000 to support the work of the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN) in settling Syrian refugees locally. The LSM Executive invited an array of speakers to talk about what it means to create hope within our community, guests such as Bishop Larry Kochendorfer, Sheena Abar, the U of A s Community Social Work Team Coordinator, representatives from the EMCN, and, finally, two brothers who arrived from Syria this past year. At the annual Young Adult Retreat that LSM helped Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

96 organize, Christian Chiavarra, El Salvadoran artist, inspired participants with paradoxical hope recounting horrifying atrocities suffered by his family and his life as a refugee, and yet testifying to the saving presence of God, leading him to paint hope for his country into crosses that have reached even the hands of the Pope! He also led us in a wonderful, creative session of painting our own crosses! Promoting right relations : In 2015 Lutheran Campus Ministry joined with the Synod of Alberta and the Territories to build on the ELCIC s commitment to right relations with indigenous peoples by hosting a transformative weekend of events under the theme, Walking Together: In the Spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. One hundred and forty attendees of the annual Friends of Lutheran Campus Ministry Banquet at Trinity Lutheran Church were riveted by the powerful storytelling, in word, poetry and song of MikMaq/Acadian Terri LeBlanc, founder of the North American Institute for Theological Studies. And a broad cross section, including a representative of the Mennonite Central Committee, a Muslim teacher, and a member of the provincial Department of Education, took in the moving documentary of our residential school legacy, Gently Whispering the Circle Back, and discussion afterward facilitated by filmmaker, Beth Wishart MacKenzie and Charles Wood, Elder from the Blue Quill First Nation that commissioned the documentary (to purchase the DVD and facilitator guide, visit: Creating Community: Martin Luther House continues to provide a home away from home where seven student residents can bring together faith, life and the university. Residents reach out to the wider student community by opening their doors for Tuesday suppers hosted by the Lutheran Student Movement. New this year, on Sunday evenings residents joined the Anglican student community for The Worship Room at St. George s Anglican Church located right by the campus. To find out more about Martin Luther House, or to apply for residency, visit: Collaborating Ecumenically: The Lutheran Chaplain again coordinated the annual Festival of Lessons & Carols for Advent & Christmas, featuring the U of A Mixed Chorus and the Faculty of Education Hand bell Ringers and sponsored by the Interfaith Chaplains Association. This benefit raised over $4,000 for student mental health, donated to Community Social Work and Student Counseling Services on campus. Make sure to include this year s Festival Nov. 28th in your calendar! In another expression of Christian unity, Lutheran, Presbyterian Reformed, Catholic, Unitarian, Pentecostal, United Church, Anglican and Baptist chaplains brought Pancake Tuesday Mental Health Break! to the Main Quad on Shrove Tuesday serving over 400 students! Lutheran Campus Ministry NAIT, Edmonton Rev. Jason Anderson Extending outreach to NAIT: Thanks to a grant from the Lutheran Triune Educational and Benevolent Society, Lutheran Campus Ministry-Edmonton has initiated a new chaplaincy at NAIT. Rev. Jason Anderson s two-year contract began in February of Jason dreams of developing with other chaplains a group for soulful nourishment and ecumenical gatherings, and maybe even a sports ministry, but admits that he is at the start of discovery and development. Pray for Jason and this exciting ministry! The Synod Campus Ministry Team welcomes your partnership in the gospel. Thanks for keeping our campus ministries in the driving lane by your ongoing support via Synod Benevolence, Directed Giving and especially through your support for Campus Ministry s Drive for Five Sunday, held each September. On behalf of the Synod Campus Ministry Team, +Bishop Larry Kochendorfer Synod Youth Ministry Team The Synod of Alberta and the Territories is challenged, assisted and enriched by the youth in congregations. To support and highlight this important part of our community, a biennial synod gathering hosts the young people from all congregations; and a network of youth leaders is encouraged. Diaconal Minister Sarah Rudd served on the Youth Ministry Team and in the fall of 2014 approached Tammy Kirkwood and Mark Kuntz to join the team, who subsequently took on the leadership when Sarah resigned in the spring of We wish to thank Sarah for all her contributions over the years to this Ministry Team. National Youth Gathering The Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth Gathering (CLAY) is a biennial national event for youth aged years old, organized by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) and the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC). Each gathering is held over four days and includes large group worship, speakers and workshops, excursions, activities, Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

97 entertainment and education. It is held in a different location across Canada every other year. Worth It, the 2014 CLAY (Canadian Lutheran & Anglican Youth) gathering was held August 14-17, 2014 in Kamloops, BC, at the Thompson River University and received very positive reviews from delegates all over our synod. Speaker Scott Evans asked the youth to consider how they define ourselves: is their worth determined through their thoughts, words, actions, and projected images on social media sites? The speakers, workshops and servant events sought to make space for another equation of worth: God has said, over and over, you already are worth it. You re trying to earn something that you already have. In 2016, the CLAY Gathering, with the theme: Not for Sale Salvation Not for Sale; Human Beings Not for Sale; Creation Not for Sale will be held at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) in Charlottetown, from August 17 21, with registration and a welcome event taking place on Wednesday night and the rest of the gathering schedule kicking off Thursday morning. Plans are well underway for a Synod sponsored 4 day and 4 nights Sightseeing Bus Tour in Nova Scotia prior to the CLAY Gathering in Charlottetown. While in Nova Scotia, ABT Synod youth will have a chance to see such sites as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lunenburg and the famous Peggy's Cove, and will gather for meals together as well as for worship and community building. The tour also visits other sites and activities over the four days, including Tidal Bore River Rafting on the Shubenacadie River. Bishop Larry and his wife, Cathy, will be travelling with the group as well as attending the Youth Gathering. Leadership for this tour has been coordinated between Tammy Kirkwood, and Rev. Anna Thede. Synod Youth Gatherings Called to Be was held May 29-31, 2015 at Mulhurst Church Camp with 51 participants, including 9 Home Team Leaders. This Gathering was based on a new model that the Synod camps brought to the team. As our numbers for the Gatherings have dwindled, our Lutheran camps can now accommodate a Synod youth gathering, unlike in previous years when registration numbers were too large. With this model, the Youth Ministry Team was trying to achieve two things: have the youth learn what a gathering with their fellow Lutheran peers is like, especially if they hadn t experienced one in the past; and, with shared staff representing each camp, offer the youth a taste of what our camps; Mulhurst, Camp Kuriakos, and Hastings Lake, have to offer. The hope was that this would help encourage the youth to attend the camps in the summer, and it did have a positive impact. Mulhurst s Camp Director, Marg Daly reports that this was successful, especially with cultivating new future leaders. Thank you to Rev. Dr. Tim Wray for volunteering his time to be Keynote Speaker; Rev. Dr. Bishop Larry Kochendorfer, and Lisa Rude for taking photos; and to the worship Band, consisting of Connor Dear, Cullen Halvorson and Anna Kochendorfer. The 2017 ABT Synod Gathering is booked at Camp Kuriakos for May 5-7, 2017 and we have started looking into speakers and themes for the gathering. National Church Convention Thank you also to Jacob Rempel and Kristen Kirkwood from St. Pauls, Ellerslie for being our ABT Synod youth delegates to the National Convention, July 2015, in Edmonton. They reported on what a great experience it was. Kristen and Jacob had fun getting to know the youth representatives from the other Synods and enjoyed the discussions with both adults and the other youth. One thing they would like to see is a bit more education with some of the adults, to take youth seriously. Both Kristen and Jacob felt it was a great experience to see how things are discussed from the National ELCIC stand point and how the administration works to make the changes; these changes are what will affect the future and their generation. CLAY. Ed (Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth in Edmonton and surrounding area) In 2012, an Edmonton and area group was formed after the national gathering in Saskatoon. Its purpose was to help the Youth from various Lutheran and Anglican congregations stay connected between Synod and National Gatherings. We hold events about 3 times a year at different locations around the city. This has also had an impact on the Pastors & Youth Leaders as we also stay more connected with premeetings to plan the events. It has been a good way to share and collaborate on ideas and other missional information. We usually try to have different types of events to appeal to all the youth, for example: CLAY. Ed Scott Evans Event worship, games, Educational CLAY. Ed Earth Hour Event worship, games, Educational activities, (15 youth) Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

98 CLAY. Ed Saints and Martyrs Bash band worship, games, (15 youth) CLAY. Ed Lazerquest worship & games, (42 youth) CLAY. Ed Transfiguration Event outdoor games, campfire worship, palm burning prep. for Ash Wed.- (20 youth) Youth Ministry Team goals for the future; Setting up a Youth Leadership retreat (FOR LEADERS) Continue to connect with all ABT Synod Churches to gain Youth Leader contact info. for better networking and collaboration between Youth Leaders Use the ABT Synod Web page/youth Tab to provide up to date youth information on events and programs Set up and manage youth relevant Social Media outlets; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter to get information out to the youth about events that affect them in and around the ABT Synod. Adding 2 or 3 more people to the Team to help share and manage the information across the Synod plan the 2017 ABT Synod Gathering Respectfully submitted, Tammy Kirkwood, Chair World Mission Ministry Team Greetings to all of you in the name of our risen Lord. I am writing during the Easter season and I am still mindful of how many people Jesus touched as the witness of the disciples began to spread. His appearance at Emmaus (Luke 24), on the shore of the Lake of Galilee (John 21) and to Saul (Acts 9) reveal the many ways that the church adds to the witnessing of Jesus power. In that same vein, several things have changed since I wrote in First, our name has changed from World Mission Committee to World Mission Ministry Team. This better reflects what we are about, doing mission work in the world. Secondly, there were two major mission events that took place. One was just over a year ago. The Bishop lead a group to El Salvador. The trip was in March and April of 2015 and it was very important that our mission group was there. Major celebrations were held on Palm Sunday in commemoration of the death of Archbishop Oscar Romero. The Bishop has sent pictures of this trip around the Synod and I will leave it to him to reflect further on the spiritual significance of his involvement in this trip and event. There was also a celebration of Pastor Brian Rude s work there. He has been on leave from call for the past three years and is with us as we gather in convention. He and the Bishop may reflect on how this ministry moves forward. Secondly, there was the visit to the Synod by a fine El Salvadoran artist, Christian Armando Chavarria. He visited throughout the Synod during January and February of 2016 and many will have heard his story and collected some of his handiwork. It is always important to understand that not everyone is privileged to live in a country such as ours. Christian said that here, You are born, you live and your die. In contrast, in El Salvador he said, You are born, you survive and you die. There are missionaries serving right now who cannot even be identified by the country they are serving in; to do so would mean death for them. These are the things that we have worked on and the people we have worked with in the last biennium. Going forward, we have another task at hand. At the end of April, there was a meeting with Rev. Dr. James Hendricksen to discuss a draft proposal as to how the National Church wants to move forward with the area of World Missions. A draft will be presented and then worked on further. As always, I give thanks for my two partners who do this work with me. My thanks to Dr. Helen Bowden and Mr. Ray Blacklock for their perspectives, wisdom and contributions. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Scott Brown, chair. Worship and the Arts Ministry Team God, our creator and protector, you illumine the world and breathe life into us. You heal the world with your outstretched arms. You rescue creation and inspire your church. We thank you for this day... Evening Prayer, Reformation 500 Sourcebook Sampler Augsburg Fortress Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

99 Our synod s Worship and the Arts Committee, which usually meets twice a year, has four members: Bishop Larry Kochendorfer (Synod office) Colleen McGinnis (Wetaskiwin) secretary; editor of the Adoramus newsletter Rev. Ron Flamand (Edmonton) Carolyn Ethier (Lethbridge) chair; ABT representative on the ELCIC National Program Committee for Worship This year we have been privileged to coordinate worship planning for the 2016 Synod Convention. We are thankful for the gifts of others who have joined in this work: Robyn Simpson-Mohr, Rev. Daranne Harris, and Dr. Joy Berg. We also give thanks for Christian Chavarria from El Salvador, who, while journeying through our Synod in 2015, painted a processional cross for the Synod. Phil Berg from Grace, Bentley, is creating the pole and stand, all of which will be dedicated during the Synod Convention. Our members are also currently exploring how we can support worship-related initiatives with the ELCIC s 2017 Reformation commemoration, "Liberated by God s Grace. We encourage everyone interested in worship to attend the 2016 National Anglican/Lutheran Worship Conference, Formation & Reformation: Worship, Justice, and God s Mission in Kitchener-Waterloo on July With an emphasis on justice and mission, the National Worship Conference brings together presenters and participants from across Canada to explore the worship life of the church. Keynote addresses will be given by The Rev. Dr. Bruce Jenneker (Cape Town, South Africa) and The Rev. Dr. Stephen Larson (New Hamburg, Ontario). The conference offers a great opportunity to extend the wonderful connections made at the 2014 Edmonton event, Weaving Strands: Liturgy for Living. Look to the National Worship Conference website for details: synod website. Congregations are invited to include these public intercessions in their weekly worship. A processional cross and torches, previously commissioned by the committee, are used at synodical events and are also available from the synod office for congregational use. You are always welcome to share through our synod website the ideas and worship resources being created in your own communities. Respectfully submitted, Carolyn Ethier on behalf of the committee Our primary focus in the past has been to create and promote resources and education around worship. Issues of the Adoramus newsletter are available on our synod web page ( along with a growing collection of seasonal worship resources, hymn festivals, workshop opportunities. The weekly diary of prayers and intercessions for congregations and ministries of the Church is also on the Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

100 SECTION D REPORTS OF THE OFFICERS AND COUNCIL COMMITTEES As trustees of the synod (Bylaws, Part VII), the synod council supervises and evaluate the mission and ministry of the synod. This section describes how these duties are carried out and the results of these actions. Chairperson s Report Dear Sisters and Brothers, who make up the Synod of Alberta and the Territories, Grace to you all and peace In that this is my final report to you as chairperson I have decided to take a different approach. Rather than highlighting synod council s work in support of our Bishop s mission priorities of which there were many good undertakings I am simply going to outline my reasons not to seek re-election, offer a personal list of milestones marked over the last eight years, and of course, recognize with thanks the many who do so much in our synod. A bylaw state that an Officer of Synod shall serve for a term of four years (becoming six years) without limitation (Part VIII Section 1.) This bylaw is open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, provides for accountability, and creates stability within our synod. However, I have decided not to exercise this privilege and so not to run for a third term. My decision was essentially shaped by the following two reasons. First, my stepping aside allows for the continued development of new and fresh leadership which is open to either lay or rostered members of our wonderfully resourced synod. Second, by leaving this office I am free to serve in our synod and national church in new and different ways. Please know that I have enjoyed and appreciated serving our synod as the chairperson. Over the last eight years our synod has done much and experienced much and from these eight years I would like to share with you my personal top ten list. 1. Being elected to serve as chair under Bishop Ron Mayan in June, 2008 and then being reelected in 2012 my hope is that I lived up to the affirmation and trust these elections signaled. 2. During this period experiencing our synod loosing thirty congregations a heartbreaking and stressful time. 3. Along with synod council endorsing Bishop Mayan s decision to call Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer as Assistant to the Bishop and in October, 2012 chairing a special convention of synod that resulted in him becoming our bishop. 4. As chair being appointed to represent our synod on the national church s Task Force on Structural Renewal. While the suggestion to merge the four western synods in to two synods was rejected, the move to a triennial convention model along with plans to create areas which provide for greater mutual support of local congregational initiatives is happening. 5. Creating the position of Assistant for Mission with Rev. Dr. Julianne Barlow called by Synod to serve in this new position. This action marks a concrete shift in focus from the Issue to Mission. 6. Locating the office for our Assistant for Mission in Calgary resulting in a more geographically balanced presence of synod leadership. 7. Shortening the duration of synod conventions by almost a day for me, this represents better stewardship of our delegates time. 8. Introducing the practice of having three conference conventions rather than five thus allowing for a better use of our Bishop s time and allowing for uniformity in theme and focus within conferences. 9. Witnessing the benefits of Augustana-Edmonton s legacy within synod which included a large gift to benevolence, funding for education and support around matters of inclusion (Rethinking Welcome) and of mental health (CARE) and funding for campus ministries. 10. Participating in Participating in Hope in 2015 and again in 2016 wherein synod council representatives facilitated local congregations in coming together in order to share ideas, connect with other Lutherans, and support one another. While I recognize that this list is nowhere near exhaustive these are the events, changes, and experiences in our Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

101 synod that had personal impact on me. A final privilege is to thank some of the many women and men who contribute so much to the care and well-being of our synod. Thank-you to our synod council these people, lay and rostered, women and men have answered Our Lord s call and your invitation by election to provide leadership. Capably representing their conferences are: Southwestern: Terri Coombs and Rev. Phil Holck East/Central: Irene Motta and Rev. Paul McCormick West/Central: Mark Ree and Rev. Gary Aiken Northern: Mike Harmon and Rev. Ann Salmon Southern: Wayne Street and Rev. Reg Berg Our Synod Council also includes an able executive notably Marilyn Murray Secretary, Stephen Wildfang Treasurer, Rev. Tim Posyluzny Chairperson, Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer Bishop. What a privilege to have worked with such a group of dedicated and skilled individuals. At our synod council meetings, the National Church Council is represented by Judy Wry, Les Pearson and the Rev. Marc Jerry and from the Anglican Communion as observer and member of synod council is Rev. Erin Philips thank-you all for taking on these added responsibilities. Leadership at the conference level is provided by conference councils and deans. Our deans are often congregations first contact with synod and represent bishop/synod when required. They also provide synod council/bishop with insight into local matters. Presently serving as deans are: Rev. Kristian Wold Southwestern; Rev. Eleanor Ness East/Central; Rev. Kathy Calkins West/Central; Rev. Trish Schmermund Northern; and Rev. Reg Berg Southern. I gratefully acknowledge your servant leadership. Our synod is blessed to have a deployed staff serving in a variety of ways and places. Thanks goes out to all of these dedicated women and men. Included in this group are Bishop Don Sjoberg (ret.), Rev. Gary Nichol, Diaconal Minster Faith Nostbakken, Rev. Daranne Harris, Wendy Christensen-Grosfield (recently replacing Colleen McGinnis as editor for our synod s insert in the Canada Lutheran), and Trudy Davis (recently retired after many years as our faithful bookkeeper). Finally, a word of gratitude to our synod staff, all of whom work more than full-time: Darla Wildfang, Executive Assistant, who warmly blends competency and patience, Rev. Dr. Julianne Barlow, the Assistant for Mission who brings a passion for mission; and Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer, the Bishop of Synod, who, as our shepherd and leader, provides us with vision, care, and wisdom along with being a model for healthy ministry. In conclusion I thank all of you who make our synod the vital Christ-centered expression of the larger church it is. My prayer is that: God, the Creator, would create in us a continued appetite for justice; God, the Incarnate, would fill us with an ongoing desire for reconciliation; God, the Comforter, would free us to live out our faith with boldness and joy; And God, the Great Three in One, would empower us to hopeful action. Amen Yours in mutual ministry, Rev. Tim Posyluzny STM Chairperson Secretary s Report A. The following meetings of the Synod Council were held with actions recounted in the following sections B-D of this report. June 19, 2014 June 21, 2014 September 19, 2014 October 1, 2014 December 1, 2014 January 13, 2015 February 27, 2015 March 13, 2015 August 5, 2015 September 18, 2015 (electronic) (electronic) (electronic) (electronic) (electronic) Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

102 November 15, 2015 (electronic) January 29, 2016 (electronic) March 10-12, 2016 April 27, 2016 (electronic) May 5, 2016 (electronic) May 10, 2016 (electronic) May 13, 2016 (electronic) SC16-24: SC16-25: 2 year terms on the Congregational Constitution Review Committee. That Darcy Calkins, Greg Linglebach, and The Rev. Susan Horton be appointed for a second 4-year term to the Committee for Theological Education and Leadership. That The Rev. Prema Samuel be appointed to a 4-year term to the Committee for Theological Education and Leadership. The following Executive Committee meetings were held, with actions ratified at a subsequent meeting of the Council: July 10, 2014 September 9, 2014 December 3, 2014 February 13, 2015 April 10, 2015 June 12, 2015 November 17, 2015 January 19, 2016 February 25, 2016 April 21, 2016 B. Appointments SC14-26: That The Rev. Canon Erin Phillips, Lethbridge be appointed to serve on Synod Council, beginning Fall SC14-27: That Les Pearson, Unity Lutheran, Medicine Hat be appointed to sit on the Synod Campus Ministry Team. SC15-17: That Myrna Husdal, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Lethbridge and Dr. Elizabeth Wallace, First Lutheran, Calgary be appointed to 4 year terms as Member at Large of the Committee for Theological Education and Leadership. SC15-18: That The Rev. Paul McCormick, Synod Council member, Chair; Dan Ethier, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Lethbridge; and The Rev. Calvin Skriver, Lord of Glory, Lac la Biche be appointed to C. Roster Status SC14-36: That a call be extended for special ministry - Interim Ministry to The Rev. Dr. Kayko Driedger Hesslein. SC14-37: That Faith Nostbakken be approved for consecration pending receipt and acceptance of a call. SC14-38: That The Rev. Arnold Alksne be granted retired status effective October 12, SC14-40: That The Rev. Jason Anderson be issued a Call to Special Service Chaplaincy. SC15-01: That Diaconal Minister Signi Bruner be granted retired status effective January 31, SC15-02: That The Rev. Deborah Moroz be granted retired status effective January 31, SC15-03: That The Rev. Art Weiss be issued a Call to Special Service - Executive Director, Camp Kuriakos as of February 1, SC15-04: That The Rev. Peter Grundler be issued a Call to Special Service Chaplain, at Glenrose Rehab. Hospital, beginning January 5, SC15-15: That Senior Seminarian Shane Hein be approved for ordination pending completion of studies, and receipt and acceptance of a call. SC15-16: That the following roster status be granted: The Rev. Ryan Andersen, OLC Year 1 The Rev. Judy Jarvis, OLC Year 2 The Rev. Angela Bergquist, OLC Year 2 The Rev. Jim Appleby, OLC Year 2 The Rev. Glenn Widdis, OLC/Study Leave Year 2 Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

103 SC15-21: SC16-01: SC16-15: SC16-16 SC16-17 SC16-24 SC16-25 SC16-26 SC16-30 The Rev. Dr. Brian Rude, OLC Year 3 Diaconal Minister Lila de Waal, Removed from Roster That The Rev. Peter Chau be granted retired status effective September 1, That Diaconal Minister Karen Wedman be issued a Call to Special Service - Director of Mission Effectiveness with the Good Samaritan Society as of January 4, That the following roster changes be approved: The Rev. Greg Kern be removed from roster. The Rev. John Boyd, OLC year 1 The Rev. Cindy Werner, OLC year 1 The Rev. Ryan Andersen, OLC - year 2. The Rev. Judy Jarvis, OLC year 3 The Rev. Jim Appleby, OLC year 3 That the following roster changes be approved: Diaconal Minister Lorraine Schrader be placed on OLC year 1; Diaconal Minister Sarah Rudd be called to Special Service Chaplain at Good Samaritan Society, Edmonton. That The Rev. Angela Bergquist and The Rev. David Petterson be granted retired status effective February 19, 2016 and March 12, 2016 respectively. That Diaconal Minister Melissa May be issued a Call to Special Service - On Eagle's Wings. That Senior Seminarian Lindsey Skakum be approved for ordination pending completion of studies, and receipt and acceptance of a call. That Senior Seminarian Erik Sorenson be approved for ordination pending completion of studies, and receipt and acceptance of a call. That The Rev. Dr. Brian Rude be granted retired status effective June 1, D. Administrative Decisions SC14-30: That the Synod compensation guidelines for 2015 be adopted with a 3% increase. An amendment was proposed for a 6% increase across the board. The motion as amended was carried. SC14-32: That the Synod Council recommends an increase in the remuneration package, including cost of living plus merit pay, for Bishop Larry Kochendorfer. SC14-35 That St. Paul Lutheran Church, Burstall, SK be transferred to the Synod of Alberta and the Territories. SC14-39 That the constitutional amendment submitted by Hosanna Lutheran Church, Edmonton, be approved as proposed. SC15-06 That the 2015 budget of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories be adopted as presented. SC15-14 That the constitutional amendments submitted by St. John s Lutheran Church, Alberta Beach, be approved as proposed. SC15-19 That funds of $30,000 be provided from the Ratz fund for two internship placements from within the Synod. SC15-20 That the Synod of Alberta and the Territories Companion Synod Covenant with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Colombia (IELCO) be renewed for another five years (2020) pending approval by IELCO, with re-evaluation to take place in SC That Synod Council approve the second iteration of Participating in Hope synodwide gatherings, to be named Participating in Hope 2.0. SC15-24 That Council adopt the 2016 Compensation Guidelines as presented. SC That the 2016 Convention Theme, Logo, Draft Budget and Draft Agenda be approved as presented. SC15-39 That the Nominations and Election of Synod Delegates to National Convention draft proposal be adopted for presentation at Conference Conventions and drafted into Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

104 the appropriate Synod bylaw. SC15-45 That all rostered leaders (active and retired) be eligible to stand for election as delegates to National Conventions. SC16-07 That Council approve the audited 2015 financial statement mindful that there will be minor adjustments requested by the auditors in the final version. SC16-08 That the Synod budget be adopted as presented for SC16-09 That the amended Synod Constitution be brought to convention for first reading. SC16-10 That the amended Synod Bylaws be brought to convention in draft form as information only. SC16-11 That the Nominations and Elections of National Convention Delegates, proposed addition to Synod Bylaws Section VI, be brought to convention for action. SC16-12 That the combined offerings from the 2016 Convention services be divided equally, with half designated for the ELCIC Reformation Challenge- LWF Endowment Fund, and half for the ABT Synod Bishop s Discretionary Fund. SC16-13 That the report from the Bishop s Performance Review be accepted with gratitude and that Synod Council recommends an increase in the remuneration package, including cost of living plus merit pay, for Bishop Larry Kochendorfer. SC16-14 That the constitutional amendment submitted by Lakeland Lutheran Church, Cold Lake, be approved as proposed. SC16-22 That Bishop Larry Kochendorfer be granted a three month sabbatical Nov. 1, 2016 through Jan. 31, SC16-29 That Synod Council present Dianne Kieren and Laureen Wray as nominees for the position of lay representative to the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon Board of Governors. Financial highlights Treasurer s Report In the two years since our 2014 convention benevolence giving from congregations declined by $44,000. This represents a 6% decline. While this decline is not as precipitous as the decline reported to the 2012 convention, it nonetheless challenges us to continue operating in the face of declining financial resources. Confronting this fiscal situation means that funding for ministry has remained unchanged since 2014 and there is no projected increase in overall annual spending for the coming biennium. The results for 2015 include a special one-time gift of $100,000 from the members of Augustana Lutheran Church (Edmonton) which was gifted to the synod in February 2015 after the congregation closed at the end of This generous gift is greatly appreciated. Annual results for 2015 show a modest deficit of $16,866 this is attributed to the non-cash amortization expense of $37,339. Overall operations were within budget limits there were some increases in expenditures over the amounts budgeted that were funded by directed gifts and reserve allocations. Some other items of particular interest are: We have a reserve fund of $178,000 and another $80,000 of additional surplus. These are fully funded by cash and term deposits. This provides some measure of comfort in the near term. In 2015 we provided scholarships of $42,000 to support the tuition costs of seminarians. In addition, we hold about $32,000 in unspent directed gifts for scholarships at the end of The intent is to disburse these funds in We still provide significant funding for Theological Education, Canadian Mission and Campus Ministry from our operational budget. Synod Council has approved the audited financial statements for 2015 and these include comparative results for These audited financial statements are presented for adoption by convention. Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

105 National Harmonization of Compensation Guidelines Since 2014 a project to harmonize compensation and benefits across the ELCIC has been facilitated by Lisa Thiessen, Executive Director of ELCIC Group Services Inc. With input from all synods there is agreement to harmonize the compensation guidelines across the ELCIC with the exception of the annual amounts for base salary, housing and pastoral supply. The annual rates for base salary, housing and pastoral supply will continue, for the time being, to be set by each synod. A summary of the expected impact on each synod follows this report. The most significant change for ABT rostered leaders is the acceleration of vacation entitlements compared to our existing guidelines. The Synod Council sets the annual compensation guidelines, so the information that follows is presented primarily for information to rostered leaders and their congregational leadership. To be clear, ABT will still issue a comprehensive set of compensation guidelines annually for congregations to use. The harmonized components will be reflected in the annual compensation guidelines approved by Synod Council in the fall of each year commencing in the fall of Recommended Budgets Our governance policy precludes us from operating with a budgeted deficit. Using best estimates for 2016 revenue a benevolence amount of $685,000 is projected. Based on the forecasted revenue, spending commitments must be addressed to balance the budget. This means that all spending across ministry and administrative areas has been frozen for 2016 and The Synod in convention is requested to approve the overall proposed annual spending amounts as presented. Respectfully, Stephen Wildfang, CPA, CA Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

106 Summary of Significant Changes by Synod Related to Harmonization of Compensation Guidelines Synod BC ABT Document 1 Sections staying with Synod I. Pastors Salary VI. Supply VII. Deacons Document 2 Sections that will be Harmonized II. Benefits III. Expenses IV. Bereavement & Compassionate Leave V. Contractual Arrangements I would recommend removing this. Base Salary; Other Benefits 1,2 Other Benefits 3-10 Supply preaching Vacation Most Significant Changes Health and dental premiums will move from being shared to 100% employer paid. Vacation moves to 5 weeks at 11 years (current at 15 years) and 6 weeks at 21 years. SK MNO East A. Salary and Housing B. Components Supply preaching A. Salary scale B. Housing Allowance E. Interim & Pulpit supply A. Salary & Housing Schedules for Diaconal, Pastoral, Parttime, Interim C. Benefits D. Professional expenses C. Benefits D. Professional expenses B. Professional Expenses C. Benefits D. Professional expenses Vacation starts at 4 weeks instead of 3; 6 weeks are earned at 21 years instead of 18 Bereavement and compassionate care will be 2 weeks; previously 3 days plus travel time. Health and dental premiums will move from 75% to 100% employer paid. Vacation schedule does not have the 5 year bonus week. 6 weeks after 21 years (current max at 5 years) Vacation moves to 5 weeks at 11 years (current at 15 years) and 6 weeks at 21 years (current max 5 years). Bereavement and compassionate care will be 2 weeks; previously one week plus travel time. In addition to the changes listed in the chart, two new items will be added to the harmonized guideline: 1. A sick leave policy to bridge the waiting period to short term disability, and 2. A national supplemental pay program for those on maternity and parental leave. With respect to congregations that provide a parsonage, consideration should be given to paying a competitive salary and collecting rent from the pastor, as the employment benefit of a parsonage will no longer be insurable in Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

107 Proposed Operating Budget Synod of Alberta and the Territories Operating Budgets for 2016 & Budget Budget Actual Budget Revenue Support from congregations Special gifts & other contributions 685, , , ,000 75,000 75, ,095 72,500 Interest and other 5,000 5,000 12,284 5,000 Total revenue 765, , , ,500 Expenditures National Church support 142, , , ,400 Seminary support 104, , , ,000 Ministry teams Canadian Mission 19,750 19,750 19,567 20,000 Social Ministry Campus Ministry 77,000 77,000 76,556 77,400 Communications 12,500 12,500 12,408 12,500 Theological Education 6,000 6,000 10,868 6,300 Other ministries and programs 3,900 3,900 4,262 2, , , , ,350 Synod support 399, , , ,750 Total expenditures 765, , , ,500 Surplus (deficit) ,224 0 (Allocations from designated gifts and reserve allocations are excluded from these figures) Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

108 2015 Financial Statements - Synod of Alberta and the Territories Synod of Alberta and the Territories Convention

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