Part A Book of Reports Organization of the Synod Assembly April 28 30, 2017

Transcription

1 2017 NORTHERN TEXAS - NORTHERN LOUISIANA SYNOD THIRTIETH ANNUAL ASSEMBLY Part A Book of Reports Organization of the Synod Assembly April 28 30, 2017 Marriott Legacy Hotel, Plano, TX 7121 Bishop Rd., Plano, TX A note from the Bishop s Office: The Assembly s Book of Reports is being delivered electronically to each registered voting member and visitor by and an assembly app developed by Guidebook. An additional benefit is that the document will be available to anyone interested in what is to happen at the assembly through a laptop or tablet. Each congregation is asked to keep a hard copy (with any handouts from the assembly) on file in the congregation s office for archive purposes NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports PAGE 1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART A ORGANIZATION OF THIS ASSEMBLY Title Page... A... 1 Table of Contents... A... 2 Hotel Floor Plan... A... 3 Theme Description....A... 4 Ecumenical Guests and Other Leaders... A... 5 Workshop Leaders... A 10 Guidebook App instructions PLUS... A 12 Assembly Schedule / Agenda... A 13 Descriptions of the Committees of the Assembly... A 16 Tips on Parliamentary Procedure... A 17 Rules of Organization and Procedure....A 18 PART B REPORTS FROM THE OFFICERS Title Page... B 21 Report of the Bishop of the NT-NL Synod, the Rev. Erik K. J. Gronberg... B 23 ELCA Churchwide Report... B 28 Report of the Vice President of NT-NL, Mrs. Stephanie Varnum, Deacon... B 30 Report of the Secretary of NT-NL, Mr. Todd Weiss... B 31 Report of the Treasurer, Mr. Mark Bradley... B 35 Reporting of Roster Changes... B Upcoming Milestones of Ministry Listing... B 48 Current NT-NL Seminarians... B 49 PART C ITEMS OF BUSINESS Title Page...C 51 Elections...C 52 Mission Strategy (Budget)...C 58 Resolutions from the Synod Council...C 59 Care and Compensation C 59 PART D OTHER REPORTS Title Page... D 69 Staff and Other Reports... D 71 NT-NL Related Ministries... D 77 Briarwood Lutheran Retreat Ministries Mission Endowment Fund NT-NL Synod (MEF) Lutheran Campus Ministry - Synodical Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) Synodical Women s Organization (WELCA) Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) ELCA Churchwide Reports... D 89 Joint Statement - 500th Anniversary of the Reformation Report of the ELCA Presiding Bishop, the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton (English & Spanish) ELCA Fund for Leaders ELCA Mission Investment Fund Portico NT-NL Agencies / Institutions / Organizations (AIOs) Partnerships... D 101 Augsburg Fortress Louisiana Interchurch Conference (LIC) Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest (LFSW) Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago / Wartburg Theological Seminary Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest (LSPS) Lutheran Sunset Ministries Mosaic Ministries (Nationally and locally) Texas Lutheran University Texas Impact Upbring (formally Lutheran Social Services - LSS) PAGE NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports

3 MARRIOTT PARKING GARAGE 2017 NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports PAGE 3

4 WELCOME TO THE 2017 ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TEXAS-NORTHERN LOUISIANA SYNOD OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation! Our theme builds on Luther s pivotal question in the Small Catechism: What Does This Mean? The assembly will give thanks for our reformation heritage, welcome ecumenical guests, and celebrate our theological heritage as Lutheran Christians. Additionally, through worship and education we will be invited to consider what it means and will mean to carry the name Lutheran into the 21 st Century. Martin Luther s theological move 500 years ago towards the justifying work of Christ and insistence on the individual s right to personal conscience changed the world forever. Luther boldly proclaimed the power of God s alienated righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30), poured out for humanity (Philippians 2), so that then we are invited to give ourselves for the life of the world (Gal. 5:22). We live within that theological heritage and are challenged today to ask that same question: What Does This Mean? We are grateful for your participation in this assembly. We welcome our guests, Churchwide representatives, and the rostered and voting members from the 107 worshipping communities of NT-NL. We invite you into a time of worship, reflection, and conversation as we do the work of the church together. PAGE NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports

5 ECCUMENICAL GUESTS (LISTED IN ORDER OF THE AGENDA) The Reverend George Mason - Presenter from a Baptist perspective George Mason has been senior pastor at Wilshire since August He is a nationally recognized leader among Baptists, serving the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, New Baptist Covenant, Duke Divinity School, along with other local and global ecumenical and interfaith endeavors. He is a frequent op-ed contributor to the Dallas Morning News on subjects of public interest that intersect religion, such as public education, race relations and predatory lending. He writes a monthly column on public theology for the Lakewood/East Dallas and Lake Highlands editions of the community news magazine The Advocate. The Reverend Robert Williams - Presenter from a Roman Catholic perspective Fr. Williams was born in San Antonio, Texas and raised as a Methodist, grew up in various parts of Texas, and all of his family still lives in Texas. After receiving a BA degree from Pan American University in psychology, he came to Dallas in 1978 to enter the Ph.D. program in psychology at he University of Dallas. During his studies at UD, he became a Catholic on Easter in In the fall of 1986, after finishing his degree at UD, he entered Holy Trinity Seminary to begin studying for the priesthood. Following that, he completed his studies in theology at St. Mary s Seminary in Houston in 1991 and was ordained to the priesthood on May 25 of that year. He has been the pastor of three parishes in the Diocese of Dallas: Immaculate Conception in Corsicana; Good Shepherd in Garland; and Santa Clara in south Dallas. He was then assigned to Holy Trinity Seminary as a spiritual director where he currently is serving, as well as the Director of Continual Formation of Clergy and the Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer for the Diocese of Dallas. The Rt. Rev. George Sumner - Presenter from an Episcopal perspective The Rev. Canon George Sumner was elected as the seventh bishop for the Diocese of Dallas during a Special Convention in May His consecration was Nov. 14. As bishop, he oversees the administrative needs throughout the diocese and is chief pastor for more than 31,000 Episcopalians, 200 clergy and 100 congregations. Prior to his election, Sumner served as principal of Wycliffe College in Toronto, Canada. He was the dean of a growing seminary and was the chief administrator responsible for strategic planning; encouraging young, future priests; stewardship; building relations with bishops; and overseeing clergy's continuing education. Ordained as an Episcopal priest in western Massachusetts in 1981, Sumner served in a variety of capacities: youth minister, missionary teacher in east Africa, curate in an inner-city Anglo-Catholic parish, vicar on a native American reservation in New Mexico and Arizona, and rector in a small town. Sumner has a Ph.D. in theology from Yale, and has written a book about priestly calling and a commentary on Daniel. He also has a M.Div. from Yale Divinity School and a B.A. from Harvard College NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports PAGE 5

6 The Rev. Mike Thompson, on behalf of the General Presbyter, The Rev. Jan Devries - Presenter from a Presbyterian perspective Michael Thompson is the Associate General Presbyter for Grace Presbytery. Grace Presbytery consists of 150 churches in Central, East, and North Texas. His work in Grace includes, New Church Development, work with churches and pastors, Nominating Committee, Budget and Finance, and other assigned duties. He has served on staff since 2010 and prior to serving as presbytery staff he served two churches in Grace Presbytery as senior pastor. Michael is a graduate of Austin Seminary. He lives in East Fort Worth with his wife Karen who is a CPA. They have three children and four grandchildren. Mike is looking forward to retirement at the end of June and spending time with family and practicing other forms of service to the church and community. PAGE NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports

7 ELCA CHURCHWIDE REPRESENTATIVE ELCA Vice President - Mr. Bill Horne II Mr. William Bill Horne II was elected to serve a six-year term as ELCA Vice President at the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in New Orleans. Bill Horne grew up as a member of the National Baptist religious tradition and became a Lutheran while serving in the United States Air Force in Bill has served as congregational president in two ELCA congregations in Florida and is currently a member of St. Paul s Lutheran Church in Clearwater, Florida. He served as a member of the Florida-Bahamas Synod Council and later as Synod Vice President. Bill served on the ELCA Church Council, , and a member of the ELCA Theological Education Advisory Council, He is currently the ELCA representative on the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary Advisory Council and a member of the Florida-Bahamas Synod Candidacy Committee. His post military retirement career has been in public management. He was appointed by the Clearwater City Council to serve as the Chief Administrative Officer (City Manager) of the city with responsibility for all departments except the City Attorney s Office. He is directly responsible for 1,746 employees and accountable for the annual operating and capital budget of $441 million dollars. Bill was selected as Interim City Manager in 2000 and later appointed to the position of City Manager in Bill served as a Colonel in the United States Air Force. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from the University of Tulsa, a Masters in Human Resource Management from Pepperdine University, and a Masters in Political Science from Auburn University in Montgomery. Al Staggs as Luther PERFORMER Al utilizes years of experience and training as both a pastor and hospital chaplain to bring a humorous and meaningful message about the importance of laughter for a more fulfilling life. Emphasizing the importance of humor for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, Al utilizes impersonations to educate his audiences NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports PAGE 7

8 WORSHIP LEADERS The Rev. Erik K. J. Gronberg, PhD - Bishop of the NT-NL Synod Bishop Erik K. J. Gronberg was elected by the Northern-Texas Northern Louisiana Synod/Mission Area in April of Prior to his election, he had served as Lead Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Worth since Bishop Gronberg was born in Austin, Texas, to the Rev. Karl Gronberg and Dr. Sharon Gronberg. He graduated from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 2005 with a Master of Divinity and was ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). He earned a PhD in Leadership Studies at Dallas Baptist University in His area of academic interest is adaptive leadership in crisis. You may access his full bio here: The Rev. Louise N. Johnson, President of Wartburg Theological Seminary In its 2015 spring board meeting, the Wartburg Theological Seminary Board of Directors elected its fourteenth president, Rev. Louise N. Johnson. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary and had served at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) since President-Elect Johnson said of her new appointment, I am incredibly proud to be a WTS graduate. We can certainly claim our fair share of Bishops, teachers, and churchwide leaders, but what makes me really proud to say I am a graduate are the thousands of church leaders who are on the front lines making the difference in people s lives everyday those who sit by bedsides and stand at gravesides, those who preach and pray and accompany, the ones who tend to children, and serve and love the least, the lost, and the broken. I am proud to be part of this tradition and proud to lead the school that has formed valued leaders for 161 years and running. We are nimble, faithful, cohesive, missional and more than these, Wartburg is ready to serve God and the church. You may access her full bio here: The Rev. Kristine Totzke, NT-NL Bishop s Associate for Leadership Formation and Congregational Care Pastor Kris Totzke began as the Bishop s Associate for Leadership Formation and Congregational Care on September 1, She came to NT-NL in 2013 as Pastor of St. Luke s, Richardson. In 24 years of ordained ministry, she has served congregations in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Texas. During this time, she has served as a called pastor to four congregations (two as Associate and two as Solo) and two others as a trained intentional interim. PAGE NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports

9 She has helped form leaders through teaching in First Call Theological Education, youth ministry, lay ministry academies, and as a pastoral mentor. She has also served on her various synods' Candidacy and Discipline Committees and as Conference Dean. You may access her full bio here: PART A The Rev. Irma Bañales, NT-NL s ELCA Director of Evangelical Mission Pastora Irma Bañales began as the Director for Evangelical Mission on February 6, She served as the pastor / developer of First Sagrada Familia Lutheran Church, Garland, TX, from 2013 to While developing that congregation, she was also the Dean for the NT-NL Synod's Latin@ Conference. Prior to this call, she served as the Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Coordinator of the synod ( ). She began working for the synod as the Receptionist / Administrative Assistant to the Mission Director ( ). Pastora Bañales has also been involved significantly with ELCA Churchwide, serving on the following ELCA teams: Mission Developers Training Planning Team, Future Directions Table Team, Latin@ Strategy Table, New Mission Developers Interviewers Team, and Latin@ Coaching Team. You may access her full bio here: The Rev. Ernie Hinojosa, Sr. Pastor of Rejoice Lutheran Church, Coppell Pr. Hinojosa is leading us in Saturday s devotion at our assembly, as well as lead planner of the Friday Service with the assistance of his Associate, the Rev. Todd Bruning. The Rev. Paul Mussachio, Sr. Pastor of Preston Meadow Lutheran Church, Plano Pr. Paul is our host pastor for Saturday evening s worship service and lead planner for the Saturday evening service. On Sunday morning, Preston Meadow will be one of the two Plano churches open to assembly participants for worship and an official closure of the 2017 Annual Assembly. The Rev. William Bill Irons, Pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church, Plano Pr. Bill is the Leader of the Assembly Planning Team and has led the planning of this assembly. His congregation is the other of the two Plano Churches open to the assembly participants for worship on Sunday morning, where an official closure of the 2017 Annual Assembly will also take place NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports PAGE 9

10 WORKSHOP LEADERS How Martin Luther Changed the World and Spread the Word Come experience first-hand The Enduring Word Museum, a movable exhibit based in Fort Worth, Texas. This includes an exact replica and working version of the Gutenberg Press. Workshop attendees will be able to manually print pages with the press. During this workshop, artifacts will also be shared from the history of our Bible. F. J. Rusty Maisel, D. Ph. H.C. Curator - From Abrahamto Jesus Exhibit Beth Lewis President & CEO of 1517 Media Gutenberg to Google: Effective Use of Technology for Congregations Beth will explore how the use of various media to proclaim the Gospel is both the same and has changed from the time of Martin Luther to the beginning of the 21st century. You will come away with fresh ideas for using your congregation's website, social media, and other new technologies to reach our communities. Lutheran Heritage of Texas and Louisiana Come discover the story of Texas and Louisiana Lutherans from the founding of the first church body in 1851 to the present. Come learn about immigrants from the earliest days to the present, church teachings that led to splits and spats, a few characters, and a faithful people planting the Christian faith in a developing part of the United States. The Rev. Russell Vardell Author Welcoming the Stranger: Equip Your Congregation to Walk Alongside Migrants and Refugees In the midst of significant policy changes regarding immigration and refugee resettlement, our call as disciples of Jesus to stand alongside our migrant and refugee neighbors and interfaith partners is all the more urgent. Join LIRS and local leaders to learn about anticipated changes under this new administration, to explore the deep connection between our Lutheran faith and welcoming the stranger, and to discuss ways Lutherans can continue to lead and care for the most vulnerable among us through engagement in advocacy and ministries of service and justice. Julia Coffin Program Specialist for Detention and Visitation, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) PAGE NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports

11 Savanna Sullivan ELCA Program Associate The Rev. Louise Johnson President Wartburg Seminary Reformation in a Multicultural Church / YAGMS In a diverse country and globalizing world, the church is daily called to re-form itself in ways that show God s love to, and build relationships between, all people. Come learn about what the ELCA is up to in the world from Rwanda to Texas, and let's discuss the importance and impact of multicultural ministry. (YAGM stands for Young Adults in Global Mission) From the End to the Beginning: Thinking Differently about Church To be sure, the Spirit of God is active in the world: congregations are growing in faith and serving those most in need. But a look at the statistics indicates that the ELCA is in decline in giving to our institutions, in membership, in congregations, in leaders and, therefore, in our capacity to do mission. This workshop will be an opportunity to explore some of what s happening and to think together about what we might do to reform and revive the church. Called Forward Together In Christ - ELCA Strategic Directions 2025 Have you been paying attention to our weekly NT-NL news? We have highlighted every section of this document over the 8 weeks leading up to Assembly. Participants of this workshop will learn about the strategic framework that describes future directions, goals, and priorities of this church that will serve shared leadership across the ELCA to realize common aspirations and better face the challenges this church faces. Bill Horne ELCA Vice President Congregation Constitution Power Hour: Everything you need to know about your congregation constitution but were afraid to ask! We know, we know! You and your congregation cannot wait to celebrate together and update your constitution as often as necessary. You include it in your church annual calendar and already know how vital it is for the life and ministry of your worshipping community. No? Hmm, then you might want to strongly consider having at least one Craig Ongley person from your congregation attend this workshop. The process isn't nearly as painful Synod Attorney or time-consuming as it may sound. The ELCA and the NT-NL Synod have created tools and a process that are of great benefit to everyone involved. Become the Thomas Jefferson of your congregation! Come learn more NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports - PAGE - 11

12 THE ASSEMBLY APP IS BACK! Want to have access to the Book of Reports and much more at the touch of a button? Download the app! Search your phone or tablet app store for the ELCA Organizations and Events. Once you have downloaded the app, search for 2017 Assembly of the NT- NL Synod, ELCA. You can also view the guide in your device browser at OR Have a barcode scanner? Scan this QR code to download the ELCA Organizations and Events app! Now search for 2017 Assembly of the NT-NL Synod, ELCA. WiFi at the venue : WiFi connection is free. Code is ntnl2017 Portrait taking will be offered again this year for all Rostered Ministers, SAWLS, and Synod Council Members. Upon arrival, please check the schedule posted on the door of Meeting Room Brazos and make plans to have your photo taken PAGE NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports

13 PROPOSED AGENDA FRIDAY, APRIL 28 (TB - Trinity Ballroom) 10:00 AM Registration and Displays Open Trinity Ballroom Foyer Photographers for Portraits Meeting Room - Brazos 1:00 PM Voting Member & Guidebook App Orientation Bishop Gronberg - Assembly Hall 1:45 PM Gathering Music TRINITY BALLROOM I & II 2:00 PM Presentation by The Rev. George Mason - Senior Pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church 2:30 PM Opening Assembly Worship/Eucharist Preacher: The Rev. Louise Johnson, Wartburg Seminary President 4:00 PM Assembly Begins Business Session I Bishop Gronberg Introduction and Welcome 1 st Credentials Report Committee on Credentials Chair Agenda VP Mrs. Stephanie Varnum, Deacon Rules of Procedure Parliamentarian - Mr. Rick Bidne Introduce Translation/Translator Introduce Guests Bishop Gronberg Training on Voting Cards Bishop Gronberg 4:15 PM Nominating Committee Report for General Elections Chair - Shirley Sigler-Wilson Nominations from Committee & from the floor First Ballot for NT-NL General Elections Committee on Elections Chair Uncontested and Ballots with no additional nominees from the floor 4:30 PM Audit Report & Introduction of Mission Strategy for 2018 Treasurer Mr. Mark Bradley 5:00 PM Presentation by Fr. Robert Williams - Ecumenical Officer of the Roman Catholic Dallas Diocese 5:30 PM Break for room transition 6:00 PM Cash Bar in Ballroom foyer 7:00 PM Dinner and Program, with special recognitions Trinity Ballroom 9:00 PM End of Day 2017 NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports - PAGE - 13

14 SATURDAY, APRIL 29 7:15 AM Breakfast Buffet Pick Up food in TB Foyer 8:00 AM Registration and Displays Re-Open 8:15 AM Morning Prayer and Song - led by Rev. Ernie Hinojosa Assembly Hall 8:30 AM Welcome Bishop Gronberg 9:15 AM Presentation by The Rev. George Sumner, Bishop of Episcopal Diocese of Dallas 9:45 AM Business Session II Credentials Report Committee on Credentials Chair Constitution Presentation by Synod Attorney Craig Ongley Election Committee Report and Ballot #2 (if needed) Report of the Bishop Reference and Counsel Report 11:00 AM Presentation by The Rev. Mike Thompson, Associate General Presbyter on behalf of General Presbyter - the Rev. Jan Devries 11:30 AM ELCA Churchwide Report ELCA Vice President - Mr. Bill Horne 12:00 PM Lunch - box lunches in the foyer Clergy Spouses Luncheon Chaddicks Restaurant WORKSHOP TIMES: 1:00-2:00 PM / 2:15-3:15 PM / 3:30-4:30 PM WORKSHOP OPTIONS / ROOMS How Martin Luther Changed the World and Spread the Word Rusty Maisel & John Sliffe - Trinity IV (1st flr) Gutenberg to Google: Effective Use of Technology for Congregations Beth Lewis, 1517 Media - Colorado (2nd flr) Welcoming the Stranger: Equip Your Congregation to Walk Alongside Migrants and Refugees (Ms. Julia Coffin, LIRS) Rio Grande (2nd flr) Lutheran Heritage of Texas and Louisiana The Rev. Russell Vardell - Guadalupe (2nd flr) Reformation in a Multicultural Church / YAGMS Savanna Sullivan - San Jacinto (1st flr) From the End to the Beginning: Thinking Differently about Church The Rev. Louise Johnson - Sabine A (2nd flr) Called Forward Together In Christ - ELCA Strategic Directions 2025 ELCA Vice President - Mr. Bill Horne - Assembly Hall Congregation Constitution Power Hour: Everything you need to know about your congregation constitution but were afraid to ask!!!!! Attorney Craig Ongley - Sabine B (2nd flr) 14 - PAGE NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports

15 Travel time to Worship at Preston Meadow Lutheran Church (10-15 minutes) 5:00 PM Pre-Service Music 5:30 PM Worship begins at Preston Meadow Lutheran Church of Plano, TX Worship is open to all Preacher - Bishop Erik Gronberg EVENING MEAL ON YOUR OWN - OUT ON THE TOWN - Enjoy!!! 9:00 PM Optional: Rick Steves Martin Luther and Reformation documentary Assembly Hall SUNDAY, APRIL 30 7:30 AM Breakfast begins Foyer of Assembly Hall 8:30 AM Gather & Opening Prayer Bishop Gronberg 8:45 AM Business Session III Assembly Hall Credentials Report Briarwood Report Committee on Credentials Chair Pr. Phil Geleske Action on Items of Business: Committee for Reference and Counsel VP Stephanie Varnum Secretary Todd Weiss o 2018 Care and Compensation o Minutes from 2016 Assembly Treasurer Mark Bradley o 2018 Mission Strategy Final Memorials of Thanks Announcement on 2018 Mission Assembly Location and Chair 10:30 PM Adjourn and go to Sunday Worship of your choice Preston Meadow Lutheran Church = preaching is The Rev. Irma Bañales, Director for Evangelical Mission Resurrection Lutheran Church / Plano = preaching is The Rev. Kris Totzke, Bishop s Associate 2017 NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports - PAGE - 15

16 COMMITTEES OF THE ASSEMBLY Five committees composed of voting members of the assembly are appointed by the Synod Council to serve the assembly in conducting its business. The Committee on Credentials certifies the credentials of voting members, acts on questions of credentials on behalf of the assembly, reports on the presence of a quorum, and controls distribution of materials to voting members by anyone except the secretary. The Committee on Elections oversees electronic balloting under the direction of the presiding officer and reports to the assembly results of all ballots in detail. For electronic voting the committee stands ready to assist anyone with devices they feel are not responding by resetting or replacing the device. The Committee on Minutes assists the secretary in writing, reviewing and distributing minutes of assembly proceedings. The Committee for Reference and Counsel gives careful review to all business referred to it (resolutions that are not the direct result of the assembly's deliberations, resolutions affecting the Mission Strategy [budget], and other items referred to it). It counsels the assembly by offering its recommendations. The deadline for all New Business is two weeks prior to the assembly. The Nominating Committee places in nomination the names of persons qualified to fill positions by assembly vote, except for positions whose nomination is directed in another way by the constitution PAGE NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports

17 TIPS ON PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE 2013 Mission Assembly 2017 NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports - PAGE - 17

18 RULES OF ORGANIZATION & PROCEDURE Order and procedure of this assembly shall be governed by the constitution, by-laws, and continuing resolutions of the Northern Texas Northern Louisiana Synod, these rules of organization and procedure, and, unless otherwise ordered, parliamentary procedures in accordance with Robert s Rules of Order, latest edition. Members Voting members, by constitution (S7.21ff), are persons designated by their congregation to be a voting member according to the representative formula of this Synod. Voting members also include (1) persons designated by a Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community or Mission Congregation under Development to be a voting member according to the representative formula of this Synod, (2) all ordained and lay rostered ministers on the roster of this Synod, (3) ordained ministers of a church body with which the ELCA is in full communion who are serving as pastors under contract with a congregation or Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community of this Synod, (4) lay Synodically Authorized Worship Leaders who are serving under contract with a congregation of this Synod by the Bishop s authorization, and (5) members of the Synod Council who are registered for the assembly. A voting member must be seated in the assembly hall to vote. Proxy and absentee voting are not allowed. Advisory Members are the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or the presiding bishop s representative, chairpersons of Synod Teams, Youth Convo members, and seminary interns currently serving within a congregation of this Synod. Advisory members have voice but no vote. Resource Members are the chief executives of church agencies and institutions related to this Synod, the executive directors and chairpersons of the boards of the NT-NL Mission Endowment Fund and Briarwood Lutheran Ministries, the meeting planner for the assembly, and others as granted permission by this assembly, who because of their position or expertise can contribute to the work of the assembly. Resource members have voice only with respect to matters within their expertise, but no vote, unless otherwise granted by their roster or appointed status. Quorum - One half of the registered voting members must be present to constitute a quorum. Agenda - The proposed agenda may be amended by a majority vote prior to its adoption. Thereafter a two-thirds vote shall be required for amending the adopted agenda. With the consent of the assembly, the chair may call items of business in whatever order the chair considers most expedient for the conduct of the assembly s business. Resolutions Only items of business which have been submitted by voting members or the Synod Council may be considered by the assembly. Resolutions must be submitted to the Committee for Reference and Counsel by April 14, 2017 in order to be considered at this year s assembly. Text of proposed resolutions, which are received at the mission office by this date, will be posted online in the pre-assembly Book of Reports. Resolutions not germane to the pending business, question or report, and all amendments to the constitution or bylaws are due by April 14, 2017 and are immediately referred to the Committee for Reference and Counsel. A voting member who makes a resolution which is referred to the Committee for Reference and Counsel shall be available to that committee for conversation about the proposed resolution. The Committee for Reference and Counsel shall make a recommendation on every item of business referred to it (S ). Among the recommendations the committee may make are that the resolution be adopted, not adopted, not considered, referred to an appropriate council, committee or board, deferred to another time on the agenda, or received as information only; the committee may also offer a substitute motion. Resolutions recommended by the Synod Council and resolutions that arise from assembly deliberations may be acted upon without reference to the Committee for Reference and Counsel PAGE NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports

19 Moving the Previous Question A member who has spoken on the pending question(s) may not move the previous question(s). A motion to end debate by moving the previous question shall apply only to the immediately preceding motion. A motion to end debate on all matters on the floor or more than the immediately pending question is not in order. Substitute Motions When a substitute motion is made, secondary amendments may be offered first to the original motion. After all secondary amendments to the original motion have been disposed of, secondary amendments to the substitute motion may be offered. When all amendments to the substitute motion have been disposed of, the vote shall be taken on whether the substitute motion is to be substituted as the original motion or be rejected. Nominations - Following nominations by the Nominating Committee, voting members may make additional nominations from the floor, with the nominee s consent. With each nomination an information sheet about that person shall be filed immediately with the secretary for use by the Committee on Elections. All persons nominated as an officer of this Synod (Bishop, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer) shall have appropriate background checks conducted prior to the election, or, in the instance of someone nominated from the floor and subsequently elected, conducted immediately after the assembly in accordance with Continuing Resolution S9.01.A08 of the NT-NL Constitution. A majority vote of the legal votes cast shall be necessary for election. Elections - Each category for which an election is held is considered a separate ballot even though several categories for election may appear on the same sheet of paper or electronic screen. If the ballot is a paper ballot and more than the number to be elected is marked, that ballot is an illegal ballot. A paper ballot with fewer marked than the number to be elected is a legal ballot. In all elections, except for the Bishop, the names of the persons receiving the highest number of legal votes, but not elected by a majority of the legal votes cast on a preceding ballot, shall be entered on the next ballot to the number of two for each vacancy unfilled (S9.08.). In cases where there is only one nominee after nominations have been closed, the chair may take a voice vote on electing that person and, if it is a majority, declare the election of that nomination. Debate - Speakers shall limit their speeches to two minutes. No one is entitled to recognition a second time on the same question as long as another who has not spoken on the motion desires the floor. A person who has spoken twice on a particular question on the same day has exhausted the right to debate further that question that day. Insofar as is possible during discussion, a speaker on one side of the question shall be followed by a speaker on the other side. In the give and take of debate on issues, members and visitors shall refrain from applause. Distribution of materials - Only material originating from the Office of the Secretary, the Bishop Election Committee (when constituted) and the official assembly newspaper may be distributed to voting members places. With the approval of the Credentials Committee other material may be distributed at the doors to the assembly hall. Official reports from NT-NL related church agencies and institutions are posted online on the assembly s web page as they arrive and assembly app. Proposed Mission Strategy - The proposed Mission Strategy (budget) along with the rationale shall be presented to the assembly during a business session. Debate and adoption of the Mission Strategy shall take place in a subsequent business session. Any motion for expenditure of funds or proposed amendment to the Mission Strategy as presented by the Synod Council shall be submitted in writing to the secretary by the time designated in the agenda as the deadline for submissions for review and recommendation by the Committee for Reference and Counsel. Any proposal to appropriate funds, whether by amendment to the Mission Strategy or otherwise, which is presented to the assembly without the approval of the Synod Council shall require a two-thirds vote for adoption. Approved for Recommendation by NT-NL Synod Council - February 11, NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports - PAGE - 19

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