Southwest California Synod Assembly

Transcription

1 1 Southwest California Synod Assembly Thursday June 2 through Saturday June 4, 2016 Crowne Plaza LAX Thursday, June 2 11:00 am Move in Synod office: Moselle Sacristy: Worship setup: Ballroom A-V setup: Ballroom Banner hanging: Ballroom 3:30-5:00 pm Workshops Session 1 2 nd Floor 5:00 6:00 pm Dinner Bordeaux/Burgundy 6:30-8:00 pm Workshops Session 2 2 nd Floor 7:00 pm Program walk-thru Ballroom Friday, June 3 9:30 11:00 am Workshops Session 3 2 nd Floor 10:00 am Registration set-up Assembly Lobby Display set-up Bordeaux/Burgundy 10:30 am Retired Rostered Leaders Brunch Santa Barbara Room Volunteer Orientation Reference & Counsel meeting Ballroom Board Room (2 nd Fl) 11:00 am Registration opens Assembly Lobby Orientation for Assembly voting members Ballroom Noon Welcome Ballroom Introduction to the Guidebook app

2 2 Opening Worship & the Opening of the Assembly Business Session 1 Adoption of Credentials, Rules of Procedure, and Agenda Introduction of Special Guests & Assembly Planning Committee Honoring of Anniversaries: Associates in Ministry Pastors: 60 th, 55 th, 50 th, 45 th, and 40 th Recognition of Retirements Keynote Address: Christine Grumm, LIRS Bishop s Report Elections Synod Council Report: Randall Foster Greetings from LSS: Ron Drews Reference & Counsel (1) 5:30 pm Business Session 1 ends 6:30-7:45 pm Dinner Ballroom Presentation of the Clarence Anderson Award 8:00 pm Business Session 2 begins Ballroom Credentials report Honoring of Anniversaries: Pastors: 35 th, 30 th, 25 th, 20 th, 15 th, 10 th, & 5 th

3 3 Keynote Address: Carlos Pena, Vice President of the ELCA & Churchwide Representative Treasurer s Report: Michael Metzger Greetings from CLU/PLTS: Brian Stein- Webber Necrology Night Prayer: Pr. James Boline 9:00 pm Business Session 2 ends Reception for Youth CLU/PLTS Reception Santa Barbara Room (2 nd Floor) Assembly Lobby Saturday, June 4 7:15 8:25 am Justice Team Meeting and Café Santa Barbara 7:30 am Budget Breakfast : Michael Metzger (bring your own breakfast) Board Room (2 nd Floor) 8:30 am Morning Prayer Ballroom Business Session 3 begins Credentials report Greetings from the Pacifica Synod Presentation/Pastor Marj Funk-Pihl Treasurer s Report/Budget Reference & Counsel (2) 11:30 am Business Session 3 ends Noon Lunch (box lunches available in Assembly Lobby) Ballroom

4 4 1:00 pm Business Session 4 begins Credentials report Presentation of Mission & Ministry Fund Grants Reference & Counsel (3) Any other business 2:30 pm Business Session 4 ends Closing Worship & the Closing of the Assembly

5 Always proclaiming God s saving Gospel, living out Christ s Great Commission, and serving all in response to God s love through care, advocacy, reconciliation and solidarity with those in need the Southwest California Synod will, for the next five years, direct its work toward the following mission goals: Communicating the Gospel message powerfully and clearly Shaping the faith of the baptized through education Fostering congregations in becoming healthy communities Creating opportunities for its rostered leaders to thrive Developing at least four geographical area ministry strategies Establishing clusters of congregations around similar ministries January, 2015

6 GLOSSARY OF ELCA ACRONYMS AND TERMS GENERAL ELCA TERMS ELCA Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Denominational name). Region 2 One of 9 regions of the ELCA composed of 5 synods (Southwest California, Pacifica, Sierra Pacific, Rocky Mountain and Grand Canyon). Churchwide A term referring to the entire ELCA. Churchwide Offices ELCA denominational headquarters in Chicago. Luther Center The name for the facility in Chicago that houses the ELCA Churchwide offices. Presiding Bishop The elected clergy responsible for the entire ELCA Churchwide; currently serving is Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. SYNOD Synod A geographical group of congregations that are a part of the ELCA. There are 65 synods in the ELCA. SoCalSynod Southwest California Synod ( Conference A geographical group of congregations of the synod: 1. Central Coast 9 congregations located between Solvang and Templeton; 2. Channel Islands 14 Congregations between Goleta and Agoura Hills; 3. Foothill 15 congregations in the foothills area between Glendale and Monrovia; 4. Greater Long Beach 13 congregations in Long Beach and surrounding communities; 5. LA Metro 19 congregations including the city of Los Angeles and Santa Monica area; 6. San Gabriel Valley 13 congregations in the San Gabriel Valley; 7. South Bay 15 congregations within a fifteen-mile distance from the coast; 8. Tehachapi 7 congregations in the Lancaster, Palmdale, Frazier Park and Bakersfield areas; 9. Twin Valleys 20 congregations in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. Equipping Leaders for Mission (ELM) School of Lay Ministry designed to educate and equip lay people for enhanced participation in congregational and synodical life through personal spiritual development, biblical enhancement and life-long learning. ELM is a two-year program. SYNOD LEADERSHIP Synod Council 25-member elected board of directors of the synod. Bishop The clergy elected by the Synod Assembly to lead a synod of the ELCA; currently serving the Southwest California Synod is Bishop Dr. R Guy Erwin. Vice-President An elected lay volunteer. Executive Committee 4 officers and 4 at-large members of the Synod Council, elected by the Council. Mission Teams Five (5) Committees of the Synod:

7 1. Mission Team for Evangelical Outreach helps the synod and its congregations implement the Synod s Mission Goals of intentional outreach to the diverse populations of our synod, the development of new congregations, the transformation of congregations, and the rerooting of congregations in their neighborhoods. This team assists in implementation of the ELCA s Evangelism Strategy as well as assists in implementation of ethnic strategies adopted by the Synod. 2. Mission Team for Rostered Leadership provides opportunities to identify and support clergy and lay rostered ministers. This team promotes participation in Conference Collegiums and Continuing Education and relates to the Candidacy Committee assisting those preparing for ministry including those enrolled in the TEEM program and First Call Theological Education. 3. Mission Team for Lay Leadership provides opportunities to identify and support lay leaders as they witness and serve in their congregation and in daily life. This team helps the synod and its congregations to implement the Mission Goals of the synod of intentional outreach to children, youth and young adults and provides oversight and support for Equipping Leaders for Mission (ELM). This Team relates to the Lutheran Youth Organization, the Young Adult Task Force, the Synodical Women s Organization, Men s Ministry, Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences (LRCC) and Campus Ministries. 4. Mission Team for Justice helps the synod and its congregations, institutions and agencies address issues of justice in public life from Christian perspectives while being guided in their public witness by the Social Statements of the ELCA. This team works closely with the Lutheran Office of Public Policy and the California Council of Churches in matters of advocacy. 5. Mission Team for Global Partnerships helps the synod and its congregations establish connections with the global Christian community by supporting growth in Companion Synod relationships, creating partnerships with congregations in other parts of the world, learning about issues of globalization, and by lifting up opportunities to accompany global churches in their mission. We have 3 Companion Synods in Hong Kong, Ethiopia and El Salvador. Mission and Ministry (Endowment) Committee administers the Mission and Ministry Fund and is responsible for the investment of the First Lutheran Los Angeles Fund (FLLAF). First Lutheran Los Angeles Fund (FLLAF) created from the sale of the former First, Los Angeles property. Disbursement from two-thirds of the income is designated for four purposes: planting and support of new congregations, support of congregations in transition and/or transformation, support of candidates for rostered ministry from this Synod preparing for ministry at one of the ELCA s seminaries or colleges and support of existing or new agencies and institutions that are deemed important for the ongoing life and mission of Christ as lived out through the Southwest California Synod. CLERGY/ROSTERED TITLES The Rev. The Reverend (ordained minister) Pr. Pastor (ordained minister) The Rev. Dr. The Reverend Doctor (ordained minister who has a doctoral degree) MISS Minister in Specialized Setting (rostered person who serves in a ministry other than a congregation, such as a hospital or military chaplain.) Assistant to the Bishop Synod Staff who assist the bishop in carrying out responsibilities (there are 2 Assistants to the Bishop in the Southwest California Synod)

8 DEM Director for Evangelical Mission who is called by churchwide to serve in the Southwest California Synod. AIM Associate in Ministry (a rostered lay person who has been theologically trained.) DM Diaconal Minister (a rostered lay person who is theologically trained and trained in a specialized ministry.) DEAC Deaconess (a rostered lay person who is theologically trained and has taken a vow as a Deaconess.) OLFC On Leave From Call (a rostered Ordained, AIM, DM or Deaconess who is currently without a call to a ministry.) INTERIM A rostered person, usually called to serve a congregation by the Synod Council, who is serving a ministry in between two called persons. INTERN A seminary student who is on staff of a ministry, in training as part of his/her theological education. RELATED AGENCIES Lutheran Office of Public Policy (LOPP) - California Public issues advocacy ministry in California. Mission Investment Fund Investment (MIF) congregations. Investment fund of the ELCA to financially assist ELCA Foundation sustains and grows ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Through its nationwide network of professional gift planning staff, it assists members in their call to live as faithful and generous stewards. It also supports and strengthens the ministry of congregations, agencies, and institutions through financial education, resources, support and investment management services. RELATED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS Seminary The theological educational institutions that train clergy, Diaconal Ministers, Deaconesses and AIMs. There are 9 Lutheran Seminaries in the US. PLTS Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (Berkeley, CA) CLU California Lutheran University (Thousand Oaks, CA). The one ELCA university in our region. There are 27 ELCA colleges and universities nationwide. OTHER SYNOD MINISTRIES Men In Mission Men s ministry of the ELCA. WELCA Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (women s ministry of the ELCA). SWO Synodical Women s Organization (women s ministry of the synod). SYNOD ASSEMBLY Voting Member active participant elected by a congregation to exercise prayerfully her/his judgment concerning matters to come before the assembly for a vote. Such matters include budget, elections, resolutions and memorials. Memorial a motion made by the synod in assembly requesting action by the Churchwide Assembly on a broad policy issue. Following passage of a memorial by the synod in assembly, the memorial is sent to the Memorials Committee of the ELCA where it is reviewed and recommendations made to the next Churchwide Assembly.

9 Resolution a request from the Synod Assembly for action that is concrete, specific and within the power of the assembly to implement. Reference and Counsel the committee that advises the assembly on resolutions and memorials that have been brought to the Synod Assembly. This committee receives resolutions and memorials, and reviews, catalogues and prepares them for distribution to the assembly for action. Reference and Counsel may offer comments relative to constitutional, administrative or practical considerations. Plenary session at which all are present.

10 RULES OF PROCEDURE LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY This synod shall have a Synod Assembly, which shall be its highest legislative authority. (Constitution S7.01) SEAT AND VOICE The membership of the Synod Assembly, of which at least 60% of the voting membership shall be composed of laypersons, shall be constituted as follows: A. All ordained ministers under call on the roster of this synod in attendance at the Synod Assembly shall be voting members. (Constitution S7.21.) B. Other persons on the rosters of this synod as defined by ELCA bylaw b. shall be voting members. C. A minimum of two lay members elected by each congregation related to the synod, one of whom shall be male and one of whom shall be female, shall be voting members. The Synod Council shall establish a formula to provide additional lay representation from congregations on the basis of number of members in the congregation. Additional members from each congregation shall be equally divided between male and female except the odd-numbered member, if any, may be either male or female. Each congregation with fewer than 175 baptized members may elect one additional voting member who is a youth (under 18) or young adult (18-30). A congregation with more than 175 baptized members may elect two additional voting members who are youth or young adults, one of whom shall be female and one of whom shall be male. (Constitution S7.21 and S7.21.A10.) D. Voting membership shall include the officers of the synod and lay persons serving on the Synod Council who are not serving as voting members from their congregation. (S7.28) E. Retired ordained ministers on the roster of this synod who are serving as interim pastors in a congregation of this synod at the time of the Synod Assembly shall be voting members to the Synod Assembly. (Constitution S ) Other retired ordained ministers on the roster of this synod shall be advisory members of the Synod Assembly having voice but not vote. (Constitution S7.22.) The Secretary of the Synod shall be responsible for the certification of all clergy and lay voting members and shall maintain a record of their attendance at this assembly. The ELCA representative and any other such official representative(s) of the Church shall have seat and voice in the assembly. Like privilege shall be accorded to non-voting members of the Synod Staff; to the chairpersons of synod Mission Teams, Ethnic Coalitions and Conferences; the president of the Synodical Women s Organization; the coordinator of Lutheran Men in Mission; and to the chief executive officer (or their appointee) of the officially recognized institutions and agencies of the Synod. (S7.23) FLOOR SEATING Seating of voting members on the assembly floor shall be in the designated area for voting members. Voting members must be seated at tables in the Voting Member Section of the Assembly meeting room in order to be eligible to vote. All vote counting, whether oral, by hand, standing, ballot or electronic device will be done at voting member tables only. Voting members at other tables or standing in the aisles or doorways will not be included in any count. Tables will be provided for advisory and other nonvoting guests. Visitor seating will be in designated areas of the assembly meeting room. BULLETIN OF REPORTS All reports published in the Bulletin of Reports shall be received by the assembly without vote.

11 SPEECHES Each person, when recognized by the chair, shall state his/her name and congregation or institution represented before beginning to speak. No person shall speak more than two minutes nor more than twice on the same subject, unless the voting members, by a majority vote, waive the provisions of this rule; provided, however, that this rule shall not apply to messages and reports by agencies and officers of the synod or to guest speakers to whom special time has been allotted. APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS Any proposal to appropriate funds, whether by amendment to the budget or otherwise, which is presented to a meeting of the Synod Assembly without the prior approval of the Synod Council shall be referred to the Executive Committee for a report and recommendation prior to action by the Synod Assembly and shall require a two-thirds majority vote by the assembly for adoption. (Constitution S10.04) MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS Any voting member may make a motion from the floor, which is germane to any pending question. Motions and resolutions of a general character that are not germane to a pending question must be processed through the Committee on Reference and Counsel in the following manner: A. Resolutions from any institution, agency, synod mission team, coalition, congregation, or individual must bear the signatures of at least five people who are members of the Southwest California Synod. The resolutions shall be given in writing to the Committee on Reference and Counsel by 60 days prior to the start of the Assembly. B. All other resolutions that are not received by the Committee on Reference and Counsel 60 days prior to the start of the Assembly shall be placed on the assembly agenda as new business only and would require a two-thirds vote of voting members requesting the resolution be put before the assembly before it may be considered. Resolutions not considered by the Synod Assembly will be referred to the Synod Council for consideration. DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS All materials for distribution to voting members at the Synod Assembly shall be delivered to the Synod Office by May 1. The synod secretary is responsible for distribution of all materials. After the assembly is in session, permission to distribute materials must be secured from the Committee on Reference and Counsel. ROBERT S RULES OF ORDER Robert s Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern parliamentary procedure of the Synod Assembly. (Constitution S7.32)

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15 ROSTER CHANGES 05/21/2016 DEATHS The Rev. Donald E. Wilkowski 04/27/2015 The Rev. Gerald Swanson 07/03/2015 The Rev. Daniel L. Knudsen 10/26/2015 The Rev. John William Bowman 02/23/2016 The Rev. George Spindt 03/27/2016 The Rev. Charles Daniel Witmer 04/05/2016 The Rev. Leonard E. Dalberg 04/21/2016 AIM Freda Johnson 05/05/2016 TRANSFER IN The Rev. Harold G. Banks from Florida-Bahamas Synod 01/07/2015 The Rev. Lisa Dahill from Indiana-Kentucky Synod on 08/24/2015 The Rev. Margaret (Peg) Schultz-Akerson from Sierra Pacific Synod on 12/30/2015 The Rev. Gene Leiter from Southeastern Minnesota Synod on 03/02/2016 TRANSFER OUT The Rev. Arne Bergland transferred to Montana Synod on 05/01/2015 The Rev. Glen Egertson transferred to Pacifica Synod on 06/01/2015 The Rev. Timothy A. Thorstenson transferred to Rocky Mountain Synod on 06/26/2015 The Rev. Brian S. Elster transferred to Central States Synod on 08/16/2015 The Rev. Gary T. Stevenson transferred to Sierra Pacific on 09/14/2015 The Rev. Terry Tuvey Allen transferred to Pacifica Synod on 10/01/2015 The Rev. Howard D. Stendahl transferred to Southwestern Texas Synod on 03/03/2016

16 ORDINATION The Rev. Veli-Matti Karkkainen 11/01/2015 The Rev. Jonathan Hemphill 11/08/2015 CONSECRATION Diaconal Minister Martha Santrizos on 12/06/2015 RETIREMENT The Rev James A. Fuller effective 07/01/2015 The Rev Larry W. Wagner effective 09/01/2015 The Rev Russell Gordon effective 09/01/2015 The Rev. Lynn Bruer effective 10/01/2015 The Rev Donald (Barry) Vail effective 10/01/2015 The Rev Kathleen A. Richter effective 11/01/2015 The Rev Elvin E. Sauerwald effective 08/01/2015 The Rev. Charles Carlson effective 02/24/2016 The Rev Patricia Muran effective 03/01/2016 The Rev Kenneth R. Simon effective 05/01/2016 LETTERS OF CALL The Rev. Daniel E. Carlson called as pastor at Mt. Carmel, San Luis Obispo, effective 05/10/2015 The Rev. Valerie C. Carlson called as pastor at Mt. Carmel, San Luis Obispo effective 5/10/2015 The Rev. Scott C. Fritz called as pastor at Trinity, Long Beach, effective 05/17/2015 The Rev. Janet L. Hansted called as pastor at St. Luke's, Woodland Hills, effective 08/09/2015

17 The Rev. Stephanie Jaeger called as pastor at St. Matthew s, North Hollywood effective 02/07/2016 SYNODICAL LETTERS OF CALL Diaconal Minister Kevin Sumner-Eisenbraun called through Companion Hospice in Simi Valley as Chaplain effective 02/01/2015 The Rev. Anna-Kari J. Johnson called through Congregational & Synodical Mission Unit to serve as Associate Program Director effective 08/15/2015 The Rev. Lisa Dahill called through California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks to serve as Associate Professor of Religion effective 08/24/2015 The Rev. Dan Gibson called as Interim Pastor at First, Carson effective 09/19/2015 The Rev. Jonathan Hemphill called as Pastor at Another Level Ministries, Gardena effective 09/19/2015 Diaconal Minister Martha Santrizos called through Trinity, Santa Barbara to serve as Social Justice Coordinator effective 09/19/2015 The Rev. Veli-Matti Karkkaiñen called as Pastor at Finnish Immigrant Community, Santa Monica effective 9/19/2015 The Rev. Ruth Sievert called as Interim Pastor at St Stephens, Granada Hills effective 10/15/2015 The Rev. Lynn Enloe called as Interim Pastor at Holy Cross, Ojai effective 02/01/2016 (synod council approval needed) The Rev. Margaret (Peg) Schultz-Akerson called as Interim Pastor at Lutheran Church of the Master, Los Angeles effective 02/20/2016 The Rev. Reginald Hansome called as Interim Pastor at American, Burbank effective 03/27/2016 (synod council approval needed) ON LEAVE FROM CALL The Rev. Stacy Payne on Family Leave ends spring /03/2015 The Rev. Howard Stendahl 10/09/2015 The Rev. Deborah Andersen 12/05/2015

18 The Rev. Ioan Ittu 01/01/2016 The Rev. Shel Hess 04/01/2016 Final 05/11/2016

19 Significant Anniversaries AIM 30 th Anniversary AIM Claonne (Kay) Cordes Commissioned in the American Lutheran Church on December 5, 1986 A graduate of American Lutheran Bible School, Kay Cordes served as the Secretary/Lay Ministry Coordinator of Ascension, Thousand Oaks for 31 years, retiring in December of An advocate for the needs and concerns of church office workers and an active member of the Association of Lay Professionals and the Church Staff Workers Association (where she held the positions of Chapter President, Chapter Secretary, and National Secretary), she was part of the talk force that created The Parish Secretary s Handbook, published by Augsburg. She and her husband Dave are blessed with two daughters. AIM Judith Getzin Commissioned in the American Lutheran Church on December 5, 1986 A graduate of Milwaukee-Downer College in Wisconsin, Judith Getzin was first called as the Office Manager for the Lutheran Bible Camp Association of Southern California (now Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences). She then served as bookkeeper with the Southwest California Synod office until her retirement in She has volunteered as the treasurer of WELCA as well as conference president and treasurer of the predecessor American Lutheran Church Women. Judith is active at Resurrection, Redondo Beach - singing in the choir and serving as treasurer for the church. When she left the Synod Office in 2003, she continued working at the theatre where she had been House Manager. She then became the Volunteer Coordinator and Senior House Manager. She and her husband Ken enjoy travel and family time, supporting their two teenage granddaughters activities marching band and ballet. They are looking forward to their voyage to the Panama Canal later this year. AIM Elizabeth Kebschull Commissioned in the American Lutheran Church on September 30, 1986 A graduate of Concordia College in Seward, Nebraska, Elizabeth Kebschull taught 4 th, 5 th, and 6 th grades at First St. John Lutheran School in Chicago, Illinois. With her husband, Lowell, she travelled to Taiwan and taught Kindergarten at Chaiyi Christian School as was as ESL to Junior and Senior High School Students. Returning to the United States in 1977, she taught at Trinity Lutheran School in Portland, Oregon before taking the position of Day Care Director at Ascension Lutheran School, Torrance. She

20 earned her Masters in Education at California State University in After returning to teaching at First Lutheran School, Torrance, she became First Lutheran s Principal until her retirement in Elizabeth and Lowell have four children. AIM Agnes McClain Commissioned in the Lutheran Church in America on February, 1986 A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Agnes McClain participated as a child in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. She earned her B.A. in psychology and M.S. in counseling from California State University, Los Angeles and holds California Community College credentials as a Counselor, Student Personnel Worker, Instructor and Supervisor. Agnes worked at KCET, the Rakestraw Community Center, the Westside Area Planning Council, and the NAACP. She also volunteered in a variety of social justice and civil rights organizations. She became the Assistant Director of the CLC Urban Studies Program at Angelica, Los Angeles and a Lay Associate at Holy Trinity, Inglewood. Her first call was as Associate Director of the Los Angeles Metro Ministry. In 1992 she joined the staff of the Southwest California Synod where she served for over 20 years, first as an Assistant to the Bishop for Urban and Cultural Ministry and then as the Assistant to the Bishop for Rostered Mission Leadership. She has travelled on behalf of the church to Ethiopia, Asia, and Europe, and has been involved with New City Parish, the ELCA s Commission for Women, and Lutherans Concerned. She has two daughters. Ordained Minister 60 th Anniversary Reverend Edward Busch Ordained July 1, 1956 Reverend Busch was born on April 11, 1931 in San Diego to Leonard and Ester Busch, and grew up in La Mesa, CA. He attended St. Johns College in Winfield, Kansas and then Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, graduating in While on his internship in Brooklyn, NY he married Dona Jean (Dobie) Dobelstein. His first call was to two LCMS mission congregations, Peace in Greencastle, Indiana and Holy Cross in Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he was ordained on July 1, He then served as assistant pastor at Emmaus in Denver, Colorado and then at Redeemer in Colorado Springs.

21 After suffering a series of seizures, he resigned in 1968 and returned with his family to La Mesa for a period of recovery. In 1973 he earned his Ph.D in Religion at Claremont Graduate School. In the meantime, he was called to Hope, Glendora, CA (LCMS) in Rev. Busch left Hope after the 1973 Missouri Synod convention, where as a delegate he spoke in favor of the St. Louis faculty, which was being branded as false teachers. However, a number of the members of Hope decided to start a new church in La Verne and called Rev. Busch as their pastor. He served at Our Savior Lutheran church (later Rock of the Foothills) from 1975 to 1991, as part of the AELC, then the LCA, and finally the ELCA. He then served as the Chaplain Pastor at Solheim Lutheran Home and Church. After retiring in 2001, Rev. and Dona Jean Busch joined Salem Lutheran in Glendale. Rev. Busch served as interim at Salem; Emmanuel, North Hollywood; Church of Hope, Canyon Country; and Holy Shepherd, Chatsworth. He still makes shut in calls and teaches Bible classes at Salem. Edward and Dona Jean Busch, who passed away in 2002, have been blessed with two children, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Reverend Philip Natwick Ordained May 27, 1956 Philip Natwick was born in Sioux City, Iowa and attended high school in both Meckling and Nunda, South Dakota, where his father was a pastor. After graduating from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, he attended Luther Seminary. Following graduation, he served parishes in Clark, South Dakota; Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Encino, California; Eugene, Oregon; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Granada Hills, California, where he served until his retirement in He and his wife Dolores currently live in Granada Hills, enjoying retirement and visiting their five children and nine grandchildren, all of whom live on the West Coast. 50 th Anniversary Revered Wendell Brown Ordained June 26, 1966 Ordained on June 26, 1966, Wendell Brown served congregations in the Sierra Pacific Synod, retiring in In 2012 he transferred to the Southwest California Synod and preached at congregations in San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Paso Robles, also serving an interim ministry at Hope, Atascadero.

22 Reverend Charles Carlson Ordained June 25, 1966 After graduating from Luther with a B.A. in history, Charles Carlson attended Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, and then the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. As a member of the Luther College Concert percussion section from , he toured with the band in Norway in 1961 as part of Luther College s 100th celebration. He served six congregations prior to becoming Chaplain of Solheim Lutheran Home on July 1, Pastor Charlie is a sports fan, enjoys golfing; and is a member of the GO GO Dodgers Fan Club. He was privileged to throw out the first ceremonial pitch at Dodger Stadium in 2009, and has an awesome collection of Dodger Bobbleheads. He was married to Gladys for 47 years until her death caused by ALS disease, which she fought valiantly for nearly two years. They were blessed with six children, and nine grandchildren. Reverend Karl Kniseley Ordained June 5, 1966 Karl and Sally Kniseley have been married 54 years with four children and 14 grandchildren. Following his graduation from CSULA, they went to Berkeley, Sally to complete her RN program and Karl to graduate from PLTS in 1966 with his M.Div. Later he completed a D.Min. at Fuller Seminary, and post graduate work at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. Rev. Kniseley served in parish ministry for 22 years: Sanger, Glendale, San Jose and Los Angeles. He later served under call as President of the Lutheran Hospital Society Healthcare Foundation, later to be the Unihealth America Foundation, for 13 years. The foundation addressed issues of bioethics, chaplaincy services, community health services, educational seminars for Unihealth Hospitals and healthcare practitioners. International seminars were held in conjunction with USC Law School's Institute of healthcare policy and UCLA's School of Public Health. He also served as adjunct faculty for the USC school of Nursing and the USF MPA program. Following retirement, he served in interim ministry (5 parishes) and pulpit supply. Karl and Sally have lived in Glendale for the last 30 years. Both Rev. Kniseley and his recently retired brother Jim are third generation Lutheran pastors.

23 Reverend Ernst Frederick Tonsing Ordained June 19, 1966 The Reverend Ernst Tonsing graduated from Pacific Lutheran in Berkeley in 1966 with his M.Div and completed a Ph.D at the University of California at Santa Barbara in After serving at Augustana Lutheran in Portland, Oregon from 1966 to 1969, he was called to graduate study in 1969 and then to teach Bibles studies and Greek at California Lutheran College (now California Lutheran University) in Thousand Oaks. He retired in Reverend William B. Weinerth Ordained May 29, 1966 Rev. Weinerth served at Trinity Lutheran in Ventura, as well as congregations in Tustin and Minnesota before he was called to specialized ministry as Community Services Coordinator for the Ventura County Department of Alchohol and Drug Programs from Match 1974 until his retirement in During his retirement, he served as a part-time Interim Pastor at Trinity, Ventura. Reverend Howard Wennes Ordained June 12, 1966 Rev. Wennes received his M.Div from Luther Theological seminary in St. Paul and his Doctor of Divinity from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley. After serving parishes throughout the United States, he was elected Bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA. He served as Interim Pastor at Ascension, Thousand Oaks and Spirit of Grace in Surprise, Arizona, as well as a staff member of ELCA Hunger Appeal. In 2004 he became Assistant to the President for University Ministries and Director of Church Relations at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, where he served until his retirement in He has been married to Mary since th Anniversary Reverend Bruce Johnson Ordained June 20, 1976 Rev. Bruce Johnson received his M.Div from Luther Seminary in 1976 and continued his graduate education in human development in Lincoln, Nebraska. After serving congregations in Nebraska, Colorado, and Utah, he was called to Lutheran Church of the Foothills in La Canada in 2002, where he served until October, He is married to Gwen and they have three children: Holly, Heidi, and Travis.

24 Reverend James A. Oines Ordained July 25, 1976 Rev. James Oines is married to Randi Peterson Oines. They have two sons: Leif Dakota and Luke Lakota. He served as pastor at St. Peter Lutheran in Armour, South Dakota and Our Savior Lutheran in Corsica, South Dakota before taking a call at Alzona Lutheran Church in Phoenix Arizona. While with Alzona, Rev. Oines actively participated in the Sanctuary Movement and Underground Railroad protecting Central American Refugees. After infiltration by government agents, brought a civil suit against the U.S. Government for violation of the First Amendment of the Constitution; the suit was a joint effort with the American Lutheran Church and four Presbyterian entities. After leaving Arizona, Rev. Oines served as Village Pastor at Holden Village Ecumenical Retreat Center in Chelan, Washington; Interim Pastor of First Lutheran Church in Sandpoint, Idaho; Interim Pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pinehurst, Idaho, and Pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, California. In 1986, Rev. Oines was honored by the National Indian Lutheran Board with a Peace Pipe "for working for justice for disenfranchised peoples." He is also the recipient of the Paul A. Boe Award for Christian Humanitarian Service from The American Lutheran Church and the "Salt of the Earth" Award from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Reverend Eric Shafer Ordained June 23, 1976 Pastor Shafer became Senior Pastor at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church Santa Monica in April of 2014, coming to California from New York City and his position as Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and Faith Community Relations for Odyssey Networks, where he was responsible for fund-raising and relationships among US faith groups. For his efforts in producing CBS television s 2012 Christmas Eve special Shafer was named 2012 Religion Communicator of the Year. Prior to his tenure at Odyssey, Shafer served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. He has also served as Director for Communication for the ELCA; Assistant to the Bishop of the ELCA s Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod; and pastor of Holy Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio and Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA and serves on Muhlenberg s Board of Directors. Pastor Shafer may be best known for his work, while at the ELCA in Chicago, on the stop-motion animation children s program, Davey and Goliath.

25 Reverend Dr. James W. Thompson Ordained December 12, 1976 Born in Monterey Park, California on June 15, 1948, Jim Thompson was baptized into the Episcopal Church. After having been invited by a classmate to attend church he joined Trinity Lutheran Church in San Gabriel, California, a congregation of the American Lutheran Church. After beginning his professional studies at Fuller Seminary, he graduated with the Master of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary, in St. Paul, Minnesota and was ordained by The Rev. Walter H. Mees at Trinity Lutheran on December 12, Pastor Thompson began his congregational ministry as the Assistant Pastor of Lemon Grove Lutheran Church in Lemon Grove, California. He was called to Pella Lutheran Church in Selma, California in 1980, where he served for six years. From there he returned to Southern California to serve as the Pastor of St. Paul s Lutheran Church in Monrovia where he continues to serve. Pastor Thompson completed the Doctor of Ministry degree at Azusa Pacific Seminary with an emphasis on Spiritual Formation in the Lutheran Church. Invited to teach as an Adjunct Professor of Theology, he has been at Azusa Pacific for the past 15 years. Pastor Thompson met his wife, Suzanne at Trinity Lutheran Church where they were married on February 7, They have two daughters and four grandchildren. 30 th Anniversary Reverend Leslie Soyster Ordained June 29, 1986 Pastor Soyster was born in Columbus, OH and is an alumna of Texas Lutheran University, Seguin, TX and Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, OH. She served United Faith Parish, a three-point parish in North Dakota, before spending six months at the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Hong Kong. Her next call was to Good Shepherd, Bismark, ND followed by Our Redeemer, Simi Valley. She is married to Pastor John Soyster and has one daughter and one step-daughter.

26 Reverend Mark Witte Ordained May 4, 1986 Since his ordination, Rev. Witte has served several congregations in the Southwest California Synod, mostly located in the San Gabriel Valley. An attorney with a graduate degree in dispute resolution and a background in mediation and conflict management, he s spent most of the last 15 years working as a part-time pastor and part-time estate-planning attorney. Since April, 2013 he s served as the pastor of Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church in Altadena. 25 th Anniversary Reverend Dr. Christopher Lindstrom Ordained March 31, 1991 Rev. Lindstrom began serving God by being trained as a youth leader by "Youth for Christ" in 1978, and became the Youth Director of a church in Turlock, California in He attended Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and graduated in 1988, and obtained his Doctorate in Ministry from George Fox University, Portland, Oregon in May 2015, specializing in Semiotics, Future Studies and studying under the leadership of one of the renowned Christian leaders, Dr. Leonard Sweet. He has served as a pastor since 1989 and presently serves at Good Shepherd Lutheran in San Pedro. Revered Edward Sauerwald Ordained June 30, Rev. Sauerwald received his M.Div from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and was ordained on June 30, He served at Our Redeemer in Crenshaw, Christ the King in Van Nuys, and First Lutheran, Los Angeles

27 In Memoriam The Reverend Charles Daniel Witmer December 2, 1937 April 5, 2016 Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Dan Wimer attended Pacific Lutheran College (which became Pacific Lutheran University in 1960), where he met Betty Patterson of Hillyard, Ohio. They married in 1959, and Dan graduated with a B.A. in English and a minor in speech. He obtained his M.Div from Luther Seminary in 1964, and earned a Masters in counseling from the University of Oregon. Ordained in 1964, he first served in Alexandria, Minnesota, then in Grants Pass, Oregon, where he brought his skills as a problem solver to address a mission church s debt situation. After service in Eugene, Oregon, Rev. Witmer was called to Bethania Lutheran in Solvang, and then to Mt. Carmel in San Luis Obispo, where he served half-time while teaching World Religions full time. His call to Mt. Carmel eventually became full-time. From 1971 to 1996 he served in the Army Reserves as a Chaplain, with two terms of active duty in Fort Ord and Germany and retirement with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. A licensed counselor in he State of California, he also worked for Lutheran Social Services and for Emmanuel Medical Center in Ceres. Rev. Dan and Betty Witmer moved to Columbus, Ohio after his retirement. They have been blessed by three children, 12 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Reverend Leonard E. Dalberg October 9, April 21, 2016 Reverend Leonard E. Dalberg was born in Stratton, Ontario, Canada. He worked on the family farm and hauled pulp wood until he left Canada at age 21, enrolling in the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis, MN. There he met his wife, Anabelle Hanson, whom he married in He attended Augsburg College, graduated from Augustana Seminary, and was ordained in During his ministry, he served five parishes: Faith Lutheran in Caldwell, ID; Elim Lutheran in Ogden, UT; Good Shepherd Lutheran in Concord, CA; Our Saviour's Lutheran in Orange, CA; and Bethania Lutheran in Solvang, CA. As a leader in the community, Len established two preschools, one at Our Saviour's and the other at Bethania. He was also the founder of the Farstrup-Mortensen Memorial Lectures, held annually in Solvang. While President of the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club, he led the construction of the children's playground at Sunny Fields Park. He was honored as the 2005 Volunteer of the Year by the California Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Len was devoted to his family. He is survived by Anabelle, his wife of 65 years, whom he dearly loved, four brothers, his four children, and eleven grandchildren.

28 Pastor Daniel L. Knudsen Born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1943, Daniel "Dan" LuVern Knudsen grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was confirmed in the Lutheran church and gave his heart to Jesus one summer at Bible Camp. He met his wife Judith at Dana College in Blair, Nebraska, and finished his degree at Peru State College. During this period, Dan won an award for his poetry and also directed a play he had written. In 1966, Dan and Judith moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where Dan worked as a teacher at an intermediate school. With the encouragement of Pastor Norm Hammer of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Waikiki, Dan, Judith and their son Daniel relocated to Saint Paul, Minnesota, where Dan attended Luther Theological Seminary, earning his Masters of Divinity. A second son, Shawn, was born during these years, and Dan's activities ranged from coordinating college teams for evangelical outreach through Lutheran Youth Encounter to working with an inner-city church in North Minneapolis. After being ordained in 1971 at Our Savoir in Lincoln, Nebraska, he accepted a call to serve as associate pastor back at Prince of Peace in Hawaii. During this time a third son, Matthew, was born. The family returned to the Midwest in 1976, where Dan served as the director of Riverside Bible Camp in Story City, Iowa, for three years, and a daughter, Christa, was born. Dan subsequently served at Christ the King in Ellendale, South Dakota; Prince of Peace in Costa Mesa; and Shepherd of the Hills in Whittier. He served as pastor of Holy Redeemer in Bellflower from May 1996 until his retirement in November of Upon his retirement, Dan and Judith joined Grace Lutheran Church in Huntington Beach, where he helped found the Good News Ministry, an outreach to the homeless that continues to this day. Pastor Dan Knudsen was known for his generous spirit and passion for helping others in need, as well as his devotion to serving God and love of his family. He will be greatly missed. AIM Freda Johnson July 24, May 5, 2016 Freda Johnson received her Associate in Ministry commission as a Parish Secretary in the American Lutheran Church in 1978, serving at Christ the King, Torrance for 23 years. She also served as a Sunday School teacher, and after her retirement volunteered in the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program feeding the homeless and sewing quilts for Lutheran World Relief and for newborns at Harbor General Hospital.

29 Reverend Dr. Rolf Scott Haasarud March 28, 1940 April 13, 2016 Reverend Dr. Rolf Scott Haasarud passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at the Beatitudes Health Care Center in Phoenix. Scott Haasarud was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on March 28, 1940, the only child of Rolf Oliver Haasarud and Rowena Rice. Scott grew up in Berkeley, California and in 1962 he graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. At St. Olaf, Scott met his future wife, Jeannette Thompson of Eagle Grove, Iowa. Scott and Jeannette married in 1963 in the St. Olaf Chapel, and in subsequent years were blessed with three children. Rev. Haasarud received his Masters of Divinity from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley; it was during this time that he was introduced to Four Springs and its co-founder Elizabeth Howes, a relationship that fundamentally shaped his theological point of view. He went on to do his internship in Atlanta, GA ( ), and completed his Doctorate of Ministry at San Francisco Theological Seminary. He continued his studies at the C.G. Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. After ordination as a Lutheran minister, Rev. Haasarud served ministries at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (Spring Valley, CA; ), Messiah Lutheran Church (Pasadena, CA; ), Faith Lutheran Church (Phoenix, AZ; ), and the International Interdenominational Church of Stavanger (Norway, ). After leaving Stavanger, Rev. Haasarud served for five years as the Executive Director of Holden Village, the Lutheran retreat and renewal center in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State ( ). Returning to Phoenix in 1994, Rev. Haasarud served as pastor for Chris The King Lutheran Church, and then transitioned to Director of Spiritual Life and Programming at Spirit in the Desert Lutheran Retreat Center (Carefree, AZ). He assisted in founding the Phoenix Friends of Jung, and was a vital member of the North American Retreat Directors Association (NARDA). At the time of his death, Rev. Haasarud was the Spiritual Director of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. During his nearly fifty years as a pastor and spiritual director, Scott Haasarud enriched enumerable lives. He remained active until his final month, teaching courses and working directly with individuals. Scott is survived by his wife Jeannette E. Haasarud; daughter Kjrsten (Randall) D'Aubyn; sons Kevin Scott Haasarud (Kim) and Bryce Arnel Haasarud; and four grandchildren, Kiana D'Aubyn, Holden and Madeleine Haasarud, and Kayley Haasarud.

30 The Rev. George Alfred Spindt June 21, 1920 March 27, 2016 Pastor George Spindt was born June 21, 1920 in Pasadena, and grew up in the congregation at Trinity, Pasadena, where he assisted at worship. He went to UCLA and Northwestern Seminary in Minneapolis, and was ordained on March 18, 1945 in the United Lutheran Church in America. His first call was to Grace, Santa Barbara. In 1949 he was called to Germany as director of refugee resettlement with Lutheran World Federation, helping to define the role of the church in rebuilding a Europe devastated by war. Pastor Spindt then served at Our Savior's, Tucson, AZ; St. Andrew's, Van Nuys, CA; and Messiah, Redwood City, CA, additionally serving on the board of Pacoima Memorial Lutheran Hospital. Before retiring, he served under call as executive director of Vesper Society in San Leandro, CA. Under his leadership, Vesper Society launched one of the first hospice programs in the United States and initiated dialogue among leaders in the church, business, and academia. In retirement, Pastor Spindt served as interim pastor at Lihue, Hawaii; Grace, San Juan, Puerto Rico; Frederick, Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands (twice); and St. James, Hayward, CA. He was preceded in death one month to the day by his wife of 71 years, Evelyn. He is survived by children Judith Ann, Paul Alfred and Gary Berg Spindt, daughters-in-law, Maureen and Robin Spindt, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. The Rev. Gerald Swanson August 3, July 3, 2015 A native of Illinois, Gerald Gerry Swanson earned a bachelor s degree in history from Augustana College. He received a Master of Divinity from the Augustana Theological Seminary and was ordained in He served as the founding pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Canfield, Ohio, and served as an associate pastor of a Detroit church before he and his wife, California Lutheran University English professor emerita Jan Bowman, came to Thousand Oaks with their three children. Rev. Swanson became CLU s first full-time campus pastor in 1969, providing spiritual counsel for students during the era of the Vietnam War and increasing concerns for social equality. He helped found the university s student congregation, Lord of Life, and led ongoing discussions on the issues of the day. He guided many students on the path to ministry or other careers of service. Leaving his role as pastor in 1986, he split his time between teaching English and serving as the director

31 of the university s Learning Assistance Center. An assistant professor of English, he developed a class called Literature of the Earth that combined the study of literature with environmental issues. He retired in 1999 and was granted emeritus status. In 2003, Rev. Swanson and his wife received the Christus Award for strengthening the bridge between the church and university. In 2007, the Alumni Association named them honorary alumni. Rev. Swanson volunteered for the Holden Village Lutheran retreat center, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, Conejo Valley Hospice and the Southeastern Ventura County Drug Abuse Project. He also served as chair of the Conejo Valley Refugee Committee, which sponsored a 25-member Vietnamese family and helped them settle in the Conejo Valley in the 1970s. Jan Bowman died in Rev. Swanson is survived by the couple s children, Mindy and CLU alumni Krister and Karl, and their families. Rev. Donald E. Wilkowski April 28, April 27, 2015 The Rev. Donald E. Wilkowski entered the Church Triumphant on the eve of his 79th birthday. Don is survived by his wife of 55 years Geraldine; daughter Elizabeth (former Southwest California Synod staff), husband Mark; granddaughters: Hannah in college and Petra a senior in high school; sister Linda Palmer; and sister-in-law JoAnne Faucett. While working at Union Carbide in Cleveland, Ohio, Don received the Call from God to go into the Ordained Ministry. He was one of the first "second career" seminarians at Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary (ELTS) in Columbus, Ohio. Geraldine and 3-year old Elizabeth were packed into their Volkswagen bug and moved to Columbus for Don's first two years of seminary, including one year as Student Assistant at Clinton Heights Lutheran Church, Columbus. His internship was at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Middletown, Ohio. There, Gerrie taught first grade and Liz attended Kindergarten. Back to Columbus for Don's senior year, they juggled Gerrie's senior year of college at Capital, Liz in first grade, and being house parents to 14 sophomore/junior Capital University girls in a large three-story house which was in the ELTS parking lot. Don graduated on Pentecost, June 2, 1968 with a Masters of Divinity, and Gerrie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Capital the following day. Don was ordained in 1968 into the American Lutheran Church at his home church, Parma Lutheran in Cleveland, by the same pastor, the Rev. R. Wayne Willmann, who married Don and Gerrie, and baptized Liz. Moving to California to be near their new granddaughter, Pastor Don served for a number of months at Trinity Lutheran in Pomona. He was then Called in August, 1997 to Bethlehem Lutheran, Temple City, where he worked alongside the Chinese congregation. Pastor Don retired in July However, he was

32 called out of retirement to serve Central Lutheran in Van Nuys from January 2004 to July Pastor Don s final interim ministry was at Calvary Lutheran in Arleta from November 2010 through November The highlight of Don's ministry was visitation of people in various settings: hospital, shut-in, or retirement home. Pastor Don shared the Gospel with small children, confirmands, marriage counseling, Bible Studies, worship services, the marginalized, the farmers, nurses, mechanics, businessmen/women, teachers, to those who were dying along with their families. Many people were encouraged by God's servant, Don, through voicing appreciation of their talents and the Gospel that Jesus loved them. The Reverend John William Bowman November 1, February 23, 2016 Pastor Bowman graduated from Midland College in Fremont, Nebraska in 1945 and received his Bachelor of Divinity from Fremont s Central Theological Seminary in He was ordained in 1948 and served as pastor of Trinity, Pomona and St Matthew s, Glendale before his retirement in He is survived by his wife Lois and children Christine, John, and Stephanie.