Bishop Rodger Prois led the members of the assembly in the Order for Opening a Synod Assembly and declared the assembly in session.

Transcription

1 2015 Western Iowa Synod Assembly Minutes May 29-30, 2015 Clay County Events Center, Spencer, Iowa Theme: We Are Church Growing In Faith. Friday May 29, 2015 The assembly began at 5:00 pm with an opening devotion led by Rev. Lynn Noel. Bishop Rodger Prois led the members of the assembly in the Order for Opening a Synod Assembly and declared the assembly in session. Bishop Prois asked for a motion that Rev. Arlyn Norris be designated to serve as secretary pro tem in the absence of Karen Post, the synod secretary. SA A motion and second to designate Rev. Arlyn Norris as Secretary Pro Tem for the 2015 assembly. Voice vote: PASSED. Bishop Prois thanked the members of that Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel and also the Synod Council for their work in preparing for the assembly: Brian Campbell, VP; Karen Post, secretary; Pr. Jay Denne, treasurer; Dillon Bathke; Gary Boschee; Gail Schilmoeller; Pr. Trudy Peterson; Caleb Gayer; Susan Hett; Randy Popkes; Pr. Paul Johnston; Pr. Barb Kopperud; Tracy Gayer; Pr. Del Olivier; Katia Frock; Daniel Holste; Marge Tindall; Barb Brennan; Denise Kramer Tolzmann; Pr. Chris Lang; Marty Koefed; Rae Jean Nuehring; Pr. Ahriana Shek; John Smith; Corey Munson; Julie Sievers; Judy Lang; Dave Bohnet and Pr. Carla Johnsen. Bishop Prois went on to introduce the following guests: Jim LaDoux, Vibrant Faith Ministries Tom Schwolert, Vibrant Faith Ministries Lance Ehmcke, parliamentarian Brian Campbell, Western Iowa Synod Vice President Rev. Arlyn Norris, Secretary Pro Tem Rev Trudy Peterson, chair of the Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel (ABC) Julie Sievers, timing light Dana White, Quizdom Rachel Dexter, director of the Customer Care Center for Portico Rev. Dr. Troy Troftgruben, Wartburg Seminary 1

2 Rev. Doug Johnson, president and CEO of Lutheran Services in Iowa Gadi Msule, Well Drilling Coordinator in the Southern Diocese of Tanzania Rev. Elikana Lova, rector at Kidugala the Lutheran Seminary, Tanzania Rev. Nodfred Mhoha, District Pastor at Kidugala, Tanzania Ester Kitunda, student at the Igumbilo Lutheran Girls School in Tanzania SA A motion and second to grant privilege of voice on the floor of the assembly to Jim LaDoux, Tom Schwolert, Rev. Mike Stadie, and Lance Ehmcke. Voice vote: PASSED Bishop Prois introduced the members of the Credentials and Elections Committee: Rev. Craig Miller, Rev Jeff Ungs, and Jane Olivier. Rev. Miller, chair of the committee reported the following registration data: Credentials Report #1 as of 5/29/15 5:15 PM Clergy 77 Lay males 75 Lay females 97 Total voting 249 Visitors 66 Total registered 316 SA A motion and second to adopt the Standing Rules. Voice vote: PASSED SA A motion and second to adopt the agenda. Voice vote: PASSED Dana White led a demonstration on the electronic voting machines. SA A motion and second to approve the 2014 assembly minutes. Voice vote: PASSED Bishop Prois introduced members of the Minutes Committee: Shelby Kroona, Pastor Martin Lucin, and Dixie Petersen. 2

3 Rev. John Wolf, chair of the synod Nominating Committee presented the following nominations report: Winds of Hope Conference Consultation Committee clergy 2 years Pr. Tonna Parsons First, Sioux Rapids Synod Council lay female 3 years Susan Juilfs Trinity, Akron Seeds of Faith Conference Nominating Committee lay female 1 year (vacant) Consultation Committee lay male 2 years Jim Post Immanuel, Titonka Synod Council lay male 3 years Bruce Radtke Estherville, Estherville Hands of Hope Conference Nominating Committee lay male 1 year (vacant) ABC Committee lay female 2 years Shelley Phillips St. Peter, Pocahontas Consultation Committee lay female 2 years Janette Miller St. Olaf Lutheran, Fort Dodge Discipline Committee clergy 3 years Pr. Tom Hagen Prairie Faith, Palmer/Pomeroy Discipline Committee lay female 3 years (vacant) Living Waters Conference Nominating Committee clergy 1 year Pr. David Halaas St. Mark, Sioux City ABC Committee lay male (vacant) Rivers of Grace Conference Nominating Committee lay m/f 1 year (vacant) Synod Council lay female 3 years Sandy Smith Emanuel, Council Bluffs Abundant Fields Conference Nominating Committee clergy 1 year (vacant) ABC Committee clergy 2 years (vacant) Discipline Committee clergy 3 years Pr. George Hooper Bethlehem, Red Oak Discipline Committee Lay male 3 years Stanley Johnson Bethesda, Clarinda Synod Council clergy 3 years Pr. George Hooper Bethlehem, Red Oak At large ABC Committee clergy 2 years Pr. Marsha Smith First, Algona 3

4 2016 ELCA Churchwide Voting Member Nominations Lay Male (two to be elected) Seeds of Faith Keith Dwire First, Algona Living Waters John Jorgensen New Life, Sergeant Bluff Winds of Hope Bill Peters Hope Lutheran, Sioux Center Hands of Hope Daniel Holste Our Saviour s, Humboldt Lay Female (four to be elected) Seeds of Faith Carol Mahnke Zion, Rake Living Waters Catherine Lippke First, Sioux City Winds of Hope Denise Kramer Tolzmann Bethany, Spencer Hands of Hope Haley Abbott St. Paul s, Rockwell City Clergy (three to be elected) Seeds of Faith Pastor Chris Lang Bethel, Graettinger Living Waters Pastor Joel Gueningsman Faith, Onawa Winds of Hope Pastor Katie Russell Hope Lutheran, Sioux Center Hands of Hope Pastor Janelle Siffring Augustana, Manson Rivers of Grace Pastor Roger Claxton Ebenezer, Audubon Youth/Young Adult (one to be elected) Seeds of Faith Josh Petrich Bethel, Graettinger Living Waters Megan Gangestad Soldier, Soldier Hands of Hope Paul Abbott St. Paul s, Rockwell City Language other than English/Person of Color (one to be elected) Hands of Hope Edna Karisa Grace, Fort Dodge Western Iowa Synod Vice President Brian Campbell asked Rev. Lorna Halaas to introduce seminarians in the synod: Associate in Ministry (AiMs) Travis Beck Master of Divinity Perry Aalgaard Mary Dickman Bethany Rutten-Kempees Elizabeth Lippke 4

5 Theological Education for Emerging Ministry (TEEM) Ann Albert Chad Duffy Sam Jacobs Tim Johnson Susan Juilfs Terry Mogensen James Rut First Call Assignment Spring 2015 Shawn Brooks Tami Groth Vice President Campbell introduced keynote speaker Jim LaDoux of Vibrant Faith Ministries to the assembly so that he could give an introduction to the keynote address. Synod Treasurer Rev. Jay Denne was asked to give the treasurer s report. Following the report, he invited members of the assembly to submit written questions regarding the budget that he would address the next day. SA A motion and second to postpone the vote on the budget to a later time in the agenda. Voice vote; PASSED. Pastor Denne also presented the budget and the compensation guidelines. Gadi Musle, Ester Kitunda, Pastor Nodfred Mhoha and Pastor Elikana Lova, visitors from the Southern Diocese of Tanzania were invited to the stage to greet the assembly. Bishop Prois presented his report to the assembly. SA A motion and second to recess until 8:45 AM, Saturday, May 30, Voice vote: PASSED. Saturday, May 30, 2015 At 8:45 AM Song and Devotions were led by Perry Aalgaard and the assembly musicians. At 9 AM Bishop Prois called the meeting to order and asked Rev. Craig Miller, chair of the Credentials and Elections Committee, to give an updated credentials report. He reported: Credentials Report #2 as of 5/20/15 8:55 AM Clergy 83 Lay males 89 Lay females 107 Total voting 279 Visitors 71 Total registered 350 5

6 A video greeting from Bishop Issya Mengele from the Southern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) was presented. Then Cindy Wells read to the assembly a greeting from Bishop Izani Bruc from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile (IELCH). Bishop Prois called on Rev John Wolf for an updated nominations report. He reported that there was one additional nomination for 2106 Churchwide Assembly voting member in the category of clergy: Rev. Carla Jean Johnsen. SA Motion and second to close nominations. Voice vote: PASSED. SA Motion and second to cast a unanimous ballot for uncontested positions on the ballot. Vote: 238 Yes, 2 No; PASSED Bishop Prois called on the Committee on Credentials and Elections chair Craig Miller to guide the assembly in the voting process. He led the assembly through the remaining elections. SA The voting results were: 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Lay Male Voting Member Keith Dwire 37 John Jorgensen 60 Bill Peters 58 Daniel Holste 77 Daniel Holste and John Jorgensen were declared elected ELCA Churchwide Assembly Clergy Voting Member Pastor Chris Lang 59 Joel Gueningsman 31 Katie Russell 37 Janelle Siffring 27 Roger Claxton 27 Carla Johnsen 67 Chris Lang, Katie Russell and Carla Johnsen were declared elected ELCA Churchwide Assembly Youth & young adult Voting Member Josh Petrich 72 Megan Gangestad 74 Paul Abbott 91 Paul Abbott was declared elected. 6

7 Rev. Michael Stadie was invited to the podium to present the churchwide report. A video greeting from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton was presented focusing on the theme, We are church. A Faith Formation video clip was shown. Ted Talks were given by Rachel Dexter, Portico; Ed Kruse, Healthier Church; and Michael Johnson, Lutheran World Relief. SA Motion and second to read only the resolved sections of the resolutions that would be considered by the assembly. Voice vote: PASSED Bishop Prois asked Daniel Holste to read Resolution #1. RESOLUTION 1. WE ARE THE CHURCH FACING HUNGER Submitted by: Pr. Rod Hopp and Ann Johnson, Western Iowa Synod Global Mission/Hunger Network members, and Brenda Manmiller and Pr. Erma Wolf, Western Iowa Synod Domestic Hunger Network members. WHEREAS, hunger sadly remains a collectively-owned social justice issue in our communities, nation and world, with one in eight people worldwide suffering chronic hunger; and WHEREAS, scripture states, For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,.truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Mt. 25:35, 40); and WHEREAS, we recognize that the elimination of hunger and poverty is possible and integral to our mission as Christian; and WHEREAS, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America s comprehensive World Hunger program in nearly 60 countries, including the United States, works to solve challenges that perpetuate hunger and poverty, through second-mile giving (above and beyond mission support) via its R.E.A.S.O.N. components of Relief, Education, Advocacy, Support, Organizing and Networking; and WHEREAS, the 2016 Annual Theme of the ELCA Always Being Made New: Campaign for the ELCA is its World Hunger program; therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod Global Mission/Hunger and Domestic Hunger Networks challenge the church of Western Iowa to lift up and engage in any and all of the aforementioned ELCA World Hunger R.E.A.S.O.N. components between the culmination of this 2015 Western Iowa Synod Assembly and the end of the 2016 fiscal year, Jan. 31, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod Global Mission/Hunger and Domestic Hunger Networks challenge the church of Western Iowa to collectively DOUBLE its 2014 ELCA World Hunger secondmile giving of $166,250 to $332,500, AND to collectively gather and donate 100,000 pounds of food or its monetary equivalent to area food banks in our synod between the culmination of this 2015 WIS Assembly and the end of 2016 fiscal year, Jan. 31,

8 The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reported this resolution and recommended its adoption. SA Motion and second to move the assembly to the committee of the whole for the purpose of discussion of the resolution. After the discussion the assembly was asked to respond to the question of whether the church can respond to the problem of hunger. The response was an overwhelming yes. Bishop Prois announced that Resolution #1 would be voted on later in the agenda. SA A motion and second to postpone Resolution #1 We are the Church Facing Hunger until a later time in the agenda. Voice vote: PASSED. Bishop Prois called on Rev. Lorna Halaas to recognize the lay school students who have completed the two-year program. They are: Travis Anderson Vicky Brodale Zona Carlson Janet Dietel Ron Frerichs Rod Kern Brenda Manmiller Jon Merritt Nancy Peters Bill Peters Jim Post Judy Riemersma Cindy Wells Denise Wilson Gary Zeman Bishop Prois called Rev. Douglas Johnson, president and CEO of LSI to the podium for a greeting from LSI. Bishop Prois asked Rev. Craig Miller, chair of the Credentials and Elections Committee to give an updated credentials report. He reported: Credentials Report #3 as of 5/20/15 10:20 AM Clergy 85 Lay males 89 Lay females 109 Total voting 283 Visitors 73 Total registered 356 SA Motion and second that First Lutheran, Clarion be transferred to NE IA Synod. Voice vote: PASSED. SA Motion and second to receive on the roster of the Western Iowa Synod St. Paul Lutheran and Presbyterian congregation, Rockwell City. Voice vote: PASSED. Another Faith Formation video was shown. Then Bishop Prois introduced Jim LaDoux from Vibrant Faith Ministries to continue the keynote address. Tom Schwolert joined him to help with the presentation. 8

9 Daniel Holste was asked to read Resolution #2. RESOLUTION 2. PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE SYNOD AND VIBRANT FAITH MINISTRIES Submitted by: The Western Iowa Faith Formation Network WHEREAS, the Western Iowa Synod exists to Nurture its members in the Word of God so as to grow in faith and hope and love, to see daily life as the primary setting for the exercise of their Christian calling, and to use the gifts of the Spirit for their life together and for their calling in the world. (excerpted from synod constitution, S6.02c); and WHEREAS, the Western Iowa Synod exists to Carry out Christ's Great Commission by reaching out to all people to bring them to faith in Christ and by doing all ministry with a global awareness consistent with the understanding of God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier of all (excerpted from synod constitution, S6.02b); and WHEREAS, some congregations of the synod have already discovered, through working with Vibrant Faith Ministries (VFM), a promising pathway toward renewal of the Church in serving God s mission; and WHEREAS, the Faith Formation Network believes that The Plan for Sharing the Vibrant Faith Frame across the Western Iowa Synod shows great promise for helping a critical mass of the synod s congregations grow in their capacity to commend the faith to the next generation of disciples of Jesus Christ; therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod, in assembly, approve and commend to the congregations of the synod The Plan for Sharing the Vibrant Faith Frame across the Western Iowa Synod; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod, in assembly, encourage all congregations, organizations, baptized members, and friends of the synod to support this plan with their prayers, energy, imagination and financial gifts; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod, in assembly, authorize the synod council, in collaboration with the bishop and synod team, to implement this plan and report on the progress of implementation at the 2016, and 2017 synod assemblies. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reported this resolution and recommended its adoption. Bishop Prois announced that this motion would be voted on during the final plenary session. TED TALKS were presented by Jerry and Carolyn Fritsch, Lutheran Lakeside Camp; Rod Quanbeck, Ingham-Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camps; Troy Troftgruben, Wartburg Seminary; Paul Abbott, the Church of the Damascus Road; Mark Yackell-Julene, Center for Theology and Land/Shalom Hill Farm. 9

10 Bishop Prois turned the chair over to Vice President Brian Campbell who asked Daniel Holste to read Resolution #3. RESOLUTION 3. STRATEGY FOR OBSERVANCE OF THE 500 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EVANGELICAL (LUTHERAN) REFORMATION IN THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA (ELCA) AND WESTERN IOWA SYNOD (ELCA) Submitted by: Western Iowa Synod Council WHEREAS, as it observes the 500 th anniversary of the evangelical (Lutheran) Reformation of Christian teaching and practice in 16 th century Europe, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Western Iowa Synod (WIS) will initiate and participate in activities that serve both its mission and its identity in all its relationships; and WHEREAS, the relationships within the ELCA as well as relationships with other Lutheran, ecumenical partners, other religious communities and the larger American public provide abundant opportunities to make an evangelical witness that draws on the heritage and continuing vitality of the evangelical Lutheran reformation; and WHEREAS, the important and rich ELCA relationships with communities around the globe: The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) member churches and other Lutheran communities, other Christian churches and communities through the World Council of Churches including the Catholic and Orthodox churches, other religious communities, representatives, institutions and alliances with whom the ELCA collaborates, provide opportunities to join others in observing the continuing significance of the evangelical Reformation for our shared work and within all these relationships activities will be an occasion for the joyful celebration of the power of the Lutheran witness of the gospel; therefore be it RESOLVED, the ELCA and WIS will: Continue to encourage and support participation of the observance planned by the LWF for , Encourage and support initiatives by congregations, synods, and other institutional expressions of the ELCA that observe this anniversary; Collaborate with ecumenical partners and others where and when appropriate in activities that promote a witness of the Gospel that is both repentant and evangelical; Initiate and support activities that serve the ELCA s evangelical vocation without specifying a uniform plan or assuming responsibility for planning or approving all local or conference initiatives; and be it further RESOLVED, the WIS will accept responsibility for the following: Receiving and distributing information about activities and initiatives planned throughout the ELCA and WIS and inviting participation and support of these activities; Planning and implementing a schedule of events from the close of the 2015 Synod Assembly to Reformation Sunday 2017 that allows synod members to participate in observances of the 500 th anniversary through worship, learning and service; Support initiatives and convening networks to lead these initiatives. 10

11 The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reported this resolution and recommended its adoption. SA Motion and second to amend the resolution with an additional resolve: Resolved that the information about event in the celebration of the 500 th anniversary be posted on the WIS website. Motion and second to end debate. Voice vote: PASSED. Vote on the motion to amend the resolution: 220 Yes-9 No; PASSED. SA Vote on Resolution #3 Strategy For Observance Of The 500 th Anniversary Of The Evangelical (Lutheran) Reformation In The Evangelical Lutheran Church In America (ELCA) And Western Iowa Synod (ELCA) Vote: Yes 223-No 6; PASSED. The vice president asked Rev Jeff Ungs to recognize congregations in the synod who are growing their faith by increasing their Mission Support. He first announced those congregations in the synod that had increased their Mission Support by at 10% or more in They were: Our Saviour First St. John Emanuel St. John's Bethany Estherville Immanuel American Kanawha Immanuel St. John First St. Paul St. Peter Grace Our Saviors United Trinity Trinity Bethany Bethany St. Paul Strand Albert City Britt Carroll Council Bluffs Dunlap Emmetsburg Estherville George Hawarden Kanawha Kimballton Le Mars Milford Missouri Valley Pocahontas Primghar Rembrandt Ringsted Rutland Sibley Spencer Thompson Treynor Villisca The total increase in mission support for this group was $34,

12 He announced those congregations that had increased their mission support by up to 9% in They were: Immanuel St. Paul Bethesda St. John Immanuel Grace Church of Dam. Road St. Paul St. Paul Grace American Bethlehem New Life Hope St. Mark Augustana Mamrelund Good Hope South Enes Akron Atlantic Clarinda Cushing Forest City Fort Dodge Fort Dodge Lakota Manson Marathon Melvin Red Oak Sgt. Bluff Sioux Center Sioux City Sioux City Stanton Titonka Vincent The total increase in mission support for this group was $11, Rev. Len Halvorson presented a list of seven recipients of grants from the Western Iowa Synod Mission Endowment in They were: St. Peter Lutheran Church, Pocahontas $430 Exira Lutheran Church, Exira $350 Food 4 Kids $350 Rockwell City Lytton Aftercare $750 St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Carroll $600 St. Paul Lutheran Church, Missouri Valley $430 New Roads Reentry Team $750 Bethesda Lutheran Church, Exira $300 Bethany Lutheran Church, Spencer $300 Faith Lutheran Church, Onawa $600 Dan Holste presented Resolution #4, Review of Synod Constitution Chapter

13 RESOLUTION 4. REVIEW OF SYNOD CONSTITUTION CHAPTER 12 Submitted by: Living Waters Conference WHEREAS, Chapter 12 of the Synod Constitution provides some, but not specific, direction for the existing Conferences of the Synod, and there has been discussion throughout the Synod about confusion and concern related to Conferences; and WHEREAS, Chapter 12 of the Synod Constitution provides some, but not specific, direction for the existing Conferences of the Synod to cooperate in shared ministries; and WHEREAS, Chapter 12 of the Synod Constitution provides some, but not specific, direction for Conference Assemblies; and WHEREAS, the specific duties of Conference Dean s as listed in Chapter 12 of the Synod Constitution, is in need of review and clarification: therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Synod Council, in cooperation with the Conference Deans, undertake a review of Chapter 12 of the Synod Constitution ("Conferences, Clusters, Coalitions, or other area subdivisions") for the purpose of strengthening our common mission and ministry; be it further RESOLVED, that the Synod Council provide a report, and any recommendations, to the 2016 Synod Assembly. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reported this resolution and recommended that the matter be referred by the bishop to an appropriate council, network, or committee. SA A motion and second to refer Resolution #4, Review of Synod Constitution Chapter 12. Voice vote: TO REFER THE RESOLUTION Dan Holste read Resolution #5, Life of Faith Initiative. RESOLUTION 5. LIFE OF FAITH INITIATIVE Submitted by: Living Waters Conference WHEREAS, The Gospel of Jesus Christ sets God s people free to serve their neighbors in their daily lives in the various arenas God provides: in families, at work, and in civil society, working for the common good; and WHEREAS, all the baptized share a single vocation of loving God and loving neighbors (Matthew 22:36-40) as lived out in various roles and relationships; and WHEREAS, we seek to embody ever more fully Luther's Reformation call to the ministry of all the baptized; and 13

14 WHEREAS, the church as a gathered and scattered community needs leadership to reorient the ministries of the institutional church to equip the saints for the work of ministry in daily neighborliness (Ephesians 4:12); and WHEREAS, the ELCA s ongoing Book of Faith initiative has been an excellent model, and provided quality resources, for a grassroots movement in engaging the Bible, and the Covenant Cluster Task Force on Lay Theological Education is developing a Life of Faith initiative as a continuation of the Book of Faith work; and WHEREAS, the ELCA has a robust theological education network, including congregations, seminaries, colleges and universities, synodical lay schools for ministry, outdoor ministries, campus ministries, and many other entities; therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod "reaffirm the universal priesthood of all believers, namely, that all baptized Christians are called to minister in the name of Christ and, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to proclaim the promise of God in the world and in their various callings and to bear God s creative and redeeming Word to all the world, to meet human needs, to work for dignity and justice for all people, and peace and reconciliation among the nations..." *; be it further RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod calls upon congregations to foster Christian vocation by encouraging and equipping people, from children to adults, to discern and claim their call to speak and live the faith in their daily lives through their many varied forms of service with our neighbors in the family, the workplace, and in civil society; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod encourage congregations to support the WIS Lay School of Ministry by inviting members to attend and offering them financial and prayer support; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod encourage the theological education networks of the ELCA to equip rostered leaders as ministers of the Word to claim their vocation as teachers, forming congregations as teaching and learning communities at the interface of faith and life; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod encourage congregational and rostered leaders to participate in theological learning opportunities provided through the synod. (i.e. fall convocation, preassembly convocation, leadership academy, etc.); and be it further RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod memorialize the ELCA Churchwide assembly to make the Life of Faith Initiative a central priority in all its expressions congregations, synods, and churchwide organization. *Copied from the first resolution of the 1993 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in response to the Together for Ministry report, in "The Ministry of All the Baptized The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reported this resolution and recommended its adoption. SA A motion and second to adopt resolution #5 Life of Faith Initiative. Voice vote: PASSED. SA Motion and second to recess until 3 PM. Voice vote: PASSED. 14

15 The meeting recessed for lunch followed by a series of forums. At 3 PM, Bishop Prois reconvened the assembly. Bishop Prois asked Rev. Craig Miller, chair of the Credentials and Elections Committee to give a final update to the credentials report. He reported: Credentials Report #4 5/30/15 3:00 PM Clergy 85 Lay males 98 Lay females 109 Total voting 285 Visitors 74 Total registered 359 A Faith Formation video clip was shown. Jim LaDoux and Tom Schwolert gave the final segment of the keynote presentation. After the presentation, Bishop Prois called for a vote on Resolution #2 Partnership Between the Synod and Vibrant Faith Ministries. Dan Holste reread the resolved sections of resolution #2 Partnership Between the Synod and Vibrant Faith Ministries. SA The motion to adopt Resolution #2 Partnership Between the Synod and Vibrant Faith Ministries was considered. Voice vote: PASSED. Dan Holste reread the resolved sections of Resolution #1 We are the Church Facing Hunger. SA The motion to adopt resolution #1 We are the Church Facing Hunger was taken up. Voice vote: PASSED. TED Talks were presented by Cindy Wells, Companion Synod Network; Jocelyn Medrono, Midland University; Dan Dvoreck, Lutheran Campus Ministry; and Randall Donner, Mosaic. Vice President Brian Campbell assumed the chair and called on Dan Holste read Resolution #7, Resolution to Adopt Compensation Guidelines. RESOLUTION 7. WESTERN IOWA SYNOD 2016 COMPENSATION GUIDELINES Submitted by: Western Iowa Synod Council WHEREAS, congregations call rostered leaders to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ ; and WHEREAS, congregations desire to provide for the financial, spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of those called to serve them; and 15

16 WHEREAS, the compensation guidelines have been developed by the Synod Council for congregational use; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Assembly of the Western Iowa Synod ELCA adopt the proposed guidelines and urge that congregations compensate rostered leaders at the recommended levels. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reported this resolution and recommended its adoption. SA A motion and second to adopt #7, Resolution to Adopt Compensation Guidelines. Vote: Yes 147, No 75; PASSED Dan Holste read Resolution #6. "Definitely-Abled Sunday" RESOLUTION 6. "DEFINITELY-ABLED SUNDAY" Submitted by Pr Jon Benson WHEREAS, Jesus, throughout His ministry, sought to embrace and re-incorporate the forgotten, the marginalized, and the excluded; examples are: Bartimaeus, the blind man on the side of the road - Luke 18:35-43 the man with paralysis carried by four friends - Matthew 9:1-8 the woman suffering from blood flow - Mark 5:25-34 the ten men with leprosy - Luke 17:11-19 the man with the withered hand - Mark 3:1-5; and WHEREAS, St Paul in Scripture invites us to understand God's perspective of all humanity's value within the Body of Christ, the Church, he wrote: "that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same concern for one another." (1 Corinthians 12:25 NRSV), and we believe the Church should be a community where people of all abilities are affirmed, appreciated, and encouraged to participate; and WHEREAS, the 2010 ELCA social message addressing "People Living with Disabilities" ( message) states: "Just as in Christ 'there is no longer Jew nor Greek, there is no longer slave nor free, there is no longer male and female' (Galatians 3:28 NRSV) so also in Christ there are neither people with disabilities nor people without disabilities and encourages congregations to be inclusive and accessible to those who live with physical, sensory, intellectual, mental and developmental challenges; and WHEREAS, we confess that too often we have intentionally and unintentionally placed physical, social, and relational barriers that have limited our welcome to others with special needs, and that we may have injured them and their families in this process, "People with disabilities are much less likely to attend religious services compared to people without disabilities (N.O.D. Harris Survey 2010); therefore be it RESOLVED, that the third Sunday of September in 2015 and 2016 be designated as "Definitely-Abled Sunday" within the Western Iowa Synod; and be it further 16

17 RESOLVED, that the congregations and special ministries of our Synod offer on that day prayers, litanies, sermons, and/or lessons that highlight the capabilities, issues and struggles of those with disabilities; and be it further RESOLVED, we lift up national and international ministries like MOSAIC, an ELCA ministry that partners with people with intellectual disabilities to create a meaningful life, in a caring community, giving a voice to their needs, and that congregations be encouraged to use ministry resources like "Rejoicing Spirits" an offering of Mosaic that works with parishes to embrace and involve people with differing abilities; and be it further RESOLVED, that congregations invite those who are definitely-abled to serve in leadership positions within Sunday worship services and within the life of the congregation that day and on other occasions as appropriate to witness to the unity we share in Christ. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reported this resolution and recommended its adoption. After some discussion: Motion to end debate: Yes 184, No 45. SA A motion and second to adopt Resolution #6. "Definitely-Abled Sunday" VOTE: Yes 197, No 26; PASSED The youth members of the assembly presented their report. Synod Treasurer Jay Denne responded to questions that had been submitted by members of the assembly regarding the budget. Dan Holste read Resolution #8 Adopt The Budget. RESOLUTION 8. ADOPT THE BUDGET Submitted by: Western Iowa Synod Council RESOLVED, that the Assembly of the Western Iowa Synod ELCA adopt the revised budget for the fiscal year beginning February 1, 2015, and the proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning February 1, The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reported this resolution and recommended its adoption. SA A motion and second to adopt Resolution #8 Adopt The Budget. Vote: Yes 214, No 8; PASSED Those who were elected to Synod Council offices were invited to the stage. Bishop Prois led an order for installation for those who were elected. Those installed included: Barbara Brennan Brian Campbell Rev. Delwyn Olivier Karen Post 17

18 Rev. Jay Denne Katia Frock Tracy Gayer Susan Hett Marty Koefoed Rev. Barb Kopperud Judith Lang Rev. Christine Lang Corey Munson Rev. Rodger Prois Gail Schilmoeller Rev. Arhiana Shek Julie Sievers John Smith Rev. Susan Juilfs Bruce Radtke Sandy Smith Rev. George Hooper Congregations celebrating significant anniversaries were announced: Christ Lutheran, Jefferson 25 years Bethany, Kimballton 125 years Emmanuel, Council Bluffs 125 years Bishop Prois asked for a motion to adjourn the assembly, announcing that the 2016 assembly will be held in Omaha, Nebraska. SA A motion and second to adjourn. Voice vote: PASSED Then the bishop led the assembly in the order for the closing an assembly. The assembly adjourned at 5:00 PM. A sending worship was held after the adjournment. Respectfully submitted Arlyn Norris Secretary Pro Tem 18