SOUTHWESTERN TEXAS SYNOD OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA SYNOD COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28-29, 2015

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1 SYNOD COUNCIL AGENDA SOUTHWESTERN TEXAS SYNOD OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA SYNOD COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28-29, 2015 St. John Lutheran Church, 502 East Nueva Street, San Antonio Deanna Zitelman s cell phone O Brien Historic Riverwalk Hotel 116 Navarro St San Antonio, TX PROPOSED AGENDA AS OF 2/18/15 Friday, February 27, 2015 (Light snacks available, please eat dinner before arriving.) 7:00 p.m. Meeting begins St. John Lutheran Church Parking at the church is free when you mention the council meeting. Call to Order & Welcome Carl Teinert Dwelling in the Word Matthew 18:1-10 Bishop Tiemann Roll Call/Establish Quorum Linda Zander Seat Larry Shilling, Bluebonnet Conference replacement (Term ending 8/31/2018) Adoption of Agenda Carl Teinert (*)Review and Approval Carl Teinert Minutes of September 12-13, 2014 Council Meeting Exhibit A-1 Committee Meetings 9:00 p.m. Adjourn to O Brien Historic Riverwalk Hotel The hotel is a 2 minute walk from the church and hotel parking is $10 per night, so we encourage you to get your steps in. Saturday, February 28, 2015 (Breakfast at the hotel, refreshments at St. John) 7:00 a.m. Executive Committee Breakfast (at hotel, if needed) 8:30 a.m. Meeting resumes Call to Order Opening Devotions and Orientation to St. John s Ministry Carl Teinert Pastor Skip Courter Ministry Teams - Updates and Discussion Mission Team Pr. Greg Gaskamp Exhibit B-1 Asset Team Pr. Sharon Wiggins Exhibit B-2 Leadership Development Team Pr. Brady Eggleston Exhibit B-3 Executive Committee Carl Teinert (*)Recommend Adoption of 2015 Proposed Standing Rules Exhibit C-1 Report on 2014 Mission and Ministry & Vision Grants Exhibit C-2 Report release of St. John, Jourdanton, from the ELCA (Nov. 19, 2014) Exhibit C-3 Annual reappointment of Mutual Ministry Committee (Bill Maddox, Mark Helmke, Pr. Dave Schulte) according to S11.04 Reappoint Michael Aguirre, 3 rd term, to LSTC Board ending SYNOD COUNCIL AGENDA Page 1 of 3

2 SYNOD COUNCIL AGENDA Ratify appointments to TLU Corporation Board Re-appointments for Michelle Krejci Wallis, Leah Matocha, and Whitney Daum Myers; appointments for Darren Dunn, Barbara Nellermoe, and Larry Tuttle (all terms ending ) Report on Officer & Pastoral staff evaluations held November 8, :30 a.m. Strategic Plan Conversation Noon Lunch with Foundation Board of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago 1:30 p.m. Action Item Session Bishop Ray Tiemann Exhibit D-1 (*)Ratify appointment of Conference Deans through (S12.01.B11.) Pr. Robert Slade, Rio Grande Conference, Love of Christ, Weslaco (beginning ) Pr. Sandra Leifeste, Alamo Conference, House of Prayer, San Antonio (Reappointment) Pr., Capital North Conference, Pr., Capital South Conference, Synodically Authorized Ministers Update on Congregational Termination Processes Strategic Communications Contract Youth Ministry Contract Update on Congregations leaving the ELCA Immigration/Refugee Update Vice-president Report to Council - Carl Teinert Exhibit E-1 Resolution on Assembly Locations Exhibit F-1 Treasurer's Report/Financial Bill Irons Treasurer s Report Exhibit G-1 (*)Engagement Letter for Auditor (Randy Walker & Co.) Exhibit G-2 Mission Support Comparison Exhibit G-3 Financial Statements Fiscal Year Exhibit G-4 (*)Present Proposed Budget - Fiscal Year Exhibit G-5 Bishop s Associate, The Rev. Sue Briner Exhibit H-1 Director for Evangelical Mission, The Rev. Dr. Judith Spindt Exhibit I-1 Approve SAWC Pláticas, San Antonio, Leader - Enedina Vásquez Exhibit I-2 Administration and Finance Committee Pr. Herb Beyer Legal, Constitutional, and Roster Review Committee Pr. Anne Kolmeier (*)Roster Changes Exhibit J-1 (*)Action on Constitutions Exhibit J-2 Program and Evaluation Committee Report Marlena Guerra (*)Vision Grants recommendations Exhibit K-1 ELCA Campaign Report on 2014 Assembly Offering Water for Africa LifeStraws Exhibit L Synod Assembly, McAllen Convention Center, May 1-3, 2015 ELCA Representative Pr. Rafael Malpica-Padilla, Global Mission SYNOD COUNCIL AGENDA Page 2 of 3

3 SYNOD COUNCIL AGENDA Assembly Offering LSSS/LSPS Report of the Planning Team Deanna Zitelman, Admin. Asst. to Bishop Time of Synod Council meeting prior to Assembly May 1, 3 6 p.m. Room 103AB Nominations for Elected Positions Registration Instructions Develop Consent Agenda Guidelines Exhibit M-1 Information Reports: Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest, John Dellis Oral Report Sunday Visit arrangements for March 1, :30 p.m. Closing Devotions - Bishop Tiemann 5:00 p.m. Adjourn Calendar Items: 2015 Synod Assembly May 1-3, 2015 McAllen Convention Center Synod Council Meetings May 1, 2015, 3:00 p.m. McAllen Convention Center September 11-12, 2015 February 26-27, 2016 Synod Office (LMC), Seguin Bluebonnet Conference (TBD) 2016 Synod Assembly April 29-May 1, 2016 Alamo Conf. hosts (TBD) SYNOD COUNCIL AGENDA Page 3 of 3

4 Exhibit A-1 Synod Council Minutes, September 12-13, 2014 Linda Zander, Synod Secretary SC MINUTES OF THE SYNOD COUNCIL, SOUTHWESTERN TEXAS SYNOD EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA Zion Chapel, Lutheran Ministry Center, Seguin, TX September 12, 2014 The Synod Council meeting was called to order by Vice President Carl Teinert at 5:06 p.m. Dwelling in the Word led by Bishop Tiemann. The Synod Council engaged in a Getting to Know You exercise prior to adjourning for dinner. The Synod Council was called back to order at 6:45 p.m. by Mr. Teinert, followed by prayer led by Bishop Tiemann. Roll Call The secretary determined that there was a quorum present. Members Present: Rhonda Balsley Don Chovanec Marlena Guerra The Rev. Christopher Heinold The Rev. Bill Irons The Rev. Tom Kesselring The Rev. Anne Kolmeier Debbie Mattke Chuck Neeley Linda Nicholas Paul Pfeifer Ed Scharlau Carl Teinert Bishop Ray Tiemann Linda Zander Staff Present: The Rev. Sue Briner The Rev. Judith Spindt Deanna Zitelman Advisory Members Present: The Rev. Herb Beyer Absent: The Rev. Sylvia DeLaGarza John Dellis The Rev. Timothy Eggleston The Rev. Gregory Gaskamp Dennis Hickey Morgan Kunde The Rev. Sharon Wiggins Dawn Young The Rev. Robert Moore Emily Solis VOTED SC To adopt the proposed agenda. Mr. Teinert reviewed the Purpose Statement and Guiding Principles for the Synod Council, and then reviewed the Committee assignments. VOTED SC To elect The Rev. Anne Kolmeier, Linda Nicholas and Paul Pfeifer to serve on the Executive Committee. The Synod Council adjourned at 7:05 p.m. for Committee meetings. The Synod Council was called back to order at 8:39 p.m. by Mr. Teinert, and adjourned at 8:42 p.m. to attend Evening Eucharist and re-installation of all Synod Council members. Synod Council Minutes, September 12-13, 2014 Exhibit A-1 Linda Zander Synod Secretary Page 1 of 7

5 Exhibit A-1 Synod Council Minutes, September 12-13, 2014 Linda Zander, Synod Secretary SC Saturday, September 13, 2014 The Synod Council meeting was called to order by Vice President Carl Teinert at 8:30 a.m. Opening devotions and prayer by Bishop Tiemann. Secretary s Report VOTED SC To approve the minutes of the May 2, 2014, Synod Council meeting (See Exhibit A-1 attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes). VOTED SC To approve the minutes of the 2014 Synod Assembly (See Exhibit A-2 attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes). VOTED SC To approve the minutes of the May 19, 2014, Executive Committee meeting (See Exhibit A-3 attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes). Executive Committee Report Mr. Teinert reported the Staff/Officer reviews would be held on November 8, VOTED SC VOTED SC VOTED SC To approve the appointment of The Rev. Debbie Schulze to serve on the Discipline Committee through August 31, To ratify the appointment of The Rev. Timothy (Brady) Eggleston as Chair of the Leadership Development Team. To approve the Synod Assembly Offering Guidelines with amendments as follows (Exhibit B-1 was revised as follows). Synod Assembly Offering Team A team of Synod Council members identified and discussed the following processes I Spring, As a result of term expiration, a new team will be formed in September, 2015, to implement the guidelines seen here: Current Process Planning Committee for the Synod Assembly recommends where the funds should be allocated Recommendation is provided to the Synod Council in February council meeting for final approval Synod Council Minutes, September 12-13, 2014 Exhibit A-1 Linda Zander Synod Secretary Page 2 of 7

6 Exhibit A-1 Synod Council Minutes, September 12-13, 2014 Linda Zander, Synod Secretary SC New Process Create a team as part of the Synod Assembly Planning Committee Comprised of 2-3 members of the Planning Committee and 2-3 members of the Synod Council Team will look at the following (more criteria can be added) to determine where the funds should go 1. Mission goals/themes for SWTS for that period the Assembly is meeting 2. Needs of community where the Synod Assembly is taking place 3. Can be local or ELCA specific 4. Global needs 5. Can be ELCA or non-elca specific Team will make recommendation(s) to Synod Council for voting by Synod Council at their September meeting Funds to be awarded to that organization(s) approved by the Synod Council To further define this new process, the following statement from the Resource for Mission working group is provided to the Synod Council. A synod offering is a very specific giving opportunity, but it needs to align with the values and mission goals of the SWT Synod. Generally, ELCA projects such as Malaria, Global Mission, Disaster Response, and World Hunger are already receiving congregational emphasis and promotion. A synod offering may also present a new opportunity that would focus on changing lives in the short term. It should arise from the gifts and passions, as well as the context of the hosting conference. It should be a good example of accompaniment ministry, where local situations are honored and the offering flows through local institutions and leaders. VOTED SC To present two proposals from the Executive Committee to the Planning Committee for 2015: Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest (LSPS) or something related to the tentative theme of Welcoming the Stranger. Mr. Teinert reported that the February Council meeting is scheduled for February 27-March 1. VOTED SC VOTED SC To approve the recommendation by the Administration and Finance Committee to offer the Gold+ plan of health insurance from Portico for Synod staff. To approve the format for elections to the 2016 Churchwide Assembly as outlined in Exhibit B-2 with the following revision: change the word experience to serve in the last sentence preceding the (2013 list) Synod Council Minutes, September 12-13, 2014 Exhibit A-1 Linda Zander Synod Secretary Page 3 of 7

7 Exhibit A-1 Synod Council Minutes, September 12-13, 2014 Linda Zander, Synod Secretary SC VOTED SC To approve the recommendations of the Mission Endowment Disbursement Team (see Exhibit B-3 attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes). Treasurer's Report Pr. Irons presented the Treasurer's Report as found in Exhibit C-1 (Executive Summary), C-2 (Mission Support Comparison), C-3 (Statement of Financial Position), C-4 (Mission & Ministry Fund Balance Sheet), C-5 ( Analysis of Revenues & Expenses), and Exhibit C6 (Prior vs. Current Years Revenues & Expenses), copies of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes. Exhibit C-9 is an unqualified report of the independent auditor (a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes). Exhibit C-10 provides an update on the current status of the 2014 Synod Assembly offering (a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes). Vice President s Report Mr. Teinert presented his report as outlined in Exhibit D-1 (a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes). Mr. Teinert then gave the Council prayer partner assignments. Office of the Bishop Report Bishop Tiemann presented his report as outlined in Exhibits E-1 (Sabbatical Report) and E-2 (Bishop s Report) (copies of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes). VOTED SC VOTED SC To authorize the Executive Committee to act on any actions that might be needed regarding any votes held by St. John Lutheran, Jourdanton, to terminate their relationship with the ELCA. To authorize the following persons to serve as Synodically Authorized Ministers in the locations indicated with review dates as designated: Name Location Review Date Bill Krejci, AIM Peace, Austin September 30, 2014 Larry Hartman Grace, Mathis/St. Paul, Tynan December 31, 2014 Terry Bage St. Paul, Cave Creek December 31, 2014 Randy Nicholas Bethel, Lyford December 31, 2014 John Dellis, AIM St. Peter, Ander December 31, 2014 Dayna Schmidt Trinity, Luling December 31, 2014 Alicia Wills, AIM Merida Hospice, San Antonio February 28, 2015 Sue Irvin, TEEM St. Paul, Nordheim March 1, 2015 Everitt Sliger Peace, Woodsboro May 31, 2015 Sharon Vanderpool Trinity, Mission June 30, 2015 Leadership Development Team Report Pr. Eggleston presented the report as outlined in Exhibit F-1 as prepared by his predecessor, Pr. Jaime Bouzard (a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes). Synod Council Minutes, September 12-13, 2014 Exhibit A-1 Linda Zander Synod Secretary Page 4 of 7

8 Exhibit A-1 Synod Council Minutes, September 12-13, 2014 Linda Zander, Synod Secretary SC Mission Team Report Pr. Gaskamp presented the report as outlined in Exhibit F-2 as prepared by his predecessor, Pr. Tom Glasoe (a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes). Asset Team Report Pr. Wiggins presented the report as outlined in Exhibit F-3 (a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes). Bishop Associate s Report (The Rev. Sue Briner) Associate Briner presented her report as outlined in Exhibit G-1 (a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes). Director for Evangelical Mission s Report (The Rev. Judith Spindt) Pr. Spindt presented her report as outlined in Exhibit H-1 (a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes). Action Items VOTED SC VOTED SC VOTED SC VOTED SC VOTED SC VOTED SC VOTED SC To designate a $25,000 housing allowance out of salary as a portion of the compensation for Bishop Tiemann for 2015, and to designate a $30,000 housing allowance out of salary as a portion of the compensation for Bishop s Associate Briner for To elect Joel Vale to serve as the Synod Council representative on the Cross Trails Board. To approve the designation of People of Hope, Victoria, Texas, as a new Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community. To approve the designation of Everyone s Call, Austin, Texas, as a new Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community. To approve a Specialized Call for The Rev. Anamae Storbeck, Everyone s Call, Austin, as a Pastor-Developer on a part-time basis for a three year term beginning September 1, To re-appoint The Rev. Carl Schoss to the Wartburg Seminary Board for a second term through June 30, To approve the Bylaw changes for the Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest as outlined in Exhibit I-1 (a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes) Synod Council Minutes, September 12-13, 2014 Exhibit A-1 Linda Zander Synod Secretary Page 5 of 7

9 Exhibit A-1 Synod Council Minutes, September 12-13, 2014 Linda Zander, Synod Secretary SC VOTED SC To appoint The Rev. Jaime Bouzard to serve as chair of the Candidacy Committee through August 31, 2017, and Jodi Vlasak as a member of the Candidacy Committee through August 31, Following a prayer by Pr. Beyer, the Synod Council recessed for lunch at 11:50 a.m. The Council reassembled at 12:25 p.m. Conversation on the ELCA Campaign Bishop Tiemann presented the ELCA Campaign that was approved at the Churchwide Assembly, and as outlined in Exhibit J-1 (a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes). Program and Evaluation Committee Report Ms. Guerra, Chair, presented the committee s report. VOTED SC To appoint The Rev. Michael Coffey as Chair of Mission Begins for one year. Administration and Finance Committee Report Pr. Beyer, Chair, presented the committee s report. Personnel Policy update completed by next February. He reported that they hope to have the Legal, Constitutional and Roster Review Committee Report Pr. Kolmeier, Chair, presented the committee s report as found in Exhibits K-3 and K-4 (copies of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes). VOTED SC To approve On Leave from Call Status for: Pastor Timothy Brady Eggleston for a 2nd year beginning August 1, 2014 Pastor Thomas Glasoe for a 2nd year beginning August 1, 2014 Maria Hurni (Diaconal Minister) Study Leave August 5, 2015 Pastor Steve Lunning for a 2nd year beginning September 9, 2014 Pastor Ryan Pederson Study Leave for a 1st year starting July 1, 2014 Pastor Debbie Schulze for a 1st year beginning April 7, 2014 Pastor Bridget Thien for a 1st year beginning May 1, 2014 Stacey Troisi (AIM) Family Leave for 3 years starting November 1, 2014 Pastor Nathan Blom extended by COB through August 2, 2016 VOTED SC To approve Specialized Calls for: Pastor Kay Johnson Chaplain at Merida Professional Hospice Care Pastor Kara Stewart Campus Pastor at Texas Lutheran University VOTED SC To approve Retired Status for: Pastor Kent Bohls as of August 1, 2014 Pastor Paul Cannon as of September 13, 2014 Pastor Eileen Spehr as of September 13, 2014 Synod Council Minutes, September 12-13, 2014 Exhibit A-1 Linda Zander Synod Secretary Page 6 of 7

10 Exhibit A-1 Synod Council Minutes, September 12-13, 2014 Linda Zander, Synod Secretary SC Pastor Jose Sustaita as of September 13, 2014 Pastor Sharon Wiggins as of September 13, 2014 VOTED SC VOTED SC To approve the revised Constitution of First Lutheran Church, San Marcos, Texas, with the editorial changes as outlined in Exhibit K-4, No. 1 (a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes). To approve the revised Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of Triumphant Lutheran Church, Garden Ridge, Texas. Pr. Kolmeier also reported that committee looked at the Model Constitution and would suggest that the location of same be moved on the Synod website, and that a letter be sent to all congregational presidents and pastors requesting them to review their current governing documents Synod Assembly Ms. Zitelman presented an update for the planning team. The Assembly will be held on May 1-3, 2015, at the McAllen Convention Center. Information Reports Received: Women of the ELCA (Exhibit M-1, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes) was presented by Dawn Young, Cross Trails Ministry (Exhibit M-2, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes) Wartburg Theological Seminary (Exhibit M-3, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes) Calendar Items: Synod Assembly Dates: May 1-3, 2015 McAllen Convention Center Synod Council Meetings: February 27-March 1, 2015 St. John Lutheran Church, San Antonio May 1, 2015, 3:00 p.m. McAllen Convention Center September 11-12, 2015 Lutheran Ministry Center, Seguin Following a closing prayer by Bishop Tiemann, the meeting was adjourned at 4:06 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Linda Zander, Synod Secretary Synod Council Minutes, September 12-13, 2014 Exhibit A-1 Linda Zander Synod Secretary Page 7 of 7

11 Mission Team Report to SWT Synod Council February 2015 Exhibit B-1 Mission Team Report Pr. Greg Gaskamp After a recent website update, The Mission Team has expanded to now include these task forces/sub teams: Mission Begins; Mission Builds; Mission Grows (Children, Youth, and Family); Mission Beyond; and Mission Beyond Borders. The website includes brief descriptions, should you wish to review the scope of each. This report will highlight a few notes of significance since September 2014 : Mission Begins Recognizing a need to re-populate the Team and desire to have wider geographical diversity, several new people have been identified and agreed to serve (see below). This team s renewed vision includes: a) intentions to pair up a Team member with each New Ministry under Development, 50/50, and New Wine/SAWC ; b) through prayer and conversation, explore creative ideas of how to better be church together for seeding and supporting new ministries; and c) explore and discern new models for being Church, especially with congregations that are unable to provide compensation for full time ministry (one example Gulf Coast Conference). o New: Pr Tom Dietzel; Pr Rosy Rivera; Pr Russell Peek; Pr Danielle Moore Casey; Pr Kris Franke Hill. o Carry Over: Pr Michael Coffey (Chair); Pr Marcus Biggott. Mission Builds While this Team has not met recently, the Missional River initiative continues to be at this missional forefront. March will be the final gathering for the initial group of congregations and Pastors. From a synod perspective, Synod staff and other leaders are simultaneously asking, What do we have to learn for the Synod s perspective? All of this will contribute towards the next steps in building mission within existing ministries/ congregations. Mission Grows via Faith Formation (Children, Youth and Family) On January 22, Bishop Tiemann convened a conversation with numerous youth ministers. Among other outcomes of that conversation, this vital missional front now appears on the Synod website under The Mission Team, along with two youth minister contacts. Congregations with or without paid youth workers can contact either Mike Odegaard or Chris St Clair when looking for resources. Mission Beyond and Mission Beyond Borders While I don t have any new developments to report on these, I am grateful for each and all who are seeking to support and grow the Synod s mission in these specific ways. Synod Council Remember the September challenge (with accompanying prayer card), and the encouragement to regularly call a new ministry in your Conference, asking: What do you have to celebrate, that I can lift up in prayer? And, what needs or Mission Team Report Exhibit B-1 Pr. Greg Gaskamp Page 1 of 2

12 Exhibit B-1 Mission Team Report Pr. Greg Gaskamp growing edges can I lift up in prayer? Out of those interactions, come prepared at our February meeting to share your experiences. Agenda time may not be available to do so as group sharing, but if not there will be breaks and meal times when we can hear and share how the Spirit has stirred us up for Being Church together. Thanks for your prayers, support, and partnership within the many fronts of The Mission Team! DOING MISSION. OUTWARDLY FOCUSED Pastor Greg Gaskamp Chair Mission Team Report Exhibit B-1 Pr. Greg Gaskamp Page 2 of 2

13 Asset Team Report to Synod Council Meeting on February 27-28, 2015 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins The level of activity of the Task Forces under the Asset Team Ministry umbrella has varied from very active to dormant. The scope of the activity has also varied in terms of depth and breadth. With depth being the setting of deep roots in specific locations with the expectation of fruits that will initially be shared locally. And, with breadth being how widely the idea or task is shared across the Synod. A project or task force that begins with a focus on depth would grow in breadth as the projects develop and the lessons learned through the experience are shared across the Synod. While a project or task force that begins with a focus on breadth will grow in depth as it grows and matures. In the third chapter of Ecclesiastes we read For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven. Ideally, the two, depth and breadth, will both grow in their season. In addition to the Questionnaire prepared by the Program Evaluation Committee to be completed by each of the individual task forces, I asked the following questions: 1. You might want to give some thought to how you would like to see the Synod and the Synod Council support your work in the coming year. (this question is also on the questionnaire) 2. Any suggestions on how the evaluation procedure can be accomplished for all of the many groups/task forces in an equitable manner should be welcome. 3. One other thing I would like your opinion on is that I was considering having a table for the Asset Team Ministry group to once again try to explain what it is all about. Does that seem worthwhile? I would still like to see something like a "Asset Fair" around the Synod from time to time to provide a platform for sharing ideas. The responses received are: Congregational Initiated Community Based Advocacy In regards to the questions you asked about evaluation: 1. Look at the objectives of the group 2. Have group come to the Synod Council and present and be open to questions from SC 3. Get input from those who are participating in the work of the group 4. Synod Council members, Team leader, and Synod Staff attend the events held by the group. (We are deeply appreciative that Bishop spent Friday at our conference! Seeing is understanding) Poverty and Justice Task Force Concerning your request for suggestions on how the evaluation procedure can be accomplished for all of the many groups/task forces in an equitable manner, we believe the evaluation procedure should consider the breadth of coverage within the eight Conferences relative to the amount of funding requested/received. Specifically, the evaluation of PJTF efforts should consider: 1. Participation and support of Bishops in events and programs; 2. Level of participation in events and programs by clergy, who can take the message and programs back to their congregations; 3. Level of participation by lay members; Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 1 of 18

14 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins 4. Number of congregations participating in events and programs, represented by clergy and lay members; 5. Number of events held and programs implemented throughout the Synod; 6. Number of people participating in events and programs; and 7. Number of collaborations created among Texas ELCA Synods. The responses to the Program Evaluation Committee Questionnaire are attached to this report. Other Items In discussions with the Chairperson of the Synod Library/Resource Room and the Cherish Our Children Task Force, Rhonda Westerfield, she suggested that the Synod Library/Resource Room should be removed from the Asset Team Ministry umbrella as it does not fit the basic concept of a task force of this ministry group as being and idea or project from outside of the Synod Office that a group wants to share with the rest of the Synod. While it is something to be shared across the Synod, it does not have the grassroots flavor. She also is resigning as the Chairperson of the Cherish Our Children task force, as she feels she has spread the message in all the ways she knows to do. She will be willing to make a presentation is someone wants to have one made, but will not be initiating further activities in this area. Becky Krogness, chairperson of the Book of Faith Planning Team, would be willing to do some more with this, but is at a standpoint as to what to do and how to approach it. With the new scheduling of the days at Synod Assembly without breaks, it is hard to get people to stop at the table. She is not sure it is being effective at this time. But is willing to work with it if there are some ideas as to how to approach it. An addendum to this report will be forth coming. Conclusion I would like to thank all those who have worked so hard on the various projects around the Synod. Approaches vary, but the love of God and the neighbor is evident in all of the work. May we continue to build on the wonderful foundations that have come from the enthusiasm and desire to bring in the Kingdom of God that has been evidenced in all of these efforts. The focus, definition and scope of the Asset Team Ministry group continues to evolve as new challenges are met and answered. There are still many questions to be answered and I am sure we will, with God s help, find our way. Respectfully submitted Rev. Sharon Wiggins, Chairperson Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 2 of 18

15 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins Exhibit 1 Congregational Initiated Community Based Advocacy Initiative (was Pilot Project) p.1 of 5 PROGRAM EVALUATION QUESTIONS SOUTHWESTERN TEXAS SYNOD OF THE ELCA PROGRAM AND EVALUATION COMMITTEE PROGRAM: Congregation Initiate Community Based Advocacy Initiative 1. Provide a general description of the work of your group. The three year pilot of the task force will lead congregations to take the initiative to identify, along with community partners and people who live in poverty, a systemic cause for poverty in their community and, together, work for change. This is very similar to community organizing but at a local effort initiated by the congregation. Each year 5 new congregations are invited to be a part of the initiative. We are beginning our work with the second generation of congregations Feb. 6-7, To accomplish this goal, there is a pre-retreat training three hour workshop in the local congregation and then there are 5 training retreats over a year period which build on each other giving congregation teams the needed tools. Throughout the year of training and continuing for two more years, the Project Coordinator supports the congregation team by coaching, holding them accountable, and providing requested resources. In conjunction with the work of the Project Coordinator, the Task Force works to support the congregation teams. 2. Identify your purpose or vision statement. To End Poverty in Texas One Community at a Time As congregations move from charity/service outreach to faith-rooted organizing, they build relationships within the community with community partners and people who live in poverty. Together these three groups collaborate to discern a root cause of poverty in the local community and then advocate for systemic change. 3. Identify ways in which your purpose or vision statement supports, or is derived from the synod s mission focus: God s People Growing in Faith, Outwardly Focused, Doing Mission! God s People: The CICBA project is focused on training 5 congregational leadership teams of 4-8 members per year of the three year initiative. Growing in Faith: The congregational teams of lay and clergy participate in Bible studies and trainings on the Three Great Listenings, ourselves, God, and the world and learn the value of accompaniment in building relationships. Resources provided along with related Bible studies, guide the participants to grow in their understanding of what it means to be the public church as called by Christ to care for the least among us. The training will examine all that faith brings to the table of change from visions and dreams, to values, and to the scriptures. Outwardly Focused: The congregational leadership teams will learn to practice the Three Great Listenings in talking with and developing relationships with members of their congregation, community members/leaders, and people who live in poverty. They will develop an understanding of the poverty Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 3 of 18

16 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins and institutional racism in their communities as they research and map their community and its assets. Doing Mission: Through these conversations, the congregations will initiate problem solving with community partners and people in poverty to bring about systemic change. This will enable each Exhibit 1 Congregational Initiated Community Based Advocacy Initiative (was Pilot Project) p.2 or 5 leadership team to move their congregation from a focus on charity and direct service projects to becoming the initiator of change in the local community. This focuses on looking at what is happening in their community and to begin the process of rebuilding their community with love (we love each other, God loves us). The congregations will be responding to the Biblical mandate given by Christ, as you have done it to one of the least of these, you have done it to me to bring about systemic change to end poverty in their community. We Lutherans have been good at the charity/service model of helping those in poverty. But God is calling us to be a public church and to do mission through advocacy. The CICBA project will help move congregations towards becoming public churches in their communities as they model the life and ministry of Jesus. 4. List activities carried out or initiated in 2013 and/or congregations were invited to be part of our pilot year + one congregation from the Gulf Coast Synod 1 pre-retreat training workshop was held at each congregation. 4 training retreats were held with the 5 th one Feb. 6-7, 2015 Both the Gulf Coast Synod and the NT-NL Mission area were invited to send a team to be observers at the retreats with the intent to of potentially creating a similar task force in their area to replicate our initiative, thus fulfilling the vision statement of ending poverty in Texas. A team of four participants from the NTxNLa Mission area has committed to be observers along with the Second Generation of congregations during How has your program directly impacted the mission of the synod and its congregations this past year? One-to-one relational meetings within their congregation, with community members, and people in poverty has led to congregational renewal and the development of community relationships to partner to address local poverty. As a result by Dec. 1st, the five congregational teams had conducted a total of 114 one-to-one relational meetings in their congregations, with community members and with people living in poverty. As part of conducting relational meetings and researching their community, several congregations are participating in the Texas Impact, Know Your Community Treasure Hunt and have become recognized as a community partner with Texas Impact. The congregations are getting to better know their neighbors and understand the community and lives their brothers and sisters live. Through this process, they are developing relationships in the community and becoming a public church. The teams will bring this knowledge and experiences with the community members and people living in poverty to Retreat 5 (February, 2015) to learn how to structure an advocacy plan. Each congregation will then begin the process of working with their partners to advocate to address the causes of the selected poverty issues in their local community. Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 4 of 18

17 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins Three congregational teams are demonstrating a very strong interest and commitment to moving to working with community partners and people living in poverty and addressing community poverty issues. The results of this training and leadership development has resulted in the congregational teams leading congregational renewal and congregations placing a greater emphasis on doing mission thru advocacy in their local community as a part of their congregational goals for the future. The congregation from Gulf Coast Synod was considering the call of a youth and family staff person. As a result in their involvement with the CICBA Initiative, they have called an ordained pastor to work in the area of justice and community outreach. Exhibit 1 Congregational Initiated Community Based Advocacy Initiative (was Pilot Project) p.3 of 5 From the comments on an evaluation report from the congregations in December, 2014, each individual team member was involved in one-to-one relational meetings that has enabled them to develop a better sense and understanding of the lives of their sisters and brothers not only within their congregation, but also of those in their community and people who live in poverty. Team members have stated that they have developed closer relationships within their congregations. This has strengthened their church community and has helped them to develop a better sense of their congregation and its place in the community. They noted that this is enabling them and their congregation to go outside the walls of their church to work with others. Team members have specifically noted that they have grown spiritually; learned to talk to people in a more kind and caring manner; are more comfortable talking with people in the community and people living in poverty as they have physically gone into their communities in an attempt to better understand it; and have become better listeners. The team s definition of poverty and the circumstances which contribute to poverty is broadening, thus there is an increasing cognizance of how many individuals are vulnerable to this situation. The teams have learned that poverty impacts not just one ethnic group but all ethnic groups. The one to one relational meetings have led them to visit with currently homeless individuals; ones who experienced poverty in their familial homes but education helped move them to middle class; and those whose life incidents moved them from middle class to poverty. Depending on the individual, new insights were gained about poverty and how it impacts all. The training and one-to-one relational meetings helped individuals become aware of their personal bias whether it was about community members or people who live in poverty. Each had to confront how their personal bias or their own culture impacted their perception and keeps them from being effective in accompanying those in need and working with others in their community. For people in poverty, this provided them with the experience of sharing with another individual who accepted them as God s children; listened to them; valued them as individuals; and wants to actually accompany them. The congregations are slowly developing relationships in their communities and are beginning the process of inviting community partners and people in poverty to the table to begin to determine a cause of poverty to address together. The congregations are in the process of moving towards advocacy in their community as they have developed relationships outside of the church. 6. List three challenges in order of most challenging to least challenging. Describe ways that you have endeavored to meet these challenges. The challenges for the year of 2014 are: Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 5 of 18

18 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins Budget needs: Project is totally grant funded, so much energy and time is spent seeking funding. (Seven grant proposals were submitted seeking funding for the first generation and not all grant requests were funded. For each grant for which funds are received, grant reports must be submitted often (mid-year and final reports.) o Seeking of potential funding sources o Developing consistency in language and description of the project o Collecting information from Congregational Teams to give accurate and meaningful feedback in grant reports o Creation of a budget format that can be modified as needed based on grant specifications Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 6 of 18

19 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins Exhibit 1 Congregational Initiated Community Based Advocacy Initiative (was Pilot Project) p. 4 of 5 Developing the content of the retreat training. o Prior to and following each training retreat, phone conferences were held with the 3 presenters, two of which are from Chicago. Scheduling these phone conferences were another challenge along with time limitations. o o Detailed outlines were reviewed and then discussed. On January 9, 2015, the CICBA Task Force flew to the ELCA Lutheran Center in Chicago for a day long planning session with the two presenters. o Not having a full understanding of the dynamics and challenges within the congregational structure that impair the full participation of the congregation in the project. Example: Spanish speaking congregation and training thru translation from English to Spanish; Lack of a cohesive and large enough team; Worshipping community where not everyone lives in the same community. o o o Found funding to repeat trainings in Spanish at the local congregation Looked more carefully at the congregations invited to be part of the second generation. Required larger congregational teams based on size of congregation 7. List three opportunities in order of most challenging to least challenging. Describe how you have taken advantage of these opportunities to multiply mission. The opportunity for the Task Force to learn from; work with; and receive support and guidance from the ELCA staff of Sue Engh, Mikka McCracken, and Texas Impact and Texas Interfaith Executive Director, Bee Moorhead. The opportunity of having them actually provide the training and their continued encouragement and support in spite of all their other commitments. o We have been told by the ELCA church wide staff that we are the only project under the umbrella of the ELCA World Hunger office that is doing advocacy work. o As a task force and as the now 11 congregations involved in the CICBA Initiative, there is a face and a relationship to Churchwide that did not exist prior to Sue and Mikka coming as presenters. The challenge over this next year and into the 3 rd generation is to find more presenters as they will not be able to come to all of our trainings. o Texas Impact is now a known entity for the participants and congregations. As the advocacy office for the three synods in Texas, this is positive and important relationship. Identifying and recruiting congregations: We have been humbled and have rejoiced in the work of the Holy Spirit as we invite congregations to join us in this journey. In the inviting of two generations, only one congregation said, not now. So to have 5 per year, we have only invited 11 to join us. Our first contact is with the pastor who then invites a group from the congregation to whom we do a presentation. o Pastors and congregations have a way to live out their passion to be engaged in the community. o The commitment and openness to this initiative indicates a need for this opportunity of ministry for more congregations. We are limited by money and being a volunteer task force to increase the numbers. Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 7 of 18

20 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins The opportunity to share the project with NT-NL and Gulf Coast synods which has led to NTxNLa sending observers to the 2015 training retreats with the intent of establishing the program in their synod. o We hope that Gulf Coast will shadow us in the third year. o The positive response of the NTxNLa Mission Area is exciting Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 8 of 18

21 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins. Exhibit 1 Congregational Initiated Community Based Advocacy Initiative (was Pilot Project) p.5 of 5 8. If the sky was the limit, what would you want from Synod Council in the way of support? Since it s not, what do you hope to broker or leverage in the coming year? Increased dialogue with Asset Team Chair and Synod office staff Funding: We have been deeply appreciative of the awarding of the Mission and Ministry Grant and the Vision Grant and money from the Asset Team Budget. Knowing that we are asking repeatedly for the same funds to be used to do the same thing, we want those who award these grants to know that the money is being used with a different group of people each time. So we are hopeful that these grants will continue to be awarded to us. Funds allocated without the need to write a grant: We have received around $10,000 each year for 2013 and If we could have $15,000 without writing a synod level grant request or to the Asset Team, it would eliminate the time spent on writing the three requests and the stress of not knowing if the money was coming. We would still need to seek other funds as our budget is around $30, What are your mission plans for next year? ( Mission is used in so many ways. We have listed actions we will be taking. Our mission of ending poverty in Texas remains the same.) 1. We continue our work with 4 new congregations + 1 from Gulf Coast. 2 We will be shadowed by a team from NTxNLa Mission Area. 3. We will be using a revised and refined content for the trainings. 4. And we will begin the development of a framework guide that will be available to others in the future to replicate our initiative. 10. Name of Chairperson, Congregational membership, date became chairperson. If there are other leaders you might also list them and how long they have been in their positions. This Task Force was approved by the Synod Council in May The CICBA Task Force members are: Mary Lou Walther Chair, Living Word, Buda Vi Lien Grant writer and Data collection, Living Word, Buda Herb Palmer Liaison, First English, Austin Karen Dehart, Recorder, St. Martin s Austin (New to Task Force, Jan. 2015) Project Coordinator: (This is a grant funded position) Charles Fredrickson The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, San Antonio Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 9 of 18

22 Exhibit 2 Poverty and Justice Task Force p.1 of 4 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins PROGRAM EVALUATION QUESTIONS SOUTHWESTERN TEXAS SYNOD OF THE ELCA PROGRAM AND EVALUATION COMMITTEE PROGRAM Poverty and Justice Task Force 1. Provide a general description of the work of your group. The Poverty and Justice Task Force (PJTF) works to assist congregations across the Southwestern Texas Synod to be involved in education, service, and advocacy efforts for systemic change to eliminate poverty and other injustices. 2. Identify your purpose or vision statement. Vision The PJTF believes that we, as Christians, are called to work toward a fair and just society. It is the Creator s intent that all people are provided those things that protect human dignity and lead to healthy lives, which include adequate food and shelter, meaningful work, a fair and just wage, safe communities, healthcare, and education. We believe that overcoming poverty and other injustices involves both acts of direct service and advocacy to change systemically those structures that result in people living in poverty or suffering other injustices. Mission (purpose) The PJTF works to create a fair and just society as envisioned in Biblical mandates. To this end, we endeavor to equip communities with knowledge of how to: 1. assess communities for poverty and other injustices, and for systems which tend to create or sustain poverty and other injustices, 2. recognize disparities between those who are poor and those who have a disproportionate share of the world s resources, 3. access available resources to help the poor survive their current crises and remove the causes of their poverty, 4. work to eliminate injustices, 5. make alliances with others in society who share the commitment to overcome poverty and other injustices, and 6. advocate to change private and public systems which unfairly control resources available to citizens. 3. Identify ways in which your purpose or vision statement supports, or is derived from the synod s mission focus: God s People Growing in Faith, Outwardly Focused, Doing Mission! The PJTF works toward creation of a fair and just society as envisioned in Biblical mandates by equipping Synod-wide congregational members with (1) knowledge of how to advocate for Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 10 of 18

23 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins systemic change to eliminate poverty and other injustices, and (2) available resources and knowledge to assist congregations to help the poor survive their current crises. Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 11 of 18

24 Exhibit 2 Poverty and Justice Task Force p.2 of 4 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins 4. List activities carried out or initiated in 2013 and/or TI advocacy presentations were given in all eight Conferences from November 2013 to January PJTF led an initiative to encourage Lutherans to attend the United Methodist Women (UMW) Legislative Event in January 2014, as a pilot to launching a Lutheran Legislative Event. A total of 13 congregants from five SWT Conferences attended the WMW event. PJTF organized the February 2015 Lutheran Legislative Event, with program planned by Texas Impact, as an opportunity for congregants to participate in advocacy at the next level. PJTF is assisting Texas Impact in implementing the HHSC Community Partner Program: o Hosted 08/16/2014 CPP training workshop to help congregants start the CP process. o Assisted seven congregations in five SWT Conferences in committing to becoming Community Partners in Developed PJTF website on soulcafe.org and populated the website with significant number of educational and advocacy materials. 5. How has your program directly impacted the mission of the synod and its congregations this past year? With the Texas Impact advocacy presentations we ve attracted and identified people of faith who want to work for justice, and we ve taken them to the next level with the February 15-17, 2015 Lutheran Legislative Event. Also, God s work, our hands is what we re about with the Community Partner Program sites which will provide hands-on assistance to congregants and community members in need of social services. 6. List three challenges in order of most challenging to least challenging. Describe ways that you have endeavored to meet these challenges. 1. The PJTF would like a liaison in each congregation. However, congregation members are busy with their personal and professional activities that limit their availability to commit to doing advocacy work in their congregations. We have endeavored to take small steps that don t overwhelm the congregation member volunteers. For example, we are now asking for either liaisons or friends as a less intimidating term and have been somewhat more successful in identifying volunteers as congregational contacts. 2. The process of congregations working in conjunction with HHSC, a state agency, for delivering Community Partner Program (CPP) services needed by the poor is more complicated than anticipated and requires more effort than anticipated. The process can be intimidating to many congregants, and getting volunteers to take on this rather large task is a challenge. We hosted a CPP training workshop in August 2014 and are considering additional training opportunities in partnership with Texas Impact. 3. Many of our churches don t have adequate paid staff to do social justice work without assistance from congregation member volunteers. We are working with the CPP to allow congregation member volunteers to hold a more active role in administering the CPP in congregations. Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 12 of 18

25 Exhibit 2 Poverty and Justice Task Force p.3 of 4 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins 7. List three opportunities in order of most challenging to least challenging. Describe how you have taken advantage of these opportunities to multiply mission. 1. The Synod encourages congregations to do advocacy for justice and systemic change at the state level through Texas Impact. A number of congregants have experience and an understanding of social justice and just need support to provide advocacy and assistance. The PJTF has promoted and will promote those efforts through close collaboration with Texas Impact in sponsoring events such as the annual Lutheran Legislative Event and Texas Impact presentations. Texas Impact planned the program for the 2015 Lutheran Legislative Event and will similarly plan the 2016 Event. The PJTF will continue to supplement these efforts with posting of advocacy and educational materials on the PJTF s soulcafe.org website. 2. Texas Impact is available to provide significant assistance to the PJTF in achieving its mission/vision. The PJTF has made and will continue to make resources and knowledge available to assist our congregations in helping the poor by promoting Texas Impact programs such as the Community Partner Program, the Better Neighbor Program, and the Know Your Community Tools. Texas Impact is providing training and support to congregations that are becoming Community Partners. 3. The PJTF is leveraging and maximizing the impact of its resources and skills by attracting pastors and lay members from our Synod and other Synods to share their talents in becoming voices for justice. The PJTF is promoting collaboration among pastors and lay members of congregations throughout the Synod, thereby increasing the strength of the Synod as a whole. The PJTF is promoting sharing and collaboration among all three ELCA Texas Synods with events such as the Lutheran Legislative Event, making all Synods stronger voices for justice. 8. If the sky were the limit, what would you want from Synod Council in the way of support? Since it s not, what do you hope to broker or leverage in the coming year? The PJTF would like the Synod Council to support its efforts with future Lutheran Legislative Events and also support congregations that become Community Partners. The PJTF submitted a February 2015 Vision Project Grant proposal to accomplish these tasks in 2015 and would like the Synod Council to approve the requested $5,000. This funding amount assumes the additional funds needed for these efforts, above this amount, will be covered by Texas Impact and congregations and their congregants involved in these activities. At some point in the near future, the PJTF would also like funding for a part-time staff person to help coordinate the growing administrative tasks of our expanding programs. A member of the PJTF may be able to provide these services as paid staff. The ELCA website soulcafe.org allows groups such as this PJTF to develop and post their own materials, providing an excellent opportunity for congregants and others to learn more about how they can advocate on poverty and other social justice issues. This website would benefit from increased readership. We would like the Synod Council to support and promote the use of soulcafe.org within the Synod. This PJTF has been using various means to get the word out about its materials on the website, e.g., via bulletin inserts and flyers at various Synod events. We would like the Synod Council to promote the PJTF and its work to congregations within the Synod to encourage more active participation by congregants in advocacy to eliminate poverty Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 13 of 18

26 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins and other injustices. A PJTF goal is to have a member representative from each of the eight SWT Conferences. Therefore, a current priority would be to promote within the Cibolo Creek Conference and the Gulf Coast Conference to identify a member representative from each of those Conferences to serve on the PJTF. Exhibit 2 Poverty and Justice Task Force p.4 of 4 9. What are your mission plans for next year? 1. Work with additional congregations to become Community Partners. 2. Sponsor the 2 nd Lutheran Legislative Event. 3. Increase level of participation in PJTF events and programs by clergy and congregants. 4. Continue collaboration with two other Texas ELCA Synods. 5. Continue collaboration with Texas Impact to inform congregations of available resources and opportunities to advocate on poverty and other injustice issues. 6. Increase the number of congregations with PJTF liaisons and friends receiving updates and working toward the elimination of poverty and other injustices. 7. Further populate the PJTF soulcafe.org website to provide additional educational and advocacy materials to congregants. 10. Name of Chairperson, Congregational membership, date became chairperson. If there are other leaders you might also list them and how long they have been in their positions. Mary Lou Newman, chair, Gethsemane Lutheran-Austin, Capital North, 2007 Jan Demro, member, Grace-Harlingen, Rio Grande, 2007 Jim Sorensen, member, Abiding Presence-San Antonio, Alamo, 2007 Rick Ertel, member, St. James-Harper, Hill Country, 2008 Dorothy Kraemer, member, Immanuel-Pflugerville, Capital North, 2012 Rev. Jeff Thompson, member, St. Paul-Nordheim, Bluebonnet, 2013 Rev. Mag Holm-Roesler, member, Holy Cross-Austin, Capital South, 2014 (also, a member during the first year after its inception in 2007) Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 14 of 18

27 Exhibit 3 Peace Not Walls Task Force p.1 of 3 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins PROGRAM EVALUATION QUESTIONS SOUTHWESTERN TEXAS SYNOD OF THE ELCA PROGRAM AND EVALUATION COMMITTEE PROGRAM _Peace Not Walls 1. Provide a general description of the work of your group. Working towards justice and peace in Palestine and Israel by promoting accompaniment, advocacy and awareness-raising, as ways to engage congregations in the work of the ELCA which promotes dignity, full respect for human rights, healing and reconciliation in the Holy Land. We also work to connect congregations in the SW Texas Synod with our Palestinian Lutheran companions to develop working relationships and cultural understanding so that synod congregations can better understand the challenges of our Lutheran sisters and brothers in the Holy Land. 2. Identify your purpose or vision statement. Working for peace in Palestine and Israel through the Church wide Peace Not Walls campaign. Utilizing the principals of accompaniment, advocacy and awareness raising to engage congregations in supporting the ELCA s efforts to promote healing and reconciliation. 3. Identify ways in which your purpose or vision statement supports, or is derived from the synod s mission focus: God s People Growing in Faith, Outwardly Focused, and Doing Mission! Our purpose supports outwardly focused mission by supporting the work of our companion synod in the Holy Land and encourages Synod congregations to educate local communities on how they can accompany our companion synod by working for peace, justice and reconciliation in the Holy Land. 4. List activities carried out or initiated in 2013 and/or Presentations held at congregations and at the NW Texas Synod assembly which educated communities about accompaniment and how they can work with ELCJHL congregations and promote awareness in their local congregations. Initiated monthly Prayer vigils, praying for peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land. 5. How has your program directly impacted the mission of the synod and its congregations this past year? These activities have worked in sync with the mission of Churchwide Peace Not Walls efforts and the synod s mission towards reconciliation and connection to companion synod ELCJHL. Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 15 of 18

28 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins 6. List three challenges in order of most challenging to least challenging. Describe ways that you have endeavored to meet these challenges. 1. Getting additional participation from individuals and maintaining committee members. We are working on this by outreach to congregations through Ministry events and prayer vigils. Exhibit 3 Peace Not Walls Task Force p.2 of 3 2. Providing opportunism for individuals to become engaged after they pass the Awareness phase of their learning and experience to Accompaniment and Advocacy, for those not able to travel/work in the Holy Land and gain firsthand experience. We encourage these individuals to build relationships with congregations and programs of the 3. ELCJHL and to accompany them by supporting the work of these congregations in the Holy Land. We further encourage advocacy, by helping us with public speaking events, activities to share their knowledge and encourage others to get involved and or travel to the Holy Land if able. 7. List three opportunities in order of most challenging to least challenging. Describe how you have taken advantage of these opportunities to multiply mission. 1. Getting additional participation from individuals and maintaining committee members. We are working on this by outreach to congregations through Ministry events and prayer vigils. 2. Providing opportunism for individuals to become engaged after they pass the Awareness phase of their learning and experience to Accompaniment and Advocacy, for those not able to travel/work in the Holy Land and gain firsthand experience. We encourage these individuals to build relationships with congregations and programs of the ELCJHL and to accompany them by supporting the work of these congregations in the Holy Land. We further encourage advocacy, by helping us with public speaking events, activities to share their knowledge and encourage others to get involved and or travel to the Holy Land if able. 3. Effectively get the message across of what is happening in the Holy Land and why we should be concerned. I have taken this challenge to connect everyday life in Texas to the common challenges Palestinians face. I connect the dots between justice and what basic human rights should be upheld for all peoples as God calls us to treat and love one another and Christ loved us. Connecting the dots of respect and human dignity and helping congregations and individuals understand the human element of the Israeli/Palestinian struggle. 8. If the sky was the limit, what would you want from Synod Council in the way of support? Since it s not, what do you hope to broker or leverage in the coming year? Synod s support in sponsoring Mitri Raheb s (Pastor of Christmas Lutheran, Bethlehem) participation and speaking at Synod Assembly. Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 16 of 18

29 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins Second request would be for Synod to sponsor committee members attendance at EAPPI annual conference to connect with former Accompaniers and learn how we can work more effectively with Churchwide and within our synod to support Peace Not Walls purpose to support Awareness, Accompaniment, and Advocacy. Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 17 of 18

30 Exhibit 3 Peace Not Walls Task Force p.3 of 3 Exhibit B-2 Asset Team Report Pr. Sharon Wiggins 9. What are your mission plans for next year? Start planning to bring a Palestinian Pastor to speak at local congregations throughout the synod and possibly Synod Assembly. Continue monthly prayer vigils Actively see out congregations to connect to the ELCJHL and the work of PNW. Send at least one committee member a advocacy networking conference (such as EAPPI, or PNW churchwide) 10. Name of Chairperson, Congregational membership, date became chairperson. If there are other leaders you might also list them and how long they have been in their positions. Chairperson: Tammie Danielsen, Gethsemane Lutheran, Austin, TX since July Asset Team Report Exhibit B-2 Pr. Sharon Wiggins Page 18 of 18

31 PROPOSED STANDING RULES 2015 Synod Assembly Exhibit C-1 Proposed Standing Rules 2015 Synod Assembly 1. Authority of the Synod Assembly ( S7.01). The Synod Assembly is the highest legislative authority of the Southwestern Texas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The powers of the Synod Assembly are limited only by the provisions of the synod's Articles of Incorporation, constitution, and bylaws, the assembly's own resolutions, and the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 2. Voting Members of the Assembly ( S7.21). The membership of the Synod Assembly, of which at least 60 percent of the voting members shall be composed of lay persons, 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. b. All associates in ministry, deaconesses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and diaconal ministers, under call, on the official lay rosters of this synod shall have both voice and vote as lay voting members in the Synod Assembly. c. A minimum of one lay member elected by each congregation or Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community (S ) with fewer than 175 baptized members and a minimum of two lay members elected by each congregation or Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community related to this synod with more than 175 baptized members, normally one of whom shall be male and one of whom shall be female, shall be voting members. In accordance with S7.21(c), the Synod Council has adopted (SC: ) a formula to provide for additional lay representation from congregations on the basis of number of baptized members, and to ensure that, as nearly as possible, 50 percent of the lay members of the assembly shall be female and 50 percent shall be male. Under that formula, congregations shall each select two voting members, one male and one female, except: 1) congregations with less than 175 baptized members (as determined by the congregation s Parochial Report the prior year) may elect to send only one lay voting member, for 2015 who shall be female if the congregation is a member of the Gulf Coast, Rio Grande, Alamo or Cibolo Creek conference, and male if the congregation is a member of the Capital North, Capital South, Hill Country, or Bluebonnet conference; and 2) congregations with more than 400 baptized members (as determined by the congregation s Parochial Report the prior year) shall send two voting members, one female and one male, and may send one additional lay voting member, who shall be male if the congregation is a member of the Gulf Coast, Rio Grande, Alamo or Cibolo Creek conference, and female if the congregation is a member of the Capital North, Capital South, Hill Country, or Bluebonnet conference. (According to the Congregational Parochial Report, 2014). d. The goal of this synod is for at least 10 percent of the voting members of the Synod Assembly to be youth and young adults ( S6.04.B09). To accomplish this goal one extra voting member, above and beyond what is already constitutionally provided, is allowed for a congregation as long as that voting member fits the definition of youth or young Proposed Standing Rules Exhibit C Synod Assembly Page 1 of 7

32 Exhibit C-1 Proposed Standing Rules 2015 Synod Assembly adult. Therefore, congregations with fewer than 400 baptized members would be allowed three (3) lay voting members and congregations over 400 baptized members would be allowed four (4) lay voting members. e. Voting membership shall include the officers of the synod. f. With the exception of ordained ministers on the roster of this synod who reside outside the territory of this synod, each member of the Synod Assembly shall be a voting member of a congregation of this synod. ( S7.25) g. Duly elected voting members of the Synod Council who are not otherwise voting members of the Synod Assembly under S7.21 shall be granted the privilege of both voice and vote as members of the Synod Assembly. (S7.27) h. (S7.22;SC ) Up to 10 percent of the total number of retired ordained ministers, associates in ministry, diaconal ministers, and deaconesses on the rosters of the synod will be selected to serve as voting members of the Synod Assembly, with voice and vote. The persons to serve in that capacity will be selected as follows: 1) All retired rostered persons will be contacted by mail on or about February 1 of that assembly year to determine their willingness to serve as voting members, and advising them of the process of selection, including the deadline for responses. 2) Any retired ordained minister serving under at least a one-year contract with a congregation, agency or institution recognized by this synod who desires to serve will automatically be included in the total number of retired rostered persons serving as voting members. If the number of such persons who desire to serve as voting members exceeds the 10 percent limit, the persons selected to serve will be chosen from among those persons desiring to serve by random drawing conducted by the Executive Committee or at its direction. 3) If the number of persons selected under the paragraph above is less than the total number of retired rostered persons authorized to serve as voting members for the assembly, the remaining positions will be filled from among those who indicated their desire to serve by random drawing conducted by the Executive Committee or at its direction. 4) The retired rostered persons chosen to serve as voting members will be notified of their selection as soon as practicable before the assembly. 5) In the event a voting member selected under this process is unable to attend the assembly, the Executive Committee may appoint a substitute to serve in his place from among those who previously indicated their desire to serve but were not selected. 6) Retired ordained ministers serving as voting members under this process will be counted as clergy, and retired associates in ministry, diaconal ministers, and deaconesses will be counted as lay persons, for purposes of satisfying the requirements of S ) Registration fees for the assembly will be waived for retired rostered persons serving as voting members under this process. Any travel, housing, meal or other expenses incurred are the responsibility of the retired rostered person. Proposed Standing Rules Exhibit C Synod Assembly Page 2 of 7

33 Exhibit C-1 Proposed Standing Rules 2015 Synod Assembly Synodically Authorized Ministers a. A Synodically Authorized Minister in attendance at the Synod Assembly who is serving within a congregation under an authorization of at least one year in duration shall be a voting member of the Synod Assembly, with voice and vote. b. Synodically Authorized Ministers serving as voting members under this process will be counted as lay persons for purposes of satisfying the requirements of S7.21. c. Synodically Authorized Ministers serving as voting members under this process will not be counted as a lay voting member from the congregation they serve for purposes of determining the number of lay voting members to be elected by the congregation. d. Registration fees, travel, housing, meal and other expenses incurred in attending the Synod Assembly are the responsibility of the congregation served by the Synodically Authorized Minister. General If the selection of voting members of the Synod Assembly under the processes above results in additional lay voting members being needed to meet the requirement that at least 60% of voting members of the assembly be lay persons, additional lay voting members from congregations will be selected in accordance with the process adopted by the Synod Council under S7.21.c. 3. Advisory Members of the Assembly (S7.23). The following, if not otherwise voting members of the Synod Assembly, have the privilege of voice, but not vote: a. All ordained ministers and associates in ministry, deaconesses, or diaconal ministers on leave from call or retired and seminary interns not elected as members, all of whose names appear on the rosters of this synod. b. The bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and such other official representatives of this church as may be designated from time to time by the Church Council. c. Chairpersons of the Commissions and Committees of this synod. d. Members of Synod Assembly committees. e. Invited ecumenical representatives. f. Such other persons as may be designated by the Synod Assembly or Synod Council from time to time. 4. Quorum (S7.14). One-half of the members of the Synod Assembly shall constitute a quorum. 5. Proxy Voting ( S7.31). Proxy and absentee voting shall not be permitted in the transaction of any business of this synod. Proposed Standing Rules Exhibit C Synod Assembly Page 3 of 7

34 Exhibit C-1 Proposed Standing Rules 2015 Synod Assembly 6. Parliamentary Procedure (S7.32). Robert's Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern parliamentary procedure of the Synod Assembly. 7. Agenda. Before its adoption, the agenda for the Synod Assembly may be amended by a majority vote of the Assembly. After the adoption of the agenda, a 2/3 vote of the Assembly shall be required to amend the agenda. With the consent of the Assembly, the chair shall have the authority to call items of business in whatever order the chair considers most expedient for the conduct of the Assembly's business. 8. Nominations and Elections Officers, Chairs, Voting Members, etc. (S S9.11) a. Nominations may be made from the floor for all elections for which nominations are made by the Nominating Committee or the Synod Council. (S9.03, S9.05, S9.06) b. In all elections by the Synod Assembly a majority of the votes cast shall be necessary for election. ( S9.02) c. In all elections the names of the persons receiving the highest number of votes, but not elected by a majority of the votes cast on the preceding ballot, shall be entered on the next ballot to the number of two for each vacancy unfilled. (S9.08) d. The results of each ballot in every election shall be announced in detail to the Assembly. (S9.09) 9. Committee on Reference and Counsel (S ). The bishop shall appoint a Committee on Reference and Counsel to provide such assistance to the bishop as may be desired during the course of the Assembly. Resolutions of a general character that are not germane to the pending question or report shall be given by the proposer to the committee which shall report thereon to the Synod Assembly with its recommendations. Other duties of the committee shall be (a) to recommend special orders for the hearing of a representative, (b) to grant or deny permission to distribute printed matter not issuing from the office of the secretary. 10. Motions and Resolutions. a. All motions for Assembly consideration shall be submitted on the forms available from the secretary, facilitators, or pages. All resolutions for consideration by the Assembly shall be submitted on the forms included in the pre-assembly mailing(s). b. Motions related directly to matters being debated by the Assembly may be made from the floor, after recognition from the presiding officer, with a legible copy submitted in writing to the secretary. c. (Bylaw S ) Resolutions shall be addressed by the Synod Assembly according to the following procedure: 1) Any resolution, memorial or other main motion not germane to the matter before a regular meeting of the Synod Assembly or on the assembly agenda shall be submitted in writing, supported by the signatures of at least two voting members, to the secretary of this synod no later than 60 days before the beginning of the meeting of the Synod Assembly. Such matter shall be referred as required by the chapter to the Committee on Reference and Counsel or Synod Council, which shall Proposed Standing Rules Exhibit C Synod Assembly Page 4 of 7

35 Exhibit C-1 Proposed Standing Rules 2015 Synod Assembly report such matters and their recommendations thereon to the voting members of the Synod Assembly in writing at least 10 days before the beginning of the meeting of the Synod Assembly. 2) Any matter not submitted in advance as required by subsection (1) of this bylaw shall not be considered or acted on by that meeting of the Synod Assembly except with (a) the recommendation of the Synod Council; (b) the recommendation of the Committee on Reference and Counsel; or (c) a majority vote of the Synod Assembly. 3) Any matter required by this bylaw to be submitted in advance that is not submitted at least 7 days prior to the beginning of the meeting of the Synod Assembly shall only be considered and acted upon by that meeting of the Synod Assembly where there is a substantial need to act on the matter without the opportunity for deliberation as contemplated by this bylaw, as determined by a 2/3 vote of the Synod Assembly. d. Any matter required to be submitted in advance that was not submitted on or before April 25, 2015 shall only be considered and acted upon by the Synod Assembly where there is a substantial need to act on the matter, as determined by a 2/3 vote of the Synod Assembly. e. In considering motions and resolutions that are not germane to a pending question or report, the Committee on Reference and Counsel may recommend approval, recommend rejection, recommend referral to a unit of this synod or of this church, or recommend a substitute motion to the Assembly. f. The Committee on Reference and Counsel will report to the Assembly at the times indicated on the agenda. The committee's report, which shall include those motions and resolutions submitted timely and the committee's recommendations, will be distributed to members of the Assembly. When the committee has recommended either the approval or rejection of a motion or resolution, such motion or resolution shall be the main motion before the Assembly and the committee's recommendation shall be received as information. When the committee has made a recommendation (other than merely recommending approval or rejection) concerning a motion or resolution, the recommendation of the committee shall be the main motion before the Assembly. g. A non-germane motion or resolution submitted by a voting member will not be considered to be before the Synod Assembly until it has been reported to the Synod Assembly by the Committee on Reference and Counsel or the Synod Council, as the case may be. Until reported during a business session of the Synod Assembly, a motion or resolution may be withdrawn by the person who submitted it, with the consent of the Committee on Reference and Counsel and/or the Synod Council to which it was referred. If a motion or resolution is withdrawn before being reported to the Synod Assembly, the withdrawal will be reported to the Synod Assembly, and the motion or resolution will not come before the Synod Assembly for consideration unless otherwise properly brought before the Synod Assembly. h. En Bloc Consideration of Resolutions. Action on Proposed resolutions, as recommended by the Committee on Reference and Counsel in a printed report distributed to assembly members prior to, or at, the first business session of the Proposed Standing Rules Exhibit C Synod Assembly Page 5 of 7

36 Exhibit C-1 Proposed Standing Rules 2015 Synod Assembly assembly, may be approved by en bloc resolution when so proposed by the Committee on Reference and Counsel. 1) If a voting member desires the assembly to discuss a resolution or the Committee of Reference and Counsel s recommendation on a resolution that is proposed for en bloc consideration, she or he may request that it be removed from the proposed en bloc resolution, provided the member s request is supported by ten other voting members. Such request shall be made in accordance with the following paragraph. The assembly then will consider and vote separately on the proposed resolution or the recommendation of the Committee on Reference and Counsel, as provided for above. After removals, the en bloc resolution shall be voted upon without amendments or debate. 2) To call for such separate consideration, a voting member must submit written notification on the form available at the facilitators table to the Secretary of the synod or to the chair of the Committee on Reference and Counsel no later than 2:30 P.M., Saturday, May 2, i. Votes on all resolutions shall be done electronically. If the electronic voting system fails, voting will be by written ballot. 11. Proposed Budget. The proposed budget along with the rationale shall be presented to the Assembly during the plenary session on Saturday, May 2. Debate and adoption of the budget shall take place during the plenary session on Sunday, May 3. a. Any motion for expenditure of funds or proposed amendment to the budget as presented by the Synod Council shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary or the Vice-President before 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2 for review and recommendation by the Synod Council. Any such motion or proposed amendment shall contain a statement setting out the probable fiscal impact of the proposal, and the suggested source of any required additional funds. b. 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 approval of the Synod Council, shall require a two-thirds vote for adoption. (S10.04) 12. Constitution and Bylaw Amendments. a. Any proposal for amendment of the Synod Constitution at the next Synod Assembly shall include the signatures of at least 30 voting members of the Assembly. The proposed amendment shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary or the Vice- President before 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, for review and recommendation by the Synod Council. ( S18.13.a) b. The bylaws of this synod may be amended by a two-thirds vote of voting members of the Assembly present and voting. ( S18.21.) Any proposal for amendment of the Synod bylaws shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary or the Vice-President before 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, for review and recommendation by the Synod Council. (S ) c. The constitution and bylaws may be amended by en bloc resolutions (adoption of several motions by a single resolution) unless a voting member objects to the inclusion Proposed Standing Rules Exhibit C Synod Assembly Page 6 of 7

37 Exhibit C-1 Proposed Standing Rules 2015 Synod Assembly of any particular provision. Any objection of a voting member to the inclusion of a particular provision in the en bloc resolution shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary or the Vice-President before 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. Particular provisions to which objection is so noted shall be considered separately and all other provisions not objected to will be considered as part of the en bloc resolution. 13. Debate. a. All speeches in general debate and discussion shall be limited to three minutes unless otherwise determined by a majority vote of the Assembly. b. No person may speak more than twice to the same issue without the consent of the Assembly and only after all others wishing to speak have had the opportunity to do so. c. In so far as is possible during discussion, a speaker on one side of the question shall be followed by a speaker on the other side. d. A motion to close debate (moving the previous question) is not in order until at least three persons favoring and three persons opposing the matter under discussion have been heard, as long as there are voting members still wishing to speak to the issue. e. In the give and take of debate on issues before the Assembly, members and visitors should refrain from applause. f. A member who has just spoken on the pending question may not move the previous question, if there are other members who wish to speak to the issue. 14. Distribution of Material. Any request to distribute printed material or other items on the floor of the Assembly shall require the approval of the Committee of Reference and Counsel (S ). 15. Unfinished business. When the orders of the day are called for adjournment of the Synod Assembly, all remaining unfinished items of business shall be referred to the Synod Council for disposition. Proposed Standing Rules Exhibit C Synod Assembly Page 7 of 7

38 2014 Mission & Ministry and Vision Project Grant Applications and Awards Exhibit C Grants Season Organization Project Name Grant Amount Requested Amount Awarded Spring Bethel, Lyford Bethel Community Garden Vision Project $5,000 $5,000 Spring Lutheran Campus Ministry San Antonio(LCM-SA) 1, 2, 3 Free Vision Project $5,000 $5,000 Spring CICBA Task Force Congregation Initiated Community Based Advocacy (CICBA) Vision Project $5,000 $5,000 Fall St. John's San Antonio Lo Esperamos Live nativity Mission & Ministry $2,000 $0 Fall Lori Ruge-Jones Children's Chapel Mission & Ministry $500 $500 Fall CICBA Task Force Congregation Initiated Community Based Advocacy (CICBA) Mission & Ministry $2,000 $2,000 $19,500 $17, Grants Exhibit C-2 Page 1 of 1

39 Southwestern Texas Synod Exhibit C-3 St. John, Jourdanton Release Synod Staff November 19, 2014 The Rev. Dr. Ray Tiemann Bishop The Rev. Susan J. Briner Bishop s Associate/FCTE Deanna Zitelman Administrative Assistant to the Bishop Carrie Blank Database Manager/Secretary Susie Winterhalter Bookkeeper Rhonda Westerfield Part-time Receptionist ELCA Deployed Staff The. Rev. Dr. Judith Spindt Director for Evangelical Mission/ Bishop s Associate Contracts The Rev. Dr. Lynn Schudy Ziese Candidacy John Dellis, associate in ministry Editor, The Vista/TheVistaOnline.org The Rev. Sam Radoman Coordinator for the Parish Ministry Training Program Mission Statement United in Christ Diverse in People Called by the Spirit Equipping the people of God to be instruments of God s love. The Church Council and Congregation St. John Lutheran Church 1702 Hwy 97 E Jourdanton, TX Dear Members and Church Council of St. John Lutheran Church, Grace to you and peace from God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. On November 17, 2014, I received an from Tom Poenisch, President, detailing the vote held on November 16, 2014 namely, that St. John Lutheran Church, Jourdanton (#14162) held its second vote to terminate its relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (47-1) and affiliate with Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ. Since St. John congregation did not follow the prescribed ELCA process for disaffiliation, I was required to take their action to the Southwestern Texas Synod Council, according to C6.05.g: Congregations seeking to terminate their relationship with this church which fail or refuse to comply with each of the foregoing provisions in *C6.05., shall be required to receive synod council approval before terminating their membership in this church. The synod s Executive Committee, as authorized by the Synod Council in their September 13 th meeting, considered the information from the congregation s second vote and made the decision to release St. John Lutheran Church, Jourdanton, from the ELCA. In consultation with the Rev. Wm. Chris Boerger, Secretary of the ELCA, as of November 19, 2014, St. John Lutheran is officially removed from the roster of congregations of the ELCA, and we have placed the congregation s file in the archives of Region 4 South. Within the synod, we will remove members names from the VISTA list and synodical mailings to the congregation will be discontinued. The congregation s constitution also becomes null and void at this time. As the bishop of the Southwestern Texas Synod, I am saddened that St. John Lutheran congregation will no longer be a member of the ELCA family. As such, ELCA pastors may no longer provide pastoral services for St. John congregation. Please know that my prayer is only for the best for you as a congregation and for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I trust that as you move forward it will be with care for one another, bearing one another s burdens, and loving your neighbor. Please know that I will keep you in prayer, for whether we are in the same church body or not, we remain brothers and sisters in Christ. May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord s face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. In Christ, Ministry Focus God s People Growing in faith Outwardly focused Doing mission! Ray Tiemann Bishop Cc: The Rev. Wm. Chris Boerger, Secretary of the ELCA 1090 Oestreich Drive Seguin, TX Phone Fax St. John, Jourdanton Release Exhibit C-3 Page 1 of 1

40 Exhibit D-1 Bishop s Report Bishop Ray Tiemann Bishop s Report Synod Council February, 2015 Brothers and sisters in Christ, Below are updates on a variety of issues. As always, I ask that you keep all these ministries in your prayers as leaders in this synod. Appointment of Conference Deans Conference Deans serve for two-year terms so that four deans are appointed everyother-year. This year I say thank you and farewell to three Deans: Pr. Denise Grant (Rio Grande Conference, First, Edinburg) who took a call out of the synod; Pr. Cheryl Lamaak (Capital North Conference, Christ, Georgetown) and Pr. Susie Schnelle (Capital South Conference, Gethsemane, Austin) who chose not to be reappointed. Their terms end on August 31, According to S12.01.B11. the bishop appoints deans who are ratified by the Synod Council. I am happy to re-appoint Pr. Sandra Leifeste (Alamo Conference, House of Prayer, San Antonio) and to appoint Pr. Robert Slade (Rio Grande Conference, Love of Christ, Weslaco). I am awaiting answers to appoint new Deans for the Capital North and Capital South Conferences. All terms for these Deans end on I request that the Synod Council ratify Pastors Leifeste and Slade and that the Executive Committee be authorized to ratify the appointment of the other two Deans, an action to be reported to the Synod Council in September, Synodically Authorized Ministries In several places in our synod, trained lay persons serve as Synodically Authorized Ministers. In the Guidelines Related to Synodically Authorized or Licensed Ministries, section F is entitled Authorization for Service. It states: When the synod has determined that a specified need exists, and with the consent of the congregation to be served, an individual may be authorized for service within the synod by the synodical bishop, in consultation with the Synod Council. Such service shall fulfill assigned responsibilities, and authorization shall be for a specific period for time not to exceed one year, unless terminated earlier. Synodically Authorized Ministers serve in various locations, mostly small rural. Most have been trained through the synod s Parish Ministry Training Program, but some are on the lay rosters of this church. Each ministry site is reviewed through the bishop s office before further authorization at that site is provided. Currently, persons authorized for synodically authorized ministry in the synod are: Name Location Review Date Terry Bage St. Paul, Cave Creek December 31, 2015 Randy Nicholas Bethel, Lyford December 31, 2015 John Dellis, AIM St. Peter, Ander December 31, 2015 Dayna Schmidt Trinity, Luling December 31, 2015 John Schroeder Tri-County Cooperative December 31, 2015 Bishop s Report Exhibit D-1 Bishop Ray Tiemann Page 1 of 3

41 Exhibit D-1 Bishop s Report Bishop Ray Tiemann Jo Ann Cox Peace, Woodsboro April 30, 2015 Sharon Vanderpool Trinity, Mission June 30, 2015 Bill Krejci, AIM Peace, Austin September 30, 2015 Esmé Peterson, Diaconal Seton Medical Cntr Williamson, Round Rock October 1, 2015 Alicia Wills, AIM Merida Hospice, San Antonio February 28, 2016 Sue Irvin, TEEM St. Paul, Nordheim March 1, 2016 As a matter of information, we anticipate that Sue Irvin will complete her seminary work and be ordained this summer as pastor of St. Paul, Nordheim. Update on Congregational Termination Processes As a little history, we have had congregations making decisions to terminate their relationship with the ELCA as far back as After the 2009 Churchwide Assembly decision to allow for rostering of gay and lesbian persons in a publically accountable, lifelong, monogamous relationship, other congregations made decisions to leave. As of , 46 congregations of 168 (since August, 2009) have had first votes, of which 9 failed. 35 congregations have left after following the appropriate process and 2 were removed by action of the Synod Council. You may recall that I reported that St. John Lutheran, Jourdanton, held a first-vote on August 17, 2014, but did not follow the current ELCA termination process, so it was an illegal vote. By action of the September, 2014, Synod Council, you authorized the Executive Committee to decide on their release, as appropriate, after a second-vote in November. That letter of release is reported in the Executive Committee s actions in this Synod Council report. Strategic Communications Contract Synod staff has been working with Pr. Julie Rowe in a short contract to do a review and planning for more strategic communication in the synod. John Dellis, Editor of The VISTA, is an integral part of these conversations. We have decided to continue the quarterly printed versions of The VISTA, but concentrate each on the four aspects of the synod s current focus GOD s people: Growing in faith, Outwardly focused, Doing mission! You should see a different format in the Spring edition with others to follow suit. The VISTAOnline is no longer operational, as use by synod members was limited. This also altered John Dellis contract for his work. We are currently in process of writing a job description for a Director for Strategic Communications. This will be a part-time position that will help monitor the synod s Facebook page, review the synod website, convene meetings of The VISTA as a new focus is developed, and publish the weekly enews. As the job description gets settled, we will look for someone to fill this position. Youth Ministry Contract Bishop Tiemann and Deanna Zitelman met with youth leaders in January to discuss youth ministry in the synod. We discussed the possibility of a contract for a part-time Youth Ministry person. A job description is now being written that will focus on oversight of the planning of the Middle School and the Senior High Gatherings and support and advocacy of Bishop s Report Exhibit D-1 Bishop Ray Tiemann Page 2 of 3

42 Exhibit D-1 Bishop s Report Bishop Ray Tiemann youth ministers and develop networks for better communication. As that that job description gets settles, we will look for someone to fill this position. Immigration/Refugee Update The immigration issue continues to be in the news. Synod Council member, Paul Pfeifer, has been working closely with ministries that work with the Karnes Detention Facility. Women and children continue to cross the border as poverty and conflict in their home country in Central America escalates. Recent statistics estimate that 39,000 individuals traveling as families, mostly women with children, have migrated to the United States seeking protection since October of However, some estimate this to be as many as 60,000. The Synod Assembly s theme this year, Welcome the Stranger, will help us become more acquainted with and discuss this issue. Pastor Raphael Malpica-Padilla, ELCA Director for Global Mission, will bring his own insights to this topic as will Dr. Justo Gonzales. The workshops at the assembly will also provide both information and inspiration for the immigration topic. Our offerings will go to support the work of Lutheran Social Services with children and women in detention and also the Lutheran Seminary Program of the Southwest that trains candidates to work in multicultural situations. Just a reminder that Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services is a great resource for our immigration work in the synod. They use four principles grounded in our faith that has informed their work of serving newcomers for 75 years: Maintain critical protections for children. Children and families fleeing to the U.S. need protection, including safeguards already in place like the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. Ensure adequate funding for the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), the agency serving unaccompanied children, refugees, and other vulnerable migrants. ORR needs funds to provide appropriate care for vulnerable children while still serving all people under its care. Reject the use of family detention. Detaining families is an inhumane and fiscallyirresponsible way to treat some of the most vulnerable migrants. Community based alternatives to detention help eliminate the arbitrary use of detention and allow for greater access to justice and integration. Ensure that access to legal protection is available to all migrants and refugees, especially children. Please pray for all the ministries of this synod, the whole ELCA, and Christ s Church around the world. Let your daily prayers rise up as incense to be heard by God. Bishop s Report Exhibit D-1 Bishop Ray Tiemann Page 3 of 3

43 VICE PRESIDENT S REPORT SOUTHWESTERN TEXAS SYNOD COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27-28, 2015 Exhibit E-1 Vice President Report Carl Teinert Since our Synod Council meeting in September, I have visited the following congregations: Our Savior in McAllen (Rio Grande Conference), People of Hope in Victoria (Bluebonnet Conference), St Paul s in Karnes City (Coastal Bend Conference), Ascension in Austin (Capital North Conference), and New Life in Dripping Springs (Capital South Conference) (twice). These visits continue to be Holy Spirit moments in my life. I also attended the closing service for Living Water in Liberty Hill and the 60 th anniversary celebration of Prince of Peace in Austin. I will be sending requests to other congregations in the conferences where I have not yet visited. I want to recognize and thank Don Chovanic, Ed Scharlau, and Chuck Neeley for attending congregation call meetings representing the synod since our last meeting. The University Lutheran Student Center (ULSC) Board at UT Austin completed its work with the signing of a long term lease with Inland America for the property at 2100 San Antonio Street in Austin. Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Texas will have a new home in the student housing high rise that is now being constructed. That facility will be completed for use in August Currently, Lutheran Campus Ministry is using facilities at several different locations for its program and has offices at St Martin s Lutheran Church. I attended the ELCA Vice Presidents gathering October 2-5, 2014 in Chicago. The first day of the gathering was devoted to training new VPs and the remaining days were with all VPs from most of the 65 synods of the ELCA. Our gathering theme was We are Church Together and we had opportunity to meet with church leaders such as Presiding Bishop Eaton and the synod bishops. One highlight of the weekend for me was the prayer revival organized by the Conference of Bishops held at the Kroc Center on the South Side of Chicago. The region 4 vice presidents continue to meet by teleconference. Carl Teinert Exhibit E-1 Vice President Report Carl Teinert Page 1 of 1

44 Exhibit F-1 Resolution Southwestern Texas Synod Council Resolution Synod Assembly Location May, 2015 WHEREAS, the Southwestern Texas Synod has since 2006 sought to move the location of the synod assembly to the conference that was hosting the assembly (i.e. Corpus Christi, Kerrville, McAllen, New Braunfels, Victoria, and Austin); and WHEREAS, finding a suitable location in each conference which falls within the assembly budget has become more and more difficult; and WHEREAS, working with a new facility team at different locations has proven to be more and more difficult; and WHEREAS, determining two locations in the synod which provide adequate facilities, consistency of planning, and careful stewardship of cost would be more beneficial to the synod and its congregations; and WHEREAS, longer planning windows for two locations would make it easier to acquire speakers and keep costs down; and WHEREAS, conferences in the synod would still host the event by helping determine the assembly theme and by serving as worship planners and providing thematic decorations; therefore be it RESOLVED that the synod rotate two locations for the annual synod assembly Corpus Christi area (e.g. in the American Bank Center or local hotel) and in the San Antonio/Austin corridor (e.g. the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center, San Marcos, or the New Braunfels Convention Center); and be it further RESOLVED that this rotation begin with the 2016 assembly depending on availability of the site, date, and costs. Resolution Exhibit F-1 Page 1 of 1

45 RANDY WALKER & Co. Exhibit G-2 Engagement Letter Randy Walker & Co. Certified Public Accountants 7800 IH 10 West, Suite 505 San Antonio, Texas Phone (210) Fax (210) February 17, 2015 To the Synod Council of the Southwestern Texas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America We are engaged to audit the financial statements of the Southwestern Texas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (the Organization) for the year ended January 31, Professional standards require that we provide you with the following information related to our audit. We would also appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this information further since a two-way dialogue can provide valuable information for the audit process. Our Responsibility under U.S. Generally Accepted Auditing Standards As stated in our engagement letter dated January 7, 2015, our responsibility, as described by professional standards, is to express an opinion about whether the financial statements prepared by management with your oversight are fairly presented, in all material respects, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our audit of the financial statements does not relieve you or management of your responsibilities. Our responsibility for the supplementary information accompanying the financial statements, as described by professional standards, is to evaluate the presentation of the supplementary information in relation to the financial statements as a whole and to report on whether the supplementary information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the financial statements as a whole. Planned Scope and Timing of the Audit An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements; therefore, our audit will involve judgment about the number of transactions to be examined and the areas to be tested. Our audit will include obtaining an understanding of the Organization and its environment, including internal control, sufficient to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and to design the nature, timing, and extent of further audit procedures. Material misstatements may result from (1) errors, (2) fraudulent financial reporting, (3) misappropriation of assets, or (4) violations of laws or governmental regulations that are attributable to the Organization or to acts by management or employees acting on behalf of the Organization. We will generally communicate our significant findings at the conclusion of the audit. However, some matters could be communicated sooner, particularly if significant difficulties are encountered during the audit where assistance is needed to overcome the difficulties or if the difficulties may lead to a modified opinion. We will also communicate any internal control related matters that are required to be communicated under professional standards. We expect to begin our audit on approximately March 23, This information is intended solely for the use of the Synod Council of the Southwestern Texas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and is not intended to be, and should not be, used by anyone other than these specified parties. Sincerely, Randy Walker & Company, CPAs Engagement Letter Randy Walker & Co. Exhibit G-2 Page 1 of 1

46 Missional River Initiative Exhibit H-1 Bishop s Associate Report Pr. Sue Briner We have moved into step 5 of the missional river initiative with congregations evaluating their experiments. Their coaches continue to provide them excellent support Clergy involved are working on adaptive leadership challenges that they want to address to help them grow as missional leaders; Judith and I continue coaching the clergy in monthly clergy gatherings. It s exciting to hear the congregations begin to share stories of how they have seen God and begun to connect to their neighbors. Many of the pastors involved are experimenting with new leadership behaviors within their congregation. They ve commented this is hard work we didn t learn leadership skills in seminary. We had to figure them out along the way. And now we have to unlearn a lot of that and relearn different skills and capacities! This real adaptive work is very challenging and takes a lot longer and more effort than we d like, but it is critical to our future together. Our synodical leadership team continues to evaluate this process and ask the questions around what are we learning and how can we apply this learning in various ways throughout our synod. A large part of our learning is around the critical nature of coaching in order to make lasting behavior change and to adopt new skills and capacities. For phase 2 of this initiative, we are exploring more intentional coaching, using either LEAD and/or Jane Triplett, our current coach from the Missional Network. Pastoral Transitions Bishop Tiemann and I have been working with the Gulf Coast conference extensively to try to develop an area ministry strategy. They currently have 14 congregations and 2 Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities. They only have 5 called pastors in the conference! The majority of the open congregations are very small. We hope to bring in a clergy couple based out of St John Robstown and then create some sort of cooperative. Herb Beyer from the Bluebonnet conference shared their model with these small congregations and they were very encouraged. Stay tuned! Calls filled: Congregation Positions Filled: St. John, Marion Rev. David Collins Pastors Filled Positions: Good Shepherd, Bastrop Rev. Paula Canby (Greater Milwaukee Synod) PT w/ congregation, PT mission developer Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Wimberley Abiding Savior, Cameron Palm Valley, Round Rock Rev. Becky Sogge (Minneapolis Area Synod), Redeveloper Rev. Anne Strickert (Southeastern Iowa Synod) Rev. Kimberly Vaughn (Northeast Ohio), Associate Bishop s Associate Report Exhibit H-1 Pr. Sue Briner Page 1 of 3

47 Exhibit H-1 Bishop s Associate Report Pr. Sue Briner Congregations in the interview process: o St. John s, Robstown o Peace, New Braunfels o Peace, Austin o St. Paul Cave Creek (part time) Matched congregations with interim/stated supply pastors: o St. Mark s Cuero Jeff Thompson o First, Edinburg Patsy Koeneke o St. Paul, Karnes City Tom Robison o Peace, Woodsboro Joanne Cox (SAM) o St Mark s Corpus Christi TBD o Peace, New Braunfels Eileen Spehr o Grace, Giddings Greg Gaskamp o Universal City, Christ the King Paul Cannon Numerous other congregations are in various stages of transition! It remains a challenge to find pastors willing to go to rural areas, take part time calls Partnership with LEAD LEAD s emphasis on growing Christian Leaders with a deep, bold, consequential faith in Jesus Christ fits very well within our synod. Peggy Hahn, their executive director, shared their research on growing congregations at our fall Bishop s convocation and it resonated well with our leaders. I am working with LEAD to contextualize this for the Southwestern Texas Synod. Our monthly toolboxes continue to be used around the country, in the ELCA and ecumenically, with over 500 congregations accessing them. Our 2015 toolboxes are focused on helping congregations I have been trained as a LEAD coach in partnership with Vibrant Faith, and will look to how we can equip coaches in our synod in First Call Theological Education We ve now held two trisynodical retreats, and the feedback has been very positive, with over 35 first call pastors gathered! We continue to evolve the content and the delivery methods of the curriculum to be more practical and interactive, taking advantage of the gifts and experience of those gathered. Our third retreat this year will be on our own prior to synod assembly and will be focused on connecting with our neighborhood. Strategic Communications Through our strategic communications work, we have migrated the Vista online into our web site and synod Facebook pages, and we have reoriented the upcoming VISTAs to focus on the themes of Moving Deeper into Mission, with each quarter s publication focusing on an aspect of mission related to God s People, Growing in Faith, Outwardly Focused, Doing Mission. We have drafted a position description for a part time communications coordinator, whom we hope will help us tell the story of mission throughout our synod, and better align all our communication with our mission, vision and values. Lay Training Bishop s Associate Report Exhibit H-1 Pr. Sue Briner Page 2 of 3

48 Exhibit H-1 Bishop s Associate Report Pr. Sue Briner We now have two training modules lay preaching and lay visitation, that will be beta tested this spring in the Austin area. We also hope to use them in the Gulf Coast Conference and beyond. Interim Process and Training The Leadership team will be tackling the interim process and interim training in 2015 currently the majority of our interims receive no training. Yet this interim time in the life of a congregation is a critical point to reconnect them with their neighborhoods, open them up to new possibilities, and get them more focused on their purpose for existing. It can also provide opportunities to ask the questions for some of them should we still be here? Is it time to close our doors? We are investigating a possible partnership with LEAD and the Gulf Coast Synod, as they are also reexamining their interim ministry process/training. Wellness Initiative Rostered leaders and conferences are beginning to take advantage of our wellness $$ -- going to training events, using spiritual directors, taking immersion trips and participating in financial wellness through Dave Ramsey. We continue to focus on how healthy leaders bring wholeness to the organizations that they serve. Conferences, Events, Training, etc. I participated in a Moving Deeper into Mission consultation with others in our synod and across the ELCA. We shared stories of what we were doing in mission, and learned some new tools such as speed one to ones that we can use to invite people into deep, missional conversations I attended the The Art of Congregational Governance this fall Peggy Hahn and I will be working in 2015 to develop our own workshop for this targeted to our two synods. I participated in our Covenant Cluster (regions 4, 5 and 6) discussion of young adult vocation/discernment in Nebraska this month. Out of this group is coming a resolution introducing the Life of Faith initiative, whose goal it is to equip all the baptized to live out their callings in the world. I hope the synod council will consider bringing this resolution to the Assembly. I am on the planning team for the biannual Assistant to the Bishop Gathering. This year it will be in Jacksonville Florida, Feb. 25-Mar. 1. The theme is Walking Together and our keynote speaker will be David Lose. I will be going on a LEAD immersion trip to Peru in June this summer as part of my continuing education. Healthy Congregations Continuing to offer around the synod through our facilitators; response continues to be very positive. We lost 2 of our facilitators when they took calls in other synods, but the ones we have are doing a great job! Cross Trails Board We finished our new strategic plan, paid off the mortgage and approved our year round personnel policies. Bishop s Associate Report Exhibit H-1 Pr. Sue Briner Page 3 of 3

49 Exhibit I-2 Platicas Proposal Pr. Judith Spindt A New SAWC Proposal Pláticas de Santa Sofía San Antonio, Texas Rationale: An opportunity has arisen in San Antonio for the Episcopal and Lutheran churches to work together in the development of a ministry among Mexican American women. Enedina Vasquez, a Mexican American woman, artist, and spiritual director has been informally gathering Mexican American women in San Antonio once a month for food, fellowship, faith conversation, and reenergizing their latent spiritual longings. Some of the women who come to Pláticas de Santa Sofía are part of other congregations (even ELCA ones!), but most are not attached to any faith community. Despite having grown up in a faith tradition, most often Roman Catholic, these women are alienated from a faith community and longing to re-engage with an authentic spiritual experience. Because some women also bring their adult daughters, we foresee an opportunity for ministry across generations. They currently gather at St. Paul s Episcopal Church in San Antonio, where Father Brad Landry is the rector. This is the only current support Enedina receives from her denomination. He is eager to continue to offer support, though they have no financial resources to share. We, through the ELCA, are prepared to honor and support her work with developer training for her, official support as a SAWC (providing insurance, modest financial support, and the backing of our faith community) so that we can fully explore the possibilities of ministry by and for Mexican Americans who have resided in San Antonio for many years. Pláticas will be supervised and supported by the DEM. Enedina, as a developer, will be welcomed into text studies, conference, and synod activities and we will benefit from her insights, gifts and skills as well. Proposal by Rev. Judith Spindt, DEM Platicas Proposal Exhibit I-2 Pr. Judith Spindt Page 1 of 1

50 Exhibit J-1 Roster Status Changes Legal, Constitution and Roster Review Committee ROSTER CHANGES & INFORMATION ITEMS Synod Council Meeting February 27-28, 2015 ROSTER CHANGES A. On-Leave from Call (Sept. Action) 1. Requests Received: Motion: That On Leave from Call Status be approved for: Pastor Greg Gaskamp for a 1 st year beginning January 1, 2015 Pastor Jennifer Gold for a 2 nd year beginning February 14, 2015 Pastor Charles Holm Roesler for a 3 rd year beginning October 1, 2014 Pastor Harvey Johnson for a 2 nd year beginning May 13, 2014 Pastor Eric Petty for a 2 nd year beginning February 1, 2015 Pastor William Sappenfield for a 2 nd year beginning October 6, 2014 B. On-Leave from Call (Request to Conference of Bishops) C. Specialized Calls: Pastor Sam Brannon Outreach & Engagement Specialist at Texas Impact (3 Yr. Term Call) Pastor Torrey Johnson Spiritual Counselor at Optum Palliative & Hospice Care D. Disability Status: E. Retired Status: Pastor Doug Hester February 28, 2015 Pastor Lynn Schudy Ziese April 1, 2015 F. Appointments: G. Synod Council Action on Congregations leaving the Synod & ELCA: H. Synod Council Action on Congregation Redevelopment: INFORMATION ITEMS 1. New to the Synod: Pastor Frederick Hill Retired Pastor Cheryl Kester-Schmidt Christ the Victor, Victoria Pastor Rebecca Sogge Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Wimberley Pastor Valerie Ann Strickert Abiding Savior, Cameron Pastor Kimberly Vaughn Palm Valley, Round Rock 2. New Calls within the Synod: Pastor David Collins III St. John, Marion Pastor Paul Muehlbrad United Dr. Martin Luther, Shiner (Part-Time) 3. Transfer Out of the Synod: Pastor Karl Biermann to Northeastern Ohio Synod Pastor Thomas Glasoe to Upper Susquehanna Synod Pastor Denise Grant to Southeast Michigan Synod 4. On-Leave from Call (Sept. Action) Pastor Nathan Blom - COB extended for 2 years starting August 2, 2014 Pastor Timothy Brady Eggleston for a 2 nd year beginning August 1, 2014 Maria Hurni (Diaconal Minister) Study Leave - August 5, 2016 Roster Status Changes Exhibit J-1 Legal, Constitution and Roster Review Committee Page 1 of 2

51 Exhibit J-1 Roster Status Changes Legal, Constitution and Roster Review Committee Pastor Steve Lunning for a 2 nd year beginning September 9, 2014 Pastor Ryan Pederson Study Leave for a 1 st year starting July 1, 2014 Pastor Debbie Schulze for a 1 st year beginning April 7, 2014 Pastor Bridget Thien for a 1 st year beginning May 1, 2014 Stacey Troisi (AIM) Family Leave for 6 years starting November 1, Congregations that have joined the Synod & ELCA: 6. Congregations that have left the Synod & ELCA: 7. Resigned from the Roster: Pastor Ralph Reitmeyer 8. Congregations Disbanded: Living Water, Leander as of January 25, Necrology: The Rev. J. Glen Sandquist 10. Synod Council Calls: Pastor Javier Alanis - Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest, Austin Pastor Tim Bauerkemper (Mission Developer) - Spirit of Joy, Seguin Pastor Norman Beck - Texas Lutheran University Pastor Gary Bertsch - Wilford Hall Medical Center, San Antonio Pastor James Bouzard - Christ Chapel at Texas State University (SAWC), San Marcos Pastor Susan Briner - Southwestern Texas Synod, ELCA Pastor Pamela Brouker - Hospice Austin Pastor Paul Collinson-Streng - Lutheran Campus Ministry (SAWC), Austin Pastor Pamela Dorman - Mission Investment Fund, ELCA Pastor Elizabeth Hanley (Mission Developer) - Spirit in the Hills, Spicewood Pastor Ann Helmke - Have for Hope, San Antonio Pastor Darwin Huartson - VITAS, San Antonio Pastor Kay Johnson Merida Professional Hospice Care Pastor Marcia Kline - Post Acute Specialty Hospital, Corpus Christi Pastor Frances Ann Koopmann - First, San Marcos (Intentional Interim 2/2014-2/2017) Pastor Timothy Lincoln - Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Anna Livingston (Associate in Ministry) - Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest, Austin Pastor Scott Ofsdahl - US Air Force Military Chaplains, Ohio Pastor Carmen Retzlaff (Mission Developer) - New Life, Dripping Springs Pastor Steve Rode (Mission Developer) - Our Savior, Boerne Pastor Jose Rodriguez - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Pastor Philip Ruge-Jones - Texas Lutheran University Pastor Judith Spindt - Southwestern Texas Synod, ELCA Pastor Kara Stewart Texas Lutheran University Pastor Anamae Storbeck Pastor Developer for Everyone s Call Nicholas Wilkens (Diaconal Minister) - Guadalupe Valley Christian Counseling, Seguin Alicia Wills (Associate in Ministry) - Merida Hospice, San Antonio Pastor Lucinda Zesch - Knopp Nursing Rehabilitation, Fredericksburg Roster Status Changes Exhibit J-1 Legal, Constitution and Roster Review Committee Page 2 of 2

52 FEBRUARY 2015 Exhibit J-2 Action on Constitutions ACTION ON CONSTITUTIONS NEW AND REVISED The Legal, Constitution and Roster Review Committee recommends: 1. Approve the Constitution and Bylaws of SPIRIT IN THE HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH, AUSTIN (SPICEWOOD) as they conform to the ELCA Model for congregations. 2. Approve the Constitution and Bylaws of SPIRIT OF JOY LUTHERAN CHURCH, SEGUIN, as they conform to the ELCA Model for congregations. 3. Approve the Constitution and Bylaws of ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, CASTELL, as they conform to the ELCA Model for congregations. 4. Approve the Constitution and Bylaws of IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, PFLUGERVILLE, as they conform to the ELCA Model for congregations. Action on Constitutions Exhibit J-2 Page 1 of 1

53 2015 Vision Project Grant Applications Exhibit K Grant Applications Season Organization Project Name Grant Amount Requested Amount Awarded Spring Lutheran Social Services of the South Vision of Faithfulness-Impacting Foster Youth through Camp Vision Project $5,000 Spring Danielle Casey Blessed to Be Blessings Vision Project $2,000 Spring New Life Dripping Springs Music and Marketing for Mission Vision Project $5,000 Spring Christ Lutheran Church, Georgetown,Texas Christ Lutheran in the Community Vision Project $3,000 Spring St. John Lutheran Church St. John's Feeding Ministries Vision Project $5,000 Spring CICBA Task Force Congregation Initiated Community Based Advocacy Vision Project $5,000 Spring Poverty and Justice Task Force under Asset Team of ELCA SWT Congregational Poverty & Justice Initiatives in Collaboration with Texas Impa Vision Project $5,000 $25,000 $ Grant Applications Exhibit K-1 Page 1 of 1

54 Water for Africa Report Update February 2015 Exhibit L Assembly Offering Report Pr. Dave Koppel A few months ago, we wrote to let you know that, because of you, we have been able to provide LifeStraw filters for LWR s (Lutheran World Relief) Sand Dams Water Collection Project. LWR has been supporting a water collection project in 6 communities in Makindu province in eastern Kenya (about 120 miles south-east of Nairobi click here for the map). Due to infrequent rains and type of topography, access to water in this part of the country is quite scarce. LWR, through its local partners and the Ministry of Water and Irrigation of Kenya has been working with the communities for building dams in the sand where rain water is collected and then used for irrigation as well as for drinking. Although the sand has its natural capacity of filtering the water, additional filtration will make the water safer. Initially, approximately 2160 people benefitted from these units on a daily basis. This will be expanded to help people. Additionally, In 2014 we released an additional $60,000 to Lutheran World Relief for prepositioning of water filtration units in Dubai (for Asia and East Africa) and Panama (for Latin America) for future emergencies, and conducting WASH capacity building training (with technical expertise from Vestergaard (the manufacturers of LifeStraw) and other NGOs potentially ACT i members) to identify major constraints and solutions for access to clean water in emergencies. i. Map the logistics and technicalities of getting the prepositioned water filtration units into affected areas. LWR will contribute its prepositioned Material Resources (Personal Care Kits) in combination with the water filtration units as test deployment from one of the UNHRD ii locations. ii. Vestergaard s in-country distribution partners will conduct a free training seminar on best practices when using LifeStraw technologies to the incountry LWR teams using Vestergaard standard operating procedures and Train-the-Trainer. Typically, it is almost too late to do these types of training during the disasters as the teams are often under extreme circumstances and the logistics and timing do not allow for a thorough discussion. The countries Vestergaard will conduct these in are: India Delhi, Philippines, Mexico Mexico City, Haiti, Kenya, and South Sudan. In addition, Vestergaard has just signed an agreement with UNICEF and Carter Center to support emergency relief operations in Uganda and Tanzania Assembly Offering Report Exhibit L-1 Pr. Dave Koppel Page 1 of 6

55 Exhibit L Assembly Offering Report Pr. Dave Koppel Also, we have released funds to LWR s West Africa team to help with existing early recovery/resilience work in Niger Lack of access to clean water in the Tahoua Region of Niger has been a major issue contributing to a number of problems, such as; water-borne illnesses (particularly among children and elderly) due to drinking contaminated water, women and girls travel long distances to collect drinking water that takes their time which otherwise would have been spent with their families, on education or on the farms contributing to increased crop production. Activities include a combination of the following. Some of these activities are already being undertaken as a follow -on of a recently closed USAID/OFDA-funded resilience project: Community mobilization, hydrological/feasibility survey, provision of Lifestraw Community water filtration units as means of water storage and filtration, and potentially borehole(s) or pastoral well drilling and installation, training on management and running/operations costs all directly related to improving access to water for domestic use. Approximate number of beneficiaries for this project: 5,000 persons for access to clean water for at least over a 3-year period. While this project take place over 12 months, water infrastructure, in addition to increasing access to water for household consumption, will also help improve access to water for the other activities in the ongoing resilience-promotion project, such as sheep fattening and feed block production. In 2015 we are continuing our work to publicize this ministry. We are continuing to do presentations and demonstrations throughout Texas. Besides our work with the Southwestern Texas Synod of the ELCA in 2014, we have also had a display at the 166 th Episcopal Diocesan Council in the Woodlands this year (2015), and have partnered with Grace Episcopal Church in Georgetown, (TX) where a donor has made a challenge grant and will match the next $100,000 in donations dollar for dollar. We would be very interested in finding ways to publicize this ministry with the entire ELCA and give even more people an opportunity to save lives. We will hold a golf tournament and auction in June 2015, participate in the Round Rock Frontier Days Parade and have a booth at Old Settler s Park to give out free bottled water in July, give out information and wristbands at Dell Diamond at selected Express games, and we have other publicity events and fund raisers throughout the year We are in the process of updating our web page, and hope to streamline the donation process. We are an all-volunteer organization, a ministry, a 501c3 charity. We began at Palm Valley Lutheran Church in Round Rock, and the ministry has quickly gone beyond Palm Valley. Other congregations soon wanted to be a part of this ministry and we have had the opportunity to include several congregations, service organizations, and even a school in this ministry. As you know, many congregations throughout the Southwestern Texas synod have contributed to Water for Africa. We are organized through the Greater Round Rock Community Foundation which takes care of all receipts, tax reporting, etc. Our reasoning behind this is that the money does not go 2014 Assembly Offering Report Exhibit L-1 Pr. Dave Koppel Page 2 of 6

56 Exhibit L Assembly Offering Report Pr. Dave Koppel through one particular congregation so people won t think they are just supporting one congregation s ministry. Our total administrative fees have amounted to $1, which has been totally offset by $3, of investment income through the foundation. (they invest whatever monies that they are holding until we are able to give the money in grants to NGOs in Africa (in this case, Lutheran World Relief). Frandsen Vestergaard (the manufacturer) delivers the LifeStraw units to Lutheran World Relief at no cost to Water for Africa, and Lutheran World relief distributes them to those in need, also at no cost to Water for Africa. In effect, our administrative expense has been zero. We do have T-shirts printed and get sponsors for the t-shirts, and the income from the sponsors pays for the t-shirts, the brochures, and the wristbands that we distribute. Our volunteers pay for their own mileage expenses and give talks and demonstrations on their own time. Again, no administrative costs. We will be working closely with Lutheran World Relief as we identify and fund further projects to bring clean water to those who need it. Through our partnerships with the synod, Lutheran World Relief, and the Greater Round Rock Community Foundation, and our volunteers, we have been able to literally save the lives of thousands of people. We look forward to further partnership with the ELCA, Lutheran World Relief, the Episcopal Church, Church World Service, and Frandsen Vestergaard (the manufacturer of the LifeStraw). Thank you for your partnership, and please know that you can save a life with every $10 raised. (and now, with the matching grant, with every $5 raised!) Dave Koppel Dr. Dave Koppel Senior Pastor Palm Valley Lutheran Church 2500 E. Palm Valley Blvd. Round Rock, TX Assembly Offering Report Exhibit L-1 Pr. Dave Koppel Page 3 of 6

57 Exhibit L Assembly Offering Report Pr. Dave Koppel i Action by Churches Together A Geneva based forum of over 120 faith-based organizations with focus on improved coordination in emergency preparedness and response ii United Nations Humanitarian Response Depots A network of UN-managed network of humanitarian warehouses for prepositioning of emergency stockpiles of which LWR has been a member since Assembly Offering Report Exhibit L-1 Pr. Dave Koppel Page 4 of 6

58 Exhibit L Assembly Offering Report Pr. Dave Koppel 2014 Assembly Offering Report Exhibit L-1 Pr. Dave Koppel Page 5 of 6

59 Exhibit L Assembly Offering Report Pr. Dave Koppel 2014 Assembly Offering Report Exhibit L-1 Pr. Dave Koppel Page 6 of 6