Western Iowa Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Transcription

1 Western Iowa Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 2017 Synod Assembly June 9 th 11 th 0

2 Table of Contents Pg. 2 Pg. 3-4 Pg. 5 Pg. 5 Pg. 6 Pg Pg Pg Pg. 22 Pg Pg. 25 Pg Pg Pg Pg Pg Pg. 52 Pg. 53 Pg Pg. 56 Preliminary Agenda Standing Rules for the 2016 Synod Assembly Policy on Distribution of Materials at the Synod Assembly Report from 2017 Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel Policy for Handling Resolutions at the Synod Assembly 2017 Resolutions 2017 Report of Nominations Report of the Bishop Vice President Report 2017 Assembly Roster Update 2017 Assembly Ordination and Congregation Anniversaries Report of the Secretary Minutes of 2016 Synod Assembly Report of the Treasurer Financial Reports 2016 Mission Support Report Report from Rev. Jeff Ungs, Director of Evangelical Mission Report from Rev. Lorna Halaas, Assistant to the Bishop Report from Cindy Wells Global Missions Coordinator Report from Lynn Egesdal, Deacon Faith Formation /Communication Coordinator 1

3 Western Iowa Synod ELCA 2017 Synod Assembly Preliminary Agenda June 9th - 11th, 2017 Friday, June 9th Sioux City Convention Center 801 4th Street, Sioux City, Iowa Theme: We Are Lutheran: Opening Doors 2:00 pm Assembly check-in opens 3:00 pm New Voting Member Orientation 4:00 pm Opening Worship 5:30 pm Evening Meal 6:30 pm Plenary 1 9:00 pm Optional Activities Saturday, June 10th 8:30 am Opening devotions Plenary 2 10:15 am Break w/morning snacks 12:15 pm Lunch & Displays 1:00 pm Forum 1 2:00 pm Forum 2 2:45 pm Break 3:00 pm Plenary 3 6:30 pm Banquet Program Sunday, June 11th 8:45 am Opening Devotion/ Plenary 4 10:00 am Break w/morning snack 10:30 am Closing worship 12:00 pm On our way rejoicing 2

4 Western Iowa Synod ELCA Standing Rules for the 2017 Synod Assembly 1. Sessions. All sessions of the Synod Assembly shall begin promptly at the place and hour specified. 2. Registration. Everyone attending the Synod Assembly must register. Early bird (by May 1) registration fees are: Voting Members $175; non-voting guests $150; retired, not serving a congregation $100. After the specified date the amount will go up $15 per person. Paid registration for the assembly and one night in hotel for Anniversary Pastor Retired & not serving a congregation to include spouse. Walk in cost for everyone $200. This entitles each registrant to a Synod Assembly agenda and assembly nametag marked to include assembly meals. 3. Assembly Voting Members. Voting Members of the Synod Assembly shall be designated by congregations and otherwise determined in accord with Chapter 7 of the Constitution of the Western Iowa Synod, ELCA. Any individual otherwise qualified to be a Voting Member of the Assembly, shall not be permitted seat, vote or voice until after completing registration. 3.1 Authorize Synodically Authorized Ministers and full-communion partner rostered persons serving ELCA congregations voice and vote privileges. 4. Voting Member Credentialing. All Voting Members of the Synod Assembly must also present themselves to the check-in table for Voting Members, and receive a registration packet, before being seated at the Assembly. This registration step entitles each Voting Member to an electronic voting remote. 5. Registration Closes. Registration for each session of the assembly shall close at the scheduled time for the session to begin. 6. Order of Business. The adoption of the Synod Assembly agenda, with necessary changes, shall become the order of business for the Assembly. 7. Quorum. One half of the registered voting members of the Synod Assembly shall constitute a quorum. 8. Decorum and Etiquette. Respect, dignity, civility and courtesy shall be guidelines for the tone and content of all Assembly discussion. Behavior outside these guidelines and which continues after warning shall be grounds for the assembly chair to restrict any further privilege of the floor. 9. Privilege of the Floor. Privilege of the floor shall be granted only in accord with Chapter 7 of the Constitution of the Western Iowa Synod, ELCA. Privilege of the floor for Voting Members shall include seat, voice and vote. Privilege of the floor for non-voting members or guests shall include seat only, unless otherwise designated by the Synod Assembly or the Synod Council in accordance with S7.24. No Voting Member shall speak more than three (3) times on the same subject during a session, nor longer than two (2) minutes at one time. A second or third time to speak on one subject may be granted only after all other Voting Members desiring to speak on the subject have had the opportunity to do so. Any Voting Member desiring the floor shall rise, approach one of the authorized microphones, and when recognized by the Assembly Chair, state his/her name and the name and location of her/his congregation. A Voting Member must move to one of the authorized microphones to move to end debate. 10. Voting Procedure. To be eligible to vote, a Voting Member must be seated in the assembly. No proxy or absentee voting is permitted. A two-thirds vote of voting members present and voting is required for adoption of amendments to the constitution and by-laws of the Western Iowa Synod, to add an item of new business to the agenda, and to appropriate funds, whether by amendment to the budget or otherwise, without the approval of the Synod Council (WIS Constitution S ). A majority vote of voting members present and voting is required for approval of the Western Iowa Synod budget, resolutions, and other actions as specified in Robert s Rules of Order. Votes will be taken by electronic vote and/or with green and red voting cards. 3

5 11. Elections. All elections shall be by electronic vote and/or written vote. A person making a nomination from the floor must be certain that the nominee will accept the position if elected and be prepared to provide the biographical information. The wearing of promotional buttons or slogans, the distribution of material or the carrying of placards to promote one nominee over another is not permitted at any time. 12. Motions and Resolutions. The following procedure applies to all motions or resolutions offered to the Assembly. a. Any voting member of the Synod Assembly desiring to add an item of new business to the agenda of the Synod Assembly shall present such an item to the chair no later than one-half hour following the close of the first plenary session of the Assembly. The Assembly Chair shall immediately refer it to the Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel. (WIS Constitution, Section S ) b. Every motion or resolution submitted to the Synod Assembly and its Committee for Assembly Business and Counsel shall be presented to the Assembly in whole or part or by reference to the published reports. In presenting motions or resolutions, the Committee for Assembly Business and Counsel shall take one of the following actions: 1. To report a resolution or motion and recommend its adoption. 2. To report a resolution or motion and recommend its adoption with amendment. 3. To report a resolution or motion and recommend its defeat. 4. To report a resolution or motion and offer a substitute resolution. 5. To report a resolution or motion and recommend that the matter be referred by the bishop to an appropriate council, board or committee. 6. To report a resolution as information (A two-thirds vote of the Synod Assembly shall be required to consider a resolution reported as information.) (WIS Constitution S e). c. Any motion to amend a motion or resolution properly before the Assembly and recognized by the Assembly Chair as part of the order of business, is subject to an initial determination by the Assembly Chair as to whether said motion to amend is germane to the specific subject matter of the motion or resolution then under consideration by the Assembly, before any discussion of that motion to amend shall proceed after it is seconded. If the ruling of the Assembly Chair is that the motion to amend is germane, further discussion and action by the Assembly on that motion to amend shall proceed. If the ruling of the Assembly Chair is that the motion to amend is not germane, the motion to amend will be referred immediately and without further discussion to the Committee for Assembly Business and Counsel, which shall take one of the actions described in Rule 11b, in connection with reporting the motion to amend back to the Assembly at a later time consistent with the order of business. d. All actions taken by the Assembly shall be consistent with the Constitution, By-laws and documents of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Western Iowa Synod, ELCA. 13. Reports. All Synod committee or other reports to the Assembly shall be written. They shall be computer produced, type written or legibly handwritten on 8½ x 11 inch white bond paper, and presented to the Assembly Chair before any oral presentation of the report is given to the Assembly. The reporting person and/or committee shall be identified at the beginning of the report. The committee chair or other responsible person for the report shall sign it. The reporting speaker giving the oral report may present the entire report or highlights from it, at her/his option or at the discretion of the Assembly Chair. Except by prearrangement as a part of the Synod Assembly agenda or by additional time granted by the Assembly Chair, no oral report to the Assembly should exceed fifteen (15) minutes in length. In the interest of time anyone giving a report shall address the Assembly Chair only. 14. Governing Parliamentary Law. In matters pertaining to Parliamentary Law or procedure, Robert s Rules of Order Newly Revised, latest edition, shall govern, except where inconsistent with the Constitution and By-laws of the Western Iowa Synod, ELCA or these Standing Rules of the Assembly. 15. Distribution of Materials. Distribution of materials at the Assembly shall be in accordance with the Policy on Distribution of Materials at the Synod Assembly as adopted by the Synod Council. 4

6 POLICY ON DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS AT THE SYNOD ASSEMBLY. Materials produced by the synod staff, networks and committees may be distributed to voting members and visitors at the synod assembly convention center as long as such materials are relevant to the overall work of the synod. Synod staff, networks and committees may distribute materials produced by other organizations as long as such materials are directly related to the work of the synod or its boards, committees or networks. Agencies and institutions that are directly related to the Western Iowa Synod may, with the approval of the Assembly Business and Counsel committee, distribute materials at the assembly convention center that interpret their work and their relationship with the synod. Other organizations or individuals who want to distribute materials at the assembly convention center must receive advance approval from the Assembly Business and Counsel Committee. Such materials must be submitted to the ABC Committee for review prior to distribution. Approval will be granted on a case-by-case basis. Material approved for distribution shall further the mission of the Western Iowa synod and its congregations. The purpose of this policy is to foster the effective working of the voting members of the assembly in conducting the work of the synod, to encourage support of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and to insure fairness in response to a variety of requests Report of the Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel Committee Members: Pr. Del Olivier & Pr. Erma Wolf, synod council; Pr. Paul Johnston. Chr.; Bishop Rodger Prois, ex officio; Daniel Holste, sec; Karen Post, ex officio; Kim Gayer, Ann Goebel, Michelle Phillips, Richard Pridie, Pr. Katherine Russell. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel (ABC Committee) is described in the Synod Constitution, Section S Two constitutional provisions govern assembly business and parliamentary procedure: S Any voting member of the Synod Assembly desiring to add an item of new business to the agenda of the Synod Assembly shall present such an item to the chair no later than one-half hour following the close of the first plenary session of the Assembly. The chair shall immediately refer it to the Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel. S e. Every motion or resolution submitted to the Synod Assembly and its Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel shall be presented to the Assembly in whole or part or by reference to the published reports. In presenting motions or resolutions, the Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel shall take one of the following actions: 1) to report a resolution or motion and recommend its adoption 2) to report a resolution or motion and recommend its adoption with amendment 3) to report a resolution or motion and recommend its defeat 4) to report a resolution or motion and offer a substitute resolution 5) to report a resolution or motion and recommend that the matter be referred by the bishop to an appropriate council, board, or committee 6) to report a resolution as information (A two-thirds vote of the Synod Assembly shall be required to consider a resolution reported as information.) 5

7 Policy for Handling Resolutions at the Synod Assembly At its meeting on September 15, 2001, the Western Iowa Synod Council took the following action: SC TO AFFIRM the ABC Committee recommendation that any resolution not submitted prior to February 20, 2002 or through the synod council for consideration at the 2002 assembly will be referred to the appropriate committee or reported as information to the assembly. In future years, resolutions should be submitted 60 days prior to the start of the assembly to be considered at the assembly. The Assembly Business and Council committee had asked the synod council for this affirmation. The ABC committee is instituting this change in procedure for two reasons. First, they are responding to complaints that assembly members have made in the past. Many members have been frustrated at not having enough time to consider resolutions that are not available to assembly members until the assembly has already begun to meet. They have noted that most of these last minute resolutions are not addressed to issues that have just surfaced and that they could easily have been submitted much earlier. Secondly, at the last assembly the ABC committee itself struggled to deal with such last minute resolutions. Frequently the language needed to be reworked to communicate the intent of the authors while still making sense to assembly members. Several resolutions addressed the same issue and needed to be combined. The committee had to wrestle with the recommendations they should make to the assembly concerning these last minute resolutions. The committee believes that trying to do this on the first evening of the assembly does not allow them to do their work effectively. Accordingly, the ABC committee is setting April 7 th, 2017 as the cutoff date for submitting resolutions for consideration at the 2017 assembly. This will allow these resolutions to appear in the pre-assembly report along with a recommendation from the ABC committee. Any resolutions received after that date will either be referred to the appropriate committee or submitted to the assembly as information. The only exception will be for resolutions coming to the committee from the synod council. This change in policy is not intended to stifle the consideration of important issues at the assembly. Rather, its intent is that resolutions be handled in an orderly manner and that assembly members should have adequate time for discussion and deliberation. The committee wants to stress that the assembly still has the final say concerning resolutions it wants to consider. Any resolution that is reported as information can still be brought to the floor for consideration by a 2/3 vote of the assembly. Since recent assemblies have made changes in the agenda by a similar vote, it is not unreasonable to expect that the members could take up a resolution if they chose to do so. 6

8 RESOLUTIONS 1. Encouraging a Culture of Diversity Submitted by: Winds of Hope Conference WHEREAS, the ELCA has spoken in its Social Statement on Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture about its commitment for the effort to start and to support ministry in African American, Asian, Hispanic, Native American, or multicultural settings; the effort to recognize and to empower pastoral leaders while honoring their cultures; the effort to provide resources in languages other than English and to engage in public policy advocacy at state, federal, and international levels that seeks to eliminate racial or ethnic discrimination; and WHEREAS, the ELCA Social Message on Immigration for this church to strengthen its ministry with the most vulnerable, particularly in the ministry that resettles refugees, counsel to persons without legal status, aides persons with the citizenship process, and helps newcomers learn to live in a new country, and reminds us that hospitality for the uprooted is a way to live out the biblical call to love the neighbor in response to God s love in Jesus Christ, and WHEREAS, the ELCA Presiding Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton, has recently written of the ELCA s commitment to continuing ministries of welcome that support and build communities around the country and stand firmly against any policies that result in scaling back the refugee resettlement program, and WHEREAS, the Western Iowa Synod has two ethnic specific worshiping centers within its boundaries, Thanksgiving Lutheran South Sudanese Ministry in Council Bluffs with Pastor James Rut, and Senor de la Misericordia (Lord of Mercy) Ministry in Denison, with Pastor Filemon Diaz (in conjunction with Trinity Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa), along with other multicultural outreach ministries taking place in congregations in this synod; and WHEREAS, this church, with all Christians everywhere live in a time of crisis (Romans 2:1ff.), which is spiritual as we are challenged in continuing in our commitments to follow Christ and to serve neighbor, and live up to our specific commitments according to the Social Statement Freed in Christ Section Facing God A Time of Spiritual Crisis; therefore, let be it RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod recommit to persevering in its partnership with Thanksgiving Lutheran South Sudanese Ministry and Senor de la Misericordia Ministry, and with the Sudanese and Hispanic communities in those locations, calling for prayer, and to consider financial support, throughout its congregations for these two ministries in particular and for the Sudanese and Hispanic communities within this synod; and be it further RESOLVED, that all congregations in the Western Iowa Synod be encouraged to reach out to those of ethnic and/or racial minorities in their own communities, seeking to increase mutual understanding and learning how to both welcome and offer appropriate support to and advocate for those who are most vulnerable; and be it further RESOLVED, that a link be provided on the website of the Western Iowa Synod for further information to the ELCA Social Message on Immigration, the AMMPARO strategy (working with unaccompanied minors), and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service resources; and be it further RESOLVED, that each congregation be strongly urged to offer prayers in the Sunday assembly for those local ethnic and/or racial minorities, on a regular and ongoing basis, as a way to lift up the presence of these brothers and sisters among us, people whom it is otherwise too easy to overlook; and be it further 7

9 RESOLVED, that each congregation of the Western Iowa Synod engage in a historical study of the Lutheran Church to caring for immigrants, and how they could continue that ministry by becoming a Welcoming Congregation ; and be it further RESOLVED, that at least 65 Western Iowa Synod congregations vote to be designated as a Welcoming Congregation. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. 8

10 RESOLUTION #2 - AMEND THE WESTERN IOWA SYNOD CONSTITUTION Submitted by: Synod Council WHEREAS the Western Iowa Synod Constitution is the governing document for the synod, the following constitutional changes are noted as additions and deletions: Chapter 3. TERRITORY S3.01. The territory of this synod, as determined by the Churchwide Assembly, shall be: the counties of Adair, Adams, Audubon, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Cherokee, Clay, Crawford, Dickinson, Emmet, Fremont, Greene, Guthrie, Hamilton (west), Hancock (west), Harrison, Humboldt, Ida, Kossuth, Lyon, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, O'Brien, Osceola, Page, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Sac, Shelby, Sioux, Taylor, Union, Webster, Winnebago (west), Woodbury, Wright (west) in the state of Iowa. Chapter 7. SYNOD ASSEMBLY S The regular meeting of the Synod Assembly shall be called annually by the Synod Council. The time and place of the Western Iowa Synod Assembly shall be determined by the Synod Council. The time and place of the next regular Synod Assembly shall be announced at each assembly, or at least ninety days prior to the Synod Aassembly. S7.27. This synod may establish processes through the Synod Council to grant a minister of Word and Sacrament from a church body with which a relationship of full communion has been declared and established by the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America the privilege of both voice and vote in the Synod Assembly during the period of that minister s service in a congregation of this church. S All elections shall be by written ballot.elections shall be held by written or electronic ballot, with the exception of uncontested elections, which may be by voice. In preparing the ballot, the Credentials and Elections Committee shall identify on the ballot those eligible and nominated for reelection. Additional nominations for assembly elections may be made for any position if supported by ten voting members of the Synod Assembly. The voting member presenting the nomination shall secure from the nominee assurance of her/his willingness to serve if elected. The nominee shall have all of the requirements of the position (in order to meet the criteria of S6.04.) Additional nominations, including biographical information, shall be made to the secretary no later than one-half hour following the close of the first plenary session of the Synod Assembly. S The Credentials and Elections Committee shall f. (when wr itten ballots are used,) prepare printed ballots, supervise the voting and counting of ballots, and report to the Synod Assembly and to the Secretary. When electronic ballots are used, review the ballot prior to voting, supervise the voting, report to the Synod Assembly and to the Secretary. 9

11 Chapter 8. OFFICERS S8.52. S8.55. The terms of the officers shall begin as follows: a. Bishop: on the first day of the third month following election; b. Vice President and Secretary: on the first day of the next month following election; c. Treasurer: on the first day of the fiscal year following the Synod Assembly., or, inunder special circumstances, the Synod Council may designate different beginning dates, as deemed necessary.at a time designated by the Synod Council, with the exception of the treasurer, who shall begin on the first day of the fiscal year following the Synod Assembly Should the vice president, secretary, or treasurer die, resign, or be unable to serve, the bishop, with the approval of the Executive Committee of the Synod Council, shall arrange for the appropriate care of the responsibilities of the officer until an election of a new officer can be held or, in the case of temporary disability, until the officer is able to serve again. The successor officers will finish out the term of the original officer. The term of the successor officer, elected by the next Synod Assembly, shall be four years. If the treasurer is appointed by the Synod Council, the Synod Council shall appoint a new treasurer to a four-year term. Chapter 9. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS S9.03. There shall be a Nominating Committee consisting of five to seven members to serve for each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. Persons placed on the ballot for the Nominating Committee should represent different conferences and comply with criteria of S6.04. Additional nominations may be made from the floor for all elections for which the nominations are made by the Nominating Committee. From the twelve conferences, the Synod Council shall designate, on a rotating basis, five conferences, each of which shall submit two or more names to be placed on the ballot for election of the Nominating Committee. The Synod Assembly shall then elect five persons to serve the next regular Synod Assembly as the Nominating Committee. A sixth member may be appointed by the Synod Council to serve on the committee at the next regular Synod Assembly to meet the criteria of *S6.04. S9.05.a. The Nominating Committee shall nominate at least four persons at large from within the synod, at least four youth, and at least four persons of color or language other than English to the Synod Council. S9.11. The Synod Council shall elect or appoint representatives to the steering committee of its region. Chapter 10. SYNOD COUNCIL Of the other members of the Synod Council, in addition to positions for synod officers and one youth representative designated in S10.01, there shall be one position reserved for a representative of each conference, twofour positions reserved for at-large representation, 10

12 two positions reserved for persons of color and/or persons whose primary language is other than English, and one position reserved for an additional youth representative young adult. S If a member of the Synod Council ceases to meet the requirements of the position to which she or he was elected, the office filled by such member shall at once become vacant. If a Synod Council member misses 3 consecutive meetings without notice, the office will be considered vacant and a replacement may be appointed by the Synod Council immediately, or elected at the next Synod Assembly to finish the term. Chapter 11. COMMITTEES S The required Audit Committee is known in the Western Iowa Synod as the Finance Committee. Refer to S11.11.C98. S11.01.A96The Executive Committee shall: d. perform an annual evaluation of the bishop; e. prepare approve a recommendation of staff salaries for Council approval; S Official notices of the synod shall be published both in THE LUTHERAN and in the synod periodical, and items of synodical interest shall be published regularly in the synod periodical. Chapter 12. CONFERENCES, CLUSTERS, COALITIONS, OR OTHER AREA SUBDIVISIONS S The Synod Council shall determine the structure and organization of the conferences. Refer to Appendix A for a list of conferences and congregations. Chapter 13. CONGREGATIONS S Congregations of this synod are to provide costs of lodging, meals, and transportation to the Synod Assembly for their voting members. The provisions for reimbursing expenses of ministers of Word and Sacrament and ministers of Word and Service attending the Synod Assembly shall be embodied in all calls issued. This synod shall provide a per diem for retired ministers of Word and Sacrament attending the Synod Assembly. Chapter 14. ROSTERED MINISTERS S Ministers of Word and Service S The minister of Word and Service shall become a member of the congregation upon receipt and acceptance of the letter of call. In a parish of multiple congregations, the minister of Word and Service shall hold membership in one of the congregations. S Each minister of Word and Service on the roster of this synod shall submit a report of his or her ministry to the bishop of the synod at least 90 days prior to each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. 11

13 S S Ministers of Word and Service shall confer with the bishop of this synod before accepting a call within this synod.no minister of Word and Service shall accept a call without first conferring with the bishop of this synod. A minister of Word and Service shall respond with an answer of acceptance or declination to a letter of call within 30 days of receipt of such call. In exceptional circumstances with the approval of the bishop of this synod and the chair of the Congregation Council of the congregation issuing the call, an additional 15 days may be granted to respond to a letter of call. All ministers of Word and Service under a call shall attend meetings of the Synod Assembly, and ministers of Word and Service of congregations shall also attend meetings of the conference, cluster, coalition, or other area subdivision to which the congregation belongs. Chapter 15. FINANCIAL MATTERS S The Synod Assembly shall determine in each budget, when funds are available, an amount of money to be equally divided among the conferences. Each conference shall use the money for its own purposes. S In preparing each budget of the synod, the Synod Council shall hold hearings at which the committees, boards and other organizations receiving stated support through the synod budget shall be invited to consult with the Synod Council or its appointees to present full statements of their operations, the financial needs of their current work, and the budgetary implications of advance programs which they have in view for the year under consideration. There shall also be a hearing for any member of the synod to address the preparation of the synod budget. S The Synod Council shall be responsible for developing guidelines for congregations for determining the congregations' "proportionate share" of this synod's budget and shall consult with congregational leaders to assist each congregation in making its determination of offerings and gifts to this synod. S A reserve shall be established (of not less than two months nor more than four months) to cover operating expenses in case of catastrophic conditions. ### APPENDIX A WESTERN IOWA SYNOD CONFERENCES S12.01.B12.There shall bethe six (6) conferences in the synod. They shall be are listed below and include the following congregations: Winds of Hope Conference In Lyon County 1. Immanuel (George) 2. Bethlehem (Inwood) 3. Immanuel (Rock Rapids) In Osceola County 1. American (Melvin) 12

14 2. Trinity (Sibley) In Sioux County 1. American (Hawarden) 2. Our Savior s (Rock Valley) 3. Hope (Sioux Center) In O'Brien County 1. Siloam (Paullina) 2. Grace (Primghar) In Clay County 1. Bethany (Spencer) 2. Trinity (Spencer) In Plymouth County 1. Immanuel (Akron) 2. St. John (Akron) 3. Trinity (Akron) 4. St. Peter (Brunsville) 5. St. John (Craig) 6. Christ (Le Mars) 7. St. John (Le Mars) 8. St. John (Merrill) 9. St. Paul (Merrill) 10. St. Paul (Remsen) In Cherokee County 1. Bethlehem (Cherokee) 2. Faith (Marcus) In Buena Vista County 1. Our Savior s (Albert City) 2. St. John (Albert City) 3. Immanuel (Alta) 4. Trinity (Alta) 5. Trinity (Linn Grove) 6. Grace (Marathon) 7. Nain (Newell) 8. Our Saviors (Rembrandt) 9. First (Sioux Rapids) 10. St. Mark (Storm Lake) Seeds of Faith Conference In Dickinson County 1. First (Milford) 2. Grace (Spirit Lake) In Emmet County 1. Nazareth (Armstrong) 2. Estherville (Estherville) 3. Trinity (Estherville) 4. United (Ringsted) 5. Wallingford, (Wallingford) In Palo Alto County 1. St. John (Cylinder) 13

15 2. Bethany (Emmetsburg) 3. Bethel (Graettinger) 4. Lost Island (Ruthven) In Kossuth County 1. First (Algona) 2. St. Paul (Lakota) 3. Good Hope (Titonka) 4. Immanuel (Titonka), In Winnebago County Bethlehem (Buffalo Center) 1. Immanuel (Forest City) 2. Zion (Rake) 3. Bethany (Thompson) In Hancock County 1. First (Britt) 2. St. John (Corwith) 3. Kanawha (Kanawha) 4. St. John s (Woden) Living Waters Conference In Woodbury County 1. Salem (Correctionville) 2. St. John (Cushing) 3. Trinity (Moville) 4. New Life (Sergeant Bluff) 5. Augustana (Sioux City) 6. First (Sioux City) 7. Immanuel (Sioux City) 8. Riverside (Sioux City) 9. St. John (Sioux City) 10. St. Luke (Sioux City) 11. St. Mark (Sioux City) 12. Trinity (Sioux City) In Monona County 1. Faith (Onawa) 2. Soldier (Soldier) In Ida County 1. St. Paul Evangelical (Holstein) In Crawford County 1. Bethel (Kiron) In Sac County 1. Faith (Odebolt) Hands of Hope Conference In Pocahontas County 1. St. Paul (Palmer) 2. St. Peter (Pocahontas) In Calhoun County 1. Augustana Evangelical (Manson) 14

16 2. St. Paul Evangelical (Manson) 3. Elfsborg (Pomeroy) 4. St. John (Pomeroy) 5. St. Paul's (Rockwell City) In Humboldt County - 1. Our Saviour's (Humboldt) 2. Trinity (Ottosen) 3. St. Paul (Renwick) 4. Trinity (Rutland) In Webster County 1. Immanuel (Burnside) 2. Emanuel (Dayton) 3. Washington (Duncombe) 4. Christ (Fort Dodge) 5. Grace (Fort Dodge) 6. St. Olaf (Fort Dodge) 7. The Church of the Damascus Road (Fort Dodge) 8. Zion (Gowrie) 9. Faith (Harcourt) 10. Fulton (Moorland) 11. South Enes (Vincent) In Wright County 1. First (Clarion) (none) In Hamilton County 1. Trinity (Webster City) In Boone County 1. Trinity (Boxholm) In Sac County 1. Emanuel-St. John (Lytton) Rivers of Grace Conference In Monona County 1. Bethesda (Moorhead) In Harrison County 1. St. John (Dunlap) 2. St. Paul (Missouri Valley) In Pottawattamie Co. 1. Emanuel (Council Bluffs) 2. Our Savior's (Council Bluffs) 3. St. John (Council Bluffs) 4. St. Paul (Treynor) 5. Underwood (Underwood) In Carroll County 1. St. John (Carroll) 2. Ascension (Coon Rapids) In Audubon County 1. Ebenezer (Audubon) 2. Brayton (Brayton) 3. Exira (Exira) 15

17 4. Bethany (Kimballton) 5. Immanuel (Kimballton) In Cass County 1. St. Paul's (Atlantic) 2. Faith (Griswold) In Greene County 1. Christ (Jefferson) In Adair County 1. Good Shepherd (Adair) (none) Abundant Fields Conference In Mills County 1. St. John (Mineola) In Fremont County 1. St. Paul (Northboro) In Montgomery County 1. Bethlehem (Red Oak) 2. Mamrelund (Stanton) 3. Tabor (Stanton) In Page County 1. Bethesda (Clarinda) 2. St. John s (Essex) 3. Fremont (Red Oak) 4. Emmanuel (Shenandoah) RESOLVED, that the Western Iowa Synod Constitution be amended. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. 16

18 3. Western Iowa Synod 2018 Compensation Guidelines Submitted by: Western Iowa Synod Council WHEREAS, congregations call rostered leaders to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ ; and WHEREAS, congregations desire to provide for the financial, spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of those called to serve them; and WHEREAS, the compensation guidelines have been developed by the Synod Council for congregational use; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Assembly of the Western Iowa Synod ELCA adopt the proposed guidelines and urge that congregations compensate rostered leaders at the recommended levels. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. 4. Adopt the Budget Submitted by: Synod Council RESOLVED, that the Assembly of the Western Iowa Synod ELCA adopt the revised budget for the fiscal year beginning February 1, 2017, and the proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning February 1, The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. 17

19 Report of the Nominating Committee to the 2017 Synod Assembly Nominating Committee members: John Glant, Karen Post, Diane Vavek, Pastor Lowell Hennigs, Pastor John Wolf (Chairperson) Additional nominations may be made for any position if supported by ten voting members of the Synod Assembly. Additional nominations shall be made to the secretary no later than one-half hour following the close of the first plenary session of the Synod Assembly Nominations for 2017 Synod Assembly AT LARGE: Synod Council Vice President: Brian Campbell - Bethany, Emmetsburg ABC clergy: Winds of Hope Conference: Eric Alm - Immanuel, Akron (2 year term) Consultation: Clergy 4 year Rev. Shawn Brooks - St. Peter, Brunsville; Christ, Rural Le Mars Clergy 1 year Rev. Denise Parrello - Trinity, Alta Young adult layperson (3 year term): OPEN Winds of Hope Nominating committee: lay male or female (1 year term) Vote for 1 Betty Swanson, Christ, rural Le Mars Consultation: lay male (4 year term) Vote for 1 Bill Peters, Hope, Sioux Center Synod council: lay male (3 year term) Vote for 1 Ken Swanson, Christ, Rural Le Mars Brian Underwood, St. Mark s, Storm Lake Terry VanMaanen, Our Savior s, Rock Valley Seeds of Faith Nominating Committee: clergy (1 year term) Vote for 1 Rev. Peter Morlock, Bethany, Emmetsburg; Lost Island, Lost Island Consultation: lay female (4 year term) Vote for 1 Kim Campbell, Bethany, Emmetsburg Discipline: Clergy (to fill vacancy for remaining 3 year term) Vote of 1 Rev. William (Willie) Rosin, First, Britt (3 year term) Synod Council: clergy (3 year term) Vote for 1 Rev. Cole McCormick, Trinity, Estherville Hands of Hope Assembly Business and Counsel: clergy (2 year term) OPEN Consultation: clergy (4 year term) Vote for 1 Rev. Mike Kroona, Trinity, Webster City Synod Council: lay female (3 year term) OPEN 18

20 Living Waters Nominating committee: lay female (1 year term) OPEN Assembly Business and Counsel: lay female (2 year term) Vote for 1 Linda Clarke, St. Mark, Sioux City Consultation: lay male (1 year term) OPEN Synod Council: lay male (3 year term) Vote for 1 Blake Straton Trinity, Moville Rivers of Grace Nominating committee: lay female (1 year term) Vote for 1 Megan Sorensen, Emanuel, Council Bluffs Consultation: lay female (1 year term) OPEN Abundant Fields Nominating committee: clergy (1 year term)vote for 1 Rev. Roger Claxton- Bethlehem, Red Oak; Faith, Griswold Assembly Business and Counsel: lay male (2 year term) OPEN Consultation: clergy (1 year term) Vote for 1 Pastor Ann Albert St. John, Essex; Fremont, Red Oak 19

21 Report to the Western Iowa Synod, ELCA, Assembly. Bishop Rodger Prois June 9, 2017 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 It seems too simplistic to say that 2016 was a year of change. Our country elected new leadership, we learned that our state will have a new governor, we are in open and positive conversations with our Roman Catholic neighbors, a number of pastors retired in the synod, and we welcomed new leaders in many congregations. Those are a few of the changes that immediately come to mind. Yet, amidst all the change were two bedrocks. The first is the assurance that is found in the quote from Hebrews, Jesus remains the center of our faith and the point of reconciliation for all of creation. That is the good news of Easter. The second is that the church can stand firm, regardless of the culture and daunting times, by following the Holy Spirit together into the future. Churchwide Our assembly theme for 2016 was We are the church together. We as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America came together in assembly last August to carry out the business of the church and celebrate what God is doing through us for the world. Fourteen of us from Western Iowa were voting members. Of those issues addressed were a few that directly affect us on the plains of Iowa. - The three lay rosters of the church were consolidated into one, now known as the Word and Service roster. Associates in Ministry, Deacons, and Deaconesses all now have the title of Deacon. This may seem insignificant but it is an attempt to clarify who is doing what and establish a common identity. The 2017 WIS assembly will deal with language changes that came about subsequent to this roster merger. - The churchwide assembly also took a bold move and approved a document that has been in production for a number of years, called Declaration on The Way. This is a joint statement of the ELCA and the Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. The statement lifts up 32 points that our churches can agree on. - William B. Horne was elected Vice President of the ELCA. Mr. Horne is a retired military person and lives in Clearwater, FL, where he is the city manager. - Approved AAMPARO, the ELCA s strategy to Accompany Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities. Other actions of the assembly are summarized at Western Iowa Synod The Lutheran Church of Western Iowa, ELCA, also known as the Western Iowa Synod, came together for a number of events during the year: - In the Fall, the Thankfulness Event traveling show, lifting up our ministries from all across the mission territory, gathered in four different places. - Almost 300 Confirmation age young people met for times of learning, play and worship at ConFest Events. - Nearly 100 Rostered Leaders participated in the Fall Theological Convocation focusing on worship practices and changing trends. - The Synod Council met in June, September, December 2016, and March In September the Networks of the synod gathered to share ministry stories. - The annual Leadership Academy was offered in February. - WIS people attended ecumenical events in Ames and Sioux City as part of the National Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. - We also sadly gathered to mourn the loss of our brother, Pr. Bob Vaage on Dec

22 The numbers of togetherness (as of 1/1/16) 128 Congregations Membership size differential: 30 congs < 175, 44 congs , 25 congs , 15 congs , 4 congs , 6 congs , 3 congs > New ministry, 1 probe in formation 50,815 baptized, 39,596 confirmed, 10,939 avg. worship, 98.1% White/Caucasion $19,993,458 offered to congregations, $798,925 mission support to WIS/ELCA Intentionally together There are many things that tend to distract us from acting as a church, both locally and the broader sense. The WIS mission centers leadership team has actively taken on that reality and worked to keep us knitted together. In addition to those events I have listed, I encourage you to read the reports filed for each member of the team. You will learn about the expansion of the Spirituality Network, changes in relationships with the Companion Synod Network, The Renewal Network is focusing on Congregational Vitality, the Faith Formation Network continues their work to support cross generational ministry, and as a team we continue to show our gratitude to everyone who supports our work together, measured by an increase in Mission Support contributions. I give thanks that I have faithful and dedicated people to work with. They are a blessing. Sustainably Together As good stewards of the resources afforded us we must remember that any initiative, movement, or endeavor must be sustainable. I am convicted that to keep our work moving into the future the first thing we should be about is prayer. Please hold all of your sisters and brothers across the church in your prayers, as we strive to be of one mind. God s Blessings, Bishop Rodger Prois 21

23 SYNOD ASSEMBLY SYNOD VICE PRESIDENT REPORT 2017 I look to the mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let you fall; your protector is always awake. (Psalm 121: 1-3, TEV) This year may be considered as a series of mountain tops and valleys. The mountain tops did outnumber the valleys. Attending the Churchwide Assembly in New Orleans had to be one of the highlights of the year. It was a great honor to take part in the opening worship processional with Bishop Prois and the other bishops and vicepresidents. It was also special to have an active role in one of the worship services. To listen to nearly a thousand people worship and sing praise to God was humbling and inspiring. The plenary sessions, banquets and breakout sessions were informative and encouraging. To experience being asked for money for a meal and seeing the homeless sleeping in doorways on the streets of New Orleans was awakening to the plight of the needs of America. Thank you to the Churchwide organization and the Western Iowa Synod for the opportunity to attend. The year with the Synod Council has been rewarding and yet frustrating. Strides have been made in the evaluation of the conference structure, nominating processes and responsibilities of the Conference Deans. The progress has been deliberate and thorough. This has been somewhat intentional to ensure that the final proposals are as applicable as possible to serve the mission of the Western Iowa Synod. This investigation, discussion and discernment should be an ongoing process that determines and addresses the changing issues faced by the Western Iowa Synod and ELCA. Thank you to the Mission Center staff, Conference Deans and Synod Council members for their dedication and diligence as the many issues have been discussed and decided throughout the year. It has been a joy and privilege to work with the Synod Council and Mission Center staff as we worked through the many items on the quarterly agendas. Several items in the ongoing growth of the Western Iowa Synod have been identified and addressed that improved the administration of the Synod mission. Policies and procedures have been established that were necessary to advance both congregational and synodical relationships. Thank you to Bishop Prois; Rev. Jeff Ungs, Dir. Of Evangelical Mission and Asst. to the Bishop; Rev Lorna Halaas, Dir. Of Missional Leadership; Cindy Wells, Dir. Of Global Mission; Lynn Egesdal, Admin. Asst. and Faith Formation Coordinator; Kay Broich, Mission Center Administrator and Julie Cook, Admin. Asst. for all their faith and support. Thanks to the Synod Council for their dedication and insight in the continued growth of the Western Iowa Synod. And finally, thank you to all the pastors and congregations of the Western Iowa Synod for their prayers and encouragement. As we look ahead, we have hope in the mission of the ELCA, the Western Iowa Synod and every congregation and faith in the grace of God. May the blessings of God and the peace of Jesus Christ be with us always. Brian Campbell Synod Vice President 22

24 Roster Update April 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017 Pastors New to the Western Iowa Synod: Name From To Rev. Doug Rokke NE Iowa Synod Zion, Rake Rev. Cole McCormick SW Minnesota Synod Estherville, Estherville Rev. Jennifer Henry SE Iowa Synod Bethany, Spencer Rev. Eric Alm Nebraska Synod Immanuel, Akron Rev. Filemon Diaz Rocky Mountain Synod Señor de la Misericordia Rev. C. Alan Cummins LCMS ELCA Rev. Elton Jorde SW Minnesota Synod Synod Call to Interim Ministry Rev. Norm Bauer NE Iowa Synod Synod Call to Interim Ministry Rev. Jeff Alvestad Nebraska Synod Synod Call to Interim Ministry Rev. Judy Wozniak Montana Synod Synod Call to Interim Ministry Western Iowa Synod Pastors Accepting Calls Within Synod: Name From To Rev. Denise Parrello Scandia Parish Trinity, Alta Rev. Jeff Swanson New Life, Sergeant Bluff St. John, Sioux City Rev. Roger Claxton Ebenezer, Audubon Bethlehem, Red Oak/Faith, Griswold New Synodically Authorized Ministers: Name Kandiss Anderson Jim McColley Marietta Nelson-Bittle Rhonda Wykoff John Jorgensen Denise Lindemann Tami Groth To Our Savior s, Rock Valley St. Paul, Renwick Bethesda, Clarinda; Stanton, Tabor; Strand, Villisca Chrism Parish New Life, Sergeant Bluff St. John, Corwith Salem, Correctionville; St. John, Cushing Seminary Graduates Accepting Western Iowa Synod Calls: Name Rev. Zech Anderson Rev. K. Russ Crouthamel To Immanuel, Forest City Emanuel, Dayton Western Iowa Synod Pastors Accepting Calls in Other Synods: Name From To Rev. James Locke Our Savior s, Rock Valley Rocky Mountain Synod Rev. Lynn Noel Thompson/Lakota NE Iowa Synod Rev. Peter Rosenkvist Western Iowa Synod, Interim NE Minnesota Synod Rev. Kari Foss Western Iowa Synod, Interim NE Minnesota Synod 23

25 Interns Serving in the Western Iowa Synod: Name Shari Schwedhelm Site Soldier, Soldier/Faith, Onawa Western Iowa Synod Rostered Leaders Retiring/Disability: Name Rev. Steve Pera Rev. Steve Hetzel Rev. Arlo (Pete) Petersen Rev. Barb Chapman Rev. David Moore Rev. Trudy Peterson Mary Collmann, AiM Rev. David Carlson From St. Paul, Missouri Valley Shenandoah/Northboro Remsen/Marcus/Paullina St. John, Corwith St. John, Cylinder Woden/Titonka St. Paul, Manson E. North Dakota Synod Western Iowa Synod Rostered Leaders on Leave From Call: Name Rev. Renee Tecklenberg Rev. Sherry VanLishout Rev. Matthew Manz Rev. Joy Gonnerman Rev. Marsha Smith Western Iowa Synod Rostered Leaders Removed from the Roster: Rev. George Hooper Red Oak/Griswold Western Iowa Synod Congregations Voting to Leave ELCA 24

26 Ordination Anniversaries Years: Rev. Ann M Klavano 10 Years: Rev. Celeste L Waymire Rev. Christine A Lang Rev. Grant M Van Lishout 15 Years: Pamela R Ward, AiM 20 Years: Rev. Barbara J Spaulding Rev. Delwyn L Olivier Rev. Filemon Diaz Rev. James A Mossman 25 Years: Rev. John A Mayer Rev. Tonna M Parsons 30 Years: Rev. Erma Seaton Wolf Rev. John A Wolf Rev. Stephany A Sanborn 35 Years: Rev. Judith A Johnson Rev. S Kim Peterson Rev. Steven R Frock 40 Years: Rev. David K Moore Rev. Gregory J Hanneman Lee R Nelson Timothy B Zingale 45 Years: Rev. James J Zuehls 50 Years: Rev. William B Kallestad 55 Years: Rev. William C Granger 60 Years: Rev. Conrad C Guetzlaff Rev. John F Plantz Rev. Victor N Johnson Congregational Anniversaries 100 Years: St Peter, Brunsville 125 Years: St John, Carroll Faith, Odebolt Trinity, Linn Grove 150 Years: Wallingford, Wallingford Please let the Mission Center know ( or Julie.cook@wisynod.org) of any omissions in this list. Thank you! 25

27 Western Iowa Synod ELCA 2017 Secretary s Report The purpose of the Synod Council is to conduct synod business between assemblies SYNOD COUNCIL OFFICERS AND MEMBERS: TERM: ENDS: Bishop Pr. Rodger Prois 6 yrs 2019 Vice President Brian Campbell 4 yrs 2017 Treasurer Michael Jacobson 4 yrs 1/31/2021 Secretary Karen Post 4 yrs 2018 Conference - Abundant Fields (clergy) Pr. Brian Jack (1) 3 yrs 2018 Conference - Hands of Hope (clergy) Pr. Jim Mossman 3 yrs 2019 Conference - Hands of Hope (lay male) John Smith 3 yrs 2017 Conference - Living Water (lay female) Maja Knutson 3 yrs 2019 Conference - Living Water (clergy) Pr. Del Olivier 3 yrs 2017 Conference - Rivers of Grace (lay male) 3 yrs 2019 Conference - Rivers of Grace (lay female) Sandy Smith 3 yrs 2018 Conference - Seeds of Faith (lay female) Barb Brennan 3 yrs 2017 Conference - Seeds of Faith (lay male) Bruce Radtke 3 yrs 2018 Conference - Winds of Hope (clergy) Pr. Erma Wolf 3 yrs 2019 Conference - Winds of Hope (lay male) Tracy Gayer 3 yrs 2017 Conference - Winds of Hope (lay female) Susan Juilfs 3 yrs 2018 At-large (lay female) Julie Sievers 3 yrs 2019 At-large (clergy) Pr. Barb Kopperud 3 yrs 2019 At-large person of color or language 3 yrs 2019 At-large young adult Antoine Cummins 3 yrs 2019 At-large youth (male or female) Kaylynn Ridgely 2 yrs 2018 (1) Finishing a 3-year term ADVISORY MEMBERS WIS Women's Organization Marlyce Hauge Lutheran Men in Mission Dave Bohnet SYNOD COUNCIL MEETINGS June 24-25, 2016 September 17, 2016 December 17, 2016 March 18, 2017 May 2, 2017 ( ) ELECTED/APPOINTED SYNOD COUNCIL MEMBERS TO SERVE ON SYNOD COMMITTEES Executive Committee Finance Committee Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel 26

28 THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PROVIDES OVERSIGHT BETWEEN SYNOD COUNCIL MEETINGS Analysis of revenues and expenses Designate assembly offerings Companion Synod program Staff compensation Synod budget with the Finance Committee Annual audit Congregation and pastoral updates Other EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS 1) June 25, ) October 11, 2016 SYNOD COUNCIL BUSINESS ITEMS: ELECTED/APPOINTED TO WIS POSITIONS Pr. Del Olivier to the Executive Committee Pr. Erma Wolf to the Executive Committee Tracy Gayer to the Executive Committee Julie Sievers to the Executive Committee Pr. Del Olivier to the Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel Pr. Erma Wolf to the Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel APPOINTED TO OTHER POSITIONS (none) ELECTED REPLACEMENTS TO THE 2016 CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY Paul Abbott, Haley Abbott, Karen Post ITEMS FORWARDED TO ELCA CHURCH COUNCIL (none) RECEIVED REPORTS Bishop Prois Staff/team members (Pr. Halaas, Pr. Ungs, AiM Lynn Egesdal, Cindy Wells) Vice President Treasurer Secretary 2016 Assembly evaluations Auditor s Report for 2016 ACCEPTED NETWORK CHARTERS (none) APPOINTED CONFERENCE DEANS Rev. John Wolf (Winds of Hope) 27

29 CONSIDERED VARIOUS ITEMS a. Financial status of WIS throughout the year b. Companion Synod activities worldwide c synod assembly activities and responsibilities d. Other RECEIVED PRESENTATIONS Tanzanian SACCO (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization) by Pr. Arlyn Norris APPROVED e Synod Assembly minutes f. Scheduling the 2017 synod assembly June 9-11 in Sioux City (Theme: We are the Lutheran church ) Reformation g. Scheduling the 2018 synod assembly in Sioux City (Theme: We are Church for the sake of the world ) h. Report of 2017 assembly nominations i. Persons to serve on the assembly Election and Credentials Committee j. Designating 2017 assembly offerings to be split between the Sudanese ministry in Council Bluffs and the Latino ministry in Denison k. Adoption of housing allowances for Bishop Rodger Prois and Pr. Lorna Halaas l. Appointment of the Mutual Ministry Committee RECOMMENDED for synod assembly adoption m Revised WIS Budget n Proposed WIS Budget o. Constitutional amendment resolution p staff compensation resolution RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING PASTOR AND CONGREGATION CHANGES: ON LEAVE FROM CALL: Rev. Joy Gonnerman Rev. Marsha Smith Rev. Renae Techlenberg Rev. Matthew Manz DISABILITY (none) RETIRED: Rev. Steve Hetzel Rev. Stephen Pera REMOVED ROSTERED LEADERS (none) 28

30 ISSUED SYNOD COUNCIL LETTERS OF CALL: Rev. Judy Wozniak interim at Bethany, Thompson and St. Paul, Lakota Rev. Filemon Diaz Mission Development Rev. Jeff Alvestad interim at Emmanuel, Shenandoah and St Paul, Northboro Rev. Elton Jorde interim at Onawa/Soldier; later at St. Peter, Pocahontas Rev. Kelley Pedersen interim at Ebenezer, Audubon Rev. Doug Rokke interim at Zion, Rake Rev. Ron Yarnell Rev. Norm Bauer interim at First Lutheran, Algona REPORT NEW CONGREGATION: Lutheran Lakeside Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community (SAWC) REPORT TERMINATION OF RELATIONSHIP WITH ELCA REPORT CLOSING OF CONGREGATION Karen Post Synodical Secretary Western Iowa Synod ELCA 29

31 2016 Western Iowa Synod Assembly Minutes 29 th Assembly June 10-12, 2016 Marriott Center, Omaha, NE Theme: God's Work. Our Hands. We Are Church Together. Friday June 10, 2016 The assembly began with an opening worship at 4:00 PM. It was noted that this year's assembly offering will be in response to the 2015 assembly Hunger Resolution. Bishop Rodger Prois led the opening synod assembly litany at 5:30 PM and declared the assembly in session. The assembly had a break for the evening meal. The first plenary session began at 6:30 PM. Bishop Prois introduced the following guests and assembly leaders: The Western Iowa Synod Council and Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel (ABC): Barb Brennan, Gail Schilmoeller; Brian Campbell; Susan Hett, Susan Juilfs; Pr Peter Morlock, Karen Post; Pr Del Olivier; Pr Jay Denne, Marty Koefed; Pr Barb Kopperud, Gail Schilmoeller; Tracy Gayer, Katia Frock, Bruce Radtke, Julie Sievers, John Smith, Sandy Smith, Pr. Paul Johnston (ABC Chair), Daniel Holste, Shelley Phillips, Pr Marsha Smith, Kim Gayer Lance Emhke, parliamentarian Brian Campbell, synod vice-president Karen Post, synod secretary Julie Sievers, timing light Dana White, Trade Show Coordinator, Qwizdom, Inc., Puyallup, Washington Rev. Dr. Andrea Walker, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America s Global Mission Area Director for Madagascar, West and Central Africa Bishop Isaya Mengele, Bishop of the Southern Diocese of Tanzania (WIS companion synod) Rev. Dr. Gabriel Nduye, resident coordinator of Hatua kwa Hatua/Step by Step relationship in Tanzania. Bishop David Brauer Rieke, Oregon Synod, WIS partner synod Bishop Alan Scarfe, Episcopal Church of the Diocese of Iowa Bishop Brian Maas, Nebraska Synod, ELCA SA A motion and second were made by to grant privilege of voice on the floor of the assembly to Rev. Andrea Walker (guest and presenter) and Lance Emhke (parliamentarian). Voice vote: PASSED 30

32 The Credentials and Elections Committee (Rev. Craig Miller, Rev. Jeff Ungs, Jane Olivier, Rev. Jim Mossman) was introduced. Rev. Jim Mossman, the committee chair, reported the following registration data: Credentials Report #1 06/10/16 6:15 PM Clergy 80 Lay males 60 Lay females 100 Total voting 240 Visitors 47 Total registered 287 Dana White led a demonstration on electronic voting machines. SA A motion and second were made to adopt the Standing Rules. Voice vote: PASSED SA A motion and second were made to adopt the agenda. Voice vote: PASSED SA A motion and second were made to approve the 2015 assembly minutes (with 2 credential date revisions). Voice vote: PASSED The Minutes Committee (Becky Crone, Larry Hill, Pr. Craig Miller, Karen Post) was introduced. Pr. David Halaas, Chair of the Nominations Committee, reported on the nominations for general election and gave instructions on procedures for additional nominations. Pr. Lorna Halaas announced our seminarians and TEEM members: Master of Divinity: Mary Dickman Fiel - Luther Seminary (2017) Bethany Rutten-Kempees Luther Seminary (2016 Dec.) Elizabeth Lippke Wartburg Seminary (2018) TEEM: Ann Elbert SWIM Southwest Iowa Ministries Chad Duffy Immanuel, George Sam Jacobs Bethany/Immanuel, Kimballton Tim Johnson Estherville, Estherville Susan Juilfs Trinity, Akron Terry Mogensen Christ, Jefferson/Ascension, Coon Rapids James Rut Thanksgiving, Council Bluffs Bishop David Brauer-Rieke, Oregon Synod, greeted the assembly, with words from Isaiah 41: Do not be afraid, I am with you. Bishop Alan Scarfe, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, greeted the assembly. 31

33 Pr. Jay Denne, Synod Treasurer, presented the Treasurer's Report, the Budget Presentation, and the Compensation Guidelines. Questions were invited for time to research answers and a report back to the assembly. SA A motion and second were made to vote on the budget and compensation guidelines at a later time in the assembly. Voice vote: PASSED Bishop Isaya Mengele, Southern Diocese of Tanzania, greeted the assembly. Bishop Rodger Prois presented the bishop's report and introduced the synod team members (Pr Lorna Halaas, Pr Jeff Ungs, Lynn Egesdal, Cindy Wells, Kay Broich, Julie Cook). Cheryl Murray, Pottawattamie County Family Services, addressed the assembly regarding their services and thanked the assembly for donations given for the Diaper Derby service project. Pr. Marsha Smith explained the bingo mixer activity to be completed over the course of the assembly. Bishop Prois adjourned the assembly at 8:45 PM until Saturday at 8:30 AM. The Compline Service was held and ended at 9:00 PM. Saturday June 11, 2016 Opening devotions began at 8:30 AM. The plenary session resumed. The Credentials and Elections Committee chair, Rev. Jim Mossman, reported the following registration data: Credentials Report #2 06/11/16 8:45 AM Clergy 84 Lay males 63 Lay females 105 Total voting 252 Visitors 52 Total registered 304 Rev. David Halaas presented the final nominations report, noting that Diane Vavak's name was submitted from Hands of Hope for the Nominating Committee. SA A motion and second were made to cast a unanimous ballot for uncontested positions. Voice vote: PASSED SA Vote for contested positions: Synod Council (Clergy). The vote was: Pr. Barb Kopperud (116 votes), Pr Peter Morlock (83 votes). Pr Kopperud was elected. 32

34 SA A motion and second were made to read only the Resolves for Resolution #1 (Seminarian Support Strategy); Voice vote: PASSED. Daniel Holste read the following Resolves from Resolution #1: RESOLUTION #1 SEMINARIAN SUPPORT STRATEGY Submitted by: Living Waters Conference WHEREAS, the ELCA has a continuing need for pastors and other rostered leaders well-nourished in the Word of God and the practice of ministry, and WHEREAS, the ELCA has outstanding traditions and institutions of theological education, and WHEREAS, such nourishment and training of pastors and other rostered leaders takes an extensive commitment of time and resources; on the part of the church and the student, and WHEREAS, the cost of theological education continues to climb and create a substantial debt for seminary students in addition to college debts, and WHEREAS, many first call congregations are not able to offer compensation that can adequately offset that accrued debt, and WHEREAS, the ELCA wishes to support and encourage persons preparing for leadership roles in ELCA congregations, and to support and encourage recent seminary graduates assigned to the Western Iowa Synod, and WHEREAS, The Western Iowa Synod Candidacy Committee can provide information to individuals and congregations on the process of seminary education; therefore be it RESOLVED, that each congregation of the Western Iowa Synod be encouraged to develop a SEMINARIAN SUPPORT STRATEGY, in order to lift up the call to rostered ministry and the ELCA candidacy process within the membership of their congregation; and be it further RESOLVED, that this strategy would include, but not be limited to, a plan for prayerful support of ELCA seminaries and seminarians, various plans for financial support of seminarians and recent graduates, and various plans for identifying those with gifts for rostered ministry in the church; and be it further RESOLVED, that within the next ten months each congregation of the Western Iowa Synod would develop their SEMINARIAN SUPPORT STRATEGY made up of the three parts: 1. a method of identifying those with gifts for rostered ministry; 2. means of prayerful support of those entering seminary education; and 3. a method of financially assisting students attending seminary; and be it further RESOLVED, that this SEMINARIAN SUPPORT STRATEGY would be forwarded to the Bishop and the Director of Missional Leadership in preparation for a summary report to be presented at the 2017 Synod Assembly. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. SA A motion and second were made to approve Resolution #1; Voice vote was taken; a division of the house was called. Electronic vote: 194 in favor, 19 opposed; PASSED. Rev Andrea Walker, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America s Global Mission Area Director for Madagascar, West and Central Africa, gave greetings from Churchwide and presented a report. Included was a video from Presiding Bishop Eaton. Voting members were invited to submit questions for the forum later in the day. The following Partners in Ministry addressed the assembly: Portico Jennifer Prinz 33

35 Church of the Damascus Road Rev. Paul Stone Peace Not Walls Rev. Joy Gonnerman and Antoine Cummins Brenda Manmiller gave an update on the Hunger Resolution. Rev. Ed Kruse addressed the assembly and provided information on his forum Growing Your Congregation Through Spiritual Gifts. Bishop Prois adjourned the plenary at 10:12 AM for a brief break. The plenary reconvened at 10:33 AM. A resolution Corporate Social Responsibility and US Aid in Palestine and Israel (Resolution #4) was requested to be brought forth to the assembly for consideration. The required signatures had been obtained and given to the ABC Committee. The vote would need 2/3 of votes cast to approve amending the agenda. SA A motion and second were made to amend the agenda to consider Resolution #4. The vote was: 136 in favor; 87 opposed; FAILED (Needed 2/3 of 223, or 149 to pass.) Mike Klinefelter, ELCA Mission Endowment, addressed the assembly. Rev. Dr. Gabriel Nduye,Tanzanian companion synod representative, addressed the assembly, highlighting: Igumbilo Girls Secondary School, Center for Agricultural Development (CAD/SACCOS) (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization), 4H groups, Well-drilling project; and invited assembly-goers to the forum later in the day. Bishop Izani Bruch, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Chile, through interpreter, David Hickman addressed the assembly, (Romans 15). The following Mission Partners addressed the assembly: 1. Teresa Roll Mosaic International 2. Jerry and Carolyn Fritsch executive directors of Lutheran Lakeside Camps 3. Rev Dr Gary and Bev Rautenberg Panko - Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago 4. Rev Dr Troy Troftgruben - Wartburg Seminary 5. Rod Quanbeck - Ingham Okoboji Bible Camps 6. Tracy Gayer - Lutheran Youth Organization Houston Gathering Pr Jeff Ungs reported on 2015 Mission Support throughout the synod. The following congregations increased their mission support over last year were recognized: Immanuel of Akron United, Ringsted First, Algona Our Saviour s, Rock Valley Ebenezer, Audubon St. Paul s, Rockwell City St. John, Carroll Trinity, Sibley Bethlehem, Cherokee Hope, Sioux Center Our Savior s, Council Bluffs St. Mark, Sioux City St. John, Council Bluffs Augustana, Sioux City Salem, Creston St. Luke, Sioux City 34

36 St. John, Dunlap Estherville, Estherville Zion, Gowrie Emanuel-St. John, Lytton First, Milford St. Paul, Missouri Valley Nain, Newell St. Peter, Pocahontas Bethany, Spencer Good Hope, Titonka Immanuel, Titonka, Strand, Villisca South Enes, Vincent Wallingford, Wallingford St. John s in Woden The following congregations increased mission support giving by 10% or more over last year were recognized: Trinity Lutheran of Akron St. John, Merrill Immanuel, Alta St. John, Minneola Ascension, Coon Rapids Bethesda, Moorhead Salem, Correctionville Our Saviors, Rembrandt St. John, Corwith St. Paul, Remsen St. John s, Craig Lost Island, Ruthven St. John, Cylinder New Life, Sergeant Bluff Emanuel, Dayton Immanuel, Sioux City Bethany Emmetsburg Trinity, Sioux City Immanuel, Forest City Riverside, Sioux City Christ, Fort Dodge Soldier, Soldier Our Saviour s, Humboldt Bethany, Thompson Kanawha, Kanawha Underwood Lutheran in Underwood Immanuel, Kimballton Lynn Halverson announced Mission Endowment grant recipients: Lutheran Campus Ministry - ISU $ 554 Food 4 Kids $1,000 Parking Lot Party, St. John, Sioux City $1,000 Exira Sunday School $ 300 Families in Service, First Lutheran Milford $ 350 The Gathering Table, Faith Onawa $1,000 Community Garden, Riverside, Sioux City $ 250 Total $4,454 Pr Chris Lang gave an update from the Candidacy Committee. Pr Celeste Waymire gave an update from the Spirituality Network Pr Cindy Johnson announced the Congregation Renewal Team whose purpose statement is To accompany congregations as they rediscover passion for Christ's mission to God's glory and invited participants to seek out Team members for more information. Lynn Egesdal reported on behalf of the Faith Formation Network. Pat Friedreichsen, Pr Joy Gonnerman and Brenda Manmiller spoke on the behalf of the Hunger Forum. 35

37 Bishop Prois recessed the plenary session at 12:10 PM. A boxed lunch was served. The following forums were held at 1:00 and 2:00 PM: Future Directions - Rev Andrea Walker Hunger Network How Does Your Congregation Encourage (or Discourage) Healthy Lifestyles? - Jennifer Prinz Prison Congregations of the ELCA Rev Paul Stone (Church of the Damascus Road) Today's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile (IELCH) Bishop Izani Bruch and Cindy Wells Hatua Kwa Hatua/Step By Step: Tanzanian Updates Rev Dr Gabriel Nduye Kaleidoscope: Seeing New and Real Perspectives in the Holy Land recent WIS pilgrims to the Holy Land Growing Your Congregation Through Spiritual Gifts Rev Ed Kruse Houston, do we have a problem? - LYO Youth and LYO leaders Hatua Kwa Hatua/Step By Step: The Road Traveled Bp Isaya Mengele, Bp Rodger Prois, Bp Izani Bruch Leading the Church Into the Future Pr Lorna Halaas and Pr Troy Troftgruben The third plenary resumed at 3:00 PM. The Credentials and Elections Committee chair, Rev. Jim Mossman, reported the following registration data: Credentials Report #3 06/11/16 2:45 PM Clergy 85 Lay males 65 Lay females 105 Total voting 255 Visitors 58 Total registered 313 Bishop Julius Trimble, Resident Bishop Iowa Area, The United Methodist Church, greeted the assembly. Pr Jay Denne read and responded to the budget questions submitted earlier in the assembly. Daniel Holste read Resolution #2: Resolution #2 Adopt the Budget Submitted by: Synod Council RESOLVED, that the Assembly of the Western Iowa Synod adopt the revised budget for the fiscal year beginning February 1, 2016, and the proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning February 1, The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. SA A motion and second were made to approve Resolution #2. Voice vote; PASSED. 36

38 Daniel Holste read Resolution #3: Resolution #3 Western Iowa Synod 2017 Compensation Guidelines Submitted by: Western Iowa Synod Council WHEREAS, congregations call rostered leaders to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ ; and WHEREAS, congregations desire to provide for the financial, spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of those called to serve them; and WHEREAS, the compensation guidelines have been developed by the Synod Council for congregational use; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Assembly of the Western Iowa Synod ELCA adopt the proposed guidelines and urge that congregations compensate rostered leaders at the recommended levels. The Committee of Assembly Business and Counsel reports this resolution and recommends its adoption. The printed versions of the 2017 Compensation Guidelines inadvertently omitted the statement: In case of second career people, it is recommended that one year of credit be given for every three years of first career experience after age 22. SA A motion and second were made to approve Resolution #3 with the additional sentence above. Voice vote; PASSED. Held in remembrance those lost in the past year: Angie Lawson (Team member for 10 months) Rev. Terry Manke (served at Zion in Rake) Rev. Ann Ziegert (served years ago as an interim in Rockwell City and later at Christ in Jefferson) Pr. Perry Aalgard addressed the assembly on SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization) in Tanzania. Rev. Mary Newbern-Williams, Missouri River Valley Presbytery, addressed the assembly. The following Partners in Ministry addressed the assembly: Rev. Barb Spaulding Lay School of Ministry (rebranded: Discipleship Academy ) Marlyce Hauge Western Iowa Synod Women's Organization (WISWO) Kyle Pedersen Lutheran Men in Mission Barb Brennan Mission Interpreters Pr. Katie Russell addressed the Faith, Sexism, Justice Social Statement. Rev. Tim Squire spoke on behalf of the Reformed Church in America. 37

39 Heidi Church and LYO leaders and youth presented the Youth Report. John Twardos, CEO/President of Lutheran Services in Iowa, addressed the assembly. Bishop Prois recessed the assembly at 5:00 PM until Sunday at 8:45 AM. A banquet was held about 7:00 PM; Table of Grace ministries offered music during the meal. Congregational anniversaries were recognized. Holden Evening Prayer service was the closing devotion. Sunday June 12, 2016 The Worship Committee lead opening devotions at 8:45 AM. The fourth plenary session resumed at 8:55 AM. The Credentials and Elections Committee chair, Rev. Jim Mossman, reported the following registration data: Credentials Report #4 06/12/16 8:15 AM Clergy 85 Lay males 65 Lay females 105 Total voting 255 Visitors 58 Total registered 313 Pastor Rich Pleva, United Church of Christ, addressed the assembly. Several assembly participants shared examples of ways their communities demonstrate being Church Together. Bishop Prois installed the Synod Council: Current members: Barbara Brennan Bruce Radtke Brian Campbell, VP Rev. Del Olivier Tracy Gayer Karen Post, Secretary Marlyce Hauge Sandy Smith Susan Juilfs John Smith Newly-elected members: Rev. Brian Jack (Abundant Fields, clergy, 3 years) Michael Jacobson, Treasurer (4 years, expiring December 2020) Maja Knutson (Living Waters, lay female, 3 years) 38

40 Rev. Barb Kopperud (At large, clergy, 3 years) Rev. Jim Mossman (Hands of Hope, 3 years) Julie Sievers (At large, lay female, 3 years) Rev. Erma Wolf (Winds of Hope, clergy, 3 years) Several assembly participants shared examples of ways their communities demonstrate being Church Together. The plenary session ended at 10:00 AM. The assembly concluded with closing worship at 10:30 AM, including communion and recognition of ordination anniversaries, and the assembly closing litany. It was reported that the weekend offerings given in response to the 2015 assembly Hunger Resolution totaled $13,769. Respectfully submitted Karen Post Western Iowa Synod Secretary 39

41 Western Iowa Synod ELCA Treasurer s Report Report of Fiscal Year 2016 Income The primary source of receipts for the Western Iowa Synod, ELCA is mission support from its congregations. During fiscal year 2016, congregations of the Western Iowa Synod, ELCA gave $848,963 in mission support: which is $34,500 more than was received from congregations in the prior fiscal year. As noted on the year end reports, event registrations, administrative reimbursements, interest income, equity transfers, and other miscellaneous income provided additional operating funds. Expenses The Synod used the congregational mission support income received in 2016 to support the wider mission of the church by sending $288,762 to the ELCA churchwide organization (this amount is 34.1% of mission support), $20,000 to Iowa Lutheran Campus Ministries, and $10,000 to seminaries (Wartburg and LSTC). Mission support also supported programs and events $184,866, Synod team member salaries and benefits ($451,805) and office resources ($106,151) to the Synod. The 34.1% of congregational mission support sent to the churchwide organization was less than the budgeted goal of 38%. Summary Mission support from Western Iowa Synod, ELCA congregations was approximately $35,000 more than the previous fiscal year. For fiscal year 2015, the churchwide mission support included movement of endowment funds to the churchwide for the Fund for Leaders, the actual amount for churchwide mission support was $253,396. Of the mission support income received from congregations, as authorized by the synod council, 34.1%, or $288,762, was distributed to the ELCA churchwide organization. Income and expenses pertaining to mission partners, such as companion synods, are included in our operating budget reports due to our auditor s recommendation. In addition, $20,000 was distributed to Iowa Lutheran Campus Ministries and $10,000 to the seminaries in our region (Wartburg and LSTC). Spending Plan for Fiscal Year 2017 The Western Iowa Synod, ELCA Council has reviewed the proposed budget approved at the 2016 Synod Assembly for the fiscal year beginning February 1, 2017, and, with recommendations from the synod finance committee and executive committee, has developed a revised budget and recommends its adoption by the 2017 Synod Assembly. As part of the 2017 revised budget, mission support income from congregations is estimated to be $865,000. Of the mission support income, 37.4% (323,000) will be distributed to the ELCA churchwide organization. The budgeted amount to send to Iowa Lutheran Campus Ministries ($20,000) and the seminaries ($10,000) was not changed in the revised budget. It is recommended that any additional mission support (above $865,000 level) be distributed to the ELCA churchwide organization until the total amount distributed would reach a level of 49.75% of total mission support income received from Western Iowa Synod, ELCA congregations. At that point, if there would be any additional mission support, it would be shared between the ELCA churchwide organization and other agencies and institutions. 40

42 The balance of expenses in the 2017 revised budget are based on historical patterns, as well as estimates provided by Synod team members and Networks of the Synod. Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2018 The proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning February 1, 2018 projects an estimated $875,000 in mission support. Of that amount, 38.8% is recommended to be distributed to the ELCA churchwide organization. Mission support above the budgeted amount of $875,000 would be passed on to the churchwide organization. Independent Auditor s Report The certified public accounting firm of Hunzelman, Putzier & Co., PLC, Storm Lake, Iowa audited the Synod s statement of assets, liabilities and net assets cash basis, and the related statements of receipts, disbursements, and changes in net assets cash basis and cash flows cash basis for the years ended January 31, 2017 and The audit was conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and, in the opinion of the firm, the financial statements presented fairly, in all material respects, the assets, liabilities and net assets of the Western Iowa Synod, ELCA as of January 31, 2017 and 2016, and its receipts, disbursements, and changes in net assets and cash flows for the years ended on a modified cash basis of accounting. The audit report is available in the synod office. Finance Committee Synod finance committee members during the past year were Dick Anderson, Webster City; Rev. Jay Denne, Sioux City; Jeff Levine, South Sioux City; Julie Sievers, Storm Lake, and Rev. Paul Stone, Fort Dodge. The finance committee oversees the financial soundness of the Synod and invests a great deal of time and energy in the budget planning process. A big thank you is extended to all of the members for their efforts and assistance. In particular, I thank all of the Synod team members, especially Bishop Rodger Prois and Kay Broich, for their outstanding stewardship of the finances of the Synod. Michael Jacobson, Treasurer 41

43 WESTERN IOWA SYNOD ELCA STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS-CASH BASIS January 31, 2017 & January 31, 2016 UNAUDITED 1 ASSETS 1/31/2017 1/31/ Cash and Cash Equivalents 367, ,969 4 Western Iowa Synod Funds 5 PACE Funds 6 Investments 7 Certificates of deposit 33,500 33,500 8 ELCA Mission Investment Fund 28,462 28,462 9 Long-term Investment 10 Building & Land (Regional Church Center), Net of Depreciation 255, , Furniture & Equipment, Net of Depreciation 10,384 11, WIS Mission Endowment 13 Cash and Cash Equivalents 6,724 6, ELCA Endowment Fund A 115, , Farmland 457, , TOTAL ASSETS 1,274,543 1,285, LIABILITIES Deposited Agency Funds - PACE 22 Payroll Tax and Benefits Withholdings Payable 2,488 2, Deferred Revenue 24 Note Payable 142, , TOTAL LIABILITIES 144, , OPERATING FUND EQUITY NET ASSETS Unrestricted 32 Designated by Synod Council 140, , Undesignated 7,513 7, Temporary Restricted 402, , Permanent Restricted 579, , TOTAL NET ASSETS 1,129,554 1,135, TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS 1,274,543 1,285,764 42

44 WESTERN IOWA SYNOD ELCA STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS (UNAUDITED) 39 UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS 1/31/2017 1/21/ Designated by Synod Council 41 Principal pymt Ingham-Okoboji $ $ ELCA Mission Investment Fund $ 28, $ 28, Building Equity $ 96, $ 99, Furniture and Equipment $ 1, $ 4, Advisory Committee $ $ a Assembly Equity 2015 for 2016 $ 7, $ 12, Companion Synod $ 1, $ 5, Equipment Replacement $ $ Hunger Equity - Synod Designated $ $ Mediation Consultation Equity $ $ Reserve for Admin $ 2, $ 2, Stewardship Resources equity $ $ Transition Fund $ - 53 Total Designated by Synod Council $ 140, $ - $ 155, Undesignated 55 Bishop's Discretionary Fund $ 1, $ 2, Undesignated Gifts $ 6, $ 4, Total Undesignated $ 7, $ - $ 7, Donor Designated/Temporary Restricted 59 Area Strategy Equity $ 2, $ 2, Barnabas Uplift Equity $ - 61 Book of Faith $ 1, $ 1, Capital Campaign Synod Renewal $ 13, Companion Synod Equity $ 219, $ 216, Continuing education $ 9, $ 10, Disaster Equity $ 23, $ 24, Discovering Hope Equity $ $ Education & Family Ministry Equity $ 2, $ 2, Evangelism Equity $ 5, $ 5, Gift Planner Fund for WIS $ $ Good Samaritan Fund Equity $ $ Hunger Equity - Donor Designated $ $ Discipleship Academy $ 22, $ 19, Leadership Program for Musicians Equity $ $ Leadership Academy $ 3, $ 2, New Congregations Equity $ 3, $ 8, Pre-Retirement Seminar Equity $ 1, $ 1, Rostered Leader Development Equity $ 55, $ 55, Rural Immersion Equity $ 3, $ 3, Social Ministry Equity $ $ Spirituality Retreat Equity $ $ Spouses Retreat Equity $ $

45 81 Stewardship Equity $ 6, $ 6, WIS Leadership Development Fund Equity $ 5, $ 5, WIS Mission Equity $ 11, $ 10, Youth Equity $ 7, $ 7, Total Donor Designated/Temporary Restricted $ 402, $ - $ 390, Total Unrestricted and Temporary Restricted Net Assets $ 549, $ - $ 553, PERMANENT RESTRICTED NET ASSETS 88 Endowment Fund Principal $ 579, , Total Permanent Restricted Net Assets 90 TOTAL NET ASSETS $ 1,129, $ - $ 1,135, Western Iowa Synod ELCA Analysis of Revenues and Expenses Fiscal Year Beginning February 1 Revised Actual Proposed Revised Proposed 91 INCOME 92 Mission support income $ 830, $ 848, $ 845, $ 865, $ 875, Interest income $ 3, $ 3, $ 3, $ 2, $ 2, Other income $ 5, $ 8, $ 5, $5, $5, Sub-total $ 838, $860, $853, $872, $882, Synod Council 97 Assembly income $ 70, $ 54, $ 55, $ 55, $ 55, Candidacy income $ 3, $ - $ 5, $ 9, $ 10, Education & Family Ministry events $ 1, $ 1, $ 1, $ 1, $ 1, Fall Convo income $ 11, $ 13, $ - $ - $ 11, Leadership Event $ 15, $ - $ 15, $ 15, $ 15, First Call $ $ - $ $ 1, $ 1, Retreat Income 103 Global Reavel Income $ Lay School of Ministry income $ - $ - $ Misc. registrations income $ 2, $ 2, $ 2, $ 4, $ 2, Pastor to Pastor $ - $ - $ - 44

46 107 Spirituality retreat income $ - $ $ Stewardship events $ - $ - $ Thankfulness Event $ - $ - $ Youth events income $ 3, $ - $ 3, $ 1, $ 1, Sub-total $ 108, $ 71, $ 83, $ 88, $ 99, Administrative Income 113 Other $ 1, reimbursements 114 Salaries reimbursements $ 11, $ 11, $ 11, $ 11, $ 11, Travel reimbursements $ 1, $ $ 1, $ 1, $ 1, Sub-total $ 12, $ 13, $ 12, $ 12, $ 12, Transfers from Comp Synod Equity Accounts 118 Transfers from Misc. Equity $ 160, $ 144, $ 160, $ 279, $ 223, $ 120, $ 92, $ 94, $ 119, $ 140, Depreciation expense transfer $ 10, $ 10, $ 10, $10, $10, TOTAL $1,249, $1,193, $1,212, $1,382, $1,368, Fiscal Year Beginning February 1 Revised Actual Proposed Revised Proposed 121 EXPENSES 122 Support to ELCA Ministries 123 Churchwide mission support 124 IA Lutheran Campus Ministry $ 310, $ 288, $ 321, $ 323, $ 339, $ 20, $ 20, $ 20, $ 20, $ 20, Seminaries $ 10, $ 10, $ 10, $ 10, $ 10, (LSTC & Wartburg) 126 Support to ELCA Ministries $ 340, $ 318, $ 351, $ 353, $ 369, Programs, Events & Boards 128 Synod Council 129 Meetings $ 1, $ 1, $ 1, $ 1, $ 1, expense 130 Fall Leadership Event $ - $ Thankfulness Event $ 2, $ 2, $ - $ Conf. Deans $ $ $ $ Planned Giving $ - $ - 45

47 134 Disaster Preparedness Team 135 Intentional Interim Ministry 136 Committee resources 137 Finance Committee 138 Bishop's Charity Golf Outing 139 Transition Expense 140 Assembly expense $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 2, $ 1, $ 2, $ 2, $ 2, $ 70, $ 58, $ 55, $ 55, $ 55, Synod Council $ 77, $ 62, $ 62, $ 60, $ 60, Fiscal Year Beginning Revised Actual Proposed Revised Proposed February Meetings expense 143 Disaster equity expense 144 Leadership Development Equity Expenses 145 Disability resource team expense 146 Education & Family Ministry expense 147 Worship team expense $ - $ - $ $ 5, $ $ 5, $ 5, $ 15, $ 7, $ 15, $ 1, $ 1, $ $ $ $ $ 1, $ $ 1, $ - $ - $ $ 1, $ 1, $ 1, Youth expense $ 6, $ 1, $ 6, $ 3, $ Faith Formation 150 Book of Faith $ 1, $ $ 1, $ 2, $ 2, Leadership $ 1, $ 1, $ 2, $ 2, Academy 152 Lutheran $ $ $ $ - $ - Resource Center 153 Candidacy $ 9, $ 1, $ 9, $ 11, $ 12, expense 154 Bishop $ 3, Discretionary Equity 155 Spirituality $ $ $ 1, $ 1,

48 156 Rostered Leader Hospitality 157 Care of rostered expense 158 Compensation guidelines comm expense $ 1, $ 1, $ 15, $ 18, $ 15, $ 3, $ 3, $ $ $ $ Fall Convo $ 10, $ 8, $ $ 1, $ 11, expense 160 1st call $ $ $ $ 1, $ 1, theological education expense 161 Discipelship $ 19, $ 10, $ 19, $ 21, $ 22, Academy expense 162 WIS Mission Fund Equity 163 Mission $ 2, $ $ 2, $ 1, $ 1, Support Table 164 Rural $ 1, $ - Immersion 165 Good News $ $ Network Mission Interpreter Ministry 166 New and Renewing Congregations Mission Table $ 3, $ 14, $ 3, $ 30, $ 30, Agencies/institutions comm expense 168 Companion Synod $ 167, $ 153, $ 162, $ 278, $ 185, Global $ 18, $ 18, $ 2, $ 9, $ 48, Mission/Hunger 170 Domestic Hunger $ 2, $ 2, Programs and Events 172 Administration $ 358, $ 306, $ 313, $ 436, $ 390, Region 5 expense $ 3, $ 3, $ 3, $ 3, $ 3, Salaries/wages $ 289, $ 288, $ 295, $ 298, $ 307, expense 175 Pension and other benefits expense $ 144, $ 143, $ 126, $ 152, $ 157, Other staff expense $ 14, $ 20, $ 16, $ 19, $ 21, Equipment expense $ 3, $ 6, $ 3, $ 14, $ 14, Synod insurance $ 5, $ 5, $ 6, $ 5, $ 6, expense 179 Occupancy $ 27, $ 35, $ 31, $ 29, $ 30, expense 180 Office supplies $ 12, $ 13, $ 12, $ 14, $ 13,

49 expense 181 Professional $ 9, $ 10, $ 9, $ 9, $ 9, services expense 182 Telephone $ 6, $ 7, $ 6, $ 5, $ 5, expense 183 Travel expense $ 35, $ 35, $ 35, $ 41, $ 37, Administration $ 550, $ 568, $ 547, $ 593, $ 607, Transfers to equity accounts 186 TOTAL $1,249, $1,193, $1,212, $1,382, $1,368, Net Total $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $

50 WESTERN IOWA SYNOD ELCA Mission Partners Contributions 1/31/2017 1/31/ Assembly offering* $ 15, $ 17, Bible Camps $ 3, $ 27, The Church of the Damascus Road $ 8, $ 8, ELCA disaster response $ 9, $ 11, ELCA Global Missions $ 37, $ 43, ELCA Lutheran World Relief $ 10, $ 12, ELCA World Hunger $ 69, $ 69, Multicultural Ministries $ - $ Fall Convo offering $ $ Lutheran Services in Iowa $ 20, $ 22, Special Giving+ $ 10, $ 28, New Life Lutheran Church $ Waldorf Foundation $ $ Youth event offering $ Total Mission Partners Contributions $ 184, $ 241, Assembly offering was designated to World Hunger + Special Giving Always Being Made New ELCA Campaign Augusta Victoria Hospital ELCA Good Gifts (Pigs) Fund for Leaders General ELCA Church wide Synod Support Iowa Campus Ministries Luther School of Theology Malaria Martin Luther Home Midwest Christian Home Mission Builders Mosaic Multicultural Denison Materials Walk for Water Wartburg Theological 49

51 Mission Support Report Akron Immanuel $ 6, Marcus Faith $ 1, Akron Trinity $ 2, Melvin American $ 1, Akron St. John $ - Merrill St. John $ Albert City Our Savior's $ - Merrill St. Paul $ Albert City St. John $ 2, Milford First $30, Algona First $ 20, Mineola St. John $12, Alta Trinity $ 3, Missouri Valley St. Paul $ 1, Alta Immanuel $ 3, Moorhead Bethesda $ 8, Fulton at Armstrong Nazareth $ 2, Moorland Roelyn $ 1, Atlantic St. Paul's $ 30, Moville Trinity $ 3, Audubon Ebenezer $ 9, Newell Nain $ 3, Boxholm Trinity $ 3, Northboro St. Paul $ 1, Brayton Brayton $ - Odebolt Faith $ 8, Britt First $ 5, Onawa Faith $ 2, Brunsville St. Peter $ Ottosen Trinity $ - Burnside Immanuel $ - Palmer St. Paul $ - Carroll St. John $ 13, Paullina Siloam $ Cherokee Bethlehem $ 20, Pocahontas St. Peter $10, Clarinda Bethesda $ 5, Pomeroy Elfsborg $ - Coon Rapids Ascension $ 1, Pomeroy St John $ 7, Correctionville Salem $ 4, Primghar Grace $ Corwith St. John $ 4, Rake Zion $ 3, Council Bluffs Emanuel $ 7, Red Oak Bethlehem $ 1, Council Bluffs St. John $ 14, Red Oak Fremont $ 1, Council Bluffs Our Savior's $ 17, Rembrandt Our Saviors $ 2, Craig St. John's $ 5, Remsen St. Paul $ 1, Creston Salem $ 7, Renwick St. Paul $ 3, Cushing St John $ 5, Ringsted United $ 3, Cylinder St John $ 1, Rock Rapids Immanuel $ 6, Dayton Emanuel $ 6, Rock Valley Our Savior's $ 3, Duncombe Washington $ 10, Rockwell City St. Paul's $ 6, Dunlap St. John $ 8, Ruthven Lost Island $ Emmetsburg Bethany $ 4, Rutland Trinity $ Essex St. John's $ 1, Sergeant Bluff New Life $ 5, Estherville Trinity $ 5, Shenandoah Emmanuel $ 2, Estherville Estherville $ 11, Sibley Trinity $ 7, Exira Exira $ 5, Sioux Center Hope $12, Forest City Immanuel $ 40, Sioux City Augustana $ 7, Fort Dodge Grace $ 21, Sioux City Immanuel $ 2, Fort Dodge Christ $ 1, Sioux City St. Luke $ 4, Fort Dodge St. Olaf $ 1, Sioux City St. Mark $31, Church of the Fort Dodge Damascus Road $ 1, Sioux City Trinity $ 3,000.00

52 George Immanuel $ 5, Sioux City First $11, Gowrie Zion $ 15, Sioux City Riverside $ Graettinger Bethel $ Sioux City St. John $ 8, Griswold Faith $ 6, Sioux Rapids First $ 5, Harcourt Faith $ 1, Soldier Soldier $ 5, Hawarden American $ 4, Spencer Trinity $ 1, Holstein St. Paul $ 15, Spencer Bethany $10, Humboldt Our Saviour's $ 22, Spirit Lake Grace $ Inwood Bethlehem $ 3, Stanton Mamrelund $ 9, Jefferson Christ $ 6, Stanton Tabor $ 1, Kanawha Kanawha $ 2, Storm Lake St Mark $28, Kimballton Immanuel $ 2, Thompson Bethany $ 3, Kimballton Bethany $ Titonka Good Hope $ 8, Kiron Bethel $ 8, Titonka Immanuel $ 6, Lakota St. Paul $ 3, Treynor St. Paul $26, Le Mars Christ $ 12, Underwood Underwood $ 5, Le Mars St. John's $ 9, Villisca Strand $ 1, Linn Grove Trinity $ - Vincent South Enes $ 5, Lytton Emanuel-St John $ 16, Wallingford Wallingford $ 3, Manson Augustana $ 12, Webster City Trinity $24, Manson St. Paul Evangelical $ 7, Woden St. John's $ 3, Marathon Grace $ 2,

53 Report to Synod Assembly 2017 Pastor Jeff Ungs Asst. to Bishop/ Director for Evangelical Mission What have you done? This is normally a question that is asked of us when we do something that is unacceptable or wrong. But this time, I am asking the Synod if you realize the amazing and wonderful thing you have done. The Lutheran Church of Western Iowa, ELCA exceeded the 2016 budgeted income by $18,963.00! Because of your generous support, Churchwide ministries received $35, more from the Western Iowa Synod in mission support than in 2015! Congratulations! You have demonstrated that you believe in the power of being Church together. Can you imagine how God has opened doors for new mission opportunities and will continue to do so with this positive trend in mission support giving? Thanks be to God, and thank you for your mission support and the way you let Christ s light shine in the darkness. The following are some of the ways your giving to mission support has been stewarded in the past year through the ministry we share. *Preached when invited and available *Conducted congregation and council workshops for stewardship, evangelism, and or renewal *Organized and participated in day of advocacy-iowa Lutheran Day on the Hill 2017 *Attended WIS Conference meetings *Organized and participated in annual Bishop s charity golf outing (2016 charity- Micah Project) *Provided support for: Domestic Hunger Network; Differently Abled Network (formerly Handicapped Network); Good News Network (Mission Interpreters); Mission Support Network; New and Renewing Congregations Network; Mission Support table network, Disaster Response Network, Lutheran Men in Mission network *New Ministry Start Senor de la Misericordia, Denison, Iowa *Participated in: Transformational Ministry meetings with congregations in ELCA partnership for renewal; Church of the Damascus Road (CoDR) prison congregation outside board member; CoDR Reentry/Reintegration meetings; Thanksgiving Lutheran South Sudanese congregation meetings, Episcopal Diocese of Iowa & Western Iowa Synod meetings regarding Senor de la Misericordia ministry *Organized and participated in WIS Thankfulness Events (Sharing stories of the three expressions of the church and how we are living out our calling to be Church together). *Organized Western Iowa Synod Congregation vitality team *Organized and attended Transformational Ministry 2.0 training part two workshop (6 attended from WIS and 35 attended from Nebraska Synod) Sponsored by ELCA Capital Campaign Synod initiative for congregation renewal grant. This grant has be used to train coaches for congregation vitality. These Coaches are available for your congregation. Come to the breakout congregation vitality session to learn more. *Area ministry strategy in the Eagle Grove/Fort Dodge/Webster City congregations. *Supported rostered leaders and congregations through attendance and participation in ordinations, installations, funerals, Chrism Mass for rostered leaders, conference deans meetings, anniversary celebrations, congregation vote to call Pastor, constitution reviews and updates *Participation with WIS Lutheran Men in Mission. Western Iowa Synod Men in Mission meet quarterly, and have an annual retreat. Please contact me if you want to grow or start a men s ministry in your congregation. *Attended ELCA staff meetings and Region 5 events for Directors for Evangelical Mission and assistant to the Bishop *Performed other administrative duties and responsibilities as assigned I welcome any invitations to preach or conduct workshops in the various ministries listed above. You set the parameters for my visit! Mission interpreters who are lay members of churches in our Synod are also available free of charge to come to your church and thank you for your mission support and share stories of faith in action. They will not ask for money or financial support during their visit. Coaches for congregation vitality will be available for up to 10 congregations for a minimal cost. The mission support team is here to assist you. If you want more information about any of the ministries listed above, please call me at x449 or Thank you for walking the talk of faith and being partners in the Gospel. Your fellow servant in Christ, 52

54 Western Iowa Synod Assembly Report 2017 Rev. Lorna H. Halaas - Director of Missional Leadership/Assistant to the Bishop We are Lutheran Opening Doors! Doors are a natural part of daily life - providing protection from the weather, ensuring safety and privacy. Doors have the power to shut out, to create a barrier. How quick we can be to lock out those who have hurt us, refusing to offer forgiveness. How easy it is to bolt the door to change, unwilling to be open to new ideas, fearing new people with new traditions. Doors also have the ability to fly open, to offer freedom, welcome, and invitation. In Western Iowa we are opening doors - to bring the story of Jesus Christ with our voices, hands, feet, and heart into a broken and hurting world that too often lives in fear and values barriers to 7 newly trained Spiritual Directors accompanying people in their faith journey for new opportunities as over 25 participants learn together at Discipleship Academy classes through the Candidacy process as the call to leadership in the church is discerned to welcome new rostered ministers to Western Iowa Rev. Eric Alm -- Immanuel, Akron Rev. Cole McCormick -- Trinity, Estherville Rev. Russ Crouthamel Emanuel, Dayton Rev. Filemon Diaz -- Señor de la Misericordia, Denison Rev. Zech Anderson -- Immanuel, Forest City Rev. Jennifer Henry -- Bethany, Spencer Rev. Doug Rokke -- Zion, Rake to interim pastors as they walk with congregations during times of transition to 15 TEEM (theological education for emerging ministry) candidates serving congregations while attending seminary to Luther Seminary intern, Shari Schwedhelm -- Faith, Onawa/Soldier, Soldier at leadership events for all the baptized Fall Theological Convocation, Leadership Academy, Prayer for Christian Unity, Women Clergy Gatherings, Chrism Mass, First Call Theological Education, Boundaries Workshop, and Women of the ELCA with congregations providing financial support to ELCA seminarians to new possibilities with creative leadership and ministry ideas Pub Theology Lutheran/Catholic Conversations with Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Glenwood and St. John Lutheran Church, Mineola Breaking Bread an ecumenical worship opportunity in downtown Sioux City with ELCA, United Church of Christ, and Episcopalian Church leaders We are Lutheran - we are opening doors! When the door swings open it is not our doing, it is the Spirit of the living Christ. We are meant not for fear and isolation, but for love and communion. Where love is, there is God. The church is changing, this we know. In the midst of change God is with us, this we can trust. Thank you for the joy and privilege of walking with you in ministry as together we go forward in faith! 53

55 Assembly Report by Cynthia Wells WIS Director for Global Mission We Are Lutheran: Opening Doors! I am pleased to showcase the many ways this theme manifests itself in our synodical global mission and peace and justice endeavors! I joyfully give thanks to God for the many relationships, projects, network/board members, and time/talent/resources offered by oh so many wonderful, faithful people, both here and across the world, that enable everything within this report to be! Global Mission/Hunger Network: Peace Not Walls: since last year s first synodical group trip to the Holy Land, the returnees have made several presentations on issues surrounding peace, justice, security and freedom for all peoples is this special land where the life and ministry of Christ emanate. A particular day of learning and sharing was held in Jan with guests from Jewish Voices for Peace and two area Palestinian high school exchange students. The eyes and hearts of many were opened as we challenged one another to continue telling the key stories, examined the role of the USA in the story and learned of ways in which we, as ELCA Lutherans, can participate in changing the dialog and the realms of oppression (note 2016 Churchwide Assembly actions for strategies that create mechanisms for conscientious investment screening and for making military/financial support of Israel contingent upon its compliance to international law). The Western Iowa Synod and the Nebraska Synod are now partnering to offer two group trips to the Holy Land in April 2018 with many similar components: holy, archaeological and historical sites, accompanying the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and meeting with area peace-seeking groups. That said, there will be some differing components with the WIS to focus more on justice and advocacy while walking closely with the Palestinians, and the NS to focus more on accompaniment with the ELCJHL, walking close and more frequently with the church programs and ministries. Feel free to join either of these opportunities which promise to be life-changing and spirit enhancing! World/Hunger Network: we worked diligently to showcase domestic and world hunger issues through our 18-month synodical resolution to significantly increase our food and monetary donations. We exceeded our goal of food poundage to area food banks. We fell short of our monetary goals. Still, much awareness was raised and many of the hungry among us were fed. We give thanks to all who strove to meet these objectives! The Malaria Campaign & HIV/AIDS: the ELCA continues to make inroads to prevent and treat both malaria and HIV/AIDS, greatly reducing the deaths rate of these diseases. Companion Synods: The 2017 foci for the Companion Synods Network involve the following: Medical Supply initiatives whereby we are collecting equipment and supplies at this year s assembly to be gifted to Global Health Ministries (GHM). GHM supplies Lutheran hospitals and dispensaries in the global south and will subsequently be assisting the WIS to supply the Ilembula Lutheran Hopsital in the Southern Diocese of Tanzania with requested oxygen concentrators and a portable ultrasound machine. Donations of both equipment/supplies and cash are needed to meet these two objectives. We hope to accomplish both in Center for Agricultural Development: continued training of smallholder farmer and 4H groups, along with base funding support for SACCOS (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations i.e., micro- 54

56 financing) allowing for much-needed access to credit to implement the training practices learned. Startup for a SACCOS cost is $8,000 USD, after which a SACCOS becomes self-sustaining. SACCOS also allow for farmer skin in the game, so-to-speak, resulting in dignified participation in their goals and outcomes. Micro-financing typically leads to double or triple income profits for the year, resulting in enhanced health and nutrition, education, community employment and tithing! It is a win-win for all and the WIS hopes to develop many, many more of these life-giving units in the future! Well-drilling has progressed nicely in 2016 with many successful village wells drilled, supplying safe, clean water for thousands! The girls school continues to function par normal and is at capacity. Textbooks and highly dedicated on-site staff are greatly improving test scores, putting this school on the map and attracting girls from all around the country! We are now synodically supporting projects with our companion synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile, both of which entail women s empowerment. One consists of the provision of sewing machines for women to help augment income due to the downtrend in profitability for the artisan fishermen in the Concepción area, who are struggling to compete with area corporate fishing interests, and to support women victims of domestic violence. Sewing items include both domestic (tea towels, curtains, tablecloths, etc.) and liturgical (vestments, paraments, etc.) needs. The other project consists of helping to offset the costs of bringing many more women to their annual women s conference in Nov which will focus on the theme of caring for creation. Such coming together allows for enhanced relationships, sharing of struggles and ideas to combat them, and opportunities to plan for future endeavors. At $100/participant, this support will prove priceless! Please considering lifting up and supporting these important endeavors of our Chilean companion synod! We have added two new companion congregations to our Chilean companion synod relationship: Bethany Lutheran in Emmetsburg is in relationship with La Paz Lutheran in Orsorno, and St. Mark Lutheran in Sioux City is with Buen Samaritano Lutheran in Santiago, Chile. May the blessings abound among these congregations! Travel to Chile with a group of approximately is emerging for Nov The travel to the Southern Diocese of Tanzania has been postponed until the summer of 2018 and all are welcome to apply! Lastly, to enhance all of our work, the synod council, synod team, Global Mission/Hunger and Companion Synods networks are looking to assess our current level of incorporation of inter-culturality components in our work and to seek ways to enhance our sensitivity and implementation of these key faucets in our future endeavors! In closing, let us rejoice as we see clearly how We Are Lutheran: Opening Doors in our synodical global mission endeavors! Anyone seeking more information or answers to questions is invited to contact Cindy Wells, WIS Director for Global Mission at cindy.wells@wisynod.org; Ext Asante sana! Thank you very much! Muchísimas gracias! 55

57 2017 Assembly Report Lynn Egesdal, Deacon - Admin Asst to the Bishop/Faith Formation Coordinator/Communication Coordinator Opening doors to the youth - Holy Dreaming!!.Leaders and youth from around the synod came together for a morning of Holy Dreaming!! What can we do differently to connect with our youth and youth leaders in the Western Iowa Synod. Those youth present expressed two things that were important to them; relationships and also being offered more leadership roles in the church, not just given the tasks that no one else wants to do. Our youth aren t the future of the church, they are a part of the church today!! Opening doors to Houston and the wider Church - The Western Iowa Synod is already looking ahead to 2018 for the next ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, TX. We are pursuing more ways to get more youth from our synod involved in being the church together. If you would be interested in a youth or adult coming to your congregation to share their experience and get your youth excited about going, please contact Lynn. Opening doors to confirmation youth and the wider church - ConFest - Fall & Spring This past year we had four separate sites for ConFest (confirmation festival); two in the fall and two in the spring. The theme was You Belong with a focus on belonging to the body of Christ, being church together and also a session about bullying. If we are all children of God, then why do we treat others the way we do? One person is not better than another. Total we had approximately 465 youth and adults attend these events. Opening doors to Vibrant Faith and Cross+Gen Ministry Western Iowa Synod exists to Carry out Christ's Great Commission by reaching out to all people to bring them to faith in Christ and by doing all ministry with a global awareness consistent with the understanding of God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier of all. At the synod assembly two years ago, a resolution passed encouraging congregations to grow in their capacity to pass on the faith from one generation to another. One of these ways is partnering with Vibrant Faith Ministries. Currently we only have a few congregations working with VFM as their coach, learning and improving the ways they share their faith with others. There are other leaders and congregations in our synod looking at Cross+Generational ministry. This mindset may be the glue that holds many of our congregations together especially when it comes to small numbers of children in attendance and doing Sunday School or faith formation in a different way and with all ages together. Opening doors to Networking opportunities and each other - Youth Leader Network As we look ahead in ministry, plans are to look for more opportunities to gather together youth leaders/pastors in the synod for times of education, networking, support, and growing in faith together for these important leaders in the synod. Opening doors to communication There is good news when it comes to communication. There are more ways to communicate now than ever before! and there is bad news,. There are more ways to communicate now than ever before! And this holds true even in the church. The WIS team and others have been working diligently on collecting current contact information for congregational leaders in the synod. Please assist us in this by contacting us when any of your contact information changes. Please also join us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with what s going on in and around the synod. It is with joy and excitement that I serve with other great team members on the WIS Ministry team. I look forward to new ministry opportunities that are in store for us as we continue to serve the leaders of the church. If you have an interest in any of the aforementioned ministries, please contact me, I would be happy to speak with you about any of these topics or opportunities. Working together for Christ, Lynn Egesdal, Deacon 56