GustavusAdolphus Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 GustavusAdolphus Lutheran Church Annual Report for the year th Annual Meeting January 28, N. Arcade Street - Saint Paul, Minnesota gachurch.org 1

2 Bishop Lull s Annual Report to Congregations January 2018 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Matthew 9:35-38 Dear Partners in Ministry, On Christmas Eve more than 400 persons gathered for worship at Luther Seminary. All belong to the newly launched African National Ministry mission start, led by Pastor Gilo Agwa, and co-sponsored with the Presbytery of the Twin Cities, our Presbyterian counterparts. These women, men, and children are Anuak immigrants, who have moved to Minnesota to flee the tribal violence directed against them in Ethiopia and South Sudan. In their homeland they were members of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, which shares a Lutheran and Reformed identity. Here, they are part of one of our newest mission starts as a synod. Their joyous celebration of Christ s birth reflects the new hope that God raises up for people again and again across the globe was a year for remembering and highlighting our common witness with other Christians. There were many poignant observances of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. In congregations and schools, Martin Luther emerged as a lively and contemporary witness to the centrality of grace in our lives of faith and the call to recognize God s active presence in our world today. The Saint Paul Area Synod joined the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Area Synod to inaugurate this observance with a Service of Common Prayer on January 22nd. This quincentenary concludes with a similar service of Evening Prayer at the Cathedral of St. Paul on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 7:00 pm. In between these two services there have been lectures and art exhibits, renewed interest in the writings of Luther, and much good music. God continues to call us into a plentiful harvest. This past year, five persons were ordained as pastors and one new deacon was consecrated in this synod. They include Pastor Peter Christ, senior pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Roseville; Pastor Wendy Steger, associate pastor at Shepherd of the Valley in Apple Valley; Pastor Erik Doughty, chaplain at Southview Acres Senior Residence and St. Paul- Reformation Lutheran Church in Saint Paul; Pastor Janet Karvonen-Montgomery, associate pastor at Incarnation Lutheran Church in Shoreview; and Pastor Maggie Novak, pastor at Bethesda in Inver Grove Heights. Deacon Abby Matter was consecrated and serves at Roseville Lutheran Church in Roseville. Much of the synod staff s time is invested in the vocational formation of candidates, who desire to serve the church as pastors or deacons. In 2017 there were 37 candidates in the Saint Paul Area Synod. In addition, the synod works with call committees during times of pastoral transition. This includes mentoring the teams that create the Mission Site Profile for the congregation, orienting and supporting the call committee with names of prospective candidat4es for the vacancy, and overseeing the work and pool of interim pastors who serve in times of transition. During 2017, 19 call processes were completed with vacancies at any given time. Continued on Inside Back Page 2

3 2017 Annual Report Table of Contents S Letter from Bishop Report of: Inside Cover Page No. Senior Pastor 4 Pastoral Acts 5 Faith Formation Education Committee 6 Finance Committee 8 Stewardship Committee 9 Endowment Committee 10 Global Mission Committee 11 Property Committee 12 Care Team Ministry 13 Worship & Music Committee 14 Minutes of January 2017 Annual Meeting 15 Report from Camp Onomia 17 3

4 John Hierlinger, Senior Pastor 2017 Annual Report Grace, peace and mercy of Lord Jesus Christ be to you now and always amen. As I have spent time reflecting on God s work through us in 2017, I have been filled with joy and excitement. It has been an honor to work alongside you and your leaders as we have continued to strive to live out the mission God has called us to be A GAteway of Faith with our city, neighborhood and each other. What has been a gift is to see how faith continues to come alive in us as we strive to do all God has called us to. WE DID IT! When I look back on 2017, I will always remember all that happened to make it possible to welcome our new tenant: Merrick Community Services. During 2016 we worked to come to a lease that both GA and Merrick could live with. In 2017 we got to work in cleaning out the Treehouse, Fish Market, Nursery and all the other spaces to make way for Merrick. It took the efforts of SO many of you to make it a reality and I can t thank each of you enough for giving the ways you did to get us to the place where we are also presented me the opportunity of a lifetime as I joined the three other ambassadors from GA and traveled to Iringa, Tanzania. As people have asked me about my trip, I often shared the quote I heard Bishop Patricia Lull while we were there. As it turned out Bishop Lull traveled with us, which was her first trip to Tanzania as well. What she said was this; I now know in my heart, what I had seen with my eyes. This really resonated with me-the idea was I had heard about Tanzania, I had seen pictures of the people of Iringa, but I now felt in my heart the depth of love and compassion of the people I met there. It truly was a gift to me and I thank you for that gift. I am so proud of us as a church that we continue to support the work of the two congregations we are partnered with Iringa and provide the resources so ten students can go to high school. This shows to me the depth of understanding of discipleship and the vastness to God s kingdom. You all are my teachers and reflectors of God s love and I am so grateful. These are two highlights, however there are so many other great things that happened as well. I continue to feel so fortunate to serve as one of your pastors as we continue to explore what it means to be the church and the ways God is calling us to change the world. Thank you for this opportunity. Thank you for supporting the work we are doing as well. This is a church we all should be proud of and want to invite others to. Though the body is one there are many parts, (1 Corinthians 12). Gustavus Adolphus is what it is because of all the many parts and the way you give of your time, talents and resources. Thank you for the work you and will continue to do in It is you that makes the church the great place it is. Don t be stranger friends, stop in and say hello. Let s meet for coffee and share stories together this year. God s Peace, Pastor John Hierlinger 4

5 STATISTICS PASTORAL ACTS 2017 Sacrament of Baptism Austin James Schluender Finn Robert Buzay Owen Scott Colburn* Kolton Svendsen ThajYeeb Greyson Her* John Paul Harrison* Samuel Paige Blume* Eldon James Miller* Logan Christopher Otto Indy Joy Nelson Summary 5 Members (*) 5 Non-Members Weddings Kevin Scott John & Stacey Rae Chezik Deaths & Funerals (Includes former and non-members) Norman Esperson* Marlene Schelen* Muriel Peterson* Elsie Reichel* Marjorie Johnson* Angie Haugen* Frank James Roy Cowen Stephen Aguirre* Pat Johnson Jeanne Sipple* Paul Berglund* Alvin Linder* Marv Sigmundik* Charlotte Treanor* Mary Blume Marian Woodford* Norman Carlson* Summary 14 Members (*) 4 Non-Members 5

6 Faith Formation through Christian Education Committee 2017 Annual Report The Mission and Ministry of the Faith Formation through Christian Education Committee is to provide opportunities for all ages to grow in Christ and in spiritual vitality. This past year the Faith Formation Committee has been involved in the following activities: 2017 began with moving our nursery, Sunday School and youth room at the end of January. Many volunteers donated countless hours to sort, pack, move furniture, prepare new space and more. Children from the Tree House Sunday School presented a Musical called Good Fish for Easter Day at the 11:15am worship service on Sunday, April 30, Fleece Blankets with embroidered personal milestone dates were made by committee members, Nancy Jones and Lori Howard and presented to 12 GA High School Graduates on Sunday, May 7, 2017 during worship. 66 children were enrolled in Maker Fun Factory - Vacation Bible School at GA August 14-18, youth and adult volunteers led workshops and various activities during the week. GA youth (Grades 7-11) participated in Summer Stretch service and adventures on Wednesdays throughout the summer together with youth and leaders from two other East Side ELCA congregations Grace and Our Redeemer. Service projects included: building Adirondack chairs for Habitat local home builds, a visit to LSS Center for Changing Lives in Minneapolis learning about their work with refugees, volunteering at a Meals from the Heart Packing Event in Stillwater and a day trip to Camp Onomia. Afternoon adventures included an afternoon at Como Park, an outing to the Walker Sculpture Garden and exploring Stillwater with Pastor John. Parent s Night Out events continue to be popular with childcare provided by adults and GA youth. Proceeds go to GA s youth campership fund and youth ministry activities. 3 events were held this year. Wednesday Faith Nights were held on Wednesdays throughout the school year with a meal, confirmation sessions for youth in grades 6-8, Sr. High youth group, KINGS activities for children, book discussion groups for adults and mid-week worship. SPARK NRSV Bibles were presented to children in third grade and SPARK Story Bibles were presented to children just starting Sunday School. First Communion instruction was offered for families on a Saturday morning, April 8, Our congregation is an associate member of Camp Onomia and supports the camp with a yearly contribution raised through special concerns giving during the month of March. 8 GA youth attended Camp Onomia camps this past summer. The Faith Formation Committee committed to cover 50% of the cost of camp for GA youth attending. GA youth also attended Camp Onomia retreats in January and February. 6

7 Funds to support youth ministry were also raised from the annual spring garage sale on April 28-29, Delicious treats were baked for the annual GA Craft Fair Youth Bake Sale on November 25, with proceeds from the Bake Sale supporting youth mission trips, Summer Camp, Retreats and other youth activities. A baking party was held on Nov. 19 following New Life worship. Children, youth and parents baked, decorated and packaged treats for the Bake Sale. A senior high youth group meets regularly on Wednesday nights with adult leaders Brad Nelson and Carrie Fraser. The group participated in conversations around the My Muslim Neighbor study this past fall. Youth breakfasts were served every Sunday in the Fishmarket with a warm breakfast once a month and donuts on the other Sundays by Neil and Nancy Jones. Two family picnics were held this summer. Parents of children ages birth grade 5 met at nearby parks for a potluck lunch, playground fun for kids and conversation around ideas for upcoming family activities at GA. Frolic is a new online resource for early childhood faith formation. Enewsletters are sent to parents and caregivers of young children each month with articles about child development and faith formation. Frolic gatherings for parents and their young child were offered each month. We welcome anyone who would like to join our group. We are always open for some fresh new ideas! We continue to seek ways to reach out to parents as we focus on ways to build relationships and provide support and resources to help them share faith with their children at home. We hope as a committee that we have inspired all members of our congregation to grow in faith through Rotational Sunday School for children, Confirmation and youth group for teenagers, Bible classes and book discussion groups for adults. It is our hope and prayer that our efforts have been uplifting to the congregation as a whole. Sincerely, The Faith Formation through Christian Education Committee Lori Howard, Nancy Jones, Kristen Lynch, Stephanie Surine, Pastor Amanda Simons, Sherrie Nordquist 7

8 Finance Committee 2017 Annual Report The Finance Committee meets monthly to review the financial reports of the church and deal with any issues regarding finance and stewardship. In addition to reviewing financials each month and refining projections for the rest of the year, other specific tasks accomplished this year were: Discussed the Capital Campaign and amounts needed to be raised; Submitted grant for financial training to LSS (not approved); Considered Merrick partnership expenses and how to treat them in the budget and reports, including meeting jointly with the property Committee to develop a recommendation for allocation of income; and, Reviewed and approve a draft budget to recommend to the Council We d like to thank the many folks who are involved in faithful stewardship of the church resources the money counters who show up every Monday morning to prepare the bank deposit: Gene Haugen, Larry Kahler, Karen & Ray Landkamer, Merritt Linzie, Bill Lund, Janet & Len Peterson, Dave Ryan, and Dan Shogren; Also Ray Lundgren, Heather Nelson and Nancy Selander, who retired as counters this year committee members: Brett Bowman, Rich Engelstad, Nancy Nelson, Jason Wittenberg, Maggie Kidnie and Pastor John Hierlinger. Thank you, all! We always welcome new members to our committee; if you have an interest in finance or just want a better understanding of how things work, please join us on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm. Pam Siebert Chair 8

9 Stewardship Committee 2017 Annual Report In recent years, GA s stewardship duties have been fulfilled by the Church Council, pastors, or an ad hoc committee. In 2017, an ongoing Stewardship Committee was initiated once again, to address stewardship overall. Many thanks to members and staff who participated in any aspect of the work this year: Denise Hassenstab, Janet & Len Peterson, Pam Siebert, Maggie Kidnie, Rob Sebo Luebke, Pastor Amanda Simons, and Pastor John Hierlinger. To re-initiate this function, we began with some readings and education opportunities to familiarize ourselves with best practices in church stewardship from a variety of sources, e.g. ELCA, Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary, and other general nonprofit organizations. We also met with Thrivent Financial representatives to learn about resources available from Thrivent. Through an analysis of these materials and meetings, we determined that we will focus on the overall nature of stewardship that it is not about paying the bills, but rather creating opportunities for all of us to be good stewards of all the resources God entrusts to our care. Money, surely, is one of them, but also extending to stewardship of our talents, of the environment, of our time, and other treasures. Given timeframes for this year, we focused primarily on planning and conducting the 2018 General Fund campaign. Goals for next year include initiating a year-round focus on multiple aspects of stewardship, considering financial education opportunities for the congregation, conducting the 2018 General Fund campaign, and preparing for the 2019 Capital Campaign. We encourage any church members who are interested in this topic to join us! Meetings are scheduled as needed, so please see Pastor John or call the church office to indicate your interest. Respectfully Submitted, Stewardship Committee 9

10 Endowment Committee 2017 Annual Report The GA Church Council in its 1989 Endowment Fund enabling resolution stated "that the purpose of the Endowment Fund is to enhance the work of the church by meeting special needs or projects of Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church or the Church at large apart from the general operation of the congregation." In practice over the years since 1989, interest income has been used primarily for outreach projects, and sometimes for new or experimental programs. Based on Council action, the Endowment Committee gives a tithe (10%) of its interest income to the Global Missions committee. Remaining expenditures are approved by the Endowment Committee and the Council based on requests for funds received by the Endowment Committee. Expenditures in 2017 were as follows: Income from 2016 to disburse in , Global Missions Tithe to Global Missions 1, Match for TZ Funds Raised 3, TOTAL Global Missions 4, Social Ministry Grief Support Match Habitat for Humanity Funds Raised Support for Habitat Build Week 1, TOTAL Social Ministry 1, College/Technical Scholarships - Replenish Scholarship Fund 3, Music & Worship Musicians for Special Worship Services 5, Sheridan Story Match Sheridan Story Funds Raised Request of $ approved, balance of will come from Endowment in 2018 East Side Listener Support for ELCA East Side Congregations Listener Request of $ approved, balance of will come from Endowment in 2018 TOTAL 2017 ENDOWMENT DISBURSEMENTS 16, In 2017 a bequest from an estate of $10, was added to Endowment Fund principle. Additional bequests and gifts are always welcome to grow the Endowment Fund. A special thank you to Business Administrator Maggie Kidnie and Endowment Committee Members: Emily Harrison, Ted Madison, Len Peterson, Dan Shogren, and Mary Vangerud. It is through their efforts that funds are well managed and interest is expended for worthy causes extending the mission of the church. Respectfully, Len Peterson, Chair 10

11 Global Mission Committee 2017 Annual Report The work of this committee is to support missions throughout the world through various methods. Much of the work is carried out by the emphasis of Special Concerns monthly designations. January ELCA Missions: Our 3-year commitment to the support of the Lindsay Mack and Omar Mixco in Mexico City through the Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) was completed in July. February - Iringa Diocese: The yearly commitment of $1,000 to each of our partner parishes, Kiponzelo and Iganagidungu u, is honored. This money is for them to use as they see the need within their parish for construction projects. This year Pastor John, Nancy Johnson, Catie Madison and Carol Sandberg served as ambassadors to both parishes. They were able to experience life with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters, as well as see the many other BKB organizational affiliates at work. In preparation for this visit, a fundraiser was held, complete with lots of food and silent auction items. It was very successful lots of fun, but lots of work for Pastor John and a contingent of volunteers. A special request of the Kiponzelo parish was a new motorbike. The 2008 bike served them very well, but no longer. The September Bites for a Bike food event raised the $1,500 needed. We had 24 vendors donating their favorite food item and serving to a large crowd of folks. The ambassadors were able to visit schools, and a few of the student scholars were at their parish for Sunday worship. Great appreciation was expressed for the scholarship support of this congregation. Currently, approximately ten students receive scholarships each year, five from each parish. Scholarship money is due in November. December - World Hunger Month: It seems the Barnyard Animal project of the ELCA Good Gifts is very popular with our Sunday School youth. This year jars were available in the Gathering Area with ten different animals for your support. It was clear the sheep were the most popular this year. We were able to contribute $1,096 to support the purchase of many animals. We wish to extend a Thank You to the Endowment Committee for their on-going support of mission work being carried out through this congregation. A special word of thanks to the committee members who share in making the mission work meaningful: Denise Hassenstab, Dan Shogren, Nancy Johnson, Carol Sandberg and Jean Schwartz. In Christ s service, Jean Schwartz, chair 11

12 Property Committee 2017 Annual Report The Property Committee of Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church is devoted to maintaining & improving the building & grounds with service providers with varied experience; with these professionals we can maintain a healthful environmentally friendly & safe surrounding. Our committee's long term purpose is to involve members and staff in a cooperative effort to promote a place of community as part of the church's ministries, as well as to satisfy the requirements of Church and Synod. To oversee as necessary for the effective use of property & building through management & facilities services, this continues to be the mission of our committee. Thereby ensuring that each staff and volunteer can meet the unique requirements needs of their ministry and mission right here in St. Paul. The Property Committee along with the staff of Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church appreciates the congregations's commitment with the processes and procedures created on their behalf for the smooth operations of systems. These processes and procedures involved in the smooth operations of the many systems that comprise the building and grounds of Gustavus Adolphus Church. What are the Top Priorities? HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning); Plumbing; Electrical /Lighting; Windows and Doors; Roof; Parking Lot What are Continuous Efforts? Pest Control, Prevention; Asbestos Management; Fertilizer, Weed Control; Snow Plowing; Cleaning & Sanitizing What Can the Congregation Continute to Contribute, and that we are truly Thankful for? Continued Knowledge and Expertise Ideas Participation Monetary Gifts The Property Committee is Assisted by the Ministers, the Business Manager, the Custodians, Members notably the Friday Crew, the dedicated Staff, and of course our companion Committees. We are thankful for this support! A sincere thank you to committee members: Aaron Bayer (Council Representative), John Hierlinger (Pastor), Rick Howard, Michael Richie, and Karen Weiblen (Chairperson). Sincerely, Karen Weiblen, Chairperson 12

13 Care Team Ministry 2017 Annual Report Care Team Members: Bev Challgren, Louise Feske, Arlene Higgins, Nancy Johnson, Elaine Rhode, Jean Schwartz, Dan Shogren and Roger Schwartz, who helped Jean when she fractured her wrist this past year. The Care Team continues to be very active providing services to GA seniors and homebound members. We volunteered nearly 450 hours in 2017 primarily by visiting shut in members, grocery shopping and "lunching" and driving members to doctor and other appointments. One member of the Team continues to send birthday cards to every member age eighty and older. The committee also serves the coffee and cookies after HealthEast's annual Hospice Memorial service held at GA and after the Blue Christmas service in December. We coordinate the distribution of flowers at Easter and Christmas to homebound and other members who have experienced a loss or difficult time. Another big part of the Care Team ministry is putting on "Senior Moments" twice a year to allow seniors a time to visit with their friends and enjoy some entertainment. The most important thing that the Care Team does, however, is forming friendships with others in our GA community. All of us feel we receive much more than we give to others. Thanks also to our pastors - Maggie Novak, our visitation pastor for most of the past year and to Alan Blegen, our current interim visitation minister, Pastors John and Amanda who do many visits and provide us with encouragement and support. Thanks also to Barb Surine, who is in charge of the Prayer Shawl Ministry. We are always looking for new members and would love to have you join "The Team". Also, if you need any assistance and think we could be of service, please let us know. Nancy Johnson, chair 13

14 Worship and Music Committee 2017 Annual Report Committee Members: Donna Dean, Nancy Johnson. Karen Landkamer, Verilyn Pelava, Janet Peterson, Barb Surine, Bruce Pelava, council representative, Dr. Jerry Brakke, staff The committee oversees the worship and music aspects of the church. Worship is planned by the pastors but the committee members discuss ideas to improve the worship experience for the congregation and put these ideas into action. A subcommittee, the theme team, meets monthly to select hymns for the 9:00 service based on the weekly scripture readings. Accomplishments during 2017 include: Supporting a Wednesday morning worship service during Lent followed by a soup lunch, choir participation in the Good Friday service with the Eastside Eight congregations at Our Redeemer, a new humidifier placed in the Chapel piano. Introduction and implementation of the Narrative Lectionary, new Conga drums for use in the second service, the sale of old stereo equipment, a shelving unit in the sacristy was moved to follow the fire code, Ed Oslund s paintings were catalogued and stored in the Luther Hall closet, oil filled Advent candles were purchased and set up (thank you Bruce for your assistance), a new Plexiglas cover over the engraving on the Chapel altar, and the reception honoring Jerry Brakke for his 45 years of service as the Director of Music. Future co-operative services with the Eastside Eight is planned and the expansion of the Wednesday morning Lenten services are under discussion. The committee seeks to make our Worship experience more visitor friendly by having greeters and incorporating engaging worship in order to better attract members of the community. The success of the work of this committee is due to Dr. Jerry Brakke through his talent and skill on the organ and piano, orchestrations for guest instrumentalists, direction of the Chancel choir, New Life singers and bell choir. Worship at GA is enhanced through his efforts. The committee recognizes the leadership of Pastor John Hierlinger and Pastor Amanda Simons for their direction, scriptural interpretation, and theological understanding as guides in our journey of faith. It indeed takes many people to successfully provide a meaningful worship experience. The work of the Worship and Music committee, the Theme team, the ushers, acolytes, choir members, soloists, instrumental musicians, Don Weiblen, altar guild, greeters, communion assistants, lay ministry assistants, lay lectors, Barb Surine for organizing the readers, Nancy Johnson for working to make the noon soup lunches successful, Claudia Ryan and Sharen Dahm for organizing the coffee hour, Camille Farinella for directing the children s choir, Rick Howard for operating the computer for the second service, the Friday morning crew, and Rob in the office for creating beautiful worship bulletins. Verilyn Pelava, Chair 14

15 Minutes of Annual Meeting Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church Sunday, January 29, 2017 Luther Hall 10:25 am Welcome and Opening Prayer: Led by Pastor Amanda Simons. The congregation sang, The Church of Christ in Every Age. Call to order: 10:30 by Council President, Nancy Nelson, declaring a quorum was present. Remarks of the Senior Pastor Pastor John Hierlinger Thank you for the most fun coming to work since being a camp pastor to the excellent staff for their work and commitment to GA's mission for the warm reception at GA and for the welcome to his wife and children for the opportunity to serve with members of the congregation as a GAteway of Faith to our city, neighborhood, and each other Milestones presented by Pastor Amanda Simons Transition of Pastors: Interim Pastor Lon Larson - goodbye and hello - to Sr. Pastor John Hierlinger Merrick Community Services lease and all of the preparatory work involved Eastside-8 ELCA congregations growing in collaboration: Good Friday Worship, Summer Stretch Rib-off/Coleslaw contest and congregational potluck Sheridan Story weekend food program for 100 students at Farnsworth Elementary School Polling place for elections Food distribution location in partnership with Merrick Community Services Financial Reports: Pastor John Hierlinger highlighted the 2016 Year End Financial Report and the $4,110 surplus, thanking the congregation for their generosity and extra Together in Faith giving. Business Administrator Maggie Kidnie highlighted the generous giving of the congregation to causes beyond general fund giving through various dedicated funds totaling $48,317 in Additionally food donations, LSS Lifehaven resident gifts, building space for community groups (scouts, synod, Shobi's Table food prep, etc.) and the community garden plots are provided through the generosity of the GA congregation. Treasurer Brett Bowman brought members through the 2017 Mission & Ministry Plan Proposed Budget recommended by the Council. After explanations and answering questions, President Nelson called for a motion. A motion was made by Bruce Pelava and seconded by Bill Lund to Accept the 2017 Mission & Ministry Plan Proposed Budget as presented; approved unanimously by voice vote. The approved 2017 Mission & Ministry Plan is balanced with both Income and Expenses of $591,000. Elections: Nancy Nelson announced the uncontested slate of candidates: GA Church Council (3) Denise Hassenstab, Amy Lipetzky, and Jason Wittenberg. There were no nominations from the floor. Motion made by Verilyn Pelava and seconded by Bill Lund to accept by acclamation the slate of candidates nominated; approved unanimously by voice vote. Lyngblomsten Care Center (5) Bev Challgren, Tim Youngren, Bill Lund, Eleanor Pearson, and Lennart Pearson; Gustavus Adolphus College (2) Nancy Johnson, Barbara Higgins; Camp Onomia (2) Marge Ball and Perry Ball. There were no additional nominations from the floor. Motion made by Bruce Pelava and seconded by Len Peterson to accept by acclamation the slate of candidates nominated; approved unanimously by voice vote. 15

16 Pastor John thanked Nelson Tracy and Brit Barkholtz who resigned in 2016, for their work at GA. He recognized new staff members Rob Sebo Lubke and Jerry Martin. Thanks were extended to outgoing council members Deb Hogen, Jean Muehlenthaler, and Christopher Stordalen, and to the entire staff and congregation for their commitment to God's work at GA fulfilling our mission as a GAteway of Faith. Nancy Nelson called for a motion to adjourn; made by Christopher Stordalen, seconded by Verilyn Pelava; unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 am; Pastor John closed with the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted by Janet Peterson, Council Secretary 16

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18 During 2017, three communities of faith completed a time of discernment with the synod and reached the decision to close. This is some of the most serious work we do as a synod for such a decision is not an inconsequential matter for carrying forward God s call for us to be about God s harvest. Services of Holy Closure were held for Pueblo de Fe (a mission start) on July 23; for North Emanuel in Saint Paul (a 126 -year old congregation) on September 17; and for Light of the World in Lakeville (a 10 -year old congregation) on October 14. Members, as well as financial legacies, from these faith communities continue to enrich other congregations within this synod. In a sense, the Spirit has replanted those laborers into other contexts for witness and service. Renewing congregations and reequipping leaders (rostered and lay) remain the key programmatic priorities in our synod budget. In 2017, eight congregations participated in the structured program known as A Year of Renewal. They include Family of Christ, Lakeville; Luther Memorial, South Saint Paul; Holy Cross, Oakdale; Saint Anthony Park, Saint Paul; St. Stephen the Martyr, White Bear Lake; Atonement, New Brighton; Lakeview, Maplewood; and Zion, Cottage Grove. In addition, many congregations worked with members of the synod staff on shared ministry endeavors, vitality surveys, racial justice projects and skill-building for carrying the good news of Jesus into the communities in which we live and work. In Matthew s Gospel, Jesus assures the disciples that God s harvest is plentiful. Then as now, the task for disciples is often that of preparing to be a faithful laborer in God s work. On a personal note, it was a privilege for me to represent this synod at the consecration and installation of Bishop Blaston Gaville as the new bishop of the Iringa Diocese in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania in June. Like our sisters and brothers in our other companion synod in Guatemala, the testimony of Christians in this global setting is inspiring and clear. From mountain villages to city churches, I was reminded that God is in charge and that the life of faith brings joy and hope amid the challenges of daily life. For the staff of the synod, 2017 has been a year of continuity. What we are able to do together as a synod of 112 congregations and mission starts is enhanced and amplified by the talent of those who serve as your synod staff. They include Michael Gold, office assistant; Alicia Rodriguez, office manager; Chloe Ahlf, communications coordinator; Greg Triplett, financial administrator; Joe Lees, assistant to the bishop for vital congregations, vital partnerships; Justin Grimm, director for evangelical mission and assistant to the bishop for next generation ministries; Krista Lind, assistant to the bishop for vocational formation; Anna Marsh, executive assistant to the bishop; Peter Harrits, director of Bega Kwa Bega and assistant to the bishop; and Tom Jenkins, stewardship coordinator (part-time). I know you join me in thanking them for all they do. Always at year s end it is a gift and a joy to look back at all that God has accomplished in and through us. I am grateful for your prayers and your confidence in our common work. Yours in God s service Bishop Patricia Lull 18

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