SYNOD COUNCIL MINUTES INDIANA-KENTUCKY SYNOD, ELCA APRIL 13-14, 2012 SYNOD OFFICE, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

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1 1921 ATTENDANCE SYNOD COUNCIL MINUTES INDIANA-KENTUCKY SYNOD, ELCA APRIL 13-14, 2012 SYNOD OFFICE, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA Officers: Bishop Gafkjen, Vice-President Liz Michael, Secretary Judy Bush, Treasurer Kate Knoerzer Clergy: Pastors Mark Havel, Tim Knauff, Jerald Mielke (Saturday),Tracy Paschke-Johannes, Wendy Piano, Ron Poisel, and Pamela Thiede Laity: Janet Bakken, Tom Barker, Rita Betts, Alan Fishback, Gary Manning, Morgan Puckett, Marilyn Saum, and Paul Trickel Staff: Assistants to the Bishop Pastors Rudy Mueller, Heather Apel, DEM Nancy Nyland, and Director of Communications Danielle Burrus Auxiliary Representatives: Dorothy Nevils Absent: Pastors Jerald Mielke (Friday) and Strietelmeir, Barbara Clausen, Joyce Partyka, Laura Werner, Jacob Williams, and Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Carolyn Lesmeister INTENTIONAL RELATIONSHIP BUILDING, CONVERSATION ABOUT Unexpected Destinations by Wesley Granberg-Michaelson AND REFLECTION/SHARING The executive committee met at 3:00 p.m. in the Synod Office prior to the Synod Council meeting. The Synod Council arrived beginning at 7:00 p.m. for intentional relationship building. The meeting was called to order with prayer at 7:30 p.m. by Vice President Michael in the downstairs meeting room at the Synod Office. Bishop Gafkjen began the discussion reading from Isaiah 43: The book, Dwelling in the Word, advocates concentrating on a particular scripture passage which is what we are doing with Isaiah 43. All meditated on the passage. Bishop Gafkjen closed the meditation with prayer. He then read the last paragraph from the introduction of Unexpected Destinations and the last paragraph of the book. The group broke into small groups to discuss the following questions: What do you find intriguing or particularly helpful about Wes s approach to discerning God s call in his personal life? Why do you suppose Wes chose this particular title for the book? How might we as Synod Council incorporate aspects of the ways in which the leadership of the Reformed Church in America engaged their ministry during Wes s time of leadership? How might Wes s characterization of the work of RCA leadership impact our discussion of Synod Council responsibilities and functioning as delineated in Chapter 10 of the Synod s constitution and bylaws? The group reconvened into one large group and Bishop led a discussion of a summary of the small group discussions. Each group shared one insight that they heard from someone in their group. Are we settled or are we sent. Do we get outside our comfort zones, paying attention to

2 1922 all not just those who normally speak up, stepping outside of our culture and taking that wherever we are led, is it human nature not to want to change and divine nature to want to change, should we do a ministry audit as to what we should be doing, one described the discernment as a razor focus. Bishop closed the session with prayer. INITIAL BUSINESS Vice-President Michael previewed the agenda and called for new business. There being no new business to add to the agenda it was moved and seconded to accept the agenda as presented; the motion was approved. Secretary Bush reported actions of the Executive Committee and recommendations from the Executive Committee. The committee met Monday, January 30, 2012, by conference call. The purpose of the meeting was to address action required regarding the purchase of the property previously owned by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Indianapolis and currently occupied and used by Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Indianapolis. After discussion the Executive Committee EC/2012/1 approved the following resolution by all present voting in approval and Bishop Gafkjen abstaining. Whereas, the Indiana-Kentucky Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Inc. entered into a purchase agreement pursuant to which it agreed to sell and convey the real estate previously owned by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, now occupied and used by Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana and commonly known as 5565 Moller Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46254, to Mission Investment Fund of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Executive Committee of the Synod Council, acting for and on behalf of the Synod Council as the board of directors of the Indiana- Kentucky Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Inc., an Indiana nonprofit corporation, hereby authorizes the sale, conveyance and transfer of such real estate to Mission Investment Fund of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and authorizes William Gafkjen, its Bishop and chief executive officer, and such other officer or officers, staff personnel and/or other representative or representatives as hereafter may be and are designated and appointed by Bishop William Gafkjen to execute and complete the deed and any and all other necessary and appropriate documents and instruments and to take and accomplish any and all necessary and appropriate actions to accomplish and complete such real estate transaction and conveyance. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that William Gafkjen should be, and he is hereby, authorized to execute for himself and for and on behalf of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Inc. a power of attorney authorizing any other person or persons to act on his behalf and on behalf of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Inc. to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever requisite and necessary to close the authorized real estate transaction.

3 1923 Additionally, the committee discussed appreciation for the work of David Reese for his professional work for the synod related to this activity and other activities in the past. After duly made motion and second and discussion, the Executive Committee EC/2012/2 approved using $1000 from the proceeds of the sale of Lamb of God Lutheran Church property as a gift to David Rees in appreciation for his professional work with and for the synod related to this activity and other activities in the past. The executive committee met on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, and Friday, April 13, 2012, and there are several recommendations to be considered by the council. The first regards a waiver of registration fees. After presentation the synod council VOTED: SC/2012/18: that waiver of registration fees for the 2012 Indiana- Kentucky Synod Assembly are granted for Pastor Kelli Skram and Diaconal Minister Jeff Schacht of Lutheran Campus Ministries-Indiana University. The changes in six congregational constitutions were reviewed by the executive committee based on Pastor Mueller s recommendations and following discussion the synod council VOTED: SC/2012/19: that the proposed amendments to the constitution of Christ Lutheran Church, Evansville, Indiana, except *C5.03., C13.08., and *C17 be approved. VOTED: SC/2012/20: that the proposed Ch 11 to the constitution of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Merrillville, Indiana, be approved. VOTED: SC/2012/21: that the proposed amendments to the constitution of First Lutheran Church, Louisville, Kentucky, be approved. VOTED: SC/2012/22: that the amendment C to the constitution of Phanuel Lutheran Church, Hillsboro, Indiana, be approved. VOTED: SC/2012/23: that the amendments to the constitution of St. Mark s Lutheran Church, Evansville, Indiana, be approved. VOTED: SC/2012/24: that the amendments to the constitution of Trinity Lutheran Church, Valparaiso, Indiana, be approved except chapter 12 with a recommendation that there should be safeguards in fiscal matters and that turn over in the treasurer position is one of those safeguards. The Executive Committee reviewed roster concerns. The following clergy have resigned or removed from the roster as follows: Ron Deck (ret. NALC; resigned), Bassam Abdallah (First United, Hammond; NALC; resigned), Doug Gast (Bethel, Noblesville; NALC; removed), and E. Dean Windhorn (ret. NALC; resigned), Darryl Heggen (ret. NALC; resigned). It was recommended and the Synod Council after discussion VOTED: SC/2012/25: that Roberta Meyer, Diaconal Minister, be extended a call to serve as YMCA Heritage Hills After School Supervisor in Evansville, Indiana.

4 1924 A new position was considered as recommended by the Executive Committee on recommendation from Bishop Gafkjen. It was the position of a part time Freed to Lead Project Director to begin April 19, After discussion the Synod Council VOTED: SC/2012/26: that Julie Benson be hired as Freed to Lead Project Director with a one year contract with review/evaluation of Freed to Lead and role at three months with salary of $15,000 to be paid from FTL funds. With regard to Synod Assembly Committees, as recommended by the Office of the Bishop and the executive committee and after discussion, it was VOTED: SC/2012/27: that Judy Bush (ex officio), Tom Barker, Kate Knoerzer, Marilyn Saum, Pamela Thiede, and Paul Trickel be appointed to serve on the 2012 Synod Assembly Minutes committee VOTED: SC/2012/28: that Ted Miller (Gloria Dei, Crestview Hills, KY), chair, David Rees (Bethlehem, Indianapolis), parliamentarian, Pr. Wendy Piano (Grace, Syracuse, IN), Pr. Mark Havel (Cross of Grace, New Palestine, IN), Josh Tatum (Our Redeemer, Indianapolis), Janet Manning (St. Paul, Richmond, IN), and Assistant to the Bishop Pr. Rudy Mueller (St Andrews, Speedway) be appointed to serve on the 2012 Synod Assembly Reference and Counsel committee. Proposed changes to the synod constitution were distributed to the members of the council. The changes are recommended as a result of the 2011 Churchwide Assembly. The executive committee is recommending that the constitution provision S8.51. be changed to appoint the treasurer by the synod council which is an option approved at the 2011 Churchwide Assembly. All proposed changes will be discussed on Saturday after the synod council has an opportunity to review the proposed changes. BISHOP S REPORT, Part 1 Bishop Gafkjen provided an update on the New Vision for a New Day emphasis. Co-chairs Pastors Steve Schwier and Tim Knauff are working with Wes Granberg-Michaelson and Bishop Gafkjen in a focused way and centered in prayer and Bible study. It will be the pivot point at the Synod Assembly. Conference assemblies have been encouraged to be listening posts which needs to be done broadly. We want people to listen deeply and broadly to one another. We will be adding members to the team after Synod Assembly. We will be thinking creatively to act boldly. The questions in listening posts are different/not about structure but what do you see God doing and how you can get on board. He shared the handout that may be used at the conference listening posts including the questions that can be used for the responses. Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Rudy Mueller referred to his written report. He presented the recommended Clergy Compensation Standards and the recommended Compensation Standards for ELCA Associates in Ministry, Deaconesses, and Diaconal Ministers

5 1925 and referred to the changes from the existing standards. After discussion and on recommendation from the Compensation Guidelines Committee it was VOTED: SC/2012/29: that the Minimum Standards for Compensation for ELCA Rostered Clergy and the Minimum Standards for Compensation for ELCA Associates in Ministry, Deaconesses, and Diaconal Ministers be recommended for adoption by the 2012 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly. Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Mueller recommended two committee chairs and the Synod Council VOTED: SC/2012/30: that Rev. David Doane, pastor of Holy Trinity, Lafayette, be approved as chair of the Leadership Support committee and VOTED: SC/2012/31: that Linda Henke, Christ, Zionsville, be approved as chair of the Worship committee. The task force report on congregational council workshops was discussed. The workshops would target the congregation council and the officers. They decided to put together a DVD with a presentation about some general information about congregation councils: their role in the congregation based on the Rite of Installation and the constitution; how they relate to pastors and other staff, committees of the congregation; their relationship to the wider church conference, synod, and ecumenical activities. They have outlined a possible workshop schedule and the possibility of using a DVD presentation for those who cannot attend a workshop. Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Heather Apel distributed an overview or general outline of the 25 th Annual Assembly of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod for members to review for discussion on Saturday. Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Heather Apel had submitted a written report and verbally reported that the candidacy committee did meet and had good energy with seven candidates having approval interviews. All received strong positive approval. The committee won t meet again until May. The ELCA assignment process is in February. She will be sending out the official call to the 25th annual Synod Assembly in Covington, KY, has been preaching and visiting congregations. She is not sure how to look at alternative sites for the assembly and is thinking about a more formal investigation and may be seeking input from others. EVENING PRAYER Kate Knoerzer led the evening devotions closing with Watch, O Lord. The meeting closed at 9:20 p.m. EUCHARIST Saturday, April 14, 2012

6 1926 The group gathered for Eucharist at 8:45 a.m. in the lower level conference room at the Synod Office, beginning with worship led by meeting chaplain Pastor Mark Havel using Isaiah 65:17-25 and Saturday morning cartoons. The Jack-o-lop taught the shorn lamb to have hope and how to rebound. Rev. Tracy Paschke-Johannes shared that her senior pastor John Malzahn is on medical leave for two months and shared a card for others to sign. Bishop led prayer for John and his wife, Elaine. GENERAL REPORTS Paul Trickel summarized the reports that were distributed by dropbox, ed or in folders with a focus on action items and requests. His report follows below: I-K Synodical Women of the ELCA, Dorothy Nevils - If you would like to do so, please share a particular joy or concern arising from your group s work. - We are excited about the upcoming gathering in Indianapolis that will hopefully reunite old friends and renew commitment to discipleship as Women of the ELCA, and we are thrilled about above average attendance and enthusiasm re: justice issues at SC cluster; plus age spread. In addition, it is a joy to be having dialogue w/local diaconal minister who wants to serve on our justice team! Is there anything you would like the Synod Council to address (e.g. resolution or motion, prayer request, information needed)? - To add synodical board members to conference lists so that they can be notified of meetings, work in partnership for relationship building w/women of the ELCA participants; share info so we may share w/women who otherwise would be bypassed; promote partnership that exists on paper; share with IK Synodical Women info which may lead to increasing inclusivity, especially when asked; encourage participation of women. Have WELCA representatives added to conference distribution lists. I-K Synod Malaria Campaign, Rev. Paul Meier If you would like to do so, please share a particular joy or concern arising from your group s work. - We are hearing of many churches getting started with their campaigns. Is there anything you would like the Synod Council to address (e.g. resolution or motion, prayer request, information needed)? - We encourage each of you to sign up for the Malaria newsletter on the ELCA website so that you can get information about what congregations around the country are doing to help eradicate malaria from the planet. We encourage you to get your own congregations excited and working. We ve got four years to build some momentum and become the healing hands of Christ to children and adults in Africa. Director for Evangelical Mission - IK Synod, Pastor Nancy Nyland If you would like to do so, please share a particular joy or concern arising from your group s work. - As I travel about in our IK Synod, it is a blessing to meet people and learn about ministry settings. What a treasure we have in our synod people of God living out their calls to make Christ known. I give thanks to God for the leadership of the synod staff and all of you on the synod council. Thanks be to God for all the wonderful ways that God s Spirit is at work in our Synod. Is there anything you would like the Synod Council to address (e.g. resolution or motion, prayer request, information needed) - Please pray for: safe travels for me as I travel throughout our Synod the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire and renew me for this ministry my son, Tadd, and my dad, Albert who often get left behind as I am serving our Synod

7 1927 our Synod as we capture a New Vision for a New Day Assistant to the Bishop for Young Adult Ministries and Christian Faith Practices, Rev. Carolyn Lesmeister If you would like to do so, please share a particular joy or concern arising from your group s work. - The meeting with the church council at Servants of Christ was definitely a high point for my work these past few months; the conversation was Spirit-filled, honest, and challenging, but almost everyone seemed to walk away encouraged and thinking. I am hoping that we will be able to partner in a way that is mutually beneficial for all of us, strengthening both the ministry in their community as well as my own work (which will then help me work more effectively with other congregations, too!). This year s SynodFest, which will focus on Christian Practices, is scheduled for Saturday, October 27, at Pilgrim Lutheran 106th mark your calendars!), Is there anything you would like the Synod Council to address (e.g. resolution or motion, prayer request, information needed)? - Continued prayers for discernment and guidance and the raising up of new leaders (as always!) as well as strong prayers for the specific ministries that are starting to take shape, many of which have been previously mentioned. Synod Christian Education Team, Ed Seykowski If you would like to do so, please share a particular joy or concern arising from your group s work. - Even though we are losing Jan Philpy in June who will be moving to Colorado in June to continue her retirement, we are happy to have had Jan s contributions of time, talents, and treasures to the Indiana-Kentucky Synod for many years. Currently we are short two committee members. We are happy for Karen Seykowski (CET Scribe), who is 95% recovered from the accident she had in Vietnam while on a mission with Habitat. Is there anything you would like the Synod Council to address (e.g. resolution or motion, prayer request, information needed)? - Please continue to advertise in Synod publications for new committee members within the Synod to join the CET to replace those who have left the Synod to relocate to other states. We have been waiting for the Bishop to appoint Karen & Ed Seykowski as the I-K Synod s Book of Faith Advocates and they could acquire the necessary training with the ELCA Headquarters. The main focus for the CET is to promote the Book of Faith in the I-K Synod which we have been doing so for several years. We are currently looking to new ways to do this via the Internet learning opportunities, as well as other venues. We are standing by to support Rev. Nyland with education resources for the new ministries she is planning in the I-K Synod. Nominating Committee aka Nom, Rodelyn McPherson If you would like to do so, please share a particular joy or concern arising from your group s work. - At our first web meeting most of the committee members had people in mind to invite into service. Professional Leaders Compensation Committee, Jim Kuchera Is there anything you would like the Synod Council to address (e.g. resolution or motion, prayer request, information needed)? - Our committee met once to review the 2011 'standards', and made only minor modifications to our document, and Council is asked to approve these. Candidacy Committee, Stephen M. Wood If you would like to do so, please share a particular joy or concern arising from your group s work. - As we meet in May, we will be acknowledging and giving thanks the work of two individuals that are completing their second 5 year term on the candidacy committee (Pastor Jane Aicher and Marsha Bragg).

8 1928 Freed to Lead Ministry, Joe Skvarenina If you would like to do so, please share a particular joy or concern arising from your group s work. - One Pastor's annual report said, "I have peace of mind due to the reduction of lifelong debts. I am now able to use my time and resources to serve and lead in the life of the church and beyond. Is there anything you would like the Synod Council to address (e.g. resolution or motion, prayer request, information needed)? - Freed to Lead always appreciate the names of any potential donors. BISHOP S REPORT, Part 2 Nancy Nyland, Director for Evangelical Mission encouraged all to review her written report. She has applied for a $10,000 grant from the Macedonia Project in the ELCA to support a two year project. The grant will be accompanied by $4,500 from the Synod both of which will be utilized to strengthen Stewardship and Mission Support education in the IK Synod. Strategies have been developed for the two existing Mission Tables Mission Support Table and Renewing Mission Table. The strategies are listed in her written report. Disaffiliation Consideration The executive committee reported that Adams Lutheran, Batesville, Indiana, has had the two votes to disaffiliate in accordance with constitutional requirements; both votes have been with a majority of approximately 90% to disaffiliate. Several from the synod council and staff have met with the congregation and members of the congregation. Their pastor is in discernment about what to do personally. They have voted to join both the NALC and LCMC. The executive committee recommended and after discussion it was VOTED: SC/2012/32: that pursuant to ELCA Constitution 9.62h. Adams Lutheran Church, Batesville, IN (02304), be released with regret from the roster of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod and the ELCA. Bishop s Report continued Bishop Gafkjen highlighted items in his written report. The Criminal Justice Social Statement draft is available for discussion and response and will be available for discussion at Synod Assembly. He commented on the disaster response to the weather related disasters in southern Indiana and northern Kentucky and has visited the area. Josh Tatum is working with David Rees in the synod attorney transition. Josh has a law degree and has many gifts to help with the concerns of the church. There is a delegation of three coming from our sister synod in Chili. They will be here for two to three days and Nancy Nyland is helping to host them. The bishop will be serving on the Churchwide Lay Roster Task Force. He has met with Daniel May who is the district president of LC-MS and had a very cordial meeting; many joint activities are no longer functioning between the ELCA and LC-MS. REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT During the Vice President s report the work of the Synod Council Task Force on Congregation Council Workshops was addressed and after discussion the synod council

9 1929 VOTED: SC/2012/33: approval of the work of the Task Force, affirmed their plans and encouraged them to continue to plan the workshops as proposed. Vice President Michael reported that there is difficulty in finding a date to meet with Craig Settlage, ELCA Director of Mission Support, since our synod council meetings coincide with the churchwide council meetings. The executive committee has suggested an alternate date. After discussion it was decided to try to meet with him on a Saturday separate from our regularly scheduled council meeting. The date that is planned is Saturday, September 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. TREASURER S REPORT Treasurer Knoerzer reviewed yearend figures. The year ending January 2012 finished with a positive $28,252, of which $25,000 was transferred to council designated. The positive variance was primarily due to not calling new staff until the middle of the year. Mission support for the year ending January 2012 was $1,796,405. The net cash as of January 31, 2012, was positive $20,993 and the prior year it was negative more than $158,000. The endowment remains healthy and strong and it has been added to over the course of the year. Upon recommendation of the finance committee the synod council VOTED: SC/2012/34: affirmed the movement of $25,000 from cash to council designated reserve. Treasurer Knoerzer reported on the closure of the Pike Township property sale which is being used by the Lamb of God congregation. She expressed gratitude to those who worked to complete the sale by the end of January. The executive committee recommends that the net cash from the sale of the Pike Township property, $170,560.55, be placed in council designated fund. After discussion the synod council VOTED: SC/2012/35: that the net cash from the sale of the Pike Township property be placed in the council designated fund. Modifications to the budget for , Budget Draft 3, (a copy of which is included with these minutes as Attachment A) were discussed as recommended by the Finance Committee. Line item 043, $26,032, is new for the Isaiah 43 New Vision for a New Day initiative; line item 022 Young Adult Ministry, $2,000, is also new; 036 Congregational Life Program has been increased, 048 Outreach Administration has been increased; 053 Mission Initiatives has been reduced by $15,000 and 054 Redevelopments of $15,000 has been added; and 082 Program Staff Travel has been increased. The overall increase to both income and expenditures is $38,532. After discussion the synod council VOTED: SC/2012/36: that the Budget be modified as recommended in Draft 3 with income and expenditures of 2, and mission support of 52%. SECRETARY S REPORT

10 1930 Secretary Bush referred for consideration the previously circulated draft minutes of the January Synod Council meeting. It was moved by Paul Trickel, seconded by Rita Betts and VOTED: SC/2012/37: that the minutes of the January 13-14, 2012, Synod Council meeting pages be approved. Secretary Bush reported that conferences are selecting nominees for synod council openings and for the 2013 Churchwide Assembly. The conference selects one nominee for each synod council opening and there are no nominees from the floor. For the Churchwide Assembly delegates there are two nominees for each position. Tom Barker reported that he has recruited one nominee for the treasurer s opening. She is a member of Messiah, Brownsburg, and is a CPA. There may be two others who may be willing to be nominated. Secretary Bush referred to the listing of congregations that had changed since the last editing of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Constitution. Some congregations no longer exist, some have merged, some have changed names, and some locations are incorrectly listed. The congregations are listed by conference in S12.01.A87. which is a continuing resolution. According to S a continuing resolution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Synod council. The changes are specified in Attachment B. After discussion it was moved and seconded, amended by motion and second, and synod council unanimously VOTED: SC/2012/38: that the congregations listed in S12.01.A87. of the Indiana- Kentucky Synod Constitution be changed to coincide with the current names and addresses as listed in the ELCA listing of congregations. During Churchwide Assembly in 2009 and 2011 changes to the synod constitution were enacted. Some are required and become effective upon notification by the Secretary of the ELCA, Other changes are recommended. Since the recommended changes are a result of the Churchwide Assembly they may be presented for action by the Synod Assembly and may be adopted by a majority vote. Section S8.51. is a required provision with an option regarding election or appointment of the treasurer of the synod. Gary Manning made a motion which was seconded and the synod council VOTED: SC/2012/39: that S8.51. of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Constitution be recommended to the 2012 Synod Assembly as follows: S8.51. The terms of the office of the officers of this synod shall be: a. The bishop of this synod shall be elected to a term of six years and may be reelected. b. The vice president and secretary of this synod shall be elected to a term of 4 years and may be reelected. c. The treasurer of this synod shall be [elected] [appointed] to 4 -year term and may be reelected or reappointed. Pastor Tim Knauff moved that the word appointment be added to S8.52. After the motion was seconded and discussed the synod council VOTED: SC/2012/40: that S8.52. of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Constitution be recommended to the 2012 Synod Assembly as follows:

11 1931 S8.52. Beginning of Terms. The terms of the officers shall begin on the first day of the third month following election/appointment or, in special circumstances, at a time designated by the Synod Council. Kate Knoerzer moved that the word S cover background checks for those appointed. After the motion was seconded and discussed the synod council VOTED: SC/2012/41: that S of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Constitution be recommended to the 2012 Synod Assembly as follows: S Background checks and screening shall be required and completed for persons nominated as synodical officers prior to their election/appointment, if possible, or as soon as practical after their election/appointment. The specific procedures and timing of background checks and screening shall be determined by the Synod Council. There are fifteen items that are recommended to be adopted by the 2012 Synod Assembly and are attached to the minutes as Attachment C. After discussion the synod council VOTED: SC/2012/42: that recommended changes to the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Constitution listed in Attachment D be recommended to the 2012 Synod Assembly for adoption: BISHOP S REPORT, Part 3 Danielle Burrus, Director of Communications discussed whether those who are insured have filled out the form to qualify for the reduction in premium. It is a promotion of the Portico health assessment which if filed by a sufficient number of insureds qualifies all for a 2% discount on premiums. Pastors Wade Apel and Lowell Anderson have volunteered and have called the primary plan members. As of the current time only 40.9% of the eligible members have taken the assessment and sixty-six more people need to take it. She reported that she does have a new camcorder which is a prosumer model, meaning that it is designed for people who are more than consumers but not quite professional users. It takes only high definition movies, as do all the camcorders on the market now. The problem is that video editing software has not kept up with what camcorders can do and her office computer operating system is too out of date to run current editing software. In addition, her computer s memory is low. Since her machine is next on the list to be replaced, she will be purchasing a new one this month that will accommodate all high-definition video files and editing software. When the tornados and storms hit, several people were out of the office. Everyone communicated electronically. She would like to have a contact person in each conference that will be available and has reliable electronic communication to use in case of emergencies. That person will be a contact and member of an I-K Synod disaster preparedness team. Council members are asked to names, addresses and phone numbers of potential contact persons. She will be coordinating a training session with Lutheran Disaster Response.

12 1932 PRAYER AT MID-DAY Pastor Mark Havel led prayer prior to lunch. LUNCH 2013 BUDGET PROPOSAL Prior to the budget discussion Danielle shared and discussed how to copy or save items on the dropbox. Treasurer Knoerzer then discussed the proposed budget for to be presented to the 2012 Synod Assembly for action. The proposal is summarized as BUDGET-Draft (a copy of which is included with these minutes as Attachment D) and reflects $1,900,000 mission support receipts and, being a people of faith, 52% mission support payments. Treasurer Kate discussed changes from the current year and the previous year. The total income and expense are each $2,355,562 which is approximately $14,000 more than the approved Budget. After discussion the synod council VOTED: SC/2012/43: that the Budget in Draft 5 projecting mission support of $1,900,000 with 52% to the ELCA with income and expenditures of $2,355,562 and mission support of 52% be recommended for adoption by the 2012 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly. BISHOP S REPORT, Part 4 The Bishop shared an that he received yesterday that was copied to him and was addressed to Nancy Nyland. It was an announcement that the $10,000 grant for the Macedonian project had been awarded. Pastor Nancy Nyland announced that she has asked Kate Knoerzer to chair a new Mission Table entitled New Mission Initiative Table. Based on the recommendation, the synod council VOTED: SC/2012/44: that Kate Knoerzer be appointed chairperson of the new Mission Table entitled New Mission Initiative Table. Assistant to the Bishop Reverend Heather Apel discussed her report regarding candidacy. The committee meets again in May. She asked and the synod council VOTED: SC/2012/45: that Rev. Stephen Wood be reappointed chairperson of the Candidacy Committee. Continuing her report regarding the Synod Assembly, she reported that there are currently 327 reservations for Synod Assembly. She has distributed the room confirmations and the meeting room assignment for the Synod Council meeting in June. She asked and the Synod Council

13 1933 VOTED: SC/2012/46: that Mike Anderson be reappointed chairperson of the Synod Assembly Planning Team. She recommended and the Synod Council VOTED: SC/2012/47: that the first offering of the 2012 Synod Assembly, opening Eucharist, go to disaster response in southern Indiana and northern Kentucky through ELCA Disaster Response Spring Storms. She also recommended and the Synod Council VOTED: SC/2012/48: that the Sending Worship offering of the 2012 Synod Assembly go to ELCA Malaria Campaign. Pastor Heather shared an overview of the 2012 Synod Assembly. She indicated that specific timelines will be sent out to the Synod Council so the Synod Council can vote on the agenda. DISCUSSION OF SYNOD CONSTITUTION, CHAPTER 10 At approximately 1:40 p.m. Bishop Gafkjen led a discussion of the role of Synod Council as specified in chapter 10 of the constitution. The group broke into small groups of three to four people and discussed the following questions. The answers that were shared are listed also. a. What are we doing in embodiment of this chapter? 1) Keeping balance of lay and clergy, balance of male and female, 2) Forming committees that are required, 3) Doing work of trustees and doing business of church 4) Doing procedure and process things b. What are we not doing? 1) Diversity in terms of race and ethnicity 2) Encouraging active youth participation 3) Not established the young person parameters needs clarification 4) Establishing benevolence appropriations 5) SC awareness or engagement of synod staff engagement in ministries 6) Annual review of rosters, S10.03.d. 7) Tending to passed assembly resolutions cultivate invitations from congregations 8) Function as SC members between meetings according to gifts 9) Care and support of rostered leaders and staff c. What ought no longer be in there for our current context/new Day? 1) Focus only on the rules (can be done missionally) (Deal with rules efficiently and graciously) d. What ought to be added or changed in some way? 1) Clarify the age parameters 2) Defining or clarifying work of the TEEM program and lay worship leadership, SAWS 3) Tending to and serving the mission of the synod, meetings alternate between business and mission 4) More spirituality, see to and tend to the spiritual renewal of the synod 5) Elect clergy from conferences as lay members are

14 1934 ASSIGNMENT OF ACTION ITEMS Paul Trickel shared the assignment of items for next meeting. His summary is listed below. Action Item Responsible Individual(s) Due Date Devotions and (June). Rev. Pamela Thiede June 7, 2012 New Vision for a New Day Listening Post worksheets are to be completed at all Conference Assemblies and anywhere else that might be applicable. Ask Danielle Burrus to add the Malaria campaign website to the I-K Synod website as a link. Add WELCA conference cluster chairs to conference distribution lists Synodfest is scheduled for 10/27 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church. As Identified Paul Trickel I-K Conference Dean & Chairs All I-K Synod members Ongoing As soon as possible. 5/31/ /27/12 Starting a Latino ministry workshop. Ps. Nyland May 2012 Criminal Justice Social Statement is available for discussion and response at We-Believe/Social-Issues/Social-Statements-in- Process/Criminal-Justice.aspx. Transition of legal services is occurring. Meeting with Craig Settlage re: Mission Support. Make I-K congregational changes to the constitution that are consistent with the ELCA listing. Encourage rostered members of the Synod to complete the Portico health assessment. Forward via contacts to Danielle Burrus for the I-K disaster preparedness team. Include name, addresses and phone numbers. Please do not delete, cut, or move Drop Box documents. If you wish to save a document on your own computer, please use the copy option. All Oct. 31, 2012 David Rees & Josh Tatum Synod Council Members Ongoing 10:30 Council Secretary 6/5/2012 Synod Council members Synod Council members Synod Council members 4/30/2012 6/1/2012 Ongoing Missional monitor for June. Rev. Timothy Knauff 6/7/2012 MEETING REVIEW The group responded to questions posed as follows: What was a moment of high energy in the meeting? discussion of Chapter 10, book last night, cartoon this morning

15 1935 What could have been done differently, more effectively, more helpfully? Learning how to work with Dropbox What one thing do you take with you from the meeting? Looking forward and not backward, sense of being spiritually connected, there will be unexpected destinations on the journey, take this meeting past this meeting, have things to do when we leave, share with others in the conferences, Listen Deeply exercise to use in conference SENDING DEVOTIONS Pastor Havel led the group in sending devotions, he referred to conversations about the book Unexpected Destinations and Wes s comment about if he had been born again once or many times. He spoke about grace intruding continually and told a story about twins having conversation in the womb and thinking about life after birth and how it would be to see mother face to face. There is trust that there is a new day. The meeting adjourned at 3:01 p.m. Respectfully Submitted in His Service, Judith A. Bush, Secretary

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