Grand Canyon Synod Synod Council Meeting Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree, Arizona Saturday, September 16, 2017 Minutes 1.

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1 Grand Canyon Synod Synod Council Meeting Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree, Arizona Saturday, September 16, 2017 Minutes 1. Gathering Synod Council members present: Bishop Lowell Almen; Mr. Paul Gryniewicz, Vice President; Mr. Jerry Zaddack, Treasurer; Rev. David Brandfass, Secretary; Ms. Judith Baker; Ms. Barbara Carl; Mr. Mateo Chávez; Mr. Wes Hewitt; Rev. Jennifer Zahnow; Ms. Sue Jensen; Rev. Jeff Kallevig; Ms. Marissa Metevelis; and Ms. Keri Ann Triunfo. Synod Council members absent: Ms. Nancy Davis; Ms. Mary Elizabeth Kilber; Ms. Laura Musfeldt; Ms. Janet Santiago; Mr. Bill Thompson; Mr. Mark Myers; and, Ms. Becca Geiser Visitors: Rev. Karn Carroll, Chair, Global Connections Team; and Ms. Myrna Wells-Ulland, President, Grand Canyon Synod Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Synod Staff present: Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta; Ms. Kimberlee Stevens; and, Dr. Teri Traaen. 2. Call to Order Mr. Paul Gryniewicz Mr. Paul Gryniewicz called the meeting to order at 12:48 P.M. 3. Minutes Rev. David Brandfass Mr. Paul Gryniewicz presented the minutes of the June 8, 2017 Synod Council Minutes for adoption. Ms. Barbara Carl moved MSP 1 SC To approve minutes of the June 8, 2017 Synod Council Meeting. Mr. Paul Gryniewicz presented the minutes of the June 9-10, 2017 Synod Assembly Minutes for adoption. Ms. Barbara Carl moved MSP SC To approve minutes of the June 9-10, 2017 Synod Assembly. 1 MSP = Moved, seconded, passed. 2 SC = Synod Council 3 Number: 17 refers to the year, 09 to the month, and 01 indicates the sequential action of the month taken by the Synod Council. Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 1

2 4. Reports a. Report of the Treasurer Mr. Jerry Zaddack i. Financial Reports Mr. Jerry Zaddack s written report the Synod Council is attached to these minutes as Exhibit 1. Mr. Zaddack reported synod finances are in good shape. The only concern is that fourteen (14) congregations are $4,000 or more behind on their pledge for Synod Council Conference Representatives will be touching base with congregations that are behind to find the reasons and learn if they need any help from the synod. ii. Actions of the Synod Council Regarding Financial Reports Rev. Jeff Kallevig moved MSP SC To approve the Treasurer s Report dated September 16, b. Report of the Bishop Bishop Lowell Almen i Bishop s Convocation Bishop Lowell Almen reported that the Bishop s Convocation, to be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chandler, Arizona, on October 17, 2017, will feature Bishop Michael Burk of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, presenting on How to Become a Bishop Without Being Religious, a topic chosen for its humorous character. ii Synod Council / Executive Committee / Deans Dates Bishop Lowell Almen reported that in 2018 the Synod Council would meet on February 10, 2018, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Phoenix, Arizona; June 14, 2018, 2:00 p.m., at Resurrection Lutheran Church, Oro Valley, AZ; October 5-6, 2018, in a Joint Retreat with the synod deans and staff at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree, AZ; and, December 8, 2018, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Phoenix, AZ. Bishop Almen noted that in 2018 the conference deans would meet at the Synod Office on February 7, 2018; May 16, 2018; August 16, 2018; November 14, 2018; and in retreat with the Synod Council at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree AZ October 5-6, Bishop Almen further reported on the challenges of serving in the office, especially the time commitments. An example is his concern Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 2

3 for providing excellent support for congregational call committees. A vacancy is a time of anxiety for congregations, and the person called will have a long term impact on the life on a congregation or calling agency. Bishop Almen further stated that the online survey for the bishop s election will be in both English and Spanish. Bishop Almen reported that we need to form an Audit Committee. Discussion held. Mr. Jerry Zaddack reported that the basic infrastructure is in place. The Audit Committee works with the selected audit firm to ensure that all the requirements of an audit for a nonprofit organization such as the Grand Canyon Synod are met. Bishop Almen reported that the former site of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California has been sold to Zaytuna College, an institution dedicated to educate and prepare morally committed professional, intellectual, and spiritual leaders who are grounded in the Islamic scholarship tradition and conversant with the cultural currents and critical ideas shaping modern society. It is identified as the first accredited Muslim undergraduate institution in the United States of America. c. Report of the Vice President Mr. Paul Gryniewicz i. Walking Together Mr. Paul Gryniewicz shared that synod means walking together. Communication is important. Mr. Gryniewicz encouraged Synod Council members to view their conference congregational webpages and Facebook pages. This will help Synod Council members know what is going on. ii. ing Mr. Paul Gryniewicz requested that conference representatives get the name and of congregation presidents within their conference and forward that information to Mr. Gryniewicz. The goal in gaining this information and providing an invitation for participation in the life of the synod. iii. Visitation Mr. Paul Gryniewicz requested visiting the conference churches for worship during the coming year. Listen when you visit, worship and pray with the congregation. If you run into major issues or problem send Mr. Gryniewicz. Mr. Jerry Zaddack reminded Synod Council members that grants Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 3

4 are available for various grants to assist congregations and agencies in starting new ministries. d. Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy Dr. Teri Traaen A written report was submitted by Dr. Teri Traaen, Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy and is attached to these minutes as Exhibit 2. Dr. Traaen reported on the drop of candidates and increasing number of rostered leader retirements. The majority of the candidacy time has been spent in screening candidates before they formerly enter the process to be rostered in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Candidates come as second, third, and even fourth career persons. Some possible candidates are simply shopping for something to do. Dr. Traaen shared that she then shares with potential candidates the details of the process. The first year in our process is a year of discernment with a pastor that the person has not previously related with. Sometimes even long time Lutherans do not understand the process. If you know someone who is interested in becoming a candidate, please have them call Dr. Traaen. Currently the cost of applying to be a candidate is $1,075. Dr. Traaen encouraged synod council members to be open to people of all ages who might be interested in the candidacy. Ms. Marissa Metevelis asked, What is the biggest barrier is to people who might be interested in crossing a denominational boundary to become a candidate in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)? Dr. Traaen explained the realities and possibilities of serving in the larger church. Dr. Traaen provided several examples. Candidates need to be open to whatever is ahead, and in the church that can be simultaneously exciting and daunting. Rev. David Brandfass asked about the $1,075 upfront fee for applying to be a candidate. Ms. Marissa Metevelis asked how many inquiries we get from people interested in becoming a rostered leader. Dr. Traaen reported that on a monthly basis she receives about four to five inquiries a month. e. Director for Evangelical Mission The Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta A written report was submitted by The Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, Director for Evangelical Mission and is attached to these minutes as Exhibit 3. Pastor Gomez-Acosta answered several questions on the acronyms contained in his report. Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 4

5 Pastor Gomez-Acosta gave an update on the situation at Vida Nueva Rev. Jennifer Zahnow moved MSP SC To approve $5,500 from the most appropriate fund determined by the synod officers to be used to replace an air conditioning unit at Iglesia Luterana Vida Nueva, Phoenix, Arizona. Pastor Gomez-Acosta reported on his work with the churchwide organization on vital congregations. The question is how do we work to make more of our congregations vital and sustainable, and what is the difference between being vital and sustainable? Pastor Gomez-Acosta stated this will be a yearlong effort. Ms. Marissa Metevelis commented on her congregation s interaction with Open Space, Tucson, Arizona, and how inspiring it was, and that stories similar to Open Space need to be shared in order to inspire other congregations. Mr. Paul Gryniewicz suggested that at the December 2017 meeting that we have an agenda item to discuss the synod s future support of Iglesia Luterana Vida Nueva, Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Jerry Zaddack stated that he would research the funds spent to date and the funds available for the Vida Nueva ministry, and that he would report his findings at the December 2017 Synod Council meeting. 5. New Business a. Global Engagement Team Fundraising Proposal Rev. Karn Carroll The Rev. Karn Carroll, chair of the Grand Canyon Synod Global Engagement Team addressed the Synod Council on the work with our companion synod. The Programe d Education a la Vie Familliale (PEVF) is a program similar to Lutheran Social Services that works with young girls in Senegal. Members of the Grand Canyon Synod who travelled to Senegal were very moved by this ministry. The Synod Council was presented a written report on the PEVF; it is attached as Exhibit 4. It was discussed that this is not just about money, but about mission interpretation as well. Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 5

6 Ms. Marrissa Metevelis moved MS 4 SC To permit the Grand Canyon Synod Global Engagement Team to engage in a synod-wide informational and fundraising effort to support the Programe d Education a la Vie Familliale (PEVF) in Senegal. Ms. Barbara Carl moved MSP SC To amend SC for a period of time not exceed twelve months. Voted MSP SC To permit the Grand Canyon Synod Global Engagement Team to engage in a synod-wide informational and fundraising effort to support the Programe d Education a la Vie Familliale (PEVF) in Senegal for a period of time not exceed twelve months. b. Synod Council Action Items Bishop Lowell Almen The following actions were presented for consideration by Bishop Lowell Almen. Ms. Barb Carl moved MSP SC To approve the On-Leave-from-Call application, effective September 21, 2017, for Deacon M. Jayne Baker; and, To approve the One-Leave-from-Call renewal applications for Deacon Connie Rose-Kamprath, for one-year, effective August 2, 2017 (original On- Leave-from-Call date, August 2, 2015); Rev. Jennifer Zahnow, for one-year, effective May 15, 2017 (original On-Leave-from-Call date, May 15, 2015); Rev. Cora Meier, for one-year effective July 3, 2017, (original On-Leave-from-Call date 7/3/16); and, To issue synodical calls effective September 1, 2017, all subject to review prior to the October 6, 2018, meeting of the Synod Council for subsequent recommended action (ELCA 7.43., , 7.73., and ) to: 4 MS = Moved, seconded Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 6

7 Rev. Richard Andersen, Executive Director, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree, Arizona; Rev. Abigail Byrd, East Team Chaplain, Casa de la Luz Hospice, Tucson, AZ Deacon Rachael Dales, Correctional Education Program Teacher, Lewis Prison Complex, Buckeye, AZ; Rev. Paul Gregory, Chaplain/Bereavement Counselor, Hospice Family Care, Mesa, AZ Rev. Deborah Hutterer, Chief Development Officer, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, Mesa, AZ; Rev. Sarah Isakson, Intentional Interim, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Prescott Valley, AZ Rev. Stephanie Johnson, Interim Pastor, Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, Clarkdale, AZ; Rev. Matthew Metevelis, one year nonstipendiary call, Associate Pastor for Care & Faith Formation at Reformation, Las Vegas, Nevada; Rev. Kevin Meyer, Spiritual Care Senior Manager at Banner Del Webb Medical Center, Sun City West, AZ; Rev. Tina Mills, Interim Associate Pastor, Our Savior s Lutheran Church, Mesa, AZ; Deacon Lana Neighbors, Chaplain, Honor Health Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center, Scottsdale, AZ Rev. Randall Olson, Chaplain Coordinator of Spiritual Care, Honor Health Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center, Scottsdale, AZ; Rev. Ronald Rude, Campus Pastor, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; and, To change the ELCA roster status of the following rostered leaders from active to retired, effective September 1, 2017, for Deacon Donald M. Burgess; Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 7

8 Rev. Patsy Koeneke; and, Rev. Marta Poling Schmitt. Bishop Lowell Almen moved MSP SC To approve the constitutions of the following congregations based on the recommendation of Mr. Bryan Daum: Christ Lutheran Church, Goodyear, Arizona, dated May 2017; Desert Hills Lutheran Church, Green Valley, AZ, dated August 2017; Faith Lutheran Church, Phoenix, AZ, dated June 2017; and, Good Samaritan Lutheran Church, Las Vegas, Nevada, August Old Business a. ELCA Office of the Secretary Bishop Lowell Almen Bishop Lowell Almen reported that the ELCA Office of the Secretary has received the actions of the 2017 Grand Canyon Synod. 7. Adjournment Bishop Lowell Almen led the closing prayer. The meeting adjourned at 2:37 P.M. 8. Next Meeting: a. December 9, 2017 b. Location: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Phoenix, AZ. Respectfully submitted, Rev. David Brandfass Secretary Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 8

9 Treasurer's report for November 30, 2017 Exec Committee Meeting and December 9, 2017 Synod Council meeting Jerry Zaddack Comments regarding Financial Statements as of October 31, 2017 FINANCIAL POSITION (Page 1 Balance Sheet) ASSETS o Synod Operating Cash = $546,579; comprised of $248,733 in our Bank of America operating account & $260,846 in Mission Investment Fund (MIF). Bank of America account balance is higher than our typical $150,000± balance. o Total Assets increased $40,168 from September to October. LIABILITIES o Little Change less than 4% decrease from September to October NET ASSETS o Our Unrestricted Net Assets (operating reserve) at October 31, 2017 was $430,564 or $32,012 behind the Mission Plan but well above our threshold of $250,000. ACTIVITIES & CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Page 2 Income Statement) REVENUE o Unrestricted revenues were 8.8% below plan. Congregation giving (designated), Other Gifts, Investment Income, Interest and Other Income were higher than budget, but these were offset by lower than budgeted Congregation giving (undesignated), Grants and Net Assets Released for Purpose Restrictions. EXPENSES Unrestricted expenses were 6.8% below the budgeted plan due lower than budgeted Personnel Expense, Communication, Postage & Supplies, Administrative, Equipment & Software, Building, Travel, Program and our Mission Support to Region 2 and I&A (Region 2 and I&A expenses are under budget because the expense is budgeted monthly but the check is submitted on a quarterly basis. The next payment will be made next month). These savings were partially off set by slightly higher budgeted expenses for Professional Fees/Services and Grants. Page 1 of 2

10 CONSOLIDATED NET ASSETS o YTD the Mission Plan called for a decrease in consolidated net assets of $166,661 but thankfully we have seen an increase of $47,530 instead. PLEDGE TO ACTUAL (Through 10/31/17 Not included in financial statements) Unrestricted Mission Support Revenue at $1,304,926 which is 113,300 less than our planned Unrestricted Mission Support revenue of $1,426,227. We are $38,899 behind the same period last year. Of the 89 congregations in the Synod, 37 congregations (42%) are meeting their pledge or have surpassed their pledge. Three (3) congregations made $0 pledge for 2017 but have given $6,500 year to date. Thank you to all congregations for sharing what they are able to share! Of the 89 congregations in the Synod, 10 congregations haven't given any Mission Support for the year. Seven (7) of those 10 congregations had made a pledge totaling $25,256 for year. Fifty (50) congregations are behind on their pledge with 8 of the 50 behind $5,000 or more. FINAL COMMENTS REGARDING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Overall, our financial position remains strong through October As noted in Wendell Harris November 25, We have now finished nine months of the current fiscal year and it is a pleasure to say all is well and stable financially based on the mission plan. All assets, liabilities and equity (net assets) are in line and stable. Net assets actually increased $47,530 compared to a planned decrease of $166,611. Synod operating cash is up $69,000 and mission investments has increased about $109,000 YTD due to an amazing increase in the stock market. Icing on the cake, total unrestricted expenses are $114,158 less than budget YTD. Congregational mission support is currently trailing pledges by $113,000, however we would expect that to improve over the last three months of the fiscal year. PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE MISSION PLAN The proposed revisions to the Mission Plan are fairly minor. The major changes are the reduction in the budget for Bishop Talmage s and Pastor Hernan s salaries offset by the Contract Payments for Interim Bishop Allman Pastor Jose Valenzuela. There are also some other non material adjustments to several categories. The attached proposed Revised Mission Plan includes notes to point out these changes. The bottom line improves the Mission Plan by $58,556 over the current approved plan. Page 2 of 2

11 ELCA - GRAND CANYON SYNOD FINANCIAL MISSION PLAN PROPOSED REVISION OF BUDGET Through November 30, 2017 Actual Approved Approved Revised Change Thru July 17/18 Plan 18/19 Plan 18/19 Plan 18/19 Plan Revenue Congregation Gifts - Benevolence $892,141 $1,750,000 $1,750,000 $1,750,000 $0 Congregation Gifts - Designated $5,627 5,200 5,200 $5,200 $0 Other Gifts $3,794 16,000 16,000 $16,000 $0 Grants $37,205 48,000 48,000 $48,000 $0 Interest $11,013 20,000 20,000 $20,000 $0 Other Income $36,113 44,200 48,200 $48,200 $0 Temp Rest Net Assets-Released $148, , ,661 $296,800 ($12,861) Note 3 Temp Rest Net Assets-Released ($148,000) (291,661) (309,661) ($296,800) $12,861 Note 3 Total Revenue $985,893 $1,883,400 $1,887,400 $1,887,400 $0 Personnel Salary - Other than Clergy $73, , ,995 $155,140 ($7,855) Note 3 Salary - Clergy $34, , ,335 $25,000 ($89,335) Note 1 Clergy Housing Allow $21,000 36,000 36,000 $12,000 ($24,000) Note 1 Temporary Staff $0 0 0 $0 $0 Employer FICA $4,549 14,704 14,998 $9,616 ($5,382) Note 1 Employer Medicare $1,265 3,438 3,507 $2,248 ($1,259) Note 1 Employer Pension & Ins Contrib $28,903 90,565 94,844 $46,819 ($48,025) Note 1 Employee Education Allow/Training $0 4,450 4,450 $3,950 ($500) Note 1 Worker's Comp $1,089 1,500 1,500 $1,500 $0 Unemployment Comp Ins $ $450 $0 Total Personnel $164,701 $421,510 $433,079 $256,723 ($176,356) Professional Fees/Services Audit/Accounting Services $5,639 6,000 6,000 $6,000 $0 Bank Fees $1,653 2,220 2,220 $2,220 $0 Consultants $1,450 1,600 1,600 $1,600 $0 Contract Services $33,786 50,100 50,100 $178,000 $127,900 Note 2 Corporate Fees/Licenses $ $300 $0 Legal Services $1,946 6,000 4,000 $4,000 $0 Liability Insurance $5,928 12,750 12,750 $10,000 ($2,750) Note 3 Other Professional Fees $768 1,400 1,400 $1,400 $0 Outside Printing $ $450 $0 Psych/Counseling Services $850 10,000 10,000 $10,000 $0 Total Professional Fees/Svcs. $52,144 $90,820 $88,820 $213,970 $125,150 Communication Cell Phones $480 1,300 1,300 $1,300 $0 DSL & hosting $115 1,000 1,000 $1,000 $0 Telephone $0 0 0 $0 $0 Long Distance $0 0 0 $0 $0 Website Host $136 1,000 1,000 $1,000 $0 Total Communication $731 $3,300 $3,300 $3,300 $0 Postage and Supplies Copier $443 1,000 1,000 $1,000 $0 Office Supplies $1,363 5,800 5,800 $5,800 $0 Postage and Shipping $641 1,500 1,500 $1,500 $0 Hospitality Supplies $0 0 2,500 $2,500 $0 Total Postage and Supplies $2,447 $8,300 $10,800 $10,800 $0 Administrative Business Meetings $6,270 19,925 19,925 $19,675 ($250) Note 3 Discretionary Funds $770 5,000 5,000 $5,000 $0 Dues/Memberships $ $250 $0 Gifts $2,040 4,300 4,300 $4,300 $0 Promotional $ $500 $0 Subscriptions/Books $0 1,025 1,025 $1,025 $0 Total Administrative $9,080 $31,000 $31,000 $30,750 ($250) Equipment and Software Equipment Rent/Lease $953 2,500 2,500 $2,500 $0 Equipment Repair & Maintenance $ $500 $0 Office Equipment <$3,000 $98 1,000 1,000 $1,000 $0 Software $1,947 3,000 3,000 $3,000 $0 Total Equipment and Software $3,118 $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 $0 Building Maintenance & Repairs $0 10,000 10,000 $10,000 $0 Office Rent $19,249 40,500 40,500 $40,500 $0 Total Building $19,249 $50,500 $50,500 $50,500 $0 Travel Conference/Registration $1,215 5,100 5,100 $4,500 ($600) Note 3 Travel $33,732 69,550 69,550 $65,850 ($3,700) Note 3 Total Travel $34,947 $74,650 $74,650 $70,350 ($4,300) Mission Support Financial Support - ELCA $446, , ,000 $875,000 $0 Financial Support - Region II $4,550 9,100 9,100 $9,100 $0 Institutions & Agencies $165, , ,500 $351,500 $0 Total Mission Support $616,604 $1,235,600 $1,235,600 $1,235,600 $0 Program Grants $134, , ,800 $169,800 $0 Honorarium $0 2,950 3,250 $3,250 $0 Program Supplies/Expense $27,526 79,000 86,000 $84,700 ($1,300) Note 3 Scholarships $250 18,650 18,650 $17,650 ($1,000) Note 3 Training/Educational Materials $0 1,100 1,100 $600 ($500) Note 3 Total Program $162,208 $271,500 $278,800 $276,000 ($2,800) Other Depreciation Expense $2,951 6,000 6,000 $6,000 $0 Gain (Loss) on Disposals $0 0 0 $0 $0 Interest Expense $0 0 0 $0 $0 Miscellaneous $ $0 $0 Total Other $3,591 $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 $0 Total Expenses $1,068,820 $2,200,180 $2,219,549 $2,160,993 ($58,556) Increase (Decrease) Net Assets ($82,927) ($316,780) ($332,149) ($273,593) $58,556 Note 1. Note 2 Note 3 Reduction of budgeted salaries for Bishop Talmage & Minister Hernan Budget Contracts for Bishop Almen and Jose Valenzuela Other Minor and Immaterial Adjustments

12 Grand Canyon Synod Candidacy Report December 2017 We continue to work with many potential candidates in all stages of their discernment for eventual service in the ELCA. Students consider pursuing their graduate preparation in both distance learning and on site environments, as well as using the pre-entrancing process of discernment as a time of personal reflection and preparation in order to complete their graduate studies in alignment with their home congregations. As we have discussed, extensive background reviews and reference checking are a key component of the application process. The discernment process for many candidates is quite lengthy. We walk with every student each step of the way. In reality, the process of discerning a call continues throughout a complete program of study. We continue to have Synod scholarship monies to draw upon for our students, as well as the scholarship monies from church wide funds such as the ELCA Fund for Leaders, and the Santa Cruz Sunrise Multi-Cultural Fund. All of these resources are dedicated to advancing the academic pursuits of our seminary candidates who will lead the ELCA of tomorrow throughout the world. Of course we also encourage our individual churches to directly support their own candidate with scholarship payments to the student and/or the Seminary that he/she is attending. Current highlights for a few of our students include: Mr. Kevin Anderson Kevin continues his academic work at PLTS in Berkeley, Ca. and will be completing his Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) during the summer of Mr. John Barton John is located to Waltham, Massachusetts and is underway with his year - long Internship at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in that community. This church has hosted eight (8) other Interns over the last years and thus this will be a strong educational environment for John throughout the year. John just completed the Conflict Dynamic Profile Assessment instrument and received feedback on his conflict management skills. This will assist him in developing skills to facilitate conflict based circumstances. Mr. Mateo Chavez Mateo is working toward completion of his TEEM program and remains in service at San Juan Bautista Lutheran Church in Tucson, Arizona. 1

13 Projected Approval Interview and Ordination activities will be happening in late spring/midsummer for Mateo. Ms. Nanette Christofferson Nanette is completing her Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) this fall at Banner Mesa Hospital. Then the next step for her will be the Endorsement Interview process and that will occur at the end of January She will then complete her Lutheran Year in affiliation with Luther Seminary. This will include online and on site instructional efforts until she is ready for her Approval Interview process. Ms. Kathleen Snyder-Lotz - Kathleen has returned to the valley and is completing her year - long Internship at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Sun City, Arizona. She and her husband are enjoying a return to the valley and the chance for immediate family to begin to develop a strong relationship with their new son. She is completing two validated instruments that are in use by all final year Seminary students namely the Conflict Dynamic Profile and the MBTI Communication Report. Both validated instruments assist our students in skills development as they prepare for their First Call and service as an ordained Pastor. In addition two Pre-candidates have come forward for early discernment conversations with the Synod Office this fall. One individual resides in Green Valley, Arizona and the other individual is a Scottsdale resident. Early conversations have included the realities of second career requirements for preparation for both Diaconal and Ordained assignments. We look forward to the next steps for each of these current students, as well as for the many students who are inquiring each year about the journey toward a lifetime of service in the ELCA. Respectfully submitted, Teri Teri J. Traaen, Ed.D., D.P.A. IPMA-HR SCP; SHRM-SCP Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy 2

14 DEM Report to the Synod Council September 15, 2017 It has certainly been a busy Summer here in the Grand Canyon Synod. I am finding that, although most congregations experience a slowdown in parish activity, the summer tends to pick up for me because it is conference season and more congregations request visits and meetings with me. The following are some highlights from the past few exciting months. DEM Activity It seems that my report at the Synod Assembly made an impact on some of our communities. I had two congregations (Santa Cruz, St. Andrew) contact me right away with requests to do consultations, while others just wanted to book me ahead of time to preach. I have also had continued missional conversations with a least three congregations about ways to better connect with their neighbors. I am hoping that by the end of the year we might move several of these conversations to real strategic action. My travel schedule ramped up the second half of June with Region 2 and Churchwide meetings, and Campformation at the end of the month. I was on vacation for part of July, but the rest of the time I was visiting congregations throughout the Synod. In August I attended the Rostered Ministers Gathering in Atlanta, and the Missional Leaders Training Conference in Denver. We had a total of 7 leaders from our Synod participate in the Denver training event. I attended the ELCA s coaching training event in the Metro DC Synod in early September, which will help us explore the potential for a coaching program in the synod. In light of the Churchwide decision that was made last summer to make Anti-Racism training required for all rostered leaders, the Diversity Team has reviewed curriculums and is making plans to offer training prior to the 2018 Bishop s Convocation and the 2019 Synod Assembly.

15 The Diakonia Program has 29 registered students, and more on a waiting list and is lead by Pastor Paul Block as official Director. Since the model encourages lay leadership, my role has shifted to being a resource and point person if they require Synodical assistance. Congregational Highlights The following are just highlights of certain congregations that I am working with, but not the whole list. If any member of the council has any questions on a specific congregation, please send me an at miguel.gomez-acosta@elca.org so that I may prepare a response for the meeting: NEW- SAWC Explorations, SAWCs, CUD Open Space (SAWC)- Open Space has made a significant rebound since I last reported. Recently they partnered with Reformation (LV) to spray-paint a mural on their property. Pictures of the mural and the event have been featured on the Synod Facebook page. Open Space had never been transitioned to a full SAWC, even though they had worship services in the past, so in August they were incorporated and recognized as a SAWC. The Forge (SAWC, formerly EVMOI)- The Forge has recently received full SAWC status from churchwide since they are now worshipping once a month. Rusty Shaffer continues to gather 15 to 30 young adults for fellowship, service, and worship. Emmanuel Sudanese (SAWC)- Since Emmanuel was a community that already existed, it skipped the exploration phase and became a full SAWC immediately. This has caused a few problems since they already had leaders in place. Funding has been delayed for this community as we must run background checks on everyone listed in the corporation commission. Though

16 the integration into our system has been slow, the community continues to thrive. Gabriel Kuany, the identified leader, attended the missional leaders training in Denver. Nueva Cancion (SAWCE)- Abby Williams began the work of determining the potential for a Latino ministry in the Las Vegas area on August 15th. I should have more to report by next Synod Council meeting. Abby also attended the boundaries and missional leaders training in Denver. Crossroads Florence and Queen Creek (SAWCE)- Jon Paul and Louise Gahm officially began their exploration on July 1 st and they both attended the missional leaders training in Denver. I should have more to report at the next Synod Council meeting. RENEWING Celebration- Celebration voted again to be a Redevelopment congregation in July. Their call committee is seeking only those candidates that have passed the Behavioral Interview and are on the Redevelopers list. They have already received one name. Living Christ- Pastor Kurt and two of his leaders attended Part 2 of the Redevelopers training. They have been engaging with their community and growing in stewardship. For the past 12 years they have been active in the annual Flagstaff Pride event, and this year became official sponsors of the event. My wife and I were blessed to visit in June and help out at their both for a couple of hours. For pictures please see the Synod Facebook page. ETHNIC COMMUNITIES Vida Nueva- I am pleased that Vida Nueva has stabilized in recent months. The oversight committee met with Pr. Jose Valenzuela for the 90 day Check in at the end of July and it was

17 determined that since their trajectory seemed to show improvement we would discuss a future after the Synodical Administration. Currently they plan on having an Interim Pastor to prepare them to call a full-time pastor in the future. There is an action item that I will be bringing up at the council meeting. One of Vida Nueva s classroom air conditioning units went out in recently. It will $5500 to replace it because it cannot be patched together any more. I want to recommend that the Synod help replace this unit utilizing funds outside of the Vida Nueva account. By doing so we can demonstrate to Vida Nueva that we have taken notice of their improvement and want to make an investment in them. AREAS OF CONCERN First Evangelical/La Primera- Pastoral Intern Cassandra Chavez arrived on August 1 st. So far reports have been positive about her being there. My only concern is that their current Interim, Pr. Melissa Harr, has taken a full-time job back in the beginning of the summer, which has made her availability limited. The day to day pastoral presence has fallen on Lynda Maraby, who is not a pastor. I am concerned about the vitality of this congregation if a regular pastoral presence is not there to at least guide the missional direction of the congregation. The council has notified me that they will be addressing Pastor Melissa s availability with her. Hopefully this will remedy the situation, but I keep the council posted. SUMMARY Overall, things are going well in the area of mission in the Grand Canyon Synod. We are taking bold steps in exploring new areas of mission and are beginning to ask very important questions about where God might be leading us next. I am still concerned about overall Congregational Vitality. Since I have been serving in Churchwide s Congregational Vitality Task Force I have

18 been trying to grapple with some interesting questions. In this upcoming year I want to work with the New and Renewing Table to develop a plan for encouraging congregations in our Synod to do a vitality self-evaluation, as well as develop resources to help them reach their goals. I would like to present this plan at Synod Assembly in 2018.