Grand Canyon Synod Synod Council Meeting Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa, Arizona Thursday, June 8, 2017 Minutes 1. Gathering

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1 Grand Canyon Synod Synod Council Meeting Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa, Arizona Thursday, June 8, 2017 Minutes 1. Gathering Synod Council members present: Bishop Steve Talmage; Ms. Mary Beth Baron, Vice President; Mr. Jerry Zaddack, Treasurer; Rev. David Brandfass, Secretary; Ms. Barbara Carl; Mr. Mateo Chávez; Ms. Nancy Davis; Ms. Becca Geiser; Rev. Jeff Kallevig; Ms. Mary Elizabeth Kilber; Mr. Frank Melgar; Ms. Marissa Metevelis; Mr. Richard Miller; Mr. Mark Myers; Rev. Ronald Poe and, Rev. Jennifer Zahnow. Synod Council members absent: Ms. Judith Baker; Mr. John Collins; Mr. Wes Hewitt. Visitors: Rev. Dr. Lowell Almen, 2017 Synod Assembly Parliamentarian; Mr. Paul Gryniewicz, Desert Cross, Tempe; Ms. Laura Musfeldt, Northeast Valley Conference Representative elect; Rev. Mark Olsen, Associate Director, ELCA Fund for Leaders; and, Rev. Stephen Springer, Reference and Counsel Committee Chair. Synod Staff present: Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta; Ms. Kimberlee Stevens; Dr. Teri Traaen; and Mr. Wendell Harris. 2. Call to Order Ms. Mary Beth Baron Ms. Mary Beth Baron called the meeting to order at 6:37 pm. 3. Introduction of Guests Ms. Mary Beth Baron introduced the following guests to the Synod Council meeting: The Rev. Dr. Lowell Almen, 2017 Synod Assembly Parliamentarian; Mr. Paul Gryniewicz, Desert Cross, Tempe; Ms. Laura Musfeldt, Northeast Valley Conference Representative; and Rev. Stephen Springer, Reference and Counsel Committee Chair. Bishop Stephen Talmage introduced The Rev. Mark Olsen, Associate Director, ELCA Fund for Leaders. 4. Minutes Ms. Mary Beth Baron Ms. Mary Beth Baron presented the minutes of the February 18, 2017 Synod Council Minutes for adoption. Ms. Barb Carl moved MSP SC to approve minutes of the February 18, 2017 Synod Council Meeting with slight corrections noted. Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 1

2 5. 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. Jerry Zaddack reported that audit was complete. The audit went much smoother than it did last year. The Grand Canyon Synod received a clean audit of last year s financial results. ii. Fiscal Year Mission Plan Report Financial Reports, dated April 30, 2017 are attached to these minutes as Exhibit 2. Mr. Jerry Zaddack reported that budgeted decrease in consolidated net asset for the year was almost exactly what was budgeted. iii. Financial Mission Plan for Fiscal Year Mr. Jerry Zaddack presented the updated Financial Mission Plan for Fiscal Year It is attached to these minutes as Exhibit 3. iv. Actions of the Synod Council Regarding Financial Reports Mr. Jerry Zaddack moved MSP SC that the Synod Council sends the Financial Mission Plan for Fiscal Year with Total Unrestricted Revenue of $2,197,061 and a decrease in Consolidated Net Assets of $249,149 to the 2017 Synod Assembly for approval. Ms. Marissa Metevelis moved MSP SC to approve the Treasurer s Report dated June 8, b. Vice President s Report Ms. Mary Beth Baron i. Bishop Talmage Celebration Dinner Ms. Mary Beth Baron presented the logistics for the celebration dinner at the Synod Assembly. It was decided the Synod Council members would be seated with their home congregations for the dinner. Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 2

3 ii Nominating Report The written report of the Nominating Committee is attached to these minutes as Exhibit 4. Ms. Mary Beth Baron highlighted the nomination of Mr. Paul Gryniewicz, Desert Cross, Tempe, Arizona for Synod Vice-President. There are four nominations going forward for the Synod Council At- Large vacancies. However, no names have come forward for the Synod Council Young Adult (18-30 age range, female) position vacancy. Ms. Baron also reported that we are looking for nominees for Synod Council Youth-Male vacancy. We continue to look for two clergy and two laypersons to serve on the Consultation and Discipline Committees. Ms. Mary Elizabeth Kilber reported that she will be bringing forward a nomination for the Consultation Committee at the Assembly. iii. Conference Caucus Gatherings 1. Elections Ms. Mary Beth Baron reported that the Northeast Valley, Cactus, and Fiesta conferences will be electing Conference Representatives during the Conference Caucuses. The rest of the conferences will be encouraged to consider raising up names for the various vacancies in synod leadership positions. Ms. Barbara Carl asked if the nomination that she submitted over the weekend of June 3-4, 2017 for Synod Council At-Large if her biographical information will be included in tomorrow s update to the Synod Assembly. Ms. Mary Beth Baron explained that her nomination would be included in the report to the Synod Assembly with any other nominations received by the cut off time. 2. Informed Discernment for the 2018 Bishop Election Ms. Mary Beth Baron reminded the Synod Council that the other part of the Conference Caucus time is to be spent discussing the synod wide discernment that will be ongoing leading up to the 2018 Bishop Election. The question before all the Conference Caucuses will be, What is the greatest hope, and what causes the most anxiety for you and your congregation around the year of interim leadership and the election of a new bishop in June, 2018? This will be a time of collaborate conversation and it will be important the Synod Council members acting as recorders to capture the essence of what is being said. Based on feedback given in regards to this process, there will be newly allocated Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 3

4 iv. time in the Synod Assembly agenda for the Deans to provide updates to the Assembly on what was discussed during their conference caucus time. Synod Council Membership Update Ms. Mary Beth Baron reported 1. Resignation of Rev. Ron Poe, Ms. Mary Beth Baron reported that The Rev. Ron Poe, Colorado River Representative, had resigned from the Grand Canyon Synod Council. 2. Appointment of Rev. Jennifer Zahnow Ms. Mary Beth Baron reported that The Rev. Jennifer Zahnow had been appointed as the Colorado River Representative on the Grand Canyon Synod Council. 3. Appointment of Ms. Laura Musfeldt Ms. Mary Beth Baron reported that Ms. Laura Musfeldt had been appointed as the Northeast Valley Representative on the Grand Canyon Synod Council. v. Region 2 Archives vi. Ms. Mary Beth Baron reported that in July the move of the Region 2 Archives from their current site at the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary to their new site at the Southwest California Synod offices would happen. Region 2 archivists are busily trying to figure out precise space requirements. At the present time we do not know the complete expenses associated with this move. There might be an additional request for funds in the future to complete this process. Trinity Lutheran Church, Willcox Update Ms. Mary Beth Baron reported 1. Proceeds from the Sale Ms. Mary Beth Baron reported that proceeds from the sale of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Willcox, Arizona property were $85,019. Mr. Wendell Harris informed the Synod Council there were some ancillary expenses associated with the sale, such as utilities which have not been accounted for at the present time. Special thanks to Ms. Kimberlee Stevens for her detailed work to make sure that all went smoothly. A Seventh Day Adventist church is the purchaser of the property. a. August 28, 2016 Request from Trinity Ms. Mary Beth Baron reported on August 28, 2016 the leadership of Trinity Lutheran Church, Willcox, AZ requested, a portion be used for new start churches and Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 4

5 campus ministries at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University. b. Remaining Funds from Trinity Ms. Mary Beth Baron reported the Grand Canyon Synod had received a cashier s check in the amount of $8,719.61, which was the final balance of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Willcox, AZ checking account. Discussion was held on how to administer these proposed grants while honoring the intentions of the Trinity, Wilcox leadership Bishop Talmage suggested we follow the advice of the consultant that set up the current Synod Grant process, in that we should use the existing grant committee as a uniform way of engaging the campus ministries that maybe interested in receiving a grant from the Trinity Lutheran Church, Willcox, AZ funds. Mr. Jerry Zaddack explained that we have many funds that are very restricted. Bishop Talmage stated that we would need to let the three campus ministries know that these funds are available for them and they need to apply for them in September. The Rev. Jeff Kallevig requested that the Synod Council be informed of who is serving on the Grand Canyon Synod Grant Committee, especially as people rotate off this committee. Marissa Metevelis moved MSP SC that ninety percent of the net assets of the closing of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Willcox, Arizona be allocated fifty percent to the Grand Canyon Synod Outreach Fund and fifty percent to fund grants for the three existing (University of Arizona, Arizona State, and Northern Arizona University) campus ministries within the Grand Canyon Synod with allocation through the existing Grand Canyon Synod grant award process. Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 5

6 vii Synod Assembly Lodging in Tucson, Arizona Ms. Mary Beth Baron reported on lodging options for the 2018 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly to be held in Tucson, Arizona. The Assembly will be held at Resurrection Lutheran Church, Oro Valley, Arizona. Three resorts got back to the synod with room rates. It was felt that a resort facility might better allow for conversations outside the assembly sessions surrounding the topic of the bishop election. Marissa Metevelis moved MSP SC that the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador will be the housing site for the 2018 Synod Assembly. c. Report of the Bishop The Rev. Stephen Talmage i. Purchase of Chairs for La Sagrada Familia ii. Bishop Stephen Talmage reported that La Sagrada Familia Lutheran Church, Phoenix, Arizona has broken ground on their new facility. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church (independent) was the mother church for La Sagrada Familia Lutheran Church (ELCA) when La Casa de Cristo was still part of the ELCA. Even though La Casa de Cristo has separated from the ELCA they purchased the land for La Sagrada, and using the ELCA s Mission Investment Fund, La Casa de Cristo is guaranteeing the mortgage payments for La Sagrada for a period of ten years. Since La Sagrada Familia Lutheran Church, Phoenix, Arizona is an ELCA congregation, and one of the largest Hispanic congregations within the ELCA, Bishop Talmage recommends that that Grand Canyon Synod congregations consider adopting a item on La Sagrada s wish list for furnishing, fixtures, and equipment that is not covered by the building mortgage. Bishop Talmage will be designating funds from the Bishop s Discretionary Fund (Designated Mission Support Fund 06) to be used for the worship chairs at the new La Sagrada site. It is hoped that the congregations of the Grand Canyon Synod will be generous in supplying the materials needed Assembly Resolutions Bishop Talmage reported there will be a resolution to accept Crossroads Lutheran Church, San Tan Valley, Arizona as the newest congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America within the Grand Canyon Synod. Discussion was held on two resolutions submitted by the Cactus Conference surrounding the 2018 Bishop Election. Synod Council members were encouraged to speak at the assembly about the reality of the process for the Bishop Election, and that all members of the Grand Canyon Synod have been encouraged to participate in this process by the Synod Council. It has never been the intent of the Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 6

7 Synod Council to come up with a profile on its own without input from members and stakeholders within the Grand Canyon Synod. Mr. Richard Miller clarified that the intent of the resolutions in regards to the Bishop Election was to ensure that people who were unable to be part of the Synod Assembly would have voice in the process of electing a bishop. Further discussion was held about developing a profile for the Grand Canyon Synod. Mr. Jerry Zaddack clarified that the goal was to have the profile in place by January 31, 2018, compiled by a subset of members of the Synod Council. Ms. Mary Beth Baron reported that Ms. Barbara Carl, Mr. Mark Myers, Ms. Judith Baker, the elected Synod Vice-President, would be formed as the committee, and that Ms. Baron will stay on to help this committee as needed. This subcommittee is committed to using the input and feedback received from fall meetings of the conferences. Those dates have been set, with the exception of the Cactus Conference. Discussion was held on Resolution S17.07, which calls for a consultant to be hired to assist the GCS in developing a profile. It was noted that this is not a normal process followed by synods throughout the ELCA. The Rev. Lowell Almen added that ELCA synods often do consult with the ELCA Research and Evaluation staff out of Chicago as they develop their profile. Mr. Mark Myers stated the need to clearly explain the process to the Assembly. Ms. Mary Beth Baron will give an overview of the bishop election process on the first day of the 2017 GCS Assembly. Bishop Stephen Talmage observed that there is one conference that has been sharing concerns about the process. When he has met with other conference pastors and leaders, and has answered their questions, their anxiety level with the process diminishes greatly. Bishop Talmage presented an outline of the bishop election process: Conference Caucuses at the 2017 GCS Assembly; The Deans will report back to the Assembly; Notes of the conference meetings will be compiled and shared with the Transition Team; The bishop election and Synod Profile will be a topic of discussion at the GCS Deans, Staff, and Synod Council Retreat in September; Fall Conference meetings will be scheduled which will include prayer for discernment and discussion about the profile and election; There will be discussion on the bishop election at the Bishop s Convocation of rostered leaders in October; The Transition Team will receive all these reports; A draft profile will be presented by the Transition Team at the December Synod Council meeting; The Transition Team will receive the Synod Council s feedback; Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 7

8 The Transition Team will then present a final Synod Profile to the Synod Council s February, 2018 meeting; and, Prior to the 2018 GCS Assembly there will be spring conference gatherings, hopefully attended by voting members of the 2018 GCS Assembly. Mr. Jerry Zaddack requested that the most recent synod profile completed by an ELCA synod in preparation for a bishop s election be obtained for examination and review. Ms. Mary Beth Baron added that voting members to the 2018 GCS Assembly would all receive the Synod Profile to use as they are in discernment of the bishop candidates that will come before them. Voting members will also be encouraged to use the section in the GCS Constitution that defines the duties and responsibilities of the bishop. d. Director of Evangelical Mission The Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta A written report was submitted by The Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, Director of Evangelical Mission and is attached to these minutes as Exhibit 5. The Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta provided an update on the situation at Iglesia Luterana Vida Nueva, Phoenix, Arizona that is now under synod administration. Rostered leadership to Vida Nueva is being provided by The Rev. Jose Valenzuela. Pastor Gomez-Acosta reported that things are going much better at Vida Nueva. Mr. Frank Melgar reported that the congregation now seems to be going in a positive direction. Pastor Gomez-Acosta reported that instead of disbanding the Vida Nueva Church Council, an oversight committee has been set up staffed by three rostered leaders to provide oversight and support for the Vida Nueva Council. Three goals have been set for the next six months at Iglesia Luterana Vida Nueva: 1) To develop a financial plan to meet their current and future needs; 2. To develop a worship plan that brings in an average of sixty participants in worship; and 3. To administer leadership transitions so that there would no longer be stagnation in congregational leadership. Vida Nueva leadership is working on all three of these goals. Part of the agreement that the Iglesia Luterana Vida Nueva Church Council has set up is that if they do not meet the above goals within six months they will begin the process of closing the ministry. As theses goals are met, Pastor Gomez-Acosta reported that they would then receive names of ELCA rostered Ministers of Word and Sacrament to fill their vacancy. The Rev. Miguel Acosta-Gomez reported that La Primera Mision Evangelica Luterana will be receiving a seminary intern to serve as vicar thanks to synod support. Interestingly, La Sagrada Familia Lutheran Church, Phoenix, will also be receiving a seminary intern to serve as a vicar in that congregation focusing on Youth and Family ministry. This intern is supported by the churchwide organization. Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 8

9 Pastor Gomez-Acosta brought to the Council s attention that the Assembly will be hearing about three Synodically Authorized Worshiping Communities in Exploration (SAWC-E). These exciting developments are moments of exploration to see if there are ministry needs within specific communities. Ms. Marissa Metevelis observed that it would be a good idea to profile and learn more about how Crossroads Lutheran Church, San Tan Valley, Arizona has been able to be so energized for mission development. This is something we need to replicate around the ELCA. e. Assistant 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 6. Dr. Teri Traaen reminded the Synod Council that the GCS Assembly would be hearing from our Grand Canyon Synod seminarians. Dr. Traaen also shared that she often gets calls from people who are second or third career persons interested in becoming seminarians. This is a trend that takes special considerations of which Council leadership needs to be aware of. 6. New Business a. On Leave from Call Renewal Applications Bishop Stephen Talmage Ms. Marissa Metevelis moved MSP SC to approve the On-Leave-from-Call application, effective February 1, 2017, for The Rev. Tina Mills; to approve the One-Leave-from-Call renewal application for The Rev. Robert Jones for one-year, effective July 2, 2017 (original On-Leave-from-Call date, July 2, 2016); to approve the One-Leave-from-Call renewal application for The Rev. John Rohwer for one-year, effective March 23, 2017 (original On-Leave-from- Call date, March 23, 2016). b. Approval of Voice and Vote at the 2017 Assembly Mr. Mark Myers moved MSP SC to grant The Rev. John Kautz, Lutheran Church of the Foothills, Tucson, Arizona; The Rev. Patsy Koeneke, Our Savior s Lutheran Church, Mesa, Arizona; and, The Rev. Kenneth Nyhusmoen, Desert Hills, Green Valley, Arizona, voice and vote at the 2017 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 9

10 c. Missional Leadership Academy Funds Ms. Marissa Metevelis moved MSP SC to designate funds previously set aside for the Missional Leadership Academy use to now be designated for use by the Synod Lay Academy. d. Open Spaces Funding The Rev. Jeff Kallevig moved MSP SC to approve the use of $6,000 from the Grand Canyon Synod Outreach Fund to support Open Spaces, a Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community, in Tucson, Arizona. e. Annual Review of the GCS SAWCs Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta Ms. Barb Carl moved MSP SC to affirm the existing Grand Canyon Synod, Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities (SAWC) of Covenant Lutheran Church, Quartzsite, Arizona; East Valley Millennial Outreach Initiative, Mesa, AZ; Native American Urban Mission, Phoenix, AZ; Open Space Ministries, Tucson, AZ; Queen Valley Community Lutheran Church, Queen Valley, AZ; to confirm the churchwide organization s affirmation of the following new Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community - Explorations (SAWC-E) within the Grand Canyon Synod: Crossroads Queen Creek SWAC-E, Queen Creek, Arizona; Crossroads Florence SWAC-E, Florence, AZ; and, Nueva Cancion SWAC-E, Las Vegas, Nevada. to confirm the churchwide organization s affirmation of the following new Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community (SAWC) within the Grand Canyon Synod: Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Fellowship, Phoenix, Arizona. Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 10

11 f. Changes to the Grand Canyon Synod Constitution Ms. Barb Carl moved MSP SC to approve the following changes to the Constitution of the Grand Canyon Synod, and present them to the 2017 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly; that bylaw S of the Grand Canyon Synod Constitution be amended to read (additions underlined; deletions struck through): S The synod shall elect voting members reflecting the membership regions of the Synod to the Churchwide Assembly in the number designated by the ELCA. Each conference shall nominate one member and one alternate for the election by the Synod Assembly. Each conference shall have one member elected. Additional members allotted by the ELCA shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee in such a way as to meet the requirements of the ELCA constructional provision 5.01 regarding inclusivity. No nominations from the floor shall be received for the election of nominees elected by the conferences. Nominations for election of at-large member(s) may be made from the floor. that bylaw S of the Grand Canyon Synod Constitution be amended to read (additions underlined; deletions struck through): S The Executive Committee shall be composed of the synodical officers and four at least two but not more than four members of the Synod Council, elected by the council. The Executive Committee It shall counsel with the synod officers and shall perform those functions assigned to it by the Synod Council. This committee (with the exception of the bishop) shall review the work of the paid staff and make recommendations regarding salaries. that the amendments to the Synod Constitution as recommended by the 2016 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America be Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 11

12 adopted (additions underlined; deletions struck through): S7.22. S7.24. The This synod may establish processes that permit retired ordained rostered ministers, retired associates in ministry, retired deaconesses, and retired diaconal ministers on the roster of this synod to serve as voting members of the Synod Assembly, consistent with S7.21.c. above. The synod may establish processes that permit ordained ministers, associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers who are on leave from call, or those designated as disabled, or on leave from call, on the roster of the synod to serve as voting members of the Synod Assembly, consistent with S7.21.c. above. If the synod does not establish processes to permit the rostered leaders ministers specified above to serve as voting members, they shall have voice but not vote in the meetings of the Synod Assembly. Ordained ministers Ministers under call on the rosters of this synod shall remain as members of the Synod Assembly so long as they remain under call and so long as their names appear on the rosters of ordained ministers of this synod. Associates in ministry, deaconesses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and diaconal ministers of this church serving under call on the roster of this synod shall remain as members of the Synod Assembly so long as they remain under call and so long as their names appear on the official lay roster of this synod. Lay members of the Synod Assembly representing congregations shall continue as such until replaced by the election of new members or until they have been disqualified by termination of membership. Normally, congregations will hold elections prior to each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 12

13 S7.27. S S This synod may establish processes through the Synod Council to grant an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament from a church body with which a relationship of full communion has been declared and established by the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America the privilege of both voice and vote in the Synod Assembly during the period of that ordained minister s service in a congregation of this church. The functions of the Synod Council shall be to:... d. Provide for an annual review of the roster of ordained ministers of Word and Sacrament and the roster of ministers of Word and Service and of other official rosters, receive and act upon appropriate recommendations regarding those persons whose status is subject to reconsideration and action under the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and make a report to the Synod Assembly of the Synod Council s actions in this regard. e. Issue letters of call to ordained rostered ministers and letters of call to associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers as authorized by Chapter 7 of the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.... This synod shall in its bylaws or by continuing resolution establish a process to ensure that the members of its committees and other organizational units will be persons possessing the necessary knowledge and competence to be effective members of such units, and to meet the requirements of S6.04. With Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 13

14 S S S S S the exception of ordained ministers on the rosters of this synod who reside outside the territory of this synod, each member of a committee of this synod, or any other organizational unit created by this synod, shall be a voting member of a congregation of this synod. When a pastor or when an associate in ministry, deaconess, or diaconal rostered minister resigns, the Congregation Council shall receive the letter of resignation, report it to the congregation, and at once notify the bishop of this synod. A congregation under financial obligation to its former pastor or associate in ministry, deaconess, or diaconal rostered minister shall make satisfactory settlement of the obligation before calling a successor. The pastor (a) shall keep accurate parochial records of all baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials, communicants, members received, members dismissed, or members excluded from the congregation, (b) shall submit a summary of such statistics annually to this synod, and (c) shall become a member of the congregation upon receipt and acceptance of the letter of call. In a parish of multiple congregations, the pastor shall hold membership in one of the congregations. Whenever members of a congregation move to such a distance that regular attendance at its services becomes impractical, it shall be the duty of the pastor to commend them, upon their consent, to the pastoral care of a Lutheran congregation nearer to their place of residence. Each ordained minister of Word and Sacrament on the roster of this synod shall submit a report of his or her ministry to the bishop of the synod at Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 14

15 S S S S S least 90 days prior to each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. No ordained minister of Word and Sacrament shall accept a call without first conferring with the bishop of this synod. An ordained minister of Word and Sacrament shall respond with an answer of acceptance or declination to a letter of call within 30 days of receipt of such call. In exceptional circumstances with the approval of the bishop of this synod and the chair of the Congregation Council of the congregation issuing the call, an additional 15 days may be granted to respond to a letter of call. All ordained ministers of Word and Sacrament under a call shall attend meetings of the Synod Assembly, and the pastors of congregations shall also attend the meetings of the conference, cluster, coalition, or other area subdivision to which the congregation belongs. The minister of Word and Service shall become a member of the congregation upon receipt and acceptance of the letter of call. In a parish of multiple congregations, the minister of Word and Service shall hold membership in one of the congregations. Each minister of Word and Service on the roster of this synod shall submit a report of his or her ministry to the bishop of the synod at least 90 days prior to each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. No minister of Word and Service shall accept a call without first conferring with the bishop of this synod. A minister of Word and Service shall respond with an answer of acceptance or declination to a letter of call within 30 days of receipt of such call. In exceptional circumstances with the approval of the bishop of this synod and the chair of the Congregation Council of the Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 15

16 S congregation issuing the call, an additional 15 days may be granted to respond to a letter of call. All ministers of Word and Service under a call shall attend meetings of the Synod Assembly, and the ministers of Word and Service of congregations shall also attend the meetings of the conference, cluster, coalition, or other area subdivision to which the congregation belongs. g. Issuance of a Synodical Call Mr. Mark Myers moved MSP SC to approve issuing a Synodical Call to The Rev. Nathan Bowman, to serve as Hospice Chaplain, Hospice of the West, effective April 17, 2017 for one year. h. Approval of Congregational Constitutions The Rev. Jennifer Zahnow moved MSP SC to approve, on the recommendation of Mr. Brian Daum, the constitutions and by-laws of Crossroads Lutheran Church, San Tan Valley, Arizona, dated April 2017; Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chandler, AZ, dated April 2017; New Song Lutheran Church, Henderson, Nevada, dated January 2017; and, Peace Lutheran Church, Peoria, AZ, dated February Recognitions The following Grand Canyon Synod Council members were recognized for their service to the Grand Canyon Synod: Ms. Mary Beth Baron, Vice-President; Mr. John Collins, Young Adult Representative, Rio Salado Conference; Mr. Frank Melgar, Student Representative, Capital Conference; Mr. Richard Miller, Cactus Conference Representative; and, Bishop Stephen Talmage, Bishop. Thanksgiving was expressed for this group s outstanding service to the Grand Canyon Synod. 8. Adjournment Bishop Talmage led the closing prayer. The meeting adjourned at 8:32 pm. 9. Next Meeting: a. September 15-16, 2017 Synod Council, Deans, and Staff Retreat b. Location: Spirit in the Desert, Carefree, Arizona Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 16

17 Respectfully submitted, Rev. David Brandfass Secretary Grand Canyon Synod, Synod Council Minutes Page 17

18 Treasurer s report for une 08, 2017 Synod Council meeting erry addac ANUARY 31, 2017 AUDIT Audit complete Financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Grand Canyon Synod Comments regarding Financial Statements as of April 30, 2017 FINACIA POSITION (Page 1 Balance Sheet) ASSETS o Cash 70,100 comprised of 302, 20 in our Ban of America & ells operating accounts Fargo (the GCS is transitioning from ells Fargo to Ban of America), 2 9,4 4 in Mission Investment Fund (MIF) Cash increased 102,933 from 4 8,1 7 The primary reason for this increase is the proceeds from the sale of the illco property which is debited to the Operating Cash Account Ban of America/ ells Fargo account balance is higher than our typical 1 0,000 balance o E CA Endowment Fund Pooled Trust accounts 1,7, 78 these funds rise and fall with the mar et NET ASSETS o Our Unrestricted Net Assets (operating reserve) at April 30, 2017 is 41,477 or 0,117 behind the plan but well above our threshold of 2 0,000 ACTIVITIES & C ANGES IN NET ASSETS (Page 2 Income Statement) REVENUE o Unrestricted revenues were within 4 0% of the Mission Plan Congregation Mission Support ( 20, 90), budgeted Grants ( 1,707), Grants ( 1,707) and Other Income ( 4,418) above the Mission Plan E PENSES o Unrestricted e penses were 37,000 above budget because of the volume of grant e penses for paid in February The Grant budget will catch up with the actual e penses as we move through the year Page 1 of 3

19 INCREASE/DECREASE IN CONSO IDATED NET ASSETS o The bottom line shows a decrease in Consolidated Net Assets of 11,42 compared to a budgeted decrease of 12,230, an improvement of 80 over budget P EDGE TO ACTUA (Through April 30, 2017) Not included in financial statements Unrestricted Mission Support Revenue at 4 8,093 is 20, 90 (4 7 %) over our planned Unrestricted Mission Support revenue of 437, 03 e are 49,4 7 behind of the same period last year Of the 88 congregations in the GCS, 1 ( 8%) of the congregations are meeting their pledge or have surpassed their pledge Ten (10) congregations made 0 pledge but have given 18,990 year to date Than you to all congregations for sharing what they are able to share Twelve (12) of the 88 congregations haven t given any Mission Support for the year Si ( ) of these congregations made a pledge this year Thirty si (3 ) of the 88 congregations are behind on their pledge with 28 of the 3 behind 10% or more owever, collectively, the 3 congregations are behind 3,799 (14 % of total pledges to date) The consolidated budget uses 92% of pledges Therefore, this is an area of concern FINA COMMENTS REGARDING CURRENT FINANCIA STATEMENTS T ROUG 04/30/2017 Overall, our financial position remains strong through April /2019 MISSION P AN PRESENTED FOR DISCUSSION & APPROVA AT SYNOD ASSEMB Y The budget for 2018/2019 is based on largely the same income and e penses as reali ed in 2017/2018 The proposed budget for 2018/2019 calls for a reduction of Consolidated Net Assets of 249,149 mostly as a result of anticipated Missional Networ spending of 17, 1 greater than anticipated grant and gift revenue The proposed amounts are the result of the following Office of the Bishop ( 72,488) It is anticipated that the Office of the Bishop will use 72,488 more than the portion of Congregational Gifts Benevolence that was designated for the Office of the Bishop This short fall will come from the Synod MIF Page 2 of 3

20 Mission Networ ( 17, 1) It is anticipated the GCS will receive 9,200 in designated Congregational Gifts, Grants and Other Gift but that Missional Networ will use 17, 1 more than this anticipated revenue Most of these funds come from various Temporarily Restricted Net Assets such as Congregation Gifts Restricted, Outreach Fund, Vida Nueva Fund, etc o 1 9,800 to cover Grants o 72,3 1 to cover Personnel mostly to cover the salary and benefits of the anticipated new Pastor at Vida Nueva o 24,900 to cover Travel o 30,000 to cover Professional Fees/Services o,3 0 to cover other e penses (Administrative & Communications) Details regarding specific budget e penditures are attached The Treasurer recommends that 2018/2019 budget be adopted at the Synod Assembly Page 3 of 3

21 ELCA - GRAND CANYON SYNOD FINANCIAL MISSION PLAN 2018/2019 To be Presented at Synod Assembly 2017 Consolidated Mission Plan by Audited Approved Proposed Line Item Revenue Congregation Gifts Benevolence $1,815,221 $1,750,000 $1,750,000 Congregation Gifts Restricted 18,711 5,200 5,200 Other Gifts 25,147 16,000 16,000 Grants 115,914 48,000 48,000 Interest and Gain on Investments (See Note 1) 19,050 20,000 20,000 Other Income 38,928 44,200 48,200 Net Assets Released from Purpose Restrictions 305, , ,661 TOTAL UNRESTRICTED REVENUE $2,338,805 $2,175,061 $2,197,061 Expenses Personnel $410,013 $421,510 $433,079 Professional Fees/Services 71,036 90,820 88,820 Communication 3,570 3,300 3,300 Postage and Supplies 6,434 8,300 10,800 Administrative 26,810 31,000 31,000 Equipment and Software 4,918 7,000 7,000 Building 36,417 50,500 50,500 Travel 77,824 74,650 74,650 Mission Support - ELCA 907, , ,000 Mission Support - Region 2 and I&A 339, , ,600 Grants 186, , ,800 Program 54, , ,000 Other 8,067 6,000 6,000 TOTAL UNRESTRICTED EXPENSES $2,132,629 $2,200,180 $2,219,549 Change in UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS $206,176 ($25,119) ($22,488) TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS Contributions to Temporarily Restricted Net Assets (See Note 2) 127,062 78,600 78,600 Net Assets Released from Purpose Restrictions (See Note 3) (285,434) ($291,661) ($309,661) Change in TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS ($158,372) ($213,061) ($231,061) PERMANENTLY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS Investment Earnings/(Loss) (See Note 4) $60,812 $26,000 $26,000 Grants - Net Assets Released from Permanent Restriction (20,400) (21,600) (21,600) Change in PERMANENTLY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS $40,412 $4,400 $4,400 CHANGE IN CONSOLIDATED NET ASSETS $88,216 ($233,780) ($249,149) Note 2017/18 Plan reflects all changes approved by Council Synod prior to start of Fiscal Year 2017 Notes to Proposed 2018/2019 Mission Plan 1 Estimated Interest that will be earned on Unrestriced Net Assets and UNA Council Designated 2 Estimated Value of the 4% of the Augustana Endowment which can be spent annually Plus Estimated Interest that will be earned on Temporarily Restricted Net Assets 3 These funds are used to pay items such as Grants, Vida Nueva Support & Bishop Transition 4 Estimated Interest that will be earned on the Augustana Endowment Fund

22 PROPOSED MISSION PLAN DETAILS Other Income Primarily registration fees for Assembly and Convocation Assets Released from Purpose Restrictions Grants 1 0,000 Vida Nueva Support 100,000 Bishop Transition 0,000 Personnel Administration 1 0,000 Bishop 14,000 Candidacy 0,000 Vida Nueva 70,000 Professional Fees Comminication Contract 1,000 Audit,000 iability Insurance 13,000 Bac ground Chec s and Evaluations 12,000 Capital Conference Chaplain 8,000 NAUM eadership 1,000 Region 2 and I&A Region 2 9,100 Campus Ministry 110,000 SSN 20,000 SS 80,000 P TS 102,000 Ari ona Faith Networ 4,000 California utheran University 2,000 Spirit in the Desert 13, 00 Program onorarium Mainly at Assembly and Convo 3,2 0 Program Supplies/E pense Bishop Trans 0,000, NAUM 1,000 8,000 Scholarships Candidacy 18, 0 Training and Educational Materials 1,100 Contributions to TRNA 4% from Augustana 21, 00 Anticipated Interest and Gain on Pooled Trust 7,000 Permanently Restricted Activity Anticipated Gain on Pooled Trust 2,000 4% Released from Augustana 21, 00

23 ASSETS GRAND CANYON SYNOD OF THE ELCA UNAUDITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS OF APRIL 30, 2017 Unudited This Month Last Month January 31, 2017 CURRENT ASSETS Synod Operating Cash (Bank & MIF) $570,100 $468,167 $477,497 Mission MIF Accounts $372,685 $372,427 $446,788 Investments 1,766,678 1,766,869 1,733,180 Accounts Receivable 4,762 4,762 91,557 Other Current Assets 6,725 7,766 9,320 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS $2,720,950 $2,619,991 $2,758,342 FIXED ASSETS Building and Land Automobiles 29,508 29,508 29,508 Furniture 1,745 1,745 1,745 Office Equipment Total Fixed Assets 31,253 31,253 31,253 Less Accumulated Depreciation (23,910) (23,418) (22,434) NET FIXED ASSETS 7,343 7,835 8,819 TOTAL ASSETS $2,728,293 $2,627,826 $2,767,161 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts Payable to ELCA ,278 Other Accounts Payable (125) 1,299 3,050 Accrued P/R Taxes and Withholdings ,475 Accrued Expenses 36,415 36,416 36,415 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 36,684 37, ,218 OTHER LIABILITIES Funds Held for Others 139,451 72,086 52,365 Deferred Revenue TOTAL OTHER LIABILITIES 139,451 72,086 52,365 TOTAL LIABILITIES 176, ,890 $203,583 NET ASSETS Unrestricted Net Assets 415, , ,073 UNA-Council Designated 617, , ,007 Temporarily Restricted Net Assets 983, , ,478 Permanently Restricted Net Assets 536, , ,020 TOTAL NET ASSETS 2,552,158 2,517,936 $2,563,578 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $2,728,293 $2,627,826 $2,767,161 Page 1

24 GRAND CANYON SYNOD OF THE ELCA Unaudited Statement of Activities and Changes in Net Assets For the Three Months Ended April 30, Year to Date Dollar Percent Mission Plan Activity Variance Variance UNRESTRICTED Net Assets Revenue Congregation Mission Support - Undesignated $437,503 $458,093 $20, % Congregation Mission Support - Designated 1,299 2,934 1, % Other Gifts 3,999 5,724 1, % Grants 32,998 34,705 1, % Interest 5,001 5, % Other Income 876 5,294 4, % Net Assets Released from Purpose Restrictions 94,515 41,417 (53,098) -56.2% TOTAL UNRESTRICTED REVENUE $576,191 $553,418 ($22,773) -4.0% Expenses Personnel 105,377 $96,521 8, % Professional Fees/Services 20,929 16,487 4, % Communication % Postage and Supplies 1,726 1, % Administrative 5,860 4,397 1, % Equipment and Software 1, , % Building 11,499 8,448 3, % Travel 17,482 22,973 (5,491) -31.4% Mission Support - ELCA 218, ,047 (10,296) -4.7% Mission Support - Region 2 and I&A 90,151 85,154 4, % Grants 42, ,907 (58,580) % Program 18,207 5,451 12, % Other 1,500 2,115 (615) -41.0% TOTAL UNRESTRICTED EXPENSES $536,257 $573,601 ($37,344) -7.0% Increase/(Decrease) in UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS $39,934 ($20,183) ($60,117) % TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS Contributions/Gains or losses to Temp Restricted Net Assets $35,850 $33,602 ($2,248) -6.3% Net Assets Released from Purpose Restrictions (72,915) (21,017) 51, % Increase/(Decrease) in TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS ($37,065) $12,585 $49, % PERMANENTLY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS Investment Earnings/(Loss) 6,501 $16,573 $10, % Net Assets Released from Purpose Restrictions (21,600) (20,400) 1, % Increase/(Decrease) in PERMANENTLY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS ($15,099) ($3,827) $11, % Increase/(Decrease) in Consolidated Net Assets ($12,230) ($11,425) $805 7% Page 2

25 GRAND CANYON SYNOD OF THE ELCA Statement of Council Designated Funds For the Month Ended April 30, 2017 Council Designated Cakos Fund 03 Net Assets 8, Cakos Endowment Bishop Sabbatical 8, , Council Designated Fund , Assembly 15, Convocation 5, Bishop Transition 150, Total 170, Augustana Drawdown for Outreach Fund 05 17, Ministry Support Fund 06 57, TEEM Scholarship Fund 07 85, Short Term Designated Fuinds Outreach 54,886 WVLTS 17,000 NAUM 26,025 Grants 0 Seminarian Scholarship 7,500 Las Vegas Ministry 0 Youth (1,372) Navajo Lay Leader 978 MLA 12,722 Young Adult 23,710 Companion Synod 750 Ministry Support (2,500) Senegal 2017 (2,125) Wellness 30,173 Latino 18,561 Vida Nueva (6,323) Assembly 2,654 Convo 4,716 Latino Fund 51 91,104 Outreach Fund , TOTAL COUNCIL DESIGNATED FUNDS 617, Page 3

26 Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA Mission Support with Monthly Detail $250 $200 1 T h o u s a n d s $150 $100 $50 $ Fiscal Year Page 4

27 Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA Mission Support by Month $400 $350 $300 T h o u s a n d s $250 $200 $150 $100 $50 $ Series6 $151.7 $169.6 $194.1 $134.4 $142.3 $121.5 $135.7 $157.4 $144.1 $145.6 $193.6 $153.6 Series7 $117.6 $202.3 $167.3 $148.3 $144.4 $118.9 $118.1 $131.0 $105.0 $231.9 $169.7 $135.8 Series1 $133.5 $149.2 $190.4 $134.0 $156.3 $140.1 $135.0 $120.5 $154.3 $153.6 $170.8 $158.3 Series9 $182.8 $172.9 $150.7 $160.6 $131.7 $120.6 $133.2 $114.3 $177.0 $144.0 $164.6 $188.7 Series3 $150.5 $123.2 $183.2 Page 5

28 Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA - Mission Support Fiscal Year Actual Compared to Budget $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $0 February March April May June Month July August Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Budget Actual Page 6

29 Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA - Mission Support By Year $3,000,000 $2,750,000 $2,500,000 $2,250,000 $2,000,000 $1,750,000 $1,500,000 $1,250,000 $1,000,000 $750,000 $500,000 $250,000 $ Fiscal Year Page 7

30 REPORT OF THE 2017 NOMINATING COMMITTEE The Nominating Committee of the Grand Canyon Synod consists of nine members, one representative from each conference. Members of the Nominating Committee for 2017 are: Ms. Judith Baker Ms. Laura Musfeldt Ms. Nancy Davis Rev. Jennifer Zahnow Ms. Mary Elizabeth Kilber Ms. Barbara Carl Mr. Richard Miller Mr. Wes Hewitt Mr. Mateo Chavez Capital Northeast Valley High Country Colorado River Rio Salado Fiesta Cactus Sunrise Santa Cruz 2017 Synod Assembly General Elections Nominees for all Synod Council Positions please note: Synod Council meetings are held four times per year. Responsibilities of synod council members are set forth in Chapters 8 and 10 of the 2016 Grand Canyon Synod Constitution. (Located in the Pre-Assembly Reports.) Nominations from the floor are permitted for the following positions in 2017: Synod Council Vice-President Synod Council Young Adult Representative Synod Council Youth Representative Synod Council At-Large Representatives Committee on Discipline Consultation Committee Persons nominated from the floor must meet all the qualifications and restrictions for the position for which they are nominated. Assembly members making floor nominations are required to provide certain biographical information about the nominees, and you must have prior permission from the individuals in order to place their names in nomination. (The Biographical Data form will be available from the Assembly office during the assembly.) 1

31 Elections by Ratification Some positions to be elected by the Synod Assembly do not allow additional nominations from the floor. In such cases, nominees are presented and the vote of the assembly members is to ratify the nominations. Synod Council Conference Representatives The assembly will ratify the election of Synod Council Conference Representatives of the Colorado River, Santa Cruz and Sunrise Conferences following the Conference Caucuses on Friday, June 9 at 11:30AM during the assembly SLATE OF NOMINEES General Elections Section +S6.04 of the Grand Canyon Synod Constitution states that 60 percent of the members of the synod assemblies, councils, committees, boards, and other organizational units shall be laypersons; and that, as nearly as possible, 50 percent of the lay members of assemblies, councils, committees, boards, or other organizational units shall be female and 50 percent shall be male; and that, where possible, the representation of ordained ministers shall be both male and female. SYNOD COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT (4 year term) Need to elect one lay person. Mr. Paul Gryniewicz Fiesta Desert Cross, Tempe SYNOD COUNCIL AT LARGE REPRESENTATIVES (3 year term) Ms. Kathy DeVinney Santa Cruz Our Saviour s, Tucson Ms. Janet Santiago High Country Emmanuel, Prescott Valley Ms. Wanda Frenchman Takacs Capital Native American Urban Ministry SYNOD COUNCIL YOUNG ADULT REPRESENTATIVE (2 year term) Need to elect one lay female. (Must be between 18 and 30 years at time of election.) No names submitted. SYNOD COUNCIL YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE (2 year term) Need to elect one lay male. (Must be no older than 18 years of age at time of election.) No names submitted. COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLINE (6 year term) Need to elect two lay and two clergy. Responsibilities outlined in Chapter 20 of the ELCA Constitutions, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions. No names submitted. CONSULTATION COMMITTEE (6 year term) Need to elect two lay and two clergy. Responsibilities outlined in Chapter 20 of the ELCA Constitutions, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions. No names submitted. 2

32 GENERAL ELECTIONS Biographical Data Candidates for each position are asked to provide the following information: current occupation; life experiences that have prepared them for service; three current or past congregational, synodical, or Churchwide activities related to qualifications for the position; and education/training. SYNOD COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT Mr. Paul Gryniewicz Fiesta Desert Cross, Tempe Retired Sales Is a student of how and why the church is changing and what it is becoming. First-hand experience of Lutheran understanding of grace, forgiveness and love. Understands why this must be what we take into the world. Has learned the value of church as a community. Small group leader Former church council member and president Leadership in hospitality, homeless, refugee and Bible study ministries Associates Degree Cuyahoga Community College SYNOD COUNCIL AT LARGE REPRESENTATIVES Ms. Kathy DeVinney Santa Cruz Our Saviour s, Tucson Retired Teacher Former president of Our Saviour s Church Council (Nov 2014-Jan 2017) Volunteer in Interfaith Community Services Pilot Project/Care Partners Served on several committees, forums, as delegate, etc., professionally University of Phoenix, Masters in Counseling Ohio University, Bachelors of Science in Education Extensive professional development classes and training Ms. Janet Santiago High Country Emmanuel, Prescott Valley Administrative Assistant Church council, vice-president Church council, member (2 terms) Treasurer, home owner association Synod assembly church representative (3) Church council member (8+ years) Evangelism, communication and presently Pastoral Transition Coordinator Ms. Wanda Frenchman Takacs Capital Native American Ministry Administrative Assistant Attended Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA conventions (3) Board member of Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA (2015-current) Native American Urban Ministry team member (2015-current) Volunteer on the Capital Conference WELCA event planning committee Attended Phoenix College 3