2016 Pre-Assembly Report - Southeastern Minnesota Synod

Transcription

2016 Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly
Pre-Assembly Report: Introduction
Section 1, Page 1
INTRODUCTION
BIOGRAPHIES OF SPEAKERS
Welcome to the 29th annual Southeastern Minnesota
Synod Assembly, We Are Church Together for the Sake
of the World, May 6-7, 2016. As an assembly of
congregations we gather together to worship, study the
Bible, and participate in the decision-making business
of the church.
Mikka McCracken,
Churchwide
Representative
The Southeastern Minnesota Synod is a faith
community of 174 congregations and two Synodically
Authorized Worshipping Communities as well as
related institutions of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America.
The Southeastern Minnesota Synod is one of 65
synods that make up the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America. Its geographic area includes 15 counties
in the southeastern corner of Minnesota. The synod
is divided into five conferences, each one named after
rivers in the area.
Mikka lives in Chicago and
serves with ELCA World
Hunger as Director for
Planning and Engagement.
A South Korean adoptee,
she grew up in northern
Minnesota and is a life-long Lutheran. Mikka
graduated in political science and peace studies
from Gustavus Adolphus College and completed
her certificate in nonprofit management from the
University of Illinois at Chicago School of Continuing
Studies. She believes it is possible to end poverty and
hunger and that the church has an important role to
play so that all are fed.
In her six years at the ELCA churchwide offices,
Mikka has also worked with the ELCA Justice for
Women program and ELCA Washington Office on
gender justice advocacy and ELCA Global Mission
on “glocal” learning events. She currently serves on
the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) international
council as one of five members from the North
American region and the Vorstand (board) of the
ELCA Wittenberg Center in Germany and the
statewide advisory board of Lutheran AdvocacyIllinois.
1 - Root River Conference
2 - Zumbro River Conference
3 - Blue Earth River Conference
4 - Minnesota River Conference
5 - Cannon River Conference
Mikka enjoys recreational running, original movie
music scores, the great outdoors and good vegetarian
food.
The Southeastern Minnesota Synod office is located in
Assisi Heights, the congregational center for the order
of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi in Rochester,
Minnesota. Stop and visit this beautiful place. You are
welcome anytime. If you have any questions about
the 2016 Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly,
visit semnsynod.org/assembly2016, call us at 507-2809457, or email the Director of Communications, Rev.
Emily Carson, at carson@semnsynod.org.
Peggy Hahn, Guest
Speaker
Peggy Hahn is a passionate
champion for growing
leaders and dreams of faith
communities attracting people
of all ages and cultures as
they make a difference in
their neighborhood and in the world. She has served
Section 1, Page 1
three congregations in two states and as assistant
to the Bishop in the ELCA Texas Louisiana Gulf
Coast Synod for more than 33 years. Peggy is the
executive director of LEAD, a non-profit focused on
resourcing and coaching church leaders who want
to make adaptive changes. Peggy received the 2014
Tom Hunstad award and has served the ELCA Youth
Ministry Network as a coach to the board, a workshop
leader and intensive care course teacher. She has
coordinated service projects for 36,000 people at
the 2009 and 2012 ELCA Youth Gatherings in New
Orleans and was the innovator of Camp Hope Day
Camp Ministries and The Disciple Project.
Rev. Dr. Jim MartinSchramm, Guest
Speaker
Eric D. Barreto is Associate
Professor of New Testament at
Luther Seminary and an ordained
Baptist minister. The author
of Ethnic Negotiations: The
ASSEMBLY INFORMATION
Registration
On-site registration is located in the North Lobby at
the Mayo Civic Center and begins Friday at 7:30 a.m.
Meals
Jim Martin-Schramm joined the
Religion faculty of Luther College
in 1993. He is an ordained
member of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America
and holds a doctorate in Christian Ethics from Union
Theological Seminary in New York City. Most of
his scholarship has focused on issues related to ethics
and public policy. He is the author or co-author of
several publications including Climate Justice: Ethics,
Energy, and Climate Policy (Fortress Press, 2010)
and Earth Ethics: A Case Method Approach (Orbis
Books, 2015). Jim served on the inaugural board of
the Iowa Wind Energy Association and currently
serves as chair of the board of Iowa Interfaith
Power & Light and the Winneshiek Energy District.
Jim coordinates the colleges and universities page
for lutheransrestoringcreation.org, directs energy
and climate programming for Luther’s Center for
Sustainable Communities, and serves on the board of
Luther College Wind Energy Project, LLC.
Rev. Dr. Eric Barreto,
Bible Study Leader
Function of Race and Ethnicity in Acts 16 (Mohr
Siebeck, 2010), the co-author of Exploring the Bible
(Fortress, Forthcoming 2015), and editor of Reading
Theologically (Fortress Press, 2014), he is also a regular
contributor to ONScripture.org, the Huffington Post,
WorkingPreacher.org, and EntertheBible.org. For
more, go to ericbarreto.com and follow him on Twitter
(@ericbarreto).
The registration fees include a continental breakfast
and lunch on Friday and Saturday. Your name badge
is your meal ticket. Please wear it at all times.
Housing
A block of rooms has been set aside at the Doubletree
Hotel. Call 507-281-8000 and ask for the Southeastern
Minnesota Synod, ELCA block of rooms. April 14 is
the deadline for booking a room at the Doubletree to
get the special price of $129 plus tax. A list of other
hotels is available at www.rochestercvb.org/stay.
Parking
See the downtown map of Rochester on page 12 to
locate convenient parking lots and ramps. Downtown
parking is free on Saturdays. The Rochester skyway
system is also shown on this map.
Bibles
Assembly participants are asked to bring their own
Bibles or utilize a Bible app on their digital devices.
On-Site Phone Number
To leave messages for assembly participants during
regular assembly hours, call 507-269-9669.
Special Needs
Hearing amplifiers are available, but one must be
reserved at least one hour prior to when you wish to
use it. Reservations can be made in the on-site office
Section 1, Page 2
in the Board Room off the North Lobby. If you have
other special needs, contact the synod office at least
two weeks prior to assembly, 507-280-9457.
Quorum
Environmental Stewardship
Decorum & Etiquette
Please help recycle by returning all name badges,
voting cards, unwanted paper, and completed
evaluation forms to the appropriate boxes upon
leaving the assembly. Also, please bring your own
beverage mug. Disposable cups are provided for
drinks, but their use is discouraged. Blue containers
are available for general recycling. Please be aware and
dispose of waste appropriately.
Displays
Be sure to visit the displays from our synod
committees, ministry partners, and other ministries.
Some items will be for sale, so you may wish to
bring cash or checks. There will also be additional
information from organizations without displays.
Make sure to check out the display hall for other
interesting information.
ASSEMBLY RULES
Assembly Voting Members
Voting Members of the Synod Assembly shall
be designated by congregations and otherwise
determined in accord with Chapter 7 of the
Constitution, By-Laws, and Continuing Resolutions
of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA. See
S7.21-.32.
Voting Member Credentials
Voting privileges may be transferred from one
member to another within a congregation between
the first and second days of assembly. The vote is
not transferable after the opening of the first plenary
session, Friday, May 6, 2016. Voting members must
transfer their materials with their vote. No additional
materials will be available.
Order of Business
The adoption of the Synod Assembly agenda, with
necessary changes, shall become the order of business
for the Assembly.
Fifty percent (50%) of the registered voting members
shall constitute a quorum.
Respect, dignity, civility and courtesy shall be
guidelines for the tone and content of all Assembly
discussion. Behavior outside these guidelines and
which continues after warning shall be grounds for the
assembly chair to restrict any further privilege of the
floor.
Privilege of the Assembly Floor
• Voting members of the assembly shall have prior
right to the assembly floor.
• Officers of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America and the Southeastern Minnesota Synod
of the ELCA shall be entitled to the privilege of
the floor at all times.
• Voting members addressing the assembly
during the discussion of a pending motion or
resolution shall identify themselves by name and
congregation.
• Unless otherwise determined by a majority vote
of the assembly, all speeches during discussion
of motions or resolutions shall be limited to two
minutes each.
• A person who has addressed the assembly on the
pending motion or resolution may not speak to
that pending motion or resolution again unless all
others wishing to speak have done so.
Voice Granted
Pastors not on the Southeastern Minnesota Synod
roster serving as interim pastors in the synod shall
have voice on the assembly floor. S7.23
Budget Impact
Any resolution that adds money to the budget should
show a reduction of an equal amount in that same
budget, or provide a proposal as to how the additional
funds would be acquired. Any proposed amendments
must be submitted by 3:00 p.m., Friday, May, 6, 2016.
Visitor Seating
Visitors are welcome at the assembly. All visitors sit in
a designated area.
Section 1, Page 3
Voting Procedures
To be eligible to vote, a Voting Member must be
seated in the assembly. No proxy or absentee voting
is permitted. Voting members seated in the visitor’s
section will not have ballots collected or votes counted.
Exceptions to this rule include officers and voting
members seated on the stage or head tables and
voting members serving as pages, ushers, or camera
operators. A two-thirds vote is required for adoption
of amendments to the constitution and by-laws of the
Southeastern Minnesota Synod. A majority vote is
required for approval of the synod budget, resolutions,
and other actions as specified in Robert’s Rules of
Order. In all elections by the Synod Assembly, other
than for the bishop, a majority of the legal votes cast
shall be necessary for election.
• The deadline for submitting late resolutions at the
2016 Synod Assembly is 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 6,
2016.
• These late resolutions must be submitted to the
Assembly on-site office and the author may be
asked to meet with the Committee on Reference
and Counsel. These resolutions may be submitted
by the same groups listed above.
Nominations
Nominations for synod vacancies will be printed in
the Pre-Assembly Report. Nominations will not be
read to the assembly as part of the assembly agenda.
Additional nominations for any vacancies can be made
until 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 6, 2016 by completing the
2016 Nomination Form. Nomination forms will be
available at the head table on the assembly floor or at
semnsynod.org/nominations. Additional nominations
Resolutions
will be announced during the afternoon of Friday,
A resolution for consideration at the Synod Assembly
must be submitted to the Committee on Reference and May 6. Ballots will be distributed prior to voting.
Counsel no later than March 15, 2016. Resolutions
may be submitted by:
Distribution of Materials
• by majority vote of a congregation of the synod at Materials produced by the Office of the Bishop staff,
a regular or special meeting of the congregation
teams and committees may be distributed to voting
• by approval of a two-thirds vote of a congregation members and visitors at the assembly as long as such
council
materials are relevant to the overall work of the synod.
• by majority vote of a committee of the
Synod staff, teams, and committees may distribute
Southeastern Minnesota Synod
materials produced by other organizations as long as
• by majority vote of a conference assembly
such materials are directly related to the work of the
• by a group of at least ten members of
synod or its teams and committees.
congregations of the Southeastern Minnesota
synod elected to serve as voting members of the
Agencies and institutions that are directly related to the
forthcoming synod assembly
Southeastern Minnesota Synod may, with the approval
of the Bishop, distribute materials at the assembly that
Minutes showing adoption of such proposed
interpret their work and their relationship with the
resolutions from a meeting of a congregation,
synod. Other organizations or individuals who want
Congregation Council, committee of the synod,
to distribute materials at the assembly must receive
or conference assembly must accompany the
advance approval from the Bishop. Such materials
submitted resolution. The signatures, typed names,
must be submitted to the Bishop for review prior to
and telephone numbers must be provided by voting
distribution. Approval will be granted on a case-bymembers (of the forthcoming synod assembly)
case basis. Material approved for distribution shall
submitting a resolution. (S7.34.A05)
further the mission of the Southeastern Minnesota
Synod and its congregations. The purpose of this
Resolutions submitted to the Committee on Reference policy is to foster the effective working of the voting
and Counsel after March 15, 2016 will come before
members of the assembly in conducting the work of
the assembly only by means of a motion to suspend
the synod, to encourage support of the Evangelical
the rules for the purpose of considering the late
Lutheran Church in America and to insure fairness in
resolution. A vote to suspend the rules requires a tworesponse to a variety of requests.
thirds vote. (S7.34.B05, C05)
Section 1, Page 4
Agenda – Friday, May 6
7:30 am
8:30 am
10:00 am
Registration
Opening Worship w/Holy Communion - Exhibit Hall
FIRST PLENARY
Introductions, Nominating Committee,
Report of the Treasurer – Financial Report/Intro Budget
11:00 am
Guest Speaker – Peggy Hahn, Living Every Day as Disciples
Resolutions
12:00 pm
Lunch - Auditorium
1:00 pm
SECOND PLENARY
Bible Study 1 - Rev. Dr. Eric Barreto (1.5 hr)
One-to-One
3:00 pm
Break
3:15 pm Report of the ELCA Churchwide- Mikka McCracken, Director, ELCA
World Hunger Planning and Engagement/Mission Advancement
3:50 pm
Committee Reports & Awards Presentation
4:10 pm
Guest Speaker – Rev. Dr. Jim Martin-Schram, Professor of Religion, Luther
Resolutions
5/5:30 pm
Friday Evening Prayer Service
Agenda – Saturday, May 7
7:30 am
8:30 am
9:30 am
Registration
Morning Worship- Exhibit Hall (Sending of CW Voting Members)
THIRD PLENARY
Election of Boards and Committees
9:40amResolutions
10:00/11:15 am
Workshops 1/Workshops 2
12:30 pm
Lunch - Auditorium
1:30 pm
FOURTH PLENARY
Bible Study 2 - Rev. Dr. Eric Barreto
2:40 pm
Resolutions
Report of the Treasurer – Adoption of Budget 2017
3:05 pm
Break
3:20 pm
Report of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod – Bishop Delzer
4/4:15 pm
Sending Litany for the Closing of the Assembly
Section 1, Page 5
Voting Members
Section 1, Page 6
Section 1, Page 7
SELECTED RULES FROM
ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER
(11TH EDITION)
Section 1, Page 8
Guidelines for Conversation
Developed by the Conflict and Healing Team,
Upstate New York Synod, ELCA
As the Synod Assembly engages in discussion,
please abide by the following guidelines.
When we gather as the church in assembly, we are
reminded that we are united by a common baptism, sealed by the same Holy Spirit, and marked
by the cross of Christ forever. At the same time,
we recognize that some of the issues we will be
discussing can trigger strong emotions and have
the potential to be divisive.
We trust that the church can engage in passionate
debate without being destructive of the body by
being open to the power of God’s Holy Spirit and
by calling ourselves and each other to remember
Jesus’ invitation to love one another. To that end,
we offer the following Guidelines for Conversation.
5. Do not question the faith or faith commitment
of others. Honor those who have a different
point of view than your own. Remember
Paul’s admonition, “The eye cannot say to the
hand, ‘I have no need of you.” (1 Cor. 12:21).
Those present are fellow members of the Body
of Christ. Remember Luther’s teaching in
our Confessions that in relation to others we
should “defend them, speak well of them and
explain their actions in the kindest way.”
The Book of Acts shows us that difficult questions
can be addressed in this manner and successfully brought to a conclusion. With confidence the
said, “it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and
to us…” In that same confidence our conversation
can be blessed.
1. Wrap your conversations in prayer. Ask for
strength to remain calm; guidance to speak
your point of view clearly; and openness to
carefully hear other points of view.
2. Listen respectfully and carefully to others.
Don’t assume you know what they will say.
Respond to what you have heard. Be attentive
to what has not been said.
3. Speak for yourself, rather than as a member of
a group. Use “I” statements, e.g. “I feel…” or
“I believe….,” Rather than “You” statements,
e.g. “you people” or “they.”
4. Speak respectfully to and about people at all
times, whether you agree with them or not.
Allow others to be heard. Refrain from stereotyping or labeling. Remember the point of
sharing in this way is to open up discussion,
not close off discussion.
Section 1, Page 9
Workshops and Locations
(Held Saturday, May 7 at 10am and 11:15am)
SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA SYNOD ASSEMBLY – WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
Rev. Dr. Jim Martin-Schramm,
Professor of Religion, Luther College –
RIVERVIEW C1
“Why Lutherans Care for Creation”:
“We dedicate ourselves to the care and
redemption of all that God has made.”
Lutherans frequently offer this prayer of
thanksgiving each Sunday morning. To be sure, care for God’s creation
is central to the Scriptures and deeply rooted in the theology of Martin
Luther and the Lutheran confessional tradition. This workshop surveys
biblical and theological foundations for creation care and identifies
resources Lutherans can utilize in their congregations and
communities.
Mikka McCracken, Director for
Planning and Engagement, ELCA
World Hunger – EXHIBIT HALL
“Church for the Sake of the World:
Stories with ELCA World Hunger”: A
picture is worth a thousand words - come for
an overview of the work we are part of in
ELCA World Hunger, as well as stories of
our ministry in action to carry back to your congregation and ministry
contexts.
Peggy Hahn, Executive Director, Living
- Every Day as Disciples (LEAD) –
RIVERVIEW C2
“Be a Remarkable Church that Flips
the Story”: What does it mean to be a
remarkable church? Imagine a movement of
Lutheran Christians who embrace their theology
so fully that they become known for sending
people out from church rather than trying to get
people into church. Imagine your congregation as a practice camp
instead of a destination event. What does it mean to flip the story?
Walk away from this workshop with a new imagination for ministry
in your own circle of influence.
Rev. Lanny Westphal, Associate with
Gronlund, Sayther and Brunkow
(GSB) & Interim Pastor at Holy Trinity
Lutheran Church in Dubuque, IA –
RIVERVIEW B
“Stewardship….When it isn’t
Working”: The world in which we live is
changing. Different generations give differently. People are choosing to
give to the church AND other organizations. Congregational
stewardship teams need to re-think how they do their work if they want
to double their annual revenues every seven years.
Terri Endres, Diaconal Minister,
Region 3 Representative, Portico
Benefit Services – RIVERVIEW D1
“Building a Healthy Church Together
for the Sake of the World”: It’s a
powerful statement many churches haven’t
considered. This practical workshop gives you
ideas and tools so you can evaluate your church
culture and identify ways to encourage your leaders and members to
make healthy lifestyle choices so together you may better serve God and
neighbor for the sake of the world. Join Terri and make this your
congregation’s first step into the wellness reformation!
Rev. Justin Boeding, Directing Pastor,
United Lutheran Church in Red
Wing, MN – RIVERVIEW A
“Reading Fiction Devotionally”: Being
Church for the Sake of the World begins with
a faith in Christ strong enough to shape us
into the servants God calls us to be. Join Rev.
Justin Boeding as he offers an intriguing way
of growing in your relationship with Jesus
through 'smashing' fictional writings into Scripture in order to gain a
fresh perspective of God's Word. Participants are encouraged to attend
this workshop with a favorite fictional book or short story in mind.
Terrence Hassanally, Chair of the
Development Council & Financial
Advisor for Waddell & Reed –
RIVERVIEW D2
“Leading Together: God's Stories Your Partnership”: Come hear how
God is working through this special giving
opportunity. You will hear updates and stories from each of the focus
areas. You'll also hear testimonials from those who have chosen to give
generously.
Dr. Allan Bieber, Mayo Clinic &
ELCA Churchwide Council Member
– AUDITORIUM STAGE
“Where is the Church Headed? –
Called Forward Together in Christ”:
Dr. Allan Bieber serves as a member of the
ELCA Churchwide Council. He is also a
member of People of Hope in Rochester. As part of his work on the
churchwide council, Bieber is a member of the newly formed Future
Directions Table. During this workshop, Dr. Bieber will share
highlights from this table’s important work.
Section 1, Page 10
Map of Mayo Civic Center with Workshop Locations
(Construction will be taking place at the Mayo Civic Center during the Southeastern Minnesota Synod
Assembly, and additional words of guidance will be provided at the event.)
Section 1, Page 11
Map of Downtown Rochester
Section 1, Page 12
Social Media Team
#churchtogether2016
Official Synod Accounts
Twitter: @semnsynod
Instagram: @semnsynod
Rev. Heidi Heimgartner
First Lutheran Church, Blooming Prairie
Twitter: @mom_o_boys
Rev. Andrea Myers
Zion Lutheran Church, Lake Crystal
Twitter: @reva_myers
Rev. Dan Doering
People of Hope Lutheran Church, Rochester
Twitter: @DanDoering
Rev. Collette Broady Grund
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mankato
Twitter: @collettebro
Instagram: @collettebro
Rev. Paul Moody
Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Rochester
Twitter: @pjonesmoody
Instagram: @pmoody
John Odegard
Grace Lutheran Church, Mankato
Twitter: @j_odegard
Rev. Stephanie Wood
Aurora & Trinity Lutheran Parish,
Owatonna & Blooming Prairie
Twitter: @LivinStones
Instagram: @woodntbenice
Section 1, Page 13
Mission Statement:
Equipping congregations and
leaders to follow Jesus into a
changing world.
Synod Priorities:
• Developing leaders
• Equipping congregations
• Accompanying global partners
1001 14th St NW - Suite 300
Rochester, MN 55901
507-280-9457
http://www.semnsynod.org
RCWeekly Newsletter Sign-up:
http://bitly.com/semnsynodsignup
Pre-Assembly Report: Thanks and Acknowledgements
Section 6, Page 14
REPORTS OF THE STAFF OF
THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
Report of Bishop Steven Delzer,
Part One
Ordinations/Commissionings/Consecrations:
• Patricia Reedstrom, Luther Seminary to Associate
at Christ the King-05/23/2015.
• David Efflandt, Luther Seminary to Solo
at Deer Creek, Glenville & Bethlehem,
Myrtle-06/24/2015.
• Carl-Eric Gentes, Luther Seminary to Associate
Pastor at Good Shepherd, Rochester-09/27/2015.
• Stephanie Wood, Lutheran School of
Theology(LSTC), Chicago to Solo Pastor-2 point
at Aurora & Trinity, Owatonna-10/10/2015.
• Susan Liebnitz, Luther Seminary to Solo Pastor at
Trondhjem, Lonsdale-01/19/2016.
New Calls within the Synod:
• Janet White, from Associate Interim at Grace
Albert Lea to Senior Interim at Grace, Albert Lea05/01/2015.
• Kristi Mitchell, from Pastor at Vasa, Welch to
Senior Pastor at Grace, Waseca-05/01/2015.
• Jonathan Davis, from Pastor at Aurora and Trinity,
Owatonna to Associate Pastor at St. John’s,
Northfield-05/07/2015.
• Howard White, from Interim Senior at Grace,
Waseca to Interim at Vasa, Welch-05/16/2015.
• Diane Odermann, On Leave From Call to Interim
at First, Albert Lea-06/16/2015.
• Daniel Dimick, from On Leave From Call to
Pastor at Solor, Webster-06/21/2015.
• Arthur Sharot, Jr., from Interim at East & West St.
Olaf, Byron to Senior Pastor at First, Red Wing08/17/2015.
• Cheryl Indehar, from Interim at Christ the
King, Mankato to Interim at East/West St. Olaf,
Byron-08/30/2015.
• Glen Monson, from Senior Pastor at Our
Savior’s, Austin to Senior Pastor at Mount Olive,
Rochester-11/15/2015.
• James Rushton, from On Leave From Call to
Pastor at Trinity, West Concord-12/01/2015.
• Peter Soli, from Northeastern Iowa Synod to
Interim at Our Savior’s, Austin-01/01/2016.
• Ronald Myers, from Interim at Our Savior’s, Lyle
to Epiphany, Eagle Lake-01/18/2016.
• Susan Li, from Senior Interim at Mount
Olive, Rochester to Senior Interim at Central,
Winona-02/01/2016.
• Darby Lawrence, from Interim at Greenfield,
Harmony to Senior Pastor at Saint Paul, Pine
Island-02/01/2016.
• Daniel Watland from On Leave From Call to
Interim at St. Paul, LeCenter-02/17/2016.
• Audrey Lukasak, from On Leave From Call to
Bereavement Coordinator at Heartland Hospice,
• Mark Niethammer, from Pastor Salem,
Albert Lea to Associate Pastor of Faith
Formation-03/07/2016.
On Leave from Call:
• Audrey A. Lukasak, Chaplain at Mayo Clinic to
On Leave from Call-02/17/2015.
• Cheryl Szabo, Interim at Bethlehem and Deer
Creek Valley, Glenville to On Leave from Call06/28/2015.
• David Jore, Interim at Christ, Preston to On Leave
From Call-08-17-2015.
• Lane Zaffke, Pastor at Cross of Christ, Houston to
On Leave from Call -09/02/2015.
• David Hurtt, Interim at Aurora & Trinity,
Owatonna to On Leave From Call-10/01/2015.
• Jacqueline Ziemer, Pastor at St. Martin’s
Espiscopal, Fairmontto On Leave From Call12/15/2015.
• Michelle Rem, Senior Pastor at Central, Winona
to On Leave From Call-01/18/2016.
• Gerald Giese, Interim at St. Olaf, Austin to On
Leave From Call-03/01/2016.
• Michelle Olson, Pastor at Our Savior’s, Cleveland
to On Leave From Call-04/17/2016.
Transferred Into the Synod:
• Gary Harris, Central States Synod to Interim at
Trinity, Albert Lea-04/12/2015.
• Arthur Sharot, Jr., Northwestern Synod of
Wisconsin to Interim-2 point at East & West St.
Olaf, Byron 05/01/2015.
• Dana O’Brien, Greater Milwauke Synod to
Pre-Assembly Report: Reports
Section 2, Page 1
Associate Pastor at St. John’s, Kasson-05/16/2015.
• Patricia Hewitt, retired from Metro Chicago
Synod-06/04/2015.
• Bethany Nelson, Southwestern Minnesota
Synod to Homestead Methodist Church,
• Margaret J. Pleiss-Sippola, Minneapolis Area
Synod to Senior Pastor at United Redeemer,
Zumbrota-07/29/2015.
• Joshua A. Enderson, Southwestern Minnesota
Synod to Pastor-2 point at Hayward & Trondhjem,
Hayward-08/17/2015.
• Amanda Weinkauf, Southeastern Iowa
Synod to Associate Pastor at Trinity,
Owatonna-08/31/2015.
• Daniel A. Bredberg, Northwestern Ohio Synod to
Pastor at Christ, Preston-09/01/2015.
• Benjamin Loven, Western North Dakota Synod to
Pastor at Our Savior’s, Rochester-09/01/2015.
• Christopher Miller, retired from South Central
Wisconsin Synod-09/02/2015.
• Sarah Walker Brown, Northeastern Ohio
Synod to Pastor at United Lutheran Parish-4
point (Arendahl, Grace, North Prairie, Pilot
Mound)-10/01/2015.
• Susan Miller, St. Paul Area Synod to Assistant
to the Bishop, Southeastern Minnesota
Synod-10/20/2015.
• Tim Ehling, Southwestern Minnesota Synod to
Pastor at First, Lake City-11/23/2015.
• Rolf Svanoe, South Dakota Synod to Pastor at
Greenfield, Harmony-02/01/2016.
• Eugene Leiter, retired going to Southwest
California - 03/02/2016
Retirements:
• Darrell Jodock, retired from Professor at St. Olaf
College, Northfield-06/01/2015.
• David Aaker, retired from St. Paul,
LeCenter-09/01/2015.
• Gary Schultz, retired from St. Ansgar, Cannon
Falls-09/01/2015.
• Craig Ellingboe, retired from On Leave From Call11/01/2015.
• Cynthia McLaren, Associate in Ministry, retired
from On Leave From Call-03/01/2016.
Deceased:
• David G. Hernes-04/27/2015.
• Richard (Dick) Spande-07/03/2015.
• Stephen W. Swanson-08/23/2015.
• Dennis Pettyjohn-09/19/2015.
• Paul Reppe-10/01/2015.
• Graciela Jortack-11/16/2015.
• Sherman Coltvedt-01/30/2016.
Resigned or removed from the ELCA Roster:
• Randall Johnson
• Laura Sutherland
Transferred Out of the Synod:
• Todd Hawkins, On Leave from Call to Rocky
Mountain Synod-04/22/2015
• Darrell Jodock, retired to Southwestern Minnesota
Synod-08/1/2015.
• William Odermann, Interim at First, Red Wing to
Northeastern Iowa Synod-09/01/2015.
• Susan Vikstrom, On Leave From Call to
Minneapolis Area Synod-09/08/2015.
• Karla Kirkeby, Interim-2 point at Fountain & Root
Prairie, Fountain to Nebraska Synod-10/01/2015.
• Charles Anderson, retired to Southwestern
Minnesota Synod-10/12/2015.
• Linda Gunderson, On Leave From call to
Delaware-Maryland Synod-02/15/2016.
Section 2, Page 2
Report of Bishop
Steven Delzer,
Part Two
Kathy Bolin as the Director of Global Mission/
Companion Synods.
First, the theme of this year’s
Synod Assembly, “We are
Church together for the
sake of the World,” actually
contains a dual emphasis.
This theme reminds us
that together we are the Body of Christ (we are
Church together), through whom God reaches out
to all of creation with the Good News of God’s
love for all of creation (for the sake of the world).
At the Synod Assembly we will reflect on the
variety of ways in which we are church together,
and we will be reminded that we are called by
God to do what we do for the sake of the world.
Second, I am so encouraged by the identification
of the top three priorities for our ministry:
1)
Developing Leaders
2)
Equipping Congregations
3)
Accompanying Global Partners
Those three priorities will guide the work of the
Office of the Bishop as we seek to carry out our
newly adopted Mission Statement: Equipping
congregations and leaders to follow Jesus
into a changing world.
Finally, one of my greatest joys as bishop is the
privilege of visiting in the congregations of the
Southeastern Minnesota Synod. I have now visited
over 80 of our 174 congregations. Some visits
have been to celebrate a milestone anniversary of
a congregation. Some have been as a worshiper
welcomed by the community. Some have been as
the one invited to preach and/or preside. Some
have been for the funeral of a rostered leader. In
every case I have been warmly welcomed by the
gathered community of faith. It is a great blessing
to worship and celebrate with congregations and
rostered leaders. And I am still almost moved to
tears when I hear myself prayed for by name in
the prayers of the people. Know that your prayers
are what sustain me. I continue to give thanks for
the privilege of serving as your bishop. I rejoice
that here in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod
“We are Church together for the sake of the
World.”
Peace & Joy in Christ,
Steve Delzer, Bishop
Third, there has been some significant transition
in the Office of the Bishop. We said farewell and
Godspeed to Karen Gieseke who took a position
at Luther Seminary working with Interns in
Regions 1 and 3 of the ELCA; and to Rev. Linda
Gunderson who accepted a call to serve as the
Pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Newark,
Delaware. We have welcomed Rev. Susan Miller
who serves as an Assistant to the Bishop for Call
Process and Mary Kay DuChene who serves as
an Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy, Faith
Formation, and Leadership. One other transition
that happened recently was the retirement of
Section 2, Page 3
Kathy Bolin
Director for
Global Mission/
Companion Synods
This position has been for me, as Frederick
Buechner said, “The place God callsyou to is the
place where your deep gladness and the world’s
deep hunger meet.”
Dear Companions in
Mission and Ministry,
Since November 2000, I
have worked part-time for
the Southeastern Minnesota Synod. The first two
years
were as the Administrator for the Lay School of
Theology which was discontinued in about 2007.
In about 2004, I began working part-time as the
Coordinator (now titled Director) for Global
Mission/Companion Synods.
This position has grown from 2 to 4 to 6 to 9 to
15 and recently to 20 hours a week. It has taken
me to Costa Rica, Colombia, Tanzania, Germany,
Chicago and throughout Minnesota. If that all
sounds exotic and fun and exciting...well, it is.
But it was work, hard work, as well. This position
has been at times been both frustrating and
challenging but overall it has been rewarding and
fulfilling. But now it is time for me to leave and
let the synod leadership guide how to move
forward with Accompanying Global Partners, one
of the synod’s three priorities. My last day in the
office will be April 29th.
Without hesitation it is easy for me to say that this
position has changed my life; it has broadened
my understanding of God’s church in the
world; deepened my faith and deepened my
understanding of what deep listening means. It
has
certainly deepened my understanding of what
Accompaniment means. While I know that I have
failed miserably at times, I also know that by the
grace of God together we, and I mean we, have
made progress in our global mission efforts.
I’m looking forward to adding species to my life
bird list, to visiting the beauty of God’s creation
in our National Parks, spending more time with
family and friends, and discovering where it is that
God is nudging me to be these next years. And I
hope that will include visiting some of you just for
a cup of coffee or Stoney Tangawizi.
The blessings and gifts of the past fifteen years
on synod staff are too many to name. But they
would include each and every one of you, all the
people who have given of their time and interest
and passion to serve on the Global Mission/
Companion Synods (Committee) Table, the
operations teams, the friendships I’ve been gifted
in our Companion Churches in Colombia and
Tanzania and here in the synod, the new exciting
development of the church in South Sudan,
other synods and in the Churchwide offices, and
the Sisters at Assisi Heights. Thank you. Asante
sana. Gracias. That seems so inadequate. But
please know that I mean it with deep sincerity and
appreciation.
In peace and gratitude for the years of grace filled
and meaningful partnership
and friendship,
Kathy Bolin
Section 2, Page 4
Rev. Susan Miller
Director for Call
Process &
Assistant to the
Bishop
accommodate for the changes suggested by the
Call Process Task Force and those that make sense
for our congregations.
It’s been six months now
since I “jumped” into
this position. For these
six months, I have been steeping myself in the
culture and the congregations of the Southeastern
Minnesota Synod. It’s both joy and privilege to
walk with the 33 congregations that continue in
the call process – to meet their leaders and their
interim pastors; to listen to their history and to
hopes for their future ministries and to consider
candidates for their call processes.
One of the very special aspects of this ministry
is the ability to have deep conversations with
rostered leaders regarding their sense of call and
their hopes and dreams for their future ministry.
I am grateful for the conversations I have already
had and I look forward to many more. This
work is essential to the call process – for just as
every congregation is different, with different
hopes and dreams for their future ministries, so
too, our rostered leaders are unique and gifted
individuals. Good calls – where the congregation’s
growth challenges the rostered leader to grow
and the rostered leader’s growth challenges the
congregation – bring joy and depth of ministry for
everyone and are our goal.
In addition to call process work, which falls under
the two synod priorities of Developing Leaders
and Equipping Congregations, I have also begun
to work with First Call Theological Education
(FCTE). Right now, that work is mostly tending
what is currently in place. However, as soon
as the call process revision is complete, we will
be considering how to enhance FCTE for our
rostered leaders.
I have also been involved in equipping
congregations through meetings with
congregational councils and lay and rostered
leadership as they seek to deepen their ministries
together.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the
Southeastern Minnesota Synod as an Assistant
to the Bishop; grateful for the colleagues and the
leaders with whom I work and grateful to God
for the ability to share God’s love through this
ministry.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Susan Miller
While there are many aspects of call process
that are similar between synods and between
congregations, it is also true that every synod
and every congregation does call process a bit
differently. Learning those differences and
accounting for them within the call process is
intentional work on my part, especially since
during the next few months, we will be working
on a major revision of the call process manual to
Section 2, Page 5
Mary Kay
DuChene
Director for
Candidacy,
Leaderhip, and
Faith Formation &
Assistant to the
Bishop
Romans 12:1-2: I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters,
by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will
of God – which is good and acceptable and perfect.
In my ministry review with the Bishop this spring, I
was expressing how deeply blessed I feel to be part
of this team, this synod staff, and this synod. In my
six months here, I’ve come to know the people in this
synod as collegial, hospitable, and deeply caring of
what God is up to in our midst today. I thank you and
commend you for that. Romans 12, especially the
first two verses, is my cornerstone for my leadership
philosophy. Our leadership is for the sake of God’s
will, it’s physical and spiritual, and we’re called not
to conform to the world, but to change it. And to
be changed by God in the process. My spiritual
director will use the term “a good hard” and it fits
for leadership today in the church. It’s a good hard.
Leading the church today is good, good work, and
it’s hard, hard work. We don’t know where God is
taking the church, but we know God wins. We don’t
know what the church will look like in 50 years, but
we know God’s reconciling love will prevail. We don’t
know what leadership challenges we’ll face today
or tomorrow, but we know that God will use us and
the challenges to change us into better versions of
ourselves and our church. That’s a good hard.
I feel blessed to be able to walk with people who
are exploring calls to ministry. This synod does an
excellent job of lifting up people who might be called
to ministry. It’s a joy to listen to their faith stories, to
accompany them during their seminary years as they
explore their new identity and call, and discern what
it means to be a leader in the church. As a synod,
we are producers of ministry leaders. We send more
leaders through candidacy and into the world, than
we are taking back into our synod. That’s good work
for the sake of the world. And yet, we need to do
more of it. We have fewer and fewer people entering
into seminary-trained ministry than ever before.
As leaders, we can all be watching out for people,
young and old, who have gifts for church ministry.
Encourage them. Send them to talk with us in the
synod office.
Those of you who know me know that I’m passionate
about leadership development. It’s a lifelong process,
being open to God transforming us into the leaders
God wants us to be. And it’s an intentional process,
which we can’t undertake alone. As a synod staff, we
offer opportunities for continuing education directly,
and we look for opportunities outside of our synod
that are applicable and excellent. While it may seem
like 50 hours of continuing ed, on top of everything
else you do, is a lot to ask, it might be some of the
most important work you do.
Finally, faith formation is a foundational part of the
work we all do. It happens in so many ways – through
worship of all kinds, through church school and
confirmation, and mostly through families living
every day together in an intentionally Christian way:
praying together, talking about faith, sharing the highs
and lows of life together, and asking the big questions
of what it means to be disciples of Christ. There
are a lot of questions today about how to “properly
do” faith formation. It’s a good hard question. As a
synod staff, our goal is to bring passionate leaders
from the synod together to have these conversations,
and to steer the synod in the direction of deep faith
formation, whatever that might look like. Look for
more on that this spring.
Mostly, I am humbled to see the passion with which
the people in this synod lead their communities. The
faith I see is deeply inspiring and it gives me all kinds
of hope for a world that reflects God’s loving image
into the broken and dark corners of this world.
Section 2, Page 6
Rev. Peter Reuss
Director for
Evangelical Mission
& Assistant to the
Bishop
In the past year this synod
has come to some clarity
about our role as we work
together. It is easy to see how my role fits within
those priorities.
Equipping Congregations
Much of the work that I do falls under this
priority. Along with the Congregational Renewal
Table, I have been a part of helping the six
congregations taking part in LEAD (Living
Everyday As Disciples) and have begin thinking
of new and creative ways to equip congregations
to do powerful ministry. I have worked with the
Mission Support Table as we sought helpful ways
to help congregations increase the generosity
of their people, including joining with ten
congregations in the first cohort of Stewardship
for All Seasons. I have walked with the new
Rochester House Church ministry that is growing
out of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and with the
four South Sudanese ministries in our synod as
together we seek to build relationships and long
term funding strategies. I have been a part of the
shift in Enough Food For All to focus on offering
grants to assist congregations in ending food
insecurity in their neighborhoods.
Due to my relationships within the South
Sudanese communities in our synod, I have
had a leadership role in the development of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church Africa Mission –
South Sudan. In November ground was broken on
a new Lutheran Center in Juba, South Sudan (the
capitol) which will be a symbol of peace in a war
torn land and serve as a place of faith, education,
and health care.
It has been an exciting and challenging year for
me. In the midst of all the great things happening
around the synod I journeyed with my wife
through hospice and her last days of fighting
cancer. The support that I received from those
all around this synod in those challenging days
overwhelmed me. Thank you!
Developing Leaders
I am expanding my ministry to include oneon-one conversations with pastors as a way of
encouraging them in the work they do. These
relationships go a long way towards developing
powerful leaders for Christ’s church.
Section 2, Page 7
Ann Peterson, Synod
Vice President
Church Council from Dr. Allan Bieber, former
member of Southeastern Minnesota Synod
Council. These strategic conversations are vital in
equipping us to be more effective and engaged as
we work to be church together for the sake of the
world.
“Faith changes the nature of
leadership. What distinguishes
Christian leadership from other
forms of leadership is its purpose
– to cultivate thriving communities
that bear witness to the reign
of God.” - Duke Divinity,
Leadership Education
Actions of the council since May 2015 include:
• Election of Rev. Kris Ferkin, Keith Johnson
and Dianna Parks to the Synod Endowment
Committee.
• Appointment of Ann Beatty and Nicole
Grienzewic to additional terms on the
It was with this quote that Evan Moilan,
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Board
leadership consultant and Vice President of
of Directors.
the Texas – Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of
• Appointment of a Synod Governance
the ELCA, framed his presentation to the
Task Force to recommend next steps in
Southeastern Minnesota Synod Council in
strengthening council governance policies and
September of 2015. Charged by the Synod
structure.
Assembly to finalize the synod’s strategic vision
• Approval of a motion for Synod Council
and work with Bishop Delzer and staff to bring
to reach 100% participation in the Leading
that vision to reality, council members began
Together special giving opportunity by
a year of intentional focus on identifying and
December, 2015.
building upon individual strengths in order to
• Approval of a Conflict of Interest Policy and
create the strongest possible governance team for
Confidentiality Agreement for Synod Council
the synod. Council leaders will continue to explore
members and staff.
and implement strengths-based leadership in the
months ahead.
Sincere thanks are extended to those council
members who will complete their terms following
In November, the Synod Council accepted with
Synod Assembly: Lilah Aas, Chad Campbell,
regret the resignation of two of its members,
Danielle Koster, Evin Lantz, Rev. John Petersen,
Marcia Blackburn and Larry Laber. Synod
and Rev. Paige Whitney. We look forward to their
Treasurer John Petersburg submitted his
continued support as we live into our synod’s
resignation effective January 1, 2016. Council
mission: Equipping congregations and leaders
members deeply appreciate their service
to follow Jesus into a changing world.
and commitment to the church and to the
Southeastern Minnesota Synod. Jeff Chestnut was
appointed by Bishop Delzer to serve as Interim
Synod Treasurer until the May Synod Assembly.
Also at our November meeting, council members
were privileged to participate in a partnership
consultation with Rev. Margaret Payne, ELCA
Interim Director for Mission Support, and to
receive an update on the work of the ELCA
Section 2, Page 8
Endowment Committee
Rev. Andrea Myers, Chair
Thanks to the generosity of our synod, the
Endowment Committee offers financial support to
seminary students, to graduates serving in their first
call, and to rostered leaders developing new skills.
Since the 2015 Synod Assembly, the Endowment
Committee has overseen the following awards:
• Seminarian Carina Schiltz received awards
totaling $3,417.40 to assist with tuition for her final
year at Wartburg Theological Seminary (Dubuque,
IA).
• Three rostered leaders received Rostered Leader
Continuing Education Matching Grants of $500
each: Pastor Paul Thompson (Henrytown/Union
Prairie), Pastor Bob Stover (Messiah, North
Mankato), and Pastor Kristen Venne (Community,
Geneva).
• The 2016 debt-retirement awards for our rostered
leaders in their first year of first call are still
pending, and will be announced during the synod
assembly.
During his opening keynote for the February 28
“Renew!” event, Bishop Steven Delzer emphasized
partnership between pastors and congregations as
they review ministry progress and goals. One outcome
of such reviews is to identify learning opportunities
to help leaders build new skills. As your congregation
works on continuing education plans for your
rostered leaders, the Endowment Committee can
help! Rostered leaders can receive a $500 grant to
match Continuing Education funds provided by the
congregation. Past grant recipients have been able to
complete Interim Ministry training, attend ministry
conferences, visit companion synods, and even receive
Spiritual Direction. Applications and information are
available on the synod website. As the synod makes
a priority of developing leaders, we look forward to
the role that our synod’s endowments will play in
supporting rostered leaders at every stage of their
ministry!
Respectfully Submitted,
Rev. Andrea Myers, chair
Global Mission/
Companion Synods Table
Rev. Carl Bruihler, Chair
“Accompanying our Global Partners” was identified as
one of our synod’s top three priorities in 2015. As a
newly formed “table” within our synodical structure,
we strive to tell the Global Mission story in clear
ways so that all congregations of the synod can better
understand the ways we accompany our brothers and
sisters in Christ around the world. Watch for a video
at the Synod Assembly that highlights some of what is
happening, and contact us if we can be of assistance
with your congregation.
We continue the companion relationships we have
with the Central Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Tanzania and the Evangelical Lutheran
Church of Colombia. While some congregations
maintain “partner congregation” relationships, we
have recognized that communication challenges often
make those partnerships difficult.
Moving forward in 2016 we will seek input and look
at ways to improve the way in which we live out
“Accompaniment” with our companion churches
as well as within your congregation. Visits with and
prayers for companions remain deeply valued and
enormously important.
Also in 2016 we will continue to implement improved
procedures and designations for financial contributions
striving to be the best stewards of these gifts as
possible. Working with our companions and with our
own congregations requires listening to priorities,
concerns, goals, policy requirements and hopes in both
arenas.
After a lively commissioning service last August, Pr.
Wal Reat has returned to South Sudan where he works
with church leaders in refugee camps near the border
with Ethiopia. Pray for Pr. Wal and this young nation
as it struggles with tribal conflicts and violence that
make daily life very difficult. Our synod has taken a
leading role together with the ELCA Churchwide in
launching a new missional presence in South Sudan
with the construction of a Lutheran Center at Juba.
Section 2, Page 9
The center will provide educational opportunities
for church leaders, as well as training for health care
workers.
rural Ellendale, a member of the Synod Hunger
Task Force, had an idea. He shared it with his pastor
and their church council as well as three other
congregations in the area—First Lutheran-Hope,
Pr. Wal provides guidance and spiritual direction
Pontoppidan-Ellendale, and St. Paul of rural Waseca.
for six lay evangelists who work in their respective
The concerns were to raise awareness of hunger, raise
communities reaching deeper into the world with the
funds to help fight hunger in their communities, and
message we are called to share.
enjoy a day of fun and fellowship. Ron, who enjoys
running, came up with the idea of an event that
The Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM)
would involve all four congregations and support four
program is a very significant ministry, both to the
different food shelves in the area. The idea? A Harvest
people in the communities where they serve, and to the Run/Walk in the Fall of the year that would begin at
young leaders as they serve a year abroad. At the end
Zion Lutheran and end at Pontoppidan a distance of
of 2015, over 600 young adults had participated in this about 4 miles.
program! While we as a table have long supported the
YAGM program, you will now see it as a line item in
A committee representing all four congregations
the 2017 synod budget.
began work and the first event was held in the Fall
of 2010 with 100 participants and 40-50 volunteers
Kathy Bolin has provided invaluable leadership to
which raised $6.900. A great crowd of folks gathered
our synod over the last 15 years, most recently as the
at Pontoppidan who would welcome the walkers and
Director for Global Mission/Companion Synods. At
runners with a celebration of food and laughter. After
the end of April she will be following God’s call to
six such consecutive events, raising over $47,000, the
new ventures. We cannot begin to adequately thank
event is going strong and planning the 7th Harvest
her for her commitment of time and leadership in
Run/Walk after adding a bicycle route three years
developing and fostering Christ-centered relationships ago. The number of participants each year is always
with global companions and helping us to understand
over 100. Not a race but an event that celebrates
the accompaniment model. We wish Kathy Godspeed participation with a purpose and a collegial spirit has
and all the best as she pursues new opportunities.
developed. Four food shelves---New Richland Area
Thank you, Kathy, for your faithful service to Christ’s
Food Shelf, Ellendale Food Shelf, Steele County Food
church.
Shelf in Owatonna, and Waseca County Food Shelf
all benefit from the funds raised.
Hunger Task Force
Rev. Clark Cary, Chair
The overall mission of the Hunger Task Force is to
assist congregations of our synod in visioning and
implementing their ministry to the hungry. Our role
is to emphasize local relief and development as well
as domestic and global relief and development, with
education which raises awareness, and advocacy that
works to change the systems that perpetuate hunger.
In other words, to help develop a culture of awareness,
deep concern, and action toward eradicating hunger.
We continue to hope individuals and congregations
will think creatively.
Seven years ago, Ron Knutson from Zion Lutheran-
The food shelves are greatly benefiting, immediate
assistance of food is provided for people in those
communities, awareness of the issues of poverty/
hunger/housing has increased, and the fellowship
and united effort of making a difference in the lives
of people in the surrounding communities have all
been positive outcomes . The Harvest Run/Walk
is just one of many efforts developing throughout
our Synod as a culture of awareness is growing and
making the intentional effort to live and respond as the
people of God in a world of need. The needs remain
challenging and great! What’s your story?
Pastor Clark Cary, Chair
Synod Hunger Task Force
Section 2, Page 10
Sabbatical Committee
Rev. Karen Behling, Chair
The Synod Sabbatical Committee receives and reviews
applications from rostered leaders within this synod for
sabbatical. As our synod’s Sabbatical Policy states:
The synod’s sabbatical program is designed to offer refreshment
and renewal for the whole ministry of the congregation by
taking seriously the need for our called leaders to be renewed
and, yes, “inspired” by all of the dimensions – rest, reflection,
study, prayer, and more – that are included in a period called
“sabbatical.”
In 2015, the committee met on September 10 to
receive five proposals for sabbaticals. All applications
were approved and received the full grant, with
each applicant receiving $2000 plus each of their
congregations receiving $2000 to cover pulpit supply
and other pastoral services during the three-month
sabbatical. The committee also received reports from
two pastors who had completed their sabbaticals in
2015. For those wishing to pursue a sabbatical grant,
application forms are available at www.semnsynod.
org/sabbaticals with applications due July 1, 2016.
Sabbatical Committee Members include the Revs.
Karen Behling, Carl Bruihler, Mark Dumke, Mary
Iverson, and Byron Meline.
Mission Support Table
Ron Jensen, Chair
Mission Support Table is kind of an unusual name
but appropriate. Often we would be called the Synod
Stewardship Committee, but our real goal is to enable
the mission efforts of our members, our congregations,
the Southeastern Minnesota Synod and the ELCA.
This is a challenging task with the changes that are
going on within our communities and the world.
We are faced with changes in technology and giving
patterns. We are faced with technology changes and
a younger generation with their own interests and
values.
Our table provides education opportunities to
pastors and lay leaders that will help create a culture
of generosity in congregations. We educate our
congregations to be sensitive to the changes that are
affecting us. We publish “Steps of the Steward”, an
email newsletter to communicate with pastors and lay
leaders. We encourage our congregations to provide
opportunities for members to learn good financial
skills. It all comes back to stewardship as we are all
called to be good stewards of the talents and resources
that God has entrusted to us.
Women of the ELCA
Kay Hodge, President
Greetings from the SE MN WELCA Synod Board.
It is not only a pleasure but an honor to serve the
women of this synod. We look forward to visiting with
you while you attend the SE MN Synod Assembly.
We hope to visit with the many we know and meet
more of you to share information about the work our
women do.
Together, we work by addressing some of the problems
that make our streets unsafe, and things like, hunger,
human trafficking, child nutrition, violence against
women and violence in our schools, just to name a few.
Our Synod has been involved in advocacy work for
Human Trafficking in the Southeastern MN Synod,
we look forward to hearing from our Conferences
about their work as we visit their Spring Events in
April.
This winter I visited with Sarah Brock who brought
me up to date about our program for the International
Leader Scholarship Program that our women are
involved with. These women are attending colleges
in our area so I hope many of you can invite these
students to visit your churches to share about this
program with all of you.
In the past few years our women’s lives have changed
so much going from housewives to women working
outside the home making how we work together
different. We are working hard to make this huge
transition, and with great advances in technology I am
sure we will be successful in this challenge. Women can
always find a way to work together. Think about what
have you done in your units, circles, Bible Studies and
Section 2, Page 11
boards to help with the schedules of today’s women?
Of course the first and most important is to INVITE
and WELCOME them to join in your events.
Ladies, while our organization is currently facing some
challenges, we are living into a whole new future, one
filled with God’s blessings.
Further information and women’s resources can be
found at http://www.welca.com.
Lutheran Men in Mission
Russell Tesch, President
Our mission is for every man (young and old) to have
a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and by God’s
grace to build men’s faith, relationships, witness, and
service within the congregations in our synod, the
communities, and the world. We do this at our annual
spring event, “Breakfast with the Bishop” held at
Cabela’s near Owatonna. This brings together young
men and old for an inspiritational intergenerational
fellowship. At our spring 2015 gathering, we enjoyed
a hearty breakfast, Bishop Delzer’s greetings and
devotion, and then listened to our Keynote speaker,
Rev. Dr. Eric Barreto talk about “The Bible, Belief,
and Belonging.”
REPORTS OF THE
CONFERENCES
Blue Earth River
Becky Tennis Hanson, Dean
In 2105-16, the Blue Earth River Conference met on
the first Thursday of most months from September
through April. Meetings included a time for
networking, a time of worship, programs with varied
topics and a time of fellowship during a shared meal.
To begin the year, there was an effort made to gather
thoughts and ideas about what topics people would
like to have addressed in the upcoming programs. In
October, Terri Andres addressed a joint meeting of
both our conference and the Root River Conference
at Good Earth Village on the Portico health plans.
In December, staff from Good Earth Village talked
about the programs being offered and the housing
improvements made for campers. At other meetings,
there was sharing of information from continuing
education opportunities and guidance and support
of colleagues offered up in response to questions and
concerns that were raised. There was also discussion
around ideas to increase participation across a
geographically wide conference and on inviting church
staff and leaders to join the gatherings.
Our annual Conference Assembly was held at Salem
Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. In addition to
hearing updates from Synod staff, Campus Ministries,
Good Earth Village and BERC WELCA, the
program included a discussion around the SE MN
Synod Minimum Guidelines and a presentation on
the mission work of the ELCA presented by Shirley
Gangstad. Her message fit very well with one of the
themes for Synod Assembly- ‘We are church together
for the sake of the world’.
Cannon River
Rev. Dave Knox, Dean
“So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and
Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long
as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but
whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.
When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it
under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands
up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands
remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcome the Amalekite
army with the sword.” (Ex 17:10-13).
One of our many new pastors to our Cannon River
conference this year, Tim Ehling, shared this passage
as we gathered for one of our regular conference
meetings to illustrate how important our colleague
relationships can be. We need each other and our
regular monthly gathering times to help keep our
hands steady as we try lead and serve our churches.
We gather on the second Thursday of each month
for fellowship, worship, and special speaker. For those
who can stay, we enjoy lunch together to close out
our morning. Many of our pastors were selected to
be part of a Shape Leadership program this past year
which unfortunately met on the same Thursdays. We
Section 2, Page 12
missed them, but look forward to benefiting from
their learning as they rejoin us this year. We may
need to change our meeting times, however, so that
this does not happen again next year for other pastors
selected to be part of this program. Our new dean is
David Knox, vice-dean is Heather Culuris, and Royce
Anderson continues as Treasurer. Lowellene Jackson
did a superb job as secretary and we are still looking to
fill her position for next year. We increased our giving
to Project Neighbor as we work together to help those
with immediate financial needs in our area. And we
are glad to support the new Leading Together SE MN
synod initiative, Good Earth Village, and Lutheran
Campus Ministry. May we all continue to support one
another by coming alongside to keep our hands steady
in leading God’s people in ministry to all.
through prayer partners and many gather for local
text study groups. As a ministerium, we meet monthly
on the second Tuesday of each month for worship,
fellowship, and a program of interest. During the past
year, we met jointly with the Blue Earth conference
at Good Earth Village. We learned new perspectives
about climate change with Jim Martin-Schram,
Professor of Religion at Luther College. We also had
a variety of other programs including emphasis on
preaching, leadership development, South Sudan, and
developmental tasks for ministry in congregations in
transitions. As a conference we give outreach financial
support to Good Earth Village and Lutheran Campus
Ministry in Winona. Next year we hope to work a
pilot program for leadership development and ministry
futures for small congregations with the resources of
the synod.
Minnesota River
Rev. Mike Walerius & Rev. Paige
Whitney, Co-Deans
Zumbro River
Rev. Dan Doering, Dean
Greetings from your neighbors to the west! The
Minnesota River Conference spent this past year
gathering monthly at various congregations and
focusing on relationships. Our worship time each
month follows the Faith 5 practice, and it has been
great to have the message percolate from different
voices when we gather. It’s a reminder that we all come
to worship and to the table with gifts. Some of our
topics this year have been climate change, prevention
of suicide & self-harm, and resource sharing. We also
enjoyed getting to know the two new staff members
at the Office of the Bishop. We look forward to more
gatherings where we support each other but also
dream with each other.
Root River
Rev. Betsy Dartt, Dean
Our Root River Conference is a combination of many
small or medium and a few larger sized congregations
in Fillmore, Houston, and Winona Counties. We are
a collegial group of pastors and professional leaders
who strive for excellence in ministry and strong
support for each other. We regularly lift up each other
The Zumbro River Conference remains a highly
collegial and joyful gathering. We meet on the fourth
Tuesday of each month for a time of fellowship,
worship, and learning while enjoying time with our
colleagues. This past year we have learned about
the Global Mission/Companion Synod Table (Rev.
Fred Rengsdorf), pastoral care and hospice (Season’s
Hospice Staff), continued discussion of the preaching
insights provided at Fall Theological Conference,
heard about Destination Medical Center (DMC
Staff), and poverty and our call to serve (Dan Hahn,
SEMCAC). Our Conference Assembly took place on
Sunday, February 14 at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in
Rochester. Not only did we do the “normal” business
of the conference, we also authorized a financial gift
to support Lutheran Campus Ministry and spent
time reflecting on the work of the Synod Taskforce
concerning fair compensation. The officers of the
Zumbro River Conference for the upcoming year are:
Rev. Dan Doering, Dean (People of Hope, Rochester);
Rev. Lindsay Stolen, Vice Dean (Red Oak Grove
Lutheran Church – Austin); Rev. Lisa Kipp, Treasurer
(Zumbro Lutheran Church – Rochester); and Rev.
Kris Ferkin, Chaplain (Peace Lutheran Church –
Eyota).
Section 2, Page 13
Task Force on 2017 Compensation
and Benefits, Rev. David Knox,
Chair
Crossroads Campus Ministry
Annual Report, Submitted by Rev.
Tammy Dahlvang
Your task force for developing fair compensation
minimum guidelines has been hard at work since
the end of August. We have collected data on other
neighboring synods’ guidelines and found that after
raising our guidelines the last few years, we are now in
approximate parity with them. We have also consulted
with other denominations and ELCA synods from
across the country to determine a reasonable rationale
for the guidelines. We collected data to see how many
congregations are paying minimum guidelines or
above and how many congregations have a team of
members who advocate for the use of these guidelines
in making salary recommendations. We have polled
all of the pastors, conducted telephone interviews
with congregational leaders, and surveyed leaders at
the conference assemblies and RENEW! workshops
to try to determine how the guidelines can be more
useful in helping congregations make compensation
decisions in such a way that God’s mission flourishes,
staff members are cherished as servants of God, and
there is a sense of faithful partnership between church
members and staff.
Crossroads Campus Ministry is an outreach ministry
of the ELCA on the campus of Minnesota State
University in Mankato whose vision and mission is
focused on equipping Christian disciples for this new
day and age.
We are currently in the process of developing these
new guidelines for this synod assembly. Thank you to
all for your thoughtful input and encouragement as we
engage in this important work of the church. Thanks
especially for the hard work of the task force members
who donated their time to do the research needed and
gather for many Monday mornings to analyze the
data together and suggest thoughtful changes to the
guidelines. Thank you also to St. John’s Lutheran in
Kasson, MN for being willing to allow us to use their
conference room as a central gathering point.
Your servants in Christ,
The Crossroads’ Ministry has a food shelf located in
our building that provides food sustenance to many
students and their families. Our Tuesday $1 lunch
program attracts students and faculty and provides a
good meal and discussion opportunities. A Campus
Kitchen organization located in our building provides
surplus restaurant and various food vendor food
products to Mankato area needy families.
In addition, Crossroads provides weekly worship with
a student-led band, Bible studies and fellowship events
to a number of students. The Crossroads Building is
an inviting place for all to come and experience the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. Outside of the building many
of our worship leaders and participants accompany
Pastor Tammy on visits to congregations where they
lead worship, preach and conduct Sunday School
education. Crossroads continues to be open to any
ecumenical opportunities to minister to others.
The ELCA Crossroads Ministry, located at the
University of Minnesota, Mankato Campus Site,
is vibrant and equipping. To do that equipping
Crossroads depends on partner congregations,
individual donors, and the Synods of Minnesota
through Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota to
provide the financial support to achieve that goal. Out
of this ministry will come many of our future church
participants. Crossroads is humbled to be a part of
this vital and essential ministry of the ELCA.
The Southeastern Minnesota Synod Task Force on
Compensation and Benefits: Bishop Steven Delzer,
David Knox, chair; Jay Dahlvang, Josh Kestner, David
Krinke, Craig Nelson, Jim Nordstrom, and Kris
Oppegard
Section 2, Page 14
Lutheran Campus Center of
Winona, Report to the Synod
Assembly, Submitted by Rev.
Corrine Haulotte
University and an alum of the LCC. We are very
thankful for an anonymous gift that makes this
position possible and the potential Kelly brings to
strengthen our relationships with congregations,
organizations, and other supporters.
In February 2015 the Lutheran Campus Center
hosted Barbie Izquierdo, a nationally recognized
hunger and food insecurity advocate, to lift up the
plight of the marginalized in our area. Barbie met
with community leaders, high school classrooms,
and a large crowd after Central Lutheran’s “Feast”
in their sanctuary to share more of her story.
Winona County Commissioner, Marie Kovesci,
has since helped organize a community group that
meets monthly to discuss food insecurity issues in
our community.
We also co-hosted Nadia Bolz-Weber, ELCA
pastor and author of the best seller “Accidental
Saints” in October 2015. Nadia spoke on three
different occasions: with two college students (a
leader from LCC, Winona and one from LCM,
La Crosse) to a full house of confirmation students
and youth from around the area; to church leaders
at a luncheon at the LCC, and to the larger
community on Winona State University’s campus.
Between 800-900 heard her in Winona.
In July we hosted and shared our experiences as
a “working” board with other campus ministry
boards from throughout the region. We were
happy to be able to share, offer, and learn from
one another as supporters of campus ministry.
We sponsored a $1,000 leadership scholarship to
support a student who worked at Lake Wapogasset
Bible Camp summer 2015. We are excited to be
able to offer that scholarship again this coming
year to another student who will be working at a
camp with follow-up leadership training in the fall.
Speaking of leadership, we are thrilled to welcome
a handful of freshman to leadership this semester!
Last, but certainly not least, we welcome Kelly
Bergman as the new Director of LCC Relations!
Kelly is a 2014 graduate of Winona State
Section 2, Page 15
“For God so loved the world that he gave his
only Son, so that everyone who believes in him
may not perish but may have eternal life.”
– John 3:16
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
John 3:16, perhaps one of the most quoted passages in the New Testament, hangs on bed
sheets in football stadiums; it is almost ubiquitous. It is also true. If God so loves the world,
we should too. Lutherans show up – as Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and
as The Lutheran World Federation (LWF).
We are church for the sake of the world.
In our congregations we address hunger and poverty through food pantries and community
gardens, in health care clinics and job training programs. We foster unity among the children
of God in relationship with our ecumenical and inter-religious partners. Together, with
our companions in Central America, we are working with unaccompanied minors and the
conditions in their countries of origin that force these children to flee. Through LWF, we
support Syrian refugees in Jordan who are living in Za’atari camp, provide education and child
protection assistance to Sudanese refugees, and offer specialty care at the Augusta Victoria
Hospital for Palestinians.
We have surpassed our fundraising commitment to eradicate malaria and bring about lasting
change. Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA will emphasize ELCA World
Hunger this year to support our comprehensive approach to solve challenges that perpetuate
hunger and poverty. All of this good and hard, sometimes dangerous, work is the work we are
able to do because we are church abiding in Christ – God’s beloved people gathered around
word and sacrament.
In preparation for the 500th anniversary observance of the Reformation, I encourage you to
visit ELCA500.org for more information and resources. One of the featured events for the 500th
anniversary is the Grace Gathering in conjunction with the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
Come experience a churchwide assembly, be centered in God’s word, participate in experiential
learning, hear Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee, attend workshops to equip you in
observing the 500th anniversary in your local ministry setting and much more! You can register
today at ELCA.org/GraceGathering.
On Sept. 11, our country will be remembering the lives lost and the lives forever changed by the
tragic events 15 years ago. The events affected all of us, and it will be an important moment for
us to be together as a church and with all people of faith. Part of our “God’s work. Our hands.”
Sunday on Sept. 11 is a chance for us to show up as Lutherans, freed and renewed in Christ, to
serve and love our neighbor.
8765 West Higgins Road • Chicago, Illinois 60631-4101 • 773-380-2700 or 800-638-3522 • ELCA.org • LivingLutheran.com
Section 2, Page 16
As we gather in our assemblies, let us be a faithful witness to God’s work in our local
communities, across the country and around the world. I am hopeful that our time together
in assembly will be an opportunity for us to get to know each other and come together as a
church. This is a good time for us to talk about the priorities and future directions of the ELCA.
I will be leading a process endorsed by the ELCA Church Council and the Conference of Bishops
to discern in faith the future of the ELCA. Through an initiative titled Called Forward Together
in Christ, we’ll be assessing where we are as God’s people and working to understand what
God has in store for us. I am inviting you to take part in a conversation about the future of this
church. For more information or to get involved, visit ELCA.org/future.
Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement. As I am out and about in my travels,
I am reminded that no one of us does God’s work alone, and I am grateful for the opportunity to
be a partner with you in that service. Thank you for your leadership in the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America.
God’s blessings to you as you gather as the living body of Christ. May you be guided by the
Spirit as you do God’s will for God’s people.
With gratitude,
Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Section 2, Page 17
800.328.4648 augsburgfortress.org
Ten Things You Might Not Know about Augsburg Fortress
2015
Spring 2016
1.
publishFortress,
a number
innovative
print and video
formation
Congregations
using
the
1 We
Augsburg
theofministry
of publishing
of thefaith
ELCA,
receives curricula.
no financial
support except
through
Revised
Lectionary
find Whirl
to be a perfect fit for connecting education to worship throughout
the sale Common
of resources
to our partners
in ministry.
the church year. And, in 2016, we will launch Whirl Classroom for congregations wanting to focus on key
2 Bible
We publish
number
of innovative
faith formation resources for children including Spark: Activate Faith,
storiesaand
themes!
wearesparkhouse.org
Holy Moly, Connect, and Whirl. These all include print resources. In addition, Holy Moly, Connect, and
2. Sunday
schoolanimated
planning videos
has never
easier
with Sparkhouse
Online,
web-based subscription
Whirl include
for been
teaching
andthan
learning.
Learn more at
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resource for our children’s faith formation resources. Your congregation may subscribe to one curriculum,
3 several,
Sunday school
planning
has neveronline
been easier
thanwearesparkhouse.org/kids/SHOSS
with Sparkhouse Online Sunday School, our web-based
or all with
this innovative
resource.
subscription resource for our children’s faith formation resources. Your congregation may subscribe to one
3. In
2016, we’re
introducing
Frolic—early
childhood
resources
to help support the youngest children
curriculum,
several,
or all with
this innovative
online
resource.designed
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in your congregation. Stay connected with families through a monthly newsletter that features faith
4 development
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proud tofor
announce
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This innovative
the first Colaborate,
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Bible,together
music CDs,
andanswers.
more. Colaborate will be
published this summer, but information is available now at http://wearesparkhouse.org/teens/colaborate
sample.wearesparkhouse.org/frolic
4.
summer,
we launched
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5 Last
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Pastors,
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the co-publication
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For higherfaith
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7. Reformation 500 Sourcebook: Anniversary Resources for Congregations (June 2016) will provide many
8 Augsburg Fortress continues to partner with churchwide worship staff toward the ongoing renewal of
resources to assist congregations in observing the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017.
worship in the ELCA, especially through the Evangelical Lutheran Worship and Sundays and Seasons
We also have several new Reformation resources for adults and children. reformation500.instapage.com
resource families. Since Fall 2014 these resources have included a new annual publication, Sundays and
and
lutheranreformation500.org
Seasons:
Preaching, and a bilingual version of Evangelical Lutheran Worship Setting Seven, Santa Comunión /
Holy
Communion.of
Coming
in 2015
major enhancements
to sundaysandseasons.com,
which
has served
8. As
communities
faith reach
outare
to ecumenical
and interfaith
neighbors, two new books
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a rich and
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guidance:
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on Faith Traditions in America, Revised Edition
and The Fear of Islam: An Introduction to Islamophobia in the West.
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Section 2, Page 18
“OUR CULTURE OF CALL” A Report from Rev. Paul Baglyos,
Region 3 Coordinator for Ministry
Leadership
Lutheran Christians understand God’s call
to public ministry leadership in the church to
involve two essential dimensions: internal and
external. The internal dimension of God’s call
involves a person’s own discernment that “God
is calling me to this.” The external dimension
of God’s call involves the discernment of
others regarding that person—“God is calling
you to this.”
Raising up leaders for the church requires that
the whole church participate in the external
dimension of God’s call. Some of the most
common stories people tell when they begin to
prepare for ministry leadership in the church
are stories about other people encouraging
them to do so. “Have you ever thought about
seminary? “You would make a good minister.”
“I can see you as a leader in the church.”
Those sorts of promptings from ministry
leaders and other church members, from
family and friends, are common to the stories
of people who become ministers of Word and
Sacrament or Word and Service in the church.
America has decreased from 1,252 to 735,
or 41%. No single factor by itself accounts
for that decrease, but it is reasonable to
believe that one contributing factor is a
neglected commitment to identify people with
demonstrated gifts for ministry leadership and
to encourage such people to step forward in
preparation for leadership.
The ELCA’s Model Constitution for
Congregations stipulates that one of the
responsibilities of congregation councils is to
“seek out and encourage qualified persons
to prepare for the ministry of the Gospel.”
Congregation councils bear that responsibility
in collaboration with all members of the
church, all of whom participate in the external
dimension of God’s call to ministry leadership.
Integral to this report, therefore, are these
questions to all who will read it:
• How vigorously does your congregation
attend to its responsibility to “seek out
and encourage” gifted people to prepare
for leadership as ministers of Word and
Sacrament or Word and Service?
• How many members of your congregation
have been or are enrolled in seminary to
prepare for such leadership?
• Who are the people in your congregation
that you can envision as effective
Evidence suggests that our shared participation
ministry leaders, perhaps awaiting your
in the external dimension of God’s call to
encouragement and support to step forward
ministry leadership is becoming less vigorous
in preparation?
than it has been in the past, even the recent
past. For example, over the twelve-year
The members of your synod who serve on
period from the 2004-2005 academic year
your synod’s candidacy committee work with
to the current academic year (2015-2016)
the people who come forward from your
the total enrollment of students in Master of
congregations, your outdoor ministries, your
Divinity degree programs (the preparatory
campus ministries and other contexts of
degree for pastors) at the eight seminaries
discernment and call to prepare for public
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Section 2, Page 19
ministry leadership in the ELCA. Your
candidacy committees accompany those
people in formation for leadership, helping
them further to discern both their gifts and
their growth areas pertaining to leadership,
guiding them in their seminary programs,
assessing their learning in field experience,
and, when they are ready, approving them
for ministry leadership in the ELCA under
congregational call.
your congregation gives to the synod and by
the mission support your synod shares with the
larger ELCA.
A major part of my work as Coordinator
for Ministry Leadership in Region 3 of the
ELCA is to work with each of the candidacy
committees in the nine synods of our region.
The map at the end of this article shows the
territory of the nine synods of Region 3. I
serve as deployed staff of the ELCA working
in partnership with your synod’s candidacy
committee to coordinate its work with that of
all other candidacy committees as together
we attend to the formation of leaders for the
ELCA.
The members of your synod who serve on
your synod’s candidacy committee engage
their work with reverence and wisdom and
grace. We are deeply grateful for all the
people who come forward to prepare for
ministry leadership in the ELCA, and deeply
grateful to all of you who have helped to
identify, encourage and support them.
To learn more about the work of your synod’s
candidacy committee and the people currently
preparing for ministry leadership under the
care of your synod’s candidacy committee,
speak with any member of the committee
or with your bishop or bishop’s associate
responsible for candidacy. The work that we
do together in the formation of leaders for the
ELCA is made possible by the mission support
Section 2, Page 20
Minnesota
Council of
Churches
A Tradition of Innovation
Refugee Services
Case Management
Education
Employment
Immigration
Respectful Communities
Respectful Conversations
Taking Heart Ramadan Dinners
Native American Relationships
Our Muslim Neighbor (Interfaith)
Black Clergy Speakers Bureau
Advocating Justice
Joint Religious Legislative Coalition
Minnesota FoodShare
Racial Justice
Supporting the Faith Community
Minnesota Church Center
Congregational Partnerships
Volunteer Opportunities
News for the Common Good
25 member denominations make up Minnesota Council of Churches. We added
Pentecostal Assemblies of the World this year. In 2015, we...
Welcomed 408 refugees from 9 countries
Reached a cumulative 2,331
Minnesotans participating in 85 Respectful Conversations on topics ranging from “race” relations to guns to immigration
Respectful Conversation on “Race” Relations at the Conflict Resolution Minnesota
Conference saw 84% of participants reported an increase in empathy
Brought 1,400
Christians and Muslims together in relationship at 18
cross-cultural Ramadan Iftars where 280 people had never been in a mosque
Involved 220 Mankato Community Residents in outreach and education
presentations.
Witnessed to the good work of the body of Christ in 127
media mentions
24 Human Resource professionals from 13 employers engaged with
MCC through the Refugee Employer Advisory Council
50 faith communities from 17 different traditions held prayer services for
‘Mother’ Emanuel AME mass shooting victims
Helped 68 refugees secure and maintain their first job. We have the highest
cash assistance exit rate due to employment of any resettlement agency in Minnesota for 2
years in a row.
Joined Minnesota FoodShare to raise $7.4M
pounds of food in the March Campaign
Worked for justice as 810
for food shelves and 4.7 million
citizen activists from 65 of 67 state senate districts met with legislators at JRLC Day on the Hill
(612) 870-3600 • 122 Franklin Ave West, Suite 100 / Minneapolis, MN 55404 • www.mnchurches.org • facebook.com/mnchurches
Section 2, Page 21
Spring 2016
Dear Partners in Ministry,
It’s an interesting — and challenging — time to be the church. Ministry leaders are learning to navigate the
changing culture by holding on to the best of the past while finding ways to be creative, nimble, and resilient.
This is just as true for Portico.
As we navigate the changing landscape, we are guided by two core values: stewardship and collaboration.
For us, that means caring wisely for all we are entrusted to manage — time, money, our employees, and the
well-being of those we serve — so leaders can access important benefits and resources, today and in
retirement. Here are a few ways we’re putting those values into practice:
We spend and invest with care. In these times of rising health care costs and tight church budgets, we work
hard to follow a lean, carefully managed spending plan with a goal of keeping costs low. As 2015 investment
markets dramatically rose and fell, our active investment management strategy and strategic asset allocations
helped improve retirement fund returns in an otherwise disappointing year.
We seek opportunities to provide the best health care value. The past two years brought, in some
instances, double-digit percentage increases for those employers sponsoring members in the ELCA Health
Plan. Although this was in line with nationwide averages, we realize for congregations this is an
unsustainable trend. We are committed to keeping administrative expenses below 12% of our health care
budget, and are aggressively working with our vendor partners to find new savings opportunities.
We tap technology to reach our leaders more efficiently. By converting our popular pre-retirement
seminar into a series of three webinars, we were able to complement the rich educational experience of our
in-person seminars with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of online learning. We are also developing
new webinars designed to help younger leaders establish a strong financial foundation.
We’ve raised the bar on top-notch customer service. Our members receive more than just a friendly voice
when they call Portico’s Customer Care Center. As a BenchmarkPortal-certified 2015 “Center of Excellence,”
we were recognized as one of the top call centers in the nation in both cost- and quality-related metrics.
We invest in our leaders. Because the future health of our church depends on the health of its leaders, we
are leading the ELCA in calling for a wellness reformation — a renewed commitment to well-being that
comes from healthy lifestyle choices, reduced health risks, and lower health care costs — for members,
congregations, and the ELCA Health Plan. We are encouraging our congregations and church organizations
to put the ‘we’ in wellness by joining in conversation with their pastors and professional staff about creating
a culture that supports healthy lifestyles.
Portico is committed to providing a cost-effective, comprehensive benefit program that helps our church’s
leaders stay nimble, resilient, and confident in these interesting, challenging times.
In Christ,
The Rev. Jeffrey D. Thiemann
President and CEO
Section 2, Page 22
Report from Carthage College
on September 9, 2015. Special features include
technology-enhanced active learning classroom, a
planetarium, an outdoor classroom just feet from Lake
Dear Friends in Christ,
Michigan and interactive study space for students right
It is an honor to be writing you on behalf of Carthage outside faculty offices, so learning continues outside of
class.
College and to be able to share with you about the
•
Five students awarded Fulbright Fellowships
mission and ministry happening on our campus. I
and are now working towards international understand
have been in the role of Campus Pastor for a little
in Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, India and Germany.
over two years and assumed the role of Director of
•
Bachelor of Science in Nursing accepted its
Congregational Relations in July of 2015. Since
first class of students this year with 23 prospective
arriving we have established the Center for Faith and
nursing majors. Male students make up more than
Spirituality (CFS) around the theme of “Hey, What’s
your story?” with the goal of encouraging the students one-third of the class.
•
Carthage has a record incoming class with
at Carthage to explore their own faith journey stories
approximately 840 students from 19 U.S. states and
and to listen and learn from the stories of others.
five foreign countries.
Chapel continues to be on Tuesday and this year
•
Carthage is awarded $349K grant for
marked the second year of both Interfaith Lunch on
Thursdays and a Protestant worship service at 4pm on internship funding over three years which will provide
Sunday. The biggest change this academic year for the nearly 200 new, paid internships.
•
Carthage ranks 4th in the nation in study
CFS is the addition of a student ministry leadership
aboard opportunities. During January and June
staff. We have paid student staff working in the areas
of music, service, Lutheran Student Movement, Open hundreds of Carthage students travel around the
world to learn during these short term study aboard
Table (Wednesday night ministry), Roman Catholics
programs. Countries traveled too include: Germany,
at Carthage, Better Together (interfaith), Resident
India, South Africa, Costa Rica, Honduras, France
Hall Ambassadors, CUMBYA (Carthage Undergrads
and more.
Making Big Youth Activities), and Public Relations.
•
Lady Red Volleyball team makes it to NCAA
Student to student ministry is already making a
Final Four. It is a great group of young ladies who are
difference as students become more comfortable
a class act on and off the court.
exploring their faith and learning about the faith of
others.
Please keep Carthage in your prayers as we continue
to strive towards helping a new generation find their
In my role as Director of Congregational Relations,
callings in this world.
I have been meeting with pastors in the Greater
Milwaukee Synod and sharing what is happening at
Carthage. It is wonderful to have the GMS Synod
Assembly back on campus and I look forward to
visiting other synods over the next several years.
Part of my responsibility in this role is leading the
committee working on our celebration of the 500th
anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses. We are
looking forward to reflecting on the Lutheran heritage
of the college and to what it means to be a Lutheran
in the 21st Century under the theme: Here I Stand.
There are many things to celebration at the Center
for Faith and Spirituality and throughout the campus.
Here are a few other highlights:
•
In Christ, Pastor Kara F. Baylor
43 Million Dollar Science Center opened
Section 2, Page 23
ELCA Region 3 Archives Report to
2016 Synod Assemblies from Paul
Daniels
Introduction
This year marks the 28th year of the ELCA Region
3 Archives program. The cooperative arrangement
with Luther Seminary continues to work well. Paul
Daniels serves as the Region 3 archivist half-time and
for Luther Seminary half-time. Luther provides space
for the large archives collection while also making
available student workers and volunteers from the
Friends organization (currently, 8 volunteers work
in our office) to stretch the reach of both archives’
programs. One of our other benefits includes support
from the school’s IT office.
Use of the Region 3 Archives
Our presence through our website (www.luthersem.
edu/archives) continues to increase both our visibility
and our patron use numbers. The site, hosted by
Luther Seminary, is regularly updated with new
training material for congregations interested in
records care as well as providing inventories of the
Region 3 Archives collections themselves. The website
is our main “front door”, attracting more researchers
every year. We continue to support our patrons with
phone calls, drop-in visits and traditional mail as well.
+The Archives assisted 923 reference patrons in
the past year. Sixty-two percent are congregational
committees working on scanning projects, anniversary
planning, history writing and records care issues.
Other significant user groups include synod staff,
ELCA church wide personnel and individual students
and researchers.
+Daniels worked on-site with all 9 synod offices,
gathering permanently valuable office records for
retention, including all candidacy records for each
synod. He visited each synod office at least 6 times
during the year. These visits were coordinated with 32
on-site congregational visits throughout North Dakota,
South Dakota and Minnesota, the Region 3 territory)
+Daniels spoke at 14 adult forums in congregations
throughout the Region. The main theme of these
talks was the use of memory and story in the life of
the congregation, as well as to provide updates on the
services available through the Region 3 Archives.
Collection Growth
+The Archives received 430 linear feet of synod
records from the 9 offices. These materials included
legal, financial, personnel and program files.
+Daniels gathered an additional 224 congregational
histories - collection totals 6,725 history files.
+The Archives received 550 biographical pieces on
clergy and lay leaders - collection totals 7,330 files.
+An additional 18 congregations scanned their
valuable church records through the digitizing
program.
Outreach and Education
+Daniels led workshops on congregational archives
at 4 Region 3 synod assemblies in 2015. He also
presented sessions at 2 fall theological conferences on
Region 3 Archives service offerings.
+The Archives distributed an additional 455 copies of
“Memory Work: A Guide for Congregational Archives
and History” to congregations and individuals. It is
also available electronically on the website.
+Daniels continues to promote the Iron Mountain
storage space for sensitive types of synodical records,
including materials on candidacy, disciplinary action
and litigation.
Professional Development
+Daniels remains an active member of several
professional organizations, including the Society
of American Archivists, the Midwest Archives
Conference and the Twin Cities Archives Roundtable.
+Daniels maintains his renewable archival certification
in the Academy of Certified Archivists.
+A former board member of the Lutheran Historical
Conference, Daniels continues his support of this
pan-Lutheran organization of archivists, historians,
librarians and students.
Respectfully submitted, Paul A. Daniels, ELCA Region
3 Archivist and Luther Seminary Archivist, 3.15.16
Section 2, Page 24
2015 Annual Report to the Synods
Wartburg College is dedicated to challenging and nurturing students
for lives of leadership and service as a spirited expression of their faith and learning.
In our daily work to educate young people, Wartburg College strives to live its distinctive mission in bold, new contexts. Our
calling is to challenge and nurture students of tomorrow, who come to us from many places, desires, and aspirations.
Enrollment
Like so many sister schools in the region, our most recent incoming classes have been smaller than those we welcomed in the
late ’90s and early 2000s. Fall 2015 enrollment at Wartburg was 1,537; international students and U.S. students of color total 19
percent. Because so much of our operating revenue comes from tuition, room, and board, we’ve had to undergo a careful and
serious budget review process, and deploy new admissions strategies to build larger applicant pools.
Transforming Tomorrow Campaign
Wartburg’s $75 million comprehensive campaign, publicly launched in 2014, has been enthusiastically received by alumni,
parents, and friends. Nearing the total goal a year early, the campaign features three components:
• People: Wartburg has awarded new or additional scholarships to more than 120 students, representing $335,000 in
additional aid. Two sizeable estate gifts have created new scholarships for science and education students.
• Places: Wartburg broke ground in February 2016 on an $8 million renovation of Clinton Hall that will create an
innovative living and learning environment for students. Fueled by several major gifts, the project includes major
interior updates and new academic and social spaces. Other significant gifts have made possible the Knief Outdoor
Athletics Pavilion, a new lacrosse field, and a first-of-its kind virtual acoustic system in Neumann Auditorium.
• Programs: Generous gifts have enabled the College to elevate the Gerald R. Kleinfeld Distinguished Professorship in
German History to an Endowed Chair, create the Baldwin Leadership Fellows program, and establish a German
Institute to provide organization and focus for the college’s wealth of Germany related programs and relationships.
New Academic Programs
• This past fall, Wartburg launched new programs in actuarial science, neuroscience, criminal justice, and a “4+1”
program with Iowa State University to enable students to earn a master’s degree in industrial engineering in five years.
The College will inaugurate its first master’s-level program in music therapy in Fall 2017.
• A new Des Moines internship program will provide another compelling learning opportunity in an urban
environment, building on the success of the Wartburg West program in Denver, CO.
Commitment to Vocation and Mentoring
• The College was recently awarded a $10,000 NetVUE Professional Development Award from the Council of
Independent Colleges to fund a one-year initiative to equip faculty and staff to help students explore their vocation.
• The 2015 Graven Award, an annual award for vocation and daily life, was awarded to Yale University’s Dr. Elijah
Anderson, an award-winning author and one of the nation’s leading urban ethnographers and cultural theorists.
Recognition
• Wartburg is Iowa’s first private institution – and only the ninth in the nation – to earn a Gold rating from the leading
authority on sustainability in higher education.
• Campus Compact named student Jenna Manders of Dubuque, IA, a Newman Civic Fellow for her contributions to
community and civic engagement.
• Senior Mullohoji Juraev, a native of Tajikistan, was among the 2015 winners of a $10,000 Davis Projects for Peace
grant to improve learning conditions at a public school in his home country.
• Senior Kwabena Owusu-Amoah of Ghana was awarded a $6,000 Clinton Foundation Resolution Grant to expand the
use of a software app that aims to reduce maternal mortality rates in Ghana.
Many Blessings
We are blessed to work with gifted students who are committed to changing the world. Thank you for encouraging your
students to join Wartburg’s historic tradition as they share their gifts to enrich our community of learning.
Dr. Darrel D. Colson, President
Section 2, Page 25
Guide for Synod Scholarship Funds
Eligibility Criteria
The ELCA Fund for Leaders provides scholarships to candidates for ordained and rostered lay ministry. The
synod may choose to support its candidates in a way that best meets the goals of the synod using the following
criteria:
•
•
•
•
Enrolled at one of the ELCA seminaries
Have a positive entrance decision through the ELCA candidacy process
Pursuing ordained or rostered lay ministry in the ELCA
Will not be on internship during the upcoming year
Students do not need to be full-time, and both distance learning and TEEM candidates
are eligible. Students already receiving full-tuition support through the churchwide
ELCA Fund for Leaders scholarship program are not eligible for a synod scholarship.
Scholarships can be awarded to all candidates equally or in differing amounts, or the
synod can develop a competitive process to award funds to a select group, based on
merit or need. Synod scholarships are awarded on a year-to-year basis, meaning that
students must be “re-selected” each year, even if the same student will receive a
scholarship several years in a row. If a synod cannot find a candidate, the scholarship will
still be awarded so as to ensure that as many students are receiving assistance as possible.
Distribution and Recognition
Scholarship payments are made directly from the ELCA Fund for Leaders to the ELCA
seminaries, where they are credited to the appropriate student accounts. Payments are
made only twice each year — in the fall and spring semesters — and each
payment represents half of the scholarship amount awarded.
We highly encourage each student to acknowledge congregations or
individual donors who have supported the synodical scholarship fund.
Instructions for this as well as contact information should come from the
synod. Please do not notify students of their award before first conferring
with the ELCA Fund for Leaders office about the amount available.
FUND LEADERS
We encourage you to include the enclosed report in your synod assembly
materials. It provides information about the amount available for
scholarship in the 2015-2016 academic year. We recommend spending
no more than 95 percent of the amount available, in order to protect
against negative market fluctuation and to leave some cushion for
future years.
Benjamin Hogue, scholarship recipient
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, Calif.
Please provide the following information for each
of your synod’s scholarship recipients no later than
May 2, 2016: Name, email address, phone number,
class year, seminary, scholarship award amount.
Send by email to Jesse.McClain@elca.org.
ELCA Fund for Leaders
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Section 2, Page 26
ELCA Fund for Leaders
Southeastern Minnesota Synod FFL
2016 Annual Report
Thank you to the people of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod for making an investment in the future
of this church through the ELCA Fund for Leaders. Our goal is to provide full-tuition support for every
rostered ministry candidate at the ELCA seminaries, and together, we are making great progress toward
that goal.
In the 2015-2016 academic year, the ELCA Fund for Leaders provided scholarship assistance of more
than $1.63 million in support of 235 future pastors and rostered lay leaders. Thank you for your role in
ensuring that those who are called to serve our church have the opportunity to pursue a path that leads
to informed faith and passionate discipleship.
We are grateful that the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Fund for Leaders scholarship endowment
provided a total of $2,595 in tuition support during the 2015-2016 academic year for:
• Carina Schiltz - $2,595.00 - Wartburg Theological Seminary
As of Dec. 31, 2015, the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Fund for Leaders scholarship endowment had
the following:
• A total market value of $607,050.05
• Southeastern Minnesota Synod Fund for Leaders - $225,553.37 ($1,425 in new gifts)
• Rev Elmer & Adella Valen Memorial Endowment Fund - $34,760.87 ($100 in new gifts)
• Southeastern Minnesota Synod Women of the ELCA - $50,283.06
• The Albert W. and Gladys H. Kiewatt Endowment Fund - $20,162.05
• Grace Lutheran Church Seminary Scholarship Fund - $276,290.87
• A total of $1,525 in new gifts in 2015.
• A remaining balance in the income account of $47,398.73
• Amount available for scholarships in the 2016-2017 academic year: $63,505 (amount includes a
10% conservative cushion to account for sudden market fluctuations)
Since its inception, the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Fund for Leaders endowment has awarded
scholarships of $108,434 for seminary tuition, and the ELCA in total has awarded more than $11.3
million.
If you choose to spend more than the amount we calculated as available for scholarships this academic
year, keep in mind that market variations may occur and if there is not enough available to pay what is
promised to the students, we will need to deduct the difference from your spendable amount in the
following year. We encourage you to prayerfully discern which rising candidates would benefit most
from the support you can offer. Please inform us of your selections no later than Monday, May 2,
2016. Award selection received after this date run the risk of not being awarded in the fall semester.
2016 Southeastern
Minnesota
Synod Assembly
8765 West Higgins Road  Chicago, Illinois
60631-4101
 773-380-2700
 800-638-3522  ELCA.org  LivingLutheran.com
Section 2, Page 27
Luther Seminary’s 2016 report to the
Becoming a catalyst for
transforming theological education
“We have this treasure in clay jars so that it may be made clear that this
extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.”
—2 Corinthians 4:7
This verse is an important reminder as Luther Seminary wrestles with and
contemplates the changing face of ministry. We’re in a time where the path
is not necessarily clear. As God’s world changes around us, so do the needs of
the church. As a seminary responsible for educating leaders for this church,
we know we need to be more than just responsive. We need to light the way,
carve a path, make disciples. We need to become a catalyst for transforming
theological education. We aren’t there yet, but we’re working to see the way
forward. This passage in 2 Corinthians reminds us that we can’t do this hard and
worthy work by our own power. This is God’s church, God’s mission and God’s
seminary.
• God’s world is changing. And so are we. Our mission is to educate leaders
for Christian communities. This mission is more relevant than ever, and
the future is calling us to new things. And people need to hear the gospel.
Yet we can’t just do everything the way we’ve always done it.
• We are excited about the future. Nearly 600 students are taking classes
this spring. This includes both on-campus and online learners, who
are being educated to serve in churches, nonprofits, schools and other
important ministries. We will also welcome more than 4,500 church
leaders this year to our lifelong learning classes and conferences. Both
pastors and lay leaders rely on Luther Seminary’s continuing education
offerings to stay refreshed and enthused in their ministry.
• Learning in context continues to play an essential role in preparing
students to serve in God’s world. Given the ever-changing dynamics
of ministry, our contextual learning group continues to find unique
opportunities for students to apply their learning—both in the Twin
Cities and around the world. They’re practicing ministry while receiving
guidance from important mentors, which is critical to the formation of
these students.
As we strive to become a catalyst for transforming theological education, we
hope you’ll continue to pray with and for us. Thank you for your continued
support of our mission to educate your future church leaders.
Robin Steinke, President
Luther Seminary educates leaders for Christian communities called and
sent by the Holy Spirit to witness to salvation through Jesus Christ and to
serve in God’s world.
2481 Como Ave. + St. Paul, MN 55108 + www.luthersem.edu
GC1007-16
Section 2, Page 28
In your synod
Students
Thank you for sending and supporting
the education of Luther Seminary
students.
• There are 20 students from your
synod enrolled at Luther Seminary.
• There are five interns serving in
your synod.
Rostered Faculty
David Fredrickson
Mark Granquist
Craig Koester
Board of Directors
David Larson
Alumni
There are 306 Luther Seminary
alumni living in the Southeastern
Minnesota Synod.
Seminary Finances
Financial Support in FY 2014-15
• Synodical and churchwide support
accounted for 8 percent of Luther
Seminary’s budget.
• The Southeastern Minnesota
Synod provided direct financial
support of $18,000.
• Of Luther’s operating income,
57 percent came from private gifts
and grants.
• Of Luther’s operating expenses,
55 percent went toward student
instruction and institutional
support.


Section 2, Page 29
ProgramUpdate:
• WehostedoursecondLaunchProjectseriesthis
fall,whereourspeakersinspiredchurchleadersto
engagetheirministrydifferently.Wewelcomed
BeccaStevens,CarlW.KenneyII,andBrian
McLaren,whosharedtheiruniqueexperiencesand
perspectivesonlife,thechurch,community,
theology,andwhatitmeanstobeaChristianinthis
dayandage.Our65participantswalkedawaywith
arenewedsenseofcuriosityanddriveforusing
whattheylearnedtobenefittheirown
congregationsandcommunities.Itwasapositive
andgrowth-orientedexperience,andweareeager
toseewhatthe2016LaunchProjectwillbring.
• InSummer2015,ourthemewasLighttheWay.
CamperslearnedhowtoseeGod’slightatworkin
theworldthroughtheBlazeofcreation,theSpark
fromJesusthatcreatedamovementoflove,the
God-givenuniquelightsthatGlowinsideeachofus,
andthewaywenourishandShinethatlightintothe
world.WeareGod’slight.
• Wecaredeeplyaboutourcampers’interestsand
needs,soinSummer2015weintroducedsixnew
programstohelpmeettheneedsofthefamilieswe
serve.ImagoDeiwasanartscampthatbroughtin
guestartiststoexploreGodatworkthroughartand
creativity.VillageKids,anon-sitedaycampthat
offereddailytransportationfromRochesterand
AustintoGoodEarthVillage,allowedparentsto
enjoytheconvenienceofadaycampwhiletheir
kidsenjoyedtheexcitementofcamphereatGood
EarthVillage.Camp45gavefourandfiveyearolds
theopportunitytoexperiencecampforthefirst
timealongsidetheirparentsorgrandparents.Off
theGrid,ahalf-weekprogramwherecampershead
intothewildandsetupcampinanewsecret
location,providedashorteroptionforolder
camperswhopreferrednottostayanentireweek.
GlowintheDarkCampgavemiddleschool
campersthechancetoexperienceGod’slightina
wholenewwaybyflippingtheirschedulestostay
upallnightbecauseGod’slightnevergoesout.
2015AnnualReporttoCongregations
FamilyCampWeekendgavefamiliesatimeand
placetoplay,relax,learn,explore,andworship
together.
• Ahighlightofoursummerwasanincreasein
campernumbersforourOntheRoadandDayCamp
programs.WehaveenjoyedseeingGodatworkin
yourcommunities,andarehappythatwecan
continuetobearesourceforyou,bothhereatcamp
andinyourownchurchesandcommunities.
• OurYouthBlastprogramscontinuetogrowand
develop.WeofferedoneYouthBlastinJanuary,one
inthespring,andthreethisfall.Oneofourfall
YouthBlastshadover60campersinattendance-it
wasablast!OurfallYouthBlastthemewasAwake!
Arise!Shine!andcamperslearnedaboutwhatit
meanstonoticeandshareGod’sloveintheworld,
evenwhentheyarefeelingscaredandunsure(as
Jesus’disciplesoftendid).
• WehostedourFirstAnnualVIPCamperWeekend
inNovember.Thiswasafreeweekendretreat
offeredtoallcamperswhohadpre-registeredfor
Summer2016.Thecampersplayedinthesnow,had
anexclusivetastetestingofpotentialsummer
snacks,gotapeekintothelivesofthecounselors
duringtheschoolyear,andsharedtheirideasof
whatmakesanidealweekatsummercamp.
• Thisyearwebeganconstructiononseveralnew
cabinsinOldTown.Thenewcabinswillmatchthe
“OldWest”styleandspiritoftherestofOldTown,
andwillfeaturebathroomsandshowers,aswellas
alargeboardwalk-styledeckconnectingthem.We
lookforwardtotheircompletionandthepositive
impactitwillhaveonourministry.
• OursecondannualGoodGiftsGalawasasuccessful
nightofsupportforourmission.Closeto120
peopleattended,andover$60,000inincomewas
generated.We’redeeplygratefulforthehardwork
ofourplanningteam,everyonewhodonateditems
fortheauction,andalloftheattendeeswhojoined
usincelebratingtheministryofGoodEarthVillage.
Yourgenerosityallowsourministrytospread.
Section 2, Page 30
NOMINATIONS
my heart and have been since childhood. I care
about the ELCA’s future.
The nominees for all positions were asked:
1. List three current or past congregational, synodical, or churchwide service activities.
2. Describe your sense of God calling you into mission and
service in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA. What are
the gifts, skills, experiences, and areas of expertise that you could
bring to the work?
• Nominations for Synod
Treasurer
JEFFREY D. CHESTNUT
FIRST ENGLISH, FARIBAULT
1. Confirmation Mentor, Congregation President,
Council Member
2. As a retired person I bring time, accounting
experience in not for profits, board experience
in not for profits and a desire to serve the greater
church. I also have a strong desire to teach others
about finance and learn about my church.
Nominated by Synod Nominating Committee
REV. HOWARD E. WHITE
GRACE, NERSTRAND
1. Advisor in Cannon River Conference to pastors
and congregations regarding Portico’s health
insurance changes (2013), A leader in SEMN
Synod’s Partners in Hope capital campaign (20102011), Finance Committee member, South Central
Synod of Wisconsin (late 1980’s)
2. As a pastor I have also functioned in a businesslike way actively overseeing budget, stewardship,
physical plant, and large cohorts of volunteers
and paid staff. During 15 years as a consultant
with the The James Company, I worked with
100+ congregations helping them to raise more
than $80,000,000. As Treasurer I would bring
a pastor’s sensitivity and a businessperson’s
concerns, having demonstrated skills in making
sure that financial reports are transparent and
understandable to all, and not just those skilled in
accounting. My Lutheran roots are treasured in
Council: At-Large
REV. JASON BRYAN-WEGNER
ZUMBRO, ROCHESTER
1. SEMN Synod Council member (2014-2016),
Pastor, Zumbro, Rochester (2010-present), Pastor,
People of Hope, Rochester (2007-2010)
2. I care about our church and the mission God can
carry out through our diverse congregations in our
synod. I also sense we are in the midst of many
changes as a church and society and feel called to
serve in the midst of this change. I believe I bring
skills in leadership and strategic thinking to the
Council.
Nominated by the Synod Nominating Committee
REV. HEATHER CULURIS
HOLDEN AND DALE LUTHERAN, RURAL
KENYON
1. SEMN Synod Small Church Youth Ministry Task
Force (2013-2015), Churchwide Assembly Voting
Member (2013), Dean of Altoona Conference,
Campus Ministry Oversight Committee and
Sabbatical Policy Committee in the Allegheny
Synod (2002-2006)
2. I believe that the church is in a time of
transition as we consider how best to minister as
congregations and synods. It is my passion to help
our congregations and synod face the future with
a deep commitment to Christ as well as a Biblical
imagination about how we can most efficiently and
faithfully serve our congregations, pastors, and
communities. I bring strengths of organization,
realism, and strategic thinking as well as a passion
to work with our rural congregations and our
youth as we move into the future that God is
calling us to.
Pre-Assembly Report: Nominations
Section 3, Page 1
REV. JAY DAHLVANG
BETHLEHEM, MANKATO
1. Book of Faith Advocate – SEMN Synod,
Conference Treasurer, SEMN Synod Council
member (2014-2016)
2. I have served one term and have been invited
again to continue our work.
REV. KERRY EVERSOLE
BETHLEHEM, LANESBORO
1. Synod Nominating Committee, Dean and Vice
Dean of the Root River Conference, SEMN
Missional Task Force under Bishop Usgaard
2. Ordained in 1988. A partner in the mission and
ministry of the SEMN Synod for 20 years. It is an
honor and a joy to be a minister in Lanesboro and
this synod. By God’s grace and faith I serve as I am
able.
REV. REGINA HASSANALLY
ST. LUKE, GOODHUE
1. SEMN Synod Council member (2014-2016),
Mission Support Table member, Councils as
Leaders workshop leader
2. I have served on the Synod Council for a term and
am happy to be considered for a second term. As
pastor of a growing, vibrant rural congregation
I’m connected to the realities of church life and
the pastorate and bring these experiences to the
council. I also have a gift for asking questions and
a sense of call to help this synod participate in
God’s kingdom work as faithfully as possible.
REV. DAVID KLAWITER
ST. JOHN’S, OWATONNA
1. ELCA Churchwide Committee on Discipline
(current), SEMN Synod Conference of Deans,
including serving as Chair (2011-2014), President
of local Rotary Monday Noon Club (2013-2014)
2. God’s process of leading, pushing, and
encouraging me to be a leader in the church and in
the community has been a slow and arduous one.
My self-perception has always seemed to lag from
where other people, especially those close to me,
have seen me or my potential. Now in my sixties,
it occurred to me that I had never served on a
synod council, nor ever tried to serve on the synod
council. In my most recent “Annual Report to the
Bishop” I made mention of that observation and
now, low and behold, my name is on the list.
CRAIG NELSON
SALEM, ALBERT LEA
1. SEMN Synod Lay School of Theology Board
(June 2002-December 2007), SEMN Synod
Council member (June 2006 - June 2010); Mission
Planning & Action, ELCA Churchwide Assembly
voting member (2013 & 2016)
2. I experience God’s call in the joy I find helping
others. My gifts include: discerning judgment; a
calm demeanor; an ability to organize, analyze,
and interpret information; the abilities to speak
and write clearly; a willingness to make decisions,
and counsel others. My skills and experience
have been used to help individuals, my church,
synod, community, and profession – serving as a
legal advisor, board and committee member, and
leader. I have worked as a lawyer for 39 years. As
the Freeborn County Attorney for 25 years, I have
been a voice for my community.
JOHN M. ODEGARD
GRACE, MANKATO
1. SEMN Synod Council (2014-2016), Volunteer
youth leader, Bethlehem Lutheran, Minister for
Discipleship, Grace Lutheran (current)
2. I believe God is calling me to continue to serve the
council because I bring a unique voice that would
otherwise not be present. I feel I represent those
in a place between ordained leadership and volun-
Section 3, Page 2
teer leaders within the church. I am employed full
time by the church, but was raised to this position
through volunteer service. I am not ordained
but am entering Candidacy. I hope to become
ordained, but expect my path to ordination to be
different from the traditional path as well.
Nominating by the Synod Nominating Committee
Council: Young Adult
AMANDA E. GEBHART
UNITED, RED WING
1. Synod Candidacy Committee, New Jersey Synod
Youth Director, ELCA Churchwide Voting
Member
2. I feel called to do this work because I believe I
have something unique to offer. I’m new to the
Southeastern Minnesota Synod but was very active
in my previous synod. I work on a daily basis with
young people and can hear and see what they’re
looking for in the church. I am also a good listener
and work well with others. I have knowledge and
experience from New Jersey that I would like to
bring to the Southeastern Minnesota Synod.
Nominations for Synod
Council: Youth
MARIA R. NIELSEN
FAITH, WABASHA
1. Participating in the open community wide dinner
and service every first Wednesday of the month.
Actively acolyting, helping with communion, and
children’s programs. Volunteered with hosting the
Jolly Ramblers and visitors at a Faith sponsored
worship event.
2. I deeply enjoy helping others. I believe God is
aware of this and is giving me an opportunity to be
a voice for the youth. My goal is to be able to give
the youth not only a better understanding of God’s
message, but also a closer relationship with Him.
I believe I am God’s tool to give the youth a firm
rock (the Church and God) in a time where many
things are constantly changing and very confusing.
REGINA L. SEABROOK
MT. OLIVE, ROCHESTER
1. Lydia Circle, Delegate to Synod Assembly (2016),
Faith Seeking Understanding, Metamorphosis
(table facilitator for confirmation)
2. As the demographics of our region continue to
shift, I would like to continue building bridges of
understanding across racial, ethnic, and religious
affiliations in a faith-based context. It is through
the wisdom traditions that many find a common
foundation upon which to build. Bridge building
work is both restorative and empowering. We
need more of this in our region. My call is to be
engaged in this work.
Section 3, Page 3
• Nominations for the
Committee on Consultation
• Nominations for the
Committee on Discipline
DUANE L. OLSON
CHRIST THE KING, MANKATO
ROBERT H. IHRIG
BETHLEHEM, MANKATO
1. Church Council, Voting member at Synod
Assembly each year, Voting member at
Churchwide Assembly (1993 & 2016)
2. I have been active in countless areas of our church
my entire life. My parents and grandparents
brought me to baptism as an infant and for over
61 years I have been a child of God. I am a joiner
in choir, camp, worship and boards. I listen to the
needs of those in and out of the church pew and
I advocate for sharing God’s love to all people.
I read the Bible, The Lutheran and countless
devotions to continue to learn how to be a light for
God in our world.
1. Secretary – Church Council (current), President
– Church Council (2014-2015, 2012-2013,
Chairperson – Capital Campaign (2015)
2. I have been a member of Bethlehem since 1977
and been called to contribute in various service
and leadership roles including congregational
president for 2 terms during the last 4 years. I
offer the following skills based upon 40 years as
a teacher and leader in the Mankato area public
schools: working with others in a collaborative
manner; organizing and facilitating meetings;
communicating opinions and ideas verbally and in
writing; listening to and processing information,
opinions and ideas to arrive at meaningful
decisions; motivating others to act decisively.
Section 3, Page 4
RESOLUTION 2016-1: Loving Our Muslim Neighbors as Ourselves
Submitted by the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Hunger Task Force
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Whereas,
all who have been baptized into Christ are one in Christ (Galatians 3:27-28)
and are called to love their neighbor as themselves (Galatians 5:14); and
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Whereas,
in 2015, 19.5 million became refugees, people displaced from their homes by
war, persecution, and disaster; and
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Whereas,
Minnesota has a history of welcoming refugees from all over the world; and
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Whereas,
in recent years Minnesota has received Muslim refugees from many countries
including, but not limited to Somalia, Liberia, Syria, Sudan, Burma, and
Palestine; and
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Whereas,
Minnesota will certainly be welcoming more Muslims to its communities;
therefore be it
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Resolved, That the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, in Assembly, encourage its
congregations to participate with their communities in welcoming Muslim
refugees as neighbors; and be it further
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Resolved, That the SEMN Synod, in Assembly, encourage its congregations to reach
out with compassion with their communities by engaging each year in two or
more activities from the following list of activities designed to build bridges
of understanding and peace:
a. Study Islam using such materials as the Lutheran Social Service study,
“My Muslim Neighbor;”
b. Invite a Muslim leader to the congregation for conversation and discussion
on issues concerning Muslims and Christians;
c. Recruit from the congregation volunteers to serve through Lutheran Social
Services of Minnesota as mentors to newly arrived refugees;
d. Enlist volunteers to teach English as a second language;
e. Enlist volunteers to teach citizenship classes;
f. Collect items to meet basic needs of refugee families;
g. Encourage elected officials to welcome the resettlement of refugees;
h. Invite and welcome Muslim neighbors who have just arrived or have been
in the community for years into conversation and fellowship;
i. Learn to say “Peace be upon you”—“As-salamu alaykum”.
The Committee on Reference and Counsel recommends consideration.
Pre-Assembly Report: Resolutions
Section 4, Page 1
RESOLUTION 2016-2: Justice and Peace for Israel and Palestine
Submitted by the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Hunger Task Force
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Whereas, in 1948, Israel evacuated 750,000 Palestinians from 530 villages; and
Whereas, 4½ million Palestinians continue to remain in refugee camps in Gaza, the
West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan; and
Whereas, Palestinians in these camps have been subjected to abuse of human rights,
violation of international law, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing; and
Whereas, Palestinians daily experience intimidation, harassment, check points, road
blocks, curfews, home demolitions, land confiscation; and illegal arrests,
beatings, killings, and confinements; and
Whereas, Palestinians experienced extreme aggression by Israeli soldiers in Gaza
including:
a. “Operation Cast Lead,” a 23 day operation that began December 27, 2008,
resulting in the deaths of 1,398 Palestinian civilians including over 400
children as opposed to 13 Israelis including four by friendly fire; and
b. “Operation Protective Edge,” a 51 day operation in 2014 resulting in the
deaths of 2,168 Palestinians including more than 500 children as opposed
to 71 Israelis; and
Whereas, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has called the recent wave
of violence between Israelis and Palestinians a natural human response to
occupation; and
Whereas, Israelis are entitled to live in a country along with the Palestinians but not with
the abuse and oppression of the Occupation; and
Whereas, both Israelis and Palestinians are entitled to live with justice and peace; and
Whereas, the United States provides Israel with military supplies and an additional three
billion dollars from U.S. tax receipts each year; and
Whereas, the “Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions” strategy was successful in bringing
apartheid in South Africa to an end; therefore be it
Resolved, that the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, in Assembly, encourage its members
to strive for justice and peace for both the Israelis and Palestinians; and be it
further
Resolved, that the SEMN Synod, in Assembly, encourage its members to advocate for
Palestinians and encourage the United States and other world powers to
impose boycotts, divestment, and sanctions against Israel until their policies
toward the Palestinians change; and be it further
Resolved, that the SEMN Synod, in Assembly,
A. Embrace the strong stance taken by the 2013 Churchwide
Assembly for Peacemaking with Justice in Israel, particularly
CA13.06.27, approved by a vote of 812 to 45, which reaffirmed the
commitment of this church to:
1. Continue its awareness-building, accompaniment, and advocacy
Section 4, Page 2
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on behalf of a peaceful resolution of the conflict between Israel
and Palestine;
2. Learn more about the experiences of both Israelis and
Palestinians and their mutual fears, aspirations, and hopes;
3. Work to convey the concerns and perspectives of Palestinians
and Israelis that dispel stereotypes and caricatures and promote
better understanding;
4. Lift up the voices within both communities, especially those of
victims of violence, that seek peace with justice through
nonviolent responses to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict;
5. Continue to help alleviate the humanitarian needs of all of those
affected by the conflict;
6. Support U.S. funding that promotes peace and cooperation for
all parties to the conflict; and
7. Continue to pray for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan
and the Holy Land.
B. Reaffirm the 2011 Churchwide Assembly action [CA11.04.27] to receive,
read, and discuss the Kairos Palestine document as an “authentic word
from our brothers and sisters in the Palestinian Christian community” that
“warrants our respect and attentiveness;”
C. Reaffirm the 2011 Churchwide Assembly action [CA 11.04.27] “to
commend the policy, ‘ELCA Economic Social Criteria Investment
Screens,’ to the members, congregations, synods, and agencies of this
church; and to decline to undertake a review of the investment of funds
managed within the ELCA but to commend these recommendations to the
Office of the Treasurer, the Office of the Secretary, the Congregational and
Synodical Mission unit, the Mission Advancement unit, and the ELCA
Board of Pensions for consideration;”
D. Encourage this church’s members, congregations, synods, and agencies to
call on the President of the United States and their representatives in
Congress to commit to a goal of facilitating a just and peaceful resolution to
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Committee on Reference and Counsel recommends consideration.
Section 4, Page 3
RESOLUTION 2016-3: Minimum Compensation and Benefits Guidelines
Submitted by the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Council
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Whereas,
St. Paul writes, “and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. For we are God’s
servants, working together” (1 Corinthians 3); and
Whereas, this synod will “provide for the pastoral care of congregations, ordained ministers, associates in
ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers of this church in this synod” (S6.03 of the synod
constitution); and
Whereas, the Executive Committee of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Council has reviewed the
Minimum Compensation and Benefits Guidelines; therefore be it
Resolved, that the 2016 Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly adopt the revised document 2017
Minimum Compensation and Benefits Guidelines for pastors, associates in ministry,
deaconesses, diaconal ministers, and lay professionals serving in congregations in the SE MN
Synod.
The Committee for Reference and Counsel recommends adoption.
Section 4, Page 4
2017 SE MN Synod
Minimum Compensation
& Benefits Guidelines
What Are Minimum Guidelines?
The mission of our synod is “equipping congregations and leaders to follow Jesus into a changing
world.” These guidelines are presented a tool for congregations1 and staff to use together so that
compensation decisions can be made in such a way that God’s mission flourishes, staff members are
cherished as servants of God, there is a sense of faithful partnership between church members and staff
and all areas of the church's ministry thrive. Minimum guidelines promote calls based on matching the
rostered leader’s2 gifts with a congregation’s needs, rather than encouraging leaders to select positions
based too heavily on the promise of better compensation. And they help congregations in researching
what comparable salaries are being paid in the area. Currently two thirds of congregations in the synod
pay their leaders at or above minimum guidelines. Most of the congregations who are below guidelines
are within close proximity as well. More importantly than the ability of congregations to pay at or above
guidelines, church staff need a team of members in their church who are willing to understand the
guidelines and advocate for their use as the budget is being proposed. The tone and quality of
conversation surrounding compensation matters may be as important as the substance or outcome of
such conversations. Church workers are encouraged to focus on the privilege of serving Christ
regardless of monetary reward and congregations are encouraged to be as generous as possible in
supporting their paid leaders—each looking out for the good of the other. This only works well if
compensation is determined with the mutual interests represented fairly. If your church does not have a
team of advocates, you place your staff in an awkward position of needing to advocate for themselves.
If you would like some help in understanding the guidelines, the deans and vice deans of each
conference have agreed to be facilitators for this discussion.
How Are They Developed?
A task force of seven lay and clergy members was commissioned by and in consultation with Bishop
Delzer at the end of August in order to:
Compare this year’s guidelines with neighboring synods’ 2016 guidelines, other mainline
denominations in our area, and survey congregations and pastors in order to gather relevant
information. For the purpose of this document, the term “congregation” may also refer to multi-point parishes and non-parish
ministry agencies such as Bible camps, long-term care facilities, hospitals, campus ministries, etc.
1
For the purpose of this document, the term “rostered leader” refers to a person who is on the roster of ordained
pastors and rostered lay leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Rostered lay leaders typically serve
as Christian education directors, youth directors, parish musicians, etc.
2
2016 Southeastern Minnesota Synod
Section 4, Page 5
#1
Seek input in order to develop fair minimum guidelines for 2017.
Provide recommendations to the bishop and synod council for review and input. Present guidelines at annual synod assembly for discussion and possible amendments before they are
voted on for final approval and adoption.
The members of the team this year are: David Knox, chair; Jay Dahlvang, Craig Nelson, Jim
Nordstrom, Kris Oppegard, Josh Kestner, and David Krinke.
Where Do We Stand?
SE MN Synod has been raising its guidelines
Comparison of 2016 Surrounding Synods’ Guidelines
for pastor salaries to be in closer alignment
1.
Northwest Synod of Wisconsin 5-7% higher
with surrounding synods (excluding
Northeast Iowa Synod 1-2% higher
2.
Minneapolis and St. Paul which are 35%
3.
Southeastern MN Synod higher). A few years ago, we had the lowest
4.
Northeastern MN Synod 0-2% lower
guidelines of all surrounding synods. The
Southwestern MN Synod 1% lower
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2016 guidelines were in the middle with two
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LaCrosse Area Synod 3-6% lower
offering higher salaries than us and three
offering lower salaries than us. This relative
parity enables money to not be a disincentive
in attracting pastors to fill the many vacancies within our synod. Last year, with over 50 churches in
need of pastors, we had the most vacancies of any synod in the US. Currently we have approximately
25 pastoral vacancies.
Understanding Your Pastor’s Pay
Pastors historically were once compensated
comparably with public school superintendents. Later
this dropped to being in parity with school principals.
Minimum guidelines for pastors are now roughly
equivalent with the average teacher with a master’s
degree in MN. Teachers are paid on a nine-month or
187 day basis; however, pastors do not contribute
directly toward the cost of their benefits plan as most
teachers do. Each school district salary is negotiated
separately so the benefits vary widely. We encourage
you to ask your school district for its salary schedule for
local comparison. Keep in mind that a pastor’s salary
is base salary plus housing. For comparison purposes,
it should not be confused with the total costs to the
congregation for employment and professional support.
Average Teacher with
Master’s Degree
Salary in SE MN
(2015-2016)
Year
1 $46,166
5 $51,916
10 $60,324
15 $65,173
20 $66,672
25 $67,386
SE MN Synod
2017
Guidelines
Salary & Housing
Year
1 $48,242
5 $51,715
10 $56,033
15 $60,097
20 $64,161
25 $68,225
(Average teacher salary based on six rural school
districts and six urban districts within SE MN
Synod boundaries. Teachers typically reach the
top of their pay scale at 25 years of experience.)
Why is There a Housing Allowance for Clergy?
A pastor’s salary is divided up into base salary and housing allowance. If a pastor lives in a parsonage,
the value of housing is calculated at 30% of base salary. Because of IRS regulations, pastors do not
need to pay income tax on the portion of their salary spent on housing if it has been designated for this
purpose in the annual budget and it is used for the purpose of housing. Every December the pastor
Section 4, Page 6
#2
should notify the congregation’s council that a specific amount of his/her compensation for the coming
year be designated as housing allowance. The council acknowledges this request by a motion and vote
that is entered into the meeting minutes. It needs to be understood that dividing housing allowance and
salary is for income tax purposes, and the division can appear unusual. The council may choose to use
this format within the minutes of its meeting: A motion was duly made, seconded, and approved that
the ministry compensation paid to Rev. __________ during the year 20___ include a designated housing
allowance in the amount of $____________. This amount shall remain in effect annually until amended or
rescinded. (Source: Clergy Financial Services, Inc.)
Core Biblical Convictions For Paying Church Workers
Decisions about compensation for rostered leaders and other church staff workers, like other issues the
church faces, are best made in light of our core biblical and theological convictions. What are some of
the faith commitments that will influence our approach to this important subject?
1. Our starting point is that the grace of God in Jesus Christ can be neither bought nor sold. God
insists on giving it freely. Indeed, all Christians receive in baptism a call to serve and proclaim the
Good News of God's undeserved love in Jesus Christ.
2. All Christians are to declare the gospel, especially to those who have never heard it. Within the
church, however, some are called to make this task a major occupational commitment. Some
members of the church are asked to devote a significant amount of their time and energy to the
ministry of equipping all of God's people for service in the world. When the church asks such
persons to dedicate so much of their lives to public ministries that they cannot be employed
elsewhere, the church takes upon itself a responsibility to pay those persons an appropriate
wage.
3. The principle that “laborers deserve their food” (Matthew 10:10) is attested throughout the
scriptures. In the Old Testament, priests were granted a portion of the sacrifices made by the
people; tithes and other offerings were received to support God's servants. In the New
Testament, Paul speaks of the duty of churches to support their leaders, even though Paul chose
to waive this right for himself (I Corinthians 9).
4. Insofar as the church is institutionally embodied, it is subject to the same standards of justice
to which all human institutions are accountable. The church, however, is more than a human
institution. At a deeper level, the church is the community of faith – drawn together by God
around the Word and Sacraments, empowered for witness in the world. Pastors, associates in
ministry and other lay staff are simultaneously employed by congregations and called by the
church to be fellow workers with all of God's people in the Body of Christ.
As churches and ministry agencies make decisions about compensation for staff members, they will
bear in mind the identity and calling that are ours in Jesus Christ. The following guidelines are designed
to assist congregations as they make decisions regarding the compensation of rostered leaders and
church staff. For additional assistance in determining a fair salary and benefits package for rostered
leaders, please contact a member of the synod pastoral staff.
Section 4, Page 7
#3
Making Compensation Decisions
It is recommended that each congregation have a Personnel Committee with a minimum of three
persons, whose responsibilities would be:
to develop, review, and revise personnel policies for the congregation;
to provide for regular (annual or semi-annual) evaluation of all members of the staff;
to assist with any needs, concerns, problems that may arise among the members of the staff –
rostered leaders and support staff;
to meet annually with each staff member to discuss compensation needs and concerns;
to recommend to the budgeting body (e.g. church council, board of trustees, etc.) specific salary;
benefits for each staff member; and
to advocate with the budgeting body on behalf of the salary needs of each staff member.
In congregations, compensation packages for staff persons should be set by the congregation council or
whichever elected body has the responsibility and authority to manage the fiscal affairs of the
congregation. This should be done in consultation with the staff person(s) and personnel committee.
Congregational meetings are too large to be deliberative regarding specific compensation packages.
Facts necessary for responsible decisions about compensation are not always available to all members
of the congregation. The council should place the recommended compensation package(s) in the budget
and present it to the congregation for ratification at the annual meeting.
COMPENSATION FOR ROSTERED LEADERS
These guidelines are intended to assist congregations and rostered leaders in their annual compensation
review as set forth in the Letter of Call.
A. Base Salary Guidelines
The synod task force on compensation and benefits has attempted to arrive at a fair base salary. The
synod’s base salary guidelines are a suggested minimum amount based on total years of ministry
experience. Congregations are free to give their rostered leaders an increase of more than the minimum,
as befits church finances or circumstances.
Congregations that find themselves falling 10% or more below minimum guidelines should understand
that they are moving into what we need to consider as less than a full-time call. We understand that
when this happens, congregations often are disappointed that they cannot fully compensate their pastor.
This often is happening when congregations are losing members to death or for other reasons and
therefore are losing financial strength. It is an unfortunate reality that this will begin to affect the
congregation’s options when it enters the call process the next time. All of us will need to be honest
about the reality. It may limit options for pastors willing to consider interviewing. It also may provoke a
conversation about doing some kind of mission redevelopment such as forming an area parish or finding
another ministry partner in order to provide full-time pastoral compensation. Pastors who are less than
full-time also may need to seek additional employment beyond their parish call in forms that are not in
conflict with their primary role as pastor. Congregations that are 5% or more below guidelines should
consider offering their pastors additional time off or more vacation time in lieu of guidelines salary. It may
be that they also could find other ways to negotiate a mutually-agreeable compensation.
2016 Southeastern Minnesota2016
Synod
Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly
Section 4, Page 8
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2017 Salary Scale
The 2017 guidelines include no inflation or other increases. Each individual pastor, however, would
receive a step increase of $620-$625 for the additional year of experience. This is the recent history for
Southeastern MN Synod’s salary increases: 2012 — no increase, just step increase; 2013 — 3.5% increase, plus step increase. 2014 — increase of between $563-$2,985 (or between 1.8% to 9%) to provide a range. The top end of the range equaled parity with other neighboring synods on our borders (excluding Mpls/St. Paul).
A range was given so that congregations could work toward this increase over time. 2015 — 1.5% increase to the range given the previous year, plus step increase. 2016 — 1.5% increase, plus step increase. No more range given. Only the higher number which reflects parity with border synods remains.
Years of
Base Salary
Service MINIMUM 2017
Graduate…….. 36,490 1 ...................... 37,109 2 ...................... 37,728 3 ...................... 38,348 4 ...................... 39,159 5 ...................... 39,781 6 ...................... 40,403 7 ...................... 41,025 8 ...................... 41,647 9 ...................... 42,269 10 .................... 43,102
11 .................... 43,727 12 .................... 44,352 13 .................... 44,978 Years of
Base Salary
Service
MINIMUM 2017
14 ………..…… 45,603 15 .................... 46,228 16 …………….. 46,853 17 …………….. 47,479
18……………… 48,104 19……………… 48,729 20……………… 49,354 21……………… 49,980 22……………… 50,605 23……………… 51,230 24……………… 51,855 25……………… 52,481 26……………… 53,106 27……………… 53,732 Years of
Base Salary
Service
MINIMUM 2017 28................... 54,356 29................... 54,982 30................... 55,607 31……………. 56,212
32……………. 56,837
33……………. 57,462
34……………. 58,087
35……………. 58,712
36……………. 59,337
37……………. 59,962
38……………. 60,587
39……………. 61,212
40……………. 61,837 Pastors and other rostered leaders with more than 40 years of ministry experience and their
congregations are asked to negotiate appropriate salary increases.
Other Considerations
The total compensation package should also take into account workload, additional education, and
effectiveness of the rostered leader. Many pastors, as they go through college and seminary, have
incurred high levels of educational debt. Congregations are encouraged to discuss this matter with their
pastors. If your pastor is still paying off educational debt, the congregation is encouraged to provide a
matching contribution up to $100 per month to aid in reducing the educational debt. Persons who have
had other careers prior to entering rostered ministry should be given credit for that experience to the
extent that it was pertinent in preparing them for ministry, such as counseling, teaching, lay program
staff, and supervisory positions. Examples: a person who taught school for 10 years could be given 5
years’ credit on the salary guidelines; a person who had supervisory responsibilities for 7 years could be
given 7 years’ credit. Pastors will be granted housing (either a parsonage or housing allowance) in
addition to the base salary. Rostered lay leaders will be granted the same base salary but will not be
furnished with housing.
Section 4, Page 9
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Housing Allowance
An adequate housing allowance or a parsonage should be furnished for all ordained pastors under call.3
4 If the pastor is given a cash housing allowance in lieu of a parsonage, the amount of the allowance
must be designated by the congregation council prior to the beginning of the year.5 The housing
allowance should be enough to provide housing that is adequate for the clergy family's needs. Factors to
consider in determining the amount of a housing allowance include: representative rental costs in the
community or the cost of purchasing a home, utilities, property taxes, homeowner and/or personal
property insurance, maintenance, etc. The standard amount is 30% of the base salary. In some
communities of the synod where housing costs are higher, a percentage greater than 30% may be more
appropriate. You may find the median home prices by county on http://www.trulia.com/home_prices/.
Parsonage
If a congregation provides a parsonage, the congregation should assume all costs for maintenance and
utilities. These costs may be paid directly or the pastor may be given a Utilities Allowance sufficient to
cover these expenses. In addition to these costs, the congregation should provide and maintain major
appliances in the parsonage. Pastors who live in an unfurnished parsonage also may receive a
furnishings allowance6 or have a portion of their base salary designated as a Furnishings Allowance. If
the pastor is offered such an allowance, it must be designated by the congregation council prior to the
beginning of the year. If a parsonage is provided, the congregation is encouraged to help provide for the
future housing needs of the pastor at such a time when he/she decides to purchase a home by
establishing a Housing Equity Account. To accomplish this, the congregation may simply make
additional employer contributions to the ELCA Retirement Plan account. It is recommended that these
contributions be equal, at a minimum, to the amount of the following calculation: 3% [130% (base salary
+ FICA allowance)]. Pastors should be aware of the tax issues associated with receiving a cash housing
allowance or a parsonage. Helpful information is available on the Portico Benefit Services website
(www.PorticoBenefits.org), and it may also be valuable to contact a qualified tax adviser who is
knowledgeable about the unique tax situations for ordained pastors.
For example, if a clergy couple serves two different congregations, each pastor is entitled to either a housing
allowance or a parsonage.
3
Under U.S. tax codes a pastor’s housing allowance or fair rental value of a parsonage is subject to FICA tax but is
not subject to income tax.
4
5
A congregation can amend its housing allowance designation during the course of the year, if changed
circumstances renter the original allowance inadequate. However, the amended allowance will only operate
prospectively (for the remaining portion of the year), not retroactively (i.e. applying it back to the beginning of the
year.) See Church Law and Tax Report, 1996 Church and Clergy Tax guide, p. 134
This allowance could be used to cover the costs of furniture, appliances not provided by the parish, vacuum
cleaner, televisions, beds, decorator items, curtains, paintings, wallpaper, throw rugs, lawn mowers, cleaning
supplies for home, brooms, light bulbs, etc. This allowance cannot be used for toiletries such as soaps, paper
products, toothpaste, etc.
6
Section 4, Page 10
#6
Moving Expenses
Good beginnings are important. It is helpful that the relationship between pastor and congregation “get
off on the right foot.” Congregation and pastor are urged to give thoughtful consideration to the needs of
the other when undertaking a move. Because moving can be an exciting and very stressful event in a
person’s life, it is important that the congregation and pastor reach a mutually satisfactory decision
about the move as part of the compensation negotiations. The congregation shall be responsible for
moving all household, professional, and personal goods of the pastor and his/her family, for arriving
rostered staff and for congregation-required local moves. It is recommended that professional movers be
utilized. If their services are not used, the means of transporting the pastor’s belongings must be
mutually agreed upon ahead of time. When the services of professional movers are not used, it is
strongly recommended that a separate insurance policy covering the transported goods will be
purchased by the congregation. These policies are available from most insurance agencies.
Workers' Compensation
All congregations are required by law to provide Workers’ Compensation coverage for all employees. For
purposes of Workers’ Compensation, clergy are employees and therefore must be covered under
Workers’ Compensation.
FICA (“Social Security”)
Congregations are required to pay FICA taxes for all lay employees. Since IRS considers clergy as selfemployed for FICA purposes (but employed for income tax purposes), congregations/ministry agencies
cannot legally pay FICA directly for ordained clergy. The FICA tax for self-employed persons in 2016 is
15.3%7 . Clergy must pay FICA tax on their base salary and housing allowance/rental value of parsonage.
Congregations are expected to reimburse pastors the employer's share of FICA, 7.65%. (The pastor’s
share is the remaining 7.65%, including Social Security and Medicare.) Such a FICA Allowance, however,
is still fully taxable for both income tax and FICA purposes.
Portico Benefit Services
The congregation shall budget for and participate in Portico Benefit Services Program for clergy and
rostered lay leaders and their families. This plan provides health, dental, prescription drug, retirement,
disability, wellness programs, and group life insurance benefits in one bundled program.8 Each fall, each
sponsoring employer must make a selection with Portico for the ELCA-Primary health benefit option they
will offer their sponsored plan members for the following year. The recommended option is either Gold+
or Silver+ with level “A” contribution to the employee’s HSA. The contribution is based on Annual
Defined Compensation, which includes base salary before payroll deductions, plus any Social Security
(FICA) allowance, housing allowance, and furnishings and utility allowance. If a parsonage is provided,
defined compensation is also increased by 30% of the sum of base salary. The current contribution
7
Congregations should stay abreast of any changes in the FICA tax rate.
If the spouse of a Portico Benefit Services member, through his/her employer, has medical insurance coverage for
the entire family, the plan member may opt out of the Portico Benefit Services plan. ELCA health benefits costs
range $6,000-20,000 per year for pastors and their families in our synod. Congregations are encouraged to maintain
a line item for such an amount in their annual budgets for future pastoral calls.
8
Synod
Section 4, Page 11
#7
rates are available on the EmployerLink website (https://employerlink.porticobenefits.org/Home/
Resources/Calculators.aspx) or by calling 800-352-2876.
Flexible Spending, Other Voluntary Opportunities
All employees of congregations covered under Portico Benefit Services have the option of setting up a
flexible spending account (FSA), a health savings account (HSA), and other voluntary insurance
opportunities. Payroll dollars may be set aside on a pretax basis to pay for eligible health care and
dependent (day) care expenses for their family. This benefit is offered at no additional cost to sponsors.
Both sponsoring employers and plan members can make contributions to an HSA. Sponsored members
can also purchase supplemental life insurance on themselves, their spouses and dependents. Long-term
care coverage is also available. For more information, visit the Portico Benefit Services website at
www.PorticoBenefits.org or call 800-352-2876.
Auto Expense Reimbursement
Automobile and other work-related travel expenses are business expenses for the congregation and
should not be regarded as part of the staff person's salary. The current IRS standard mileage rate, based
on actual miles driven and reported by the staff person in his/her personal vehicle, is recommended for
use by congregations to calculate reimbursement. When these guidelines were drafted, the IRS
standard mileage rate was $.54 per mile for business miles driven. The standard rate is intended to cover
gasoline and gas tax, depreciation or lease payments, insurance, registration, licensing fees, oil, tires,
routine maintenance, and repairs. Congregations are advised to stay abreast of current IRS regulations
pertaining to the standard mileage rates. Instead of reimbursing the staff person for use of his/her
personal vehicle, the congregation may choose to lease or purchase a car for the staff person and
assume all operating costs for the vehicle.
Professional Expense Reimbursement
It is recommended that professional expenses such as books, vestments, periodicals, professional dues,
entertaining and hospitality costs incurred in the performance of the duties of the pastoral office be
shared by the congregation. Attendance at the Synod Assembly and Synod Theological Conference is
required of all rostered leaders, and all costs for these events are to be paid by the congregation.
Technology Tools
In many places, the use of technology enhances effective ministry by providing for better use of time and
by helping pastors and rostered leaders be more accessible. Legitimate technology expenses incurred
for church-related work should be reimbursed. Examples include cell phones, email/internet prayer
groups, and computers. For cell phones that are used both for church business and personal calls, it is
suggested that the congregation and rostered leader each pay 50% of the base plan. Unless otherwise
agreed to, equipment will remain with the congregation or be purchased at current market value by the
rostered leader.
Section 4, Page 12
#8
Continuing Education
All full- and part-time rostered leaders of the ELCA are expected to complete at least 50 contact hours of
continuing education annually.9 Therefore, continuing education time and funding should be provided for
them for updating skills and for professional growth in order to strengthen their ministries. It is
recommended that a minimum of two weeks (including up to two Sundays) and $750 be granted
annually for continuing education. The unused portion of a rostered person's annual continuing
education leave or continuing education allowance may be accumulated over a period of no more than
three years for more major continuing education opportunities. Continuing education may include
courses, seminary classes, workshops, or independent study when directed toward a specific goal.
Use of continuing education funds is granted by the congregation council or other appropriate authority.
Termination of employment may cancel all time and money contributed by the employer for that
employee. Congregations are encouraged to consider a sabbatical policy for their rostered leaders. The
1997 ELCA Churchwide Assembly recommended that rostered leaders be granted a period of extended
study and renewal, a minimum of 1-3 months every 5-7 years in the current call.10
Time Off & Vacation
Adequate time off for rostered leaders is essential. It is recommended that vacation time be a minimum
of 4 weeks (including 4 Sundays) for all rostered leaders regardless of years' experience. Full time
employees should be encouraged to take off two full days per week. Vacation time is offered purely for
the rest, relaxation, and renewal of rostered leaders. The following should not be considered part of a
rostered person's vacation time: official synod events at which attendance by rostered leaders is
required; continuing education; time spent in outdoor ministries and retreats with congregational youth
and family groups; work on synod or churchwide boards or committees.
Holidays
Holidays should be granted as days off in addition to vacation days. When the services of the rostered
leader are required on recognized holidays, time off with pay should be granted at another time which
causes minimal disruption to the congregation. The following days are traditionally considered paid
holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Good Friday or Easter Monday, Memorial Day, Fourth
of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Other Circumstances
On rare occasions the rostered leader and congregation may need to negotiate the carrying over of
unused vacation time into the following year. An additional 2 Sundays a year may be granted a pastor
serving in a solo ministry setting, with the parish providing worship supply. Newly-rostered pastors and lay leaders are required to participate in First-Call Theological Education during the
first three years of rostered service.
9
For rostered persons involved in the First-Call Theological Education program, this 5- to 7-year period begins
upon completion of that program.
10
Section 4, Page 13
#9
Emergency Leave
Absence of three days (up to five days, depending on distance) due to a death in the immediate family is
normally permitted. (“Immediate family” is defined to include spouse, parents, siblings, children, in-laws,
grandparents, and grandchildren.) Congregations are encouraged to provide additional paid leave after
the death of a spouse or child, especially in cases where the rostered leader has no remaining vacation
time for that year. Compassion and grace should be the guiding values.
Disability - Sick Leave
In the event that a rostered leader becomes medically disabled, it is expected that the congregation
provide up to 2 months of continued salary, housing, and contributions to the ELCA Retirement and
Other Benefits plans in a 12-month period. It is recommended that each congregation develop explicit
written policy relating to disability and sick leave before such need arises. Such a policy might include
allowing rostered persons to use some sick leave days to care for immediate family members who are ill.
Consideration for sick leave during interim ministries might also be included.
Parental Leave
Parental leave with full salary, housing, and benefits for up to 6 weeks is appropriate when a child is born
or adopted. It is recommended that each congregation develop an explicit written policy relating to
parental leave.11
Military Leave
A congregation whose pastor serves simultaneously as a chaplain in a military reserve unit must by law
grant leave time for the pastor to fulfill his/her military obligations. Such military leave time is to be
granted exclusive of vacation and continuing education time. It is recommended that each congregation
develop explicit written policies relating to compensation issues for rostered leaders while on military
leave. Policy guidelines are available from the ELCA Federal Chaplaincy website (http://www.elca.org/
Our-Work/Leadership/Federal-Chaplaincy-Ministries).
Part-Time Staff
Part-time rostered staff persons should have consideration for salary and benefits corresponding to a
percentage of a full-time salary and benefits package. The required minimum continuing education
should not be reduced by a percentage, however.
Severance Policy
It is recommended that each congregation develop explicit written policies relating to severance
compensation for rostered leaders. See appendix B.
Unemployment Compensation
Federal and state laws generally exempt churches from this requirement as service performed in the
employ of a religious organization.
Congregations that have called a rostered couple (two rostered persons married to each other) should give
particular attention to the question of whether both rostered persons will receive a full parental leave.
11
2016 Southeastern Minnesota
Synod
2016
Section 4, Page 14
#10
SYNOD POLICY FOR INTERIM MINISTRIES
The interim pastor plays a very significant role in the life of a congregation. When a pastor leaves a
congregation, there are a number of termination emotions that must be dealt with if the congregation is
to be healthy and prepared for the arrival of the new permanent pastor. The interim pastor is one who
facilitates the expression of these emotions and brings leadership and stability to that situation. There
are some ministry settings that require normal ministry between pastorates; other settings may need an
interim specialist to help address specific needs. When there has been a very long pastorate (more than
15 years) or when a congregation has experienced unusual challenges, an interim ministry of 6-12
months may be warranted. It is helpful for an interim pastor to know that he/she has a specific period of
time to accomplish the goals negotiated in the contract.
The following guidelines are offered to congregations needing interim ministry:
The interim pastor is selected by the congregation after consultation with the synod staff.
The interim pastor serves under a Letter of Agreement from the congregation. At the pastor’s
request, a Letter of Call may be extended by the synod council. (The synod staff will provide
sample Letter of Agreement forms for this purpose.)
The interim pastor is employed by and accountable to the congregation. The interim pastor is
accountable to the synod in the same way as any other pastor.
The synod staff shall share pertinent information about the congregation with the interim pastor.
The interim pastor shall keep the synod staff informed of particular concerns or needs of the
ministry setting, especially those that may affect the calling of a pastor. Upon completion of an
interim pastorate, the interim pastor shall submit a written report to the synod staff.
The interim pastor shall normally not be a candidate for call to the congregation in which he/she is
doing interim ministry.
While serving as an interim pastor, he/she shall not participate in the call process in that
congregation.
New programs or organizations may be initiated by the congregation council during the interim,
after consultation with the interim pastor.
In addition to specific ministry concerns, various items pertaining to compensation shall be included in
the Letter of Agreement between the interim pastor and the congregation.
Compensation and Benefits for Interim Pastors
The total compensation package for an interim pastor is normally no greater than the compensation
package of the pastor who departed. This means that in most cases the interim pastor’s total
compensation package will be negotiated on the basis of (a) a base salary appropriate for his/her years
of ordained experience according to the synodical compensation guidelines, (b) the base salary of the
departed pastor, and (c) other pertinent factors unique to the congregation’s situation. If the situation
requires concentrated effort above the normal routine, serious consideration should be given to an
interim pastor with specialized training expertise even if this requires a higher salary. It must be
remembered that restorative and creative ministry on the part of the interim pastor may be much more
difficult and exhausting than regular parish ministry.
For interim pastors, the congregation shall also provide:
1. One week of paid vacation and benefits for every 13 weeks of full-time service.
2. Contributions toward Portico Benefit Services for all clergy who are not already retired.
3. Premium payments for retired clergy who are still contributing to their coverage for medical
insurance.
4. Consideration for disability/sick leave for interim ministries is recommended.
5. Four days of paid continuing education leave and a continuing education allowance of $187.50 for
every 3 months of full-time service.
6. Payment of registration costs for attending the Synod Assembly and Synod Theological
Conference when these events occur during the interim.
7. Reimbursement for auto expenses and professional expenses incurred in doing ministry in the
Section 4, Page 15
#11
parish. An interim pastor who commutes may be reimbursed for all or a portion of his/her commuting
costs, as agreed upon by the congregation council. It is often the case that congregations cover mileage
for one round trip per week between the pastor’s home and the place where he/she serves.
8. Housing allowance may be granted to an interim pastor, even when a parsonage is available, in
recognition of the need for intentional interim pastors to maintain permanent housing.
9. If the interim call contract is ended early by a congregation and the interim pastor does not have
another call, it is recommended that the congregation consider providing ongoing support for another 30
days. For part-time interim ministry, the congregation shall compensate the interim pastor based on a
percentage of the compensation package of the previous pastor. This percentage is based on the time
worked by the interim minister in comparison with the time worked by the previous pastor.
Worship Supply
For Sunday mornings and midweek services, the congregation or parish shall compensate the supply
pastor or worship leader $150 for the first worship service, plus $50 for each additional worship service
on the same day. For weddings and funerals, if the congregation makes the arrangements, the
congregation shall compensate the supply pastor or worship leader $150. For both of the above, auto
reimbursement shall be at the current IRS standard mileage rate ($.54 per mile when these guidelines
were drafted).
NON-ROSTERED LAY STAFF
Church staff persons in programmatic ministries who are not rostered should receive fair and adequate
remuneration for their labors. Their salaries should take into account the level of responsibility,
effectiveness in ministry, educational background, length of service, and the number of hours worked
per week. For example: in setting the salary of music staff persons, consideration should be given for
specialized training in church music and time spent preparing for rehearsals or worship services. Salaries
for comparable positions in the community can provide guidance.
Many program staff members, such as those in Youth and Family Ministry, find it essential to have a cell
phone to do their work. Congregations and non-rostered staff should negotiate a monthly stipend for a
cell phone for church-related work. For cell phones that are used both for church business and personal
calls, it is suggested that the congregation and staff member each pay 50% of the base plan.
Support Staff
Positions of support in a congregation, such as secretary or custodian, also need to be compensated
fairly. It is important to develop a position description which effectively describes the responsibilities
involved. A comparison of the requirements for the position with comparable positions in the community
can be helpful in setting salary and benefits. For persons working 20 or more hours per week, benefits
in addition to salary should be offered. Benefits should include medical coverage and retirement
contributions.12 Provision for continuing education should also be included as a benefit for non-rostered
program and support staff.
COMPENSATION WORKSHEETS
The following worksheets are provided in order to aid the congregation in establishing a total
compensation package. Each item on the worksheets is described within this synod guidelines
document. The worksheets lend themselves to building a compensation package using synod
guidelines. If staff are below guidelines, it is strongly recommended that these worksheets are presented
in the annual report of the congregation to ensure that everyone is fully aware of the situation. Pastors and rostered laypersons are eligible for membership in Portico Benefit Services if they are scheduled to
work at least 15 hours per week, 6 or more months a year. Lay (non-rostered) employees must be scheduled to work
at least 20 hours per week, 6 or more months a year, in order to qualify for membership in Portico Benefit Services.
State law also requires that all employees be provided with workers’ compensation coverage.
12
Section 4, Page 16
#12
Compensation Worksheet
For Clergy Who Own a Home
Building the Compensation Package
Current Year
Guidelines
Proposed
Salary and Housing
$
$
$
Social Security Reimbursement (7.65%)
$
$
$
TOTAL $
$
$
ELCA Bundled Benefits Plan1
$
$
$
Other (e.g., Health Savings Account, additional
retirement contribution, etc.)
$
$
$
TOTAL BENEFITS $
$
$
Salary and Housing
Benefits
Reimbursed Professional Expenses
Automobile
$
$
$
Sabbatical
$
$
$
$
$
$
Professional Ministry Expense
$
$
$
Other
$
$
$
TOTAL PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES $
$
$
Non-Financial Compensation
Vacation (Number of Weeks)
Continuing Education (Number of Weeks)
Other
Synod
Section 4, Page 17
#13
For Clergy Who Live in a Parsonage
Current Year
Guidelines
Proposed
Salary and Furnishings Allowance
$
$
$
Social Security Reimbursement (7.65%)
$
$
$
TOTAL $
$
$
Housing Equity Account
$
$
$
ELCA Bundled Benefits Plan1
$
$
$
$
$
$
TOTAL BENEFITS $
$
$
Salary and Housing
Benefits
Automobile
$
$
$
Sabbatical
$
$
$
$
$
$
Professional Ministry Expense
$
$
$
Other
$
$
$
$
$
Other
Section 4, Page 18
#14
For Rostered Lay Leaders & Staff
Current Year
Guidelines
Proposed
Annual Base Salary
$
$
$
Other (see guidelines for other considerations)
$
$
$
TOTAL $
$
$
FICA Tax — Employer’s Share
$
$
$
Portico Benefit Services
$
$
$
$
$
$
TOTAL BENEFITS $
$
$
Salary
Benefits
Automobile
$
$
$
Professional
$
$
$
Official Synod Meetings (Assembly, Fall Theol.)
$
$
$
$
$
$
Other
$
$
$
$
$
Other
Section 4, Page 19
#15
Appendix A
Parsonage Guidelines
A parsonage is the home provided by the congregation for its pastor(s). It is to be an aid in the carrying
out of ministry. In its care of the church, the congregation will want to provide a good home. The
guidelines on the following pages are a way to help both pastor and congregation. Following them will
help the congregation (1) become aware of needed improvements, (2) achieve synod-wide standards for
church-owned homes, and (3) become aware of abuses of the parsonage property.
Since the parsonage is the pastor's home, privacy should be respected. Congregation members are
expected to follow the same standards of privacy consideration for such things as entering the
parsonage as they would for any other home in the community. In the interest of enhancing effectiveness
and healthy pastoral availability, congregations are encouraged to consider the advantages in having
church offices in locations other than the pastoral residence/parsonage. Because it is the home of the
pastor, the desires of the pastor should be consulted when changes become necessary. Further details
about this are in the following guidelines.
The quality of the parsonage should meet a standard set by the homes of the majority of the
congregation's members. The size should be adequate to accommodate families. The tenant/landlord
model may apply on occasion, but its application is quite limited. Unlike a renter, the pastor normally has
little choice of residence. The relationship between the pastor and congregation is not based on a lease
or rental agreement, but upon a common bond in the service of Christ Jesus.
SPECIFIC GUIDELINES
These are suggested specific guidelines for congregations with parsonages. These are guidelines that
congregations and pastors may use to discuss the maintenance, repair and responsibilities relative to a
church-owned home:
1. It is recommended that the congregation either appoint a Parsonage Committee or designate
another congregational leadership group (e.g. the property committee or the board of trustees)
to administer these parsonage guidelines.
2. It is recommended that the following appliances be provided in the parsonage: stove,
dishwasher, soft water system (if needed), humidifier/dehumidifier (if needed), refrigerator,
washer and dryer, garbage disposal, air conditioning, TV antenna unless cable is provided.
3. It is recommended that the following utilities be paid directly by the congregation or by utility
allowance: electricity, gas, fuel oil, telephone (except personal long distance calls), Internet, soft
water service (if needed), trash removal (metered bags or monthly pickup charges).
4. Items that would normally be supplied by the congregation include: paint, wallpaper, window
coverings, floor coverings, light fixtures, ceiling fans.
5. When a pastor first moves into a parsonage, the congregation should see that it is thoroughly
clean and should usually plan to redecorate.
6. The colors, fabric, design, etc., selected in the redecoration would normally be selected by
those who will be living in the house in consultation with the appropriate committee. The
congregation, of course, would determine the price ranges for these items.
7. Parsonage maintenance and repair should be listed as a separate line item in the annual
budget with a clear understanding of who has the authority to spend these budgeted funds.
Section 4, Page 20
#16
8. There should be an annual inspection of the parsonage that is conducted with the pastor.
9. The pastor and congregation should develop and annually update a list of necessary and
desired repairs, maintenance, modernization, redecorating, and remodeling projects and
together prioritize these projects.
10. There should be clear understanding about how regular maintenance and emergency repairs
are to be handled. It is suggested that the pastor be authorized to spend a specified dollar
amount at his/her own discretion. Any repairs in excess of this amount would require approval of
the property committee or the congregation council.
The pastor should be held responsible for any excess wear or damage caused to the parsonage while
he/she was living there. This would include damage caused by all inhabitants including pets. When a
pastor moves out of a parsonage and before all financial obligations are completed, there should be an
inspection of the property to see that it is left clean and in good repair. Congregations may require a
damage deposit of $500 in advance. This amount could be paid at the beginning of a call or withheld
from paychecks during the first 10 months ($50 x 10 monthly paychecks, or $25 x 20 semi-monthly
paychecks). Funds are to be held in a separate interest-bearing account, to be returned when the
parsonage is vacated in good condition. This does not limit the damage liability to the balance of that
account. This concerns both interim and permanent call situations involving parsonages. It is especially
important that pastor and congregation mutually assess and verify the age and condition of carpets
before residency begins in the parsonage.
The grounds around the parsonage are primarily the responsibility of the congregation. The congregation
should see that the lawn, shrubbery, and flower beds are in good condition when a pastor moves into
the parsonage. The pastor may be expected to care for these grounds (mow; rake; remove snow; apply
fertilizer, insecticides, herbicides) or these responsibilities may be shared by the congregation. (The
division of labor should be negotiated by the pastor and the council immediately after the pastor's
arrival.) Congregations should consider taking care of the grounds around the parsonage while the pastor is on
vacation or study leave.
The congregation should provide suitable garage space for the pastor's automobile(s). Normally this
would be space for two vehicles.
Synod
Section 4, Page 21
#17
Appendix B
Guidelines for Severance Benefits
Rostered leaders and other staff are highly valued and dedicated servants in the church. Yet there are
times when, unfortunately, it becomes wise for an individual’s call or employment to end earlier than
expected. Perhaps the individual’s gifts do not meet the needs of the congregation. Perhaps the
resources in the congregation have changed. In such difficult situations, the Southeastern Minnesota
Synod encourages congregations to be as fair and caring as possible.
Severance pay is offered because church workers are not eligible for unemployment compensation.
Severance pay shall be based on the average weekly compensation during the last 12 months, including
housing in case of a called pastor.
A severance package is best arranged in consultation with the synod office. For mutual clarity, a signed
release agreement is strongly recommended before any severance is paid. Severance Formula
Age, previous experience in other settings, and years of service in the current congregation are
considered. The result is expressed in units of weeks of pay.
Minimum severance amount, independent of age and experience
Write ‘4’ if the person is 50 years or older. Otherwise write ‘0’
4
Write the number of years of relevant service before coming to this congregation,
divided by 2. For example, for 12 years’ service in previous congregations, write ‘6’
Add lines 2 and 3.
Write ‘9’ or the value from line 4, whichever is smaller
Write the number of years of service in the current congregation.
Add lines 1, 5, and 6
Final result: Write ’26’ or the value from line 7, whichever is smaller, to determine
weeks of severance pay
2016 Southeastern Minnesota
Synod
2016
Section 4, Page 22
#18
RESOLUTION 2016-4: Thanksgiving for Military Personnel, Veterans, and their Families
Submitted by the Root River Conference
1
Whereas, 1.2 million Americans currently serve in the United States Armed Forces; and
2
Whereas, the US has about 21.2 million military veterans; and
3
Whereas, 2.2 million Americans are wounded veterans; and
4
5
Whereas, this church is highly committed to ministry with military personnel and veterans;
therefore be it
6
7
Resolved, that the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, in Assembly, encourage its congregations to
support military personnel and veterans by:
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21
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a. expressing the congregation’s gratitude to military personnel and veterans;
b. remaining attentive to military personnel and veterans;
c. presenting military personnel and veterans copies of the Prayer Book for the
Armed Services (Augsburg Fortress – a companion to Evangelical Lutheran
Worship);
d. donating copies of the Prayer Book for the Armed Services for use by military
chaplains;
e. regularly praying for military chaplains, military personnel, veterans and their
families; those who are hospitalized, and those families with a member or
members who have been wounded or killed in military service;
f. participating in programs like the ELCA Care for Returning Veterans Workshop,
Wounded Warrior Programs, Point Man Ministries, Partners in Care;
g. lifting up the vocational call of military service and chaplaincy;
h. keeping members aware of the need for chaplains and contributing to the ELCA
Federal Chaplaincy Fund for Leaders Endowment; and
i. designating one Sunday each year as a day of thanksgiving and remembrance for
individuals and the families of individuals who are serving in the military, are
veterans, have been wounded in military service, or have died in military service;
and be it further
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31
Resolved, that the Southeastern Minnesota Synod memorialize the 2016 ELCA Churchwide
Assembly to express this church’s gratitude and support for all individuals – and the
families of such individuals – who serve in the military or are veterans of military
service and to encourage all ELCA congregations to involve themselves in the
activities listed above.
32
33
The Committee on Reference and Counsel recommends consideration
Section 4, Page 23
RESOLUTION 2016-5: Dissolution of The Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota
Submitted by the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Council
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
Whereas,
Whereas,
Whereas,
Whereas,
Whereas,
Resolved,
Resolved,
Resolved,
Resolved,
the purpose of The Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota (LCMM), is “to
maintain, develop, and promote the ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA) to the students and faculty in the institutions of
higher learning in Minnesota in accordance with the policies of the ELCA…”
(Articles of Incorporation, Article 2); and
The Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota has met its responsibilities by
buying, holding, insuring, and selling real estate for the nine local Campus
Ministry Agencies (CMAs) in Minnesota; extending Letters of Call to
Campus Pastors; and distributing synodical and ELCA churchwide funding to
the CMAs; and
the tasks listed in paragraph 2 above have over the years, passed from
LCMM to the nine separately incorporated CMAs in Minnesota making
LCMM unnecessary; and
the dissolution of LCMM requires the approval of the LCMM Board of
Directors and members with voting rights; and
the members of LCMM with voting rights are the voting members of the six
Minnesota ELCA synods; therefore be it
that the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, in Assembly, approve the dissolution
of LCMM; and be it further
that the SE MN Synod, in Assembly, instruct its bishop and synod council –
in cooperation with their counterparts in the other five Minnesota synods and
the LCMM board of directors – to take all steps necessary to dissolve LCMM
by January 31, 2018; and be it further
that the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Council, along with the governing
boards of the CMAs located on the territory of the synod, formulate a plan to
assure that by January 31, 2018:
a. Ownership of all LCMM assets - including clear title to all campus
ministry buildings and real estate – is transferred from The Lutheran
Campus Ministry of Minnesota to the appropriate CMAs;
b. Budgeted contributions from the synod for campus ministry are
redirected from The Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota to the
CMA(s) on the territory of the synod;
c. Members of the board of The Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota
are discharged from their duties and thanked for their service;
d. Any other steps necessary to dissolve LCMM are taken; and
e. A synod leadership group is given responsibility for coordinating the
ways in which the synod and the ELCA churchwide organization will
tend and nurture the CMAs located on the territory of the synod; and be it
finally
that the SE MN Synod, in Assembly, encourages all congregations to support
the CMAs in the synod with their prayers, gifts, and personal involvement.
The Committee on Reference and Counsel recommends adoption.
Section 4, Page 24
Background Information
Resolution to Dissolve Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota, Inc.
Please note: this resolution addresses only the dissolution of Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota
(LCMM), Inc., a non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Minnesota. This resolution does not
propose dissolving any of the nine Campus Ministry Agencies (CMAs) that provide campus ministry on the
public university campuses in Bemidji, Duluth, Mankato, Marshall, Minneapolis/St Paul, Moorhead, Morris, St
Cloud, and Winona.
Historical background: Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota, Inc. was originally incorporated in Minnesota
in 1941 as The Twin Cities Lutheran Student Foundation. The original incorporators included the Evangelical Lutheran
Augustana Synod of North America, the Norwegian Lutheran Church in America, the American Lutheran Church, the United
Lutheran Church in America, the Lutheran Free Church, and the United Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church. None of these
Lutheran denominations still exist, having all participated in the formation of the American Lutheran Church (ALC) in 1960 and
the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) in 1962. The ALC and the LCA, along with the Association of Evangelical Lutheran
Churches (AELC) formed the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in 1988.
The original articles of incorporation stated that the purpose of LCMM was “to promote the spiritual, moral, and social welfare
of the Lutheran Students in accordance with the precepts of the Christian Faith and religion as interpreted by the Evangelical
Lutheran Church.” With the formation of the ELCA in 1988 new Articles of Incorporation were drafted and revised in 2008
and 2010, stating that the purpose of LCMM is “to maintain, develop, and promote the ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA) to the students and faculty in the institutions of higher learning in Minnesota in accordance with the
policies of the ELCA Vocation and Education program unit or its successor.”
LCMM, Inc. has existed as a cooperative agency in support of local campus ministries across Minnesota.
The members of LCMM, Inc. are the six ELCA synods of Minnesota. Since 1988 LCMM, Inc. has been
the primary vehicle whereby the six synods have managed properties for the CMAs, called pastors and
other rostered leaders to serve the CMAs, and distributed funding from the synods and ELCA churchwide
organization to the CMAs.
What has changed? Since 1988 much has changed in the ELCA and the surrounding culture. These changes
have had significant impact on how LCMM, Inc. manages proprieties, calls campus ministers and distributes
synodical and churchwide funding to CMAs. The most critical changes have included:
· A substantial reduction in the funding ELCA congregations share with the ELCA churchwide
organization and the 65 synods of the ELCA. Lutherans in America in 1965 shared 17.7% of congregational income with their denominations; by 2013 this percentage had dropped to less than 5% of congregational income going to ELCA synods and the ELCA churchwide organization. This has directly
impacted the number of dollars that the ELCA and its synods have been able to share with LCMM, Inc.
In 2000 LCMM, Inc. distributed over $900,000 to the nine CMAs in Minnesota, and in the current year
that amount will drop to less than $500,000. The decline in giving from congregations has also reduced
the capacity of the ELCA churchwide organization to provide denominational staff to oversee campus
ministry; in 2011 the ELCA churchwide organization eliminated the positions of ____ full-time regional
directors for campus ministry (one of whom formerly served as Executive Director of LCMM, Inc.)
· Significant changes in how campus ministers are selected and how campus ministry properties
are tended. Under the most recent revision of LCMM’s bylaws (2010) Letters of Calls are no longer
issued on behalf of LCMM, Inc. but instead are issued on behalf of the CMAs that are actually interviewing and selecting campus pastors. Similarly, the ELCA churchwide organization and LCMM, Inc.,
have been encouraging local CMA boards to hold title to and be responsible for CMA properties. One
reason why this resolution proposes taking until January 31, 2018 to finalize the dissolution of LCMM,
Inc., is that some of these property transfers are still in process.
· A growing tendency to embrace more local governance and support for campus ministries. Tasks
Section 4, Page 25
formerly coordinated by ELCA churchwide staff members are now coordinated by synod staff persons;
boards of CMAs now give greater attention to local fund-raising. This shift toward more local governance has already resulted in the dissolution of other statewide organizations like LCMM, Inc. Within
the ELCA, only Minnesota and North Dakota still have statewide campus ministry organizations—and
the board of the North Dakota consists of only six persons (four of whom are bishops or members of
synod staffs).
Looking Ahead
Although this resolution proposes dissolving a vehicle (LCMM, Inc.) that has served us well over the last 75
years, our church remains strongly committed to supporting a Lutheran ministry presence on nine of the public
universities in our state.
Local support for Lutheran campus ministries at our public institutions of higher education in Minnesota
has been growing—and it will continue to grow. Eliminating the costs of operating a statewide non-profit
corporation—both in terms of money and the time of persons serving on the LCMM, Inc. board--will free up
more volunteer time and dollars for the vital ministries of our nine CMAs.
As we move away from the LCMM, Inc. model, our synods will step up to a higher level of engagement with
the CMAs on their territories. Folks from our six synods will also help cultivate life-giving networks among
Lutheran campus ministers, CMA board members and synod leadership groups charged with tending campus
ministries on the territories of the synods. A wonderful resource for developing such networks is the Lutheran
Campus Ministry Network whose exciting new website can be found at http://www.lumin-network.org/
Thanks to the dedication of supportive congregations, generous donors, campus ministers, CMA boards, and the
six synods of Minnesota, we continue to serve God’s mission on the campuses of nine public universities in our
state. Through these local campus ministry centers, ELCA Lutherans offer:
· Outreach to students with grace-filled practices (hospitality, Bible study, worship, etc.)
· Regular worship life and discipleship training ways appropriate to young adults
· Presence in times of crisis (public tragedies, personal crisis times)
· Leadership formation and encouragement of vocation
· Experience learning/service with ecumenical an inter-faith groups
· Attention to the spiritual needs of ELCA students (when we know of their presence) but also many others,
some who are not yet baptized.
Section 4, Page 26
Mission Support & Designated Gifts
Mission Support & Designated GiRs
Based on 2015 Congrega\onal Reports
2015 Membership
Congrega=on
Albert Lea:
Ascension Bear Lake Concordia Central Freeborn Concordia Pickerel Lake
East Freeborn First Grace Salem
Trinity Alden:
Mansfield Redeemer Amboy:
Jackson Lake
Aus=n:
Trondhjem Blue Earth:
East Chain Trinity Bricelyn:
Bricelyn N. Blue Earth S. Blue Earth Conger:
St. Paul Delavan:
Faith Elmore:
Shiloh Fairmont:
Grace Frost:
Bethany United
Geneva:
Community Glenville:
Deer Creek Valley First Hartland:
Cross of Glory West Freeborn Bap=zed
Confirmed
2015 ELCA Mission Support
Average Worship
Intent
Hayward:
Hayward Kiester:
Our Savior’s Trinity Myrtle:
Actual
%
$
Blue Earth River Conference
Benevolence sent All other Benevolence directly to sent directly to Churchwide Organiza=ons
Appeals
$
2016 Mission Support Pledged Intent
$
624
241
278
518
169
233
93
155
66
$21,500
$2,500
$9,800
$21,500
$3,942
$9,800
11.00%
6.00%
8.00%
$3,882
$4,590
$400
$0
$0
$807
$10,542
$0
$6,292
$21,500
$2,500
$9,800
293
321
2730
1671
464
1038
243
261
1,736
1,267
340
779
75
60
416
282
91
145
$3,000
$5,000
$11,000
$34,400
$5,700
$6,000
$1,000
$6,759
$12,875
$34,598
$4,208
$14,204
0.85%
7.00%
2.00%
7.00%
2.00%
$3,300
$2,500
$15,591
$2,249
$0
$4,863
$0
$500
$0
$0
$4,207
$3,892
$9,189
$33,303
$0
$2,840
$3,000
$5,000
$11,000
$34,400
$5,100
$14,000
294
572
197
460
57
126
$13,000
$11,236
$13,413
$4,801
15.00%
2.00%
$1,168
$1,200
$0
$790
$5,253
$5,300
$13,000
$11,200
$4,500
$4,500
$4,600
53
51
32
$2,100
$2,600
9.00%
$943
$0
$675
$2,700
221
830
163
640
56
196
$400
$16,368
$400
$14,254
0.65%
4.00%
$400
$23,954
$0
$1,103
$400
$13,617
$400
$16,817
140
121
82
131
98
70
44
35
26
$5,172
$1,500
$1,000
$4,963
$1,500
$1,010
6.00%
3.00%
5.00%
$765
$0
$625
$0
$0
$0
$2,582
$2,738
$785
$4,000
$1,000
68
34
25
$1,000
$685
1.00%
$641
$0
$0
$1,000
109
86
35
$2,000
$2,436
4.00%
$462
$0
$5,710
$2,610
183
147
39
$1,200
$1,131
0.20%
$7,569
$0
$7,148
$1,100
2496
1,918
34
$36,866
$36,866
7.00%
$500
$0
$90,704
$36,866
67
319
58
232
23
57
$18
$250
$0
$125
0.00%
0.16%
$1,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$2,000
$0
$200
420
351
65
$1,800
$1,800
3.00%
$450
$0
$0
$1,800
114
786
96
619
50
65
$5,000
$1,000
$9,583
$500 19
$765
$592 $0
$0 $4,667
$0 $6,330
$500
171
171
40
$2,000
$0
$2,000
$1,168
3.00%
$0
$0
$1,344
$2,000
$1,000
2015 Membership
Congrega=on
Other Benevolence sent directly to the SEMN Synod
Bap=zed
Confirmed
Average Worship
Intent
Actual
%
Blue Earth River Conference Con=nued
$
Benevolence sent directly to All other Benevolence Churchwide sent directly to Appeals
Organiza=ons
$
$
291
240
58
$6,000
$6,000
5.00%
$1,000
$647
$3,826
$6,000
452
159
384
130
64
35
$4,000
$3,000
$4,000
$4,887
4.00%
11.00%
$400
$0
$0
$0
$6,313
$0
$4,000
$3,667
Pre-Assembly Report: Finances
Section 5, Page 1
Bethlehem
Oakland:
Moscow Oakland Twin Lakes:
Lunder Walters:
United Wells:
Good Shepherd Cannon Falls:
First English Spring Garden
St. Ansgars's
Urland Dennison:
Dennison Vang Faribault:
Christ First English Our Savior’s Goodhue:
Minneola
St. Luke’s Kenyon:
Dale First Evangelical Gol Hegre Holden Moland
Lake City:
First Lonsdale:
Trondhjem Nerstrand:
Grace Northfield:
Bethel St. John’s
St. Olaf Student Cong.
St. Peter’s 244
184
65
$3,575
$3,947
5.00%
$0
$0
$3,141
$4,750
97
354
72
310
48
69
$400
$2,750
$400
$2,750
1.00%
3.00%
$500
$12,511
$100
$0
$2,463
$2,436
$400
$2,750
209
175
40
$500
$625
0.12%
$0
$799
$825
$500
305
244
73
$5,000
$3,759
5.00%
$991
$0
$2,153
$4,500
1095
810
178
$8,672
$6,869
3.00%
Cannon River Conference
$3,710
$50
$4,174
$10,839
877
684
1106
260
695
489
925
199
178
110
166
80
$18,732
$16,200
$4,000
$0
$21,259
$16,200
$2,261
$1,335
0.83%
6.00%
0.76%
0.97%
$1,227
$3,560
$1,380
$6,436
$400
$1,500
$100
$0
$7,556
$7,580
$9,975
$7,548
$17,518
$16,200
$4,000
$0
194
481
180
376
20
110
$700
$8,400
$500
$8,400
2.00%
9.00%
$0
$304
$200
$800
$0
$1,560
$600
$8,500
467
3034
2303
314
1,523
1,556
155
21
455
$1,200
$22,700
$9,500
$950
$21,976
$9,639
0.65%
5.00%
2.00%
$1,190
$3,769
$5,361
$600
$3,716
$0
$750
$14,512
$13,750
$4,000
$22,700
$9,500
373
614
224
481
65
138
$5,500
$11,794
$5,958
$12,372
8.00%
8.00%
$600
$7,094
$1,162
$3,609
$1,990
$2,872
$5,800
$15,500
811
137
101
552
220
614
137
75
3
170
97
32
55
0
25
$1,200
$12,000
$2,100
$500
$8,000
$0
$1,200
$8,608
$2,410
$0
$8,000
$0
7.00%
4.00%
0.00%
$13,732
$970
$0
$0
$875
$0
$29,997
$3,150
$1,819
0.00%
$65
$0
$2,234
$1,200
$12,000
$2,150
$0
$8,000
$0
1090
830
240
$0
$10,750
4.00%
$5,250
$719
$0
$13,500
653
422
133
$1,000
$1,000
0.42%
$0
$0
$10,254
$1,000
214
151
66
$4,000
$4,000
6.00%
$600
$0
$3,878
$4,000
1224
1701
878
1,491
472
352
$31,000
$55,000
$31,500
$55,000
3.00%
7.00%
$3,300
$41,466
$6,196
$0
$87,779
$44,156
$32,500
$55,000
450
1066
450
966
350
159
$1,000
$16,000
$1,000
$13,000
11.00%
4.00%
$0
$50
$577
$700
$5,625
$18,900
$1,000
$15,000
2015 Membership
Congrega=on
Pine Island:
St. Paul’s Red Wing:
First St. Paul United Wabasha:
Faith
Wanamingo:
Trinity Wanamingo Webster:
Solor
Welch:
Cannon River
Cross of Christ Vasa West Concord:
Bap=zed
Confirmed
Average Worship
Intent
Actual
%
$
Cannon River Conference Con=nued
Appeals
$
$
1317
807
284
$27,000
$27,000
7.00%
$1,735
$1,068
$11,925
$29,222
1122
1012
757
657
230
180
$26,000
$26,000
$46,500
$31,490
$23,833
$47,020
7.00%
8.00%
$8,446
$6,224
$790
$0
$10,902
$9,405
$26,000
$26,000
$57,250
750
565
122
$12,800
$13,470
7.00%
$11,569
$275
$9,919
$10,000
621
255
478
85
110
49
$12,600
$2,500
$12,000
$2,500
10.00%
5.00%
$3,162
$0
$0
$305
$7,314
$5,366
$6,000
$500
38
38
17
$1,300
$1,300
5.00%
$0
$200
$800
$1,400
112
346
350
95
259
272
24
57
80
$800
$9,314
$7,150
$830
$9,597
$7,150
2.00%
8.00%
5.00%
$500
$1,097
$0
$0
$1,988
$105
$4,957
$7,554
$5,286
$800
$10,000
$7,150
Section 5, Page 2
Trinity Zumbrota:
Lands Stordahl United Redeemer Blooming Prairie:
Trinity Cleveland:
Our Savior’s
Eagle Lake:
Epiphany Ellendale:
Pontoppidan Good Thunder: Redeemer Janesville:
Faith Lake Crystal:
Zion LeCenter:
St. Paul’s Lemond:
Zion
LeSueur:
First Mankato:
Bethlehem Christ the King Grace $5,000
Mapleton:
Medo St. John’s
Meriden:
St. Paul’s Montgomery:
St. John’s New Richland:
LeSueur River
St. Peter’s Trinity Vista North Mankato:
Messiah
O=sco:
St. Peter’s Owatonna:
Aurora Our Savior’s St. John Trinity Rapidan:
Calvary
Waseca:
Grace North Waseca St. John
Waterville:
St. Paul’s Canton:
Henrytown ChaZield:
Chaaield
$6,908
$23,695
8.00%
$0
0.00%
$6,000
Minnesota River Conference
924
153
0
668
130
0
200
38
0
$2,332
$1,000
$6,000
53
43
20
$300
$0
$11,350
$10,664
0.00%
$395
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$5,995
$833
$0
$25,988
$0
$6,000
$0
$0
$442
$200
$10,800
439
353
81
$0
$0
0.00%
$715
$0
$569
$0
137
137
40
$1,000
$500
0.74%
$500
$525
$0
$500
12
102
35
$2,000
$2,226
5.00%
$802
$0
$2,277
$2,000
217
185
70
$3,680
$4,040
6.00%
$593
$0
$1,950
$3,680
602
440
150
$12,510
$13,697
10.00%
$365
$343
$7,120
$13,700
822
633
106
$4,500
$4,500
3.00%
$1,200
$422
$2,723
$4,500
$500
$500
$500
621
508
143
$22,200
$23,959
10.00%
$4,921
$0
$1,967
$23,300
1451
2769
831
1,165
2,029
759
310
685
178
$13,000
$28,800
$7,132
$13,000
$28,800
$8,572
3.00%
4.00%
3.00%
$27,933
$0
$3,270
$0
$3,173
$500
$77,324
$16,805
$18,890
$14,000
$28,800
$6,500
2015 Membership
Congrega=on
$5,463
Bap=zed
Confirmed
Average Worship
Intent
Actual
%
$
Minnesota River Conference Con=nued
Appeals
$
$
734
523
117
$1,500
$2,000
$1,500
$2,000
0.11%
$3,500
$0
$3,642
$1,500
$2,000
450
319
92
$5,000
$5,000
5.00%
$708
$100
$14,958
$5,000
$5,000
$5,000
$5,000
348
488
523
67
295
375
402
60
78
75
60
21
$10,850
$2,500
$1,190
$10,900
$10,500
$3,009
$988
$11,344
9.00%
4.00%
0.82%
18.00%
$384
$868
$2,026
$2,500
$250
$0
$2,790
$750
$524
$1,690
$1,015
$6,826
$10,750
$3,000
$1,190
$11,350
952
748
262
$24,600
$24,600
6.00%
$2,250
$868
$14,850
$24,600
203
203
40
$1,500
$1,616
6.00%
$0
$0
$106
$1,845
940
1708
4023
576
1,274
2,918
174
283
698
$2,000
$16,300
$15,000
$60,000
$2,000
$17,500
$15,000
$60,000
5.00%
4.00%
5.00%
$2,816
$10,596
$0
$189
$2,792
$0
$18,890
$16,103
$95,475
$2,000
$18,300
$15,000
$60,000
228
207
45
$500
$500
0.06%
$0
$236
$875
$500
202
1154
160
800
80
140
$12,000
$1,000
$16,000
$12,000
$9,600
$16,000
12.00%
7.00%
$0
$422
$550
$17,803
$3,303
$800
$12,000
$9,875
$20,000
216
216
50
$4,300
$4,300
7.00%
Root River Conference
$1,432
$0
$324
$4,300
235
177
43
$2,600
$2,600
6.00%
$0
$0
$300
$2,600
1278
663
218
$21,700
$21,700
7.00%
$50
$0
$9,261
$22,750
Section 5, Page 3
Pilot Mound Fountain:
Fountain Root Prairie Granger:
St. Mabhew’s Harmony:
Greenfield Saetersdal St. Paul Houston:
Cedar Valley Cross of Christ 101
71
20
$0
$0
0.00%
$0
$0
$450
$0
185
170
185
134
36
44
$5,000
$4,500
$5,000
$4,500
8.00%
7.00%
$0
$1,142
$0
$0
$2,924
$35,662
$5,000
$4,500
$3,500
$3,500
758
650
89
$11,500
$10,674
5.00%
$3,743
$0
$37,453
$10,000
34
88
27
88
14
9
$1,730
$300
$2,330
$300
10.00%
4.00%
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$175
$2,300
$300
118
742
111
604
40
180
$1,200
$15,774
$1,200
$14,005
0.23%
7.00%
$0
$1,440
$0
$0
$773
$2,964
$1,200
$14,620
2015 Membership
Congrega=on
Lanesboro:
Bethlehem North Prairie Union Prairie Lewiston:
St. Paul ELCA/UCC Mabel:
Garness Trinity Mabel First
Scheie Peterson: Arendahl Elstad Grace Highland Prairie Preston:
Christ Rushford:
Trinity Fellowshp
St. Charles:
Faith Spring Grove:
Trinity Spring Valley:
Our Savior’s Whalen:
First of Highland Whalan Winona:
Central Faith Wykoff:
Immanuel Adams:
Lible Cedar Marshall Aus=n:
Grace Our Savior’s Red Oak Grove St. Olaf Blooming Prairie:
First Byron:
Christ East St. Olaf West St. Olaf Dodge Center:
$3,500
Bap=zed
Confirmed
Average Worship
Intent
Actual
%
$
Root River Conference Con=nued
Appeals
$
$
578
220
187
468
179
152
97
37
33
$7,500
$0
$500
$7,167
$0
$0
6.00%
0.00%
0.00%
$419
$0
$0
$3,096
$0
$0
$5,476
$0
$0
$5,900
$0
$300
239
200
75
$3,000
$3,300
2.00%
$3,300
$100
$0
$0
105
519
294
91
387
240
21
82
39
$200
$3,000
$1,000
$150
$2,705
$300
0.54%
3.00%
0.64%
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$150
$2,000
$300
52
256
186
566
44
201
170
275
28
51
32
67
$0
$9,300
$0
$5,000
$0
$9,300
$0
$5,000
0.00%
14.00%
0.00%
7.00%
$220
$925
$0
$200
$652
$0
$77
$100
$2,750
$3,249
$1,800
$13,454
$0
$8,500
$0
$5,000
619
541
143
$10,000
$10,000
5.00%
$550
$0
$11,936
$4,000
$4,700
$4,398
$5,500
824
669
181
$10,000
$5,517
3.00%
$0
$4,483
$2,700
$10,000
821
487
184
$23,850
$23,779
8.00%
$8,758
$5,362
$7,363
$24,904
756
756
173
$20,000
$18,333
7.00%
$4,279
$70
$11,442
$20,000
95
133
115
108
18
29
$2,000
$1,500
$2,000
$1,500
4.00%
3.00%
$500
$100
$1,000
$800
$3,875
$970
$2,000
$1,750
2493
622
2,287
455
272
162
$30,000
$6,600
$33,937
$7,700
6.00%
4.00%
$1,400
$1,578
$2,005
$0
$13,550
$2,134
$30,000
$9,000
190
170
35
$1,620
$1,620
4.00%
Zumbro River Conference
$0
$0
$440
$1,620
715
212
715
212
92
48
$7,000
$2,000
$7,000
$2,000
4.00%
4.00%
$0
$1,000
$0
$0
$17,133
$5,766
$8,000
$2,000
2036
583
2945
2,036
400
2,055
375
68
403
$3,000
$20,000
$2,500
$48,750
$3,000
$10,000
$2,500
$45,040
0.90%
3.00%
7.00%
$5,450
$2,000
$3,368
$750
$157
$700
$13,623
$544
$19,961
$3,000
$13,419
$2,500
$45,000
1842
1,429
289
$12,000
$13,400
3.00%
$4,250
$0
$29,709
$14,000
1141
295
300
802
258
251
245
53
52
$15,461
$3,000
$0
$15,346
$1,073
$75
2.00%
0.09%
$0
$1,750
$0
$58
$0
$0
$5,591
$2,586
$7,609
$15,400
$1,100
$0
Section 5, Page 4
Faith 783
489
225
2015 Membership
Bap=zed
Congrega=on
Confirmed
$5,000
$5,000
4.00%
Average Worship
Intent
Actual
$50
$0
$5,000
Other Benevolence Benevolence sent All other Benevolence sent directly to the directly to sent directly to %
$
$
$5,000
$
Zumbro River Conference Con=nued
Elkton:
St. John’s Eyota:
Peace Grand Meadow:
Bear Creek
Grand Meadow Hayfield:
Trinity Kasson:
St. John’s LeRoy:
LeRoy Lyle:
Mona
Our Savior’s Six Mile Grove Ostrander:
Trinity Plainview:
Good Shepherd Rochester:
Bethel Gloria Dei Good Shepherd Hosanna Mount Olive Our Savior’s People of Hope Rochester House Church
Zumbro Sargeant:
Evanger Stewartville:
Zion
Waltham:
St. Michel GRAND TOTALS
237
147
41
$1,200
$1,900
2.00%
$2,288
$0
$450
$2,100
339
217
45
$0
$0
0.00%
$0
$0
$6,746
$1,000
456
586
451
455
59
84
$90
$2,000
$3,750
$3,350
0.45%
4.00%
$2,153
$0
$0
$342
$0
$2,980
$3,750
$2,000
$24,872
$23,898
$24,000
2847
1,707
402
$23,441
$23,941
5.00%
$0
$9,356
$70,112
$20,000
316
235
79
$8,224
$8,224
8.00%
$1,000
$0
$3,339
$8,256
123
270
217
78
177
151
20
80
45
$100
$2,000
$200
$100
$2,000
$200
0.42%
22.00%
0.46%
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$3,880
$750
$1,900
$300
$2,000
$200
352
285
50
$5,000
$5,600
6.00%
$90
$0
$646
$5,000
528
423
129
$12,000
$13,172
7.00%
$0
$0
$5,839
$12,472
4358
2709
703
541
1038
650
693
3,246
2,068
459
451
622
650
436
892
685
166
147
285
205
200
$26,000
$42,000
$6,930
$30,000
$60,000
$30,000
$13,000
$24,724
$42,000
$7,343
$30,000
$31,330
$32,041
$11,318
2.00%
5.00%
2.00%
0.73%
5.00%
8.00%
5.00%
$13,306
$9,125
$6,015
$3,276
$5,758
$10,653
$6,014
$13,434
$3,216
$399
$1,000
$5,498
$4,000
$0
$107,343
$212,099
$8,527
$14,041
$17,098
$19,223
$3,928
$28,000
$43,000
$7,200
$31,200
$30,000
$30,000
$14,700
16
3410
16
2,937
16
674
$0
$90,000
$0
$90,000
0.00%
7.00%
$0
$0
$0
$2
$0
$62,236
$100
$90,000
$0
$0
$0
2474
1,727
293
$26,970
$26,808
5.00%
$542
$2,800
$28,141
$26,857
110
86
36
$2,800
$2,800
7.00%
$0
$100
$543
$2,800
111003
83,383
20,856
$1,688,253
$1,698,887
$401,496
$125,736
$1,748,345
$1,722,453
The Congrega=onal Report of congrega=onal giving reflects the Mission Support to the Southeastern Minnesota Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We wish to express our thanks to you for all these giRs that you share in Christ's name. We also wish to acknowledge that other ministry is done by the congrega=ons and individuals through your financial giRs in missionary work, community and local outreach, special causes and all other generosity done in God's name are reflected this year under the column labeled "All other Benevolence sent directly to Organiza=ons". Thank you to all who have completed and submiêd Congrega=onal Reports this year, it makes my job easier and more complete! Your ministry is greatly appreciated! Respec=vely Submiêd, *This report was created with informa=on received on or before the March 1st deadline.
*Blank spaces indicate informa=on that has not been submiêd.
Section 5, Page 5
Gwen M. Larson
Synod Sta=s=cian
Financial Report
You’ve likely heard the following scenario a million times
before. During the announcements at worship someone
will stand up and say, “Our congregation is behind on
our budget. If everyone would dig deep we can catch
up and finish the year in the black.” The implication is
that people actually care about the church budget and
will suffer a little to make sure it balances. Frankly, to
most people a church budget is simply a page filled with
numbers. People give to mission, not numbers.
What if a budget actually told a story of mission? What
if the average congregation member could have a simple
answer to the question, “What happens to the money
I give?” What if a budget actually inspired people to
participate in God’s mission?
This year the Southeastern Minnesota Synod is changing
from a ‘standard’ line item budget to a ‘narrative’ budget.
The line item budget lists things in similar categories:
personnel, rent, utilities, program expenses, benevolence,
etc. The focus often goes to the largest items (i.e.
personnel) and the conversation is about how to cut them
as much as possible to ‘make budget.’
A budget that tells a story looks much different. This year
the synod’s budget proposal fits our main priorities. We
calculated the percent of time that each staff person puts
toward each area, allowing for a ‘personnel’ line under
each area since the staff are a part of accomplishing
the goals! We even looked at the 48% Churchwide
benevolence and fit it into these categories. It’s an exciting
change in the way the budget is presented. The focus is
on the mission that God is doing through
the Southeastern Minnesota Synod. The
four categories for the 2017 budget are:
EQUIPPING CONGREGATIONS
Vibrant congregations have the tools necessary to do
God’s work in the world. Our synod has a strong focus
on equipping congregations through annual events
and ongoing congregational encouragement. Our
synod’s support for Lutheran Advocacy-Minnesota and
the Minnesota Council of Churches empowers those
organizations to continue providing resources that equip
congregations to serve God in the world.
ACCOMPANYING GLOBAL PARTNERS
Our synod’s deep relationships with our global partners
(the Lutheran Church of Colombia (IELCO), the
Central Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
of Tanzania, and the new and emerging Evangelical
Lutheran Church – Africa Mission, South Sudan) shapes
our ministry in powerful ways. This synod remains
committed to accompanying these partners as together
we do God’s work in the world. While most support for
Global Mission comes from funds specifically designated
for Colombia, Tanzania, or South Sudan, the Global
Mission/Companion Synod Table coordinates these
funds and relationships.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The priorities of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod
can only be accomplished with a firm organizational
foundation. The infrastructure of our synod includes
more than just basic office expenses. The governance
of this synod is included in infrastructure as are all
administrative tasks including event registration, website
and database management, and financial oversight.
DEVELOPING LEADERS
Living and serving as the body of Christ
in a changing world requires strong
leadership. This synod develops rostered
leaders through a commitment to
candidacy, call process, and educational
events. Lay leaders are developed
through special learning opportunities
like RENEW! and Synod Assembly. Our
synod’s support for Lutheran Campus
Ministry reflects a long-term commitment
to leadership development for the church.
Section 5, Page 6
Budget Report
REVENUE
2015 Revised
2015 Actual
2016 Adopted
2017 Proposed
Mission Support
Offering
Program Fees
Other Revenue
Transfer from Restricted Funds
$1,722,900
$1,704,000
$1,650,000
$9,000
$11,519
$9,000
$9,000
$118,344
$112,329
$123,650
$117,050
$66,700
$62,370
$126,816
$141,291
$50,000
$50,000
$0
$0
TOTAL REVENUE:
$1,966,944
$1,940,217
$1,909,466
$1,946,341
$1,679,000
EXPENSES
2015 Revised
2015 Actual
2016 Adopted
2017 Proposed
$ 136,971
$ 134,797
$ 118,800
$ 120,888
Developing Leaders
ELCA Mission Support
Personnel
$207,716
$195,963
$244,103
$241,019
Lutheran Campus Ministry
$40,000
$40,004
$35,000
$35,000
Luther Seminary
$27,000
$27,000
$0
$0
Rostered Leader Support
$54,250
$55,165
$50,550
$66,250
Cong Leader Support
$42,550
$43,143
$42,800
$40,300
$508,486
$496,073
$491,253
$503,457
$301,335
$296,554
$261,360
$265,954
Personnel
$210,405
$198,500
$247,262
$244,139
Total Developing Leaders
Equipping CongregaSons
Lutheran Advocacy-‐Minnesota
$7,000
$7,000
$2,000
$2,000
Minnesota Council of Churches
$11,000
$11,000
$4,000
$4,000
$0
$1,125
$0
$0
$4,000
$2,999
$3,750
$3,250
$47,050
$50,563
$48,300
$47,800
$580,790
$567,741
$566,672
$567,142
Christ Through Hands
Teams/Tables
Support Events
Total Equipping CongregaPons
2015 Revised
2015 Actual
2016 Adopted
2017 Proposed
$164,365
$161,757
$142,560
$145,066
$23,528
$22,197
$27,649
$27,300
Global Mission Table
$7,000
$2,751
$6,000
$10,000
Tanzania EducaPon (Mwangaza)
$3,000
$3,000
$3,000
$3,000
$0
$0
$1,000
$1,000
$197,892
$189,705
$180,209
$186,365
$310,467
$305,541
$269,280
$274,013
Personnel
$230,571
$217,526
$270,962
$267,539
OperaPng Expenses
$123,750
$128,033
$124,250
$131,670
$5,975
$6,552
$5,975
$6,750
$670,763
$657,652
$670,467
$679,971
$9,000
$11,429
$0
$9,000
$1,966,931
$1,922,601
$1,908,601
$1,945,936
$13
$17,616
$865
$405
Personnel
Young Adults in Global Mission
Total Accompanying Global Partners
Infrastructure
Governance
Total Infrastructure
Offering
TOTAL EXPENSES:
Surplus
Offering Expenses
Section 5, Page 7
975 34th Ave NW, Ste 301 | Rochester, MN 55901 507.424.1233 | fax: 507.424.4433 www.HawkinsAshCPAs.com April 18, 2016
1001 14th St NW, Ste. 300
Rochester, MN 55901
To the Assembly of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod:
We would like to inform you that we are waiting on the year-end bookkeeping to be
completed and approved by the council before we can proceed with the audit for the
Southeastern Minnesota Synod for January 31, 2016.
The process has been delayed due to an internal changeover in the bookkeeping role. We
do not anticipate any issues and plan to release the audit as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
John Wolter
Audit Partner
Hawkins Ash CPA’s, LLP
Section 5, Page 8
Ordination & Commissioning
Anniversaries and Retirement
Recognition
25TH ANNIVERSARY OF
ORDINATION:
• Rev. Carl Bruihler, Jr
• Rev. Dr. Glenn Monson
• Rev. Beverly Nestingen-Lundeen
• Rev. Margaret (Marggi) Pleiss-Sippola
60TH ANNIVERSARY OF
ORDINATION:
• Rev. Curtis G Johnson
• Rev. Ivan Amman
• Rev. Luther Olson
• Rev. Myrwood Bagne
• Rev. Otto Reitz
65TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION
• Rev. Eugene Hasselquist
• Rev. Robert (Bob) Onkka
RECOGNITION OF RETIREMENT
• Rev. David Aaker (9/1)
• Rev. Craig Ellingboe (9/1)
• Cynthia McLaren, AIM (3/1)
40TH ANNIVERSARY OF
ORDINATION:
• Rev. Clifford Jacobsen
• Rev. Duane Holst
• Rev. Gerald Gengenbach
• Rev. David Jore
• Rev. Richard Jorgensen
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF
ORDINATION:
• Rev. Allan Tveite
• Rev. Kenneth Jensen
55TH ANNIVERSARY OF
ORDINATION:
• Rev. Allan Nelson
• Rev. Donald Berg
• Rev. Gordon Trelstad
• Rev. Lane Doerring
• Rev. Milton Ost
• Rev. Orlin Mandsager
• Rev. Theodore (Ted) Granquist
Section 6, Page 1
Thanks & Acknowledgements
2016 SYNOD ASSEMBLY PLANNING
COMMITTEE
• Mary Jill Bringgold
• Rev. Hannah Bergstrom deLeon
• Sonja Cook
• Duane Cook
• Rev. Nancy Hansen
• Joe Jackson
• Low Jackson
• Rev. Patti Meyer
• Richard Navratil
• Amanda Sabelko, AIM
• Rev. Paul Thompson
• Rev. Mary Waudby
• Carol Reedstrom
ASSEMBLY PLANNING CHAIRS
• Burton and Nancy Svendsen
OFFICE OF THE BISHOP STAFF
• Bishop Steve Delzer
• Kathy Bolin
• Cheryse Brenno-Sloan
• Rev. Emily Carson
• Mary Kay DuChene, M.A.
• Gwen Larson
• Rev. Susan Miller *
• Kari MacIver *
• Rev. Pete Reuss
PARLIAMENTARIAN
• David Borka
WORSHIP PLANNING
• Rev. Susan Miller, Synod Staff
• Rev. Hannah Bergstrom de Leon
• Rev. Josh Enderson
• Rev. Patti Meyer
• Amanda Sabelko, AIM
• Bob Tewes, AIM, Partner in Evangelical
Mission
PHOTOGRAPHY VOLUNTEER:
• Karen Suprenant
AUDIO/VISUAL VOLUNTEER:
• Mark Jerde
VICE PRESIDENT
• Ann Peterson
SECRETARY
• Jodie Archer
INTERIM TREASURER
• Jeff Chestnut
SYNOD COUNCIL
• Lilah Aas
• Rev. Jason Bryan-Wegner
• Chad Campbell
• Rev. Jay Dahlvang
• Rev. Regina Hassanally
• Rev. Mark Johnson
• Danielle Koster
• Cheryl Kyllo
• Evin Lantz
• John Odegard
• Rev. Ashley Osborn
• Rev John Petersen
• Rev Paige Whitney
CONFERENCE DEANS
• Becky Tennis Hanson, BER Dean
• Rev. Matt Griggs, BER Vice Dean
• Rev David Knox, CR Dean
• Rev. David Krinke, CR Vice Dean
• Rev. Mike Walerius, MR Co-Dean
• Rev. Paige Whitney, MR Co-Dean
• Rev. Betsy Dartt, RR Dean
• Rev. Zane Anderson, RR Vice Dean
• Rev. Dan Doering, ZR Dean
• Rev Lindsay Stolen, ZR Vice Dean
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
• Rev. Justin Boeding (CR)
• Rev. Collette Broady Grund (MR)
• Rev. Kerry Eversole (RR)
Section 6, Page 2
• Ms. Genie Hanson (BER)
• Rev. Paul Hauschild (ZR)
• Ann Peterson, Synod VP (convener)
INTERNS ASSIGNED TO THE
SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA SYNOD
• Christy Shelinbarger – Our Savior’s Lutheran,
Austin
• Karleen Jung – Chatfield Lutheran, Chatfield
• Josh Kestner – Faith Lutheran and Grace
Episcopal, Wabasha
• Katie Jacob – People of Hope Lutheran,
Rochester
• Andrew Lewis – Trinity Lutheran, Owatonna
• Karl Bawel – St. John Lutheran, Owatonna
SEMINARY GRADUATES ASSIGNED TO
THE SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA
SYNOD
• Paul Backstrom
• Susan Leibnitz
• Meaghan McLaughlin
• Nissa Peterson
SEMINARY STUDENTS IN THE
SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA SYNOD
• Allyson (Ally) Bowman (Streed), St. John,
Owatonna
• Lisa Carlson, Our Savior’s, Owatonna
• Katherine (Katie) Chatelaine-Samsen, Trinity,
Owatonna
• Kristofer Coffman, St. John’s, Albert Lea
• Alan Freeland, Bethel, Northfield (SAM)
• Nygare Gilo, Our Savior’s, Austin
• Kevin Hackney, Bethel, Rochester
• Nicole Hanson – Lynn, St. John, Kasson
• Hayden Kvamme, St. John’s, Northfield
• Madison Lenz, Zumbro, Rochester
• Paul Nichol, St. John’s, Northfield
• Daniel Rinehart, St. John’s, Northfield
• Nicole Rockne, United Redeemer, Zumbrota
• Nicholas Rohde, Our Savior’s, Rochester
• Dean Safe, Spring Garden, Cannon Falls
• Carrie Smisek, Trondhjem, Lonsdale
• Carol Jean Strand, Hosanna, Rochester
• Kristen Wall, Hosanna, Rochester
SEMINARY SENIORS APPROVED FOR
ORDINATION
• Zech Anderson, Trinity, Owatonna
• Carina Schiltz, Trinity Fellowship, Rushford
• Carleton Smee, Trondhjem, Lonsdale
• Sara Yoos (Suginaka), Good Shepherd,
Rochester
SYNODICALLY AUTHORIZED
MINISTERS APPROVED
• Mathiang Akoi, Grace, Austin
SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA
COMMITTEE ON CANDIDACY
• Rev. Clark Cary
• Rev. Regina Hassanally
• Danielle Peabody
• Dr. Paul Robelia
• Rev. Phil Ruud
• Rev. Kristen Schlauderaff
SEMINARY FACULTY REP
• Rev. Mark Granquist
ADVISORY
• Rev. Dr. Paul Baglyos, Region 3
• Mary Kay DuChene, M.A., Assistant to the
Bishop
SUPPORT STAFF
• Kari MacIver, Executive Administrator,
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Section 6, Page 3

2016 Pre-Assembly Report - Southeastern Minnesota Synod

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