2015 BULLETIN OF REPORTS Part 2 - Delaware

2015
BULLETIN OF REPORTS
Part 2
Published May 2015
Table of Contents
Bulletin of Reports ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Office of the Bishop ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Assistant to the Bishop, Mrs. Linda Chinnia ............................................................................................. 5
Assistant to the Bishop, The Rev. Edward N. Kay ..................................................................................... 6
Assistant to the Bishop, The Rev. Ron Schlak ........................................................................................... 7
Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM), The Rev. Kati Kluckman-Ault ..................................................... 8
Audit ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
Mission Teams ............................................................................................................................................ 24
Missions Through Congregations............................................................................................................ 24
Mission Through Leadership Team ......................................................................................................... 25
Mission Through Partnerships Team ...................................................................................................... 26
Conferences ................................................................................................................................................ 27
Allegany Conference ............................................................................................................................... 27
Anne Arundel Conference....................................................................................................................... 28
Baltimore City Conference ...................................................................................................................... 29
Baltimore East Conference ..................................................................................................................... 31
Baltimore North Conference................................................................................................................... 32
Baltimore West Conference .................................................................................................................... 32
The Delmarva Conference ...................................................................................................................... 33
The Frederick Conference ....................................................................................................................... 34
The Harford Conference ......................................................................................................................... 34
Washington County Conference ............................................................................................................. 36
Westminster County Conference............................................................................................................ 36
Agencies, Institutions, Organizations and Synod Ministries ....................................................................... 38
African Descent Strategy......................................................................................................................... 38
Baltimore Lutheran Campus Ministry (BLCM) ........................................................................................ 39
Candidacy Committee ............................................................................................................................. 40
Carroll Lutheran Village........................................................................................................................... 41
2
Coalition of Lutherans Advancing in Mission .......................................................................................... 43
Definitely Abled Advocacy and Resource Team (DAART) ....................................................................... 44
Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries & Diakon Child, Family & Community Ministries ............................. 45
Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries.................................................................................................. 46
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Region 8................................................................................. 47
Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM), The University of Delaware ............................................................. 49
Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM), The University of Maryland, College Park ....................................... 50
Lutheran Community Services ................................................................................................................ 51
Lutheran Development Alliance ............................................................................................................. 52
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg ........................................................................................ 53
Lutheran World Relief (LWR) .................................................................................................................. 54
Mar-Lu-Ridge Camp and Retreat Center ................................................................................................ 55
Mission Interpretation ............................................................................................................................ 56
Mission Investment Fund ...................................................................................................................... 57
Mosaic ..................................................................................................................................................... 57
National Lutheran Communities & Services ........................................................................................... 58
Portico Benefit Services .......................................................................................................................... 60
Tanzania Task Force ................................................................................................................................ 62
3
Bulletin of Reports
The Bulletin of Reports is being electronically presented in two parts: Part 1 contains all
those documents that voting members will need to have in front of them as they conduct
the assembly's business, such as the agenda, resolutions and memorials, nominations,
the proposed budget, etc.
In an effort to go green and be good stewards of the gifts God has given us, the Bulletin
of Reports is available on the synod’s website, www.demdsynod.org, as of May 1, 2015.
Those who require a printed copy had the opportunity to request one during the
registration process. If you requested a printed copy of the Bulletin of Reports, you may
pick up Part 1 as you arrive and register for the assembly.
Part 2 of the Bulletin of Reports contains important information that the assembly
needs for background information and to hold the officers, Synod Council and related
ministries accountable. It is not information, however, that the assembly will act upon.
Part 2 will not be printed by the Synod Office, so you need to either bring your own
paper copy or plan to access these reports electronically.
If you plan to access information electronically, please know that high speed internet
access is available in the assembly hall. We are working hard to make sure to have
reliable Wi-Fi access throughout our meeting space. However, we have run into
problems in the past and cannot guarantee service.
4
Office of the Bishop
Assistant to the Bishop, Mrs. Linda Chinnia
The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists,
some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up
the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the
Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13
These verses describe the nature of my work as an Assistant to the Bishop. I am blessed
to work closely with the gifted leaders and congregations of the Central Cluster- Anne
Arundel Conference, Baltimore City Conference and Baltimore West Conference. I
attend conference gatherings, work with congregations during transitions in ministry,
assist in problem solving and crisis management, and facilitate the processes of
visioning and evaluating ministries. 2014 was a year of many transitions within the
cluster; seven congregations experienced changes in rostered leadership (Gloria Dei!, St.
Paul- Fulton, First Lutheran- Ellicott City, Journey of Faith, Living Water, Our
Redeemer, and Zion- Baltimore).
Two new mission starts are growing – Church on the Square (Canton), the joint ministry
between the Delaware-Maryland Synod and the Episcopal Diocese, and The Slate
Project, sponsored by First English in North Baltimore. The Transformational Ministry
Team for the synod sponsored its first training and initiated the second cycle of training
working with two congregational teams to revitalize and transform their vision for
ministry and mission.
The Coalition of Lutherans Advancing in Mission (CLAIM) has 23 congregations and
two organizations in covenant. The annual walk-a-thon again raised funds for the
synod’s Malaria Campaign and also supported the effort to send synod youth to the
upcoming Youth Gathering in Detroit. CLAIM continued its conversations with clusters
of churches in neighboring communities to identify possibilities for shared and/or
cooperative ministries.
I continue to serve as the Synod staff representative to the Delaware-Maryland
Synodical Women’s Organization (SWO) of Women of the ELCA and attended the Ninth
Triennial Convention and Gathering in Charlotte, North Carolina (July 2014). I have
also worked with the planning team for the Celebration of Lay Ministry awards program
and work with the Mission Through Congregations Team. The Delaware-Maryland
Chapter of the African Descent Lutheran Association (ADLA) is working to expand its
membership and is preparing to host the 2015 National Biennial for ADLA and The
Association of Liberian Lutherans in the Americas (ALLIA). This meeting will be held at
Christ Lutheran Church (Baltimore).
I am involved in several churchwide activities: Board of Directors for the Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Gettysburg representing the Delaware-Maryland Synod;
Churchwide African Descent Strategy Team (reviewing the implementation of African
descent strategies throughout the ELCA); and the Churchwide Nominating Committee.
In April, 2014, I was appointed to the Board of School Commissioners for the Baltimore
5
City Public School System. This appointment has given me the opportunity to shape and
support the vision and implementation of plans to improve the quality of education for
the children in Baltimore.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I look forward to another year of
service for our Lord as we come to the unity of faith and the knowledge of the Son of
God.
Assistant to the Bishop, The Rev. Edward N. Kay
My service as an Assistant to the Bishop over the last year has continued to focus around
the primary areas of my portfolio: relationships to the Easter Cluster, Youth + Family
Ministry, Candidacy, and the Missions Through Leadership Team.
In the 55 congregations of the Eastern Cluster, I was actively engaged with many of
those congregations through call process, visioning, conflict mediation, and general
resourcing as called upon. I represented the Bishop’s office in the call votes at St. John
(Phoenix, Md.) as they called Pr. Adam Forbes as their Associate Pastor, and Holy
Communion (Fallston, Md.) as they called Pr. Chasity Wiener as their Associate Pastor. I
also worked with St. Andrew (Dover, Del.) and Good Shepherd (Bel Air, Md.) as they
called new pastors, where one of my colleagues represented the Bishop’s office in those
call votes.
I am currently working with the following congregations and ministries in the midst of
their transition process: Ascension (Towson, Md.), Christus Victor (Carney, Md.),
Community (Frankford, Del.), Grace (Hockessin, Del.), Grace (Lutherville, Md.), Holy
Communion (Fallston, Md.), St. Andrew (Parkville, Md.), St. John (Parkville, Md.), St.
Paul (Cordova, Md.), St. Paul (Lutherville, Md.), St. Paul (Newark, Del.), University of
Delaware Campus Ministry, and Zion (Wilmington, Del.).
In my stewardship of Youth + Family Ministry, our Advisory Team continued to meet to
analyze the ministries that we carried out in fulfilling our purpose. We continue to do
this work through our youth event ministry, high school leadership program (the
Lutheran Youth Organization), and through a new effort of our Children’s Ministry
Team to bring about support for congregations trying fundamentally new things in faith
formation.
Our Faith Formation Initiative, an effort to help resource congregations in embodying a
more holistic view of faith formation in the life of their church outside of only Sunday
school, continued through the first year of our pilot program. We have five
congregations that have participated in this effort this past year: New Hope (Columbia,
Md.), Our Savior (Lansdowne, Md.), St. Luke (Baltimore, Md.), Reformation (Milford,
Del.), and Zion (Middletown, Md.). These congregations have engaged in monthly
coaching calls between their leadership team and our coach (Leif Kehrwald from
Vibrant Faith Ministries), quarterly leadership team gatherings with other pilot
congregation teams, and online interaction in our Facebook group. We are collecting
6
statistical information from their efforts, with the plan to aid other congregations in
their evolution of faith formation in their congregational ministry. I am especially
grateful to our Faith Formation Team for their dedicated work: Pr. Kim Nunberg, Pr.
Paige Evers, and Pr. Teal Anderson. We are making plans now to continue with these
five congregations for another year, and begin planning for a second round of training
with Vibrant Faith Ministries and another cohort of pilot congregations.
My call also includes work to support the Candidacy process for our synod, and have
done so primarily under the direction of the Bishop and the Candidacy Chairperson, Pr.
Churchill Wortherly. I also work closely with the Committee’s Coordinator, Ms. Leslie
Hobbs. I believe our work has been honed to operate as an efficient team, which is
helpful in the midst of the changing landscape of theological education and candidacy
requirements, which the report from the Candidacy Committee in this Bulletin of
Reports highlights.
Finally, I have continued my work with the Mission Through Leadership Team, which
continued under the leadership of the Pr. Mike Louia. The Team is working with a focus
of a Healthy Congregations Initiative to support rostered leaders and the congregations
they serve to be healthy places for ministry to flourish. This initiative has included the
training of congregational coaches, a re-purposing of the Bishop’s Leadership Days, and
plans for intentional work with individual congregations who wish to explore Healthy
Congregations further.
Personally, I continued a Doctor of Ministry program at Luther Seminary with the focus
of Biblical Preaching. This program includes three years of residency for three weeks
each immediately following our annual Synod Assembly. This June will be my final of
the three residencies, and I have turned my attention to developing a comprehensive
thesis to defend at the end of the program. In pursuing this degree, I am especially
thankful for my colleagues in the Bishop’s office for our teamwork together, and grateful
to my family in their support to live out God’s call for me in this way.
Throughout the year, I have been continuously challenged and renewed by the work of
the Holy Spirit in the midst of our common work together to tell the Good News of God’s
Love. I am thankful for the many leaders throughout the teams and programs who help
to do good and faithful work for the sake of the Kingdom.
Assistant to the Bishop, The Rev. Ron Schlak
In the last year I have continued to work in and among the four conferences of the
Western Cluster (Allegany, Frederick, Washington and Westminster). And I have
continued to assist the different components of the Mission Through Partnership Team.
Since last Synod Assembly I have helped to arrange for interim pastors in six
congregations (Emmanuel Trinity, Immanuel Manchester, Israel’s Creek Parish, Mt.
Union- Uniontown, St. Paul- Burkittsville, and St. Paul- Funkstown). I have helped to
arrange for vice pastors in five congregations (Israel’s Creek Parish, Jerusalem7
Westminster, St. Peter- Clear Spring, Trinity- Boonsboro, and Lazarus- Lineboro). And I
have helped to place called pastors in three congregations (Bethel- Frederick, TrinityHagerstown, and Zion- Williamsport).
I continue to work closely with the three task forces of the Mission Through Partnership
Team: Tanzania, Estonia – Finland, and World Hunger. I was able to attend the
Lutheran Hunger Leaders Gathering in San Francisco in January. I also continue to
serve on the board of directors of Mar-Lu-Ridge and the National Lutheran
Communities and Services.
I have worked closely with the Mission Through Leadership Team as we have offered the
Healthy Congregations Initiative to the congregations of our synod. In that regard, I
have served as a Healthy Congregations facilitator this year. And I continue to work
closely with our coaches and our interim pastors.
I have led several retreats on the territory of our synod, both for church councils and for
clergy. And I have served as a resource person for council retreats.
I give thanks that I serve Christ’s Church here, in this place, at this time. Since my wife
Vickie and I moved here three years ago, all of our children and grandchildren have
relocated within close proximity to us.
Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM), The Rev. Kati Kluckman-Ault
First of all, let me thank you once again for the privilege of serving you and our synod as
the Director for Evangelical Mission. In addition, I am particularly grateful for the
prayers and expressions of concern over the past few months regarding my mother.
Over the past 4 ½ years as your DEM, I have found that this role continues to be a call
filled with challenges, joys, surprises and a deep sense of gratitude in seeing God’s hand
at work in our church. I thank everyone who has supported me, prayed for and with me
and worked alongside of me. I continue to be reassured that God is present with us even
as we continue to discern and work toward the transformation that will enable us to be
more effective in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in such a rapidly changing
world! I am frequently reminded in Paul’s letter to the Romans that we are called to be
transformed as God would have us be…not always in our own understanding of who we
are. And that is the common thread that I hope has permeated my work as DEM in our
synod over this past year.
This year, we continue to have reason to rejoice in God’s mercy and grace as our
Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community, Global Peace Lutheran Fellowship,
will continue as a Congregation Under Development. Please continue to pray for Pr.
Surekha Nelavala as she leads this young multicultural congregation in Frederick, Md.,
into the next steps of their growth and maturing. The Church on the Square, a joint
mission start with our Episcopalian ecumenical partners continues to spread its
presence into the Canton neighborhood of Baltimore—having launched their first
8
Romans 12:1-2
So here’s what I want you
to do, God helping you:
Take your everyday,
ordinary life—your
sleeping, eating, going-towork, and walking-around
life—and place it before
God as an offering.
Embracing what God does
for you is the best thing
you can do for him. Don’t
become so well-adjusted
to your culture that you fit
into it without even
thinking. Instead, fix your
attention on God. You’ll
be changed from the
inside out. Readily
recognize what he wants
from you, and quickly
respond to it. Unlike the
culture around you,
always dragging you
down to its level of
immaturity, God brings
the best out of you,
develops well-formed
maturity in you. (The
Message)
steps of renewal.
worship in November, 2014, and working hard to
connect with so many community groups. The building
is being used almost every day of the week. Fr. Jim
Hamilton has created a dynamic ministry team that is
working to continue the growth and effectiveness of the
COTS. We continue to be grateful for the generosity of
the people of Salem Lutheran Church, Catonsville, who
remain partners with COTS. The Slate Project, now
beginning its third year, has continued to grow its wideranging online presence, worships together on Monday
evenings (#BreakingBread), and hosts a weekly Bible
Study on Tuesdays (Word @ Night) and a weekly
tweetchat on Thursdays (#SlateSpeak). Slate Project, as
you can see, continues to mature and expand through
the energetic and creative efforts of Pr. Jason Chesnut.
Faithful renewal has expanded to include nine
congregations (St. John, Cumberland; Christ,
Catonsville; New Light, Dundalk; Spirit of Life,
Wilmington; Community of St. Dysmas; Lord of Life,
Edgewood; Salem, South Baltimore; All Saints,
Baltimore; and Calvary, Mt. Airy) supported by you and
the ELCA through Partnership Support. Our synod’s
Transformational Ministry Team has completed one
year of service with one congregation participating in
the full year process. At this writing there is the
potential for three congregations to begin in June 2015.
I have continued over this past year to engage in several
consultations with congregations around vision,
purpose, and discernment about where God is calling
individual congregations in order to move into the next
The Mission Table for Stewardship continues to work towards revitalization with the
addition of new members and a new chair. This year, with the able assistance of Pr.
Jason Chesnut, it created a stewardship video for use in our congregations (God has
given us so much! Available at: http://www.demdsynod.org/stewardship.html).
Growing our mission support from congregations to our synod and beyond remains a
significant challenge, as 2014 was a year in which mission support did not reach the
anticipated levels and will have impact on the Faith Spending Plans for 2014 and 2015.
Thank you to each congregation who did give to our synod and beyond this year—all the
ministries that have been mentioned so far in this report rely heavily on your mission
support. Over the past year, I have also been invited into several congregations to serve
as a Commitment Sunday preacher; and to engage in consultations with congregations
in order to enhance their own stewardship process. The upcoming year will find us
engaging in the Generosity Project, the ReKindle Project and Breakfast with the Bishop
9
in efforts to grow and expand our individual, household and congregational generosity
and giving.
In addition, it has been a privilege to work with the
CLAIM (the urban strategy for Baltimore City),
Racial Justice Ministry Team, Campus Ministry at
sites throughout our synod, and the Mission
through Congregations Team in spreading the
gospel. I accompanied new mission developers and
redevelopers to training twice this past year. In
addition, I am a member of the Stewardship Table
for the ELCA.
Not only this past year, but the combined 4 ½ years (at this writing) have been ones that
have been full of travel, building relationships, meeting new people and congregations—
and I thank you sisters and brothers for your support, your prayers and your shared
faithfulness and enthusiasm for receiving how God will teach us, lead us and guide us
into God’s vision for the future of our church—as we are transformed by God to walk
together into these new and exciting days and years to come. Thank you again!
10
Audit
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Mission Teams
Missions Through Congregations
The Mission Through Congregation team encompasses the following areas:
CLAIM Mission Table
Ethnic Specific Strategies
Youth and Family Ministry
DAART
Campus Ministries
St. Dysmas Prison Ministry
Women of the ELCA
New and Renewing Congregations
The team’s main goal this year was to strengthen congregational ministry. To
accomplish this goal the group has supported CLAIM’s effort to provide coaching to
member congregations through a grant program where coaches assist congregations to
connect with their neighborhoods. We have also followed up with the Rev. KluckmanAult’s initial contact with Partners for Sacred Places. This is an ecumenical group which
helps congregations revitalize their ministries. The specific program New Dollars /New
Partners is a capacity-building training program that transforms how congregations see
themselves and their place in their neighborhoods. We feel this focus fits into the overall
2018 Vision Plan for our synod.
Additionally, the team is formulating plans to assist congregations to develop a current
ministry plan. We are working on a process and training protocol to help congregations
accomplish this goal.
The New and Renewing Congregations Mission Table established a new mission start in
conjunction with the Episcopal Church called the Church on the Square in the Canton
neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland. This new mission start is approaching worship
and congregational life in a new way while being true to the gospel.
All challenges also offer opportunities for spiritual growth. In this time of church
membership decline we are energized to sing the Lord’s song, exciting and empowering.
Respectfully submitted by Jennifer Simms, Chair
24
Mission Through Leadership Team
The Mission Through Leadership Team’s primary work in 2014-15 was in support of our
synod’s Healthy Congregations Initiative. Beginning with the Bishop’s Leadership Days
in May 2014, based on the resource Called by God to Serve, sessions introduced
congregations to the Healthy Congregations resource and process. Congregations were
invited to prayerfully consider participating in Healthy Congregations seminars which
would be held in three geographically-dispersed locations in September 2014 and April
and September 2015.
Eleven congregations participated in the first workshops held in September 2014.
During the year, our team also provided training for coaches who would be available to
work with congregations across our synod. Although initially envisioned as support for
those congregations participating in the Healthy Congregations Initiative, the
availability of coaches was expanded to all congregations. Currently our synod has 25
trained coaches; however, only a few are currently engaged with congregations. We
continue to work with congregations to educate about the role coaches can play in
congregations and look to establishing additional coach-congregation relationships in
the coming year.
The team also plans on providing additional opportunities for congregations to
participate in Healthy Congregations Seminars. The Rev. Ron Schlak has agreed to
facilitate an additional series of workshops, beginning in the fall of 2015.
In response to a resolution passed by our synod assembly several years ago, progress
was made this year on creating “chaplain” services for rostered leaders across our synod.
The mission of these chaplains would be to serve as a confidential person with whom a
rostered leader could seek guidance in times of stress or anxiety. The Healthy Leaders
Initiative (a working title) met and is working on a plan for the introduction of these
services. The plans include identifying three (geographically-dispersed) people to serve
in this chaplain role. While serving pro bono, expenses for these chaplains would be
covered. Members of the team are investigating how those expenses might be paid,
including seeking grant-funding to cover these expenses.
At the request from Bishop Herz-Lane, the Rev. Fred Lehr worked in forming an
Interim Pastor Network to support the 30+ pastors serving as interims across our
synod. This group meets on a semi-annual basis (some smaller groups meet more
frequently). During semi-annual meetings, topics of concern for interim pastors
(educational, faith-forming, etc.) will be covered.
The team working on revised rostered leader compensation guidelines formulated a
proposal which was reviewed by our synod council and our conference deans. Details
regarding their proposal are part of the 2015 Synod Assembly.
25
The Mission Through Leadership Team continues to plan its work taking guidance from
our synod’s Vision 2018 process and plan. Both of these were developed using feedback
received from congregation members across our synod as part of the Vision 2018
discernment process. This implementation plan will be presented at our 2015 synod
assembly, and, based on the outcome of those associated discussions, our team will
continue its efforts to support the leadership needs of our fellow disciples across our
synod.
Many thanks to those who have participated in the work of our Mission Through
Leadership Team: the Rev. Ron Schlak, the Rev. Bettye Wolinski, the Rev. Fred Lehr,
the Rev. Ed Kay, Robin Schaffer, John Auger and the Rev. Dave Albertson.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Michael K. Louia, Team Leader
Mission Through Partnerships Team
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see,
everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through
Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was
reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and
entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ…
(2 Cor 5:17-20a)
“The Partnership Mission Team (Mission Through Partnerships) shall bear primary
responsibility for maintaining a healthy, mutually acceptable relationship between the
Delaware-Maryland Synod and the agencies, institutions, and organizations (AIO’s)
assigned to, and represented through, the DE-MD Synod.” (Continuing Resolution
S11.01.C02). Some of our partners include, but are not limited to, Mar-Lu-Ridge, the
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, the Hunger Task Force, The Tanzania
and Finland/Estonia Task Forces, Definitely Abled Advocacy and Resource Team, social
ministry organizations, and ecumenical organizations.
I have attended two meetings of the Lutheran Development Alliance, formerly the
Lutheran Community Consortium, two meetings of the Hunger Task Force, three
meetings of both the Tanzania and Finland/Estonia Task Forces, and four meetings of
our Partnership Team. One of the blessings from the Lutheran Development Alliance
fall meeting was the naming of Alice Benson as the new Delaware-Maryland Regional
Gift Planner. Alice previously served as Regional Gift Planner for the Metro DC Synod.
Please invite Alice to meet your congregational council.
Most of the work this year has been the coordination of our Delaware-Maryland Synod’s
Celebrate Lay Ministry Event. This has been a learning process for the team, and I wish
to thank Assistant to the Bishop Linda Chinnia for the support and consistency provided
through our synod office. Thank you to the congregations and social ministry
organizations for lifting up lay ministry.
26
Thanks also to those who serve on this team: Deanna Bracken, Em Cole, Paul Donnelly,
the Rev. Matt Fuhrman, Kevin Garrity, Sallie Gartside, the Rev. Mark Huffman, and
Assistant to the Bishop, the Rev. Ron Schlak. It has been a privilege to serve with you.
Respectfully submitted by Claudia Harrington, Team Leader
Conferences
Allegany Conference
Allegany County is one of the poorest counties in the state of Maryland. In response to
that fact, several of the Lutheran churches in the conference are involved in social
outreach ministries such as offering community meals, after school and evening
programs where food is served, supporting the local food pantries, as well as networking
with other organizations in working together to make the community better.
Four of our congregations worshipped together in a joint Reformation Day service at St.
Paul in Cumberland. This was a joyous and spirit filled experience, followed by a
luncheon with great fellowship.
The Bishop and staff, together with several of our local pastors, came together at St.
Luke in November, offering a day of workshops. The event was well attended and
provided education and insight in areas of evangelism and outreach, healthy churches
and care of creation, among other topics. This also kick-started a conference-wide
conversation, looking at the future, collective witness of the Lutheran churches in the
Allegany Conference. Several of our congregations are looking at the possibilities of
doing some cooperative ministry, and asking where God might lead us in our efforts. We
are also looking at the possibility of working with some of our ecumenical partners in
this.
We continue to work together with the synod office, as well as representation from the
ELCA, in offering a discernment process for interested congregations in the conference.
2014 has been an overall good year for the conference, filled with a sense of collegiality
and support among the rostered clergy. We look forward with excitement to where God
might lead, as we continue to seek out what it means to do faithful ministry in the
westernmost part of the conference.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Tormod Svensson, Dean
27
Anne Arundel Conference
This has been a year of transition in the Anne Arundel Conference. Of the ten churches
that make up the conference, four currently are served by interim pastors. Three others
have called new clergy in the past two years. We have said goodbye to long-time friends
and welcomed new friends to our conference gatherings. Those gatherings are held
monthly from September to May, and include the celebration of Communion together as
well as opportunities to share and learn from each other. We end our time together by
going out to lunch at a restaurant near the host congregation.
The Anne Arundel Conference stretches from St. John (Linthicum) in the northwest part
of the county all the way to Living Water, just across the Bay Bridge in Queen Anne’s
County. There are a variety of church sizes and contexts, but we are united in
proclaiming the Good News about Jesus Christ. Pastors support each other, not just by
attending and sharing at conference meetings, but by covering for each other during
vacations and being available for consultation and support.
There is excellent ministry happening in the Anne Arundel Conference. Here are some
examples:
•
•
•
•
Gloria Dei! (Arnold) embarked on a joyful journey to find a new pastor with the
anticipation of a new chapter in the life of this congregation, guided by God's
Spirit and rich with new possibilities and opportunities.
Christ (Millersville) completed a renovation project that included construction of
a pavilion that will be a great ministry enhancement. It has already hosted the
Sunrise Easter Service, prayer gatherings, and youth groups. They are planning
congregation picnics, outdoor worship experiences, and even an occasional blue
grass worship service. Another new ministry is their Community Garden, which
is just getting going and will initially provide fresh vegetables for Tabitha’s
Backpack food ministry, which currently provides healthy food each weekend for
40 students at three local schools. As the garden grows, they hope to involve
more members of the congregation as well as the community in this ministry.
St. John (Linthicum), in partnership with Arundel House of Hope, is in the
planning stages of a “Family Project.” If everything goes as hoped, this project
will use the congregation’s vacant parsonage as housing for a homeless mother
and her children.
Living Water (Stevensville) said goodbye to their pastor of 12 years, the Rev. F.
Mark Walters, in the fall of 2014. Their interim pastor, the Rev. Emily Leitzke,
began work in December. Living Water continues to be excited about the
opportunities they have for shared ministry with Christ Episcopal Church, whose
building they share. They worshiped together with Christ Church on Ash
Wednesday and Maundy Thursday and began their Palm Sunday worship
together in front of the church; the processions led them to their individual
worship spaces for the remainder of the services. The highlight of their Palm
Sunday service was the use of prayer stations--a first for the congregation-following the Passion reading. There were six stations: healing prayers with
28
laying on of hands and anointing with oil, candlelighting, confession and
forgiveness, a prayer wall, baptismal remembrance, and a coloring and palm
cross-making station. The congregation is currently working together to
understand how they can better serve the needs of the Stevensville/Kent Island
community, and can't wait to see where God leads us and what doors God is
opening!
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Dave Simpson, Dean
Baltimore City Conference
At the conclusion of the Synod Assembly, a new dean and secretary will be installed to
lead the Baltimore City Conference, an energetic partnership of 24 congregations (All
Saints, Amazing Grace, Augsburg, Breath of God/St. Paul, Christ, Emmanuel, Epiphany,
Faith, First English, Grace, Holy Comforter, Jerusalem, Peoples Community, St. JohnPimlico, St. John-Brooklyn, St. Luke-Hampden, St. Mark, St. Mark Estonian, St. PaulCurtis Bay, St. Philip, Salem, Sts. Stephen & James, and Zion), two new mission starts
(Charles Village/Waverly – Slate Project, and Canton – Church on the Square), a
regional mission table (CLAIM), the Lutheran Campus Ministry at Morgan State, the
Augsburg Home, the Lutheran Mission Society, Healthcare Chaplaincy at University of
Maryland Medical Center and Johns Hopkins, two Lutheran Volunteer Corps
Communities (Hampden and Belair-Edison), Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran
Immigration and Refugee Services, and our Delaware-Maryland Synod office!
Having served as dean of the conference since 2011, I have had the privilege of serving
the conference and the church:
• Installing the Pastors of All Saints, Christ, Faith, St. John-Pimlico, St. Paul-Curtis
Bay and Salem;
• Supporting the expanding work of CLAIM on the territory, serving both on its
board and executive committee;
• Embracing the gifts of the African Descent Lutheran Association (ADLA) and the
African Descent Implementation Task Force;
• Working with the leadership of All Saints, Breath of God/St. Paul, Faith, First
English, Jerusalem, People’s Community, St. John-Pimlico, St. John-Brooklyn,
St. Luke-Hampden, St. Mark, and Zion on Mission Planning;
• Providing support and encouragement for redevelopment work at Breath of
God/St. Paul, St. Luke-Hampden and Salem;
• Uniting across the conference for city-wide celebrations of Michaelmass,
Epiphany Day, Easter Vigil, and Ascension Day as well as synod-wide
celebrations of Dr. King’s Birthday;
• Gathering for Pericope Study on Wednesday mornings with colleagues from
across the metropolitan area;
29
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Providing transition support and resources for the former Messiah English
congregation in Canton as they gifted their assets to seed the new mission start,
Church on the Square;
Giving thanks for the visionary work of First English in birthing the Charles
Village/Waverly Mission – The Slate Project;
Continuing our learning and community building at the CLAIM Multicultural
Festival, the annual Revival at All Saints, ADLA Prayer Breakfast and LutherFest
at Zion;
Providing vice-pastorate leadership to Faith, St. Luke-Hampden and Zion as well
as conference-wide sabbatical coverage for Zion;
Rejoicing in the musical gifts of this church in the Sacred Music Series at Sts.
Stephen & James, the Hafenmusik Series at Christ, the St. Cecelia Series at St.
Mark, the Jazz Vespers Series at Holy Comforter, the developing Voices of Praise
Ministry hosted by St. Philip;
Partnering with one another’s ministries through Lutheran Campus Ministry, the
Center for Grace-full Living at Amazing Grace, Loaves and Fishes/Bread for Life
Ministries at Epiphany, the Open Pantry at Jerusalem, the Door Ministry at Zion,
the Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry at Faith, Mary’s Closet at All Saints, the
Shelter at Christ, the Deacon’s Ministry at St. Paul-Curtis Bay, the bilingual
outreach ministry of Breath of God/St. Paul, the Pantry, Meal and Clothing Closet
at St. John-Brooklyn, the Gleaning and Feeding Ministries of St. John-Pimlico,
the young adult ministries of Christ, Salem and Breath of God/St. Paul;
Preaching for special occasions such as Pr. Dale Dusman’s 25th Anniversary, Pr.
Holger Roggelin’s 25th Anniversary, Pr. Lowell Thompson’s 50th Anniversary,
Pr. Hoda Zavandro’s Installation, celebrating with Pr. Ed Kay on his 5th
Anniversary, Pr. Churchill Wortherly on his 5th Anniversary, Pr. Gary Dittman
on his 25th Anniversary, Pr. Eric Campbell on his anniversary and appointment
as coordinator of the African Descent Strategy, Pr. Michael Dubsky on his new
call, Pr. Barbara Melosh at the conclusion of her fine ministry, Pr. John Sabbatelli
and Pr. Duke Fries on their (short-lived!) retirements, Pr. Holger Roggelin on his
new call and Pr. Titus Clarke on his new call;
Supervising a teaching parish student and now-seminary intern for St. LukeHampden;
Working with larger community organizing groups, like BUILD and BRIDGE, to
whom many of our congregations belong;
Supporting Pr. Mark Parker, his family and congregation as he began his
campaign as a candidate for City Councilman in the First District;
Giving thanks for Pr. Churchill Wortherly’s albeit-slow recovery from cancer and
Pr. Michael Guy’s recovery from a motorcycle accident;
And working with the finest colleagues and friends, including our outstanding
conference secretary, Pr. Bre Roberts.
I close this report with a special word of thanks to the congregations and rostered
leaders of our conference – and across the synod – for your prayers, support and gifts
after the fire at All Saints this last September. The offering collected across the synod the
30
following weekend totaled more than $10,000 and was a tangible expression of our
partnership with All Saints. There was much crying and rejoicing when I presented
those gifts on your behalf – and our weeping will give way to celebration come June
when we again “enter the gates with thanksgiving” at the glad rededication of All Saints.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. William (Bill) Gohl, Dean
Baltimore East Conference
The Baltimore East Conference is comprised of seven congregations: Hope
(Middleborough), New Light (Dundalk), Prince of Peace (Rosedale), St. John
(Edgemere), St. John (Essex), St. Luke (Dundalk), and St. Peter (Eastpoint/Colgate).
The conference meets the second Wednesday of the month for its regular conference
meetings. These meetings are held at rotating locations, so we can all visit and spend
time in each other’s congregations. Other Wednesdays we join with members of the
Baltimore City and Baltimore North conferences for a shared pericope study at St.
Mark’s Lutheran Church (St. Paul Street).
As a conference, many of the churches share in the ecumenical ministry known as
Streets of Hope, which serves as a seasonal men’s shelter for those in need. This
combined effort celebrates its fifth year of service, and has proven to be a valuable and
transformative ministry in the lives of many in East Baltimore County.
Another shared ministry of the conference is the annual Music Festival which brings
together many of our congregational music teams in support of the ELCA’s Malaria
Campaign. This is the third year that this concert will take place.
This past year, we hosted a Conference Social Ministry Night to exchange best practices
and resources between our churches, and we hope to have a similar night to focus on
Youth Ministry.
Finally, one our conference churches, St. Peter’s (Eastpoint/Colgate), has partnered
with the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia in a new three-year concurrent
internship & M.Div. program. The intern, Vicar Jeanette Surita-Vazquetelles, attends
classes Tuesday-Thursday, and serves in the congregation Friday-Sunday.
Overall, the churches of the Baltimore East Conference continue to serve every day
sharing and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ with friend, neighbor, and stranger.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Matthew C. Fuhrman, Dean
31
Baltimore North Conference
The transitions in Baltimore North continue as more pastors retire and others find new
pastures. Jim and Judy Cobb have retired from Ascension, Towson, to outside of
Williamsburg, Virginia, and Joe Skillman has finished his ministry at Christus Victor,
Carney. Prs. Danny and Maria Hammons moved to New England, and Pr. Greg Fetzer is
now in Bel Air, Maryland. We currently have six interim rostered leaders among our 12
parishes. One call for a recent vacancy has been extended as of this writing: Pr. Eileen
Kelley-Warner is in a term call to Faith, Cockeysville, with the opportunity to establish a
longer stay after their visioning process concludes. Also, Pr. Adam Forbes was called to a
transitional term ministry at St. John, Sweet Air, as Pr. John Seltzer announced his
retirement for this summer, and Pr. Brandon Cian has moved to Central Pennsylvania.
Our hope is to engage our congregations in a larger visioning strategy as we all
understand that things are changing, and not just in our slice of the county. A happy
partnership has come out of the troublesome fire at All Saints, Baltimore, whose
members have been worshipping with St Andrew, Parkville, until their restorations are
complete. We have some cooperative ventures in youth and confirmation work, and the
Women of the ELCA have always crossed bridges we otherwise don’t try. It’s been said
that crises bring opportunities, and if the Church feels the challenge to meet the world
where it is today, then the source of our support in ‘ages past’ will be our help and
motivator into the future — Come, Holy Spirit. Amen.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Lans Alexis, Dean
Baltimore West Conference
One of the joys of being a dean is the opportunity that I have to participate in the special
“red-letter” days for our congregations. In the past year I have installed Pastor Ginny
Price and Diaconal Minister Cindy Ranker at New Hope Lutheran Church in Columbia,
Maryland. I have also installed the Rev. Mike Louia at First Lutheran Church in Ellicott
City, Maryland. Both parishes are rejoicing in their new ministry opportunities. I was
blessed to share in their joy.
Recently I have become more educated regarding “first suburbs.” These are
communities that came into their own post World War II, and now find themselves in
decline. With aging infrastructure and a declining economic base, many of our
Baltimore West congregations are part of a first suburb. Not surprisingly many of these
parishes are struggling to find ministries that are able to survive declining memberships
and diminishing resources. Two of these parishes, St. James and St. Paul Lutheran
Church have merged and formed a new mission congregation, “Journey of Faith
Church.” Laura Ingersol and Jarrett Hansen were the mission developers. They have
announced their retirements and the congregation was able to call a new mission
developer, the Rev. Patrick Gahagen to serve. There is new life blooming at Journey of
Faith!
32
Another congregation, Second English Lutheran Church, has decided to divest of their
property, which may be the first step in closing their church entirely. Sadly, this
congregation has been struggling for some time now and has not reached their decision
easily. Nevertheless they are bravely facing this new struggle. With the sale of their
property, another congregation, the Oromo Lutheran Church, will be facing a struggle of
their own. They have been meeting at Second English for several years and will now
need to find a new place to meet. They are financially challenged as they try to support a
full time pastoral salary with few resources. The Baltimore-West Conference will try to
assist them until they can become more self-supporting in a new location.
After several years of stability, we are starting to see some long term pastorates reach
retirement. The Rev. Rod Ronneberg concluded his long ministry at St. Paul, Fulton and
the congregation called the Rev. Carolyn Shank as their new pastor. She will be installed
next month. Also, the Rev. Jim Luedeke has announced his retirement from Shepherd of
the Glen Lutheran Church. We can be proud of their years of service.
St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Arbutus and Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lansdowne
are both currently being served by interim pastors.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Timothy P. Feaser, Dean
The Delmarva Conference
The Rev. Dr. Timothy Leitzke was reelected dean, and the Rev. Eric Evers was reelected
Secretary. The transitions that have marked the last couple of years continued on the
Peninsula. A number of ministries went under or remained under Interim leadership,
and we said farewell to Greg Johnson (retirement), Paul Lundmark (retirement), and
Bettye Wolinski (who moved back across the Bay). At the same time, we welcomed the
Rev. Mark Walters to St. Andrew in Dover, and the Rev. Kelly Pensinger to Grace of God
in Millsboro (The Dean managed to install both, despite Grace of God having to find a
last second substitute location and the Dean having the flu that day). Lutheran
Community Services of Delaware renovated their newly purchased facility in
Wilmington, and though as of this writing they are not moved in, they will likely be in by
the time you read this in May.
Geography and weather continue to stymie efforts to gather: our fall meeting went off
without a hitch, but our winter meeting fell victim to the snow. Hopefully by the time
you read this our spring meeting has happened without incident. (And the fact that we
only have three meetings a year gives you an idea of some of the travel issues involved
out our way.) Nonetheless, the Southern Cluster continues to meet regularly, and a
weekly pericope study hosted by St. Stephen’s in Wilmington provides community in the
North.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Dr. Timothy A. Leitzke, Dean.
33
The Frederick Conference
The conference rostered leaders meet on the third Tuesday of each month (September
through May). For the last two years our meetings have been hosted by Good Shepherd,
Frederick, and we thank this congregation for their hospitality.
Frederick is the largest conference in the synod with 29 congregations (including two
congregations founded in the 1730s and some of the oldest as well as the newest
congregations). Global Peace Lutheran Fellowship is a multi-cultural congregation
worshipping at Evangelical in downtown Frederick.
Pastor Chris Litton resigned as Conference Secretary in June 2014, and accepted an
interim pastorate. We thank him for his willingness to serve and wished him well in his
new ministry in Carroll County. A new Conference Secretary will be chosen in early
2015.
We welcomed home Pastor Cris Frigm after he returned from a year of active duty as a
Chaplain in the US Navy Reserve. As Navy Chaplain, Pastor Cris was stationed in
Djibouti to serve the spiritual needs of US service members on behalf of our nation. We
are thankful many prayers were answered and he returned to continue to serve at Zion,
Middletown.
About one half of the congregations in this Conference worship fewer than 50 on a
weekend and are served by part-time pastors. This reality affects congregations in ways
that include pastoral tenure, morale and a positive sense of the future. We have rejoiced
with several congregations as they have welcomed new pastoral leadership in the past
year—even as these may be interim pastors.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Charles Zang, Dean
The Harford Conference
The Harford Conference of churches has met throughout the past year as a ministerium,
visiting the different congregations, sharing ideas (and crabs), and supporting one
another in conversation and prayer. We have also had two presentations, one on audiovisual systems, and another on social media engagement. We’ve a small conference: St.
Paul in Aberdeen, Salem in Jarrettsville, Lord of Life in Edgewood, Jerusalem in
Whiteford, Holy Communion in Fallston, and Good Shepherd in Bel Air. Each
congregation is unique, so here’s a taste of each:
Under the leadership of the Rev. Fred Lehr, interim pastor, the Lutheran Church of the
Good Shepherd explored changes in the universal church to help us discern and respond
to God’s call for us. This lead to the development of a Vision and Mission statement
34
focusing on discipleship in the coming years. Pastor Fred accepted another interim
pastoral position within our synod leading to the Rev. Eileen Kelley-Warner becoming
the bridge interim pastor. Pastor Eileen guided the congregation through the call
process while helping them to discern the will of the Holy Spirit. They feel
extraordinarily blessed to have called the Rev. Greg Fetzer who shares our desire to live
our faith. Together Pastor Fred and Eileen planted seeds of discipleship that Pastor Greg
will nurture.
Since last synod assembly, Holy Communion in Fallston has planted 91 trees with the
help of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake
and developed a new Green Committee. Their seminary intern Chasity Wiener was
called as their half-time Pastor for 2015 and will become Senior Pastor when Pastor
John Burk retires in 2016. They are installing an outdoor chapel and a columbarium
adjacent to it.
St. Paul, Aberdeen is in a very exciting time as they continue to welcome Pastor Stuart
Luce. Additionally they are completing a sanctuary renovation which includes new
lighting, sound and video as well as a redesigned larger and more flexible platform,
including handicap accessibility. The congregation is in search of a new Director of
Student Ministries and is also undergoing a Visioning Process to seek God's direction
and plans for the next three years!
The people of Salem, Jarrettsville, have been blessed this year through so many people
and projects. They planted a dozen trees as part of the Chesapeake Conservancy, both to
filter groundwater and to provide shade and beauty, and under a grant through BG&E,
they were able to have all their light bulbs replaced with LED bulbs. Salem’s Children
Center has had full enrollment this year in its preschool and day care, serving about 200
children a week. Its upcoming summer camps are rapidly filling up. Salem continues to
search for ways to reach out to their community to share God’s grace and blessings.
Lord of Life, Edgewood, is in the thick of redevelopment, with a brand new weekly food
pantry, a worship service approaching the one-year mark, and small groups coalescing.
This little church in Edgewood continues to work away at being a staple of its
community through events and organizing with other churches, showing people what
grace looks like.
Jerusalem Church continues its ministry serving the folks of the northern Harford
County, southern York County area. They continue our support of the Mason-Dixon
Community Services. In 2015, they began an informational series called “The Business
of Family Life.” Jerusalem completed our bell tower reconstruction in the fall of 2014.
We continue to work towards greater connections not just between our rostered leaders,
but also between the members of our congregations. We look forward to gathering for a
training day in the fall.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Christine Parker, Dean
35
Washington County Conference
This past year has been one of transition in several of our congregations. Trinity in
Hagerstown and Zion in Williamsport are served by new pastors, while Mt. Zion in
Rohersville, Christ Lutheran in Hagerstown, St. Peter in Clear Spring, and St. Paul in
Funkstown are in an interim period and/or time of discernment. Several congregations
have begun or continued conversations about shared ministry (such as Vacation Bible
School, food banks, youth groups, etc.). The county–wide lay group, the Coalition,
continues to meet and plan events, such as conference-wide volleyball, baseball, and
preparations for “God’s Work, Our Hands” Sunday. This past year, the Coalition brought
together teams of people mixed together from various congregations to help home
owners in need. This was very meaningful to participants and the recipients of help, and
was a great witness in the community.
The clergy meet monthly , except during the summer, for regular conference meetings.
There is interest in our dispensing with some of the formality and “business” aspects of
these meetings in favor of enhancing the more urgent aspects of deepening collegial
relationships and support. The Pastors Support Group and Periscope Study (PSST)
generally meets weekly. Several social activities have helped pastors continue to get to
know each other better and to share on a more personal level, and the hope is that these
get-togethers will become more a part of our on-going life together.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Julie Brigham, Dean
Westminster Conference
The 24 congregations that make up the Westminster Conference serve congregations
within Carroll County and (slightly) beyond the county's borders. There are currently
nine congregations served with full time pastors; two of those congregations have two
pastors. Two multiple point parishes are each served by a pastor. Four congregations
have called part-time pastors and two congregations are served by the Order of St.
Stephen Deacon. Two vacant congregations are in study preparing to call full time
pastors. Three small congregations are vacant being served by interim or vice pastors.
One congregation will be going vacant by fall as a pastor prepares to retire. The
conference is blessed with a number of rostered and non-rostered leaders who serve in
several of the congregations. One congregation is considering formal action to leave the
ELCA.
The pressures of a changing culture have resulted in a conversation among the pastors
within the conference relating to the status of Westminster Conference congregations.
In our meetings we have expressed interest in how the congregations of the conference
might work together to empower our communities to be faithful in service to the gospel
of Jesus Christ. Presently this conversation has been limited to the rostered leaders of
the conference, but it is our hope to expand the conversation to include lay leaders of the
36
congregations within our conference. The hope is to not look at what we cannot do but
rather to explore how, together, we might create new opportunities for ministry.
The conference continues to be proud of the institutions that have been developed by
the congregations. Carroll Lutheran Village continues to grow and serve the needs of the
aging in the surrounding area. In 2014 Carroll Lutheran Village broke ground on the
Lutheran Village at Miller's Grant which is near Ellicott City in the Baltimore West
Conference. Our conference continues to advocate for the ongoing work of Carroll
Lutheran School that serves more than 100 children from kindergarten through grade
eight.
A long standing tradition with the conference are the twice a year dinners for Lutheran
men of the conference. Approximately 100 gather at a hosting church for a meal and
fellowship. This tradition, plus the sense of partnership that has served the
congregations well for many generations, makes us hopeful that we will be able to meet
the needs of people within our communities in the face of significant cultural change.
We are called to proclaim the Gospel and that strong commitment is engrained in the
history, partnerships, and fellowship of the Westminster Conference.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Kevin C Clementson, Dean
37
Agencies, Institutions, Organizations and Synod
Ministries
African Descent Strategy
Once again I want to express sincere gratitude to the voting members of the 2014 Synod
Assembly for approving the establishment of the Coordinator’s position of the African
Descent Strategy for implementation throughout our synod. Thanks also to Bishop
Wolfgang D. Herz-Lane for his effort in securing the funds for this initiative to become a
reality.
Since the Coordinator’s position became efficacious on September 1, 2014, considerable
time has been spent describing the chronology of the strategy’s development, its
significance from the African Descendant’s perspective and soliciting support
irrespective of ethnicity from ministry colleagues throughout the Delaware-Maryland
Synod. Presentations of the strategy were conducted with pastors of a variety of
congregations, the Coalition of Lutherans Advancing in Ministry, (CLAIM), the Director
for African Descendant Ministries, ELCA, the Baltimore City Conference, the
Conference of Deans, and with the Board of Directors and members of the synod’s
African Descent Lutheran Association. Resulting from these many conversations, the
decision was made to form an Advisory Team that met for the first time on February 7,
2015. During that meeting the Advisory Team’s name was changed to the African
Descent Strategy Implementation Task Force. Task Force members are as follow:
Pastor Ken Powell – Chairperson
Pastor Melissa Lemons
Pastor Connie Miller
Pastor Clarence Pettit
Lela Richardson
Elaine Wagenfuehr – Coordinator CLAIM
Keyshawn Boss
Linda Chinnia—Assistant to Bishop
Dr. Joseph Donnella
Pastor Kati Kluckman-Ault —
Assistant to the Bishop
Pastor Bill Gohl—Dean, City Conference
Dr. Antony Kinyua
Pastor Margaret Herz-Lane
Mydea Karpeh—Chair, ADLA
Deacon Reginald Price
Sheron Chaplin
David Wright
Gerry Grant
John Henderson—Regional Rep., ADLA
Joseph Davies
Pastor Moses Gobah
Pastor Teshome Duke
A summary of some activities of the Task Force are:
•
•
•
Condensing the full strategy outline from ten pages to a more readable four-fold
brochure
Prioritizing the six principles of the strategy with Social Justice leading the way
Establishing a process for implementing the strategy throughout the synod
38
•
•
•
•
Bringing a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic group of people together to discuss
common goals
Participating in a Ministry Consultation for Alleghany County, and currently
planning, in conjunction with the Dean of the Conference, a Revival Service to be
held at St. John Lutheran Church, Cumberland, Maryland
An active role in planning the upcoming national Assembly of the African
Descent Lutheran Association in Baltimore, July 30-August 2, 2015.
We seek financial support to continue our work TOGETHER!
Respectfully submitted by Pastor Eric T. Campbell, Coordinator
Baltimore Lutheran Campus Ministry (BLCM)
Baltimore Lutheran Campus Ministry serves Baltimore area colleges and universities,
especially Towson, Morgan State, and UMBC.
Over dinner last night, a student pulled me aside to tell me, “You know, this ministry is
the reason that I’m connected to my faith. I used to go to church because I had to, but
now my faith means something. I talk to other people about it. (And that’s true- I’ve
seen him start to post things about what his faith calls him to do on Facebook for the
world to see!) And that all started because of the welcome I got when I walked in here. It
was something I never experienced before. I felt so comfortable that now I want to
welcome everyone else who comes in the same way, so they will know that same
welcome.” This is one of the deep joys of campus ministry- that sometimes God works
through your community to change a student’s heart. It is a wonder to behold. This is
what we have been doing to make conversations like this possible:
At Towson University (The Table: a Lutheran Episcopal ministry) we:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Continued an intensive discipleship training for three students to help them be
passionate and fruitful followers of Jesus and began a second group of four
students.
Welcomed our first student intern to support our outreach efforts.
Mentored students to lead worship discussions which led to amazing faith
conversations.
Began the holy adventure of weekly “dinner worship,” connecting to an ancient
Christian tradition. Imagine church and a festive meal put together and that’s just
about right.
Started a late-night Bible study that continued to grow through the semester.
Held Ash Wednesday worship on campus with our Catholic brothers and sisters
which welcomed more than 150 staff, faculty and students.
39
At Morgan State we:
•
•
•
•
As a result of their connection with our ministry and through mentoring by
Deacon Reggie Price, three of our students were baptized in September and have
since continued their walk with Jesus.
Continue our weekly service projects at Helping Up Mission and Baltimore
Station, a recovery community, as well as Tench-Tilghman Elementary School.
Began a new mentorship program at Tench-Tilghman Elementary in East
Baltimore where they plan and lead weekly programs for third graders.
Reggie Price continued one-on-one mentoring of several students who have
become student leaders. This is an outgrowth of our weekly Bible study.
At University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), a Lutheran-Episcopal
Campus Ministry, we:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Gathered for weekly dinner and discussion around topics like: Women in
Scripture, What does being saved mean?, and What to do when the Bible gets
used for evil?
Hosted a speaker for the whole campus from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee
Services to learn about the realities of refugees (in preparation for our 2015
Spring Break trip)
Began offering weekly Evening Prayer for students
Grew to be such a large group that we ran out of chairs in our meeting room!
Welcomed our first student intern, who helps with planning and publicizing
events.
Went on a Spring Break service trip to Selma, Birmingham, and Montgomery,
Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia. with students from Towson to learn about our
civil rights history and the continuing realities of racism and classism. We heard
Pastor Graetz tell how he defied evil when the Klan bombed his home during the
Montgomery bus boycotts. And then we saw the walls that still divide us as we
joined Pastor Chad who was living out in the beloved community among his
congregation of those experiencing homelessness.
Respectfully submitted,
Pastor Laura Sinche, Campus Pastor
Candidacy Committee
The Candidacy Committee has the responsibility for recruiting, preparing, examining
and approving candidates for Ordination as Pastors, Commissioning as Associates in
Ministry, and Consecration as Diaconal Ministers and Deaconesses.
40
The Candidacy Committee held seven meetings in 2014 as well as a retreat for
candidates, their spouses, and members of the committee. During the year, six
candidates were approved for ordination, who are members of congregations from
across the synod. Some of these leaders are working to complete their seminary
program before seeking ordination, while others have already been ordained and are
serving congregations. The leaders approved in 2014 are Douglas Barclay (Christ, Inner
Harbor), Cynthia Baxter (St. Benjamin, Westminster), Benjamin Erzkus (Christ,
LaVale), Victoria Larson (St. Paul, Newark), and Chasity Wiener (Lord of Life,
Edgewood).
During the year the committee granted entrance to candidacy to seven applicants and
endorsed four seminarians to continue with internship and final course work. Each
candidate is in regular contact with a member of the committee who serves as his/her
relator to provide guidance and support. The committee also received regular updates
about new guidelines recently adopted by the Association of Theological Schools and
their impact on preparation for rostered ministry in the ELCA that is reviewing and
modifying its requirements and procedures.
Members of the Candidacy Committee are: the Rev. David Asendorf, the Rev. Dr.
Richard Carlson, the Rev. Martha Clementson, Ms. Heather Gayle, Mrs. Leslie Hobbs
(Candidacy Coordinator), the Rev. Kathy Ierien, the Rev. Virginia Price, the Rev. Ryan
Roberts, Mrs. Jane Sabatelli, Deaconess Jean Warren, the Rev. Churchill Wortherly
(chairperson), and Bishop Wolfgang Herz-Lane. Dr. Nancy Gable is the ELCA Region 8
representative, and Assistant to the Bishop, the Rev. Ed Kay provides staff support.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Churchill Wortherly, Chair
Carroll Lutheran Village
As Carroll Lutheran Village (CLV) celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2015, we reflect on a
year that has provided blessings and opportunities to fulfill our mission and look
forward to the expansion of our mission with the late 2015 opening of The Lutheran
Village at Miller’s Grant in Ellicott City.
Last fiscal year, Carroll Lutheran Village served 570 residents in independent living and
78 residents in the Diven House for assisted living. The Village provided skilled nursing
to 274 residents in the Health Care Center and outpatient rehabilitation services to more
than 200 people. More than 260 residents with need across all three levels of residency
received $2.93 million in benevolent support.
Residents Frances Kane and Hazel Rectanus were induced into the Maryland Senior
Citizens Hall of Fame; Peg Sheeler was honored posthumously with the Lifetime
Achievement Award at the Celebrate Lay Ministry event; a resident committee designed
and built the Village float for the Westminster Electric Holiday Parade; a group of
residents put on a Readers’ Theater to benefit groups in the community; Fran Bartlett
41
was honored for her many years of service to Carroll Citizens for Racial Equality; and
many other residents were acknowledged for their accomplishments, participated in
trips, celebrated milestones and participated fully in life at Carroll Lutheran Village.
The 17th Annual Golf tournament raised $125,000, reaching a cumulative total of over
$1 million for the Ministry of Caring Endowment. This fund is used to assist residents
with financial need and other initiatives that benefit older adults in our community. The
tournament has been chaired or co-chaired since the beginning by current Board of
Trustees chair David Bollinger, a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Westminster.
Support for the greater community was demonstrated in many ways. In 2014, Village
volunteers and residents documented more than 24,000 hours of volunteerism on
campus and within the greater community, time valued at more than $550,000. The
Dining Services Department hosted the third annual “Off the Shelf” Gala, raising about
$9,000 for local food bank Carroll County Food Sunday. And, more than $60,000 was
collected through Sunday worship offerings in support of Carroll County Food Sunday,
the Carroll Lutheran Village Chapel and Residents Assistance Funds, Fisher House
Foundation, IMA World Health, Lutheran Disaster Fund and RBC Ministries.
It is exciting that 83% of Village residents participate in some aspect of the Flourish
Wellness Initiative, whether it is use of the fitness gym or pool, participation in an art
class or other lifelong learning opportunity, attending Bible study, or mentoring a
college student through a partnership with McDaniel College.
The Village provided more than 3,900 of clinical rotation to 120 allied health students
and more than 1,500 hours in internships, job shadowing and student service learning
in a variety of topical areas. And, in 2015 the Village is partnering with McDaniel College
to host the Great Decisions discussion group on current affairs.
Finally, after more than a decade of planning, The Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant is
becoming a reality. Construction is underway on 50 acres along Frederick Road in
Ellicott City, adjacent to the Charles E. Miller Library and Howard County Senior
Center. The first residents are expected to move in the first week of December, with
occupancy continuing through June of 2016. Miller’s Grant is an extension of the Carroll
Lutheran Village mission and will provide amenity-rich, quality senior living with an
emphasis on wellness, spirituality and lifelong learning. The property for the project was
gifted to Carroll Lutheran Village by the Charles Miller Family, members of First
Lutheran Church in Ellicott City. The Miller family had long envisioned the land serving
the community in some way in the Lutheran tradition.
Respectfully submitted by Lisa Albin, Director of Church and Public Relations
42
Coalition of Lutherans Advancing in Mission
The Coalition of Lutherans Advancing in Mission (CLAIM) continued to expand
membership and create new programs and partnerships. There are now 22 churches
and two organizations in covenant.
CLAIM 2014 in review:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Nearly 50 people attended the annual meeting to hear the Rev. Jason Chesnut
share the vision and his work with The Slate Project.
CLAIM sponsored their first Multicultural Festival. This festival hosted a
dynamic mixture of people of all ages, races, cultures, and traditions. The day
featured opportunities to worship together, talk to each other, learn, and share
gifts through crafts and dance.
CLAIM again sponsored the collective purchasing program to provide our
churches and its congregational members savings on clean energy. Groundswell
negotiated with Washington Gas Energy Services to provide churches savings of
up to 7% off the current standard. Groundswell also increased the number of
churches by offering savings opportunities to members and providing additional
income for each participating church.
CLAIM participated with a display at the Synod Assembly in Ocean City,
Maryland.
CLAIM initiated a new “Change Agent Team” pilot program to invite
congregations into a process of discernment, strategic planning and
transformation and to encourage congregations to explore clustering as part of
their mission strategy. CLAIM trained nine members to serve as change agents
working with CLAIM congregations in this mission planning process.
CLAIM awarded its first grant of $500 to St. Andrew Evangelical Lutheran
Church on Taylor Avenue in Baltimore. With this grant, they were able to begin
“Vine & Branches” Community Garden. Amazing Grace Evangelical Lutheran
Church hosted members of St. Andrew to share their experiences in starting a
community garden as well as their gardening experience and expertise.
Breakfast with Bishop Wolfgang offered an opportunity for Church Council lay
leaders to meet with the Bishop to discuss the mission and ministry of their
congregations. The question and answer session covered a wide variety of topics.
CLAIM held its 4th annual Walk-A-Thon at Lake Montebello Park. Participants
and matching funds through Thrivent Financial Services raised more than
$2,000 for CLAIM and youth programs.
Social Ministry provides essential programs throughout Baltimore City and
County. CLAIM has hosted two orientation programs to introduce the leaders in
soup kitchens and food pantries to the benefits of working with Diakon Kathryn’s
Kloset to expand their programs with limited funds.
Striving to find ways to assist churches in their financial struggles, CLAIM
negotiated with Cokesbury Christian Supplies and Office Depot to provide
discounts to member churches.
43
Wishing to building on the program providing clean energy and cost savings on
electricity, CLAIM has developed relationships and partnerships with Creation
Care Team (Lutherans Restoring Creation), Interfaith Power & Light, and
Interfaith Partners of the Chesapeake. These partnerships will bring us together
to educate and inform churches on environmental issues and how they can affect
savings while helping the environment. Through these programs, we have already
guided churches to programs on how to make their churches more energy
efficient and how to obtain grants to achieve these goals. Churches are also
learning how to make their Community Gardens rain gardens, how to develop
water barrel programs, and provide recycling suggestions.
• CLAIM received an award at the Celebration of Lay Ministry to recognize and
award people who participate in lay ministry. As an organization focused on lay
leadership, we were honored to accept this award on behalf of the many people
within the Baltimore area who devote their time and energy to promote and
further the ministry of CLAIM.
•
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our supporters for their prayers,
encouragement, and participation in CLAIM in 2014. Please continue to pray for all of
us as we look for ways to spread the word of God throughout the communities we serve.
Elaine Wagenfuehr, Coordinator
Definitely Abled Advocacy and Resource Team (DAART)
Members of the Definitely Abled Advocacy and Resource Team (DAART) have been
working towards promoting an annual PossABILITY Sunday (the third Sunday in May),
be a presence at each synod assembly, and offer a function for those who are impacted
by special needs. On October 11, 2014 we held our first DAART Tea and Talent Show at
St. Peter Lutheran Church, Fullerton. This event was well attended and the DAART
board is planning on holding another one in October 2015. We encourage all
congregations to consider the needs of the differently-abled in your community as you
prepare materials, plan renovations, and choose worship leaders. Our suggestions and
resources are available to you at http://www.demdsynod.org/disability-awarenesssunday-resources.html whenever you need them. Please contact me at
scalexis@verizon.net with other suggestions or resources.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Sandra Carlson Alexis, Chair
44
Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries & Diakon Child, Family & Community
Ministries
Diakon celebrates our partnership with the Delaware-Maryland Synod and its
congregations as we live out our mission to demonstrate God’s command to love our
neighbor through acts of service. Through Many Hands, guided by One Heart, Diakon
maintains a nearly 150-year tradition of care for people of all ages, especially those with
limited financial resources. In 2014, Diakon provided $16.23 million in benevolent care,
including more than $2 million within the synod.
The Diakon Kathryn’s Kloset warehouse-based ministry, which moved to new quarters
on Yellow Brick Road near Rosedale in 2013, solicits and stores corporately donated
personal-care and other items for pick-up by shelters and other non-profits, which in
turn distribute the goods, free of charge to the end-recipient, to people in need. The
program, which served more than 200,000 people regionally, nationally, and
internationally last year (not included in the Diakon yearly total of directly served
individuals), was supported by more than $254,000 in Diakon subsidy. Products valued
at more than $1.5 million were distributed through 183 partner non-profit organizations
in 2014, many in the Maryland region.
Diakon Senior Living – Hagerstown/The Ravenwood & Robinwood Campuses served
more than 800 residents and family members last year and countless others through a
range of community-benefit programming including Smart Seniors educational
sessions, Brunch Bunch social gatherings for older adults, and the hosting of events by
sister organization Lutheran Home Care and Hospice. Licensed as a single Continuing
Care Retirement Community, the Hagerstown campuses focused on refurbishment and
expansion of senior living accommodations.
Diakon Senior Living – Hagerstown offers senior living accommodations on both
campuses, assisted living on both campuses (the Robinwood location includes a
specialized level of assisted living for those with Alzheimer’s disease or similar memoryrelated illnesses), and nursing and rehabilitative care on the Ravenwood campus, which
also serves as the site of Diakon Adult Day Services at Ravenwood. In 2014, the adult
day program served nearly 80 older adults and their families.
Frostburg Heights, a rental-support senior housing community in Allegany County,
served 131 people last year, celebrating its 35th anniversary in May with a rededication
and blessing by Bishop Wolfgang D. Herz-Lane. Frostburg Heights also maintained a
mutually beneficial relationship with Diakon Youth Services’ Flight Program, which
serves at-risk youths who have “aged out” of traditional county-based services. The
youths provided community service including landscape-related work and participated
in intergenerational activities.
In addition to existing programs and services, Diakon continued to aid people within the
synod’s territory through the Lutheran Disaster Response effort following Hurricane
Sandy in late 2012. As a partner with Lutheran Partners in Disaster Response and with
45
several national grants, Diakon’s disaster-response program has concentrated efforts in
Crisfield, Md. The work has focused on home renovation and rebuilding.
We thank God for the gifts of staff, volunteers, congregations, donors, and board
members who, together, enabled us to directly serve nearly 70,000 people last year,
including 1,021 within the Delaware-Maryland Synod.
Respectfully submitted by Mark T. Pile, MSHA, MSW, President/CEO
Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries
Since its founding in 1995, the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries (ECLS) has
fostered strong collaboration between the three eastern schools and other partners,
enhancing our common task of theological education for a broad spectrum of students
and lifelong learners. In these challenging times when all seminaries seek new
approaches to forming leaders for the Church, we are also engaged with the other ELCA
seminaries, our regional synods and additional partners in the search for financial
sustainability and programmatic flexibility.
A separately incorporated entity, the Cluster is governed by a Board of Directors made
up of board chairs and other officers from each of the three schools. One of the three
seminary presidents serves in rotation as Cluster executive director. With the
retirement of Philadelphia’s president Phil Krey, the Cluster is pleased to welcome
David Lose as the new leader of LTSP. We continue on with only modest core funding
from the seminaries. One of the key partnerships that has made the work of the Cluster
flourish has been the reception of over $6 million in grants from foundations to
support common projects and subsidize seminary budgets.
Current Collaborative Programs include:
• The Cluster’s One Library Under Three Roofs links the collections at Gettysburg,
Philadelphia and Columbia, providing students, faculty and other borrowers with
access to a vast array of books, periodicals and e-resources.
• Through the Cluster-sponsored Project Connect, hundreds of young persons have
been invited to “consider their callings” over the past half-dozen years. This
project has now been completed and the Cluster is moving on to other major
projects. The Cluster is working with a grant researcher who will help to identify
potential partners for future work.
• The Abundant Life Grant was received this past year from the Lilly Endowment,
Inc. Totaling $750,000, this grant enables each school to engage in research on
the subject of seminarian indebtedness and explore means by which to reduce
graduate debt.
• Given the geographical proximity of the two Pennsylvania seminaries,
Gettysburg and Philadelphia have joined forces in exploring new ways to work
46
together, including field education, CPE, and faculty sharing. The two boards are
also working together to discuss future collaborations.
Following the merger of LTSS with Lenoir Rhyne University, the Cluster is exploring
new directions and new strategic partnerships for the coming years.
The Cluster is grateful for support to theological education and our seminaries
from our partner synods and churchwide organization. Special appreciation is
expressed to Phil Krey for his many years of faithful service to the Cluster and the
church.
Respectfully submitted by The Rev. Dr. Bill Trexler, Cluster Board Chair, and
The Rev. Dr. Clay Schmit, Cluster Executive Director
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Region 8
In the ELCA Constitution, the region’s primary mission is to connect, resource,
support and network those serving in leadership in our synods and
congregations. The following examples represent the work of the region:
Candidacy and Assignment of First Call Candidates is, perhaps, the primary area
of responsibility in my portfolio. Rostered leaders are prepared to proclaim the
Word through preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and prayer; my work supports
this effort.
• In addition to my service at every synod’s candidacy committee
meeting, I serve as the ‘go to’ person for all things candidacy. This
varies from month to month, but, includes arranging Theological
Review Panels and Competency Assessment Panels (as well as the
follow-up report writing) and responding to the particular
questions that often stymie synod staff people.
• With the 2016 Churchwide Assembly on the near horizon,
churchwide staff is busy editing the ELCA Candidacy Manual. To
obtain vital input from those on the ground who serve on
candidacy committees in 2014 we held two Region-wide candidacy
gatherings for each synod’s candidacy staff and committee chair
person; also invited were any number of colleagues in ministry
from across the region. In 2014 we utilized the skill of several
colleagues at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg to
discuss the implications for the candidacy of the changed
Association of Theological Schools’ guidelines for Masters of
Divinity degrees and ongoing work in the development of a
competency based MDiv program at LTSG.
47
First Call Theological Education (FCTE) is a natural extension of candidacy’s
preparation of rostered leaders and first call assignment’s work to match
candidates’ gifts with congregations’ missional needs. As these newly rostered
leaders venture into service the ongoing support of their existent abilities to
proclaim the Word of God is supported through their FCTE.
• While not all regions operate in this manner, Region 8 finds value
in cooperating on some key aspects of the FCTE program.
Primarily this means the planning and implementing of a Region 8
FCTE Annual Conference; the office works with a Region-wide
advisory council in planning.
• With all of the changes in theological education and candidacy,
Region 8 partners took the opportunity to review and restructure
our approach to the annual FCTE Conference. The program
components were identified by the Region’s bishops and the
structure developed as a result of the collaboration between the
bishops and the FCTE advisory council. That structure debuted at
the November 2014 Conference
• In addition to the conference, each synod also provides more
contextual opportunity.
Support of newly called synod staff is yet another aspect of my service.
• This year’s election of Bishop Michael Rhyne in the Allegheny
Synod and his appointment of synod staff (as well as new synod
staff throughout the Region) offered me the opportunity for both
extensive and intensive conversations about the goings on of
mission throughout the Region and in particular synods.
• Two regional gatherings for the Assistants were held to nurture the
sense of comradery and trust among the synods’ staff. At each
gathering folks got to know one another more deeply through
worship, conversation, learning opportunities, and the sharing of
best practices.
Global Gathering efforts continue to take new shapes in response to both
churchwide directives and synodical partnerships.
• We are currently planning a “Networks for Mission Gathering” for
September 2015 to include network partners such as mission
interpreters, DEMs, stewardship, global mission, malaria, synod
communicators, and stewardship.
Submitted by Nancy E Gable, Diaconal Minister, D. Ed.
48
Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM), The University of Delaware
This has been a year of discernment, visioning, and wonderful growth at UD’s Lutheran
Campus Ministry (LCM). This is true for both the Directing Committee and the student
program.
With our Interim Pastor, the Rev. Ann Dentry, the Directing Committee has been
engaged in prayerful discussion to discern God’s guidance for this ministry in the
coming years. We have articulated a broader mission, including:
• Greater outreach into the university community to provide non-judgmental
fellowship and hospitality to those interested in exploring their relationship with
God.
• Spiritual opportunities that encourage all within the university community to
grow in faith and understanding of God’s Word.
• Hands-on opportunities to actively practice our faith together: serving God
through service to others.
• Creating and maintaining a culture of faith-based student leadership.
In September, LCM completed its study phase and formed a Call Committee to choose a
new permanent Campus Chaplain. The formal interview process began at the end of
January. Please help us welcome a new permanent chaplain in June.
The best news by far is that the regular attendance of LCM students for Tuesday dinner
& discussion has risen to 15-students-strong. This may still be a small number relative to
a congregation’s size, but keep in mind that, for us, this is double the student attendance
that was our norm in 2013. The most encouraging aspects: the growth comes from
freshman students; we have had 100% retention of those freshmen who came in the
early days of their first semester at UD. New student leadership is emerging, and the
group demonstrates a tremendous caring and welcoming spirit. Some of the programs
that have helped support the students’ faith journey through the year include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Tuesday night meals at LCM’s Pauls’ Chapel offering food, fellowship and
discussion about faith topics relevant to everyday life.
Bible studies over Friday lunch.
Worship opportunities in Pauls’ Chapel, and Taizé services (meditative prayer
around the Cross) in cooperation with the Episcopal Campus Ministry.
Fellowship events, such as the autumn hay ride at Milburn Orchards and movie
nights (both of these have included other Campus Ministry groups).
FISH (Fellowship In Serving the Hungry) ministry of service to local families in
need.
Spiritual Retreats: one weekend retreat programmed for UD’s LCM, and one
Intercollegiate retreat with Lutheran Campus Ministries from 3 other campuses
within the Synod.
Congregational outreach, including worship and visits to St. Paul (Newark),
Grace (Hockessin), Good Shepherd (Wilmington), and Hope Lutheran (New
49
Castle). To make LCM a greater part of the life of other congregations, Pastor Ann
has also visited and preached at St. Philip, Zion, and St. Mark (all in
Wilmington).
We who help to lead LCM feel the new vitality in our students and in a tremendously
dedicated staff; a Directing Committee composed of 12 members (representing six
different local churches, university faculty/staff, and LCM alumni). We are deeply
thankful for the village of volunteers who support the ministry in myriad ways: with
financial contributions; home-cooked meals for Tuesday fellowship; property cleanup
and maintenance; and hands-on support for the FISH outreach ministry.
We ask that you continue to pray for this ministry, as we follow the leadings of the Spirit
and enter a new chapter in LCM’s life. Please contact us at lutheransatud@gmail.com if
you or your congregation would like to support us in any way this coming year!
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Ann Dentry
Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM), The University of Maryland, College Park
This year, Lutheran Campus Ministry has been in a season of transition: we changed our
student organization name, the time and place of our main worship service in order to
be more intentional in the ways that we strive to love and serve God and share the
Gospel on campus. Inspired by the model of Christian community as a healthy balance
between relationships with God, people in the ministry, and people outside of the
ministry, we have spent the year shaping our ministry into a more missional and
purposeful community. We continue to build up and train leaders in our ministry so that
they may go and use their gifts and talents to impact the larger world for Christ, and
make disciples that will follow in the footsteps of Christ.
In the 2014-2015 school year we are engaging in faith formation, leadership
development, and discipleship building through these weekly programs:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Dinner and casual, student-led worship every Sunday night during the semester
two separate small groups (called “huddles”) centered around discipleship
building in everyday lives
Reconnect, a midweek, mid-day 20 minute worship service centered around
student reflections
Bible study for graduate students
En Camino, our tutoring program for at-risk Latino children
CARing Kids, our mentoring program pairing at-risk elementary school children
with university student mentors
Joyful Noise, our student led praise band
50
In addition, we have several special events throughout the year:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Bi-annual student retreats focusing on service, learning, and worship
A yearly alternate spring break trip with the Towson and UMBC LCMs focused on
learning about a specific issue of concern in the world; this past year, 13 students
and four leaders went to Jacksonville, Florida to learn about refugee resettlement
and help with after-school programs for refugee children
A yearly road trip at the end of the school year; this year, we went to
southwestern Virginia and learned about the lives of people in rural Appalachia
as well as the environmental issues they are facing.
Ecumenical programming during Lent, including an ecumenical Ash Wednesday
service and Stations of the Cross every year on Good Friday
Worship with other Christian communities in the area
Events for alumni and friends of the ministry, such as our annual Homecoming
tailgate
On May 2, Lutheran Campus Ministry celebrated 50 years of ministry at the
University of Maryland by Pastor Elizabeth Platz! We honored her in a
celebration at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Silver Spring, MD, during which we
began a three-year campaign called “The Next 50 years” to help keep LCM
@UMD going strong. For more information about our activities, the campaign, or
how you can help support students, please visit our website
www.lutheranterps.com or email us at Lutheran@umd.edu.
Thank you for your continued prayers and generous support!
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Ray Ranker
Lutheran Community Services
The continued strong support of individuals, our sponsoring congregations, foundations
and government agencies has allowed Lutheran Community Services to continue to
carry out our mission of “Sharing God’s Blessings by Helping Others in Need.”
The need for a safety net for people less fortunate than ourselves has not abated, and we
have found that a great many people in Delaware continued to request help with basic
necessities of life – food, shelter, and love.
In 2014, we selected Growing Together as our annual theme, because it helps us
describe how people are changed by services offered with the love of Christ, how
volunteers grow through their service, and donors are enriched in their giving. Once
again in 2014, we have provided close to 90,000 incidents of service:
•
•
•
Services: food, homelessness prevention, smoking cessation vouchers, clothing
and more.
Distributions occur regularly in 15 locations.
We have been grateful for the work of more than 400 volunteers.
51
•
•
•
•
•
Some new volunteers have used their experience with us to launch themselves
into new jobs.
One of our sponsoring congregations is offering food during evening hours;
something we have dreamed about.
Every applicant for financial assistance has been offered free financial counseling
with our partner agency, Clarifi. The number of people making use of this service
increased by 60%!
Throughout the year we have continued to offer nutrition education and classes
in conjunction with the UD Cooperative Extension Service and a Shop Rite
nutritionist.
During the growing season many healthy veggies are donated by individuals. This
year, one of our farmer friends planted a whole crop of corn just for donation!
You have probably heard that we have acquired a new building on Baynard Boulevard in
Wilmington, and that renovations have commenced, with a hoped-for move-in date of
late spring 2015 – just a few months away from when this report is written. Meanwhile,
the contractors are busy installing a new roof, new systems, new windows (including a
stained glass one), walls, paint, carpet – in short everything.
The Capital Campaign Committee has been hard at work, and at this time, 80% of the
funds needed have been pledged or received. Please join us in our push to the goal if you
haven’t already. The move is destined to help us continue Growing Together to serve
even more people in need with excellent services, accessibility, privacy, dignity, and,
most importantly, the love of God.
We had wonderful support for our operating expenses through the annual Walk Run,
which set records again in 2014, as well as our Gimme Shelter Golf Tournament
(another record breaker) and our annual Room at the Table breakfast. Our challenge
now is to maintain our flow of regular contributions, which go toward the everyday
operating costs of the agency, as we ask for additional gifts to cover the expenses of our
construction project. We hope that this spirit of giving continues in 2015.
Respectfully submitted by Deaconess Jean Warren, LCSW, Executive Director
Lutheran Development Alliance
Lutheran Development Alliance is a partnership between the Delaware-Maryland Synod
ELCA, the ELCA Foundation, and 12 other Lutheran ministries to 1) educate, encourage,
and inspire faithful Lutherans in their charitable estate planning and 2) help
congregations grow their mission endowment funds.
This free service is available to all individual Lutherans and congregations in the
Delaware-Maryland Synod. Our Regional Gift Planner, Alice Benson, does not sell
anything other than the concept of leaving a gift through your planning to the people
and ministries who are important to you. Please email or call her with your questions –
52
or to set up a time for her to talk with you or your Council, Mission Endowment
Committee, or congregation.
Respectfully submitted by Alice Benson, MBA, CFRE, Regional Gift Planner
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg
Gettysburg Seminary’s innovative MDivForward curriculum offers unprecedented
access to theological education through MDiv3 and MDivFlex options (see
www.ltsg.edu/about-us/news/2015/mdivforward). This redesign represents the most
sweeping change in our school's pedagogical approach since internship.
Recognized for her shaping of leading edge theological leadership, Gettysburg Seminary
said thank you to Dr. Robin Steinke as she became the first woman president of Luther
Seminary. Similarly this spring, Dr. Kirsi Stjerna accepted an appointment to teach at
PLTS. We have joyfully welcomed new colleagues in new roles, Dr. Kristin Largen as
interim dean, Pr. Lauren Muratore in Admissions, and Dr. Angela Zimmann, who works
in Advancement and teaches preaching.
Through the diligent efforts of our Advancement team, we broke through the halfmillion-dollar ceiling and achieved a 30% increase in donor support. Strong ELCA,
Synodical and individual support and continuing stringent expenditure controls enabled
the Seminary to repeat its "balanced budget" of $5.2 million.
In its first year of operation, the Seminary Ridge Museum welcomed upwards of 50,000
visitors. The Museum gained international acclaim from the British Travel Writers
Guild, received the construction industry's national first place Eagle Award for historic
building rehabilitation, and garnered a half-dozen other regional and state awards.
Gettysburg again offered a MOOC (massive, online open course, 230 enrollees), and
pioneered the offer of one course simultaneously on two campuses (Luther and
Gettysburg, Religion and Media). The Seminary was among a small group of schools
awarded grants by the American Academy for the Advancement of Science; this will
expand attention to science and religion, coupled with special events to address
emerging issues. Please visit the resources of the Seminary’s new website
www.LTSG.edu . These leading edges and more are laid out in the Seminary’s 2014
updated strategic plan “Gettysburg 20/20.”
Gettysburg is doing more than ever with its neighbor Gettysburg College (housing) and
its neighbor seminary, The Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia (LTSP)
(faculty and administrative sharing). And officers of the two seminary boards, as well as
presidents and deans, have paved the way for such expanded sharing.
53
LTSG faculty members were tapped for two new series by Augsburg/Fortress
Publishers: Dr. Kristin Largen authored Interreligious Learning and Teaching in the
Seminarian series, and Pres. Cooper-White coauthored with Dr. Pamela Cooper-White
Practices of Ministry in the new Foundations for Learning series. Other faculty
published significant scholarly articles, offered new compositions, and contributed in
other venues.
In what some might see as unusual recycling, the Seminary brought to campus three
historic bells from the former Emanuel Lutheran church building in Philadelphia.
Through the generosity led by seminary students, funds were raised to install the tower
and bells adjacent to the chapel, which now call us to daily prayer and toll the hours.
During Fall Academy, the bells were dedicated as a memorial to the peacemaking legacy
of missionaries and veterans.
We are thankful for all who have responded generously, all who continue supporting the
Seminary’s mission with your encouragement of prospective students, your prayers, and
of course, your critical financial support.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Michael L. Cooper-White, President , and
Dr. James Lakso, Chairman of the Board
Lutheran World Relief (LWR)
Since 1945, Lutherans have supported their brothers and sisters in need through
Lutheran World Relief. Today, your support continues to reach out to people living in
poverty around the world with long-term, sustainable development projects that make a
lasting impact.
LWR is thankful for your partnership. Here is a snapshot of what we were able to
accomplish together!
Your gifts in 2014 contributed to a year of life-sustaining work. With your help, LWR:
•
•
Reached more than 4.7 million people through 153 projects in 35
countries.
Distributed $12.4 million worth of LWR Quilts and Kits to more than
570,000 people in 20 countries.
In 2014, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) directly supported LWR
with more than $4.3 million, helping to fund 30 projects in 14 countries. Thank you!
In 2014, the ELCA contributed $300,000 to support LWR’s work with the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Tanzania to fight malaria and the poverty that causes it. With your
help we are working in three parishes to help farmers increase their production, quality
and income from onion crops. Your gifts have also helped train farmers to serve as
54
“paraprofessionals” who give fellow farmers technical advice and information about
malaria control.
Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines in November 2013 as one of the most powerful
storms to ever make landfall. The ELCA generously contributed $2 million to support
LWR’s response, helping families repair and rebuild their homes, providing clean water
and opportunities to earn much needed income through cash-for-work programs that
paid community members to help clear debris. Now in its second phase, your continued
support is helping reach local fisher folk to replace boats and equipment and provide
training on alternative sources of livelihood, like seaweed production.
We thank you for your continued partnership!
Mar-Lu-Ridge Camp and Retreat Center
This past summer’s theme, Christ Carries Us, resonates with me as I reflect on 2014 and
the many challenges and joys we experienced at Mar-Lu-Ridge. I know the love God has
for us. I am sure of His mercies and his grace. When we get weighed down by the daily
challenges such as broken furnaces or waterlines, I remember that Christ is our
foundation – and I rejoice.
We saw continued growth in all areas of the ministry in 2014. Our retreat business has
grown to the point that we are often busy during the week, and every weekend is full
throughout the year. We welcome retreat guests from a variety of religious backgrounds,
as well as community and school based organizations. It is a joy to show hospitality to
each guest – providing a clean, comfortable, upgraded facility, delicious food that is
healthy and nourishing, and programming that develops individual and group
confidence. Recent projects to renovate cabin restrooms, seal cabins against weather
and insects, and provide more accessible rooms at the Ridge Inn will increase our
efficiency and provides better accommodations for all our guests. New windows in
Salem on the Mountain Chapel improve an already beautiful view and we thank the
community for providing the funds for this project.
We received two generous donations in 2014 that enabled us to plan for the future. A
gift from the closure of St. Timothy Lutheran Church has been invested with the ELCA
Foundation Fund A, creating an endowment that will be used to pay down the debt
associated with Agape Hall. We are grateful for this gift and have been faithfully paying
our mortgage each month, working toward the day when we can so utilize this gift and
be debt-free. A second large gift from Divinity Lutheran Church allowed us to replace
the furnace in the chapel, and complete the installation of our sound and projection
system in Agape Hall. The remainder of this gift will be used to upgrade the Ridge Inn.
New programs during summer camp were very well received and we had a wonderful
summer serving 750 campers on site through our residential and day camp programs.
Cooking camp, Around the World camp, and Pioneer camp were all well attended, as
were the old favorites such as Night Owls, Sr. High, Horseback, and Hammock camp.
55
We served 8 different communities and congregations through our Mobile Mar Lu day
camps, reaching 200 more campers, and we enjoyed the gifts and talents of a diverse
staff. We were once again certified by the American Camp Association, and had a very
safe summer.
Remembering that the community of Mar-Lu-Ridge is spread across the globe, we
continue to use social media, our electronic newsletter, and personal invitations to
events and activities to keep everyone connected. We are thankful for the many
volunteers who serve the ministry as pastors and nurses during camp, and by caring for
our facilities throughout the year. We are committed to upholding our mission
statement: We welcome all people to a mountain-top experience of Christian
community that changes lives, makes disciples, builds friendships and encourages care
of God’s creation.
Respectfully submitted by Sarah Lefler, Executive Director
Mission Interpretation
Mission Interpreters, volunteers from congregations in each synod of our ELCA, tell the
story of how our offerings and gifts are transformed into effective ministries. They
remind us of how we make a difference in Christ’s mission and the work of the church,
and they thank our people for their faithful giving. By sharing your time, talents, and
offerings, you make mission and ministry possible in your congregation, our DelawareMaryland Synod, and our ELCA. As a Mission Interpreter, I have attended workshops at
the Churchwide ELCA headquarters in Chicago, prepared and updated a display board
about Mission Interpretation and the connections for ministry and mission, recruited
and trained some congregational mission interpreters, participated in the
Communicating our Ministries team, developed a Mission Interpretation brochure,
collected stories from many of our Delaware-Maryland Synod partners and
congregations, and contributed three stories each month for our synod E-letter. I am
grateful to Julie Stecker for her work with communications.
From partnering with a school and local congregations to address hunger, to partnering
with our ELCA Disaster Response for those fleeing the violence in Syria and Ukraine;
from supporting the start-up of new and redeveloping congregations, to supporting our
ELCA Malaria Campaign as we work with partner churches in education about the
prevention and treatment of the disease; you make it possible to do God’s Work, with
Our Hands. Please stop by the Mission Interpretation table, help yourself to some
Mission & Ministry M&M’s, and post a story about mission and ministry in your
congregation. We need to be more intentional about sharing the Good News of Christ’s
Mission throughout the Church. “For we cannot keep from speaking about what we have
seen and heard.” Acts 4:20
Respectfully submitted by Claudia Harrington
56
Mission Investment Fund
The Mission Investment Fund (MIF), a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America, makes low-interest loans to established ELCA congregations, new-start
congregations and ELCA-related ministries for capital projects.
Established congregations use MIF loans to renovate, expand or relocate. New-start
congregations rely on MIF loans to buy land and construct their first church buildings.
ELCA-related ministries use MIF loans for a variety of capital projects.
To fund these loans, MIF offers a variety of investments for congregations, their
members, synods and ELCA-related ministries to purchase. MIF investments offer
adjustable- or fixed-rate terms and earn interest at competitive rates.
The mission Investment Fund is financially strong and stable, with a record of steady,
controlled growth:
•
With total assets of $661 million and net assets of $192 million at year-end
2014, MIF achieved a capital ratio of 29% – maintaining MIF’s position in
the top tier of well-capitalized church extension funds.
•
At year-end 2014, loans for capital projects for more than 780 ELCA
congregations and ministries totaled $461 million. MIF investments by
congregations, their members, synods and ELCA-related ministries totaled
$464 million.
Investments and loans in the Delaware-Maryland Synod as of December 31, 2014:
•
20 Mission Investment Fund loans, with a balance of $7,030,496, are at
work throughout the synod.
•
Investments in the Mission Investment Fund by 146 individuals, 77
congregations, four ministries and the Delaware-Maryland Synod totaled
$12,104,975.
The Rev. Kent Peterson, Regional Manager
Mosaic
Mosaic grew in 2014 to serve more than 3,900 people. The focus of everything we do is
the people we serve, providing personalized services that stem from their desires, wants,
needs and goals. Forming life around our choices is something most of us take for
granted, but this has not been the norm for people with disabilities. We are working to
change that.
Last year we also introduced a guiding vision, called “Forward in Faith.” It is the
foundation for our second century of service, after celebrating our centennial in 2013.
57
Forward in Faith grounds Mosaic in service and advocacy, what we’ve always done and
always will do.
A highlight of the year was acquiring the Rejoicing Spirits ministry. This innovative
worship model is set up for people with disabilities to be not only active participants, but
leaders. Key to success is a ‘no shush’ policy that allows people to be themselves. The
number of Rejoicing Spirits communities has grown and now spreads from Maine to
California. Learn more at www.rejoicingspirits.org.
In 2014, more than 3,400 people attended Discover the Possibilities events to learn
about Mosaic. Many chose to become involved with our mission. We also had a record
number of volunteers, and our Partners in Possibilities Giving Society (people who
pledge to support Mosaic annually) has grown to more than 300 members. We invite
you to come and learn more.
In September, we partnered with several churches around the country for service
projects on “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday. Through these projects, people served by
Mosaic showed their desire to give to others as part of a community.
Dear Partners in Ministry,
There are so many good things happening at Mosaic, it is challenging to choose
just the highlights to share with you through the synod report. Every day, great
things are happening for people we serve. Please visit any Mosaic agency or
www.mosaicinfo.org to learn more about the life-changing ministry of Mosaic.
Thank you for the many ways you support us. Please continue to keep Mosaic in
your prayers as we embrace God’s call to serve in the world!
Linda Timmons, President and CEO
National Lutheran Communities & Services
Serving seniors through ministry has been rooted in National Lutheran Communities &
Services (NLCS)’ mission since 1890. In celebrating 125 years of service and continuing
to write new chapters in its storied legacy, numerous partnerships and accomplishments
happened in 2014.
The Village at Rockville (TVAR): The community experienced remarkable
transformation in 2014. On any given day there were as many as 50 construction
workers on the campus. In September, a second assisted living neighborhood opened,
adding an additional 14 private apartments. This brought the total count to 32. Along
with the opening of the new apartments, the final long-term-care neighborhood was
completed. This concluded the second floor renovations, featuring a total of 94 private
58
rooms all of which are occupied. The terrace level administration offices and meeting
spaces were completed in October. Approximately 75 office moves took place between
October and the end of the year. The renovated spaces allow for a great deal of flexibility
and new utilization. Furthermore, approximately $4.8 million in benevolent care was
provided to 39.2% of the residents no longer able to afford the cost of services. The final
phase of the on-going four and a half year renovation will be completed in spring 2015.
The Village at Orchard Ridge (TVOR): Together, residents and staff created an
enthusiastic and energetic culture throughout the community. In its second year, The
Chapel at Orchard Ridge continued to be a venue for a multitude of events. One
highlight from the year included hosting Frederick County Public School’s PRISM
(Problem-Solving, Research, and Independent Study for Middle School) program.
Parents and grandparents of the students had the opportunity to engage in
conversations regarding their interest-based research projects. Another inspiring
occasion was the dedication of the Luther Rose stained-glass window that was held in
November. Some of the community “firsts” this year included receiving the skilled
nursing license in January and Medicare certification in July. The first resident
satisfaction survey in April gave an approval rating of 97%. In addition, the Phase II
Expansion was announced, which will include the addition of 80 independent living
apartments, a 15,000 square foot wellness center with an indoor pool, a 150-seat dining
addition, and an additional 10 skilled nursing suites. Completion of Phase II is expected
in early 2017.
The Legacy at North Augusta (TLNA): TLNA continues to offer independent living and
assisted living as a rental community in Staunton, Va. In the spring, the nursing
department transitioned from charting medical records manually to electronically,
improving overall efficiency. George Sims joined TLNA staff as part-time Director of
Philanthropy. He answers questions about philanthropic opportunities and has been
instrumental in helping expand the Staunton Benevolent Fund. In 2014, $137,933 in
benevolent care was provided to 5% of the residents no longer able to afford the cost of
services.
NLCS: At NLCS, 2014 fostered partnerships with an unwavering mission to serve. The
Community Impact Grant program saw significant growth as NLCS awarded $198,567
to 15 social ministry organizations serving seniors. Throughout the year, the continued
partnership and management agent agreement with Fellowship Square Foundation
generated improved operational practices and overall quality assurance. NLCS’ first
service, my Potential at Home—A National Lutheran Community based in Winchester,
Va. welcomed new nursing staff and provided home care services to over 170 residents
at The Village at Orchard Ridge. myPotential at Home will expand their services to the
greater community in 2015. The Village at Crystal Spring in Annapolis, Md., continues
to make progress and we are hopeful we will receive approvals by the end of 2015. For
more updates and information, visit www.nationallutheran.org
59
Portico Benefit Services
Healthy, resilient leaders shape healthy, resilient faith communities. This ELCA core
belief is referenced in guiding church documents, and explains the enduring partnership
between ELCA organizations, their leaders, and Portico Benefit Services. As one
community, we’re called to strengthen ministry.
ELCA organizations are expected to provide sustainable livelihoods for their leaders,
and give them time to tend their well-being. Leaders are expected to tend their wellbeing so they are able to shape healthy congregations in changing, often challenging,
times. Portico delivers cost-effective benefits, resources, and inspiration, helping leaders
use services and tools to strengthen their financial, emotional, and physical well-being.
This partnership comes to life in a story Portico shared during last year’s Open
Enrollment. Erik Heskin, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba, Michigan,
required an organ transplant in 2013. Supported by his congregation and the benefits it
provides, Pastor Heskin is now reclaiming his role in parish ministry.
Yes, his care was costly — in fact, about 1% of members incur one-third of annual health
claims. But on any given day, through illness or injury, any of us could find ourselves in
Pastor Heskin’s shoes. By standing together as a community, purchasing health care
wisely, and maintaining healthy lifestyles, we’re better able to shape resilient faith
communities and afford quality care for leaders in need.
Last year, 7,085 ELCA organizations partnered with Portico to sponsor one or more
leaders in the ELCA benefit program, honoring the ELCA’s long-standing commitment
to protect members and their families against the impact of aging, illness, injury,
disability, and death. Since the ELCA’s founding, the number of its pastors enrolled in
the ELCA benefit program has remained above 90%.
This commitment was evident during last year’s Open Enrollment. Ninety percent of
sponsoring employers chose to offer the Gold+ health benefit option for 2015, despite an
11% health contribution rate increase triggered by higher than expected health claims.
While this kind of increase isn’t typical for Portico, it is typical in the marketplace. Since
2007, Portico’s average health contribution rate increase has stayed well below the
average U.S. employer rate increase, saving millions of dollars for ministry.
ELCA sponsoring organizations also partner with Portico to administer benefits
efficiently. In 2014, we automated several manual processes and encouraged sponsors to
save time and increase accuracy by paying their monthly bill online. Currently, 48% use
this simple, cost-saving process, and we’re encouraging the rest to take this stewardship
step in 2015.
Annually, Portico invites health plan members and spouses to take stock of their health,
and then take a small step to improve their emotional or physical well-being. In 2014,
our members responded in force.
60
Eighty-one percent of ELCA-Primary health plan members took the Mayo Clinic health
assessment, up from 77% the year before. This increase helped the number of sponsors
earning the 2% discount on ELCA health contributions jump for the sixth consecutive
year to 97%, saving the ELCA $2.3 million collectively.
Even more impressive, more than 51% of ELCA-Primary health plan members earned all
their wellness dollars by completing last year’s featured wellness activity, up from 44%.
One result of these healthy steps: Among those taking the health assessment each year
from 2010 to 2014, 5.4% are no longer at risk for poor nutrition, and 7% are no longer at
risk for poor emotional health.
Other ways leaders stepped up their use of ELCA benefits in 2014:
•
In an average month in 2014, 769 ELCA-Primary health plan members
received the fitness center discount by visiting a fitness center at least
eight times during the month — an 11% increase from 2013.
•
As of Jan. 1, 2015, 47% of plan members are now partnering with Portico
to strengthen their future financial well-being by making pretax
retirement contributions, up 8% from last year. Forty-eight percent of plan
members who made pretax retirement contributions in 2014 increased
their contribution amount for 2015.
•
955 sponsored members and 24 retirees purchased a discounted long-term
care insurance policy as part of Portico’s first-year offering.
To best serve ELCA sponsoring organizations and leaders, Portico routinely asks the
ELCA community for feedback. In 2014, we gathered survey responses from members
and sponsors, as well as input from our advisory committees, the Conference of Bishops,
synod assembly participants, synod office staff, theological conference attendees, our
own Live Well ELCA Facebook page, and the ELCA Clergy Facebook group.
Through this intentional listening, we improve our offerings. For example, after hearing
a number of members request long-term care insurance, we used our collective
purchasing power in 2014 to offer it at a discounted rate. Another example: Using
Customer Advisory Committee feedback, we were able to streamline last year’s Open
Enrollment process, a clear benefit for time-strapped sponsors and members.
61
Tanzania Task Force
The Tanzania Task Force continues (TTF) to strengthen the Companion Synod
relationship of the Delaware-Maryland Synod with the Mara Diocese of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Tanzania. This effort has focused on 3 specific areas: Bunda District
Designated Hospital, Kiabakari Bible School and Water and Wells projects.
Bunda DDH is a 200 bed hospital owned by the Mara Diocese and is operated in
cooperation with the Tanzanian government to provide health care for the Bunda
District. Near the end of 2014, the TTF has finalized the arrangements for the shipment
of medical supplies which the 2013 Synod Assembly collected. Approximately $19,000
was offered for this purpose and we are hopeful that the shipment will arrive at the
hospital late in the spring, 2015. The shipment of supplies will go in a cargo container on
a freighter from the United States to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. After clearing customs, it
will need to be shipped overland to the hospital.
Ann Bunio served on behalf of this Synod through December 2013 when she completed
her 30 months of service and returned home. She developed lesson plans that will be
used by others to teach English to the student evangelists who study at the school. We
hosted Annie in February 2014 to hear personal reflections and see pictures of her
experiences at Kiabakari. We are grateful to God for Ann’s willingness to serve and for
the congregations who have generously provided for her support. Thank you!
Water is an essential element of life for all of us! This year the TTF was able to complete
a goal of providing sustainable water for Bunda DDH. For many years they had collected
water from the rooftops of hospital buildings. Often the water became contaminated by
troops of baboons during the dry season. Thanks to the generosity of many in this
synod, water is flowing from a well through newly repaired and replaced water lines.
The Maryland Barbershop Chorus offered to dedicate the proceeds from their Holiday
Concert in December, 2014. Held at Salem, Catonsville on December 12, this concert
was a wonderful experience for well over 100 attendees, plus the approximately 30
Chorus singers. $1,800 was raised for Water Projects and Wells in the Mara Diocese.
My wife and I also participated in the ELCA Gathering on Tanzania held in Chicago in
November 2014. One of the issues addressed was that the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in Tanzania recently expanded from 20 dioceses to 24. There are more Lutherans in
Tanzania than in the United States and their church continues to grow. The question
was do we add more Companion Synods to Tanzania, when the ELCA has 50 other
national churches are also requesting relationships with ELCA synods?
The TTF thanks God for the opportunities to grow closer to our brothers and sisters in
Christ in the Mara Diocese. We are planning another visit with the Diocese and invite
members of the Synod to consider participating. Watch the Synod E-Letter for more
information about this life-changing opportunity!
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Charles Zang, co-chair
62