2016 BULLETIN OF REPORTS Part 2 - Delaware

2016
BULLETIN OF REPORTS
Part 2
Published May 2016
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. Gordon Simmons ................................................................................. 6
Assistant to the Bishop, The Rev. Ron Schlak ........................................................................................... 7
Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM), The Rev. Kati Kluckman-Ault ..................................................... 7
Coordinator of Youth & Family Ministry, Mrs. Karen Pugatch ................................................................. 9
Audit ............................................................................................................................................................ 10
Mission Teams ............................................................................................................................................ 22
Missions Through Congregations ............................................................................................................ 22
Mission Through Leadership ................................................................................................................... 23
Mission Through Partnerships ................................................................................................................ 25
Conferences ................................................................................................................................................ 26
Allegany Conference ............................................................................................................................... 26
Anne Arundel Conference ....................................................................................................................... 27
Baltimore City Conference ...................................................................................................................... 27
Baltimore East Conference ..................................................................................................................... 29
Baltimore North Conference ................................................................................................................... 30
Baltimore West Conference .................................................................................................................... 31
The Delmarva Conference ...................................................................................................................... 31
The Frederick Conference ....................................................................................................................... 32
The Harford Conference ......................................................................................................................... 33
Washington County Conference ............................................................................................................. 34
Westminster Conference ........................................................................................................................ 35
Agencies, Institutions, Organizations and Synod Ministries ....................................................................... 36
African Descent Strategy......................................................................................................................... 36
Baltimore Lutheran Campus Ministry (BLCM) ........................................................................................ 37
Candidacy Committee ............................................................................................................................. 38
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Carroll Lutheran Village........................................................................................................................... 39
Coalition of Lutherans Advancing in Mission .......................................................................................... 41
Creation Care Team ................................................................................................................................ 42
Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries & Diakon Child, Family & Community Ministries ............................. 43
Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries.................................................................................................. 44
Estonian-Finnish Task Force .................................................................................................................... 46
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Region 8................................................................................. 47
Gettysburg College .................................................................................................................................. 48
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 ............................................................................................................................ 57
Mission Investment Fund ...................................................................................................................... 57
Mosaic ..................................................................................................................................................... 58
National Lutheran Communities & Services ........................................................................................... 59
Portico Benefit Services .......................................................................................................................... 60
Seafarers International House ................................................................................................................ 61
Tanzania Task Force ................................................................................................................................ 62
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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, 2016.
Those who require a printed copy have the opportunity to request one during the
registration process. If you request 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.
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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 over the past
six years. I have been blessed to work closely with the gifted leaders and congregations
of the Central Cluster- Anne Arundel Conference, Baltimore City Conference and
Baltimore West Conference. This year I added the Baltimore East and Baltimore North
conferences to my workload. I attended conference gatherings, worked with
congregations during transitions in ministry, assisted in problem solving and crisis
management, and facilitated the processes of visioning, planning and evaluating
ministries.
2015 was a year of many transitions within the cluster- seven congregations experienced
changes in rostered leadership (First English, St. John- Brooklyn, St. John-Pimlico,
Christus Victor, and Shepherd of the Glen). Another joint ministry between the
Delaware-Maryland Synod and the Episcopal Diocese was formed- Holy Comforter
Lutheran and Nativity Episcopal (Govans).
The Transformational Ministry Team for the synod 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 18 congregations and
two organizations in covenant. The annual walk-a-thon again raised funds to support
synod youth who attended the ELCA 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 attend board meetings and
other events within the synod. 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) hosted the 2015 National Biennial for ADLA and The Association of
Liberian Lutherans in the Americas (ALLIA) at Christ Lutheran Church (Baltimore).
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The convention was a great success thanks to the support of many folks within the
synod.
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.
Recently I was reappointed to the Board of School Commissioners for the Baltimore City
Public School System. This appointment continues to give me the opportunity to shape
and support the vision and implementation of plans to improve the quality of education
for the children and families in Baltimore.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. It has been an honor and privilege to
be in service for our Lord as we come to the unity of faith and the knowledge of the Son
of God here in the Delaware-Maryland Synod!
Assistant to the Bishop, The Rev. Gordon Simmons
Retired in early 2015 after nearly 44 years of service, mostly in the Southeast
Pennsylvania Synod, and moving to Dover, Del., I came on the staff in September to take
up (1/2 time; for one year) some of the work that had been done by the Rev. Ed Kay.
Specifically, I work with the 18 churches in the Delmarva Conference and the seven in
the Harford Conference. These have been areas of significant pastoral transition. Going
back to 2014, 14 of these congregations have experienced these transitions, or are still in
the midst of them. I work with these congregations through the transition process and
try to help mentor new pastors when they get in place.
I meet regularly with the rostered leaders of these conferences at their monthly
meetings.
I have been working with the other synod staff members in lifting up the VISION for
MISSION, especially the goal of each congregation having a mission plan. I am also
conducting a study to identify a site for a new mission in the state of Delaware.
I am developing resources and support for the larger congregations in the synod. We
have 17 congregations with over 200 in worship attendance; six of those are over 300.
These are critical churches, most of which, unfortunately – like the majority of the other
churches in the synod – have continued to sustain significant losses of membership.
I am grateful to Bishop Wolfgang Herz-Lane and to the other members of the synod
staff for their close cooperation and for their support during this year of my service.
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Assistant to the Bishop, The Rev. Ron Schlak
I serve the four conferences of the Western Cluster (Allegany, Frederick, Washington
and Westminster). I continue to serve the Mission Through Partnerships Team, and this
year I began serving the Mission Through Leadership Team more intensely.
Since last Synod Assembly I have helped to arrange for interim pastors in 12
congregations (Beaver Creek-Keedysville, Christ Hagerstown, Grace Rocky Hill,
Immanuel Manchester, Living Grace, St. Abrahams, St. John Creagerstown, St. John
Thurmont, St. Mark Hampstead, St. Paul Clear spring, St. Paul Funkstown, and St. Paul
Upperco). And I helped to place three called pastors in congregations (Evangelical
Frederick, Immanuel Manchester, and Trinity Taneytown).
In my service to the Mission Through Partnership team, I work with the three task
forces – Tanzania, Estonian-Finnish, and World Hunger. I also represent Bishop
Wolfgang on the Board of Directors of Mar-Lu-Ridge.
In my service to the Mission Through Leadership team, I present Healthy Congregations
workshops throughout the synod.
In the last year I have also begun working with the Candidacy Committee and First Call
Theological Education.
It continues to be my pleasure to represent Bishop Wolfgang on the National Lutheran
Community and Services Board of Directors and other events and organizations as
needed. And I lead workshops and retreats when asked.
Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM), The Rev. Kati Kluckman-Ault
Once again, I want to thank you for the privilege of serving you and our synod as the
Director for Evangelical Mission. In the past 5+ years, this has been a call filled with
both joys and challenges—and through it all, I have been supported by colleagues,
partners and co-workers in the gospel. I continue to be reassured that God is present
with us 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! But above all I give thanks to God for his powerful work together with
us in serving this church.
Once again, I have good news to share regarding our life together in our synod. We are
blessed to have three Congregations Under Development—with plans to discern where
God is inviting us to start more new congregations. Global Peace Lutheran Fellowship,
Frederick, Md., continues to grow and has added a second gathering in Columbia, Md.
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—
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having celebrated their first year anniversary this past year—as well as having had
baptisms, weddings and their first annual meeting. Fr. Jim Hamilton has created a
dynamic ministry team that is working to continue the growth and effectiveness of the
COTS. The Slate Project, now having nearly completed its third year, is discerning how
God can use the Rev. Jason Chesnut, the ELCA mission developer called to the Slate
Project together with Presbyterian and Episcopal partners. The Slate Project continues
to worship together on Monday evenings, offer a Bible study on Wednesday mornings,
and a Twitter gathering on Thursday evenings known as “#SlateSpeak.” And during all
of this, new content is offered each week online. The Slate Project, as you can see,
continues to mature and expand through the energetic and creative efforts of Pr. Jason
Chesnut and his “co-conspirators,” the Rev. Jennifer DiFrancesco and the Rev. Sara
Shisler Goff.
Faithful renewal has expanded to include eight congregations (St. John’s-Cumberland;
Christ-Catonsville; New Light-Dundalk; Community of St. Dysmas, Lord of LifeEdgewood, Salem- South Baltimore, All Saints-Baltimore, and Faith Lutheran Church,
Salisbury, Md.) supported by you and the ELCA through Partnership Support. Each of
these congregations has engaged in a significant and strategic plan for renewal—
listening to God, listening to each other and listening to their community. Our synod’s
Transformational Ministry team has completed almost two years of service with an
additional two congregations currently participating in the full year process. 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 steps of renewal.
The Mission Table for Stewardship continues to work towards revitalization with the
addition of new members and a new chair. This past year, with the able assistance of
Pastor Jason Chesnut, a stewardship video has continued to be available 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 2015 was a
year in which mission support remained stable—and ultimately has impact on our Faith
Spending Plans for the coming year—as well as our own synodical mission support that
is sent to the ELCA. Thank you to each congregation who gave 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.
This year found us engaging in the Generosity Project and Rekindling the Gift in efforts
to grow and expand our individual, household and congregational generosity and giving.
Through the Generosity Project, we are participating in a pilot project through the
ELCA. Rekindling the Gift is a stewardship process designed for African Descent
congregations and we are thrilled to have six congregations participating—the largest
cohort the ELCA has had! This coming year will find the synod’s Mission Table for
Stewardship and Mission Support engaging in the formation of a Comprehensive
Stewardship Strategy.
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In addition, it has been a privilege to work with CLAIM (the urban strategy for
Baltimore City), the 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 continue to serve as a member of the Stewardship Table for the ELCA.
Not only this past year, but the combined 5 ½ years (at this writing) have been ones that
have been full of travel, building relationships, meeting new people and congregations. I
also continue to be deeply grateful to you my 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!
Coordinator of Youth & Family Ministry, Mrs. Karen Pugatch
I was called to help shepherd the Youth + Family Ministry programs of our synod
through the interim year between the departure of the Assistant to the Bishop through
the bishop’s election this spring.
It has been an unusual year with the historic storm of January leading to the cancelation
of RoadTrip, our high school event. I have had the pleasure of collaborating with the
youth events ministry team and the high school leadership program, LYO. This work
would be impossible without the dedicated service of the volunteer mentors. I am
grateful for the gifts these individuals bring to the table. Thank you to the Revs. Mark
and Christine Parker, Jenny Anderson, Sarah Ehrman, the Rev. Greg Fetzer, Steph
Harshman, the Rev. Tim Jahn, Marion Kresslein, Michael Landefeld, Tony Magturo,
Elliott Morris, Karl Mulbach, Emma Wagner and Marta Wallace.
The synod’s Faith Formation Initiative is an effort to help congregations in developing
and living into a more holistic, intergenerational model of faith formation. Four
congregations are currently involved in this initiative: New Hope (Columbia, 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) and quarterly leadership
team gatherings. I am especially grateful to our Faith Formation team for their
dedicated work: the Rev. Kim Nunberg, the Rev. Paige Evers, and the Rev. Teal
Anderson.
This past December we offered another training with Vibrant Faith Ministries and
another cohort of congregations were given the opportunity to connect to the resources
Vibrant Faith brings to this aspect of congregational life.
In my personal life, I continue my studies at Gettysburg Seminary. Currently I am
enrolled part-time in the MAR program but I am called by the Spirit to enter the
Candidacy Process. I am thankful for the loving support of my family and friends on this
walk of faith.
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Audit
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Mission Teams
Missions Through Congregations
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and selfdiscipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
The Mission through Congregations Team works to strengthen congregational life by
supporting the ministries of congregations in the following expressions: children and
youth ministries, campus ministry, women’s ministry, and strategies such as African
Descent (ADLA), urban strategy (CLAIM), Definitely Abled Advocacy and Resource
Team (DAART), and the New and Renewing Mission Table. In line with the synod’s
strategic mission plan, Vision 2018, our group was charged with assisting 90 of our 170
congregations to develop and implement ministry plans. We are working on this goal
with the assistance of the bishop’s assistants. To date, our Assistants to the Bishop have
assisted 71 congregations towards this goal in the past few years. These congregations
are in various stages of developing and implementing these plans. A tool kit has been
developed to organize and provide information on the resources available to aid
congregations in this activity.
Our New and Renewing subcommittee has reviewed plans for several congregations that
are in redevelopment and transformational phases of their ministries and supported
their requests for mission support. We are also planning two new mission sites in the
coming year. Churches in our Western Cluster have contracted the services of Partners
for Sacred Places and have and have enlisted interest of several churches of various
denominations to pursue New Dollars New Partners program for the Western Cluster.
We will evaluate the success of this collaboration and pursue this resource for other
churches in our synod if this service is effective. Many of the churches in this area are
worshiping in 100-year-old buildings, which are expensive to maintain. These churches
are looking to reenergize and reach out to their communities in a more effective way.
We continue to explore ways to minister to and reach out to the Latino community so we
can become a more inclusive church.
Respectfully submitted by Jennifer Simms, Chair
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Mission Through Leadership
In addition to its continuing work on previously chartered leadership initiatives, the
Mission Through Leadership Team spent much of 2015-16 working through its portion
of our synod’s Vision 2018 plan.
Healthy Congregations Initiative:
Work continued with our synod providing Healthy Congregations training to
congregations. During 2015 we completed the cycle of workshops which began in 2014.
Additionally, a new cycle of workshops was started. While participation has not been as
high as expected, those participating continue to express gratitude for having access to
this leadership development process.
Coaching:
Our synod began preparing coaches in 2014. These coaches walk with congregation
councils as they discern mission plans and lead the congregation’s ministries. Several
coaching relationships continue to bear fruit across our synod. In the past year, our
Synod Council engaged with its own coach who is walking with our council as it leads
our synod into Vision 2018 and our Forward in Faith capital campaign. Congregations
interested in learning more about our synod’s coaching resources should contact either
the Rev. Ron Schlak, the Rev. Fred Lehr, or our synod office and website.
Healthy Leaders:
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) continued its work and in the past year and, while progress
has been slow, progress has been made. We continue to seek qualified candidates for
geographically dispersed chaplains.
Of significance is our progress in developing workshops for rostered leaders and
congregational leaders that call for the development of productive, mutually-supportive
relationships and assist in dealing with the reality of the stresses of parish ministry in
our time. We applied for and received a grant from the Lutheran Home and Health
Foundation which will cover the cost of annual training events for the next three years.
Additional information will be made available as these workshops are developed.
Updated Salary Guideline Recommendation Process and Tools:
Approved at last year’s Synod Assembly, the updated salary guideline process and tool
was made available to congregations after the assembly.
Interim Pastor Network:
The Rev. Fred Lehr continues to engage with interim pastors across our synod. This
collegial group provides education, development and support for Interim Pastors
serving across our synod.
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Vision 2018:
The Mission Through Leadership Team’s responsibilities under our synod’s approved
Vision 2018 implementation plan include:
Identification and engagement with a Leadership Development Director:
Representatives of our team spent much of January in prayerful discernment with
candidates for the Leadership Development Director role. We were blessed with a slate
of very strong candidates. In the end, the Rev. Stuart Luce was selected to fill this role.
He began his work in mid-February is listening through one-on-one interviews,
attending team meetings, gathering an advisory team and starting to share leadership
resources. Feel free to contact him with any leadership needs at sluce@demdsynod.org.
Development of Leadership Development Tools and Process:
Collaboratively between the Mission Through Leadership Team and Leadership
Development Director, we are charged with the development of tools and processes that
provide leadership development and support for rostered and lay leaders across our
synod. Of significance in this work is an initiative approved by our synod council and
being led by the Rev. Fred Lehr to contract with Living Every Day as Disciples (LEAD) to
provide focused leadership and mission development in congregations who choose to
engage in the LEAD process. This work began at our fall Bishop’s Leadership Retreat
and continues today.
Mutual Ministry Teams in all congregations: A stated goal of Vision 2018 is the
chartering of mutual ministry teams in all congregations. There are several models of
mutual ministry which have proved to be effective in various congregational settings. To
introduce congregations to these various models. a series of educational sessions are
planned for the spring and summer of 2016. Details are available on our synod’s
website.
Financial Support of Seminary Candidates: As directed by our synod council, Mission
Through Leadership has been involved in the developmental stage of establishing a
scholarship at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (LTSG) which would
preference candidates from the Delaware-Maryland Synod and provide financial
support for seminary attendance. LTSG has agreed to match (dollar-for-dollar up to
$30,000) contributions to this scholarship fund. The initial source of funds is included
in the Forward in Faith Campaign.
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,
Robin Schaffer, Colleen Carpenter-Gonia, the Rev. Stuart Luce, Alex McKeague, the Rev.
Stacy Marsh, John Auger and the Rev. Dave Albertson.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Michael K. Louia, Team Leader
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Mission Through Partnerships
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see,
everything has become new! (2 Cor.5:17)
“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 Delaware-Maryland Synod.” (Continuing
Resolution S11.01.C02). Some of our partners include, but are not limited to, Mar-LuRidge, the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, the Hunger Task Force, The
Tanzania and Estonian-Finnish Task Forces, Definitely Abled Advocacy and Resource
Team, social ministry organizations and ecumenical organizations. Our Mission
Through Partnerships Team has the role of helping congregations stay connected as part
of our Vision Plan. We have worked with Synod Vice President John Auger to be in
contact with the Conference of Deans to encourage greater connections between
congregations and our synod as a whole. Under Goal 1 of our Vision Plan:
“Congregations will be linked with at least two others with similar opportunities and
challenges to share ideas, insights, and resources.” We suggest that the Conference
Deans identify congregations of similar size and ministry focus to meet together as part
of a conference meeting, and then to continue meeting and sharing on their own.
Smaller conferences may need to link up to congregations outside the conference. For
Goal 2: “Develop congregational discipleship and stewardship ministries to grow
generosity in support of our synod’s wider ministry to include providing funds to
enhance and support ministries that connect congregations both within and beyond our
synod.” Our Mission Through Partnerships Team met with the Rev. Kati Kluckman-Ault
to share stewardship resources. There will be a list of these resources that will be
available to our congregations. Then, with Goal 3: “Conference Deans will organize and
conduct annual Pre-Assembly Conference meetings prior to Synod Assemblies,
beginning in 2016.” We will contact and remind Conference Deans about setting dates
for the Pre-Assembly Conference Meeting.
I have attended two meetings of the Lutheran Development Alliance, formerly the
Lutheran Community Consortium, three meetings of the Hunger Task Force, three
meetings of the Tanzania Task Force, and four meetings of our Partnerships Team. I
met with the bishop, treasurer, and regional gift planner (Alice Benson) to set goals and
expectations. As a personal goal I am making a donation to each of our partner
organizations and ministries. I am currently supporting 11 out of 15, and I hope to be 15
out of 15 by the end of 2016. This is one way to model how to grow in giving.
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Again this year, members of our team coordinated our Delaware-Maryland Synod
Celebrate Lay Ministry Event. This continues to be 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.
Thanks also to those who serve on this team: the Rev. Matt Fuhrman, Kevin Garrity,
Andrea Fuller, Dennis Page, Shannon Baker, 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
The Allegany Conference consists of five congregations in the mountains of western
Maryland serving one of the poorest counties in the state of Maryland. While scenic
beauty abounds, often hidden is a deepening poverty rate in an area where need is
growing faster than resources to address that need. Western Maryland is often forgotten
by political leaders, but those of us who serve here are very thankful that our synod has
not forgotten our county, but that our Bishop and staff are very active here.
St. John’s congregation is in the call process and serves an area of south Cumberland
that is very much affected by poverty. Their former pastor, the Rev. Tormod Svensson,
and the congregation developed feeding ministries and a food drop program in
cooperation with the Maryland Food Bank, which continues to meet great need (at
present the Maryland Food Bank is charging a transportation fee of $300 per shipment
to St. John’s and we are working as a conference to keep the site at St. John’s
operational - ost other sites in the county have stopped due to the fee). St. John’s
continues to be a healthy congregation with dynamic outreach into the community.
St. Luke’s is also hopeful of finding a pastor, but continues to be served by Pastor David
Wright as Interim. St. Luke’s is a small but vibrant faith community that continues to
share Jesus with members and the community.
St. Paul’s, Cumberland has a wonderful after school program one day a week that serves
many children in the Cumberland area. Another outreach program at St. Paul’s provides
household items to many in the community.
St. Paul’s, Frostburg is continuing to grow as a vibrant congregation and is very much
involved in ecumenical outreach to the Frostburg community.
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Christ, LaVale has developed a feeding ministry, supports a food pantry at the local
United Methodist church, and has expanded our food baskets at Easter and Christmas,
as well as emergency aid to help with utility bills, rental needs and to aid homeless
people.
A highlight of our conference was a combined Reformation Service. This past year, we
have also been involved in a consultation process with the Rev. Kati Kluckman-Alt and
the Rev. Ron Schlak to explore ways of our congregations working more closely together
to address ministry needs. By God’s grace, the congregations of the Allegany Conference
continue to proclaim a risen Savior who brings new hope to each new day.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Chuck Erzkus, Interim Dean
Anne Arundel Conference
The Anne Arundel Conference has been a conference in transition during the past few
years. In the last year, we have welcomed a new pastor – the Rev. Shawn Brandon at
Gloria Dei! in Arnold – and currently have three of our 10 congregations being served by
interim clergy.
With change has come exciting opportunities. Our three congregations in the greater
Glen Burnie metro area – Peace, Glen, and Our Redeemer – have been exploring new
ways to be in ministry together. With the valuable assistance of synod staff-persons,
members from all three congregations have been dreaming and planning together for a
life-giving future of proclaiming and living the Gospel in partnership.
Living Water on Kent Island is also embarking upon a prayerful consideration of their
future together, including how God might be moving them to even greater cooperation
with the Episcopal congregation with which they share space.
All of the congregations in the Anne Arundel Conference are striving to be faithfully in
mission to our communities and to the world beyond. In our monthly conference
gatherings, we share ideas and support one another as we face the challenges – and
celebrate the opportunities – of being church in the 21st century.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Dave Simpson, Dean
Baltimore City Conference
My brothers and sisters, I bring you greetings in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the .Holy Spirit.
The Baltimore City Conference presents this summary of events which occurred since
our last Synod Assembly in 2015. I am Fr. Michael Guy, pastor of St. Philip's Evangelical
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Lutheran Church, Baltimore. I was elected Dean of the Baltimore City Conference in
2015 and installed at the 2015 Synod Assembly. I succeed the Rev. William Gohl who,
for four years, led the conference. Pastor Gohl, we thank you for your dedication and
hard work.
The Rev. Churchill Wortherly passed while our assembly was in session last year. This
was the second loss for the congregation of All Saints Lutheran Church. Their first loss
was an extensive fire in their church building. Thanks be to God, they were able to move
into a restored sanctuary one year and one day to the date of the fire. The Rev. Sharon
Kelly serves as their interim transitional pastor.
The Baltimore City Conference presents some examples of how Called to Common
Mission can work. Messiah Lutheran Church completed their mission of word and
sacrament. Our Bishop Herz-Lane and Bishop Sutton of the Episcopal Diocese of
Maryland saw an opportunity for a joint venture to continue word and sacrament in that
location versus an empty building. The Church on the Square now celebrates the Holy
Eucharist every Saturday beginning 4 p.m. Fr. James Hamilton, an Episcopalian, is the
mission developer. He and the congregation are developing outreach for that
community.
The internet and social media have an impact on our communication and in some
circumstances, how we relate to one another. The Slate Project (Charles Waverly
Mission) utilizes a website, Facebook page, and Twitter for outreach. The Cathedral of
the Incarnation, an Episcopalian communion, provides facilities for the Slate Project
which celebrates the Holy Eucharist every Monday with a meal beginning at 6 p.m. The
mission developer for this project is the Rev. Jason Chesnut, an ELCA pastor, who also
serves as the Secretary of the Baltimore City Conference.
The last example involves two congregations, Holy Comforter Lutheran Church and
Nativity Episcopal Church. These two congregations have similar issues and the same
goal, which is outreach to people of their community. They worked the problems and
did not let the problems work them. They now hold joint services with shared
responsibilities. If one priest celebrates the sacrament, the other priest preaches. The
joint celebration of word and sacrament has the blessing of both bishops. The pastors
are Fr. T. Stewart Lucas, and the Rev. Dr. David Eisenhuth.
St. Philip’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baltimore is the second oldest African
American Lutheran church in the United States of America. During 2015 they celebrated
125 years of serving the community, the gospel and the sacraments. The year ended with
the celebration of the Holy Eucharist on January 17, 2016 with the Presiding Bishop of
the ELCA, the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, preaching. Bishop Wolfgang Herz-Lane also
participated. The congregation looks forward to serving the Lord another 125 years and
beyond.
In August 2015 The African Descent Lutheran Association, along with the Association of
Liberian Lutherans in the Americas, held its biennial national meeting in Baltimore. The
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host church was Christ Lutheran Church, Inner Harbor. The closing worship host
church was St. Philip's Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Baltimore City Conference
hosted the Friday reception, which served approximately 140 people.
In April 2015, Baltimore City experienced a severe civil unrest. You are aware this
brought negative national attention to this great city. The national media continually
showed a pharmacy burning. What they did not show was people of this great city
handing out water to the officers who were holding a line. The national media continued
showing people jumping on police cars, but they did not show citizens bump fisting with
policeman on duty. Baltimore City Conference held a prayer vigil in City Hall Square.
Taking the lead, the Baltimore City Conference worked with African Descent strategy,
and teams from the national church, to hold a two-day symposium for clergy and lay
leaders. The symposium was titled "Renewing Self and Community in the Midst of the
Storm." The symposium was a success. People appreciated the issues addressed, some of
which were unknown. Many found walking through the Walbrook Junction
neighborhood revealing as did the community. Many times the community responded,
"Thank you for taking the time to care about us and to see us." The Baltimore City
Conference continues to work with its various partners for racial justice.
The peace of the Lord is always with you.
Respectfully submitted by Fr. Michael B. Guy Sr., S. T. S., Dean
Baltimore East Conference
The Baltimore East Conference is comprised of seven congregations: Hope
(Middleborough), New Light (Dundalk), Prince of Peace (Rosedale), St. John’s
(Edgemere), St. John’s (Essex), St. Luke’s (Dundalk), and St. Peter’s
(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 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 sixth 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 Malaria
Campaign. This year, the festival was held on April 19.
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Finally, one our conference churches, St. Peter’s (Eastpoint/Colgate), continues to
partner with the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia as part of a three-year
concurrent internship & M.Div. program. The intern, Vicar Jeanette SuritaVazquetelles, attends classes Tuesday-Thursday, and serves in the congregation FridaySunday.
Overall, the churches of the Baltimore East Conference continue to serve the Gospel
every day, sharing and living the Good News of Jesus Christ with friend, neighbor, and
stranger.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Matthew C. Fuhrman, Dean
Baltimore North Conference
Since the last assembly, several congregations are still navigating the waters of the call
process. We welcomed new leaders at St. Paul, Lutherville: the Rev. Ed Kay; at Christus
Victor, Carney: the Rev. Chris Litton, and recently at St. John, Parkville: the Rev. Lesley
Radius. The Rev. John Seltzer retired from St. John, Sweet Air. Dedicated interim
leaders that either started or continued last year included The Rev. Terri Driver-Bishop
at Ascension; the Rev. Sandra Carlson Alexis at St. Paul, Lutherville; the Rev. George
Tuttle at St. John, Sweet Air, where the Rev. Adam Forbes continues a term call; the
Rev. Jacob Simpson and the Rev. Dave Asplin at St. John, Parkville; the Rev. Melissa
Lemons at Christus Victor; and Diaconal Minister Reggie Price at St. Andrew, Parkville.
Though our churches will enjoy the stability these leaders offer, we know that the status
quo is not an option in these times. We look forward to following our synod strategy in
regard of the partnering of congregations for shared resources, and encouraging the
mission planning that helps us offer more concrete work for our communities. Along
with many other synod parishes (and some fellow Episcopalians), lay and rostered
leaders read together “Rebuilt,” the story of a revitalized Roman Catholic church in
Timonium, by Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran. Learning lessons from other
church bodies, Nativity took seriously its target population and provided pointed
experiences for them, especially the “dechurched.” We use the term “mission-minded,”
but “making disciples” works for turning around those who are disengaged from faith
work. Sounds like a good goal, no?
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Lans Alexis, Dean
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Baltimore West Conference
The Baltimore West Conference is made up of 15 congregations which extend along the
west side of the city from Reisterstown to Laurel. Our rostered leaders meet monthly for
worship, fellowship, discussions, and business. Our congregations vary in size from
small to quite large.
As Dean, I was blessed to install the Rev. Carolyn Shank at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in
Fulton as well as the Rev. Michael Louia at First Lutheran Church in Ellicott City. A
couple of years ago, two of our congregations merged and then began a redevelopment
process which resulted in a new congregation, Journey of Faith Church, which is
primarily serving Randallstown. That congregation called the Rev. Patrick Gahagen,
who was also installed this year as a mission developer.
There have been three retirements in Baltimore West this year: the Rev. Jarrett Hansen,
the Rev. Laura Ingersol, and the Rev. James Luedeke.
Many Baltimore West congregations have been contemplating their future ministries. A
few parishes are thriving and a few are in decline. Sadly, two congregations have made
the decision to sell their properties. Second English will disband once their building is
sold, and Our Savior Lansdowne has not made a final decision regarding their future
after the sale of their building.
By the grace of God, we will support one another in prayer and encouragement.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Timothy P. Feaser, Dean
The Delmarva Conference
I have been serving as Interim Dean since September 2015, fulfilling the term of the
Rev. Timothy Leitzke (called to another synod).
Our conference gathers once or twice a year in a single group, and otherwise in two
groups that reflect our geographic distribution and different ministry settings. The
southern group meets monthly for devotions, discussion of shared ministries and
strategies for renewal, and fellowship. The northern group gathers in a weekly pericope
group and for occasional lunches of rostered leaders.
On February 11, the conference welcomed Bishop Wolfgang Herz-Lane to St. Paul,
Cordova, and Grace, Hockessin, for the bishop’s annual visitation. Attendance was
robust in both locations, with good discussion of the synod’s mission plan and more.
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Our conference of 18 congregations has a number of ministries in transition. Since the
last synod assembly, we have welcomed these new leaders:
--the Rev. Flavia Skilbred, called to St. Paul Cordova (June 2015)
--the Rev. Tara Magoon, called to Grace Hockessin (installed Nov. 8 2015)
--the Rev. Paige Evers, called as co-pastor to Reformation Milford (installed Nov. 8,
2015)
--the Rev. Melissa Lemons, called to Zion Wilmington (installed Feb. 21, 2016)
--the Rev. Linda Gunderson, called to St. Paul Newark (installed Mar. 6, 2016)
--the Rev. Mark Molter, called to Community Frankford (installed Mar. 13, 2016)
Three other congregations are currently in the call process. Thanks be to God for the
new life stirring in and among us!
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Barbara Melosh, Interim Dean
The Frederick Conference
In September 2015, Bishop Wolfgang and Vice President John Auger made an official
visit to our conference meeting. One result of that meeting was that the Rev. Kati
Kluckman-Ault agreed to lead a session to begin our conference study of an area
strategy. Pastor Kati led the December conference meeting.
The rostered leaders of the conference met every month – except the summer months –
for various programs. Topics have included meeting at Mar-Lu-Ridge to learn about the
camp programs, watched the video “A Place at the Table” and discussed world hunger,
discussed the proposed compensation guidelines, heard Chaplain Kay Meyers introduce
the “Bridges” program (a partnership between Faith and Health aimed at empowering
the community for healthy by providing training for lay health leadership), discussed
the recent Baltimore disturbances as the underlying issues might relate to Frederick
County, heard about Heartly House and domestic violence in Frederick County, and
discussed the things for which we are thankful.
Pastor Charles Zang was reelected Dean at the spring conference meeting, and Pastor
Karin Albaugh was elected Conference Secretary.
The Frederick Conference numbers 29 congregations. Different sizes of churches, as
developed by Arlin Routhage of the Alban Institute are being examined. The familysized church, with attendance of 0-50 is followed by the pastoral-size congregation, with
50-150 in attendance for a service. Following this comes the program-sized church, with
150-350 in attendance; followed by corporate-sized congregations, with 350-500+
present for worship.
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Using this criteria, Frederick Conference has 14 congregations with 52 or fewer in
attendance on an average Sunday morning can be defined as family-size; 11
congregations as pastoral size; two congregations as program; and one congregation
defined as corporate.
In 2016, Frederick Conference will explore ways to encourage and assist our
congregations in developing their own mission strategies as well as a conference
strategy.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Charles Zang, Dean
The Harford Conference
The Harford Conference continues to meet, small but mighty with most pastors
participating regularly in monthly get-togethers. We held a training event, called
“Disciples Together” in the fall, and for the first time this year, our Annual Ascension
service was done in partnership with the Episcopal churches of Harford County. Here’s
the scoop on individual parishes:
St. Paul's, Aberdeen is continuing to transition as Pastor Stuart Luce completes his
second year. Especially exciting is starting to implement many items from their mission
plan (which they call a Vision Plan) including improving Christian Education, worship,
getting people involved and communication.
Salem, Jarrettsville has been blessed this year with nine children received through
baptism along with several parents joining Salem. They have had several successful
appeals for food, clothing, Christmas gifts and money that have helped local, synod, and
national causes. Salem Children Center is doing well; it is continuing to serve nearly
200 children a week during the school year, plus many children in summer day care.
They give constant thanks to God for so many blessings.
Lord of Life, Edgewood is now in the third year of redevelopment. Even as they continue
to live out their mission plan, they draw closer to their mission statement written years
before - “to worship God, grow in faith, and reach out to others with the love of Jesus
Christ.” They now have two worship services on Sunday mornings in different styles,
have started efforts toward connecting with community young people, and have
developed a well respected food ministry, called the Lots of Love Food Pantry.
Jerusalem, Whiteford - "Sharing God's Blessings - Every Day in Every Way - from our
Country Church on the Hill." The Third Sunday Bible Study is held following
communion service - led by Pastor Hugo Schroeder. Pastor Hugo's spiritual and
theological leadership is a blessing. They continue to support the Mason Dixon
Community Service. The first Sunday of the month marks the monthly contemporary
service with guitar accompaniment. New members were received on Easter Sunday.
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Holy Communion, Fallston is a vibrant, growing community whose mission is “Reaching
Out to Share Christ’s Love.” They give generously to those in need within their
congregation, local community and the larger world. They value the natural world as a
gift from God—planting trees, cleaning streams and expanding ways of
recycling/reusing materials in their church family and community. They study God’s
word and discern their mission goals through the many opportunities in which the Spirit
calls them to serve God and God’s people.
Good Shepherd, Bel Air - In 2015, the people and newly-called Pastor Greg Fetzer
enjoyed their first year of ministry together. Wonderful, Spirited ministries of
congregational life, service and outreach, worship and music, youth, and Christian
Education continued to gain momentum. Also, they adopted a new mission statement:
"Gifted with Faith. Growing as Disciples. Grounded in Community." In 2016, they hope
to respond with even greater intentionality to all that God has done in Jesus Christ as
they love and serve God and neighbor.
Our newly elected Dean is Pastor Greg Fetzer.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Christine Parker, Dean
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’s 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 ongoing life together.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Julie Brigham, Dean
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Westminster Conference
The Westminster Conference geographically includes congregations in Carroll County,
Northwest Baltimore County and Adams County, Pennsylvania. Currently there are 23
active congregations within the conference plus two agencies: Carroll Lutheran School
and Carroll Lutheran Village. The congregations of the Westminster Conference have
gone through a series of changes in the past year. Trinity in Taneytown called the Rev.
Cris Frigm and Immanuel in Manchester called the Rev. Charles Marshall. St. Mark's in
Hampstead is currently preparing to enter into the call process. St. Paul's in Upperco
became vacant with the retirement of the Rev. Mel Stricklin. Mount Union concluded its
membership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Lazarus in Lineboro
concluded its partnership as a Union congregation with the United Church of Christ and
it is anticipated that the congregation will conclude its ministry in July of 2016.
The congregations of the conference remain in an active relationship with the rostered
leaders meeting monthly and the congregations meeting annually. A long-standing
tradition within the conference includes the men gathering twice a year for annual
dinner and program; approximately 100 gather for these events. Partnership in ministry
has long defined the relationship of the congregations within the Westminster
Conference, having established a school and a retirement community. The
congregations of the conference anticipate the future with a sense of challenge and hope.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Kevin Clementson, Dean
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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 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 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—Assistant to 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:
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Condensing the full strategy outline from 10 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
Bringing a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic group of people together to discuss
common goals
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Participating in a Ministry Consultation for Allegany 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 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 the Rev. 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.
At Towson University (The Table: a Lutheran-Episcopal ministry), we:
 Began the Community Table in February since we wanted our table to look more
like the tables Jesus gathered around, with people we wouldn’t get to know
normally. We now cook a monthly meal for people in need of food or community
and then sit down together. A formerly homeless family started doing the cooking
in September and started teaching our students to cook. New students have
joined us to cook and we are expanding our program to help feed hungry students
as well.
 Continued an intentional discipleship model, mentoring four students to look for
Jesus’ presence in their lives and follow his leading.
 Moved out of the Catholic Campus Ministry Center after 40+ years and now
center all of our activities on campus, allowing us to welcome our largest group of
freshmen in six years.
 Began having a public presence on campus weekly to interact with studentseither asking questions or giving out lemonade.
 Gathered for a beach retreat with other synod campus ministries to focus on the
stories of Jesus encountering folks in the gospel of John.
 Built playgrounds in Baltimore with students during a mass effort in the city as
one of our service opportunities for students.
 Continued our two weekly Bible studies and our evening dinner gatherings which
serve as the core of our ministry on campus.
At Morgan State we:
 Continue our weekly service projects at Helping Up Mission and Baltimore
Station, a recovery community, Esther’s Place senior living community, and
Tench-Tilghman Elementary School.
 Gave opportunities for students to serve in Young Adults in Global Mission and
Lutheran camps and had a few students pursue these opportunities.
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Hosted a Senior Ball for residents of Esther’s Place in connection with other
student groups.
Forged a new partnership with the University Chapel at Morgan and also with
other Christian groups on campus.
Welcomed students in worship at St. Andrew’s Lutheran, where Deacon Reggie
Price is serving.
Deacon Reggie 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 the book of
Revelation, our response as Christians to the unrest and the entrenched poverty
and racism in Baltimore, the work of the Holy Spirit, resisting the power of evil,
and how we talk about our faith with others of different faiths.
 Created community through making applesauce together, playing with a toddler,
inviting students to church and giving rides home to students. These informal
gatherings bring about the most powerful conversations about faith and the most
long-lasting connections with students.
 Winter Break trip to New York City to visit the UN, serve those recovering from
mental illness, and experience different worship experiences, such as St. Lydia’s
dinner church in Brooklyn.
 Went on a Spring Break service trip to Jacksonville, Fla. to work with refugee
resettlement with Lutheran Social Services.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Laura Sinche, Campus Pastor
Candidacy Committee
The Candidacy Committee has the responsibility for recruiting, preparing, examining
and approving candidates for the ordained, commissioned, and consecrated roster of
leaders in the ELCA.
The Candidacy Committee held five meetings in 2015. During the year, three candidates
for Word and Sacrament ministry were approved for ordination pending the completion
of their seminary program. They are Beth Clementson (Grace, Westminister), Vicki
Beilfuss (Good Shepherd, Belair) and Pamela Illick (St. Paul, Aberdeen)
During 2015, the committee granted entrance to candidacy to six applicants and
endorsed four seminarians to continue with internship and final course work. Each
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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 the ELCA’s new Candidacy Manual and about curricular changes at the Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.
This year, the committee gave thanks for the dedicated work of the Rev. Churchill
Wortherly who served as its chair for several years prior to his death. The Rev. David
Asendorf was appointed chair and the Rev. Amsalu Geleta was welcomed as a new
member. Other persons serving on the Candidacy Committee are: 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, and Bishop Wolfgang Herz-Lane.
Dr. Nancy Gable, Diaconal Minister, is the ELCA Region 8 representative, and
Assistants to the Bishop the Rev. Ed Kay and Ron Schlak provided staff support.
This past year, our synod entranced only two new full-time candidates seeking
ordination into Word and Sacrament ministry. Rostered leaders and congregations are
encouraged to lift up potential rostered leaders of our church and to help them discern
the ministry to which God is calling them. Candidacy Committee members are available
to meet with congregations and with those discerning God’s call.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. David Asendorf, 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
was honored for her many years of service to Carroll Citizens for Racial Equality; and
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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
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Coalition of Lutherans Advancing in Mission
The Coalition of Lutherans Advancing in Mission (CLAIM) found 2015 to be a year of
continued growth and learning. We continue to generate interest in membership, create
new programs, and embrace more partnerships. CLAIM reached out and began working
more closely with ADLA, the Creation Care Team, Interfaith Partners of the Chesapeake,
and Interfaith Power & Light.
CLAIM 2015 in review:
 Despite weather conditions, nearly 50 people attended the annual meeting at St.
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Andrew. The Rev. Ann Dentry introduced many of us to the new Creation Care
Team and their goals. New Executive Team Members: Co-chair, Dr. Anthony
Kinyua and Brad Schlegel, Treasurer for his second term.
CLAIM hosted its second Property Chair meeting, bringing together
representatives from 11 churches to discuss issues and exchange ideas on solving
problems. More vendors were added to the Luther’s List brochure, providing
reliable, cost-efficient vendors to our churches.
CLAIM continues to support a collective purchasing program to provide our
churches and its congregational member’s 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, Md.
The Annual CLAIM Walk-A-Thon generated additional revenue for grants and
programs and supported youth programs. This program was again awarded
additional funds through Thrivent Financial Services.
A Treasurer’s Forum brought together more than 40 people from 25
congregations. This program highlighted changing tax information,
reimbursements, donations and included a Q&A time. The attendees have
requested that we continue educational programs for the Treasurers and
Finance Committees of the churches.
Striving to find ways to assist churches in their financial struggles, CLAIM
continues to work with Cokesbury Christian Supplies and Office Depot to
provide discounts to member churches.
CLAIM presented its first annual ChoirFest. This program brought together
choirs from six different Baltimore churches to lift up praise to an audience of
more than 125 people. Proceeds from a free-will offering were given to Lutheran
Campus Ministries in Baltimore.
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our supporters for their prayers,
encouragement, and participation in CLAIM in 2015. Please continue to pray for all of
us as we look for ways to spread the word of God throughout the communities we serve.
Respectfully submitted by Elaine Wagenfuehr, Coordinator
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Creation Care Team
The synod’s Creation Care Team meets monthly by conference call, on the third
Saturday of the month, starting at 10 a.m. The team began its work in 2012 and has
slowly grown as we discover the many ways in which individuals and congregations can
actively protect and restore a healthy environment. We emphasize that caring for
creation is not a “one size fits all” issue: a congregation’s location, surrounding land/lot,
and the kinds of projects that appeal to its members are all factors in deciding how to
link faith commitments to action. Choosing how each church can take better care of the
land, water, and wild animals is really a matter of “discernment.” Therefore, it’s a
matter of prayer before choosing an action.
During the 2015 Synod Assembly, the Creation Care Team offered three very different
demonstrations of environmental stewardship. (1) The Blessing/Celebration of the new
solar installation at St. Peter’s, Ocean City. Because of their proximity to the Assembly,
they invited everyone to mark their transition to 100% solar energy, generated from a
long, south-facing roof. Guests also had ample time to pose questions to both the solar
company and to congregation-members who had spearheaded the project. We look
forward to the encouragement this gives other congregations who want to move to
renewable energy for their utilities, thus realizing long-term savings.
(2) The Creation Care Team also hosted three speakers for a workshop titled,
“Restoring Creation: A Call to Action.” Roberta McNamara (Salem, Catonsville), Sam
Valentine (Elias, Emmitsburg), and Larry Ryan (St. Peter’s, Ocean City) spoke on the
different practices started in each congregation. Naturally, Mr. Ryan outlined the
process for ‘going solar’ at St. Peter’s. Mr. Valentine showed slides on how Elias, a
historic church-building, had modernized/upgraded its physical plant, realizing
significant savings without disturbing the original architectural features. Ms. McNamara
reported on Salem’s environmental team, “Guardians of Eden,” and on youth who took
part in Chesapeake Bay restoration programs. …speaking of these…
(3) Our Partnerships
The team has several working-partnerships, coming together under the “Habits of
Faith” covenant-campaign of the Central Maryland Ecumenical Council. In October the
CMEC hosted a conference attended by Bishop Wolfgang, Julie Stecker, and five others
on our team. We joined other denominational leaders to take concrete action across
faith traditions. Starting on Easter Day, 2016, Lutherans (congregations and
individuals) can take part in tracking the earth-care actions that all faith communities
collectively perform between Easter and Pentecost. We started early, recording eight
hours of tree-planting at Mar-Lu-Ridge; part of the “Trees for Sacred Spaces” program
of Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (another of our non-profit partnerships).
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The Delaware-Maryland Synod Creation Care Team has a display again this year, so
please visit us to learn from the “best-practices” of other congregations in the synod:
creating wildlife habitat; making cisterns and rain gardens to collect (and slow) stormwater runoff; and planting pollinator gardens and vegetable gardens. We welcome you
to contact any of the persons on our team, a few of whom are listed below:
The Rev. Dave Asendorf (Salem, Catonsville)
Sandy Hartzell (St. John, Linthicum)
Larry Ryan (St. Peter’s, Ocean City)
Brenda Schwaab (St. John, Linthicum)
The Rev. Ann Dentry (Salem, Catonsville)
Laura Heller (Grace, Westminster)
Brad Schlegel (St. Mark’s, Baltimore)
The Rev. Tormod Svensson (Grace
English, Lutherville)
Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries & Diakon Child, Family & Community
Ministries
Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries and Diakon Child, Family & Community Ministries
celebrate 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 continues a nearly 150-year
tradition of care for people of all ages, especially those with limited financial resources. In
2015, Diakon provided some $17 million in benevolent care, including more than $2.65
million within the Delaware-Maryland Synod.
Last year was the first in which Diakon’s two “sister” organizations operated separately,
with individual boards of directors guiding each. Overall, the year was an exceedingly
successful one, with Diakon staff members achieving many significant service, operational,
quality, and financial goals—all critical to growth and to the two organizations’ ability to
serve more people.
The Diakon Kathryn’s Kloset warehouse-based ministry, Rosedale, experienced a
significant decline in product donations in 2015, partly the result of the earlier closing of
local manufacturing and product-distribution facilities for a key corporate partner.
Diakon Kathryn’s Kloset was designed to solicit and store corporately donated personalcare and other items for pick-up by shelters and other non-profits, which in turn
distributed the goods, free of charge to the end-recipient, to people in need in their
communities.
The earlier closure of the local company’s facilities, along with national competition for
products donated by corporations and broad changes in industrial warehousing
practices, prompted the difficult decision in early 2016 to close the program. To sustain
efforts in 2015, Diakon had subsidized program operations by nearly $380,000.
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Diakon Senior Living – Hagerstown/The Ravenwood & Robinwood Campuses served
more than 1,000 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
educational events by sister organization SpiriTrust Lutheran Home Care & Hospice.
Licensed as a single Continuing Care Retirement Community, Diakon Senior Living –
Hagerstown offers senior living accommodations and assisted living on both campuses
(the Robinwood location also provides specialized assisted living for those with
Alzheimer’s disease or similar memory-related illnesses), and nursing and rehabilitative
care on the Ravenwood campus. That campus also houses Diakon Adult Day Services at
Ravenwood. In 2015, the adult day program served 91 older adults and their families.
Frostburg Heights, a rental-assistance senior housing community in Allegany County,
served 137 people last year. The senior housing complex 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 work at Frostburg Heights including landscaping and participation
in intergenerational activities.
In addition, Diakon celebrated the conclusion of its work 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 several national
grants, Diakon’s disaster-response program concentrated efforts in Crisfield, Md. The
successful work there 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 65,500 people last year,
including more than 1,300 within the Delaware-Maryland Synod. Moreover, those
figures do not incorporate individuals aided by partner organizations of Diakon
Kathryn’s Kloset and the Lutheran Disaster Response work.
Respectfully submitted by Mark T. Pile, MSHA, MSW, President/CEO
Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries
In 1995 the three East Coast ELCA seminaries (LTSG, LTSP, and LTSS) joined in the
establishment of the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries (ECLS). Since that time,
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 increasingly engaged with the
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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. This position is
currently filled by Provost Clay Schmit of LTSS. (Since the merger of LTSS with LenoirRhyne University in 2012, the head of LTSS has served under the title of seminary
provost.) ECLS continues 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
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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.
While funding from the Lilly Endowment has now been fully expended,
Admissions staffs at the three schools continue aspects fostered by Project
Connect. 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.
Moving beyond the collaboration between LTSP and LTSG in past years, these two
members of the Eastern Cluster have committed to the development of a new
partnership which would join the two schools as one institution with two campuses. This
new venture will come into effect in 2017. The boards, faculties, and administrations are
currently engaged in designing the shape of this new school, making hard decisions
about governance, faculty size and make-up, and curricula.
Future Cluster Directions:
Given the merger of LTSS with Lenoir-Rhyne University, and in light of the new venture
between LTSG and LTSP, the board of the Eastern Cluster will now begin to consider the
best way for the strong collaborative work of the Cluster to continue under the new
configuration of schools. Alongside the work that the Cluster schools are doing together,
there is a renewed commitment by all eight ELCA seminaries to find ways to work
effectively together. This has been prompted by the work of the ELCA’s Theological
Education Advisory Council (TEAC) which has encouraged the broad cooperation of the
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ELCA’s theological network. One of the principle results of this work has been a
proposal by which the eight schools can collaborate and share resources across a digital
learning exchange platform. A successful venture of this kind would benefit all synods
and the entire ELCA by making theological education more accessible to leaders of
many kinds. This initiative is in the early stages of development.
With Appreciation:
The Cluster is grateful for support to theological education and our seminaries from our
partner synods and churchwide organization.
Respectfully submitted by The Rev. Dr. Bill Trexler, Cluster Board Chair, and
The Rev. Dr. Clay Schmit, Cluster Executive Director
Estonian-Finnish Task Force
The Delaware-Maryland Synod has shared a companion synod relationship with
members of the Estonian Lutheran Church and the Tampere Diocese of the Finnish
Lutheran Church for two decades. The ministry has involved visitation exchanges
between the various countries, and it enables the sharing of history, ministry and
mission.
This past year, delegations from Finland and Estonia visited the Delaware-Maryland
Synod. A highlight of the trip was participating in our 2015 Synod Assembly. In
addition, they visited many of the congregations, ministries, and Lutheran basedinstitutions which make up the territory of the synod. Great thanks to all the volunteers
who made the stay of our international guests such a wonderful experience for all!
A small delegation has been invited to a special conference to be held in Finland this
upcoming September.
A wonderful outgrowth of this past year’s visit has been two years of bringing Finnish
camp counselors over to serve at Mar-Lu-Ridge. This will be the third year of such an
initiative, as Mar-Lu-Ridge will welcome yet another counselor to serve this summer.
The Estonian-Finnish Task Force is the synod's team to help facilitate and grow this
ministry. If you would like to find out more, or to become involved, please contact me at
revfuhrman@msn.com.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Matthew C. Fuhrman, Chair
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Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Region 8
According to 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 aspects of that work of the
Region 8:
Candidacy and Assignment of First Call Candidates is, perhaps, the primary area
of responsibility in my portfolio.
 In many respects I serve as adjunct staff to each Region 8 synod; in
addition to my service at every synod’s candidacy committee meeting, I
am the ‘go-to’ person for all things candidacy. This work regularly
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.
 Each year we hold at least one Region-wide candidacy gathering for each
synod’s candidacy staff and committee chair person; also invited are any
number of colleagues in ministry from across the region (e.g., Directors
for Evangelical Mission). Throughout 2015 we reviewed DRAFT
Candidacy Manual material and utilized the skills of several Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (LTSG) colleagues to discuss the
implications for the candidacy due to the changes in the LTSG Master of
Divinity degree options, the development of a partnered Distributive
Learning program between Lutheran Theological Seminary at
Philadelphia/LTSG, the piloting of electronic student portfolios, and
ongoing work in the development of a competency-based MDiv program.
First Call Theological Education 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.
 Region 8 partners find continuing value in cooperative efforts in some key
aspects of the First Call Theological Education (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.
 Due to the changes in both theological education and candidacy, Region 8
partners took the opportunity to review and restructure our approach to
the annual FCTE Conference; that structure debuted in the November
2014 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. Due to
the success of the new structure in 2014, for the November 2015
conference we implemented the full structure of this plan (which includes
three learning tracks, with nine segments).
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In addition to the conference, each synod also provides more contextual
opportunities.
Support of newly called synod staff is yet another aspect of my service.
 Bishop Riegel began service on September 1, 2015, in the West VirginiaWestern Maryland Synod and I spend time assisting with his orientation
for service and supporting the work of the synod’s emerging staff.
Global Gathering efforts is yet another facet of my service in Region 8.
 We Are Church Together – Region 8 Networks for Mission Gathering is
scheduled for October 6-8, 2016; this effort (in collaboration with
Chicago-based staff) brings together six churchwide networks (Global
Mission/Companion Synods, Mission Interpreters, Synod/Congregation
Communicators, World Hunger/Malaria, Disaster Response, and
Stewardship) and two Region-based networks (youth/young adults and
green initiatives).
Respectfully submitted by Nancy E. Gable, Diaconal Minister, D. Ed.
Coordinator for Missional Leadership - Region 8
Gettysburg College
Blessed be God at all times, now, always, and forever!
Grace, mercy and peace to you.
Last year I wrote to you (the supporting synods associated with Gettysburg College)
regarding our shared commitment to “education and the spiritual formation of maturing
young adults.” At that time mention was made of the continuing need to “foster habits of
mind and heart that assist in making this world better and more just.” Toward that end,
the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life assists the Gettysburg College community in
exercising and contemplating life with God.
In recent years this work has become more and more difficult as fewer and fewer young
people arrive at colleges and universities with a depth of spiritual formation. Each
passing decade since the 1970s has seen the number of students sharing Lutheran
tradition and backgrounds shrink while the general climate for religious life in America
sadly dawdles suffering threat from political extremism, segregation and bias, and life
challenges in the modern world.
In an effort to address these concerns and build communities of faith and justice in an
increasingly secularized environment we have given more attention in recent years to
promoting Ecumenical and Interfaith dialogue, understanding and engagement. By
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using dialogues, focused small group discussion, lectures and the limited degree of
diversity found to exist within this community we have tried to foster a climate of
understanding that moves beyond tolerance to respect and appreciation. This work has
been done – notwithstanding the need for students to increase knowledge of their own
faith traditions and backgrounds – in an atmosphere where faith and life intersections
are infrequently addressed and/or acknowledged.
As Chaplain of the College the work I engage in relates primarily to religious and
spiritual apprehensions of reality. A chaplain functions primarily as a priest and pastor
beyond the parameters of the usual ecclesial environment. In higher education,
chaplains help members of the communities they serve to discover what their real and
true religious convictions are. We do this by engaging in sacramental and ritual
practices, through pastoral conversation and counsel, spiritual direction and prayer,
through religious education and preaching. Our work while focused on students is not
limited to students. We serve the whole of campus life – faculty, staff, parents of
students, alumni of the institution and the community at large.
Hopefully, I also model for our students how a mature human being is able to more fully
integrate the symbolic world of meaning known through prayer and spiritual practices
with intellectual thought.
Ours is a tradition that came into being within the context of a university, a center of
learning. Martin Luther as a professor of Hebrew Scripture strove to interpret the Word
of God in a manner that was faithful and intellectually responsible. His witness inspires
the witness I share.
We live in a world where there is also great spiritual hunger, yet many feel burdened by
life’s urgent demands for time and attention. In such a world, practices that feed hungry
souls are rarely understood.
We share with the synods of the ELCA a commitment to helping maturing young adults
integrate faith and learning.
We hope that as you share with us in this our common mission you will encourage the
young people in your congregations and communities to consider Gettysburg College!
We’d love to welcome them to what may become for them their home away from home.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Donnella II, Chaplain
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Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM), The University of Maryland, College Park
Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Maryland, a ministry with young adults,
continues to build disciples and leaders in the church. Check out our webpage for
photos, videos, and more information about campus ministry at the University of
Maryland.
In the 2015-2016 school year we are engaging in faith formation, leadership
development, and discipleship building through these weekly programs:
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Dinner and casual, student-led worship every Sunday night during the semester
Four student-led small groups (called “huddles”) centered around discipleship
building in everyday lives
Sharing lemonade on campus with students, providing an opportunity for
relationship building
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
In addition, we have several special events throughout the year:
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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, 14 people
went to South Carolina to learn about race and poverty
A yearly road trip at the end of the school year; last 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. This year (2016) we will go to
Haiti
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
We have a special focus on sharing the good news with students who have not heard it
before (or, who have heard a distorted message). As such, we continue to reimagine
what we do and how we do it in order to be completely welcoming to first time
worshippers.
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We are in the midst of a three year capital campaign to raise $150,000 for LCM@UMD
with the goal to keep campus ministry strong for the next fifty years.
Walking with students during these formative years in their lives and faith is an
incredible opportunity. There are many ways to support this ministry with young adults.
If you or your congregation would like to sponsor one of our student dinners, collect
supplies for our backpack or coat drives, host Joyful Noise (the student praise band),
take a special offering to support the ministry, or more, please contact the Rev. Ray
Ranker at rayranker@gmail.com or 410-294-6691.
Thank you for your continued prayers and generous support! www.LutheranTerps.com
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Ray Ranker
Lutheran Community Services
In 2015, the overarching theme of our agency was “Building Hope, Improving Lives.”
This theme supports our mission, “Sharing God’s Blessings by Helping Others in Need,”
which we achieve through our emergency food, homelessness prevention, and other
important programs for low income people.
On one level, we can report strictly numerical achievements. Last year, through all of
our services, we provided assistance 70,868 times. Our food program, which operates
from 13 different sites – from Lutheran churches to high-rise low income senior
residences – provided 60,660 instances of service for those with food security issues.
Our housing program is probably the most expensive and labor-intensive of our
programs. In 2015, we prevented the trauma of homelessness for 938 people by
providing emergency grants, zero-interest loans, security deposits, or help with utilities
in arrears. Most of these folks had received eviction notices and were full of despair
about what they perceived as dismal futures living in their car or on the street. Indeed,
some of them were already there.
LCS’s other programs include free clothing (helping 2,245 people), smoking cessation
assistance (helping 5,890 people), social opportunities for senior men (175), and a small
number (22) of crucially important back-to-work grants to help clients reenter the
workforce.
But more than just these cold numbers, it was our capacity to love our clients that
warmed our community in 2015. We demonstrate this from our first contact with callers
and guests. All of them were low income, because that is who we serve. They all had
various needs. And we listened to them. For many of our clients, this was the first time
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in many years that someone took the time to sit down and hear them out, to
demonstrate understanding and compassion for them. We heard their stories, and
wherever appropriate we connected them to one or more of our services.
Can you imagine the fear of the single young mother, earning $12 an hour, whose
cupboard is bare, whose rent is overdue and who has no bank account? Yet, so many
times after connecting with LCS, that fear turned to joy when we listened to her story,
referred her to financial counseling, offered a hug and a prayer if needed, wrote a check
to the landlord, and enough food for her family to eat for three days. That is the kind of
love we show, one that is based on sensitivity and caring.
In each of our clients we believe we have instilled an element of hope, so that they can
learn to trust again, not only people, but God as well. So armed, they can go forward to
change and improve their lives.
Our work has been made easier in 2015 by our new building, at 2809 Baynard
Boulevard, in Wilmington, Delaware, which we moved into in April. The building is a
tool to assist us, and it allows us to consider opportunities never possible before.
Respectfully submitted by Deaconess Jean Warren, LCSW, Executive Director
Lutheran Development Alliance
Lutheran Development Alliance is a partnership among the Delaware-Maryland Synod
ELCA, the ELCA Foundation, and twelve 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 –
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
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Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg
A NEW SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY:
Responding to the call of the churchwide network of theological education, Gettysburg
Seminary concluded that “business as usual” could and would not continue much longer
in governance and structure of stand-alone seminaries. In January, the boards of
Gettysburg and Philadelphia seminaries declared intention to form a new school of
theology, deployed across the two campuses. Following the decision, a Steering
Committee and eight work groups have formed to plan and propose design, structure,
budget and timelines for support the final decisions by the schools to move forward
toward a 2017 start. Watch for up to date report at your Synod Assembly about the
project to create the first mainstream new school of theology in more than a half
century, the newest school with the deepest roots, and a more sustainable form for
theological education.
UNPRECEDENTED STUDENT SUPPORT—TUITION FREE:
In keeping with the spirit of the new school project, both Gettysburg and Philadelphia
seminaries announced in February a full tuition offer to seminarians beginning fall
2016. This offer utilizes restricted scholarship funds drawn from the endowment, made
available by lower enrollments and in faith that over time, increased support will sustain
this unprecedented offer.
God’s Call; Your Path: MDivForward Launched:
Continuing to keep the Gettysburg offer of theological education and leadership
formation on the cutting edge among seminaries, the faculty launched a new Master of
Divinity curriculum with multiple tracks, which beginning later in 2016 will include a
“distributed learning” (with more online courses) option.
Public Witness as Confederate Flag Banned:
As many in our nation reexamined the display of symbols associated with the slaverydemanding Confederacy, we banned the historic battle flag from “living history”
summer encampments on our campus, incurring the ire of many on social media sites
who deemed the move anti-historical. Most who responded applauded our seizing an
opportunity for bold public witness to the Seminary’s commitments and values.
Faith & Science (AAAS Science & Faith Grants):
Led by Professors Mark Oldenburg and Leonard Hummel, the Seminary was one of only
ten schools in the U.S. and Canada to receive a $250,000 grant from the American
Academy for the Advancement of Science. Efforts to equip students and church leaders
for stronger engagement with questions of faith and science include the upcoming 2016
Spring Academy, and greater emphases in courses throughout the curriculum.
“Gettysburg: Quest for Meaning” Offers Unique Perspectives:
In still another scholarly endeavor, the Seminary Ridge Press published an anthology of
theological and pastoral articles related in various ways to the great Civil War battle and
the ongoing challenges of realizing Abraham Lincoln’s vision of “increased devotion to a
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more humane, equitable, and just society.” Available through the Seminary bookstore:
717-338-3005.
Other highlights of the year include:
● 50th Playing of the Lutherbowl flag football
tournament;
● Expansion of The Weekend, a discernment event
in spring and now fall as well;
● Recognition of Dean Kristin Largen’s book “Finding God”
by Pacific Coast Theological Society;
● Welcomed Vincent Evener to the faculty in
Reformation History;
● Pamela and Michael Cooper-White’s “Exploring
Practices” cited among year’s best by Christian
Century.
Gettysburg Seminary gains its bold vision and courage from the support it receives from
the Synods of Region 8 in the ELCA. Every gift, every student, every prayer and every
encouraging word counts in the sustaining of graduate theological education. Thank you
from us all!
Respectfully submitted by Michael L. Cooper-White, President
Dr. James Lakso, Chair of the Board
Lutheran World Relief (LWR)
Lasting Partnership
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 at Work
Your gifts in 2015 contributed to a year of life-sustaining work. With your help, LWR:
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Reached more than four million people through 126 projects in 36 countries.
Distributed $12.9 million worth of LWR Quilts and Kits to more than 674,000
people in 19 countries.
In 2015, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) directly supported LWR
with more than $2.2 million, helping to fund 26 projects in 13 countries. Thank you!
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Immediate Relief to Long-Term Response: The Nepal Earthquakes
In the spring of 2015, two extremely powerful earthquakes struck Nepal destroying
homes and affecting more than 8 million people. The ELCA generously contributed
$200,000 to support LWR’s response, providing families with emergency shelter, food
packets, LWR Quilts and Personal Care Kits and opportunities to earn much needed
income through cash-for-work programs that paid community members to help clear
local roads. Now in its second phase, your continued support is reaching farming
families with livestock and seeds, skills trainings on masonry, animal husbandry and
vegetable farming, and cash-for-work opportunities for the rehabilitation of irrigation
systems. We will also begin permanent shelter construction as soon as possible.
Networked Farming in Uganda
In 2015, the ELCA contributed nearly $93,000 to support LWR’s work with Gumutindo
Coffee Cooperative Enterprises in Uganda to help coffee farmers grow quality coffee that
sells for a good price. With your help, we are training some of the farmers to be
Community Knowledge Workers, who receive special training, along with a smartphone
that connects to a database of agricultural knowledge they can search and use to help
fellow farmers troubleshoot problems and improve their farms. This method of
providing technical assistance has dramatically cut down wait times for services.
Celebrating 20 Years of LWR Fair Trade! Since 1996, Lutherans in the U.S. have
supported small-scale farmers around the world by purchasing Fair Trade coffee,
chocolate and other items through LWR Fair Trade. When you buy LWR Fair Trade
products from Equal Exchange, a portion of your purchases benefit the LWR Small
Farmer Fund, which supports smallholder farmers and their families. Celebrate and
learn more at lwr.org/fairtrade.
Thank You!
We thank you for your continued partnership! LWR invites you to stay in touch so you
can see how your support is changing lives. And we welcome your feedback!
Mar-Lu-Ridge Camp and Retreat Center
The theme of the summer was “We are called…” 2 Timothy 1:9 says “So do not be
ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in
suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy
life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” Campers and staff
explored what it meant to be called into community, prayer, service, forgiveness, and
love. They were challenged to take that servant attitude out into the world and make a
difference in their homes, congregations, and schools.
This past year has been one of great reward as well as great challenge. The work of MarLu-Ridge goes on each day in a variety of ways, many of which are never seen by the
majority of our guests and campers. There is a community of people who are dedicated
to preserving the history of this camp and working to ensure our presence for
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generations to come. On days when it is difficult to manage increasing costs and aging
facilities, my mind is drawn to summer days, and the amazing community of campers
and staff who fill the mountain with the joy of the Lord. I received a letter from a camper
parent, and the words reminded me once again, that what we do here is important:
“I asked her why (she loves camp) and she told me about all the friends she makes, the
activities she does, but here’s the kicker. She said camp is the one place where at all
times its 100% ok to talk about how much you love Jesus. She feels that camp is a place
where she can show her faith in the company of others who are showing theirs and be
loved and accepted. So I wanted to pass that on to you as an affirmation of the extremely
important work that you do every summer. The faith formation of so many youth, along
with connecting kids to God’s creation and our call to serve is just awesome. Thank you
for all that you do and God’s continued blessings on your ministry!”
During the month of February, we celebrated I Love Camp month. Photos and
testimonies poured in from people who have been changed by their time at Mar-LuRidge. Oftentimes, God is at work in ways we know nothing about – God is changing
lives in this community, and those people take that joy and love out into the world. Our
campers had the opportunity to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Together, we
learned about brothers and sisters in need around the world, and poured our love and
prayers into every quilt. Our Nature director spent hours leading campers and staff in
simple lessons about our beautiful creation, and offered concrete steps for continuing
this stewardship at home. Karl and I began to develop an Environmental Education
program, which we hope will provide overnight and day retreat opportunities for school
children throughout the year.
One of the highlights of my year was the opportunity to attend the Lutheran Outdoor
Ministries conference in November. Camp directors and staff from Lutheran camps all
across the U.S. gathered at Lutheridge, in western North Carolina, for five days of
continuing education workshops, small group discussion, worship and relationship
building. The people I met are doing amazing things at their camp and retreat centers,
and I was affirmed as I shared news of our programming and work with groups such as
Lutheran Volunteer Corps, Lutheran Social Services, and a variety of outside camps who
utilize our facility. I made many new friends and further developed my network of
support – people who understand the unique issues we deal with on a daily basis and
are quick to offer advice or prayers. I am very grateful to the Board of Directors for
supporting me in this endeavor and hope to participate yearly.
It all comes down to community. Whether the people are right here in the form of my
full-time staff, with us seasonally like our summer staff, volunteering time on the
grounds or in the office, sharing news of the ministry in their congregations, hosting
Mobile Mar Lu’s, or financially supporting our work, we are blessed beyond measure to
be community.
Respectfully submitted by Sarah Lefler, Executive Director
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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 Iraq; from supporting the start-up
of new and renewing congregations, to supporting our ELCA Malaria Campaign as we
work with partner churches in education about the prevention and treatment of the
disease (we worked together to reach the goal of $15 million); 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
Thank you for making a difference!
Respectfully submitted by Claudia Harrington
Mission Investment Fund
The Mission Investment Fund (MIF), a financial ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America, makes low-interest loans to established ELCA congregations and
ELCA-related ministries for building projects.
Established congregations use MIF loans to renovate, expand or relocate. New-start
congregations relay on MIF loans to buy land and construct their first church buildings.
ELCA-related ministries use MIF loans for a variety of capital projects.
At year-end 2015, MIF had 830 loans outstanding, totaling $492 million.
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To fund these loans, MIF offers a portfolio 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.
At year-end 2015, MIF investments by congregations, their members, synods and ELCArelated ministries totaled $464 million. The Mission Investment Fund is a financially
strong and stable organization, with a record of steady, controlled growth. With total
assets of $663 million and net assets of $194 million at year-end 2015, MIF maintains a
capital ratio of 29 percent – positioning MIF in the top tier of well-capitalized church
extension funds.
MIF Investments and Loans in the Delaware-Maryland Synod as of December 31, 2015:
 22 Mission Investment Fund loans, with a balance of $9,119,354, are at work
throughout the synod.
 Investments in the Mission Investment Fund by 130 individuals, 77
congregations, four ministries and the synod totaled $13,582,803.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Kent Peterson, Regional Manager
Mosaic
Together, we are the church. If Mosaic had theme for 2015, it was “better together.” Too
often people with intellectual disabilities are missing in our communities, not because of
malice, but because of misunderstanding. Every day we work to ensure that the more
than 3,700 people we support have opportunities to live, work and worship in
supportive, inclusive communities.
A highlight of the year was attending the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit, Mich.,
where we shared the message that our faith communities are better when people with
intellectual disabilities are included as valued and active participants. Hundreds of
students and adult leaders stopped by to learn about the work Mosaic does from Ryan,
who is served by Mosaic in Central Iowa.
Rejoicing Spirits, which helps churches partner with people with intellectual disabilities
to build more diverse churches, continues to grow. You can learn more at
rejoicingspirits.org.
We are also happy to report the success of our new partnership with Wartburg Seminary
to educate future church leaders about ministry among people with disabilities through
an immersion class taught at our campus in Axtell, Neb. There aren’t many
opportunities for church leaders to explore this type of ministry in a hands-on way.
We invite you to come learn more about how we can work together to build more diverse
and welcoming communities. Call any location or 877.366.7242 for information.
Respectfully submitted by Linda Timmons, President and CEO
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National Lutheran Communities & Services
Serving seniors since 1890, National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS)
continues to write the chapters that will prepare the organization for another 125 years.
While seniors’ needs will continue to change, one thing remains constant—our
unchanging values.
The Village at Rockville (TVAR):
In 2015, the community celebrated the completion of a four-and-a-half year renovation
project. The Library, Hair Salon, Assisted Living Dining Room, Art Room, and Gift Shop
opened in brand new, beautiful spaces. The Assisted Living Memory Support
neighborhood opened in August. In celebration of our 125th anniversary, events
throughout the summer were crowned with a grand celebration in September. The
Cherish campaign was also completed this year and is helping to firmly establish new
memory care and support programs—new iniatives for TVAR. It also reflects the strong
commitment to benevolent care. Approximately $5.9 million in benevolent care was
provided to residents no longer able to afford the cost of services. By growing the
benevolent care endowment, Cherish will empower us to continue to provide needed
assistance for the next 125 years.
The Village at Orchard Ridge (TVOR)
The community was a lively place of growth, transformation, and coming into its own in
2015. By February, the Assisted Living Memory Care reached its capacity of serving 18
residents. In July, with the addition of six more cottages in Phase II Construction, the
total cottage count reached 69. Not only was there growth of residents, the campus
expansion project which kicked off in 2014, includes new spaces. The expansion
includes 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 in Orchard Woods Health Center. Completion of Phase II is
expected in early 2017. With much growth, TVOR also experienced transformation in
leadership, bringing Melissa Fortner on board as the new Executive Director mid-year.
Furthermore, $346,316 in benevolent care was provided residents no longer able to
afford the cost of services.
The Legacy at North Augusta (TLNA)
The community experienced a year of growth and change in 2015. In partnership with
Mary Baldwin College, the community hosted an intern from the Health Care
Administration program. Although her initial path was public health, she decided that
she would pursue Administration in long-term care after her experience at TLNA. Later
in November, the residents, family members and staff celebrated NLCS’ 125th
Anniversary. In 2015, $113,867 in benevolent care was provided to residents no longer
able to afford the cost of services. Furthermore, the possibility of adding Memory
Support services has been an ongoing discussion.
myPotential at Home
2015 marked the first fiscal operational year for myPotential at Home and brought
tremendous growth. They expanded beyond the walls of sister organization The Village
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at Orchard Ridge by meeting the home care needs of clients living in the greater
Winchester and Frederick county areas. 11% of all myPotential at Home clients live in
Winchester. In October, Personal Assistants began offering chauffeuring services to
escort clients to and from doctors’ appointments as well as to social activities such as
group exercise class and even family reunions. In total, Personal Assistants put in over
400 hours behind the wheel. In June, they also hired a Marketing and Community
Outreach Liaison. Through marketing and advertising, and involvement in local
community outreach events, their client census continues to rise.
National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS)
In 2015, NLCS celebrated its legacy of caring for seniors for 125 years. In May, NLCS
threw a gala at the original site of The National Lutheran Home in Washington, D.C.
Staff, board members, and instrumental persons throughout the history of the
organization enjoyed an elegant evening honoring NLCS’ heritage. The Community
Impact Grant program continued to grow as NLCS awarded $221,250 to 21 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. The Village at Crystal
Spring in Annapolis, Md., continues to make progress and we are hopeful of receiving
approvals by the summer of 2016. For more updates and information, visit
www.nationallutheran.org
Portico Benefit Services
It’s an interesting — and challenging — time to be the church. Ministry leaders are
learning to navigate the changing culture by holding on to the best of the past while
finding ways to be creative, nimble, and resilient. This is just as true for Portico.
As we navigate the changing landscape, we are guided by two core values: stewardship
and collaboration. For us, that means caring wisely for all we are entrusted to manage —
time, money, our employees, and the well-being of those we serve — so leaders can
access important benefits and resources, today and in retirement. Here are a few ways
we’re putting those values into practice:
We spend and invest with care. In these times of rising health care costs and tight church
budgets, we work hard to follow a lean, carefully managed spending plan with a goal of
keeping costs low. As 2015 investment markets dramatically rose and fell, our active
investment management strategy and strategic asset allocations helped improve
retirement fund returns in an otherwise disappointing year.
We seek opportunities to provide the best health care value. The past two years brought,
in some instances, double-digit percentage increases for those employers sponsoring
members in the ELCA Health Plan. Although this was in line with nationwide averages,
we realize for congregations this is an unsustainable trend. We are committed to
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keeping administrative expenses below 12% of our health care budget, and are
aggressively working with our vendor partners to find new savings opportunities.
We tap technology to reach our leaders more efficiently. By converting our popular preretirement seminar into a series of three webinars, we were able to complement the rich
educational experience of our in-person seminars with the convenience and costeffectiveness of online learning. We are also developing new webinars designed to help
younger leaders establish a strong financial foundation.
We’ve raised the bar on top-notch customer service. Our members receive more than just
a friendly voice when they call Portico’s Customer Care Center. As a BenchmarkPortalcertified 2015 “Center of Excellence,” we were recognized as one of the top call centers in
the nation in both cost- and quality-related metrics.
We invest in our leaders. Because the future health of our church depends on the health
of its leaders, we are leading the ELCA in calling for a wellness reformation — a renewed
commitment to well-being that comes from healthy lifestyle choices, reduced health
risks, and lower health care costs.
We are encouraging our congregations and church organizations to put the ‘we’ in
wellness by joining in conversation with their pastors and professional staff about
creating a culture that supports healthy lifestyles.
Portico is committed to providing a cost-effective, comprehensive benefit program that
helps our church’s leaders stay nimble, resilient, and confident in these interesting,
challenging times.
Respectfully submitted by the Rev. Jeffrey D. Thiemann, President and CEO
Seafarers International House
For many years, LAMM (Lutheran Advocates for Maritime Mission) has sought to
implement the Great Commission in the maritime world. Last year, LAMM discontinued
its operations and began the process of closure. Seafarers International House was then
asked by the ELCA Churchwide Office to become the voice for maritime mission within
the ELCA and its 65 synods, and we accepted the invitation.
Through the Martha L. McCracken Memorial Scholarship Fund, Seafarers International
House will continue to provide scholarships for Lutheran port chaplains to attend the
annual NAMMA (North American Maritime Ministry Association) conference, a
valuable opportunity for port chaplains to learn, refresh and rejuvenate.
Additionally, Seafarers International House will embark upon an ambitious program of
lifting up maritime ministry throughout the United States, gathering from all Lutheran
chaplains their stories of outreach to seafarers and sharing those stories with the entire
ELCA community. We are excited about this expanded outreach.
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Seafarers International House will continue to serve seafarers in Baltimore,
Philadelphia, New York/New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island as well as
immigrants, human trafficking victims, domestic violence survivors and local disaster
victims in its 84-room guesthouse at 123 East 15th Street, New York City.
Tanzania Task Force
The Tanzania Task Force (TTF) coordinates the Companion Synod relationship of the
Delaware-Maryland Synod with the Mara Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Tanzania. This relationship was celebrated at the 2015 Synod Assembly as Bishop
Michael Adam brought video greetings to the assembled members. In his greeting,
Bishop Adam told about the Mara Diocese’s ministry goals and introduced various
ministries.
The Companion Synod Task Forces (both Tanzania and the Estonian-Finnish) are
funded by donations from congregations and individuals, and not included in synod
annual budgets, so your congregation may want to consider inviting a TTF member to
present information on our work and how you may want to participate.Speakers would
enjoy coming to share their experiences in congregational settings like Youth Groups,
Women’s Groups, and Adult Forums. Another idea is to designate a TTF project as a
recipient of Vacation Bible School offerings or other special fundraising event.
If interested in arranging a speaker, for questions on specific projects for your
congregation to financially support, or if you might like to consider participating in the
TTF’s work, please contact the Rev. Charles Zang (czang@comcast.net).
Respectfully Submitted by the Rev. Charles Zang
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