2019 Bulletin of Reports

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

2019 Bulletin of Reports BULLETIN OF REPORTS BULLETIN OF REPORTS for the THIRTY-SECOND SYNOD ASSEMBLY of the SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to be held at California University of Pennsylvania California, Pennsylvania June 13-15, 2019 Theme “New to the Neighborhood: Always Being Made New” All Voting Members: These printed reports will not be read at the assembly; therefore, you should read them prior to the Assembly. Please bring this Bulletin of Reports with you to the Synod Assembly. Also, please note that the following items, previously published in the “Proceedings” book, are now part of this publication: Minutes of the 2018 Synod Assembly; the Synod’s Constitution and Bylaws; 2019 Compensation Guidelines; and Synod Statistics. Each of these documents, as well as the current roster and the Bulletin of Reports in its entirety, can also be downloaded from the synod’s website. 1 April, 2019 BULLETIN OF REPORTS April, 2019 2 BULLETIN OF REPORTS SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD SYNODICAL DIRECTORY 2019 SYNOD OFFICE 9625 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237 Phone: (412) 367-8222 Fax: (412) 369-8840 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Web Site (URL): http://www.swpasynod.org Officers of the Synod Bishop ............................................The Reverend Kurt F. Kusserow Vice President ...............................................Mr. R. Brandon James Secretary ................................................Ms. Jeannette Christensen Treasurer ...............................................................Ms. Jane Bittcher Assistants to the Bishop The Reverend Peter D. Asplin The Reverend Sarah M. Lee-Faulkner Assistant to the Bishop/Director for Evangelical Mission The Reverend Melissa L. Stoller Director of the Synod Resource Center Deacon Elizabeth A. Caywood Office Information The Synod Office is open daily, Monday through Friday, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Day before Christmas, Christmas Day, Day after Christmas. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, Friday will be taken as the holiday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, Monday will be taken as the holiday. 3 April, 2019 BULLETIN OF REPORTS TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Agapé Ministries ............................................................................................................................9, 191-192 Appointed Committees and Boards of Synod ............................................................................................. 13 Archives and History ........................................................................................................................... 12, 182 Assembly Planning Committee and Chairpersons ..................................................................................... 12 Assembly Information and Procedures (BLUE PAGES) ........................................................................ 18-19 Assembly Program, Proposed (BLUE PAGES) ..................................................................................... 15-17 Assistants to the Bishop and Director for Evangelical Mission, Report of ������������������������������������������110-111 Auditor’s Report ................................................................................................................................. 120-157 Bethesda Lutheran Services ......................................................................................................... 9, 187-188 Bishop, Report of the ......................................................................................................................... 109-110 Budget and Finance Committee ......................................................................................................... 12, 184 Calendar of Causes ...................................................................................................................................... 8 Campus Ministry - Lutheran Campus Ministry in Greater Pittsburgh .......................................... 13, 193-195 Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania ........................................................................ 13, 197-198 Church in Society Committee ..............................................................................................................11, 177 Closing of Synod Assembly ...................................................................................................................... 203 Communication Services Committee .......................................................................................... 11, 177-178 Compensation Guidelines, 2019 ....................................................................................................... 265-271 Conferences .......................................................................................................................................... 65-68 Conference Cabinets .................................................................................................................................. 64 Conference Deans’ Reports .............................................................................................................. 171-173 Congregational Data and Statistics ....................................................................................................... 46-63 Congregational Directory (BLUE PAGES) ............................................................................................. 70-73 Congregational Life Committee .......................................................................................................... 10, 178 Constitution and Bylaws, SW PA Synod ................................................................................................ 21-44 Consultation Committee ............................................................................................................................. 10 Discipline, Committee on ............................................................................................................................ 10 Ecumenical Affairs Committee ...................................................................................................... 13,182-183 Ecumenical Full Communion Partners, Local (YELLOW PAGES) ............................................................. 95 Ecumenical Units, Representatives to ........................................................................................................ 13 ELCA Presiding Bishop, Report of ............................................................................................................ 108 ELCA Churchwide Representative, William “Bill” Horne II ........................................................................ 103 ELCA Foundation Gift Planning Partnership ............................................................................................ 201 Evangelical Mission, Director for (Assistant to the Bishop) ................................................................110-111 Glade Run Lutheran Services ....................................................................................................... 9, 188-189 Global Mission Committee .................................................................................................................. 10, 178 Keynote Speaker, Carrie Taneyhill (First Keynote) ................................................................................... 105 Keynote Speaker, Krish O’Mara Vignarajah (Second Keynote) ............................................................... 107 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania .............................................................................. 13, 195-196 Lutheran SeniorLife ....................................................................................................................... 9, 189-191 Lutheran Service Society of Western Pennsylvania ..................................................................................... 9 Lutherlyn ........................................................................................................................................ 9, 192-193 Map of the Synod ....................................................................................................................................... 69 Ministers Not on Roster, Serving in the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod .............................................. 96 Ministers of Word and Sacrament, Roster of (YELLOW PAGES) ......................................................... 75-93 Ministers of Word and Service, Roster of (YELLOW PAGES) .............................................................. 94-95 April, 2019 4 BULLETIN OF REPORTS TABLE OF CONTENTS - continued Page Ministry Committee .............................................................................................................................10, 179 MINUTES OF THE 2018 SYNOD ASSEMBLY ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������205-250 First Plenary Session ................................................................................................................. 206-220 Second Plenary Session ............................................................................................................ 221-233 Third Plenary Session ...............................................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • Great Cloud of Witnesses.Indd
    A Great Cloud of Witnesses i ii A Great Cloud of Witnesses A Calendar of Commemorations iii Copyright © 2016 by The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America Portions of this book may be reproduced by a congregation for its own use. Commercial or large-scale reproduction for sale of any portion of this book or of the book as a whole, without the written permission of Church Publishing Incorporated, is prohibited. Cover design and typesetting by Linda Brooks ISBN-13: 978-0-89869-962-3 (binder) ISBN-13: 978-0-89869-966-1 (pbk.) ISBN-13: 978-0-89869-963-0 (ebook) Church Publishing, Incorporated. 19 East 34th Street New York, New York 10016 www.churchpublishing.org iv Contents Introduction vii On Commemorations and the Book of Common Prayer viii On the Making of Saints x How to Use These Materials xiii Commemorations Calendar of Commemorations Commemorations Appendix a1 Commons of Saints and Propers for Various Occasions a5 Commons of Saints a7 Various Occasions from the Book of Common Prayer a37 New Propers for Various Occasions a63 Guidelines for Continuing Alteration of the Calendar a71 Criteria for Additions to A Great Cloud of Witnesses a73 Procedures for Local Calendars and Memorials a75 Procedures for Churchwide Recognition a76 Procedures to Remove Commemorations a77 v vi Introduction This volume, A Great Cloud of Witnesses, is a further step in the development of liturgical commemorations within the life of The Episcopal Church. These developments fall under three categories. First, this volume presents a wide array of possible commemorations for individuals and congregations to observe.
    [Show full text]
  • Concordia Theological Seminary
    2020 Concordia Theological Seminary www.ctsfw.edu ACADEMIC 2021 CATALOG Notes for Christ in the Classroom and Community: The citation for the quote on pages 13-14 is from Robert D. Preus,The Theology of Post- Reformation Lutheranism, vol. 1(St. Louis: Concordia, 1970), 217. Excerpts from Arthur A. Just Jr., “The Incarnational Life,” and Pam Knepper, “Kramer Chapel: The Jewel of the Seminary,”(For the Life of the World, June 1998) were used in this piece. CONTENTS Communicating with the Seminary . 3 Christ in the Classroom and Community . 5 From the President . 10 History . 13 Mission Statement . 14 Faculty/Boards/Staff . 17 Academic Calendar . 28 Academic Programs . 30 Academic Policies and Information . 104 Seminary Community Life . 120 Financial Information . 123 Course Descriptions . 132 Buildings and Facilities . 196 Campus Map . 198 Index . 200 This catalog is a statement of the policies, personnel, and financialarrangements of Concordia Theological Seminary , Fort Wayne (CTSFW), Indiana, as projected by the responsible authorities of the Seminary. The Seminary reserves the right to make alterations without prior notice, in accordance with the school’s institutional needs and academic purposes. 2 n Concordia Theological Seminary—Fort Wayne, Indiana Academic Catalog 2020–2021 n 3 COMMUNICATING WITH THE SEMINARY Concordia Theological Seminary 6600 North Clinton Street Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825-4996 www.ctsfw.edu Telephone Numbers: Switchboard . (260) 452-2100 Fax . (260) 452-2121 Admission . (800) 481-2155 Email: Accounting Office . [email protected] Cashier Student Accounts Admission . [email protected] MDiv, Alternate Route MA in Deaconess Studies MA in Pastoral Studies Advancement . [email protected] Alumni Affairs Annuities, Gifts, Trusts Continuing Education .
    [Show full text]
  • The Trinitarian Our Mission Is to Worship… Learn… Serve… Our Vision Is to Seek, Serve, and Accept All
    The Trinitarian Our Mission is to Worship… Learn… Serve… Our Vision is to Seek, Serve, and Accept All. November 2020 Dear People of God, Fall Worship Schedule We will be holding Communion services live on On November 29, Advent begins. A short, anticipatory Sundays in November at 4 pm in the parking lot. Bring season of liturgical joy. Speaking for myself, I would your mask and a lounge chair from enjoy nothing more than an Advent hymn/carol-sing, home or sit in your car. Due to working through every song in the ELW! But, I imagine restrictions, only 50 people will be I would be in the minority on that. able to participate. Sign up with the Each time I write for the Trinitarian now, I wonder if it church office via phone or email, or will be my last newsletter with you. The Trinity call use the Signup Genius link in the process is moving forward and before you know it, you weekly Tidings. [Note: your RSVP ensures we have a will likely be getting introduced to your prospective preliminary count for communion, as well as a means new pastor. How exciting for you and for them! And to contact you if we cancel due to inclement weather.] I can't think of a better season than Advent to Continuing this week at the service, we will be anticipate a new pastor. collecting food donations for Living Faith Lutheran The world in which we find ourselves is desperate and Church’s food pantry, alongside the offering plate. The chaotic.
    [Show full text]
  • Leading Lights of Augustana: a Personal Valedictory Gerald Christianson
    Leading Lights of Augustana: A Personal Valedictory Gerald Christianson The envelope, please. And the nominees are . .Wait! That’s the wrong program. This is not about winners. It’s about leading lights in our lives and highlights in our history. So let me set the tone with a personal nomination that fills both categories. Her name was not submitted by anyone. I am surprised, shocked. How could we miss Ma Sac, Ms. Sacrison, the seminary housemother in the 50’s and 60’s? Who else saved the seminary buildings from the devastation of a tornado by urging us students to open our windows to let it pass through? Who saved the seminary, and all of Rock Island, from a massive power failure by blowing the dust out of the electrical cords? Who else can match this record? For many of us, she was a highlight: a loving person who tried to bring dignity and order to seminary life--sometimes even with success--and generally accepted our good-natured attempts at humor with kindness and patience. On this night we celebrate, say farewell, and offer benediction. So let’s get a handle on the adventure before us. In the interests of complete self-disclosure, I am a son of Norwegian parents, adopted by Augustana from childhood, who has tried to remain incognito all these years, only now to be compelled to share a very personal list of leading lights. It’s a no-win proposition: 50 per cent of you may be offended by the ones I choose; the other 50 per cent by those I don’t.
    [Show full text]
  • July 2017 St. Paul's Lutheran Church
    PAUL’S PARISH NEWS SAINT PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Breinigsville, PA JULY/AUGUST 2017 St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church The Reverend Laura L. Stoneback, Pastor 8227 Hamilton Boulevard Breinigsville, PA 18031 Telephone: 610-398-7000 PAUL’S PARISH NEWS is published by St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Dear Friends, As I write this, I am very much aware that this is my last newsletter ‘pastoral’ article. That knowledge comes with so many mixed emotions. I have loved, yes loved serving as pastor of this wonderful congregation over the years. I truly believe my call to service was directed by the Holy Spirit. With your help, I have grown so much as a person and a pastor. I have grown in my relationship with God and together we have strived to be the people of God doing the will of God. I can’t begin to thank you for all the blessings that you have been to me. You have indeed become as family to me, and I will miss our family times in weekly worship very much. Together we have celebrated family events such as baptisms, weddings and dare I forget to mention numerous pot- luck meals. We have comforted one another during times of grief. I am most appreciative of the love and support you showed me upon the death of my Mother a few years ago. Through good and sad times, we have supported one another. It has been a joy to see so many young families and individuals join the congregation, but not only join, but to be welcomed and included.
    [Show full text]
  • Little Journeys with Martin Luther
    Little Journeys With Martin Luther 1 Also Available from LutheranLibrary.org Life Reminiscences of an Old Lutheran Minister by John Gottlieb Morris The First Free Lutheran Diet Edited by Henry Eyster Jacobs Walther and the Predestination Controversy or The Error of Modern Missouri by Schodde et al 2 Martin Luther 3 Four potentates ruled the mind of Europe in the Reformation: the Emperor, Erasmus, the Pope, and Luther. The Pope wanes, a power for all time. His image casts itself upon the current of ages, as the mountain mirrors itself in the river that winds at its foot — the mighty fixing itself immutably upon the changing. — Krauth. 4 About The Lutheran Library The Lutheran Library is a non-profit publisher of good Christian books. All are available in a variety of formats for use by anyone for free or at very little cost. There are never any licensing fees. We are Bible believing Christians who subscribe wholeheartedly to the Augsburg Confession as an accurate summary of Scripture, the chief article of which is Justification by Faith. Our purpose is to make available solid and encouraging material to strengthen believers in Christ. Prayers are requested for the next generation, that the Lord will plant in them a love of the truth, such that the hard-learned lessons of the past will not be forgotten. Please let others know of these books and this completely volunteer endeavor. May God bless you and keep you, help you, defend you, and lead you to know the depths of His kindness and love. 5 Little Journeys With Martin Luther A real book wherein are printed divers sayings and doings of Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • {PDF EPUB} Life and Letters of WA Passavant, D. D by George Henry
    Read Ebook {PDF EPUB} Life and letters of W. A. Passavant, D. D by George Henry Gerberding Feb 26, 2008 · LIFE AND LETTERS OF W. A. Passavant, D. D. BY G. H. GERBERDING, D. D., Professor of Practical Theology in the Theological Seminary of the … Oct 22, 2010 · Life and letters of W. A. Passavant, D. D. Paperback – October 22, 2010 by G. H. (George Henry) 1847-1 Gerberding (Creator) See all formats … life and letters of william a. passavant, d.d. by george h. gerberding, d. d. professor of practical theology in the theological seminary of the evangelical lutheran church, chicago, ill; author of the way of salvation in the lutheran church — new testament conversions — the lutheran pastor, etc. greenville, pa. the young lutheran co. © 1906 / 2018 (cc by 4.0) Life and Letters of W. A. Passavant, D. D. George Henry Gerberding Full view - 1906. Life and Letters of W. A. Passavant,, Part 4 G. H. (George Henry) 1847-1 Gerberding No preview available - … Aug 07, 2012 · Life and letters of W. A. Passavant, D. D. This edition was published in 1906 by Young Lutheran Co. in Greenville, Pa. Download PDF: Sorry, we are unable to provide the full text but you may find it at the following location(s): http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiu... (external link) http ... Source. Gerberding, George Henry. Life and Letters of W.A. Passavant, D.D. Greenville, PA: The Young Lutheran Co., 1906. Gerberding, G.H., LIFE AND LETTERS OF W. A. Passavant, D. D., Illinois Historical Society, 1909 at https://archive.org/stream/lifelettersofwap00gerb/lifelettersofwap00gerb_djvu.txt Jennings, Zelie Some account of Dettmar Basse, the Passavant … 100 1 0 ​‡a Passavant, W.
    [Show full text]
  • Unity, Ecumenicity, and Difference in the Augustana Synod
    Unity, Ecumenicity, and Diff erence in the Augustana Synod by Derek R. Nelson uried beneath the headlines about human sexuality at the BEvangelical Lutheran Church in America’s most recent churchwide assembly in August 2009 was a little-heralded full communion agreement between the ELCA and the United Methodist Church. This was the sixth such bi-lateral agreement between the ELCA and an ecumenical partner (the others are the Presbyterian Church USA, the Episcopal Church, the United Church of Christ, the Moravian Church, and the Reformed Church in America), and the fi rst such agreement for the United Methodist Church. This is a signifi cant moment in the life of the Lutheran and Methodist communions, since no other country has seen such an agreement between a Lutheran and a Methodist church body, even though both are certainly regarded as international Christian churches.1 Further, while this is arguable, the full communion agreement with the United Methodist Church marks the greatest reach, doctrinally speaking, for the ELCA to date. Co-operation in signifi cant ways has long been a feature of Lutheran-Reformed and Lutheran-Episcopal life in the United States. But such mutual ministry as we may now see between the United Methodist Church and the ELCA would have been unthinkable to most in the days of the Augustana Synod. For example, even the otherwise ecumenically minded pioneer pastor Lars Paul Esbjörn refused assistance from the Methodist church in America after his immigration.2 He rebuked them for “the stain on its Christian name”
    [Show full text]
  • Academic Catalog Concordia Theological Seminary Exists to Form Servants in Jesus Christ Who Teach the Faithful, Reach the Lost and Care for All
    ctsfw.edu 2017–2018 Academic Catalog Concordia Theological Seminary exists to form servants in Jesus Christ who teach the faithful, reach the lost and care for all. Notes for Christ in the Classroom and Community: e citation for the quote on pages 13-14 is from Robert D. Preus,e eology of Post-Reformation Lutheranism, vol. 1(St. Louis: Concordia, 1970), 217. Excerpts from Arthur A. Just Jr., “e Incarnational Life,” and Pam Knepper, “Kramer Chapel: e Jewel of the Seminary,”(For the Life of the World, June 1998) were used in this piece. contents Communicating with the Seminary . 3 Christ in the Classroom and Community. 5 From the President . 10 History. 13 Mission Statement. 14 Faculty/Boards/Staff . 16 Academic Calendar. 28 Academic Programs. 30 Academic Policies and Information . 85 Seminary Community Life . 97 Financial Information . 101 Course Descriptions. 111 Buildings and Facilities . 176 Campus Map . 178 Index. 180 is catalog is a statement of the policies, personnel and financial arrangements of Concordia eological Seminary (CTSFW) , Fort Wayne, Indiana, as projected by the responsible authorities of the Seminary. e Seminary reserves the right to make alterations without prior notice, in accordance with the school’s institutional needs and academic purposes. Academic catalog 2017–2018 n 3 coMMUnIcAtInG WItH tHe seMInARY Concordia eological Seminary 6600 North Clinton Street Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825-4996 www.ctsfw.edu telephone numbers: Switchboard. 260.452.2100 Fax . 260.452.2121 Admission . 800.481.2155 email: Admission. [email protected] M.Div., Alternate Route Deaconess Certification, M.A. in Deaconess Studies Advancement . [email protected] Alumni Affairs Annuities, Gis, Trusts Business Office .
    [Show full text]
  • Ordering Diaconal Ministry--Lutheran Perspectives
    Ordering Diaconal Ministry--Lutheran Perspectives E. Louise Williams Valparaiso, Indiana Prepared for the Lay Order Conference Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner United Methodist Church September 26-28, 2014 Abstract Currently, Lutherans around the world have diaconates that are both ordained and lay. This paper will explore Lutheran diaconates in Germany (which has both ordained and non-ordained diaconates) and North America where the diaconates are not ordained (although the matter of ordination is presently under discussion in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and the Nordic countries and Brazil where members of the diaconate are ordained. The paper will explore some of the historical reasons for these choices, look at some of the theological and ecclesial underpinnings of recent decisions, and discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of various perspectives. Further, it will present some of the thinking in current documents of the Lutheran World Federation regarding diaconates and diaconal work. INTRODUCTION Please be advised at the outset that this paper has serious limitations. I am not a church historian, a systematic theologian nor a liturgical scholar. I am not able to read or speak German, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Portuguese or any other language but English. (Although some of what I have written about the diaconate has been published in German, Finnish and Portuguese.) This means that I have not done research with the same kind of rigor as some scholars might, since, in many cases, I have had to rely on secondary sources and documents in translation. Additionally, there is often a time lag until documents are translated into English resulting in some material being out of date.
    [Show full text]
  • PRAYER VENTURES Whom We Commemorate Today
    22 We give thanks for Lutheran World Relief, an 28 We give thanks for ELCA Good Gifts, and its ELCA partner, dedicated to ending poverty, injustice mission to help grow the church, fight hunger and human suffering around the world. and transform lives. We are a church that is freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. With 23 We raise up the faithful bishops of this our hands, we do God’s work of restoring and church, especially Clement, Bishop of Rome, reconciling communities in Jesus Christ’s name PRAYER VENTURES whom we commemorate today. Inspire us with throughout the world. NOVEMBER 2014 the memory of Miguel Agustín Pro, martyr, whom we also commemorate on this day, and all men 29 We give thanks for the ELCA Mission and women who have given their lives in witness Investment Fund, celebrating 100 years of These petitions are offered as guides to prayer for the to your love and truth. strength and stability in offering investments and global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA. ministry loans to individuals and congregations. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and 24 We raise up the pastors of our church, the mission of this church. men and women of the ELCA who shepherd your 30 We give thanks for the apostles, especially people, and we give thanks for Justus Falckner, Andrew, whom we celebrate on this day. The first Jehu Jones, and William Passavant, early pastors of the disciples to be called by Jesus, give grace, 1 On this All Saints Day, we celebrate and give in North America, whom we commemorate today.
    [Show full text]
  • Moving Forward in Faith As a Congregation and Synod
    1301 Colley Ave., Norfolk, VA 23517 Parish Office: 757-625-1953 www.flcnorfolk.com VOL. XXXI OCTOBER 2017 NO. 10 Moving Forward in Faith As a Congregation and Synod t’s that time of year! The end of summer is upon us and the beauty vibrant youth retreats and adult faith gatherings. We all know youth Iof fall is approaching. For some it means a new school year, and and adults in our congregation who benefitted from those ministries. others the excitement of professional and college football along with Some have become leaders and representatives within the congre- the anticipation of the changing season and the unique gifts that gation and Synod. MOVING FORWARD IN FAITH and FOR- autumn gives. WARDING FAITH present giving opportunities to consider and fit harmoniously in our mutual ministries to grow our faith. It is in this spirit that the Stewardship Committee presents, MOV- ING FORWARD IN FAITH as this year’s campaign theme to grow In the coming weeks information and inspiration in the form of tem- our worship, witness, learning, service, and support the building care ple talks, mail, and literature will provide additional enlightenment as funds to maintain our church so we can continue MOVING FOR- you prayerfully consider your giving at home and within our Synod WARD IN FAITH within our lives and community. in anticipation of Commitment Sunday, October 22, 2017. Our Virginia Synod is holding a parallel campaign called FOR- Thank you for your faithful stewardship as we continue MOVING WARDING FAITH. This campaign seeks to ensure the sharing and FORWARD IN FAITH.
    [Show full text]