Bulletin of Reports Thirty-second Annual Northern Illinois Synod Assembly June 14-15, 2019 Augustana College, Rock Island
Table of Contents All contents can be downloaded from the synod website - http://assembly.nisynod.org.
Official Notice ...... 4
Proposed Rules for the Thirty-Second Annual Northern Illinois Synod Assembly ...... 5
Assembly Agenda ...... 10
Letter from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton ...... 14
Report of Northern Illinois Synod Bishop Jeffrey Clements ...... 15 Anniversaries of Rostered Ministers ...... 18 Rostered Ministers Who Have Retired in the Past Year ...... 18
Report of the Synod Vice President ...... 19
Report of the Secretary ...... 19 Minutes of the 2018 NIS Assembly ...... 20 Report of the Synod Council ...... 31
Report of the Treasurer ...... 34 Consolidated Balance Sheet ...... 35 2020 Proposed Budget Pie Chart ...... 36 2020 Proposed Budget ...... 37 Explanation of Budgeted Income and Expenses ...... 38 Policy Statement ...... 41
Report of the Director for Evangelical Mission ...... 45
Report of Committees and Subcommittees ...... 46 Congregational Life Committee ...... 46 Youth Subcommittee ...... 46 Stewardship Subcommittee ...... 47 Global Mission Committee ...... 47 Ministry Support Committee ...... 47 Candidacy Subcommittee ...... 48 Outreach Committee ...... 49 Social Ministry Committee ...... 50 World Hunger Subcommittee ...... 51 Rostered Ministers Continuing Education Team ...... 51 The Nursing Project - Tanzania Task Force ...... 52
Report of Conferences ...... 54 Central Conference ...... 54 East Conference ...... 54 North Conference ...... 54 Northeast Conference ...... 55 Northwest Conference ...... 56 South Conference ...... 56 Southwest Conference...... 56 West Conference ...... 57
Report of Colleges, Seminaries, and Campus Ministry ...... 58 Augustana College - Rock Island, IL ...... 58 Carthage College - Kenosha, Wisconsin ...... 59 Grace Place at Northern Illinois University ...... 59 Grand View University - Des Moines, Iowa ...... 61 Lutheran Campus Ministry Illinois ...... 62 Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago and Wartburg Seminary ...... 63 Wartburg College - Waverly, Iowa ...... 65
Report of Agencies, Institutions, and Organizations ...... 67 diakonia™ ...... 67 ELCA Fund for Leaders ...... 68 ELCA Mission Investment Fund ...... 68 Jenny Lind Chapel ...... 69 Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center - Oregon, Illinois ...... 70 Lutheran Social Services of Illinois ...... 73 Lutherdale - Elkhorn, Wisconsin ...... 74 Mosaic ...... 76 Portico ...... 77 Region 5, ELCA ...... 78 Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries ...... 79 Synodical Women’s Organization - Women of the ELCA ...... 80 UnityPoint Health - Rock Island, Illinois ...... 80
Report of the Nominating Committee ...... 85 Present Membership and 2019 Nominations ...... 85 Synod Council ...... 85 Congregational Life Committee ...... 87 Global Mission Committee ...... 87 Ministry Support Committee ...... 88 Outreach Committee ...... 89 Social Ministry Committee ...... 89 Consultation Committee ...... 90 Discipline Committee ...... 91 Election Key ...... 92 2019 Nominee Biographies ...... 93 Synod Council ...... 93 Congregational Life Committee ...... 101 Global Mission Committee ...... 103 Outreach Committee ...... 106 Social Ministry Committee ...... 108 Consultation Committee ...... 109 Discipline Committee ...... 114
Resolutions ...... 117 R-1 Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women ...... 117 R-2 Concerning Gender Equality for Rostered Leadership Positions in the Northern Illinois Synod ... 119
2020 Compensation Guidelines for Rostered Ministers ...... 121
Augustana College ...... 141 Directions to Augustana College ...... 141 Addresses and Telephone of Campus Buildings Used During Synod Assembly ...... 142 Augustana Campus Map ...... 143 Map of Plenary and Forum Locations ...... 144
Assembly at-a-Glance Schedule ...... back cover
Official Notice
Thirty-Second Annual Synod Assembly of the Northern Illinois Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
To: All Laity Voting Members, Ministers of Word and Sacrament, and Ministers of Word and Service of the Northern Illinois Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Please be advised that the Thirty-Second Annual Synod Assembly of the Northern Illinois Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will be held at Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, beginning on Friday morning, June 14, 2019 and concluding on Saturday afternoon, June 15, 2019.
Date of Notice: May 14, 2019
The Rev. Don Knowles
Synod Secretary
4 Proposed Rules for the Thirty-Second Annual Northern Illinois Synod Assembly Items indicated with "A" are items not currently covered by any Constitution, Bylaw, or Continuing Resolution and hence require action by the Assembly. Constitution, Bylaw, or Resolution references are indicated following each item. Key: + = Required Provision found in the Synod Constitution
A SA1 CALL OF SYNOD ASSEMBLY. SA1.01 Notice of the time and place of all meetings of the Synod Assembly shall be given by the secretary of this Synod. (S7.13.) SA1.02 Notice of time and place of all meetings of the Synod Assembly shall be made not less than five (5) days and no more than forty (40) days prior to the meeting of the Synod Assembly. (S7.13.A87.) A SA2 VOTING MEMBERS. SA2.01 The membership of the Synod Assembly, of which at least 60 percent of the voting membership shall be composed of lay persons, shall be constituted as follows: (+S7.21.a.) a. All ministers of Word and Sacrament under call on the roster of this Synod in attendance at the Synod Assembly shall be voting members. (+S7.21.a.) b. All ministers of Word and Service under call on the official lay rosters of this Synod in attendance at the Synod Assembly shall be lay voting members. (Note: Similar Provision +S7.21.b.) c. A minimum of one lay member elected by each congregation with fewer than 175 baptized members and a minimum of two lay members elected by each congregation with 175 or more baptized members related to this synod, normally one of whom shall be male and one of whom shall be female, shall be voting members. The Synod Council shall establish a formula to provide additional lay representation from congregations on the basis of the number of baptized members in the congregation. The Synod Council shall seek to ensure that, as nearly as possible, 50 percent of lay members of the assembly shall be female and 50 percent shall be male. Additional members from each congregation normally shall be equally divided between male and female. (+S7.21.c.) d. The lay officers of this Synod shall not be counted as additional lay representatives in order to have at least 60% of the voting membership of the Assembly composed of lay persons. Voting membership shall include the officers of this synod. (+S7.21.d.) e. Retired, On Leave from Call ministers of Word and Sacrament and ministers of Word and Service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, on the official rosters of this Synod, as well as rostered ministers of Word and Sacrament and of Word and Service with disability status, shall be voting members of the Assembly if they have pre-registered by the date and in the manner provided by the Synod Council. Such guidelines shall provide for pre-registration sufficiently in advance of the Assembly so as to allow the Synod to comply with provisions of Section +S7.21. of the Synod Constitution regarding the percentage relationship of clergy to lay membership at the Assembly. (S7.22.01. and Synod Council ACTION SC-17-09- 25) f. This synod may establish processes through the Synod Council that permit representatives of mission settings formed with the intent of becoming chartered congregations and authorized worshiping communities of the synod, which have
5 Proposed Rules of Assembly been authorized under ELCA bylaw 10.02.03., to serve as voting members of the Synod Assembly, consistent with +S7.21. Authorized worshiping communities, acknowledged under criteria, policies, and procedures approved by the Church Council for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, shall accept and adhere to the Confession of Faith and Statement of Purpose of this church, shall be served by leadership under the criteria of this church, and shall be subject to the discipline of this church. (S7.26.) g. A Minister of Word and Sacrament on the roster of this synod serving a congregation as an interim pastor or as a pastor under contract shall be a voting member of the Synod Assembly. In addition, those who have been licensed for Word and Sacrament ministry in the Northern Illinois Synod and intern pastors who have been licensed for Word and Sacrament ministry shall also be voting members of the Synod Assembly. h. All candidates for ordination and consecration at this assembly shall have voice and vote. SA2.02 The Synod Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) president, or designee, shall be a voting member of the Synod Assembly. (S7.28.A00) A SA2.03 Voting members are authorized by size of congregation. The listed baptized membership figures of all the Northern Illinois Synod congregations, as reported to the ELCA through each congregation’s year-end report (parochial report) as of 12/31/2017, is the basis for determining the number of lay voting members selected to attend the Synod Assembly. The baptized membership formula consists of the top 10% of our congregations receiving four (4) lay voting members, the next 10% of our congregations receiving three (3) lay voting members, and the remainder of our congregations receiving two (2) lay voting members. SA2.04 In order to implement continuing resolution +6.04.B09, each congregation may elect 1 additional youth (a voting member who has not reached the age of 18 at the time of election or appointment for service) or 1 young adult (a voting member between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of election or appointment for service). (S7.21.A11) SA2.05 Every congregation shall send in the credentials of its voting members to the Synod Office at least 60 days prior to the opening of the regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. (S7.21.01.) SA2.06 The voting members are required to announce their presence upon their arrival at the Synod Assembly through the medium of registration. (S7.21.02.) SA2.07 Compliance with the Constitution lay voting member percentage requirement for Synod Assemblies shall be established for all purposes at an Assembly by certification of the Credentials Committee that at least sixty percent (60%) of registered voting members to the Assembly are lay persons. (S.7.21.03.) SA2.08 It is the intention of this Synod that normally there shall be no more than one voting member of the Synod Assembly from a single household. (S7.21.A87.) A SA2.09 Voting members shall not absent themselves from any Assembly business without good cause. A SA3 QUORUM. SA3.01 Fifty percent (50%) of the registered voting members of the Synod Assembly shall constitute a quorum. (S7.14.) A SA4 RIGHT OF VOICE AND VOTE. A SA4.01 All retired ministers of Word and Sacrament and retired ministers of Word and Service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, whose names appear on the rosters of this Synod, not pre-registered by the date and in the manner provided by the Synod Council
6 Proposed Rules of Assembly shall have the privilege of voice but not vote in the meetings of the Synod Assembly. (Note: Similar Provision S7.22.01. & S7.23.) A SA4.02 All ministers of Word and Sacrament and ministers of Word and Service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, on leave from call or with disability status whose names appear on the rosters of this Synod, not pre-registered by the date and in the manner provided by the Synod Council shall have the privilege of voice but not vote in the meetings of the Synod Assembly.. (Note: similar Provision S7.23. and Synod Council ACTION SC-17-09-25) A SA4.03 Registered visitors shall not have voice or vote. A SA4.04 The presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and such other official representatives of this church as may be designated from time to time as well as Synod standing committee members, shall also have voice but not vote in the meetings of the Synod Assembly. Like privileges shall be accorded to those additional persons whom the Bishop, Synod Council, or the Synod Assembly shall from time to time designate. SA4.05 Proxy and absentee voting shall not be permitted in the transaction of any business of this Synod. (+S7.31.) A SA4.06 Length of time of individual voice may be restricted by the chair to facilitate completion of business on schedule. Three (3) minutes per speaker shall be the standing rule. Challenges to the chair's ruling shall be decided by a two-thirds vote of attending voting members. A SA4.07 Identical or similar resolutions (as determined by the Resolutions Committee) received will be shared with the Assembly but will be bundled together as one (1) resolution for debate and vote. A SA4.08 To assist voting members who wish to speak on an issue before the Assembly, colored cards are provided. These colored cards should be used in the Assembly during the resolution sessions, as well as to vote when there is a division of the house. They are to be used as listed below: a. If a voting member wishes to vote or speak for a resolution, the green card should be raised. b. If a voting member wishes to vote or speak against a resolution, the red card should be raised. c. If a voting member wishes to abstain, or has a question, or a point of order, the white card should be raised. The privilege to speak on a given issue still must be appropriate to Robert's Rules of Order and the adopted Rules of the Assembly. A SA5 ASSEMBLY OFFICERS. A SA5.01 The Bishop of this Synod, the Rev. Jeffrey Clements, shall serve as Presiding Officer of the Assembly (+S8.12.g.). In the absence of the Bishop or as the course of Assembly deliberations makes appropriate, the Bishop's designee shall serve as Presiding Officer. SA5.02 The Secretary of this Synod, the Rev. Don Knowles, shall serve as Secretary of the Assembly. (+S8.32.a.) A SA6 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES. SA6.01 The following shall be the committees of the Synod Assembly: SA6.01.01 Credentials Committee. A Committee on Credentials shall be appointed by the Synod Council, which shall consist of an ordained minister serving a congregation in the city in which the Synod Assembly convenes and two other persons. The duties of this committee shall be to approve the applications and credentials of Synod Assembly voting members and to report to the Presiding Officer. (S7.34.01.)
7 Proposed Rules of Assembly SA6.01.02 Election Committee. An Election Committee shall be appointed by the Synod Council to conduct the elections and report the results to the Synod Assembly. (S7.34.05.) SA6.01.03 Resolutions Committee. A Resolutions Committee shall be appointed by the Synod Council and shall consist of five (5) members, of whom one may be appointed the parliamentarian of the Synod Assembly. (S7.34.11.) Duties of the Resolutions Committee shall be as follows: a. Process all resolutions addressed to the Synod Assembly and report thereon with its recommendations. b. Provide such assistance to the Bishop as requested during the course of the Synod Assembly. A SA7 RESOLUTIONS, MEMORIALS, AND AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION. A SA7.01 To assure presentation to the Synod Assembly, non-constitutional resolutions must be submitted to the Northern Illinois Synod, ELCA, Resolutions Committee, 103 West State Street, Rockford, IL 61101-1105, faxed or emailed to Northern Illinois Synod, ELCA, Resolutions Committee, (815) 964-2295 not later than sixty (60) days prior to the opening of the Assembly. Resolutions received subsequent to that date shall not be accepted for consideration at this Assembly, unless the Resolutions Committee judges it to be a matter of sufficient importance and urgency which is not adequately covered by documents already before the Assembly. The Resolutions Committee may receive resolutions relevant to matters on the Assembly agenda during the Assembly. All such resolutions and memorials shall be given by the proposer, in writing over the signature of at least ten (10) voting members, to the Resolutions Committee which shall report thereon to the Assembly with its recommendations. When a resolution is submitted it shall contain: a) the signature of at least ten (10) Synod Assembly voting members or is channeled through a congregation council, conference meeting, Synod Council or committee, subcommittee, or task force; b) the date on which the action was taken; c) the address of the group or person authorizing the resolution; and, if possible, d) the author’s authority to edit the resolution be assigned to a voting member of the Assembly if the author is not present. SA7.02 A resolution to amend the Constitution may be adopted by a two-thirds vote at a regular meeting of the Synod Assembly after having been presented in writing at the previous regular meeting of the Synod Assembly over the signatures of at least ten (10) members and having been approved by a two-thirds vote of the voting members present and voting at such a regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. (+S18.13.a.) A SA7.03 The Resolutions Committee may: a) recommend adoption of the resolution; b) recommend adoption with proposed amendment; c) recommend defeat of the resolution; d) recommend referral to another entity; e) forward without recommendation; f) offer a substitute motion; or, g) return the resolution to the submitter for clarification or editing. A SA7.04 Memorials to the Churchwide Assembly are not the only route for a Synod to express a concern. Resolutions may be passed that are addressed to a specific churchwide unit or to units that relate to a given concern. Resolutions may receive more immediate attention and follow a more direct route than memorials which await the Churchwide Assembly's response. A SA8 GENERAL RULES OF PROCEDURE. SA8.01 Robert's Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern parliamentary procedure of the Synod Assembly, unless otherwise ordered by the assembly (S7.32.) otherwise provided for in the Constitution or the bylaws of this church or in the Constitution or the bylaws of this Synod. A SA8.02 The Presiding Officer shall have the privilege of altering the rules of this Assembly as needed to facilitate the flow of action during the Assembly. The chair may be overruled by a two-thirds vote of the Assembly.
8 Proposed Rules of Assembly A SA8.03 The Presiding Officer shall allow the report from the Election Committee to come to the floor at the earliest convenience and shall do so during the course of the agenda. A SA9 ELECTIONS. SA9.01 The Assembly shall elect such officers of this Synod and such other persons as the Constitution and bylaws may require, according to procedures set forth in the bylaws. (+S9.01.) SA9.02 In all elections by the Synod Assembly, other than for the bishop, a majority of the votes cast shall be necessary for election. (S9.02.) A SA9.03 Whenever nominations are in order, the Nominating Committee will provide a minimum of two nominees, when possible, for each elected position. Nominations from the floor shall require ten (10) signatures of voting members to the Assembly. SA9.04 In all elections, except for the bishop, the names of the persons receiving the highest number of legal votes, but not elected by a majority of the legal votes cast on a preceding ballot, shall be entered on the next ballot to the number of two for each vacancy unfilled. On any ballot when only two names appear, a majority of the legal votes cast shall be necessary for election (S9.08.) A SA9.05 Based on Synod Council action of September 11, 1999, the result of each general election ballot will not be announced in detail to the Assembly due to time constraints. However, a written report will be distributed to the Assembly in the Third Plenary Session and, after the second ballot, if a second ballot is necessary, later in the Third Plenary Session of the Assembly. (Note: Similar Provision S9.09.) SA9.06 With the exception of ministers of Word and Sacrament rostered in synods other than synod of residence, each voting member of the Synod Assembly, Synod Council, committee, board, or other organizational unit of this Synod shall be a voting member of a congregation of this Synod. (S9.14.) A SA10 DISPLAYS, SPACE, DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS, AND PERFORMANCES (S7.40.A18.) A SA10.1 Only materials authorized by the Resolutions Committee, Bishop, and/or the Assembly Co- Chairpersons will be distributed to voting members of the Assembly during the Assembly. A SA10.02 Display space exists primarily for church-related organizations approved by the Resolutions Committee, Bishop, and/or the Assembly Co-Chairpersons. A SA10.03 Inclusion of Synod Assembly packet material from related institutions, agencies, and organizations must be approved by the Resolutions Committee, Bishop, and/or the Assembly Co-Chairpersons. A SA10.04 Display space may be provided to organizations that have no official relationship to this church, but which offer programs or services which the Bishop and/or Assembly Co- Chairpersons deem helpful or useful to congregations and/or leaders of the Synod. No meeting facilities are provided to organizations that have no official relationship to this church. A SA10.05 No commercial displays or sales booths are permitted without the approval of the Bishop and/or the Assembly Co-Chairpersons. If approved, these displays are to be clearly marked as outside displays. The Bishop and/or Assembly Co-Chairpersons may set a fee for such commercial displays. A SA10.06 Space for meetings or meal functions must be approved by the Bishop and/or the Assembly Co-Chairpersons. A SA10.07 Individuals and/or groups wishing to appear in relation to or at the Assembly must secure permission from the Bishop and/or Assembly Co- Co-Chairpersons of the Assembly.
9 Assembly Agenda
June 14-15, 2019 • Augustana College, Rock Island, IL Assembly Host Congregations Calvary Lutheran, Moline and St. James Lutheran, Rock Island A Prayer Chapel will be available throughout the Assembly in Bergendoff 126
Friday - June 14 8:00 a.m. Registration ...... Centennial Lobby 9:30 a.m. Orientation for Voting Members ...... Bergendoff Potter Hall 9:30 a.m. Resolutions Committee Forum ...... Bergendoff Larson Hall Plenary Session I Centennial Auditorium 9:55 a.m. Gathering Hymn: “What Is This Place” 10:00 a.m. Order for Opening of Assembly: The Rev. Jeffrey Clements, Bishop Greetings and Introductions Credentials Committee Report: The Rev. Christopher Lee, Chairperson Adoption of Rules of Assembly: The Rev. Don Knowles, Secretary Assembly Committee Appointments: The Rev. Don Knowles Adoption of Agenda
10 Agenda Certification of 2018 Synod Assembly Minutes: The Rev. Doug Liston, Chairperson, 2018 Synod Assembly Minutes Review Committee Nominating Committee Report: The Rev. Andrew Kayes, Chairperson Election Committee Report: The Rev. Lu Cantrell, Chairperson Explanation of Balloting Process and Distribution of the Ballot LSSI Report: Mr. Dave Novak, Vice President, Advancement and Executive Director, Cornerstone Foundation Stand and Stretch Portico Presentation Keynote: The Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen Announcements: The Rev. Marilyn Hanson, Assembly Co-Coordinator Closing Prayer: The Rev. Karyn Kost (Freedom, Oregon & St. James, Forreston) End of Plenary Session I Lunch Box lunches are available in Centennial Lobby. Choir members will pick up their lunch and go to Bergendoff Potter Hall for rehearsal. All other assembly participants will pick up their lunch and be seated in either Bergendoff Ensemble Rehearsal Room or choose seating outdoors, weather permitting. Participants also have the opportunity to visit the assembly displays during the lunch hour, located in the Bergendoff Ensemble Rehearsal Room, or attend a “Lunch & Learn” with a representative from LSSI (Lutheran Social Services of Illinois) in Bergendoff Larson Hall. 12:45 p.m. Lunch/Visit Displays ...... Bergendoff Ensemble Rehearsal Room 12:45 p.m. Lunch & Learn with LSSI ...... Bergendoff Larson Hall 12:45 p.m. Choir Rehearsal ...... Bergendoff Potter Hall Reminders ► Resolutions must be in by 2:30 p.m. today to either the Rev. Miho Yasukawa, Chairperson of the Resolutions Committee or to the Rev. Pat Esker, Resolutions Committee Staff Liaison. Only resolutions which are germane to discussion on floor of Assembly will be considered. ► The Ballot for General Elections will be collected at 2:30 p.m. this afternoon. ► Completed “Questions for the Churchwide Representative” form is to be turned in to the box in the Centennial Hall Lobby by 5:00 p.m. this evening. Plenary Session II Centennial Auditorium 1:45 p.m. Gathering Hymn: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” Opening Prayer: The Rev. Evan Mayhew (St. John, Joliet) 1:50 p.m. Credentials Committee Report: The Rev. Christopher Lee, Chairperson Bishop’s Report: Bishop Jeffrey Clements Secretary’s Report: The Rev. Don Knowles Synod Council Report: The Rev. Don Knowles Treasurer’s Report: Ms. Tammie Farley, Treasurer First Reading of the 2020 Proposed Budget: Ms. Tammie Farley 2:30 p.m. Collection of the Ballot for General Elections: Tellers
11 Agenda Announcements: The Rev. Marilyn Hanson 2:50 p.m. Keynote Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen 3:50 p.m. Closing Prayer: The Rev. Mara Ahles-Iverson (Zion, Kewanee) End of Plenary Session II 4:00-4:50 p.m. Choir Rehearsal ...... Bergendoff Potter Hall Afternoon Forums/Workshops - all rooms are tentative 4:00 - 4:40 p.m. Friday Afternoon Forums Budget Meeting/Synod Council ...... Bergendoff B-1 Candidacy Subcommittee ...... Bergendoff 113 Congregational Life Committee ...... Evald 113 Global Mission Committee ...... Evald 21 “Light” (Youth Ministry) ...... Evald 120 Ministry Support Committee ...... Evald 314 Outreach Committee ...... Evald 315 Social Ministry Committee ...... Evald 17 4:50 - 5:30 p.m. Friday Afternoon Forums Conversation with the Churchwide Representative - The Rev. Kevin Strickland ...... Bergendoff B-1 Congregational Life Committee ...... Evald 113 Global Mission Committee ...... Evald 21 “Light” (Youth Ministry) ...... Evald 120 Ministry Support Committee ...... Evald 314 Outreach Committee ...... Evald 315 Social Ministry Committee ...... Evald 17
5:00 p.m. Worship Rehearsal for Saturday’s Holy Communion with Rite of Ordination (Presiders, Assisting Ministers, and Communion Assistants) ...... Centennial Auditorium 5:10 p.m. Ordination Rehearsal (Ordinands and Sponsors) ...... Centennial Auditorium Dinner 5:45 p.m. Dinner ...... Gerber Center Dining Hall
Special Event on Friday Evening 7:30 p.m...... Trinity Lutheran Church, Moline Includes introductions of those new to the synod, new seminary graduates assigned to the synod, Synod Council members (current and retiring), synod staff; recognitions of those rostered ministers with ordination and consecration anniversaries and congregations with major anniversaries; rostered ministers who have retired in the last year; and special recognition of two pastors celebrating their 50th anniversary of Ordination this year: Arlyn Tolzmann and Dennis Heaney. We will close our time together with Holden Evening Prayer and a Remembrance of our Departed Saints.
12 Agenda Saturday - June 16 7:15 a.m. Breakfast ...... Gerber Center Dining Hall Plenary Session III Centennial Auditorium 8:25 a.m. Gathering Hymn: “When Morning Gilds the Skies” 8:30 a.m. Opening Prayer: The Rev. Preston Fields (Salem, Sycamore) Credentials Committee Report: The Rev. Christopher Lee, chairperson Election Committee Report of General Ballot: The Rev. Lu Cantrell (Distribute Second Ballot, if needed) Action on 2020 Proposed Budget: Ms. Tammie Farley Churchwide Representative: The Rev. Kevin Strickland 9:30 a.m. Second General Election Ballot Collected (if needed) 9:40 a.m. Keynote Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen 10:45 a.m. Election Committee Report of 2nd General Ballot (if needed): The Rev. Lu Cantrell Report from “Light,” the Synod Youth Ministry Leadership Team Vice President’s Report: Mr. Bill Bartlett, Vice President Resolutions Committee: The Rev. Miho Yasukawa, chairperson Announcements: The Rev. Marilyn Hanson 11:35 a.m. Order for the Closing of Synod Assembly: Bishop Jeffrey Clements
End of Plenary Session III Lunch Box lunches are available in the Centennial Hall lobby. Assembly participants will pick up their lunch and be seated in either Bergendoff Ensemble Rehearsal Room or choose seating outdoors, weather permitting. Participants also have the opportunity to visit the assembly displays during the lunch hour located in Bergendoff Ensemble Rehearsal Room. 11:40 a.m. Lunch/Visit Displays ...... Bergendoff Ensemble Rehearsal Room
Holy Communion with Rite of Ordination Centennial Auditorium 12:40 p.m...... Participants line up for Holy Communion with Rite of Ordination 1:00 p.m...... Holy Communion with Rite of Ordination The worship offering is designated to go to “Making All Things New: The Campaign for the ELCA,” as part of the Bishop’s Challenge. Please make checks payable to “Northern Illinois Synod” and note on the check memo line for “Synod Assembly Offering.”
Mark your calendars Northern Illinois Synod - Thirty-third Annual Synod Assembly - June 19-20, 2020
13 Letter from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
Spring 2019 “‘For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.’” - Esther 4:14 Dear Friends in Christ, For such a time. The world has changed and is changing. But what shapes us as Lutherans is being God’s beloved people gathered around word and sacraments. In Christ through the Spirit, God has invited us into a deeply intimate and loving relationship with God and with each other for such a time as this. This is our time to tell the story of the church we are becoming, a church confident about who we are in Christ and what God is calling us to do. As I have said previously, if God wills that there be a witness to the gospel through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), no force on earth, not even our own, can stop it. As we gather in synod assemblies, I invite you to pray for one another and listen for God’s will. Your prayers and discernment will be crucial as the assembly season culminates at the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Milwaukee, Aug. 5-10. As part of our legislative business, we will be receiving and considering proposals from your synod assemblies. I hope you will have time and space to talk together, pray together and listen together as you consider resolutions and memorials before you. We need time for discernment. This church continues to engage in God’s reconciling work through Christ in the world. At the churchwide organization, the ELCA Church Council is overseeing implementation of this church’s strategic plan, Future Directions 2025 (ELCA.org/future). Through this initiative, we’re cultivating new leaders and revitalizing congregations. Thank you for your faithful commitment. Thank you also for your generosity to Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA (ELCA.org/campaign). Your continued support is an example of all the ways we are church, we are Lutheran, we are church together and we are church for the sake of the world. God’s blessings to you as you gather as the living body of Christ. May you be guided by the Spirit as you do God’s will for God’s people for such a time. With gratitude,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton Presiding Bishop 8765 West Higgins Road Chicago, Illinois 60631-4101 773-380-2700 800-638-3522 ELCA.org LivingLutheran.com
14 Report of Northern Illinois Synod Bishop Jeffrey Clements “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” John 21:15 Grace, mercy, and peace be yours in the name of our loving Lord Jesus! As we approach this year’s assembly, I am compelled to begin with a word of thanks. I thank you for the opportunity to serve as the pastor of this synod. This is the most difficult work that I have been called to do in ministry, but it is also the most rewarding. It is a joy to walk with you in our life together. We gather this year using a new mission statement as our theme. “Walking together…loving Christ, loving all, for the sake of the world.” That is our purpose. In January of this year, after several months of work, the Synod Council adopted this new mission statement along with a vision statement and an articulation of our core values. Walking together. That is the definition of the word synod. We are a geographic subset of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. One hundred forty-three congregations located throughout twenty-two counties in northern Illinois, walking and working together in service to our Lord. One hundred forty- three unique centers for mission. We are rural and urban. We are suburban, inner-city, and open country. We are siblings in Christ, loving Jesus and loving all. It is clear to me that we must first and foremost love Jesus. Everything we do must be grounded in God’s love for us and our love for God. Everything we do must be measured by how effectively we are serving God and serving all of humanity, especially those who live at the margins of our society.
The Synod Council developed this vision statement: “As church together, the Northern Illinois Synod will faithfully make Christ relevant to a diverse and changing world.” You know the dizzying pace at which change is occurring. One of the buzz words today is nimble. Successful businesses today seek to be nimble, so they can adjust their practices according to changes in consumer preferences. In this changing world, the church must seek to be nimble, practicing new ways to make Christ relevant. A congregation should reflect the community in which it is planted. Does your congregation reflect the demographics of your community? If not, why not? If not, what kinds of new relationships can your congregation develop within its context? The Synod Council also studied what we value most in this synod. Our core values were determined to be worship and prayer, innovation, leadership, equipping, and evangelism. I have long said that the purpose of the synod is to help congregations do what they have been called to do. We are in this work together. Have you thought about it? What a congregation in Henry County does impacts what a congregation in McHenry County does. What a congregation in Rockford does impacts the life of a congregation in Rock Island. If we value these things then we must work together to help every congregation to worship and pray, innovate and experiment, develop leaders and raise up new ones, equip and provide resources, and tell the story of the life, love, and salvation we have in Jesus. What is your congregation’s part in the mission that we share? Do the members of your congregation understand the important role your congregation plays in our work together as the Northern Illinois Synod?
These are the questions I will be asking you as we move through the next year. I want us all to be equipped as ambassadors for the Northern Illinois Synod. We are church together! Now, allow me to share some of what we have experienced in the past year.
15 Report of the Bishop In late June of 2018, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, Texas. We had approximately 550 youth and adult leaders from the Northern Illinois Synod in attendance. The time I spend with our youth is always a source of encouragement to me. The event drew over 30,000 participants from across the church. I am very pleased that our Vitality Project is spreading across the synod, conference by conference. Pastor Gary Erickson, our Director of Evangelical Mission, continues to concentrate his efforts on vitality. At the end of January of this year, I traveled with two other ELCA bishops and two Churchwide staff members to Palestine to make an official visit to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. We met with Bishop Ibrahim Azar in this office in Jerusalem. I presented him with a carved replica of the synod’s cross, which he immediately put on to wear. We also visited many ministry sites of the ELCJHL, including congregations and schools. We met ELCJHL pastors, teachers, and students. We had an extensive tour of Augusta Victoria Hospital on the Mount of Olives. We also visited other Lutheran World Federation ministry sites. Perhaps the most interesting and disconcerting time I spent while in Israel was when we visited the offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We met the director of the Department for World Religions and the head of the Bureau of World Jewish Affairs and World Religions to advocate for the ELCJHL. The situation in the Holy Land between the Israeli government and the Palestinian people is difficult and complex. I would dare to say that most of us in the United States do not have a comprehensive understanding of life there or the impact of US governmental policies.
We finished out the fiscal year with a deficit of about $33,000. Mission Support receipts were unexpectedly low during November and December. This year’s Statements of Intent will not adequately support the 2019 budget that was adopted a year ago, so our Finance Committee and staff created a revised spending plan. In addition to our financial realities, our greatest challenge remains the availability of pastoral leadership. We consistently have in excess of 30 pastoral vacancies in the synod. We have not been able to provide interim pastors for all those vacancies. We have become more reliant on Synodically Authorized Ministers (formerly known as Licensed Lay Persons). We are grateful to have received three new candidates for ministry in the past year and are happy to welcome David Petersen, Paul Gebo, and Chelsey Olson to the synod!
I am grateful for the work done by our Synodically Authorized Ministers task force. The task force has developed a set of common expectations for those who serve congregations as SAMs. Last October, I made a made a visit to Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa with two other bishops. I spent time with both faculty and students in groups and individually. I am happy to say that my impression of Wartburg is very positive. Wartburg is engaged in delivering theological education and training pastors in creative ways (distributive learning, collaborative learning, distance learning, residential learning) that will serve the church well. In Region 5 of the ELCA, we will welcome two new bishops this year. The Western Iowa Synod has elected the Rev. Lorna Halaas and the Metropolitan Chicago Synod will elect a new bishop between the writing of this report and our assembly. I hope to attend both of these installations. Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center has selected Mr. Rob Gieraltowski to serve as its next executive director. Rob comes to LOMC with many years of youth ministry experience and a close connection to our camping ministry. I will look forward to his installation.
16 Report of the Bishop A year ago, I reported that our continuing education work group had some great plans in the works. They have now provided three very fine continuing education experiences for the synod’s rostered leadership and are planning for another year. We seem to be meeting a need, especially among our younger leaders. A recently-appointed task force is studying our office needs. We are currently uncertain of our future at Luther Center in downtown Rockford. Rent and maintenance issues related to the building’s new ownership have generated our concern. In our companion relationships, we continue to grow the number of congregations with companion congregations in Tanzania and India. We are aware of three trips (one by the synod and two by congregations) being planned for 2020 to visit the North Central Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. In the past year, Tabor Lutheran Church in Rockford completed its work after 93 years of ministry. I thank God for the witness of this congregation and the legacy it leaves. At this year’s assembly, we will elect a new vice-president. It is difficult to adequately thank Mr. Bill Bartlett for his many years of service. He grasped and understood the mission of the synod in a way that served us well. He was a great asset to me, both as I served as assistant to the bishop and now as bishop. Our thanks are inadequate but most sincere. Thank you, Bill. We give God thanks for you. I am deeply grateful for the work of the other officers of the synod. Ms. Tammie Farley serves so ably as our treasurer and has agreed to stand for re-election. Pastor Don Knowles does a very fine job as the synod’s secretary. Please thank them both.
We had a synod staff member retire in the past year. Pastor Kurt Nordby first served full-time as director of evangelical mission and then as a part-time assistant to the bishop for stewardship and development. We miss his ever-cheerful demeanor and positive attitude. Please join me in thanking Pastor Nordby.
I am also grateful for the work of the synod staff. It is a pleasure to serve alongside Deacon Cheryl Erdmann, Pastor Marilyn Hanson, Pastor Gary Erickson (DEM), Pastor Pat Esker, Deacon Karin Graddy, Pastor Michel Clark, Pastor Denver Bitner, Ms. Nancy Corey, Ms. June Cain, and Ms. Julie Lewis. Please join me in thanking this dedicated group of servants.
In summary, we have had a good year of walking together and living in God’s amazing grace. We are meeting challenges with courage, confidently recalling that this is God’s church as we seek to both lead and follow. As we live into our new mission statement, I invite you to claim your spot as we walk together loving Christ and loving all for the sake of the world. Walking with you,
Bishop Jeffrey Clements facebook.com/bishopjeffclements nisynod.org facebook.com/nisynod Twitter: @NISynod
17 Report of the Bishop Anniversaries of Rostered Ministers 5 Years The Rev. Daniel Wynard, The Rev. Jana Howson, The Rev. Neal Cannon, The Rev. William Weidenbach, Jr. 10 Years The Rev. Carrie Ballenger, The Rev. Catherine Daharsh, The Rev. Elizabeth Mascal, The Rev. Joy Alsop, The Rev. Sarah Wilson, The Rev. Theresa Wilder, The Rev. Vicki Sauter 15 Years The Rev. David Turner, The Rev. Jonathan Black, The Rev. Pat Esker 20 Years The Rev. Keith Johnson, The Rev. Scott Schmidt, Deacon Karin Graddy 25 Years The Rev. Amy Nyman, The Rev. Marcia Strahl, The Rev. Michael Thomas 30 Years The Rev. David Schweppe, The Rev. Kathleen Burkheimer 35 Years The Rev. Brant Clements, The Rev. Jeffrey King 40 Years The Rev. Denver Bitner, The Rev. Mark Helge, The Rev. Ronald Larson, Deacon Myrna Andersen 45 Years The Rev. David Ufkes, The Rev. Kenneth Storck, The Rev. Paul Johnson 50 Years The Rev. Arlyn Tolzmann, The Rev. Dennis Heaney, The Rev. Norwood Knutson 55 Years The Rev. Loren Nielsen, The Rev. Orlyn Huwe 60 Years The Rev. Donald Lavelle, The Rev. C. Franklin Samuleson 65 Years The Rev. Virgil Juliot 70 Years The Rev. William Wittig
Rostered Ministers Who Have Retired in the Past Year The Rev. Lawrence J. Conway, III 38 Years The Rev. Timothy Kenyon 38 Years The Rev. Jeff Linman 33 Years The Rev. Kurt Nordby 40 Years The Rev. Mark Oehlert 17 Years Deacon Patricia Tillman 5 Years
18 Report of the Synod Vice President I’m sure you are aware by now that we are electing a new Vice President at this assembly. I’m stepping down after 10 years. It’s a job I have truly loved doing, and I thank all of you for electing me and giving me the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I will address this further in my report from the floor of the assembly. I have met hundreds of wonderful people over the years that I have enjoyed serving with. We have a strong synod in northern Illinois and great leadership. I would encourage any of you to consider serving at the synod level. I believe it gives you a whole new perspective on what it means to be the church. I know that once you have experienced working in the synod you won’t regret a minute of it. There are many different ways to connect at the synod level. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Pat Esker at the synod office. Thank you again. See you at Assembly. Peace, Bill Bartlett
Report of the Secretary “I think God must be very old and very tired. Maybe he used to look splendid and fine in his general’s uniform, but no more. He’s been on the march a long time, you know. And look at his rag-tag little army! All he has for soldiers are you and me. Dumb little army. Listen! The drum beat isn’t even regular. Everyone is out of step. And there! You see? God keeps stopping along the way to pick up one of his tinier soldiers who decided to wander off and play with a frog, or run in a field, or whose foot got tangled in the underbrush. He’ll never get anywhere that way. And yet, the march goes on.” The passage above is the opening paragraph to a story called Rag-Tag Army by Martin Bell from the book The Way of the Wolf (Seabury Press, 1970). It is a story that I have read numerous times for children’s messages, around campfires, for devotions, and from the pulpit. For me, its power is in Bell’s simple and wholly accurate depiction of God’s church. If you glance around you in the pews on a Sunday morning, at a council meeting, or even at a synod assembly, you might notice that we really don’t look like anything special. We are just a rag-tag group of people who are walking together, doing our best to love Christ and love all, for the sake of the world. Yet we are the ones God has chosen to be God’s rag-tag army, fallible as we may be. I am grateful to be a part of this rag-tag army, serving God with the people of the Northern Illinois Synod. I am grateful for the opportunity to walk together with you as the Secretary of the Northern Illinois Synod and share whatever fallible gifts I have for the sake of God’s mission through the synod. I am grateful for the support of Deaconess Cheryl Erdmann and her discerning eye in proofreading the minutes of the Executive Committee, the Synod Council, and the Synod Assembly. I am grateful for the support and leadership of Bishop Clements as he joins hands with us in our ministry. I am grateful for the opportunity to walk with Mr. Bill Bartlett, who has faithfully and effectively served as our Vice-President for my entire tenure on the Synod Council. And I am grateful for you, the members of the 2019 Synod Assembly, for your willingness to walk together in our mission to love Christ and love all for the sake of the world. The report of the Secretary continues within this bulletin of reports with the minutes of last year’s Synod Assembly and the report of the Synod Council. In Christ, Pastor Donald L. Knowles Secretary of the Synod
19 Report of the Secretary Minutes of the 2018 NIS Assembly Northern Illinois Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Thirty-First Annual Assembly June 15-16, 2018 Centennial Hall, Augustana College Rock Island, Illinois First Plenary Session - Friday, June 15, 2018 (Note: the abbreviation “BOR” indicates the “Bulletin of Reports.” Resolutions are noted with an “R” followed by a number. The actions of the Assembly are indexed, with the index of actions located at the end of the minutes.) Opening of the Assembly - Following the gathering hymn, Bishop Jeffrey Clements led the Assembly in the “Opening of the Assembly” liturgy and prayers. Bishop Clements welcomed all and gave a brief preview of the Assembly. Introduction of guests - Bishop Clements introduced the following special guests to the Assembly. • Augustana College: President Steven Bahls: At the invitation of the Bishop, President Bahls greeted the Assembly and spoke briefly about the accomplishments of Augustana students and noted the restructuring of the college administration, especially the creation of a Vice President of Diversity. • Churchwide Representative and Keynote Speaker: The Rev. Stephen Bouman, Executive Director, Domestic Mission Unit • Keynote Speaker: The Rev. Craig Nessan, Wartburg Theological Seminary • Portico Benefit Services: Ms. Jennifer Prinz, Regional Representative • Interns serving in the Synod: Fanya Burford-Berry (First, DeKalb), Paul Gebo (Zion, Rockford), Chelsey Olson (New Life, Bolingbrook) • ELCA Foundation: Mr. Tim Urness, Regional Gift Planner • Lutherdale Ministries: Mr. Jeff Bluhm, Executive Director • Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center: Mr. Russ Senti, Executive Director • Mission Investment Fund: The Rev. Richard Wehrs • Mosaic: Ms. Trisha Cratty, Community Relations Manager • Northern Illinois Synod Women’s Organization: Ms. Kim Choin, President • ELCA Church Council Representative: Mr. Vernon Veal, St. John’s, Bloomington (Central/Southern Illinois Synod) • Deaconess Community of the ELCA: Ms. Jan Rizzo, Manager, Administration • Host Congregation: First Lutheran Church, Geneseo • Grace Place @ NIU: The Rev. Robert Hansen, Interim Campus Pastor • Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago: Mr. Clyde Walter, Campaign Director & Major Gift Officer • Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries: Ms. Amy Hoening, Executive Director • Head Table: Ms. Tammie Farley, Synod Treasurer; Pastor Don Knowles, Interim Synod Secretary; Pastor Pat Esker, Parliamentarian; Deacon Cheryl Erdmann, Assistant to the Bishop. The Bishop noted the Vice-President Bill Bartlett was absent due to a family emergency. • Lutheran Social Services of Illinois: Mr. Mark Stutrud, Chief Executive Officer; Ms Kathy Hall, Vice President, Advancement. At the invitation of the bishop, Mr. Stutrud gave an update about Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. The bishop acknowledged the #CycleToSynod group and their effort to raise awareness of and funds for World Hunger. Credentials Committee Report - Pastor Randy Willers, chair of the Credentials Committee, reported that the following were in attendance: 89 ministers of Word and Sacrament voting members, 23 retired/on leave from call (olfc)/ disability status ministers of Word and Sacrament voting members, for a total of 112 ministers of Word and Sacrament voting members; 7 ministers of Word and Service voting members, 3 retired/olfc/disability status ministers of Word and Service voting members, 224 lay voting members, and 19 youth/young adult voting members, for a total of 253 lay voting members. There were a total of
20 Report of the Secretary 365 voting members. 30.7% ministers of Word and Sacrament and 69.3% lay voting members. 61 visitors were in attendance. The grand total of registered Assembly attendees: 426. A quorum was declared. Adoption of the Rules of the Assembly - Interim Secretary Don Knowles, on behalf of the Synod Council, moved the adoption of the rules of the Assembly, as found on pages 2-7 of the BOR. Bishop Clements and Assistant to the Bishop, Pastor Marilyn Hanson, shared how individuals are to approach the microphones and shared some parliamentary guidance as well as other Assembly guidance and information. ACTION SA-18-06-01 - The rules of the Assembly were adopted. Assembly Committee Appointments - Interim Secretary Knowles was called upon to share the names of the Assembly’s committee appointments, as follows: Courtesy Committee: Ms. Carol Swenson (chair) and The Rev. Julane Nease Election Committee: The Rev. Janet Wold (chair), The Rev. Jessica Bakken, The Rev. Lou Cantrell, Ms. Sue Cording, Mr. Walt Farley, Mr. Ivan Guldenfennig, Ms. Donna Kelly, The Rev. Wayne Melaas- Swanson, Ms. Bridget Reibel, Ms. Amanda Schanze, Mr. Ron Simmons, Ms. Susie Smalley, Dr. David Renneke (advisor) Credentials Committee: The Rev. Randy Willers (chair), The Rev. Chris Lee, Ms. Laura Nelson Minutes Review Committee: The Rev. Doug Liston (chair) and Ms. Amanda Schanze Resolutions Committee: Mr. Mike Reibel (chair), Ms. Cyndi Brockman, The Rev. Pat Esker (parliamentarian), Ms. Judy Milroy, The Rev. William Weidenbach, The Rev. Marilyn Hanson Parliamentarian: The Rev. Pat Esker Adoption of the Agenda - Interim Secretary Knowles, on behalf of the Synod Council, moved that the agenda for the Synod Assembly, prepared by the Synod Council and found on pages 8-11 of the BOR, be adopted as the agenda for the 2018 Northern Illinois Synod Assembly ACTION SA-18-06-02 - The motion to adopt the agenda was approved. Nominating Committee Report - Pastor Andrew Kayes, chair of the Nominating Committee, thanked the committee members and those willing to stand for election. He then presented the list of nominees for each office and position to be elected. He directed the attention of the Assembly to pages 95-100 of the BOR and read the names of those nominated to serve on the Synod Council, Congregational Life Committee, Global Mission Committee, Ministry Support Committee, Outreach Ministry Committee, Social Ministry Committee, Churchwide Assembly voting members. The bishop asked for any nominations from the floor. None were brought forward. Nominations were closed, and the official ballot was accepted. Pastor Kayes then presented a resolution from the Nominating Committee moving the following individuals elected from the conferences to be Churchwide Assembly voting members be affirmed by the Assembly: Mr. Ryan Mackey (Central Conference), The Rev. Lou Cantrell (East Conference), Ms. Janice Forrest (North Conference), The Rev. Paul Cannon (Northeast Conference), Ms. Nancy Lillevold (Northwest Conference), Ms. Becky Keller (South Conference), The Rev. Julie Monnard (Southwest Conference), Mr. Keith Enstrom (West Conference) ACTION SA-18-06-03 - The motion to affirm the Churchwide Assembly voting members elected by the conferences was approved. Distribution of the Ballot - Pastor Janet Wold, chair of the Election Committee, was called upon to explain the balloting process and the ballots were distributed with the announcement that they would be collected at 2:30 p.m. Treasurer’s Report - Ms. Tammie Farley, Treasurer of the synod, reported that the synod is in good financial standing. She offered thanks to the congregations of the synod for their mission support. Referring to a pie chart she explained how synod money is used in support of the mission of the synod. She reported that the annual audit came back with a “clean” report. Finally, she offered thanks to the bishop, Deacon Erdmann, and June Cain for their support. Her report was received with applause.
21 Report of the Secretary First Reading of the 2019 Proposed Budget - Interim Secretary Knowles, on behalf of the Synod Council, moved that the budget, prepared by the Finance Committee and adopted by the Synod Council, as it appears on page 39 of the BOR, be adopted as the budget for fiscal year 2019 for the Northern Illinois Synod. Treasurer Farley recognized the work of the Finance Committee, then shared how the budget is formed. It was announced that this motion would be acted upon later within the Assembly. Portico Report - Ms. Jennifer Prinz, Region 5 Representative for Portico Benefit Services, at the invitation of the bishop, led the assembly in an opportunity to stand and stretch then shared a brief video about Portico. She also noted a couple resources that were available at the Portico display table. Keynote Address - The Rev. Dr. Craig Nessan of Wartburg Theological Seminary offered the first keynote address on the topic “Shifting Our Thinking as People of Jesus Christ in the 21st Century.” Dr. Nessan took a moment at the beginning of his address to acknowledge, honor, and pay respect to the indigenous people on whose tribal lands we were gathered. He then offered a parable relating the kingdom of God to a church building in which there is a force field at the entrance that repels outsiders from coming in and requiring insiders to compact their discipleship into small compartments in order to get out. He encouraged congregations to dismantle that force field in order to generate movement between sacred spaces and public places. He invited a vision of the mission of the church to equip and send all the baptized into the world to serve Jesus Christ in all their roles and relationships in their daily lives. Keynote Address - The Rev. Dr. Stephen Bouman, Executive Director, Domestic Mission Unit, ELCA made a presentation on the theme “Renewal of the Church of Jesus Christ in the 21st Century.” Using several biblical stories, Dr. Bouman encouraged the members of the assembly to reclaim our call in the world. He said that disciples must ask “Where do I see God in the world?”, must reclaim our baptismal call to follow Jesus, bear witness as wounded healers, be called to new community in which we let go as well as receive, and be called to listen and respond. Mission Investment Fund - The bishop invited the Rev. Richard Wehrs to make a presentation on behalf of the Mission Investment Fund. Pastor Wehrs showed an MIF video and spoke about sharing funds for ministry. Greetings from India - The bishop shared greetings from Bishop Raja Socrates of the Arcot Lutheran Church in India. New Stewardship Resource - The Rev. Kurt Nordby, Assistant to the Bishop, introduced a new stewardship resource he developed called “Growing as Disciples and Stewards.” The resource is available to all the congregations of the synod online, free of charge. Bishop Clements declared Plenary Session I closed at 12:30 pm. The Rev. Marilyn Hanson, Assistant to the Bishop, was called on to make announcements and the Rev. Bree Truax offered a closing prayer. Second Plenary Session - Friday, June 15, 2018 Pastor Marilyn Hanson introduced the gathering hymn, “Make Our Church One Joyful Choir,” then called on Pastor Chris Lee, First Lutheran Church, Rock Island, to offer the opening prayer. Following the prayer, the bishop declared Plenary Session II open for business. Credentials Committee Report - Pastor Randy Willers presented the updated credentials report. Ministers of Word and Sacrament Voting Members: 139 (33%). Lay voting members: 281 (67%). Total voting members: 420. Bishop’s Report - Interim Secretary Knowles took over the chair, and Bishop Clements presented his report. The bishop referred to his written report on pages 14-16 of the BOR, especially related to his comments about the need to raise up leaders for the church and the importance of understanding the work of the synod accomplished through congregational mission support. He then spoke on some items that were on his heart. First, he referred to the assembly theme, “Vim, Vigor, Vitality, In Christ a New Creation,” emphasizing the importance of our congregations to be “vital” communities of Jesus that nurture life-changing relationships with God, one another, and the world. The bishop also reported with gladness on a couple of work groups he has convened: one to re-energize youth ministry in the synod and the other focusing on affordable, local continuing education opportunities for rostered ministers. Bishop Clements also shared two justice issues for which he believes the church must continue to advocate: male privilege and white privilege. Regarding racism he raised the memory of Ruthie Fairchild and the work
22 Report of the Secretary she did within the synod to raise awareness of the issue and to advocate for racial justice. The bishop encouraged our congregations to mean it when we say that all are welcome. The bishop also acknowledged our global companion relationships and read greetings from Bishop Solomon Massangwa of the North-Central Diocese, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. Bishop Clements offered thanks for two congregations who have completed their work and closed in the past year: Theodore Street Lutheran Church, Crest Hill and St. Paul Lutheran Church, Nachusa. Finally, the bishop offered thanks for the ministry of ELCA Missionary Carol Stubbs who passed away this year, for the ministry of Mr. Russ Senti as Executive Director of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center who will be retiring in September, and for the support of his wife, Paulette. The bishop’s report was received with applause, and the Interim Secretary returned the chair of the assembly to the bishop. Secretary’s Report - The bishop indicated that the secretary’s written report could be found on page 19 of the BOR. The report was received with applause. Certification of the 2017 Synod Assembly Minutes - Pastor Joseph O’Donnell, chair of the 2017 Minutes Review Committee, reported that the committee had reviewed the minutes and found them to be a fair and accurate representation of the proceedings of the 2017 Synod Assembly. Hearing no questions or corrections from the floor, the minutes were voted upon. ACTION SA-18-06-04 - The minutes of the 2017 Northern Illinois Synod Assembly were adopted as presented. Synod Council Report - Interim Secretary Knowles presented the report of the Synod Council as found on pages 32-35 of the BOR. The bishop declared the report to be received. The collection of ballots was called for and took place. The Rev. Marilyn Hanson was called on to make announcements and the Rev. Jacob Gawlik offered a closing prayer. Dr. Bouman and Dr. Nessan then presented the second part of their keynote addresses. Dr. Bouman met with non-rostered voting members and visitors in Centennial Hall while Dr. Nessan met with rostered ministers and visitors in Wallenberg Hall. Following closing prayers at each location, Plenary Session II was closed. Gathering on Friday Evening, June 15 at First Lutheran Church, Moline. Leaders new to the synod - Bishop Clements welcomed leaders who have come to the synod in the past year: The Rev. Jessica Bakken (St. John’s, Ashton), the Reverend-Elect Preston Fields (Salem, Sycamore), The Rev. Trudy Foote (retired, interim at Immanuel, Peru and St. Paul’s, Tonica), The Rev. Jacob Gawlik (St. John’s, Sterling), the Reverend-Elect Seth Hecox (Grace, Wilmington), the Reverend-Elect Debra Kelly (St. John’s, Hebron), The Rev. Chris Lee (First, Rock Island), the Reverend-Elect Karyn Kost (St. James, Forreston and Freedom, Oregon), the Reverend-Elect Evan Mayhew (St. John, Joliet), The Rev. Julie Monnard (Calvary, New Windsor). The gathering welcomed them with applause. Recognition of Synod Council Members and those members completing their terms - Bishop Clements called forth the Synod Council members whose current terms are ending: Mr. George Davis, Ms. Minnette Scott, the Rev. Jeff Fricke, the Rev. Don Knowles, Ms. Sarina Mugino. As they were thanked by the bishop and the assembly, gifts were presented to them. Recognition of Synod Staff - Bishop Clements offered thanks to those serving on the synod staff: Deacon Cheryl Erdmann, Pastor Gary Erickson, Pastor Marilyn Hanson, Pastor Denver Bitner, Pastor Michel Clark, Pastor Kurt Nordby, Deacon Karin Graddy, Ms. June Cain, Ms. Nancy Corey and Ms. Julie Lewis. The bishop gave a special recognition to Deacon Erdmann in honor of her fifth anniversary on the synod staff. Anniversaries of Rostered Ministers - The bishop recognized those rostered ministers with special anniversaries of service this year. After the names were read, they were honored with applause. Congregations Celebrating 150th Year Anniversaries - Four congregations of the synod are celebrating 150th anniversaries in 2018: Immanuel, Earlville; First, Monmouth; St. Paul’s, Tonica; Bethany, Woodhull. Representatives of the congregations were invited to share some of their congregation’s story and a video. Recognition of Retirements - Rostered leaders who had retired within the last year and were present were invited to come forward. Bishop Clements then thanked the following, those present and those not
23 Report of the Secretary present, for their faithfulness: the Rev. Jeffrey Chubb, the Rev. Michel Clark, the Rev. Brant Clements, the Rev. Roger Hurlbut, the Rev. Dennis Hill, the Rev. Michael Lawyer, the Rev. Janet Lepp, Deacon Judy Rooney, the Rev. Randall Swanson. Fifty Year Ordination Anniversary - The Rev. Marilyn Hanson was called upon to introduce the Rev. Charles Steinke and his wife Betty. Pastor Steinke is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his ordination this year. He was given the opportunity to share a few words with those gathered. The bishop presented Pastor Steinke with a certificate in recognition of the anniversary. Prayers of Remembrance - The evening gathering concluded with a service of Prayers of Remembrance, led by Pastor Tammy Anderson. Those pastors of the synod who have died in the past year are the Rev. Robert Burton, the Rev. Robert Pearson, the Rev. Arnold Thoren, the Rev. Peter Holmer, and the Rev. Ronald Ferrell. Third Plenary Session - Saturday, June 16, 2018 Following the gathering song, “Oh Sing to God Above,” and an opening prayer by Deacon Patty Tillman, Bishop Clements declared Plenary Session II open for business. Credentials Committee Report - Pastor Randy Willers presented the updated credentials report: ministers of Word and Sacrament voting members: 110; retired ministers of Word and Sacrament voting members: 34; total ministers of Word and Sacrament voting members: 144 (34%). ministers of Word and Service voting members: 7; retired ministers of Word and Service voting members: 3; lay voting members: 254; youth/young adult voting members: 21; total lay voting members: 285 (66%). total voting members: 429. registered visitors: 78. The bishop declared a quorum present. Election Committee Report - Pastor Janet Wold was called upon to share the results of the general election balloting. The following, except as noted for a second ballot, were elected: • Synod Council: Secretary (4-year term) - Don Knowles • Synod Council: Laity Female (3-year term) - Minnette Scott • Synod Council: Laity Male (3-year term) - Jim Spring • Synod Council: Minister of Word and Sacrament Male (3-year term) - Brad Haugen • Synod Council: Minister of Word and Sacrament Male (3-year term) - Andy Tyrrell • Synod Council: Youth Representative (1-year term) - Heide Gallagher • Congregation Life Committee: Laity Female (3-year term) - Kay Johnson • Congregation Life Committee: Laity Male (3-year term) - Walt Farley • Global Mission Committee: Laity Male (3-year term) - Art Milton • Global Mission Committee: Minister of Word and Sacrament Female (3-year term) - Jane McChesney • Global Mission Committee: Minister of Word and Sacrament Male (3-year term) - Daniel Wynard • Ministry Support Committee: Lay Female (3-year term) - Carol Swenson • Ministry Support Committee: Laity Male (3-year term) - Bill Nelson and Sam Schlouch on a second ballot • Ministry Support Committee: Minister of Word and Sacrament Male (3-year term) - Vince Marolla • Outreach Committee: Minister of Word and Sacrament Female (3-year term) - TroyAnn Poulopoulos • Outreach Committee: Minister of Word and Sacrament Male (3-year term) - Brandon Nelson • Social Ministry Committee: Laity Male (3-year term) - Andy Koresko • Social Ministry Committee: Minister of Word and Sacrament Male (3-year term) - Jacob Gawlik • Social Ministry Committee: Minister of Word and Sacrament Male (3-year term) - David Elliot • 2019 Churchwide Assembly Voting Member: At Large o Laity Female - Tammie Farley o Laity Male - Brandon Graves and Mike Wadle on a second ballot o Minister of Word and Sacrament Female - Laura Kamprath and Pat Esker on a second ballot o Minister of Word and Sacrament Male - Zachary Baer and Andrew Kayes on a second ballot o Person of Color/First Language Other Than English - Miho Yasukawa
24 Report of the Secretary o Youth/Young Adult - Cole Bathje • 2019 Churchwide Assembly nominees for ELCA Church Council o Minister of Word and Sacrament Male - William Callister o Minister of Word and Sacrament Male - Frank Langholf A second ballot was distributed to be collected prior to Dr. Nessan’s keynote later in the morning. Mr. Brandon Graves (Salem, Sycamore) requested to have his name removed from the second ballot. His request was ruled to be out of order, and his name was to remain on the ballot. Budget Proposal - Bishop Clements called on Treasurer Tammie Farley to be available for any questions regarding the 2019 budget and he invited discussion on the budget proposal. With no discussion forthcoming, the vote was taken. ACTION SA-18-06-05 - The 2019 proposed budget for the Northern Illinois Synod was adopted. Salary Guidelines - Interim Secretary Knowles was called upon to present the 2019 Salary Guidelines, which were printed on pages 136-152 of the BOR. Interim Secretary Knowles moved, on behalf of the Synod Council that the 2019 Salary Guidelines for rostered ministers of the Northern Illinois Synod, as recommended by the Ministry Support Committee and approved by the Synod Council, be adopted. ACTION SA-18-06-06 - The 2019 Salary Guidelines were adopted. Resolutions Committee Report - Since the assembly was ahead of time in the agenda, Mr. Mike Reibel, chair of the Resolutions Committee, was called forward by Bishop Clements. Mr. Reibel presented R-1, “Season of Creation.” He read the resolves of R-1 and reported that the Resolutions Committee recommended its adoption. R-1 Season of Creation WHEREAS, Genesis states that all creation is “good;” and WHEREAS, as Christians we begin our confession with praise for God as the creator of all things; and WHEREAS, Luther teaches us in the explanation to the first article of the creed that we ought to thank and praise, serve and obey this creator God; and WHEREAS, worship is our primary forum for giving thanks and praise to God; and WHEREAS, prominent Lutheran theologians have provided a liturgical and homiletical framework to offer thanks and praise to God for the goodness of creation (see resource examples below): • Habel, Rhoads and Santmire, eds. The Season of Creation: A Preaching Commentary. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2011. • http://www.letallcreationpraise.org/season-of-creation • https://seasonofcreation.com • http://www.lutheransrestoringcreation.org • http://www.bibleandecology.org • http://www.webofcreation.org THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Northern Illinois Synod encourage each of its member congregations to observe a “Season of Creation” as a regular part of the liturgical year; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Northern Illinois Synod provide resources and learning opportunities to facilitate congregations in conducting a “Season of Creation.” Pastor Scott Ralston (Faith, Forreston) began to speak in support of the resolution then yielded his time to Pastor Jeff Schlesinger. Pastor Jeff Schlesinger (“Heart of Illinois Lutheran Parish” - Immanuel, Compton & First, Lee) spoke in favor of the resolution as an encouragement for congregations to be attentive to our part in creation in our worship. ACTION SA-18-06-07 - R-1 (“Season of Creation”) was adopted as presented. Mr. Reibel then read the resolves of R-2 “Stewardship of Creation”. He indicated that the Resolutions Committee recommended its adoption.
25 Report of the Secretary R-2 - Stewardship of Creation WHEREAS, the 1993 ELCA Social Statement Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice affirms that “we are called to care for the earth as God cares for the earth;” and recognizes that “action to counter degradation, especially within this decade, is essential to the future of our children and our children’s children;” and declares that “each congregation should see itself as a center for exploring scriptural and theological foundations for caring for creation;” and that “as congregations and other expressions of this church, we will seek to incorporate the principles of sufficiency and sustainability in our life;” and WHEREAS, we are united as Christian leaders in our concern for the well-being of our neighbors and of God’s good creation that provides life and livelihood for all God’s creatures. Daily we see and hear the evidence of a rapidly changing climate. Glaciers are disappearing, the polar ice cap is melting, increasing temperatures, increased frequency and intensity of storms and wildfires, and sea levels are rising. Incidents of pollution created dead zones in seas and the ocean and toxic algae growth in water supplies are occurring with greater frequency. Most disturbingly, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is rising at an unprecedented rate. At the same time we also witness in too many instances how the earth’s natural beauty, a sign of God’s wonderful creativity, has been defiled by pollutants and waste; (adapted from A Pastoral Message on Climate Change, September 19, 2014); and WHEREAS, the Statement of Vision and Expectations for Ordained Ministers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America stipulates that “the people of God are called to the care and redemption of all that God has made. This includes the need to speak on behalf of this earth, its environment and natural resources and its inhabitants. This church expects that its ordained ministers will be exemplary stewards of the earth’s resources, and that they will lead this church in the stewardship of God’s creation;” THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Northern Illinois Synod, its congregations, committees, and boards are encouraged to: become stronger advocates for the creation that God has made; utilize available tools and partnerships to establish greening programs for their respective bodies; begin dialogue within and outside their respective walls about actively increasing awareness of the present planetary concerns; reconnect the faithful people of the synod and our communities to the rich diversity of life on earth; guide restoration as it is within their means to do so; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the aforementioned parties be encouraged to host a community environment-centered event (such as community tree planting, community garden development, recycling events) at least once a year, to be God’s hands and feet and make a difference in restoring this beautiful creation. Pastor Scott Ralston (Faith, Forreston) spoke in support of the resolution as a member of the synod Subcommittee on Climate Change. He said the resolution encourages congregations to take a more active role in caring for creation, especially by taking action in the community outside the congregation’s walls. Mr. Paul Lockwood (Grace, Woodstock) asked if this resolution should be memorialized to the Churchwide assembly. Mr. Steve Florschuetz (St. John’s, Mendota) expressed mixed feelings about the environmental issues raised in the resolution. He was concerned about the views of more radical environmentalist and wanted to be sure that our actions are based on fact. Mr. Kenneth George (Peace, New Lenox) raised a question of authority. He wanted to be sure the resolution is based on hard science not opinion. Pastor Ron Larson (St. John’s, Creston) spoke against the resolution. He argued that we are theologians and not scientists and that the resolution should be more faith based. Ms. K-Rae Knowles (Freedom, Oregon) spoke in favor of the resolution as a grass-roots movement, encouraging congregations to do something where they are with what they have. Ms. Julia Vogt (St. Barnabas, Cary) spoke in favor of the resolution in its encouragement to raise awareness of environmental issues. Mr. Nathan Knowles (Freedom, Oregon) noted that fulfilling this resolution could involve youth and help younger generations, which was a concern raised in the Friday afternoon session with Dr. Bouman.
26 Report of the Secretary Mr. Quinten Crook (Bethlehem, DeKalb) encouraged the members of the assembly to consider all the environmental data available. Mr. Nick Haws (Faith, Rochelle) commented that whether we believe in climate change or not, to do the things recommended in the resolution would help to make this a better world. Pastor Janet Wold (All Saints, Byron) called for the question. The assembly voted to end debate. ACTION SA-18-06-08 - R-2 (“Stewardship of Creation”) was adopted as presented. Mr. Reibel then read the resolves of R-3 “Budgeting for World Hunger”. He indicated that the Resolutions Committee recommended its adoption. R-3 - Budgeting for World Hunger WHEREAS, reaching out to the world through addressing hunger is central to our mission as Christians; and WHEREAS, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), its members and congregations, do that most effectively together through ELCA World Hunger; and WHEREAS, ELCA World Hunger will be able to most effectively plan its mission and respond in crisis when it has a consistent and predictable stream of contributions; and WHEREAS, our own faith and commitment to mission is strengthened through regular giving; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Northern Illinois Synod encourage each member congregation to make ELCA World Hunger a regular line item in their budget; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that congregations submit this budgetary item on a monthly or quarterly basis. Pastor Jeff Schlesinger (“Heart of Illinois Lutheran Parish,” Immanuel, Compton & First, Lee) spoke in favor of the resolution. He said that the goal is for every congregation in the synod to give to the World Hunger Appeal and encourages regular giving by including the Appeal as a line item in congregational budgets. Ms. Michelle Knight (St. Paul, Warren) spoke against the resolution stating that it might create additional financial strain on some congregations and cause a stigma of shame if a congregation cannot do it. Mr. Paul Lockwood (Grace, Woodstock) moved to amend the resolution by deleting the second resolve, “that congregations submit this budgetary item on a monthly or quarterly basis.” The motion to amend received a second. Mr. Lockwood, in speaking to the amendment, said that removing the second resolve would remove the “accountability” from the resolution. Pastor Jacob Gawlik (St. John’s, Sterling) spoke in favor of the amendment. Pastor Robin Caldwell (St. John, Joliet) moved an amendment to the amendment, adding to the first resolve the phrase “regular line item in their budget or host a fundraising event…” The motion to amend the amendment received a second. Pastor Vince Marolla (First, Monmouth) asked a question about the amendment, which was ruled to be out of order. Pastor Joseph O’Donnell (St. Paul, Dixon) spoke against the amendment to the amendment because it was inconsistent with the original resolution which called for an ongoing effort to support the World Hunger Appeal. Pastor Robin Caldwell (St. John, Joliet) believed the amendment to the amendment to be consistent and noted that St. John, Joliet holds an event every year. Pastor Jeff Schlesinger (Heart of Illinois Lutheran Parish, Compton & Lee) said that the intent of the second resolve was not to replace fundraisers, and that it was not a requirement but an encouragement. Pastor Elizabeth Martin (Trinity, Harvard) spoke in favor of the amendment to the amendment because fundraisers can be held regularly.
27 Report of the Secretary With no further discussion, a voice vote was taken, and the bishop declared the amendment to the amendment failed. Division was called for. The results of the second vote were 162 in favor and 164 opposed. The amendment to the amendment failed. The bishop then called for the vote on the original amendment to delete the second resolve. The motion to amend carried. Mr. Kenneth George (Peace, New Lenox) asked a question about current accounting practices related to the World Hunger Appeal. The bishop responded that donations are not reported in any delineated form. Pastor Scott Ralston (Faith, Forreston) called the question and received a second. The motion passed. The bishop called for the vote on R-3 as amended and declared the motion passed. Division was asked for. 235 voting members voted for the resolution as amended, 81 were opposed. The resolution as amended was adopted. ACTION SA-18-06-09 - R-3 “Budgeting for World Hunger” was adopted as amended. The second ballot was collected at 9:38 am. Keynote Address - Dr. Nessan continued his presentation citing Philippians 2 and suggesting that worship is “life practice” forming us to be the mind of Christ for the world, enabling us to fulfill our vocation as baptized children of God and witnesses of the gospel. He encouraged the use of “Affirmation of Christian Vocation” on page 84 of the ELW. The bishop offered thanks to Dr. Nessan for his presentations. Election Committee Report - Pastor Janet Wold was called upon to share the results of the second general election ballot. The following were elected: • Ministry Support Committee: Laity Male (3-year term) - Bill Nelson • 2019 Churchwide Assembly Voting member - At Large o Laity Male - Mike Wadle o Minister of Word and Sacrament Female - Laura Kamprath o Minister of Word and Sacrament Male - Zachary Baer The bishop offered thanks to everyone who put their name forward as a nominee. Churchwide Representative - Dr. Bouman brought greetings to the assembly on behalf of Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and showed her video. He offered a word of thanks to Bishop Clements, Pr. Gary Erickson, the staff and the synod for our partnership in ministry. Keynote Address - Dr. Bouman continued his keynote address by calling attention to three stories of biblical roads. The Emmaus Road calls us to communities of faith (congregations), the Jericho Road calls us to public ministry for justice and social change, and the Damascus Road encouraging us to see living encounters with the risen Christ for faith formation and leadership. The bishop offered thanks to Dr. Bouman for his presentations. Resolutions Committee - Mr. Mike Reibel presented R-4 Bread for the World, noting that the Resolutions Committee recommended adoption. R-4 BREAD FOR THE WORLD WHEREAS, God calls us both individually and corporately in Holy Baptism: “to strive for peace and justice in all the earth.” (“Affirmation by Assembly”, p. 237 ELW); and WHEREAS, individuals and local congregations need to be made aware of opportunities to fulfill this promise; and WHEREAS, Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. By changing policies, programs, and conditions that allow hunger and poverty to persist, we provide help and opportunity far beyond the communities where we live (www.bread.org); and WHEREAS, our Synod has a generous record of ELCA World Hunger Program offerings that continues to grow; and
28 Report of the Secretary WHEREAS, members of our congregations and Synod Assembly can be faithful to their Baptismal promises by being effective advocates for the relief of hunger; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Assembly, congregations and congregants be encouraged to: support local anti-hunger efforts and ELCA’s World Hunger Program; and integrate hunger concerns in prayer, worship, stewardship and educational activities; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Northern Illinois Synod World Hunger Subcommittee be encouraged to: educate congregations on the work of Bread for the World and how it acts in tandem with work done by ELCA World Hunger; and invite participation in Bread for the World’s annual Offering of Letters at each Synod Assembly; and provide congregations with resources regarding Bread for the World, encouraging them to become Covenant Congregations. Pastor Ken Storck (Gloria Dei, Rockford) spoke in favor of the resolution noting that in the affirmation of baptism liturgy we are called to strive for justice and peace in all the earth. This resolution gives us opportunities to fulfill that commitment. He explained Bread for the World is an ecumenical organization that advocates for justice in the world. Pastor Rick Meier (Faith, South Beloit) said that each year the World Hunger Subcommittee lifts up different aspects of hunger issues. This year the subcommittee is deliberately raising up the work of a sister agency with an emphasis on advocacy. Pastor TroyAnn Poulopoulos (Emmanuel, Rockford) asked why this was not included in R-3. Pastor Rick Meier (Faith, South Beloit) said that the subcommittee believes this resolution is complementary to R-3 but not identical. Mr. Larry Cording (Shepherd of the Hills, Scales Mound) indicated he did not feel that he knows enough about Bread for the World to support them. Deacon Myrna Andersen (First, Galesburg) said that she is a member of Bread for the World and that they provide tools for advocacy. Deacon Carla Vanatta (Salem, Sycamore) moved to refer the resolution to the Synod Council. The motion was seconded. Pastor Ken Storck (Gloria Dei, Rockford) spoke against the motion to refer, stating the he believes this assembly ought to be brave enough to do something. Deacon Carla Vanatta (Salem, Sycamore) said that she was in favor of referring because she did not believe that there was enough time to adequately consider the resolution. Pastor Roger Asplund (Retired) spoke against the motion to refer. He said that Bread for the World is a reliable organization dealing with hunger and justice issues that has existed since 1972. He said it is time to take action. Pastor Rick Meier (Faith, South Beloit) asked the assembly to please not refer. Pastor Jacob Gawlik (St. John’s, Sterling) said he was against referral. With no further discussion, the bishop called for a vote. The motion to refer was defeated. The bishop then called for a vote on the resolution. R-4 was adopted as presented. ACTION SA-18-06-10 - R-4 “Bread for the World” was adopted as presented. Courtesy Committee Report - Ms. Carol Swenson was called on to give the Courtesy Committee Report. “As we have met together with Vim, Vigor and Vitality, we are reminded that we are indeed free to proclaim that in Christ we are a new Creation. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 states ‘So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!’ The Spirit has gathered us as God’s people, to this 31st annual Synod Assembly. And as God’s people, it is right to give God thanks and praise: For Augustana College, and their ministry of hospitality. For the food and the hands that made it, for clean restrooms and smiling faces. For First Lutheran of Geneseo for being our host congregation and for First Lutheran in Moline for hosting our special Friday night event, we give thanks.
29 Report of the Secretary For Bishop Clements, the synod staff, synod council and committees, for congregations, for new ministries (e.g. Youth summits), continuing ministries, and for all who do the work of this synod day-in- and-day-out. For the people, seen and unseen, who have made this Assembly possible. For you, dear assembly attendees, we give thanks. For our Church, local, the Northern Illinois Synod, for Bishop Eaton and her reminder that we are ‘free of the burden of making ourselves acceptable to God and free for loving and serving others’. For Rev. Dr. Bouman’s reminder that we can recognize God in the world through our everyday lives and that we all can be wounded healers to others, for Rev. Dr. Nessan’s message of moving the church’s sacred spaces into public places and the universal priesthood of all believers, and for Bishop’s Clements’ reminder that vital congregations nurture life-changing relationships, we give thanks. For information and inspiration gleaned at displays, presentations, worship events and dinner conversations, for forum leaders and participants who will return home revitalized for ministry, we give thanks. For deacons and pastors; for those celebrating milestone anniversaries, especially Rev. Chuck Steinke’s 50th anniversary, and for the newly ordained: Seth Hecox, Deb Kelly, and Karyn Kost, we give thanks. For time together as friends, new or old; together at the table in food and fellowship; together in worship offering prayer and praise; together in celebration and in remembrance, we give thanks. For the safe arrival of this assembly, by car or by bike or on foot, and for safe travels home again, we give thanks For youth and youth leaders, for LYO and those traveling to the National youth gathering in Houston, TX we give thanks. For conversation, consideration and prayerful voting on resolutions and for all those willing to stand for positions of leadership in the Synod, we give thanks. Finally, that we may experience vim, vigor and vitality in our lives together as the Church, as new creations in Christ, people of God called to go forth into the world to serve, for this, we give thanks and appreciation.” The report was received with applause. At 11:35 am, following the Courtesy Committee Report, Bishop Clements declared Plenary Session III to be closed. He then called on Pr. Hanson for announcements. The bishop asked for a motion to adjourn, then led the assembly in the Order for the Closing of the Assembly. The assembly concluded on Saturday afternoon with a Service of Holy Communion with Rite of Ordination. ACTION SA-18-06-01 - Rules of the Assembly ACTION SA-18-06-06 - 2019 Salary Guidelines ACTION SA-18-06-02 - Assembly Agenda Action SA-18-06-07 - R-1 adopted ACTION SA-18-06-03 - Churchwide Voting ACTION SA-18-06-08 - R-2 adopted Members elected by the conferences. ACTION SA-18-06-09 - R-3 adopted as amended ACTION SA-18-06-04 - 2017 Assembly Minutes ACTION SA-18-06-10 - R-4 adopted ACTION SA-18-06-05 - 2019 Budget
30 Report of the Secretary Report of the Synod Council May 1, 2018 - April 30, 2019 Synod Officers: The Rev. Jeffrey Clements, Bishop (2022) Mr. Bill Bartlett, Vice President (2021) The Rev. Donald Knowles, Secretary (2022) Ms. Tammie Farley, Treasurer (2019) Synod Council: The Rev. Robert Franek (2019) The Rev. Gwen Sefrhans-Murphy (2020) Ms. Heide Gallagher (2019) Mr. Jim Spring (2021) The Rev. Brad Haugen (2021) Ms. Carol Swenson (2020) Mr. Ryan Mackey (2020) The Rev. Andy Tyrrell (2021) Mr. Craig Peterson (2019) Deacon Carla Vanatta (2019) Ms. Minnette Scott (2021) The Rev. Janet Wold (2019) Synod Staff: The Rev. Denver Bitner, Assistant to the Bishop for North and Northwest Conferences Ms. June Cain, Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant The Rev. Michel Clark, Assistant to the Bishop for the West and Southwest Conferences Ms. Nancy Corey, Administrative Assistant to Pastors Erickson and Nordby/Registrar Deacon Cheryl Erdmann, Assistant to the Bishop The Rev. Gary Erickson, Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Evangelical Mission The Rev. Pat Esker, Assistant to the Bishop, beginning 3/1/19 Deacon Karin Graddy, Assistant to the Bishop for Communication The Rev. Marilyn Hanson, Assistant to the Bishop Ms. Julie Lewis, Executive Secretary to the Bishop/Office Manager The Rev. Kurt Nordby, Assistant to the Bishop for Stewardship and Development, through 1/31/19 Executive Committee: Mr. Bill Bartlett Ms. Tammie Farley The Rev. Jeffrey Clements, Bishop The Rev. Donald Knowles Deacon Cheryl Erdmann, Ex-Officio Ms. Minnette Scott The Rev. Pat Esker, Ex-Officio Deacon Carla Vanatta Finance Committee: Mr. Bill Bartlett The Rev. Kurt Nordby, Ex-Officio, through 1/31/19 Ms. June Cain, Ex-Officio The Rev. Nord Swanstrom (2020) The Rev. Jeffrey Clements, Bishop Ms. Carol Swenson (2020) Deacon Cheryl Erdmann, Ex-Officio through The Rev. Andy Tyrrell (2021) 2/28/19 The Rev. William Weidenbach (2019) The Rev. Gary Erickson, Ex-Officio The Rev. Janet Wold (2019) The Rev. Pat Esker, Ex-Officio, beginning 3/1/19 Mr. Russell Zeskey (2021) Ms. Tammie Farley Appointment/Specialized Ministry Committee: Mr. Bill Bartlett The Rev. Donald Knowles The Rev. Jeffrey Clements, Bishop Ms. Minnette Scott Deacon Cheryl Erdmann, Ex-Officio Deacon Carla Vanatta
31 Report of the Secretary Synod Council Meeting Dates and Locations: May 19, 2018 Synod Office, Rockford September 15, 2018 Synod Office, Rockford January 12, 2019 Synod Office, Rockford April 13, 2019 Synod Office, Rockford A Summary of Administrative Actions 1. Received the bishop’s report at each meeting - including reports from the bishop’s staff. 2. Received and approved Synod Council minutes at each meeting. 3. Approved changes to the constitutions and/or bylaws of the following congregations: a) Cross and Crown, Roscoe b) Our Savior’s, Seneca c) Shepherd of the Prairie, Huntley d) St. John’s, Somonauk e) St. John’s, Sterling f) Trinity, Derinda g) Trinity, Mt. Morris h) United, Gardner 4. Approved appointments to NIS Standing Committees, Synod Council, Synod Council Committees, Task Forces, and Synod Assembly Committees. 5. Received and accepted the 2018 Synod Assembly minutes. 6. Received reports from the NIS WELCA president. 7. Approved the designation to the Outreach Mission Fund a gift to the synod of $26,740 from Grace, Woodstock. 8. Approved the Gold+ benefits plan for the staff for 2019 and housing allowances for staff (Ministers of Word and Sacrament only). 9. Approved a request for the Northern Illinois Synod to serve as the fiscal agent for the “ELCA Deacons for Ecumenical Engagement Affinity Group.” 10. Approved a Synod Vitality Grant for the Northwest and Northeast Conferences. 11. Approved the Northern Illinois Synod Mission and Vision Statement. 12. Received a report from the Bishop’s Task Force on Synodically Authorized Ministers. 13. Approved sending $10,000 in reserve funds to the Florida-Bahamas Synod and Lutheran Disaster Response for hurricane and wildfire relief in Florida and California. 14. Received updates on the Tanzania Nursing School project. 15. Approved the 2020 Proposed Salary Guidelines. 16. Approved the proposed rules, agenda and ballot for the 2019 NI Synod Assembly. 17. Adopted Personnel Policy revisions. 18. Approved the Resolution for the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women. 19. Approved a new lease agreement for the Synod Office and the formation of a task force to explore future office space needs. A Summary of Budget and Finance Actions 1. Regularly received and reviewed the reports of the treasurer, subject to audit. 2. Received the audit report. 3. Approved the 2019 audit contract. 4. Authorized the Treasurer to reinvest funds in the Mission Investment Fund. 5. Approved a distribution from the NIS endowment fund to the Gary Wollersheim Rostered Ministers Education Debt Retirement Fund and to the Rostered Ministers Continuing Education/Sabbatical Leave Fund.
32 Report of the Secretary 6. Designated the 2019 Synod Assembly offering to the Campaign for the ELCA. 7. Approved the 2020 budget proposal and forward it to the 2019 Synod Assembly. A Summary of Personnel Actions 1. 1. Approved, renewed or reviewed “On Leave from Call” status to the following: a) The Rev. Robert Franek - (10/1/2018-9/30/2021) b) The Rev. Vince Marolla - (09/1/2018-08/31/2021) c) The Rev. William Weidenbach - (09/1/2018-8/31/2021) d) The Rev. Wendy Popp - (09/1/2018-08/31/2021) e) The Rev. Kimberly Riebe - (08/14/2017-08/13/2020) f) The Rev. Susan Davenport - family leave - (09/1/2017-08/31/2023) g) The Rev. Jana Howson - (11/1/2017-10/31/2020) h) The Rev. Katie Gallagher - (11/6/2017-11/5/2020) i) The Rev. Howard Buchholz (10/08/2018-10/07/2021) j) The Rev. Jenna Couch - Family Leave (11/01/2018-10/31/2024) k) The Rev. Jamie Wallace - Study Leave (1/1/2014-12/31/2020) l) The Rev. Christine Schoon (01/01/2019-12/31/2021) m) The Rev. Kit Neel - Change of status from Disability to On Leave from Call (4/13/2019- 4/12/2022) 2. Received a report of rostered ministers not attending the 2018 Synod Assembly. 3. Reviewed the NIS Roster 4. Extended term calls to Deacon Karin Graddy, the Rev. Marilyn Hanson, and the Rev. Pat Esker. 5. Approved retirement requests of rostered ministers a) The Rev. Mike Clark, (12/07/2017) b) The Rev. Jeff Linman, (09/01/2018) c) The Rev. Timothy Kenyon, (10/01/2018) d) The Rev. Larry Conway (11/01/2018) e) Deacon Patty Tillman (12/15/2018) f) The Rev. Kurt Nordby (01/31/2019) g) The Rev. Mark Oehlert (02/03/2019) 6. Appointed/elected/called the following: a) The Rev. Karen Norman Rees, Chaplain at Hill Correctional Center, Galesburg, 3-year term call (04/13/2019-04/12/2022) b) Deacon Cheryl Erdmann appointed to the Grace Place Campus Ministry at NIU Board and to the Lutheran Campus Ministry of Illinois Board (10/01/2018 - 02/01/2022) Respectfully Submitted, The Rev. Donald L. Knowles, Secretary of the Synod
33
Report of the Treasurer Psalm 100 verse 1:2 “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” It has been a good and interesting year in the Northern Illinois Synod ending the year with an unexpected decline in Mission Support late in the budget year. With this said, it is important to highlight that we are a Synod with adequate reserves to support year-end actual financial fluctuations. We are fortunate that Bishop Clements is extremely familiar with our synod finances and the overall budget process and recognizes when a budget revision decision is necessary. Accordingly, our current year 2019 Budget reflects a revised spending plan of $2,266,860 (reduction of $87,990) that was acted upon in early March 2019. The Bishop and synod staff are dedicated in managing our finances with a prudent level of fiscal responsibility. I offer my personal thanks to Bishop Clements for his conservative financial leadership. And together with Deacon Cheryl Erdmann and Ms. June Cain, Synod Bookkeeper, I find my role as Synod Treasurer balanced due to their commitment in overseeing synod finances day-to-day. Prior to a discussion of financial highlights, it is important to emphasize that your gifts of Mission Support provide a basis for all financial decisions of the Synod. To you, our faithful congregations, I am both grateful and thankful for your steadfast support. The following are highlights for the budget year 2018 which ended January 31, 2019: Mission Support totaled $2,168,867 which was less than what was budgeted. ELCA Mission Support was paid out at 55% or $1,192,877. Agencies and Institutions (LSSI, Seminaries, Colleges, Campus Ministry, LOMC, IL Conferences of Churches and Regional Ministries) expenditures totaled $136,254. Synod Program Committees spent $83,776. Total Administrative Costs were in line with funds received at $833,469. Fiscal year 2018 ended in an actual difference of -$32,727 covered by Cash Reserves. In preparing the 2020 Budget (February 1, 2020-January 31, 2021) as proposed at this year’s Synod Assembly, Statements of Intent received by our congregations are the beginning point in building the budget. Analysis of the Statements of Intent and discussion at our Synod Finance Committee recommend budgeted income for Mission Support of $2,243,595 and total income $2,291,000. The 2020 budgeted expenditures total $2,291,000 for a balanced budget. Support to ELCA Churchwide Mission Support remains at 55% of Mission Support. Agencies and Institutions are budgeted at slightly lower levels than 2018 actual expenditures. Committees made requests and received budgeted allocations at nearly 100%. Administrative expenditures were budgeted based on anticipated salaries and benefits plus operating and overhead costs as projected for 2020. Please take time to review financial reports provided in subsequent pages of the Assembly Bulletin of Reports. Special thanks for the thoughtful work of your Synod Finance Committee is extended to Bishop Jeffrey Clements, Mr. Bill Bartlett, Ms. Minnette Scott, Rev. Nord Swanstrom, Ms. Carol Swenson, Rev. Andy Tyrrell, Rev. William Weidenbach, Rev, Janet Wold, Mr. Russ Zeskey and the following staff serving in an advisory capacity: Rev. Kurt Nordby, Deacon Cheryl Erdmann, Rev. Gary Erickson, and Ms. June Cain. Peace, Tammie Farley, Treasurer
34 Report of the Treasurer Consolidated Balance Sheet
NORTHERN ILLINOIS SYNOD EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 1/31/2019
ASSETS Current Year Cash 319,848.69 Investments 1,502,347.40 Accounts Receivable 31,112.60 Prepaid Expenses 18,025.93 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 1,871,334.62
NON-CURRENT ASSETS Jenny Lind Chapel Assets 431,991.92 Fixed Assets 388,048.69 Accumulated Depreciation -328,136.59 TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 491,904.02
TOTAL ASSETS 2,363,238.64
LIABILITIES Accounts Payable 337,169.68 Accrued Expenses 7,509.01 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 344,678.69
NET ASSETS Restricted Accounts by Donors 209,744.73 Permanently Restricted Accounts 597,906.76 Restricted Accounts - By Synod Council 396,547.64 Designated for Jenny Lind Chapel 431,991.92 Bishop's Discretionary Fund 3,213.59 Property Fund 60,861.90 Synod Fund Reserves 401,595.95 Current Fund Balance -83,302.54 TOTAL NET ASSETS 2,018,559.95
TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS 2,363,238.64
35 Report of the Treasurer
2020 Proposed Budget Pie Chart
36 Report of the Treasurer 2020 Proposed Budget
2018 2018 REVISED 2018 2019 2019 REVISED 2020 BUDGET SPENDING ACTUAL BUDGET SPENDING PROPOSED BUDGET SYNOD MINISTRIES 1 INCOME 2 Mission Support 2,322,485 2,284,975 2,168,867 2,319,250 2,217,055 2,243,595 Mission Support - Restricted 3 to NIS 5,600 2,600 21,875 2,600 29,805 27,405 4 ELCA-DEM Grant 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 5 Interest Income 30,000 15,000 12,906 18,000 10,000 10,000 6 Miscellaneous 0 0 0 5,000 0 0 7 Total Income 2,368,085 2,312,575 2,213,648 2,354,850 2,266,860 2,291,000 8 EXPENSES 9 ELCA Mission Support (55%) 1,277,365 1,256,735 1,192,877 1,275,585 1,219,380 1,233,980 10 LSSI 80,400 63,010 59,809 72,905 61,195 59,240 11 Seminaries 48,400 36,160 34,323 43,890 35,120 32,375 12 Colleges 8,000 5,980 5,676 7,255 5,805 5,470 13 Campus Ministry 29,950 22,345 21,210 27,160 21,700 20,540 14 LOMC 11,700 11,700 11,106 11,700 11,700 11,700 15 IL Conference of Churches 600 600 570 600 600 600 16 Regional Ministries 3,750 3,750 3,560 4,880 4,880 4,685 17 Congregational Life 21,870 20,000 25,656 13,000 13,000 10,000 18 Global Ministry Committee 7,500 7,000 4,664 8,500 8,500 7,500 19 Outreach Committee 33,500 30,000 19,014 33,500 25,000 27,000 20 Ministry Support 28,500 28,500 30,013 28,900 28,900 29,000 21 Social Ministry 4,500 4,500 4,429 5,000 5,000 4,500 22 Bishop Discretionary 0 0 0 1,000 1,000 1,000 23 Salaries 446,040 449,085 452,887 445,080 451,410 455,927 24 Employee Benefits 196,510 203,710 203,949 192,395 200,170 203,983 25 Travel - Staff 35,000 35,000 42,611 45,000 40,000 45,000 26 Auto Replacement 17,000 17,000 17,000 15,000 15,000 17,000 27 Synod Assembly 3,000 3,000 2,352 4,000 3,000 3,000 Synod Council / Deans / 28 Interim Prs 3,000 3,000 5,820 5,000 5,000 5,000 29 Occupancy 31,500 31,500 31,309 32,000 32,000 33,000 30 Office Operating 33,000 33,000 32,996 35,000 33,000 34,000
31 Legal, Audit & Payroll Service 12,000 12,000 12,254 12,500 12,500 12,500 32 Insurance 15,000 15,000 13,888 15,000 15,000 14,500 33 Equipment & Maintenance 20,000 20,000 18,403 20,000 18,000 19,500 34 Total Expenses 2,368,085 2,312,575 2,246,375 2,354,850 2,266,860 2,291,000 Difference Between Income & Expenses 0 0 -32,727 0 0 0
37 Report of the Treasurer Explanation of Budgeted Income and Expenses Line Description Explanation # 4 ELCA-DEM This is a staff support grant for fiscal year 2018 for the synod Director for Grant Evangelical Mission (DEM). This grant is intended to offset synod expenses. 9 ELCA Mission For every mission support dollar, the Northern Illinois Synod (NIS) receives from Support congregations, 55 cents is sent to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Churchwide) and 45 cents remains in the Synod to do ministry on behalf of congregations. 10 LSSI Lutheran Social Services of Illinois is the social service agency of the three Illinois Synods and Churchwide. Through service and advocacy, the agency seeks to bring healing, justice, and wholeness to persons and to enhance the quality of people’s lives. Programs which they offer include: Adoption and Foster Care; Treatment for Emotionally Troubled Youth; Alcoholism-Drug Dependence Treatment; Children’s Day Care and Head Start Centers; Mental Health Services; Counseling; Crisis Intervention; Services to Older Adults; Programs for Developmentally Disabled Persons; Prisoner and Family Ministry; Housing/Independent Living; Ethnic Ministries; Pastoral Care; Congregational Relations; and Advocacy. 11 Seminaries By sending dollars to the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, NIS helps to prepare men and women for rostered ministry and lay leadership. 12 Colleges NIS dollars support the 12 Lutheran colleges in Regions 3 and 5 (e.g. Augustana, Rock Island, Illinois; Wartburg, Waverly, Iowa; Carthage, Kenosha, Wisconsin, etc.). 13 Campus There are 10 different campus ministry sites throughout the State of Illinois where Ministry Campus Pastors minister to the needs of our youth on such campuses as Northern Illinois University, DeKalb; University of Illinois, Champaign; Western Illinois University, Macomb; and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Campus Ministries enable students to gain basic understanding and skills in such areas as worship leadership, Bible study, relating the gospel to the issue of society, service projects, and group leadership. 14 LOMC NIS supports the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center in Oregon, Illinois. This is a program of the Church operating year-round giving leadership to summer camps, retreats, confirmation camps, and outdoor education. 15 IL This is an interchurch cooperative effort between delegates of the member Conference churches to study the word of God, to affirm unity in Christ, and to develop and of Churches participate in programs of cooperative study and action which will benefit all of God’s people. 16 Region 5 of Region 5 encompasses the twelve synods of Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Upper the ELCA Michigan. A Candidacy and Leadership Manager for Region 5, appointed by the ELCA, works closely with our Synod to raise up Rostered Ministers for the Church and be the link between Churchwide and the synods by assisting in communication and working on tasks between the two expressions, such as the assignment process for seminaries. Region 5 also provides the networking between synods that wish to share a task, vision, event, work group, etc. 17 Congrega- The Congregation Life Committee (CLC) is responsible for the annual tional Life Congregational Resourcing Event (CRE) held at Kishwaukee College, Malta, Illinois, Committee every March which helps to support and equip congregations to carry out their ministries. It also gives out small grants as seed money to congregations for new ministries within the congregation. Subcommittees are supported in the areas of worship (including organization of worship at synod-wide events such as Synod Assembly and Professional Leaders Conference), Stewardship, Youth Ministry, and Safe Church. Additional funds to support Youth Ministry are found in designated fund #30040, the Cora Diestelmeier Estate Fund.
38 Report of the Treasurer Line Description Explanation # 18 Global In 2018, the Global Mission Committee continued NIS work with two Companions, Mission the North Central (formerly “Arusha”) Diocese (ELCT) in Tanzania and the Arcot Lutheran Church (ALC) in Tamil Nadu, India. We also worked with ELCA-GM programs and sent funds to ELCA missionaries in Tanzania and India. Tanzania: In Tanzania, NIS supported the Mwangaza Center Teaching Seminars in Arusha and North Central Diocese scholarships for pastoral training. Six NIS congregations have active partner Congregations in this diocese. Assistant to the Bishop Gary Erickson attended the ELCA-ELCT Bishops Summit in Tanzania on August 6. ELCT has grown to 26 dioceses from 20 in 2000; the six new dioceses do not have ELCA partners. NIS and North Central Diocese will be working to update the original 2003 Partnership Covenant. The Msseemmaa Scholarship fund, managed by NIS, sent the annual $750 for the Msseemmaa scholarship at Moringe-Sekoine school in Monduli. The ALMC Nursing School Project now focuses on refitting the former Ehkenywa Boarding school, with reconstruction drawings in process for opening the Nursing School new campus later in 2019. With the help of the so many, the Northern Illinois Synod raised $107,511 since the beginning of this fundraiser. India: In the Arcot Lutheran Church (ALC), our Partner in Tamil Nadu, Southeast India, NIS currently has seven Companion congregations, NIS also works with the Lutheran Partners in Global Mission (LPGM), Minneapolis on schools in the ALC. NIS continued working with Arcot Bishop Socrates and others in Tamil Nadu on our companionship. We hosted several visitors from Arcot. Renewed focus on projects in Palestine. NIS helps the Augusta Victoria hospital, run by the Lutheran World Federation, with the only hospital for Palestinians in Jerusalem. 19 Outreach The Outreach committee partners with established congregations and ministries in Committee development for “Learning, Thinking, and Living into a Deeper and More Vibrant Faith,” the vitality initiative in the Northern Illinois Synod. Vitality initiatives at the conference level have promoted “Learning, Thinking and Living” to more than 30 congregations in our synod. Congregations supported directly with vitality funds are Joyful Spirit, Bolingbrook and Cross of Glory, Homer Glen. Small grants are available from the committee to assist new ministry efforts in congregations. 20 Ministry Our Mission is to enable Christians of the Northern Illinois Synod to realize their Support call to ministry as both lay and professional workers. As a result, the majority of Committee our budget goes to the Candidacy Subcommittee. With it, meetings expenses for the Committee and Subcommittees, scholarships for those pursuing rostered ministry, assistance with the initial costs of entering candidacy, and candidacy retreats are funded. Currently, 17 candidates are working toward one of the rostered ministries in the ELCA. Other major budget line items include providing resources for: the Professional Leaders Conference (PLC), retreats, and First Call Theological Education (FCTE). These events help professional leaders meet the yearly requirement of 50 continuing education hours. The yearly PLC draws well-known speakers and musicians to enrich and challenge synod leaders and is the synod’s keystone leadership event. FCTE is supervised by the Bishop and is required by the ELCA for professional leaders in their first three years of service. The goal is to transition leaders from academic study to parish life by teaching the “nuts and bolts” of public ministry. The committee also develops yearly Salary Guidelines and Mutual Ministry resources.
39 Report of the Treasurer Line Description Explanation # 21 Social The role of the Social Ministry Committee is to inspire, educate and support Ministry congregations of the Northern IL Synod and ELCA organizations to care for those Committee in need, serve their neighbors, and seek justice for all people. The Committee offers workshops and provides grants to congregations, coalitions, and church- based community organizations. Active, independent subcommittees include: World Hunger, Creation Care, and Multicultural/Anti-Racism. The Social Ministry Committee also relates to Lutheran Advocacy. 22 Bishop's This fund is used as urgent needs arise for either rostered or lay people as the Discretionary Bishop deems necessary but not for the Bishop’s benefit. 23 Salaries Funds are provided to pay for the ministry of the Bishop and his staff. This line includes cash salary, housing (where applicable), and Social Security reimbursement (where applicable). 24 Employee This includes pension, health, and continuing education for staff. Benefits 25 Travel - Staff Travel and travel related expenses for staff. 27 Synod This line item encompasses all of the planning, preparation, and activities which Assembly produces a meaningful and informative assembly. These expenditures are over and above the registration fees. 28 Synod Provides for Synod Council, Conference Deans, and Interim Pastors meetings and Council functions associated with these three areas of ministry Deans & Interim Prs 29 Occupancy Includes the rent and miscellaneous services to maintain the Synod Office 30 Office This line item consists of telephones, postage, office supplies, printing, and copying Operating expenses, and other miscellaneous expenses. Expense 31 Legal, Audit Covers legal expenses incurred throughout the year, the annual audit of the & Payroll Synod’s finances, and an outside CPA firm which prepares payroll checks and Service taxes. 32 Insurance Dollars are used to cover NIS’s property and equipment, worker’s compensation, synod owned automobiles, and the Churchwide Travel Plan which covers all staff, council members, committee members, synod assembly voting members, etc. 33 Equipment & This line item provides us with computers, printers, copy machines, postage meter, Maintenance computer software, and maintenance of the equipment 34 Difference The ($32,727) is the difference between income and expenses on a cash basis. between Constitutionally “Except when such procedure would jeopardize current Income and operations, a reserve amounting to no more than 16% of the sum of the amounts Expense scheduled in the next year’s budget for regular distribution to synodical causes shall be carried forward annually for disbursement in the following year in the interest of making possible a more even flow of income to such causes. The exact number of dollars to be held in reserve shall be determined by the Synod Council.” The total for cash reserves as of 1/31/19 is $197,080 and 8.69% of the 2019 Revised Spending Budget.
40 Report of the Treasurer Policy Statement Totals as of 1/31/19
Designated Funds:
Permanently Restricted Fund:
#28050, #28052 Endowment/Trust Fund for the Northern Illinois Synod $597,906.76 Purpose/Use: To enhance the mission of the Northern Illinois Synod apart from the general operation of the Synod; that no portion of the income generated by the Fund shall be used for the annual operating budget of the Synod. Authorization: At the initial funding of the Endowment Fund, the Bishop and Synod Council shall act as the Endowment Committee. At such time as the Bishop and Council determines that the size and activity of the Fund shall warrant, it shall elect five (5) members to serve as the Committee, all of whom shall be members of the Northern Illinois Synod, but who shall not be sitting members of the Synod Council.
Restricted Funds - By Donors:
#27020 Synod Conference Programs $725.62 (Fiscal Year End 2/1/18 - 1/31/19) Purpose/Use: Synod Conference bank accounts to be used for programs within the conferences of the synod. Authorization: Conference Dean or Conference Treasurer
#27025 Retired Rostered Leaders & Spouse Assistance $5,944 Purpose/Use: Special needs for retired rostered leaders and spouses including scholarships to synod functions (PLC, Assembly, etc.). Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#27037 Donor Temporarily Restricted $38,382.35 Purpose/Use: Contributions received in Fiscal Year 2018 for Fiscal Year 2019. Contributions will be distributed to accounts starting 2/01/2019. Authorization: Synod Bookkeeper
#27038 Diakonia Program $13,162.05 (Fiscal Year end 2/1/18 - 1/31/19) Purpose/Use: To be used for Diakonia, a two-year process of spiritual formation and theological education. Students pay a fee which pays for the class instructors and other costs associated with the classes. Authorization: Bishop or individual that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#27040 ELCA Deacon Affinity Group $3,020.30 Purpose/Use: To allow the Northern Illinois Synod to serve as the fiscal agent for the newly-formed ELCA Deacon Community. As fiscal agent, the NIS will receive dues from members and, once per year, pay out the accumulated dues to the ecumenical diaconal organization Diakonia of the Americas and the Caribbean. (DOTAC) Authorization: Bishop or individual that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#27050 Global Ministries NIS Committee $445.24 Purpose/Use: To support the activities of the Northern Illinois Synod Global Ministries committee. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
41 Report of the Treasurer #27052 Grace, Woodstock Mission Foundation $7,322.98 Purpose/Use: To be used for the funding of Synodical Authorized Worshiping Communities (S.A.W.C.). Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#27080 Men in Mission $967.79 Purpose/Use: To be used for programs developed by Men in Mission. Authorization: Recommendation from Men in Mission and approved by Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#27081 Men in Mission-Reorganization $3,472.38 Purpose/Use: To be used for reorganization of Men in Mission. Authorization: Recommendation from Men in Mission and approved by Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#27085, #27086, & #27087 Msseemmaa Memorial Scholarship Fund $21,347.32 Purpose/Use: Will pay annual tuition and fees at Moringe Sokoine Lutheran Secondary School in Moduli, Tanzania, for a student who could not otherwise afford to attend. One $500 scholarship, or total cost of the next year’s tuition (whichever is greater) will be awarded annually beginning in October of the year following that year in which the balance of this Fund reaches $15,000. The presiding Chair of the NIS Global Mission will write a letter requesting that the scholarship be electronically transferred to Moringe Sokoine LSS’s Scholarship Fund. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#27090 Seminarian Scholarships $915 Purpose/Use: Following the Synod's guidelines for seminarian scholarships, this money is to provide funds to seminarians above and beyond what is received from the Synod through Ministry Support Committee budget. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#27103 Stewardship Projects and Resources $2,369.71 Purpose/Use: To be used for expenses incurred for stewardship resources. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#27106 Tanzania Nursing School $97,511.32 Purpose/Use: To assist in the building of a new nursing school in the North Central Diocese of the ELCA. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#27107 Vitality Project $9,627.26 Purpose/Use: This fund is for the continuing development of a Northern Illinois Synod Vitality initiative. The fund covers the costs of meetings, materials, stipends, honoraria, and other related expenses for the ongoing process of congregational vitality. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#27110 Women’s Leaders Retreat/Convention $40.68 Purpose/Use: To nurture, encourage and support relationships between female leaders in the Northern Illinois Synod. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#27125 Worship $2,440.73 Purpose/Use: For special worship projects. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by Bishop.
42 Report of the Treasurer #27150 Youth in Mission Grant $2,050 Purpose/Use: Youth discernment events. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by Bishop.
Restricted Funds by Synod Council:
#30003 ALC - Friends Program $4,400 Purpose/Use: To provide a scholarship for a student each year (10 years). Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by Bishop.
#30004 Synod Auto Sold $8,440.06 Purpose/Use: To be used purchase an automobile for Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by Bishop.
#30008 Rostered Leaders Continuing Education/Sabbatical Leave Fund $10,443.29 Purpose/Use: To be used for sabbatical grants and continuing education for rostered leaders. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by Bishop.
#30010 Campus Ministry (NIU) $4,819.51 Purpose/Use: Funds to be used for assisting Campus Ministry of Illinois to have full time campus minister at Northern Illinois University. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by Bishop.
#30020, #30021 Capital Development $45,120.34 Purpose/Use: Revolving loan fund for new congregation site purchases and first unit buildings. (Present Loan total $2,704.06) Authorization: Recommendation from the Outreach Committee, approval from Bishop or the Executive Committee, recommendation to the Synod Council for approval.
#30040 Cora Diestelmeier/Youth Ministry Staff Position $21,804.54 Purpose/Use: To be used to employ a part time person to provide the Synod with youth ministry leadership, in partnership (i.e. under contract) with a congregation or other Synod organization. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by Bishop.
#30041 Gary Wollersheim Rostered Leaders Educational Debt Retirement Fund $26,952.79 Purpose/Use: For alleviating the educational debt for rostered leaders serving in the Northern Illinois Synod. A task force will oversee expenditures. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by Bishop.
#30042 Rostered Leaders Assistance - BOP $4,988.17 Purpose/Use: For alleviating the medical costs for rostered leaders serving in the Northern Illinois Synod. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by Bishop.
#30043 DEM Synod Support Grant $150 Purpose/Use: To be applied toward synod expenses (i.e. local travel, administrative support, office, etc.) related to the Director of Evangelical Mission position. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
43 Report of the Treasurer #30044 Endowment - Interest/Dividends ($2,966.33) Purpose/Use: The Executive Committee will recommend to the Synod Council suggested recipient(s) of the Endowment Earnings. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by Bishop.
#30060 First Call Theological Education $1,521.46 Purpose/Use: To provide First Call Theological Education experiences and mentoring processes for newly ordained pastors during the first three years of their first call. Authorization: Bishop or joint recommendation between the chairperson of the Ministry Support Committee and Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#30065 Intersection $2,967.28 Purpose/Use: To be used to support the ongoing development of the small group ministry in Genoa, IL known as Intersections, or its successor small group ministry in the same or other location. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#30090 Outreach Mission Fund $249,074.90 Purpose/Use: Monies designated for outreach ministries (new missions and redeveloping congregations.) Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#30094 Rostered Ministers Continuing Education $699.62 Purpose/Use: Monies designated for continuing education workshops for rostered leaders. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#30096 Social Ministry Committee Fund $500 Purpose/Use: To use for a workshop and/or learning materials so that the “Northern Illinois Synod can encourage its members, its congregations, and its institutions to divest from fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and invest in renewable sources of energy and other investments that are not a threat to God’s Creation.” (Resolution R-3 at the 2015 Synod Assembly.) Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#30105 Tanzania Nursing School $10,000 Purpose/Use: To assist in the building of a new nursing school in the North Central Diocese of the ELCA Tanzania. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#30107 Technology Fund $4,702.67 Purpose/Use: To be used to upgrade Synod Technology, especially to acquire the technology to provide for easy and efficient online meetings of synod groups. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
#30150 Wellness Initiative $2,932.34 Purpose/Use: Will focus on the physical, social/interpersonal, emotional, intellectual, and vocational well- being. Authorization: Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop that has been assigned by the Bishop.
Undesignated Funds:
#32010 Bishop's Discretionary $3,213.59 Purpose/Use: Used for special/emergency needs within the Synod. Authorization: The Bishop
44
Report of the Director for Evangelical Mission “But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.” Luke 8:15 Every weekend, across the 22 counties of the Northern Illinois Synod, thousands of people gather for worship. In gatherings of every size, Christ is proclaimed, “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.” In times of prosperity and times of scarcity, we pray, “Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things. Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts: our selves, our time, and our possessions. Use us, and what we have gathered, in feeding the world with your love, through the one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen” [ELW p. 107] The greatest privilege of my work is to be with you in worship, meetings, and conferences. Together we have all we need to find vitality in our congregations. Together we can find the endurance to proclaim Christ yet another week, another month, another year. The two major emphases of the work of the Director for Evangelical Mission are Congregational Vitality and Congregational Stewardship/Sustainability. Congregational Vitality Vital congregations do three things: • Strengthen their relationship with God • Nurture relationships in the congregation • Build relationships in the community and world. Congregations striving for vitality will find the following faith practices (marks of discipleship) among the tools that make a difference: • Worship • Invite • Pray • Give • Encourage • Serve • Study Congregational Stewardship/Sustainability Congregations thrive when people know the mission, purpose, and difference that is made through their offerings. Through stewardship education we learn the faith practice of giving “our selves, our time, and our possessions” for the sake of being the body of Christ in the world. I am thankful to have shared another year of serving alongside Bishop Clements and the Northern Illinois Synod staff. I am most grateful to work with you and your congregation. Among my joys is working with the great people of the Outreach Committee, the Stewardship team, and the Global Mission Committee. It is my honor to work in company with the congregations of this synod to the Glory of God. Respectfully, Rev. Gary Erickson Director for Evangelical Mission Assistant to the Bishop
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Report of Committees and Subcommittees
Congregational Life Committee The Congregational Life Committee is one of the five standing committees of our synod. Its mission and purpose are to support and equip congregations to carry out their ministries at the local level. Much of the committee's work is carried out through four vital subcommittees: Safe Church, Stewardship, Worship, and Youth. Each year, the committee plans and implements the annual Congregational Resourcing Event (CRE), helps support the synod's stewardship efforts, and offers grants to be used as seed money for local congregational projects. Our committee consists of 60% laity and 40% clergy. Current members of the committee include Pr. Scott Benolkin, Mr. Larry Cording, Mr. Walt Farley, Pr. Nathan Feig, Ms. Georgiana Grossman, Ms. Kim Halper, Pr. Jana Howson, Ms. Kay Johnson, Ms. Mary Beth Martin-Bellavia, Pr. Elizabeth Mascal, and Mr. Mike Parmele. Synod staff liaisons for our committee include Nancy Corey, Assistant to the Bishop Deacon Cheryl Erdmann, and Assistant to the Bishop for Communication Deacon Karin Graddy. In addition, Mr. Jeff Schneider serves as a non-voting member of the committee. Since the 2018 Synod Assembly, the committee's primary focus has been the planning of the 2019 CRE. We also offered grants to congregations for 2019; supported offering several “Safeguarding God’s Children” (Safe Church) workshops and worked on budgets for 2018 and 2019. Although we are not directly involved with the work of the Worship, Stewardship, and Youth Subcommittees, we affirm their good work! Nearly 400 individuals came to this year’s CRE which took place on Saturday, March 9. The event featured the Rev. Dr. Dave Daubert of Day 8 Strategies as keynote presenter. The theme of his keynote was “Being Disciples Comes First.” In addition to his keynote speech, forty-six workshops were offered and focused on congregational administration, education, evangelism, global issues, leadership, social justice, spirituality, stewardship, worship, and youth. On behalf of the Congregational Life Committee, thank you for your participation as workshop presenters and as participants! We as a committee also encourage congregations to offer to host a “Safeguarding God’s Children” workshop. A trained presenter will be glad to lead the workshop at no charge to the congregation. Please contact Deacon Cheryl Erdmann at the Rockford Northern Illinois Synod office to arrange for such workshop. In closing, I thank all the members of the committee for their hard work and dedication. I thank the congregations of our synod for making this committee possible through your mission support (benevolence) giving! Respectfully Submitted, Mr. Mike Parmele Chairperson, Congregational Life Committee
Youth Subcommittee On November 21, 2017 a group of youth ministers interested in shaping youth ministry on the synod level gathered with Bishop Clements at Faith Lutheran in Rochelle to discuss the needs, struggles, and successes of youth ministry today. The group reconvened on January 10 and April 10, 2018 and established a model for doing ministry together. The team would consist of 2 youth ministers from each conference who were responsible for the building up of youth ministry in the Northern Illinois Synod. People who have participated in this process include Audrey Adams, Pastor Paul Cannon, Pastor Neal Cannon (committee chair), Deacon Karin Graddy (synod staff), Haley Gustafson, Michelle Heinrich, Nicole Judkins, Pastor Karyn Kost, Ryan Mackey, Peg Miller, Christina Montgomery, Melissa Nicolson, Pastor Joanna Patterson, Russ Senti, Deacon Shari Trotter, and Judy Wilkinson. Through these series of meetings, the NIS Youth Ministry Team created the following purpose statement:
46 Report of Committees and Subcommittees The purpose of the Youth Ministry Committee is to facilitate faith formation of young people through: • The building up of relationships • Resourcing of leaders • Organization of youth ministry events that congregations can't do on their own. Meeting again May 9, July 10, October 9, November 13 of 2018, and January 15 and February 12 of 2019, the group’s first project was to create a youth leadership team for the synod. Applications were created and sent out synod-wide, with the goal of finding two youth representatives from all eight conferences in the synod, plus two 'at large' bids. In all, 12 youth - Brynn Conway, Victoria Entwistle, Jacob Fiandalo, Heide Gallagher, Jennifer Heinrich, Grace Hoening, Izzie Jackson, Nathaniel Knutson, Alison Lawrence, Coltin Rau, Mina Tolu-Honary, Samantha Whyte - from 6 of the 8 conferences were chosen to represent the NIS. A retreat, called “Think Bigger,” was held March 8-9 beginning at LOMC and ending at the CRE. Eleven of 12 youth were able to attend the retreat. At the retreat the team chose their name, “Light,” worshipped, presented at a CRE workshop, and brainstormed collaborative ministry ideas. Their vision is to have a mini Youth Gathering in the summer of 2020. Details TBD. Respectfully Submitted, NIS Youth Ministry Team
Stewardship Subcommittee See the report of the Director of Evangelical Mission on page 45.
Global Mission Committee Not available at time of printing.
Ministry Support Committee Ministry Support Committee Mission Statement: Enabling Christians of the Northern Illinois Synod to realize their call to ministry as both lay and professional workers. To accomplish the mission, we provide resources, support, and continuing education within our synod, in cooperation with other synods, agencies, and institutions within the ELCA and the Church. The members of the Ministry Support Committee include Cheryl Reimer, Ken Reinhardt, Doug Murray, Bill Nelson, Carol Swenson, Pastor Jen Beamsley, Pastor Andy Tyrrell, Pastor Ben Ingelson, Pastor Jeff Schlesinger, and Pastor Vince Marolla. We thank them for their service this past year! The Ministry Support Committee strives to support those who are invested in ministry, both lay and rostered. There is an interdependent role between the Ministry Support Committee and all the subcommittees that fall within the Ministry Support Committee. The subcommittees include the Candidacy Committee, Professional Leadership Conference, Salary Guidelines, First Call Theological Education, and Mutual Ministry, and Personnel. Much of the work of the Ministry Support Committee happens via the work and leadership of all these subcommittees. The Ministry Support Committee meets quarterly to check in, to report on subcommittee progress, and to discuss upcoming projects we can do to support the development of leaders within the church.
47 Report of Committees and Subcommittees During the 2018-2019 year, we specifically focused on 1) developing best-practices to help congregations care for all staff and personnel, 2) developing guidelines for congregations being served by interim pastors, such as best-practices, expectations, and salary guidelines for retired interim pastors, 3) submitting 2020 Salary Guidelines for Rostered Ministers, and 4) centralizing efforts and resources for encouraging new leaders for Rostered Ministry. The Ministry Support Committee greatly appreciates the faithful work of the Synod staff, Synod Council, and Bishop’s Office who provide guidance, leadership, and assistance, and we’re glad to play a role in supporting the vocational calling of the members of the Northern Illinois Synod and its congregations! The Ministry Support Committee also thanks Pastor Jen Beamsley who will become the Chair beginning in 2019. Respectfully Submitted, Pastor Ben Ingelson - Chair
Candidacy Subcommittee This past year, the Candidacy Subcommittee has continued its work of assisting candidates for rostered ministry as they work through the discernment process. Candidacy materials continue to be updated by the ELCA to guide those seeking to become part of one of the two rosters of the ELCA—Word and Sacrament ministers and Word and Service ministers. “It is a tremendously important and revitalizing work that is done by those serving to enable the Candidacy processes of the ELCA in the churchwide expression of this Church. The work that is done there then flows out to the Regions, Synods and Seminaries of the ELCA. “As a Church, we are very fortunate to have a history of forging healthy co-operative relationships between the above listed partners that enables creative ways to work with policy changes that are developing and likewise to work with candidates for rostered ministry in the Church. This is being accomplished with a focus on the ministry and life of the Church in the 21st century reality of the United States of America and that of the world’s many nations. More and more the gifts of mutual ministry will be critical if the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to be a formative factor in the lives of God’s human creatures for the love of whom he sacrificed all.” The foregoing quote from last year’s report to the Assembly is a continuing reality. That is especially true as the seminaries and the ELCA work to expand the pathways by which Candidacy processes are developed to meet the needs of the Church and of those discerning a Call to Rostered Ministry. The following are the various ways in which ELCA Candidacy partners are exploring alternative pathways to serve on our ministry rosters: Alternative path Collaborative Learning: In the past year, the Northern Illinois Synod, in partnership with Wartburg Theological Seminary (WTS) and two of our congregations, placed two students in Collaborative Learning teaching sites. Both of these students were “mature” students, that is, had significant work and congregation experience, and were deemed able to begin serving as half-time pastoral leaders in these congregations, under license from Bishop Clements, while attending seminary remotely as full-time students. We are in the process of working with two more congregations with the potential for serving as collaborative learning sites for two more students. Other alternative paths, although not as radically new as the collaborative learning path, allow students/candidates to adjust the path to rostered ministry to better meet the needs of the student, their family and the wider Church. These paths include a final year internship, an extended internship, arranging an internship site with the help of the synod, and distance learning options with several of our ELCA seminaries. Since, as referenced above, the Church has challenges to meet in everyday life, the Candidacy process will continue to involve all of the ELCA. Therefore, I ask that the members of NIS congregations offer prayers for the Spirit’s continuing power and direction in raising up laborers for the harvest which comes as God’s children are called into discipleship with Jesus. With the power of the Spirit, the welcoming love of the Lord continues to penetrate and replace the tendency toward exclusiveness in the culture of our nation and of other nations as well.
48 Report of Committees and Subcommittees Currently, the NIS has the following candidates at some stage of the process. The three stages are Entrance, Endorsement and Approval. • Entranced, beginning Fall 2019 as seminarians: Roger Haefner (WTS), Suzanne Hoff (WTS), Michael Reibel (WTS) • Entranced, completing first year of seminary: Ethan Doan (ULS), Phil Potaczek (LSTC), Amanda Monroe (Luther - distance learning) • Entranced, collaborative learning students: Michelle Knight (WTS), Ryan Mackey (WTS) • Entranced, completing second year: Catherine Nelson (LTSS) • Endorsed, beginning internship Fall 2019: Mike Markwell (LSTC) • Endorsed, on internship: Maria Bonine ((WTS - third year internship); Tom Redig (WTS - final year internship), Denise Rode (LSTC - final year internship) • Endorsed, on an extended internship: Katrina Steingraeber (LSTC) • Endorsed, on leave: Stephanie Engel (Trinity) • Endorsed, TEEM student: Bob Stark (WTS) • Approved, assigned to Region 3: Anders Nelson (Luther) Seminary codes: Luther Seminary (Luther); Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC); Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS); Trinity Lutheran Seminary (Trinity); Wartburg Theological Seminary (WTS); United Lutheran Seminary (ULS). At the Candidacy Subcommittee’s February 2019 meeting, a process for determining terms for Subcommittee members service was presented and adopted for implementation. As presented, the plan would be phased in so that committee members will be eligible for appointment to serve a 4-year term on the Subcommittee with the possibility of one additional 4-year term appointment. During the phase-in period, there will be the opportunity to evaluate this plan in terms of training members to meet the complexities of Candidacy service and then being able to use the skills for serving. It is both a great responsibility and tremendous joy to be a partner in the discernment of qualified leadership for Rostered Ministry. Following is a list of the current members of the Candidacy Subcommittee: Deacon Myrna Anderson, Pastor Tammy Anderson, Mr. Richard Brynteson, Ms. Judy Engebretson, Pastor Ken Gibson, Pastor Rob Kinnear, Pastor Doug Liston, Mr. Craig Peterson, Pastor Jay Quinn Mr. Ken Reinhardt, Pastor Terrie Wilder, Bishop Jeff Clements. In addition, Deacon Cheryl Erdmann is the synod staff liaison to the Subcommittee, and the ELCA Region 5 Manager for Candidacy and Missional Leadership Pastor Ramie Bakken is the ELCA representative to the Subcommittee. To these servants, the seminaries, mentors, intern supervisors and the Candidacy staff of the ELCA, I express my gratitude for the blessing of our shared ministry. Finally, let me invite Assembly Voting Members and Visitors to visit the Candidacy display in the display area this year. I anticipate that you will be able to see the places where NIS candidates are located, whether in seminary, on internship or on a Collaborative Learning or TEEM site. Respectfully, Pr. Rob Kinnear, Candidacy Subcommittee Chair
Outreach Committee For the last 6 years I have worked with the Outreach Committee of the Northern Illinois Synod. It has been my honor to serve as the Committee Chair for this year. I have worked with amazing and committed people, both Clergy and Lay. The members of the Committee come from all parts of the Synod, some travel great distances to attend meetings. Sometimes the new committee members are unsure of what the responsibility of the committee is. The heart and soul of the committee has been Pastor Gary Erickson. With his direction, we have been able to work together fulfill our duties; those duties being to support new and existing congregations with support for ministry. The Outreach Committee has supported new congregations with financial support and struggling congregations as well. In past years the committee has worked on ways to help congregations to find lay leadership within their own membership. We have asked congregations to share information about their
49 Report of Committees and Subcommittees special ministries so that we could distribute them throughout the Synod. The Outreach Committee has presented these ideas at both the CRE and Synod Assembly Workshops. This year we will be asking congregations who have been assisted by the Outreach Committee to share their experiences of those collaborations at the Synod Assembly workshops. We will see that working together we can find ways to reach out into the community and share the life of the Northern Illinois Synod and the ELCA, which is the Word of God. Yours in Christ, George Sanchez, Outreach Committee Chair
Social Ministry Committee $3,325 in grants awarded: • Children’s coats for kids. Priscilla Circle, Emmanuel, Oregon. ($600) • Youth: Breakfast, homework help and snacks, Bible study and music, fellowship, Trunk-or-Treat, and summer lunch program (through United Way). First, Prophetstown. ($500) • Necessary toiletries not covered by government assistance, in partnership with Lutheran Social Services Hope Chest. Immanuel, Rock Falls. ($300) • Forklift for Northern IL Food Bank, Joliet warehouse. Northern IL Food Bank. ($400) • Packs-for-Pals ecumenical backpack food program. Our Savior’s, Seneca. ($500) • 4,000 meals packaged and nutrition education given in partnership with Northern IL Food Bank, 22 Lutheran congregations, local schools, and community leaders. Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries. ($775) • Vegetable garden constructed/planted for Community Supported Agriculture from which income supports local food pantry and ELCA World Hunger. Trinity, Durand. ($250) Grant Application: nisynod.org/committees/social-ministry/grants Committee Highlights: • Assembly In-Kind Offering: o Bags full of socks, hats, handwarmers, lip balm, snacks, and a prayer card were collected from congregations, prayed over, and returned to members of the assembly who gave them to homeless people in their towns as a sign of love and kindness. • Began a visioning process during which we: o affirmed our purpose as caring for others, raising awareness of social ministry issues, and interpreting social statements through social action, advocacy, agency and congregation support; o celebrated our gifts of benevolence, resources, people, education, and experiences; o discussed obstacles of disconnection across the synod, lack of diversity, increased secularization, political polarization over issues; o discerned that social ministry begins at local communities where deep listening happens and intentional relationships are formed. • ELCA Women and Justice Draft Social Statement: o Encouraged congregations to review statement and forward comments to the ELCA. o Final document will be voted on for adoption at August 2019 Churchwide Assembly. Subcommittee Highlights: Creation Care (Formerly Climate Change Task Force): Evolved from a task force to a subcommittee, adopting a new name. Hosted CRE workshops and an Earth Day gathering at a Nature Conservancy prairie in Mount Morris; introduced Season of Creation and Stewardship of Creation resolutions at assembly; celebrated Portico Benefit Services’ announcement to invest in alignment with 1993 ELCA social statement on caring for creation, divesting in companies holding destructive oil shale and tar sands reserves. Advocacy: Lutheran Day in Springfield was May 8.
50 Report of Committees and Subcommittees World Hunger: Members lobbied for the Farm Bill in Washington D.C., hosted CRE workshops, and then the first annual Cycle to Synod to raise money for and awareness of World Hunger; introduced resolution for congregations to budget for World Hunger. Members formed a task force to review synod applications for ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant. Congratulations and blessings to grant winner, Christian Care Homeless Shelter and Resource Center (Rock Island). Racial Justice: Continuing education for clergy and CRE workshop attracted people to discern new direction. Contact the synod with interest in determining the future of this team. Green Team: Energy auditors available to evaluate your church property for energy savings! Committee Members: Thanks to committee members and their servant hearts: Pastor Denver Bitner (staff liaison), Pastor David Elliott, Amy Hoening, Denise Hoover, Dr. Peter Kivisto, Pastor Greg Olson, Pastor Jacob Gawlik, Andy Koresko, Linda Storm, Pastor Katie Gallagher, Margaret Haugen, Ron Simmons. Find us on the web: nisynod.org/committees/social-ministry and on Facebook: Northern Illinois Synod Social Ministry Committee. Respectfully Submitted, Pastor Robin Caldwell, Chair, NIS Social Ministry Committee
World Hunger Subcommittee The World Hunger subcommittee encourages congregations to contribute to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal and educates congregations about world hunger issues. In 2018 about $332,000 was contributed directly through the NIL synod in support of the World Hunger Appeal. Thanks to all contributing congregations. World Hunger Subcommittee activities this past year included: • 2018 NI Synod Assembly: Initiated the 1st Annual Cycle to Synod event. Presented and passed two resolutions: “Budgeting for World Hunger” and “Bread for the World.” Ran a World Hunger resource/information table. Handed out Certificates of Recognition for ELCA World Hunger giving to all congregations. • Participated in review process for ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant process for 3 applicants. Christian Care, a nonprofit organization in Rock Island, was one of 77 ministries across the church that was awarded a grant. They will receive $5,000 for each of the next three years to support their on-site meal programs for families and increase their on-site vegetable garden production. • Presented two workshops at CRE, “Cycle to Synod” and “How to Write a Domestic Hunger Grant.” Committee Members: Carol Erickson, chair; Cheryl Nabors, secretary; Norm Moline, treasurer; Pr. Randy Swanson; Pr. Jeff Schlesinger; Pr. Scott Schmidt; Pr. Gary Erickson; Pr. Richard Meier; Pr. Wayne Derber; Pr. James Gallagher, Nate Gallagher, Amy Hoening; Kent Terry; Bob Stark; Becky Wright
Rostered Ministers Continuing Education Team The Rostered Ministers Continuing Education (RMCE) Team strives to offer relevant, affordable, quality continuing education for rostered ministers in the Northern Illinois Synod. Although the planned events are under the name “Rostered Ministers Continuing Education Event,” the events are open to others with an interest in the topic of the event. On Tuesday, October 16, 2018, the Rev. Dr. Rolf Jacobson (Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary) led “Effective Preaching for Today” at Christ Lutheran Church, Belvidere. “Working Toward Racial Justice” led by Ms. Judith Roberts (ELCA Program Developer for Racial Justice Ministries) was offered on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at First Lutheran Church, DeKalb. On April 9, 2019 over eighty-five rostered ministers gathered for a day of “Spiritual Renewal with Affirmation of Vocation” at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Dixon. The Rev. Elaine Olson was our keynote
51 Report of Committees and Subcommittees speaker and a workshop leader. The Rev. Dr. Bob Hansen and the Rev. Beth Hamilton also led workshops. Bishop Clements and the Synod’s worship planning team led the Affirmation of Vocation Worship Service.
Special thanks to all who hosted, participated in, and supported the first year of these events! Looking ahead, the RMCE will be offering the following events: “Exploring Atonement Theories” with the Rev. Dr. David Lose (Senior Pastor of Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis), on October 24, 2019 at Christ Lutheran Church (425 Riverside Rd, Belvidere, IL) from 9-3:30 p.m. Fee: $75 if registered by October 11, 2019, $90 October 12-24, scholarships available. nisynod.org/exploring-atonement-theories-with-dr-david-lose “Crucial Conversations” led by the Rev. Scott Stephan (Senior Pastor of Second Reformed Church, in Fulton) will be offered on Thursday, February 20, 2020, with the place to be announced. And, on Saturday, August 1, 2020 the RMCE will offer something different - "NIS Rostered Ministers Fun, Faith and Fellowship Day” at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center (LOMC) in Oregon from 10:30-3:30 p.m. Cost: $10/person. Activities: Swimming, canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, worship, and the zip line is also available for $10 a person. A lunch of hot-dogs, hamburgers, chips, raw veggies, and a beverage will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring a snack/dessert/salad to share to keep food costs down. Please mark your calendars and make plans to join us in growing in faith, leadership and service! Respectfully submitted by the RMCE Team--Pastor Jenna Couch, Pastor Robert Franek, Pastor Jana Howson, Pastor Brandon Nelson, Pastor Laura Kamprath, Pastor Josh Ehrler, and Pastor Bree Truax.
The Nursing Project - Tanzania Task Force The Task Force for The Nursing Project - Tanzania is comprised of the Rev. Gary Erickson, Ms. Minnette Willard Scott, Mr. Ron Gustafson, Ms. Cindy Graves, Mr. Art Milton, and Mrs. Linda Milton. The Northern Illinois Synod has accompanied the North Central Diocese, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania for more than two decades. We have partnered for congregational development, education, support of the women’s organization, parish to parish relationships, and building the Arusha Lutheran Medical Center. Accompanying the North Central Diocese has fostered great interest in local and international mission among our people. Thank you for being the cornerstone of these efforts. Tanzania has a shortage of 50% or more in the number of nurses needed. To address this urgency, the Arusha Lutheran Medical Center opened a nursing school in 2014. The school has the amazing record of 100% passing of all the students since the opening! Currently the nursing school rents classroom and dormitory space. The Tanzanian government does not consider a rented facility to justify full certification as a School of Nursing. The ALMC, looking for full accreditation, is in need of building their own campus. In 2016 the Northern Illinois Synod Council created a task force to join an association working with the Arusha Lutheran Medical Center to make the vision of a fully accredited nursing school a reality. The Nursing Project - Tanzania task force asked the congregations and people of our synod to join us in a project that will educate nurses, lift individuals and families out of poverty, create better health care in northern Tanzania, and strengthen our existing partnership with the North Central Diocese. At the inception of the Task Force the goal was to build a brand-new school. Since then an opportunity has arisen for the ALMC to share land and buildings with an existing school in Ilboru called Ekenywa. Work is underway to prepare the existing classrooms for use, build dormitory space, and get the partially built dining hall finished and useable by start of academic year in October. In many ways this turned out to be a better solution than building a new school. It is similarly close to both hospitals that the students will train in. It is a larger facility which will allow development a training center including other health training together with nursing. There are many more buildings, class rooms, and dormitories. The cost to renovate the existing buildings is much less than it would be to build the school from scratch.
52 Report of Committees and Subcommittees The Task Force had set a goal of raising $100,000 for the school. The members of the Task Force have done presentations on the project to congregations, women’s groups, and civic groups throughout the synod as well as maintaining a presence on Facebook. We are happy to report that we have exceeded this total by more than $10,000! There are other organizations who are joining in the effort to raise support for this ministry. Operation Bootstrap Africa, C6 in Denver, individuals, and St. Peter Lutheran Church in Denver have all made wonderful contributions. The Nursing Project- Tanzania Task Force would like to thank those individuals and congregations that have generously donated to the project. We would also ask for continued support and prayers for the success of the project. Peace. Respectfully submitted, Minnette Willard Scott, Chairperson
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Report of Conferences Central Conference The collegiality continues to be tremendous among the leaders in the central conference. We have a well- attended gathering each month, centered around worship, with an opportunity to share. There are occasional presenters as well. Each August our meeting is intentionally structured as a day of rest. Likewise, we have a well-attended weekly text study each Tuesday at Immanuel in Dixon. While it is mostly Lutheran preachers using the Revised Common Lectionary, we do have colleagues from other traditions and will engage other texts as requested (such as from the Narrative Lectionary). The central conference welcomed many great ministers of word & sacrament this past year. Rev. Karyn Kost was called to Freedom (Oregon) and St. James (Forreston). Rev. David Schweppe was called to Immanuel (Dixon). Rev. Kristine Dohrmann is serving as interim at Bethesda (Morrison). Wartburg Seminary student Ryan Mackey is currently a Collaborative Learning student and serving part- time at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manlius, IL. Three of our members are serving on the Northern Illinois Synod Council: Rev. Janet Wold, All Saints (Byron); Ms. Minnette Scott of Freedom Lutheran (Oregon); and Mr. Ryan Mackey of Trinity (Manlius). Thank you to our Synod, our Bishop, our colleagues, and our God for the tremendous amount of support we receive as leaders and congregations here in the conference. The Rev. Jessica Bakken, Central Conference Dean
East Conference The congregations of the East Conference partner together in ministry. Our congregations are in a variety of settings: city, urban, suburban, small-town, and rural, and East Conference rostered ministers and deacons serve in a variety of roles and congregations. Our monthly gatherings include worship, fellowship, collegial support, and professional development. We meet on the 4th Thursdays of the month and we move our meetings around the East Conference congregations. We commit to praying for each other, supporting each other, celebrating our shared mission, and nurturing the connections between leaders and congregations for the sake of God’s mission, for the sake of the Synod’s and ELCA’s vitality, and for the sake of making church ministry that much more enjoyable. We give thanks for our shared partnership and the support we receive from each other and from the Northern Illinois Synod staff and Bishop Clements. The Rev. Benjamin Ingelson, East Conference Dean
North Conference The members of the North Conference—comprised of Word and Sacrament, Word and Service, seminary interns, and lay leaders—meet monthly, for fellowship, and collegiality. October: We engaged in conversations around our companion synod relationships with Pastor Theophilus of the Arcot Lutheran Church in India and Pastor Gary Erickson who visited the North Central Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) in Africa. November/December: We met for a Christmas celebration including worship and lunch and were given the special blessing of being joined by the bishop. January: We were visited by Joy Medrano of LSSI who brought information and encouragement to participate in Lutheran Day 2019 in Springfield.
54 Report of Conferences February: The Rev. Gary Erickson, Assistant to the Bishop and Director for Evangelical Mission brought information about the Congregational Vitality project and invitations for the congregations in the North Conference to participate. March: This meeting was held at the synod office which allowed bishop Clements to attend, in addition to conversation around a variety of topics, Joyce Palmer from LSSI brought information regarding foster care programs and the overwhelming need for foster families. April: Annual meeting at Bethlehem. May: In addition to our regular meeting, we had a “book swap,” which enabled many to reduce the size of their libraries! The conference continues to work closely with Rockford Lutheran Schools and Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries, which includes Becca’s Closet, Laundry Love and Park Players. We continue to be blessed by this partnership. The North Conference has been a place of change! We welcomed two seminary interns: Alfi Wyatt (Zion, Rockford) and Katrina Steingraeber (Christ, Belvidere), and we said goodbye to Pastors Rob James, who accepted a call to churchwide, TroyAnn Poulopoulos who has returned Memphis, and Jeff Fricke, who has accepted a call in Green Bay. Pastor Scott Stolberg transitioned from a call at Zion, Belvidere to Our Savior’s, Rockford. Open calls are currently being filled by Interim Pastors Robert Franek (Emmanuel, Rockford), Len Hoffman (Our Saviors, Rockford), Woody Knutson, (Zion, Belvidere) and Wendy Popp (Bethlehem, Rockford). And finally, with sadness and grateful hearts we said goodbye to Tabor Lutheran. For 93 years that congregation of faithful people ministered to the community in Jesus’ name. Thanks be to God! Thank you to Bishop’s assistants Rev. Denver Bitner and Dcn. Cheryl Erdmann for walking with us. The North Conference is an active, positive, and collegial place to share in ministry in Jesus’ name. We are blessed to gather and strengthen one another for service to the Lord. Servants Together, The Rev. Julane Nease, North Conference Dean
Northeast Conference The rostered ministers of the Northeast Conference, from campus ministry and congregations in DeKalb and McHenry counties, gather for fellowship, worship, and conversation on the third Tuesday of the month. During the past year we have shared in conversation and welcomed guest presenters to our meetings around the following topics: youth ministry, guest/visitor follow-up practices, Micah Groups, the Milwaukee Urban Retreat Center, and recycling for congregations. Our May 2019 spring assembly topic will be on the Opioid Crisis in our country. We are glad to welcome leaders and celebrate new calls in our conference: Pastor Preston Fields to Salem Lutheran, Sycamore. We pray for those serving in interim ministries: Pastor Bob Hansen at Grace Place at NIU; Pastor Rob Kinnear at Redeemer, Woodstock. Thanks be to God for the gift of colleagues and communities of faith as we are called forward together in Christ. Respectfully Submitted, The Rev. Sarah Wilson, Northeast Conference Dean
55 Report of Conferences Northwest Conference This past year, the Northwest Conference was pleased to welcome a couple new faces into our midst. • Interim Pastor Carole Andres, Trinity, Lanark • SAM Sharon Beksel, Trinity, Durand • Vicar Michelle Knight, St. Paul, Warren • Interim Pastor Carol Soderholm, Trinity/Milledgeville and First/Jordan • Interim Pastor Art Stees, Prince of Peace, Freeport • Interim Pastor Christine Stienstra, First, Chadwick • The Rev. Karen Tews, Prince of Peace, Freeport During this year, we have also had to say goodbye to the following: • The Rev. Jenna Couch, Lord of Love, Galena • The Rev. Pat Esker, Trinity, Durand • The Rev. Jaime Gallagher, Trinity/Milledgeville and First/Jordan • Interim Pastor Katie Gallagher, Prince of Peace, Freeport • The Rev. Mark Oehlert, Shepherd of the Hills, Scales Mound • The Rev. Wendy Popp, Trinity, Lanark • The Rev. Chris Schoon, First, Chadwick • Interim Pastor Art Stees, Prince of Peace, Freeport This past year has been a spiritually-enriching journey as we have walked together under the leadership of Bishop Jeffrey Clements. We most certainly experienced the blessing of his leadership, love, and friendship. Again, our conference’s presence has been felt synod-wide in many ways, including through our own Pastor Pat Esker’s continued expertise as our synod’s Parliamentarian. Though Pastor Pat has moved into a position in the Office of the Bishop, we look forward to continuing to work with her in new and vibrant ways! As we embark on a new year proclaiming Christ here and to the ends of the earth, we give great thanksgiving for our Lord’s enduring presence in many and various awesome and astounding ways! In Christ, The Rev. Tom Ekstrand, Northwest Conference Dean
South Conference The South Conference stretches from Streator to Mendota and Seneca to Ohio. This year, we said good- bye to Pr. Tim Kenyon as he retired to Rockford. Pr. William Weidenbach is serving as interim at St. John’s, Peru. We also said good-bye to Pr. Kim Lee-Brown as she took a call outside the Synod. Pr. Chris Schoon returned to the South Conference to serve as interim at St. John’s, Somonauk. The pastors met monthly during the school year for fellowship and worship. Our Conference assembly was a potluck held at St. Matthew’s, Princeton. Pr. Gary Erickson was our speaker and informed us about the Congregation Vitality Process. Respectfully Submitted, The Rev. Kris Ann Zierke, South Conference Dean
Southwest Conference The rostered leaders of the Southwest Conference, along with synodically authorized lay ministers, gather monthly for mutual support, excellent conversation, updates, and communion. We have enjoyed connecting with each other and with the larger Church. Although winter weather made us cancel one meeting and almost cancel two others, we continued to support each other via email. This past year has been a wonderful time of welcoming. With many transitions occurring in 2018, we had many opportunities to welcome new rostered leaders to the conference. Two pastors have begun new
56 Report of Conferences calls this past year: Pastor Jamie Gallagher at First Lutheran, Monmouth; and Pastor Mara Ahles-Iverson at Zion Lutheran, Kewanee. We also welcomed the following pastors now serving interim positions: Pastor Randall Swanson at Messiah, Galva; Pastor Michael Lawyer at Grace Lutheran, Knoxville; Pastor David Vidler at Bethel Lutheran, Stronghurst and Raritan Reformed, Raritan; and Pastor Katie Gallagher at Faith Lutheran, Wataga. We also had a few clergy transition outside our conference. We wished farewell to Pastors Cliff Schmidt and Jeff Linman as they completed interims and to Pastor Robert Franek as he moved to Rockford. With Pastor Robert’s departure, the conference dean and treasurer positions became available. I was elected to serve as dean, and later Pastor Jamie Gallagher was elected treasurer. The congregations and leaders of the Southwest Conference look forward to another year of faithful ministry in our corner of the synod. Respectfully submitted, The Rev. Julie Monnard, Southwest Conference Dean
West Conference The West Conference Rostered Leaders met regularly for worship, mutual support and ministry over the past year. We prayed together, shared ideas together, and sought to support each other in ministry. This past year the dean of the West Conference, Pr. Mike Lawyer, stepped down so that he might serve at an interim pastor position in the Southwest Conference. Pastor Reed Lee Pedersen took over this position. In 2018, Pr. Larry Conway finished his call at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moline. Pr. Conway now serves as a chaplain at Friendship Manor in Moline. The good people of Trinity called Pr. Peter Bredlau to lead them. In this conference, we continue to hear, witness, speak, and act the Good News of Jesus Christ with the community. In humble service, The Rev. Reed Lee Pedersen, West Conference Dean
57
Report of Colleges, Seminaries, and Campus Ministry
Augustana College - Rock Island, IL Central to the mission of Augustana College is education of the whole person: mind, body and spirit. This triune focus will be familiar to ELCA colleges and universities, whose educational missions are not concerned solely with accumulation of knowledge. Rather, one might say that for ELCA colleges, and liberal arts institutions in general, knowledge is the interplay of all aspects of human growth—intellectual, physical and spiritual. I would add one more to these, perhaps most related to the spiritual, and that is mindful. Mindfulness, the state of being present now and paying attention to the moment at hand, is integral to individual well-being. It also is important to those concerned with the well-being of communities and the greater good in a world of precipitous change. Certainly important to education of the whole person, mindfulness also is relevant to another part of Augustana’s mission: educating students “for a diverse and changing world.” This thinking is behind Augustana’s plans for The Austin E. Knowlton Center for Innovation in Health, Wellness and Human Performance, which the college will unveil in 2020. Building on our renowned programs in the sciences and pre-health fields, Augustana also will introduce a major and minor in kinesiology—the study of human movement and physical activity, and their impact on the health and well-being of individuals and societies. Launched by an $8 million investment from the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation, the center will include classrooms and offices, exercise and mindfulness laboratories, gathering areas, and an aquatic center with 25-yard and therapeutic pools. It will bring together faculty expertise from public health, communication studies, psychology, biology, kinesiology and more. Through its design and blending of programs and spaces, the center will integrate mindful, intellectual and physical activity. At ELCA colleges and universities, we are aware that to address problems and challenges facing the whole world, education of the whole person is necessary. As Saint Irenaeus of Lyons has said, “The glory of God is the human person fully alive.” When it is built, the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Innovation in Health, Wellness and Human Performance may be the one building on our campus that most encompasses preparation of “the human person fully alive.” Throughout the Midwest it will be known for excellence in educating responsible, responsive leaders who are mindful of community and global issues related to health and wellness. I invite you to visit Augustana and see it for yourself.
augustana.edu
58 Report of Colleges, Seminaries, and Campus Ministry Carthage College - Kenosha, Wisconsin Dear Friends in Christ, Proverbs 29:18 from Eugene Peterson’s The Message reads, “If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what God reveals, they are most blessed.” People like to have a vision of where God is leading and guiding them. Every congregation needs a clear vision of how God is using its gifts in its particular location to care for the community. The same is true for Carthage College. On Feb. 20, President John Swallow shared his vision for Carthage in the years to come. He gave us four phrases to help guide our work: Communicate boldly. Educate expansively. Integrate regionally. Excel responsively. Communicate boldly. We want people to know about Carthage and what it has to offer. We also want people to know that Carthage is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Our connection with the ELCA roots us in the work of helping every student who comes to Carthage to find their vocation. We also want people to know that, if they come to Carthage, we will help them discover more about who they are, the gifts they have, and how they can make a difference in the world. Educate expansively. As we all know, the world is changing rapidly. Technology is pushing all of us to learn new skills not only for our work, but for basic living in the 21st century. Carthage is creating — and will continue to create — new programs that help both traditional undergraduate students and adult students who need to update their skill set. Integrate regionally. Carthage wants to be involved in providing the people that this region — and the world — will need to thrive. Working together with businesses, nonprofits, churches, and other local organizations, Carthage students, faculty, and staff can make a difference in the Kenosha/Racine communities and beyond. Excel responsively. We want to do to all these things well, and it will mean training faculty and staff to help our students achieve their goals. We will keep our eyes on the future and be nimble with our responses to what is needed. This is an exciting time at Carthage, as we look for new ways to tell the world about the hidden gem in southeastern Wisconsin — a college where students are educated to think deeply about the gifts they have to offer the world and are given the skills to take those first steps out into the lives they are called to lead. In Christ, Pastor Kara Baylor - Director of the Center for Faith and Spirituality
Grace Place at Northern Illinois University All are welcome Grace Place is well known on the Northern Illinois University campus as a welcoming place for students. We are a place without judgement that embraces all diversity, no matter the student’s denominational choice (or those who identify with no religion), their sexual orientation, their race or ethnicity, or any other way they or society view them as separate. They are God’s creation and they are welcome at Grace Place. College students are challenged in areas of food, housing and rising costs of educational fees. A recent survey of college campuses across the U.S. revealed that 35% of students are hungry. Our NIU students are no exception.
59 Report of Colleges, Seminaries, and Campus Ministry Example: I met a student in her senior year who had incurred a debt of $30k on her credit cards through four years of study at NIU. We brought in two financial advisors who counseled her on debt reduction. She was able to have the debt cut in half and given workable monthly payments to get her back on track. Hunger challenges addressed Food challenges include poor choice in dietary habits and lack of money to buy food (many students prioritize books and tuition over healthy food). Grace Place’s response is to facilitate handing out free lunches each Monday and Thursday from 10:30 am to noon. This program was initiated and run by First Lutheran Church in DeKalb. Lunches are feeding over 180 persons per week. We are looking for a team of churches to share preparation of lunches and volunteers to distribute lunches on Thursdays. Example: A student from Nigeria came running up to our lunch table on the corner of Normal and Lucinda with arms outstretched. He gave a joyful hug saying, “God bless you. Thank you for being so kind and generous to us. We love you!!” I said, “We love you too. Thank you for letting us help in this small way.” Every Tuesday we offer a warm, home-cooked meal at 6:00 pm feeding an average of 15-20 persons per week, followed by an inspiring worship with music at 7:00 pm. These are shared by pastors in the Synod who would like to impart a message and dialogue with the students. Musicians and singers are welcome to offer their talents to enrich the service. We have a team of piano players hired to share weekly music and songs for the students. (Abi Mogge and K-Rae Knowles) Example: This year we had a young woman who requested baptism. I gave her instruction, prayer and Bible study to prepare. She was baptized at Grace Place with family, friends, sponsors, and Bethlehem Lutheran members witnessing and recording the baptism in their records. This caused Grace Place to celebrate with a full capacity congregation in the chapel. What a JOY! She said, “Pastor, I feel special. I can feel God’s love from all of you.” Outreach by students Students often need volunteer hours for classes or other reasons related to vocational ambitions: Examples: Food Pantry at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in DeKalb; Feed My Starving Children; Meals on Wheels; Heartland Blood Center Blood Drive; Student representative for Grace Place Memorial Services Northern Illinois University and Grace Place Responds 1. Eleven years ago, NIU had six students lose their life to gun violence. 2. This year one student and one alumnus lost their lives in gun violence in Aurora. 3. Eleven of our brothers and sisters of the Jewish faith in Pittsburgh were victims of gun violence at the Tree of Life Synagogue. 4. Fifty of our Muslim friends were slaughtered in a hate crime in Christ Church, New Zealand. All of these horrific events cause deep anguish in our students. We addressed each incident through worship, a remembrance service and discussion at Grace Place and on campus. To say nothing or do nothing is unthinkable. Gun violence needs to be addressed in our land, so that we can feel safe even in times of prayer gatherings. Guns, hatred, and judgementalism are not welcome at Grace Place. Example: The president of NIU, Dr. Lisa C. Freeman, and congregational representatives from Beth Shalom in DeKalb came to the service we hosted in response to the shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue. They participated in the service by reading the names and brief biographies of each Jewish victim. This was an inspirational and unifying service for all in attendance. Search for a Campus Pastor The search committee and our staff liaisons at Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and the Northern Illinois Synod of the ELCA are looking for candidates for the role of Campus Pastor at Grace Place. Our prayers support these efforts since we know that God is calling someone who has a passion for this ministry to our students. I have been the half-time Interim since Reverend Amy Fallon’s departure for a new call in August of 2017. I work with the Campus Ministry’s Board and offers compassionate outreach to our students. The ACRO,
60 Report of Colleges, Seminaries, and Campus Ministry Association of Campus Religious Organizations, has been invaluable in keeping up-to-date with students’ needs on campus. This group meets once per month with guest speakers from various disciplines throughout the NIU community. They share their challenges and we share ideas to find the best possible answer to support our young men and women. Personally, I feel honored to serve the Synod in the role of campus pastor. My hope is to constantly improve the ministry we offer. It is important to provide the best possible transition to the next called pastor. Example: We are caring for our building as well as our community: getting the infrastructure in tune: We re-painted all of the inside of Grace Place. We have made repairs where needed such as a leaky roof, outdoor deck and furniture. We are bringing order to the office and meeting rooms. I look forward for the students to have a permanent pastor in which they can build a long-term relationship. MANY, MANY THANKS FROM GRACE PLACE Grace Place can only do this united ministry with your help. Thank you for the invitations to speak at your church gatherings. So many congregations have been generous in providing warm home-cooked meals on Tuesdays to our students. Various churches have provided snack foods to be distributed to students to take back to their apartments and dorms like chocolates, ramen, soups, health food bars, chips, and deserts. Pastors have helped with worship services by offering music, prayers, worship leadership, and sermonettes. Congregations have sent in money donations directly to us, as well as through the combined money given through the Lutheran Campus Ministries of Illinois. Example: First Lutheran of DeKalb has supplied free lunches and volunteers for two years on Mondays and Thursdays every week while school is in session. The third Tuesday of each month, they offer a warm meal. Finally, we appreciate your offerings of prayers and contributions which forward the good work of Grace Place. Thanks be to God! Pastor Robert L. Hansen, Interim
Grand View University - Des Moines, Iowa Dear Friends, Warm greetings on behalf of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni! Here are some highlights of recent additions or enhancements to the campus: Grand View Receives Nearly $1 Million to Establish The Moses Project Grand View University received a grant of $996,038 to help establish The Moses Project. The mission of the project is to give rural pastors a vision of ministry that will help them thrive in congregational leadership and, in turn, enhance the vitality of the congregations they serve. This program is designed to help them build relationships with and learn from experienced clergy who will guide them in their early ministerial career. More information is available at www.grandview.edu/the-moses-project. Grand View Choir to Tour and Perform Home Concert The Grand View University Choir will travel on an eleven-day 2019 Spring Tour through Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Montana. Wherever they sing, they have been praised for their excellence in musicality, blend, programming, and attention to detail. Grand View Alumnus Named to Iowa Supreme Court Grand View alumnus and appeals court judge Christopher McDonald will become the first person of color to ever serve on the Iowa Supreme Court. "I know that as the first minority or person of color appointed to the Supreme Court, people will have special expectations for me in terms of leadership and mentorship and I understand that. I appreciate that," said McDonald. “I embrace those expectations and I’ll certainly do my best to meet and exceed them."
61 Report of Colleges, Seminaries, and Campus Ministry Grand View to Begin Women’s Wrestling this Fall Grand View University is proud to announce the addition of a women's wrestling program beginning in the fall of 2019. Grand View Director of Athletics, Troy Plummer, is excited: “Due to the increased interest and participation in the sport of women's wrestling locally and in the NAIA, along with the success of our men's program, we believe this is the best fit for Grand View as the 26th varsity program.” Angelo Crinzi is the first Head Women’s Wrestling Coach. NEXUS Community of Young Adult Leaders Grand View received a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment to launch a Youth Theology Institute for the purpose of cultivating youth who will be theological leaders of the church. The Institute immerses high school students in Christian community, learning under Grand View’s theology faculty, being exposed to the vocation of ministry, and putting into practice their calling. More information is available at: www.nexusgv.org Grand View Wrestling Wins Eighth-Consecutive National Title The Grand View wrestling program won an unprecedented eighth-straight team national title. With the win, the title is the second-longest consecutive championship streak for any wrestling program at any level. Grand View finished with a total of 12 all-Americans and two individual national champions. Campus Ministry at Grand View Campus ministry continues to grow and serve our students in many ways. Chapel is held once a week with different guest speakers often featured; there are also multiple Bible study groups, prayer groups, and evening worship offerings. The Viking House on campus is open during the day for students to hang out, eat, study, or relax. God’s Peace and Joy, Kent Henning, President 1200 Grandview Avenue / Des Moines, IA 50316 / 1-800-444-6083 / www.grandview.edu
Lutheran Campus Ministry Illinois The three synods in Illinois appoint board members to Lutheran Campus Ministries of Illinois (LCMI) who along with Synod Bishops provide guidance and financial support to six staffed campus ministry sites. Our primary funding comes from the Northern Illinois Synod, Metro Chicago Synod and Central Southern Illinois Synod, with a small grant from ELCA Churchwide, and donations received from congregations and private individuals. The campus ministry sites include Illinois State University in Normal; Northern Illinois University in DeKalb; Northwestern University in Evanston; South Loop Campus Ministry in Chicago; University of Chicago in Chicago; and University of Illinois in Champaign. In addition, there are several Lutheran cooperating congregations, in communities with colleges or universities, that engage in programming with students. faculty and staff. This past year the Board has spent time reviewing and updating our governing documents, discussing how best to provide support to campus pastors, to local campus boards, and for aging campus ministry facilities. Stable funding is our biggest challenge in sustaining these vital ministries. We appreciate support received through your synod, contributions to local campus ministries fundraising appeals or to LCMI directly. Please contact our Treasurer, Carey Mayer by email at [email protected] for information regarding gifts to LCMI. Thank you for your prayers and support for campus ministries. Tammie Farley Mark Van Scharrel Carey Mayer Laura Schoenecker President Vice President Treasurer Secretary
62 Report of Colleges, Seminaries, and Campus Ministry Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago and Wartburg Seminary
Dear Partners in Ministry in the Northern Illinois Synod, We know that you seek out and value excellent leaders for your ministries. Wartburg Theological Seminary (WTS) and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC), the two seminaries that you support, are dedicated to forming such leaders. This report reflects the spirit of collaboration between our schools and highlights the benefits of the distinctive ways we form leaders. Together, LSTC and WTS have been learning from and working with Latinx/Hispanic leaders in Arkansas/Oklahoma and the Texas synods since early 2017 on ways to provide theological education for Spanish speaking communities. In 2018, leaders within the synods completed the first pilot programs that they developed in partnership with the seminaries to continue this work of developing theological education and identifying new rostered leaders. Distinct ways LSTC and WTS serve church and world The distinctiveness of our locations and programs mean that those following their call to leadership in the church can find the best fit for their circumstances and passions. LSTC is a community that forms leaders to form communities. This emphasis is part of LSTC’s innovative public church curriculum. Since we are the ELCA seminary with the highest proportion of residential students, they are able to take advantage of all of the resources and learning opportunities the Chicago area has to offer. Students embrace the joys and challenges of being in a diverse community knowing that it strengthens their capacity to lead in a variety of ministry settings. In 2018 LSTC strengthened its mission by • Hiring three new faculty members in essential areas: Dr. Eunyung Lim, associate professor of New Testament; Dr. Kimberly Wagner, associate professor of homiletics; and Dr. Marvin Wickware Jr., associate professor of church and society and ethics. Each has a reputation for excellence in teaching and scholarship and stands at the beginning of a very promising career. • Hiring Andrea Finnegan as Vice President for Finance and Clyde Andrew Walter as interim Vice President for advancement. They are leading us in new directions and inspiring confidence in these critical areas of operation. • Creating a new full-time faculty position, Director of Contextual Education to focus attention on the formation of master’s students in collaboration with congregations, local communities, synods, and faith-based organizations. • Awarding 24 Public Church Fellowships to master’s level students who work an average of seven hours a week in 14 local nonprofit agencies. Fellows receive a monthly stipend and reflect together on faith formation and service. With deep roots, WTS explores new ways of preparing leaders for a changing world. Investments in digital teaching and learning partnered with a commitment to building strong programs - both traditional and new - have contributed to several years of growth at WTS. Students (both residential and distance) learn from a teaching-centered, relational faculty to be formed as faithful leaders for our church. With the growth of new and expanded learning models, students in Dubuque learn alongside students from all four corners of the United States (and everywhere in between). The broad contexts each student in the WTS community brings has enriched and grown the capacity for pastoral formation through the exchange of learning, sharing, and action-reflection practiced throughout the curriculum. WTS has much to celebrate with you, our partners in ministry, as we look toward the rest of 2019:
63 Report of Colleges, Seminaries, and Campus Ministry • Two consecutive years of significant enrollment growth. • Largest Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) program in the ELCA, training even more leaders for ordained ministry. • Doubled the number of students in our Collaborative Learning (serving in a congregation and learning in real-time from a distance for the entirety of the degree program) Program and expansion of the program to include Master of Arts in Diaconal Ministry students. • First students entered in the Integrated Bachelor of Arts/Master of Divinity Degree Program in partnership with Wartburg College. • Redesigned Master of Arts and Master of Arts in Diaconal Ministry Degrees to meet the needs of new audiences of students. • Significantly increased scholarships available to students, combined with a 61% decrease in student borrowing since 2015. Alumni stories Finally, we’d like to introduce you to just one alumna from each of our seminaries. Minna Bothwell, Wartburg Seminary `14 graduate, has been named one of the Des Moines Register’s “People to Watch in 2019.” Minna is serving in her first call at Capitol Hill Lutheran Church in Des Moines and has solidified a space in her community as an administer of the gospel for those in need, especially LBGTQ+ people, and immigrant and refugee communities. All of this starts at church, where Minna practices relentless hospitality in the name of Jesus Christ to all who enter.
Fatima Bass Thomas is a leader in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Gambia (ELCG). She is using what she learned at LSTC to help empower women in the Gambia and Guinea Bissau. “They are using the Scripture to block women. I want to bring back all I learned at LSTC (about) those Bible passages. . .that this is not the whole message of those passages.” Because she speaks the local language, Bass Thomas is now serving churches in Guinea Bissau, teaching baptizing and presiding to hundreds of new Christians. We invite you and members of your congregation to visit our seminaries and participate in worship, attend educational events, discern a call to ministry or visit with some of the future leaders that you and your synod support through your gifts to Wartburg and LSTC. To learn more about your seminaries and the innovative and distinctive ways we are forming leaders, please visit www.lstc.edu and www.wartburgseminary.edu. Your partnership is essential for LSTC and Wartburg to continue our shared mission of providing effective theological education. Thank you for joining us in developing leaders for the many ministries of your congregation, synod, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Yours in Christ,
James Nieman Louise N. Johnson President President Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Wartburg Theological Seminary
64 Report of Colleges, Seminaries, and Campus Ministry Wartburg College - Waverly, Iowa Wartburg College is dedicated to challenging and nurturing students for lives of leadership and service as a spirited expression of their faith and learning. Enrollment Fall 2018 enrollment was 1,498 students from 34 U.S. states and 53 countries. This number included 115 international students and 199 U.S. students of color. The top five majors are business administration, biology, elementary education, music education, and journalism and communication. Focus on the Future In 2017, Wartburg engaged more than 150 alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends of the College in an examination of strategic opportunities in today’s challenging environment for higher education. Task forces focused on academic innovation, student success, and expanding our reach. Wartburg continues to study and implement ideas that grew out of the initiative: • In spring 2018, the Wartburg Board of Regents approved a new academic major in exercise science. Work is underway to raise funds to create new laboratory space, which also will strengthen other academic offerings in the Department of Health and Human Performance. • Engineering Science faculty are working to refine the major and develop specializations in the new Bachelor of Science track. The department also dedicated an Innovation Studio, funded in part with a $123,000 grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust, to expand hands-on design and creation opportunities for students. • In partnership with Wartburg Theological Seminary, we are building and populating a new B.A.-M.Div. cooperative program, which streamlines preparation for pastoral ministry. Halcyon Bjornstad, director of integrated B.A.-M.Div. degrees, spends time on each campus generating interest among students. The College also continues to implement the new Master of Arts in Music Therapy. • A new Center for Integrative and Interdisciplinary Studies seeks to advance several projects that bind our curricula together in the service of our common mission. Dr. David McCullough, the Burk Will Chair in Interdisciplinary and Environmental Studies, was named its director. He is charged with overseeing the interdisciplinary tier of general education, searching for a new study away administrator, identifying physical space for the center, reinvigorating the endowed chair that was created to infuse ethics across the curriculum, and exploring possibilities for a center for faculty development. • The College continues to examine its capacity and effectiveness in the areas of online, distance, and digital education and is grateful to the faculty and staff at Wartburg Theological Seminary who have shared successes achieved in the online teaching and learning environment. Wartburg is seeking approval from the Higher Learning Commission to offer its first complete online programs - an English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement for educators and a post-baccalaureate certificate program in leadership. • Wartburg continues to improve diversity and inclusion on campus, especially by discerning how best to support our multicultural students’ academic progress through graduation. The American Multicultural Student Success Working Group, in concert with Multicultural Student Services, is assessing students’ progress in their second year. The president’s Diversity and Inclusion Council is implementing initiatives to address findings of a campus climate survey that evaluated students’ perceptions of living and learning at Wartburg. A new Community Response Team is prepared to handle incidents of bias that threaten our campus culture. • Wartburg became a founding investor in Mill Race, a community workspace in nearby Cedar Falls that supports area entrepreneurs. Building on that relationship, we have developed the Wartburg Incubator, a social entrepreneurship program that supports student efforts to address societal problems. In its first year, the incubator’s Wicked Problems Challenge generated 75 poster ideas from students. • Because St. John’s Cathedral no longer works with the College, Wartburg has entered into a partnership with Johnson & Wales University in Denver, Colo., to house students in our Wartburg West program. We welcomed Dr. Greg Lorenz, who assumed program director responsibilities following the retirement of the Rev. Bonita Bock after 27 years of service. Spiritual Life and Campus Ministry • The Rev. Dr. Brian Beckstrom was inducted as the Herbert and Cora Moehlmann Chaplaincy Chair, following the retirement of the Rev. Dr. Ramona Bouzard. As dean of spiritual life, he leads the College’s ministry program and promotes faith exploration and development in and out of the classroom. • The Rev. Munib Younan, bishop emeritus of the ELCA in Jordan and the Holy Land, presented “Loving God and Neighbor: Living Out the Biblical Call in the Holy Land” to faculty, staff, students, and the general public.
65 Report of Colleges, Seminaries, and Campus Ministry • The Spiritual Life and Campus Ministry Guiding Team, comprising faculty, staff, and students, continues to implement findings of the SLCM program review, made possible through the generous support of the Siebert Foundation and other donors. Efforts include more clearly articulating our identity as a college of the church, more closely integrating it with practices and decision making, and seeking creative ways to expand the ministry beyond the walls of the Chapel. • The first annual “God’s Work, Our Hands” Sunday was held with Redeemer and St. Paul’s Lutheran churches in Waverly, featuring joint service projects, worship in the Wartburg Chapel, and lunch. More than 300 people participated, including 50 students. • The College is planning several events to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Wartburg Chapel in 2019. A fundraising effort will focus on Chapel sound improvement, organ maintenance, and projection capabilities. Recognition • Dr. Caryn Riswold joined the Wartburg faculty as a professor of religion, serving as the Mike and Marge McCoy Family Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Heritage and Mission. In addition to her years of teaching experience, Riswold is an accomplished scholar in Lutheran and feminist theologies and the author of three books. Established in 2013, the chair celebrates Wartburg’s distinctive mission and commitment to vocation. Riswold succeeds the Rev. Dr. Kit Kleinhans, who now serves as dean of Trinity Lutheran Seminary. • Dr. Simon Estes, world-renowned opera singer and former Wartburg distinguished professor and artist-in- residence, received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during spring Commencement. • Dr. Gloria Kirkland-Holmes, associate professor of early childhood education at the University of Northern Iowa, was the 2018 Graven Award recipient. The annual award for Christian vocation continues to highlight the powerful and positive effect of a strong sense of Christian vocation as it interfaces with service to community, the church, and the world. • Dr. Robert E. Lee, professor emeritus of music, received the Wartburg Medal at December Commencement in recognition of his sustained service to the College. • Campus Compact named Madison Bloker ’19 of Clarksville, Iowa, a Newman Civic Fellow for her contributions to community and civic engagement. As part of her participation in Wartburg’s Baldwin Leadership Fellows Program, Bloker penned “Bound Blessings,” a devotional that raised funds for the Wartburg Dance Marathon. • Tom Trenney, minister of music at First Plymouth Church in Lincoln, Neb., and renowned composer and organist, served as visiting conductor and artistic director for Christmas with Wartburg while Dr. Lee Nelson was on sabbatical for one semester. • The Wartburg Choir joined choirs from Luther College and Iowa State University in “A Celebration of Song” at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, marking the first time the three choirs have performed together. • The Wartburg Castle Singers and Kammerstreicher chamber orchestra performed in the Great Hall of the Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, Germany, during May Term and participated in worship services at the Georgenkirche. • Sophomores Collins Kalyebi and Saffa Bockarie Jr. each received $10,000 Davis Projects for Peace grants to construct classrooms and provide health education for girls in Uganda and water wells in Sierra Leone, respectively. • The 2018 wrestling team won a record-setting 14th national championship; the women’s basketball team advanced to the Final Four for the second time in three years; football player Matt Sacia was a semifinalist for the Gagliardi Trophy DIII National Player of the Year; and two student-athletes won NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships, bringing the total to 41. • President Darrel Colson served on the executive committee of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU) and on the Council of Independent College’s NetVUE Advisory Council. Wartburg College continues to find focus in a mission that is vibrantly alive and transformative for the entire college community as we learn, work, and serve together. Thank you for your prayers and support as we share in the work of strengthening the Lutheran traditions of higher education and Christian vocation. Darrel D. Colson, President
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Report of Agencies, Institutions, and Organizations diakonia™ Purpose and Description of diakonia™: diakonia™ is a two-year process of spiritual formation and theological education for baptized members of the Lutheran church. This process occurs in three basic ways: by thorough grounding in the classic seminary disciplines of practical, systematic, historical, and Biblical theology; by identifying particular skills and aptitudes in ministry, and encouraging their use in the local parish; and by providing spiritual growth through worship, retreats, and a supportive community of fellow students, mentors, and teaching pastors. Highlights of 2018-2019: diakonia™ began its fifteenth year of classes in the Northern Illinois Synod in September 2018. Classes were held in five locations this past year: Joliet and Moline (Tuesday evenings); and McHenry, Mount Carroll, and Rockford (Thursday evenings). We give thanks to God for the 30-35 students who have been enrolled this year and for the many teaching pastors who have led our students as they grow in faith and understanding of God’s presence in their lives. There are now approximately 275 diakonia™ graduates serving within the Northern Illinois Synod in their congregations, communities, and on Synod boards and committees. Thanks be to God! A steering committee of laypersons, pastors, and Synod staff) guides the program in Northern Illinois. In addition, Pastor Doug Liston (National Executive Director for diakonia™), Pastor Kenneth Storck (Executive Director for diakonia™ in the Northern Illinois Synod), Dr. Trenton Ferro, Parson Bob Stark, and Dr. Denise Rode serve on the national diakonia™ board or as consultants for the program. Nancy Lillevold is treasurer for the NIS program, Location managers this past year have included Dr. Trenton Ferro (Joliet), Cyn Bowen (Moline), Don Long (Rockford), Rev. Ellen Arthur (McHenry), and Larry Cording (Stockton). “Come and See” events were held in July and August 2018 throughout the Synod to promote the program and will be offered again this summer. A highlight of the past diakonia™ year was the graduation service which took place on July 8, 2018 at First Lutheran Church in Rockford (Pastor Jane McChesney, host and presider), assisted by Rockford area diakonia™ graduates); seven graduates completed the program. Northern Bishop Jeff Clements preached. Forty diakonia™ current students, graduates, and teaching pastors gathered at the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center on October 20, 2018 for a retreat with featured speaker, the Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Bouman. A celebratory luncheon recognized the 15th anniversary of diakonia™ in the Northern Illinois Synod and the 40th anniversary of the national program, which was founded by Pastor Bouman. Future Plans and Goals: Celebration of the Eucharist will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, at Salem Lutheran Church in Sycamore for 15 Northern Illinois Synod graduates, with Pastor Preston Fields as host. This will be a joint graduation with the Metro Chicago Synod. A reception will be held after the service. All are welcome to share in the joy of diakonia™ graduation. Rostered leaders and graduates are invited to robe and process. Recruitment is underway for students at all locations for the 2019-2018 year. Classes are expected to begin on; Tuesday, September 3 in Joliet and Moline; and Thursday, September 5 in McHenry, Mount Carroll, and Rockford. Other locations will be added depending on student interest. Locations are contingent on having sufficient students for the location to be self-sustaining. A diakonia retreat will be offered in Fall 2019 at the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center, with date, topic, and cost to be announced. Diakonia™ retreats are open to current students, graduates, teaching pastors, prospective students, and members of the Northern Illinois Synod. After surveying the needs and interest of diakonia™ graduates, a second level of diakonia™ was piloted this past year in the Northern Illinois Synod on behalf of the national diakonia™ Program. “Shalom
67 Report of Agencies, Institutions, and Organizations Church,” taught by Pastor Kenn Storck was offered in Rockford, and Beginning Greek I was offered by Dr. Trenton Ferro in Geneva., These courses are open to NIS and Metro Chicago Synod diakonia™ graduates, rostered leaders, and others who may have a special desire to take them. The pilot courses will be evaluated this summer, and upcoming course options will be announced at that time. Respectfully submitted, Denise L. Rode, Ed.D., Northern Illinois diakonia™ Chairperson Contact information: 2800 Country Club Lane, DeKalb, IL 60115, 815-756-8321, [email protected]
ELCA Fund for Leaders Thank you to the people of Northern Illinois Synod Fund for Leaders in Mission for making an investment in the future of the church through the ELCA Fund for Leaders. We are grateful for your partnership! In the 2018-2019 academic year, ELCA Fund for Leaders provided more than $2.6 million in support to more than 250 future deacons and pastors. Thank you for your role in ensuring these future leaders can be freed from debt so they can go and serve as the church needs and the Holy Spirit leads. Students supported in 2018-2019 We are grateful that the Northern Illinois Synod has provided a total of $15,231.00 in scholarship awards since its inception. During the 2018-2019 academic year, you provided a total of $2,200.00 in scholarship support to three of your candidates. Additional information about your fund: Current market value: $53,571.73 New gifts given to your fund in 2018: $2,197.05 For more information please visit ELCA Fund for Leaders or call our office at 800-638-3522, ext. 2936. Again, thank you to the people of Northern Illinois Synod Fund for Leaders in Mission for your generous support - we thank God for you! In Christ, Jessica Nipp Hacker Director, ELCA Stewardship Strategy and Operations
ELCA Mission Investment Fund The Mission Investment Fund (MIF) is the lending ministry of the ELCA. MIF makes low- interest loans to ELCA congregations and ELCA- related ministries for building and renovation projects. With MIF loans, congregations and ministries can purchase property, construct new buildings, and expand or renovate existing facilities. MIF loans expand the capacity for ministry. MIF loans help create expanded worship spaces, updated space for education and youth ministry, new kitchens for community meals and soup kitchens, affordable housing units for the community and much more. At year-end 2018, MIF had 917 loans outstanding, totaling $556.6 million.
68 Report of Agencies, Institutions, and Organizations To fund these loans, MIF offers a portfolio of investments for congregations, their members, synods and ELCA-related ministries to purchase. At year-end 2018, MIF investments totaled $499.1 million. MIF is a financially strong and stable organization, with a record of steady, controlled growth. With total assets of $705.4 million and net assets of $200.8 million at year-end 2018, MIF maintains a capital ratio of 28.5 percent—positioning MIF in the top tier of well-capitalized church extension funds. For more information, visit mif.elca.org. MIF loans and investments in the Northern Illinois Synod (as of December 31, 2018): • 17 Mission Investment Fund loans, with a balance of $9,558,022 • $8,433,983 in Mission Investment Fund investments MIF representative: The Rev. Richard Wehrs, Regional Manager, Tel: (708) 475-2169; email: [email protected] Mission Investment Fund | 8765 West Higgins Road | Chicago, Illinois 60631 | Tel: 877-886-3522 | mif.elca.org
Jenny Lind Chapel As a ministry of the Northern Illinois Synod (NIS), the Jenny Lind Chapel (JLC), located in Andover, IL, is a landmark of pioneer faith, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the first church of the Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod of North America, a predecessor of the ELCA. It is also the founding site of the Norwegian-Danish Augustana Synod. It is named after the “Swedish Nightingale,” Jenny Lind, who gave a sizeable contribution toward the cost of construction of the Chapel. When Pastor Lars Paul Esbjörn, accompanied by his family and a small group of Swedish immigrants, arrived in Andover in 1849, they almost immediately organized a congregation. They needed a place to worship; but it took three years and untold sacrifice to complete the building in 1854. There is no steeple on the church because the lumber had to be used for coffins for those stricken in a cholera epidemic. A variety of worship services are held at the JLC, including a Founders Day service, vespers during the summer months, a Swedish service, and several Christmas events and services. Last November, a special service was held commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Sunday move of worship services from the JLC to the then new Augustana Church in 1868. The speaker for this year’s Founders Day Service was NIS Bishop Jeffrey Clements. The 160-year old melodeon, which had just been refurbished, was re- dedicated during this service. In March, the documentary Sons & Daughters of Thunder, which was partially filmed at the JLC, was released. It tells about the beginning and end of slavery in this country; and, was shown to large crowds at theaters in Davenport, IA and Cincinnati, OH; as well as at Augustana Church in Andover. The JLC was used to portray Lane Seminary in Cincinnati, OH, where 18 days of student-sponsored debates on the issue of slavery were held in 1834. One of the principal characters is Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. It is now running on PBS stations, and DVDs will be available for sale later this year. Last October, the Swedish Council of America bestowed upon Lisa Huntsha their Award of Merit for her outstanding service as curator of the JLC Immigration Museum. She has updated the text/photo panels related to Swedish immigration and history, and has provided additional panels about Jenny Lind, the singer. Lisa has updated and digitized the listing of JLC inscriptions; as well as taking GPS readings and photographs at each of the gravestones in the JLC cemetery; and uploaded these images to a new JLC Flickr page. She has also created 360 degrees images of the Chapel and Museum for inclusion in Google Street View, so people can take a virtual tour of the space, even if they can’t visit. Several NIS members serve on the JLC Operating and Endowment Committees. These persons are responsible for the maintenance of the building and cemetery, arranging worship services, and the management of funds. Visit jennylindchapel.org for details about the ministry of the JLC and listing of services and events.
69 Report of Agencies, Institutions, and Organizations Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center - Oregon, Illinois Friends in Christ, As we reflect on all the blessings, operations, and challenges at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center (LOMC) in 2018, we remain devoted to rebuilding our future generations and for His Kingdom in our 45 years of service in outdoor ministry with the Northern Illinois Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. We are continuously grateful for God’s provisions of 640 acres of His beautiful creation; for the opportunity to use our outdoor ministry to provide experiences connecting the Word of God with the World of God; and for the responsibility of stewardship of such gifts and sharing them with ALL God’s people who come to LOMC for adventure, rest or spiritual formation. The year 2018 brought great change in leadership and staffing to our ministry. In January, Executive Director Russ Senti announced his retirement effective September 1, 2018. After serving the camp through his 14th summer, he passed on his responsibilities to Interim Co-Executive Directors Jerry and Carolyn Fritsch. Jerry and Carolyn have offered new ideas and practices, in particular with updating staff and Board policies. For staff, it was our Program Director Michelle Heinrich’s first full year, who implemented some new themed summer camps and youth retreats. The biggest bang in 2018 was the fall youth retreat with Pr. Maggie Falenschek, David Scherer of AGAPE, and Joe Davis, which brought 12 congregations and 103 kids and adults and 14 Counselors/volunteers! Michelle’s creativity, joy, and energy has been visible through closer connections with our constituency and steady, increased attendance in programming. LOMC by the Numbers Last summer, our 2018 camp theme was the same as the national ELCA Youth Gathering, “This Changes Everything.” Through morning devotions, Bible study, and songs around a campfire, campers learned about how God’s love changes them from the inside out, and how “by Grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8) We reach hundreds of youth, which can be seen in our camp attendance from 2018. Day campers were up 32% over 2017 with 144 kids spending most of their daylight hours at LOMC Monday through Friday. Overnight campers were up almost 19% with 334 residential campers over the 9 weeks of camp from Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Arizona and Georgia. Overall, we had a total of 478 day and overnight campers, which was a 22% increase from last summer! Our guests and programs are many, offering something for everyone. Other groups that made the summer of 2018 full of ministry included: • 85 confirmation-aged youth from 11 ELCA congregations in the 3 synods of Illinois; • 187 4-H campers from several counties in the NW part of the state; • 25 girls from the Time, Talents and Treasurers (T.T.T.) camp from Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa; • 60 youth from the Muslim Youth of North America (M.Y.N.A.) from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Florida, and even Toronto, Canada; • 25 youth from the Hephzibah Children's Organization from Oak Park, Illinois; • 30 youth from Camp of Dreams (all inner-city Chicago based); and • 2 Family Camps (one from Iowa and one from Wisconsin). That's a grand total of 890+ campers learning about the free gift of God’s Grace! We continue to offer our guests great adventures, like our thrilling 1,200-foot-long zip line, pond canoeing, swimming, archery or team building, such as our low ropes course. Other retreats and events included (but not limited to) Women of the ELCA conference, scrap bookers, quilters, Bible studies, Cub Scout troops, Victories for Men support group, family reunions, special occasions, and more. Over 1,100 guests joined us overnight in our adult lodging at Freedom Tree Village, and our total day/night guests came to 2,985. Coupled with our campers, that brings our total guests to almost 3,900 a year experiencing His creation!
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Fiscal Year at a Glance The top three income sources were: 1. Year-round and summer programs (33%), 2. Retreats (28%), and 3. Individual donations (17%). The top four expenses were: 1. General and Administration (25%), 2. Food (21%), 3. Program (18%), and 4. Property (16 %).
66 congregations and 7 Women of the ELCA groups generously supported the camp in 2018. We are thankful for the faithful giving from the three synods in Illinois that makes up 5.39% of our revenue: Metropolitan Chicago ($13,465), Northern Illinois ($15,115), and Central Southern Illinois ($15,280). 2018 was a fiscally challenging year for LOMC, largely due to changes in society which are beyond the control of the ministry. One such change was in outdoor education. State funds have dried up leaving schools without the means of providing outdoor experiences for children. The competition with other programs such as soccer camp, basketball camp, etc. also play a role in how children spend their summer days. Development Development saw some firsts in special event fundraisers, as well as new partnerships in ministry working together for the Gospel. May Giving Day We hosted our second annual LOMC Giving Day, held May 29, 2018, the Tuesday following Memorial Day. The appeal was to raise $10,000 for summer camp scholarships. The day was met with great enthusiasm as people gave through our new platform GiveGab (and Facebook) to watch our goal not only be achieved but surpassed. Our grand total for 2018 Giving Day was $11,655 raised by 139 donors, which was 117% to our goal. We had 134 total donors: 55 returning and 79 new, which means OVER half, 59%, were new!
71 Report of Agencies, Institutions, and Organizations Pedal for a Purpose: Spring Fundraiser and Fall 9.29.18 Bike Ride LOMC was chosen as the recipient of the 2018 Central Southern Illinois Synod (CSIS) fundraiser Pedal for a Purpose, a standing fundraiser within the synod led by Pastor Adam Dichsen at Faith Lutheran Church in Jacksonville. Initially held during the spring months through the synod assembly in June, it was extended over the summer to continue to raise funds for our $25,000 goal. The event culminated with a Pedal for a Purpose bike ride and celebration event on Saturday, 9/29/2018. Sponsored cyclists conquered just under 25 miles on the Byron nuclear loop and joined us back at camp for a celebratory lunch. Our grand total received was $15,838 (63% of our $25,000 goal)! We'd like to give thanks and praise again to organizer, Pr. Adam Dichsen, and we were beyond grateful for this tremendous honor and partnership in ministry within the CSIS. We also give thanks to everyone who donated, collected offerings, and ran their own fundraiser to support the refurbishment of bunkhouses. Finally, our biggest achievement was gaining over 135 individual new donors to the camp, and this does not even include congregations who may have been a first-time supporter. #Giving Tuesday LOMC continued to join the global #GivingTuesday movement, held on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving on 11/27/18 last year. New last year, we partnered with #ILGive to help in our efforts not only to raise $10,000 for our Annual Fund, but also to support all the non-profits in our state. Donations continued to come in 10 days following the event. Final numbers were as follows: Payout Donation (less fees passed on by donor) $7,479.30 $1,350 Board matching gifts $8,829.30 total payout Even greater news, the above donations came from 81 donors, of which 41 were new. That means 50% of the donors for this fundraising appeal were new! Some Final 2018 Numbers of Giving • Silent Auction/Pie Sale: 77 pies donated from Trinity Lutheran, Durand plus silent auction, Autumn Fest offerings and donations: $4,370 (highest amount in 3 years). • WELCA fall mailing (a first last year): $1,050 from 7 congregations: $750 towards camperships, $300 towards Annual Fund • Russ Swing Choir Tour Scholarship Fund: $8,883 • Campership funds received for summer (including Russ’ SCT fund): $23,542 • Final 2018 Annual Fund Total: $169,445, exceeding our goal of $169,000! • Capital Campaign: $23,586 (running silently, plus proceeds from Pedal for a Purpose) The LOMC staff and Board of Directors expresses gratitude to the congregations of the NIS for your continued support of God’s work at LOMC! Board members serving from the NIS in 2018 were Bishop Jeffrey Clements, Rev. Tammy Anderson, Rev. Kathy Burkheimer, Dr. Tom Champley, Rev. Mike Clark, Rev. Margi Ficken, Bob Gingras, Al Janicek, Rev. Vicki Sauter, and Rev. Bree Truax. Thank you to all who make this outdoor ministry possible. The impact of LOMC on the lives of countless people cannot be underestimated. We look forward to a year of growth and change in 2019 as we continue to serve out our mission. In His Service, Jerry and Carolyn Fritsch Adriana Plocinski Interim Co-Executive Directors Development Director
72 Report of Agencies, Institutions, and Organizations Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
Dear Valued Partners in Ministry: Last year, LSSI provided whole person care to over 42,000 children, adults, and seniors—that’s one in every 300 people in Illinois. Caring for the whole person goes beyond providing safety, shelter, food, and clothing. LSSI strives to view the whole person, just as God does, in order to surround people with the necessary supports to build and enhance life. The services LSSI offers—foster care, early childhood education, mental health services, alcohol and drug treatment, affordable senior housing, residential programs for people with developmental disabilities, and programs that help formerly incarcerated individuals integrate back into society—build and enhance lives in the Northern Illinois Synod and throughout Illinois. We are grateful to the congregations and individual members who make up the Northern Illinois Synod who remain steadfast advocates of these services and LSSI’s mission overall. LSSI will complete its current strategic plan in June 2018. Our future focus will continue embracing a generative model of care to fulfill our human service mission and maintain financial sustainability. By addressing the root causes that underlie presenting problems, LSSI respects the dignity of clients and facilitates greater well-being and independence in reaching their full potential. Over LSSI’s nearly 152-year history, we have learned that we are far more successful when we provide our services in a proactive approach. In this context, we’re pleased to highlight some of those programs here: We continue to graduate children from our Therapeutic Foster Care Program at offices in Aurora, Chicago, and Rockford. This pilot program is part of a DCFS initiative to place children with histories of severe trauma and emotional/behavioral needs into single-family homes rather than institutional settings or group homes, with the goal of permanency. Thirty-five children have been enrolled in the program since it began in May 2017, with 13 children having graduated to date; 80 percent of the children who graduated were reunited with relatives. Our Step-Up School-Based Counseling Program grew out of a need in our Chicago service area— children needing mental health services faced wait times up to eight months and were forced to access crisis services instead. Our staff asked the question, “How can we serve these kids better?” Step-Up embeds counselors in 26 Chicago Public Schools where students access care convenient to them in their community—a strong tenet of LSSI’s whole person care. The program has more than tripled in size since it began several years ago. We expect it to grow further and expand to other school districts. LSSI compiled results from a pilot project called “Day One” that aims to help people with combined physical and behavioral health needs and whose primary health insurance is Medicaid. These individuals make up 25 percent of people receiving Medicaid but represent 56 percent of the program’s total cost. The LSSI Day One program provides proven solutions to help those at-risk of crisis or hospitalization, while producing better outcomes and reducing the cost of care. Our Day One program provides clients with immediate access to whole-person services. This eases their risk of crisis or hospitalization and provides them the opportunity to remain healthy and stable in the community with necessary supports and services. In one year, 205 people were enrolled; there was a nearly 36 percent reduction in inpatient admissions/readmissions and a 39 percent reduction in inpatient days. Thirty-one percent were placed in housing or transitional housing, in addition to other services and supports. In the past year, LSSI’s Prisoner and Family Ministry formed strong partnerships with community organizations to provide additional services. In May 2018, LSSI joined with Our Brother’s Keeper, a Catholic-based organization providing cooperative re-entry services, to offer case management services to returning citizens at offices in New Life Community Church, East St. Louis. Working with the Diocese of Belleville, LSSI’s Peer-to-Peer Literacy Program launched in Centralia and Pinckneyville Correctional
73 Report of Agencies, Institutions, and Organizations Facilities in August 2018. The program trains peer mentors to teach literacy and tracks progress. LSSI also started providing literacy education to returning citizens. We wish to express our gratitude to Bishop Jeffrey Clements for his leadership of the Northern Illinois Synod, as well as his service on the LSSI Board of Directors. We extend our thanks to the following individuals from the Northern Illinois Synod who currently serve on the LSSI Board of Directors: John W. Countryman, Karen Dowsett, and Randall L. Mullin, MD. We are grateful to the trustees of LSSI’s endowment, The Cornerstone Foundation, who are from Northern Illinois Synod: Susan Bernardi, Rev. Michel Clark, Linda Miller, Leona Peterson-Spear, Tomas J. Ribbeck, Gordon Tormohlen, and Jay Weyers. What a privilege it is to share in life with children, adults, and seniors, as together we fulfill LSSI’s mission to bring healing, justice, and wholeness to people and communities. We remain grateful for your ongoing involvement and support. In faith,
Mark A. Stutrud President and Chief Executive Officer 1001 E. Touhy Avenue, Suite 50, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018 847.635.4600 847.635.6764 LSSI.org
Lutherdale - Elkhorn, Wisconsin 2019 is an exciting year of transformation and expansion for Lutherdale. We are celebrating our 75th Anniversary of providing life-changing adventures for all. We give thanks to God for the witness Lutherdale has provided for so many years and its mission of building lives in Christ. Lutherdale continues to grow in service to our synod partners, church partners and more. Plans are in action to open new ministry in the coming year with the completion of a new adult lodge and conference center. Come and enjoy the sacred spaces of Lutherdale. ELCA Mission Builders Return in 2019 The ELCA Mission Builders came the summer of 2018 to build a new staff house on the vacant lot that Lutherdale owns just north of the Watson Retreat Center. We thank Mission Builders for their dedication to this building project and are grateful for all of the local volunteers that came to lend a hand. Mission Builders will return in the spring of 2019 to build a new conference center and adult lodge. Volunteers are needed to work side by side with Mission Builders on the new lodge. For more information visit: https://www.lutherdale.org/support-us/mission-builders/
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Share the Adventure Appeal Update On September 15 we held a groundbreaking service to dedicate the future building. A great crowd of people joined in sing, praying, and blessing the expansion plans for ministry. In faithful honor of those who prayed Lutherdale into being back in 1944, we had a tree trunk placed at the site of the new building. Folks were invited to sit on the log and vision a new building and an expanding ministry. Construction began in October with work on the foundation for the building. God’s Work, Our Hands Every September, Lutherdale sponsors an activity for congregations to participate in God’s Work, Our Hands day. It is a meal packing event to fight domestic hunger. Congregation’s package dry macaroni and cheese meals and when they are done, they take the meals they packaged and distribute them to food pantries in their community. Come join us this September and help fight domestic hunger in your community. Summer is a great time to be at Lutherdale There is a program option for everyone. Busy families can enjoy CAMP 24 and spend some quality family time together for a 24-hour, weekend experience. Campers can choose between a half-week program, full week program, or weekend program with a variety of theme options. For details on all the exciting summer programs visit: https://www.lutherdale.org/programs/summer-camps/ . One of the best things about Lutherdale is that we do ministry together with you. Lutherdale boldly provides a ministry of hospitality to all. Thank you for your partnership.
75 Report of Agencies, Institutions, and Organizations Mosaic
I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. — Philippians 1:3-11 To our friends and partners in the Northern Illinois Synod where Mosaic provides services out of Rockford, 2019 was a year of growth and gratitude for Mosaic. In times of dramatic change, we’re encouraged by God’s continued grace and remain grateful for your synod’s commitment to ministry with and among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We’re pleased to partner with dozens of churches to support church hubs, which provide opportunities for people with and without disabilities to spend their days building relationships and community. These connections are key to the health and wellness of all people. To learn more about our community hubs, visit mosaicinfo.org/church-hubs. At the end of 2018, we released a report that detailed just how much social connections and other factors influence people’s health. It may seem ground-breaking, but we’re not surprised. We’ve known for a long time that God’s people belong in community with each other. To read the full report, visit mosaicinfo.org/qualityreport. Rejoicing Spirits, which helps congregations support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their loved ones in worship, continues to grow and evolve. More than 50 congregations across the nation participate in this transformative ministry. To learn more about this unique ministry, visit rejoicingspirits.org. Mosaic also announced the acquisition of Soreo in November. Soreo provides in-home supports to Arizonans with intellectual disabilities and older adults who want to remain in their homes. This new ministry is a natural way for us to continue to love and serve our neighbors in need. To learn more, visit soreo.com/in-home-support. We are continually impressed by the generosity of so many faithful donors and volunteers across the nation who support our mission. It is a deep joy of mine to ask new and long-term donors why they continue to give. More often than not, their answer centers around gratitude for all they have been given by God and a commitment to serve God’s people. This gratitude and commitment strengthens and sustains our employees, contractors and the people we support. Thank you,
Linda Timmons, President and CEO, Mosaic www.mosaicinfo.org 4980 S. 118th St. | Omaha, NE 68137-2200 | 877.366.7242
76 Report of Agencies, Institutions, and Organizations Portico
77 Report of Agencies, Institutions, and Organizations Region 5, ELCA Thank you for taking the time to learn about the ministry of Region 5 as you prepare for and engage in the business of your synod assembly. This synod joins with eleven other synods in Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, Iowa, and Illinois to form Region 5; one of the 9 regions across the ELCA. The ministry of region 5 is roughly divided into 3 categories: convening synod ministry leaders; accompaniment of those preparing to become pastors and deacons; and tending to archival records. As a region, your synod bishop, staff, and other leaders gather with their colleagues from time to time throughout the year. These gatherings are a way for them to support and pray with one another; and to share their ideas, experience and expertise with one another in order to faithfully minister in your synod. As candidacy and leadership manager for region 5, much of my work is spent working with synod candidacy committees. “Candidacy” is the term used to describe our process of forming and preparing people to serve as a pastor or deacon in the ELCA. Like the many faithful volunteers that serve on your synod candidacy committee, I am honored to meet our seminary students and explore with them how God is calling them to service in the world. You have a part in raising up, nurturing, and sending those whom God calls into service as pastor and deacon. To that end, I commend to you a new resource, “Called to Lead”, available online at elca.org/resources/candidacy. This discernment guide is for those who are wondering about ministry as a pastor or deacon. As a leader in your congregation, it is also a resource for you as a helpful conversation tool when talking with people you know who have gifts for ministry in the ELCA. Building upon our calling as baptized people of God, readers of this guide will have the opportunity to explore gifts and abilities, as well as readiness to begin an intentional time of formation for ministry leadership. As a region, we also share in the care of archival records. Region 5 archives are housed at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. Our archivist, Sue Dodd, collects records of and responds to inquiries concerning: synods, deceased rostered personnel, and dissolved congregations within region 5. This work both preserves institutional records and documents the historical record of the institution within the context of the larger world. Approximately 200 requests come in each year from individuals for information found in the region 5 archives. As congregations in the region make decisions to close, Sue is a resource to you in determining what records to save and how to transfer them to the archives. Thank you for your synod’s participation in this shared ministry and for the privilege to serve among you. Rev. Ramie L. Bakken Sue Dodd Candidacy and Leadership Manager Region 5 Archivist [email protected] [email protected] In partnership with the Synods of Metropolitan Chicago ~ Northern Illinois ~ Central/Southern Illinois ~ Southeastern Iowa ~ Western Iowa ~ Northeastern Iowa ~ Northern Great Lakes ~ Northwest Wisconsin ~ East-Central Wisconsin ~ Greater Milwaukee ~ South-Central Wisconsin ~ La Crosse Area
78 Report of Agencies, Institutions, and Organizations Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries
79 Report of Agencies, Institutions, and Organizations Synodical Women’s Organization - Women of the ELCA I am honored to serve as president of the board of the NIS, SWO, WELCA, and represent our synod. For me it has been a time of spiritual growth and social awareness. In February, I attended the Women of the ELCA president’s conference. There were presidents in attendance from all over the United States. We worshiped, learned about immigration at the border and how lawyers with AMMPARO are volunteering their time to prepare women for their interviews, suicide prevention, and were informed about the theme for the 2020 Triennial convention: JUST LOVE. We have a library of books and a movie that are available to anyone to check out for extended periods of time to read and pass around. Joan Soltwisch is the librarian and can be reached by phone, 815-690-3658 or email [email protected] to get a list of our inventory and check out a resource. We have a DVD called “Chosen” that tells the story of a small-town girl getting swept in to the grasp of sex traffickers. You can use the materials to plan a retreat or borrow for your personal use. On April 27 we held our Spring Retreat at LOMC. “Seasons of our Lives” was our theme. Bible study was led by Esther Prabhakar, and music was presented by Peg Lehman. Worship led by Pastor Jessica Bakken. The deadline is getting close to sign up for the Servant/Immersion trip to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church located on Rocky Boy Indian Reservation in Box Elder, MT. It will be a week of learning and sharing with the people of the church and community August 24-31. We are honored to be delivering 10 refurbished microscopes to the school donated by Mike Wadle. Thank you, Mike. We are planning our convention for September 21 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moline. The theme is “New Horizons," focusing on immigration and what is happening at our borders. Bishop Clements will be preaching at the worship service. All women of NIS ELCA are invited to attend. We send our quarterly newsletter to every church in the synod with information on registering for our events as well as upcoming church events that are open for anyone who would like to participate. As I complete my final year as NIS Women of the ELCA president I am honored to have had this opportunity to work with so many devoted Christian women of our synod and in our country. I have been truly blessed. Kim Choin President, NIS Women of the ELCA
UnityPoint Health - Rock Island, Illinois At UnityPoint Health - Trinity, our mission is to improve the health of the people and communities we serve. Not only do we care for patients in our hospitals and clinics, but we also focus on being a strong community partner to identify other people who could benefit from health care services, ranging from disease prevention, health education and treatment. Here is a sampling of 2018 Trinity initiatives: Parish Nurse Program In its thirtieth year, Trinity’s Parish Nurse Program continued to serve the community with holistic health services which include many aspects of care such as emotional and spiritual support, health education and prevention services. The parish nurse foundations course was cancelled in the fall due to few registrations. Thirty-six churches participated in the Parish Nurse Program during all or part of 2018 with 16 paid positions and 28 volunteers. These programs served a combined church membership of approximately 21,000 people through 23 Illinois churches and 13 Iowa churches. Their activities resulted in the following: Individual contacts - 22,909, Educational programs - participants 5,577 in 458 classes, Support groups - participants 2,778 in 420 groups, Blood pressure (B/P) screenings - 3,980 individuals, Abnormal B/P readings with subsequent referrals - 527 individuals (13%)
80 Report of Agencies, Institutions, and Organizations Trinity’s parish nurses worked a total of 21,290 hours and supervised an additional 10,756 hours volunteered by church members. Total contacts averaged 1,909 per month, of those 37 percent were brief client visits of less than 15 minutes, while 63 percent exceeded that time frame. The breakdown of visits by gender is 32 percent male clients and 68 percent female. The following chart provides distribution of individual contacts by all age groups. (Note: age was not given for all contacts.) Age Number of Clients 0-14 years 466 15 - 19 years 175} 4% 20 - 24 years 245 25 - 44 years 1,431 > 6% 45 - 59 years 3,060 > 13% 60 - 84 years 12,039 > 52% 85+ years 5,493 > 24% In 2018, most contacts pertained to health education and surveillance of clients. Referrals comprise a large part of parish nurse activities. For diagnosis and treatment of issues and connecting clients to health services, parish nurses made 5,593 referrals to pastors and church resources, 841 to physicians, 741 to health care professionals, 568 to community agencies, 165 to walk-in clinics and 204 to new physicians. Parish nurses saw clients in several locations: 2,384 home visits, 1,603 hospital visits, 2,285 assisted living facilities, 3,493 individuals who came to their church office and 4,346 phone contacts were made. The client base is very similar to past years with: 96 percent Caucasian, 2 percent African-American, 1.4 percent Hispanic, 0.4 percent Asian and 0.2 percent for all other ethnicities. We again participated in the ELCA Synod meeting at Augustana College in June with a Parish Nurse Program display along with various wellness materials. We offered blood pressure screenings and first aid services throughout the entire weekend. This provided a great opportunity to promote parish nursing with many pastors, health ministers as well as lay leaders. During October, which is pastor appreciation month, our pastors and parish nurses met together at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Davenport. We served breakfast to our pastors to honor them. We then had a panel discussion with six panelists who provide homeless services in our community. A time for questions and answers and good dialogue took place. We received a grant from Bettendorf Rotary and Trinity Health Foundation to allow a parish nurse to work one day a week for two hours starting in March at the homeless shelter in Rock Island, Christian Care. Rhonda has been able to meet with many and promote wellness, offer blood pressure screenings, foot care, medication education, referrals as well as spiritual care to homeless individuals. The staff have been so happy to have a dedicated health professional at their site and believe she has established rapport and made a difference in the lives she has touched. We had numerous opportunities to serve in our community during the year, including volunteering at homeless shelters serving meals, providing health education and blood pressure screenings at River Bend Foodbank sites, serving as Nursing Honor Guard at nurses’ funerals, assisting with high school sports physicals, helping at the Boys and Girls Clubs, teaching CPR and offering community presentations on parish nursing and wellness topics. As the year ended one nurse retired after 20 years of service and another after 10 years. We invited the Genesis Parish Nurses to join our Trinity team after Genesis eliminated their program. Four parish nurses and two health ministers from the Genesis program are now with us. It has been a great transition. We also added two RN’s to our team after they both retired from acute care nursing. They are happy to continue to use their expertise and skills in their faith communities. Volunteers/Friends of Trinity Health care volunteers have been a community tradition for as long as there have been hospitals in the Quad Cities. Many of our current volunteers began their service with us long before we became UnityPoint Health - Trinity.
81 Report of Agencies, Institutions, and Organizations Our volunteer groups are actively involved in supplementing several hospital services provided to patients and community members, as well as assisting UnityPoint Health - Trinity team members in the important work of providing exceptional health care to our community. One way this is accomplished is through 442 volunteers, including high school and college students. In 2018, Trinity volunteers logged 52,832 hours of service in a variety of ways including the following: • Dozens of volunteers have regular weekly time slots on three different campuses, aiding patients, visitors and staff members. • Two community blood drives were held, one in June and one in November. • 3,985 hours were spent on community projects including the Patient Advisory Council, associate and community flu clinics, American Heart Association fundraisers and Gilda’s Club partnership. 39 Caring Canine teams, certified pet therapy teams, made visits to over 19,879 patients. • Volunteers made the following for distribution to patients: baby hats and blankets for newborns and stillborn babies, prayer shawls, cancer hats, pillow cases, infusion pillows, lap pads/robes, ostomy covers and wee-care gowns. • Volunteers distributed 301 “Get Well” emails sent to patients from family and community members. • Trinity volunteers served in over 52 different departments in the hospital in many roles throughout the three Quad City campuses, helping Trinity provide a better experience for patients, staff and the community. The second way this is accomplished is through Friends of Trinity, an organization whose mission is to support UnityPoint Health - Trinity and the community through fundraising and service. In 2018, Friends of Trinity accomplished the following: • Friends of Trinity has 312 members. • In 2018, Friends of Trinity granted $163,800 to UnityPoint Health - Trinity and the Quad City community through the following grants: o $250,000 for the Bettendorf Birthplace Expansion ($75,000 paid in 2018) o $20,500 for the purchase of a Ligasure Generator for Bettendorf Surgical Services o $20,100 for the purchase of (3) Philips Lumify Ultrasound Machines for the Cardiology Division o $19,800 for the purchase of a Manometry Catheter for Bettendorf Ambulatory Department o $20,000 in Healthcare Scholarships o $8,400 for Caring Community Projects Ongoing Funding (Caring Closet, Caring Canines & Prayer Shawl Ministry) • Friends of Trinity put on a major community-wide event and held nine vendor sales. • Friends of Trinity have donated over $4.06 million since their inception in 1993. • The Trinity Caring Closet served over 3,100 patients by providing new clothing to wear when discharged, if clothing was retained for evidence, destroyed or soiled. • Operated three gift shops and an award-winning floral service. Pastoral Care In 2018, Trinity’s Pastoral Care department continued to educate the public and Trinity employees about the importance of advance care planning and assist individuals in completing advance directives. This educational process included community presentations on various aspects of the spiritual, mental and physician health connection as well as individual facilitations for both in-patients and community members. Pastoral Care also served on the Board for Parish Nurses, Mission Effectiveness committee, Ethics committee and the Institutional Review Board for reviewing medical research proposals. During the year numerous in-patient visits were made by our staff of three chaplains, focusing on providing psychosocial, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families in the face of crisis, transition, grief, anxiety, pain, joy, hopelessness or loneliness. Our chaplains also made in-patient visits on behalf of pastors who were unable to come to the hospital due to weather, vacation, illness, or other conflict bearing greeting and concern from the patient’s faith leader.
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Additional pastoral care accomplishments: • Eighteen volunteer befrienders in the department made 6,213 in-patient visits focusing on screening newly admitted patients; 3,881 of which were first day admissions. • Sponsored two grief support gatherings for families affected by perinatal loss with a fall graveside burial service for miscarried infants as well as Butterfly Blessings, an intergenerational memorial event. • Hosted two blessing events, including Blessing of the Hands for Nurses Week and Hospital Week and blessing of the canines for the Friends of Trinity Caring Canine Program. • Provided distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday to patients, families, and staff working shifts that prevented them from attending their faith community’s Ash Wednesday services. • Provided 24 hours of training to two individuals in pastoral visiting skills, held trainings and one continuing educational program for eight current befrienders. • Called local faith communities when a member both identified the faith community and gave us permission to call. Calls were placed Monday through Friday, averaging about 100 calls per week. • Provided patient care staff orientation on the basics of spiritual care and ethics twice a month. • Taught Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) Extended course, including for ten local faith leaders. • Provided 24/7 pastoral care coverage for the UnityPoint Health - Trinity Quad Cities hospitals, responding to the emotional and spiritual crisis of patients, family and staff. Community Health Needs Assessment The 2018 Community Health Needs Assessment for Rock Island, Scott and Muscatine Counties was completed in September 2018. The results from this assessment will be used to guide future efforts and decisions regarding areas of greatest impact to the health of our community. Community Collaboration | Military Advisory Council In 2018, UnityPoint Health - Trinity partnered with many organizations to support and provide resources to the local military community. These organizations include USO, Association of the United States Army, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois and Iowa Veterans Affairs, VA National Cemetery, NAMI, Quad-Cities Veterans Outreach Center and more. As a result of these partnerships, UnityPoint Health - Trinity’s Military Advisory Council received the Community Veteran Engagement Board designation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This is the second coalition to receive this recognition in the state of Iowa, and the fourth in Illinois. Health Fairs and Community Health Education UnityPoint Health - Trinity works with a number of community partners to live out its mission of improving the health of the people and communities it serves. Throughout the past year, Trinity has collaborated with the following community partners: Health Literacy and Access: Quad City Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees (QC Air). Global Communities, The Esperanza Center, The Project of the Quad Cities, Project NOW, Habitat for Humanity, NAACP - Rock Island Nutrition and Wellness: River Bend Foodbank, School Health LINK, Heart of Hope Ministries, March for Babies Quad City Marathon Community Health Needs: Community Health Needs Assessment Steering Committee, Quad City Health Initiative Behavioral Health Care and Access: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Rock Island Arsenal, Quad City Mental Health Coalition, Mickle Communications, Center for Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS), Community Health Care, Area Physician Offices Social Support: Boys and Girls Club, YouthHope, The Arc of the Quad Cities, Skip-a-Long, Children’s Therapy Center, Bethany for Children & Families, Junior Achievement, Gilda’s Club, Family Resources, Child Abuse Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters
83 Report of Agencies, Institutions, and Organizations Advocacy: Rock Island Arsenal, Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, IL, Iowa and Illinois Hospital Association Community Impact Initiative | Mission Effectiveness Committee The Mission Effectiveness Committee was created to assist and guide UnityPoint Health - Trinity to align decisions and actions with the goal of achieving its mission of improving the health of the community it serves. Project SEARCH Project SEARCH is a nine-month internship for persons with disabilities established to help adults gain the skills needed to be successfully employed, and a contributing member of the Quad Cities community. UnityPoint Health - Trinity has partnered with North Scott, Bettendorf, and Pleasant Valley school districts, as well as, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Mississippi Bend AEA and Goodwill to support this initiative. Trinity is proud to recognize the seven interns who graduated from the Project SEARCH internship program in its first year of implementation. Patient and Family Advisory Committee The Patient and Family Advisory Committee was formed to create awareness of past patient experiences, assist hospital staff in providing a quality patient experience, improve health outcomes and help UnityPoint Health - Trinity maintain a patient driven culture. 2017 Community Benefit Summary by Category A “community benefit” is defined as programs or activities that address community health and health- related needs which can provide measurable improvement in health access, health status and the use of health resources. Annually, the community benefits provided by Trinity are tracked. Attached is the Impact to the Community Report that explains benefits provided to the community, in addition to the quality patient care normally expected of our health system. The 2018 Community Benefits totals will be finalized and released to the public in the spring of 2019. Respectfully submitted,
Rick Seidler, President/CEO UnityPoint Health - Trinity
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Report of the Nominating Committee As in years past, the Synod’s Nominating Committee held one meeting in person in November of this past year. There we had a fruitful discussion about the upcoming needs of the Synod - the various roles to be filled. Just the same, we were blessed to discuss the abundant gifts present in this Synod - more than enough to rise to meet the need. Our process included lifting up names and acknowledging their gifts that may lend themselves to a particular role within the Synod’s council, committees, and so on. From there, the list is narrowed by a few factors, such as the desire to keep each conference well represented, and to ensure that those who have not yet had the chance to serve will. Next, members of the committee reach out to those who were named and invite them to prayerfully consider serving in this new (or renewed!) way. Thank you to everyone who was asked and did indeed prayerfully consider the opportunity! Whether it’s a “yes” or a “no” and whether you might be elected or not, it’s my sincere hope that your deliberations have helped you to discern what new thing God may be calling you to next. I’m glad we are discerning our calls together in this way. Here at Synod Assembly, you will hear the names and read all about those. As I have written in the past, it’s awesome to see just how many willing servants with such incredible gifts are right here in this Synod. May their willingness enrich your time at assembly, as they are a testament to how blessed we are together. To those who may feel God calling them to something new, please do not hesitate to explore that with your friends here in the Synod. Current and previous committee members are a great resource. You can find their names, current vacancies, and descriptions of these committees on the Synod website. Reach out to one of those or the Synod office to get started. You may find that discerning your call in community will put you right where God will use you next! Rev. Andrew Kayes Committee Chair
Present Membership and 2019 Nominations
Synod Council Bishop: The Rev. Jeffrey Clements - First, DeKalb (Northeast Conference) (term expires 2022) Vice President: Mr. Bill Bartlett - Christ, Belvidere (North Conference) (term expires 2021; resigning after this year’s Synod Assembly) Secretary: The Rev. Don Knowles - Calvary, Moline and St. James, Rock Island (West Conference) (term expires 2022) Treasurer: Ms. Tammie Farley - Bethlehem, DeKalb (Northeast Conference) (term expires 2019)* The Rev. Robert Franek - Emmanuel, Rockford (North Conference) (term expires 2019)* The Rev. Brad Haugen - Followers of Christ, Plainfield (East Conference) (term expires 2021) Mr. Ryan Mackey - Immanuel, Dixon (Central Conference) (term expires 2020) Mr. Craig Peterson - First, Pecatonica (Northwest Conference) (term expires 2019 - not eligible for re- election) Ms. Minnette Scott - Freedom, Oregon (Central Conference) (term expires 2021) The Rev. Gwen Sefrhans-Murphy - Peace, Port Byron (West Conference) (term expires 2020) Mr. Jim Spring - Bethany, Leland (South Conference) (term expires 2021) Ms. Carol Swenson - Our Savior’s, Rockford (North Conference) (term expires 2020) The Rev. Andy Tyrrell - Grace, Richmond (Northeast Conference) (term expires 2021) Deacon Carla Vanatta - Salem, Sycamore (Northeast Conference (term expires 2019)*
85 Report of the Nominating Committee The Rev. Janet Wold - All Saints, Byron (Central Conference) (term expires 2019)* Youth Representative: Ms. Heide Gallagher - First, Monmouth (Southwest Conference) (term expires 2019)* *Term expires in 2019 and standing for re-election Vice-President Nominations - Elect 1
Vice President Nominees for Synod Council: Vote for 1 (4-year term) 1A - Ms. Minnette Scott - Freedom, Oregon (Central Conference) 1B - Ms. Carol Swenson - Our Savior’s, Rockford (North Conference) Treasurer Nomination - Elect 1
Treasurer Nominee for Synod Council: Vote for 1 (4-year term) 2A - Ms. Tammie Farley - Bethlehem, DeKalb (Northeast Conference) 2B - NO NOMINEE Synod Council Nominations - Elect 6
LAITY Female Nominee for Synod Council: Vote for 1 (3-year term) 3A - Dn. Carla Vanatta - Salem, Sycamore (Northeast Conference) 3B - NO NOMINEE
LAITY Male Nominee for Synod Council: Vote for 1 (3-year term) 4A - Mr. George Sanchez - New Life, Bolingbrook (East Conference) 4B - Mr. Kurt Ulbricht - St. John, Joliet (East Conference)
MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Female Nominees for Synod Council: Vote for 1 (3-year term) 5A - The Rev. Janet Wold - All Saints, Byron (Central Conference) 5B - The Rev. Pam Marolla - First, Galesburg (Southwest Conference)
MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Male Nominees for Synod Council: Vote for 1 (3-year term) 6A - The Rev. John Cunningham - Bethany, Crystal Lake (Northeast Conference) 6B - The Rev. Scott Ralston - Faith, Forreston (Central Conference) 6C - The Rev. Robert Franek - Emmanuel, Rockford (North Conference)
LAITY Female Nominee, Person of Color, for Synod Council: Vote for 1 3-year term 7A - Ms. Monique Castillo - Immanuel, Rock Falls (Central Conference) 7B - NO NOMINEE
YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE Nominee for Synod Council: Vote for 1 (1-year term) (Must be a confirmed member of a congregation of this synod and shall be at least fifteen and less than nineteen years of age when elected.) 8A - Ms. Grace Hoening - GPS Faith Community, Machesney Park (North Conference) 8B - Ms. Heide Gallagher - First, Monmouth (Southwest Conference)
86 Report of the Nominating Committee Congregational Life Committee The Rev. Scott Benolkin - Shepherd of the Valley, Rockford (North Conference) (term expires 2020) Mr. Larry Cording - Shepherd of the Hills, Scales Mound (Northwest Conference) (term expires 2020) Mr. Walt Farley - Salem, Sandwich (East Conference) (term expires 2021) The Rev. Nathan Feig - Trinity, Ottawa (South Conference) (term expires 2021) Ms. Georgiana Grossman - Immanuel, Amboy (Central Conference) (term expires 2020) Ms. Kim Halper - Nativity, Wonder Lake (Northeast Conference) (term expires 2021) The Rev. Jana Howson - Faith, Joliet (East Conference) (term expires 2019) Ms. Kay Johnson - All Saints, Byron (Central Conference) term expires 2021) Ms. Mary Beth Martin-Bellavia -- Grace, Woodstock (Northeast Conference) (term expires 2019 - not eligible for re-election) The Rev. Elizabeth Mascal, vice-chair - Bethlehem, DeKalb (Northeast Conference) (term expires 2019)* Mr. Mike Parmele, chairperson - Shepherd of the Prairie, Huntley (Northeast Conference) (term expires 2021) The Rev. David Schweppe - Immanuel, Dixon (Central Conference) (term expires 2019 - not eligible for re-election) *Term expires in 2019 and standing for re-election Congregational Life Committee Nominations - Elect 3
LAITY Female Nominee Congregational Life Committee: Vote for 1 (3-year term) 9A - Ms. Melinda Alekna - St. Mark, Rockford (North Conference) 9B - NO NOMINEE
MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Female Nominee for Congregational Life Committee: Vote for 1 (3-year term) 10A - The Rev. Elizabeth Mascal - Bethlehem, DeKalb (Northeast Conference) 10B - NO NOMINEE
MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Male Nominee Congregational Life Committee: Vote for 1 (3-year term) 11A - The Rev. Zachary Baer - Bethany, Leland (South Conference) 11B - NO NOMINEE
Global Mission Committee The Rev. Joy Alsop - Faith, Rochelle (Central Conference) (term expires 2019, not standing for re- election) The Rev. Tammy Anderson - Immanuel, Earlville (South Conference) (term expires 2020) Mr. Ron Gustafson - Grace, Loves Park (North Conference) (term expires 2019, eligible to be re- appointed)* Mr. Ron Henning - Bethany, Crystal Lake (Northeast Conference) (term expires 2020) The Rev. Jane McChesney - First, Rockford (North Conference) (term expires 2021) The Rev. Rick Meier - Faith, South Beloit (North Conference) (term expires 2019, not eligible for re- election) Mr. Art Milton - Trinity, Moline (West Conference) (term expires 2021) (Chairperson) Ms. Linda Patterson - St. Paul, Dixon (Central Conference) (term expires 2020) Ms. Esther Prabhakar - Faith, Rochelle (Central Conference) (term expires 2019, eligible to be re- appointed)*
87 Report of the Nominating Committee Mr. Chuck Steinbach - Immanuel, Earlville (South Conference) (term expires 2021) Ms. Wallie Stewart - Grace, Loves Park (North Conference) (term expires 2020) The Rev. Daniel Wynard - Alpine, Rockford (North Conference) (term expires 2021)* *Term expires in 2019 and standing for re-election Global Mission Committee Nominations - Elect 2
MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Female Nominee for Global Mission Committee: Vote for 1 (3-year term) 12A - The Rev. Jessica Bakken - St. John’s, Ashton (Central Conference) 12B - NO NOMINEE
MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Male Nominees for Global Mission Committee: Vote for 1 (3-year term) 13A - The Rev. Reed Pedersen - Augustana, Andover (West Conference) 13B - NO NOMINEE
Ministry Support Committee The Rev. Jen Beamsley - St. John, Joliet (East Conference) (term expires 2020) The Rev. Ben Ingelson, chairperson - Resurrection, Channahon (East Conference) (term expires 2019, not eligible for re-appointment) The Rev. Vince Marolla - First, Galesburg (Southwest Conference) (term expires 2021) Mr. Doug Murray - St. Paul’s, Streator (South Conference) (term expires 2020) Mr. Bill Nelson - First, Geneseo (West Conference) (term expires 2021) Ms. Cheryl Reimer - Bethany, Crystal Lake (Northeast Conference) (term expires 2019, not eligible for re-election) Mr. Ken Reinhardt - Salem, Sycamore (Northeast Conference) (term expires 2020) The Rev. Jeff Schlesinger - Heart of Illinois Parish (Immanuel, Compton and First, Lee) (Central and Northeast Conferences) (term expires 2021) Ms. Beth Schneider - St. John’s, Pearl City (Northwest Conference) (term expires 2020) Ms. Sonja Sisemore - GPS Faith Community, Machesney Park (North Conference) (term expires 2019, eligible for re-appointment) Ms. Carol Swenson - Our Savior’s, Rockford (North Conference) (term expires 2021) The Rev. Andy Tyrrell - Grace, Richmond (Northeast Conference) (term expires 2020) *Term expires in 2019 and standing for re-election Ministry Support Committee Nominations - Elect 2
LAITY Female Nominees Ministry Support Committee: Vote for 1 (3-year term) 14A - Ms. Deanna Swanson - Augustana, Andover (West Conference) 14B - NO NOMINEE
MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Female Nominees for Ministry Support Committee: Vote for 1 (3-year term) 15A - The Rev. Karyn Kost - Freedom, Oregon; St. James, Forreston (Central Conference) 15B - The Rev. Lu Cantrell - Peace, Morris (East Conference)
88 Report of the Nominating Committee Outreach Committee Ms. Maggie Blackburn - Christ, Belvidere (North Conference) (term expires 2019, choosing not to stand for re-election) The Rev. Stacie Fidlar - St. John’s, Rock Island (West Conference) (term expires 2020) Mr. Brandon Graves - Salem, Sycamore (Northeast Conference) (term expires in 2019, not eligible to stand for re-election) The Rev. Matthew Kamprath - First, Geneseo (West Conference) (term expires 2021) The Rev. Frank Langholf - Trinity, Galesburg (Southwest Conference) (term expires 2019)* Ms. Luz Malpica - Bethany, Crystal Lake (Northeast Conference) (term expires 2020) Ms. Joyce Meier - Bethany, Crystal Lake (Northeast Conference) (term expires 2020) The Rev. Brandon Nelson - St. Paul’s, Sterling (Central Conference) (term expires 2021) Mr. George Sanchez - New Life, Bolingbrook (East Conference) (term expires 2019, not eligible to stand for re-election) Ms. Janet Stoller - Peace, New Lenox (East Conference) (term expires 2020) Mr. Stewart Walk - Salem, Rockford (North Conference) (term expires 2021) *Term expires in 2019 and standing for re-election Outreach Committee Nominations - Elect 5
LAITY Female Nominee for Outreach Committee: Vote for 1 (3-year term) 16A - Ms. Amanda Schanze - First, Prophetstown (Central Conference) 16B - NO NOMINEE
LAITY Male Nominee for Outreach Committee: Vote for 1 (3-year term) 17A - Mr. Roger Haefner - Peace, Morris (East Conference) 17B - NO NOMINEE
LAITY Male Nominee for Outreach Committee: Vote for 1 (3-year term) 18A - Mr. Nathan Knowles - Freedom, Oregon (Central Conference) 18B - NO NOMINEE
MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Male Nominees Outreach Committee: Vote for 1 (3-year term) 19A - The Rev. Bill Dahlberg - Salem, Rockford (North Conference) 19B - The Rev. Frank Langholf - Trinity, Galesburg (Southwest Conference)
MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Female Nominee for Outreach Committee: Vote for 1 (2-year term) 20A - The Rev. Lisa Burbank - Scenic Hills Parish, Derinda/Hanover/Massbach; co-interim pastor, Lord of Love, Galena (Northwest Conference) 20B - NO NOMINEE
Social Ministry Committee The Rev. Robin Caldwell - St. John, Joliet (East Conference) (term expires 2020) The Rev. David Elliott - Joyful Spirit, Bolingbrook (East Conference) (term expires 2021) The Rev. Katie Gallagher - Faith, Wataga (Southwest Conference) (term expires 2021) The Rev. Jacob Gawlik - St. John’s, Sterling (Central Conference) (term expires 2021)
89 Report of the Nominating Committee Ms. Margaret Haugen - Peace, New Lenox (East Conference) (term expires 2021) Ms. Amy Hoening - GPS Faith Community, Machesney Park (North Conference) (term expires 2020) Ms. Denise Hoover - Grace, Woodstock (Northwest Conference) (term expires 2019, not eligible to be re- appointed) Dr. Peter Kivisto - St. John’s, Rock Island (West Conference) (term expires 2020) Mr. Andy Koresko - Messiah, Aledo (Southwest Conference) (term expires 2021) The Rev. Greg Olson - United, Gardner (East Conference) (term expires 2019, choosing not to stand for re-election) Mr. Ron Simmons - Zion, Rockford (North Conference) (term expires 2019, eligible to be re-appointed) Ms. Linda Storm - First, Geneseo (West Conference) (term expires 2019, not eligible to be re-appointed) Social Ministry Committee Nominations - Elect 2
LAITY Female Nominees Social Ministry Committee Vote for 1 (3-year term) 21A - Ms. Joan Soltwisch - Resurrection, Channahon (East Conference) 21B - Ms. Marian Myers - St. Paul’s, Dixon (Central Conference)
MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Male Nominees Social Ministry Committee: Vote for 1 (3-year term) 22A - The Rev. Chuck Olson - Calvary, Rockford (North Conference) 22B - NO NOMINEE
Consultation Committee The Rev. Jen Beamsley - St. John’s, Joliet (East Conference) (term expires 2019) The Rev. Brant Clements - Freedom, Oregon (Central Conference) (term expires 2019) The Rev. Katie Gallagher - Prince of Peace, Freeport (Northwest Conference) (term expires 2021) Mr. Calvin Klopf - Scenic Hills Parish, Derinda/Hanover/Massbach (Northwest Conference) (term expires 2023) Ms. Karen Krzak - Peace, New Lenox (East Conference) (term expires 2023) Ms. Mindy Lemonholm - LC of the Good Shepherd, Rockford (North Conference) (term expires 2021) Mr. Frank Olson - Grace, Woodstock (Northeast Conference) (term expires 2019) The Rev. Nord Swanstrom - First, Pecatonica (Northwest Conference) (term expires 2021) Ms. Daneen Taylor - Peace, New Lenox (East Conference) (term expires 2019) The Rev. Terrie Wilder - St. Mark’s, Polo (Central Conference) (term expires 2023) Mr. Alan Wold - All Saints, Byron (Central Conference) (term expires 2021) Consultation Committee Nominations - Elect 4
LAITY Female Nominee Consultation Committee Vote for 1 (6-year term) 23A - Ms. Lyn Tubbesing - Gloria Dei, Rockford (North Conference) 23B - NO NOMINEE
LAITY Male Nominee Consultation Committee Vote for 1 (6-year term) 24A - Dr. Trenton Ferro - St. John, Joliet (East Conference) 24B - Dr. Randy Mullin - Cambridge, Cambridge (West Conference)
MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Female Nominees Consultation Committee: Vote for 1 (6-year term)
90 Report of the Nominating Committee 25A - The Rev. Jill Flynn - Gloria Dei, Rockford (North Conference) 25B - The Rev. Elizabeth Martin - Trinity, Harvard (Northeast Conference)
MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Male Nominees for Consultation Committee: Vote for 1 (6-year term) 26A - The Rev. Preston Fields - Salem, Sycamore (Northeast Conference) 26B - The Rev. Dave Hedlin - Peace, New Lenox (East Conference)
Discipline Committee The Rev. Joy Alsop - Faith, Rochelle (Central Conference) (term expires 2021) Mr. Christopher Beamsley - St. John, Joliet (East Conference) (term expires 2019) Mr. Walt Farley - Salem, Sandwich (East Conference) (term expires 2023) The Rev. Robert Franek - Faith, Wataga (Southwest Conference) (term expires 2021) Ms. Kristi Gleim - St. Paul’s, Streator (South Conference) (term expires 2023) Mr. Herb Kober - Emmanuel, Oregon (Central Conference) (term expires 2021) Ms. Joanne Lentz - Bethany, Crystal Lake (Northeast Conference) (term expires 2019) Ms. Cindy Loken - Cross and Crown, Roscoe (North Conference) (term expires 2021) The Rev. Julane Nease - United, Rockford (North Conference) (term expires 2023) The Rev. Andy Tyrrell - Grace, Richmond (Northeast Conference) (term expires 2023) Mr. Terry Ziemke - Shepherd of the Hill, Lockport (East Conference) (term expires 2019) Discipline Committee Nominations - Elect 4
LAITY Female Nominee for Discipline Committee Vote for 1 (6-year term) 27A - Ms. Karen Dolan - Shepherd of the Valley, Rockford (North Conference) 27B - NO NOMINEE
LAITY Male Nominee for Discipline Committee Vote for 1 (6-year term) 28A - Mr. Michael “Mic” Brooks - Faith, Rochelle (Central Conference) 28B - NO NOMINEE
MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT FEMALE Nominees Discipline Committee: Vote for 1 (6-year term) 29A - The Rev. Henrietta Milner - Salem, Sycamore (Northeast Conference) 29B - The Rev. Rakel Evenson - New Life, Bolingbrook (East Conference)
MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT MALE Nominee Discipline Committee: Vote for 1 (6-year term) 30A - The Rev. Jacob Gawlik - St. John’s, Sterling (Central Conference) 30B - NO NOMINEE
91 Report of the Nominating Committee Election Key DIRECTIONS: The Nominating Committee requested biographical data from each candidate. Please note that opportunity will be given for voting members to make additional nominations from the floor. Ten 10 voting members’ signatures along with biographical data will need to be provided for each additional nomination. Each election has a number and each candidate a letter. These correspond to a ballot which will be distributed on Friday morning. The ballot sheet will record your mark when you shade in the chosen letters with your number 2 assembly pencil. To vote for a candidate, find the correct number election, then select the letter which corresponds to the person for whom you wish to vote. These marking instructions are also printed on the top of the ballot. Please be sure to use your number 2 pencil and do not fold the ballots.
USE NO. 2 PENCIL ONLY
The use of an Augustana College electronic scanner to process the ballots and a computer spreadsheet to print election results will facilitate our work together during the assembly.
92
2019 Nominee Biographies
Synod Council Vice President Nominees for Synod Council: Vote for 1 (4-year term) 1A - Ms. Minnette Scott 1B - Ms. Carol Swenson 1A - Ms. Minnette Scott - Freedom, Oregon - Central Conference Occupation: Registered Nurse Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: I am currently serving my 2nd term on Synod Council. I currently serve on the Executive Committee and previously served on the Finance Committee. As a member of Freedom Lutheran Church, I served on the Leadership Team from the beginning of Freedom as a SAWC and served continually for 8 years. I served two years as the Chairperson. During my time on the Leadership Team I led the team as we went through the process to become a full-fledged congregation and through the call process to welcome our 1st called pastor to Freedom. Areas of leadership and interest-community: I am currently the chairperson for the Nursing Project -Tanzania which has raised over $100,000 to build a nursing school in our sister synod in Africa. I am excited that construction progress has been made on the school and I am looking forward to continuing the relationship the synod has with the school. I also am a Guardian Ad Litem for Ogle County CASA. This is a volunteer position where I am appointed by the court to be an advocate for abused and neglected children while their case is in the court system. Reason I wish to serve: Having served so long on Synod Council I am well aware of the great work that the Synod does, but I am also aware of the work that we could be doing reaching out to the larger community and doing God's work in the world. I feel that my skills and knowledge have been an asset to the Council, and I have enjoyed sharing my gifts. I am passionate about the work of the Synod and would like to continue to serve in a broader capacity. My priorities for this ministry: I feel that the church needs to do more than say that we welcome all. We need to be physical examples of loving your neighbor. I would like to put together a program that gives congregations concrete tools to put them into their communities strengthening relationships and in turn growing the congregation. Another priority is creating more inclusive congregations and helping them to understand what it means to be all-inclusive and actually putting that into practice. Faith statement: My faith statement is simple. My faith statement is based on 1 John 3:18: “Dear children let us not love with words or speech but in action and truth.” I strive to be a physical example of God's love for ALL people. 1B - Ms. Carol Swenson - Our Savior’s, Rockford - North Conference Occupation: retired registered nurse Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: I have served as President, Secretary, Member-at- Large, Director of Worship and Music and Director of Operations for the Church Council. I currently serve as usher, communion server and a member of the Sacristans Committee. I lead and
93 Report of the Nominating Committee participate in Bible Studies, usher, assist with Communion, conduct blood pressure checks for parishioners, and work with the quilt-making group. Areas of leadership and interest-community: I serve as a night Chaplain at a hospital and volunteer at the Rockford Rescue Mission making quilts with women in the Recovery Program. I have served as Vice Chair of the Advisory Board for the Center for Learning in Retirement (a program of Rock Valley College). I served on the state LSSI Board of Directors (1986-1992). I have served through the NIS: Synod Consultation Committee 2005-2011, the Bishop's Task Force on Health and Wellness 2006-2013, and the Ministry Support Committee 2015-present. Reason I wish to serve: I have been privileged to serve a term on the Synod Council and know that there is much more to learn about the workings of the church locally, regionally and worldwide. To be able to witness God's leading, guiding and prompting His people to continue the journey, I find awe-inspiring. My priorities for this ministry: 1. Be an active participant. 2. To continue to learn about the challenges that now face our church; some old but also new / unique challenges. To be a part of a Council that strives to faithfully serve God and his people. Faith statement: I believe that God has created me and all that exists. He guides and strengthens me on my faith journey, as well as in all aspects of my life. I live with an attitude of gratitude for all that has been provided to me through God's guidance and vision. I have an obligation to share the good news of Christ as well as my time and talents with others. Treasurer Nominee for Synod Council: Vote for 1 (4-year term) 2A - Ms. Tammie Farley 2B - NO NOMINEE 2A - Ms. Tammie Farley - Bethlehem, DeKalb - Northeast Conference Occupation: Retired Finance & Treasury University Administrator Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Currently serving on Congregation Council and hold officer position of Treasurer. In addition, I am chairing the finance committee. Areas of leadership and interest-community: Working and retiring from Northern Illinois University provided the opportunity for service and leadership in campus ministry. I served as treasurer on the Grace Place board. I have been appointed to the Lutheran Campus Ministry of Illinois (LCMI) board for several years. I was LCMI Vice President and currently serve as President. Reason I wish to serve: I am currently the Synod Treasurer. I find the work of treasurer interesting and rewarding and wish to continue for a second term. My priorities for this ministry: To work closely with the Bishop, Synod staff, Synod Council and Congregations in analyzing financial concerns, developing budgets and communicating important financial decisions for consideration and vote. Faith statement: I believe I am called to serve in church leadership. With God’s love and grace this is possible. I am thankful that I can share my gifts and worship in the NI Synod. Thanks be to God. LAITY Female Nominee for Synod Council Vote for 1 (3-year term) 3A - Dn. Carla Vanatta 3B - NO NOMINEE 3A - Dn. Carla Vanatta - Salem, Sycamore - Northeast Conference Occupation: Rostered Deacon
94 Report of the Nominating Committee Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Worship and Creative Arts Ministries including choirs and puppets, Pastoral Care, Small Groups, and varied other Parish Ministries. Enjoy being part of team ministry with our pastor and staff and my husband as organist/bell director. Areas of leadership and interest-community: In June 2018 I became a Mission Developer to explore a new faith community where I live in Genoa, IL. Reason I wish to serve: It seems natural to serve another term once you are introduced to the goals and working mechanism of the synod. My priorities for this ministry: My priorities would be to help support our Bishop, leaders, and congregations in adapting to an ever-changing landscape of culture with the gospel truth and hope. Faith statement: Living in Christ's love and grace I am a child of God redeemed from my sinful nature by the sacrifice Jesus made for me and all humankind. It is my joy to love and serve in His name, knowing I am forgiven and set free. LAITY Male Nominees for Synod Council Vote for 1 (3-year term) 4A - Mr. George Sanchez 4B - Mr. Kurt Ulbricht 4A - Mr. George Sanchez - New Life, Bolingbrook - East Conference Occupation: Retired Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Hispanic Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Served as worship assistant, congregation council president and on ministry support at Good Shepherd, Romeoville. Serving as lay assistant, reader and on nominating committee at New Life, Bolingbrook. Areas of leadership and interest-community: member and officer in the American Legion. Served as chaplain, providing honors for veterans at their funerals. Reason I wish to serve: I enjoy doing God’s work outside the congregational setting. I feel that I have something to contribute. My priorities for this ministry: To strengthen the connection between the Synod and congregations and help raise awareness of the racism prevalent in our society and church. During my time serving at the synod, I have served on the Anti-Racism Team, on the Congregational Life Committee, Synod Council and the Outreach Committee. With each of these service times, I have gained more insight to enrich my faith journey, insight I can share with those around me. Faith statement: Jesus died for all of us, not just a special group. We are all sinners. The only thing He asked of us was to believe in him and love each other. The good news is to be shared with everyone. I believe that even those that are not inside our walls need to hear the good news. 4B - Mr. Kurt Ulbricht - St. John, Joliet - East Conference Occupation: Retired Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Council President, Council member, Stewardship Committee Chair, Vacancy Search Committee Chair, Building Committee Chair and Co-Chair Areas of leadership and interest-community: Boy Scout Leader, Boy's Baseball Commissioner, Youth Soccer league Co-founder, Election Judge
95 Report of the Nominating Committee Reason I wish to serve: Provide support for synod missions in any capacity needed. My priorities for this ministry: Emphasis on effective and efficient programs with measurable goals and achievement. Faith statement: Firm belief in God and the tenets of the ELCA. MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Female Nominees for Synod Council Vote for 1 (3-year term) 5A - The Rev. Janet Wold 5B - The Rev. Pam Marolla
5A - The Rev. Janet Wold - All Saints, Byron - Central Conference Occupation: Pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: I've been an ordained pastor for 31 years. For most of those years, I've served as a solo pastor. I've always had a particular interest in outreach and hospitality, believing a welcoming community is one that will invite people to learn more about Christ. Areas of leadership and interest-community: I am currently serving on the Synod Council and the Synod Finance Committee, previously serving on the Executive Committee. Additionally, I serve as a co-leader (with Bishop Clements) for the first year of "First Call Theological Education" for the newly ordained/consecrated leaders of our synod. I am also on the board of Katie’s Cup Coffee bar and have volunteered as a hospice chaplain with Serenity Hospice. Reason I wish to serve: When I was a voting member or visitor at various Churchwide Assemblies, I was reminded again and again of the powerful work our church does throughout the world. Being a part of our Synod Council has allowed me to be a part of the larger church...local parishes are vital, but congregations working together can accomplish some exciting things! I bring to the table leadership skills, a passion for the church, an ability to appreciate diverse opinions and a willingness to work together to achieve the task at hand. My priorities for this ministry: I want to see the Synod continue its strong relationship with our world-wide partners. I also appreciate, as a parish pastor, the commitment our Synod has to providing support to our congregations - through the Congregational Resourcing Event, Professional Leadership Conference and the staff of the synod office itself and would want that support to continue. Faith statement: In the gospel of John we hear the promise that "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This assurance that God was, is and always will be there to forgive us, love us and challenge us brings me great comfort and hope. 5B - The Rev. Pam Marolla - First, Galesburg - Southwest Conference Occupation: Pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: I have been serving the church since I was a 15- year old organist. I am in my fourth year of a doctoral program in Congregational Leadership and Mission. I believe our call is to discern what and where God is leading us. I love discerning with others, what God's mission is for us in this time and place. Full inclusion and community outreach are high priorities. I believe our synod needs to be dealing with situations that require adaptive change rather than technical. We cannot move into the future better by trying harder at doing the past.
96 Report of the Nominating Committee Areas of leadership and interest-community: Our congregation has become Reconciling in Christ, is reaching young adults, the hungry and homeless in our community. Our congregation is continually learning that if we are looking to serve Jesus in "the least of these" (Mt. 25) God provides what is necessary. In our community, I am involved in ecumenical and interfaith conversations. I am also very involved in community music and theater, subbing with the Knox Galesburg Symphony and singing in the Galesburg Community Chorus. Reason I wish to serve: I have been serving First Lutheran in Galesburg since 2012. I have a heart for sharing the gospel and a love for the church. My areas of strengths are in strategy, development, empathy, and the ability to contextualize. All of these are grounded in gratitude for the grace, mercy and love of God made known to us in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. I believe my experience and passion would be a good addition to the Synod Council. My priorities for this ministry: Listen, learn, discern. What are the most important ways to be churches and synod in a connected way in Northern Illinois? What gifts do we all bring to the table? How might we use them to glorify God? Faith statement: God is love, intimate and infinite. We are called by Jesus to love and serve God and neighbor as Jesus did. The Spirit of God provides not only what we need to love and serve, and calls together the community and provides the faith, joy and courage to continue. "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." (1 Jn. 4:18). "God's grace is sufficient for you for [God's] power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor 12:9). "May I never boast in anything except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world." (Gal 6:14). MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Male Nominees for Synod Council Vote for 1 (3-year term) 6A - The Rev. John Cunningham 6B - The Rev. Scott Ralston 6C - The Rev. Robert Franek 6A - The Rev. John Cunningham - Bethany, Crystal Lake - Northeast Conference Occupation: Retired pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: As a congregational pastor I enjoyed the variety of ministries among people of various ages; building a perspective that’s Biblical and global; meaningful worship for all ages; confirmation/confirmation camp (led by the pastors involved); synod youth ministry and Leadership Lab; ways to support outreach beyond the congregation. Two of the congregations I served were involved in direct sponsorship of refugees (from Viet Nam and from Poland). Areas of leadership and interest-community: Ecumenism—I’ve been involved in ecumenical VBS, Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and Thanksgiving worship, and ongoing pastoral groups. Interfaith—community food pantries, educational events, clergy group. Reason I wish to serve: I was asked to consider it, and as a retired pastor I hope my knowledge and experiences in a variety of ministry areas within congregational settings and wider contexts can be helpful. My priorities for this ministry: Help the synod be a catalyst and resource to strengthen connections among the contexts of congregation/synod/institutions/ ELCA/ ecumenical/interfaith, and local/community/global, in order to support faithful and effective ministry in these contexts. Help people relate to one another and to the natural world in caring and hopeful ways.
97 Report of the Nominating Committee Faith statement: Trust in God’s love and creativity empowers me to respond to Jesus’ call to love God, care for God’s world, and serve others in whatever ways I can, together with others, and invite others to join in. Faith in God gives me joy and hope, and provides meaning in all kinds of situations. 6B - The Rev. Scott Ralston - Faith, Forreston - Central Conference Occupation: Pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: At Alpine Lutheran Church, Rockford: Congregation Council Member, Choir Member, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Educator, Praise Leader, Worship Assistant, VBS Activities Leader (games, dramas, etc.), helped lead and co-lead various workshops. As Pastor at Faith Lutheran, Forreston: Council Member, Choir Member, Worship Committee, EvangeVision Committee, Praise Leader, Confirmation Leader, Youth Group Co-Leader, Drama Actor and Writer, Bible Studies Leader and Co-Leader. Areas of leadership and interest-community: President of the Forreston Area Council of Churches- we work with our local churches to develop and put on community services throughout the year. Mentor/Tutor at Forreston Elementary School - work with students 3rd to 5th grade with school work, learning practices, and positive role-modeling. Chair of the Creation Care Committee (a Social Ministry subcommittee) for NI Synod- we develop educational material, host and lead workshops, and we work to drive better stewardship of God's amazing creation. Reason I wish to serve: Simply put, I feel like this is the place where I can do the most good. My priorities for this ministry: My hope is to bring new ideas and passion to the discussion, to lift up the good work being done and to help make change where it is needed. Faith statement: I love God's word in all the ways we encounter it. One message that is foundational in my life is found in Jesus's words the night of the last supper. Jesus says, in John 13:34, "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another." I believe our awesome Triune God saw us in our sin and brokenness, and in grace and love too amazing and deep to truly know, sent His Son Jesus Christ to teach, live, and die for us. In love, Christ took our sin unto himself so that we would be set free, and died, a perfect sacrifice, so that we would be forgiven. Christ rose again on the third day to unite us to God forever, and we are forever united through His death and resurrection. In love God, sent the Holy Spirit to guide us, inhabit us, and walk with us all of our days. And beloved, I believe, we are called by God in Christ, to love as He loves us! So, love one another, forever wrapped, and forever wrapping each other, in the loving arms of God. 6C - The Rev. Robert Franek - Emmanuel, Rockford - North Conference Occupation: Pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: I am particularly focused on leadership in the areas of liturgical renewal and worship, adult education, intersectional justice and addressing systemic and structural justice issues through awareness and advocacy related to public policy. I am also particularly interested in connecting congregations to the ministry of the whole church through synod and churchwide ministries as well as in having conversations on congregational vitality and fostering partnerships to do ministry better together. Areas of leadership and interest-community: In the recent past I have been involved in interfaith conversations, events, and public writing. Currently, in a new context I am involved in planning and fostering neighborhood asset recognition and visioning for the future as neighborhood
98 Report of the Nominating Committee stakeholders are brought together for common conversation and the development of partnerships through periodic neighborhood summits. Reason I wish to serve: I resonate well with much of the culture of the Northern Illinois Synod and the values we share for being church together. I am eager to bring my particular gifts and passions for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ to bear on governing and guiding the NIS as we live into God's future together discerning the next new thing the Spirit is doing in our life together. I have a deep love for Christ's church and temperament well suited for board leadership. I hope to contribute a unique perspective that generates greater curiosity, new insights, and the asking of better questions. Having been appointed to serve on synod council for the past year to fill a vacancy has shown me that this is an area where my gifts are well suited to serve the whole church. I deeply care about the work we do and our life together in Christ. I listen well to others and have the confidence and trust of many colleagues and so can bring a variety of perspectives and voices to bear on the work the council does. My priorities for this ministry: In these challenging times I think it is important to hear and address the anxiety that most congregations are facing especially regarding declining membership and money to support buildings, staff, and ministry. I think it is imperative to provide synodical support to congregations and rostered ministers as they face these challenges together. It is also vital to be open to new models of ministry and listen together where God is calling us to be. It is also a priority of mine to support what is going well in our congregations and build on and strengthen them. Additionally, it is important for our synod to have ongoing conversations on the topic of racial justice and various kinds of privilege that make us unaware of the needs of our neighbors. Faith statement: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. I am grounded in a neighbor-love ethic that prioritizes the oppressed and vulnerable which flows from the font of God's love and grace that has made me a member of Christ's body and called me to work for justice and peace in all the earth. LAITY Female Nominee, Person of Color for Synod Council Vote for 1 (3-year term) 7A - Ms. Monique Castillo 7B - NO NOMINEE 7A - Ms. Monique Castillo - Immanuel, Rock Falls - Central Conference Occupation: Administrative Assistant Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Hispanic Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: I have served on congregation council from January 2013 - January 2019, as the secretary and in the areas of Faith Formation and worship. I have chaperoned 3 Youth Gatherings and 2 MYLE events. Areas of leadership and interest-community: I am an active member of the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce; served as a committee member for the Professional Women’s Network; as a committee member for Hispanic Business Leaders; have organized several fundraising events for various organizations. Reason I wish to serve: I wish to be a liaison between my home congregation and the Synod; to share the works and resources of the Synod. My priorities for this ministry: I wish to learn more about the resources provided by the Synod and to also deepen my spiritual walk with God. Faith statement: Ask God for wisdom. Believe God without doubt. Thank God no matter what.
99 Report of the Nominating Committee YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE Nominees for Synod Council Vote for 1 (1-year term) 8A - Ms. Grace Hoening 8B - Ms. Heide Gallagher 8A - Ms. Grace Hoening - GPS Faith Community, Machesney Park - North Conference Occupation: Student Age: Under 18 years of age Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Freshman year I joined Waypoint, our praise team, where I lead worship with instruments and song. Sophomore year my congregation selected me to serve as a peer minister for the youth of my congregation and throughout the conference. The peer ministry team meets monthly for leadership training and planning and implementing youth ministry to area youth. I have also served on the leadership team as the youth representative. This past summer I attended the National Youth Gathering. Areas of leadership and interest-community: Through Becca’s Closet, I volunteer to give away hundreds of homecoming and prom dresses. In January 2017 I went on a trip to DC representing the Northern IL Synod to the ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering. Through the trip, I learned about world hunger, the farm bill and how I could make a difference as a youth by taking action with elected leaders. I was taught and sent out to advocate. After that experience, I helped plan #CycletoSynod. A team rode bikes 120 miles across the synod. I recruited other teens and adults to ride, planned routes, and energized and educated about 400 people throughout the synod about ELCA World Hunger. With the relationships that grew, I was invited to be the youth voice and serve on a team to review Domestic Hunger Grants with ELCA Worldwide Hunger. I kicked off the day by leading a Bible study for church leaders from across the nation. My sophomore year I was elected to the synod’s Lutheran Youth Organization. I volunteer at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center to help with retreats and summer ministry. I love working with the children and reminding them they are loved, and God has a purpose for them. At school, I have been a part of the academic team, ambassadors club (public face of our school), golf, math team, and theatre through the entirety of high school. Freshman year I also participated in chapel band, class treasurer, flag corps, key club, and Tri-M honors society. This year I am a part of the chapel band, jazz band, National Honors Society, pep-band, and Tri-M honors society. Why I wish to serve: God calls me to be a positive voice for youth. I know it is hard to speak up for what you believe in and I want to be able to use my voice to make an impact on the church and world. My priorities for this ministry: I want to grow in a deeper understanding of the church and grow in community with other leaders throughout the synod. Faith statement: I believe God calls me to love all people by working for justice and spreading joy through music. God has called me to take steps to advocate for the vulnerable and change social structures to prevent and stop injustice. God has gifted me with a passion for music. Through instruments and voice, I share God's love. 8B - Ms. Heide Gallagher - First, Monmouth - Southwest Conference Occupation: Student Age: Under 18 years of age Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: I am an active worshiping member of my congregation as evidenced by strengthening my leadership skills through summits, camps, and labs. I represent my congregation on several committees, including Synod Council, Light Leadership Youth Ministry Team, and Cycle to Synod. I have attended several synod assemblies as a voting
100 Report of the Nominating Committee member. I have also presented at CRE. I represented my congregation and my synod on the 2018 Synod Companion Trip to the Arcot Lutheran Church in India. Areas of leadership and interest-community: I am active in my school and community in several ways. I am a leader in the music department. I am also a part of several community choirs, including the Monmouth College Concert Choir and Ecumenical Choir. I am also a leader on the cross country and track teams. I have been inducted into both NHS and Tri-M. I continue to be involved in my community through service to others. Reason I wish to serve: Being an advocate for others is important to me. It is important to have youth voices represented and heard in the church as we are a vital part to the life and growth of the church. My priorities for this ministry: I want to represent my generation. I also hope to gain experience and wisdom from the other leaders of the Synod. Faith statement: I believe that God loves and accepts everyone for who they are. I believe Jesus was a social reformer who wants to break the chains of inequality in society today. I believe that the Holy Spirit leads and empowers us to be the voice for the voiceless and to act with love in a conflicted world.
Congregational Life Committee LAITY Female Nominee for Congregational Life Committee Vote for 1 (3-year term) 9A - Ms. Melinda Alekna 9B - NO NOMINEE 9A - Ms. Melinda Alekna - St. Mark, Rockford - North Conference Occupation: Youth Ministry Coordinator Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: I work with youth, children, and families. I also help our seniors and home bound members of the congregation. I am on our Outreach committee. I also am an organizer for our Barnabas ministers. Areas of leadership and interest-community: I am a leader with Second Sunday that meets monthly at Katie's Cup. I keep my eyes open for opportunities in our community to serve. Our church especially volunteers at Rock House Kids, Carpenter's Place, Rock River Valley Food Pantry, Laundry Love, and Rockford Public Schools. Reason I wish to serve: I want to get more involved in churchwide activities. It is great to get to know people from other churches. My priorities for this ministry: My priority in ministry is being the hands, feet, eyes and ears of Jesus. I want to say and do what God expects of me. Faith statement: Kindness matters! I am living my best self so others will know Jesus by my love. MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Female Nominees for Congregational Life Committee Vote for 1 (3-year term) 10A - The Rev. Elizabeth Mascal 10B - NO NOMINEE 10A - The Rev. Elizabeth Mascal - Bethlehem, DeKalb - Northeast Conference Occupation: Clergy
101 Report of the Nominating Committee Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Being the pastor of a small congregation has me involved in every area of congregational life; worship, teaching, preaching, planning, educating, and sometimes even shoveling the walk! Areas of leadership and interest-community: Our Food Pantry put me in contact with our whole community. Reason I wish to serve: I enjoy working on the Synod Resourcing Event each year. My priorities for this ministry: I hope that we can continue to put on a valuable Resourcing Event for the whole Synod and continue to support new ministry opportunities in congregations. Faith statement: I believe that God loves us, wants us, and will chase us down in love and the response to that love can only be thankfulness and loving and caring for others and the world that God loves. MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Male Nominees for Congregational Life Committee Vote for 1 (3-year term) 11A - The Rev. Zachary Baer 11B - NO NOMINEE 11A - The Rev. Zachary Baer - Bethany, Leland - South Conference Occupation: Pastor Age: Under 30 years of age Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: I have gifts for strategic planning, visioning, community building, stewardship, and leadership. With God’s guidance, and together with congregational leadership, we are revitalizing our congregation. I enjoy contributing to this collective and transformative work. It is exciting to see new growth and exhilarating to engage the challenges of evolving ministry in this time of change in the church. Areas of leadership and interest-community: As a pastor in a rural, small town community, I understand the importance of my role as a community leader. Our congregation gathers as people from all different walks of life united in the work of the gospel. I believe being in and part of the community is a vital part of our ministry and evangelism as a congregation. I am also a big believer in partnerships in ministry with other congregations and community organizations, and have been intentional in my leadership. Reason I wish to serve: I was asked and am answering the call to serve as the Church goes through a period of great change. Through prayerful discernment, I believe my gifts are well suited for the work of this committee, and I am excited at the prospect of joining them in serving the whole synod. As a new addition to the group, I think I can bring some unique and fresh perspectives. This is an exhilarating time to be part of the Church in finding new ways to reach people, minister, and grow, and I believe through the work of the Congregational Life Committee and others, together we can be leaders for the whole Church. My priorities for this ministry: My priorities for this ministry are to faithfully serve the gospel of Jesus Christ and the congregations of the Northern Illinois Synod. I believe my work on the committee would be founded on two principles: one, listening to the joys and concerns of congregations across our synod, and two, prayerfully discerning and being creative in leading us in new ways of how to be the Church in a changing world. Faith statement: We believe in a God of love and grace. This is the good news of the gospel for our broken world, which empowers disciples to contribute to God's mission in using their unique and
102 Report of the Nominating Committee vibrant gifts, advocating for the oppressed, inclusively loving all God's children, and building up the Church in a time of change.
Global Mission Committee MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Female Nominees for Global Mission Committee Vote for 1 (3-year term) 12A - The Rev. Jessica Bakken 12B - NO NOMINEE 12A - The Rev. Jessica Bakken - St. John’s, Ashton - Central Conference Occupation: Pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Global mission, building bridges of friendship and respect, is something that I have a passion for and care deeply about. At the beginning of my ministry experience, as a Youth Director, I had the privilege to accompany high school youth to Guatemala each year. We called these trips "Relational Trips" with the sole purpose of building relationships that were multi-cultural as well as ecumenical. One year we got the opportunity to travel to Guatemala with the sole purpose of experiencing Holy Week with our friends. Areas of leadership and interest-community: For seven years, leading up to my internship placement, I was a Special Olympics coach in the Twin Cities area for both bowling and swimming. I also volunteered for many years with Meals on Wheels. Reason I wish to serve: I believe that we are called to serve all people- this means those in our backyard and those across the globe. Our church is a global church and I look forward to bringing awareness to our congregations and creating opportunities for relationships to flourish between our Global partners in India and Africa. My priorities for this ministry: To engage with our global companions in dialogue and relationships building in order to create opportunities for the Northern Illinois Synod to support these global churches whom we are in partnership with. Faith statement: As a baptized child of God, I am called through Christ's love to care for and to serve my neighbor, in my community and within the larger world. I believe that I am called to proclaim to all people the depth of God's love and the gift of God's reconciliation that is given to all of creation. I feel called to love, laugh with and struggle through all of life's up and downs with all people. I am a beloved Child of God, and because of this I feel a great sense of calling to proclaim to the world that they too are loved and cherished by their creator. Trusting in my call I believe that the gifts I bring to ministry are ones of inclusion, comfort and the Word MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Male Nominees for Global Mission Committee Vote for 1 (3-year term) 13A - The Rev. Reed Pedersen 13B - NO NOMINEE
13A - The Rev. Reed Pedersen - Augustana, Andover - West Conference Occupation: Pastor Age: under 30 years of age Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian
103 Report of the Nominating Committee Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Serve as Pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church, Andover. Areas of leadership and interest-community: As a person fairly new to the area and the synod, I have begun to serve as an informal member of the Global Mission committee, I was part of the Synod’s 2018 visit to the Arcot Lutheran Church in India, and I have worked to establish a companion parish relationship between Augustana Lutheran Church and Transfiguration Church, Puducherry, one of the congregations of the Arcot Lutheran Church. I also am serving as the interim dean of the West Conference. Reason I wish to serve: I was approached last year by the synod to join the Global Missions Committee as an informal member. This year I was invited to stand to be elected as a full member of the committee. I agreed, because I wish to be an active participant the synod's ministry of helping those in need around the world. My priorities for this ministry: My priority is to help our global companion synods and to be part of an open discussion on the best way the Northern Illinois Synod can serve the world. Faith statement: I believe, as a response to the free grace of Jesus Christ bestowed in me through baptism, I am called to love and serve God and neighbor. LAITY Female Nominees for Ministry Support Committee Vote for 1 (3-year term) 14A - Ms. Deanna Swanson 14B - NO NOMINEE 14A - Ms. Deanna Swanson - Augustana, Andover - West Conference Occupation: Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Choir director, musician, secretary, Lector, Communion Assistant, Worship Leader, Worship Committee, Stewardship Committee Areas of leadership and interest-community: Musician for weddings, funerals and other community events, musician for Jenny Lind Summer Vesper services, assist in the planning and assist in leading Ecumenical Services Reason I wish to serve: I believe it is important that those called to ministry, both lay and professional personnel, know they have support of others in the synod. I understand this responsibility as contributing to the ministry of the church. My priorities for this ministry: Support through prayer and being faithful to tasks and responsibilities Faith statement: I am fortunate to have realized my faith in Christ at a very early age, being taught by my parents to look to Christ for my salvation and to Him alone. As a result of my upbringing, memories of my faith are among my earliest; I can remember no marked conversion, though I have certainly seen renewal of faith. I claim today nothing but Christ's righteousness as foundation and His blood as security for my salvation. My faith is the result of God's gracious gift and arises from no inherent goodness or cleverness of my own. I live only, therefore, by the grace of the one true, sovereign and merciful God, whom I rejoice to call my Father. I believe that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of God - the God who created all things. I believe that God exists as three distinct persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I believe in one God and that I belong to Him in life and in death. I believe that in grace, God has given His son Jesus Christ, fully human and fully God, to redeem mankind; I accept Jesus as Lord of my life. I believe God is just and merciful. He has called me to be His. I believe and trust in Jesus Christ and share in His ministry to teach, bless, heal, bind-up the brokenhearted and preach release to the captive. My personal faith is made effective through the Holy Spirit, the third person in the
104 Report of the Nominating Committee Godhead, working in my life as I believe and trust in God. His Spirit justifies me by grace through faith and sets me free to accept myself and to love God and my neighbor. MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Female Nominees for Ministry Support Committee Vote for 1 (3-year term) 15A - The Rev. Karyn Kost 15B - The Rev. Lu Cantrell 15A - The Rev. Karyn Kost - Freedom, Oregon; St. James, Forreston - Central Conference Occupation: Pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: I have special interests in youth ministry, care of creation and social justice. Areas of leadership and interest-community: I have special interests in youth ministry, care of creation and social justice. Reason I wish to serve: I wish to serve in this area of ministry within the synod because just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to raise leaders in Christ's church. It is important for rostered and lay leaders to have support from the synod which enhances and enables the ministry of individual congregations. The Ministry Support Committee works on providing continuing educational resources, resources for congregational councils which can help with decision making regarding the best way to care for their pastor(s), education and support for first call pastors who are usually in a completely new context with few already developed support systems, and an effective process for those wishing to take steps toward rostered leadership. My priorities for this ministry: Being a first call pastor and fairly new to the synod, my priorities for this ministry would be to listen, learn, and support the other leaders until I have a greater sense of the work that is already in progress. Your faith statement: God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the creator of all and giver of life. God's work in this world is work of forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration embodied in love. As recipients of God's gifts, we are being transformed and are thus free to serve too. 15B - The Rev. Lu Cantrell - Peace, Morris - East Conference Occupation: Pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Pastor Areas of leadership and interest-community: Grundy Area PADS Board of Directors, Grundy Area Ministerial Association, and Volunteer Chaplain for the Channahon Fire Protection District. Reason I wish to serve: To assist both professional and lay leaders by providing encouragement, support, and resources in their calling in the church. My priorities for this ministry: To work with the members of the team to assist leaders in whatever way I can. Faith statement: Two of my favorite scriptures make up my faith statement: Ephesians 2;8-10 that tells me I am saved only by grace, nothing I can do. Yet, because of that grace, I am created by God to do good works. Philippians 2: 4-8 describes Jesus as the ultimate servant. I believe there is no higher calling then to be an obedient and humble servant of Christ and Christ's Church.
105 Report of the Nominating Committee Outreach Committee LAITY Female Nominees for Outreach Committee Vote for 1 (3-year term) 16A - Ms. Amanda Schanze 16B - NO NOMINEE 16A - Ms. Amanda Schanze - First, Prophetstown - Central Conference Occupation: Youth and Family Ministry Director at First Lutheran, Prophetstown Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: I helped with youth ministry long before I was hired here at church. I am a member of choir. I help in other areas when I can. Areas of leadership and interest-community: I led a Leo club at the local high school for several years. I will help at the school's day of service this spring. I support the kids in sports and music when I can. Reason I wish to serve: I feel outreach is what I am called to do! I can obviously show love to my immediate family and church family, but I think I've been called to share God's love with everyone I meet, whether that is specifically saying "Jesus Loves You," or simply serving others quietly in God's name. My priorities for this ministry: I think congregational vitality is very important, and I hope to help those in our synod, and maybe beyond, understand what it is to serve in Christ's name. I also believe ecumenical ministry is very important, especially now when there is so much division between even Christian denominations. Faith statement: I believe. I believe in God who has given us the freedom to love others. I believe in Jesus who has taught us how to love others. I believe in the Holy Spirit who gives us the tools and opportunities to love others. I believe. LAITY Male Nominee for Outreach Committee Vote for 1 (3-year term) 17A - Mr. Roger Haefner 17B - NO NOMINEE 17A - Mr. Roger Haefner - Peace, Morris - East Conference Occupation: retired/student Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Church council 4 years; Pastor Assistant 8 years; Diakonia Grad; Sunday school teacher 8 years; seminary candidate Areas of leadership and interest-community: business owner; Chamber of Commerce ambassador; weekly Radio Show on upcoming technology WCSJ/WJDK am1550 -fm103.1 Reason I wish to serve: to further my church experience and serve the Synod. My priorities for this ministry: Determine what the need is and what kind of outreach will best meet that need. Faith statement: Called by the grace of Jesus Christ through baptism and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Firmly rooted in the Lutheran “flavor” of Christianity, I am committed to nurture personal growth and to spread God’s message through worship and witness, service, and study.
106 Report of the Nominating Committee MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Male Nominees for Outreach Committee Vote for 1 (3-year term) 18A - Mr. Nathan Knowles 18B - NO NOMINEE 18A - Mr. Nathan Knowles - Freedom, Oregon - Central Conference Occupation: Branch Retail Manager - Enterprise Age: Under 30 years of age Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Leadership Team Vice President at Freedom Lutheran Church; Music and accompanying Areas of leadership and interest-community: Reason I wish to serve: Freedom Lutheran transitioned from a Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community (SWAC) to a congregation only a few years ago. My priorities for this ministry: Faith statement: MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Male Nominees for Outreach Committee Vote for 1 (3-year term) 19A - The Rev. Bill Dahlberg 19B - The Rev. Frank Langholf 19A - The Rev. Bill Dahlberg - Salem, Rockford - North Conference No information provided by time of printing. 19B - The Rev. Frank Langholf - Trinity, Galesburg - Southwest Conference Occupation: Pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: I serve as the Senior Pastor at Trinity. I have served in varied settings from small open-country congregation to mid-size congregations, and as an associate, solo, and senior pastor. I have twin passions of spirituality and engaging the community with the love of God and seek to lead the congregations in these twin passions. Areas of leadership and interest-community: I am currently active in organizations that advocate and support diversity in our community with a focus on interfaith and ecumenical. I am member of the United against Hate group with leadership of its Public School Engagement Team. I work with the local high school’s Gay-Straight Alliance to provide safe spaces for youth who are LGBTQ+. I have been involved in a number of community groups that focus on youth and young adults in the communities. Reason I wish to serve: I am interested in continuing to serve on the Outreach Committee because I think it is essential to find creative, effective ways to help congregations to share the good news of God's love in their communities. I believe we need to move beyond programs which focus on inviting people to come to church; come to us and begin to do two things. One, go to where people are in order to build relationships with them - “being with,” not “doing for.” Two, find ways to help our members to experience and express God's love in words as well as work.
107 Report of the Nominating Committee My priorities for this ministry: Empower congregations to be who they are and use what they already have to connect with people. Established new and creative ways to engage people in caring for others in their communities so that relationships are built in which the good news can be shared. Support those congregations and ministries which are seeking to live into the new reality of a world where one cannot assume that people already know the gospel or church. Faith statement: Rooted and grounded in the grace of God revealed in Christ I am empowered by the Spirit to be who I am called to be and to do the work the I am called to do. In the end what matters most is faith active in love. MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Female Nominee for Outreach Committee Vote for 1 (2-year term) 20A - The Rev. Lisa Burbank 20B - NO NOMINEE 20A - The Rev. Lisa Burbank - Scenic Hills Parish, Derinda/Hanover/Massbach and interim co-pastor, Lord of Love, Galena - Northwest Conference Occupation: Pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Leading, with husband/co-pastor Bruce Burbank, the NW Conference Congregational Vitality Team. Also serve on PLC Planning Committee. Areas of leadership and interest-community: Vice-President of Hanover Food Pantry, member of Community of Christians (ecumenical group that provides monthly free meals in community). Reason I wish to serve: I think our work in the conference for the congregational vitality initiative would be a good fit for this ministry. My priorities for this ministry: Congregational renewal. Faith statement: I believe the Holy Spirit is active in our congregations, growing disciples of Jesus Christ. I am excited to work for God's mission in the world, wherever the Spirit leads.
Social Ministry Committee LAITY Female Nominees for Social Ministry Committee Vote for 1 (3-year term) 21A - Ms. Joan Soltwisch 21B - Ms. Marian Myers
21A - Ms. Joan Soltwisch - Resurrection, Channahon - East Conference Occupation: Dave Soltwisch Plumbing Office Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Social Justice, Music, Fellowship, Religious History Areas of leadership and interest-community: Interfaith, Human Trafficking Outreach, Racial Justice Reason I wish to serve: Connect with other aspects of the church and community. Study social issues through word and sacrament with like-minded individuals on this committee. Help with action plan.
108 Report of the Nominating Committee My priorities for this ministry: Connect Social Ministry with Women of the ELCA and other aspects of the Synod. Continue to work with Social Justice issues that affect our members, their families and our communities. Faith statement: My belief is that I am called by God to work and learn, while serving others, to bring forth the kingdom of God, here on earth. I also feel a strong connection to all of God’s children, creatures and life, in general!! 21B - Ms. Marian Myers - St. Paul’s, Dixon - Central Conference Occupation: retired nurse Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Social Ministry Chair 10 years, Council President 6 years, Property Committee and Finance Committee, Care Giver Areas of leadership and interest-community: Working with PADS, Habitat Reason I wish to serve: I like helping people through programs. I believe in the programs of the NIS Social Ministry Committee and want them to continue. My priorities for this ministry: To reach out with programs for people Faith statement: God has been good to me and I need to share my wealth of time, energy, and experience. MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Male Nominee for Social Ministry Committee Vote for 1 (3-year term) 22A - The Rev. Chuck Olson 22B - NO NOMINEE 22A - The Rev. Chuck Olson - Calvary, Rockford - North Conference Occupation: Pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Outreach to the least of these surrounding our church. We go door-to--door weekly to meet our neighbors, and then invite them to Free Guitar lessons, where guitars, music and cookies are provided. Areas of leadership and interest-community: training volunteers to care with the Barnabas Caregiving ministry. Reason I wish to serve: This is a natural and beautiful extension of our local outreach. My priorities for this ministry: Touching lives and - hopefully-sharing faith. Faith statement: At a tough time, Jesus came to me and filled me with peace. I long for others to experience his real presence.
Consultation Committee LAITY Female Nominee for Consultation Committee Vote for 1 (6-year term) 23A - Ms. Lyn Tubbesing 23B - NO NOMINEE
109 Report of the Nominating Committee 23A - Ms. Lyn Tubbesing - Gloria Dei, Rockford - North Conference Occupation: Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Council president (8 years), choir director, assisting minister, altar guild chairperson Areas of leadership and interest-community: Vice President of association of clubs which works with many charities throughout the city Reason I wish to serve: I have had experience with disagreements within a congregation. I believe I am equipped to listen with an open mind to listen to any issues that may need to be resolved. My priorities for this ministry: To assist congregations to have a healthy dialogue and harmonious relationship. Faith statement: I believe that with trust and faith in the triune God all things can be and will be possible. LAITY Male Nominee for Consultation Committee Vote for 1 (6-year term) 24A - Dr. Trenton Ferro 24B - Dr. Randy Mullin 24A - Dr. Trenton Ferro - St. John, Joliet - East Conference Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of special leadership and interest in your congregation: (Past and Present) Member, Church Council, with special emphases on worship, leadership, program planning and evaluation, ministerial care, Christian education, and adult formation; facilitator, church council planning retreats; adult study leader (over 50 years); primary instructor, Bethel Bible Series; lead instructor and presenter for several congregational-wide educational endeavors; founder and chair, Visiting Theologian Committee; founder and chair, Adult Ministries committee. Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Multiple committee and leadership positions at the university level, including department chair; member, Board of Directors, Vice President, and chair, Conference Planning Committee, Religious Education Association; member, Lutheran Campus Center (Indiana University of PA) Directing Committee, including Pastoral Support Committee and chair, Long Range Planning Committee; offices and committee membership at the local (including president), district, and Society level, Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS); Certified Leadership Facilitator, BHS; troop committee member, district committee member, council committee member, and trainer, Boy Scouts of America; member, Human Services Council of Indiana County, PA, including membership on several committees; board member and Treasurer, Parents for Gifted Education, Rockford; member, Rockford Area Literacy Council; member and chair, Academic Committee, Rockford Lutheran High School; co-founder and advisor, Lutheran Literacy Council of Northern California; member, City Planning Commission, Henderson, NV; member, Kiwanis Board of Directors, Henderson, NV; member, Community Social Services Board of Directors, Henderson, NV; member, District Board of Directors, California and Nevada District (LCMS). Reason I wish to serve: I wish to continue to offer to the Synod and its members (both congregations and individuals) my professional training and experience that have been developed over a lifetime, including service to the Synod over the last several years. That service includes managing, and teaching at, the East Conference diakoniaTM site at St. John, Joliet; serving as a voting member of the 2011 Churchwide Assembly in Orlando, FL, and the 2016 Churchwide
110 Report of the Nominating Committee Assembly in New Orleans, LA; and serving two terms as a member of the Synod’s Ministry Support Committee. My priorities for this ministry: If elected to this ministry, I will be guided by my statement of faith (see below). Faith statement: I am a “dyed-in-the-wool” Lutheran by birth, training, and lifelong commitment and involvement. My faith position can by summarized by Eph. 2:8-10: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one can boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” I believe in the Triune God (as difficult as it is to grasp and attempt to explain that concept): in a Father who so loved a fallen humanity that he was willing to offer his only and beloved Son to suffer, die, and rise again in order to atone for our sins and sinfulness that have separated us from this loving and creating God. The Holy Spirit works through the means of grace (God’s Word and the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and the Lord’s Supper) to bring this message of love to me and all believers, convicting us of our sin (Law) and convincing us of his acceptance and forgiveness (Gospel). Consequently, I, and all who have been saved by his loving action, are called upon to love and serve others, both within the Christian fellowship and in the world around us, so that everyone can come to know this loving and gracious God who would have all humanity know the peace that only he can bring. 25A - Dr. Randy Mullin - First, Geneseo - West Conference Occupation: Retired family physician - synodically authorized minister Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Congregation president, chair building committee, choir member, finance committee member Areas of leadership and interest-community: President Illinois Rural Health Association; Board member Abilities Plus; Board Member LSSI. Reason I wish to serve: Assist in troubled congregations My priorities for this ministry: Assist in remedy for struggling parishes Faith statement: I have received many blessings. How can I not give back? MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT FEMALE Nominees for Consultation Committee Vote for 1 (6-year term) 25A - The Rev. Jill Flynn 25B - The Rev. Elizabeth Martin 25A - The Rev. Jill Flynn - Gloria Dei, Rockford - North Conference Occupation: pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: I served as an intentional interim pastor for ten years and so have experience in working with congregations in transition and conflict. I came to my present congregation as part of the revitalization process which was a bumpy road at times. I have taken the Mennonite Peace Center course in Conflict Mediation. My passion is Christian education and worship leadership. Areas of leadership and interest-community: In Rockford I participate in Interfaith Women's Fellowship, the Mayor's Clergy Conference, Clergy Leading Congregations, and Rockford Urban Ministries, to name a few. I seek and encourage opportunities for me and my congregations to
111 Report of the Nominating Committee participate in and support local ministries such as Laundry Love, Shelter Care, Rockhouse Kids, Rockford Area Lutherans, Emmanuel Food Pantry, Jericho House, Jubilee Center, and Carpenter's Place. Also supporting the new Family Justice Center for victims of domestic violence which is in the planning stages. Reason I wish to serve: I have seen that conflicts in congregations lead to heartbreak for all concerned. I would like to listen to and encourage dialogue and mediation with pastors and congregations before situations and challenges become a blame game. My priorities for this ministry: To be aware of congregations and pastors who would benefit from this committee's support, to reduce the number of unhappy situations for pastors and their congregations through communication and conversation, and to ensure smooth transitions with a minimum of pain when that is the only option. Faith statement: I believe that the salvation of the whole world is found in the teachings of Christ. As a community in Christ we bring those teachings to life in what we say and do, and all of us have gifts to use in this ministry. 25B - The Rev. Elizabeth Martin - Trinity, Harvard - Northeast Conference Occupation: Pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: As a kid I felt like church was a second home because of the many ways my parents were involved. Before becoming a pastor, I was in a lay church staff position and an Associate in Ministry. I have been responsible for many areas of ministry including: small groups, Sunday school, VBS, pastoral care, lay preaching, and the Faith Stepping Stones program. After my first unit of Clinical Pastoral Education I realized that pastoral care was a passion in ministry for me and I took a second unit. Whether I am speaking with someone struggling with personal issues, celebrating the birth of a child, or at the bedside of the dying, I find this all to be holy ground. While attending seminary part-time I was called to be the servant leader of a Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community, given the privilege of word and sacrament ministry. Those two years were exciting and challenging as we worked together in a missional setting. Over the past two years, our congregation has engaged in a visioning for mission process that has helped us identify the ways that God is calling Trinity to share the good news in Harvard and beyond. Our emphasis is to build deeper relationships with God, each other, and in our community. Areas of leadership and interest-community: I enjoy working with an ecumenical program that serves low income families in our community with clothing and gifts for children at Christmas. In the past I have volunteered as an overnight chaplain at Mercy Rockford Hospital. Working and planning with other pastors and lay leaders in our conference on two overnight events for 6th-8th grade youth has been a great way to bring our kids together and share resources. Reason I wish to serve: Even though this committee is rarely convened, I do not take the work this committee does lightly, as I imagine it can be hard and intense. I believe that I am a good listening presence which will be important for a congregation involved in conflict. I also work to hear the underlying message - or to read between the lines. My intention as part of this committee would be to address these situations with grace, understanding, and hold those involved accountable. My priorities for this ministry: I would defer to the process that is set forward for the work of this committee by the bishop's office. My understanding is that this committee only meets when convened by the bishop. My priority would be to act in the ways that I previously described. Faith statement: The love of God meets a broken world in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, healing and redeeming us, and by the work of the Holy Spirit gives us the faith to trust God’s love, calling and equipping us to participate in it.
112 Report of the Nominating Committee MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT Male Nominees for Consultation Committee Vote for 1 (6-year term) 26A - The Rev. Preston Fields 26B - The Rev. Dave Hedlin 26A - The Rev. Preston Fields - Salem, Sycamore - Northeast Conference Occupation: Pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Before entering seminary and being called as a Minister of Word and Sacrament, I served on various committees on the parish level including church council, mission and outreach, and visioning teams. Areas of leadership and interest-community: Before entering seminary, I received a Master of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, focusing on individual therapeutic interventions and group therapies. I also hold a graduate certification in trauma, specifically working with young people. Reason I wish to serve: I believe that God calls us to live in community and to support one another. I will pray daily that the services of the consultation committee are not needed. However, if called upon, I hope to meet the individuals involved with compassion and understanding, as well as consult appropriately and honestly for the health of the Body of Christ My priorities for this ministry: + That individuals feel heard within a safe and compassionate process. + That the whole community is set upon a path of healing and, when possible, reconciliation. Faith statement: I believe in God the creator, who loves all of creation. I believe in Jesus Christ who came not to judge the world but to save it. I believe in the Holy Spirit who continues to inspire and lead us. I believe in the Church as an imperfect vehicle of God's perfect grace. 26B - The Rev. Dave Hedlin - Peace, New Lenox - East Conference Occupation: Pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Pastor serving this congregation for 31 years. I have been privileged to help the people of this congregation and our community to respond to the Gospel in worship, learning, outreach and service. Areas of leadership and interest-community: Actively involved in the local ministerial groups, including as convener of two such groups. I have also had a lead role in the Asset Building program, coordinated with the high school and other schools, local community organizations and governmental units. Reason I wish to serve: I have received much and am open to helping in any way I can. My priorities for this ministry: I would hope to be a voice of calming and direction, and then help set priorities and strategies for how to get to a place of peace. Faith statement: In response to what God has done, we seek together to recognize, worship, proclaim, serve, and love the one true God, who continues to create; who through Jesus, the Christ, forgives and establishes self-giving love; and who through the Holy Spirit calls us together.
113 Report of the Nominating Committee Discipline Committee LAITY Female Nominee for Discipline Committee Vote for 1 (6-year term) 27A - Ms. Karen Dolan 27B - NO NOMINEE 27A - Ms. Karen Dolan - Shepherd of the Valley, Rockford - North Conference No information provided by time of printing. LAITY Male Nominee for Discipline Committee Vote for 1 (6-year term) 28A - Mr. Michael “Mic” Brooks 28B - NO NOMINEE 28A - Ms. Michael “Mic” Brooks - Faith, Rochelle - Central Conference Occupation: Director of Wealth Services-Central Bank IL Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: I am currently serving on the finance committee and look forward to sharing my gifts on a long-range planning task force at Faith, Rochelle. In the past I have served as congregation president, treasurer, vice president, church council member, stewardship committee member, and parish planning member. Areas of leadership and interest-community: I am a current board member of The Rochelle Park District and NAMI Sauk Area. I previously served as the Northern Illinois Synod Treasurer from 2007-2011, and I was happy to serve on the Northern Illinois Synod Council from 2000-2003 while also serving on the executive committee in 2003. I am currently working at Central Bank IL where I have been employed for over 39 years. I have been a Certified Financial Planner professional since 1993. I am also a member of the Rochelle Rotary Club and have served as a board member of LOMC, United Way, Rochelle Community Hospital, and Greater Rochelle Economic Development Company. Reason I wish to serve: I have enjoyed working with the leadership of the synod and have a special place in my heart for those called to rostered ministry. I have learned a lot about the workings of the synod and hope to share my gifts and humbly serve to the best of my ability. My priorities for this ministry: My priority will be to serve in this position, if asked, with integrity and to the best of my ability. Faith statement: I have been richly blessed by God and in gratitude I sense a calling to share my gifts with passion and enthusiasm with God's help and guidance. MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT FEMALE Nominees for Discipline Committee Vote for 1 (6-year term) 29A - The Rev. Henrietta Milner 29B - The Rev. Rakel Evenson 29A - The Rev. Henrietta Milner - Salem, Sycamore - Northeast Conference Occupation: retired pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest/congregation: Worship leadership. Preaching. Teaching adult Bible study. Helping with VBS and supporting youth activities.
114 Report of the Nominating Committee Areas of leadership and interest/ community: Volunteering at Grace Place Campus Ministry at NIU. I hope to get involved with a community garden this Spring and with more local politics. Reason I wish to serve: I have experienced first-hand the conflict and eventual split of my congregation in early 2010. I am not afraid of conflict. Priorities for this ministry: Providing a non-anxious presence. Listening respectfully. Being clear about appropriate boundaries, maintained in love. Faith statement: I am a baptized child of our Triune God, willing to share my gifts for the upbuilding of the body of Christ. 29B - The Rev. Rakel Evenson - New Life, Bolingbrook - East Conference Occupation: Pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: The day to day business of church work is never dull and I enjoy the many aspects of working in a church. Lately New Life has started a Diaper Depot and partnered with the United Way of Will County to do so. That's been exciting and we're looking for ways to deepen that ministry and be a resource for families in our local community. Areas of leadership and interest-community: I am a member of the Bolingbrook Rotary Club and enjoy service and fundraising events with that group. Reason I wish to serve: I can only imagine how messy and thorny discipline issues can be. I hope I can be a good listener to all parties and lend a hand in seeking appropriate, just, and necessary decisions. My priorities for this ministry: To serve as directed by the Synod. Faith statement: Faith in Jesus Christ is life-changing for me; I continually depend on God's grace and guidance and wouldn't want it any other way. MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT MALE Nominees for Discipline Committee Vote for 1 (6-year term) 30A - The Rev. Jacob Gawlik 30B - NO NOMINEE 30A - The Rev. Jacob Gawlik - St. John’s, Sterling - Central Conference Occupation: Pastor Age: 30 years of age or older Race and Ethnic Origin: Caucasian Areas of leadership and interest-congregation: Social Justice; Community Outreach; Theological Interpretation; Liturgical Theology Areas of leadership and interest-community: I've worked with the SEE Justice Coalition in the Sterling-Rock Falls Community and I'm actively participating with a group of community leaders and pastors who are actively exploring topics of Racism and Privilege. I am also a mentor at the Sterling High School. Reason I wish to serve: Often persons listen to provide a response. My hope is to listen to understand. When issues of disciplinary action are needed, I feel listening to understand is especially important. My priorities for this ministry: To listen deeply for clarity and understanding of issues that arise that require disciplinary action. To work toward meaningful and faithful resolution. To faithfully
115 Report of the Nominating Committee keep Matthew 18:15-19. And to follow the guidance set forth in Chapter 20 of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Faith statement: In the Constitutions, Bylaws, And Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America a very important responsibility arises in 7.31.02.8. In the same wording it appears again in the Constitution for Synods in S14.12.8. And then again in the Model Constitution for Congregations in C9.03.8. The responsibility is that every minister of Word and Sacrament shall “speak publicly to the world in solidarity with the poor and oppressed, calling for justice and proclaiming God’s love for the world.” This is risky business and terra incognita all rolled into one. As ordained ministers, persons who have been set apart for the ministry of Word and Sacrament, we have been charged to act as the voice of God’s love for the world. Not just some parts, not just some people, but the whole world.
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Resolutions R-1 Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women WHEREAS, in 1970 both the Lutheran Church in America and American Lutheran Church in their national conventions voted to ordain women; and WHEREAS, the ELCA rejoices in these actions of its predecessor church bodies and will recognize the 50th anniversary in 2020 of the ordination of women; and WHEREAS, we express our profound gratitude for the many and varied ways the gifts of ordained women have advanced God’s mission through this church; and WHEREAS, we learned in the research related to the 45th anniversary of women’s ordination of some progress but also significant disparities for women in the areas of preparation for ministry, all calls including first calls, mobility, compensation, ministry roles, and debt following seminary education (http://search.elca.org/Pages/Results.aspx?k=45th+anniversary+of+women%27s+ordination); and WHEREAS, the same research uncovered denigrating and discriminatory experiences of many ordained women, some particularly acute for ordained women of color; and WHEREAS, the church is called to reflect in church and society its roles of advocate and model for the respect, dignity, and equal rights due all women, including the ordained women of this church; and WHEREAS, this church is simultaneously addressing justice and women in its social statement under consideration and the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Northern Illinois Synod memorialize the 2019 Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA to urge all synods in their 2020 assemblies to include celebration and special recognition of ordained women upon the 50th anniversary of authorizing this ordination practice; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon our seminaries, colleges, campus ministries, outdoor ministries, social ministry organizations, and congregations to highlight women preachers, teachers and speakers throughout 2020 in recognition of the diversity of gifts women’s ordination has brought to our church; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon congregations throughout the Northern Illinois Synod to participate in the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in our church through worship services, bible studies and other efforts to celebrate and recognize the importance and contributions of ordained women; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon all members of this Synod to examine our consciences, and confess our sins and complicity in circumstances whereby actions concerning women have involved creating barriers, discrimination, or perpetrating sexual harassment as women have prepared for and served as ordained women in this church; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we memorialize our churchwide organization at the 2019 Churchwide Assembly to conduct a gender analysis in 2020, whereby strategies are developed to promote and protect gender equity and justice, with particular focus on addressing the areas of preparation for ministry, call process including first calls, mobility, compensation, ministry roles, and debt following seminary education; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon this Synod to establish goals and strategies for our congregations to achieve for ordained women, comparable compensation packages commensurate with that of ordained men in all calls within this Synod by 2025; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon this Synod to establish goals and strategies for achieving for ordained women, access to ministry roles where women are currently underrepresented, with an emphasis on the challenges faced by women of color receiving viable first and second calls; and
117 Resolutions BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we request this Synod’s publications to plan features in 2020 on the ordination of women, lifting-up the amazing talents and gifts this church has received from its ordained women, the barriers ordained women still experience in this church; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we invite the prayers of all members of this Synod for the successful outcome of these initiatives.
Submitted by: The Northern Illinois Synod Council and the Northern Illinois Synod 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women Taskforce. Contact persons: Rev. Don Knowles, Synod Council Secretary; The Rev. Rakel Evenson, Chair of the NIS 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women Taskforce. Date submitted: April 4, 2019 Action of the Resolution Committee Action Taken: Recommend Adoption of the Resolution Date of Action: April 30, 2019
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R-2 Concerning Gender Equality for Rostered Leadership Positions in the Northern Illinois Synod WHEREAS, scripture declares, “When God created humankind, [God] made them in the likeness of God. Male and female [God] created them, and [God] blessed them and named them ‘Humankind’ when they were created.” (Genesis 5:1b-2, NRSV); and, the Apostle Paul writes, “there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28, NRSV); and WHEREAS, R-1 “Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women” recognizes the historical significance of the ordination of women; and WHEREAS, the same resolution highlights the continued struggles experienced by women who are ordained; and WHEREAS, the same resolution calls for further action by our church; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Northern Illinois Synod develop or provide training materials for the synod staff, candidacy committee, call committees, councils, and congregations that address the topic of equality in compensation and benefits for all rostered positions; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Northern Illinois Synod develop or provide anti-sexual harassment training materials to assist congregations in developing anti-sexual harassment policies; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Northern Illinois Synod make both sets of training materials available to all congregations and provide for congregations that complete the training materials for equality in compensation and benefits and develop anti-sexual harassment policies with a certificate of completion and artwork featuring faithful women; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Northern Illinois Synod encourage ministers in a call or serving a community to regularly engage the community they serve through preaching, study, or small group activities on the topic of gender equality.
Submitted by: Rev. James Gallagher, Rev. Katrina Gallagher, Rev. Pamela Marolla, Rev. Vince Marolla, Rev. Frank Langholf, Rev. Joseph O’Donnell, Rev. Jacob Gawlik, Rev. Jessica Bakken, Rev. Barbara Otten, Rev. Bree Truax, Rev. Vicki Sauter, Rev. David Nelson, Rev. Janet Wold, Rev. Frank Lay Contact Person: The Rev. James Gallagher-First Lutheran Church, Monmouth Date Submitted: April 9, 2019 Action of the Resolution Committee Action Taken: Recommend Adoption of the Resolution Date of Action: April 30, 2019
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2020 Compensation Guidelines for Rostered Ministers
2020 COMPENSATION GUIDELINES for Rostered Ministers
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Table of Contents
Cover Letter 1
Compensation Salary 2 Housing 2
Benefits Taxes (Info on Social Security Allowance) 3 ELCA Plan through Portico 4 Defined Compensation Retirement/Pension Contribution Optional Pension Contributions Health & Other Benefits Wellness Discount Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Other Benefits Work Week 4 Vacation 4 Wholeness/Wellness 5 Family Leave 5 Temporary Disability 5-6
Reimbursable Expenses Automobile 6 Continuing Education 6 Conference Expenses 7 Expenses of Employment for a minister’s accompanying spouse 7 Moving Expenses 7 Other Expenses 7
Appendices Appendix A: 2020 Minister Base Salary Charts 8 Appendix B: Tax Implication for Housing Allowance 9 Appendix C: Synod Parsonage Guidelines 10 Appendix D: Clergy Housing Resolution & Forms 12 Appendix E: Salary Worksheet - Pastor as Homeowner 14 Appendix F: Salary Worksheet - Pastor with Parsonage 15 Appendix G: Salary Worksheet - Deacon 16 Appendix H: Rostered Minister Reimbursement Form 17
2020 Compensation Guidelines for Rostered Ministers in the Northern Illinois Synod, ELCA “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.” - Ephesians 4:11-12 “Ministry of the Baptized People of God - This church affirms the universal priesthood of all its baptized members. In its function and its structure this church commits itself to the equipping and supporting of all its members for their ministries in the world and in this church. It is within this context of ministry that this church calls some of its baptized members for specific ministries in this church.” (ELCA Constitution 7.10 & 7.11) “We believe ministry in Christ’s name is a gift. Therefore, we encourage the rostered minister and congregation to be in careful and prayerful deliberation when discussing aspects of these guidelines. The gift of ministry must be cherished and respected.” (Purpose Statement for Salary Guidelines, NIS Ministry Support Committee) The 2020 Compensation Guidelines for Rostered Ministers in the Northern Illinois Synod assist congregations and other organizations in establishing appropriate compensation packages. They are developed with awareness of various ministry settings in our synod. They are not meant to address every situation in every congregation at every time. Close consideration should be paid to the current ministry context. This document contains information from a variety of sources: clergy compensation manuals, accountants specializing in clergy compensation and Portico. They are only guidelines. For specific questions, consult synod staff for assistance. Direct conversation with an accountant specializing in church finance/clergy compensation may also be helpful. Finally, as our benefits administrator, Portico should always be consulted. Although congregations may struggle to meet minimum guidelines, ministers who receive minimum pay and are compensated below guidelines are most vulnerable to current economic realities. Additionally, know that it is synod policy that the guidelines be met for all first call ministers. The guidelines consider the following factors: the economic climate in our synod; past, current, and predicted economic data; and all Region 5 synods’ compensation guidelines, with special attention given to those synods that border Northern Illinois. For 2020, the guidelines have been revised for clarity and include a 2.3% increase on base salary; there is no increase on the value of a year of experience. Also, worksheets are included in the appendix to assist in calculations. Finally, remember that when the terms “pastor” or “deacon” are used, the guideline is specific for that roster. When the term “minister” is used, it refers to both rosters. May God bless our work together! God’s Work. Our Hands. Submitted by NIS Salary Guidelines Subcommittee: Pr. Andy Tyrrell Pr. Thomas E. Rogers Jr. Grace, Richmond Shepherd of the Hills, McHenry
Mrs. Carol Swenson Pr. Marilyn Hanson, Advisor Our Savior’s, Rockford Northern Illinois Synod, ELCA
2020 NIS Salary Guidelines - Page 1 of 17
I. COMPENSATION A. Salary 1. Base Salary - The suggested entry-level cash salary in 2020 is: For a minister with a Master’s degree -- $ 39,508; a year of service is valued at $765. For a minister with a Bachelor’s degree -- $ 34,758; a year of service is valued at $694. For additional years of service, see note after the tables in Appendix A. When computing Base Salary, there are other factors to consider. The completion of annual continuing education can justify a minister’s increase for adding a year of experience. Compensation beyond 25 years of experience should be agreed upon by the minister and congregation, considering factors such as retirement funding, additional vacation time, etc. Compensation for part-time positions, such as interim ministry, should be pro-rated according to time contracted with the congregation. For instance, a minister serving one-half time with a congregation should be paid one-half the appropriate base salary. When determining Base Salary, consider Previous Career Experience. As more “second career” people enter ministry, the question of a fair and equitable salary is real. Previous experience is relevant to the work of the minister. Therefore, leaders who enter ministry after years of work in other occupations should be compensated at a rate that recognizes the value of their work experience and maturity. Congregations are urged to consider giving experience credit for previous work. It is recommended for purposes of calculating cash salary, that for every two years of professional experience in another field, the minister be credited with one year of professional experience in ministry. 2. Annual Merit Increase - In addition to guideline increases, an annual salary increase for merit can be justified by the following factors: attainment of advanced degrees, serving multiple point parishes, or fulfilling additional responsibilities, such as serving as a senior minister on a staff. It is recommended the minister and the congregation evaluate their ministry regularly, remembering that these forms are but one way to consider merit increases. Forms are online at nisynod.org/resources/mutual-ministry B. Housing (choose either 1 or 2) - FOR PASTORS ONLY 1. Pastor as Homeowner - If a pastor owns or rents his/her own home, it is recommended that the congregation grant a Housing Allowance. The Housing Allowance is applied to all the home’s expenses, such as mortgage, taxes, rent, insurance, utilities, etc. With this Housing Allowance, the pastor (and family) should be able to acquire and maintain adequate and acceptable housing within the church’s service area. One way to begin to determine a figure for Housing Allowance is to use an annual fair market rental value by the “comparable sales method.” To begin, find the median value of a home in the community. (One resource is at elca.org when you search “zip code report” for your congregation). To figure fair rental value, multiply the median value by a generally accepted rate of return, between 12 and 15%. Two examples show how values vary on opposite ends of the synod: Example 1 -McHenry County: 2015 Median Home Value $ 225,459 ($ 225,459 x 12% (0.12) = $ 27,055 fair market rental value as guide for annual housing allowance) Example 2 -Rock Island County: 2015 Median Home Value $ 125,377 ($ 125,377 x 12% (0.12) = $ 15,045 fair market rental value as guide for annual housing allowance) When the pastor receives a Housing Allowance, there are tax implications for both the congregation and the pastor that must be followed. For more information, consult Appendices B and D.
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2. Parsonage provided by the congregation - If the pastor lives in a parsonage, Portico states that the value of such housing must be determined to figure the pastor’s Defined Compensation. They use 30% of the pastor's base salary. This assumes the congregation pays all housing related expenses. If the congregation does not pay all expenses, it may choose to pay a Utilities Allowance and/or a Furnishings Allowance, reflecting a fair estimate of costs, directly to the pastor. If this method is used, the pastor and congregation need to be aware of any possible tax implications. The congregation is also encouraged to provide an Equity Allowance. This compensates the pastor for the loss of equity associated with not owning a home. It helps provide for the pastor and family in the event of retirement, death, or disability, as well as purchasing housing later in ministry when a parsonage is unavailable. An allowance in the range of 3-10% of the pastor’s annual cash salary is recommended. Unless the Equity Allowance is invested in a tax-sheltered account for the individual, it becomes taxable income and must be included when figuring Defined Compensation for Portico. However, when such payment is made directly to Portico’s Optional Pension Plan or other tax-advantaged account, it can be excluded. See note II.B.3. below. When a congregation sells a parsonage, it is recommended that the assets be retained to assist in financing pastor-owned housing. Finally, please note the Synod Parsonage Guidelines in Appendix C for details on the relationship between the pastor and congregation regarding the parsonage. II. BENEFITS A. Taxes 1. For Pastors (Social Security Allowance for Self-Employment Tax) -- Providing for the pastor’s retirement is the congregation’s responsibility. However, pastors are considered “self-employed” by the federal government. They must pay to the Social Security Administration 15.3% of their total annual cash salary and EITHER housing allowance OR the fair rental value of the parsonage. A Social Security Allowance shares the burden of this tax by providing what most employers provide - half of the Social Security tax. Congregations are encouraged to reimburse at least 50% (7.65%) of their pastor’s Social Security tax liability. This allowance is taxable. 2. For Deacons (Social Security Tax or “FICA”) - Providing for the deacon’s retirement is the congregation’s responsibility. Deacons are considered employees for tax purposes. The congregation is required to contribute one-half of the deacon’s Social Security (FICA) tax. The current FICA tax rate for an employee is 15.3% of their total cash salary. Therefore, congregations are required to pay one-half of the tax or 7.65% of the total cash salary.
The Portico benefit plan encourages members to live well, enhance the lives of others and to be good stewards of their faith. At the 2013 Synod Assembly, Resolution R-3 was passed that resolved that synod guidelines recommend the “Gold” level insurance coverage be offered to all ministers and lay church workers. It is also recommended that congregations provide family coverage for spouses and dependents that do not have other coverage. Employers should use calculators for health insurance and other computations at the Portico website – employerlink.porticobenefits.org/Home/Resources/Calculators.aspx For ministers, Portico offers a wide variety of services ensuring wellness in all areas – while working and in retirement. It is in your best interest to be familiar with them as you develop your financial plan. myportico.porticobenefits.org
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B. ELCA Plan through Portico 1. Defined Compensation a. For Pastors - Portico uses Defined Compensation to determine the amount of a congregation’s required Retirement/Pension Contribution as well as the contribution for a pastor’s Health and Other Benefits. i. Pastor as Homeowner - Defined Compensation is the sum of the pastor’s actual cash salary, housing allowance, and Social Security Allowance. ii. Pastor in a Parsonage - Defined Compensation is the sum of the pastor’s actual cash salary, housing computation, and Social Security Allowance. The housing computation is: 30% of cash salary, plus any allowances paid directly to the pastor (i.e., furnishings, utility, etc.). b. For Deacons - Portico uses Defined Compensation to determine the amount of a congregation’s required Retirement/Pension Contribution as well as the contribution for a leader’s Health and Other Benefits. Defined Compensation is comprised of the leader’s actual cash salary and any additional allowances. 2. Retirement/Pension Contribution - A minimum pension contribution of 12% for all ministers is strongly recommended and can be exceeded. If a congregation is unable to meet the salary guidelines, it is recommended they make their pension contribution based on guidelines. This has small financial impact on a congregation yet assists the minister greatly in retirement. Consult Portico to ensure correctness. 3. Optional Pension Contributions - Use Portico to make additional pre-tax contributions toward pension, deferring tax liability. These can come from: a minister’s salary, making regular deductions; the congregation, making housing equity contributions; or outside sources, such as previous retirement plans and inheritance. Consult Portico for details. 4. Health and Other Benefits - Each year, Portico sets the cost of Health and Other Benefits based on a percentage of the minister’s Defined Compensation. The congregation is expected to cover these costs. When a clergy couple is sponsored in Portico’s Pension & Other Benefits program, each employer makes contributions to cover this benefit. Contact Portico for details. 5. Wellness Discount - In the past, Portico has offered enrolled members money that can be used toward health expenses to complete wellness exercises. If the benefit is offered, it is recommended that members use this benefit. 6. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Portico’s FSA allows members to set aside pretax salary dollars for eligible health care and dependent (day) care expenses with no administration fee. There are specific tax benefits and requirements regarding an FSA. Consult Portico for details. C. Other Benefits for the Wellness of Minister and Congregation There are many benefits to negotiate in the call process. Discussing the following items in advance can help ministers and congregations avoid conflict later when it seems that the benefits are changing. 1. Workweek - Because of the “On Call” nature of ministry, serious consideration needs to be given to a minister’s self-care. It is recommended that ministers be encouraged to set aside 1.5 - 2.0 days a week for personal time. 2. Vacation - The need for annual vacation is self-evident. The congregation should provide four weeks per year (encompassing four Sundays) of vacation with full pay for its pastor(s). For deacons, a minimum of two weeks’ vacation with full pay is recommended. The congregation is encouraged to consider the tenure of the minister and his/her individual needs in setting vacation limits. Additional vacation weeks may be negotiated. This does not include continuing education. Time spent on continuing education, churchwide or synodical committees, congregational retreats, camping programs, or mission trips are not to be considered as vacation time or time off.
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The congregation is responsible for substitute ministers to cover worship and pastoral care during vacation time. The following fee structure is offered for this work as a minimum reimbursement. (Note that “mileage” assumes the current IRS rate.) a. Pulpit and Leadership Supply Fees • Lead 1 service, preach, and preside at Holy Communion -- $150 + mileage • Additional work on same date/weekend compensated as follows: o Multiple services -- $25/service. o Additional trips (Saturday night, Sunday evening, etc.) -- $50/service + mileage o Adult forums, teaching confirmation, etc. -- $50 each. b. Additional Supply Fees • Communion presider only at worship -- $30/service + mileage • Pastoral Visitation -- $30 - $35/hour + mileage • Other services, such as weddings and funerals -- $125/service + mileage by the congregation. This is in addition to any honorarium the pastor might receive from the family. 3. Wholeness/Wellness - It is important that ministers be well in all areas of the wholeness wheel. In addition to Portico’s resources, denoted above in II. B. 5, the synod has information on the website at nisynod.org/wellness. a. Spiritual Renewal - It is recommended that all ministers under call be given three days to one week or more per year for spiritual renewal that is not classified as vacation or educational leave. It is suggested that the minister spend this time at a retreat center or facility where the minister can fully focus on “renewal.” Ministers should ensure pastoral care coverage during this time away. b. Spiritual Guidance - It is recommended that all ministers have a spiritual guide during their time of call. Call the synod office and use local resources for assistance. 4. Family Leave - The church places a high value on family. These guidelines are offered to help congregations approach situations requiring family leave in a caring manner. a. Family leave following the birth of a child - It is vital that the minister have time to welcome a child and bond as a family. It is recommended that twelve (12) weeks of leave with full salary and benefits be offered immediately following birth, especially when the minister is the child’s primary caregiver. Additional considerations for determining length, salary and benefits include: if the minister is “secondary” caregiver, additional family needs, vacation time available, housing costs, length of service with the congregation, financial hardship to the minister and/or the congregation, etc. It is strongly recommended that the minister and congregation negotiate this leave policy well before the arrival of a child. b. Family leave following adoption - This guideline also applies to parents adopting children. c. Family leave granted at other times - Family leave may be granted by the congregation at other times, such as during times of severe illness, trauma, or death of a child. The length of the leave and the salary and benefits that the congregation will provide the minister should be mutually negotiated. It is recommended that the congregation, at a minimum, provide full benefits for the minister during any family leave granted. d. Leadership during leave - During the leave period, a substitute minister is to be paid by the congregation. See “Leadership during Vacation” under II. C. 2 5. Temporary Disability a. Full compensation and benefits for the first 60 days - In the event of the temporary disability of a full-time minister, it is recommended that the congregation continue to pay the individual’s full compensation and benefits for the first 60 days of disability.
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b. Providing compensation to supplement the ELCA disability plan - After the first 60 days of disability, the ELCA disability plan becomes effective and will pay 66 and 2/3% of Monthly Defined Compensation. Consideration should be given by the congregation to paying the remaining 33 and 1/3% of Monthly Defined Compensation. c. Leadership during leave - During the leave period, a substitute minister is to be paid by the congregation. See “Leadership during Vacation” under II. C. 2. d. Other compensation - If a full-time minister, because of the disability, receives compensation from some source other than the ELCA disability plan, such as Worker’s Compensation, then the congregation and the recipient should negotiate compensation so that it shall not exceed the usual monthly compensation. III. Reimbursable Expenses Reimbursable expenses are the congregation’s business expenses paid to the minister. They are not compensation. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 magnifies the tax implications for receiving an allowance for expenses as opposed to being reimbursed for the actual expense. Therefore, congregations should consider establishing “accountable plans” for paying expenses to ministers. (e.g., pp. 65-66, 2019 Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide for 2018 Returns by Richard R. Hammar. This resource is made available for free download online at Portico’s website) A. Automobile 1. Reimbursement of miles driven - Reimbursement for actual business miles driven at the IRS established rate. (You can find this rate easily using an internet search engine.) The IRS has occasionally changed mileage rates during the year, so be aware. 2. Payment of a lump sum - NO LONGER RECOMMENDED The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 has eliminated most miscellaneous itemized deductions, including unreimbursed employee business expenses such as automobile allowance paid as an allowance in a lump sum. 3. Congregation purchases or leases a car - Congregations may consider the purchase or lease of an automobile for use by the minister. Often the cost to the congregation is no greater than a fair “cents-per-mile” reimbursement. Ministers will assume some IRS liability for non-business use of the vehicle. The congregation may also choose to have the minister reimburse the congregation for personal use of the vehicle at a rate comparable with the above IRS standard. B. Continuing Education The 1997 Churchwide Assembly affirmed the importance of lifelong learning for healthy and effective ministers. The minister, in consultation with the congregation, is strongly encouraged to annually prepare and submit a continuing education covenant to the synod office. 1. Continuing education reimbursement - The ELCA recommends a minimum of $1,500 yearly for a minister’s continuing education. The minister should provide 1/3 of this amount, with the congregation providing 2/3. 2. First Call Theological Education (FCTE) - FCTE is an ELCA requirement for a minister’s first three years of service. It helps the transition from seminary to congregational ministry. It replaces the continuing education requirement above during this time. The same financial breakdown is true: minimum of $1500 total, split 1/3 by minister and 2/3 by congregation. 3. Required time for continuing education - A minimum of 50 contact hours per year of intentional continuing education is strongly encouraged. To meet this requirement, it is recommended that the congregation allow 14 days (including two Sundays) for continuing education. The congregation and the minister should negotiate handling congregational ministry during the minister’s absence. 4. Resource reimbursement - Congregations are also encouraged to provide reimbursement for books and resource materials up to $700 per year. 5. Sabbatical leave - Each congregation is strongly encouraged to develop a sabbatical leave policy. A policy should especially be in place before the calling of a new minister. Additional sabbatical information is available at nisynod.org/resources/sabbaticals. Policy should consider these points…
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a. A sabbatical leave is encouraged after 6 years - A sabbatical permits participation in a longer program of continuing education. The minister should be encouraged to take no less than two months sabbatical leave for every six (6) years of service without reduction in salary. Some church consultants believe that sabbaticals could be taken more frequently, especially when paired with congregational planning, perhaps every three (3) to five (5) years. Although shorter, they could provide time for rejuvenation and planning for new ministries. b. A sabbatical program should be planned - The minister and the congregation benefit from sabbatical leave. It is imperative then that both work together. It is advisable to begin planning at least one (1) year before it begins. This should be done with the minister and a committee established for this purpose and eventually approved by the congregational council. It is recommended that the synod office be notified of the sabbatical leave and the plan. c. A sabbatical program should be funded early - To spread the cost of a sabbatical over time, it is recommended that both the congregation and the minister establish some sort of savings plan. d. Responsibility to remain - A minister is expected to remain with a congregation for at least one (1) year, or an appropriate time agreed upon by the minister and congregation, after completion of the sabbatical leave. 6. Leadership during Sabbatical - During all Continuing Education time away, a substitute minister is to be secured and paid by the congregation. See “Leadership during Vacation” under II. C. 2. a. & b. For sabbatical leaves, compensation should be more than the standard supply preaching rate due to the interim minister’s additional duties. C. Conference Expenses All ministers under call are required to attend meetings of the Synod Assembly and other meetings called by the bishop. Attendance of the minister at the Synod Professional Leadership Conference is also normally a part of the business of the congregation. Expenses for attendance at these events should be budgeted and paid by the congregation, unless the agency or group calling the meeting reimburses the expenses. D. Expenses of Employment for a Minister’s Accompanying Spouse Congregations are encouraged to be sensitive to the employment needs of a relocating minister’s accompanying spouse. Recognizing that two income families are now the norm, the congregation can help the spouse find employment by paying for recertification or re-licensing. Other non- monetary ways are especially encouraged, such as connecting the spouse with local employment agencies or potential employers. E. Moving Costs It is expected that a congregation will pay moving expenses for a newly called pastor. As of January 1, 2018, due to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, moving expenses for a pastor are no longer a deductible expense except for certain members of the Armed Forces. Therefore, any reimbursement by, or payment of, these expenses for the pastor by the congregation will need to be reported as taxable income to the pastor (W-2 form, Box 1). F. Other Expenses Congregations are encouraged to reimburse the minister for other expenses incurred related to the ministry of the congregation. Approved by the Northern Illinois Synod Ministry Support Committee on February 23, 2019. Approved by the Northern Illinois Synod Council on April 13, 2019.
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Appendix A - 2020 Minister Base Salary Charts
Minister with Master’s Degree
yr. Base yr. Base starting -- yr. 0 39,508.00 13 49,453.00 after yr. 1 40,273.00 14 50,218.00 2 41,038.00 15 50,983.00
3 41,803.00 16 51,748.00 4 42,568.00 17 52,513.00 5 43,333.00 18 53,278.00 6 44,098.00 19 54,043.00 7 44,863.00 20 54,808.00 8 45,628.00 21 55,573.00 9 46,393.00 22 56,338.00 10 47,158.00 23 57,103.00 11 47,923.00 24 57,868.00 12 48,688.00 25 58,633.00 Minister with Bachelor’s Degree
yr. Base yr. Base starting -- yr. 0 34,758.00 13 43,780.00
after yr. 1 35,452.00 14 44,474.00
2 36,146.00 15 45,168.00 3 36,840.00 16 45,862.00 4 37,534.00 17 46,556.00
5 38,228.00 18 47,250.00
6 38,922.00 19 47,944.00 7 39,616.00 20 48,638.00 8 40,310.00 21 49,332.00 9 41,004.00 22 50,026.00
10 41,698.00 23 50,720.00
11 42,392.00 24 51,414.00 12 43,086.00 25 52,108.00
Compensation beyond 25 years of experience for ministers should be agreed upon by the minister and congregation, considering factors such as retirement funding, additional vacation time, etc.
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Appendix B - Tax Implications for Housing Allowance Figuring Housing Allowance in Guidelines versus Housing Allowance for Taxes When figuring housing allowance for these guidelines, this figure might be considered “hypothetical.” That is, it is a number that both the pastor and the congregation can agree on based on the given circumstances. However, due to tax requirements and implications (as stated below), a pastor can ask for a “real” housing allowance number that reflects the pastor’s actual costs, as long as this meets the IRS requirements. If the pastor suggests a “real” housing allowance number greater than the “hypothetical” one calculated in the salary guidelines, the difference is taken from the pastor’s total salary. This way, the figure has zero net effect on the pastor’s total compensation in the congregation’s annual budget or defined compensation figures for Portico. Congregations may want to merge the “salary” and “housing allowance” line items in the budget to reflect this computation. See Appendix D “Clergy Housing Resolution and Forms” for details. Here are the tax requirements: (from Portico’s website): The clergy housing allowance exclusion allows pastors to exclude a portion of their income from taxes if it can be justified to the IRS as housing expenses. The amount that can be excluded from taxable income as housing allowance is always the smallest of the following: 1. Amount officially designated in advance as "housing allowance" by your congregation or church organization 2. Amount spent for the pastor's primary residence (i.e., down payment, mortgage principal and interest, utilities, taxes, insurance, furnishings, maintenance, etc.) 3. Fair rental value of the pastor's home, including furnishings and cost of utilities (owned or rented) Justification and Documentation of Housing Allowance It is the pastor’s responsibility, and not the congregation’s, for justifying a “real” housing allowance. This justification is between the pastor and the IRS; not the congregation. This resolution should be made at the December council meeting for the following year. So, it is the pastor’s responsibility to justify the allowance, it is the congregation’s responsibility to document, not evaluate it. Here are the tax requirements: (from Portico’s website): Reporting housing allowance - You (the employer) must officially designate a certain portion of the pastor's income in writing (e.g., a council resolution, meeting minutes or budget line item) as housing allowance, prior to payment being made. You will need to provide this information to your pastor whether or not you provide housing. You must report housing allowance separate from gross income on IRS Form W-2 in Box 14. Label the income as housing allowance. **NOTE: This requirement states that a housing allowance must be designated before it is paid. Therefore, if the pastor knows of a previously unforeseen expense during the year, an addendum to the previous housing allowance for such expense might be made, as long as it is documented before the expense is incurred. For accounting purposes, the additional housing expense would be deducted from the pastor’s salary. Additional Resources It is in the best interest of the pastor and congregation to be in consultation with a tax professional familiar with clergy compensation. Additionally, Portico provides excellent resources on their websites to inform the pastor (MyPortico) and the employer (EmployerLink) on the specific implications. In the past, they provided for free download a Tax Preparation Guide for Returns. Finally, the following resource is recommended: • IRS Publication 517: Social Security and Other Information for Members of the Clergy and Religious Workers (On the IRS web site at irs.gov)
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Appendix C - Synod Parsonage Guidelines A parsonage is the home provided by the congregation for its pastors. It is to be an aid in the carrying out of ministry. In its care of the church, the congregation will want to provide a good home. The guidelines on the following pages are a way to help both pastor and congregation. Following them will help the congregation become aware of needed improvements and let it know if a synod-wide standard has been achieved. It will be in a position to become aware of abuses of the parsonage property. Since the parsonage is the pastor's home, privacy should be respected. Congregation members are expected to follow the same standards of politeness for such things as entering the parsonage as they would for any other home in the community. Because it is the home of the pastor, the desires of the pastor should be consulted as changes are necessary. Further details about this are in the following guidelines. The quality of the parsonage should meet a standard set by the homes of the majority of the congregation's members. The size should be adequate to accommodate families. Contrary to renters, the pastor normally has little choice of residence. The relationship between the pastor and congregation is not based on a lease or rental agreement, but upon a common bond in the service of Christ Jesus. The following are specific guidelines for congregations with a parsonage. These are guidelines that congregations and pastors should use to discuss the maintenance, repair, and responsibilities relative to church owned house. These suggestions are not exhaustive; if a local situation is not covered by this document, it should be noted and addressed locally. 1. It is recommended that the following appliances be provided in the parsonage: • stove • air conditioning • refrigerator • cable/satellite/TV antenna • washer and dryer • soft water system (if needed) • dishwasher • humidifier/dehumidifier (if needed) • garbage disposal (optional) 2. It is recommended that the following utilities be paid by the congregation: • electricity • cable/satellite TV • gas • telephone • water • soft water service (if needed) • internet access 3. Items that would normally be supplied by the congregation include: • paint • floor coverings • wallpaper • light fixtures • window coverings • ceiling fan(s) 4. When the pastor moves into a parsonage, the congregation should see that it is thoroughly clean and should usually plan to redecorate. 5. The colors, fabric, design, etc., selected in the redecoration would normally be selected by those who will be living in the house in consultation with the appropriate committee. The congregation, of course, would determine the price ranges for these items. 6. Parsonage maintenance and repair should be listed as a separate line item in the annual budget, with a clear understanding of who has the authority to spend these budgeted funds. 7. There should be an annual inspection of the parsonage that is conducted with the pastor.
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Appendix C - Synod Parsonage Guidelines (continued) 8. The pastor and congregation should develop and annually update a list of necessary and desired repairs, maintenance, modernization, redecorating and remodeling projects and together prioritize these projects. 9. There should be clear understanding about how regular maintenance and emergency repairs are to be handled. It is suggested that the pastor be authorized to spend a specified dollar amount at his or her own discretion. Any repairs in excess of this amount would require approval of the property committee or the congregation council. 10. The grounds around the parsonage are primarily the responsibility of the congregation. The congregation should see that the lawn, shrubbery and flower beds are in good condition when a pastor moves into the parsonage. The pastor may be expected to care for these grounds (mow, rake; remove snow; apply fertilizer, insecticides, and herbicides) or these responsibilities may be shared by the congregation. (The division of labor should be negotiated by the pastor and the council immediately after the pastor's arrival.) 11. Congregations should consider taking care of the grounds around the parsonage while the pastor is on vacation or study leave, if it is decided this is the pastor's responsibility. 12. The congregation should provide suitable garage space for the pastor's automobile(s). Normally, this would be space for two vehicles.
Revised March 2009, 2017 (Adopted from the Nebraska and Southeast Iowa Synods, ELCA)
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Appendix D - Clergy Housing Resolution and Forms The Internal Revenue Service requires congregations and agencies to pass a resolution annually designating a specific amount of compensation to be used toward housing. The amount to be designated should be decided with the ordained minister based on his or her anticipated housing costs. This amount is one of three factors affecting the amount of housing a minister can claim on their taxes.
Draft Language for Church Council Action on Housing Allowance (This wording may be used to officially describe the Council’s action on a housing allowance and should be revised as appropriate for your setting.) The ______Committee advises the church council that under the U.S. income tax laws outlined in the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), enacted by Congress in Title 26 of the United States Code (26 U.S.C.) an ordained minister of the Gospel is not subject to Federal Income Tax on the amount of his or her compensation that the employing church designates in advance as a housing allowance, to the extent that the allowance represents compensation for ministerial services, is used to pay housing expenses, and does not exceed the fair rental value of the home including furnishings and appurtenances such as a garage, plus cost of utilities.
The council, after considering the request of the Rev. ______to designate an amount of compensation as a housing allowance for the amount expected to be spent to rent or otherwise provide a home during the period ______202__ to ______202__, and in light of the Federal Income Tax law and of the established salary level, on motion duly made and seconded, voted to adopt the following resolution:
Resolved that the Rev. ______is to receive a total cash salary of $______for the year 202__, of which $______is hereby designated as housing allowance in response to his/her request and acknowledgement. While Rev.______is called to serve this congregation (______) in his/her current position, the above amount of designated housing allowance shall apply to all future years until modified. Secretary’s Signature ______Date ______
Draft Language for Notification of Housing Allowance by Congregation (This may be used to officially notify a pastor of the approved housing allowance.) Date ______Dear Rev. ______, This is to advise you that at a meeting of the church council held on ______, your housing allowance for the year ______was officially designated and fixed in the amount of $______. Accordingly, $______of the total compensation payable to you during the year ______will constitute housing allowance and the balance will constitute “salary” (as interpreted by the U.S. income tax laws outlined in the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), enacted by Congress in Title 26 of the United States Code (26 U.S.C.)). Secretary’s Signature ______
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Appendix D - Clergy Housing Resolution and Forms (continued)
Pastor’s Estimate of Housing Expense (This form may be used to help the pastor determine an estimate of expenses qualifying under the pastor’s housing allowance.)
To: (Name of Congregation) From: (Name of Pastor) Date: Re: Housing allowance for year extending from ______, 202__ to ______, 202__. The amounts set forth below are the amounts I expect to spend during the above period (as above) to rent or otherwise provide a home for my family and me. Item Amount 1. Rent on leased property $ 2. Payments on purchase of a home (including down payment, acquisition costs, mortgage payments [principal and interest]) $ 3. Garage rental (if not included above) $ 4. Real estate taxes $ 5. Utilities (gas, electricity, water, sewer, oil, trash pickup, $ phone/cable/satellite/internet) 6. Insurance (rental, homeowner’s, fire, extended coverage, liability, contents, $ flood) 7. Repairs and maintenance $ 8. Improvements and remodeling $ 9. Furnishings and appliances $ 10. Maintenance items (household cleansers, light bulbs, pest control, etc.) $ 11. Yard maintenance and snow removal. $ 12. Other housing expense $ TOTAL $
Signed ______Date ______
Adopted 2013, revised 2019.
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Appendix E - Salary Worksheet/Pastor as Homeowner
Salary Base Salary (find years of service in Appendix A) (A.) Merit Increase (0 - 15% of line A.) Enter % increase (as a whole #), even if 0 (B.) - New Base Salary (A + B) (C.) -
Housing Determine fair amount for service area (D.) Social Security Allowance (C. + D.) multiplied by 0.0765 (E.) - Defined Compensation (sum of C., D., and E.) (F.) $ -
Benefits Use Portico Calculator to generate these numbers https://employerlink.porticobenefits.org/home/resources/calculators Health (G.) Retirement 12% minimum (H.) Disability (I.) Group Life (J.) Retiree Support (K.) other contributions (flex spending, add'l retirement, etc.) (L.) remember to make appropriate payroll deduction Total to Portico Benefit Services (M.) $ -
Expenses Automobile (choose one: est. yearly expense) Standard mileage rate reimbursement (N.) Lump sum expense - NO LONGER RECOMMENDED (O.) Expense for purchase/lease of car (P.) Continuing Education Congregation pays 2/3 of $1,500 allowance (Q.) Resources Books and other resources (R.) Sabbatical Early Funding to cover costs for pastor and congregation. If none, enter 0. (S.) - Other Expenses As is traditional or additional in the congregation (T.) Total Expenses (U.) $ -
TOTALS Total Compensation paid by the congregation Sum of (F., M., and U.) $ - Total Compensation paid to pastor Sum of (F. & U. less S.) until sabbatical is taken $ -
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Appendix F - Salary Worksheet/Pastor with Parsonage Salary Base Salary (find years of service in Appendix A) (A.) Merit Increase (0 - 15% of line A.) Enter % increase (as a whole #), even if 0 (B.)
New Base Salary (A + B) (C.)
Housing Parsonage Provided estimated value - 30% of salary (C.) (D.) Optional Utilities Allowance (X.) Optional Furnishings Allowance (Y.) Optional Equity Allowance (Z.)
Social Security Allowance (C. + D.) multiplied by 0.0765 (E.)
Defined Compensation (sum of C., D., E., X., Y., and Z.) (F.)
Benefits Use Portico Calculator to generate these numbers https://employerlink.porticobenefits.org/home/resources/calculators Health (G.) Retirement 12% minimum (H.) Disability (I.) Group Life (J.) Retiree Support (K.) other contributions (flex spending, add'l retirement, etc.) (L.) remember to make appropriate payroll deduction Total to Portico Benefit Services (M.)
Expenses Automobile (choose one: est. yearly expense) Standard mileage rate reimbursement (N.) Lump sum expense - NO LONGER RECOMMENDED (O.) Expense for purchase/lease of car (P.)
Continuing Education Congregation pays 2/3 of $1,500 allowance (Q.) Resources Books and other resources (R.) Sabbatical Early Funding to cover costs for pastor and congregation. If none, enter 0. (S.)
Other Expenses As is traditional or additional in the congregation (T.) Total Expenses (U.)
TOTALS Total Compensation paid by the congregation Sum of (F., M., and U.) Total Compensation paid to pastor Sum of (F. & U. less S.) until sabbatical is taken 2020 NIS Salary Guidelines - Page 15 of 17
Appendix G - Salary Worksheet/Deacon
Salary Base Salary (find years of service in Appendix A) (A.) Merit Increase (0 - 15% of line A.) Enter % increase (as a whole #), even if 0 (B.) - New Base Salary (A + B) (C.) -
Social Security (C. multiplied by 0.0765) (E.) - Defined Compensation (sum of C. and E.) (F.) $ -
Benefits Use Portico Calculator to generate these numbers https://employerlink.porticobenefits.org/home/resources/calculators Health (G.) Retirement 12% minimum (H.) Disability (I.) Group Life (J.) Retiree Support (K.) other contributions (flex spending, add'l retirement, etc.) (L.) remember to make appropriate payroll deduction Total to Portico Benefit Services (M.) $ -
Expenses Automobile (choose one: est. yearly expense) Standard mileage rate reimbursement (N.) Lump sum expense - NO LONGER RECOMMENDED (O.) Expense for purchase/lease of car (P.) Continuing Education Congregation pays 2/3 of $1,500 allowance (Q.) Resources Books and other resources (R.) Sabbatical Early Funding to cover costs for leader and congregation. If none, enter 0. (S.) - Other Expenses As is traditional or additional in the congregation (T.) Total Expenses (U.) $ -
TOTALS Total Compensation paid by the congregation Sum of (F., M., and U.) $ - Total Compensation paid to Deacon Sum of (F. & U. less S.) until sabbatical is taken $ -
2020 NIS Salary Guidelines - Page 16 of 17
Appendix H - Mileage Reimbursement Form for the month of ______, 2020
Name: ______Auto Miles ______at current IRS rate: $______Tolls or Parking Fees: $______Other (must specify) ______$______Total Expenses: $______I certify the above to be true and correct ______(Signature of Individual Payee) NOTE: This form is most appropriately used for reimbursement under the “standard mileage rate” with an Accountable Plan. It can also be used to document business use for a vehicle. For more details, refer to IRS Publication 463 - Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses.
Date Beginning Ending Business Personal Tolls & Description Mileage Mileage Mileage Mileage Other 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Totals
2020 NIS Salary Guidelines - Page 17 of 17
Augustana College Directions to Augustana College Arriving on Interstate 80 from the east • Continue on 80 West as it changes to Interstate 280/74 West. • Exit 5A Interstate 74 West for approximately 1/2 mile. • Exit 4A John Deere Road / Highway 5 West. • Follow signs for Blackhawk Road/Highway 5 West. • Turn right on 38th Street in Rock Island (use Rock Valley Plaza and K-Mart store on left-hand side of Blackhawk Road as landmarks). • Drive approximately 2.5 miles on 38th Street. • You will pass Swanson Commons residence hall on the left. • Continue traveling 38th Street to 7th Avenue (7th Ave is at traffic signal) • Turn left (West) on 7th Avenue. • Centennial Hall and parking lot will be on the right (North) side of 7th Avenue (Note: Immediately after turning onto 7th Ave). Arriving on Interstate 88 from the east • Continue on 88 West as it changes to Highway 5. • Travel Highway 5 West (John Deere Road/Blackhawk Road). • Follow signs for Blackhawk Road/Highway 5 West. • Turn right on 38th Street in Rock Island. • Warning: There is a 38th Street in Moline but do not turn there! Use Rock Valley Plaza and K-Mart store on left-hand side of Highway 5 as landmarks. • Drive approximately 2.5 miles on 38th Street. • You will pass Swanson Commons residence hall on the left. • Continue traveling 38th Street to 7th Avenue (7th Ave is at traffic signal) • Turn left (West) on 7th Avenue. • Centennial Hall and parking lot will be on the right (North) side of 7th Avenue (Note: Immediately after turning onto 7th Ave). Arriving on Interstate 74 from the east • Follow signs as 74 West changes to Interstate 280/74 West. • Exit 5A Interstate 74 West for approximately 1/2 mile. • Exit 4A John Deere Road /Highway 5 West. • Follow signs for Blackhawk Road/Highway 5 West. • Turn right on 38th Street in Rock Island (use Rock Valley Plaza and K-Mart store on left-hand side of Blackhawk Road as landmarks). • Drive approximately 2.5 miles on 38th Street. • You will pass Swanson Commons residence hall on the left. • Continue traveling 38th Street to 7th Avenue (7th Ave is at traffic signal) • Turn left (West) on 7th Avenue. • Centennial Hall and parking lot will be on the right (North) side of 7th Avenue (Note: Immediately after turning onto 7th Ave). Arriving on Interstate 80 from the west • Exit 290 onto Interstate 280 East. • Cross the Mississippi River and Exit Highway 92 East to Rock Island. • Take the 31st Avenue Exit. • Turn right onto 31st Avenue. • Continue to 38th Street and turn left. • Drive approximately 2 miles on 38th Street.
141 Augustana College • You will pass Swanson Commons residence hall on the left. • Continue traveling 38th Street to 7th Avenue (7th Ave is at traffic signal) • Turn left (West) on 7th Avenue. • Centennial Hall and parking lot will be on the right (North) side of 7th Avenue (Note: Immediately after turning onto 7th Ave). Arriving on U.S. 61 from the north • Follow Highway 61 South through Davenport until you reach Fourth Street (a one way to the right). • Turn right and go four blocks to Gaines Street. Turn left on Gaines Street and travel across the Centennial Bridge into Illinois. • Go straight off the bridge until you reach 5th Avenue (a one way to the left). • Turn left on 5th Avenue and proceed to campus. As you approach the campus you will see the football field on your right. • 5th Avenue will bend to the right just past the football field. • Turn right (West) on to 7th Avenue at the traffic signal. • Centennial Hall and parking lot will be on the right (North) side of 7th Avenue (Note: Immediately after turning onto 7th Ave).
Addresses and Telephone of Campus Buildings Used During Synod Assembly
The Centennial Hall number, 309-794-7459, may be used to reach participants during NIS Assembly business sessions. When assembly is not in session, please contact Augustana College campus switchboard at 309-794-7000.
Augustana College Switchboard Evald Hall 639 38th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201 3601 7th Avenue, Rock Island 309-794-7000 (Switchboard) 309-794-7210 (Building Secretary)
Bergendoff Hall Gerber Center for Student Life 3701 7th Avenue, Rock Island 3435 9-1/2 Avenue, Rock Island 309-794-7235 (Performance Hall) 309-794-7250
Centennial Hall Swanson Commons 3703 7th Avenue, Rock Island 1010 38th Street, Rock Island 309-794-7459 (Art Museum) 309-794-3875 (Service Desk)
Northern Illinois Synod - ELCA Rock Island Office Sorensen Hall, 639 38th St, Rock Island 309-794-4004
142 Augustana College Augustana Campus Map
143 Augustana College Map of Plenary and Forum Locations
144
Assembly at-a-Glance Schedule
Friday - June 14
8:00 AM Registration Open
9:30 AM Orientation for Voting Members Resolutions Committee Forum Bergendoff Potter Hall Bergendoff Larson Hall
9:55 AM Plenary Session I - Centennial Auditorium
12:45 AM Lunch - pick up in Centennial Hall Lobby Choir Rehearsal Eat and visit display area: Bergendoff Ensemble Rehearsal Bergendoff Potter Hall Room or Lunch & Learn with LSSI: Bergendoff Larson Hall
1:45 PM Plenary Session II - Centennial Auditorium ► Resolutions must be in by 2:30 p.m. today. ► The Ballot for General Elections will be collected at 2:30 p.m. this afternoon.
4:00 PM Friday Afternoon Forums #1 Choir Rehearsal Bergendoff Potter Hall 4:40 PM Break
4:50 PM Friday Afternoon Forums #2 5:00 PM Worship Rehearsal
5:30 PM Break 5:10 PM Ordination Rehearsal
5:45 PM Dinner - Gerber Center Dining Hall
7:30 PM Special Event - Trinity Lutheran Church, 1330 13th Ave, Moline, IL 61265
Saturday - June 15
7:15 AM Breakfast - Gerber Center Dining Hall
8:25 AM Plenary Session III - Centennial Auditorium
11:40 AM Lunch - pick up in Centennial Lobby Eat and visit display area: Bergendoff Ensemble Rehearsal Room
12:40 PM Participants line up for Holy Communion with Rite of Ordination
1:00 PM Holy Communion with Rite of Ordination - Centennial Auditorium