NORTHEASTERN SYNOD CONFERENCE OF DEANS REPORT OF THE BISHOP August 1, 2018 ASSEMBLY REVIEW AND DISCUSSION 1. You may have already read on other platforms some of my reflections on the 2018 Northeastern Ohio Synod Assembly. What follows is a brief summary of those comments I have shared elsewhere. 2. This was, in my opinion, the best of the four Assemblies I’ve chaired. These were the highlights: a. Pr. Watson’s Bible study on 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 was excellent. b. ELCA Representative Mikka McCracken’s remarks were as powerful as expected. c. Amanda Silcox’s remarks about advocacy and her time as a Young Adult in Global Mission were a highlight of the Assembly and greatly exceeded expectations. d. Though we still struggle with the perception that the Assembly is a “business meeting” not an “event,” I believe we’ve made progress in that regard this year with the quality of the speakers, the music, the youth involvement. e. We continue to make enhancements. We introduced live streaming this year. Though attendance was lower than in previous years, the people who tuned in on live streaming would have been the equivalent of 35 additional people attending the assembly. 3. I realize it has been nearly two months since the event, but I would welcome any feedback, whether it be your own impressions or what you may have heard from others. 4. The dates for the 2019 Assembly are June 13-14. That may seem a little later than usual, but it is still the second full weekend in June. The theme is “Who Is My Neighbor?” The scripture base for the theme is Luke 10:25-35, the parable of the Good Samaritan. ELCA YOUTH GATHERING 1. 540 Northeastern youth and adult leaders attended the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston. 2. I also attended the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event before the assembly, which is geared toward youths who are either persons of color or whose primary language is other than English. It was held simultaneously with the “tABLE” for differently abled youths. Though both of these events fed into the main Youth Gathering later in the week, they provided opportunities for the diversity of our youth to shine in a smaller setting. 3. I have already had a review meeting with Pastor Kathy Kluck and Darlene Waugh, the synod coordinators for the Gathering. However, it would also be helpful to hear your thoughts regarding the ELCA Youth Gathering. I know that at least two of you attended. PASTORAL/CONGREGATIONAL TRANSITIONS We have had a flurry of activity on the transition front. 1. Pr. Rich Leseganich, formerly of Trinity Vermilion, accepted a call to the Florida- Bahamas Synod. 2. Pr. Mike Conklin (Rejoice, Hudson), has accepted a call to the Northwest Lower Synod. 3. Pr. Rebecca Mangelsdorf (On Leave from Call) accepted a synodical call to the Central States Synod. 4. Pr. Sherman Bishop has resigned at Prince of Peace, Westlake, and will become the interim at Trinity, Vermilion. 5. Pr. Shelley Nelson-Bridger has been called as Executive Director of United Protestant Campus Ministry (UPCaM). She begins her call today. I note that this gives us a Lutheran presence on that organization, which we haven’t had for some time. 6. Pr. Don King (Peace, Cleveland Heights) retired effective July 31. However, he will continue as Dean of the Cleveland East Conference. 7. Pr. Rich Israel (St. Paul’s Episcopal, Cleveland Heights) has retired, effective, September 30. He has completed his ministry at St. Paul’s and is currently on vacation. The following two announcements are embargoed until they become official: 8. Pr. Doug Pretorius (St. Paul, Bellville) has announced (somewhat prematurely) that he will be accepting a call to the Northwestern Ohio Synod. The vote will be taken this coming Sunday, August 5. 9. Pr. Mark Rollenhagen (Good Soil) will accept a call to the Metro Chicago Synod. That vote will be taken on August 12. Three installations are taking place in the next two months. 10. Pr. Paul Moody will be installed at Messiah, Lyndhurst, on Sunday, August 12 at 4 p.m. 11. Pr. Dan Skillman will be installed at St. Paul, Berea, on Sunday, September 16. Pr. Tom Henderson will retire, effective October 7. 12. Deacon Lindsay Bailey will be installed at St. Matthew, Medina, on Sunday, September 23, during the regular worship services. 13. Please see Pr. Karl Biermann’s report for other transitions. 14. The Lutheran Church of the Master, Bedford, and Pr. Bobbie Davis-Newhouse, (PCUSA) agreed to end her ministry among them due to Pastor’s disability. Her last Sunday will be August 19.

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15. Stone, Ashland, took a first vote to leave the ELCA on June 17. The vote was unanimous (35-0). They must wait 90 days to take a second vote. I have offered to consult with them but so far have had no response. 16. Actions such as the one above are sometimes fueled by anxiety of not having a called pastor. In my visitations, I’m encouraging congregations that are in transition and call processes to remain calm and to trust in God’s guidance throughout the process. PRAYER CONCERNS 1. Pr. Clyde McGee is in Green Village Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation, 708 More Rd, Akron, OH 44319, recovering from a broken hip. 2. Pr. Joe Ertl is recuperating at home following hernia surgery. UPCOMING EVENTS 1. The ELCA Task Force on Women and Justice: One in Christ invites you to read and evaluate the "Draft of a Social Statement on Women and Justice." The Northeastern Ohio Synod will also hold a hearing for feedback on specific parts of the text on Saturday, August 11, 2018 here at the Lutheran Center offices from 10:00 a.m. to noon. 2. The theme for the Fall Bishop’s Gatherings is “Faithful, Adventurous, And Tenacious: Some How-To Steps for Council Leaders” The focus will be on council leadership training. There will be three workshops which will concentrate on the following areas: • Expectations of a Council Leader • Effective Council Meetings • How to Handle Anticipated Budget Shortfalls Dates, times and locations are as follows: • September 22, 9:30 a.m. at Zion, Wooster • October 6, 9:30 a.m. at Grace, Austintown 3. Please promote and encourage these events in your conference. There is more detailed information on the Northeastern Ohio Synod website and on the weekly e- news. 4. I am currently working on setting the schedule for Bishop Conference visits. I would hope to complete it at this meeting. DATE CONFERENCE LOCATION Thursday, September 13 Cleveland East Thursday, September 20 Akron-Wooster Thursday, October 4 Cleveland West Southern Eastern Richland-Ashland Canton-Massillon

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MY CALENDAR I will be out of the office on the following dates: 1. August 27-September 3 Vacation 2. September 3, Lutheran Center Offices closed for Labor Day Holiday 3. September 18-19 ELCA Task Force on Diversity, Chicago 4. September 27-October 3 Conference of Bishops, Chicago 5. October 10, Ohio Council of Churches, Columbus 6. October 22, Lutheran Center Office Closed (following Synod Council retreat October 19-20) +Bishop Abraham Allende

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Northeastern Ohio Synod Conference Dean’s Meeting Report August 1, 2018 The Lutheran Center / Pastor Karl Biermann, assistant to the bishop Page 1 of 3

Installation Announced --Warren, Emmanuel: Eugene Koene installed June 3.

Calls Extended and Accepted --Berea, St. Paul: Dan Skillman called on June 17, 2018 to succeed Tom Henderson. Installation September 16. --Cleveland, United Protestant Campus Ministries (UPCaM): Shelley Nelson-Bridger, executive director, beginning August 1. Installation date to-be-determined. --Lyndhurst, Messiah: Paul Moody called on June 10. Installation August 12. --Medina, St. Matthew: Deacon Lindsay Bailey called on May 20, consecrated June 2. Installation September 23.

NEOS Pastor to Serve as Campus Ministry Executive Director: The Rev. Shelley Nelson-Bridger, begins serving as the executive director of United Protestant Campus Ministries (UPCaM) of Cleveland on August 1. UPCaM facilitates mission and ministry with the students of Cleveland State, Case Western Reserve, and Cuyahoga Community College. Campus ministry partners include congregations of the Presbyterian Church USA; the United Church of Christ; the American Baptist Church (USA); the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.; the United Methodist Church; the Christian Church/Disciples of Christ; the Episcopal Church USA; and the ELCA.

Worship Planners Anticipate Next Synod Assembly: Synod Worship Committee volunteers and bishop’s staff reviewed feedback from the Opening Eucharist and Morning and Evening prayer services held during the recent Synod Assembly, June 8-9, at the John S. Knight Center, Akron. The services reflected the Assembly’s theme, “Ambassadors for Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:20.” Input will be used to help plan worship services for the next Synod Assembly, June 14-15, 2019.

Youth and Sponsors Celebrate Successful ELCA Youth Gathering: More than 500 young people and adult sponsors from the Northeastern Ohio Synod were among the more than 31,000 who participated in servant projects and mass worship at the ELCA Youth Gathering, June 27 to July 1, Houston, Texas; under the theme: “This Changes Everything. The Youth Gathering proved to be a life-changing experience for many participants and generated messages of gratitude and praise in the Houston media and on social media.

Camp Mowana Land Conservancy Progresses: Edited from LOMO web site and Facebook page: The Clean Ohio Fund District 16 Natural Resource Advisory Council (NRAC) approved on July 12 funding the grant proposal request for Camp Mowana to become a land conservancy. The grant project schedule includes three components: 1) Planning and implementation from September 30, 2018 to October 1, 2019; 2) Land acquisition and easements by September 30, 2019; 3) Site improvements through June 30, 2020.

Northeastern Ohio Synod Conference Dean’s Meeting Report August 1, 2018 The Lutheran Center / Pastor Karl Biermann, assistant to the bishop Page 2 of 3

--Camp Mowana Grant Proposal Information:

• The Richland County Park District will become the long-term steward of the land. The new name for

• Camp Mowana when it becomes a land conservancy will be The Fleming Falls Preserve. • The Fleming Falls Preserve will be open to the public from dawn until dusk every day of the year. • Some of the existing camp infrastructure including parking lots and trails can easily transition to Park District use, ensuring minimal impact on the natural area. • The existing structures and sites may be used by Richland County Park District staff for on-site storage, maintenance and/or restoration activities. Should the Park District determine that there is no value to the existing structures they will be removed from the property and sites restored to the natural condition utilizing native plants and invasive species control. • The Richland County Park District understands that all Clean Ohio encumbrances are permanent in nature and are to be recorded as a deed restriction. The land will be preserved in perpetuity. • The Richland County Park district will own, maintain and operate the property once it is acquired. The Park District will provide the management, maintenance and resource stewardship of the property.

--Summer 2019 Celebration and Service events at Camp Mowana:

• Family Camp Weekend – June 28-30, 2019 - Full programming for all ages. • Mowana Servant Week – August 2019 (date to be determined) for adults to assist in removing all camp personal property from the camp (anything that is not a permanent structure). • Celebration of Ministry through Camp Mowana – August 2019 (date to be determined) Saturday afternoon through Sunday Morning Worship for people of all ages with time for memories, auction, fellowship, campfire and worship. • Mowana Memorial Plans – creating displays for Camp Luther and LMC, Mowana archives to ELCA region and Richland County.

Read the complete Camp Mowana proposal and next steps at https://www.lomocamps.org/revision2018

Northeastern Ohio Synod Adds Advanced Intentional Interim Ministry Training Course Due to three successful training cycles with the Northeastern Ohio Synod, the National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors (NALIP) has invited the Northeastern Ohio Synod to host NALIP’s advanced “After Pastor” interim ministry training course at St. Stephen, Stow, in August 2019. This advanced course is in addition to the introductory courses scheduled for November 5-9, 2018; March 18-22, 2019; and November 4-8, 2019. Our synod’s continuing goal as a regional training center is to offer this training as an ecumenical opportunity to the Northeastern Ohio Synod and the wider Church, so that congregations and rostered ministers utilize interim transitional periods for intentional re-tooling and refocusing for future mission.

Third Consecutive Tri-Synodical Professional Leaders Retreat, January 22-24, 2019 For the third consecutive year, approximately 300 pastors and deacons from all three Ohio synods will gather at Sawmill Creek Resort, Huron, OH, for professional and spiritual renewal. The theme is “Spirituality,” featuring Keynote Speaker the Rev. Dr. Winston Persaud, professor of systematic theology, Wartburg Seminary, and Special Speaker the Rev. Dr. Javier (Jay) Alanis, executive director, Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest. Both speakers will offer their unique insights into the Holy Spirit’s work in creating enriching unity within diversity.

Northeastern Ohio Synod Conference Dean’s Meeting Report August 1, 2018 The Lutheran Center / Pastor Karl Biermann, assistant to the bishop Page 3 of 3

Calendar Item: Continuing Education Experience: Legacy Giving, Generosity, and Stewardship I am out of the office July 28-August 6 utilizing my 2018 continuing education time by learning how to more effectively communicate and facilitate opportunities for legacy giving, generosity, and stewardship in congregations, with individuals, and throughout the wider church. Arrangements have been made for me to accompany a regional gift planner for the Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest in the Southwestern Texas Synod—an affiliated organization of the ELCA Foundation—as he meets with congregational groups and individuals to discuss and facilitate financial gifts made to support the missions of congregations, church agencies, and the wider church. I am increasingly encountering in my role as call process administrator discussions of congregational finances and sustainability, as well as plans for congregational funds should a congregation close. This continuing education experience will help me to address questions as well as to provide referrals—all while speaking the language of generosity from a more informed faith and procedural perspective—in what can be rather spontaneous situations.

Respectfully submitted, Pr. Karl Biermann, assistant to the bishop

NEOS Call Process Conference Dean’s Update—August 1, 2018 The Lutheran Center Pastor Karl Biermann, assistant to the bishop Installation --Warren, Emmanuel: Eugene Koene installed June 3. Calls Extended and Accepted: --Berea, St. Paul: Dan Skillman called June 17 to succeed Tom Henderson. Installation Sept. 16, 4 p.m. --Cleveland, United Protestant Campus Ministries (UPCaM), executive director: Shelley Nelson-Bridger. First day Aug. 1. Installation TBA. --Lyndhurst, Messiah: Paul Moody called June 10. Installation Aug. 12, 4 p.m. --Medina, St. Matthew: Deacon Lindsay Bailey called May 20, consecrated June 2. Installation Sept. 23, 8:30 a.m./11:00 a.m. Interviewing --Akron, Messiah: Gail Zackrison, interim. --Massillon, St. Paul’s: Dan Cammarn, interim. --North Canton, Zion: Hal Robarge interim. Call Committee Compiling Mission Site Profiles --Jefferson, St. Paul: Steve Fisher, interim. --Seville, Jerusalem: Mark Sherwindt, interim. Transition Team/Pre-Call Committee Underway: --Elyria, Emmanuel: Becki Verbridge, interim (UMC). Call Committee installation, Nov. 11. --Parma, Parma: David Connor, interim / Brook Park, Redeemer: Laura Kuntz, interim. Pending --Ashland, Stone: supplies. --Brunswick, Holy Trinity: Carolyn Wagar-Hier, interim. --Canton, Good Shepherd: Interim interviews underway. --Hudson, Rejoice! Mike Conklin begins new call in Michigan Aug. 19. --Minerva, St. Paul: Bob Linsz, interim. --Newcomerstown, St. Paul: supplies. --Newton Falls, Messiah / Warren, St. Mark—supplies. --North Canton, St. Jacob’s: Landis Coffman/Don Frantz supplies, seeking interim. --Poland, Prince of Peace: Richard Seaks, interim. --Sandyville, Shepherd of the Valley: Scott Anderson supplying, begins term call Aug. 1. --Struthers, Christ: supplies. Pastor Dawn Richie, Holy Communion; alternating with Robert Zielke, supply preaching. --Vermilion, Trinity: Sherman Bishop, interim, beginning Sept. 30. Evaluating Cooperative Options --East Palestine, Grace: lay preaching, Bill Wilkins monthly Holy Communion. / New Waterford, Zion: lay/supply preacher Doug Green, Bill Wilkins, monthly Communion. --Homerville, New Horizons: Deborah Michaels, Holy Communion, once monthly / Tim Kneuss lay supply preaching. --North Georgetown, Emmanuel / Berlin Center, Mt. Moriah: supplies. --Norton, Trinity (supplies) / Wadsworth, Grace, Barbara Bartholomew, interim.

--OVER--

NEOS Call Process Conference Dean’s Update—August 1, 2018 The Lutheran Center Pastor Karl Biermann, assistant to the bishop

Ongoing Arrangements --Ashland, Pleasant Valley: supply. --Ashtabula, Bethany: lay preacher, once monthly Communion with ordained supply. --Ashtabula, Faith: Jim Brandis, ongoing supply. -- Beach City, First: Steve Patrick. --Columbiana, Jerusalem: Jeffrey Corbett, retired Methodist supply pastor. --Doylestown, Zion: Christopher Bartholomew, interim. --Eastlake, Reformation: Barbara Holzhauser, interim. --Jewett, St. James: Rev. Bill Surber (Moravian). --Lordstown, Lordstown: supplies. --Louisville, Kountze Memorial: Frank Gross, supply. --Mansfield, St. Mark: Ron Daley. --Medina, Living Word: Elizabeth Hadler (UMC), interim. --New Franklin (Minerva), St. John: Joe Ertl, interim. --New Philadelphia (Oldtown Valley), St. Peter: Local supply preachers/Chuck McRobie. --, St. Paul: TEEM candidate Stephanie Rueckert, John Wanamaker supervising/Mansfield, Clay Memorial: Carol Kilgore. --Orrville, Augsburg: John Furno, supply. --Reedsburg, Zion: Charles Kammer. --Rowsburg, Rowsbug: Steve Caler. --Sebring, Trinity: Dennis Engler, interim. --Zoarville, Good Hope: Brian Rossow (Off the Roster).

--OVER-- Northeastern Ohio Synod- ELCA Report of the Director for Evangelical Mission, August, 2018 The Rev. Julianne D. Smith

NEW AND RENEWING

Congregations or organizations currently identified as new or renewing

Euclid Lutheran, Euclid – Pr. Nathaniel Adams New Covenant Lutheran, East Cleveland, Pr. Gwen Snell completing third year of three year grant Calvary Lutheran, East Cleveland – Pr. Mulba Borsay Iglesia Luteran La Trinidad, Canton – SALM Jorge Uzho Iglesia Sagrado Corazon, Akron – SALM Jorge Uzho (SAWC) Lakewood Abbey, Lakewood – TEEM candidate Marilyn Matevia (SAWC) Good Soil Ministries, Lakewood and Rocky River – Pr. Mark Rollenhagen OASIS, Akron – Pr. Lisa Arledge, Executive Director. James Wright - Director of Operations, Pr. Deb Metzger -Spiritual Director, no longer receives grant money Rejoice Lutheran, Hudson – repaying a mortgage (Pr. Mike Conklin has accepted a call in MI) St. Timothy Lutheran, Mansfield –Pr. Bonnie Peltomaa redevelopment, covenant signed by congregation

I’ve made visits to each of these sites.

Pr. Angel Jackson and I underwent training to do behavioral interviews which are used for identifying candidates with the characteristics needed to serve as mission developers and re-developers. I would like to find some people of color or whose first language is not English to be trained in the future.

STEWARDSHIP AND MISSION SUPPORT TEAM

We had a successful Stewardship Workshop with the Episcopal diocese on May 5 at Christ the Redeemer, Brecksville. It was a full house. Both Bishop Allende and Bishop Hollingsworth spoke about stewardship in the opening. The speaker, Clayton Smith encouraged thinking in terms of generosity in addition to stewardship and offered examples of legacy giving.

I will be attending a Generosity and Stewardship Conference in August at Lakeside. Clayton Smith is one of the presenters, but there are a number of speakers. I look forward to gaining additional insight which we can put into action here.

EXPLORING DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND

Special thanks to Don King and Sherman Bishop who gave me a driving tour of Cleveland. I am pursuing an exploration of the area to determine the possibility of a SAWC in the downtown area since there is no ELCA presence. I need housing for the person (and spouse) we have in mind to do the exploration—looking for suggestions.

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DISCIPLING AND EVANGELIZING TEAM and CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY

Vital Congregations are communities of Jesus that nurture life-changing relationships with God, one another and the world.

Two members of the Discipling and Evangelizing Team, Pr. Jim Watson (Zion, Valley City) and Mrs. Robin Scanlon (Prince of Peace, Poland) along with African Descent Pastors: Leonard Killings (Advent, Cleveland), Nathaniel Adams (Euclid, Euclid) and Gwen Snell (New Covenant, East Cleveland) and myself will be attending the Vital Congregation Training focusing on Synodical Renewal Strategies and Small membership congregations. This will be held at Seattle University in August.

I look forward to being able to deepen the current work of the D & E team to go beyond observation of best practices in our synod and actively developing better discipleship (growing better disciples) within our synod.

CROSS CULTURAL CONVERSATIONS

We meet regularly with the following meetings scheduled:

August 18, 10:00am to Noon Grace, Hubbard, 111 Hall Ave, Hubbard

September 29, 10:00am to Noon NEOS Synod Offices, 1890 Bailey Rd, Cuyahoga Falls

November 10, 10:00am to Noon Holy Trinity, Akron, 50 N Prospect St, Akron

You do not need to attend each gathering to get involved with the conversation. Come to one near you!

AVAILABILITY

I am available to visit congregations, to preach or otherwise lead conversations on topics under my purview, as my schedule allows. You can contact me at the synod office 330-929-9022, or by e-mail, [email protected].

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Akron Wooster Conference

Conference Gatherings: Setting up theme and locations for the 2018-19. We meet on the 3rd Thursday morning of the month.

• September 20th Holy Trinity, Akron Bishop’s Visit • October 18th Grace, Wadsworth – 501st Anniversary – what are we still celebrating, how does our Reformation focus continue • November 15th Bethel, Bath or St. Paul, Ravenna • December 20th Trinity, Kent • January 15th Professional Leaders • February 21st St. Stephen, Stow? • March 21st Zion, Wooster • April 16th Holy Tuesday, Blessing of Holy Oils, Reaffirmation vows • May 16th Jerusalem, Seville or St. Paul, Smithville

Interim Sites:  Grace, Wadsworth - Barb Bartholomew  Jerusalem, Seville – Mark Sherwindt  Messiah, Green –  Rejoice, Hudson - Mike Conklin to Mamrelund Lutheran Church, Kent City, Michigan. Last Sunday at Rejoice is August 19th.

Prayers: Clyde McGee, had a tree limb fall on him and fractured his hip.. Sometimes Pastors just go too for out on the limbs…. He spent a week in the hospital and is now in rehab and healing

 He put bug spray on his watch to get rid of the ticks...  My friend dug a hole in his back yard and filled it with water. He meant well.  I stole a kilt...I plaid guilty...

 If you swallow uranium you will get atomic ache...

Doug Fidler Canton/Massillon Conference, Northeastern Ohio Synod Pr. Bruce R. Roth, Dean August 1, 2018

Congregations and Ministries in interim/supply situations Louisville, Kountze Memorial, Frank Gross stated supply Massillon, St. Paul’s, Dan Cammarn, interim still Minerva, St. Paul’s: Minerva/New Franklin, St. John’s Joe Ertl, interim North Canton, Zion; Hal Robarge interim still North Georgetown, Emmanuel, Israel, Paris, Aaron Speakman, Synodically Authorized Lay Minister North Canton, St. Jacob’s: Leah Schaefer retired Canton, Good Shepherd: Diana Thompson resigned, serving at St. Paul’s Alliance with her husband, Tim, in the area of administration. Canton, St. Stephen is setting up a call committee for an associate pastor Canton, Zion and First: Darla Ann Kratzer will be likely moving in October to join her husband who is being ordained August 4th and called to the South Central Synod

New Calls N/A

Conference Goings-on • 6/26 held conference luncheon and continue to meet on the last Tuesday of each month for lunch to catch up, pray and share joys and concerns • 10/7: St. Stephen will be hosting Mikah Meyer founder of "Queer For Christ" (Young Adult LGBT Christian ministry) who The Today Show just featured for the LGBT/Christian advocacy He is doing this as part of his world record road trip to all 417 National Park Service sites. As the below clip explains, the journey is honoring his late minister father (Larry Meyer of Nebraska Synod). He performs a religious-themed “National Parks Cabaret” at churches along his route. https://www.today.com/video/meet-the-man-practicing-his-faith-with-the-gay-christian- community-1203225155827

During the 75 minute cabaret, he will share stories/songs from the road and talk about how God is using his parks journey to be a light in the darkness for LGBT Christians. He performs music from my days as a professional countertenor at America’s National Cathedral, and talks about his journey as an openly gay pastor’s son. There will be a soup/salad dinner beginning at 5 p.m. in our Holy Grounds Café with the show following (tbd).

Rostered Leaders and Prayer Concerns • Frank Gross

CLEVELAND EAST CONFERENCE – Don King, dean

August 1, 2018

Congregations and Ministries

Messiah, Lyndhurst , has called Paul Moody as pastor. I haven’t received word on his installation (or actual arrival).

Shelley Nelson Bridger, past interim at Messiah Lyndhurst, has been called (er, hired?) as the executive director for UPCaM, our ecumenical, protestant campus ministry at CWRU, CSU, and CCC-Metro. I think it’s excellent that we have an ELCA partner in this position, and hope that we can capitalize on this placement.

Peace, Cleveland Heights, called in the Congregational Resource Team, as the stickiest part of the merger has been trying to blend two altar guilds. I think this has helped the situation. They’re planning big doings for my retirement, which we celebrate on July 29.

There’s talk of selling the building at Euclid Lutheran. I’d heard of some brouhaha which caused some members to exit, but I hear nothing first hand.

Rostered Leaders and Prayer Concerns

Two of our pastors recently faced the death of adult sons: Leonard Killings and Nathanial Adams.

We’ve had four retirements recently: Mark Brauer (actually, an old Cleveland East member), Fred Grimm, Richard Israel, and myself.

Jay Plummer has been diagnosed with somewhat aggressive prostate cancer. He will not be deploying this fall due to upcoming surgery. His wife Melanie is spending a long time in San Diego with him.

Jim Brandis was let go from Shepherd of the Valley assisted living center after a long tenure.

Conference Goings-on

May 31st we joined Cleveland West again for a “pub lunch” at Merwin’s Wharf in the Flats.

A team of four planned out our 2018-19 events, as seen below:

CLEVELAND EAST SCHEDULE – 2018-19

September 13 – with Bishop Allende at Celebration, Chardon

October 11 – Karen Kaufman, Resource Center, at Peace, Cleveland Heights

November 1 with Cleveland West, at Cleveland West

December 13 – Mercy & Addiction, Living Lutheran, May 2018 article, at Advent, Mentor January 10, 2019 – Check-in with colleagues meeting, at Christ the King, Twinsburg

February 14 – UPCaM with Shelly Nelson Bridger, at UPCaM

March 14 – ELCA Women & Justice Social Statement (and other ELCA Churchwide information) led by

Participants in Churchwide Assembly, at St. John’s, Highland Heights

April 11 – Alzheimer’s Association rep, at Advent, Cleveland

May 9 – “My Summer reading/watching/listening” list, at Trinity, Madison

June 6 – Pub Lunch, at Merwin’s Wharf

Meeting of Conference Deans with Bishop Allende and staff August 1, 2018

Report from the Cleveland West Conference

Congregations: First Lutheran Strongsville: I have heard through a generally trustworthy grapevine that there are rumbles of discontent at First Lutheran. Chuck Knerem has dealt with criticism that seem to ebb and flow since he assumed the role of Sr. Pastor when Dave Anderson was called to serve with Bishop Miller as an assistant to the bishop. I have not yet been able to reach Chuck (primarily due to my travel schedule this summer) but will be giving him a call.

All Saints, Olmsted Falls: The congregation continues to hang on by a thread. I’ve reached out to Pr. Eduardos and asked him to lunch. He has responded positively to the idea but has not responded specifically to any date. In part I read that as a stress response. He often plays the “I’m too busy” card (balancing the church with other jobs) when things are not going well. I’ll keep trying to pin him down to a meal and conversation.

Redeemer, Brookpark (Laura Kuntz, Interim) and Parma, Parma (David Connor, Interim): These congregations have been in conversation about forming a parish agreement. Pr. Kuntz is part of an Intentional Interim Ministry cohort with me that meets monthly during our “Phase 2” of the IIM training process. She has indicated that the conversations don’t seem to be moving along all that smoothly. Her perception is that the leadership at Parma is as yet not convinced that this is their future.

Prince of Peace, Westlake: I have submitted my resignation at Prince of Peace in order to accept a call to serve as Interim at Trinity, Vermillion. My final Sunday will be August 26, and my final day in the office August 30. Prince of Peace leaders have met with Bishop Allende and Pr. Biermann, and are preparing to say goodby to me, and plan for the interim process in the congregation. I will start at Vermillion on September 30, using the intervening month as a “mini-sabbatical”. That actually works well for Trinity as their leadership told me, “Nothing happens in September in Vermillion except wooly bears”.

People: Dan Rossbach has retired from the Chaplaincy department at Metro Hospital. In recent years his health has not been good. He is a member of Messiah, Fairview Park and has lots of support from the staff there, as well as several other clergy who have their membership there.

Meetings: The Cleveland West Conference rostered leaders will meet on: September 6th at Bethel, Middleburg Heights; October 4th at First, Lorain; November 1st at Dr. Martin Luther, Brooklyn (Slovak Zion Synod), joint with CE Con.; December 6th at Our Savior’s, Hinkley

October 13: The follow-up meeting of CW congregational leaders, to be held at St. Matthew, Medina.

Respectfully submitted, Sherman Bishop, Conference Dean

July, 2018

JOYS AND CONCERNS U ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Mark Your Calendars! 2019 Tri-Synodical Professional Leaders Retreat

Preparations are underway for next year’s Tri-Synodical Professional Leaders Retreat, January 22-24, 2019. The theme is “Spirituality,” featuring Keynote Speaker The Rev. Dr. Winston Persaud, professor of systematic theology, Wartburg Seminary, and Special Speaker The Rev. Dr. Javier (Jay) Alanis, executive director, Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest. Both speakers will offer their unique insights into the Holy Spirit’s work in creating enriching unity within diversity. This event will include for the third consecutive year all three Ohio synods at Sawmill Creek Resort, Huron, OH. Watch for registration information to come. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Weekly Pericope Study At St. John Lutheran, 1429 Mahoning Ave, Youngstown, beginning 1:00-ish. All rostered ministers are welcome.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Save the Date – Lutheran Night Out at Scrappers August 24th – All Congregations Welcome – More details to follow soon.

2018 YOUTH GATHERING NEWS from Erin Burns, coordinator

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ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, OPEN UP THE WEEKLY SYNOD E-NEWS. THAT’S WHERE YOU WILL FIND A LOT OF NEWS WORTH KNOWING.

Please send your joys, sorrows and Eastern Conference news! Pastor Erin Marie Burns Eastern Conference, Dean [email protected] 330-442-7924

Richland/Ashland Conference – August 2018

We have not had a conference meeting since May, as we usually take the summer off. Our next meeting will be September 10, 9:00am.

St. Timothy, Mansfield is continuing the redevelopment process with our DEM Julianne Smith. Due to three bequests totalling $150,000, they were able to do some major building repairs (new roof, gutters, boiler) and also committed themselves to giving 10% of the money away. They changed their third worship service from 6pm Saturday to 7pm Thursday. That service will be on hiatus in August to give Pastor Peltoma a short break until they start again in September.

Zion, Loudonville, had our first church council meeting where the bulk of the discussion concerned what we could do outside of our walls. We are joining with other congregations and community groups to tackle the problems that are plaguing our village. Drug addiction is tearing many of our families apart. We have started a support group for grandparents raising grandchildren, which meets in the Methodist church. We are also working with Loudonville schools to help fund a “Drug Free Clubs of America” program, and to put volunteers in classrooms to help teachers.

St. John, McZeena is continuing to make progress in phase one of their building program, which is to do the site work necessary to make the building a possibility.

Pr. Blanche Tyree is struggling with issues in our health insurance coverage. I believe she has shared those concerns with the Synod Office.

My apologies for the lateness of this report. I look forward to seeing everyone on the first!

Peace!

Scott Henderson Northeastern Ohio Synod – Southern Conference Report – August 1, 2018 Pr. Stephen Patrick, Dean

The Text Study group continues to meet on a weekly basis at Emmanuel, New Philadelphia, with anywhere from three to ten in attendance. Pr. Lee Eilert coordinates the leadership of the group. A TEEM candidate, one Moravian Pastor, one NALC pastor and one LCMC pastor also make up the group’s membership. Two groups from the conference attended the Youth Gathering in Houston – a group of seven youth from Grace, Dover, and a combined group of five youth from St. James, Tuscarawas, and First, Beach City. The F.L.I.P. (Fellowship of Lutherans in Partnership) is a by-product of Journey Forward and meets on bi-monthly basis to explore events and projects that bring members from several congregations together. The future of the group is in question at this point due to the main leadership being from two congregations that currently have plans to leave the ELCA. Pastor Wally Anderson is mourning the death of his father. Wally got the call just as he was finishing packing to leave for the youth gathering. Shepherd of the Valley, Sandyville, is welcoming an Interim Pastor ______for a one year term call. Good Hope, Zoarville, is considering departing the ELCA to follow its “former” pastor into the LCMC. Saint Paul’s, Newcomerstown, is considering departing the ELCA in response to a “former” ELCA pastor it has hired as an interim. This pastor is currently employed at a senior care facility in Coshocton – not much else is known about him. The status of St. Peter’s Oldtown, New Philadelphia, remains a mystery – in some advertising they refer to themselves as St. Peters Lutheran Church and in other places, they use St. Peters Church. First, Beach City, continues to recover from its financial loss in January 2017 due to theft by the treasurer. An arrest was made in June 2018 and a plea deal was reached with restitution due to the congregation as well as to the Boy Scout troop and others. Members stepped up their giving patterns and financial gifts were received from a number of area congregations and individuals. Members of the congregation are still struggling with what would be a faith filled response to the thief in light of the Christian’s call to forgive others. The number of safeguards now in place are a guarantee that this situation will never be possible again.