Bishop’s Bishop’s Report Report Bishop Michael L. Burk

I am very grateful for the many people who attended one of the “Evenings With the Bishop” in the fall of 2010. It was an opportunity for open and constructive conversation about the challenges facing the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, this synod, and the many places where we live out our Christian vocation. I learned a lot in these encounters and in the many congregational visits that dominated my calendar. I hope the learning was mutual.

The economic pressures facing this synod have been significant, demanding periodic adjustments to the synod spending plan. While the broader economy has contributed to the pressures, the challenge has been intensified by responses to the 2009 decisions regarding ministry policies. There are signs that we, as a synod, have worked constructively toward the goal of making sure that the mission of Christ’s church overshadows attention to “differences” among us.

When synods suffer economically and mission support The Landscape has Changed…and is Changing is diminished, our churchwide partners usually suffer more deeply. The ELCA churchwide organization has I remember leaving the 2010 Synod Assembly implemented a sweeping structural change in light of uplifted and feeling more hopeful than in the weeks current economic realities and for the sake of being leading up to it. I was persuaded that the people who best positioned to provide the ministry and services attended – representing so many others “back home” that are best carried out in concert with this whole – took delight in rediscovering the many ways that church. Among the most hopeful signs of this new we are connected. Those connections are rooted in structure is the renewed commitment to the Directors our baptism and come to the richest expression when for Evangelical Mission (DEM). DEMs, like our own we are witnessing to the Good News of Jesus Christ, Pastor Gloria Dovre, are deployed to the synods as aware that our witness is part of a shared mission. part as a tangible sign of our churchwide partnership, in order to facilitate the development of new and This year has been about rediscovering and renewing renewing congregations. the relationships that give shape to that mission. We have bid farewell to three congregations since I took particular delight in not traveling very much the 2010 synod assembly. Unity Lutheran Church outside the Southeastern Iowa Synod this past (Des Moines), First Lutheran Church (Ottumwa), year. That is not to diminish our churchwide and and Highland Park Lutheran Church (Des Moines), global relationships. In so many ways, they have each completed the process required to terminate been strengthened in the last twelve months. But their relationship with the ELCA. In each instance, tending to those relationships in the context of their pastors supported the efforts and joined them in local congregations, agencies and institutions has the departure. This is a loss that causes sadness, even contributed to my growing hopefulness for the future as we bid these communities of faith farewell and of this whole church. Godspeed. In addition to the ongoing For the sake of the whole church, I serve as a member Bishop’s conversations with individuals of the “ready bench” of bishops committed to Report and groups who are looking for a advocacy on matters related to hunger and domestic deeper understanding of the ELCA issues that affect people living in poverty. I also chair and the aspects of our life that bind us the group of liaison bishops to the ELCA Church together, I have participated in so many Council (one bishop from each region meets with and events that bolster my confidence for the future. advises the Church Council). Seven ordinations, engagement with a healthy and varied group of candidates for rostered ministry, days LIFT (Living Into the Future Together) is an effort of renewal, fall theological conference, worship in leading to recommendations that will come to the 2011 congregations, and one-to-one conversations with Churchwide Assembly with a report that intends to many leaders throughout the synod. In every instance, position us better as a whole church to make disciples whether discussing opportunities or challenges, and serve the neighbor in Jesus’ name. Two Iowans triumphs or troubles, it is clear that almost everyone have served as part of the diverse and gifted LIFT I encounter wants the best for this church and for our task force: our own, Erik Ullestad (Windsor Heights ministry together. After a year of living with “eyes Lutheran Church) and President Rick Torgerson of fixed on Jesus” (2010 assembly theme), it is evident Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. that the people of the Southeastern Iowa Synod want to keep their eyes focused on the One who saves us. The Southeastern Iowa Synod Council continues to work faithfully in demanding times. We have All of what has gone right in this synod has been had helpful conversations about what it means helped – as have I - by a remarkable synod staff. I to be Christ’s church today. I have been blessed continue to be indebted to the gifted colleagues who by the leadership of Martha Bonte (Synod Vice serve so faithfully on our behalf. I hope you will take President), Jim Ellefson (Treasurer), and Cheryl every opportunity to express your appreciation to Hollich (Secretary). Each have given significant Pastor Julie Higgs, Pastor Paul Ostrem, Pastor Eric time, while bringing their best gifts to leadership. Carlson, Pastor Gloria Dovre, Kathy Smith, Lorraine Among the small group conversations taken up by Jordan, Janelle Bidne and Paula Casper. They are council members this year was one involving mission faithful and humble servants. support (financial support for synod and churchwide ministries). When wrestling with the question of I continue to serve on the Boards of Grand View how to foster greater mutual support, there was one University, Lutheran Services in Iowa, Iowa Health recurring theme – “Give a face to the synod…and help Systems-Des Moines, and Luther College. In each people understand what their support provides for.” It instance, my own ministry is enriched. was tempting for some to conclude that meant making sure more people get to know the bishop. But most of This synod is one of twelve synods in Region 5, which these leaders began to understand and describe how includes synods in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. In important it is to help members throughout the synod September, we hosted a gathering of the bishops of understand that we are all the synod, and we are all the our region at the Southeastern Iowa Synod Center for ELCA, together. Ministry (which some people refer to as the “synod office” but in fact, is your center for synod ministries). On a personal note, I had very successful eye surgeries this past year (cataracts removed and replaced with I am blessed to be a part of the ELCA Conference of implants). It was a nuisance at times, but it reinforced Bishops, which meets three times a year and relies the theme of fixing our eyes on Jesus. I am grateful for heavily on frequent electronic communication for the prayers of many on my behalf, not only in light of mutual support and counsel. Though the bishops of these medical procedures but also for the ministry I this church reflect the varied perspectives you would have been called to do. find in and around the many congregations of the ELCA, the trust among us is exceptionally high as we As I write this I am looking forward to the 2011 strive to navigate what can seem like tumultuous seas. Assembly of the Southeastern Iowa Synod. I am very grateful that Bishop Charles Mjema and his wife, Pastor Nahana Mjema of the Pare Diocese will be Bishop’s with us to remind us of the breadth and depth of our Report relationships. Pastor Rafael Malpica-Padilla, ELCA Executive Director for Global Mission will be our churchwide representative. He has been instrumental in tending to our international relationships, including and especially with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. I am grateful that he will have some dedicated time here with Bishop Mjema.

Even as we finish preparing for the upcoming synod assembly, our voting members who will attend the 2011 Churchwide Assembly in August have already begun their work. I am excited that our group will serve as one of five synod groups that will be piloting a project that will lead to “paperless assemblies.” Each voting member from Southeastern Iowa will be issued the necessary “technology” to alleviate the need for hundreds of pages of documentation. It promises to be “interesting.”

More immediately I am looking forward to Holy Week and Easter. It is still Lent when pre-assembly materials are assembled. And I’m thinking about the Monday of Holy Week when all rostered leaders of this synod are invited to a common worship service that includes Holy Communion and an affirmation of the vows we made at ordination, consecration, or commissioning. It immediately precedes a day that I spend in seclusion praying for all of you by praying for rostered leaders, congregations, agencies and institutions (specialized ministries) by name. It is an important reminder that even as we tend to the relationships that give shape to our shared mission, the relationship that is the ground of our being and the source of our hope is our relationship with God, who loves us in and through Jesus Christ. It is because of God’s faithfulness in tending to us that we can be at peace in and excited about a landscape that has changed...and is changing.

Bishop Michael L. Burk Southeastner Iowa Synod Bishop Synod Synod Council Report Council Vice President Martha Bonte Report

. . . that is, in Restraint but not Timidity and Rejoicing. Our Christ God was world is always in need of those actions, but many reconciling the in our congregations, especially now, are particularly world to himself, eager to hear the hope of reconciliation. During the not counting Vice Presidents’ gathering last fall, we heard Bishop their trespasses Hanson tell the Bishops and Vice Presidents that we against them, and should not define ourselves by our losses nor let others entrusting the define us that way. We have a treasure of the Gospel message that the world “deserves to hear.” He referenced II of reconciliation Timothy 1:7, as he spoke of gifts of power and love to us.” and self-discipline rather than of timidity. During that gathering we vice presidents also heard reports about II Corinthians 5:19 the pending reorganization of Chruchwide offices; we worshipped together, studied together and shared stories of hope and reconciliation. When asked for a favorite Bible passage, one that I often recall is the verse above. I remember reading In the words of hymn 603 in Evangelical this passage in a college text by Dr. George Forell Lutheran Worship: many years ago. He wrote in that text that this is an axiom which is the key to the Christian faith. During God, when human bonds are broken and we this past year I have often pondered the meaning of lack the love or skill to restore the hope of reconciliation. I found it interesting that the Lutheran healing, give us grace and make us still. Give Study Bible notes include the information that the us faith to be more faithful, give us hope to Greek word for reconciliation, kataliassein, most often be more true, give us love to go on learning; refers to an initiation of friendship, not a restoration. God, encourage and renew! New beginnings. Beginnings recall our stories of creation, so I also was fascinated to learn how Dr. On a cold and snowy February evening this year Walter Bruggemann has described the theological several hundred people gathered in St. Patrick’s implications of human creation: “The memory of dust Catholic Church in Iowa City to hear The St. Olaf then does not diminish and denigrate and humiliate, Choir. I am sure those in attendance represented but is rather an evangelical affirmation that as we own many faith traditions. I was gathering ideas for this our true self, we are invited to a trusting embrace of report and heard a new choral anthem which gave me the faithfulness and power of God mobilized for our encouragement to use the message in II Corinthians. well-being.” Reconciliation. New beginnings. We pray that Christ will truly be our light during these This is the Day in which God’s most excellent new beginnings. Each year this report is written favors have been poured out upon all. during the season of Epiphany so light is an ever In which his most mighty grace present image. For that I thank God. We celebrate hath been infused into all created things. Christ as our light as we share the message of reconciliation in our own congregations, in this synod It is incumbent upon all people of the earth, and throughout the world. to reconcile their differences, and, with perfect unity and peace, In a pastoral letter that Presiding Bishop Hanson to abide beneath the shadow of the Tree sent out last August, he noted that this is a time of of His care and loving kindness. Discerning and Engaging, Repenting and Reconciling, Synod This choral anthem was written Members of Synod Council this year have been: Council by a current member of the choir. Report It was inspired by a text given to Conference 1 Nick Merfeld him by a friend, another member of Conference 2 Pr. Kathy Roys the choir. That text was taken from Baha’i Conference 3 Nan Schroeder writings and shows us how much the world longs Conference 4 Lowell Guard for reconciliation -- that message which has been Conference 5 Jan Kunau entrusted to us. It was evident to me in the hush that Conference 6 Paul Lewellan enveloped the listeners as the perfectly harmonized Conference 7 Lois Lembke tones faded prior to the applause, that the message also Conference 8 Claudia Genkinger resonated with almost everyone present. Conference 9 John Joenks Conference 10 Pr. Dave Nerdig In the midst of our longings, our Synod Council Conference 11 Pr. Jack Mithelman has worked this year on many tasks which needed Clergy at Large Pr. Judy Heinrich and our attention. Our usual agenda items include Pr. Shane Koepke things such as approving roster changes, hearing At Large Dr. Phyllis Chang and officers reports, dealing with budget issues and Godfrey Mwamsoyo hearing updates on Commissions. We also listen to Youth Thomas Gehring and explanations of Compensation Guideline changes Eva Garloff and budget proposals, both of which we send on for SWO Cathy Soppe Assembly action. In addition this year, we had some special presentations such as one on LIFT (Living In addition to those members, the executive committee into the Future Together). In place of a snowed- is made up of Bishop Burk, Secretary Cheryl Hollich, out consultation with the Rev. Craig Settlage from Treasurer Jim Ellefson, and myself, Martha Bonte, as Churchwide offices, we viewed a DVD titled “Hope Vice President. Pr. Dave Nerdig also serves on the and Promise in the Midst of Fear.” That DVD executive committee. Thank you to each of them for reminded us of how much we can do together as their service. the ELCA. In addition, we heard in our February meeting about the Macedonia Project grant that this Last year our Assembly theme was “Their Eyes Were synod has just received to better understand our Fixed on Jesus.” This year, may our eyes also be fixed financial stewardship. We have also approved a there as we allow Christ to be our light so that we can couple of requests to terminate relationships between share the message of reconciliation between God and congregations and our synod. It is in times like those humankind and between one person and another. that we need most to hear the message of reconciliation. I close my report for this year with words from another hymn from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, a Council members participated in many other aspects hymn which became a part of me as a student of the life of this synod. We all helped to invite at St. Olaf. congregations to send members to the series of Evenings with the Bishop in the fall; our rostered O day full of grace that now we see appearing members attended the Fall Conference, some of on earth’s horizon, bring light from our God us attended the Congregational Renewal event in that we may be abundant in joy this season. November, some attended the Anti-Racism Day in God, shine for us now in this dark place; your February, CTIM (Congregations Together in Mission) name on our hearts emblazon. in March and the “That Priceless Grace” teaching events led by Bishop Burk for lay people in April. Martha K. Bonte Our synod council members are active in conference Southeastern Iowa Synod Vice President and synodical events in many ways in addition to our meetings. Treasurer’s Synod Treasurer’s Report Report James C. Ellefson

The synod received Designated Gifts totaling $177,277. This was a decrease of $59,996 from 2009’s giving of $237,273, or a decrease of 25.3 percent. Designated gifts do not have a direct impact on the synod’s fi nances, but they are part of the overall picture of this synod’s generosity. Our total giving, including mission support, world hunger and designated gifts, decreased from $3,370,499 in 2009 to $3,052,695 in 2010.

This synod remitted $1,415,852 to the ELCA for churchwide mission support in 2010, which was 90 percent of our adjusted goal of $1,566,480. We kept our commitment to send 53.5 percent of our unrestricted mission support receipts to the churchwide expression of the ELCA.

In the institutions and agencies category, Campus Congregations of the Southeastern Iowa Synod Ministries, Outdoor Ministries and the seminaries remitted $2,638,874 in mission support to the synod supported by this synod, Wartburg and LSTC, each in 2010. This was 98 percent of the congregations’ received 100 percent of their budgeted amounts. LSI stated and imputed intents of $2,679,332. $7587 was received $250,387, or 91 per cent. The synod council received from individuals for mission support. The adjusted the synod’s LSI contribution to $250,000 combined mission support receipts from all sources in pursuant to S15.13, on the basis of synod resources, 2010 totaled $2,646,452. This sum was 90 percent of while the $387 was the result of a specifi c gift. the adjusted budgeted mission support of $2,928,000, and a decrease of $302,079 or ten percent from our Actual administrative costs were 92.7 percent of the 2009 mission support of $2,948,531. amount budgeted. Our total actual expenses were 84.2 percent of those budgeted. Seventy-six of the congregations in the synod reached 100 percent or more of their intent amount. Thank you to the Finance Committee and to Kathy Smith for their work during the year. Our giving for World Hunger in 2010 was $228,966, an increase of $44,002, or 23.8 percent, from 2009, Thank you to the congregations of this synod and the when we gave $184,964. Our high was $255,804 in members of the synod assembly, whose consistent 2000. faithfulness makes this synod a wonderful place to serve as treasurer. We have been asked to report our world hunger giving on a confi rmed member basis. With a total synod James C. Ellefson confi rmed membership of 70,781, our 2010 hunger Southeastern Iowa Synod Treasurer giving was $3.23 per confi rmed member. Financials Budget Synod Budget

1 Southeastern Iowa Synod A B C D E F 1 2 Approved Revised Audited Approved Revised Proposed 2 3 Budget Budget Actual Budget Budget Budget 3 4 INCOME 2010 2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 4 5 5 6 Mission Support Income 3,253,333 2,928,000 2,646,455 2,986,560 2,671,612 2,986,559 6 7 Mission Support to Churchwide (53.5%) -1,740,533 -1,566,480 -1,415,853 -1,597,810 -1,429,312 -1,597,809 7 8 Sub-Total Synod Portion MS (46.5%) 1,512,800 1,361,520 1,230,602 1,388,750 1,242,300 1,388,750 8 9 Contributions and Bequests 1,837 9 10 Interest Income - Checking 7,200 4,000 3,125 4,000 4,000 4,000 10 11 Salary Support - Churchwide EOCM 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 10,000 11 12 TOTAL BUDGETED INCOME 1,535,000 1,380,520 1,250,564 1,407,750 1,261,300 1,402,750 12 13 13 14 EXPENSE 14 15 Agencies & Institutions 15 16 Regional Gift Planning 10,000 16 17 Higher Education Support 212,000 17 18 Campus Ministry 86,000 86,000 86,000 86,000 86,000 18 19 Lutheran School of Theology 56,000 56,000 56,000 56,000 56,000 19 20 Wartburg Seminary 56,000 56,000 56,000 56,000 56,000 20 21 Center for Renewal 28,750 25,000 12,422 25,000 21 22 Outdoor Ministries - Region V 600 600 650 600 650 650 22 23 Lutheran Services in Iowa 275,000 275,000 250,000 275,000 250,000 250,000 23 24 Total Agencies & Institutions 526,350 498,600 461,459 498,600 448,650 448,650 24 25 25 26 Synod Administration 26 27 Human Resources/Staffing 715,000 602,712 597,706 631,056 617,058 640,000 27 28 Office & Support 130,020 110,696 70,363 110,696 75,580 101,365 28 29 Interest 10,032 29 30 Building Expenses 20,500 40,600 17,576 40,600 38,389 42,089 30 31 Total Synod Administration 865,520 754,008 695,677 782,352 731,027 783,454 31 32 32 33 Synod Council & Candidacy 36,450 19,100 8,730 19,100 11,523 23,400 33 34 Synod & Churchwide Assembly 8,000 4,000 -14,673 4,000 1,000 4,000 34 35 Region/Inter-Synod 7,100 7,100 6,800 7,100 7,100 6,755 35 36 36 37 Commissions 37 38 Vocation & Faith Formation 7,400 6,900 811 6,900 5,000 8,000 38 39 Rostered Leadership Support 24,900 18,500 5,037 18,500 8,000 16,900 39 40 Church & Society 17,800 10,800 291 10,800 5,000 11,800 40 41 Global Relationships 15,000 15,000 960 15,000 7,000 16,000 41 42 Evangelical Mission 15,880 22,880 246 22,880 4,000 23,880 42 43 Advisory/Advocates 7,700 7,700 2,079 7,700 4,000 8,700 46 44 Mission Advancement 8,500 44 45 Other Mission Initiatives 8,500 678 8,500 4,000 9,500 45 46 Total Commissions 88,680 90,280 10,102 90,280 37,000 103,280 46 47 47 48 Operating and Maintenance Reserves 25,000 31,000 48 49 Depreciation 32,338 49 50 TOTAL BUDGETED EXPENSE 1,532,100 1,373,088 1,200,433 1,401,432 1,261,300 1,400,539 50 51 NET REVENUE 2,900 7,432 50,131 6,318 0 2,211 51 Financial Audit Financial Audit Financial Audit Financial Audit Financial Audit Financial Audit Financial Audit Financial Audit Financial Audit Financial Audit Financial Audit Financial Audit Commissions Commission for Church in Society

We have been focusing on the role of the church in Seven applications were received from social ministry. Toward this end: congregations or organizations within our synod • We met with LSI CEO Doug Johnson on for funding this year under the ELCA World Wide effective advocacy. We are continuing these Hunger Appeal. Six of these requests were funded discussions and shall disseminate information with total grants of $11,500. These grants represent and requests for involvement by our synod yet another way that we are partners with the and individual congregations. As part of this churchwide expression of the ELCA and partners process, information has been provided and with organizations, congregations and communities disseminated on effective use of the ELCA/LSI within our synod as together we seek to serve the most early alert system. vulnerable in our society and to address the needs of • Information was provided and disseminated those who are hungry and living in poverty, all in the on the Lutheran Day on the Hill, February 23, name of Jesus. 2011. We want to thank those individuals who chose to participate. Our March 2011 meeting was centered on a discussion • Andrew Genzler spoke at the Fall Theological of the role of the church relative to Immigration Conference, Oct. 17-19, 2010, with a focus on issues. This discussion was based on the ELCA social advocacy as a faith practice. policy resolution, Toward Compassionate, Just, and Wise Immigration Reform. It included presentations by The Hunger Working Group, chaired by Russ Melby Dr. Mark Grey, Director of the Center for Immigrant continues working to identify best practices in synod Leadership and Integration as well as several other congregations to increase awareness of/support for the presentations by individuals who helped us to world hunger efforts of the ELCA. We have received understand the current situation in Iowa. a $1,000.00 grant from the ELCA to facilitate this project. We continue to work toward meeting the Bill Rosberg, Chairperson of goal (Adopted by the 2010 Synod Assembly) to end Commission for Church in Society. childhood hunger by 2015. The Des Moines Food Access Working Group is seen as a starting point for Commission Members a synod-wide effort. Pastor Diana Sickles is deeply Bill Rosberg, involved and has reported to the Commission on their St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church,Cedar Rapids progress. Peg Armstrong-Gustafson, Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, Windsor Heights Care for Creation is an ongoing concern. We met Deb Egeland, First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Centerville with Sarah Webb, Iowa Interfaith Power and Light, Sue Erickson, regarding a proposed resolution for the 2011 assembly Fjeldberg Lutheran Church, Huxley on Care for Creation. IIPL has funding for a Cool Pr. Russ Melby Congregations workshop, which they hope to host in Church World Service, Ames eastern part of the synod. We are working to assure Pr. Joan Swander that this workshop occurs. St. Paul Lutheran Church, State Center Pr. Mark Urlaub We have spent a substantial amount of time Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Vinton examining issues related to aging. We recognize that Duane Williams we must encourage the development and retention Zion Lutheran Church, Muscatine of community and church facilities to allow this Pr. Paul Ostrem, Synod Staff Liason population to stay in their communities and to retain their health. Commissions Commission for Evangelical Mission

The commission meets four times per year and has Macedonia Grant Project established many working groups to move forward We have recently been awarded a two-year grant these important areas of focus. through the ELCA churchwide organization which will help fund additional activities in the Evangelism and Congregational Renewal areas of Stewardship, Mission Support, Mission A working group was established to look at Interpretation and giving growth. We are excited opportunities to assess congregational health, about the possibilities that this enables. including the identification of resources and methodologies for assessment and renewal. Some of the resources we will focus on in the Mark Lyon next year include several on the ELCA website, Chairperson of Commission for Evangelical Mission Natural Church Development and Unbinding the Gospel. These diverse resources provide powerful Commisssion Members opportunities for Congregational Renewal. An Pr. Kathy Franzenburg introductory meeting was held on November 4th First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Centerville where these resources were explained and questions Jolene Jebsen were answered. We are encouraged to hear several Trinity Lutheran Church, Marshalltown congregations have already started using some of Pr. Lyle Kleman St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids these materials as they explore renewal. Mark Lyon First Lutheran Church, Maquoketa Mission Support Suzanne Schloss A working group was established to develop and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, North Liberty execute Mission Interpretation for 2010, develop Mike Thomas new or identify available resources, and to deliver Palestine Lutheran Church, Huxley the intent forms to the congregations. Ellen Wonderlin Grace Lutheran Church, Des Moines Anti-Racism Pr. Howard Vrankin A working group was established to develop and First Lutheran Church, Newton provide training opportunities in the Synod, and Pr. Shannon Witt, Faith Lutheran Church, Andover to explore the possibilities of raising the issue to Pr. Gloria Dovre, Synod Staff Liaison other working groups and commissions. While the January anti-racism training was affected by a snowstorm, there was a successful training in February. The team has also presented training and workshops for other agencies and institutions.

CTIM The 2011 CTIM was once again a success. The keynote speaker was Dr. Ben Stewart, Professor of Worship at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. Many diverse and interesting workshops were developed for this powerful event; our thanks to all who participated. Commissions Commission for Church in Society

The Commission for Global Relations is committed • ELCA Initiatives/Campaigns. The to this synod’s engagement in God’s mission to the commission encourages congregations to whole world. Over the past year, the commission learn and participate in ELCA campaigns and has spent intentional time discerning goals and initiatives that impact our global community. areas of focus, all of which are designed to enhance Currently, this includes HIV/AIDS and Malaria congregational ministries through education and an campaigns. invitation to action. These following goals set the agenda for each meeting of the commission: As noted above, the commission established the Companion Synod Committee this past year. One of • Raising awareness of accompaniment. the ongoing synodical priorities is our companionship The ELCA Global Mission Unit defines relationship with our sisters and brothers of the accompaniment as walking together in solidarity Pare Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church that practices interdependence and mutuality. in Tanzania. The Companion Synod Committee’s The commission works to teach that in this walk responsibility is to maintain and strengthen - gifts, resources, and experiences are shared relationships in the companionship between the Pare with mutual advice and admonition to deepen Diocese and the Southeastern Iowa Synod, and to and expand our work within God’s mission. support the growth of relationships between individual congregations within the larger Synod/Diocese • Provide a strong connection with the ELCA companionship. The members of the Commission for Global Mission Unit. The commission promotes Global Relations are interested in hearing suggestions events and resources available through our as to how the work of the commission can best serve churchwide partners. the Southeastern Iowa Synod and the whole church.

• Be aware of global partnerships, especially Pr. Gregory Geier lifting up the work of the Lutheran World Chairperson of Commission for Global Realtions Federation and World Council of Churches. Commission Members • Set priorities and establish committees and Bob Larson work groups. Working groups in the form of Faith Lutheran Church, Clive a committee (ongoing ministry emphases) or a Bob Roys task force (short-term ministry task) assist the St. John Lutheran Church, Grinnell commission in living out synodical priorities. A Ruth Ehrhardt First Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids Companion Synod Committee was established Sheri Krumm this past year (see below), and a task force for St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Ames Global Advocacy is currently being developed. Pr. Greg Geier St. John Lutheran Church, Preston, Chairperson • World Disaster Relief. The commission directs Pr. Janelle Osbeck congregations to the ongoing work of the ELCA Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Des Moines World Disaster Relief. Pr. Jan Rippentrop Zion Lutheran Church, Iowa City • Global Advocacy. A task force for Global Pr. Linda Livingston Advocacy is currently being established. This Ascension Lutheran Church, Marion working group will help discern ways in which the synod walks with others in God’s reconciling Pr. Eric Carlson – Synod Staff Liaison justice for those most vulnerable, including but not limited to Peace, Not Walls. Commissions Commission for Rostered Leadership Support

The members of the Commission for Rostered Minimum Compensation Guidelines Leadership Support held a listening post at the 2010 • Received recommendations from the working Synod Assembly. The goal of the listening post was to group and proposed guidelines for 2012 with a 3% communicate areas in which we are already working increase for all categories of rostered ministry. to provide support and to provide an opportunity • A working group will be established to further for input into other ways the synod can support its consider the following: Associate in Ministry/ rostered leaders. Feedback form the listening post was Diaconal Minister compensation guidelines, helpful and we continue to draw on it as a resource. including a comparison to surrounding synods; In 2010 we have acted in the following ways: Interim Pastor and Supply compensation guidelines, including comparison to surrounding First Call Theological Education synods; recommendations regarding home equity • We received a report from the working group allowances given vastly different experiences in chaired by Jen Henry. real estate market in the last several years. • We drafted a request to the Synod Council for a standing committee for First Call Theological Ongoing working groups and other actions Education with the following charge: Working groups have been established to develop • Continue the current program of First recommendations related to the following: Call Theological Education (FCTE), • Transitions to New Calls: Suggestions for aiding maintaining the strengths identified by the transitions to new calls within or into the synod FCTE Evaluation Working Group in its (not first call.) September 2010 report. • Sabbatical Policy: Updating a policy for • Consider and incorporate five congregations who request guidance on sabbatical recommendations of the FCTE Evaluation leave policy for rostered leaders. Working group regarding: refining • Opportunity was provided to rostered leaders to the mission of FCTE; connecting participate in Colleague 2 groups with some new and training first call congregations; groups created. building relationships earlier with first- • A spirituality retreat was held in January with call candidates; continuing the Bishop’s excellent attendance and positive feedback. This involvement in FCTE, and naming a activity will be continued. consistent “point person” for FCTE • Pre-retirement workshops have been scheduled coordination and announced. • Consider and incorporate as practical the additional recommendations of the FCTE Pr. Lisa Parker Evaluation Working group report. Chairperson of Commission for Rostered Leadership Support Fall Theological Conference • Held the 2010 Theological conference with a Commission Members focus on issues related to poverty and advocacy Ruth Blom, AIM, Zion Lutheran Church, Clinton • Began planning for the 2011 Fall Theological Michele Gehring, AIM, Bethesda Lutheran Church, Ames Conference to be held October 9-11, with Dr. Pr. Myron Herzberg, Memorial Lutheran Church, Nevada Christian Scharen from Luther Seminary as our Pr. Lisa Parker, Resurrection Lutheran Church, Ankeny Pr. Brenda Peconge, Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church speaker. Cedar Rapids • Set dates for the 2012 Fall Conference, with a Pr. Erick Swanson, Trinity Lutheran Church topic related to global relations Burlington • The 2013 Fall Conference will be a Tri- Synodical Gatherin Pr. Julie Higgs – Synod Staff Liaison Commissions Commission for Vocation and Faith Formation

The members of the Commission for Vocation and It is our commitment to discern the best way to Faith Formation and our staff liaison, The Rev. enhance the ministries of congregations, leaders, Eric Carlson, met four times during 2010. In those and individual members of every age throughout the meetings we clarified our call as a commission, synod. It has been a privilege to see the thoughtful followed up on working group assignments, and began and faithful way in which this group has pursued that explorations of new ministries in the synod. commitment.

Our work has also included the following: Brian Middleswarth, AIM Chairperson of Lutheran Youth Organization - We continue in Commission for Vocation and Faith Formation conversation with members of the LYO Board about how our commission can best support ministry among Commission Members youth throughout the synod as the board seeks to David Bahnsen, Bethany Lutheran Church, discern their calling and how to live out this vision. It West Branch is our hope that a joint resolution from the commission Pr. Stacy Grau, First Lutheran Church, Fairfield and the LYO Board will brought to the floor of the Stephanie Johnson,, Grace Lutheran Church, Synod Assembly that would support the intentional Des Moines inclusion of youth in the assembly as we work to Pam Larabee-Zierath, AIM, Gloria Dei, Iowa City better apprentice youth and young adults into the work Brian Middleswarth, AIM, First Lutheran Church of the church. Cedar Rapids Joel Moore, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport Wholeness/Wellness - A Task Force is being formed Pr. Dan Solomon, Augustana Lutheran Church, Boone to create a multi-year plan to promote healthy Pr. Grant Woodley, St. Peter Lutheran Church, Grimes congregations and members. The charge is to have the plan ready to implement in January of 2012.

Book of Faith - We have heard from Bishop Burk and The Rev. Dwight Dubois, Director of the Center for Renewal, about how the Book of Faith Initiative has been lived out in the synod so far. Pastor Dubois and a Task Force crafted a survey to obtain information related to the awareness and implementation of the goals of the 2008 resolution concerning the Book of Faith Initiative and those results have been presented to the commission.

Lifelong Learning - The Commission has researched several options for lay schools on a synodical level. We continue to be in conversation with the synod staff about this and hope to have a pilot program by the end of the year. Conferences Reports from Conferences

Conference 1 voted to dissolve their congregation effective August Northwest Conference 31, 2011. However, we rejoice that they were a faithful witness to God’s mercy, love and grace for The Northwest Conference is made up of fourteen 141 years. We continue to keep Pastor Nancy Pick congregations nestled way up in the far northwest and the people of St. Paul in our prayers. corner of the Synod. Sever pastors of our churches meet on a weekly basis on Tuesdays at the Iowa State At our annual conference assembly, hosted by Holy University Center in Ames (which houses Campus Trinity, Newton, we heard from Lutheran Services Ministry and Lord of Life Lutheran Church). During in Iowa representative about their programs and this time we share in conversation and study the services. Members of the Jasper County Lutherans lectionary texts. told those present how they work cooperatively in various hunger issues, including packaging events and This year one of our congregations, Bethany Lutheran a garden mentoring program. Elim, Marshalltown, Church in Kelley, voted to leave the ELCA. Two shared the history of their prison ministry to the other congregations held votes and voted to stay in Release Center at Newton and the Marshall County the fold. One congregation held a vote to redirect Jail. benevolence, but voted to continue Mission Support as in the past. Pr. Karen Cluts, Conference Dean

We have welcomed into our midst Pastors Mark Holmes (Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, Perry), Beth Bachman Caulfield (St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church , Conference 3 Ames), and Interim Pastor Mark Kukkonen (Palestine Cedar River Conference Lutheran Church, Huxley). Comprised of sixteen congregations located in Pr. Marchus Badgley, Conference Dean three counties – Benton, Linn and Iowa – the Cedar River Conference is centrally located within the Southeastern Iowa Synod. Seven Cedar Rapids congregations (First, Gloria Dei, Holy Redeemer, Conference 2 Hope, Our Savior’s, St. Andrew and St. Stephen’s), Good Earth Conference four Marion (Ascension, Faith, St. Mark’s, Conference 2 Resurrection), Bethlehem in Vinton; First in Conroy; St. John in Ely, Seeds of Faith in Mt. Vernon, and The Good Earth Conference consists of twelve Trinity in Walford are partnered in the gospel congregations in Jasper, Marshall, Poweshiek and proclamation that “Jesus is Lord”. Rostered, retired Tama counties. Pastors (including retired clergy) and and lay leaders from our congregations gather three Associates in Ministry meet on a quarterly basis to times a year (January, May, September) to connect share worship, fellowship, concerns and information. and grow together. We share updates on life in our individual congregations/communities and we invite We welcomed Pastors Kalen Barkholtz (St. John, speakers from Synod and Church-wide organizations Tama and Trinity, Malcom) and Tom Dowling (St. to help lift our eyes above the horizons of local Paul, Tama) as colleagues with us this year. A weekly mission and ministry to imagine together how we can text study with Marshall and Tama County pastors was better partner to impact the world. begun at the beginning of 2011. Earlier this winter we were saddened to hear that St. Paul, Kellogg has Changes in our roster include the additions of Anderson-Larson to our Pastors Trish Decker and Erika Uthe, both ordained conference. Pastor Ginger serves Conferences in 2010. Trish is serving as Associate Pastor at churches in Wyoming and Olin. Gloria Dei (C.R.) and Erika is serving as Pastor of St. John (Ely). Pastor Blair A’Hearn is now serving Pr. Bill Nielsen, Conference Dean a term call on staff at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (Marion), Pastor Craig Brown in serving Conference 5 as an Associate Pastor at First Lutheran (C.R.) and Great River Conference Pastor Lyle Kleman is serving as Interim Pastor at St. Stephen’s (C.R.). Seminary Interns served Great River Conference hugs the great Mississippi 3 congregations in our conference. Completing River where it bends to the east. We are sixteen internships during the summer of 2010 were Kristen congregations in Clinton and Jackson counties. Corr Rod (Gloria Dei), Divaker Pathak (St. Andrew) Conference 5 is blessed with an active and well- and Katie Lowe Lancaster (Ascension). Intern Jo organized Women of the ELCA group. The Jackson Kinnard is currently serving a shared internship at County ELCA pastors gather bi-weekly for support Ascension in Marion and Bethlehem in Vinton. and fun, and the Clint-area pastors gather weekly for lectionary study. Area pastors also have ready access Nearly all of the congregations of our conference to excellent enrichment opportunities through Tri- (and a few from neighboring conferences) partnered State Forums and Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, and in producing an advertisement in the Cedar Rapids Illowa events at Augustana College in Rock Island, Il. Gazette during the 2010 Advent season. We are planning a similar ad to run before Easter this year. In Early in 2011, we said good-bye to two conference addition to working together, individual congregations pastors: Stacy Grau, who was at Zion in Clinton; and are also working in the community rebuilding flood Gerry Gjerde, who completed over 30 years at First damaged homes (St. Stephen’s, Cedar Rapids) as in Maquoteka. Michael Stadie is serving as interim at well as preparing to serve the community through a Zion, and Carl Engstrom is serving as interim at First. spiritual care center in a new medical facility (First, Highlights from conference congregations include: Cedar Rapids). Elvira Zion Lutheran Church Food Pantry is the recipient of a $2000.00 grant from Monsanto, which Pr. Linda Livingston, Conference Dean will be accepted at a service in April recognizing the ministry of the Food Pantry and those who have Conference 4 served in it; Zion of Clinton recently completed Hope Conference a capital campaign to make their building more handicap-accessible; Immanuel of Camanche did The Hope Conference includes seven congregations some remodeling to make a youth-friendly space near from Jones County, four congregations from Clinton their sanctuary; Saint Paul in Clinton participated in County and one from Deleware County. The regions an Apostles’ Build for Habitat for Humanity; and in in which our congregations serves are Anamosa, February several members of Faith in Andover made a Monticello, Hopkinton, Wyoming, Olin, Oxford Companion trip to the Pare Diocese in Tanzania. Junction, Lost Nation, Calamus and Grand Mound. Six of our congregations are yokes as pairs and two In December, the conference gathering featured congregations are served by part-time pastors. Dr. Dan Olson from Wartburg Seminary leading a lively bible study and discussion of the Beatitudes in At our annual assembly, Pastor Bill Nielsen from St. Matthew. Paul, Anamosa was elected dean of our conference. We also voted to send $300 to both seminaries We give thanks to God for the privilege of using our supported by our synod. In addition we challenged hands for God’s good work. our conference congregations to consider giving $300 to one of the ELCA seminaries during 2011.Wayne Pr. Elizabeth Liggett, Conference Dean Zion, Monticello is currently vacant and being served by Pastor Bob Wessels. We welcomed Pastor Ginger Conference 6 The important chaplaincy ministry of Lutheran Conferences River Bend Chaplaincy Outreach continues at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, thanks to the generous The congregations of the River Bend financial contributions of ELCA congregations, conference are chiefly in Scott County, individuals, and organizations. Chaplain Cindy Breed in and around the Quad Cities. Along with is in her 15th year as the ELCA Chaplain at UIHC. our partner congregations on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River we form the Illowa Lutheran Our Muscatine congregations experienced plenty of Coalition, which cooperates in local ministries as well changes in 2010, with Pr. Jodi Hinrichs arriving as providing monthly continuing education forums and the new “shepherd” of Shepherd of the Cross. Zion luncheons. Lutheran in Muscatine also celebrated its 125th anniversary throughout the entire year with a dinner A conference rostered leaders’ lunch gathering is held celebration on Oct. 31. The congregation also monthly. We seek to faithfully encourage one another extended a call to Rev. Steve Cauley to serve as pastor, in our ministries and lives. and re-Issued a call to Cheryl Hollich, AIM. Christ the King in Iowa City is in the midst of transition, The congregations of the River Bend conference with Pastor David Aanonsen’s retirement in January, continued their on-going faithfulness to the gospel, after serving at Christ the King for 20 years. Zion each in their own unique way. Some struggle under Lutheran in Iowa City has spent the past many months economic and other concerns. Others are thriving under construction, re-configuring entrances, replacing financially and numerically. All seek to serve God to heating systems, removing asbestos and other the best of their abilities in their own unique ways. We maintenance projects. give thanks to God for their ministries. The Rev. Duane Marburger and Bonnie Marburger Pr. John Grebner, Conference Dean continue their work as Directors of Ministry Support fo United Marriage Encounter, encouraging couples to attend weekend retreats where they can improve Conference 7 their communication skills. They invite pastors to Iowa City/Muscatine encourage members to attend these events, noting that there’s only a nominal registration fee. Now called to serve as the pastor of the newly- established Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in North Finally, Holy Trinity in North Liberty, with the Liberty, I am still learning my way around the help of the Mission Investment Fund and a small- conference. Nonetheless, it is heartening to report scale capital campaign, was able lease a 2-year-old ministry among the congregations & colleagues in 8,000 square foot building situated on 3 acres on the Conference 7. We gather monthly during the program community’s north side. Interior modifications were year, with presentations and conversation centered discussed over the summer, begun in the fall utilizing around various aspects of particular ministries. mostly volunteer labor from within & beyond the congregation, and most were completed in February, Lutheran Campus Ministry reported growing student when the first worship service was held there, with participation in weekly fellowship activities and 215 in attendance. They give thanks for their mission Sunday worship at Gloria Dei in Iowa City. They also partners, upon whom they are still dependent, and by held a very successful joint retreat with students from whom they are humbled due to their generosity shared LCM and the UI Wesley Foundation on the spirituality on behalf of the mission of the Church. of travel, & have nine students going on a delegation to Nicaragua for Spring Break. Challenges facing Pr. Timothy Smith, Conference Dean LCM in Iowa and nationwide include the possible loss of Churchwide funding for Campus Ministry and the shift to synodical oversight and support in 2012. Conference 8 Or struggling with fish who Heritage are foolish enough to accept any Conferences form of bait which looks interesting, While God’s love and faithfulness remain ever the or have failed to listen to wiser fish who same, changes among God’s people are ever present. continue to survive in all sorts of currents. “We’ve always swum this way before.” is still the We welcome Pastor Stacy Grau who has accepted theme song from schools of fish continuing to muddy the call to First Lutheran in Fairfield. We welcome up the waters. Pastor Rodney Underwood as the new pastor at First Lutheran in Keokuk. Pastor Leroy Bradway The newest addition to the Stream is Rich Gates who has accepted the interim pastor call at Bethany in serves First Lutheran, in Chariton. St. Paul’s in Albia Burlington. is vacant, being take care of by Larry Peterson. Bob Elgin retired from St. Paul’s in Ottumwa, living the We said farewell and Godspeed to Pastor Carl good life, floating along without fear of being snagged Engstrom who retired in 2010 after serving the people by nasty hooks. Gene Anderson has been called to be of Bethany Lutheran in Burlington for 17 years. St. Paul’s interim pastor. Munterville remains vacant. Pella, Knoxville, Centerville, Bloomfield, and Queen The congregation of First Lutheran in Ottumwa, City, Mo. make up the rest of the group. whose pastor is Ralph Kister, voted to leave the ELCA. Their final vote occurred in the summer of Each month Conference 9 clergy swim or float to St. 2010. Paul’s in Albia, depending on our mood. We begin the morning being fed with Communion, then with bake The Heritage Conference consists of eleven goods from the Jaarsma Bakery in Pella while sharing congregations that serve Lutherans and their each others ministry, challenges, and celebrations. communities in the far southeast corner of Iowa. Serving are Pastor Jerleen Schlesser of Immanuel in The desert can be a dry and lonely place. We of Mediapolis; Pastor Wayne Weissenbuehler of Faith, Conference 9 are nourished with the living waters of Pastor Erick Swanson of Trinity, Pastor Susanne Smith Jesus Christ as well as each other. Quite a blessing. of Messiah, and Interim Pastor Leroy Bradway of Speaking of nourishment I think I’ll have another Bethany, all in Burlington; Pastor Kimberly Riebe of cream cheese roll. Beats worms! St. Paul in Fort Madison, Pastor Rodney Underwood of First in Keokuk, Pastor Cindy Johnson of Peace Pr. John Chadwick, Conference Dean in rural West Burlington, Pastor Steven Zittergruen of Swedesburg Evangelical in Swedesburg, Interim Pastor John Meyer of First Augustana in Lockridge, Conference 10 and Pastor Stacy Grau of First in Fairfield. Conference 10 is diverse in congregational size We, the people of this conference, continue to let our and geographic setting; having both rural churches, light shine before others in order to give glory to our city churches and all that lives in between. Our Father in heaven. congregations include: Grace in Adel, Faith in Clive, Grace and Saint John in Des Moines, Peace Pr. Cindy Johnson, Conference Dean in Earlham, Saint Peter in Grimes, Saint James in Johnston, Saint Stephen in Urbandale, Lutheran Church of Hope and Saint Mark in West Des Moines, Conference 9 Windsor Heights in Windsor Heights, Saint Paul Streams in the Desert in Winterset.

Our conference continues to flow through South We have two active Text Studies that meet weekly Central Iowa, its pastors sometimes finding at Grace in Adel and Saint James in Johnston. Both themselves swimming upstream. Against the current. are inclusive and allow pastors from outside the conference to attend. two Congregations, Highland Park and Unity, Des Conferences But seriously, good fellowship Moines, along with their pastors, voted to terminate and spiritual care is shared. New their association with the ELCA. Pastor Gene clergy or lay professionals are Anderson of Redeemer, Indianola announced his always welcome. retirement. Recently, Pr. Jack Mithelman resigned his call at Luther Memorial and Grand View College. Lutheran Church of Hope graciously hosted our Pr. Timothy Olson now serves as Lead Pastor at Holy Synod Assembly in 2010. It was a great opportunity Trinity, Ankeny. for people to experience Hope at it’s best. And a great opportunity for Hope to have sister congregations walk in their midst. Pr. Roger Osbeck, Conference Dean

Pr. Andrew Gangle, Conference Dean

Conference 11

Conference 11 is currently made up of the following congregations: Holy Trinity and Resurrection in Ankeny; Capitol Hill, Christ, Good Shepherd, Grand View, Luther Memorial, Prince of Peace, and St. Paul, in Des Moines; Redeemer in Indianola; St. Paul in Martensdale; and, New Life in Norwalk.

Our Conference recognizes a diversity of cross- cultural ministries within our congregations, including those reaching out to Sudanese and Vietnamese persons at Capitol Hill, Des Moines, Laotians at St. Paul, Des Moines. Grand View University and The Center for Renewal are contained within our geographical boundaries providing many educational opportunities for local lay and clergy. Many of our lay members are active volunteers at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines as part of the Hospital Auxiliary. Our congregations provide solid assistance for local agencies working to aid those in need. Several clergy are involved in regular Bible Text Study with members of Conference 10 and there is a weekly gathering of women clergy to foster collegial support. Pastoral leaders of East Des Moines are currently in conversation with Synod Staff to explore visions for future possibilities in ministry and mission for that area.

On November 21, 2010, the annual Conference 11 Assembly was held at Capitol Hill in Des Moines for the purpose of necessary Conference nominations and elections. In 2010, Prince of Peace, Des Moines and Redeemer, Indianola both celebrated their respective 50th year Anniversaries. In transition: Additional Reports

REGION 5 EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

Rev. Carl Richard Evenson COORDINATOR FOR MINISTRY LEADERSHIP—REGION 5 [email protected]

Synod Assembly Report Spring, 2011

Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ, each synod and are gathered regionally to share consultation. The twelve synods of Region 5 stretch through Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, and include the Upper Some congregations in the region have contended Peninsula of Michigan. Gathering when mutual with difficult decisions this past year, and a few in ministry can happen, regional work demonstrates our every synod have left the ELCA for other association. partnership with other synods and with the But the Spirit is calling our witness forward with churchwide expression of the Evangelical Lutheran renewed vigor for Christ and his open hand to all. Church in America. Nancy Carroll is our Region 5 archivist. In a fresh organizing of the churchwide office this Congregations deposit key records and closing year, Region 5 has retained its role but now relates parishes submit their historical documents for most directly to the new Congregational and perpetual care (with a financial gift if possible) to the Synodical Mission unit (CSM) at the Lutheran Center regional archive at Wartburg Seminary. in Chicago. The Region 5 office includes the coordinator, and Primary Region 5 endeavors include oversight in the office assistant Darlene Bilstad. The Region 5 areas of leadership development and campus Steering Committee directs the region and Bishop ministry. Candidacy is the practice we use to raise Duane Pederson from Northwest Synod of new pastors, diaconal ministers, deaconesses, and Wisconsin is the current chair, Bishop Michael Last associates in ministry for the ELCA. Assignment is is the vice chair, and Bishop James Arends is the the process for deploying new rostered leaders to a secretary. particular synod. Churchwide office support, and income of seven Many campus ministers in Region 5 serve college cents per baptized member from each of our twelve and university communities, bringing a Christian and synods comprises Region 5 funding. We are grateful Lutheran presence to complement higher education. for all twelve synods echoing the covenant we share to be fully supportive of Region 5. Thank you for Our regional mobility conferences continue to provide supporting this ministry. an interview forum for rostered leaders who are open to new call. And our word and service rostered --Rev. Carl Richard Evenson leaders met recently for consultation. Directors for Evangelical Mission (DEM) have been appointed in Additional Reports Additional Reports Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO)

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

My name is AnaEliza Chelf and I am the current president of the Southeast Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO). As with most of the synod, we are undergoing many changes in hope of improving our mission in Christ along with the world around us.

We began our year with a retreat to discuss our mission and possible revisions to our constitution. We generated many ideas and got the ball rolling for the rest of the year. We held our annual high school gathering, but moved it to April in hopes to reach more youth. The theme of the gathering was “Let Your Light Shine.” Through speakers, music and conversation, our focus was on Jesus as Light of the World, and our call to share that light with others.

The current LYO Board has begun a conversation regarding the structure of youth leadership in the synod. Instead of a board with officers as usually seen in organizations of this nature, this new vision will include a group of youth without titles or specific roles, who will learn to be better leaders for the youth around us. As commonly seen in other leadership programs, we shall work all year to become better leaders in Christ in our own congregations as well as in life in general. Members would be chosen based on a letter of interest. This is a large move, but one we hope will help us reach our greater mission and be on target with the national LYO level. A name for this organization has yet to be announced.

As anyone can see, large amounts of change are going on in the world we live in. We are becoming part of that change so that we may better serve God, youth of this synod, as well as youth of the state, nation and world.

Respectfully Submitted,

AnaEliza M. Chelf LYO President Southeastern Iowa Synod ELCA Additional Reports

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Take a close look at this picture. These students gathered with myself, Pastor Rob Dotzel of University Iowa Lutheran Campus Ministry and Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Bishop Mark Hanson are all active members of Lutheran Campus Ministry in Take a close look at this picture. These students gathered with myself, Pastor Rob Dotzel of University the state of Iowa. They spent four days in Iowa Lutheran Campus Ministry and Chicago last summer, talking with ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson are all active communicators and college students from members of Lutheran Campus Ministry in around the country about what it means the state of Iowa. They spent four days in to be the ELCA and why their faith Chicago last summer, talking with ELCA matters in a world that often suggests it communicators and college students from should not. They are all dedicated leaders around the country about what it means of our student communities. They will be to be the ELCA and why their faith dedicated members of your congregations matters in a world that often suggests it in years to come. This is what your should not. They are all dedicated leaders church on campus looks like -­‐ it’s a good of our student communities. They will be looking picture, isn’t it? dedicated members of your congregations in years to come. This is what your It is such a privilege to serve as your church on campus looks like -­‐ it’s a good campus pastor at Iowa State University. I wish there were a way I could tell you how incredible it is to see looking picture, isn’t it? some of our students grasping the faith that has been planted, tended and nourished within them by congregations in our church. I don’t have the words to describe the sorrow I feel when meet students It is such a privilege to serve as your who’ve been neglected by their churches, and the joy that comes as they discover a church community that campus pastor at Iowa State University. I wish there were a way I could tell you how incredible it is to see cherishes them and welcomes them in, honoring all their questions and providing a safe place to learn and some of our students grasping the faith that has been planted, tended and nourished within them by grow in faith. It gives me great joy to drive home after worship knowing there are young adults going back congregations in our church. I don’t have the words to describe the sorrow I feel when meet students to their dorm rooms or apartments Nilled with the Spirit because the ELCA has provided a ministry in who’ve been neglected by their churches, and the joy that comes as they discover a church community that which they can be fed, Nilled and sent out to live the gospel of Jesus Christ on campus. This is just part of cherishes them and welcomes them in, honoring all their questions and providing a safe place to learn and the work we do in Lutheran Campus Ministry -­‐ and even this little glimpse doesn’t begin to describe the grow in faith. It gives me great joy to drive home after worship knowing there are young adults going back nature, blessing and necessity of our work at colleges and universities across the country. to their dorm rooms or apartments Nilled with the Spirit because the ELCA has provided a ministry in which they can be fed, Nilled and sent out to live the gospel of Jesus Christ on campus. This is just part of In this hard season for our church, we must not leave our young adults behind. Lutheran Campus Ministry the work we do in Lutheran Campus Ministry -­‐ and even this little glimpse doesn’t begin to describe the needs your individual, synodical and denominational support in order to continue living out its mission of nature, blessing and necessity of our work at colleges and universities across the country. “Expanding Minds, Deepening Faith, Inspiring Service.” As one of our students put it in her message during Evening Prayer one week, “Sustainability is the power to endure -­‐ and God’s Word endures forever.” In this hard season for our church, we must not leave our young adults behind. Lutheran Campus Ministry Our ministry is sustained and endures through your support -­‐ may God bless you as consider what it needs your individual, synodical and denominational support in order to continue living out its mission of means to be a church that provides sustainable, powerful, enduring ministry on campus through Lutheran “Expanding Minds, Deepening Faith, Inspiring Service.” As one of our students put it in her message Campus Ministry. during Evening Prayer one week, “Sustainability is the power to endure -­‐ and God’s Word endures forever.” Our ministry is sustained and endures through your support -­‐ may God bless you as consider what it Grace and peace, means to be a church that provides sustainable, powerful, enduring ministry on campus through Lutheran Campus Pastor Ministry. Scott Johnson Lutheran Campus Ministry -­‐ Iowa State University Grace and peace,

Pastor Scott Johnson Lutheran Campus Ministry Lutheran -­‐ Iowa Campus State University Ministry -­ Iowa State University University Lutheran Center -­ 2126 Gable Lane – Ames, IA 50014 – 515.292.7360 Pastor Scott Johnson: [email protected] Facebook: Lutheran Campus Ministry – Iowa State University Lutheran Campus Ministry -­ Iowa State University University Lutheran Center -­ 2126 Gable Lane – Ames, IA 50014 – 515.292.7360 Pastor Scott Johnson: [email protected] Facebook: Lutheran Campus Ministry – Iowa State University Additional Reports LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY CHRISTUS HOUSE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

2010 was a banner year for us. Having lost several key leaders and all of our student musicians to graduation in the spring of 2009, we struggled through the fall of that year wondering what to do next. In January 2010, we formed the Student Ministry Leadership Team, based on a model that had worked successfully for us in the past. Four students were recruited to undergo eight weeks of training in prayer, Bible, Lutheran theology, small group leadership, and evangelism. The SMLT, as we call them, also attended the National Gathering for LCM Staff and Students held in Chicago, August 11-14, 2010. When the fall semester began, they were trained and ready to welcome incoming students and provide programmatic leadership. The current SMLT will serve for two years, then assist with recruiting and training a new group of leaders in the spring of 2012.

One 2010 highlight was a spring break trip to Nicaragua, hosted by United Methodist Missionaries Nan Mc- Curdy and Miguel Maneira of Managua. Three students accompanied the campus pastor on this first trip, where we met representatives of a fledgling mission group called Between Cultures. With their assistance, we returned in March of 2011 with eight students from UI and one from Cornell to learn about the history and culture of Nicaragua, and to spend time living with families in the rural community of Dulce Nombre de Jesus near the Honduran border. At this writing, students had already raised over $350 to be donated for the school and church in that community.

Here is a brief rundown of our regular programming: 4-5 students weekly in Bible study led by a member of SMLT; 15-20 students attend weekly suppers on Thursdays, followed by worship using a variety of settings, including Holden Evening Prayer, Unfailing Light, and Holden Prayers Around the Cross; nine female students gather for weekly meetings of Phi Beta Chi (Lutheran sorority); and 10-12 students not represented in one the above groups attend Sunday worship at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. In addition to regular weekly program- ming, SMLT members also host occasional gatherings of students for service and fellowship, such as volun- teering for Free Lunch; baking goods to sell for Nicaragua; and game nights at Christus House. We also hold two-day fall and winter retreats at Camp Shalom with 8-10 students participating each time.

In the fall of 2010, the Gloria Dei Congregation Council contracted with Home Repair Team of Cedar Rapids to install all new energy efficient windows at Christus House, and to repair dry rot in the soffits and gutters. The exterior trim was painted to complete the renovations. LCM raised $870 through donations to help with the overall cost. As a fundraiser for the project, a gourmet dinner was held at Gloria Dei, with students wait- ing tables and doing clean up. In addition to these upgrades, students regularly recycle paper, cans, and plastics from Christus House and hand wash glasses and dishes, rather than using paper or plastic products, as a way of being more environmentally friendly.

Submitted by UI Campus Pastor Robert Dotzel Additional Reports

The fruits of a successful capital campaign were the “talk of the town” this year at Ewalu. Except for a few “lingering details,” most of the projects that will be funded by the “All Are Welcome” campaign were completed in 2010 and the final projects – the 40-bed Walnut Lodge and some work on the trails – will be completed in 2011. The projects that have already been completed include: a new lodge and three new cabins (complete with bathrooms and showers and “gathering spaces”), a new septic system, and the reconstruction of the entry road, service road and campground road to correct erosion problems. The “All Are Welcome” campaign also funded a myriad of energy efficiency projects including a geothermal heating and cooling system for Hickory Lodge, a geothermal system for the new cabins and lodges, additional insulation in staff housing and the office building, energy efficient lighting, six fireplace inserts for wood heat, “heat pumps” at the Cedar Lodge kitchen, the farm and the Stone Center house, and the replacement of all the windows in Cedar Lodge with new “low-E” windows.

The real success of the last year – and years – is the way in which the constituency of Ewalu has embraced this ministry through a challenging time. Following the “downturn” in the economy in 2008, we asked the constituency to make a long-term commitment to sustain this ministry – to ensure that this “place apart” continues to serve the congregations of Eastern Iowa in a difficult time and to ensure that it will emerge on the other end of the crisis strong and stable and ready to serve for generations to come.

The congregations and individuals who treasure this ministry rose to the occasion. Fundraising for the capital campaign could have come to a screeching halt in 2008, but 93% of those who made pledges honored their commitment. Capital campaign projects continued as planned. Financial gifts to the Ewalu annual fund broke records in 2009 and continued to be strong in 2010. Yes, there has been more red ink than black in the last few years, but, as camps of every kind throughout the country have experienced serious shortfalls, a modest increase in debt is a real victory. While participation in the summer programs, the environmental education program and retreats declined, the continued capital campaign effort not only built beautiful new buildings, but it also served to build an awareness of all that Ewalu has to offer and all the lives that are touched and changed through its ministries. It created a (still) growing energy.

The crisis isn’t over. These are still uncertain times for individuals, families, congregations, synods and schools – and that translates into uncertain times for outdoor ministries. But the ministry of Ewalu arrives at its 50th anniversary year on solid ground – with a proud history of well-respected programs, new and welcoming buildings in a beautiful place, and strong financial support. As we begin the next 50 years, Ewalu is well-prepared to continue to serve as “a place apart.”

Dale Goodman, Executive Director Additional Reports

Greetings and blessings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!

We are pleased to be partners with you in the mission of sharing the love and hope of Christ! We desire to serve as a resource for your congregation’s ministry, providing opportunities for people to retreat from busy lives to focus again on the life-changing presence of Jesus Christ. It is our privilege to support your congregation in providing holy moments for people’s faith journeys. We hope to stir a love for the Word and ignite faith for all ages - youth, children, families, church councils, confirmation classes, pastors, women’s and men’s groups.

IOLBC Core Values are:  Christ Centered o Centering all we do in the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ.  Biblical o Together, seeking the God of truth and all knowledge in the scriptures.  Healing and hope o Recognizing pain and brokenness, we strive to bring healing and hope.  Playful, loving, Christian Community o Enjoying the presence of Christ through play, worship, and fellowship with others.  Sharing God’s Heart for the World o Connecting with God’s Spirit in a Global vision. One of our primary objectives is to equip, encourage, and train Christian leaders for work in God’s kingdom. Did you know that approximately 70% of those who feel the call of the Spirit to Word and Sacrament ministry, or other professional ministry within the church, attribute a personal faith experience at one of our church’s Bible camps to be formative in their spiritual journey? When your congregations send people to Bible camp, the Spirit creates faith, deepens an appetite for the Word, and grows their love for God. When you are mission partners with our camps, or come to camp, you are strengthening God’s mission in the world.

This summer’s 2011 theme is “Restored” from Psalm 80:3. In many dimensions, the world is broken. God sent Jesus, not only for reconciliation, but that we might be agents of healing and hope in a broken world. “Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.” Opportunities this summer at Ingham Okoboji include:  Cabins and hotel-style rooms for nightly or weekly family retreats and reunions  Worship and brunch on Summer Sunday mornings throughout the summer  Day Camps [VBS teams come to your congregation. 2011 theme is “Out of this World!”]  FAMILY CAMPS: Six weeks of programmed Christ-centered family ministry ($400 off upon request for the first two weeks of family camp in June, Pastors and their families attend these weeks free, paying only the cost of meals: $120 per person per week, 4-13 yr. $60, 3 + under free)  CONFIRMATION Camp  JUBILEE MUSIC Camp for 7-12 grades  INTO THE WILD – for 7-12 grades  CAMP-IN-A-DAY for 1-2 grades  PATHFINDERS – for 2-4 grades  TRAILBLAZERS - for 4-6 grades  Additional camps for JUNIOR and SENIOR HIGHERS  ELDERVERSITY for the young at heart 55 years and older

Check out all the programming opportunities at www.okoboji.org or call us at 800-OKOBOJI. Come to Ingham and Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camps! We are excited to celebrate Ingham’s 60th on June 5th with the Rev. Tom Jolivette, Director of Seminary Relations at Luther Seminary, as guest preacher. Thank you for your partnership in ministry! The Lord bless your ministry for Christ’s kingdom.

Eager to serve with you,

Pastor Lee Laaveg, Director of Development and Church Relations on behalf of IOLBC Additional Reports

Lutheran Lakeside Camp, Spirit Lake, Iowa

“...Thank you soooo much for all the experiences you have given me, I believe I found God through Christ here, in your Christ Hike. …..If it weren’t for you guys and others from my church, family and friends, I wouldn’t have grown so much in Christ. ….You guys have truly changed my life.” Sherry, age14, 2010

In 2005, we made a commitment to God, the Lutheran Lakeside Board of Directors and the constituent congregations of the Association to move forward in partnership with 120 ELCA congregations in Iowa in nurturing the faith of children, youth, adults and families. A wise sage named Leonard Larsen taught Jerry a path to ministry when he quoted St. Luke’s Gospel, chapter 9:62. These words speak loudly to the two of us. “….No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’ Driving through Iowa in the spring makes these words of Jesus particularly meaningful. If you are plowing and you’ve made a crooked furrow, that means that you have to keep making crooked furrows to match. That, is, you’ve made a total mess of the field. A person who plows had to keep their eyes straight ahead or they’ll botch the job. 2010 saw an increase in total number of campers and families.

To help keep us focused, there are two statements we make to ourselves. “It’s not about me.’ The second, “The thing to do is the right thing and the time to do it is now.” When we have thought things out carefully and decided for the Kingdom of God, we have put our hand to the plow. 2010 was an incredible glimpse of the Kingdom of God. Pastors have watched, heard and participated with staff and campers and come away saying “God is present here.” A sense of having tried doing the “right” thing is overwhelming. The camper quote at the top of this page is only a snippet of what she experienced at Church camp. Evangelism and Christian Education are not just empty concepts at Lakeside but are the ingredients of living life together in Christ.

The 50th Anniversary of Lakeside as an Outdoor Ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Iowa reveals the depth of affection thousands of people have for Lakeside. Much love passed between those present for each other at the reunion in mid-July.

The transformation of love, memories and nostalgia are powerful when translated into resources for Lakeside to be vibrant and viable for the next 50 years. The Holy Spirit has been afoot at Lakeside. The Lakeside alumni who have been called to rostered ministry in the ELCA and other denominations is abundant. Bishop Mike Last, Bishop Phil Hougen, Bishops Norm and Steve Ullestad, Pastors Cindy Johnson, Mark Johns, Erick Swanson, Eric Carlson, Kay Kinkel and so many more. Not to mention all the lay leadership who serve in congregations and synods of the ELCA such as Jim Mohn, Harold Peterson, Kevin Krause, Fred and Geri Fuller, etc.

Commitment, endurance, patience, tolerance, compassion and love require that we all put our hands to the plow. Financial gifts need to be optimized. Volunteer time freely given. Gifts in kind given generously. Prayers given daily. Children nurtured in faith. The work that we do here is truly a holy calling. God has chosen to be at work in this place and God has called us to tend and care for this precious gift. This camp is built on Christ and it is served by the willing generosity of faithful people who strive together to build up the body of Christ. Join us with your children, families and gifts.

Sincerely in Christ,

Carolyn and Jerry Fritsch Additional Reports

Isaiah 6:8: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send and whom will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me.”

Please read what some of our campers have shared this year.

“God is just there, Mom, and He’s in all of the counselors and working through them. I feel Him every time I am there!”

“I heard of a Lutheran Bible camp called Riverside. At this camp my faith grew and matured, and I learned a lot about God and the Bible. Most importantly, I started to really believe that Jesus died for my sins and that he loves us.”

“It all hit me the night of the mime. I saw before me what felt for like the first time the story of God’s love. The story of how I was lost and separated from God and enslaved by sin and how one perfect Savior rescued me. ……God’s presence hit me like a hurricane. For the first time, I was blown away by how big God was.”

These are words of our youth telling how they suddenly “get it.” Some of them are raised in Christian homes and attend church regularly and they know all the Bible stories, but they sometimes need to be removed from their normal days before it all makes sense and they “get it.” Others come to camp with no knowledge or understanding of this God in the Bible, and they are blown away by the unfailing love God has for them. They “get it!”

Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp had another outstanding year of serving and teaching God’s love. 1,667 campers attended summer camp and nearly 800 participated in Day Camps lead by our summer staff. Our summer theme was “Sent.” The campers learned that when God asks “Whom shall I send?” our answer should be “Here am I. Send me!”

We had a record number attend the Marriage Retreat and our Women’s Retreat and our first family camp in many years was loved by all.

Our $500,000 appeal goal was met and exceeded at year-end. This meant we eliminated the remaining dining hall debt and had a new shop paid for. We continue to praise God for the wonderful Riverside supporters.

Riverside continues to reach out and offer opportunities for all to get away from the world and enter into a place apart, a place where God seems closer. We pray people may experience God’s compassion in new ways while attending camp.

Thank you to all of you who provide support in so many ways and a special thanks to our congregations who have done amazing work in supporting us as their partner in ministry. We thank God for you.

Dave McDermott, Director 3001 Riverside Rd. Story City, IA 50248 www.riversidelbc.org [email protected] 1-800-372-7748 1-515-733-5271 Additional Reports

2011 Report to the Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

Dear partners in ministry,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! As the two seminaries that the Southeastern Iowa Synod supports, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) and Wartburg Theological Seminary are grateful for your partnership in the ministry of forming visionary leaders. Thank you for holding us and our students in prayer, for identifying future leaders for the church and for encouraging them in their call to professional ministry. We are grateful for your partnership in the candidacy process, for electing dedicated members to serve on our boards, and for the essential financial support that you provided to Wartburg Theological Seminary and the LSTC. Your seminaries offer thanks in advance for your continued commitment of financial support in the coming year. In 2010, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago lived out its mission by:

Celebrating the commencement of 81 graduates in its five degree programs. Forty five graduated with the master of divinity degree and most of them are now ordained and serving congregations around the country. Celebrating the successful completion of its $56 million comprehensive campaign, Equipping the Saints for Ministry, with gifts and pledges exceeding the Annual Fund goal by over $289,000 and the LSTC Fund (endowment) goal by over $22,000. Inaugurating the Ralph W. and Marilyn R. Klein Chair in Old Testament with Dr. Esther Menn installed as the first Klein Professor of Old Testament. Welcoming new students from the United States and 23 countries who will be formed as visionary leaders for the ELCA and the global church. Exploring new partnerships with Chicago-area seminaries and Lutheran colleges, universities, and agencies. Sharing faculty expertise with the church and world through their presentations in congregations, synods, and conferences and the articles and books published over the last year including Journey Through Revelation (Horizons Bible Study) by Barbara Rossing, La Vocacíon by José David Rodríguez, After Heresy by Vítor Westhelle, Mission after Christendom (ed.) Peter Vethanayagamony, and The Coptic Papacy in Islamic Egypt by Mark Swanson. Continuing to be a leader in the areas of religion and science through the Zygon Center for Religion and Science and in interfaith relations through the work of A Center of Christian- Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice. Offering dozens of lifelong learning opportunities on campus including its Youth in Mission programs, Serving Christ in the World and Beyond Belief; Tithing and Stewardship Foundation workshops; interfaith workshops; the Scherer Lecture; the Hein- Fry Lecture and the annual Leadership Conference. Additional Reports During 2010-2011 Wartburg Theological Seminary lived out its mission by:

Welcoming new President, Rev. Stanley N. Olson, PhD, and celebrating his leadership for Wartburg at a Presidential Inauguration event on Saturday, April 2, 2011. Sending out 53 graduates of degree and certificate programs as valued leaders to serve in congregations and ministries throughout the country and world at 2010 Commencement. Receiving approval from the Association of Theological Schools for a Comprehensive Distance Education Program and strong affirmation of assessment practices based on the Twelve Pastoral Practices developed by the Wartburg faculty. Wartburg continues to receive positive feedback about this curriculum measurement from accrediting bodies as well as synods, bishops, congregations, and graduates. Beginning the 2010-2011 academic year with a cohort of 11 in the newly developed Distance Education program. This program offers an opportunity for students to complete the first year of a degree program by taking online and on-campus intensive courses over a two-year period before finishing the degree through residential study on-campus. Convened a consultation for ELCA seminaries and selected synods regarding theological education in the Southwest, which focused on the need for collaboration in theological education to accomplish God’s mission among Hispanic people. Honoring three alumni with recognition for their service in military chaplaincy during their ministries; Rev. Dr. Al Koeneman, ’59, Rev. Dr. John Schmeling, ’68, and Rev. Harry Griffith, ’78. The Living Loehe Award honors persons who have given distinguished service to and through the church and is named in honor of Wartburg founder, Wilhelm Loehe. Continuing research and publication of works important to the church and world; recent publications by faculty members James L. Bailey, Norma Cook Everist, Nathan Frambach, S D Giere, Craig L. Nessan, and Gwen Sayler. Engaging board, trustees, faculty, staff, alumni and friends in the For Such a Time as This Campaign to strengthen and sustain Wartburg’s vocation of gathering and sending leaders for God’s work in the world.

We invite you and members of your congregation to the seminaries to attend daily worship, to participate in a continuing education event, to discern a call to ministry, or to visit with some of the future leaders that you and your synod support through your gifts to the Lutheran School of Theology and Wartburg Theological Seminary. To learn more about the seminaries, their faculty, programs and upcoming events, visit www.wartburgseminary.edu and www.lstc.edu.

Your partnership is essential for Wartburg and LSTC to continue their shared mission of providing dynamic theological education for present and future leaders of your congregations and ministries in your synod, for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and to the glory of God.

Yours in Christ,

President James Kenneth Echols President Stanley N. Olson Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Wartburg Theological Seminary Additional Reports

2011 REPORT TO THE ELCA SYNOD ASSEMBLIES Augustana College is beginning its next chapter in history after a busy and memorable year of sesquicentennial celebrations. We spent time remembering the vision of our Lutheran founders and their commitment to a higher education, highlighting the accomplishments of our student and faculty and preparing for the next 150 years as a private liberal arts institution. One way in which we are preparing our students for their lives as citizens and leaders is through the Community Engagement Center (CEC). The CEC opened its doors this fall to engage students in connecting their talents and passions with the greater community. Whether students want to discern their calling, volunteer locally or globally, experience entrepreneurial work, study abroad, pursue an exciting internship, or get help with a targeted job search, the CEC can provide the staff and support. • Career Development assists students with their pursuit of academic majors as well as graduate and career options based upon their skill-sets, personal values, and post graduate interests. Students will find a number of useful resources including a career library, resources linking majors to career paths, a robust alumni career network, résumé development and interview practice. • Center for Vocational Reflection guides students into discerning, reflecting upon, and engaging their vocation. The center offers a variety of programs including one-on-one counseling to help students discern their calling, academic offerings to explore vocation historically and personally, and seminary visits for students considering ministry. • The Entrepreneurial Center connects students with community organizations in need of communications, marketing and creative services, including webdesign. Students gain real experience to enhance their portfolios and résumés, while businesses and not-for-profit organizations gain a creative, low-cost resource for their marketing needs. • Internships Office provides students excellent preparation for a career through internships that best fit their interests and goals. The office is also a resource for the community in providing a talented intern work pool to meet their business objectives. • International and Off-Campus Programs (IOP) coordinates study abroad and off-campus opportunities that complement the college’s academic program. IOP also provides resources and advice for those who travel abroad, including athletic, co-curricular and fine arts travel programs; sponsors on-campus programming; and provides orientation and support for international students. • Service Learning works with faculty, students and community members to develop student opportunities in Augustana courses to apply classroom knowledge to community needs, both locally and internationally. • Volunteer Programs demonstrates the college’s commitment to community engagement by providing the campus with ongoing information on volunteer opportunities, both short-term and long-term, in the Quad Cities and beyond. As you plan your calendar for 2011, please visit our website, www.augustana.edu, for events that might draw you back to campus or encourage you to visit us for the first time. When you do visit Augustana’s campus, be sure to drop by the Community Engagement Center on the first floor of Sorensen Hall.

Steven C. Bahls, President Additional Reports Additional

Reports

Dear Friends, Warm greetings on behalf of President Kent Henning, our faculty, staff, students and alumni! Here are some highlights of recent additions or enhancements to the campus: Another Record Enrollment at Grand View Grand View is pleased to announce a 5% increase in full-time enrollment this yearÑto 1,686 full-time students. The total number of students is now 2,103, a 3% overall increase. This is another record year for the university in both full-time and total enrollment, as well as Grand ViewÕs second largest freshmen class in history. The university has a 6.3% increase in traditional- age students for the 2010-2011 academic year. According to Debbie Barger, Vice President for Enrollment Management, there are several reasons for the increase. ÒWe attribute our growth to new academic programs, growth in our athletic programsÑ including the addition of bowlingÑas well as new facilities, and a general positive interest and increased awareness,Ó comments Barger. ÒThere is a lot happening right now at Grand View.Ó Grand View Graduates Succeed Again in Difficult Economy, Achieve 98% Job Placement For the 17th successive year, the most recent Grand View graduating class secured 98% job placement within 6 months of graduation. A recent survey shows that members of the Grand View University Class of 2009 are succeeding in a difficult economy by turning their college education into careers or continuing their education at graduate schools. Conducted annually by the UniversityÕs Office of Career Services, the personalized survey, to which nearly every graduate from the class of 384 responded, provides a ÒsnapshotÓ in time in the lifelong career development of graduates. Most of the class of 2008-2009 stayed in Iowa, particularly within the Des Moines metropolitan area, after graduation Ñan astounding 98% of those entering the workforce. Nearly all graduates who moved out of state did so in order to further their educations, most with the intention of returning. The top employers include Wells Fargo, Mercy Medical Center, Iowa Health System, Veterans Administration Hospital, and Nationwide. Grand ViewÕs placement rates have reached 98Ð100% every year for the past 17 years. New Housing on Campus The L Apartments, scheduled for completion for fall term 2011, is the newest and largest residential facility on Grand ViewÕs campus. It is a four-story building located near the corner of Hull and East 14th Street. This 232-bed complex is designed for independent living by upper-class students. Each fully-furnished unit is either a two- or four-person apartment. The shared bathroom is designed for private multi-person use. Laundry facilities are located in the lower level and a step-out patio overlooks the green space on campus. Full-sized beds, island kitchen areas, and community rooms on each floor are what make the L Apartments the most popular housing option on campus! New Members and Officers Elected to Grand View University Board of Trustees Three new members have joined the Grand View University Board of Trustees: Karen Brodie, Laura Hollingsworth, and Gary Palmer. Karen Brodie, a Ringsted, Iowa native who is a Grand View alumna, lives in Richardson, Texas. She has been a member of the GV National Alumni Association Council since 2002, as well as of the GV Spotlight on Success Steering Committee, serving as chair of the alumni segment of the campaign. Laura Hollingsworth was named president and publisher of The Des Moines Register in 2007. In 2008, she was named group president of the West Group for GannettÕs U.S. Community Publishing. She oversees 16 markets in the western region of the United States including Des Moines and Iowa City. Gary Palmer is president and CEO of Prairie Meadows. He served on the board of the Racing Association of Central Iowa (RACI) from 1994- 1998 before becoming a full-time staff member at Prairie Meadows in 1998. Mary Coffin, executive vice president, loan servicing for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, and Brett Harman, president and COO of Independent Surety Holdings, were elected to a second term, and Martha Willits, president and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, was elected to a third term. The Board of Trustees elected the following officers for 2010-2011: Paul E. Schickler, president of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., chair; James W. Noyce, senior advisor to the athletics director and major gifts officer, Drake University, vice chair; Martha A. Willits, secretary; and Robert L. Mahaffey, vice president and treasurer of Anderson Erickson Dairy, treasurer. The Center for Renewal Partnership Continues The Center for Renewal is a cooperative ministry of the University and the Southeastern Iowa Synod of the ELCA. Its mission is to renew the saints and the church so that the light of Christ can be more brightly reflected in the world. Continuing this journey toward renewal, the Center for Renewal promotes discussion, offers events and provides services designed to support renewal in the congregations of our synod - and beyond. For more information and a schedule of programs, go to www.renewingchurch.org. If you have not visited Grand View University, or have not visited us for some time, we extend a special invitation for you to come for a visit sometime soon! Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers for the Colleges of the ELCA. GodÕs Peace and Joy, The Grand View University Campus Community 1200 Grandview Avenue / Des Moines, IA 50316 1-800-444-6083 / www.grandview.edu Additional Reports

• ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OFFICE OF CHURCH RELATIONS — DECEMBER 2010 • Greetings from your colleagues in ministry at Gustavus Adolphus College! There is a new air of excitement on campus as preparations are beginning for the Sesquicentennial celebration, with the official kick-off event on September 30, 2011. In 2012, Gustavus will celebrate 150 years since its founding, and Christ Chapel will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Special events will be held over the period of a full year celebrating both the past and the future of the College, culminating at homecoming in 2012. There is a new construction site just west of the campus library for a new academic building—a three-story learning center that will house the communication studies, economics/management, history, psychology, and sociology/anthropology departments. Scheduled opening of this facility will be fall 2011. As your partner in ministry and seeking foundational ways to more fully live out our vocation as a college of the Church, we are excited to announce that in 2011 the Office of Church Relations will become the Gustavus Center for Servant-Leadership, fully joining the work of Church Relations with the Center for Vocational Reflection, Community Service and Career Center. The Center for Servant-Leadership has deep roots in the College’s mission and offers a strong expression of who we are and what we are called to be as a liberal arts, church-related college. This new Center will be the place where students, faculty, staff, alumni and the wider relational network of congregations, friends and community partners can turn for practical ways to develop the capacity for the alignment of the inner and outer life. We are proud of our heritage as a College of the Lutheran Church. We will continue to provide countless resources to members of our Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations. This Association is important as the place where official governing boards of the College are elected each April. Within this Association, key relationships are formed that help us maintain and grow this connection. We continue to provide and offer an ever-expanding menu of resources to congregations. To access a full listing of resources we offer please visit www.gustavus.edu/churchrelations. PLEASE MARK YOUR 2011 CALENDARS AND JOIN US FOR THESE SPECIAL EVENTS: • Trinity Institute ® 41st National Theological Conference— JANUARY 19-21, 2011 “Reading Scripture Through Other Eyes,” webcast live from the Trinity Institute, New York, with Walter Brueggemann among the featured presenters. The on-campus event will include on-line interaction and theological reflection groups. • Gustavus Association of Congregations 2011 Convention—APRIL 9, 2011 The theme for the 2011 gathering will be “A Year of Living Purposefully: Savoring Life Through Servant- Leadership.” Richard Leider of The Inventure Group, and Larry Spears of The Spears Center for Servant- Leadership, will bring the keynote address. Events include the grand opening of the Center for Servant-Leadership. • Student Leadership Day—also APRIL 9, 2011, a separate event and a great opportunity for congregations to bring 3 to 5 key student leaders for this festive, fast-paced and special leadership development event. Tiger McLuen of Youth Leadership will bring the keynote address. • MAYDAY! Peace Conference—MAY 4, 2011 “Executing Justice: Debating the Death Penalty” • Official Sesquicentennial Celebration Kick-Off Event, Homecoming—SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 • Annual Nobel Conference®—OCTOBER 4-5, 2011 “The Brain and Being Human” • Christmas in Christ Chapel—DECEMBER 2-4, 2011 For more information about these events and the resources we offer congregations, please contact the Office of Church Relations (507-933-7001) or visit us on-line at www.gustavus.edu/churchrelations. Thank you for your partnership and prayers!

Grady St. Dennis Director of Church Relations

Church Relations | DIRECT 507-933-7001 | FAX 507-933-6337 | [email protected] 800 West College Avenue | St. Peter, Minnesota 56082-1498 | 507-933-8000 | gustavus.edu Additional Reports

Report to ELCA Synods, February 2011 Luther College Office for College Ministries http://ministry.luther.edu Amy Zalk Larson, David Vásquez & Mike Blair, Campus Pastors,

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds…-- Romans 12:2

These words from Romans speak to Luther’s Sesquicentennial theme, “Transformed by the Journey.” 2011 marks the 150 anniversary of Luther College’s calling “to be a community where students, faculty, and staff are enlivened and transformed by encounters with one another, by the exchange of ideas, and by the life of faith and learning.” (excerpt from Luther College Mission Statement) More information on Luther’s Sesquicentennial year is available online at: http://www.luther.edu/150

Practices of group spiritual formation, dialogue and reflection are a common thread to ministry at Luther that spans generations and invites sojourners to be attentive to the transforming work of God in our midst. College Ministries supports students exploring candidacy for rostered ministry through a program called t.r.e.c (time to reflect and explore call), advised by Amy Zalk Larson. t.r.e.c. offers students opportunities to visit seminaries, learn about the candidacy process and share in listening groups. Students in t.r.e.c. small groups covenant to meet together in a spirit of trust to hear one another’s faith stories in circles of prayerful questions and discernment.

Journey Conversations, an interfaith initiative that began in 2009 with the partnership of Luther’s Diversity Center, is led by Amy Zalk Larson, Interfaith Coordinator Sandhya Caton, and consultant/spiritual director Diane Millis. Journey Conversations offers the Luther community opportunity to “deepen awareness of their personal faith journeys while also growing in their understanding and respect of diverse faith traditions”. Journey Conversations provide resources for relationship building, interfaith dialogue and spiritual formation in small groups. Student leaders who have participated in Journey Conversations or t.r.e.c. meet with peers to explore faith questions in groups called “Living Wonder.”

As a college of the church, Luther affirms and celebrates our Lutheran identity and heritage. The student congregation provides a host of opportunities for leadership, faith development, learning, witnessing, outreach, advocating for justice, and local and global service. College Ministries is hosting Spring Break service trips to Guatemala, Panama and Ocean Springs, Mississippi where students will help build houses, serve with local schools, and improve community health through safe drinking water systems. Luther continues to be a leader among ELCA colleges in numbers of alumni participating in candidacy enrolled in ELCA seminaries. This reflects the partnership of college and congregation in mentoring leaders. WIYLDE, a summer youth leadership and spiritual formation event, continues with the partnership of synods and congregations and support from Luther’s Sense of Vocation program.

Our Lutheran/Christian heritage also calls us into dialogue, listening, hospitality and mutual service with diverse faith traditions within and beyond the Body of Christ. During sabbatical in the last academic year, David Vásquez explored Biblical stories of migration and journeyed to faith communities impacted by immigration policies and patterns, including communities in Guatemala affected by the 2008 immigration raid in Postville, Iowa. This led to collaboration with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services for a Bible study, “Out of the Waters: Resisting the Power of Fear,” a resource to help congregations explore questions of migration through the lens of Scripture (available through lirs.org). Pastor David also authored a Bible study on the books of 1 and 2 Samuel as part of Augsburg Fortress’ Book of Faith series. As we celebrate Luther’s sesquicentennial and explore national questions of immigration policy, we are mindful that our colleges were founded by immigrants who ventured to new lands trusting in God’s promises, a story that continues in many forms today.

Mike Blair completed the Spiritual Direction Preparation Program at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse in 2010. He continues to serve with the Grace Institute for Spiritual Formation, a continuing education ministry founded by professor emeritus Brad Hanson and sponsored through College Ministries. Grace Institute offers lay persons, pastors and church leaders a two year series of retreats at Shalom Retreat Center in Dubuque, IA that help deepen individual and congregational spirituality grounded in Lutheran theology. 2011 marks the beginning of the sixth program of Grace Institute for Spiritual Formation (http://www.luther.edu/graceinstitute/). Over 220 participants have shared in the offerings of Grace Institute.

We are grateful to join in ministries of faith and learning with Luther College and the many congregations, synods, ministries and faith communities that enrich our shared journey. Soli Deo Gloria. Additional Reports

ELCA Synod Assemblies 2011

Greetings from St. Olaf College!

Since 1874, St. Olaf College has educated students in an academic community shaped by its commitment to the Lutheran tradition. At St. Olaf, students work closely with dedicated faculty who challenge them to grow in mind, body, and spirit. St. Olaf has always seen its vital connection to the Lutheran tradition as enhancing its standing as one of the leading liberal arts colleges in the United States.

Like its predecessors, this year’s entering class brings outstanding academic talent to campus. The majority of first-year students ranked in the top 10% of their high school class. Their average academic grade point average in high school was 3.63. The class’ median ACT composite score was 29 and the median combined SAT score was 1320. Fifteen percent of the students identify themselves as having a multi-cultural heritage, and 15% are in the first generation of their families to attend college. The class includes a record number of international students. 42% of this year’s incoming students who indicated their religious affiliation identified themselves as Lutheran.

In both the curriculum and the co-curriculum, St. Olaf students explore theological issues and are challenged to choose their vocations in light of this exploration. All St. Olaf students take two religion courses, one focusing on the Bible and the other on Christian theology. In addition, all students take an ethics course in which they analyze ethical issues from a variety of perspectives.

The Martin E. Marty Professor of Religion and the Academy for 2010-11 is Dr. Paul D. Hanson, the Lamont Research Professor of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School, where he taught from 1971 to 2009. A renowned expert on Biblical hermeneutics, Dr. Hanson is the author of numerous articles and books, including The Dawn of Apocalyptic: Historical and Sociological Roots of Jewish Apocalyptic Eschatology and The People Called: The Growth of Community in the Bible. His most recent book is Political Engagement as Biblical Mandate (2010). Dr. Hanson will teach courses in the Religion Department, sponsor colloquia, and lead a faculty seminar at St. Olaf this spring.

I invite you to visit St. Olaf in one of two ways. Come to campus to join us at concerts, lectures, conferences, or summer camps. Or, visit the St. Olaf website at www.stolaf.edu to join in streamed events on-line. During the academic year, daily Chapel and Sunday morning worship services are held at Boe Memorial Chapel and streamed on-line at http://www.stolaf.edu/church/chapel. We look forward to welcoming you to St. Olaf either in person or on-line.

We thank you for your prayers and support, we encourage you to send students to St. Olaf, and we wish you well.

David R. Anderson ‘74 President Additional Reports

2010 AnnuAl RepoRt to the SynodS

Wartburg College is dedicated to challenging and nurturing students for lives of leadership and service as a spirited expression of their faith and learning.

Wartburg’s mission statement guides and supports the campus community and creates a living legacy among the college’s 19,000 alumni in 72 nations. Faith, learning, leadership, and service are not simply words in a statement but practices that support their personal lives, citizenship, faith commitments, and daily work. Wartburg celebrated milestones and achieved recognition through a variety of initiatives during the 2010-11 academic year. • To observe the 75th anniversary of its relocation to Waverly, Wartburg made “Celebrate Community” the year’s theme. Beginning with a fireworks display at the first fall football game, a variety of events celebrated the supportive relationship between the campus and the community. • Wartburg unveiled “Living Our Learning, Claiming our Calling, Transforming Tomorrow,” a strategic plan that grew out of a three-year examination of its mission. • The Campus Ministry Program began restructuring its work and adopted a new name: Spiritual Life and Campus Ministry. A once-small Campus Ministry Board has expanded into expressive leadership teams that involve a wide diversity of students. Christian formation opportunities beyond worship include The Jesus Experiment, leadership training, small-group discipling, student participation and leadership in worship bands, service partnerships, and fellowship and study groups. • Recognizing that mentoring opportunities enhance and support students’ lives, the college continued to expand its emphasis on creating a mentoring community and providing mentoring education for faculty, staff, and students. Student and faculty/staff mentoring programs now include faculty mentors for athletic teams, new staff and faculty mentoring programs and training, spiritual life and campus ministry peer helpers and the College Achievement Program Mentors (CAP). • Wartburg ranked No. 1 in the nation among chapters of BreakAway alternative break organization, based on the 15.3 percent of students involved in the service trip programs. • Wartburg was one of two U.S. colleges and among eight colleges worldwide to receive the 2010 MacJannet Prize for global citizenship • Deep and integrative learning opportunities involved students in academic research, internships, field experiences, service-learning opportunities, and co-curricular convocations, cultural activities, and faith studies. • Fred Hagemann stepped down as long-time Board of Regents chair and Ray McCaskey was elected as his successor. • The women’s track and field team, coached by Marcus Newsom, won the national NCAA Division III indoor track title, and Hannah Baker, Class of 2010, was an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient and a finalist for 2010 NCAA Woman of the Year. • Drs. Fred Strickert and Lake Lambert of the Wartburg religion and philosophy department moved on to new challenges. Dr. Strickert now serves as pastor of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem, and Dr. Lambert is dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Mercer University, Macon, Ga. Students, faculty, and staff continue to experience Wartburg as a community that challenges and nurtures them to grow into people to grow into people whose lives are marked by a keen sense of meaning and purpose, faithful service, and life-long learning.

Darrel D. Colson Rev. Ramona S. Bouzard President Dean of the Chapel Additional Reports

Spring 2011

Greetings to the Barnabas Uplift Community,

" I was the first person in my immediate family to graduate from high school. I completed my CNA and am continuing classes to become a LPN.” - Alexandria

I have heard stories just like this one from all over Iowa this past year. Whether, it's a Certified Nursing Assistant student, a mission health participant, a person who is helped by the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Ministry, a volunteer or donor such as your-self individual success stories have flourished. These stories are in large part due to your hard work and commitment to the Barnabas Uplift Network.

10. Spencer and Fort Dodge areas Partnered with the women's domestic violence center and assisted women in becoming CNA's and seeing hope once again.

9. Barnabas Uplift partnered with ISED-Ventures and the National Council of La Raza to train Latino/a students for careers in the Healthcare field.

8. The community Health Care Center in Sioux City participated in the EITC Program assisting employees--come to work and have their taxes completed.

7. Barnabas Uplift was seen on Facebook.

6. Barnabas Uplift was recognized in an article written for the Summer Magazine of the Good Samaritan Society and in the Cedar Rapids Gazette Faith and Values section in a story written by Molly Rossiter.

5. The Best Practices Manual for communities to develop CNA training programs was created and placed into operation for you!

4. EITC had another successful year in stretching people's paychecks helping them receive EITC refunds.

3. Communities including Burlington, Marshalltown, Radcliffe, and Iowa Falls are currently operating CNA programs or are interested in developing such programs.

2. We developed a brand new website https://sites.google.com/site/thebarnabasuplift/

1. Together, we have trained and placed 170 (Federally and individually funded) Iowans into jobs as Certified Nursing Assistants and shared some success stories on YouTube!

Peace, Pastor Vince Ramos, State Coordinator Barnabas Uplift 319.296.6400 Additional Reports The Center for Renewal

The Center for Renewal is a cooperative ministry of Grand View University in Des Moines and the Southeastern Iowa Synod. The vision that guides the Center is “to renew the saints and the church so that the light of Christ can be more brightly reflected in the world.” In an effort to fulfill that vision, we: • Encourage conversation that helps congregations and their leaders become aware of and find ways to respond to the changes taking place in our culture and in our congregations; • Provide services, events and resources that foster renewal, both in individuals and in congregations; and • Assess the results of our work and report these to our constituents as a means of encouraging and supporting others who seek renewal in their life and/or their congregation. The Center is perhaps best known for sponsoring events. Through the Ankeny Forum we consistently support, challenge, and encourage pastors in the greater Des Moines area. The Congregational Leadership Series, first held in 2009, is a series of two-part seminars for church leaders to cultivate a new imagination for congregational leadership. Held in three locations across southeastern Iowa, this series targets lay and rostered leaders in the Southeastern Iowa Synod, as well from other denominations. Renewal is the ongoing conversion of the Church, The first round of the Sacred Practice Leadership through which we rediscover the ability to Series (SPLaSh), a cooperative effort with the Alban Institute, has now concluded. This series of 6 three- discern, proclaim, and participate in day events over the course of two years helps God’s redemptive mission in the world. participants explore and implement sacred practices in the leadership of their congregations. SPLaSh drew an ecumenical audience of clergy and lay leaders, mostly from the upper midwest, though some participants come from as far away as West Virginia and Tennessee. Participants in the first cohort reported significant growth in faith and in their ability to lead from a spiritual perspective. The second round of SPLaSh begins in August 2011. Additional information can be found at www.sacredpracticeseries.org. Our work is not limited to events, though. The Center also seeks to be a means by which leaders and members can think through and find ways to respond to the issues and challenges of our times. Most significant this past year was the initiation of the “Equipping Pastors Conversations,” a project that seeks to describe, empower and support pastors who see their calling in terms of equipping members for ministry in everyday life. An interim report on this ongoing project is available on the Center’s website. The Center is in an ongoing conversation with the synod’s Commission for Vocation and Faith Formation about the possibility of providing in-depth lay education. Our work has shown that leaders are hungry for resources they can use to inspire discussion about the realities we face, and the alternatives to which God might be calling us. In response we offer 17 conversation starters designed to inspire in-depth conversation about a wide variety of congregational life. A PDF that describes the various conversations can be downloaded on our website. The Director of the Center for Renewal is also available to walk with you in any area that has been identified as being important for the renewal of your congregation. We are able to provide leadership for retreats or presenters at congregational or conference forums. In the process of serving individual members and congregational leaders, we are learning much about the need for renewal and how it happens. Bookmark our website www.renewingchurch.org and visit it regularly to keep up with all the Center’s exciting work. Visit our forum, http://centerforrenewal.wordpress.com to join the ongoing conversation about the church and our renewal, or follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/centerforrenewal. We at the Center and at Grand View University deeply appreciate the partnership we have with the synod. We feel that the Center offers a valuable contribution to the life and mission of the people and congregations of southeastern Iowa. Additional Reports Additional Reports Illowa Lutheran Coalition Report

Several years ago Illowa Coalition established a vision for its 35 congregations and 4 agencies as Mission in Community. In response to feedback from a communication survey the Board affirmed this vision and the five task groups that provide for the implementation of Mission in Community.

1. Family Faith Formation/ Youth Ministry 2. Multicultural and Cross Cultural Ministry 3. Lay Leadership 4. Professional Leaders Development and Support 5. Social Ministry

We have been striving to maintain and where possible expand our ministry through these task groups in the face of a declining economy and reduced support from Illowa congregations.

• This past year we provided Forums and lunches for professionals, in a time saving effort these events will now occur on the same day. The focus of the Forums will be continuing education and the lunches will be conversation and support. • Support for both Social ministry and Youth ministry activities, • Congregational support for community organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Food pantries.

Throughout the year the board has explored a number of initiatives to better serve our vision and to better serve the Coalition congregations. It has been part of the Coalitions self understanding that we do together what we cannot do as individual congregations, and the lead can come from a congregation or a group of congregations, from conferences and Synods.

Working with our two Synods and their Congregational and Synodical Mission Unit staff, Pr Gloria Dovre and Pr Kurt Nordby, we planned an ‘Invitational Ministry’ workshop for all the congregations of the Coalition. Unfortunately this event had to be cancelled due to limited registrations. The Coalition congregations are doing well in supporting their faith communities, and are all involved in at least one and most with more than one, service ministry to the wider community like Food Pantry, Winnies Place, Café on Vine, Habitat, Place2be, and meal sites. What we are still striving for is a way to expand the Lutheran presence in our respective communities. One project to achieve this goal is a Hispanic ministry development in East Moline. If this ministry is approved by CSM we will seek ways to support it through prayer, funding, and volunteering. At the Coalitions Annual Assembly on February 20th it was approved to establish a strategy for supporting a Hispanic if approved by CSM. Also approved was a motion to encourage congregations to participate in a “Home for Habitat” campaign, allowing for office and warehouse space for the Quad City chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

We seek to be a bridge to local organizations and needs; a conduit for ministry through congregations, conferences, Northern Illinois Synod & Southeastern Iowa Synod, and the ELCA; that we might be hands busy with God’s work.

Submitted by Pastor Ronald B. Ferrell, Director Additional Reports

123 East Market Street • Iowa City, IA 52245

Report to the Southeastern Iowa Synod for 2010 Lutheran Chaplaincy Outreach is a Non-Profit organization formed in 2005 to seek funding which would ensure the continued presence of an ELCA chaplain at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC). LCO is supported entirely by donations and contributions with no funds received from Synods or UIHC. Recent financial contributions have come from congregations across Iowa and Illinois, Women of the ELCA, Thrivent, men’s groups and individuals. Thirty to eighty-five identified Lutherans are hospitalized daily at UIHC. UIHC provides office space, staff support, telephone service, and parking for the chaplains. The past year, all 3 Iowa Synods, at their respective Annual Assemblies, recognized LCO as the vehicle to support the Chaplaincy. The Assemblies also authorized LCO to administer a scholarship fund designated for rostered pastors seeking training in Clinical Pastoral fields. There are also three to five Clinical Pastoral residents at any one time, representing many denominations, and the LCO Chaplain participates in their education. LCO is governed by a Board of Directors that meets every 2 months with the Annual Meeting in August. The officers are President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Directors may serve for up to 6 years For 2010, our budget was about $70,000 with all but 8% of this going to the Chaplain in salary and fringe benefits. As with many non-profit organizations, donations recently have been less than anticipated but 2 recent grants have stabilized our funding. LCO sends out 3 newsletters per year with sections from the President and the Chaplain. The newsletter often contains testimonials from appreciative patients. Included in each newsletter is an appeal for donations. Each year, LCO holds a retreat where the Board and members of the subcommittees gather for worship, renewal of the spirit and training in development and fund raising. Currently, the Chaplain serves three-quarters time. Within the next 2 years, our goal is to expand this to full time. LCO has a web presence at ://www.lcoiowa.org. Franklin Scamman President

ELCA CHAPLAIN The Rev. Cindy Ford Breed, Board Certified Chaplain, APC Lutheran Chaplaincy Outreach (LCO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing spiritual care to patients, relatives and hospital staff at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) as well as spiritual consultation for UIHC staff, ELCA pastors & congregations. Additional Reports LSI is service to all Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly Report 2011

Thank you for your partnership in service to all PrEvEnTIng cHILd AbuSE Thank you to the Southeastern Iowa Synod for generously supporting - Early Childhood Services LSI with your giving which totaled $250,387 in 2010. We would also like to give a special thank you to the 46 congregations who gave KEEPIng FAMILIES TogETHEr $86,664 in 2010 to support our annual ministry. Also, thank you to all congregations who provided beautiful handmade quilts and other - Family Centered Services in-kind gifts to be distributed to those we serve. buILdIng FuTurES For our youTH Enduring Mission. Fresh Approach. - Residential Treatment for Children LSI has grown from one Lutheran pastor’s act of compassion to one of Iowa’s largest human services agencies. Now, a shift is occurring for SuPPorTIng IndEPEndEncE nonprofits, one that demands increased efficiency, new technology, a - Services for People with Disabilities mobile workforce and the ability to achieve results when state budgets require private partners to do more with less. nurTurIng HEALTH - Home Health Care In many ways, LSI is already on this path. This year we have begun a new landscape. A rebirth. A fresh approach. One that takes nearly 150 ASSISTIng courAgE years of service and applies it in new and sustainable ways. - Refugee Community Services And yet, as we move forward, we remember what hasn’t changed and what won’t change – the reason behind why we do this work. FIndIng SAFE HoMES For KIdS LSI’s mission is to respond to the love of Jesus Christ with acts of - Iowa KidsNet service to all. Compassion, and God’s call to live out this love in care for our neighbors, remains our center.

2010 Highlights • Your support enabled a dream for Iowa youth – we celebrated the completion of the Faith, Hope and Service campaign, a $4.7 million capital campaign to build the Hansen Spiritual Life Center at the Bremwood Residential Treatment Center. • LSI closed its historic refugee resettlement program in Des Moines and reopened with a new focus on filling gaps for people of refugee status through expanded support, such as elderly services and work readiness training. • Iowa’s Department of Human Services chose LSI as a provider for a $950,000 contract to strengthen eastern Iowa families through family team meetings. • Thanks to a $125,000 grant from the Roy J. Charitable Trust, LSI is investing in a new residential initiative on our Bremwood and Beloit Campuses to help youth go home sooner and help families succeed with support and aftercare. • In 2010, Barnabas Uplift’s Help4Health initiative celebrated two years of helping Iowans lift themselves out of poverty through a CNA training program. After 147 students completed training, Barnabas has already placed 132 graduates in health care related jobs. • Volunteers continued to provide willing hands and compassionate hearts to help the agency and those we serve. In 2010, 1,151 volunteers gave 33,353 hours of service. The value of these volunteer hours is estimated at $695,201!

For more information, visit our website at www.LSIowa.org or contact our advancement, church relations and advocacy department at 866.584.5293 or [email protected]. You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LSI.iowa. Additional Reports

Report to the Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly from the Mission Investment Fund

The Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA serves this synod by providing vital loans for capital projects to new-start congregations, established congregations and ELCA-related ministries. MIF is able to fund these loans through the sale of investments to ELCA ministries and congregation members.

Nearly 765 MIF loans totaling $450 million are at work today in ELCA ministries throughout the United States, Virgin Islands and the Caribbean.

In the Southeastern Iowa Synod, 11 congregations and ministries currently have Mission Investment Fund loans totaling $18,265,307. Also many individuals and 57 ministries, including the Southeastern Iowa Synod, have investments in MIF totaling $4,211,961.*

Has your congregation invested? Have members of your congregation invested? Join the thousands of individuals, ELCA congregations, ELCA-related ministries and synods – including the Southeastern Iowa Synod – that are earning interest on their investments as they help to build the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Your participation enables MIF to continue this vital ministry. A variety of fixed- and adjustable-rate investment opportunities are available and may be opened with initial investments of as little as $5. Information on investments and ministry loans is available at www.elca.org/mif and through the MIF representative listed below.

MIF serves ELCA ministries. In addition to the ministry loans and investments that it offers, MIF provides consulting services to ELCA congregations through its church building consultants. The consultants evaluate the effectiveness of existing facilities or plans for new facilities and help congregations design building programs that support their mission. The consultants’ services are provided at no charge. Regional managers are available to meet with congregations and ELCA-related ministries regarding MIF’s loan and investment opportunities.

Thank you for your support of and participation in the Mission Investment Fund. It is a joy to work in partnership with you for the advancement of God’s kingdom.

Cheers and blessings,

Paula Kitt Regional Manager 773-682-2738 [email protected]

* As of March 1, 2011

Mission Investment Fund | 8765 West Higgins Road | Chicago, Illinois 60631 | Web: elca.org/mif | e-mail: [email protected] | 877.886.3522 (toll free) Additional Reports Embracing God’s call Mosaic provides services to more than 3,600 adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 12 to serve in the world, states, with partner programs in Great Britain, Romania and Tanzania. We are an affiliated social ministry organization Mosaic advocates of the ELCA.

for people with

intellectual disabilities In the Southeastern Iowa Synod, we provide services in Des Moines and Osceola.

and provides “Iamgratefultobeabletolivemy faithactivelyinaministrythathelps peopleeveryday.Wehelppeople achievetheirdreams,bigorsmall.” opportunities – Linda Timmons, Mosaic President and CEO for them to enjoy a full life.

4980 S. 118th St. | Omaha, NE 68137-2220 | 877.366.7242 | www.mosaicinfo.org