Publication1 - Publisher - Northeastern Minnesota Synod

Transcription

Table of Contents
Map ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Proposed Agenda ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 -3
Proposed Rules and Procedures ....................................................................................................................................................... 4 -6
Parliamentary Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................................ 7
A Synopsis of the Minutes from the 2015 Synod Assembly .............................................................................................. 8
Resolutions of the 2015 Synod Assembly ..................................................................................................................................... 9-10
Officers’ Reports
Report of the Vice President .................................................................................................................................................................11 -12
Report of the Synod Council ...................................................................................................................................................... 13 -14
Report of the Treasurer ..................................................................................................................................................................................15
Commentary on the Budget ...................................................................................................................................................... 16-17
Budget....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18-19
Field Guide to the Synod Budget................................................................................................................................................... 20
Report of the Bishop ............................................................................................................................................................................ 21 -23
Synod Staff Reports ...........................................................................................................................................................................................
Assistants’ Reports .................................................................................................................................................................................... 24-26
Report of the Coordinator of Youth Ministry ............................................................................................................................ 27-29
Report of the Synod Nominating Committee........................................................................................................................... 30
Biographical Information ......................................................................................................................................................... 31-33
Reports of Synod Committees and Task Forces: ...........................................................................................................................
Creation Care Team ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 34-36
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia ............................................................................................................................. 37-38
Honduras Mission and Ministry .......................................................................................................................................................................... 39
School of Lay Ministry .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 40
Hunger, Justice and Rural Life Concerns Committee ........................................................................................................................... 41
Immigration, Refugee and Asylum Seekers Justice Task Force ..................................................................................................... 42
Roster: Planning Committee; Reference, Counsel & Memorial; Synod Council ................................................43
2015 Northeastern Minnesota Synod Audit
Synod Foundation Audit
Proposed 2017 Compensation and Professional Expense Guidelines
Additional Reports
Northeastern Minnesota Synodical Women’s Organization
Report of Region 3
Report of Region 3 Archives
Report of the Mission Investment Fund
Ministry Partners
Luther Seminary
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
Minnesota Council of Churches
Twin Ports Ministry to Seafarers
Camps
ELCA Division for Higher Education
Lutheran Campus Ministry
Carthage College
Concordia College
Gustavus Adolphus College
Luther College
Saint Olaf
Wartburg College
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“Living Forgiveness”
2016 Synod Assembly: April 29 – May 1, 2016
Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA
Breezy Point Resort, Breezy Point, MN
Welcome to the 2016 Synod Assembly!
Friday, April 29
Registration and Check-In begin at 2:00 pm on Friday, April 29 in the Breezy Point
Lobby. If you are registering after 5:45 pm, please go to the Assembly Office
located in the Governor's Room on the second floor for your assembly registration after you check-in to your room at the
front desk.
Quarters and Marketplace items for ELCA World Hunger can be dropped off in the lobby. Quilts can be taken to the Quilt
In-gathering area located outside Heartland I-IV on the second floor.
Dinner is on your own prior to the first Plenary session. There are restaurants in the resort and nearby.
Offering recipients: Synod Seminary Scholarship Fund and Synod Seminarian Debt Reduction Fund
Locations and Hours to Know
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Assembly Hall – Whitebirch
Quilt Auction – Heartland I-IV (Quilt Bidding will close at 6:00 pm on Saturday, April 30)
Marketplace – Lobby (Marketplace Bidding will close at 6:00 pm on Saturday, April 30)
Saturday Banquet & Sunday Worship – Minnesota I & II
Camp Cafe (coffee and goodies) – outside Whitebirch (Friday 5:00 – 8:00 pm, Saturday 7:00 am – noon, 12:45 – 5:00 pm,
Sunday 7:00-10:00 am)
Assembly Bookstore – Pelican Room (Friday 2:00 – 7:30 pm & Saturday 7:30 – 11:00 am & 12:00 – 3:30 pm)
Synod Directory Photos – Pelican Room (Friday 2:00 – 5:00 pm & Saturday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm)
Assembly Office – Governor's Room (Friday 2:00 – 10:00 pm, Saturday 7:30 – 11:45 am, 12:45 – 5:15 pm, 7:00 – 9:00
pm, Sunday 7:00 – 10:30 am)
Displays – Outside Whitebirch and in the Skyway (Friday 5:00 pm – Sunday noon)
Breakfast and Lunch – Lakeside Ballroom and Marina
Proposed Agenda
Plenary Session #1 – Whitebirch
5:45 pm
6:00 pm
7:45 pm
8:45 pm
Gathering Music with Justin Rimbo and Non-Anxious Presence
Welcome: Ms. Brenda Wagner, Synod Vice-President
Living in Forgiveness: Ms. Laura Mills Anderson
Order for Opening of the Assembly: Bishop Tom Aitken
Introduction of guests, synod council, pastors newly assigned to the synod
LSS Servant of Christ Award: Mrs. Jodi Harpstead, CEO
Portico: Ms. Terri Endres
Declaration of Quorum: Ms. Anne Laechel, Registrar
Adoption of Assembly Agenda: Rev. Rollie Bockbrader, Synod Secretary
Adoption of Rules and Procedures: Rev. Rollie Bockbrader
Acceptance of Minutes of the 2015 Synod Assembly: Rev. Rollie Bockbrader
Report of the Nominating Committee
Announcements: Ms. Brenda Wagner
Break
Vesper's Worship with Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen
Closing
Following worship, all are invited to Brew with the Bishop in the Lakeside Ballrooms. There will be brews for
everyone – home-brewed craft beers, coffee, home-brewed root beer, root beer floats, and water will be served along
with snacks. A free-will donation will be taken for the Seminarian Debt Relief Fund. Thank you to our camp personnel
for helping to serve brews and snacks!
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Saturday, April 30
6:30–7:45 am
Breakfast Buffet – Lakeside Ballroom & Marina
7:45 am
8:00 am
Gathering Music and Opening Hymn – Justin Rimbo and Non-Anxious Presence
Living in Forgiveness: Ms. Maddie Roberts
Report of the Bishop: Bishop Thomas M. Aitken
”Renewing the Promise” Synod Campaign – Task Force Report
Break
Treasurer’s Report: Mr. John Olsen, Treasurer
Budget Report: Rev. John Dietz, Dir. for Evangelical Mission/Asst. to the Bishop
Ballot #1: Chair
Churchwide Report: Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, Executive Director, ELCA Global Mission
Break
Report of the Coordinator of Youth Ministry: Ms. Catherine Anderson
Report of Elections: Ballot #2
Keynote Presentation-The Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen-Gathered Questions
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch Buffet – Lakeside Ballroom & Marina
1:15 pm
1:30 pm
8:30 pm
9:00 pm
Living in Forgiveness: Rev. Kevin Olson
Report of Elections: Ballot #3
Committee for Reference, Counsel and Memorial: Rev. Megan Crouch
Holy Cow Award: Mrs. Darlene Munneke
Break
Committee of the Whole: The Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen- Forgiveness Conversation
Banquet Dinner – Minnesota I & II
Anniversaries/Special Recognitions: Bishop Tom Aitken
Worship Opportunities – Choose one of two: Campfire Worship at Dockside Beach or Contemplative Hope
& Healing at Whitebirch I & II
Beer & Hymns with Jason Rimbo & Non-Anxious Presence – Lakeside Ballroom
Campfire Fellowship: Dockside Beach - sponsored by Camps
6:30–8:00 am
Breakfast Buffet – Lakeside Ballroom & Marina
8:00 am
8:15 am
Quilt and Quarter Report: Mrs. Darlene Munneke – Synod Hunger Committee Chair
Camp Greetings
Report of the Synod Council: Ms. Brenda Wagner
3:30 pm
4:30 pm
5:30 pm
7:45 pm
Sunday, May 1
Recommendation 1: 2017 Compensation & Benefits Guidelines
Recommendation 2: 2017 Budget action
10:00 am
10:15 am
Companion Synod Report: Ms. Brenda Wagner, Rev. Dave Carlson, Rev. Dave Mesner
Report of the Director for Evangelical Mission: Rev. John Dietz, Asst. to the Bishop
Mobility Report: Ms. Brenda Tibbetts. AiM, Asst. to the Bishop
Women of the ELCA: President Lynda Lochner
Assembly Evaluations and Announcements: Ms. Brenda Wagner
Gathering Music– Minnesota I and II
Closing Worship with Order for Closing of the Assembly
The 2017 Synod Assembly will be held at Cragun’s Resort April 28 – 30, 2017.
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Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA
Proposed Rules and Procedures
2016 Synod Assembly
Voting Member Credentials and Voting Privileges
1. Those in attendance at the synod assembly entitled to vote upon all matters before the assembly shall include:
a. Voting members chosen by member congregations in accordance with the synod constitution (S7.21.c.).
b. All ordained ministers under call and all retired ministers on the roster of the synod (S7.21.a.; S7.22.).
c. Other persons on the rosters of this synod as defined by ELCA bylaw 10.41.01.b. (S7.21.b.).
d. All members of the Synod Council (S7.21.d.; S7.27.).
e. In addition to the voting membership of the lay members of congregations provided in provision
+S7.21.c., the Synod Council may authorize annually ELCA members serving as synodically authorized
ministers within the synod to serve as voting lay members of the synod assembly consistent with +S.21.
(S7.21.02.).
2. All voting members shall register upon arrival at the assembly. No voting member shall be allowed to vote unless
duly registered with the assembly registrar.
3. Voting members and visitors will be seated in sections indicated.
4. Voting members shall be a minimum of one lay member elected by each congregation with fewer than 175
baptized members and a minimum of two (2) lay members elected by each congregation with 175 or more
baptized members related to the synod, normally one of whom shall be male and one of whom shall be
female. All congregations having more than 500 confirmed members shall be entitled to elect an additional
voting member for each additional 500 confirmed members or major fraction thereof (S7.21.01).
5. Voting members for each congregation shall be the same persons for the three (3) business days of the Assembly.
The vote is not transferable to an alternate or other person after the opening of the first plenary session
Friday, April 29, 2016. An alternate not listed on the registration rolls must have a letter of authorization
from their congregational officer or pastor in order to be registered as an official voting member.
Quorum
6. Fifty percent (50%) of the registered voting members, as required by the constitution (S7.14.), shall constitute a
quorum.
7. Advisory members (lay members of the synod staff) shall have equal privilege addressing the assembly. Others
having voice but not vote are the ELCA representative, regional staff, the chairperson of the NE MN Synod
Women's Organization, and the chairperson of the synod Lutheran Youth Organization. Observers shall
have the privilege to speak at the discretion of the Chair. Visitors may be granted the privilege of voice by
the assembly.
8. To the extent consistent with these Rules of Procedure, Robert's Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern.
9. Once recognized by the Chair, speakers will first state their names and their congregational membership.
10. Except for the making of a motion, speeches shall be limited to three minutes. Speakers may speak a second
time for two minutes, but only after all others have been given an opportunity to speak. Persons speaking
from the floor shall use one of the floor microphones, addressing the Chair and speaking to the Chair. The
order of the speakers will be determined by their order in line at the microphone. The Chair will rotate
speaking privileges among the floor microphones and between proponents and opponents of a measure.
Voting
11. Elections shall proceed by written ballot. All other voting shall normally be by use of the voting cards provided,
(green will designate "yes" and red will designate "no") or by count when a division of the house is
requested. Voting cards shall be distributed only by the assembly registrar.
12. Each voting member may vote only once on a measure before the assembly.
13. Invalid written ballots, which shall not be counted, are those ballots that are:
a. Illegible;
b. Contain more marks than the ballot permits;
c. Contain a write-in vote, except where a write-in vote is specifically permitted.
14. Ballots shall be distributed and collected only by Assembly Pages.
Smoking
15. Smoking is prohibited at all functions of the assembly.
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Resolutions
16. All proposed resolutions are to be directed to the assembly through the Committee for Reference, Counsel, and
Memorial. They shall include the name, phone number and congregational membership of the author with
an indication of any groups that have endorsed the resolution. Resolutions may be submitted by a
congregation, a conference, committee or board of the synod, or ten (10) voting members of the synod
assembly (with congregational memberships noted).
17. Resolutions, motions, amendments, and nominations made from the floor shall be made in writing on
official forms available from the Assembly Pages.
18. Resolutions will be accepted by the Committee for Reference, Counsel, and Memorial until April 1.
Resolutions received after April 1 must include 25 voting member’s signatures and will be dealt with only
by specific approval of the Assembly. This action would require a two-thirds vote. Courtesy resolutions
are an exception.
19. The order in which resolutions are presented to the assembly shall be the responsibility of the
Committee for Reference, Counsel, and Memorial.
20. The Committee for Reference, Counsel, and Memorial may consult with the originator of any proposed
resolution for clarification and/or to check factuality and documentation. The Committee may also make
grammatical changes. Original resolutions will be available at the page table.
21. The Committee for Reference, Counsel, and Memorial shall present resolutions to the assembly without any
recommendation. Resolutions received by the Committee, in accordance with the previous rules, are
deemed to have been moved for adoption and require no second to become the business of the assembly.
22. Changes to the by-laws of the constitution not recommended by the Synod Council shall be submitted to the
Committee for Reference, Counsel, and Memorial in the form of a resolution. Such resolutions shall
require a two-thirds vote to pass as required by the constitution (S17.01.).
23. Changes to the continuing resolutions not recommended by the Synod Council shall be submitted to the
Committee for Reference, Counsel, and Memorial in the form of a resolution. Such resolutions shall
require a majority vote to pass.
Agenda
24. The business of the assembly shall be conducted during four (4) working sessions: the evening of Friday,
April 29, the morning of Saturday, April 30, the afternoon of Saturday, April 30, and the morning of
Sunday, May 1, 2016. The Chair shall have the authority to call items of business before the assembly in
whatever order is most expedient for conducting assembly business. Resolutions not addressed by the
assembly shall be forwarded to the Synod Council.
25. The agenda shall be presented and adopted at the first working session. If any voting member desires to add an
item of new business to the agenda after the initial adoption of the agenda by the assembly, the voting
member shall present such item of business to the Chair, who shall immediately refer it to the Committee
for Reference, Counsel, and Memorial. The Committee shall report to the assembly its recommendation
for the handling of such new business, which may include a recommendation that the matter not be
considered. A majority vote shall be required to add an item of new business to the agenda.
Elections
26. Nominations from the floor shall be made in writing on official forms available from the pages. Biographical
data of the nominee shall be supplied to the assembly Chair by the person presenting the nomination. The
person placing the name in nomination must determine the willingness of the nominee to serve and so state
on the nomination form.
27. In all elections, except for the officers, the names of the person receiving the highest number of votes, but not
elected by a majority of the votes cast on a preceding ballot, shall be entered on the next ballot to the
number of two for each vacancy unfilled (S9.08.).
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Miscellaneous
28.
29.
30.
Anyone proposing an increase or decrease in any line item in the proposed 2017 budget shall indicate
which line(s) the amount is to be taken from or added to, thereby keeping the budget in balance.
No printed materials of any kind may be distributed in the plenary session areas during all days of the
assembly except by the Assembly Pages and only following authorization granted by the Committee for
Reference, Counsel, and Memorial.
Displays or other means of distribution of information and/or printed material shall be approved by the
Assembly Planning Committee and/or Section II of the Synod Council and confined to areas so designated.
The policy regarding this is as follows:
a. Permission for the inclusion of materials in voting member packets will be given only to
agencies/institutions/ministries related to the Northeastern Minnesota Synod or the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
b. Merchandisers may be granted vending space upon request.
c. All requests regarding these matters are normally subject to the decision of Section II of the Synod
Council, but can be made by the Executive Committee or Synod Council.
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Parliamentary Procedure
To accomplish this:
You say:
Interrupt
speaker?
Is a second
necessary?
Is it debatable?
Can it be
amended?
Necessary
vote?
Can it be reconsidered?
Introduce business
I move that…
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Majority
Yes
Amend a motion
I move to amend the motion
by...
No
Yes
Yes (if debatable)
Yes
Majority
Yes
Give further study
I move to refer the matter to
committee.
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Majority
Yes(unless it has gone to
committee)
Postpone discussion for stated
period of time
I move to postpone discussion No
until...
Yes
Yes
Yes
Majority
Yes
End debate and amendments
I move the previous question.
No
Yes
No
No
2/3
No(unless vote is not taken)
Suspend consideration of an issue
temporarily
I move to table the motion.
No
Yes
No
No
Majority
No
Raise a question about noise, etc.
I rise to a question of
privilege.
Yes
No
No
No
No vote
No(usually)
Call for an intermission
I move we recess for...
No
Yes
No
Yes
Majority
No
Adjourn the meeting
I move that we adjourn.
No
Yes
No
No
Majority
No
Request information
Point of information
Yes
No
No
No
No vote
No
Reconsider an action
I move to reconsider the vote
on...
Yes
Yes
Yes (if motion to
No
Majority
No
reconsider is
debatable)
Take up a matter previously tabled I move to take from the table... No
Yes
No
No
Majority
No
Verify a voice vote by having
members stand
I call for a division.
Yes
No
No
No
No vote
No
Vote on a ruling of the chair
I appeal from the chair’s
decision.
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Majority
Yes
Protest breach of rules or conduct
I rise to a point of order.
Yes
No
No
No
No vote
No
(unless is
unclear)
Yes
Avoid considering an improper
matter
I object to consideration of
this motion.
Suspend rules temporarily
I move to suspend the rules so No
that...
No
No
No
2/3
Yes(if main motion was not
considered)
Yes
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No
No
2/3
No
Synopsis of the Minutes of the 2015 Synod Assembly
May 1-3, 2015
Held at Breezy Point Resort, Breezy Point, Minnesota
The 2015 Northeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly was called to order in the name of the Father
and the Son and the Holy Spirit, by Bishop Thomas M. Aitken on Friday, May 1, 2015 at Breezy
Point Resort in Breezy Point, Minnesota. The worship Friday evening included the ordination of
Mark Wagner with Bishop Aitken and Bishop Martin Giron of the Honduran Lutheran Church
presiding over the ordination.
The voting members convened during four plenary sessions. At the first session the assembly
registrar, Anne Laechel, reported that 322 voting members were registered and present. Bishop
Aitken declared a quorum and the business of the Assembly commenced.
The theme for the 2015 Assembly was “Power of Forgiveness.” The Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen
was the keynote speaker speaking on the power of forgiveness. The peace that Jesus gives is all
about forgiveness, restoration, wholeness and new life. Bishop Aitken spoke about going deep.
With Jesus there is abundance and Jesus encourages us to go deep with him and deep into the
power of forgiveness and deep into the world. Following the Saturday evening banquet,
ordination anniversaries were celebrated and School of Lay Ministry completion certificates
were awarded.
Additional reports given at the Assembly included the following: Treasurer’s, Synod Budget,
ELCA Churchwide given by ELCA Secretary, Rev. Chris Boerger, Synod Youth Ministry,
Malaria Campaign, Synodical Women’s Organization, Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota,
Synod Council, Lutheran Church in Honduras, Lutheran Church in Russia and the Director for
Evangelical Mission by Rev. John Dietz.
The Assembly elected at large voting members to the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly and
ratified conference assembly elections to the Synod Council and the 2016 ELCA Churchwide
Assembly. The Assembly adopted four resolutions: “A Synodwide Ingathering for Mission
Renewing the Promise” (15-4), “Eco-Reformation in Context of Climate Change” (15-2),
“Support for Solar at the Phebe Hospital in Liberia” (15-3), and “Welcoming the Stranger” (151). Two resolutions were not addressed because of time constraints and will become business of
the Synod Council: “Eco-Reformation in the Context of the Synod” (15-5) and “Support for
Christians facing Execution by Extremist Groups” (15-6).
The Assembly passed the 2016 synod budget of $1,199,700 with 49% of Congregational Mission
Support designated as ELCA Apportionment. The 2015 Compensation and Professional
Expenses Guidelines were adopted.
Respectfully submitted,
Pastor Rollie Bockbrader, Synod Secretary
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Synopsis of Resolutions of the 2015 Synod Assembly
Resolution 15-4a
Resolution on Support for Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA and
Formation and Implementation of Renewing the Promise: Strengthening Our Synod
RESOLVED, that the Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA meeting in assembly joyfully supports
Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA, and invites individuals, congregations,
and the Synod Council into conversations about giving to the campaign to bring about its success;
and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA meeting in assembly directs the
implementation of a synod ingathering, Renewing the Promise: Strengthening Our Synod, to be
held in conjunction with Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA; and be it
further
RESOLVED, that the focus of the synod ingathering, Renewing the Promise: Strengthening Our Synod,
be support for the Companion Synod ministry with the churches of the Ingrian Lutheran Church
in Russia and the Iglesia Cristiana Luterana en Honduras; the Lutheran Campus Ministry at
University of Minnesota – Duluth; the Twin Ports Ministry to Seafarers; the Seminarian Debt
Relief Fund of our synod; and scholarships for seminarians and the synod's School of Lay
Ministry; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA meeting in assembly directs the
formation of a Campaign Action Team to oversee, promote, and shepherd both Always Being
Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA and Renewing the Promise: Strengthening
Our Synod throughout our synod, including developing and distributing materials, raising
awareness of the campaigns, and promoting participation in the campaigns by congregations,
conferences, individuals, and church groups. The Campaign Action Team shall report to the synod
council at each quarterly meeting and to the synod assembly each year of the campaign; and be it
further
RESOLVED, that the Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA meeting in assembly calls on the
baptized members of this synod to become involved in working towards the goal of raising $1.2
million beyond regular mission support by the end of fiscal year 2018, with $1 million to be
directed to Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA, and $200,000 to be directed
to Renewing the Promise: Strengthening Our Synod, with undesignated gifts to be divided
equally among the identified ministry partners at the end of each fiscal year.
Action Taken: A task force was formed. It has met and has developed a brochure for the Renewing the
Promise: Strengthening Our Synod campaign.
Resolution 15-2a
Memorial on Eco-Reformation in the Context of Climate Change
RESOLVED, that the Northeastern Minnesota Synod, meeting in assembly and recognizing the need for
ongoing reformation of the ELCA in the context of climate change, memorialize the 2016
Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA to make stewardship of the earth and ecological justice
major themes in ELCA planning and activities leading up to and following the observance of the
500th anniversary of the Reformation.
Action Taken: adopted resolution
9
Resolution 15-3a
Support for Solar Power at the Phebe Hospital in Liberia
RESOLVED, that the Northeastern Minnesota Synod endorse the Phebe Hospital solar energy project,
and encourage the intentional efforts of each congregation throughout the synod to raise
awareness and funding for this project in the month of August; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Northeastern Minnesota Synod call upon the other synods in Minnesota and across
the ELCA to embrace the "Solar August" awareness and funding opportunity; and be it further
RESOLVED that the Northeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly direct the Northeastern Minnesota Synod
Council to forward this resolution to the Church Council’s Executive Committee for proper
referral and disposition under the bylaws and continuing resolutions of this church.
Resolution 15-1a
Welcoming the Stranger
RESOLVED, that the Northeastern Minnesota Synod call upon the Synod members individually and
corporately to extend a welcome to newcomers; and be it further
RESOLVED that we support the ELCA Conference of Bishops Statement on Immigration as adopted on
November 20, 2014.
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Report of the Synod Vice President
Brenda Wagner
[email protected] (218) 246-3179
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Grace and peace to all of you from our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ!
capital campaign in conjunction with The Campaign for the ELCA. Our synod's campaign, Renewing the Promise will raise up and seek to
support financially some of the unique partner
ministries in our synod including our Companion Synod ministries with Honduras, Russia and
India, Seminarian Debt Relief, the School for
Lay Ministry, Lutheran Campus Ministry at
UMD and Twin Ports Ministry to Seafarers.
Make sure you pick up brochures and some donation envelopes for your congregation. I encourage your congregation to help support both
these campaigns – if the whole campaign seems
too big a chunk for you to bite off, find a focus
that your congregation is passionate about and
set a goal for your support. There are many free
resource and support materials online at the
ELCA website (www.elca.org) about Always
Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA.
If you need help, I am always glad to lend a
hand!
Many thanks, to all of you, for allowing me the
awesome privilege to be vice-president of the
Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA. I
am so blessed to serve in ministry with all of
you in such an amazing synod. Our congregations, our rostered leaders, our lay leaders, our
synod staff, and all of the ELCA Lutheran folks
work together as God's hands in our communities and our world to share the Gospel, feed the
hungry, shelter the homeless, reach out to those
on the margins, comfort the broken-hearted, and
bring a word of hope and promise for all God's
people…..that's what it means to be “church”! It
is faith in the power of the resurrection that
gives us hope and strength in the face of life's
challenges and losses. This same love also gives
us strength to face the brokenness of the world
that we see on the nightly news….violence, war,
hatred, intolerance, fear, insecurity, uncertainty…..the love of God in Christ Jesus for ALL
people (and I mean every single person!) is bigger than all these things. What a joy for all of us
to be able to share this good news with the
world!
As long as I am on the topic of mission support,
I'd like to thank all of you for the mission support contributions that your congregations send
to the synod and the churchwide ELCA organization! These mission support dollars are used
for powerful ministry in our communities in
Minnesota, in our nation and across our world. I
could go on for pages and pages about all the
ways this financial support is used to share the
Gospel and strengthen God's people! I know
that often people wonder, “Why do we send
mission support dollars to the synod?” I would
love to come to one of the council meetings of
your congregation or to an information forum to
share the answer to this question! I think you
will be amazed at how your financial support is
used carefully and creatively both locally and
globally for being God's hands in our world. I'd
also love to come to your congregation to hear
how you make a difference in your community!
We have much to be thankful for this
year…..first and foremost, we, of the ELCA,
achieved the goal of raising $15 million for the
ELCA Malaria Campaign! Thank you NE Minnesota! Through the effort of your congregations, we contributed nearly $200,000! This
contribution not only is changing lives through
the work of our partner synods in Africa, but is
also a jump-start on our fundraising efforts for
Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the
ELCA which is seeking to raise funds for leadership, global mission, ELCA World Hunger,
youth ministry, ministry with people with disabilities, new and renewing congregations, and
much more. In addition, we as a synod voted at
last year's Synod Assembly to do a synod-wide
One of the highlights of this past year for me as
Vice-President was to see and be part of a story
11
of rebirth. As many of you know, our synod has
three global Companion Synods. The companion partnerships with the Lutheran church in
Honduras and the Lutheran church of Ingria,
Russia have been growing and thriving now for
many years. Dedicated folks throughout the
synod have traveled to those partner churches
and walked together in faith. Our partnership
with our third Companion Synod, the South Andhra Lutheran Church of India, has been
dormant for several years. Last March, Bishop
Tom, Rev. Brenda Wicklund and I traveled to
Chicago to participate in an India-ELCA Summit of all the Indian Lutheran churches (there
are 4 million Lutherans in India) and their
ELCA Companions. Together with our Indian
brothers and sisters, we agreed to start the baby
steps of renewing and rebuilding this companionship. As one of the baby steps, they invited
NE Minnesota to send a representative to India
in November 2015 for the celebration of their
150th Anniversary! On your behalf, my husband
Mark and I went to share greetings and prayers
with the folks of the South Andhra Lutheran
Church as we joined together in their celebration. Thank you for the opportunity to represent
you! It was a profoundly moving experience and
we were overwhelmed by their hospitality and
joy! Once again, I would love to share the experience with you – we are looking for more
members for our India Companion Synod committee and Mark and I are also available to
come and speak to you about our trip and about
the SALC. Talk to me or send me an email at
[email protected].
Blessings to you, brothers and sisters, as you
continue to serve as Christ's hands in countless
ways in your congregations. Again, it is my
great privilege and pleasure to share in ministry
with you!
Peace in Christ,
Brenda Wagner
Vice-President
Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA
As always, it is one of my great joys to work
with an awesome synod staff! This past year, we
have said goodbye to two synod staff members
who retired – many thanks and blessings to
Marilyn Hull and Rev. Vickie Taylor on this life
transition! Your work touched so many lives!
Welcome to our new staff members, Assistant to
the Bishop Brenda Tibbetts and Tammy SegelCrilly. Thank you also to Kathy Wimer, Catherine Anderson, Rev. John Dietz, and, of course,
Bishop Tom. We are blessed by your dedication
and hard work as our synod staff. Thank you
also to all the members of the NE MN Synod
Council, your leadership is so much appreciated.
12
Synod Council Report 2015-2016
Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA, Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, Duluth, May 16, 2015
VOTED
SC15.05.01. to approve the minutes of the February 2, 2015 Synod Council meeting as amended
SC15.05.03. to grant Retirement Status to the following clergy:
Rev. David Tryggestad effective June 1, 2015 (Kenwood Lutheran, Duluth),
Rev. David Steven’s effective July 1, 2015 (Faith Lutheran, Chisholm),
Rev. Irving Arnquist effective June 1, 2015 (Bethany Lutheran, Loman and First Lutheran, International Falls),
Rev. Ellen Taube effective July 1, 2015 (Messiah Lutheran, Mt. Iron), and
Rev. Vicki Taylor effective July 1, 2015 (Assistant to the Bishop).
SC15.05.04. to grant the following requests for a call from the Synod Council:
Rev. Kenneth Bowman effective October 16, 2014 as Interim Pastor to Gethsemane Lutheran, Upsala,
Rev Paul Erdal effective November 30, 2014 as Interim Pastor to First Lutheran, Pine River,
Rev. Steven Weston effective October 1, 2014 as Interim Pastor to Bethlehem Lutheran, Two Harbors, Rev. Judy Anderson-Bauer
effective May 1, 2015 as Interim Pastor to Zion Lutheran, Duluth.
SC15.05.05. that the Conference Deans be empowered to select a person from their conference to be on the synod wide Ingathering
Campaign Action Team.
SC15.05.06. to refer Resolution 15-5a (Eco-Reformation in the Context of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod) to the Synod Creation
Care Team for their review and to encourage the Creation Care Team to contact the five conferences directly about hosting a monthly
gathering with a focus on Eco-Reformation.
SC15.05.07. to table Resolution 15-6a (Support for Christians Facing Executions by Extremist Groups) indefinitely.
SC15.05.08. that the Synod Council implements the Walking Together in Faith program as presented to begin in the fall.
SC15.05.09. to accept the Treasurer’s Report (Income and Expenses) and Restricted Funds for the period ending April 30, 2015.
SC15.05.10. to authorize the Office of Bishop to purchase a car using monies from the Corrine Wehvilainen restricted funds and to
approach the Synod Foundation for funding, and to authorize the Executive Committee to make a purchase.
SC15.05.11. to place the following names on the signature card of the NE MN Synod Youth Mission Investment Fund: Catherine
Anderson, Kathy Wimer, Pastor John Olson and Bishop Tom Aitken.
Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA, E-Meeting, May 18-22, 2015
VOTED
SC15.05.12. to call Associate in Ministry Brenda Tibbetts as Assistant to the Bishop.
SC15.05.02. to grant On Leave From Call status, first year to the Rev. Emily Rova-Hegener effective June 15, 2015. (Her husband
Pastor Joel Rova-Hegener has accepted a call to serve the American Lutheran Church in Oslo, Norway.)
Northeastern Minnesota Synod ELCA, Bethel-Trinity Lutheran Church, Bovey, September 19, 2015
VOTED
SC15.09.01. to approve the minutes of the May 16, 2015 Synod Council meeting.
SC15.09.02. to approve the recommendation of the DECC location for the 2019 Synod Assembly to be held May 3-5, 2019.
SC15.09.03. to authorize Peggy Carlson to act on the Synod Council’s behalf to secure the DECC for the 2020 Synod Assembly.
SC15.09.04. to grant the requests of the following pastors for On Leave From Call status:
Rev. Don Ludemann, first year beginning June 1, 2015 (Culver/Brookston),
Rev. Tim Faust, first year beginning May 17, 2015 (Cloverdale/Markville),
Rev. Noah Johnson, first year beginning April 19, 2015 (Mahtowa),
Rev. Michael Soppeland, first year beginning July 12, 2015 (Princeton),
Rev. Vicki VanderVegt, first year beginning October 15, 2015 (Pine City),
Rev. Michael Fossen, first year beginning August 12, 2015 (Carlton), and
Rev. Larry Quanbeck, second year beginning June 30, 2015 (interim in Illinois).
SC15.09.05. to grant Retirement Status to the following clergy:
Rev. Stephen Ellerbusch effective September 1, 2015, and
Rev. Dennis Paulson effective October 1, 2015 (interim).
SC15.09.06. to grant the following requests for a call from the Synod Council:
Rev. Steven Weston effective June 13, 2015 as Interim Pastor to United in Christ Lutheran, Eveleth,
Rev. Loren Anderson-Bauer effective August 1, 2015 as Interim Pastor to Concordia Lutheran, Duluth,
Rev. Cheryl Fleckenstein effective October 18, 2015 as Interim Pastor to Bethesda Lutheran, Carlton,
Rev. Janeva Stromberg effective September 11, 2015 as Interim Pastor to Zion Lutheran, Cloverdale and Zion Lutheran, Markville, and
Rev. Michael Soppeland effective October 15, 2015 as Interim Pastor to SALT (Southern Arrowhead Lutherans Together).
SC15.09.07. to grant the request for a call from the Synod Council to Rev. Glen Bickford (SW MN Synod) effective October 1, 2015 as
Interim Pastor to Salem Lutheran, Deerwood for at least six months pending the congregational council approval of the interim
contract.
13
Synod Council Report 2015-2016
SC15.09.08. to give $2,500 from the Seminarian Debt Relief Fund to each of the two applicants this year.
SC15.09.09. to accept the Treasurer’s Report (Income and Expenses) and Restricted Funds for the period ending August 31, 2015.
Northeastern Minnesota Synod ELCA, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Duluth, December 4, 2015
VOTED
SC15.12.01. to approve the minutes of the September 19, 2015 Synod Council meeting.
SC15.12.02. to grant the request of the Rev. Sonja Anderson for On Leave From Call status – study leave, fourth year beginning
August 11, 2015.
SC15.12.03. to grant the request for a call from the Synod Council to the Rev. Brian Birk effective November 1, 2015 as Interim Pastor
to Faith Lutheran Church in Chisholm and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hibbing.
SC15.12.05. to approve a two month sabbatical for Bishop Tom Aitken from June 1 to August 6, 2016 (not including a 1½ week period
of time when he is representing the synod in Russia), with future details to be worked out and shared with the Synod Council.
SC15.12.06. to accept the Financial Reports for the synod dated October 31, 2015.
SC15.12.07. to approve the 2016 Housing Allowances for Bishop Tom Aitken set at $24,000 and for Pastor John Dietz set at $0.00
(zero).
SC15.12.08. to approve 2015 vacation days carry over for Catherine Anderson, 10 days, and Bishop Tom Aitken, 5 days.
Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA, First Lutheran Church, Aitkin, February 26, 2106
VOTED
SC16.02.01. to approve the minutes of the December 4, 2015 Synod Council meeting.
SC16.02.02. that the Northeastern Minnesota Synod Council with overwhelming gratitude would accept the gift from Faith Lutheran
Church, Lester Park/Duluth, of the property in entirety, if Faith Lutheran Church offers the buildings and property to the synod and
the synod would pay any and all closing costs.
SC16.02.03. to grant the following requests of the following for On Leave From Call status:
The Rev. Tim Faust, second year effective May 17, 2016,
The Rev. Noah Johnson, second year effective April 19, 2016, and
The Rev. Emily Rova-Hegener, second year effective June 15, 2016.
SC16.02.04. to grant the following requests for Retirement Status of the following:
The Rev. Joan Gunderman effective December 2, 2015,
The Rev. Douglas Larson effective May 1, 2016,
The Rev. Gregory Larsen effective May 1, 2016, and
The Rev. Randy Wendt effective February 29, 2016
SC16.02.05. to grant the request from the Rev. Greg Daher (Bethany and Holy Trinity, Duluth) for Disability Status, effective February
1, 2016.
SC16.02.06. to grant the requests of the following Synodically Authorized Ministers (SAMs) to be have both voice and vote at the
2016 Synod Assembly:
Ms. Gloria Anderson-Hegg Bear River, Cook
Mr. Michael Anderson Hope, Toivola
Mr. Nathan Anderson Trinity, Bruno and Oak Lake, Kerrick
Ms. Dee Hillstrom Our Savior’s, Federal Dam
Ms. Nancy Opitz Bethel, Brainerd
Mr. Jim Sodergren Hope, Grasston
Mrs. Brenda Wagner Bethel-Trinity, Bovey; Bethel, Warba; Carmel, Jacobson
SC16.02.07. to nominate the Rev. Rollie Bockbrader as Secretary of the Synod, to be elected at the Synod Assembly.
SC16.02.08. to place the $6,656 surplus from 2015 in the restricted account, Operating Reserves.
SC16.02.09. to accept the 2017 Proposed Budget of $1,145,700 and recommend its adoption at the synod assembly.
SC16.02.10. to recommend to the synod assembly the proposed 2017 synod guidelines.
SC16.02.11. to add the South Andhra Lutheran Church of India to the list of Companion Synods for the synod capital campaign.
14
Report of the Treasurer
Mr. John Olsen
45772 323rd Lane
Aitkin, MN
For this past year (2015) the synod received in mission support from our local
congregations $1,106,044. This amount was approximately 97% of our projected
budget. The good news is that we did finish the year with income exceeding expenses
by $6,656.
The complete financial report is included in your packet of reports, but let me
summarize some of the main points.
INCOME
Congregation mission support for 2015 was $1,106,044 vs. a budget of $1,175,000.
This amount compares to revenue in 2014 of $1,140,389.
EXPENSES
We continue to share 49% of our congregation mission support with the church wide
ELCA. This was $541,962 vs. a budget of $575,750. In 2014 our share was $558,781
Our support of our ministry partners was $90,500. This was 100% of our budgeted
amount.
Luther Seminary
$25,000
$47,000
MN Council of Churches
$ 1,100
Twin Ports Ministry to Seafarers $ 5,400
Lutheran Advocacy of Minnesota $ 3,000
Region 3 support
$ 9,000
Synod programing showed expenses of $14,700 vs. a budget of $14,900. It should be
noted that additional programing has been paid with the use of special gifts and grants
plus program fees.
Synod staff salaries and benefits were $401,579 vs. a budget of $414,200.
Synod operation expenses were $77,647 vs. a budget of $91,200.
The synod staff has done an excellent job of managing the finances of our synod.
They deserve our thanks.
15
COMMENTARY on 2016 ADOPTED and 2017 PROPOSED BUDGET
The 2016 Synod Budget was adopted during the 2015 Synod Assembly. It was
prepared by the Synod Finance Committee.
The 2017 Budget is recommended by the Synod Council. It reflects a $3,956 increase
over 2015 actual Mission Support.
The following comments are intended to be an aid in interpreting the budget.
INCOME & OTHER SOURCES OF CASH
The 2016 Budget is based upon an estimate of what congregations will give to
the synod and ELCA during the fiscal year of February 1, 2016 through January
31, 2017. Nearly all (97.9%) of synod income comes from congregations
through their Mission Support.
a)
Congregational Mission Support The actual for 2015 was a decrease of
$43,956 or 3.8% less than anticipated. The 2016 adopted Congregational
Mission Support shows a 5.9% increase over the 2015 actual amount.
b)
There is interest income from the synod checking account and restricted
or designated funds.
c)
ELCA-CSM Grant is for expenses related to Director of Evangelical
Mission (Pastor John Dietz).
d)
Miscellaneous is income that does not fall into other categories.
e)
Rental Income is the amount received from the use of space on the first floor
of the synod office building.
EXPENSES & OTHER USES OF CASH
1)
ELCA APPORTIONMENT
This money is used for all of the ministries of the ELCA (global and local
missions, education, advocacy, congregational resources, leadership, etc.).
From 1988 through 1995, the synod sent approximately 51% of its unrestricted
income to the ELCA. In 1996 and 1997, the synod lowered the percent sent to
the ELCA to 50%. In 1998, the percentage amount was 48.5%. Since 1999, the
percent has been 49%. The 2015 Adjusted Budget keeps the percent for ELCA
Apportionment at 49% or an estimated $575,750 of Mission Support.
2)
MINISTRY PARTNERS
Our synod has a noteworthy record of supporting its Ministry Partners at 100%
of budget. Our partners reflect the important diversity of ministry in and around
us that occurs on behalf of all of our congregations.
a)
Lutheran seminaries receive about 15% of their operating budgets directly
from synods. Additional gifts to all ministry partners are welcome!
b)
Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota provides vital outreach and
services to college students on the campuses at Bemidji, Duluth,
Mankato, Marshall, Moorhead, Morris, St. Cloud, Willmar, Winona and the
Twin Cities.
16
c)
d)
e)
f)
Minnesota Council of Churches is an ecumenical organization of several
denominations in the state.
Twin Ports Ministry to Seafarers provides an important Christian contact
with domestic and foreign seafarers and their families.
Lutheran Advocacy of Minnesota (formerly Lutheran Coalition for Public
Policy in Minnesota). It is the advocacy arm of the six synods in
Minnesota. Its director, Tammy Walhoff, is a lobbyist/advocate in the state
House and Senate, speaking on issues such as farming, housing,
poverty, education, children and health care.
Support to Region 3, which includes the partnership of the nine synods in
North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, supports networks of various
church ministries and programs, and is the site for the regional archives.
3)
SYNOD PROGRAMMING
a)
Leadership Support & Development for pastors and other rostered
personnel and lay leadership of congregations (candidacy, call process,
professional leaders’ conference, lay leader’s events, etc.).
b)
Congregational Ministry & Health for promoting health and energy within
congregations (worship, education, stewardship, youth and family, etc.).
c)
Congregational Outreach promotes the ministries of the Church outside
and beyond the individual congregation (evangelism, global mission,
companion synods, rural life, hunger, justice, Mission Partners, etc.).
d)
Youth Ministries provides leadership support and development for youth
and adults who work with youth through gatherings, trainings, resources
and networking.
e)
School of Lay Ministry to provide support for this important program.
4)
SYNOD STAFF SALARIES and BENEFITS
Salaries and Benefits for 2016 include the following personnel: bishop, two
bishop’s assistants, coordinator of youth ministry, one full-time and one new
half-time support staff. All salaries have been increased with the exception of the
new half-time position. This item in the 2017 budget has been decreased by
4.8% over 2016.
5)
SYNOD OPERATIONS
Most of the line items under Synod Operations are self-explanatory, relating to
the day-to-day work and ministry of the synod staff, Synod Council and Synod
Assembly.
r)
Our Synod Assembly is a self supporting event although $1,000 is
budgeted for 10 Assemblyships (grants to assist congregations in
meeting the expenses for voting members to attend the assembly).
6)
OPERATING RESERVE
This line was added in the 2012 Adopted Budget and the plan is continue to add
funds to it on an annual basis when we can.
17
NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA SYNOD, ELCA
INCOME & OTHER SOURCES OF CASH
a) Congr. Mission Support
b) Interest
c) ELCA - CSM Grant
d) Miscellaneous
e) Rental Income
TOTAL INCOME:
Pre-Audit
to 1/31/2016
Adopted
2016 Budget
Proposed
2017 Budget
1,106,044
325
15,000
2,675
9,000
1,175,000
500
15,000
2,000
7,200
1,110,000
500
15,000
2,000
18,200
$1,133,044
$1,199,700
$1,145,700
1,133,044
$1,199,700
$1,145,700
2) Surplus carryover
TOTAL CASH AVAILABLE
EXPENSES & OTHER USES OF CASH
1) ELCA Apportionment
541,962
575,750
543,900
2) Ministry Partners
a) Luther Seminary
b) Lutheran Campus Ministry
c) MN Council of Churches
d) Twin Ports Ministry to Seafarers
e) Lutheran Advocacy of Minnesota
f) Region 3 Support
25,000
47,000
1,100
5,400
3,000
9,000
25,000
47,000
1,100
5,400
3,000
9,000
25,000
47,000
1,100
5,400
3,000
9,000
$90,500
$90,500
$90,500
2,700
400
800
10,000
1,000
2,500
300
400
10,000
1,000
$14,900
$14,200
3) Synod Programming
a) Leadership Support
b) Congregational Ministry
c) Outreach
d) Youth Ministry
e) School of Lay Ministry
3,566
77
149
9,908
1,000
$14,700
4) Synod Staff Salaries & Benefits - #1
401,579
18
426,550
406,000
Pre-Audit
to 1/31/2016
5) Synod Operations
a) Telephone
b) Mailings/Postage/Postage meter
c) Printing
d) Supplies
e) Insurance & Worker's Comp
f) Furnishings/Remodeling
g) Office Equipment
h) Equipment Maintenance
i) Office & Grounds
j) Accounting & Auditing
k) Discretionary
l) Misc. (includes Bank fees)
m) Utilities
n) Staff Travel
o) ELCA - CSM Grant Expenses
p) Special Synod Committees
q) Synod Council Meetings
r) Synod Assembly
s) Resources/includes Web site
t) Legal & Related Expenses
u) Intersynodical Events
v) Non-employee compensation
w) Depreciation
4,496
2,965
236
1,857
5,824
0
2,283
2,511
5,562
6,300
450
1,255
14,846
14,035
10,767
319
176
500
664
0
0
2,600
29,269
$106,915
TOTAL EXPENSES
$1,155,657
ADJUSTMENT for NONCASH EXPENSES
Depreciation
-29,269
TOTAL CASH USED
$1,126,388
Footnotes (see Budget Commentary for further explanation )
1) Current synod staff includes five full-time and one half-time positions.
19
Adopted
2016 Budget
Proposed
2017 Budget
4,800
3,200
1,000
1,200
6,000
100
2,000
2,000
6,500
6,400
500
400
17,000
17,000
15,000
500
400
1,000
1,000
500
500
5,000
4,600
3,000
800
1,200
6,000
100
2,000
2,000
6,000
6,400
500
400
21,000
15,000
15,000
500
300
1,000
800
500
500
3,500
$92,000
$91,100
$1,199,700
$1,145,700
A Field Guide to the Synod Budget
Procedures
The budget is prepared by the Synod Finance Committee, which looks at the synod’s financial
history, estimated intents from congregations, and requests from Ministry Partners, Committees, Task
Forces, and staff. The Synod Council may make revisions before recommending the budget for adoption
by the Synod Assembly.
The adopted 2016 budget and proposed 2017 budget, along with commentary, are included in
this Bulletin of Reports. The adopted 2016 budget was voted on at the 2015 Synod Assembly and is
printed as information. Only the proposed 2017 budget requires the action of the Assembly.
The proposed 2017 budget may be amended by the Assembly. Anyone proposing an increase or
decrease in any budget line item must indicate which line(s) the amount is to be taken from or added to,
thereby keeping the budget in balance. (See Rule 29 of Proposed Rules and Procedures)
The proposed 2017 budget will be presented during the second plenary session on Saturday
morning. Action (voting) on the budget will come during the fourth plenary session on Sunday morning.
Facts and Figures
The Northeastern Minnesota Synod operates on a budget of over $1.1 million. Nearly all
(97%) of synod income comes from congregational mission support. Since 1999, 49% of unrestricted
income has been passed on to the ELCA to support churchwide ministries across the United States and
around the world. (For more information about the ministries of the ELCA, see Stories of Faith in Action
and The Lutheran magazine on the Resource Table outside the plenary hall)
The ELCA operates on a budget of just over $66.5 million. About 68% of that comes from
congregational mission support. In addition, about $21 million is received by the World Hunger Appeal.
Funds given for Disaster Response are also additional.
Definitions
Congregational Mission Support is the money a congregation gives in support of the synod
budget. Each congregation sends the synod office a Statement of Intent following the adoption of the
congregational budget.
ELCA Apportionment is the amount in the synod’s budget designated for ELCA churchwide
organization and ministries. (49% of congregational mission support)
Ministry Partners are organizations that receive money from us and from other synods or
church bodies to support ministries that occur on behalf of all our congregations. (Reports from these
partners may be found in this Bulletin of Reports)
Region 3 includes the nine ELCA synods in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.
20
Report of the Bishop 2016
Northeastern MN Synod, ELCA
Rev. Thomas M. Aitken
I have served as your Bishop now for seven and a half years. And this
means being Shepherd to 63,000 baptized members in 137 congregations. It
includes 228 Rostered Leaders, seven Synodically Authorized Ministers,
Youth Directors, and 1,500 elected lay leaders. This has been a calling of
both joy and challenge. I honor and try to live faithfully into this Call and into
the trust you have placed in me. I have found that in addition to regular
prayer and Scripture reading, I go occasionally to chapter 8 of our Synod
Constitution, which reminds me that the bishop shall have primary
responsibility for the ministry of Word and Sacrament and pastoral care and
leadership in this synod and its congregations, its ordained ministers, and its
other rostered leaders. I continue to take this charge both seriously and
joyfully, and often with great wonder and a sense of awe.
Staff
We made some synod office staff changes this past year beginning with Pastor Vicki Taylor who
retired as Assistant to the Bishop in June and called Brenda Tibbetts as her replacement. Brenda is
an Associate in Ministry Rostered Leader and handles call process, healthy congregations and
leaders and Roster details. Marilyn Hull (26 years on staff!) dropped to half time at the beginning of
January and then retired at the end of the year. So we began the search for a new Communications
Person. Tammy Segel-Crilly began this half time position in Jan 2015. In addition to the normal office
support, we can look forward to a new Website format going forward. Kathy Wimer is our Finances
person and hardworking generalist as she has been for many years. Catherine Anderson is our
Coordinator of Youth Ministry. Pastor John Dietz is our Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant
to the Bishop with Candidacy. As you will see in the budget portion of this report, we continue to live
with the realities of mission support income, just like every congregation does and this has meant
reduction in staff and/or their hours of service. It has happened across our church. Your synod staff
is hardworking, committed and very capable in helping resource you for your particular
congregation’s. We are happy to assist you in any way we can.
Faith Formation for all
In 2015, the Bishop’s Convocation was well attended and featured Bishop Patricia Lull (St. Paul )
speaking on Discipleship with workshops in Pastor/Council relationships, Lutheran understanding of
Scripture, Youth Ministry in the synod, Missional Planning for congregations, as well as What a
Synod looks like and congregational finances. At the Synod Assembly this past year, we were
treated with the incredible insights and solid theological teachings of the Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen who
presented on “ The Power of Forgiveness” and left us wanting more. So we bring her back for Part II
this year, asking her to respond to the still deeper questions we have about how forgiveness works its
way into our daily lives. In the spirit of using our time together for adult catechism and continued faith
formation Dr. Madsen will utilize the Lord’s Prayer. The Practice Discipleship faith formation
resources for all of us to take advantage of and are listed on our Website.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread
and the prayers. Acts 2:42
21
This past year I ordained three people into the office of Pastor:
Reverend Mark Wagner, Bethel-Trinity Lutheran in Bovey, Bethel Lutheran in Warba, Carmel
Lutheran in Jacobson,
Reverend Kim Sturtz, Grace Lutheran in Sandstone and Immanuel Lutheran Dell Grove,
Reverend Charles Boettcher is serving at Gethsemane Lutheran in Upsala. They are a gift not only
to their congregations, but to their Conference and to this Synod as a whole.
We remember those pastors who died this past year:
Reverend Norbert Mokros, Reverend Fred Norlein, and Reverend Chet Hoversten.
It continues to be my joy to preach among you regularly on Sunday mornings (30 this past year), to
hold Forums about mission, and to take seriously my teaching role, especially among our
Confirmation students and their parents. I taught at seven Bishop’s Visitations (several
congregations go together to form clusters) around our synod in 2015, offering the students and
parents a night of teaching and commissioning (with oil) each person for the tasks Jesus has called
us to do. Please invite me to do this with your Confirmation students. At each of our Synod’s five Fall
Conference Gatherings, I asked each of our Rostered Leaders to renew their vows before God and
each other. In Detroit, this past summer, I was moved by the faith talk and servant events 32,000
youth did together in the ELCA Youth Gathering. The Men‘s retreat up at Wilderness Canoe Base
this past fall was a particularly significant time of faith study and I continue to covet opportunities to
preach and teach among you in any creative ways you may think of. Call me.
God’s work in the world through us
To participate in God’s mission, this synod as a part of the Church shall (among other things) serve in
response to God’s love to meet human needs, caring for the sick and the aged, advocating dignity
and justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among the nations, and standing with
the poor and powerless and committing itself to their needs. (From our Synod Constitution,
†S6.02.) I see this taken seriously in all kinds of ministries you do in and through your congregation,
some of them very new in nature.
I continue to be a board member and on the executive Board for Lutheran Social Services of
Minnesota. You already know that the Center for Changing lives/Duluth is on schedule to begin
building a Youth Homeless Center in 2016 because you gave graciously to this ministry we share
through the Bible study on homelessness, through the cardboard “houses” you put up in your
buildings, and through your generous financial giving. The youth who end up homeless in Duluth
come from all over our synod. You are encouraged to continue your support of this ministry that
reaches our vulnerable youth and brings them safety, new hope and new life. At the Conference of
Bishops held twice each year, all 65 Bishops and many churchwide staff come together to share
common visioning for this church.
Every October and March all 65 Bishops attend and work together at the Conference of Bishops. We
work together to call pastors and other Rostered Leaders into our synods, we advise the Church
Council on documents and resolutions, we sometimes craft Bishop's pastoral letters on social issues
of the day and share responsibilities for global church connections that strengthen our witness around
the world. I serve on both the Roster Committee and as Chair of the "Middle East Ready Bench"
which is a group of Bishops attuned to issues of peace in that region, and work among the poor.
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Mission Support: Thanks to you and your congregation, we made 96.2% of our goal this past year,
receiving $1,106,044 in Congregational Mission Support toward a budget of $1,150,000. This means
we were $43, 955.98 behind. We came out in the “black” by $6,656, due to under spending on the
expense side of our budget. In the spirit of putting our mission first we made sure we funded our
“Ministry Partners” at 100%. Here’s what giving to our Ministry Partners looks like at the end of the
2015 fiscal year:
Luther Seminary
$ 25,000
$ 47,000
Minnesota Council of Churches
$ 1,100
$ 5,400
Lutheran Advocacy – MN
$ 3,000
Region 3 work together
$ 9,000
Our annual ingathering for the ELCA Disaster/ World Hunger Program through Quilts, Quarters and
The Marketplace during the 2015 Synod Assembly raised $21,402 in one weekend! An additional
$117,894 for World Hunger came in throughout the year. Gifts to Disaster Relief and Lutheran World
Relief totaled $6,199. Missionaries were supported at $54,885 as well as Global Church Sponsorship
for $4,591. Our Companion Synods: the Lutheran Church in Honduras; $43,654 and the Lutheran
Church of Ingria in Russia; $31,419. In our “Seminarian Debt Relief” fund there is $17,280. The
Phebe Hospital Solar Project total for the year was $140,350. Thank you.
At the Assembly, you voted on a resolution to raise 1.2 million above and beyond regular Mission
Support to be divided between our National “Always Being Made New” Campaign, and our own local
synod Campaign, “Remembering the Promise” which would undergird these Northeastern MN Synod
Ministries:
Lutheran Campus Ministry, School of Lay Ministry , our Companion Lutheran churches in Honduras,
India, and Russia, Seminarian Debt Relief Fund, and Twin Ports Ministry to Seafarers.
Look on the Website for ways to fund online.
“Worry” or “Wonder”
We’re not blind to the stats on an increasingly secular culture but I have a better word than worry and
that word is wonder. Worry only stifles imagination and action. Wonder on the other hand opens us
up to the Spirit of God and allows us to use the God-given gifts of faith, intelligence, emotion and
gracious witness to the world, informed by the gospel and good solid bible and faith study. Wonder
about how we can move beyond how it has always been done. Let’s wonder how we can model love
and forgiveness in a culture of narcissism. We can try out our wondering together by gathering a
Team for new or renewed congregational mission the Mission Plan using “The Mission we
Share” document our own Director of Evangelical Mission, here in our own office created as a step
by step process. We can wonder together what might happen if we got off the worry seat and
wondered how to make children, youth, and young adults a priority in our congregations by listening
to them, supporting them in their faith, utilizing their gifts in our worship and faith/bible study
leadership. Instead of holding the bat tighter in the same way each time the world sends us faster
pitches, we could step back a minute, and re-position ourselves in thoughtful new ways for the next
one. Let’s wonder together how we might move from focus on buildings to ministries outside our four
walls where God is already at work and where we can come alongside to be a witness to the gospel
of unconditional love for all people, no exceptions.
I’m glad to be your bishop. And I remind us that God is not done loving and mending the world and
everything and everyone in it. Let us wonder how we fit into all of it.
+Bishop Thomas M. Aitken
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Report of the Assistant to the Bishop - Brenda Tibbetts, AiM
218.724.4424, ext. 122; [email protected]
When my call to serve as Assistant to the Bishop Call Process Administrator began on July 1, 2015,
the numbers of congregational vacancies were as
high as anyone in the synod office could
remember. I quickly learned that the Call Process
can change as rapidly as our Minnesota weather.
As time went on and the “unpredictable routine”
of upcoming changes, working with Call
Committees, First Call Pastors and Councils, the
analogy became more like that of a kaleidoscope.
I believe this verse can also apply to
congregations. We are being called to live into a
new era, a new chapter, a new rotation of the
kaleidoscope for what it means to be Church.
The predicted clergy shortage is not off in the
distant future. It is here now. The numbers of
seminary graduates awaiting first call do not
match up with the numbers exiting into
retirement. In the next coming wave of retirements, we need to look at reality not with eyes of
fear, but with eyes of wonder as the Holy Spirit
rotates us into new configurations of colors and
shapes. There is a new creation.
“A kaleidoscope is a cylinder with mirrors
containing loose, colored objects such as beads or
pebbles and bits of glass. As the viewer looks
into one end, light entering the other end creates a
colorful pattern, due to the reflection of the
mirrors. Coined in 1817 by Scottish inventor Sir
David Brewster, ‘kaleidoscope’ is derived from
the Ancient Greek (kalos) ‘beautiful, beauty’,
(edos), ‘that which is seen: form, shape’ and
(skopeo), ‘to look to, to examine’, hence
‘observation of beautiful forms.’” - Wikipedia
When mission support declines, financial support
to train up leadership is directly affected: Campus
Ministry, Outdoor Campus Ministries, Seminary
Student Debt Reduction Funds, etc. - all of these
aspects of leadership development affect your
congregation’s ability to call well trained rostered
leaders. Financial necessity as well as rostered
leadership availability will change patterns as
congregations explore what it means to share
rostered leaders or merging of congregations.
Will increased mission support reverse the trend?
This analogy became an even stronger image
following the fire which took out the sanctuary at
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Duluth. As
members of Gloria Dei salvaged stained glass
shards along with some small portions still held
intact by the lead shapes, the colors were no less
vibrant when held to the light. The sanctuary’s
shape and windows changed but the mission and
purpose of God’s people remained together.
Congregations that keep their focus on Christ,
embrace their mission and remain faithful in their
purpose will come out stronger.
Just as the bits and pieces of Gloria Dei’s
beautiful stained glass windows will be repurposed into other worship accoutrements of
beauty and purpose, so too, will the Holy Spirit
lead us in this ever changing landscape to reflect
the light of Christ in the world.
The whole people of God are like those vibrant
colored pieces of glass, coming in all kinds of
shapes and hues that when held to the light, they
reflect light back to those who see them. What
was once a beautiful pattern is suddenly ever so
slightly changed with the rotation of the tube. A
new pattern emerges. Still vibrant. Still beautiful.
Still reflecting the light of Christ.
Thanks be to God for the opportunity to serve
you. Thanks too, to Bp. Tom, Pr. John & the
entire synod staff, including predecessors Pr.
Vicki Taylor & Marilyn Hull for assisting me in
this new call.
The Apostle Paul (for sure the original Call
Process Administrator!) said, “If anyone is in
Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has
passed away; see everything has become new!”
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
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Coordinator of Youth Ministry
Bulletin of Reports to the NE MN Synod, 2016
“In advertising, there is something that creates a deeper bond with the product.
Nostalgia. It’s delicate, but potent. In Greek, nostalgia literally means ‘the pain from an
old wound.’ It’s a twinge in your heart far more powerful than memory alone. It takes us
to a place where we ache to go again.”
- Don Draper in Mad Men, Season One, Episode 13, "The Wheel"
Erik Ullestad, chair of the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, shared the quote above during his
annual report at the Network’s Extravaganza conference in February. He continued with,
“Nostalgia. It’s delicate, but potent. And I think it’s poisoning the church. A lot of us
know this. We live it every time someone says, ‘Remember when our confirmation
classes were bigger? Why aren’t they like that anymore?’ Or, ‘Our youth used to love
going on trips to Six Flags? Why are you taking them to the Indian Reservation
instead?’ Or, ‘I don’t understand why kids are wearing shorts in worship.’
Let me be clear - I’m talking about NOSTALGIA and not TRADITION. I’m a pretty
traditional guy. Hymns, organ, lectionary, stained glass, meditation — all that stuff is
where I’m at. And those things aren’t doing us harm. In fact, our traditions just might
point to a way forward for the church. But nostalgia is poisoning the church. It keeps
us looking back instead of forward. It keeps us looking inward instead of outward. It
keeps us focused on the perceived successes of yesteryear and yesterdecade and
juxtaposing them against the perceived failures of today.” *
Nostalgia is poisoning the church.
Which way are you looking – backward or forward? Inward or outward? Does your heart ache to
go back to a place and time in the past…or to go towards a future? Are you listening to the
twinge in your heart from a distant memory, or to the living God who is calling us forward to a
new way of being?
These questions are important for us to ask of ourselves and of our congregations. They are
important questions for children, youth, and family ministry…and for all of our ministries. Anna
Madsen, who will be our speaker at the 2016 Synod Assembly, also presented at the
Extravaganza and gave “responses” to participant questions at the end of each session. She
was clear she didn’t have answers…but did have thoughtful responses to help us wonder
together how to move forward. With that in mind, here are some responses I have as I consider
the antidote to the poison of nostalgia.
Northeastern Minnesota Synod Journey to the ELCA Youth Gathering
In July 2015, 300 youth and adults from our synod traveled to Lansing, MI for three days of
serving, learning, worship and play together before traveling on to the ELCA Youth Gathering in
Detroit. Our speaker on the Synod Journey challenged us each night at worship to KNOW the
Story…BE the Story…and TELL the Story of Christ’s love in the world. We walked through the
history of African Americans at the Charles Wright Museum for African American History, and
heard the stories of struggle, hope and calling from young adult African Americans in Detroit.
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We served twenty organizations in Lansing and hundreds in Detroit, learning their stories along
the way. Main stage speakers and learning experiences at the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit
reminded us that Jesus is Good News – for us and for the entire world, and challenged us to go
out and live that Good News in our lives and communities.
On the bus trip home, youth from Trinity and Zion Lutheran Churches in Milaca started
wondering about all the stories and experiences they had. Don’t we have the same needs in
Milaca? What can we do? From that wondering, they started a vibrant Backpack Ministry where
every week they pack weekend meals for the 55% of Milaca youth who rely on additional help in
order to have enough food.
Those Milaca youth had spent a year preparing for the Synod Journey through Bible studies,
serving, building relationships, and wondering about how their faith connects with their daily life.
It would have been easy for them to sit back on the return bus trip and glow in the nostalgia of
their experiences. Instead they looked outward to how their experience could serve others.
Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO Board)
Each year, around 25 high school youth commit to serving on the LYO Board. They spend a
week at training camp, learning Peer Ministry leadership, Lutheran theology, small and large
group leadership skills and planning the NE MN Synod Middle School Gathering and Cardia
Deo retreat. These youth are leaders of leaders, and it would be easy for them to focus on what
they bring to the table – their leadership skills, engaging personalities, and abundant gifts. But
when asked what it means for the LYO to have excellence, one LYO youth responded,
“To have excellence, we must put on meaningful and fun events for youth. To do
this, we must be fully committed to Christ and must have deep faith ourselves.
We must do our best to deepen our participants’ faith in the short time we have.”
For the LYO, there is no time for nostalgia of past events as God continues to call them forward
in a tradition of excellence that is committed to following Jesus and serving others.
Middle School Gathering and Cardia Deo
Over 150 senior high youth gathered in March 2015 for the Cardia Deo Retreat, featuring small
group Bible studies led by the LYO Board, worship, camp life, and a service learning event to
help youth learn the faith practices and how they equip us to follow Jesus in our everyday lives.
Another 900 middle school youth and their adult leaders gathered in November for large group
assemblies with a keynote speaker, breakout learning sessions with the LYO Board, worship,
hotel life and more.
It would be easy for youth to let these become nostalgic events, where they remember the fun
and friends but never let it make a transformational impact in their lives. Yet at breakfast one
morning at the Middle School Gathering, this happened: A pastor found one of his girls who is
often left out, sitting alone at a table in the crowded dining room. He was working on finding
other youth to sit with her when he noticed a group of three boys from a different congregation
at a nearby table whispering to each other, “Should we do it? Yeah, we should.” They picked up
their plates and glasses, and moved to go sit with this girl they didn’t know, leaving her in tears
of gratitude that someone noticed she was alone and cared enough to reach out to her. The
night before, our speaker had shared how we are called to reach beyond ourselves to be the
love of Christ in the world. To be people of faith who look outward, not inward.
These are just some of the stories that happen throughout our synod to keep nostalgia from
poisoning the church. There are many more stories. I think of our outdoor ministry sites, where it
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would be so easy to get swallowed by nostalgia as we remember emotional campfires, late
night cabin talks with that quirky counselor, and stories that remind us of our youth. Yet our
outdoor ministry sites are constantly asking how God is calling them to form faith and leadership
in new ways. They are doing it with new programs that focus on leadership development for all
ages, innovative grants to invite new campers to experience God at camp, bringing camp to
your congregation, and so many more ways. I think of our synod congregations where you hold
onto the strong Lutheran traditions of faith formation and leadership development through
Sunday school, confirmation, youth group and mission events...yet offer these in new ways that
meet the needs of this generation and culture. Congregations that see how difficult it is for
children of divorced families to come to Sunday school and worship on a regular basis, so offer
a thriving Wednesday school. Congregations who see their youth as leaders and involve them
in every aspect of congregational life. Congregations who pay attention to research that clearly
shows parents as the primary influence in passing on faith, so make the bold shift to equip
parents for sharing faith with their children by requiring parental involvement in confirmation and
other formative activities.
Nostalgia may be poisoning the church. But we have an antidote for this poison. We have a
living God who is calling us forward within our traditions into a new way of being. A new way of
being Sunday school. A new way of being confirmation. A new way of being youth group. A new
way of being church. All so we can share the never changing love of Christ with a new
generation.
Thank you for your partnership as we follow Jesus together into this new way of being!
Catherine Anderson
Tools for your Toolbox
Coordinator of Youth Ministry
*You can read Erik’s full report to the Network at http://ow.ly/Ydn3m
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www.nemnsynod.org/youth
www.nemnsynod.org/Discipleship
www.practicediscipleship.org
www.elcaymnet.org
www.peerministry.org
www.youthleadership.org
www.youthministrylinks.org
www.youthministryinitiative.org
Northeastern Minnesota Synod
2016 Report of the Nominating Committee
Discipline Committee– six (6) year term
– Elect TWO - Lay; male or female
Position Description:
 Convened when charges are
brought against a person or entity
in the synod
 Committee consists of 12
members: six (6) lay and six (6)
clergy
 Rotating six (6) year terms
Synod Council at Large -
Three (3) year
term – Elect ONE – Clergy or Lay; male or
female
 The Synod Council usually meets
four times each year. Daytime
meetings on Friday or Saturday
 Synod Council members attend
the Synod Assembly (each spring)
as voting members
 Synod Council serves as the
synod’s board of directors
between Synod Assemblies
Nominees:
 Mrs. Kathleen Thompson
Nominees:
 Rev. Steven Rye
 Mrs. Rachel Berry
 Mr. Douglas Jacobson
Discipline Committee– six (6) year term
– Elect TWO - Clergy; male or female
 Convened when charges are
brought against a person or entity
in the synod
 Committee consists of 12
members: six (6) lay and six (6)
clergy
 Rotating six (6) year terms
Nominees:
 Rev. Erika Foss
 Rev. Debra Hanson Carlson
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Biographical Data
(full information from nomination forms is available from the Synod Office)
Voting Member to the 2016 Synod Council at Large
male or female; voting member of a congregation over the age of 18 at the time of election; elect ONE
Rev Steven Rye
Congregation:
Lord of Life, Baxter
Occupation:
Pastor
Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:
 Senior Pastor, Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Baxter, MN
 Campus Pastor, Purdue Lutheran Ministry
 Treasurer of the Board - Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry
Heartland Conference
Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in:
 Conference Dean, Lafayette Conference, Indiana-Kentucky Synod
 Candidacy Committee Member, Indiana-Kentucky Synod
 Churchwide Voting Member 2009 Churchwide Assembly
Educational Background:
 Candidacy Committee Training
 Campus Ministry Training
 Master of Divinity Wartburg Seminary
I would like to serve in this capacity because: as a former Pastor, and as someone with a great amount of experience in outdoor
ministry, I have a deep and abiding desire to tend to the “connective tissue” if the body of Christ that is the Synod.
Mrs.Rachel Berry
Laurentian Conference
Congregation:
Little Fork Lutheran
Occupation:
Rainy River Community College Instructor, Communication and Speech
 I have served as a Synod Council member for the last 3 years.
 Strong upbringing in the ELCA, church secretary, mother, camp counselor, attended Lutheran College, spouse of a
Pastor, love congregational life and worship, love of church, theological education, stewardship, relationship building.
 My call & vocation as a lay member is connected with my degree in communication and using it to serve God and this
church. Synod Council and Little Fork Lutheran have given me many opportunities to grow in faith.
 Confirmation Coordinator/Teacher and Time & Talents Coordinator at Little Fork Lutheran
 Current Synod Council Member, participate in many synod, congregational, or camp events throughout the year.
 Recently attended Western Mission Network in Phoenix, AZ. And ELCA “think tank” which focused on rostered and
lay theological education in the ELCA
 BA in Communication with a Minor in Theology from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN
 Current MA Student-in Organizational Communication from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
I would like to serve in this capacity because: I have such pride and Love for the NEMN Synod-each time I visit a congregation
or meet new people, I am humbled by such faithful people with incredible stories of mission and ministry in our synod. These
experiences have taught me much about what it means to be church together. It has been an honor to serve on council and to
help steward and uplift the gifts that you and your congregations give. I would love the opportunity to serve another term on
Council.
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Mr Douglas Jacobson
Congregation:
Faith Lutheran
Occupation:
Community Action Director (Tri County Community Action, INC) Executive Coach-mentor/trainer
and former Executive Director for 501(c)3 providing Head Start: Prenatal to Five Services
 Non Profit Executive Director (12 Years)
 Served on multiple non-profit Boards of Directors and 2 ELCA Church Councils
 30 years of social work service to individuals, families, minorities and those living in the shadows of life.
 Church Council Member at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran (Benson, MN) and at Faith Lutheran (Isle, MN)
 Social Justice Ministry Team at Faith Lutheran and Charter founder of the SW MN Peace and Justice Center.
 Regional Representative on the National Lutheran Student Movement Council (LCM’s Student Base)
 MBA University of South Dakota
 MSW University of Minnesota
 Non-Profit Leadership Certificate (Graduate Level) University of South Dakota
I would like to serve in this capacity because: In my 45 years of service in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, I have
learned that the deepest challenges always bring one back to the spiritual arena for meaningful and lasting solutions. The
Church has a major role to fulfil on the individual, local, regional, and national levels in building lives and society that have
meaning. I desire a personal relationship with Jesus but not a ‘private’ relationship. I am compelled to serve because I have
received.
Discipline Committee
male or female; Clergy elect TWO
Rev Erika Foss
Congregation:
Grace Lutheran, McGregor
Occupation:
Pastor
 Prior experience on this committee
 Served on several Synod and Women of the ELCA boards
 Parish Pastor
 VP of the Synodical Women’s Organization of the NEMN Synod
 Pastor for 8 years.
 Have been trained in mediation
 Northland HS, Remer MN
 Concordia College, Moorhead, MN
 Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN
I would like to serve in this capacity because: I like to be involved with the church and church life a various levels. I think I can
be an asset to any committee on which I serve.
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male or female; Clergy elect TWO
Rev Debra L. Hanson-Carlson
Kettle River Conference
Congregation:
Bethlehem Lutheran, Askov
Occupation:
Pastor
 10yrs as a Clinical Therapist specializing in adult, children and family therapy, in the area of substance abuse, eating
disorders, sexual abuse, depression and anxiety.
 Congregational Mission and Leadership emphasis in Seminary
 Parish Pastor
 Leading Worship
 Leading Bible Study
 Leading Confirmation
 BS UW Oshkosh 1978
 MSE UW Oshkosh 1987
 MDIV Luther Seminary 2014
I would like to serve in this capacity because: I believe in change by working from the inside. We are a people of second
chances and grace. “vision and expectations” does need to be honored and we can do that without inflicting/increasing trauma.
male or female; Lay Person elect TWO
Mrs. Kathleen Thompson
Congregation:
First Lutheran, Hinckley
Occupation:
Financial Secretary
 Assisted with Human Resources at Honeywell for 5 years
 FIA Have helped over 9 years
 God’s Work Our Hands Service Sunday
 Church-All Boards Committee (Education) for 3 years.
 Business Administration, Community College 2 years
 Secretary I and II Brooklyn Park Tech College 2 years
I would like to serve in this capacity because: I feel I can be an impartial listener. Everyone has problems, makes mistakes.
Explaining the whys/why nots can remedy many situations.
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The Synod Creation Care Team 2016
Nurturing a growing network that inspires congregations and their members to live out
God’s call to be stewards of the earth for the sake of the whole creation!
The Synod Creation Care Team was established by action of the synod assembly in 2008.
Since November 2011, it has been building upon the resolutions passed by the synod
assembly and the foundational work of the original task force. Our goal is to catalyze and
encourage creation care awareness and action in every congregation and organization of the
synod.
Our initiatives in 2015 included:
 Synod Creation Care Retreats:
Our synod creation care retreats utilize 1) collective grass roots leadership, 2) a focus
on congregational worship and witness, and 3) an annual opportunity for people to
engage together as a growing network to live out God’s call to be stewards of the earth.
We convened the third annual synod wide creation care retreat, The Next
Reformation: Good News for the Whole Creation, which took place on April 10-11 at
Camp Hiawatha. In addition to group reflection on the Season of Creation for the Year
of Mark, this retreat included reports from the projects made possible by the microgrant program (the two gardening projects Camp Onamia and Camp Vermillion, and a
community garden at Faith Lutheran Church, Duluth, and also support for a synod wide
Monarch Butterfly Waystation and education project led by Tom Ueker).
The retreat featured a Saturday morning panel discussion on ‘graceful engagement’ in
congregations around current issues which have significant human and environmental
implications.
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In 2015 we began planning the 2016 creation care retreat at Camp Hiawatha,
being held on April 8-9 with the theme The Next Reformation: Gracefully Engaging
Disciples for the Whole Earth. The theme of the 4th annual retreat explores creation
care highlights: Reformation 2017, the concept and practice of Graceful Engagement,
the Marks of Discipleship, and Holistic Systems Thinking, and help congregations plan
for Reformation 2017 in light of our call to be stewards of the earth for these times.
Tammy Wolhof, executive director of Lutheran Advocacy MN is slated to lead a session
on graceful engagement in congregations, their communities, and also at larger levels
decision-making for a more sustainable future. The plan also includes encounter with
the 2016 Season of Creation worship focus, and tips on starting or strengthening a
congregational team to engage an earth-honoring faith in your context.
Fall Eco-Reformation Seminar with New Testament Professor Barbara Rossing
(Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago) on Saturday, October 10 with the topic The
Promise of Earth Renewal in Scripture and Practice. Her visit was co-sponsored
with the Lake Superior Conference Women of the ELCA’s Fall Gathering. The team also
enjoyed a delightful evening meal and information conversation with her on Friday
evening at the home of David and Stephanie Carlson.
Sponsorship and participation in the 7th annual Iron Range Earth Fest a
celebration of local traditions and practical resources for sustainable living that takes
place in Mountain Iron and draws well over 1,000 people each year. The synod
creation care team and Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry had two exhibits, and throughout
the day we engaged in conversation with Earth Fest guests.
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Presence at synod assembly. In addition to a resource table (thank you, Kai, for
staffing it we submitted a resolution and a memorial,.
Eco-Reformation in the Context of the NE MN Synod:
RESOLVED, that the Northeastern Minnesota Synod, meeting in assembly and recognizing
the need for ongoing reformation in the context of climate change, commit itself to
participate as congregations and as a synod within the ELCA in becoming a church that
practices creation care throughout its life and mission; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Northeastern Minnesota Synod, meeting in assembly, encourage each
of the five Conferences of the Synod to dedicate one of its monthly gatherings each year for
discussing creation care and the implications of embracing eco-reformation in
congregational life, with the possible input or involvement of members from the Synod
Creation Care Team.
Memorial to Churchwide Assembly on Eco-Reformation in the Context of Climate
Change: RESOLVED, that the Northeastern Minnesota Synod, meeting in assembly and
recognizing the need for ongoing reformation of the ELCA in the context of climate change,
memorialize the 2016 Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA to make stewardship of the earth
and ecological justice major themes in ELCA planning and activities leading up to and
following the observance of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
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Grants made possible by a donor from InFaith (formerly the Lutheran
Community Foundation) enabled us to sponsor the Fall theological seminar with
Barbara Rossing, provide start up funding for a pilot project Eco-Faith Youth Camp
which will take place around the Duluth area in June 2016.
Continued the Synod Creation Care Team Facebook Page, which Kai Abrahamson
created and is managing. Check it out for the weekly Green Tips and for upcoming
events!
Continued providing weekly Green Tips for every congregation through the Synod
On-Line Reflection, a few of which are at the beginning of this report. These Green Tips
come from Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa, and the careful ongoing research of
Laura Raedeke.
Co-sponsored a Climate March in Duluth and a Candlelight Vigil in Virginia (and
one in Nisswa?) on November 30, the eve of the Paris Climate Talks.
Wrote and signed two letters of concern to state officials relative to authorization
of the proposed Polymet non-ferrous mining project, and relative to the proposed
Enbridge Sandpiper pipeline through the fragile water systems of northern Minnesota
The work of the synod creation care team is ultimately about every congregation
and member of the synod. Watch in Synod On-Line Reflections and the Synod
Creation Care Team Facebook Page for opportunities to practice discipleship in
keeping with our call to be stewards of the earth. And let us know when you or your
congregation are doing something in worship, education, or outreach that could
provide ideas for others.
Start Monarch butterfly way stations at your church and member homes, during
your VBS or on a Sunday.
Host a 100 Mile Harvest Meal in your community.
Apply for a creation care micro-grant. Applications will be available on the synod
creation care blog or by contacting the synod office.
Incorporate the Season of Creation in your congregation’s worship cycle.
Include an earthkeeping activity in God’s Work. Our Hands day in September.
Use the weekly Green Tips in your own bulletin or newsletter.
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
Ask for a member of the Synod Creation Care Team to meet with a group in your
congregation.
Thank you to our 2015 Team members, whose vision and dedication are a gift and inspiration:
Kai Abrahamson (Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry), Pastor David Carlson, (Gloria Dei Lutheran,
Duluth), Pastor Kristin Foster (Messiah Lutheran, Mt. Iron), John Hanson (Jesse Lake
Lutheran, Jesse Lake) Rosie Loeffler-Kemp (Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Duluth),
Laura Raedeke (Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa), Carolyn Blanck (Lutheran Church of
the Cross, Nisswa). Nathan Holz currently as an adjunct member of the team, taking the lead in
developing the Eco-Faith Youth Camp. We welcomed onto the team Warner Luoma (retired
pastor), Tammy Walhof (Lutheran Advocacy-Minnesota), and Pastor Bob and Darlene
Munneke (First, Aitken). We continue to appreciate the support and encouragement of Joel
Abenth, Executive Director of Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry.
Special thanks to our whole synod staff for your support. We also thank our departing
creation care team members: Pastor Krehl Stringer took a call in the Northwest Minnesota
Synod mid-year. His excellent minutes and passionate commitment to stewardship of the
earth are greatly missed! Likewise, Assistant to the Bishop Vicki Taylor who provided
consistent synod staff support and communication up to her retirement last summer. As Kai
Abrahamson prepares to leave his position at VLM for a new ministry position in Seattle,
Washington, we thank him for his many contributions to our retreat planning, communication
through Facebook, and many other facets of our work.
Morning and evening, the church worships with this claim: the Triune God, giver of life itself,
of salvation, and of resurrection, loves the whole creation. Confessing this God whom we
worship, we can do no other than to continue to grow in ways we can embody this creating,
saving, resurrecting love for this earth in our worship and witness.
In God’s love for the whole creation,
Pastor Kristin Foster with Pastor David Carlson, co-chairpersons
The Synod Creation Care Team
36
Ingria Companion Synod Task Force 2015-16
The mission of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA/Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria
in Russia Companion Synod Task Force is to facilitate the support and encouragement of the
ELCIR and its programs and to foster mutually supporting relationships between ELCIR
churches and Lutheran churches in North America.
Our ministry of accompaniment with the Ingrian Lutheran Church of Russia is a gift from God
that mutually benefits both our synod and our friends in Christ there. Despite political tensions
that are sometimes evident in international news, our unity within the body of Christ is essential
to affirm in our prayers and actions between persons, congregations, and synods. This year we
are grateful for several developments that faithfully express such unity.
Receiving visitors – This spring we are very pleased to welcome two Deacons from the Ingrian
Lutheran Church as guests of our synod assembly 2016 – Evgenij Raskatov from the central
office of the ELCIR in St. Petersburg, and Sergei Anikin from the Lutheran parish in Saratov,
Volga Deanery. During their two-week visit, they are speaking in different congregations of our
synod about God’s work in and through the Ingrian Church, learning about the Northeastern MN
Synod through attending worship and other ministry events, and visiting Luther Seminary.
Bishop Aare Kuukauppi nominated these two young men when Bishop Aitken issued a formal
invitation to welcome guests to our synod assembly this year. Our synod is funding their travel
expenses and the Task Force welcomes any gifts sent through the Synod and so marked in the
memo, to help cover their travel. We thank all the congregations and hosts that are making their
visit possible, and encourage you to attend their speaking events before or after the assembly.
Sending visitors – In June 2016, a small delegation from our synod will travel to Russia for the
purpose of strengthening existing relationships and forging new ones. They will visit the church
offices in St. Petersburg, the parish in Petrozavodsk, and several small parishes in the Karelian
Deanery, some of which have companion congregation relationships with churches in our synod.
As part of this delegation, Bishop Aitken will meet with Bishop Kuukauppi and bring official
greetings to each parish, emphasizing our shared mission in the Gospel. Others in the delegation
will be traveling to Russia, or to some of these parishes, for the first time. The rich experience of
worshiping, listening, and serving alongside our companions in Christ brings our prayers and
partnership to a personal level that will continue to shape our Task Force in the years to come.
Gifts continue to enable ministry – The Synod Task Force continued to highlight and to provide
opportunities for congregations and individuals to accompany ELCIR churches in ministry by
financial support. The Synod transferred funds totaling $38,425.03 to various churches and
projects in the ELCIR in 2015, $15,786.53 of which was from churches and individuals within
our Synod. Ministry partnerships this year included funding for Vision Petrozavodsk (youth
ministry work in Karelia and salary and ministry support for the ELCIR church in Petrozavodsk),
several small congregations in the Karelian and Siberian Deaneries, and church workers in the
Ural Deanery.
Ongoing relationships – Several friendship congregation relationships exist between our two
synods, and we are thankful for the ongoing support of individuals as well as congregations that
37
lift up our companion synod relationship regularly. Many congregations pray regularly for the
Ingrian Lutheran Church of Russia, as well as our other global companion synods, that the Holy
Spirit will guide us in ministry and partnership as we accompany one another in Christ. This
year, our Task Force sent greetings to Bishop Kuukauppi on the 20th anniversary of his service as
bishop of the ELCIR, collaborated with others in a Friendship English Language Camp, began a
written history of our companion synod relationship, and participated in phone meetings with the
ELCA Division for Global Mission office in Chicago.
Growing in our companionship – Some in our Task Force communicate regularly with church
leaders in Russia and can help facilitate correspondence, despite the language barrier. We have
also heard positive feedback from leaders who have used the DVD created by the Task Force last
year, which highlights ELCIR History, Opportunities for Mission, Petrozavodsk, Youth
Ministry, the Karelia Deanery, and the Ural Deanery. Each congregation received the DVD last
year, and some additional copies are available through the synod office. Members of the Task
Force are also very happy to give presentations in your congregation or conference to help begin
or deepen your involvement with our companion synod relationship.
For more information about becoming involved in this exciting ministry with the Ingrian
Church—including summary reports of Mission trips, brochures, and covenant forms – please
contact the task force or visit www.nemnsynod.org under “Missions – Ingria/Russia.”
“The promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the
Lord our God calls to him” (Acts 2:39).
Sincerely in Christ,
Pastor David Carlson
Task Force Chair
[email protected]
38
Honduras Mission and Ministry 2016
Highlights of our Synod’s ministry of accompaniment with the Lutheran Church in Honduras (Iglesia Luterana de
Honduras – ICLH) in the past year were the second visit of ICLH to NE MN and our Synod Assembly; another leadership
development workshop with the leaders of ICLH; a continued partnership in a wholistic ministry expression of
kindergarten support, health education and water filter distribution; and participation in a Round Table gathering of the
international mission partners of ICLH. We are blessed to experience the harvest of a decade of accompaniment in these
expressions. At the same time, the political, economic and human rights crises in Honduras, including migration to the
United States, continue at historic levels. Our brothers and sisters in ICLH are carrying out a powerful and prophetic
ministry in a very challenging context. The priorities of our Synod’s accompaniment with ICLH are:
DECOFE (Development of Communities of Faith): Spiritual Leadership Workshops
Diaconia (Service Ministries): Support of the Dr. Martin Luther Kindergarten in La Canada
Salud (Health Ministries): Nutrition Program and Water Filter Training and Distribution
An outstanding feature of our partnership is the wholistic expression of all three of these emphases in each of the
twelve worshiping communities of ICLH. We are blessed to participate in a developing model of lay ministry equipping
and growth.
May 2015: ICLH Visit to NE MN and Synod Assembly
Our Companion Synod Agreement with ICLH was officially signed by Bishop Thomas Aitken and Pastor President Martin
Giron in Tegucigalpa, Honduras in October of 2010 and at the Northeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly in April of 2011.
In 2015 Pastor Martin Giron (President of ICLH and Director of DECOFE), Rubi Flores (General Secretary of ICLH and
Director of Diaconia) and Josefina Santos (Coordinator of Salud and Translator) made their second visit to NE MN. They
participated in our Synod Assembly and visited communities and congregations throughout the Synod. Guided by
principles of mutuality, transparency and sustainability, it is clear that our relationships are deepening and our
accompaniment is becoming more effective from year to year.
October 2015: Leadership Workshop: The Pastoral Mission in Luke, Zamorano University, Honduras
A team from NE MN joined the leaders of the worshiping communities of ICLH for this workshop on the pastoral mission
of the church. This was the fifteenth workshop we have shared since 2006. We experienced worship together and
sessions on how the principles of mission in Luke may be expressed in the unique context of Honduras. We also visited a
number of the worshiping communities, sharing in multiple expressions of mission in each local setting.
January 2016: ICLH Round Table with Global Mission Partners
The third ICLH Round Table brought together representatives from the Lutheran World Federation and churches of
Sweden, Uruguay and Bavaria. The ELCA was represented by the Division of Global Mission and the Companion Synods
of Northwest-Lower Michigan, New England, and Northeastern Minnesota. We employed a methodology based on
principles of liberation theology (the fundamental dignity of every person; the priesthood of all believers; and the role of
community) to develop a vision for the future mission of ICLH and her global partners. We gained an appreciation for the
unique role of our Synod in the ministry of ICLH.
We are honored to be a part of what God is doing through the faithful ministry of ICLH in an extremely challenging
setting. Thank you for all of the ways this Synod has supported our ministry together. Please continue to pray for ICLH.
Your continued financial support makes this ministry possible. Consider joining a team traveling to Honduras this year.
Trips are planned for May 25-June 1 and October 11-20.
Gracias!
Pastor Dave Mesner, for the Honduras Mission and Ministry Leadership Team
39
2016 Report on the Northeastern Minnesota Synod’s
School of Lay Ministry
The educational opportunities presented by the School of Lay Ministry embody the belief in
the “priesthood of all believers.” As baptized Christians and members of the Body of Christ,
all have been given gifts to share for the edification of the church.
The School of Lay Ministry is a program of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod that gives
opportunities for people to delve deeper into both the Old and New Testament as well as
church history and the Lutheran church. The primary goal of the program is personal
spiritual enrichment.
There are currently ten students enrolled in the program. This year our focus has been
Living our Faith: Lutheran Heritage and the Changing Church studies. We began our study
year with aretreat at Camp Onomia with Pastor Karen Bockelman . Our Spring retreat was
held at Camp Hiawatha with Pastor Tom Renquist.
Last year's returning students were: Tia Halvorson, Sharon Bismark, Robert Begg, Sandy
Stephenson Nys and Karen Newton. There were three new students are enrolled in the
program: Susan Trucano-Precht, Deb Poenix, and Peter Throvig.
We would like to thank Bishop Tom Aitken and the synod staff for their support of our
program. We also value the close relationships with our NE Minnesota Synod ELCA,
Voyageur’s Lutheran Ministry, Camp Onomia and Luther Seminary as we partner with them
to provide opportunities for study. The Advisory Board consists of: The Rev. Dr. David
Mesner, The Rev. Brenda Wicklund, Mr. Frank Grundmeier, Ms. Mary Jo Mettler, and chair
Ms. Clara Edin. Ms. Brenda Tibbetts, AIM is the liaison to the Bishop.
This year, some congregations have begun using education or endowment funds to support
and send new students to the program! Imagine the impact on your congregation as you
grow with a student who is engaged in this deep conversation of faith. Anyone in the synod
is welcome to participate in the School of Lay Ministry’s two-year program. Applications
for the 2016-2017 study year are due by August 1st. Applications and/or additional
information is available on the synod web site or from the coordinator, Steve Teff, 407
Reynolds Street, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 (218) 256-4668 or also from Clara Edin, the
chair of the advisory board, 218-380-2936.
Respectfully submitted by
Steven Teff, Coordinator
40
Hunger, Justice and Rural Life Concerns Committee
2016 – The year of hunger in the Always Being Made New ELCA campaign.
Thanks for helping to make the campaign be “on track” toward the goal of $115 million by 2018!
Northeastern Minnesota Synod gave $3.60 per baptized member over the past year. Can we make a goal of
increasing that to $5.00 for this year of hunger emphasis?
The earth can produce enough food for everyone, yet many of our brothers and sisters still go hungry. Global
poverty is on the decline; however, inequality is increasing. By connecting people with the resources they
need to produce food and gain access to clean water, education, health care and sources of income, long-term
sustainable change can be accomplished. By listening and having conversation, building relationships with
people, solutions become reality.
Synopsis of the Synod Hunger work:
 Working with ELCA World Hunger in carrying out their goals
 Providing resources to congregations to carry out their work in the area of hunger by offering
conversations with conference pastors, planning for congregational visits, making printed material
available, having conversations with people at displays at Synod, conference and Women’s assemblies
 Educating ourselves as a committee by attending retreats, conferences, connecting with ELCA World
Hunger through WebEx conversations, being connected with ELCA Advocacy office on latest issues of
concern
 Communicating through Online Reflections and with congregational representatives and church offices
 Encouraging advocacy on current issues that cause hunger by making contacts with legislators and
Congressional delegation
 Encouraging use of fundraising tools such as Good Gifts, March Food Share, World Food Week, Peer to
Peer fundraising and using creative means (use of water well, kiss the pig, dunk the pastor) (We need
to hear your creative ideas so they can be shared!)
 Grants are available through ELCA for projects or events
 Involvement in Synod Assembly with Silent Auction for quilts, quilted items and crafted items, as well
as quarter collection. Also, honoring the congregations who have given $10 or more per confirmed
member and awarding the HOLY COW trophy to the top giving congregation.
 THANKS to the youth of our Synod for their involvement in reaching the Walk for Water goal of over
$500,000 that was matched dollar for dollar.
The hunger committee is always open to anyone who has an interest in the work of making a hunger free
world become a reality. No child in a country of such great resources should ever go hungry. Join the
committee to help in this endeavor.
Also, be sure to use the ELCA World Hunger packet that every congregation receives as a resource to bring
the issue before the people of our congregations.
Northeastern Minnesota Synod Committee on
Hunger, Justice, and Rural Life Concerns
Darlene Munneke, Chair
41
NE MN Synod Task Force on Refugee, Immigration, and Asylum Seekers Justice
There are no photographs of Jesus.
Down through the centuries, artists have painted their vision of Jesus. The artist, Warner
Sallman, had a “Jesus Dream” and jumped out of bed immediately and began painting what is
the best known of all the artistic portrayals of Jesus.
But for us living in this century, the most authentic picture of Jesus is seen in the media in the
faces of desperate refugees and immigrants -- men, women, and children with whom Jesus
identified: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me….” (Matthew 25). So for the sake of Jesus,
we need to act, seeking to help the United States be a place of welcome.
The NE MN Synod Task Force on Refugee, Immigration and Asylum Seekers Justice is here to
assist congregations and members of congregations to create a more welcoming “climate” and
spirit throughout our nation. We can offer speakers, material, and consultation to
congregations, groups, and individuals. Please feel free to call upon us.
Notice Jesus in the face of those desperately seeking a safe home. Jesus needs all of us.
God Bless,
Robert Munneke, Chair
[email protected]
218-927-3615
42
Synod Assembly Planning Committee
Coordinator
Peggy Carlson, Nisswa
Registrar and Committee/On-site Secretary
Anne Laechel, Baxter
Displays
Pastor Kim Sturtz, Sandstone
Worship
Pastor Brenda Tibbetts, Duluth
Bookstore
Chuck Nielsen & Peggy Carlson, Nisswa
Reference, Counsel and Memorial
Pastor Megan Crouch, Grand Rapids
Hunger Committee Liaison
Darlene Munneke, Aitkin
Synod Vice President
Brenda Wagner, Cohasset
Elections
Pastor Phil Berge, Hermantown
Synod Directory Coordinator/Synod Staff
Tammy Segel-Crilly, Proctor
Synod Staff
Kathy Wimer, Duluth
Synod Officers
Vice President
Brenda Wagner, Cohasset
Secretary
Pastor Rollie Bockbrader, Duluth
Treasurer
Mr. John Olsen, Aitkin
Synod Council Members
Lake Superior Conference
Ms. Patti Maguire, Duluth
Pastor Phil Berge, Hermantown
Mrs. Barb Murray, Mt. Iron
Pastor Stephen Olson, International Falls
Living Waters Conference
Ms. Cheryl Lindberg
Pastor Michael Gustafson
Mr. Ted Pfohl, Little Falls
Pastor Tim Bauer, Milaca
Mr. David Mettler, Grasston
Pastor Reggie Denton, Moose Lake
At Large Members
Pastor Dennis Paulson, Duluth
Ms. Rachel Berry, Littlefork
Mr. Immanueli Magomolla, Duluth
Ms. Rebecca May. Aitkin
Youth Representative
Jackson Churchill, Duluth
Committee for
Reference, Counsel & Memorial
Lake Superior Conference
Pastor Laura Berdahl
Mr. Bob Kelley
Pastor Liz Cheney
Ms. Heather Chaulklin
Living Waters Conference
Pastor Megan Crouch, Chair
Mrs. Gwen Degner
Pastor Cathy Hedmark,
Mrs. Pauline Gustafson
Pastor Pat McCormack
Mr. John Dahlsveen
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
43
NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA SYNOD OF THE
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2016 AND 2015
DULUTH, MINNESOTA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Independent Auditor’s Report
1
Statements of Financial Position
2
Statements of Activities
3
Statements of Cash Flows
4
Statement of Functional Expenses (2016)
5
Statement of Functional Expenses (2015)
6
Notes to Financial Statements
7–9
Independent Auditor’s Report
March 14, 2016
To the Members of the Synod Council
Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Duluth, Minnesota
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church (a nonprofit organization), which comprise the statements of financial
position as of January 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related statements of activities and cash flows for the
years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes
the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair
presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or
error.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We
conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of
America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the
assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error.
In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation
and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in
the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s
internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the
appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for
our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as of January 31,
2016 and 2015, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the years then ended in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
(1)
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
JANUARY 31, 2016 AND 2015
2016
2015
$ 335,091
$ 309,031
256,353
260,622
$ 591,444
$ 569,653
$
$
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
of $473,407 and $444,138 in 2016 and 2015
Total Assets
Liabilities And Net Assets
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Total Current Liabilities
Net Assets:
Unrestricted
Temporarily restricted
Total Net Assets
Total Liabilities And Net Assets
See accompanying notes.
569
569
1,043
1,043
330,456
260,419
590,875
328,859
239,751
568,610
$ 591,444
$ 569,653
(2)
STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted Net Assets:
Revenues:
Congregational support
Synod assembly
Rent income
Interest
Miscellaneous
Shared staff
2016
2015
$ 1,051,224
34,264
9,000
1,066
2,675
15,000
$ 1,100,230
32,035
7,200
631
1,150
15,000
1,113,229
1,156,246
447,470
133,839
1,560,699
1,290,085
677,518
512,213
121,034
36,962
211,375
1,559,102
721,689
228,958
125,805
37,450
220,656
1,334,558
Total Revenues
Net assets released from restrict.
Total Public Support/Revenues
Expenses:
Grant making to ministry partners program
Leadership support program
Congregational support program
Word and sacrament program
Management and general
Total Expenses
Increase (Decrease) In Unrestricted Net Assets
$
Temporarily Restricted Net Assets:
Congregational support
Gifts and contributions
Youth Ministry activities
Net assets released from restrictions, program
restrictions expired
Increase (Decrease) In Temporarily Restricted Net Assets
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
$
Net Assets:
Beginning of year
1,597
$
35,290
128,350
304,498
45,559
22,490
158,747
(447,470)
(133,839)
20,668
92,957
22,265
$
568,610
End of year
$
(44,473)
590,875
48,484
520,126
$
568,610
(3)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Increase in net assets
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash
flows from operating activities:
Depreciation
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Net Cash Flows From Operating Activities
2016
2015
$ 22,265
$ 48,484
29,269
27,185
(474)
(617)
51,060
75,052
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Purchase of property and equipment
(25,000)
-
Net Cash Flows From Investing Activities
(25,000)
-
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIV.
Cash and cash equiv., beginning of year
Cash and cash equiv., end of year
$ 26,060
$ 75,052
309,031
233,979
$ 335,091
$ 309,031
(4)
STATEMENTS OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES
JANUARY 31, 2016
Payroll
Payroll taxes
Tuition and other benefits
Total Compensation
Grant Making
to Ministry
Partners
$
25,618
1,125
13,634
40,377
Accounting/professional
Depreciation
Equipment
Financial support
Insurance
Maintenance:
Equipment
Office and grounds
Miscellaneous
Occupancy and utilities
Postage and shipping
Printing and duplication
Supplies and materials
Synod assembly
Synod boards
Telephone
Travel
Total Functional Expenses
$
Leadership
Support
$ 61,483
2,699
32,721
96,903
Congregation
Support
$
51,236
2,249
27,267
80,752
Word
and
Sacrament
$ 15,371
675
8,180
24,226
Total
Program
$ 153,708
6,748
81,802
242,258
Management
And General
$ 102,473
4,498
54,535
161,506
$
Total
2016
256,181
11,246
136,337
403,764
315
1,463
114
617,137
291
1,575
7,317
571
9,000
1,456
1,575
7,317
571
6,325
1,456
315
1,463
114
291
3,780
17,560
1,370
632,462
3,494
2,520
11,709
913
2,330
6,300
29,269
2,283
632,462
5,824
122
278
737
742
148
12
89
14,700
253
740
-
610
1,391
3,683
3,712
741
59
444
7,432
1,265
3,701
372,353
610
1,391
3,683
3,712
741
59
444
7,432
1,265
3,701
-
122
278
737
742
148
12
89
7,432
253
740
-
1,464
3,338
8,840
8,908
1,778
142
1,066
22,296
14,700
3,036
8,882
372,353
975
2,224
5,891
5,937
1,187
94
711
7,431
2,025
5,922
-
2,439
5,562
14,731
14,845
2,965
236
1,777
29,727
14,700
5,061
14,804
372,353
677,518
$ 512,213
36,962
$ 1,347,727
211,375
$ 1,559,102
$
121,034
$
(5)
$
(5)
STATEMENTS OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES
JANUARY 31, 2015
Payroll
Payroll taxes
Tuition and other benefits
Total Compensation
Grant Making
to Ministry
Partners
$
26,660
1,047
14,910
42,617
Accounting/professional
Depreciation
Equipment
Financial support
Insurance
Maintenance:
Equipment
Office and grounds
Miscellaneous
Occupancy and utilities
Postage and shipping
Printing and duplication
Supplies and materials
Synod assembly
Synod boards
Telephone
Travel
Total Functional Expenses
$
Leadership
Support
$ 63,984
2,513
35,784
102,281
Congregation
Support
$
53,320
2,094
29,820
85,234
Word
and
Sacrament
$ 15,996
628
8,946
25,570
Total
Program
$ 159,960
6,282
89,460
255,702
Management
And General
$ 106,641
4,187
59,642
170,470
$
Total
2015
266,601
10,469
149,102
426,172
305
1,359
86
655,568
284
1,525
6,796
437
9,000
1,421
1,525
6,796
437
6,713
1,421
305
1,359
86
284
3,660
16,310
1,046
671,281
3,410
2,440
10,875
674
2,274
6,100
27,185
1,720
671,281
5,684
101
308
592
1,038
169
57
54
18,012
267
872
-
504
1,541
2,960
5,192
845
286
272
6,388
1,334
4,358
83,818
504
1,541
2,960
5,192
845
286
272
6,387
1,334
4,358
-
101
308
592
1,038
169
57
54
6,388
267
872
-
1,210
3,698
7,104
12,460
2,028
686
652
19,163
18,012
3,202
10,460
83,818
807
2,467
4,736
8,306
1,265
413
435
6,387
2,134
6,973
-
2,017
6,165
11,840
20,766
3,293
1,099
1,087
25,550
18,012
5,336
17,433
83,818
721,689
$ 228,958
37,450
$ 1,113,902
220,656
$ 1,334,558
$
125,805
$
(6)
$
(6)
DULUTH, MINNESOTA
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A – NATURE OF ACTIVITIES AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Activities
Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Synod) was
organized and is operated exclusively for religious purposes and specifically to promote the
Christian religion according to the tenets of faith set forth in the constitution of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The Synod is affiliated with the ELCA and includes 148
Lutheran churches located in the following 13 countries in the State of Minnesota: Aitkin, Carlton,
Cass, Cook, Crow Wing, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine and St.
Louis.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The operations of the Synod are accounted for on an accrual basis of accounting. The Synod
has adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards for Not-for-Profit Organizations.
Under these provisions net assets, revenue, expenses, gains, and losses are classified based on
the existence or absence of donor-imposed restrictions. Accordingly, net assets of the Synod
and changes therein are classified and reported as follows:
Unrestricted net assets – Net assets that are not subject to donor-imposed stipulations.
Temporarily restricted net assets – Net assets subject to donor-imposed stipulations that may
or will be met either by actions of the Synod and/or the passage of time or can be fulfilled and
removed by actions of the Organization pursuant to those stipulations. Temporarily restricted
contributions whose restrictions are met in the same reporting period are reported as
unrestricted support.
Permanently restricted net assets – Net assets subject to donor-imposed stipulations that they
be maintained permanently by the Synod. The Synod did not have any permanently restricted
net assets at January 31, 2016 and 2015.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Synod considers all short-term debt securities
purchased with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. There were no cash
equivalents at January 31, 2016 and 2015.
(7)
DULUTH, MINNESOTA
NOTE A – NATURE OF ACTIVITIES AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(CONTINUED)
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are capitalized at cost if purchased or at fair value if donated to the
Synod. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets on the straight-line
method.
Custodian Deposits
Contributions which are remitted to the Synod but which are specifically designated for other
organizations, missionaries, or purposes, are recorded as custodian deposits until the funds are
disbursed by the Synod. These types of contributions are not recorded as support by the Synod,
and the related disbursements are not recorded as expenses.
Income Taxes
The Synod is exempt from income taxes under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and a
similar section of the State code.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported
amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.
NOTE B – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
The cost, accumulated depreciation, and carrying values of the Synod’s property and equipment
at January 31 are as follows:
2016
2015
Real estate
Office equipment
Furnishings
Vehicles
$ 626,255
46,318
19,668
37,519
$ 626,255
46,318
19,668
12,519
Accumulated depreciation
729,760
473,407
$ 256,353
704,760
444,138
$ 260,622
(8)
DULUTH, MINNESOTA
NOTE C – TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS
Temporarily restricted net assets consisted of the following at January 31:
Contributions and gifts for:
Matters of the Heart
EOCM-DEM Grant
Journey into Prayer
Bishops fund
Youth Ministry
ELCA Board of Pensions
Phebe Hospital Solar Project
Support received in January for subsequent year
2016
2015
$ 12,892
4,802
1,810
482
63,409
25,894
115,840
35,290
$ 13,878
8,648
1,810
1,632
130,523
25,211
12,490
45,559
$ 260,419
$ 239,751
NOTE D – PENSION PLAN
The Synod has a defined contribution pension plan, which covers all of its full-time employees
and contributes 12 percent of covered employees’ compensation. Total pension expense for the
years ended January 31, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $97,445 and $101,499.
NOTE E – FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES
Expenses incurred for a program service or management and general are assigned directly to
that function. Expenses that affect more than one program service or management and general
are allocated between the functions by the staff of the Synod in a manner to reflect a fair
breakdown of expense by function. No expenses have been allocated to fundraising as such
amounts are immaterial and are included in the management and general category.
NOTE F – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amounts of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents and accounts
payable approximate their fair market value due to the short term maturities of these instruments.
NOTE G – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Management has evaluated subsequent events through March 14, 2016, the date on which the
financial statements were available to be issued.
(9)
NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA SYNOD FOUNDATION
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014
February 26, 2016
To the Board
Northeastern Minnesota Synod Foundation
Duluth, Minnesota
We have reviewed and verified the activity in the Foundation accounts during 2015 and 2014. In
addition we have verified the asset balances as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
The attached schedules indicate the transactions during the years referred to above and the
detail investment balances as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. We believe the schedules
represent the actual transactions and balances that have occurred during the period.
Please let us know if you need any additional information.
Sincerely,
LICARI, LARSEN & CO., LTD
(1)
SCHEDULES OF FINANCIAL POSITION
DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014
2015
2014
Assets
Mission investment fund
ELCA Endowment Fund Pooled Trust
Total Assets
$
1,811
85,356
$
2,403
111,003
$ 87,167
$ 113,406
$
$
Liabilities And Net Assets
Liabilities:
Accounts payable
Total Liabilities
Net Assets:
Unrestricted
Total Liabilities And Net Assets
See Accountant's Report, Page (1).
-
-
87,167
113,406
$ 87,167
$ 113,406
(2)
SCHEDULES OF ACTIVITIES
YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014
2015
Revenues:
Contributions
Interest income
Investment gains (losses)
Total Revenues
$
3,894
(4,533)
(639)
Expenses:
Accounting fee
Distribution - NE MN Synod, ELCA
Total Expenses
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
Net Assets:
Beginning of year
End of year
2014
$
600
25,000
25,600
$ (26,239)
4,091
3,052
7,143
600
10,000
10,600
$
(3,457)
113,406
116,863
$ 87,167
$ 113,406
See Accountant's Report, Page (1).
(3)
2017
Compensation and Professional Expense Guidelines
for Pastors, Associates in Ministry, Lay Professionals,
Support Staff, and Church Musicians:
A Congregational Resource
1105 East Superior Street, Upper Suite
Duluth, Minnesota 55802-2216
218.724.4424
FAX: 218.724.4393
www.nemnsynod.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter from the Bishop
Purpose
Source
Assistance
3
4
4
4
SECTION I:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
5
6
6
7
7
7
7
ORDAINED PASTORS
Base Salary Guidelines
Parsonage/Housing Allowance
FICA Payments
Other Items
Vacation, Days Off and Holidays
Minimum Compensation Table for Pastors
Part Time Staff
SECTION II: OTHER ROSTERED LEADERS (Associates in Ministry, Deaconesses and
Diaconal Ministers)
A.
Base Salary Guidelines
8
B.
FICA Payments
9
C.
Vacation, Days Off and Holidays
9
D.
Part Time Staff
9
SECTION III: BENEFITS FOR ROSTERED LEADERS
A.
Pension, Disability, Survivor, Medical/Dental
B.
Worker’s Compensation
C.
Disability, New Parenting, Sick and Emergency Leave
D.
Unemployment Taxes
E.
Protocol Regarding Severance for Rostered Leaders
10
10
10
10
10
SECTION IV: PROFESSIONAL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT FOR
PASTORS AND OTHER ROSTERED
A.
Automobile/Work-Related Travel
B.
Continuing Education/Sabbaticals (extended study)
C.
Books, Periodicals and Other Expenses
D.
Church and Synod Sponsored Learning Events
11
11
12
12
SECTION V: INTENTIONAL INTERIM PASTORS/PARTTIME SUPPLY/PULPIT
SUPPLY
A.
Intentional Interim Pastors/Interim Pastors
13
B.
Sunday Pulpit Supply
13
C.
Other Services
13
SECTION VI: NON-ROSTERED PROFESSIONAL AND SUPPORT STAFF GUIDELINES
A.
Salary Guidelines for Non-Rostered Professionals
14
B.
Salary Guidelines for Support Staff
14
1
SECTION VII: BENEFITS FOR NON-ROSTERED PROFESSIONAL AND SUPPORT
STAFF
A.
Pension and medical
15
B.
Workers Compensation
15
C.
Sabbatical Policy
15
D.
Vacation and Holidays
15
E.
Unemployment Taxes
16
SECTION VIII: PROFESSIONAL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT FOR NON-ROSTERED
PROFESSIONAL AND SUPPORT STAFF
A.
Automobile
16
B.
Continuing Education
16
C.
Books and Publications
16
SECTION IX: OTHER CHURCH EMPLOYEES
A.
Church Musicians
B.
Parish Nurse
17
17
SECTION X: ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES FOR ALL STAFF
A.
Annual Review of Salaries
B.
Leaves of Absence
C.
Job Descriptions
D.
Other Items
18
18
18
18
Addendum I: Compensation Worksheet for Rostered Leaders
19-20
Addendum II:
Parsonage Guidelines
21
Addendum III:
Selected Resources
22
2
Dear Congregational Leader:
Greetings in the name of Christ! You have accessed the 2017 Compensation Guidelines we adopted at the
2016 Synod Assembly. As your Bishop, I am asking you to follow these guidelines for our rostered and lay
leaders who serve in Christ’s name and for the sake of the Gospel. Today, as always, our Church expects
well-educated and prepared leaders to serve congregations. Today, as always, leaders should also be able to
expect their congregations to want to follow these guidelines.
Compensation for our leaders is to reflect salaries and wages similar to comparable positions of
responsibility and education outside of the Church. Ordained pastors and lay rostered leaders (AiM’s,
Deaconesses, Diaconal Ministers) have undergone considerable effort, years of schooling and training, as
well as a significant outlay of financial resources to prepare for service in our Church. As a young pastor, I
heard stories from my older pastor mentors about how the Church, through congregational giving, paid their
entire seminary education cost. Sadly, those days are over.
Today most of our rostered leaders incur considerable educational debt. Together we want to affirm the value
of the biblical office to which we call qualified persons to serve in the ELCA and the sacrifices they have
made to serve God and neighbor in these public offices. The guidelines for 2017 reflect these core values and
we see a 2.5% increase in base salary for those in ministry from 1 – 10 years; a 2% increase for those in
ministry from 11 – 20 years and an increase of 1.5% for those who have been serving 21+ years.
Aside from salary, other benefits are equally as important to healthy leadership. I encourage you to provide
the Gold+ medical/dental plan through the ELCA’s Portico Benefit Services for your leaders. If you have
questions concerning the various plans offered, please contact Portico directly at www.porticobenefits.org.
They have trained staff to answer your questions and help you make good decisions.
Please take time to read this document carefully - I believe you will find it useful. THANK YOU for your
willingness to partner together so that the Light of Christ shines in its fullness. You are to be commended for
your commitment to excellence in ministry!
“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in
preaching and teaching; for the scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading
out the grain.’ and ‘ the laborer deserves to be paid.’”
1 Timothy 5:17-18
Bishop Thomas M. Aitken
3
Introduction
Purpose
These guidelines have been thoughtfully prepared to provide a fair and reasonable
compensation/benefits expectation for both congregations and rostered leaders. The task
force took into account compensation levels of peers in other synods, Christian
organizations and local communities. The guidelines, of course, cannot address all the
concerns for congregations and leaders, but they provide a baseline for
compensation/benefits discussions. A core value for the Northeastern Minnesota Synod is
that rostered leaders are to be paid on the basis of experience, training and capability.
Compensation issues result in a partnership between the congregation, clergy and staff, and
it is important for all parties to recognize the spirit in which compensation matters are to be
addressed. Decisions should be made in such a way that:
 God’s mission flourishes.
 Clergy and staff are cherished as servants of God.
 All areas of the congregation’s mission thrive.
Source
The compensation guidelines have been prepared by a task force of volunteers, both lay and
rostered. The guidelines are reviewed and adopted by the congregations of the Northeastern
Minnesota Synod as they come together at the annual Synod Assembly.
The task force considers many factors in its deliberation for recommendation of the
compensation guidelines. The task force gives consideration to economic conditions in the
Northeastern MN Synod, the issue of fairness and morale for rostered leaders, the added
burden of repaying student debt (average student debt load for seminary trained rostered
leaders is approaching $60,000), statistics regarding federal COLA (Cost of Living
Adjustments), Average Income Increase in MN, as well as guidelines for surrounding
synods. Based on these factors, the task force recommends an increase in salary for rostered
leaders for 2016:
 Years 1 – 10 an increase of 2.5%
 Years 11 – 20 an increase of 2%
 Years 21 plus an increase of 1.5%
 Lay professional/support staff and increase of 2%
Assistance
Should the leadership of individual congregations request assistance in reviewing these
guidelines, the task force will provide the guidance requested. Please contact the Assistant
to the Bishop Brenda Tibbetts, AiM at 218-724-4424 or Mr. Mark Melhus at 218-720-3712.
4
SECTION I: ORDAINED PASTORS
SALARY/COMPENSATION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ORDAINED PASTORS
The following salary grid is intended to allow congregations the ability to meet local economic
conditions while recognizing and respecting the office of pastor. The salary ranges reflect a higher
percentage increase in the early years due to increased seminary expenses. The base salary
guidelines assume full-time ordained ministry and are to be pro-rated for other than full-time.
A.
BASE SALARY GUIDELINES
Years of
Experience
Year
Ordained
Guidelines
Years of
Experience
Year
Ordained
Guidelines
2017
36,272 – 37,772
18
1999
48,441 – 49,941
1
2016
37,016 – 38,516
19
1998
49,164 – 50,664
2
2015
37,774 – 39,274
20
1997
49,889 – 51,389
3
2014
38,534 – 40,034
21
1996
49,660 – 51,160
4
2013
39,291 – 40,791
22
1995
49,893 – 51,393
5
2012
40,039 – 41,539
23
1994
50,596 – 52,096
6
2011
40,813 – 42,313
24
1993
51,312 – 52,812
7
2010
41,559 – 43,059
25
1992
52,016 – 53,516
8
2009
42,317 – 43,817
26
1991
52,683 – 54,183
9
2008
43,048 – 44,548
27
1990
53,386 – 54,886
10
2007
43,822 – 45,322
28
1989
53,992 – 55,492
11
2006
43,617 – 45,117
29
1988
54,792 – 56,292
12
2005
44,029 – 45,529
30
1987
55,481 – 56,981
13
2004
44,764 – 46,264
31
1986
56,138 – 57,638
14
2003
45,503 – 47,003
32
1985
56,794 – 58,294
15
2002
46,239 – 47,739
33
1984
57,452 – 58,952
16
2001
46,965 – 48,465
34
1983
58,108 – 59,608
17
2000
47,689 – 49,189
35
1982
58,764 – 60,264
Graduate
IN ADDITION TO BASE SALARY ORDAINED PASTORS RECEIVE:
 Housing Allowance or Parsonage (see pg. 6)
 Employers Share of Social Security Tax (FICA) (see pgs. 7 & 9)
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR DETERMINING SALARY:
 Career Experience - if the pastor had a prior calling/career before coming to ordained
ministry, the value of those experiences should be considered. An example would be to
calculate the years of experience prior to ordination at the rate of ½ year for each year of
experience, up to a maximum of 10 years. In this example, a newly ordained clergy with
10 years of other career experience, should be considered to be at a 5 years guideline
level.
5





Additional Earned Degrees - consideration should be given to those pastors who have earned
additional master’s or doctorate degrees. The recommendation is $500 - $1000 for each
additional degree.
Supervisory Responsibilities - an additional $500 - $1000 should be considered if the pastor
is supervising staff.
Merit Increase - based on performance evaluation.
Seminarian Debt Load - consideration should be given to an educational debt load reduction
for pastors carrying considerable debt from preparing for public ministry at a seminary.
Cost of Living Adjustment - for those whose current years of experience or salary is
ABOVE the guidelines.
IF SALARY IS LESS THAN GUIDELINES:
 Pension should be paid according to the average salary for years of experience.
 Consideration should be given to additional vacation time or personal leave valued at not
less than 2% of weekly compensation.
 Every effort should be made by congregations below the guidelines to move toward the
guidelines.
PARSONAGE/HOUSING ALLOWANCE (see also Addendum II)
1. PARSONAGE
If a congregation is providing a parsonage, the congregation is to assume all costs for
maintenance and utilities. The congregation should pay these costs directly. In a parish with
a parsonage, the pastor does not have the option of owning a home which builds equity. It is
recommended that those congregations providing a parsonage contribute toward a special
‘Housing Equity’ program. It is recommended that 3% of the pastor’s defined compensation
should be applied each year to this fund. The ‘Housing Equity’ funds are to be invested as
determined by the church council and the pastor - the Optional Pension Plan of Portico
Benefit Services is a suitable option for housing equity funds. For purposes of FICA, a value
is assigned to the parsonage (generally 30% of salary).
2. HOUSING ALLOWANCE
If no parsonage is available, the pastor is to be given a housing allowance which is to be
designated each year as negotiated by pastor and council. The housing allowance figure to
be used is 30% of base salary and is added to base salary. If a clergy couple, each pastor
is entitled to a housing allowance. The pastor declares a housing allowance figure for their
tax purposes at the beginning of the year. For example, if Pastor A has a base salary of
$40,000, the amount of housing will be $12,000 (30% of base salary) for a total of $52,000.
If the pastor wishes to designate an amount for housing other than the 30% (rationale is
needed for IRS purposes) it must be voted on by the church council. For example, if Pastor
A provides rationale that $20,000 better reflects his/her housing costs and the council
approves, then salary would be listed at $32,000 and housing at $20,000 for a total of
$52,000.
C.
FICA PAYMENTS
Since the IRS classifies pastors as self-employed for Social Security purposes,
congregations are expected to reimburse pastors for the employer’s share of FICA (current
rate for employers share is 7.65% of base salary and parsonage/housing allowance). For
example, if Pastor A has a salary of $40,000 and a housing allowance of $12,000 for a total
of $52,000, the congregation should reimburse the pastor $3,978 for FICA purposes (7.65%
of $52,000). Congregations are to be reminded that they are to file W2 tax forms for clergy.
6
D.
OTHER ITEMS
Should a pastor desire to have a portion of compensation designated as a furnishing
allowance that amount is to be determined by the church council. This is not an added
expense to the congregation, but a tax benefit to the pastor. Congregations must approve,
prior to the start of the fiscal year, allowances for housing, furnishing, utilities in order for
these to be excluded from income for IRS reporting.
E.
VACATION, DAYS OFF AND HOLIDAYS
Pastors are expected to receive and use four weeks of vacation per year (including Sundays).
The cost of pulpit supply is to be paid for and arranged by the congregation. Vacation time
is to be used within the calendar year and not accumulated except by special agreement with
the church council.
Time spent in outdoor ministries and retreats with congregational youth and family groups,
or work with conference, synodical or churchwide committees is not to be considered
vacation time or continuing education leave.
At least one full day and preferably two days free of church responsibilities should be
provided each week. When holidays or days off are missed these should be taken at another
time.
Consideration should be given to granting a pastor quarterly personal leave weekends off in
addition to annual vacation. After 15 years of service, consideration should be given to
granting the pastor a fifth week of vacation.
F.
MINIMUM COMPENSATION TABLE FOR PASTORS
The expectation for minimum compensation for clergy includes base salary, parsonage or
housing allowance and reimbursement for the employer’s share of FICA. Following is
an example for figuring compensation.
2016 Annual Range
Graduate
35,287 – 36,887
Housing Allowance
10,586 – 11,066
FICA Reimbursement
3,509
3,668
Minimum Compensation
49,383 – 51,621
15 Years of Service
Housing Allowance
ICA Reimbursement
Minimum Compensation
45,332 – 46,832
13,599 – 14,049
4,508
4,657
63,439 – 65,538
Factor
30%
7.65%
30%
7.65%
REMINDER: The minimum compensation figure does not include
medical/dental/pension benefits (see page 10).
G.
PART TIME STAFF
Part time rostered staff should have consideration for salary and benefits corresponding to a
percentage of full-time salary and benefits package.
7
SECTION II: OTHER ROSTERED LEADERS
SALARY/COMPENSATION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ASSOCIATES IN
MINISTRY (AiM), DEACONESSES AND DIACONAL MINISTERS
A. BASE SALARY GUIDELINES
The following grid is intended to assist congregations in determining salary for AiM’s, Deaconesses
and Diaconal Ministers as defined by the ELCA within the context of the Northeastern MN Synod.
AiM’s, Deaconesses and Diaconal Ministers are ministers of Word and Service, have a bachelor’s
degree and a required level of certification from the ELCA. Part time rostered leaders are to have
consideration for salary and benefits corresponding to the percentage of time called.
Years of
Experience
Year
Coms’d/
Cons’d
Guidelines
Years of
Experience
Year
Coms’d/
Cons’d
Guidelines
Graduate
2017
36,272 – 37,772
18
1999
48,441 – 49,941
1
2016
37,016 – 38,516
19
1998
49,164 – 50,664
2
2015
37,774 – 39,274
20
1997
49,889 – 51,389
3
2014
38,534 – 40,034
21
1996
49,660 – 51,160
4
2013
39,291 – 40,791
22
1995
49,893 – 51,393
5
2012
40,039 – 41,539
23
1994
50,596 – 52,096
6
2011
40,813 – 42,313
24
1993
51,312 – 52,812
7
2010
41,559 – 43,059
25
1992
52,016 – 53,516
8
2009
42,317 – 43,817
26
1991
52,683 – 54,183
9
2008
43,048 – 44,548
27
1990
53,386 – 54,886
10
2007
43,822 – 45,322
28
1989
53,992 – 55,492
11
2006
43,617 – 45,117
29
1988
54,792 – 56,292
12
2005
44,029 – 45,529
30
1987
55,481 – 56,981
13
2004
44,764 – 46,264
31
1986
56,138 – 57,638
14
2003
45,503 – 47,003
32
1985
56,794 – 58,294
15
2002
46,239 – 47,739
33
1984
57,452 – 58,952
6
2001
46,965 – 48,465
34
1983
58,108 – 59,608
17
2000
47,689 – 49,189
35
1982
58,764 – 60,264
IN ADDITION TO BASE SALARY OTHER ROSTERED LEADERS RECEIVE:
 Employer’s share of Social Security Tax (FICA) (see pg. 6C)
OTHER CONSIDERATION FOR DETERMINING SALARY:
 Career Experience - If the rostered leader had a prior calling/career before becoming an
AiM, Deaconness, Diaconal Minister, the value of those experiences should be
considered.
8




Additional Earned Degrees - consideration should be given to those rostered leaders
who have earned master’s or doctorate degrees. The recommendation is $500 - $1000
for additional degrees.
Supervisory Responsibilities - and additional $500 - $1000 should be given if rostered
leader is supervising staff.
Merit Increase - based on performance evaluation.
Cost of Living Adjustment - for those whose current years of experience is ABOVE
guidelines.
IF SALARY IS LESS THAN GUIDELINES:
 Pension should be paid according to the average salary for years of experience.
 Consideration should be given to additional vacation time/personal leave time.
 Every effort should be made by congregations below guidelines to move toward
guidelines.
B.
FICA PAYMENTS
Congregations are required to pay employer’s portion of the Social Security taxes and file
W2 tax forms for other rostered employees.
C.
VACATION, DAYS OFF AND HOLIDAYS
1. Vacation with full pay is to be provided in the following way:
a. For service less than one year……...…5/6 of a day/month
b. Years 1 – 5……………………………Two work weeks
c. Years 6-10 ……………………………Three work weeks
d. Years 11 – Over ………………………Four work weeks
Determining ‘service years’ is to be based on the number of years the rostered leader has
worked in congregations, units of the ELCA and work experience outside of the Church.
D.
2.
Rostered Leaders (AiM’s, Deaconesses and Diaconal Ministers) whose work
includes regular Sunday involvement should also be granted quarterly personal
leave weekends in addition to the annual vacation.
3.
Rostered Leaders (AiM’s, Deaconesses and Diaconal Ministers) should also
receive time off with pay on holidays. Those who perform essential service on
the holiday may arrange for other time off. Following are some of the holidays to
be considered:
New Year’s Day
Labor Day
Good Friday
Thanksgiving Day
Memorial Day
Christmas Day
Fourth of July
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
President’s Day
Easter Sunday
One Personal Day/Yr.
PART TIME STAFF
Part time rostered staff should have consideration for salary and benefits corresponding to a
percentage of a full time salary and benefits package.
9
SECTION III: BENEFITS FOR ROSTERED LEADERS
A.
PENSION, DIABILITY, SURVIVOR, MEDICAL/DENTAL
The congregation shall budget for and participate in the ELCA Pension, Disability, Survivor
and Medical/Dental plan for ordained pastors, other rostered personnel (AiM’s,
Deaconesses, Diaconal Ministers) and families as needed. Congregations are to refer to the
Portico Benefits Services website at www.porticobenefits.org to access calculators and
information. Click on ‘Employer Link for Treasurers and Benefits Administrators’ and
under ‘Resources’ for the calculator that can assist in determining the benefits package.
The ELCA Church Council recommends a minimum pension contribution of 10%. The
Synod Council of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod recommends that congregations move
toward a pension contribution of 12%. If salary is under guidelines, it is recommended that
pension be paid at the ‘Years of Experience’ salary guideline.
B.
WORKER’S COMPENSATION
All congregations must provide Worker’s Compensation coverage for employees.
C.
DISABILITY, NEW PARENTING, SICK AND EMERGENCY LEAVE





Permanent Disability: It is recommended that each congregation develop
explicit written policy relating to permanent disability.
Temporary Disability: It is expected that a congregation will continue to pay
full salary, housing (for ordained), and benefit contributions for the first 60 days
of temporary disability (accident, illness, surgery etc.), after which, if needed, the
temporary disability of the Portico Benefits plan begin. The congregation should
thereafter pay the cost of the medical insurance for up to 10 months. Any period
of disability (beginning date, length and return to service) is to be based on a
physician’s recommendation.
Sick Leave: One day sick leave for each month of employment cumulative to 30
days.
Maternity or Adoptive Leave: The recommendation for women is six weeks
leave with full salary, housing (for ordained), and benefits. A two week parenting
leave for fathers is recommended.
Emergency Leave: Absence of three days due to a death in the immediate
family is normally permitted. ‘Immediate family’ is defined as spouse, parents,
siblings, children, in-laws, grandparents and grandchildren.
D.
UNEMPLOYMENT TAXES
Federal and state tax law generally exempts churches from this requirement for rostered
leaders since theirs is a service performed in the employ of a religious organization.
E.
PROTOCOL REGARDING SEVERANCE BENEFITS FOR ROSTERED LEADERS
If it becomes necessary to examine the possibility of a rostered leader leaving a
congregation for the sake of the health of the congregation and/or the rostered leader, the
congregation’s council is to consult with the Bishop regarding the matter and, if necessary,
request the severance policy of the NE MN Synod.
10
SECTION IV: PROFESSIONAL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT
FOR PASTORS AND OTHER ROSTERED
A.
AUTOMOBILE/WORK-RELATED TRAVEL
Automobile expense and other work-related travel are a business expense for the
congregation and should not be considered as part of the rostered person’s salary or benefits
if reimbursed under an accountable plan. Automobile allowance should be sufficient to
cover all parish related car expenses including depreciation. Currently, there are three
methods for handling car expense reimbursement. They are as follows:
 Congregation reimburses for actual miles driven at the IRS allowance rate per mile.
 Congregation pays a determined amount as a car allowance on an annual basis. This
rate should reflect actual costs including depreciation.
 Congregation purchases or leases a car and assumes the total automobile expense. If
personal use of church owned automobile is allowed, the value of personal use must
be considered additional salary and reported as wages on the W2 or the employee
may reimburse the church for personal use amount
The IRS requires accurate records to support automobile expenses incurred in connection
with parish related travel. Each person is responsible for maintaining adequate records. The
method of reimbursement is to be determined at the time of the call and reviewed annually.
B.
CONTINUING EDUCATION/SABBATICALS (extended study)
The Lutheran Church has a history of an educated and well-trained staff. The congregation
should expect their pastor/other rostered to be involved in continuing education programs
which will provide opportunity for personal development, enrichment of devotional life, as
well as growth in effectiveness and competency. Continuing education should be regarded
as an essential on-going process which assists in maintaining and sharpening the
professional skills required in a rapidly changing world.
Continuing education is to be distinguished from program development, vacation or synod
assembly or other synod sponsored learning events. Continuing education is for selfrenewal and professional growth. The congregation will benefit from rostered leader’s use of
continuing education. It is therefore suggested that the continuing education program be
mutually studied and agreed upon by the pastor/other rostered and the council. Continuing
education may involve independent study, seminary classes, workshops or educational
materials,
etc.
Recommendations for continuing education are as follows:
 Yearly Continuing Education: It is expected that the pastor/other rostered
be granted at least two weeks and $1,000/yr. cumulative up to three years. It
is recommended that at least one week/yr. is used. The ELCA expects a
minimum of 25 contact hours (50 minute classroom instructional session or
equivalent) annually in continuing education.
 Sabbatical (extended study): The pastor/other rostered shall be eligible to
take a sabbatical after serving seven years in ministry and every seven years
thereafter. Years spent in other synods are to be counted. Pastors/other
rostered shall not be eligible for a sabbatical until they have served in their
present call at least two years even if they have been in ministry seven years
or longer.
11
Participants granted sabbatical leave are expected to return to their parishes for at
least a year after the leave unless there are compelling reasons to do otherwise.
The recommended time for sabbatical is three months away from the parish.
Vacation time is not included as sabbatical - it is granted as in any other year.
Variations from the three month recommendation are to be approved by both the
congregation and in consultation with the Bishop.
During the sabbatical, at least 75% of the current base salary is to be received by the
rostered leader, 100% of the housing allowance (for ordained), 50% of the car
allowance and 100% of pension/ medical/ dental benefits; all other benefits remain
unaffected. Congregations that make provision to continue salary at 100% are to be
commended.
C.
BOOKS, PERIODICALS AND OTHER EXPENSES
Professional expenses such as books, periodicals, educational materials and other business
related expenses should be shared by the congregation and pastor/other rostered. This should
be negotiated between the rostered personnel and the congregation.
D.
CHURCH AND SYNOD SPONSORED LEARNING EVENTS
Synod Assembly, the Fall Theological Conference, First Call Theological Education events
and other Church and Synod sponsored learning events are not to be considered vacation
time or educational leave. Work on conference, synod or churchwide committees also is not
to be considered as vacation time or educational leave. Rostered leaders are expected to
participate in these activities and congregations are encouraged to work with clergy to pay
for these expenses.
12
SECTION V: INTENTIONAL INTERIM PASTORS/PART-TIME
SUPPLY/PULPIT SUPPLY
A.
B.
INTENTIONAL INTERIM PASTORS/INTERIM PASTORS
Interim clergy serving a congregation should be compensated as agreed upon by the pastor
and church council(s) involved. Recommendations are as follows:

Full-time Interim Pastors:
Compensation should be on the basis of the previous pastor’s salary.
It should not be less than the guidelines for seminary graduates.
1. Parish supplies housing for pastor and family, if need be.
2. Benefits should be included in the compensation package.
3. Auto allowance should be paid by the parish. Congregations are
encouraged to cover the cost of at least one round trip weekly from
home for the pastor serving them during the interim period.
4. Interim calls may be issued by the Synod Council.

Part-time Interim Pastor:
1. Compensation will be proportionate to the base salary, benefits and
automobile allowance of a full-time pastor.
SUNDAY PULPIT SUPPLY
A single congregation or multi-point parish should reimburse a pulpit supply person at the
rate of $135 for a single worship service; each additional worship service should be
compensated at a rate of $35. If a class/adult forum is taught on Sunday another $30 should
be added. Mileage should be paid at the IRS approved rate.
In the event the pulpit supply person is asked to preach at two separate congregations on the
same day, each congregation shall be responsible for appropriate reimbursement.
C.
OTHER SERVICES (weddings, funerals etc.)
The pastor should receive the prevailing rate in the community for such services. If the
pastor does not receive this amount from the family, the congregation should pay it to the
pastor.
13
SECTION VI: NON-ROSTERED PROFESSIONAL AND SUPPORT STAFF GUIDELINES
Non-rostered Professionals are those who have a degree, specialized training or certification as a
Parish Worker, Youth Director, Parish Education Director, Volunteer Coordinator, Executive
Assistant etc. Compensation should be comparable to local positions with similar duties, education
and responsibilities. The following salary guidelines are based on an assumption of 40 hours/week,
52weeks/year.
A.
SALARY GUIDELINES FOR NON-ROSTERED PROFESSIONALS
Yrs of
Service
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Salary Range
32,633 – 34,133
33,367 – 34,867
34,089 – 35,589
34,833 – 36,333
35,555 – 37,055
36,344 – 37,844
37,036 – 38,536
37,758 – 39,258
Yrs of
Service
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Salary Range
38,460 - 39,960
39,212 – 40,712
39,945 – 41,445
40,681 – 42,181
41,414 – 42,914
42,136 – 43,636
42,870 – 44,370
43,620 – 45,120
Beyond 16 years congregations should negotiate with staff member to arrive at a salary commensurate with the nature
of the position.
Part-time employment should be pro-rated on the basis of the salary guidelines. This can be done by
dividing the above salary by 2080 hours and then multiplying the hourly rate by the number of
hours worked. For example…a beginning employee providing 20 hours of service would be
$31,993 divided by 2080 which equals $15.38/hr. The calculation for 20 hours would be $15.38
multiplied by 20 equaling $307.60/week.
B. SALARY GUIDELINES FOR SUPPORT STAFF
Support Staff are those who provide necessary services to allow ministry to proceed effectively
and efficiently. Support staff includes secretary, custodian, treasurer, financial secretary etc.
Compensation should be comparable to local positions with similar duties, education and
responsibilities. If special training or certification is required and/or achieved that should be a
consideration in determining compensation.
State and Federal Minimum Wage Laws would supersede this guideline.
Yrs of
Service
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Per Hour Range
10.06 – 10.81
10.30 – 11.05
10.56 – 11.31
10.81 – 11.56
11.05 – 11.80
11.29 – 12.04
11.55 – 12.30
11.77 – 12.52
12.04 – 12.79
12.28 – 13.03
12.59 – 13.34
12.89 – 13.64
Yrs of
Service
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Per Hour Range
13.20 – 13.95
13.51 – 14.26
13.81 – 14.56
14.12 – 14.87
14.43 – 15.18
14.73 – 15.48
15.05 – 15.80
15.36 – 16.11
15.67 – 16.42
15.97 – 16.72
16.27 – 17.02
16.60 – 17.35
Beyond 24 years, congregations should negotiate with the staff member to arrive at a salary
commensurate with the nature of the position. Part-time employment should be paid based on the
hourly rate. It is also to be noted that compensation should not be less than the federal minimum
wage standard.
14
SECTION VII: BENEFITS FOR NON-ROSTERED
PROFESSIONAL AND SUPPORT STAFF
A.




PENSION AND MEDICAL
Pension and Other Benefits: Pensions and major medical benefits plans of the ELCA
(www.porticobenefits.org) are highly recommended for all non-rostered persons
employed by congregations, except those who are on a part-time basis (20 hours or
less/week) or who work less than six months out of the year.
Sick Leave: One day per month, cumulative to 30 days, is recommended for sick leave.
In the event of serious illness, and if the employee is covered by Portico Benefits, the
congregation shall assume responsibility for providing full salary benefits for the first
two months of the illness as which time the Portico disability plan could take effect.
Parenting Leave: Maternity or adoptive leave for women employees is recommended
with full salary and benefits for six weeks. A one to two week parenting leave is
recommended for fathers.
Emergency Leave: Three day absence due to death in the immediate family is normally
permitted. Immediate family includes spouse, parents, children, siblings, in-laws,
grandparents and grandchildren.
B.
WORKERS COMPENSATION
All congregations must provide Workers Compensation coverage for employees.
C.
SABBATICAL POLICY FOR NON-ROSTERED PROFESSIONALS
After every seven years of service in a qualified position, the Northeastern Minnesota
Synod recommends that full-time staff be granted a sabbatical of up to two months with
full pay in lieu of the recommended continuing education time for the year. The staff
member would be expected to return to their present position for at least one year
following the sabbatical.
D.
VACATION AND HOLIDAYS
1. Recommendations for vacation for full-time non-rostered professionals and support
staff are:
 For service less than one year:
5/6 of a day/month
 Years 1-5:
Two work weeks
 Years 6-10:
Three work weeks
 Year 11 and over:
Four work weeks
The work week is based on the number of days worked per week i.e. if a person works
two days/week, then two work weeks of vacation would be four days. Service years are
cumulative including employment in previous congregations or units of the ELCA.
Consideration should also be given for employment in closely related fields.
2. Staff whose services are not essential on holiday work days shall receive time off
with pay. Those who perform essential service may arrange for other time off.
Following are holidays to be considered:
New Year’s Day
Labor Day
Good Friday
Thanksgiving Day
Memorial Day
Christmas
Fourth of July
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
President’s Day
Easter Sunday
One personal day per year
3. Personal leave of one to three days may be given depending upon circumstances.
15
E.
UNEMPLOYMENT TAXES
Federal and state tax law generally exempts churches from this requirement as service
performed in the employ of a religious organization.
SECTION VIII: PROFESSIONAL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT FOR
NON-ROSTERED PROFESSIONAL AND SUPPORT STAFF
A.
AUTOMOBILE
Non-rostered staff that are expected to drive their cars for job functions should be
reimbursed in the same manner as recommended for rostered leaders (pg. 11).
B.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Retreat, workshop or continuing education time is to be regarded as professional growth
time and not vacation. It is recommended for full-time staff that up to $350 and one
week per year be provided for continuing education as appropriate to the job function i.e.
a computer class for an office secretary etc.
C.
BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS
Congregations are encouraged to provide non-rostered staff with funds to purchase
books and professional publications related to their area of responsibility as a way of
enriching the congregation’s ministry.
16
SECTION IX: OTHER CHURCH EMPLOYEES
A.
CHURCH MUSICIANS
1. Salary Guidelines
Compensation should be comparable to local positions with similar duties, education
and responsibilities. The Association of Lutheran Church Musicians provides
guidelines for compensation of church musicians. These guidelines can be found at
www.alcm.org .
2. Vacation
Vacation recommendation for full-time and part-time church musicians is as follows
(prorated for part-time):
 For service less than one year
5/6 of a day/month
 Years 1 – 5
Two work weeks
 Years 6 – 10
Three work weeks
 Years 11 – over
Four work weeks
See page 15 for determining part-time vacation.
3. Expense Reimbursement
Congregations should also consider compensation for worship conferences,
music/books/subscriptions and continuing education.
B.
PARISH NURSE
1. Salary Guidelines
Compensation should be comparable to local positions with similar duties, education
and responsibilities. Sources to help congregations to establish fair compensation
would be the Parish Nursing Center, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN or the Parish
Nurse Association in St. Paul, MN.
2. Benefits
Benefits should be provided to the Parish Nurse in the same manner as those provided
to other Non-rostered Professional and Support Staff personnel (pgs. 15-16)
3. Business and Automobile Expenses
Professional expenses for workshops, books/subscriptions and continuing education
are to be negotiated between the congregation and the parish nurse. Business mileage
is to be reimbursed at the standard IRS mileage allowance rate.
17
SECTION X: ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES FOR ALL STAFF
A.
B.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF SALARIES
 All salaries/compensation shall be reviewed annually. This shall be done by the
personnel committee or church council. Each staff member shall participate in
his/her salary review.
 Salary adjustments are to be made on the basis of current year synod guidelines,
review of job performance in relationship to job descriptions/ ministry goals and
COLA (cost of living adjustment).
 The church council shall be responsible for presenting with appropriate rationale the
salary/compensation package to annual meeting of the congregation.
LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Leaves of absence without pay may be granted for up to six months for a variety of
circumstances i.e. illness, marriage, parenting issues, primary caregiver etc. This will not
be considered time of employment for salary increment and benefits.
C.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Well-defined job descriptions should be provided to all staff (rostered and non-rostered)
and should be reviewed on a regular basis.
D.
OTHER ITEMS

Congregations and staff may encounter other areas not included in these guidelines synod staff might be of assistance as council/rostered and non-rostered leaders seek
resolution.

It is recommended that congregations review their need for professional liability
insurance with their insurance agent.
18
ADDENDUM I
COMPENSATION WORKSHEET FOR ROSTERED LEADERS
This worksheet is designed to assist congregations build a compensation package for pastors and
other rostered using the synod guidelines. Page numbers of the Compensation and Professional
Expense Guidelines are referenced.
‘Defined Compensation’ is the figure that Portico (www.porticobenefits.org) uses to calculate
pension, medical/dental, disability and administration. Defined compensation for pastors includes
salary, housing, FICA allowance - please access the Portico website for calculating defined
compensation for pastors with parsonages.
The compensation package includes Defined Compensation + Benefits (does not include
professional expenses)
Name of pastor/other rostered
___________________________________________________Year____________
This Year
Guidelines
Proposed
$___________
$___________
$___________
Housing Allowance (pg.7)
$___________
(if parsonage is NOT provided)
$___________
$___________
FICA Reimbursement
(pg. 7 & 9)
$___________
$___________
$___________
Furnishing Allowance (pg. 7)
(if parsonage IS provided)
$___________
$___________
$___________
Utility Allowance
(if not paid by congregation)
$____________
$___________
$___________
TOTAL SALARY
$____________
$____________
$___________
Benefits
Housing Equity (pg. 6)
$____________
(when parsonage is provided)
$____________
$____________
Pension (pg. 11)
$____________
$____________
$____________
Medical/Dental (pg.11)
$____________
$____________
$____________
Supplemental Medical/
Dental
$____________
$____________
$____________
Taxable Income
Base Salary (pg. 5 & 9)
19
Disability/Survivor Plan
(pg. 11)
$____________
$____________
$____________
Administration
$____________
$____________
$____________
Other
$____________
$____________
$____________
TOTAL BENEFITS
$____________
$____________
$____________
PACKAGE TOTAL
(salary & benefits)
$____________
$_____________
$____________
********************************************************************************
Professional Expenses
Automobile (pg. 12)
$____________
$____________
$____________
(pg. 13)
$____________
$____________
$____________
Books, Periodicals and
Other expenses (pg. 14)
$____________
$____________
$____________
TOTAL FEES
$_____________
$____________
$____________
********************************************************************************
Non-financial Items
Vacation Time
__________weeks
__________weeks
_________weeks
(pg. 7 & 10)
Additional Sundays Off
(pg. 8)
__________days
__________days
__________days
(pg. 13)
__________weeks
___________weeks
________weeks
Other
__________weeks
__________weeks
________weeks
20
ADDENDUM II
PARSONAGE GUIDELINES
A parsonage is a home provided by the congregation for its pastor(s). The pastor does not choose
but rather accepts the parsonage as part of the call to a congregation. The parsonage is an expression
of the hospitality of the congregation and therefore needs care and attention. The pastor and family
may appreciate the parsonage as part of the compensation; however, the pastor forfeits the building
of equity in a home and therefore providing an equity allowance is important.
IN PROVIDING A PARSONAGE THE CONGREGATION AGREES TO:
 provide the parsonage without cost to the pastor - utilities are to be paid by the congregation
including electricity, fuel, soft water service, telephone (except personal long distance calls)
 provide for regular oversight and repair of the parsonage by designating members who will
meet with the pastor/family in regards to repairs, remodeling, maintenance and redecorating.
The pastor/family should not be expected to come to the church council and make appeals.
 not expect the pastor to do major repairs or capital improvements
 provide stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, cable/satellite TV, window coverings, light fixtures,
flooring, paint, wallpaper, soft water system (if needed), humidifier/ dehumidifier (if needed)
 provide for the care of grounds - the upkeep of the yard is the congregations responsibility
unless negotiated otherwise
 respect the privacy of the pastor/family
 provide suitable garage space for cars - normally this would be space for two vehicles.
NOTE: Before a pastor moves into a parsonage it should be thoroughly cleaned and there should
be an expectation that some redecoration may be necessary. In addition, parsonage maintenance
should be listed as a separate line item in the annual budget with a clear understanding of who has
the authority to spend budgeted items
IN ACCEPTING A PARSONAGE A PASTOR WILL:
 respect and care for the parsonage, exercising good stewardship
 report emergency concerns regarding the parsonage to designated overseers
 pay for any damage done to a home as a result of negligence
 leave the parsonage clean when moving.
NOTE: The pastor and congregation should reach agreement on these items as the call is finalized.
21
ADDENDUM III
SELECTED RESOURCES
Callahan, Kennon L. Twelve Keys to an Effective Church
San Francisco: Harper 1983
Congregational LEADER Series Pastor and People - Making Mutual Ministry Work
Minneapolis: AugsburgFortress 2003
Hammar, Richard R. Church & Clergy Tax Guide
Matthews, NC: Christian Ministry Resources
(order on-line for appropriate year - www.CLTStore.com
Kiplinger Tax Letter - a bi-weekly perspective (order on-line)
22
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, greetings from our Synodical Women’s Organization.
My name is Lynda Lochner and was elected president this past June. I am a more “southern” president
residing in Little Falls and my home congregation is Bethel Lutheran. It is an honor and privilege to serve
in an organization whose Mission Statement is “To mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus
Christ.”
Our Purpose Statement is “As a community of women Created in the image of God, Called to discipleship in
Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, We commit ourselves to Grow in faith, Affirm our gifts,
Support one another in our callings, Engage in ministry and action, and Promote healing and wholeness in
the church, the society, and the world.”
All women in our Northeastern Minnesota Synod are members of Women of the ELCA. Each congregation
should be receiving our Northeastern Lights newsletter. Ask your church secretary what happens to
it when it comes. This is a great resource to gather all the information about what is going on in our
Northeastern Minnesota Synod, including contact information for our Synod Board Members and
Conference Coordinators.
Our main projects this year have been to work to stop human trafficking, bullying, and domestic violence
and to work for immigration reform. We also have worked to provide solar energy for the Phebe Hospital
and School of Nursing in Liberia www.skipthegrid.org, and we continue in prayer for homeless youth and
work to help support LSS Center for Changing Lives and also support the campaign for the ELCA’s 2016
Emphasis on World Hunger.
Our 29th Annual Convention/Gathering will be held in a new location, Ruttger’s Sugar Lake Lodge near
Grand Rapids on June 9 and 10. Our Keynote Speaker will be Alison Feigh, Program Director of the Jacob
Wetterling Resource Center. Our theme is to “Live in the Spirit” with many opportunities for worship,
workshops, hands-on activities, music and wonderful “sistership”. Again, all women of the Northeastern
Minnesota Synod are welcome; information on registration and more are in the NortheasternLights
and on our website www.nemnsynodwomen.org.
Other great resources are, Gather, an award winning magazine of the Women of the ELCA
www.gathermagazine.org, Interchange is a quarterly newsletter of the Women of the ELCA and Bold
Connections is a free monthly e-newsletter; you can subscribe to these at www.womenoftheelca.org.
Café is an award-winning web-based magazine for young adult women www.boldcafe.org. Stay
connected through www.womenoftheelca.org https://www.facebook.com/WomenoftheELCA
https://twitter.com/WomenoftheELCA,
https://www.pinterest.com/womenoftheelca,
https://instagram.com/womenoftheelca.
We invite you to stop at our table, see the PV for Phebe display, other information and just to visit a bit.
“Be strong and of good courage…for it is the Lord your God who goes with
you; He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
In His Grip, Lynda
2016 Report to Synod Assemblies
Paul Baglyos, Coordinator for Ministry Leadership, ELCA Region 3
Our Culture of Call
Lutheran Christians understand God’s call to public ministry leadership in the church to involve two
essential dimensions: internal and external. The internal dimension of God’s call involves a person’s
own discernment that “God is calling me to this.” The external dimension of God’s call involves the
discernment of others regarding that person—“God is calling you to this.”
Raising up leaders for the church requires that the whole church participate in the external dimension
of God’s call. Some of the most common stories people tell when they begin to prepare for ministry
leadership in the church are stories about other people encouraging them to do so. “Have you ever
thought about seminary? “You would make a good minister.” “I can see you as a leader in the
church.” Those sorts of promptings from ministry leaders and other church members, from family and
friends, are common to the stories of people who become ministers of Word and Sacrament or Word
and Service in the church.
Evidence suggests that our shared participation in the external dimension of God’s call to ministry
leadership is becoming less vigorous than it has been in the past, even the recent past. For example,
over the twelve-year period from the 2004-2005 academic year to the current academic year (20152016) the total enrollment of students in Master of Divinity degree programs (the preparatory degree
for pastors) at the eight seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has decreased from
1,252 to 735, or 41%. No single factor by itself accounts for that decrease, but it is reasonable to
believe that one contributing factor is a neglected commitment to identify people with demonstrated
gifts for ministry leadership and to encourage such people to step forward in preparation for leadership.
The ELCA’s Model Constitution for Congregations stipulates that one of the responsibilities of
congregation councils is to “seek out and encourage qualified persons to prepare for the ministry of the
Gospel.” Congregation councils bear that responsibility in collaboration with all members of the
church, all of whom participate in the external dimension of God’s call to ministry leadership.
Integral to this report, therefore, are these questions to all who will read it: How vigorously does your
congregation attend to its responsibility to “seek out and encourage” gifted people to prepare for
leadership as ministers of Word and Sacrament or Word and Service? How many members of your
congregation have been or are enrolled in seminary to prepare for such leadership? Who are the people
in your congregation that you can envision as effective ministry leaders, perhaps awaiting your
encouragement and support to step forward in preparation?
The members of your synod who serve on your synod’s candidacy committee work with the people
who come forward from your congregations, your outdoor ministries, your campus ministries and
other contexts of discernment and call to prepare for public ministry leadership in the ELCA. Your
candidacy committees accompany those people in formation for leadership, helping them further to
2016 Report to Synod Assemblies
Paul Baglyos, Coordinator for Ministry Leadership, ELCA Region 3
discern both their gifts and their growth areas pertaining to leadership, guiding them in their seminary
programs, assessing their learning in field experience, and, when they are ready, approving them for
ministry leadership in the ELCA under congregational call.
A major part of my work as Coordinator for Ministry Leadership in Region 3 of the ELCA is to work
with each of the candidacy committees in the nine synods of our region. The map below on the left
shows the territory of the nine synods of Region 3; the map below on the right shows the territory of
the nine regions of the ELCA. I serve as deployed staff of the ELCA working in partnership with your
synod’s candidacy committee to coordinate its work with that of all other candidacy committees as
together we attend to the formation of leaders for the ELCA.
The members of your synod who serve on your synod’s candidacy committee engage their work with
reverence and wisdom and grace. We are deeply grateful for all the people who come forward to
prepare for ministry leadership in the ELCA, and deeply grateful to all of you who have helped to
identify, encourage and support them.
To learn more about the work of your synod’s candidacy committee and the people currently preparing
for ministry leadership under the care of your synod’s candidacy committee, speak with any member
of the committee or with your bishop or bishop’s associate responsible for candidacy. The work that
we do together in the formation of leaders for the ELCA is made possible by the mission support your
congregation gives to the synod and by the mission support your synod shares with the larger ELCA.
ELCA Region 3 Archives Report to 2016 Synod Assemblies
Introduction
This year marks the 28th year of the ELCA Region 3 Archives program. The cooperative arrangement with Luther
Seminary continues to work well. Paul Daniels serves as the Region 3 archivist half-time and for Luther Seminary
half-time. Luther provides space for the large archives collection while also making available student workers and
volunteers from the Friends organization (currently, 8 volunteers work in our office) to stretch the reach of both
archives’ programs. One of our other benefits includes support from the school’s IT office.
Use of the Region 3 Archives
Our presence through our website (www.luthersem.edu/archives) continues to increase both our visibility and our
patron use numbers. The site, hosted by Luther Seminary, is regularly updated with new training material for
congregations interested in records care as well as providing inventories of the Region 3 Archives collections
themselves. The website is our main “front door”, attracting more researchers every year. We continue to
support our patrons with phone calls, drop-in visits and traditional mail as well.
+The Archives assisted 923 reference patrons in the past year. Sixty-two percent are congregational committees
working on scanning projects, anniversary planning, history writing and records care issues. Other significant user
groups include synod staff, ELCA church wide personnel and individual students and researchers.
+Daniels worked on-site with all 9 synod offices, gathering permanently valuable office records for retention,
including all candidacy records for each synod. He visited each synod office at least 6 times during the year. These
visits were coordinated with 32 on-site congregational visits throughout North Dakota, South Dakota and
Minnesota, the Region 3 territory)
+Daniels spoke at 14 adult forums in congregations throughout the Region. The main theme of these talks was the
use of memory and story in the life of the congregation, as well as to provide updates on the services available
through the Region 3 Archives.
Collection Growth
+The Archives received 430 linear feet of synod records from the 9 offices. These materials included legal,
financial, personnel and program files.
+Daniels gathered an additional 224 congregational histories - collection totals 6,725 history files.
+The Archives received 550 biographical pieces on clergy and lay leaders - collection totals 7,330 files.
+An additional 18 congregations scanned their valuable church records through the digitizing program.
Outreach and Education
+Daniels led workshops on congregational archives at 4 Region 3 synod assemblies in 2015. He also presented
sessions at 2 fall theological conferences on Region 3 Archives service offerings.
+The Archives distributed an additional 455 copies of “Memory Work: A Guide for Congregational Archives and
History” to congregations and individuals. It is also available electronically on the website.
+Daniels continues to promote the Iron Mountain storage space for sensitive types of synodical records, including
materials on candidacy, disciplinary action and litigation.
Professional Development
+Daniels remains an active member of several professional organizations, including the Society of American
Archivists, the Midwest Archives Conference and the Twin Cities Archives Roundtable.
+Daniels maintains his renewable archival certification in the Academy of Certified Archivists.
+A former board member of the Lutheran Historical Conference, Daniels continues his support of this panLutheran organization of archivists, historians, librarians and students.
Respectfully submitted, Paul A. Daniels, ELCA Region 3 Archivist and Luther Seminary Archivist, 3.15.16
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Luther Seminary’s 2016 report to the
Becoming a catalyst for
transforming theological education
“We have this treasure in clay jars so that it may be made clear that this
extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.”
—2 Corinthians 4:7
This verse is an important reminder as Luther Seminary wrestles with and
contemplates the changing face of ministry. We’re in a time where the path
is not necessarily clear. As God’s world changes around us, so do the needs of
the church. As a seminary responsible for educating leaders for this church,
we know we need to be more than just responsive. We need to light the way,
carve a path, make disciples. We need to become a catalyst for transforming
theological education. We aren’t there yet, but we’re working to see the way
forward. This passage in 2 Corinthians reminds us that we can’t do this hard and
worthy work by our own power. This is God’s church, God’s mission and God’s
seminary.
•God’s world is changing. And so are we. Our mission is to educate leaders
for Christian communities. This mission is more relevant than ever, and
the future is calling us to new things. And people need to hear the gospel.
Yet we can’t just do everything the way we’ve always done it.
•We are excited about the future. Nearly 600 students are taking classes
this spring. This includes both on-campus and online learners, who
are being educated to serve in churches, nonprofits, schools and other
important ministries. We will also welcome more than 4,500 church
leaders this year to our lifelong learning classes and conferences. Both
pastors and lay leaders rely on Luther Seminary’s continuing education
offerings to stay refreshed and enthused in their ministry.
•Learning in context continues to play an essential role in preparing
students to serve in God’s world. Given the ever-changing dynamics
of ministry, our contextual learning group continues to find unique
opportunities for students to apply their learning—both in the Twin
Cities and around the world. They’re practicing ministry while receiving
guidance from important mentors, which is critical to the formation of
these students.
As we strive to become a catalyst for transforming theological education, we
hope you’ll continue to pray with and for us. Thank you for your continued
support of our mission to educate your future church leaders.
Robin Steinke, President
Luther Seminary educates leaders for Christian communities called and
sent by the Holy Spirit to witness to salvation through Jesus Christ and to
serve in God’s world.
2481 Como Ave. + St. Paul, MN 55108 + www.luthersem.edu
GC1007-16
In your synod
Students
Thank you for sending and supporting
the education of Luther Seminary
students.
•There are 16 students from your
synod enrolled at Luther Seminary.
• There is one intern serving in your
synod.
Board of Directors
Paul Jacobson
Alumni
There are 227 Luther Seminary
alumni living in the Northeastern
Minnesota Synod.
Seminary Finances
Financial Support in FY 2014-15
•Synodical and churchwide support
accounted for 8 percent of Luther
Seminary’s budget.
•The Northeastern Minnesota
Synod provided direct financial
support of $37,717.
•Of Luther’s operating income,
57 percent came from private gifts
and grants.
•Of Luther’s operating expenses,
55 percent went toward student
instruction and institutional
support.
Minnesota
Council of
Churches
A Tradition of Innovation
Refugee Services
Case Management
Education
25 member denominations make up Minnesota Council of Churches. We added
Pentecostal Assemblies of the World this year. In 2015, we...
Welcomed 408 refugees from 9 countries
Employment
Immigration
Respectful Communities
Respectful Conversations
Taking Heart Ramadan Dinners
Native American Relationships
Our Muslim Neighbor (Interfaith)
Black Clergy Speakers Bureau
Advocating Justice
Joint Religious Legislative Coalition
Minnesota FoodShare
Racial Justice
Supporting the Faith Community
Minnesota Church Center
Congregational Partnerships
Volunteer Opportunities
News for the Common Good
Reached a cumulative 2,331
Minnesotans participating in 85 Respectful Conversations on topics ranging from “race” relations to guns to immigration
Respectful Conversation on “Race” Relations at the Conflict Resolution Minnesota
Conference saw 84% of participants reported an increase in empathy
Brought 1,400
Christians and Muslims together in relationship at 18
cross-cultural Ramadan Iftars where 280 people had never been in a mosque
Involved 220 Mankato Community Residents in outreach and education
presentations.
Witnessed to the good work of the body of Christ in 127
media mentions
24 Human Resource professionals from 13 employers engaged with
MCC through the Refugee Employer Advisory Council
50 faith communities from 17 different traditions held prayer services for
‘Mother’ Emanuel AME mass shooting victims
Helped 68 refugees secure and maintain their first job. We have the highest
cash assistance exit rate due to employment of any resettlement agency in Minnesota for 2
years in a row.
Joined Minnesota FoodShare to raise $7.4M
pounds of food in the March Campaign
Worked for justice as 810
for food shelves and 4.7 million
citizen activists from 65 of 67 state senate districts met with legislators at JRLC Day on the Hill
(612) 870-3600 • 122 Franklin Ave West, Suite 100 / Minneapolis, MN 55404 • www.mnchurches.org • facebook.com/mnchurches
Report of Twin Ports Ministry to Seafarers
The Seafarers Center
2024 West Third Street
Duluth, MN 55806
218-727-5897 [email protected] www.theseafarerscenter.org
Thank you! – Northeastern Minnesota Synod ELCA for including Twin Ports Ministry to
Seafarers as a Ministry Partner.
The financial support of this synod continues to
be a significant portion of our yearly funding.
In addition, although we are supported by
congregations of many denominations, the
congregations of this synod have blessed us by
the generosity and involvement of their
members, Sunday Schools, youth groups,
men’s and women’s organizations, missions
committees, endowment committees and
others.
As many of you are aware, life for seafarers is
difficult. Seafarers have to endure times of
extreme cold and heat and rough seas. Some of
the seafarers speak of their life as not all that
different from being in prison. They are
separated from the people they love, there are
long stretches where they cannot make
telephone or internet connections, and they are
confined with the same shipmates who they
may or may not get along with.
The most rewarding part of this ministry are the
NON-PROFIT
ORG
conversations.
Seafarers
talked of their
U.S. Postage Paid
families, hopes
their children, struggles
Duluth,for
MN 55816
Permit No. 7
in their home countries,
and the need for
.
prayers for them and those they love.
There were 79 foreign ship visits to the
Twin Ports in 2015.
Through your
generosity, the Seafarers Center brought
Box 16360
In a world where there is so much tension
Duluth, Minnesota 55816
telephones, calling cards, and a Wi-Fi hotspot
USA
between countries and suspicion about other
onto those ships. Our two 15 passenger vans
people, Twin Ports Ministry to Seafarers is an
were kept busy transporting seafarers to places
oasis where seafarers are welcomed in
to shop for food, clothing, and other items or to
Christian hospitality.
bring them to the Seafarers Center where they
could use the free Wi-Fi to reconnect with
Thank you, synod council, synod staff, and the
spouses and children or to simply relax. When
bishop, for supporting and encouraging others
ships were in port over the weekend there were
to support this ministry.
Thank you
opportunities for mariners to attend worship.
congregations and congregational members for
the many ways you help to extend a hand of
Seafarers from around the world were warmed
welcome to seafarers. Together we make a
with hats and scarfs knit by loving hands. Ditty
huge impact on the lives of seafarers.
bags made by people in this synod and items
donated by congregations and individuals
God has blessed many mariners through each
created Christmas boxes filled with reminders
and every one of you.
to seafarers that people care about them.
Christmas cards crafted by young and old from
Your servant in Christ,
congregations brought joy into the lives of
seafarers who were not able to be with their
Doug Paulson, Director
families for the holidays.
Seafarers appreciated the donated clothing,
books, and Bibles made available to them at the
Seafarers Center.
Luther Crest Bible Camp
8231 County Road 11 NE Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 846-2431 Fax (320) 846-0201
[email protected] www.luthercrest.org
Executive Director: David R Holtz
320-292-9241 [email protected]
Called and committed to Christ-centered ministry through creation and community.
A ministry for all people in all seasons!
Report to the Northeastern MN Synod.
Greetings and peace from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! On behalf of all the Luther Crest Bible Camp Association Churches, the
Board of Directors, Staff and friends, 2015 was a year of incredible growth in ministry and service to our Lord Jesus Christ! Each
congregation’s prayerful support and commitment to Christ’s work in this world gives us an opportunity to share the light of Christ
All the Time.
2016 Summer Theme is "The Life!" and the Bible verse is Ephesians 5:1-2. As we walk with our staff and campers this coming
summer, we will learn that God has given us the tools we need to live life to the fullest. By being imitators of Him and by following
Jesus, we are able to serve God and be filled up by His Love!
Summer 2016 is in full swing. Registration is open! Log on to LutherCrest.org to find your week of camp! There are many
opportunities for all people this coming summer. Please note that the First Early Bird Date is February 14th, with a $175 off your
registration cost! Next Date would be April 21st, with $75 off the price. Register early for great savings and a life changing
experience! Please come and join us this summer and offer this incredible opportunity to the youth in your church today! A summer
camp experience is the best gift for youth to receive as they develop their life of faith.
Special Events for 2016
 4th-6th grade youth retreat – Unlocked! March 18th-20th $95 per camper for the weekend
 Creative Retreat – March 18th – 20th $165 per person for the short weekend
 Creative Retreat – March 17th – 20th $195 per person for the long weekend
 7th-9th grade youth retreat – Unlocked! April 1st-3rd $95 per camper for the weekend
 Faith Formation Certification School and Year Long Consulting Event with Vibrant Faith, Sunday, May 1-6 at Luther Crest!
$1,995 for the year!
 Creative Retreat – November 18th – 20th $165 per person for the short weekend
 Creative Retreat – November 17th – 20th $195 per person for the long weekend
Fund Raising Events
 Luther Crest’s Golf Scramble – August 8th, 1 pm at Miltona Golf Club $100 per golfer, Hole, 19th Hole and Scramble
sponsorships available
 LCBC at the Grape Stomp – September 16th – 18th at the Carlos Creek Winery
 Luther Crest’s Quilt Extravaganza – October 22 at Carlos Creek Winery, Apple Fest!
 Luther Crest Annual Meeting – October 8th 10 am
 Luther Crest’s Holiday Bake Sale – Begins November 1st, Orders by Dec 2nd and Pick up Dec 9th & 10th
Volunteer Club: You and your congregation are invited to come and be a part of our wonderful new volunteer ministry called
Scattered to Serve. Luther Crest is very excited to begin a new era of volunteer service, built on the philosophy of Christian
hospitality and grounded in the idea that many volunteers can make a huge difference and build great things. Please contact camp
today to see what opportunities are available now! 320-846-2431
With God’s help, we can move this place into the future so that kids young and old can experience God through the people and the
place of Luther Crest!
God’s Peace,
David Holtz
PS – Prepare the Way is continuing on and is need of over $600,000 in commitments to complete the goal. We are working towards
breaking ground on our cabins in this spring! Help us out! Contact Dave Holtz or Troy Olson for more information about Prepare the
Way and the Cabin Build! Exciting Times Ahead!
Greetings from Luther Crest,
The Holidays are over and there’s even a glimpse of sunshine as
we look to a busy spring and summer 2016 here at Luther Crest.
At camp it seems like we’re always preparing the next stop,
whether it’s spring, summer, more retreats or cookie season, we
keep moving. In that same vein the Prepare the Way campaign is
always onto our next stop, churches, WELCA Groups, Staff
Alumni and Individuals. In this issue we’ll take a few stops as
The Prepare the Way Train is full speed ahead, ready to arrive
in the station.
Stop #3 Fundraising Update
We continue to be propelled by the Luther Crest community as funds continue to come in from individuals and
congregations near and far, bringing us to over $900,000.00 in Pledges and One time Gifts. Including the recent
generous gift of $30,000.00 from Trinity Lutheran in Brainerd, we’re picking up speed and are excited for the new
folks jumping aboard the campaign this year. A big thank you to the Alexandria area churches for stoking the fires
with over $400,000.00 to get us r olling this spr ing we’re reaching out to folks in the Fergus Falls, Brainerd, Morris
and Saint Cloud areas, to give us a final push into the station.
Stop #2 Volunteers
An awesome part of the Prepare the Way campaign, is that it has provided us with the opportunity to connect with
all sorts of people, and as we prepare to build, we’ll need some hands on help from you guys! Specifically, we have
trees that will need to be taken down, so if you’ve got a group that would like to bring chain saws and get to work let
us know! Closer to summer we’ll be forming teams to help with construction and wrapping up the fundraising
process. The more people we have aboard the better, as Luther Crest rolls into the future. Contact us today to jump
aboard!
Stop #1 Ground Breaking and Construction
“Patience is a virtue” is something my dad would tell us anytime we were traveling, and with the Prepare the Way
Campaign our patience is about to be rewarded. We have scheduled the official Ground Breaking for Thursday June
9th, following the donor appreciation dinner. Even before the Ground Breaking festivities a team of ELCA Mission
Builders will be here to get started following tree clearing, dirt work and foundation laying. We’re excited to begin
this phase of the project with great partners in ministry, while allowing the youth and adults who come to camp this
summer see the ongoing progress. Then in August, additional Mission Builders will arrive to begin on the other 3
Cabin Structures.
Arrival: Construction Complete December 2016!
Contact Information
Troy Olson—320.846.2431 or [email protected]
8231 County Road 11 NE
Alexandria, MN 56308
Report of Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota
Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota
2481 Como Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota is an array of ministries to young adults at Bemidji State
University, the University of Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota State University - Mankato, Southwest
State University - Marshall, Minnesota State University – Moorhead, the University of Minnesota
Morris, Saint Cloud State University, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and Winona State
University.
These ministries are supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and are highly valued
by the Northeastern Minnesota Synod and the other five ELCA synods in Minnesota. Lutheran
Campus Ministry of Minnesota is thankful for the way in which this synod combines funds with the
other synods in order to sustain a vibrant witness to the work of God on campuses across the state.
Through a board of directors Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota stewards the resources given by
the synods to provide grants to each of the nine ministry sites. The amount of the grant is conditioned
by the amount of ministry generated funds each campus ministry raises from alumni, friends,
congregations, and WELCA organizations.
The campus ministry within the borders of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod is located at the
University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). By providing Sunday morning worship on campus, Lutheran
Campus Ministry (LCM) at UMD meets students on their own turf. Out of the centrality of Word and
Sacrament, students are given opportunities to deepen faith through bible and book studies, provide
service to the larger Duluth community, and to build lasting friendships with one another. Like the
other campus ministries in Minnesota, LCM at UMD works with students who are exploring important
vocational questions by encouraging them to also explore their vocation as baptized children of God.
Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota will continue to be a witness of God’s grace through Christ
Jesus on the public university campuses of this state. You make that witness possible. Your support of
the Lutheran Campus Ministries in Minnesota speaks volumes to students at a transformational time in
their lives. Last spring two of the peer ministers in Lutheran Campus Ministry completed their
undergraduate degrees. One of those peer ministers is now a fulltime student at Luther Seminary in St.
Paul. The other peer minister is in England serving as a YAGM (Young Adult in Global Mission).
Thank you! – Northeastern Minnesota Synod - ELCA for including Lutheran Campus Ministry of
Minnesota as a Ministry Partner. Thank you for the ministry we share.
On behalf of Lutheran Campus Ministry of Minnesota,
Pastor Doug Paulson
Lutheran Campus Pastor
University of Minnesota, Duluth
Carthage College Report for the
Northeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly 2016
Dear Friends in Christ,
It is an honor to be writing you on behalf of Carthage College and to be able to share with you about the
mission and ministry happening on our campus. I have been in the role of Campus Pastor for a little over
two years and assumed the role of Director of Congregational Relations in July of 2015. Since arriving
we have established the Center for Faith and Spirituality (CFS) around the theme of “Hey, What’s your
story?” with the goal of encouraging the students at Carthage to explore their own faith journey stories
and to listen and learn from the stories of others. Chapel continues to be on Tuesday and this year marked
the second year of both Interfaith Lunch on Thursdays and a Protestant worship service at 4pm on
Sunday. The biggest change this academic year for the CFS is the addition of a student ministry
leadership staff. We have paid student staff working in the areas of music, service, Lutheran Student
Movement, Open Table (Wednesday night ministry), Roman Catholics at Carthage, Better Together
(interfaith), Resident Hall Ambassadors, CUMBYA (Carthage Undergrads Making Big Youth Activities),
and Public Relations. Student to student ministry is already making a difference as students become more
comfortable exploring their faith and learning about the faith of others.
In my role as Director of Congregational Relations, I have been meeting with pastors in the Greater
Milwaukee Synod and sharing what is happening at Carthage. It is wonderful to have the GMS Synod
Assembly back on campus and I look forward to visiting other synods over the next several years. Part of
my responsibility in this role is leading the committee working on our celebration of the 500 th anniversary
of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses. We are looking forward to reflecting on the Lutheran heritage of the
college and to what it means to be a Lutheran in the 21st Century under the theme: Here I Stand.
There are many things to celebration at the Center for Faith and Spirituality and throughout the campus.
Here are a few other highlights:
 43 Million Dollar Science Center opened on September 9, 2015. Special features include
technology-enhanced active learning classroom, a planetarium, an outdoor classroom just
feet from Lake Michigan and interactive study space for students, right outside faculty
offices, so learning continues outside of class.
 Five students awarded Fulbright Fellowships and are now working towards international
understanding in Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, India and Germany.
 Bachelor of Science in Nursing accepted its first class of students this year with 23
prospective nursing majors. Male students make up more than one-third of the class.
 Carthage has a record incoming class with approximately 840 students from 19 U.S.
states and five foreign countries.
 Carthage is awarded $349K grant for internship funding over three years which will
provide nearly 200 new, paid internships.
 Carthage ranks 4th in the nation in study aboard opportunities. During January and June
hundreds of Carthage students travel around the world to learn during these short term
study aboard programs. Countries traveled too include: Germany, India, South Africa,
Costa Rica, Honduras, France and more.
 Lady Red Volleyball team makes it to NCAA Final Four. It is a great group of young
ladies who are a class act on and off the court.
Please keep Carthage in your prayers as we continue to strive towards helping a new generation find their
callings in this world.
In Christ, Pastor Kara F. Baylor
• ANNUAL REPORT FROM GUSTAVUS CHURCH RELATIONS •
Greetings to you from Gustavus Adolphus College! The network of institutions and relationships which holds
our Lutheran congregations, synods, camps, colleges, seminaries, and social agencies together plays a vital role
in nourishing and advancing our collective and important contribution to the world. We all make a greater
impact because of this diverse network to which we belong.
Many years ago we established the Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations as way of living
our Lutheran identity and to create a tangible structure through which we might serve the wider Lutheran
church.
This year we were excited to announce that Gustavus is investing in the long term health of the Gustavus
Association of Congregations network by fully endowing the Office of Church Relations. The creation of the
Endowment for Church Relations Fund is a continuation of our commitment to our Lutheran roots and a
means to ensure our ongoing investment in offering congregation resources. More details and information on
how to make a contribution to the fund can be found at: www.gustavus.edu/churchrelations/endowment.
As you gather for your annual assembly, we hope you are inspired by the reminder of the many others who
walk along side you in mission. We are blessed to be able to share numerous resources with your congregation.
Thank you to the many of you who have made good use of our church and college ministry partnership.
MARK YOUR 2016 CALENDARS AND JOIN US FOR THESE SPECIAL EVENTS:
• Annual Nobel Conference®— SEPTEMBER 27-28, 2016 “In Search of Economic Balance”
• The Gustavus Academy for Faith, Science, and Ethics — JUNE 24-30, 2016, an exciting new resource
for high school youth coming in 2016! More information to follow.
• STEP UP — November 3, 2016, a leadership development resource for high school youth. Students will
be introduced to college level concepts of leadership that will help them develop a stronger personal plan
for continuing to grow as a leader. For more information: www.gustavus.edu/churchrelations/stepup
• Christmas in Christ Chapel—DECEMBER 2-4, 2016
For more information about these events and the many resources we offer congregations, please contact the
Office of Church Relations or visit us on-line at: www.gustavus.edu/churchrelations. Thank you for your
partnership and prayers!
Rev. Grady St. Dennis
College Chaplain/Director for Church Relations
Office of 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
I am pleased to submit this 2016 Synod Assembly report as a way to connect with you, Luther College’s
extended community. I hope you take pride in the mission of Lutheran higher education. ELCA colleges are
sending out engaged, capable leaders to serve on behalf of the common good. We count on your partnership
in this ministry.
This year at Luther we are searching for a new campus pastor to join Pastor Mike Blair in leading Luther’s
vibrant College Ministries program. We are pleased with the number of fine candidates who feel called to work
with college students. The new pastor will begin in the summer of 2016.
Our pastors serve as faithful guides and mentors as students discern their vocations. Luther received a grant
from the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education to help strengthen collaboration between College
Ministries, our Career Center, and academic student advising. This grant supported retreats at EWALU and
Good Earth Village for students to engage in vocational reflection and conversation. We are proud of the
number of graduates who pursue ordained ministry. Luther also sends a strong group of graduating seniors
into service and volunteer corps, including Lutheran Volunteer Corps and the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global
Mission program.
There are many other ways Luther College nurtures its relationship with the larger church. College Ministries
works with the Northeastern Iowa Synod on a summer leadership development camp for ELCA high school
youth, and on special events that benefit global relief and development efforts. Our Grace Institute for
Spiritual Formation—now in its fifteenth year—provides a two-year continuing education program on spiritual
practices for individual and congregational renewal. Luther faculty and staff are involved in a wide range of
synod, national and global ministries as well, serving on boards and as resource persons in areas such as
worship and music, environmental stewardship, and interfaith relations. Music is another way we connect with
congregations, as our ensembles go on tour to proclaim the Gospel through sacred choral music, orchestra and
band concerts.
Plans are well underway on campus to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. We
are pleased that Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will speak at opening convocation in February 2017, and a
conference aimed at congregations is planned for March 31-April 1, 2017. The symposium will be focused on
the role of the Reformation in the contemporary church. Pastor and author Nadia Bolz-Weber is among the
speakers and the conference will conclude with a performance of Bach’s Mass in B-minor by the Luther College
Orchestra and Nordic Choir. I hope you will consider attending, and bringing some youth from your
congregation. More information will become available at luther.edu/reformation-2017.
A reminder that a tangible way your church can support Luther College is to encourage your high school
students to visit. Should they choose to enroll, we hope you will consider supporting them with an EPIC grant
(Education Partners in Covenant). Luther will match up to $1,000 per year in support of each student from
your congregation. More information can be found at luther.edu/financialaid/current/scholarships.
I am convinced that a community of faith and learning provides the best possible environment for young
people to discern their callings. Thank you for your prayers, your benevolence, and for encouraging high school
students to look closely at all that an ELCA college like Luther offers.
Sincerely,
Paula J. Carlson, Ph.D.
President
ELCASynodAssemblies2016
GreetingsfromSt.OlafCollege!
Since1874,St.OlafCollegehasprovidedadistinctiveeducationgroundedinacademicrigor,
residentiallearning,globalengagement,andourvibrantLutheranfaithtradition.Studentswork
closelywithdedicatedfacultywhochallengethemtogrowinmind,body,andspirit.Inboththe
curriculumandtheco‐curriculum,theyexploretheologicalissuesandarechallengedtochoose
theirvocationsinlightofthisexploration.AllSt.Olafstudentstaketworeligioncourses,one
focusingontheBibleandtheotheronChristiantheology,aswellasathirdcourseintroducing
Christianandotherethicalsystems.TheHarryC.PiperCenterforVocationandCareerassists
studentsindiscerningtheirvocationsandpreparingfortheircareersduringtheirfouryearsat
St.Olaf.
Overthepastyear,thecollegehaswelcomedseveralnewcolleaguestokeyleadershippositions.
InMay2015,JeanStrohmParish’88wasappointeddirectorofcollegerelationsformusic
organizations,bringingmorethan25yearsofexperienceinperformingartsadministration,
includinghermostrecentpositionasgeneralmanageroftheSaintPaulChamberOrchestra.In
September2015,RyanBowlesbecameSt.Olaf’sfirstfull‐timeAthleticDirectorfollowingseveral
yearsasassociateathleticdirectorforadministrationattheUniversityofMaryland,wherehe
oversaw11varsitysportsandmanagedMaryland’stransitionfromtheAtlanticCoastConference
totheBigTen.LeslieMoore’77returnedtoheralmamaterinNovember2015toserveasdirector
ofthePiperCenter,addingtoherrichly‐variedportfolioofprofessionalexperiencesrangingfrom
facultymemberatYaleUniversitytopartnerandgeneralcounselforDeloitteToucheTohmatsuin
Australia.
St.Olafhasalsohadalivelyyearofvisioningandengagement.InMay2015,theBoardofRegents
approvedanupdatedstrategicplanforthecollegeintendedtoexpandandenrichstudent
engagementinhigh‐impacteducationalpracticesandresidentiallife,deepenprofessional
developmentforcollegeemployees,enhanceinternalandexternalcommunicationpractices,and
strengthenfiscalsustainability.Thecurrentacademicyearhasalsoincludedacampus‐wide
conversationaboutthecollegemissionstatement,nowalmostthirtyyearsoldandreadyfor
revisionsthatwillupdatetheexpressionofthecollege’songoingcommitmentstoexcellenceinthe
liberalarts,globalengagement,andvibrantcommunityspringingfromitsLutherantradition.
Finally,thecollegeisinthefinalstagesofplanningtheupcomingSt.OlafConferenceonWorship,
Theology,andtheArts,scheduledforJuly18‐22,2016(stolaf.edu/cwta/).
WelookforwardtowelcomingyoutoSt.Olaf.Cometocampustojoinusatconcerts,lectures,
conferences,orsummercamps.YoucanalsovisittheSt.Olafmultimediawebsite
(stolaf.edu/multimedia/)tojoininawidevarietyofliveandarchivedstreamedevents,including
dailyChapelandSundaymorningworshipservicesduringtheacademicyear,theweeklySingfor
Joyradioprogram,andvocalandinstrumentalconcertsandrecitals.Weencourageyoutosend
studentstoSt.Olaf,wethankyouforyourprayersandsupport,andweofferyouoursaswell.
DavidR.Anderson’74
President
2015 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.
In our daily work to educate young people, Wartburg College strives to live its distinctive mission in bold, new contexts. Our
calling is to challenge and nurture students of tomorrow, who come to us from many places, desires, and aspirations.
Enrollment
Like so many sister schools in the region, our most recent incoming classes have been smaller than those we welcomed in the
late ’90s and early 2000s. Fall 2015 enrollment at Wartburg was 1,537; international students and U.S. students of color total 19
percent. Because so much of our operating revenue comes from tuition, room, and board, we’ve had to undergo a careful and
serious budget review process, and deploy new admissions strategies to build larger applicant pools.
Transforming Tomorrow Campaign
Wartburg’s $75 million comprehensive campaign, publicly launched in 2014, has been enthusiastically received by alumni,
parents, and friends. Nearing the total goal a year early, the campaign features three components:
• People: Wartburg has awarded new or additional scholarships to more than 120 students, representing $335,000 in
additional aid. Two sizeable estate gifts have created new scholarships for science and education students.
• Places: Wartburg broke ground in February 2016 on an $8 million renovation of Clinton Hall that will create an
innovative living and learning environment for students. Fueled by several major gifts, the project includes major
interior updates and new academic and social spaces. Other significant gifts have made possible the Knief Outdoor
Athletics Pavilion, a new lacrosse field, and a first-of-its kind virtual acoustic system in Neumann Auditorium.
• Programs: Generous gifts have enabled the College to elevate the Gerald R. Kleinfeld Distinguished Professorship in
German History to an Endowed Chair, create the Baldwin Leadership Fellows program, and establish a German
Institute to provide organization and focus for the college’s wealth of Germany related programs and relationships.
New Academic Programs
• This past fall, Wartburg launched new programs in actuarial science, neuroscience, criminal justice, and a “4+1”
program with Iowa State University to enable students to earn a master’s degree in industrial engineering in five years.
The College will inaugurate its first master’s-level program in music therapy in Fall 2017.
• A new Des Moines internship program will provide another compelling learning opportunity in an urban
environment, building on the success of the Wartburg West program in Denver, CO.
Commitment to Vocation and Mentoring
• The College was recently awarded a $10,000 NetVUE Professional Development Award from the Council of
Independent Colleges to fund a one-year initiative to equip faculty and staff to help students explore their vocation.
• The 2015 Graven Award, an annual award for vocation and daily life, was awarded to Yale University’s Dr. Elijah
Anderson, an award-winning author and one of the nation’s leading urban ethnographers and cultural theorists.
Recognition
• Wartburg is Iowa’s first private institution – and only the ninth in the nation – to earn a Gold rating from the leading
authority on sustainability in higher education.
• Campus Compact named student Jenna Manders of Dubuque, IA, a Newman Civic Fellow for her contributions to
community and civic engagement.
• Senior Mullohoji Juraev, a native of Tajikistan, was among the 2015 winners of a $10,000 Davis Projects for Peace
grant to improve learning conditions at a public school in his home country.
• Senior Kwabena Owusu-Amoah of Ghana was awarded a $6,000 Clinton Foundation Resolution Grant to expand the
use of a software app that aims to reduce maternal mortality rates in Ghana.
Many Blessings
We are blessed to work with gifted students who are committed to changing the world. Thank you for encouraging your
students to join Wartburg’s historic tradition as they share their gifts to enrich our community of learning.
Dr. Darrel D. Colson, President