allegheny synod of the evangelical lutheran church in america

Transcription

ALLEGHENY SYNOD
OF
THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
CHURCH IN AMERICA
Here I am Lord:
We are Freed in Christ to Serve!
Bulletin of Reports
Twenty-Fifth Annual Assembly
June 7, 8 & 9, 2012
Altoona, Pennsylvania
ALLEGHENY SYNOD OFFICE STAFF
701 Quail Avenue
Altoona, PA 16602
814-942-1042
814-941-9259 (Fax)
[email protected] (E-mail)
www.alleghensynod.org
1
CONTACT INFORMATION
Pile, Rev. Gregory R.
Bishop
Telephone Extension – 23
[email protected]
Knauss, Rev. Timothy
Assistant to Bishop / Director of Evangelical Mission
[email protected]
Miller, Rev. Lynn
Assistant to Bishop
[email protected]
Bossler, Mrs. Michelle L.
Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Garvin, Mr. Spence
Treasurer
Voicemail Extension - 26
[email protected]
Bal, Kecia, Ms.
Lutheran Letter Editor
[email protected]
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1
Synod Office
2
Table of Contents
3-4
Congregations of the Allegheny Synod
5-25
Partners
26
Spouses of Deceased
27
Diaconal, AIMs and SAMs
28-29
Ordained Ministers
30-44
Roster Changes from June 2011 to May 2012
45-46
Section 2
Rules of Procedure
47-48
Agenda
49-50
Report of Bishop
51-54
Report of Vice-President
55
Summary of Executive Committee Actions
56
Summary of Council Actions
57-58
Proposed 2014 Allegheny Synod Budget
59-60
Report of Secretary
61
Report of Treasurer
62-74
Leadership Committee
75
Compensation, Benefits and Reimbursement Report
76
Candidacy Committee
77
Bedford Conference
78
Clearfield Conference
79
Johnstown Conference
80
Southern Somerset Conference
81
Altoona/Upper Juniata Conference
82
Nittany Conference
83
Allegheny Synod Women’s Organization
84
Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries
85-87
3
Breezewood Plaza Ministry
88
Lutheran Camp Association, Inc. Camp Sequanota
89-90
Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State
91-92
Lutheran Theological Seminary of Gettysburg
93-94
Gettysburg College
95-96
Global Mission Report
97
Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries
98
LAMPa
99
ELCA, Report of Presiding Bishop Hanson
100
ELCA Region 8 Archives
101-103
Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries
104
Lutheran Planned Giving of Central and Northeastern PA
105
Pennsylvania Lutheran Network
106
Region 8 Annual Report
107-108
Susquehanna University
109-110
Campus Ministry
111
PA Council of Churches
112-113
Section 3
Constitution
114-154
4
CONGREGATIONS OF THE ALLEGHENY SYNOD – ELCA
Name & Address
Pastor
Established
Altoona Conference:
Bethany Lutheran Church (100931)
200 Third Avenue
Altoona, PA 16602-3928
(814) 944-7560 946-9778 FAX
[email protected]
www.bethanylutheranchurch.net
Nicole Burkle, Admin. Asst.
Paula Schmitt
1893
Christ Second Lutheran Church (100932)
1534 Fourth Street
Altoona, PA 16601
(814) 944-6577
[email protected]
Debbie Black, Admin. Asst.
Hugh Gowan
Interim Pastor
1871
First Lutheran Church (100933)
1401 Twelfth Avenue
(814) 942-3816 942-1539 FAX
[email protected]
www.firstlutheranaltoona.org
Andy McMullin, Admin. Asst.
Thomas Ekstrand
St. James Lutheran Church (100935)
1407 Eighth Avenue
(814) 944-6835
Marissa Thompson, Admin. Asst.
H. Peter Helmers
1860
Simpson Temple United Parish (100938)
2212 Sixth Avenue
(814) 942-0840
[email protected]
Patty VanAtta, Admin. Asst.
Denise M. Arpino
1908
Trinity Lutheran Church (100939)
408 North Sixth Street, Juniata
(814) 943-3972 946-7001 FAX
[email protected]
Brenda Hancuff, Admin. Asst.
Eli Hess
1886
5
1805
Name & Address
Pastor
Established
Grace Lutheran Church (100940)
1114 N. Cambria Street
Bellwood, PA 16617-1838
(814) 742-7501
Beverly Bower, Admin. Asst.
Terryann Talbot-Moses
Vacancy Pastor
1876
Salem Lutheran Church (100941)
2115 Antis Road
Altoona, PA 16601
(814) 944-2766 (Mahlon Lepperd)
John Klingeman
Vacancy Pastor
1806
Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church (100954)
2266 Kettle Road
Altoona, PA 16601
Mailing Address: c/o Darlene Shaffer
236 Reeds Lane
Altoona, PA 16601
Susan Yatta
Vacancy Pastor
1897
St. John Lutheran Church (100955)
3877 Kettle Road
Terryann Talbot-Moses
Interim Pastor
1804
First English Lutheran Church (100956)
17 W. 13th Street
Tyrone, PA 16686-1603
(814) 684-1430 684-4016 FAX
[email protected]
Susan Yatta
1872
Jonathan Schnibben
Vacancy Pastor
1853
Susan Obrien, Admin. Asst.
Mt. Zion Lutheran Church (101496)
PO Box 2
Glasgow, PA 16644-0002
(814) 687-4048
6
Name & Address
Pastor
Established
Bedford Conference:
106 W. Penn Street
Bedford, PA 15522-1391
(814) 623-8813 623-0766 FAX
[email protected]
www.trinitylutheranbedford.org
Kathie Crist, Admin. Asst.
Raymond E. Short
1769
Cedar Grove Lutheran Church (201526)
c/o Karen Brambley
107 E. Mattie Road
Breezewood, PA 15533
(814) 784-5905 (Karen Brambley)
In Transition
1876
16651 Lincoln Highway
(814) 735-4884
Mailing Address: PO Box 1
www.freewebs.com/eblp
Glenda Duffy, Admin. Asst.
Judy Simonson
Vacancy Pastor
1835
Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church (201529)
c/o Virginia Fletcher
187 Fletcher Road
(814) 784-5848 (Virginia Fletcher)
In Transition
1854
Zion Lutheran Church (201530)
c/o Robbie Roland, President
RR 1019 Five Forks Rd.
Clearville, PA 15535
(814) 458-2623 (Robbie Roland)
Ryan Viands
Vacancy Pastor
1889
100 W. Main Street
Everett, PA 15537-1131
(814) 652-2562
Mailing Address: 110 W. Main Street
Everett, PA 15537
(814) 652-9755
www.freewebs.com/eblp
David Wright
Vacancy Pastor
1842
7
Name & Address
Bald Hill Lutheran Church (201532)
471 Hospital Drive
Everett, PA 15537
(814) 847-7772
Mailing Address: 156 Gould Lane
Bedford, PA 15522
[email protected]
Pastor
Jenny Barnes
Vacancy Pastor
Judith Simonson
Providence Lutheran Church (201533)
5274 Bedford Valley Road
Vacancy Pastor
Bedford, PA 15522
Mailing Address: c/o Sue Rose
7737 Bedford Valley Rd.
(814) 623-8822
Established
1853
1835
St. James Lutheran Church (201534)
1952 Imlertown Road
Pleasant Valley, PA 15522
(814) 847-7772
Bedford, PA 15522
[email protected]
Jenny Barnes
Vacancy Pastor
1853
St. Mark Lutheran Church (201535)
138 Ottown Road
Bedford, PA 15522
(814) 847-7772
Bedford, PA 15522
[email protected]
Jenny Barnes
Vacancy Pastor
1861
Yeager Memorial Luth. Church (201536)
3419 Main Road
Mailing Address: 179 Park Heights Road
Bedford, PA 15522
(814) 458-2623 (Robbie Roland)
Jenny Barnes
1881
Messiah Lutheran Church (201538)
8414 William Penn Highway
Osterburg, PA 16667
(814) 276-3070
www.stclairsville-lutheranparish.net
Colleen Nunamaker, Admin. Asst.
Donna Wolfinger
1790
8
Name & Address
Pastor
Established
St. Peter Lutheran Church (201541)
Osterburg, PA 16667
(814) 276-3070
www.stclairsville-lutheranparish.net
Donna Wolfinger
1819
Christ Lutheran Church (201542)
7139 Hyndman Road
Buffalo Mills, PA 15534
(814) 623-8813
www.madleychristlutheran.org
Ryan Viands
1805
Mt. Olive Lutheran Church (201543)
551 Greenbriar Lane
Buffalo Mills, PA 15534-8856
(814) 733-2740
Homer Duppstadt
Synodically Authorized Minister
1824
9
Name & Address
Clearfield Conference:
Pastor
Established
Olanta Lutheran Church (300950)
RR 1 Box 73
Olanta, PA 16863
(814) 236-0590
Richard Steuernagle
1887
RR 1 Box 319
New Millport, PA 16861
(814) 236-0590
Richard Steuernagle
1843
PO Box 1454
217 E. Pine Street
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-3251 765-3298 FAX
[email protected]
www.stjohnlutheranclearfield.org
Susan Waite, Admin. Asst.
Robert Way
1850
PO Box 43 (Rockton)
Luthersburg, PA 15848-0043
(814) 583-7552
www.stjohn.rockton.tripod.com
Mark Cantral
Vacancy Pastor
Presbyterian USA
406 Pine Street
Curwensville, PA 16833-1032
(814) 236-0590
Richard Steuernagle
1899
Shepherd of the Hills Luth. Ch. (301499)
3637 Main Street
PO Box 65
Karthaus, PA 16845
(814) 263-4505
Matthew Finney
1854
PO Box 43
Luthersburg, PA 15848-0043
(814) 583-7552
www.stpeters.luthersburg.tripod.com
Mark Cantral
Vacancy Pastor
Presbyterian USA
1840
PO Box 377
215 Laurel Street
Philipsburg, PA 16866-0377
(814) 342-1673
Jerry Krum
Interim Pastor
1882
10
1875
Name & Address
875 Sunflower Drive
DuBois, PA 15801-2323
(814) 371-2470 371-0269 FAX
[email protected]
Deanne Armagost, Admin. Asst.
Pastor
In Transition
Matthew Finney
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (307160)
167 Maple Street
Vacancy Pastor
PO Box 194
Lanse, PA 16849
(814) 345-5204
[email protected]
www.forministry.com/USPAELCIAHTELC
Faith United Lutheran Church (307390)
511 Mcateer Street
Houtzdale, PA 16651-1201
(814) 378-5104
Jonathan Schnibben
11
Established
1881
1967
1883
Name & Address
Pastor
Established
Johnstown Conference:
337 Elknud Lane
Johnstown, PA 15905-2603
(814) 255-1395
Kathy, Admin. Asst.
Robert Abarno
1942
415 Vine Street
(814) 536-7521 536-0855 FAX
[email protected]
www.firstlutheran.info
Eleanor Abarno
1830
246 Chandler Avenue
(814) 536-8298
Nancy Hoover
In Transition
1892
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church (401133)
1000 Scalp Avenue
(814) 266-4859 262-0279 FAX
[email protected]
www.mt-calvarylutheran.org
Carol S. Custead
Scott S. Custead
1944
Moxham Lutheran Church (401134)
500 Park Avenue
(814) 539-8664
[email protected]
Robert Wagner
Nancy Wagner, AIM
1907
St. David’s Lutheran Church (601129)
PO Box 427
401 N. Main Street
Davidsville, PA 15928-0427
(814) 479-4110 479-2994 FAX
[email protected]
www.stdavidslutheran.org
Jessica Brewer, Admin. Asst.
Gregory N. VanDyke
Jeffery Bassette
1839
12
Name & Address
Pastor
Established
St. Paul Lutheran Church (401135) 1344
Virginia Avenue
Mailing Address: 1348 Virginia Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15906
(814) 536-7001
www.stpaulsevlutheranchurch.org
Jennifer Miller, Admin. Asst.
Susan Mentzer
1889
600 Ash Street
(814) 536-5213
[email protected]
www.trinitychurch.info
Becky Blackman, Admin. Asst.
Brian Armen
1887
613 Locust Street
(814) 535-2050
Mary Blough, Admin. Asst.
Michael VanDyke
1852
St. Luke Lutheran Church (401139)
604 Cleveland Street
Lilly, PA 15938-1010
(814) 886-2222
Gail Palko, Admin. Asst.
John Palko
1873
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (401140)
(Mundy’s Corner)
3328 William Penn Avenue
(814) 322-1307
Donna Davis, Admin. Asst.
Kevin McNamara
1858
PO Box 245
906 Caldwell Avenue
Portage, PA 15946-0245
(814) 736-3662 & 886-2222
Gail Palko, Admin. Asst.
John Palko
1872
13
Established
Name & Address
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
(430728)
514 Shady Lane
Windber, PA 15963-1324
(814) 467-4227
[email protected]
Marina Bernhard, Admin. Asst.
Pastor
Kenneth Diable
Interim Pastor
PO Box 156
121 Forest Hills Drive
Sidman, PA 15955-0156
(814) 487-7950
[email protected]
Teresa, Admin. Asst.
William Deist
1901
PO Box 264
Main & Croyle Streets
Summerhill, PA 15958-9999
(814) 264-4526
William Deist
1832
Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church (401537)
905 9th Street
Windber, PA 15963-1402
(814) 467-9747
Kenneth Diable
Vacancy Pastor
1896
14
1913
Name & Address
Nittany Conference:
Pastor
Established
PO Box 700
Aaronsburg, PA 16820-0700
(814) 349-5961
Russell Sauerwein
Interim Pastor
1793
PO Box 216
216 N. McAllister Street
Bellefonte, PA 16823-0216
(814) 355-4679
www.bellefontelutheran.com
Leroy Reitz
Vacancy Pastor
1844
PO Box 9
105 Old Boalsburg Road
Boalsburg, PA 16823-0009
(814) 466-6061 466-3442 FAX
[email protected]
Brent W. Book
1825
PO Box 331
Centre Hall, PA 16828-0331
(814) 364-9154
Linda Poorman, Admin. Asst.
Scott A. Klimke
1798
PO Box 439
Millheim, PA 16854-0439
(814) 349-5349 (O & FAX)
[email protected]
Beckie Lease, Admin. Asst.
Julia Sprenkle
1877
160 N. Main Street
Pleasant Gap, PA 16823-3106
(814) 359-2522
www.stmark-elc.org
Kevin Shock
1868
Pine Hall Lutheran Church (501227)
1760 W. College Avenue
State College, PA 16801-2719
(814) 238-8091
Susan Williamson
1844
Shiloh Lutheran Church (501228)
801Benner Pike
(814) 238-3318
In Transition
15
1868
Name & Address
Pastor
Established
Gatesburg Lutheran Church (501233)
1924 W. Gatesburg Road
Warriors Mark, PA 16877
(814) 692-2276
www.ourchurch.com/member/g/Gatesburg
Susan Williamson
1816
St. Paul Lutheran Church (501234)
PO Box 200
Pine Grove Mills, PA 16868-0200
(814) 237-2081
[email protected]
www.Luther95.com/SPLC-PGMPA
Linda Rosensteel, Admin. Asst.
Kelley Baxter
1831
PO Box 164
Rebersburg, PA 16872-0164
(814) 349-5961
Russell Sauerwein
Interim Pastor
1798
New Hope Lutheran Church (501242)
PO Box 96
119 Cobblestone Court
Spring Mills, PA 16875
(814) 422-8417 (O & FAX)
www.newhopespringmills.org
Nathan Pile
2002
296 Ridge Road
Farmers Mills
(814) 422-8949
www.stjohnsunion.org
Nathan Pile
1798
205 S. Garner Street
(814) 238-2478 238-4104 FAX
www.glcpa.org
Anna Marie, Admin. Asst.
Gail Spotts, Admin. Asst.
P. Stevens Lynn, Senior Pastor
Larry Louder, Associate Pastor
Alison S. Bowlan, Assoc. Pastor
1898
2221 N. Oak Lane
(814) 238-2024
Marla Moberg, Admin. Asst.
[email protected]
www.tlcsc.org
Ronald Miller
Michael Price
1966
16
Name & Address
850 Snydertown Road
Howard, PA 16841-9102
(814) 383-4882
Pastor
Ruth Kocha Jensen
17
Established
1825
Name & Address
Pastor
Established
Northern Somerset Conference:
Benscreek Lutheran Church (601128)
4459 Somerset Pike
Hollsopple, PA 15935-9334
(814) 479-7013
Larry Hoover
1897
Graef’s Lutheran Church (601339)
PO Box 38
Cairnbrook, PA 15924-0038
(814) 754-1049
Esther Nosel, Admin. Asst.
Lois Ryan
1872
Christ Casebeer Luth. Church (601340)
10377 Somerset Pike
Somerset, PA 15501-7301
(814) 445-4935
Dennis L. Doebler
1845
6872 Lincoln Highway
Stoystown, PA 15563
(814) 754-8451
Debbie Musser, Admin. Asst.
Lois Ryan
Vacancy Pastor
1890
Friedens Lutheran Church (601342)
131 S. Main Street
Friedens, PA 15541
(814) 445-4627
[email protected]
www.friedenslutheran.com
Patty Wildenmann, Admin. Asst.
Edward V. DeVore
Pernelle A. DeVore, AIM
PO Box 93
100 Church Street
Hooversville, PA 15936-0093
(814) 798-2105
Janet Gindlesperger, Admin. Asst.
Krista Vingelis
1870
St. Andrew Lutheran Church (601352)
500 Main Street
Boswell, PA 15531
(814) 629-9275
Penelope Sopich, Admin. Asst.
Larry Hoover
1903
18
1789
Name & Address
Pastor
Established
PO Box 336
201 E. Main Street
Stoystown, PA 15563-0336
(814) 893-5135
[email protected]
[email protected]
Kelly Anderson, Admin. Asst.
Walter L. Startzel
1807
Horner Lutheran Church (601372)
415 Horner Church Road
Stoystown, PA 15563
(814) 629-9619 (O)
(814) 629-7127 (FAX)
www.hornerhoffman.org
Walter Startzel
Vacancy Pastor
1835
Zion Hoffman Lutheran Church (601373) Walter Startzel
577 Hoffman Church Road
Vacancy Pastor
Friedens, PA 15541
(814) 629-9619 (O)
(814) 629-7127 (FAX)
www.hornerhoffman.org
1814
Laurel Trinity Luth. Church (601550)
Box 185 Rte. 985
Jennerstown, PA 15547-0185
(814) 629-9288
www.lutheransonline.com/laureltrinity
[email protected]
Carol J. Barnick, Admin. Asst.
Susan M. Winger
Interim Pastor
1840
PO Box 130
Shanksville, PA 15560-0130
Debbie Musser, Admin. Asst.
Lois Ryan
Vacancy Pastor
1813
19
Name & Address
Pastor
Established
Southern Somerset Conference:
PO Box 103
653 Main Street
Addison, PA 15411-0103
(814) 395-5930
Shirley Wass, Admin. Asst.
Glenn Foster
1813
685 Mount Davis Road
Fort Hill, PA 15540-1920
(814) 443-6319
Glenn Foster
1854
PO Box 64
Confluence, PA 15424-0064
(814) 395-5775
William Triebe
Interim Pastor
1870
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (701338)
507 Main Street
Berlin, PA 15530-0095
(814) 267-5014
Cathy Gaudlip, Admin. Asst.
www.htelcberlin.com
John Harmon
1777
Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church (701344)
PO Box 175
Garrett, PA 15542-0175
(814) 634-9345
Glenn Foster
1871
St. Michael Lutheran Church (701345)
Walker School Rd. & Pine Hill Rd., Berlin
Mailing Address: c/o Tom Baker
906 Main Street
Berlin, PA 15530
(814) 443-2268
John Harmon
Vacancy Pastor
1787
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church (701353)
(Lavansville)
3093 Glades Pike
(814) 443-3965
[email protected]
Elisa Osman
1846
20
Name & Address
Pastor
Established
(Bakersville)
3093 Glades Pike
(814) 443-3965
[email protected]
Elisa Osman
1842
PO Box 88
355 Center Street
Meyersdale, PA 15552-0088
(814) 634-5659
Frank Harpster
1851
Messiah Lutheran Church (701357)
144 Jubilee Street
Rockwood, PA 15557-0126
(814) 926-2215
www.newcentervillelutheran.org
William Osman
1793
866 Ream Road
(814) 926-2215
William Osman
1881
Samuel Lutheran Church (701359)
481 Samuel’s Road, Somerset
(814) 926-2215
Cindy Breckenridge, Admin. Asst.
William Osman
1785
711 Broadway
Rockwood, PA 15557
(814) 926-4145
[email protected]
Sherrie Hofmann
1881
PO Box 275
Main Street
Grantsville, MD 21536-0275
(814) 662-4041
Glenn Foster
Vacancy Pastor
1856
21
Name & Address
Pastor
Established
Greenville Evan. Luth. Church (701365)
RR 3
Meyersdale, PA 15552
(814) 662-4041
Glenn Foster
Vacancy Pastor
1803
PO Box 127
104 W. Union Street
Salisbury, PA 15558-0127
(814) 662-4041
Glenn Foster
Vacancy Pastor
1789
918 Tayman Avenue
(814) 445-5446 (O) 445-3316 (FAX)
[email protected]
www.trinitysomerset.org
Ann Voytish, Admin. Asst.
Linda McElroy Thomas
1789
Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church (701375)
RR 4, White Oak
Mailing Address: 218 Olinger Street
(814) 634-9345
Glenn P. Foster
1840
Faith Lutheran Church (707233)
6567 Glades Pike
Somerset, PA 15501
(814) 443-3179 443-3195 FAX
[email protected]
Gloria Lohr, Admin. Asst.
Ardelle M Mason
1839
22
Name & Address
Pastor
Established
Upper Juniata Conference:
206 Walnut Street
Claysburg, PA 16625-9757
(814) 239-5948 239-8750 FAX
Elaine Smith, Admin. Asst.
Kaye Hute
1848
130 Mount Pleasant St.
East Freedom, PA 16637
(814) 695-7503
Janet, Admin. Asst.
Charles Yingling
1882
Evangelical Lutheran Church (800944)
PO Box 337
1200 Fourth Avenue
Duncansville, PA 16635-0337
(814) 695-0508 693-4644 FAX
[email protected]
www.duncansvillelutheran.com
John Wyant, Admin. Asst.
Jaime Olson
1846
Geeseytown Lutheran Church (800945)
RR 2 Box 634
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648-9756
(814) 696-0743
Michael Rhyne
1883
Yellow Springs Luth. Church (800946)
5 Miles NE Route 22
Mailing Address:
c/o Mr. and Mrs. Dean Moyer
112 E. Second Street
Williamsburg, PA 16693
(814) 832-3600 (Church)
Betty Royer
1843
500 Allegheny Street
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648-2015
(814) 695-0091 696-4385 FAX
[email protected]
www.zionhollidaysburg.org
Clare Lowell, Admin. Asst.
Gregory Harbaugh
Kyle Hayes
1803
217 Plum Street
Williamsburg, PA 16693-1146
(814) 832-3329
Tiffany Marvich
1804
23
Name & Address
Pastor
Established
St. Matthew Lutheran Church (800949)
PO Box 356
115 E. Penn Street
Martinsburg, PA 16662-0356
(814) 793-2413 793-9753 FAX
[email protected]
www.stmatthewlc.com
Lori Tremmel, Admin. Asst.
Scott Schul
1832
Newry Lutheran Church (800952)
PO Box 397
Newry, PA 16625-0397
(814) 695-3036
www.newrylutheranchurch.org
Michael Rhyne
1801
403 E. Main Street
Roaring Spring, PA 16673-1303
(814) 224-4116
[email protected]
Pam Knisely, Admin. Asst.
Kaye Hute
1851
217 Plum Street
Williamsburg, PA 16693-1146
(814) 832-3329
Tiffany Marvich
1798
St. James Evang. Luth. Church (801216)
525 Mifflin Street
Huntingdon, PA 16652
(814) 643-4790
[email protected]
Suzanne Morelli
1804
St. Stephens Lutheran Church (801218)
4214 McAlevey’s Fort Rd.
Petersburg, PA 16669
(814) 238-2000
Robert Rohrbaugh
Vacancy Pastor
1862
Cassville Lutheran Church (801225)
309 Seminary Street
Cassville, PA 16623
Mailing Address: 9492 Sugar Grove Road
Suzanne Morelli
Vacancy Pastor
1806
Suzanne Morelli
Vacancy Pastor
1850
Huntingdon, PA 16652-8815
(814) 643-3209
9492 Sugar Grove Road
Huntingdon, PA 16652-8815
(814) 643-3209
24
Name & Address
Pastor
Established
PO Box 96
Mount Union, PA 17066-0096
(814) 542-8250
G. Frederick Klotz
Vacancy Pastor
1903
PO Box 253
501 St. Peters St.
Petersburg, PA 16669-0253
(814) 669-4930
G. Frederick Klotz
1868
St. Matthew Lutheran Church (801544)
PO Box 413
Aitch Road , Marklesburg
James Creek, PA 16657
(814) 658-3883
G. Frederick Klotz
1802
25
PARTNERS OF THE ALLEGHENY SYNOD
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg
The Rev. Michael Cooper-White, President
61 Seminary Ridge
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-6286
(800) 658-8437
www.ltsg.edu
Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries, Inc.
Ms. Patricia W. Savage, CEO
915 Hickory Street
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 696-4556
(800) 400-2285
Lori Adams, Admin. Asst.
www.alsm.org
Pennsylvania Council of Churches
The Rev. Gary L. Harke, Executive Director
900 S. Arlington Avenue Room 100
Harrisburg, PA 17109-5089
(717) 545-4761
Breezewood Trucker/Travelers Chaplaincy
The Rev. Bruce B. Maxwell
PO Box 286
(814) 735-4856
[email protected]
Mr. Mark T. Pile, CEO
798 Hausman Road
Allentown, PA 18104
(888) 582-2230
(610) 682-1261
www.diakon.org
Region 8 for Mission
The Rev. Nancy Gable
61 Seminary Ridge
(717) 334-6286
(717) 338-3033
(717) 334-7998 (Fax)
[email protected]
LeAnn Wright, Admin. Asst.
Ev. Luth. Coalition for Mission in Appalachia
The Rev. Dan May, Interim Coordinator
PO Box 338
Indiana, PA 15701-0338
(724) 463-8422
(800) 854-8885 (Fax)
www.elcma.org
Sequanota Lutheran Conf. Center & Camp
The Rev. George Mason, Director
PO Box 245
Jennerstown, PA 15547
(814) 629-6627
[email protected]
www.sequanota.com
Gettysburg College
The Rev. Joseph Donnella, Chaplain
300 N. Washington Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325-1484
(717) 337-6280
www.gettysburg.edu
Susquehanna University
The Rev. Mark Wm. Radecke, Chaplain
514 University Avenue
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
(717) 372-0101
www.susqu.edu
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in PA
The Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Director
900 S. Arlington Ave.
Suite 117
Harrisburg, PA 17109
(717) 545-3500
(717) 545-3501 (Fax)
Gail Wilson, Admin. Asst.
www.lutheranadvocacypa.org
University Lutheran Parish at Penn State
Alicia Anderson, AIM
217 Pasquerilla
Spiritual CenterEisenhower Chapel
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 865-0033
www.psu.edu/dept/lutheran
Luth. Planned Giving of Central & NE PA
The Rev. Gregory Kramer, Director
19 Calvett Place
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
(570) 374-2044
(570) 374-9072 (Fax)
[email protected]
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Dr. Jem Spectar, President
450 School House Road
Johnstown, PA 15904
26
SPOUSES OF DECEASED PASTORS
Abel, Alma (Gene)
151 Uhl Street
PO Box 455
(814) 443-2268
Bailey, Mrs. Janet (Thomas)
5961 SW Shallowbrook Ln.
Beaverton OR 97007
Bowersox, Mrs. Virginia
(George)
390 W. Church Street
(814) 445-4289
Emswiler, Mrs. Maizie
(Walter ‘Jack’)
800 Juniata Gap Road
Altoona, PA 16601
(814) 942-5405
Hebel, Edith Edy (H. Lee)
359 Mosquito Creek Lane
Karthaus, PA 16845
(814) 263-4286 (H)
Heydenreich, Mrs. Susan
(Robert)
48 Coopers Way
Denver, PA 17517
Lady, Mrs. Eleanor
(Charles)
719 W. Garrett Street
(814) 443-3222
Ling, Mrs. Mary (James)
244 Hilltop Avenue
Somerset, PA 15501
(814) 444-0048
Luebbe, Barbara (Paul)
344 Briar Lane
Chambersburg, PA 17202
(717) 264-4526
McCormick, Lynn (James)
4825 Brookshire Court
Prince George, VA 23875-3148
(804)732-6763
Meyers, Mary (H. James)
200 Luther Lane
PC 42
Columbia, PA 17512
Miller, Mary Ann (Robert)
1103 Greenbriar Drive
State College, PA 16803
(814) 238-7202
Moorhead, Barbara
(Gerald)
214 S. Barrens Rd.
Martinsburg, PA 16662-1245
(814) 793-4854 (H)
Romig, Mrs. Anna (Fred)
231 S. Center St.
Beavertown, PA 17813
(570) 658-7090
Sammel, Mrs. Joyce
(John ‘Jack’)
282 Three Oak Lane
(814) 847-2465
[email protected]
27
Sander, Mrs. Sara Sally
(Robert)
263 Glen Riddle Rd.,
Rm. 275
Media, PA 19063
Smyser, Mrs. Margaret
Peggy (Harry)
3371 Pamela Circle
(814) 234-2813
Snyder, Mrs. Jane
(William)
216 Horner Church Road
Stoystown, PA 15563
(814) 629-9028
Stahl, Mrs. Dorothy (Glenn)
437 Givler Drive A314
Martinsburg PA 16662
(814) 793-2209
Swanson, Mrs. Barbara
(Donald)
1108 E. Main Street
(814) 445-4814
Tome, Mrs. Betty Jane
Bee Jay (Richard)
Frey Village
1020 N. Union Street
Middletown, PA 17057
Zuch, Mrs. Murial (Robert)
75 Rebecca Lane
Yarmouth, ME 04096
DIACONAL MINISTERS
PREFERRED MAILING ADDRESSES
Name
Position
Gable, Ms. Nancy E
Luth. Theology Seminary of Gettysburg
61 Seminary Ridge
Gettysburg, PA 17325-1795
(717) 334-5394 (H) 338-3033 (O)
[email protected]
Regional Coordinator for Region 8
Coordinator for Mission Leadership
Commissioning
Year
1996
ASSOCIATES IN MINISTRY
Name
Congregation(s)
Conference
Anderson, Mrs. Alicia R. (Robert Skelly)
211A Pasquerilla Spiritual CenterEisenhower Chapel
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 865-0715 (O) 861-6366 (H)
[email protected]
Devore, Mrs. Pernelle A. (Edward)
N. Main Street
Commissioning
Year
Campus Minister
Lutheran Campus Ministry
Penn State University
Nittany
1992
Friedens
1975
Northern Somerset
PO Box 197
Friedens, PA 15541-0197
(814) 444-8275 (H) 445-4627 (O)
[email protected]
Wagner, Mrs. Nancy (Robert)
500 Park Avenue
(814) 532-6069 (H) 539-8664 (O)
[email protected]
Moxham
Johnstown
2003
Whitford, Mrs. Anna Mary (Donald)
118 Fleetwood Drive
Buffalo Mills, PA 15534
(814) 842-6367 (H)
Retired
Bedford
1990
Yoder, Mr. Oble (Doris Doub)
Ravenswood Home, Room 214A
1183 Luther Drive
Hagerstown, MD 21740
(301) 223-8195 (H) (Doris)
Retired
1987
28
SYNODICALLY AUTHORIZED MINISTERS OF THE ALLEGHENY SYNOD
Name
Congregation(s)
Conference
Duppstadt, Mr. Homer (Irene)
551 Greenbriar Lane
Mt. Olive
Bedford
Buffalo Mills, PA 15534-8856
(814) 733-2740 (H)
Mentzer, Ms. Susan
1081 Hemlock Rd.
Boswell, PA 15531
St. Paul
Johnstown
(814) 629-6893 (H) 536-7001 (O)
[email protected]
Steuernagle, Mr. Richard
301 S. Highland Street
Dubois, PA 15801
Olanta
Salem
Grace
(814) 371-2223 (H) 236-0590 (O)
[email protected]
Clearfield
Yingling, Mr. Charles
611 Robinson Avenue
Roaring Spring, PA 16673
(814) 224-2250 (H) 695-7503 (O)
St. Paul
Upper Juniata
29
Commissioning
Year
Abarno, Rev. Eleanor J. (Robert)
415 Vine Street
Johnstown, PA 15901
(814) 539-5633 (H) 536-7521 (O)
[email protected]
First
Johnstown
2001
L027318
Abarno, Rev. Robert N. (Eleanor)
611 Cypress Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15902
(814) 539-5633 (H) 255-1395 (O)
[email protected]
Christ
Johnstown
1972
L031673
Alexy, Rev. Carl W. (Dawn)
126 E. 22nd Avenue
Retired
Altoona
1964
L001800
Armen, Rev. Dr. Brian W. (Lori)
161 Fox Tail Lane
Windber, PA 15963
(814) 467-6319 (H) 536-5213 (O)
[email protected]
Trinity
Johnstown
1987
L002235
Arpino, Rev. Denise M. (Jeffrey)
2803 Broad Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601
(814) 941-9884 (H) 942-0840 (O)
[email protected]
Simpson Temple
Altoona
1987
L002271
Barnes, Rev. Jenny (Barry)
179 Park Heights Road
Bedford, PA 15522
(814) 623-8226 (H) 847-2408 (O)
[email protected]
Yeager Memorial
Bedford
2008
L032068
Bassette, Rev. Jeffery L. (Janette)
454 Old Hershberger Road
Hollsopple, PA 15935
(814) 624-0791 (H) 479-4110 (O)
[email protected]
St. David’s
Johnstown
2009
L031151
30
Baxter, Rev. Kelley
PO Box 162
Pine Grove Mills, PA 16868
(814) 237-2081 (O)
[email protected]
St. Paul
Nittany
2009
L031029
Boerstler, Rev. Dr. Wilbert
549 Vickroy Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15905
(814) 288-4095 (H)
Retired
Johnstown
1956
L003561
Book, Rev. Brent W. (Ramona)
PO Box 9
Boalsburg, PA 16827-0009
(814) 237-0111 (H) 466-6061 (O)
[email protected]
Zion
Nittany
1993
L003668
Bowlan, Rev. Alison S. (Matthew)
262 Walker Crossing
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 359-7918 (H) 238-2478 (O)
[email protected]
Grace
Pastor for Faith Formation
& Action
Nittany
2008
L030573
Brashear, Rev. Elizabeth
510 Ashley Ct.
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(814) 421-6877 (H)
[email protected]
On Leave
2005
Caldwell, Rev. Clarence (Doris)
788 Lake Shore Road
Friedens, PA 15541
(814) 267-4307 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
1969
Carlson, Rev. Richard P. (Michelle)
61 Seminary Ridge
(717) 334-7891 (H) 334-6286 (O)
[email protected]
Glatfelter Prof. of
Biblical Studies
Gettysburg Seminary
1983
L004629
31
Custead, Rev. Carol S. (Scott)
116 Macridge Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15904
(814) 410-3254 (H) 266-4859 (O)
[email protected]
Mt. Calvary
Johnstown
1981
L005363
Custead, Rev. Scott S. (Carol)
116 Macridge Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15904
(814) 410-3254 (H) 266-4859 (O)
[email protected]
Mt. Calvary
Johnstown
1981
L005364
Deist, Rev. William E.
PO Box 44
Sidman, PA 15955
(814) 341-2880 (H) 487-7950 (O)
[email protected]
Trinity
St. John
Johnstown
1985
L005651
Devore, Rev. Edward V. (Pernelle)
120 N. Main Street
PO Box 197
Friedens, PA 15541-0197
(814) 444-8275 (H) 445-4627 (O)
[email protected]
Friedens
Northern Somerset
1981
L005598
Diable, Rev. Dr. Kenneth M. (Romayne)
622 W. Third Street
(814) 832-4602 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
Southern Somerset
1974
L005728
Doebler, Rev. Dennis L. (Nancy)
126 Four Seasons Road
Boswell, PA 15531
(814) 629-5776 (H) 445-4935 (O)
[email protected]
Christ Casebeer
Northern Somerset
1978
L005868
Douglass, Rev. Katherine E.
15107 Interlachen Drive, Apt. 1024
Silver Spring, MD 20906
301-598-7406 (H)
[email protected]
On Leave
1995
L023902
32
Ekstrand, Rev. Thomas
954 29th Street
Altoona, PA 16601
(814) 623-9520 (H) 942-3816 (O)
[email protected]
First
Altoona
2003
L027240
Erb, Rev. Sharon C. (Paul)
3224 Sylvan Heights Drive
(814) 696-3148 (H) 696-4558 (O)
[email protected]
Director of Pastoral
Care & Cong. Relations
ALSM
1998
L024511
Fetter, Rev. David E.
c/o Sunrise of Fairfax
9207 Arlington Blvd.
Fairfax, VA 22031
(703) 281-4554 (H)
Retired
1959
L006872
Finney, Rev. David N. (Betty Lou)
Laurel View Village
Reflections – Room 602
2000 Cambridge Drive
Davidsville, PA 15928
Retired
Johnstown
1961
L006926
Finney, Rev. Matthew M. (Denise)
1316 Keewaydin Rd.
Frenchville, PA 16836-9213
[email protected]
Shepherd of the Hills
Clearfield
2010
L031279
Folmar, Rev. Barry (Ann)
PO Box 171
(814) 404-6615 (H)
[email protected]
On Leave
1977
L007107
Foster, Rev. Glenn P. (Terri)
218 Olinger Street
(814) 634-9345 (H & O)
[email protected]
St. John
Mt. Carmel
St. Paul
Mt. Tabor
Southern Somerset
1993
L007172
Gindlesperger, Rev. Norman (Cynthia)
915 Neal Drive
Alexandria, VA 22308-1928
(703) 619-5262 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
1962
L007832
33
Gowan, Rev. Hugh
1010 Spruce St.
(814) 695-5854 (H) 944-6577 (O)
[email protected]
Retired UCC Pastor
Christ Second
Altoona
1960
Gotwald Jr., Rev. Luther A.
432 Luther Road
(814) 266-3241 (H)
Retired
Northern Somerset
1950
L008006
Hamer III, Rev. Ralph W. (Monica Neri-Hamer)
Called By Synod Council
th
2700 11 Street
Altoona, PA 16601
Hospice Chaplain
(814) 946-3771 (H) 941-2900 (O)
Altoona
[email protected]
1988
Harbaugh, Rev. Gregory P. (Lisa)
308 Union Street
(814) 695-8913 (H) 695-0091 (O)
[email protected]
Zion
Upper Juniata
1979
L008914
Harmon, Rev. John (Katharine)
704 Main Street
Berlin, PA 15530
(814) 267-6255 (H) 267-5014 (O)
[email protected]
Holy Trinity
Southern Somerset
1976
L008948
Harpster, Rev. Frank (Sharon)
PO Box 88
355 Center Street
Meyersdale, PA 15552-0088
(814) 634-5659 (O)
[email protected]
Zion
Southern Somerset
2005
L029492
Harshbarger, Rev. Edward C.
1402 Walnut Street, Apt. 2
(814) 650-5584 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
1956
L009005
34
Hayes, Rev. Kyle R. (Amanda)
1718 Second Avenue
Altoona, PA 16602
(814) 695-0091 (O)
[email protected]
Zion
Upper Juniata
2010
L900925
Helmers, Rev. Hans-Peter (Jane)
1010 South 8th Street
Altoona, PA 16602
(814) 201-2473 (H) 944-6835 (O)
[email protected]
St. James
Altoona
1976
L009387
Hess, Rev. Elizabeth Eli
4806 E. Loop Road
(814) 695-8346 (H) 943-3972 (O)
[email protected]
Trinity
Altoona
1997
L026132
Hofmann, Rev. Sherrie L. (Allan Scott)
711 Broadway
Rockwood, PA 15557
(814) 926-2616 (H) 926-4145 (O)
[email protected]
St. Luke
Southern Somerset
2005
L028497
Hommen, Rev. Karl A. (Alvora)
3637 Markham Drive
Bensalem, PA 19020
(215) 757-5386 (H)
Retired
1963
L010054
Hoover, Rev. Larry (Linda)
6677 Glades Pike
Somerset, PA 15501
(814) 445-4356 (H) 443-1688 (O)
[email protected]
St. Andrew
Benscreek
Northern Somerset
2006
L029489
Horman, Rev. Jean M.
208 Sarason Pl.
Vassefonte, NC 28394-9065
(910) 245-6505 (H)
[email protected]
On Leave
1998
L001299
Hute, Rev. Kathryn Kaye
RR 2 Box 1324
Claysburg, PA 16625
(814) 239-8769 (H) 224-4116 (O)
[email protected]
Christ
St. Luke
Upper Juniata
2008
L030194
35
Ilgenfritz, Rev. Nelson F. (Sandra)
82 Rosemont Avenue
(814) 255-2484 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
Johnstown
1976
L010425
Jezusko, Rev. Linda
2014 Woodridge Drive
St. Peters, MO 63376
(814) 404-3777 (H)
[email protected]
On Leave
2006
L029698
Karshin, Rev. Warren S. (Phyllis)
546 Harshberger Road
(814) 255-4983 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
Johnstown
1964
L011387
Klimke, Rev. Scott (Julia Sprenkle)
142 Madisonburg Pike
PO Box 41
Madisonburg, PA 16852
(814) 349-5686 (H) 364-9154 (O)
[email protected]
St. Luke
Nittany
2004
L028075
Klingeman, Rev. John P. (Judith)
1727 Rice Road
(814) 946-8170 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
Altoona
1966
L011879
Klotz, Rev. G. Frederick Rick (Kristine)
2208 Catharine Street
(814) 643-1109 (H) 658-3883 & 669-4930 (O)
[email protected]
Zion
St. Matthew
Trinity
Upper Juniata
2004
L026174
Knauss, Rev. Timothy H. (Monica)
1981 Cove Mountain Rd.
Martinsburg, PA 16662
(814) 793-2092 (H) 942-1042 (O)
[email protected]
Assistant to Bishop
Director of Evangelical
Mission
1989
L011947
36
Kocha Jensen, Rev. Ruth
773 Snydertown Road
Howard, PA 16841
(814) 383-4047 (H) 383-4882 (O)
[email protected]
St. Mark
Nittany
2010
L010702
Krum, Rev. Jerry (Jean)
184 Goodhart Rd.
Centre Hall, PA 16828
(814) 364-9272 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
Nittany
1963
L012401
Louder, Rev. Larry H (Linda)
205 S. Garner Street
(814) 234-4518 (H) 238-2478 (O)
[email protected]
Pastor of Faith
and Outreach
Grace
Nittany
1973
L013547
Lynn, Rev. Laura
12904 SE 160th Street
Renton, WA 98058
(814) 215-0456 (H)
[email protected]
On Leave
2008
L030037
Lynn, Rev. P. Stevens (Lois)
654 Stonehedge Road
(814) 234-1078 (H) 238-2478 (O)
[email protected]
Senior Pastor
Grace
Nittany
1982
L013788
Marvich, Rev. Tiffany Hopkins (Joseph)
219 Plum Street
(814) 832-2754 (H) 832-3329 (O)
[email protected]
St. John
Zion
Upper Juniata
2007
L029692
Mason, Rev. Ardelle M. (George)
6141 Glades Pike
Somerset, PA 15501
(814) 233-0538 (H) 443-3179 (O)
[email protected]
Faith
Southern Somerset
1978
L014096
37
Mason, Rev. George F. (Ardelle)
6141 Glades Pike
Somerset, PA 15501
(814) 233-4367 (H) 629-6627 (O)
[email protected]
Called by Synod Council
Director, Camp Sequanota
Southern Somerset
1978
L014097
McElroy Thomas, Rev. Linda J. (Robert)
1030 Grandview Avenue
Somerset, PA 15501
(814) 289-3140 (H) 445-5446 (O)
[email protected]
Trinity
Southern Somerset
2001
L019779
Miller, Rev. Lynn M. (Michael Blair)
316 Abigail Lane
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 942-1042 (O)
[email protected]
Assistant to Bishop
1989
L018816
Miller Jr., Rev. Ronald C. (Ann)
2221 N. Oak Lane
(814) 238-0924 (H) 238-2024 (O)
[email protected]
Trinity
Nittany
1982
L014869
Miller, Rev. Vernon J. (Carolyn)
9 Andrea Court
Dubois, PA 15801
(814) 371-2968 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
Clearfield
1953
L014878
Moore, Rev. Clarence C. (Betty Jane)
210 Locust Street
(814) 793-0088 (H)
Retired
Upper Juniata
1954
L015102
Morelli, Rev. Suzanne (Nicholas)
9212 Standing Stone Rd.
(814) 506-8178 (H) 643-4790 (O)
[email protected]
St. James
1995
Myers, Rev. Gerald L.
120 Church Street
PO Box 182
Hooversville, PA 15936-9999
(814) 798-9033 (H)
Retired
Northern Somerset
1969
L015384
38
Olson, Rev. Jaime G. (Karen)
181 Substation Rd.
Madera, PA 16661
(814) 378-7905 (H) 695-0508 (O)
[email protected]
Evangelical
Upper Juniata
2000
L025319
Osman, Rev. Elisa (William)
134 Bridge Street
Rockwood, PA 15557
(814) 926-2217 (H) 443-3965 (O)
[email protected]
Mt. Calvary
Mt. Zion
Southern Somerset
2002
L025514
Osman, Rev. William (Elisa)
134 Bridge Street
Rockwood, PA 15557
(814) 926-2217 (H) 926-2215 (O)
[email protected]
Messiah
St. Paul
Samuel
Southern Somerset
2002
L027086
Palko, Rev. John J. (Gail)
604 Cleveland Street
Lilly, PA 15938-1010
(814)886-2222 (H &O)
[email protected]
First
St. Luke
Johnstown
1978
L016576
Palmquist, Rev. E. Susanne
14 McElwee Court
Rittman, OH 44270
Retired
1992
L016595
Pile, Rev. Gregory R. (Barbara)
271 Crestview Drive
Davidsville, PA 15928-9510
(814) 479-2071 (H) 942-1042 (O)
[email protected]
Bishop
1975
L017242
Pile, Rev. Nathan A. (Angie)
3851 Penns Valley Rd.
(814) 422-8928 (H) 422-8417 (O)
[email protected]
New Hope
St. John
Nittany
2007
L027004
Price, Rev. Michael (Lora)
471 Millgate Rd.
(814) 357-8027 (H) 238-2024 (O)
[email protected]
Trinity
Youth, Young Adult, &
Family Ministry
Nittany
2007
L029063
39
Reed, Rev. Ronald B. (Gloria)
606 Demuth Street
(814) 266-2456 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
Johnstown
1970
L017741
Rhyne, Rev. Michael L. (Karen)
RR 3 Box 393
Shaw Road
(814) 696-0743 (O) 695-3036 (O)
[email protected]
Geeseytown
Newry
Upper Juniata
2009
L030758
Rohrbaugh, Rev. Robert L. (Carola)
PO Box 204
200 Deerwood Drive
Pine Grove Mills, PA 16868-0204
(814) 238-2000 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
Nittany
1960
L018304
Rupe, Rev. Dean E. (Madaline)
436 S. Pennsylvania Avenue
Centre Hall, PA 16828
(814) 364-2599 (H)
Retired
Nittany
1956
L018578
Ryan, Rev. Lois
PO Box 154
Cairnbrook, PA 15924
(814) 754-3177 (H & O)
[email protected]
Graef
Northern Somerset
2010
L031675
Sauerwein, Rev. Russell L. (Dorothy) Dotty
103 Jacks Lane
Centre Hall, PA 16828-9753
(814) 364-9124 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
Nittany
1970
L018864
Schnibben, Rev. Jonathan (April)
503 Clara Street
Houtzdale, PA 16651
(814) 378-5367 (H) 378-5104 (O)
[email protected]
Fatih United
Clearfield
2010
L031370
40
Schueltz, Rev. John H. (Molly)
119 Cherry Ridge Road
(814) 234-7725 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
Nittany
1959
L019384
Schmitt, Rev. Paula (Thomas)
913 28th Street
Altoona, PA 16601
(814) 248-6175 (H) 944-7560 (O)
[email protected]
Bethany
Altoona
2008
L027932
Schul, Rev. Scott (Linda)
200 Woodlawn Avenue
(814) 614-4527 (H) 814-793-2413 (O)
[email protected]
St. Matthew
Upper Juniata
2011
L031656
Shock, Rev. Kevin T.
160 N. Main Street
Pleasant Gap, PA 16823
(814) 861-2839 (H) 359-2522 (O)
[email protected]
St. Mark
Nittany
2006
L029490
Short, Rev. Raymod E. (Barbara)
106 W. Penn Street
Bedford, PA 15522
(814) 623-2619 (H) 623-8813 (O)
[email protected]
Trinity
Bedford
1986
L019877
Simonson, Rev. Judith E.
227 Creek Road
Artemas, PA 17211
(814) 784-3432 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
Bedford
1980
L020012
Sjoberg, Rev. Merlin O.
803 Trimm Avenue
Pasadena, TX 77502
(713) 477-9501
Retired
1966
L020065
41
Sprenkle, Rev. Julia H. (Scott Klimke)
142 Madisonburg Pike
PO Box 41
Madisonburg, PA 16852
(814) 349-5686 (H) 349-5349 (O)
[email protected]
St. John
Nittany
2010
L027848
Startzel, Rev. Walter L.
260 S. Somerset Street
PO Box 334
Stoystown, PA 15563-0334
(814) 893-5135 (H & O)
[email protected]
Grace
Northern Somerset
1973
L020637
Stetser, Rev. Harry G. (Elaine)
1109 Gregg Avenue
Reading, PA 19607-1605
(610) 777-4412 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
1953
L020791
Stevens, Rev. Marty E.
61 Seminary Ridge
(717) 338-3006 (O)
[email protected]
Registrar and
Biblical Studies
Gettysburg Seminary
1993
L020796
Swanson, Rev. Dr. Robert G. (Caryl)
326 Westgate Avenue
(814) 255-3225 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
Johnstown
1965
L021257
Talbot-Moses, Rev. Terryann (William Moses)
828 Washington Avenue
Tyrone, PA 16686
(814) 414-7293 (H) (814) 944-2670 (O)
[email protected]
St. John
Altoona
1983
L021384
Timm, Rev. John K. (Barbara)
4734 Bedford Valley Road
Bedford, PA 15522
(814) 356-3643 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
Bedford
1960
L021731
42
Triebe, Rev. William G. (Kathy)
425 W. Patriot Street
(814) 442-3363 (H)
[email protected]
Retired
Southern Somerset
1976
L021885
VanDyke, Rev. Michael A. (Allison)
701 Spring Street
Latrobe, PA 15650
(814) 535-2050 (O)
[email protected]
Zion
Johnstown
1995
L024317
VanDyke, Rev. N. Gregory (Linda)
3026 Carpenters Park Road
401 N. Main Street
Davidsville, PA 15928
(814) 479-5035 (H) 479-4110 (O)
[email protected]
St. David
Johnstown
1996
L025385
Viands, Rev. Ryan
1396 Gooseberry Avenue
Hyndman, PA 15545
(717) 889-4894 (H) (814) 842-6462 (O)
[email protected]
Christ
Bedford
2009
L031348
Vingelis, Rev. Krista
PO Box 93
100 Church Street
Hooversville, PA 15936
(814) 533-9363 (H) 798-2105 (O)
[email protected]
Trinity
Northern Somerset
2006
L028216
Wagner, Rev. Dr. Robert (Nancy)
500 Park Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15902
(814) 532-6069 (H) 539-8664 (O)
[email protected]
Moxham
Johnstown
1992
L022380
Way, Rev. Robert J. (Pamela)
211 Rear NW 4th Avenue
Clearfield, PA 16830-1605
(814) 233-0699 (H) 765-3251 (O)
[email protected]
St. John
Clearfield
2001
L025722
43
Williamson, Rev. Susan J. (George)
2546 Carnegie Drive
(814) 237-3571 (H & O)
[email protected]
Gatesburg
Pine Hall
Nittany
2007
L029464
Wilson, Rev. Lloyd T.
102 Campus Drive
(814) 255-6102 (H)
Retired
Johnstown
1953
L023231
Winger, Rev. Susan M. (Larry Mazer)
2541 Bedford Street
(814) 266-4481 (H)
[email protected]
Laurel Trinity
Northern Somerset
1988
L023262
Wolfinger, Rev. Donna J.
Osterburg, PA 16667
(814) 276-3036 (H) 276-3070 (O)
Messiah
St. Peter
Bedford
1988
L023431
Yatta, Rev. Susan H. (Walter)
17 W. 13th Street
Tyrone, PA 16686-1603
(814) 684-0870 (H) 684-1430 (O)
[email protected]
First English
Altoona
1997
L001492
44
Roster Change Report
Effec.
Date
Name
5/1/11
Scott E. Schul
5/20/11
Karen
Tamorria
Jaime Olson
5/23/11
6/2/11
6/26/11
Joshua
Hansen
Robert J. Way
6/26/11
7/15/11
J. Chris
Ramsey
8/28/11
9/18/11
10/24/11
LeRoy Reitz
11/7/11
Clarence C.
and Betty Jane
Moore
11/15/11
Katherine
Douglass
Former
Church and
Conference
Status
New Church
and
Conference
St. Matthew,
Martinsburg
Upper Juniata
Conference
New
Position
Other Changes
Pastor
Resigned from the
ELCA Roster
118 Substation
Road
Madera, PA
16661
On Leave
St. Paul,
Stoystown
St. Mark,
Shanksville
Northern
Somerset
Conference
Trinity, DuBois
Clearfield
Conference
St. John, Rockton
St. John,
Oklahoma
Trinity, DuBois
St. Peter,
Luthersburg
Clearfield
Conference
St. John, DuBois
Clearfield
Conference
St. Thomas,
Hooversville
Northern
Somerset
Conference
Pastor
St. John,
Clearfield
Clearfield
Conference
Pastor
Resigned from the
ELCA Roster
Installation
9/24/11
Closed
Pastor
Retired
1404 Oak Hill
Ave.
Hagerstown, MD
21742
Closed
Transfer to NALC
Retired
St. John,
Bellefonte
Nittany
Conference
Interim
Pastor
210 Locust Street
Martinsburg, PA
16662
Christ, DuBois
Clearfield
Pastor
On Leave
45
15107 Interlachen
Drive, Apt. 1024
Effec.
Date
Name
Former
Church and
Conference
Status
New Church
and
Conference
New
Position
Conference
11/19/11
11/20/11
12/1/11
12/6/11
Richard
Thulin
Barry Folmar
St. John,
Bellefonte
Clearfield
Conference
William G.
Triebe
J. Chris
Ramsey
12/24/11
Silver Spring, MD
20906
Deceased
Pastor
Christ, DuBois
Clearfield
Conference
Chaplain
Vacancy
Pastor
Kyle R. Hayes
1/1/12
Barry Folmar
3/1/12
David
Letscher
Retired
3/18/12
Carrie
Anderson
3/24/12
Kevin
McNama
4/15/12
David Wright
5/31/12
Barry Folmar
Zion,
Hollidaysburg
Upper Juniata
Conference
Christ, DuBois
Clearfield
Conference
St. John,
Clearfield
Clearfield
Conference
Holy Trinity,
Lanse
Clearfield
Conference
Transfer to
DelawareMaryland Synod
Closed
Associate
Pastor
Interim
Pastor
Interim
Pastor
Pastor
Transfer to Upper
Susquehanna
Synod
Pastor
Pastor
Transfer to
Northwest Synod
of Wisconsin
Pastor
Ordained
St. Paul’s,
Mundy’s Corner
Johnstown
Conference
Zion, Everett
Bedford
Conference
Christ, DuBois
Clearfield
Conference
PO Box 171
Bellefonte, PA
16823
Retired
Emmanuel,
Tusseyville
Nittany
Conference
1/1/12
Other Changes
Pastor
On Leave from
Call
Interim
Pastor
On Leave from
Call
46
RULES OF PROCEDURE
The Bishop, chair of the Assembly, shall designate which sections of the auditorium, if any, are reserved for voting
members. Microphones will be located in the aisles of these sections for the use of voting members. Visitors shall
sit in the sections designated by the chair.
The privilege of voice and vote is extended to: all Ordained Ministers and Associates in Ministry on the roster of the
Allegheny Synod, members of Synod Council, and Voting Members from congregations.
The privilege of seat and voice are given to: The Presiding Bishop of the ELCA and any other official representative
of the church, recognized lay professional leaders, non-voting members of task forces and committees in connection
with their reports, committee chairpersons, representatives of institutions and agencies related to this Synod,
representatives of the Allegheny Synodical Women’s Organization, Lutheran Men in Mission, and youth of this
Synod.
Alternate voting members and visitors are welcome to the Assembly. They shall be seated in sections of the
auditorium as directed by the chair of the Assembly. They may be permitted to speak only by a two-thirds vote of
the Assembly. They are not permitted to vote.
Those addressing the chair should use a microphone and should state their name and home congregation.
In all plenary sessions, speeches from the floor shall be limited to three minutes. No person shall speak more than
twice on the same questions, except by consent of the Assembly. This rule shall not apply to persons presenting a
report nor when direct questions are posed to specific individuals for clarification.
All motions, other than routine ones, shall be written in advance by the mover on a form provided for that purpose,
signed, and sent to the secretary’s desk prior to its presentation. No motion shall be debated on the floor until a
written copy is in the hands of the chair.
When there is much discussion on any motion for and against, the chair will recognize alternately persons making
pro and con statements. Voting cards shall be used by those at microphones to indicate their position on the issue
being debated.
Robert’s Rules of Order, latest edition, shall be the governing parliamentary law of this Assembly, except as
otherwise provided in the Synod’s Constitution and Bylaws. A parliamentarian will be appointed to rule on
procedure.
Election Procedure:
IN ALL ELECTIONS:
A majority of the votes cast is needed for election. The names of the persons receiving the highest number
of votes, but not elected by a majority of votes cast on the preceding ballot, shall be entered on the next
ballot-two in number for each vacancy. For election of Bishop see Synod Constitution S9.04.
REPORT:
The results of each ballot in every election shall be announced in detail to the Assembly.
A. When constitutional changes are required provisions for the ELCA, the Synod secretary may change the
constitution immediately upon formal certification from the Secretary for the Church.
B. When the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA has amended the model constitution for synods, amendment
of the constitution of the Allegheny Synod may reflect such changes by simple majority vote.
47
C. Other amendments to the Synod Constitution may be adopted by a two-thirds vote at a regular meeting of
the Synod Assembly after movement and
presentation in writing, with ten signatures at a prior Assembly.
Officers elected at the June Assembly will assume legal responsibility for their office on September 1 following the
election.
A Committee on Reference and Counsel shall be appointed by the chair at the opening session of the Assembly.
The committee:
A.
Shall receive resolution not germane to matters before the Assembly.
1. The committee shall review those resolutions and transmit them to the Assembly with one of the
following recommendations:
• that the Assembly consider the resolution. If the committee recommends that the Assembly
consider the resolution, the committee may also recommend:
• that the Assembly pass the resolution;
• that the Assembly defeat the resolution;
• that the Assembly amend the resolution in a specified manner.
• that the Assembly refer the resolution to the Synod Council, a committee of the synod, or
some other defined group for its consideration;
• that the Assembly not consider the resolution.
2. shall state its reasons for its recommendations if it recommends anything other than that the
Assembly considers the resolution.
3. shall determine if a resolution submitted after the pre-assembly deadline is of imminent concern.
Resolutions of imminent concern would include any
resolutions pertaining to issues which call for attention or action prior to the next regularly
scheduled assembly of this synod.
B.
May edit resolutions and the committee may combine similar resolutions to expedite the work of the
assembly, but the committee shall not change the substance of any resolution .
May consult with the author of a resolution and encourage them to take action that would not bring the
resolution to the assembly.
In consultation with the chair, shall recommend the order in which resolutions are transmitted to the
assembly. Whenever possible, resolutions of a similar nature should be presented consecutively.
May recommend that a resolution be considered as a special order.
May grant or deny permission to distribute printed matter not introduced on the floor of the assembly.
Shall give assistance to the chair as requested by the chair during the assembly.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
Anyone wishing to distribute printed matter not introduced on the floor as part of a report to the assembly or as part
of the business of the assembly must receive the approval of the Committee on Reference and Counsel before
distributing the material.
48
2012 Allegheny Synod
Proposed Agenda
as of May 23, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
7:30 PM
Opening Worship of Word & Sacrament – First Lutheran, Altoona
Installation of new elected Conference Deans
Ordination
9:15 PM
Reception – Fellowship Hall, First Lutheran, Altoona
Friday, June 8, 2012
7:00 AM
Registration Opens – Convention Center Lobby
7:30 AM
Displays and Book Store open
Pastries (until 9:30 AM or until cap is reached), Coffee and Tea (until 11:00 AM)
Morning Eucharist in Chapel
8:30 AM
Plenary Session I
All nominations need to be submitted to registration desk for Jack Smith,
Nominations Chair by 9:30 AM
Service of Word and Prayer
Report on Registration
Adoption of the Agenda
Presentation of 2011 Minutes
Adoption of the Rules of Procedures
Introduction
Report of Synodical Officers
Biblical Study and Conversation
Synod Council Report I
Election First Ballot
11:50 AM
Hymn and Prayer
Noon
Lunch Served
Introduction of Interns, Ordinands, & New Pastors to Synod
Recognition of Rostered Leaders Anniversaries (except 25th & 50th)
Dramatic Presentation as Paul, writing the letter of Galatians - The Rev. Dr.
David Rhoads, Professor of New Testament, Emeritus, Lutheran School of
Theology at Chicago
49
2:00 PM
5:25 PM
5:30 PM
6:15 PM
6:30 PM
8:00 PM
Plenary Session II
Hymn and Prayer
Churchwide Report I
Partner Reports
Bible Study and Conversation
Reference and Counsel Report I
Recess – Visiting Displays, Service Project, Conversing with one another
Partner Reports
Synod Council Report II
Report of First Ballot/Second Ballot
Hymn and Prayer
Break for Dinner
Dinner Seating
Dinner Served
Presentation of Rev. Walden Holl Award (ALSM)
Recognition of 25th and 50th Ordination Anniversaries
Recognition of Congregational Anniversaries
Recognition of Synod Officers’ Concluding Terms
Evening Prayer
Saturday, June 9, 2012
7:30 AM
Displays and Book Store Open
Pastries (until 9:30 AM or until cap is reached), Coffee and Tea (until 11:00 AM)
Morning Eucharist in Chapel
8:30 AM
Plenary Session III
Morning Worship
Report of Second Ballot/Third Ballot
Churchwide Report II
Reference and Counsel Report II
Report of Synod Ministries
Synod Council Report III
Report of Third Ballot
Old Business
New Business
Reference and Counsel Report III
Prayer & Closing of Assembly
12:00 PM
Adjournment of Assembly
50
“Here Am I Lord … We are Freed in Christ to Serve”
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I
said, ‘Here am I; send me!’” [Isaiah 6:8]
“For freedom Christ has set us free.” [Galatians 5:1a]
I was a part of the discussion within the Assembly Committee when the assembly theme
printed above was chosen. In all honesty I do not recall us referencing the texts above during our
conversation, but it seems to me looking back that these texts had to be unconsciously, if not
consciously a piece of the foundation for our deliberation.
The idea for the first phrase of the theme came from a young adult who was in attendance
at last year’s Synod Assembly where we concluded our two year emphasis on “God’s Work, Our
Hands: Telling and Living the Story”. In his evaluation of the assembly looking to 2012, he
contended that a theme like “Here am I Lord, send me” made a lot of sense.
The committee agreed, but also thought we ought to lift up our tie to the whole of the
church by also using the 2012-13 theme of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – “Freed
in Christ to Serve”. Now you probably also noticed that phrase one of the theme uses the singular
‘I’ while the second phrase uses the plural ‘We’. No it is not a mistake. After considerable
discussion, it was agreed that we are individual disciples of Christ called intimately and personally
in our baptisms to serve our Lord in the world around us, and quite often we do that serving
amidst a community of disciples, the church. Thus, here am I a baptized child of God freed by
the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to serve amidst God’s creation alongside and in
partnership with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
That is who we are in the Allegheny Synod! Chapter 6 of the constitution states, “The
Church is a people created by God in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, called and sent to
bear witness to God’s creative, redeeming, and sanctifying activity in the world.” Those words
echo Paul’s vigorous assertion, “For freedom Christ has set us free.” It seems to me that the
Christian life is one where we are called to be open, uninhibited, abundant, boundless, honest,
unrestrained, and perhaps even unconventional. You may disagree with me, but free is not the
first adjective that comes to my mind when I ponder our activity as the people of Christ here in the
Allegheny Synod. Instead I see our deliberations and actions as being more tentative,
conventional, closed, controlled, and focused on cost rather than on freedom. Yes one might call
living freed in Christ a growing edge for us!
Nevertheless, we have continued to try to live out God’s mission through the ministries of
our congregations, the Allegheny Synod, and Churchwide Ministries. Let me highlight just a few of
our activities in 2011 and early 2012.
 The Stewardship Team has been rejuvenated and is at work calling upon us to
celebrate and acknowledge God’s treasures at work in and through us.
 Discerning Your Discipleship (DYD) is back after a year of lying fallow. The
Coordinating Team for DYD spent the 2010-11 year re-tooling this important
ministry for disciples of Jesus. It remains an educational opportunity for persons
to enrich their faith and to grow their gifts and skills for ministry in the life of our
congregations. Courses are being held in various locations and people are
encouraged to take whichever course they find of interest to them for enrichment
and growth. There continues to be the opportunity for persons to follow a lay
51









worship leaders track for service in the life of their home congregation at the
direction of their pastor and occasionally for service in neighboring congregations
who are without regularly called pastoral leadership. Be sure to check out DYD!
We have three excellent candidates approved for ordination coming from the
Allegheny Synod this year. They are: Traci and David Bowman (assigned to the
Allegheny Synod) and Denise Keltz (assigned to the Lower Susquehanna Synod).
We have several other candidates in process, but have not had any, that is none,
no one, approach the Candidacy Committee in the last 6-9 months regarding
candidacy. Let’s hope that is not a trend!
Certainly not a jubilant action from my perspective, but an action that did occur
during the past 12 months … St. Thomas congregation, on the Ridge Road outside
of Hooversville voted to leave the ELCA and join the North American Lutheran
Church.
Additionally several congregations concluded their ministries in the past year,
including St. John Lutheran Church in the Juniata section of Altoona, St. John,
Oklahoma in Dubois, Trinity, Dubois, and Emmanuel, Tusseyville. Thanks be to
God for these communities and for their many years of faith-filled ministries in the
name of Almighty God!
Beth Lombardi, St. Paul’s, Mundy’s Corner stepped forward and offered to chair
the Communications Team that oversees our website, evaluates all of our
communication tools, and ensures that The Lutheran Letter is published. Several
other persons also joined that team and revitalization is underway.
Congregations of this synod continue to be strong supporters of this Church’s
missionary work. In addition to a portion of regular mission support that is
marked for the work of missionaries all over the globe, congregations of the
Allegheny Synod sent an additional $36,920 dollars for this vital work. That
makes us 19th out of 65 synods! A significant response knowing that we fall
somewhere in the 50-55 range in size of synods. So we are making a difference.
Junior and Senior High Youth enjoyed another weekend retreat in November
2011. This year for the first time in many years, both the Jr. High and the Sr. High
tracks were held concurrently. It worked well! The youth had a great learning
experience. If your congregation has not been involved in this marvelous ministry
you may want join the fun this November 2012. It only takes one youth and an
adult to attend!
The Project Connect Team continued to implement its plan that calls for all of us
to help young adults ponder vocational choices. Along with developing a website
and offering pastors $$$ to take youth and young adults for sundaes and
conversation about vocation, the Bible Studies at this year’s assembly will involve
young adults in leadership roles. This team has received high praise from the
leadership of this initiative funded through the Lilly Foundation. Well done good
and faithful servants!
The Book of Faith Team has faithfully worked over the course of the past several
years reminding us of the power of God’s Word in our lives. Be watching for
additional information on two events they have planned for Fall 2012.
Gatesburg Lutheran Church and Pine Hall Lutheran Church of the Nittany
Conference concluded several years of conversations with the decision to establish
the Ferguson Township Lutheran Ministry. They have called Pr. Susan
52
Williamson and have begun to look at how they might be the Lutheran Church
together in their context.
 65% of persons who are on the Board of Pensions (now PORTICO) health plan
did their health assessment by April 30, 2011 which meant congregations and the
synod received 2% reductions in premium cost for that calendar year. Plus we
received 1% to be used to encourage healthy living with our rostered leaders and
family members in our synod. So every participant in the plan was given an
opportunity to receive $120.00 toward a healthy activity in 2012! All each person
needed to do was submit a plan to the Leadership Committee of the synod for
approval.
 Finally it is clear from what I and my staff are hearing from you that more
congregations are struggling with how they might best continue a faithful and vital
ministry in times of reduced worship attendance and financial support. In addition
we need to find ways to address the three areas for growth (deepened spirituality,
strong sense of mission, and growing faithful stewards) identified last year by our
rostered leaders and affirmed by lay persons at assembly last year and in fall
conference gatherings. Yes the challenges seem significant, but all is not bad! We
are still blessed by thousands of ‘I’s’ who individually and corporately are ready to
say, “Here Am I Lord…” because they are freed in the name of Jesus to serve!
That gets me to what is ahead for the rest of 2012 and early 2013. For much of the past
year the staff, synod council, and I have been listening to you and pondering how best to
encourage us to be whose and who we are – disciples of Jesus who are freed by Christ to be
exuberant and energetic servants of one another and the world. The listening was coupled with
prayer and conversation. The result was the development of a power point presentation which we
will be sharing at assembly.
Rather than focus on our many and various laments, we instead have said clearly that we
are a people blessed by abundance. It is an abundance that is grounded in Jesus Christ crucified
and risen and poured upon us in our baptisms. With water and Word we are claimed as children
of God in the name of the Father, (+) and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit and life then becomes
different because Jesus Christ has set us free to engage the world around us in new and exciting
ways.
Clearly we live in a time of significant change. A group of authors has been saying now for
several decades that the church is presently living in the midst of a major paradigm shift – from an
era when the world seemed to rotate around Christendom to a world where Christendom is just
one of a bunch of choices. Now we may want to debate that suggestion, but I think we would all
agree that being a part of the church today is radically different from what it was 20 or 30 or 50
years ago. No longer is the Christian Church the dominant religious force in this ‘one nation
under God’. The “blue laws” … what were they? Sunday has become the seventh day of the week,
just another day. Meanwhile the world is more secular than spiritual and we are unsure what to do
to change that reality. In fact, even we, who are disciples of Jesus, have become lazy, apathetic, and
inattentive to nurturing our lives of faith. We are accustomed to the world out there defining
religious parameters for everyone. We have forgotten what it means to nurture and teach the faith
to ourselves individually, as families, and as communities of Christ. We have likewise lost our
confidence and our zest for being missional in focus and stewards of everything we have been given
by God. In other words, we are in a sad state of affairs. Shame on us!
53
The good news is that we are not a people confined to what is, for we are a people
liberated by Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, to be unfettered, unencumbered, confident, resilient,
and free! Dr. Cheryl Peterson, Professor of Systematic Theology at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in
Columbus, Ohio and former pastor of this synod (1st English in Tyrone) is quoted as having said,
The church no longer finds itself at the center of society, but more on the sidelines. The
church no longer enjoys a cultural establishment it once had, but is in the process of being
disestablished from a position of power and influence. Rather than mourn this as a loss, I
see this as a real opportunity for the church to rediscover its true vocation, which is not to
prop up the American Dream, but to be Jesus’ witnesses from Jerusalem, to Samaria, to
the ends of the world … that God loves.
In this changing paradigm, it is not a matter of “if we build it, then they will come”. Rather
the flow is from us into the world. Because the world is, therefore we will go. What empowers us
is not our desire to survive or to be pure, but is our passion to tell and live the story of Jesus to and
with others.
To address this reality, the Synod Council has appointed a task group to help the people of
this synod to go 3-D – go deep, gain direction, and grow disciples. They have just begun to meet
and will bring a report to this year’s assembly. It is my hope that as we begin to implement plans to
deepen our spirituality, enhance our vision of God’s mission for us, and grow our sense of
stewardship that we together in the Allegheny Synod will hear those ancient words spoken to
Isaiah, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And our answer will be, “Here am I Lord,
send me”… because Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, has made it possible for us to think ‘outside
the box’ and to live uninhibited, confident, and with a sense of new beginnings each day … in the
name of the Father, and of the (+) Son, and of the Holy Spirit. I look forward to journeying with
you as we live into this new paradigm … no matter what it is.
+Bishop Gregory R. Pile
54
Report of Vice President
This year will mark the end of my third, and final, term as Vice President of the Allegheny
Synod. As I reflect on the past twelve years, it is amazing how much has changed, how much God has
blessed my life, and how very rewarding the experience has been. This has certainly been a Call to me,
but now it is time to step aside and allow another to be presented with this honorable opportunity to serve.
I attended the Churchwide Assembly held in Orlando last August. A Social Statement on
Genetics was passed, as were the recommendations of the LIFT (Living Into the Future Together)
Taskforce. All Synod Vice Presidents met prior to Assembly to share prayer, worship, and ministry ideas.
Our Region 8 Steering Committee held an event for Rostered Leaders at the Blair County
Convention Center in November with a theme of “Moving Forward with Christ.” It featured Churchwide
Bishop Mark Hanson and Bible Study Leader, Dr. Wally Taylor. It was well attended and deemed a
success. The Region 8 Steering Committee also met in March to examine the recommendations of the
LIFT Taskforce and discussed the various ways in which Synods in Region 8 were addressing them.
Our Council began its work this past year at our retreat by reflecting on what it means to “be the
Church” today based on Kelly Fryer’s book. We held small group discussions but the groups’ themes
were similar: we need to be missional; we need to be welcoming and offer a place for people to use their
gifts; we need to make our church community a gift so that church will be a priority in our church
members’ lives; we need to help people to know Christ! In addition to routine business matters, we also
committed ourselves to Synod Connect, support of the Lutheran Letter, and of course Bible Study and
prayer.
We give our grateful and heartfelt thanks to Bishop Pile and his staff, Pastor Tim Knauss, Pastor
Lynn Miller, and Michelle Bossler for their work. Also a special thanks to Bob Thomas as he completes
his terms as Synod Secretary. I have worked with Bob for the entire 12 years of my tenure as Vice
President and he has been a wise and faithful leader of this Synod as well as a vital member of the
Assembly Committee. Thanks, too, to Spence Garvin for his work as Treasurer. I have been blessed to
be surrounded by a capable, diligent, and caring Synod Council. I want to thank them for their service
and also recognize Bob Thomas, Dr. Dennis Ridenour, Rev. Bob Way, Rev. Kevin Shock, and Emma
Hammaker, our Youth Representative, as they complete their terms. The members of our Committees,
Teams, and Taskforces are all deserving of our appreciation for their volunteer work on behalf of this
Synod and the Church, and our lay and rostered leaders also deserve our thanks.
As we look to the future, we plan a Consultation in the fall with Craig Settledge, our Churchwide
Representative. A new Taskforce has been formed to work on the development and implementation of a
plan to renew and revitalize our faith lives. This is a time of great challenge and great opportunity for the
Church. Let us embrace it!
We ask for your continued prayers and support as we seek to advance God’s Mission in this
region. On behalf of the Synod Council, I thank you for the trust you place in us and pray that the
Council will continue to carry out their work in the name of Him who called us.
Respectfully submitted,
Sally Williams
Vice President
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SUMMARY OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ACTIONS
AUGUST 2011 – APRIL 2012
Adopted that we continue Synod Connect and encourage Synod Council to participate
in this project which fosters relationships between the Synod and Congregations
Adopted that we change the Bishop’s Convocation and the Synod Assembly expense
lines of the Compensation Manual from $225 to $300 each
Adopted that the Synod name Faith Centre Food Bank (Centre County) as our first
priority for the Domestic Hunger Grant Application
Adopted that we request Churchwide to increase Pastor Tim Knauss one-half salary from
$28,840 to $32,200
Adopted that Bishop Pile be authorized to obtain a new Synod motor vehicle up to a
difference of $25,000 after trade-in of his existing car
Approved that the following persons will be asked to serve on the 3-D Task Force:
Pastor Sherrie Hofmann, Pastor Ed DeVore, Casey College, Dale Holsopple,
Elizabeth Penna, Mark Mrsa, and Pastor Kevin Shock, together with the Bishop and his
staff, Pastor Tim Knauss and Pastor Lynn Miller
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Summary of Synod Council Actions
July 2011 to March 2012
INTERIM MINISTRIES
Approved that Rev. Terryann Talbot Moses be called as Interim Pastor of St. John, Sinking
Valley, effective July 15, 2010
Approved that Rev. David Letcher be called as Interim Pastor of the Good Shepherd
Cooperative, effective September 1, 2011
Approved that Rev. Barry Folmar be called as Interim Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church,
DuBois, effective January 1, 2012
ON LEAVE FROM CALL
Approved that Rev. Jean Horman be placed On Leave from Call for a third and final year,
effective February 1, 2011
Approved that Rev. Linda Jezusko be placed On Leave from Call for study, effective
September 1, 2009
Approved that Rev. Linda Jezusko be placed On Leave from Call for a third and final year,
effective February 1, 2011
Approved that Rev. Elizabeth Brashear be placed On Leave from Call, effective
September 1, 2011
Approved that Rev. Laura Lynn be placed On Leave from Call, effective September 1, 2011
Approved that Rev. Jean Horman be granted an additional three (3) years as On Leave from
Call
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS/BOARD APPROVAL
Approved that Dr. James Lakso be elected as a member of the Board of Directors of the Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Gettysburg for a first four-year term effective immediately.
Approved that Rev. Robert Swanson, Nancy Wagner, AIM, Rev. Suzanne Morelli, and Marlin
Plymette be appointed to the Candidacy Committee.
Affirmed the appointments of Richard Whipkey and William Thompson III to the ALSM Board
of Trustees, effective January 1, 2012
Affirmed the appointment of David Shoemaker to the Camp Sequanota Board for a one-year
term beginning November 19, 2011
Affirmed the appointment of Amy Mearkle for a three-year term to the ALSM Board of Trustees
as a member at large, effective May 2012
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MISCELLANEOUS
Approved with regret and disappointment the termination of the relationship of St. Thomas
Lutheran Church, Hooversville, PA, with the Allegheny Synod and Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America to join the North American Lutheran Church
Approved the motion to accept an outline “On Level Ground,” presented by Rev. Lynn
Miller, for how the ELCA Board of Pension wellness dollars might be spent in our
Synod
Approved that Rev. David Fetter be granted retirement, effective August 1, 2011
Approved that Rev. Krista Vingelis be called as a Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church,
Hooversville, effective September 18, 2001
Approved that the call of Rev. Randy Nairn as part-time Interim Pastor to Salisbury Lutheran
Parish, effective October 7, 2011, be rescinded effective October 7, 2011
Approved that Rev. William Triebe be granted retirement, effective November 19, 2011
Adopted the Compensation and Benefit Manual for 2012
Approved the 2012 Assembly theme, “Here I Am Lord – We are Freed in Christ to Serve”
Approved Display Table Guidelines for Synod Assembly
Adopted that the housing/furnishing allowance for Bishop Gregory Pile be $20,000 for year
ending 2012, making his salary plus allowance $72,032, effective February 1, 2012
Adopted that the housing/furnishing allowance for Rev. Lynn Miller be $21,000 for year
ending 2012, making her salary plus allowance $57,329, effective February 1, 2012
Adopted that the Synod Council supports the Finance Committee continuing to explore the
use of Logos as our financial management software and bring back the recommendation
to Council regarding its acquisition
Adopted that Synod Council recommend to Synod Assembly the proposed budget FYE 2014
with an income of $900,000 and expenses of $900,000
Adopted that Synod Council recommend to Synod Assembly that we remove the Evangelism
Support and Stewardship support of $25,000 which will be funded out of our fund
balances and restore the $25,000 to the ALSM budget line item
Adopted the Clergy Compensation Guidelines for 2013 as recommended by Rev. Brian
Armen on behalf of the Leadership Committee
Adopted that the Synod Council support the program “God’s Word for Our Lives” vision and
appointment of a taskforce
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REPORT OF SECRETARY
As most of you know this will be my last Synod Assembly as Secretary of the Allegheny Synod.
I began serving as secretary in 1996. Over the course of the last 16 years I have had the privilege of
serving with Ruth Kistler and Sally Williams as Vice-President of our Synod; Paul Hunter and Spence
Garvin as Treasurer of our Synod; Barb Habala and Deanne Armagost as Chair of the Assembly
Committee; Pr. Sue Winger, Peggy Thatcher and Dick Steurnagle as well as Pr. Tim Knauss and Pr. Lynn
Miller as Assistants to the Bishop; Janice Hughes and Michelle Bossler as Administrative Assistants in
the Synod. You will notice that the one constant over the last 16 years is that I have had the privilege of
serving with the same Bishop, Gregory R. Pile. He has been one of the constants over these years of
many changes; he has helped to guide us to develop a mission statement and then to implement that
mission over these past 16 years; he has captained the ship of the Allegheny Synod through the troubled
waters of sexuality statements and their implications as well as dealing with declining Mission Support;
but through it all we have been about God’s work and His mission among us as we try to be faithful to the
gospel and what God would call us to do in the here and now whether it is providing Hope for the World
(1996 Synod Assembly theme); or saying: Here I Am Lord: Freed in Christ to Serve (2012 Synod
Assembly theme).
Once again I would like to thank Lowell Friedline for his work on the Constitutional Committee
reviewing congregational constitutions for the Synod. In recent years we have found out how important
congregational constitutions and synod constitutions are. It’s interesting to note that our church started
talking about sex and all of a sudden people in the church started reading their constitutions. They may
be dry but they are not boring and they are certainly not unimportant.
I want to express my gratitude to Deanne Armagost and the Assembly Committee for the work
they have done again this year in preparing for our Synod Assembly. Each year they provide for us a
meaningful experience which is spiritually fulfilling, informative and well run. This past year the
Assembly Committee has also prepared and had approved by the Synod Council a Display Table
Guideline to assist us in making decisions about who and what displays we should have at Synod
Assembly.
I also want to thank Michelle Bossler in the Synod Office and Apryl Sweeney in my office who
have made it possible for me to do the clerical aspects of my job as secretary.
As your secretary, I can report that the books and records of the Synod are in good order and the
Constitution of the Allegheny Synod is up to date.
I have been proud to be a part of the Allegheny Synod and to serve as your secretary. The joy of
the job is the people God gives you to work with. I find that my association with God’s people here in the
Allegheny Synod shows the people to be faithful, responsible, joyful and grateful. I am profoundly
thankful to have been able to serve you and our Lord in His church as the secretary.
Robert E. Thomas
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REPORT TO SYNOD ASSEMBLY, 2012
I start my report with heartfelt thanks to you for serving as voting members of your
congregations, willing to invest your time to conduct the business of our Allegheny Synod. Also
we can never thank your congregations enough for the financial support of the work of our synod
as we both carry on the valuable work we do to support our 120 mission centers and the mission
partners located in our area which extend the work of the church.
Accompanying this letter is financial information reflecting the financial life of our synod for the
past year. We have been able to operate in the black mostly with the careful monitoring of
expenses. We are subject to the same economic factors that you encounter in your personal lives
and church lives.
As treasurer, I must thank the Finance committee in assisting me with my duties and working to
plan for our future.
Working with this committee I express to you our shared disappointment with the steady decline
in mission support which has occurred over the past several years. This decline has meant fewer
dollars to be shared with the ELCA and the necessity to hold the line on contributions to our
mission partners.
On the positive side, we have been pleased with individuals sharing their direct support of the
Synod's work by contributions through Thrivent Choice. We are heartened by unexpected
financial contributions from congregations as they receive bequests and acting as good stewards
of what they receive have tithed a ten percent portion of those funds to support our work.
Even in these times of economic distress, we know that we are all capable of doing more to act
as true disciples to carry out the work which we are called to do in these hills and valleys of
central Pennsylvania to spread the "Good News" of Jesus Christ.
Lastly, please be aware that I have resigned my position as treasurer effective August 31, 2012
and placed my name in nomination to serve as your Vice President. Thank you for your support
during my service as treasurer and I ask you to offer the same support for the new treasurer.
In His Name,
Spence H. Garvin
Treasurer
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REPORT OF THE LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE 2012
Allegheny Synod, ELCA
Through the waters of Holy Baptism, God has entrusted the Gospel to earthen vessels,
such as us. Yet, within the context of our baptismal ministry, the Church sets apart certain
individuals to serve as public ministers in the Church.
The rostered leaders (pastors, associates in ministry, diaconal ministers, and deaconesses)
along with synodically authorized ministers and lay leaders in congregations, play significant
roles in congregations. Through participation in the sacraments, worship, prayer, Bible study,
conversation, and service, these leaders seek to discern Jesus’ will for their work together. In the
Constitution, the Leadership Committee is charged with “provid(ing) counsel and guidance to
the Synod’s ministry to and with leaders of this Synod.” To that end, in 2011, the Leadership
Committee of the Synod provided support for those leaders and their families, and encouraged
congregations to uplift their ministers in the following ways:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Providing support for the planning of an annual Bishop’s Convocation at the
Antiochian Village, Ligonier, Pennsylvania. In September 2011 the theme was
“Generations Connect: Moving Faith Forward”
Providing annual compensation guidelines.
Supporting the Discerning Your Discipleship Program.
Supporting retired rostered leaders in continuing service in the church.
Supporting the work of the Candidacy Committee
Initiating “On Level Ground” grant program to promote wellness using wellness
dollars from ELCA Board of Pensions.
Involving first-call ministers in the 3 year Churchwide First Call Theological
Education initiative to include the formation of colleague groups to provide ongoing
support and encouragement.
Providing opportunities for Spiritual renewal through bi-annual Retreats, synod-wide
worship opportunities, and the use of Spiritual Directors in the Synod.
Supporting the Spouses of Servants network, including a luncheon at Synod
Assembly and ongoing work to strengthen the network of mutual support for spouses
of rostered leaders.
Participation in the 2011 ELCMA Assembly in Charleston, WV with Rev. David
Letscher, Rev. Mike Rhyne, Rev. Matthew Finney, and Rev. Sherri Hofmann as
representatives.
Through these and other opportunities, the committee provides Synod leaders with support,
renewal, and time for enrichment so that their ministries are enhanced and the ministry of
God’s Church is strengthened. In 2012 the committee will emphasize adding additional
clergy and lay persons to serve in the ministry areas of Spouses of Servants, Bishop's
Convocation and DYD.
Respectfully Submitted,
The Leadership Committee of the Allegheny Synod
Nancy Wagner, AIM, chair
75
Leadership Committee
Compensation, Benefits and Reimbursements Report
Minimum Compensation Guideline Recommendation for 2013
1) The minimum entry guidelines increase by 2.8% from $30,400 to $31,300 ($900).
2) The Housing Allowance increases by 2.8% from $13,100 to $13,500 ($400).
3) The rate for Sunday Supply remains at $100 for one service.
But increases from $40 to $50 ($10) for each additional service
on the same day.
plus mileage reimbursement as indicated in item 4.
4) Mileage Reimbursement is currently at 55.5 cents per mile in accordance with IRS limits. This amount may be increased
by the IRS yet this year or in 2013. Congregations should adjust reimbursements throughout the year as the IRS
limits change.
5) Minimum Compensation Guidelines for 2013. **Region 8 Average Guideline based on the other synods in our
region making a 2.8% average increase for 2013
Year of
Ordination
Minimum
Guideline 2013
**Average
Region 8
Guideline
Year of
Ordination
Minimum
Guideline 2013
**Average
Region 8
Guideline
2013
31,300
33,530
1993
40,300
42,530
2012
31,750
33,980
1992
40,750
42,980
2011
32,200
34,430
1991
41,200
43,430
2010
32,650
34,880
1990
41,650
43,880
2009
33,100
35,330
1989
42,100
44,330
2008
33,550
35,780
1988
42,550
44,780
2007
34,000
36,230
1987
43,000
45,230
2006
34,450
36,680
1986
43,450
45,680
2005
34,900
37,130
1985
43,900
46,130
2004
35,350
37,580
1984
44,350
46,580
2003
35,800
38,030
1983
44,800
47,030
2002
36,250
38,480
1982
45,250
47,480
2001
36,700
38,930
1981
45,700
47,930
2000
37,150
39,380
1980
46,150
48,380
1999
37,600
39,830
1979
46,600
48,830
1998
38,050
40,280
1978
47,050
49,280
1997
38,500
40,730
1977
47,500
49,730
1996
38,950
41,180
1976
47,950
50,180
1995
39,400
41,630
1975
48,400
50,630
1994
39,850
42,080
1974
48,850
51,080
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REPORT OF THE CANDIDACY COMMITTEE 2012
Allegheny Synod, ELCA
The place God calls you…is the place where your deep gladness
and the world's deep hunger meet…Frederick Buechner from Wistful Thinking
A call is what gives meaning and purpose to our lives. From the day of baptism, each of us are called by God
and blessed with a variety of gifts to fulfill that call. Some are called as accountants, clerks, lawyers, musicians,
evangelists, nurses, parents, office managers, counselors, caregivers, and students. Other people are called by God
and confirmed by the church to be set apart for public ministry as pastors, associates in ministry, diaconal
ministers, and deaconesses. Through the ELCA Candidacy Process, those preparing for these public ministries are
offered support, evaluation, and prayer as they discern God’s call.
The following individuals of this Synod have responded to a call to serve in the public ministries of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America.
APPROVED FOR ORDINATION - 2011
Candidate
Seminary
Home Congregation
David Bowman
Traci M. Bowman
LTSG
Zion, Hollidaysburg
LTSG
Trinity, Juniata
Denise Keltz
LTSG
St. John, Clearfield
Status
Assigned to Region : Allegheny Synod
Assigned to Region 8: Allegheny Synod
Assigned to Region 8:
Lower Susquehanna Synod
ENDORSED FOR ORDINATION
Lee Gable
Ian Hill
Ryan Kolbert
Wartburg
LTSP
Gatesburg, Gatesburg
LTSG
Grace, State College
Luther
St. John, Clearfield
LTSS
First, Portage
Ruth Williamson
Katie Maul
 Internship: Northern Lights Parish

Cavalier, ND
(2011-2012)
 Internship: First Lutheran Church
Holy Trinty, Lanse
Waltham, MA

(2012-2013)
Internship: Grace Lutheran Church
Rural Retreat, VA (2012-2013)

CPE – Geisinger Medical Center
(2012)
Internship: Trinity Lutheran Church
Pelican Rapids, MN (2012-2013)

Internship: Mt. Olive Lutheran Church
Hickory, NC
(2012-2013)
ENTRANCED FOR ORDINATION
Luther
Trinity, State College
 Distributed Learning Program
LTSG – Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg
LTSP – Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia
LTSS – Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
Caroline Clifford
God calls each of us to service. If you, or someone you know, senses God’s call to public ministry,
you are encouraged to examine yourself, pray, seek God’s guidance, and talk with people you trust to consider your gifts for
leadership in the ELCA.
Go to the ELCA website for more information on the process or contact the Synod Office (814-942-1042,
[email protected] or www.alleghenysynod.org), one of the members of the committee, your minister, or a
candidate to discuss rostered leadership in the ELCA.
Respectfully submitted, The Allegheny Synod Candidacy Committee
77
Bedford Conference Report for 2011-2012
The congregations of our conference are being served as follows:
Trinity Lutheran Church – Rev. Raymond Short
Yeager Lutheran Church – Rev. Jenny Barnes
Messiah Lutheran Church and St. Peters Lutheran Church – Rev. Donna Wolfinger
Christ Lutheran Church – Rev. Ryan Viands
Everett Zion Lutheran Church – Rev. David Wright resigned his ministry effective April 15,
2012
Mt. Zion Lutheran, Breezewood, and Providence Lutheran are in covenant with Vacancy Pastor
Judith Simonson.
St. Mark Lutheran, Bald Hill Lutheran, and St. James Lutheran worship together and are in
covenant with Vacancy Pastor Jenny Barnes.
Clearville Zion Lutheran is in covenant with Vacancy Pastor David Wright.
Mt. Olivet, Fairhope is being served by Synodically Authorized Minister, Homer Duppstadt
Mt. Pleasant and Cedar Grove are supply points.
The Conference continued its pattern of bi-monthly gatherings for lunch, fellowship, and
meeting with the rostered leaders of the conference. This summer, 2012 we will enjoy our first
annual clergy and family gathering for a picnic.
A high point in our Conference ministry is the opportunity to meet with lay representatives two
times a year from our fifteen congregations. At the fall Cabinet meeting, Bishop Pile lead us in
worship, reflection, planning, and discussion. In the spring, Pastor Knauss was with us for a preassembly caucus.
We shared one another’s joys and sorrows in 2011. We continue to share prayer concerns and
lift the congregations and people of our conference, our synod, and our church at large to our
Gracious God in love and care. It has been a blessing to serve as Dean of the Bedford
Conference – Jenny Barnes.
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Clearfield Conference Deans Report for Synod Assembly Bulletin of Reports
The Clearfield Conference itself has been in transition over this past year with the changes in pastoral
leadership. What has NOT changed:
Richard Steuernagle, Synodically Authorized Minister, still ministers to and with the congregations of
Olanta Lutheran Church (300950), Salem Lutheran Church, New Millport (300951), and Grace Lutheran
Church Curwensville (301491);
Pastor Matthew Finney* still ministers to and with the congregation of Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran
Church (301499) in Karthaus, and
Pastor Jonathan Schnibben still ministers to and with the congregation of Faith United Lutheran Church
(307390) in Houtzdale.
However, with my, Pastor Robert Way, Call to St. John Lutheran Church (301489) in Clearfield; Pastor
David Letscher, who had been interim here is no longer in the conference and has subsequently received a
call outside of our Allegheny Synod.
Upon last year’s retirement of Pastor J. Christopher Ramsey, St. John Lutheran Church (301490),
Rockton; St. John Lutheran Church (301494) Oklahoma; St. Peter’s Lutheran Church,
(301501)Luthersburg; Trinity Lutheran Church (301495) DuBois, felt it necessary to reorganize. Trinity
and St. John Oklahoma have dissolved their congregations, with their members joining with other
congregations. St. John, Rockton and St. Peter’s, Luthersburg are in transition as they look at the
possibilities for pastoral leadership.
First Lutheran Church (301504), Philipsburg continues to be guided by the leadership of retired Pastor
Jerry Krum. They are looking at the possibility of a call for pastoral leadership.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (307160) Lanse, is currently be served by Pastor Matthew Finney (see
above*) as interim and vacancy pastor. Pastor Carrie Anderson, who had ministered faithfully there
received a new call outside of our Synod, closer to her birthplace in the Midwest. Carrie had been serving
as the Dean of the Conference up to the time of seeking a new call.
In the midst of the pastoral transitions, the conference continues to glorify God as we meet in our
individual faith communities for worship, study, fellowship and prayer. Additionally the conference
Pastors gather for mutual support and fellowship separately, as our schedules permit.
A weekly Pericope study takes place at St. John Lutheran in Clearfield every Tuesday morning beginning
at 11:00 AM. A good mixture of clergy and laity gather each week, everyone is invited to share in this
time of study and discussion. We are in the planning stages of talking about how to fill the gaps, which
we now experience, and to better serve our Lord and His people here in the Clearfield Conference.
Faithfully submitted,
Rev. Robert J. Way, Dean
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Johnstown Conference Report for 2011-2012
At the end of 2011, all congregations in the Johnstown Conference were served by pastoral
leaders. After the death of Ray Wissinger in July, Mt. Carmel in Ogeltown is served by vacancy Pastor
Ken Diable, who is also serving Good Shepherd, Windber, as they continue the call process. Following
the departure of the Rev. Paula Berger, Trinity Sidman and St. John Summerhill were served by vacancy
pastors Carol and Scott Custead until the installation of the Rev. William Deist. Vacancy pastors Nelson
Ilgenfritz and Ron Reed have served St. Paul’s, Mundy’s Corner, until the installation of Rev. Kevin
McNamara (April 2012).
Two other situations, which are well-served, are St. Paul, Johnstown where Synodically Authorized
Minister, Susie Mentzer, provides pastoral leadership as she pursues her MDiv toward ordination. Pastor
Warren Karshin is the vacancy pastor serving with lay minister, Nancy Hoover, at Grace in Johnstown.
The Conference continued its pattern of monthly gatherings for worship (with Eucharist) followed by
meetings of rostered persons. Our Conference-wide Reformation service is always a special event, hosted
this year on Oct 30th at St. David’s (next year is tentatively scheduled for Oct 28th at Moxham
Lutheran). We enjoyed food and fellowship at our annual Epiphany Party, hosted yet again, at Moxham.
A blessing in our Conference ministry is the opportunity three times a year to meet with lay
representatives from our sixteen congregations. At the fall Cabinet meeting, Bishop Pile was with us to
lead us in reflecting on the health of its mission centers, do some initial planning as congregations, and
collect prayer requests for the Bishop’s office to intercede during the upcoming year. In the spring,
Pastor Knauss was with us for a pre-assembly caucus. In the winter we passed a budget. As a
Conference, our shared ministry in 2011 included the following gifts: $1000 to Sequanota, $1300 to
JALY, $500 to the Lutheran Letter, $500 to Somerset-Cambria Radio for Grace Matters, $2000 to UPJ
Campus Ministry, and $350 to the meal program at the Family Kitchen.
The youth of our Conference continue to benefit from our congregations’ shared leadership in JALY
(Johnstown Area Lutheran Youth).
There was the annual Lutheran Men’s League Banquet on October, 18th, a celebration for the organization
that has provided men and women opportunities for fellowship and service (especially to Camp
Sequanota) for sixty-five years. A special event held for the first time was the Sequanota Bowling
Challenge on February 19th, 2012. 21 teams of bowlers representing 6 congregations with two teams of
Camp volunteers and staff enjoyed a fun evening of line-bowling, which netted over $3100 for Camp.
We shared one another’s joys and sorrows in 2011: the deaths of Suzie Mentzer’s father (April 2011),
Ray Wissinger (July 2011), and Scott Custead’s mother (March 2012); illness of Wilbert Boerstler,
Romaine Diable, and Mary Angello. Knit together by the Holy Spirit in mutual consolation, fellowship,
worship and outreach, we every year commit to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. More than
that, for Christ’s sake, we commit to shared ministry beyond ourselves in the greater Johnstown area. It
has been a blessing to serve as Dean of the Johnstown Conference – Jeff Bassette.
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Southern Somerset Conference
2011 - 2012
To God Be The Glory
The Southern Somerset Conference consists of 19 separate congregations meetings in 19
separate locations. All are in the southern part of the county with four in the community of
Somerset and the balance south of it. Five congregations have full time pastors - Holy Trinity,
Berlin; Zion, Meyersdale; Trinity, Somerset; Faith, Somerset; and St. Luke's, Rockwood; who
are served by John W. Harmon, Frank Harpster, Linda McElroy Thomas, Ardelle Mason and
Sherrie Hoffmann respectively. Pastor Glenn Foster serves St. John, Addison; St. Paul, Fort
Hill; Mt. Tabor, Garrett and Mt. Carmel, Meyersdale. Pastor Elisa Osman serves Mt. Calvary,
Lavansville and Mt. Zion; Bakersville while Pastor Will Osman serves Messiah; Rockwood/New
Centerville; St. Paul, Rockwood; and Samuel, Rockwood; St. Michaels, Pine Hill; and Salisbury
Parish (Christ, Gransville, MD; Greenville, Meyersdale and St. John; Salisbury) are served
respectively by vacancy pastors John W. Harmon and Glenn Foster. Trinity Confluence is
several part time by Pastor William Triebe.
All the congregation except the four in Somerset are in areas of declining population and all
serve aging congregations. As reported before, all are very ancient congregations with the
newest founded in 1881 and six congregations dating from the 18th century. Maintenance and
accessibility upgrades continue to be high priorities. At the same time, all of these congregations
seek to reach out to their surrounding communities with works of service and Christian love.
The lingering effects of the recession and the 2009 National Assembly votes continue to affect
those congregations in varying ways.
We continue to meet monthly with our counterparts in the Northern Somerset Conference for
mutual support and periodic discussions on developments in our congregations and the larger
world.
We continue to pray for blessing, guidance and continuing support for our diverse ministries.
Rev. Dr. John W. Harmon, Dean
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ALTOONA/UPPER JUNIATA CONFERENCES REPORT
The Altoona/Upper Juniata conferences meet on a monthly basis between September and
April. We meet for support, sharing of information, and fellowship as we all continue to serve
God among the people of our conferences. In September we gather for a family picnic at Canoe
Creek State Park. This allows us to gather together with family and share a meal, and do some
planning for the upcoming year. This year we decided to share the gifts that we bring in God’s
service, hoping that the information shared would be helpful to the folks that we serve. In
October we gathered at the Lutheran Home in Hollidaysburg to talk about visiting our Homebound members and folks in a Nursing Home setting. In November we were blessed to have
Pastors Nathan Pile and Mike Price bring us up to date on Project Connect, offering ways in
which we can be reaching out to the young adults who might be discerning a call to rostered
leadership. In December we gathered for a great meal at Mamie’s Café in Martinsburg. In
January we gathered for prayer and support of one another and the places that we serve and also
enjoyed an Epiphany gathering with family. In March Rev. Amy Reumann was with us to bring
us up to date on the ministry of LAMPA, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania. We are
grateful and very blessed to be able to gather and support one another with prayer, Holy
Communion, and family fellowship, and ask for continued prayers as we continue to serve God’s
people in the Altoona/Upper Juniata Conferences.
God’s peace,
Pastor Susan Yatta
Pastor Sharon Erb
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Nittany Conference Report 2011
There are seventeen congregations in the Nittany Conference; some are single
congregations, others are shared calls. We include congregations in towns, and those in more
rural areas. We are also the home of Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State University.
Recently, several congregations have seen changes in the way in which they minister to
their communities. Pine Hall, State College, and Gatesburg, Warriors Mark, joined together to
form Ferguson Township Lutheran Ministry. They are served by the Rev. Susan Williamson.
Emmanuel, Tusseyville recently decided to merge with St. Luke, Centre Hall. They are served by
the Rev. Scott Klimke.
Rostered leaders in this conference meet every month from September to May, where we
share in the Eucharist, and then meet to discuss specific issues or just to catch up with one
another. Leaders also meet each fall and spring with the bishop and to plan for synod assembly,
respectively. Every Tuesday, a group of rostered leaders meets for pericope at St. Mark, Pleasant
Gap. This group recently became ecumenical with the addition of a Methodist colleague.
In 2011, we planned the first conference-wide Easter Vigil, which was held at New Hope,
Spring Mills. At this writing, plans for the 2012 Easter Vigil are currently underway.
We have several retired pastors serving as vacancy pastors. The Rev. Russ Sauerwein
continues to serve Creative Spirit Lutheran Parish (which includes St. Peter, Rebersburg and
Salem, Aaronsburg). The Rev. LeRoy Reitz is serving St. John, Bellefonte.
It is truly a blessing to serve as dean of the conference, and to know all my colleagues
here.
Peace,
The Rev. Kelley Baxter
Dean, Nittany Conference
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REPORT OF ALLEGHENY SYNOD WOMEN’S ORGANIZATION
The past year has taken me back to Chicago for my second Conference of Presidents. Never
have an event scheduled you need to be in attendance the day after your scheduled return
flight. I have had delay's both times on my return to Pennsylvania. It is an exciting time packed
with useful information. It was very interesting to see the young faces of the new presidents.
There were 60 plus in attendance and when the NEW president's were called forward the
majority looked much younger than me and that was HALF of the attendance. We need to keep
working on that in Allegheny Synod. Please don't be the ONE TO SAY "WE HAVE ALWAYS
DONE IT THIS WAY!" Mothers are working but still need time to be with other ladies----be flexible with meeting dates & times.
Board members have a copy of the changes that were voted on at the Triennial in July 2011. Be
sure they share it with you.
Last year this time we were waiting to learn the new name for our magazine. “Gather" is the
new name for the former Lutheran Woman Today magazine. Hopefully you have already been
receiving it and have enjoyed the Bible Study on Mark that began in September 2011.
Please continue to support the Lutheran World Relief kits. I learned they prefer you use cotton
clothesline for the drawstring on the new style backpacks for the school kits. Baby care kits--DOVE SOAP is the preferred brand of soap.
Please don't forget to use the WELCA website to download program ideas for your group.
If you don't know how to do this ask one of your grandchildren or a neighbor's child. They
would feel so needed.
Renew, Respond, Rejoice until we meet in Charlotte, N. C. in 2014
Continue to be BOLD!
Ruth L. Luse, ASWO President
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Administrative Support Office
915 Hickory Street
814.696.4500  800.400.2285
www.alsm.org
“To serve people through a ministry
of love, compassion, and mercy
in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.”
2012 Message to the Allegheny Synod, ELCA
Greetings and blessings to each of you from the ALSM Board of Trustees and Staff Team!
As you likely know, Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries (ALSM) has been touching lives with services
that span the generations for more than 65 years. ALSM continues to respond to the needs of our
communities, serving all people, regardless of their ability to pay for services. In 2011, ALSM provided
more than $1 million in charitable care to those who have outlived their resources. ALSM was able to
fulfill its mission because of the partnership we share in this ministry with each of you.
ALSM is humbled to serve the needs of people with the following services:
1) Senior Communities: ALSM’s three continuing care retirement communities – The Oaks at Pleasant
Gap, The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg and The Lutheran Home at Johnstown – serve seniors through
independent living cottages and apartments, personal care and skilled nursing care. The new ministry of
affordable senior housing began in Somerset County with the opening of Lutheran Commons at Berlin
Pike in 2010. Due to the success of that project, and to meet the demand in Centre County for affordable
housing for seniors, ALSM collaborated with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to
construct Lutheran Commons at Pleasant Gap in 2011.
In all of the senior living communities as well as the community service programs, electronic medical
records (EMR) was implemented. EMR allows for increased communications between healthcare
providers and offers more efficiency to assist an individual’s transition through ALSM programs and
services.
2) Community Services: ALSM at Home, ALSM at Home Health Care and Senior Daily Living Centers
provide supportive services through in-home care and center-based care. Respite care and service
coordination are also available in Blair, Cambria, Centre and Somerset counties. ALSM at Home Health
Care, a Medicare certified program available in Blair County, provides skilled nursing, home health aid,
and therapies in the individual’s home and their respective health insurance will cover these services.
Services provided will include medication management, monitoring and teaching about diseases, lab work
such as drawing blood and IVs, wound care, physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
3) Children’s Services: Through the Head Start, Early Head Start, and Family Center in Bedford County,
Growing Years Early Learning Centers and Kid Stops, ALSM meets the needs of families by providing
an educational, nurturing, and caring environment for children and support for their parents in Altoona,
Bedford, Claysburg, DuBois, Everett and Johnstown.
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In addition to the services that ALSM provides, we are blessed with the work of the auxiliaries. These
dedicated persons continue to offer their time and financial support to those we serve by coordinating
special event fundraisers as well as the annual membership campaign. In 2011, the Auxiliary Membership
Campaign and special events raised more than $30,000 for charitable care and for various “extras” to
enhance the living experiences of those in our care including an aviary at The Lutheran Home at
Hollidaysburg and outdoor furniture for the Somerset Senior Daily Living Center.
To cite a few examples of the accomplishments of 2011, I offer the following highlights:
Hickory Commons and The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg
• New cottage construction on campus. These cottages are energy efficient and handicapped
accessible so that residents may “age in place” in a neighborhood setting.
• Pennsylvania’s Empowered Expert Residents (PEER) – The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg is
the only facility in Blair County to have a PEER group. The PEER members include both
independent living and health care residents who serve as a welcoming committee for new
residents.
• A new van was purchased for the comfort of residents as they travel to appointments and other
social actitivities.
• The tradition of the Gingerbread Village at Christmas time was continued for the enjoyment of
residents and families.
• The staff team touched the lives of more than 255 people.
The Lutheran Home at Johnstown
• There were multiple opportunities for family fun, support, and education. Family Council
meetings were held with guest speakers presenting on a variety of topics. The annual holiday
open house and family picnic were well attended by residents and their families.
• An enhanced dining program was implemented for health care residents. A resident meal
planning committee was created so that the residents have more “say” about their dining
experience.
• The staff team touched the lives of more than 238 people.
The Oaks at Pleasant Gap
• The dining ambiance has been enhanced with the upgrading of the décor.
• New furnishings were provided in The Manor living room to enable residents to relax and enjoy
activities and socialize with each other.
• A new 15-passenger van was purchased to add to the comfort of residents as they travel to
appointments.
• The staff team touched the lives of more than 155 people
Community Services
• ALSM at Home was approved for licensing by the Department of Health.
• ALSM at Home Health Care was approved for licensing by the Department of Health.
• Senior Daily Living Centers began accepting referrals for clients under 60 years of age who are in
need of daily supervision.
• The staff team touched the lives of more than 900 people
Children’s Services
• Growing Years Early Learning Center and Kid Stop managers completed educational courses to
achieve higher ratings through the Keystone STARs program for continuing quality
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•
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•
•
•
improvement. Five centers increased to a STAR 3 rating or higher in 2011. Those centers include
Bedford & Johnstown Kid Stop and Growing Years in Altoona, Claysburg & Bedford 1B.
Head Start continued partnerships with the Intermediate Units 08 and 11 to provide inclusive
Preschool programming to children in Bedford and Fulton counties.
Head Start continued collaborations with the Tussey Mountain, Chestnut Ridge, Northern
Bedford and Southern Fulton school district’s for quality preschool programming.
It was a successful year for “Project Fresh Air.” The program provided a healthier living
environment for children with family member in eleven households quitting smoking and families
in an additional three households cutting back on tobacco use. Head Start was recognized for their
efforts by the Bedford County Tobacco Coalition at an awards breakfast for Project Fresh Air.
Head Start was credited for providing an early vision screening that resulted in the detection of an
eye condition caught early enough in a young girl that the condition could be treated in corrected.
Without Head Start’s involvement, this condition would most likely not have been caught until
the girl was older and at that point could not have been corrected.
ALSM Children’s Services touched the lives of 870 children and 288 families in 2011.
In addition to these program highlights, our annual Golf Outing raised more than $29,000 for charitable
care.
At our annual dinner, we honored the following persons who are important to the life of the partnership of
ALSM:
o
o
o
Dr. Luke Rhoads Award – Dean Naugle, Moxham Lutheran, Johnstown
Helping Hands Award – Eileen Heffley, Davidsville
President’s Award – Noelker & Hull, Chambersburg
We also honored The Rev. Elizabeth Hess of the Altoona Conference with The Rev. Walden M. Holl
Award for her ongoing support and commitment to social ministry.
Because of the generosity of our donors, congregations, and community partners, contributions to ALSM
in 2011 totaled nearly $1 million.
We also continued the Mission Possible program for staff team members to bring our mission, vision and
values to “life” more fully.
All in all, 2011 was a productive year for ALSM because of the time, talent and treasure of our staff team,
our volunteers, congregations, auxiliaries, board members and donors who enabled us (and continue to
enable us) to touch the lives of more than 2,000 families every year. We sincerely thank you for your
partnership in our mission of serving people with love, compassion and mercy.
For more details on ALSM programs, I invite you to visit our display at Synod Assembly. For a copy of
ALSM’s 2011 Annual Report, please call 814.696.4560 or send an email to [email protected]. For more
information about ALSM at any time, please visit our website at www.alsm.org.
In service,
Patricia W. Savage, Ph.D., N.H.A., President/CEO
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NEWS FROM BREEZEWOOD TRUCKER TRAVELER
THE YEAR IN REVIEW 2011
P.O. Box 286, Breezewood, PA 15533; (814) 977-6964
Greetings and grace to all in Allegheny Synod! We appreciate your partnership in this marketplace
outreach. The Breezewood Trucker and Traveler Ministry is blessed to record the following:
(2009)
806
997
490
117
103
180
509
136
47
45
66
78
245
1300
251
14
25
95
2163
1166
(2010)
842
942
495
79
132
289
2110
82
60
34
37
66
225
1800
215
16
23
90
2083
2352
(2011)
786 trucker contacts.
1098 traveler contacts.
475 employee/staff contacts.
72 spiritual/emotional assistance for truckers.
111 spiritual/emotional assistance for employee/staff.
198 pastoral care calls in the community.
902 meals provided (Second Harvest food going to After School Program)
55 nights of lodging provided.
55 persons assisted with gasoline.
46 persons provided with transportation(including bus).
53 food bank, showers, food coupons, car repair, or clothing.
155 traveler's "Zip Lock" care packages given.
230 Bibles or New Testaments given.
1600 Care Notes/Prayer Notes/Faith Notes distributed.
235 local families served during Christmas food drive.
15 local church sponsored holiday hospitality tables.
33 ministry presentations/preaching.
94 Bible studies/ prayer service/ worship offered.
2154 professional staff hours worked.
2044 hours served by volunteers.
Member: National Institute of Business and Industrial Chaplaincy.
Student Chaplains: 2 Wesley Theological Seminary students completed 2 week “Immersion.”
Reflecting on the work of the Breezewood ministry, we give thanks to God for the partnerships
that root us in a world of travel and transient-ness. We find our foundation again and again on the rock of
God’s love in Christ which shows itself through the selfless giving/forgiving of so many. Our many partner
congregations and sustaining business partners grant us a life line of prayer in the midst of hurt, poverty,
illness, loneliness, despair and trauma. We celebrate the trucker friends and community colleagues who walk
with us in sharing messages of hope and joy and forgiveness. Where the rubber hits the road, 2011 began to
see various signs of recovery, but the stories of struggle are memories not easily transformed. We have
encountered the human dramas of illness and death, wedding bliss and new babies born, survival in homeless
situations, as well as soulful searching for God’s justice and mercy. God’s Word is not silent in our time and
place. The greatest joy we have is sharing the BREAD of LIFE among beggars(all of us) and watching how
well God feeds the hungry soul. What an awesome testimony we have to celebrate!
Please continue in prayer that the Holy Spirit will motivate human passions and compassions at the
crossroads. Our partnerships are so very vital. God has entrusted us to share Christ in the lives of truck
drivers, their families, travelers, and numerous area employees. We give thanks to Pastor David Wright,
Vera Wilt(Mt. Zion Breezewood), and Ruth Fletcher(Pleasant Union) for their exceptional service on the
Management Committee!
BROKEN FOR YOU. . .FOR YOU. . .FOR YOU. . .FOR YOU. . .
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LUTHERAN CAMP ASSOCIATION, INC.
CAMP SEQUANOTA
Report to 2012 Allegheny Synod Assembly for 2011
Sequanota Vision/Mission Statement: As a mission center of the Allegheny Synod, Sequanota
is a recognized, accredited, year-round Lutheran camp and retreat center. Through the
Sequanota experience God’s people of all ages are welcomed and nurtured in a Christian
community enabling them to reflect, learn, celebrate, and grow spiritually so they may return to
society to serve our Lord faithfully.
To fulfill this Vision/Mission Statement Camp Sequanota’s Strategic Planning Goals for the
next two to four years are:
1. Be good stewards of Sequanota’s physical and financial resources.
2. Cultivate relationships between Sequanota and potential user groups
3. Improve the leadership structure of the ministry
In 2011 we continued to strengthen our summer camping programs with new options and
creative leadership. We added a Dance Camp, new adventure opportunities and a leadership
training program. The leadership training program focuses on enabling older youth to become
stronger leaders in their church, school and community. We had international staff from Hungry
and Spain. During Family Camp we had an artist in residence from Macedonia.
During the non summer seasons our team building programs continue to grow. Our
Alternative Spring Break in the Wood program of trail work remains a great service option for
college age youth. This year we added some off site service events at a childcare center.
The new restroom addition at the Dining Hall was completed in August. The Dining Hall is
now a great place for wedding receptions, family reunions and congregational dinners. In
December the insulation in the Bowersox Enrichment Center was reworked. The Enrichment
Center was more comfortable and energy efficient this past winter.
Our summer camp program numbers of about 620 campers was basically the same as in
2010. Our total summer users increased slightly to 1486. Over the last 5 years when many
camps have been declining we have seen very positive growth.
Non summer usage of our facilities by congregational and other retreat groups, family
reunions, counseling centers, sports teams, and others was down slightly in 2011. In 2011 we
hired a part time marketing person who is increasing camp’s exposure and building new
relationships with potential campers and non summer user groups. Our exposure through the
social media is growing.
We thank our core of dedicated paid and volunteer staff who use their many gifts keep Camp
Sequanota’s ministry strong. We give God thanks for the loving support of the congregations and
individuals of the Allegheny Synod. Without this support via campers, prayer, year round users,
volunteers, financial and in kind gifts, Camp Sequanota would not exist. With the present
growing support base and utilization Camp Sequanota will continue to expand into new areas of
ministry serving as the Outdoor Ministry Center of the Allegheny Synod.
The planning process for a number of capital improvement projects became more active in
2011. In 2012 we will begin a Capital Fund Appeal to make improvements to the Pool, Dining
Hall, Bowersox Enrichment Center and other facilities on Camp.
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For information on what is happening at Camp Sequanota visit our newly revised Website at
www.sequanota.com.
Rev. George Mason
Executive Director
Rev. Nathan Pile
Board President
Board of Directors: (as of Dec. 31, 2011)
Rev. Nathan Pile (President)
Sarah Kucherer (Secretary)
Amy Knepper (Ast. Sec. / Treas.)
Terri Foster
Tom Walker
Rev. Judy Simonson
Mike Blair
Ken Lyle (Vice-President)
Robert Coleman (Treasurer)
Rev. Carol Custead
Tom Koppenhofer
Rev. Michael VanDyke
Rev. Jeff Bassette
Bishop Gregory Pile
Year round staff:
Rev. George Mason (Executive Director)
Ang Illar (Program Director)
Dawna Horner (Food Service and House Keeping Director)
Elisabeth Thomas (Food Service and House Keeping)
L. Michael Pluta (Maintenance Director) – only full time employee
Ann Ferry (Office Assistant)
Gretel Kaltenbaugh (Office Assistant)
Liz Gaffron (Marketing)
Beverly Bruening (Bookkeeper)
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Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State
Year after year, Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State gathers students for worship, dinner
and conversation, Bible study and discussion, service events and social events. Students find a
welcoming community, relevant worship, opportunities to explore questions about life and faith,
and ways grow in their understanding of God in the context of their own lives. This year, with its
startling accusations, horrifying details, troubling reactions, resounding grief, deep compassion,
and overwhelming attention, it has been even more important to be on campus, caring for
students and the community as a whole.
As people of faith, the brokenness of human beings and human institutions ought not to surprise
us, but it still does. As people of faith, we know that God is present in the crisis, bringing hope,
healing, and wholeness. Lutheran Campus Ministry continues to work at Penn State, reaching
out to students and others in the campus community in the name of Jesus Christ, who brings
healing and redemption in the face of pain and struggle.
Please pray for those who survive abuse and for students as they learn and grow through their
coursework and the events around them. Pray for those who work with students, and those will
guide the university into the future.
Worship Worship together continues at the heart of Lutheran Campus Ministry and our
outreach to the campus and community. Each Sunday at 6 pm, we gather for an informal,
alternative-style worship service shared by Lutheran Campus Ministry and Grace Lutheran
Church, State College. It truly is a blended service - ancient liturgy and holy communion blend
with current music and an informal setting. Students blend with congregational members and
with community members. Leadership of the service blends campus ministry and congregational
staff, students and more permanent members. On-campus worship is offered Thursdays at
Pasquerilla Spiritual Center with Holden Evening Prayer and communion. An ecumenical
Taize-style prayer service is offered once each month on campus on Sunday night at 9 pm.
Community Life Building connections is essential for any faith community, but particularly
important for one on a campus with 43 thousand students. Students gather for dinner on Sundays
and Thursdays after worship, sharing not just a meal, but also the joys and struggles of their
week, and questions about life and faith. Social media brings students to Lutheran Campus
Ministry and each other through our facebook group, and new webpage. An informal group of
students meeting in a campus dining commons for lunch each week, spending time together and
welcoming newcomers as well.
Bible Study It can be challenging to schedule Bible study times with conflicting class times and
work commitments. This spring, we are looking at Lent and scripture through the movie
Chocolat on Thursday evenings, with short readings and questions online to include those who
cannot attend in person. Our new Monday Lunch Bible study looks at the lectionary texts for the
coming week, then posts the passages and thought-provoking questions about them online for
others to use.
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Service-Learning Students are very enthusiastic about helping others. Lutheran Student
Community students have made treats for Emergency Personnel in our community in honor of
those who died in the September 11th attacks, battled hunger by participating in the local CROP
Walk, co-sponsored a campus Red Cross Blood Drive, served as small group leaders for a synod
Senior High School event in Johnstown, PA, worked with elementary-aged children through
Grace Lutheran’s Kids Club, worked with high school youth for a Day of Service in the State
College area, and are gathering contributions for a project that will bring together campus
ministry and ELCA Youth Gathering participants to build walls for three Habitat for Humanity
houses. We are supporting the ELCA Malaria Campaign with donations for a music CD made
by our 6 pm worship musicians. Students have begun plans for a new outreach to high school
youth, where college students will offer their own experiences of growing in faith to help mentor
the youth as they look toward their own college years.
Connections The network of relationships that make Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State
possible is wide and complex. On campus, connections to the university and Student Affairs
units help maintain our presence on campus, and provide opportunities to truly be part of campus
life. Ecumenical and interfaith connections keep our work grounded in the diverse and
challenging context where our students live and study. Connections to the three synods that
support us is vital to our very existence. We are deeply grateful for the many ways this ministry
receives support from the Allegheny Synod, the Lower Susquehanna Synod and the Upper
Susquehanna Synod. In addition, connections to congregations and rostered leaders (some near,
some far away) enhance and bless our work. This coming year, we are developing teams in each
supporting synod to help share the story of campus ministry and invite interested congregations
and individuals to connect with Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State. Of course, alumni,
parents, faculty and staff from the Penn State community provide important connections, too.
We truly are part of the whole body of Christ.
Looking Ahead Every four years or so, campus ministry sites participate in a review of their
work and make plans for the future of the ministry. As we look ahead, we are hopeful and
excited about the many opportunities we see to empower students to be even more fully engaged
in the leadership of this ministry, and to help them find meaningful ways to live out their life of
faith. In the foreseeable future, we do not envision the financial resources to add more pastoral
staff, but by building on the connections that already exist, and using the resources God has
already provided in students, rostered leaders, alumni and friends, we continue to see a rich and
blessed future for this ministry in the years to come.
Sincerely,
Alicia Anderson, Campus Minister
Visit our website: www.lutheranpennstate.org
Like us on facebook: Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State
Mark your calendar for the Lutheran Campus Ministry Arts Festival Picnic July 14, 2012
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Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg
2012 Report to the Synods of Region 8
Bearing witness at the crossroads of history and hope, Gettysburg Seminary proclaims
Jesus Christ to a restless world by preparing our students for faithful discipleship.
In its 186th year, the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg faces the future with confidence, in
great measure due to the unwavering support of our sponsoring synods. We are grateful that
congregations and synods send committed students, and elect strong leaders to our boards; that Region 8
leads the ELCA in seminary financial support; and that so many members and congregations respond
with generosity to undergird theological education and ministerial formation.
The Seminary’s strength was recognized by professional educators who conducted the comprehensive
ten-year review, which resulted in unqualified reaccreditation through 2021 by the Association of
Theological Schools and Middles States Commission on Higher Education. Commended particularly
were the Seminary’s fiscal soundness, entrepreneurial spirit, overall academic excellence, and the spirit of
collaborative partnership demonstrated by all sectors of our constituency. Gettysburg Seminary’s
“cutting edge” embrace of new opportunities is demonstrated in the following areas:
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Creating a new concentration within the Master of Arts degree, and making courses available to
all students seeking in-depth knowledge of ministry utilizing new technologies and media;
Partnering with Luther Seminary in expanding “distributed learning” opportunities for students
unable to pursue their M.Div. degree through the traditional patterns;
Developing the “Voices of History” Seminary Ridge Museum as both a venue for public
interpretation of the great Civil War battle and its aftermath, and as a rich laboratory for
engagement with Christian themes of peace and reconciliation, conflict and compassion;
Engaging in “lived stewardship” by converting the Seminary chapel and Schmucker Hall to
geothermal HVAC systems, and proceeding with multiple other campus “greening” efforts.
Seminary Serves Global Church: Beyond their classroom and campus responsibilities, Seminary
faculty and staff serve the whole Church in multiple ways. A faculty member serves with each synod’s
candidacy committee. Professors are frequent presenters at synodical assemblies and rostered leader
gatherings, as well as guest preachers and teachers in congregations. Dean Robin Steinke serves as one of
four ELCA members on the council of the Lutheran World Federation, and Seminary CFO and
stewardship & bible professor Dr. Marty Stevens is a board member with Portico. Other faculty and
Seminary executive staff persons also serve in multiple ecclesial and public venues.
Partnering in Multiple Directions: Witnessing to our confession that “we are one in Christ,” the
Seminary is enriched and enhanced by partnering with other schools, as well as with congregations,
synods and the ELCA churchwide expression. Remaining key partners in fulfilling our mission are the
Washington Theological Consortium, Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries (see separate report), and a
newly-emerging alliance with Luther Seminary, as noted above. Initiatives are afoot to forge closer ties
with our sister institution just down the hill from campus, Gettysburg College.
Crossroads Campaign in Final Phases: Originally slated to raise $12 million for scholarships,
endowment, special programmatic efforts and campus development, the campaign is closing in on a
revised goal of $25 million. With the larger share of commitments and receipts dedicated to endowment
or deferred until “planned gifts” come to fruition, the Seminary remains challenged to meet its current
$5.2 budget projections.
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A Word of Thanks: For all who have responded generously, and for all who continue supporting the
Seminary’s mission with your prayers, advice, encouragement of prospective students, and in all other
ways, we shout out a heartfelt “thanks be to God”!
The Rev. Michael L. Cooper-White, President
The Rev. Glenn Ludwig, Chairman of the Board
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Grace, mercy and peace!
Gettysburg College
Report to Synod Assemblies
2012 Report
Gettysburg College and supporting synods of the ELCA share common values. Among our shared
values there is one that must be highlighted as our common cause.
We educate and support young people in the development of habits of mind and heart that will aid
them in making this a more peaceable and just planet. At Gettysburg we often talk about our
graduates becoming citizens of the world, engaged in their professional and personal lives in ways
that makes their communities stronger. The vocation of learning is also a call to wisdom, to the sort
of disciplined life that makes humanity and wholeness not disparate realities, but, a very present
actuality.
Born in the context of a University, the Lutheran Christian community has, since its inception,
placed a high premium on education. As a highly selective, national liberal arts college, Gettysburg
College remains true to those values that are in keeping with the heart of this tradition, while
moving faithfully into the future. Today, Gettysburg College is engaged in a number of domestic and
international social justice concerns through our Center for Public Service, for example.
Gettysburg College is dedicated to preparing students to be active leaders in a changing world.
Among the core values that Gettysburg College seeks to instill are:
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The worth and dignity of all people
Critical thinking, communication skills, sensitivity to the human condition, and a
global perspective
A free and open marketplace of ideas and the exploration of the ethical and spiritual
dimensions of life
A commitment to service
The residential college as a model community
In addition, the curriculum at Gettysburg College encourages students to be self-reflective and to
recognize the interconnectedness of their learning and core values.
Gettysburg College prides itself on the distinctiveness that may be found here both through location
and dedication. One of the hallmarks of a Gettysburg education is the relationship that develops
between students and faculty both in and outside of the classroom.
95
At Gettysburg, students may find themselves alongside faculty retracing the roots of the Civil Rights
movement during their winter semester break, researching the benefits of fish oil with their
professor, promoting grassroots development in Nicaragua, or videotaping Viking ruins in the
British Isles. Or they may find themselves discussing class work (and other weightier matters of
life) over dinner at a faculty member’s house.
The charter of Gettysburg College states its purpose:
to serve the cause of liberal education in changing times, by providing a community of learning both
inside and outside the classroom committed to the discovery, exploration, and evaluation of the
ideas and actions of humankind, and to the creative extension of that developing heritage, and the
promotion of music, the arts, theater, leadership and volunteerism within the local, regional and
global communities.
As we look to the increasing attention being given to globalization and internationalization, current
and future generations of students expect, and quite frankly need to be at the forefront of cultural
and political shifts in the global community. It’s no wonder that the interest in globalization studies
figures prominently in the interest of prospective and current students.
In a world where the challenges of the present may seem daunting, Gettysburg understands that the
best way to guarantee the future is to preserve integrity and the highest quality in teaching,
learning, research and service.
We hope that you will send your brightest and best to us. They will find a community that welcomes
and supports them as they become global citizens.
Blessings and peace!
The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Donnella II
Chaplain of the College
Adj Asst Prof - Religious Studies
Gettysburg College
phone:717-337-6280
[email protected]
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Global Mission Ministry Team Report for 2011
Our mission is to “create global awareness, encourage congregational and individual
involvement in God’s mission here and beyond our borders and to celebrate our partnership with
our brothers and sisters” in Christ around the world in our common mission of telling the Good
News of Jesus Christ.
We meet about every other month. The members are Karin Lowery and Sandra Johnson form the
Nittany Conference, Pastor Frederick Klotz from the Upper Juniata Conference, Dean Naugle
and Pastor Robert Wagner from the Johnstown Conference, Pastor Elisha Osman from the
Southern Somerset Conference, Pastor Jonathan Schnibben from the Clearfied Conference, Lois
Shimer and Pastor Peter Helmers from the Altoona Conference, and Pastor Timothy Knauss
from the Synodical staff.
During the past year, our ministry work included.
1. Sent out an Alternative Catalogue for Christmas, that includes information about
and asks for donations to Pangani Lutheran Centre, ELCA World Hunger and
Disaster Relief, Lutheran Malaria Initiative, Missionary Support, Wells for Kenya,
Tools for Woodworker Trainees, Augusta Victoria Hospital in Palestine, Bread for
the Word, Camp Sequanota International Counselor
2. Wheels for water, a 14 mile biking trip that raised funds for wells for Kenya.
3. Members attended the Global Gathering regional consultation for synod leaders.
4. Sent out Keeping a Holy Lent Personal Care Kit Devotion.
5. Sent out resources for the annual Companion Synod Sunday on the third Sunday of
October.
6. Offered Fair Trade items at synod convention. (these items are available at First
Evangelical Lutheran Church and Moxham Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Johnstown, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, State College, St. David’s Evangelical
Lutheran Church, Davidsville and St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bellefonte.)
7. A member attended a Luther Decade Event in Wittenberg, Germany.
8. Transported David Baranyai, the International Staff member from Romania, from
the airport to Sequanota.
9. Provided Companion Synod Profile information posted on the ELCA web site.
We continue to look “for ways to lift up God’s global grace to congregations across the
Allegheny Synod.” We continue to welcome you to join us in this mission.
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DIAKON LUTHERAN SOCIAL MINISTRIES
Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries celebrates our partnership with the Allegheny Synod and its
congregations, as we live out our mission, as Many Hands guided by One Heart, to demonstrate
God’s command to love our neighbor through acts of service. Diakon maintains a nearly 150-year
tradition of care for people of all ages, especially those with limited financial resources. In 2010,
Diakon provided $14.27 million in benevolent care.
The Diakon Wilderness Center for adjudicated delinquent and dependent youths, located near
Boiling Springs, Pa., continues to offer a range of services to youths from across the state,
including the 30-Day Wilderness Challenge, Weekend Alternative, and Flight programs. The
wilderness-based programs served several youths from within the Allegheny Synod’s territory
last year.
Diakon Adoption & Foster Care continued its successful focus on finding adoptive families for
waiting children. In addition, as prime contractor for Pennsylvania’s Statewide Adoption &
Permanency Network, or SWAN, Diakon helps to coordinate all public adoptions across the
state, another way the organization touches the lives of people within the region. SWAN
provided services to 27,309 children and families in 2010.
Diakon Kathryn’s Kloset continues to expand the number of people it reaches regionally,
nationally, and internationally, with products distributed through the program estimated to have
touched the lives of up to one million people. The Maryland-based warehouse program serves as
a pipeline for corporate donations of new, unused non-perishable and some perishable products
to serve the basic needs of people. The program solicits and stores merchandise for pick-up by
shelters and other non-profit organizations, which in turn distribute the goods, free of charge, to
people in need in the community.
We thank God for the gifts of staff, volunteers, congregations, and donors who, together, enabled
us directly to serve approximately 70,000 persons in 2011.
Mark T. Pile, MSHA, MSW
President/CEO
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Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania
2012 Report to the Synod
Dear Partners in Christ,
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania is a shared ministry of seven Pennsylvania synods,
the ELCA Congregational and Synodical Mission unit, and Pennsylvania ELCA agencies and
institutions. Through LAMPa, Lutherans around the state voice their faith convictions in the
public arena on behalf of the poor and the vulnerable while seeking to create greater justice in
the commonwealth.
LAMPa has partnered this year with the Allegheny Synod on congregational advocacy
education, and provided resources and support to ministries addressing hunger, poverty,
immigration, child abuse and care for creation. We are thankful for the support of your Policy
Council representatives: Paula Ford, the Rev Kaye Hute and the leadership of Bishop Pile.
•
Health Care: LAMPa’s healthcare work focused on preservation of adultBasic health
insurance for the working poor, including gathering signatures, mobilizing advocates, providing
testimony, and educating legislators on the implications of the program’s end. Following its
termination, LAMPa has worked as part of the PHAN coalition to track those who lost coverage
and successfully opposed a rate hike in a successor low income health program. LAMPa health
care work also included monitoring the development of Pennsylvania’s health insurance
marketplace (Health Insurance Exchange) as part of the implementation of the Affordable Care
Act, and providing testimony on principles for the Exchange.
•
Hunger: LAMPa worked in coalition and through its network to preserve strong funding
for the State Food Purchase Program in the 2011-12 state budget. Following the elimination of
the Human Services Development Fund in Governor Corbett’s proposed budget, LAMPa
focused visits and network advocacy on its preservation – it was eventually restored to 50% of its
prior level. LAMPa engaged advocates in the Fast for a Moral Budget campaign, which included
daily vigils at the Capitol building and prayer and fasting by religious leaders around the state.
•
Care for Creation – The issue of greatest concern to those who contacted LAMPa this
year is natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale. LAMPa has continued to offer workshops and
resources on drilling issues as they relate to the ELCA Economic Life and Care for Creation
Social Statements.
•
Immigration – LAMPa provided leadership in creation of the Pennsylvania Compact, a
statement of principles on immigration signed by the faith community, business leaders and law
enforcement. In addition to providing written testimony to the House State Government
Committee on a package of immigration bills, LAMPa has been working in partnership with
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service on immigration advocacy in the state.
Connect with us at www.lutheranadvocacypa.org, Twitter (@LAMPaADVOCACY) and
Facebook (www.facebook.com/LAMPaAdvocacy).
In Christ,
The Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Director
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100
ELCA REGION 8 ARCHIVES
ANNUAL REPORT 2011
Prepared by: Derrick D. Little
March 20, 2012
I. INTRODUCTION
The ELCA Region 8 Archives (“the Archives”), located in the A. R. Wentz Library of the
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (“the Seminary”), provides archival services for
the eastern portion of ELCA Region 8: Allegheny Synod, Lower Susquehanna Synod, Upper
Susquehanna Synod, Delaware-Maryland Synod, and Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod
(“the five synods”). This report summarizes the Archives’ operations for the calendar year 2011
and goals for 2012.
II. SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Our main goal for 2011 was to finalize our acquisition policy that we had started revising in
2010. In the past, the Archives had not developed and implemented an appropriate collection
policy based on the ELCA’s records retention schedules. Consequently, an abundance of
materials has accumulated in the Archives’ collections that lack enduring value.
We are pleased to report that we finalized our new acquisition policy on July 19, 2011. We
posted the policy to our website and notified the five synods. The policy establishes a clear
procedure for transferring materials to the Archives. It also specifies which records the synods
should transfer to the Archives, and which ones they should retain or discard. These guidelines
are not arbitrary; we took them directly from the appropriate ELCA records retention schedules.
Our new policy certainly represents a considerable change from how the Archives operated in
the past. However, it is important that we adhere to firm guidelines to ensure that the Archives is
not wasting its limited resources acquiring materials that have no archival value.
With our new acquisition policy in place, we started identifying and deaccessioning the large
volume of non-archival materials that had been transferred to the Archives in recent years. These
non-essential records were taking up most of the available space in the Archives, leaving us with
little room to house new acquisitions or to process the backlog of materials that is already here.
While we routinely discard moderate amounts of non-archival records, these materials presented
a problem due to their sheer volume. Additionally, many of them were financial records (e.g.,
bank statements, payroll records, and tax forms) that potentially contained sensitive information
such as account numbers or social security numbers. Due to privacy concerns, we did not want to
place these materials into the recycling bin as we would other non-essential records. We noted
that these materials rightfully belonged to the synods and, according to ELCA policy, the synods
should have discarded them at the end of their retention period rather than transferring them to
the Archives. We also noted that the Seminary periodically employs the services of the Phillips
Group, which offers secure document destruction services. After considering all of the above, we
decided that we would be willing to shred these materials on the synods’ behalf as a one-time
courtesy. We contacted the synods that had deposited potentially sensitive materials and obtained
their authorization to proceed with the disposal. On October 11, 2011, the Phillips Group
shredded approximately forty-three cubic feet of potentially sensitive non-archival materials in
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the Archives’ collection. Throughout 2011, we also recycled a similar volume of non-essential
materials that contained no potentially sensitive information. By the end of 2011, we had made
considerable progress in removing non-archival materials from our collections. However, there
are still many that we need to eliminate.
As another notable accomplishment for 2011, we added some significant information to the new
Archives website we launched in 2010. As noted above, we posted the new acquisition policy to
the site in July 2011. Around that time, we also added links to printable PDF copies of
commonly used ELCA records retention schedules. This was due to the numerous inquiries we
have received from congregation and synod staff members regarding records management
practices. We have found that many are either not aware of the ELCA’s policies or do not know
where to obtain copies of them. Having this information available on the Archives website
facilitates advising ELCA Region 8 congregations and synods on proper records management.
Most importantly, however, in October 2011 we added a page entitled “Information for
Researchers.” We had hoped to have this page on the site by the end of 2010 so that patrons
would have a general idea of how the Archives operates. However, it actually worked out better
that we did not add it until well into 2011. This provided us a longer period to evaluate the new
policies we developed in 2010 and note the most common information we conveyed to
researchers on an individual basis. The “Information for Researchers” page includes, among
other topics, a summary of the types of records in our collections, the research services we offer
(including the limitations on those services due to our scarce resources), and where to find
additional helpful information on our website.
III. PATRON INQUIRIES
We received 140 inquiries in 2011. A breakdown of these inquiries is presented in the Table
below.
Table: ELCA Region 8 Archives Inquires 2010
Number of Inquiries
Email
In Person
Phone
Written
70
6
60
4
Types of Inquiries
Records regarding patron or immediate family member
Genealogy
Information or history on congregations
Information on ministers/sermons
Depositing materials
Information on records management/archives
Not specified
Other
12
79
16
12
6
4
8
3
102
Status of Inquiries
Filled
Referred to Seminary Archives
Referred to active congregation(s)
Referred to outside organization(s)
Records/information not available
Patron never responded to return call/email/letter
Inquiry still open at end of the year
21
3
20
75
5
8
8
As the table shows, the majority of patrons were conducting genealogical research, usually
seeking baptismal or marriage records for one or more ancestors. In addition, several patrons
required their own baptism or confirmation record to become a member of a Lutheran
congregation, to be married in a Lutheran church, or to convert to another faith.
We were able to fill twenty-one of the inquiries, many of them by simply providing the
necessary information over the phone or via email. However, the majority of inquiries resulted in
referrals to other sources. This was usually for one of two reasons. First, the Archives did not
hold the records patrons were seeking. In some cases, we determined that the congregation was
still active, and therefore we assumed that the records were held at the church. Other times we
determined that the congregation was not ELCA-affiliated, and we suggested the patron contact
the archives of the appropriate denomination. The main reason we referred patrons, however,
was that we did have the records in our collections, but we determined they were too fragile for
research. Our firm policy is that we do not allow access to original materials that may suffer
damage if handled. Fortunately, however, many of the older parish records in our collections are
available at other repositories in alternate formats such as microfilms, paper transcriptions, or
published volumes. We believe that our policy of referring patrons to outside sources to view
church records in alternate formats offers the best option—it allows us to preserve the original
materials, while the information they contain is still available to researchers.
IV. GOALS FOR 2012
Our goals for calendar year 2012 are as follows:
•
•
•
Continue identifying and deaccessioning the large volume of non-archival materials that
were transferred in recent years.
Begin inventorying the entire collection.
Begin working on the extensive backlog.
We will continue to work with the five synods regarding the proper final disposition of their
records to ensure that we are accessioning only non-current materials of historical value, whereas
the synods will retain or discard all other records according to the appropriate ELCA records
retention schedules.
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Report of the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries
To the Synods of Regions 7, 8 and 9
Introduction
Since its founding in 1995, the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries (ECLS) has fostered
strong collaboration between the three eastern schools, enhancing our common task of
theological education for a broad spectrum of students. Major Cluster-sponsored programs
include Diaconal Ministry Formation (based at Gettysburg), a Doctor of Ministry degree
(Philadelphia-based), partnership in the LTSS-sponsored Atlanta extension center, and Project
Connect, which has developed a strong network for vocational discernment and seminary
recruitment throughout the three regions. A separately incorporated entity, the Cluster is
governed by a Board of Directors made up of board chairs and other leaders from each of the
three schools. One of the three seminary presidents serves in rotation as Cluster executive
director. With only modest core funding from the seminaries, the Cluster has been blessed to
receive over $6 million in grants from foundations to support common projects and subsidize
seminary budgets.
Current Collaborative Programs
•
•
•
•
The Cluster’s One Library Under Three Roofs links the collections at Gettysburg,
Philadelphia and Columbia, providing students, faculty and other borrowers with access
to a vast array of books, periodicals and e-resources.
Vocational discernment emphases focused on young adults is carried out by means of
Project Connect, which works in close concert with the Admissions offices of the
schools.
Theological Education with Youth (TEY), a program jointly sponsored by the two
Pennsylvania schools, is in its 12th year of providing in-depth study, fellowship and
service opportunities for junior- and senior-high young persons. A new TEY director,
Associate in Ministry Michelle Huth, is also establishing closer connections with a
companion Bishops’ School sponsored by Region 9 at LTSS,
Intersections Institute has supported a new MA in Public Theology at LTSP, and
intensive courses at LTSG that can lead to a certificate for social ministry organization
executives.
Future Cluster Directions: In view of the anticipated merger of LTSS with Lenoir Rhyne
University, the Cluster is revising its governing documents to accommodate this exciting
development. We are also reviewing our affiliation with Yale Divinity School.
With Appreciation: The Cluster is grateful for support to theological education and our
seminaries from the synods and churchwide organization. As they conclude their service as dean
at LTSP and president at LTSS respectively, appreciation is expressed to Dr. Paul Rajashekar
and Rev. Marcus Miller.
Rev. John Richter, Cluster Board Chair
Rev. Michael Cooper-White, Ex. Director
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Lutheran Planned Giving of Central and Northeastern PA
Lutheran Planed Giving of Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania brings together the ELCA ministry
partners in our area along with the churchwide ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
to promote charitable giving. As the Executive Director of Lutheran Planned Giving and a charitable gift
planner for the ELCA Foundation, I am ready to provide donor education, assist donors with their
charitable gift planning, work with congregations as they establish a mission endowment fund, and assist
congregations to grow their endowment fund. These services are available to any Lutheran congregation
or ministry without charge or obligation.
This report is being written at the end of January 2012 and will appear in synod report books five months
after the end of 2011. I am happy to report that the start of 2012 has been one of the busiest since I began
nine years ago. This gives me cautious optimism that the United States is slowing pulling out of the deep
recession that overshadowed the previous three years. More donors are exploring ways to support those
ministries that give them joy and more congregations are exploring ways to assist their members to make
their charitable gift plans. As it has for the last nine years, the LPG program is ready to help donors and
ministries reach their charitable goals.
In the nine years since the beginning of the LPG, I helped donors commit over $6.5 million in revocable
and irrevocable gifts to support the mission and ministry of the Church. In 2011 I conducted 5 Legacy
Seminars and made 14 mission endowment consults helping congregations establish endowment funds or
tune-up existing endowment funds. I made 149 donor calls which resulted in 31 irrevocable gifts totaling
$425,970. In my service area, I assisted congregations to establish new accounts in ELCA Endowment
Pooled Trust-Fund A and directly or indirectly helped many other congregations increase their
participation in Fund A. The ELCA Endowment Pooled Trust-Fund A is a balanced fund managed by the
ELCA available to any ELCA related ministry.
In 2011, the ELCA provided several training opportunities for me to keep my skills up-to-date. First, the
regional gift planners and the senior staff of the ELCA Foundation met twice for staff training. In
conjunction with the ELCA Foundation February staff meeting, I attended the Association of Lutheran
Development Executives annual education conference. I also attended the annual educational conference
of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning. As a member of the Planned Giving Council of Central
PA, a local chapter of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, in 2011, I attended 4 educational
seminars presented by the local Planned Giving Council.
Finally, thank you very much for your support. Your synod, 17 other ministries, and the ELCA
underwrite the Lutheran Planned giving program. Without your financial support, words of wisdom and
encouragement, and especially your prayers, I would not have been able to accomplish what I did. Your
support is essential to the success of this ministry. For more information about the Lutheran Planned
Giving Program or to schedule a Legacy Seminar, please contact me at 570-374-2044 or
[email protected].
The Rev. Gregory A. Kramer, Executive Director
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REPORT OF THE PENNSYLVANIA LUTHERAN NETWORK
Mission
The Pennsylvania Lutheran Network (PLN) is committed to cooperation, collaboration,
and support for mutual benefit in ministry to insure that no part of the church need stand alone in
our calling to be faithful to the mission God has entrusted to us.
Value Statement & Purpose
The PLN is an aggregation of the Specialized Ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA) in Pennsylvania intentionally organized for mutual support and
collaboration as we work to extend and focus the ministry of ELCA congregations in
Pennsylvania.
The PLN is a facilitating mechanism through which the synods, institutions, and
organizations related to the ELCA in Pennsylvania can maintain relationships, cooperate, and
collaborate in ways that can fulfill already existing commitments to the ELCA, to each other, and
to the public.
The PLN is not a new organization to join, but a network in which all can participate,
fully or selectively, to sustain values and fulfill goals for their mutual benefit in ministry,
education, and service in church and society.
Activity
The PLN gathers annually in assembly to consider a topic of interest, to reconnect
partners in ministry, and to provide the opportunity for cooperative efforts in our shared ministry.
In March 2011, (to remind you) the assembly focused on the February 2011 restructuring
of the ELCA and its implications for Network’s member organizations and, indeed, for all of the
ELCA baptized here in Pennsylvania. The Reverend Dr. Stephen Bouman, Executive Director
for the Congregational and Synodical Mission Unit of the ELCA, was the keynote speaker on the
theme Restructuring and Resurrection. A Panel of participants that represented outdoor
ministry, campus ministry, ELCA colleges, theological education, social ministry organizations,
evangelical mission, and advocacy ministry reflected on implications of the restructuring for
both their individual ministries and for their partners across the commonwealth; in turn this
guided table conversations among all participants. Finally, a discussion, led by Jill Schumann,
President/CEO of Lutheran Services in America, provided the opportunity for deepening
conversation about the Network’s future.
A Planning Council meets between assemblies to provide direction for the Network. At
the conclusion of the March 2011 PLN Assembly, a work group was appointed to continue
developing proposals for the future structure of PLN Assemblies. This work group has presented
reports to the Planning Council and anticipates implementing several manifestations of their
work as the structure of the late March 2012 PLN Assembly.
Bishop B. Penrose Hoover, Convener
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2011 Report of Region 8 of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
to Synod Assemblies
For those new to Region 8, the Region is composed of eight synods in the mid-Atlantic region of
the United States of America: Northwestern PA Synod, Southwestern PA Synod, Allegheny
Synod, Lower Susquehanna Synod, Upper Susquehanna Synod, DE/MD Synod, Metropolitan
Washington DC Synod, and WV/WMD Synod. On this territory, we find a wide variety of
ministry locations: the region is composed of nearly 1150 congregations and nearly 453,000
baptized members with three major urban centers: Washington, DC, Baltimore and Pittsburgh, as
well as many mid-sized cities and suburbs, and numerous town and country parishes (some
dating to pre-Revolutionary War days). Region 8 also includes numerous institutional
expressions of mission and ministry: the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, (the first
and oldest Lutheran Seminary in North America) founded in 1826; three colleges of our Church:
Gettysburg, Susquehanna and Thiel, eight outdoor ministry sites and numerous expressions of
social services, schools and advocacy ministries. From open farm land, to the industries of coal
and steel and “fracking” for natural gas, to the centers of government, culture, society and
education, the region encompasses a great variety of people, places and issues. The industrial,
mining, and farming communities have seen declines in population; yet, the cities have seen
significant growth, including African American, Latino and African immigrant population
increases. This experience is mirrored in ELCA congregations in this region.
The partnership between the Region’s synods is expressed in many practical ways. First, and
perhaps foremost, is the area of the identification and nurture of rostered church leaders.
Dedicated and talented folks involved in this work guide and lead folks from the earliest stage of
candidacy through the time of First Call in service. In my role as Coordinator, I serve as the
ELCA representative for this work, providing education and guidance for an interdependent
process. Second, and a less apparent to the casual observer, is the area of campus ministry
activities that occur on our numerous public university campuses. Ministry leaders in this highly
specialized venue of ministry service are really mission developers, guiding young adults
through an important part of adult faith formation. During 2011 several Quadrennial Reviews of
these ELCA and synodically funded ministries occurred. There was mutual conversation
between campus ministry partners, synod staff who are responsible for campus ministry and me,
as I worked to carry out the 38% campus ministry grant reductions. Third, is the partnership we
enjoy in the work of the collection and maintenance of our denominational history here in the
Region. Because of our geography and history we have two locations for Region 8 Archives; the
East location is carried out in partnership with the LTSG archives program. The West location is
supported through the efforts of archivists at Thiel College. Fourth, is collaboration with other
churchwide staff, such as our eight Directors for Evangelical Mission, who work in areas of
mission development and re-development within each synod in Region 8. This year, the Region
8 based Congregational and Synodical Mission Unit partners gathered for the first time to talk
about shared visions for mission work here on the territory and to discover the numerous ways
that each staff member’s work relates to others’ work. In particular, the group discussed the role
of advocacy ministry in the development of congregational mission plans and exactly how we
might assist congregations to develop these mission plans. Additional dimensions of this
collaboration with churchwide staff is seen through the annual Region 8 Global Mission, World
Hunger, and Companion Synods gathering; and, it is seen in the important conversations about
107
mission support to both churchwide and more local agencies that are understood best as an
interdependent network of synods.
Finally, a good deal of time was dedicated to planning and supporting a Region 8 gathering for
rostered leaders (November 2011). The focus was how, together, we are “Moving Forward with
Christ”. The Region 8 office provided administration support for the entire event and synod
partners facilitated the preparation and follow-through of every aspect of the conference.
Everyone valued having Bishop Hanson and Bible study leader, Dr. Walter F. Taylor, Jr., in our
midst as presenters and guests. There was great feedback from this Event.
Nancy E. Gable, Diaconal Minister,
Coordinator for Missional Leadership - Region 8
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Report of Susquehanna University
The Rev. Dr. Mark Wm. Radecke, Chaplain to the University
General University Developments in the Past Year
Susquehanna University opened its 154th year with an enrollment of 2,236 full-time students,
a decrease of 31 students from the previous year. In a time of increased expectations that
institutions of higher learning demonstrate outcomes in terms of students’ intellectual growth,
learning substantive knowledge, developing academic skills and personal development,
Susquehanna has made significant commitments of time and energy to enhance student success
and engagement. While the Class of 2010’s 75.7% five year persistence-to-graduation rate
compares very favorably to a national average of 54.3% for private institutions and 37.9% for
public institutions, we have adopted a goal of increasing that rate by a percentage point per year
through 2016.
The University is in the process of acquiring the Pine Meadow apartment complex adjacent to
campus, with plans to convert it to student housing. The current owner, no longer interested in
operating Pine Meadow as a Section 8 Public Housing development, approached the University
about purchasing the property. Susquehanna attempted to ease the residents’ burden by hiring a
social worker to help them locate new housing, providing translators, hosting information
workshops for residents and meetings with local landlords to answer their questions and to
encourage them to accept Pine Meadow residents as tenants. In terms of direct financial support,
the university provided residents with security and utility deposits and first-month’s rent, moving
expenses, application fees and packing supplies.
Susquehanna’s distinctive off-campus study program, called GO (Global Opportunities), is
now required of all students and continues to expand their horizons and prepare them for life in a
diverse and complex world.
In January, President L. Jay Lemons completed a year of service as chair of the Lutheran
Educational Council in North America’s Conference of Lutheran College and University
Presidents.
Campus Religious Activities
Religious Life continues to help members of the academic community integrate faith, life, and
learning. Thirteen religious life organizations and various ministries and programs offered by the
Chaplain’s Office help students grow spiritually as they grow intellectually. The annual Alice
Pope Shade lecture brought Robert Putnam to campus to present the findings of his book,
American Grace.
The Department of Religion added a new hire, Dr. Matthew Duperon, a specialist in east
Asian religions.
SU CASA, a national award-winning service-learning program, took its 14th team to Costa
Rica and Nicaragua over winter break. Since early 1999, the 331 members of these teams have
delivered a combined total of $668,000 in materials and donor-designated cash gifts, and shared
16,000 hours of volunteer labor with churches and church-related agencies in Central America.
Lutheran Youth Day at SU continues to attract hundreds of junior and senior high youth,
advisors, and rostered leaders each spring for a one-day rally and concert.
University Chaplain Mark Wm. Radecke received a competitive grant from the Louisville
Institute, enabling him to stake a four-month study leave to focus on theologically sound
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reflective and contemplative practices for faith formation through short-term missions and
service-learning trips.
A Sunday evening series called “Worship in a New Key” provided opportunities for
congregations, rostered leaders, worship committees and the curious to join members of the
campus community in using and experiencing three different liturgies: a Taizé eucharist, Jazz
vespers, and contemporary/alternative worship.
In Conclusion
Susquehanna University deeply appreciates the ongoing support and encouragement that the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Allegheny Synod give to its efforts to be a
strong and successful college of the Church. We express particular appreciation for the service of
Linda Fetterolf, a member of the synod who serves on the university’s board of trustees.
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CAMPUS MINISTRY COMMITTEE
The Allegheny Synod Campus Ministry Committee is re-establishing itself even as we
experience transitions in leadership. All three ELCA Campus Ministry Coordinator positions
were eliminated in the spring of 2009, so we lost a valued friend in our Coordinator Jack Saarela.
Regional responsibilities for Campus Ministry now reside with Regional Coordinators for
Ministry Leadership, in our case, Diaconal Minister Nancy Gable. We were happy to meet for
the first time with Nancy in November. Alicia Anderson will also have a role in Region 8 as a
mentor for staff members new to Campus Ministry.
Our good companion and Allegheny Synod staff contact has been Peggy Thatcher, who recently
left her position as Assistant to the Bishop. We await news of how Synod Staff will now relate
to the Campus Ministry Committee. As we welcome the Regional and Churchwide perspective
that Nancy Gable will bring, we express our deep gratitude for the past wisdom of Jack Saarela
and Peggy Thatcher.
Another development in 2009 came at a meeting of the Intersynodical Commission for Higher
Education. This group of Lutherans, concerned about colleges and universities in what had
formerly been the LCA’s Central Penn Synod, continued meeting after the forming of the ELCA
so that issues related to higher education (including Campus Ministry) did not get lost in the new
church. Twenty-one years after the ELCA’s formation, leaders at the November 17 meeting felt
that they were gathering for the last time as ICHE. The Allegheny, Lower Susquehanna and
Upper Susquehanna Synods have continued to care for and act responsibly on behalf of college
and university populations. Campus Ministry has not fallen through the cracks.
The Rev. Krista Vingelis has met with our committee to encourage our partnership with Project
Connect, a program of the ELCA that is designed to help young adults discern callings into
church vocations through a network of outdoor ministries, campus ministries, youth ministries,
congregations, colleges, and more. Since our ELCA campus ministries reach out to over 40,000
students a year, and about 5000 students regularly worship in campus ministry settings, we
readily see our place in developing church leaders. It is a joy and a privilege to play a part in
their formation.
The Campus Ministry Committee continues to see communication as an important tool for
raising awareness about campus ministries at Penn State (University Park), Penn State (Altoona),
and the University of Pittsburgh (Johnstown). Articles in The Lutheran Letter, newsletters,
flyers, our annual November appeal to congregations, and a display at Synod Assembly have all
been part of our putting the faces of college students before you. Thank you for helping us to
support and challenge our students.
Rev. Eleanor Abarno, Chair
Committee Members: Alicia Anderson (staff), Deanne Armagost, the Rev. Jim Gay (staff), Bill
Good, the Rev. Eli Hess, the Rev. Laura Lynn, the Rev. Suzanne Morelli, and the Rev. Krista
Vingelis (for Project Connect), Diaconal Minister Nancy Gable (Region Eight Coordinator for
Ministry Leadership)
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T H E P E N N S Y L VA N I A
COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
REPORT ON THE COUNCIL’S WORK IN 2011
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
In 2011 the Pennsylvania Council of Churches celebrated one hundred years of ecumenical witness and
service. October 25 was the day of the official celebration, with an ecumenical forum led by the Rev. Dr.
Michael Kinnamon and a festive worship service.
As part of the centennial observance, the Council commissioned a formal history of its last fifty years.
Available at www.pachurches.org (click on the “Centennial” tab), this latest volume of the Council's history
was written by the Rev. Dr. David A. Schattschneider, dean and professor of the history of Christianity
emeritus of Moravian Theological Seminary.
In addition to celebration, the centennial also began a process of reflection and evaluation as the Council
considers its future. Rooted in an understanding of conciliar ecumenism in which its member church bodies
“…seek to manifest their fellowship (koinonia) with one another, to engage in common ministries of witness
and service, and to advance towards the goal of visible unity,” the Council’s 2011 programs and ministries
have sought to express those commitments.
FELLOWSHIP
In 2011 the Council tried to build and sustain fellowship among the leaders of its member church bodies
by engaging in common worship and prayer at board meetings, encouraging leaders to share stories of their
coming to faith and their call to ministry, encouraging the sharing of both the opportunities offered by and
the concerns of member church bodies around Pennsylvania, and hosting an overnight gathering for religious
leaders at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College.
COMMON MINISTRIES OF WITNESS AND SERVICE
WITNESS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
Through its Commission on Public Witness and its public advocacy ministry, the Council witnessed on
behalf of social justice and for the common good. Highlights in 2011 include:





Continued promotion of “God’s Kingdom is for Everyone: Discussing Poverty in a
Christian Framework,” a four session study guide exploring poverty and ways Christians
can work toward addressing it;
Working with the Coalition for Low Income Pennsylvanians (CLIP) to protect funding
that helps to support millions of vulnerable Pennsylvanians with housing, hunger, child
care, employment training, etc.;
Education about the current and future implications of the Affordable Care Act for
Pennsylvanians;
Collaborating with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture; and
Promoting protection of public health and the environment in all aspects of Marcellus
Shale natural gas activities, and supporting an extraction fee that would support the
state’s efforts.
Information about these highlights and other activities, including the study guide on poverty, can
be found at www.pachurchesadvocacy.org.
MINISTRIES OF SERVICE
The Council supported local churches engaging in trucker and traveler ministry along a portion of I-80,
where a chaplain served along with volunteers and local church leaders. The Council also supported local
churches (in the Fruitbelt and in Chester County) engaged in ministry with migrant and seasonal farm
112
workers. Field chaplains and volunteers offer farm workers and their families worship services, spiritual
counseling, clothing and other material aid, assistance with immigration issues, emergency transportation for
medical care, translation services, emergency housing and food, and recreation.
For these ministries of service, the Pennsylvania Council of Churches provided management services,
coordination, and advocacy. The Council business office handled insurance, chaplains’ salaries, and expenses.
Designated funds and the funds raised by local committees meet the basic expenses of the program.
Unfortunately, funds designated for these ministries were exhausted by the end of 2011 and the Council’s
budget does not allow for allocating replacement funding. Starting in 2012, while the Council will still process
payroll for these ministries, all other support services will become the responsibility of the individual
ministries.
WITNESS AMONG PERSONS AT LEISURE
The Council also worked with local park ministry committees to assist in chaplain recruitment and program
administration. The annual training held just after the Memorial Day holiday ensured that chaplains were
equipped for their ministry and a mid-season retreat gave them opportunity to share experiences and further
hone skills. Twenty chaplains served campers in 33 state, federal, and private campgrounds.
CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR CHURCH WORKERS
The Council sponsored the final Pennsylvania State Pastors’ Conference, a three-day continuing education
event for clergy and other church workers. (The Board of Directors voted to “suspend” the event because of
dwindling attendance.) Planned by a committee of representatives from member bodies, the conference
focused on “Practical and Practiced Awe” and featured plenary presentations by the Rev. Dr. Anabel Proffitt
of Lancaster Theological Seminary and the Rev. Dr. John A. Berntsen, interim chaplain at Muhlenberg
College.
THE MINISTRY OF ADMINISTRATION
Officers for 2011 were the Rev. Dr. Marja Coons-Torn (Conference Minister, Penn Central Conference,
United Church of Christ), president; Bishop Gregory A. Pile (Allegheny Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America), vice-president; Elder Barbara Adams-Smelter (Synod of the Trinity, Presbyterian Church (USA)),
secretary; and Mr. David Hoffman, CPA (Susquehanna Conference, United Methodist Church), treasurer.
The Council ended 2011 with an operating deficit of nearly $100,550 (a deficit of $74,400 had been
projected). While careful management again held operating expenses under budget, financial support from
member church bodies was over $32,000 less than in 2010. Projections for 2012 and 2013 are equally bleak.
Finally, the Council serves as the “landlord” for the Pennsylvania United Church Center, an office complex
in suburban Harrisburg in which its offices are located. At present, all available space is occupied, with 19,500
square feet under lease to 24 tenants.
12-0124
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CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
OF THE
ALLEGHENY SYNOD
OF THE
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
IN AMERICA
Note: Paragraphs with only two (2) sets of numbers are part of the Constitution. Example:
S7.22. Paragraphs with three (3) sets of numbers are Bylaws. Example: S7.22.01. (Thus
appropriate Bylaws are placed close to their constitutional provision.) Continuing resolutions of
the Synod Council are in italics and are designated by a capital letter preceding the fourth set of
numbers and are in italics. Example: S11.01.10.A97.
+ denotes Required Provisions
updated as of April 2012
114
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1.
Name and Incorporation
page 116
Chapter 2.
Status
page 116
Chapter 3.
Territory
page 116
Chapter 4.
Confession of Faith
page 116-117
Chapter 5.
Nature of the Church
page 117
Chapter 6.
Statement of Purpose
page 118-122
Chapter 7.
Synod Assembly
page 122-124
Chapter 8.
Officers
page 124-130
Chapter 9.
Nominations and Elections
page 130-131
Chapter 10.
Synod Council
page 131-133
Chapter 11.
Committees
page 133-139
Chapter 12.
Conferences
page 139-140
Chapter 13.
Congregations
page 140-143
Chapter 14.
Ordained Ministers and Lay Rostered Ministers
page 143-147
Chapter 15.
Financial Matters
page 147-151
Chapter 16.
Indemnification
page 151-152
Chapter 17.
Adjudication
page 152-153
Chapter 18.
Amendments, Bylaws and Continuing
Resolutions
page 153-154
115
Chapter l.
Name and Incorporation
+S1.01.The name of this synod shall be the Allegheny Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America.
+S1.02.For the purposes of this constitution and the accompanying bylaws, the Allegheny Synod of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is hereafter designated as "this synod" or "the
synod."
+S1.11.This synod shall be incorporated. Amendments to the articles of incorporation of this synod
shall be submitted to the Church Council for ratification before filing.
+S1.21.The seal of this synod shall bear the year of its incorporation, 1986, and consists of an eightbranched tree growing out of water and entwined and upheld by the cross, all of which is
superimposed upon a map of the Allegheny Synod's territory.
Chapter 2.
Status
+S2.01.This synod possesses the powers conferred upon it, and accepts the duties and responsibilities
assigned to it, in the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America, which are recognized as having governing force in the life of
this synod.
+S2.02.The name Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA or “this church”) as used herein
refers in general references to this whole church, including its three expressions –
congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization. The name Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America is also the name of the corporation of the churchwide organization to
which specific references may be made herein.
+S2.03. No provision of this constitution shall be inconsistent with the constitution and bylaws of
this church.
Chapter 3.
Territory
+S3.01.The territory of this synod, as determined by the Churchwide Assembly, shall be the counties
of Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, Huntingdon, and Somerset in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
+S3.02."Determined by the Churchwide Assembly", as stipulated by +S3.01., is understood to
include the reported changes in synod relationship made by any congregation in a border area
agreed under ELCA bylaws 10.01.11. and 10.02.02..
Chapter 4.
Confession of Faith
+S4.01.This synod confesses the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
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+S4.02.This synod confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the Gospel as the power of God for
the salvation of all who believe.
a. Jesus Christ is the Word of God incarnate, through whom everything was made and
through whose life, death, and resurrection God fashions a new creation.
b. The proclamation of God's message to us as both Law and Gospel is the Word of God,
revealing judgment and mercy through word and deed, beginning with the Word in creation,
continuing in the history of Israel, and centering in all its fullness in the person and work of
Jesus Christ.
c. The canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the written Word
of God. Inspired by God's Spirit speaking through their authors, they record and announce
God's revelation centering in Jesus Christ. Through them God's Spirit speaks to us to create
and sustain Christian faith and fellowship for service in the world.
+S4.03.This synod accepts the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired
Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith, and life.
+S4.04.This synod accepts the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds as true declarations of the
faith of this synod.
+S4.05.This synod accepts the Unaltered Augsburg Confession as a true witness to the Gospel,
acknowledging as one with it in faith and doctrine all churches that likewise accept the teachings of
the Unaltered Augsburg Confession.
+S4.06.This synod accepts the other confessional writings in the Book of Concord, namely, the
Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles and the Treatise, the Small Catechism,
the Large Catechism, and the Formula of Concord, as further valid interpretations of the faith of the
Church.
+S4.07.This synod confesses the Gospel, recorded in the Holy Scriptures and confessed in the
ecumenical creeds and Lutheran confessional writings, as the power of God to create and sustain the
Church for God’s mission in the world.
Chapter 5.
Nature of the Church
+S5.01.All power in the Church belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ, its head. All actions of this synod
are to be carried out under his rule and authority.
+S5.02.The Church exists both as an inclusive fellowship and as congregations gathered for worship
and Christian service. Congregations find their fulfillment in the universal community of the Church,
and the universal Church exists in and through congregations.
This church, therefore, derives its character and powers both from the sanction and representation of
its congregations and from its inherent nature as an expression of the broader fellowship of the
faithful. In length, it acknowledges itself to be in the historic continuity of the communion of saints;
in breadth, it expresses the fellowship of believers and congregations in our day.
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Chapter 6.
Statement of Purpose
+S6.01.The Church is a people created by God in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, called and
sent to bear witness to God's creative, redeeming, and sanctifying activity in the world.
+S6.02.To participate in God’s mission, this synod as a part of the Church shall:
a. Proclaim God's saving Gospel of justification by grace for Christ's sake
through faith alone, according to the apostolic witness in the Holy Scripture, preserving and
transmitting the Gospel faithfully to future generations.
b. Carry out Christ's Great Commission by reaching out to all people to bring them to faith in
Christ and by doing all ministry with a global awareness consistent with the understanding of
God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier of all.
c. 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.
d. Worship God in proclamation of the Word and administration of the sacraments and
through lives of prayer, praise, thanksgiving, witness, and service.
e. Nurture its members in the Word of God so as to grow in faith and hope and love, to see
daily life as the primary setting for the exercise of their Christian calling, and to use the gifts
of the Spirit for their life together and for their calling in the world.
f. Manifest the unity given to the people of God by living together in the love of Christ and
by joining with other Christians in prayer and action to express and preserve the unity which
the Spirit gives.
+S6.03.To fulfill these purposes, this synod, in partnership with the churchwide organization, shall
bear primary responsibility for the oversight of the life and mission of this church in the
territory of this synod. In fulfillment of this role, this synod shall:
a. Provide for the pastoral care of congregations, ordained ministers, associates in ministry,
deaconesses, and diaconal ministers of this church in this synod, including:
1) approving candidates for the ordained ministry in cooperation with the
appropriate seminaries of this church, which may be done through
multi-synodical committees;
2) authorizing ordinations and ordaining on behalf of this church;
3) approving associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers
of this church, which may be done through multi-synodical
committees;
4) authorizing the commissioning of associates in ministry, the
consecration of deaconesses, and the consecration of diaconal ministers
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of this church; and
5) consulting in the calling process for ordained ministers, associates in
ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers.
b. Provide for leadership recruitment, preparation and support in accordance with
churchwide standards and policies, including:
1) nurturing and supporting congregations and lay
leaders;
2) seeking and recruiting qualified candidates for the rostered ministries
of this church;
3) making provision for pastoral care, call or appointment review, and
guidance;
4) encouraging and supporting persons on the rosters of this church in
stewardship of their abilities, care of self, and pursuit of continuing
education to undergird their effectiveness of service; and
5) supporting recruitment of leaders for this church's colleges,
universities, seminaries, and social ministry organizations.
c. Provide for discipline of congregations, ordained ministers, and persons on the official lay
rosters; as well as for termination of call, appointment, adjudication, and appeals consistent
with the procedures in Chapter 20 of the constitution of the churchwide organization.
d. Foster organizations for youth, women, and men, and
organizations for language or ethnic communities.
e. Plan for the mission of this church in the synod, initiating and developing policy and
implementing programs, consistent with churchwide policy, including:
1) ecumenical guidance and encouragement;
2) development of new ministries, redevelopment of existing ministries,
and support and assistance in the conclusion, if necessary, of a
particular ministry;
3) leadership and encouragement of congregations in their
evangelism efforts;
4) development of relationships to and participation in
planning for mission of social ministry organizations and
ministries;
5) encouragement of financial support for the work of this
church by individuals and congregations;
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6) provision for resources for congregational life;
7) assistance to the members of its congregations in carrying
out their ministries in the world; and
8) interpretation of social statements in a manner consistent with the
interpretation given by the churchwide unit which assisted in the
development of the statement, and suggestion of social study issues
through (a) Synod Assembly memorials to the Churchwide Assembly
or (b) resolutions for referral from the Synod Assembly through the
Synod Council to the Church Council and (c) Synod Council
resolutions addressed to the Church Council or for referral to a unit of
the Churchwide organization through the Church Council's Executive
Committee.
f. Promote interdependent relationships among congregations,
synods, and the churchwide organization, and enter into partnership with
other synods in the region.
g. Participate in churchwide programs and develop support for
the ministry of the churchwide organization.
h. Foster the grouping of congregations in conferences, clusters,
coalitions or other area subdivisions for mission purposes.
i. Support relationships with and provide partnership funding on behalf,
of colleges, universities, and campus ministries.
j. Foster relationships with and provide partnership funding on
behalf of social ministry organizations.
k. Maintain relationships with and provide partnership funding
on behalf of seminaries and continuing education centers.
l. Foster supporting relationships with camps and other outdoor
ministries.
m. Foster supporting relationships with preschools, elementary
schools, and secondary schools operated by congregations of the synod.
n. Interpret the work of this church to congregations and to the
public.
o. Respond to human need, work for justice and peace, care for
the sick and the suffering, and participate responsibly in society.
p. Provide for archives in conjunction with other synods.
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q. Cooperate with other synods and the churchwide organization in creating, using, and
supporting regions to carry out those functions of the synod which can best be done
cooperatively with other synods and the churchwide organization.
r. Elect members of the Churchwide Assembly in accordance
with bylaw 12.41.11. of the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America and according to procedures specified in the bylaws of this constitution.
S6.03.01.
For the purpose of electing voting members and alternates to the Churchwide
Assembly, the Conference Assemblies shall elect for nomination to the Synod Assembly, no
more than two nominees in each category as determined by the Synod Council, in accordance
with the notification received from the Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (12.41.11.). The Bishop of this Synod shall serve as an ex officio member of the
Churchwide Assembly (12.41.21.) Voting members and alternates allotted to the synod for
the Churchwide Assembly shall be elected by the Synod Assembly from the
entire ballot of conference nominees and from nominations in each category received from
the floor. No voting member, other than the Bishop, may serve more than two consecutive
full terms.
S6.03.02.
The Synod Council shall elect the delegate to the Region 8
steering committee.
+S6.04.Except as otherwise provided in this constitution and bylaws, the Synod Council shall
establish processes that will ensure that at least 60% of the members of the synod assemblies,
councils, committees, boards, and other organizational units shall be lay persons; and that, as
nearly as possible, 50% of the lay members of assemblies, councils, committees, boards, or
other organizational units shall be female and 50% shall be male; and that, where possible the
representation of ordained ministers shall be both male and female. This synod shall establish
a process that will enable it to reach a minimum goal that 10% of its assemblies, councils,
committees, boards, or other organizational units be persons of color and/or persons whose
primary language is other than English.
+S6.04.A01 It is the goal of this synod that 10% of the membership of synod assemblies, councils,
committees, boards and/or other organizational units be persons of color and/or persons
whose primary language is other than English.
+S6.04.B09. It is the goal of this synod that at least 10 percent of the voting members of the Synod
Assembly, Synod Council, committees, and organizational units of this synod be youth and
young adults. The Synod Council shall establish a plan for implementing this goal. For
purposes of the constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions of this synod, the term
“youth” means a voting member of a congregation who has not reached the age of 18 at the
time of election or appointment for service. The term “young adult” means a voting member
of a congregation between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of election or appointment for
service.
+S6.05.Each assembly, council, committee, board, commission, task force, or other body of this
synod or any synodical units shall be conclusively presumed to have been properly
constituted, and neither the method of selection nor the composition of any such assembly,
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council, committee, board, commission, task force, or other body may be challenged in a
court of law by any person or be used as the basis of a challenge in a court of law to the
validity or effect of any action or authorized by any such assembly, council, committee,
board, commission, task force, or other body.
+S6.06. References herein to the nature of the relationship between the three expressions of this
church – congregations, synods and the churchwide organization – as being interdependent or
as being in a partnership relationship describe the mutual responsibility of these expressions
in God’s mission and the fulfillment of the purposes of this church as described in this
chapter, and do not imply or describe the creation of partnerships, co-ventures, agencies, or
other legal relationships recognized in civil law.
Chapter 7.
Synod Assembly
+S7.01.This synod shall have a Synod Assembly, which shall be its highest legislative authority.
The powers of the Synod Assembly are limited only by the provisions in the Articles of
Incorporation, this constitution and bylaws, the assembly’s own resolutions, and the
constitutions and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
+S7.11.A regular meeting of the Synod Assembly shall be held at least biennially.
S7.12.
Special meetings of the Synod Assembly may be called by the bishop with the
consent of the Synod Council, and shall be called by the bishop at the request of one-fifth of
the voting members of the Synod Assembly.
a. The notice of each special meeting shall define the purpose for which it is to be held. The
scope of actions to be taken at such a special meeting shall be limited to the subject matter(s)
described in the notice.
b. If the special meeting of the Synod Assembly is for the purpose of electing a successor
bishop because of death, resignation, or inability to serve, the special meeting shall be called
by the Synod Council after consultation with the presiding bishop of the Evangelical
S7.13.
S7.14.
Notice of the time and place of all meetings of the Synod Assembly shall be given by
the secretary of this synod.
One-half of members of the Synod Assembly shall constitute a quorum.
+S7.21.The membership of the Synod Assembly, of which at least 60% of the voting membership
shall be composed of lay persons, shall be constituted as follows:
a. All ordained ministers on the roster of this synod in attendance at the Synod Assembly
shall be voting members.
b. All associates in ministry, deaconesses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,
and diaconal ministers, under call, on the official lay rosters of this synod shall have both
voice and vote as lay voting members in the Synod Assembly, in addition to the voting
membership of lay members of congregations provided in item +S7.21.c.
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c. A minimum of one lay member elected by each congregation with fewer than 175
baptized members and a minimum of two lay members elected by each congregation with
175 or more baptized members related to this synod, normally one of whom shall be male
and one of whom shall be female, shall be voting members. The Synod Council shall
establish a formula to provide additional lay representation from congregations on the basis
of number of baptized members in the congregation. The Synod Council shall seek to ensure
that, as nearly as possible, 50 percent of the lay members of the assembly shall be female and
50 percent shall be male. Additional members from each congregation normally shall be
equally divided between male and female.
d. Voting membership shall include the officers of this synod.
S7.22.
The synod may establish processes that permit retired ordained ministers, retired
associates in ministry, retired deaconesses, and retired diaconal ministers on the rosters of
this synod to serve as voting members of the Synod Assembly, consistent with
S7.21.c.
above.
S7.23. All retired ordained ministers, all ordained ministers on leave from call, all associates in
ministry on leave from call or retired, all deaconesses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America on leave from call or retired, and all diaconal ministers of this church on leave from
call or retired, all of whose names appear on the rosters of this synod, shall have the privilege
of voice and vote at all meetings of the Synod Assembly. The presiding bishop of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and such other official representatives of this
church as may be designated from time to time by the Church Council shall also have voice
but not vote in the meetings of the Synod Assembly. Like privileges shall be accorded to
those additional persons whom the Synod Assembly shall from time to time designate.
S7.24.
Ordained ministers under call on the roster of this synod shall remain as members of
the Synod Assembly so long as they remain under call and so long as their names appear on
the roster of ordained ministers of this synod. Associates in ministry, deaconesses of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and diaconal ministers of this church serving under
call on the roster of this synod shall remain as members of the Synod Assembly so long as
they remain under call and so long as their names appear on the official lay roster of this
synod. Lay members of the Synod Assembly representing congregations shall continue as
such until replaced by the election of new members or until they have been disqualified by
termination of membership. Normally, congregations will hold elections prior to each
regular meeting of the Synod Assembly.
+S7.25.
Except as otherwise provided in this constitution or in the Constitution, Bylaws, and
Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, each voting member
of the Synod Assembly shall be a voting member of a congregation of this synod.
S7.26.
This synod may establish processes through the Synod Council that permit
representatives of mission settings formed with the intent of becoming chartered
congregations and authorized worshiping communities of the synod, which have been
authorized under ELCA bylaw 10.02.03., to serve as voting members of the Synod Assembly,
consistent with +S7.21.. Authorized worshiping communities, acknowledged under criteria,
policies, and procedures approved by the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
123
in America, shall accept and adhere to the Confession of Faith and Statement of Purpose of
this church, shall be served by leadership under the criteria of this church, and shall be subject
to the discipline of this church.
S7.27.
Duly elected voting members of the Synod Council who are not otherwise voting
members of the Synod Assembly under +S7.21. shall be granted the privilege of both voice
and vote as members of the Synod Assembly.
S7.27.01.
The Allegheny Synod Lutheran Youth Organization shall elect annually one youth
representative from each conference to the Allegheny Synod Assembly, and each youth
representative shall have the privilege of voice and vote.
+S7.31.
Proxy and absentee voting shall not be permitted in the transaction of any business of
this synod.
+S7.32.
Robert's Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern parliamentary procedure of the
Synod Assembly, unless otherwise ordered by the assembly.
S7.33.
“Ex officio” as used herein means membership with full rights of voice and vote
unless otherwise expressly limited.
Chapter 8.
+S8.01.
Officers
The officers of this synod shall be a bishop, a vice president, a secretary, and a
treasurer.
S8.10. Bishop
+S8.11.
The bishop shall be elected by the Synod Assembly. The bishop shall be a pastor
who is an ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
+S8.12.
As this synod's pastor, the bishop shall be an ordained minister of Word and
Sacrament who shall:
a. Preach, teach, and administer the sacraments in accord with the faith of this church.
b. Have primary responsibility for the ministry of Word and Sacrament in this synod and its
congregations, providing pastoral care and leadership for this synod, its congregations, its
ordained ministers, and its other rostered leaders.
c. Exercise solely this church’s power to ordain (or provide for the ordination by another
Synodical Bishop of) approved candidates who have received and accepted a properly issued,
duly attested letter of call for the office of ordained ministry (and as provided in the bylaws
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America).
d. Commission (or provide for the commissioning of) approved candidates who have
received and accepted a properly issued, duly attested letter of call for service as associates in
ministry; consecrate (or provide for the consecration of) approved candidates who have
received and accepted a properly issued, duly attested letter of call for service as
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deaconesses; and consecrate (or provide for the consecration of) approved candidates who
have received and accepted a properly issued, duly attested letter of call for service as
diaconal ministers of this church.
e. Attest letters of call for persons called to serve congregations in this synod, letters of call
for persons called by the Synod Council, and letters of call for persons on the rosters of this
synod called by the Church Council.
f. Install (or provide for the installation of):
1) the pastors of all congregations of this synod
2) ordained ministers called to extra parish service within this synod; and
3) persons serving in the other rostered ministries within this synod.
g. Exercise leadership in the mission of this church and in so doing:
1) Interpret and advocate the mission and theology of the whole church;
2) Lead in fostering support for and commitment to the mission of this
church within this synod;
3) Coordinate the use of the resources available to this synod as it seeks to
promote the health of this church’s life and witness in the areas served
by this synod;
4) Submit a report to each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly
concerning this synod’s life and work; and
5) Advise and counsel this synod’s related institutions and organizations.
h. Practice leadership in strengthening the unity of the Church and in so doing:
1) Exercise oversight of the preaching, teaching, and administration of the
sacraments within this synod in accord with the Confession of Faith of
this church;
2) Be responsible for administering the constitutionally established
processes for the resolution of controversies and for the discipline of
ordained ministers, other rostered leaders, and congregations of this
synod;
3) Be the chief ecumenical officer of this synod;
4) Consult regularly with other synodical bishops and the Conference of
Bishops;
5) Foster awareness of other churches throughout the Lutheran world
communion and, where appropriate, engage in contact with leaders of
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those churches;
6) Cultivate communion in faith and mission with appropriate Christian
judicatory leaders functioning within the territory of this synod; and
7) Be an ex-officio member of the Churchwide Assembly.
i. Oversee and administer the work of this synod and in so doing:
1) Serve as the president of the synod corporation and be the chief
executive and administrative officer of this synod, who is authorized
and empowered, in the name of this synod, to sign deeds or other
instruments and to affix the seal of this synod;
2) Preside at all meetings of the Synod Assembly and provide for the
preparation of the agenda for the Synod Assembly, Synod Council, and
the council’s Executive Committee;
3) Ensure that the constitution and bylaws of the synod and of the
churchwide organization are duly observed within this synod, and that
the actions of the synod in conformity wherewith are carried into
effect;
4) Exercise supervision over the work of the other officers;
5) Coordinate the work of all synodical staff members;
6) Appoint all committees for which provision is not otherwise made;
7) Be a member of all committees and any other organizational units of
the synod, except as otherwise provided in this constitution;
8) Provide for preparation and maintenance of synodical rosters
containing:
a) the names and addresses of all ordained ministers of this synod and a
record of the calls under which they are serving or the date on which they
become retired or disabled; and
b) the names and addresses of all other rostered persons of this synod and a
record of the positions to which they have been called or the date on which
they become retired or disabled;
9) Annually bring to the attention of the Synod Council the names of all
rostered persons on leave from call or engaged in approved graduate
study in conformity with the constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions of
this church and pursuant to prior action of this synod through the Synod Council;
10) Provide prompt reporting to the secretary of this church of:
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a) additions to and subtractions from the rosters of this synod and the register
of congregations;
b) the issuance of a certificate of transfer for rostered persons in good
standing who have received and accepted a properly issued, duly attested,
regular letter of call under the jurisdiction of another synod; and
c) the entrance of the names of such persons for whom proper certificates of
transfer have been received;
11) Provide for preparation and maintenance of a register of the
congregations of this synod and the names of the laypersons who have
been elected to represent them; and
12) Appoint a statistician of this synod, who shall secure the parochial
reports of the congregations, and make the reports available to the
secretary of this church for collation, analysis, and distribution of the
statistical summaries to this synod and the other synods of this church.
S8.14.
+S8.15
+S8.16
The bishop may have such assistants as this synod shall from time to time authorize.
The presiding bishop of this church, or the appointee of the presiding bishop, shall
install into office, in accord with the policy and approved rite of this church, each newly
elected synodical bishop.
Conflicts of Interest
+S8.16.01.The following procedures shall govern matters of potential conflicts of interest for
synodical bishops:
a. Whenever a synodical bishop determines that a matter of the kind described in
+S8.16.01.b. may require his or her determination or action with respect to a related
individual as defined in +S8.16.01.c., the synodical bishop shall withdraw from personal
involvement in such matter and shall so notify the presiding bishop. The presiding
bishop shall then appoint another synodical bishop from the same region to handle the
matter to conclusion. In dealing with such matter, the appointed bishop shall exercise all
of the functions and authority to the same extent as if the appointed bishop were the
elected bishop of the withdrawing bishop’s synod.
b. Matters include any proceedings under Chapter 20, proceedings under provision 7.46. of
the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (+S14.13.), candidacy, reinstatement, and similar matters where
determinations or actions by the synodical bishop could change, limit, restrict, approve,
authorize, or deny the related individual’s ministry on one of the official rosters of this
church.
c. A related individual is one who, with respect to the synodical bishop, is a spouse, parent,
son, daughter, sibling, uncle, aunt, nice, nephew, grandparent, grandchild, or in-law
(parent, son, daughter, or sibling of spouse, spouse of a sibling, or the parent or sibling of
the spouse of a sibling).
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S8.20. Vice president
+S8.21.
The vice president shall be elected by the Synod Assembly. The vice president shall
be a layperson. The vice president shall be a voting member of a congregation of this synod.
The vice president shall not receive a salary for the performance of the duties of the office.
S8.22. The vice president shall chair the Synod Council.
S8.23. In the event of the death, resignation, or disability of the bishop, the vice president, after
consultation with the presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, shall
convene the Synod Council to arrange for the conduct of the duties of the bishop until a new
bishop shall be elected or, in the case of temporary disability, until the bishop resumes full
performance of the duties of the office.
S8.30.
+S8.31.
+S8.32.
Secretary
The secretary shall be elected by the Synod Assembly. The secretary shall be a voting
member of a congregation of this synod. The secretary may be either a lay person or an
ordained minister.
The secretary shall:
a. Keep the minutes of all meetings of the Synod Assembly, be responsible for the printing
and distribution of such minutes, and perform such other duties as this synod may from time
to time direct.
b. Be authorized and empowered, in the name of this synod, to attest all instruments which
require the same, and which are signed and sealed by the bishop.
c. In consultation with the bishop, classify and arrange all important papers and documents
and deposit them in the archives of this synod.
d. Submit to the secretary of this church at least nine months before each regular
Churchwide Assembly a certified list of the voting members elected by the Synod Assembly.
S8.40. Treasurer
+S8.41.
The treasurer may be elected by the Synod Assembly or may be appointed by the
Synod Council. The treasurer shall be a voting member of a congregation of this synod. The
treasurer may be either a lay person or an ordained minister.
S8.42. The treasurer shall provide and be accountable for:
a. Management of the monies and accounts of this synod, its deeds, mortgages, contracts,
evidences of claims and revenues, and trust funds, holding the same at all times subject to the
order of this synod.
b. Investment of funds upon the authorization of the Synod Council.
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c. Receipt and acknowledgment of offerings, contributions, and bequests made to this synod,
collecting interest and income from its invested funds, and paying regular appropriations and
orders on the several accounts as approved and directed by the Synod Council. The treasurer
shall transmit each month to the treasurer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America the
funds received by this synod for the general work of this church.
d. Maintenance of a regular account with each congregation of this synod and informing the
congregation, at least quarterly, of the status of this account.
e. Rendering at each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly a full, detailed, and duly
audited report of receipts and disbursements in the several accounts of this synod for the
preceding fiscal year, together with the tabulation, for record and publication in the minutes,
of the contributions from the congregations.
f. Giving of corporate surety in the amount determined by the Synod Council, which shall be
in the custody of the secretary, and the premium therefore shall be paid by this synod.
Fidelity coverage provided by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America shall be deemed
a fulfillment of this requirement.
S8.50. General Provisions
+S8.51.
The terms of office of the officers of this synod shall be:
a. The bishop of this synod shall be elected to a term of six years and may be reelected.
b. The vice president and secretary of this synod shall be elected to a term of four (4) years
and may be reelected.
c. The treasurer of this synod shall be [elected][appointed] to a four (4)-year term and may
be reelected or reappointed.
S8.52. The terms of the officers shall begin on the first day of the 3rd calendar month following
election or, in special circumstances, at a time designated by the Synod Council.
+S8.53.
Each officer shall be a voting member in a congregation of this synod, except that the
bishop need not be a member of a congregation of this synod at the time of election.
+S8.54.
Should the bishop die, resign, or be unable to serve, the vice president, after
consultation with the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, shall
convene the Synod Council to arrange for the appropriate care of the responsibilities of the
bishop until an election of a new bishop can be held or, in the case of temporary disability,
until the bishop is able to serve again. Such arrangements may include the appointment by
the Synod Council of an interim bishop, who during the vacancy or period of disability shall
possess all of the powers and authority of a regularly elected bishop. The term of the
successor bishop, elected by the next Synod Assembly or a special meeting of the Synod
Assembly called for the purpose of election, shall be six years, with the subsequent election
to take place at the Synod Assembly closest to the expiration of such a term and with the
starting date of a successor term to be governed by constitutional provision S8.52.
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S8.55. Should the vice president, secretary, or treasurer die, resign, or be unable to serve, the Synod
Council shall arrange for the appropriate care of the responsibilities of the officer until an
election of a new officer can be held or, in the case of temporary disability, until the officer is
able to serve again. The term of the successor officer, elected by the next Synod Assembly,
shall be four years.
+S8.56.
The Executive Committee of the Synod Council shall determine whether an officer is
unable to serve; the officer may appeal the decision of the Executive Committee by
requesting a hearing before the Synod Council. A meeting to determine the ability of an
officer to serve shall be called upon the request of at least three members of the Executive
Committee, and prior written notice of the meeting shall be given to the officer in question at
least ten calendar days prior to the meeting.
+S8.57.
The recall or dismissal of an officer may be effected in accordance with the procedure
established by the Committee on Appeals of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
+S8.58.If the bishop is to be temporarily absent from the synod for an extended period, the bishop,
with the consent of the Synod Council, may appoint as acting bishop for such period an
ordained minister of this church. Except as limited by action of the Synod Council, an acting
bishop shall possess all of the powers and authority of a regularly elected bishop other then
authority to ordain or to authorize the ordination of properly approved candidates for
ordination.
Chapter 9.
Nominations and Elections
+S9.01. The Synod Assembly shall elect such officers of this synod and such other persons as the
constitution and bylaws may require, according to procedures set forth in the bylaws.
+S9.02. In all elections by the Synod Assembly, other than for the bishop, a majority of the legal
votes cast shall be necessary for election.
S9.03. There shall be a Nominating Committee consisting of one member from each of this synod's
conferences and three members-at-large who shall be appointed by the Synod Council to
serve for each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. Additional nominations may be made
from the floor for all elections for which nominations are made by the Nominating
Committee.
S9.04. The bishop shall be elected by the Synod Assembly by ecclesiastical ballot. Three-fourths of
the votes cast shall be necessary for election on the first ballot. If no one is elected, the first
ballot shall be considered the nominating ballot. Three-fourths of the votes cast on the second
ballot shall be necessary for election. The third ballot shall be limited to the seven persons
(plus ties) who received the greatest number of votes on the second ballot, and two-thirds of
the votes cast shall be necessary for election. The fourth ballot shall be limited to the three
persons (plus ties) who receive the greatest number of votes on the third ballot, and 60% of
the votes cast shall be necessary for election. On subsequent ballots a majority of the votes
cast shall be necessary for election. These ballots shall be limited to the two persons (plus
ties) who receive the greatest number of votes on the previous ballot.
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S9.05. The Nominating Committee shall nominate at least one person for vice president; additional
nominations may be made from the floor so long as the nominee has given his or her prior
consent to such nomination.
S9.06. The Synod Council shall nominate at least one person for secretary; additional nominations
may be made from the floor so long as the nominee has given his or her prior consent to such
nomination.
S9.07. The Synod Council shall nominate at least two persons for treasurer; additional nominations
may be made from the floor.
S9.08. In all elections, except for the bishop, the names of the persons
receiving the highest number of legal votes, but not elected by a majority of legal votes cast
on a preceding ballot, shall be entered on the next ballot to the number of two for each
vacancy unfilled. On any ballot when only two names appear, a majority of the legal votes
cast shall be necessary for election.
S9.09. The result of each ballot in every election shall be presented in detail to the assembly.
S9.11. The Synod Council shall elect or appoint representatives to the
steering committee of its region.
+S9.12. Background checks and screening shall be required and completed for persons nominated as
synodical officers prior to their election, if possible, or as soon as practical after their election.
The specific procedures and timing of background checks and screening shall be determined
by the Synod Council.
Chapter 10.
Synod Council
+S10.01. The Synod Council consisting of the four officers of the synod, 10 to 24 other members,
and at least one youth and at least one young adult, shall be elected by the Synod Assembly.
a. Each person elected to the Synod Council shall be a voting member of a congregation of
this synod, with the exception of ordained ministers on the roster of this synod who reside
outside the territory of this synod. The process for election and the term of office when not
otherwise provided shall be specified in the bylaws. A member of the Church Council of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, unless otherwise elected as a voting member of the
Synod Council, may serve as an advisory member of the Synod Council with voice but not
vote.
b. The term of office of members of the Synod Council, with the exception of the officers
and the youth member, shall be three years.
S10.01.01.
There shall be a Synod Council consisting of the four officers of the synod, twelve
members-at-large, and one youth, to be elected by the Synod Assembly from a slate of
nominees chosen by the Nominating Committee. Congregations may submit nominations to
the Nominating Committee. The person elected to the youth position shall be elected to a
two-year term.
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S10.01.02.
The terms for the members of the Synod Council shall be for three years, with one
third of the terms expiring each year. No member shall serve more than two consecutive
terms, and partial terms shall be considered as a full term.
S10.01.05.
The member representing youth on the Synod Council shall be at least fifteen years of
age and shall not be older than twenty-one years of age at the time of his or her election.
+S10.02.
The Synod Council shall be the board of directors of this synod and shall serve as its
interim legislative authority between meetings of the Synod Assembly. It may make
decisions which are not in conflict with actions taken by the Synod Assembly or which are
not precluded by provisions of this constitution or the constitution and bylaws of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
S10.03.
The functions of the Synod Council shall be to:
a. Exercise trusteeship responsibilities on behalf of this synod.
b. Recommend program goals and budgets to the regular meetings of the Synod Assembly.
c. Carry out the resolutions of the Synod Assembly.
d. Provide for an annual review of the roster of ordained ministers and of other official
rosters, receive and act upon appropriate recommendations regarding those persons whose
status is subject to reconsideration and action under the constitution and bylaws of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and make a report to the Synod Assembly of the
Synod Council’s actions in this regard.
e. Issue letters of call to ordained ministers and letters of call to associates in ministry,
deaconesses, and diaconal ministers as authorized by Chapter 7 of the constitution and
bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
f. Fill vacancies until the next regular meeting of the Synod Assembly except as may
otherwise be provided in the constitution or bylaws of this synod, and determine the fact of
the incapacity of an officer of this synod.
g. Report its actions to the regular meeting of the Synod Assembly.
h. Perform such other functions as are set forth in the bylaws of this synod, or as may be
delegated to it by the Synod Assembly.
S10.04. Any proposal to appropriate funds, whether by amendment to the budget or otherwise,
which is presented to a meeting of the Synod Assembly without the approval of the Synod
Council shall require a two-thirds vote for adoption.
S10.05. No elected member of the Synod Council shall receive compensation for such service.
S10.06. If a member of the Synod Council ceases to meet the requirements of the position to which
she or he was elected, the office filled by such member shall at once become vacant.
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S10.07. The composition of the Synod Council, the number of its members, and the manner of their
selection, as well as the organization of the Synod Council, its additional duties and
responsibilities, and the number of meetings to be held each year shall be as set forth in the
bylaws.
S10.07.01.
The Synod Council shall meet at least quarterly.
Chapter 11.
Committees (names of other organizational units)
+S11.01. There shall be an Executive Committee, a Consultation Committee, a Committee on
Discipline, a Mutual Ministry Committee, an Audit Committee, and such other committees as
this synod may from time to time determine. The duties and functions of such committees, or
any other organizational units created by this synod, and the composition and organizational
structure of such units, shall be as set forth in this constitution or in the bylaws or continuing
resolutions, and shall be subject to any applicable provisions or requirements of the
constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
S11.01.01.
The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers of this synod and one member
at large elected from the Synod Council.
a. The executive Committee shall be subordinate to the Synod Council, assuring that all
necessary support information is available prior to the meeting of the council.
b. The Executive Committee shall be subordinate to the Synod Council and shall not make
decisions which are in conflict with the will of the council or that are precluded by the synod
constitution and bylaws or the actions of the Synod Assembly.
c. The Executive Committee may act on behalf of the Synod Council in emergency
situations.
d. The Executive Committee shall perform such other functions as are set forth in the
constitution and bylaws of this synod or as may be delegated to it by the Synod Council.
S11.01.02.
Constitution and Bylaws Committee -- which shall consist of no more than seven
persons.
a. This committee shall review the constitution and bylaws annually and make
recommendations to Synod council if changes are needed.
b. This committee shall see that changes are made to the constitution and bylaws as
mandated by the church wide assembly.
c. This committee shall review the constitution and bylaws annually to see that all is in
compliance with mandates of the Evangelical Church in America and is supportive of the
ministries of this synod.
d. This committee shall review constitutions and bylaws of congregations and make
recommendations to the respective congregation if such is not in conformance with the
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S11.01.10.
This synod shall provide for the following administrative
functions:
a. Finance -- concerning the business administration of the synod in such areas as:
1) Preparation of the synod’s program proposal for each year;
2) Accounting and data processing, office management, and business
policies;
3) Resource development.
b. Assembly -- as specified in chapter seven.
c. Nominations -- as specified in S9.03.
S11.01.10.A97
There shall be a Finance Committee
a. whose purpose will be to provide for the following administrative functions, such as:
1) preparation of the synod’s program proposal for
each year;
2) accounting and data processing, office management, and business
policies;
3) resource development
b. which shall have between eight and twelve members with an attempt to have at least one
member from each conference.
c. which shall have the Synod Treasurer as an ex-officio member of this committee.
S11.01.20.
The Synod shall provide for the following ministries to and with
congregations which shall include but not be limited to:
a. Worship;
b. Evangelism;
c. Christian education;
d. Stewardship;
e. Social Ministry.
S11.01.20.B97
There shall be a Congregational Ministries Committee
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a. whose primary purpose is to support and equip congregations for ministry in their local
settings. This task shall be accomplished primarily by coordinating and guiding the work of
ministry teams, the chairman of each shall make up the membership of the Congregational
Ministries Committee. Ministry teams represented shall include, but not be limited to:
1) Christian Education
2) Evangelism
3) Parish Health Ministries
4) Social Ministry
5) Stewardship
6) Worship and Music.
b. Toward fulfillment of the Allegheny Synod’s commitment to recognize and encourage
special ministries, the Congregational Ministries Committee shall also recognize, encourage,
support, and relate to ministries which share its mission to support and equip congregations
for ministry in their local settings. Such special ministries shall include, but not be limited
to
1) Synodical Men’s Organization
2) Synodical Women’s Organization
3) Synod Youth Committee.
c. The Congregational Ministries Committee shall have a liaison from the Synod Council.
The Synod Resource Library Coordinator shall also be a member of this committee. Other
members may be appointed as appropriate to the faithful fulfillment of its purpose. The
chairperson of the Congregational Ministries Committee, appointed by the Synod Council,
shall not serve as chairperson of any of the committee’s ministry teams.
S11.01.21.
This Synod shall provide for ministries to and with partner
organizations which shall include but not be limited to the following:
a. Partners on the territory of the synod;
b. Partners on the territory of the region;
c. Churchwide partners.
S11.01.21.C97
There shall be a Synod Outreach Committee
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a. which shall lift up and encourage support of ecumenical and intersynodical relations,
global missions, Region 8, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the partner
ministries of this synod, and church in society issues.
b. which shall have the following standing ministry teams:
1) Partnership Ministries which shall
a) lift up the concerns of all the partner agencies and organizations of this
synod,
b) engage in dialog with each partner and provide opportunities for dialog
among partners,
c) submit an annual program proposal for monies to be allocated to synod
partners;
2) Global Mission which shall
a) raise the synod’s awareness of the global dimensions of the church,
b) promote support for the global work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus
Christ,
c) submit an annual program proposal for monies to be allocated for global
mission;
3) Church in Society which shall lift concern for and work in areas of
peace, justice, environment, ecology, and health issues.
And which shall assist the Bishop in ecumenical concerns at the Bishop’s discretion,
and take as their responsibility any ministries or programs of Region 8, the Division
for Outreach and the church at large which are not the responsibility of any other
synodical committee.
S11.01.22.
This synod shall provide for ministries to and with leaders of this synod which shall
include but not be limited to the following:
a. Pastors;
b. Associates in Ministry;
c. Diaconal ministers;
d. Lay leaders;
e. Candidates for ministry -- as specified in S6.03.;
f. Synodically Authorized Ministers.
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S11.01.22.D97
There shall be a Candidacy Committee
a. which is related to the Leadership Committee for purposes of ministry support but is under
the direction of the Bishop and Synod Council.
b. which shall have ten members appointed to Synod Council. No committee member shall
serve for more than six consecutive years.
c. whose operational process of this committee shall be as follows:
1) receive the Congregational Registration of potential candidates for
ordained or certified ministry,
2) receive information from and screen all candidates,
3) endorse each potential candidate for the appropriate preparatory
program of studies,
4) review each potential candidate prior to final endorsement,
5) provide ongoing support and guidance to endorsed candidates and
receive reports on their progress, and
6) during the candidate’s last year of studies grant approval for (or deny)
ordination or certification.
d. after careful review, withdraw the endorsement of a candidate not deemed to be making
satisfactory progress.
e. select one of its members to be a member of and liaison to the Leadership Committee.
S11.01.22.E97
There shall be a Leadership Committee
a. to provide counsel and guidance to the Synod’s ministry to and with leaders of this Synod.
b. which shall be composed of representatives from among active and retired pastors and
Associates in Ministry, pastors serving under special call, authorized lay leaders and a liaison
member of the Candidacy Committee.
c. whose members shall be chosen for their interest in and their ability to lead specific
ongoing ministry teams, via, Retired Leaders, Continuing Education, Sequanota Experience
for Leaders and their Families (SELF), Compensation and Benefits, Authorized Lay Leaders,
Spiritual Retreats, Associates in Ministry and Diaconal Ministry, First Call Theological
Education, Special Call Pastors, and The Bishop’s Convocation.
d. whose tasks addressed by each ministry team, although largely self-generated, shall be
responsive to suggestions made by the ELCA, Region 8, the Bishop, Synod Council, and
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other members of the Leadership Committee. Meetings of the Leadership Committee shall
provide a forum for the sharing of tasks being addressed by each ministry team, and for the
negotiation of projected budgetary needs.
S11.01.23.
This synod shall recognize and encourage special ministries, such as youth, scouts,
women, men, and other emphases that arise from time to time.
S11.01.30.
Common Rules of Procedure for Synod Committees
S11.01.31.
The Synod Council shall give direction and make all appointments to each
administrative and ministry committee. Each committee shall have at least three (3)
members (unless otherwise indicated in these bylaws) with attention given to
representation from all conferences in committee appointments. The chairperson of each
administrative and ministry committee shall be appointed by the Synod Council.
Appointments shall generally be made at the first council meeting following the annual
Assembly.
S11.01.32.
Terms shall not exceed three (3) years and shall begin upon notification of
appointment and end as indicated in the appropriate notice. Each appointee shall be
notified of appointment and term by the synod secretary.
S11.01.33.
Each committee shall
a. record minutes of meetings and activities which shall be shared with the Synod Council
and the office of the bishop;
b. submit to the committee responsible for finance its anticipated budgetary needs for the
next year’s Program Proposal, breaking the request down into line items;
c. submit a report to the Synod Assembly.
S11.01.34.
In the event that a committee member is absent without an appropriate reason for
three consecutive committee meetings, that member’s position shall be considered vacant.
Another person will be appointed by the Synod Council for the remainder of the term.
+S11.02.
The Consultation Committee of this synod shall consist of at least six persons and not
more than 12 persons, of whom half shall be ordained ministers and half shall be lay
persons, who shall each be elected by the Synod Assembly for a term of six years without
consecutive reelection. The functions of the Consultation Committee are set forth in
Chapter 20 of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America and in Chapter 17 of this Constitution. The size of the
Consultation Committee, in accord with this provision, shall be defined in this synod’s
bylaws.
+S11.03.
The Committee on Discipline of this synod shall consist of 12 persons of whom six
shall be ordained ministers and six shall be laypersons, who shall each be elected by the
Synod Assembly for a term of six years without consecutive reelection.
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a. The functions of the Committee on Discipline of this synod are set forth in Chapter 20
of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America.
b. The terms of committee members shall be staggered so that the terms of four
committee members (two clergy and two lay) expire every two years.
c. The Synod Council shall fill vacancies on the Committee on Discipline for any
unexpired term.
+S11.04.
The Mutual Ministry Committee shall be appointed by the Executive
Committee of the Synod Council to provide support and counsel to the bishop.
+S11.05. The Audit Committee of this synod shall consist of three to six persons, none of whom are
members of the synod staff. Up to half of the committee members may be Synod Council
members. The Audit Committee members shall be elected by the Synod Council for a term
of three years and be eligible for re-election to a second consecutive three-year term. The
terms of the Audit Committee members shall be staggered. The Audit Committee shall be
responsible for assisting the Synod Council in fulfilling its general oversight of the synod’s
accounting, financial reporting, internal control systems, and external audit processes as
provided in +S15.31.
S11.05.10.
Any changes in the Continuing Resolutions implemented in the Synod Constitution
shall be reported annually at the Synod Assembly.
Chapter 12.
Conferences, Clusters, Coalitions or Other Area Subdivisions
+S12.01.
This synod may establish conferences, clusters, coalitions, area subdivisions, and
networks as appropriate within its territory and in collaboration with other synods and
partners as specified in the bylaws and continuing resolutions. The purpose of such groupings
shall be to foster interdependent relationships for missional purposes among congregations,
synods, the churchwide organization, and other partners.
S12.01.01.
Between the first day of each year and two months before
each annual Synod Assembly, the conferences established by
the Synod Assembly shall meet as the annual Conference
Assembly for the purpose of:
a. The election of officers;
b. The suggesting of names to the nominating committee for the elections to be held at the
next Synod Assembly;
c. To identify conference needs and to organize to meet those needs; and,
d. To provide for preparation for participation in the business of the Synod Assembly.
S12.01.02.
The voting representatives at the annual Conference Assembly shall be the same
persons elected to be delegates or alternates to the Synod Assembly.
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S12.01.03.
The officers of each conference shall consist of a Dean and a Secretary. The dean
shall be an ordained minister or an associate in ministry. A Conference Assembly may also
elect a Treasurer and other officers.
S12.01.04.
Each conference shall submit a report to the Synod Assembly through its dean, and,
if there is a conference treasury, include a summary of its treasury.
S12.01.05.
The terms of each elected officer shall be for two years, beginning and ending with
the adjournment of each annual Synod Assembly. Each officer may serve only two
consecutive full terms, with partial terms not being counted.
S12.01.06.
Conferences are encouraged to meet on other occasions. Non-voting visitors shall
always be welcome to attend Conference Assemblies.
S12.01.07.
The ordained ministers and the associates in ministry of each conference, or in
combinations of conferences, are encouraged to meet for the purpose of mutual support in
ministry, continuing education, fellowship, and worship.
S12.01.08.
Each conference which has a treasury shall have an annual audit of its treasurer's
records.
S12.02.09.
The Synod Assembly or the Synod Council shall assign each one of its
congregations to one of the conferences within its territory. A congregation may request
reassignment by submitting a request of its congregational council to the Synod Assembly
or Synod Council.
Chapter 13.
+S13.01.
Congregations
Each congregation, except those certified as congregations of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America by the uniting churches, prior to being listed in the register of
congregations of this synod, shall adopt the Model Constitution for Congregations or one
acceptable to this synod, which is not in contradiction to the constitution and bylaws of the
a. New congregations. A congregation newly formed by this church and any congregation
seeking recognition and reception by this church shall:
1) Accept the criteria for recognition, and reception as a congregation of
this church, fulfill the functions of the congregation, and accept the
governance provisions as provided in Chapter 9 of the ELCA
constitution and bylaws.
2) Adopt governing documents that include fully and without alterations
the Preamble, Chapter 1, where applicable, and all required provisions
of Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 in the Model
Constitution for Congregations consistent with requirements of the constitutions,
bylaws, and continuing resolutions of this church. Bylaws and continuing
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resolutions, appropriate for inclusion in these chapters and not in
conflict with these required provisions in the Model Constitution for
Congregations, the constitution of this synod, or the Constitution,
Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America, may be adopted as described in Chapters 16 and 18
of the Model Constitution for Congregations.
3) Accept the commitments expected of all congregations of the ELCA as
stated in *C6.01., *C6.02., and *C6.03., of the Model Constitution for
Congregations.
b. Congregations from another church body. If a congregation is a member of another
church body, the leaders of the congregation first should consult with the appropriate
authorities of that church body before taking action to leave its current church body. After
such consultation, leaders of the congregation should make contact with the ELCA synod
bishop or staff where the congregation is located.
c. Recognition and reception. Recognition and reception into this church of transferring or
independent congregations by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is based on the
judgment of the synod and action by the synod through the Synod Council and Synod
Assembly. The synod bishop shall provide for prompt reporting of such additions to the
secretary of this church for addition to the register of congregations.
S13.01.10.
Criteria for Recognition
S13.01.11.
The synod shall recognize those congregations which by their practice as well as
their governing documents:
a. preach the Word, administer the sacraments, and carry out God's mission;
b. accept this church's Confession of Faith;
c. agree to the purposes of this synod;
d. agree to call pastoral leadership from the clergy roster of this church in accordance with
the call procedures of this church except in special circumstances and with the approval of
the synodical bishop;
e. agree to be responsible for their life as a Christian community; and,
f. agree to support the life and work of this church.
+S13.02.
It shall be the responsibility of each congregation of this synod annually to choose
from among its voting members laypersons to serve as members of the Synod Assembly as
well as persons to represent it at meetings of any conference, cluster, coalition, or other area
sub-division of which it is a member. The number of persons to be elected by each
congregation and other qualifications shall be as prescribed in guidelines established by this
synod.
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S13.11.
When a pastor or when an associate in ministry, deaconess of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America, or deaconal minister of this church resigns, the Congregation
Council shall receive the letter of resignation, report it to the congregation, and at once notify
the bishop of this synod.
S13.12.
A congregation under financial obligation to its former pastor or associate in
ministry, deaconess of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or diaconal minister of
this church shall make satisfactory settlement of the obligation before calling a successor.
S13.13.01.
Each congregation treasury shall have an annual audit of its treasurers' records.
+S13.19. A congregation considering a relocation shall confer with the bishop of the synod in which
it is territorially located and the appropriate program unit of the churchwide organization
before any steps are taken leading to such action. The approval of the Synod Council shall
be received before any such action is effected.
+S13.20. A congregation considering development of an additional site to be used regularly for
worship shall confer with the bishop of the synod in which it is territorially located and the
appropriate program unit of the churchwide organization before any steps are taken leading
to such action.
S13.21.
The alignment of congregations in pastoral charges, and all alterations in any
alignment, shall be subject to approval by the Synod Assembly or by the Synod Council.
S13.22.
Each congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America within the
territory of this synod, except those which are in partnership with the Slovak Zion Synod,
shall establish and maintain a relationship with this synod.
+S13.23.
Provision 9.71. of the ELCA constitution shall govern the relationship of this synod
and a congregation of this synod regarding the property of the congregation. This synod may
transfer or convey property to a congregation of the synod, subject to restrictions accepted by
the congregation, including provision that if the Synod Council, in its sole and exclusive
discretion, determines (1) that the property is not being used to serve the mission and ministry
needs of this church, or (2) that the congregation has transferred, encumbered, mortgaged, or
in any way burdened or impaired any right, title, or interest in the property without the prior
approval of the Synod Council, then title to the property shall revert to the synod, and the
congregation, upon written demand, shall reconvey the property to the synod.
S13.24.
If any congregation of this synod has disbanded, or if the members of a
congregation agree that it is no longer possible for it to function as such, or if it is the opinion
of the Synod Council that the membership of a congregation has become so scattered or so
diminished in numbers as to make it impractical for such a congregation to fulfill the
purposes for which it was organized or that it is necessary for this synod to protect the
congregation’s property from waste and deterioration, the Synod Council itself, or through
trustees appointed by it, may take charge and control of the property of the congregation to
hold, manage, and convey the same on behalf of this synod. The congregation shall have the
right to appeal the decision to the Synod Assembly.
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S13.25.
This synod may temporarily assume administration of a congregation upon its
request or with its concurrence.
+S13.31.
Congregations and members of congregations are subject to discipline in
accordance with the provisions of Chapter 20 of the ELCA constitution and bylaws.
Chapter 14.
Ordained Ministers and Lay Rostered Ministers
+S14.01.
The time and place of the ordination of those persons
properly called to congregations or extraparish service of this synod shall be
authorized by the bishop of this synod.
+S14.02.
Consistent with the faith and practice of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America,
a.
Every ordained minister shall:
1) preach the Word;
2) administer the sacraments;
3) conduct public worship;
4) provide pastoral care; and,
5) speak publicly to the world in solidarity with the poor and oppressed, calling for
justice and proclaiming God’s love for the world.
b.
Each ordained minister with a congregational call shall, within the
congregation:
1) offer instruction, confirm, marry, visit the sick and distressed, and bury
the dead;
2) supervise all schools and organizations of the congregation;
3) install regularly elected members of the Congregation Council; and
4) with the council, administer discipline.
c.
Every pastor shall:
1) strive to extend the Kingdom of God in the community, in the nation, and abroad;
2) seek out and encourage qualified persons to prepare for the ministry of
the Gospel;
3) impart knowledge of this church and its wider ministry through distribution of its
periodicals and other publications; and,
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4) endeavor to increase the support given by the congregation to the work of the
ELCA churchwide organization and of this ELCA synod.
S14.03. The pastor shall be responsible to (a) keep accurate parochial records of all baptisms,
confirmations, marriages, burials, communicants, members received, members dismissed, or
members excluded from the congregation, (b) shall submit a summary of such statistics
annually to this synod, and (c) become a member of the congregation upon receipt and
acceptance of the letter of call. In a parish of multiple congregations, the pastor shall hold
membership in one of the congregations.
S14.04.
Whenever members of a congregation move to such a distance that regular attendance
at its services becomes impractical, it shall be the duty of the pastor to commend them, upon
their consent, to the pastoral care of a Lutheran congregation nearer to their place of
residence.
S14.05.
Each ordained minister on the roster of this synod shall submit a report of his or her
ministry to the bishop of the synod at least 90 days prior to each regular meeting of the Synod
Assembly.
+S14.11.
When a congregation of this church desires to call a pastor or a
candidate for the pastoral office in the ordained ministry of this church:
a. Each congregation of this synod shall consult the bishop of
this synod before taking any steps leading to the extending of a call to a prospective pastor.
b. For issuance of a letter of call to a pastor or pastoral
candidate by a congregation of this synod in accord with ELCA constitutional provision
7.41., a two-thirds majority ballot vote shall be required of members of the congregation
present and voting at a meeting regularly called for the purpose of issuing such a call.
c. When the congregation has voted to issue a call to a
prospective pastor, the letter of call shall be submitted to the bishop of this synod for the
bishop's signature.
S14.12.
No ordained minister shall accept a call without first conferring with the bishop of
this synod. An ordained minister shall respond with an answer of acceptance or declination
to a letter of call within thirty days of receipt of such call. In exceptional circumstances,
with the approval of the bishop of this synod and the chair of the Congregation Council of
the congregation issuing the call, an additional fifteen days may be granted to respond to a
letter of call.
+S14.13. a.
The call of a congregation, when accepted by a pastor,
shall constitute a continuing mutual relationship and commitment which, except in the case
of the death of the pastor, shall be terminated only following consultation with the synodical
bishop and for the following reasons:
1) mutual agreement to terminate the call, or the completion of a call for a
specific term;
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2) resignation of the pastor, which shall become effective, unless
otherwise agreed, 30 days after the date on which it was submitted;
3) inability to conduct the pastoral office effectively in that
congregation in view of local conditions, without reflection on the
competence or the moral and spiritual character of the pastor;
4) the physical or mental incapacity of the pastor;
5) disqualification of the pastor through discipline on grounds of doctrine,
morality, or continued neglect of duty;
6) the dissolution of the congregation or the termination of a parish arrangement; or
7) suspension of the congregation as a result of discipline proceedings.
b. When allegations of physical or mental incapacity of the
pastor or ineffective conduct of the pastoral office have come to the attention of the bishop of
the synod, the bishop in his or her sole discretion may, or when such allegations have been
brought to this synod's attention by an official recital of allegations by the Congregation
Council or by a petition signed by at least one-third of the voting members of the
congregation, the bishop shall, investigate such conditions personally in company with a
committee of two ordained ministers and one layperson.
c. In case of alleged physical or mental incapacity competent
Medical testimony shall be obtained. When such disability is evident, the bishop of this
synod with the advice of the committee shall declare the pastorate vacant. upon the
restoration of a disabled pastor to health, the bishop of this
synod shall take steps to enable the pastor to resume the ministry, either in the congregation
last served or in another field of labor.
d. In the case of alleged local difficulties that imperil the effective functioning of
the congregation, all concerned persons shall be heard, after which the bishop of this synod
together with the committee described in +S14.13.b. shall decide on the course of action to be
recommended to the pastor and the congregation. If they agree to carry out such
recommendations, no further action shall be taken by this synod. If either party fails to assent,
the congregation may dismiss the pastor at a legally called meeting after consultation with the
bishop, either (a) by a two-thirds majority vote of the voting members present and voting
where the bishop and the committee did not recommend termination of the call, or (b) by a
simple majority vote of the voting members present and voting where the bishop and the
committee recommended termination of the call.
e. If, in the course of proceedings described in +S14.13.d., the
committee concludes that there may be grounds for disciplinary action, the committee shall
make recommendations concerning disciplinary action to the synodical bishop who may
bring charges, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and bylaws of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the constitution of this synod.
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f. If, following the appointment of the committee described in
+S14.13.b. or d., it should become apparent that the pastoral
office cannot be conducted effectively in the congregation(s)
being served by the ordained minister due to local conditions,
the bishop of this synod may temporarily suspend the pastor
from service in the congregation(s) without prejudice and with
pay provided through a joint synodical and churchwide fund and
with housing provided by the congregation(s).
+S14.14.
Ordained ministers shall respect the integrity of the ministry of
congregations which they do not serve and shall not exercise
ministerial functions therein unless invited to do so by the
pastor, or if there is no duly, called pastor, then by the interim
pastor in consultation with the Congregation Council.
+S14.15.
The parochial records of all baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials,
communicants, members received, members transferred or dismissed, members who have
become inactive, or members excluded from the congregation shall be kept accurately and
permanently. They shall remain the property of each congregation. At the time of the
closure of a congregation, such records shall be sent to the regional archives. The secretary of
the congregation shall attest to the bishop of this synod that such records have been placed in
his or her hands in good order by a departing pastor before:
a. installation in another field of labor, or
b. the issuance of a certificate of dismissal or transfer.
+S14.16.
The pastor shall make satisfactory settlement of all financial
obligations to a former congregation before:
a. installation in another field of labor, or
b. the issuance of a certificate of dismissal or transfer.
+S14.17.
During service to a congregation, an interim pastor shall have the rights and duties in
the congregation of a regularly called pastor. The interim pastor may delegate the same in part
to an interim supply pastor with the consent of the bishop of this synod. The interim pastor and
any ordained ministers who may assist shall refrain from exerting influence in the selection of
a pastor. Upon completion of service, the interim pastor shall certify to the bishop of this
synod that the parochial records, for the period for which the interim pastor was responsible,
are in order.
+S14.18.
With the approval of the synodical bishop expressed in writing, which sets forth a
clear statement of the purpose to be served by such a departure from the normal rule of
permanency of the call as expressed in +S14.13., a congregation may call a pastor for a
specific term. Details of such calls shall be in writing, setting forth the purpose and conditions
involved. Prior to the completion of a term, the bishop of this synod or a representative of the
bishop shall meet with the pastor and representatives of the congregation for a review of the
146
call: Such call may also be terminated before its expiration in accordance with the provisions
of +S14.13.
S14.21.
All ordained ministers under a call shall attend meetings of the Synod Assembly, and
the pastors of congregations shall also attend the meetings of the conference, cluster, coalition,
or other area division to which the congregation belongs.
S14.30.
Official Rosters of Laypersons
+S14.31.
The provisions in the churchwide documents and such provisions as may be
developed by the Division for Ministry governing associates in ministry, deaconesses, and
diaconal ministers of this church shall apply in this synod.
a. When a congregation of this synod desires to call an associate in ministry, deaconess, or
diaconal minister or a candidate for these official rosters of laypersons of this church:
1) Such a congregation of this synod shall consult the synodical bishop
before taking any steps leading to extending such a call.
2) Issuance of such a letter of call shall be in accord with criteria, policies,
and procedures developed by the Division for Ministry, reviewed by the
Conference of Bishops, and adopted by the Church Council of the
3) When the congregation has voted to issue a call to an associate in
ministry, deaconess, or diaconal minister, the letter of call shall be
submitted to the bishop of this synod for the bishop’s signature.
b. An associate in ministry, deaconess, or diaconal minister shall confer with the bishop of
this synod before accepting a call within this synod.
c. The call of a congregation, when accepted by an associate in ministry, deaconess, or
diaconal minister, shall constitute a continuing mutual relationship and commitment which,
except in the case of the death of the individual, shall be terminated only following
consultation with the synodical bishop in accordance with policy developed by the Division
for Ministry, reviewed by the Conference of Bishops, and adopted by the Church Council of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
d. Associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers
on the roster of this synod who are serving under call shall attend meetings of the Synod
Assembly.
Chapter 15.
Financial Matters
+S15.01.
The fiscal year of this synod shall be February 1 through January 31.
+S15.11.
Since the congregations, synods, and churchwide organization are interdependent
units that share responsibly in God's mission, all share in the responsibility to develop,
implement, and strengthen the financial support program of the whole church. The gifts and
147
offerings of the members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are given to support
all parts of this church, and thus partnership in this church should be evidenced in determining
each part's share of the gifts and offerings.
Therefore:
a.
The mission of this church beyond the congregation is to be supported by such a proportionate
share of each congregation's annual budget as each congregation determines. This synod shall
develop guidelines for determining "proportionate share " and shall consult with
congregational leaders to assist each congregation in making its determination.
b.
This synod shall receive the proportionate share of the mission support from its
congregations, and shall transmit that percentage of each congregation's mission support as
determined by the Churchwide Assembly to the treasurer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America.
+S15.12. The annual budget of this synod shall reflect the entire range of its own activities and its
commitment to partnership funding with other synods and the churchwide organization.
Unless an exception is granted upon the request of this synod by the Church Council, each
budget shall include the percentage of congregational mission support assigned to it by the
Churchwide Assembly.
S15.13.
On the basis of estimated income, the Synod Council shall authorize expenditures within
the budget for the fiscal year.
Expenditure authorizations shall be subject to revision, in light of changing conditions, by the
Synod Council.
S15.14.
Except when such procedure would jeopardize current operations, a reserve amounting to
no more than 16% of the sum of the amounts scheduled in the next year's budget for regular
distribution to synodical causes shall be carried forward annually for disbursement in the
following year in the interest of making possible a more even flow of income to such causes.
The exact number of dollars to be held in reserve shall be determined by the Synod Council.
S15.21.
This synod recognizes the importance of our Partnership Institutions and Agencies. Their
traditional appeals are hereby affirmed. However, following the organization of this synod on
January 1, 1988, no capital appeal to the congregations of this or any other synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for the raising of funds shall be conducted by
congregations or organizations related to or affiliated with this Synod without the consent of
the Synod Assembly or the Synod Council.
+S15.31. This synod shall arrange to have an annual audit of its financial records conducted by a
certified public accountant firm recommended by the synod Audit Committee and approved
by the Synod Council. The audited annual financial report shall be submitted by this synod to
the churchwide Office of the Treasurer and to the congregations of this synod. The financial
reports shall be in the format approved from time to time by the Office of the Treasurer.
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+S15.32.
This synod shall maintain adequate, continuous insurance coverage in accordance with
standards recommended by the churchwide organization. Insurance programs offered or
endorsed by the churchwide organization shall be deemed to fulfill the obligation.
S15.40. a. Committee Membership
The committee shall consist of five members, all of whom shall be voting members of a
congregation of The Allegheny Synod. Except as herein limited, the term of each member
shall be three (3) years. Upon adoption of this resolution by the Synod, it shall elect five (5)
members to the COMMITTEE: two (2) for a term of three (3) years; two (2) for a term of two
(2) years; and one (1) for a term of one (1) year. Thereafter, at each annual Synod Assembly,
the Synod shall elect the necessary number for a term of three (3) years. No member shall
serve more than two consecutive three (3) year terms. After a lapse of one (1) year, former
COMMITTEE members may be reelected. The Bishop and the Vice President of the Synod
Council shall be advisory members of the COMMITTEE.
b. The Council of the Synod shall nominate the COMMITTEE and report at the annual
Assembly in the same manner as for other offices and committees. In the event of a vacancy
on the COMMITTEE, the Synod Council shall appoint a member to fill the vacancy until the
next annual Assembly of the Synod, at which time the Synod shall elect a member to fill the
term of the vacancy.
c. The COMMITTEE shall meet at least quarterly or more
Frequent as deemed by in the best interest of the FUND.
d. A quorum shall consist of three (3) members. When only
three (3) members are present a unanimous vote shall be required to carry any motion or
resolution.
e. The COMMITTEE shall elect from its membership a
chairperson, recording secretary and financial secretary. The chairperson shall preside at all
COMMITTEE meetings.
f. The recording secretary of the COMMITTEE shall maintain
complete and accurate minutes of all meetings and supply a copy
thereof to each member of the COMMITTEE. Each member shall keep a complete copy of
minutes to be delivered to his or her successor. The recording secretary shall also supply a
copy of the minutes to the Synod Council.
g. The financial secretary of the COMMITTEE shall work with
the Synod’s treasurer in maintaining and coordinating complete and accurate accounts for the
FUND and shall sign checks and all other necessary documents on behalf of the Synod in
furtherance of the purpose of the FUND. The books shall be audited annually by a certified
public accounting firm or other appropriate person who is not a member of the
COMMITTEE.
h. The COMMITTEE shall report on a quarterly basis to the
Synod Council and, at each annual Assembly or duly called special meeting of the Synod,
shall render a full and complete audited account of the administration of the FUND during the
preceding year.
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i. The COMMITTEE may request other members of the Synod to
Serve as advisory members and, at the expense of the FUND income, may provide for such
professional counseling on investments or legal matters as it deems to be in the best interest of
the FUND.
j. Members of the COMMITTEE shall not be liable for any
Losses which may be incurred upon the investments of the assets of the FUND except to the
extent such losses shall have been caused by bad faith or gross negligence. No members shall
be personally liable as long as he or she acts in good faith and with ordinary prudence. Each
member shall be liable only for his or her own willful misconduct or omissions, and shall not
be liable for the acts or omissions of any other member. No member shall engage in any “self
dealing” or transactions with the FUND in which the member has direct or indirect financial
interest and shall at all times refrain from any conduct in which his or her personal interest
would conflict with the interest of the FUND.
k. All assets are to held in the name of The Allegheny Synod of The Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America, for the benefit of The Allegheny Synod Mission Endowment Fund.
S15.41
Define Principal and Income
The COMMITTEE shall determine what is principal and income according to accepted
accounting procedures.
a. Restricted portions of principal:
Gifts and bequests whose income is restricted by the wishes of the donor shall be invested
separately in order that the income earned can be easily identified. Income can be distributed
from these portions without regard to the total amount of the principal.
b. Unrestricted principal:
Unrestricted gifts and bequests to the FUND shall accumulate until a principal in the amount
of $100,000 is achieved, after which, the income generated from the investment of the
principal shall be expended.
S15.42
Distribution of Income
Income from any restricted portion of the FUND’s principal shall be distributed first in
compliance with the donor’s wishes. (E.g. Jerome Lutheran Church Funds) Income from the
unrestricted portion of the FUND shall be distributed annually and at such other times as
deemed necessary or feasible to accomplish the following purposes:
One-half (½) for outreach into the community and Synod, including, but not limited to, grants
to ELCA seminaries, colleges or students attending such schools, social service agencies,
institutions and agencies to which this Synod relates, and to special programs designed for
those persons in our Synod area who are in spiritual and/or economic need.
One-half (½) for missions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in this continent
and worldwide, including, but not limited to, grants to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America for new congregations development in North America, professional leadership,
educational ministries, global mission, ecumenism, evangelism, social ministries and capital
financing.
150
Programs for support shall be recommended by the COMMITTEE and approved by the
Synod Council for funding according to the guidelines established by the Synod.
Disbursement of income from the FUND need not occur annually in the event causes and
programs have not been approved by the COMMITTEE sufficient to utilize total income
available, or if in the judgment of the COMMITTEE, total annual disbursement of income is
not recommended.
S15.43
Distribution of Principal
When, in the opinion of the COMMITTEE, circumstances are so dire and of such an
emergency nature that the future of the Synod is at stake, and that the only recourse seems to
be the use of the FUND principal, the COMMITTEE may, upon a two-thirds (2/3) majority
vote, recommend such authorizing action to the Synod Council and/or Assembly.
S15.44
Disposition or Transfer of Fund
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in the event The Allegheny Synod ceases to exist either
through merger or dissolution, disposition or transfer of the FUND shall be at the discretion
of the Synod Council in conformity with the approved synodical constitution and in
consultation with the Bishop of the ELCA or his designee.
Chapter 16. Indemnification
+S16.01.
Subject to the limitations and duties imposed by law, each person who is or was made
or threatened to be made a party to any proceeding by reason of the present or former
capacity of that person as a Synod Council member, officer, employee, or committee member
of this synod shall be indemnified against all costs and expenses incurred by that person in
connection with the proceeding. Indemnification of any person by reason of that person's
capacity as a director, officer, employee, or committee member of any other organization,
regardless of its form or relationship to this synod, is subject to the provisions of section
+S16.02.
a. The term “proceeding” means a threatened, pending, or completed lawsuit, whether civil
or criminal, an administrative or investigative matter, arbitration, mediations, alternative
dispute resolution, or any other similar legal or governmental action. Except as otherwise
required by law, the term “proceeding” does not include (a) any action by this synod against
the individual seeking indemnification, or (b) subject to +16.04., a disciplinary hearing or
related process described in Chapter 20 of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing
Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
b. The term “indemnification” includes reimbursement and advances of costs and expenses
for judgments, penalties, fines, settlements, excise taxes, reasonable attorneys’ fees,
disbursements, and similar required expenditures.
+S16.02. Whenever a person who, while a Synod Council member, officer, committee member, or
employee of this synod, is or was serving at the request of this synod as (or whose duties in
that position involve or involved service in the capacity of) a director, officer, partner, trustee,
employee, or agent of another organization, is or was made or threatened to be made a party
to a proceeding by reason of such capacity, then such person shall be entitled to
indemnification only if (a) the Synod Council has established a process for determining
whether a person serving in the capacity described in this section shall be entitled to
151
indemnification in any specific case, and (b) that process has been applied in making a
specific determination that such person is entitled to indemnification.
+S16.03. This synod may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of itself or any person entitled
to indemnification pursuant to this chapter against any liability asserted against and incurred
by this synod or by such other person in or arising from a capacity described in section
+S16.01. or section +S16.02.
+S16.04. When written charges against an ordained minister or a layperson on an official roster of
this church are made in disciplinary proceedings under Chapter 20 of the Constitution,
Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by the
synodical bishop or when written charges against a congregation are made in disciplinary
proceedings by the Synod Council or the synodical bishop, and the discipline hearing
committee determines that no discipline shall be imposed, then if such determination is not
reversed or set aside on appeal, indemnification shall be made by the synod to the accused for
reasonable attorney’s fees and other reasonable expenses related to the defense of the
charges. The determination of the reasonableness of such fees and expenses shall be decided
by the Synod Council.
Chapter 17. Adjudication
+S17.01.
The synodical bishop and the Executive Committee of the Synod Council shall be
available to give counsel when disputes arise within this synod.
+S17.02. The synodical bishop and the Executive Committee of the Synod Council shall receive
expressions of concern from ordained ministers, associates in ministry, or other persons on
the official lay rosters of this church, congregations, and organizations within this synod;
provide a forum in which the parties concerned can seek to work out matters causing distress
or conflict; and make appropriate recommendations for their resolution. When the matter at
issue cannot be resolved in this manner, the prescribed procedures for investigation, decision,
appeal, and adjudication shall be followed. Allegations or charges that could lead to the
discipline of an ordained minister, or a person on the official lay roster of this church shall
not be addressed by the Executive Committee but shall be resolved through the disciplinary
process set forth in the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical
+S17.03. When there is disagreement among units of this synod on a substantive issue that cannot
be resolved by the parties, the aggrieved party or parties may appeal to the synodical bishop
and the Executive Committee of the Synod Council for a consultation. If this consultation
fails to resolve the issue, a petition may be addressed by the parties to the Synod Council
requesting it to arbitrate the issue. The decision of the Synod Council shall be final.
+SI7.04. When a component or beneficiary of a synod has a disagreement on a substantive issue
that it cannot resolve, it may address an appeal to the synodical bishop and the Executive
Committee of the Synod Council. In this case the decision of the Executive Committee shall
prevail, except that upon the motion of a member of the Synod Council, the decision shall be
referred to the Synod Council for final action.
S17.10.
Adjudication in a Congregation
152
+S17.11. When there is disagreement among factions within a congregation on a substantive issue
that cannot be resolved by the parties, members of a congregation shall have access to the
synodical bishop for consultation after informing the chair of the Congregation Council of
their intent. If the consultation fails to resolve the issue(s), the Consultation Committee of
this synod shall consider the matter. If the Consultation Committee of this synod shall fail to
resolve the issue(s), the matter shall be referred to the Synod Council, whose decision shall
be final.
Chapter 18. Amendments, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions
+S18.10. Amendments to Constitution.
+S18.11. Certain sections of this constitution incorporate and record therein required provisions of
the constitution and bylaws of this church. If such provisions are amended by the
Churchwide Assembly, corresponding amendments shall be introduced at once into this
constitution by the secretary of this synod upon receipt of formal certification from the
secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
+S18.12. Whenever the secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America officially informs
the synod that the Churchwide Assembly has amended the Constitution for Synods, this
constitution may be amended to reflect any such amendment by a simple majority vote at any
subsequent meeting of the Synod Assembly without presentation at a prior Synod Assembly.
An amendment that is identical to a provision of the Constitution for Synods shall be deemed
to have been ratified upon its adoption by this synod. The Church Council, through the
secretary of this church, shall be given prompt notification of its adoption.
+S18.13. Other amendments to this constitution may be adopted by this synod through either of the
following procedures:
a. An amendment may be adopted by a two-thirds vote at a regular meeting of the Synod
Assembly after having been presented in writing at the previous regular meeting of the Synod
Assembly over the signatures of at least 10 members and been approved by a two-thirds vote
of the voting members present and voting at such a regular meeting of the Synod Assembly.
b. The Synod Council may propose an amendment, with notice to be sent to the
congregations of this synod at least six months prior to the next regular meeting of the Synod
Assembly. Such an amendment shall require for adoption a two-thirds vote of the voting
members present and voting at such a regular meeting of the Synod Assembly.
All such amendments shall become effective upon ratification by the Churchwide Assembly or by
the Church Council.
+S18.20. Amendments to Bylaws
+S18.21. This synod may adopt bylaws not in conflict with this constitution or with the constitution
and bylaws of the churchwide organization. This synod may amend its bylaws at any meeting
of the Synod Assembly by a two-thirds vote of voting members of the assembly present and
153
voting. Newly adopted bylaws and amendments to existing bylaws shall be reported to the
secretary of this church.
S18.21.01. Amendments to the bylaws may be adopted by this synod by a two-thirds vote at any
regular meeting of the Synod Assembly after having been moved and presented in writing
over the signatures of at least ten members.
+S18.30.
Amendments to Continuing Resolutions
+S18.31 This synod may adopt continuing resolutions not in conflict with this constitution or its
bylaws or the constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions of the churchwide
organization. Such continuing resolutions may be adopted or amended by a majority vote of
the Synod Assembly or by a two-thirds vote of the Synod Council. Newly adopted continuing
resolutions and amendments to existing continuing resolutions shall be reported to the
secretary of this church.
154

allegheny synod of the evangelical lutheran church in america

Transcription

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