BULLETIN OF REPORTS South Carolina Synod

Transcription

BULLETIN OF REPORTS
South Carolina Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Twenty-Seventh Assembly
190th Annual Meeting
of the
Lutheran Church in South Carolina
Marriott Spartanburg
299 North Church Street
Spartanburg, SC
May 28th – 30th , 2015
CHAPTER 1: REPORTS OF ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES
Agenda and Program Committee with recommendations and Rules of Procedure
Report of the Nominating Committee
CHAPTER 2: REPORTS OF OFFICERS
Bishop with Official Acts
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer, with Mission Support by Congregations and Designated Giving
Financial Report — Year Ended January 31, 2015
CHAPTER 3: REPORTS OF SYNOD COUNCIL
Synod Council
Proposed budget
Organizational Chart
Recommended Compensation Guidelines
CHAPTER 4: REPORTS OF SYNOD MINISTRY TABLES
Deepening Discipleship Table
Communication Technology Table
Community Engagement Table
Inclusiveness Network
Campus Ministry
CHAPTER 5: REPORTS OF INSTITUTIONS
Lutheran Services Carolinas
Lutheran Homes of South Carolina, Inc., including financial report
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir Rhyne University
NovusWay Ministries
Newberry College
South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers
CHAPTER 6: REPORTS OF ORGANIZATIONS
SC Women of the ELCA
SC Lutheran Men in Mission
SC Lutheran Church Youth
CHAPTER 7: REPORTS OF STAFF AND COORDINATORS
Director of Communications
Director of Evangelical Mission
Director of Stewardship
CHAPTER 8: OTHER REPORTS
Region 9
James R. Crumley Archives
SC Christian Action Council
Fund for Leaders
Report of Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries
Necrologist
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South Carolina Synod of the ELCA
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Report of Committee on Agenda and Program
PROPOSED AGENDA
2015 ASSEMBLY
SOUTH CAROLINA SYNOD
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
Marriott Spartanburg
299 North Church Street
Spartanburg, SC
Glory to God throughout all Generations
“Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far
more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in Christ Jesus to all generations,
forever and ever. Amen.”
(Ephesians 3:20-21)
2015 is the Twenty-eighth Assembly of the South Carolina Synod – ELCA and the 190th meeting
of the Lutheran Church in South Carolina. Over the course of these two and a half days
opportunities will abound for us to dwell in the Word, Worship, Pray, Serve & Learn together as
well as deepen our discipleship and carry out the business matters of the Synod. We look
forward to being together with you.
Thursday, May 28th, 2015
8:30 a.m.
Orientation for Volunteers
10:00 a.m.
Registration Desk Opens
Please note: the Registration Desk will be open each day throughout the Assembly with the
exception of breaks for meals, worship and times during voting when the staff will need to prepare
the Report of Registration and wait until after the voting to re-open the registration desk.
Voting members must have checked in at the registration desk and obtained a voting member’s
name tag in order to cast a legal ballot during the plenary sessions. Voting members are required
to be seated within the “bar of the synod.” The Registration Desk will be closed during posted
times of assembly for the purpose of preparing the Registration report and allowing time for
balloting. All assembly participants including visitors are asked to refrain from movement within
the arena during voting times. No one will be allowed to enter or leave the plenary meeting room
until the ballot is closed. Please respect our staff and volunteers who assist with monitoring
movement during balloting to give all voting members the opportunity to concentrate.
10:00 a.m.
Display Table Set up
Pre-Assembly Committee Meetings and Open Forums
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Committee of Reference and Counsel (Dogwood)
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Committee on Conduct of Elections (Oak Boardroom)
12:00 noon- 1:00 p.m.
Forum: Orientation for Voting Members (Wadsworth/Croft)
(Information on General Elections and using Qwizdom Voting devices)
11:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. LUNCH on your own
(Check our Online Registration Page for area food options.)
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Thursday, May 28, 2015
FIRST SESSION - Heritage
1:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
(As a courtesy, please leave cell phones off or in silent mode during all sessions.)
Order for Opening of Synod Assembly
Organization of Assembly
Report from Reference and Counsel on Advisory Members
Presentation: Keynote #1 Life Along the Way: An Opening Parable (Dr. Nate Frambach)
Report of Synod Council on procedural matters affecting this Assembly & Mission Support DVD
Report of Synod Council by our Finance Committee on Proposed Budget for 2016-17
Report from Committee on Nominations
Note: Nominations from the floor must include a completed biographical information form. Copies
of this form will be available on the Synod webpage prior to assembly and on desk of the
Secretary during the Assembly. These forms will need to be turned in by the end of this first
session.
Video: Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
Presentation: The Life and Work of the Synod (Bishop Yoos)
Introductions of Interim Ministers, Stated Supplies and Conference Deans
Mission Moment 1
Greetings: Lutheran Men in Mission
Report from the Committee of Reference and Counsel
Presentation: Bible Study #1 Acts 8:26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Dr. Nate Frambach)
Greetings: Young Adults in Global Mission
Video: Lutheran Homes
Announcements and Prayer for Lunch
Note: Proposed amendments to the budget may be submitted to the secretary of this synod in
writing no later than Thursday, May 28th at 6:00 PM. For details please see Budget Procedure
notes from Synod Council at the end of this agenda.
Note: Any Additional Resolutions may be given to the Committee of Reference and Counsel no
later than Thursday, May 28th at 6:00 PM. For details please see the notes from Synod Council at
the end of this agenda.
Worship with Holy Communion - St. John’s Lutheran Church
415 S. Pine Street
(Parking is available behind the church.
Overflow Parking is one block down at the Elementary School)
4:30 p.m.
Dinner – Wadsworth/Croft
(Advance purchase tickets required for this meal)
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Hosted by the Inclusiveness Network
Rev. Leroy Cannon, Mr. Alejandro Mejia, Rev. Mark Cerniglia, Guest Speakers
Christ Mission Community Choir, Entertainment
Lost and Found Concert – 7:45 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Azalea (Upstairs Ballroom) Open to the Public.
Invite your family and Friends to join us for this Lost and Found Farewell Tour
Pizza Run - 9:15 p.m.
Sponsored by SC Synod Campus Ministry Committee
For Young Adult Assembly Participants & those with a heart for Young Adult Ministry,
Meet at the Campus Ministry Table.
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Friday, May 29th, 2015
Breakfast – Wadsworth/Croft
7:15 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
Hosted by Newberry College
SECOND SESSION - Heritage
8:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Gathering Songs and Opening Prayer
Presentation: Keynote #2 Life Along the Way: Connecting Across the Generations (Dr. Nate
Frambach)
Video: Newberry College
Report from the Committee of Reference and Counsel
Greetings: SC Women of the ELCA
Report from our Treasurer
Mission Moment 2
Qwizdom Voting System Introduced
Report of Registration
First Ballot: General Elections
Celebration of 50th Anniversaries
Presentation: The Life and Work of the ELCA (Rev. Eric Wester)
Video: SC Lutheran Retreat Centers
Report from our Secretary
Special Presentation: Dr. Tammy Pawloski
Mission Moment 3
Presentation: Bible Study #2 Acts 8:26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Dr. Nate Frambach)
Announcements and Prayer for Lunch
Lunch – Wadsworth/Croft
(Advance purchase tickets required for all meals)
12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Hosted by Seminary Auxiliary/Alumni Luncheon
The Rev. Dr. Clay Schmit, Guest Speaker
THIRD SESSION – Heritage
2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Gathering Songs and Opening Prayer
Mission Moment 4
Second Ballot: General Elections
Report from Campus Ministry
Presentation: SC Synod – ELCA Global Mission
Report of Synod Council on Compensation Guidelines and 2016-17 Budget recommendation/vote
Mission Moment 5
Logistical Announcements and Prayer Huddles
Special Focus: Faith Practice (3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
Note: Assembly Participants will have the opportunity to participate in one of the Faith Practices.
These options for deepening discipleship have been designed for your active learning, growth,
enjoyment and service. Most of these options were part of your advanced registration. There is
still some room in some of the options. Please check at the Discipleship Experience Desk in the
Registration Area early for any open options if you did not register in advance to participate in
one. The locations where each Faith Practice will be offered will be announced at the Assembly
during this time.)
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Dinner – Azalea
6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Hosted by Bishop Yoos & Pastor Amundson
Celebrating the Growing God’s Mission Campaign
& Pastor Amundson’s Retirement
Worship with Holy Communion - Heritage
7:30 p.m. –8:45 p.m.
Beer & Hymns – MESH (Hotel Gathering Space)
Open to the Public
9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 30th, 2015
Breakfast – Wadsworth/Croft
7:15 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
Hosted by Lutheran Men in Mission
Edu/Worship Experience- Heritage
8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
FOURTH SESSION – Heritage
10:00 a.m. – until closing
Greetings: SC LCY
Video: Novus Way
Presentation: Keynote #3 Life Along the Way: Navigating New Wilderness Roads ( Dr. Nate Frambach)
Report from our Vice President
Report from the Inclusiveness Network
Mission Moment 6
Video: Lutheran Services Carolinas
Presentation: Bible Study #3 Acts 8:26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch ( Dr. Nate Frambach)
Third Ballot: General Elections
Unfinished Business
Installation of Synod Council Members
Concluding Announcements
Report from the Committee on Reference and Counsel
Order for the Closing of Assembly
Notes:
The Deadline for submitting resolutions to Committee of Reference and Counsel is Thursday,
May 28, 2015 at 6:00PM.
The Deadline for submitting proposed amendments to the budget to the secretary is Thursday,
May 28, 2015 at 6:00PM.
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THE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA AND PROGRAM RECOMMENDS:
1. THAT NOMINATIONS FROM THE FLOOR OF CANDIDATES FOR ANY ELECTIONS HELD
AT THIS 2015 ASSEMBLY BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE REQUESTED BIOGRAPHICAL
DATA ON THE OFFICIAL FORM PROVIDED FOR THAT PURPOSE;
2. THAT THE COMMITTEE OF REFERENCE AND COUNSEL RECEIVE NO MOTIONS OR
RESOLUTIONS AFTER 6:00 PM on Thursday, May 28th.
3. THAT THE BAR OF THE SYNOD BE DESIGNATED AS THE WHITE TABLES AND CHAIRS
ON THE FLOOR OF THE PLENARY MEETING ROOM;
4. THAT THE BISHOP, AS PRESIDING OFFICER, BE GIVEN AUTHORITY TO CALL FOR
ITEMS ON THE AGENDA IN THE ORDER DEEMED APPROPRIATE, PRIMARILY FOR
THE PURPOSE OF TIME MANAGEMENT, AND SPECIFICALLY WITH REGARD TO
BALLOTING, RESOLUTIONS AND SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS DURING THE ASSEMBLY;
5. THAT THE PROPOSED AGENDA BE A GUIDE FOR THE 2015 ASSEMBLY OF THE
SOUTH CAROLINA SYNOD OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA.
Respectfully submitted,
Virginia S. Aebischer, Chair
THE SYNOD COUNCIL RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING AS “RULES OF PROCEDURE”
FOR THE 2015 SOUTH CAROLINA SYNOD ASSEMBLY:
That the Synod Council propose to the 2015 South Carolina Synod Assembly the following
budget procedures for the adoption of the 2016-17 budget:
Budget Procedures
1. Proposed amendments to the budget must be submitted to the secretary of this synod in
writing no later than 6:00 p.m., Thursday, May 28. Each amendment or resolution to amend
must be supported in writing by ten (10) signatures of voting members in this assembly.
The secretary shall refer such proposed amendments to the Treasurer and the Finance
Committee. During the consideration of the budget by the assembly, the Treasurer or
Finance Committee shall report on the implication of each proposed amendment.
2. Any amendment to the budget that increases a current program proposal expense, or
adds a current program proposal to the budget, must include a corresponding decrease in
some other current program proposal of the same amount; or an increase in revenues to
offset the proposed expense.
Votes to appropriate funds not approved by Synod Council:
Chapter 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.
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Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions,
South Carolina Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The following constitutional provisions and continuing resolutions and procedures shall guide the
elections in the 2015 assembly:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Constitution S7.01.A11.
Resolutions which could not have reasonably been submitted before the 15-day deadline may be submitted
to the Committee of Reference and Counsel after the opening of the assembly. A signer of the resolution,
preferably its primary author, shall meet with the Committee of Reference and Counsel at the time appointed
in the Rules of Procedure adopted for that assembly. Regardless of the recommendation of the Committee of
Reference and Counsel, the consideration of such resolutions by the assembly shall require the approval b
a two-thirds vote of voting members to place the resolution before the Synod Assembly. If a resolution is
received after the deadline of 15 days prior to the formal opening of the assembly, the resolution shall be
processed according to the provisions of this continuing resolution.
Constitution *S7.31.
Proxy and absentee voting shall not be permitted in the transaction of any business of this synod.
Constitution S7.32.
Robert's Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern parliamentary procedure of the Synod
Assembly, unless otherwise ordered by the assembly.
Continuing Resolution, S7.32.A14.
The following rules of procedure shall be in force at meetings of the Synod Assembly:
a. Unless otherwise determined by vote of the assembly, all speeches in general discussion shall be limited
to two minutes and no member shall be permitted to speak the second time on the same subject when others
desire to speak.
b. A resolution of a general character which is not germane to the pending question or report shall be
given by the proposer to a Committee of Reference and Counsel.
c. All reports published in the Bulletin of Reports shall be received as information by the assembly by virtue
of that fact without vote.
d. All other reports shall be in writing and in such form as the assembly or the Synod Council may
determine.
e. The minutes of each assembly shall be submitted to the Synod Council for approval.
f. The bishop and secretary shall, after making any necessary corrections therein, certify two copies of the
printed minutes of each assembly as the official protocol of said assembly, and shall submit the same to the
next regular assembly for approval and deposit in the archives.
g. Holy Communion shall be administered at each assembly.
ELECTION PROVISIONS
Constitution S9.08.
All elections shall be by ballot. In all elections, other than for the bishop, vice president and the
secretary, the names of the persons receiving the highest number of legal votes, but not elected by a
majority of the legal votes cast on a preceding ballot, shall be entered on the next ballot to the
number of two for each vacancy unfilled. On any ballot when only two names appear, a majority of
the legal votes cast shall be necessary for election.
Constitution S9.09.
The result of each ballot in every election shall be announced in detail to the assembly.
Report of the 2015 Nominating Committee
** Denotes Synod Assembly Elected Incumbent
[Key: name, congregation, location, conference, geographic area]
Synod Council – Youth (Grade 8-11)
At Term Ending 2018 (Elect One)
Joanna E. Dyches, Mt. Hermon, Peak, Heartland, Northern
Laura Stuart, Living Springs, Columbia, Midlands, Central
Synod Council – Lay Male
Central Area – Term Ending 2018 (Elect One)
Garrett Maroney, St. James, Graniteville, Western, Central
Jim Riddle, St. David, West Columbia, Saxe-Gotha, Central
At Large – Term Ending 2018 (Elect One)
John Burbage, St. Matthew’s, Charleston, Coastal, Eastern
Dan Wouri, Breath of Life, Blythewood, Midlands, Central
Synod Council – Clergy
At Large – Term 2018 (Elect One)
Roy Butler, Bethel, White Rock, Heartland, Northern
Fred Suhr, Christus Victor, Columbia, Midlands, Central
Synod Council – Clergy
Eastern Area – Term Ending 2018 (Elect One)
Brad Bellah, Shepherd of the Sea, Garden City, Epiphany, Eastern
Rick Mason, Ehrhardt/Mt. Pleasant Parish, Ehrhardt, Amelia, Eastern
Synod Council – Lay Female
At Large – Term Ending 2018 (Elect One)
Maria Butkas, Gethsemane, Columbia, Midlands, Central
** Gayle Sims, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Charleston, Coastal, Eastern
Synod Council – Lay Female
Northern Area – Term Ending 2018 (Elect One)
Jenny Leininger, Mt. Horeb, Chapin, Heartland, Northern
** Mandi Whitley, Trinity, Greenville, Foothills, Northern
Northern Area – Term Ending 2017 (Elect One)
Andrew Boozer, St. Paul, Pomaria, Heartland, Northern
** Ben Shealy, University, Clemson, Foothills, Northern
Mission Endowment Fund Grant Committee – Lay Male
Term Ending 2018 – (Elect One)
Perry Derrick, Pisgah, Lexington, Saxe Gotha, Central
Arno Mollenhoff, St. John’s, Beaufort, Amelia, Eastern
Mission Endowment Fund Grant Committee – Lay Female
Term Ending 2018 (Elect One)
Karen Kranz, Living Springs, Columbia, Midlands, Central
Royetta Schick, Hope, Vance, Amelia, Eastern
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Report of the Bishop
I’d like to begin my report with a quote from The Agile Church, which we have
been sharing readings with rostered leaders and council leaders all across the synod.
“The word ‘agile’ means ‘marked by a ready ability to move with a quick and
easy grace. Other definitions include ‘nimble,’ ‘adaptable,’ ‘flexible,’ ‘responsive’ and
‘alert.’ What would it look like for churches to embrace agility today? To attend
prayerfully both to God and to a changing world? To adapt their lives in response to deep
listening and relationships with those who are not part of them? To identify and carry
forward what is most life-giving and true, and to leave behind the baggage that gets in the
way? The central challenge facing churches today is rediscovering who they are in a
society that has in many ways rejected Christianity.”
Last year at our assembly, Pastor Rich Melheim taught us a discipleship tool
called the Faith Five which is catching on in a lot of congregations around the synod. It
involves sharing highs and lows, reading a scripture passage, connecting this scripture to
the highs and lows that were shared, praying for one another, and then blessing one
another by making the sign of the cross on each other’s foreheads.
In this report, I would like to share with you some of the highs and lows of this
past year in our life together around the scripture passage of Ephesians 3:21: “Now to
him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than
all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all
generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
First my list of highs for the South Carolina Synod:
1. Seeing over 75 youth and adults of the Midlands spend a week of service and
learning called GraceWorks in the downtown area of Columbia.
2. Starting a new African American mission, called Christ Mission, the same day
that Christ Lutheran Church of Columbia officially closed on August 17 and
seeing this new congregation thrive and grow. Our DEM, Bob Beaver, has been
instrumental in helping to form this new mission initiative
3. Traveling with six men from our synod to the South Western Diocese of
Tanzania where we dedicated a safe water system in the village of Inkungula and
where Bishop Mbwilo expanded our safe water strategy to include deep bore
wells. Never before have I experienced such a joyful celebration of an entire
village thanking God for the gift of safe water.
4. Celebrating with St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Columbia, and their year-long
effort to raise $52,000 for another safe water system in the Makusi and Magoye
area that will serve over 2,500 persons.
5. Receiving a major gift for Growing in God’s Mission of approximately 10% of
our goal that put us over $1.75 million and when added to the safe water gifts of
over $168,000 puts our total for pledges and gifts at $1.92 million dollars. This
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generous response is evidence “of God’s power working in and through us
accomplishing far more than we could ask or imagine.”
6. Another high is the training and equipping of over 100 persons through our
Everyday Evangelism events across the state and the training of over 50
Stewardship Coaches that are available to partner with congregations.
7. Expanding our LARCUM Public Education initiative by meeting with South
Carolina Legislators, the State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Molly
Spearman, and Dr. Tammy Pawloski. Together we are building bridges of
understanding, support and encouragement among congregations of LARCUM,
school districts, individual schools, community leaders and government leaders
in our state.
8. Another high is that for the first time in seven years, we ended our fiscal year
having met all our budget expenses with a 1.4% surplus thanks to the faithful and
growing generosity of many congregations striving towards the goal of a tithe in
mission support.
9. We have started two new clusters of congregations for God’s Mission in the
Newberry and Columbia areas. Also, in partnership with the seminary, we had a
pilot project of two senior seminarians visiting, learning, listening and sharing
with two of our clusters.
10. We used a new technology for our first ever Table Cast where anyone around the
state could watch and hear a live presentation of stories and insights from the
Deepening Discipleship Table, Communication and Technology Table and the
Community Engagement Table. A special thanks goes to our new
Communications Director, Neal Fischer, for his skills in helping this event to
happen at the Casey Center with the blessings of Southern Seminary and LenoirRhyne University.
11. Another thanksgiving this past year included celebrating the retirement of gifted,
faithful colleagues who have served the South Carolina Synod so well including
Linda Albert, Assistant to the Treasurer for five years; Celie Addy, our
Communications Coordinator, who served a total of 15 years in the synod office;
Youth Ministry Coordinator Stephanie Stoudemayer, for her 20 plus years of
leadership; Lynn Helton, Administrative Assistant and Resource Director, who
served a total of 12 plus years. We will also celebrate at the assembly the
retirement of Assistant to the Bishop Mel Amundson, who served faithfully over
19 years this synod including being the Director of our Growing in God’s
Mission Appeal.
12. One last blessing to share with you is the welcoming of gifted and talented
leaders to our synod staff including Carrie Nicholson, Assistant to the Treasurer;
Neal Fischer, Director of Communication and Technology; and Pastor Eric Wolf
as Assistant to the Bishop for Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Each of these
persons have brought new energy, vision and a variety of gifts to the work we do
together.
Another way of looking at all these 12 highs is to see them as signs of God’s
abundant grace working in our midst exceeding our imagination and bringing renewal
and blessing across the generations.
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Now, just as every disciple and every congregation goes through moments of joy
and struggles in following Jesus, I would like to share with you some of the lows of this
past year.
1. We have been through a lot of transition and leadership changes with our
synod staff. In a sense, the South Carolina Synod is like a congregation
who loses a much loved pastor and everything seems different. In this year
instead of losing one pastor, we have said goodbye to four trusted
colleagues and with Pastor Mel leaving in July, it will be our fifth
retirement in eight months. While we are excited about welcoming and
getting to know our new staff colleagues, there is still a sense of loss and
adjustment that is a part of any transition. God is teaching us the
importance of patience and building a new sense of community together as
your synod staff and we welcome your prayers on this journey.
2. This is the first year where there have been no votes taken to leave the
South Carolina Synod because of frustrations with the 2009 ELCA
Churchwide Assembly decisions. While that is something to be thankful
for, there are congregations who are still learning now to have significant
conversations around these issues and how to love and respect those who
disagree with their convictions. One encouraging sign of the Spirit’s work
among rostered leaders has been some new intentional conversations
asking the questions like, what has God been teaching us these last five
years and how can we experience a deeper sense of trust and reconciliation
as rostered leaders serving God’s mission together. It has been a blessing
to be a part of such conversations and to see the deep trust and real hope
for the church that is being shared.
3. Many congregations are still struggling with how to reach out to their
neighbors in their community instead of waiting and hoping their
neighbors will find them on a Sunday morning. The culture around us has
changed significantly in the last 10 years, and there is no quick fix nor
instant marketing tool that will draw people to congregational life.
However building relationships, and listening to the hurts and needs of
one’s neighbor, being known for serving your community, are still very
significant ways to communicate and share the love of Jesus Christ.
4. Another struggle in many congregations has to do with building a culture
of discipleship rather than settling for a membership culture. This is
especially apparent when it comes to generously sharing of time and
resources for God’s Kingdom work. A membership culture asks the
question how much of what I have left over and that I won’t really miss
and can I afford to give for God’s work, whereas a discipleship culture
asks the question what is my spiritual need to give back proportionately of
what God has blessed my life? Helping congregational leaders discover
the joy of moving towards a tithe continues to be a significant opportunity
for growth in the future. Without these kinds of faithful conversations,
challenging our consumer-oriented tendencies, congregations will
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continue to struggle with their budgets, their overall giving and their sense
of vitality and purpose. I am thankful for the work of Ozzie Herlong as
our Director of stewardship who continues to lead groups of
congregations in developing healthy year round stewardship practices
In closing this report I would like to share a faith based ministry that has impacted my
life called “Reading Matters.” Since January a group of 75 volunteer tutors have been
working with children who are behind in their reading once a week for an hour. I have
had the joy of reading with three kindergarten boys at Hyatt Park Elementary School and
watching them become more confident readers. I hope that many of you will explore
similar opportunities in your community for helping children learn to read or building
other mentoring relationships in support of public education.
Becoming an agile church that is more open flexible to the needs of others is what I
believe God is calling all of us to become. It is not a program or a quick fix but rather a
journey that involves many small initiatives in loving outreach and witness and lots of
prayerful discernment. It involves taking risks and learning from one’s mistakes. Above
all it takes a sense of trust that God “is able to do abundantly far more in us and through
us than we can ask or imagine.”God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all
generations, for ever and ever.” Amen
OFFICIALACTS
(April1,2014–March31,2015)
ANNIVERSARIES:
July6,2014–Celebrationofthe100thAnniversaryofSt.John,Irmo.BishopYoos
preachedandcelebratedwiththecongregation.
September21,2014–Celebrationofthe160thAnniversaryofCedarGrove,
Leesville.BishopYoospreachedandcelebratedwiththecongregation.
September21,2014–Celebrationofthe25thAnniversaryofHope,Vance.Assistant
totheBishopAebischerpreachedandcelebratedwiththecongregation.
October5,2014–Celebrationofthe40thAnniversaryofSt.Matthias,Easley.
AssistanttotheBishopAebischerpreachedandcelebratedwiththe
congregation.
October19,2014–Celebrationofthe125thAnniversaryanddedicationofthe
FellowshiphallatMt.Hermon,Peak.AssistanttotheBishopAebischer
preachedandassisted
withworship.
October19,2014–Celebrationofthe200thAnniversaryofSt.Michael,Columbia.
BishopYoospreachedandcelebratedwiththecongregation.
CALLSACCEPTED–CLERGY:
May3,2014–JoshuaK.Brecht,Pilgrim,Lexington
May11,2014–KathyE.Harris,FaithLutheranChapel,Pickens
July1,2014–Richard“Rich”W.Johnson,GoodShepherd,Walterboro
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July1,2014–MikkiC.Gay,LifeCenter,Columbia
July1,2014–Mr.JohnDerrick(TEEMPastor),St.John,Irmo
July17,2014–G.Reginald“Reggie”Cruse,ManningCorrectionalInstitution
July19,2014–DougGraul,ChaplainHarbisonAgapeSenior/Kathwood
August3,2014–RoyM.Butler,Bethel,WhiteRock
August3,2014–E.RayMohrmann,AllSaints,Mt.Pleasant
August24,2014–DavidBauser,Ebenezer,Columbia(AssociatePastor)
November13,2013–RobertW.Wallace,LutheranTheologicalSouthern
Seminary,KesslerAffiliateProfessorofLutheranStudies.
October1,2014–MichaelB.Price,Grace,Prosperity
November1,2014–KarenS.Hawkins,St.Johannes,Charleston(2yeartermcall)
December14,2014–VickieS.Powell,Trinity,Georgetown
January1,2015–EricS.Little,Resurrection/St.Matthew’sParish
February1,2015–EricG.Wolf,AssistanttotheBishopforYouthandYoungAdult
Ministries.
February16,2015–KarenK.Young,ChaplainLutheranHospice
CALLSACCEPTED‐ASSOCIATESINMINISTRY:
April3,2014–KatherineHolland,LutheranChurchoftheRedeemer,Charleston
CELEBRATIONSANDSPECIALSERVICES:
April13,2014–WorshipServiceatHolyTrinity,NorthAugusta.BishopYoos
preachedandpresided.
April27,2014–WorshipServiceatTrinity,Elloree.AssistanttotheBishop
Amundsonpreached.
May11,2014–WorshipServiceatFaith,Pickens.BishopYoospreached.
May18,2014–WorshipServiceatProvidence,Lexington.AssistanttotheBishop
Amundsonpreachedandpresided.
May25,2014–WorshipServiceatBreathofLife,Blythewood.BishopYoos
preached.
June8,2014–WorshipServiceandGroundBreakingofaNewSanctuaryatHoly
Spirit,Charleston.AssistanttotheBishopAmundsonpreached.
July20,2014–WorshipServiceatEbenezer,Columbia.AssistanttotheBishop
Amundsonpreachedandpresided.
July27,2014–WorshipServiceatOrangeburg,Orangeburg.BishopYoospreached.
August3,2014–WorshipServiceandHomecomingatMt.Calvary,Johnston.Bishop
Yoospreachedandcelebratedwiththecongregation.
August17,2014–WorshipServiceandGroundbreaking,Crossroads,IndianLand.
August24,2014–WorshipServiceofRenewalandReconciliationServiceatSt.
Matthew’s,Charleston.BishopYoospreached.
August31,2014–WorshipServiceatGoodShepherd,Walterboro.BishopYoos
preached.
September7,2014–WorshipServiceatBethel,WhiteRock.BishopYoospreached.
September20,2014–LexingtonClusterProgram.AssistanttotheBishopAebischer
preachedandledworship.
September28,2014–WorshipServiceatFaith,WestColumbia.BishopYoos
BR 2-6
preached.
October5,2014–WorshipServiceatProvidence,Lexington.AssistanttotheBishop
Amundsonpreached.
October12,2014–WorshipServiceatSandyRun,Swansea.AssistanttotheBishop
Aebischerpreachedandledworship.
November2,2014–WorshipServiceatAllSaints,Mt.Pleasant.Assistanttothe
Aebischerpreached.
December12,2014–WorshipServiceatNuestroSalvador(OurSaviour,
Greenville).BishopYoospresidedatCommunion.
December21,2014–WorshipServiceatNuestroSalvador.AssistanttotheBishop
AebsicherpresidedatCommunion.
December28,2014–WorshipServiceatPisgah,Lexington.BishopYoosledthe
sendingservicefortheRev.G.DanielBacon.
January11,2015–WorshipServiceatSt.John,Beaufort.BishopYoospreachedand
presided.
January18,2015–WorshipServiceatMt.Tabor,WestColumbia.BishopYoos
presided.January18,2015–WorshipServiceatSagradaFamilia.Bishop
Yoospreachedandpresided.
January21,2015–WorshipServiceatNewberryCollege.BishopYoospreached.
January25,2015–LARCUMPrayerService.BishopYoosPreached.
February8,2015–WorshipServiceatPisgah,Lexington.AssistanttotheBishop
EricWolfpreachedandpresided.
February21,2015–WorshipattheLutheranMeninMissionConvention.Bishop
Yoospreached.
February22,2015–ManningCorrectionalInstitution.BishopYoospresided.
February22,2015–WorshipServiceat11thand12thGradeRetreatatCoastal
RetreatCenter,IsleofPalms.AssistanttotheBishopWolfpreached.
February27,2015–AssistanttotheBishopGatheringinJacksonsville,Florida.
AssistanttotheBishopAebischerpreached.
March1,2015–WorshipServiceatNuestroSalvador.BishopYoospreachedand
presided.
March15,2015–WorshipServiceinColombia.BishopYoospreached.
March22,2015–WorshipServiceatSt.James,Lexington.AssistanttotheBishop
Amundsonpreached.
March22,2015–WorshipServiceat7thand8thGradeRetreatatCampKinard,
Batesburg‐Leesville.AssistanttotheBishopWolfpreachedandpresided.
CLOSINGOFACONGREGATION:
August17,2014–ChristLutheranChurch,Columbia.BishopYoospreachedand
presided.
COMMISSIONINGS‐ASSOCIATESINMINISTRY:
April27,2014–CommissioningServiceforKatherineHollandatLutheranChurch
oftheRedeemer,Charleston(TheRev.W.RyanLyles,pastor).BishopYoos
preachedfortheservice.
BR 2-7
CONGREGATIONSTHATHAVEVOTEDTOLEAVETHEELCA&APPROVEDBY
SYNODCOUNCIL:
April28,2014–HolyTrinity,NorthAugusta
CONSECRATIONS:
May18,2014–FaithLutheranChapel,Pickens
DEATHS:
April26,2014–DeathofTheRev.Milas“Mike”Sease.ACelebrationoflifeand
servicewasheldonSaturday,May17,2014atWilesChapelatNewberry
College.
July5,2014–DeathofTheRev.ElfordBennettRoof,Sr.AFuneralServicewasheld
onJuly9,2014atEmmanuelLutheranChurchinWestColumbia.
July22,2014–DeathofKathyAddisonDerrick,wifeofTheRev.RandallS.Derrick.
AservicewasheldonJuly25,2014atMacedoniaLutheranChurch.
August7,2014–DeathofTheRev.KarlG.Bernsdorff.AFuneralServicewasheld
onAugust16,2014atReformationLutheranChurchinLancaster.
September9,2014–DeathofSarahFrancesHuddleWallace,wifeoftheRev.Dr.
RalphJ.Wallace.AmemorialservicewasheldonSeptember13,2014at
ChristusVictor,Columbia.
November4,2014–DeathofJesseMalcomCorbett,husbandofJulianaCorbett,
AssociateinMinistry.AmemorialservicewasheldonNovember9,2014at
OurSaviour,WestColumbia.
December4,2014–DeathofFrancesWisdomBaumgartner,wifeofthelateRev.
HughE.Baumgartner.AFuneralServicewasheldonDecember7,2014at
Bethel,WhiteRock.
December30,2015–DeathofJulianaJenkinsCorbett,AssociateinMinistry.A
memorialservicewasheldonJanuary3,2015atOurSaviour,West
Columbia.
January9,2015–DeathofIrisJosephineCundiffHarley,wifeoftheRev.RaymondE.
Harley,II.AgravesideservicewasheldonJanuary13,2015atSt.John,Irmo.
March26,2015–DeathoftheRev.J.F.“Fred”Wilson.AmemorialServicewasheld
onSunday,March29,2015atSt.John’s,Beaufort.
April7,2015–DeathoftheRev.JamesR.Crumley,Jr.Amemorialservicewasheld
onSaturday,April11,2015atBethel,WhiteRock.
INSTALLATIONS‐CLERGY:
April6,2014–TheRev.MarkS.Bredholt–Mt.Hebron,Leesville
April27,2014–TheRev.D.Mitchell“Mitch”Evans–Trinity,Elloree
May18,2014–TheRev.JoshuaD.Brecht–Pilgrim,Lexington
July13,2014–TheRev.WadeT.Roof,III–Mt.Tabor,WestColumbia
August31,2014–TheRev.Richard“Rich”W.Johnston,GoodShepherd,Walterboro
September7,2014–TheRev.RoyM.Butler–Bethel,WhiteRock
November2,2014–TheRev.E.RayMohrmann–AllSaints,Mt.Pleasant
November9,2014–TheRev.MichaelB.Price–Grace,Prosperity
November16,2014–TheRev.DavidBauser–Ebenezer,Columbia
BR 2-8
December14,2014–TheRev.VickieS.Powell–Trinity,Georgetown
January25,2014–TheRev.EricS.Little–Resurrection/St.Matthew’sParish
INSTALLATIONS‐ASSOCIATESINMINISTRY:
April27,2014–KatherineHolland,LutheranChurchoftheRedeemer,Charleston
INTERIMORSTATEDSUPPLYPASTORS:
TheRev.LindaL.Anderson–ChristtheKing,Greenville
TheRev.A.GlennBoland–Messiah,Mauldin
TheRev.LeonardR.Carlson–Bethlehem,Leesville
TheRev.ThomasA.Cassem–MartinLuther,Charleston
TheRev.StephenG.Cooper–St.Michael,MoncksCorner
TheRev.HarryJ.Crout–Silverstreet,Silverstreet
TheRev.G.Reginald“Reggie”Cruse–St.Peter,Batesburg
TheRev.NormanL.Deal,Jr.–LutheranChurchoftheRedeemer,Newberry
TheRev.GaryW.Dreier–Pisgah,Lexington
TheRev.WilliamC.Ebener–HolyTrinity,Pelion
TheRev.DavidJ.Edenfield–St.John’s,Clinton
TheRev.G.Willis“Bill”Eiwen,BreathofLife,Blythewood
TheRev.William“Seth”Gibson–Gethsemane,Columbia&St.Andrews,Blythewood
TheRev.JamesK.Glander–Mt.Pleasant,Saluda
TheRev.“Art”Hallman,Jr.,–Bethlehem,Pomaria
TheRev.KarenS.Hawkins–St.Johannes,Charleston
TheRev.AlvinH.Haigler–St.John,Pelion
TheRev.PaulA.Hirth–PineGrove,LoneStar
TheRev.W.Osborne“Ozzie”Herlong–Bethany,Lexington
TheRev.ScottL.Holland–Bethlehem,Irmo
TheRev.Thomas“Tommy”L.Lineberger–Enon,Leesville
TheRev.GaryR.Lyerly–St.James,Summit
TheRev.RobertE.McCollum–Bethany,Newberry
TheRev.EddieC.Miller–Faith,Newberry
TheRev.JaneP.Mitcham–Zion,Lexington
TheRev.WilliamNeuman–Good Hope, Ward
TheRev.EverettR.Price–Orangeburg,Orangeburg
TheRev.G.StevenPlonk–St.James,Lexington
TheRev.CarrollL.Robinson–SandyRun,Swansea
TheRev.GuyH.Shealy–Reformation,Lancaster
TheRev.FloydE.Sides–BachmanChapel,Prosperity
TheRev.William“Bill”E.Stone–Trinity,Saluda
TheRev.William“Bill”Trexler–St.Matthews,Charleston
TheRev.EmilyJ.Willhide–OurShepherd,Hartsville
TheRev.PaulB.Williams–St. Timothy, Whitmire
BR 2-9
LEADERSHIPDAYS:BishopYoos,AssistanttotheBishopsAebischer,Amundson
andWolfleadtheseevents.
January22,2015–St.Andrew’s,Columbia
January29,2015–SummerMemorialNewberry
February2,2015–St.Peter’s,Pawley’sIsland
February3,2015–Grace,RockHill
February19,2015–MartinLuther,Charleston
March2,2015–St.Matthew’s,Lexington
March3,2015–Messiah,Mauldin
March3,2015–Faith,Pickens
ORDINATIONS:
September18,2014–ServiceofOrdinationforDavidRobertBauserheldatGood
Shepherd,Kettering,Ohio.BishopYoospresidedfortheordination.Pastor
BauserhasacceptedacallasAssociatePastorofEbenezer,Columbia.
March22,2015–ServiceofOrdinationforLisaWellsIsenhowerheldatSt.John’s
Spartanburg.BishopYoospresided.PastorIsenhowerhasacceptedacallto
Faith,Batesburg‐Leesville.
REMOVEDFROMTHEROSTER:(bySynodCouncilvoteinaccordwithbylaws
7.31.11.and8.72.15.d.oftheConstitutionBylawsandContinuingResolutions,
ELCA)
October4,2014–TheRev.LouisR.Faucett,III
RESIGNATIONS–ASSOCIATEINMINISTRY:
July17,2014–BarbaraRowell,AbbeyRoadHospice
January1,2015–DavidE.Rhyne,Trinity,Greenville
RESIGNATIONS–CLERGY:
June8,2014–Rev.AnneM.Christiansen,Mt.Pleasant,Saluda
June30,2014–Rev.MikkiC.Gay–BreathofLife,Blythewood
July27,2014–Rev.MarilynS.Crosby–ChristtheKing,Greenville
September30,2014–Rev.NormanL.Deal–St.James,Summit
November15,2014–Rev.SarahE.Lang–St.Matthew’s,Charleston
December5,2014–Rev.VickieS.Powell–MidlandsHospice,Columbia
December31,2014–EricS.Little,OurShepherd,Hartsville
January31,2015–EricG.Wolf,St.John,Lexington
February15,2015–KarenK.Young,Bethlehem,Irmo
March8,2015–ScottL.Holland,LutheranChurchoftheResurrection,Columbia
RETIREMENT:
April1,2014–Rev.KathleenA.Panning
May1,2014–Rev.GarryW.White
July1,2014–Rev.RobertW.Hawkins
July1,2014–James“Jim”H.Johnson,AIM
BR 2-10
August9,2014–Rev.JohnL.Yost,III
January1,2015–Rev.G.DanielBacon,Pisgah,Lexington
January1,2015–Rev.DennisR.Bolton–St.Stephen’sLexington
February1,2015–StephanieStoudemayer,AIM
February23,2015–Rev.PaulB.Williams
TRANSFERSGRANTED–AIM:
TRANSFERSGRANTED–CLERGY:
August11,2014–TheRev.MarilynS.Crosby,totheFlorida‐Bahamas(GloriaDei
LutheranChurch,Leesburg)
August20,2014–TheRev.RobertW.HawkinstotheNorthCarolinaSynod
September8,2014–TheRev.GarryW.WhitetotheNorthCarolinaSynod
November15,2014–TheRev.SarahE.LangtotheVirginiaSynod
December3,2014–TheRev.AnneM.ChristiansentotheMetropolitanChicago
Synod
TRANSFERSRECEIVED‐CLERGY:
August14,2014–EmilyWilhidefromtheGrandCanyonSynod
October1,2014–E.RayMohrmannfromtheNCSynod
October1,2014–MichaelB.PricefromtheAlleghenyPennsylvaniaSynod
November11,2014–PhillipE.ClarkfromtheNorthwesternOhioSynod
December29,2014–MicheleC.FischerfromtheUpstateNewYorkSynod
SPIRIT‐LEDTIMEOFRENEWALCONGREGATIONALEVENTS:
April6,2014–Faith,Batesburg‐Leesville(ledbyAssistanttotheBishopAebischer)
April27,2014–St.James,Lexington(ledbyBishopYoosandAssistanttothe
BishopAebischer)
May21,2014–LutheranChurchoftheRedeemer,Newberry(ledbyBishopYoos
andAssistanttotheBishopAebischer)
July27,2014–Orangeburg,Orangeburg(ledbyBishopYoos)
October12,2014–SandyRun,Swansea(ledbyAssistanttotheBishopAebischer)
March22,2015–BreathofLife,Blythewood(ledbyTheRev.BobBeaver)
Report of the Vice President
BR 2-11
Through our Synod Assembly 2014, the Spirit worked through Jesus’ disciples to call
me to serve as the Synod’s Vice President. The Bible text that guided me through
that process and each day since is from Romans 12, “Do not lag in zeal, be ardent
in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in
prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.”
With this text as the guiding force and the Spirit’s wisdom, I have spent this past
year listening and discerning, asking a lot of questions, and being present in God
moments across the Synod in congregations and communities.
It is a humbling experience to be given this opportunity, one that is challenging, energizing, and
always new. Our Constitution only provides two criteria to qualify someone to be the Synod’s Vice
President/Chair of Synod Council: it must be a lay person and that person will serve without pay.
With these qualifications being met, the Spirit led me at our Council Retreat, June 2014 to create
an environment within our Synod Council where we could Really Live Free with God’s GRACE, and
be bold in living into our new Synod organization. This culture liberated us to discern how best to
be good stewards of God’s gifts and people in our Community Engagement Table, our Deepening
Discipleship Table and our Communications & Technology Table. This would ensure then that our
congregations and institutions might come to see each other as a network of partners in sharing the
true Light of Jesus in a troubling, dark world. It truly is a joy to be amongst Jesus’ disciples and to
see the Holy Spirit blow into our words and actions, and to see Lutheran Christians willing to sing,
dance and sign to praise God in our gatherings!
While your Synod Council is indeed a faithful group, meeting regularly and carrying out instructions
between assemblies, the real stories of what God is up to in South Carolina are happening every
day in our workplaces, our grocery stores, our post offices, our schools, our social media pages and
many more. We proclaim that Jesus is the light that we should not hide under a basket. To hear
and read stories where congregations are serving 300+ hungry people in their church parking lot,
where groups are collecting books and clothes for impoverished children, and where disciples are
gathered in an ordinary place to sing and praise the Risen Lord and make it extraordinary…..these
and many more are the real stories of what God is up to in South Carolina. What is making South
Carolina unique while doing these good deeds is that we do them in Jesus’ name. We are reawakening to the concept that God equips us for every good deed and that we are re-presenting
Christ to all, each and every day. We are raised again to new life and created to serve God
through the gift of our baptisms. Thanks be to God!
Thank you for our partnership together,
Lexanne K. Graves
BR 2-12
Report of the Secretary
2014-2015
It is a joy and a privilege to serve as secretary of the South Carolina (SC) Synod, Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). In this role I have observed how God is at work in the faithful
leadership of laypersons, rostered leaders and congregations.
The duties of this office include the recording of the minutes of the Synod Council meetings and the
Synod Assemblies. This office is assisted by a dedicated support staff who carries out many details: Neal
Fischer, Carrie Nicholson, Lynn J. Helton, Julie Koon and Jenny A. Spearen. The Rev. Virginia S.
Aebischer, assistant to the bishop, has ably prepared the Bulletin of Reports and the Directory and Minutes of
the South Carolina Synod 2013. Barbara F. Burns and Carolyn Torrence, assisted in the recording of the
Minutes of the South Carolina Synod Assembly 2013. I extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to these
persons for all their assistance. Other duties of this office include correspondence on Synod Council actions,
providing for the archives and communication with the Churchwide organization. I am also serving as Chair,
Constitution Committee.
The Synod Council appointed a Task Force on History Book, Lutheran Church in SC, in 2007 and
this task force continues to work on the history of the synod. In order to facilitate this process, I would like
to encourage congregations to collect records and publish historical information. In order to better preserve
the history and heritage of the SC Synod, congregations are encouraged to use the James R. Crumley Jr.,
Archives, Region 9, ELCA, housed at the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia. We extend
our thanks to Ms. Jeanette Bergeron who served faithfully for 16 years (1999-2015) as archivist and retired
in January 1, 2015.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the ordination of women for the ELCA and its predecessor
bodies. We celebrate the gifts of many faithful women who have throughout these years enriched the life of
our church and who sometimes endured challenges to their calls to ministry. We pray that the Spirit will
continue to lift up strong and trustworthy laborers for God's vineyard in this diverse community that is the
church of Christ. As secretary, assisted by synod staff and volunteers, I am responsible for the continuing assessment,
retention and transfer of archival materials. The archives is a good site for older and original parish registers;
micro-film copies of current parish registers or older parish registers; copies of congregational histories and
anniversary booklets (especially 25 year increments); and photographs of church buildings. Micro-film
copies of the parish register are provided free of charge at South Caroliniana Library if a congregation will
deposit a copy with the library.
Each year, the statistics of the congregations of this synod are collected and compiled by the Office
of the Secretary, ELCA. This data provides a detailed picture of statistical trends for each congregation and
for this synod. There were 110 congregations out of 155 congregations that filed reports at the end of
December 31, 2013. The baptized membership reported was 47,000 at the end of 2013 (the latest year that
statistics were available at the time this report was written) The average size of a congregation in this synod
is 315 baptized members. Average giving per confirmed member increased in 2013 by $23.49 to $1,054.94
per confirmed member. The average Sunday worship attendance per congregation was 112 persons (36% of
baptized members). Complete congregational statistics and a summary of synod statistics are available on the
Synod Website. Go to www.scsynod.com, click on “Documents”, choose SC Synod Documents, and scroll
down to Statistical Reports from the ELCA.
In accordance with S7.32.A14.f. of the Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of the South
Carolina Synod, ELCA, I recommend that two copies of the Minutes of the 2014 South Carolina Synod
Assembly, which have been certified by the bishop and the secretary as the official protocol of that
assembly, be approved and placed in the archives.
Rev. W. Osborne Herlong Jr., Secretary
South Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
BR 2-13
Report of the Treasurer
Year Ended January 31, 2015
Referred to as 2014-15
It is a privilege and pleasure to serve as treasurer of the SC Synod. I would like to thank
my two assistants that served the synod this year, Carrie Nicholson and Linda Albert.
MISSION SUPPORT
Our congregations are to be commended for their support. Therefore, on behalf of the
Assembly, I thank each and everyone for your support of our ministries. Mission support
received for 2014-15 was the highest since 2010-11. A summary of mission support for
the year 2014-15 as compared to 2013-14 follows:
Budgeted Mission Support
Mission Support Pledged
2014-15
2,452,000
1,768,000
2013-14
2,590,000
1,008,000
Mission Support Received
Fees and Other Revenue
2,565,281
51,140
2,451,780
55,095
In addition to mission support, we raised over $500,000 for the ministries of world
hunger, disaster relief, malaria campaign, institutions and others projects.
INVESTMENT INCOME
Investment income earned amounted to $102,216 as compared to $166,256 for January
31, 2014. Investment income was allocated (1) to the operating fund in the amount of
$23,206; (2) to the council designated funds in the amount of $41,369; and to the
temporarily restricted funds in the amount of $37,641.
EXPENDITURES
As in the past few years, the finance committee recommended to the Synod Council a
spending plan in the amount of $2,513,165 as compared to the adopted budget of
$2,703,353. A summary of expenditures for the year 2014-15 as compared to 2013-14
follows:
2014/15
2013/14
Mission Benevolence
1,054,669
979,781
Institutions
352,000
390,533
266,614
253,862
129,192
130,795
Communication/Technology Table
31,410
31,696
Operating Expenses
734,527
768,293
Total Expenditures
2,568,412
2,554,961
The ELCA support is 41.75% of unrestricted mission support. The proposed budget for
2016/17 is $2,548,600, which was approved by the Synod Council.
BR 2-14
OTHER ITEMS
The assets, consisting of cash, land & buildings, and furniture & equipment, of Christ
Lutheran Church, Columbia were acquired by the Synod when the church disbanded.
The cash in the amount of $83,000 was designated to various mission projects and a tithe
to the ELCA by the Synod Council. The land & building (with an appraised value of
$397,200) and the furniture & equipment (which were not appraised) will be used for the
mission work of Christ Mission Church, a Synodically Authorized Worshiping
Community.
The Synod purchased a lot in West Columbia, Lexington County, for $110,000. The
term of the purchase was $40,000 down and the balance over the next two years. This
property will be used for the mission work of Cristo Rey, a Congregation Under
Development.
The property on Lake Murray - The Eagle - continues to be on the market. Our real
estate agent says that the market for lake property is improving. He reported that the
nest is not being used at present but the eagle is still around. There has been a little
interest in the St. Matthews' property, but no serious offer for purchase.
Mission support for the first three months of this year is down by $43,000. I am
optimistic that the support for 2015/16 will be as good as 2014/15 or better. The
financial committee has not recommended a spending plan for this year.
"GOD'S WORK. OUR HANDS."
Raymond Hendrix, Jr. Treasurer
BR 2-15
South Carolina Synod - ELCA
Designated Gifts 2014-15
ELCA Churchwide Designated Gifts
World Hunger
Lutheran World Relief
Missionary Support
ELCA Disaster Response Fund
ELCA International Disaster Relief
Pacific Typhoon Response
ELCA Domestic Disaster Relief
Spring Severe Storms
Ebola Outbreak Response
Tornadoes
Hurricane Sandy
ELCA Malaria Project
ELCA Vision for Mission
Total Churchwide Designated Giving
Designated Support for Institutions
SC Lutheran Retreat Centers
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
Newberry College
Lutheran Homes of South Carolina
Lutheridge/Lutherock Ministries, Inc.
Total Designated Support for Institutions
Other Designated Gifts
Campus Ministry in South Carolina
Companion Synods
Tanzania Mission (general ministry)
Lutheran Youth Pledges
Lutheran Social Services Charleston
Lexington Interfaith Community Services
Gifts of Hope
Growing in God's Mission Appeal
GGM - Safe Water Tanzania
Other Misc. Designated Gifts
121,453
16,566
36,845
3,866
400
225
4,278
50
2,390
475
111
7,934
1,792
196,384
8,316
13,679
8,563
16,732
10,960
6,792
65,042
2,035
200
12,920
3,372
3,088
9,426
19,149
68,331
46,501
119,777
Total Other Designated Gifts
284,799
Total designated gifts 546,225
BR 2-16
South Carolina Synod, ELCA
Pledges, Unrestricted Mission Support, Restricted Synod Support, & Designated Gifts by Congregation
February 1, 2014 through January 31, 2015
Organization
Mission Support
Pledge
Mission Support
Actual
SC Synod
Support
Total
All Saints 07396, Mt. Pleasant
2
Ascension 05596, Columbia
$8,800.00
3
Atonement 05658, Laurens
$490.00
4
Augsburg 05648, Union
$1,200.00
$1,200.00
$98.00
$1,298.00
5
Bachman Chapel 05640, Prosperity
$12,802.00
$12,802.00
$821.00
$13,623.00
6
Beth Eden 05628, Newberry
$250.00
$250.00
7
Bethany 05627, Newberry
$4,235.00
$6,035.00
$2,596.00
$8,631.00
8
Bethany 05721, Lexington
$352.50
$2,852.50
9
Bethel 05620, White Rock
$16,500.00
$15,125.00
$515.00
$15,915.00
10
Bethlehem 05608, Irmo
$9,423.75
$14,332.50
11
Bethlehem 05637, Pomaria
$13,230.00
$9,423.75
$700.00
$10,123.75
12
Bethlehem 05703, Leesville
$10,000.00
13
Breath of Life 30796, Blythewood
14
Cedar Grove 05705, Leesville
15
Christ 05597, Columbia
16
Christ 07329, Hilton Head
17
Christ the King 05621, Columbia
18
$35,500.00
$35,916.63
Other Funds
1
$140.25
$6,233.37
$42,150.00
$2,402.00
$11,202.00
$630.25
$1,260.50
$250.00
$2,500.00
$275.00
$14,332.50
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
$7,884.99
$7,884.99
$25,234.56
$3,090.00
$28,324.56
$1,100.00
$83,500.00
$84,600.00
$2,000.00
$48,920.42
$1,852.36
$50,772.78
$2,640.00
$6,137.50
$242.00
$6,379.50
Christ the King 16415, Greenville
$6,600.00
$2,667.00
19
Christus Victor 07571, Columbia
$34,200.00
$34,200.00
$5,005.79
$39,205.79
20
Circle of Grace 30625, Gaffney
$600.00
$500.00
21
Colony 05630, Newberry
$10,845.45
22
Corinth 05724, Saluda
23
Cristo Rey 30851, West Columbia
24
Cristo Rey 31072, Gaston
25
Cross and Crown 07503, Florence
26
27
$25,000.00
$2,667.00
$1,100.00
$10,845.45
$7,100.00
$13,014.00
$20,114.00
$138.50
$10,647.42
$10,785.92
$50.00
$50.00
$13,296.00
$15,668.00
$21,737.26
$37,405.26
Crossroads 30706, Fort Mill
$7,700.00
$7,640.00
$2,021.12
$9,661.12
Ebenezer 05598, Columbia
$71,017.00
$23,672.32
$1,525.02
$25,197.34
28
Ehrhardt Memorial 05677, Ehrhardt
$2,420.00
29
Emmanuel 05614, West Columbia
30
Enon 05704, Leesville
31
Epiphany 30081, Rock Hill
32
Faith 05615, West Columbia
$16,045.00
$13,695.72
33
Faith 05683, Johns Island
$3,600.00
$4,250.00
34
Faith 05696, Batesburg-Leesville
35
Faith Lutheran Chapel 30683, Pickens
36
Gethsemane 05599, Columbia
37
Good Shepherd 05600, Columbia
$520.00
$4,920.00
$50.00
$4,970.00
$31,078.00
$8,285.45
$39,363.45
$510.00
$510.00
$3,120.00
$3,120.00
$130.00
$13,825.72
$1,125.00
$153.00
$1,278.00
$2,000.04
$2,400.00
$2,000.00
$4,400.00
$5,000.00
$5,620.50
$1,869.05
$7,489.55
$6,529.02
$59,385.02
$52,686.00
$4,250.00
$170.00
38
Good Shepherd 05612, Swansea
39
Good Shepherd 05692, Walterboro
40
Grace 05611, Rock Hill
41
Grace 05643, Prosperity
42
Grace 05698, Gilbert
$7,800.00
$7,817.00
$2,045.00
$9,862.00
43
Holy Communion 05659, Spartanburg
$16,000.00
$16,000.00
$50.00
$16,050.00
44
Holy Spirit 30725, Charleston
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
45
Holy Trinity 05651, Anderson
$22,250.00
$22,250.00
$10,488.12
$32,738.12
46
Holy Trinity 05722, Pelion
$1,236.04
47
Hope 30080, Vance
48
Immanuel 05657, Greenwood
49
Incarnation 05601, Columbia
50
Joy 30418, Moore
$46,000.00
$46,364.15
51
King of Glory 07449, North Myrtle Beach
$10,500.00
52
Life Center 31093, Columbia SC
53
Living Springs 07829, Columbia
$27,600.00
54
55
$4,000.00
$52,914.00
$5,096.00
$100.00
$5,196.00
$7,200.00
$2,600.75
$9,800.75
$57,323.28
$7,410.55
$13,578.00
$2,337.25
$59,660.53
$2,448.80
$23,437.35
$1,000.00
$1,236.04
$1,539.48
$2,775.52
$5,100.00
$50.00
$5,150.00
$46,617.50
$2,923.00
$49,540.50
$10,200.00
$3,633.00
$13,833.00
$12,343.36
$1,854.00
$14,197.36
$3,892.49
$3,892.49
$27,600.00
$728.65
$28,328.65
Lord of Life 30351, Bluffton
$34,500.00
$2,282.00
$36,782.00
$31,100.00
$2,237.20
$33,337.20
56
Lutheran Church by the Lake 30369,
McCormick
Macedonia 05644, Prosperity
57
Martin Luther 05668, Charleston
$43,500.00
$30,000.00
$46,364.15
$1,000.00
$6,921.00
$32,035.00
$33,035.00
$44.00
$6,965.00
58
Messiah 05663, Mauldin
$6,378.15
$27,642.59
59
Messiah 05687, Hanahan
$15,000.00
$12,489.57
$4,276.20
$16,765.77
60
Mt. Calvary 05701, Johnston
$17,000.00
$18,416.58
$4,492.20
$22,908.78
61
Mt. Hebron 05706, Leesville
$11,375.00
$1,349.00
$12,724.00
62
Mt. Hermon 05616, West Columbia
$7,800.00
$15,373.80
$1,177.00
$16,550.80
63
Mt. Hermon 05636, Peak
$18,000.00
$7,800.00
$110.00
$7,910.00
64
Mt. Horeb 05589, Chapin
$54,219.48
$12,843.55
$67,063.03
65
Mt. Olivet 05645, Prosperity
66
Mt. Olivet 05650, Chapin
$9,913.00
$799.00
$10,712.00
67
Mt. Pilgrim 05625, Prosperity
$2,000.00
$2,024.00
$1,602.00
$3,626.00
68
Mt. Pleasant 05678, Ehrhardt
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
$1,200.00
$6,200.00
69
Mt. Pleasant 05729, Saluda
$8,500.00
$8,500.00
$321.85
$8,821.85
70
Mt. Tabor 05617, West Columbia
$26,114.00
$68,702.17
$6,400.00
$75,102.17
71
Mt. Tabor 05626, Little Mountain
$66,500.00
$28,290.16
$3,986.90
$32,277.06
72
Nazareth 05710, Lexington
$600.00
$355.00
$955.00
73
Orangeburg 05688, Orangeburg
74
Our Saviour 05618, West Columbia
75
Our Saviour 05654, Greenville
76
Our Shepherd 07234, Hartsville
77
Peace 07331, Charleston Heights
78
Pilgrim 05712, Lexington
$48,000.00
$52,960.11
$2,031.50
$54,991.61
79
Pine Grove 05684, Lone Star
$5,200.00
$6,500.00
$1,849.00
$8,349.00
80
Pisgah 05713, Lexington
$17,500.00
$19,079.96
$13,463.41
$32,543.37
81
Pomaria 05638, Pomaria
$7,425.00
$7,166.30
$3,066.00
$10,232.30
82
Providence 05711, Lexington
$42,021.00
$425.00
$42,446.00
83
Redeemer 05623, Columbia
$47,050.00
$50,970.79
$4,003.62
$54,974.41
84
Redeemer 05633, Newberry
$26,100.00
$2,600.00
$7,745.00
$10,345.00
85
Redeemer 05669, Charleston
$24,766.31
$2,354.63
$27,120.94
86
Redeemer 05730, Greer
$7,508.72
$240.00
$7,748.72
87
Reformation 05602, Columbia
$12,500.00
$20,304.00
$1,575.00
$21,879.00
88
Reformation 05610, Lancaster
$20,300.00
$12,510.02
$595.00
$13,195.02
89
Resurrection 05603, Columbia
$22,000.00
90
Resurrection 05665, Cameron
91
Sagrada Familia 31073, Columbia
92
Sandy Run 05613, Swansea
93
Shepherd of the Sea 07420, Garden City
94
Silverstreet 05647, Silverstreet
$18,464.44
BR 2-17
$9,913.00
$4,800.00
$36,800.00
$2,800.00
$100.00
$100.00
$5,200.00
$2,537.00
$7,737.00
$12,000.00
$1,450.00
$13,450.00
$8,102.00
$47,615.10
$39,513.10
$1,625.00
$1,625.00
$10,000.00
$40,050.00
$10,000.00
$90.00
$0.00
$165.00
$165.00
$23,888.78
$3,045.74
$26,934.52
$1,896.28
$1,896.28
$4,583.15
$1,656.65
$6,239.80
$40,731.58
$2,742.30
$43,473.88
$2,847.00
$960.00
$3,807.00
$452.00
$5,002.00
$11,063.50
$60,621.50
95
Springs of Grace 30443, Inman
$4,400.00
96
St. Andrew 05585, Blythewood
$1,000.00
97
St. Andrew's 05604, Columbia
$49,558.00
98
St. Barnabas 05671, Charleston
99
St. David's 05619, West Columbia
$10,500.00
$10,000.00
$150.00
$1,000.00
$10,500.00
$6,588.00
$17,088.00
$13,091.00
$57,276.93
$43,554.93
$631.00
100 St. James 05590, Sumter
$5,364.30
$6,893.30
$2,616.00
$14,873.60
101 St. James 05629, Newberry
$2,918.00
$180.00
$3,098.00
$24,470.24
102 St. James 05700, Graniteville
$19,704.87
$4,765.37
103 St. James 05708, Summit
$4,000.00
$7,000.00
$615.60
$7,615.60
104 St. James 05715, Lexington
$18,000.00
$19,500.00
$4,264.00
$23,764.00
105 St. Johannes 05672, Charleston
$3,630.00
$175.00
$3,805.00
106 St. John 05609, Irmo
$6,050.00
$180.00
$6,230.00
107 St. John 05642, Pomaria
$60,000.00
$8,304.00
$1,245.00
$9,549.00
108 St. John 05653, Clinton
$35,200.00
$500.00
$650.00
$1,150.00
109 St. John 05661, Spartanburg
$60,000.00
$8,032.59
$68,032.59
110 St. John 05662, Walhalla
$26,400.00
$3,414.00
$29,814.00
$39,989.75
111 St. John 05664, Beaufort
$9,000.00
$38,345.00
$1,644.75
112 St. John 05673, Charleston
$6,000.00
$6,666.67
$3,749.82
$10,416.49
113 St. John 05702, Johnston
$1,826.00
$1,826.00
$40.00
$1,866.00
$125.00
$250.00
$7,954.00
$42,954.00
114 St. John 05723, Pelion
$425.00
$125.00
115 St. Luke 05605, Columbia
$14,091.07
$14,645.27
116 St. Luke 05622, Florence
117 St. Luke 05646, Prosperity
$21,840.00
118 St. Luke 05691, Summerville
119 St. Mark 05690, Isle of Palms
120 St. Mark 05725, Batesburg-Leesville
$14,645.27
$35,000.00
$18,553.33
$35,281.84
$5,775.00
$3,346.67
$4,723.39
$26,623.39
$5,426.00
$40,707.84
$4,400.00
$4,400.00
$8,992.15
$8,992.15
BR 2-18
121 St. Matthew 05639, Pomaria
$2,400.00
$9,850.00
$401.00
122 St. Matthew 05666, Cameron
$9,850.00
$2,400.00
$968.00
$3,368.00
123 St. Matthew 05674, Charleston
$40,000.00
$43,750.00
$10,661.26
$54,411.26
124 St. Matthew 05716, Lexington
$14,000.00
$15,150.00
$2,848.00
$17,998.00
125 St. Matthias 07330, Easley
$5,400.00
$4,950.00
$592.00
$5,542.00
126 St. Michael 05606, Columbia
$25,000.00
$6,500.00
$6,500.00
127 St. Michael 05655, Greenville
$6,000.00
$25,000.00
$25,000.00
128 St. Michael 05694, Moncks Corner
$2,200.00
$2,200.00
129 St. Nicholas 05680, Fairfax
130 St. Paul 05641, Pomaria
$15,990.00
131 St. Paul 05695, Aiken
$50,688.00
132 St. Paul 05699, Gilbert
$10,251.00
$15,989.50
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$3,971.50
$19,961.00
$56,921.76
$1,524.75
$58,446.51
$17,500.00
$1,946.00
$19,446.00
$41,448.00
133 St. Paul's 05607, Columbia
$39,600.00
$39,600.00
$1,848.00
134 St. Paul's 05685, Mt. Pleasant
$10,090.00
$9,697.00
$3,610.00
$13,307.00
$1,850.00
$1,200.00
$3,050.00
$17,395.00
$17,395.00
$32,000.00
$32,000.00
$540.00
$32,540.00
$1,738.73
$30,913.06
140 St. Philip 05686, Myrtle Beach
$5,249.00
$5,300.00
$682.00
$5,982.00
141 St. Stephen 05718, Lexington
$63,000.00
$63,000.00
$6,962.00
$69,962.00
142 St. Thomas 05593, Chapin
$20,000.00
$20,893.00
$534.00
$21,427.00
143 St. Timothy 05587, Camden
$2,992.00
$9,823.00
$155.00
$9,978.00
$2,105.00
$17,116.75
135 St. Peter 05697, Batesburg-Leesville
136 St. Peter 05592, Chapin
138 St. Peter 07693, Pawleys Island
139 St. Philip 05634, Newberry
$29,174.33
144 St. Timothy 05649, Whitmire
$3,888.00
$3,888.00
145 Summer Memorial 05635, Newberry
$13,857.00
$15,011.75
146 Transfiguration 05588, Cayce
$24,000.00
$28,700.00
$6,058.18
$34,758.18
147 Trinity 05656, Greenville
$105,000.00
$112,916.66
$22,714.91
$135,631.57
$333.53
$4,117.53
148 Trinity 05679, Elloree
$3,784.00
$2,000.00
149 Trinity 05681, Fairfax
150 Trinity 05682, Georgetown
$2,200.00
151 Trinity 05728, Saluda
$200.00
$1,187.00
$133.00
$333.00
$462.00
$44,824.50
$11,700.00
152 Union 05707, Leesville
153 University 05652, Clemson
$40,950.00
154 Wittenberg 05709, Leesville
$24,000.00
155 Zion 05719, Lexington
Grand Total:
$1,768,253.90
$3,187.00
$2,200.00
$44,362.50
$11,700.00
$24,450.00
$570.00
$25,020.00
$32,001.96
$11,064.76
$43,066.72
$2,486,603.08
$80,673.55
$546,225.12
$3,113,501.75
Note: The Synod figures may differ from the congregational figures due to the closing of the Synod year and the congregation year.
BR 3-1
REPORT OF THE SYNOD COUNCIL
Bulletin of Reports
South Carolina Synod - 2014-2015
Since the 2014 South Carolina (SC) Synod Assembly, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Synod Council has
met on the following dates: June 27-28, 2014; September 15, 2014; November 17, 2014; February 23, 2015; and April 20, 2015.
The Synod Council organized itself into the following committees:
Executive:
Constitution:
Finance:
Personnel:
Property:
The officers of this synod and two members of the Synod Council: Mr. John C. Derrick (at large)
and Mrs. Erin E. Johnson (at large).
Rev. W. Osborne Herlong Jr., chair; Rev. Frank W. Anderson; Rev. Melvin E. Amundson
Catherine L. Austin; Mr. Steve Calcutt and Rev. Henry M. Moody, Jr., advisory.
John P. Harmon, chair; Rev. Virginia S. Aebischer; Raymond L. Hendrix Jr.; Rev. W. Osborne
Herlong Jr.; Ms. Carrie Nicholson, Assistant to the Treasurer; Mrs. Donna Poulnot; Mr. Jerry
Vaughn; and Mr. Charles A. Moore, advisory.
Mr. Paul R. Bouknight, chair; Mrs. Kathy Hendrix and Mrs. Emily M. Bugay.
Mr. John C. Derrick, chair; Mr. Brent B. Lybrand and Mrs. Diane D. Wicker.
NOTE: Items marked with an asterisk (*) require action by the SC Synod Assembly. All other items are reported as information.
† Provisions common to all synods of the ELCA.
I. APPOINTMENTS
1. Appointed conveners of tables in accord with S10.07.05. Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions, South Carolina
Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Deepening Discipleship Table: Rev. Patrick W. Riddle, convener
Communications and Technology Table: Mr. Adam Steele, convener
Community Engagement Table: Ms. Ginny Eiwen, convener
Synod Council Action, June 27-28, 2014.
2. To appoint the following persons as Synod Council liaisons:
Deepening Discipleship Table: Rev. Wayne C. Kannaday
Community Engagement Table: Ms. Erin E. Johnson
Communication and Technology Table: Rev. Christopher S. Heavner
Synod Council Action, June 27-28, 2014.
3. Appointed Mrs. Danielle F. Payne, as judicatory representative to the Board of Directors, South Carolina Christian Action
Council.
4. The Executive Committee appointed the following persons to the Mutual Ministry Committee: the Rev. Robert I. Miles, chair;
Mrs. Mitzie S. Schafer; Mrs. Gayle M. Sims; and the Rev. Wayne C. Kannaday
5. Appointed a Task Force for the Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to
identify priorities and develop a plan to encourage conferences and congregations to participate in the campaign; and appointed
the Rev. Christine Stoxen, chair; Ms. Sarah Delap, the Rev. Mary Finklea, Mr. Smith Heavner, Cathy Jordan, the Rev. Ryan
Lyles, Mr. Heber Rast, Mr. Ben Shealy, the Rev. Elise Stringer, and the Rev. Jackie Utley.
6. Appointed a Task Force on Synod Assembly Vendors; and voted to secure guidelines from the synods of Region 9, ELCA, to
establish synod guidelines for the South Carolina Synod for allowing vendors to register for synod assemblies; and appointed to
the Task Force Ms. Catherine Austin, chair; the Rev. Wayne Kannaday; John Harmon, and Lexanne Graves; and To appoint the
Rev. Virginia Aebischer as an advisory member. Synod Council Action, June 27-28, 2014.
7. Appointed the following persons to the South Carolina Synod Assembly Nominating Committee for a term of two-years, 20152016: the Rev. Gary A. Loadholdt, Pastor, Redeemer, Columbia; the Rev. Christine Stoxen, Pastor, Grace, Rock Hill; the Rev.
Pamela C. Turfa, Pastor, Corinth, Saluda and St. Mark, Batesburg-Leesville; Mrs. Gloria Rast, Resurrection, Cameron; the Rev.
Virginia Litman-Koon, Pastor, Mt. Horeb, Chapin; and Deacon Jorge Leone, Cristo Rey, West Columbia.
8. Appointed the Rev. Gary A. Loadholdt as chair, 2015 South Carolina Synod Assembly Nominating Committee.
9. Accepted, with regret, the resignation of Mr. Brian Dooley, lay male, Northern Area, term expiring 2017, due to the
acceptance of a new position as instructor at Sherman College of Chiropractic.
BR 3-2
10. Appointed Mr. Benjamin Shealy to fill the vacancy on the Synod Council, Lay Male-Northern Area, until the 2015 South
Carolina Synod Assembly. November 17, 2014.
11. Appointed a committee comprised of the Bishop, Assistants to the Bishop, Vice President, and Mrs. Carol Nordquist to
oversee the Growing God’s Mission Appeal. February 23, 2015.
II. 2016 COMPENSATION GUIDELINES
SOUTH CAROLINA SYNOD, EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
*RECOMMENDATION FOR ASSEMBLY ACTION
1. Recommends the 2016 Compensation Guidelines for Rostered Leaders, South Carolina Synod, for adoption by the 2015
South Carolina Synod Assembly.
Voting members of the assembly can access the proposed 2016 Compensation Guidelines for Rostered Leaders, South Carolina
Synod, through the South Carolina Synod Assembly mobile app or on the South Carolina Synod Web site www.scsynod.com. If
you have chosen to receive an assembly packet a copy of the guidelines are in the packets of the voting members to the 2015 SC
Synod Assembly. Upon approval by the 2015 South Carolina Synod Assembly the guidelines will be posted on the synod
Website: go to www.scsynod.com. and choose the Documents tab, and then click Documents/South Carolina Synod Forms. Scroll
down to Compensation Guidelines on that page.
III. CONGREGATIONS UNDER DEVELOPMENT
Designated Impact as a congregation under development, to serve people of African Descent in the Columbia/Northeast area
beginning October 1, 2014; and designated the Rev. Martin Quick as pastor developer. Synod Council Action, September 15,
2014.
IV. CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS AND CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS
1. Approved the following amendment to the Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions, South Carolina Synod.
S11.01.A13.
The organizational chart developed by the Restructure Task Force, continuing to be developed by the
Implementation Team and approved by the Synod Council shall be the guiding principle for the structure of
this synod. Newly written continuing resolutions shall set forth the duties, functions and composition of
tables, networks, task forces and committees and shall be adopted by the Synod Council on or before June
30, 2014. The composition of tables, networks, task forces and committees shall be in accord with †S6.04.
June 27-28, 2014
To re-letter and re-number the continuing resolutions which follow.
2. Approved the following amendments to the Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions, South Carolina Synod.
S12.01.C14.
To strike Blythewood, Breath of Life, under Congregations under development and add Blythewood, Breath
of Life under the congregations of Midlands; to strike Pickens, Faith under Congregations under development
and add Pickens, Faith under the congregations of Foothills; and to strike Indian Land, Crossroads under
Congregations under development and add Indian Land, Crossroads under the congregations of Upstate.
June 27-28, 2014
3. Approved the following amendments to the Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions, South Carolina Synod.
S12.01.C14.
To strike Columbia, Christ under Midlands Conference; and add Columbia, Christ Mission, under Midlands
Conference, Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community; and to add Columbia, Impact, under Midlands
Conference, Congregations Under Development.
September 15, 2014
4. Approved the following amendment to the Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions, South Carolina Synod.
S11.01.A14.
The Deepening Discipleship Table
The Deepening Discipleship Table will support and serve the people of the South Carolina Synod, by
equipping current and future disciples for leadership. This table includes the following networks:
a. The Equipping Evangelism Leaders Network will train leaders who will equip people to experience
evangelism creatively by going to those who need to hear the good news.
BR 3-3
b.
The Equipping Rostered Leaders Network will assist the rostered leaders of the SC Synod as they live
their baptismal vocation through self care, learning, discerning and fellowship.
c. The Equipping Youth and Young Adults Network will gather, equip, and inspire youth and young adults,
by promoting opportunities for fellowship, service and baptismal vocational engagement.
d. The Equipping Steward Leaders Network will train leaders who will assist people in understanding the
biblical relationship between resources and mission and equip them to live accordingly.
e. The Equipping Lifelong Faith Formation Network will assist congregations by supporting their capacity
to develop and to nurture the Christian faith for all ages.
November 17, 2014
5. Approved the following amendments to the Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions, South Carolina Synod,
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
S12.01.C1415.
The congregations, authorized worshiping communities, and congregations under development of this synod
shall be organized into the following conferences and geographic areas in accord with S12.01.20.,
S12.01.21., and S12.01.22.
CENTRAL AREA
Midlands
Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community
Blythewood, Life Center, Breath of Life
Saxe Gotha
Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community
South Carolina, 2nd Generation Latino-Probe Discovery
February 23, 2015
V. FINANCIAL MATTERS
1. Recommends the following “Budget Procedures” for adoption by the 2015 South Carolina Synod Assembly.
BUDGET PROCEDURES
1. Proposed amendments to the budget must be submitted to the secretary of this synod in writing no later than 6:00 p.m.,
Thursday, May 28. Each amendment or resolution to amend must be supported in writing by ten (10) signatures of
voting members in this assembly. The secretary shall refer such proposed amendments to the Treasurer and the Finance
Committee. During the consideration of the budget by the assembly, the Treasurer or Finance Committee shall report on
the implication of each proposed amendment.
2. Any amendment to the budget that increases a current program proposal expense, or adds a current program proposal
to the budget, must include a corresponding decrease in some other current program proposal of the same amount; or an
increase in revenues to offset the proposed expense.
Regarding votes to appropriate funds not approved by Synod Council:
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. Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions, SC Synod
2. Approved the funding of camp scholarships at Lutheridge for 50 youth from the emerging partnership with African-American
congregations in South Carolina.
3. Voted to discuss three of the Donor Restricted accounts at each meeting of the Synod Council to determine how these funds
might be used; and to request that the Finance Committee research and determine the Donor Restricted accounts to be reviewed
at each meeting of the council; and to continue the review of the Donor Restricted accounts until all accounts have been
researched and reviewed by the Synod Council.
4. Voted to provide a link on the South Carolina Synod website under the tab “For Congregations” a subject called insurance with
links to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America website for property and liability insurance.
5. Approved the recommendation that the South Carolina Synod and Cristo Rey Lutheran Church, West Columbia, purchase six
and one-half acres of land at the current address, 545 Oak Drive, Lexington, 29072, to be used as a Latino Outreach Center for
BR 3-4
$110,000 over a period of three years at no interest; and to pay for the purchase of the land from the Growing in God’s Mission
Appeal, Priority 2, Planting and Sustaining Mission Congregations; and to pay for the land for the Latino Outreach Center on the
following schedule:

Year One -- 2014 $40,000 SC Synod pays $35,000 + Cristo Rey pays $5,000

Year Two --2015 $40,000 SC Synod pays $35,000 + Cristo Rey pays $5,000

Year Three –2016 $30,000 SC Synod pays $25,000 + Cristo Rey pays $5,000
September 15, 2014.
6. Approved the recommendations of the SC Synod Mission Endowment Fund Grant Committee to award grants in 2014 to:
Tanzania Companion Synod Committee
Sleeping Mats and Blankets
60 Kindergarten Children, Tanzania
$500
Providence, Lexington
Food for Children at Risk
Schools Lexington District 1
$1,000
Servants of the Servant
Vacation Bible School
At Risk Children, Chapin
$2,000
All Saints, Mt. Pleasant
Medical Team, Cambodia
Buddhist Country
$2,000
Piedmont Emergency Relief Center
Piedmont
Food for persons in hunger and
poverty
$1,000
Redeemer, Columbia
Preschool Scholarships
Community Outreach
$1,000
St. Matthew, Charleston
Special Needs 13 year-old
Professional Aid Worker
$1,000
The Jericho Community
Summer Bible Camp
Low Income Children, Eau Claire
$2,500
Faith, Pickens
Angelic Reach, Community Garden
Nuestro Salvador (Our Saviour)
Greenville
Radio Show
$1,000
Region 9, ELCA
Native American People
Region 9 and UMC/SE Jurisdiction
$1,575
Synod Team, Leadership Development
Faith Ink Workshop
Boulder, Colorado
Springs of Grace, Boiling Springs
Building on Property
Community Fellowship
$675
$750
$1,000
September 15, 2014
7. Transferred the ELCA Evangelism Grant in the amount of $870.46 to the Growing in God’s Mission Appeal.
8. Transferred the Synod Bishops Fund for Leaders in the amount of $100.00 to the Growing in God’s Mission Appeal and then
to the ELCA Fund for Leaders.
9. Transferred the Communicators Congress account in the amount of $559.23 to the operating fund.
10. Voted to fund Ecumenical Outreach to the Hearing Impaired in Clemson project in the amount of $6,000; and distributed the
funding from the Ministry of the Deaf, donor restricted fund, over a period of the next four years.
BR 3-5
11. Transferred the Title to Real Estate owned by the South Carolina Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,
Incorporated, to Springs of Grace Lutheran Church, Boiling Springs, South Carolina, for development as the future site for the
church building. November 17, 2014.
12. Designated housing allowances for clergy staff of the South Carolina Synod and declared that the designation of housing
allowances apply to calendar year 2015. November 17, 2014.
13. Designated the Christ Mission reserve funds in the amount of $83,000 in the following manner:
20% to Maintenance of Christ Lutheran Church Building
15% to African American Partnerships
15% to Christ Mission, Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community
40% to Growing in God’s Mission Appeal for Planting Congregations
10% to Mission Support, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
14. Requested an appointment to the governing board of the Hattie Schneider Sharpe Charitable Trust; and to no longer include
the pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Lexington, South Carolina, as one of the members of the governing board; and
requested that the Senior Pastor, St. Stephen’s, Lexington, fill the vacancy on the governing board; and requested the
representative, First Citizens Bank and Bishop Herman Yoos, present members of the governing board of the Hattie Schneider
Sharpe Charitable Trust, to approve the appointment of the Senior Pastor of Stephen’s, Lexington fill the vacancy on the
governing board; and voted to write a letter to the Rev. Leon Rawl and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church informing them of the action
of the South Carolina Synod, ELCA. February 23, 2015.
15. Amended the Policies and Procedures of the South Carolina Synod, Capital Reserve Fund Guidelines by adding to the
definition as follows Capital Improvements are improvements / additions / furnishings. February 23, 2015.
16. Transferred the following inactive accounts to the surplus account: 4810363-4 ELCA Social Ministry Grant ($3,207.00);
3020375-1 Old Designated Account ($3,425.23); and 4810362-4 World Mission Reserve ($5,645.24)
17. Transferred $15,000.00 from the surplus account to Candidacy Scholarship to be used as funding for the Israel trip with the
understanding that any funds remaining following the trip are to be returned to the surplus account.
18. Declared that the properties used by Christ Mission, Columbia and the Latino Outreach Center, West Columbia, are used for
God’s mission in the South Carolina Synod of the ELCA and are not-for-profit investments. February 23, 2015.
VI. INSTITUTIONS
1. Ratified the action of the Board of Trustees of Lutheran Homes of South Carolina in the May, 2014, meeting electing the Rev.
Susan J. Crowell to serve a first term of three years expiring 2017 on the Board of Trustees, Lutheran Homes of South Carolina;
and to ratify the election of Mr. N. Wayne Fulmer and the Rev. Dr. Larry S. Long to serve a second term of three years expiring
2017 on the Board of Trustees of Lutheran Homes of South Carolina. June 27-28, 2014
2. Approved the Restated Articles of Incorporation for Lutheran Family Services in the Carolinas as adopted by the Board of
Trustees, Lutheran Family Services in the Carolinas, on June 26, 2014.
3. Ratified the election of the Rev. Pam R. Cook, by the Boards of Lutheran Services for the Aging and Lutheran Family Services
in the Carolinas, for a three-year term expiring 2017. Synod Council Action, September 15, 2014.
4. Conducted a Special Order on September 15,2014, with Dr. Thomas E. Brown, President, Lutheran Homes of South Carolina
and the Rev. Robert G. Coon, President and CEO, Lutheran Homes of South Carolina Foundation.
5. Scheduled the following Special Orders at the meetings of Synod Council: September 21, 2015, the Rev. Dr. Clay Schmit,
Provost, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir-Rhyne University.
6. Conducted a Special Order on November 17, 2014, with Mr. Ted W. Goins Jr., President, Lutheran Services Carolinas, and
Ms. Bethany Vause, Executive Director, South Carolina, Lutheran Services Carolinas.
7. Designated April 26, 2015, as Newberry College Sunday and invited congregations of the South Carolina Synod to participate.
8. Conducted a Special Order on April 20, 2015, with Dr. Maurice Scherrens, President, Newberry College.
BR 3-6
VII. PERSONNEL
1. Granted on-leave-from-call status to the following rostered leaders: the Rev. Anne M. Christiansen, the Rev. Norman L. Deal;
the Rev. Scott L. Holland, the Rev. Sarah Lang; the Rev. David T. Ludwick; Mrs. Barbara H. Rowell, Associate in Ministry; and
Dr. David E. Rhyne, Associate in Ministry;
2. Voted to continue on-leave-from-call for the second year for the following rostered leaders: the Rev. Llewellyn M. Drumbor
and the Rev. Kathy Campbell.
3. Voted to continue on-leave-from-call for the third year for the following rostered leaders: the Rev. Karen S. Hawkins; the Rev.
Guy H. Shealy; the Rev. Phillip Edward Clark; and the Rev. David M. Seymour;
4. Voted to continue on-leave-from-call for the fourth year for the Rev. William Seth Gibson.
5. Voted to continue on-leave-from-call for the fifth year for the Rev. Paul B. Williams and the Rev. David J. Edenfield.
6. Changed the on-leave-from-call status to study leave for the Rev. R. Alan Kinsey.
7. Extended a call to the Rev. Mikki C. Gay as Pastor and Mission Developer, Life Center, Columbia beginning July 1, 2014.
8. Extended a call to Ms. Beth Ann Barkhau, diaconal minister, to non-congregational service as chaplain, Christiana Care Health
System, 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, Delaware, 19718 for the term she is contracted, August 18, 2014 to August 16,
2015.
9. Extended a call to Non-Congregational Service to the Rev. G. Reginald Cruse as Clinical Chaplain II, The South Carolina
Department of Corrections, Manning Correctional Institution beginning July 17, 2014.
10. Renewed the call to the Rev. G. Steven Plonk as Intentional Interim Pastor, South Carolina Synod, for a term of two-years, in
accord with 7.41.11.b. Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the ELCA.
11. Voted to approve the recommendation to the Conference of Bishops to extend on-leave-from-call beyond three-years for the
Rev. William Seth Gibson. November 17, 2014.
12. Extended a call to the Rev. Eric G. Wolf as Assistant to the Bishop for Youth and Young Adult Ministries beginning
February 1, 2015. November 17, 2014.
13. Appointed the Rev. Alexander H. Twedt to the Audit Committee, South Carolina Synod, for a three-year term expiring 2017;
and appointed the Rev. Alexander H. Twedt as chair.
14. Appointed Mr. Edward M. Woodward Jr. to the Board of Trustees, James R. Crumley Jr. Archives, Region 9 ELCA, for a
two-year term expiring 2016.
15. To continue to list on the roster of ordained ministers and associates in ministry of this church the following rostered leaders
who retired in 2014:
April 1, 2014 – Rev. Kathleen A. Panning
May 1, 2014 – Rev. Garry W. White
July 1, 2014 – Rev. Robert W. Hawkins
July 1, 2014 – James “Jim” H. Johnson, Associate in Ministry
August 9, 2014 – Rev. John L. Yost, III
January 1, 2015 – Rev. Dennis R. Bolton
Synod Council Action, November 17, 2014.
16. Extended a call to Non-Congregational Service to the Rev. Karen Young as chaplain, Lutheran Homes of South Carolina at
Lutheran Hospice, Midlands, beginning February 16, 2015.
17. Extended a call to Non-Congregational Service to the Rev. Douglas E. Graul as chaplain, Agape Senior at Harbison and
Kathwood, Columbia, beginning July 19, 2014. 18. Continued to list on the roster of ordained ministers of this church the Rev. Paul B. Williams by placing Pr. Williams on the
retired roster of the South Carolina Synod. February 23, 2015.
BR 3-7
19. Extended a call to interim ministry, South Carolina Synod, to the Rev. Phillip Edward Clark for a term of two-years, in
accord with 7.41.11.b. Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the ELCA.
20. Entered into an agreement with the Rev. Linda L. Anderson and Christ the King Lutheran Church, Greenville, that Pr.
Anderson, serving as interim pastor, is eligible to be considered for a call to Christ the King, Greenville, during this time of
transition, if the congregation extends a regular call as pastor.
VIII. REGION 9 EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
Entered into an agreement with the Rev. Harvey L. Huntley Jr., Coordinator, Region 9 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA) to locate the Region 9 ELCA office in the Synod Office; and further agreed that payments in the amount of $300.00 per
month be made to the SC Synod by Region 9 ELCA for rent for the office space, telephone, internet, email, copy machine, and
fax machine; and further agreed that this agreement is subject to annual review; and finally agreed that this arrangement begin no
earlier than April 2015.
IX. SPECIAL ORDERS
1. Conducted a Special Order on June 28, 2014, with the Rev. Mikki C. Gay, pastor and mission developer, Life Center,
Columbia.
2. Scheduled the following Special Order at the meeting of Synod Council: June 26-27, 2015, African-American Partnerships and
November 16, 2015, the Rev. Harvey L. Huntley, Jr., Coordinator, Region 9 of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
3. See also Special Orders conducted with the institutions and agencies of the South Carolina Synod listed under Institutions.
X. SYNODICAL APPEALS
Voted to give consent, in accord with S15.21., Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions, South Carolina Synod,
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, to the request of Mr. Ted Goins, President, Lutheran Services Carolinas, that Lutheran
Services Carolinas be placed on the calendar for a synodical appeal to congregations of the South Carolina Synod beginning
January, 2018 and ending January, 2020. February 23, 2015
XI. SYNODICALLY AUTHORIZED WORSHIPING COMMUNITIES
Designated Christ Mission as a synodically authorized worshiping community, to serve African Descent people living in North
Columbia/Denny Terrace area beginning October 1, 2014; and designated the Rev. Leroy Cannon as the leader of the worshiping
community. September 15, 2014.
XII. SYNOD ASSEMBLY
1. The Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions, South Carolina Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
provides the following constitutional provisions and continuing resolutions to guide the procedures and elections in the 2015
assembly:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
S7.01.A11.
Resolutions which could not have reasonably been submitted before the 15-day deadline may be submitted to the Committee of
Reference and Counsel after the opening of the assembly. A signer of the resolution, preferably its primary author, shall meet
with the Committee of Reference and Counsel at the time appointed in the Rules of Procedure adopted for that assembly.
Regardless of the recommendation of the Committee of Reference and Counsel, the consideration of such resolutions by the
assembly shall require the approval by a two-thirds vote of voting members to place the resolution before the Synod Assembly. If
a resolution is received after the deadline of 15 days prior to the formal opening of the assembly, the resolution shall be
processed according to the provisions of this continuing resolution.
Constitution †S7.31.
Proxy and absentee voting shall not be permitted in the transaction of any business of this synod.
Constitution S7.32.
Robert's Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern parliamentary procedure of the Synod Assembly, unless otherwise
ordered by the assembly.
BR 3-8
Continuing Resolution, S7.32.A14.
The following rules of procedure shall be in force at meetings of the Synod Assembly:
a. Unless otherwise determined by vote of the assembly, all speeches in general discussion shall be limited to two minutes and no
member shall be permitted to speak the second time on the same subject when others desire to speak.
b. A resolution of a general character which is not germane to the pending question or report shall be given by the proposer to a
Committee of Reference and Counsel.
c. All reports published in the Bulletin of Reports shall be received as information by the assembly by virtue of that fact without
vote.
d. All other reports shall be in writing and in such form as the assembly or the Synod Council may determine.
e. The minutes of each assembly shall be submitted to the Synod Council for approval.
f. The bishop and secretary shall, after making any necessary corrections therein, certify two copies of the printed minutes of
each assembly as the official protocol of said assembly, and shall submit the same to the next regular assembly for approval and
deposit in the archives.
g. Holy Communion shall be administered at each assembly.
OTHER ELECTION PROVISIONS
Constitution S9.08.
All elections shall be by ballot. In all elections, other than for the bishop, vice president and the secretary, the names of
the persons receiving the highest number of legal votes, but not elected by a majority of the legal votes cast on a preceding
ballot, shall be entered on the next ballot to the number of two for each vacancy unfilled. On any ballot when only two
names appear, a majority of the legal votes cast shall be necessary for election.
Constitution S9.09.
The result of each ballot in every election shall be announced in detail to the assembly.
End General Provisions
2. Appointed a Task Force on Support of Immigration Reform to identify resources for deliberation on attitudes regarding
immigrants and to provide a study guide to offer congregations; and to place the task force under the work of the Community
Outreach Network; and to appoint the Rev. Mark A. Cerniglia as chair; Deacon Jorge Leone, the Rev. Mary Finklea; and
to invite other interested persons to join the task force. (June 27-28, 2014)
3. Approved the Minutes of the South Carolina Synod Assembly, May 29,30 and 31, 2014, in principle, and allow the secretary
and the Rev. Virginia S. Aebischer, assistant to the bishop, to make editorial changes for publication in the 2014 Directory and
Minutes of the SC Synod, ELCA.(June 27-28, 2014)
4. Approved the South Carolina Synod Assembly Displays Guidelines:
Purpose Statement:
The purpose of the South Carolina Synod Assembly Ministry Displays is to educate and inform those in attendance. Through
interactive dialogue, ministry representatives and assembly participants will discover, celebrate, and participate in the work of
Christ rooted in each ministry.
Guidelines:
Basic Information:
*As partners in mission with the SC Synod and its congregations, your ministry unit is invited to apply for display space at the
annual synod assembly. These guidelines provide information to enable you to apply in a timely manner and to be aware of
requirements with which all must comply. Your presence at assembly will advance the ministry we do together.
*We invite the following Ministries to register through our online process to participate and host a display at the SC Synod
Assembly:
Synodically sponsored Ministries, Institutions, and Auxiliaries
Synodically related ELCA Ministries and Task Forces
Groups Approved by the Synod Council in the April meeting held just prior to the South Carolina Synod Assembly
*Deadline for Display Registration:
Hotels and Convention Centers set the total number of Ministry Display Tables that will be available. We recommend
registration for Display Tables by the Early Bird deadline date, however, we will honor registrations on a first come, and first
serve basis until tables are no longer available.
BR 3-9
*Because we welcome everyone into worship at the Assembly, we ask that Ministry Display Tables be closed during those times.
Location Information:
*The Ministry Displays will be centrally located in a high traffic area of the hotel or conference center, and will be available to
assembly participants throughout the assembly. Our experience shows that the ministries benefit from a representative being
present as much as possible so that participants can be engaged in conversation, ask questions, and experience the ministry.
*Location of Displays for those ministries with reservations will be assigned at random. Ministries can find their Display Table
Space by looking for a sign with their ministry name on it.
*The contact person requesting the space is responsible for the set up and removal of the display. Displays may be setup in the
morning on the first day of Assembly. Please check with our Synod Registration Staff prior to Assembly for the exact time that
Setup can begin. All displays are to be removed by 1:00PM on the last day of the assembly. Nothing may be affixed to either the
walls or ceiling of the facility. Anything left in the display area at the end of the assembly will be discarded by the facility staff.
*Note: Your Synod Staff will be setting up Registration at the same time that Displays are being set up. Everyone is asked to be
patient during this process and to wait until Registration is open to get your Registration materials. A person from our Staff will
be available to assist you in getting help if you should need it with your table during this set up process.
*The South Carolina Synod and the facility management will not be responsible for loss, theft, or damage to display items.
Food Information:
*Due to the contractual agreements with the hotel or conference center, groups and individuals are not permitted to bring in
outside food for their tables (such as popcorn, cookies, pretzels, lunch, etc). However, small individually wrapped candy is
permitted.
*Note: Food items are available for purchase from the hotel or conference center for your convenience, or you may take breaks
to go out to eat your meals.
Fees Information:
Fees are subject to change annually, however, Ministry Displayers will be charged the actual cost to the South Carolina Synod.
Note: 8ft. Display Table Cost:
Table Only: $60 by 4/7/15
After 4/7/15 $75
Table with Electricity by 4/7/15 $65 After 4/7/15 $80
Other Information:
*All Sales are prohibited at Assembly, except for presenters who have entered into formal written contracts.
*The South Carolina Synod and the facility management will not be responsible for loss, theft, or damage to display items.
* Limits of space and availability prohibit individual congregations from hosting displays.
Approved by the Synod Council, South Carolina Synod, February 23, 2015
End of the South Carolina Synod Assembly Displays Guidelines.
5. Fixed the time and place for the South Carolina Synod Assemblies:
•2016 Thursday – Saturday, June 9, 10 and 11 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia
Minutes of the Synod Council Meeting, April 11, 2011, page 7 – Synod Council Action (SC11.04.06.)
6. Designated the offerings received at the worship services of the 2015 South Carolina Synod Assembly with one-half given to
the Latino Outreach Center, South Carolina Synod, and one-half to Leadership: Youth and Young Adults, Always Being Made
New: The Campaign for the ELCA. Synod Council Action, February 23, 2015.
7. Voted to provide a ministry display space at the 2015 South Carolina Synod Assembly for Thrivent Financial, Reconciling
Works, Southern Mutual Insurance, and the Southeastern Synod Green Team (ELCA). These additional provisions for ministry
display spaces are in addition to synodically sponsored ministries, institutions and organizations and synodically related
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ministries and task forces.
XIII. SYNOD COUNCIL
Recognized and expressed thanks to the members of the Synod Council whose terms expired in 2015:
BR 3-10
With Deep Gratitude – The South Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America expresses its sincerest
appreciation for the gift of leadership shared by Mr. Micah P. Aebischer, Mr. Paul R. Bouknight, Mr. John P. Harmon, the Rev.
Robert I. Miles, Jr., the Rev. Mary M. Finklea, Mrs. Gayle M. Sims, and Mrs. Mandi T. Whitley, Associate in Ministry.
XIV. SYNOD STRUCTURE
1. Amended the South Carolina Synod organizational chart to include a Lifelong Faith Formation Network under the Deepening
Discipleship Table; and requested that the Rev. Pat Riddle, convener, appoint a convener for the Lifelong Faith Formation
Network. Synod Council Action, June 27-28, 2014.
2. Received the report of the Implementation Team with deep appreciation for the continuing work of the team; and endorsed the
proposal of the Implementation Team to schedule a Table Cast Leadership Summit to be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015, to
reflect on scripture, to engage in prayer, and to share how God is doing a new thing in the new structure of the South Carolina
Synod, in congregations, and in our individual lives; and encouraged the members of the Synod Council to participate; and
extended an invitation to the conveners of tables, networks, and task forces and invite members of congregations, and rostered
leaders to participate in the podcast or teleconference; and requested that the Implementation Team proceed with the plans to
make arrangements and convene the Table Cast Leadership Summit.
3. Approved the recommendation of Bishop Herman R. Yoos III for the reconfiguration of the Synod Staff. November 17, 2014
4. Amended the Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions, South Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America, by adding S11.01.A14. e. The Equipping Lifelong Faith Formation Network will assist congregations by supporting
their capacity to develop and to nurture the Christian faith for all ages. Synod Council Action, November 17, 2014.
XV. OTHER
Approved the following 2015-2016 Synod Office Holiday Schedule:
January 1
New Year’s Day
January 19
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 16
President’s Day
April 3
Good Friday (Easter Monday, April 6, the office will be closed)
May 25
Memorial Day
July 4
Independence Day (is on Saturday, so Monday, July 6, the office will be closed)
September 7
Labor Day
November 26-27
Thanksgiving
December 24
Christmas/New Year through January 1, 2016
XVI. PROPOSED BUDGET SOUTH CAROLINA SYNOD, ELCA
Recommends the following budget in the amount of $2,548,600 for the fiscal year, February 1, 2016– January 31, 2017.
for adoption by the 2015 South Carolina Synod Assembly.
W. Osborne Herlong Jr., Secretary
Synod Council
BR 3-11
South Carolina Synod - ELCA
Proposed Budget 2016 - 2017
Revenue
Congregational Mission Support - ELCA
Congregational Mission Support - SC
Office Income / Region 9
Fees - Assembly
Subscription - SC Lutheran
Investment Income
Total Revenue
Expenditures
Benevolence
ELCA Support
ELCA Region 9 Support
Bishop Discretionary Fund
Totals
Institutions
Southern Seminary
NovusWay
Newberry College
Lutheran Homes
Totals
Approved
Budget
2015-2016
Proposed
Budget
2016-2017
2,367,500.00
85,000.00
15,000.00
2,410,000.00
75,000.00
3,600.00
20,000.00
15,000.00
25,000.00
2,467,500.00
2,548,600.00
988,431.00
13,508.00
1,990.00
1,003,929.00
1,007,380.00
12,000.00
1,650.00
1,021,030.00
87,000.00
61,000.00
51,000.00
51,000.00
51,000.00
51,000.00
352,000.00
85,000.00
60,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
345,000.00
271,250.00
143,387.00
20,000.00
434,637.00
281,560.00
112,150.00
45,060.00
438,770.00
70,000.00
500,000.00
134,865.00
704,865.00
80,000.00
527,500.00
136,300.00
743,800.00
2,495,431.00
2,548,600.00
-27,931.00
0.00
Synod Programs
Community & Technology Table
Totals
Synod Expenses
Annual Assembly
Salaries and Benefits
Operating Expenses
Totals
Total Expenditures
Excess Reverse over Expenditures (Deficit see note 1.)
Note 1. Funding for a deficit out of current unrestricted balance.
N E I G H B O R S
Churchwide Expression of the ELCA
Region 9
+
B O L D L Y
+
L O V I N G
SC Women
of the ELCA
SYNOD
T H R O U G H
C H R I S T
June 27-28, 2014
Institutional Boards
NovusWay
Newberry College
Lutheran Homes of SC
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
Lutherans, Anglicans, Roman Catholics, United
Methodists (LARCUM)
Christian Action Council
Ecumenical Network
Advocacy Task Force
Operation Inasmuch Task Force
Poverty Task Force
Domestic and World Hunger Task Force
Public Education Task Force
Gifts of Hope Task Force
Criminal Justice Task Force
Immigration Reform Task Force
Community Outreach Network
Healthy Congregations Training Task Force
Coaching Congregations Task Force
Congregation Cluster Ministry
Renewing Existing Congregations Network
Latino Task Force
Planting & Sustaining New Congregations Network
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, Southwestern
Diocese (ELCT) Task Force
Iglesia Evangelica Luterana de Colombia (IELCO) Task Force
Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church (JELC) Task Force
Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM)
Malaria Task Force
Global Mission/Companion Synod Network
A L L
Synod Council
SC Lutheran
Men in Mission
ASSEMBLY
SC Lutheran
Church Youth
Communication Tools Task Force
Digital Media Task Force
Print Media Task Force
Physical Equipment Task Force
Technology Training Task Force
Web development Task Force
Task Forces (will overlap between Networks, as
needed):
Synod Technology Advisory Network
Communication Assistance Network
Our Real Stories Network
Communication & Technology Table
9 Conferences / 3 Geographic Areas
CONGREGATIONS OF THE
SC SYNOD OF THE ELCA
S E R V I N G
Office of the Bishop
Equipping Lifelong Faith Formation Network
Campus Ministry Task Force
Youth Ministry Cabinet/Task Force
Young Adult Ministry Task Force
Equipping Youth/Young Adults Network
Everyday Evangelism Task Force
Congr. Evang. Coaching Task Force
Equipping Evangelism Leaders Network
Mission Support/Interpreters Task Force
Shepherd Callers
Congregational Stewardship
Resources/Coaching
Ventures in Growing Stewards Task Force
Stewardship Coaching Task Force
Planned Giving
Equipping Steward Leaders Network
Invitation to Service Task Force
Candidacy Task Force
First Call Theol. Education Task Force
Convocation Task Force
Compensation Guidelines Task Force
Leadership Support Task Force
Continuing Educ./Sabbaticals
Health & Wellness
Interim Training
Pre-Retirement
Equipping Rostered Leaders Network
J O I N I N G
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SOUTH CAROLINA SYNOD
2016 COMPENSATION GUIDELINES
FOR ROSTERED LEADERS
“…the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel
should get their living by the gospel." (1 Cor. 9:14)
South Carolina Synod, ELCA
1003 Richland Street
Columbia SC 29201
(803) 765-0590
(803) 252-5558 (FAX)
[email protected] (E-mail)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Page 3
COMPENSATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Taxes
Housing Allowance
Social Security Allowance
Pension and Benefits
403b and Your Retirement
Medical Expense Reimbursement
Sick Leave
Maternity and Parenting Leave
Vacation
Automobile Expense Reimbursement
Continuing Education
Professional Expenses
First Call Theological Education
Day Off/Time Management
Severance
Part-time Rostered Leaders
Interim Pastors
Supply Pastors
Sabbaticals
Evangelical Outreach and Cong. Mission
Page 3
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Page 5
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Page 7
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APPENDIX A
Compensation Matrixes
Pages 13-15
APPENDIX B
Mutual Ministry Evaluation Process
Pages 16-19
APPENDIX C
Application for Sabbatical
Page 20
APPENDIX D
Instructions for Online Excel
Compensation Worksheets
Pages 21-24
APPENDIX E
Compensation Worksheets in MS Word
Pages 25-30
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(Proposed to Synod Council)
(2/23/15)
INTRODUCTION
The South Carolina Synod compensation guidelines were studied, reviewed and updated by a Synod
Council appointed Task Force at the request of the 2013 Synod Assembly. These compensation
guidelines are designed to be a tool for fostering conversations between rostered leaders and
congregations. This tool is intended to guide these conversations and to give insight into what is fair
and reasonable for trained, approved and called leaders of our church. We recognize that for some
congregations there will be a need to grow toward these compensation recommendations, and we pray
that this document fosters ongoing and open communication between rostered leaders and their
congregations for the purpose of fair compensation.
The ELCA and South Carolina Synod recognize four categories for Rostered Leaders. Each rostered
person has been fully approved by their Candidacy Committee and called to serve in their respective
ministry fields.
1. Pastors have received theological and practical training for the ministry of Word and Sacrament
that is carried out in a variety of settings in congregations and institutions of the ELCA. They
have a four year Masters of Divinity degree and are ordained by the ELCA.
2. Associates in Ministry (AiM) have specialized skills and training in ministries such as education,
music and the arts, administration, service and general ministries. They have a B.A. or
equivalent or an M.A. in a field appropriate for the primary service area and are commissioned
by the ELCA.
3. Deaconesses are a community of women centered in spiritual and professional growth and
support. Primary areas of service include nursing, social work and parish ministry. They have a
degree appropriate to their primary service area and are consecrated by the ELCA.
4. Diaconal Ministers have received theological and practical training for ministry of the Word that
is carried out in service beyond the congregations of the ELCA. They may serve through
congregations, institutions of the ELCA, or in non-church related organizations. Diaconal
Ministers have a Masters level theological degree and are consecrated by the ELCA.
COMPENSATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The South Carolina Synod recommends that in 2016 congregations follow the suggested salary
guidelines for rostered leaders (Pastor, Associate in Ministry, Deaconess, and Diaconal Minister)
reflecting years of active service and education as indicated in the Compensation Matrixes (Appendix
A). Additional factors may be considered in determining the compensation for a rostered leader:
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special life or work experience, training, credentials, skills, the complexity of the ministry
context;
significant seminary education debt;
the size of the congregation, effectiveness in meeting the challenges of ministry and in
accomplishing goals jointly set by the rostered person(s);
whether the pastor will be serving as a “solo” or “senior” pastor or as an associate pastor, and;
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the Congregational Council/Finance Committee/Mutual Ministry Team commitment to
continuing education and growth in excellence in ministry, the cost of living in the area relative
to other parts of the synod, provision of a parsonage for clergy, etc.
Salaries for those being called to a new setting are set in partnership between the pastor, the
congregation, and the synod. It is recommended that the Finance Committee, Mutual Ministry Team,
and the Congregation Council work together to review salary annually and that the congregation
annually make appropriate salary adjustments. After a compensation agreement is reached between the
rostered leader and the congregation, the written agreement should be signed by all parties involved,
filed at the church, and a copy sent to the SC Synod Office.
Several counties in South Carolina have a higher than average cost of living. Churches should take this
into account when setting salaries. Specific cost of living information for your county is available at
www.bankrate.com/calculators/savings/moving-cost-of-living-calculator.aspx.
Confident that God calls rostered leaders to lead, challenge, and equip people for ministry in daily life,
congregations and institutions are encouraged to utilize a Mutual Ministry Team, whose primary focus
would be tending to the relationship among the people of God, including the rostered leader. In that
regard, procedures may be set up to provide for an annual evaluation of mutual ministry within the
congregation. Appendix B is provided as a suggested tool for the rostered leader(s) and the
congregation to use in the evaluation process.
Taxes
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has determined that pastors are both employees (Income tax
purposes) and self-employed (for Social Security and Medicare purposes). A congregation withholds no
taxes from a pastor’s salary. He or she can elect to have Federal Taxes withheld to help cover expected
total tax liabilities. For Social Security and Medicare purposes (SECA tax), a pastor is considered selfemployed and pays these taxes, as well as ordinary income tax when the Federal Form 1040, is filed (the
church pays no matching contribution).
Associates in Ministry, Deaconesses, and Diaconal Ministers are employees of a congregation and are
taxed the same as any other employee.
Since the pastors are employees, the church must issue a W-2 form to each pastor and file a copy with
the Social Security Administration at year end. Furthermore, each church should file a form 941and
form 1065 (SC) each Quarter showing quarterly wages and taxes withheld. These reports include wages
for pastors and lay employees. A1099-Miscellaneous is no longer acceptable for a church to file for a
pastor. For more information on filing forms with the IRS, please see a certified public accountant or
tax consultant.
For a pastor to take advantage of all the benefits afforded to him or her, the congregation must designate
the pastor's salary into parts, such as cash compensation, housing, pension, and insurance.
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Housing Allowance
For Pastors, the housing allowance (at least 30% of base salary) is not subject to income taxes if the
amount is actually spent on the cost of housing. The housing allowance is subject to SECA tax. It may
be to the pastor's advantage to reduce her/his base salary and increase the housing allowance to cover all
housing expenses, which is a legal option. The pastor is strongly urged to consult one or more tax
planning guides or see a qualified Certified Public Accountant to take full advantage of this provision in
the tax code. The housing allowance should be evaluated on an annual basis and the designated amount
should be provided by the pastor. Setting the housing allowance to cover actual expenses incurs no
additional cost to the congregation. To meet IRS requirements, the Congregation Council must specify
the annual amount prior to the beginning of the calendar year in its recorded minutes.
When a parsonage is provided, it is recommended that congregations consider the following:
Furnishings Allowance. This is a negotiable allowance between the pastor and the congregation based
upon the need to furnish a parsonage and to provide renter’s insurance.
Equity allowance. When pastors live in a parsonage most of their career, it can be difficult to buy a
house upon retirement. The equity allowance is to help a pastor accumulate a sum of money (equity) for
future use in providing housing. The agreed upon dollar amount would be held for investment purposes
at the pastor's discretion. Please note that money not properly sheltered is taxable income. A rate of 3%
of base salary is suggested as a reasonable equity allowance.
For Lay Rostered Leaders
The South Carolina Synod follows the ELCA's conservative financial approach that the housing
allowance for lay rostered leaders is not authorized. Each situation may be different and individual
congregations and lay rostered leaders should consult with a certified public accountant for their best
personal options and any other tax ramifications.
Social Security Allowance
Pastors are required to compute and pay self-employment Social Security Tax. The SECA rate is 15.3%
on salary and housing or, if a parsonage is provided, on salary plus the fair rental value of the parsonage.
It is recommended that congregations include a Social Security Allowance. If a congregation includes a
Social Security Allowance in the pastor’s compensation, that must be declared as income and is taxable.
Therefore, to defray the entire cost of Social Security, the allowance would be 16.459% of salary and
housing.
Lay Rostered Leaders
Federal Tax Code requires congregations to pay the employer’s portion of Social Security and Medicare
(7.65%) for Associates in Ministry, Deaconesses and Diaconal Ministers. A congregation may choose
to pay the employee's and the employer's portions together for a total of 15.3%. If not, a congregation
can include a Social Security Allowance for the employee's portion in the lay rostered leader's
compensation package, the allowance must be declared as income and is taxable. Therefore, to defray
the employee's cost of Social Security and Medicare in this way, the allowance would be 8.23%.
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Pension and Benefits
It is the expectation of the South Carolina Synod that all congregations provide a Pension and Benefits
program for their rostered leaders. If Portico Benefit Services is used as the provider, it is recommended
that the congregation provide for their rostered leader(s) at the Gold level. The cost for the ELCA
Pension, Survivor Benefits, Administrative cost, Medical, Dental, and Disability Insurance is calculated
as a percentage of a rostered leader’s compensation. Spouses and children should be included in
coverage, and that the medical, dental, and insurance benefits be outlined in the Call documents. An
employed or insured spouse may waive coverage if he or she has other employer-provided group
coverage but the waiver cannot be retroactive. If the rostered leader is covered by their spouse’s plan or
a plan other than the ELCA Portico Benefit Services, then the congregation should pay the rostered
leader the amount equal to the cost of that medical, dental, and insurance plan. Please note that these
alternatives can serve to save the congregation some money, but will have tax implications for the
rostered leader. Rostered leaders are strongly encouraged to consult one or more tax planning guides or
see a qualified Certified Public Accountant.
The ELCA Portico Benefit Services Rate Schedule A for the year 2016 is sent by the Board to
congregations and all rostered leaders or you may reference it at www.porticobenefits.org.
The South Carolina Synod supports the resolution of the 1991 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
encouraging all congregations and agencies to contribute to the Pension Plan at the 12% rate.
403b and Your Retirement
A 403b retirement savings plan is for employees of colleges, hospitals, school districts, and nonprofit
organizations. The plan, which is similar to the 401k plan offered to many corporate employees, is
funded by employees with contributions that are deducted from pretax pay.
The 403b offers three distinct advantages:
1. Your church treasurer remits the funds from your check before you receive it thus it is pre-tax. The
advantage is you don’t pay taxes up front and it lowers your current tax liability.
2. It builds interest tax free.
3. When you retire from service you receive your funds and pay taxes at your then current income level.
For more information on this please visit the IRS website at: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p571.pdf.
Medical Expense Reimbursement
A congregation may elect to reimburse medical deductible and co-payment expenses or dependent care
expenses (often referred to as a Flexible Spending Account). This provision could be funded by a
voluntary salary reduction or provided as a benefit in lieu of salary increase. The amount reimbursed
(for each type of expense, medical or dependent care) would not be subject to Income or SECA taxes up
to a maximum of $5,000 per year. The proper steps must be followed in establishing an accountable
plan in keeping with the IRS codes. Consult one or more tax planning guides or see a qualified Certified
Public Accountant. The ELCA Portico Benefit Services administers such a salary deferral plan. Visit
website for information. https://myportico.porticobenefits.org/
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Sick Leave
Sick leave of up to two months with full salary, housing and benefits should be provided for the
rostered leader. (The ELCA Disability Plan provides for 2/3 of defined compensation, including Social
Security benefits, to be paid beginning in the third month.)
Maternity and Parenting Leave
A specific Maternity and Parenting Leave Plan should be carefully drawn up in open consultation with
your rostered leader.
Maternity leave is directed towards the birth or adoption of a child. Such leave should include up to six
weeks full salary, housing and benefits. The number of weeks of leave before or after the birth or
adoption of a child should be negotiated and specified in advance. At least two weeks of Paternity
Leave is recommended, but additional weeks may be negotiated between the rostered leader and the
Congregation Council to meet the particular family's need.
Parenting leave is directed towards illness or other special needs. Such leave should include up to two
weeks full salary and benefits. Any other specific conditions should be clearly defined in writing and
negotiated between the rostered leader and the Congregation Council.
Vacation
The South Carolina Synod guideline regarding vacation for full-time and part-time rostered leaders is
four full weeks, a total of 28 days including four Sundays.
Vacation shall normally be taken during the fiscal year in which that vacation is budgeted. With the
prior approval of the congregation or congregation council, vacation time may be carried over into the
following year thus allowing for an extended vacation time in that year. Without prior approval by the
congregation or congregation council, unused vacation time of a previous year is lost.
Upon the ending of call or employment, compensation or provision for accrued vacation time for the
present fiscal year is to be provided to the rostered leader.
Automobile Expense Reimbursement
The congregation should reimburse miles traveled in carrying out duties as a rostered leader at the rate
allowed by the IRS. Check IRS guidelines (http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/New-Standard-MileageRates-Now-Available;-Business-Rate-to-Rise-in-2015). The rostered leader should submit a signed
report each pay period or no less than monthly to the responsible financial officer of the congregation.
Please note that Automobile Reimbursement may also occur through a reasonable auto allowance that is
provided within the compensation package. No matter the case, you must have proper documentation.
Continuing Education
It is the expectation of the ELCA and the South Carolina Synod that every rostered leader will engage in
at least 50 hours of continuing education per year. This continuing education is intended to benefit both
the rostered leader and the congregation through ongoing development of biblical/theological
understanding and ministry skills.
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To assist the rostered leader in meeting this expectation, $1,100 is suggested (with expenditures verified
by receipts), and two weeks (a total of 14 days including two Sundays) will be provided by the
congregation for every rostered leader, accruable for up to three years.
Professional Expenses
In addition to classes, retreats, and annual Convocation, congregations may include allowances for the
purchase of books or subscriptions to media resources that enable the rostered leader to keep abreast of
developments in the ministerial profession. This allowance may be lumped into the Continuing
Education allowance or may be divided between Continuing Education and Professional Expenses.
First Call Theological Education
Persons within their first three years in ministry are expected to commit their continuing education time
and congregational continuing education allowance to, at a minimum, fulfilling the expectations of First
Call Theological Education.
Day Off/Time Management
It is recommended that a full-time rostered leader take at least one full day off per week. In managing
time at work and time off it might be helpful to consider each day as having three segments: morning,
afternoon, and evening. Each week contains twenty-one such segments. Working fourteen or fifteen of
those segments, equaling approximately 45 hours, is suggested as the norm. During the Christmas and
Easter seasons, more may be required. Correspondingly, some seasons of the church year may require
less. It is recommended that rostered leaders take two consecutive days off at least once a month in
order to compensate for on-call time and other special events.
Severance
The SC Synod Bishop should be consulted whenever the termination of a call is being considered. In
situations where a call is terminated by the rostered leader, Congregation Council, or appointing
institution, without another call or other employment being in place, the congregation is encouraged to
consider a severance package of three to six months. Unless covered by another employer, medical and
pension benefits are to be included as well. Excluded would be any other allowances, e.g. auto, book,
education.
Since the church understands itself as a Christ-centered community and not simply as a business, it is
important for severance policy to reflect concern for the person.
Part-time Rostered Leaders
A part-time rostered leader in the SC Synod is generally defined as someone serving for 20 hours or
more per week, but fewer than 20 hours can and should be negotiated with the Bishop. If this part-time
position is generated out of what used to be a full time call, then a new letter of call should be issued.
Please contact the Bishop to work with you on this new call. A part-time call should be described in
writing so that within the letter of call there is clarity for the leader, the congregation, and the Bishop on
how “part-time” is defined in that location. Congregations arranging for a part-time rostered leader call
should understand that the leader has the right to find gainful employment elsewhere to reach full-time
earning capacity. Therefore congregations calling leaders to part-time hours need to plan for
flexibility and realistic expectations for the time their rostered leader can serve. We recommend
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and expect that rostered leaders and their congregations will have open and ongoing
communication related to the best ways to navigate a part-time call.
Part-time rostered leaders shall receive proportionate compensation based on a 45-hour
work week for full-time rostered leaders. We recommend that the congregation begin their calculations
using the appropriate base salary indicated in the Appendix A and divide by the percentage of time that
the called position is requiring. When you insert the part-time base salary into the compensation
worksheet, all other benefits will be calculated accordingly. Note that rostered leaders who are called to
serve part-time are still granted four weeks of vacation (a total of 28 days including 4 Sundays) and two
weeks (a total of 14 days) of continuing education as indicated in prior sections. Additional vacation or
continuing education weeks may be negotiated in lieu of cash benefits, but please be sure to put this in
writing.
For time that a rostered leader called to serve part-time would need to take from their other employment
above and beyond the contracted hours, we recommend the following to compensate for wages lost or
other personal needs such as childcare, which may result from taking time off from their other
employment:
 A minimum of $35 per hour for related ministry including funeral service preparation,
emergency situations, etc.
 Mileage reimbursement for any activities related to above overage hours at the current IRS rate
(http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/New-Standard-Mileage-Rates-Now-Available;-BusinessRate-to-Rise-in-2015),
 Over and above the compensation for funeral service preparation, the leadership of a Funeral
Service and/or Preaching should be compensated at a rate of $150 per service.
Interim Pastors
The South Carolina Synod Bishop has the discretion to appoint an Interim whenever there is a pastoral
vacancy and will often work with Congregation Councils to determine who would best serve in that
position. An Interim Pastor is usually under a contract which can range from just a few hours on Sunday
morning to full-time ministry. In some cases Interim pastors can be issued a term call, but this must be
done in consultation with the SC Synod Bishop and SC Synod Council.
A full-time interim pastor (five or more days per week) shall receive compensation comparable to the
previous pastor (or what is anticipated will be provided for the next pastor). Either a parsonage or
housing allowance is to be provided, as well as pension and medical benefits, if applicable, mileage
reimbursement for performing congregational responsibilities at the current IRS rate
(http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/New-Standard-Mileage-Rates-Now-Available;-Business-Rate-toRise-in-2015) and reimbursement for any other ministry related costs incurred (e.g. telephone, postage,
meals, etc.).
An Interim pastor called for less than full-time shall receive:
 A minimum of $35 per hour for visitation and other related ministry,
 Mileage reimbursement for performing congregational responsibilities at the current IRS rate
(http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/New-Standard-Mileage-Rates-Now-Available;-BusinessRate-to-Rise-in-2015),
 Reimbursements for congregational expenses (e.g. telephone, postage, meals, hotel, etc.),
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Preaching:
One weekend service -- $150 or higher
Each additional weekend service--$30
Weekday service (i.e. Wednesdays in Lent)--$150 or higher
Supply Pastors
A supply pastor is one who fills in one Sunday at a time (e.g. while the pastor is on vacation).
A supply pastor shall receive:
1. Preaching:
One weekend service -- $150 or higher
Each additional weekend service--$30
Weekday service (i.e. Wednesdays in Lent)--$150 or higher
2. Mileage shall be reimbursed at the current IRS (http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/New-StandardMileage-Rates-Now-Available;-Business-Rate-to-Rise-in-2015) rate per mile
3. All reasonable hotel and meal costs shall be reimbursed.
Sabbaticals
What is ‘Sabbatical’?
“Sabbatical” is a significant amount of time away from ministry responsibilities and is to be used for
both professional growth and personal renewal. The intent of sabbatical is to sharpen the recipient’s
skills and to refresh both the spiritual life and a sense of calling. We recommend reviewing ELCA
Portico Benefit Services and ELCA websites for more sabbatical resource information.
Scriptural background:
The word “sabbatical” is rooted in the word “Sabbath.” The Sabbath is about time. When the work of
creation was finished, God rested and reserved the seventh day as time to rest and reflect on the
goodness of creation. In the third commandment, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy,” God
protects the gift of time from insatiable demands of work. The Bible also speaks of a “Sabbath” for the
land to lay fallow and replenish itself. The promised “Jubilee Year” was a Sabbath for debtors to occur
every seventy years. The year of jubilee envisioned a time when all accumulated debts would be erased.
In the New Testament, Jesus insisted that “the Sabbath was made for humankind and not humankind for
the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27) As the Son of Man and Lord over the Sabbath, Jesus reclaimed the Sabbath
to serve human physical and spiritual needs as God the Creator intended. In so doing, Jesus set the
needs for renewal and restoration above the burdensome labor of religious obligations. In these brief
examples from Scripture, a picture of the Sabbath emerges. The Sabbath recognizes the physical and
spiritual strain of routine toil; it also hallows the time that will be given to God for renewal.
What’s done on Sabbatical?
The time may be used for a) further academic study; b) enhancement of professional skills; c) purposeful
creative expression relating to ministry; and d) purposeful travel in connection with an area of study.
Is there a need?
The sabbatical is one of the most effective ways for a rostered person and congregation to develop and
maintain a long-term relationship. In that sense, both the rostered person as well as the congregation
benefit from the rostered person’s sabbatical. As a particular ministry unfolds over time, the cumulative
weight of sharing crises, nurturing new programs and striving to meet ever-changing demands and
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expectations eventually affects the rostered person’s performance and attitudes, and may lead to burn
out. Many rostered persons work six days a week and are on call all the time. Over the course of a year,
that equates to an additional 52 days a year or 7 ½ weeks per year as opposed to someone with a 5 day
work week. With these things in mind, an effective use of properly planned sabbaticals will refresh the
rostered leaders’ mind and spirit, bring new ideas and enthusiasm, and will ultimately benefit the
ministry with the congregation.
What a Sabbatical isn’t?
A Sabbatical is not additional vacation. Sabbaticals, unlike vacations, assume that the congregational
council and the synod play a significant role with the rostered leader in the planning, execution and
evaluation in shaping the outcome. Before granting a Sabbatical, the congregational council should
review and accept the rostered leader’s Sabbatical plan and a copy of the plan should be forwarded to
the SC Synod Bishop. Following the Sabbatical, the rostered leader should give a written report to their
Congregation Council and again a copy of this report should be forwarded to the SC Synod Bishop.
In addition, a Sabbatical is not an opportunity to do similar work (i.e. supply preaching) in a different
setting, and it is not simply annual continuing education. Continuing education is taken annually and
usually not for more than an accumulated one or two weeks of time. Sabbatical time is at least three
months and is granted not more than once every seven years.
Eligibility and Length
1. Rostered persons shall not be eligible for a sabbatical until they have served in their present call for at
least five years.
2. Recipients of sabbatical opportunities are expected to return to their existing ministries for at least a
year after the sabbatical. Exceptions to this policy because of unusual circumstances must be discussed
by the rostered leader with the Congregation Council and the SC Synod Bishop.
3. A typical sabbatical will be three months, not including vacation and continuing education time. It is
not recommended that pastors “save” annual continuing education time for their sabbatical, but rather
use their continuing education time on an annual basis. Any exceptions are to be approved by both the
Congregation Council and the SC Synod Bishop.
Goal Setting Guidelines
1. The SC Synod recommends that the sabbatical option should be included in the Letter of Call or
appointment for Ordained pastors, Diaconal Ministers, Associates in Ministry and Deaconesses.
2. At least six months before the sabbatical is to begin, the applicant shall submit a written plan to the
Congregation Council for study (and renewal) including its proposed dates. The proposal must be
approved by both the rostered person and the Congregational Council. The proposal is then submitted to
the SC Synod Bishop for comment, clarification and endorsement. Such a plan needs to include:
a. Filling out sabbatical forms available from the SC Synod. (See appendix B)
b. Providing the congregational council and SC Synod Bishop a statement of expected
educational and spiritual benefits.
c. Written plans about how the parish duties and existing programs will be covered. Major
decisions should be made prior to the sabbatical, or, if they cannot be made, they should be
delayed until the rostered person has had time to become reoriented into the ministry.
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d. A plan for re-entry into the ministry once the sabbatical is complete, since both the
congregation and rostered person will have undergone changes and a loss of immediacy. A reentry plan might include:
1. selecting a person to keep a diary of parish happenings to share at the return;
2. staggering committee meetings to facilitate a gradual re-entry into the ministry;
3. renewing ties by visiting;
4. publicly affirming the ministry done during the absence; and
5. determining a date to give the congregation a sabbatical report.
3. Rostered leaders on sabbatical are not expected to return to their calling body for pastoral or other
responsibilities that others can assume (i.e. baptisms, weddings, funerals, youth retreats, council or
board meetings, etc).
4. An excellent resource for sabbatical planning is Clergy Renewal: The Alban Guide to Sabbatical
Planning, by A. Richard Bullock and Richard J. Bruesehoff.
Costs During Sabbatical
1. During the sabbatical, the rostered leader shall remain at full salary and benefits, excluding
automobile allowance.
2. The rostered leader will bear the cost of sabbatical activity. However, congregations may choose to
assist in these costs by designating the current year’s continuing education stipend to the sabbatical.
Rostered Leaders and congregations need to check current tax laws and pension rules about predesignating a portion of the rostered person’s salary as an “education offset” during the sabbatical year.
3. Other expenses to the congregation might include the salary and related ministry expense to secure a
supply that can assist with regular rostered leader responsibilities during a sabbatical leave. After
mobilizing lay leaders and faithful volunteers most congregations discover that their needs require only
part time coverage during a sabbatical leave. For part-time pastoral coverage refer to the Interim and
Supply section of these compensation guidelines for a determination of costs. Full-time pastoral
coverage will often include salary, housing and a full benefit package. In the case of sabbatical leave for
lay rostered leader positions, Congregation Council/Institution should confer with the SC Bishop’s
office.
4. Independent Grants to support a sabbatical leave may be available and it is recommended that
rostered leaders do research online to discover options.
5. If you have any questions or need clarification you are invited to contact the SC Synod Bishop or one
of the Bishop’s Assistants.
Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission
The South Carolina Synod recommends that the Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission Unit
follow these guidelines as it establishes compensation for pastor-developer.
12
BR 3-25
APPENDIX A
Suggested Base Salary Guidelines for Clergy of SC Synod
*For years of service beyond 30, it is recommended that the step increase be at least 2.5% or a negotiated cost of
living increase.
**A Housing Allowance of 30% is not included in these salary recommendations.
***Social Security Allowance is not included in these salary recommendations.
****These suggested guidelines may not properly address multiple rostered leader staff situations. We
encourage conversations about what would be fair and just compensation for each leader.
*****The calculations listed below are based upon increases of 2.5% per year, which is based upon the average
cost of living increase since 2000.
Yrs of Active
Service
Entry
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Base Salary
$35,000
$35,875
$36,772
$37,691
$38,633
$39,599
$40,589
$41,604
$42,644
$43,710
$44,803
$45,923
$47,071
$48,248
$49,454
$50,690
$51,958
$53,257
$54,588
$55,953
$57,352
$58,785
$60,255
$61,761
$63,305
$64,888
$66,510
$68,173
$69,877
$71,624
$73,415
13
BR 3-26
Suggested Base Salary Guidelines for Lay Rostered Leaders of SC Synod
Masters Degree
living increase.
**The South Carolina Synod follows the ELCA's conservative financial approach that the housing allowance for
lay rostered leaders is not authorized. Each situation may be different and individual congregations and lay
rostered leaders should consult with a certified public accountant.
***The calculations listed below are based upon increases of 2.5% per year, which is based upon the average
Yrs of Active
Service
Entry
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Base Salary
$40,000
$41,000
$42,025
$43,076
$44,153
$45,256
$46,388
$47,547
$48,736
$49,955
$51,203
$52,483
$53,796
$55,140
$56,519
$57,932
$59,380
$60,865
$62,386
$63,946
$65,545
$67,183
$68,863
$70,584
$72,349
$74,158
$76,012
$77,912
$79,860
$81,856
$83,903
14
BR 3-27
Suggested Base Salary Guidelines for Lay Rostered Leaders of SC Synod
B.A. Degree or Equivalent
living increase.
**The South Carolina Synod follows the ELCA's conservative financial approach that the housing allowance for
lay rostered leaders is not authorized. Each situation may be different and individual congregations and lay
rostered leaders should consult with a certified public accountant.
***The calculations listed below are based upon increases of 2.5% per year, which is based upon the average
Yrs of Active
Service
Entry
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Base Salary
$35,000
$35,875
$36,772
$37,691
$38,633
$39,599
$40,589
$41,604
$42,644
$43,710
$44,803
$45,923
$47,071
$48,248
$49,454
$50,690
$51,958
$53,257
$54,588
$55,953
$57,352
$58,785
$60,255
$61,761
$63,305
$64,888
$66,510
$68,173
$69,877
$71,624
$73,415
15
BR 3-28
APPENDIX B
MUTUAL MINISTRY EVALUATION PROCESS
We recognize that effective ministry is the result of an interaction between the rostered leader and the
congregation, and that it's always important to stay in touch with shared goals and expectations.
The following document is provided as a means to review the mutual ministry of the rostered leader(s)
and the congregation.
The goals of the review are:
a. To identify and affirm the accomplishments, faithfulness and competencies of the
rostered leader and the congregation;
b. To help rostered leaders sharpen personal goals and to define areas of needed or desired
professional, spiritual, and personal growth; and,
c. To help rostered leaders and laity clarify expectations of one another and to improve the
effectiveness of their shared ministries.
The model constitution for congregations says: A Mutual Ministry Committee shall be appointed jointly
by the President (or Vice President) and the pastor. It is recommended that this committee consist of six
persons. The term of office shall be for two years, with three members to be appointed each successive
year. The Mutual Ministry Committee shall oversee the evaluation process of the rostered leader(s).
The Mutual Ministry Committee may be asked by the Finance Committee for guidance on
compensation.
The Mutual Ministry Committee members should complete the appropriate Congregational Review
form for their rostered leader(s). It is suggested that additional members of the congregation be asked to
provide evaluative feedback to supplement the committee's evaluation process. A combined summary
report should be formulated and shared between the Mutual Ministry Committee members and the
rostered leader(s). This gathering should start and end in prayer. For example:
 Thanking God for our rostered leader(s) spiritual leadership, teaching of God’s Gospel, and
interfacing with our human needs,
 Stating how the congregation is "grateful for his/her ___________ (giving appropriate examples
such as Sunday morning sermons, leading Bible Classes, and conducting baptisms,
confirmations, weddings, counseling, funerals, etc.), and
 Asking for God's guidance and direction as we reverently review this congregation’s ministry of
the recent past, and as we set goals for coming months/years.
After discussion and consensus is reached on the content of the summary report, it should be shared with
the Congregation Council. A review process should never be conducted during the budgeting
process of a congregation/ministry, nor should it be part of the process used to set church staff salaries.
Reviews should be conducted at a different time of the year from budgeting processes, and then the
reports may be considered as part of the material gathered to form goals and budgets for a ministry.
A helpful resource is Pastor and People: Making Mutual Ministry Work, Congregational Leader Service,
Augsburg Fortress.
16
BR 3-29
CONGREGATIONAL REVIEW OF THE PASTORAL MINISTRY
The Mutual Ministry Committee is asked to assist in the review process of our rostered leader(s). Please
indicate your rating and make written comments where you have knowledge. Leave blank any
categories where you don’t feel you have knowledge to make a meaningful review. This information
will be shared with our rostered leader(s) to help guide personal growth in ministry and continuing
education.
In each category the rating system will be a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being low and 5 being high.
PREACHING –
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
a. What is the pastor doing well in this area?
b. What does the pastor need to improve?
PROPHETIC MINISTRY –
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
TEACHING –
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
PEOPLE SKILLS –
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
LEADING WORSHIP –
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
CONTINUING EDUCATION –
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
PASTORAL CARE –
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
PERSONAL LIFE –
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
LEADERSHIP & PLANNING
(ADMINISTRATION) –
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
YOUTH MINISTRY –
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS –
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
COMMUNITY MINISTRY & LARGER
CHURCH LEADERSHIP –
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
17
CONGREGATIONAL REVIEW OF LAY ROSTERED LEADER MINISTRY
(These are suggested questions and are not all applicable to everyone.)
1. Do you feel your job is an important part of the overall ministry of the church?
2. What are some of the specific joys/successes for you in this past year?
3. Are you given enough lead time to get your work done without being hurried or stressed?
4. What has caused you frustration or great concern?
5. Do you feel you are given proper equipment and materials to do the job required of you?
6. What do you wish would improve? (Please offer specific actions that you think could bring
about improvement.)
7. How do you feel the Pastoral ministry staff supplements and supports your work?
8. How do you feel congregation members supplement and support your work?
9. How do you feel the youth supplement and support your work?
10. Do you feel you are fairly and adequately compensated for the work you do? (Include salary,
mileage, pension, health/dental insurance, continuing education.)
11. Are you a part of regular weekly planning (staff meetings)? Do you feel enough time is given for
staff reporting and sharing with each other?
12. When deadlines are necessary, do you feel others respect and comply to enable you to get the job
done?
18
BR 3-30
ROSTERED LEADER(S) MINISTRY REVIEW OF THE CONGREGATION
In each category the rating system will be a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being low and 5 being high.
Are members willing to participate?
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
a. What is the congregation doing well in this area?
b. What does the congregation need to improve?
Is there positive interaction between members?
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
Is there a feeling of Christian community?
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
Do the members of the congregation support the work of the church in a financially
responsible manner?
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
Does the congregation serve the needs of the community?
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
Is there willingness for outreach on the local level?
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
Is there willingness to support our ministry through the synod and the ELCA?
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
Is there willingness for outreach to the world?
Circle one:
1
2
3
4
5
19
BR 3-31
BR 3-32
APPENDIX C
APPLICATION FOR SABBATICAL
Name:________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________
Cell Phone: ______________ Office Phone:_______________ Home Phone: _____________
In existing ministry since:
Proposed period of sabbatical from: _____________________ to ______________________.
Congregation approved sabbatical
_ By Call _ By Resolution
Date Approved: _____________________
Brief preliminary explanation of proposal:
Preliminary statement of Intended Benefits:
Site of Study/Experience:
Approximate costs to the Rostered Leader:
$_____________Tuition & housing
$____________Transportation
$_____________Food and incidentals
Available Continuing Education funds are: _________________________________
I am working with a local committee or council and have set the following goals:
a. Responsibility for existing ministry (date) _________________________
b. Approval of final proposal (date) ________________________________
c. Approval of “re-entry” plan (date) _______________________________
d. Date to report on sabbatical (date) ______________________________
___________________________________
Pastor, Associate in Ministry, Deaconess, or
Diaconal Minister
_____________________________
Council President
20
BR 3-33
APPENDIX D
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ONLINE EXCEL COMPENSATION WORKSHEETS
(Excel Compensation Worksheets available online at www.scsynod.com under “Documents” heading.)
Compensation Worksheet Instructions for Ordained – Housing Allowance
The excel compensation worksheet that has been created contains equations in some of the dollar
amount boxes, therefore you don’t have to fill in every box. These instructions will guide you through
the process and hopefully make it much easier as you try to calculate your rostered leader’s
compensation package.
1. For the base salary number you should review the Ordained compensation matrix (Appendix A)
and find the appropriate amount that reflects your rostered leader’s years of active service.
When this amount is found you should manually input this number into the excel spreadsheet in
box C4.
2. If your rostered leader has additional education merits, skills, etc. it is appropriate to add an
additional amount to the rostered leaders base salary in box C5.
3. The housing allowance should be equal to at least 30% of the base salary (the sum of boxes C4
& C5). When this number is determined please input it into box C6.
4. You should see additional boxes making calculations at this point. Your Social Security
Allowance (composed at the rate of 16.459%), Cash Salary, and Defined Compensation have all
been calculated for you, therefore you may proceed to letter K on your worksheet.
5. Letter K calculates Health and Pension plan benefits. You will see that most of the calculations
have already been made, with two exceptions in boxes C 24 and C 25. Box C 25 asks for the
cost value of your rostered leader’s healthcare benefits. To calculate this cost value you must
use the Portico Benefit Services Cost Benefit Calculator found here:
https://employerlink.porticobenefits.org/Home/Resources/Calculators.aspx
When you click on this link (or enter it into your web browser) you will be taken to the
calculators page of the Portico Benefit Services website. Choose the 2016 Cost Benefit
Calculator tab. When you do this you will be taken to the next page where you must enter your
rostered leader’s desired benefit option and your synod. After completing these questions click
continue. On the next page you must first enter your rostered leader’s total defined
compensation. The next box asks you to choose whether your rostered leader is covered under
ELCA Health Coverage, Medicare Coverage, or wishes to waive coverage. Next you must enter
your rostered leader’s birthdate. You will then select whether your rostered leader has a spouse
and children and if so, whether or not they will be covered as well. The special circumstances
tab should only be considered if you are employing a rostered leader that is married to another
rostered leader also sponsored under ELCA Coverage and/or if you are a part of a two-point
parish where each congregation pays the rostered leader separately. Next everyone must enter
the Retirement Contribution percentage that they will provide to their rostered leader.
Remember that the Synod Recommended percentage for Retirement Contributions is 12%.
There is also a last box for those who choose to be provided with a House Equity Retirement
Contribution. When you have completed all the appropriate boxes please hit continue. The page
that opens will give you the cost breakdown of your rostered leader’s benefits. From this page
you must take the number for Health and place it into box C 25. When you do this you will see
that box C 24 has now calculated itself.
21
BR 3-34
6. Any additional benefits (i.e. tax sheltered annuity, life insurance, etc.) included in your rostered
leader’s pay package should be entered into box C 31.
7. Under the section “Expenses” you will need to enter the appropriate number values for mileage
reimbursement, continuing education/professional expenses, and official meetings into the boxes
to the right in the C column.
8. This should complete your calculations of the rostered leader’s compensation package. You may
continue to the next section entitled “Other Benefits”.
Compensation Worksheet Instructions for Ordained – Parsonage
1. For the base salary number you should review the Ordained compensation matrix (Appendix A)
box C4.
3. The Fair Rental Value of the Parsonage is calculated in this worksheet at 30% of the base salary
(Box C 6). If the FRV of the parsonage is different than the number calculated then please input
the appropriate number into box C 7.
4. If your rostered leader is going to receive a utilities allowance and/or a furnishings allowance,
you should input the appropriate figure into its respective C column box to the right. Remember
that utilities allowances and furnishings allowances paid directly to the pastor are taxable. For
tax recommendations please confer with a tax guide or a qualified CPA.
5. If your rostered leader will receive a Housing Equity Allowance directly then input this number
into box C 14. If the Housing Equity Allowance will be received through a tax sheltered account
with the ELCA or otherwise, then input this number into box C 43. Remember that if the
rostered leader receives this allowance directly then this is also a taxable amount.
been calculated for you, therefore you may proceed to letter R on your worksheet.
7. Letter R calculates Health and Pension plan benefits. You will see that most of the calculations
22
BR 3-35
you must take the number for Health and place it into box C 36. When you do this you will see
9. Again, for those receiving their Housing Equity Allowance through a tax sheltered account with
the ELCA or otherwise, this number should be input into box C 43.
Compensation Worksheet Instructions for Lay Rostered Leaders
1. For the base salary number you should review the Lay Rostered Leader compensation matrix
(Appendix A) for either Bachelor’s Degree and Equivalents or for Masters Degree candidates
box C4. Remember that housing is reflected in the amounts found in the compensation matrix
for Lay Rostered Leaders.
been calculated for you, therefore you may proceed to letter I on your worksheet.
4. Letter I calculates Health and Pension plan benefits. You will see that most of the calculations
23
BR 3-36
you must take the number for Health and place it in box C 20. When you do this you will see
24
BR 3-37
APPENDIX E
COMPENSATION WORKSHEETS IN MICROSOFT WORD
(*For the easiest means of calculating compensation, we highly recommend that congregations use the
Excel Compensation Worksheet available online at www.scsynod.com under the “Documents” heading.
However, we are providing compensation worksheets in a Word document format for those who cannot
use Excel.)
2016 COMPENSATION WORKSHEET
ROSTERED ORDAINED PERSONS with Housing Allowance
I. COMPENSATION
A. Base Salary (Number from Appendix A reflecting years of active service)
B. Additional Compensation for merit, skills, higher cost of living expenses,
and/or experience
$__________ $__________
C. Housing Allowance (including furnishings, utility, etc., if paid directly to pastor;
Synod Recommends at least 30% of base salary for housing)
$__________*
D. Total of A, B and C
$__________
E. Social Security Allowance (Line D x .16459)
$__________
Because Pastors are considered self-employed by the IRS for Social Security computations only,
the Synod Council recommends that congregations contribute total self-employed
social security tax.
F. Cash Salary (Total of lines D & E)
$________ (1)
II. RETIREMENT & OTHER BENEFITS (For Retirement only, the Synod Council strongly recommends 12%)
PORTICO BENEFIT SERVICES CALCULATION – Defined Compensation
G.
Annual base salary (before reductions for tax-sheltered annuities
or reimbursement accounts) – Lines A & B above
$____________
H.
Pastor’s Social Security tax allowance (if paid directly to pastor)
$____________
Line E above
I.
J.
Housing Allowance (including any household furnishings
and utilities allowances if paid directly to pastor)
$____________
Total Defined Compensation (Total of Lines G, H, & I)
$____________
K. ELCA Health & Pension Plan (Total of Lines K-1, K-2, K-3, K-4, and K-5)
Percentages and rates vary. See current rate schedule online at www.porticobenefits.org
K-1. Health Benefit***
$ __________
K-2. Retirement (applicable rate**** x Line J)
$ __________
K-3. Disability (applicable rate**** x Line J)
$ __________
25
$__________**
BR 3-38
K-4. Basic Group Life (applicable rate**** x Line J)
$ __________
K-5. Retiree Support (applicable rate**** x Line J)
$ __________
L. Additional Benefits (i.e., tax sheltered annuity, life insurance, etc.)
$ __________
M. Total of lines K & L
$ ________ (2)
III. EXPENSES
N. Transportation Mileage reimbursement (Check the IRS rate.)
$____________
O. Continuing Education/Professional Expenses (Synod recommended is $1,100)
$____________
P. Official Meetings (includes synod assembly, etc.)
$____________
Q. Total of lines N, O, & P
$_________ (3)
TOTAL CONGREGATIONAL CASH OUTLAY (1) + (2) + (3)
$____________
IV. OTHER BENEFITS
Vacation _______ weeks, including ______ Sundays
Sick/Parental Leave _______ weeks
Continuing Education ______ weeks and sabbatical ______ weeks.
NOTES:
* Housing allowance shall be approved by and recorded in congregational council minutes prior to effective date in order to
be considered tax exempt by IRS.
** At least equal full family, dental, and insurance coverage should be provided even if the pastor utilized plans
other than the ELCA (formerly Board of Pensions) Plan.
*** Cost Value for this category can be found by using the Portico Benefit Services Benefits Costs Calculator at:
**** Furnished by ELCA Portico Benefit Services annually online at www.porticobenefits.org .
26
BR 3-39
2016 Compensation Worksheet
Rostered Ordained Persons Living in Parsonage
I. COMPENSATION
A. Base Salary (Number from Appendix A reflecting years of active service)
$____________
B. Additional Compensation for merit, skills, higher cost of living expenses, etc.
$____________
C. Total of A and B
$____________
D. Fair rental value of parsonage or Line C x 30%
$____________
If pastor receives a utilities and/or furnishing allowance:
E. Utilities Allowance (Include only if the Pastor pays the utilities with a cash allowance
provided by the congregation. If the congregational treasurer pays the parsonage utilities
directly to utility company, no figure should be included here.)
$____________*
F. Furnishings Allowance (Part of compensation for Social Security but if expended not
$____________
taxable for state or federal)
G. Housing Equity Allowance (If paid directly to rostered person)
$_________ **
H. Total of C, D, E, F and G
$____________
I. Social Security Allowance (line H x .16459)
$____________
(Because Pastors are considered self-employed by the IRS for Social Security computations
only, the Synod Council recommends that congregations contribute total self-employed
social security tax.)
J. CASH SALARY (Total of lines H & I)
$_________(1)
II. RETIREMENT & OTHER BENEFITS (For Pension only, the Synod Council strongly recommends 12%)
K.
$____________
L.
M.
Pastor’s Social Security tax allowance (if paid directly to pastor)
Line I above
$____________
Total of K & L
$____________
For Parsonage
N.
30% of Line M (used to determine housing when living in parsonage) $____________
O.
Household furnishings and utilities allowances
(if paid directly to the pastor)
$___________
P.
Housing Equity Allowance (if paid directly to pastor)
$____________
Q.
Total Defined Compensation (Total of Lines M, N, O, & P)
$____________
27
BR 3-40
R. ELCA Health & Retirement Plan (Total of Lines R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, & R-5)
$________ ***
R-1. Health****
$ __________
R-2. Retirement (Line Q x applicable rate)*****
$ __________
R-3. Disability (Line Q x applicable rate)*****
$ __________
R-4. Basic Group Life (Line Q x applicable rate)*****
$ __________
R-5. Retiree Support (Line Q x applicable rate)*****
$ __________
S. Additional Benefits (i.e., tax sheltered annuity, life insurance, etc.)
$___________
T. Housing Equity Allowance (If tax sheltered)
$________ _**
U. Total of lines R, S, & T
$_________(2)
III. EXPENSES
V. Transportation mileage reimbursement (Check with the IRS for rate.)
$____________
W. Continuing Education/Professional Expenses (Synod recommended is $1,100/year)
$____________
X. Official Meetings (includes Synod Assembly, etc.)
$____________
Y. Total of lines V, W, & X
$_________ (3)
TOTAL CONGREGATIONAL CASH OUTLAY (1) + (2) + (3) – (D)
$____________
IV. OTHER BENEFITS
Vacation _______ weeks, including _______ Sundays
Sick/Parental Leave _______ weeks
Continuing Education _______ weeks and sabbatical _______ weeks
NOTES:
* It is preferable for the congregation to directly pay the utilities’ costs. If money is given to the pastor for covering the cost
of parsonage/utilities, this amount becomes a tax liability for the pastor.
** Housing equity allowance (as a benefit) requires prior approval by and entered in congregational council
minutes to be considered tax exempt by IRS. If paid directly to the rostered ordained person, the housing equity
allowance is considered part of defined compensation and is taxable. (Housing equity allowance can be tax
deferred by contribution made directly to ELCA Portico Benefit Services Optional Pension Plan or other qualified plan.)
*** At least equal full family, dental, and insurance coverage should be provided even if the pastor utilizes plans
other than the ELCA Portico Benefit Services Plans.
**** Cost Value for this category can be found by using the Portico Benefit Services Benefits Costs Calculator at:
***** Furnished by ELCA Portico Benefit Services annually online at www.porticobenefits.org .
28
BR 3-41
2016 COMPENSATION WORKSHEET
Rostered Lay Persons
(Associates in Ministry, Diaconal Ministers, Deaconesses)
I. COMPENSATION
A. Base Salary (Number from Appendix A reflecting years of active service) (includes housing) $____________
B. Additional compensation for merit, skills, higher cost of living expenses, etc.
$____________
C. Total of Lines A & B
$_________ (1)
D. Social Security Tax Allowance (line C x .0823)
(Synod Council recommends that the congregation contribute total social security tax.)
$____________
E. Total of Lines C & D
$____________
II. RETIREMENT AND OTHER BENEFITS (For pension only, the Synod Council strongly recommends 12%)
F.
$____________
G.
Rostered Leader’s Social Security tax allowance
(if paid directly to the Rostered Leader) (Line D above)
$____________
H.
Total Defined Compensation (Lines F & G)
I. ELCA Health & Retirement Plan (Total of Lines I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4, & I-5)
I-1. Health**
$ __________
I-2. Retirement (Line H x applicable rate)***
$ __________
I-3. Disability (Line H x applicable rate)***
$ __________
I-4. Basic Group Life (Line H x applicable rate)***
$ __________
I-5. Retiree Support (Line H x applicable rate)***
$ __________
$____________
$___________*
J. Additional Benefits (i.e., tax sheltered annuity, life insurance, etc.)
$___________
K. Total of lines I & J
$_________(2)
III. EXPENSES
L. Transportation mileage reimbursement (Check the IRS rate.)
$____________
M. Continuing Education/Professional Expenses (Synod recommended is $1,100/year)
$____________
N. Official meetings (includes Synod Assembly, etc.)
$____________
O. Total of lines L, M, & N
$_________ (3)
29
TOTAL CONGREGATIONAL CASH OUTLAY (1) + (2) + (3)
BR 3-42
$____________
IV. OTHER BENEFITS
L. Vacation _______ weeks, including _______ Sundays
M. Sick/Parental Leave _______ weeks
N. Continuing Education _______ weeks and sabbatical _______ weeks
NOTE:
*At least equal full family dental and insurance coverage should be provided even if the rostered lay person utilizes plans
other than the ELCA Portico Benefit Services Plan.
** Cost Value for this category can be found by using the Portico Benefit Services Benefits Costs Calculator at:
*** Furnished by ELCA Portico Benefit Services annually online at www.porticobenefits.org .
30
BR 4-1
2014 Report of the Deepening Discipleship Table
The Augsburg Confession says of the church in article VII, “This is the Assembly of all believers
among whom the Gospel is preached in its purity and the holy sacraments are administered
according to the Gospel.” We are God’s beloved people who are gathered by the Holy Spirit
around Word and Sacrament.
The Very Rev. Ernest William Southcott noted Anglican priest and author of the century just
past wrote of the Church:
“The holiest moment of the church service is the moment when God's people-strengthened by
word and sacrament-go out of the church door into the world to be the church. We don't go to
church; we are the church.” We go forth employing our hearts and hands in daily discipleship.
In our new synod structure we have three ministry tables that help enable and empower our
walk together as Lutheran Christians in South Carolina. One of these is the Deepening
Discipleship Table.
Around this table sits the Equipping Rostered Leaders Network led by Pr. Jason Antley, the
Equipping Steward Leaders Network led by Pr. Angela Jennings, the Equipping Evangelism
Leaders Network led by Pr. Lance Henderson, and the Equipping Youth/Young Adults Network
led by Ashlyn Cox, and our newest task force the Equipping Lifelong Faith Formation Network
led by Deborah Poole, AIM. These Networks exist to advance and encourage the various tasks
forces with which they partner to deepen discipleship in our Synod. We the members of the
Deepening Discipleship Table, its Networks, and Task Forces are deeply grateful for the grace
lavished upon us by our Lord Jesus Christ. In faith we respond with lives of discipleship. Our
Savior’s words in St. Matthew’s gospel serve as the foundation for daily discipleship as we go
and make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and
teaching everything that our Lord Jesus Christ commanded. As we walk and serve together as
followers of Christ we reflect what the word Synod literally means.
A final story to we look back over where we have been and will journey together:
As you look up into the skies and see geese returning from wintering flying along in V formation,
it has been documented why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for
the bird immediately following. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds at least 71
percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go
it alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird
immediately in front. When the lead goose gets tired, he or she rotates back in the wing and
another goose flies point. The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front leading.
Finally, when a goose gets sick, or has to fall out of the flock, two geese fall out of formation and
follow him down to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly, or until
he is dead, and then they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with
their original group.
The members of the Deeping Discipleship Table, its Networks, and Task Forces strive to walk
with you in daily discipleship. South Carolina Synod of the ELCA
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Communication and Technology Table
The Communication and Technology Table (CATT) has had an interesting year. Celie Addy retired
after many years of faithful service as the Communications Director. Thank you Celie! Neil Fisher was
hired as the new Communications Director. Neil comes to us from upstate New York and brings years
of experience in the communications field. With communications and technology changing a such a
fast pace, we contracted with Sopia Agtarap to perform an audit of the SC Synod's print and digital
communications. The information gathered from the audit has proved useful in helping us gain insight
on changes we can make to engage with more people both inside and outside the SC Synod. We are in
process of implementing our first task force, The Web Development Task Force, as Neil begins to
redesign the SC Synod web-site. One of our major goals in the upcoming year is to work together with
the other Tables, Networks and Task Forces and assist them in spreading the word of how God is alive.
Adam Steele
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Report of the Community Engagement Table
The Community Engagement Table is focused on inspiring and equipping the congregations of our Synod to
discern and live out God’s justice, peace and wholeness as we accompany our neighbors in our local communities
and beyond. We have been amazed at where the Spirit is leading us this year through:
Offering hospitality to several independent African American churches, including:
a. Christ Mission, a multi-cultural congregation in Denny Terrace under the leadership of Pastor Leroy Cannon
b. Impact, in north east Columbia, led by Rev. Martin Quick.
c. The Jericho Community, meeting at Ascension Lutheran, Columbia led by Pastor Jackie Utley.
Supporting local schools
a. The interdenominational public education initiative of LARCUM (Lutherans, Anglicans, Roman Catholics,
and United Methodists) is working directly with government and school leaders in partnerships to make
significant and lasting changes to improve our schools and help teachers and administrators in their work.
Mentoring, tutoring, and reading programs, backpack feeding ministries, are all strengthened by ecumenical
partnership.
b. The Public Education and Poverty Task Forces are encouraging congregations to serve the schools around
them and are developing a means for congregations to share information on Education Ministries they are
doing, so others can learn from their experience or collaborate with them.
Ministering with second generation Latinos
a. Lutheran Church of our Savior in Greenville is sponsoring Nuestro Salvador ministry, a Spanish language
service in a multi-cultural congregation.
b. A Latino Outreach Center will be developed in Lexington on 6.5 acres of land purchased with funding from
the Growing in God’s Mission Appeal and Cristo Rey.
Encouraging Multi-Cultural Ministry. The Inclusiveness Network is working on finding ways to offer a
Workshop on Embracing Diversity and to support new minority pastors in the Synod, and is providing grants to
support Synod ministries to neighbors of varied racial or cultural backgrounds.
The Community Engagement Table includes six Networks:
 Global Mission and Companion Synod – convened by Pastor Henri Bishop and Sarah Delap,
 Community Outreach – convened by Pastor Nathan Rice
 Inclusiveness – convened by Pastor Mark Buchan
 Ecumenism – convened by Pastor Mary Finklea
 Planting and Sustaining New Congregations – convened by John Derrick, and
 Renewing Existing Congregations – convened by Pastor Rick Carter.
Wherever Jesus went, he touched and blessed the lives of those around him. We are called in following him to
also touch and bless our communities are we engage with our neighbors near and far in ministry and we look
forward to a blessed and fruitful year ahead.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ginny Eiwen
Convener, Community Engagement Table
Report of the Community Engagement Table 031715 South Carolina Synod of the ELCA
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South Carolina Synod ELCA
The mission of the Commission on Inclusiveness of the South Carolina
Synod is to actively invite and welcome all persons regardless of race or
culture as God’s children into the communion of sharing the grace and love of
Jesus Christ in all congregations.
2015 Assembly Report
In the 2014 -15 fiscal year the Inclusiveness Network hosted its annual dinner program
at the 2014 Synod Assembly, at which we presented a video we had produced about our
“Talking Together: Embracing Diversity in our Communities” workshop. This year we
emphasized building our membership and discussing our new role as a member of the
Community Engagement Table. The group added several new regular participants,
including lay and clergy women as well as the leaders of new African American and
Spanish language worship communities and mission starts throughout the synod. In
2014-15 we also worked developing creative ways to reach out with our “Talking
Together…” workshop. As usual, we dispersed end-of-year grants earmarked for
programming, mainly to new worshiping communities who focus on outreach to minority
communities.
Goals for the 2015-16 year include 1) a renewed focus on conducting the workshop
“Talking Together: Embracing Diversity in our Communities” and 2) outreach to new
ministry communities, (new missions and Synod Authorized Worship Communities)
especially those whose mission focusses on inclusiveness (e.g. Christ Mission, Jericho
Project.) Outreach to these communities would include continuing to offer program
grants, the physical presence of members of the network at worship and community
events, and ongoing personal contact with the leaders. INET’s goal is to represent the
synod as a welcoming and inclusive presence to new pastors in the synod, especially
those from other traditions who may appreciate a more thorough introduction to and
accompaniment through our polity and traditions.
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Campus Ministry Committee Report
2015
INTRODUCTION
The SC Synod Campus Ministry Committee feels very strongly that we need to lend our full
support to the college students that are the future of our church. They are our greatest hope of
reversing the trend toward an ever-aging membership.
If these seventeen to twenty year olds lose their connection with the Church during this very
formative period, it is going to be difficult to show them that the Church has value for them after
they have left school and are on their own.
Parents and sponsors were not alone making promises at a child’s baptism. The congregation
(representing the Church as a whole) also stood and promised that they would accept the newly
baptized and care for them as they deepened their relationship with their Lord. Campus ministry
is an opportunity to live up to that baptismal promise and as a Synodical Committee, we remain
committed to oversight of our campus ministries.
ACTIVE CHAPTERS
There are ten (11) active chapters currently in the synod at the following schools and hosted by
their respective congregations:
Clemson University, University Lutheran, Clemson SC
Furman University, Trinity Lutheran, Greenville SC
The Citadel, St. Barnabas, Charleston SC
College of Charleston, St. Matthews Charleston SC
Lander College, Immanuel, Greenwood SC
USC, Rev. Frank W. Anderson, Campus Ministry Center, Columbia SC
Presbyterian College, St. John's Lutheran, Clinton SC
USC/Aiken, St. Paul's Lutheran, Aiken SC
Spartanburg; Wofford, Converse, USC Upstate, St. John's Lutheran, Spartanburg SC
Winthrop College, Grace Lutheran, Rock Hill SC
Coastal Carolina/USC Conway
Additionally we are always interested in working with other congregations to assist in
developing campus activities; for example:
Anderson University
USC-Aiken - Kathleen Cartledge is leading this effort at St. Paul's.
Charleston Southern University
Francis Marion University - St Luke & Cross and Crown are forming a planning team
Limestone College
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SC State
Additionally we communicate with the Campus Pastor at Newberry College in the event we can
support them or they find beneficial to share in our activities.
PRIORITIES
The committee has set as priorities:
Making contact with incoming college freshman.
Making a connection with and communicating to prospective college students
information on a group that meets on a regular basis on their campus whose emphasis is
continued support of them in their spiritual life and success in this new and sometimes
trying period of their life. This effort is ongoing on multiple fronts with articles in the SC
Lutheran, disseminating information at orientations sessions, information through social
media, as well as seeking information from the congregations on graduating seniors.
Fund raising to augment the synod funds
Individual campus groups are always looking at methods to raise funds to augment the
synod’s grants in order to allow increased activities; outreach programs, trips to
conferences and retreats, to name just a few examples.
Utilizing current trending communications media
Today’s young people use a variety of mediums (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to exchange
information and stay current in both their social networks and the world around them.
We are trying to use in so far as practical these same means to reach the college student.
Expand committee membership to include younger members.
Just as the church in general, we are always interested in attracting a younger
membership. When openings on the committee develop, we consider young adults as
having an important perspective on our deliberations and mission.
CLOSING
The South Carolina Campus Ministry Committee is alive and well and working hard to grow and
strengthen the outreach of the church into the campuses of our state. The support of the Synod is
greatly appreciated and important to this mission.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard Delap
Chairperson
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LUTHERAN SERVICES CAROLINAS
Dear Friends,
We are pleased to present this Lutheran Services Carolinas report to the SC Synod. We do so
along with a profound “thank you” for your support of the LSC mission, “Empowered by Christ,
we walk together with all we serve.”
LSC provided direct services to more than 5,000 people across the Carolinas in 2014. LSC’s
South Carolina services are a critical part of that ministry and one that continues to grow.
Last year in South Carolina, LSC added two new Community Training Homes for people with
intellectual and/or developmental disabilities; increased the number of children receiving foster
care by more than 15 percent and the number of refugees resettled by 7 percent; protected 18
victims of human trafficking from further abuse and exploitation; welcomed 35 unaccompanied
alien children; and cared for 59 homeless veterans.
When combining North and South Carolina in 2014:
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1,326 volunteers contributed 37,702 hours of volunteer services to the people and
programs of LSC.
301 children found safety, security, and loving homes because of LSC Foster Care.
79 families worked toward a simple dream and 26 children found forever homes
through LSC Adoption Services.
70 veterans, homeless or on the brink, found support, dignity, and a place to call
home at Faith Farm, Angels House, or Kinard Manor.
274 families confronted with homelessness - 702 individuals including 417 children found a safety net and a brighter future through LSC’s Supportive Housing program.
LSC’s Refugee Resettlement program welcomed 320 refugees to the Carolinas and
provided 429 others with ongoing support.
That same program served 84 unaccompanied alien children and protected 18 victims
of human trafficking from further abuse and exploitation.
45 people with mental illness received the help they needed to reduce or manage
symptoms because of LSC’s Assertive Community Treatment Team.
57 men and women found help through the LSC Counseling Center.
56 people were encouraged to live to their greatest potential through LSC group home
services for those with significant intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
27 men and women with similar life challenges or disabilities were able to maximize
their independence because of other innovative LSC residential services.
LSC promoted the health and well-being of 2,602 older adults who received 369,976
days of retirement, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, or assisted living services.
An additional 211 seniors lived more successfully at home because of a growing
network of LSC community-based services.
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2014 was also a year of both stabilization and transition for LSC. The successful 2011
affiliation of Lutheran Services for the Aging and Lutheran Family Services under the new
LSC banner has prepared the organization for the future, a future that will require continued
growth and collaboration to remain successful. Faith-based nonprofits are under intense
financial and societal pressures, and today face even greater demands to meet basic health
and human service needs. The affiliation that created LSC is an example of the collaboration
and consolidation necessary to thrive in the future, not just survive.
For the most recent fiscal year, LSC child and family services posted a net gain of $92,105.
The South Carolina foster care program exceeded budget expectations while the number of
children served by the foster care services program in North Carolina dropped. Staff
members have focused on expanding foster care capacity for underserved areas in each state
in order to sustain the program in the long term. Refugee resettlement programs throughout
North and South Carolina also expanded services, helping to bolster the bottom line.
The financial year for LSC senior services was one of transition, culminating in a loss of
$13,049. Trinity Elms health and rehab in Clemmons, NC, was the fourth and final principal
piece of LSC’s plan to build four new nursing homes. The 100-bed skilled care nursing
home was largely complete in the summer, but delays by the Village of Clemmons held up
the opening of the building, resulting in $486,000 in unplanned expenses. Thankfully, the
community is now in fill-up mode and operating smoothly.
The other new nursing homes, Trinity Grove, Trinity Glen, and Trinity Ridge, are growing
into their larger buildings as it takes time to fine-tune operations. Other financial challenges
included the continued two percent sequestration cut in Medicare A rates from the federal
government and a three percent Medicaid cut from the state of North Carolina. For the
fiscal year, those rate cuts equated to an approximate shortfall in revenue of $744,000.
Walking with those we serve isn’t always easy. Working with children who have
experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment is hard on the heart. Restoring hope and
purpose for veterans in crisis is difficult at best. Providing comfort to frail elders in the final
stages of life is bittersweet. Yet we know we are called, according to His purpose and
buoyed by faith, to love and serve our neighbors.
Once again, we thank you for your prayers and support and we thank God for His continued
blessings on the important work of the Lutheran Services Carolinas ministry.
Yours in Christ,
Ted W. Goins, Jr.
LSC President
Jerry Bramley
Chair of the LSC Board
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LutheranTheologicalSouthernSeminary–Lenoir‐RhyneUniversity
Provost’sReporttotheSynodsofRegion9
Spring2015
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AsLutheranTheologicalSouthernSeminarynearstheenditsthirdyearoflifeasa
seminaryembeddedwithintheuniversity,thereareanumberofexciting
developmentsunderway.Thebiggestistheestablishmentofthreeendowed
professorialchairs.
Followingthemerger,oneoftheclearestcallsfromouralumniandconstituentshas
beentheneedtosecureanendowedchairinLutheranStudies.Inresponsewehave
launchedacampaigntoraisefundstofullyendowthisposition.TheLutheran
StudieschairholderwillcontinuetheteachingofourcoursesinConfessionsand
LutheranPolityandwillbeoneoftheseminary’skeyspokespersonson
Lutheranismforthe21stcenturychurch.InadditiontotheLutheranStudieschair,
wearealsoseekingtoestablishanendowmentfundforafull‐timeMethodist
Studieschairandahalf‐timeBaptistStudieschair.Thetwofull‐timechairswouldbe
thefirstfullyfundedprofessoratesintheschool’s184‐yearhistory.
Oneoftheseminary’sfacultypositionsremainsopengoingintothecomingschool
year.Duringthecurrentacademicyearasearchforafull‐timeProfessorof
PreachingandWorshipwasundertaken.GiventhesmallpoolofLutheransavailable
forthisposition,itwasdeterminedtofillthevacancyforasecondyearonan
interimbasisandtoundertakethesearchagaininthecomingyear.Wearegrateful
toVisitingProfessorJannBoydforagreeingtoserveasecondyearinthisinterim
position.
Ontheco‐curricularfront,ournewAcademyforFaithandLeadershipcontinuesto
offerexcellentteachingandlectureopportunitiesforourcommunities,bothlocal
andonline.WeareworkingonasecondgenerationofWhatDoesThisMeanvideos,
thistimegearedtowardquestionsyoungchildrenareaskingaboutthefaith.The
Academycontinuestoschedulemajorlectures,presentations,andlaycoursesthat
takeplaceoncampusandthatarebroadcastviainternettothosewhocannotattend
inperson.TheAcademyisalsostartingtwonewcertificationprograms,bothslated
tobegininthecomingschoolyear.TheyarecertificationsinPublicSafety
ChaplaincyandSpiritualDirection.
InearlyMarchtheseminarywasvisitedbyaconsultingteamthatassistedusin
clarifyingtheseminary’smarketingandmessaging.Whiletoosoontoannouncethe
outcomeoftheconsultation,thegoalistoenableustoidentifyourselveswithinthe
broaderenvironmentoftheologicaleducation.Theprocessinvolvedgatheringinput
andfeedbackfromstudents,staff,faculty,administration,andconstituentsinorder
toprovideclarityandconsensusregardingtheseminary’smessageandprogram.
Headingthetwo‐personvisitingteamwasaseminaryalumnus,JohnScherer,whose
ownworkhasmovedawayfromcongregationalministrytowardinternational
businessandleadershipconsulting.
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Finally,whileSouthernSeminaryworksalongsideoursisterELCAseminariesto
providetrainingforleadersinourchurch,theELCA’sTheologicalEducation
AdvisoryCouncil(TEAC)hasbeenatworktodeterminehowtosupportand
enhancetheworkofthedenomination’sseminaries.TEAChasidentifiedthreekey
imperatives:
1.TheELCAneedsatheologicaleducationnetworkthatismorefar‐reaching.
2.TheELCAneedsatheologicaleducationnetworkthatismoreconnected
andflexible.
3.TheELCAneedsatheologicaleducationnetworkthatismoresustainable.
Toconcludethisreport,IwanttoindicatethewaysinwhichSouthernisandhas
beenmovingtowardtherealizationoftheseimperatives.
1.Far‐reachingtheologicaleducation:
 co‐curricularofferingsoftheAcademyforFaithandLeadership
 exploringmeansbywhichtoengageinleadershiptrainingfor
non‐whitecommunitiesoffaith
2.Moreconnectedandflexible:
 explorationofstrategicpartnershipsbeyondELCAseminaries,and
beyondregionalandnationalagencies
 connectingwithagenciesandministrieswithintheColumbiaand
EauClairecommunitiesinwhichwearesituated
 developmentofcooperativearrangementswiththeLenoir‐Rhyne
undergraduateandgraduateprogramsinHickory,Asheville,and
Columbia
 creationofaculturethatcelebratesandfostersinnovative
programsatboththegraduateandundergraduatelevels
3.Moresustainable:
 livingfullyintoourroleasanembeddedseminarywithinthe
university,whichsafeguardstheseminary’sfinancialfuturewhile
providinguswithopportunitiesforenrichededucational
collaboration
IampleasedtoreportthatLutheranTheologicalSouthernSeminaryhashad
anotherstrongyearandwearepoisedforanotheryearofteaching,forming,and
nurturingwiseleadersforthechurchofthe21stcentury.
ClaySchmit
Provost
LTSSandtheSchoolofTheologyofLenoir‐RhyneUniversity
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SC Lutheran Retreat Centers “God is good! All the time! All the time, God is good!” At the South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers, you hear this phrase frequently; from our guests, from our staff and from our Board members. In these places, we see the mighty works of God on a daily basis as we strive to “facilitate the growth of God’s kingdom by providing exceptional hospitality and transformational opportunities within the glory of God’s creation”. (Mission statement adopted by the SCLRC Board of Trustees in 2014) A quick glance at our numbers show how God is working in these special places and how many lives are being touched: Coastal Retreat 
77 Lutheran groups, totaling 1,532 people (NC & SC Congregations, LMM, WELCA, LCY, Via de Cristo)  9 Other Denomination groups, totaling 257 people (Presbyterian, Non‐Denominational, Baptist, Methodist)  12 Road Scholar groups, totaling 360 people  6 School groups, totaling 129 people (Region 9 Campus Ministry, University of Tennessee Campus Ministry, LTSS, Asheville Christian Academy, SAGE Program, Georgia Tech Campus Ministry) Totals: 104 Groups, 2,278 people Camp Kinard 
79 Lutheran groups, totaling 1,836 people (Congregational Retreats, LMM, WELCA, LCY, A New Road, Lutheran Scout Retreat)  6 Diocese of Charleston groups, totaling 459 people (Christian Leadership Institute, Discernment Retreats, Catholic Campus Ministry, Young Ladies, Young Men)  17 Other Denomination groups, totaling 845 people (Methodists, Baptists, Buddhists, Episcopal, Non‐Denominational)  2 Professional groups, totaling 125 people & dozens of businesses (Leadership Columbia, Leadership Lexington)  26 Scout groups, totaling 1,021 people (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Pathfinders, Trail Life USA)  4 Palmetto Health Camps, totaling 295 people (Camp Kemo, Camp Wonder Hands, Camp New Horizions, Camp Kemo Staff)  2 Special Camps, totaling 108 people (Eat Smart/Move More SC, Alateens)  6 School groups, totaling 261 people (Teenpact, USC, AFS Student Exchange, LTSS, Cardinal Newman) Totals: 142 groups, 4,950 people We are blessed to be in ministry with all these people representing all these groups! These big numbers have also meant big growing pains. With mixed emotions, we learned that after 30 years, Palmetto Heath’s Camp Kemo has grown beyond the capacity of Camp Kinard and will be moving to a different facility. Camp Kemo has been such an important part of the identity of Camp Kinard and we will always South Carolina Synod of the ELCA
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cherish our relationship and hope that in the future, we may once again have the capacity for a group as large as Camp Kemo! We are pleased that we will continue to host Palmetto Health’s Camp New Horizons and Camp Wonder Hands. However, amidst all these wonderful groups, people and growing pains we have been provided opportunities to make some significant improvements at both sites. In late 2014, our Board agreed to proceed with a short term Capital Campaign to raise funds to make these improvements at both centers. At Coastal Retreat, we are in the process of updating the guest rooms through our Adopt‐A‐Room program. Because of your support, we have been able to replace all the toilets in the guest bathrooms and have added outlet converters to each room. We also plan to make additional upgrades to the guest rest rooms and bedrooms. With the help of volunteers, there has been several upgrades to some of the landscaping surrounding the retreat center. At Camp Kinard, thanks to several significant gifts, we were able to add additional showers and on‐
demand hot water in all of the cottages. We upgraded HVAC and duct work and we also replaced 44 mattresses in the cottages. We were able to obtain a range, convection oven and reach in cooler for our kitchen. We would like to extend a special thanks to Leadership Lexington for several wonderful projects, including fishing docks in both ponds, a ramp to the pool and a gazebo to provide much needed shade by the pool! Camp Kinard was also blessed with the gift of music this year! Thanks to the Loadholt/Loadholdt family, we now have a carillon that can be heard all over camp. And thanks to Jerry and Angela Jennings, we have a Lowery organ in our dining room. While 2014 brought many important updates to these facilities, we still have significant needs which we hope to address in 2015. Our greatest need right now is to replace the 40 year old roof on Coastal Retreat. We also plan to replace flooring and add lighting at this retreat center. At Camp Kinard, we plan to replace flooring in all the buildings and to improve the bathrooms in 18 of the lodge rooms. We also hope to put shutters and blinds in the lodge rooms and cottages. With the adoption of a new constitution this year, SCLRC board elections will be simplified. We will now have one board member elected annually by the SC Synod assembly. We are grateful to the assembly for their continued support of and partnership with the South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers! God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good! Dallas J. Shealy, AIM Executive Director South Carolina Synod of the ELCA
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Report of the South Carolina Women of the ELCA It is with joy and thanksgiving that the South Carolina women in WELCA (as we are fondly called) continue to “promote healing and wholeness in the church, our society and the world as disciples of Jesus Christ.” Our numbers may be down a little from last year, but our spirits are high as we continue to do God’s work. We are both bold and blessed. We are both called and sent. We are a group of women who “support one another in our callings and engage in ministry and action.” We meet regularly for fellowship and bible study. When our ladies discover a need, we work to meet that need. If just one of us can cause a ripple, the whole of us can cause a wave. Last year, June 20‐21, our 2014 SC WELCA convention was held at The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Newberry, the site of the very first convention of our Lutheran Women’s Organization 128 years ago in 1886. The Theme of our twenty‐seventh annual convention of the Women of the ELCA last year was “Of Many Generations.” Pastor Jane Mitcham’s keynote speech was “Will our Faith have Children,” inspiring us to model the kind of mature, passionate faith we want our youth to know. We sent $2,399 from our convention offering to the Tanzania Sleep House Project, which Cathy Milejczak said was enough to purchase the roof. We also donated 125 kits of tangible gifts (which filled a truck), $5,665 in gift cards, and $1,801 in cash or checks to the Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center. On a broader scale, in the last week of July, over 2,300 women of all ages 10 months to 97 years (our own Dot Wise) attended the 2014 Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering in Charlotte. Topics included forming a better understanding of mental illness, building an inclusive church, helping children who are being bullied, immigration of children in crisis, survivors of abusive relationships, a history of Latinos in the US, and human trafficking. There, the women kept up a long‐standing tradition of providing support to local organizations and shelters which meet the needs of families experiencing poverty. Gift card contributions reached $14,785, and the phone cards provided 15,877 free minutes to those in crisis. In‐kind gifts included over 10,000 toilette items, socks and underwear, and almost 2,000 prayer shawls and quilts, many of which were sent overseas for Lutheran World Relief. Each of our nine conferences met this past fall, gathering in fellowship and community and to learn and respond to local needs. The combined offerings came to $4,133, not counting the in‐kind gifts received. Projects benefited include the Triune Mercy Center, water purification in Tanzania, safe transitional living for families in need, Lutheran Services Carolinas, My Sister’s House, and back sacks for children who are taken from homes in emergency situations. Throughout the year, our offerings of joy and thankfulness are sent directly to the ELCA Good Gifts program, where “God’s math doesn’t just add up, it multiplies.” In FY 2014‐2015, these offerings came to $14,073. At the end of this past fiscal year, the Board sent $1,000 from our Benevolence account to the SC Lutheran Retreat Centers and $2,750 to the ministries of the Churchwide Women of the ELCA. From the profits of our Lucinda pin sales, we sent $1,547 to support the start of Toby’s Place, a new ministry of Oliver Gospel Mission for women and children. Last August we developed our own first SC WELCA website as a link from the SC Synod webpage. Another “first” was beginning to send our newsletter by email. For the November issue we had 170 email subscribers and for the February issue our subscription list jumped to 254. Another “first” for South Carolina was that our Board worked together as a Thrivent Action Team. On November 15th our project was to beautify the inner courtyard of the Calhoun Convalescent Center in St. Matthews. You can read about it on our website. This year, our twenty‐eighth annual convention will be at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Lexington June 12‐13. It will be our first bilingual convention and we’re excited to start building relationships with our Spanish speaking sisters in Christ. Our project will be Lutheran Services Carolinas and congregational units are already gathering a variety of Child and Family Service Kits. The theme is “Be Thou My Vision.” We look forward to focus on what is God’s vision for us so that we can remain bold to serve others in our changing world. Together in Christ, Virginia Herlong, President South Carolina Synod of the ELCA
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SC Lutheran Men in Mission This year has gone by very quickly for me. It seems that we have only just finished with this past year’s convention, but what a year this has been. The biggest recognition that I believe SCLMM should get this year is for putting in the time and having enough faith in mission churches to help them succeed. Three of those supported mission churches have become recognized by the synod as new congregations. This occurred at the 2014 Synod Assembly in Columbia. To the members of Faith, Pickens; Breath of Life, Blythewood and Crossroads, Indian Land we should continue to give them our prayers and a round of applause. To grow into a congregation when you only begin with prayers and faith is amazing and it is proof to me that God can do anything. SCLMM was well represented at the Church Wide LMM gathering in Nashville, TN this year. The theme was Guys, Guts and Glory and it definitely fit. I learned so much from this trip and I wish there was a way for those who did not attend to have the same feelings that I brought home. Lutheran Men is providing new tools for us to use to get men involved. Most everyone by now has heard of the One Year to Live Retreat, but there is another that I hope will resound in the years to come. It is called High, Wide and Deep. This is new. I personally like it because it is not designed to be an overnight retreat. I also think that it is designed for the man who is not as familiar with Lutheran Men and wants to find a way to get involved. Thanks to some of our national and local leaders we are bringing this retreat to Camp Kinard in March of this year. I hope that many will come out to play some crazy guy games with us and enjoy some good fellowship in the outdoors. This year on the home front there have been many opportunities to visit and speak to our local units, conferences, auxiliaries and other events. A few Lutheran men leaders can even be spotted in the short Synod video that is circulating in our congregations. Also, we managed to get the SCLMM logo trademarked. However, this year hasn’t been all fun and games. SCLMM has had some serious business to take care of. You may have heard that giving has been down, and it has affected everything from the Loan Fund to the New Mission Start Fund. However it appears that this year there has been a slight uptick in giving, and I hope that we are beginning to turn things around. Lack of participation is something that has become more and more noticed as well. When I say this to you, I also say this to myself. We need to step up to the plate and become more active. There are a lot folks out there who put in blood, sweat and tears and we need to help them out before they decide to throw in the towel. Participation is very important to not only be a healthy organization but a healthy church. It has been a privilege to serve as SCLMM President this year. I have learned so much about the Church and our organization. I have developed an appreciation for all of our leaders on the Executive Board. They do so much and put in a lot of hours. Sometimes we may forget, but these men volunteer their time. Always let them know that you appreciate the service they give to SCLMM. We are ending this year and beginning a new one with some very important business to handle. I pray that God continues to lead us in the direction that He would have us go. Watch and listen for the call and do not be afraid to react to it. Peace be with you all, Jeremy Frazier South Carolina Synod of the ELCA
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REPORT OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH YOUTH
As we prepare for the National Youth Gathering this summer in Detroit, this LCY year has
been busy with exciting changes all around. This year’s overall theme is Together, We Rise,
playing off of the National Gathering’s theme of Rise Up Together! We are refocusing our
purpose as an organization, trying to reinforce our “by youth, for youth” mentality.
One of our proposed changes is changing the Executive Committee structure. We want to
rename it Executive Council instead and have two 9/10th grade representatives and two
11/12th grade representatives that would be elected. We would appoint or elect one willing
rising 8th grader to be the 7/8th grade representative. The President would still be elected and
must have prior experience to be eligible. The new Executive Council will appoint one of their
members to serve as Vice President. We have talked about this change at all three winter
retreats and those in attendance are in favor of it. We will officially vote upon this change at
Convention this summer and if passed, we will implement the change for the 2015-2016 year.
Another change was switching the location of our two service weekends. For the past two
years, Hand-in-Hand has been down at the Coastal Retreat Center in IOP, serving the
community in Williamsburg County. Spring into Action has been at Camp Kinard, serving the
community around the Lexington County area. We want to alternate between three locations,
Coastal Retreat Center, Camp Kinard, and Pleasant Ridge Retreat Center in Greenville.
Therefore, we are hitting all parts of the state and allowing people to drive a lesser distance to
participate in these awesome retreats.
Our retreat themes this year were based off our mission statement for LCY. 7/8th’s theme was
Rooted Together in God’s Love, 9/10th’s theme was Hearing Together God’s Voice, and
11/12th them was Acting Together as God’s Hands. We had junior staff at 9/10th and 7/8th.
Currently, our next LCY even in Spring Into Action, a spring service weekend held at Camp
Kinard. Convention, our business/gathering event, is at Newberry College. This is where we
will introduce and vote on the leadership change. Three camps, called “Love Projects”, are
held during the summer. Bridge Building is “bridging” the gap between generations and
working with the elderly over at the Rice Estate and the Heritage at Lowman. The youth staff
this event and stay overnight at Kinard. Camp HUGG is another camp over the summer where
youth are paired with mentally challenged youth. This is a day camp that is held at Camp
Kinard. Camp GIFT is for the campers that are 21 years and older. College students, usually
alumni of Camp HUGG, staff this event. Finally, the National Youth Gathering is being held in
Detroit this summer.
Thanks for much for the support to this organization over the years! It has created many
lifetime friendships and supported many in their faith journey throughout the years. This all
couldn’t be possible without your love, guidance and financial support. We cannot wait for the
upcoming years to see what amazing things we can achieve through the SC Synod!
South Carolina Lutheran Church Youth President
Jillian Newmyer
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DirectorofCommunications
ThisismyfirstreporttoyouasDirectorofCommunicationsforthissynod.Iam
gratefulandhavefeltawarmsouthernwelcome.Itismydeepestwishtobuildupon
thestrongcommunicationsbasealreadyestablishedhere.
IcometotheSouthCarolinaSynodfromtheUpstateNewYorkSynod.WhilethereI
helpedtocreatetheDirectorofCommunicationsposition.Myworkhasincluded:
 Designedandimplementingmarketingplans,includingdirectmarketingand
socialmedia;
 publicrelationsplans,integratingcommunicationsthroughonlineandprint
resources;
 consultationsforcongregationsandjudicatoriesoncommunicationsstrategy
andimplementation;
 supervisionofcommunicationvolunteers.
 servingalongsideChurchwidestaffduringassembliesandyouthgatherings.
Tokeepuponthelatesttrendsincommunication,IhelpmoderatetheChurchSocial
Media(#ChSocM)TwitterchatsonTuesdayevenings.IalsoassisttheCenterfor
ChurchCommunicationssocialmediateam.
TheCommunicationsandTechnologyTableisworkinghardtobuildmomentum.
 Oursynod’swebsitemustbecomethe"homebase"ofourcommunications
movingforward.Weareworkinghardtolaunchanewwebsitethatis
responsive.Thismeansthatitisusablenomatterwhatdeviceyouuseto
accessit.Thisisespeciallyimportantasmobilebecomesmoreubiquitous.
 Speakingofmobile,thisyear'sassemblymaterialsareavailable
electronicallyviaappandwebsite.Thiswillsaveusfromusingthousandsof
sheetsofpaperandmuchoftheprintingcosts.
 Socialmedianeedstobecomeastrongerpartofouroverallcommunications
strategy.Oncewehaveour"homebase"(website)set,wewillbeableto
delivermorevaluablestoriestooursocialoutlets.Socialmedia,muchlikeall
thatwedoasthechurch,isaboutrelationships.Weneedtolearnandengage
with"ourstory"acrossthesynod.
 We'vehadasuccessfullaunchofournewYouTubechannel.Over150people
havewatchedourlive"TableCast"event,orit'srecording.
 We'vecreatednewlooksforourtraditionalmediaoutlets.ThisincludesThe
SouthCarolinaLutheranandTheSouthCarolinaLutheraneNews.Wehope
youfindthenewformatscrispandeasytoread.
IfyouareontheeNewslist,thankyou.Ifyoufindanyofourpublicationshelpful,
pleasesharethem.Haveyoueveraskedthequestion"whatexactlyisthesynod
doing?"Ifso,andyouhaveyettosignupfortheeNewslist,Iwouldurgeyoutodo
sothroughourwebsite.
Finally,thankyou.Thankyouforyourpatiencewithmethroughthistransition.
Thankyouforbeingpartofthestory.Thankyouforsharingthestory.
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Director of Evangelical Mission
God’s Work – Our Hands
God has been at work in the South Carolina Synod in wonderful and life giving ways.
During 2014, we have witnessed the power of the Spirit in 3 newly organized
congregations, 5 congregations under development, and 6 synod authorized
worshipping communities, and 1 redeveloping congregation.
Here is a look at God’s work of evangelical mission within our Synod in 2014:
Newly Organized Congregations:
Faith/Pickens, Crossroads/Indian Land, and Breath of Life/Blythewood were welcomed,
as newly organized congregations of the South Carolina Synod in Assembly. It needs
to be noted that in the entire ELCA only seven congregations were organized in 2014.
Congregations under Development and Worshipping Communities:
Cristo Rey/ West Columbia, Gaston, Pelion
Cristo Rey has begun to function as one church with three locations in Lexington
County. They are served by one pastor, Oliverio Mora. On Sundays, Cristo Rey Parish
will have as many as 200 people at worship. Classes for First Communion,
Conformation, English as a Second Language and Instruction for Baptism are provided
during the week for families and individuals seeking to be more fully involved in ministry
and life in their community.
Sagrada Familia (Holy Family)/Columbia is a growing Latino mission led by
Pastor/Developer Jorge Leone. The mission is hosted by the people of Gethsemane
Lutheran Church. On a regular bases the people of St. Andrews/Blythewood
Gethsemane/Columbia and Segarda Familia worship together in English and Spanish
and share in fellowship following the services. Pastor Mark Buchan plays guitar for
worship at the mission and is able to lead worship in Spanish. The Spirit of God is at
work developing new relationships between these congregations.
Nuestro Salvador (Our Saviour)/Greenville is our newest mission and is led by
Pastor/Developer Alejandro Mejia. This inter-cultural ministry allows Our SaviourNuestro Salvador to be one congregation with English and Spanish worship services
and ministries.
2nd Generation Young Adult Latinos Discovery Grant from the ELCA provides our synod
the opportunity to identify and involve Latino young adults in the life our Latino missions.
This project will use social media in an effort to bring young adults together through
spiritual and relational connections with God and their neighbor.
Jericho Community at Ascension Lutheran Church/Columbia continues to connect the
people of Ascension with their African American neighbors. An example of that
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connecting ministry is the week long Lutheridge Camp hosted by the people of
Ascension for 15 children from Latimore Manor, a public housing project near
Ascension.
Lutheran/Methodist Cooperative Ministry with the Pee Dee Indians/Clio SC is led by
Pastor/Developer Volley Hanson. This ministry provides Word and Sacrament ministry
with Word and Service ministry for a unique opportunity to experience Native American
culture in a context of rich history and deep poverty.
Life Center/Columbia is led by Pastor/Developer Mikki Gay. This emergent ministry is
focused on accompanying people who experience poverty and seek justice. Started in
July 2014, this ministry has formed a Leadership Team and is working to build a
network of congregations and organizations that will walk alongside people in poverty,
in spiritual and relational ways that creates a community of neighbors connected to God
for the sake of others in poverty and seeking justice.
Christ Mission is an African American ministry that is located in Denny Terrace in the
former Christ Lutheran Church facility. Pastor Leroy Cannon is leading this vibrant
community. After three months they have developed a worshipping community of 70
people at worship. They have an outstanding gospel choir and youth ministry.
Our newest African American ministry, Impact, will be located in northeast Columbia.
Pastor/Developer Martin Luther Quick leads this ministry.
Springs of Grace/Boiling Springs is a twelve year old congregation with a new vision of
joining in God’s work in their community. Pastor/Re-developer Hobby Outten is leading
this congregation in ways that added 28 new members in 2014. This re-developing
congregation is making plans to build on their property sometime in 2015.
God’s work and our hearts and hands in developing new congregations and redeveloping an existing congregation bears witness to the Spirit of God that is present in
wonderful ways among the people of the South Carolina Synod.
Bob Beaver
Director of Evangelical Mission – SC Synod/ELCA
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Report of the Director for Stewardship
2014-2015
God calls us in Holy Baptism to be disciples. One of the ways we live out our discipleship is
stewardship. Since we belong to God in Holy Baptism, stewardship is about all the ways we live
out belonging to God. Stewardship ministry is to help God’s people grow in their relationship
with Jesus Christ in the way we share the good news of Jesus Christ and use the time, talents, and
finances God has entrusted to us.
Stewardship Education for Congregations
Our stewardship strategies focus on stewardship education, annual response, year-round
planning, mission interpretation and encouraging individuals and families to participate in
planned giving. This includes teaching biblical and theological foundations for stewardship,
stewardship principles that provide a foundation for the life of a faithful and generous steward,
and the best practices for growing stewards in a congregation.
Rediscover Macedonia theme materials for education, response and living the mission were
launched as a website in July 2012, and are available to all congregations at no cost at
www.elca.org/macedonia
Stewards of God’s Love is a tool produced by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
for doing year-round stewardship ministry in your congregation. Copies of this resource are
available at http://resources.elca.org or online at www.ELCA.org/growingstewards.
The Giving magazine, a resource from the Ecumenical Stewardship Center, is available to
every congregation online at www.stewardshipresources.org.
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS)
Region 9 Council for Stewardship Education
A Stewardship Symposium featured Rev. Mark Allen Powell on January 30, 2015, at the
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. This symposium was sponsored by the Academy of
Faith and Leadership, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and the Lutheran Theological
Southern Seminary/Region 9 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Council for Stewardship
Education. While the symposium is a public event, the symposium also gives middler students an
opportunity for personal growth and learnings in the practical applications of stewardship in
congregations.
A Senior Symposium was conducted at LTSS on February 6-7, 2015, offering first call
orientation and an opportunity to learn about the benefits available from Portico Benefit Services.
A First Call Theological Education Stewardship Retreat was held at New Ebenezer Retreat
Center, Rincon, GA. on February 9-11, 2015. Rostered leaders participated from the South
Carolina Synod along with almost 75 leaders and participants from five synods in Region 9
ELCA.
Networking Congregations for Growing Stewards
In 2014 nine congregations participated in Ventures in Growing Stewards, led by Pr. Angela
Jennings. Ventures Leader. The congregations included: Joy, Moore; Redeemer, Greer; Faith,
Pickens; Good Shepherd, Columbia; St. James, Leesville; St. James, Lexington; Nazareth,
Lexington; King of Glory, North Myrtle Beach; and Shepherd of the Sea; Garden City. Ventures
involves pastors and lay persons in a series of four workshops over a one-year period. It includes
study of biblical and theological foundations, year-round stewardship, annual response and
development of a missional spending plan. A new Ventures in Growing Stewards series began on
April 19, 2015, in the Coastal Conference.
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Stewardship Coaching - Multiplying Leaders
In response to a 21st century vision for strengthening disciples of Jesus Christ and in an effort
to encourage coaching as an approach for growing well-formed stewards and leaders, a specialty
stewardship coaching ministry has been started in the SC Synod. This ministry is for both
rostered and lay leaders. Through this ministry individuals will develop specific competencies
and skills in both coaching and stewardship to multiply leaders. This ministry is made possible
through the Growing in God’s Mission Appeal and a grant from the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America generated by the South Carolina Synod appeal. Over fifty stewardship coaches have
been trained.
Rev. Mark Scott is serving as Stewardship Coaching Ministry Coordinator, South Carolina
Synod.
Churchwide Resource Persons
The Rev. Ana Lugo, ELCA Foundation Regional Gift Planner, is available to assist
individuals and congregations with planned giving, Endowment Funds, wills, estate and legacy
plans. Email: [email protected].
Mr. Jerry Johnson, Associate in Ministry, is the Region 9 ELCA representative, Mission
Investment Fund. Email: [email protected].
The Rev. Paul Aebischer, is the Region 9 ELCA representative, Portico Benefit Services.
Email: [email protected].
Mission Interpretation
Shepherd Callers are a group of lay persons in the synod who make telephone calls to key
congregational leaders to establish caring connections and to deepen relationships. A video titled
What’s New? Where is God Doing Something New in the South Carolina Synod? is available to
congregations for the purpose of mission interpretation in the congregation. Rev. Angela Jennings
has been named SC Synod Mission Interpreter Coordinator.
Moving into the New Structure
As the synod lives into the new structure the work of stewardship will be a part of the
Deepening Discipleship Table and the Equipping Steward Leaders Network.
Thank You
Let me express to you and the congregations of this synod our thanks. First, we give thanks
for those with whom we share faith in Jesus Christ. Second, we give thanks to God for your 2014
Mission Support. Mission Support (benevolence) is the portion of your financial offerings that
your congregation shares with your synod and churchwide ministries. God is making a difference
in the lives of people through your Mission Support dollars.
I am available to congregations to assist in equipping steward leaders in year-round
stewardship, conducting an annual response, or meet with pastors to share the best stewardship
practices and principles.
For additional stewardship resources, go to the South Carolina Synod website,
www.scsynod.com., click Giving and choose Stewardship.
Rev. W. Osborne Herlong Jr., Director for Stewardship
South Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
[email protected]
Cell (803) 360-1877
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REPORT FROM REGION 9 Spring 2015 In this report you will find a summary and overview of major activities and ministries of the region during the past year since your last synod assembly. We are extremely grateful to all the synods for their generous and consistent support of the mission and ministry of the region. 1. Candidacy. Nearly half of the regional coordinator’s time is devoted to candidacy matters among the six synods of the region. Recently this work has become even more crucial in light of needed changes in the ELCA candidacy process due to major reconfiguring of seminary curricula across the church. Churchwide staff have been spearheading the drafting of a revised Candidacy Manual that will be reviewed and approved by the ELCA Church Council, probably during the current year. The Region 9 coordinator has been serving as editor for the revised manual. In the fall of last year, candidacy chairs, synod staff, bishops, and seminary faculty were invited to a regional consultation on the new candidacy manual at Southern Seminary led by Pastor Greg Villalon, Pastor Cherlyne Beck, and Ms. Sandra Mejia from the Congregational and Synodical Mission unit. There is also a proposal underway to establish a new Word and Service roster that will be presented to the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly for approval. 2. James R. Crumley Jr. Archives. Several significant developments have occurred in the ministry of the regional archives housed at Southern Seminary. Archival materials from the oldest ELCA congregation in the Western hemisphere – Frederick Church in St Thomas, U.S.V.I. – have been transferred for safekeeping and preservation to the regional archives. The first installment of these valuable materials has already been received with the promise of more boxes to come. At the end of August, our faithful and highly competent archivist, Jeanette Bergeron, who has served in her position for more than 15 years, retired. During the transition to new staff, the board has contracted with Ms. Heather Walker to serve as curator for the Archives for one year starting at the end of August 2014. On March 1 Ms. Shannon Smith began serving on a part‐time basis as an interim archivist. The board is working actively to seek long‐term funding to support the level of staff needed to continue the excellent precedent set by the impressive growth and maturation of the archival collection under the leadership of Jeanette Bergeron. 3. ELCA/UMC Native American Partnership. For the past three years, Region 9 has been in conversation and consultation with representatives of the United Methodist Church in the Southeastern Jurisdiction concerning opportunities for partnership in ministry and mission with Native American people in the Southeastern United States. We have received generous grants in both 2013 and 2014 from the Peeler‐
Casey Fund (NC Synod) and in 2014 from the SC Synod Endowment. Currently, we are in conversation with Lutheran Men in Mission in North Carolina. During 2014 the Partnership contracted with two part‐
time staff persons – the Rev. David Hill of Charlotte, NC (ELCA), and the Rev. Cheryl Toothe of South Carolina (UMC) – to serve as coordinators in the partnership. Due to funding limitations, both positions have been suspended pending sustainable funding. The partnership is presently benefiting from the generous gift of a staff person from the UMC North Carolina Annual Conference to assist with the South Carolina Synod of the ELCA
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development of this ministry. Currently, the partnership is active in three locations – Hickory Grove, S.C., Lumberton, N.C., and Cherokee, N.C. Long‐term vision anticipates making contacts to explore new ministries in Mississippi and Florida and eventually all across Region 9. 4. First Call Theological Education. Five synods in the region in collaboration with the Region 9/LTSS Council for Stewardship Education sponsor a triennial event focused on stewardship for newly rostered leaders in the region. The most recent such event was February 9‐11, 2015, at New Ebenezer Conference Center in Rincon, GA. The event attracted 52 participants, five bishops from the participating synods, and 19 other leaders who served in various capacities during the event. The next FCTE regional event will be in 2018 at a date yet to be determined. 5. Regional Office Relocation. Beginning April 1, 2015, the region will relocate its offices at the invitation of the South Carolina Synod to use available space in the synod office located in downtown Columbia. 6. Campus Ministry. In the past year the region has arranged for and completed quadrennial reviews at six campus ministry sites: Appalachian State University, Atlanta University, Clemson University, North Carolina State University, the University of Virginia, and the University of Tennessee. The annual campus ministry staff retreat was again held at the Coastal Retreat Center on the Isle of Palms, S.C., at the end of January. The regional coordinator attended the annual campus ministry staff conference in Nebraska City, NB, in June 2014. Also during the past year, the Rev. Don Romsa accepted a staff position in campus ministry with the ELCA churchwide organization. 7. Bishop’s School. Due to the lack of housing space at Southern Seminary, there will not be a Bishop’s School in 2015. The next Bishop’s School will be June 22‐26, 2016, at Luther Springs in Florida. There are many exciting and meaningful opportunities for mission and ministry in Region 9. The various synods in the region along with agencies and institutions across the region and our churchwide partners make collaboration and cooperation possible. Respectfully submitted, Harvey Huntley Jr. Coordinator for Missional Leadership, Region 9, ELCA South Carolina Synod of the ELCA
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Report of the James R. Crumley, Jr. Archives of Region Nine 4201 Main St., Columbia, SC 29203 803‐461‐3234 [email protected] New Site Study The Board of Directors of the James R. Crumley, Jr. Archives continues to entertain the possibility of relocating the collection. Three options for relocating the material includes housing the entire collection in the Kinderway facility, once the facility is renovated; demolishing the Kinderway facility instead of renovating it, and then constructing a new facility in its place; renovating a portion of the Kinderway facility so that it may serve as an annex to the current location of the archives, located beneath Lineberger Library. Dr. Clay Schmit continues to investigate the viability of these options, and plans to meet with Michael Kohn, the project’s consultant and possible architect, to discuss which of the three possibilities is most suitable for the archives. Fall 2015 Banquet The 2015 Annual Friends of the Archives Banquet is scheduled September 18, 2015 at 5:30 pm. This year’s banquet will honor Jeanette Bergeron, former director of the archives. Events will also include the honoring of a church and its respective synod, along with an auction to raise money for the archives. Frederick Church Material The archives was proud to be the recipient of the archives of Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church, located in St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, in September 2014. The oldest ELCA church in Region Nine, Frederick Church celebrates its 350th anniversary in 2016. The church’s archives are currently in quarantine to ensure that any pests that may be in the records and boxes are destroyed. The processing of this collection is anticipated to begin summer 2015. Continued Interest in the Archives Donations, both monetary and material, continue to benefit the archives. Patrons of the archives enjoy submitting request through the archives’s site, and queries range from information on church congregations to diaries of pastors. We hope that the interest in visiting our location will increase with new and more frequent summer hours, beginning May 2015. Board of Directors Spring 2015 marks a change in the Board of Directors leadership. Effective March 14, 2015, Rev. Harvey Huntley stepped down as board president, and Rev. Mark Scott has assumed the position of the president. Jeremy Fisher, the former board treasurer, has also stepped down, and Karen Sumner of the Florida‐Bahamas Synod has taken his place. Both Rev. Huntley and Mr. Fisher remain active board members. New Staff Shannon Smith began March 2, 2015 as the new interim archivist. Shannon is a graduate of USC, and holds a Master of Arts in Religious Studies and anticipates graduation from USC’s School of Library and Information Science graduate program summer 2015. South Carolina Synod of the ELCA
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2014 RECORD OF ACTIVITIES
Since 1933, the South Carolina Christian Action Council (the Council) has lived and worked together as a visible
witness to the oneness for which our Lord Jesus Christ prayed. Nineteen member bodies (state and regional
judicatories, and--in some cases--representative congregations) live in partnership with each other. These bodies
represent these 14 Christian denominations: the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Alliance of Baptists, Baptist
Educational and Missionary Convention of SC, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Christian Methodist Episcopal
Church, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.), Protestant Episcopal Church, Religious Society of Friends, Roman Catholic Church, United Church
of Christ, and United Methodist Church.
Activities of the past year include:
ONGOING MINISTRIES OF CHRISTIAN UNITY, SOCIAL CHANGE, and SERVICE
Christian Unity
Ecumenical experiences which SCCAC hosted, promoted, or in which staff participated:
Noonday Prayer for Christian Unity hosted by the Board during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Host
congregation: St. Simon & St. Jude Episcopal Church, Irmo. Preacher: the Rt. Rev. Franklin Norris, Bishop,
Seventh Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Ecumenical Worship, the Council’s Annual Meeting, hosted by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of SC at the River
Center, Saluda Shoals, Columbia. Preacher: the Rev. Dr. Joanne Sizoo, Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church
(PCUSA), Fort Mill, SC.
Worshiped with local congregations of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the American Baptist Church
USA, the Baptist Educational & Missionary Convention of SC, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Roman Catholic Church, the
United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church.
Represented the Council at community, regional events, and statewide events. Served as the preacher or
presenter on many occasions promoting unity.
LARCUM (Lutheran Anglican Roman Catholic United Methodist) Prayer Service for Christian Unity, hosted by
Ebenezer ELCA.
Sponsored a luncheon for the former Presidents of the Council. We thank Bishop Yoos and the Synod Office of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for serving as our host.
We are saddened to report that the Reformed Episcopal Church, a longtime member of the Council, choose to
withdraw from membership.
Interfaith Harmony
Steering Committee member, Interfaith Partners of South Carolina.
Promoted and participated in events which promoted understand and celebrated our diversity.
Social Change
Major issues on which SCCAC Board, volunteers, and staff advocated in the Legislature, in congregations, in
community groups:
Racial Justice and Healing: this volunteer workgroup of the Council continues to learn from each other, promotes
and facilitates intentional conversations across the state. Served on the Program of the Commemoration Service
of the Orangeburg Massacre at SC State University.
BR 8-5
Full and equitable funding of Public Education. For quality education for all South Carolina children in all schools
and places of learning. Continued to advocate for a referendum to amend state constitution so that the
constitution requires the state to provide a “high quality” public education.
For religious freedom and tolerance.
Close the Gap SC Coalition formed in late 2015. Through this coalition the Council continues its advocacy for
getting Federal health care dollars to close the health care coverage gap in SC. Many organizations and
individuals in the new coalition worked with the Accept ME (Medicaid Expansion) SC Coalition. The Council is
indebted to the SC Appleseed Centers for Legal Justice and the SC AARP for invaluable support.
With the Truthful Tuesday Coalition, sponsored the “Enough” Rally at the State House in support of Medicaid
Expansion. Many people of faith supported this event, with two dozen or so clergy from many of the Council’s
member bodies on the platform.
Advocated for Peace and against nuclear armament at the Hiroshima Vigil sponsored by the Columbia Friends
Meeting and the Carolina Peace Resource Center.
Service
Staff activities which served the common good included:
Racial Justice and Healing—Day of Dignity, King Day at the Dome;
Presentations and preaching on Christian Unity and Public Policy Advocacy.
Represented the Council at gatherings of Clergy groups (fellowship, education, action).
Promoted and served on the program for SC HIV/AIDS Council’s Faith Leaders’ Roundtable and Interfaith
Prayer Breakfast.
Served on the Columbia Community Relations Councils’ Faith-based Initiatives council.
Participated in the Sisters of Charity Foundation’s Poverty Institute session.
Presented at the SC Faith Community Nursing Association’s annual event.
ADMINISTRATION
In addition to prayer support, hundreds of volunteers, and facility usage for events and meetings, financial support for
this year’s ministries was provided by Member Bodies 55%, Individuals 27%, Congregations 2%, Grants 6%, and
generated by events 10%. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve our members and our state through
your generous support.
Council Staff
Trudy Bouknight, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]
The Rev. Brenda Lynn Kneece, Executive Minister, [email protected]
NEW Telephone: (803) 461-3206
NEW Fax: (803) 461-336
www.sccouncil.net
Mailing address: PO Drawer 3248, Columbia, SC 29230
NEW Location: 4201 N. Main St., Ste. 103, Beam Bldg, Lenoir Rhyne—Lutheran Seminary, Columbia, SC
BR 8-6
ELCA Fund for Leaders
2015 Annual Report
Thank you to the people of the South Carolina Synod for making an investment in the future of this
church through the ELCA Fund for Leaders. Our goal is to provide full-tuition support for every
rostered ministry candidate at the ELCA seminaries, and together, we are making great progress
toward that goal.
In the 2014-2015 academic year, the ELCA Fund for Leaders provided scholarship assistance of
more than $1.45 million in support of 241 future pastors and rostered lay leaders. Thank you for your
role in ensuring that those who are called to serve our church have the opportunity to pursue a path
that leads to informed faith and passionate discipleship.
We are grateful that the South Carolina Synod Fund for Leaders scholarship endowment provided a
total of $1,090 in tuition support during the 2014-2015 academic year for:
• Mary Elise Scott – Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
• Susan Thisell – Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
As of Dec. 31, 2014, the South Carolina Synod Fund for Leaders scholarship endowment had the
following:
• A total market value of $88,061.76
• Estimated earnings of $3,360.10
• Outright gifts in 2014 of $60,000
• A remaining balance in the income account of $625.88
• Amount available for scholarships in the 2015-2016 academic year: $3,585 (amount
includes a 10% conservative cushion to account for sudden market fluctuations)
Since its inception, the South Carolina Synod Fund for Leaders endowment has awarded scholarships
of $1,090 for seminary tuition, and the ELCA in total has awarded more than $11.1 million.
If you choose to spend more than the amount we calculated as available for scholarships this
academic year, keep in mind that market variations may occur and if there is not enough available to
pay what is promised to the students, we will need to deduct the difference from your spendable
amount in the following year. We encourage you to prayerfully discern which rising candidates would
benefit most from the support you can offer.
Finally, we ask the South Carolina Synod, its congregations, and its members for continued support
of the ELCA Fund for Leaders as a meaningful way to make an investment in the future of this
church and its leadership. It is a wonderful way to celebrate your pastor’s ordination anniversary, the
installation of a new pastor, or the anniversary of your congregation.
For more information, please visit ELCA.org/fundforleaders, or call our office at 800-638-3522, ext.
2749.
8765 West Higgins Road Chicago, Illinois 60631-4101 773-380-2700 800-638-3522 ELCA.org LivingLutheran.com
Guide for Synod Scholarship Funds
BR 8-7
Eligibility Criteria
The ELCA Fund for Leaders provides scholarships to candidates for ordained and rostered lay ministry. The
synod may choose to support its candidates in a way that best meets the goals of the synod using the following
criteria:
•
•
•
•
Enrolled at one of the ELCA seminaries
Have a positive entrance decision through the ELCA candidacy process
Pursuing ordained or rostered lay ministry in the ELCA
Will not be on internship during the upcoming year
Students do not need to be full-time, and both distance learning and TEEM candidates
are eligible. Students already receiving full-tuition support through the churchwide
ELCA Fund for Leaders scholarship program are not eligible for a synod scholarship.
Scholarships can be awarded to all candidates equally or in differing amounts, or the
synod can develop a competitive process to award funds to a select group, based on
merit or need. Synod scholarships are awarded on a year-to-year basis, meaning that
students must be “re-selected” each year, even if the same student will receive a
scholarship several years in a row. If a synod cannot find a candidate, the scholarship will
still be awarded so as to ensure that as many students are receiving assistance as possible.
Distribution and Recognition
Scholarship payments are made directly from the ELCA Fund for Leaders to the ELCA
seminaries, where they are credited to the appropriate student accounts. Payments are
made only twice each year — in the fall and spring semesters — and each
payment represents half of the scholarship amount awarded.
We highly encourage each student to acknowledge congregations or
individual donors who have supported the synodical scholarship fund.
Instructions for this as well as contact information should come from the
synod. Please do not notify students of their award before first conferring
with the ELCA Fund for Leaders office about the amount available.
FUND LEADERS
We encourage you to include the enclosed report in your synod assembly
materials. It provides information about the amount available for
scholarship in the 2015-2016 academic year. We recommend spending
no more than 95 percent of the amount available, in order to protect
against negative market fluctuation and to leave some cushion for
future years.
Benjamin Hogue, scholarship recipient
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, Calif.
Please provide the following information for each
of your synod’s scholarship recipients no later than
May 1, 2015: Name, email address, phone number,
class year, seminary, scholarship award amount.
Send by email to [email protected].
ELCA Fund for Leaders
BR 8-8
Report of the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries
to the Synods of Regions 7, 8 and 9
Spring 2015
Since its founding in 1995, the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries (ECLS) has fostered strong collaboration
between the three eastern schools and other partners, enhancing our common task of theological education for a
broad spectrum of students and lifelong learners. In these challenging times when all seminaries seek new
approaches to forming leaders for the Church, we are also engaged with the other ELCA seminaries, our
regional synods and additional partners in the search for financial sustainability and programmatic flexibility.
A separately incorporated entity, the Cluster is governed by a Board of Directors made up of board chairs and
other officers from each of the three schools. One of the three seminary presidents serves in rotation as Cluster
executive director. With the retirement of Philadelphia’s president Phil Krey, the Cluster is pleased to welcome
David Lose as the new leader of LTSP. We continue on with only modest core funding from the seminaries.
One of the key partnerships that has made the work of the Cluster flourish has been the reception of more than
$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 access to a vast array of books, periodicals
and e-resources.

Through the Cluster-sponsored Project Connect, hundreds of young persons have been invited to
“consider their callings” over the past half-dozen years. With project funding from the Lilly Endowment
now completed, the schools’ admissions offices continue working closely with many partners in
encouraging persons to consider public ministry. The Cluster is working with a grant researcher who
will help to identify potential partners for future work.

The Abundant Life Grant was received this past year from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. Totaling $750,000,
this grant enables each school to engage in research on the subject of seminarian indebtedness and
explore means by which to reduce graduate debt.

Given the geographical proximity of the two Pennsylvania seminaries, Gettysburg and Philadelphia have
joined forces in exploring new ways to work together, including faculty sharing. The two boards are also
working together to discuss future collaborations.
Future Cluster Directions: Following the merger of LTSS with Lenoir-Rhyne University, the Cluster is
exploring new directions and new strategic partnerships for the coming years.
With Appreciation: The Cluster is grateful for support to theological education and our seminaries from our
partner synods and churchwide organization. Special appreciation is expressed to Phil Krey for his many years
of faithful service to the Cluster and the Church.
The Rev. Dr. Bill Trexler, Cluster Board Chair
The Rev. Dr. Clay Schmit, Cluster Executive Director
BR 8-9
Necrologist Report – 2015 SC Synod Assembly
Rev. Elford Bennett Roof, Sr. 82 (November 19, 1931 – July 5, 2014)
Husband of Mary Jordan Roof
Bio: Rev. Roof was a son of the late Henry Alton and Ruby Slyce Roof. He is
survived by his wife Mary Jordan Roof; children Joyce Roof Carter (Jeffrey), Sonya
Roof and Bennett Roof; step-children Joel Patsch, Jr. (Dalia), David Patsch
(Elizabeth), and Aletha Patsch Corley (Jay); and 9 grandchildren, 1 greatgrandchild, 3 sisters, and 1 sister-in-law.
Servanthood: Rev. Roof served the following Lutheran congregations in South Carolina:
Pomaria, Bethlehem, and St. Matthews, all in Pomaria; Pilgrim in Lexington; Trinity in Saluda;
and Mt. Hebron in Batesburg-Leesville. He also served as interim pastor in four congregations.
He was active in many and varied organizations including South Carolina Luther League, Board
of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, and Lexington Lions Club.
Celebration of Life Service: Funeral services were held July 9, 2014 at Emmanuel Lutheran
Church in West Columbia.
Memorials: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Newberry College, and Lutheran Theological
Southern Seminary.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kathy Lynn Addison Derrick, 57 (August 17, 1956 – July 22, 2014)
Wife of Rev. Randy S. Derrick
Bio: Kathy Derrick is survived by her husband Rev. Randy S. Derrick; daughters
Jennifer Paige Derrick Rister and Elizabeth Anne Derrick; mother Frances
Addison; sister Janice A. Wilson; many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She grew
up in Union, SC. She was an X-ray Technician, a massage therapist, and a greeter
at Cracker Barrel.
Servanthood: Throughout her 7½ year illness she never lost faith and was an inspiration to
many people.
Celebration of Life Service: Funeral services were held July 25, 2014, at Macedonia Lutheran
Church in Prosperity, SC.
Memorials: Macedonia Family Life Center Fund
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BR 8-10
Sarah Frances Huddle Wallace, 77 (September 20, 1937 – September 9, 2014)
Wife of Pastor Ralph Justin Wallace
Bio: Sarah Wallace was born in Virginia to Rev. K. Y. and Sarah Frances
Huddle. She is survived by her husband Rev. Dr. Ralph J. Wallace; daughter
Dr. Leslie Skinner (Ed); son Chris Wallace(Heidi); four grandchildren; nieces
and nephews; brothers Rev. David K. Huddle (Pat) and Stephen M. Huddle
(Kris); brother-in-law Rev. Gerald P. Wallace (Nancy).
Servanthood: Sarah Wallace was a Director of Christian Education and
Youth Ministry. She also taught elementary and junior high school and was a principal in
Lexington 2 and Richland 2 school districts. She served in the church council, choir, circle, and
as a Sunday Church School teacher.
Celebration of Life Service: Funeral services were held on September 13, 2014, at Christus
Victor Lutheran Church in Columbia, SC.
Memorials: Lutheridge/Lutherock ministries, the Breast Cancer Society, Parkinson’s Plus.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jesse Malcolm Corbett – 92 (July 25, 1922 - November 4, 2014)
Husband of Associate in Ministry Juliana Corbett
Bio: Jesse Malcolm Corbett, was married to Julie Corbett in Daytona, FL in 1969.
Jesse is predeceased by his daughter Phyllis Brady. Jesse was remembered by his
wife Julie Corbett of West Columbia, his son David Jesse McCall, his daughter
Belinda McCall, his five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Jesse served
in World War II and the Korean War as part of the USMC.
Celebration of Life Service: A memorial service was held November 9, 2014, at Our Saviour
Lutheran Church, West Columbia, SC.
Memorials: Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 1500 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29169
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Frances Wisdom Baumgartner, 88 (March 31, 1926 – December 4, 2014)
Widow of Rev. Hugh E. Baumgartner
Bio: Frances Baumgartner, born in Elberton, Georgia, was the only child of the late
William Lee and Estelle Perrin Wisdom. She is survived by daughters Patricia B.
Bowles (Tom) and Carla Baumgartner; sons Andrew C. Baumgartner (Nancy), Paul W.
Baumgartner (Debbie), and H. Eric Baumgartner; daughter-in-law Anne Baumgartner;
ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
BR 8-11
Servanthood: Frances Baumgartner was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in White Rock.
She was active in Women of the ELCA, Sharers Sunday School Class, and the Monday Prayer
Group. She was a member of the Creative Arts Club and taught art at the Lowman Home in
White Rock.
Celebration of Life Service: Funeral services were December 7, 2014, at Bethel Lutheran
Church, White Rock, SC.
Memorials: Lutheran Hospice, c/o Lutheran Homes of SC, 300 Ministry Drive, Irmo, SC 29063.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Juliana “Julie” Jenkins Corbett, 79 (August 21, 1935 –December 30, 2014)
Associate in Ministry; Widow of Jesse M. Corbett
Bio: Julie Corbett is survived by one son, David McCall, one daughter, Belinda
O’Rear; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and sister Thelma Wise.
Servanthood: Julie received her B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of
South Carolina. She worked as a legal secretary and as a court reporter for
Lexington County. After her retirement as a court reporter, she graduated from the Lutheran
Theological Southern Seminary in 2003 and was commissioned as an Associate in Ministry at
Our Saviour Lutheran Church in West Columbia. She served faithfully in the capacity and as
director of the Hand Bell Choir until her second retirement in 2010.
Celebration of Life Service: A memorial service was held January 3, 2015, at Our Saviour
Lutheran Church in West Columbia, SC.
Memorials: Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 1500 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia, SC 29169
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dr. Iris Josephine Cundiff Harley, 79 (August 18, 1935 – January 9, 2015)
Wife of Rev. Raymond E. Harley, II
Bio: Born in Virginia, Dr. Harley was a daughter of the late Grady and Helen Link
Cundiff. She is survived by her husband, Rev. Raymond E. Harley, II; nieces and
nephews. She was the Choral Director at Irmo High School.
Servanthood: She was the organist at Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church for 36
years.
Celebration of Life Service: A graveside service was held on January 13, 2015, at St. John’s
Lutheran Church Cemetery in Irmo, SC.
Memorials: St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1028 St. John’s Road, Irmo, SC 29063.
BR 8-12
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kathleen Castor Fesperman, 94 (September 11, 1920 – February 27, 2015)
Widow of Rev. Dr. Francis I. Fesperman
Bio: Kathleen Fesperman was born in Cabarrus County, NC to the late Henry and
Anna Basinger Castor. She was a librarian for Newberry College and was a
teacher/librarian for Newberry County Public School System.
Servanthood: Kathleen Fesperman was a member of the Lutheran Church of the
Redeemer in Newberry, SC and was active in Lutheran Church Women.
Celebration of Life Service: Funeral services were held on March 2, 2015, at Lutheran Church
of the Redeemer, Newberry, SC.
Memorials: Francis I. Fesperman Scholarship Fund at Newberry College, 2100 College Street,
Newberry, SC 29108; Hospice Care of Tri County, 13795 C. R. Koon Highway, Newberry, SC
29108.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Chaplain James Fredrick Wilson, 84 (August 22, 1930 – March 26, 2015)
Husband of Dorothy Wilson
Bio: Fred Wilson, born in Baltimore Maryland, was an only child. He is survived
by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy, two daughters, Kathleen Wilson-Chu of Atlanta
and Valerie Huss of Topeka, and two grandchildren. He graduated from St. John’s
College High School, a Catholic military school, and did his undergraduate studies
at George Washington University.
Servanthood:
Graduate and theological training were obtained at the Lutheran Theological
Seminary, Gettysburg, PA, where he was ordained in May of 1955. In the same
year, he was endorsed for service as Chaplain in the United States Air Force. He served at 13
bases in the U.S. and abroad. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze
Star, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He retired from
the Air Force in 1985 after 30 years of service at the rank of Colonel. He served as interim pastor
on six occasions and supplied regularly in churches in S.C. and Georgia. The majority of his
volunteer work has been devoted to literacy programs.
Celebration of Life Service: A Memorial Service for Chaplain Wilson was held on Palm
Sunday, March 29, 2015, at 2pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 157 Lady’s Island Drive,
Beaufort, SC 29907
Memorials: St. John’s Endowment Fund, 157 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort, SC 29907 or
Hospice Advantage, 10911 North Jacob Smart Blvd, Suite B, Ridgeland, SC 29936
BR 8-13
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Rev. James R. Crumley, Jr., 90 (March 30, 1925 – April 7, 2015)
Bio: The Reverend James R. Crumley, Jr. was a native of Tennessee. In 1950, he
married Annette Bodie, a native of Batesburg, SC. They are parents of three children,
Frances Holman of Baltimore, James III of Savannah, and Jeanne Lindemann
(deceased), and 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Pastor Crumley was
educated at Roanoke College, Salem, VA and the Lutheran Theological Southern
Seminary, Columbia, SC. He held honorary doctoral degrees from nine colleges and
universities including Newberry College and the University of South Carolina.
Servanthood: Rev Crumley served the following congregations: Green County Lutheran
Parish, Greeneville, TN; Grace Lutheran, Oak Ridge, TN; and Lutheran Church of the
Ascension, Savannah, GA. In 1974, he was elected Secretary of the Lutheran Church in
America. From 1978-1987 he served as Bishop of the LCA. During his tenure as Bishop, he was
also a member of the Executive Committee of the Lutheran World Federation of the Central
Committee of the World Council of Churches, and of the Governing Board of the National
Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. He served as Lutheran Chairperson at the
International Lutheran-Roman Catholic Commission. His tenure as bishop involved a great deal
of travel, including several trips to the Soviet Union, Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia, and
visits to many churches in Africa and Asia. Crumley bore special responsibility for the relations
of the Lutheran Church in America with the other churches; he had visited all seven historic
patriarchates of the Orthodox Churches; he had also visited the Vatican on several occasions,
including four private audiences with Pope John Paul II.
Moving to Batesburg-Leesville in 1988, the Crumleys were active members of Wittenberg
congregation and are now members of Bethel Lutheran Church of White Rock. Crumley taught
at Newberry College for two years and at the Lutheran Theological Seminary for six. He served
as interim pastor at both Wittenberg and Faith Lutheran Churches, Batesburg-Leesville.
Celebration of Life Service: Services were held April 11, 2015 at Bethel Lutheran Church,
White Rock with Bishop Herman R. Yoos and Reverend Roy M. Butler officiating.
Memorials: Lutheran Home of SC, Heritage at Lowman, P. O. Box 444 White Rock, SC 29177
or to ELCA Region 9, James R. Crumley, Jr. Archives, 4201 N. Main St., Columbia, SC 29203.

BULLETIN OF REPORTS South Carolina Synod

Transcription

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